Month: November 2006

ARMENIAN “CONVERSEBANK” TO START ACCEPTING “HOLIDAY” DEPOSIT FROM NOV 15
Arka News Agency, Armenia
Nov 7 2006
YEREVAN, November 7. /ARKA/. The Armenian “Conversebank” will start
accepting “holiday” deposit from November 15, 1006. The bank’s
Marketing Department reports that the deposit will take effect from
January 31, 2007. The deposit will be accepted in terms of both AMD
and USD fro 6-24 months. The annual interest rates are 9% for AMD
deposits and 8% for USD deposits. The interests can be paid every
month or at the end of the term.
In signing a deposit contract, the depositor will be afforded
an opportunity for making use of a credit line up to 100% of his
deposit, a safe at a 50-100 per cent discount depending on the deposit
amount. The depositor will also receive a free plastic card: VISA
ELECTRON if the deposit is AMD 300,000-AMD 5,000,000 or USD equivalent;
VISA CLASSIC if the deposit is AMD 5mln-AMD 15mln or USD equivalent;
VISA GOLD if the deposit exceeds AMD 15mln.
The “Conversebank” CJSC was incorporated on December 23, 1993. By
September 30, 2006, the bank’s assets had amounted to AMD 31.4bln,
total capital AMD 9.5bln, net profit AMD 1.3bln (in January-September
2006), and balance profit AMD 5.3bln (on September 30, 2006).

NKR PRESIDENT LEAVES FOR USA
Arka News Agency, Armenia
Nov 7 2006
STEPANAKERT, November 7. /ARKA/. President of the Nagorno-Karabakh
Republic (NKR) Arkady Ghukasyan left for the USA to take part in the
traditional telethon in Los Angeles scheduled for November 23.
During his visit, the NKR president is to hold meetings with
representatives of political, public, religious and business circles
of the Eastern and Western coasts of the USA.
Executive Director of the “Hayastan Fund” Naira Melkumyan earlier
reported that the telethon that are to precede the November 23 telethon
are to be held in Armenia in November 15-17 and in Paris on November
16-19. Melkumyan also reported that the organizers expect to raise
more funds than last year, when a total of $7.7mln were raised.
The funds raised last year were directed to the rehabilitation of
the NKR economy.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

OSKANYAN: ARMENIA REPEATS READINESS TO ENTER INTO DIALOGUE AND NORMAL RELATIONS WITH TURKEY
Arka News Agency, Armenia
Nov 7 2006
YEREVAN, November 7. /ARKA/. On Monday, Armenian Foreign Minister
Vardan Oskanyan, commenting on his Turkish counterpart Abdullah Gul’s
recent interview with Liberty radio station, reiterated that Armenia is
willing to enter into dialogue and establish normal ties with Turkey.
We remain amazed that a letter sent by President Kocharian to Prime
Minister Erdogan in April 2005 remains ignored, simply because the
Turkish authorities did not like the response contained therein,
and do not wish to broaden the scope of discussion beyond history.
“President Kocharian clearly said to Prime Minister Erdogan that the
“suggestion to address the past cannot be effective if it deflects
from addressing the present and the future. In order to engage in
a useful dialog, we need to create the appropriate and conducive
political environment. It is the responsibility of governments to
develop bilateral relations and we do not have the right to delegate
that responsibility to historians. That is why we have proposed
and propose again that, without pre-conditions, we establish normal
relations between our two countries”, Oskanyan said.
“In that context, President Kocharian said, “an intergovernmental
commission can meet to discuss any and all outstanding issues between
our two nations, with the aim of resolving them and coming to an
understanding”, the minister said.
Oskanyan also called Foreign Minister Gul’s recent comments to
RadioLiberty, insisting that the existence of flights between Armenia
and Turkey, and of Armenian citizens in Turkey, is evidence that
‘the borders are essentially open disingenuous.
“First, the number of Armenians from Armenia living and working in
Turkey do not approach the numbers he claims. Second, open borders
assumes direct contacts between peoples, unobstructed relations
across the border and a functioning transport infrastructure”, the
minister said.
“We stand by our response which we consider to be a positive one and
we wonder whether the Turkish insistence on a historical commission
is genuine. After all, we have in fact agreed to discussions on all
issues, in the context of open borders.
Further, so long as Article 301 which criminalizes mere discussion
of the genocide topic remains on the books in Turkey, an invitation
to open dialogue cannot be taken seriously. Finally, outside Turkey,
scholars – Armenians, Turks and others – have studied these issues
and have reached their own independent conclusions. The most notable
among these is the May 2006 letter to Prime Minister Erdogan by the
International Assn of Genocide Scholars wherein they collectively
and unanimously affirmed the fact of the Genocide and called on the
Turkish government to acknowledge the responsibility of a previous
government”, Oskanyan said.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

AMERIA CJSC IMPLEMENTS REFORMS IN RA CHAMBER OF CONTROL
Arka News Agency, Armenia
Nov 7 2006
YEREVAN, November 7. /ARKA/. Ameria CJSC is developing and implementing
reforms in the RA Chamber of Control in the scope of the Public
Sector Modernization Project (PSMP), according to a contract with
the World Bank.
Ameria reports that ÐÊÀ” â eîìïaíèè “Àìåðèÿ”, the project is aimed at
improving the COC auditing effectiveness through the introduction and
application of COC External Public Audit Standards, External Public
Financial Audit Manual, and External Public Effectiveness Audit Manual.
Ameria and its US partner DPK Consulting will design and introduce
modern audit methodologies and audit standards compliant with
International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI)
standards and conduct training-of-trainers programs relevant to the
new standards incorporated in the audit manuals.
As reported, Public Sector Modernization Project (PSMP) is being
implemented by the efforts of the Government of the Republic of Armenia
(RA) and International Development Association (IDA). It is the second
phase of reforms in the Public Administration System and targeted to
enhance the effectiveness of governance system specifically through
introduction of modern information technologies.
The Credit in the amount of USD 10.15 million funded by IDA is aimed at
implementation of six components of the project during 2005-2008 years:
strengthening Civil Service management, introducing e-procurement,
strengthening the Chamber of Control, improving policy formulation
and implementation through capacity building, developing capacity in
local governments, and project management.
Ameria is a group of professional services companies registered in
Armenia with the objective to provide a comprehensive package of
professional advisory and assurance services. Ameria specializes
in four major areas of professional activities: management advisory
services; assurance and advisory services; legal advisory services;
investment banking.
Established in 1998, the company has become a leader in the Armenian
market of advisory services bringing an international reach and local
touch to complex issues rising in more than 30 industry sectors.
–Boundary_(ID_3lHj02YPUuxQ3197nH3B8Q)–

IRAN’S SOLO EXHIBIT ON CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS OPENS IN YEREVAN
Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), Iran
Nov 7 2006
Iran opened its 7th Solo Exhibition on Construction Materials in
Yerevan, the Armenian capital, on Monday, a morning daily wrote
on Tuesday.
According to the English-language ‘Tehran Times’, the exhibition,
running for a week, is displaying construction materials and urban
development equipment presented by over 20 Iranian firms.
At the inaugural ceremony of the exhibition, Iran ambassador to
Armenia, Alireza Haqiqian said that Tehran and Yerevan have managed
to expand trade ties, thanks to efforts by economic activists.
He added that Iranian and Armenian private sectors and owners of
industries play crucial role in expansion of bilateral ties while
enjoying the support of their respective governments.
Also addressing the ceremony, Armenian Energy Minister, Armen
Movsesian, said bilateral economic ties have significantly grown
during the previous year.
Movsesian, who is also the chairman of Iran-Armenia Economic
Cooperation Commission, noted that the commission intends to facilitate
bilateral cooperation and help develop trade and economic ties between
the two countries.

EU PARLIAMENT AWAITS TURKEY REPORT
EuPolitix, Brussels
Nov 7 2006
Hannes Swoboda MEP fears the Cyprus issue will ultimately prove to
be the thorn in Turkey’s side.
“I really do fear the Cyprus question could cause EU-Turkey talks
to collapse. If Turkey does not move on this issue it will interrupt
the talks,” Swoboda told the latest edition of the Parliament Magazine.
“I would say it is 50-50 that Cyprus will cause the talks to completely
collapse,” the Austrian socialist MEP predicts.
“And would give the same odds on whether the Finnish presidency’s
compromise plans will be accepted.”
On Monday evening the European commission stepped back from a
confrontation with Ankara and called for more time to solve in impasse.
The EU executive had been considering whether to use Wednesday’s
progress report to recommend the partial suspension of Turkey’s
membership talks because of its failure to open its ports to Cyprus.
But commission president Jose Manuel Barroso and enlargement
commissioner Olli Rehn are said to be against sparking a crisis ahead
of a summit of EU leaders in December, which is likely to decide on
the issue.
Finnish plans to solve the Turkey-Cyprus impasse would see restrictions
on the Turkish-run north of Cyprus cut back if Ankara agrees to open
up its ports to the Greek Cypriots.
Swoboda says he can understand Turkish difficulty in accepting the
EU’s latest proposals, but he firmly believes they will ultimately
represent the only way forward.
“The problem is that the Turks do not want to give in to too much
before they see any progress,” he explains. “But we want the Turks to
see if they do not give in here, there will not be progress anywhere
else.”
But the Austrian fears Brussels will have a tough time convincing
Ankara to give more ground in the current critical atmosphere.
“The mood is changing in the European parliament,” he says. “It is
more critical today than it was one or two years ago. Some of that has
been caused by Turkish inaction on key reforms but it has also been
caused by the conservative political groups within the EU unfairly
influencing the mood. ”
“They are hiding behind specific arguments such as the Armenia issue –
when really they should be more open about why they do not want Turkey
to join. They do not want Turkey inside the EU because it is a big,
poor, Muslim country.”
And Swoboda says the EU’s constant trickle of damning reports serves
only to exacerbate the fearful, negative mood. He describes the recent
Turkey report by centre-right Dutch MEP Camiel Eurlings as nonsense.
“It was not helpful,” Swoboda argues. “It is nonsense to have all
of these reports. Turkish EU entry is a long term project so to have
reports and permanent discussion is not helpful.”
“People must realise that the Turkey of tomorrow will only be accepted
into the EU if it changes. All of the ups and downs in Eurlings report
and the alterations made to it along the way created a tension which
is not helpful in the long term.”
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EU-ARMENIA ACTION PLAN TO CREATE NEW OPPORTUNITIES OF ARMENIA-POLAND COOPERATION
PanARMENIAN.Net
07.11.2006 13:57 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Yesterday Armenian FM Vartan Oskanian met with
Polish Senate Marshal Bogdan Borusewicz, reports the Press Office of
the Armenian MFA. During the meeting the parties positively evaluated
the level of bilateral relations, noting the readiness of the parties
to make steps to strengthen these. After a historical excursus in
the Armenian-Polish relations, the Polish Senate Marshal expressed
confidence that both states today attach new meaning to the bilateral
cooperation. Vartan Oskanian highlighted that the EU-Armenia Action
Plan will create new opportunities of Armenia-Poland cooperation. At
the instance of Borusewicz the Armenian FM presented the priorities of
Armenia’s foreign policy, as well as informed of latest developments
in the Karabakh settlement. The interlocutors exchanged views over
Armenian-Turkish relations, as well as opportunities to mitigate
tension in the Russian-Georgian relations.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

TURKEY STATES READINESS TO MAKE CHANGES IN CRIMINAL CODE
PanARMENIAN.Net
07.11.2006 15:46 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The Government of Turkey has stated its readiness
to change article 301 of the Criminal Code. Turkish PM Recep
Erdogan stated the Government is ready to introduce changes in
article 301, which provides for criminal penalty for “insulting
Turkishness.” “Lately the article on criminal penalty for insulting
Turkishness rouses much censure by the EU. We should reconsider it and
make more specific for it to comply with international legal norms,”
the Turkish PM said. The article 301 of the Criminal Code of Turkey
provides for criminal penalty for mentioning the Armenian Genocide,
reports Mediamax.

BAKU DOES NOT LIKE SETTING OF MONUMENT TO ARMENIAN GENERAL IN GEORGIA
PanARMENIAN.Net
07.11.2006 15:59 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ In establishing a monument to an Armenian general
in Georgian region of Samtskhe-Javakheti, official Tbilisi will
take all measures for it not to impact relations with Azerbaijan,
Georgian Minister of Culture Georgy Gabashvili said. Armenians live in
Samtskhe-Javakheti Georgian region and it was proposed establishment of
a monument to Gurgen Dalibaltayan Armenian general, who participated in
the Karabakh war. According to Georgian laws, and the Georgian Minister
of Culture confirmed it, local authorities decide matters of opening a
monument. However, Georgian Minister of Culture Georgy Gabashvili said,
“When such matters have political shade, we should take into account
the interests of our neighbor Azerbaijan,” Trend reports.

BORUSEWICZ: POLAND SUPPORTS TURKEY IN EU ACCESSION
PanARMENIAN.Net
07.11.2006 16:24 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Poland may become a mediator in improving the
Armenian-Turkish relations, however bilateral agreement of the parties
is necessary to that end, Polish Senate Marshal Bogdan Borusewicz
stated November 7. In his words, Polish leadership offered it to
Turkey and there are positive responses from the Armenian party
over the matter. “Turkey and Armenia have mutual interests and there
is a need to present these now,” the Marshal noted. Remarking that
Poland supports Turkey in EU accession, Borusewicz underscored that
Turkey’s accession to the EU issues also from interests of Armenia. In
his turn Armenian Speaker Tigran Torosyan also noted that Turkey’s
accession to the EU is in line with Armenia’s interests, as if it is
the case the Turkish party assumes the obligation to follow democratic
principles. Moreover, Torosyan added, it is hard to imagine Turkey
joining the EU having closed borders with a friendly country to the
EU, reports IA Regnum.