Author: Emil Lazarian

“FREEDOM HOUSE” ANNUAL REPORT WAS PRESENTED TO NA CHAIRMAN
ArmRadio.am
02.05.2006 15:35
On May 2 RA National Assembly Chairman Arthur Baghdasaryan received
the delegation leaded by Deputy Director of the “Freedom House” NGO
Tomas Melia, Head of the European Office Christie Evenson, Editor of
the “Economist International Unit” Anna Walker.
Mr. Melia presented the 2006 “Freedom House” annual report to the
NA Chairman.
Other issues of mutual importance were also discussed during the
meeting.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

‘JUSTICE WILL BE SERVED BY CREATING A UNITED ARMENIA AND BRINGING ALL ARMENIANS TOGETHER’
Yerkir.am
April 28, 2006
Armenian Revolutionary Federation Bureau representative Hrant
Margarian’s answers to the questions of Panorama.am.
Question: On the 91st anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, how close
our nation is to reaching justice in the Hay Dat issue?
Hrant Margarian: Justice will be served by creating a united Armenia
and bringing all Armenians together. Maybe this ideal seems too far
taking into account today’s realities. But tomorrow, it may look
more than realistic, like the Karabakh struggle may have looked an
illusion just 20 years ago.
But as far as the Genocide recognition is concerned, I believe we have
seen successes and this is a victorious time because it is not really
crucial whether Turkey would recognize the Genocide or not. I think
that day is not too far, and it will happen. But that’s not what I see
vital. Raising the Genocide issue as well as its recognition is the
recognition of the rights of the Armenian people and formation of an
international opinion on the Armenian people’s security. Finally, that
is a pressure on Turkey to change its position and strategy in terms of
Armenia’s security. Meaning that this issue is more important because
of its side effects rather than the mere goal of Turkey’s recognition
of the genocide. I believe we are successful today. Our issue is being
considered today, we are an issue in international relations. We are an
issue that is present on the international arena. The Genocide issue
has become as such, and this speaks of success. The final success,
I believe, is not so far. On the condition that we remain united,
decisive and aware of our interests.
Q: In terms of defending and restoring the rights of our nation are
there enough efforts made and what do we have to do that we don’t?
Hrant Margarian: I will never call our efforts “enough.” We could do
much more than we do now. But doesn’t mean we do nothing. I believe by
establishing a statehood, and by maintaining an uncompromising stance
in the Karabakh issue we are making steps toward that direction. Today,
by building a country of fair development, we will move forward in
that direction. But I also believe that the potential of all the
Armenian forces is so big that we have been able to mobilize only a
fraction of that power.
We need to expand our organization and turn our potential power into
an active one. This is the most important issue in the big picture.
As for the question what concrete steps should be made, I believe that
in the nearest future the most important issue – besides building
a fair, independent and powerful country – is to remain firm in
the Karabakh issue and take it to a victorious end. We also have to
raise the issue of ethnic minorities in Turkey, and in that context,
raise the issue of the rights of Armenians who have survived the
Genocide. This is mainly a new topic that would give our struggle
completeness and new breath.
Q: There is a strong emphasize to reach a settlement on Karabakh
this year by all means. Does the ARF have concerns about this? What
developments do you expect?
Hrant Margarian: We have many concerns. Until the de facto situation
has not been recognized de jure by a final victory, until the
Shahumian and Martakert regions have not been liberated, we of course
have concerns. But we too wish that the conflict were settled in the
negotiations. We too would be happy to see the conflict settled this
year. But at the same time, we are not inclined to give up anything
just to have it settled as soon as possible.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

TURKEY AND ISRAEL TO BUILD FOUR UNDERWATER OIL AND GAS PIPELINES
Yerkir
02.05.2006 14:06
YEREVAN (YERKIR) – Turkey and Israel plan to build four underwater
pipelines to transport oil and gas from Russia to Israel, the
Palestinian Autonomy, Jordan, and Lebanon, The Washington Times
inform, stressing that India, which needs additional fuel supply,
expressed its interest in the project too.
According to statements of Turkish and Israeli officials, the project’s
technical and economic assessment (evaluated at $50 millions) is
financed by the European Investment Bank (headquarters in Luxembourg).
According to Israeli National Infrastructure Ministry Spokesman
Gabriel Levi, Israel is to become main beneficiary of the pipeline
system. He forecasts that 40% of Israeli energy resources will be
covered by imported gas by 2010.
Spokesman for the Turkish embassy in Tel-Aviv Mekhmet Kemal Bozay
stated that the matter concerns “long-term project,” which will
finally favor Lebanon, Jordan, and the Palestinian Autonomy. He
stressed that underwater pipeline is environmantally safer than oil
supply by tankers, and pointed out that Turkey is not interested in
flow increase of tankers, passing through Bosporus.
According to the newspaper, Russian Gazprom Company supports
the project too, taking into consideration potential of Israeli
market. Also, the edition points out to recent talks of Israeli Prime
Minister Ehud Olmert with Gazprom CEO Alexei Miller.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PARLIAMENT CHAIRMAN REITERATES THAT ARMENIA’S FUTURE IS WITH EU AND NATO AND NOT RUSSIA
Armenpress
May 2 2006
YEREVAN, MAY 2, ARMENPRESS: Armenian parliament chairman Arthur
Baghdasarian has confirmed today his earlier remarks that he sees
Armenia’s future as a member of the European Union and NATO. In a
late April interview to a German Frankfurter Allgemaine newspaper
Baghdasarian had said Armenia’s future was with EU and NATO and that
Russia should not stand on its way towards closer integration with
the West.
Before the opening of a recurrent parliament session today Baghdasarian
was asked by lawmakers to explain his remarks. “My words were about
Armenia’s future, and I believe it is the direction (integration
with Europe) Armenia must follow,” Baghdasarian said adding that he
is well aware of Armenia’s current foreign policy agenda, which does
not embrace Armenia’s joining NATO.
Baghdasarian went on to explain that his words were about Armenia’s
long-range policy, ‘because a country needs from 20 to 30 years to
pass the road of European integration.’ “I see the future of Armenia
with EU and not with Russia-Belarus Union,” Baghdasarian said.
Baghdasarian argued that Armenia’s persistent integration with Europe
does not mean strained relations with Russia. “I am not an advocate
of confronting Russia with western values. If Russia is trying to
deepen its relations with NATO why should Armenia avoid it,” he said.
Baghdasarian’s remarks were retaliated by president Kocharian who said
in an interview with a local newspaper that Armenia’s membership in
the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and its military and
technical cooperation with Russia were enough to ensure the country’s
national security. Baghdasarian reminded today of Armenia’s Individual
Partnership Action Plan (IPAP) with NATO, describing it as a’ serious
document envisaging institutional and legislative reforms.”
Baghdasarian argued there was no difference between his publicly
expressed ideas and those of other two members of the ruling coalition
and the president, but added his Orinats Yerkir would walk out of
the coalition in the event of serious controversies with coalition
partners.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ANOTHER TRIAL AWAITS DINK
PanARMENIAN.Net
02.05.2006 19:46 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Editor of the Agos Armenian newspaper, ethnic
Armenian Hrant Dink was given a six-month suspended sentence last
October. He had written a newspaper article which addressed the mass
killings of Ottoman Armenians nine decades ago, the BBC reports. This
case is one of several monitored closely by EU officials concerned
about limits on free speech in Turkey.
In February, the chief prosecutor’s office at the Appeals Court
considered Mr Dink’s case and recommended that the remarks were in
no way insulting.
But now, in a surprise development, the court itself has chosen to
ignore that interpretation and ruled that the substance of the charge
still stands. The high-profile newspaper editor, whose publication
Agos appears in Turkish and Armenian, was first found guilty of
insulting Turkishness last year when a court ruled that one of his
articles described Turkish blood as dirty.
European Union officials have expressed serious concern about the
article of law that was used against Hrant Dink and several dozen
other writers here in Turkey. Despite a series of reforms linked to
Turkey’s bid for membership of the EU, it is still illegal to insult
the Turkish identity, the military and the judiciary and the line
between criticism and insult is often blurred.
We note that the next trial on Dink’s case is scheduled in Istanbul
May 16.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

GREECE’S INTRALOT MULLS LISTING OF UNITS IN TURKEY AND BULGARIA – REPORTS
AFX Europe (Focus)
May 02, 2006
LONDON (AFX) – Greek betting technology company Intralot is considering
listing its subsidiaries in Turkey and Bulgaria on the respective local
stock exchanges, according to several unsourced Greek press reports.
The reports said that Intralot, along with its partner Turkcell, plan
to list Inteltek on the Turkish Stock Exchange. Inteltek is 55 pct
controlled by Turkcell and 45 pct by Intralot and has the exclusive
license to run fixed-odds betting for 8-years in Turkey on behalf of
Sportoto, the Turkish national betting company.
Turkcell is an affiliate of TeliaSonera.
Inteltek will reportedly use the capital proceeds from the listing
to expand to new markets like Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan
and Armenia.
The press reports added that Intralot is also considering listing
Eurofootball, its 49 pct controlled Bulgarian fixed-odds betting
subsidiary on the Sofia Stock Exchange. Eurofootball is 51 pct
controlled by the Bulgarian State.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

DR. DAN KARUNAKARAN JOINS AGTECH PRODUCTS; NEW DIRECTOR OF TECHNICAL SERVICE FOR AGTECH PRODUCTS’ POULTRY BUSINESS
Business Wire
May 01, 2006
Dr. Dan Karunakaran has joined the technical service team at Agtech
Products, Inc., a biotechnology company serving the animal agriculture
industry. As the director of technical service for Agtech Product’s
poultry business, Dr. Karunakaran is responsible for the planning
and coordination of applied research and technical service supporting
the company’s direct-fed microbial products.
Karunakaran comes to Agtech with over 20 years experience in the field
of poultry health and production. He most recently worked as senior
veterinarian at Cargill Turkey Production, LLC. He also worked for
Cuddy Farms, House of Raeford, Oscar Mayer, Pfizer and Shady Brook
Farms. Karunakaran earned his doctor of veterinary medicine degree
in 1977 and his Masters of Science, Masters of Public Health and
doctoral degrees in 1983, all from the University of Minnesota.
His academic research focused on avian influenza (bird flu.) He is
still involved with avian influenza projects, including a recent
consulting trip to help prepare a response plan for the Republic
of Armenia.
Dr. Karunakaran is a member of the American Veterinary Medical
Association, American Association of Avian Pathologists and a diplomat
of the American College of Poultry Veterinarians. He said, “I have
never worked with a company that has its foundation in science and is
driven by innovation and responsiveness to customer’s needs as much
as Agtech Products. I truly believe that the poultry industry will
benefit from Agtech’s innovative products in the days and years to
come.” His work will support Agtech’s existing products, including
MicroTreat(R) “P”, Avicorr(TM), Provalen(R) and the Company Specific
Inoculant Program.
Karunakaran will continue to reside in Harrisonburg,
Virginia, and can be reached at 414.313.4533, or via e-mail at
[email protected].
About Agtech Products
Thomas Rehberger, Ph.D. and Steven Woskow, Ph.D., founded Agtech
Products, Inc., in 1993, with the vision of using microbiological-based
research to develop products that solve problems and inefficiencies
in dairy, beef, swine, poultry and aquaculture operations,
worldwide. Agtech employs a number of research scientists, plus
manufacturing and administrative personnel at its headquarters 20
miles west of Milwaukee, in Waukesha, WI. To request a free brochure
and information on Agtech’s products and services, call 800.999.3899,
or write to [email protected] Products, Inc. Marianne
Bellot, 800-999-3899 [email protected]

CONSULTATIONS OF THE OSCE MINSK GROUP CO-CHAIRS STARTED IN MOSCOW
ArmRadio.am
02.05.2006 16:53
The consultations of Russian, American and French Co-Chairs of the
OSCE Minsk Group started in Moscow today. Personal Representative
of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office Anjey Kasprchik also participates in
the consultations.
The mediators discussed the further steps in the process of peaceful
resolution of the Karabakh conflict and dwelt on issues of the upcoming
visit to the region. US Department of State Representative for Europe
and Eurasia Bureau Terry Davison informed that the mediators do not
intend to visit the region immediately following the consultations.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

FREEDOM HOUSE: ARMENIAN GOVERNMENT CONTINUES TO RESTRICT FREEDOM OF THE PRESS
Regnum, Russia
May 1 2006
“Although, Armenia has influential independent and opposition printed
mass-media and its constitution protects freedom of word and press,
its government continues to restrict full mass-media freedom in the
country,” Mass-Media Freedom – 2006: Global Survey of Mass-Media
Independence report of non-governmental Freedom House organization
maintains.
Research was conducted in 3 global categories: legal sphere of
mass-media functioning, political influence on information and
access to information, as well as economic pressure on content and
distribution of information. Such survey, which analyses events in
2005, evaluates both deeds of government and mass-media themselves,
for example, level of mass-media independence, corruption among
journalists.
According to the report, decrease of level of press freedom was evident
in Latin America, Russia, several African and Asian countries in
2005. Press is free in 73 of 194 analyzed countries; it is “partially
free” in 54 countries, and “not free” – in 67 countries.
Armenia takes 137th place of the list, USA – 17th one, Ukraine – 113th,
Georgia – 118th, Azerbaijan – 161st, Kazakhstan – 165th, Tajikistan
– 167th, Byelorussia – 185th, Uzbekistan – 187th, Turkmenistan –
190th. Burma, Cuba, Libya, North Korea, and Turkmenistan are recognized
to be the worst countries of worst ones in the aspect.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

RELIGIOUS LEADERS COME TOGETHER FOR TOURISM
By Aslihan Aydin, Ankara
Zaman Online, Turkey
May 1 2006
“Faith Tourism Days III” jointly organized by Turkey’s Department
of Religious Affairs and Travel Agencies Association (TURSAB) will
bring religious leaders together for a three day meeting chaired by
the Director of Religious Affairs Professor, Ali Bardakoglu.
Leaders of different religious communities in Turkey including
Turkish-Armenian Patriarch Mesrob Mutafyan, Turkish Jews Chief Rabbi
Isak Haleva, Istanbul Greek Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomeos, and
Syriac Catholic Community Patriarchal Vicar Bishop Yusuf Sag will
come together for this meeting.
The organization will be held in the Anatolia Auditorium at the
Istanbul Lutfi Kirdar International Congress Center on March 12-13-14.
The Third Faith Tourism Days meeting is perceived as the “meeting of
religions” for the spiritual leaders, while travel agencies see it is
an important step to developing an alternative to sea-sand-sun tourism.
Ali Bardakoglu will chair the first session titled, “Concept of
traveling and visitors in religions.”
The panel titles of the second days are: “Istanbul: Intersection of
Civilizations,” “Leaders and evidence of organized religions in the
Balkans,” “Religious tourist sites in Istanbul and its surrounding
neighborhood,” and “The past, present and future of living in Istanbul,
an example of multiculturalism.”
Tourist traders will make speeches on the last day of the meeting
as part of the discussion titled, “The past, present and future of
faith tourism.”
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress