Author: Maghakian Mike

Tajik newspaper looks at “conflict of interests” between Russia and America
Najot, Dushanbe
2 Jun 05
In an article entitled “Andijon in the shadow of Kyrgyz developments”,
a member of the Islamic Rebirth Party of Tajikistan, Hikmatullo
Saifullozoda, says that the collision of Russian and US interests
appears to have reached a new high. He said the USA had expressed
concern over Uzbek government forces firing at protesters in
Andijon. The following is an excerpt from the article by the head of
administration of the Islamic Rebirth Party of Tajikistan, Hikmatullo
Saifullozoda, published in the Tajik newspaper Najot on 2 June 2005;
subheadings as published:
Conflict of interests: sine qua non
Recent developments inside the CIS countries and beyond are seen by
most of analysts and political scientists as a natural and inevitable
phenomenon, although these developments have been more or less
varied. Meanwhile, the foreign media, especially the Russian media,
in their reports indicate that most of the events of the last three
years at different locations signify a gradual erosion of the area of
Russian interests. If we scrutinise the issue from the geopolitical
standpoint we will encounter a collision of greater interests in
separate regional developments. It is quite apparent from the changes
in relations and positions of the leaders of the Balkans, the Middle
East, Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and the Central Asian countries
with regard to the superpowers before and after important events. And
this is not a secret. Although the US and Russian leaders often declare
themselves to be strategic partners, but it is unlikely that their will
have no disagreement over their nations’ present and new interests.
Ferghana Valley: heartland of crisis
The Fergana Valley is a region which has for decades been attracting
the attention of many researchers and international political
circles. Though it was divided between three countries – Uzbekistan,
Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan – during the Soviet period, they could never
change the spiritual and political nature of this region. That’s why
any development in this region is bound to influence the neighbouring
countries.
The political situation which lately seemed unstable in the Ferghana
Valley, the southern part of Kyrgyzstan, has inevitably brought about
a serious change in the country. The leadership of our neighbouring
country – Kyrgyzstan – has left the country after a popular uprising,
officially refusing to retain the power. This act has been differently
evaluated from different sides. Some circles considered it to be “Askar
Akayev’s weakness in his inability to immediately use force”. But most
of political scientists and analysts appreciated the intellectual
ability of the former Kyrgyz president and his good decision to
prevent bloodshed. [Passage omitted: Akayev has given an interview
to the Russian newspaper Argumenty i fakty]
North-south conflict in Kyrgyzstan
In another point, the former president expressed concern about the
relations and resistances of his country’s southern and northern
regions. The analysts also consider the difference in the morale
and living conditions of people of the north and the south as one of
significant factors of political conflicts in this country, which in
turn depends on the unique spiritual atmosphere in the Ferghana Valley.
Neighbouring regimes unpleased with Kyrgyz developments
Now a question arises as to why most authorities in the neighbouring
countries did not formally declare their position on the situation
in Kyrgyzstan. And in a diplomatic manner they proclaimed it to be
“an internal affair” of the neighbouring country, only referring to
one side of the argument, that is calling it either good or bad. From
these statements one can only conclude that they did not expect
such developments in Kyrgyzstan. Perhaps they may not tolerate this
development or may not be pleased with change of power in this manner
in the country.
Pointing the finger at Islamic extremism
However, the protests in Andijon and other parts of Uzbekistan drew the
attention of political and diplomatic circles of countries far removed
from Uzbekistan and those near it, especially the USA and Russia. The
reason for this attention is clear: the problem of Russia’s ongoing
presence and the expansion of American influence in the Central Asia
depends on the outcome of developments in the Ferghana Valley. As
I have stated in one of my analytical notes, Russia’s diplomacy had
been failing for the last few years, but this was not much felt in
regard to America. This kind of developments in different regions,
especially in the CIS countries, can in no way satisfy the Russian
political circles. Therefore the Russian authorities have in many
cases evaluated the Andijon protests as “foreign intervention”. But
they do not clearly say whose intervention this was. They only speak
about Islam and Islamic extremists and these groups are mainly blamed
as possible culprits.
Russia’s support of Uzbek regime
Similar statements have also been made during the developments in
Kyrgyzstan, which is a way of diverting the public opinion from the
main causes of the events. I think the developments in Kyrgyzstan
have to some extent turned out in Russia’s favour. Therefore Russia’s
indirect support for the current Uzbek government’s position in
resolving the Andijon issue is apparent. The Russian Foreign Ministry
right from the beginning of protests in Andijon expressed support for
the government of Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan was also reportedly one of
the main topics of discussions between Vladimir Putin and Nursultan
Nazarbayev in Chelyabinsk. The chairman of the committee of the Russian
parliament on the CIS countries Andrey Kokoshin considers the use of
force to suppress the protests in Uzbekistan right and justifiable.
We remember that when the crowds in Kyrgyzstan had apparently been
destroying shops and stores, the Russian president, Vladimir Putin,
who was in Armenia at the time, advised against using force and said
that all problems should be solved in a peaceful way. But he quickly
recognised the new government.
Firm stance, tough measures
Islom Karimov in one of his press conferences on the Andijon protests
said that nobody could prevent “me from doing things in my chosen
way”. Attempts to repeat the Kyrgyz developments in Andijon are
apparentý Without financial assistance from abroad these groups
could not prepare so seriouslyý A third force may take advantage of
efforts by some countries to impose democracy on Central Asia. This
force is radical Islam.
There have been two kinds of positions towards the protests in
Uzbekistan. One deals with the events being instigated by organised
extremist groups and the other is about violation of human rights by
government agencies. The authorities of Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan
and Tajikistan have clearly shown their positions towards the first
stance. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, the candidate for
the vice-presidency of Kyrgyzstan Feliks Kulov, and Afghan Foreign
Minister Dr Abdollah.
Tajik civil war a good lesson
But it is also necessary to bring up some points made by Secretary
of Security Council of Tajikistan Amirqul Azimov in one of his
interviews. He said that developments in Tajikistan in 1992 turned
out differently. Had the Tajik authorities taken a firm stand and
tough measures to eliminate “a bunch of extremists” at that time,
there would have been no five years of bloody civil war.
Had it not been the very Amirqul Azimov who was responsible for
the investigation of the incidents in 1990s as a prosecutor? And
proceeding from the interests of his group and his circles put the
seal of “regionalism and Islam” on those incidents, was not he thus
exacerbating the situation? Today it is apparent from his words that he
still cannot accept the methods of consolidation and tolerance. These
words come at the same time when the president of Tajikistan, Emomali
Rahmonov, has for many times called the civil war an imposed one. And
the sides of to the peace agreement are loyal to their commitments.
[Passage omitted: excerpts from speeches by a representative of the
Uzbek party, Ozod Dehqonlar, Nigora Hidoyatulloh]
Do not look for `foreign hand’
The authorities of most of the CIS countries, especially in Central
Asia, should search for ways of solving socio-economic problems of
their countries and ensure justice and the truth at elections instead
of “searching for foreign involvement”.
Unfortunately as it is visible, the experience of Tajikistan and its
peace agreement has not become a lesson for some of the Central Asian
countries and separate circles of the country. And they still try to
use forefathers’ methods to tackle problems. Some of them do not seem
to understand that the course of developments is indispensable and the
geopolitical orientations can not remain invariant. The governments
also cannot keep their political orientation unchanged, but the change
of orientation is useful only with keeping national interests intact.
Greater reliance on Russia
The Uzbek authorities now rely more on Russia’s support, though they
have several times changed their position in the past. The USA,
Britain, Germany, the European Union and the UN have asked for an
international commission to enquire into the incidents in Andijon. But
the Uzbek authorities have not accepted the international request.
Why did Uzbekistan undertake fully independent policies in the recent
past and assist foreign investors in getting domineering positions
in the Central Asian market? And why now it is not pleased with the
presence of the Western countries in the region?
Why do Russia and Uzbekistan consider Islam as a threat and a factor
of instability in the region? Why does not the international community
isolate Uzbekistan like Belarus? This and many other questions have to
be answered. But I believe that the conflict of Russian and American
interests in the region has reached a new level. Although the US
government voiced concern over the shooting at the demonstrators in
Andijon, its decision that Islom Karimov has to undertake political
reform in his country and make “his regime more liberal” comes
too late.
Hikmatullo Sayfullozoda
Head of administration of the Islamic Rebirth Party of Tajikistan
–Boundary_(ID_T3wXywCXCK9qPQJyFriTXA)–

PRESS RELEASE
The National Citizens’ Initiative
75 Yerznkian Street
Yerevan 375033, Armenia
Tel.: (+374 – 10) 27.16.00, 27.00.03
Fax: (+374 – 10) 52.48.46
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
June 15, 2005
RAFFI HOVANNISIAN AWARDED FRIDTJOF NANSEN GOLD MEDAL
Yerevan–The National Citizens’ Initiative (NCI) was the site today of
an official ceremony to confer upon its founder Raffi K. Hovannisian
the Memorial Gold Medal of historic humanitarian and Nobel peace
laureate Fridtjof Nansen. NCI members, Heritage party supporters,
journalists, and university students from across Armenia took part
in the event.
“For his long-standing commitment to civil rights, national and
universal values, and affirmation and condemnation of the Armenian
Genocide,” Hovannisian received the award from Suren Movsisian,
executive director of the Nansen Foundation. Asserting that it
is impossible to talk about Fridtjof Nansen and Raffi Hovannisian
without emotion and high responsibility, Movsisian concluded:
“The name that this beautiful medal carries and the man upon whom
we bestow this award of distinction keep us warm and secure in the
realization that human kind and demeanor are not solely black and
white. The presence of such men allows us not to be alarmed over the
loss of human conscience and the lack of contemporary heroism.”
Thereupon, beneath the standing applause of those gathered, the
Nansen Foundation official pinned the medal of honor upon Raffi
Hovannisian. In his reply of gratitude, Hovannisian offered his
highest assessment of the productive life and bright legacy of the
great humanitarian and friend of Armenia.
Hovannisian accepted the award as a guiding benchmark and “advance
payment” on the service yet to be rendered in the national quest for
historical and contemporary justice, both foreign and domestic. “I
am proud from now on to bear the memorial medal of a man who has
bequeathed to the generations an entire value system based on liberty,
dignity, mutual respect, and humanitarian duty,” he said.
The day’s meeting continued with a roundtable discussion among the
newly-elected chairman of the Heritage party, youth activists, and
university student representatives. Hovannisian responded to the
various questions of students and journalists alike which touched
on Heritage’s recent empowerment and future plans, Armenian foreign
policy, corruption challenges, youth priorities, Mountainous Karabagh
and Turkish-Armenian relations, and the nation’s socioeconomic plight
and ways to improve it.
The 50 student participants expressed their displeasure and outrage
in connection with the last-minute withdrawal from an agreement to
hold the award ceremony in a university conference hall with a more
representative audience. In fact, today’s meeting was originally
scheduled to take place at the Yerevan State Economics Institute until
its officials, following the suit of other “public” universities in
the capital, informed NCI about its cancellation.
Evaluating these breaches as but one link in the chain of successive
violations of democratic standards and human rights in Armenia, the
students voiced their combined opinion that it is imperative to unite
against such caprice, servility, and effective violence against the
rights of free speech and assembly.
Parallel with the student interventions, NCI coordinator Hovsep
Khurshudian, Heritage board member Vardan Khachatrian, youth organizer
Edgar Hakobian, and Arthur Galstian of Yerevan State University
characterized the “robbery” of an important part of the life of a
patriotic man and public figure–in the form of long postponements
and undue process in his quest to receive Armenian citizenship–as
a flagrant departure from human and civil rights. Those assembled
voted unanimously to initiate a republic-wide youth campaign to
collect from fellow citizens their signatures in solidarity with
Raffi Hovannisian’s right to Armenian nationality as of his first
application and the Republic’s founding.
The National Citizens’ Initiative is a public non-profit association
founded in December 2001 by Raffi K. Hovannisian, his colleagues,
and fellow citizens with the purpose of realizing the rule of law
and overall improvements in the state of the state, society, and
public institutions. The National Citizens’ Initiative is guided
by a Coordinating Council, which includes individual citizens and
representatives of various public, scientific, and educational
establishments. Five commissions on Law and State Administration,
Socioeconomic Issues, Foreign Policy, Spiritual and Cultural
Challenges, and the Youth constitute the vehicles for the Initiative’s
work and outreach.
For further information, please call (37410) 27-16-00 or 27-00-03;
fax (37410) 52-48-46; e-mail [email protected]; or visit

KARABAKH PEACE PROCESS TO ACTUALLY START ONLY AFTER ESTABLISHMENT OF
DEMOCRACY IN ARMENIA, NKR AND AZERBAIJAN
YEREVAN, JUNE 14. ARMINFO. The real talks for the Karabakh conflict
settlement will start only after the establishment of democracy in
Armenia, NKR and Azerbaijan, says the leader of the Union of Socialist
Forces of Armenia Ashot Manucharyan.
He wonders what illegitimate presidents can agree about. That’s why
the talks are presently developing in a way that one party is offering
an initially unacceptable thing to the other one and this has no end.
In this light it is very important that Nagorny Karabakh Republic
should hold truly fair parliamentary elections especially as there
unlike Armenia elections still “exist.” The authorities of Armenia, NKR
and Azerbaijan should be personally responsible for the democracy of
their elections – for this will cater for the Karabakh peace process,
says Manucharyan.

Interfax
June 14 2005
Removal of assets from Georgia to Armenia poses no threat, says
Russian general
Jun 14, 2005, 22:56 GMT
Moscow, 14 June: The withdrawal of some hardware from Russian military
bases in Georgia to Armenia should not arouse concern in Azerbaijan,
the chief of the General Staff of the Russian armed forces, Army Gen
Yuriy Baluyevskiy, has told journalists at a briefing at the Russian
Defence Ministry.
“I have already said that, given the tight schedule for the closure
of Russian military bases in Georgia (by the end of 2008 – Interfax
note), some hardware may have to be redeployed in Armenia, at the
102nd base in Gyumri,” Baluyevskiy said.
He stressed that “this hardware will not change the balance of forces
in the region under the Conventional Forces in Europe treaty and it
does not pose a threat to the countries of this region”.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
06/13/2005
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <;HTTP:// 1) ARF Candidates Pakradouni and Kasarji Victorious in Parliamentary Elections 2) Chirac's Arch-Rival Sees No Urgent Need for EU Talks with Turkey 3) President Ghukasian Promises Fair Elections 1) ARF Candidates Pakradouni and Kasarji Victorious in Parliamentary Elections Intense voter turnout characterize polls in the Metn area, the second district in Lebanon's third round of elections; Lebanese Armenians hold massive pre-election rally, followed by huge voter turnout BEIRUT (Combined Sources)--If a rally of 20,000 people in Bourj Hammoud on Friday, June 10, was any indication of Armenian show of force in Lebanon, it also served to prelude their determination to elect to parliament two Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) candidates, Hagop Pakradouni and Georges Kasarji, two days later in the Metn and Bekka districts. The party, in spite of certain criticism for boycotting the first round of elections, nevertheless, garnered widespread support as masses turned out to vote in the predominantly Armenian populated area of Bourj Hammoud, as well as the village of Anjar in the Bekka Valley, where unofficial numbers placed voter turnout at 99 percent. In Bourj Hammoud, voters came out as polling stations opened, and by 2:30PM, 85-90% of eligible voters had cast ballots. Official observers described it as "intense voter turnout." According to reports from Lebanon, ARF centers--which were transformed into voter information centers the night before the election--were buzzing with activity. Determined to elect ARF representatives to parliament, supporters--especially youth from the Zavarian Student Organization, Lebanon's Armenian Youth Federation (LEM), Homenetmen, and other organizations-- chose not to sleep, but prepared for elections. "I'm positive that we're going to win because the seat allotted to the Armenian community can only be filled by the candidate that truly represents that community. I'll work for not one day, but for months to ensure the ARF wins and Lebanese Armenians have someone to express their concerns in parliament," said one of the young volunteers working to ensure a smooth vote. Asbarez editor Vatche Proodian spoke with Hagop Pakradouni on Monday, who said preliminary results reveal that of the 11,000 Armenian voters in Metn district, 10,100 voted for him, and 900 for opponent Raffi Madeyan. The general vote in Metn shows Pakradouni getting 53,272 votes and Madeyan 25,043. Aside from a few independent candidates, two electoral lists waged a fierce battle in Metn for eight seats in Parliament: one backed by Michel Aoun, the ARF, and deputy Speaker Michel Murr; and the opposition's list, which contained Nassib Lahoud, Gabriel Murr, and Pierre Gemayel. Unofficial counts showed candidates backed by Aoun set to clinch 15 of 16 seats up for grabs in Metn, as well as Byblos-Kesrwan. At a victory party Sunday evening, Pakradouni spoke to a packed crowed gathered next to the ARF center. "This victory is not mine but yours--it's a triumph for Lebanese Armenians." Thanking everyone, Pakradouni said, "Our strength is in our unity; we are strong only when we are one, and only then can we realize all our dreams." Pakradouni said that as the ARF was born of the people, and since its creation has worked to promote their welfare, he pledged to do the same in the coming four years--to serve the interest of those who both he and the ARF are indebted. In Zahle as well, early indications show a clean sweep for a list headed by Elias Skaff, the ARF, and Aoun, which includes ARF candidate Georges Kasarji. With just one round of voting left next week, the major task for the incoming parliament will be to address the thorny issue of the disarming of Lebanese resistance group Hizbullah, as demanded by the international community. There is also the equally problematic issue of the future of Lebanon's President Emile Lahoud. Calls for Lahoud's resignation have increased in recent weeks as the opposition's victory became more certain. But after casting his vote in Mount Lebanon, Lahoud insisted: "I am staying until the last moment in my tenure and this is because I believe that the Constitution says so." Lahoud added: "We did as much as possible to stop corruption but there are so many corrupt people in politics so I voted for the people who will stop corruption." He also urged Parliament to issue a new electoral law to replace the current law, which was adopted in 2000. At stake on Sunday were 58 of Parliament's 128 seats. But only 56 seats were up for grabs since Druze opposition leader Walid Jumblatt and his ally, Marwan Hamade, had already won uncontested in the Chouf district. Forty-two MPs have already been elected in the first two rounds. In Beirut, the son of slain former Premier Rafik Hariri won all of the area's 19 seats by a landslide. In South Lebanon, Hizbullah and Amal also swept all the region's 23 seats. 2) Chirac's Arch-Rival Sees No Urgent Need for EU Talks with Turkey PARIS (AFP)--French Interior Minister Nicolas Sarkozy, also head of the ruling party, said Saturday that there was no urgent need for the European Union to open accession talks with Turkey and pushed instead for a partnership with Ankara. "Is it reasonable to open negotiations with Turkey which is a big nation in Asia Minor, not Europe?" said Sarkozy at a meeting of his party, the Union for a Popular Movement (UMP). Sarkozy said it would cause less "bitterness" if the EU considered offering Turkey immediately the status of a privileged partner. "There is no urgent need to engage in negotiations (for EU accession) with Turkey," he said. The 50-year-old politician, who has made it clear he would like to succeed President Jacques Chirac, said it was time "to rethink our European strategy" and that the first priority was "to fix Europe's geographic borders." "I supported the EU enlargement to the east, although it was done without sufficient preparation or explanation," said Sarkozy, adding that concern over EU expansion was one of the issues that contributed to the victory of the "no" campaign in last month's referendum in France on the EU constitution, which the UMP supported. Chirac has said he is in favor of the opening of talks with Turkey on October 3 to join the EU, rather than pursuing a partnership status. Sarkozy also told the UMP meeting that the party would hold a congress early in 2007 to choose its candidate for the presidential election that year. Besides Chirac, who has not said whether he will seek a third term, Sarkozy's rivals for the presidential nomination include the country's new prime minister, Dominique de Villepin. 3) President Ghukasian Promises Fair Elections YEREVAN (Armenpress)--Mountainous Karabagh Republic president Arkady Ghukasian assured that the country~Rs authorities are doing everything possible to ensure fairness in the upcoming parliamentary elections on June 19. ~SThe Nagorno Karabagh Republic authorities will take every effort to make sure the upcoming parliamentary elections are fair, objective, and transparent--there is no other alternative,~T Ghukasian stated on June 11 in Stepanakert. ~SAll political forces realize that no power chair, no post can be compared with the country's destiny and image. It is natural that everybody tries to present himself better than he really is, but the people have the opportunity to compare words and deeds, things said and done. I hope that they will make the right choice,~T the President said, expressing confidence that all sides will be represented by worthy candidates. 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) 2005 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.

A1plus
| 13:09:08 | 10-06-2005 | Official |
VARDAN OSKANYAN TO MEET CONDOLEEZZA RICE
On the first day of the two-day business visit to Washington RA Foreign
Minister Vardan Oskanyan had several meetings.
He was received by the US President advisor on security issues Steven
Hadley. During the meeting the perspectives of the peaceful settlement of
the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, as well as the Armenian-Turkish relations
were discussed. Steven Hadley was especially interested in the course of
realization of the democratic, electoral and constitutional reforms in
Armenia.
Minister Oskanyan also had meetings with the members of the Armenian group
in the US Congress. During the meeting the issues of the agenda of the
Armenian-American relations were discussed. Minister Oskanyan informed the
members of the Congress about the recent developments of the negotiations
over Nagorno Karabakh and the Armenian-Turkish relations. He thanked the
members of the Congress for the aid given to Armenia. Issues which can be
included in the works of the Armenia-American economic Commission were also
discussed.
After the re-election of the US President George W. Bush this was Vardan
Oskanyan’s first visit to Washington. Today the Minister will meet State
Secretary Condoleezza Rice, and will kmake a speech in the Brookings
institution, as well as in the National Press Club.

Journal of Turkish Weekly
June 10 2005
20 Armenian journalists coming to Turkey
source: Hurriyet
The Turkish Journalist Union is going to host a group of 20 Armenian
journalists for 4 days in Istanbul, Ankara, Antalya and Urgup-Goreme.
The project, supported by the Culture and Tourism Ministry, will have
the 20 Armenian journalists spending one night in Istanbul, two
nights in Ankara, and one night in Antalya and Urgup-Goreme. Meetings
that take place with the group will attempt to focus on the theme
that any pain from 1915 should not be allowed to be transmitted to
future generations of the two countries.
A visit planned to the Armenian Patriarchate
Head of the Turkish Journalists’ Union, Turgut Dedeoglu, said that as
members of the press, they wanted to take action to help increasing
tensions on the Armenian claims of genocide.
Dedeoglu said that after visiting the Dogan and Sabah media groups,
the 20 journalists would also tour the Armenian Patriarchate.
Dedeoglu said also that there would be meetings bringing the visitors
together with Turkish journalists.
The Armenian journalist group has also indicated a desire to speak
with high placed members of the Turkish government, including Turkish
President Ahmet Necdet Sezer. Regarding the dialogue that he his
hoping will be sparked by the visit, Dedeoglu said “We will try to
explain that any pain from 1915 should not be passed on to future
generations.” He also stressed that his group’s stance is that, since
there was no government policy at the time, there was no genocide
that took place either.
Archives may be opened to journalist group
The visit of the Armenian journlists will be an opportunity to have
the Turkish History Foundation open its archives to Armenia, said
Dedeoglu. Though the opening of the archives to the visiting group
has not been confirmed, Dedeoglu says that the Turkish Journalists
Union is working to make it happen. He also assered that the Foreign
Ministry looked warmly on the upcoming visit, which is scheduled for
July.

CONCERT OF AMERICAN MUSICIANS TO TAKE PLACE AT YEREVAN “ARAM
KHACHATRIAN” CONCERT HALL
YEREVAN, JUNE 9, NOYAN TAPAN. A concert of Alex Russell, Duane
Funderburk and Jane Thorngren, American musicians to the accompaniment
of the State Philharmonic Orchestra of Armenia (SPOA) will take place
at the Yerevan “Aram Khachatrian” Concert Hall on June 10. As pianist
Duane Funderburk informed at the June 9 press-conference, Felix
Mendelssohn’s, Alan Hovhanness’s, George and Ayra Gershvins’ works, as
well as German and American chamber anthems, Ukrainian folk songs will
be performed at the concert. The pianist visiting Armenia for the
forth time mentioned that they cooperate with the SPOA for the first
time but they are aware that the orchestra musicians perform works of
the world-great artists at the high level. According to Donovan Gray,
a violinist and conductor, Armenians, in spite of Americans, love
classic music. “One must sow love towards classic music from small age
but Americans prefer to listen to light music and thier children
follow parents’ example,” he mentioned. American musicians are
acquainted with Aram Khachatrian’s and Alan Hovhanness’s works as well
as with the Armenian chamber music. They informed that some of Stepan
Shakarian’s as well as other Armenian composers’ works will be
included in thier concert program. And soprano Jane Thorngren
mentioned that she loves Armenian duduk (Armenian national pipe) and
dreams to learn Armenian national dances. The National Guidance
Institute and the SPOA organized the Yerevan concerts of the American
musicians. The musicians informed that the concert’s whole profit will
be passed to the UN World Food Program.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

A1plus
| 20:55:13 | 08-06-2005 | Regions |
CEMENT POWDER OF ARARAT TOWN CAUSES ILLNESSES
Today the Caucasian region ecological center organized in Ararat a
conference with the theme `Environmental Protection For the Welfare of the
Coming Generations and Steady Development’. The aim of the conference was
create a field of cooperation and experience exchange between Ararat and
other regions in Armenia and the highlight the ecological problems of
Ararat.
According to Dshkhuhi Sahakyan, expert of the Ararat local environment
activities program, the town of Ararat has serious problems connected with
air and water pollution. Particularly, the problem is connected with the
Ararat cement factory. It has caused lung illnesses in many people.
According to the local residents, many people have been poisoned by the
water polluted by the gold extraction plant. Mrs. Sahakyan said that they
had offered to install filtering equipment in the cement factory, but they
were told that the equipment will be too expensive.
Head of the association «Principles of Steady Development» Karine Danielyan
referred to the food problems. According to her, many different types of
food with genetically changed components are imported into Armenia. The
reason of this, according to her, is the poor social conditions, as Armenia
imports these types of foods without detailed investigation.

Equatorial Guinea hands over six Armenians granted pardon in coup plot
AP Worldstream
Jun 08, 2005
RODRIGO ANGUE NGEUMA MBA

Authorities in this oil-rich African nation on Wednesday released six
accused Armenian mercenaries granted a presidential pardon after
spending nearly 15 months behind bars.
The six were arrested March 6 in Equatorial Guinea’s capital, Malabo,
and sentenced to 14 and 24 years in prison in an alleged plot to
overthrow the government.
“This is a very important act, which once again proves the generous
and great humane nature of the president,” Justice Minister Angel
Masie Mibuy said at a ceremony inside the ministry that was attended
by Armenian officials and the former detainees.
Those released included an Armenian pilot that the government said was
hired to fly gunmen and material in for the plot, and five other crew
members.
An Armenian official said they would be flown home as soon as
possible.
On Tuesday, human rights group Amnesty International said that the
trial and detention of the group of alleged mercenaries had been rife
with human rights violation.
The London-based group also said the court repeatedly ignored
allegations that defendants had been tortured while under
interrogation in order to extract confessions.
Torture allegations emerged after one German defendant died in March
in the notorious Black Beach prison. Rights groups cited witness
accounts that he was wounded during torture, but authorities said he
died of malaria.
The alleged leader of the mercenaries, South African arms dealer Nick
Du Toit, and six other South Africans are still in detention. Du Toit
was sentenced to 34 years in prison, though he repudiated an alleged
confession that had provided the bulk of Equatorial Guinea’s case.
Equatorial Guinea opposition figure Severo Moto, in exile in Spain,
was sentenced in absentia to 63 years. Eight other opposition figures
also living in exile each were sentenced to 52 years in prison.
Equatorial Guinea alleges that Mark Thatcher _ son of former British
Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher _ and other, mainly British,
financiers commissioned the bid to overthrow the 25-year-old regime of
Obiang and install an opposition politician as the figurehead leader
of Africa’s No. 3 oil producer.