Author: Chakhmakhchian Vatche

ARMENIA JOINS EUROCONTROL ON MARCH 1
Noyan Tapan
Mar 07 2006
YEREVAN, MARCH 7, NOYAN TAPAN. Armenia became the 36th member state
of Eurocontrol on March 1. NT was informed about it from the RA MFA
Press and Information Department.
Becoming a member of the International Civil Aviation Organization
(ICAO) in 1922, Armenia joined the International Civil Aviation
Union. Armenia was the first one of the former Soviet republics to
join the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) in 1996. Since
that time, Armenia has received ECAC technical assistance.
Armenia has developed jointly with Eurocontrol a program on
modernization of its air traffic management services. Armenian experts
have been sent to the Eurocontrol Office for this purpose.
According to Eurocontrol’s Director General Victor Aguago, Armenia’s
joining the Eurocontrol is one of the most welcome developments which
is fully in line with the programs aimed at developing the European
Air Management System.
He attached importance to this step in terms of creation of new
airways in the region in European and Far East destinations.
Eurocontrol is a European organization on air traffic safety, whose
main purpose is to develop the European Air Traffic Management System
under current conditions of air traffic growth.

24 OF PARTICIPANTS OF ANTI-ARMENIAN DEMONSTRATION INITIATED BY PANTURKISTS IN TAVRIZ ARRESTED
Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
Mar 07 2006
TABRIZ, MARCH 7, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. At the February
26 meeting with the journalists, Colonel Haghighi, Commander of
the law-inforcement bodies of Tabriz, gave explanations about the
anti-Armenian demonstration in front of the building of the Armenian
National primacy building of Atrpatakan held on the same day in Tabriz.
The illegal demonstration was initiated by Panturkist groupings. As the
“Alik” Tehran daily informs, referring to the information of the Tabriz
“Mahde Azadi” daily, the law-inforcement bodies of Tabriz, defending
the minority of the Tabrizian Armenians and holding up the danger
threatening the rights of the population, arrested 24 demonstrants and
gave the cases instituted against them to the law-enforcement bodies.

ARMENIA TO DEVELOP RENEWABLE ENERGY?
Regnum, Russia
March 7 2006
Yerevan, 7 March 2006 (Regnum – website) – The Armenian Government is
negotiating with the World Bank to get $8 mln for developing renewable
energy. The director of the Armenian Renewable Energy Foundation Tamara
Babayan says that the WB is ready to provide $5 mln in soft loans for
the construction of small water and wind power plants and $3 mln in
grants for the formation of a favorable investment climate and the
preparation of business plans. Babayan says that her foundation was
set up in Apr 2005 and start up Nov 21 2005.
The foundation has already applied for a total for $15 mln crediting.
Babayan hopes that the first credit will be received in Apr 2006
– though it has yet to be approved by the WB and ratified by the
Armenian Parliament. The foundation provides credits on a revolver
basis, with the beneficiaries having 30% therein. Babayan says that
other financial organizations are also interested in the program.
EBRD is ready to provide $7 mln, Gafesjyan Foundation $3 mln.
(Delovoy Ekspress)

Agency WPS
DEFENSE and SECURITY (Russia)
March 10, 2006 Friday
REPORT OF THE ARMENIAN DEFENSE MINISTER: AZERBAIJAN’S POLICY
COMPROMISES SECURITY OF THE CAUCASUS
ARMENIA CONSIDERS NAGORNO-KARABAKH’S EXISTENCE IN AZERBAIJAN OR AS AN
ARMENIAN ENCLAVE AN IMPOSSIBILITY; Defense Minister of Armenia Serzh
Sarkisjan made a report “Priorities of the National Security Strategy
of the Republic of Armenia”.
Report made by Secretary of the National Security Council and Defense
Minister of Armenia, Serzh Sarkisjan, “Priorities of the National
Security Strategy of the Republic of Armenia” states that
Nagorno-Karabakh’s existence as a part of Azerbaijan or as an enclave
is an impossibility.
The document posted on the official web site of the Armenian Defense
Ministry emphasizes that Armenia views as a must availability of land
border between Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia and international
guarantees of its participation in peace processes. Here is an
excerpt from the document, “International guarantees of non-renewal
of the war and safety of the population are also needed. The
“suspended” nature of the Nagorno-Karabakh problem and the policy
Azerbaijan is pursuing in connection with the conflict set up
symmetric and asymmetric threats to national security of Armenia. The
aggressive policy of Azerbaijan intent on a solution to the problem
through accomplishment of military superiority over Armenia poses a
direct military threat. This policy may destabilize all of the
region.”
The report points out that the constant threat prevents radical
reforms in the military sphere of Armenia and facilitates an arms
race. “It is with this purpose in mind that official Baku is
inflaming hatred of the Armenians in the Azerbaijani people,” the
report stated. “This position is not worthy of a country promoting
the European system of values. It only proves that the authorities of
Azerbaijan are going through the motions for appearances’ sake.”
When Sarkisjan’s report dwells on Turkey from the standpoint of the
conflict, it points out that official Ankara is promoting the
interests of Azerbaijan. Here is another excerpt, “Turkey is aware
that a fair solution to the problem of Nagorno-Karabakh is one of the
priorities of Armenian national security, and that the solution
favoring Azerbaijan will affect the international and regional role
played by Armenia and may even jeopardize the very existence of the
Armenian people. To accomplish all of that, Turkey is assisting
Azerbaijan so as to disrupt the military parity and set up conditions
for a military solution to the problem at hand. Tension in the
Armenian-Turkish relations is also ascribed to Turkey’s involvement
in numerous regional economic and transport programs that do not
include Armenia (like construction of the Baku-Dzheikhan and
Baku-Erzerum gas pipelines or a railroad connecting Kars and
Akhalkalaki). Promoted with help from the government of Turkey, all
these programs and projects aim at economic isolation of Armenia and
demotion of its role in the region. This policy encourages “the
policy of negation” on the part of Azerbaijan and strengthens its
militarism… Neutralization of these threats is only possible when
Turkey abandons its hostility with regard to Armenia. Quite an
effective role from this standpoint may be played by the
international community and particularly organizations like the
European Union, NATO, OSCE, Council of Europe, and the United States.
“Strategy of Armenia’s external security aims at these efforts and
activization of pressure that should be applied to Turkey.”
Source: REGNUM news agency, March 6, 2006
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Today, Azerbaijan
March 10 2006
Reno Harnish: “Nagorno Karabakh conflict should be settled through
talks”

10 March 2006 [17:03] – Today.Az

“The US takes an active part in resolution process of Nagorno
Karabakh conflict in the recent two years,” the US Ambassador to
Azerbaijan Reno Harnish told the journalists.

Saying people are killed in the frontline everyday, the Ambassador
underscored that it is the indicator the Nagorno Karabakh conflict’s
not being “Frozen conflict”.
The diplomat stated that the conflict should be settled through
negotiations. Mr.Harnish expressed his regret that sided failed to
come to agreement in Rambouillet talks and said that the both state
leaderships as well as nations should be met often and continue
regular talks in order to reach agreement.
“The both foreign ministers and co-chairs should intensify attempts
at settlement of the conflict.”
Mr.Harnish added that OSCE Minsk Group American co-chair Steven Mann
will visit Azerbaijan on March 13 and discussion will be held on
continuation of the talks for settlement process, APA bureau in
Sheki-Zagatala reports.

URL:

Zaman, Turkey
March 11 2006
Genocide Movie with Turkish Money
By Foreign News Desk, Istanbul
Published: Saturday, March 11, 2006
zaman.com
The Council of Europe decided to give financial support to the
Italian movie “The farm of the skylarks” which is about the so-called
Armenian genocide.
The Council of Europe foundation Eurimages decided to allocate
600,000 euros to Italian Antony and Paolo Taviani Brothers’ new film
titled “The farm of the skylarks,” which was adapted from Armenian
originated Antoni Aslan’s novel after its last meeting in Strasbourg.
Euroimages’, to which Turkey contributes a million euros yearly, drew
reaction from Ankara. Turkish Representative to Eurimages, Ihsan
Kabil, told Zaman that the movie insults the Turkish army and calls
an army officer a “donkey.”
The meeting in Strasbourg was reported to host many discussions about
this issue. All members, except Turkey, approved the financial aid
for the film, which had previously been approved by a 23-member jury
early this week.
Kabil said Ankara could not prevent the decision despite its
diplomatic efforts. He further noted Eurimages’s French Chairman
Jacques Toubon was quite influential in the decision. “Touban
delivered a 15 minute speech during the meeting and explicitly
supported the so-called Armenian Genocide. He said Turkey committed
the genocide, acting as if he was talking about a historical fact
rather than an unproven claim.” Kabil and Ahmet Boyacioglu, Turkey’s
representatives in Eurimages, gave speeches to criticize Toubon’s
speech and the film. Toubon, also a European Parliament (EP) Deputy,
is known to be a supporter of the so-called Armenian Genocide.
Kabil also remarked about the scenario of the movie and said one of
the Turkish army officers in the film was called a “donkey,” the
movie was not sufficient in artistic value. “There are many
cartoon-like scenes in the film which insult Turks and all of the
Turkish soldiers in the movie were portrayed as cruel people.”

LEVON ARONIAN WINS IN LINARES TOURNAMENT
Noyan Tapan
Mar 13 2006
LINARES, MARCH 13, NOYAN TAPAN. Representative of Armenia Levon Aronian
had a perfect success in the chess super tournament held in the city
of Linares, Spain. The 23 years old grand master left all the rivals
behind and took the 1st place. In the 14th round held in 2 circles with
the 8 strongest chess players’ participation, L.Aronian got 8.5 points
leaving behind such famous rivals as world champion Vesselin Topalov
(Bulgaria), Temur Rajabov (Azerbaijan), Peter Leko (Hungary), Vasili
Ivanchuk (Ukraine), Peter Svidler (Russia), Ethien Bakro (France),
Francisco Valekho (Spain) are. When Levon Aronian won the world cup
late the last year, many specialists mentioned that he has a great
potential and may reach new and new successes in future. After that
he performed a deserving game in the city of Wejk ann Zee, Holland,
and now won the most authoritative world tournament in a perfect style.

ARMENIA JOINED EUROPEAN CONVENTION ON WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
PanARMENIAN.Net
14.03.2006 00:46 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ March 13 Armenia officially signed the European
Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural
Habitats (Bern Convention), reports the Press Service of the Armenian
MFA. Armenia’s Permanent Representative to the Council of Europe (CE)
Christian Ter-Stepanyan signed the Convention on the Armenian party,
CE Deputy Secretary General Maud de Boer-Buquicchio signed it from
the EU part.
Armenia became the 46th CE member to sign the Bern Convention. Besides
CE member states, Morocco, Senegal, Tunisia, Burkina Faso, as well
as the European community signed the convention. The Convention aims
at controlling wildlife preservation, especially in case of threat
of disappearing.

Regnum, Russia
Oct 15 2005
Azerbaijani authorities prepared a special cell in prison for Rasul
Guliyev
Azerbaijani Prosecutor General Zakir Garalov commenting on a comeback
of a presidential candidate, the Democratic Party leader Rasul
Guliyev living in exile now said: `The reforms in the penitentiary
system of Azerbaijan have continued successfully, and conditions in
prisons in the country have been brought into line with the European
standards. We have assigned a special cell in Bailovsky jail that
meets all the standards required.’
`We have searched for Guliyev for several years, and the decision of
the court will be executed. I declare resolutely, that the opposition
has embarked on political speculations claiming that Guliyev is
supported by the US government. None of the states support Guliyev,’
continued Garalov. He also added that Azerbaijan is an independent
state, and its law enforcement agencies fulfill their duties by
themselves.
By the way, Garalov reminded, that on October 10, 2000 Sabail
District Court put Guliyev on wanted list and issued a warrant on his
arrest. Commenting on the plans of the opposition to stage a
ceremonial welcome for Guliyev in the airport, the prosecutor noted,
`the airport is a strategic object that is guarded particularly.’
In his opinion, `Ali Kerimli and Isa Gambar prepared a trap for
Guliyev, but they would be trapped in it by themselves.’ According to
Garalov, leaders of the National Front Party and `Musavat’ want to
use the comeback of Guliyev to destabilize the political situation.
`There is a direct evident they have carried out an unsuccessful
election campaign,’ believes the prosecutor. However, he thinks, the
plans of the opposition would not be put into practice, because the
law enforcement agencies would continue to secure social and
political stability in the region, and the elections would be held in
a fully democratic situation.
`Rasul Guliyev misappropriated the state money at sum of $110
million. In nine years he in collaboration with pro-Armenian forces
carried out subversive activities against th Azerbaijani state,’
Garalov said. He also promised that in case of an arrest all
Guliyev’s rights would be secured. Garalov also rejected a common
opinion that in case of an arrest Guliyev would be treated as a
political prisoner. `He cannot be considered as a political prisoner,
because he committed an economical crime,’ the prosecutor concluded.

ARMENIA AND RUSSIA DID THEIR BEST FOR KAVKAZ-POTI TRAIN-FERRY FUNCTIONING
Pan Armenian
14.10.2005 00:27 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ “Armenia is a participant of the North-South
corridor and we devoted much time to develop the transport corridor,
specifically its Iranian party, which is not used enough in my
opinion,” stated Co-Chair of the Armenian-Russian Inter-Governmental
Commission for Economic Cooperation, Russian Minister of Transport
Igor Levitin during a briefing in Yerevan today. The Commission meeting
discussed various transport directions that may pass through Armenia,
but avoid doing it “due to political considerations,” he reported. “Not
using these directions is not right in my opinion. We discussed it
as well,” he reported.
As of resumption of communication via the Abkhaz part of the Georgian
railway, Levitin noted an act on examination of the Abkhaz segment
with participation of Russia, Georgia and Abkhazia will be signed
in October. The sitting of the Russian-Georgian Inter-Governmental
Commission will be held in Tbilisi next week, he reported. “A goal of
our visit to Tbilisi is to provide for Georgian party confirming its
agreement to restore traffic through the Abkhaz part,” he stated. In
Levitin’s words, some 2 years may be necessary for restoration of
the part of the railway and Russia, Georgia and Armenia still have
“strength and means to restore it.”
Touching upon the question of Kavkaz-Poti train ferry passage and
answering a question on prospects of its development, Mr. Levitin
stated, “the Ministries of Transport of Russia and Armenia should
form conditions for attraction of rolling stock and additional load
for transit transportation.”
“Up to now that states have done everything for the functioning of
the passage. It should be done by the business, thus not everything
depends on Armenia and Russia,” he explained. Georgia is a participants
of this transport direction, he also remarked. “We have questions on
the tariffs to be discussed in Georgia,” however, the states have done
their best for the functioning of the passage and it’s the business’
turn, Levitin concluded.