Author: Badalian Vardan

Armenian presidential aide critical of Georgian “rose revolution”
Iravunk, Yerevan
2 Nov 04
Text of Lyuba Arutyunyan’s report by Armenian newspaper Iravunk on 2
November headlined “Isagulyan does not like the ‘rose revolution'”
“The domestic political situation and the situation in the Caucasus as
a whole today is creating a new reality,” the president’s advisor on
national security, Garnik Isagulyan, said at the Azdak club on
Saturday [30 October].
He also said: “It must be said that today changes in the major
processes in the Caucasus are conditioned by the ‘rose revolution’
that took place in Georgia recently, after which they started speaking
about a new reality and new developments in the region and in the
whole world. Everybody got an impression that the developments would
go only in the positive direction and there will be no new
problems. But life has showed that today in the Caucasus the ‘rose
revolution’ created not a different situation but new regional
conflicts. People’s expectations did not come true. From this point of
view it may be said that at present the political situation can change
very quickly.”
It should be noted that the Armenian president’s advisor Garnik
Isagulyan’s viewpoint on the “rose revolution” in Georgia differs from
that of [Armenian President] Robert Kocharyan, which he had an
opportunity to express in Tbilisi recently. This is surprising,
although this is not the first time when someone from the president’s
entourage did not agree with him.

RosBusinessConsulting, Russia
Nov. 2, 2004
Inflation rate in CIS averages 10%
RBC, 02.11.2004, Moscow 19:41:55.The inflation rate in the CIS
members averaged 10 percent from January to September, the Interstate
Statistics Committee announced. According to the provided data, Belarus
showed the largest inflation rate, namely 19.5 percent. Consumer prices
showed the slowest increase in Kyrgyzstan, where the inflation rate for
the period amounted to 4.6 percent. Russia ranked third with a
10.6-percent inflation rate. Moldova ranked second with 12.7 percent
inflation. In Ukraine consumer prices advanced 8.1 percent. Armenia
showed the inflation rate of 7.9 percent. Kazakhstani inflation
amounted to 6.8 percent. Tajikistan showed a 6.4-percent inflation rate
outpacing Azerbaijan with its 5.7 percent inflation. In Georgia
consumer prices grew 5.4 percent.

AzerTag, Azerbaijan
Oct 28, 2004
RECEPTION IN MILLI MAJLIS
[October 28, 2004, 18:00:25]
On 28 October, Chairman of the Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan Republic
(Azerbaijan Parliament) Murtuz Alaskarov has received ambassador of
Turkey Ahmad Unal Chevigez on termination of his diplomatic mission
in Azerbaijan, correspondent of AzerTAj reported.
Greeting the guest, Mr. Alaskarov spoke of the role of the heads of
state in development of the relations between the fraternal countries,
of contributions of the national leader of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev. He
noted that President Ilham Aliyev confidently continues the political
line of Heydar Aliyev to further strengthen these relations.
Noting especial role of the Ambassador in development of the political,
economic and cultural relations between Azerbaijan and Turkey, Speaker
of Azerbaijan Parliament dwelt on inter-parliamentary links, on the
Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorny Karabakh conflict, on the fair position
of Turkey in this question, also appreciated that Turkey does not
open the borders with Armenia.
Mr. Alaskarov wished success in further activity of Ambassador,
expressed confidence that the people of Azerbaijan would not forget
him.
Ambassador Ahmad Unal Chevigez said he feels in fraternal Azerbaijan
as in Turkey, expressing his deep gratitude to the President of
Azerbaijan, government and people of Azerbaijan, for care and
attention he was shown during his mission. “On assignment of my
state I will go to other country and I will not forget Azerbaijan,
I will take this country in my heart, and try to solve its problems”,
the Turkish Ambassador stressed.
At the meeting, also were exchanged views on issues of mutual interest.

Assa-Irada, Azerbaijan
Oct 21 2004
Companies to provide cellular services in Upper Garabagh must contact
Ministry

If `Garabagh Telecom’ wants to provide mobile communication services
in the occupied Upper Garabagh region, it must appeal to the Ministry
of Communications and Information Technologies first, Minister Ali
Abbasov told AssA-Irada.
He said that the Ministry has appealed to the International GSM
Association over the illegal activity of Garabagh Telecom and that
the latter will lost its membership in the entity this July.
Abbasov said that this company has already filed an appeal in this
connection, and if it is approved, the company’s membership may be
restored.
`They allege that the Ministry is not capable of providing mobile
communication services in Upper Garabagh’, he said.
Abbasov added that the Ministry has approached the GSM Association
again saying that if Garabagh Telecom sends a proposal to the
Ministry on providing cellular communication services, it will be
considered.*

BRITISH MP PLEDGES ASSISTANCE TO KARABAKH
Artsakh State TV, Stepanakert
21 Oct 04
October
(Presenter over video of interview) After a meeting with the NKR
president, the head of the British interparliamentary union and member
of the House of Commons, Gordon Marsden, gave an interview to an
Artsakh Public TV correspondent and other journalists. He said the
following:
(Marsden, in English with Armenian voice-over) Our visit is not an
official one. However, we will inform our government about the result
of the visit. For us one of the most important questions is what kind
of assistance we can provide to Nagornyy Karabakh. I respect and
appreciate all achievements and difficulties which Nagornyy Karabakh
is facing. And our visit is just a proof of that.

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA
PRESS AND INFORMATION DEPARTMENT
375010 Telephone: +3741. 544041 ext 202
Fax: +3741. .562543
Email: [email protected]:
PRESS RELEASE
19 October 2004
The official visit of Foreign Minister Oskanian to Italy
The next day of his official visit to Italy, Minister Oskanian attended a
the round table discussion which was organized by joint efforts of the
Institute of Foreign Affaires of Italy and the Embassy of the Republic of
Armenia in Italy. The theme of the round table was, “South Caucasus:
Stability and security of the region.” High ranking officials from the
Foreign Ministry of Italy, parliamentarians, ambassadors accredited in
Italy, diplomats, and students also took part in the round table discussion.
Minister Oskanian expressed his satisfaction by the results of his official
visit, noting that he had come to concrete agreements with the Foreign
Minister Frattini of Italy. He then presented the priorities of Armenia’s
foreign policy, underlining our efforts on creation of the security system,
development of the country, Euro-integration, and settlement of the
Nagorno-Karabagh conflict.
Addressing Caucasian issues, Minister Oskanian pointed out the possible ways
for achieving long-term peace and stability. He appreciated the involvement
of South Caucasian states in the EU New Neighborhood policy, as well as the
deepening of the NATO Partnership programme in the region.
The Foreign Minister stated that the European direction of the South
Caucasian states, and the growing activity of the European Union in the
region creates new prospects for settlement of the conflicts, especially if
the states themselves express political foresight and will. Minister
Oskanian also presented Armenia’s position on the starting negotiations on
Turkey’s membership in the EU, presenting.
The Deputy Foreign Minister, Margherita Boniver, the Chief of the
Parliamentary delegation of the Western European Union, Marko Zakkera, and
prominent parliamentarians underlined in their speeches the necessity of
more active involvement of the European Union and NATO in the South
Caucasus. They also mentioned the role of the European Union in the
settlement of Armenian-Turkish relations. Minister Oskanian answered the
audience’s questions
The same day, Minister Oskanian left for Venice, where he will have
meetings with the city and provincial authorities of Venice.

Armenian prime minister hints Armenia may not send troops to Iraq as pledged
Associated Press
Oct 16 2004
YEREVAN, Armenia (AP) Armenia’s prime minister suggested Friday the
Caucasus country might not send troops to Iraq, saying conditions
there have changed since they were promised.
Prime Minister Andranik Markarian stressed that it was up to the
Constitutional Court and the parliament to make the decision on sending
the troops even though Armenia’s president pledged the troops during
a visit to Poland last month.
The 50 troops Armenia is considering sending bomb disposal experts,
doctors and transport teams would work under Polish command in Iraq.
Poland commands a multinational security force in central Iraq of
about 6,000 troops, including more than 2,400 Polish soldiers.
”Let’s not forget that … there have been certain changes from the
conditions under which we gave preliminary approval,” Makarian said,
Armenia, a former Soviet republic has sought to portray the decision to
send troops to Iraq as a way to boost ties with Europe, but critics
worry that it will endanger the 25,000-person Armenian community
living in Iraq.
”We also have concerns on this count. It’s possible that as a result
Armenia could become of the targets of terrorists,” Markarian said.
Of the 12 former Soviet republics in the Commonwealth of Independent
States, four Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Georgia have sent
troops to Iraq. The Commonwealth is a loose successor to the Soviet
Union.

Le Figaro, France
14 octobre 2004
La Turquie n’est tout simplement pas l’Europe;
POLITIQUE Lettre ouverte au président de la République
par Les députés UMP : Philippe PEMEZEC, Hauts-de-Seine ; Roland BLUM,
Bouches-du-Rhône ; Bernard BROCHAND, Alpes-Maritimes ; Yves BUR,
Bas-Rhin ; Nicolas DUPONT-AIGNAN, Essonne ; Marc LE FUR,
Côtes-d’Armor ; Lionel LUCA, Alpes-Maritimes ; Richard MALLIE,
Bouches-du-Rhône ; Thierry MARIANI, Vaucluse ; Axel PONIATOWSKI,
Val-d’Oise ; Georges SIFFREDI, Hauts-de-Seine ; Jean-Sébastien
VIALATTE, Var.
Depuis quelques mois et particulièrement ces dernières semaines, le
débat sur l’entrée de la Turquie est devenu une question essentielle
aux yeux des Français. Nous n’avons pas la prétention d’être des
spécialistes de la question turque ; nous sommes simplement des
représentants du peuple français qui avons le souci d’écouter nos
compatriotes et le devoir de dire à ceux qui nous gouvernent quand
ils font fausse route. Pour nous, le débat sur l’irréversibilité ou
non du processus d’intégration, comme celui sur les critères
d’admission (même s’il y aurait beaucoup à dire en particulier sur la
négation du génocide arménien), est un faux débat qui n’a pas à avoir
lieu, puisque la Turquie ne fait pas partie de l’Europe et n’a donc
pas vocation à intégrer l’Union européenne. Sans avoir fait d’études
approfondies en histoire ni connaître sur le bout des doigts la
géographie européenne, c’est la lecture du bon sens qui est celle
faite par une grande majorité des Français. La Turquie ne peut
prétendre entrer dans l’Europe puisqu’elle ne fait pas partie de
l’Europe, c’est une évidence, tant sur le plan géographique
qu’historique. Les 23 000 kilomètres carrés du territoire turc qui
sont du côté européen du Bosphore ne doivent pas servir d’alibi. Ce
petit morceau de terre – 3% du territoire turc seulement ! – est le
dernier avatar de la conquête ottomane, qui fit tomber en 1453
Constantinople, l’ultime bastion de l’Empire romain d’Orient.
Constantinople est devenue Istanbul et la Turquie ne prétend plus
aujourd’hui renverser l’Empire d’Occident, mais y pénétrer avec la
bénédiction de Cassandre de la Commission européenne, contre l’avis
des peuples qui, eux, ont une conscience historique. D’ailleurs, on
notera avec étonnement que les mouvements islamistes turcs,
généralement si jaloux de l’indépendance nationale, sont farouchement
favorables à cette entrée dans l’Union européenne. En effet, la
Turquie, depuis des dizaines d’années, résiste à la montée de
l’islamisme radical grâce à un pouvoir militaire fort. L’entrée dans
l’Union européenne est conditionnée par la disparition du pouvoir
militaire, ce qui veut dire que plus la Turquie sera proche d’entrer
dans l’Europe, plus elle sera menacée par un basculement vers un
islam radical. Et voilà comment le seul argument du clan pro-turc
vole en éclats. La Turquie reste donc un état de 700 000 kilomètres
carrés d’Asie mineure dont les frontières touchent la Syrie, l’Irak
et l’Azerbaïdjan. Faire entrer la Turquie dans l’Europe veut dire
déplacer nos frontières sur les hauteurs du Kurdistan comme dans le
désert irakien. Faire entrer la Turquie dans l’Europe, c’est déplacer
son centre de gravité au coeur d’un des territoires les plus
explosifs de la planète, où s’affrontent depuis des siècles chiites
et sunnites, Kurdes et Irakiens, Turcs et Arméniens. A tout prendre,
quitte à intégrer un état extra-européen, le choix du Maroc ou de la
Tunisie paraîtrait aussi judicieux et moins porteur de germes
explosifs. Tout en défendant des idées souverainistes, fédéralistes
ou simplement pro-européennes, nous nous retrouvons unis pour
défendre l’Europe contre ce projet dangereux, voire suicidaire, pour
l’Europe fédérale comme pour l’Europe des nations. Si nous ne
souhaitons pas que l’Europe soit un simple conglomérat de pays, sans
valeurs partagées autres que celle de la libre circulation des biens
et des personnes, mais reposant sur un projet politique, déterminé
par des valeurs communes, par une histoire partagée, alors il faut
dire non à ce projet, qui signerait l’arrêt de mort d’une Europe
politique et d’une Europe sociale, l’arrêt de mort de l’Europe tout
court. C’est le moment d’être honnêtes avec nous-mêmes et honnêtes
avec les Turcs. Plutôt que de faire miroiter au peuple turc le mirage
d’une éventuelle et hypothétique entrée dans le concert européen,
renforçons la Turquie dans une association économique qui ne
s’appelle pas l’Europe, mais qui crée des conditions de développement
aussi proches de celles de l’Europe. La Turquie, comme le Maroc ou la
Tunisie et les pays de l’arc méditerranéen, l’Ukraine et les pays
gravitant autour de la Russie, pourraient y trouver les conditions
d’un développement politique et économique favorable. Monsieur le
président, le 17 décembre, c’est vous qui allez décider si vous
enclenchez un processus dont chacun sait qu’il sera irréversible,
parce que l’histoire de l’Europe a démontré qu’il ne pouvait pas en
être autrement. La politique étrangère est votre domaine réservé, et
les Français vous ont confié mandat pour l’exercer pleinement.
Cependant, sur cette question, les Français ont un avis, ils doivent
être consultés, soit directement, soit par l’intermédiaire de leurs
représentants élus. A l’heure où va se jouer le tournant historique
le plus important de l’histoire de l’Union européenne, c’est le
moment ou jamais de créer une véritable Europe des peuples, une
Europe librement consentie.

Arnot to speak at Armenian church
Cambridge Chronicle, MA
Oct 14 2004
The Holy Trinity Armenian Church will present the first of the
Dr. Michael and Joyce Kolligian Distinguished Speaker Series titled
“On the Front Line of Terror” with Bob Arnot Thursday, Oct. 14, 7
p.m., in the Charles and Nevart Talanian Cultural Hall of the church
complex at 145 Brattle St.
Arnot is the former NBC chief medical editor, and has just been
named NBC special foreign correspondent. In this new capacity, he
will be reporting from the front lines on any and all major foreign
developments. Recently on duty covering the War on Terrorism, Arnot
has returned from Pakistan and Somalia and is now seen on the NBC
news network broadcasts, including MSNBC and CNBC. Prior to joining
NBC in December 1996, Arnot was health correspondent for the “CBS
Evening News” and “CBS This Morning.” He is also a veteran foreign
correspondent, having covered the Gulf War, the Rwandan genocide, and
civil wars in Burundi, the Congo, Iraq, Sudan, Somalia, Mozambique,
Uganda and Kosovo.

Trial against extremist group to be continued
By Yuliaya Andreyeva
ITAR-TASS News Agency
October 14, 2004 Thursday 2:40 AM Eastern Time
ST. PETERSBURG, October 14 — The Leninsky federal court of
St. Petersburg will continue to consider the case against members
of the extremist youth group Schulz-88 whose the city prosecutor’s
office charges with national and racial strife, public calls to the
forcible change of the constitutional order of Russia and involvement
of minors in criminal activities.
According to the version of the investigation, members of this group
committed several extremist actions in the city.
The court will consider the results of the psychiatric examination of
the main defendant and leader of the group Dmitry Bobrov, after that
pleadings in court will begin before handing down the verdict. The
court is held behind closed doors over the minority of some defendants.
Criminal proceedings were instituted after an attack on an Armenian
young man that was estimated as hooliganism at first but the motive
of national intolerance was exposed during the investigation.
According to the version of the investigation, the group was formed
several years ago and renovated completely for several times. During
the investigation videocassettes and extremist literature were
confiscated from the defendants.