Author: Emil Lazarian

DID HUMAN FACTOR CAUSE CRASH OF A-320 AIRBUS?
By Aghavni Harutyunian
AZG Armenian Daily
16/06/2006
Or It’s Another Version to Save Russian Air Communicator.
The decoding of the black boxes of the crashed A-320 airbus is
completed, Moskovskiy Komsomolec newspaper quoted one of the experts
as saying.
According to the expert the official data will be published in
several days, but it is known already that the airplane was in perfect
technical condition.
The crash was caused by the so-called human factor.
The expert found no drawback in the technical state of the airbus. The
experts found out that there was no lack of fuel, either.
The experts believe that the airbus crashed because of the crew lost
its orientation in the air space. The crew may appear in such situation
because of bad weather conditions or when they lose concentration.
On May 3, the factor of bad weather conditions was more actual. The
black boxes testify that when the air traffic controller sent the
airbus for the second circle, the crew guided the plane and not
the autopilot.
It’s worth mentioning that earlier the unknown sources spread a
version according to which the crash was caused by the controller of
the Adler airport, as he didn’t take into account the capacities of
the Armenian pilot and didn’t let him land.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

NKR DEMANDS THE OSCE TO FIND OUT THE INITIATOR OF THE FRONTIER FIRE
A1+
[07:29 pm] 15 June, 2006
NKR Foreign Ministry had to respond to Azerbaijan’s charges according
to which Armenians are accused of setting fire to the frontier rural
areas deliberately.
The racket made by the Azeri side is aimed at worsening the situation
of the conflict zone and strengthening inconfidence between the two
sides resumes NKR deputy Foreign Minister Masis Mayilyan.
At the same time the Azeri authorities attempt to divert the
attention of the international community from the fact of demolishing
Armenian historical and cultural monuments and cemetery located in the
territory of Azerbaijan. Brilliant evidence to that fact can serve the
destruction of the Julfa khachkars.” Masis Mayilyan also claimed that
the dry grass of the above mentioned territory burns during the hot
summer months. They are unable to extinguish fires because of frequent
violations of the cease-fire. A few years ago the authorities of the
NKR released a letter to the Azeri side through the OSCE Minsk group
Co-Chairs offering to prevent further burning of pasture with joint
efforts. “Unfortunately, the offer was turned down by the official
Baku and it reflects the real principles of the sides, especially
Azerbaijan’s lack of political power to settle issues of bilateral
concern,” claimed NKR deputy Foreign Minster.
By the way, today the NKR Foreign Ministry applied to the office of
the Personal Representative of the OSCE Secretary-in-Office. The NKR
suggested holding a crisis-survey in the frontier areas in order to
assess the situation properly and refute the false rumors spread from
the Azeri side.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

WORLD BANK MEETING IN YEREVAN
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[12:10 pm] 16 June, 2006
On June 17-18 the meeting of the Currency International Fund and the
Dutch group of the World Bank will take place in Yerevan.
The Dutch group comprises the 12 member-countries: Armenia, the
Netherlands, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Israel, Croatia, Cyprus,
Macedonia, Moldova, Georgia, Romania, and Ukraine.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

STREETS WILL BE DESTROYED WITHOUT “LINS” FUND
A1+
[07:49 pm] 15 June, 2006
The key issues of today’s session convened by the “Lins” Fund committee
were the results of the constructive tenders in the framework of the
fund programs aimed at realizing road construction and restoration
of Yerevan streets. The session was presided over by Armen Gevorgyan,
president of the “Lins” fund committee and head of the RA President’s
personnel.
A few constructive organizations met the tender criteria and were
considered winners by the Committee.
They are to realize the construction of the Horom – Artik – Alagyaz
highway and a section of the Armavir – Isahakyan – Gyumri motorway.
As for the streets of the capital, two constructive organizations
became the winners of the tender and they are to construct the section
between “Barekamoutyun” Square and Komitas Avenue as well as Tigran
the Great Avenue and railway station.
The session participants also referred to the results of the school
building tenders.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

CENTRAL BANK CHAIRMAN WANTS TO BE PROUD OF WHEREAS HE IS ONLY CURSED
Panorama.am
15:36 15/06/06
“I am sorry for the misunderstanding that happened at the National
Assembly,” Tigran Sargsyan, the Head of Central Bank (CB) told
NA today.
Some deputies of the National Assembly have demanded that Tigran
Sargsyan comes and makes a public apology for saying that deputies
may come and work as cleaners at Central Bank if they think that
salary is higher.
“I did not want to insult the deputies. There was nothing insulting in
what I said,” Sargsyan said. He also said that he himself is insulted
by the names heard to his address, including remarks on his sexual
behavior. “I want to display such a performance that you get proud
of Central Bank,” Sargsyan declared.

DECLARATION ON FORMATION OF COMMUNITY OF UNRECOGNIZED STATES SIGNED
Yerkir
16.06.2006 11:46
YEREVAN (YERKIR) – June 14 leaders of 3 unrecognized republics –
Abkhazia, Transdniestria and South Ossetia – signed in Sukhumi a
declaration on formation of the Community “For Democracy and Rights
of Nations.”
The “completion of the political and legal registration of the
USSR collapse via the recognition of the Republic of Abkhazia, the
Transdniestrian Moldovan Republic and the Republic of South Ossetia
will become the priority task of the Community.” Thus “the leaders of
the republics which asserted their right for independence with arms,
now will peacefully press for official recognition.”
During the meeting Sergey Bagapsh, Igor Smirnov and Eduard Koykoty
underscored that the union is absolutely peaceful and the mutual
assistance will be targeted at the development of economy of the
republics. “The Community is not aimed against third states or
international organizations and unions,” the document says, reported
RIA Novosti.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

REFERENDUM ON INDEPENDENCE TO BE HELD IN TRANSDNIESTRIA TILL END OF SEPTEMBER
Yerkir
16.06.2006 11:45
YEREVAN (YERKIR) – Referendum on independence will be held in
Transdniestria till the end of September, President of the unrecognized
republic Igor Smirnov stated.
The referendum is needed to consult with the people. Maybe even two
referenda will be held to determine the priority line, that is the
attitude towards CIS and especially Russia,” he said.
“World is longing for peace and order. We will conduct this referendum
to be absolutely sure and receive advice from the people,” Smirnov
said, reported RIA Novosti.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

MASIS MAYILYAN: AZERI HYSTERIA DIRECTED AT SHARPENING THE SITUATION IN THE CONFLICT ZONE
ArmRadio.am
16.06.2006 14:20
“The recent propagandistic hysteria undertaken by Azeri media, which
asserts that arsons are committed in settlements under the control of
NKR Armed Forces, is aimed at sharpening the situation in the conflict
zone and deepening mutual distrast,” declared Deputy Foreign Minister
of Nagorno-Karabakh Masis Mayilyan.
According to NKR Deputy Foreign Minister, at the same time Azeri
authorities try to divert the attention of the international
community from the facts of destruction of Armenian historical and
cultural monuments on the territory of current Azerbaijan, which is
particularly evidenced by the demolition of Armenian khachkars in Old
Jugha. Moreover, fires often occur in lowlands of Nagorno-Karabakh
in dry summer weather, the elimination of which is hindered by the
lack of security guarantees for firemen and the constant firing at
the Armenian-Azerbaijani border. Other reasons of inflammation of the
dry grasslands are the gunfire opened from Azeri positions, as well
as conflagration of grass on the neutral territories separating NKR
from Azerbaijan by Azeri soldiers.
On this occasion on June 15 NKR Ministry of Foreign affairs applied the
Office of the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office,
demanding to carry out a crisis monitoring at the border with
Azerbaijan to assess the real situation and to refute the false
condemnations of the Azeri side. On its part, NKR Foreign Ministry
has expressed the readiness to provide assistance to the OSCE Mission
to carry out the monitoring and to guarantee the security of its
participants in the territories under NKR control.
“I’d like to remind that still a few years ago through the OSCE
Minsk Group Co-Chairs the leadership of Nagorno-Karabakh suggested
Azerbaijan to develop a bilateral mechanism to coordinate the efforts
of resolving issues of this kind, particularly the conflagration of
grasslands in borderline regions.
Unfortunately, the initiative of official Stepanakert did not find
support in Baku, which speaks about the lack of political will of
the Azeri leadership in resolving issues of bilateral interest,”
said NKR Deputy Foreign Minister.

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
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 14, 2006
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918
ANCA WELCOMES COMMITTEE ADOPTION OF CROWLEY AMENDMENT
TO BLOCK U.S. SUBSIDY FOR ARMENIA RAILROAD BYPASS
— House Financial Services Committee
Approves Measure by Unanimous Voice Vote
WASHINGTON, DC – The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA)
today welcomed the vote by a powerful Congressional panel to block
U.S. taxpayer funding for an unnecessary and costly proposed
railroad between Turkey and Georgia that would, if built,
circumvent Armenia and, in the process, undermine the economic
viability of the existing Caucasus railroad route through Armenia.
With a unanimous voice vote earlier today, the House Financial
Services Committee adopted the amendment offered by panel member
Joe Crowley (D-NY). The measure prohibits the Export-Import Bank
from providing any assistance “to develop or promote any rail
connections or railway-related connections that traverse or connect
Baku, Azerbaijan; Tbilisi, Georgia; and Kars, Turkey, and that
specifically exclude cities in Armenia.”
Rep. Crowley serves as the Chief Deputy Minority Whip. His
amendment to the Export-Import Bank Reauthorization Act of 2006 was
co-authored by Reps. Ed Royce (R-CA) and Brad Sherman (D-CA).
“We thank Congressman Crowley, his colleagues Ed Royce and Brad
Sherman, and all the members of the Financial Services Committee
for protecting American taxpayers from subsidizing an ill-advised
and over-priced railroad project that – at the insistence of Turkey
and Azerbaijan – has been proposed solely to exclude Armenia,” said
Aram Hamparian, Executive Director of the ANCA.
“With this amendment, we are sending a message to the governments
of Turkey and Azerbaijan that continually excluding Armenia in
regional projects fosters instability,” said Congressman Crowley.
“Bypassing Armenia is just another attempt to further suffocate
this republic, which has made great strides in democratic and
economic reforms notwithstanding its neighbors’ hostility. If the
Caucasus region is to move forward, we must ensure that all
countries move forward together at the same time.”
He added that, “The American taxpayer should not be required to
finance a project that goes against the interests of the US
government in the South Caucasus. I thank my colleagues for
recognizing the importance of this legislation.”
A proposed new Caucasus rail line – at the urging of Turkey and
Azerbaijan – would circumvent Armenia. Promoters of the project
have sought, even at the planning stages, to secure U.S. financing
for this undertaking, prompting Congressional friends of Armenia to
preemptively block such attempts.
The Crowley Amendment is similar to the South Caucasus Integration
and Open Railroads Act of 2006. This measure was introduced in
both the House (H.R.3361), by Representative Joe Knollenberg (R-
MI), and in the Senate (S 2461) by Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA).
The House version has 85 cosponsors; the Senate version has been
cosponsored by Senators Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and Paul Sarbanes (D-
MD). Both measures stress that U.S. policy should oppose the “The
exclusion of Armenia from regional economic and commercial
undertakings in the South Caucasus,” noting that such actions
“undermine the United States policy goal of promoting a stable and
cooperative environment in the region.”
Thousands of activists throughout the United States have sent ANCA
WebFaxes to members of Congress in support of this legislation.
lerts.php?aaid=93
In October of last year, the European Commission voiced official
opposition to the proposed Caucasus railroad bypass of Armenia. A
formal statement by the Commission’s Directorate General for
Transport and Energy noted that its construction was both
unnecessary and inefficient in light of the existing railroad
connecting Kars, Gyumri, and Tbilisi.
The Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank) is the
official export credit agency of the United States. Ex-Im Bank’s
mission is to assist in financing the export of U.S. goods and
services to international markets.
Below are several of the key talking points used by the ANCA in
support of the Crowley Amendment.
#####
Talking Points:
The Crowley Amendment:
Protecting U.S. Taxpayers, Promoting U.S. Interests
1) The proposed railway would hinder economic integration,
undermine stability in the region, and – at the expense of the U.S.
taxpayer – help Azerbaijan and Turkey institutionalize their
illegal blockades of Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh.
2) Turkey and Azerbaijan have instituted an illegal blockade
against land-locked Armenia for over a decade and are now
escalating their economic aggression by initiating new projects
specifically bypassing Armenia.
3) Refusing to use an existing railway that connects Turkey,
Georgia, and Azerbaijan because it traverses Armenia, Turkey and
Azerbaijan are spearheading a nearly $1 billion project to build an
entirely new railway that deliberately excludes Armenia.
4) U.S. tax dollars should not be spent on such a wasteful and
destabilizing venture.
5) In the interest of promoting regional integration, conflict
resolution, and open borders, the U.S. should not provide any
assistance to develop or promote rail connections that deliberately
exclude Armenia.
6) Despite continued calls from the U.S. and international
community to end its aggression, Turkey continues its devastating,
illegal blockade of land-locked Armenia now in its 12th year.
7) The dual blockade by both Turkey and Azerbaijan prevents
Armenia’s economy from flourishing and hinders the development of
an important East-West trade corridor.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

GEORGIA NOT AGAINST ESTABLISHMENT OF ARMENIAN CONSULATE GENERAL IN BATUMI
PanARMENIAN.Net
16.06.2006 13:43 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Georgia is not against establishment of Armenian
Consulate General in Batumi, Georgian Ambassador to Armenia Revaz
Gachechiladze told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter. In his words, in
this case establishment of Georgian consulate in Armenia is not
necessary. “There are cases in diplomatic practice when consulates are
opened one-sidedly. Turkish Consulate General has been functioning for
a long time in Georgia. Later Georgian consulates were established in
Istanbul and Trabzon. Georgia is an open country and we always meet the
wishes of other states, especially Armenia,” Revaz Gachechiladze said.