Author: Emil Lazarian

OSCE MINSK GROUP CO-CHAIRS TO VISIT NAGORNO KARABAKH
Today, Azerbaijan
April 3 2006
“The OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs are probable to visit Nagorno Karabakh
region in May,” Yuriy Merzlyakov, the OSCE Minsk Group co-chair from
Russia, told.
Merzlyakov noted that Bernard Fassier, the OSCE Minsk Group co-chair
from France, will pay a visit to the region soon. Besides, Vardan
Oskanian, the Armenian Foreign Minister, intends to pay a visit to
Moscow in April, his Azerbaijani counterpart Elmar Mammadyarov – to
Washington. During these visits the sides will discuss the current
stage of the peaceful negotiations, as well as determine forthcoming
steps.
According to Merzlyakov, the negotiations and the working visits will
be continued after the consultations by the Minsk Group co-chairs in
Washington and Istanbul. The further steps and the exact date of the
visit of the co-chairs will be determined as a result of the planned
meetings. He added that not all of the sides would be free in late
April for the visit of mediators to the region.
Merzlyakov stressed that over last weeks he did not participate in the
consultations, including, the Istanbul meeting of OSCE MG co-chairs
March 20.
URL:
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

GEORGIA OPPOSED TO REOPENING OF RAILWAY TO ARMENIA
Assa-Irada, Azerbaijan
posted April 3 2006
Baku, March 31, AssA-Irada
The Abkhaz railway line cannot be reopened until Georgian territorial
integrity is restored. Otherwise, there is no guarantee that breakaway
South Ossetia and Abkhazia may ever become part of Georgia again,
the former Abkhaz justice minister and chairman of “We Ourselves”
movement, Paata Davitaya, has said while commenting on rumors about
the possible reopening of the railway.
The rail line originates in the Russian resort city of Sochi, crosses
Abkhazia and Georgia’s Akhalkalaki region and then goes into Armenia
and Iran. According to the expert, Armenia is particularly interested
in the railway operating.
“Blocked from all directions, Armenia may obtain access to
international markets through this line. Moscow has certain interests
at stake too, because Russia can thus maintain direct contact with
Armenia, its biggest ally in the Caucasus, and its own military bases
there,” Davitaya said.
The Armenian lobby has been campaigning for the reopening the Abkhaz
railway line, but the move is not welcomed by Washington. The Georgian
expert said the reason is that the line stretches into Iran as well.
“Russia intends to use the line to withdraw nuclear waste from Iran,”
Davitaya said.
The Abkhaz expert added that the establishment of a quadrilateral
consortium (Russia, Georgia, Armenia and Abkhazia) to revitalize the
railway line was unlikely to be a success without Azerbaijan taking
part in it.
“Tbilisi can agree to the opening of the line provided two conditions
are met: that refugees return to Abkhazia and that control over the
railway is exercised by the Georgian customs and border troops,” he
said and added that if otherwise was the case, it would be impossible
to keep track of the cargoes. As a result, Russian military supplies
will undermine military balance and create further tension at a time
when conflicts are still flaring in the region.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

THE OPPOSITION PARTICIPATES IN THE USUAL IMITATION
A1+
[02:41 pm] 03 April, 2006
The two Parliamentary oppositional fractions – the Justice and the
National Unity have recently signed under the amendments to the
Electoral Code which were to be sent to the Venice Commission. Of
course they signed it “on several conditions”.
“What conditions can there be in the legislative initiatives? If
you have signed it, you have signed it. In fact the conditions are
something unclear”, says head of the National Democratic Party, deputy
Shavarsh Kocharyan. Today he spoke about the issues of the Electoral
Code in the “Pastark” club. He criticized both the authorities,
and the opposition, and the amendments to the Electoral Code.
It is a usual announcement in Armenia that the elections will be
free and fair if the authorities have “political will”. At present
Shavarsh Kocharyan realizes that the opposition is wrong to make that
announcement as the issue has a reverse side, “If we rely on the will
of the authorities, we must sit with our hands folded. The reverse side
of the issue is the will of the opposition: to control their votes. ”
According to the head of the National Democratic Party, signing under
the amendments to the Electoral Code, the oppositional Parliamentarians
stated that they do not have a political will. “Of course, the NDP
is excluded in this case”.
Alongside with the amendments to the 100 articles of the Electoral
Code, since March 13 another draft has been introduced in the NA
under the authorship of Shavarsh Kocharyan. He represented to amended
articles but a completely new Code. At present the document is
being translated into English so that it can be sent to the Venice
Commission. “When we finish the translation, the NDP will apply
to Arthur Baghdasaryan to send it the Venice. If it is not sent
officially, we will do it ourselves, for example, we will turn to
the OSCE”, Shavarsh Kocharyan says.
He also compared his draft with the amendments signed
by the Parliamentarians. He noted that there is progress
concerning the latter, but there are issues which record obvious
regress. “Unfortunately the draft is the usual imitation which is
not directed toward the solution of the real problems.” According
to Shavarsh Kocharyan, a dangerous situation has been created when
the imperfect draft is sent to the experts and there isn’t a power
in the country which can make a political announcement, “If the law
with shortcomings is adopted, the opposition will do the following…”
“In order to be able to give adequate and efficient answers, you must
work”, Shavarsh Kocharyan concluded.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

“ARMAVIA” TO REALIZE FLIGHTS TO USA
Panorama.am
14:14 03/04/06
“In 2006 the Armenian national air-transferor “Armavia” starts
realizing flights to the USA,” announced the head of “Mika Ltd”
company, stockholder of “Armavia” Michael Baghdasarov at the press
conference. As he said in the first year the flights to the United
States will cause damage of $5 million to the company. “At the moment
“Armavia” is a loser, yet the losses are concerned only with European
flights,” M. Baghdasarov noticed.
The latter also informed that at present negotiations are conducted
with Georgian national air-transferor about realizing joint flights
Yerevan-Tbilisi Amsterdam and Yerevan-Tbilisi-London form May 2006. As
M. Baghdasarov said Armenia lacks air passengers for those flights just
like Georgia. That is why the flights are being joined. Moreover, the
planes are to refuel in Georgia which will reduce the expenditure for
$150. To note, at present “Armavia” realizes the 47% of the flights
in Armenia, and the flow of passengers is 56-57%.

HOVANNISIAN: ARMENIA IS LESS DEMOCRATIC THAN TURKEY
Journal of Turkish Weekly
April 2 2006
Richard Hovannisian, a renowned U.S. academic of Armenian descent,
named Armenia a “failed state”, Armenian press reported.
Richard Hovannisian, a senior professor of Armenian and Near Eastern
History at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), claimed
that domestic policies pursued by the administration of President
Robert Kocharian have alienated a large part of the country’s
population and the influential Armenian community in the United States.
“Watching from the outside, we follow with pain the continuing
electoral and other illegalities committed in Armenia,” he told RFE/RL
in an interview.
“We would have loved to see freedom of speech and thought in Armenia,
instead of repression, secret police persecution and lies spread by
state media” Prof. Dr. Richard Hovannisian added.
Hovannisian, who is arguably the most famous of Armenian-American
historians, believes that Armenia is now less democratic state
than Turkey.
Richard Hovannisian argued that Turkish press is freer than the press
in Armenia.
According to Ruzanna Stepanian from Armenia Liberty “The remark is
extraordinary for a scholar who has spent several decades researching
the 1915 Armenian genocide in the Ottoman Empire and campaigning for
its recognition by modern-day Turkey and the international community.”
Hovannisian serves on the board of directors of nine scholarly and
civic organizations, including the International Institute on the
Holocaust and Genocide and the Washington-based Armenian National
Institute. He also became in 1990 the first foreign social scientist
to be elected a member of Armenia’s National Academy of Sciences.
“We must not become a failed state. If this state also fails, we will
have no future,” he added.
“As long as our rulers fail to realize that they are not on the right
track, that they must accept the people’s will, that they must allow
political freedoms, I won’t be able to say that there will be positive
change in this country.”
Similarly Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sedat Laciner, director of Ankara-based
USAK, shares the idea of “failed state”:
“Armenians failed to preserve their first independent Armenia. They
sacrificed it for the so-called revenge. If they seek to survive as
a state, they should have good relations with the neigbours. That’s
the first and foremost thing they have to realise. They relied on the
Russians, British, French and Americans. Time passed and all of them
went to their homes. And the Armenians with the Turks shared the same
fate. Now the Armenians should not sacrifice their independent state.
They need Turkey, if they want an independent Armenia. Otherwise,
Armenia will be a tool in other nations’ national interests.”
?id=29133
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

STATE DEPARTMENT ISSUES CONSULAR INFORMATION SHEET ON AZERBAIJAN
US Fed News
March 31, 2006 Friday 8:28 PM EST
WASHINGTON
The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs issued the
following Consular Information Sheet:
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION:Azerbaijan is a constitutional republic with a
developing economy. Western-style amenities are found in the capital,
Baku, but they are generally not available outside that city. Read
the Department of State Background Notes on Azerbaijan for additional
information.
ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A passport and visa are required. Travelers
may obtain single-entry visas for USD 40 by mail or in person from
either the Azerbaijani Embassy in Washington, D.C. or any other
Azerbaijani embassy offering consular services. Travelers may also
obtain single-entry, 30-day visas at the airport upon arrival. Visas
are not available at the land border with Georgia. Double-entry,
90-day visas (cost $80 U.S.) and one-year multiple-entry visas
(cost $250 U.S.) are only available through an Azerbaijani embassy
or through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A letter of invitation
from a contact in Azerbaijan is required, and travelers who expect
to travel in the region should request a one-year, multiple-entry visa.
American citizens of Armenian ancestry have had visa applications
denied by the Government of Azerbaijan on the grounds that their
safety cannot be guaranteed.
U.S. citizens who obtain a one-entry visa at the port of entry are
permitted to remain in Azerbaijan for up to one month, after which
an extension of stay must be requested. For persons in Azerbaijan,
visa applications, extensions or renewals are made at the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs, Shikhali Kurbanov Str., 4, Baku; tel. (9-9412)
492 34 01. For additional information, please contact the Embassy of
Azerbaijan, 2741 34th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008 (tel.
202-337-3500); e-mail: [email protected]. Visit the Embassy of
Azerbaijan website at for the most current
visa information. See our Foreign Entry Requirements brochure for
more information on Azerbaijan and other countries.
See Entry and Exit Requirements for more information pertaining to
dual nationality and the prevention of international child abduction.
Please refer to our Customs Information to learn more about customs
regulations.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: As a result of conflict in the Nagorno-Karabakh
area of Azerbaijan, insurgent forces occupy approximately 15 percent
of Azerbaijani territory (in the southwest along the borders with Iran
and Armenia). A cease-fire has been in effect in the Nagorno-Karabakh
region since 1994, although reports of armed clashes along the
cease-fire line and along the border with Armenia continue.
Anti-personnel mines are a danger in areas close to the front lines.
It is not possible to enter the self-proclaimed “Republic of
Nagorno-Karabakh,” which is not recognized by the United States, from
Azerbaijan. Travelers are cautioned to avoid travel to Nagorno-Karabakh
and the surrounding occupied areas. Because of the existing state
of hostilities, consular services are not available to Americans
in Nagorno-Karabakh.
American citizens of Armenian ancestry considering travel to Azerbaijan
should remain particularly vigilant when visiting the country, as the
Government of Azerbaijan has claimed that it is unable to guarantee
their safety.
A number of political rallies have occurred in Baku in recent months
as a result of the November 2005 Parliamentary elections. While the
majority of these protests were peaceful, some became confrontational
and escalated into violence. Americans are reminded that even protests
intended to be peaceful may turn violent and travelers are advised
to avoid all demonstrations.
For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad
should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet web site where
the current, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements, including the
Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, can be found.
Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by
calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or for callers outside
the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These
numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time,
Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility
for their own personal security while traveling overseas. For general
information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect
themselves in an overseas environment, see the Department of State’s
pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad.
CRIME: Although the Republic of Azerbaijan has a low rate of violent
crime, incidents of street crime and assaults on foreigners are
common. Visitors should follow the same precautions they would in any
major city. Visitors should not walk alone at night, if possible. All
crime incidents should be reported to the local police and U.S.
Embassy. The Police Office of Crimes by and Against Foreigners has an
English-speaking officer available at all times who may be reached at
(994 12) 490-95-32 or, after hours, at 490-94-52.
INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: The loss or theft abroad of a U.S.
passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the
nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime
while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please
contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The
Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find
appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and
explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation
and prosecution of the crime are solely the responsibility of local
authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local
criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.
See our information on Victims of Crime:
cies/emergencies_1748.html.
MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: A few Western-type medical
clinics, the quality of which is comparable to those in Western
countries, are operating in Baku. The quality of these clinics
is good. However, medical facilities outside the capital remain
inadequate, unsanitary, and unsafe. There is often a shortage of
basic medical supplies, including disposable needles and vaccines.
Avian Influenza: The WHO and Azerbaijani authorities have confirmed
human cases of the H5N1 strain of avian influenza, commonly known as
“bird flu.” Travelers to Azerbaijan and other countries affected by
the virus are cautioned to avoid poultry farms, contact with animals
in live food markets, and any surfaces that appear to be contaminated
with feces from poultry or other animals. In addition, the CDC and
WHO recommend eating only fully cooked poultry and eggs. For the
most current information and links on avian influenza in Azerbaijan,
see the State Department’s Avian Influenza Fact Sheet or visit the
website of the U.S. Embassy in Baku.
Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as
safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be
obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline
for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via
the CDC’s Internet site at For information
about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health
Organization’s (WHO) website at Further health
information for travelers is available at
MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans
to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling
abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether
it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. Please
see our information on medical insurance overseas.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S.
citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly
from those in the United States. The information below concerning
Azerbaijan is provided for general reference only, and may not be
totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
Driving hazards such as open manholes, debris, sinkholes and potholes
are common. Drivers do not pay attention to traffic regulations,
signals, lanes, pedestrians or other drivers. Drivers often travel
at extremely high speed, and accidents are frequent and often serious.
Driving in Baku should be considered extremely hazardous. Outside the
city, even where roads are present, conditions are similar. Roads are
often in poor repair, unlit, and lack lane markings, traffic signs,
and warnings. Many rural roads are largely unpaved.
Public transportation throughout the country is overcrowded and
poorly maintained. The U.S. Embassy strongly discourages use of the
Baku Metro. Train travel in the Caucasus region is not secure.
Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT:As there is no direct commercial
air service between the United States and Azerbaijan, the
U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed
Azerbaijan’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with
ICAO international aviation safety standards. For more
information, travelers may visit the FAA’s internet web site at
oversight/iasa.
Travelers on airlines among the countries of the Caucasus may
experience prolonged delays and sudden cancellations of flights. In
addition to frequent delays, flights are often overcrowded with
passengers without seats standing in the aisle along with excess
unsecured cabin luggage. Even basic safety features such as seat
belts are sometimes missing. Air travel to Azerbaijan on international
carriers via the United Kingdom, Germany, and Turkey is more reliable.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: The Republic of Azerbaijan’s economy is mostly
cash-only. Traveler’s checks and credit cards are accepted only in some
hotels and a few restaurants and supermarkets. The national currency
is the manat. An increasing number of commercial establishments have
begun to enforce the requirement that purchases be made with manats.
Azerbaijanicustoms authorities may enforce strict regulations
concerning temporary importation into or export from Azerbaijan of
items such as firearms, religious materials, antiquities including
carpets, medications, and caviar, and any amount of currency over
USD 1000. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Azerbaijan in
Washington for specific information regarding customs requirements.
Please see our information on Customs Information.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is
subject to that country’s laws and regulations, which sometimes differ
significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the
protections available to the individual under U.S. law.
Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United
States for similar offenses. Persons violating Azerbaijan’s laws,
even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties
for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Azerbaijanare
severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and
heavy fines. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or
disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime,
prosecutable in the United States. Please see our information on
Criminal Penalties.
CHILDREN’S ISSUES: For information on international adoption of
children and international parental child abduction, see the Office
of Children’s Issues website.
REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living or traveling in
Azerbaijan are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy
or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration
website and to obtain updated information on travel and security
within Azerbaijan. Americans withoutInternet access may register
directly with the U.S. Embassy. By registering, American citizens
make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.
The U.S. Embassy is located at Prospect Azadlig 83;
tel. (9-9412) 498-03-35, 36, or 37; (9-9412) 490-66-71; email:
[email protected]; web site:
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

GERMANS QUESTION $1BLN FOR GAZPROM
By Stephen Boykewich
Staff Writer
The Moscow Times, Russia
April 3 2006
The government of German Chancellor Gerhard Schroder approved a $1
billion loan guarantee to Gazprom, German officials said over the
weekend, adding fuel to critics’ claims that Schroder improperly
benefited from a joint Russian-German pipeline project.
The German Finance Ministry on Saturday confirmed media reports that
Schroder’s government had approved a 900 million euro ($1.09 billion)
loan guarantee to Gazprom for the North European Gas Pipeline project
on Oct. 24, 2005, four weeks before Schroder left office and six
weeks before he accepted a key post in the pipeline consortium.
Schroder said Saturday that he had only learned about the loan
guarantee from media reports, and rejected renewed criticism by
opposition German politicians as politically motivated, the newspaper
Deutsche Welle reported on its web site Saturday.
The web site also published excerpts from an interview due to appear
in the newspaper Handelsblatt on Monday in which Schroder said
he initially declined an offer to head the pipeline consortium’s
shareholders committee in November, but reconsidered in December
after a personal request by President Vladimir Putin.
“On Dec. 9, I then accepted the offer. I do not see that I did anything
wrong,” Schroder said.
While visiting Moscow on Thursday to officially assume the post,
Schroder insisted that any German government would have supported the
$5 billion pipeline project and denied that he had had any insider
information while in public office. The post comes with a 250,000 euro
($301,000) annual salary.
“This affair stinks terribly,” German Free Democratic Party chairman
Guido Westerwelle said Saturday, Deutsche Welle reported.
investigate the circumstances of the loan guarantee.
“If Schroder has any respect for himself, he must immediately resign
his post on the supervisory board of the gas consortium,” Green Party
leader Reinhard Butikofer said, the newspaper reported.
Other German officials said the parliament’s budgetary committee would
review the loan guarantee this week, Reuters reported. One official
said, however, that immediate action was unlikely and that it was
unclear whether the committee had the power to block the deal.
Several hours after German media first reported the loan guarantee
on Friday, Gazprom released a brief statement saying it had rejected
the proposed German loan and would finance construction of the first,
above-ground section of the pipeline on its own.
“Gazprom wants to send a signal to avoid any negative political
fallout,” Steven Dashevsky, head of research at Aton brokerage, said
by telephone Sunday. “They tried to pre-empt any potential negative
decision by saying they didn’t need the German money, which really
they don’t.”
With estimated cash flow generation of $20 billion to $25 billion
this year and the ability to easily raise foreign capital, “Gazprom is
more than able to pay for its share of construction of the pipeline,”
Dashevsky said.
The pipeline — which is to carry up to 55 billion cubic meters of
natural gas per year under the Baltic Sea from Vyborg to Greifswald,
Germany — is a cornerstone of Gazprom’s plan to expand its stake in
Western European energy markets and diversify its export routes.
Russia currently supplies 25 percent of Europe’s natural gas needs
though pipelines in Ukraine and Belarus, both of which have sought
to leverage their role as transit states in recent price disputes
with Gazprom.
Natural gas is expected to be the European Union’s fastest-growing fuel
source in coming decades. Brussels projects that the EU’s dependence
on imported gas will rise from more than 40 percent currently to
about 70 percent by 2020.
“It’s a fact of life for Europe that the only place they’re going
to get a substantial amount of energy in the future is Russia,” said
Chris Weafer, chief strategist at Alfa Bank. “Europe already accepts
that it is going to have to become more dependent on Russia’s energy
imports. It has no choice.”
Schroder enthusiastically advocated the pipeline project during his
chancellorship and signed off on the deal with Putin several weeks
before leaving office. He is considered a close friend of Putin,
as is Matthias Warnig, an official at Dresdner Bank who was named
managing director of the pipeline’s shareholders committee.
Dresdner Bank bought one-third of Gazprombank in December for $800
million, and also advised Gazprom on its $13 billion acquisition of
Sibneft last year.
Gazprom controls 51 percent of the pipeline consortium, while German
partners E.On and BASF each have a 24.5 percent stake. The pipeline
is expected to begin shipping gas in 2010.
Armenia began paying about twice its previous price for Russian natural
gas on Saturday, while talks continued between Gazprom and Armenian
officials on ways to ease the blow for the country, The Associated
Press reported.
Gazprom initially demanded that Armenia pay $110 per 1,000 cubic
meters as of Jan. 1, but the company later agreed to hold off on the
increase until April 1.
“You don’t need to be an economist to figure out how much the chain
reaction will affect the [pocketbooks] of citizens,” said Ashot
Aramyan, editor of Basis, an Armenian economic magazine.
Gazprom has extended a temporary deal to supply gas to Moldova until
the end of June, the AP reported Friday.
Under the terms of the deal, Moldova will pay $110 per 1,000 cubic
meters of natural gas, the same as in the first three months of the
year, Moldovan Economy Minister Valeriu Lazar said. Moldova paid $80
per 1,000 cubic meters in 2005.
In January, Gazprom cut off gas to Moldova after it rejected an initial
demand of $160 per 1,000 cubic meters of gas. Moldova accused Russia
of using its gas monopoly to punish former Soviet countries such as
itself, Georgia and Ukraine, which have moved to establish closer
ties to the West.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

AZERI, US OFFICIALS DISCUSS IRAN, KARABAKH IN WASHINGTON
Azartac news agency, Baku
31 Mar 2006
Azerbaijan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Araz Azimov has expressed concern
about Iran’s “some moves” in the Caspian Sea. In an interview with
the state-run news agency Azartac after his recent visit to Canada
and the USA, Azimov said that US experts will visit Baku to examine
Azerbaijan’s opportunities to join ” the G8’s nonproliferation
initiative” and favoured stronger ties with the USA in the sphere of
security. Speaking on the Karabakh settlement, Azimov said the USA
should “realize” and Armenia has to bear in mind that Azerbaijan will
never agree to the division of its territories.
The following is excerpt from report by Azerbaijani news agency
Azartac; subheadings have been inserted editorially:
Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister Araz Azimov wrapped up his working
visit to Canada and the USA on 30 March. [Passage omitted: background
information on US-Azerbaijani security dialogue since 1996]
Azimov has given an interview about the results of his visit to North
America to an Azartac correspondent.
[Correspondent] You are Azerbaijan’s first official representative
to have visited Canada. How high is interest in Azerbaijan in that
country? What can you say about talks held?
[Azimov] Indeed, this was the first visit of a high-ranking delegation
from the Azerbaijani Republic to Canada. [Passage omitted: background
information on bilateral ties]
It was impossible to discuss all issues during the two-day visit. But
we were able to touch on main problems that concern us. Canada’s
position on the Nagornyy Karabakh conflict between Armenia and
Azerbaijan is not always explicit. As an OSCE member state, Canada
has so far offered only superficial moral and political support. But
Canada can gradually come closer to this issue in the future.
Issues of concern in ties with Canada
In our region, there are some Canada-related issues that concern us,
such as the participation of several Canadian companies in some illegal
projects in Turkmenistan, and also in the exploitation of gold mines
in the occupied Kalbacar District. We brought this to the attention
of the Canadian government.
They explained that the Canadian government has no connection with
those companies and that it is trying not to interfere in these
issues. Having heard their explanation, we said that Azerbaijan will
continue to express its concern to the Canadian government, and ask
Canada for help in these issues.
Of course, you won’t get anything by just keeping aside and watching.
It is already two years that our embassy in Canada has been operating
very well. It has been able to breathe some life into Canada’s
Azerbaijan community. These are what we have done. We are waiting
for action from Canada too. Above all, we would like Canada to open
its embassy in Baku.
Security dialogue with USA
[Correspondent] You are the co-chairman of the US-Azerbaijani security
dialogue, which is a framework mechanism. Projects that are initiated
here are brought to the attention of the [US and Azerbaijani]
governments for their approval. What specific projects you take to
Baku after the current stage of the dialogue?
[Azimov] The security dialogue, which started in 1996, enabled us to
explore security issues between Azerbaijan and the USA. We should
improve this dialogue further. Azerbaijan will see more threats to
its security as its international authority and capabilities are
becoming stronger. Azerbaijan should be prepared for this. Azerbaijan
and the USA mainly cooperate in the military, political and security
areas. They are doing practical work in these spheres.
The US support for Azerbaijan in these areas is at the needed level.
But our demands are much greater. The US approach to our demands
shows that it is ready for a closer cooperation.
As a whole, the dialogue goes well. We had the same issues on our
agenda this time: Azerbaijan’s national and regional security,
relations within NATO, the OSCE’s growing role in processes, the
settlement of regional conflicts, relations between the Caspian
littoral states, and military and political situation in the Caspian
basin.
The complex of risks and threats in the Caspian region is quite
complicated. It has military, terrorism and environment elements. In
this respect, the USA will closely cooperate with Azerbaijan.
We achieved some agreements. Several expert groups will visit Baku.
They will explore Azerbaijan’s opportunities to join an energy and
maritime security initiative, and also the G8’s nonproliferation
initiative.
Baku concerned about Iran’s actions in Caspian
[Correspondent] Did you discuss Iran?
[Azimov] While considering the situation in the region, we discussed
the situation on the Azerbaijani-Iranian border. We said that a
130-kilometre stretch of the [Azerbaijani-Iranian] border is under
occupation. We certainly had to discuss threats coming from here
[the occupied stretch of the border].
We also discussed the situation in the [Azerbaijani] section of
Caspian Sea that borders Iran. Azerbaijan is concerned about some
moves of Iran there. We have repeatedly said that calmness should
reign on borders of neighbouring countries. These borders should be
respected and be inviolable.
We also said that we maintain ties with neighbouring Iran in various
fields, including trade ties. We have many compatriots in Iran.
Therefore, Azerbaijan is watching the developments in Iran with
interest and concern. We would not want that a crisis occur here. We
favour a peaceful resolution of issues.
US role in Karabakh settlement
[Correspondent] [Armenian Foreign Minister] Vardan Oskanyan has
recently said in Washington that Armenia views the Nagornyy Karabakh
issue from the position of defining this region’s the self-governing
status. But Azerbaijan has repeatedly said it is dealing with a
separatist regime in Nagornyy Karabakh. How does the USA consider
this conflict given these viewpoints ?
[Azimov] The USA is directly involved in the settlement of the
Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict. The USA is for a speedy settlement of
the conflict, and is ready to step up its efforts in this direction.
Although various expressions are being used, the situation is however
the same. This is all about Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity,
a conflict on Azerbaijan’s territory, and its settlement.
Azerbaijan maintains that the Armenian and Azerbaijani communities
should peacefully co-exist in Nagornyy Karabakh, and that they should
be given the necessary guarantees. I am confident that Azerbaijan
will achieve this at some stage because there is no other way out.
The USA has to realize, and Armenia should bear in mind that Azerbaijan
will not agree to the division of its territories and will prevent
this.
This should not be perceived as the toughening of our position. This
is a principled position, which Azerbaijan has maintained from the
very beginning, from the first day of the conflict. We will remain
in this position. We are ready to display the needed flexibility
in the settlement of the conflict. I say this, also appealing to my
compatriots – the Armenian community living in Nagornyy Karabakh should
be provided with some form of self-government. Armenians are claiming
that political circles in Azerbaijan are calling for the expulsion of
Armenians from Nagornyy Karabakh. This is not true. We have never been
against the existence of Armenians in Nagornyy Karabakh as Azerbaijani
citizens. On the contrary, we believe that these people should have the
necessary social, public and political rights, which should be ensured.
This should not be viewed as Azerbaijan’s weakness. As a powerful,
modern and democratic state, Azerbaijan is ready to ensure a normal
life for each of its citizens of any ethnic origin. It is true that
there are extreme points on both sides [as published]. We should give
them up and come to common ground.
Azerbaijanis in Karabakh
Armenia’s extreme position is that Nagornyy Karabakh has not been and
will never be part of Azerbaijan. One should give up this position,
and the government of Azerbaijan should guarantee a model of
self-government for the Armenians living in Nagornyy Karabakh.
This model should be based on European models. It must recognize
Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and the inviolability of its
borders.
One should not forget that Azerbaijanis have also lived in Nagornyy
Karabakh along with Armenians. Vardan Oskanyan and other Armenian
politicians distort facts in their statements. They claim that a
small number of Azerbaijanis lived in Nagornyy Karabakh.
Firstly, this is not true. Nearly 50,000-60,000 Azerbaijanis lived
there. And secondly, number is immaterial. One should not deny
the importance of this issue even if 1,000 people lived there. The
Azerbaijani community must be returned to Nagornyy Karabakh. We should
make sure that both communities benefit from the same self-government
model within Azerbaijan’s law. This is the constructive position of
the Azerbaijani side.
[Passage omitted: repetition; Azimov says Section 907 of the Freedom
Support Act banning US aid to the Azerbaijani government does not
hinder Azerbaijani-US cooperation]
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

SKELTON CLAIMS KALACHYAN VICTORY
BBC Sport, UK
April 2 2006
Skelton Will Face Danny Williams Again This Summer
Matt Skelton bounced back from his defeat by Danny Williams with a
fourth-round knockout victory over Suren Kalachyan on Saturday.
Skelton had to overcome a gutsy display from the French-based Armenian
before finishing the non-title fight strongly.
Skelton will face Williams again at Manchester’s MEN Arena on 15 July.
Meanwhile, Stephen Foster Jnr retained his WBU featherweight title
with a unanimous points win over Glasgow’s John Simpson.
Skelton, in action only five weeks after losing to Williams, took time
to get into his stride but floored his opponent with a body-shot in
the third round.
The Bedford fighter was determined to finish the job in the fourth
and fired in two damaging punches which forced Kalachyan to take the
full count after 30 seconds of the round.
After losing his unbeaten record last time he met Williams, Skelton
is keen for better next time.
“I was back in the gym training a few days after the Williams fight
and wanted to get back as soon as possible,” he said. “I’m ready for
the rematch and believe I can put the record straight by beating him
next time.”
But Williams, who was ringside at York Hall was unimpressed by
Skelton’s display against Kalachyan.
“He didn’t show me anything I haven’t seen from him before and I’m
confident I can do a better job next time,” he said.
“I shook him badly in the final round and I’ll try to get to him
earlier when we meet again.”
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

AZG Armenian Daily #059, 01/04/2006
Society
UNEMPLOYED TO BE RETRAINED OR GET NEW PROFESSION
Ara Petrosian, RA Deputy Labor and Social Security
Minister, represented the details of some government
decisions concerning the labor sphere. In particular,
he dwelt on the some issues of the unemployed people.
Petrosian said that it is envisaged that a program
aimed to re-training of unemployed people will be
implemented. They will receive second specialization,
including crafts and professions that are required in
the employment market. The program is financed by the
state budget allocations, sources of the social fund
and the donations of various donor organizations.
According to the program, the re-training courses may
last 3-6 months.
By another decision, the period after an individual
became a disabled person and is not capable of working
will be considered as seniority. RA Government also
approved the decision, according to which ill people
will receive sanatorium treatment benefits. This group
of people includes patients with tuberculosis, with
post-infarct complications, as well as post operation
treatment of stomach and duodenum complications.
By Ara Martirosian