Author: Jagharian Tania

RUSSIA’S ACTIONS REGARDING GEORGIA AIMED TO PREVENT BLOODSHED
PanARMENIAN.Net
25.10.2006 17:11 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ “People in Abkhazia, South Ossetia are worried by
militarization of Georgia. So are we.
The aggravation of the Russian-Georgian relations is due to it – the
attempt or arrangements of a possible solution of the Abkhazian and
South Ossetian issues by force,” Russian President Vladimir Putin
said during a live news conference today. “If Georgian leadership
resorts to that, it will be a great mistake. If people want to live
peacefully, they need to use all peaceful tools, compromises. Our
latest actions regarding Georgia are not aimed at its plans to join
the NATO or something else. Any state is sovereign and it determines
how to secure itself. Our actions are aimed at the sole goal of
preventing bloodshed.”

FREEDOM TO VAHAGN CHAKHALIAN SIT-DOWN STRIKE PARTICIPANTS SEND OPEN LETTER TO ARA ABRAHAMIAN
Noyan Tapan
Oct 25 2006
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 25, NOYAN TAPAN. On October 25, the participants of
the Freedom to Vahagn Chakhalian sit-down strike sent an open letter
to Chairman of the Union of Armenians in Russia, Ara Abrahamian,
proposing him supporting release of member of Presidency of the the
United Javakhk democratic bloc, Vahagn Chakhalian, from “clutches
of violence ruling in Armenia.” Emphasizing A.Abrahamian’s rich
experience of releasing and returning to the homeland Armenia’s and
Russia’s citizens sentenced on the charge of “taking part in armed
coups” in African countries, the letter authors propose “also using
such approach” towards Vahagn Chakhalian, Presidency member of the
United Javakhk democratic bloc arrested in Yerevan with the absurd
accusation of “illegally crossing the Armenian state frontier” and
releasing the national figure from clutches of violence ruling in
Armenia.” The participants of Freedom to Vahagn Chakhalian sit-down
strike ask Ara Abrahamian to take into consideration the fact that
“the efforts of RA National Assembly 17 Deputies, a number of parties
and organizations to release V.Chakhalian from custody are perceived
by RA law enforcement body heads and their chiefs as “a voice in the
wilderness,” the letter read.

MEMORANDUM OF MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING SIGNED BETWEEN UNDP AND HAYASTAN ALL ARMENIAN FUND
Noyan Tapan
Oct 25 2006
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 25, NOYAN TAPAN. A memorandum of mutual understanding
was signed between UNDP and Hayastan All Armenian Fund on October
25, by which the sides express readiness to cooperate within the
framework of programs aimed at poverty reduction in rural populated
areas. As UNDP Resident Representative to Armenia, Consuelo Vidal
said, reduction of rural poverty is the subject of anxiety of both
RA government and UN. In her words, UNDP has worked out development
plans of 20 border villages. Currently work is being done on providing
financial assistance for these programs. “We are convinced that we
will be able to achieve great results thanks to uniting our efforts
with the Hayastan All Armenian Fund and the whole Diaspora,” C.Vidal
said. Fund’s Executive Director, Naira Melkumian said that rural
communities development programs, in which local authorities will also
take part, will seriously improve the situation in the regions. She
informed that the Fund’s all local structures and Diasporan benefactors
are interested in implementation of these programs. It was also
mentioned that the Hayastan All Armenian Fund implemented programs
amounting to 160 mln USD during 14 years, including construction of
220 km roads, 130 km water lines, 36 schools, 3 electric conductivity
stations, 210 residential houses and 14 health institutions.

IGOR MURADYAN: NAGORNO KARABAKH FACED WITH POLITICAL AND SOCIAL CHOICE
Regnum, Russia
Oct 24 2006
“Ice is broken” in the Nagorno Karabakh Republic. The considerably
long period of relatively peaceful existence has refined the interests
of different social groups and sections and has put quite fundamental
questions to the society: What kind of statehood should NK have? What
principles and values should it be based on? What role and place
should NKR have in the Armenian reality? What social priorities
should it have? Having pinned so many hopes on the “restless status”
of the Karabakh idea, the Karabakh society have suddenly found out
that, from now on, they will have to live and assert their rights “on
common ground.” They have found out that, besides foreign challenges,
there are no less dangerous internal threats. Limited in quantity and
space, the civil society of NKR feel a steadily growing collective
responsibility for the fate of their country. The negative innovations
they see in the capital of the Republic of Armenia, Yerevan, look to
them as a major threat to traditional society. Of course, formerly,
they could hardly think about such problems – in the pre-Gukasyan
period NKR had little room for any social dynamics. Arkady Gukasyan has
brought tolerance and non-violence in the political life and has laid
the foundations of civil society. However, the parliamentary elections
2005 revealed some democracy and law problems, and responsible for them
was not only the president – but all those groups who sought power.
In fact, they in NKR are already preparing for a new political and
social situation. After a long and unproductive period of stupor and
confusion, they are finally forming an opposition. This is not the
“opposition” of the traditional parties who have lost the game and
have dropped off the political arena, but quite a new and interesting
construction of politically active groups. It is almost known who are
those people seeking the presidency, but the most interesting point
is that they represent not only the opposition as such but also the
opposition inside the current administration.
Local politicians from different parties are actively “turning their
coats.” It is quite noteworthy that already today there are some
ambitious people in Yerevan and Moscow who say they seek presidency
in NKR and, probably, have legal grounds for so doing. Of course,
this may disorganize the political processes, but, at least, this
will bring some diversity and a chance of wider choice.
Unfortunately, what we see now is recruitment and re-recruitment of
functionaries and basic forces, especially, in the province, but in
Stepanakert, too, we can see the surplus of choice: various groups
are actively consulting, the ruling regime is fermenting as Gukasyan
is no longer able to control his own functionaries.
In any case, those functionaries seem to be more interested in the
presidential than parliamentary elections – though both may prove
to be early. This inspires little enthusiasm as this proves that the
ambitious “politicians” do not see the tasks NKR is facing.
Meanwhile, one of the urgent state-building tasks in Karabakh today
is to restore the republic and to strengthen the political role of
the parliament through restriction of the president’s authority. This
must be done, first of all, because NKR is an unrecognized state,
and it is absolutely clear that its “sovereignization” will take
place in several stages in line with the general revision of the
international law. The analysis of this problem shows that for the
concerned part of the international community the parliament of an
unrecognized state is more adequate than its president. Of course, much
depends on the personality of the president, but NKR, just like all the
unrecognized post-Soviet states, has no advantage here. Furthermore,
the Karabakh society do not have enough self-control and political
and social culture for ignoring collegiality institutions.
Besides, wide parliamentary powers promote political culture and, most
importantly, imply collective responsibility for crucial decisions. The
political practice has shown that the NKR Parliament should have the
authority to carry out foreign political functions.
The NKR authorities and politicians also realize that, but it was
exactly the lack of foreign policy as such that has resulted in the
present political crisis.
The NKR authorities are presently considering draft Constitution and
are, seemingly, tailoring it to specific situational goals. They
act typically for “transitional” societies. In any case, they
must revise the Constitution – they will hardly avoid this loss of
time. It seems that they in Stepanakert will get big money soon,
and the post-traditional society may fall under it charm – though
new politicians seem to be rather well-educated people, who realize
their responsibility and tasks. What is more important is that the
new elite must draw appropriate conclusions from the past NKR history.
Otherwise, the Karabakh society will not wait so long this time.
Undoubtedly, the political processes in NKR will not develop in vacuum
but will be “adjusted” to Yerevan – something certain politicians in
Stepanakert really hope for. However, in Yerevan, too, the situation
is changing quickly. Most probably, the Armenian authorities will
prefer not interfering in the developments in NKR and just accepting
the reality they will face in their historical homeland. That would
be quite an acceptable scenario as the Karabakh resource can be
effective only if given more freedom. However, this situation is far
from strong-willed decisions or varying moods and ambitions. Simply,
the political processes in Yerevan and Stepanakert are becoming
increasingly autonomous from each other. Whose merit and whose idea
it is, does not matter much – though it must be given its worth. What
really matters is that it is becoming a reality.

SO-CALLED ARMENIAN GENOCIDE: PROTESTS IN FRONT OF FRENCH EMBASSY
Turkish Press
Oct 24 2006
ANKARA – Two separate groups of protestors from Turkish Labour Party
(IP) and True Path Party (DYP) reacted to France in front of French
Embassy in Ankara, regarding the bill which aims to criminalize
denial of so-called Armenian genocide that will be voted in the French
parliament (on October 12th).
Chanting slogans as “stop France, boycott is on the way” and “we
did not commit genocide, we defended our country”, protestors laid
a black wreath in front of French Embassy.
-A DELEGATION OF DEPUTIES FROM CHP DUE TO PARIS-
Meanwhile, a delegation of MPs from main opposition Republican People’s
Party (CHP) will go to Paris to attend the French Parliament’s session
on October 12th.
CHP delegation will consist of Haluk Koc, Onur Oymen, Sukru Elekdag
and Gulsun Bilgehan.
” Not only our friends will watch French Parliament but also 70 million
people will watch; history will watch,” said CHP leader Deniz Baykal
on Tuesday.

SUCEESSFUL PROCESS OF UPCOMING ELECTIONS IS IMPORTANT FOR MAINTAINING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMEMT, WB REPRESENTATIVE SAYS
Noyan Tapan
Oct 24 2006
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 24, NOYAN TAPAN. The RA National Assembly Speaker
Tigran Torosian on October 24 received the Director of the World
Bank Armenia Office Roger Robinson who completes his term of
office in Armenia, NT was informed from the RA National Assembly PR
Department. T. Torosian said that much importance was attached to
economic development in the countries in the post-Soviet territory
during the first years of their independence, but the logical
process of development made people realize that the social life
should be reformed as well, and a country’s success is conditioned by
political, social and economic reforms. In the words of T. Torosian,
the improvement of political mechanisms is of particular significance
for implementing reforms in the social life. He expressed confidence
that by making reforms in the social life, it is possible to reach
success in Armenia in two-three years and create opportunities for
people to live a dignified life. Expressing gratitude to the NA
Speaker for the successful joint activities over the last 4.5 years,
Roger Robinson noted that during this period Armenian has registered
a serious economic success and a sustainable growth, which is no less
important. He underlined the importance of three factors – political,
economic and social – for the development of any country. In his words,
these factors are hardly ever present at the same time: the economic
development is the first one to appear, while political and social
developments take more time as the mentality and perception of people,
as well as their relations with each other and the state change.
He pointed out that the World Bank does not interfere in politics
but the successful course of the upcoming elections is important for
maintaining the economic development.

PRESS RELEASE
ANC PAC
104 N. Belmont St.
Suite 200B
Glendale, CA 91206
ANC-PAC Issues Strong Endorsement ForOrange County Republican Congressman
Congressman Ed Royce is a Proponent of Stronger U.S.-Armenia Relations
October 24, 2006
LOS ANGELES, CA – Congressman Ed Royce (R-CA) was endorsed this week by
the Armenian National Committee – Political Action Committee (ANC-PAC), the
nation’s largest grassroots Armenian American political organization. Royce,
a Republican from Orange County, has been a staunch advocate for his Armenian
American constituents in California’s 40th Congressional District.
“Ed Royce has earned the vote of every Armenian American in his district,”
commented ANC-PAC spokesperson Ara Malazian. “His principled leadership on
the powerful House International Relations Committee and his longstanding and
active ties to our community all across his congressional district give us
great faith in wholeheartedly endorsing his reelection to the U.S. Congress,”
Malazian added.
Earlier this year members of the ANC of Orange County met with Congressman
Royce to thank him for co-sponsoring the Crowley-Sherman-Royce Amendment to
the Export-Import Bank Reauthorization Act of 2006. That amendment prohibits
the Export-Import Bank from providing any assistance “to develop or promote
any rail connections or railway-related connections that traverse or connect
Baku, Azerbaijan; Tbilisi, Georgia; and Kars, Turkey, and that specifically
exclude cities in Armenia.” Congressman Royce was also fully briefed on both
the firing of former U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John Evans for honestly
referencing the Armenian Genocide and provided background on the ANCA’s
opposition to President Bush’s nominee to replace Evans.
Since his election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1992, Royce has
vigorously addressed the concerns of his Armenian American constituents in
Orange County. By providing outstanding constituent services through his
District Office in Fullerton and by working in the U.S. Capitol to advance
pro-human rights legislation related to Armenia, the Congressman has emerged
as a leading voice for his Armenian Americans. The Congressman has proudly
served for years as a member of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues
and has consistently endorsed legislation to encourage stronger economic
relations between the United States and Armenia.
“The ANC-PAC’s endorsement is also the result of Congressman Royce’s
proven track-record in leading the charge in Congress to stop the ongoing
genocide in Sudan. We know that he has visited Darfur and seen a modern
genocide with his own eyes. We stand shoulder to shoulder with him in working
to find an international solution that will immediately stop the bloodshed in
Darfur,” Malazian added.
In 2004, the Armenian National Committee of Orange County awarded
Congressman Royce with its prestigious “Freedom Award” for championing the
concerns of his constituents in Washington, DC. The event, held at the
Armenian Community Center in Santa Ana, was attended by hundreds of the
Congressman’s constituents.
More recently, Royce has been an outspoken advocate for ending Turkey’s
shameful denial of the Armenian Genocide in which over 1.5 million Armenian
Christians were killed from 1915 to 1923. In September of 2005, the
Congressman participated in a markup of two Armenian Genocide resolutions in
the House International Relations Committee, on which he serves as a senior
member. With his full support, both measures, which call for proper U.S.
recognition of the Armenian Genocide and urge Turkey to end its decades long
denial of this crime against humanity, were overwhelmingly adopted.
Unfortunately, despite Royce’s backing, the Speaker of the House continues to
block both measures from being voted on by the full membership of the House
of Representatives.
Congressman Royce currently serves as the Chairman of the House
International Relations Committee’s Subcommittee on International Terrorism
and Nonproliferation. He is also being seriously considered by Republican
leaders to chair the full committee, given the retirement of the current
chairman, Congressman Henry Hyde of Illinois.
The ANC-PAC is a non-partisan federally registered political action
committee established to support campaign committees for Members of Congress
who share the values of the Armenian American community. The ANC-PAC is at
the forefront of efforts to ensure that the voice of the Armenian American
community is clearly heard in our nation’s capital. The ANC-PAC continues a
century old tradition of Armenian Americans engagement on the public policy
issues facing national political leaders, both in the U.S. Congress and the
White House.

INVESTMENT PROGRAMS OF OVER 19 BILLION DRAMS IMPLEMENTED IN ARMENIA IN LAST THREE YEARS
Noyan Tapna
Oct 23 2006
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 23, NOYAN TAPAN. Investment programs of about 19 bln
drams (about 49.2 mln USD) were implemented or are being implemented
in Yerevan in 2003-2006, 50% of which – in the Kentron community of
the city. Deputy Mayor of Yerevan Karen Davtian stated this during
the October 23 press conference.
According to him, in 2006, documents on development of area of a
total of 578 thousand square meters were signed in order to implement
construction work in various spheres. He said that over 100 buildings
are currently being constructed in Yerevan by 40 companies. The deputy
mayor informed those present that construction in the urban development
zones, particularly in North Avenue, will be completed in 2007. The
first stage of constrcution of Main Avenue has been completed,
while the second stage will start after the adoption of the law on
alienation of property for social and state needs. K. Davtian said
that building up of the area adjacent to the circus has already begun,
and the company to implement construction work in the 30th district
has been chosen through a tender. According to him, along with
private investment programs, state programs are being implemented
in Yerevan. In particular, by one of these peograms, in 2005,
a building was delivered for operation in the Ajapniak community:
it accomodated the residents of a 4-degree accident prone apartment
building there. By this program, another two buildings will be put
into operation by late 2006, and two more buildings – in 2007.

FOUR MORE CHILDREN PER DAY OR GROWTH OF POVERTY
Lragir.am
Oct 23 2006
If in 2006 the Armenian government allocated 1.256 billion drams for
the one-time benefit on the birth of a child, next year the government
estimates to spend 1.326 billion drams.
The size of the one-time benefit paid on birth of a child will remain
35 thousand drams. In other words, if the government had estimated 99
children a day this year, next year the government hopes to see 103
children born every day. On the other hand, it should be taken into
account that the one-time benefit doubles for poor families. In other
words, it is possible that the birth rate will not grow, but there
will be more poor families, therefore 60 million more drams will be
required for one-time benefits. Meanwhile, the government thinks that
the demand for the passport of a citizen of Armenia will grow.
Against 142.862 million drams allocated for printing passports in
2006 the government has estimated 172.212 million drams for printing
passports of the Republic of Armenia in 2007.
The government also proposes “setting aside” 93.366 million drams
to reward lawyers who will provide free legal service in the cases
provided for by the Armenian legislation against 26 million drams
of 2006. In other words, the government supposes that either the
poor class will decide to go to court to solve their problems, which
is not particularly popular with people in Armenia, since even the
members of parliament and ministers prefer solving their problems
between themselves. Or the percentage of people who will prefer to go
to court will not change, but the number of people who cannot afford
to hire a lawyer will grow, which is the same as poverty will grow.
The comparison of the state budgets of 2006 and 2007 shows that the
alternative military service is not popular in Armenia. If in 2006
43.850 million drams was allocated to the ministries of health,
defense, social security for the alternative military service, in
2007 the same ministries will get only 26.876 million drams for the
same purpose.

PRESIDENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE FOR DEFENSE OF HUMAN DIGNITY AND SECURITY IS SURE THAT
IN THE QUESTION OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE “ALL SHOULD BE HONEST AND ACKNOWLEDGE THE PAST”
ArmInfo News Agency, Armenia
Oct 23 2006
In the question of Armenian Genocide of Ottoman Empire in 1915
“all should be honest and acknowledge the Past”, General Valentin
Varennikov, President of the International League for the Defense of
Human Dignity and Security, told ArmInfo, and this is the position
of International League
He pointed out that the League has a status of international League.
Being a Non-Governmental organization it helps much in different
tickling questions and Armenian Genocide is one of them.
Dr. Takasi Gaeno, President of National League of Japan, also
participated in the today’s press conference. He said that in March
2006 a prominent Japanese newspaper ‘Asakhi’ organized a discussion
of Armenian Genocide and even made Genocide the lead of the day.
In his turn, R. G. Melik-Ogadjanyan, President of Armenian League,
said that his colleagues were in Japan, met with leading officials
and are working to attain the acknowledgement of Armenian Genocide
by the Japanese Parliament.