Author: Emil Lazarian

AZERBAIJAN TO SUFFER MOST OF ALL IN CASE OF HOSTILITIES AGAINST IRAN

PanARMENIAN.Net
26.04.2006 23:26 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The anti-Azerbaijani statements made by the Iranian
government on the threshold of Azeri President’s visit to the United
States resembles an attempt to exert pressure, political scientist
Vafa Guluzade stated when commenting of the statements by head of
the Iranian Supreme Security Council Ali Larijani, who did not rule
out that the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline may be hit if the
U.S. launches hostilities against Iran.

Guluzade considers that Azerbaijan will be the first to suffer from
hostilities against Iran and presently the U.S. concerned over a
single question: “How to hit Iran to avoid the possibility of a
counterblow?” In Guluzade’s opinion the answer to this question may
be received after the Aliyev-Bush meeting.

For his part political scientist Ilgar Mamedov states the crisis
aggravates and this can be proved by the frequent sharp statements. In
his opinion, Iran’s conceal some real plans however the oil pipeline
destruction is unreal. “The start of hostilities will put Azerbaijan in
a hard state. If the U.S. promises Azerbaijan to support its position
on Karabakh in exchange for joining the anti-Iranian coalition,
Azerbaijan will have to take the move. Otherwise the incumbent
government will be subjected to sharp critics by the society. If
Azerbaijan accepts the U.S.

proposal it will acquire a dangerous enemy – Iran. If it defends
Iran’s interests it will be transformed in one of the theater’s
of military operations. In case we take a neutral position both
conflicting parties will exert pressure on us,” the Azeri political
scientist said, reported APA.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

REJECTION OF TURKISH GOODS A WAY OUT?

AZG Armenian Daily
27/04/2006

“According to our data, about 30% of the total cost of a consumer’s
basket is spent on low quality goods,” Armen Poghosian, head of RA
Association of Consumers, said this at a press conference on April 25.

He explained this by the consumers’ unawareness of their own
rights. Poghosian emphasized that during the shopping the consumers
should pay attention to the existence of cash check or the guarantee
ticket. “If the consumers have these two proofs, they will be able
to protect their rights by the law,” he said. He reminded that RA
Association of Consumers has been carrying out “No Turkish Goods”
campaign since 2001.

Abgar Yeghoyan, head of NGO for protection of consumers’ rights,
added that there is no relevant regulating system for removal of
low quality goods that are dangerous for life. “Our organization
has elaborated the draft of that system and have already submitted
that to the bodies of state management,” Yeghoyan said. Besides,
he added that in collaboration with RA Agriculture Ministry they are
elaborating a new draft law “On safety of our products.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ARMENIAN, FRENCH SPEAKERS DISCUSS PARLIAMENTARY COOPERATION

Arminfo
26 Apr 06

Yerevan, 27 April: The speaker of the Armenian National Assembly, Artur
Bagdasaryan, and the president of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly,
Pierre Lellouche, discussed cooperation between the Armenian National
Assembly and the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Paris on 25 April.

The Armenian speaker also held a meeting with his French counterpart
Christian Poncelet within the framework of his official visit to
France, the press service of the Armenian parliament has told Arminfo.

The sides discussed parliamentary cooperation between the two
countries. Bagdasaryan expressed his gratitude to Poncelet for his
assistance in organizing the Year of Armenia in France. Bagdasaryan
invited Poncelet to pay an official visit to Armenia.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

TURKEY LASHES OUT AT CANADIAN PM

AZG Armenian Daily
27/04/2006

Turkey lashed out at prime minister of Canada, Steven Harper,
for publicly dubbing the events of 1915 as genocide. According to
Turkish state television, Turkish Foreign Ministry sent an official
complaint, calling the PM’s behavior biased approach and warning that
the “groundless” statements of the Canadian prime minister will have
a negative impact on Turkish-Canadian relations.

LITHUANIAN PRESIDENT ADVISES ARMENIAN PEOPLE NOT TO BE SILENT IN CAUSE OF INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

Yerevan, April 26. ArmInfo. Lithuanian President Valdas Adamkus advises
the Armenian people not to be silent in the cause of international
recognition of the Armenian Genocide.

During his meeting with Yerevan State University professors and
students today, Adamkus said that the Armenian people must do its
best to prove to the world that the Genocide actually happened. Still
it is a hard job to give advice in such a delicate issue. Do as you
think right. I believe you are right, Adamkus said.

Asked if the recognition of the Armenian Genocide by the Lithuanian
parliament may aggravate Lithuania’s relations with Turkey, Adamkus
said that the key principle of Lithuania’s foreign policy is mutual
respect. And if Turkey has any problems, Lithuania will remind it of
this principle.

The same principle is applied in Lithuania’s relations with
Russia. Countries may have differences over certain issue but they
should try to solve them, including by involving their youths. This
is the only way of civilized policy, Adamkus said.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

From: “Armenia Fund, Inc.” <[email protected]>
Subject: Armenia Fund Reconstructs Nork-Marash Hospital

Armenia Fund, Inc.
111 North Jackson St. Ste. 205
Glendale, CA 91206

T | 818-243-6222
F | 818-243-7222
E | [email protected]

For Immediate Release
April 26, 2006

Armenia Fund Reconstructs Nork-Marash Hospital
Brazilian Affiliate Finances Project

Yerevan, Armenia – Armenia Fund is proud to announce that its Brazilian
affiliate – Fundo Hayastan – will finance the second stage
reconstruction of the Nork-Marash Infectious Diseases Hospital located
in the Republic of Armenia. The healthcare facility is unique in its
kind and serves the entire population of the republic, since no other
facility exists for the treatment and diagnosis of various types of
infectious diseases. The hospital’s staff recently underwent extensive
training to counter threats from the avian bird flu – H1N1 strain, which
recently appeared in Armenia’s neighboring countries. The program will
primarily focus on the hospital’s intensive care and recovery unit – a
critical department of the facility. The project is slated for
completion later in 2006.

Built in 1956, the hospital is a Soviet era structure lacking serious
maintenance and repair. It was poorly designed – creating healthcare
programmatic challenges and seriously falling below Western standards
and protocols.

In 2004, financing provided by the Brazilian affiliate, allowed Armenia
Fund to proceed with critical reconstruction works at the first floor of
the hospital. Among various renovations, the first stage project
installed lavatory units in each patient’s ward – significantly reducing
the spread of diseases from one patient to another. The former plan had
one lavatory unit for the entire floor. Additionally, a new roof was
constructed to withstand the harsh winter climate of the republic. Most
importantly, the first stage solved all heating issues, with the
installation of a modern heating system. Complementing this plan was the
placement of new windows and doors to prevent unnecessary heat loss from
the building.

With the completion of the first stage, the Brazilian affiliate will now
move to the second phase with reconstruction works focusing on the
second floor and the rehabilitation department. Armenia Fund and its 19
international affiliates from all continents continue to rally the
financial and moral resources of the Diaspora for critically needed
development projects within the fledgling republic. For more
information, please visit or call 800-888-8897.

Armenia Fund, Inc., is a non-profit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt corporation
established in 1994 to facilitate large-scale humanitarian and
infrastructure development assistance to Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh.
Armenia Fund, Inc. is the U.S. Western Region affiliate of “Hayastan”
All-Armenian Fund. Tax ID# 95-4485698

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PRESS OFFICE
Armenian Holy Apostolic Church Canadian Diocese
Contact; Deacon Hagop Arslanian, Assistant to the Primate
615 Stuart Avenue, Outremont Quebec H2V 3H2
Tel; 514-276-9479, Fax; 514-276-9960
Email; [email protected]
Website;
April 25, 2006

* * *

Primate Galstanian Makes an Appeal to the Government of Canada On
Monday, April 24, 2006, His Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galstanian, Primate
of the Armenian Church Canadian Diocese, sent a letter of appreciation
and gratitude to The Right Honorable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of
Canada.In his letter, Bishop Galstanian thanked the Prime Minister for
his courageous action and pressed forward to urge the Harper
government to pass a law condemning all Genocide deniers.

The faithful of our Diocese and Armenian communities of Canada should
note that His Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galstanian met with The Right
Hon. Stephen Harper on March 21, 2006 in the office of the Prime
Minister in Ottawa. The purpose of the meeting was to thank
Mr. Harper for his past support of Bill M-380 in the House of Commons,
and use the opportunity to further the discussion on the Armenian
Genocide. On this occasion, Bishop Galstanian also presented a letter
from His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All
Armenians.

The Diocese of the Armenian Church of Canada, in Montreal, is pleased
to go on record to express its gratification that the accelerated pace
of efforts of the Diocese for recognition of Medz Yeghern has been
successful. This diligent and conscientious process has brought about
a timely and concrete statement from the Office of the Prime Minister.
Mr. Harper signed and sent the statement to Armenian organizations
across Canada on Wednesday April 19, 2006, days leading up to the 91st
anniversary of the Armenian genocide. Following is the letter of
appreciation of Serpazan.

No 2006.102
April 24, 2006
The Right Hon. Stephen Harper
Prime Minister of Canada
80 Wellington Street
Ottawa K1A 0A2
CANADA

Dear Mr. Prime Minister,

The Canadian Armenian communities throughout the Diocese of the
Armenian Church of Canada are commemorating the 91st Anniversary of
Medz Yeghern. This is a solemn time of observance and reflection, as
we honour the memory of our ancestors, who perished in the Armenian
Genocide. This is also a period of renewal and resolution for all
Armenians. We have kept the faith and continue to believe that the
future will bring further understanding of the events of 1915.

It is a true privilege and honor to offer you my highest appreciation
and gratitude upon your statement of acknowledgement of the Armenian
Genocide. Indeed, in our meeting together, only short weeks ago in
your office, you greatly impressed upon us that you are a principled
leader of genuine convictions and beliefs. During our visit, I was
deeply moved to learn of your profound knowledge of our history and
the central issues that concern the Armenian community of Canada.

Honorable Prime Minister, your words of support for the Armenian
Genocide has reaffirmed Canada’s strong commitment to human justice
and universal peace. Following this auspicious occasion, we appeal to
your government to continue in the path of truth and pass a law
condemning all Genocide deniers.

I extend greetings to you from Jerusalem where I am currently on an
Easter pilgrimage. On behalf of our Diocese and all Canadian Armenians
please accept our highest respects for your forthright and steadfast
support. Prayerfully,

Bishop Bagrat Galstanian
Primate of the Armenian Church of Canada.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

AZERBAIJANI PRESIDENT ARRIVES IN WASHINGTON
Aida Sultanova

AP Worldstream
Apr 26, 2006

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliev arrived late Tuesday in Washington,
where Iran, energy supplies and the nearly two-decade-old conflict
over his country’s ethnic Armenian-dominated Nagorno-Karabakh enclave
were expected to top the agenda during his visit.

Azerbaijan has sought to carefully balance its aspirations for closer
cooperation with the United States with Russia and its volatile
neighbor Iran. Now the nation of 7.9 million faces the question of
whether it should join in pressuring Tehran to abandon its alleged
nuclear arms program _ a topic certain to come up in Aliev’s White
House meeting with U.S. President George W. Bush later in the week.

For his part, Aliev will be looking for the United States to pledge to
put more pressure on Armenia to make concessions in the 18-year-old
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. At least 30,000 people were killed and
1 million made refugees during six years of war that ended with a
shaky cease-fire in 1994. Ethnic Armenian forces occupy the enclave
inside Azerbaijan.

The United States, together with Russia and the Organization for
Security and Cooperation in Europe, is trying to mediate a resolution.

U.S. criticism of Aliev’s domestic policies has been muted, due in
large part to Baku’s role in supplying the West with Caspian Sea oil
through the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline. The first shipments are due
this June, and in the fall the new Baku-Tbilisi-Erzerum gas pipeline
will provide a new source of energy for the Turkish market.

Azerbaijani opposition leaders worried that the Iran issue, too,
had pushed rights concerns further down the U.S. list of priorities.

Foreign observers said last fall’s parliamentary elections, as well
as the 2003 election that cemented Aliev’s grip on power after the
death of his father Geidar Aliev, did not meet international standards.

“We understand that today, the question of Iran is more important than
the problem of Azerbaijan’s democratization,” said Sardar Jamaloglu,
deputy head of the Democratic Party of Azerbaijan.

But there is palpable ambivalence at home about how to handle the
crisis roiling around Iran, its huge Caspian Sea neighbor.

“We maintain relations with both the United States and with Iran,”
said Ali Hasanov, a senior Aliev aide. “The citizens of our country
support close ties with Iran.”

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ARMENIAN PREMIER, LITHUANIAN PRESIDENT DISCUSS COOPERATION

Mediamax news agency
26 Apr 06

Yerevan, 26 April: Lithuanian President Valdas Adamkus said in Yerevan
today that the development of relations with the South Caucasus
countries, which have chosen the European way of development, is
among the foreign policy priorities of Vilnius.

The Lithuanian president said this at a meeting with Armenian Prime
Minister Andranik Markaryan, Mediamax has reported.

Stressing the importance of the international regional initiatives and
long-term cooperation in this direction, Adamkus said that a summit
of heads of state from Baltic and Black Sea countries would be held
in Vilnius on 4-5 May 2006 with the participation of high-ranking
officials from the USA, European Union and NATO.

At the meeting, Andranik Markaryan spoke about the successful
expansion of Armenia’s cooperation with NATO. He said that Armenia
considered this cooperation as one of the key components of its
European integration policy.

Markaryan went on to say that Armenia intended to use Individual
Partnership Action Plan between Armenia and NATO as effective as
possible and hoped for Lithuania’s assistance in this context.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

IF WAR COMMENCES, ARMENIANS TO DEFEAT

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26.04.2006

According to Russian experts, Armenia will be lacking of fuel and oil
Defence & Security magazine published in Moscow disseminated detailed
information about Armenian Armed Forces. According to the magazine,
Azerbaijan military budget 2006 makes up $600 million, but Armenian
budget – $150 million.

Azerbaijan’s GDP is $12.6 billion, but Armenian’s – $4.3
billion. Magazine disseminated this information based on western
sources. There say that Azerbaijan Armed Forces compose of 69900 men.

Regarding defence technology, Azerbaijan has 259 tanks, 328 armoured
forces, 303 shells (122 mm), 49 war-planes, and 15 helicopters.

Armenian Armed Forces’ is numbered 52000 men. They have 102 tanks,
218 armoured forces, 225 shells, 6 war-planes and 9 helicopters.

Magazine says that the largest part of armed forces and defence
technology is stationed in Nagorno-Garabagh. Reportedly the same
sources, the Armenian Army in Garabagh is numbered 20000-25000,
besides, there they have 316 tanks, 324 armoured forces, 322 shells,
and 44 volley missiles.

Magazine underlines that all the above-mentioned is a part of Russian
defence technology handed to Armenia in second half of 1990s.

Thus, according to experts, if war commences, Armenia will defeat. As
they told, in a short time after the hostility Armenia will be lacking
of fuel and oil.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress