Author: Emil Lazarian

ROMANIA: BLACK SEA FORUM DISCUSSES “FROZEN CONFLICTS” IN ARMENIA, MOLDOVA
Rompres news agency, Bucharest
5 Jun 06
Bucharest, 5 June: The Black Sea Forum for Partnership and Dialogue
organized in Bucharest was an opportunity for Armenian and Azeri
Presidents Robert Kocharian and Ilham Aliyev to resume dialogue
regarding the Nagorno-Karabakh enclave.
Romanian President Traian Basescu specified during the Forum
discussions that the heads of the two Caucasian states have taken
advantage of their presence at the event to resume negotiations on
the Nagorno-Karabakh issue.
According to the Romanian chief of state, Presidents Aliyev and
Kocharian had a round of talks on Sunday 4 June and top-level
negotiations will continue with a new round scheduled for after the
end of the summit in Bucharest.
President Kocharian stated at the summit that the Caucasian states
are divided by ethnic conflicts and the Forum organized by Romania
“offers the favourable setting” for the solving of these conflicts.
“We are willing to continue the dialogue with Azerbaijan in order
to have the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh settled, and with Turkey,
with a view to establishing relations free of any preconditions,”
said the head of the Armenian state.
On the other hand, President Aliyev hailed the initiative of the
launch of the Black Sea Forum, because it offers the possibility for
a common approach of the “continuous threat of the frozen conflicts
in Nagorno-Karabakh, Abkhazia and South Ossetia and Dniester Region,
that all have the same causes and the same effect, the infringement
of the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, Georgia and the Republic
of Moldova”.
Aliyev underscored that a discussion regarding the territorial
integrity of Azerbaijan is out of question, that the authorities in
Baku cannot tolerate or acknowledge illegal entities on the national
territory and called on the international community not to legitimate
these breakaway regimes.
Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili too underscored that the
Black Sea region includes areas with lasting oppressive regimes that
infringe on human rights every day by forbidding people to speak
their mother tongue and freely use their culture, tradition and
religion. Saakashvili called the separatist regimes in the region
that have survived here for more than a decade “the democracies of
the cannibals” – built on crimes and territory violation of sovereign
states in the early ’90s – and asked the international community not to
accept the legalization thereof. The Georgian president underscored
that his country would continue negotiations with the Russian
Federation for the withdrawal of the troops from Georgia’s national
territory, but insisted that the talks be carried on equal footing.
President of the Republic of Moldova, Vladimir Voronin, voiced
discontent that the statement adopted by the summit of the Forum in
Bucharest “mentions only in passing the failure to settle the frozen
conflicts” and that the subject is not approached “directly and
unambiguously”. “The separatism of Dniester Region, which challenges
the Republic of Moldova, is induced and supported from outside. We can
no longer keep silent because we are convinced that only by publicly
and straightforwardly asserting this can we get closer to the quick
settlement of this conflict,” said President Voronin.
The final statement adopted in Bucharest by the state representatives
of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Greece, Georgia, the Republic of
Moldova, Romania, Ukraine and Turkey points out that the “unsettled
conflicts in certain states in the Black Sea region are a challenge
to regional security and stability”.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

NO PROGRESS WAS REPORTED IN BUCHAREST
Lragir.am
06 June 06
The recurrent meeting of the presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan
finished in Bucharest. On June 4 the presidents met and talked for
over 4 hours, while on June 5 their meeting lasted for 40 minutes. No
details of the meeting are reported. It is possible that there were
no details at all. After the meeting Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan
Oskanyan merely stated June 5 that no progress was reported, and
the foreign ministers were instructed to look for new approaches
to reach agreement. After finding one the presidents will meet
again. And Stephan Mann told that the OSCE Co-Chairs will meet to
discuss the outcome of the meeting of the presidents and decide on
further activities.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

TURKS TRYING TO IMPEDE GENOCIDE LAW DISCUSSION IN DUTCH PARLIAMENT
Yerkir
06.06.2006 12:02
YEREVAN (YERKIR) – Enacting the proposed law presented to the Dutch
Parliament which criminalizes denial of the Armenian Genocide is
decidedly difficult.
Turkish origin Dutch parliamentarian, Fadime Orgu, considers that
legislative proposal that upset Turks in the Netherlands will be
delayed in the commission. Orgu said the Armenian lobby seeking
the support of the public opinion in various countries now tries to
stir the Netherlands, “the country of tolerance”, and Turks in the
Netherlands will not allow this to happen.
Turkish Deputy said: “We will deal with the matter with our friends
within and outside the party. We need to be calm, strategic and
diplomatic. A huge responsibility has been entrusted to Turkish civil
institutions, businessmen and the public. If we strengthen our lobby,
we can stop the draft in its initial stage.” Orgu said it will be
very difficult to pass the draft even if it passes the commission,
reported Zaman.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

NO PROGRESS AT KOCHARIAN-ALIYEV MEETING IN BUCHAREST
PanARMENIAN.Net
06.06.2006 13:32 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ No progress was made at the meeting between
Armenian President Robert Kocharian and his Azeri counterpart Ilham
Aliyev in Bucharest, Armenian FM Vartan Oskanian said. In his words,
matters over which Armenian and Azeri presidents failed to reach
consensus in Rambouillet, were not agreed upon in Bucharest. At
that he noted that the Kocharian-Aliyev meeting was held in a normal
atmosphere. “Nevertheless the FMs of the two countries are commissioned
to continue talks over settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict and
try to find common points before the next meeting of the presidents,”
Oskanian added.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ELMAR MAMMADYAROV: NO SERIOUS PROGRESS ACHIEVED IN BUCHAREST
ArmRadio.am
06.06.2006 16:17
“We cannot say that considerable progress was achieved during the
last meeting of Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan in Bucharest
and there is necessity to match up the positions of the parties,”
said Elmar Mammadyarov, Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan.
He said that “June 6-7 the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs will hold extra
meetings in Bucharest, Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan will hold
another round of talks if necessary.”
“There is still hope for peaceful settlement, and we intend to continue
taking efforts in this direction,” Mammadyarov said.
“The work directed at bringing the positions closer continues. The
issue of return of occupied territories and the return of refugees to
their homes is out of the agenda of discussions,” the Azeri Foreign
Minister said.
Elmar Mammadyarov noted that “as for the case of economic autonomy,
the Azeri side does not rule out implementation of the Trieste model,
which also provides for broad autonomy.”
“However, the issue of autonomy refers not only to the Armenian
community of Nagorno-Karabakh but also the Azeri one,” the Foreign
minister said, underlining that “the referendum issue has found its
clear expression in the Constitution of Azerbaijan.”
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ALBERT BAZEYAN DOES NOT EXPECT POSITIVE RESULT FROM THE MEETING IN BUCHAREST
ArmRadio.am
06.06.2006 16:56
In the current stage of negotiations over Karabakh conflict settlement
the positions of the parties are divergent, therefore, President of
the “National Revival” Party Albert Bazeyan does not expect positive
result from the meeting in Bucharest. Moreover, it’s not worth saying
that the negotiations over the Karabakh issue can impact the internal
political situation, although, according to Bazeyan, there are forces,
which would like the talks to end counter to Armenia’s interests,
since it would be a good reason for disputes.
The “National Revival” has not decided the format of participating
in 2007 parliamentary elections. Most probably it will not go alone,
but in alliance with opposition political forces. There is still time
for final corrections.
What does today’s National Assembly present? According to Bazeyan,
it is a Parliament where Deputies are brought to vote.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

CEREMONIAL HELD IN REPUBLIC SQUARE
A1+
[12:14 pm] 06 June, 2006
The Armenian chess team arrived at the airport “Zvartnots” on June 6
where the team was met by many journalists, high rank officials and
chess fans. They were very confused and couldn’t speak about their
participation in the Olympiad properly. Anyway they answered the
questions of the journalists.
Arshak Petrosyan, chief coach of the team noted that it was a
historical moment for all Armenians. “Our team was really strong and
deserved the victory,” claimed Petrosyan.
The leader of the team Levon Aronyan left for Germany from Turin where
he is to participate in club meetings. His close friend and Grand
Master Gabriel Sargsyan informed that Levon will likely visit Armenia
in close future. Asked the question how he managed to participate
in 13 meetings and gain 10 points Sargsyan answered, “I was lucky,
and the coaches trusted me.”
Armenian Grand Masters headed for Republic Square from the airport
“Zvartnots” where a ceremonial was held with the participation of
the Armenian song stars.
The chess players again made speeches in the square and couldn’t
conceal their excitement. Serge Sargsyan, chairman of the Armenian
Chess Federation noted that but for the Armenians’ assistance the
chess players wouldn’t win.
“I want to assure you that your assistance was vital during the
Olympiad,” said Serge Sargsyan addressing the crowds of people gathered
in Republic Square.
Then he danced with the chess players whole-heartedly.
The ceremonial ended with firework.
It is noteworthy that Prime Minister Andranik Margaryan, NA Speaker
Tigran Torosyan, the leaders of law enforcing bodies and many high
rank officials also went to meet the champions at the airport and
participated in the ceremonial.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

VAHRAM NERSISYAN NAMED POLITICIAN OF THE YEAR
ArmRadio.am
05.06.2006 17:13
Together with the “Enemy of the press” and other similar negative
titles, often awarded to our politicians, we should not forget the
positive. The young should be shown a good example. According to
the survey among state o fficials, carried out by the Youth Party
of Armenia, Adviser to the President Vahram Nersisyan is the most
exemplary. The latter was awarded a diploma by President of the Youth
Party Sargis Asatryan.
In our country a post is the shortest way to well-being. Vahram
Nersisyan, however, suggests his own theory, “The state official
should content with a modest life. The pleasure of an official is
occupying his post, not getting reach through this position,” Adviser
to RA President said.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PRIME MINISTER WILL ASK PRESIDENT AS SOON AS HE IS BACK
Lragir.am
05 June 06
On June 4 the standing committees of the National Assembly started
discussing the performance of the state budget 2005. The first debate
was attended by Prime Minister Andranik Margaryan. The questions of
the reporters were not only about budget performance.
“Two main posts in the country are occupied by Republicans. What
grounds do you have for such confidence?”
Andranik Margaryan: “We did not avoid responsibility. We have a duty
to fulfill, if we have entered politics and ran for elections with
a clear program, it means we realized the difficulty we would face?”
“Will you spare some office for Sergo Yeritsyan or did you let
him down?”
Andranik Margaryan: “Who said that we let him down? I haven’t promised
him anything.”
“They promised him the post of adviser to president.”
Andranik Margaryan: “Well, if they promised, they will keep their
promise.
The president is not here. I will ask him as soon as he is back.”
“Why do teachers intensively affiliate with your party? Recently it
was reported in the region of Armavir.”
Andranik Margaryan: “They affiliate with not only the Republican
Party. As for the complaints from the region of Armavir, I know. They
are not real.
Nothing extraordinary has happened, there are no such
considerations. The party has always accepted members, and not only
teachers but workers of other spheres. If you remember, last year
the Republican Party announced after its congress that changes will
be made inside the party, we will get rid of opportunists, people,
who exist on lists only. People become enrolled, years pass, but
they do not work actively. Naturally, we do not want to exaggerate
the number of party members. The lists of the members were reviewed,
some members were dismissed, others quit themselves and joined other
parties. This is a natural process for each party. There is no need
to look for sensations.”
“Judging by the tense relations between the Armenian Revolutionary
Federation and the Attorney General, can we say that a new scandal
is coming up inside the government?”
Andranik Margaryan: “No, those were separate cases. We will be trying
to settle everything.”
“What do you think, are there drawbacks in the budget performance?”
Andranik Margaryan: “I am satisfied with the performance of the state
budget in 2005. With regard to some points that the expenditures were
not complete.
But it is not because of setbacks in the programs. Purchases by the
State Agency for Purchases allow cutting the costs. Several programs
were not implemented. These are mainly loan programs, particularly
in the health sector.
These had been transferred to the year 2006.”
“You were satisfied with the work of the former minister of
culture. The minister was replaced, however.”
Andranik Margaryan: “It was the result of political arrangements,
not the work of the minister.”
“Before becoming part of power, the United Labor Party announced
that they were going to be tough with the coalition. Gurgen Arsenyan
accompanied you during your last visit. What was his attitude?”
Andranik Margaryan: “There was no toughness.”
“Do you think it is possible that the government will receive a vote
of no confidence connected with the performance of the budget?”
Andranik Margaryan: “But there must be some reason. Even the political
purposes need to have a ground. A political demand is not determined
by wishes.
One needs to have a ground for success.”

ROBERT KOCHARYAN DELIVERED A SPEECH AT THE SUMMIT OF THE BLACK SEA FORUM FOR DIALOGUE AND PARTNERSHIP
ArmRadio.am
05.06.2006 17:48
Summit of the Black Sea Forum for Dialogue and Partnership started
today in Bucharest. The event was attended by Presidents, Prime
Ministers and Foreign Ministers from a number of countries,
high officials from EU, NATO, OSCE and the Council of Europe,
representatives of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization, as
well as experts from Europe and South America. The Armenian delegation
was headed by President Robert Kocharyan, who delivered a speech at
the summit. President Kocharyan said, in particular, “First of all,
let me thank President Basesku for initiating this Forum and for the
extended hospitality.
Countries of the Black Sea region have rich and at the same time
dramatic history of co-existence. The Black Sea has always been
a center of strategic interest. This led to many devastating wars
that have formed its current political map, ethnic and religious
diversity. However, this all has also resulted in substantial
interrelation of our cultures and traditions. Partially that is
why there are so many similarities in the process of transformation
underway in our countries. This is true in case with the internal
transformation, aimed at deepening of democracy and transparency of
the society. This also influences the shaping of new types of foreign
interactions in the context of the changing world.
We are present at the formation of new dynamic processes, changing
the region, forming new perceptions about it. Two objective questions
come across: how possible is a common direction of development of the
region? Will this lead to the formation of the new regional identity,
based on a common interest and inherited cultural interaction? Our
Forum is called to address these challenging issues.
We shall first evaluate the level of motivation in each country of
the region. Secondly, we shall work out approaches increasing our
mutual will for partnership.
For Armenia, with limited natural resources and emphasized
entrepreneurial mentality of the people, the choice was
clear. Transformation for us primarily meant the liberalization of
economy, open trade regimes, and a competitive environment. These
reforms substantially changed the structure of Armenian economy. Today
over 85 per cent of GDP is produced in private sector, with over 40
per cent of it being produced in small and medium businesses. Annual
growth of GDP during last five years has averaged at above 12 per
cent. It is natural, that we watch openness and regional cooperation
as the most effective way for our development.
Only lazy people do not speak about benefits of regional
cooperation. It is an axiom, which however comes across many obstacles,
which are often of a subjective nature. There is a need for pragmatic
evaluation of the positive and negative realities.
Let us first assess what unites us: -Commitment to a common system
of values and readiness to play along the same rules; -Obvious,
tangible economic benefit of regional integration processes; -Common
challenges and threats to the stability and security caused by the
increasing transnational crime, extremism and terrorism.
Meanwhile, we are divided by: -Unresolved ethnic conflicts; -Certain
deficit of trust, caused by the negative experiences of the history
of the region.
I am confident that we shall concentrate on those elements which
unite us.
We shall take steps to harmonize our reforms, achieve unification of
trade regimes and transportation tariffs. There is a need for joint
investment projects in the infrastructures of the region. First of all,
for energy and transportation projects, covering the entire Black Sea
basin, and increasing its economic attractiveness. This will create
favorable environment for resolution of existing conflicts. Through
cooperation to the settlement, through communication to a bigger
trust – that is the best formula for overcoming the controversies,
based on a search for a common interest.
In this context we are ready to continue dialogue with Azerbaijan
for the settlement of the Nagorno Karabagh conflict and with Turkey
on establishing relations without any preconditions.”
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress