Author: Khoyetsian Rose

RUSSIAN AIR FORCE CHIEF COMMENTS ON SWITCHOVER TO S-400 SAM SYSTEM

Interfax
March 4 2008
Russia

Yekaterinburg, 4 March: The Russian Army plans to switch to the
latest S-400 Triumf air defence missile system in thevery near future,
Russian Air Force Commander-in-Chief Col-Gen Aleksandr Zelin has said.

"I think we will be all switching to the new air defence missile
system S-400 in the very near future. Russiahas already put it into
service; one of the regiments is being rearmed with the system",
Zelin said at a newsconference in Yekaterinburg today.

He noted that other CIS countries also expressed interest in
the system. "In terms of the organization ofinteraction and the
organization of automated control systems of air defence, the Republic
of Belarus has the mostadvanced position. Everything new and advanced
is being put to use to ensure the protection of air borders of CIS
membercountries", Zelin said.

A representative of Belarus said at the new conference that Belarus
was working on the issue of buying S-400 systems."This is a matter
of years", [the representative said].

Aleksandr Zelin, commenting on military and technical cooperation
among CIS countries, said that they were interestedin equipment
repairs in the Russian Federation and other CIS countries with
appropriate potential.

Zelin chaired a meeting of the Air Defence Coordination Committee
under CIS Council of Defence Ministers held inYekaterinburg today. It
was attended by air force and air defence commanders from Armenia,
Belarus, Kazakhstan,Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Ukraine
as well as representatives of the commander of the Baltic Fleet,
CIS and CSTO [Collective Security Treaty Organization] bodies and
the defence industry.

RUSSIAN DUMA TO CONSIDER RECOGNITION OF CIS BREAKAWAY REPUBLICS

Center TV
March 5 2008
Russia

Today the Russian Foreign Ministry called upon Baku and Yerevan not
to allow the escalation of violencein Nagornyy Karabakh.

The main thing is to ensure that clashes with the use heavy hardware,
which flared up in the earlyhours of 4 March, would not grow into
large-scale combat activities, the statement of the Russian Foreign
Ministrysays.

At the same time, some observers think it is no accident that the
conflict flared up again now, a few weeks afterKosovo declared its
independence. Vladislav Shikoyan continues on the issue.

[Correspondent] The Kosovo example, as Moscow warned, turned out
to be contagious. Even before the protest actions inSerbia and the
popular celebrations in Kosovo itself faded, passions flared up in
other unrecognized republics. [Passageomitted: situation has escalated
in Nagornyy Karabakh]

Nagornyy Karabakh is too busy for this but the three other
self-proclaimed republics – Abkhazia, South Ossetia andDniester region
– are preparing a statement addressed to Russia, the CIS and the UN
regarding recognition ofindependence. At least in Russia there is an
intention to consider this issue seriously.

[Konstantin Zatulin, captioned as deputy of the Russian State Duma,
speaking at news conference] They have more than enough of their own
grounds, without any precedents, to have independence. Based on our
proposal, the proposal of ourcommittee [Duma committee on the affairs
of the CIS and ties with compatriots], a parliamentary hearing will
be held on the situation regarding the settlement of conflicts on
the territory of the CIS and a statement regarding therecognition
of independence sent to Russia by the Dniester-Moldova Republic,
the Republic of Abkhazia and the Republicof South Ossetia.

Naturally, expressing my personal point of view, I think that,
generally speaking, the issue of recognizing theindependent states
has become ripe long since even without the Kosovo precedent.

[Presenter] Against this background, Georgia has decided to leave
the talks process altogether – Tbilisi is no longersatisfied with the
tripartite commission for the settlement of the Ossetian conflict. In
the unrecognized republics itis thought that this would lead to
the escalation of the conflict. By the way, in a week’s time the
representativesof the parliaments of Abkhazia, South Ossetia and
Dniester region will come to Moscow for a hearing. It has so far
notbeen decided whether to invite representatives of Georgia and
Moldova.

TROUBLING NEWS FROM THE CAUCASUS

Economist
/europe/displaystory.cfm?story_id=10809006
March 6 2008
UK

Bloodshed in Armenia worries both Russia and the West

THE day after Dmitry Medvedev’s presidential victory, Moscow’s leading
papers turned their attention away from the long-predicted result
to the unexpected bloodshed in Armenia. At least eight people were
killed in clashes between security forces and opposition supporters
protesting against alleged fraud in the country’s presidential
elections. "An election won with some blood", ran the headline in
Kommersant, a leading business daily.

Small, complicated and with names that are hard to spell, Armenia has
long been out of the mainstream of world news. Yet what happens in
this country has implications not only for the whole of the Caucasus,
a region vital for Europe’s energy security, but also for Russia. The
story of rigged elections, corrupt officials and dead protesters is
particularly unnerving for Russia, a country that prides itself on
its stability.

On February 19th Armenia held presidential elections. The incumbent
prime minister, Serzh Sarkisian, assisted by a biased media and
occasional stuffing of the ballot boxes, won 53% of the vote. If the
election had been conducted fairly, there is a good chance he would
have faced a second round and a possible defeat. But Mr Sarkisian
had the backing of Robert Kocharian, the current president, which
swung the result. (Mr Kocharian, it is said, fancies the job of prime
minister-not unlike his Russian counterpart.)

International observers did not cover themselves in glory. The
Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe pointed out many
shortcomings, yet said in an initial statement that the ballot was
"mostly in line with the country’s international commitments".

The opposition, led by Levon Ter-Petrosian, an academic and Armenia’s
first president, demanded a re-run of the election. His supporters
took to the streets. Mr Ter-Petrosian is no democratic angel. In 1996
he is widely believed to have rigged the presidential election in
his favour. Still, those who voted for him this time did so largely
in protest against the local mafia, corruption and unemployment now
associated with Mr Kocharian.

For 11 days the government put up with the peaceful protest. But
on March 1st, the police moved in on the pretext that protesters
were carrying firearms, which some observers say were planted. Mr
Ter-Petrosian was placed under de facto house arrest and the crowd
was dispersed. Predictably it regrouped and gathered in front of the
French embassy in Yerevan. Mr Kocharian sent in the army, and the
area was soon lit up with tracer fire.

Eight people were killed, cars were torched and shops were looted.

Many protesters were armed with stones and metal poles. But the
responsibility ultimately lies with the government which allowed
the situation to deteriorate into chaos. The state of emergency now
imposed by Mr Kocharian for 20 days, including a media blackout and the
arrest of opposition figures, may temporarily suppress the protests,
but it is unlikely to resolve the underlying problems.

These include corruption, low living standards and an economic
blockade by Azerbaijan and Turkey because of Nagorno-Karabakh,
the Armenian-populated enclave inside Azerbaijan that was conquered
by Armenia in 1994. This conflict has long been frozen. But three
days after the violence in Yerevan, Armenian and Azerbaijani forces
were involved in their worst firefight in a decade. Both Armenia and
Azerbaijan accuse each other of starting the skirmish, which caused
a disputed number of deaths on both sides.

Claiming that Kosovo’s declaration of independence last month has
emboldened Armenian separatists, Azerbaijan’s president, Ilham Aliev,
has given warning that he is buying weapons to retake Nagorno-Karabakh
by force, if necessary. A renewed war could destabilise the region
and jeopardise a strategic oil pipeline to Turkey that runs only 15
kilometres (ten miles) from the ceasefire line.

Nagorno-Karabakh remains an open sore. Mr Ter-Petrosian’s downfall
in 1998 was mainly caused by his hints of a more flexible approach
to a peace settlement with Azerbaijan. Both Mr Kocharian and Mr
Sarkisian are from Nagorno-Karabakh and fought in the war, but they
have done little to move towards peace. In a recent commentary in
the Washington Post, Mr Ter-Petrosian dismissed the notion that only
hardliners from Nagorno-Karabakh can solve the conflict. Indeed, he
argues that Mr Sarkisian, whose presidency is now marred by bloodshed
and incompetence, will be even less able to govern.

Russia and the West have an interest in Armenia’s stability, and
they need to work to maintain it. This could be Mr Medvedev’s first
foreign test as president.

ARMENIAN AUTHORITIES VOW TOUGH RESPONSE AFTER CLASHES
by Antoine Lambroschini

Agence France Presse — English
March 3, 2008 Monday 5:15 PM GMT

Armenian authorities vowed Monday to pursue those responsible for
violent clashes that left eight dead, after arresting two lawmakers
accused of attempting to seize power in a coup.

Seven civilians and one police officer were killed in Saturday’s street
battles between riot police and opposition supporters protesting the
result of a presidential election. Dozens were injured, many from
gunshot wounds.

On Monday Prime Minister Serzh Sarkisian, the official winner of
the February 19 election, vowed to bring those responsible for the
clashes to justice.

"The organisers of these disturbances must answer before the law,
history and future generations," Sarkisian said in a statement.

Police said they had arrested two lawmakers for allegedly attempting
a coup following the clashes.

Deputy Miasnik Malkhasian was arrested for "attempting to seize power,"
the press service of the Armenian police told AFP. A source in the
security services said another lawmaker Hakob Hokopian was arrested
on the same charge.

The opposition immediately denounced the arrests.

"This is a new step in the violence the authorities are using
against the opposition to deprive it of its leadership," said Arman
Musinian, a spokesman for opposition leader and election candidate
Levon Ter-Petrosian.

The two deputies had defected to Ter-Petrosian’s camp after being
elected as members of the ruling Republican Party.

The opposition claims the election was rigged to ensure victory for
Sarkisian, President Robert Kocharian’s hand-picked successor.

On Monday a mediator from the Western-led Organisation for Security
and Cooperation in Europe said he saw little chance of negotiations
in the immediate future.

"In all likeliness, a political dialogue is not possible at the moment
between Ter-Petrosian and the government, but let’s not exclude it
for the future," the mediator, Heikki Talvitie, told journalists.

He called on both sides to assume responsibility for the unrest.

"Everybody has a responsibility and everybody should acknowledge it,"
he said. "Accusing each other is the last thing that should be done.

Now the most important thing is to try to start working for a political
situation."

The violence began early on Saturday when police tried to disperse
between 6,000 and 8,000 demonstrators, after days of mass protests
in the capital.

The protesters fought back with petrol bombs, sticks and stones.

Police used tear gas and fired live ammunition into the air.

Protesters finally left the streets after an appeal by their leaders,
but not before rioters overturned and burned dozens of vehicles and
smashed shop windows.

Kocharian declared a 20-day state of emergency in the capital,
banning rallies and imposing restrictions on the media.

On Monday the police prevented Ter-Petrosian, the runner-up and a
former president, from leaving his home.

Ter-Petrosian, who took 21.5 percent of the vote according to
the official count, has been confined there since Saturday by his
state-assigned security detail, which authorities say is acting out
of concern for his safety.

The capital was relatively calm on Monday but dozens of soldiers and
armoured personnel carriers guarded government buildings.

The state of emergency bans demonstrations and requires the media to
put out only information from government sources.

ROBERT KOCHARIAN CONGRATULATES DMITRI MEDVEDEV ON OCCASION OF WINNING IN RF PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS

Noyan Tapan
March 3, 2008

YEREVAN, MARCH 3, NOYAN TAPAN. Robert Kocharian, the President of
the Republic of Armenia, sent a message of congratulation to Dmitri
Medvedev, the first Deputy Prime Minister of Russia, on March 3.

The message runs as follows:

"I congratulate you with all my heart on the occasion of being elected
on the post of the President of the Russian Federation.

The federal partnership of our countries and the strategic cooperation
established in all the directions are highly appreciated in Armenia.

I am sure that our countries and peoples will further as well
strengthen the friendly relations, partnership and will expand the
mutually beneficial cooperation.

I want to mention with content your personal great contribution to the
development of the Armenian-Russian relations, as well as to express
confidence that you will contribute to their deepening and expansion
on the high post of the President of the Russian Federation.

I wish you good health, welfare and success in your work in the
interests of the brother Russia."

ALL POLITICAL FORCES IN ARMENIA SHOULD AVOID VIOLENCE AND ENGAGE IN POLITICAL DIALOGUE

States News Service
March 1, 2008 Saturday

The following information was released by the U.S. Department of State:

The U.S. deeply regrets today’ unrest in Yerevan, Armenia, and calls
on all sides to avoid further violence, act fully within the law,
exercise maximum restraint, and resume political dialogue. Assistant
Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Daniel Fried
spoke today with Armenian PM Sargsian to make these points. The U.S.

Charge d’Affaires has been in touch with the opposition to deliver this
same message. Both sides are responsible for helping to re-establish
order and return to political dialogue. Any unlawful actions such
as violence and looting worsen the situation and must stop. We hope
that the State of Emergency declared today will be lifted promptly
and that political dialogue resumes. Political dialogue is the best
way for all concerned Armenians to demonstrate responsible leadership
and support for the future of Armenia and democracy.

PRESS RELEASE
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
Address:  Vagharshapat, Republic of Armenia
Contact:  Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian
Tel:  +374-10-517163
Fax:  +374-10-517301
E-Mail:  [email protected]
Website: 
March 4, 2008

His Holiness Karekin II Addresses the Nation

On March 2, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All
Armenians, addressed the nation regarding the events on March 1, following
the recent presidential election in the Republic of Armenia.

To view the video of the address of the Armenian Pontiff, please visit the
website of the Armenian Church, and click on the news
link for March 3.

You can also view the video on YouTube, by clicking on the following link:

TROOPS FLOOD ARMENIAN CAPITAL AFTER BLOODY CLASHES

Sydney Morning Herald
March 3 2008
Australia

Hundreds of troops flooded Armenia’s capital today to enforce a state
of emergency after clashes between opposition activists protesting
against election results and government forces left eight people dead
and more than 100 injured.

The bloodshed was the worst political crisis to hit the strategically
located, volatile former Soviet nation in nearly a decade. An envoy
of Europe’s leading security body rushed to Armenia to mediate the
conflict. The United States urged both sides to exercise restraint.

President Robert Kocharian declared the 20 day state of emergency
last night following a day of clashes between government forces and
demonstrators protesting against alleged fraud in the February 19
presidential election.

Police used tear gas and fired in the air to disperse thousands of
opposition demonstrators yesterday afternoon, after breaking up an
opposition tent camp earlier in the day.

Seven civilians and one officer were killed in the clashes, and at
least 131 other protesters and troops were wounded, officials said
today. The authorities accused the opposition of firing at police
and Health Ministry spokeswoman Russian Gevorkian said 16 troops
had bullet wounds, the Interfax news agency reported. The opposition
vehemently denied using weapons.

The demonstrators supported opposition presidential candidate Levon
Ter-Petrosian, who was being prevented from leaving his residence.

Ter-Petrosian called on his supporters to go home and refrain from
further protests while the emergency order is in place, but vowed to
continue efforts to force a new election once it is lifted.

"We shall not retreat. Acting within the law, within the framework of
the constitution, we shall struggle to the end, until the removal of
this hateful and criminal regime, this bandit and kleptocratic regime,"
Ter-Petrosian told reporters in his house in central Yerevan.

Hundreds of helmeted servicemen, wearing bulletproof vests and
wielding Kalashnikov assault rifles, patrolled the centre of a tense
Yerevan. Police closed several major streets where the violence
occurred. Troops were warning residents by loudspeaker not to gather
in groups.

Some streets were littered with the hulks of burned cars, many shop
windows had been broken and kiosks looted.

Ter-Petrosian finished a distant second to Prime Minister Serge
Sarkisian in the official results from the election. He appealed to
the Constitutional Court on Friday to overturn the results.

The bloodshed raised concerns about stability in this country,
which borders Iran and lies on a transit route from the energy-rich
Caspian Sea region to Western consumers. Europe’s leading security
organisation, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe,
was sending an envoy to Armenia to mediate the crisis.

Western observers issued an overall positive assessment of the
election, but noted serious flaws, especially during the vote count.

The opposition says Sarkisian stole the election by resorting to
vote-buying, ballot stuffing and pressuring media to skew coverage
in his favour. Several opposition members said they were beaten on
election day to prevent them from monitoring the vote. The government
denies any wrongdoing.

Armenian Police Clear Demonstrators Protesting Presidential Election Results []

RTT News, NY
March 1 2008

3/1/2008 1:13:17 AM Saturday, police in Armenia’s capital Yerevan
moved to clear Armenian opposition supporters who have gathered near
central Yerevan’s Freedom Square to protest the contested results of
February 19 presidential election.

Prime Minister Serzh Sarkisyan who had the backing of outgoing
President Robert Kocharian won the election, defeating former President
Levon Ter-Petrosian. While opposition supporters claim the election
was rigged, International observers judged the poll in the ex-Soviet
Caucasus republic to be generally democratic, reports the BBC.

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr.Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
Web:

PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon

Armenian version: nian.htm

HIS HOLINESS ARAM I RECEIVES THE REPRESENTATIVE
OF PATRIARCH HAZIM

The Spiritual Leader of the Greek Orthodox Church of Antioch, His Holiness
Patriarch Hazim sent a special delegation to Antelias on February 27 for a
meeting with His Holiness Aram I.

The delegation included Patriarchal Assistant Bishop Louka El-Khoury and
Elie Moukhayber who is also a member of the Middle East Council of Churches’
(MECC) Executive Committee. The delegation carried a message from Patriarch
Hazim. His Holiness Aram I in return expressed his brotherly love for the
Head of the Greek Orthodox Church of Antioch.

The Catholicos and his guests spoke about the mutual relations and
cooperation between the two Churches. A discussion on the Christian churches
of the Middle East and the organization of their activities also took place.
The sides exchanged views on strengthening the presence and mission of
Christianity in the regions particularly through reorganizing and
reevaluating the work of MECC.

##
View the photo here:
c/Photos/Photos199.htm
*****
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the Ecumenical
activities of the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of
the Catholicosate, The Cilician
Catholicosate, the administrative center of the church is located in
Antelias, Lebanon.