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CSTO’s INTERFERENCE IN NAGORNO-KARABAKH, GEORGIAN-OSSETIAN CONFLICTS
INADVISABLE: NIKOLAY BORDYUZHA

YEREVAN, JULY 27. ARMINFO. Interfering in such delicate matters as
relations between conflicting parties is inadvisable for the CSTO,
Secretary General of the Collective Security Treaty Organization
(CSTO) Nikolay Bordyuzha stated in his interview to “Rosbalt”,
responding to a question about the CSTO’s participation in the
settlement of the Georgian-Ossetian and Nagorno-Karabakh conflicts.

According to him, the CSTO is not directly involved. “The CSTO
member-state are. Russia is involved in settling both conflicts,”
Bordyuzha said. According to him, professionals who know the problem
and have dealt with for many years must work there. “The only thing we
do is thoroughly following the trends to properly respond if it comes
to hostilities,” he said. According to him, the organization’s task is
being ready to propose to the Collective Security Council political
measures to neutralize negative consequences.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ONE OF MOST ANCIENT GRAINS FOUND IN SOUTH CAUCASUS AND MIDDLE ASIA
FOUND IN ARMENIA

YEREVAN, JULY 27. ARMINFO. While exploring the rocks in the canyon of
the river Kasakh a group of Armenian and French archaeologists has
found a monument of mesolite (epipaleolite) quite unique for the South
Caucasus and Middle East region, says Boris Gasparyan, the head of the
group, the employee of the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography of
the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia.

Found in the Kmlo caves near the village of Apna, Aragatson region,
were not only fragments of obsidian tools but also a wild wheat grain
dating back from a period 10,000-8,000 years ago. If the experts
confirm the age of the grain it will become one of the oldest grains
ever found in the region’s mesolite monuments (11,000-10,000 years
ago).

The discovered cultural layers are well preserved which is a good
opportunity to collect enough scientific materials about the
period. Despite threat of caving-in the archaeologists are going to
continue the excavations. The group consists of three research
teams. Besides the Kmlo caves they are exploring the traces of the man
living in the areas of so called paleo lakes (middle paleolite). There
they have found sites of primitive men who are assumed to do hunting,
fishing and collecting.

Another group is examining the rock paintings found in the cave
Gegamavan I, 1 km of the Kmlo caves. The unique paintings are in ochre
– a substance said to be used only in late eneolite and early bronze
(IV-III). Meanwhile the Gegamavan I paintings date back from
neolite. The neolite man proves to already master the linear drawing
technique. The paintings depict animals mostly deer. So the findings
have shown that the rock painting traditions widely presented in the
mountains of Gegama, Sunik and Aragats are older than they were
thought to be.

The objective of the expedition is to study the ancient history of the
use of obsidian as a tool of the primitive man. Obsidian tools are
widely spread over the territory of historical Armenia and perfectly
characterize social-economic relations of the Stone Age.

The expedition is financed by Gfoeller Foundation (US).

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Baku Today, Azerbaijan
July 27 2004

Mann Supports Karabakh’s Inclusion in Talks

The US co-chairman of the Minsk group of the Organization for
Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Stephen Mann, voiced
support for the idea to include Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians in the
Azerbaijani-Armenian peace talks in an interview with Russia’s Regnum
news agency on Monday.
`Nagorno-Narabakh’s participation [in the talks] does no depend on
the co-chairs of the OSCE’s Minsk group, but on the sides of the
conflict. But in my personal opinion, it is needed to attract all the
interested sides to the talks,’ Regnum quoted Mann as saying.
The US diplomat said this would help speed up finding a settlement to
the conflict.

`However, it is the sides of the conflict that have a final say [on
the issue]. It is up to them to decide whom they are going to attract
to the peace process,’ Mann said, according to Regnum.

Baku strongly opposes to the idea of the inclusion of
Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians to the peace negotiations on the grounds
that it was Armenia, but not the ethnic-Armenian populated Azeri
region that fought the 1991-94 war against Azerbaijan.

As a result of the war, Armenian troops took control over
Nagorno-Karabakh – a western Azeri region that was home to nearly
100,000 ethnic-Armenians in late 1980s – along with seven of
Azerbaijan’s administrative districts, Lachin Kelbajar, Aghdam,
Fuzuli, Jebrail, Qubadli and Zengilan.

Nearly 20,000 Azeris were killed and 700,000 were forced to leave
their homes during the war.

A shaky armistice agreement reached between Baku and Yerevan in 1994
is frequently violated in the line of contact between the Armenian
and Azerbaijani armies.

The US co-chair of the Misk group, Mann, said his country is for a
peaceful resolution of the conflict, urging the sides to go for a
compromise.

“We will do everything to prevent a new tragedy,” Mann said, adding
that any breach of the stability in the region could jeopardize
multi-billion projects, such as Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Civil Georgia, Georgia
July 27 2004

Georgia Seeks Alternative Gas Supply from Iran
/ Civil Georgia, Tbilisi / 2004-07-27 13:42:16

Georgian officials say Tbilisi considers Iran as an alternative gas
supplier for Georgia, which currently depends only the Russian giants
GazProm and Itera for its gas supply.

Officials say that the project is a long-term one and may be launched
as early as next year. Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili
discussed this issue during his visit to Iran in early July.

`Iranian gas can serve as an alternative source of gas supply for
Georgia only in cases of emergency situations and in the case that
Russia reduces or stops the gas supply[to Georgia]. It can not be a
permanent supplier for us, as Iranian gas is more expensive,’ Teona
Doliashvili, a spokesperson for the Georgian Energy Ministry, told
Civil Georgia.

There are two potential delivery routes of gas from Iran into Georgia
– one via Azerbaijan and another through Armenia.

In Soviet times Georgia received gas from Iran via Azerbaijan;
however the Azerbaijani pipeline needs rehabilitation, which,
according to the Georgian Energy Ministry, would cost around USD 2
million.

Representatives from SakGazi, the gas distribution company in
Georgia, say that the joining of the Georgian gas system to the
Iranian-Armenian gas pipeline may prove cheaper.

`These considerations over a gas supply from Iran were launched some
three years ago, but discussions yielded no results, mainly because
of the lack of finances to rehabilitate the pipe. I think the
Armenian option will be cheaper,’ Maka Arakhamia, a spokesperson for
the SakGazi company, told Civil Georgia.

This issue was discussed during the Georgian Foreign Minister Salome
Zourabichvili’s vist to Armenia last week. Zourabichvili said that
Georgia is interested in gas being delivered from Iran.

According to the Georgian Energy Ministry, Iran is also interested in
Georgia as a transit country to export its gas to Europe.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Coordinator of Information Services
Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 60; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:

July 27, 2004
___________________

ARMENIANS DESCEND UPON ARARAT CENTER FOR OPEN HOUSE, CONSECRATION

By Jake Goshert

It was more than the brilliant sun that made the day exhilarating. When
more than 650 guests descended upon the Eastern Diocese’s new Ararat
Center for an open house and consecration on July 24, 2004, they were
quickly inspired by the site.

They explored the seven buildings on the site, marveled at the
possibility afforded by the location’s 65 acres, and were moved by the
inspirational consecration of the land, making it Armenian.

“This is truly an extraordinary day in the life of our Diocese,” the
Primate told the crowd following the consecration, which featured dozens
of priests and sharagans sung by the St. Vartan Camp participants.
“This is a day of beginnings; a day of dreams reaching their
fulfillment; a day of seeing our dreams come to fruition and setting
beautiful dreams for the future.”

The Ararat Center was palpably transformed during the consecration
service when soil from Armenia was buried in the site and, with the
promise of success to come, an altar stone was blessed and consecrated
for use in a future on-site chapel.

“With the founding of the Ararat Center, a new horizon of amazing
possibilities has opened up for our church,” the Primate said. “Summer
camps, religious retreats, all manner of programs for young and old –
the Ararat Center promises all this and more to our future generations.”

As the consecration continued, the transformation into a truly Armenian
site was noticeable. In that simple ceremony the Ararat Center became a
home for all Armenians.

“Being Armenian, I think the idea of having the Ararat Center in
beautiful New York State is so rejuvenating for the community. It will
revitalize the Armenian community,” said Sona Jones of Tenafly, NJ. “We
don’t have the real Ararat anymore, but we are happy with the
Catskills.”

CULMINATION OF EFFORTS

The historic beginning was several years in the making, and only came
about thanks to boundless dedication by many individuals.

The efforts began during the 2000 Diocesan Assembly in Philadelphia,
when a call for the purchase of a permanent home for the Diocesan summer
camp program was lead by the late Fr. Haigazoun Melkonian. He was
encouraged by the generous and then anonymous donations from the late
Acabe Boornazian. Both Fr. Melkonian and Mrs. Boornazian will be
honored in memorial plaques at the Ararat Center site.

“They and others truly felt the Holy Spirit guiding them. We can only
pray everyone, young and old, who utilizes this facility will feel the
same spirit in their hearts,” the Primate said. “We have never ceased
calling upon the Lord, and indeed the Lord has heard us, and has set us
free to realize our deepest longings. This beautiful center is another
way He has blessed us; another way He has shown us that His loving
kindness will endure forever.”

That dedication did not go unnoticed by the attendees of the open house,
many of whom traveled hundreds of miles just for the celebration.

“I think it’s beautiful. I like that we accomplished something, that we
realized our dreams,” said Lynn Hajatian, a parishioner of the Holy
Trinity Church of Cheltenham, PA. “I am hoping the parishes use it. It
would be unfortunate if they didn’t.”

Along with the support of lay leaders, the Ararat Center project came to
fruition because of the dedication of a number of clergy, including the
Primate.

“Archbishop Barsamian saw the potential here and brought the right
people together to make this dream a reality,” said Stephen Hovnanian,
chairman of the Ararat Center Advisory Committee.

SUPPORTING THE SPIRIT

The Diocese purchased the expansive Ararat Center in January 2004 for
$1.2 million. Already nearly $1 million in cash and pledges has been
raised. During the consecration, many people, moved by the testimony of
supporters and the potential of the site, gave another $25,000.

“Today, as you have toured our 65 magnificent acres, it is time to
celebrate,” said Rose Najarian-Kedeshian, a member of the Ararat Center
advisory committee. “It is the new home of every single one of you. It
only happened because we made this happen. We felt the spirit and
passion and acted. We must now make sure we use every inch of soil of
this magnificent place.”

The committee is also working on raising funds for an endowment, which
will ensure the Ararat Center can operate independently and not take
money away from the ministries and programs of the Diocese. One early
donor, Papken Megerian, a parishioner from the Sts. Sahag and Mesrob
Church of Wynnewood, PA, who had already pledged to give $1,000 every
year he is alive was moved by seeing the actual site and pledged to give
$1,000 to the endowment every year after he passes away.

“We thought this is the best thing we could do so our children don’t go
to camp in Odarland,” Megerian said. “Now we have a camp with an
Armenian soul.”

NEW HOME FOR ALL ARMENIANS

That Armenian soul makes the Ararat Center the perfect site for prayer
retreats, seniors’ weekend get-aways, and leadership seminars.

“I’d like to see our parish come up here, because it would be like
camping for seniors. It’s a good place for us to come up and enjoy the
fresh air,” said Dick Kalagian, a parishioner from the St. George Church
of Hartford, CT. “It would be better to bring parish groups up here for
retreats, because you’ll be away from the parish and your normal lives.
You can think more and take more time to focus on whatever you’re doing
up here.”

The first group to use the facility, formerly known as Balsam Shade, was
the Diocese’s St. Vartan Camp program. More than 200 campers and staff
stayed at the center for two two-week sessions this July. Their new
home — with tennis courts, a swimming pool, and plenty of nature —
quickly won rave reviews.

“At first it was difficult to deal with the new environment,” said
camper George Vartanian, who spoke for the campers along with St. Vartan
Camp Director of Programs Charis Yousefian and Camp Director Yn. Arpi
Kouzouian. “But in less than two days, Balsam Shade became the Ararat
Center and it felt like our new home.”

The next group to use the site will be the Association of Armenian
Church Choirs of America (AACCA), which will hold a four-day junior
choir leadership retreat there starting August 4.

The day’s festivities also brought out special local guests, such as the
mayor of neighboring Troy, NY, Harry Tutunjian. Music was provided by
the Philly Kef Band, and the Sipan dance group of Albany, NY, performed.
Desserts were prepared by local Women’s Guild chapters. The joint
community and Diocesan effort could not have happened without the help
of countless volunteers from several parishes, especially the St. Peter
Church of Watervliet, NY, and its Yn. Paulette Doudoukjian, a member of
the Ararat Center Advisory Committee.

— 7/27/04

E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News
and Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,

PHOTO CAPTION (1): Fr. Krikor Sabounjian, pastor of the Armenian Church
of the Holy Translators in Framingham, MA, buries soil from Armenia in
the ground of the Eastern Diocese’s new Ararat Center during its
consecration on July 24, 2004.

PHOTO CAPTION (2): Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern
Diocese, blesses a cornerstone and cross to be used for a future
Armenian chapel on the site of the Ararat Center, located 30 miles south
of Albany, NY.

PHOTO CAPTION (3): Dozens of clergy joined the Primate for the
consecration service at the Diocese’s new Ararat Center on July 24,
2004.

PHOTO CAPTION (4): Khoren Mekanejian, coordinator of music ministry for
the Eastern Diocese, leads the St. Vartan Camp campers in singing
sharagans during the Ararat Center consecration service on July 24,
2004.

PHOTO CAPTION (5): More than 500 people from several states came to the
Ararat Center open house and consecration on July 24, 2004.

PHOTO CAPTION (6): Several parishes organized bus trips to the Ararat
Center open house, including this bus from St. Mark Church of
Springfield, MA.

PHOTO CAPTION (7): Michael Zeytoonian, a member of the camp committee
that found the Ararat Center, leads one of the many tours of the seven
buildings and 65-acres of land during the Ararat Center open house on
July 24, 2004.

PHOTO CAPTION (8): Following the Ararat Center consecration service,
guests were entertained by the Sipan dance group of Albany, NY.

PHOTO CAPTION (9): Guests at the Ararat Center open house dance to live
music by the Philly Kef Band, whose members donated $1,200 towards the
purchase of the new youth and conference center.

PHOTO CAPTION (10): Papken Megerian, a parishioner from the Sts. Sahag
and Mesrob Church of Wynnewood, PA, tells the crowd at the Ararat Center
open house why he is donating to the efforts.

PHOTO CAPTION (11): Speaking on behalf of the St. Vartan Camp campers,
George Vartanian says they quickly came to love their new home, the
Ararat Center, located 30 miles south of Albany, NY.

PHOTO CAPTION (12): More than 650 lunches were served during the Ararat
Center open house and consecration by volunteers, from the St. George
Church of Watervliet, NY, as well as other parishes. Desserts were
provided by parish Women’s Guilds.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

US mediator urges Armenia, Azerbaijan to make compromises

Golos Armenii, Yerevan
27 Jul 04

The US mediator for the Nagornyy Karabakh problem, Steven Mann, has
said that the OSCE Minsk Group sees the conflict settlement only in
compromises and called on Armenia and Azerbaijan to be ready for
them. He stated that the Minsk Group supports the dialogue between the
foreign ministers and presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan. At the
same time, the co-chairman added that if the conflict drags on for a
long time, the situation in Azerbaijan as well as in Armenia will
become more difficult, which is why the parties should start a
dialogue so that this does not happen. The following is the text of
Regnum news agency’s report by Armenian newspaper Golos Armenii on 27
July headlined “Baku and Yerevan should be ready for
compromises”. Subheadings have been inserted editorially:

An interview with the American co-chairman of the OSCE Minsk Group,
Steven Mann.

Emotions prevail here and there

Regnum correspondent Mr Mann, what was the purpose of the latest visit
to the region by the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmen?

Steven Mann That was a planned visit and its purpose was to bring
together the positions of the parties and to help find ways of
settling the Karabakh problem. This time we visited Yerevan as well as
Nagornyy Karabakh and Baku, where we informed the parties that the
Minsk Group will continue its activity and will support a dialogue
between the presidents and foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and
Armenia. The co-chairmen understand the situation of the two
countries’ governments and want to make their positions closer. But
unfortunately, emotions prevail here and there. The problem may not be
resolved when they are guided by emotions. As long as there are
conditions for continuing the talks, we, the diplomats, will do
everything possible to prevent a new tragedy.

Correspondent The position of the Minsk Group is taken negatively by
Azerbaijani society. Sometimes, you are even called “political
tourists”. Are you going to correct your activity?

Mann Harsh criticism is an ordinary thing for us politicians and it
does not disturb us. The point is that the talks are really difficult
and society expects a lot from us. But we are not Gods. The parties
themselves should come to a solution, our aim is to get any decision
from any of the conflicting parties. The success of the talks depends
on the parties’ readiness for compromises. The Armenian and
Azerbaijani leadership, not the mediators, are responsible for the
talks. Progress in the talks also depends on them. Along with it, a
peaceful settlement to the Karabakh conflict by means of negotiations
within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group meets the national
interests of the USA. I will make every effort to represent US
interests fully and I take my duty seriously. If the conflict drags on
for a long time, the situation in Azerbaijan as well as in Armenia
will become more difficult. The parties should start a dialogue so
that this does not happen.

The conflict can be settled only through compromises

Correspondent In Tbilisi you said that the USA supports the actions of
Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili in the South Ossetia
problem. Will you support Azerbaijan if it makes up its mind to
restore its territorial integrity?

Mann Every conflict has its peculiarities. The US position on the
Karabakh issue is unchangeable – the conflict should be settled
peacefully. Let us think soberly and make a compromise. The mutually
acceptable decision may be found only in compromises. One cannot have
success in any talks if he does not make compromises. The co-chairmen
see the settlement to the conflict only in compromises. Azerbaijan as
well as Armenia should be ready for compromises. A lasting peace can
be achieved in the region only in this way. The parties to the
conflict themselves have chosen the OSCE for its settlement and we are
trying to settle the conflict peacefully and will support the
decisions adopted by the parties.

Correspondent The Russian co-chairman, Yuriy Merzlyakov, said in Baku
that the UN Security Council resolutions on the Karabakh conflict were
adopted in another situation and today they may not be fulfilled. Do
you share such a viewpoint?

Mann You simply misunderstood his statement: at the press conference
in Baku, touching on the fulfilment of the four UN Security Council
resolutions, the Russian co-chair said that he does not think they are
obsolete. In our work we use all the options including resolutions.

Conflicting parties have the last say

Correspondent Do the co-chairmen regard Nagornyy Karabakh as a
participant in the negotiating process?

Mann Nagornyy Karabakh’s involvement does not depend on the OSCE Minsk
Group co-chairmen, it only depends on the conflicting parties. One of
the conflicting parties is against Nagornyy Karabakh’s participation
in the negotiating process. But I think that all the interested
parties should be involved in the talks. I think this will help
accelerate the process of finding ways to settle the conflict. But at
the same time, the parties to the conflict have the last say. They
should decide who will be involved in the negotiating processes.

Correspondent Does the Karabakh conflict have an impact on the energy
interests of the USA in this region?

Mann US policy in this region has a long-term nature and we are in
favour of stability. Of course, the USA is not interested in events
that may threaten st ability. Here the USA supports big energy
projects. The Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline is one of such projects. It is
significant for the whole region.

Correspondent Some time ago there was information in the press that
you allegedly suggested recognizing the independence of Nagornyy
Karabakh in exchange for three of the occupied Azerbaijani districts.

Mann Yes, there was really such information in the Armenian press. I
would like to say once again that all this information is not true and
is invented. I expressed my indignation in connection with this – I
said nothing concerning three, five or seven districts. I would like
to ask journalists to clarify my position before publishing anything
on my behalf.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Azer Tag, Azerbaijan State Info Agency
July 27 2004

PRESIDENT OF AZERBAIJAN ILHAM ALIYEV MET HEADS OF DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS
OF THE REPUBLIC ABROAD
[July 27, 2004, 21:04:49]

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on 27 July at
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs met heads of the diplomatic missions
of Azerbaijan functioning in the foreign countries.

Head of state looked through the monument erected to the national
leader of Azerbaijan people Heydar Aliyev at the foyer of the
Ministry.

Foreign minister Elmar Mammadyarov opened the meeting.

Noting that national leader of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev has
determined the priorities of foreign policy of Azerbaijan Republic
the foreign minister said that concrete and consecutive works should
be carried out in this direction.

He also noted that the law of Azerbaijan Republic `On diplomatic
service’ adopted on 8 July 2001 regulates activity of the foreign
ministry and promotes execution of state’s foreign policy determined
by President Ilham Aliyev.

Then, the foreign minister cited as example that currently Azerbaijan
has established diplomatic relations with 156 countries. 26 embassies
and 16 international representations are functioning in Baku, the
Minister said. Azerbaijan has 21 embassies, 5 permanent
representations, 2 consulate generals and 2 honorary consulates
abroad. Foreign missions are expected to be opened recently in
Bulgaria, Belarus, Indonesia, Kuwait, Canada, Latvia, India, Hungary,
Japan and Greece.

Azerbaijan is a member of 44 international and regional
organizations. 22 Azerbaijanis work at these organizations.
Azerbaijan has joined 250 conventions, the Minister stressed.

Mr. Mammadyarov further noted that it is Azerbaijani diplomatic
missions that are realizing the country’s foreign policy, and named
among their most important duties intensification of their activities
towards fear solution to the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, reinforcing
the fight against anti-Azerbaijani people propaganda pursued by the
Armenians, continuation of rendering humanitarian assistance to
refugees and internally displaced people, tracking the Azerbaijan
related materials in foreign mass media etc. The Minister pointed out
as well that economic issues, relations with Azerbaijani Diaspora
abroad, as well as protection of the rights of the Azerbaijani
juridical and physical persons abroad should also be focus of our
diplomatic missions’ attention.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is ready to play a key role in
development of important documents related to the country’s foreign
policy, national security and military conception, he said. Minister
Mammadyarov also expressed the opinion that the Ministry should be
involved both in cooperation with Milli Majlis and development of
Inter-parliamentary cooperation in an everyday basis.

To defend Azerbaijan’s interests under conditions of globalization,
the coordinating role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should be
provided with certain work.

Along with some questions, on this purpose the Foreign Ministry
prepares appropriate documents on priority issues of foreign policy
and submits to other governmental structures of Azerbaijan.

Internal composition of the Ministry should be improved and bring in
conformity with the foreign policy priorities. To this end, some
departments of the Ministry will be abolished, while some others be
set up. Issues of integration to the European structures, sections on
archives, training centers and other structures will be established.
The Ministry’s Board should be set up. Appropriate proposals have
already been submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers.

We must activate the work with the local and foreign mass media,
Elmar Mammadyarov underlined. Briefings on the organized events, the
position of our state on separate questions of foreign policy should
be disclosed for mass media representatives in a defined order.
Propaganda and agitation through Internet should be strengthened.

The diplomatic service should be provided with worthy and able
personnel meeting international standards. The Foreign Ministry
carries appropriate work in this direction. We must ensure openness,
transparency, objectivity, professionalism and clear principles in
selection of staff members and other issues in the Ministry.

Summing up my remarks, I would like to underline that the diplomatic
service in Azerbaijan has been established after restoration of
statehood in a new environment, the Minister said. Our diplomats have
a lot to do.

Addressing the President, the foreign minister assured the head of
state that the personnel of diplomatic service bodies would make
every effort to realize the tasks put forward.

***

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev made a speech at the meeting.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ArmenPress
July 27 2004

ARMENIAN FM DENIES RUMORS ABOUT HANDING THREE REGIONS TO AZERBAIJAN

YEREVAN, JULY 27, ARMENPRESS: Armenian foreign minister Oskanian
denied Monday rumors that Armenia was going to hand three of several
Azeri regions, now under the control of Armenian troops, back to
Azerbaijan, describing them as “groundless.” “It is excluded because
the main focus in Nagorno Karabagh talks today is on its political
status and unless it is specified the return of these regions is out
of the question,” Oskanian told a second Pan-Armenian Youth
Conference in a resort town of Tsaghkadzor.
The minister said such rumors should not be trusted because they
may be resulting from political speculations. He, however, did not
deny the circulating allegations within the Council of Europe, spread
by Azerbaijan that these lands are being used as a nuclear waste
dump, for trafficking and terrorism, but said that the ministry has
detailed and grounded answers to such allegations and that it will
use the first opportunity to present them.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Webindia123.com, India
Deepika, India
July 27 2004

Mysore Zoo to gift female elephant to Armenia

Mysore, July 27 (UNI) The Mysore Zoo has pride of place with
contributing to the bilateral ties between India and Armenia as an
eight-year-old ‘Komala’ a female elephant has been selected to be
gifted to the former soviet Republics-Armenia.

It would be flown to Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, from Bangalore
in the first week of September, Zoo Executive Director Kumar Pasha
said.

Following a direction from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the Central
Zoo Authority wrote all Zoos in the country asking them to locate a
female elephant to gift it to Armenia. ‘Komala’, born in 1996, would
be a partner to nine-year-old male elephant at a Zoo in Yerevan, he
added.

The Mysore Zoo, has in the earlier occasion, has gifted elephants one
each to Sweden in 1994 and Sri Lanka in 1998.

‘Komala’ was hale and healthy and special care would be taken to
shift her to the new location in the Zoo, he added.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Business Line
July 27, 2004

CCEA OKAYS TAXATION PACT WITH ARMENIA

New Delhi, July 26 – THE Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA)
on Monday gave formal approval to the signing of a ‘Double Taxation
Avoidance Convention’ with Armenia.

The approval will enable the Government to ratify the ‘Convention for
Avoidance of Double Taxation’ and the ‘Prevention of Fiscal Evasion’
with respect to taxes on income between India and Armenia.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress