Author: Emil Lazarian

AzerTag, Azerbaijan
June 23 2006

MINISTER OF NATIONAL SECURITY MEETS GENERAL DIRECTOR OF INTERNATIONAL
ORGANIZATION FOR MIGRATION
[June 23, 2006, 17:23:15]

Minister of National Security of Azerbaijan, general-lieutenant
Eldar Mahmudov has met a delegation being on a visit in the country
headed by the General Director of the International Organization For
migration Brunson McKinley.

Informing visitors about the processes proceeding in region, present
conditions and arising various threats, minister E. Mahmudov has
noted, that growth of the facts of the international terrorism, illegal
circulation of drugs, illegal migration and other dangerous displays of
the transnational organized crime causes serious concern all over the
world. He has brought to attention of visitors, that in this connection
the Ministry of National Security carries out adequate measures.

Having concerned the problem of the Armenia-Azerbaijan,
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, minister of National Security has noted,
that occupied territories of the country, and also a 130-kilometer
site adjoining on Iran are outside of the control and that this
factor represents serious threat for safety not only of Azerbaijan,
but also all Europe. Such situation creates favorable conditions for
illegal migration and drugs trafficking, he stressed.

Minister Mahmudov has noted, that Azerbaijan quickly developing from
the economic point of view where are established civil and democratic
principles, steady stability, involves not only foreign businessmen,
but also illegal migrants, he has emphasized importance of acceptance
in this connection purposeful adequate measures.

Having thanked for the detailed information, Mr. Brunson McKinley
has told, that he regards Azerbaijan especially, has concerned
intensive positive changes in Republic. He told, that the migratory
problems are solved in the country at state level. The guest also has
noted importance of creation of global system and common database,
connected with biometric measurements, carrying out of discussions
in this direction, and also an opportunity of rendering to Azerbaijan
financial support within the "Program of the assistance for voluntary
returning of migrants".

At meeting, also discussed were other questions of mutual interest.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

AGBU Press Office
55 East 59th Street
New York, NY 10022-1112
Phone: 212.319.6383, x118
Fax: 212.319.6507
Email: [email protected]
Website:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, June 12, 2006

AGBU MONTREAL MAKES NEW HISTORY

Montreal – In its inaugural meeting today, the newly formed Executive
Board of AGBU Montreal elected its first ever female chairperson.

Dr. Rita Kuyumjian, becomes the 12th chairperson of the Montreal
chapter on the eve of its 50th anniversary to be celebrated in 2007.
Dr. R. Kuyumjian is a well-known Montreal psychiatrist; she is the
director of the outpatient clinic at St. Mary’s hospital, and a
professor at McGill University. She is also a known intellectual,
author of several volumes, including a groundbreaking book on Komidas.

"I humbly accept this position to continue the great work done by all
of my predecessors", said Dr. Kuyumjian, "I am particularly proud of
our new Executive Board, because it is formed by a wonderful balance
of seasoned former members and a strong group of newly elected young
individuals that will bring youth, vitality, international focus as
well as an experienced approach to move the AGBU Montreal chapter to
even greater achievements."

The composition of the new Executive Board will be displayed on the
chapter website,

For further information, please contact AGBU Montreal at 514-748-2428
or at [email protected].

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

THE CATHOLICOS WAS MET IN ISTANBUL WITH UNPLEASANT INCIDENTS

A1+
[02:22 pm] 22 June, 2006

Security measures were taken at airport "Ataturk" in connection with
the arrival of All Armenian Catholicos Garegin II. Even journalists
were denied entry. Mesrop Mutafyan, Patriarch of Constantinople met the
Armenian Catholicos at the airport and they left the territory of the
airport without passing the VIP hall which wasn’t planned beforehand.

A car separated from others and approached the airplane. Armenian
clergymen left in that very car.

Meanwhile a rally was organized by 50 people at the airport entrance
according to "Regnum" agency.

According to the data of the official website of the Patriarchy the
strikers threw eggs at the cars meeting the supreme Catholicos of All
Armenians. The luncheon in honor of the Catholicos was also put off
which was to be held in "Patriarch Garegin Ghazanchyan" hall which
is located near the airport. Catholicos of All Armenians stopped
in the building of Patriarchy where the Turkish security service
representatives guard him around the clock.

To note, the Catholicos of All Armenians left for Istanbul on the
invitation of the Patriarch of the Greece Orthodox Church and Mesrop
Mutafyan, Patriarch of Constantinople. The Catholicos will visit
Armenian sanctuary, give his blessing to the Armenian community and
meet with clergymen and youth of the Armenian community.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

NO MORE TORTURE IN RA

A1+
[02:43 pm] 22 June, 2006

The Facultative Protocol to UN Convention against Torture will be
put into effect on June 22, 2006.

This Protocol on international human rights has also a great historical
significance for RA as on May 31, 2006 RA NA ratified the UN Convention
against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment. By
this step RA becomes a member country of the Protocol and thus takes
the Protocol provisions for granted.

According to Article 17 of the Protocol each member country of the
Protocol is to set up an independent national body within a year
aimed at torture combating on home level.

The national mechanisms of combat will be in force in any
establishment; prisons, police stations, psychiatric hospitals, etc.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ARIDITY IN SISIAN REGION

A1+
[07:07 pm] 22 June, 2006

150 hectares lands out of 672 hectares of Aghitu community in Syunik
marz are autumn sowing areas and 210 hectares are spring sowing areas
of barley and spelt.

Hrachik Hayrapetyan, regional head claims that peasants took
agricultural credits to sow their lands.

But at present they don’t have any expectations to get rich harvest
and repay their debts because of the regional aridity. It is noteworthy
that it hasn’t rained for two months.

According to the Sisian meteorological centre the air temperature
surpassed the normal index. No rains fell in June and the temperature
went up by 5 degrees. The grain cultured plants are already yellowing
because of the high temperature and absence of humidity. Many fields
cannot be reaped at all because of the corn shortness.

The on-going aridity may have serious outcome on the regional
budget. The regional heads are also concerned about the cattle
preservation. The on-going aridity may arouse the problem of fodder
accumulation. The pastures deprived of humidity have their negative
impact on the milk-yield index. Bee-keeping is also in terrible state
in Sisian.

TV Company "Syuni," Sisian.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

AZERI, RUSSIAN MEDIA EXTEND COOPERATION
Author: S.Agayeva

TREND Information, Azerbaijan
June 22 2006

Azeri, Russian media intend to extend cooperation in providing more
unbiased information to the public of both the countries, Trend
reports quoting organizers of the first joint Azeri-Russian media
project Russia Today, special appendix to Baku Worker.

The project is implemented by Russian Fund "Caucasian Democracy
Institute". The Fund Director Valery Turtsunov said The Fund’s
objectives include strengthening friendly relations between the two
countries and nations, a well as providing more correct information
n Russian realities and preserving Russian language. He highly
appraised Azeri government’s work on preservation and development
of Russian language in the country, where no Russian school was
closed to date. The Fund also aims at working practice and exchange
of journalists, as well as work with youth. Said activities will be
carried out with support of the RF President Administration.

Within the event, participants were introduced two new books,
"Azerbaijanis of Georgia" and "Karabakh conflict: Azeri view",
compiled by Regnum news agency of Russia. These books include materials
on Karabakh conflict, official documents revealing Azeri-Armenian
relations through the XX century.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

OUR SLAVES, OUR SELVES
by Bruce Schimmel

Philadelphia citypaper.net, PA
June 22 2006

Here’s a cheery thought for the upcoming Fourth: Our freedom was
founded on cruelty, genocide and slavery. But you know this already.

Most of our ancestors fled from oppression. Billy Penn, ever the
crafty land developer, may have promoted Philadelphia as a holy Eden.

But almost all who risked the voyage came here to escape a hell
on earth.

That inalienable human rights will conquer man’s inhumanity makes a
fine tale for many Americans. But for those whose ancestors didn’t flee
from genocide, and instead were dragged into it, that story rings sour.

For many, our nation’s apple pie tale is rotten at the core. That’s
because the story of African-American slavery has been cut off from
the mainstream narrative, said historian Howard Dodson to an audience
of several hundred recently at the Convention Center. Dodson heads
the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture at the New York
Public Library.

On the agenda was how best to reveal the hidden story of the slaves who
lived on Independence Mall. In the nation’s first executive mansion,
nine slaves served under their master, George Washington.

For decades, Dodson said that black history found no place in the
textbooks that honed children’s civic pride. And neither did the tale
of the president’s slaves find a place on Independence Mall. That’s
about to change.

That George Washington kept slaves in Virginia has never been denied.

But about 30 years ago, it was discovered that as president, he also
kept slaves in Philadelphia. So the National Park Service did what’s
generally done with ugly stuff. They buried it.

In 1997, independent historian Ed Lawler rediscovered the slaves’
story, and that they were locked in nightly in a bunkhouse near the
executive mansion. To keep slaves in a free state, Washington even
exploited a loophole, by periodically swapping his Philadelphia slaves
with those in Virginia. And when some slaves did manage to escape,
Washington re-lentlessly hunted them down.

Still, the Park Service denied the truth. Three years ago, they added
insult to ignorance by building part of a new pavilion for the Liberty
Bell right over where slaves slept.

Last year, though, Lawler’s protests paid off. Mayor John Street
found some city funds and essentially hijacked the project from the
Park Service. The mayor declared that the President’s House would be
complete by the end of his term, and amazingly, it looks likely.

The mayor’s office held a competition, and recently chose six teams
to design a monument to express some key themes:

To show how slavery was integral to the founding of America, and the
impact of slavery on its wealth.

To weave the personal tales of Washington’s slaves into the larger
fabric of the nation’s history.

And, most remarkably, to reveal how the story of Washington’s slaves
remained lost for centuries-which will include the Park Service’s
recent efforts to bury the truth.

A wondrous thing will soon be seen on Independence Mall: The federal
government will confess how it systematically lied to us.

How this will finally come together is still in play. All are invited
to comment at

It’s time to hear the whole story. I know the anger of a tale that’s
not told. As an Armenian whose people were exterminated in the 20th
century’s first holocaust I live with that outrage, because the Turkish
government still denies the slaughter. But as a Jew, I also know that
Germany’s diligent truth-telling has healed many wounds. As I said
recently to a friend who was born in Germany, that debt (at least
for me) is just about paid-even as it’s recorded forever.

The descendants of American slavery also deserve a place to have
their tale heard. A prominent and permanent place. We all deserve it.

Because ultimately this story is America’s story: for the tales of
our slaves is also part of our selves.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

LAVROV PRESSES OSCE CHIEF ON REFORMS
Sergei Grits / AP

The Moscow Times, Russia
June 22, 2006

Lavrov, right, welcoming de Brichambaut during their meeting Wednesday.

Reform of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
topped the agenda at Wednesday’s meeting between Foreign Minister
Sergei Lavrov and OSCE Secretary General Marc Perrin de Brichambaut.

Russia says the multinational group, and especially its Office
for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights must stop applying
a double standard when it comes to monitoring elections in former
Soviet republics.

Most recently, Russia has opposed OSCE election-monitoring in Belarus,
where President Alexander Lukashenko was re-elected in March to a
third term and OSCE monitors declared the election rigged.

"OSCE member-states understand the need for reform," Foreign Ministry
spokesman Mikhail Kamynin said Wednesday, Itar-Tass reported.

OSCE spokesman Martin Nesirsky responded that the ODIHR "applies the
same standards whenever it is invited to monitor."

The Foreign Ministry wants the OSCE to adopt a code of regulations,
give more power to the secretary general and make the financing of
its projects more transparent.

Russia has slashed its annual contribution to the 55-member group to
$7.5 million from $11.4 million and has threatened to cut it further.

The United States has accused Russia of trying to block the OSCE’s
democracy-building projects.

During their meeting, Lavrov and de Brichambaut also discussed the
ongoing conflicts in Transdnestr and Nagorno-Karabakh. Lavrov said
Russia wanted "to continue the dialogue to increase the efficiency"
of the organization.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

A NUMBER OF ARMENTEL’S EMPLOYEES ACCUSED OF FRAUD

Yerevan, June 20. ArmInfo. Seven employees of the telecommunication
operator of Armenia – ArmenTel company, are accused of fraud,
misappropriation of funds and abuse of position.

The Public Television of Armenia reports as a result of fraud, the
damage totaled 104 million AMD (about $242,000), including the state
budget received less than 53 million. In the course of preliminary
investigation, the accused employees compensated the damaged caused
to the country, and 7 million AMD to ArmenTel.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PARTY OPPONENTS ARGUE ABOUT FATE OF USD RATE IN ARMENIA

Yerevan, June 20. ArmInfo.Devaluation of USD rate in Armenia is more
conditioned by paradoxes, than by economic laws. Tatoul Manaseryan,
member of "Justice" faction, said this at "Hayeli" club today.

He said that in the theory of economics there are 4 basic factors
that may have impact on consolidation of the national currency.

Firstly, this is the growth of economy, but in this case Armenia
should have at least 30% of the economic growth for devaluation.

Secondly, devaluation is caused by the fluctuation of the main
world currencies, which, in the case of Armenia, can’t have such
a big impact, either. The third factor is the state of the payment
balance of the country. Manaseryan said that we have nothing to boast
about, as the export tempo experiences slowdown. He added that the
payment balance of Armenia is negative, and Armenia mostly exports USD
(about $3 billion). The fourth factor is a subjective one. Manaseryan
supposed that there are forces that get inside information and make
super profits, holding monopoly positions in the markets. Besides,
the super profits they get are connected to the shadow economy that
makes about 80%.

At the same time, MP representing the Republican Party of Armenia,
economist Gagik Melikyan said the euro-dollar fluctuation in the
international market is in conformity with the revaluation level
of the Armenian dram. Nevertheless, he believes that one should not
neglect the season factor used by certain financial organization who
speculate on sharp drop of the exchange rate. The last dollar sag
was connected with the "last phone call," Melikyan said. However, T.

Manaseryan disagreed with him. He called paradoxical that prices,
including for imported goods, are growing in the country despite
the strengthening of the Armenian dram. If it is connected with the
rate of US dollar, the rise of prices is tangible enough. He said
all this paradox is connected with the high black economy and its
monopolization.

Nevertheless, G. Melikyan said, one should not neglect either the
high economic growth or the US policy on devaluation of the US dollar
or the large-scale private transfers to Armenia. In such conditions,
the Central Bank can maintain the foreign exchange rate only through
dram interventions into the market, which will lead to inflation. T.

Manaseryan does not see any way out of the situation though
intervention into the market either. The only way out is to peg the
Armenian dram to the "basket of world prices" for key products in order
not to depend on the dollar or euro, he said. This way is successfully
applied in a number of states. He underlined a circumstance that
Armenia still lacks an exact program of economic development, its
structures, priorities. However, his political rival disagreed with
him again.