Defense Minister Ivanov denies Russian, US plan to use radar station
AzerNews, Azerbaijan
May 27 2004
On Friday at a news conference in Yerevan, Russian Defense Minister
Sergey Ivanov refuted the reports that Russia and the United States are
planning to use the Gabala radar station. An agreement on the status,
principles and terms of use of the Gabala station was concluded by
Russia and Azerbaijan
in Moscow on January 25, 2002. In compliance with the agreement,
the station is owned by Azerbaijan, and Russia leases the property
for 10 years. The agreement also stipulates that the station will
be used by Russia only for information and analytical purposes. The
use of the Gabala station “will not be used directly or indirectly
against the sovereignty and security of the Azerbaijan Republic”,
the document reads.
Commenting on the recent Azerbaijani media reports on Russian military
personnel of Armenian descent serving at the Gabala station, Ivanov
said Russia is a multi-national country and that the Russian army
includes officers of various nationalities, including Azerbaijanis.
Parliament to reconsider Russian use of Gabala radar station Opposition
MP Mais Safarli recently brought up the issue of Armenian officers
being involved at the Gabala radar station and stressed the importance
of taking measures in this respect. Safarli said the issue will be
reconsidered at the next Milli Majlis (parliament) session and the
parliament administration demanded that a decisive stand be taken on
the matter. “I raised the issue in a recent Milli Majlis session. As
far as I know, there are currently over 30 Armenian military personnel
at the station, which jeopardizes Azerbaijan’s national interests”,
he said. Safarli stated that Baku should demand the withdrawal
of Armenian military personnel from the Gabala station. He said
that Azerbaijan reserves the right to reconsider the terms of the
inter-governmental agreement envisioning the use of the facility by
Russia. Political scholar Zardusht Alizada stated that according to
the existing agreement between Russia and Azerbaijan, both Russian
soldiers and civilians work at the station. “Under the inter-state
protocol, Azerbaijan must guarantee their safety. The agreement
does not exclude service by Armenian military personnel at the
station, as this would contradict international legal norms”, Alizada
said. From this standpoint, Azerbaijan should not oppose the service
of Armenian officers at the Gabala station, he concluded. The Gabala
radar station was built in 1984 to monitor launch of inter-continental
ballistic missiles and flights on almost all types of aviation in the
Southern hemisphere. The station was actively used for radio-technical
intelligence during the Iran-Iraq war in 1980s, the Persian Gulf
War, and during anti-terrorism operations in Afghanistan. The Gabala
station is an important part of Russia’s missile defense system.

US trade with Upper Garabagh creates storm
Azer News, Azerbaijan
May 27 2004
The reports on the signing of a deal between two US companies with
“Garabagh Telecom”, an entity operating in the Azerbaijani lands
occupied by Armenian and Russian military units, have caused serious
concerns in some news media and the Milli Majlis (parliament).
Some opposition and independent newspapers as well as individuals
even blame Reno Harnish, the US Ambassador to Azerbaijan, for
justifying his country’s attempts to establish economic relations
with the separatist leadership of Upper Garabagh. The reason is due
to the opinions expressed by Harnish during his talk with journalists
following the 8th meeting of the US-Azerbaijani working group on
economic cooperation held in Baku last week.
The fact that the US Ambassador called Upper Garabagh ‘a country’ in
passing, as well as his saying that the US doesn’t impose commercial
restrictions against any country was called sensational by most
newspapers. In particular, the opposition-minded “Yeni Musavat”
newspaper, a publication of the Musavat Party, issued a critical
article about Harnish, urging him to give an explanation on the
matter. The newspaper even compared him with the former US Ambassador
Stanley Escudero, who Yeni Musavat says didn’t have such a good image
in Azerbaijan. The public seems to have found a reason for expressing
displeasure with the US government with regard to the Garabagh
conflict. And what is the reason for the public dissatisfaction and
negative attitude towards the US government? Why do people who
considered the United States the most reliable and powerful ally of
Azerbaijan in the 1990s, today doubt it? The main reason is that the
United States shows double standards towards Armenia and Azerbaijan,
it has failed to observe ‘a principle of justice’ in the settlement
of the Garabagh conflict and that it doesn’t differentiate between an
aggressor and a sufferer. People think that the United States is
taking advantage of the slogans of human rights, democracy,
territorial inviolability of states as well as combating terrorism
and the drug business, only for its political goals. The United
States indirectly supports Armenian separatists, who are involved in
drug business and terror attacks in the occupied territory of
Garabagh, but has imposed sanctions on Azerbaijan for about ten
years. Don’t the US intelligence agencies know that Armenian and
Arabian terrorists have been cooperating since the beginning of the
20th century? Azerbaijani MPs didn’t remain indifferent to the issue
either.
MPs’ protest
At a Tuesday session of the Milli Majlis (parliament), MPs protested
strongly against some US companies’ attempts to make investments in
the occupied lands of Azerbaijan, particularly in Upper Garabagh.
According to MPs, the business relations between the companies of the
US, which is a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, and separatist
forces in Upper Garabagh contradict the national interests of
Azerbaijan. MPs proposed that the issue be discussed at the
parliament and the US Ambassador to Azerbaijan be informed about it.
They also decided to address the US government in connection with the
issue. Speaker Murtuz Alasgarov said that the US companies’ activity
doesn’t express the standpoint of the US government. He noted that
however, the issue should be considered seriously. Alasgarov
underlined that he would appeal to the Foreign Ministry in order to
clear up the matter and ask it to bring the issue to the notice of
the US Ambassador.
Ambassador denies trade ties
US Ambassador to Azerbaijan Reno Harnish, told a news conference
after a meeting held at Baku State University (BSU) on Wednesday that
the US has not made any investments in ‘Upper Garabagh’ and that
Washington does not support trade relations with the self-proclaimed
republic. He pointed out that negotiations are the only fair
alternative in settling the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict over Upper
Garabagh. The latest statement of the US Ambassador eased the heated
debates but did not put an end to them. While pursuing its policy in
the region, the United States should take into account the national
interests of its partners as well. For this, it should be a fair
judge and put an end to its double standards.

Greece gets second chance at Euro 2004
BY KYRIACOS CONDOULIS
FOX Sports
May 27 2004
Associated Press
May. 27, 2004 11:59 a.m.
ATHENS, Greece (AP)— Greece is playing in a European Championship for
the first time in 24 years with hopes of erasing past embarrassments.
A good performance at Euro 2004 in Portugal would also give the
country a sporting boost ahead of the Aug. 13-29 Olympics.
Greece’s German coach Otto Rehhagel is aiming high. After completing
a lap of honor with his players last year to celebrate qualification
for the June 12-July 4 finals, “King Otto” spelled out his team’s
intentions.
“We want to make an impact in Portugal. We don’t just want to put in
an appearance.”
Greece topped Group 6, forcing favorites Spain to the playoffs,
in a qualification stunner.
Having lost just one match in 16 encounters, Greece is feeling
optimistic despite a daunting fixture list – hosts Portugal in the
tournament’s opening match on June 12, followed by a revenge-hungry
Spain and unpredictable Russia.
On top of this, Greece’s record at the highest level is dismal. The
country has never won a game in the finals of any major competition.
Humiliation last came in 1994 in the United States, when Greece’s first
World Cup appearance ended in disaster with three heavy defeats. In
their first game against Argentina, Greece conceded a goal just 83
seconds into the match and went on to lose 4-0.
An early exit in Portugal would kill the sense of pride revived since
Rehhagel’s arrival in 2001.
The German triggered a change in the team’s fortunes after another
failed campaign in the 2002 World Cup qualifiers and a walkout by
Demis Nikolaidis and other star players disgusted at the state of
Greek soccer.
Rehhagel set out methodically to reinvent the team, luring back
Nikolaidis to join Angelos Haristeas and Zissis Vryzas in attack and
form a trio that fired Greece through the Euro 2004 qualification
campaign.
Early signs of recovery were evident in the 2-2 draw with England in
a 2002 World Cup qualifier at Old Trafford. Nikolaidis put the Greeks
ahead early in the second half and England only scraped through thanks
to David Beckham’s historic last-minute free kick.
The road to Portugal started badly for the Greeks who suffered 2-0
defeats at home to Spain in September 2002 and away to Ukraine a
month later.
But Rehhagel’s confidence in his men was rewarded and Greece bounced
back four days later to beat Armenia 2-0 at home with Nikolaidis
scoring both goals. Haristeas received the honors in April 2003 when
Greece beat Northern Ireland in Belfast with two goals from the Werder
Bremen striker.
Greece’s finest hour came last June when a stunning 1-0 away victory
against Spain, with the damage dome by Bolton Wanderers midfielder
Stelios Giannakopoulos.
Qualification was suddenly with reach, and victory against Ukraine
four days afterward with a late Haristeas goal put the Greeks squarely
back in contention.
Rehhagel’s men leapfrogged Spain to go top after the favorites were
held by Northern Ireland.
There was no looking back.
Greece traveled to Armenia to deliver a 1-0 defeat, in a match marred
by bribery allegations that were eventually dropped by Armenian
officials. And a final 1-0 victory over Northern Ireland sealed the
winning run.
Key to Greece’s revival was the squad’s newfound unity and attacking
mentality, with German rigor imposed on a traditionally undisciplined
side.
Rehhagel’s innovations including a strong defense line with Nikos
Dabitzas and Traianos Dellas joining Yiannis Goumas or Michalis
Kapsis. The fast footed Yiourkas Seitaridis played right and Stelios
Venetidis or Panagiotis Fyssas played down the left.
Superb goalkeeping from Antonis Nikopolidis kept the Greek unbeaten,
despite being sidelined by his own Athens club in a salary dispute.
Angelos Basinas, Vassilis Tsiartas – who grabbed the winning goal
against Northern Ireland – and captain Theodore Zagorakis are likely
to feature prominently in the Greek midfield. Inter Milan agile
midfielder Giorgos Karagounis adds an extra dose of creativity.
Greece conceded four goals in eight qualification matches, in the
face of attacking might of players like Real Madrid’s Raul Gonzalez
and AC Milan’s Andriy Shevchenko, both firing blanks.
Rehhagel, a former Werder Bremen coach, is not expected to make any
substantial changes to the spine of the team.
A reality check for Greece came on April 28 when the unbeaten streak
was finally ended by a 4-0 friendly defeat at the hands of fellow
qualifiers the Netherlands.
It was an uncomfortable reminder of their crushing 5-0 defeat to
England at Wembley prior to the 1994 World Cup. Greece went on to
concede 10 goals – scoring none – in the finals.
Greece didn’t heed the warning then. An entire nation is hoping they
will now.

Armenians, Tajiks Suffer From Hunger Most, Report Says
Baku Today
May 27 2004
Among countries of the former Soviet Union, Armenia and Tajikistan
are those suffering from hunger most, said a report by a UN Food
and Agriculture Organization expert, David Sedik, ANS reported on
Wednesday.
According to the expert, 40 percent of Armenians and Tajiks are living
on the edge of starvation.
In Azerbaijan Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kirgizistan, 35
percent of population does not have enough to eat, the report said.
The figure is 20 percent in Belarus, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and
Moldovia. In total, 38 million people suffer from malnutrition in
former Soviet republics, according to the report.
However, the problem is not so serious in ex-Communist countries that
now are members of the European Union. Among the mentioned nations, the
worst situation with inefficient nutrition is in Latvia and Slovakia.
The figure doesn’t surpass 2 percent in Czech republic and Hungary and
it is only 1 percent in Poland, the report says, explaining that the
problem with starvation arises mainly from low salaries and pensions.

Germany to lend Armenia 3.5 mln euros for deposit guarantees
Interfax
May 27 2004
Yerevan. (Interfax) – Germany will lend Armenia 3.5 million euros to
bolster its credit guarantee fund, Karapet Gevorkian, a representative
of Germany’s KfW, which will disburse the money, told Interfax.
KfW will release the money after it has approved a feasibility study,
due to be completed at the end of June, Gevorkian said. In addition,
the bank is still waiting for Armenia’s parliament to pass a law on
guaranteeing personal bank deposits, he said.
Armenia started its deposit guarantee fund on July 1, 2003, but this
will not be in a position to start payments until July 1, 2005.
It is thought the guarantee fund will receive the credit, which will
be repayable in 40 years, at 0.75% annually. The credit will enable
banks to lower mandatory deductions to the fund from 0.5% to 0.2%
of the deposits they receive.
Germany has issued 110 million euros in credits and grants to Armenia
to date.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Pepsi plant opens in Georgia
Interfax
May 27 2004
Tbilisi. (Interfax) – A Pepsi plant costing $7 million opened this
week in Tbilisi and it will be the exclusive distributor of PepsiCo
products in Georgia and Armenia.
The plant is owned by Georgia’s Iberia Group, the European Bank for
Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and two individuals, the plant’s
General Director David Lomjari told Interfax.
The Bank of Georgia extended a $2 million loan and the EBRD loaned
1 million euros to finance the project. The plant has a capacity of
12,000 liters of soft drinks a day, which will completely satisfy
market demand, Lomjari said. The plant will produce soft drinks,
including Pepsi, Pepsi Light and Miranda.

EBRD to lend $70 mln for Azerbaijan power plant upgrade
Interfax
May 27 2004
Baku. (Interfax) – The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
(EBRD) is ready to extend Azerbaijan a $70-million loan to upgrade
the Azerbaijan State District Power Plant, the country’s largest,
a source in the EBRD’s office in Baku told Interfax.
An agreement is planned to be signed at the end of 2004 or the
beginning of 2005, the source said.
The project will include upgrading the power plant’s eight generating
units. Azerbaijan estimates the project will cost $80 million.
The Azerbaijan State District Power Plant is located on the Upper
Karabakh Canal 400 kilometers west of Baku. The plant’s first
generating unit was built in 1981 and the eighth in 1989. The eight
units have a total generating capacity of 2,400 megawatts (300
megawatts each). The plant generates more than half of Azerbaijan’s
electricity.
Azerbaijan has been a member of the EBRD since 1992. The EBRD has
extended loans under government guarantees to Azerbaijan worth $131.79
million and $9.5 million to the private sector to date. The EBRD is
planning to loan Azerbaijan $350 million in the 2004 fiscal year.
Azerbaijan has implemented two projects in the energy sector with
EBRD loans: upgrading the Minyachevir hydropower station for $21
million and building the Yenikend hydropower station for $53 million.

Awareness of 1915 genocide gains
By ERIC STERN, BEE CAPITOL BUREAU
Modesto Bee, CA
May 27 2004
SACRAMENTO — When Adolf Hitler was planning his 1939 invasion of
Poland and the extermination of Jews, he wasn’t worried about the
consequences of his brutality.
“Who, after all, speaks today of the annihilation of the Armenians?”
he asked.
Nearly a century later, the effort to raise awareness about the
1915 genocide of 1.5 million Armenians reached the state Senate on
Wednesday. California is home to hundreds of thousands of people with
Armenian ancestry.
“I grew up knowing of that experience,” said Sen. Chuck Poochigian,
R-Fresno, whose great-grandparents were murdered in the Turkish-led
genocide.
By a vote of 37-0, the Senate agreed with Poochigian to exempt from
taxes any insurance settlement payments to heirs and beneficiaries
of Armenian genocide victims.
The measure puts descendants of the Ottoman Empire-era atrocities
on par with those from the Holocaust, German labor camps and
Japanese-American internment camps. Those survivors and heirs also
don’t pay taxes on reparations or insurance payments.
Will cost state $500,000 to $700,000
In January, New York Life Insurance Co. reached a $20 million
settlement with heirs and beneficiaries of about 2,400 Armenian
genocide victims who took out policies between 1875 and 1915.
Armenian groups say policy documents were lost and destroyed during
the massacre. This year’s measure follows a 2000 bill by Poochigian
that extended the statute of limitations for lawsuits to be filed
against insurance carriers for unpaid claims.
The state expects a loss of $500,000 to $700,000 in tax revenue because
of the bill. But Poochigian said the bill is bigger than the modest
tax relief it provides.
“It’s a matter of simple justice that they get these payments,”
he said.
The bill heads to the Assembly, where it will receive strong —
and emotional — backing by Assemblyman Greg Aghazarian, R-Stockton,
whose grandparents fled the region in 1915, eventually settling in
California in the 1950s.
Aghazarian said the bill is about recognizing the genocide. “It’s
important to keep the awareness of this high,” he said.
Turkey, a U.S. ally, rejects the genocide claim and maintains that
Armenians were killed in civil unrest during the collapse of the
Ottoman Empire.
Bee Capitol Bureau reporter Eric Stern can be reached at 916-326-5544
or [email protected].
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Former FM accuses Armenia of delaying talks
Azer News, Azerbaijan
May 27 2004
A roundtable, “Upper Garabagh: from deadlock to progress, from
ceasefire to peace”, started in Moscow on Tuesday. Former Foreign
Minister Tofig Zulfugarov said that Baku sees no alternative to the
stage-by-stage settlement of the Upper Garabagh conflict.
He criticized Armenia’s position in the peace talks and accused Yerevan
of trying to prolong the negotiations. Armenian political analyst
Migranian suggested that the experience of the Turkish-Armenian truce
commission (which closed earlier this year) should be considered in the
course of peace talks. He said the Upper Garabagh conflict should be
considered a part of the long-lasting Turkish-Armenian confrontation.
Migranian added that the deadlock in the peace talks was caused by
unacceptable terms put forward by both parties. Former co-chair of
the OSCE Minsk Group, Vladimir Kazimirov agreed with him and added
that the demands of neither party will be met in the next ten years.

Pressure group may resort to radical steps
AzerNews, Azerbaijan
May 27 2004
Chairman of the Garabagh Liberation Organization (GLO) Akif Naghi
was quoted as saying on Monday that the participation of Armenian
military personnel in the upcoming NATO training is unacceptable.
He said Armenian authorities are trying to cooperate with Azerbaijan
in order to divert attention from Armenia’s occupation of Azerbaijan’s
territories. Naghi said such collaboration is possible only after
Armenia withdraws from the occupied land.
He said his organization would resort to radical measures, including
protest actions, to prevent the participation of the Armenian
military in NATO training sessions in Baku. Naghi added that the
responsibility for this will rest with the government of Azerbaijan
and NATO administration.