ASBAREZ Online [04-15-2004]

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04/15/2004
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WEBSITE AT <;HTTP:// 1) Coalition Joint Statement Calls on Opposition to Enter Into Dialogue 2) Oskanian Criticizes US position on latest Yerevan events 3) Putin Confident Armenia Able to Maintain Stability 4) TARC Disbands Saying Goals Accomplished 5) Library Established in Memory of Catholicos Karekin I 6) Mikaelian Faces Venus Williams 1) Coalition Joint Statement Calls on Opposition to Enter Into Dialogue YEREVAN (Yerkir)Armenia's parliamentary coalition again called on opposition parties to enter into dialogue with them. The Republican Party of Armenia, the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, and the "Orinats Yerkir" party also pointed out in their joint statement that they had frequently forewarned the opposition about the dangers of outright confrontation. The further escalation of already-high tensions eventually led on Tuesday to the forcible dispersion by police of an opposition rally in the center of the city, and the temporary detention of several leading opposition activists and scores of demonstrators. The coalition statement, issued at a press conference, was read by the head of the ARF's bloc in Parliament Levon Mkrtchian, who enumerated key issues around which cooperation between the opposition and the authorities could aid in Armenia's development. Discussing the Tuesday events, the head of the Republican Party parliamentary bloc Galust Sahakian, said, "If illegal operations were carried out that are criminally punishable, the subsequent investigation will, in the light of objective evidence, reveal the circumstances." He was responding to reporters' questions citing opposition statements that it is possible to speak about dialogue only after those responsible for the events that transpired on April 13 have been punished. Regarding the resumption of opposition rallies, Sahakian said that the opposition can both hold rallies and enter into dialogue. The full text of the joint statement by the coalition parties follows. The intolerant and extreme posture current in the political realmthe approach of setting a priori unacceptable preconditions for dialogueheightened tension and consequently resulted in open confrontation. The accepted way and civilized means of resolving the fundamental problems of the country, intended to secure the prospect of jointly and effectively resolving the vital issues of concern to the people, were supplanted by the shortsighted modus operandi of continuous confrontationwhich presents a serious danger to society and causes rifts in the people. The parties constituting the political coalition, through their formal statements and offers of dialogue, have repeatedly warned of the undesirable consequences of such developments. The unfortunate clash of April 12-13 and the incidents that followed it, once again prove that it is society as a whole that reaps the destructive consequences of confrontation and clashes. The modus operandi of ruling out dialogue would further diminish [1] the influence of political forces in resolving the problematic situation as well as [2] the likelihood of finding political solutions, thereby relegating the process to the legal arena, where only the letter and spirit of the law operate. Based on the conviction that there is no alternative to dialogue and that dialogue should never be rendered obsolete, the political coalition, rising above the accusations leveled against it, once again proposes and puts forth those issues, the resolution of which together with the opposition could ensure real progress in the country and the deepening of democratic reforms, without splitting society into winners and losers: 1. Defining the parameters of adopting key constitutional amendments through consensus 2. Defining the parameters of adopting, through consensus, amendments to the Election Code fully in line with international standards 3. Formulating the ways in which the opposition can actively participate in the anti- corruption campaign 4. The implementation, through a clear timetable, of obligations assumed before the Council of Europe The political coalition is willing to examine, during the dialogue, the possibility of including on the agenda, at the opposition's suggestion, other fundamental issues that confront our country. Arriving at an agreement would bring about a new state of affairs in the country and create the potential to resolve the problems that have accumulated. With this proposal, the political coalition invites the political forces representing the opposition to beginat any time, in the National Assemblythe political process of dialogue. Republican Party of Armenia Armenian Revolutionary Federation Orinats Yerkir Party 2) Oskanian Criticizes US position on latest Yerevan events YEREVAN (Armenpress/Interfax)--Armenia's Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian cautioned against making superficial judgments on the internal political situation in Armenia, saying that the country's stability is deeply rooted. "The events we witness today have been created artificially and will soon be overcome," he told a roundtable session in Yerevan on Wednesday. He criticized the US Department of State's report addressing the latest developments in Yerevan, as an "attempt to make a balanced statement." "The United States has forgotten to condemn the opposition's calls for a coup in the republic. If not for this failure, I myself would have signed off on the US Department of State's report. At the same time, it is these opposition calls that can be viewed as the underlying reason for what has been happening in Armenia over the past few days," said Oskanian. Tensions continued on Thursday between Armenia's authorities and opposition, which is demanding that President Robert Kocharian resign. Earlier, the opposition started to boycott parliamentary sessions, calling for a vote of confidence in the authorities, and staged a series of rallies. On the night of April 13, police broke up an opposition rally outside the presidential residence, and banned all unauthorized large-scale assemblies in Yerevan. Oskanian blamed "both the opposition and the republic's authorities for what has happened." "We have already reached a certain level of the country's democratic development, but the biggest challenge--to make democratic processes in Armenia irreversible--still lies ahead. And, we need the opposition's constructive assistance to succeed in this task," the foreign minister said, expressing hope that "Armenia will manage to prove to the international community that the political situation in the republic is still stable." The official representative of the US Department of State Richard Boucher, said on April 13 that "the United States is concerned about the current political situation in Armenia, particularly the sharp escalation in confrontation between the government and the opposition." He also noted that "physical assaults, raids on political party offices, and widespread arrests and detentions of opposition activists by the police do not contribute to creating an atmosphere conducive to political dialogue." 3) Putin Confident Armenia Able to Maintain Stability MOSCOW (Interfax)--Russian President Vladimir Putin and Armenian President Robert Kocharian discussed pressing bilateral issues during a Wednesday telephone conversation, reported the Kremlin press service. Kocharian briefed Putin on recent internal political tensions in Armenia and latest developments. Putin expressed confidence that Armenia's leadership would use its existing potential of democratic reforms to maintain stability, law, and order. The two presidents also discussed various levels Russia-US relations. 4) TARC Disbands Saying Goals Accomplished PLANS "TURKISH-ARMENIAN RAPPROCHEMENT AND RECONCILIATION" CONFERENCE, AS WELL AS TURKISH ARMENIAN CONSULTATIVE GROUP [Excerpts] YEREVAN (RFE/RL)--The Turkish-Armenian Reconciliation Commission (TARC) said on Wednesday that it has achieved its main objectives and is disbanding. The announcement came after a three-day meeting in Moscow between three Turkish and four Armenian members of TARC. "TARC is announcing that its work as a commission is ending," they said in a statement obtained by RFE/RL. "TARC's term was to be one year, but the course of events required a longer period to accomplish our goals. "We feel that advances in civil society contacts are now permanent and will only grow in time. We also feel that beyond our recommendations, official relations can now best be continued and advanced independent of the TARC structure." The commission, which was set up in July 2001 with close US State Department involvement, finished its work by approving a set of "recommendations" to the governments of Turkey and Armenia on how to improve their strained relations. Their content was not disclosed. "The recommendations have a better chance of being implemented if they are presented privately," one commission source told RFE/RL. He said it will be up to the two governments to decide whether they should be made public. TARC is likely to have reaffirmed its strong support for the unconditional reopening of the Turkish-Armenian border sealed by Ankara eleven years ago out of solidarity with Turkic-speaking Azerbaijan. It is unclear whether TARC recommendations address the 1915 genocide of Armenians by the Ottoman Government. TARC also announced plans to hold a big conference on "Turkish-Armenian rapprochement and reconciliation" this fall. "In addition, we intend to support a Turkish Armenian consultative group which would meet at least annually to exchange views, review progress, and recommend actions to promote improved relations," the statement said. TARC has faced strong criticism from groups in Armenia and especially the Diaspora for hampering the international recognition of the Armenian Genocide. 5) Library Established in Memory of Catholicos Karekin I RESEDA--The Los Angeles Kessab Educational Association held two functions earlier this month, to celebrate the memory of Catholicos Karekin I, and to honor Archbishop Ardavazt Terterian. The official opening of the Library in memory of Catholicos Karekin I took place on April 4. The library has been established on the second floor of the Association's center. The chairman of the Kessab Educational Association executive Katchig Titizian, its chairwoman Zvart Apelian, and Prelate Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian delivered remarks at the event. Archbishop Adavazt Terterian of the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia in Antelias, Lebanon was the quest of honor at an April 7 reception. Consul General Gagik Kirakosian was among the distinguished guests present to honor Archbishop Terterian. Keynote speaker Haigaz Terterian noted the Archbishop's many accomplishments, including his meticulous study of the Armenian language. Both events were held under the auspices of Prelate Mardirossian. 6) Mikaelian Faces Venus Williams Tennis player Marie-Gayanay Mikaelian beat Virginia Ruano Pascual 7-6, 6-3 in the second round of the Family Circle Cup 2004. Mikaelian will face Venus Williams these evening, who defeated her second-round rival Samantha Reeves 4-6, 6-4, 6-3. The Family Circle Cup taking place in Charleston, South Carolina April 10-18, is one of the oldest all-women's Tier 1 events in the world. With 14 of the Top 20 players in the world, this year's tournament will feature one of the best draws this event has ever seen. 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