Author: Dabaghian Diana

DOZENS OF TREES CUT DOWN IN YEREVAN FOR CONSTRUCTION OF ENTERTAINMENT HOUSE
BELONGING TO ARMENIAN MINISTER OF TERRITORIAL ADMINISTRATION
14.07.2004 19:18
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Several dozens of trees have been cut down in the center
of Yerevan in the park area in Isahakian Street today. According to the data
provided by Arminfo agency, an entertainment house belonging to Armenian
minister of territorial administration and infrastructure activities Hovik
Abrahamian is to be built in this place. Despite the alerts of the
journalists and public organizations, which appealed to the City
Administration, Center community and ministry of ecology, the trees were cut
down. As head of the department for planting of greenery of the Kentron
community told Arminfo agency, the construction works are carried out
without corresponding permission.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ITAR-TASS News Agency
TASS
July 12, 2004 Monday 1:25 AM Eastern Time
Armenia gets first tranche of food grant from EU
By Tigran Liloyan
YEREVAN
The European Commission has extended the first tranche of food grant
to Armenia worth 1.5 million euros, Armenian Minister for Finance and
Economy told Itar-Tass late on Sunday.
The total grant will amount to 9.5 million euros. The rest of the aid
will come in two parts, four million euros each, within a year.
According to the minister, the EU aid is “extremely important and
useful for Armenia”.
The European Union is financing the agriculture, social sphere,
statistics, real estate cadastre, and the system of state governing
of Armenia. The agrarian block includes forestry.
The head of the EC delegation to Armenia and Georgia, Torben Holtze,
this is the eighth program of aid to the republic. Starting from
1997, these two former Soviet republics have received aid worth 68.5
million euros. Armenia’s share is bigger than that of Georgia, he
added.
According to the diplomat, the aid program will be continued. Under
the program under development, which will cover the period up to the
year 2007, Armenia is expected to get 30 million euros.
Late this year, or early in 2005, the Armenian government is expected
to hold a forum of donor-countries, the finance minister reported.

Messenger.ge, Georgia
July 7 2004
Russia’s policy regarding South Ossetia remains unknown
Recent events show that Georgia is going to continue putting pressure
upon Tskhinvali separatists with the aim of restoring its territorial
integrity in the region. It is still not known, however, how Russia
will conduct itself in this respect. President Mikheil Saakashvili
claims that Russian President Vladimir Putin promised him that Russia
would not interfere in Georgia’s internal affairs. However, Russia’s
true intentions regarding South Ossetia remain to be seen – too often
during Shevardnadze’s administration Russia said one thing but did
the other.
Just two days ago President Saakashvili signed a document determining
the status of the Adjaran Autonomous Republic. According to the
president this is a historical document and the issue of the status
of Adjara has now been decided once and for all. Georgia in reality
faced losing Adjara, but this was prevented by the support of
friendly countries and the efforts of the Georgian people.
The Batumi velvet revolution was the first successful step toward
Georgia’s reintegration. Saakashvili has stated that he will not
tolerate separatist enclaves within his country’s territory, and sees
South Ossetia as his prime target.
To protect himself from the humanitarian-aid “attack” of the Georgian
authorities, the leader of the separatist regime Eduard Kokoiti has
begun digging trenches and putting all the region’s armed-forces on
high-alert. Kokoiti’s combativeness very much depends upon the
Russian position. But this position remains unknown. While the
Russian Foreign Ministry expressed its “deep respect” for Georgian
territorial integrity over the weekend, a high ranking Moscow
official Mayorov would not answer a simple question put by the
Georgian State Minister Goga Khaindrava – which two countries are
connected by the Roki Tunnel?
The Roki tunnel connects Russia with Georgia in South Ossetia, and
Mayorov’s refusal to openly answer this question could thus be
understood as Russia not considering South Ossetia as part of
Georgia, unless this was an initiative of Mayarov himself. Russia may
have “deep respect” for Georgia’s territorial integrity, but
diplomats still wonder if that includes South Ossetia?
Many thought that the relationship between Georgia and Russia would
have been clarified during the resent Putin-Saakashvili meeting.
Despite the announcement of a simplified visa regime, the meeting
left many more issues unanswered. October is now named as the date to
finalize a Georgian-Russian agreement. Saakashvili announced that
President Putin will visit Tbilisi in October, when the signing of a
framework agreement between the two countries is also planned.
The Russian media has speculated that Putin’s meeting with
Saakashvili on Saturday was rather reserved. This was mainly
explained by the NATO Istanbul summit communiqué again calling for
Russia to remove its military bases from Georgia and by Saakashvili’s
categorical tone during the same summit.
Whatever the speculation, it seems certain that Russia is not
entirely happy with Georgia’s expressed desire to integrate with NATO
and the European Union. Also, Moscow does not want to withdraw its
military bases from Georgia. Russia would rather have Georgia taking
a more pro-Russia stance, rather than pro-Western, like Armenia, in
which case Russia’s interests in the South Caucasus would be
protected and secured.
For instance, Georgia asks Russia to jointly control the Roki Tunnel
so as to stop the smuggling of goods from Russia to Georgia, whereas
Moscow demands that Georgia join CIS-wide customs system which will
completely change the status of smuggled goods. So the positions of
the countries differ radically.
It may be that Saakashvili really received a promise from Putin of
non-interference in Georgia’s internal affairs, but that could be a
mousetrap for Georgia. It could encourage
Georgia to become involved in a local conflict, which could be very
damaging for a poor country such as Georgia and would hinder Georgia
from its movement towards the West. This possible conflict, moreover,
would give grounds to Moscow to refuse fulfilling its commitments on
withdrawing its troops from Georgia.
“Positional ballots” around South Ossetia are underway, and most
probably one should not expect a third “Rose Revolution” in this
region in the near future. However, time is not currently against
Georgia. As President Saakashvili said, in one year Georgia will be
stronger. Maybe only after the October Putin visit will it become
clearer to Georgia how to conduct its relations with Russia.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Azer Tag, Azerbaijan State Info Agency
July 7 2004
MEETING AT MILLI MAJLIS
[July 07, 2004, 21:26:31]
On the same day, Chairman of the Milli Majlis Murtuz Alasgarov
received at the Parliament’s Heydar Aliyev Hall European Union
Commissioner for Enlargement Janez Potocnik.
During the warm conversation, the Speaker noted that since
independence, Azerbaijan has been closely cooperating with all the
international structures including the European Union, which also
keeps the successful implementation of the reforms initiated by
nationwide leader of the Azerbaijani people Heydar Aliyev in the
limelight.
He further pointed out that the Agreement on partnership and
cooperation between the European Union and Azerbaijan had played a
key role in follow-up development of the relations. The Milli Majlis
is also closely cooperating with the European Parliament, Mr.
Alasgarov said.
The Speaker has touched upon the conflicts in the Southern Caucasus,
and informed the guest in detail on the roots and hard consequences
of the Armenia-Armenia conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, fair stance of
Azerbaijan with respect to the conflict’s resolution and documents
adopted in this regard by the UN Security Council, the Council of
Europe and other international organizations.
Commissioner for Enlargement Janez Potocnik announced that after the
EU’s recent enlargement, it had prepared a number of new projects
covering Turkey and Southern Caucasus including Azerbaijan. He noted
that the European Union highly appreciates the official Baku’s
support for the new neighborhood policy. According to him, the
relevant documents reflect development of market economy and
democracy in Azerbaijan, communications, border problems and the
issues related to reconstruction and improvement of infrastructure.
Mr. Potocnik stressed that the European Union stands for peaceful
settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and added that as soon
as its fair solution is found, the organization would be very
actively evolved in restoration of the territories released from the
occupation.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Milli Majlis Chairman Ziyafat
Asgarov, Chief of the Milli Majlis Administration Safa Mirzayev,
other parliamentarians and the EU Special Envoy for Southern Caucasus
Heike Talvitie.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

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 6, 2004
CONTACT: Christine Kojoian
E-mail: [email protected]
GOV. SCHWARZENEGGER APPOINTS ASSEMBLY BOARD MEMBER TO HIGH-RANKING POST
Washington, DC – The Armenian Assembly of America congratulated one of its
own today, Board of Directors Member Lisa Kalustian, on her recent
appointment to a top position in Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s (R-CA)
district office.
Kalustian, a California native who served as deputy cabinet secretary for
former Governor Pete Wilson in the 1990s, has been appointed chief deputy
director of Governor Schwarzenegger’s Los Angeles Office. The position does
not require Senate confirmation.
A longtime Assembly activist and Fellow Trustee, Kalustian most recently
worked for one of the nation’s largest health plans. During her tenure as
vice president of public affairs at Western Region of Health Net, Inc., she
oversaw media relations and communications for Health Net of California and
Health Net of Oregon.
“As an experienced public servant and long standing Armenian-American
community leader, Lisa is a great asset for the State of California. The
Armenian Assembly is honored to have her as a member of our team,” said
Assembly Board of Directors Chairman Anthony Barsamian. “We commend the
Governor for his choice and wish Lisa much success in her new position.”
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#2004-064
Photograph available on the Assembly’s Web site at the following link:
Caption: Lisa Kalustian

ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
06/28/2004
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <;HTTP:// 1- Armenian Patriarch Meets US President 2- Oskanian, Gul Meet in Istanbul 3- Congress Best Bet for US Recognition of Genocide 4- Chirac Slams Bush for Interfering in Turkey's EU Bid 5- Armenia Marks Tenth Anniversary of Military Academy 1- Armenian Patriarch Meets US President ISTANBUL (Haybad/Zaman)--While the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Summit may be headlining US President George W. Bush's trip to Istanbul, Turkey, he took time out on Sunday to meet with various religious leaders. Bush met with President of Religious Affairs Ali Bardakoglu, Istanbul Mufti Mustafa Cagrici, Fener Greek Patriarch Bartholomeos, Armenian Patriarch Mesrob Mutafyan, Chief Rabbi Ishak Haleva and Syriac Orthodox Archbishop Yusuf Cetin. In his opening remarks, Bush welcomed the religious leaders, and referred to Turkey "with its mosaic of faiths and cultures," as a good model of secular democracy--in spite of its predominantly Muslim population. When a journalist asked at the end of the meeting if the participants had any particular message, Bush said that he came together with important personalities from different religions and faiths and had "an excellent meeting." Bush added that the religious leaders represented the best side of Turkey. Patriarch Mutafyan had an opportunity to speak to Bush about the situation of Turkey's non-Muslim population, and stressed that for minorities to exist in Turkey--or for any ethnic or national minority to exist anywhere--three institutions must be guaranteed: First, places of worship to preserve religious heritage and to nourish the spiritual life of the community; second, schools to teach language and culture; and third, foundations to fund religious and educational activities and the necessary personnel to keep them active. The minorities in Turkey, he stressed, are attempting to maintain those institutions for the future and well-being of their communities. The Patriarch also stressed that though religious leaders attempt to stick to spiritual edification, and stay out of politics, certain instances call for, if not political involvement, at least a moral response. Mutafyan told the press that the religious leaders conveyed their concerns to Bush about the violent incidents they witness every time the turn on the television. Bush reportedly responded, "Believe me, these do not reflect our real face. Justice will deal with some of the incidents you see on television, particularly those in the prison in Baghdad." Fener Greek Patriarch Bartholomeos indicated that they discussed the role of religion and Turkey's religious mosaic. "President Bush said that the religious mosaic was very important for Turkey and that it is an asset to the country. In order to maintain this, all the religions need to raise their own religious leaders. Otherwise, the mosaic will disappear," recalled Bartholomeos. White House National Security Adviser Condolezza Rice, Secretary of State Colin Powell and the US Ankara Ambassador Eric Edelman also attended Bush's meeting with religious leaders. Before leaving, Patriarch Mutafyan presented the following letter to President Bush: "Dear Mr. President, It is with great pleasure that we welcome your visit to our country on the occasion of the NATO summit here in Istanbul. The Armenians of Turkey, constituting by far the largest Christian community in this country, have long cherished, with affection and amity, the United States of America, which, besides having a historic friendship and alliance with Turkey, also has welcomed to its shores many of our kinsmen since the second half of the 19th century. It is because of these warm sentiments, that I feel able to express the uneasiness we feel at the escalating level of violence which has been spreading across the globe and which is especially pressing in the Middle East region, where we also live. I personally believe that you, Mr. Bush, as the president of a great country that leads the world, have the authority to affect the course of events, and this is why I would like to voice my anxiety. War, terror, torture, embargo, marginalization, defamation or condescension...Whatever form violence takes, it always leads to consequences which are not in accord with human dignity. Instead it leaves indelible scars in memories and generates lasting enmities between peoples. Throughout history, there has never been an act of violence or retaliation which has not harmed the innocent. Sadly, the consequence is usually that violence begets more violence. This is why, even when seeking to serve legitimate, higher ideals such as establishing peace, upholding democracy or preventing terror, the resort to violence, merely culminates in more pain and suffering to the innocent, especially children. Throughout history, when governments have resorted to force when challenged by violence or even civil unrest, it often effectively became collective punishments of whole nations or peoples. What has happened recently in Palestine, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Sudan are clear examples. This cannot be a portrayal of sublime sentiments and indeed, to many it is viewed as revenge, a sentiment which cannot coexist with civilization. I believe that the United States of America and her President, have the ability to preserve the values they struggle for without resorting to violence in all its terrible diversity. It is sufficient to maintain their trust in God, in their sense of vocation and ultimate potential for good. Whenever we embrace violence we are already diminished and the high moral and religious ideals to which we aspire are betrayed. Mr. President, I can imagine to a certain extent the pressures that you must be undergoing at present and therefore please be assured of my prayerful support. May God be in all visions for world peace and may He protect us all from losing our faith. With my sincere good wishes, MESROB II Armenian Patriarch of Istanbul and All Turkey 2- Oskanian, Gul Meet in Istanbul ISTANBUL (AFP/Armenpress/RFE/RL)--Under pressure by North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the European Union (EU), Armenia, Azerbaijan and Turkey pledged on Monday to seek to resolve their tangled disputes through trilateral meetings. The foreign ministers of the three troubled neighbors, Vartan Oskanian of Armenia, Elmar Mamedyarov of Azerbaijan, and Abdullah Gul of Turkey met on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Istanbul. "The dialogue was quite good," Oskanian told reporters after the meeting. "I have nothing concrete to state at this point, but the meeting was quite positive. . . This was a meeting between the three equal sides which have interests and benefits in the region" Referring to the enlargement of the EU and NATO, Oskanian said, "We need to shape a new strategic vision for the Caucasus so that we can keep pace with the developments around us." Emphasizing that both NATO and the EU were anxious to stabilize the conflict-torn Caucasian region, Gul told reporters after the meeting that they had discussed "ways and means of cooperating to achieve stability through constructive means." He said he and his counterparts had agreed to hold further trilateral meetings later in the year. Mamedyarov added: "We will try to do our best to bring peace and stability to the region." Armenia and Azerbaijan are divided by a long-standing dispute Mountainous Karabagh. A close ally of Azerbaijan, Turkey has declined to establish diplomatic ties with Armenia and remains bitter at Yerevan's efforts to secure international recognition of the Armenian genocide by Ottoman Turkey. Ankara is under pressure by the EU (which it seeks to join) to re-open its border with Armenia, which it closed in 1993 in a show of solidarity with Baku. Oskanian told reporters he had discussed the issue with Gul in a bilateral meeting earlier in the day, but it would be premature to expect an immediate re-opening of the border. Oskanian used his participation in the NATO summit, marred by violent clashes between Turkish police and left-wing protesters, to meet with Patriarch Mesrob Mutafian, the spiritual leader of Turkey's small Armenian community. He also delivered a speech to a group of Istanbul Armenians. 3- Congress Best Bet for US Recognition of Genocide YEREVAN (YERKIR)As Turkey remains a key ally of the United States and is a member of NATO, the US administration's position on the Genocide issue is not likely to change, Armenia's ambassador to the US Arman Kirakossian, told Armenpress, responding to whether the US would change its policy [on Armenian genocide recognition] if Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry were to win the November election. Ambassador Kirakossian noted that both former president Bill Clinton and the incumbent George W. Bush promised to recognize the Armenian genocide but did not stick to their promises. "A shift in this policy can be expected only by working with US Congress," Kirakossian noted. 4- Chirac Slams Bush for Interfering in Turkey's EU Bid (AFP)--French President Jacques Chirac bluntly criticized George W. Bush on Monday for supporting Turkey's bid to join the European Union, saying the US President had "gone too far". On Sunday, Bush publicly endorsed Turkey's bid, telling Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara: "I will remind the people of this good country that you ought to be given a date by the EU for your eventual acceptance into the EU." Chirac told a news conference on the sidelines on the NATO summit here: "Not only did he go too far, he ventured into territory which is not his concern." The French president, who is among the EU leaders most firmly opposed to Turkish membership of the EU, added: "It would be like me telling the United States how to run its affairs with Mexico." 5- Armenia Marks Tenth Anniversary of Military Academy YEREVAN (NoyanTapan)--During a June 27 ceremony marking the 10th anniversary of Armenia's Vazgen Sargisian Military Institute, 270 graduates received their diplomas and military shoulder-straps in the presence of President Robert Kocharian, Prime Minister Antranig Margarian, Defense Minister Serge Sargisian, parliamentarians, government officials and high-ranking military personnel. The prime minister said that the institute, established during arduous times for the newly independent Armenia, has succeeded in preparing experienced and skilled military personnel. "If Azerbaijan had the slightest doubt about the Armenian Army's military power, they would have surely restarted the war by now," said the Defense Ministry's Chief of Staff and Defense Minister Colonel General Mikhael Harutyunian. All subscription inquiries and changes must be made through the proper carrier and not Asbarez Online. ASBAREZ ONLINE does not transmit address changes and subscription requests. (c) 2004 ASBAREZ ONLINE. All Rights Reserved. ASBAREZ provides this news service to ARMENIAN NEWS NETWORK members for academic research or personal use only and may not be reproduced in or through mass media outlets.

KARABAKH REFUGEES PROTECT THEIR RIGHTS
Azat Artsakh, Republic of Nagorno Karabakh (NKR)
June 25 2003
At last there is an organization in Nagorni Karabakh which unites the
refugees. At last because there were refugees in Karabakh since 1988
and so far neither the government, nor the international organizations
have established an agency that would attend to the numerous problems
of the refugees. The fact that the committee was established on these
days causes anxiety. There are a number of factors accompanying this
process. First, from the beginning of this year the interest of a
number of international, particularly European organizations in the
Karabakh problem became apparent. For example in February
representatives of British and American organizations visited
Stepanakert. these organizations have joined in a consortium for the
implementation of the joint program of assistance to the settlement of
the Karabakh conflict and maintenance of an atmosphere of confidence
in the region. As the director of LINKS, which is member of the
consortium, Stephen Nash said, the program is funded by the British
government. Within the framework of the consortium LINKS will deal
with working out alternative ways of conflict regulation, the
organization “Alarm International” will regulate parliamentary
cooperation, the “Service of Catholic Aid” will assist to the
development of the non-governmental sector and “Conciliation
Resources” will deal with the international coverage of the conflict
and work with the local mass media. Within the framework of the
program several separate projects were already funded: the newspaper
“Demo”, Karabakh page in the Internet site of BBC, several other
projects with Karabakh public organization. This is the first
factor. Second, it is apparent that the special representatives of the
European organizations on the Karabakh conflict are interested in the
problems of common people. If formerly different reporters did not
consider it necessary to visit Karabakh for preparing their reports,
this year both Terry Davis and Goran Lenmarker who prepared reports on
Karabakh arrived here. What is more, all of them refuse to participate
in the political settlement of the conflict charging the OSCE Minsk
Group with this mission, and speak about the social and humanitarian
aspects of the problem. As a rule they meet with refugees, imply on
the probability of providing humanitarian aid and so on. Is the
growing interest of Europe favourable for us? On the one hand yes,
because this means an inflow of finance for the spheres of
democratization, development, for which the state has not possibility,
or wish. On the other hand, shifting the problem from the political to
the humanitarian plain may have bad consequences for Karabakh. Without
a political regulation, and recognition of the status of Karabakh any
social and economic assistance will be temporary. We considered this
long preface necessary for showing the background against which the
Committee for Refugees was founded. We talked to the chairman of the
committee S. Saroyan who mentioned that they plan a seminar for
refugees in mid-July which will be organized by the LINKS with the
participation of the Armenian organization “Millenium”. According to
him, the chief aim of the organization is the recognition of the
refugees resettled during the Karabakh conflict both by Nagorni
Karabakh and international organizations. The refugees of Shoushi
particularly mentioned about this during the meetings with the
European guests who visited Shoushi. The thing is that not only the
international community but also the government of Karabakh did not
recognize these people as refugees. Even the law “On refugees” was
adopted only in 2003. Many people and even the refugees explain this
by the fact that the Karabakh authorities tried to solve the problems
of refugees without any status. Many are provided with flats, jobs,
have registration. Then the war started and the refugees fought, got
wounded and killed shoulder to shoulder with the people of
Karabakh. Later a part managed to solve their problems although it is
natural that for them it was much difficult to recover from war than
for the natives of Karabakh. Nevertheless, there are people who still
live in dormitories, consider themselves refugees and think that if
they left their homes against their will, then both the country that
received them and the international community must help them.
Besides, as the deputy chairman of the Committee for Refugees Ashot
Harutiunian mentioned, all the inhabitants of Shoushi are in the sense
of their situation refugees because all of them were resettled, lost
their property and actually returned to their ruined town. In answer
to our question why the problem is raised only now we were told that
formerly nobody reacted to these demands as there was neither a law,
nor interest. Apparently the refugees are not informed on the changes
either. At the Department for Migration, Refugees and Resettlers we
were told that after the adoption of the law not a single refugee
applied for registration. According to Sanasar Saroyan, the committee
today carries out works for bringing together the refugees in
Stepanakert and regions for the settlement of their problems and
providing information on their rights. S. Saroyan mentioned that the
organization intends to become international. The former Armenian
inhabitants of Baku and Sumgait live not only in Karabakh. For uniting
efforts the leadership of the committee has established relationships
with the World Armenian Organization (Ara Abrahamian), Armenian
experts on refugees (Alexander Manassian), former Baku Armenians
living in America (Mikhail Avanessian) and others. The committee
already cooperates with the organization “Country and Culture” which
implements significant programs in Armenia and Artsakh. One of the
important problems that the committee is going to extend to the
government is the necessity of introducing legislative changes in the
law on refugees. It turns out that according to the law the refugees
do not have the right to occupy high positions in Karabakh. Or if the
refugee marries a native of Karabakh, he or she loses their
status. There are also questions related to the procedure of granting
the status of refugee. The second question: the committee was
established in Shoushi. One of the aims set by the members of the
committee is the renaissance of the town, investments and development
of business. According to S. Saroyan, nobody is going to return to
Baku or Sumgait. “But if we were offered to settle down in Shahoumian,
Getashen, we would agree gladly,” said S. Saroyan. According to the
deputy chairman S. Harutiunian Azerbaijan does everything possible to
make maximum political and financial profit from using the problem of
refugees. Quite recently through the state and international funds
about 500 apartments were built for Azerbaijanis close to the Karabakh
border, in the region of Aghdam. “What is this if not a starting
point,” says Ashot Harutiunian. Our authorities must show a similar
approach. Moreover, the stress should be put on the fact that
Karabakh is a sovereign state where people have equal rights. “The
unification with Armenia has no prospects for the upcoming several
years. We voted for independence and we want independence. And in this
context the recognition of the Karabakh refugees by the international
community is our legal claim,” said A. Harutiunian. S. Saroyan
mentioned that the organization intends to present the regulations of
the committee. The authorities promised to aid with the office and
computers. The committee cooperates with the department for migration
and refugees. There have already been organized meetings in the
regions. In short the work has already started.
NAIRA HAYRUMIAN.
25-06-2004

ArmenPress
June 25 2004
GEORGIAN POLICE ARREST TWO ARMENIANS ON TRAFFICKING CHARGES
TBILISI, JUNE 25, ARMENPRESS: Georgian police have arrested two
ethnic Armenians, Ashot Hovhanesian and Marina Mnatsakanian, on
charges of running a criminal group involved in trafficking of women.
The Armenians are accused of trying to transport 15 young women
from Uzbekistan to the United Arab Emirates UAE). The women had been
promised jobs in Georgia, but when they arrived in the Georgian
capital they were told they would get their passports only in Dubai,
the girls however refused to travel to the UAE and were locked in a
Tbilisi apartment.
According to Georgian laws, the criminals could face up to 20 year
imprisonment. “We have to carry out a detailed investigation, as the
group seems to be well-organized and most likely that was not its
first attempt to transport women for prostitution,” a prosecutor
Boris Mchkheidze was quoted by RFE/RL as saying.

Baku Today, Azerbaijan
June 23 2004
Azeri Foreign Ministry Refutes Parliamentary Speaker’s Statement
Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs refuted a statement by the
parliamentary speaker, Murtuz Aleskerov, that Armenian officers
arrived in Baku secretly, ANS reported on Wednesday.
The ministry said Deputy Foreign Minister Araz Azimov had made a
statement about the Armenians’ expected visit three days before the
Baku-hosted planning conference for NATO’s `Cooperative Best
Effort-2004′ military exercises began on Tuesday.
The exercises are planned to be held in Azerbaijan in September.
The arrival of the Armenian officers, Colonel Murad Isakhanyan and
Senior Lieutenant Aram Hovhanesian, caused outcry among ordinary
Azeri citizens, with a group of activists from Karabakh Liberation
Organization breaking into the hall of Baku’s Europe hotel where the
planning conference was taking place. As a result, the work of the
conference stopped for about ten minutes.
Reinforced police forces eventually forced the protestors out of the
hotel, arresting 12 people, including the KLO chairman Akif Naghi.
Police said a criminal case has been filed into five of the detainees
who are accused of hooliganism.

SNSC In Favor Of Boosting Relations With Armenia: Rowhani
Tehran Times, Iran
June 23 2004
TEHRAN (IRNA) — Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council
(SNSC) Hasan Rowhani said on Tuesday that the SNSC is in favor of
boosting of Iran’s relations with Armenia.
In a meeting with chief of Armenian presidential office Artash
Tumanyan, Rowhani said that Iran regards development of relations
with Armenia as being in line with helping regional cooperation to
restore peace and security to the entire region.
“Yerevan has special status in Iranian history and Iran is willing
to boost the historical relations between the two countries,”
Rowhani said.
He said that signing an accord on setting up of a gas pipeline between
the two countries is a fundamental step forward towards deepening
cooperation in the energy sector.
He said that establishment of Gajeran Tunnel will link Armenia to
the North-South Corridor and Iran to the Black Sea as well.
On the economic development in the Caucasus, Rowhani said that
economic development will be impossible without peace and security
and collective cooperation of the regional states at the highest
possible level should focus on regional stability..
Tumanyan said that Iran and Armenia have developed excellent relations
since the collapse of the former Soviet Union in 1990 and the upcoming
visit of President Mohammad Khatami to Armenia in September would be
a turning point in bilateral relations.
He underlined the importance of north-south corridor and called for
Iranian support for Armenia joining the corridor.
Tumanyan said that signing the accord on laying a gas pipeline between
the two countries is a victory and hoped that the pipeline would be
operational within the next two years.
“Technical and feasibility studies on Gajeran Tunnel have been
completed and the project is ready for signature,” Tumanyan said.
He said that Tehran-Yerevan relations are essential for regional
security and that Iran has special status in the foreign policy
of Armenia.
Tumanyan also conferred on Tuesday with Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi
on issues of mutual interest.
Describing the current level of political relations as satisfactory,
Kharrazi voiced satisfaction over the outcome of Iran-Armenia Economic
Commission meeting and hoped to witness further expansion of economic
and commercial cooperation to a desirable level.
The Armenian envoy, for his part, described bilateral economic
activities as ‘fruitful’ and said the already reached agreements
between the sides would have positive impacts on mutual relations.