Author: Chakhmakhchian Vatche

NKR DM: “ARMENIANS DO NOT FEAR WAR”
DeFacto Agency, Armenia
June 29 2006
The OSCE Minsk group Co-Chairs should find points of contact with
RA and AR Presidents, resume the negotiation process and find the
issue’s peaceful settlement, Nagorno Karabakh republic (NKR) Defense
Minister Seyran Ohanyan stated while talking to journalists.
In his words, the issue cannot be resolved by force – “it was
resettled by force once – in 1994”, REGNUM reports. “No one wants
a war, especially servicemen, as the first strike is carried out at
them”, stated Seyran Ohanyan and added the meetings held between the
two countries’ Presidents showed that the Azeri party did not wish
to conduct talks.
Touching upon AR Minister of Defense Safar Abiyev’s statement,
according to which “Armenians fear war”, Seyran Ohanyan stated,
“Armenians do not fear war, and, beginning with 1988 up to today,
we have such defense that we are completely sure of ourselves”. He
remarked bellicose statements made by Baku are oriented exclusively
towards inner consumer.

June 28, 2006

PRESS RELEASE
Glendale Ghapan Sister City Association
CONTACT: Ani Asatryan
(818) 618-1299
[email protected]
or
aniasatryan@a ol.com

GLENDALE RECEIVES MAYOR FROM GHAPAN SISTER CITY
Armen Karapetyan to Visit City Sites Including New Police Building
GLENDALE – Mayor Armen Karapetyan from Ghapan, Armenia arrived in
Glendale on Tuesday for his 15-day reciprocal visit to the sister city
for a cultural exchange of ideas and to familiarize himself with the
city’s infrastructure.
Karapetyan is touring the city under the auspices of the Glendale
Ghapan Sister City Association (GGSCA) formed in 2002 after a
resolution passed in City Council officially named Ghapan Glendale’s
sister city.
“We are very enthusiastic about the Mayor’s visit. It was a privilege
to visit Ghapan in 2003 and we are eager to show him our city,” said
Artin Manoukian, President of GGSCA.
Karapetyan’s itinerary includes several stops to various city
departments which started with a tour of City Hall and the Police
Department Wednesday followed by tours of the power plant, Central
Library, Parks and Recreations, Public Works, and Fire Station 21 on
Thursday and Friday.
“We are thrilled to see the fruits of our labor and the mission of the
GGSCA – to foster goodwill and to help cultivate economic cooperation
and cultural exchanges between the two cities – come alive today with
the visiting mayor of Ghapan,” said Pierre Chraghchian, Armenian
National Committee of Glendale member whose organization was
instrumental in establishing formal ties between the two cities.
While noting that Ghapan had made positive strides since the collapse
of the Soviet Union, Mayor Karapetyan intimated there is much to be
gained from his visit to Glendale. “I’d like to familiarize myself
with how this well oiled machine – the City of Glendale–is managed,”
said Mayor Karapetyan. “I would like to compare Glendale’s
infrastructure to that of Ghapan’s and hopefully implement change that
would enhance the services of our city,” continued the visiting mayor.
Kareptyan is accompanied by council advisor Avedik Hampartsumyan and
hopes to visit and personally thank several businesses that sponsored
the GGSCA projects throughout the years.
Karapetyan will also be present at the City Council meeting on July 5
for a special presentation to the city for its Centennial Anniversary.
“It is rewarding to have both cities grasp an understanding of the
other with this visit,” said Manoukian. “This can only lead to
stronger ties, better cooperation, and bigger projects between the two
cities in the future.”
The GGSCA has sponsored several gift drives and delivered thousands in
hospital supplies to the city already. It is currently working on a
hospital revitalization project as well as preschool sponsorship
projects.
####
GGSCA is a non-profit organization that aims to foster goodwill and
understanding through cultural, educational, economic cooperation
between the people of Glendale and Ghapan. The GGSCA was established
through the joint effort of the Armenian National Committee of
Glendale, the City of Glendale, and the City of Ghapan, to help
cultivate economic cooperation and cultural exchanges between the two
cities. Glendale City Council passed a resolution recognizing Ghapan
as a Sister City in December of 2002. GGSCA has identified three areas
of focus in Ghapan: schools, healthcare and community
infrastructure. For more information or to contribute to GGSCA, please
contact (818) 828-8882 or email at [email protected]

RF, ARMENIA AGREE TO STEP UP EXCHANGE OF OPERATIONAL INFO
ITAR-TASS News Agency, Russia
June 28, 2006 Wednesday
Russian Interior Minister Rashid Nurgaliyev said Russia and Armenia
had agreed to step up the exchange of operational information.
“At the joint collegium Russia’s Interior Ministry and Armenia’s
police decided to step up the exchange of operational, criminalistic
and other information,” Nurgaliyev said on Wednesday.
In his speech the Russian minister pointed to a high level of
cooperation with Armenia’s police. “Russian-Armenian cooperation in
the sphere of crime control is developing effectively,” he said.
The Russian Interior Ministry and the Armenian police regularly rivet
their attention crime control. The strengthening of cooperation in
curbing illegal migration is one of the most topical problems, the
minister stressed.
Nurgaliyev deems it necessary to promote cooperation between Russia
and Armenia to combat economic crimes. “Economic relations between
our two countries are subject to the influence and close attention
of criminal circles,” the minister said. “The Collegium’s duty is to
objectively review the situation in this domain.”
Nurgaliyev noted that trade turnover between Russia and Armenia was
annually increasing. “It grew by forty per cent in 2005 as compared
to the 2004 figure. Russian capital accounts for a quarter of the
total authorised capital of the banks registered in Armenia. Several
joint large-scale projects are being implemented in the field
of telecommunications and energy,” the minister stated. More than
seventy Russian regions have economic contacts with Armenia. Moscow,
St. Petersburg, Samara, Nizhny Novgorod and Sverdlovsk Regions have
the biggest trade turnovers with Armenia, he added.
The law enforcement agencies of the two countries are constantly
exchanging information on the organisations engaged in economic
transactions between Russia and Armenia. For instance, the inter-state
databank on crimes linked with money forging and marketing of
counterfeit money is being constantly replenished, Nurgaliyev noted.
Many economic crimes, such as smuggling, fraud, and illegal
entrepreneurship were disclosed thanks to the improved exchange of
information between the law enforcement structures of Russia and
Armenia, he stressed.

SENATE PANEL PRESSES PROPOSED US ENVOY FOR CLEAR EXPLANATION OF US POLICY ON THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
ArmRadio.am
29.06.2006 12:05
Senate Foreign Relations Committee members George Allen (R-VA) and
Norm Coleman (R-MN) bombarded US Ambassador to Armenia Designate
Richard Hoagland with questions about official US complicity in
Turkey’s campaign of Genocide denial, questioning him, during his
confirmation hearing, regarding his ability to effectively represent
the United States in Armenia without properly recognizing the Armenian
Genocide, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).
At the hearing, Senator Paul Sarbanes (D-MD), joined with Senators
Coleman and Allen in sharply criticizing the Administration’s refusal
to speak truthfully on the Armenian Genocide. Senator Boxer, who
was unable to attend the hearing, submitted written questions to
Ambassador Hoagland.
The hearing was marked by repeated calls upon Ambassador Hoagland to
clarify the State Department’s policy on the Armenian Genocide. If
approved, he will replace the current US Ambassador to Armenia, John
Marshall Evans, who – amid great controversy – has been recalled over
his truthful description of the Armenian Genocide in February of 2005.

VAKHTANG DARCHINYAN AWARDED GOLD EMORIAL MEDAL OF YEREVAN STATE UNIVERSITY
ArmRadio.am
28.06.2006 16:00
The Yerevan State University welcomed today IBF and IBO flyweight
boxing champion, our compatriot Vakhtang Darchinyan. After a question
and answer section the newly elected Rector awarded the guest with
the gold memorial medal of the Yerevan State University. The faculty
and students congratulated the sports successes of our compatriot and
thanked him for fluttering our tricolor flag and for entering the
ring under Armenian music. It is just due to this reason that very
often the great sportsmen gets deprived of suggestions and contracts
with large companies. Nevertheless, he never calculated the volume
of the possible material loss.
Vik Darchinyan’s best tradition is never losing. The feeling of fear
is not for him.
One of the students present at the meeting was interested whether
Vakhtang Darchinyan ever had to fight a Turk or Azeri.
“Now there are no Turks in my weight category. But I have enjoyed that
pleasure. I won the Turkish boxer with a knockout in the first round,”
Vakhtang said without concealing his desire to repeat the knockout.
Darchinyan will soon return to the US to prepare for the fight
scheduled September 2 in Las Vegas. The sportsman has to add his weight
to struggle for the title of the absolute world champion. We still
have an opportunity to be proud and congratulate on this occasion.

PRESENTATION OF “SUN MOUNTAIN” ARMENIAN CENTER TO TAKE PLACE NEAR MOSCOW
Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
Jun 27 2006
KRASNODAR, JUNE 27, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. The
“Russian-Armenian Cooperation” public organization joint with the
“Sun Mountain” Armenian Cultural Center” organization will organize a
solemn evening party, exhibition and concert on June 26 in the city
of Solnechnogorsk at which the head of the Solnechnogorsk regional
administration, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary
of Armenia to Russia, heads of the Armenian public organizations of
Moscow and near Moscow will be present. According to the “Yerkramas”
(country) newspaper of Armenians of Russia, works of Armenian
painters and sculptors living near Moscow, including works of Roman
Pashayan, Gagik Antashian, Vitali Inkatov, will be presented at the
exhibition. The presentation of the newly created public organization
of the “Sun Mountain” Armenian Cultural Center” of Solnechnogorsk
will take place within the framework of the solemn evening party.
Events of Solnechnogorsk are public initiatives and are held within
the framework of the Year of Armenia in Russia. The “Russian-Armenian
Cooperation” public organization plans to hold till late 2006 similar
events in other cities near Moscow as well, cooperating with the
local administrations and Armenian communities.

THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE IS NOT SUBJECT TO DISPUTE, CATHOLICOS OF ALL ARMENIANS DECLARED IN ISTANBUL
ArmRadio.am
26.06.2006 18:05
“The Armenian Genocide is a reality of 90 years. For our people this
issue is not subject to discussion,” the Catholicos of All Armenians
Garegin II said in a press conference in Istanbul.
The Catholicos emphasized that “such events should be condemned by
all peoples to save the humanity from the reoccurrence of these.”
The Supreme Patriarch noted that the fact of the Armenian Genocide is
recognized by all countries, except Turkey, since, according to him,
there are numerous evidences of the massacre, Istanbul based “Marmara”
daily informs.
The visit of the Catholicos of All Armenians to Istanbul was
covered also by Turkish media. “Zaman” daily titled the article
about the Patriarch’s visit “The thrilling comments of the Armenian
Patriarch.” “Radikal” used the following title – “Garegin II: The
reality of the Genocide.” It deserves attention that the Turkish
media used the word “Patriarch” instead of “Catholicos.”
Turkish papers note that the Catholicos expressed appreciation for air
communication between Armenia and Turkey. He remarked that Armenia is
willing to normalize its relations with Turkey. Garegin II mentioned
that despite the fact that Armeniansare spread all over the world,
they have their own state; therefore, according to him, the Republic
of Turkey should speak with Armenia as a state.
In response to the questions about the acts of protest organized
by Turkish nationalists, the Catholicos noted that it was his first
visit to Constantinople and these protests had no influence on his
impressions. He expressed the hope that no such protests will occur
during his second visit.

LIVING WELL AND BADLY
by Haroutiun Khachatrian
Transitions Online, Czech Republic
June 26 2006
South Caucasus and international experts find tentative agreement and
lingering tensions over the region’s political-economic affairs. From
EurasiaNet.
A recent economic conference held in the Georgian capital Tbilisi
sought to lay the groundwork for closer regional cooperation among
the three South Caucasus states of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia.
Regional economic integration was not formally on the agenda of the
1-2 June conference, titled the International Monetary Fund and the
South Caucasus in the 21st Century. Participants officially explored
best practices as each state attempts to modernize its respective
economy. However, the underlying hope was that sharing experience would
provide an impulse for officials to explore integration opportunities
down the road, provided that existing political obstacles, including
the lack of a settlement to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict between
Armenia and Azerbaijan, are eventually removed.
The regional IMF representatives from all three states – James McHugh
in Armenia, Basil Zavoico in Azerbaijan, and Robert Christiansen in
Georgia – were featured participants, and all faced a diplomatically
delicate task of outlining economic problems without appearing
to overly criticize government policies and responses. While each
Caucasus country features specific development conditions, conference
attendees generally agreed that corruption and tax evasion were among
the most serious problems prevalent in all three states.
“A large shadow economy should be brought into the formal economy
through an efficient tax [system] and improved corporate governance,”
said McHugh, referring to the situation in Armenia.
Georgian Minister of Finance Aleksi Aleksishvili said Tbilisi had
managed to improve its revenue collection capabilities, while stressing
that the government has stopped a practice common during the first
months following the 2003 Rose Revolution, in which entrepreneurs
were arrested, only to be released after making substantial payments
to the state treasury.
The conference scrutinized the unique economic situation in Azerbaijan,
where oil and gas development is causing revenues to spike. Several
participants focused on the potential threat of “Dutch disease,”
in which a rapid rise of income from the energy sector renders other
economic sectors of a given state uncompetitive in the global market.
Given that only about one percent of Azerbaijan’s population is
directly involved in the oil sector, the energy windfall stands to
be enjoyed by relatively few Azeris. Sabit Bagirov, president of the
Azerbaijan Entrepreneurship Foundation, warned that social tension
could grow worse in the country. “In several years, we may face a
situation that, with huge oil revenues, still a great number of poor
people are in the country, and the unresolved Karabakh conflict will
make their situation even worse. This may [make] millions of people
unhappy,” Bagirov said.
Most participants avoided making direct comparisons about the successes
and failures of economic development in the Caucasus.
Tigran Sargsian, chairman of the Central Bank of Armenia, was
perhaps the only participant who sought to place developments in each
individual state within a regional context. “Today, the countries
of the South Caucasus live similarly badly and differently well,”
he said. Sargsian highlighted differences among the three Caucasus
countries. For example, according to Sargsian, Armenia was recognized
as a leader in terms of market reforms, while possessing a bad
record on poverty reduction. Georgia, meanwhile, was labeled as more
competitive than Armenia. Yet at the same time, Tbilisi must struggle
with a deficit of power producing capacity.
Given the underlying political differences, it did not come as a
surprise to participants when Sargsian’s analysis was characterized by
Azer Alasgarov, an Azerbaijan National Bank official, as “politicized.”
“I agree with your critical notions, but I would like the Azerbaijan
National Bank to have presented its own vision of the situation,”
was Sargsian’s answer. The conference was organized by the Caucasus
Research Resource Centers, the IMF, and the National Bank of Georgia.
“Living Well and Badly”
Haroutiun Khachatrian is a Yerevan-based writer specializing in
economic and political affairs. This is a partner post from EurasiaNet.

UNFINISHED MELODY
Eva Lusikian
Yerkir.am
June 23, 2006
A commemoration concert dedicated to the 50th anniversary of composer,
piano player and musician Stepan Lusikian was held at Alexander
Spendiarian Opera and Ballet Theater on June 13.
Nune Yessayan, Syuzan Margarian, Aramo, Emma Petrossian, Armen
Gevorgian, Artur Ispirian, Alexander Vardanian as well as children’s
choirs of Tigran Hekekian and David Zolian performed the composer’s
works.
It would be easier to write about Stepan Lusikian, the artist,
composer and intellectual. The most difficult thing is to write about
him using the past tense.
One could tell about his work, his public activities. However, it is
very difficult to find words to describe his personality, his inner
world… Melody is the expression of one’s soul. This is why Stepan
Lusikian’s works are easily recognizable from the very first sounds.
One of his unique abilities was the ability to listen. He would listen
to you in a way that you seemed to find the answers to seemingly
unsolvable questions. You would look into his eyes and would see
yourself… He was an extremely interesting person to talk to. He
had a unique worldview and a unique sense of humor.
I can remember his enthusiasm when he would feel he had a new
creative idea.
He would sit in front of the piano looking somewhere far away. He
liked to show his new works to people. Their opinion was important
and inspiring for him.
He was very cautious in his relations with others. He treated
everything from the perspective of some global holistic philosophy. He
took life as it was.
He treated people the way they were, without trying to change them,
with no evil intentions.
This is probably what attracted people towards him. This is what
penetrated into everyone’s soul…
“… If you are to forgive, you must forgive the unforgivable. You must
forgive when no one else forgives, when you don’t forgive yourself.
And if you are to understand, then you must understand the
un-understandable, the absurd, the wrong. Every one can understand
what is correct.
And if you are to give hope, give it when the last ray of hope is
gone. And if you are not to sell, do it when every one else has sold.
… And most importantly, if you are not to betray someone or
something, you should not betray when it fully deserves betrayal.
Stapan Lusikian.”
Stepan Lusikian was truly connected to the country.
Patriotism is a complex feeling…
His songs are full of love towards Armenia. And this love is very
profound…
He loved Armenia’s land and water, fruits. He loved Komitas,
Sayat-Nova, Narekatsi. He loved Armenian films, mountains. He loved
the heat of Yerevan.
There was always some nostalgia in his songs as if he knew that he
would soon have to leave his homeland.
I am sure that my father lives in the hearts of those who knew him. He
will live as long as his songs and melody live…

KOCHARYAN IS PLEASED WITH SMALL AND MEDIUM BUSINESS
A1+
[04:42 pm] 21 June, 2006
Issues about small and medium business were discussed during the
meeting of Robert Kocharyan and a number of representatives of
the field. The Ministers of Agriculture and Commerce and Economic
Development were also present at the meeting.
Robert Kocharyan mentioned that small and medium business is developing
actively. “There are few people in Armenia who do not want to have
their own business.
This means a powerful inner striving for being the master of their
own fate which can be a serious impetus for the development of small
and medium business. We appreciate that”, Kocharyan said.
The participants of the meeting mentioned that there are problems
hindering the development of the field.
They particularly mentioned about the necessity to reduce the
frequency of check-ups, to support the businessmen of the marzes with
consultants, to prepare specialists with professional education and
to eliminate a number of legislative shortcomings.
The issues about leasing service and loans were also discussed. As
for the change of the currency exchange rate, Robert Kocharyan said
that it is the problem of the whole world and not only Armenia.
Robert Kocharyan said that the problems will be discussed during
special consultations.