Author: Felekian Ara

PRESIDENT OF ARMENIA PARTICIPATED IN THE SITTING OF THE COUNCIL OF CIS HEADS OF STATE

armradio.am
10.10.2008 18:02

Today in Bishkek President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan took part in
the sittings of the Council of Heads of State of CIS member countries
and the Interstate Council of the European Economic Community.

The sitting of the Council of CIS Heads of State opened with the
meeting of Presidents, which was followed by a meeting in an enlarged
format. The participants of the sitting adopted the strategy of CIS
development by 2020, which comprises the perspectives and opportunities
of socio-economic development under the conditions of deepening of
economic relations between the CIS member states.

The implementation of the strategy will allow to ensure the development
of integration processes in the economic sphere, fully utilize the
economic potential of every CIS member state, expand their mutually
beneficial cooperation, raise the competitiveness of every country,
create conditions for accessing the world economy, improve the living
standards of the citizens of CIS member states.

The Heads of State discussed the directions of cooperation between
member states in the transport sphere by 2020. They adopted a document
on declaring the energy field as a primary sphere of cooperation
between the CIS countries in 2009.

The CIS Presidents adopted the documents on declaring 2009 the year
of youth and 2010 the year of science and innovation, the plan of
arrangements dedicated to the 65th anniversary of the victory in the
Great Patriotic War.

In the capital of Kyrgyzstan the President of Armenia participated
in the sitting of the Interstate Council of the Eurasian Economic
Community.

Armenia has a status of ovserver in this organization.

"RUSSIA NEEDS NO CONTROLLABLE CRISES"
Madina Shavlokhova, Olga Pavlikova

WPS Agency
DEFENSE and SECURITY (Russia)
September 22, 2008 Monday
Russia

SERGEI LAVROV: RECOGNITION OF SOUTH OSSETIA AND ABKHAZIA IS NOT
A PRECEDENT; Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met with Senators to
discuss results of the crisis in the Caucasus and proclaim Russia’s
foreign policy as peaceful.

Addressing enlarged meeting of the Federation Council’s Committee
for International Affairs yesterday, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov
said that recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia was setting no
precedents for the Trans-Dniester and Nagorno-Karabakh conflicts.

The minister reiterated his determination to continue promotion of
peaceful settlement of conflicts in the Commonwealth on the basis of
the international law. "I’m talking of the Trans-Dniester region and
Nagorno-Karabakh," he said. "Every conflict has its own distinctive
features and formats and mechanisms of international brokering,
but the South Ossetian crisis sets no precedents for them."

Committee Chairman Mikhail Margelov told Gazeta that the
Russian Federation intended to promote reunification of the
Trans-Dniester region with Moldova and settlement of the conflict
over Nagorno-Karabakh. "We observe certain progress in the processes
of settlement there," he said. "Moreover, there have been no acts
of genocide or outright aggressions there." Margelov even referred
to the latest opinion poll conducted by the All-Russian Public
Opinion Research Center that revealed a doubling of the number of
the respondents supporting recognition of Kosovo. Pollsters say that
only 15% respondents advocated recognition of Pristina in March and
31% in September when Russia officially recognized South Ossetia
and Abkhazia. Margelov pronounced Russian diplomacy’s stand on the
matter of Kosovo unchanged. "We are constantly criticized for being
illogical because we do recognize Abkhazia and South Ossetia but
deny recognition to Kosovo," Margelov said. "Let us then consider
the West. Is the West being logical? Since it recognized Kosovo,
it should have recognized South Ossetia with Abkhazia too, as well
as the North Cyprus and the republic in the west Sahara."

In any event, Lavrov’s meeting with senators was focused on results
of the conflict in the Caucasus. The minister reminded those present
that recognition of their sovereignty had been the only guarantee
of security of South Ossetia and Abkhazia and actually of their
very survival in the face of Tbilisi’s chauvinistic policy. "I’m
talking of the policy going back into the days of Gamsakhurdia (Zviad
Gamsakhurdia – first president of post-Soviet Georgia – Gazeta) who
suggested deportation of all Ossetians into Russia," the minister said.

Speaking of how the foreign media covered the operation against
Georgia, Lavrov called it counter-productive. "General public in Russia
is perfectly aware of Western journalists’ biases and prejudices,"
he said. According to the minister, the way the foreign media covered
the conflict exposed the depth of anti-Russian trends the West was
using to promote its own objectives and interests in nearby countries
including Ukraine.

Lavrov was disturbed by the efforts of some Western countries and
Georgia to revise the agreements president of Russia and France made in
Moscow. "We expect that our partners in the European Union, the ones
who also signed Medvedev-Sarkozy principles and became guarantors of
security of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, will put an end to the travesty
of the truth and common sense within the framework of the OSCE."

Margelov would later say that the minister proclaimed Russia’s
foreign policy as thoroughly peaceful. "Lavrov made it plain that
Russia is not going to foment any controllable crises in order to
fish in troubled waters."

MINISTER SURE TURKEY WILL SUSTAIN ONLY SLIGHT DAMAGE FROM CRISIS

Today’s Zaman
10 October 2008, Friday
Turkey

Minister of State for Foreign Trade KurÅ~_ad Tuzmen said on Wednesday
that Turkey would go through the global economic crisis with minimal
damage since its stock exchange does not use as many financing
instruments as other, larger bourses and its companies are not as
big as those in more developed countries.

Pointing to the fact that the Turkish economy is relatively smaller
than the US and many economies of Europe, he repeated a Turkish
proverb, "Small loses small and large loses large."

In Atlanta as part of the government’s strategy to improve commercial
relations with the US, Tuzmen found a chance to answer the questions
of Today’s Zaman on the hot issue of the day: the current financial
crisis. He commented that Turkey has to act proactively and look for
ways to transform the global financial crisis into an opportunity
rather than scaling down its economy to minimize the adverse effects
of the situation.

"I have said this several times: The US economy is the Atlantic
Ocean. It is deep and when big storms erupt, it causes huge
waves. Turkey, on the other hand, very much resembles a lake. However
fierce the storm is, it is very unlikely that a huge wave will form
on a lake. I believe the modest size of our economy is an advantage
for us, but only if we can benefit appropriately from it," he opined.

In order to turn this mess into an opportunity to establish a strong
foot in the US, the minister said Turkish companies have to immediately
start thinking about acquiring US companies that are going through
a difficult period. He called on Turkish firms to focus on buying
retail chains.

The minister later attended a meeting organized by a Turkish civil
society organization operating in Atlanta. Tuzmen here stressed that
Turkey must pursue trade focusing on "high price, high quality and
high technology," to survive hardening global competition.

He also spoke about Turkish commercial relations with the US to
stress that Turkish exports to the US had dropped recently as the
Turkish lira had gained in value and competition from the Far East
had increased. "Nevertheless, Turkey and the US pursue similar aims
throughout the world like peace, democracy, freedom, welfare and
the fight against terrorism. These values, which overlap in the
political spectrum, must have wider economic effects and lead to
further improvements in our relations," he noted.

Also on his trip the minister addressed Kennesaw State University
(KSU) in Atlanta to make the keynote speech at a ceremony to kick
off the university’s "Year of Turkey." Chairman of the International
Education Council of KSU Daniel Papp also spoke, and he asked the
students to be more enthusiastic about Turkey, a country with which the
US has close relations. He also added that Turkey was one of the most
important countries of the world in terms of its history and culture.

Other key guests at the ceremony were Turkish Honorary Consul General
in Atlanta Mona Diamond, Republican Congressman from Georgia’s 11th
District Phil Gingrey, President of the Turkish Confederation of
Businessmen and Industrialists (TUSKON) Rızanur Meral, and İstanbul
Center Executive Director Tarık Celik.

Gingrey said it was an honor for him that Turkey was being introduced
at KSU and in his electoral district and added that Turkey has a
strategic position and a rich history and culture. Gingrey also noted
that Turkey has always been a strong and close ally of the US. The
"Year of Turkey" will continue until May 2009, and the university
will organize conferences, panel discussions, workshops and lectures
to create opportunities for a better understanding of Turkey. Many
civil society organizations and the Zaman daily will support the
running of the activities.

Tuzmen’s next stop was the headquarters of the Coca-Cola Company
in Atlanta. In reference to Muhtar Kent, the Turkish-born CEO of
Coca-Cola, Tuzmen said that "it is highly pleasing to see a Turk in
a high position of this multinational company."

The minister later attended a dinner hosted in his honor by the
Turkish-American Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TACCI). In response
to a question at the dinner, Tuzmen made a few remarks on relations
with Armenia, with which Turkey has been reluctant to initiate
diplomatic ties despite a recent thaw after the visit of Turkish
President Abdullah Gul for a soccer match between the national
teams. He underlined that unless the issue of Nagorno-Karabakh is
resolved, Turkey will not develop commercial relations with Armenia.

–Boundary_(ID_INX1XZ7svC0Fsvyhpw8zjA)–

NEW INITIATIVES OF THE HAYASTAN ALL-ARMENIAN FUND IN ARMENIA AND NAGORNO-KARABAKH

armradio.am
10.10.2008 11:21

Hayastan All-Armenian Fund has initiated a number of new projects in
Armenia and Karabakh within its Rural Development Program.

Reconstruction of water supply systems in Berdashen village of Martuni
region, NKR started this September. After the completion of the
project, the community of around 1300 will have regular water-supply
due to the reconstructed water-mains, inner network, reservoir and
pump-station. The project sponsored by the Hayastan Fund’s Argentine
affiliate is scheduled to be completed in July, 2009.

Following the water supply project in Spitakashen Hayastan Fund started
implementing construction of a new school in the village through the
sponsorship of the Fund’s Toronto affiliate.

The newly reconstructed Hadrut regional hospital designed for 40
patients is currently being furnished. The project is financed by the
Fund’s USA West Coast affiliate. Within health projects in Artsakh,
Askeran, Martuni and Shushi regions will be provided with ambulance
cars.

Tenders have been announced for construction of health posts
in Khnushinak, Machkalashen and Vanadzor village of Hadrut
region. The project is jointly funded by the USA West Coast and
French affiliates. Chartar village school construction in Martuni
region is underway.

"Development of rural communities is crucial for the well-being of o
ur homeland. We do our best to provide all the villages with vital
infrastructures", says Ara Vardanyan, acting executive director of
Hayastan All-Armenian Fund.

Along with the projects in Nagorno-Karabakh Hayastan Fund is
carrying out a number of initiatives in Armenia. At present, the
three-block Khashtarak School in Tavush region is being renovated
and furnished. The project is jointly financed by French, German and
Swiss affiliates of the Fund.

Within the Ditavan administrative building renovation project,
sponsored by individual donors from Argentine, the whole building
will be fully renovated and furnished.

Renovation of the roof of Nork Infection Hospital first block financed
by the Brazilian affiliate of the Fund will be over this November.

Heating of the Khachaghbyur village school in Gegharkunik region
funded by individual donors is also underway. The water supply system
in Apaven village, Tavush region, will be repaired through sponsorship
of the Toronto affiliate.

Tenders have been announced for Aknaghbtyur water-supply project and
gas supply projects in Khashtarak, Aknaghbyur, Lusahovit, Ditavan
communities of Tavush region.

DISCUSSION ON THE GEORGIA WAR AND ITS CONSEQUENCES IN THE REGION

armradio.am
09.10.2008 17:47

The annual seminar-discussion of the Marshall Fund of Strategic
Research on the "Five-day war in Georgia and its influence in the
region" will take place in Yerevan on October 10.

The event will be attended by the Ambassadors Extraordinary and
plenipotentiary of the US and the Federal Republic of Germany,
Commandant of the Institute for National Strategic Studies of the
Armenian Ministry of Defense, Major-General Hayk Kotanjian, graduates
of the Marshall Fund, etc.

RUSSIA CALLS FOR OSCE EMBARGO ON ARMS DELIVERIES TO GEORGIA

PanARMENIAN.Net
08.10.2008 18:20 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Russia calls on all OSCE member states to refrain
from delivery of arms to Georgia unless Tbilisi stops its attempts
to resolve its problems by use of force.

"As to the OSCE norms on armament delivery, they proved inefficient,"
the head of the Russian delegation to the OSCE Forum for Security
Cooperation, Mikhail Ulyanov said during the Vienna talks on military
security and arms control.

"The scale of the August tragedy proved the necessity of such
decision", Ulyanov said.

ARMENIA, SWITZERLAND INTERESTED IN DEVELOPING INTERPARLIAMENTARY TIES

armradio.am
08.10.2008 17:47

On October 8 Speaker of the National Assembly of Armenia
Hovik Abrahamyan received the members of the Switzerland-Armenia
parliamentary group of the Federal Assembly of the Swiss Confederation
headed by Co-Chairs Welly Loyenberger and Dominique de Buman.

Greeting the Swiss counterparts, Hovik Abrahamyan expressed
confidence that their visit will contribute to the development of
interparliamentary ties between the two countries, which will, in turn,
have a positive influence on the development of interstate ties in the
trade-economic, scientific-cultural, healthcare and other spheres. On
behalf of the National Assembly, Mr. Abrahamyan expressed gratitude
to the Swiss Deputies for their active support to the adoption of
the resolution on recognition of the Armenian Genocide.

Co-Chair of the Switzerland-Armenian parliamentary group of the Federal
Assembly of the Swiss Confederation Dominique de Buman assessed the
meeting as symbolic, noting that the parliament plays a great role
in democratic states as generator of ideas. On behalf of all members
of the delegation he congratulated Hovik Abrahamyan on being elected
to the post of President of the National Assembly. Turning to the
resolution on recognition of the Armenian Genocide, Mr. Buman reminded
that it was initiated by jean Clod Verdi, and after the death of the
latter he assumed the continuation of the process of presentation
and adoption of the bill.

At the request of the Swiss Deputies, Hovik Abrahamyan informed them
about the activity of the National Assembly, the state governance
system and domestic issues.

IN MINSK GROUP FORMAT

Hayots Ashkhar Daily
07 Oct 2008
Armenia

In response to Tehran’s announcement to assume the role of the mediator
in the settlement of Karabakh conflict Press Secretary of the Foreign
Ministry Tigran Balayan said the negotiations on the settlement of
Nagorno Karabakh conflict continue in OSCE Minsk group format.

We must remind you that Iranian Foreign Minister Manucher Mottaky had
confirmed Tehran’s proposal to assume the role of a mediator after
the visit of Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandyan to Tehran
on September 16.

MURAD SADADDINOV: "THE PROBLEM OF PACE AND COUNCIL OF EUROPE LIES IN THE ABSENCE OF MECHANISMS OF FORCING THE CE MEMBER-STATES TO FULFILL COMMITMENTS"

Today.Az
02 October 2008 [16:31]
Azerbaijan

The PACE agenda does not include issues connected with Azerbaijan
and, therefore, there will be no discussions on our country", said
Murad Sadaddinov, co-chair of the Fund of Protection of Democracy
and Human Rights.

He said the discussions on presidential elections are likely to be
held by results of the discussions in PACE but it is still early to
speak of it.

According to Sadaddinov, all CE leaders have repeatedly made
announcements that CE will display a tough reaction in case of
violations during presidential elections before elections, including
in public, but later they forgot their announcements.

"Unfortunately, in the result of this impunity, the CE influence has
dropped. How can we speak about human rights when one country – the CE
member – has occupied another CE member, bombing peaceful cities and
creating territorial formations, controlled by it. I mean Russia. At
the same time, the Russian parliament recognizes these territories
as independent from Georgia", said Sadaddinov.

As for elections in Azerbaijan, the PACE delegation will take part
in observation of elections.

"This will be a small group of deputies. They will prepare a report
by results of elections and the Monitoring committee and PACE bureau
will decide what to do further. Considering today’s passive election
situation, I think that our elections will not be the subject of
discussions at the PACE plenary session", said he.

As for the possible pressure PACE may put on Azerbaijani powers he
said it does not matter as it is all senseless.

"First of all, there is no mechanism of pressure, second, any pressure
gives a ground for accusations in double standards. It is possible
to say now that the results of elections here will not be similar to
the results of elections in Armenia.

Asked what he thinks about the announcement of the head of Armenian
delegation in PACE David Arutyunyan that the discussions on the
situation in Armenia, held in Strasbourg, were ineffective, while
resolutions 1609 and 1620 demand Yerevan to release the political
prisoners, hold independent investigation of March 1 events and ensure
citizens’ right for holding events, that heads of delegations always
speak against the critical resolutions of PACE as not objective.

"Everyone is aware of the results of elections in Armenia and
by the number of arrested Armenia has set a record among the CE
member-states. In this sense, the adopted documents are quite fair,
but unfortunately, ignoring the PACE resolutions has turned into a
bitter tradition.

The problem of PACE and Council of Europe lies in the absence of
mechanisms of forcing the CE member-states to fulfill commitments",
he said and added that the Council of Europe needs serious reforms,
because it may lose its influence. "Unfortunately, we do not see any
interest in it", concluded Sadaddinov.

MINIMAL MONTHLY SALARY IN ARMENIA TO RISE TO AMD 30,000 IN JANUARY, 2009

ARKA
Sep 25, 2008

YEREVAN, September 25. /ARKA/. Minimal monthly salary in Armenia will
rise by AMD 5,000 to AMD 30,000 on January 1, 2009, Armenian Deputy
Finance Minister Pavel Safaryan said at a governmental briefing
on Thursday.

"Although the 2009 state budget doesn’t imply salary rise, there are
some areas where the increase is implied by legal acts and natural
development", he said.

The deputy minister pointed out civil service, police and tax agencies
and culture as such areas.

Safaryan said that culture workers’ salary was raised 20% yet in this
July and is planned to be increased again by 10% in January 2009.

Library and museum personnel as well as culture centers’ employees
will have their average salary increased to AMD 40,000.

On Thursday, Armenia’s Government approved the draft budget for 2009.

The budget receipts will total 927.7bln drams. Expenditures are
expected to reach 967.1bln drams. The budget deficit will total 40bln
drams (less than 1% of GDP).