Month: May 2008

"WE SHOULD REGAIN NOT ONLY ABKHAZIA AND SOUTH OSSETIA BUT ALSO ABKHAZ AND OSSETIAN PEOPLE"

by Ivan Sukhov

DEFENSE and SECURITY
May 26, 2008 Monday
Russia

SITUATION IN THE CONFLICT ZONES IN ABKHAZIA AND SOUTH OSSETIA FROM
THE STANDPOINT OF STATE MINISTER OF GEORGIA FOR REINTEGRATION TEMURI
YAKOBASHVILI; Interview of State Minister of Georgia for Reintegration
Temuri Yakobashvili

State Minister of Georgia for Reintegration, Temuri Yakobashvili,
told the observer of Vremya Novostey about his vision of the situation
in the conflict zones in Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

Question: The Georgian party proposed a number of initiatives for
resolving the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict. A fantastic version already
appeared in Russia due to the reservations of official comments. This
version said that there were separate negotiations between Georgia
and Abkhazia first and afterwards President of Abkhazia Sergei
Bagapsh flew to Moscow to approve the results in the Russian Foreign
Minister. Bagapsh confirmed the fact of negotiations but said that the
agreement was not achieved. Can you unveil the fog around this topic?

Yakobashvili: The Abkhaz party does not do anything which the Russians
are unaware of. Second, regretfully, agreements with the Abkhaz
party have not been achieved yet. Third, I am not longer surprised
by what the Russian press writes. I can use my own example: when I
flew from here they invented the idea that I planned to organize an
international conference on Abkhazia in Moscow.

Question: What are the results of your visit to Moscow?

Yakobashvili: Well, I did not expect any results from this visit except
for getting acquainted with the people who worked on Abkhazian issues
and to tell them about our vision of the situation and our solution
for the problem.

Question: Do you place some hopes on the new Russian President?

Yakobashvili: So far, we do not know if we can lay any hopes. We hope
that the Russian authorities in general – the new President or new
Prime Minister – will change their approaches to Georgia.

Question: What do you think Russia tries to bargain from Georgia by
its current pressure in the Abkhaz aspect?

Yakobashvili: Russia wants to tear off Abkhazia.

Question: Is this possible?

Yakobashvili: People in Moscow think that it is. People in Moscow
believe that if America "takes" Georgia and Ukraine they need to take
Abkhazia, South Ossetia and Crimea.

Question: Is this the standpoint of officials of the Russian Foreign
Ministry?

Yakobashvili: I do not think that the Foreign Ministry thinks in this
way but they have to formulate and justify all this. I pity officials
of the Russian Foreign Ministry who have to speak about the white
saying that it is black.

Question: Do you think that Russian authorities have received a
conviction that the annexation of Abkhazia from Georgia is possible at
all? The official standpoint has repeated the correct formulation of
the Foreign Ministry that Russia recognizes the territorial integrity
of Georgia for a long time.

Yakobashvili: You see, there is a trait of slyness in these
conversations because people in Moscow have assured me and I am more
than assured myself that Russia will never recognize the independence
of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Russia does not need this and it will
never do this. In my opinion, nothing will come of this. But when
all this is in the hands of the people here, who wish to earn money
there and to dismiss everyone, this is not a state policy.

Question: What is your vision of the ideal way out for the Abkhaz
and South Ossetian situations? What is the goal of the regulation?

Yakobashvili: The goal should look as follows: the Abkhaz and Ossetian
people should have three most important components of any regulation
plan. First, this is physical security. Second, these are guarantees
that their ethnos will be preserved and will develop. Third, these
are guarantees of economic development. These are three main things:
physical, ethnical cultural and economic security.

Question: People in Abkhazia and South Ossetia offer a simple
counter-argument: they have all these three things already. Which of
the things that they do not have does Georgia offer them?

Yakobashvili: First, they do not have this. They do not feel
secure. Otherwise they would not speak about a need to sign an
agreement on non-restarting of hostilities. Second, it seems to me that
the 45,000 population of ethnic Abkhaz people in Abkhazia actually
does not have enough resources to preserve their ethnos. This is an
ethnos that is becoming extinct and has serious healthcare problems
from drug addiction to serious infectious diseases. Only 30% of Abkhaz
people speak the Abkhaz language. Look at Abkhaz newspapers and you
will see that this is rather a stage of survival of the ethnos and
not its development.

I do not think that the Olympics in Sochi will become the decisive
breakthrough moment for the development of the economy of Abkhazia
about which people are talking all the time. These are fairytales. We
see only one thing now: crushed stone, sand and other materials that
are exported or will be exported from Abkhazia for Olympic construction
projects incur irreparable damage on the environment. The Soviet Union
was reinforcing the coast in Sochi and in Abkhazia because everything
was washed away. There is the same problem in Sochi too. It is not
quite clear how they are going to build anything there at all. For
Abkhazia the projects connected with Sochi result in an environmental
disaster of the entire coast.

Question: Which institutional base is Georgia prepared to offer for
implementation of the principles of regulation that you have outlined?

Yakobashvili: We speak about the creation of a post of vice president,
about the right of Abkhaz veto for any issues dealing with this
territory and about a free economic zone. For a part of South Ossetia
we also have plans that we are prepared to discuss with the South
Ossetians including those living in the part that is not controlled
by Tbilisi, this is about 45% of the territory of the unrecognized
republic. Incidentally, there are 45,000 ethnic Abkhaz people in
Abkhazia and there are 55,000 Georgians (he probably means the Megrel
population of the Galsky District) and 65,000 Armenians. We cannot and
will not settle all details for the Abkhaz people, this is dishonest
and incorrect.

Question: Georgia left the mixed controlling commission (SKK) for
resolving the Georgian-South Ossetian conflict. What is offered
in exchange?

Yakobashvili: 2+2+2. Our formula is simple: two communities live
in South Ossetia. One is governed by Eduard Kokoity and the other
one is governed by Dmitry Sanakoev. All Georgian villages, several
Ossetian ones and mixed are under rule of Sanakoev. We do not say who
is more and who is less numerous. However, we cannot speak about the
future of this region without taking into account of opinion of all
parties. Kokoity and Sanakoev – these are two. Georgia and Russia are
the parties concerned – these are two. The OSCE is already present
there in the form of observers and other projects. The European Union
is the biggest donor of post-conflict restoration. These are two. We
propose working in this format and not in the format of SKK where
there are three against one: Russia by itself, Russia in the form of
South Ossetia and Russia in the form of North Ossetia.

Question: Aide to the Deputy US Secretary of State, Mathew Braiza,
visited Sukhumi after a long pause in negotiations on Abkhazia. After
that advisor to the Georgian President, Irakly Alasania, went
there. Afterwards you visited Moscow. There is an impression that
the negotiations are resumed.

Yakobashvili: There are attempts. I think that this is
inevitable. There are rational people in Moscow, Tbilisi and Sukhumi
who understand how it is necessary to negotiate very well. We wish
to have an open dialogue.

POST OF MILITARY PSYCHOLOGIST MAY APPEAR IN THE ARMED FORCES OF ARMENIA

DEFENSE and SECURITY
May 26, 2008 Monday
Russia

Defense Minister of Armenia, Seiran Oganyan, visited the Yerevan
state pedagogical university where he met with the directorate
of the university and students of the department of military
psychology. Having emphasized the importance of the role of pedagogical
education for commanders of the Armenian army, the minister said that
new specialists from the university would find their decent place in
the armed forces of the country too.

The Defense Minister also says that graduates of the department
will receive a military rank corresponding to the rank of medium
commanders and many of them will be invited to work in the structures
of the ministry.

The minister remarks that in some military units of Armenia, there is
already a need for military psychologists and the opening of relevant
military vacancies will be considered soon.

Oganyan points out that in its program, the government is going to
increase the quantity of civil posts in the national armed forces. He
adds that contract servicemen have been serving in the armed forces
of the country for a few years already. Oganyan explains, "Now we
have contract servicemen – professional officers and sergeants –
and separate military units of professionals."

CULTURE MINISTER OUTLINES PRIORITIES

ARMENPRESS
May 26, 2008

YEREVAN, MAY 26, ARMENPRESS: Minister of Culture Hasmik Poghosian told
a news conference today that the ministry has developed a plan of major
events to be held both in Armenia and outside it in 2008-2012. She
said the list was made to group all existing priorities and outline
programs for their implementation.

She said the proportional development of the cultural field – its
decentralization – will be the main priority. To this end there is a
variety of different programs designed to revive cultural life outside
Yerevan. In three years the ministry will conduct a monitoring to
find out the extent of these programs’ efficiency.

Another priority is making art and art education accessible to as many
people as possible. She said the main focus in this respect will be
on musical schools which need urgently new equipment and new teachers.

She said 1,993 students of musical schools were assisted financially
for purchase of musical instruments.

She said other programs are underway aimed at reviving and preservation
of traditional arts and crafts. As an example she said a workshop
operates in Kashatagh for production of souvenirs, carpets and
needlework.

The third priority, according to the minister, is preservation and use
of cultural heritage. She said the focus here will be on rehabilitation
and restoration of cultural and historical monuments. She said in
recent years monuments of Armenian culture located outside it sustained
heavy damages. Now, the super task is to develop joint programs with
these countries to preserve what has remained.

Enhancing modern art development is the next priority. According
to the minister in this sense the country faces lack of skilled
professionals and equipment.

ROBERT HARUTYUNIAN APPOINTED CHIEF DIRECTOR OF ADA

ARMENPRESS
May 26, 2008

YEREVAN, MAY 26, ARMENPRESS: Prime Minister Tigran Sarkisian has
appointed Robert Harutyunian as chief director of the Armenian
Development Agency (ADA) closed joint stock company.

The news was reported by the government department on public relations
and information.

PRESIDENT APPOINTS JURIST-SCIENTIST MEMBERS OF JUSTICE COUNCIL

ARMENPRESS
May 26, 2008

YEREVAN, MAY 26, ARMENPRESS: President Serzh Sarkisian signed a
decree on May 24 on appointment of jurist-scientist members of the
Justice Council.

The presidential press service said to Armenpress that Tariel
Barseghian, doctor of jurisprudence and Hovsep Panosian, a candidate
of jurisprudence, were appointed jurist-scientist members of the
Justice Council.

PRIME MINISTER TIGRAN SARKISIAN RECEIVES DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER OF SLOVAKIA STEFAN HARABIN

ARMENPRESS
Mayt 26, 2008

YEREVAN, MAY 26, ARMENPRESS: Prime Minister Tigran Sarkisian received
today Deputy Prime Minister of Slovakia Stefan Harabin, who serves
also as his country’s justice minister.

The government press office quoted Tigran Sarkisian as saying that
economic cooperation between the two countries is not in line with
the dynamic of their political relationships. He expressed hope that
this visit will become an impetus to enhance bilateral contacts. The
Armenian prime minister said it is important that Slovakia and Armenia
develop a legal framework to back up their relations.

In this respect he emphasized a legislation that will eliminate
double taxation as well as signing of a memorandum on launching direct
flights between the two countries.

The prime minister reiterated that strengthening of ties with EU
remains Armenia’s foreign policy priority and from this perspective
he emphasized signing of a memorandum with Slovakia on cooperation
in European integration issues.

Tigran Sarkisian also spoke about a Slovakian proposal for
establishment of a fund for decommissioning of nuclear power plants.

During the meeting Stefan Harabin spoke about his country’s economic
achievements, implemented reforms, including judicial reforms. He
pointed out the mistakes and shortcomings committed during this
process saying this experience may be useful for Armenia.

He said he achieved an agreement with his Armenian counterpart,
Gevork Danielian on the return visit during which he will have a good
opportunity to get acquainted with Slovakian reforms.

He said also he designed a bill on condemnation of the Armenian
genocide and will send it soon to Slovakia’s parliament. He said the
bill registers the historical fact which is important to prevent such
crimes from happening in future.

Tigran Sarkisian thanked him for his interest in adoption of the
genocide resolution backed up by strong evidence and wished him success
in his activity once again appreciating his visit to Armenia in terms
of deepening bilateral relations.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ARMENIAN PRESIDENT RECEIVES JAPANESE AMBASSADOR

ARMENPRESS
May 26, 2008

YEREVAN, MAY 26, ARMENPRESS: Armenian President Serzh Sargsian received
today Japanese ambassador to Armenia Yasuo Saito (seated in Moscow).

Armenian presidential press service told Armenpress that the sides
said they are pleased with the current level of Armenian-Japanese
cooperation and noted that since the establishment of diplomatic
relations the relations between the two countries are developing
dynamically.

President Sargsian informed that next year Armenia is planning to
open representation in Tokyo which will give a serious impetus for
the further expansion of relations.

The interlocutors agreed that being poor in natural resources,
Armenia and Japan have a general privilege – high intellectual level
and high-quality human potential.

Serzh Sargsian highly assessed the technical support programs Japan
is carrying out in Armenia as well as different grant programs
which include very vital spheres. He particularly pointed out energy
sphere. The ambassador said that he is in Armenia to sign an agreement
on providing additional credit means for technical reconstruction of
thermo power plant.

The ambassador also said the Japanese government has made a decision
on providing musical instruments to Yerevan Conservatory, besides
starting from the next year Armenian young people may study in
Japanese universities.

The sides also exchanged thoughts over boosting cooperation within
international organizations

PRESIDENT AWARDS HONORARY TITLES TO PEOPLE OF ART AND CULTURE

ARMENPRESS
May 26, 2008

YEREVAN, MAY 26, ARMENPRESS: On the occasion of the First Republic
holiday, marked on May 28, President Serzh Sarkisian signed a decree
to award honorary titles of the Republic of Armenia to the following
people.

The presidential press service said the honorary title of People’s
Artist was awarded to Robert Sahakian, a cartoon director. Robert
Elibakian was awarded the title of the People’s Painter.

The titles of Honored Artists were awarded to Marine Abrahamian, a
pianist, Armen Babakhanian, a pianist, Norayr Davtian, art director
and chief conductor of the Armenian folk musical instruments ensemble,
Artyom Khachatrian, head of the instruments section of Sayat Nova
bard ensemble, Asatur Karapetian, chief dance teacher of Armenian
state dance ensemble, Alexander Kosemian, viola player of Komitas
state quartet and Anna Mailian, singer.

The title of Honorary Painter was awarded to Hrant Tadevosian.

The title of Honored Teacher was awarded to Daniel Tadevosian, military
instruction teacher of number 158 secondary school of Yerevan named
after M. Gorgisian.

Titles of Honorary Workers of Art were awarded to Karen Aghamian-
painter, head of the Union of Armenian Painters, Ararat Aghasian,
director of Institute of Art of the National Academy of Sciences,
Armen Tutunjian, art director of Chico and Friends jazz group, Araks
Sarian, a musical critic, professor.

Titles of Honorary Workers of Culture ware awarded to Levon Ananian,
chairman of the Union of Armenian Writers, Karen Gevorkian, chief dance
teacher of Berd ensemble, Murad Hakobian, art director of Sardarapat
dance ensemble of the House of Officers of the Defense Ministry, Armen
Manukian, a pianist, art director of One Nation-One Culture Foundation,
Gevork Chakmanian, art director of Taron children bard ensemble.

Tigran Liloyan, correspondent for Itar-Tass news agency, was awarded
the title of Honored Journalist.

PRESIDENT SERZH SARKISIAN RECEIVES U.S. CONGRESSMEN

ARMENPRESS
May 26, 2008

YEREVAN, MAY 26, ARMENPRESS: On May 24 President Serzh Sarkisian
received U.S. Congressmen Adam Schiff, Ellison Schwartz, Wayne Gilkrest
and members of their entourage.

The government press office told Armenpress that during the
meeting President Serzh Sarkisian underscored the deepening of
Armenian-American relations saying they are an important guarantee for
Armenia’s development and establishment of stability in the region. He
expressed his gratitude to the USA for its large-scale assistance to
Armenia since its independence.

Serzh Sarkisian also hailed the work of the Congressmen and their
warm ties with the American Armenian community stressing that they
are highlighting very important and sensitive questions.

Congressman Adam Schiff said it is always a pleasure for him to
visit Armenia because he regards himself as a friend of Armenia and
a representative of Armenians’ interest in the U.S. Congress.

During the meeting the sides referred also to post-election
developments in Armenia. "We consider Armenia as an important partner
and an ally, therefore I would like to promote as much as I could its
economic and political progress," he was quoted by the press service
as saying.

Noting that Armenia has made serious steps towards democracy
development during a short time since its independence, Congressman
Schiff said it is a permanent process. He said the USA has been
perfecting democracy for over 200 years.

Sharing this opinion President Serzh Sarkisian said this process can
never stop stressing also that it should be assessed in comparisons. In
this sense he said the past election marked a step towards as compared
to the previous one, which was registered also by international
observers.

"We shall strive to conduct next elections better," Serzh Sarkisian
said.

At the request of U.S. Congressmen President Serzh Sarkisian expressed
his opinions over the current stage of efforts for resolution of the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. He called on Congressmen to help step
up the process of appointment of a new U.S. ambassador to Armenia
saying it is in the interest of the development of diverse mutual
relationships between Armenia and USA.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

NKR OFFICE IN BERLIN
By Anahit Hovsepian

AZG Armenian Daily
27/05/2008

Nagorno Karabakh-Germany

In Berlin – the capital of Germany the office of the Republic
of Nagorno Karabakh opened this year. It is the 7th after similar
offices in Armenia, France, Russia, USA, Australia and Near East,
mentioned Head of the Office Gayane Apinian.

NKR President Bako Sahakian’s degree to open an office in Berlin was
signed in January 2008, informed Mrs.

Apinian and added, "Though the office is not registered there is close
cooperation with German authorities, legislative and executive bodies,
NGOs and political foundations". "This cooperation is formed due to
our 4 years of work", said the head of the office recalling of the
Union of Artsakh Relatives founded by her.

To our question if the events of the Year of Azerbaijan in Germany
in 2008 hamper their office activities, Mrs. Apinian answered that
though she didn’t received an invitation to participate in the events,
she participated in two of those events that were well organized and
the Azerbaijanis received her with "restrained respect".

What about the flag, Head of NKR office mentioned that it will be
soon in Berlin and will flutter in the capital of Germany.

We don’t know any other unrecognized country to have an office in
Germany. Similar attempt was made by Chechens several years ago but
it didn’t become a serious representation.