ARMEN GEVORGIAN APPOINTED NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL SECRETARY
Noyan Tapan
Jun 13 2007
YEREVAN, JUNE 13, NOYAN TAPAN. By the June 12 decree of RA President
Robert Kocharian, Armen Gevorgian, Head of the RA President’s staff,
was appointed secretary of the National Security Council. This was
reported to Noyan Tapan by the RA President’s Press Office.
KARABAGH ORGANIZATION TO MAKE BAKU PAY DAMAGES TO REFUGEES FROM AZERBAIJAN
DeFacto Agency, Armenia
June 12 2007
The organization of the Nagorno-Karabagh refugees is going to make
Azerbaijan recoup for moral and material damage to refugees that
have settled down in NKR, the Organization head Sarasar Sarian told
IA REGNUM.
In his words, currently 174 families of refugees from Azerbaijan live
in Shoushi. He said despite great destructions and serious social
and economic problems the town was reviving, and a lot of families of
Armenian refugees from Azerbaijan arrived there from Russia and other
post Soviet states. Sarian added the main problem of the refugees
from Azerbaijan was lack of international status.
The Nagorno-Karabagh law "On Refugees" adopted in 2004 is targeted at
complex settlement of the refugees’ problems. According to the law,
the refugees have already received lump sum allowances. The problem
of ensuring refugees with housing still remains urgent.
According to the Head of the Department for Migration, Migrants and
Refugees under the Nagorno-Karabagh government Serge Amirkhanian,
the program of construction of houses for refugees in Stepanakert is
being realized. 22 houses were built last year, 23 houses are to be
built current year.
OPPOSITION DECRIES HIGH COURT VERDICT ON ELECTION APPEALS
By Ruzanna Stepanian and Hovannes Shoghikian
Radio Liberty, Czech Rep.
June 11 2007
Armenia’s opposition on Monday branded as ‘political’ the previous
day’s verdict passed by the Constitutional Court turning down election
appeals from four political forces.
Aram Sarkisian, the leader of the radical opposition Hanrapetutyun
party that had demanded the invalidation of party-list election results
along with allies – the New Times party and the Impeachment alliance,
said they hadn’t expected any other verdict after Robert Kocharian
put the legitimacy of the elections beyond all doubts at the National
Assembly’s opening session last Thursday.
"I am fully convinced that the evidence that we presented in parliament
was enough to invalidate ten such elections," Sarkisian said in an
RFE/RL interview.
Heghine Bisharian, a senior representative of the Orinats Yerkir party,
called the Constitutional Court’s verdict a ‘political decision’.
"We have already stated that the Constitutional Court has administered
political rather than constitutional justice," she charged. "This
spineless court this time again has beaten everyone’s expectations
by turning the proceedings into a farce… It means we don’t have an
independent Constitutional Court."
Ex-parliament speaker Artur Baghdasarian’s party, which is the only
of the four claimants that won representation in parliament in the
May 12 elections, had sought a recount of ballots in 10 percent of
some 2,000 polling stations across Armenia.
It took Constitutional Court Chairman Gagik Harutiunian some 80
minutes to read out a 47-page verdict that the Court arrived at as
a result of a ten-day proceeding.
The Court found that a number of provisions and articles of the
Electoral Code could be interpreted in more ways than one. It also
established that there were violations in separate polling stations,
however, it said the violations could not impact the vote outcome.
The Court’s verdict was read out in the absence of representatives
of the opposition who had boycotted the sessions since late last week
in protest of what they alleged to be a "political farce".
The opposition push to invalidate the Central Election Commission’s
(CEC) decision on the election result was also supported by fellow
oppositionists outside the courtroom.
"The Constitutional Court has not changed its face," said Felix
Khachatrian, who represented the opposition Artarutyun alliance at
the CEC. "It repeated its style of work that we also witnessed during
the presidential and parliamentary elections in 2003."
U.S.-born ex-foreign minister Raffi Hovannisian’s Heritage party,
which is also represented in Armenia’s fourth National Assembly,
had been supportive of the opposition claims.
Heritage party spokesman Hovsep Khurshudian regretted the Court’s
decision, saying they had expected "a more unbiased and comprehensive
investigation."
"The course of the proceedings showed that there were certain episodes
of guidance there," he said, adding that the Constitutional Court’s
decision more looked like a political decision.
Heritage representatives that had won seats in the legislature
did not collect their mandates last week. One of the conditions for
their decision then was the ongoing proceedings at the Constitutional
Court in connection with the appeals challenging the legitimacy of
the elections.
ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC CHURCH HAS NOT DISCUSSED ISSUE OF CHURCH EXCHANGE
WITH GEORGIAN CHURCH
YEREVAN, JUNE 11, NOYAN TAPAN. The Armenian Apostolic Church has never
discussed the issue of church exchange with Georgia, Director of
Information Services of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, priest
Ter-Vahan Melikian stated in response to Noyan Tapan correspondent’s
question about the news of the Trend Azerbaijani information agency,
which referring to a Georgian source reported that it is envisaged to
exchange Georgian and Armenian churches.
"No exchange of churches can be spoken about and the statement spread
by the unnamed Georgian source is false and provocative," priest
Melikian added.
According to the Azerbaijani source, during the visit to Georgia of
Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II it is envisaged to sign an
agreement, according to which 10 churches will be given to the Armenian
side, 7 out of which are in Tbilisi, and Georgia will receive 7
churches in Armenia instead.
Priest Ter-Vahan Melikian also said that the issue of status of
Georgian Armenian Diocese has been raised by the Mother See of Holy
Etchmiadzin, as the churches in Georgia, with the exception of the
Georgian Church, are not registered and have no status. Another issue
raised before the Georgian authorities is return of six historic
Armenian churches to the Georgian Armenian Diocese.
YSU AND GERMAN TRIER UNIVERSITY TO SIGN COOPERATION AGREEMENT ON JUNE 9
Noyan Tapan
Jun 08 2007
YERAVAN, JUNE 8, NOYAN TAPAN. On June 9, Yerevan State University and
the Trier University of Germany will sign a cooperation agreement. YSU
Rector Aram Simonian informed the journalists about this on June 8. In
his words, the YSU has more than ten years’ cooperation experience
with Trier University. And that agreement will give new impulse
to scientific researches. In A. Simonian’s words, it is expected to
implement joint programs in spheres of mathematics, political sciences,
conflictology, public management, social labour.
As the YSU Rector affirmed, at this stage of cooperation real
possibilities will be given to exchange not only the scientific results
but also to exchange lecturers, post-graduate students and students.
Attaching importance to the exchange process of students studying for
master’s degree, the rector said that as the example of post-graduate
students’ exchange showed, the present great potential will be revealed
in the issue of training young specialists.
"A number of labour agreements will follow this agreement in which the
terms of the programs’ implementation will be concretely mentioned,"
said A. Simonian expressing hope that the process will start in
2008-2009 academic year.
TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTRY CONDEMNS CHILEAN LEGISLATION OF SO-CALLED ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
Trend News Agency, Azerbaijan
June 8 2007
( Cihan ) – The Turkish Foreign Ministry condemned the Chilean
Senate’s unanimous passage of legislation recognizing the so-called
Armenian Genocide.
The senate is urging its government to support a key 1985 United
Nations Subcommission report properly describing this crime against
humanity as a clear instance of genocide.
The foreign ministry stated that this decision of the Chilean
Senate would cast a shadow on the friendly relations between the
two countries.
It was also stated that the legislation included wrong information
such as the statement that the so- called genocide was supported by
the United Nations Subcommission on Prevention of Discrimination and
Protection of Minorities 1985 report.
The statement pointed out that the UN Secretary general Ban Ki Moon
made a statement on the report in April 2007 and stressed that the
United Nations did not have a policy on the events that took place
in 1915.
KAMIL AGHACAN: ARMENIA WILL TRY TO ESTABLISH ECONOMIC RELATIONS WITH AZERBAIJAN AND TURKEY IN EXCHANGE FOR WITHDRAWAL FROM OCCUPIED REGIONS
Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
June 7 2007
"There is "a constructive uncertain situation" in the current
settlement process on the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. Everyone comments
on the situation in his favor", Geopolitical and Strategic Research
of the Eurasian Strategic Researches Center (ASAM) chief of Caucasus
Department Kamil Aghacan told APA.
He said Armenian and Azerbaijani Presidents and OSCE Co-chairs know
the most precise situation on the conflict. "The first question that
rises is that- will Azerbaijan let Armenia to hold referendum in
Nagorno Karabakh in exchange for return of seven regions by Armenia?
I do not suppose Azerbaijan take such a step. Then will Armenia
withdraw from seven regions? I partly believe that Armenia will
withdraw its Armed Forces but it will be done in exchange for
serious concessions. Beside, issue on Lachin corridor will be settled
separately. Armenia never considered these seven regions as its.
Seven occupied regions was always economic and diplomatic burden.
Because, the army controlling occupied territories needs food and
equipment. I think Armenia will try to establish economic relations
with Azerbaijan and Turkey in exchange for withdrawal from 7 regions.
Because, Armenia’s economy is on the edge of collapsing".
Kamil Aghacan said the deployment of peacekeeping forces in the
region will remove from agenda Azerbaijan’s military invasion to the
region. Peacekeeping forces will be deployed on the front line of
liberated territories which will vanish probability of Azerbaijani
military invasion to Nagorno Karabakh. It means that Nagorno Karbakh
will be frozen problem be deploying peacekeeping forces there. It is
to be mentioned that until today Armenia required independence for
Nagorno Karabakh in exchange for withdrawal from seven regions but it
failed. On the other hand, it is not to imagine Armenian’s situation
if west impose sanction on Iran which will lead to the closing borders
between Iran and Armenia. Armenian first of all wants to escape from
economical complications.
Armenian National Committee of Canada
Comité National Arménien du Canada
130 Albert St., Suite/Bureau 1007
Ottawa, ON
KIP 5G4
Tel./Tél. (613) 235-2622 Fax/Téléc. (613) 238-2622
E-mail/courriel:national.office@anc-canad a.com
PRESS RELEASE
June 5, 2007
Contact: Kevork Manguelian
ANCC Celebrates its National Office’s First Anniversary in Ottawa
Mr. and Mrs. Mardig Jorjezian Pledge $115,000 Annual Contribution
Ottawa-The Armenian National Committee of Canada (ANCC) celebrated the first
anniversary of the opening of its national office in Ottawa with a
cocktail-reception at the Canadian House of Commons.
More than 25 members of Parliament, among them Hon. Jason Kenney, Secretary
of State for Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity; Hon. Randy Kamp,
Parliamentary Secretary for the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans; MP Gary
Goodyear, chairperson of the Canada-Armenia Parliamentary Friendship Group;
MPs Jim Karygiannis, Nicole Demers, Keven Sorenson, Bill Blaikie, and former
MP’s Madeleine Dalphoned-Guiral and Eleni Bakopanos joined Canadian-Armenian
community members from Montreal, Laval, Toronto, Ottawa Vancouver, and
Cambridge to celebrate the momentous occasion.
Archbishop Khajak Hagopian, Very Reverent Meghrig Parikian, Father Hrair
Nicolian, the Holy See representative Father Thomas Cassidy, members of the
diplomatic corps, civil servants, journalists, various NGOs and ethnic group
representatives were also present to mark the first anniversary.
During the celebration, Mardig Jorjezian, an ANCC friend and benefactor from
Vancouver, was honoured as the ANCC’s "2007 Man of the Year," for his
generous annual contribution of $115, 000. Dr. Vagharch Ehramdjian, ANCC
Chairman, presented Mr. and Mrs. Jorjezian the Gomidas Award as a token of
appreciation for Jorjezian family’s commitment and dedication to the
Armenian Cause. In attendance were also Talin and Michael, daughter and son
of Mr. and Mrs. Jorjezian. The Gomidas statue is the work of internationally
renowned Armenian sculptor Yevkiné De Greef.
Paul Douzjian, a long-serving member of the Armenian National Committee of
Canada, was also honoured with a citation. "It is our sincerest wish that
you continue to work with us for many long years," said Jean Meguerditchian,
president of the ANCC when he presented the citation to Mr. Douzjian.
"Let’s not kid ourselves," said Mr. Kenney on the Canadian government’s
recognition of the Armenian Genocide. "It’s clear that it’s you who did all
the work. You were the ones who came to Parliament Hill for such a long
time. And I’m sorry it had to be for such a long time."
In addition to Mr. Kenney, Mr. Arman Akopian, chargé d’affaires of the
Republic of Armenia, MPs Karygiannis, Nicole Demers, and Gary Goodyear
congratulated the ANCC and its hundreds of volunteers for their unwavering
commitment and dedication for the cause of human rights and justice. They
also highlighted the non-partisan nature of the Armenian Cause and genocide
recognition.
Excerpts from a documentary highlighting the history of the Armenian
National Committee of Canada and the work of the national office were
screened.
The evening concluded with the ANCC executive director Aris Babikian
thanking participants. "Our office in Ottawa and my colleagues across the
country will do our utmost to reach out to any and every Canadian needing
our support, to try to build bridges, and sensitize our future generations
against the scourge of hatred, intolerance and xenophobia. We are confident
that with your understanding, support, assistance, and generous donations,
such as that of the Jorjezian family, we will help make Canada the envy of
the world," concluded Babikian.
-30-
The ANCC is the largest and the most influential Canadian-Armenian
grassroots political organization. Working in coordination with a network of
offices, chapters, and supporters throughout Canada and affiliated
organizations around the world, the ANCC actively advances the concerns of
the Canadian-Armenian community on a broad range of issues.
Regional Chapters/Sections régionales
Montréal – Laval – Ottawa – Toronto – Hamilton – Cambridge – St.
Catharines – Windsor – Vancouver
DPM SIGNS KEY CONTRACTS FOR CHELOPECH CONCENTRATE
Market Wire Incorporated
Published: Jun 06, 2007
Dundee Precious Metals Inc. (TSX: DPM) ("DPM" or "the Company")
announced today that its wholly owned subsidiary Chelopech Mining EAD
("Chelopech") has recently entered into concentrate sales contracts of
between 40,000 tonnes to 75,000 tonnes for 2008, and between 30,000
tonnes to 80,000 tonnes for 2009. At full production, Chelopech
currently produces between 70,000 and 80,000 tonnes of concentrate
per year. Chelopech is continuing to consider additional contracts to
match its full production for 2008. These concentrate sales contracts
address the short-term commercial and economic issues confronting
Chelopech, and ensure continuity of mine operations through 2009,
and possibly longer.
DPM continues to experience unnecessary political delays by the
Bulgarian Minister of Environment and Waters. These delays prevent
DPM from securing the permits required to expand the Chelopech mine
and put in place an autoclave and metals production facility. The
Company remains committed to securing the permits as soon as
possible and proceed with the development in Bulgaria as originally
planned. However, with these new concentrate sales contracts, DPM is
now in a position to consider alternative locations for the planned
investment. DPM will immediately commence a new study that will look
at other jurisdictions in which to build the autoclave and metals
production facility. Since the plant design is complete, the study
will likely be finished by November of this year. DPM will then be
able to confirm the preferred location for the production facility,
and begin securing the necessary permitting and related approvals to
start construction, if required.
Dundee Precious Metals Inc. is a Canadian based, international mining
company engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development and
mining of precious metals. It currently owns the Chelopech Mine,
a producing gold/copper mine, and the Krumovgrad Gold Project,
a mining development project, both located in Bulgaria, and is
engaged in mineral exploration activities in Serbia. In addition,
the Company owns the Back River gold exploration project in Nunavut,
Canada and an 80% interest in the Kapan Mine in Armenia. DPM also
holds a significant and strategic portfolio of investments in the
precious metals and mineral related sector.
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
This news release may contain certain information that constitutes
forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently
characterized by words such as "plan," "expect," "project," "intend,"
"believe," "anticipate" and other similar words, or statements that
certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking
statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at
the date the statements are made, and are subject to a variety of
risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual
events or results to differ materially from those projected in the
forward-looking statements. These factors include the inherent risks
involved in the exploration and development of mineral properties,
the uncertainties involved in interpreting drilling results and other
geological data, fluctuating metal prices and other factors described
above and in the Company’s most recent annual information form under
the heading "Risk Factors" which has been filed electronically by
means of the Canadian Securities Administrators’ website located at
. The Company disclaims any obligation to update or
revise any forward-looking statements if circumstances or management’s
estimates or opinions should change. The reader is cautioned not to
place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
Contacts: Dundee Precious Metals Inc. Jonathan Goodman
President & Chief Executive Officer (416) 365-2408 Email:
[email protected] Dundee Precious Metals Inc. Gabriela
M. Sanchez Vice President Investor Relations (416) 365-2549 Email:
[email protected]
KARABAKH CONFLICT: ARMENIA DOES NOT SEE ANY ALTERNATIVE TO NEGOTIATION PROCESS IN OSCE FRAMEWORK
PanARMENIAN.Net
05.06.2007 19:15 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Today Armenian President Robert Kocharian had
a meeting with OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Spanish Foreign Minister
Miguel Angel Moratinos. At the meeting R. Kocharian stated that
Moratinos’s visit is a serious stimulus for further development of
cooperation between Armenia and OSCE. At the same time he underscored
that the organization realizes rather interesting programs in the
republic. According to the RA President, the negotiation process on
the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement is being carried out in the
OSCE framework, and the Armenian side does not see any alternative
to those talks.
The two scrupulously discussed the latest developments in the Karabakh
process. The Spanish FM familiarized the Armenian President with
his impressions from meetings that he had yesterday in Baku and
confirmed OSCE’s willingness to contribute to the peaceful solution
of the problem.
Alongside, the sides also discussed and the process of on-going reforms
in Armenia. Miguel Angel Moratinos said, he is sure that the progress,
which was fixed during the May 12 parliamentarian elections, will
contribute to the strengthening of democratic processes in Armenia.
Speaking about Armenian-Spanish relations, Robert Kocharian
expressed Armenia’s readiness to enlarge bilateral cooperation,
the RA Presidential Press Office reports.