Month: April 2007

REPORTING AND PEACEMAKING

KarabakhOpen
26-04-2007 11:28:37

In the framework of Stepanakert Resource Center project implemented
in partnership with International Alert, the Young Democrats NGO
holds discussions on "Peacemaking and Reporting". The first meeting
at Mesrop Mashtots University in Stepanakert was conducted by
Karen Bekaryan, the head of European Integration, a Yerevan-based
NGO. During the discussion it was mentioned that according to the
results of a monitoring of the media of Armenia, in 30-40 percent of
materials Azerbaijan and the conflict are mentioned. In Azerbaijan,
this index is much higher, up to 60 percent. The internal and even
social problems are often connected directly with the conflict. This
approach creates a nationalist screen behind which political mistakes
and adventures are hidden.

Karen Bekaryan thinks the first effective step in peacemaking could
be the supply of objective information. He shared his vision of
peacemaking – it must run between absolute tolerance and radical
concern for the country’s security. "The governments which speak
about security only without considering tolerance towards neighbors
are bound to reject radically an alternative opinion.

However, absolute tolerance is possible when your neighbor displays
identical tolerance," said Karen Bekaryan.

The participants of the discussion got acquainted with the projects
for reporters implemented with Azerbaijani colleagues under the aegis
of the international organizations. According to the co-coordinator
of the Young Democrats Karine Ohanyan, similar discussions will be
held for other journalists and students.

VAYOTS DZOR GOVERNOR – CANDIDATE FOR DEPUTACY, VIOLATED ELECTORAL CODE, HIS COMPETITOR SERGEI BAGRATIAN AFFIRMS

Noyan Tapan
Apr 25 2007

YEREVAN, APRIL 25, NOYAN TAPAN. Candidate for deputacy registered at
electoral district N 39 by majoritarian system, Vayots Dzor Governor
Samvel Sargsian has violated the law, so his registration should
be invalidated. Another candidate registered at the same electoral
district, member of Bargavach Hayastan Party Sergei Bagratian stated
this at April 25 meeting with journalists.

As he affirmed, RA state flag is depicted on the agitation poster
of the Governor and Article 21 of RA Electoral Code stipulates that
it is prohibited to depict RA coat of arms and flag on agitation
posters. A. Bagratian has applied to the polling station electoral
commission demanding to invalidate S. Sargsian’s registration, but 7
out of 8 members of commission present at the sitting convened on that
issue, including representatives of Orinats Yerkir Party, National
Unity Party, Republican Party spoke against this considering that not
a flag but a "curtain" is depicted on the poster. Only representative
of ARFD in the commission voted for sustaining the application.

S. Bagratian said that he is going to apply to the court. He did not
exclude that in case of being rejected by the court he will withdraw
his candidature with the consent of his electorate. S. Bagratian
stated that if he is not supported by Bargavach Hayastan during the
judicial process, he will also think of leaving the party.

Touching upon the publications that appeared in press lately,
according to which his son beat Deputy Head of Vayk Tax Service,
S. Bagratian explained that the Governor using his levers made the
above mentioned official active participant of his own agitation
campaign, which became the reason of that incident.

AS OF APRIL 25, ONLY MARXIST PARTY OF ARMENIA DID NOT FORM PREELECTORAL FUND

Noyan Tapan
Apr 25 2007

YEREVAN, APRIL 25, NOYAN TAPAN. As of April 25, only the Marxist
Party of Armenia out of 24 parties ane one bloc taking part in the
parliamentary elections by the proportional system has not formed a
preelectoral fund. Another four parties, Christian-People’s Revival,
National Unity, Progressive Party of Armenia and Social-Democrat
Hnchakian Party, have formed funds, but no sums have been transferred
to them so far.

Ara Haroutiunian, Head of Control Service attached to CEC, reported
at the April 25 press conference that in total, nearly 241.57 mln
drams was transferred to the accounts of funds of another 20 political
parties and nearly 207.84 mln drams was spent. He said that the data
about sums transferred and spent from preectoral funds of candidates
for deputacy taking part in the elections are refreshed every three
days and are placed on the respective web-site.

The biggest sum, over 54.07 mln drams, among the political forces
has been transferred to the account of RPA, 44.164 mln drams out of
which has been already spent. RPA is immediately followed by ARFD
and Bargavach Hayastan Parties. 45.15 mln and 32.65 mln drams have
been transferred to the latters’ accounts, respectively.

The smallest sum, 50 thousand drams (nearly 139 USD) has been
transferred to the account of the Democratic Party of Armenia. No
expenditure has been done from this sum yet. Sums up to 1 mln drams
have been transferred to the accounts of Impeachment bloc (300
thousand drams), Communist Party of Armenia (400 thousand drams)
and Hanrapetutiun (Republic) party (540 thousand drams).

Sums to accounts of Communist Party of Armenia and Hanrapetutiun Party
were transferred only by the respective parties and to the funds of
Democratic Party of Armenia and Impeachment bloc by physical persons.

According to the Electoral Code, during preelectoral agitation a
candidate and party or bloc have the right to spend sums not exceeding
5 mln drams and 60 mln drams, respectively. A candidate for deputacy
and party or each party included in the parties’ bloc have the right
to make payments of 1 mln drams and 2 mln drams, respectively. Each
physical and juridical person can make voluntary payments of 50
thousand and 150 thousand drams in the funds, respectively.

CURRENT ARMENIAN-ITALIAN RELATIONS DO NOT CORRESPOND TO TWO COUNTRIES’ ABILITIES, RA NA SPEAKER CONSIDERS

Noyan Tapan
Apr 25 2007

YEREVAN, APRIL 25, NOYAN TAPAN. "We have ancient-old contacts, which
are not only very deep and close, but also obliging in the respect of
development of the current relations," RA National Assembly Speaker
Tigran Torosian said receiving on April 25 newly appointed Ambassador
of Italy to Armenia Massimo Lavezzo Cassinelli. NA Speaker expressed
confidence that the Ambassador’s taking this post will contribute
to development of Armenian-Italian relations in political, economic,
cultural and other spheres, which, in his words, do not correspond to
the abilities of the two countries yet. T. Torosian, in particular,
said that there are wide opportunities for cooperation within the
framework of European parliamentary structures. In the respect of
economic contacts he attached importance to exchange of accumulated
experience in the sphere of small and medium-seized business.

The Ambassador of Italy said that his activity will be aimed at
development of interstate and interparliamentary relations qualifying
the latters as a very important field of cooperation. Mentioning that
indeed small and medium-seized business is well developed especially
in country’s north, he considered among his first and foremost tasks
organization of joint business forum in Rome, which will give a
possibility for exchange of experience for Armenian businessmen. He
also considered his task fulfilment of provisions of memorandum of
mutual understanding between Italy and Armenia signed in 2005.

RAFFI HOVANNISIAN: "ARMENIA THIS TIME HAS NO RIGHT TO BE MISTAKEN"

Noyan Tapan
Apr 25 2007

YEREVAN, APRIL 25, NOYAN TAPAN. "Both ruling and opposing politicians
and judges must bear responsibility for any violation during the
elections."

Chairman of the Zharangutiun (Heritage) party Raffi Hovannisian stated
about it at the April 25 press conference.

In his words, one can only suppose why passport data are gathered
from the population. According to R. Hovannisian’s estimation,
it, particularly, can be done for forming alternative lists of
voters. "It seems to me that responsible bodies, the Central Electoral
Commission and legal bodies, must be interested in it, if, of course,
they themselves are not participants of that process," Zharangutiun
leader stated.

He mentioned that the people’s uprising and indignation on the occasion
of the fact that no power shift has ever been carried out in Armenia
according to electoral processes, with usage of law and rights,
besides the ones in 1990 and 1991, are completely admissible. At the
same time, in his words, many people understand that Armenia has not
right to be mistaken this time as the issue of the country’s prestige
is very seriously put this time.

Raffi Hovannisian expressed a hope that this time international
observation missions, especially, European structures, "will put down
their priorities of pursuing geopolitical goals and will implement
monitoring, led by the wish of securing a democratic system and
democratic elections."

RAFFI HOVANNISIAN DOES NOT EXCLUDE THAT APPEARING AT NA, ZHARANGUTIUN TO COOPERATE WITH ANY OTHER POLITICAL FORCE

Noyan Tapan
Apr 25 2007

YEREVAN, APRIL 25, NOYAN TAPAN. "Our party has a goal to take the most
part of parliamentary mandates and after that to form a government
of national concord." Zharangutiun (Heritage) party Chairman Raffi
Hovannisian stated about it at the April 25 press conference.

He excluded that Zharangutiun will cooperate at the new National
Assembly with any other political force. "We are not judges and entered
the political field as a new force, having a goal to form majority with
our co-thinkers and political partners," Raffi Hovannisian stated. In
his words, Zharangutiun has no illusions that it can alone struggle
against the challenges arisen in front of Armenia.

As for the pre-electoral struggle, R. Hovannisian mentioned that in
spite of some small obstacles, the party continues its propaganda
mission with "positive fillings:" "We have a wide field of co-thinkers
who feel that it is impossible to continue in this way, and that
conclusion entered people’s consciousness and political orientation."

As for those statements of some pro-ruling figures that the surprise
of those elections will be the one that the Zharangutiun party will
appear at the NA, Raffi Hovannisian mentioned: "It is praiseworthy
that there are already subject and clever estimations."

ROBERT KOCHARIAN PRESENTS NEW RA DEFENCE MINISTER TO ARMY HIGHEST OFFICER STAFF

Noyan Tapan
Apr 25 2007

YEREVAN, APRIL 25, NOYAN TAPAN. RA President Robert Kocharian presented
on April 25 newly appointed Defence Minister Mikhayil Haroutiunian to
the highest officer staff of the army at the Defence Ministry. Noyan
Tapan was informed about it by the RA President’s Press Office.

The President mentioned that M. Haroutiunian has actively been
involved in the affair of formation and sterngthening of the army
from the initial stage of formation of the Armenian Army till now. In
R. Kocharian’s words, the experience got during those years and 40-year
military biography allow to be sure that processes of increasing
fighting ability of the army and reforms will continue with success,
headed by M. Haroutiunian.

In R. Kocharian’s words, the circumstance that the country President,
Prime Minister and newly appointed Minister are people having close
and long-term relation with the army, inspires with confidence that
the army will continue remaining in the center of special attention
of the state. "Security issues are a supremacy for the country, and
our policy was addressed and will be aimed to future increase of the
fighting ability of the army and, in general, to special attention
towards the security issues," the President mentioned.

RA NA SPEAKER SENDS TELEGRAM OF CONDOLENCE TO CHAIRMEN OF RF STATE DUMA AND FEDERAL COUNCIL OF FEDERAL ASSEMBLY

Noyan Tapan
Apr 25 2007

YEREVAN, APRIL 25, NOYAN TAPAN. RA NA Speaker Tigran Torosian sent
a telegram of condolence to Chairman of RF State Duma Boris Gryzlov
and Chairman of Federal Council of RF Federal Assembly Sergei Mironov
on the occasion of the death of first RF President Boris Yeltsin. The
telegram provided to Noyan Tapan from RA NA Public Relations Department
read:

"I perceived with grief the news about the death of first RF President
Boris Yeltsin. Boris Yeltsin had a great contribution in the issue of
development and strengthening of contacts between Armenia and Russia,
as well as for establishment of democracy in Russia. I present my
condolences to you, to the Russian people, to relatives and friends
of Boris Yeltsin."

CANDIDATE FOR DEPUTY AT ELECTORAL DISTRICT No10 VILHELM POGHOSIAN WITHDRAWS

Noyan Tapan
Apr 25 2007

YEREVAN, APRIL 25, NOYAN TAPAN. Non-partisan Vilhelm Poghosian
registered by the majoritarian electoral system as candidate for
deputy at electoral district No10 of Yerevan officially presented an
application on withdrawal.

Secretary of the Central Electoral Commission Hamlet Abrahamian
informed the Noyan Tapan correspondent about it. So, NA deputy,
non-partisan Khachatur Sukiasian, Chairman of the Christian-Democratic
Union of Armenia Khosrov Haroutiunian and non-partisan Tadevos
Hovhannisian continue the electoral struggle at the mentioned
electoral district.

To recap, NA deputy, non-partisan Aghasi Arshakian recently officially
refused the electoral struggle by the majoritarian electoral system
at electoral district No6 of Yerevan. He will continue the electoral
struggle by the proportional electoral system, in the electoral list
of the Zhoghovrdavarakan Ughi (Democratic Path) party.

So, as of midday, April 25, 131 candidates continue the electoral
struggle in 41 electoral districts by the majoritarian electoral
system. None of the 1314 candidates registered by the proportional
electoral system with electoral lists of 24 parties and 1 alliance
officially presented application for withdrawal. To recap, Garik
Martirosian occupying the 2nd horizontal of the list of the United
Liberal National Party publicly stated on April 21 about his refusing
the electoral struggle.

To also recap, the deadline for presenting self-rejection by the
candidates for deputy registered by the proportional and majoritarian
electoral systems is May 2.

MEMORANDUM SIGNED BETWEEN CEC AND IFES

Noyan Tapan
Apr 25 2007

YEREVAN, APRIL 25, NOYAN TAPAN. Chedomir Flego, Director of Armenian
branch of International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES),
and Garegin Azarian, Chairman of RA Central Electoral Commission,
signed a memorandum on April 25. According to the memorandum, IFES
provided to CEC technical assistance, including 10 computers and
technical equipment for transferring the results of May 12 elections
from district electoral commissions to CEC. The Foundation will
also assist with organization of training of members of electoral
commissions. In C. Flego’s words, training of 366 members of polling
stations electoral commissions has been already organized.

In C. Flego’s words, though "Armenia has all means necessary for
holding elections meeting international standards, this is not
only the business of the authorities, this is also the business of
citizens." In particular, he called citizens for checking presence
of their data on electoral rolls.

"I think with this technical assistance and training of members of
electoral commissions a possibility will be created for RA citizens to
notice serious improvement in the sphere of electoral administration,"
Director IFES Armenian branch said.

RA Prime Minister Serge Sargsian, Charge d’Affaires of U.S. to
Armenia Anthony Godfrey were present at the ceremony of signing the
memorandum. RA Prime Minister attached importance to the issue of
technical equipment for holding the electoral process at the high
level. He gave assurance that this will contribute to holding of fair,
transparent elections.

CEC Chairman showed high-ranking guests work of Elections computer
network connecting CEC with polling stations electoral commissions.