Author: Nahapetian Zhanna

RAO UES TO PRIVATIZE BULGARIAN POWER PLANT
RIA Novosti, Russia
2005-04-05 12:46
MOSCOW, APRIL 5, (RIA Novosti) – The RAO UES (Unified Energy Systems)
power grid plans to take part in the privatization of Bulgaria’s Varna
thermal power plant and to establish a Russian-Kazakh joint venture
on the basis of the Ekibastuz state district power plant. RAO UES
board member Sergei Dubinin announced this today.
Addressing a conference entitled “Russian Investors are the Future of
Russia’s Economy” (that was organized by the association of managers),
Dubinin also said that RAO UES and Gazprom had drafted their joint
proposal this year on completing five power units at Armenia’s Razdan
thermal power station.
Moreover, Russia had exported 19.150 billion kWt/hr of electricity
to China, Poland, Romania, Moldova and Norway in 2004, Dubinin
added. Electricity imports totaled 11.566 billion kWt/hr last year
(Kazakhstan, Ukraine and Lithuania).
Foreign investors perceive the Russian economy as quite attractive
during the current RAO UES reform, Dubinin stressed. In his words, RAO
UES hopes that Russia will establish a power-market mechanism by 2009.

EVOLUTIONARY WAY OF REFORMS DIDN’T PROVE EFFECTIVE, ARAM KARAPETIAN
DECLARES AT MEETING WITH COUNCIL OF ELDERS OF FORUM OF INTELLIGENTSIA
YEREVAN, APRIL 4, NOYAN TAPAN. “The authorities should understand that
the wave of people’s rage will be too large this time and neither
barbed wire nor shields of special detachments will save them. We
are sure that we will be able to gather a great mass of discontented
people, under whose pressure the authorities will have to resign,” Aram
Karapetian, Chairman of Nor Zhamanakner (New Times) party, declared
at the April 4 meeting with the members of the Council of Elders of
Forum of Intelligentsia. In Karapetian’s opinion, the evolutionary
way of reforms in the country didn’t prove effective. “We don’t deny
some positive fenomena but the evolutionary reforms don’t give the
expected results. Unfortunately, a cemetery stability was established
in the country and the only way out of the formed moral atmosphere and
hardest socio-economic condition of people is revolution,” the Chairman
of Nor Zhamanakner party declared. He assured that the processes will
proceed within political framework but “if the authorities apply force
we are ready to repulse.” Aram Karapetian reported that on April 5
the representatives of Nor Zhamanakner party are meeting with the
members of Orinats Yerkir (Country of Law) party. “We proposed that
the Orinats Yerkir withdraw from coalition.” The meeting with the
leader of Nor Zhamanakner party was held within the framework of the
series of meetings organized by the Council of Elders of Forum of
Intelligentsia with representatives of influential political forces.
To recap, on March 31 an analogous meeting with Hovhannes Hovhannisian,
Chairman of Liberal-Progressive Party of Armenia, was held. A meeting
with Aram Sargsian, a member of the political board of Hanrapetutiun
(Republic) party, is planned for the nearest future.

Experts hear death bells ringing for Russia’s CIS
By Marielle Eudes, Agence France-Presse
Manila Times, Philippines
Monday, April 04, 2005
MOSCOW: The Commonwealth of Independent States, an organization
loosely uniting all former Soviet republics minus the three Baltic
states, was always fragile to begin with, but with three consecutive
revolutions among its members within a year and a half, it is now
all but crumbling.
Even Russia, which has been the organization’s driving force since
its inception 14 years ago, now seems increasingly resigned to seeing
the 12-member CIS sink into irrelevance.
The CIS was founded in December 1991 on the very day the Soviet Union
disappeared. Dominated by Moscow, it was meant to be the instrument
that would allow Russia to retain its influence over the former
Soviet empire.
But over the past year and a half, three faithful Kremlin allies
were toppled in peaceful revolutions: Eduard Shevardnadze in Georgia,
Leonid Kuchma in Ukraine, and, last week, Askar Akayev in Kyrgyzstan.
In Moldova, the revolution occurred as a quiet change of hats at the
top-the ruling Communists who came to power on a pro-Russia ticket
won a recent election fielding a clear Western-friendly agenda.
In Georgia and Ukraine, the new authorities have swapped their
predecessors’ pro-Kremlin allegiance for a clearly pro-Western stance.
Even though Kyrgyzstan’s new interim leaders have vowed to continue
their deposed predecessor’s Moscow-friendly policies, the lightning
toppling of the government there has spawned speculation that the
CIS would soon collapse.
“The CIS is currently undergoing the most critical phase of its
history,” Alexander Lukashenko, the authoritarian president of Belarus,
recently admitted. “There is more and more talk about its uselessness
… It has transformed, but no one really knows into what any more.”
Even Russian President Vladimir Putin stressed the organization’s
insignificance, during a visit to Armenia last week.
The CIS was only created “to allow a civilized divorce” between
the Soviet republics and “never had economic super-tasks,” Putin
said. But it remains “a useful club for exchanging information and
studying political and humanitarian questions,” he said.
Even if this discussion club does survive, indications are that it
will be little more than an empty shell, a far cry from the 1990s’
grandiose declarations on a common, 12-member common economic space
and the thousands of joint documents its members have signed over
the years, observers said.
“Many suspected the CIS was not viable, but the Russian president’s
declarations are its official epitaph,” the Russian weekly Itogy
wrote last week.
Besides their shared Soviet past, the 12 members of the CIS never
had much in common.
Some, like Armenia and Azerbaijan, have waged war on each other over
disputed land, in this case the Nagorno Karabakh enclave. Some,
like Georgia and Ukraine, allowed the opposition to own media,
while the leaders of others, like Belarus and Turkmenistan, turned
to authoritarianism reminiscent of Soviet times.
Consensus among all was always minimal, and reached only on such
uncontroversial issues like sharing each other’s air space or fighting
terrorism.
As a result, “the CIS eventually ceased to interest its main
financial sponsor, Russia,” Russian daily Vremya Novostyey wrote
earlier this week.
“With US [military] bases standing along Russian bases in Central
Asia, US military specialists being invited to Georgia while Tbilisi
is trying to get rid of Russian military, and peaceful revolutions
being staged in one CIS member after the other, Moscow has come to
the pragmatic conclusion that it is better off investing its money
and its efforts” in more useful relations, Vremya Novostyey added.
This does not mean, however, that the Kremlin has renounced all
ambitions in the post-Soviet space. But it will increasingly act
through other channels.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Monday inaugurated a new
economic center aimed at encouraging integration within the zone.
He said efforts should now be concentrated on agreements signed
between two countries, like the loose Russian-Belarus “Union,” four
countries, like the Economic Space uniting Russia, Belarus, Ukraine
and Ka­zakhstan, and six countries, like the Collective Security
Treaty grouping Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Belarus
and Russia.
“The CIS has played an important part, but it must now be replaced
by more efficient mechanisms,” said the center’s new director,
Alexander Lebedev
–Boundary_(ID_h/1vV/R4VCfc5iFjKUcAxw)–

Turkish Press
Press Scan
Published: 4/2/2005
APRIL 23 EXPECTATION
SABAH- Armenians expect Turkey to make a gesture one day before the
”Genocide Day” and open the border.
Armenia, which fights with poverty, believes that free movement will help
development of both countries, and also has the belief that particularly
Turkey will make a gesture on April 23rd and open the borders.

CATHOLICOS ARAM I AND EMIL LAHUD DISCUSS SITUATION IN LEBANON
ANTILIAS, APRIL 1, NOYAN TAPAN. Catholicos of the Great Cilician House
Aram I and President of Lebanon Emil Lahud discussed a number of
issues concerning the situation in Lebanon on March 25. According to
the press divan of the Great Cilician House, the meetings of Aram I
with the Ambassador of France to Lebanon and the representatives of
the country’s political opposition preceded this meeting.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ASSOCIATED PRESS PLANS TO ENLARGE ITS PRESENCE IN ARMENIA WITH
ARMINFO’S ASSISTANCE
YEREVAN, APRIL 1. ARMINFO. Associated Press is going to enlarge its
cooperation with ARMINFO independent news agency.
Director of AP Eurasian Department Thomas Jefferson visited Armenia a
few days ago to negotiate and to consider relevant cooperation
mechanisms. Priority is given to Associated Press’s buying 50% of
ARMINFO’s shares and introducting corporative administration for new
regional agency AP-AM (Associated Press – ARMINFO).
Jefferson says that AP is seeking to counterbalance Russian media
activity in the region. “Armenia is in fact the only CIS country where
there is no immediate clash of extra-regional interests. It is here
that the media factor – with certain revision – can be spread over not
only South Caucasus but also part of Great Middle East,” says
Jefferson.
To remind, Interfax news agency (Russia) has been enlarging its
positions in Armenia since 2002; Regnum South Caucasian chief editor
office was established in 2003; RIA Novosti (Russia) is presently
negotiating to form a sub-division in Armenia.
One of Armenia’s news leaders and legal successor of SNARK news agency
ARMINFO was established Mar 31 1991.

Flint Journal, MI
March 30 2005
Runaway Couple
Despite brief stint for tax season, Cooks still having time of their
lives
BURTON
By Rose Mary Reiz
Michele Cook, half of the adventurous Burton couple who sold their
house and belongings to travel the world by bicycle, is back. But not
for long.
“I’m working at my old job for a couple of months,” said Michele, an
accountant. “After tax season, I’ll meet Doug in Spain, and we’ll
continue our journey through even more countries.”
Seven months ago, Michele and Doug left behind home, jobs, family and
friends to camp and bicycle full time. They described their plan as
“reverse retirement,” a way to enjoy the world while they’re young
and healthy.

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They since have toured England, Wales, Ireland, Scotland, Belgium and
France. Traveling on the cheap, they carry their tent and camping
supplies with them. They spend their days sightseeing and their
nights in campgrounds, hostels or at the homes of generous strangers
who offer hot showers and home-cooked meals. They communicate with
friends and families by e-mailing from libraries and Internet cafes
along the way.
It’s not all breathtaking views. There are also bugs, bad weather,
bathroom shortages, bicycle breakdowns and endless meals of “tuna
surprise” heated over a camp stove.
But Doug and Michele say they are having the time of their lives.
“There is discovery, challenge, delight and disappointment,” Doug
wrote in an e-mail. “There is confusion, frustration, joy, sadness,
inspiration, exhilaration and revelation. There is the sense of
accomplishment when we open our map and review the route we’ve
followed. And, of course, there is the relief of stepping off the
bike at the end of the day, throwing our tent up on some piece of
earth, crawling inside it and collapsing, thoroughly exhausted.”
After a brief bicycling break (While Michele does taxes, Doug is
working on an organic farm in Spain), they plan to cycle through
Portugal, France, Italy, Austria, Switzerland and Germany.
“We’re thinking that by November, we’ll be in Greece for the winter
months,” Michele said.
Rough life, huh?
Here, Michele reflects on the past seven months of life on the road.
Q: What have you missed most about life at home?
A: We both miss music. The only music we get is at some hostels we
stay at, where there is a living area with a CD player.
I also miss watching movies. One night in Spain, we found a hostel
that had a TV room with videos – and they were in English. After
dinner, Doug and I watched “Dances With Wolves,” sitting on a couch
with our legs up. It was heaven!
Q: Have you acquired any new tastes?
A: Every country has a new favorite. We don’t eat out much, so we
don’t get to sample all the wonderful foods that are out there. We
try to keep things simple for cooking on our camp stove.
In Scotland, we discovered a dessert called “sticky toffee pudding”
in a can. You put the unopened can in a pan of water, bring it to a
boil for 15 minutes, open it up and pour cream over it. It’s
wonderful!
In France, we of course enjoy wonderful baguettes and wonderful brie
and camembert cheese. You don’t find the processed cheese like we
have here, and the bread is baked fresh twice a day and made with
whole ingredients – no preservatives.
In Spain, we enjoyed Clementines, olives – and wine in a box! Yes,
they sold wine in a box the size of a brick for about 50 cents.
Q: How has your health been?
A: We’ve had a few sniffles here or there, but nothing that has
stopped us from cycling – except for the bad water we had in Spain
about three weeks before I returned home. We were in bed for almost
48 hours and then it took us another couple of days to get our
strength back.
We have increased our endurance training, which means we can ride a
long time at a slow pace. Many of our cycling friends at home think
we must be so fast by now. Well, we’re not. At least I’m not. We can
basically cycle all day long at an average speed of 10 miles per
hour, less if we are in the mountains or are up against strong winds.
Q: What’s it been like being together all day, every day? Any
arguments?
A: When you’re with someone 24/7, you are bound to have conflicts.
But you do what you have to do, and you talk it out and come to a
resolution. When we need a little time away from each other, we may
take a walk once we get to a campsite.
Q: Has this experience drawn you closer to each other?
A: I think so. Especially now that we’re apart. You tend to take each
other for granted, and when that person is no longer there, you
realize how much you need each other.
It feels very weird now, being apart for three months. I think it’s a
little easier for me, because I’m back with friends and family, plus
I have work to occupy my day. Doug, on the other hand, is by himself
in a foreign country. I don’t think I could do that.
(Doug wrote by e-mail: “Cycling alone, after having had the pleasure
of my wife’s companionship for the last seven months, really made me
lonesome for her. It brought into sharp focus the things I was
missing: Michele’s mental and physical strength, her incredible
energy and her passion for the adventure. Without her, I was at
half-strength, literally.”)
Q: What’s it like not knowing where you’ll end up sleeping from one
night to the next?
A: That was the biggest thing for me to adjust to. It brought me a
lot of stress around 3 p.m. every day. Doug would always tell me not
to worry about it, and after a few months of this, I began to tell
myself that we haven’t had one night where we were stranded with no
place to sleep. So I began repeating to myself, “It always works
out.”
Q: What’s gotten you down while on the road?
A: What gets us down is just trying to do some simple things. For
example, trying to make a simple phone call can be a challenge. In
Spain, we bought a phone card, and it would work at one phone booth
but not the next. Very frustrating.
Q: Can you imagine surviving this adventure without the luxury of
e-mail?
A: No! It’s so wonderful to talk to people at home via e-mail. If we
didn’t have it, we would only be able to call just a few people. With
e-mail, we have a huge distribution list and can stay in contact with
more than 100 people with a simple click of the “send” button.
Q: What’s been the biggest surprise?
A: The generosity of the people we’ve met. I have said many times to
Doug that if I was ever at home and I saw another touring cyclist, I
would slam on my brakes and ask them if they needed anything –
directions, a place to sleep, food, clean clothes, whatever. I would
do it for them because that is what has been done for us.
Q: What advice would you give others thinking of doing this?
A: Buy good quality gear that is waterproof. You will not regret
spending the extra money. Also, buy components for your bike that can
be purchased all around the world.
Try to learn as much of the language as you can before going to a
foreign country. They do not all speak English like many Americans
think – especially when you get into small villages.
Q: How has this experience changed you? Do you look at the world
differently?
A: Yes, especially after returning home. I can’t believe how
fast-paced our lives are here. We scurry around taking care of
everything, from work to families to our friends, housework, laundry,
cooking. Our lives are turning into one big blur. I even feel that I
have fallen back into the trap since I’ve been home.
On the other hand, our freedom in America is a treasure. Doug and I
were in a hostel southern France, eating lunch with another family.
They were speaking a language I didn’t recognize. When the husband
got up and took the children away, I asked the wife, who spoke
English, what it was. She said Armenian. I told her I was Armenian,
and asked her if she was on holiday. She said no, that she and her
family had left their home country and were looking for a better
life. She kept saying that it was “very bad over there” and she
didn’t want to raise her children in such turmoil. Her family didn’t
know what the future held. They were trying to get working visas and
a place to live in France. That really makes you appreciate your
freedom.
Q: Has the trip made you realize how little “stuff” people really
need?
A: Yes. I can only hope that other people will step back and
appreciate what they have and realize it isn’t about how much money
you have or how big your house is, or how nice your car is. There is
so much more to life than that. I think so many of us take our lives
for granted and you really don’t know what the future will bring to
you. Our lives can change drastically in one second, and generally it
is only then that we realize how good we had it.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

AzerTag, Azerbaijan
March 29 2005
AZERBAIJAN INTERESTED IN DEVELOPING OF RELATIONS WITH RUSSIA
[March 29, 2005, 19:10:52]
Murtuz Alaskarov, chairman of the Azerbaijani Parliament (Milli
Majlis) met on March 29 Sergey Stepashin, chairman of the Audit
Chamber of the Russian Federation, reported AzerTAj correspondent.
Speaker of the Parliament said the joint efforts made by Russia’s and
Azerbaijan Presidents has given a renewed impetus to the strategic
partnership between two countries. Speaking of expanding economical
cooperation he noted that commodity turnover between Azerbaijan and
Russia has been achieved $1 billion for the last year. Azerbaijan is
intersted in developing relations with Russia and today there were
over 500 schools and 1 University where are teaching in Russian. It
is an allegation of the great interest in our country to Russian
language and culture.
Murtuz Alaskarov has informed the guest on Armenian-Azerbaijan,
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. He said that Azerbaijan is backing the
peasful settlement of the conflict on the base of international laws.
We hope that Russia as member of the OSCE Minsk group to be play an
active role in a settlement process. Armenians were resettle in
Nagorno-Karabakh after the Russian-Iranian War, and a new book in
that will be published soon, said Murtuz Alaskarov.
The Russia’s Audit Chamber chief said that Russia is also interested
in expanding of relations with Azerbaijan. He noted that stability
which has been created in Azerbaijan by the great historic figure
Heydar Aliyev it is sucessfully saving at present too. It is also
allegation that President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has suitably
been continued the line of policy by Heydar Aliyev.
Then Sergey Stepashin speaking of sucessfull cooperation between the
Audit Chambers.
Touching upon the problem over Nagorno-Karabakh, Sergey Stepashin
said the conflict has given a concern for all countries in the
region, `and we has been supported a peacefull and equitable solution
of the conflict. I think the parliaments will be intensify its
efforts on that’.

Journal of Turkish Weekly
March 29 2005
Next Target is Armenia?
Davut SAHINER (JTW) After Georgia and Ukraine, `velvet revolution’
hit Kyrgyzstan. President Askar Akayev has fled the country, and
opposition MP Ishenbai Kadyrbekov was named acting president, hours
after demonstrators overran the presidential palace in the capital,
Bishkek.
Gangs of looters roamed through the city overnight, ransacking shops
and setting fire to buildings. At least three people are reported to
have died during the unrest. However it is understood that Kyrgyzstan
has faced a popular movement.
The US named the `revolution’ democratic, while Russia and the
neighboring Central Asia states are worried.
For many IR experts Kyrgyzstan is the latest stage of `the
democratization process’ triggered by the United States in the
`greater Middle East and Eastern Europe, from Ukraine to China
borders. Nese Mesudoglu from Sabah, Turkish daily paper, argues that
the US uses George Soros and his foundations-societies in order to
undermine the existing `un-democratic’ governments. `Velvet
revolutions follow Soros. When Soros goes a country, a revolution or
unrest visit that country’ Sabah says. Not surprisingly the Bishkek
Soros Foundation was there before the `revolution’ and it is a
well-known fact that the foundation was making great assistance to
the opposition groups under the name of `education and
democratization’. The budget of the Bishkek Soros Foundation is about
4 million dollars. Soros had made financial assistance to the
Serbian, Ukrainian and Georgian oppositions.
Soros has foundations and societies in 30 countries. It is claimed
that he supported opposition in Malaysia and Venezuela as well.
Withdrawal of the Russian Empire
It can be argued that the US continues to implement the `Greater
Middle East Initiative’. The Initiative has two columns: Military
Operations and Democratization Operations. In the second column, the
US encourages the opposing groups and minorities to overturn the
existing `dictatorial administrations’ or `anti-American powers’. In
almost all countries experienced velvet revolutions the power was
belong to the anti-American groups, and all these governments had
good relations with Russia. Kyrgyzstan is a peculiar case, because
the Kyrgyzstan case can be considered as message not only to the
Russians but also to the Chinese. The country is at the crossroads of
Russia, China, India-Pakistan and the Turkic-Islamic World. Possibly,
it is the greatest gain for the US `Greater Middle Eastern Project’.
Kyrgyzstan is a perfect `base’ to control Russian and Chinese
politics in the region and to watch drug trafficking.
Next Target: Belarus or Armenia?
Kyrgyzstan is the latest example for the silk revolutions but not the
last one. Many expects that the revolution wave will continue.
Belarus is one of the possible candidates, but Armenia is the easiest
one. President Robert Kocherian, Karabakh veteran, dominates the
Armenian politics. He has very close relations with Russia and keeps
the opposition under pressure.
As Emil Danielyan pointed out `the ruling regime has heavily relied
on the oligarchs to manipulate elections and bully its political
opponents, making it doubtful that any serious action will be taken
to rein them in. They are able to bribe and intimidate local voters
and resort to other election falsification techniques. Ballot box
stuffing was commonplace during the 2003 presidential election, which
Western observers described as undemocratic.’ (Jamestown). The
overwhelming majority of the Armenian population thinks that Armenian
political system is not democratic and there is no hope for the
future. The opposition started a huge campaign last year but
Kocherian with his armed supporters from Karabakh severely suppressed
the civil movement. Many were prisoned and tortured including very
young and women. There are Russian military bases in Armenia and
Kocherian Government is seen as the `only Russian ally’ in the
Caucasus. Armenia also has good relations with Iran. The FBI
investigates Armenian-Iranian connections in weapon trade and
terrorism. There are a pro-Western governments in Azerbaijan and
Georgia.
Armenian PM: Revolution in Armenia is Impossible
Prime Minister Andranik Markarian said on 28 March 2005 Monday that
his government is striving to keep Armenia unaffected by the wave of
successful anti-government uprisings across the former Soviet and is
confident that it can weather the storm. `We are trying to make sure
that the revolutionary wave doesn’t reach us,’ Markarian told RFE/RL,
reacting to last week’s dramatic ouster of Kyrgyzstan’s longtime
autocratic president, Askar Akayev.
`In my view, democracy is developing in our country. Of course, not
everything is all right. But the difference is huge. We have no
problems with the economy… So I don’t see grounds for the people to
get out, change government and then go on a rampage,’ Markarian
added.
However Dr. Sedat Laciner from International Strategic Research
Organization thinks different: `Armenia could be the next target. As
a matter of fact that many revolution attempts in Armenian were
suppressed by the existing Government.’
Revised edition
29 March 2005

Armenian, Russian presidents hail ties
Public Television of Armenia, Yerevan
25 Mar 05
[Presenter] Russian President Vladimir Putin is in Armenia on a working
visit at President Kocharyan’s invitation. Vladimir Putin and Robert
Kocharyan held a one-to-one meeting at the residence after which the
two presidents held a news conference.
The Russian president today also visited the Holy See of Echmiadzin
and met Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II. The Kremlin leader’s
visit will mark the start of the Russian year in Armenia.
[Robert Kocharyan, captioned, in Russian with Armenian voice-over]
I am very glad to welcome the Russian president and delegation. I
would like to note that our meetings are being held in a friendly and
constructive atmosphere. Very serious potential has been established
for cooperation in the political, economic and cultural fields, and
for military cooperation. Now we are trying to develop cooperation
in the humanitarian sphere.
The beginning of the Russian year in Armenia is a very serious event
for which we are prepared. We hope that Armenian citizens in one year
can get more information about today’s Russia. We also discussed
economic issues. We talked about boosting Russian investment. The
Armenian side welcomes that and we shall create all the necessary
conditions to work productively.
We also exchanged opinions on international and regional issues.
[Vladimir Putin, captioned, in Russian with Armenian voice-over] We
had really very useful and productive talks regarding all the spheres
in bilateral relations, as well as international and regional issues.
We are proud that Armenian-Russian relations are developing in all
spheres. Cooperation is developing in the economic, political and
humanitarian fields. The best indicator of this is the beginning of
the Russian year in Armenia.
The main part of our meeting concerned cooperation between Armenia
and Azerbaijan within the framework of the CIS and other structures in
order to resolve with joint efforts common problems such as terrorism,
transnational crime, and arms and drug trafficking.