Author: Emil Lazarian

ARMAN KIRAKOSIAN DISCUSSED ARMENIAN-CZECH RELATIONS

PanARMENIAN.Net
06.04.2006 01:18 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ April 3-4 Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister
Arman Kirakosian paid a visit Czechia, reported the RA MFA press
office. During the visit Arman Kirakosian met with First Deputy
to Czech FM Jaroslav Basta and Director General for Territorial
Administration Jaromir Plisek. Besides, he met with Czech Parliament
Vice-speaker Edvard Outrata and Deputy Chair of the Committee on
External Affairs Jan Kavan. The parties discussed the expansion of
the Armenian-Czech interparliamentary ties and the forthcoming visit
of Czech parliamentarians to Armenia. Arman Kirakosian also held a
meeting with representatives of the Armenian community.

GEORGIAN GOVERNMENT’S LITTLE AID TO SAMTSKHE-JAVAKHETI FARMERS

Lragir.am
06 April 06

The news agency A-Info informed that the government of Georgia decided
to distribute 25 kg of fertilizers to every family in the rural areas
of Samtskhe-Javakheti.

The Ministry of Agriculture of Georgia and the administration of
the representative of the Georgian president in Samtskhe-Javakheti
estimated that 1096 tons of fertilizer will be distributed to 47
844 families. The aid will first be distributed in the regions of
Akhaltskha, Aspindza, Adigeni and Borjomi, which have lower altitude,
and then in Akhalkalaki and Ninotsminda.

It should be noted that 25 kg of fertilizers is too little for the
smallest farm, for an average farm needs an average of 500-1000 kg
in spring.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PROGRAM OF PEOPLE’S UNIVERSITIES IN SAMTSKHE-JAVAKHETI

Lragir.am
06 April 06

The news agency A-Info informed that the EU and the German Association
of People’s Universities are planning to implement a 30-month education
program in Samtskhe-Javakheti, costing 500 000 euros.

According to the director of EU projects Adriana Longon, the purpose
of this program is to defend the rights of Armenians living in
Samtskhe-Javakheti and their integration with the country’s civil
society.

It is foreseen to establish people’s universities in Akhaltskha and
Akhalkalaki, where a civic education program will be implemented.

Besides getting legal knowledge in these universities 6300 people
will attend courses of the Georgian language. There will be also
courses of handcraft to encourage small business.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

SPEAKER SAYS LAW DEFIES PRIVILEGES

Lragir.am
06 April 06

A two-day international conference of representatives of the
parliament, the government, the civil society, the mass media and
international foreign organizations started April 6 on the role of
National Assembly – civil society cooperation in the struggle against
corruption. The conference was organized by the National Assembly of
Armenia, the Eurasia Foundation, the OSCE, the United States and UNDP.

During the sessions debates will be held on corruption and black
economy, the role of the public control bodies and mass media in the
struggle against corruption, and other issues.

The conference was opened by Speaker Arthur Baghdasaryan. Considering
the struggle against corruption a political priority, Arthur
Baghdasaryan emphasized 10 main directions. The activity of
governmental agencies must be transparent and effective. “We cannot
spend both much and badly, we have to consolidate government expenses
and upgrade their effectiveness.” The second priority is, according
to the speaker, persistent and unbiased application of the law. “The
law must not allow privileges, the law must not accept voluntarism,
bureaucracy, official abuse in the struggle against corruption.” The
third priority is to enhance struggle against black economy and fourth,
“progress is impossible without judicial reforms.” “The citizens must
be aware of their rights. The motto “if you do not know your rights,
you do not have rights” is up-to-date.” This is the fifth priority that
Arthur Baghdasaryan pointed out. Hence the speaker of the parliament
emphasizes the importance of civil society and free press, as well
as the parliament’s controlling functions in finance. Responsibility
and “consistent and coordinated struggle” is the way to reach this,
believes Arthur Baghdasaryan.

In this anti-corruption plan Arthur Baghdasaryan lays emphasis on
membership to GOPAC. About 200 parliamentarians of over 60 countries
are members of this organization, established in 2002. The three main
components of the working style of this organization are mutual aid,
clearly-set goals and training among government officials on their
role.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA
—————————————— —-
PRESS AND INFORMATION DEPARTMENT
375010 Telephone: +37410. 544041 ext 202
Fax: +37410. 562543
Email: [email protected]

PRESS RELEASE

05-04-2006

Minister Oskanian Receives Fokion Fotiadis, European Commission’s Deputy
Director General of Directorate General for External Relations

Minister Oskanian, on April 5, received Fokion Fotiadis, the European
Commission’s Deputy Director of the Directorate General for External
Relations who was in Armenia on a working visit.

Congratulating the guest on his appointment, Minister Oskanian expressed
hope that this first meeting will be the beginning of close cooperation. The
Minister also noted that Armenia intends to deepen its partnership with the
European Commission’s Directorate General for External Relations.

The two discussed the Armenia-EU relationship. They focused on regional
energy issues and specifically Armenia’s energy security and sources of
diversification. In this regard, they exchanged views on the energy
potential of the South Caucasus and nearby regions, as well as the prospects
for safe utilization of the atomic energy.

The Minister and the Deputy Director General discussed in detail the pace
and progress of the European Neighbourhood Policy Action Plan elaboration
process. They assessed highly the two stages of consultations already held
in this connection and expressed confidence that it will be possible to
conclude the Action Plan during the third round of discussions in May and to
pass to its implementation.

Stressing the need for conflict settlement in the region, the two spoke
about the Nagorno Karabakh conflict and prospects for its peaceful
settlement. In this regard, Minister Oskanian presented the latest
developments in the negotiations process.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

AZERI LAWYER FAILED TO UNDERSTAND HUNGARIAN PROSECUTOR

PanARMENIAN.Net
05.04.2006 19:27 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ “The prosecutor demanded 30-year imprisonment
for Ramil Safarov accused of the murder of Armenian officer Gurgen
Margaryan,” Safarov’s defender Adil Ismaylov said. Meanwhile as
PanARMENIAN.Net agency reported earlier, actually the Hungarian
prosecutor demanded life imprisonment at that 30 years without
the right of amnesty. The prosecutor said the murder was committed
with extreme cruelty and is a threat for the national security of
Hungary. He also underscored that when committing the crime Safarov
was sane.

Adil Ismaylov said that Safarov’s lawyers submitted a petition for
one more medical-forensic examination, since the results of the
previous ones differ. However the judge declined the petition and
said the decision will base on the examinations conducted. Lawyers
representing both sides addressed the court April 4.

Ismaylov also informed Safarov will make his last statement April 13.

It should be noted that Hungarian lawyer Gabriela Kaspar stated that
Margaryan’s murder should be classified as genocide since it was
committed through national hatred.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

SEZER SPEAKS GUARDEDLY ABOUT KARABAKH ISSUE
By Aghavni Harutyunian

AZG Armenian Daily
05/04/2006

“Turkey sees the regulation of Nagorno Karabakh issue in the context
of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity through peace talks,” Turkish
President Ahmed Necet Sezer stated after a meeting with his Azeri
counterpart in Baku yesterday adding that Ankara is ready to do
everything to settle the Armenian-Azeri conflict.

Though Sezer was expected in Baku early this year, the Turkish
president had to postpone his visit because of heavy schedule. However,
Sezer declared in Baku that good-neighborly relations and partnership
between Turkey and Azerbaijan are an example for the other states of
the region.

Turkish and Azeri presidents consider important their participation
in Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil project.

Sezer stated that his visit to Baku testifies to Turkish-Azeri
fraternal ties, and Azeri President Ilham Aliyev underscored that
Azerbaijan always feels Turkey’s support. The Azeri president did not
forget to remind the people of Azerbaijan that the country’s stance
on Karabakh issue regulation is unshakable.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

“WE SHALL FIND AN OPTIMAL VERSION FOR GAS PRICE”

A1+
[06:43 pm] 04 April, 2006

Today while answering the question on gas price increase at the
press conference the NA Chairman Arthur Baghdasarian announced that
the Armenian side will admit any solution to gas price through the
mechanism of compromise. He hopes that certain agreement will be
reached on that matter with the Russian side. Arthur Baghdasarian
rejected the rumors about giving the Russian side the Energy and
Power Station of Hrazdan and the Iran – Armenian gas main.

But the NA Chairman is not against the solution of the matter by this
method. Moreover, he thinks that the project “Property in place of
the debt” was a successful bargain. Now we must take care of those
enterprises, make the Russian side exploit them and import the product
to the Russian market. We shall find an optimal version for gas price.”

When Mr. Baghdasarian was directly asked about his position about
giving the Russian side the Energy and Power Station of Hrazdan and
the Iran – Armenian gas main he answered that they are against any
bargain contradicting our national security and interest, but the
details of the bargain must be appreciated properly.

DON’T LOOK FOR COMPLIMENTS, MR. BAGHDASARIAN

At today’s press conference Arthur Baghdasarian also spoke about the
program “Parliamentary week” which has aroused public resonance. He
said he receives 2 – 3 international delegations a day and it is not
his guilt that his meetings are broadcast in the program.

He didn’t want to comment on Galust Sahakian’s announcement that the
program is Baghdasarian’s monologue. In regard of various political
parties’ announcements about the program “Parliamentary week” Arthur
Baghdasarian said that he will say who and how much pays for different
announcements in due time.

By the way, the NA Chairman urges that they have held a survey and
can say how much time each fraction is given during the program. As
it turns out they are all given equal opportunities. Anyway, Arthur
Baghdasarian expressed his wish to have a separate TV Channel which
will give a full coverage of the Parliamentary procedure. “I can
assure you that there is not free frequency and you will not succeed
in attempting to find it.” In response to our remark on the matter he
said, “Some people view the Parliament as a link out of the State and
we have difficulties in finding free frequency as it is not profitable
for them,” but they will have a separate TV channel and the rumours
about “Parliamentary Week” will end.

By the way, it is already 4th year of “A1+”‘ embattlement, and when
Arthur Baghdasarian was asked to estimate the level of speech freedom
the latter answered, “I miss “A1+” and wish it regain its broadcasting
licence.”

ARTHUR BAGHDASARIAN COMBATS WITH HIS DEEDS

“The licentious behavior deprives people of their hope,” Arthur
Baghdasarian claimed while speaking of corruption combat and did not
go into details.

He mentioned that corruption may be combated with actions and words,
he prefers combating with deeds and added that an international
conference will be held in Armenia on corruption combat from April 6 –
7 in which representatives from 10 countries will participate.

“Such international conferences are always held in Georgia. They will
also be held in Armenia in 2006 on the theme of combating intimidation,
chemical weapon spread and for the purpose of implementing democratic
reforms.”

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ERDOGAN’S ADVISOR SAYS TURKS ENTRUST WHAT IS MOST DEAR TO THEM TO ARMENIANS

Armenpress
Apr 04 2006

YEREVAN, APRIL 4, ARMENPRESS: Egemen Bagis, Turkish Prime Minister
Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s foreign policy adviser and Justice & Development
Party (AKP) deputy, said international observers expected Turkey to
open its border with Armenia.

Speaking at the New York Foreign Relations Council, he said Turkey
recognized Armenia as a sovereign state. “We do not have diplomatic
relations with Armenia, but we respect Armenians’ sovereignty as we
respect the sovereignty of all other former Soviet republics,’ he
was quoted by RFE/RL as saying. Bagis said Turkey did not open its
borders with Armenia and did not seek establishment of diplomatic
relations because ‘Armenia does recognize these borders.”

“Armenian Constitutional does not say that Armenia recognizes its
border with Turkey,’ he was quoted as saying.

He then said around 50,000 Armenian citizens were living now in Turkey,
the majority without relevant permissions. He claimed the majority
of Armenian citizens worked as babysitters in Turkish families.

“Turks have entrusted their children, the dearest they have, to
Armenians, which is evidence there is no enmity between them. This
means we have much in common,” he was quoted as saying.

Meantime a survey conducted by Sociometer polling center among 1000
young Armenians revealed that the overwhelming majority was against
normalization of relations with Turkey if this is to be done by
ignoring Armenians’ territorial claims to Turkey and without its
acknowledgement of the 1915 genocide. The Sociometer said 90 percent
of respondents said they were against that way of improvement of
relations with Turkey. The share of those who would seek economic and
other ties with Turkey before it recognized the genocide and met other
Armenian demands was only 4 percent., while 6 percent were undecided.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

RA STATE BUDGET REVENUES GROW BY 6.5% IN JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2006 ON SAME PERIOD OF LAST YEAR

Noyan Tapan
Apr 04 2006

YEREVAN, APRIL 4, NOYAN TAPAN. The RA state budget revenues grew by
6.5% to about 55.1 bln drams (about 125 mln USD) in January-Februry
2006 on the same period of last year. According to the RA Ministry of
Finance and Economy, most of the state budget revenues – 85.8% formed
from tax revenues. The state duty accounted for 3.8% of the budget
revenues, non-tax revenues – for 5.2%, incomes from capital operations
– 4.5%, and official transfers – for 0.7% of the revenues. Expenditures
of over 48 bln drams were incurred with state budget resources during
the period under review. The budget expenditures grew by 26.5% on the
same period of last year, which is mainly conditioned by an increase
in capital expenditures and spending on transfers and services. 10.5%
of the current budget expenditures – 4.4 bln drams was allocated for
payment of salaries of state employees. Expenditures on salaries
increased by 25.7% in January-February of 2006 on the same months
of 2005.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress