Month: November 2006

Panorama.am

17:33 23/11/06

GOVERNMENT ORDER DECIDES ON GRAVE ALLOCATIONS

The first crematorium ever in Armenia will be built in
Achapniak community next year, Karlen Gevorgyan,
deputy minister of city building told reporters after
a government session. The government approved 8 orders
on funerals and graves today. Two other documents will
be submitted by the ministry of health.

The deputy minister mentioned that 12 square meters
will be provided to families free of charge for
graves. A citizen may purchase another 10 square
meters upon paying certain fees. /Panorama.am/

Armenpress

ASSOCIATION DEVELOPS PLAN TO RESTORE YEREVAN GREEN ZONE

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 23, ARMENPRESS: The Armenian
Association for Sustainable Human Development said
today it has developed a plan of actions to improve
the ecological situation in the capital city and wants
to call it into action in cooperation with the nature
protection ministry. This plan calls for establishment
of an inter-agency commission to tackle the problem.
The Association said they suggest that provisions
of their plan be taken into account when the division
of Yerevan into zones be done. Karine Danielian, the
chairwoman of the Association, described the current
ecological situation in the capital city ‘typical of
an ecological catastrophe zone,’ adding that relevant
data shows the emergence of smog in Yerevan.
She said the urban-industrial environment of the
city is no longer able to self-purify. She said the
risk of desertification has increased indicated by
appearance of snakes in the city’s streets and yards.
She said these phenomena affect the people’s health
and cited official figures which say that two third of
the city’s green zone has been destroyed in the last
years.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Armenpress

ARMENIAN AND AZERI PRESIDENTS AGREE TO ANOTHER MEETING
ON NOVEMBER 28

BAKU, NOVEMBER 23, ARMENPRESS: The French embassy
in Azerbaijan said international peace brokers from
the OSCE Minsk Group announced in a statement that
presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan have agreed to
meet again on the sidelines of a CIS heads summit in
Belarus capital city Minsk on November 28.
The Minsk Group cochairmen’s announcement came
after their visits to Yerevan and Baku where they
negotiated with the presidents and foreign ministers
of both countries. The statement said the meetings of
foreign ministers Vartan Oskanian of Armenia and Elmar
Mamedyarov of Azerbaijan in October and November in
Moscow, Paris and Brussels were productive in terms of
registering progress in the negotiation process.
"The cochairmen hope that the meeting of Armenian
and Azerbaijani presidents in Minsk will mark a step
forward towards resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict based on the principles which were approved
by the leaders of G-8 when they met in the Russian
Saint Petersburg last summer," the statement said.

Armenpress

TASSOS PAPADOPOULOS SAYS CYPRUS TO SUPPORT ARMENIA IN
IMPLEMENTATION OF EU’S NEW NEIGHBORHOOD PROGRAM

NICOSIA, NOVEMBER 23, ARMENPRESS: A wide range of
issues was discussed today during the face-to-face
meeting of the Armenian and Cyprian presidents Robert
Kocharian and Tassos Papadopoulos and at the extended
meeting which followed after it.
During the negotiations an agreement on fighting
against organized and other crime manifestations has
been signed and the task groups have been assigned to
develop concrete proposals and programs for boosting
the cooperation.
At the press conference which followed after the
negotiations the presidents of the two countries
particularly pointed out the warm and productive
atmosphere maintained during the whole process of
negotiations. `We had a very productive discussion and
tried to give practical solutions and suggestions,’
Kocharian said. The President of Cyprus Tassos
Papadopoulos noted that both during personal and
official meetings the Cyprian side assured the
Armenian president that it is ready to boost bilateral
friendly relations between the two countries and
expand the cooperation.
`Cyprus must speak in favor of Armenia in all the
international and political issues,’ the Cyprian
president stated. In the implementation of agreements,
the president underscored the role of the Armenian
community, which, according to Papadopoulos, is a
high-level community and is leading in all the
spheres. `The relations between our peoples and
countries are very warm and there exists an effective
dialogue which we tired to expand today particularly
in the economic sphere,’ the Armenian president noted.
According to Kocharian, Armenia and Cyprus have
always defended each other in different international
establishments. He said today Armenia has great
expectations in respect of acquiring experience of
Cyprus in the implementation of reforms within the
frameworks of the EU’s New Neighborhood Policy. The
Cyprian side has expressed readiness to support and
cooperate with Armenia in this field. `From the very
first moment Cyprus was for the inclusion of Armenia
in the EU’s New Neighborhood program, which supposes a
great number of reforms. We are ready to support in
their practical implementation,’ the Cyprian president
said.
The reporters present at the conference were
interested what approaches the sides have over the
process of Turkey’s membership to EU. `Turkey has
assumed these commitments on its own wish. All the
countries agree that Turkey must implement its
commitments but at the same time they do not want
negotiations be suspended. Punitive measures must be
undertaken to show Turkey that it must be
conscientious. At present it is being discussed what
punitive measures must be undertaken,’ president of
Cyprus said. According to Robert Kocharian, Armenia is
interested in the issue as it is connected with the
readiness and wish of Turkey to regulate its relations
with the neighboring countries, including Armenia. `It
is important whether the process of membership of
Turkey will be conducted fully or not. This will
directly influence on Armenian-Turkish relations,’
Armenian president said.
On response to the question about the position of
the Armenian president over Turkish-Cyprian relations,
Kocharian said that Armenia has many times stated in
the international organizations its position. `We
would like to see the Cyprus issue regulated in the
way the Cyprian people and government is picturing
it,’ the Armenian president said. Kocharian said that
he has invited his Cyprian counterpart to visit
Armenia next year.
Armenian president also met today with the Chairman
of the Cyprian House of Representatives Demetris
Khristofias. The latter said that they have reached
agreement over consolidation of political partnership,
expansion of legislative cooperation which will bring
to the development of cooperation in economic,
cultural, tourism and other spheres. `Good ties exist
between the parliaments of the two countries but it is
necessary to carry out more effective work for
developing them more,’ Demetris Khristofias said at
the press conference that followed the meeting.
Referring to the recognition of the Armenian
Genocide by Turkey on its way to the EU, the president
of Armenia said, `The process of coming into terms
with the own history is a way which people must pass
on their own. We hope the process of membership to EU
will bring to the state when the discussions over this
issue in Turkey will be more open and the
intellectuals and society will have an opportunity to
express themselves freely,’ Kocharian said.
Within the framework of the visit the members of
the delegation also had separate meetings with their
Cyprian partners. Particularly Armenian deputy
foreign, trade and economic development and culture
and youth affairs ministers met with their
counterparts and discussed with them prospects for the
development of cooperation.
Gagik Gyurjian, deputy culture and youth affairs
minister, noted that during the meeting an agreement
has been reached over the all-encompassing program on
cooperation in the cultural sphere for 2006-2008.

TREND, Azerbaijan
Nov 24 2006

Armenians Breach Ceasefire on Front line

Source: Trend
Author: S.Jaliloglu

24.11.2006

The Azerbaijani Defense ministry announced that on November 24, 2006,
the Armenian Armed Forces located in Bash Garvand Village of the
occupied Azerbaijan region, Agdam, opened fire at the Azerbaijan
National Army from 11:15 for 30 minutes, Trend reports.

In addition, the Armenian Forces located in the territory of
Gulchuluk farm also fired at the Azerbaijani positions in Chiragly
village of Agdam District.

The Azerbaijan National Army retaliated and no injuries were
reported.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Cyprus Mail, Cyprus
Nov 24 2006

Armenia hopes Turkey EU process will open to doors to genocide debate

By Jean Christou

ARMENIA said yesterday it hoped Turkey’s accession to the European
Union would lead to more honest and open debate on issues such as the
Armenian genocide.

Speaking to reporters during his official visit to Cyprus, Armenian
President Robert Kocharian said Turkey’s path to Europe would likely
influence relations between the two countries.

He said that once Turkey had expressed its wish to include itself in
the EU, it should mean normalisation of relations with its
neighbours, including Armenia.

`Consequently, the issue of Turkey’s accession course interests us
and we are waiting to see it become what it should become. This will
certainly influence Armenian-Turkish relations,’ Kocharian said.

The Armenian president also commented on the recent difficulties in
French-Turkish relations after Ankara said it was suspending
bilateral military ties with Paris

It was the latest step in a row over whether Armenians suffered
genocide at the hands of Ottoman Turks in 1915, after the French
National Assembly approved a bill criminalising denial of the
Armenian genocide.

Kocharian avoided commenting on the row, but welcomed moves by the
international community to recognise genocides and hoped that one day
Turkey could join the ranks.

`We believe the process of Turkey’s accession to the EU will lead to
a more open and honest debate in Turkish society where people can
express their opinions,’ Kocharian said.
`I know this a difficult process. I also know that the international
community, in recognising the various genocides that have taken
place, all contribute so that these matters can move forward to the
point where there is understanding of such things.’

Kocharian also said that `Armenia would like to see a speedy solution
to the Cyprus problem’, following his meeting with President Tassos
Papadopoulos.

Papadopoulos said that discussions with his Armenian counterpart
covered a wide range of issues, aiming at developing the bilateral
co-operation, in the fields of education, tourism, bank sector, and
culture.
He also expressed the belief that Armenians who live in Cyprus would
pave the way for new areas of co-operation, and accepted an
invitation from Kocharian to visit Armenia in 2007.

Prior to the meeting, an agreement was signed between the two
governments on co-operation in combating organised and other forms of
crime, which was initialled by Justice Minster Sophocles Sophocleous
and his Armenian counterpart Davit Harutyunyan.

The Messenger, Georgia
Nov 24 2006

World Armenian Congress criticizes Russia
By M. Alkhazashvili
(Translated by Tiko Giorgadze)

Armenia is concerned about the ongoing Russian blockade imposed on
Georgia. President of the World Armenian Congress, Ara Abramian,
urges Armenia to explain to Russia that economic sanctions against
Georgia hurt damage not only Georgia, but Armenia as well.

"We should explain to Russia that Georgia is not hurt by the closing
of the Zemo Larsi checkpoint, but it creates problems for Armenia, a
strategic partner of Russia. Before taking that step, Russia should
have tried to provide us with some kind of corridor," Abramian said.

"Armenia should develop its relations with Georgia further," he said,
as quoted by the newspaper Rezonansi.

News from Amsterdam, Netherlands
Nov 24 2006

More male and white MP’s

24 November 2006 – The number of ethnic minority MP’s will drop from
16 to 11 or 12, Allochtonenweblog predicts. Half of them are from
Amsterdam.

The Amsterdammers expected to be elected are Samira Abbos
(Social-Democrat PvdA), John Leerdam (PvdA), Sadet Karabulut (SP),
Laetitia Griffith (Conservative VVD), Naïma Azough (Green Party
GroenLinks) and Tofik Dibi (GroenLinks). The ANP news agency further
calculated that the share of women MP’s will drop from 39 to 36%.

The situation can still change if MP’s become members of the new
government and if non-elected candidates enter Parliament on the
basis of preferential votes. For example, Khadija Arib stands a good
chance of becoming an MP again if the PvdA will be part of the new
government.

Fatma Koser Kaya (Social-Liberal D66) might benefit from the campaign
Turkish organisations waged for her, to protest against the position
of PvdA and Christian-Democrat CDA in the debate about the Armenian
genocide. The preferential votes will be published Monday.

Financial Mirror, Cyprus
Nov 24 2006

Armenia always supports Cyprus, says Armenian President

24/11/2006

Armenia has always supported Cyprus in the international
organizations and sincerely wishes to see the Cyprus issue resolved
in a way which is most preferable for Cyprus, stated here tonight
President of Armenia Robert Kocharian.
`Turkey cannot pave its way to Europe without establishing normal
relations with its immediate neighbours’, the Armenian President told
an official dinner given in his honour by Cyprus President Tassos
Papadopoulos, at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia.
An EU member-state Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish
troops invaded and occupied 37 per cent of its territory.
Kocharian said the inclusion of his country in the European
Neighbourhood Policy is of great importance. `It shall raise our
relations with the European Union to a qualitatively new level.
Armenia strives to fully utilize the possibilities provided by this
European initiative,” the Armenian President noted.
He added his country attaches great significance to the establishment
of good friendly relations with its neighbour, as well as to the
regional cooperation.
Kocharian said unresolved conflicts hamper the process of natural
development of the South Caucasus. `We are committed to the peaceful
settlement of the Nagorno Karabagh conflict, which must be based on
the principles of self-determination of peoples and on the
international recognition of the Nagorno Karabagh Republic,’ he
noted.
The Armenian President said in recent years Cyprus has registered
impressive achievements. `The country’s membership of the European
Union is of historic significance. Your experience in incorporating
European standards as well as in strengthening the banking system,
and developing tourism is of interest to us’, he told the Cypriot
President.
He remarked that the Armenian community in Cyprus is among the oldest
in Europe, adding that that Armenians are not only actively
participating in the social and economic life of the country but have
also struggled together with the Greek Cypriot people against foreign
conquerors. They also bring their important contribution to the
strengthening of Armenian – Cypriot relations, the President of
Armenia concluded.

Today, Azerbaijan
Nov 24 2006

Ibrahim Burhanov: "Georgia should include refugees’ nationality in
repatriation law"

24 November 2006 [10:31] – Today.Az

Refugees’ nationality was not included in the law "Repatriation of
the refugees" passed in a few days in Georgia.

"We demand their nationality to be included in law," the chief of
Azerbaijani representation of Ahiska Turks’ International "Veten"
Society, Ibrahim Burhadov told APA.

UNO Head Assembly has a declaration about the protection of rooted
nations’ rights. "Georgia’s action should be regarded as the policy
of discrimination," Ibrahim Burhanov said.

He stated that Repatriation Fund should be established in six months
after the law is passed and the deportation to realize the
deportation. Georgia is in good terms with Armenians who intend to
establish Republic of Javakhetiya.

He also noted that 70 thousand Ahiska Turks live in Azerbaijan. "Our
aim is to ensure scattered Turks’ return to Georgia."

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