Author: Emil Lazarian

PRESS RELEASE
ARMENPAC, The Armenian-American Political Action Committee
421 E. Airport Freeway, Suite 201
Irving, Texas 75220
Contact: Jason P. Capizzi, Esq.
Tel: (972) 635-5347
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: <;

ARMENPAC ATTENDS EXCLUSIVE LUNCHEON WITH SENATOR NORM COLEMAN (R-MN)

Irving, TX – ARMENPAC recently attended a private luncheon with Senator Norm
Coleman (R-MN) in support of his reelection campaign. ARMENPAC Co-Chair
Edgar Hagopian and ARMENPAC Honorary Committeeman Gerard Cafesjian, among
others, were co-hosts of this intimate affair at the Detroit Athletic Club
in Michigan, which was attended by no more than thirty of Senator Coleman’s
closest supporters. "ARMENPAC is glad to support Senator Coleman, who has
continually been supportive of Armenian-American issues throughout his
career," said ARMENPAC Co-Chair Edgar Hagopian.

Senator Norm Coleman has been a solid supporter of the Armenian-American
community in Minnesota, which draws a vibrant and growing Armenian-American
population centered in the cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis. Four of
Minnesota’s eight delegates in the United States House of Representatives –
Gil Gutknecht (R-1st), Mark Kennedy (R-6th), Colin Peterson (D-7th), and
Betty McCollum (D-4th) – are members of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian
Issues. Ever since being elected to the United States Senate in 2002,
Senator Coleman has been a strong advocate of Armenian-American issues.
During the 109th Congress, Senator Coleman has cosponsored S.2461, the South
Caucasus Integration and Open Railroads Act of 2006, and S.Res.320, the
Affirmation of the United States Record on the Armenian Genocide Resolution,
and has joined as a signatory to various letters in support of
Armenian-American issues.

Senator Norm Coleman, who is in his first term in United States Senate,
serves on the Committees on Foreign Relations; Agriculture, Nutrition, and
Forestry; and, Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Senator Coleman also
serves on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and is
the Chair of its Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. In June 2005,
Senator Coleman paid a visit to the Republic of Armenia to meet with
high-ranking officials, including President Robert Kocharian and Foreign
Affairs Minister Vartan Oskanian.

"Senator Coleman has been a longtime supporter of Armenian-American issues,
starting from his mayoral declaration of 1999 as Armenian Centennial Year in
St. Paul, to his ongoing support of congressional initiatives ensuring that
that the lessons of the Armenian Genocide will not be forgotten since
joining the United States Senate in 2003," said ARMENPAC Co-Chair Hagopian.
"We truly appreciate his friendship and commitment to Armenia, and the
entire Armenian-American community."

ARMENPAC is an independent, bipartisan political action committee with a
nationwide membership. ARMENPAC raises awareness of, and advocates for,
policies that help create peace, security and stability in the Caucasus
region. ARMENPAC provides financial support to federal officeholders,
candidates, political action committees and organizations that actively
support issues of importance to Armenian-Americans. For more information
and how to join ARMENPAC, please call (877) 286-1046 or visit our website.

###

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Armenian National Committee of America
1711 N Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
Tel: (202) 775-1918
Fax: (202) 775-5648
E-mail: [email protected]
Internet:

PRESS RELEASE
June 28, 2006
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918

SENATE PANEL PRESSES PROPOSED U.S. ENVOY FOR CLEAR
EXPLANATION OF U.S POLICY ON THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

— "I am not sure how we can continue to have Ambassadors
to Armenia who can be effective unless they give
recognition to the Genocide." – Sen. Norm Coleman (R-MN)

— Sen. Biden Against Senate Approval of New Ambassador until
State Department Responds to Questions on Amb. Evans Recall

WASHINGTON, DC – Senate Foreign Relations Committee members George
Allen (R-VA) and Norm Coleman (R-MN) bombarded U.S. Ambassador to
Armenia Designate Richard Hoagland with questions about official
U.S. complicity in Turkey’s campaign of Genocide denial,
questioning him, during his confirmation hearing, regarding his
ability to effectively represent the United States in Armenia
without properly recognizing the Armenian Genocide, reported the
Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).

In the days leading up to today’s hearing, the Committee’s Ranking
Democrat, Joseph Biden (D-DE), in a strongly worded letter,
demanded that the Secretary of State answers questions concerning
the recall of the current U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John Evans,
before he could support the confirmation of his replacement.

At the hearing, Senator Paul Sarbanes (D-MD), joined with Senators
Coleman and Allen in sharply criticizing the Administration’s
refusal to speak truthfully on the Armenian Genocide. Senator
Boxer, who was unable to attend the hearing, submitted written
questions to Amb. Hoagland.

The hearing was marked by repeated calls upon Amb. Hoagland to
clarify the State Department’s policy on the Armenian Genocide. If
approved, he will replace the current U.S. Ambassador to Armenia,
John Marshall Evans, who – amid great controversy – has been
recalled over his truthful description of the Armenian Genocide in
February of 2005.

"We appreciate the leadership of Senators Allen, Coleman and
Sarbanes in pressing hard for a detailed explanation of the U.S.
policy on the Armenian Genocide – and commend Senator Biden for his
principled demand that the Senate receive clear answers on this
issue from the State Department before moving ahead with the
nomination of a new envoy to Yerevan," said ANCA Chairman Ken
Hachikian. "We were deeply disappointed that, in response to these
legitimate inquiries, Ambassador-designate Hoagland – apparently at
the direction of his superiors in the State Department – limited
his responses to a series of unresponsive evasions and euphemisms
intended to obscure – not explain – the U.S. policy on the Armenian
Genocide."

"We have said from the start – and believe even more firmly today –
that the U.S. Senate cannot, in good conscience, approve the
nomination of a new ambassador to Armenia until the circumstances
of the current envoy’s controversial firing – including a thorough
description of the U.S. policy on the Armenian Genocide – are
fully, officially and openly explained to Congress and the American
people," said Hachikian.

——————————-
Dodgin g the Armenian Genocide
——————————-

In his opening remarks, Senator Allen, who chaired the confirmation
hearing, made specific reference to the Bush Administration’s
decision to recall U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John Marshall Evans
for referring to the deportation and death of 1.5 million Armenians
in 1915 as a clear instance of "genocide." "Some have expressed
concern that Ambassador Evans has been relieved of his duties as a
result of references to the Armenian Genocide," stated Sen. Allen.
"I do not know this to be true, but will say that many of my
colleagues and I refer to the tragic events of 1915 as genocide and
have strongly encouraged the President to do so as well. I hope
that in the future the Administration will recognize this terrible
event for what it was – genocide."

The Virginia Senator – and potential 2008 Presidential candidate –
then went on to question Amb. Hoagland about the instructions he
has received about discussing the Armenian Genocide, as well as the
instructions he intends to issue to his Embassy staff on this
matter. In response, Amb. Hoagland stated that, "the President has
said, this is a tragedy for all humanity and one that the world
must never forget." He went on to note that he had not received
"any kind of written instruction about this. I simply studied the
policy, I studied the background papers on the policy, I know the
policy and my responsibility is to support the president."

Amb. Hoagland noted on a number of occasions during the hearing
that, as a Foreign Service officer who has dealt with the Caucasus,
he has visited the memorial to victims in Armenia in Yerevan, and
would do so again, should he be confirmed. He added, however, that
he was against "getting stuck in the past" and wanted to focus on
"living in the future."

Minnesota Senator Norm Coleman noted that, "you can’t look to the
future if you deny your past." Sen. Coleman was relentless but
respectful in his questioning, stating that, "the State Department
has put you in a difficult position. It is almost absurd for you
to sit here and you can’t utter the word ‘genocide.’ The
President’s statement that he utters every year is a description of
genocide. One of the things I was proud about the State Department
is when we talk about the Genocide in Sudan – it’s genocide what’s
happening in Darfur."

Senator Coleman raised the 2000 statement by then Governor George
Bush that, "Armenians were subjected to a genocidal campaign that
defies comprehension," asking Amb. Hoagland, "do you agree or
disagree with that statement." Amb. Hoagland avoided directly
answering the question, noting instead: "I fully agree that events
occurred in 1915 and following were of historic proportion. As I
said, they were documented, they were horrifying. As we heard from
Senator Sarbanes earlier on – ‘hundreds of valleys devastated,’ ‘no
family untouched’. It was historic, it was a tragedy."

When asked by Senator Coleman why he thought the State Department
barred the use of the term "Armenian Genocide," Amb. Hoagland
dodged the question, stating: "I am very much encouraged by the
fact that there are senior officials in Yerevan and Ankara and
elsewhere who do like to bring closure to that period of history.
They are looking for new ways of doing it. There are talks of
commissions – the truth and reconciliation commission concept is
being explored in quiet conversations. If we could I would very
much like to meet with senior officials in Ankara and Baku because
I think that could be helpful – it would help me understand better
how to play a role of reconciliatory and a peacemaking role."

In his comments, Senator Coleman stressed the theme that a U.S.
Ambassador to Armenia who does not recognize the Armenian Genocide
lacks credibility. He noted that, "I am of the Jewish faith. I
cannot imagine an Ambassador to Israel being effective without
talking about the Holocaust. I am not sure how we can continue to
have Ambassadors to Armenia who can be effective, unless they give
recognition to the Genocide."

Senator Sarbanes, in his opening remarks, expressed "regret that we
were called to hold this hearing today, in part to replace a career
Ambassador prior to the completion of a three year tour of duty.
We would not be in this situation, if the Administration would
simply acknowledge a plain historical truth that 91 years ago, the
world witnessed the first Genocide of the 21st century – the
Armenian Genocide." Sen. Sarbanes spoke eloquently about the U.S.
Foreign service officers who witnessed the Armenian Genocide in
1915, and whose observations remain a permanent part of the U.S.
archives.

Senator Barbara Boxer, who was not able to attend the hearing,
submitted remarks and detailed written questions to Amb. Hoagland.
Noting Amb. Evans’ statement in February 2005, properly
characterizing the Armenian Genocide as "genocide," Sen. Boxer
stated, "I agree with Ambassador Evans’ statement. Not only should
we not play word games with a matter as serious as genocide, we
should also not play political games with issues of genocide." The
Senator went on to express concern "that the controversy
surrounding Ambassador Evans will needlessly harm U.S.-Armenian
relations. I understand that there are protests in front of the
U.S. Embassy in Yerevan today over the recall of Ambassador of
Evans. How would you respond to this concern?"

Sen. Boxer’s reference was to a candle-light vigil held today in
Yerevan by hundreds of human rights activists during the Senate
confirmation hearing, as part of the "Yellow Ribbon Campaign"
protesting the firing the Amb. Evans. On April 24th, tens of
thousands had tied yellow ribbons in solidarity with the U.S.
Ambassador, who had stood with the Armenian people in honoring the
victims and survivors of the Armenian Genocide.

————————————— ——
Regional Integration and Military Aid Parity
——————————————- —

In response to questions on the Turkish and Azerbaijani blockades
of Armenia and the proposed Kars, Tbilisi, Baku railroad, Amb.
Hoagland was adamant about the Administration’s decision not to
fund any project that would hinder regional integration and
cooperation. When asked about efforts to maintain military aid
parity to Armenia and Azerbaijan, Amb. Hoagland would not commit to
equal allocations of military aid to both countries. Sen. Allen
reminded the nominee that the Senate plays a central role in
ensuring military aid parity and that he would continue to work
hard to ensure the aid balance is maintained.

————————————- ————————–
Sen. Biden Asks Secretary Rice for Answers on Amb. Evans Recall
——————————————- ——————–

Just days before the Senate confirmation hearing, Foreign Relations
Committee Ranking Democrat Joe Biden (D-DE) expressed concern to
Secretary Condoleezza Rice regarding the circumstances surrounding
the recall of Amb. Evans, noting that he is "not prepared to move
forward on Senate action" on his replacement, until several key
questions are answered.

In his June 23rd letter to Secretary Rice, Sen. Biden noted that
"to punish an American official for correctly describing any
historical event raise serious questions about the United States’
commitment to the values of transparency and honesty." The letter
went on to note that, "in this instance, the allegation that the
Department would retaliate against an official whose only apparent
offense was discussing an act of genocide with American citizens
also damages our country’s reputation for upholding human rights
and democratic values." Senator Biden posed four questions to the
State Department, including one which asks: "If it is in fact the
policy of the United States not to characterize the systematic
killing of 1.5 million Armenians as genocide, please explain why
these events do not meet any of the five definitions in the
Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of
Genocide." The State Department response, written by Assistant
Secretary of Legislative Affairs Jeffrey Bergner, effectively
avoided providing a meaningful response to Senator Biden’s
questions.

—————————— ——————————–
Sen. Allen Calls on Ambassador-Designate to Respect Armenians
—————————————- ———————-

In his closing comments, Senator Allen urged Ambassador-designate
Hoagland "to be respectful to Armenian Americans and also to
Armenians, recognizing their heritage, their history, their
sensitivities."

The Scripps-Howard News Service, today, ran a story, "Ambassador-
to-be dodges Armenian genocide question," about Amb. Hoagland’s
confirmation hearing. The first line of the story reads:
"America’s next ambassador to Armenia is a verbal gymnast. He has
to be, to keep his job."

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

USA EXPECTING OSCE’S REPORT CONNECTING TO FIRES AT OCCUPIED AZERI LANDS

AzerTag, Azerbaijan
June 27 2007

There is no change in the US policy related to settlement of the
Nagorno Karabakh conflict. The United States does not recognize
Nagorno Karabakh as an independent structure and upholds the country’s
territorial integrity, reports the correspondent of AzerTAc, quoting
the press secretary of the US Department of State Adam Ereli as saying
at a briefing for media representatives. He said the United States
‘adheres the earlier mechanisms and channels to settle the problem’.

Mr. Ereli said two persons from Nagorno Karabakh have come to
Washington. They will meet with Matthew Bryza, co-chair of the OSCE
Minsk Group. "We have done it and earlier. It is a mere forum of the
carried out discussions’, thus, Adam Ereli clarified the Armenian
claims on meeting of the Armenian side with the Bush Administration.

The US Department of State press secretary also said the United States
is aware of the fires at the occupied areas of Azerbaijan.

‘According to information provided, the OSCE is preparing a report
on the matter… the United States expects report of the OSCE
representatives’, he said.

To note, two representatives of the so-called "Nagorno Karabakh
Republic’ should appear at the Washington’s Peace Institute and
Marshall Fund this week. But according to the Fund’s information,
taking into account the few number of those who want to take part
at the actions, the ‘representatives’ will only appear at the Peace
Institute.

Ambassador of Azerbaijan Republic to the United States Hafiz Pashayev
has sent a letter to president of the Marshall Fund expressing regret
for providing by one of the influential international institutions
as the Fund with platform of the representatives of the illegal
structure. Expressing that this will be an erroneous massage to the
world community, Mr. Pashayev requested to remove the action. The
same letter was sent to the chairman of the House of Representatives
Denis Hastert, where it was stated that by providing with room of
representatives of the illegal structure to arrange banquet in the
Capitol, the Congress ignores official policy of the United States
that does not recognize Nagorno Karabakh as an independent structure
and insults the state and people of Azerbaijan, one of the strong
allies of America.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

BASIC KARABAKH CONFLICT SETTLEMENT PRINCIPLES ON THE TABLE TODAY REMAIN A SERIOUS BASIS FOR CONTINUING NEGOTIATIONS: ARMENIAN FM

Yerevan, June 27. ArmInfo. Armenian Foreign Ministry has appeared
with a statement today:

Taking into account the statement that the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk
Group presented to the OSCE Permanent Council, in Vienna, on June
22, and the interview that Matt Bryza, the new US co-chair gave soon
thereafter, where albeit partially, the principles of the settlement
of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict were revealed for the first time,
and also taking into account the recent desperate calls by Azerbaijan
for a military solution and autonomy for Nagorno Karabakh, we would
like to make several observations.

1. The co-chairs have partially revealed the Nagorno Karabakh conflict
resolution principles; they have left out references to a corridor
linking Nagorno Karabakh to Armenia, and issues relating to Nagorno
Karabakh’s status until a referendum;

2. The co-chairs have, for the first time, affirmed that the people
of Nagorno Karabakh shall determine their own future status through
a referendum;

3. Those items over which the presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan
continue to disagree does not include a referendum; that concept has
been agreed to by the presidents; The area of disagreement between
the presidents has to do with the sequence in which the consequences
of the military conflict are removed;

4. In an attempt to resolve this remaining area of disagreement, a
proposal was made by the co-chairs after Rambouillet. This proposal
was accepted by Armenia in Bucharest. Azerbaijan rejected it.

5. Armenia finds that the basic principles, overall, on the table today
remain a serious basis for continuing negotiations; Armenia is prepared
to continue on that basis to continue to negotiate with Azerbaijan;

6. Armenia believes that Azerbaijan’s wavering on these principles
is a serious obstacle to progress in the negotiations. If this
policy continues, Armenia will insist that Azerbaijan conduct direct
negotiations with Nagorno Karabakh.

7. Finally, we would remind Azerbaijan once again that regardless
of the size of their military budget, they cannot force the
people of Nagorno Karabakh to renounce freedom and the right to
self-determination.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

KAZIMIROV: "FRAME AGREEMENT" ON NK DOES NOT GUARANTEE NON-RESUMPTION OF WAR

DeFacto Agency, Armenia
June 27 2006

The "frame agreement" on the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement
voiced by the U.S. does not guarantee non-resumption of hostilities in
Nagorno Karabakh, as only peacemakers’ dislocation here is not enough,
the OSCE Minsk group Russian Co-Chair in 1992 – 1996, Ambassador
Vladimir Kazimirov told REGNUM Information Agency while commenting
on the statements made by the new U.S. Co-Chair for the conflict
settlement Matthew Bryza.

"It is the key issue. Without intrinsic, and not word guarantees of
the conflict parties plus international organizations (perhaps, even
the U. N. Security Council) one will not manage to initiate the first
stage, where the Azeris would like to see the liberation of a part of
the occupied territories and return of the forced migrants there. To
the accompaniment of the threats of power revenge, while the principles
of the disputes’ peaceful settlements, non-application of force and
threats of force are being obviously violated, it is impossible to hope
for the beginning of realization of the first stage’s measures. Only
the refusal of all the parties, without exception, of irresponsible
and waning power dreams can open the way for real changes in the
situation, practical implementation of the coordinated measures",
Vladimir Kazimirov stated. He noted "one should be quite naïve to
hope to obtain something from peaceful steps first and then get
"the wanting" by force – one can only cheat himself this way".

Estimating the fact of the Matthew Bryza’s large interview as a new
Co-Chair, the Russian diplomat noted it was an unusual and even too
pretentious interview. "It may seem that the conflict parties and
mediators have failed to reach accords on Karabakh and decided to
come to understanding on something and all of a sudden agreed in
cancellation of the negotiation process’s former confidentiality.

However, another approach is taken sometimes: rules are applied
allegedly to be violated", Kazimirov noted. He reminded that a few
years ago Baku, despite an agreement on the talks’ confidentiality,
had published the full texts of the three proposals made in 1997 –
1998 by the three Co-Chairs (Russia, the U. S. and France) to the
three conflict parties -Azerbaijan, Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh.

Then Yerevan did the same. "It is a bit strange that such
an interview is actually the first step undertaken by the new
U. S. Co-Chair. Couldn’t he wait for the first visit to the conflict
region? There used to be numerous rakish mediators on Karabakh both
here, in Russia, and in other countries as well. However, where are
their achievements?" Vladimir Kazimirov noted.

In his words, in case the parties and mediators really decided to
make known the essence of the "frame agreement", it would be much
more reliable to read out the text of the project presented to the
two parties instead of a private interview with its retelling. "The
document’s original is always more convincing, than its retelling.

Otherwise, the shaking of micro agreement between the parties is
worthy of regret. Especially if it has been done not by a conflict
party that can have various interests, but a mediator, who must honor
any agreement, even the procedure one, reverently" Vladimir Kazimirov
summed up.

–Boundary_(ID_PM5wy+7GybwB+ac0W2x3Kw)–

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

40 MEMBERS OF PACE SUPPORTED IDEA FOR NEW RESOLUTION ON NK
Author: R. Abdullayev

TREND, Azerbaijan
June 27 2006

Recommendations for working out the draft of PACE resolution on illegal
settlement on Azerbaijan’s occupied lands signed by 40 members of
Assembly have been submitted to authorities of PACE, Trend reports
quoting Ganira Pashayeva, member of Azeri delegation to PACE.

"In the closest days PACE will unambiguously state its position on this
matter. The most important is how Assembly’s position will be stated",
– Azeri MP said, underlining that members of Azeri delegation provided
authorities of PACE with full; information on this matter.

"We have enough facts and documents to reveal Armenia’s illegal
policy on modifying the map of Azerbaijan", Pshayeva said, stating
he satisfaction with support of Azerbaijan’s position in PACE.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

IS THE MAP OF TERRITORIES TO RETURN READY?

Lragir.am
28 June 06

Aram Gaspari Sargsyan, the leader of the Democratic Party, continued
the revelations of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair Mathew Bryza.

Announcing that Bryza told what everyone knows, Aram Gaspari Sargsyan
said it is not all.

"At the moment the map of the territories that Armenia is gong to
return to Azerbaijan is included in the document of the talks. The
places where the peacekeeping forces will be deployed are already
marked on the map," stated Aram Gaspari Sargsyan, telling the news
reporters not to ask about the source. Aram Sargsyan says the statement
of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia affirmed that they are
willing to accept it, but Azerbaijan is against. And Azerbaijan is
against the conditions because they wetted its appetite, thinks Aram
Gaspari Sargsyan. He says it is not strange that Azerbaijan rejects
conditions, which are so favorable for them.

"Look how the statement of the Foreign Ministry alleges that the
corridor between Armenia and Karabakh is discussed. It means that
this is the best way. I simply demand that Mr. Kocharyan declassify
the content of the document for us to be able to discuss it together,
unbiased and in own interests," demands Aram Sargsyan.

The leader of the Democratic Party asserts that the NKR president
will never accept it. He also reminds the statements of the leaders of
Yerkrapah not to give up a strip of land. "Therefore the situation is
going to be so tense that we are going to face another February 1998,
and I think it is the most probable scheme. Or Mr. Kocharyan will
unbridle unprecedented repressions to suppress the surge which will
rise in case these agreements are brought into being," says the leader
of the Democratic Party.

OVER 59,000 TONS OF GOODS EXPORTED FROM JOLFA BORDER POINT

IRNA, Iran
June 27 2007

Tabriz, East Azarbaijan Prov
Iran-Jolfa-Exports

Over 59.4 tons of goods were exported from Jolfa border point in this
northwestern province during the first three months of the current
Iranian calendar year (started March 21, 2006), an official at Jolfa
Customs Office said.

Speaking to IRNA here Tuesday, Seifollah Keshtiban said that the
goods exported had a value of 160 billion rials.

He said cement, iron, steel and plastic products were among the main
commodities exported from Jolfa.

The goods were mainly exported to Iraq, Armenia and Azerbaijan,
and showed an 83 and 51 percent boost in terms of weight and value,
respectively, compared to the figures for the same period in the
previous year.

On the other hand, the official noted that 18,309 tons of goods,
worth 290 billion rials, were imported from Jolfa border point into
the country over the same period.

The commodities imported during the period showed a 31 percent boost
compared to previous years.

Keshtiban cited cigarettes, glasses and industrial and mechanical
machinery as among the main goods imported into the country from
Turkey, China, Switzerland and Armenia.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

AZERBAIJAN’S DEFENSE MINISTER: ARMENIANS FEAR WAR

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
June 27 2007

"The preparedness of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces enables to liberate
our territories by force. We need only time to take this step,"
Azerbaijan’s Defense Minister, Colonel General Safar Abiyev told
journalists. Stating that not only Armenia but also super states take
interest in the Nagorno Garabagh conflict, the Defense Minister said
some states aim at wielding influence on Azerbaijan.

"These states are still on the same opinion. They will give up if they
see Azerbaijan is powerful. We’ll prove this," Mr.Abiyev underlined.

Commenting on his Armenian counterpart Serj Sarkisyan’s claims
that Azerbaijan does not intend to conduct war, Abiyev called these
statements groundless, "I do not care what he says. These statements
aim at calming down the Armenian community, remove fear among the
people. Armenians fear war."

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

WE HAVE NO TRUNCHEONS, THEY HOLD A CONGRESS
Hakob Badalyan

Lragir.am
27 June 06

Count chickens in fall, Republicans in summer. We have to admit that
the Republican Party had not given the society a surprise during its
biography in power as it did by holding an extraordinary congress
on July 22. In the meantime, summer is raging in Armenia, and human
brains are on the point of melting. What a risk did the Republican
take, staking their own brain?

However, the midsummer extraordinary congress is out of fear
rather than out of risk. Besides, what is risking a brain for the
Republicans if the whole is risked, power, posts, business and finally
freedom? This is the reason for holding a congress of the Republican
Party at the high of the summer vacation. The party leaders hold the
congress on July 22 for the Republicans, who attend the congress,
not only understand but also feel that their leisure, interrupted
for a while, can be lost forever. For them to realize what they are
going to lose. If the Republican leaders are treating the activists
of their own party so severely, the situation must really be serious.

The Republicans could have waited until fall to hold a congress,
especially that the rest of the political sphere, including the
Republicans, delayed all the questions of political developments
until fall. What happened suddenly? What is the reason for this
hastiness? Especially for a ruling party, which added the post of
speaker of the National Assembly to that of the prime minister.

Perhaps they realized that they are given part by part to take away
the whole at once. However, most probably, it was too late when they
realized this. They should have known before taking it part by part
and refuse the part to keep the whole. Now they can only count on
the "great combinator". However, he is not the same as he used to
be. It is true that now he is an honorary citizen of the Center,
but he has never liked to be in the center, especially as a citizen,
who can get killed in the street by a stray bullet. A citizen when
already dual nationality is under consideration.

In other words, a citizen should have been a past stage, but it is
just coming up. And many others are coming up. Some of them are from
the United States: an OSCE Co-Chair, an ambassador, directors of other
offices. They are coming, so let them come, but as soon as they come,
they make announcements, advising Armenia to learn democracy from
Azerbaijan. Whereas, how nice it was when there was nothing new!

Whereas, now the new are on the way, but statements are already
there. In this sense, the summer congress of the Republic is belated,
independent from what problems they are solving. They could have
spent the money of the congress more effectively, and bought 500
batons instead of 250 and distributed to the Police. Otherwise, how
much do they have to wave 250 batons for it to be cool in summer and
warm in winter?