Author: Emil Lazarian

EXCUSE US FOR DISCOURTESY, BUT…

YEREVAN, JUNE 29. ARMINFO. As a result of implementation of
UMCOR-elaborated program “Upgrading the level of coverage of public
health sphere,” all the goals were achieved, think the participants
of the program and specialists of the Armenian Heath Ministry.

In particular, the experts of the ministry say the public awareness
of public health issues was upgraded in regions. For this purpose,
booklets on citizens’ right to free medical aid were published
as well as possibilities of medical personnel were increased for
creation of an effective concept of public health. Under the program,
two seminars were organized in Armenia and one in the USA. Besides,
the major components of the program were implemented: partnership,
coordination and coverage. Basing on the fact that Mass Media was
not involved into the work of the seminars and the component of the
program was “coverage,” ARMINFO has drawn a conclusion discourteously
presenting it to readers that the USAID grant for $150,000 was “eaten
up.” The agency did not mean in a strict sense that the grant was
used ineffectively. This phrase was used in a figurative sense. In
this connection, the agency apologizes to the executives for the
project’s implementation. At the same time, the editorship thinks
the task on coverage of the public health and other spheres must not
be limited with publication of booklets and organization of seminars
for representatives of public organizations, it must include active
work of Mass Media able to cover the topic for broad sections of the
population at a professional level.

EU adopts rigorous negotiation rules for Turkey

EU observer, Belgium
June 29 2005

29.06.2005 – 18:14 CET | By Elitsa Vucheva EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS –

The European Commission adopted on Wednesday (29 June) the guidelines
on which accession negotiations with Turkey will be based, with
enlargement commissioner Olli Rehn defining them as the most severe
adopted so far by the EU executive.

The document confirms that the goal of the accession negotiations
remains full membership of the EU for Turkey.

However “these negotiations are an open-ended process, the outcome
of which cannot be guaranteed beforehand”, the text says.

If “a serious and persistent breach” is noted in Turkey as regards
democracy, respect for human rights and freedoms, and the rule of law,
negotiations may be suspended.

And “if Turkey is not in a position to assume in full all the
obligations of membership it must be ensured that Turkey is fully
anchored in the European structures through the strongest possible
bond”, according to the draft.

The framework for negotiations with Turkey is “the most rigorous
framework presented so far”, by the Commission, as it will propose
benchmarks for opening and closing the 35 chapters of the document,
the commissioner insisted.

“We [the EU] focus less on words and more on deeds”, he said.

The document also confirms that decisions concerning the establishment
of freedom of movement of persons should be mostly up to the member
states.

Not a member before 2014 Turkey is urged to respect the principle of
good neighbouring relations – a veiled reference to the Republic of
Cyprus and to Armenia, before becoming an EU member, however.

Ankara has not officially recognised Cyprus as a state yet, and it
also declines to describe the Armenian killings during World War I
as genocide.

“We expect Turkey to continue the normalisation of relations with the
Republic of Cyprus…and to be constructive in searching a settlement
in the reunification of Cyprus”, commissioner Rehn told journalists.

He also confirmed that “Turkey will not become a member of the EU
today or tomorrow”.

And the document states that as the country’s accession could have
“substantial financial consequences”, negotiations could only be closed
after the next financial framework – starting in 2014 – is agreed.

“The EU will do very badly if we are not able to settle our budgetary
problems before Turkey fulfils the criteria of becoming a member
state”, the enlargement commissioner underlined.

A lively debate The document was agreed only after a “lengthy,
argumentative and very political debate” of the EU commissioners,
said Mr Rehn to explain the two-hour delay of the press conference
announcing the agreement.

“There is no denying that privileged partnership with Turkey [instead
of a full membership] was brought up in the debate”, he admitted.

The commissioner said he could not remember how many of his colleagues
had spoken up in favour of the idea, and declined to cite names.

Lately, Austria has voiced preference for a “privileged partnership”
with Turkey, and the Christian-Democrat opposition in Germany has
made similar noises.

In France, interior minister Nicolas Sarkozy, who is also tipped to
be the next French president [in 2007], has always favoured the idea.

But it had not been brought up by European commissioners so far.

Asked if, politically speaking, it was realistic to envisage that the
framework will be approved by member states by unanimity, as it has to
be, commissioner Rehn said that the governments of all 25 EU members
had agreed that Turkey should start membership talks on 3 October –
something that was settled during the European Council in December
2004, and confirmed in June this year.

That is why “I have no reason to suspect that EU leaders would
not stick to their word”, he said, adding “the EU is a community
of commitments”.

If member states do approve the draft, and if Turkey signs the protocol
extending a customs agreement it has with the EU to the ten new member
states, including Cyprus, accession negotiations should be started
on 3 October.

Turkey is expected to sign the protocol within a few weeks,
commissioner Rehn said, and member states should discuss the framework
– with a possibility to modify it – in July or September.

ARDSHININVESTBANK CJSC PLANS TO HOLD CONTESTS REGULARLY AMONG THE
STAFF OF THE BANK FOR THE TITLE OF THE “BEST SPECIALIST” IN THE
SPHERE OF PROVIDING BANK SERVICES

YEREVAN, June 29. /ARKA/. Ardshininvestbank CJSC plans to hold
contests regularly among the staff of the bank for the title of the
“best specialist” in the sphere of providing bank services. According
to the Press Service of the Chairman of Ardshininvestbank’s Board,
a day before a contest for “the best operator “MoneyGram” in the
system of Ardshininvestbank” was held. The best operators providing
“MoneyGram” international remittances services to clients, were
encouraged. After resuming the results, 8 operators from 5 branches
of Ardshininvestbank, 3 of which are located in the capital, namely
“Yerevan”, “Avangard” and “Arabkir”, and two of them functioning in
Gyumri and Vanadsor, became the winners of the contest. The Chairman
of Ardshininvestbank’s Board A. Andreasyan, the Deputy Chairman
of the bank’s Board G. Harutyunyan and the Head of International
Management A. Manukyan conferred diplomas on and gave presents to
the operators-winners on June 28, 2005. One of the days such presents
and diplomas will be granted to the winners from Gyumri and Vanadsor.

“The Board of the bank is sure that such contests not only contribute
to increasing the professional level of specialists of various
specialties, but also positively affect on their behavior during
their work with clients”, according to the press-release.

Ardshininvestbank CJSC was set up on May 25, 2003 and received its
license (#83) on Feb 27, 2003. The founder of Ardshininvestbank is
International Business Centre Russian financial industrial group.
100% of the bank’s shares are owned by two enterprises involved in
the group.

The banks’ total capital made AMD 5,7 bln. as of March 31, 2005,
its authorized stock capital- AMD 3 bln., the assets-AMD 42,6 bln.,
the net profit for Q 1, 2005 -AMD 352,6 mln., balance profit -AMD
2545,3 mln. ($1 -AMD 442,85). A.H. –0-

Frankfurter Rundschau
28. Juni 2005

Wenig Erinnerung, keine Trauer ;
Die Turkei tut sich schwer im Umgang mit der eigenen Geschichte. Die
Verleihung des Friedenspreises an Orhan Pamuk erzeugt neue Reibung

VON GUNTER SEUFERT

Auswarts geehrt und zuhause verfemt ist dieser Tage der turkische
Romancier Orhan Pamuk. In der Bundesrepublik in der vergangenen Woche
mit dem Friedenspreis des Deutschen Buchhandels ausgezeichnet,
vermeidet der Schriftsteller in der Turkei seit Monaten Auftritte in
der Offentlichkeit. Im Februar hatte Pamuk einer Schweizer Zeitung
gegenuber erklart, die Osmanen hatten im Ersten Weltkrieg eine
Million Armenier ermordet und damit eine Welle nationaler Emporung
ausgelost. Pamuks Äußerungen waren der Auftakt zu einer Serie
nationalistischer Ausbruche, die zuletzt mit der harschen Reaktion
Ankaras zur “Armeniererklarung” des Deutschen Bundestages einen
vorlaufigen Hohepunkt fand.

Der offizielle turkische Umgang mit dem Vorwurf des Volkermords ist
eine eigentumliche Mixtur aus eingespieltem Ritual und aktuell
erlebter Verzweiflung. Das Spiel wiederholt sich jedes Jahr im April,
denn die Armenier begehen den 24. April als offiziellen Gedenktag.

An jenem Tag im Jahr 1915 hatte die osmanische Regierung in Istanbul
die ersten armenischen Nationalisten verhaften lassen. Nur wenig
spater folgte die Deportation der armenischen Bevolkerung in die
syrische Wuste, die mit der Ausloschung armenischen Lebens in
Anatolien endete. Seit Jahrzehnten blicken die Turken deshalb im
April angstlich nach Washington, wo es der US-Regierung zunehmend
schwerer fallt, Antrage des Kongresses abzulehnen, mit denen die
Deportation als Volkermord anerkannt werden soll. In den letzen
Jahren kam Druck aus Europa hinzu. Die Parlamente Frankreichs und der
Schweiz verabschiedeten “Erklarungen zum Volkermord an den
Armeniern”, und zum neunzigsten Jahrestag sah man sich in der Turkei
erstmals auch im eigenen Lande des “Feindes” erwehren, zum Beispiel
in der Gestalt des Schriftstellers Orhan Pamuk.

Im Kampf gegen ihn hat sich das Stadtchen Sutculer verdient gemacht,
das vergessen hinter den Bergen der Feriennmetropole Antalya liegt.
In den Schulen durchstoberten Lehrer die Buchereien nach seinen
Werken, und auch die Stadtbibliothek wurde auf den Kopf gestellt.
Pamuks Bucher seien zu vernichten, hatte der Landrat angeordnet, und
damit seiner Bevolkerung aus der Seele gesprochen. Gegen die
Verleumdungen des “Minderheiten-Rassisten habe die turkische Nation
jedes Recht auf Selbstverteidigung” meinte der Landrat, und nur weil
kein Buch Pamuks seinen Weg in das Stadtchen gefunden hatte, kam es
nicht zu der angeordneten Bucherverbrennung.

Spuren des Orients und Okzidents

In der Begrundung fur die Nominierung Orhan Pamuks fur den
Friedenspreis heißt es, er vermoge es wie kein zweiter, die Spuren
des Orients in der Geschichte des Okzidents freizulegen und die
Spuren des Okzidents in der Geschichte des Orients aufzuspuren.
Manchmal freilich scheint die Spurensuche gar nicht so schwer. Am 24.
Mai etwa, als es im turkischen Parlament – wie einst in Deutschland –
keine Parteien mehr, sondern nur noch Turken gab. Eine Handvoll
Historiker hatte eine Konferenz vorbereitet, auf der die
Armeniergreuel erstmals in der Turkei frei von offiziellen Vorgaben
diskutiert werden sollten. Angesichts dieser Gefahr verschwanden die
Grenzen zwischen Rechts und Links, Demokraten und Autoritaren,
Islamisten und Sakularisten. Der ehemalige Botschafter der Turkei in
Washington Sukru Elekdag von der oppositionellen Republikanische
Volkspartei (CHP) verdachtigte die Organisatoren des
“Vaterlandsverrats” und der “wissenschaftlichen Bemantelung
armenischer Propaganda”. Die Parlamentarier der
muslimisch-konservativen Gerechtigkeits- und Entwicklungspartei (AKP)
von Premierminister Recep Tayyip Erdogan konnten und wollten nicht
abseits stehen und forderten den Staatsanwalt auf, einzuschreiten,
falls “die Armenier auf der Versammlung Recht bekommen sollten und
die turkische Sichtweise widerlegt wird.” Justizminister Cemil Cicek
war es vorbehalten, deutschnationale Phrasen aus der Zeit nach dem
Ersten Weltkrieg fast wortlich zu wiederholen und die Konferenz als
“einen Dolchstoß in den Rucken” der turkischen Nation zu bezeichnen.

Die Turken tun sich aus vielen Grunden mit der Geschichte schwer, und
einige davon sind durchaus verstandlich. Da ist das Entsetzen
daruber, durch den Begriff Genozid mit Nazideutschland auf eine Stufe
gestellt zu werden, und den Todesmarsch der Armenier als ?ersten
Volkermord der Moderne’ akzeptieren zu sollen, gewissermaßen als
Vorlaufer und Wegbereiter zum Holocaust . “Die Deutschen wollen mit
ihrem Volkermord an den Juden nicht langer alleine stehen”, titelte
das Massenblatt Hurriyet am Tag nach dem Armenierbeschluss des
Bundestages. Einen den Nazis vergleichbaren Vernichtungswillen habe
es bei den Osmanen jedoch nicht gegeben, heißt es, ebensowenig wie
eine rassistische Ideologie. Diese Befurchtung, Ungleiches konne
gleichgesetzt werden, wird von Israel und der judischen Lobby in den
USA geteilt, und beide unterstutzen die Turkei seit Jahrzehnten in
dieser Frage.

Immer nur nach vorn blicken

Die Sache nicht leichter machen auch extreme Forderungen armenischer
Nationalisten, meist aus der Diaspora. Hier verlangt man nicht nur
Anerkennung und Entschadigung, sondern auch die ?Ruckgabe armenischen
Territoriums’ und die Revidierung bestehender Grenzen. Fur die Falken
in Ankara ist das Munition gegen alle, die fur einen Ausgleich sind.
Tatsachlich waren die Folgen eines turkischen Schuldeingestandnisses
dagegen wohl eher gering. Die Volkermordkonvention der Vereinten
Nationen von 1948 ist Reaktion auf die Schrecken des Holocaust und
als internationales Rechtsdokument nicht auf Ereignisse vor ihrer
Unterzeichnung anwendbar.

Den Mann auf der Straße beruhigt das freilich wenig. Er nimmt das
auslandische Drangen eher als Aggression und Feindseligkeit wahr, und
wer sich wie Pamuk fur Offenheit ausspricht, sieht sich schnell
isoliert. Die Forderung nach Schuldanerkennung trifft die Menschen
vollkommen unvorbereitet, so dass viele gar nicht verstehen konnen,
worum es geht. Ein Grund dafur sind achtzig lange Jahre staatlicher
Propaganda, in der die turkische Nation nur als mutigste und
tapferste, als frommste und sittlichste, als ehrlichste und
aufrechteste auftaucht.

Hinzu kommt, dass man immer nur nach vorne blicken sollte, nie
zuruck. Den Staat aufbauen, sich entwickeln, westlich und europaisch
werden, war und ist Programm. Es gab weder Innehalten noch Ruckblick,
wenig Erinnerung und keine Trauer. Selbst der eigenen Gefallenen des
Ersten Weltkriegs und des darauf folgenden Unabhangigkeitskriegs wird
bisher nur in Heldenmanier gedacht. Die Leiden der Bevolkerung fallen
stets unter den Tisch. Wie soll man da des Leides anderer gedenken?

Die Armenienfrage~ Der turkische Schriftsteller Orhan Pamuk, der mit
dem Friedenspreis des deutschen Buchhandels ausgezeichnet werden
wird, hat in der Turkei die Diskussion uber den Volkermord an den
Armeniern neu angestachelt. Eine offene Diskussion uber historische
Schuld findet so gut wie nicht statt. Gunter Seufert war
wissenschaftlicher Referent und bis 2002 Leiter der Abteilung
Istanbul des Instituts der Deutschen Morgenlandischen Gesellschaft.
Er arbeitet als Autor und Journalist in Istanbul und lehrt als
Gastprofessor an der Cyprus University in Nikosia. tt

–Boundary_(ID_7RhfEJuYcXpKNutV556LGw)–

EurasiaNet Organization
June 28 2005

ARMENIA AND AZERBAIJAN DIFFER OVER RUSSIAN BASE PULL-OUT
Samvel Matirosyan and Alman Mir Ismail 6/28/05

Armenia and Azerbaijan are reacting differently to the Russian
withdrawal from bases in Georgia. Politicians and pundits in Azerbaijan
view the move as a potential security threat due in large part to
Moscow’s decision to transfer to Armenia a portion of the military
hardware now in Georgia. Armenian experts, meanwhile, downplay the
significance of the transfer, contending that it does not alter the
existing strategic balance.

After years of wrangling, Russian and Georgian officials announced
May 30 that the withdrawal of Russian troops and materiel from the
Caucasus country would be completed by 2008. [For background see the
Eurasia Insight archive]. Russia’s pull-out from its two remaining
bases on Georgian territory – in Batumi and Akhalkalaki — began
June 1 with the dispatch of a 15-car train from Batumi to Armenia,
loaded with ammunition, various equipment and anti-aircraft
weapons. [For additional information see the Eurasia Insight
archive]. Political analysts have spent the weeks since the
announcement of the base-withdrawal deal speculating about its
geopolitical ramifications. In particular, many have wondered
whether the Russian move could influence negotiations to end the
Armenian-Azerbaijani struggle over Nagorno-Karabakh. [For background
see the Eurasia Insight archive].

Moscow has mounted diplomatic offensive to dispel the notion that its
actions could rearrange the geopolitical order in the Caucasus. [For
additional information see the Eurasia Insight archive]. “The
withdrawal of part of Russian arms from Georgia to Armenia will not
change the balance of forces in the Transcaucasus,” Russian Foreign
Minister Sergey Lavrov told journalists on June 14.

Russian defense officials insist that transferred arms and equipment
will be kept in storage at Russia’s 102nd base in Gyumri, in northern
Armenia, stressing that the Armenian military will not have access
to the weaponry. “We are going to closely keep the limits set up
by the [amended 1999] treaty on conventional armaments in Europe,”
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov said during a June 6 news
conference, Rosbalt news agency reported. According to Ivanov, most
of the military equipment and cargo now in Georgia will be shipped
back to Russia from Black Sea port city of Batumi.

News of the withdrawal from Georgia initially was applauded in
Azerbaijan, where official at first interpreted the move as a sign
of declining Russian influence in the Caucasus. But approval quickly
transformed into doubt following the announcement that a portion of
the Russian arms and equipment would be shifted to Armenia. On May
23, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry sent a protest note to Moscow,
demanding an explanation for the transfer. “From the point of view
of the law, the transfer of arms from one base to the other is quite
normal. It concerns Armenia and Russia. However, the South Caucasus
requires demilitarization. Therefore, there is no need to keep in the
region tanks and other heavy military equipment. We do not consider
it necessary,” Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov told journalists,
Turan News Agency reported.

Speaking at a June 25 military academy graduation ceremony, President
Ilham Aliyev indicated that the Russian move could help spur a regional
arms race. He said that Azerbaijani defense spending would increase
to $300 million in 2005, up from last year’s level of $175 million,
ANS television reported. “We had to take appropriate measures,” Aliyev
said, referring to the Russian transfer of materiel to Armenia. “We
did so immediately and increased our military spending. Military
spending will continue to increase in the future.”

“Our army should be strong to solve the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict
over [the breakaway region of] Nagorno-Karabakh,” Aliyev added.

Moscow’s statements concerning the transfer do not appear to have
fully reassured the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
Alliance members have expressed carefully worded concern about the
pull-out’s impact on the regional balance. “We welcome the withdrawal
of troops. However this step should not affect regional stability
in the South Caucasus,” NATO Assistant Secretary-General for Defense
and Policy Planning John Colton said in Baku on June 27. The defense
alliance plans to raise the issue with Moscow “in the near future,”
the Regnum news service reported Colton as saying.

Many Azerbaijani observers now believe that, in deciding to shift
weaponry from Georgia to Armenia, Russia’s primary intention was to
strengthen Moscow’s own geopolitical position in the region, and not
to bolster Yerevan’s strategic situation vis-a-vis Baku. A June 1
commentary published by the independent daily Zerkalo complained that
“Russia demonstrates its unwillingness to significantly reduce its
military presence in the South Caucasus region, including [along]
the borders with Iran and Turkey.” Nasib Nasibli, a political expert
at the Foundation for Azerbaijan Studies, agreed. “This act by Russia
is aimed at preserving their influence in the Caucasus.”

According to the Russian-Georgian withdrawal agreement, at least 40
units of armored equipment, including 20 tanks, are to be removed
from Georgia by September 1. The Azerbaijan-based Turan news agency
published a report stating that up to 40 Russian tanks could be
moved to Gyumri from Akhalkalaki. If such a report proves accurate,
the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry announced that Baku would consider
implementing “corresponding measures.” Earlier, Azerbaijani officials
stated that they might reconsider the country’s $7 million-per-year
lease of the Gabala radar facility to Russia. [For background see
the Eurasia Insight archive].

Analysts in Yerevan argue that Baku’s concerns are misplaced. “[I]f
we look at the Russian military presence in the South Caucasus. .
.the bases in Armenia practically decide nothing, while the radar.
station in Gabala, located on the territory of Аzerbaijan,
appears to be of great strategic importance,” said Hayk Demoyan,
an regional political expert at the Caucasus Media Institute.

Rather than dwelling on the Russian equipment transfer, Armenia has
tried to concentrate international attention on its expanding ties with
NATO. On June 16, Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanyan presented Armenia’s
Individual Action Partnership Plan (IPAP) to the NATO Council. The
country has since received assurances from US Ambassador to Armenia
Robert Evans that the Russian transfer of arms and equipment will
not preclude further cooperation between Yerevan and NATO.

The press service of the Defense Ministry in Yerevan has denied the
existence of any agreement that would give Armenian military forces
access to the arms and equipment at Russia’s base in Gyumri. The
Defense Ministry also insists that no plans or intentions exist
concerning the potential transfer Russian military personnel to
Armenia from Georgia.

Despite such assurances, the debate continues in Baku over what
constitutes an appropriate response. Azerbaijani analysts suggest
the most likely counter-move would be a strengthening of Baku’s
relationship with NATO. Some point out that on June 6, Turkey — an
Atlantic alliance member and Baku’s closest ally — announced plans
to allocate $2.1 million to help the Azerbaijani military adopt NATO
military standards.

In recent weeks, President Ilham Aliyev’s administration has toned
down its angry rhetoric concerning the equipment-transfer issue. Some
observers suggest that Baku has come to the realization that it
can not stop the transfer. Others say that, with potentially pivotal
parliamentary elections scheduled for November, Aliyev is reluctant to
risk a full-blown dispute with Russia. [For additional information see
the Eurasia Insight archive]. Bilateral ties have been strengthening
since 2000, and Aliyev clearly wants to keep them cordial. “We are
very satisfied with the standard of our relationship, one of strategic
partnership that meets the interests of both Russia and Azerbaijan,”
Aliyev said at an economic conference in St. Petersburg on June 14.

Editor’s Note: Samvel Martirosyan is a Yerevan-based journalist and
political analyst. Alman Mir-Ismail is a freelance political analyst
from Baku.

PRESS RELEASE
June 28, 2005
Embassy of the Republic of Armenia
2225 R Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20008
Contact: Haik Gugarats
Tel: 202-319-1976, x. 348; Fax: 202-319-2982
Email: [email protected]; Web:

Training Courses for Armenian Teachers in the Diaspora

The Armenian Education and Science Ministry is organizing the 2005 annual
Diaspora Armenian Teacher Training Courses in Yerevan, Armenia, on July 25 –
August 27, 2005. The Training Courses are open to faculty of functioning
Armenian-language schools, kindergartens, day schools, and other educational
institutions in the Diaspora.

The 2005 curriculum for the Diaspora Armenian Teacher Training Courses has
been updated, with particular emphasis on teaching methodology. The Training
Courses staff includes educational specialists from Armenia and Diaspora.
Upon completion of the courses, the participants will receive a certificate,
literature, and other educational materials.

The 2005 Training Courses are held under the auspices of His Holiness
Garegin II, the Catholicos of All Armenians. The Holy Etchmiadzin will cover
the room and board expenses of the participants for the duration of the
program. The participants are expected to pay for transportation expenses to
and from Armenia.

The participants of the Diaspora Armenian Teacher Training Courses will have
an opportunity to take part in tours and events, and will be exposed to
cultural life in Yerevan. Those participants who will be in Yerevan during
the first week of September will have an opportunity to observe the classes
in session at the Armenian Schools in Yerevan.

The deadline for submitting applications is July 15, 2005. The application
forms, list of universities and departments, as well as tuition are
available upon request from the Embassy of Armenia, via email:
[email protected] or telephone: 202-319-1976, ext. 348. For further
inquiries about the program, please contact the Armenian Ministry of
Education and Science at +374-10-581391.

Moving Russian military equipment to Armenia not to affect Karabakh settlement.

ITAR-TASS, Russia
June 27 2005

MOSCOW, June 27 (Itar-Tass) – The redeployment of Russian military
equipment from Georgia to the Russian Defence Ministry’s base
in Armenia will not change the balance of forces in the Karabakh
conflict zone and will not hamper the quest for the ways of peaceful
settlement. Konstantin Kosachev, the chairman of the Committee for
International Relations of the State Duma lower house of parliament,
expressed his confidence in this on Monday.

He said, the Russian military bases are being speedily removed from
the Georgian territory. The Russian military base situated in Gyumri,
in the Armenian territory, is a possible place to which armaments
and equipment can be moved from Akhalkalaki base.

“If Azerbaijan offered an opportunity for the deployment of military
forces in its territory, Moscow would consent to this,” Kosachev
said. “Therefore, the redeployment of Russian military forces will
not affect the prospects for erasing tension in relations between
Armenia and Azerbaijan,” he said.

MEETING WITH NKR PRESIDENT

Azat Artsakh – Nagorno Karabakh Republic [NKR]
26 June  05

On June 21st NKR President Arkady Ghukassian met with the
parliamentarians of the Moldavian Republic of Transdnestr Vallery
Babcinetsky and Claudia Treskova who monitored the NKR parliamentary
election. During the talk the observers shared their impressions
from the election. Pointing out the high level of polls, they agreed
to the evaluations of the observers from the USA, European and CIS
countries. The observers said they believe that the NKR authorities
and people will remain committed to the supreme goals of freedom and
democracy. Arkady Ghukassian thanked the observers for their work and
wished the people and authorities of Transdnestr peace and prosperity.

AA.
26-06-2005

–Boundary_(ID_cj3B27IoR90Pz5nUv+jZzQ)–

UNDER SECRETARY GENERAL: ALLIANCE RECOGNIZES TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY AND
SOVEREIGNTY OF AZERBAIJAN

YEREVAN, JUNE 25. ARMINFO. NATO recognizes territorial integrity,
independence, sovereignty of all the PfP signatory-states. The
Azerbaijani 525th newspaper reports that NATO Under Secretary General
John Colston made this statement during his meeting with the Personal
Staff of the State Frontier Service of Azerbaijan.

He says that his structure actively cooperates with international
organizations to maintain regional stability in the South Caucasus.
Azerbaijan has chosen the right way to come closer with the
EuroAtlantic union and makes a tangible contribution to development of
international cooperation in the defense sphere, John Colston says. He
expressed gratitude to the leadership of Azerbaijan for progressive
policy of participation in NATO actions in Afghanistan and Kosovo. He
pointed out the large financial expenses the process was connected
with, adding that the alliance was ready to support reforms aiming
Azerbaijan-NATO rapprochement. Special reports will be prepared
shortly reflecting the basic directions of cooperation between the
alliance and Azerbaijan, Colston says.

FOREIGN MINISTER OSKANIAN MAKES SPEECH AT CONFERENCE ON IRAQ

BRUSSELS, JUNE 23, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. On June 22,
Armenia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Vartan Oskanian participated in
an international conference on Iraq, at the invitation of the US
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and the Secretary General of the
European Union Javier Solana. More than 80 foreign ministers attended
the conference and discussed support for Iraq’s political transition
process, encouraging its economic recovery and reconstruction, and
helping establish the rule of law and public order in the country.

Kofi Annan, Secretary General of the UN, together with Jean Asselborn,
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Luxembourg which holds the EU
Presidency, as well as Secretary Rice spoke about building a renewed
international partnership to help Iraq. Representatives of the Iraqi
Transitional Government presented their vision and strategy at the
conference held in Brussels. At the conference, Minister Oskanian
said, “We commend and appreciate the simple act of convening this
conference. It was important for everyone. It was significant for
those in Iraq who need to know that the world continues to remain
engaged, and it is reinforcing for those involved in the effort to
re-build Iraq.” “The people of Iraq need and deserve the persistent
political and economic involvement of all of us around the world. Even
countries like Armenia, with modest resources, can continue to
maintain a small, symbolic presence there,” he said, referring to the
40 non-combat medical personnel who have been engaged there since the
beginning of the year. “Armenians know well the value of moral support
and the driving force of concerned onlookers. Further, as the foreign
minister of a country and a people still living through the difficult
and trying period of transition, I can tell you that it is only
through sustained economic support, through the long-term investment
of serious economic resources, that a society will begin to believe in
the prospect of peace, in the promise of democracy.” The Minister also
noted the presence of Armenians in Iraq. “Iraq is blessed with natural
resources. Those include not just those in the ground, but also the
wealth that is derived from its ethnic diversity. A sizable and old
Armenian community is part of that mix, and we know that together with
the other citizens of Iraq they look forward to contributing to Iraq’s
prosperous, peaceful future.” Minister Oskanian concluded by saying,
“Armenia, in turn, looks forward to developing and strengthening
bilateral relations with a peaceful, unified and democratic Iraq. It
is only 200 miles, as the crow flies, between our two capitals, and
the ability to easily communicate and cooperate is an exciting one for
all of us.”