Author: Khoyetsian Rose

ArmenPress
25 Oct. 2004
ARMENIAN MALE CHESS PLAYERS FIGHT FOR MEDALS
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 25, ARMENPRESS. After nine rounds at the 36-th
World Chess Olympiad in Spanish Calvia Armenian male chess team is
fourth. In the latest round our team played 2:2 with the leader of the
Olympiad Ukrainian team. Rafael Vahanian won the well-known Ruslan
Ponomariov, Smbat Lputian was defeated by Andrei Volokitin, while
Vladimir Hakobian and Gabriel Sarkisian ended in draw with Vasili
Ivanchuk and Alexander Morozevich.
Ukraine is leading with 27 scores, Russia comes second with 24,5
scores, USA is with 24 scores, and Armenia is forth with 23 scores.

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10/25/2004
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WEBSITE AT <;HTTP:// 1) Javakhk Armenians Deliver Strong Message to Council of Europe 2) Turkey Must Recognize Cyprus before Joining EU, Says British Minister 3) Presidents Discuss Economic and Political Cooperation; Weapons Scare at Local Music Hall 4) Heads of Oriental Orthodox Churches Sign Common Declaration in Cairo 5) Zoo Cries Foul after Armenia Bound Elephant Dies 1) Javakhk Armenians Deliver Strong Message to Council of Europe Just as the Council of Europe's Monitoring Committee was to convene on October 24 to review Georgia's fulfillment of obligations and commitments before the European body, Javakhk's Council of Armenian Non-Governmental Organizations submitted a powerful memorandum to that committee outlining commitments that Georgia, on becoming a Council of Europe member in April 1999, has failed to fulfill--namely those dealing with national minorities, local self governance, and autonomy. Pointing to the resulting social and economic decay, they ask that Javakhk be fully integrated into the social, political, socioeconomic, and cultural lives of the country. The stress, however, that integration is not synonymous with assimilation, and that autonomy is a must for the struggling region. The following is the full text of that Memorandum titled, "The Situation in The Samtskhe-Javakheti Region in Georgia And Georgia's Obligations And Commitments before The Council of Europe." As you prepare to hold your next meeting in Georgia, we, the leaders of the Armenian nongovernmental organizations of the Samtskhe-Javakheti territory in Georgia, attaching great importance to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country, wish to bring to your attention the critical situation in Samtskhe-Javakheti, which if left unresolved, could have dire consequences for the population of the territory and for Georgia as a whole. When joining the Council of Europe in 1999, the following were among the obligations and commitments Georgia undertook: a) to sign and ratify, within a year after its accession, the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities and the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages; b) to sign and ratify, within three years after its accession, the European Charter of Local Self-Government, [...] and in the meantime to apply the fundamental principles of [this] instrument; c) to enact, within two years after its accession, a legal framework determining the status of the autonomous territories and guaranteeing them broad autonomy, the exact terms of which are to be negotiated with the representatives of the territories concerned; d) to amend, within three years after its accession, the law on autonomy and local government to enable all the heads of councils to be elected instead of being appointed; e) to adopt, within two years after its accession, a law on minorities based on the principles of Assembly Recommendation 1201 (1993). Five years after accession, Georgia has yet to take steps towards fulfilling the above mentioned commitments and obligations. In fact, the process of fulfilling these commitments before the Council of Europe has failed, and, inter alia, has made the situation in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region critical. The 1995 Georgian constitution does not define the administrative structure of the country and in practice the district-level self-government does not match democratic standards. In the Samtskhe-Javakheti region, discriminatory laws and practices have left the Armenian population far less represented in the district administration. There are no elective bodies on the regional level and there is no legislative base for the institution of state commissioners appointed by presidential decrees. The present administrative structure and the method of governance do not take into account the specifics of the region and do not correspond to the needs of the population. The system has long demonstrated that it is bankrupt and unfruitful. The Samtskhe-Javakheti region has actually been pushed out of the governing processes of the country. The administrative governance of the region has been frustrated. At the local level, flagrant discrimination is practiced against the local Armenian population; in contrast to the rest of the country, in the Armenian populated areas of Samtskhe-Javakheti most sakrebulos (locally elected bodies) incorporate several villages, whereas each Georgian populated village has a separate sakrebulo, thus artificially increasing the Georgian presence on the district level. These measures, policies and practices are in direct contradiction to the European Charter of Local Self-Government, which Georgia had undertaken to sign and ratify within three years after its accession and in the meantime to apply the fundamental principles of this instrument. No short or long-term socio-economic programs to serve the interests of the population are implemented. The poverty and desperation have reached threatening levels. Educational and cultural conditions are unsatisfactory. In the last ten months, we have conveyed our concerns and recommendations to the highest authorities in Georgia and to the (now former) Secretary General of the Council of Europe, but to no avail. All of them have failed to even acknowledge receipt of our written communications. It is crucial to have the Samtskhe-Javakheti region fully integrated in the state, political, socioeconomic and cultural lives of the country. But integration is not synonymous to assimilation, neither is autonomy to secession. In a democratic society, integration can only be achieved through participation. Policies and practices pursuing assimilation or artificial and forceful change of demographic realities can only result in the opposite. Integration requires that both the majority and the minority have the desire for it and the willingness to take mutual steps towards each other. Under the guise of integration, the Georgian authorities have enacted laws which are contrary to the spirit and letter of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities and the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, which Georgia had undertaken to sign and ratify within a year after its accession, but has failed to do so after over five years following its accession. Furthermore, and in direct contradiction of the above-mentioned Framework Convention and European Charter, the Georgian authorities have recently introduced a draft law on education, which, if enacted, would effectively prevent Georgia's national minorities, including the Armenians, from education at all levels in their relevant regional or minority languages. There is no broad social-political consensus in the country on political issues connected with ethnic diversity of Georgia and its internal political and administrative systems. The reported Armenian ancestry of politicians and public figures is often regarded to be derogatory. Whereas the existence of a large number of Armenian cultural and religious monuments, as well as historical records speak of the fact that in Southern Georgia, including in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region, the Armenians are natives, Georgian society regards the Armenians in those regions as newcomers. There is recorded evidence of attempts to "Georgianize" these monuments. The Georgian authorities are sending contradictory messages on how national minorities can protect and promote their linguistic and cultural rights: whereas, on the one hand, the Georgian authorities are undermining the linguistic and cultural rights of the law-abiding national minorities, on the other hand, in order to appease those who have declared their independence from Georgia, the same authorities promise them to protect and promote their language and culture in return for restoring Georgian sovereignty on those territories. We are convinced that if Georgia completely and sincerely honors its accession obligations and commitments, especially those mentioned at the beginning of this Memorandum, it would greatly help alleviate the serious situation in Samtskhe-Javakheti. Hence we appeal to you, the Committee on the Honoring of Obligations and Commitments by Member States of the Council of Europe, to ensure that Georgia honors its commitments entered into on its accession to the Council of Europe. We are at the disposal of your Committee for further elaboration and discussion. Council of Armenian Non-Governmental Organizations of the Samtskhe-Javakheti Region in Georgia October 21, 2004 Akhalkalaki The Council attaches its December 30, 2003 appeal to then acting President of Georgia Nino Burjanadze; appeal to President Saakashvili to grant autonomy to Javakhk; and letter to Secretary General of the Council of Europe Walter Schwimmer 2) Turkey Must Recognize Cyprus before Joining EU, Says British Minister NICOSIA (Combined Sources)--The United Kingdom's minister to Europe Denis MacShane appeared to raise the bar for Turkish membership to the European Union, saying, "It is not possible for Turkey to become a member of the European Union while it does not recognize a member of the Union. This is legally impossible." MacShane was in Northern Cyprus for a fact-finding visit that included meetings with a number of Turkish Cypriot politicians. MacShane also stressed there is no justification for Turkey to retain thousands of troops on the soil of an EU member state. In a strongly-worded message to Ankara, MacShane also called on the Turkish government to withdraw its troops from the divided island of Cyprus. "This money could be spent on social projects that would benefit both communities," he said. He added his belief that once normal relations between Nicosia and Ankara had begun, negotiations over the demilitarization of the island would begin under the auspices of the UN. MacShane called on the Cypriots of both sides of the Green Line to put the "problems of the last century" behind them and work together to face new challenges. But while pushing for Turkey's recognition of Cyprus, the minister asked that a date to begin the Turkish accession talks be set. He added that it would be wrong to insist that Turkey removes all its troops from the island as a precondition for a starting date. 3) Presidents Discuss Economic and Political Cooperation; Weapons Scare at Local Music Hall TBILISI (Combined Sources)On Sunday, President Robert Kocharian ended a three-day official visit to Georgia, which he and his Georgian counterpart Mikhail Saakashvili said will help the two neighboring nations strengthen their relations. The two leaders held a series of talks that focused on bilateral trade, transport, and other economic issues. The economic focus of the visit was underscored by an Armenian-Georgian economic forum that began its work in Tbilisi during the weekend. Saakashvili and Kocharian presided over its opening session. Twenty-nine businessmen accompanied Kocharian to the forum, and discussed the privatization of the Poti Port and the energy sector. The situation in the Armenian-populated Javakhk region in southern Georgia was also on the agenda of the talks. The Armenian and Georgian leaders discussed economic development programs for the impoverished region, with Kocharian indicating that Armenia is ready to assist in rebuilding local roads leading to the Armenian border. Kocharian also held a separate meeting with leaders of the Armenian community in Tbilisi. At a joint briefing to journalists, Kocharian stressed the need to reconstruct the railway through Abkhazia that would link Armenia with Russia. The Armenian president went on to say, however, that this issue could be resolved only by Georgia. "More frequent railway movement is better for all of us. The absence of railway communications is neither favorable to Armenians or Georgians. I think that a pragmatic approach to this issue would be very useful, although I understand that it is a very difficult issue, and Georgia has to decide what to do," the Armenian president said. Saakashvili chose not to comment on the issue, speaking instead of regional cooperation. "The Baltic countries could push for this idea to take shape as part of the [EU] new neighbors policy. We are ready to cooperate with them," said Kocharian. On Saturday, Kocharian met with Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania, who praised the Armenian president, saying, "I want to say that Kocharian always pays great attention to eliminate even small defects in relations with Georgia," Zhvania told reporters, and said the talks addressed Georgia's import of electricity from Armenia. Kocharian also met with Speaker of Parliament Nino Burjanadze, and said afterwards that close cooperation between the parliaments is one of the main components of bilateral relations. "We agreed to strengthen the relations between our parliaments, and, I will also invite the Speaker of the Armenian parliament to Georgia. We have cooperated in the past, and now we only need to refresh it," he told journalists in the parliament after the meeting. Burjanadze welcomed the idea of bilateral cooperation between the two parliaments, saying that "this is in the interests of both countries and the region as a whole." Kocharian also met with Georgian Patriarch Ilia II, and visited the Heroes Square where he laid a wreath on the memorial to soldiers who died fighting to preserve Georgia's territorial integrity. Later, Saakashvili and Kocharian expressed their condolence to former Georgian president Eduard Shevardnadze in connection with his wife's death. They paid their respects by going to the presidential Krtsanisi residence late at night. Afterwards, Kocharian and Saakashvili visited the Adjaria Music Hall, where a show in honor of the Armenian president was being held. The joyous atmosphere of the evening was marred when weapons were discovered in the building. Investigators have not yet determined if the weapons were linked to a possible dual assassination attempt. The two presidents spent that night at the presidential residence in Likani, near Borjomi. On the third and last day of the official visit, Kocharian met with the Armenian diaspora of Georgia, during which complaints about unemployment were the focus of talks. Also on Sunday, Minister of Internal Affairs of Armenia Haik Harutunian, and Georgia's Minister of Internal Affairs Irakli Okruashvili signed an agreement to create a joint board that will work to eradicate the trafficking of drugs and stolen cars. Their first session will be held on December 20. "This board will have to meet once every two-three months in order to develop this idea," stated Okruashvili at the briefing, after the signing of the agreement. 4) Heads of Oriental Orthodox Churches Sign Common Declaration in Cairo ANTELIAS--The seventh meeting of the heads of the Oriental Orthodox Churches of the Middle EastCoptic, Syrian, and Armeniantook place in Cairo, Egypt on October 21, following the meeting between the standing committees of the three churches. In their Common Declaration, which thanked God for the centuries' long unity that has existed between the churches, His Holiness Pope Shnouda III, His Holiness Mar Ignatius Zakka I, and His Holiness Aram I emphasized the importance of bilateral theological dialogue, and the need to resume such dialogue between the Oriental Orthodox and Eastern Orthodox churches. Within the declaration, the three church heads expressed their deep concern for the Armenian Catholic Patriarchate's use of the word "Catholicosate" in describing itself, and noted that if Roman Catholic Church fails to solve the matter, "our churches will not participate in the official theological dialogue with the Catholic church." Referring to dialogue with the Anglican World communion that was suspended by these churches after the ordination of an Anglican gay bishop in the United States, the heads of the churches reiterated their concern and the position of their churches that "all practice and behavior related to marriage and sexual orientation must be in accord with the biblical and moral teachings of our Churches. We hope that in the near future the Anglican Communion will solve this matter which will enable us to resume our theological dialogue with the Anglican Communion." The Church heads renewed "the commitment of their churches to peace with justice," and condemned "all forms and expression of violence and urged all to engage in processes and actions aimed at conflict resolution through mutual love, respect and trust." In referring to the current situation in the Middle East, the declaration stated: "The escalation of violence and confusion in Iraq worries us. Due to this situation, the country is losing its people either through deaths or immigration. We urge all Iraqi citizens, regardless of their religious and cultural backgrounds, to work for the wellbeing of their country and their fellow citizens. We call on all nations to assist the people of Iraq in helping to restore independence and sovereignty with the full participation of all Muslim and Christian communities in Iraq. We renew our call for a renewed peace process that will focus on the establishment of a Palestinian state and the right to return for the Palestinians. True and lasting peace will only be realized when justice and dignity is upheld and maintained, and when Israel, according to UN Security Council Resolutions, withdraws from Arab and Palestinian territories." 5) Zoo Cries Foul after Armenia Bound Elephant Dies (BBC)--The seven-year-old elephant calf Komala, due to have flown to Armenia as a gift from Indian President APJ Abdul Kalam, died in agony after what officials at the Msyore zoo in southern India are calling a conspiracy by insiders. Komala--the darling of one of India's oldest zoos, was described as attractive and playful, and had been hand-picked for Armenia because of her pleasing features, officials say. Doctors battled for hours to save her on Friday, but in vain. "It is really unfortunate. The elephant was to fly out on October 14, but we could not get a confirmed cargo booking," said the zoo's director Manoj Kaman." The next date fixed was October 30, but destiny had other plans." Officials suspect she could be the latest victim of poisoning by disgruntled employees, and, perhaps, a persistent campaign to discredit the zoo for reasons unknown. Two elephants and an endangered lion-tailed macaque died in similar circumstances in August. An official inquiry began on Monday. It is suspected that all the deaths could be due to poisoning. Komala had died despite tight security arrangements following the deaths of the two other elephants, Ganesha and Roopa, and the lion-tailed macaque in August. Ganesha and Roopa had acute hemorrhage enteritis and respiratory distress caused by zinc phosphide, normally used as poison for rodents. This is not the first time animals have died mysteriously in captivity in Measure, leading some to believe there is a plot to damage the state-run zoo's reputation--although it is not clear why anyone would want to do so. Last year, a chimp, and two EMU's from Australia also died under suspicious circumstances. All subscription inquiries and changes must be made through the proper carrier and not Asbarez Online. ASBAREZ ONLINE does not transmit address changes and subscription requests. (c) 2004 ASBAREZ ONLINE. All Rights Reserved. ASBAREZ provides this news service to ARMENIAN NEWS NETWORK members for academic research or personal use only and may not be reproduced in or through mass media outlets.

Catholic News Service
Oct 21 2004
Franciscan voices concern about violence spurred by Greek patriarch
By Judith Sudilovsky
Catholic News Service
JERUSALEM (CNS) — The Franciscan monk in charge of monitoring an
agreement among Jerusalem’s Christian communities said he is very
concerned by increased violence involving the Greek Orthodox
patriarch.
“It has become a very difficult situation,” said Franciscan Father
Athanasius Macora, who monitors Jerusalem’s Status Quo agreement. “I
really think someone, sooner or later, will be killed.”
The violence, he said, can be linked directly to the arrival of Greek
Orthodox Patriarch Irineos two years ago.
Observers from other churches say the patriarch’s attitude seems to
be one of ownership of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, with the
other denominations being “uninvited guests.”
The Greek Orthodox Church dates to James, the first bishop of
Jerusalem, and, except for the years of the Crusades, it has had a
patriarchate in Jerusalem since 451. The patriarch has the status of
“first” when Jerusalem church leaders meet.
However, Patriarch Irineos possesses none of the ecumenical spirit of
his predecessor, Patriarch Diodoros, said Father Macora. The priest
said Patriarch Irineos brought personal guards and a group of loyal
monks with him when he came from Greece.
“He is living in a historical fantasy that all this was theirs, and
he wants to restore it,” said Father Macora. “He is a profoundly
limited man.”
Catholic News Service was unsuccessful in repeated attempts to reach
the Greek Orthodox patriarch for comment.
The Status Quo is a 19th-century agreement that regulates
jurisdiction of and access to key Christian sites in Jerusalem for
Catholic, Orthodox and other Christian communities. Among those sites
is the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the site where tradition holds
Jesus was buried.
However, the few pages of the decree do not properly define the
rights of each community, said Father Macora, and this vagueness is
the cause for friction at times.
In the latest confrontation, Greek Orthodox monks attacked Franciscan
monks, egged on by Patriarch Irineos, who demanded that the bronze
door to the Franciscan Chapel of the Apparition adjacent to the main
Church of the Holy Sepulcher be closed during the Sept. 27 procession
of the holy cross.
A videotape of the incident shows a handful of Franciscan monks and
Israeli police holding off a large, angry mob of shouting and pushing
Greek Orthodox monks and pilgrims trying to reach the door.
A Greek Orthodox nun is seen clutching a cross in her waving hands
and shouting frantically that the door be closed. One Israeli
policeman can be heard shouting, “This is a holy place!” While the
monks in front pushed and shouted, pilgrims and monks in the back
continued to sing and pray.
Eventually, police reinforcements reached the chapel and forced the
Orthodox monks away from the Franciscan chapel.
A few days earlier, Israeli government representatives had asked the
Franciscans to allow the Greek Orthodox procession to pass through
the northern section of the Chapel of St. Mary Magdalene, which is
adjacent to the main basilica where the Holy Sepulcher is. The
Franciscans granted the request although it was contrary to the
Status Quo, said Father Macora, who was injured in the September
fracas. He said the Greek Orthodox patriarch was not satisfied and
demanded that the door be closed as he passed the chapel.
“Because I refused to close the door (the patriarch) incited his
monks to violence. There are other ways of making a protest. There
was so much violence that it is very disturbing and shocking,” said
Father Macora. “We sent letters of protests to the consuls of
Jerusalem. We are very concerned that this is getting out of hand.”
In all such incidents, the Israeli police have performed well, he
said, but they cannot set policy. The priest blames Israeli
government officials for their “lackadaisical approach” and for not
trying to alleviate the problem.
“They want to present themselves as mediators, but sometimes (in
order to maintain the peace) they have to impose solutions,” he said.
“There is no one in the government who understands the issues.”
Father Macora also expressed frustration with the Palestinian
National Authority, which did not step in last year when the Greek
Orthodox changed the lock of the main door of the Church of the
Nativity or when the patriarch’s bodyguards physically assaulted the
mayor and governor of Bethlehem, West Bank.
“We wrote a protest to the Palestinian Authority to either provide
security for the personnel or eliminate the (patriarch’s) guards,”
said Father Macora.
In a statement, the Israeli Department of Christian Affairs said its
policy was to encourage settling disputes among the denominations to
“avoid unnecessary governmental interventions.”
“It has also been made clear that violence will not be tolerated and
that all necessary measures will be taken by the government to ensure
public safety,” the statement said.
Choosing his words carefully, Armenian Bishop Aris Shirvanian,
ecumenical and foreign relations director for the Armenian Orthodox
Patriarchate, noted that each denomination has had its “own
experiences” with Patriarch Irineos.
Two years ago during the ceremony of the holy fire during Holy Week,
Patriarch Irineos attempted to go into the tomb of the Holy Sepulcher
to bring out the holy fire alone, contrary to the Status Quo, which
stipulates that the Greek Orthodox and Armenian patriarchs, or their
representatives, are to go into the tomb together to get the fire,
said Bishop Aris.
“This we rejected, and we expect the Israeli Ministry of Interior to
arbitrate in this dispute. We are still waiting for a response,” said
Bishop Aris. “We would like to see it resolved before Holy Week. It
is an unpleasant situation.”
Though there have been unofficial discussions among the various other
churches concerning the new situation, there have been no official
meetings, he said.
“It is not like the U.N. Security Council where they make a
resolution,” he said. “Each denomination has to resolve their own
issues with the other party.”
The Greek Orthodox patriarch has had similar confrontations with the
Coptic and Syrian Orthodox churches.
In one incident last year, Patriarch Irineos refused to allow the
Syrian Orthodox bishop to enter Golgotha carrying his pastoral staff,
and eventually the staff was broken by the Greek bodyguards. On
Orthodox Easter last year, the patriarch knocked six burning candles
from the wrought-iron door of the small Coptic chapel behind the tomb
of the Holy Sepulcher.
“He was coming through in the Easter procession and saw our candles.
With his hands he pulled down the candles,” said a representative of
the Coptic Orthodox Church. “This is our church, our chapel; we (can)
do anything inside here. (He) could’ve told (the priest) to take the
candles down and (the priest) would have in order to avoid a
confrontation … but with everybody here (the patriarch) makes a
conflict. Of course, he is a patriarch, and as a patriarch we respect
him, but he shouldn’t do that.”
One local member of the Greek Orthodox Church, the largest Christian
church in the Holy Land, said that the previous patriarch was always
available to local community representatives, but now it is
impossible to reach the patriarch, and the community feels cut off
from the patriarchate.
The relations with parish priests remain the same, but the larger
picture is more difficult, he said.
“The community needs help, but nobody is helping, not even the
patriarchate. Now I am looking toward my community, not the
patriarch,” he said. “When he became patriarch he … exiled all the
good priests and many priests left to (return to) Greece.”

L’Express
18 octobre 2004
Turquie, l’affaire des femmes;
Tribune libre – Liliane Kandel
Kandel Liliane
Ce qui se joue autour de la candidature turque, c’est notre capacité
à répondre à l’offensive islamiste contre les droits des femmes
Il s’en est donc fallu d’un cheveu pour que les négociations
concernant la candidature de la Turquie à l’Union européenne ne
puissent pas même commencer. Ainsi, le dessin – et le destin – de la
future Europe se seront joués sur la question du droit des femmes;
plus précisément, du droit des femmes turques à l’adultère. A-t-on
vraiment saisi la signification de ce débat? A-t-on mesuré le chemin
parcouru depuis les années pas si lointaines où une dizaine de
féministes déposaient à l’Arc de triomphe une gerbe “à la femme
inconnue du soldat” et où, dans la plupart des pays occidentaux, les
femmes proclamaient – et imposaient – le droit de disposer librement
de leur corps?
Une éclatante victoire du féminisme, alors? Ne soyons pas exagérément
optimistes – ou naïfs. Nous ignorons tout des convictions féministes
(ou non) du commissaire européen à l’Elargissement. Nous ignorons
même si cet étrange incident n’a pas été une manipulation destinée à
prouver, in fine, la bonne volonté européenne du gouvernement de
Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Il n’empêche: c’est cet argument-là qui fut mis
en avant (et non, par exemple, la persistance de la torture dans les
prisons turques ou la négation obstinée du génocide arménien). Et ce
qui se joua dans cette affaire, ce fut une question brûlante: celle
de la réponse de l’Europe face au regain de l’offensive islamiste en
Turquie et l’évidence que celle-ci, à Istanbul et ailleurs, vise en
priorité les droits des femmes. Souvenons-nous des taliban.
Souvenons-nous qu’une des premières mesures du gouvernement Khomeini
fut l’imposition du port du tchador à toutes les Iraniennes et que,
depuis, une part importante du budget de l’Etat va aux milices
paramilitaires chargées de surveiller… la tenue vestimentaire des
femmes. Souvenons-nous des attaques lancées par nombre de groupes
islamistes contre la loi française sur la laïcité. Chahdortt Djavann
le rappelle dans son dernier livre Que pense Allah de l’Europe?: “Le
voile est l’emblème, le drapeau et la clef du système islamiste.” Le
voile, entendons la situation faite aux femmes, qui constitue, dans
le défi lancé aux démocraties par l’islam intégriste, un enjeu
géopolitique capital.
Ce fut l’enjeu de l’épreuve de force – gagnée – sur le projet de Code
pénal en Turquie. Mais c’est aussi, en sens inverse, celui de
l’offensive “pro-hidjab” lancée il y a peu par quelques députés
européens (dont un Vert français et quelques nouvelles et paradoxales
“féministes”), l’objectif annoncé étant de faire condamner par les
instances européennes la loi française sur les signes religieux: un
autre combat, cette fois interne à l’Europe. Rien ne permet
aujourd’hui de prédire quelle en sera l’issue.

University Of British Colombia
Center for Public Opinion and Democrcy
October 14, 2004
Armenians Review Post-Independence Achievements
(CPOD) Oct. 14, 2004 – Armenians are divided over their country’s
accomplishments since independence, according to a poll by the Armenian
Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS). 28.8 per cent
say the establishment of the army is the country’s main achievement,
while 17.9 per cent mention the liberation of the Nagorno-Karabagh
region from Azerbaijan.
The Republic of Armenia declared it independence at the end of World
War I, but was incorporated into the Soviet Union in the 1920s.
Armenia regained its independence in 1991 after the collapse of
the Soviet Union. On that same year, the country went to war with
neighbouring Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabagh region. A bilateral
ceasefire was reached in 1994.
Polling Data
What is the main achievement of Armenia since its independence?
Establishment of the army 28.8%
Liberation of Nagorno-Karabagh 17.9%
Strengthening of ties with Diaspora 8.9%
Formation of people’s free thinking 6.2%
Formation of market economy 6.0%
Return to national and religious roots 3.7%
Development through democracy 3.5%
Confidence in our abilities 2.6%
Shaping and clarification of national policy (domestic and foreign)
2.0%
Shaping of national institutions 1.9%
National unity and solidarity 1.4%
Formation of national mindset 0.9%
None 11.7%
Difficult to answer 4.2%
Other 0.3
Source: Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS)
Methodology: Interviews with 1,956 Armenian adults, conducted in
September 2004. No margin of error was provided.
Other poll highlights: Negative phenomena since independence; Comparing
losses and gains since independence; Standard of living and national
institutions in Armenia; International organizations and Armenia.

CENN – OCTOBER 15, 2004 DAILY DIGEST
Table of Contest:
1. Fallout Continues from Ninotsminda Blowout
2. Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Pipeline Company Announces New Protocols with the
Government of Georgia
3. BP and Eurasia Sign Agreement on New Pipeline Monitoring Program for
Georgian NGOs
4. Armenian Proposals For Extra U.S. Aid Shelved
5. Homeless People Gathered in Angry Protest Outside Yerevan City Hall
6. Interregional Volunteer Activities to Take Place in 7 Armenian
Regions and Yerevan on Oct 28-29
7. RA President: Armenian Diaspora Should Be More Active in Assisting
Development Projects in Armenia
8. The Conference of the Council of Trustees of the Pan-Armenian
International Youth Center Foundation Held in Yerevan
9. ITERA Oil and Gas Company Holds Negotiations on Selling 10% of the
Shares of Armrusgasprom CJSC for $ 30 mln
10. 6 Month Imprisonment for Beating a Journalist
11. Armenian anticorruption commission highlights 10 main areas of
activity
12. Armenia’s only elephant to get an Indian companion
13. Invitation to European INFORSE
14. Vacancy Announcement
1. FALLOUT CONTINUES FROM NINOTSMINDA BLOWOUT
Source: The Messenger, October 13, 2004
Ninotsminda, in the Kakheti region of Sagarejo, is still recovering from
the disaster it suffered a month ago, when for three days oil and gas
gushed out of a borehole following a well blowout.
Georgian media notes that the region is still to be compensated for its
losses – 30 hectares of woods must be cleaned and there is an ongoing
danger to inhabitants’ health. Papers also note that the CanArgo Energy
Corporation, which owns the well, states that it will do everything to
eradicate the results of the catastrophe.
The disaster occurred on September 10, 2004 when oil and gas under
extreme pressure began jetting out of N100 well near the mountains in
the outskirts of Ninotsminda, seriously damaging the surrounding
territory.
A strong wind spread the gas and oil, and two villages in Sagarejo –
Ninotsminda and Tskarostavi – were seriously affected. Locals reported
that the ‘oil-rain’ continued for two-and-a-half days before the company
finally managed to stop the oil on the third day.
In a press release on September 13, 2004 CanArgo stated, “the well is
flowing a considerable amount of oil and gas under what appears to be
significant pressure.” They added that “one of the world’s leading well
control specialists is scheduled to arrive today to assist in capping
the well.”
Later on September 13, 2004 the company issued a second release noting
that the well had been capped and “the situation is now under control.”
A month after the borehole catastrophe, experts investigating the reason
for the disaster concluded that it was not the fault of the oil workers,
but was due to uncontrollable and unforeseeable processes happening deep
in the earth – the N100 well itself extends some 16,000 feet below the
surface.
In its recent articles Khvalindeli Dghe reported that the company is
using old Soviet machines that are not as safe as modern Western
machines in its exploration and quoted the company’s technical director
Aleko Chichinadze as saying, “I saw drilling machines in Arabia which
cost USD 100 million but we were not able to buy them.”
The company, however, notes that they were preparing the well for an
under balanced coiled tubing drilling program that CanArgo’s CEO and
President David Robson, during at last week’s conference of the
America-Georgia Business Council, described as one of the most modern
systems in use.
The oil blow-out damaged approximately 30 hectares of woods, and the
damage is so bad that residents state in 3 hectares it is impossible to
save the trees. The company has begun cleaning the woods and the earth
and specialists from Britain have been brought in to help the clean-up
process. The work is complicated by the complex nature of the land,
which includes 60-degree slopes.
So far, 1,700 local residents have received check ups in medical
institutions and some of them have been kept in hospitals. According to
media reports, during the first three days some of the local population
had symptoms of poisoning and the drinking water was contaminated
forcing people to bring water from neighboring villages in tanks. The
company has promised the population that it will drill wells and supply
them with drinking water. It has also purchased the grape harvest from
farmers, paying the market price.
2. BAKU-TBILISI-CEYHAN PIPELINE COMPANY ANNOUNCES NEW PROTOCOLS WITH THE
GOVERNMENT OF GEORGIA
New BP Social l Investment Program
Source: The Messenger, October 12, 2004
Monday, October 11, 2004 – The Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Pipeline Company (BTC
Co.) today announced the signature of two protocols with the Government
of Georgia.
Mr. Michael Townshend, Chief Executive Officer Co., signed protocols –
relating to pipeline security, completion of additional work under BTC’s
Environmental Permit and the creation of new grant program for Georgia –
with the Prime Minister, His Excellency Mr. Zurab Zhvania on Sunday
October 11, 2004.
The signing was followed by a joint trip to Borjomi with Prime Minister
Zhvania, Minister of Environment Tamar Lebanidze, Secretary of the
National Security Council Gela Bezhuashvili and BP President David
Woodward to visit pipeline construction and publicly announce the
agreements.
BP, operator of the BTC pipeline, used the occasion and the visit of Mr.
Andrey Inglis, BP’s Executive Vice President and Deputy Chief Executive
of Exploration and Production to announce a substantial new social
investment program, for Georgia.
In the first protocol, BTC Co. and the Government of Georgia
acknowledged conclusion of work on the Continuing Activities under the
Environmental Permit fort eh BTC Environmental and Social Impact
Assessment. Under the protocol; the parties will enter into two further
agreements:
(1) The Security Protocol which will formulize obligations concerning
the provision of the pipeline security in a manner consistent with
international security and human rights undertakings, including the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Voluntary Principles on
Security and Human Rights.
(2) In connection with this Protocol, an Agreement on provision of
Security Equipment & Facilities for the Borjomi region. Through this
agreement, BTCCo. will provide the government with a range of necessary,
non-lethal items including vehicles and accommodation for government
security personnel, together with maintenance support the total value of
the items to be provided is US$1 million per year for the remaining life
of the pipeline.
In the second protocol, BTC Co. and the Government of Georgia
anticipated the signature of an Agreement on Establishment of a Grant
Program for Georgia. Under this agreement, BTCCo. will provide a series
of grants to the government, which are to be used for funding of social
and economic projects for the benefit of the people of Georgia. The
total funding for the program amounts to US$40 million through to 2010,
which a further US$1 million per year for the remaining life of the
pipeline. The first grant payment is US$9 million.
The intent of the grants is to support the government’s ongoing
socio-economic development priorities during a critical period before
its pipeline tariff revenues reach their maximum level. The grants are
in addition to BTC Co.’s existing social and community investment
projects.
Through its simultaneously announced new social investment program, BP
will invest $US10 million in Georgia in a range of projects. The
program’s themes will include: education, healthcare, cultural heritage,
energy sector revitalization and the promotion of business and civil
society links between Georgia and the European Union.
At the signing, Mr. Inglis said: “BP is committee to a successful,
long-term relationship with Georgia. We attached particular importance
to supporting the socio-economic development of the country and
protecting Georgia’s environment. As the operator of BTC and several
other important projects in Georgia, we intend to be Georgia’s guest and
partner for the next forty years.”
Mr. Townshend added: “Today’s agreements will deliver tangible benefits
to the people of Georgia. They also set in place a comprehensive
security plan for the Borjomi region that is consistent with our high
standards of human rights. We recognized that the Borjomi region is
unique, and BTC Co. is committed to operating to the highest
international standards – both there and along the rest of the
pipeline.”
3. BP AND EURASIA SIGN AGREEMENT ON NEW PIPELINE MONITORING PROGRAM FOR
GEORGIAN NGOS
Source: The Messenger, October 13, 2004
Tuesday, October 12, 2004 – BP and Eurasia Foundation are pleased to
announce that they have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding to
being implementation of a new 18-month program for Georgian
non-governmental organizations (NGOs) interested in progress of
construction and operations of Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) oil pipeline
and South Caucasian gas pipeline (SCP).
The Pipeline Monitoring and Dialogue Initiative (PMDI) is intended to
create a new, independent forum promoting more effective NGO involvement
in pipeline monitoring and information dissemination. PMDI provides
avenues for NGOs to receive more complete information about the
projects, improve their skills in carrying out practical monitoring of
pipeline project implementation, and serve the informational needs of
communities located along the pipeline corridor. Eurasia Foundation will
manage the program, facilitate and coordinate NGO participation, and
serve as the primary liaison between BP and participating NGO
representatives.
The program has two main parts:
1. Training and monitoring for individuals, which creates monitoring
work groups representing a cross section of Georgian NGOs. Work groups
will undertake monitoring activities focusing on key areas of interest
such as environmental and social issues, cultural heritage and labor
rights. The reports produced by these groups will be published as part
of the PMDI process, and will promote constructive dialogue on the
selected thematic issues.
2. A small grants program targeted at teams of NGOs to promote skills
development and information sharing among Tbilisi based rural NGOs along
the pipeline route. As part of the PMDI grants program, larger and
smaller NGOs will work together to build organizational capacity with
the aim of better serving the informational needs of communities located
along the pipeline route.
The program will be supported by a coalition of external donors, to
ensure independence of PMDI monitoring activities from BTC/SCP. Details
of the full spectrum of donor cooperation are currently being finalized.
At the signing of the agreement, BP Georgia External Affairs Manager
Devid Glendinning said, “We have tried to implement the BTC and SCP
pipeline projects in a very transparent way and have consulted widely
with communities, government and NGOs. This project is a new and
important part of that process. We are delighted to be able to work with
Eurasia Foundation and we hope the project will improve NGOs’
understanding of the work are doing and give us some valuable input on
how we can improve going forward.”
Adrea Harris, Regional Vice President of Eurasia Foundation, added, “It
is critical that the NGO community be involved in monitoring efforts
along the pipeline route. But lack of resource time and skills have
often made this difficult to achieve to date on a sustained basis. PMDI
will build transferable and substantive skills in the civil sector, and
it will promote constructive dialogue between NGOs and the pipeline
operations. BTC/SCP are to be commended for their proactive stance on
providing opportunities for going community engagement through this
partnership. Our conviction is that the Georgian NGO community will
benefit greatly from this capacity building program now and for years to
come.”
Eurasia Foundation has already discussed the program with several
interested NGOs and will be sending out information on registration
shortly.
4. ARMENIAN PROPOSALS FOR EXTRA U.S. AID SHELVED
Source: RFE/RL, October 10, 2004
The Armenian government has postponed the submission of its proposals
for additional U.S. assistance under the Millennium Challenge Account
(MCA) program and will have to lower its aid expectations, Finance
Minister Vartan Khachatrian revealed on Tuesday.
Mr. Khachatrian said an Armenian delegation led by him unveiled no
written proposals when it met in Washington last week with top
executives from the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), a U.S.
government agency handling the multimillion-dollar scheme designed to
promote economic and political reform around the world.
It was launched by President George W. Bush earlier this year. Armenia
was included on the list of 16 developing nations eligible for the
initial installment of $1 billion.
Officials said last month that the Armenian government will ask for as
much as $900 million in MCA funds to be provided in the next three
years. They said it would like to spend most of the money on
reconstructing the country’s battered irrigation and drinking water
infrastructure.
It remained unclear why Yerevan decided not to submit the proposals to
the U.S. government contrary to the expectations. One of the reasons
cited Vartan Khachatrian was that the amount of MCA funds earmarked for
the new U.S. fiscal year has been cut by half to $1.5 billion.
Vartan Khachatrian also said the two sides agreed that the Armenian
government will file its proposals `by the end of the year,’ after a
visit to Yerevan by a team of MCC officials. He indicated that the
amount of extra U.S. aid sought by the government will have to be
revised downwards.
The countries eligible for the scheme were chosen on the basis of 16
indicators of political and economic reforms. A senior U.S. State
Department official dealing with relations with Armenia warned in May
that Yerevan should improve its human rights record if it wants to
secure the vital assistance. According to Vartan Khachatrian, U.S.
officials were less critical of that record during the Washington talks.
5. HOMELESS PEOPLE GATHERED IN ANGRY PROTEST OUTSIDE YEREVAN CITY HALL
Source: A1 Plus, October 12, 2004
Yerevan mayor Yervand Zakaryan promised the people driven from their
homes because of construction of Northern Avenue in Armenia’s capital to
think over the problem and make compromising decisions by Monday.
Monday passed with no sign of imminent progress. On Tuesday, homeless
citizens once again gathered outside City Hall, demanding bigger
compensation. They said 50 families evicted from their homes had signed
a contract on a paltry compensation. The demonstrators say they signed
the contract under “red berets” pressure and were forced to leave their
homes.
The protesters are now waiting to be received by the municipality. No
response is got so far.
6. INTERREGIONAL VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES TO TAKE PLACE IN 7 ARMENIAN
REGIONS AND YEREVAN ON OCT 28-29
Source: /ARKA/, October 7, 2004
Interregional volunteer activities will take place in 7 Armenian regions
and Yerevan on Oct 28-29, IFES Yerevan Office. The goal of the activity
is encouragement of volunteer movement and activity of public
organizations as effective means for joining of communities in expanding
of local problems. By participating in the activity, Armenian citizens,
receive good opportunity to demonstrate civil activity and make
practical contribution in development of their communities.
The activity is conducted in Armenia for the 4th time.
7. RA PRESIDENT: ARMENIAN DIASPORA SHOULD BE MORE ACTIVE IN ASSISTING
DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN ARMENIA
Source: /ARKA/, October 7, 2004
Armenian Diaspora should more actively assist the implementation of
development projects in Armenia.
According to the Press Service Department of RA President, this was
stated by the RA President Robert Kocharian today at his meeting with
the delegates of the 83rd conference of Armenian General Benevolent
Union (AGBU). The President highly appreciated the activities of AGBU in
cultural and educational areas and expressed hope that this work will be
continued in future at the current pace. In his turn, Perch Sedrakyan,
the President of AGBU noted that the reforms in Armenia are noticeable.
“Although there still exist a lot of problems, it is apparent that the
country moves forward overcoming the barriers”, he said.
83rd AGBU conference is being held in Yerevan. 150 participants from 24
countries arrived in Yerevan to participate in the conference.
8. THE CONFERENCE OF THE COUNCIL OF TRUSTEES OF THE PAN-ARMENIAN
INTERNATIONAL YOUTH CENTER FOUNDATION HELD IN YEREVAN
Source: /ARKA/, October 11, 2004
The conference of the council of trustees of the Pan-Armenian
International Youth Center Foundation was held in Yerevan. According to
the RA Government’s Press Service and Public Relations Department, in
the course of the conference, in which RA Prime Minister Andranik
Margaryan took part, the Executive Director of the Fund A. Sinanyan
introduced the report on the second youth forum held in Armenia on July
24-29, 2004. The results of the conference were introduced, including
reports and protocols of the plenary session and the sessions of
thematic and working groups, as well as information concerning informal
discussions, the program of the forum and the way it was covered by the
Mass Media. Sinanyan noted that as compared to the first forum, the
second one had a wider geography of the participants, and the scope of
the issues discussed.
Sinanyan summed up the suggestions made during the forum, sating that
they will be taken into consideration when holding a similar forum next
year, and this will allow increasing the efficiency of it.
In his turn, Margaryan noted that it’s necessary to inform the
participants of the forum of its results, and noted the importance of
using the potential of the youth of the Armenian Diaspora to achieve the
goals of the forum. Margaryan suggested involving young representatives
of the Diaspora, who don’t speak Armenian, when developing the further
programs.
9. ITERA OIL AND GAS COMPANY HOLDS NEGOTIATIONS ON SELLING 10% OF THE
SHARES OF ARMRUSGASPROM CJSC FOR $ 30 MLN
Source: /ARKA/, October 11, 2004
ITERA oil and gas company holds negotiations on selling 10% of the
shares of ArmRusgasprom CJSC to one of the West European investment
corporations. According to Regions.Ru referring to ArmRusgasprom, the
cost of the deal can make about $30 mln. At that, the sources didn’t
mention the possible buyer of the shares. According to some analysts of
the gas market, the decision on selling the shares of ArmRusgasprom is
connected with the company’s not becoming the participant of the
consortium for the construction of Iran-Armenia gas pipeline in
Meghri-Kajaran part. The construction will begin in the end of 2004.
In the meantime, as a reply to the corresponding inquiry of ARKA, the
Press Service of ArmRusgasprom refused to comment this information
“proceeding from the ethical considerations”. According to Shoushan
Sardaryan, this issue refers only to ITERA’s administration and RA
Government, as the shareholders of ArmRusgasprom. On September 8, the
agreement on the construction of the Armenian part of Armenia-Iran gas
pipeline in Meghri-Kajaran was signed in Yerevan. The construction and
funding of the Armenian part of the gas pipeline will do the Iranian
company.
Armenia-Russian ArmRusgasprom CJSC is the only supplier of the natural
gas to Armenia. The company was founded in 1997 to sell the natural gas
to local consumers and to transport Russian gas through the territory of
Armenia to other countries. The co-founders of the company are Russian
Gasprom OJSC (45%), ITERA International Group of Companies (10%), and
the RA Ministry of Energy (45%). The authorized stock capital of
ArmRusgasprom CJSC makes $270 mln. ArmRusgasprom CJSC imported 1,2 bln
cubic meters of gas into Armenia in 2003 instead of the planned 1,6 bln.
The number of subscribers of ArmRusgasprom increased by 54 thsd. and
made 186 in 2003.
10. 6 MONTH IMPRISONMENT FOR BEATING A JOURNALIST
Source :A1 Plus, October 11, 2004
Today the First Instance Court of Kotayk District sentenced Gagik
Stepanyan, the defendant over the case of journalists Anna Israelyan and
Mkhitar Khachatryan to 6-month-long imprisonment.
Let’s remind that on August 24 this person seized a memory chip from
“Fotolur” Agency photographer Mkhitar Khachatryan cursing and doing
violence and outraged “Aravot” Daily correspondent Anna Israelyan.
At today’s trial the defendant cursed the journalists covering the
trial.
11. ARMENIAN ANTICORRUPTION COMMISSION HIGHLIGHTS 10 MAIN AREAS OF
ACTIVITY
Yerevan, 11 October: The anticorruption monitoring commission under the
Armenian president at today’s sitting determined 10 directions of
activity.
Bagrat Yesayan, Armenian presidential aide on issues of combating
corruption and chairman of the commission, told the sitting that a
separate working group will function for each direction, where it is
expected to involve representatives of the country’s public
organizations. The directions for commission’s activities, as Yesayan
said, are:
1. Control over the activities of state organizations specializing in
the sphere of finance – the Finance Ministry and the Central Bank
2. Control over the financial activities of physical and legal entities
3. Control over the activities of the legal system
4. Control over the activities of the judicial system
5. Control over the public health system
6. Control over the public health system [as published]
7. Education sphere
8. Control over the sphere of environment
9. Transport and communications
10. Control over the sphere of economic competition
Yesayan also said that in connection with numerous cases of violation of
laws of the Armenian Republic in the media and mass media outlets, a
special working group of the commission, headed by the chairman of the
Association of journalists-investigators, Eduard Bagdasaryan, will
monitor the fulfilment of the abovesaid laws.
Bagdasaryan immediately proposed setting up a special website to publish
declarations about the properties owned by the country’s officials.
Apart from this, Bagdasaryan familiarized members of the commission with
a decision by the Yerevan mayor to allocate free of charge 6,000 square
metres of [office space] worth 240,000 dollars for a certain public
organization supporting the combating of terrorism, which is a gross
violation of the country’s legislation. Asked by Bagdasaryan on how this
should be combated, Bagrat Yesayan said that this decision should be
handed over to the relevant bodies, and if they failed to do anything,
these facts should be made public and that he should inform the
president of this “not as a journalist, but as a member of the
anticorruption monitoring commission”. The commission is not entitled to
carry out its own investigation, Yesayan said.
12. ARMENIA’S ONLY ELEPHANT TO GET AN INDIAN COMPANION
Source: Mail & Guardian Online, South Africa, October 13, 2004
The only male elephant in Armenia’s zoo will get an Indian female
companion this week, a news report said on Wednesday. Armenian officials
had asked the Indian government for a female pachyderm in 1999, for its
sole male elephant originally from Moscow.
Indian premier Atal Behari Vajpayee promised them an elephant during a
visit to Armenia last year. Acknowledging that their gift was late,
Indian officials were quoted as saying in the Hindu newspaper that the
elephant would help “cement” India-Armenia ties.
Eight-year-old Komala weighs 1 500kg and lives in a zoo in the southern
Indian city of Mysore. She will travel in a specially-made container to
Bangalore on Thursday from where the Armenian government will fly her,
mildly sedated in a cargo plane, the report said. Mysore zoo
veterinarian SM Khadri described Komala as “exceptionally well behaved,
obedient and in good health”.
She is an “F2” elephant, or one that is bred in captivity. India only
sends “F2” elephants abroad, Khadri said. Accompanying her through the
acclimatization process will be a “mahout” or handler and a team of
veterinarians. – Sapa.
13. INVITATION TO EUROPEAN INFORSE
We would like to invite you to:
European Energy Policy Seminar – An INFORSE-EUFORES-EREF Event
“A Seminar on New and Upcoming EU Policies for Sustainable Energy and
Climate Protection” NOVEMBER 9-10, 2004, BRUSSELS Institute of Cultural
Affairs rue Amedé Lynen 8, Bruxelles (near metro Madou)
Please see the PROGRAM below in txt format PROGRAM & REGISTRATION FORM
also available
in word doc and pdf at:
COSTS: 100 EUR including lunch and refreshments. Free for INFORSE-Europe
members.
INFORSE-Europe activities are supported by the DG-Environment Civil
Society Support in 2004.
For more information please contact:
INFORSE-Europe,
att. Gunnar Boye Olesen, E-mail: [email protected],
Ph: +45-86227000, Fax: +45 86227096.
14. VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
TERMS OF REFERCES FOR EXPERT
Task: Socio-Economic Driving Forces of the Kura River Basin Degradation
The Kura-Aras river system is an internationally significant river
basin, which is seriously degraded and continues to be threatened. Water
scarcity is an issue at many points in the river system. Water quality
and quantity constraints may increasingly lead to disputes amongst water
users over the coming years. Integrated, multi-country, trans-boundary
responses are necessary to address the threats to the river system, and
their underlying causes.
The main objective of project is to address institutional and technical
needs for integrated water resources planning and management at the
national level. The project aims at building national capacity for
Integrated Water Resources Planning and Management;
Duties and responsibilities
Major objective of the task is as follow:
ž To identify and analyze main socio-economic driving forces causing
degradation in the Kura River Basin. This would help to create an
inclusive picture of all anthropogenic factors contributing in pressure
generation, as well as to identify necessary measures for preventing and
overcoming degradation processes in the Kura-Aras River Basin.
In order to achieve above mentioned objective UNDP will hire the Expert
to analyse following driving forces of basin degradation:
Population growth. Under this task expert will look through: annual
population growth, and future trends (population dynamics), trends of
rural and urban migrations, per capita available fresh water resources
in dynamics, development indicators.
Economic development.
Agricultural activities: Under this task expert will look through:
available arable land, main crops cultivated in the basin, use of
fertilizers, pesticides, regions with soil salinization problems caused
by agricultural activities, data about soil salinity, fresh water
salinity, drainage water salinity (if available), irrigation water
quality, eutrofication caused by intensive use of fertilizers, land
desertification problems caused by agricultural activities, soil
erosion; problems of land fragmentation and negative outcomes for
efficiency;
Industry: Under this task expert will look through: major pollution
sources, water contamination, soil contaminations from industry, loss of
biodiversity due to pollution and other industrial activities;
Domestic/ municipal use of water: Under this task expert will look
through: drinking water consumption rates and increase in demand, urban
and rural sewage water discharge in water ecosystems (problems of sewage
water treatment), landfills in the basin (their location), threats from
the leakage of hazardous components to groundwater systems, waste
dumping in rivers and other water reservoirs, lake eutrofication caused
by untreated sewage water discharge, management problems of
wastewater and waste disposal from sanitation and health facilities
Power generation: Under this task expert will look through: large dams
in the basin with severe effects on natural ecosystem, present trends of
small dam construction and possible effects (positive/ negative),
country policies in energy sector, other constructions including
non-power generating constructions
Forestry: Under this task expert will look through: timber production
rates (annual cut), the scale of uncontrolled forest logging, outcomes
of uncontrolled forest logging – deforestation and trends for future,
deforestation due to energy crises (annual consumption of firewood);
Tourism and recreation: Under this task expert will look through:
impacts on ecosystems from existing recreation sites, increase of water
demand, ecosystems degradation due to the construction activities
(recreation facilities, road network, communication needs, power
generation and supply, etc.)
Low public awareness: Under this task expert will look through:
availability of information about the main threats in the basin,
availability of information about environmentally sound practices,
availability and level of activeness of local environmental NGOs in the
basin, access of wide public to the environmental, information through
TV/mass media, electronic publication, etc
Quantitative and qualitative methods will be employed to conduct this
study. The study will be based on existing materials, studies that have
been carried out and interviews and meetings with relevant authorities.
These methods include:
ž Collection, synthesis and analyses of existing data and information
from government body representatives, NGOs and international development
agencies having specific data required for analysis;
ž In-depth interviews
The project team members will provide technical assistance, help in
preparation of detailed questioner for interviews, and assist in data
collection.
Reporting requirements
ž The expert is responsible for drafting report according to the scope
of work;
ž Report should be submitted electronically in Russian;
ž If the work requirements are not met report can be revised upon its
satisfactory completion;
Qualifications and skills required
ž A degree in environmental economics or resource management;
ž Working experience with socio-economic aspects of environmental
degradation issues;
Terms and conditions:
The expert will undertake the works within three months after signing
the contract. The payment will be made in two installments: the first 50
percent of the total will be paid upon submitting first draft of the
report and the second 50 percent – after responding to the comments and
final acceptance of the report by project Team Leader. Total amount of
payment will be negotiated with the Project Team Leader.
Qualified candidates interested to undertake works under the Terms of
Reference should submit their Curriculum Vitae by ordinary mail, by fax
or electronically no later than Friday, October 25, 2004, 6 p.m. to:
Zurab Jincharadze, Team Leader
E:Mail: [email protected]
Tel/Fax: 995 32 292742
Ms. Nino Malashkhia, Technical Assistant
E-mail: [email protected]
And
Ms. Mariam Shotadze, UNDP Georgia, Programme Analyst
[email protected]
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

City News Service
October 13, 2004 Wednesday
Missing Man
GLENDALE
An 80-year-old diabetic who only speaks Armenian has been missing
since Oct. 5, Glendale police reported today. Davood Markari was last
seen about 4 p.m. that day when he left Leisure Retirement Home at
413 E. Cypress Ave. to go to Ararat Plaza at 1200 S. Glendale Ave.,
said Kristina Peterson of the Glendale Police Department. Markari is 5
feet 9 and 180 pounds, with gray hair and brown eyes. When last seen,
he was wearing a yellow-and-white shirt, a blue vest, gray pants and
black shoes. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked
to call Peterson at (818) 548-3987, or (818) 548-4840 after hours.

BORDERLINE VILLAGES CONNECTED BY NEWLY BUILT ROADS
Azg/am
13 Oct 04
The house of Sveta Markosian, dweller of Tavush region’s Voskevan
village, is built on the crossroad of the road connecting Voskevan,
Koti and Barekamavan villages. For many months she has been watching
the reconstruction works of the road stretching 18118 meters. She
said that the dwellers of the village were always glad to invite
the builders to their houses and talk to them, as many workers from
neighboring villages were involved in the reconstruction works.
“You can’t fancy in what state was the road before the reconstruction.
Sometimes we were stuck on the road in winter,” Sveta Markosian says.
On October 9, RA President Robert Kocharian was present at the opening
ceremony of Voskevan-Koti-Barekamavan road. The reconstruction works
cost $986 thousand in total.
“In several weeks you will get accustomed to the road and you will
think of reconstructing the club, the school and the water supply
system of the village,” Robert Kocharian stated in his speech.
In the course of his visit to Tavush region President Kocharian
get familiarized with the reconstruction works of Paravakar-Tovuz
road. 1 billion 360 million AMD were allocated from RA state budget
for reconstructing this part of the road stretching 19,5 km. The
reconstruction works will be completed by late October. 143 million AMD
were saved. This sum will help begin reconstruction works of Aygehovit
village’s road. About 400 people are involved in the reconstruction
works. Artsrun Ghulamian, MP of RA National Assembly, director of
“Ijevantchanshin” organization, said that each worker received $100-120
of salary. Khachik Grigorian is from Tsaghkavan village and he works
at reconstruction of the roads. He hasn’t received any salary yet
and he even doesn’t know how much he will receive money,” Khachik
Grigorian says and adds that it is more important to have a job.
Robert Kocharian is satisfied with the reconstruction works in the
region and assures that in the course of coming two-three years the
road stretching to Berd will be renovated, too.
“Our economy will not develop if we have no good roads. In this
respect, the contiguous villages should have no problems with
communication. Roads, schools, water supply system and communications
are the problems that need urgent solution,” RA President stated.
Cognac factory has opened a branch in Berd and now a stone plant is
being built in the region. On October 9 Robert Kocharian also visited
the newly opened branch of “HayGyughPokhBank”. The leadership of
the bank has already made investment amounting to $800.000 in the
region. It is determined to double this sum in coming years.
By Arevik Badalian
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Azer Tag, Azerbaijan State Info Agency
Oct 5 2004
ARMENIA-AZERBAIJAN, NAGORNY KARABAKH PROBLEM FOCUSED
[October 05, 2004, 23:24:44]
Foreign minister of Azerbaijan Republic Elmar Mammadyarov met the
heads of OSCE missions on Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia, Maurizio
Pavesi, Roy Reeve, and Vladimir Priakhin, press service of the
Ministry told AzerTAj.
The OSCE representatives highlighted on the activity of the
structure, on the political, economic, safety issues the missions
have discussed, on the work done and negotiations carried out and all
aspects of the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorny Karabakh conflict.
Minister Elmar Mammadyarov once again explained position of the
Azerbaijani side related to the conflict, and updated the heads of
missions on the latest Astana talks. He underlined that settlement of
the Armenian families if the occupied Azerbaijan territories
contradict the international legal principles and called on OSCE to
protest it.
At the same time, he expressed confidence that with the help of
international community, the problem would find its peaceful
solution.
Also were exchanged views on a number of other issues of mutual
interest.

di-ve.com, Malta
Oct 7 2004
Two Syrian nationals cause a 2-hour delay on an Air Malta flight
by Dorian Cassar, di-ve news ([email protected])

GUDJA, Malta (di-ve news)–October 07, 2004 — 1745CET– An Air Malta
flight from Vienna experienced a two-hour delay on Thursday due to
safety and security measures on the previous flight KM 512 from
Malta, according to a press statement. Two Syrian nationals onboard
were not allowed to disembark the aircraft by the Austrian
immigration police after landing in Vienna.
Austrian officials directed Air Malta to transport the two passengers
back to Malta on the return flight. For safety and security reasons,
the operating Captain refused to carry the passenger back to Malta
unless security officers accompany them.
Following consultations between the airline and the immigrations
authorities, the two Syrian passengers were allowed to disembark and
were handed over to the Austrian authorities.
The Syrians commenced their trip from Damascus to Cairo and then to
Malta. Their ticket itinerary showed that they had an onward
connection to Armenia and all documentations were properly checked
throughout their whole journey.