REVIEWS: CLASSICAL: PROM 40: SILK ROAD ENSEMBLE / MA ROYAL ALBERT HALL LONDON
The Independent (London)
August 19, 2004, Thursday
BY KEITH POTTER
SOME CONCERTS, you’d think, can’t fail. This one included a superb
female Mongolian singer sporting pink headgear with dark peacock
feathers reaching to about 10 feet high, with a most extraordinary
voice, plus a band including instruments such as the bamboo and bronze
sheng (looks rather like a bagpipe, sounds more like an accordion) and
the beautiful, lute-like pipa, to say nothing of virtuoso players on
violin, cello, tabla and other instruments besides. But, although the
capacity audience’s applause for this Prom was enthusiastic, I
wondered how many of them, like me, left a little disappointed.
The band was the cellist Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Ensemble, and the
concert explored “the relationship between tradition and innovation in
music from the East and West”, inspired by the Silk Road connecting
the Mediterranean to China. Three specially commissioned works, plus
one that seemed to be basically structured improvisation, were
supplemented by arrangements of Armenian and Gypsy music. Encores
widened the net further, even encompassing variations on an English
tune from Elizabethan times.
There were variety and virtuosity aplenty. The Mongolian Byambasuren
Sharav’s Legend of Herlen, featuring that singer, Khongorzul
Ganbaatar, opened proceedings in style; you really believed that her
spicy tone and amazingly long-breathed melody, spiked without warning
by high ululations, could have been heard across the Gobi Desert, from
where this vocal style originated.
By comparison, even Ma’s fruity (and perhaps anachronistically
Western- sounding) vibrato on a two-stringed “horse-head” fiddle, and
the intermittent blasts from three British trombonists augmenting the
ensemble, seemed tame. But we had to wait until the third encore to
hear her again.
Zhao Jiping (who wrote the score to the film Farewell My Concubine)
provided the piece I most enjoyed. Moon Over Guan Mountain offered
rather fragmented yet occasionally melodic music for an ensemble
including the sheng, a marvellous and versatile instrument, at least
as played by Wu Tong.
The Indian tabla player Sandeep Das’s Tarang gave four drummers,
himself included, the chance to add some genuine interplay in
improvisation, accompanied by a string group that then became a
mainstay of this afternoon Prom.
The Armenian and Romany music was very affecting, with the Chinese
pipa making natural-sounding contributions. Wu Man, the pipa player,
is a
fine performer. The Iranian Kayhan Kalhor was persuasive in a solo on
the Persian spiked fiddle, but his ensemble composition, Blue as the
Turquoise Night of Neyshabur, proved too long and lacking in thrust.
Booking: 020-7589 8212; Prom 40 available online
to Sunday

AZERI MINISTRY PROTESTS AGAINST KARABAKH STAMPS
Azad Azarbaycan TV
18 Aug 04
BAKU
(Presenter) The separatists of Nagornyy Karabakh, who are striving to
present themselves as a state to the world community, are continuing
to issue stamps. What is most deplorable is that historical monuments
of Azerbaijan are depicted on the stamps, which are issued in
Germany. Objecting to this, the Azerbaijani Ministry of Communications
and Information Technology intends to have this issue discussed at the
23rd congress of the World Postal Union (WPU), in which Armenians are
also expected to take part.
(Correspondent, over video of Karabakh and the Azerbaijani Ministry of
Communications and Information Technology) Protesting against the
issuance of stamps which introduce the self-styled Nagornyy Karabakh
Republic as a state, the Azerbaijani Ministry of Communications and
Information Technology has sent an appeal to the WPU. The appeal says
that this step by the self-styled entity contradicts international law
and, therefore, those stamps should be considered invalid.
(Novruz Mammadov, in office, captioned as the advisor of the Ministry
of Communications and Information Technology for postal issues) I want
to note that Nagornyy Karabakh illegally attempted to produce stamps
several years ago, in 2001. We appealed to the WPU in accordance with
the existing rules and based on this appeal the WPU sent letters to
each of its 200 member states to invalidate those stamps.
(Correspondent) It is the second appeal that the ministry has sent to
the WPU on the matter. Because after the first letter of protest the
self-styled entity continued production of stamps depicting this
year’s calendar. No response has been given to the ministry’s latest
appeal. Mammadov also touched upon the images on the stamps issued for
separatists. He said that the Azerbaijani monuments are touted as
Armenian on the stamps.
(Mammadov) They usually issue stamps dedicated to some monuments in
Karabakh. But, I again say that they are invalid. Azerbaijan
regularly issues stamps dedicated to historical monuments in Nagornyy
Karabakh every year and similarly such stamps were issued in 2004.
(Correspondent) The ministry, which is not confined to this, intends
to take the issue for discussion at the 23rd congress of the WPU, due
in Bucharest, Romania this September. Mr Mammadov said that there were
no postal services at all in the occupied region. Therefore, the
issuance of stamps is just aimed at presenting Karabakh as a state to
the world community, end quote. Armenia is also expected to take part
in the autumn congress of the WPU and Armenian and Azerbaijani
delegations are scheduled to meet during the event .
Farida Agaverdiyeva, Mirtofiq Miralioglu, for “Son Xabar”
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Institute for War & Peace Reporting
Aug 18 2004
ARMENIA: PAGAN GAMES
In a country normally associated with strong Christian identity, many
are opting for the old gods.
By Karine Ter-Saakian in Garni
Standing on Mount Aragats, the high priest waited until the sun set
his torch on fire so that it could be carried to the pagan temple of
Garni. Thus began Navasard, one of Armenia’s oldest and most popular
holidays, celebrated every year on August 11.
According to legend, on this day the patriarch Hayk slew the tyrant
Bel and freed his family and future generations of Armenians.
The combination of athletics and ancient rituals makes Navasard
reminiscent of the Olympic Games.
After the high priest clad in a red tunic faces the sun and sings a
hymn to Vahagn, the festivities begin with young people singing and
dancing, and playing at archery. Anyone wishing to join the pagan
community is initiated in a “fire and sword” ritual, and then plants
an apricot tree.
Although all this looks like time-honoured ceremony – this year is
counted as the 9,588th since the birth of Vahagn, the supreme deity in
the Armenian pagan pantheon – the festival is in fact a modern
revival.
“We resumed celebrating ancient Armenian holidays in 1990,” Slak
Kakosian, the high priest of Armenia, told IWPR. “Before that,
everything was banned. They sent me to the prison camps for two years
for ‘nationalism’ in 1961, and forced me to emigrate to the United
States in 1965. I only came back during the Gorbachev era.”
Politically, the pagan community is affiliated with the Armenian
Republican Party, whose philosophy is based on the teachings of
Tsegakron, the Armenian pre-Christian religion.
But the latter-day pagans distance themselves from politics.
Historian Ara Stepanian, who comes here from St Petersburg in Russia
every year, said, “There’s too much politics in people’s lives
already, and
that’s not good. The more people think about spiritual revival, the
better their chances of survival.”
He recommends that the Ukhtagir, or pagan scripture, should replace
the Bible as every thinking Armenian’s handbook.
“A thousand copies of the book are soon due out in print, and
community members will hand them out to the people. It is not our
intention to fully replace the Bible with the Ukhtagir, but Armenian
people should know they did not descend from Noah, but that they lived
here in the mountains of Armenia before the Flood,” said Kakosian.
Armenia is commonly regarded as the world’s first Christian state,
following the conversion of King Tiridates in the year 301, and its
religious identity has marked it out among its largely Muslim
neighbours.
But pre-Christian sun-worship still lingers in the national
consciousness. As well as the temple at Garni, Armenia also has its
own prehistoric Stonehenge, known as Karaundj, or Singing Stones, in
the south of the country. A sprawling structure with hundreds of
standing monoliths, it was built 6,000 years ago as a temple of the
sun, doubling as an astronomical observatory.
In a poll recently held by the Centre for Strategic and National
Studies in Yerevan, 34 per cent of Armenians said they consider
themselves Christian, 24 per cent said they were atheists, and 32 per
cent declared themselves to be pagans. “The slight differences in
percentages of believers proves that 1,700 years of Christianity have
failed to eradicate the old faith in Armenia,” said political
commentator Eduard Enfiajian, also a member of the pagan community.
“In Armenia, many people identify religion with the church
establishment. Not us. We have nothing against Christianity, but as a
social institution, it is not acceptable to us. Religion is
constitutionally
separated from the state, but in reality, they teach Christianity even
in kindergartens, not to mention schools, universities and the armed
forces. To me, this is wrong; a person should be able to choose which
God he will obey.”
The Armenian Apostolic Church takes an unusually relaxed view of its
pagan competitors, considering its hostility to more recent
evangelical groups.
“Unlike the new sects, they have nothing to do with Christianity,”
explained the Reverend Vagram Melikian, press spokesman for the
Armenian church in Echmiadzin. “The Armenian Church has an unequivocal
stance on sectarians, but we do not interfere in pagan affairs.”
Some Armenians manage to combine sympathy for both the traditional
Christian church and paganism.
“The pagans are custodians of the old customs,” explained Alexander
Amarian, head of the Help Centre for the Victims of Destructive Cults,
which campaigns against other religious groups or “sects” as they are
commonly called here. “The Armenian nation must remember its
pre-Christian past, and Ara’s Children [a pagan group] help them
remember. They also support the Armenian Apostolic Church in its
fight against destructive sects. A protest against sects was held
recently. Freedom
of worship is important, but we cannot give free rein to those sects
that impinge on our national identity.”
Many young people are getting involved in the pre-Christian rites.
Anait, 20, joined the pagan community 12 months ago. “I like it here.
No one tells me what to do. They tell us about the Armenian history
before Christianity, and give us books to read. It seems our people
are returning to their ancient roots. Garni is a spiritual centre of
cosmic significance. Paganism has no rigid rules or commandments,” she
told IWPR.
Anait, who is a medical student, wears a swastika sign around her
neck. Her fellow students strongly disapprove. “For an Armenian, it is
appropriate to wear a cross, not a Nazi symbol,” said student Ruben.
“If I had my way, I would ban all those sects and weird religions.
Our church is much too tolerant of them.”
“To most people, the swastika is a Nazi symbol, but that is not so,”
said Gagik Hairapetian, a pagan priest. “The swastika is a pagan
symbol. Those young Armenians people who wear swastikas are no Nazis.
Only an ignorant person identifies the swastika with Nazis.”
A young army lieutenant, who asked not to be named, strongly agreed:
for him the pagan ceremonies were all about Armenian patriotism. “I
came to paganism quite consciously,” he said. “I am convinced that
this is the true Armenian faith, and that it helped us win the war
[with Azerbaijan] I feel it in my bones.”
Karine Ter-Saakian is a freelance journalist based in Yerevan

Armenian opposition leader says shock in store for authorities
Haykakan Zhamanak, Yerevan
18 Aug 04

August headlined “Let them eat each other up”
Talking to Haykakan Zhamanak, the leader of the National Unity Party,
Artashes Gegamyan, has promised a serious surprise for the Armenian
authorities. “In the first half of September, our party has a surprise
for the current authorities,” Gegamyan said. He advised everyone to
wait several days to see it. Meanwhile, he is waiting patiently while
the power elite devour one another. “Let them eat one another up and
then we shall join in for dessert,” Gegamyan said.

Armenian, Azeri foreign ministers’ meeting tentatively set for 29-30 August
Mediamax news agency
19 Aug 04

YEREVAN
The Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers are scheduled to meet
on 29-30 August in Prague, Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanyan
said in Yerevan today.
At the same time, he admitted that the date of the meeting might
change.
Speaking about Armenia’s approach to the negotiations, Vardan Oskanyan
noted that after a peaceful settlement of the problem, Nagornyy
Karabakh’s status should not differ much from the one possessed by
this country today.

Azeri foreign minister returns from Moscow, says Karabakh topped agenda
Azad Azarbaycan TV, Baku
19 Aug 04

[Presenter] Russia would support any agreement reached between the
conflicting sides, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a
meeting with his Azerbaijani colleague Elmar Mammadyarov. Mr
Mammadyarov, who returned to Baku about an hour and a half ago, said
this to journalists at Heydar Aliyev airport.
He said that Moscow promised to be more active in settling the
Nagornyy Karabakh conflict.
[Correspondent over video of Mammadyarov] Russia will be more active
in settling the Nagornyy Karabakh conflict, Mammadyarov told a
briefing devoted to the results of his visit to Moscow. Moscow sees a
settlement of the Karabakh conflict within the framework of
Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity.
[Mammadyarov] Above all, we discussed the Armenian-Azerbaijani
conflict. Russia supports Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity.
Sergey Lavrov told a news conference openly that both as a co-chairman
[of the OSCE Minsk Group] and as a neighbouring country, the Russian
Federation is ready to render assistance to ensure a speedy settlement
to the conflict.
[Correspondent] As for a meeting of the Armenian and Azerbaijani
foreign ministers to be held in Prague [29-30 August], Mr Mammadyarov
said that there has been no change in Baku’s position.
[Mammadyarov] I think that we should continue our work. The
co-chairmen have already expressed their stance. An exchange of views
should be held and a new way should be found to resolve this problem
peacefully. The issue is that forced migrants should definitely go
back.
[Correspondent] At the meeting with Sergey Lavrov, they also discussed
the development of bilateral economic relations. Moscow proposed that
Azerbaijan increase the amount of oil transported through the
Baku-Novorossiysk pipeline.
[Mammadyarov] The Russian side wants Azerbaijan to increase the use of
the Baku-Novorossiysk pipeline. We discussed this issue. If this
proposal is commercially viable, we are ready to consider this.
[Correspondent] Moreover, they discussed regional security, the fight
against terrorism and problems of Azerbaijanis living in Russia.
Farida Agaverdiyeva and Emil Aliyarli, “Son Xabar”.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Azerbaijan has “most likely” agreed to host US bases, increase troops in Iraq
Zerkalo, Baku
19 Aug 04

The Azerbaijani leadership has probably already decided to contribute
more troops to the Iraqi anti-terror coalition and to agree to the
deployment of US forces in Azerbaijan and is just waiting for the
right moment to reveal this, an article in Baku daily Zerkalo has
said. The deployment of US troops runs the risk of Azerbaijan getting
embroiled in a conflict with Iran, the article said, and also rules
out resolution of the Karabakh conflict by force. “With the appearance
of Americans in Azerbaijan, the danger of becoming a target of Islamic
terrorists will certainly grow… for Islamic terrorists US troops are
like a red rag to a bull,” the article concluded. It saw as advantages
of US troop deployment greater economic development for the region and
integration into European and Euro-Atlantic structures. According to
the article, Russia is not ready for global confrontation with the USA
and will probably yield on the issue of US troops in Azerbaijan. The
following is an excerpt from Rauf Mirqadirov’s report in Azerbaijani
newspaper Zerkalo on 19 August entitled “Azerbaijan, ally of the USA
forever” and subheaded “But there is another side to the coin”;
subheadings inserted editorially:
Official Baku will soon have to take very tough decisions within the
framework of its participation in the US-led anti-terror
coalition. These decisions, most likely, have already been adopted,
and the Azerbaijani leadership is waiting for a suitable moment to
make them public.
The first decision is about the participation of the Azerbaijani
peacekeeping contingent in the Iraqi coalition forces. To be more
precise, for the time being, we are not talking about participation,
but the expansion of the peacekeeping mission. Azerbaijani officials
have said more than once that the issue of withdrawal of our
peacekeeping mission from Iraq is not on the agenda. Moreover, very
recently Azerbaijan, with other allies in the coalition, issued a
statement that they will not make concessions to terrorists if their
troops are taken hostage.
Azerbaijan has probably decided to deploy US troops
Now we are talking about contributing extra forces to maintaining
security in the elections to be held under the UN aegis. Officially,
Azerbaijan will not make concessions to the leaders of the anti-Iraq
coalition, i.e. the USA and Britain, whose ranks are gradually
thinning, but will build up its military contingent within the
framework of the UN resolution to maintain security in the upcoming
Iraqi presidential elections.
The second important question, on which reliable sources claim a
decision has been adopted, is the deployment of US “mobile forces”, in
essence, military bases, on the territory of Azerbaijan.
[Passage omitted: Russian defence minister’s comment on US
redeployment]
First, I shall try to answer the question on to what extent it was
expedient to participate in the US-led anti-terror coalition, to be
precise, the pros and cons of this step. Most likely, due to the
following reasons, it was the right step.
Azerbaijan itself is a victim of terror. Various terrorist
organizations, first of all, Armenian ones, committed about 40
terrorist acts in Azerbaijan over the last 10 years. Incidentally,
some terrorist acts in Baku were committed by organizations of Islamic
orientation.
Second, Azerbaijan, being one of the rare Islamic countries oriented
to the West, could not stay aloof from the anti-terrorist
coalition. This step could have seriously undermined Azerbaijan’s
position at international level. Because, none of the Western
countries, even France – an eternal opponent of the USA – did not go
against the establishment of the anti-terror coalition. Simply, there
was a serious difference of opinion regarding the methods used to
combat international terrorism. Therefore, in the existing
circumstances, Azerbaijan could hardly remain beyond the limits of the
anti-terror coalition.
Third, for a certain period, the direct participation of Azerbaijani
troops in peacekeeping and anti-terrorist operations, conducted by
NATO, as a whole and directly by the USA, met the interests of our
country. Our troops acquired invaluable experience, as it was in
Kosovo, in Afghanistan.
[Passage omitted: description of situation in Iraq, Afghanistan]
Azerbaijani troops to become targets of Islamic terrorists
Given these conditions, naturally, any soldier, who is a
representative of the Anglo-American coalition, irrespective of
ethnicity and religion, is an occupier in the eyes of Iraqis,
especially after the abuse of prisoners by troops of those countries.
Thus, all claims that the deployment of Azerbaijani troops during the
presidential elections in places of residence of Shi’is, engulfed in
the uprising, will be conducive to the stabilization of the situation,
does not stand up to criticism. For Shi’is, who most likely will
boycott the upcoming presidential elections if the current conflict is
not resolved, the Azerbaijani troops are not better than others all
together, and maybe, worse. They will be perceived as defectors who
deserted to serve the devil.
Bearing in mind that during the elections, the number of terror acts,
most likely, will soar, then one might suppose that the Azerbaijani
troops too will become “targets” for the terrorists.
The deployment of US troops in Azerbaijan also has its pros and
cons. Let us again start with the pros.
First, Russia is hardly likely to react so sharply to the appearance
of Americans in Azerbaijan, as many analysts suppose. At present,
Russia is not ready for global confrontation with the USA, first of
all, in the economic sphere. Therefore, it will also yield in this
issue at the end, as was the case in many others.
Second, the situation in the region will become extremely clear and
predictable. This is also a very important advantage, i.e. all
conditions will be created to intensify the region’s economic
development and its integration into Euro-Atlantic and European
structures.
Now about the cons. First, regrettably, the Americans do not rule out
that Iran is their future target. If all these statements are made in
order to frighten Tehran, then it is another issue. However, if the
Americans start another mess, moreover, on our borders, then
Azerbaijan, irrespective of its wishes, will be dragged into this
conflict.
Second, the appearance of the US military bases will fully deprive
Azerbaijan of operational space in the settlement of the Karabakh
conflict. In other words, without supreme desire, Azerbaijan will not
have an opportunity even to try to resolve this conflict by force. Now
hardly anybody believes that the USA will allow Azerbaijan to resume
hostilities after its troops have been deployed in our country.
And finally, third, with the appearance of Americans in Azerbaijan,
the danger of becoming a target of Islamic terrorists will certainly
grow. Islamic terrorists do not even hide that they are planning to
strike US allies. And for Islamic terrorists US troops are like a red
rag to a bull.

Armenian Assembly of America
122 C Street, NW, Suite 350
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: [email protected]
Web:
PRESS RELEASE
August 19, 2004
CONTACT: David Zenian
E-mail: [email protected]
REP. CARDOZA COMMITTS TO JOIN ARMENIAN CAUCUS
MODESTO, California – The Armenian Assembly thanked first term Congressman
Dennis Cardoza (D-CA) for his commitment Thursday to join the Congressional
Caucus on Armenian Issues during a meeting with Armenian Assembly activists
at his Modesto district office.
Cardoza, who has often demonstrated his support on issues of importance to
American-Armenians, asked his visitors to tell the community that he was
sympathetic to their cause.
“I was pleased today to meet with several members of the Armenian Assembly
of America. I look forward to working with them in the future and supporting
their efforts, particularly through the Armenian Caucus, which I intend to
join,” Cardoza said after the meeting which was attended by Assembly Western
Office Director Lena Kaimian along with activists Dick Shahenian, Hagop
Karakashian, Levon and Violet Apelian, Haig Arakelian and Daniel Ayvazian.
Kaimian said the discussions with Congressman Cardoza covered a wide range
of issues, including U.S.-Armenia trade, military parity and other issues of
importance to Armenia and the American-Armenian community.
“We thanked the Congressman for his involvement, understanding and support
of Armenian issues, not only since joining the House of Representatives, but
also earlier in the California State Assembly where he stood up in support
of legislation to include the Armenian Genocide in the school curriculum,”
Kaimian said.
As a Congressman, Cardoza has signed the Congressional letter in the past
two years to President George W. Bush urging him to properly acknowledge the
Armenian Genocide in his annual April 24 commemorative statement. He is
also a co-sponsor of H.R. 528, a measure that would grant Armenia permanent
normal trade relations (PNTR) status, and of H.R. 193 – the Armenian
Genocide Resolution.
Cardoza’s announced commitment to join the Caucus came on the heels of a
similar decision by Congressman Sam Farr (D-CA) at an earlier meeting this
week in Salina, CA which was also attended by Assembly Affiliate member
David Nikssarian, who is also a representative of the Armenian Apostolic
Church of Monterey County.
Congressman Farr, now serving his sixth term, is a member of the
Appropriations Committee. He has on more than one occasion commemorated the
Armenian Genocide with statements before Congress, has repeatedly signed the
Congressional letter to President Bush urging him to properly recognize the
Armenian Genocide, and is a co-sponsor of the Humanitarian Aid Corridor Act,
H.R. 942 which was introduced in February 1995.
The imminent joining of Congressmen Cardoza and Farr will bring the
membership in the ever-growing Caucus to 135.
The Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based nationwide
organization promoting public understanding and awareness of Armenian
issues. It is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.

NR#2004-074
Photograph available on the Assembly’s Web site at the following link:
Caption: L to R: Daniel Ayzenian, Haig Arakelian, Dick Shahenian, Hagop
Karakshian, Congressman Dennis Cardoza (D-CA), Violet and Levon Apelian and
Western Office Director Lena Kaimian in Modesto, CA on August 19.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Eurasianet Organization
Aug 19 2004
AN AMERICAN “MILLENNIUM CHALLENGE” FACES A TEST IN TURBULENT GEORGIA
Alec Appelbaum: 8/19/04
The United States intends to use Georgia as a proving ground for a
new foreign aid strategy. Whether or not Tbilisi can take full
advantage of the US-backed Millennium Challenge Account program
remains questionable given that Georgia is fast becoming entangled in
another round of separatist conflict.
Fighting in South Ossetia has steadily escalated in the past week,
with Georgian government troops battling separatist forces. Overnight
clashes August 18-19, left three Georgian troops dead as government
forces reportedly drove South Ossetian fighters from several key
strategic locations in the region, according to the Civil Georgia web
site. According to some reports, Georgian forces have started
shelling the outskirts of Tskhinvali, the regional capital. At least
12 Georgian soldiers have died in action over the past week while
dozens of South Ossetian militia members have reportedly been killed.
South Ossetia has operated beyond Tbilisi’s control since the early
1990s, when Georgia was consumed by separatism, along with domestic
political and economic turmoil. [For background see the Eurasia
Insight archive]. Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili has made the
restoration of Georgian territorial integrity one of his top policy
priorities. [For background see the Eurasia Insight archive]. While
Tbilisi appears to enjoy a strategic advantage at present in South
Ossetia, there are signs that Russia is not willing to remain a
silent witness to a Georgian reconquista. On August 18, Russian
President made his first public comments on the deteriorating
Ossetian situation, cautioning Georgia to eschew force in favor of a
negotiated settlement to the region’s political status.
“We [Russia] are particularly concerned at the explosive development
of events in connection with South Ossetia, and an alarming situation
in connection with Abkhazia,” Putin told Russian television. “We are
unanimous that today, as never before, it is important for the sides
to show their readiness to settle the conflict by peaceful means. A
threat is a method which leads to a dead end.”
Russia has long acted as the protector of Abkhazia’s and South
Ossetia’s interests, and many residents in the regions have been
granted Russian citizenship. [For background see the Eurasia Insight
archive]. Already, reports are circulating about the presence of
Russian mercenaries in the ranks of the South Ossetia militia. If the
fighting continues, Russia could feel compelled to adopt a more
active interventionist stance. Greater Russian involvement, in turn,
could bog down Georgia in a conflict that it cannot really afford.
The South Ossetian crisis is overshadowing domestic reform efforts,
including Saakashvili’s anti-corruption campaign. Some political
observers worry that reform progress made since Saakashvili took
office in January could be lost, as the government appears
increasingly preoccupied with South Ossetia.
Georgia’s reform efforts are largely dependent on foreign economic
assistance. A major potential source of aid is the Millennium
Challenge Account system, which began operating in May. Georgia was
among 16 nations designated by the United States as eligible to tap
into a $1 billion development fund controlled by the Millennium
Challenge Corporation (MCC). The US government has indicated that it
will contribute billions of more dollars to the fund in coming years.
Also among the original 16 MCC eligible nations are Armenia and
Mongolia. Overall, 74 nations applied to participate in the
Millennium Challenge Account system.
US President George W. Bush characterized the system as “a new and
hopeful approach in America’s aid to developing nations,” linking aid
“to clear standards of economic, political and social reform.” The
Bush administration hopes that MCC will enable the US foreign aid
apparatus to become more flexible. The new system’s distinctive
feature is that it places the onus on the potential recipient
governments to shape aid programs. As such, the 16 eligible nations
will only be able to receive assistance after submitting detailed
proposals to the MCC and having them approved. Bush, during a May 10
ceremony honoring MCC eligible nations, stressed that “funding is not
guaranteed for any selected country.”
“To be awarded a grant, nations must develop proposals explaining how
they will further address the needs of their people, and increase
economic growth – proposals that set clear goals and measurable
benchmarks,” Bush added.
In June, the MCC’s head, Paul Applegarth, visited Georgia to hold
talks with government officials and civil society activists on
potential MCC program proposals. “It [the Millennium Challenge
system] is really built on the thought that … the [recipient]
country gets to choose what the priorities are … and how we provide
assistance to make it happen,” Applegarth said in a statement.
Applegarth’s visit occurred before the latest flare-up of tension
with South Ossetia. Now, some political observers wonder whether the
Ossetia issue will hamper Georgia’s ability to access MCC grant
money. Others believe the crisis will have little bearing on the
level of MCC support. They cite the fact that Georgia’s inclusion
among the original 16 MCC eligible states appeared heavily influenced
by geopolitical considerations. Washington, they believe, is eager to
utilize Georgia as an outpost to defend its strategic interests in
the Caucasus, including the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline. [For
background see the Eurasia Insight archive].
Judging purely by the political, social and economic criteria
standards established by MCC, Georgia would not seem to qualify for
inclusion on the list of 16 aid-eligible nations. For example,
despite Saakashvili’s efforts to combat corruption, Georgia ranked
124th out of 133 countries on a corruption index compiled by
Transparency International. [For additional information see the
Eurasia Insight archive].
The Millennium Challenge Corporation acknowledged that Georgia’s
statistical qualifications may be lacking, but it argued in a
statement submitted to the US Congress that the existing data did not
accurately reflect the reform potential in Tbilisi. The MCC said that
Saakashvili’s administration had made great strides in 2004 in
restoring political and economic order, and could be expected to
continue the present trend. During his June visit to Georgia,
Applegarth said Tbilisi’s inclusion in the Millennium Challenge
system was “recognition of the steps taken by the new government.”
Editor’s Note: Alec Appelbaum is freelance writer based in New York.

Azer News, Azerbaijan
Aug 19 2004
US concerned over latest policy trends

US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld arrived in Baku as part of his
visit to the US allies in the region last Wednesday. In a meeting
with Rumsfeld on Thursday, President Ilham Aliyev said the visit by
the US government officials and Congressmen to Azerbaijan shows the
rapidly expanding bilateral relations.
He noted that the USA and Azerbaijan are jointly developing energy
projects and successfully cooperating in security and other areas.
The President also expressed his satisfaction with the level of
military collaboration and said he was confident of the further
expansion of economic, military, and cultural partnership between the
two countries. “I am confident that in the future we will further
strengthen our ties to become a closer friend and ally”, Aliyev said.

Secretary Rumsfeld pointed out the rapidly expanding security
cooperation and said Washington appreciates Azerbaijan’s efforts in
the war on terrorism and its support for the anti-terror coalition in
Afghanistan and Iraq. “I agree completely that the security
relationship between our two countries continues to grow and
strengthen”, he said. The US official also stressed the importance of
successful cooperation between the USA and Azerbaijan within the NATO
Partnership for Peace program and added that this will further
promote Azerbaijan’s collaboration with NATO and the USA. Azerbaijan
is the only predominantly Muslim country that has contributed to the
multinational coalition assisting the forces of the Iraqi interim
government.
Rumsfeld dodges question on Upper Garabagh
Defense Minister Safar Abiyev and Secretary Rumsfeld held a news
conference following the negotiations held in Baku at the Heydar
Aliyev Airport of Baku. Rumsfeld said that in his meetings with
President Aliyev and Defense Minister Safar Abiyev he thanked the
Azerbaijani people for the contribution to anti-terror operations.
Touching upon the details of the talks held in Baku, the US Defense
Secretary said issues of bilateral cooperation were discussed. He
said the US cooperation with Azerbaijan in this area promotes the
tranquility in the Caspian region, fighting international terrorism,
smuggle of goods, transit of narcotics, and weapons of mass
destruction. “The American people appreciate Azerbaijan’s efforts at
fighting terrorism globally and our military cooperation will
continue”, Rumsfeld said. He noted that he did not discuss with
President Aliyev the issue of expanding the contingent of Azerbaijani
peacekeepers in Iraq an Afghanistan. At the same time, Rumsfeld said
the USA was in talks with its allies on the upcoming presidential
election in Iraq and that he discussed the issue with Azerbaijani
government officials. “Assistance of various countries is needed to
hold the election”, he added. He avoided a question on whether the US
could step up assistance in settling the Upper Garabagh conflict and
make changes to its policy in this respect. Rumsfeld said that
Washington was involved in the Minsk Group and that the USA has
appointed a new ambassador to deal with the conflict settlement. “As
you know, the United States supports the territorial integrity of
Azerbaijan”, he added. Azerbaijani Defense Minister Safar Abiyev who
attended the news conference called on the United States to demand
that Armenia withdraw from the occupied land of Azerbaijan. Abiyev
pointed out the rapidly developing military cooperation between the
two countries. One of the issues discussed during the talks in Baku
was ensuring the security of the Caspian Sea, in particular, securing
oil fields. “The fact that the Caspian legal status has not been
resolved yet is a problem. Azerbaijan hopes for US support in this
area”, he said. Touching upon the involvement of Azerbaijani
peacekeepers in Iraq, Abiyev said this was a political issue and that
it could be addressed only after a political decision is made. With
regard to Iran’s nuclear program, Rumsfeld said it represents a
threat for the neighboring countries. Referring to the recent visit
by the Iranian President Khatami to Baku, the US Defense Secretary
said he discussed the issue with President Ilham Aliyev. The visit
came as a surprise and no information was provided earlier as to its
purpose or program. Moreover, the unexpected visit can be explained
by Washington’s concerns over the latest trends in the policy pursued
by Baku. The USA is also concerned with some internal political
processes ongoing in Azerbaijan and there are valid reasons for this.
This country is perturbed with the recent visit by Iranian President
Mohammad Khatami to Azerbaijan and its potential consequences, in
particular, prospects for further rapprochement in the positions of
Baku and Tehran. It is not by mere chance that the US Defense
Secretary admitted that he discussed the results of President
Khatami’s visit to Baku in his meeting with President Ilham Aliyev.
At the same time, he noted that the USA is not concerned over the
developing relations between Iran and Azerbaijan. Commenting on the
recent reports released by Iranian media saying that Azerbaijani
troops based on the Azeri-Iranian border will be transferred to the
US command shortly, Rumsfeld said that he was not aware of this.
Defense Minister Abiyev’s statement that Azerbaijan is in need of US
assistance in ensuring security of the Caspian Sea, the legal status
of which has yet to be determined, could have been directed against
Iran. The Minister, in fact, requested assistance from US in securing
oil fields in the Caspian, which are under a particular threat from
Iran. In summer 2001, Iranian navy attacked a research vessel leased
by BP to carry out geo-physical measurement work in an oil field in a
southern section of the Caspian Sea. Tehran explained this by saying
that the oil field actually belongs to Iran. Following the incident
BP suspended the development of the field in question on the grounds
that the Azerbaijani side was not able to ensure safety of the
operations. The operations of the field have not resumed ever since.
In a nutshell, Defense Minister Abiyev’s statement enables a
conclusion that Iran-related issues were in the focus of the talks
held in Baku. Another issue that raises concerns for the USA is the
strengthening ties between Baku and Moscow and the developing
military relations. The invigorating influence of Russia and Iran on
Baku may question US military presence in the region. This perturbs
the USA, especially in light of a possible destabilization of the
situation in Iran. Most likely Rumsfeld tried to receive accurate
answers from the Azeri leadership on these issues. Commenting on the
US official’s visit to Baku, former state adviser, Vafa Guluzada said
Azerbaijan simply has no choice. Baku needs to forge closer ties with
Moscow and Tehran in view of settling the Upper Garabagh conflict.
“If the USA continues to turn a blind eye to the current situation,
it may lose Azerbaijan as a strategic partner”, he said. The accuracy
of Guluzada’s statement could be supported by the fact that next week
Azeri foreign minister is expected to leave for Moscow to discuss the
Upper Garabagh conflict. Major US political analysts adhere to a
similar position. For instance, an article by Brenda Shaffer, head of
the Caspian Studies Program at Harvard University, published on a BBC
web site, says that before the presidential election Washington is
not likely to put forth any major political initiatives on Upper
Garabagh, as the current administration tends to avoid discussions on
foreign policy issues in the pre-election period. The story also said
that settlement of the Upper Garabagh conflict has not become a
priority in the US foreign policy despite the country’s major
interests in the region. Washington does not view the conflict as a
serious hurdle for the implementation of energy projects in the
region.