Author: Chakrian Hovsep

ARKADY GHOUKASSIAN EXPRESSES HIS GRATITUDE TO BARONESS CAROLINE COX
FOR HER INCESSANT CONCERN TO ARTSAKH
STEPANAKERT, July 30 (Noyan Tapan). The “HART” benevolent organization
with offices in Great Britain and the US is established under the
leadership of Baroness Caroline Cox, Vice Chairman of the House of
Lords of the British parliament. The organization will be engaged in
the implementation of programs on rendering humanitarian support to
the population of different countries of the world, including Nagorno
Karabakh. The Baroness reported about it during the July 27 meeting
with NKR President Arkady Ghoukassian. According to the Head
Information Department attached to the NKR President, the Baroness
noticed that since her latest visit to the Republic of Nagorno
Karabakh positive changes took place in the sphere of the building of
the true democratic and civil society, as well as in the
reconstruction of the housing and economic complex demolished during
the war. According to her, she entertains the feeling of high respect
to the Karabakh people and their achievements on the way to
independence. Arkady Ghoukassian expressed gratitude to Baroness Cox
for her incessant concern to Nagorno Karabakh, active participation in
the aspiration of the Karabakh people to construct a modern democratic
state here. At the same time, the NKR head expressed confidence that
the understanding of the fair position of the people and leadership of
the Nagorno Karabakh on the main principles of the settlement of the
conflict by the Baroness contributes a lot to the formation of an
adequate attitude of the world community towards the heart of the
problem and the ways of its settlement.

Associated Press Worldstream
July 29, 2004 Thursday 4:58 PM Eastern Time
Armenia planning contribution to Iraq force
YEREVAN, Armenia
Armenia drew closer to contributing to the U.S.-led forces in Iraq on
Thursday, when the Cabinet approved a Defense Ministry decision to
join an agreement governing the coalition forces there.
Armenia’s leadership has decided to contribute, and a Defense
Ministry official said the former Soviet republic is discussing
sending 10 explosives experts and three doctors to Iraq. The official
said Armenia is also offering to send military trucks.
Armenia has close ties with Russia, but has sought to step up
relations with the United States since the 1991 Soviet collapse. The
Caucasus Mountain nation’s neighbor and foe, Azerbaijan, has sent 150
troops to Iraq.

Armenian Assembly of America
122 C Street, NW, Suite 350
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: [email protected]
Web:
PRESS RELEASE
July 29, 2004
CONTACT: Christine Kojoian
E-mail: [email protected]
ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY, AGBU INTERNS TAKE PART IN WASHINGTON WEEKEND
Washington, DC – For the second time in three months, the nation’s capital
served as the setting for an event held jointly by the Armenian Assembly of
America and Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) – this time bringing
together the next generation of community leaders to establish a rapport on
issues facing the community.
More than 50 college students of Armenian descent – participants of the
Assembly and AGBU internship programs – came together for a weekend of
activities that culminated in a meeting with Armenian Ambassador Dr. Arman
Kirakossian. Assembly interns welcomed their counterparts from New York
July 23-25, taking them on tours of the city and hosting a Saturday night
barbeque in their honor.
Armenian Assembly Internship Program Manager Alex Karapetian, who organized
the weekend with AGBU internship program co-founder Rita Balian, said “These
students have a shared heritage and genuine interest in the betterment of
our community. The Assembly is honored to facilitate such gatherings that
speak to today’s youth.”
AGBU Intern Program Associate Director Aline Ekmekji underlined the spirit
of camaraderie and importance of networking among Armenian youth. “We were
delighted to accept the invitation to spend a weekend with Assembly interns
and look forward to hosting them in New York next year,” said Ekmekji.
The weekend capped off at the Virginia home of Rita and Vartkess Balian, who
arranged a Sunday brunch for the interns. “You are the future leaders of
our communities and it is a great pleasure to see you gathered here today,”
said Rita Balian, an Assembly Associate Trustee Member.

“I cannot emphasize enough the importance of creating a professional and
personal network,” Balian added. “I am very encouraged by the spirit of
cooperation between everyone present here.”
Ambassador Kirakossian, who was among the guests, praised the two
organizations for their role in providing youth “this unique and valuable
opportunity to enhance their knowledge, understanding and involvement in
Armenian and Armenian-American issues.”
The AGBU New York Summer Internship Program, established in 1987, has
benefited more than 550 college students from the U.S. and abroad.
Similarly, the Assembly since 1977 has hosted nearly 800 Armenian-American
college-aged students for an eight-week stint in Washington, DC, combining
summer employment with a full schedule of educational and social activities.
The program was renamed the Terjenian-Thomas Assembly Internship in 2003.
This year’s class, which includes students from the U.S., Canada, England
and Armenia, are interning for congressional offices, government agencies,
think tanks and media outlets.
The Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based nationwide
organization promoting public understanding and awareness of Armenian
issues. It is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.
NR#2004-070
Photographs available on the Assembly’s Web site at the following link:
Caption: Armenian Assembly and AGBU interns during the Saturday night
barbecue held at the Georgetown University dormitories.

Caption: AGBU President’s Club Chairperson and Armenian Assembly Associate
Trustee Rita Balian flanked by AGBU Intern Program Associate Director Aline
Ekmekji and Assembly Internship Program Manager Alex Karapetian.
Caption: Ambassador Dr. Arman Kirakossian, center, commended Assembly and
AGBU interns for taking an active interest in issues facing their
communities and homeland.

ARKA News Agency
July 26 2004
RA PM takes part in 3rd sitting of Armenian-Georgian interstate
commission
RA Foreign Minister receives future chairman of regular OSCE Council
NKR President receives a citizen of France, who moves to Stepanakert
with his family for permanent residence
RA NA Speaker Arthur Baghdasaryan receives a delegation of
Thailand-Armenia deputy friendship group
RA President goes on 10-days holiday
Delivery of nuclear fuel new lot for Armenian Nuclear Power Plant
completed as scheduled
NKR President receives famous Canadian singer Isabel Bairakdarian
Bruce Jackson: it is time Washington and Brussels make their
contribution to Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement
Arkadi Ghukasyan: non-admission of resumption of military operations
is the main objective of NKR
*********************************************************************
RA PM TAKES PART IN 3RD SITTING OF ARMENIAN-GEORGIAN INTERSTATE
COMMISSION
YEREVAN, July 26. /ARKA/. RA Prime Minister Andranik Margarian took
part in 3rd sitting of Armenian-Georgian Interstate Commission, RA
Government press office told ARKA. The Head of Georgian Government
Zurab Jvania stated at the opening of the sitting that conduction of
the meeting with participation of the two Prime Ministers testifies
to serious plans of Armenian and Georgia to expand and develop
cooperation between them. `It is impossible to imagine development of
Georgia without Armenia’, Jvania stressed. According to him, though
goods’ turnover between the countries has grown for the last years,
however in conditions of existing potential it can be achieved more.
He expressed hope that by the end of the year, goods turnover between
Georgia and Armenia will exceed the highest indicators of last years.
Jvania also mentioned the issues of expanding of agreement-legal
field and cooperation in culture and science-educational fields.
According to press release, Margarian noted that increase of the
level of the sittings of interstate commission testifies to serious
plans of the parties on deepening of trade-economic cooperation,
being a stimulus for full-fledged use of existing potential.
Margarian noted that Armenia is really interested in development and
deepening of bilateral and multilateral cooperation with Georgia. He
expressed confidence that the agreements achieved during the sitting
will become important steps on the way of future development of
Armenian-Georgian trade and economic cooperation. L.D. –0 –
*********************************************************************
RA FOREIGN MINISTER RECEIVES FUTURE CHAIRMAN OF REGULAR OSCE COUNCIL
YEREVAN, July 26. /ARKA/. RA Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanian
received future Chairman of Regular OSCE Council Yanesh Lenarchich,
RA MFA told ARKA. During the meeting the parties noted the importance
of different missions and directions of OSCE activity. The parties
stressed the peacemaking role of OSCE in conflicts’ settlement. The
parties gave positive estimation to activity of OSCE MG.
According to press release, during the meeting Armenian Foreign
Minister commented recent joint statement of CIS states considering
OSCE activity in the view of necessity of reforms of this
organization. L.D. –0 –
*********************************************************************
NKR PRESIDENT RECEIVES A CITIZEN OF FRANCE, WHO MOVES TO STEPANAKERT
WITH HIS FAMILY FOR PERMANENT RESIDENCE
STEPANAKERT, July 26. /ARKA/. NKR President Arkadi Ghukasyan received
Michele Tankres, a citizen of France, who moved to Stepanakert with
his family for permanent residence.
According to the main news agency adjunct to NKR President, in the
course of the meeting with the President Tankres expressed his wish
to use his knowledge and possibilities for the good of
Nagorno-Karabakh.
In his turn Ghukasyan greeted his initiative to move to Karabakh and
expressed his readiness to support him in any overcoming of any
problems connected with his emigration.
Tankres has visited NKR since 1993. He contributed a lot to the
accomplishment of the republic by means of both humanitarian aid, and
implementation of some social programs in NKR. Tankres also actively
participated in organization of Hayastan Pan Armenian Fun in France
to collect finances for the construction of the North-South Highway
strategically important or NKR. A.H. – 0 –
*********************************************************************
RA NA SPEAKER ARTHUR BAGHDASARYAN RECEIVES A DELEGATION OF
THAILAND-ARMENIA DEPUTY FRIENDSHIP GROUP
YEREVAN, July 26. /ARKA/. RA NA Speaker Arthur Baghdasaryan received
a delegation of Thailand-Armenia deputy friendship group at the head
of a Senator Sanit Kulcharoen. According to RA NA Press Service and
Public Relations Department, in the course of the meeting
Baghdasaryan attached special importance to the visit of the
delegation from Thailand to Armenia, expressing his belief that it
contributes to strengthening of the Armenian -Thai interparliamentary
relations. Baghdasaryan noted the necessity for activating the
economic co-operation between two countries, in particular, in the
areas of diamond treating, jewelry industry, high technologies, and
for holding business -forums. He also emphasized the importance in
co-operation in the area of culture, education tourism and
environmental issues.
According to press release, during the meeting the parties discussed
the issues for establishment of practical contacts between Armenia
and Thailand, noting the necessity for activating interparliamentary
relations, organizations of mutual visits and co-operation in
international parliamentary organizations. A.H. – 0–
*********************************************************************
RA PRESIDENT GOES ON 10-DAYS HOLIDAY
YEREVAN, July 26. /ARKA/. RA President Robert Kocharian went on
10-days holiday that he will enjoy in Armenia, as RA President Press
Service told ARKA. T.M. -0–
*********************************************************************
DELIVERY OF NUCLEAR FUEL NEW LOT FOR ARMENIAN NUCLEAR POWER PLANT
COMPLETED AS SCHEDULED
YEREVAN, July 26. /ARKA/. The delivery of nuclear fuel new lot for
the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant (ANPP) completed as per schedule. As
it is mentioned in press release issued by INTER RAO UES CJSC and
provided to ARKA, the payment for the fuel delivered according to the
contract terms was made by INTER RAO UES CJSC. By this, the Russian
side implemented the undertaken commitments for uninterrupted work of
ANNP. According to the press release, the cost of delivered lot of
the fuel makes USD 12 mln, the same price as it constituted last
year, although the prices grew by more than 40% on the international
market.
Note that the Armenian NPP has started functioning in January 1980,
and it was shut down in March 1989 under the pressure of the public
opinion. ANPP resumed its operation in November 1995. The first block
of the station is not operating presently either. The second block of
the Armenian NPP generates on the average up to 50% of electricity
produced in the republic. The average annual capacity of ANPP equals
360-370 MWt. Total capacity of the ANPP two blocks stands at 815 Mwt.
Based on experts’ evaluations, the station can work till 2018.
The financial management of ANPP were transferred to trustful
management of INTER RAO USE CJSC, affiliate of RAO UES OF RUSSIA (60%
of shares) and Rosenergatom (40%). T.M. -0–
*********************************************************************
NKR PRESIDENT RECEIVES FAMOUS CANADIAN SINGER ISABEL BAIRAKDARIAN
STEPANAKERT, July 26. /ARKA/. Arkadi Ghukasyan, NKR President
received famous Canadian singer of Armenian descent, soloist of
Metropolitan Opera Isabel Bairakdarian (soprano).
As NKR President Press Service told ARKA, during the meeting she said
that arrived in Stepanakert specially to perform on Karabakh scene
and to introduce the amateurs of musical art of NKR with the works of
world classics. She told with satisfaction that the people in Nagorno
Karabakh are fonder of the high art, especially the youth. In her
opinion, this means that `the aspiration toward the beautiful that
always distinguished the Armenian people, became an unalienable part
of Karabakh people, that were able keeping and multiplying the best
traditions of Artsakh for growing multifaceted and educated
personalities’. T.M. -0–
*********************************************************************
BRUCE JACKSON: IT IS TIME WASHINGTON AND BRUSSELS MAKE THEIR
CONTRIBUTION TO NAGORNO KARABAKH CONFLICT SETTLEMENT
STEPANAKERT, July 26. /ÀÐÊÀ/. It is time Washington and Brussels make
a tangible contribution to NKR and other conflict settlements, stated
Bruce Jackson, the President of the Project on Transitional
Democracies, President of the US Committee on NATO in the US Senate
during his meeting with Arkadi Ghukasyan, NKR President. According to
him, human potential is tragically decreasing as a result of
Prednisrovie, Abkhaz, South Osetia and Nagorno Karabakh conflicts,
which hampers economic development and necessary education for the
growing generation thus impeding full integration in European family.
`We are going to present the whole significance of the Karabakh
problem which requires obligatory solution to US and European
authorities’, said Jackson. According to him, the main objective of
the mission is the more active involvement of international community
in settlement process. In this respect, Jackson emphasized the
decision of the EU on involvement of region’s countries in Wider
Europe/New Neighbors program, às well as NATO’s announcement made at
Istanbul summit concerning the interest of the Alliance in
establishment of peace, stability and democracy in the region. L.V.
–0–
*********************************************************************
ARKADI GHUKASYAN: NON-ADMISSION OF RESUMPTION OF MILITARY OPERATIONS
IS THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF NKR
STEPANAKERT, July 26. /ÀÐÊÀ/. The main objective of NKR is not to
allow the resumption of military operations and to promote the
further economic development of the republic, its integration in the
common European family, and the establishment of a civil society.
This was stated by Arkadi Ghukasyan, the NKR President during his
meeting with Bruce Jackson, the President of the Project on
Transitional Democracies, President of the US Committee on NATO in
the US Senate, as well as members of the delegation headed by him. As
the ARKA own reporter informs from Stepanakert, speaking about the
possibilities of problem solution based on concessions, the NKR
President mentioned that compromises should always be mutual and
require mutual concessions from all parts of the conflict. He said
that at first it is necessary to achieve ceasing of propaganda war
against each other at least; however this step is usually refused by
the Azeri side. Ghukasyan once again confirmed the commitment of
Karabakh to exceptionally peaceful ways of conflict settlement and
noted that the official Stepanakert has many times unsuccessfully
turned to Baku authorities with various initiatives on establishment
of trust measures, without which the settlement process is
impossible.
During the meeting the guests also shared their points of view
concerning the measures to be taken by the conflict sides to
accelerate the settlement, told about their impressions of meetings
with representatives of NKR power and NGOs. They also declared for a
more active involvement of international community in settlement
process. L.V.–0–

SKINHEADS, WHO KILLED AN ARMENIAN, STOOD TRIAL IN MOSCOW
26.07.2004 17:56
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The Moscow Municipal Court sentenced 5 young men, who
brutally killed an Armenian in one of the local suburban trains, to 9-14
years of imprisonment. As reported by Moskovskiy Komsomolets Russian
newspaper, a band of young men aged 17-22 ranked themselves as members of
neo-Nazi organization of skinheads and had the aim “to clear” the local
electric trains of Caucasians. On December 12, 2003, on entering
Petushki-Mocsow suburban train, the murderers saw a man with “Caucasian
appearance” and knocking him off his feet trampled on him. The maimed man
died after suffering in the aid station for 2 hours. At those days a
35-year-old Azeri was killed in the same way.

ITAR-TASS, Russia
July 23
Nagorno-Karabakh aims to prevent resumption of hostilities

YEREVAN, July 23 (Itar-Tass) — The main task of Nagorno-Karabakh is
to prevent resumption of hostilities, continue economic development,
integrate with the common European family and develop the civic
society, Arkady Gukasyan, President of the unrecognized
Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, told a delegation of American analysts in
Stepanakert on Friday.
The delegation members will familiarize themselves with the opinion
of Karabakh authorities and residents about the settlement progress
and ways.
`There are no unilateral compromises. All parties to the conflict
must make concessions,’ Gukasyan said. `At first it is necessary to
stop the propaganda warfare.’
Gukasyan confirmed their adherence to peace settlement of the
Karabakh conflict.
The delegation suggested ways of settling the conflict and called for
more active participation of the international community in the
settlement process.

Noyan Tapan, Armenia
July 21 2004
The Voice of Russia now broadcasted in Armenia
The Russian Voice of Russia state radio company is now broadcasted in
Armenia and Georgia. The Programs of the radio station appeared in
FM-format 6 hours a day, RIA Novosti reports. In Yerevan the programs
of Sodrujestvo channel are received from 8:00 to 10:00 and from 20:00
to 22:00. From 11:45 to 19:00 news blocs of The Voice of Russia will
be broadcasted during the last 15 minutes of each hour. Programs are
retransmitted on the frequency 103 FM. Now the Voice of Russia
discusses possible cooperation with Azerbaijan. Starting from April
programs of the Voice of Russia are put on the air in Lithuania and
all large cities of Crimea.

Armenian leader, CIS secretary discuss upcoming summit
Mediamax news agency
13 Jul 04

YEREVAN
Armenian President Robert Kocharyan today received CIS Executive
Secretary Vladimir Rushaylo who has arrived in Yerevan on a working
visit.
Vladimir Rushaylo discussed with Robert Kocharyan issues on the agenda
of the session of the council of CIS leaders which will be held in
Astana in September, the press service of the Armenian president told
Mediamax news agency.
The Armenian president and CIS executive secretary also exchanged
views on reforms in the executive committee and in other structures of
the Commonwealth.

RIA Novosti, Russia
July 6 2004
RUSSIAN FOREIGN MINISTER WELCOMES ARMENIAN-AZERI STRIVING FOR
KARABAKH SETTLEMENT
MOSCOW, July 6 (RIA Novosti) – Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov
has welcomed Armenia and Azerbaijan’s striving for the Nagorny
Karabakh (a region in Azerbaijan populated mainly by Armenians)
settlement.
“We discussed the settlement issues and are satisfied with the
resumption of contacts between the Armenian and Azeri leaders and
ministers and promotion of the OSCE Minsk group’s activities,” Sergei
Lavrov told journalists following the talks with his Armenian
counterpart Vardan Oskanyan.
Speaking about the work of the OSCE Minsk group on the Nagorny
Karabakh settlement, the Russian minister said that the recent
meetings in this format prove that the sides are ready to search ways
to solve this problem.
The minister did not give practical settlement mechanisms. “The sides
agreed to continue discussion. It would be wrong to disclose details
of the talks,” Mr. Lavrov noted.
The Russian Foreign Minister positively assessed Vardan Oskanyan’s
first official visit to Russia.
According to Sergei Lavrov, Armenia and Russia boast long-term
friendly relations and are members of the Collective Security Treaty
Organization. Relations with Armenia is a priority of Russian policy,
he added.
The Russian and Armenian Foreign Ministers focused on the development
of economic and investment cooperation. Sergei Lavrov came out for
elaboration of additional economic projects. Moreover, they
considered transport development and Russia promised political
support to Armenia in this sphere, Sergei Lavrov said.

La Nouvelle République du Centre Ouest
06 juillet 2004
Le 14-Juillet au Soleil Levant
Comme c’est devenu désormais traditionnel, la fête du 14-Juillet se
fêtera au Soleil Levant avec pour organisateurs les Foyers ruraux de
Clavé et Saint-Georges-de-Noisné et le comité des fêtes Saint-Linois
en partenariat avec les trois communes qui apportent une aide
financière et s’occupent du feu d’artifice. Cette année, la fête aura
lieu le mercredi 14 juillet à partir de 15 h 30 avec diverses
animations (avec trois lots en récompense), la présence du Réveil
musical folklorique d’Arménie se produira pour le plaisir de tous.
Dès 20 heures, un repas champêtre sera servi, suivi du feu d’artifice
et un bal populaire clôturera la soirée. Les réservations pour le
repas, confection par l’auberge de Noisné, se font dans les trois
mairies au plus tard le 6 juillet au prix de 8 EUR pour les adultes
et de 3,50 EUR pour les enfants.