Author: Antonian Lara

National Public Radio (NPR)
SHOW: Day to Day 4:00 AM EST NPR
October 5, 2005 Wednesday
Taking time out from war for shopping
ANCHORS: MADELEINE BRAND
REPORTERS: LAWRENCE SHEETS
MADELEINE BRAND, host:
This is DAY TO DAY. I’m Madeleine Brand.
For almost 15 years, the former Soviet republics of Azerbaijan and
Armenia have been at war. Thirty thousand people have died and a
million more are refugees. But even though at war, some unofficial
trade between the two countries thrives. NPR’s Lawrence Sheets
reports from the Georgian border village of Sodoklo(ph).
LAWRENCE SHEETS reporting:
Not far from here begins a front line that extends for hundreds of
miles. Azerbaijani and Armenian soldiers exchange gunfire over
trenches on a regular basis, despite a formal truce.
(Soundbite of people speaking in foreign language)
SHEETS: But here, things are different. This jam-packed muddy bazaar
is just inside Georgia at a wedge of land near where Azerbaijan,
Armenia and Georgia meet. Officially, the border between Azerbaijan
and Armenia is closed. It’s not even possible to make a telephone
call between the two countries. But at this chaotic market of
makeshift wooden stalls, the countries are still connected. Most of
the buyers here are from Armenia. The sellers are usually ethnic
Azerbaijanis, like Elchean Mogamettiv(ph). He sells tools, like
pliers and screwdrivers, to Armenians here.
(Soundbite of voices)
Mr. ELCHEAN MOGAMETTIV (Seller): (Through Translator) Some people
don’t like trading with someone they are at war with. But what can
you do? You have to put bread on the table.
SHEETS: Mogamettiv says relations between the ethnic Azerbaijanis and
Armenians here are fine, despite the hostility between the two
countries. He shakes hands with one of his longtime customers,
Armenian Arshallis Merchanyan(ph). Merchanyan buys goods wholesale
here every week. He then takes them back to Armenia’s capital,
Yerevan, where he deals them to retailers.
Mr. ARSHALLIS MERCHANYAN (Buyer): (Through Translator) People bring
all sorts of stuff–clothing, tea, everything you can possibly
imagine. Everything is cheaper here than in Armenia.
SHEETS: Here in this Georgian border village, you can find Armenian
brandy generally unavailable in Azerbaijan, or Azerbaijani tea, still
coveted in Armenia. Middlemen here can also arrange deliveries of
small amounts of smuggled Azerbaijani gasoline. Ethnic Georgian Amar
Sakharalidze(ph) is one of the directors of the outdoor market.
Sakharalidze says the Azerbaijanis tried to crack down, but they gave
up.
Mr. AMAR SAKHARALIDZE (Outdoor Market Director): (Through Translator)
The Azerbaijanis were angry about the trade of oil and stuff like
that, but they got over it. Politics are politics, but what does that
have to do with ordinary people?
SHEETS: Thomas Goltz, an American expert who’s written extensively
about the Caucasus region, says deep poverty in rural Armenia,
Azerbaijan and Georgia has forced potential foes into business.
Mr. THOMAS GOLTZ (Writer): There is enmity on a macro-political
level, but at the same time, the human need and the urge to trade and
just curiosity create some very interesting situations, and this just
happens to be one of them.
(Soundbite of activity at bazaar)
SHEETS: The sellers and buyers here communicate in a mixture of
languages: Russian, Georgian, Azerbaijani and Armenian. One trade
stall does a booming business selling Turkish pop music to Armenian
clients.
(Soundbite of music)
Unidentified Singer: (Singing in foreign language)
SHEETS: Anoush Anyan(ph), a 43-year-old woman from Armenia, has been
coming to this market and trading with ethnic Azerbaijanis for 12
years. Today she’s buying cheap plastic flowers brought in from
Azerbaijan. She’ll resell them in Armenia.
Ms. ANOUSH ANYAN (Armenia): (Foreign language spoken)
SHEETS: Anyan says she has lots of Azerbaijani friends here to do
business with, even though her son now serves in the Armenian army,
which Azerbaijan is fighting. She said that because of unofficial
trade like this, there’s now less mistrust of Azerbaijanis in her
native village, regardless of what the politicians think. Lawrence
Sheets, NPR News, in the Georgian village of Sodoklo, near the border
between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

ElBaradei says Peace Prize a “shot in the arm”
By Francois Murphy
VIENNA, Oct 7 (Reuters) – U.N. nuclear watchdog chief Mohamed
ElBaradei said on Friday winning the Nobel Peace Prize would give him
and his agency a much-needed “shot in the arm” as they tackle nuclear
crises in Iran and North Korea.
He told reporters at the United Nations complex in Vienna that he was
surprised by the award but saw it as recognition of his agency’s work
and an encouragement to continue its efforts.
“The award sends a very strong message: ‘Keep doing what you are doing
— be impartial, act with integrity’, and that is what we intend to
do,” ElBaradei said after applause from U.N. staff.
“The advantage of having this recognition today, it will strengthen my
resolve.”
The 63-year-old Egyptian lawyer and the International Atomic Energy
Agency won the 2005 prize for their battle to stop states and
terrorists from acquiring the atom bomb and ensure safe civilian use
of nuclear energy.
“The fact that there is overwhelming public support for our work
definitely will help to resolve some of the major outstanding issues
we are facing today, including North Korea, including Iran and nuclear
disarmament.
“It is a responsibility but it is also a shot in the arm.”
SURPRISE
ElBaradei told reporters he had been certain he would not win, despite
being favoured, because he had not received the traditional advance
telephone call from the Nobel Committee. He only learnt of his win
while watching the televised ceremony.
“This came as an absolute surprise to me,” he said.
“I was watching television with my wife at 11 o’clock fully aware that
we did not make it because I did not get the call.
“And then I heard in Norwegian the (IAEA) and my name still in
Norwegian is the same, and I was just on my feet with my wife, hugging
and kissing and full of joy and full of pride,” he said.
The Nobel Committee said before the announcement it had tightened
secrecy after Reuters published the names of the 2003 and 2004 winners
before the official announcements.
ElBaradei, the first Egyptian winner since President Anwar Sadat in
1978, has faced criticism from many quarters, most recently from the
United States and Iran, over his efforts to investigate Tehran’s
nuclear programme.
Last month North Korea announced at the end of six-party talks that it
would scrap its nuclear arsenal in exchange for aid and security
guarantees from the United States, South Korea, Japan, China and
Russia. ElBaradei has said he hopes his agency’s inspectors can
return to the Stalinist state soon.
10/07/05 13:18 ET

PRESS RELEASE
The Eurasia Foundation
Representative Office in Armenia
4 Demirchyan Str., Yerevan 375019, Armenia
Contact: Alisa Alaverdyan
Tel: (374 10) 586059, 586159
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:

eurasia foundation increases inter-municipal cooperation

Yerevan, Armenia- The Eurasia Foundation Representative Office in Armenia
recently awarded more than $100,000 to ten municipalities and community
unions for the promotion of inter-municipal networking and cooperation. By
creating networks between urban and rural municipalities, community members
and municipal leaders will have an opportunity to jointly identify and solve
community problems. Strong local government is critical to Armenia’s
development because local authorities ensure the delivery of services that
respond to community needs.

The grant recipients were selected through an open competition that was
announced in July following a series of informational seminars on project
design. Recipients include the municipalities of Berdavan, Martuni, Masis,
Metsamor, Sisian and Vedi, as well as the inter-community unions of Aparan,
Ararat, Noyemberyan and Tumanyan. Both the employees of rural and urban
municipalities and residents of Armenia’s communities will benefit from the
projects supported by the Foundation. These projects will:

* Create inter-municipal networks, which will be equipped with
Intranet systems that will host legislation databases and allow the exchange
of information between municipalities on issues of common interest;
* Support trainings for municipality and community union employees
on the use of these systems and management skills;
* Support the development of inter-municipal strategies for
increasing the efficient use of community resources and improving services
to citizenry.

“The Eurasia Foundation is promoting effective local governance by
developing municipalities’ technical and professional skills and fostering
cooperation between local authorities. As a result of these projects, we can
expect to see the establishment of vibrant inter-municipal networks,” says
the Eurasia Foundation Armenia Country Director Ara Nazinyan.

***
_____
Privately managed with support from USAID and other donors, the Eurasia
Foundation has made more than 7,500 grants totaling over $153 million in 12
countries of the former Soviet Union since 1993. The Eurasia Foundation has
operated in Armenia since 1995 encouraging the development of civil society,
public administration and private enterprise. For additional information
about Eurasia Foundation activities in Armenia and a list of our independent
advisory board members, please visit <; or _____ This press release was made possible through support provided by the Office of Economic Growth, Bureau for Europe and Eurasia, U.S. Agency for International Development, under the terms of Award No. EMT-G-00-02-00008-00. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Agency for International Development.

LATVIAN PRESIDENT ARRIVING IN ARMENIA ON OFFICIAL CALL
Pan Armenian
06.10.2005 08:41
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ October 6-8 Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga
along with her husband Imants Freibergs will be in Armenia on
an official call on the invitation of Armenian President Robert
Kocharian. As the Press Service of the Armenian leader had told
PanARMENIAN.Net before, the Latvian delegation will include Ministers
of Economy, Transport and Communication, Culture, other officials,
some 50 entrepreneurs. The visit main goal is to encourage development
of inter-state relations, strengthening cooperation, as well as
determination of priority directions of economic cooperation. The two
state leaders will discuss EU-Armenia cooperation, regional issues
and will exchange views over urgent international problems. It should
be noted that in April 2005 UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan included
Vaira Vike-Freiberga in the group of world leaders, who will promote
UN reforms as delegates of the Secretary-General.

HETQ.am
Flash’s Good Reputation is in Danger
October 3, 2005
Ararat Tsovyan feeds his family by repairing eyeglasses. His shop at 15
Pushkin Street was demolished on government orders, as part of the work on
Hyusisayin (Northern) Avenue. He was given the dram equivalent of US$ 8200
as compensation, as well as the right to rent a 20-square-meter property
adjacent to 15a Pushkin, in order to open another shop.
The decision (no. 2320-A, dated 01.12.2003) of Yerevan Mayor Yervand
Zakharyan allowed Tsovyan to receive a ten-year lease for 20 sq. m. of
property adjacent to 15a Pushkin. He followed procedure and signed a
contract to rent the property and received the lease after which he obtained
permission to start building, designed the project plan, agreed it with
authorities and began construction. “During construction, some people
approached my builders a number of times and said, ‘Don’t build it in vain.
If it’s in Flash’s way, it’ll be torn down anyway,” said Tsovyan.
The property allocated to Tsovyan is also adjacent to 19,Pushkin a building
which now belongs to Flash ltd. The company bought the building after
offering compensation to its residents, demolished it, and is now
constructing a new building for Armcapbank, which it owns.
Flash ltd. is one of Armenia’s largest importers of petroleum products.
According to the data of the Competition Conservation Commission, Flash is
in second place among petroleum product importers, providing 25-28% of the
diesel available in Armenia. Barsegh Beglaryan is the founder and president
of Flash. More than 1/4 of the petroleum market belongs to this company and
it has more than 200 employees. Besides this, Flash is the main shareholder
in the Nairit chemical plant. Barsegh Beglaryan, who also owns Flash, has
started doing business in Nagorno-Karabakh as well.
On March 10, 2005, equipment belonging Flash ltd. was used to demolish
Tsovyan’s half-built shop. “They tore it down, used some of the material to
build toilets for their laborers, and took the rest away in broad daylight,”
said Tsovyan.
Flash offered a different description of what had happened – “We didn’t tear
down his shop, the office of the mayor did. When we were tearing down the
building in order to build another one, Samvel Danielyan, the head architect
of Yerevan, was present, as were the heads of two City Hall departments [he
couldn’t remember which departments] and two policemen. The City Hall
representatives said that Tsovyan’s shop had to be torn down too, because
the mayor had taken a wrong decision in this regard – architecturally
speaking, such land allocation is unsound – besides which the shop was not
in accordance with the blueprints. So, it was the mayor’s office that tore
it down, not Flash. It’s just that City Hall asked for our excavator, and we
provided it, which is why the pictures show Flash equipment being used,”
said Moushegh Elchyan, vice-president of Flash ltd., “Now Tsovyan can come
and build his shop, we don’t want his land at all, but we will cause
problems, because we don’t like that structure.”
Contrary to Elchyan’s assurances that they don’t want Tsovyan’s land, it
turned out that the atrium of the future bank had already been built there,
and a parking lot is planned below it. Elchyan claimed that after the shop
was demolished, the mayor’s office asked Flash to help Tsovyan in order to
keep things quiet, since it was in Flash’s best interests as well to keep
that land free.
“If Tsovyan’s shop had indeed strayed from the original blueprints, then he
should have been by fined or warned by City Hall or the State Department of
Construction and told to bring things back to plan. But that was not the
case. I’ve conducted a legal investigation at the mayor’s office and
discovered that Tsovyan had the necessary documents to build his shop and
that it was not torn down by City Hall,” said Karen Mejlumyan, Tsovyan’s
lawyer.
Flash ltd. insists that Tsovyan’s shop was torn down on the orders of head
architect Samvel Danielyan as well as two heads of department at City Hall,
and in their presence. In reply to a written query, G. Khangeldyan, the head
of the Department of Construction and Land Supervision at City Hall, said
that the mayor’s office had not ordered the demolition of Tsovyan’s shop.
Besides this, an investigation by the prosecutors’ offices in the Central
and Nork-Marash municipalities also proved that City Hall could have no
legal basis to order the demolition of that shop. One can assume the
following based on all this – either Flash vice-president Elchyan has
committed slander against the high-ranking City Hall officials or head
architect Danielyan has abused his position by deeming that legally
constructed structure to be “architecturally unsound”, just to serve Flash’s
interests. In the abundance of illegal and “architecturally unsound”
structures in Yerevan, the head architect picked this legal half-built shop.
It is a point of interest as to whether the head architect was authorized to
declare the mayor Zakharyan’s judgment wrong and verbally overrule a written
decision, or whether the mayor would tolerate such impertinence if it did
not serve the interests of Flash ltd.
Tsovyan awaits the decision of the Prosecutor General. A decision has to be
taken as to whether to file a criminal case or dismiss the charges. In case
of dismissal, Tsovyan is preparing to appeal the case to a superior body or
the court of review.
“Flash had offered Tsovyan land in a different location, or a compensatory
sum of money, but he refused. Now we offer nothing. City Hall tore it down,
let City Hall compensate his loss,” insisted Elchyan. He is probably trying
not contadict Flash’s slogan- “Our good reputation is our dearest capital.”
Aghavni Yeghiazaryan
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ARMENIAN-ITALIAN FRIENDSHIP DAYS BEGIN IN YEREVAN
By Gohar Gevorgian
AZG Armenian Daily #179
06/10/2005
Event
“Armenians in Italy. Armenian Community of Italy” discussion will
open the Days of the Armenian-Italian Friendship. Vartan Oskanian,
RA foreign minister, will receive Adolfo Urso, Italy’s trade
minister. They will officially open the Days of the Armenian-Italian
friendship and “Armenian Venice. Treasures of St. Lazarus.” Gala
concert of classical concert at Aram Khachatrian Philharmonic Concert
Hall will complete the day.

ECONOMIC POTENTIAL OF ARMENIA AND UKRAINE UNDERUSED IN GOODS TURNOVER BETWEEN THEM
Pan Armenian
04.10.2005 10:48
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Today Armenian PM Andranik Margaryan met with
newly appointed Ukrainian Ambassador to Armenia Aleksandr Bozhko,
reported the Press service of the Armenian Government. Having
congratulated the diplomat with appointment to the office for a
second time, A. Margaryan said he hoped for the Ambassador to promote
Armenian-Ukrainian relations further. Mr.
Bozhko informed the Armenian PM on latest developments in the political
and economic life of Ukraine. The situation in the region is stable
at present, a new Government is formed, headed by an experienced PM,
relations in the international arena are also being regulated, he
emphasized. Having noted the importance of further strengthening of
political and diplomatic relations between the two countries that have
chosen the way of European integration, the interlocutors discussed
the current state and prospects of development of bilateral trade and
economic relations. They specifically highlighted cooperation within
international organizations. The economic potential of Armenia and
Ukraine is underused in goods turnover between the two countries, the
interlocutors noted. The parties expressed confidence that the previous
sessions of the Armenian-Ukrainian Inter-Governmental Commission for
Trade and Economic Affairs, as well as a range of agreements signed
between the parties would encourage bilateral economic relations. A.
Margaryan and A. Bozhko agreed to speed up the holding of the
Commission fourth session upon the appointment of its new Ukrainian
co-chair to deal with accumulated matters more efficiently.

FORMER PRESIDENT WARNS US AGAINST MILITARY ATTACK ON IRAN
Voice of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Tehran
Sept 30 2005
Former Iranian president and long-time Chairman of the Expediency
Council Akbar Hashemi-Rafsanjani has reiterated Iran’s intention to use
nuclear technology for peaceful purposes. He reminded the worshippers
at Tehran Friday prayers earlier today that despite being a victim of
Iraqi chemical weapons “Iran could have used chemical weapons. But it
did not”. Rafsanjani said: ” Our main task is to prove that we are not
the sort of people to utilize nuclear weapons… This shows that we are
not the people to resort to such ugly calamities… However, we must
prove this in practice to them [to IAEA and EU]. This is a difficult
task and requires talks and the delicate job of diplomacy.” The
following are excerpts from a live broadcast of Friday prayer sermons
by Iranian radio on 30 September, subheading inserted editorially.
[Rafsanjani] In the name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate.
[Passage on the forthcoming month of Ramadan, Iran-Iraq war
anniversary, omitted.]
The issue I want to talk about here is the nuclear issue. We are
facing a very serious and crucial situation. The issue is extremely
serious. Our nation should not be influenced by misleading comments
made to undermine the importance of the issue. Our nation has accepted
the main point and knows that nuclear technology is crucial to the
country and that it can not be ignored. Nothing is hidden from the
nation on the issue. The main challenge we are facing with at this
point in time is the conflict we have with those who want to create
nuclear apartheid and want to be the only ones to have this vast
power and important technology. We are not seeking the technology
for military purposes. We are pursuing it for peaceful purposes. We
want to utilize this technology for agriculture, energy, industry
and health. This technology is among the most advanced and up-to-date
technologies in today’s world and one cannot forgo this right.
If we forgo this right, it will be registered in the history of our
country, just like the Treaty of Turkmanchai [Agreement signed by
Russia and Persia in 1828 by which Persia was forced to cede part of
Persian Armenia to Russia and grant extraterritorial rights] or the
Treaty of Vosouq ol-Dowleh, and the officials of the country will
never be forgiven throughout history in the eyes of the nation.
Therefore we, the whole system with the guardianship of the leader,
are determined to defend this right with our full determination
and power. [Crowd chanting: God is great, Death to America, Death
to Israel]
But this challenge is not an easy one. Sometimes it is believed that
by looking at the matter optimistically, the morale of the people
will be boosted and it will increase their resistance. I, too, believe
that people should not despair and should be hopeful and resist. But
I do not believe that people should be given false hope in thinking
that others will resolve the issue for them. The issue is extremely
serious. Our opponents are explicitly and firmly stating that Iran
should not have the nuclear fuel cycle and we are explicitly and
firmly saying that we must have this technology. There is no other
alternative. Of course we are trying to resolve the matter through
negotiations. Because they are claiming that they do not trust Iran
and that they cannot be sure that Iran will not use the technology for
military purposes, we should prove to them that we are not doing so.
Our main task [over the nuclear issue] is to prove that we are not the
sort of people to utilize nuclear weapons. And we have a proud record
to prove this. I mean [at the time of the Iran-Iraq war] when our
combatants were martyred by [Iraqi] chemical weapons in such oppressive
manner, Iran could have used chemical weapons. But it did not. They
[Iraqis] were hitting our cities in the most despicable manner. But we
were instructed that before hitting any [Iraqi] city in retaliation,
we had to give a warning 48 hours in advance in order to give people
a chance to leave. This shows that we are not the people to resort
to such ugly calamities. Therefore, this is our nature. However,
we must prove this in practice to them [to IAEA and EU]. This is a
difficult task and requires talks and the delicate job of diplomacy.
Two points are important here. Firstly, our opposite side comprises
America, Europe and others. We tell them: To you, this [oily?] arena
is not a highway to cross. This is a mined battlefield and dangerous
for you. If you were to enter this arena, you will impose heavy losses
on the region, on yourself and on the rest of the world. Iran is not a
sort of state to raise its hands in surrender as soon as you pick up
your weapon and draw your dagger. Such a thing will not happen. You
should therefore act wisely and prudently. If by uttering words and
issuing resolutions, you intend to intimidate us, you must realize
that the Iranians are not scared and will not be intimidated.
If you truly wish to get somewhere, this cannot be achieved by
issuing resolutions, by intimidating us, by publishing articles and
by delivering speeches. Instead, one [you and Iranian authorities]
should sit around to talk and reach trust. And you will become certain
that Iran is not adventurous over this issue. Iran wishes to acquire
peaceful nuclear technology. This is a right that no country will
justify itself to sign away and deny itself the right. This will not
happen in Iran, if this is what you are pursuing.
I would like to let the [Iranian] managers in this sector know that
here you need diplomacy and not slogans. This is the place for wisdom,
the place for seeking windows that will take you to the objective,
the place for negotiations and extensive diplomatic activities to
say that we are present all over the world. This is the place for
utilizing all the levers at our disposal, but prudently, wisely and
with patience – without provocation and slogans that may please the
enemy and give him an excuse. We must avoid providing the enemy the
weapon that we could deploy in the world to gain victory.
We must properly resolve this sensitive problem facing our country,
with the goal of safeguarding our nation’s right and preventing others
violate the rights of our own people. God willing, we shall benefit
from the plentiful advantages of nuclear technology. [Shouts of
“God is great” from the conjuration]
Iraq and Palestine
I wanted to speak about Iraq and Palestine, but my second sermon went
on longer than I expected. I’m just going to point out that we are
witnessing mischievous and harmful actions that are hurting Iraqi
people. The three car bombs in Balad yesterday killed and injured
close to 200 people. There were more explosions in Hilla today –
these crimes usually occur in Shi’i sections. It would appear that
certain mysterious characters don’t want security to be restored
in Lebanon. Lebanon was the victim of civil war for years, which
destroyed it.
And It would appear that Israel has reduced its vulnerability
by withdrawing from Gaza. Because it was involved in clashes with
Palestinian combatants. These days it is attacking Palestinian areas
by tanks, fighter jets and helicopters. It has escalated its attacks
instead of working towards peace.
Syria is being threatened. We need Islamic unity today. We need
solidarity among those forces loyal to Islam and the revolution. God
willing, we will be able to strengthen our correct diplomatic actions
in the region and the world, thereby reducing the chances of harms
to the regions.

DELEGATION HEADED BY GREEK DM TO ARRIVE IN ARMENIA ON OCT. 4
Noyan Tapan News Agency
Oct 3 2005
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 3, NOYAN TAPAN. The delegation headed by Greece’s
Defence Minister Spilios Spiliotopulos will come on a two-day official
visit to Armenia on October 4.
According to the RA Defence Minister’s spokesman Colonel Sayran
Shahsuvarian, meetings with the RA President Robert Kocharian, Prime
Minister Andranik Margarian and Defence Minister Serge Sargsian are
scheduled within the framework of the visit.
The Greek delegation will attend the Museum Institute of the Armenian
Genocide, lay a wreath at the Memorial to the 1915 Genocide Victims,
and visit the Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin to meet with Catholicos
of All Armenians Karekin II.

RA LOST SECURITY SYSTEM
A1+
| 15:31:52 | 01-10-2005 | Politics |
Former chairman of the NA permanent commission for foreign affairs
Hovhannes Hovhannisyan, who has held numerous meetings with leaders
of other states, insists that Europeans do not admit complementation
policy.
Chairman of the Liberal Progressive Party Hovhannes Hovhannisyan
considers that there was time when complementation was essential
for Armenia, but presently this policy may prove dangerous. “It is
especially dangerous at present, when serious geopolitical changes
are taking place. Such policy would make Armenia more vulnerable.”
H. Hovhannisyan considers that Armenia’s participation in the
Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) is senseless. He
explains it by the following fact: Kazakhstan, the second major CSTO
members is aspired for presidency in the organization. Armenia is
against it, since Kazakhstan pursues pro-Azerbaijani policy. Azerbaijan
is not CSTO member. Which state will Kazakhstan support if problems
arouse?
Proceeding from these conclusions the LPP leader says that the CSTO
has lost its actuality and the security system does not exist. He is
convinced that Armenia should take decisive moves towards the NATO,
the organization, which during 50 years has proved capable of solving
all the internal issues.
However in this case there exist some problems as well. There are NATO
members-states which rate oil as a priority factor. “is fifty states
unite and set the rules, no other state can break them. Azerbaijan
has oil. Thus the attitude towards this country will be always
special. We must keep it in mind. What can we offer instead of oil? Our
democracy?” he says.
The RA authorities do not wish to joint the NATO and admit the rules,
since corruption and disorder have no place in the NATO member-states,
H. Hovhannisyan resumed.