Month: November 2006

ARMENIAN CAUCUS MEMBERS TO TAKE OVER IMPORTANT LEADERSHIP POSITIONS IN THE SENATE
Public Radio. Armenia
Nov 9 2006
The balance of power shifted in Washington yesterday as Democrats
took control over the House of Representatives, paving the way for
Armenian Caucus Member Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) to become the first
female Speaker of the House. As part of that power shift, House Speaker
Dennis Hastert (R-Ill) will pass the Speaker’s gavel to Pelosi, making
her the first Armenian Caucus Member to hold that position. Pelosi
has a strong record of support on Armenian-American issues and has
regularly called on the Administration to properly acknowledge the
Armenian Genocide.
Additionally, Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD) will run for Majority
Leader, and if elected, will be another Caucus first. Like Pelosi,
Hoyer has co-sponsored legislation reaffirming the Genocide and has
given commemoration addresses to Congress during the month of April.
“Representatives Pelosi and Hoyer have strong records on Armenian
issues of any Democratic leadership and we look forward to building
on these strong relationships, as well as others in the House, to
address issues and concerns facing Armenian-Americans, as well as
our homeland,” said Board of Trustees Executive Committee Member
Annie Totah.
In total, some 50 Democratic Armenian Caucus Members are positioned
to take over important leadership positions and full committee
chairmanships including Representatives Charles Rangel (NY) House
Ways and Means, John Dingell (MI) Energy and Commerce, John Conyers,
Jr. (MI) Judiciary, George Miller (CA) Education, Henry Waxman (CA)
Government Reform, Barney Frank (MA) Financial Services, Collin
Peterson (MN) Agriculture and Nydia M. Velazquez (NY) Small Business
Committee.
Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey (D-NY), who is the current Ranking
Member of the Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee and is
also poised to become a subcommittee chair and potentially the first
Armenian Caucus Member to Chair Foreign Operations. Lowey, an ardent
supporter of Armenian issues, has commemorated the Armenian Genocide
with statements on the House floor and urged Congress to retain
Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act. Representatives Donald Payne
(D-NJ), Brad Sherman (D-CA), Gary Ackerman (D-NY), William Delahunt
(D-MA) and Grace Napolitano (D-CA) are positioned to Chair various
International Relations Subcommittees. Additionally, Representatives
Peter Visclosky (D-IN), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Dale E. Kildee (D-MI),
Lynn Woolsey (D-CA), Robert Andrews (D-NJ), Carolyn Maloney (D-NY),
Caucus Co-Chair Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Anna Eshoo (D-CA)
are anticipated to become subcommittee chairs, among others.
The majority of Armenian Caucus Members were re-elected including
Co-Chairs Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) and Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ).
Representative Benjamin Cardin (D-MD) won a seat in the Senate. As
for Caucus Members of Armenian descent, Congresswoman Anna Eshoo
(D-CA) was elected for an eight term, while Congressman John Sweeney
(D-NY) was defeated after serving four years in the House, where he
championed issues facing Armenian-Americans.
Totah also noted that prior to the election, several lawmakers pledged
to join the Armenian Caucus if elected and that the Assembly will
reach out those new Members.
In other House leadership posts, Congressman Tom Lantos (D-CA),
who has traditionally opposed efforts to reaffirm the Genocide, but
supported the Armenian Genocide resolution during a 2005 vote before
the International Relations Committee, is anticipated to Chair the
International Relations Committee. The Appropriations Committee
Chairmanship is expected to be filled by Congressman David Obey
(D-WI), who has also supported Armenian issues.
On the Senate side, longtime Armenian issues supporter Senator
Robert Menendez (D-NJ) faced a hard-fought race and retained his
seat, while Senators Rick Santorum (R-PA) and Lincoln D. Chafee
(R-RI) lost their re-election bids. Earlier this year, Santorum and
Menendez introduced a major bill (S. 2461) to bar assistance for
a railroad bypass of Armenia. In September, Menendez also placed a
“hold” on the nomination of Ambassador-designate Richard E. Hoagland
as America’s next Ambassador to Armenia. The move is in protest to
the Bush Administration’s flawed policy on the Armenian Genocide,
neither denying nor properly affirming the events as genocide.
“The Assembly congratulates Armenian-American supporters in the Senate
and House on their victory and looks forward to reaching out to new
members in the coming year,” said Assembly Executive Director Bryan
Adouny. “To that end, we also encourage Armenian Americans to join
us in our outreach efforts and build on our advocacy successes in
the current Congress.”
Ardouny noted that, with this election, the anticipated leadership of
the 110th Congress will offer new opportunities to pass an Armenian
Genocide resolution, to ensure that attempts by Armenia’s neighbors to
isolate her are addressed, and to make security issues facing Nagorno
Karabakh and Armenia priorities. When Congress returns next week for
the lame duck session, several outstanding items remain including the
rail legislation, appropriations funding for Armenia and Karabakh,
as well as the confirmation process for Ambassador-designate Richard
E. Hoagland.
Governors in 36 states were also elected. In Ohio, Armenian Caucus
Member Ted Strickland (D-OH), a cosponsor of the pan-Armenian Genocide
bill H. Res. 316 and the House rail bill H.R. 3361, was elected
governor, while in California, incumbent Arnold Schwarzenegger (R-CA)
defeated his Democratic challenger by a large margin. As governor,
Schwarzenegger has championed Armenian-American issues. Last month
he signed legislation authorizing the construction of a memorial for
the victims and survivors of the Armenian Genocide.
Earlier, the Governor signed into law Senate Bill 1524, enabling
Armenian Genocide victims and their families to seek legal action to
recover assets lost or stolen as result of the tragedies, as well as
Senate Bill 424, which permanently recognizes April 24 as the Day of
Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide in California.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

HOUSEWARMING IN MARTUNI
Gayane Balayan
Azat Artsakh, Republic of Nagorno Karabakh
Nov 9 2006
The official ceremony of opening of the block of apartments built
by the NKR defense army in Martuni for 15 families of officers took
place on November 2. The minister of defense Lieutenant-General
Seyran Ohanian, commissioned officers, the regional administration
were present. The two-storey building in the center of Martuni had
been founded for the town library decades ago, but the building was
not finished. Seyran Ohanian congratulated the owners of the new
apartments and handed them the keys. He emphasized the importance of
welfare of officers and mentioned that the Armenian army constantly
thinks about improving their lives. In 2006 over 1 billion dollars
was allocated for this policy. In Martuni this is the second house
built for officers. The defense minister of NKR said that hopefully
next year more funds will be allocated for this policy because for a
strong army it is highly important to have secure and strong families
of officers. By the way, the apartments in the new house are very
comfortable with modern conveniences. The house also has a hall
for ceremonies.

“KOMMERSANT” BELIEVES PUTIN PROPOSED ALIYEV CHEAP WEAPONS PRODUCED IN RUSSIA
ArmInfo News Agency, Armenia
Nov 9 2006
Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed his Azeri counterpart Ilham
Aliyev, who is in Moscow, to resolve if he will continue the strategic
partnership with Russia. In case of an agreement, Azerbaijan will
be asked to participate in the struggle against Georgia in exchange
for Russian weapons and investments of RAO UES of Russia and Russian
Aluminum, writes the Russian newspaper “Kommersant” in an article
“Ilham Aliyev changes routes.” The author of the article says the
Kremlin was concerned over the visit of Ilham Aliyev to Europe first of
all because of the expected growth of military expenses of Azerbaijan
for 2007 – from $600 million to $1 billion.
Azerbaijan makes rather equal military orders to the CIS countries
and suppliers of NATO. But in case of a sharp growth of purchases by
Azerbaijan, they in Moscow apprehend that Azerbaijan may change over
to the military standards of NATO. This may lead to announcement of
NATO a partner already by the second country in the Transcaucasia.
(To recap, Georgia was the first to announce its alliance with NATO
in the summer of 2006, after the conflict with Russia). All this will
lead to the use of the military bases in Azerbaijan by NATO and the
USA to control over the neighboring Iran. “Russia with respect to
Azerbaijan has principally different plans. That is why Vladimir
Putin proposed Ilham Aliyev to implement the plan of “strategic
partnership” development by lifting the bureaucratic longstops in the
way to purchase of relatively cheap Russian weapons by Azerbaijan,
“Kommerstant” writes referring to sources close to the presidential
administration. Earlier, Russia restricted these purchases not to
allow the prevalence of Azerbaijan over its another partner in the
region, Armenia,” the author writes. He believes that creation of a
united front against Georgia is more important for Russia: the key
topic of negotiations is supposed to be Azerbaijan’s participation
in the energy blockade of Georgia in the winter of 2006-2007.
To recap, last winter Azerbaijan supplies electricity to a number
of Georgian regions during stoppages of gas and electricity supply
from Russia. Gasprom proposed Georgia 1,000 cubic meters of gas for
$230 (instead of $110) for 2007. According to data of “Kommersant,”
Gasprom proposed the same sum also to Azerbaijan instead of the
previous $95-100. Ilham Aliyev remained extremely dissatisfied with
the future price of the gas which is unlikely to meet the status of
a “strategic partner.” The country imports from Russia about 1.5
billion cubic meters of gas annually. Moreover, by a single price
for Georgia and Azerbaijan Gasprom makes senseless the SWAP supply
of gas and electricity in case of electricity blockade in Georgia,
the newspaper writes. Russia’s other proposals to Azerbaijan are more
favorable. Thus, “Kommersant” writes that Vladimir Putin will present
Ilham Aliyev the proposals of Russian Aluminum under the project of
construction of an aluminum plant worth $1 billion in Gyandza. The
president will also informed his Azeri counterpart of the interest
of RAO UES of Russia’s structures in investments in the energy and
in electric networks of Azerbaijan.

RA FOREIGN MINISTER RECEIVED THOMAS ADAMS
Public Radio. Armenia
Nov 9 2006
November 9 RA Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian received Thomas Adams,
Co-Chair of the Armenian-American Economic Cooperation Task Group,
Coordinator of the US Office for Assistance to Europe and Eurasia.
He parties discussed issues related to bilateral cooperation, turning
to the activity and future plans of the Armenian-American Economic
Cooperation Task Group. In this context special importance was attached
to the program to be jointly accomplished by the Millennium Challenge
Corporation and the Government of Armenia and timely completion of
Armenia’s obligations.
Thomas Adams assured that the US Government will continue promoting
the process of democratization in Armenia, emphasizing the importance
of conducting free and fair elections.
The interlocutors turned to regional developments and the Karabakh
conflict settlement, expressing hope that the November 14th meeting
of the Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan will register
considerable progress in the settlement process.

EUROPEAN COMMISSION’S REPORT ON TURKEY’S PROGRESS FAILS TO FAIRLY AND HONESTLY ADDRESS ARMENIAN ISSUES
ArmInfo News Agency, Armenia
Nov 9 2006
In the report on Turkey’s progress on its way to membership to the
European Union, the European Commission failed to denounce the campaign
of denial of the Armenian Genocide, both in Turkey and throughout
the Union.
According to Financial Mirror, in the Commission’s previous reports
mentions of the Armenian Genocide were characterized euphemistically as
“tragic events”, but they were not reflected in this new document at
all. On freedom of speech, only Article 301 of the Turkish penal code
was mentioned. The Commission failed to denounce the other provisions
of Turkish law aimed at freedom of speech, especially Article 305,
which penalizes the affirmation of the Armenian Genocide. Besides,
in the chapters related to technical issues, the illegal blockade
of Armenia is described using the dismissive terminology, “closed
border.” According to the source, the European Armenian Federation
is troubled by the Commission’s failure to fairly and meaningfully
address Armenian issues.
“The Commission’s report, most notably it failure to challenge
Turkey’s many restrictions of freedom of speech, represents a true
setback in terms of the credibility of this European institution,
particularly in light of its eagerness to criticize France for its
law penalizing the denial of the Armenian genocide,” stated Hilda
Tchoboian, the Chairperson of the European Armenian Federation. The
Federation announced that the European citizens it represents expect
the Commission to fairly and honestly perform its task of accurately
assessing Turkey’s progress, without bowing to political pressures.
“Otherwise, European public opinion will turn against the Commission’s
double standards,” added Tchoboian. The Federation also denounces
the arrogance of the Turkish leaders who attempt to force Europe to
abandon its values. “The talks over Turkey’s candidacy have devolved
from a negotiation into a race to see which side can walk away from
European values,” she concluded.

HASTERT’S FALL PAVES WAY FOR PELOSI SPEAKERSHIP
Public Radio. Armenia
Nov 9 2006
The Democratic takeover of the House of Representatives yesterday
ended Speaker Hastert’s Congressional reign, opening the door to the
Speakership of Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D- CA), a twenty year supporter of
Armenian American issues, including Armenian Genocide recognition,
reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).
Rep. Pelosi issued a statement last week pledging support for
Armenian Genocide legislation during the 110th Congress. With
the Senate majority too close to call, the victory of New Jersey
Senator Bob Menendez (D NJ), returns him to the Senate, where he has
distinguished himself by blocking the appointment of Armenian Genocide
denier Richard Hoagland as US Ambassador to Armenia.
“We are tremendously proud of the vital and energetic role that
Armenian Americans played this election season – a watershed transition
of Congressional power that holds great meaning for our community’s
legislative agenda,” said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. “On
the House side, we certainly welcome the fall from power of Dennis
Hastert – who, as Speaker, prevented a bipartisan majority of his
colleagues from voting for U.S. recognition of the Armenian Genocide –
and his expected replacement by Nancy Pelosi, who has a strong record
in support of Armenian American issues. On the Senate side, even as
we await the final outcome, we are very gratified by the victory in
New Jersey of Senator Bob Menendez – our top electoral priority this
election season. Inspired by his principled stand against the Hoagland
nomination, Armenian Americans throughout the Garden State – led by
the ANC of New Jersey – truly came through for the Menendez campaign,
delivering volunteers, campaign contributions, and, most importantly,
tens of thousands of votes in support of his electoral victory,”
added Hamparian.
ANCA endorsed candidates won overwhelmingly in the House, with 184 of
198 endorsed candidates securing decisive wins and three races still
too close to call. Of the 159 members of the Congressional Armenian
Caucus, 140 members won re-election, including Congressional Armenian
Caucus Co-Chairs Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Joe Knollenberg (R-MI).
Amongst those who lost their re-election bid was Armenian American
Congressman John Sweeney (R-NY), who, with the support of ANC-NY,
battled in one of the tightest races in the country. Armenian American
Congresswoman Anna Eshoo (D-CA) won her reelection bid with 71%
of the vote.
In the Senate, 13 of 15 ANCA endorsed candidates won their election
bids. Winners included Armenian Genocide Resolution lead sponsor
John Ensign (R- NV), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and House members
Ben Cardin and Sherrod Brown who won Senate seats in Maryland and
Ohio, respectively. Pennsylvania Senator, Rick Santorum (R-PA),
lead cosponsor of the Caucasus Railroad Bypass bill, lost his
Senate reelection bid to Democrat Ed Casey. Perennial opponent of
Armenian American concerns, West Virginia Senator Robert Byrd won
his re-election bid as well.

ARMENIAN GOVERNMENT RENOUNCES ITS RIGHT TO BUY 90% OF ARMENTEL’S SHARES
ArmInfo News Agency, Armenia
Nov 9 2006
The Armenian Government has renounced its right to buy 90% of
the shares of the ArmenTel telecom company (169,539,381 shares)
for 341,888,105 EUR sold by the present owner of the company, OTE
(Greece), to Russian Vympelcom.
The press service of the Armenian Government, the Government had this
right according to ArmenTel’s regulations, the law on JSCs and the
contract with OTE. The government has instructed Finance and Economy
Minister Vardan Khachatryan and Chief of Tax Service Felix Tsolakyan
to amicably settle all tax disputes with ArmenTel.

ARMENIA AND IRAN AGREED ON CONSTRUCTION OF ARAKS RIVER HPS
ArmInfo News Agency, Armenia
Nov 9 2006
Armenian Government signed an agreement with Iran on construction and
exploitation of Hydro Power Station (HPS) on Araks River, statement
of Armenian Government says.
Armen Movsesyan, Minister of Power, said that the construction of the
Meghri HPS is 140 mln USD worth due to the technical-economic issues.
As for its features, there is no competitor to the Meghri HPS in
South Caucasian region. Its planned production capacity will make up
140 MW at the annual power production of 850 mln kilowatt-hour.
Armenian and Iranian experts have worked out a special financing
scheme for the project. According to it, HPS construction works
will be maintained by Iran, whereas Armenia is responsible for the
power supplies.

ARMENIAN FOREIGN MINISTER RECEIVED CO-CHAIRMAN OF ARMENIAN-AMERICAN WORKING GROUP ON ECONOMIC COOPERATION
ArmInfo News Agency, Armenia
Nov 9 2006
The press-service of the Armenian Foreign Ministry told the ArmInfo
news agency that Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanyan received
Thomas Adams, the Co-chairman of the Armenian-American working group
on economic cooperation, the Acting Coordinator of US assistance to
Europe and Eurasia, Thursday.
The sides discussed the development of bilateral cooperation and
the prospects of implementation of the worked out programs. Special
attention was paid to the joint programs of Armenia and the Millennium
Challenge Corporation, particularly, the issue of implementation of
the obligations assumed by Armenia. Thomas Adams assured that the US
Government will contribute to the deepening of democratic processes in
Armenia, and stressed the importance of free and fair elections. The
sides also touched upon regional issues, particularly, the Karabakh
peace process, hoping for the efficiency of the forthcoming meeting
of the Armenian and Azeri Foreign Ministers on November 14.

GEORGIA REJECTS GAZPROM’S COMPROMISE GAS PRICE OFFER, READY FOR ROW
MosNews, Russia
Nov 9 2006
On Wednesday, Nov. 8, Georgia rejected a compromise deal with the
Russian state-controlled gas monopoly Gazprom. The deal offered
by Gazprom would see Georgia hand over control of its domestic gas
distribution network to Russia. Now Georgia is left with the prospect
of either paying twice the current price or having supplies cut off.
Georgia is currently paying $110 per 1,000 cubic meters of Russian
gas and Gazprom already announced that in 2007 it wants Georgia
to pay $230, which is the average price that the Russian monopoly
charges its European customers. Gazprom has already warned that if
no contract is signed, supplies will be cut on Jan. 1, 2007.
Gazprom offered to soften the increase if Tbilisi handed over control
of its domestic gas distribution network to Russia. The same scheme was
used with Russia-friendly Armenia that will continue to pay $110 price
until the end of 2008 in exchange for its energy distribution assets.
Unlike his Armenian colleague, the Georgian Prime Minister Zurab
Nogaideli rejected that offer. “I want to repeat once again — we are
not going to bow to blackmail,” he was quoting by Reuters as telling
a cabinet meeting.
Energy Minister Nika Gilauri, asked by reporters if Georgia might
cede energy infrastructure to Gazprom, replied: “Never.”
Russia supplies almost all of Georgia’s gas needs. The Georgian
government is seeking alternative suppliers in Azerbaijan and Iran,
but they are not ready to replace Russian gas in full.
Tbilisi says Moscow is using gas as a political tool to punish it
for its pro-Western policies. Gazprom says the increase is purely
commercial.
If the price stays at $230, Georgia — where the average monthly
income is just over $100 a month — would pay the same for its gas
as rich countries such as Germany and Italy.
Alarmed at the prospect of a gas cutoff, a leading Georgian opposition
figure urged Nogaideli to seek a compromise.
“The prime minister should explain if his statement means Georgia
will be left without gas this winter because for now there is no real
alternative to Russian gas,” Interfax news agency quoted lawmaker
David Berdzenishvili as saying.