Author: Taslakhchian Andranik

VIMPELCOM SAYS STILL UNDECIDED ON ARMENTEL’S FIXED-LINE BUSINESS

Prime-Tass Business News Agency
November 21, 2006 Tuesday 4:38 PM EET

Russia’s second largest mobile operator VimpelCom has still not decided
on whether to keep or sell the fixed-line business of recently acquired
Armenian mobile and fixed-line operator ArmenTel, VimpelCom’s Vice
President Nikolai Pryanishnikov told a news conference Tuesday.

A VimpelCom spokeswoman said earlier that VimpelCom planned to offer
converged fixed-to-mobile services.

Speaking on the mobile business of ArmenTel, Pryanishnikov said
that VimpelCom would introduce its Beeline brand in Armenia as soon
as possible.

VimpelCom’s top priority markets in the Commonwealth of Independent
States (CIS) are Azerbaijan, Moldova and Georgia, where VimpelCom
has recently acquired a GSM license holder, Pryanishnikov said.

VimpelCom purchased ArmenTel earlier this month and some market experts
suggested then that VimpelCom may sell ArmenTel’s fixed-line business
as it is not a core business for VimpelCom.

DANONE TURKEY INVESTS ~@20 MILLION ANNUALLY
By Abdulhamit Yildiz

Zaman, Turkey
Nov 22 2006

As reactions against France’s alleged Armenian genocide draft
law continue, French companies in Turkey are concerned economic
relationships may be damaged.

Danone Turkey General Director Serpil Timuray said they staunchly
opposed the genocide law: "While boycotting, please do not forget the
nearly 15,000 farmers we buy milk from and our 1,700 workers," he said.

Investors, including Carrefour and Danone, called on Paris to withdraw
the draft law as they have begun to use the "Made in Turkey" label
more distinctly on their products.

Timuray, whose Danone products were removed from shelves in some
market chains in the first days of the boycott, thinks they are being
unjustly treated.

"We, too, feel that reaction in our heart. We decided to respond
with democratic action and held a signature campaign," Timuray said,
adding France-based Danone’s plants in Turkey contributed a great
deal to the overall employment in the country.

Danone Turkey employs 1,700 people and collects milk from 15,000
Turkish farmers daily.

Six hundred dealers sell their products under the Danone umbrella.

The group attaches major importance to Turkey, one of the countries
where it is experiencing the most rapid growth.

The French company, which earns ~@14 billion annually, allocates four
percent for investment every year.

The company allocated ~@20 million in 2006 for new investments in
Turkey, and the total amount the company has allocated Turkey so far
exceeds ~@250 million.

Danone employs 15 Turkish administrators in production and sale works
in the countries where it operates.

Danone Turkey’s CEO said it was too early to fully assess the effects
of the boycott.

Stating she did not approve such actions from a country trying
to attract foreign capital, Timuray noted the draft law disturbed
everyone.

Stressing they held a signature campaign, the French company’s CEO
said, "We did not consider this a company initiative, we took action
as citizens. Our general headquarters in France supported this;
we lobbied in a sense."

Timuray believes Turkey has an image problem coupled with poor
advertising.

Companies investing in Turkey, like Danone, could be used as an example
and their recent progress could be turned into a good image campaign.

The picture of Turkey dating back 20 years in the minds of many in
Europe may be replaced with the new one.

Advertising Fines Misfortune for Companies

Turkey’s TV advertising and regulation council objected to the
advertisements for Danacol and Benecol, produced by Danone and Ulker,
on the grounds that they claim to reduce cholesterol.

Timuray said they received the necessary authorization for these
products: "We are in chaos at the moment; this is a newly forming
category. Such discussions keep consumers away from useful products.

This is an unlucky situation for the companies that commercially
invested in this business."

CIVIL INSUBORDINATION
Naira Mamikonian

Aravot, Armenia
Nov 22 2006

Many politicians think that this is the only way by which the
reproduction of the current authorities is possible to prevent.

Yesterday several politicians and public men, former state officials,
intellectual representatives, political and economic experts were
discussing and trying to formulate the problems and actions of the
movement of the civil insubordination in Armenia. But first of all,
advocate Vardan Haroutiunian noticed in his short speech that "figures
of the ruling clique have defamed themselves so much involving in
criminal relations, have committed so many crimes that they have no
opportunity to give the authority without a qualm of conscience",
so it is understandable why they want to keep the authority at any
cost and to be reproduced. The participants of discussion were sure
that these authorities though their announcements can’t and won’t
want to hold fair and free elections because no representative of
the current authority will be elected.

In the opinion of the activists of the movement the situation in the
country may be changed in the following way; "to form such a situation
in case of which it will be possible to hold fair and transparent
elections, and legal authorities will be formed as a result who will be
able to carry out reforms and get the country out of isolation". For
attaining such success, in Mr. Haroutiunian’s opinion, we must manage
to organize the activation of despaired people. People who have been
deprived of their property for "state needs" have already prompted
how to do it by their actions of protest. For the opposition this
initiative was a good chance to be rehabilitated in the public and
to restore human rights and basic freedoms if that principle and not
coming to power was important for them. And while the party leaders
discuss their actions, people out of party ambitions have decided to
join that movement and to form the movement of civic insuborination
based on it.

One of the most effective ways of struggle is the civic
insubordination; "realization of the right and fight for the realized
right". "As much the fighters are as soon and effective the struggle
will be. We must simply be unified not round a party or a force or a
person but round the idea of preventing reproduction of the authorities
and leading the country in democratic way,"- V. Haroutiunian suggested
who promised yesterday that the activists of the civic movement would
participate in the actions of protest of "victims of state needs".

Yesterday discussions didn’t pass without any serious "debates". Some
of them thought that the movement needed in a project, ideas unless
nothing will happen. Others were affirming that our people follow
the persons and not ideas. In the opinion of NA former vice chairman
Karapet Rubinian "other forces near the force of excellent ideas
always appear, who don’t agree with it. We should have one simple aim
consists of two points: the illegal authorities must be removed, fair
elections must be provided". The former minister Vahan Shirkhanian
was for the same who said "it is impossible to reach the formation
of legal authority by the coming elections". "I’m against the thought
that our people make their elections by bribes. It isn’t so, because
the people made right elections both in ’98 and 2003. It is another
problem that we didn’t have the power, which would manage to take the
authority. Now we can have that power and there is no need in that
project. Armenia may avoid of illegal elections by special elections
and its way is civic insubordination movement."

EUROPE COLLECTED 1.1 MILLION EUROS FOR KARABAKH REBIRTH

PanARMENIAN.Net
20.11.2006 18:35 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Europe has collected 1.1 million euros for the
development of Nagorno Karabakh during the Phonetone-2006 organized
by Hayastan Fund. Armenia has collected 35 million drams (some
73.3 euros).

France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland and Belgium took part in
the universal European phonetone-2006 held November 16-19. According
to Hayastan Fund Spokesperson Anush Babayan, France donated 1 million
euros, Germany – 51 thousand euros, Netherlands – 12 thousand euros,
Belgium – 10 thousand euros and Switzerland – 15 thousand euros.

The funds will be spent on the reconstruction of infrastructures
in Gadrut region of Karabakh within the Karabakh Rebirth project,
reports newsarmenia.ru.

PRESS OFFICE
Department of Communications
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Coordinator of Information Services
Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 160; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:

November 17, 2006
___________________

BISHOP VICKEN AYKAZIAN ACCOMPANIES CATHOLICOS KAREKIN II TO KAZAKHSTAN
RELIGIOUS SUMMIT

By Florence Avakian

With the aim of fostering freedom of religion and respect for other
religions, the Second Congress of the Leaders of World and Traditional
Religions took place at the Palace of Peace and Accord in Astana,
Kazakhstan, from September 11 to 15. The entire conference was chaired by
the President of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev. Unlike the first summit
which was held in 2003, this year’s event was attended by world political
and religious leaders.

Representing the Armenian Apostolic Church was the Catholicos of All
Armenians Karekin II who was accompanied by the Primate of Karabagh
Archbishop Barkev Martirosyan, President-Elect of the National Council of
Churches of America, Bishop Vicken Aykazian, and the Ecumenical Officer in
Etchmiadzin. Other dignitaries in attendance included Ecumenical Patriarch
Bartholomeo, Archbishop of Constantinople and New Rome, and Yona Metzger,
Chief Rabbi (Ashkenazi) in Israel.

"The conference was significant and impressive in that all major religions
worked together for the goal of world peace and harmony. It was an honor
for the Armenian Apostolic Church with its spiritual leader to participate
in this endeavor," Bishop Aykazian said.

Vehapar Karekin II, in his eloquent message, emphasized the crucial
importance of fostering religious freedom and tolerance, and invited all the
participants to respect these ideals in their respective countries, and
continents. At the conclusion of the Congress, the Vehapar with his
entourage was given a private meeting with President Nazarbayev.

While in Kazakhstan, the Catholicos also met with the Republic of Armenia’s
Ambassador to Kazakhstan Levon Khachadourian, as well as with the local
Armenian community in Kazakhstan of which there are approximately 35,000,
including 3000 in Astana alone.

Observers related that this Astana congress was the first significant event
where religious representatives of the Arab countries met their Israeli
counterparts since the conclusion of the recent Israeli-Lebanese war.

More than 30 representatives of traditional religions around the world
attended the conference, including Christian, Jewish, Moslem, Buddhist,
Shinto, Dao. In addition, several international religious organizations had
delegates present, including the World Conference on Religion and Peace, the
World Council of Churches, and the World Foundation for Zarathustra Culture.

Among the political dignitaries present were former Malaysian Prime Minister
Mahathir Mohammad, former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami, and UNESCO
head Koichiro Matsuura.

The New Palace of Peace and Accord where this Second Congress of the Leaders
of World and Traditional Religions took place was built under the guidance
of the famed British architect Sir Norman Foster. He is one of the
architects responsible for the new skyscraper complex that is being erected
in New York City to replace the World Trade Center.

— 11/17/06

# # #

Canadian Government’s Policy on Armenian Genocide Recognition Not Changed

PanARMENIAN.Net
17.11.2006 17:15 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay
reaffirmed the Canadian government’s recognition of the Armenian
Genocide, during a round table discussion with the National Ethnic
Press and Media Council (NEPMCC) on Nov. 8. As PanARMENIAN.Net came
to know from the Armenian National Committee of Canada (ANCC), the
Minister also clarified his position on the Turkish Government’s
proposal to create a historians’ commission to study the Armenian
Genocide. Minister Mackey assured the Canadian-Armenian community that
the Canadian Government’s policy on the recognition of the Armenian
Genocide has not changed. "Nothing has changed in that regard,"
stressed Mr. MacKay.

In response to a question from Aris Babikian, Horizon Weekly
representative to NEPMCC and the executive director of the Armenian
National Committee of Canada (ANCC), Mr. MacKay stated: "Canada would
support a joint study that would involve participation from academics
from both countries with the inclusion, perhaps, a neutral country
that would be acceptable to both. So a dialogue around what is clearly
incredibly sensitive and loaded issue could lead to greater meeting of
minds plus an opening of a dialogue on other important issues-trade,
travel, greater communication, the blockade of Armenia-is useful
exercise that might bring about some greater healing."

HHK SAYS ORINATS YERKIR ENGAGED IN BLACK PR AGAINST ITSELF

Panorama.am
14:51 14/11/06

Since Orinats Yerkir party has applied to the general prosecutor’s
office to find out who stands behind the black PR against the party
in marzes, Armen Ashotyan, member of Armenian Republican Party (HHK)
made a statement saying, "The black PR against Arthur Baghdasaryan
is conducted by is co-partymen," particularly by the reporters and
editor of the official newspaper of Orinats Yerkir.

Ashotyan has searched the web and found statements by Orinants Yerkir
which refute that Arthur Baghdasaryan was interviewed by European
famous newspapers on important issues. Ashotyan found out that
Baghdasaryan was interviewed by BBC. "Reporters and editor-in-cheif
of Orinats Yerkir official newspaper spread lie," he said.

Member of HHK, Ashotyan said his party has no intent to engage in
black PR against Orinats Yerkir because, "It is not our main political
rival."

FROZEN CONFLICTS ARE KEY CHALLENGE FOR SOUTH CAUCASIAN COUNTRIES – AZERI FOREIGN MINISTER

TREND Information, Azerbaijan
Nov 14 2006

The Foreign Ministers of Azerbaijan Elmar Mammadyarov and Armenia
Foreign Minister, Vardan Oskanyan are willing to achieve a progress in
the solution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict during the negotiations
in Brussels, the Foreign Ministers said in the joint press-conference
in Brussels in the evening of November 13, Trend reports quoting
ITAR-TASS.

On November 14, Action Plans within the European Neighborhood Policy
(ENP) will be signed in Brussels between the European Union and three
countries of South Caucasus – Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia. After
the signing of the documents, the Azerbaijani and Armenian Foreign
Ministers will meet for bilateral negotiations. Both Ministers voiced
their confidence that signing the Action Plans will become a good
opportunity for achieving progress in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

The Azerbaijan Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov called the frozen
conflicts as "key challenge for the countries of South Caucasus". He
shared optimism of his Armenian colleague, but said that the progress
in settling the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is observed extremely
careful.

The Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanyan said that the Action
Plans will keep the common vision of the situation in the region.

"After their signing, we will go to another room to discuss
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and this will be principally a new stage
of the negotiation process," emphasized, adding that "we do all the
best to achieve a progress and prepare the meeting of our presidents
on this problem".

ARKA News Agency, Azerbaijan
Nov 10 2006

GOVERNMENT STRUCTURES TO REDUCE SHADOW ECONOMY

YEREVAN, November 9. /ARKA/. Government structures must deal with the
problem is reducing the share of shadow economy, President of the
Union of Jewelers of Armenia Gagik Abramyan told reporters.
"The observation of laws and timely tax payments must be demanded,"
he said.
In his turn, President of the MIKA Armenia Trading Company Mikael
Bagdasarov pointed out that "right laws" should be applied in
battling shadow economy. "The Armenian Parliament and Government must
combine their efforts in elaborating such mechanisms that would put
an end to shadow economy," Bagdasarov said. He stressed the
importance of transparency of this process. P.T. -0–

ALIYEV WILL HAVE TO DECIDE WHETHER AZERBAIJAN WILL UPHOLD STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP WITH RUSSIA

Public Radio. Armenia
Nov 9 2006

Today Russian President Vladimir Putin will suggest to his Azerbaijani
counterpart Ilham Aliyev to decide whether Azerbaijan intends to
uphold its "strategic partnership" with Russia. If Azerbaijan responds
positively, Moscow will request Baku’s cooperation in Russia’s struggle
with Georgia and will offer Russian arms and investment by UES Russia
and RusAlum in return, Kommersant reports.

President Aliyev’s visit to Europe unnerved the Kremlin chiefly
because of Azerbaijan’s projected defense spending for 2007: the
country will spend $1 billion on the military next year, up from $600
million currently. Russia fears that this could be a preliminary step
towards membership in NATO. If Azerbaijan joins neighboring Georgia
in a NATO bid, the ex-Soviet Caucasus could end up hosting NATO and
American military bases as the West seeks to control Iran.

In an effort to forestall the possibility of NATO bases near its
southern border, Russia is attempting to lure Azerbaijan back to its
own camp with promises of increased sales of cut-rate Russian-made
weapons. Russia has been curtailing its arms trade with Azerbaijan,
fearing to fan the flames of Azerbaijan’s long-standing feud with
neighboring Armenia.

Russia is also focusing on Azerbaijan in an attempt to create a
unified front within the CIS against the Kremlin’s latest enemy,
Georgia. Moscow is seeking to impose an energy blockade on Georgia
in the winter of 2006-2007, while Azerbaijan last winter stepped
in with emergency supplies of electrical energy and gas when Russia
interrupted deliveries to Georgia. In 2007, Gazprom is threatening
to raise the price of gas for Georgia from $110 to $230 per thousand
cubic meters. According to unofficial sources, the same proposal
has been made for Azerbaijan as well, angering President Aliyev. The
country currently pays $95-100 per thousand cubic meters for the 1.5
billion cubic meters of gas that it imports from Russia annually.

Other proposals from the Kremlin are more palatable: according to
Kommersant’s sources, Vladimir Putin will offer President Aliyev
investment by the company RusAlum to the tune of a $1 billion aluminum
plant in Azerbaijan. Mr. Putin will also mention interest on the
part of the Russian company UES Energy in investing in Azerbaijan’s
energy sector.

Technically, Mr. Aliyev’s trip to Europe before coming to Moscow puts
Mr. Putin in the position of asking rather than dictating with regard
to his Azerbaijani colleague. Mr. Aliyev demonstrated in Brussels
that his trip to Europe was more about energy than military matters,
though he met with the NATO leadership. After his meeting with Mr.

Barroso, Mr. Aliyev announced agreements between Azerbaijan and
the EU to guarantee energy supplies from the Caspian region and
negotiations between Azerbaijan and Ukraine on a project to deliver
oil to Eastern Europe. President Aliyev has held similar talks with
Belarus, a project that cannot be interpreted as pro-Russian.

With regard to the "anti-Georgia bloc," the Azerbaijani president
announced yesterday in Brussels that he hopes that relations between
Russia and Georgia improve, since Azerbaijan "is building strategic
partnerships with both countries." That stance is hardly likely to
appeal to Vladimir Putin, meaning that today’s meeting promises to
be tense.