Month: November 2006

CONFERENCE TITLED “EXPLORING ICT TODAY FOR A BRIGHTER TOMORROW” TO BE HELD IN YEREVAN
Public Radio, Armenia
Nov 21 2006
Within the framework of the Armenia School Connectivity Program,
Project Harmony and the US Embassy announce an educational conference
entitled “Exploring ICT Today for a Brighter Tomorrow.” School
principals, Internet Computer Center administrators, and teachers
will share their innovative and successful experiences with their ASCP
colleagues. The Conference presentations will center on the following
themes: Internet Computer Centers as Sources for New Opportunities,
School Partnerships and Collaborative Projects, Internet Computer
Center-Community Links, Resource Creation and Information Management,
Implementation of ICT in Education, ICT and School Management.
The Conference will take place on November 21-22, 2006 at the Yerevan
Armenia Marriott Hotel.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ARMENIAN PARLIAMENTARY DELEGATION TO LEAVE FOR MOSCOW
Public Radio, Armenia
Nov 21 2006
November 23-25 Armenian Parliamentary delegation will leave for
Moscow on an official visit. Speaker of RA National Assembly Tigran
Torosyan said in a press conference today that during the meeting with
Russian parliamentarians urgent bilateral and regional issues will
be discussed. In his words, the visit of the Armenian delegation is
primarily targeted at clarifying the position of Russian colleagues
on those issues.
Urgent issues of the South Caucasus were discussed also in the
framework of the sitting of the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly held
November 15-16 in Saint Petersburg.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

CANADIAN AMBASSADOR HANDED HIS CREDENTIALS TO PRESIDENT KOCHARYAN
Public Radio, Armenia
Nov 21 2006
The newly appointed Ambassador of Canada Ralph Lysyshyn (seat in
Moscow) handed his credentials to President Robert Kocharyan.
Congratulating the diplomat, the President wished his success in
carrying out his high mission. Robert Kocharyan highly appreciated
the assistance of the Canadian Government to the process of reforms
implemented in our country. The interlocutors emphasized the necessity
of expanding the political dialogue between the two countries and
promoting the trade and economic cooperation.
Noting that in the economic sphere the bilateral indices are
rather modest, Robert Kocharyan stressed the importance of more
coordinated activity, activation of business contacts and exchange of
information. According to the President, Armenia is interested in close
cooperation with the Canadian Agency for International Development.
The parties ascribed a particular role to the Armenian community in
the further development of bilateral relations.
During the meeting reference was made to the process of the Karabakh
conflict resolution, Armenian-Turkish relations, other regional
questions.

KARABAGH IN THE CONTEXT OF THE EUROPEAN NEIGHBORHOOD
By Gayane Movsessian
Yerkir, Armenia
Nov 17 2006
Signing of European Neighborhood individual action plans for Armenia,
Azerbaijan and Georgia on November 14 in Brussels became the most
important foreign policy event for the three Caucasus countries.
European Commissioner for external relations and neighborhood policy
Benita Ferrero-Waldner noted that the three documents were signed
with the Caucasus states simultaneously and this was done on purpose.
“The action plans are aimed at promoting regional integration. Today
we must work individually with each of the states but we should
also develop economic integration in the region in transport,
communications, energy and other sectors.” The European Commissioner
expressed hope that the documents will contribute to the settlement
of conflicts in the region.
Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanian and his Azeri counterpart
Elmar Mammedyarov assured that signing these documents “opens a new
phase” in the Karabagh negotiations process and will constitute a
step towards “Caucasus with no borders”. At the joint press conference
held in Brussels Oskanian and Mammedyarov stated they are determined
to achieve progress in the Karabagh settlement process.
Mammedyarov characterized the frozen conflicts as “the main challenge
for the South Caucasus”.
During the interview given to the Armenian Public TV Mammedyarov noted
that the settlement of the conflict will allow solving the issue of
refugees commenting in this context on the refugees from Shahumian
region. “We shouldn’t be afraid to speak about this,” Mammedyarov
stated. The Armenian Foreign Minister stressed that the Action Plans
signed with the European Union “contain the common vision of the
situation in the region. If we go on to discuss the Karabagh issue this
will be a principally new phase in the negotiation process. We will do
our best to accomplish progress and prepare our presidents’ meeting on
this issue,” Oskanian stated. On this note, the Foreign Ministers of
the two countries proceeded with the next round of Karabagh settlement
negotiations that were held in Brussels on the same day under the
patronage of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs. However, as always the
details and results of the meeting are not publicized. It was noted
that the meeting was held in a constructive spirit and that next week
the mediators will visit the region to discuss the planned meeting
the of the Armenian and Azeri presidents to be held on November 28
in the framework of the CIS Summit in Moscow.
As the Russian Co-Chair Yuri Merzlyakov announced earlier, the
mediators expected the Brussels meeting to result “at least in
agreement around issues that were discussed during the two previous
meetings. If this happens, many things will become clear including
the issue of the next meeting between the presidents”.
The Co-Chairs still hope that Yerevan and Baku will manage to come
to an agreement around the main principles by the end of 2006 or
beginning of 2007. Once such an agreement is achieved the mediators
will start working on the framework agreement. “The document contains
the principles which should be supplemented with specific actions that
should be envisaged n the agreement. We cannot say that immediately
after the principles are agreed upon their specific implementation
will start. For instance, the principle of withdrawal of armed forces:
the principle is accepted, but the document should state when and how
this should be done, from which regions. Or for example, the principle
of peacekeeping – what kind of peacekeeping, who will do it, where
and when? We need time to settle these issues”.
There are several articles in the EU Action Plans signed with Armenia
and Azerbaijan that cover the Karabagh settlement. The plans have not
been publicized either in Yerevan or in Baku, therefore we cannot
refer to any specific provisions. It is known, however, that the
document signed with Armenia contains references to the people’s
right to self-determination.
According to Turan Press Agency, provisions on Nagorno Karabagh are
listed as top priorities in the Action Plans of both countries. The
documents also contain a statement on EU’s readiness to contribute
to the peaceful settlement of the conflict. “The European Union
supports the Karabagh settlement process in the framework of UN SC’s
resolutions, OSCE decisions and supports the efforts of the OSCE
Minsk Group,” the Turkish press agency informs.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry of Azerbaijan informs that signing of the
Action Plan in Brussels was followed by adopting a “Joint Statement
of Azerbaijan and the European Union” that will be included in the
protocol of the Cooperation Committee. According to representative
of the Azeri Foreign Affairs Ministry Tayir Tagizade, this document
will contain several provisions important for Azrebaijan, including
the Nagorno Karabagh issue.
“The document states that the Cooperation Committee reaffirms
protection of the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity
of Azerbaijan and contributes to the peace and stability in Europe.
The Cooperation Committee supports the speedy settlement of the
Karabagh conflict based on the principles of international law and
in the framework of the UN SC’s resolutions and OSCE documents and
decisions,” Tagizade stated.
The situation can be analyzed in more details only after the plans for
the two countries are publicized. However, the Azeri Foreign Affairs
Ministry’s statement can be a signal that any significant progress
in the negotiation process is still a far goal.
Baku’s stopping the arms race and anti-Armenian propaganda as well as
specific actions aimed at cooperation might signal its readiness for
consensuses in the Karabagh settlement process. In order to achieve
this, the Azeri leadership would have to radically review its foreign
and domestic policies. It is very difficult to believe that such
a transformation will take place in Azerbaijan, especially in the
short term.

AMERICAN ARMENIAN COMMUNITY SHOULD PURSUE GENOCIDE RESOLUTION ADOPTION IN CONGRESS
Yerkir, Armenia
Nov 17 2006
Armenian Revolutionary Federation Bureau’s Hay Dat and Political
Affairs Office Director Kiro Manoyan commented Thursday on possible
developments following the midterm elections to the US Congress.
Manoyan was asked whether it was realistic to expect that the US
Congress could adopt a Genocide bill taking into account that the
possible candidate for the chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee
has a pro-Turkish stance.
“It is an assumption, like the assumption that Nancy Pelosi is to
become the speaker of the Congress,” Manoyan answered. “Democrats
would initiate nothing on their own, they have no reason to adopt
a Genocide bill. The outcome depends on the extend of the influence
of the American Armenian community. However, I believe the Democrats
would make one step forward.”
Manoyan added that it is the Armenian community that should pursue
the case. Besides, Manoyan said, there have been similar resolutions
endorsed by both Democrats and Republicans but no vote has been
scheduled by the Congress speaker. The Armenian community should work
toward including such resolutions on the agenda of the full Congress.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

NKR PRESIDENT GHUKASSIAN’S MEETINGS IN THE UNITED STATES
Azat Artsakh, Republic of Nagorno Karabakh
Nov 21 2006
NKR President Arkady Ghukassian is visiting the United States on these
days for the annual telethon in Los Angeles, which will take place
on November 23. In New York, the NKR president met with the head of
Eurasia Group Jan Bremer, Edil Hovnanian and Van Grigorian, members
of the board of the Armenian Assembly of America. During the meeting,
the president told about the prospects of settlement of the conflict,
as well as state building, enhancement of defense, economic reforms and
democracy in NKR. Arkady Ghukassian thanked the AAA for the lobbing
of Nagorno Karabakh’s interests at the U.S. Congress. In Detroit,
the president met with Rep. Joe Knollenberg. Arkady Ghukassian
congratulated him on his reelection to the House, and thanked for
his support in upholding the interests of Nagorno Karabakh. For his
part, Mr. Knollenberg, who is the head of the Armenian Caucus of
the U.S. Congress, states his willingness to continue to deal with
the problems of Karabakh. The president also met with the Armenian
community in Detroit. In Boston Arkady Ghukassian met with Caroline
Mughar, the president of the board of the Armenian Assembly of
America. “The foreign policy of Nagorno-Karabakh Republic is aimed
at the peace settlement of the conflict with Azerbaijan,” he stated
at the Los Angeles Council for International Affairs. The loyalty of
NKR to a peace settlement is not a sign of weakness, and it does not
mean that the people of Karabakh cannot defend themselves in case a
war ignites, he said.
“The conceptual approach of Karabakh to the relations with Azerbaijan
is based on the perception that presently new standards and rules of
international relations are forming in the world, which if observed,
will grant the publics and nations equal rights to defend their
national interests,” Arkady Ghukassian said. He said regarding the
resolution of the conflict that a settlement which would endanger
the security of NKR, let alone the independence from Azerbaijan is
unacceptable for Karabakh. The NKR president called the mediators,
including the United States, to work out a separate memorandum
rejecting resumption of the war and emphasizing the necessity to settle
the problems in negotiations and offer it to the conflict parties
to sign. In his address Arkady Ghukassian presented the reforms in
different spheres of life in NKR and building of a civil society in
NKR. At the same time, he emphasized the importance of adoption of the
NKR Constitution and informed that it will be put to popular voting on
December 10, 2006. According to the president, the NKR Constitution
will reflect the desires and determination of the people on state
building in Nagorno Karabakh. In Los Angeles Arkady Ghukassian also met
with Armenian benefactors Vahe Karapetian, Isahak Vardanian, Gevorg
Voskanian, Mark Kirakos, member of the board of trustees of Armenia
Foundation. The president also met with the primate of the Eastern
Diocese of the United States Archbishop Hovnan Terterian, reports
the department of information of the NKR president administration.

WILSON DENIES WASHINGTON SUPPORT FOR PEJAK
The New Anatolian, Turkey
Nov 21 2006
U.S. Ambassador to Ankara Ross Wilson denied late Monday published
reports that Washington supports the Iranian branch of the terrorist
Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) in order to destabilize Tehran.
Speaking to reporters during a reception given to mark Lebanon’s
national day, Wilson said, “Some people might say different things
about this. I don’t know if the U.S. has officially announced it,
but I consider Pejak [the Party for Free Life in Kurdistan] the
brother of the terrorist PKK.”
“The U.S. doesn’t support the PKK and we’re not working together with
Pejak,” the U.S. ambassador added.
In this week’s issue of The New Yorker magazine, investigative
journalist Seymour Hersh claimed that the U.S. has supported Pejak,
terrorist PKK’s Iran branch, in order to destabilize the Iranian
regime. According to the article, written by the Pulitzer Prize
winner who in 2004 exposed the scandal in Iraq’s Abu Ghraib prison,
the U.S. support for Pejak has been taking place for the last six
months. Hersh claimed that besides the U.S., Israel has given equipment
and training to terrorist groups to make them launch attacks in
Iran. According to article, Pentagon also has covert relationships with
Kurdish, Azeri, and Baluchi tribesmen, and has encouraged their efforts
to undermine the regime’s authority in northern and southeastern Iran.
Asked whether the U.S. Special Envoy for countering the PKK Joseph
Ralston will visit Turkey soon, Wilson replied, “There’s no visit
planned for now. There should be a tangible reason for a visit.”
Touching on a recent controversy when White House security guards
tried to subject Deputy Chief of General Staff Gen. Ergin Saygun
to a body search, Wilson said, “I think Saygun rejected the Secret
Service’s general procedure applied to the visitors when entering
the White House. I’m sorry about the incident.”
‘Democrats winning Congress won’t affect relations with Turkey’
Wilson stated that the Democrats winning the U.S. Congress won’t lead
to an important change in relations with Turkey, especially concerning
the Armenian genocide claims.
Pointing out that under the U.S. Constitution U.S. President George
W. Bush is responsible for foreign relations, Wilson stated that the
U.S. president and the administration will continue to exert efforts
to improve relations with Turkey.

IRANIAN ACTOR IN SEX VIDEO SCANDAL SAYS EX-FIANCE FAKED FOOTAGE
Robert Tait in Tehran
Guardian Unlimited, UK
Nov 22 2006
· Former boyfriend faces prison after extradition
· 100,000 copies circulating amid cultural clean-up
Ebrahimi has dismissed the film as a fake made by a vengeful former
fiance. Photograph: Robert Tait
An Iranian actor at the centre of a video sex scandal has spoken
for the first time publicly to deny being a collaborator in the now
notorious home-made film.
Zahra Amir Ebrahimi, one of Iran’s best known television performers,
is facing social ostracism, a wrecked career and a possible lashing
after police seized copies of the footage, which appears to show her
having sex.
The film, which has been distributed in street markets and posted
on websites, has caused profound shock at a time when Mahmoud
Ahmadinejad’s Islamist government is trying to banish the “corrupting”
effects of western culture.
It has been given added impact by Ebrahimi’s reputation for playing
religious, morally upstanding characters in Iranian state TV soaps.
One highly successful series, Narges, was watched by an estimated 68%
of the population.
Police interrogated Ebrahimi at length after being alerted to the
film’s existence. She has not been charged but investigations are
continuing.
However, in an exclusive interview with the Guardian, Ebrahimi, 25,
denied being the woman in the film. She dismissed it as a fake made
by a vengeful former fiance who used studio techniques to form a
montage of incriminating images designed to destroy her career.
“I watched the film after I heard about the fuss from colleagues and
the girl in it is not me,” Ebrahimi said.
“I admit there are some similarities to the character I played in
Narges. It is possible to use studio make-up to have a person look
like me. I have some knowledge of montage techniques and I know you
can create a new face by distorting the features of another person.”
Legal experts say Ebrahimi’s denial may be sufficient to avoid
punishment. Under Iranian law, video footage must be corroborated
by supporting evidence or a confession. According to the legal code,
sex between two unmarried people carries punishment of up to 99 lashes.
Ebrahimi’s ex-fiance, an assistant film producer who has been referred
to publicly only as Mr X, is in custody after being extradited from
Armenia. He faces up to three years in jail and a £6,000 fine if found
guilty of making and distributing the film, which contravenes Iran’s
strict indecency laws.
He admits taking part but claims that Ebrahimi suggested the film,
which he says was shot in her home, and then distributed it herself.
However, in a 45-minute interview, Ebrahimi – wearing a hijab and a
long woollen coat – said her former fiance threatened revenge after
she ended their relationship a year ago because of his infidelity.
“He had a lot of affairs and our relationship ended in a very immoral
way,” she said. “He said he would do something that would mean I would
be unable to hold my head up and would prevent me ever working again in
Iran. I think this film is him trying to put his threats into action.”
An estimated 100,000 copies have been circulating in the last two
months. The accompanying publicity has prompted some parents to voice
concern that their children have asked to see the film, which has
been dubbed Narges II.
Private films showing sex scenes are not uncommon in Iran. However,
Ebrahimi’s high profile and the ongoing cultural clean-up campaign
have prompted a sensitive reaction from the authorities. Tehran’s
chief prosecutor, Saeed Mortazavi, has ordered police to conduct a
special investigation and wants death sentences for those convicted
of circulating such productions.
Ebrahimi acknowledged that she had been emotionally upset but denied
reports that the affair had driven her to attempt suicide. Her acting
career is in jeopardy amid reports that her employers are considering
dropping her.
But Ebrahimi, who comes from a religious family, said the heaviest
burden came from being accused of immorality in a religious society.
“According to the moral norms of Iranian society, it is very damaging
for this film to be distributed under my name,” she said. “If you
look at my professional resume, you will see that I have taken part
in mainly spiritual or religious films and programmes.
“My parents and I thought we were living in a society with common
sense. Instead, we find that 90% of people are following this thing
and taking it seriously. If people have a chance, they are curious
about indecent and vulgar things.”
–Boundary_(ID_XkbCqCpCwKvrLtrmwhRa 6A)–

PROJECTS ARE READY
Azat Artsakh, Republic of Nagorno Karabakh
Nov 21 2006
On November 23 the annual telethon in Los Angeles will raise money for
the Revival of Artsakh Project. Since 1992 the foundation has carried
out a number of projects involving building of, houses, laying out of
roads, gas pipelines and power transmission lines. The donations of
this year are for the reconstruction of infrastructures in the region
of Hadrut. According to the project director of Armenia Foundation
in Artsakh, the projects on drinking water supply, construction of
roads and schools, as well as improvement of the health sector have
been drawn up.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

OSCE PRESENTS EXPERT RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE DIGITAL BROADCASTING DRAFT PLAN OF ARMENIA
Organization for Security and Co-Operation in Europe (OSCE)

Nov 22 2006
YEREVAN, 22 November 2006 – An OSCE expert review of Armenia’s draft
plan for digital TV and radio broadcasting in the country was presented
today in Yerevan.
The report highlighted that social and economic issues, as well as
infrastructure development, were key issues of concern when it comes
to ensuring more access to broadcasting in Armenia. It was also
recommended that more attention should be paid to avoid monopolization.
In an address delivered on his behalf in the Armenian capital, Miklos
Haraszti, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, welcomed
the Armenian Government’s initiative to establish a regulatory basis
for the digitalization of broadcasting media and to encourage a public
discussion on the move.
“This ‘switch-over’ from analogue to digital transmission will
multiply the number of available channels and make state licensing
largely unnecessary,” he said in his speech.
Ambassador Vladimir Pryakhin, Head of the OSCE Office in Yerevan said:
“I hope that today’s discussion will help identify the challenges in
making the ‘switch-over’ an achievable and well-managed objective. This
is very important for the safeguarding and promotion of media pluralism
in Armenia.”
Following the allocation of a digital terrestrial frequency range
to Armenia by the International Telecommunications Union earlier in
the year, the Armenian authorities drafted an implementation plan
as an initial step to put into practice the changes from analogue to
digital broadcasting. At the request of the Armenian Government, the
OSCE Media Representative, who in an earlier country report on Armenia
had recommended to establish the legislative framework for the switch
to digital broadcasting, provided an expert review on the draft plan.
The presentation of the expert review was organized by the OSCE
Office in Yerevan, the Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom
of the Media together with the the Open Society Institute Assistance
Foundation-Armenia, and the Armenian Ministry of Transport and
Communication.