Author: Antonian Lara

Gateway 2 Russia, Russia
March 29 2005
Russian minister says CIS countries themselves need to decide on
integration
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said that the countries of
the post-Soviet space should decide on their desire for integration.
“We do not want to drag anyone into anything, we want to understand
their interests. If they are interested, let us work,” Lavrov said at
the presentation of the Russian Academy of Sciences’ International
Economic and Political Studies Institute’s Integration Problems
Centre in Moscow on Monday [28 March].
“I think we will be stronger if we are together,” Lavrov said. “But
we will be stronger not as a Russia that boasts its strength, but as
respected states with respect for each other,” Lavrov said.
“I would include GUUAM [Georgia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan,
Moldova] in the essence of these processes,” he said. Lavrov said
that those who think integration will begin after all the minor
issues between CIS countries are resolved are wrong. “Integration
will begin only if each of us decides whether we need it,” Lavrov
said.
He said there is a mistaken opinion in CIS countries that only Russia
is interested in the integration process. “Maybe some aspects of
flirting with the West are connected to this,” Lavrov said.
He noted that when President Vladimir Putin recently called the CIS a
mechanism for “civilized divorce”, “he did not mean that this was its
only purpose and there were not any others”. “He was simply comparing
the reasons for setting up the CIS and the EU and a ‘civilized
divorce’ certainly does not rule out integration but makes it
possible to intensify it,” Lavrov said.
He said the countries of the post-Soviet space should “respect each
other and work on equitable terms and on conditions of market
relations”. “I think there will be mutual benefit,” Lavrov said.
Talking about Russian-Ukrainian relations, Lavrov noted that several
issues related to the Black Sea fleet’s stay in the Crimea remain,
regardless of the fact that a base agreement on this has been signed.
“There is a base agreement, but there is no definite agreement that
states we can replace our ships there,” Lavrov said.
Lavrov also noted that Moscow deems unilateral concessions by Russia
as unacceptable in the process of integration. “I think that
integration is not only in the interest of peoples but also of
states,” the minister said.
“Individually or by joining organizations that have been set up
before us we will not achieve a respected place in the new world,”
Lavrov thought.
In his view, the establishment of the Union State of Russia and
Belarus, the functioning of the EAEC [Eurasian Economic Community]
and the CSTO [Collective Security Treaty Organization comprising
Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and
Kyrgyzstan],”speaks of the necessity of integration”.

FORMER GOVERNOR GEORGE DEUKMEJIAN ENDORSES SENATOR CHUCK POOCHIGIAN
FOR ATTORNEY GENERAL IN 2006
LOS ANGELES, MARCH 24, NOYAN TAPAN. In a letter to California
voters, former Governor George Deukmejian has officially endorsed
Sen. Chuck Poochigian in his bid to be California’s next Attorney
General. “Chuck Poochigian, one of the most decent men I know, is
extraordinarily well qualified to become California’s next Attorney
General,” said Deukmejian, who served as California’s Attorney
General from 1979-1983. “His list of legislative accomplishments
in the area of crime prevention is long,” Deukmejian said. “Chuck
successfully passed laws to increase protections for victims of crime,
to increase DNA training which will lead to the prosecution of more
crimes, and to increase law enforcement in the rural communities of the
state.” Deukmejian also commended Poochigian’s ability to work with the
majority party. “Chuck Poochigian is so respected by all members of the
California Legislature that he is able to introduce strong legislation
across a broad range of issues and work it all the way into law,”
Deukmejian said. “As Governor and Attorney General, George Deukmejian
made public safety his number one priority,” Poochigian said. “Over
the years, his passion for protecting the safety of California’s
citizens, his commitment to public service, his intelligence and
his integrity have taught me a great deal about leadership. I am
very honored to have his endorsement.” Poochigian is serving in his
second term in the State Senate. He previously served four years in
the State Assembly. Poochigian worked for both Deukmejian and former
Gov. Pete Wilson, serving as Wilson’s Appointments Secretary.

Armenian National Committee of America
888 17th St., NW, Suite 904
Washington, DC 20006
Tel: (202) 775-1918
Fax: (202) 775-5648
E-mail: [email protected]
Internet:
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 27, 2005
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918
SUPPORT GROWS FOR CONGRESSIONAL LETTER CALLING ON
PRES. BUSH TO PROPERLY COMMEMORATE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
— Over 90 Representatives Co-Sign Letter as
Community Continues Nationwide Advocacy campaign
WASHINGTON, DC ~V Bipartisan efforts to urge President Bush to keep
his 2000 campaign pledge to properly characterize the Armenian
Genocide as “genocide” continued to grow this week, with over 90
U.S. Representatives having cosigned a Congressional letter to the
White House, reported the Armenian National Committee of America
(ANCA).
Initiated by Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Frank Pallone
(D-NJ) and Joe Knollenberg (R-MI), the letter calls on President
Bush to join House members “in reaffirming the United States record
on the Armenian Genocide” in his annual April 24th commemorative
statement. “By properly recognizing the terrible atrocities
committed against the Armenian people as ‘genocide’ in your
statement, you will honor the many Americans who helped launch the
unprecedented U.S. diplomatic, political and humanitarian campaign
to end the carnage and protect the survivors.”
Members of Congress joining Representatives Pallone and Knollenberg
as co-signers of the letter, as of Friday, March 25th, include:
Neil Abercrombie (D-HI), Gary Ackerman (D-NY), Tom Allen (D-ME),
Robert Andrews (D-NJ), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Charles Bass (R-NH),
Melissa Bean (D-IL), Xavier Becerra (D-CA), Howard Berman (D-CA),
Michael Bilirakis (R-FL), Sanford Bishop (D-GA), Tim Bishop (D-NY),
Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Mary Bono (R-CA), Jeb Bradley (R-NH), Ken
Calvert (R-CA), Lois Capps (D-CA), Michael Capuano (D-MA), Benjamin
Cardin (D-MD), Dennis Cardoza (D-CA), John Conyers (D-MI), Jim
Costa (D-CA), Jerry Costello (D-IL), Joseph Crowley (D-NY), Susan
Davis (D-CA), William Delahunt (D-MA), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), David
Dreier (R-CA), Eliot Engel (D-NY), Bob Filner (D-CA), Mark Foley
(R-FL), Barney Frank (D-MA), Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-NJ), Scott
Garrett (R-NJ), Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), Maurice Hinchey (D-NY), Rush
Holt (D-NJ), Steny Hoyer (D-MD), Steve Israel (D-NY), Stephanie
Tubbs Jones (D-OH), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Sue Kelly (R-NY), Dale
Kildee (D-MI), Joe Knollenberg (R-MI), Dennis Kucinich (D-OH),
James Langevin (D-RI), John Larson (D-CT), Sander Levin (D-MI),
John Lewis (D-GA), Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA),
Stephen Lynch (D-MA), Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Edward Markey (D-MA),
Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY), Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI), Jim McDermott
(D-WA), James McGovern (D-MA), Michael McNulty (D-NY), Martin
Meehan (D-MA), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Candice Miller (R-MI),
George Miller (D-CA), Grace Napolitano (D-CA), Eleanor Holmes
Norton (D-DC), Devin Nunes (R-CA), Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Collin
Peterson (D-MN), George Radanovich (R-CA), Steven Rothman (D-NJ),
Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA), Edward Royce (R-CA), Linda Sanchez
(D-CA), Loretta Sanchez (D-CA), H. James Saxton (R-NJ), Adam Schiff
(D-CA), Joe Schwarz (R-MI), E. Clay Shaw (R-FL), Christopher Shays
(R-CT), Brad Sherman (D-CA), John Shimkus (R-IL), Christopher Smith
(R-NJ), Mark Souder (R-IN), John Sweeney (R-NY), Edolphus Towns (D-
NY), Mark Udall (D-CO), Christopher Van Hollen (D-MD), Peter
Visclosky (D-IN), Maxine Waters (D-CA), Diane Watson (D-CA), Henry
Waxman (D-CA), Anthony Weiner (D-NY), Joe Wilson (R-SC), and Lynn
Woolsey (D-CA).
Over the past weeks, in statements on the House floor, a number of
House Members have already spoken out about the importance clear
and unambiguous U.S. reaffirmation of the Armenian Genocide,
including Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Frank Pallone and Reps. Michael
Bilirakis, Barney Frank, Patrick Kennedy, James Langevin, and
George Radanovich.
Support for the letter is expected to grow considerably, as the
Armenian American community continues its grassroots campaign to
urge legislators to become signatories. The ANCA launched a WebFax
campaign last week, which, in addition to calling on House Members
to cosign this letter, urges activists to appeal directly to
President Bush on this key issue.
#####

Tbilisi residents block railroad, highway to airport
By Eka Mekhuzla
ITAR-TASS News Agency
March 25, 2005 Friday
TBILISI, March 25 — Tbilisi residents are blocking roads to demand
the supply of electricity and natural gas.
About 200 residents of the Isani-Samgori district of Tbilisi blocked
the road to Tbilisi Airport on Friday. They said they had not had the
power supply for two days and the natural gas supply for three days.
They demand at least six or eight hours of power supply a day, the
same as it is in adjoining districts of the city.
Another group of city residents has blocked a motorway and the
railroad, which is used by commuter trains and long-distance trains
headed to Armenia. They set on fire car tires on the railroad track
and blocked the traffic.
Similar actions were held in other districts of Tbilisi. Central areas
of the Georgian capital have 18-20 hours of power supply per day,
while the majority of Georgian regions have only two or three.
Georgian Prime Minister Zurab Nogaideli has asked citizens to
understand the limits on power supply.
“An accident in the Kavkasioni power line, which exacerbated the
national energy deficit, happened on reasons beyond our control,”
he said.
“The energy deficit will persist for some time after the reconstruction
of the power line, as it is planned to stop the Inguri hydropower
plant for three-month repairs,” Nogaideli said.
Limits on power supply in Georgia result from the reduced output of
Georgian hydropower plants and the malfunction of the Kavkasioni power
line, which meets 20% of Georgian electricity needs. Heavy snowfalls
damaged two sections of the Kavkasioni power line – one in Georgia
and the other in Russia’s Karachayevo-Cherkessia – on March 2. The
snow blanket is ten meters thick in those places, so the power line
has not been restored.

PUTIN HIGHLY ASSESSES CHURCH’S ROLE IN ESTABLISHING PEACE, COOPERATION BETWEEN PEOPLES
RIA Novosti, Russia
March 25 2005
ECHMIADZIN (Armenia), March 25 (RIA Novosti) – The state promises
to render assistance to the church in its efforts to establish peace
and cooperation between nations.
“The church introduces a substantial contribution to the cause of
establishing peace and inter-ethnic cooperation in the Caucasus. We not
only welcome it but will assist this as much as we can,” the Russian
president said Friday in Echmiadzin at a meeting with Garegin II,
the Catholicos of all Armenians.
The head of Russia said that the Armenian Apostolic church was
one of the most ancient churches, and the relations between the
peoples of Russia and Armenia had this spiritual basis as well. “It’s
pleasant to note that the Russian Orthodox Church and the Armenian
Apostolic Church are connected by very warm relations,” said the
Russian president. “This is a substantial element of development of
interstate ties.”
Putin said he would be glad to see the Catholicos of all Armenians
in Moscow. “I do not doubt that with your spiritual support, all
issues will be resolved even faster than when people vested with
administrative power deal with it,” said the Russian president.
In his turn, Garegin II noted that the arrival of Putin in Echmiadzin
was a new illustration of the age-long friendship between the Russian
and Armenian peoples. “The churches of two states stood at the origin
of our friendship, and we are glad that these traditions of age-long
relations continue in all spheres, filling the peoples with hope and
belief in the future,” said the Catholicos.
He thanked Vladimir Putin for paying a great attention to church
activity.

ARMENIA, RUSSIAN PRESIDENTS EXCHANGE MESSAGES
ArmenPress
March 21 2005
MOSCOW, MARCH 21, ARMENPRESS: Vladimir Putin and Robert Kocharian
have exchanged today messages in connection with the opening of the
Year of the Russian Federation in Armenia, RIA Novosti reported,
citing the Kremlin press service.
“Russia attaches great importance to the consistent strengthening
of friendly relations with Armenia, its reliable ally and strategic
partner. I am convinced that the holding of the Year of Russia will
contribute to the further rapprochement of the two countries, and to
the development of friendship and direct dialogue between our
peoples,” Putin wrote in part.
“Events on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Great
Victory will occupy a special place in this significant festival.
This is a tribute of respect to the exploit and courage of all those
who were side by side fighting against fascism,” he wrote.
Armenian President Robert Kocharian’s message expressed similar
respect. “The decision to announce 2005 as the Year of the Russian
Federation in the Republic of Armenia opens broad possibilities for
the further expansion of Armenian-Russian contacts. This initiative
will undoubtedly contribute to the full implementation of the
political, economic and cultural potential of cooperation between our
fraternal peoples.
I would like to express confidence that the holding of the Year of
Russia in Armenia will make it possible to add new ideas and projects
to the agenda of Armenian-Russian cooperation,” Kocharian wrote.
“The Armenians love Russian art and are waiting impatiently for
meetings with representatives of Russian culture. Contacts between
representatives of science, education and business communities of our
countries, as well as contacts at the regional level could also be of
great practical importance.
“It is symbolic that the Year of Russia in Armenia has coincided
with the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Victory over
fascism. This heroic page of our common history has tied the fates of
our peoples and brought them closer together,” Kocharian wrote.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Reporters without borders, France
March 18 2005
Press freedom threatened by new criminal law as journalists are mired
in legal cases
Reporters Without Borders expressed its backing for Turkish
journalists as some 250 of them demonstrated in the streets of
Istanbul on 17 March calling for the shelving of a new criminal law
threatening press freedom.
Turkish media have condemned restrictive measures in the new law that
is due to come into force on 1st April 2005, at a time when the
government appeared to have shaken off its former reflex of cracking
down on journalists, the worldwide press freedom organisation said.
“Far from bringing Turkish law into line with European law over free
expression, some articles look like making it easier to bring legal
action against journalists, it said, adding, “We call for the law to
be amended to abolish prison terms for press offences.”
Elsewhere, the prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has brought
defamation cases and is seeking heavy damages from two cartoonists.
Musa Kart, working for the leftist daily Cumhuriyet (40,000
circulation) was on 21 December 2004, fined 3,000 euros by an Ankara
court for drawing the president with a cat’s head.
Judges ruled that the cartoon published on 9 May 2004 was “liable to
humiliate the prime minister”. Kart’s lawyer lodged an appeal on 22
February.
The prime minister also laid a defamation complaint against Sefer
Selvi who drew his adviser Cüneyt Zapsu perched on his back, in the
left wing paper Günlük Evrensel. The trial is still going on.
Journalists take to the streets
Some 250 journalists demonstrated in the streets of Istanbul on 17
March to try to persuade the government to delay the new law due to
come into force on 1st April. The press wants it to be shelved for at
least six months, on the grounds that it contains many restrictions
on press freedom and that some of the articles, drawn up in terms
that are too vague, could mean an increase in legal action against
journalists.
“Insulting a person, in a way liable to humiliate, dishonour and
assail his dignity” (Article125 of new criminal law) is punishable by
three months to two years in prison. The sentence can be increased by
one third if the offence is committed in the press (Paragraph 4).
Another controversial article, 305, imposes a prison sentence of
three to 10 years and a fine for any claim relating to the “Armenian
genocide” or “withdrawal of Turkish forces from Cyprus,” seen as
being contrary to fundamental national interest.
The sentence can be increased to 15 years if the claim is made in the
press. Dozens of journalists have been imprisoned in the past for
simply expressing an opinion on these questions.
Elsewhere, before the new law comes into effect, the courts appear to
have stepped up convictions for “insulting the army”. The relevant
article – 159/1 – is due to be abolished after 1st April.
Columnist Erol Özkoray of the pro-Kurdish daily Ozgur-Gundem heard
from the high court in Sisli, Istanbul on 16 March that he had been
sentenced to one year in prison or payment of 1,000 euros damages for
articles posted on the website www.ideapolitika, on 26 November 2001,
headlined, “What use is the Army” and “New barbarians and Taliban in
epaulettes”.

Civil Georgia, Georgia
March 18 2005
Locals Clash in Multi-Ethnic Tsalka after Burglary Case
Several people were injured after local residents of multi-ethnic
Tsalka district in Kvemo Kartli region in southern Georgia clashed on
March 17.
Reports say that clashes erupted between local Georgian and group of
local Greeks and Armenians, after unknown group assaulted ethnic
Greek family in an attempt of burglary in the village of Avralo in
Tsalka district. Local Greeks and Armenians accused ethnic Georgians
of this burglary.
Georgian Interior Minister Vano Merabishvili said on March 18 that
`situation in Tsalka is under control’ adding that `there is no
ethnic conflict between the locals in Tsalka.’
Local officials describe clashes between ethnic Georgians and
Armenians, which have been reported sporadically in Tsalka district
for several years, as `a communal violence.’
Ethnic Armenians comprise 57% of population of Tsalka district with
population around 20,000, according to the Georgian department of
statistics. 4,500 ethnic Greeks, 2,500 ethnic Georgians, up to 2,000
Azerbaijanis also live in there.

ARKA News Agency
March 17 2005
Nagorno-Karabakh Central Election commission approves plan of
parliamentary elections
UN World Food Program provides $75mln to Armenia for a decade of its
activity in the republic
RA Government allots AMD 190 mln for making of jubilee medals
dedicated to 60th anniversary of victory in Great Patriotic War
Armenia’s UN Representative Armen Martirosyan: Report made by OSCE
mission to Check Facts is favorable for Armenia
Chief of RA Police, Head of OSCE Yerevan Office sign agreement on
renovation of RA Police training center
*********************************************************************
NAGORNO-KARABAKH CENTRAL ELECTION COMMISSION APPROVES PLAN OF
PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS
STEPANAKERT, March 17. /ARKA/. Nagorno-Karabakh central Election
Commission convened a session Wednesday to set a plan and list of
expenditures related to the parliamentary elections scheduled for
June 15 2005. The commission has also made 29 decisions related to
procedural matters, as our correspondent reports. According to
Central Election Commission, candidates can be nominated from Apr 5
to 10. Registration of the parties participating in elections and
candidates running for parliament seats in individual races will be
made from May 10 to 15. Election campaigns will be run from May 16 to
June 17. M.V. -0–
*********************************************************************
UN WORLD FOOD PROGRAM PROVIDES $75MLN TO ARMENIA FOR A DECADE OF ITS
ACTIVITY IN THE REPUBLIC
YEREVAN, March 17. /ARKA/. The UN World Food Program has provided
$75mln to Armenia for a decade of its activity in the republic.
Armenian Parliament Speaker Arthur Baghdasaryan and Regional Director
of the Program Emir Abdullah discussed Thursday the issues related to
the program, as Armenian National Assembly’s Public Relations
Department told ARKA. The ten-year program is to be completed in
2006. In his opinion, after his visit to Gegharkunik and Tavush
Armenian regions the WFP should be continued in Armenia, he said.
Armenian Speaker, in turn, noted that especially mountainous and
remote regions are badly in need of support.
The sides arranged to discuss the opportunity for continuing the
program.
WFP organization provides food aid particularly to the elderly,
families having many children, the disabled and refugees and also
conducts trainings for farmers as well as provides food to 11
thousand schoolchildren in four Armenia’s provinces and implements
Food for Work program.
WFP cooperates with the U.S. agents, with World Vision Armenia and
Ìission -Armenia organizations M.V. -0–
*********************************************************************
RA GOVERNMENT ALLOTS AMD 190 MLN FOR MAKING OF JUBILEE MEDALS
DEDICATED TO 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF VICTORY IN GREAT PATRIOTIC WAR
YEREVAN, March 17. /ARKA/. The RA Government allotted AMD 190 mln for
making of jubilee medals dedicated to 60th anniversary of victory in
Great Patriotic War, Public Relations and Press Department of RA
Government told ARKA News Agency today. ($1 = AMD 468,23). L.V. –0–
*********************************************************************
ARMENIA’S UN REPRESENTATIVE ARMEN MARTIROSYAN: REPORT MADE BY OSCE
MISSION TO CHECK FACTS IS FAVORABLE FOR ARMENIA
YEREVAN, March 17. /ARKA/. Report made by OSCE Mission to Check Facts
is favorable for Armenia, as Armenia’s UN Representative Armen
Martirosyan told journalists today. In his words, contrary to Azeri
side’s expectations, the Mission found no facts confirming
allegations that Armenia pursues policy of Azerbaijani territories
settlement, excepting Lachin area, which has always been mentioned in
a separate clause of all documents. `We have always said settlement
is nowhere but Lachin and the OSCE Co-chairs have corroborated that’,
Martirosyan said.
In his opinion, the report will ease tension around Armenia. ‘But
another issue appeared: how Azerbaijan is going to act in the created
situation, especially taking into consideration the bellicose
statements made by Azerbaijani side and the destructive stance taken
by Azeri authorities and taking into account that those statements
are being made for internal consumption to present another victory to
Azeri people’, he said.
Martirosyan also said the report would be published soon and
available for everybody. M.V. -0–
*********************************************************************
CHIEF OF RA POLICE, HEAD OF OSCE YEREVAN OFFICE SIGN AGREEMENT ON
RENOVATION OF RA POLICE TRAINING CENTER
YEREVAN, March 17. /ARKA/. Chief of the RA Police, Lieutenant-General
Haik Harutyunyan and Head of the OSCE Yerevan office Vladimir
Pryakhin signed an Agreement on Renovation of the RA Police training
center. The OSCE Yerevan office reports that the signing of the
agreement inaugurates the first stage of a program of assistance to
the RA Police. The agreement is aimed at bringing the main training
terms to conformity with the European experience. The document also
envisages the provision of equipment and teaching aids to the Center.
`This day is a turning point in our work under the program of
assistance to the RA Police, as this initiative is a basis for
forming a well trained municipal force,’ Pryakhin said during the
signing ceremony. He added that the document is a good example of
mutually advantageous and constructive cooperation between Armenia
and the OSCE, which is aimed at developing democratic institutions
for the Armenian people’s benefit. In his turn, Chief of the RA
Police Haik Harityunyan pointed out that the program envisages the
creation of necessary conditions for the development of modern police
training.
A memorandum of understanding signed in July 2003 stipulates four
main directions of the assistance program: renovation of the training
center, its strengthening, introduction of a municipal police model
in one of the Yerevan communities and the elaboration of a new
signal-response system.
The program is to be implemented by the OSCE Yerevan office in
cooperation with the RA Police, under the direction of the Department
for Strategic police Affairs, OSCE Secretariat in Vienna. The program
is being sponsored by Belgium, the USA and Sweden. P.T. -0–

PanArmenian News
March 17 2005
WHILE US RELATIONS WITH TURKEY KEEP EXACERBATING, THOSE WITH ARMENIA
STRENGTHEN
17.03.2005 05:35
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The US Congress has refused to provide $1 billion
to Turkey to eliminate the consequences of the hostilities at the
Turkish-Iraqi border, the Armenian Assembly of America reported. The
Bush Administration had proposed providing assistance to Turkey after
the beginning of the military operations in Iraq and it depended upon
Turkey’s cooperation with the US in the Iraqi issue. However, due
Turkey failing to meet the terms of the agreement, in compliance with
a request of the Bush Administration the US Congress declared the
proposal on providing aid to Turkey void. As noted by the AAA, «as
the US-Turkey relations keep exacerbating, the US relations with
Armenia strengthen.» The fact that George Bush considers Armenia «an
important US partner» in fighting terror evidences it.