Author: Emil Lazarian

WHO SHOULD BE AMONG THIS YEAR’S PICKS FOR THE TIME 100?

Time
April 17, 2006
U.S. Edition

To help make the selection, TIME asked earlier honorees whom they would
select as the world’s most influential people. This week’s installment:

AISHWARYA RAI The ex–Miss World conquered Bollywood and became an
international film star: I would like to submit Oprah Winfrey as my
nomination. There are those who are born to be leaders, and she is
one of them. Oprah is a healer of lost souls. She continues to lead
millions of people to their path of personal happiness. She has a
powerful and generous spirit, with the heart of a goddess. She is
both admired and loved.

ANDREW WEIL An expert in the art of integrating Western medicine with
herbal healing Richard Davidson is a pioneer in exciting mind-body
medicine frontiers. His best-known work focuses on a capacity of
the brain to develop and change throughout life. Using Tibetan monks
as research subjects, he has shown how meditation can improve brain
function. His studies may lead to therapeutic approaches for anxiety
disorders and reveal ways to protect against memory loss and cognitive
decline.

STEPHEN LEWIS The U.N.’s special envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa is the
author of Race Against Time: I suggest Michelle Bachelet, Chile’s
first female President. She has set an astonishing precedent by
appointing a Cabinet of exact gender parity. Also Liberia’s new woman
President, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, who broke the monolithic boys’ club
of Africa. She will bring economic and social justice to her country.

And Zackie Achmat, who leads the world’s most important AIDS activist
organization. He has brought hope to millions living with AIDS
in Africa.

SAMANTHA POWER A Harvard University professor, her book on genocide won
a Pulitzer Prize in 2003: I nominate Turkish novelist Orhan Pamuk. He
has acknowledged his homeland’s genocide against the Armenians and
nearly got himself arrested before the Turks decided their commitment
to and pride in their greatest writer exceeded a commitment to killers
who died almost a century ago. It could bring a cultural change. Also
George Clooney, for the obvious reasons, and the students who led
the divestment movement on campuses for Darfur.

Nagornyy Karabakh Republic urges Armenia, Azerbaijan to maintain
cease-fire

Arminfo, Yerevan
8 Apr 06

Stepanakert, 8 April: Cease-fire violations have lately become more
frequent on the contract line between the armed forces of the Nagornyy
Karabakh and Azerbaijan. This results from the lack of a proper
evaluation of bellicose statements made in Azerbaijan at the top
level, the foreign ministry of the Nagornyy Karabakh republic [NKR]
said in a statement on 8 April.

The incidents, which have increased casualties on the contract line,
are deepening mutual distrust and can seriously escalate tensions in
the Karabakh conflict zone, which threatens stability in the entire
region, the statement said.

“In this connection, the Nagornyy Karabakh republic confirms its
adherence only to the peaceful settlement of the conflict, as well as
its readiness to implement the sides’ open-ended obligations to
maintain the cease-fire, which is confirmed by the 6 February 1995
agreement signed between the defence ministers of the NKR, Armenia and
Azerbaijan. We call on the two other parties that signed the
agreement, namely Azerbaijan and Armenia, to joint our initiative. We
hope that through joint efforts and with the mediation of the OSCE
Minsk Group co-chairmen and other international mediators and
interested sides, it will be possible to confirm our adherence to the
agreement and implement the mechanisms it indicates in order to
localize incidents on the armed forces’ contact line,” the statement
said.

The NKR confirms its position that along with the strict observance of
the cease-fire, other preconditions for a peaceful solution are a
peace process that involves all the parties to the conflict,
confidence-building, the strengthening of democracy and respect for
human rights, the statement said.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

OSCE Office in Yerevan co-organizes international workshop on education
reform in Armenia

ArmRadio.am
06.04.2006 14:05

An international workshop aiming to help further reform in Armenia’s
education system has attracted more than 80 officials and
international experts from Norway, Serbia, Latvia and Georgia.

Participants in the three-day workshop, organized jointly by the OSCE
Office in Yerevan, the Open Society Institute Assistance Foundation,
the British Council and UNICEF, are sharing experiences and best
practices in the field of education policy and management, as well as
education fostering democratic citizenship.

“We appreciate the co-operation with international organizations as
their experience helps us reform the education system in a democratic
manner, which is a strategic goal for the Republic of Armenia” said
Education and Science Minister Sergo Eritsyan.

Jeannette Kloetzer, OSCE Economic and Environmental Officer in
Yerevan, said the OSCE considers environmental education, particularly
of children and youth, crucial.

`Environmental issues should be an integral part of education for
democratic citizenship as fully informed and empowered citizens
benefit democracy, stability and security,’ she said.

She urged participants in the workshop, which ends today, to take
advantage of the National Environmental Information Centres (Aarhus
Centres) established in Yerevan and the Armenian provinces of Syunik,
Tavush and Lori. The centres give the public access to environmental
information.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Is Iran bluffing or not?

20:09|07/ 04/ 2006

MOSCOW. (RIA Novosti political commentator Pyotr Goncharov) — The
world is now discussing the possible use of force by the United States
against Iran.

Many experts said Great Prophet, the latest Iranian military exercise
in the Persian Gulf, highlighted Tehran’s determination based on real
military might. Still, others say Iran was merely bluffing.

The Iranian media reported that the national Armed Forces were testing
unique up-to-date weapons and equipment in the Gulf. Notably, Iran
successfully test-fired a high-speed, maneuverable and heat-seeking
Misaq-1 surface-to-air missile (SAM), as well as a medium-range and
remote-controlled Kowsar surface-to-sea missile, which zeroes in on
its target and which can successfully cope with ECM (Electronic
Counter-Measures) systems. Iran also tested a modern flying boat that
can skim waves at up to 100 knots.

The new Fajr-3 radar-evading ballistic missile and the Hut torpedo,
the Iranian Navy’s fastest underwater weapon with a speed of 100
meters per second, were also launched.

Iran made it clear that it completely controlled the Strait of Hormuz,
through which the Middle East exports 80% of its oil. Tehran also said
it was ready for war, and that any encroachment on its interests in
the Persian Gulf would

meet with a resolute response from the water, from under the water,
from the air, from islands and the coast.

The United States and Israel, which are Tehran’s main opponents,
reacted skeptically to this show of force and said Iran was
deliberately bluffing and over-exaggerating its military potential in
the context of possible UN Security Council (UNSC) sanctions.

These statements seem logical because six U.S. carrier task forces are
far more powerful than the Iranian Armed Forces. Four of them are
deployed in the Persian Gulf, while two others are plying the southern
Mediterranean. Each carrier task force has 80 to 90 modern warplanes,
compared to the 360 aircraft of the Iranian Air Force. According to
experts, the technical state of 40-60% of these planes leaves much to
be desired.

The Pentagon would therefore easily establish regional air supremacy
over the Persian Gulf, just like it did in the war against Iraq. It
should not be doubted that U.S. warplanes would destroy any
potentially hostile ship in the Strait of Hormuz and deprive Tehran of
its ship-launched Fajr-3 missiles and Hut torpedoes.

Why did Iran hold these war games at a time when it apparently does
not stand a chance against the six U.S. carrier task forces, which
have better personnel and impressive combat cohesion?

Tehran does not seem to be bluffing because it has enough time to
think and to bargain with the UNSC and the United States. Moreover,
Iran could still display its determination to defend uranium
enrichment rights within its nuclear program.

Experts say the United States will not attack Iran before September,
if it sums up resolve to do so. General James L. Jones, Supreme Allied
Commander Europe, said the International Security Assistance Force
(ISAF) would establish complete control over Afghanistan this August,
rather than in October-November 2006. The United States will not
declare war on Iran, unless it makes sure that Afghanistan is secured.

On the other hand, Washington should not delay the Iranian operation
in the context of the congressional election this
November. Consequently, September – October seem like an optimal
deadline for attacking Iran.

Iran therefore has enough time to display its determination and to
accomplish several objectives. For instance, it could try to persuade
the international community that Washington’s efforts aiming to force
Tehran to renounce its right to uranium enrichment operations are both
dangerous and unjustified. Iran could also try to convince the UNSC
that its nuclear file should be returned to the International Atomic
Energy Agency (IAEA). And, finally, Iran, which unequivocally wants to
be a leading Mideastern power, could make Washington nervous and show
that the United States is not omnipotent. It seems that Tehran will
not give up its positions without a fight and that it will try to
force Washington to heed its interests.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Tehran ‘lobbies’ for US talks
By Guy Dinmore in Washington

FT
April 7 2006 03:00

Iran has prepared a high-level delegation to hold talks with the US,
but the Bush administration, which insists negotiations be limited to
the subject of Iraq, is resisting a wide-ranging agenda, Iranian
politicians have told the Financial Times.

A senior Iranian official, Mohammad Nahavandian, has flown to
Washington to “lobby” over the issue, according to a top Iranian
adviser outside the US.

However, the Iranian mission to the United Nations said he was in
Washington on private business.

Iran’s willingness to engage the US on Iraq, regional security and its
nuclear programmes is believed to have the approval of the supreme
leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. It represents the most serious attempt
by the Islamic republic to reach out to the US since the 1979 Islamic
revolution.

“There are none and none are scheduled,” Stephen Hadley, national
security adviser, was quoted by a spokesman as saying about the
prospect of talks with the Iranian delegation in Baghdad next week.

A senior Iranian adviser said the Iranian delegation was headed by Ali
Hossein-Tash, the main deputy to Ali Larijani who is secretary of the
Supreme National Security Council and the chief official dealing with
the nuclear issue.

Three other negotiators, all attached to the council, include a deputy
intelligence minister who was previously based in Baghdad, a former
Revolutionary Guards member and Kurdish expert, and a political
specialist.

Mr Nahavandian, a deputy for economic affairs to Mr Larijani, is in
Washington, several Iranian sources told the FT, revealing the rare
presence of a senior Iranian in the US capital. White House and State
Department officials denied all knowledge of his presence.

The Bush administration is resisting pressure from its European allies
to engage Iran directly over its alleged nuclear weapons programme
rather than leave negotiations to the EU3 of France, Germany and the
UK. Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the German foreign minister, raised this
with Mr Hadley this week, and Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, is
understood to have spoken about it with President George W. Bush.

Javad Zarif, the Iranian ambassador to the United Nations, stressed
Iran’s willingness to talk in an opinion piece published by the New
York Times yesterday. He denied US claims that Iran had a covert
nuclear weapons programme and said Iran was ready for intrusive
international inspections.

“Pressure and threats do not resolve problems. Finding solutions
requires political will and a readiness to engage in serious
negotiations. Iran is ready.

We hope the rest of the world will join us,” he said.

One US insider suggested the Bush administration might agree to
broaden the agenda after an initial meeting restricted to Iraq. The US
offer of talks about Iraq was made several months ago by Zalmay
Khalilzad, US ambassador to Baghdad.

Meanwhile, the US rhetoric is sounding progressively tougher. Nicholas
Burns, under-secretary of state, yesterday accused Iran of being
“expansionist”, “a central banker of terrorism” and directing attacks
on US citizens. Last week, the UN Security Council issued a mildly
worded presidential statement calling on Iran to resume its suspension
of fuel cycle development.

Russia blocked tougher language. John Bolton, US ambassador to the UN,
said yesterday the next step was to pass a legally binding “chapter
seven” resolution requiring Iran to suspend its nuclear programme.

Additional reporting by Negar Roshanzamir in Tehran

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

POLITICAL WILL

Aravot.am
07 April 06

Passionate speeches of the authority about corruption, GRECO and
GOPAC, seminars and conferences will give results only in a case if
the authority and all official and non official structures want indeed
to realize that fight. It is spoken of «political
will». But just its demonstration seems to me from the sphere
of fantastic.

Let’s observe some characteristic cases. I’m one of the officials of
the ruling clique of the country and support the business of
destroying the House of Cinematography and Writers and building a
multistory building instead. I have supported such business for the
last 3-4 years and earned millions. Why should I display a `political
will’ and won’t earn next million and not support for destroying for
example Opera House or Matenadaran.

Or, for example, I’m a chief of `cadastre’ or `tax service’ and drive
a car which I can’t buy by my 300 year celery. What can me make
display a ` political will’ and not to change my `Mercedes’ with
`Hummer’.

Or, I’m a principal of a school and make the teacher gather money from
the parents of pupils. Where should I find a `will’ inside me not to
do it?

Especially when I’m very important person for the ruling clique
because as the chairman of regional commission, I take part actively
in the falsification of elections.

We approached to a problem in solving which we need in a political
will. It is said that the authorities should display political will
for holding fair elections. But it is as unreal as the case of
corruption is. If I’m an oligarch and fill a post, I’m a wealthy
person and have businesses, why should I refuse of all these for the
reason that some people fill some papers into ballot boxes. I will do
everything for being reelected and for the candidate of the authority
become the president.

In short if a person have something it is excluded that he will
display a will for refusing of it. If certainly he isn’t mad and isn’t
under influence of Tolstoy’s heroes. But those persons are very few in
all over the world.

Aram Abrahamian

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PanARMENIAN.Net

Lavrov: OSCE MG Working at Proposals on Karabakh Issue

07.04.2006 23:09 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The Russian and Armenian Foreign
Minister exchanged views on the settlement process of
various conflicts available near the Armenian and
Russian borders. They discussed the situation in the
Near East and Iran’s nuclear program, Russian FM
Sergey Lavrov stated at a joint press conference with
Vartan Oskanian.

In his words, everything within the limits of the
possible should be done to secure the diplomatic
settlement of the problems available. `This refers to
the situation in the Balkans and the negotiation
process on Kosovo. We certainly discussed the Nagorno
Karabakh settlement as well. Russia is one of the
three Co-chairs assisting the parties to reach
mutually admissible agreements. There are some
sketches submitted by the mediators and they are being
considered by the parties at present,’ the RF FM
remarked, reported the RF MFA press service.

Sergey Lavrov also noted that the OSCE MG is
constantly working at the proposals that can be then
submitted to the parties’ consideration. `Over some
understandable reasons we not reveal the details,
since they refer to the parties to conflict only. We
believe that the mediating mission will help the sides
to reach agreement. This is the key to the
settlement,’ the Russian Minister said.

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From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PanARMENIAN.Net

Amnesty International: CIA Secret Planes Landed in
Azerbaijan

08.04.2006 01:15 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Amnesty International, a worldwide
movement of people who campaign for internationally
recognized human rights, has issued a new report on
the CIA secret prisons in foreign states. The 20-page
report contains the stories of seven prisoners, who
were subjected to torture in the secret jails. They
are Arabs and a German citizen of Syrian origin.

The report maintains the data on the flights of the
planes of the third states conveying the prisoners to
the secret jails for most part situated on the
territories of the NATO member states. Among the
countries where the planes landed Russia, Uzbekistan,
Spain, Switzerland, Cyprus, Libya and Azerbaijan are mentioned.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

AZG Armenian Daily #064, 08/04/2006

Poll

ARMENIAN YOUTH ISN’T ABLE TO CARRY OUT DECISIVE POLITICAL ACTIONS

25% of Youth Avoids Politics At All

This conclusion was made after the recent public poll carried out by
the Sociometer independent sociology center. The public poll was
carried out among 1000 students of different universities at the age
of 18-30 and 100 non-student young people. Democracy and Election
Assistance International Institution ordered the public poll. The
institute has members in 56 countries. The public poll showed the
level of the young people’s political awareness and their political
activeness in the social-economic reforms that currently take place in
the country. The results of the poll responded the question whether
the Armenian young people resemble those in Ukraine and Georgia that
took main part in the color revolutions in these countries. “This was
no direct question but the results of the public poll responded this
question, as well,” Aharon Adibekian, head of the center stated.
According to the public poll, 25% of the Armenian youth avoids
politics at all. They are not interested either in the political
events or in the world, the moral rules of the adults. 75% of them
displays some interest in the political events, follow the news over
TV twice or trice a week or reads newspapers sometimes.

The social activeness level of the youth is considerably higher. 50%
of them is ready to participate in the activities of various
volunteer, students or other organizations. About 10% of the youth are
already members of such organizations, including public, ecological,
legal, or social unions. Only 5% of the questioned stated that they
participate in the political activities. Some are included in the
parties or electoral committees as observers or committee members.

In response to the question what is beyond passiveness of our youth,
Adibekian said that it is conditioned by traditional lifestyle, as
well as by the respect to the elder. The generation that will be
psychologically, economically or socially independent from its parents
isn’t matured yet. Only being independent the young people will be
able to take political decisions and be active in politics.

The questioned youth were extremely discontent with the corruption in
the universities, with social conditions and hardship. But all these
negative factors do not create tension to make them rebel and take
decisive steps to change the life. This is testified by the fact that
the level of young people’s participation in the rallies is too low.

At the same time, at present the large Armenian parties create their
youth branches.

Adibekian said that this factor is an artificial contribution to the
political activation of the youth.

By Karine Danielian

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

AZG Armenian Daily #064, 08/04/2006

Home

GOVERNMENT HAS NO SPECIFIED POSITION IN ISSUE OF SELLING ARMENTEL

The Greek OTE Company informed on its website about the decision to
sell 90% of ArmenTel shares. Hasmik Chutilian, press secretary of
ArmenTel also confirmed this information. She added that OTE informed
RA Government about its decision, according to the License #60 the
company was given.

Neither RA Transport and Communication Ministry nor RA Government’s
Press Service responded our question about the position of RA
government on this decision of OTE. We can suppose that the government
hasn’t discussed this issue yet, and has no position.

While the government is specifying its position, rumors already
circulate about the probable buyers of ArmenTel. Thus, the Russian
Rostelecom, Vimpelcom, MTS and Megaphone may buy the company. But this
is a mere supposition. First of all, OTE has only announced about its
decision to sell ArmenTel and the process of selling such a large
company lasts long because of documentation issues. It’s noteworthy
that OTE bought ArmenTel for $142 million, and at present the company
costs much more, as large-scale investments have been done here. It’s
not excluded that RA Government will have its own “candidate” for
carrying out purchase of ArmenTel.

By Ara Martirosian

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress