VYMPELCOM INTEREST IN ARMENIA’S ARMENTEL REACHES 100%
SKRIN Market & Corporate News
April 19, 2007 Thursday
VympelCom has bought 10% of stocks in ArmenTel from the Government
of Armenia. The equity stock was valued at RUR38.6mln. Selling price
of stocks was set at 1/9 of the price of 90% of stocks, purchased by
VympelCom in November 2006, in compliance with the MOU signed by the
parties, the company’s press service told SKRIN.
CEC ESTABLISHES FORM OF APPLICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS OF DISTRICT ELECTORAL COMMISSIONS TO BE FORMED FROM APRIL 23
Noyan Tapan
Apr 19 2007
YEREVAN, APRIL 19, NOYAN TAPAN. At the April 19 sitting RA CEC
established the form of application of appointment of members of
district electoral commissions. The application of appointing members
of district electoral commissions by a member of constituency electoral
commission will include the latters’ personal data and the number of
qualification certificate. The copy of qualification certificate will
be attached to it.
To recap, according to the schedule of preparation and holding of
the main events of May 12 parliamentary elections, district electoral
commissions should be formed from April 23 to April 26, 18:00.
CEC also made a decision about using electoral documents’ sack of
one-time use. According to the decision, in case of necessity to
recalculate the votes, the sack will be opened from below, then it
will be closed by laces of one-time use intended for ballot-boxes
and will be sealed and signed by commission member.
By another decision the commission rejected accreditation of observers
of Noyemberian’s Association of Young Christian Women NGO due to lack
of issues of democracy and human rights among the regulation issus
of the organization.
As CEC Chairman Garegin Azarian stated, as of April 19, 28 NGOs and
5 international organizations are accredited in CEC. To recap, the
deadline for accrediting observers is May 2.
HOLDING OF ELECTIONS WITH FALSIFICATIONS WILL THROW BACK COUNTRY’S DEVELOPMENT BY DOZENS OF STEPS, HAMLET HOVSEPIAN CONSIDERS
Noyan Tapan
Apr 19 2007
YEREVAN, APRIL 19, NOYAN TAPAN. Holding of free, fair and transparent
elections is necessary for the authorities, too. Hamlet Hovsepian,
Honorary Chairman of Union of Freedom Fight Veterans Party nominated
by the same party by majoritarian system at electoral district N 5
(Arabkir-Davitashen), reported at the April 19 press conference. He
said that everybody should be above party, group interests, as "the
issue of state’s image is set." In H. Hovsepian’s words, holding
elections with falsifications one more time "will throw back country’s
development by dozens of steps."
He said that the first point of his preelectoral program mentions the
necessity to adopt a law on the status of families of freedom-fighters,
perished and injured freedom-fighters. Besides, the program contains
provisions regarding development of small and medium-sized business,
encouragement of local producers, perfection of Customs Code.
H. Hovsepian stated that in case of being elected he will struggle for
liquidating deputy immunity. In his words, if a deputy commits a crime,
no consent of NA is necessary for calling him for criminal liability.
It was also mentioned that cases of giving electoral bribe,
intimidation are already taking place at electoral district N 5. "We
are not afraid, as freedom-fighters have passed rather a serious way,"
H. Hovsepian said adding that ARF Dashnaktsutiun and Orinats Yerkir
(Country of Law) Parties also support him.
EU AGREES TO PENALTIES FOR RACISM AND XENOPHOBIA
by Fabrice Randoux
Agence France Presse — English
April 19, 2007 Thursday 7:48 PM GMT
The European Union on Thursday made inciting racism and xenophobia
crimes throughout its 27 member states in a landmark decision tempered
by caveats to appease free speech concerns.
The new deal specifies one- to three-year prison terms be available
for incitement to violence or hatred "against a group of persons
or a member of such a group defined by reference to race, colour,
religion, descent or national or ethnic origin".
That could include the sending of "tracts, pictures or other material."
The deal, reached by EU justice ministers in Luxembourg, display’s
"Europe’s "common moral values", EU Justice Commissioner Franco
Frattini told reporters.
It comes after almost six years of wrangling and falls short of
Germany’s ambitions of specifically outlawing Holocaust denial.
The text also notes that "member states may choose to punish only
conduct which is either carried out in a manner likely to disturb
public order or which is threatening, abusive or insulting."
German Justice Minister Brigitte Zypries nonetheless hailed the
decision as "an important political signal" following failures in
2003 and 2005 to reach such a deal.
Germany had wanted to outlaw the denial of the murder of six million
Jews by the Nazis and their collaborators during World War II before
its six-month term at the helm of the EU runs out at the end of June.
Holocaust denial was made a crime in Germany in 1985 and the use of
Nazi insignia is forbidden.
Building on the most recent attempt, spearheaded by Luxembourg in
2005, the measure has consistently run up against the problems that
it might pose for free speech.
To make the text acceptable to Britain, Ireland and the Scandinavian
states — particularly concerned about curbs to their freedoms of
expression — Holocaust denial will only qualify under the EU-wide
rules if it is deemed likely to incite hatred.
It is covered in a clause that states that the penalties will also
apply to "publicly, condoning, denying or grossly trivialising crimes
of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes," as defined by
the International Criminal Court and the post-World War II Nuremberg
trials.
The wording could also apply to crimes against humanity perpetrated
in Srebrenica, Rwanda and elsewhere.
The EU sentencing framework can of course be higher under national
rules and Holocaust denial is already specifically targeted by laws
in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Poland and Romania.
"Attempts to harmonise EU laws on hate crimes are both illiberal and
nonsensical," European Liberal Democrat Leader Graham Watson said in
a statement summing up the British opposition.
"The proposed list risks opening the floodgates on a plethora of
historical controversies — like the crimes of the Stalinist regime or
the alleged Armenian genocide — whose inclusion could pose a grave
threat to freedom of speech. The EU has no business legislating on
history," he added.
"The text is in a sense more symbolic and political than judicial,"
said a French diplomat while stressing "the importance of having the
EU 27 on the same platform against racism".
Debate on the measure lasted several hours, largely due to the Baltic
states wish to include Stalinist crimes in the text. That idea was
rejected by the other EU members who argued that such crimes were
not principally racist.
In a compromise move, the EU member states also adopted a declaration
deploring all crimes committed by totalitarian regimes.
After the new rules are adopted, member states will have two years
to comply with the decision.
The Baltic states — Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia — indicated that
their parliament would first have to agree to the text.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
PRESS RELEASE
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia
Contact: Information Desk
Tel: (374-10) 52-35-31
Email: [email protected]
Web:
Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian concluded a two-day working visit to
Austria.
Minister Oskanian was received by Austria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs,
Mrs. Ursula Plassnik on Monday, April 16 in Vienna. The extensive meeting
allowed the Ministers to exchange views on bilateral, regional and global
matters. Minister Oskanian briefed his Austrian colleague on developments
in the Nagorno Karabakh settlement process. Minister Plassnik asked about
the upcoming elections and stressed their importance.
Austria’s Secretary of State Hans Winkler hosted a working lunch for the
Minister and the delegation. The two discussed the full bilateral agenda,
together with regional matters and issues related to the European Union’s
policies in the Caucasus.
On the evening of April 16, Minister Oskanian addressed a full house at
the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna. The audience included diplomats,
students and journalists, as well as members of the Armenian community.
The Minister presented Armenia’s foreign policy choices, decisions and
directions in the context of the Caucasus region, the neighborhood and
global developments.
On April 17, Minister Oskanian met with the Austrian National Council’s
Foreign Relations Committee. Members of the committee heard the Minister
address their questions regarding Armenia’s democratic and economic
development, upcoming elections, the role of women in government,
Armenia’s energy situation, as well as regional developments.
During the two-day visit, Minister Oskanian also addressed the Permanent
Council of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr.Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
Web:
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon
Armenian version:
THE STANDING COMMITTEE OF THE ORIENTAL ORTHODOX CHURCHES
IN THE MIDDLE EAST MEETS IN ANTELIAS
A meeting of the Standing Committee of Oriental Orthodox Churches, which
have their headquarters in the Middle East, was held in Antelias on April 16
with the participation of representatives from the Coptic, Syrian and
Armenian Churches.
This meeting, which precedes the annual meeting of the three Oriental
Orthodox spiritual Heads, carried out a number of preparatory tasks
regarding the agenda of the upcoming meeting.
The members of the Standing Committee, headed by Metropolitan Bishoy
(Coptic Orthodox Church), Metropolitan George Saliba (Syrian Orthodox
Church) and Bishop Nareg Alemezian (Armenian Orthodox Church- Catholicosate
of Cilicia), had an audience with His Holiness Aram I to have his guidance
in respect to agenda items. His Holiness emphasized the importance of
ecumenical meetings which must give a clear priority to collaboration
between the churches on the local level, he said: "Ecumenism remains a
conceptual notion if it is not translated into a quality of life and
collaboration on the local level".
PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr.Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
Web:
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon
Armenian version:
HIS HOLINESS ARAM I RECEIVES THE MECC GENERAL SECRETARY
His Holiness Aram I received the General Secretary of the Middle East
Council of Churches (MECC), Gerges Saleh, in Antelias on April 17, on the
sidelines of other ecumenical meetings taking place in the Catholicosate of
Cilicia’s headquarters these days.
The Catholicos and the MECC officer discussed the council’s activities in
the last few months particularly with respect to women’s and youth
formation, as well as social issues.
Discussion also focused on the 9th MECC Assembly to be held in Cyprus in
November. Saleh requested His Holiness’ input on making sure the conference
is useful and purposeful. The Pontiff expressed his viewpoints in this
respect, emphasizing the need for a full and active contribution by the
member churches, as well as a clear division of labor regarding the council’s
future activities. He also highlighted the importance of selection in
deciding on the council’s future projects so as to make them meet the
challenges of modern times and growing needs of the churches.
PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr.Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
Web:
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon
Armenian version:
HIS HOLINESS ARAM I RECEIVES MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT GHASSAN TOUEINI
The chief editor of "An-Nahar" newspaper and member of the Lebanese
parliament Ghassan Toueini visited His Holiness Aram I in Antelias on April
17 accompanied by Lebanese-Armenian MP Hagop Pakradouni.
His Holiness and his guests discussed the recent political developments on
the local and international arena and the current situation in Lebanon in
this context. They particularly discussed the imperative of normalizing the
daily life of the Lebanese citizens and putting an end to paralysis of state
institutions in the country.
MP Toueini talked about the revision of the electoral law, which was
proposed by a committee appointed by the parliament. Expressing his
viewpoints on this issue, the Pontiff emphasized finding a common
denominator between all parties taking into consideration the importance of
participation and representation as key elements in seeking a new electoral
law. He also stressed the importance of strengthening Lebanon’s internal
unity; "Lebanon is a family of communities. We must deepen the coherence and
collaboration between the members of Lebanese family" said His Holiness.
##
View the photo here: #2
PRESS RELEASE
The Heritage Party
31 Moscovian Street
Yerevan, Armenia
Tel.: (+374 – 10) 53.69.13
Fax: (+374 – 10) 53.26.97
Email: [email protected]; [email protected]
Website:
April 18, 2007
Heritage Campaign Heads for Vayots Dzor and Siunik, Receives Delegation From
the International Republican Institute
On Wednesday, April 18, Heritage Party candidates, party faithful, and
volunteers took the campaign bus "Toward Victory" on a two-day journey to
the Vayots Dzor and Siunik marzes and surrounding cities and villages.
During their first stop at Zangakatun, they placed flowers at the Paruir
Sevak memorial and visited the great poet’s home-museum.
The campaign journey contunied at Yegheknadzor, where Raffi K. Hovannisian
and party representatives received a warm reception by local residents.
Successful public meetings were held also in Malishka, Vayk, Jermuk, and
Sisian. At Vayk, it is worth mentioning, the meeting was held at an
auditorium provided by the town hall.
Regrettably, however, the journey also had its share of unfortunate
incidents. At Areni, the village elder confronted Heritage representatives,
saying that no one could hold any election campaign in his village without a
5-day notice. Raffi Hovannisian, however, corrected the village elder.
"Areni is no one’s private property. It first belongs to all the villagers,
and then to the entire people of Armenia," he said.
Today and tomorrow, "Toward Victory" takes its message to the Vayots Dzor
and Siunik marzes and surrounding cities and villages.
Also today at campaign headquarters in Yerevan, Heritage Party spokesman
Hovsep Khurshudian, manager of the party’s headquarters Gevorg Kalenchian,
Heritage’s representative at the Central Election Commission Armen
Martirosian, and party faithful received a delegation from the International
Republican Institute (IRI). The delegation comprised director Stephen B. Nix
of IRI’s Eurasia Division, in-country representative Meri Kosian, and Rasa
Alisauskiene, an expert from the Baltic Services of the Gallup Organization.
The guests presented the latest results of IRI’s survey, according to which
Heritage’s rating registers a steady monthly growth. It is also apparent
that the majority of the Armenian public is dissatisfied with the current
situation and places its hopes on noble, untainted, trustworthy, and
patriotic political figures. The majority of the poll’s respondents still
consider Raffi Hovannisian one such person.
Founded in 2002, Heritage has regional divisions throughout the land. Its
central office is located at 31 Moscovian Street, Yerevan 0002, Armenia,
with telephone contact at (374-10) 536.913, fax at (374-10) 532.697, email
at [email protected] or [email protected], and website at
MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA
—————————————— —-
PRESS AND INFORMATION DEPARTMENT
Government House # 2, Republic Square
Yerevan 0010, Republic of Armenia
Telephone: +37410. 544041 ext 202
Fax: +37410. 562543
Email: [email protected]
INFORM ATION FOR JOURNALISTS
18-04-2007
Statement by H. E. Vartan Oskanian
at the 660th Special meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council
17 April 2007, Vienna
Mr. Chairman, distinguished colleagues and friends,
I thank you for this opportunity to address the Permanent Council. My
previous appearances here have been gratifying to me and I hope that this
Council itself found it useful to hear directly from me about Armenia’s
priorities and policies.
I myself have found our meetings helpful because this is the opportunity to
directly, clearly talk about our issues with an audience that is most
knowledgeable, in a forum that is most relevant.
The discussions and reflections about the OSCE’s relevance of course
continue. Although Armenia may see this organization as indispensable, there
is no denying that its costs and benefits are being assessed very
differently in various capitals. Some would like to further empower this
organization, others are reluctant to do so.
Concern over OSCE’s effectiveness in carrying on its relevant mandates gave
us the Panel of Eminent Persons, who in 2005 looked rather comprehensively
at the question of reform. We do not believe the organizational, operational
challenges identified by the Panel and its recommendations have been fully
addressed and embraced. We see and understand why those who resist further
efforts see the present arrangements and methods sufficient and satisfying.
However, the frustration and restlessness of those who continue to see and
experience the inequities, partisan approach, two-tiered distribution of
Participating States continues. Therefore, it is essential that we persist
in efforts to collectively adopt ways to make our organization more
effective and coherent. As the OSCE pursues transparency, rule-based
applications, inclusive participation, equality of opportunities and even
playing fields inside the political systems of states, we believe it would
be extremely appropriate if the same patterns of democratic conduct were
practiced within the OSCE itself, among all members.
Our delegation is ready to fully engage in ensuring the robust viability of
an OSCE that is very much a pillar of our foreign policy landscape, and also
a partner in developing and instituting domestic democratic processes,
including election reform.
Mr. Chairman,
I know that the OSCE, its institutions and its members are watching as we
embark on parliamentary elections next month.
The long-term observer team sent by ODIHR under the leadership of Ambassador
Frlec of Slovenia has already started its work. These elections, to be held
on May 12th, will also be observed by a large contingent of short term
observers deployed on Election Day. We welcome them and we would encourage
OSCE member states to participate with observers.
Many of us in and out of government are deeply committed to improve our
score, to strive for elections in line with international norms. While past
mistakes are undeniable, we should not be presumed guilty for the future. We
have changed our election law, we’re moving from a strong presidential
system to a system where the role of the parliament is being enlarged. This
is a serious change, there are now new checks and balances in our
government, it enhances the role of parliament and through them the role of
political parties. Therefore, during these elections, each party will
struggle for votes, defend its vote, and watch others in order to assure
their share of power.
But fair and free elections require the good will and good intentions of
everyone: not only government, the elections commission, the ruling party,
but the entire society, and also the opposition parties. Unfortunately,
those with great doubt about their own electability are more than eager to
convince outsiders that their political weaknesses are solely due to the
machinations and insincerity of those in the majority. To avoid this, we
need to make monitors vigilant and aware of this fact, as well as generally
aware of the Armenian reality. As I meet with members of the observation
team, I have noticed that those now involved in observation missions in
Armenia as well as in monitoring of the media situation are more aware than
before of the problems with reliance on hearsay and mechanistic,
quantitative methods, without an understanding of the cultural and political
realities on the ground. Of course, in Armenia, as well as everywhere East
and West of Vienna, incumbency has its privileges and advantages that cannot
be reduced to simple calculations of candidates’ airtime. And, in Armenia as
elsewhere, there is a curious correlation between rising standards of living
and the cost of financing electoral campaigns.
Of course, these elections are a serious challenge for Armenia to
demonstrate its determination to consolidate through free and fair elections
its progress towards democratization and the rule of law. Together, all of
us — government, opposition, with the OSCE’s help — will further Armenia’s
democratization process.
Mr. Chairman,
OSCE’s assistance to Armenia’s democratization and the modernization of its
political structures is of course not limited to the agenda of ODIHR and the
Office of the Representative of Freedom of Media. The OSCE office in Yerevan
has been a useful presence and partner for longer than six years. It has
accomplished some projects, initiated others, and remains engaged in a
variety of reform related activities.
The Melange project is nearing its completion. Through the participation of
our Defense Ministry, the expertise of the planners and the implementers and
thanks to the generosity of donors, the melange project can serve as a model
for implementing serious programs thru collective efforts.
Among many other items, let me single out the elaboration and implementation
of a regional economic/environmental development plan for the province of
Syunik, our southernmost area and facing multiple challenges. My Ministry is
deeply committed to make this initiative succeed both for its own sake and
as a model for similar actions elsewhere in the country.
Mr. Chairman,
Armenia’s economy is doing well. This is the 7th year of double-digit
growth. The inflation rate is low, around 3%, our exports are increasing,
foreign investment is increasing, our foreign reserves are increasing. Such
positive macroeconomic achievements allow us to address the more problematic
issues in our economy – unemployment, low incomes, poverty. There’s one
other major problem we need to address and that is the gap between rural and
urban areas.
Mr. Chairman,
Before I talk about the Nagorno Karabakh conflict negotiation process, let
me continue on this economic theme and link it to the conflict. There is an
ironic phenomenon that is connected to our economic development. It seemed
to us that for about ten years after the cease-fire, Azerbaijan, and its
ally Turkey, expected Armenia to collapse under the weight of poverty,
economic stagnation and despair. This hasn’t happened and it will not
happen. But no lessons are being learned from this experience. The blockade
continues. And with new efforts: The evidence is the recent signing of a
deal to begin construction of a new railroad that will circumvent Armenia.
We never expected that new initiatives, Baku-Ceyhan for example, would go
through Armenia, but it’s amazing to even contemplate that one might
consider spending $700 mil to $1 billion to build a new railroad where there
is an existing rail that will perform the same function, just to bypass
Armenia. We’ve said to them — use the existing one, Armenia would be
willing not to be a beneficiary of the running of the railroad, we won’t
transport our goods on that railroad, we won’t even charge transit fees,
just use it, instead of spending $700 million. But Turkey and Azerbaijan
have not met us halfway on this issue. No lessons have been learned
obviously. We regret this. Let me repeat, Armenia will not be isolated, but
we can be alienated. A new railroad will not make us succumb, it will not do
more harm than the existing closed border. It’s the political environment
that will suffer, that’s what we regret, not the economic benefits. We will
continue to advocate that the existing rail line be opened. And we will go
further, and ask that Turkey open the border and establish normal ties with
Armenia. We have no preconditions to normal ties. And we expect that Turkey,
too, won’t have preconditions. This is the last closed border in Europe, and
it needs to open, so that Turkey can engage in the region more positively,
and bring its positive contribution to the NK conflict.
Regarding the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, I believe we could be close to a
resolution. I have been Minister for nine years now. Five years before being
appointed Minister, I was part of the team negotiating the Nagorno Karabakh
issue. I have seen all the proposals that have ever been produced by the
mediators, and if I were to base my judgment purely on the content of the
document on basic principles at hand, I can assure you that we’ve never been
this close. What we have today is the most sensible, the most balanced. This
is a trade-off among principles, this gives something to everyone, and
denies every maximalist demand the sides might have. It is a balanced
approach and we hope we will be able to continue to make progress on the
basis of this document.
However, there are two other factors which affect the negotiations and need
to be addressed: one is the militaristic ambition of Azerbaijan. Let me
repeat: this conflict has no military solution. This must be ruled out so we
can focus on compromise. Second, the public statements made by the sides
should match the spirit and letter of the document. When the document is
eventually opened up, the public will ask why the statements don’t match the
content. In the case of Baku’s statements, there is a discrepancy between
their statements and the content of the document. My guideline is to go by
what we’ve been hearing, what the co-Chairs have been hearing during the
talks.
Mr. Chairman,
Let me say one thing about Kosovo whose ultimate fate will be decided by the
Security Council of the United Nations if the formula meets both parties’
interests.
We are often asked what Armenia’s position is on this matter. No matter how
beneficial a certain solution may appear to us and to our case, we are firm
believers in the distinctiveness of each conflict, its dynamics and its
conditions. We have no problem expressing our views as to the limited value
of precedents.
However, it is ironic that those who oppose one "size fits all" precedents
are disingenuous in bundling together four "frozen" conflicts elsewhere.
Further, more than just arguing against precedent, GUAM is attempting to
prejudge the outcomes of other conflicts, specifically ours, by creating
mechanisms, through resolutions and other actions, to block the natural
progression of our negotiations process.
The international community must be alert to the disingenuousness of such
efforts. This is not a zero sum process – where a successful
self-determination process for Kosovo necessarily means that all other
self-determination processes must be quashed, artificially.
In conclusion Mr. Chairman and distinguished colleagues, let me state
unequivocally that Armenia remains committed to a negotiated solution, and
we will continue to pursue a fair resolution that will guarantee the people
of Nagorno Karabakh security and the right to determine their own future.
I will travel tomorrow to Belgrade, to conduct regular talks with my
counterpart. I am going to Belgrade with the hope that we will be able to
reaffirm our commitment to the principles agreed heretofore and attempt to
make progress.
We believe that this is the best to move forward.
Thank you.