Author: Nalchajian Markos

EX-FM OF ARMENIA RELEASED IN HIS OWN CUSTODY

arminfo
2007-09-07 16:29:00

ArmInfo. Ex-Foreign Minister of Armenia, co-founder of the
"Civil Disobedience" movement, Alexander Arzumanyan, accused of
money-laundering, has been released in his own custody the day
before at about 9:30 PM. As the informed sources report, he was
released by personal instruction of RA Prosecutor General Aghvan
Hovsepyan. A. Arzumanyan’s measure of restraint has been changed for
recognizance not to leave.

To recall, ex-FM of Armenia and ex-representative of RA to the UN
Alexander Arzumanyan was arrested May 7 night, 2007, for a term of
2 months. Criminal proceedings were instituted against A. Arzumanyan
and former Minister of Industrial Infrastructures Vahan Shirkhanyan
per part 3, Article 190 of RA CC "Legalization of profits received
illegally". Moreover, the two ex-ministers were charged of the
intention to use substantial sums of money to finance the destabilizing
post-election political processes. The investigation on A. Arzumanyan’
case, carried out by the Investigation Department of RA National
Security Service, is underway.

DAVID HARUTYUNYAN WILL HEAD THE ARMENIAN DELEGATION TO PACE

armradio.am
07.09.2007 14:02

The Armenian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of
Europe will be headed by Deputy of the National Assembly, ex-Justice
Minister David Harutyunyan, ArmInfo was told from well-informed
sources.

Let us remind that currently the Armenian delegation is headed by the
Speaker of the National Assembly Tigran Torosyan, ho found it proper
to refuse form the position after his reelection as Parliament Speaker
because of tense schedule.

FRANCOIS HOLLANDE: ARMENIA AND TURKEY WILL ESTABLISH DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS SOONER OR LATER

PanARMENIAN.Net
06.09.2007 15:43 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian received
the delegation of the French Socialist Party led by First Secretary
Francois Hollande.

The Armenian-French relations are at a high level and the Socialist
Party has made a significant contribution to strengthen these ties,
the Armenian Minister noted.

For his part, Mr Hollande said the French people attach importance
to relations with Armenia, what can be proved by Jacques Chirac’s
visit to Yerevan and the Year of Armenia in France.

Vartan Oskanian briefed the guests on the priorities of Armenia’s
foreign policy, the current stage of the Karabakh peaceful process
and the Armenian-Turkish relations.

ONLY EU CAN CREATE TRUSTFUL ATMOSPHERE BETWEEN NAGORNO-KARABAKH COMMUNITIES – SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE

Trend News Agency, Azerbaijan
Sept 5 2007

Belgium, Brussels / Òrend corr A. Maharramli / Trend’s interview with
EU Special Representative to South Caucasus, Peter Semneby.

Question: A conference intended to deepen relations and improve
bonds between the European Union (EU) and its neighbours took place
in Brussels on 3 September. For the first time not only ministerial
delegations but also representatives of civil society were invited
to participate in the conference. How important is the participation
of civil society in the implementation of the Action Plan within the
framework of the European Neighbourhood Policy signed in November
of 2006?

Answer: I believe this conference is a very important stage for all
participating countries. I am glad to see all three South Caucasus
countries were represented at the event by ministers. This shows that
the South Caucasus countries attach a special importance to the Action
Plan within the framework of the Neighbourhood Policy.

Fulfilment of the obligations proceeding from the Action Plan is very
important, especially those regarding democratic institutions, human
rights, and freedom of the press. Those are fundamental tasks for
establishing close and trusting relationships between the EU countries.

Question: How much, in your opinion, has Azerbaijan’s desire to
integrate into European organizations increased?

Answer: If the Azerbaijani population supports the integration of
European institutions, so I too agree with this progress. Azerbaijani
people understand the importance of strategic bonds with the EU.

Cooperation with Europe in reforms, as well as in the energy sector,
is very important.

Question: What problems do you see in the process of Azerbaijan’s
integration into Europe?

Answer: Human rights and the obligations I mentioned above will impact
cooperation with the EU. I hope Azerbaijan will fulfil them more
carefully and seriously. That will positively affect the cooperation
between Azerbaijan and the EU.

The recommendations on political reforms and in the legal field
are clear. We try to help. That is an attempt to establish tight
relationships between Azerbaijan and the EU. For the time being I
cannot make conclusions. We have to wait for the first report on
fulfilment of the obligations proceeding from the Action Plan of the
European Commission. We pay a great importance to these issues.

Several weeks ago I visited Azerbaijan, where the media situation
was being widely discussed. Other European organizations – OSCE, CE –
also deal with these issues.

We understand that transformation for Azerbaijan, a country which was
previously under a totalitarian regime, is a very difficult process.

But it is necessary for Azerbaijan to do all the best to progress in
this field.

Question: Do you agree with the viewpoint that the EU should play a
more important role in the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict?

Answer: I do not want to speak of the further work ahead. I can
only say that we support and respect the initiative of the OSCE
Minsk Group. The EU’s actions will be intended for supporting the
continuation of the OSCE Minsk Group’s work. We can do a lot in
the creation of a trustful atmosphere and the establishment of
bonds between the communities of Nagorno-Karabakh. Only we have
this opportunity, for we develop the strategic cooperation between
Azerbaijan and Armenia.

–Boundary_(ID_XdMddKcSZ0r1cOkM+mE/jg)–

HUMAN TRAFFICKING: ARMENIA IS REPORTING MORE CASES

Panorama.am
17:12 05/09/2007

A regional conference on human trafficking took place today. "We are
trying to find effective ways against trafficking. Trafficking is not
only a problem of our republic or the region. It is a crime against
humanity," Armen Baiburdyan, deputy minister of foreign affairs, said.

In his words, this crime must be combated at two levels – national
and regional. "It is necessary to pursue coordinated actions and the
role of international organizations and donor states is very important
in this regard," he said.

According to data released by prosecutor’s office, the cases of
trafficking are increasing in number. In 2004, 14 cases were reported,
in 2006 – 32 and in the seven months of this year – 20.

Armenian women are mainly transported for sexual abuse to Dubai,
Turkey, Georgia and other countries. The prosecutor’s office has
developed 2007-2008 national program including comprehensive efforts
against trafficking.

"WOMEN OF ARTSAKH"
By S.T., Translated by L.H

AZG Armenian Daily #160
05/09/2007

An important event has taken place recently in the public and cultural
life of the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh – "Women of Artsakh" NGO
started its many-sided activity.

"The idea of foundation of such an organization had grown up long
ago. "Women of Artsakh" NGO aims to create and develop spiritual,
cultural and business relations between not only the women of
Artsakh, but also the Armenian women and foreigners, who live outside
Artsakh. We attach a great importance to the high intellectual and
spiritual-cultural level of the women of Artsakh and stimulation
of the military-patriotic upbringing of the new generation", said
the founder-director of the "Women of Artsakh" public organization
Tsovinar Baghdasarian.

Tsovinar Baghdasarian is a public figure and a poetess; she is a member
of the Branch of NKR Poets and the Union of the Poets of Armenia.

"I attach a great importance to media and to the word, as well, that
is why we started also the publication of a newspaper titled "Women
of Arstakh". We discuss issues about the women and the children of
Arstakh. A special place is earmarked for school and works of the
schoolchildren", mentioned Tsovinar Baghdasarian.

When visiting NKR we became persuaded that the "Women of Artsakh"
NGO is really created to solve a number of urgent and important issues
in favor of the public-cultural life of Artsakh.

POLITICIZED TEAMS – OUT-OF-DATE
Naira Khachatryan

Hayots Ashkharh Daily
Sept 4 2007
Armenia

Leader of "Nor Jamanakner" party Aram Karapetyan officially announced
yesterday, during his meeting with the journalists that he is planning
to nominate his candidacy for presidency during 2008 presidential
elections.

"I’m not planning to unite with anyone. I’m going alone. I welcome
all the negotiations of the opposition. I will be very happy if they
manage to reach an agreement about the united candidate. Personally
I haven’t participated in those negotiations.

In my view in this situation Armenian opposition must pursue a single
goal – never to discuss, criticize or discredit one another.

The pro-governmental parties in my view are going to appear with more
than one candidate. That is why, as an opposition we have a problem,
in terms of campaigning against pro-governmental candidates.

In no doubt the elections will pass in two stages. The representatives
of pro-opposition and pro-governmental camps will appear at the second
stage. Only then will opposition start to negotiate about supporting
the united candidate." He said.

For the leader of "Nor Jamanakner" party the process of the formation
of team-units around the various political poles in the political
domain is quite acceptable. But he is confident; during the election
campaign opposition won’t have a united candidate.

"They shouldn’t give similar promises to the society. I don’t think
we need this at present. It would be better for all the opposition
sectors to campaign against the representatives of the pro-governmental
front. As it is common in the whole world."

The speaker said presidential elections are personalized where two
factors are very important – the individual and the team with which
he is going to work in future. " I believe politicized teams are
out-of-date. Our people are tired of politicized teams. In my view
what our people really want to see is – a rather strong, civilized
president, having good knowledge about politics and a very good
team, relatively young. Actually our people need radical changes and
progress," leader of "Nor Jamanakner" party believes.

Aram Karapetyan’s predictions about the second stage of the elections
were based on the number of the candidates. He said they would be
8-10. "According to the sociological rules, if more than 8 candidates
stand for the elections, it is very difficult, especially in a country
like our, where one can do anything with administrative and financial
resources, to win the elections at the first stage."

Optimistic ideas were also heard, "I don’t think violence will
be used during these elections. These elections will pass in a
relatively civilized atmosphere. But I don’t think financial means
will be overlooked."

By the way A. Karapetyan is not concerned about the fact that
the votes of the pro-opposition powers will be scattered due to
the abundance of candidates. "The votes of the opposition front
are already scattered. From 8-10 candidates, if we take out the
pro-governmental candidates, one or two pro-opposition candidates
can obtain significant amount of votes. All the other votes of the
pro-opposition candidates will reduce to dust."

And the question about Aram Karapetyan’s intention to support the
pro-opposition candidate having appeared at the second stage is
beyond suspicion. "I have already proved this in Stepan Demirchyan’s
case. Without any condition, regarding a position or money or
something, (as you remember in 2003 I was in the fourth position,
Artashes Geghamyan was in the third position and he didn’t support
any of the candidates and my role became more important) I called
him next day and said that I’m going to make an official statement
on his support.

But, leader of "Nor Jamanakner" party said this time he will not be
the fourth, he will be nearer to the victorious boundary. "In my view
Aram Karapetyan and Serge Sargsyan will appear at the second stage,
of course if Serge Sargsyan nominates his candidacy."

"What is this self-confidence based on?"

"I can see that at the moment we use the maximum financial resources in
the opposition field. I can see that we can gather the maximum human
resources. Besides populism we introduce real programs, beginning
from the second nuclear station to the oil-pipe-line."

It isn’t worth mentioning, that leader of "Nor Jamanakner" party is
well informed and possesses a package of sensational documents.

Documents that he is planning to introduce to the public during the
presidential campaign and this will probably be the core of A.

Karapetyan’s PR. " I’m planning to introduce many sensational documents
during the presidential campaign. I’m ready to prove the authenticity
of those documents, introduced during the live airtime on TV, in the
court. They concern both internal and external issues.

They are about everything beginning from 1992 up to the present,
including October 27 – a matter of common concern, I belive."

EDUCATION MODERNIZATION IN ARMENIA ONE OF KEY FACTORS NECESSARY FOR COUNTRY DEVELOPMENT

ARKA News Agency
Sept 3 2007
Armenia

YEREVAN, September 3. /ARKA/. Education modernization in Armenia is
one of key factors needed for the country development, and human
resources’ capacity directly depends on the education quality,
Armenian President Robert Kocharyan said on Saturday in his address to
Armenian schoolchildren, teachers, their parents as well as university
students and lecturers congratulating them on the Day of Knowledge,
presidential press office reports.

"I’m congratulating especially those who started attending school
this year. This is a landmark and decisive period of their lives. Be
consistent and keen and unlimited opportunities will open before you",
the presidential press office quoted the head of state as saying.

In his address, the president said that Armenian education system is
undergoing reformation now.

"The government takes consistent steps for restoring and reequipping
schools and making manuals more available. The government also focuses
its efforts on improving social state of teachers", Kocharyan said.

Kocharyan said that parents’ involvement would make this process more
effective. He wished a successful academic year to all schoolchildren
and students.

8thnd 115 children enrolled in Yerevan’s secondary schools this
year.The number of first-year pupils in Armenia reached 50 000 this
year.

ESTONIAN FORMIN TO MEET WITH ARMENIAN, AZERI COUNTERPARTS IN BRUSSELS

Baltic News Service
Tallinn newsroom, +372 610 8862, [email protected]
September 3, 2007 Monday 3:07 PM EET

Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Paet was scheduled on Monday to
attend a conference on Europe’s neighborhood policy in Brussels and
meet with the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Paet is set to have bilateral meetings with Armenia’s Foreign Minister
Vartan Oskanian and Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov,
spokespeople for the Estonian Foreign Ministry said.

To take part in the conference on neighborhood policy aside from
the foreign ministers of EU member states and partner countries to
the EU neighborhood policy are representatives from NGOs, scientists
and businesspeople.

DefenseNews.com
Sept 2 2007

Baku Builds Up, Warns Armenia, Warms NATO Ties

By DAVID PUGLIESE, BAKU, Azerbaijan

Increasing revenues from Azerbaijan’s oil fields is fueling a
military buildup as the country prepares to better respond to
regional conflicts and more closely align itself with NATO.
Azerbaijan’s defense budget has grown from $146 million in 2004 to $1
billion this year.
Since it regained its independence in 1991 after the collapse of the
Soviet Union, this secular Muslim country of 8 million has had one of
the region’s fastest-growing economies. Caspian Sea oil is expected
to generate almost $160 billion over the next several decades, and
civilian construction in the capital here is booming.
Azerbaijan’s armed forces are also benefiting, with oil revenues
boosting troops’ salaries and improving their living conditions. On
June 25, Defense Minister Safar Abiyev announced that a new training
school would be opened for Army noncommissioned officers.
Equipment purchases are also on the agenda, although one U.S. analyst
who watches the region said that it remains unclear what Azerbaijan
intends to buy.
Some purchases have already been made public. The Azerbaijan Air
Force announced in March it had bought MiG-29s from the Ukraine and
Belarus. A month later, news reports indicated the service was
interested in acquiring Pakistan’s JF-17 multirole fighter aircraft.
Azerbaijan has also expressed interest in small arms and armored
vehicles made in Pakistan.
In 2005, the country purchased 25 T-72 tanks from the Ukraine as well
as armored carriers. Belarus sold 19 of its T-72s to the Azeris that
same year.
Azerbaijan also created in 2005 a Defense Industries Ministry to help
establish a domestic military production capability. The ministry’s
officials are working with Pakistan and the Ukraine on that, an
Azerbaijan government official said.
The country is also intent on modernizing its Navy, and military
officers told the Azerbaijan Press Agency in June that capabilities
and training are being more closely aligned with NATO standards. The
Navy’s logistics system also will be improved.
And Azerbaijan wants to further cooperation with NATO, said Khazar
Ibrahim, a spokesman for the Foreign Ministry.
`Azerbaijan-NATO relations are developing in civil emergency
planning, energy, economic, science and security-sector reform
directions,’ Ibrahim said in an e-mail to Defense News.
Ibrahim noted that Azerbaijan’s troops are serving in Kosovo and
Afghanistan under NATO command and in Iraq under U.S. command.
The country is also working with NATO to clear unexploded ordnance
left by Soviet forces at their former military base at Saloglu, the
largest Soviet ammunition-storage facility in the south Caucasus.
When Azerbaijan regained its independence in 1991, the 138-bunker
facility was destroyed by the departing Soviet Army, scattering
thousands of pieces of unexploded ordnance over an area of 4,400
hectares, according to NATO. On June 21, the NATO Partnership for
Peace trust fund outlined efforts to extend the Saloglu project for
16 months.
NATO help is also being used in the Melange project, which is
designed to transform rocket fuel into fertilizers, Ibrahim said.
Angling for Membership?
Asked if Azerbaijan’s government wants to eventually join NATO, he
replied that the country `wants integration.’
In May, President Ilham Aliyev signed the country’s National Security
Concept, which highlighted integration into the Euro-Atlantic
security system, establishment of forces interoperable with those of
NATO member-states, and participation in peacekeeping and
crisis-response operations as main objectives of Azeri defense
policy.
U.S. forces also contribute to training and providing expertise on
security matters for the oil pipelines in the country, an Azerbaijan
government official said. But while Azerbaijan is keen to move closer
to NATO and the United States, it is also cognizant of the need to
maintain smooth relations with neighboring Iran and maintain ties to
Russia, the official said. It has rejected U.S. requests to allow
permanent bases in the country and continues to call for a diplomatic
resolution to tensions between Iran and the United States.
In February, Aliyev warned in an interview with the German TV station
Deutsche Welle against assuming that his country will ultimately
decide to join NATO. An Azeri government official said the country
recognizes the need not to upset Russia by becoming too closely
aligned with the United States and NATO.
Some analysts and news reports from the region have suggested the
defense buildup has more to do with Azeri plans to use military
action to regain control over Nagorno-Karabakh, an area it fought a
war with Armenia over in the early 1990s. On July 2, Aliyev said that
his country was `close to the liberation of Karabakh.’
Azerbaijan is the most powerful nation in the region and is prepared
for military operations, he said, adding that Armenia should withdraw
its troops from the disputed area. Azeri officials are keen to point
out that their country’s military spending is more than the entire
Armenian federal budget.
In June 2005, Aliyev voiced similar threats, adding that increased
defense spending would help the Azerbaijan armed forces deal with
threats to its sovereignty.
But a U.S. specialist in the region dismisses the notion that the
Azeri defense buildup is linked to Nagorno-Karabakh. Armenian forces
still have the upper hand there, he said, and it will be years before
the Azeri military can transform itself into an effective fighting
force. Armenian troops still hold mountainous terrain in the region,
he said, and any Azeri military push would be literally an uphill
battle.

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