Author: Antonian Lara

Schweizerische Depeschenagentur AG (SDA)
SDA – Basisdienst Deutsch
16. Juni 2005
Tuerkei kritisiert Armenien-Entschliessung des Bundestags
Istanbul
Zwischen Deutschland und der Tuerkei bahnt sich Streit wegen der
Armenierfrage an. Der deutsche Botschafter in Ankara wurde wegen des
anstehenden Bundestagsbeschlusses zu den tuerkischen Massakern an
Armeniern ins tuerkische Aussenministerium zitiert.
Mit Blick auf die gemeinsame Entschliessung der deutschen
Bundestagsfraktionen zum Gedenken an die Massaker im Ersten Weltkrieg
sei dem deutschen Diplomaten die tuerkische Position verdeutlicht
worden, sagte ein Ministeriumssprecher am Donnerstag in Ankara.
Aussenminister Abdullah Guel kritisiere den im Bundestag vorliegenden
Antrag als “verletzend” fuer die Tuerkei und die in Deutschland
lebenden Tuerken, sagte der Ministeriumssprecher weiter. Der Antrag
sollte im Laufe des Tages im Bundestag ohne Debatte verabschiedet
werden. Der Begriff “Voelkermord” taucht nicht im Text des Antrages
selbst, wohl aber in der Begruendung auf.
Armenien und Teile der internationalen Oeffentlichkeit stufen den
Tod von mehreren hunderttausend Armeniern zwischen 1915 und 1917
als Voelkermord ein. Aus Sicht der Tuerkei handelte es sich bei den
Ereignissen dagegen um die tragischen Folgen einer Zwangsumsiedlung,
die wegen des Krieges erforderlich gewesen sei.
Bei den Massakern und Todesmaerschen starben zwischen 300 000 und
1,5 Millionen Menschen. Der Voelkermordstreit verhindert bis heute
eine Normalisierung der Beziehungen zwischen der Tuerkei und dem
Nachbarstaat Armenien.

ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
06/16/2005
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <;HTTP:// 1) Germany Angers Turkey with Resolution on Armenian 'Massacres' 2) ARF's Margarian Stresses Armenia Not at A Disadvantage in Karabagh Talks 3) ANCA Launches Response to Erdogan's Wave of Genocide Denial 4) His Holiness Karekin II Meets with Governor Schwarzenegger 1) Germany Angers Turkey with Resolution on Armenian 'Massacres' BERLIN (Bloomberg/DPA)Straining relations with Turkey, the German Bundestag parliament adopted a resolution on Thursday condemning the massacre of up to 1.5 million ethnic Armenians in the Ottoman Empire 90 years ago. The resolution criticized the current government of Turkey for "neglecting to address the issue" in a forthright manner. Turkey's foreign minister Abdullah Gul denounced the resolution as "irresponsible, appalling and injurious" to relations between the two countries. "We note this decision with regret and we strongly condemn it," said a statement released by the foreign ministry. The statement accused the resolution of being rooted in "domestic politics" and called it "irresponsible and narrow-minded." The extent of the massacres and deportations of Armenians is still being played down or denied by the modern Turkish government, contradicting the idea of reconciliation promoted by the European Union, according to the motion, which was submitted by all parliamentary groups. It stopped short of describing the killings as genocide. "The lower house of parliament regrets that an extensive discussion of events in the then Ottoman Empire still is not possible and that academics and writers who want to look into this part of Turkish history are being prosecuted and defamed," the motion said. Turkey denies allegations that the Ottoman Empire's treatment of its Armenian subjects in 1915 was a planned genocide, arguing that an Armenian rebellion caused clashes and the resulting deaths. The European Union, with which Turkey is due to start membership talks Oct. 3, has said the dispute with Armenia clouds Turkey's bid to join. "It's not possible to accept the notion of `genocide' without relying on documents and information," Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said at a news conference in Beirut, Lebanon on Thursday. "We are proud of our history. Therefore we cannot stand by while this issue is being used as a political tool, as free political capital by lobby groups." 'Abundantly Documented' Turkey should take responsibility for the deaths because the evidence of genocide is "abundantly documented," the Purdue University, Indiana-based International Association of Genocide Scholars said in a letter to Erdogan on April 6. During a visit to Turkey on May 4, German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder urged the Armenian government to accept a proposal by Turkey that scholars from both countries study the genocide claims. More than 1 million Armenians died in massacres, on death marches through the Syrian desert or in camps, the German parliamentary motion said. Acknowledging the former injustice would help normalize the relationship between Armenia and Turkey and stabilize the Caucasus region, it said. The lawmakers said Turkey is showing some positive signs that it is beginning to address the issue, such as an invitation to Turks of Armenian origin by the Turkish National Assembly to talk about the crimes, an exchange of documents between Turkish and Armenian historians and Erdogan opening the first Armenian museum in Istanbul. Still, they criticized the cancellation by the Turkish Justice Ministry of a conference on the subject by Turkish academics that had been due to take place in May. The motion also expressed regret that the German government of the time didn't act to prevent the killings even though it was aware of what was happening. 2) ARF's Margarian Stresses Armenia Not at A Disadvantage in Karabagh Talks YEREVAN (YERKIR)--Commenting on the current stage of negotiations in settling the Mountainous Karabagh conflict, Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Bureau representative Hrant Margarian said during a press conference on Thursday that it is wrong to create a defeatist environment in Armenia. He stressed that while there is international pressure on Azerbaijan to accept that Karabagh--and probably Lachin as wellshould join Armenia, the same forces pressure Armenia to accept the return of liberated territories to Azerbaijan. "I don't believe there is an Armenian who wants the liberated territories to be returned," Margarian said. "I admit, however, that the issue can be touched on during negotiations, soley for tactical reasons." He said that Azerbaijan, even in principal, refuses to consider the issue of ceding Karabagh to Armenia, and instead of negotiating, resorts to militant rhetoric. Pointing to Azerbaijan's position, he asked, "Why do we then create a seemingly defeatist mood among our people?" "This is unwise, to say the least. Our people have paid a big price for the liberation of Karabagh and will not let anyone surrender territories." He added that concessions should not include Karabagh's sovereignty, national identity, and present borders. Speaking about Armenia's coalition government, he said that it is ineffective, and just beyond a "formality." "Let no one cheat anyone else. It is the reality of this country. We must look at this reality with open eyes, with courage, and be able to find solutions. Our new approach is that we will make every effort for the coalition to start working soon," Margarian concluded. 3) ANCA Launches Response to Erdogan's Wave of Genocide Denial Seven-part Action Alert featured on ANCA website WASHINGTON, DC--Activists from across the United States, throughout Europe, and around the world are streaming to the Armenian National Committee of America's (ANCA) website to take part in a seven-part on-line response to Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's recently unleashed international wave of genocide denial. In recent weeks, Erdogan has dramatically raised the stakes in his government's campaign to deny the Armenian Genocide, orchestrating the purchase of major media advertisements, applying intense pressure on foreign governments, and severely cracking down on dissidents within Turkey who seek to speak openly about this crime against humanity. Elements of this wave of denial include: --Blocking the first-ever Armenian genocide conference in Turkey, which was to have taken place in Istanbul this June. --Spending over $1,000,000 to have Time Magazine include DVDs denying the Armenian genocide in all of its editions throughout Europe, and placing a major genocide denial ad in the Washington Post. --Pressing the US government to withdraw the American Foreign Service Association's "Constructive Dissent" award to US Ambassador to Armenia John Evans for speaking the truth about the Genocide. --Pressuring President Bush, during their June 8th White House meeting, to oppose the Armenian Genocide Resolution before Congress. This legislation (H.Res.316) was introduced on June 14th by Congressmen George Radanovich (R-CA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Armenian Caucus Co-Chairmen Joe Knollenberg (R-MI), and Frank Pallone (D-NJ). --Twisting arms at the State Department to continue to exclude any mention of the Armenian genocide in the Department's official website's section on Armenian history. --Imposing an effective "gag-rule," silencing any US protests over Turkey's new Penal Code provision (Section 305) outlawing even the discussion of the Genocide. "The powerful response to our action alert reflects the seriousness with which Armenians worldwide are responding to Erdogan's escalation of his attacks on the truth, on the memories of genocide victims, and on the very security of Armenia," said Aram Hamparian, Executive Director of the ANCA. "But he will fail--despite all the millions of dollars and vast political capital he will expend. He'll fail--because of the powerful grassroots response he will face from Armenian Americans; because of the moral indignation of the American people as they learn more about how his government's values stand in stark contrast to those held by the vast majority of Americans; because he is finding himself increasingly isolated internationally as he loses his partners in denial, and - perhaps most importantly - because his years of hateful lies and deception will collapse under their own weight," added Hamparian. The ANCA website-- a seven-part array of action alerts on issues ranging from the Armenian Genocide Resolution to the Time Magazine (European Edition) DVD advertisement denying the Armenian Genocide. These web-based components complement the work of the ANCA's Washington, DC staff, regional offices in Los Angeles and New York City, and its network of more than fifty chapters and tens of thousands of volunteer activists. 4) His Holiness Karekin II Meets with Governor Schwarzenegger SACRAMENTO--Senator Chuck Poochigian welcomed His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, to California's State Capitol on Wednesday, where he met privately with Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and a number of lawmakers at a reception in his honor. The Governor and His Holiness spoke about the history of the Armenian Church and people, the effects of Soviet rule on Armenia, and the condition of the republic following the devastating earthquake, and collapse of communism. They also discussed the spiritual growth of the people of Armenia and importance of the church in the lives Armenians. His Holiness expressed gratitude to the Governor for signing of SB 424, introduced by Sen. Poochigian, that permanently designates the week of April 24 California's week of remembrance of the Armenian genocide. All subscription inquiries and changes must be made through the proper carrier and not Asbarez Online. ASBAREZ ONLINE does not transmit address changes and subscription requests. (c) 2005 ASBAREZ ONLINE. All Rights Reserved. ASBAREZ provides this news service to ARMENIAN NEWS NETWORK members for academic research or personal use only and may not be reproduced in or through mass media outlets.

Agency WPS
DEFENSE and SECURITY (Russia)
June 15, 2005, Wednesday
GEORGIAN SEND-OFF
SOURCE: Voyenno-Promyshlenny Kurier, No 20, June 8 – 14, 2005, pp. 1,
3
by Aleksei Matveev
It took Russia and Georgia years of negotiations to finally reach an
agreement on the Russian military bases on the territory of Georgia.
The joint communique Russian and Georgian foreign ministers signed
last week specifies that withdrawal of the Russian military contingent
from Georgia should be completed in 2008. The bases in Batumi and
Akhalkalaki cease functioning as of the moment of signing of the
communique, i.e. as of May 30, 2005. All their activities are to be
dedicated to withdrawal only.
Russia pledged to withdraw heavy military hardware from Akhalkalaki
before the end of 2006, and the base as such before October 1, 2007.
The base in Batumi is to be withdrawn in practically the same period
– with a reservation, “to execute the withdrawal of the Batumi base
and command structures of the Russian Army Group in the Caucasus in
Tbilisi in 2008.”
“Withdrawal of Russian military bases will be executed only on
the condition of establishment on the territory of Russia of the
necessary infrastructure for the troops to be pulled out,” Defense
Minister Sergei Ivanov said at an international security conference
in Munich in August 2004.
Two military bases with tenements for servicemen have to be built
in Russia prior to the withdrawal from Georgia, Ivanov said. “We
will act in accordance with financial capacities of the state,”
Ivanov said. “The necessary means may be allocated to the Defense
Ministry only when bilateral relations with Georgia have been signed
and ratified by the Duma.”
Ivanov pointed out that Moscow and Tbilisi were still in disagreement
over the periods of withdrawal from Georgia. “Statements like that will
be made by the very moment Russia and Georgia sign two agreements:
on the dates of withdrawal and mode of their functioning in Georgia
prior to the pullout,” the minister declared.
And what do we have now? There is no Russian-Georgian agreement on
the dates of withdrawal, there is only a joint communique released
by two foreign ministers. Instead of a separate document on the mode
of functioning we only have a couple of lines in the communique – to
the effect that activities of the bases will be dedicated solely to
the withdrawal. And even that in a document signed by Foreign Minister
Sergei Lavrov. Infrastructure for the military hardware or personnel is
not even mentioned. Here are the questions: why did Lavrov fail to take
into account the position of the Defense Ministry? Or did the stand
of the Defense Ministry on the matter changed since August 2004? In
any case, there are too many questions and not enough answers. Lavrov
pledged to turn over the 142nd Armored Vehicles Repair Facility of the
Russian Army Group in the Caucasus to the Georgians before June 15,
2005. Why such a hurry?
In the meantime, the 142nd Armored Vehicles Repair Facility is an
important strategic object. Tbilisi maintains that the facility
will allegedly be turned over to Georgia in accordance with the
1999 Istanbul Accords on withdrawal of Russian military bases and
hardware. It is not so, because Russia and Georgia agreed in the
capital of Turkey that Russia would withdraw its bases from Vaziani
and Gudauta and that Georgia would permit provisional deployment of
Russian troops in Akhalkalaki and Batumi. For some reason, Moscow
does not remind Georgia of its obligations but agrees to an express
transfer of military bases and other important military objects to
the Defense Ministry of Georgia (not only the 142nd Armored Vehicles
Repair Facility). Moscow will turn over all other objects not used by
the Russian Army Group in the Caucasus to Georgia before September
1, 2005. The matter concerns Zvezda Star reserve command post,
communications relay station in Kodjori, and Gonio testing site.
Would not it have been easier to render all of them inoperative? It
does not take a genius to see after all that transfer of all these
objects to Georgia will only boost its defense capacity which will
only strengthen its eagerness to solve its problems with runaway
autonomies by sheer strength of arms.
Observers are already aware of the negative consequences of this
thoughtless transfer. Consider the 142nd Armored Vehicles Repair
Facility. Until very recently it has repaired Russian and Georgian
tanks and armored vehicles of the Armenian national army. It is
because of this that official Baku accused Georgia of assistance
to hostile Yerevan several years ago. Georgia and command of the
Russian Army Group in the Caucasus suggested the use of the facility
to repair Azerbaijani tanks too but official Baku declined the offer.
What will it say now when the facility is Georgian? Nobody in Georgia
offered comment on that, saying that it as too early yet to say
anything definite. It is clear in any case that it will be much more
difficult for Yerevan to repair its tanks now.
Secondly, Academician, Vladimir Popov, of the Academy of Military
Sciences, is convinced that “transfer of the repair facility
of the Russian Army Group in the Caucasus to Georgia means that
Moscow indirectly supports preparation of military invasion of South
Ossetia and Abkhazia by the Georgians.” According to Popov, Moscow has
apparently forgotten that it already turned over to Georgia military
factories, objects, and armored vehicles including modern tanks of the
former Caucasus Military District in June 1992. They participated in
the fratricidal war on Sukhumi and Tskhinvali several weeks later.
The situation is different now, but the president of Georgia does
not rule out the possibility of the use of the national army to bow
the restive autonomies to his will. If it happens, specialists of
the tank repair facility will certainly find themselves busy.
Observers regard as Russia’s certain triumph the provisions of
the joint communique on establishment of the Russian-Georgian
counter-terrorism center in Batumi. It is supposed to become a
subject of a separate document (agreement) which will also specify
“personnel, material, and infrastructure of the Russian military base
in Batumi.” In other words, a part of the military contingent will be
left in Batumi. Judging by counter-terrorism center in Central Asia
within the framework of the Shanghai Organization of Cooperation and
CIS Collective Security Treaty Organization, however, these small
structures will mostly operate as headquarters. Russia initially
suggested two counter-terrorism centers, in Akhalkalaki and Batumi,
but Georgia agreed on only one – on its Black Sea coast.
In other words, Russia may find itself in the position of Georgia’s
partner in the war on terrorism. It is difficult at this point to say
what tasks the counter-terrorism center will cope with. It is safe
to assume only that they will deal with restoration of order in the
Panki Gorge of Georgia where Russian secret services claim Chechen
gunmen hide even now.
All of that are but plans and forecasts, no more. Observers do not
rule out the possibility that the matter of signing of the document
on the counter-terrorism center may be postponed – under American
pressure or for some other reasons.
Where will the troops be withdrawn to? This is another question so far
without an answer. Azerbaijan’s loud protestations notwithstanding, the
joint communique states that the military hardware and personnel will
cross “legitimate crossing points including the one in the settlement
of Ninotsminda.” The settlement is located on the Georgian-Armenian
border. It means that military hardware, materiel, and servicemen
of the Russian Army Group in the Caucasus are to be pulled out to
Armenia. Ninotsminda is a transport crossing point, meaning that
the troops and military hardware will not be shipped to Armenia by
railroads. All of that are, however, plans. Baku is Georgia’s ally
in GUUAM. It may apply sufficient pressure on official Tbilisi to
force the latter to withhold permission to Russian military hardware
to make it to Armenia. What then?
Observers comment on the absence from the Russian-Georgian communique
of a pledge on the part of Georgia not to permit other countries and
particularly NATO members to deploy bases and objects on its territory
as the worst flaw from the Russian point of view. Moscow only has
President Mikhail Saakashvili’s verbal assurances on that score.
“Russia has insisted on putting it into the document until the last,
but Georgia would not accept that,” to quote a source in the Russian
military diplomatic circles. Lyubov Sliska of the Duma does not even
doubt that military bases will appear on the territory of Georgia
soon. “We do not want NATO forces to take up the objects the Russian
military withdrew from,” she said. “Georgian leaders claim that it
is not going to happen. Perhaps it is not indeed, tomorrow or the day
after tomorrow. On the other hand, any deterioration of the situation,
even in the wake of local conflicts that are still pretty possible,
will immediately provoke the decision on expediency of military
aid. From NATO of course, not from Russia… To tell you the truth,
the Georgian administration and the US Administration would dearly
like to see NATO settled in the Caucasus.”
It is clear that Georgia’s promises to take Russian interests into
account, the promises that are not backed by any official documents,
are nothing but a bluff. Saakashvili and his team long to be rid of
their dependence on Moscow. They do not even conceal the fact. State
Minister of Georgia, Georgy Baramidze, said the other day that “the
Alliance hopes to initiate membership procedures in 2007”, i.e. as
soon as the Russian military is out. “It is a mistake to believe that
someone may prevent Georgia’s membership in NATO” through the use of
the problems Georgia is facing, he said. As they say, no comment.
It is clear therefore that the Russian-Georgian accords on withdrawal
of Russian military bases from Georgia do not answer Russia’s
geopolitical interests. Moscow may lose ground in the region soon
unless it activates and specifies its demands in the matter of
promotion of its interests.
Translated by A. Ignatkin

Azerbaijan News Service
June 14 2005
PACE TURNS DOWN ARMENIAN REGIME’S APPEAL IN DAQLIQ QARABAQ OF
AZERBAIJAN
2005-06-14 15:08
Parliamentary Assembly of Council of Europe’s session considered
appeal by the self-proclaimed Armenian regime in Daqliq Qarabaq
territory of Azerbaijan to observe “Parliamentary elections” here on
June 19. As a result of discussion of the appeal PACE bureau pointed
the fact that the so-called Qarabaq Republic has not been recognized
by any country or organization and that the elections contradict
international law principles. Taking into account the aforementioned
PACE turned down appeal by the Armenian regime.

British official, Armenian minister discuss boosting economic ties
Noyan Tapan news agency
14 Jun 05
Yerevan, 14 June: Britain is continuing to participate in European
Union programmes being implemented in the South Caucasus, especially in
Armenia, Britain’s special envoy to the South Caucasus, Brian Fall, who
is paying a two-day visit to Armenia, said at a meeting with Armenian
Trade and Economic Development Minister Karen Chshmarityan today.
The meeting discussed a list of measures implemented in Armenia within
the framework of the Expanded Europe: New Neighbours programme, the
ministry’s press service has told our Noyan Tapan correspondent. It
was pointed out that although a stable economic growth is registered
in Armenia every year, the process of reform needs to continue.
It must be noted that the United Kingdom will chair the European
Union from 1 July.
Chshmarityan said that the EU is the main commercial partner of
Armenia and a major investor, and therefore, it is necessary to expand
trade-economic relations with member countries of the EU.
“This will help increase the volume of exports and investment from
abroad, improve tax and customs administration and bring it in line
with EU standards,” the minister said.

DIALOGUE POSSIBLE WHEN SIDES ARE HONEST WITH THEMSELVES
Pan Armenian News
13.06.2005 05:06
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ June 12 Kiro Manoian, Director of Armenian
Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Bureau’s Hay Dat and Political Affairs
Office met with Turhan Comez, a member of the Turkish Parliament,
representing the ruling party, Yerkir Online reports. The one-hour
meeting that took place in the lobby of the Marriott Armenia hotel was
also attended by Samson Ozararat, Armenia’s representative in the Black
Sea Economic Cooperation Council, and Comez’s partners. The parties
discussed issues related to the Armenian-Turkish relations. Manoian
pointed out that a dialogue is possible only when it is genuine, and
the sides should be honest with themselves. But the facts indicate
that in Turkey, no sincere environment for such internal discussions
is yet in place. At the end of the meeting, Manoian, speaking to
journalists accompanying the Turkish politician, pointed to the role
of press in the normalization of the Armenian-Turkish relations,
emphasizing the need for responsible reporting.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Zaman, Turkey
June 12 2005
Erdogan Warns both Syria and The New York Times
By Cihan News Agency
Published: Sunday 12, 2005
zaman.com
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a meeting with the
executive editors board of The New York Times (NYT) during his US
visit. Erdogan asked the NYT why it rejected the publication of a
declaration prepared by 36 Turkish nongovernmental organizations
(NGOs) against the Armenian genocide allegations and criticized the
newspaper for its paradoxical and erroneous justifications.
The editors had difficulty in answering Erdogan’s question and
announced that they would state their reply later. Erdogan also
explained in an interview with the NYT that they have been
implementing cautious pressure on Syria and emphasized that Turkey
never approves of repressive regimes. The Prime Minister said: “If
Damascus continues to shelter terrorists, it will remain isolated in
the world.”

“HERITAGE” ARMENIAN PARTY IS THE SUPPORTER OF CLOSE COOPERATION WITH
BOTH RUSSIA, AND OTHER CIS COUNTRIES
YEREVAN, June 10. /ARKA/. “Heritage” Armenian party is the supporter
of close cooperation with both Russia, and other CIS countries, stated
ex- RA Foreign Minister Raffi Hovhannisyan, leader of “Heritage”
national liberal party at today’s press conference. He also noted the
need for efficient cooperation with “contemporary partners” – USA,
China, India, neighbors in the region, Arab countries. Hovhannisyan
also noted that today’s actions of Armenia must be focused on
strengthening of military training in line with NATO standards. “Even
if the issue of closer relations with NATO is not on the agenda, it is
necessary to be ready for future developments, depending on Armenia’s
interests”, he said. L.V.-0–

Pan Armenian News
ROSE ROTH SEMINAR TO BE HELD IN YEREVAN UNDER NATO PA AEGIS
08.06.2005 05:56
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Rose-Roth seminar will open in Armenia under the aegis of
the NATO Parliamentary Assembly October 6-9, 2005. The conference will
forestall the NATO PA Autumn Session, head of the Armenian Parliamentary
Committee on Defense, National Security and Interior Mher Shahgeldian stated
at a press conference. In his word, 80-100 delegates from NATO and NATO PA
member-states and partner-states will arrive in Yerevan to discuss the
regional problems in the context of global processes. To note, previous
Rose-Roth conference was held November 26-28, 2004 in Baku. Despite
readiness of the Armenian party the Armenian delegation could not
participate in it, IA Regnum reports.

Russian forgers prefer roubles to dollars, officials say
Channel One TV, Moscow
7 Jun 05
[Presenter] The number of crimes related to production of counterfeit
money has doubled in Russia. These data were made public by Interior
Ministry officials today. Interestingly, lately criminals have been
forging mostly roubles rather than dollars. Vyacheslav Guz has further
details.
[Correspondent] This police footage shows officers from the Stavropol
Territory directorate for combating economic crime detaining a citizen
of Azerbaijan who was trying to sell 10 counterfeit 100-dollar
banknotes.
Another operation was carried out in Samara. The local police were
approached by dozens of people who had replied to ads in newspapers
offering to buy mobile phones. They were paid in counterfeit
dollars. The police managed to find the printing press: it was traced
to Dagestan. Five residents of the republic had printed 400,000
dollars on a printing press made in South Korea. In addition to money,
arms and explosives were seized from them.
[Yuriy Samofalov, acting deputy head of the Russian Interior
Ministry’s economic security department] Several of the detained
individuals were previously on police record in connection with
investigation into various acts of terrorism. A criminal investigation
has begun. The forgers have been arrested.
[Correspondent] The Interior Ministry says that over the last five
years the number of crimes linked to banknote forgery has doubled. If
previously forgers concentrated largely on dollars, today the larger
part of counterfeit money is roubles. The most popular notes are the
R100, R500 and R1,000 ones.
[Sergey Skvortsov, head of section in the Russian Interior Ministry’s
economic security department] Citizens of Armenia specialize in
Russian roubles. Such is the statistics. I am not trying to say that
all of them make [Russian roubles], but statistics show that citizens
of Armenia are very [changes tack] Maybe they feel a special fondness
to this topic: R500 and R1,000 banknotes.
[Correspondent] A young man of 18 to 20 years of age; mainly a school,
polytechnic or even a university student – this is what an average
forger looks like, as statistics suggest.
The quality of counterfeit money has significantly improved in recent
years. That is why in order not to be fooled, one has to pay attention
to everything in a banknote: the paper, colour reproduction,
watermarks, embedded fibres. In a US dollar a lot can be drawn from
the president’s face.
[Vladimir Kuznetsov, deputy head of section in the Russian Interior
Ministry’s expert and criminology centre] Here, an individual’s
controls work on an almost physiological level. People are used to,
say, seeing the same face with the same expression on it. It is like
when you come home from work and looking at your family’s faces you
can immediately tell if anything happened to then, who got a bad mark
at school and so on.
[Correspondent] Some R20m, 5m dollars and 700,000 euros were removed
from circulation by officers of the economic security department last
year alone. Experts say that given the size of our country, these
figures are not too bad.
There is only one piece of advice for those who don’t want to be
fooled: be attentive. Incidentally, the larger part of counterfeit
money is detected without the use of any special equipment or
expensive devices but simply by touch – by members of the general
public.
[Video shows the officials speaking at a news conference; police
footage of seized counterfeit money, still pictures of a seized
printing press, arms; c/r 0901-1105]