Author: Karapetian Hovik

OSCE MG AMERICAN CO-CHAIR TO VISIT YEREVAN ON JULY 29

YEREVAN, JULY 19, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. Matthew Bryza,
the American Co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group on the settlement of
the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, will visit Yerevan on July 29. This
was reported by the Regnum information agency, which refers to the
Press Service of the Embassy of U.S. in Armenia.

The previous day Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadiarov
declared that Matthew Bryza will visit Yerevan and Baku "with some
new elements he wants to discuss."

No change of the OSCE Minsk Group structure possible without the consent of
Armenia and Azerbaijan

ArmRadio.am
20.07.2006 13:28

"No expansion or change of the structure of the OSCE Minsk Group is
possible without the consent of the Armenian and Azeri sides," acting
Spokesman of RA Ministry of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Karapetyan said,
commenting on the information disseminated by Azeri media, according
to which "Washington has launched secret talks with Moscow and Paris
on expanding the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group."

"We question the authenticity of this information," noted Vladimir
Karapetyan, adding that the Armenian side has not been addressed with
the question.

MATTHEW BRYZA’S STATEMENT NO SURPRISE FOR ARMENIA’S AUTHORITIES

ARKA News Agency, Armenia
July 17 2006

YEREVAN, July 17. /ARKA/. US Co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group Matthew
Bryza’s statement was not a surprise for Armenia’s authorities,
RA Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanyann told reporters.

"The OSCE MG Co-Chair regularly informed us of the negotiating
process," the Minister said.

Oskanyan made a generally positive appraisal of the statement, as
"open brackets will allow all sections of Armenia’s population to
discuss this issue."

The Minister also pointed out that he is not going to organize a
campaign for a framework agreement on Nagorno-Karabakh. "This document
is just a compromise which allows the parties to enter a new stage
in negotiations, and it is not perfect for Armenia," Oskanyan said.

On June 23, Matthew Bryza made the fundamental principles of the
Nagorno-Karabakh settlement public He pointed out that the conflicting
parties were discussing a framework agreement. Under the agreement,
Armenian forces are to leave the Azerbaijani territories under
control. The agreement also envisages the stationing of peace-makers in
the conflict zone, international economic aid to Nagorno-Karabakh and
a referendum on the status of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. P.T. -0-

OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE BAKU-TBILISI-CEYHAN PIPELINE AFTER HEYDAR
ALIYEV IN THE CENTER OF ATTENTION OF WORLD PRESS

AzerTag, Azerbaijan
July 14 2006

Official opening of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Main Export Pipeline after
Heydar Aliyev taken place on July 13 was in the center of attention
of world press.

The ceremony was covered by about 400 journalists represented various
influential Turkish and world mass media. The "Washington Times",
marking, that the BTC pipeline represents great value for power supply
of the West, at the same time, regards it as the important step of
Turkey in the direction of membership in the European Union.

The French newspaper "Figaro" emphasizes, that BTC has paramount
strategic value in struggle for pipelines in the Central Asia. The
article marks, that the East-West power corridor already has become a
reality, and Armenia which is carrying out in this region a destructive
policy, has stood aside of the given corridor.

The BBC TV mentions, that once the BTC project was for many a myth,
and its realization is regarded as a historical victory of the
heads of Azerbaijan, Turkey and Georgia, and also the USA. Alongside
with economic value of the pipeline, the author also emphasizes its
strategic importance.

The German newspaper "Frankfurter Rundhau" calls the ceremony of
official opening of the BTC the "great opening of all times". It
characterizes transportation of the Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan crude oil
to the world markets as big contribution to power safety of the Europe.

The French newspaper "Le Soir" names the BTC pipeline after Heydar
Aliyev "a pearl necklace", connecting Azerbaijan, Turkey and Georgia,
and marks its value for power safety of the Europe. The newspaper
draws attention to that fact, that owing to transportation via the
territory of Turkey of energy carriers of the Caspian region possessing
one third of the volume stocks of oil in the world, Ankara gets an
important strategic value.

The Turkish media in detail speaks on the undeniable role of the
nationwide leader of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev in realization of the
BTC project. The newspapers "Milliyyet", "Sabah" emphasizes, that at
ceremony of official opening the heads of the states and governments
revered bright memory of Heydar Aliyev who was the initiator of the
mentioned project – the "Silk Road of XXI Century".

In the article of the minister of Energy and Natural Resources of
Turkey Hilmi Guler "BTC becomes an example for new projects", it is
emphasized, that the pipeline is a subject of pride, represents great
value from the point of view of progress of the countries of region.

Peter Semneby to pay a visit to Armenia

ArmRadio.am
14.07.2006 17:42

EU Special Envoy for the South Caucasus Peter Semneby will be visiting
Armenia July 24-25. The main purpose of the visit is to discuss the
EU-Armenia cooperation within the European Neighborhood Policy. To
note, July 21 Mr. Semneby will pay a visit to Azerbaijan with the
same purpose.

ARMENIAN FM TO APPEAL TO LEBANESE GOVERNMENT FOR INFORMATION ABOUT
LAW ON DUAL CITIZENSHIP IN LEBANON

ARKA News Agency, Armenia
July 12 2006

YEREVAN, July 12. /ARKA/. The Armenian Foreign Minister plans to
appeal to his Lebanese counterpart for detailed information about
dual citizenship in Lebanon, Mr. Margaryan reported during the joint
press conference with Lebanese Foreign Minister Fawzi Salloukh.

"The articles on dual citizenship and mechanisms of its application
can be helpful to Armenian MPs, as the draft of this law now is
submitted for consideration to the legislative body of Armenia,"
Oskanyan said and added that Lebanon’s law is rather liberal.

In his turn, Salloukh pointed out that Lebanon, as well as Armenia,
has a very big Diaspora in many countries.

"Living and working in the countries of Americas, Europe and Asia,
our countrymen take an active part in the development and prosperity
of these countries," he stated and added that Armenia also can proud
of the nation’s representatives overseas. R.O. –0–

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: TURKEY’S APPLICATION UNDER SCRUTINY

BRUSSELS, JULY 11, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. On Wednesday, July
12th, the European Parliament’s Committee for Foreign Affairs will vote
on a draft resolution on "Turkey’s progress toward accession," but not
until it considers some 343 amendments submitted to the report prepared
by Mr Camiel Eurlings (Conservative, the Netherlands), reported the
European Armenian Federation for Justice and Democracy (EAFJD).

While Mr. Eurlings’ report made only vague references to Armenian
concerns, the amendments tackle key conserves comprehensively. Many
parliamentarians from the main political parties – including the
Conservative, Socialist, Liberal, and Communist – unanimously call
on Turkey to "withdraw without condition the blockade of Armenia" and
to acknowledge the Armenian Genocide as "a prerequisite to accession".

Further, many amendments urge the European Commission and Council to
include the Armenian Genocide as a perquisite in the Revised Accession
Partnership – the roadmap of the negotiation process.

"We hail the initiative of these Members of the European Parliament
whose amendments are going to embed these important issues within the
current negotiation process," stated Hilda Tchoboian, the chairperson
of the European Armenian Federation. "We invite their colleagues
from the Foreign Affairs committee to follow this path in adopting
these amendments."

Overall, the Eurlings report cites Turkey’s numerous breaches of
international law, including the invasion and subsequent occupation
of Cyprus, the Kurdish issue, as well as, the crackdown on minority
rights and freedom of speech.

The report underlines the total absence of progress in 2006. It also
points out that the negotiation process will not automatically lead
to accession, particularly if Turkey refuses to ratify the Ankara
protocol which extends the customs union to all member states,
including Cyprus. Finally, it rebukes the Council, which – according
to the report – harmed the credibility of the negotiations by refusing
the Austrian presidency’s proposal to consider political criteria
throughout the process.

"Twenty years ago, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on ‘a
political solution to the Armenian question’ the findings of which were
considered ‘insurmountable obstacles’ to Turkey’s accession. Twenty
years later, none of these issues has been resolved. Given these
circumstances, the continuation of the negotiations, without dealing
with the root concerns, is a political anomaly which must stop,"
commented Hilda Tchoboian.

"We urge the executive bodies of the European Union to regain their
credibility on these critical issues, by listening to public opinion
and advancing strong, non-negotiable demands with regard to Turkey,
most notably the acknowledgment of the Armenian Genocide. Otherwise,
each step forward in the accession process of this denialist State
will mean a retreat for Europe, until its fundamental values completely
vanish," concluded the chairperson of the European Armenian Federation.

ARMENIAN AND GEORIGAN PRIME MINISTERS OBSERVE HIGH LEVEL OF FRIENDSHIP AND
COOPERATION BETWEEN TWO COUNTRIES AND PEOPLES

ARKA News Agency, Armenia
July 10 2006

YEREVAN, July 10. /ARKA/. Prime Ministers of Armenia and Georgia
Andranik Margaryan and Zurab Nogaideli pointed out a high level of
friendship and cooperation between the two countries and peoples. The
press service and public relations department of the Armenian
government reported that during the meeting in Batumi the Prime
Ministers expressed satisfaction with the intensification of bilateral
relations and contacts at different levels over the last period.

They also expressed confidence that during the working visit of the
Armenian Prime Minister and the sitting of the Armenian-Georgian
intergovernmental commission for the issues of economic cooperation,
a wide scope of issues on various areas of mutual interest will be
discussed, possible ways for their solution will be found, and also
new proposals, aimed at further development of economic relations
between the countries will be worked out.

The Prime Ministers pointed out with satisfaction that a number of
decisions of the previous sitting of the commission were fulfilled. In
particular, the agreements "On International Automobile Communication
Between Armenia and Georgia" and "On Cooperation of Armenian and
Georgian Governments In Combat Against Theft Of Transportation Means
and Assurance Of Their Return" have already been signed. Besides
this, the railway communication Yerevan-Tbilisi-Batumi-Yerevan was
opened. They also pointed out a considerable progress in specifying
the Armenian-Georgian frontier.

Margaryan and Nogaideli also discussed the problem of operating
regional railways. They agreed to create a joint working group,
particularly for finding a possibility and expediency of resumption
of the railway Kars (Turkey) – Gyumri (Armenia) – Tbilisi.

Margaryan visited Batumi on July 7 to participate in the regular
fifth sitting of the Armenian-Georgian intergovernmental commission
for economic development. R.O. -0–

PRESS RELEASE
CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES/ARMENIA
Contact Naira Altounyan/Program Officer at CRS/Armenia:
374 (10) 26 33 89 / 26 32 18
[email protected], 38 Arabkir street, 2/2 house

Golden Apricot International Film Festival to Showcase
Two Documentaries on Armenian-Azerbaijani Conflict

Yerevan ` This year’s Golden Apricot International Film Festival, to be
held during July 10-15 in Yerevan, will feature two new documentary
films dedicated to helping build peace and dialogue between Armenia and
Azerbaijan.

Sharing the title `In that Distant Neighboring Village,’ the films
document the shattered lives and lingering recovery of two villages `
one Armenian, one Azerbaijani ` on either side of the common border. The
films feature profiles of and interviews with various town residents,
who reminisce about life before the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict,
discuss the war’s impact, and often express an impassioned desire for
reconciliation.

The films were co-funded by Catholic Relief Services/Armenia (CRS), the
Armenian Round Table Foundation (ARTF), and Inter-Church Organization
for Cooperation Development (ICCO) of the Netherlands. CRS and ARTF
regularly collaborate through grass-roots programs that promote
socio-economic development and peace-building in the South Caucasus. The
documentaries were produced within the framework of a joint CRS-ARTF
initiative, designed to foster mutual understanding and dialogue between
Armenians and Azerbaijanis.

The Armenian version of `In that Distant Neighboring Village,’ which
documents life in the village of Aygepar, was produced by Shoghakat TV;
the Azerbaijani version, documenting the neighboring village of
Alibeyli, was produced by Azerbaijan’s Internews organization.

`The desire for co-existence, as expressed by the long-suffering
residents of Aygepar and Alibeyli, is not just a romantic idea,’ said
Sona Hamalian, Head of CRS/Armenia. `Armenians and Azerbaijanis alike,
especially in border towns, have a profound appreciation for the value
of economic collaboration. Peace and the re-establishment of trust are
crucial for their survival, for the eventual prosperity of their
villages. They know they’ll need more than a tenuous ceasefire to regain
normalcy, to freely interact with their neighbors.’

`In that Distant Neighboring Village,’ featuring both documentaries,
will have two screenings during the Golden Apricot International Film
Festival: on July 11, at 6 PM, at the Moscow Theater (Abovyan Street);
and on July 12, at 6 PM, at the Nairi Theater (Mashtots Avenue). Each
screening will be followed by a Q & A session with the Shoghakat TV
production team and with CRS and ARTF representatives.

# # #

A-320 rescue operation displays cooperation efficiency – Abramian
by Dmitry Gorokhov

ITAR-TASS News Agency
July 7, 2006 Friday

The rescue operation on the A-320 crash site displayed a high level
and efficiency of international cooperation, Russian Armenian Union
Chairman and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Ara Abramian told Itar-Tass
on Friday.

"Specialists from Russia, Armenia and France were one team. They
acted in the spirit of accord between the three countries," he said.

"Armenia is grateful for the Russian decision to mourn the air crash
victims in May," he said. "This act of remembrance of the deceased
Armenians showed that the multinational Russian state is a factor
of unification."

The A-320 jetliner of the Armenian Airlines crashed near Sochi in
early May.

French participants in the rescue operation received awards in Paris
on Friday in the presence of Russian Ambassador Alexander Avdeyev
and Armenian Ambassador Edward Nalbandian. Russian Transport Minister
Igor Levitin, who is paying a working visit to France, presented the
awards and conveyed best wishes from the Russian administration.