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DIRECTOR GENERAL OF ARMENTEL: TO BE DISHONEST IS MUCH TOO UNPROFITABLE BUSINESS FOR US

ArmInfo
2008-07-24 18:07:00

ArmenTel is not able to give providers access to the network on demand,
the director general of Armentel (Beeline brand) Neicho Velichkov
said during a press-conference today.

He said that it was not an instance of unfair competition. "To be
dishonest is much too unprofitable business for us. If we lose our
ties with other telecom market players we will lose our profit,"
Velichkov said.

He noted that some providers might artificially slow down or interrupt
access of ArmenTel internet subscribers to their servers.

"If an ArmenTel subscriber can access any server except two or
three Armenian providers, it means something, doesn’t it?" Velichko
said. In order to avoid such instances by early Oct ArmenTel is going
to open its own free mail server. "We are interested in effective
and flexible cooperation.

That’s why when planning our work for one or several months ahead we
want to know which provider wants to get access to which section of
the network.

Such connections require big work. We can’t do it in a week not because
we don’t want but because we have limited technical capacities,"
Velichkov said.

He also added that any offer to cooperate is welcomed by the company
and leasing of the network and joint investments mean activation of
the market and growing of incomes of all its participants.

Velichkov also touched on internal plans of the company which should
be resolved. Among them is finishing of connection to the fixed
telephone line and changing of the telephone cables all over the
republic, some of which were laid 50 years ago. Another important
task is digitalization of automatic telephone stations especially at
the border regions and setting of new equipment by CDMA standard. He
said that digital communication may reach 100% in Armenia by the end
of the next year.

PROGRAM OF REFORMS IN ARMENIAN ARMY CONTINUES

NOYAN TAPAN

JU LY 24

The program of army reforms is in the focus of attention of the RA
Defence Ministry. Proper legislative amendments are prepared according
to that program. RA Defence Minister Seyran Ohanian said on July 23,
on the occasion of 100 days of his taking his post. According to him,
100 days are not enough to solve big problems, but it is not his first
100 days, and he continues fulfilling the tasks set before Armenia’s
Armed Forces in 2008. The program of army reforms is envisaged to
be finished in 2015. As for the law On Defence, that bill has been
already approved by the government and has been sent to the National
Assembly, where it will be discussed during the autumn session.

S. Ohanian said that two big command-headquarters exercises were held
in the above mentioned period, the Rubezh-2008 joint exercises in one
of Armenian army’s contingents and within the framework of CSTO. A
special attention was paid to perfection of contract sergeant service,
provision of army with ammunition and military equipment and their
modernization. Work has been done to strengthen fighting positions,
to ensure security at the contact-line.

According to the Minister, along with success, there have also been
some omissions during the 100 days, and society is aware of part of
them. S.

Ohanian informed those present that an official investigation is
carried out in the Ministry on serviceman Gor Manasarian’s murder. The
Minister said that the latter of his own free will had left the
positions during military duty, and information about his death was
received from the website of Azerbaijan’s Defence Ministry. As regards
the four citizens entering the territory of Azerbaijan, the Minister
had no new information about their fate.

ESTIMATED AS POLITICAL ASSISTANCE

Hayots Ashkhar Daily
Published on July 24, 2008
Armenia

"The visits of the responsible representatives of the European
Parliament have become very frequent in recent times. How can you
explain this extreme attention towards us?"

According to Armen Ashotyan: "We would be concerned had PACE and the
representatives of the European structures, which are ex-officio
responsible for certain processes, been indifferent towards the
problems faced by Armenia and had they only given assessments to
the processes.

I estimate it as a political assistance to Armenia’s democratization
process, the settlement of the existing problems and I don’t see
anything strange in it."

"MILLENNIUM CHALLENGES" PROJECT SESSION CONDUCTED

Panorama.am
21:46 23/07/2008

Today the session of "Millennium Challenges" foundation took place
in the Government leaded by the Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan,
reported the press service of the Government.

According to the source the authorities have discussed some
agricultural issues, financial report plans, monitoring and assessment
issues for the agricultural field.

It was mentioned that in March 27, 2006 the Government of Armenia and
the "Millennium Challenges" of the US have signed a grant contract for
implementing agricultural activities. Taking into account that the US
dollar has much reduced in the last year currently it is impossible to
conduct all the points mentioned in the contract, hence the Committee
made a decision to revise the points correspondently to the contract.

TURKEY PRESIDENT: "IF THE POLICY OF THE REGIONAL COUNTRIES IS BASED ON PEACE, STABILITY AND SECURITY IN THE REGION, COOPERATION WILL BE POSSIBLE"

Today.Az
July 24 2008
Azerbaijan

Turkish President Abdullah Gul yesterday visited Kars to
attend a ground breaking ceremony of the Turkish section of the
Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railroad, APA reports with reference Turkish news
agencies.

Gul met Head of the Kars Municipality Naif Alibayoglu.

Alibayoglu has presented a symbolic key of the city to the
President. Armenian journalist Tatul Akopian asked Gul to comment on
invitation of Serzh Sargsyan.

"I have information about the match invitation. Our policy is
transparent. We have cooperated with all region countries, which
supported peace, stability and security every time. If their (Armenian
leadership is implied-APA) policy is based on peace, stability and
security in the region, cooperation will be possible", he said.

Gul stressed that the event to be held tomorrow also served to
above-mentioned purposes.

Untitled DocumentPress Release
Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
138 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 689-7810
Fax: (212) 689-7168
Email: [email protected]
Website:
Contact: Iris Papazian

July 24, 2008

THREE PRELATES AND CHAIRMEN MEET IN MONTREAL
The three Prelates of the Eastern, Western, and Canadian Prelacies,
together with the chairmen of the respective Executive Councils, are in
Montreal where they met last evening and all day today to discuss areas of
mutual concern and cooperation. Archbishop Oshagan and Jack Mardoian, Esq.,
are attending on behalf of the Eastern Prelacy.

DER STEPHAN WILL BEGIN MINISTRY IN GRANITE CITY
Rev. Fr. Stephan Baljian, who was ordained by
Archbishop Oshagan in February, will begin serving as pastor of St. Gregory
Church in Granite City, Illinois, this Sunday, July 27. Der Hayr and Yn.
Alice traveled to Granite City this week to begin their service to that
vibrant community.
Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar of the Prelacy, who served as Der
Stephan’s spiritual sponsor, will be in Granite City to introduce Der
Stephan and Yeretzgin to the parish.
We extend our best wishes to Der Hayr and Yn. Alice and pray for the
success of their service.

PRELATE HOSTS RECEPTION FOR UNITED NATIONS DELEGATION
On Tuesday evening, July 22, Archbishop Oshagan hosted a reception
welcoming the UN-Armenia delegation. Heading the three-person delegation is
Ms. Consuelo Vidal, United Nations Resident Coordinator, UN Development
Program Resident Representative in Armenia. Joining her were two other
members of the delegation, Mr. Armen Baibourtian, Senior Advisor to the UN
Resident Coordinator, and Ms. Nadine Sahakyan, Assistant Resident
Representative. His Excellency Ambassador Armen Mardirosian, Armenia’s
representative to the United Nations was also an honored guest.
The evening began with introductory words by Archbishop Oshagan, who
welcomed the guests to the Prelacy, and offered his perspectives on the
important work being done in Armenia by the United Nations and the need for
Diaspora cooperation. Mr. Mardirosian offered Armenia’s perspective and
desire for increased endeavors in Armenia by the UN and the Diaspora.
Mr. Baibourtian spoke about the work of the UN with developing countries
and introduced the resident coordinator, Ms. Vidal, who spoke passionately
about her work in Armenia and presented a powerpoint presentation outlining
the projects in Armenia.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the United Nation’s
global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries
to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life.
The UNDP is currently working in 166 countries helping them with their own
solutions to global and national development challenges. To implement its
development goals in Armenia, the UNDP works with the Armenian government,
non-governmental organizations, and the private sector, as well as a broad
spectrum of development partners including international organizations and
the Armenian Diaspora.
Some of the areas that the UNDP pursues include agriculture, irrigation,
health care, education, youth programs, food storage, and food preservation.
A major goal of all of the projects is to provide jobs for the people.
Prior to the reception, to which a select number of community leaders
were invited, the UNDP guests met privately with Archbishop Oshagan. Ms.
Vidal presented the Prelate with a gift-a work of art by an Armenian artist
that expresses the UN’s global reach.

LINKED IN: A WEEKEND WORKSHOP FOR STUDENTS & PROFESSIONALS
Are you looking for a way to connect with friends and with your church?
Would you like to learn more about your Armenian spiritual heritage?
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Prelacy under the
Catholicosate of Cilicia, a workshop for students and professionals (ages 18
to 35) will take place September 26 to 28, at St. Mary Coptic Orthodox
Retreat Center in Charlton, Massachusetts.
For more details click here.
Direct your questions via email to [email protected]

CONFERENCE ON ARMENIAN EDUCATION CONCLUDES
The second pan-diaspora education conference organized under the
auspices of the Catholicosate of Cilicia, concluded on Saturday, July 19. In
his concluding remarks to the conference, His Holiness stressed the
important role of the Armenian teacher in Armenian schools, particularly in
contemporary times when the number of teachers specializing in Armenological
topics is declining. "The Armenian school is in a crisis, which should not,
however, be presented in a negative way. The highpoints of our nation’s
history, our most important achievements have been the results of crises. We
should have
the courage to see the crises, make the correct diagnosis and look for
solutions to the problems," the Catholicos said.
Acknowledging the differences that exist between Armenian schools in
communities around the world, His Holiness said, "Our differences are not a
reason for us to not become one whole. Despite being in different
conditions, we can be of use to one another through systematic work and good
organization," he said. Highlighting the true nature of the Armenian school,
the Pontiff said, "The Armenian school is not only a collection of
classrooms and textbooks; it is the teacher that breathes life into the
school. Today there is a lack of Armenian teachers everywhere. It is not
only the number of students that is decreasing; the same is true for the
number of teachers." His Holiness called on all educational bodies to
support Armenian teachers and improve their living standards.
Mrs. Houri Ghougassian attended on behalf of the Prelacy. Mrs.
Ghougassian serves as part-time librarian at the Prelacy’s Hovsep and
Suzanne Hagopian Library, and is a full-time teacher of Armenian at Holy
Martyrs Armenian Day School in Bayside, New York.

CATHOLICATES PARTICIPATE IN LAMBETH CONFERENCE
The Lambeth Conference of the family of Anglican churches-a meeting of
bishops convened once every ten years-began in Canterbury on July 19. The
Armenian Church participated in this conference with representatives from
both catholicosates. Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western
United States, represented the Catholicosate of All Armenian in Holy
Etchmiadzin. Bishop Nareg Alemezian, Ecumenical Officer, participated on
behalf of the Catholicosate of Cilicia in Antelias.

MAJOR RENOVATION UNDERWAY AT ST. ILLUMINATOR CATHEDRAL
Major renovation of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral in New York City has
begun. Until the renovation is completed the Divine Liturgy will be offered
every Sunday at 10:40 a.m. at the Armenian Center, 69-23 47th Street,
Woodside, New York.

YOUNG PARISHIONERS AT ST. ILLUMINATOR CATHEDRAL
MAKE HEARTFELT DONATIONS
Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral relates
this inspiring event:
"Last Sunday, St. Illuminator’s was shown God’s generosity and kindness.
The Cathedral, which has been undergoing a major renovation for several
months, received a memorable and heartfelt gift from two teenagers, Armine
and Tamar, daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Toros and Hermine Tervizian. The family
has been a part of the Cathedral community for many years, and the young
women’s gift is an example of the Tervizians’ dedication to their faith.
This donation to the Cathedral’s Renovation Fund is all the more memorable
because it is the fruit of Armine and Tamar’s earnings from their first
summer jobs. We are grateful and humbled by their love, faith and generosity
of spirit," said Der Mesrob.

YEAR OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, has
designated the year 2008 as the "Year of Christian Education."
To read His Holiness’ message in Armenian click here.
To read His Holiness’ message in English click here.

DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for today, Thursday, July 24 are: Proverbs 14:1-6;
Zechariah 8:4-5; Isaiah 60:8-9; Hebrews 2:14-18; Luke 9:44-48.
Since, therefore, the children share flesh and blood, he himself
likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the
one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and free those who all
their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death. For it is clear that
he did not come to help angels, but the descendants of Abraham. Therefore he
had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he
might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make
a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself was
tested by what he suffered, he is abhle to help those who are being tested.
(Hebrews 2:14-18)
For listing of the week’s Bible readings click here.

HOLY FATHERS ATHANASIUS AND CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA;
ST. VAHAN KOGHTNATZI
This Saturday, July 26, the Armenian Church remembers two champions of
orthodoxy, St. Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria, and St. Cyril, Patriarch of
Alexandria.
On Monday, July 28, the Armenian Church remembers St. Vahan of Koghtn.
As a young child Vahan, son of Armenian nobility, was taken (along with
other children) into captivity to Damascus and given Islamic training. When
they reached adulthood, the captured Armenian children were given permission
to return home. Vahan was to accompany them, but promised to return. While
in Armenia his overlord died, and Vahan decided to remain in Armenia, where
he married and established his life. However, his return was demanded and he
was pursued. He fled from place to place, but finally decided to surrender
and tell his captives he wished to remain in Armenia and practice his own
religion. He was imprisoned, tortured, and beheaded. It is believed that the
sharagan (hymn) dedicated to St. Vahan was written (melody and lyrics) by
his sister.

OUR NEW PEW BOOK
The new Divine Liturgy Pew Book is available for purchase. This Pew Book
was meticulously prepared to enable the faithful to follow the Divine
Liturgy with ease and comprehension. Each two-page spread is in four
columns: the first in Classical Armenian, the second in modern Western
Armenian, the third in transliteration, and the fourth in English
translation.
The Pew Book can be purchased from the Prelacy Bookstore. The price is
$15.00, plus shipping and handling. To order contact the Prelacy Bookstore,
212-689-7810.

FROM OUR ARCHIVES
This year we are marking the dual anniversaries of the 110th anniversary
of the establishment of the Armenian Prelacy of America by Catholicos
Mgrditch (Khrimian Hairig), and the 50th anniversary of the Prelacy under
the Holy See of Cilicia. We continue to seek any type of memorabilia and
photographs. Please contact us by email at [email protected] or by
telephone 212-689-7810, Extension 23. We thank many of you who have already
responded.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

July 14 to August 1-St. Illuminator’s Day School Summer Program, July 14
through August 1, for children ages 3 to 10, Monday through Friday, 9 am to
2 pm. Armenian language, history, Bible readings, arts and crafts, sports
and much more. For information and registration contact the school office
718-478-4073 or the Cathedral office 212-689-5880.

August 3-Holy Cross Armenian Church, 50th Anniversary Blessing of the Grapes
picnic, noon to 4 pm, on the church grounds, 101 Spring Ave., Troy, NY.
Blessing of the grapes at 3 pm officiated by Rev. Fr. Bedros Shetilian. Eat
in or takeout; raffle. For information 518-274-1477.

August 5-St. Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, 9th annual
golf outing at Blackstone National Golf Club, Summon, Massachusetts.
Information: 508-234-3261.

August 17-St. Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, picnic and
blessing of the grapes, officiated by Archbishop Oshagan and New England
area clergy. On church grounds, beginning at 12 noon. For information:
508-234-3677 or

August 17-St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, Feast of the Assumption of the Holy
Mother of God and Blessing of the Grapes, and picnic, at the Armenian
Center, Woodside, NY. For information 212-689-5880.

September 7-Annual picnic Festival of St. Gregory Church, North Andover,
Massachusetts, at American Legion Grounds, Haverhill, Massachusetts,
beginning at 12 noon.

August 3-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode Island, Blessing of the
Grapes picnic. Camp Haiastan, Franklin, Massachusetts, noon to 6 pm, rain or
shine.

August 10-Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Worcester, Massachusetts. Annual
picnic on church grounds. Free admission; free parking.

August 17-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey, annual church
picnic and blessing of the grapes at Dunkerhook Park, Pavilion D, Paramus,
NJ. For information 201-943-2950.

September 14-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey. Celebration of
the Holy Cross and Madagh. For information 201-943-2950.

September 19-Sts. Vartanantz Church Ladies Guild, Providence, Rhode Island,
present "Remembering the Good Old Days. 8 pm, Aramian Auditorium. For
tickets and information 401-434-4467.

September 21-Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Worcester, Massachusetts, annual
church banquet. Details to follow.

September 25-Sixth annual golf outing hosted by Sts. Vartanantz Church,
Ridgefield, New Jersey, at River Vale Country Club, River Vale, New Jersey.
For information contact Richard Krikorian 201-784-2236 or church office
201-943-2950.

September 26-28-National Youth Conference at Holy Virgin Mary Spiritual
Vineyard, Charlton, Massachusetts.

September 29-30-Clergy conference at the Holy Virgin Mary Spiritual
Vineyard, Charlton, Massachusetts.

October 17-18-Annual Fall Fair of St. Gregory Church, North Andover,
Massachusetts, Jaffarian Hall.

October 21, November 1 and 2-Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey,
Annual Bazaar and Food Festival. For information 201-943-2950.

November 9-38th anniversary of St. Gregory Church, North Andover,
Massachusetts, and 50th anniversary of the Prelacy under the Holy See of
Cilicia, presided over by His Grace Bishop Anoushavan at Jaffarian Hall
following Divine Liturgy.

October 25-Gala celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Prelacy of the
Armenian Apostolic Church of America under the jurisdiction of the Great
House of Cilicia and the 110th anniversary of the establishment of the
Armenian Church of America. Marriott at Glenpointe, Teaneck, New Jersey.
Details to follow.

November 21 and 22-Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Worcester, Massachusetts,
Fall Food Festival.

Web pages of the parishes can be accessed through the Prelacy’s web site.

To ensure the timely arrival of Crossroads in your electronic mailbox, add
[email protected] to your address book.

Items in Crossroads can be reproduced without permission. Please credit
Crossroads as the source.

Parishes of the Eastern Prelacy are invited to send information about their
major events to be included in the calendar. Send to:
[email protected]

POLITICAL ANALYST: ARMENIAN PUBLIC COUNCIL SHOULD CONSTITUTE DIALOGUE INSTITUTION

ARKA
July 23

Public Council that is being formed now in Armenia must constitute
a dialogue institution, political analyst Alexander Markarov, who
is the deputy rector of Yerevan State University, said at a press
conference held in Novosti International Press Center on Monday.

On June 13, Armenian President Serge Sargsyan signed a decree on
establishing the council.

The council is planned to be formed before September.

He finds this an interesting initiative, but warns against transforming
the council into a formal institution.

"The council should be a dialogue institution, where interests will be
articulated and aggregated, since this agency can become a mediator
in establishing a dialogue between the society and the government",
Markarov said.

He said the council can lay ground for social equality and civil
society declaration.

It can also become an impetus for culture formation and civil society
development.

The council will consider all important issues, analyze laws and
presidential decrees.

It will be consultative agency in nature.

ZURABIAN: "CITY HALL HAS MADE AN ILLEGAL BARGAIN"

A1+
23 July, 2008

During a July 21 press conference Serzh Sarkissian made two
important discoveries. He said unwilling to start a dialogue with
the opposition. Besides, he is not going to meet the public demand
to set the political prisoners, says member of the Centre for Popular
Movement Levon Zurabian.

Zurabian sees regress in Armenian mass media. TV channels have again
been instructed not to televise the opposition. Their news resembles
Brezhnev’s propaganda. On the other hand, nothing has been done to
reopen A1+.

The government obviously neglects the PACE resolutions and tries to
delude the Council of Europe imitating to meet the PACE demands.

The government continues not to authorize opposition rallies. They have
stopped releasing political prisoners since the PACE summer session.

The government has no genuine wish to carry out a democratic reform in
the country. In the given situation all people can do is to rise to
protect their rights. The Center for the Popular Movement appeals to
RoA citizens to take part in an opposition rally due on August 1. The
rally will be of great importance in light of establishing civil law,
democracy and constitutional order in Armenia.

Note, the Centre has applied to Yerevan City Hall to sanction
the upcoming rally and march but their application has been turned
down. The City Hall has proposed a strange bargain. They promised to
sanction the rally near the Matenadaran in case it is not followed
by a march. They fear lest the march will show the rebellious mood
of the crowd.

ALEXANDER ISKANDARYAN: "TURKEY MAY GIVE UP NAGORNO KARABAKH ISSUE FOR ITS OWN INTERESTS"

Today.Az
July 23 2008
Azerbaijan

Day.Az interview with famous Armenian political scientist Alexander
Iskandaryan.

– How does Armenia assess the fact of secret talks between the Armenian
and Turkish diplomats?

– There is nothing secret in the fact of contacts with the
Turkish side, in the Armenian political class it is a secret of
Polichinel. Contacts are the permanent event and are not something
new. Moreover, there are numerous international formats, in which
Armenian and Turkish diplomats meet permanently, not speaking of
the activity of permanent diplomatic mission in Istanbul-Armenian
representation in BISEC.

– Can you say how wide the Armenian-Turkish contacts are?

– Well, they can not be called too expanded, though not small
as well. Several flights are operated per week, there is a bus
communication, sufficient number of tourists direct from Armenia to
Turkey, mostly to the regions of the country, bordering on Armenia
and where there are numerous Armenian monuments. Trade is conducted
via the third countries.

– What will the opening of the Armenian-Turkish border give to Armenia?

– It will give much. Of its four neighbors Armenian borders are closed
with two of them, thus, the opening of the border with one of them is
important. Even so more, the point is not the arithmetics. Turkey is
Armenia’s western neighbor and the way to Europe lies via it, which
is more direct and cheaper than the currently operating Georgian-Black
sea route. Armenia’s main trade balance is with European countries.

– Is Armenia ready to stop the activity, aimed at recognition of the
"genocide of Armenians" and return of the occupied lands of Azerbaijan
in exchange for the opening of the Armenian-Turkish border?

– As for the first point, I am afraid the point is not
Armenia. Activity on recognition of the "genocide" is mainly conducted
by the lobby of local Armenian organizations in the country of
residence. These are the political parties of Armenia abroad and
public organizations and some influential individuals abroad and so
on. They are often supported by non-Armenian organizations or just
people, by some reasons sympathazing Armenians or having negative
attitude to Turkey.

Certainly, Armenia does not stay aside of all these processes but it
is unable to stop it no matter how strong its wish is. "Genocide"
is an important part of the self-conscience of Armenians abroad,
whose main members are the direct descendants of those who survived
"genocide", it is a part of their family history, and often a basis
of their identity.

On the whole, it should be reminded that the fight for recognition
of the "genocide" existed when there was no Armenian state at all
(and was sometimes even stronger than now).

As for the second part of the question, I would say "no". The
relations with Turkey and with Azerbaijan are different things. Though,
interconnected, but different. The degree of tensions is different,
parameters are different, circumstances are difference and priority
of the issue for Turkey and Azerbaijan is different. Moreover, "the
value of the issue" has been exagerrated. No one will give up security
of Karabakh for opening of borders as these are different things.

I do not belittle Turkey’s issue for Armenia, but it is clear that
Turkey would have opened borders ten years ago for territories,
if Armenia proposed it.

– Do you think Turkey may exchange Nagorno Karabakh issue for its
own interests?

– Sure. Moreover, I think it will really occur, if no cardinal changes
occur. The point is when it will occur. Azerbaijani lobby plays its
role in Turkey, as well as internal factor, working for prolongation
of the current state. But the dynamics of processes is in favor of
positive changes.

– In this case: can the improvement of Armenian-Azerbaijani relations
be expected following a thaw in Armenian-Turkish relations?

– I am afraid it is unreal to expect improvement of
Armenian-Azerbaijani relations in the political perspective. It does
not mean that it can not be expected in the historical perspective. I
can not know what will happen in fifty or hundred years. But
nothing on the political horizon shows prospect of such betterment
and relations with the third countries (in this case, with Turkey)
can hardly reverse this situation.

ARMENIA DEVELOPS MILITARY COOPERATION WITH EUROPE

WPS Agency
July 23 2008
Russia

Armenia entered a qualitatively new stage of relations with Europe
and started taking serious steps for upgrading military and military
political cooperation to the necessary level. Defense Minister of
Armenia, Seiran Oganyan, said this at a meeting with the British
Ambassador in Armenia on Monday.

Colonel Seiran Shakhsuvaryan, press secretary of the Armenian Defense
Minister, reported that during the meeting, the minister expressed
readiness of his country to develop interaction, especially in the
peacekeeping field, doing its best to assist the operation carried
out in Afghanistan.

Armenian servicemen have participated in the peacekeeping mission in
Kosovo within a Greek battalion since February 12 of 2004 and in Iraq
within a Polish division since January 25 of 2005.

About 400 Armenian servicemen participated in these operations. Armenia
plans to increase the quantity of its peacekeepers in international
peacekeeping missions and to send doctors, combat engineers and
interpreters to Afghanistan.