Author: Kanayan Tamar

Armenia’s national-judicial staff debate constitutional amendments to underpin sustainable development
Organization for Security and Co-Operation in Europe (OSCE)

Aug 3
/noticias.info/ YEREVAN, 2 August 2005 – Judges, prosecutors, and
staff members of Armenia’s Constitutional Court met today in Yerevan
to discuss constitutional guarantees for sustainable development in
the country.
The event, which was organized by the OSCE Office in Yerevan together
with the United Nations Development Programme, among others, was
aimed at introducing key principles of sustainable development to the
participants, highlighting the need to incorporate these principles
in the Armenian constitution. The participants also discussed aspects
of the Aarhus process as well as the UN Millennium Goals relevant
to Armenia.
“Meaningful discussions about sustainable development are of particular
importance at the current stage, when the draft constitutional
amendments are being finalized,” said Ambassador Vladimir Pryakhin,
Head of the OSCE Office. “Such debates make sure that these essential
principles are incorporated in the main body of Armenia’s legal
framework.”
The Chairman of the Constitutional Court, Gagik Harutyunyan, also
welcomed the initiative. “Such meetings serve as an inspiration for
future work in this field,” he said.
Karine Danielyan, President of the Association for Sustainable
Development and Chairperson of the UN Environmental Programme’s
National Committee, welcomed the event as a further step to take into
account international expertise and the principles of sustainable
development in the process of amending the Constitution.
The event was co-organized as a joint contribution to the UN Decade of
Education for Sustainable Development by Armenia’s Aarhus Centre, the
Association for Sustainable Development, and the NGO, Constitutional
Rights Centre.

PRIME MINISTER MET WITH STUDENTS
Azat Artsakh – Nagorno Karabakh Republic [NKR]
27 July 05
On June 13 NKR Prime Minister Anoushavan Danielian met with a group of
representatives of the Armenian Assembly of America, students of
American universities, passing internship at the NKR ministries and
agencies. Many of the students were in Stepanakert for the second time.
The prime minister said their relationships with the youth, knowledge of
the past and present of the country, acquaintance with the history and
culture will allow them to get a realistic picture of Artsakh and its
people, the developments in different spheres of life. Suggesting the
students living and working in Karabakh after graduating, the prime
minister noted that the fate of the Armenian nation will in fact be
decided in Artsakh. It is therefore necessary for them to visit Armenia
and Artsakh more often and know the home of their ancestors. The prime
minister answered the questions of the students. The members of the
group thanked A. Danielian for the warm welcome and friendly talk and
promised `to fall ill with Karabakh’ and once come here and never leave.
AA.
27-07-2005
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Neue Zürcher Zeitung
Mittwoch 27 Juli 2005
Scharfer Protest der Türkei
Schweizer Botschafter ins Aussenministerium in Ankara zitiert
Die Türkei hat am Mittwoch den Schweizer Botschafter ins
Aussenministerium in Ankara einbestellt. Sie protestierte bei ihm
scharf gegen die Schweizer Ermittlungen gegen zwei prominente Türken
wegen Genozid-Leugnung.

Wie das türkische Aussenministerium in Ankara mitteilte, brachte
Staatssekretär Nabi Sensoy in dem Gespräch mit dem Schweizer
Botschafter Walter Gyger «die Verstimmung der türkischen Regierung
und Öffentlichkeit in scharfer Form zum Ausdruck».
Der Botschafter sei von der Auffassung der türkischen Regierung
unterrichtet worden, dass die Vorermittlungen der Justiz in
Winterthur gegen den türkischen Historiker Yusuf Halacoglu und den
Politiker Dogu Perinçek gegen internationales Recht verstossen,
teilte das Aussenministerium mit.
«Verstoss» gegen Meinungsfreiheit
In Abwesenheit eines internationalen Gerichtsurteil zu der
Armenierfrage sei die Schweizer Justiz dazu nicht berechtigt. Die
türkische Regierung erwarte, dass diese Vorermittlungen sofort
eingestellt würden, erklärte das Aussenministerium. Alles andere
werde als eklatanter Verstoss gegen die Meinungsfreiheit bewertet.
Eine solche Behandlung türkischer Staatsbürger würde «den Beziehungen
zwischen den beiden Ländern unausweichlich schweren Schaden» zufügen,
wurde dem Schweizer Botschafter nach Angaben des Ministeriums
erklärt.
EDA widerspricht türkischer Darstellung
Die Sprecherin des Eidgenössischen Departements für auswärtige
Angelegenheiten (EDA) widersprach auf Anfrage den türkischen Angaben,
wonach der Schweizer Botschafter «bestellt» worden sei. Das Gespräch
habe auf Anfrage Gygers stattgefunden. Dies habe beiden Seiten
Gelegenheit gegeben, ihre Positionen darzulegen.
Am Donnerstag kommt es auf Wunsch des türkischen Botschafters in der
Schweiz in Bern zu einem weiteren Treffen Schweiz-Türkei. Der
Botschafter wird beim EDA vom Chef der Politischen Abteilung I,
Jean-Jacques de Dardel, empfangen werden, wie EDA-Sprecherin Carey
weiter ausführte.

Neue Zürcher Zeitung
25. Juli 2005
Armenien-Resolution und umstrittenes Hitler-Zitat
Reinhard Markner (Berlin)
Der Deutsche Bundestag hat kürzlich eine Resolution verabschiedet,
die vorgeblich “zur Versöhnung zwischen Türken und Armeniern
beitragen soll”. Die Resolution wurde mit Stimmen aller Parteien
angenommen, und das hat sich in Deutschland auch in einer sehr
unkritischen Berichterstattung niedergeschlagen. So ist von niemandem
bemerkt worden, dass der angeblich am 22. August 1939 gefallene
Ausruf Hitlers: “Wer redet heute noch von der Vernichtung der
Armenier?”, diesem möglicherweise nur untergeschoben worden ist. In
der Debatte wurde das Zitat gleich von zwei Rednern als Beleg dafür
gebraucht, dass das Schweigen über den Völkermord an den Armeniern
Hitler als Argument zur Rechtfertigung seines Vernichtungskrieges im
Osten gedient habe. Ein Abgeordneter behauptete, das Zitat sei “in
den Akten des Auswärtigen Amtes dokumentiert”.
Das ist unzutreffend. Der notorische Satz entstammt einer
Niederschrift, die dem amerikanischen Journalisten Louis P. Lochner
in Berlin zugespielt wurde. Darin wird zuletzt behauptet, dass Göring
im Anschluss an Hitlers Geheimrede vor den versammelten
Wehrmachtsgenerälen auf dem Tisch getanzt habe – eine schlechterdings
undenkbare Vorstellung. In anderen Aufzeichnungen derselben Ansprache
ist weder davon noch von den Armeniern die Rede. Die Nürnberger
Anklage verzichtete vernünftigerweise auf die Verwendung des
Dokuments, dessen Urheber sie nicht feststellen konnte. Die andere
Quelle, auf die in diesem Kontext ersatzweise verwiesen wird, sind
die Gespräche, die Hitler angeblich schon 1931 mit dem Leipziger
Chefredaktor Richard Breiting geführt haben soll.
Der endgültige Wortlaut der Bundestags-Entschliessung enthält nun
zwar nicht das vermeintliche Hitler-Zitat, dafür aber die
Aufforderung, “das Werk des Dr. Johannes Lepsius” dem Vergessen zu
entreissen. Erinnerungswürdig ist gewiss, wie der Potsdamer Pfarrer
in Berlin und Konstantinopel für die Rechte der Armenier kämpfte. Zu
seinem Werk gehört allerdings auch, nach Ende des Ersten Weltkriegs
eine gefälschte, die Gleichgültigkeit der deutschen Regierung
angesichts der Berichte von den Deportationen und Massakern
verschleiernde Aktenpublikation herausgegeben zu haben. Das hat
Wolfgang Gust in seiner kürzlich erschienenen Edition “Der Völkermord
an den Armeniern” detailliert nachgewiesen. Wie schon aus dem Titel
hervorgeht, ist Gust nicht verdächtig, die offizielle türkische
Position stützen zu wollen.
Insgesamt scheint es weder die Aufgabe des Deutschen Bundestages noch
die des Schweizer Nationalrats (der ebenfalls schon eine
Armenien-Resolution verabschiedete), die Geschichte entfernter
Nationen zu schreiben.

ArmenPress
July 25 2005
ARMENIAN DEFENSE MINISTER DOWNPLAYS AZERBAIJANI WAR RHETORIC
YEREVAN, JULY 25, ARMENPRESS: Armenian defense minister Serzh
Sarkisian downplayed last Saturday Azerbaijan’s war rhetoric saying
it would have tried to win Karabakh back by using force long ago had
it been sure of its military build-up. Addressing a youth jamboree at
Armenia’s resort town of Tsakhkadzor Sarkisian said Azerbaijani
presidents have been saying for years they are able to solve the
problem through a war, “but if they are sure of their military
capacity why they have not done this ?’ he asked.
Sarkisian also dismissed a sharp increase in Azerbaijan’s defense
spending as an “imprudent ” trick designed to bully the Armenians
into making more concessions on Nagorno-Karabakh. Azerbaijani
president Ilham Aliyev said last June that his country’s military
budget will increase from $175 million in 2004 to $300 million this
year in response to the recent redeployment of Russian weapons from
Georgia to Armenia and claimed that the Azerbaijani military has
already gained superiority over its Armenian adversary.
Sarkisian also spoke about domestic issues, brushing aside talks
about the possibility of what is dubbed as ‘color revolutions,’
saying Armenia had already seen this scenario back in 1990. Sarkisian
said revolutions took place in those post-Soviet republics which were
ruled by former Soviet leaders. He also argued that these
‘revolutions’ were in fact coups, as no systematic changes followed.
Serzh Sarkisian also denied that Vladimir Harutunian, a Georgian
citizen of Armenian descent, accused of making an attempt on the life
of U.S. President George W. Bush in Tbilisi on May 10, has anything
to do with Armenia or Armenians. “Detained Vladimir Harutunian is a
national of Georgia and has no ties with Armenia or Armenians. And
the assumptions made by some media are absolutely incomprehensible
and inappropriate,” he told a youth jamboree in Armenia’s resort town
of Tsakhkadzor on July 23.
Armenian defense minister quoted Georgia’s chief prosecutor who
said earlier last week that `Harutunian is a Georgian citizen, the
incident took place in Georgia and naturally it has no relation with
Armenia. We are looking for all evidence and information in Georgia.
They are here and nowhere else.

Armenian defence minister says compromise needed to solve Karabakh’s status
Arminfo
25 Jul 05
YEREVAN
“If it is possible to solve the issue of Nagornyy Karabakh’s status at
all, then we have to make concessions,” Armenian Defence Minister
Serzh Sarkisyan told a meeting with participants of the third
Pan-Armenian Youth Forum today.
He said he had outlined his position to that effect during the latest
hearings at the Armenian National Assembly.
“I developed my opinion long ago and I am sure that the issue of
Nagornyy Karabakh’s status can be solved only on the basis of mutual
concessions,” the minister said and added that no conflicts in the
world could be solved without concessions and would eventually turn
into a dispute between winners and losers.
The minister spoke against the return of [Azerbaijani] territories,
Armenian public radio reports. He added that if Azerbaijan accepts the
conditions put forward by the Karabakh side (i.e. if Baku agrees that
Nagornyy Karabakh cannot be subordinated to Azerbaijan, that the NKR
[Nagornyy Karabakh Republic] cannot exist as an enclave, that Karabakh
should participate in progressive tendencies and enjoy security
guarantees), then it might be worth speaking about setting up a
security zone, he said.

Manucharyan’s burning ambition
Saturday, 23 July 2005
By Andrew Haslam in Belfast
Edgar Manucharyan believes Armenia’s first-ever point
in a finals tournament, won in the UEFA European
Under-19 Championship against England on Wednesday,
gives his country something to build on, both in this
tournament and for the future.
Armenian sensation
Carl Lombe’s late leveller earned Armenia an
unexpected 1-1 draw against England and a fighting
chance of reaching the last four in Northern Ireland.
Although Samuel Petrosyan’s team are bottom of Group
B, victory against leaders France together with a
positive result in Saturday’s other match between
Norway and England, will send Armenia through. Their
captain, 18-year-old Manucharyan, is optimistic,
telling uefa.com: “It is sensational to see Armenia in
the final tournament, but we came here to compete, not
just participate. We have one game left and we’ll give
our all to win that and, hopefully, qualify for the
semi-finals.”

First success
The striker insists that his side’s success signals an
improvement in fortunes for his country: “This is our
first finals and it’s so important for Armenia and
Armenian football. This tournament is crucial for
Armenia in all respects. It’s our first footballing
success since we gained independence, and gives us
something to build on for the future so that we can
compete with the big nations. Everyone back home is
very interested in us, there is lots of coverage in
the press.
‘New generation’
“In Armenia, we have a new, talented generation who
can perhaps have success in the future,” continued
Manucharyan, who scored eight qualifying goals
including four in the decisive Elite round encounter
with Hungary. “The Football Federation of Armenia has
worked hard over the past couple of years, so we hope
to achieve something significant in the near future.
In two or three years we’ll have a very good senior
squad.”

‘Dream come true’
Having joined AFC Ajax from FC Pyunik on 1 July,
Manucharyan – who is already a full international and
scored against F.Y.R. Macedonia in a FIFA World Cup
qualifier in June – is probably his country’s most
famous current player, which is a source of great
pride. “This is a dream come true for me,” he said. “I
began my career at a very young age – I was playing
for the U17 national side when I was 15, so I was
exposed to attention early and have learnt to cope
with it. The pressure does not bother me.”
Ajax acclimatisation
The 2004 Armenian Player of the Year broke a bone in
his right foot while on trial with Ajax last December,
but never lost faith. “Ajax had been watching me for
two years, since I scored against the Netherlands in a
European U17 Championship qualifier, so I knew they
wanted me,” he said. “I’m settling in quickly, there’s
a very good atmosphere in the team. It’s new for me,
but I’m enjoying it very much. Ajax are a big club –
Pyunik are regularly champions of Armenia but there’s
a big difference between the two.
Every player must go forward and wants new challenges,
especially at a club as big as Ajax

Edgar Manucharyan

Time to move on
“With Pyunik, I won three league titles, two Armenian
Cups and the Armenian Super Cup, so I feel that
everything is done in Armenia,” Manucharyan added.
“Every player must go forward and wants new
challenges, especially at a club as big as Ajax. I
must train and work hard to succeed. I believe every
one of my team-mates at the U19s is capable of playing
at a high level in Europe, and I would be glad if some
of them follow me. It will be very good for the
progress of Armenian football, and that is what’s
important.”

Turkey, Russia ‘Have Common Positions on Karabakh Conflict’
Baku Today
July 22 2005
Turkey and Russia have common positions on the Armenia-Azerbaijan
Nagorno Karabakh and the Cyprus conflicts, Turkish TRT channel quoted
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan as saying.
Commenting on the results of his recent visit to Russia, Erdogan said
the similarity in the positions of Ankara and Moscow on such issues is
of great importance in terms of lifting isolation from Northern Cyprus
and settling the conflicts, which pose a threat to regional stability.

NEW APPROACHES FOR IDENTIFICATION AND PREVENTION OF CANCER PRESENTED
ArmenPress
July 19 2005
YEREVAN, JULY 19, ARMENPRESS: Armenian Health Ministry’s Oncology
Center and the Academy for Educational Development (AED) with funding
of the United States Agency for International Development organized
today “Cancer Prevention and Control at the Primary Level in Armenia”
seminar-meeting to present to family doctors and specialists delivering
primary health services cancer epidemiology, risk factors and new
approaches for early identification and prevention of the disease.
Armenian Deputy Health Minister Tatul Hakobian greeted the organization
of the forum and presented Health Minister Norayr Davidian’s message to
the participants in which he calls on health establishments to have the
issues on cancer prevention and control under their limelight. Tatul
Hakobian said the efforts which they have undertaken to make people
go to policlinics for examination were justified and at present
more people visit doctors and now there is a necessity to implement
practical steps in identifying the disease in its initial state.
USAID Armenian Mission Director Robin Phillips told it is necessary
to develop an anti-cancer national program in Armenia.
According to him, many countries adopt national policy for fighting
against the disease. During the meeting he welcomed the five-year long
cooperation between the Armenian Health Ministry and USAID which have
joint aim to develop the health primary control circle.
According to him, the events organized for cancer prevention will
first of all be useful for family doctors.
“It is necessary to display political will, combine abilities and
increase the level of public awareness for fighting against the
disease,” said Phillips. Hranush Hakobian, head of the Science,
Education, Culture and Youth Affairs Permanent Commission, also
underscored the necessity of developing a state program and releasing
funds from the state budget for fighting against the disease. “It
is necessary to fight against the disease by all means. It is also
necessary to implement such amendments, according to which a person
who has cancer will be treated by state released funds.”
Head of the Armenian Ontology Center Hayrapet Galstian said fight
against the cancer is not only health issue but also a national,
state and public one. During the recent years Armenian medical
facilities have been fulfilled with modern devices which promoted
the early identification of the disease. The cases of identification
of the disease have increased by 6% which results in decrease of
expenditures. Galstian said the early identification is not the issue
of oncologist but of the primary sector and family doctor. From this
point of view he considered the creation of Family Doctor Institute
in Armenia as a very effective step.
He said that at present there are 30,000 registered people with cancer
who have been treated for 10 years. According to him, practically
they are healthy people and have returned to their families and
society. According to the information possessed by the Ontology Center,
in 2004 6,174 people with cancerous growths were registered in Armenia,
48.7% of which were women. For comparison, the number of new cancer
cases in 1995 was 4,705, in 2000 – 5,413.
Increase is registered in the number of new cancer cases among female
reproductive organs. Beast cancer has the second leading place in the
cancer epidemiology in the country after lung cancer. The disease is
also spread among men who are often getting cancer in lungs, prostate
and in colo-rectal system.

PanArmenian News Network
July 19 2005
INTRACOM SIGNED [email protected] CONTRACT WITH VIVACELL
19.07.2005 04:53
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ INTRACOM has signed a new contract, amounting to
[email protected] in its first phase, with VivaCell, the trademark of K-Telecom,
which is second largest mobile operator in Armenia, for the
deployment of a mobile network. INTRACOM Company Press Service stated
to .am edition of PanARMENIAN.Net. According to the source, the aim
of the project, which INTRACOM undertook in cooperation with ALCATEL,
is to enable VivaCell to become a strong mobile operator in Armenia
that will provide the most advanced high-quality services to the
Armenian end-users. In particular, within the framework of the
contract, the project provides for the deployment of a complete
“turn-key” mobile network covering the entire territory of Armenia.
It should be noted that INTRACOM Company headquartered in Greece is
one of the main providers of ArmenTel telephone company, which has
concluded a $37-million contract of with INTRACOM in 1999. However,
the Interdepartmental Commission, formed by the Armenian Government
in 2001, has discovered misuse of the financial flows of common
activities of ArmenTel and INTRACOM. It should also be mentioned that
INTRACOM Company was founded by social immigrant Sokratis Kokalis,
who is observed to be in close cooperation with German State Security
Committee. Bundestag respective bodies are dealing with the
wheeler-dealer finance of Sokratis Kokalis and his company. Detailed
information is available in the Library section.