PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Coordinator of Information Services
Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 60; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
September 30, 2004
___________________
DIOCESE SHARES IDEAS, TIPS WITH SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS
Each week, they give their time to share their love of Christ with our
youngest parishioners. But most parish Sunday School teachers are not
professional educators. So, to help them reach our children, the
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) works to provide
on-going training, inspiration, and encouragement to local Sunday School
staffs across the Diocese.
One successful training program for educators is the Helen and Edward
Mardigian Institute, which this year took place from August 17 to 22,
2004, at the Diocesan Center in New York City and at St. Nersess
Armenian Seminary.
Organized by the staff of the Diocese’s Department of Youth and
Education, the Mardigian Institute has trained more than 350 Sunday
School educators since its founding 26 years ago. This year’s group of
10, like those before them, were strengthened by the week of hands-on
demonstrations, lectures, and discussions of Christian faith.
“I’m much more confident now in my ability to teach Sunday School,” said
participant Christine Bagetakos of the St. Mary Church of Washington,
D.C. “It’s not only all the helpful teaching tips I received, but also
the knowledge that there are teachers in other parishes to whom I can
turn when I have questions, and with whom I can share ideas.”
NEW SKILLS, NEW IDEAS
The sessions covered everything from classroom management and using the
Internet for educating, to the use of theater skills in education and a
discussion of the holy vessels found on the altar.
One unique day featured a detailed history of medieval Armenian
illuminated manuscripts by Dr. Sylvie Merian, of the Pierpont Morgan
Library; this was followed by a hands-on workshop in which the
participants did their own painting and gold-leafing of their own
illuminated manuscripts.
“The Mardigian Institute offers everything a Sunday School teacher needs
to educate a new and faithful generation,” said Anna Demerjian, a
teacher from the St. Gregory the Enlightener Church of White Plains, NY.
Since the 2003-2004 Sunday School year will focus on the idea of
Christian stewardship, several Mardigian institute sessions offered ways
to incorporate stewardship into Sunday School lessons for all ages.
Fr. Daniel Findikyan, dean of the St. Nersess Armenian Seminary, and a
presenter at the 2004 Mardigian Institute, illustrated the ways
stewardship is expressed in worship.
The last two days of the institute were spent at St. Nersess Seminary.
The retreat was led by long-time Christian educator Valerie Goekjian
Zahirsky interwove concepts from a contemporary book, “The
Purpose-Driven Life,” with the words of Armenian saints and early church
fathers.
Mary Kazarian, a teacher from St. Gregory the Illuminator Church in
Chicago, IL, called the Mardigian Institute a “wonderful experience,”
adding that she was “really inspired to make the children’s Sunday
School experiences memorable.” Following her experience there, she
returned home to assume the vacant post of Sunday School superintendent.
Indeed, “inspiration” was a common theme of the week, cited both by the
Mardigian Institute participants, and by those who gratefully observed
their dedication to their service.
“You are doing the most important job of the Armenian Church,”
Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian told the participants during a graduation
ceremony at St. Vartan Cathedral in New York City. “We are so very
grateful to you.”
MEETING WITH PRIMATE
The attendees of the Mardigian Institute also had a luncheon meeting
with Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian
Church of America (Eastern), who thanked them for their dedication to
our Christian education efforts.
The teachers and Primate had a long conversation about the importance of
their work, the need to reach all our children, and keeping our culture
and faith a part of today’s world.
“Each community needs dedicated, volunteer teachers like these to help
our next generation of Armenian faithful learn the beauty of their
Christian faith,” the Primate said of the Mardigian Institute
participants.
DEVOTION MAKES IT POSSIBLE
The week-long Mardigian Institute was funded by an endowment established
by Helen and the late Edward Mardigian, whose commitment to Sunday
School and youth programming has been a long standing tribute to their
love of their church. Their endowment allows teachers from all over the
Eastern Diocese to attend the summer session at no cost to the teachers
or their parishes. This allows smaller parishes to send representatives
to the bi-annual institute.
The Mardigian Institute’s programming was organized by Elise
Antreassian, coordinator of Christian education at the Diocesan Center,
along with Nancy Basmajian, executive secretary of the ACYOA.
GIVE OF YOURSELF
Sunday School programs across the Diocese are always in need of
dedicated educators. You don’t have to have classroom experience —
just a love of Christ that you want to share with young Armenians.
Talk to your parish priest or Sunday School superintendent about
volunteering. If your parish does not have a Sunday School program,
start one.
The Diocese has resources, expertise, and tools to help educators make
their Sunday School program successful. If you would like more
information on the next Mardigian Institute and other enriching
programs, e-mail Elise Antreasian at [email protected] or call
(212) 686-0710 ext. 57.
“The Mardigian Institute is a must for all Sunday School teachers,” said
Sunday School Superintendent Cheryl Arslanian from the St. Gregory of
Narek Church in Cleveland, OH. “The session leaders were top-notch, the
clergy were caring, and the friendships unique. Words cannot explain
how proud I am to be a Sunday School teacher and a member of the
Armenian Church. Our children will be the beneficiaries of this unique
experience.”
Participants in the 2004 Mardigian Institute: Cheryl Aslanian,
Cleveland, OH; Christine Bagetakos and Sona Krikorian, Washington, DC;
Anna Demerjian, White Plains, NY; Ara Esmerian, Hollywood, FL; Noushig
Hovhannesian, Cheltenham, PA; Mary Kazarian, Chicago, IL; Dickran
Mgrdechian, Bayside, NY; Lena Montgomery, Southfield, MI; Linda
Sahagian, Watertown, MA
— 9/30/04
E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News
and Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,
PHOTO CAPTION (1): Participants in the 2004 Mardigian Institute for
local Sunday School educators, work on a hands-on project during the
week-long training retreat organized by the Diocese of the Armenian
Church of America (Eastern).
PHOTO CAPTION (2): Suzann Froundjian, an instructor at the 2004
Mardigian Institute, leads a workshop on Sunday School craft project
during the week-long session held in New York City from August 17 to 22,
2004.
PHOTO CAPTION (3): Participants in the Mardigian Institute — a
week-long training camp for local Sunday School educators — discuss
their faith, stewardship, and educational techniques during a session
held at the St. Nersess Seminary in New Rochelle, NY.
PHOTO CAPTION (4): Participants in the 2004 Mardigian Institute — a
Sunday School educator training program hosted by the Diocese of the
Armenian Church of America (Eastern) from August 17 to 22 — meet with
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese.

A1 Plus | 17:00:03 | 01-10-2004 | Social |
LARISSA ALAVERDYAN SEES NO PROGRESS IN ISSUE OF COURTS INDEPENDENCE
Ombudsman Larissa Alaverdyan reported on her work done for seven months in
office.
She said from 1,162 complaints received, 184 have been considered and the
problems mentioned in them solved.
Alaverdyan pointed out imperfectness of Armenia’s legal system saying
overwhelming majority of the complaints received are related to that very
system and the department responsible for carrying out legal compulsory
acts.
She sees no progress in the issue of courts independence.
The ombudsman said red tape in state institutions “is one of our biggest
worries”.
In her words, people have to wait for answer to their motions for months.
Larissa Alaverdyan thinks human rights protection can become more effective
if poverty is reduced in the republic. She said she noticed that rights of
those in need are being violated more often.

CENN – OCTOBER 1, 2004 DAILY DIGEST
Table of Contents:
1. EBRD — Country strategy for Georgia
2. Workshop on SEA (Strategic Environmental Assessment) in Tbilisi and
Pilot Project as the Capacity Building Tool for SEA Protocol
Implementation in Georgia
3. Public Movement “Stability” Intends to Unite All Public Organizations
of Armenia to Strengthen Activity of Public Sector
4. Armenian Metallurgical Plants Report Major Output Growth
5. Russian energy group plans expansion drive
6. Invitation to Workshop on Clean Development Mechanism and Project
Financing in Tbilisi, Georgia
1. EBRD — COUNTRY STRATEGY FOR GEORGIA
Please be informed that the European Bank for Reconstruction and
Development (EBRD) country strategy for Georgia is now available at:
2. WORKSHOP ON SEA (STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT) IN TBILISI AND
PILOT PROJECT AS THE CAPACITY BUILDING TOOL FOR SEA PROTOCOL
IMPLEMENTATION IN GEORGIA
First workshop on Strategic Environmental Assessment took place in
Tbilisi on September 29-30, 2004. Representatives of UNDP and REC for
Central and Eastern Europe presented their vision on SEA, UN/ECE SEA
protocol, its implementation in South Caucasus countries. Leading
specialists of the MoE made a national overview on problems, gaps, needs
and challenges related to the environmental assessment in Georgia.
Representative Caucasus Environmental NGO Network (CENN) presented
results of the regional project on effectiveness of EIA system in South
Caucasus countries implemented by the organization and also informed
attendants about new projects of CENN in environmental assessment field,
namely two new projects:
In October 2004, CENN starts a new project: `Strengthening of
Environmental Assessment (EIA/SEA) System in the South Caucasus
Countries’.
The objectives of the project are:
(i) Improvement of EA legislation in Georgia – Elaboration of Law on EA
(incorporating provisions both on EIA and SEA) for Georgia;
(ii) Increase of public environmental awareness through nation and
region wide campaign in the South Caucasus region to stimulate active
public participation in environmental decision-making.
– Establishment of Public EA library in Georgia;
– Organization of public oversight of EA activities in the South
Caucasus countries;
In November 2004, CENN plans to start a new Project on: Improvement of
EA Practice in Georgia through Development of EA Implementation Tools.
The Project aims at improvement of EA practice in Georgia through
development of EIA implementation tools – sector guidelines that will
significantly promote effective application of the EIA related legal
requirements.
Ecoline EIA Centre, Moscow presented suggested principles for quality
control of SEA within environmental review.
Pilot SEA project was chosen as the capacity building tool for SEA
protocol implementation in Georgia (Port Development Concept).
The Seminar was organized by the UNDP Georgia country office and the
Regional Environmental Center for Central and Eastern Europe.
Prepared by: CENN
Katya Nakashidze
3. PUBLIC MOVEMENT “STABILITY” INTENDS TO UNITE ALL PUBLIC ORGANIZATIONS
OF ARMENIA TO STRENGTHEN ACTIVITY OF PUBLIC SECTOR
Source: ARMINFO, September 28, 2004
The Public Movement “Stability” intends to unite all the public
organizations of Armenia to contribute to the vulnerable groups of the
population, Head of the Initiative Group of “Stability” Tigran
Urikhanyan made this statement today at the Constituent Congress.
He said that to implement joint programs, the possibilities and the
whole potential of the public sector of Armenia would be united.
Besides, the movement’s activity will be aimed at developing and
strengthening the public organizations interested in protection of human
rights. The supporters of the movement intend to contribute to the
fruitful activity of the state bodies of Armenia cooperating with them.
At present, 174 public organizations of Armenia have joined the
movement, such as the Fund of Armenians Aryans, the public organization
of invalid freedom fighters “Heritage,” the Union of Progressive Women
and others. Urikhanyan, who also heads the Progressive Party of Armenia,
said that any parallels between the activity of the movement and the
party are ruled out.
The Initiative Group of the Movement consisting of 174 NGOs was
established on June 9, 2004. That day a Declaration on Establishment of
the Stability Public Movement was signed,
4. ARMENIAN METALLURGICAL PLANTS REPORT MAJOR OUTPUT GROWTH
Source: ArmenPress, September 28, 2004
Output of 26 ore mining enterprises in the first eight months of this
year, monitored by a trade and development ministry department,
amounted, in terms of money, to 90 billion Armenians Drams, virtually as
much as in the first eight months of last year. The department head,
Arthur Ashughian, said last year’s figure included also the 11 billion
AMD output of Armenal foil manufacturing plant. Armenal is not operative
now because of undergoing a sweeping process of equipment upgrading.
This year’s increase was due to efficient operation of an ore mining
plant in Agarak, in southern Armenia, whose production capacity has gone
up by 25 percent after it was privatized by a foreign company. The plant
has doubled its production growth rate against last year. Another ore
mining plant in Kapan, also in southern Armenia, has also doubled its
output after implementation of a development plan of Shahumian mines.
The leading Armenian metallurgical company, the Armenian Copper Program,
has designed developments plans for both Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh,
reporting also a 20 percent output increase. According to
Ashughian, if Armenian metallurgical plants maintain this dynamic, their
overall output may amount to $280 million by the end of the year against
$170 million in 2003.
He said a total of $8 million were invested in Agarak and Kapan plants,
more than committed by their new owners.
The gold extracting plant in Ararat has produced this year 10.5 billion
worth gold, 30 percent less than last year. According to Arthur
Ashughian, the decrease had been planned after the Zod mines began
exploring new mines. He said the current capacities of the mine ould be
exploited for another 6-7 years, as it has been exploited for decades.
He said there are other gold mines in Armenia, but added that they do
not contain much gold.
5. RUSSIAN ENERGY GROUP PLANS EXPANSION DRIVE
Source: FT, September 29, 2004
Unified Energy System, the Russian electricity monopoly, is considering
politically sensitive moves to supply power to Iran, Turkey and China as
part of an international expansion drive.
The group is planning investments in power generation and/or
distribution in the countries of the former Soviet Union on Russia’s
southern borders, including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, which
would complement existing UES investments in Georgia and Armenia. Once
these are in place, UES will be in a position to build connecting links
to Iran, Turkey and China and use an existing link between Armenia and
Iran.
Anatoly Chubais, UES chairman, said the moves would make sense
commercially in spite of the political challenges involved in dealing
with several different countries lying in a politically sensitive
region. “There’s a business logic. There’s a good price for electricity
in Iran, China and Turkey,” he said.
The planned investments by the state-controlled UES might be seen in
some of the former Soviet republics as a new form of Russian
imperialism.
But Mr. Chubais, a leader of Russia’s liberal Union of Right Forces
party, said UES’s plans were in tune with his programme of “liberal
imperialism” in which businesses, not governments, took the initiative,
acting out of commercial, not political, motives. Mr Chubais said the
proposed Kazakh investment was a stake in a large power station but he
declined to give details of the plans in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, as
talks were at a sensitive stage.
The group’s existing investments in the region include about 20 per cent
of Georgia’s generating capacity and 35 per cent of its distribution
network. In Armenia, it controls 85 per cent of generation through its
management contract for the Metsamor nuclear plant. Mr. Chubais said
these investments could open doors to larger markets.
Earlier Mr Chubais told an investment conference that the company was
preparing for reform of the domestic electricity market, in spite of the
fact the government postponed key decisions this year.
Under the plan, UES would be broken into distribution, transmission and
generating companies which would mostly be privatised. But Mikhail
Fradkov, the prime minister, delayed implementation, saying he needed
more time to study the mechanism of deregulation and its impact on
households.
The government is now due to reconsider the reforms on December 2.
Mr Chubais said yesterday that UES had proposed new plans under which
prices would be liberalised only slowly – over 3 to 5 years – to protect
vulnerable consumers.
6. INVITATION TO WORKSHOP ON CLEAN DEVELOPMENT MECHANISM AND PROJECT
FINANCING IN TBILISI, GEORGIA
Dear Sir/Madame,
Two-day workshop on Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and project
financing will be held on 18-19 October at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel,
Tbilisi Georgia.
We would like to formally extend an invitation for your attendance at
the workshop which is aimed at project developers, governments
(Designated National Authorities), banks, and consultancy organizations
in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic,
Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
The workshop is organized by Ecofys under assignment from the European
Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and is sponsored by the
Dutch Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning and The Environment, through
the Netherlands Environment Trust Fund at the EBRD. It is being held in
partnership with the PPC, back-to-back with the Second Joint Meeting of
the EAP Task Force/PPC and the Conference of Environment Ministers from
the countries of Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia (EECCA) and
their Partners, taking place in Tbilisi on 21-23 October.
If you are interested in attending the workshop, please send your full
detail (Name, Organisation, Address,
City, Country, Zip/Postcode, Telephone/Fax numbers and E-mail address)
to: Yvonne Hofman (Ecofys) at [email protected].
If you have any questions concerning the workshop, please contact Yvonne
Hofman directly.
For the more detailed information please see the following link:
announcement.doc
Drs. Yvonne Hofman
Energy & Climate Strategies
Ecofys bv
Kanaalweg 16-G; P.O. Box 8408; NL-3503 RK Utrecht; The Netherlands
T: +31 (0)30 280 83 39; F: +31 (0)30 280 83 01
E-mail: [email protected]
Info:
—
*******************************************
CENN INFO
Caucasus Environmental NGO Network (CENN)
Tel: ++995 32 92 39 46
Fax: ++995 32 92 39 47
E-mail: [email protected]
URL:
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PRESIDENT HYON AWARDED ARA ABRAHAMIAN WITH THE HIGHEST SOUTH KOREAN AWARD
Azg/am
2 Oct 04
South Korean delegation headed by president of the republic No Mu Hyon
had a 4-day official visit to Moscow recently.
Ara Abrahamian, president of the World Armenian Congress and chairman
of the Russian-Korean Business Board, participated in all the official
visits together with the Russian side.
On September 21 president Hyon awarded Ara Abrahamian the highest
award of the South Korean Republic for cementing friendship of the two
states and for his active involvement in different branches of
economy.
After the ceremony of awarding in the Kremlin, president Hyon
underscored that active economic relations between the states were
triggered off by the chairman of the Russian-Korean Business Board.
Having received the award, Ara Abrahamian left to join the first
sitting of the Russian-Korean Business Board.
In his greeting speech to the participants Ara Abrahamian said that
the purpose of the Business Board is to promote cooperation of Russian
and South Korean businessmen and that new perspectives opened after
Putin-Hyon meeting. “Today the Board is able to undertake economic,
industrial and investment projects of vital importance”, he said.
In the evening Ara Abrahamian hosted the president of “Samsung”
corporation Vu Tayk Chung. They emphasized the importance of a new
document on future cooperation signed by Russian and South Korean
presidents.
The Russian-Korean business forum got under way in the President Hotel
on September 22. Issues concerning energetics, finances, transport and
new technologies were on the agenda.
The Organization of Russian-Korean Friendship organized reception at
the President Hotel in honor of the Korean president and his wife.
Expressing his gratitude for a warm welcome, No Mu Hyon underlined Ara
Abrahamian’s contribution in the development of bilateral relationsand
said that he chose Russia due to the efforts of his friend Ara
Abrahamian. President Hyon offered a toast for the head of the
Russia-Korean Business Board.
By Hamlet Ghushian from Moscow

ARMENIA AMID RUSSIAN-GEORGIAN TENSION
Mironov: Show Comprehension
Azg/am
2 Oct 04
It has been two weeks that the Russian-Georgian border remains
closed. Around thousand trucks heading for Armenia had to stop at the
Verin Lars passport control point. Moscow decided to close the border
after Beslan tragedy. Russian authorities point that Georgia and
Azerbaijan had their “input” in the tragedy and that hirelings and
terrorists from pass to Chechnya via their territory.
There are two Georgian checkpoints that unite Armenia with Russia,
Verin Lars and the tunnel of Roki. Diplomatic sources informed Azg
Daily that the tunnel is partly functioning. We were told that
Armenians manage to pass to South Ossetia (through Roki tunnel) by
bribing Russian frontier guards. But therethey have problems with
passing Georgian-Ossetian border. Georgia, in its turn, gives no
permission to cross the border, and the drivers have to stay in South
Ossetia for days.
Due to talks with Tbilisi’s authorities 3 buses with Armenian
passengers were permitted to cross the border. The trucks transferring
special oil for the Yerevan nuclear power plant are also in South
Ossetia. Negotiations to get permission for the trucks are in process.
Sergey Mironov, chairman of the Council of Federation, who is paying
an official visit to Yerevan these days, said that he hopes that “the
Armenian authorities will show comprehension” in the issue of
Russian-Georgian border closure at the Verin Lars checkpoint. Mironov
defined this step as a “forced measure”. “Terrorists penetrate Russia
via Georgia where they feel rather comfortable. This step (border
closure) is not directed against Armenia’s good transportation, we now
the problems Armenia faces”, Mironov said.
Knowing about Armenia’s problems is valueless because, as Mironov put,
Armenia is blockaded by its military ally, though indirectly. Armenia
and Russia are surely friendly states but when should we use this
friendship if not today?
It is not clear yet as to when the Russian-Georgian border will
open. The customary service of Georgia stated yesterday that the
country lost $2.5 million because of the closed border. Considering
Armenian-Russian good circulation, we may say that Armenia lost even
more.
By Tatoul Hakobian

Armenian president confident about China ties
Armenian Radio First Programme, Yerevan
1 Oct 04

President Robert Kocharyan’s state visit to the People’s Republic of
China has ended. He announced in Shanghai yesterday that Armenia has a
lot to learn from China. The president familiarized himself with big
construction sites and one of the world’s biggest business centres in
Shanghai.
Our countries are far away from each other, divided by vast territory,
culture and civilization, but we have a common point of view and
approaches to issues of vital importance, the Armenian president
stressed.
He expressed his confidence that Armenian-Chinese relations have
prospects of development. Robert Kocharyan is sure that the
negotiations with Chinese President Hu Jintao and other Chinese
government officials in Beijing will continue.

Armenian president pleased with visit to China
Armenian Radio First Programme, Yerevan
1 Oct 04

President Robert Kocharyan’s state visit to the People’s Republic of
China has ended. He announced in Shanghai yesterday that Armenia has a
lot to learn from China. The president familiarized himself with big
construction sites and one of the world’s biggest business centres in
Shanghai.
Our countries are far away from each other, divided by vast territory,
culture and civilization, but we have a common point of view and
approaches to issues of vital importance, the Armenian president
stressed.
He expressed his confidence that Armenian-Chinese relations have
prospects of development. Robert Kocharyan is sure that the
negotiations with Chinese President Hu Jintao and other Chinese
government officials in Beijing will continue.

Armenian authorities unable to defend Karabakh – pressure group leader
Arminfo
29 Oct 04

YEREVAN
The Armenian authorities cannot defend properly the liberated Armenian
lands in the international arena, the head of the Defence of the
Liberated Territories political initiative, Zhirayr Sefilyan, said at
the National Press Club today.
He said that by fighting for their land, the Armenians proved that the
liberated territories belong to the Armenians, not to the Azerbaijanis.
Nevertheless, the behaviour of representatives of the Armenian
leadership in the international arena is incompatible with the courage
and aspirations of the freedom fighters.
Zhirayr Sefilyan noted that at present, the USA and West are showing
great interest in the liberated territories. As for Turkey, it is more
interested in the valley of the Araz River. Zhirayr Sefilyan explained
why this territory: “This territory is located on the very border and
he who deploys his troops here will have an opportunity to control the
entire region.”
On this basis, West and America are keen to settle here. At the same
time, speaking about Putin’s proposal, Sefilyan noted that “he does
not take it seriously, considering it to be another slap in the face
of our authorities”.
To recap, the mass media reported that Putin’s suggestion was “to
withdraw the Armenian troops from the occupied territories outside the
Nagornyy Karabakh Republic [NKR] in exchange for holding a referendum
on the status of Karabakh both in Karabakh and in Azerbaijan”.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Russian Speaker arrives in Armenia
Public Television of Armenia, Yerevan
1 Oct 04
[Presenter] Russian Federation Council Speaker Sergey Mironov arrived
in Yerevan on a three-day visit today. Sergey Mironov will meet the
country’s leadership during the visit. His meeting with the teachers
and students of Yerevan State University has also been scheduled. This
is Sergey Mironov’s third visit to Armenia. Answering journalists’
questions at the airport, Sergey Mironov spoke about the Armenian
cargo accumulated after security was stepped up on the
Georgian-Russian border.
[Sergey Mironov, captioned, at airport, in Russian with Armenian
voice-over] As long as we know that many terrorists feel free on
Georgian territory and, of course, after Beslan, we have had to take
appropriate steps. They had nothing to do with the Armenian cargo. We
are aware of Armenia’s problems in this sphere and are ready to help
Armenia. We hope that the Armenian leadership will show understanding
of the reasons that made us take the aforesaid steps.

Azeri pundits say Armenia trying to provoke resumption of hostilities
Zerkalo, Baku
1 Oct 04

Armenia is trying to speak to us in the language of threats. This
conclusion can be inferred from Armenian Defence Minister Serzh
Sarkisyan’s statement made in an interview with Armenian Public
Television. He said that the fallout from hostilities in Nagornyy
Karabakh would be extremely unpleasant for both Armenia and
Azerbaijan. He added that “whatever the outcome of a possible war,
even the most beneficial for Armenia, we have no desire to be dragged
into hostilities”.
He said Armenia would have to fight only if the Azerbaijani side
launched an attack. Sarkisyan noted that Armenia was capable of giving
“a response that would discourage Azerbaijan from fighting for many
years”. Let’s recall that Armenian officials have repeatedly made such
statements.
We have asked some Azerbaijani analysts what they think about the
Armenian defence minister’s remarks. The former foreign minister,
Tofiq Zulfuqarov, said that the statement is unlikely to stem from the
Armenian minister’s desire to maintain peace in the region. He said
the statement reveals Armenia’s intention to blame Azerbaijan for a
possible resumption of hostilities.
Zulfuqarov said Sarkisyan’s statement comes at a time when, as he
thinks, another round of talks has not produced results due to
Armenia’s non-constructive position. “To demonstrate Armenia’s
firmness in the issue, the Armenian minister is trying to show that
Armenia can defend its position even by force,” the former minister
said.
He added that the resumption of hostilities is mainly impeded by the
position of the international community. At the same time, he said “if
no breakthrough is reached in the negotiations, the start of
hostilities is practically inevitable”. The former minister did not
rule out the possibility of Armenia attempting to resume hostilities,
thus capitalizing on the factor of the US presidential elections when
the country’s attention will focus on domestic problems.
Zulfuqarov believes that in a move to solve domestic problems, the
Armenian administration may provoke Azerbaijan to start a war. He
added that such statements must send a message to the Azerbaijani
authorities that the resumption of hostilities by Armenia is a real
threat and “at this juncture, our country must take specific and
large-scale action to strengthen its defence capability”.
[Passage omitted: comments by another political analyst]
Military expert Uzeyir Cafarov said that Sarkisyan’s statement
proceeds from his confidence in Russia. He said that the agreement on
strategic partnership between these countries enables Moscow to
provide assistance to Yerevan. Cafarov believes that the wait-and-see
position of the Azerbaijani authorities is very convenient for
Armenia. The military expert thinks that while Armenia continuously
builds up its military potential, Azerbaijan acts like a “guilty
schoolboy”. He added that Azerbaijan must not allow Armenia, its
defence minister in particular, to make such statements.
Considering Sarkisyan’s statement that starting from 5 January 2005
Armenia will be able to sign agreements directly with Russian
[military] enterprises on arms and ammunition supplies on the same
terms as the Russian army, our country has to think carefully about a
reciprocal action.