Author: Ekmekjian Janet

PRESS RELEASE
Armenian Center for National and International Studies
75 Yerznkian Street
Yerevan 0033, Armenia
Tel: (+374 – 10) 52.87.80 or 27.48.18
Fax: (+374 – 10) 52.48.46
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Website:

March 27, 2008

ACNIS Focuses On NATO’s Enlargement Toward the Caucasus

Yerevan–The Armenian Center for National and International Studies
(ACNIS) today convened a foreign policy roundtable to discuss NATO’s
Caucasus enlargement policy and its impact on Armenian interests. The
meeting brought together diplomatic representatives, leading analysts,
policy specialists, public and political figures, and media
representatives.

ACNIS director of administration Karapet Kalenchian welcomed the
audience with opening remarks. "In today’s discussion, we will attempt
to elucidate the primary measures Armenia needs to undertake in light
of possible military and political rearrangements taking place in our
region," Kalenchian said. "In which direction should Armenia turn if
our neighbor Georgia becomes a NATO member sometime in the future?
What challenges will our country face? Which will be the best option
for guaranteeing the security of the Armenian people and the state?
Will we benefit or suffer from our continuing cooperation within the
framework of the Collective Security Treaty Organization?"

The day’s first speaker was Armenia’s former deputy minister of
defense Vahan Shirkhanian, who not ruling out a repeat of the Balkan
scenario in our region, looked into Armenia’s security threats against
the backdrop of Georgia’s probable accession to NATO. In Shirkhanian’s
viewpoint, if and when the unfolding events take a certain course,
Armenia could face not only food shortage, but also confront possible
military actions. Expressing his concern, Shirkhanian explained that
"once the territorial integrity of Georgia is restored with NATO’s
assistance, Azerbaijan likewise will start a marathon race towards
NATO membership. As a result, Armenia will be surrounded by the three
countries of the North Atlantic Alliance and therefore will rely
solely on Iran". On the other hand, according to him, the great
victory achieved in Karabagh might be the price Armenia has to pay for
sprinting toward NATO membership.

In his talk, ACNIS senior analyst Hovsep Khurshudian explored the
process of democracy in Armenia and the country’s external security
challenges. In Khurshudian’s view, the Collective Security Treaty
Organization (CSTO) prefers to defend the political regimes of its
member nations rather than guarantee the actual security of those
countries. "In terms of civilization orientation, there is a
significant difference between the aspirations of our people and the
current political system and mode of operation of the authorities. The
bulk of the Armenian body politic is inclined toward Western values,
whereas the country’s administration is devoted to the letter and
spirit of the CSTO," Khurshudian noted, underscoring the fact that
Armenia will become isolated if Georgia enters NATO. He also pointed
to the need for further developing Armenia’s relations with NATO
regardless of the fact as to when a full membership can become a
reality.

In his intervention, independent analyst Manvel Sargsian spoke about
the changes that are likely to occur in the Caucasus if Georgia
becomes a NATO member. He emphasized that in contrast to Georgia, the
probable changes will bring forth entirely different problems for
Armenia. In Sargsian’s assessment, these problems depend specifically
on the possible threat of neighbors, the lack of appealing natural
resources, and on the fact that the Artsakh conflict to date remains
unresolved. "In global politics, the geopolitical importance of
Armenia is being linked to its regional role as a factor that holds
back the politico-military activeness of Turkey and Azerbaijan,"
Sargsian asserted. Sargsian continued that such a role is equally
acceptable for both NATO and Russia who are more interested in the
impact that the Armenian factor has on Turkey.

The policy roundtable concluded with an exchange of opinions and
policy recommendations among Nino Aptsiauri of the Georgian Embassy;
ACNIS senior analyst Tatul Hakobian; political scientists Edward
Antinian and Ara Sargsian; director Tevan Poghosian and analyst Ashot
Khurshudian from the International Center for Human Development; and
several others.

Founded in 1994 by Armenia’s first Minister of Foreign Affairs Raffi
K. Hovannisian and supported by a global network of contributors,
ACNIS serves as a link between innovative scholarship and the public
policy challenges facing Armenia and the Armenian people in the
post-Soviet world. It also aspires to be a catalyst for creative,
strategic thinking and a wider understanding of the new global
environment. In 2008, the Center focuses primarily on civic education,
democratic development, conflict resolution, and applied research on
critical domestic and foreign policy issues for the state and the
nation.

For further information on the Center call (37410) 52-87-80 or
27-48-18; fax (37410) 52-48-46; email [email protected] or [email protected];
or visit

UNISEF MUST KEEP PACE WITH DYNAMIC RATES OF ARMENIA’S DEVELOPMENT

ARKA
March 26, 2008

Below is an exclusive interview by UNISEF Representative in Armenia
Sheldon Yett to the ARKA News Agency.

ARKA: What is your appraisal of UNISEF’s activities in Armenia in 2007?

Yett: The year 2007 saw rather effective cooperation between UNISEF and
Armenia’s Government and civil society, with which we are implementing
joint programs. I would like to note that without cooperating with
Armenia’s Government and nongovernmental organizations UNISEF would
not have been able to carry out effective work and ensure progress.

Among the achievements I can first of all single out a program
of improving the immunization situation in the country in 2007
implemented jointly with the Ministry of Health of Armenia. In 2007,
we carried out a mass immunization of the population against measles
and rubella. We were satisfied with the result – 96% of the population
aged 6-27 were vaccinated.

Another project we implemented jointly with the Ministry of Education
and Science and National Institute of Education was aimed at increasing
the number of children attending preschool educational institutions. A
survey conducted in 2007 showed that only 20% Armenian preschool
children attended the institutions. This is a very low percentage, and
children actually go to school unprepared. At present, in cooperation
with the ministry, we are trying to introduce alternative flexible
models – short-term services – for parents unable to send their
children to preschool institutions.

Besides, we are trying to leave the Soviet model of preschool
institutions behind and introduce interactive methods of
education. Children that have attended preschool institutions are known
to show better results in school, and the possibility of such a child
being left out of the school system or refusing to attend school is
reduced. Investments in preschool education are of extreme importance
as high efficiency can be expected later, and the investment proves
its worth. Thais is the reason why children’s early development is
UNISEF’s priority in over 150 countries.

ARKA: What other programs is the organization implementing in Armenia?

Yett: One of UNISEF’s priority tasks is to ensure a child’s development
in the family. We have worked with and will continue our cooperation
with Armenia’s relevant authorities to prevent children from socially
vulnerable families from finding themselves in orphanages, but to
ensure their growth in families.

In 2007, a patron family model was introduced in the country for
children unable to live in their own families for certain reasons
to be received by other families, where they will grow in a family
atmosphere. Naturally, we are not going to stop at what has been
achieved and will continue out work in 2008. Our work is aimed at
long-lasting effects. UNISEF is not a charitable organization, and
we try to work for the system to start operating independently in
the future.

I would like to stress that UNISEF is in Armenia to help the country’s
government. It is clear that an international organization cannot
replace the country’s authorities. It is the Government that is
responsible for children’s future, living conditions, education and
health. Making statements and adopting documents is not enough for
that. It is important that the elaborated policy envisage necessary
funding.

Budget allocations to education and health care must be adequate. The
funding of sectors involving children is of strategic importance
for the country’s security. By making such investments we invest in
the country’s future. In 2008, we will continue cooperation with our
partners and we hope that our work will be as effective.

ARKA: What was the scope of programs UNISEF implemented in 2007,
and what is the amount intended for this year?

Yett: In 2007, UNISEF implemented $3mln worth programs in Armenia. It
is difficult to say what amount will be intended for programs
this year, as we form our budget of donations from other donor
organizations.

ARKA: Does UNISEF plan to expand its activities in the country in 2008?

Yett: UNISEF is working in Armenia under a 5-year fundamental agreement
with the Government. The agreement is renewed every five years. We
still have two years, until 2009, when the five-year program series
comes to its end.

UNISEF’s priorities in Armenia will remain the same in 2009: health
care, education and protection of children’s rights. However, specific
activities envisaged by the program will be modified.

We hold monthly discussions with our partners at the Government and
nongovernmental organizations, and, in conformity with the results,
take necessary steps under the five-year program. Naturally, attention
is focused on the allocation, distribution and utilization of funds and
on the Government-implemented strategy being aimed at the protection
children as much as possible. UNISEF’s activities are not strictly
limited.

We are always open for new ideas, and if they can improve children’s
life in the country, we are ready to take steps to put them into
practice.

Armenia is a most dynamically developing country, and our organization
must keep pace with the rates of development. We need new ideas and
models for more effective aid to families and children living in
this country.

ARKA: What is your appraisal of UNISEF’s cooperation with the local
authorities in charge of problems?

Yett: The NGOs UNISEF is cooperating with in Armenia number 30. But
I would like to say that this figure changes year by year due to
new organizations.

I consider our cooperation with Armenian NGOs excellent.

I cannot single out one or a few organizations as all of them are of
equal value and necessary for us. All of them are working at the local
level and serve as our "eyes" and "ears" in the country’s communities
and regions. Besides, NGOs make interesting proposals we study and
often apply in our activities.

ARKA: What new surveys and monitoring does UNISEF plan in Armenia?

Yett: Surveys and monitoring is UNISEF’s fundamental activities
throughout the world, as we are unable to plan our work without
this information. Specifically, I would like to point out a number of
surveys UNISEF conducted in Armenia in 2007. One of them dealt with the
disorders caused b y iodine deficiency in children’s organism. Iodine
deficiency is known to affect children’s intellectual growth and
development.

A survey UNISEF has conducted in cooperation with the Ministry
of Health this year showed that 90% of children in the country
receive the necessary quantity of iodine with iodized salt. Jointly
with the Ministry of Health we are cooperating with the Avan salt
mine. Specifically, we provided the salt mine with necessary equipment
and potassium iodide for iodizing the salt mined there. Another survey
was conducted in the children’s health protection field and dealt with
timely immunization. We revealed some vaccination-related problems.

The point is that 60% of children were vaccinated behind schedule. Now,
in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, we are going to remedy the
situation. Another survey dealt with the education sector, particularly
with school attendance. In general, we determined a number of reasons
for poor attendance, including coaching and low income of a number
of families. This year, UNISEF plans to conduct a deeper study of
the non-attendance problem and elaborate mechanisms to improve the
situation. We also intend to study cases of child labor in Armenia.

ARKA: What is your opinion of the results of vaccination against
measles and rubella?

Yett: In 2007, in cooperation with the RA Ministry of Health, we
carried our a mass immunization against measles and rubella. The
result was very good – 96% of people aged 6-27 were vaccinated. The
prevalence of these principal "infanticide" diseases is known to
have considerably decreased worldwide. Since 1990, an approximate 60%
decrease in the number of deaths from measles and German measles has
been recorded. Armenia has joined the countries trying to eradicate
the disease.

The vaccination was organized for those who were not vaccinated
when Armenia experienced the years of darkness and cold. It should
be stressed that the campaign caused much tension. The importance
of the action is that measles has no age limits, any person may be
infected. The disease poses gave danger to children. The people not
vaccinated in time pose a threat to others, as they are potential
carriers and transmitters of the virus amid the population. The latest
outbreak of measles was recorded in Armenia not long ago, in 2004-2005.

However, vaccination campaigns are not enough for good results to be
achieved. Routine and timely immunization is necessary as well.

ARKA: Does UNISEF intend to appoint a new good-will ambassador
to Armenia?

Yett: UNISEF Good-Will Ambassador to Armenia Alla Levonyan is very
good at performing her duties though this is her first year. At her
concerts and appearances the popular singer advocates family values
and protection of children’s rights. In a recent vaccination campaign
Levonyan was involved as a participant in advocacy advertising. We
are satisfied with her work and have no intention to appoint a new
ambassador.

In 2008, we also plan a l;arge-scale campaign for children’s right
to live in families, and Alla Levonyan will participate as well.

ARKA: What is your opinion of the Armenian Government’s activities
in dealing with children’s problems?

Yett: As compared with the other countries of the region and
Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) budget allocations to health
care, education and social protection of children are rather small
in Armenia, though the Armenian Government increases allocations
year by year. Since UNISEF is an organization supposed to protect
children’s rights, we would, of course, like to see more budgetary
funds allocated for these purposes.

RUSSIE-ARMENIE: VISITE A MOSCOU DU PRESIDENT ARMENIEN ELU

RIA Novosti
24 Mars 2008
Russie

EREVAN/MOSCOU, 24 mars – RIA Novosti. Le president armenien elu Serge
Sarkissian effectue actuellement une visite de travail a Moscou sur
l’invitation du chef de l’Etat russe.

Il s’agit de la première visite du chef du gouvernement armenien a
l’etranger depuis son election a la presidence le 19 fevrier dernier.

Serge Sarkissian doit rencontrer lundi le president sortant Vladimir
Poutine et le president elu Dmitri Medvedev, a annonce le service de
presse du Kremlin.

La rencontre devrait porter sur "un large eventail de problèmes
d’interet commun", a pour sa part annonce a RIA Novosti un porte-parole
du gouvernement armenien.

Le premier ministre Serge Sarkissian a remporte l’election
presidentielle du 19 fevrier dernier, avec 52,82% des voix, selon
le bilan officiel annonce par la Commission electorale centrale. La
ceremonie d’investiture du nouveau president se deroulera le 9 avril
a Erevan.

"La Russie est loin d’etre indifferente face a l’evolution de la
situation en Armenie, où des manifestations de l’opposition destinees
a contester le resultat de l’election presidentielle du 19 fevrier
ont degenere en emeutes", avait declare jeudi le vice-ministre russe
des Affaires etrangères Grigori Karassine lors de sa visite de deux
jours en Armenie.

Selon Moscou, le dialogue est la seule solution pour regler le
problème et la Russie est prete a accorder son aide en la matière,
avait indique jeudi le diplomate russe.

De l’avis des experts, le règlement du conflit du Haut-Karabakh sera
l’un des sujets cles des negociations russo-armeniennes.

(Le Haut-Karabakh est une enclave a majorite armenienne sur le
territoire azerbaïdjanais – ndlr.)

Le 14 mars, l’Assemblee Generale de l’ONU a adopte une resolution
sur le Haut-Karabakh, dont le projet avait ete soumis par Bakou,
exigeant un retrait immediat des forces armeniennes des territoires
azerbaidjanais occupes et reconnaissant le droit de Bakou sur l’enclave
du Haut-Karabakh.

Le document a ete adopte par 39 voix "pour", 7 voix "contre" et 100
abstentions. La Russie, les Etats-Unis et la France qui copresident
le Groupe de Minsk de l’OSCE pour le règlement dans le Haut-Karabakh
ont vote "contre".

La partie armenienne estime pour sa part que cette resolution risque
de saper le processus de paix bien qu’elle ne soit pas contraignante.

Les negociations russo-armeniennes porteront egalement sur les
relations economiques et commerciales entre les deux pays, notamment
dans le secteur energetique.

–Boundary_(ID_WeXx8bk6bjTU2sMAB0MDF g)–

Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
3325 North Glenoaks Blvd.
Burbank, Ca 91504
Tel: 818-558-7474
Fax: 818-558-6333
Web:

Please join members
Of the
Western Diocese Ladies’ Auxiliary
Armenian Church of North America
For an
Evening of Saroyan
“My Name is Saroyan – A Matter of Will”
by David Fox-Brenton
Tuesday, March 25
7:30 PM
Western Diocese Dickranian Complex
3325 North Glenoaks Boulevard
Burbank, California 91504

Play Synopsis:

This one-man play of some 75 minutes length is essentially a
monologue from the mind and creativity of William Saroyan. It is
staged as if the author was just disturbed at work in his study. A
one-way conversation ensues with him digressing about his past and
inserting 3 of his best

short stories for the listener/guest. In this way, we get to
experience what he is most famous for – his humorous
storytelling – but also hear the seriousness of his actual
thought process concerning Humanity’s slide downward and the
hope he offers for change in our collective thinking.

David Fox, a working actor with an extensive résumé in
both television and stage, has prepared a one-man play based on the
works of William Saroyan. Designed for an English speaking audience,
the play was commissioned by Fresno’s Saroyan Festival in
celebration of the 100th anniversary of Saroyan’s birth. Mr.
Fox reports that approximately 90% of the play’s text consists
of Saroyan’s own words. The play runs about 70 minutes.

There is no charge for this event; however, an RSVP would be
appreciated!

Cindy Norian

310 277-4490

ISTANBUL HOSTS SYMPOSIUM ON "ARMENIAN ISSUE: TRUTHS AND LIES"

Azeri Press Agency
March 21 2008
Azerbaijan

Istanbul. Mayis Alizade. Turkish Women Lobby (TUKAL) has held a
symposium on "Armenian Issue: truths and lies" , reports APA Bureau
in Turkey.

Yusuf Halacoðlu, head of the Turkish Historical Society (TTK), showed
the original edition and copy of the order by Talat Pasha to squash
falsification by Armenians.

He said a plot was drafted on the eve of the World War I to divide the
Ottoman Empire. According to him, Russia and the West then planned to
use Armenians in Anatolia to implement the plot. He said 23 revolts
by Armenians were not accidental during 1914-15.

He said the thieves, who attacked Armenians when they were being
transferred to other places, and the then-officials, who failed to
fulfill their duties, were sentenced to death by military tribunals.

Aygun Attar, vice-rector of Giresun University, touched upon
deportation of Azerbaijanis from Armenia during 1948-53, saying the
world community still remained indifferent to the deportations.

He said some intellectuals, who often request the Turkish government to
open borders with Armenia, enjoy some financial linkage with Armenian
dispora in the West.

Eurasia Strategic Research Center Chairman Prof. Omer Lutem talked
about international aspects of the "Armenian issue"

–Boundary_(ID_2dMxFxEljBf+690MlO2www )–

PRESIDENT RECEIVES INVITATION FROM ARMENIAN LEADER

Gulf News
March 19 2008
United Arab Emirates

Abu Dhabi: President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan
has received a letter from Armenian President Robert Kocharian,
including an invitation to visit Armenia. The letter was delivered
to Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister, by the
Armenian Ambassador to the UAE, during a meeting yesterday. Shaikh
Abdullah thanked the Armenian envoy for the invitation and stressed
the UAE’s keenness to enhance its relations with Armenia in all fields.

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WESTERN DIOCESE E-NEWSLETTER
=============================

Dioces an News
—————–

SHUSHI MUSICAL SCHOOL SOCIETY INC.

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DIOCESAN COUNCIL MEETING

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MOTHER CATHEDRAL BUILDING COMMITTEE

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WESTERN DIOCESE CHOIRS CENTRAL COMMITTEE

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70TH ANNIVERSARY OF WALTER KARABIAN

The 70th Birthday celebration of Walter Karabian, organized by the
Armenian Film Foundation, was held in Anaheim, California, on March
15, 2008.
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FRIENDS OF ARMENIA EVENT

The annual event of the Friends of Armenia organization was held on
March 15, 2008, at Ojakh Banquet Hall in Hollywood, California.
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PRIMATE CELEBRATED PALM SUNDAY LITURGY AT ST. PETER ARMENIAN CHURCH (VAN NUYS)

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PRIMATE MET WITH THE PRIESTHOOD CANDIDATES

The day-long meeting held by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian,
Primate, with the priesthood candidates offered a distinct opportunity
for the candidates to receive the necessary guidance from the head and
spiritual father of the Western Diocese in order to successfully
accomplish their journey towards the future clerical assignments they
will be entrusted with in the future.
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PRIMATE OFFERED COMMUNION TO AGBU HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN PASADENA

On March 18, 2008 and during the magnificent and spiritually
significant occasion of the Holy Week and Easter, His Eminence
Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, accompanied by several clergy
from the Western Diocese, visited the AGBU High School in Pasadena and
offered communion to the enthusiastic students and staff.
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REMEMBRANCE OF TEN MAIDENS AT ST. PETER (GLENDALE)

On March 18, 2008, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate,
presided over the Remembrance Church Service for the Ten Maidens at
St. Peter Armenian Church ` Youth Center in Glendale, California.
( story.php?id’7)

PRIMATE OFFERED COMMUNION TO AGBU MANOOGIAN-DEMIRJIAN STUDENTS IN CANOGA PARK

On March 18, 2008 and during the magnificent and spiritually
significant occasion of the Holy Week and Easter, His Eminence
Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, accompanied by several clergy
from the Western Diocese, visited the Manoogian-Demirjian School in
Canoga Park. The Primate offered communion to the enthusiastic
students and staff. Vice-principle Dr. Eli Antreasian greeted the
Primate and the accompanying clergy upon their arrival.
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REPRESENTATIVES OF CAFESJIAN FAMILY FOUNDATION AND USAPAC VISITED
WESTERN DIOCESE

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ALL ARMENIAN STUDENT ASSOCIATION ARMENIAN CULTURAL FESTIVAL

The Armenian Student Association (ASA) at Woodbury University will be
hosting the First Annual All Armenian Student Associations Armenian
Cultural Festival on Sunday April, 6th from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm, at
Woodbury University.
( story.php?id`0)

WDEF DISTRIBUTES $212,784 TO BENEFICIARIES FOR 2007

The Western Diocese Endowment Fund at its February 16, 2008 meeting
authorized the distribution of $212,784 to its beneficiaries.
( ws/story.php?id=900)

Upcoming Events
—————–

======================= ======
The Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, providing
spiritual guidance and leadership to the Armenian Apostolic community,
is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit, tax-exempt organization comprised of 47
churches in 16 western states. It was established in 1898 as the
Diocese of the Armenian Church encompassing the entire United States
and Canada. In 1927 the Western Diocese was formed to exclusivly serve
the western United States.

3325 North Glenoaks Blvd. Burbank, CA 91504
Tel: (818) 558-7474 Fax: (818) 558-6333
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:

Bible Readings
—————–
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ARMENIAN-RUSSIAN RELATIONS DISCUSSED IN YEREVAN

Regnum
March 19 2008
Russia

President of Armenia Robert Kocharian and deputy minister of foreign
affairs of Russia, state secretary Grigory Karasin discussed in
Yerevan Armenian-Russian bilateral relations, REGNUM was informed in
Armenian president’s press service. At the meeting, the sides highly
appraised mutual partnership developing in various spheres. They
also spoke on post-election processes in Armenia and discussed the
present situation in the country. <!– @page { size: 21cm 29.7cm;
margin: 2cm } P { margin-bottom: 0.21cm } A:link { color: #000080;
text-decoration: underline } –>

Grigory Karasin is in Yerevan on a two-day visit. He has already met
with minister of foreign affairs of Armenia Vardan Oskanyan. He also
has a scheduled meeting with Armenian prime minister Serzh Sargsyan.

EXPERT FROM SCOTLAND INLOLVED IN FORENSIC EXAMINATION OF VICTIMS AND PERSONS INJURED DURING MARCH 1 EVENTS IN YEREVAN

Noyan Tapan
March 17, 2008

YEREVAN, MARCH 17, NOYAN TAPAN. Professor of forensic medicine
Derrick Pounder from the University of Dundee (Scotland) together
with Armenian experts is participating in forensic examination of the
victims and persons injured during the March 1 events in Yerevan,
NT correspondent was informed by spokeswoman for the RA prosecutor
general Sona Truzian. D. Pounder on March 17 already visited the
forensic and scientific-applied center of the RA ministry of health
where all necessary conditions have been created for him to work.

To recap, earlier the RA prosecutor general applied to the UN Yerevan
Office with the request to assist with inviting international experts
to conduct forensic examination in connection with the March 1 events.

AZERBAIJAN CONTINUES TO VIOLATE CEASE-FIRE

KarabakhOpen
17-03-2008 16:22:51

Azerbaijan continues to violate the cease-fire at different sections
of the line of contact between the armed forces of Karabakh and
Azerbaijan, said the head of the press service of the NKR Defense
Army Colonel Senor Hasratyan in an interview with Karabakh-Open.com.

According to him, although shooting from small-caliber weapons from
the Azerbaijani side continues, the situation on the line of contact
is fully controlled by the NKR Defense Army.