Author: Baghdasarian Karlen

ROBERT KOCHARIAN: "ARMENIA ALWAYS SPEAKS IN FAVOUR OF STRENGTHENING RELATIONS WITH CHINA"

Noyan Tapan
Jun 14 2007

YEREVAN, JUNE 14, NOYAN TAPAN. On June 14 Hong Dziuyi, the
newly-elected Ambassador of China’s Democratic Republic to Armenia,
handed his credentials to Robert Kocharian, the RA President. This
information was provided to Noyan Tapan by the RA President’s Press
Office.

Robert Kocharian, underlining the high level of the Armenian-Chinese
political diologue, mentioned that Armenia always speaks in favour of
strengthening relations with China and is interested in the bilateral
relations’ being more dynamic and better coordinated. He purposefuly
mentioned the arrangements made during the official visit to China
in 2004 which are undergoing the process of implementation.

Considering the commercial-economic cooperation as an important part
and primary direction in bilateral relations, the Ambassador of the
Chinese Democratic Republic assured that he will do everything possible
to contribute to the expansion of mutually beneficial relations.

The interlocutors highly appreciated the beneficial cooperation
of Armenia and China in the international field, as well as the
balanced positions of the two countries concerning delicate issues
of the region.
From: Baghdasarian

NEW AMBASSADOR OF CHINA HANDS COPY OF HIS CREDENTIALS TO RA FOREIGN MINISTER

Noyan Tapan
Jun 13 2007

YEREVAN, JUNE 13, NOYAN TAPAN. On June 13, Hong Jiuyin, newly
appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of China to
Armenia, handed the copy of his credentials to RA Foreign Minister
Vartan Oskanian. The interlocutors said that there is a considerable
potential of cooperation, especially in the economic sphere. They
highly estimated cooperation between RA and China expressing readiness
to continue active contacts at the level of Foreign Ministries in
the future.

According to the report provided to Noyan Tapan from RA Foreign
Ministry Press and Information Department, at the Ambassador’s request
V. Oskanian briefly presented the current negotiations process over
Nagorno Karabakh settlement.
From: Baghdasarian

NEXT MEETING OF SOUTH CAUCASUS PARLIAMENTARY INITIATIVE GROUP TO BE HELD IN LONDON

TREND News Agency, Azerbaijan
June 13 2007

Azerbaijan, Baku / Òrend corr I. Alizadeh / The next meeting of the
South Caucasus Parliamentary Initiative Group will be held in London
in July, the Deputy Executive Secretary of the New Azerbaijan Party
(NAP) and Director of the Azerbaijani delegation in the South Caucasus
Parliamentary Initiative Group, MP Siyavush Novruzov, reported in
Baku on 13 June.

According to Novruzov, the meetings within the framework of the
South Caucasus Parliamentary Initiative Group have been temporarily
suspended due to parliamentary elections in Armenia. "Parliamentary
elections in Armenia have been completed and we have plans to restore
the meetings. Issues requiring further consideration will be discussed
at the meeting in London," Novruzov said.

Because the Armenian parliamentary elections were taking place and
the activities of the Initiative Group were put on hold, Azerbaijan’s
chairmanship in the organization will be extended by one year in July,
the MP noted.

The South Caucasus Parliamentary Initiative Group was established
by the initiative of British LINKS NGO. Ten MPs from each country,
Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia, are represented in the organization.

–Boundary_(ID_3IzMV/gjbBtdnl8wJGUf 5Q)–
From: Baghdasarian

"FOR FIRST TIME IN NKR HISTORY AN INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENCY HAS BEEN NOMINATED," POLITICAL SCIENTIST IGOR MURADIAN CONSIDERS

Noyan Tapan
Jun 12 2007

YEREVAN, JUNE 12, NOYAN TAPAN. For the first time a candidate having a
position of principle has been nominated for the presidential elections
in NKR. This candidate is not guided from the power machine. Political
scientist Igor Muradian made such a statement at the June 12 press
conference meaning NKR Deputy Foreign Minister Masis Mayilian. In
his words, that circumstance makes very nervous current NKR President
Arkady Ghoukassian, as the presidential elections to be held in NKR
are very important for his future. "He should leave being sure that a
controllable personality remains in Stepanakert," I. Muradian said. In
his words, "currently NKR carries out information and administrative
terrorism," the whole machinery of State led by the President works
against M. Mayilian.

According to I. Muradian’s observations, for the latter it is
beneficial that Bako Sahakian, Head of NKR National Security
Service, win the elections, as he is "controllable." For that
purpose, in political scientist’s words, they make an attempt to
inspire people that allegedly the Armenian authorities approve that
candidate. However, as I. Muradian affirmed, this does not correspond
to reality, as indeed in Armenia they are indifferent to A. Ghoukassian
and do not support him.
From: Baghdasarian

Arka News Agency, Armenia
June 8 2007

2% REDUCE IN NUMBER OF COUNTERFEIT MONEY REVEALED IN ARMENIA’S
BANKING SYSTEM IN 2006

YEREVAN, June 8. /ARKA/. The number of counterfeit money revealed in
the banking system of Armenia in 206 reduced by 2% as compared to 8%
rise in 2005, runs the annual report of the Central Bank of Armenia
(CBA) for 2006.
In the document the fact is pointed out that besides counterfeit
banknotes spurious coins with nominal value AMD 100, 200 and 500 were
revealed.
In 2006, the greatest unit weight of revealing counterfeit banknotes
and spurious coins fell to 200-dram coins (34.8%) and banknotes with
the nominal value AMD 1,000 (32.9%).
At the same time, 11% fell to 5000-dram banknotes and the same unit
weight fell to spurious coins with nominal value AMD 100. Besides,
8.5% fell to 500-dram coins, 1.2% – 10,000-dram banknotes and 0.6% –
20,000-dram banknotes.
The CBA report said that besides revealing spurious coins, the CBA
takes actions on improving technical means of revealing and studying
spurious coins. ($1 – AMD 345.41). L.M. -0–
From: Baghdasarian

HEARINGS ON THE CASE OF ELDANIZ NURIYEV STARTED IN BAKU

ArmRadio.am
08.06.2007 17:25

The preparation hearing of Eldaniz Nuriyev, charged with treason,
was presided over by Judge Mammadbagir Zeynalov in the Azerbaijani
Court of Grave Crimes on 8 June.

The hearing will start on 14 June. In compliance with the decision
of the Court it will be a closed hearing, Trend reports.

Nuriyev is charged with changing shifts of guards, desertion and
treason.

Nuriyev was called up to military service from the Fizuli region
Armed Commissariat.

After five months Nuriyev left the Fizuli region N Military Department
without permission and yielded prisoner to the Armenian side.

In compliance with the bill of indictment, the soldier, who left the
Military Department, operated against Azerbaijan and relayed State
secrets to the opponent country.
From: Baghdasarian

AFRICAN SWINE FEVER IN GEORGIA, UN REPORTS

Associated Press
Updated: Fri. Jun. 8 2007 8:18 AM ET

ROME — The United Nations said Friday that an outbreak in Georgia of
African swine fever, a contagious viral disease in pigs, could have a
"catastrophic" economic impact unless its spread is halted.

The disease, which causes fever and death in pigs, does not affect
humans.

But it has the potential for wide international spread, and the UN
Food and Agriculture Organization warned that neighboring Armenia,
Azerbaijan and Russia should be on high alert.

In a statement, it said the disease "has a catastrophic effect on
commercial and smallholder pig production."

Georgia reported that outbreaks began at the end of April in 10
regions across the country, and that 20,000 pigs had already been
slaughtered. Georgia only has about a half-million pigs.

Jan Slingenbergh, a senior animal health officer at the Rome-based
agency, said the outbreak was particularly of concern since African
swine fever had been nearly confined to sub-Saharan Africa since 1990.

"Delayed detection of the virus has resulted in a long danger period
where the disease has been unrecognized and the virus could have
moved to neighboring countries," Slingenbergh said in a statement.

"Armenia, Azerbaijan and the Russian Federation should be on high
alert."

FAO said the virus probably entered Georgia through imported frozen
or processed pig meat. Pigs can get it by eating infected meat or
tissues or by contact with infected animals or contaminated equipment.

Experts from the European Union, FAO and the World Organization for
Animal Health were heading for Georgia to assess the situation and
advise the government on immediate control measures, the statement
said.
From: Baghdasarian

GEORGIA’S POSITION TO BE REPRESENTED IN EU STATEMENT
By Aghavni Haroutiunian

AZG Armenian Daily
07/06/2007

This week, Georgia received the right to participate in the joint
foreign political statements of the European Union. GHN agency informed
that according to the application that Georgia submitted, all of the
required formalities are completed and the country received the decree
of the EU Safety and Political Committees.
From: Baghdasarian

CIS AIR DEFENSE EXERCISE TO START JUNE 20

RIA Novosti
14:13 | 07/ 06/ 2007

MOSCOW, June 7 (RIA Novosti) – At least six former Soviet republics
are set to begin a joint air defense exercise on June 20, a deputy
commander of Russia’s Air Force said Thursday.

The Combat Commonwealth-2007 exercise will involve Russia, Armenia,
Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, and will be held in
four stages.

"The first stage of the exercise will be held at the Telemba training
ground [East Siberia] to engage Russian and Belarusian Air Force
and Air Defense troops as well as Russia’s Baltic Fleet," Alexander
Drobyshevsky said.

The second stage will be held at the Ashuluk training ground in
Russia’s Astrakhan Region near the Caspian Sea, in the second half
of August. It will involve Russian, Armenian, Belarusian and Kyrgyz
forces.

The third and fourth stages will take place at Kazakh and Uzbek
training grounds in August-September.

Conducted annually, such exercises are part of efforts to build an
integrated security system for the Commonwealth of Independent States
(CIS), a loose association of former Soviet republics. An integrated
air defense network was set up by 10 CIS-member countries on February
10, 1995, but so far exists only on paper.
From: Baghdasarian

KARABAKH DOES NOT ALWAYS SUCCEED CONVEYING ITS STANCE

Lragir.am
05-06-2007 19:30:16

NKR President Arkady Ghukasyan said in a news conference on June 5
after he met with the OSCE Chairman-in-Office Miguel Angel Moratinos
at the representation of NKR to Armenia he cannot imagine optimism
unless there is agreement on the status. "The first issue is the
status of Nagorno-Karabakh. It is pointless to discuss other issues
unless there is agreement on this issue. This is our approach,"
says Arkady Ghukasyan.

In answer to the question why the OSCE Chairmen-in-Office, who used
to visit Stepanakert now meets with the NKR leadership in Yerevan,
Arkady Ghukasyan said it is the wish of the guests, and either they
have to accept it or refuse to meet in Yerevan. They accept.

"If I am not mistaken, the OSCE CiO has visited Karabakh only once.

Afterwards, because of shortage of time they say, they ask to meet in
Yerevan," Arkady Ghukasyan says. He does not think it matters much
where they meet, it is important what they talk. Besides, Arkady
Ghukasyan does not think it is tragedy that Karabakh is not taking
part in the talks.

"I cannot remember a single meeting where this issue was not discussed.

Because I think and not only me, I think all of you agree that the
Armenia-Azerbaijan format is a destructive format. And it is not
a logical format. The fate of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh is
concerned, and it is not clear why Nagorno-Karabakh is not involved
in the talks directly," says the NKR president. According to him,
if Armenia and Azerbaijan reach a resolution which is acceptable
for Karabakh, they have no problem. "If you remember I told once let
Spain and Portugal negotiate instead of Armenia and Azerbaijan. If the
independence of Nagorno-Karabakh is recognized and the other issues
are resolved the way we want, we have no problem. But unfortunately
I think this format will not resolve the issue. I am fully convinced
that everyone will acknowledge that this format is not realistic,
Karabakh will take part in the talks by all means. Karabakh is not
involved, therefore no issue is resolved," Arkady Ghukasyan says.

"As to our standpoint, you all know it. Nagorno-Karabakh will
never agree to be part of Azerbaijan. Nagorno-Karabakh will never
give away its independence. The other issues can be discussed,
and we are ready to discuss. This is our principle. If it satisfies
Azerbaijan, I am happy, if not, it is Azerbaijan’s problem," Arkady
Ghukasyan says. According to him, not resolving any issue is also a
resolution. "Resolve the issue without resolving any issue, if I may
put it so. This is also an approach, and there are opinions, and I
think the situation must develop so. Our approach is it is impossible
to get 100 percent of what you desire through the talks. It concerns
everyone, Armenia, Karabakh and Azerbaijan. On the other hand, there is
no alternative to the talks. We do not make the agenda of the talks. It
is clear that the mediator must offer a proposal which Armenia and
Azerbaijan will agree to discuss. I do not think I can say more than
the people who take part in these consultations more often. I mean
the Armenian foreign minister first of all. But I repeat we cannot
reject the talks. I mean Armenia and Karabakh. We must be ready for
the talks and try to spell out our stance and defend our stance,"
Arkady Ghukasyan says, repeating that it is pointless to try to go
forward without resolving the issue of the status. He considers it
pointless to discuss the referendum on status because there is no
agreement on these issues.

"In any case, I cannot imagine anyone make a decision behind the back
of people or sign a document which is not in the interests of people. I
am sure there will be nothing of the kind. The negotiations should
be confidential, it is acceptable but if the sides reach agreement,
it must be presented to the publics, the political parties of both
Karabakh and Armenia, and we will make a decision together. We have
a constitution, I mean NKR, and nobody can impose a decision on us
which is not in the interests of our people," says the NKR president.

He says Karabakh does not often succeed conveying its stance and insist
on it in the Armenia-Azerbaijan talks. "There is disagreement, but this
disagreement is not dramatic," Arkady Ghukasyan says in answer to the
question about the possible deviation of the approaches of Armenia and
Karabakh. Arkady Ghukasyan says he does not want to accuse anyone of
conducting the negotiations badly and representing the interests of
Karabakh badly. He waits and advises to wait until the negotiations
end, because the talks are not a unilateral process. "Either you have
to accept the style of negotiation, the logic of negotiation or you
cannot think that you can always insist on what you want because you
do not make the agenda," says the NKR president.
From: Baghdasarian