Author: Emil Lazarian

SERGUEï PARADJANOV, HOMME ORCHESTRE DE L’ART
Le Figaro, France
30 octobre 2006
n De son vrai nom Sarkis Paradjanian, cet enfant d’Armeniens, ne a
Tbilissi, en Georgie, en 1924, n’est pas seulement le realisateur
de chefs-d’oeuvre du cinema comme Les Chevaux de feu, dans lequel
il transpose l’histoire de Romeo et Juliette dans une Ukraine de
legende, et La Couleur de la grenade, allegorie de la vie du poète
armenien Sayat-Nova, où le heros et le cineaste se confondent et
le jus rouge du fruit qui coule dessine, couleur de sang, la carte
de son pays martyrise. Cineaste qualifie de “plas ticien”, a cause
de la beaute de scènes qu’il compose comme des tableaux, cet enfant
terrible de l’Union sovietique, qui se retrouva deux fois en prison
pour homosexualite – en realite pour trafic d’objets d’art -, est
aujourd’hui devenu une icône de l’Armenie independante. Justement
a cause de ses demeles avec l’ancien regime. À Erevan, un musee a
ete installe dans la maison qu’il avait fait construire et qu’il
n’a jamais habitee. C’est le Parajdanov artiste qui y est presente,
collectionneur, auteur d’invraisemblables collages surrealistes dans
lesquels entrent photos de famille, poupees et marionnettes avec
lesquelles il preparait les scènes de ses films, et des balances,
symbole de l’impossible equilibre recherche par l’Homme.
Provocations, hommage a son heros, Pasolini, metamorphoses de
La Joconde a la Marcel Duchamp. Une grande partie de ces oeuvres
inclassables sera exposee, du 13 fevrier au 8 avril 2007 a l’Ecole
nationale superieure des beaux-arts de Paris, puis, du 20 avril au
24 juin, au Musee d’art moderne, La Terrasse, a Saint-Etienne.
–Boundary_(ID_+/j94+LmVZS8hkXGrra JWw)–
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

OSCE ORGANIZES ARMENIAN OMBUDSMAN VISIT TO LITHUANIA
Panorama.am
13:35 30/10/06
The Armenian Ombudsman, Armen Harutyunyan, today wrapped up a five-day
visit to the Ombudsman institution of Lithuania’s Parliament (Seimas),
which was organized by the OSCE.
The visit aimed at strengthening the co-operation between the two
institutions. Mr Harutyunyan talked to his Lithuanian counterparts
about the investigation of individual human rights complaints, staff
selection, and public relations matters.
He also visited a penitentiary institution and met the Lithuanian
Minister of Justice Mr. Betras Baguska, the Deputy Speaker of Seimas
Mr. Ceflovas Jursenas and a representative of the Committee on
Human Rights.
“This trip was beneficial and very useful because it allowed us to
exchange our experience and approaches on the effective functioning
of Ombudsman institutions,” Mr Harutyunyan said.
Lars Gerold, Rule of Law expert with the OSCE Office for Democratic
Institutions and Human Rights, which together with the OSCE Office
in Yerevan organized Mr Harutyunyan’s visit, said:
“National human rights institutions play a key role in the protection
of human rights. The co-operation between these two Ombudsman
institutions is an excellent example of sharing experience and best
practices, which will no doubt benefit both.”
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

HUSEYN BAGIROV: “CITES’S BAN ON STURGEON AND BLACK CAVIAR EXPORT HAS POLITICAL AIM AND NO LOSS FOR AZERBAIJAN”
Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
Oct 30 2006
“The place where the Volga joins the Caspian constitutes 75-80%
of the Sea pollution”
APA interviews Ecology and Natural Resources Minister Huseyn Baghirov
– What activities will be implemented under Presidential decree on
improvement of ecological situation?
– The environment is that which is affected by any human activities
in industry, household and lands. A number of documents have been
approved for improvement of the situation. 5 national and state
programs were approved by Presidents- Heydar Aliyev and Ilham Aliyev.
The first problems appear in Absheron because of oil pollution.
Azerbaijan has been producing oil for over 160 years industrially.
90% of the world oil had been produced in Azerbaijan in primitive
methods. 15 000 hectares of land have been left completely polluted
with oil and 30 000 hectares partially. Besides oil, industrial
development also caused complex ecological situation in Absheron. The
Caspian now has a number of over-polluted hotspots. The most polluted
zone is the junction of the Volga with the Caspian which is 75-80%
of the totally polluted territories. The second over-polluted zone is
the Iranian shore. The third is junction of the Kyur with the Caspian
which comes through Armenia and Georgia. Mingechevir Reservoir is not
in capacity to completely prevent the pollution. The fourth zone is
Absheron peninsula.
All these problems are planned to be removed. Waste water let to the
Caspian will be completely prevented by 2010. Much of the oil-polluted
territories will be purified and special organization will be set up
to implement these activities.
– Ecology and natural Resources Ministry experience the pressure of
state Organizations and officials while fighting the damage to the
environment. What measures will be taken to prevent these cases?
– This problem doesn’t only apply to the state organizations. For
example, a shepherd damages the nature. 3-4 sheep should be grazed in
a hectare. But, it is not so in reality. Which shepherd observes this
rule? On the other hand, it should be engraved in the mind of every
enterprise that they can’t work with purification equipment. The
State can do nothing by chasing 8m people. The Ministry therefore
increases awareness.
– What amendments will be made to the law in order to be able to
prevent nature damage? Some articles will be included in the Criminal
Code, I think….
– Monetary penalties of 556m were imposed on the culprits a year by
2001. this Figure reached 33bn in 2005. Penalties of 55-60bn manats
were imposed but only 10% has to date been paid. Besides tightening
the punishment and penalties, people’s approach to the nature should
be changed. It should be known as a guilt or sin to damage the nature.
– International organizations, in particular foreign oil companies
operating in Azerbaijan also harm the nature. Most companies don’t
pay the penalties. What is your view?
– These companies use high-tech equipment but their approach to the
Nature is different. We demand them to approach the nature as they do
in their country. A lawsuit was brought against Salyan Oil for the
penalties of AZN 111 650 because of oil pollution. Garadagh Cement
has twice been brought to the court for penalties of AZN 64 503 and
AZN 69 850. Gobustan Operating Company was fined AZN 143 935, Caspian
Specialist Service AZN 1980. Karasu Operating Company was brought
to the court for AZN 96 162 and the company cleaned the polluted
territories. Shirvan Oil was fined AZN 55 and a claim of AZN 8531
against this company in trial.
– CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species
of Wild Fauna and Flora) kept effective the ban on black caviar and
Caspian sturgeon. This ban is applicable for the Caspian States except
Iran. What is your view on the problem?
– CITES’s decision is illogical. US support for this ban is very
incredible. On the other side, what is the meaning of this decision
is not clear. It is not loss for Azerbaijan. We would understand the
decision if it had banned all littoral states to export black caviar
and sturgeon. This decision has political aims and no connection to
the damage to the nature.
– Azerbaijan has only 10% of the water reserves of the South
Caucasus. 2/3 of the world population will be faced water shortage
in 2025. What about Azerbaijan?
– Ecology and natural Resources Ministry submitted a number of
proposals to the Cabinet. We see water as strategic resource.
Azerbaijani population should be ready for re-purification of the
used water. World countries use this method. Israel uses this method
too. But, the purification technology should meet the standards
of the World Health Organization. 30-32% of Azerbaijan’s water
reserves is in rivers, of which 28% in the Kyur. Azerbaijan is not
expected to experience water shortage by 2050. But, we should use
water economically.
– Foreign Companies are tapping gold deposits in Azerbaijani lands
under occupation by Armenia. What measures will be taken?
– Armenia is an aggressor. It killed thousands, evicted millions of
people. Azerbaijan authorized Canadian R.V. Investment to tap the
gold deposits in these territories. This Company has to prevent the
illegal tapping of the gold deposits and bring them to international
court. Canadian First Dynasty Mines (FDM) company is tapping the
gold deposits illegally in these lands. R.V. Investment can solve
the problem in accordance with the law of their country.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

COMSTAR BUYS 75 PCT OF ARMENIAN TELECOMMUNICATIONS GROUPS CALLNET, CORNET
Hemscott, UK
Oct 30 2006
LONDON (AFX) – Comstar United TeleSystems, which provides
telecommunication services in Russia and the Commonwealth of
Independent States (CIS), said it has bought 75 pct of CallNet and
its subsidiary Cornet in the Republic of Armenia.
‘This is the first transaction in a pipeline of new acquisitions which
we announced in October 2006 to make use of IPO proceeds in order to
implement our investment programme in the regions,’ said Eric Franke,
CEO of Comstar.
CallNet and Cornet together comprise the second largest alternative
telecommunications group in the Republic of Armenia. Cornet services
76 pct of the banking sector in Armenia.
Financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed. Comstar has
an option to buy out the remaining shares in CallNet.
/item.do?newsId=37142877208879
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ARMENIA’S PRESIDENT DUE IN MOSCOW
RosBusinessConsulting, Russia
Oct 30 2006
RBC, 30.10.2006, Moscow 10:26:59.Armenia’s President Robert
Kocharian is expected in Russia for an official visit on October
30-31, 2006. In Moscow, President Kocharian will have talks with his
Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. The two presidents are scheduled
to consider the most urgent cooperation issues and the performance of
top-level agreements with regards to enhancing the Russian-Armenian
interaction, specifically, in fuel and energy and transportation
spheres, as well as direct economic ties between various regions of
Russia and Armenia. The two heads of states will also share their
views concerning the intensification of interaction in the context
of the Collective Security Treaty Organization. Efforts for the
recovery in the Caucasus as well as for the fostering of confidence
and cooperation will also be in the focus.
As reported earlier, 2005 was the Year of Russia in Armenia, and the
year 2006 will be celebrated in Russia as the Year of Armenia.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

TOBB CHAIRMAN HISARCýKLýOðLU: THE MOOD IN BUSINESS CIRCLES IS BAD
The New Anatolian, Turkey
EkoTurk News Agency / Artvin
Oct 30 2006
Turkish Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB) Rifat
Hisarcýklýoðlu has said the mood in business circles is bad due to
latest economic developments.
Participating in a joint meeting of the provincial chamber in the
northeastern city of Artvin, Hisarcýklýoðlu assessed the economic
and political situation in Turkey.
The TOBB chairman reminded that protested bills rose by 47 pct in
the first half of the year over the last year’s same period, adding,
32 pct of business people think course of economic affairs will get
better while 30 pct think will get and that indicates “The mood in
business circles is bad”.
Stating that he never allowed his institution to become a backyard
or frontyard of any political party, Hisarcýklýoðlu said he was
as close to Erdoðan, the Premier, as Baykal, the leader of main
opposition party.
The chairman underlined that the TOBB was over domestic politics and
he was well aware of that.
TOBB chairman Hisarcýklýoðlu drew attention to the importance of
foreign policies, and said, ‘If you cannot manage your foreign
politics, then you shake your economy. The mistakes at this field
costs much. It is not enough to be rightful in the international
arena. We landed in Cyprus in 1974 for just reasons, but who faced
embargoes? We accepted Annan Plan in 2004 despite some negative
aspects, but no promises were kept anyway. In Armenian issue, we said
we would open our archives, but Armenians are getting what they want
across the world. The important thing is to tell your just position
to the world not to react or do something. We could not achieve that.
We cannot make lobbying and promotion.’ On the pure economic front,
Hisarcýklýoðlu said, ‘They say let’s cut imports. But, that would lead
for the worse. The only solution is to raise production. Turkey may
enter the top 10 most developed countries in 20 years. On the condition
that the state to free us from shackles in our feet. Sectoral and
regional incentives must be introduced in Turkey. Only 6 provinces
are pleased about the current practice. We believe we can achieve
everything. Turkey which made only $2 bln exports 20 years ago,
now make $80 bln exports. Moreover, we make 64 pct of our exports
to EU countries. This has been done with Turkish entrepreneurs and
industrialists. We can achieve more.
We demand from the state to free us from our shackles.’
–Boundary_(ID_K6gkOzDFOKBn7RnNpEyGlQ) —

TRIAL LAWYER ‘BULLIED’ BY DISTRICT PROSECUTOR
By Karine Kalantarian
Radio Liberty, Czech Rep.
Oct 30 2006
Armenia’s bar association demanded on Monday tough disciplinary action
against a district prosecutor in Yerevan who allegedly intimidated
and threatened to imprison a trial lawyer representing a criminal
suspect. The Office of the Prosecutor-General was quick to reject
the demand.
The attorney, Liana Balian, says that Gevorg Tovmasian, the chief
prosecutor of the city’s Avan and Nor Nork districts, and two other
law-enforcement officials visited her on Saturday after she refused
to obey his verbal orders to come to his office.
“Without a court order or any other legal grounds, they burst into my
apartment and started threatening me in the presence of my parents and
my daughter,” Balian told RFE/RL. She claimed that Tovmasian shouted
abuse and threatened to prosecute and beat her if she continues to
vigorously defend a man charged with rape.
The suspect, Norayk Rubenian, was taken into custody earlier this year
despite protesting his innocence. In a rare setback for prosecutors,
Balian succeeded in having a district court release him on bail on
Friday, the day before the alleged incidents. However, the court
allowed the prosecutors on Sunday to again arrest the suspect, citing
“additional accusations” leveled against him.
The lawyer’s allegations were picked up by the leadership of Armenia’s
Chamber of Advocates that held an emergency meeting on Monday and
demanded that Tovmasian be brought to account. “Why did the prosecutor
go to the lawyer’s home?” its chairman, Ruben Sahakian, said. “What
was he doing there on Saturday?”
But the Office of the Prosecutor-General defended the prosecutor’s
actions, saying that he visited Balian to “explain” that she and
her client have to cooperate with the ongoing criminal investigation
into the rape allegedly committed in 2004. “The district prosecutor
acted within the boundaries of his powers,” a spokeswoman for the
law-enforcement agency, Sona Truzian, told RFE/RL. She said the
suspect was planning to flee the country and therefore has to be kept
in pre-trial detention.
Acquittal of individuals charged with various crimes is extremely rare
in Armenia, with judges siding with prosecutors in the vast majority
of cases. According to official statistics, Armenian courts handed
down some 1,500 verdicts on criminal cases in the first half of this
year and only four of them cleared defendants of any wrongdoing.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

OFFICIAL ESTIMATES POST-SOVIET EXODUS
By Astghik Bedevian
Radio Liberty, Czech Rep.
Oct 30 2006
At least 900,000 people have left Armenia since the break-up of the
Soviet Union and the resulting near collapse of the Armenian economy,
a senior government official said on Monday.
“According to our estimates, the number of people that have
out-migrated from the country since 1992 varies between 900,000 and one
million,” Gagik Yeganian, head of the Armenian government’s Migration
Agency, told RFE/RL.
The number of Armenians who have gone abroad, mainly to Russia,
in search of employment has long been a matter of contention, with
various government officials, independent experts and politicians
suggesting different figures. Citing a census conducted five years
ago, the government puts Armenia’s current population at, at just
over 3 million, sharply down from the late Soviet level of 3.8 million.
The census also found that some 200,000 people reside and work on a
“temporary” basis. Its results are challenged by opposition politicians
who say that the out-migration occurred on an even larger scale.
Yeganian claimed that the exodus all but ground to a halt in 2001 and
insisted that Armenia is not facing a demographic crisis at present,
even if thousands of its citizens continue to seek asylum in the
West and European Union countries in particular for economic reasons
each year.
Experts agree that a small percentage of the Armenian migrants began
returning to their homeland several years ago, buoyed by its slow
economic recovery. But they also point to the difficult reintegration
of the returnees into Armenian society resulting from a continuing
lack of jobs.
Yeganian said the government has no specific plans to spur the modest
repatriation and is using instead its scarce resources to improve
the plight of people that have chosen to stay in Armenia. He also
dismissed hopes for a sizable increase in the country’s as a result
of a recent constitutional change that enables foreigners of Armenian
descent to become citizens of Armenia. “To hope that the influx of
permanent residents will increase after the introduction of dual
citizenship would be wrong,” he said.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ARMENIAN DEFENSE MINISTER MEETS WITH FRENCH AMBASSADOR
ARKA News Agency, Armenia
Oct 30 2006
YEREVAN, October 30. /ARKA/. RA Minister of Defense held a meeting
with the outgoing French Ambassador to Armenia Henry Cuny.
Press Secretary of the RA Minister of Defense, Colonel Seyran
Shahsuvaryan reported that during the meeting Sargsyan pointed out
that Armenian-French relations are developing from year to year. The
Minister also stated that a striking evidence of this is French
President Jacque Chirac’s visit to Armenia.
Sargsyan thanked the French Ambassador for his efficient activities in
Armenia and contribution to the development of defense cooperation. He
wished Henry Cuny success in his further activities.
In his turn, Ambassador Cuny expressed his appreciation of Armenia’s
attitude toward France. He pointed out his special attitude toward
the Armenian people and culture. He pointed out that he has collected
a rich library about Armenia.
Ambassador Cuny expressed the confidence that during his next
visit to Yerevan peace will be established in the region, and the
Armenian-Turkish border will be re-opened. Closed borders are an
anachronism, unbecoming behavior for the countries applying for
joining the European family, Cuny said.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

KOMMERSANT SAYS MOSCOW WILL USE ARMENIA FOR PUTTING PRESSURE ON GEORGIA
Daily Georgian Times, Georgia
Oct 30 2006
According to the Russian business daily Kommersant Moscow will use
Armenia for putting pressure on Georgia.
The Newspaper issue of Monday morning views the forthcoming visit
of Robert Kocharyan, president of Armenia, to Moscow scheduled for
October 30-31. Robert Kocharyan is scheduled to meet Vladimir Putin,
Russian president, on Monday evening. The sides will presumably speak
about Georgia.
“Kremlin searches for methods to put pressure on self-confident
Mikheil Saakashvili, president of Georgia,” the newspaper reads.
The Kommersant does not exclude that Moscow will ask Armenia to
arrange ‘disorder’ in Samtskhe-Javakheti region, where about 200
ethnic Armenians live.
Georgian experts reckon that ‘disorders’ are not excluded in the
region as Armenia depends on Russia politically and economically. On
the other hand it is not profitable for Armenia to tense relations
with Georgia as the only way it is connected with Europe and Russia
goes through Georgia.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress