Month: June 2005

AZG Armenian Daily #108, 14/06/2005
Pilots back
MALABO-ZURICH-MOSCOW ROUTE TO LIBERTY
The six Armenian pilots that were imprisoned in the Equatorial Guinea
and are released now, as well as ambassador of the Equatorial Guinea
in Moscow and Ara Abrahamian, Chairman of World Congress of Armenians
gave a press conference at the hall of ITAR TASS in Moscow, on June 10.
Ara Abrahamian emphasized that they managed to release the Armenia
pilots from the prison by combining their efforts only. Mr. Abrahamian
thanked perished John Paul II, Pope of Rome, the UNESCO leadership,
Russian authorities, which did their best to assist the Armenian
authorities and WCA in releasing the Armenian pilots.
Ambassador of the Equatorial Guinea said that during the last three
years Ara Abrahamian kept bothering him, so he had to deal with one
issue only. The Ambassador thanked Mr. Abrahamian and reminded that the
Chairman of WCA promised to make investments in the Equatorial Guinea.
Andranik Mihranian, representative of RA President, who also left for
Malabo told that the Armenian pilots were greatly surprised to see
the representatives of Ara Abrahamian by the edifice of the Justice
Ministry of the Equatorial Guinea.
Ashot Karapetian, captain of the plane, and other five members of
the crew thanked all the people who helped to release them from the
prison. He emphasized that they have never felt guilty and that they
are very glad that justice won.
By Hamlet Ghushchain

AZG Armenian Daily #108, 14/06/2005
Meeting
OSKANIAN AND RIÑE DISCUSS ISSUES OF ‘INNER DEVELOPMENTS AND DEMOCRACY
OF ARMENIA’ AS WELL
Vartan Oskanian, RA Foreign Minister, met with Condoleezza Rice,
U.S. State Secretary, and Steven Headley, advisor of US President on
Security Issues, in the course of his working visit to Washington. The
press office of RA Foreign Ministry informed that Vartan Oskanian
and Condoleezza Rice discussed many issues of Armenian-American
relations. Mrs. Rice highly evaluated Armenia’s participation in the
anti-terrorist struggle and in the program of restoring Iraq. The
sides also discussed issues of inner developments and democratic
processes in Armenia.
Mr. Oskanian introduced the latest developments in the Nagorno Karabakh
conflict settlement to US State Secretary. They also exchanged views
on the developments in the South Caucasus and neighboring regions,
including the Armenian-Turkish relations. Mr. Headley was particularly
interested in the democratic processes in Armenia, as well as the
electoral and constitutional reforms.
–Boundary_(ID_9+0x1xfQJNWXcos0fyvaKA)–

AZG Armenian Daily #108, 14/06/2005
Cooperation
SERGE SARGSIAN DEEPENS ARMENIA-NATO RELATIONS IN BRUSSELS
Serge Sargsian, RA defense minister, handed Individual Partnership Action
Plan (IPAP) to Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, NATO Secretary General in Brussels.
Mediamax informed that serge Sargsian and Jaap de Hoop Scheffer discussed
issues of developing relations between NATO and Armenia, as well as the
situation in the South Caucasus region.
It~Rs worth reminding that Ilham Aliyev and Mikheil Saakashvili handed the
IPAP documents of their countries to NATO Secretary General in the April and
May of 2004. IPAP aims to unite various mechanisms of cooperation separate
partner-states are cooperating with NATO. It also emphasizes the internal
reforms. The countries that have political claims and opportunities to
deepen their relations with NATO can participate in the IPAP format.

AZG Armenian Daily #108, 14/06/2005
Economy
‘SIBERIA’ PURCHASES ‘MIKA’ AT $50 MILLION
“Siberia” Air Company has confirmed the press release of RA government,
according to which the company leaves Armenia and hands its rights and
commitments to “Mika Armenia Trading company owned by entrepreneur
Mikael Baghdasarov. Liberty Radio informed that as a result of the
deal, “Siberia” will receive $50 million. “Siberia” is the second
largest air company of Russia. Though last year it suffered loss of
$30 million. Thus, “Armavia” company becomes the full property of
“Mika Armenia Trading” and receives many opportunities to enlarge
its activities, as “Armenian Airlines” and “Armenian International
Airlines” left the market during the last two years.

ALIYEV AND PUTIN TO DISCUSS KARABAKH PROBLEM
Pan Armenian News
13.06.2005 07:47
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Today Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev will
arrive in Russia on a two-day working visit to take part in the 9-th
International Economic Forum in Saint Petersburg. Within the frames
of the visit, Aliyev will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin
and discuss the Karabakh conflict settlement.

MEETING DEDICATED TO YEAR OF ARMENIA IN FRANCE HELD IN LYONS
Pan Armenian News
13.06.2005 06:47
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Heads of about 40 Armenian-French organizations of
Lyons and Rhône-Alpes held a meeting dedicated to the Year of Armenia
in France, RA Foreign Ministry’s press center reported. During the
meeting Armenian Ambassador to France Edward Nalbandian familiarized
the participants with the events scheduled within the frames of the
Year. The interlocutors stressed that the decision by the Armenian
and French President proves high level of relations between the two
countries. The meeting participants also highlighted the opportunity
of presenting the Armenian cultural values in France as well Europe
and the whole world. To remind, 2006 was declared Year of Armenia
in France.
–Boundary_(ID_vemAZf9bOxU5Kh5RFn+lMA)–

ARMENIAN CENTER OF CULTURAL HERITAGE OPENED IN FRANCE
Pan Armenian News
13.06.2005 06:34
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenian Ambassador to France Edward Nalbandian and
Mayor of the French town of Valence Lena Balsan opened the Armenian
Center of Cultural Heritage, RA MFA press center reported. Former
French Foreign Minister Jacques Toubon, political figures, deputies
and other high rank officials were present at the meeting. According to
the RA Ambassador the Center can play a big role in conduction of the
Year of Armenia in France. To note, the Center was founded by common
efforts of the Mayor and the Council of Province of Drome. Exhibitions
dedicated to Armenia and Armenian people, concerts, demonstration
of films and performances will take place in the Center in the
near future.

AZG Armenian Daily #108, 14/06/2005
Interview
SWEDES GETTING MORE INTERESTED IN ARMENIA
Turkey’s Behavior Well Stands For That
The latest events in Turkey — governmental discussions and adoption of laws
— stirred up by the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide this year
could not leave the international community indifferent. Sweden, among other
states, gets interested in Armenia and the Armenians. Swede scientists
Anders and Ulla-Maj Hultgords, who are visiting Yerevan these days, testify
to this.
The first thing that caught my sight at their room at Yerevan State
University’s guests’ house was a book in Swedish titled “Yearning for
Ararat” (Langtan till Ararat). The book dealing with Armenians and Armenian
identity was published by the department of History of Religion of Uppsala
University in 1985. The book included articles by Anushavan Zekhchanian,
Armenian scientist who moved to Sweden from Iran, Anders Hultgord and
others. The articles were assembled into a book by professors of Stockholm
University Goran Gunner and Erik Lindberg.
Hultgord’s article dealt with the history of early Armenian culture and with
the origins of Christianity. He is generally interested in zoroastrism and
in the period it was consumed by Christianity. He has articles about St.
Gregory the Illuminator, King Tiridat and invention of the Armenian
alphabet. “Armenia in Reform and Crises: Byzantine Influence”, “The Vision
of Righteous Yenovk and Expansion of Islam” articles were published various
international magazines and scientific publications.
It has been already 4 years that Hultgord is in retirement. He taught
history of religion at the Uppsala University. First time he visited Armenia
in 1970 preparing to defend his thesis. While working at the Greek texts of
the 12th apostles, he felt the need of Armenian translations of some
sermons.
– What differences will you point out in your two visits?
– It was “Inturist” that organized my visit back then and one could feel
being traced. Now everything is different, people are free, kind and
hospitable. This time my wife is accompanying me again to carry out
researches in Matenadaran. There is difference even in presenting the
material. I am so glad to be able to find CDs about materials I am
interested in. That will certainly ease my studies.
– Do you maintain relations with the Armenian community of Sweden?
– I’m a member of the International Association of Armenian Studies that has
been working for already 20 years. The Armenian community of Sweden is not
big, around 4.000. I learnt Grabar for my studies.
– The Assyrian, Greek and Armenian Orthodox communities of Europe have sent
a “No to Turkey’s Accession” petition to the European Union recently and the
Turkish government crushed down the scientific conference at Bosphorus
University of Istanbul. What’s your attitude to all these?
– It will certainly have effect on Turkey’s accession to the EU. European
Union has to watch all these events carefully and draw appropriate
conclusions. It testifies to Turkey’s weakness. If you cannot speak freely
in a country that means there is no democracy there.
– Mrs. Hultgord, What will you tell about yourself? What’s your profession
and have you been in Armenia before?
– I am a botanist. I am interested in evolutional development of plants. I
was delighted to visit Yerevan’s botanic garden. It was very impressive.
There are unique species growing there. Pitifully, the garden lacks
necessary conditions. This is my first time in Armenia. I could not join my
husband in 1970 as I had to look after our 5 children.
– Several months ago they decided in Turkey to change Latin names of a few
animals as they contained Armenian or Kurdish words. What will you say about
that?
– I was surprised to read about that. That’s another sign of intolerance
raging in Turkey. By the way, our scientists interbred representatives of
orchids and got a new species typical for mountainous regions, especially
northeastern Turkey and Caucasian regions. Scientists named it, in protest
to Turkey’s decision, Dactylophiza Armeniaca.
An article in Svensk Botanisk Tidskrift tells about this (vol. 99, Hatfe 2,
2005).
This frank and ingenuous couple has visited not only Matenadaran and Botanic
Garden but also Sevan and Etchmiadzin. To my question what they would like
to add, the couple said half in jest, “It takes great risk to cross the
streets. In Sweden all vehicles stop when pedestrians cross”.
By Hakob Tsulikian

AZG Armenian Daily #108, 14/06/2005
Region
ARMENIA HAS NO RESOURCE OTHER THAN DEMOCRACY
USA Demands Just Elections From Baku
Inner political situation in Azerbaijan is still in the limelight
of the US. The State Department expressed satisfaction that the
opposition’s rally on June 4 passed peacefully.
The American political analysts claim that the Azerbaijani
parliamentary election in fall may turn into a trial for President
Ilham Aliyev once they do not match with international standards. The
Bush administration overlooked rigged presidential elections of 2003
with accompanying violence and arrests. But the US has changed recently
stating now that they are enchanted by democratic revolutions in the
CIS and the Middle East.
Today, Washington demands fair elections from Baku, as it is Azerbaijan
among the non-democratic states that will hold elections. As soon
as Armenia faces elections, America will come down on Yerevan for
fairness.
The possible overthrow of Ilham Aliyev will be a blow on Kocharian
first of all, as the Armenian President will remain the only president
elected through rigged elections. Therefore, the possible regime
change in Azerbaijan should not be desirable for Yerevan. The Armenian
authorities and the Republican Party should stay away from rigging
elections at self-governing bodies, otherwise the revolutionary wave
will wash them away.
The republicans have won in elections of prefectures early this
month. In effect, the parliamentary and presidential elections
of 2007 and 2008 are being rigged today through the lections of
self-governing authorities. Today’s elected prefectures, mayors and
village administrators, overwhelmingly republicans, will “pay back”
to the authorities in parliamentary and presidential elections.
If in neighboring Azerbaijan it is the Caspian oil that fills in
the gap of democracy, then Armenia has no resource and has to be
democratic. Certainly the West will have patience to connive at
Armenian authorities that have been rigging elections since 1995. But
one needs to pay for that too. And as Armenia has nothing to offer,
it will have to make serious concessions in Nagorno Karabakh issue,
especially if someone like Saakashvili takes the reins in Azerbaijan.
The West, by the highest standards, is not interested that Saakashvili
is less democratic than Shevardnadze. If most of televisions during
Shevardnadze’s tenure were oppositional, then today all of them serve
Saakashvili. The key thing is that Saakashvili is devoted to attend
to the West’s interests. They can find such a devotee in Azerbaijan
as well. In that case Armenia will appear in an unenviable position —
firstly in Karabakh issue.
George Bush, Condoleezza Rice and other high-ranking US officials
constantly praise “peaceful revolutions” in CIS and Middle East. Though
they do not openly consider Armenia as “candidate” for a revolution,
the Armenian opposition is obviously excited. Our opposition, that
used to regard Kremlin as a politburo only a few years ago and panted
for Russia-Byelorussia alliance, is interested not in instilling
democracy in Armenia but in seize the power.
The West also is not that interested in democratic Armenia as once
it comes true it will lose its levers of pressure. We, the Armenian
citizens, are the ones who should be interested to see our country
truly democratic, as it is our rights that are violated.
By Tatoul Hakobian
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Latest crisis threatens EU talks and Turkish ambitions
By Stephen Castle in Luxembourg
The Independent/UK
14 June 2005
Europe’s political crisis threatens to engulf talks on EU spending,
moves to ratify the European constitution and Turkey’s ambitions to
join the bloc.
Germany’s Foreign Minister, Joschka Fischer, said negotiations on an
EU budget for 2007-13 were deadlocked and might have to be abandoned
by EU leaders when they meet for a summit on Thursday.
And Turkey’s prospects of starting negotiations on joining the EU
as planned on 3 October remained unclear amid contradictory signals
from Paris.
In comments likely to alarm countries in southern and eastern Europe
which stand to gain from EU subsidies, Mr Fischer said: “It’s up to the
[EU] presidency to decide how realistic an attempt to reach agreement
is at this stage, or whether we stick with an interim result that
the British presidency [which begins in July] can take forward.” The
Italian Foreign Minister Gianfranco Fini raised the same idea in
discussions with his French and British counterparts.
The French Foreign Minister Philippe Douze-Blazy renewed the offensive
against the British budget rebate, arguing that the costs of last
year’s enlargement are being shirked by the UK. He said: “The question
is raised: can one country decide not to help pay for this?”
But Peter Mandelson, Britain’s European commissioner, suggested that
the UK could let the new Eastern European countries off their payments
to the rebate.The idea might break up the alliance of 24 states which
are lined up against Britain over the issue.