Author: Nalbandian Albert

HOVIK ABRAHAMIAN’S AND LARISA ALAVERDIAN’S CANDIDATURES NOMINATED FOR NA SPEAKER’S POST

Noyan Tapan

Se p 29, 2008

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 29, NOYAN TAPAN. RA National Assembly regular
four-day session started on September 29. The election of a new RA
NA Speaker was also on the agenda. According to Hrayr Karapetian, the
RA NA Vice-Speaker, a member of the ARFD faction, in a period set by
the NA Regulations Tigran Torosian again submitted his application on
resigning NA Speaker’s post, therefore the resignation is considered
accepted.

The candidatures of newly elected deputy, RPA member, former head of
President’s Administration Hovik Abrahamian and non-partisan member of
the Zharangutiun (Heritage) faction Larisa Alaverdian were nominated
for NA Speaker’s post. RPA faction head Karen Karapetian nominating
H. Abrahamian presented the latter as a common candidate of the
political coalition. L. Alaverdian nominated her own candidature.

Both candidates presented their approaches to the increase of NA’s
role and significance. "Many negative rumors are spread about my
personality," H. Abrahamian stated. According to him, it is the
result of his "few public speeches," as when he started working in
the government, fulfilling the tasks, the errands and not his image or
public speeches were primary for him. He assured that if he manages to
receive deputies’ votes, it will enable him to publicly communicate
with the people from the NA tribune, as well and to contribute to
liquidation of the current rumors in a short period.

L. Alaverdian said in her speech that "no matter who is elected,
though practice shows who will be elected," she hopes that the program
provisions submitted by her will become primary tasks for the newly
elected NA Speaker.

ARMENTEL LAUNCHES FIRST 3G NETWORK IN ARMENIA

Arminfo
2008-09-30 11:59:00

ArmInfo. ArmenTel launches first 3G network in Armenia. All the
mobile subscribes of CJSC ArmenTel, both pre-paid and post paid,
irrespective of their tariff plan will be able to use 3G services while
in Yerevan in the zone of 3G network if their phones work on UMTS/WCDMA
standards. ‘3G services is quite different level of communication and
quite different approach to life and mobility. Users of 3G services
can make video-calls from a PC connected to phone, can have full
Internet access practically anywhere’, ArmenTel Director General Neicho
Velichkov says. He says new services will allow increasing the speed
of data transmission for mobile subscribers connected to GPRS service
and make video calls inside the network. No additional fee is charged
for the service: subscribers are charged for data transmission inside
3G network including video-telephony in conformity with the effective
tariffs for ‘GPRS package’ and their tariff plan.

NEW BUILDINGS HAVE BEEN PUT INTO SERVICE

Azat Artsakh Daily
29 Sep 08
Republic of Nagorno Karabakh [NKR]

By means of "Hayastan" all-Armenian Fund, for vital activity of the
population two urgent builings have been put into service in Hadrut
region.

Today arrangements of their solemn openning took place, where the NKR
prime minister Ara Harutyunyan was present. Also by participation of
"Hayastan" Fund and benefactors a real celebration took place in
Togh village. Here a fully repaired school was opened by name of
V.Grigoryan. Now more than 100 children of Togh go to this school.

Congratulating them and the teachers, the prime minister A.Harutyunyan
noted in his speech, that all the schoolchildren of Artsakh soon
would get such beautiful and comfortable schools. The next solemn
arrangement was at the entrance of Hadrut town. Here congratulatory
words were sounded concerning those, by whose efforts water from
the mountains was reached to the inhabitants. Deputy manager of
"Hayastan" all-Armenian Fund A.Vardanyan, minister of NKR urban
planing A.Vardanyan, the head of Hadrut administration V.Gevorgyan
and other officials participated in the solemn arrangements. During
the visit to Hadrut region the prime minister A.Harutyunyan was also
in a newly built school of Drakhtik village, talk with teachers and
heard their exciting questions. The prime minister gave the competent
officials and builders corre sponding assignments.

THE POLITICAL DIVERSION OF THE POODLE
Vardan Barseghyan

Hayots Ashkhar Daily
27 Sep 2008
Armenia

According to our information during the recent times in the framework
of the congress the situation has exacerbated with the leader of
the Marxists Davit Hakobyan. We should remind you that the Marxist
called Davit Shahnazaryan who has recently returned from the USA
"a pro-American poodle". So isn’t D. Hakobyan right.

It is not a secret that the activists of our radical opposition mainly
travel to the USA.

The role of the USA is so important in the modern world that the
pro-Armenian settlement of Karabakh conflict, the raising of Armenia’s
foreign blockade and the future development of our economy depend on
its stance.

Consequently no matter what goal our political figures pursue during
their visits to the USA, they must take into account the fact that
they represent Armenia and Armenian interests. And the difference
between the interests of the opposition and the ruling power is not
very essential.

The most important thing is whether or not these visits will create
a complete picture about Armenia’s political field, meanwhile not to
harm our country’s positive image, by spreading misinformation.

It is not a secret that the visits of the same Davit Shahnazaryan
or the "pro-American poodle" to the USA have always been aimed at
spreading misin formation. It is difficult to say exactly what genius
ideas he has expressed during his recent visits but for example three
years back in the authorized centers elaborating the US’s foreign
policy he used to announce: "Armenia’s ruling power is the Russian
political gate in the region."

Thus the poodle automatically disposes American authorities against our
country. Independent of whether or not American political scientists
trust their words the before mentioned standpoint turns into a matter
of a serious discussion and a necessary subject to elaborate relevant
policy. This can serve as an argument for the USA to refuse this or
that type of assistance shown to Armenia.

Unfortunately during those three years Davit Shahnazaryan didn’t give
any reason for the public to think that he has become cleverer. On
the contrary. So it is possible to presume what type of announcements
he could have made.

For example he would have definitely tried to restrict the policy
pursued by Armenia in the region "In the framework of the Kremlin’s
interests."

It is his style and it is not the first case. Whereas it is evident
that in the conditions of the noticed confrontation in Russian-American
relations linked with the South Caucasian developments, the desire
of the USA to pursue a pro-Azerbaijani policy will intensify.

Pay attention on the fact that although the same Azerbaijani
pro-oppositional figures try to dispose the USA against Ilham Aliev’s
administration, you will never hear any announcements that violate
the interests of the state or any attempts to reveal Azerbaijan’s
relations with Moscow and Tehran.

In this issue they have always managed to differentiate their party
interests from that of the state, which we Armenians lack.

Whereas the responsibility of the opposition towards the state and
its future presumes not only criticizing the ruling power but also
perception of political processes in the prism of the state values.

There can be different attitudes towards Davit Hakobyan, but his
characteristic "pro-American poodle" is really to the point.

Unfortunately there are all the bases to presume that in the near
future the visits of the poodles to the USA will not be limited to
the meetings of the pro-oppositional political figures, but rather
political diversions against the comprehensive state interests.

HAS ISRAEL SIGNED DEFENSE CONTRACTS ON HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS WITH AZERBAIJAN?

Today.Az
26 September 2008 [16:26] – Today.Az
Azerbaijan

Gaarets newspaper reported today that Israels Defense Ministry signed
a number of contracts on supply of technique and armament for hundreds
of millions of dollars with the Azerbaijani government.

It probably implies the supply of new TAR-21 Tavor guns and ammunitions
to Azerbaijan, as well as deals for supply of howitzer weapon and
essential items of Soltam company, missile systems and necessary items,
produced by Defense Industry concern TAAC, as well as the communication
systems of Tadiran company, of which Azeri Press Agency reported one
and a half month ago.

The newspaper also mentions supply of the ammunitions of joint
Israeli-Kazakh production to Azerbaijan, of which NEWSru.co.il spoke
in July of this year.

Soltam company has developed the 122 millimeter driverless howitzer
Semser, installed on KAMAZ, and driverless 120 millimeter mine thrower
Aybat. The mine thrower, weighting 650 kg, has a high maneuverability
and the detachment from among 4 not 7 people. TAAC in turn has created
an autonomous multi-target missile Nayza, which is a modification of
the Lynx system, produced by the concern.

Soltam and Elbit have also developed an integrated automatic system
of regulation and control, combining all three artillery systems.

NEWSru.co.il also reported that, according to foreign sources,
Israel was supplying weapon to Baku in period of the conflict in
Nagorno Karabakh. US sources stated in different times that Mosad
helped Azerbaijani special services to fight Islamists His u-Takhrir
and that Israeli points of radioelectronic reconnaissance are set on
the Azerbaijani-Iranian border.

SERZH SARGSYAN: ARMENIA PUTS BRAVE TASKS AGAINST ITSELF WHEN DRAWING OUT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES

ArmInfo
2008-09-25 15:05:00

ArmInfo. Armenia puts brave tasks against itself when drawing out
the development programmes, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan said
at the state reception within the frames of his visit to the USA,
organized by the joint efforts of Armenian Embassy in the USA,
permanent representation of Armenia to UN and the leading Armenian
organizations of America.

He also added today after the two state elections in Armenia, which
were a test for the country, the society is waiting for reforms and
fast development. Armenia is waiting for the active participation
of the diaspora in these processes. ‘For this reason I ask all out
compatriots to reject the stereotype according to which it allegedly
impossible to earn money in Armenia. Actually, to earn money in the
Motherland means to support its development’, – Serzh Sargsyan said.

He also recalled, construction of the Iran-Armenia gas pipeline is
being finished. And construction of the new and modern nuclear power
plant is starting with participation of the USA, europe and Russia;
construction of Iran-Armenia railway is being prepared. More than
7000 families that suffered because of the Spitak earthquake will be
given apartments over the next 3-4 years. ‘We have initiated creation
of the Pan-Armenian Bank and Investments Foundation to finance big
business-projects. This means that Armenians living in different parts
of the world may spend their savings in favour of prosperous Armenia
and at the same time get economic benefit’, – Armenian president said.

PRESIDENT OF ARMENIA: IT IS TIME FOR ARMENIA AND TURKEY TO SOLVE THEIR PROBLEMS

ArmInfo
2008-09-25 23:13:00

ArmInfo. It is time for Armenia and Turkey to solve their problems,
President of Armenia said during his speech at the 63rd session of
the UN General Assembly.

He said that Turkish President Abduallah Gul was also ready to solve
Armenian-Turkish problems. "I am sure that we must act quickly and
confidently in this direction," Sargsyan said.

He said that the last events in the South Caucasus had shocked
the region and had been a lesson or all. Sargsyan believes that the
major task of the UN GA is to adopt a single requirement against such
situations and to create a new effective safety system in the region
and in the whole world. The challenges that arose over the last decades
have been transformed so much that it is impossible to resist them by
the structures formed at the end of the World War II. Today regional
cooperation is a form of efficient reaction to challenges. Armenia has
always come out for encouraging such cooperation and we are sure that
the cooperation between the countries aimed at settlement of problems
is the best way. This needs open borders, cross ways of communication,
mutually connected economic systems. In case of global challenges,
states should join their efforts to ensure steady development.

There have always been and may be problems between the neighboring
countries and these problems can’t be solved if there is no dialogue",
Sargsyan said.

PRESIDENT SARGSYAN MET THE MINSK GROUP CO-CHAIRS IN NEW YORK

armradio.am
25.09.2008 13:51

Within the framework of his visit to New York President of the
Republic of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan had a meeting with the OSCE Minsk
Group Co-Chairs.

The process of peaceful resolution of the Karabakh issue, as well
as the opportunities of the next meeting between the Presidents of
Armenia and Azerbaijan were discussed.

USA AND EUROPE OFFER TURKEY ARMENIA’S PARTICIPATION IN THE ‘NABUCCO’ PROGRAMME, TURKISH STAR NEWSPAPER SAYS

Arminfo
2008-09-23 19:28:00

ArmInfo. The first positive reaction after the historical football
match between Armenia and Turkey is regarding possible participation
of Armenia in the ‘Nabucco’ gas pipeline project, Turkish Star
newspaper said.

It also said the USA and Europe have suggested Armenia to become the
transit country for gas running via the Nabucco gas pipeline from
the Caspian region to Europe. At present Turkey has to decide. Such
suggestion was made against the background of normalizing of relations
between Armenia and Turkey after Turkish President Abdullah Gul’s
visit to Yerevan to watch a football match.

The newspaper also says that representatives of the USA and Europe
think that after Russia’s actions towards Georgia, the latter cannot
be a reliable transit country for the gas pipeline. They do not
want either the gas pipeline run via the territory of Iran. Thus
the Turkish party was advised that Armenia maybe the best option
for the gas pipeline to run via its territory, and if Turkey accepts
this suggestion, Armenia will also take part in the given project,
the newspaper says.

It also says France welcomes Armenia’s involvement in the project,
but Turkey was against participation of France in the project as it
had recognized the Armenian genocide. The newspaper recalled that at
present Romania, Bulgaria, Austria, Hungary, Germany and Turkey are
taking part in the Nabucco project, which is assessed 3,5 bln dollars.

LECTURERS DEBATE REAL MEANING OF ‘LEBANESE DEMOCRACY’
By Elias Sakr

Daily Star – Lebanon
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Lebanon

Arguments recall issues that paralyzed government

BEIRUT: The dynamics of Lebanese democracy were the focus of a series
of lectures organized by the Issam Fares Institute for Lebanon on
Tuesday. Several legislators, law professors, ministers and political
analysts participated in the lecture,which was held at the Monroe
Hotel in Ain al-Mraisseh.

During the event, titled "Lebanese Democracy: Consensus or
Competition," lecturers argued that Lebanon has successfully combined
consensus and parliamentary democracy since the Taif Accords, which
ended the 1975-1990 Civil War.

Minister of State Khaled Qabbani argued that the Lebanese parliamentary
system ensures the separation of legislative, executive and judicial
powers, and preserves citizens’ freedom of speech, guaranteeing
equality.

Qabbani emphasized that the Constitution established the rule that all
legislation was subject to approval by a parliamentary or governmental
majority.

He also pointed out that articles 9, 10, and 95 granted recognized
religious sects privileges and assurances in the political and
administrative systems. In Lebanon religious sects rule over their
own internal affairs, possessing powers which are used to resolve
conflicts in civil status courts.

All religious sects are allocated a quota in the Parliament and
representation in the government, taking into consideration that
"essential decisions" required a consensus or a two-thirds majority
vote in order to be passed.

"The Constitution’s introduction stated that no power was legitimate
if it contested the Lebanese coexistence accord," Qabbani added.

The coexistence accord guarantees the right of all religious factions
to share power and live peacefully in Lebanon.

He argued that the consociational spirit of the Lebanese Constitution
doesn’t grant the right of veto to any minority, as this would allow
them to bring the political process to a standstill. "The right of
veto means a minority dictatorship," he said.

The resignation of Shiite ministers from Amal and Hizbullah Shiite
(along with one Christian) from the Cabinet in November 2006 raised
issues regarding its legitimacy and paralyzed the government’s
decision-making power. After their withdrawal, the ministers and
their parties accused the rump Cabinet of breaking the rules of the
coexistence accord by continuing to make decisions without Shiites
in government.

The standoff ended after 18 months following the Doha agreement that
lead to the formation of a national unity government and the election
of President Michel Sueiman.

Former MP Fares Souaid stressed that "radical movements" seeking to
impose their will on other Lebanese factions threatened Lebanon’s
consensus democracy.

Souaid argued that creating harmony between citizenship, identity and
religious communities would preserve unity and democracy. "Principles
of citizenship and diversity are the pillars of a democratic Lebanese
state," he said.

MP Hagop Pakradounian said that his Armenian community had managed to
integrate into Lebanese society, and supported the state’s institutions
without giving up on their traditions, language and religion.

He stressed that the Armenian community was granted its political
rights and argued that it never participated in armed conflict. This,
he said, sets an example of a consensus democracy that preserves
the right of minorities within a parliamentary Lebanese state. "The
Armenian community always supported reconciliation efforts among
fighting factions," he added.

MP Hassan Yaacoub urged the Lebanese to preserve the country’s
religious diversity as a unique model in the Middle East that proves
that Lebanon’s consensus democracy can promote peace and dialogue
between civilizations and religions around the globe.

"The conflict in interests between the people and leaders prevents
consensus," he added.

Participants also highlighted the role of civil society in
political, economic and social reforms in order to help develop
state institutions.