Author: Emil Lazarian

FORMATION OF POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT PRIORITY TASK OF ARMENIA’S POLITICAL FORCES
ARKA News Agency, Armenia
Aug. 16, 2006
YEREVAN, August 16. /ARKA/. Armenia has no political environment
and its formation is the priority task of all political forces of
the country, Chairman of the Self-Determination Union (SDU) Paruir
Hayrikyan stated at a roundtable of Armenia’s political parties of
similar ideologies.
According to him, many of these parties currently have fears that
Armenia’s political environment is seriously criminalized.
“Criminal manifestations in all structures of power are obvious in
Armenia. They are expressed not only in bribery, but also in violation
of citizens’ rights,” he said.
Hayrikyan believes that during elections parties must not give priority
to their wish to occupy seats in Parliament.
“It is necessary that Armenia’s political forces ensure a majority of
`popular’ seats in Parliament to counterbalance the criminal ones,”
Hayrikyan said, pointing out that they will be able to represent the
people’s will and interests.
In his turn, the member of the People’s Party of Armenia Stepan
Zakaryan pointed out that simulation of political environments has
been taking place in Armenia over the last few years.
“All the parties of similar ideologies must exert every effort to
overcome this situation and, through the public’s active support,
ensure free and fair parliamentary elections,” he said.
Attending the SDU-organized roundtable were representatives of the
People’s Party of Armenia, Democratic Party of Armenia, National
Unity Party, Law-Governed Country Party, Party of Democratic Way as
well as the Social and Democratic Party “Hnchakian”.
Parliamentary elections are to be held in Armenia in 2007.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP OR STRATEGIC INDEFERENCE?
ArmRadio.am
17.08.2006 12:22
“If leave everything as it is, the Armenian-Russian relations will
crack soon so that the strategic partnership of two countries can
give up for lost”, Aram Karapetyan, the chairman of the “New Times”
oppositional party, told the “Nezavisimaya Gazeta”, Arminfo reported.
According to him, having received from Yerevan everything possible in
its time, Moscow has lost any interest to Armenia. “In fact, Yerevan is
closely attached to CSTO, the Russian companies had purchase and still
purchase everything here – someone buys the plants, someone gains a
profitable building contract: Since there is no interest, there is no
understanding of what happens in this country. The situation can be
brought to the formula: strategic indifference instead of strategic
partnership”, Karapetyan says.
In his opinion, the Americans can settle down in Armenia “not with
their investments but with Pentagon radio-locating stations”. As
Karapetyan has assured the “NG”, Mathew Bryza, the OSCE MG Co-chairman,
not only perforate a new plan of the Karabakh conflict settlement
during his official visit to Yerevan, but also tested a ground for
disposal of two American radio-locating stations in the territory of
Armenia. The matter here is that Washington needs to enter Armenia
like to Georgia before that, with all the following consequences,
Karapetyan said.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

TURKEY IN A NEW TUG OF WAR
AZG Armenian Daily
16/08/2006
Many pundits predicted – and certainly all Armenians hoped – that
with the demise of the Cold War Turkey’s strategic importance would
become irrelevant and that a meeker and more conciliatory Turkey
would emerge in the Middle East.
But as the dust settles after the collapse of the Soviet Union,
a new Cold War is shaping up and Turkey is back to its balancing act.
Turkey’s accession to the European Union always presented a double-edge
sword for the European powers, especially for Armenia. Armenia’s
foreign policy thinking envisions a Turkey as a bully in a cage,
no longer in a position to threaten Armenia. The European Union has
its own conditions and terms for its members, enforcing civilized
conduct. That inspires Armenian policy makers to believe that economic
and military blockades may become things of the past.
But the reverse side of the coin is that Turkey, as a EU member, will
have more clout in the Union by the sheer weight of its population
to be able to block any decision favoring Armenia or its ethnic
Kurds. On top of that potential, Turkey has demonstrated that it can
have its cake and eat it too. A case in point is its adamant position
on Cyprus. Indeed, Ankara insists on keeping its occupation forces
on Cypriot soil, closing its port to Cypriot shipping, refusing to
recognize the Armenian genocide, and still continue accession talks
with the European Union. And this is tolerated by the European powers
and encouraged by the U.S.
Of course, the Bush administration has its own agenda for Turkey;
by supporting Ankara’s membership in the EU, Washington intends to
use Turkey as a spoiler in the EU, blocking its march towards an
independent political and military pole, in the meantime, distancing
Turkey from a possible coalition with a Moslem block, or especially
with Russia.
A disturbing scenario is emerging in this world power play. Indeed,
a recent article in London’s The Guardian (July 30, 2006) focused
on that scenario, quoting a speech by Joschka Fischer, former German
Foreign Minister. That evolving scenario has the following components;
as EU countries, and especially France and Germany, spurn Turkey’s
ambitions to joining the EU, Turkish nationalist forces are gaining
momentum in their strive to steer the country towards East, towards
the Islamic world, and especially towards Russia and Iran.
Russia and Turkey have been developing their political and economic
relations. Their two-way annual trade is estimated to reach the $20
billion mark, while two million Russian tourists visit Turkey every
year to dump their petrodollars in the latter’s tourist industry.
After the collapse of the empire, Russia is shaping up in a more
assertive posture. During the first few post-Soviet years, Republican
commentators ridiculed President Clinton’s policy of kowtowing to
Yeltsin, but from Washington’s perspective it was a most realistic
policy to keep Yeltsin – who failed all sobriety tests – in power
and Russia in turmoil.
Russia, with its huge oil windfall and Putin’s stern hand, gradually
is charting its own political course to challenge the West, especially
the U.S. Just recently, President Bush’s push to embolden and arm
Georgia against Russia, was countered by Chavez’s visit to Moscow to
acquire Sokhoy military aircraft and other hardware.
Russian policy to continue catering Iran’s development of civilian
nuclear capability has also been irritating Washington.
Should Ankara’s dreams of joining the EU collapse, Russia is ready
and willing to form an axis to counter the West. Iran has already
cultivated good neighborly relations with both, and could join the
axis, despite its historic animosity with the two former empires.
Turkey’s Prime Minister Erdogan met with President Putin four times
last year, in a sign of improving relations between the two countries.
Where do all these developments leave Armenia?
Certainly, these developments will push Yerevan to a more tenuous
situation. Iran and Russia had been catering Armenia in their bid to
steer Yerevan away from the West and from Turkey. As these centers
of power drive closer, Armenia will gradually become a marginal
entity. The Russian military base, which was considered a safeguard
against any potential Turkish aggression, will become an academic
presence. Any potential hostile act by Turkey will fail to compromise
Russo-Turkish rapprochement and friendship.
Armenia is in a bind: If Turkey joins the EU, except for some minor
benefits, the latter’s overpowering presence will always pose a
problem. On the other hand, if the pendulum swings the other way and
an axis is formed between Turkey, Russia and Iran, more ominous and
unpredictable prospects may arise.
Thus far Armenian foreign policy has charted its own wise course to
remain afloat. We do hope wisdom will continue to prevail to observe
this delicate balance and to refrain from rocking the boat in these
perilous times.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ONE-MONTH COURSES FOR DIASPORAN ARMENIANS TEACHERS’ TRAINING FINISH
Noyan Tapan
Aug 15 2006
ETCHMIADZIN, AUGUST 15, NOYAN TAPAN. The closing ceremony of the
one-month courses for Diasporan Armenian teachers’ training held at
the Mother See took place on August 14, in the hall of the Gevorgian
Spiritual Academy of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. After the
Lord’s Prayer, monk T.Ghukas Zakarian, the Director of the Center for
Christian Education of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin presented
achievements of the one-month training. T.Zalinian, an employee of the
Department on Ties with Diaspora of the RA Ministry of Education and
Science presented in his report the program of teachers’ qualification
and giving them certificates. Seda Unjian (Lebanon) expressed gratitude
on behalf of the Diasporan Armenian teachers. She touched upon the
problem of keeping the Armenian identity in Diaspora. Then A.Ghukasian,
the Rector of the Kh.Abovian State Pedagogical University gave final
certificates to teachers.
According to the information submitted to Noyan Tapan by the
Information Services of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, at the
end of the ceremony, Archbishop T.Paren Avetikian, monk of the Mother
See passed the blessings and best wishes of Karekin II Catholicos of
All Armenians to those present.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ACTIVITIES DEDICATED TO 15TH ANNIVERSARY OF ARMENIA’S INDEPENDENCE TO LAUNCH IN ARMENIA IN SEPTEMBER
Arka News Agency, Armenia
Aug. 15, 2006
YEREVAN, August 15. /ARKA/. Starting from September 1, 2006, a number
of scientific educational and cultural activities, dedicated to the
15th anniversary of Armenia’s independence will be held in the country.
Narine Hovhannisyan, head of the department of general education
at the Ministry of Education and Science told journalists that the
beginning of these activities also coincides with the International
Day of Knowledge.
She said that the Ministry Of Education And Science plans to implement
these activities in keeping the strategic policy.
“One of the most important tasks today is to develop the patriotic
spirit in the young generation, inculcate the national cultural values
among the people, and get introduced to Armenia’s achievements in
the years of its independence and the urgent needs of the people,”
she said.
“The activities will involve exhibitions, conferences, competitions,
marches, artistic and patriotic meetings.
Besides this, Hovhannisyan reported that from August 20 to September
20, a traditional contest of essays on the topic “My Free Land”
will be held among school students.
“Best works of school graphic and artistic contests under the common
slogan ‘My Republic Is 15 Years Old’ will be exposed at the National
Art Gallery of Armenia,” she said.
September 1 is the International Day of Knowledge.
On March 23, 2006, the Armenian government approved the program of
these activities.
On September 21, 1991, a national referendum on quitting the USSR
was held in Armenia. On September 23, the Supreme Council of Armenia
approved the referendum results and proclaimed the independence of
Armenia.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

46 MEMBERS OF U.S. PEACE CORPS TO HOLD THEIR SERVICE IN ARMENIA DURING COMING TWO YEARS
Noyan Tapan
Aug 15 2006
YEREVAN, AUGUST 15, NOYAN TAPAN. The event dedicated to the 45th
anniversary of the U.S. Peace Corps (PC) and the oath ceremony of
the PC 46-member group arrived in Armenia, took place in Yerevan on
August 14. According to PC Director Patrick Hart, the volunteers’ group
that will undergo its service in Armenia during the coming two years,
participated in the preparatory courses organized in Vanadzor. He also
mentioned that more than 500 volunteers having undergone service in
Armenia from 1992 up today had a goal to present the American values
and culture to the Armenian society as well as to get acquainted with
the Armenian culture, to study the Armenian language. According to
the estimation of John Evans, the US Ambassador Extraordinary and
Plenipotentiary to RA, the cooperation taking place in any sphere
between Armenia and the U.S. assists development and strengthening
of prosperity and democracy in Armenia. According to his words, that
cooperation is based on the human and ideological generality in the
two countries’ relations. RA Minister of Education and Science Levon
Mkrtchian, RA Deputy Minister of Nature Protection Hakob Matilian
and RA Deputy Minister of Health Care Tatul Hakobian appreciated
the role and meaning of activity promoted by the U.S. Peace Corps
in Armenia. They also mentioned that the PC activity is based on the
best traditions of the U.S. Constitution and democratic ideology. And
according to words of Salpi Ghazarian, the RA Foreign Minister’s
Special Assistant, the main mission of the PC Armenian volunteers is
“to bring America to Armenia and to take Armenia to America.”
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ARMENIAN FORCES BROKEN CEASE-FIRE REGIME IN FRONT LINE ABOUT 70 TIMES THIS YEAR
Author: E. Javadova
TREND Information, Azerbaijan
Aug. 15, 2006
Over the period January-August 2006 Armenian forces have broken the
cease-fire regime about 70 times, Ilgar Verdiyev, the Official of
the Press-Service of the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan Republic
told Trendtoday.
“Over this period, Armenian forces units have subjected to sub-machine
and machine-gun firings. If over this period the cease-fire regime has
been broken in the directions of the Gazakh District of Azerbaijan
Republic, now it is broken in the Tartar direction”, pointed out
I. Verdiyev.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION GETS READY FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY
Panorama.am
14:45 15/08/06
The ministry of education and science called a press conference today
to inform the public about the events they are going to organize
connected with 15th anniversary of Independence in Armenia. Narine
Hovhannisyan, secondary education department head, said they are
developing a concept paper to bring education and patriotic upbringing
together. “Only then we can accomplish success,” she said. The ministry
of education has instructed all schools to conduct a lesson on 15th
anniversary of Independence Day in Armenia on the first day of classes,
September 1. The ministry plans meetings with political figures and
Artsakh war freedom -fighters during classes. They will also organize
a march to Yerablur, memorial cemetery of freedom fighters, on the
Independence Day.
Students will also be enrolled in essay writing competition on the
subject “My Free Country.”
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

APPLICANT SAYS ACCEPTANCE COMMITTEE SUBJECTIVE
Panorama.am
15:39 15/08/06
Gayane Gasparyan, acceptance committee chairwoman in English language
(oral examination), says they consider communication skills in English
language while examining an applicant. Gasparyan is neither content
nor very dissatisfied with the knowledge and skills of the applicants,
saying, “they are prepared in general.” About 1100 applicants received
11-16 points out of 20. Only 22 applicants could get the highest 20
points. Even they, Gasparyan says, “are not as bright as last year
applicants, who received the highest 20 points.”
The applicants, who have received low scores, complained that the
commission was subjective. They say the professors do not listen what
they say to the end. “They had decided to give a low mark beforehand,
and so they did,” Tatevik Sargsyan, an applicant who received 10
points, complained. Tatevik also said that when she tried to defend
her rights, she was ordered “not to argue.”
The parents, who gathered in front of the examination buildings,
say there is no fairness. “Those who give bribes, get high scores,”
they claim.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ARMENIA’S UNEMPLOYMENT RATE STANDS AT 7.6 PER CENT
Arminfo
14 Aug 06
Yerevan, 14 August: A total of 7.6 per cent of Armenia’s workforce
was unemployed at the end of June 2006.
At the end of June 2006, 113,600 job seekers were registered with the
labour and employment agencies of Armenia, including 102,600 unemployed
citizens, the National Statistics Service reported. Of them, 90,100
have been officially registered as unemployed.
[Passage omitted: more details]
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress