Levon Aronyan to participate in an international chess tournament in
Dortmund
ArmRadio.am
29.07.2006 11:33
An international chess super tournament will start today in Dortmund,
Germany. Grand Master of Armenia Levon Aronyan will participate in the
tournament.
The contest will host also Russians Vladimir Kramnik and Pyotor
Svidler, English Michael Adams, Hungarian Peter Leco, Georgian Bahadur
Jobava, German Arkady Naydich and Israeli Boris Gelfand.
PanARMENIAN.Net
Armenia Has No Alternative to Russian Military Presence
28.07.2006 17:33 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ European integration is the most preferable way of
development for Armenia, head of the permanent committee for foreign
relations at the RA parliament Armen Rustamian told a PanARMENIAN.Net
reporter. In his words, Armenia should borrow the positive from Europe
without losing the peculiarities of individual way of development. `As
for the Russian military presence, it’s essential, since it ensures
Armenia’s security. We have no alternative yet. If the European
community proposes something instead we can think it over. But till
that time Russia will be present in Armenia,’ Rustamian said.
At that he remarked that one of Armenia’s main tasks is to bring the
state legislation in accordance with the reviewed Constitution. `We
should pay special attention to the anti-corruption system and
formation of civic society basing on European values and poverty
reduction program,’ Armen Rustamian said.
Armenian National Committee of America
1711 N Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
Tel: (202) 775-1918
Fax: (202) 775-5648
E-mail: [email protected]
Internet:
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 28, 2006
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918
HOUSE ADOPTS AMENDMENT BLOCKING
U.S. SUBSIDY FOR ARMENIA RAILROAD BYPASS
— Crowley-Sherman-Royce Amendment Adds Provisions of
Rep. Knollenberg’s South Caucasus Integration and
Open Railroads Act to the Ex-IM Bank Reauthorization Act
WASHINGTON, DC – The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA),
this week, welcomed the adoption by the House of Representatives of
an amendment to block U.S. taxpayer funding for an unnecessary and
costly proposed railroad between Turkey and Georgia that would, if
built, circumvent Armenia and, in the process, undermine the
economic viability of the existing Caucasus railroad route through
Armenia.
The amendment, spearheaded by Representatives Joe Crowley (D-NY),
Ed Royce (R-CA), and Brad Sherman (D-CA), and adopted as part of
the Export-Import Bank Reauthorization Act of 2006, prohibits the
Export-Import Bank from providing any assistance "to develop or
promote any rail connections or railway-related connections that
traverse or connect Baku, Azerbaijan; Tbilisi, Georgia; and Kars,
Turkey, and that specifically exclude cities in Armenia." The
measure was adopted unanimously by the House Financial Services
Committee in June of this year.
The Crowley Amendment is similar to the South Caucasus Integration
and Open Railroads Act of 2006. This measure was introduced in
both the House (H.R.3361), by Representative Joe Knollenberg (R-
MI), and in the Senate (S 2461) by Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA).
The House version has 85 cosponsors; the Senate version has been
cosponsored by Senators Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and Paul Sarbanes (D-
MD). Both measures stress that U.S. policy should oppose the "The
exclusion of Armenia from regional economic and commercial
undertakings in the South Caucasus," noting that such actions
"undermine the United States policy goal of promoting a stable and
cooperative environment in the region."
"We thank Congressman Crowley, his Financial Services Committee
colleagues Ed Royce and Brad Sherman, as well as the authors of the
South Caucasus Integration and Open Railroads Act – Joe
Knollenberg, Frank Pallone and George Radanovich – for securing the
adoption by the House of this measure protecting American taxpayers
from subsidizing an ill-advised and over-priced railroad project
that – at the insistence of Turkey and Azerbaijan – has been
proposed solely for the purpose of excluding Armenia," said Aram
Hamparian, Executive Director of the ANCA.
In debate leading up to the adoption of the bill, Representatives
Crowley, Knollenberg and Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) each cited the
importance of barring U.S. funds from this ill-advised Caucasus
venture which would exclude Armenia. Rep. Crowley noted that, "for
over 10 years, Armenia has fought an illegal blockade imposed on
them by the countries of Turkey and Azerbaijan. These two
countries continually exclude Armenia from regional development. .
. . Exclusion of one country in regional projects only fosters
instability. Having Export-Import Bank support a railway project
which excludes Armenia is not the way to include all countries in
regional development."
Rep. Knollenberg noted that "the design for the new rail line
defies logistical and geographical logic, and intends to prevent
future economic development from reaching Armenia. The proposed
rail link would cost between $400 million and $800 million and
would take years to construct, even though a perfectly workable
rail link that goes through the city of Gyumri, Armenia already
exists and would be fully operational with a few minor repairs.
Mr. Speaker, I commend my colleagues on the House Financial
Services Committee that included this provision into this bill and
I urge support for passage of H.R. 5068."
Rep. Maloney joined her House colleagues in noting that, "as a
proud member of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues and the
representative of a large and vibrant Armenian-American community,
I support the provisions which would prohibit the Export-Import
Bank from funding railroad projects in South Caucasus region that
deliberately exclude Armenia."
A proposed new Caucasus rail line – at the urging of Turkey and
Azerbaijan – would circumvent Armenia. Promoters of the project
have sought, even at the planning stages, to secure U.S. financing
for this undertaking, prompting Congressional supporters of
regional peace and stability to preemptively block such attempts.
In October of last year, the European Commission voiced official
opposition to the proposed Caucasus railroad bypass of Armenia. A
formal statement by the Commission’s Directorate General for
Transport and Energy noted that its construction was both
unnecessary and inefficient in light of the existing railroad
connecting Kars, Gyumri, and Tbilisi.
The Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank) is the
official export credit agency of the United States. Ex-Im Bank’s
mission is to assist in financing the export of U.S. goods and
services to international markets.
#####
Vancouver Sun , Canada
July 28, 2006
Happy days! We’re No. 10
Canadian Press
Published: Friday, July 28, 2006
Canada is the 10th happiest country on a map of "world happiness"
showing the degree of well-being of the population of 178 countries,
according to researcher Adrian White of the University of Leicester
in England.
What makes Canadians smile? Free health care, the country’s wealth
and access to secondary-level education are ranked as the top three
reasons Canadians are happy.
Asked why he’s happy to be Canadian, Vancouver resident Tariq Ahmet,
23, said he’s proud of his country.
"It is important for us, as a country of wealth, to be an example for
the rest of the world."
White, who is known as an analytic social psychologist, used more
than 100 studies to create the first happiness world map, which was
released Thursday.
His research found the countries with the saddest populations are
those recovering from war or in a state of war, and that also have
high poverty rates.
In a press release White said, "when people are asked if they are
happy with their lives, people in countries with good health care, a
higher GDP per capita and access to education were much more likely
to report being happy."
As for why Denmark ranked as the happiest country in the world, White
said it had the highest satisfaction-with-life rating.
North Vancouver resident Eirk Esmann immigrated to Canada from
Denmark 39 years ago, but said the country has changed a lot since he
left.
"It was harder then, than it is now," said Esmann. Now, he said, "you
are assured you will have a decent living."
Asked how Canada compares to Denmark, Esmann said: "It is a little
more laid back than it is here."
As for why Switzerland, at No. 2, ranks so high in the happiness
stakes, Swiss immigrant Fabienne Burgener said it’s the high standard
of living, strong social security system and the country’s
predilection for orderliness.
"Everyone is very organized, and on time, that is a priority," said
Burgener, 28, a Vancouver resident who has been in Canada for six
years. "It is a really nice country."
The Swiss chocolate doesn’t hurt either, she added.
Armenia was close to the bottom of the happiness list, at 172nd, but
Armenian singer Mariam Matossian said it is a country with a lot of
hope.
"Armenia taught me not to take things for granted," said Matossian, a
Vancouver resident. "They might not have a lot of stuff, I saw joy in
the people who are struggling."
Study researcher White said that in recent years, there has been a
growing debate, particularly in England, over whether countries
should focus more on societal happiness than on wealth creation.
"When you look at the map, it really hits home that we’re actually
doing quite well [in the West] and it’s the poorer countries that are
deprived of the health care and education that we have."
"Countries with huge populations like China, India and Russia —
82nd, 125th and 167th, respectively on the map — tend to do quite
badly," White said.
– – –
WHERE CAN WE FIND HAPPINESS?
A study by Leicester University ranks 178 countries using health,
wealth and education as yardsticks of overall happiness. Canada ranks
10th in the study, while the U.S. is 23rd, China is 82nd and India is
125th.
MOST HAPPY
1. Denmark
2. Switzerland
3. Austria
4. Iceland
5. Bahamas
6. Finland
7. Sweden
8. Bhutan
9. Brunei Darussalam
10. Canada
LEAST HAPPY
1. Burundi
2. Zimbabwe
3. Congo Dem. Rep.
4. Moldova
5. Ukraine
6. Sudan
7. Armenia
8. Turkmenistan
9. Belarus
10. Georgia
On the web:
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TREND Information, Azerbaijan
July 27, 2006
Azeri President received Executive Director of WFP
Source: Trend
Author: S.Agayeva
27.07.2006
On July 27, the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received the
Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Program (WFP)
James Morris, Trend reports.
Aliyev mentioned the economic development of Azerbaijan and noted
that the fact of occupation by Armenia against Azerbaijan and the
existence more than one million refugees and internally displaced
persons (IDPs) are the main problem for Azerbaijan.
The president presented to the attention of the guest the steps taken
by Azerbaijani government for upgrading the life standards of
refugees and IDPs and expressed his gratitide to the head of WFP for
providing assistance.
Aliyev voiced hid hope for the future cooperation with the
organization.
Morris mentioned the high level of cooperation between Azerbaijan and
the organization. He expressed his confidence for the future
development of the cooperation.
FOUNDATION OF NEW CHURCH IN STEPANAKERT WAS LAID
Azat Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh Republic [NKR]
26 July 2006
On July 22 the Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin B visited Artsakh
to sanctify the foundation of the second church in Stepanakert,
Saint Astvatsatsin (Holy Mary) Church. In the ceremony of laying the
foundation of the church NKR President Ghukassian, Speaker Ghulian,
members of government were present.
AA. 26-07-2006
Mamedyarov on Nagorno Karabakh referendum: "We are rather speaking of a poll"
Regnum, Russia
July 27, 2006
Basic elements suggested by the OSCE Minsk group co-chairs and
discussed during the last negotiations "are acceptable if the basics’
essence is preserved that the conflict should be resolved gradually,
based on the principles and norms of international law," Day.Az quotes
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Elmar Mamedyarov to comment
on the Minsk group member countries’ positions.
According to Mamedyarov, the international community has a clear
understanding that "when we speak of international law, the factor
of territorial integrity is primary," whereas "the self-determination
principle does not imply breaking territorial integrity." He brought
in this regard a number of examples of state structures where
nations determine themselves in the framework of states’ territorial
integrity. "I have continually spoken out of the examples of Tatarstan,
Bashkiria; there is Trieste and other instances," Mamedyarov said.
As regards the acceptability of the Trieste model in solving the
Nagorno Karabakh issue, Mamedyarov was told that the model presumes
the existence of many elements that had been at some points offered to
the official Baku and were rejected, particularly, the availability
of an autonomy’s own army, state symbols, passports, currency,
etc. Azerbaijani minister said that there is a huge difference between
the Trieste in 1950s and in the 21st century.
Mamedyarov said that "thanks to the economic development and
normalization of the everyday life, the Trieste society starts to
react differently to sensitive issues. In this context, the problem
of Nagorno Karabakh was perhaps a problem of the Soviet totalitarian
regime under which all the population of the Soviet Union was in a
grave state."
Mamedyarov says that in this context, taking into account Azerbaijan’s
building a law-abiding society, democracy, and market economy, the
situation changes drastically, therefore, one should look at the
prospect. On the first stage, it is necessary, of course, to solve
the issue of displaced persons, for the problem is serious enough,
as well as issues of security, economy, and communications.
Azerbaijan, co-chair countries, and EU member countries "explain
to the Armenian side that prolonging the destructive policy in the
region will make it difficult for them to expect a lively development
in the future." "If they in Armenia think that they will be able
to preserve control over the occupied territories, this, I suppose,
would be equal to a suicide," Mamedyarov claimed.
"We will persist in continuing our policy of developing Azerbaijani
economic and political systems, all its institutions, including
military ones," Mamedyarov says. "To move forward, one needs to
understand the situation in the region, which will come at some point."
Speaking of the possibility of holding in Nagorno Karabakh referendum
on its status, the minister said: "We are rather speaking of
a poll." He specified that "this will become possible after the
life of both Azerbaijani and Armenian communities is normalized –
in Nagorno Karabakh itself, after the Azerbaijani displaced persons
have returned."
What questions are to be asked in the "poll," is, in his words,
still a matter of negotiations, "for if a question posed disputes
territorial integrity, the question can only be solved based on the
Constitution of Azerbaijan."
Touching upon the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry position on journalists’
visits to Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh, the minister said; "Considering
that Nagorno Karabakh is an inseparable part of Azerbaijan, I do
not see a problem in the country’s representatives’ visiting the
region. But naturally, this depends on the level of cooperation. If
a need arises for citizens to visit – journalists, NGO workers,
even official representatives – we have no objection to it."
"I think we have to overcome the barrier of hatred that exists between
Azerbaijan and Armenia on some issues. We are neighbors, and we will
have to deal with each other," Elmar Mamedyarov concluded.
RA GOVERNMENT ISN’T GOING TO PLACE BONDS IN INTERNATIONAL MARKETS NEXT FEW YEARS
AZG Armenian Daily #140, 27/07/2006
Economy
In the next few years the Armenian Government is not going to issue
bonds for placement in the international market, Armenian Finance and
Economy Minister Vardan Khachatrian said during a press-conference
today.He said that presently the country has enough resources,
including credits, and is not going to take up "additional burden."
Khachatrian said that Moody’s rating of Armenia is 1 point higher than
that of Fitch Ratings. Fitch Ratings was more rigid in assessing
the financial risks of the possible resumption of the Karabakh
conflict. One of the negative factors in Armenia is high dollarization.
Moody’s experts say that this makes the Armenian economy
vulnerable. They say that in the mid-term future Armenia has good
chances for ensuring GDP growth and reducing high poverty and
unemployment.
With its not very big currency debt and favorable repayment terms
Armenia can well justify its rating.
In late 2005 the share of the national debt in GDP was 23% which is
not bad for countries like Armenia.
Moody’s experts do not believe that Armenia may resume its war with
Azerbaijan in the mid-term future, but for as long as the conflict is
unresolved, the region will stay in uncertainty. In early June Fitch
gave Armenia BB- issuer default ratings. At the same time, Fitch gave
the country a short-term sovereign rating in foreign exchange B and
country ceiling rating BB.
By Ara Martirosian
KAREN KARAPETYAN MAY LEAVE REPUBLICAN PARTY
Lragir.am
25 July 06
The Lragir has learned that Member of Parliament Karen Karapetyan,
the leader of the People’s Deputy Group, who joined the Republican
Party on these days, may soon quit the party. The point is that the
membership of the member of parliament to the Republican Party was
very sudden. Our source says Karen Karapetyan was not happy about
membership and he agreed only because there was a hasty situation. It
is notable that Karen Karapetyan was not present at the conference
of the Republican Party because he was not in Armenia. It is also
notable that he was elected chair of one of the party committees in his
absence. Perhaps they tried to bind Karen Karapetyan to additional
responsibility. However, as our source informs, the problem is
that in Russia they are against Karen Karapetyan’s membership. Our
source mentions that Russia does not approve the consolidation of
the administrative-criminal resource. It may seem at first sight that
it can have nothing to do with Karen Karapetyan. It should be taken
into account, however, that Karapetyan’s brother runs a rather big
business in Russia, and in this context this factor would affect his
brother’s engagement in home political developments in Armenia.
RA PRIME MINISTER SENDS MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCE ON OCCASION OF DEATH OF
WELL-KNOWN PAINTER MARIAM ASLAMAZIAN
YEREVAN, JULY 24, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. RA Prime Minister
Andranik Margarian sent a message of condolence on the occasion of the
death of well-known painter Mariam Aslamazian. The message provided
to Noyan Tapan from RA Government Information and Public Relations
Department read:
"I present my deep condolences on the occasion of the death of
well-known painter Mariam Aslamazian and express my support to all
her relatives."