Author: Taslakhchian Andranik

VAHAN HOVHANNISIAN: CHAUVINISTIC MOVEMENT RAGING IN RUSSIA IS RESULT
OF RUSSIAN SOCIETY’S BEING ILL

YEREVAN, JUNE 8, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. “The Russian society
is ill, has inferiority complex because of suffered defeats, and
similar movements, of course, develop quickly in such societies,” RA
NA Deputy Speaker, ARF Bureau member, candidate of history sciences
Vahan Hovhannisian expressed such an opinion on June 7, responding
journalists’ question concerning chauvinism being raged in
Russia. According to his interpretation, Russia had a serious loss in
the “cold war” in the ideological sense as it was proved that
communism is bankrupt, in the political sense as the USSR failed and
huge territories separated and a part of separated units aslo became
hostilely intended towards Russia, Russia lost in the economic sense
as the whole USSR economy failed, and “Russia’s standing on feet today
is provided by huge natural resources but not by development of
producing component of economy.”

The NA Deputy Speaker is more than sure that the basis of chauvinism
in Russia is not a bit ideological, and it’s unequivocal that the
Russian state’s struggle against chauvinism is not enough.

V.Hovhannisian also mentioned that Fascism also appeared and developed
in the 20th century in Germany as a consequence of a serious loss in
the world war. “But Russia’s peculiarity is that Russian Fascists,
skinheads, who speak about cleanness of blood, has no serious idea
about the Fascism, as if, for example, founders and main ideologists
of Fascism Benito Mussolini or Franco of Spain or Salazar of Portugal
appeared in Russian underground or any electric train, skinheads may
hit them as they do not differ from Armenians by ethnic and racial
peculiarities, and Benito Mussolini was much blacker than any Armenian
is,” the NA Deputy Speaker mentioned.

AZERI DEPUTY DOES NOT CONSIDER POSSIBLE ECONOMIC COOPERATION OF
ARMENIA AND AZERBAIJAN TILL SOLUTION OF KARABAKH PROBLEM

YEREVAN, JUNE 8, NOYAN TAPAN. Armenia and Azerbaijan are in war state
that’s why one may not speak about economic cooperation. Asaf Hajiyev,
the head of the Azerbaijani parliamentary delegation participating in
the BSEC PA plenary session, an independent deputy stated about it in
the interview to Armenian journalists in Yerevan.

According to him, Armenia remains out of the drafts relating to fuels
which are implemented in the region, and they must seriously think in
Yerevan about stopping the war and starting cooperation with
Azerbaijan. “We are neighbors and one can not choose neighbors,” the
Azeri politician stated.

According to Hajiyev, the Armenian people did not create the Karabakh
conflict but the Armenian politicians did. According to him, the main
is the principle of territorial integrity of a state, when the
Armenian side continuously speaks about the principle of
self-determination. According to him, 300 thousand Armenians live in
Los Angeles: “What will happen if they want to constitute themseilves
as well?”

In response to a question about Azerbaijani’s attitude towards
Chernogoria’s separation from Serbia, Hajiyev noticed that if
Chernogoria and Serbia thought that they need separation, his country
respects that decision: “But if Armenia considers that Nagorno
Karabakh is territory of Armenia, it does not mean that it is in that
way.”

According to the deputy, 30 thousand Armenians live in Azerbaijan
today, when there is no Azeri in Armenia. In response to the question
about source of this information Hajiyev answered that it is an
official datum, “and if Armenians even live with not their names, we
know that they are.”

Hajiyev considered it a false information that Ramil Safarov who had
killed the Armenian officer was announced national hero in
Azerbaijan. “I myself do not protect that murder,” he stated. The
Azeri politician called on “not to take separate facts and make them
basis” but to concentrate on global processes.

“I would fix my attention to the negotiations that the Presidents
lead,” Hajiyev mentioned. At the same time, he stated that he had no
information about the negotiations taken place in Romania. The
politician supposed that during the long-lasting private conversation
the Presidents had discussed a number of questions which are important
both for Azerbaijan and for Armenia. He was not able to answer the
question for what compormises Azerbaijan is ready in the Karabakh
issue, stating that it is exclusive right of his country’s President.

According to Hajiyev, it’s necessary to make all efforts for the
Karabakh issue finds its solution in any way. He expressed a
confidence that the solution will be phasal as the problem is so
serious that it is impossible to solve it in a day. “There was a very
good proposal by the EU when they proposed that Armenian military
units leave six regions along the border and all the communications
are raised the blockade. Your country first accepted that proposal,
and then refused,” Hajiyev stated. As for security guarantees of the
Armenian inhabitation, then, according to the Azeri deputy, “if the
issue is solved within those circles that Azerbaijan guarantees
security of the Karabakh inhabitation, of course, the Azerbaijani side
will keep its promise.”

CONCERT-EVENING PARTY DEDICATED TO 80TH JUBILEE OF STATE PHILHARMONIC
ORCHESTRA OF ARMENIA TAKES PLACE AT “ARAM KHACHATRIAN” CONCERT HALL

YEREVAN, JUNE 9, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. A concert-evening
party dedicated to the 80th jubilee anniversary of the State
Philharmonic Orchestra of Armenia (SPOA) took place at the “Aram
Khachatrian” concert hall on June 8.

The RA Ministry of Culture and Youth Issues, Composers’ Union of
Armenia, Chamber Music House, SPOA Artistic Head and Principal
Conductor of 1981-1985 Valeri Gergiyev, SPOA Artistic Head and
Principal Conductor of 1987-1989 Vahagn Papian, heads of the Arno
Babajanian International Charity Fund, the Artistic Head and Principal
Conductor of the “Novaya Rusia” State Symphonic Orchestra Yuri
Bashmet, Principal Conductor of the National Philharmonic Orchestra of
Russia Vladimir Spivakov, Ambassdor of the Republic of Armenia to
Russia Armen Smbatian sent messages of congratulation to the State
Philharmonic Orchestra of Armenia.

The SPOA addressed his speech of gratitude to the Friends’ Union,
particularly to the Board of Trustees (Chairwoman Bella Kocharian),
for the assistance shown during the recent years.

The SPOA addressed speech of gratitude to the Armenian General
Benevolent Union as well, for being the general sponsor of the SPOA
during the last 15 years. “Remaining faithful to its fostered
principle of assisting national supremacies during the most difficult
period of time for the newly independent Republic of Armenia, the AGBU
and union Chairwoman Mrs. Luiz Manukian Simon lent a helping hand to
the orchestra what became decisive and literally excluded orchestra’s
merited musicians’ being spread all over the world. Even more, owing
to that assistance, the orchestra has had possibility during the last
15 years to increase its performing level, having perfect perfomances
not only in Armenia, but also in many and many countries of the world,
presenting with honour the Armenian classic music art,” is mentioned
in the SPOA speech of gratitude.

As Noyan Tapan was informed by the SPOA, Hovhannes Chekijian, Gegham
Grigorian, Irina Zakian, Juliet Galstian, Narek Hakhnazarian who was
recognized the winner of the Aram Khachatrian Cellists’ International
Competition taken place few days ago, performed evening music
greetings.

The orchestra headed by SPOA Artistic Head and Principal Conductor
Eduard Topchian performed famous classic works.

In 1924, Composer Alexander Spendiarian moved to Yerevan from Russia
headed in the 2nd part of his author’s concert a 18-person orchestra
formed of Conservatory teachers and students, proving just by it the
possibility of creating in Armenia a symphonic orchestra completed
with local personnels. On March 20, 1925, Conservatory Rector,
aesthete Arshak Adamian headed the first concert of the orchestra
established just by his efforts, formed of teachers and students.

Alexander Spendiarian’s words that “the time will come when our, still
modest, pupils’ orchestra will bear proudly the honourary name “State
Orchestra of Armenia” became reality during years. After Alexander
Spendiarian (1926-1927), the orchestra was headed by Konstantin
Sarajian (1941-1945), Mikayel Maluntsian (1945-1960, 1966-1967), Ohan
Durian (1960-1965, 1973), David Khanjian (1974-1981), Valeri Gergiyev
(1981-1985), Loris Chgnavorian (1989-1998, 1999-2000). The orchestra
has been headed by Eduard Topchian since 2000.

Aram Khachatrian headed performances of the orchestra on different
occasions. Arno Babajanian, Tatevik Sazandarian, Zaruhi Dolukhanian,
Gohar Gasparian performed with the orchestra. Izabel Bayrakdarian,
Sergey Babayan, Alexey Lyubimov, Renato Bruzo, Alexander Treger and
other famous names performed with the orchestra during the last years.

KARABAKH IS NOT AN ISSUE FOR INTERPOLITICAL SPECULATIONS

Panorama.am
18:21 06/06/06

“We think that Karabakh conflict is a pan-national issue and I
wouldn’t like our authorities to fail despite of the fact we accept
them or not,” Albert Bazeyan, the head of National Revival party said
today. He said that Karabakh conflict must not to be speculated in
interpolitical processes.

Panorama.am asked Bazeyan under what conditions cooperation with the
authorities is possible to which Bazeyan said, “If we believe that
they are ready for fair elections in Armenia,” Bazeyan was asked why
they have been passive recently to which he answered that “in Armenia
parties in opposition cannot engage in active role”, meaning scarce
financial resources for that.

YEREVAN-BATUMI PASSENGER TRAIN TO RUN FROM JUNE 15

Noyan Tapan
Jun 06 2006

YEREVAN, JUNE 6, NOYAN TAPAN. Starting June 15, a passenger train
will run from Yerevan to Batumi and in the opposite direction. The
Armenian-Georgian intergovernmental commission on economic
cooperation made this decision last year with the aim of organazing
the population’s recreation at Black Sea resorts this summer. NT
correspondent was informed at the RA Ministry of Transport and
Communication that the train will have 6 carriages with 2- and 4-seat
comfortable compartments and a restaurant car. The Yerevan-Batumi
train will depart from Yerevan Station at 9:10 pm on odd days of
a month and arrive in Batumi at 1:40 pm. The train will run in the
opposite direction – from Batumi to Yerevan at 8:35 am on even days
of a month and arrive in Yerevan at 5:35 am.

The train will stop at Yerevan, Armavir, Gyumri, Vanadzor and Sanahin
stations in the territory of Armenia. The price of a single ticket in
a 2-seat compartment for traveling by a train of the Armenian railway
will make 18,703 drams, that in a 4-seat compartment -9,297 drams. The
prices for traveling by a train of the Georgian railway will make
21,256 drams and 10,542 drams respectively. Taking into account that
the ticket prices for interstate communication in passenger trains
are in Swiss francs, prices may change depending on the exchange
rate of the Armenian dram set by the Central Bank of Armenia for a
given month. The management of the company Armenian Railway informs
citizens the availablity of a identity document is mandatory for
adults and children when purchasing a ticket and boarding the train.

PanARMENIAN.Net

Azerbaijan Tries to Defile Armenia in Sight of International Community

02.06.2006 16:28 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ According to some Azeri media, Armenian Ambassador
to Iran Gegham Gharibjanian offered `official Tehran to engage
Armenian forces for stifling rallies in South Azerbaijan.’

The Azeri side has many times made provocative statements aiming at
defiling Armenia in the sight of the international community. However,
this statement is targeted not against Armenia but against Iran,
political scientist Levon Melik-Shahnazaryan told a PanARMENIAN.Net
reporter. In his words, Baku wants to represent Iran as a state
incapable to solve its domestic and external problems
independently. `As a matter of facts the things are quite
different. First, the rallies of the Turkish-speaking Iranians are not
so numerous as the Azeri press writes. Second, the failure of
Pishevari and Sattar khan’s adventures proved that Iran is capable to
suppress any dissent that jeopardizes the unity of the state,’ he
remarked.

As for the rallies of the Turkish-speaking Iranians, now Azerbaijan
tries to address a message to the Unites States as if saying `Look,
Armenians want to help Iran.’ Armenia really enjoys friendly relations
with Iran. But our army is changed with other tasks and Baku perfectly
knows how it can solve them,’ the Armenian expert said.

To note, acting Spokesman of the RA MFA Vladimir Karapetyan told
PanARMENIAN.Net reporter that `Gegham Gharibjanian has been appointed
Deputy Foreign Minister in early 2005.’

`Mobilnie Telesistemi’ intends to buy 90 percent of “ArmenTel” shares

ArmRadio.am
03.06.2006 13:30

`Mobilnie Telesistemi,’ the largest cell operator in the CIS applied
the Greek OTE Company for purchasing 90 percent of `ArmenTel shares,
`Oreanda’ informs.

In 1997 OTE purchased 90 percent of `ArmenTel’ shares at an
international tender, at the same time gaining the right of monopoly
for providing telecommunication services for the period of 15
years. According to the data of ACM Consulting, as for the start of
2006 `ArmenTel’ had over 321 000 subscribers, about 300 000 people
used the services of the second cell operator of Armenia `VivaCell’
Company.

REPRESENTATIVES OF OVER 120 ORGANIZATIONS FROM ARMENIA, RUSSIA AND
IRAN TO PARTICIPATE IN CONSTRUCTION – 2006 CONGRESS

YEREVAN, JUNE 1, NOYAN TAPAN. Representatives of more than 100
Armenian enterprises of almost all sectors of the construction and
investment market, as well as representatives of 20 large companies,
unions and associations of builders from Russia, Iran and Ukraine will
take part in the 2nd international congress “Construction – 2006” in
Tsakhkadzor on June 2-5. According to the Master international
integration assistance center – the organizer of the event, the
congress participants will discuss such issues as ways of developing
architecture and design, interior and exterior design, new
technologies of production and use of building materials, stone
working and heat supply and climatization of buildings, and the real
estate market. The official sponsors of the event are the RA Ministry
of Urban Development, Yerevan Mayor’s Office and the Union of
Manufacturers and Businessmen of Armenia.

ATTORNEY GENERALS DO NOT ESTABLISH POLITICAL PARTIES?

Lragir.am
02 June 06

Hrant Margaryan, Armenian Revolutionary Federation, had announced,
=80=9Cthe country and state is in trouble if the public prosecutor is
setting up a political party.’ The activists of the Unification for
Armenia Party, connected with the name of Aghvan Hovsepyan and
sustained by his close people, hurried upto assert what they had
learnt by heart: Aghvan Hovsepyan is not related to it. He is
reluctant to become engaged in politics. We tried to find out the
opinion of representatives of political forces on the statement of
Hrant Margaryan.

Republican Galust Sahakyan says this statement creates a serious
situation, ` but I do not think that public prosecutors are setting up
political parties.’

Galust Sahakyan knows the members of parliament who supported
Unification for Armenia, and he knows how it happened. Relying on the
information he has, Galust Sahakyan states that Hrant Margaryan’s
statement is hardly an expression of fear of political competition. `I
welcome every new force which will pursue tenaciously the development
of our state. This is the key goal,=80=9D says Republican Galust
Sahakyan.

Hrant Khachatryan, Constitutional Right Union, gave a shorter
opinion. =80=9C Perhaps, Mr. Margaryan is likely to take the place in
the coalition, whichbecame vacant after Arthur Baghdasaryan’s
resignation.’

CALLS FOR FREEDOM MAKE THE JIGSAW OF EUROPE MORE COMPLICATED THAN EVER
By Jeremy Page and Richard Beeston, Diplomatic Editor

The Times
June 02, 2006

MOST people would struggle to point out Pridnestrovskaya Moldavskaya
Respublika on a map, let alone pronounce it.

Those who can, know it as a hotbed of smuggling, the site of a vast
Soviet-era weapons dump, or perhaps the home of Sheriff Tiraspol
football club.

But this tiny sliver of land, known in English as Transdniestr, is
the latest European enclave to make a bid for independence following
Montenegro’s decision to declare statehood last month.

Igor Smirnov, Transdniestr’s “President”, has announced that its
550,000 people will vote in a referendum in September on whether to
seek formal independence from Moldova.

“The recent example of Montenegro proves that a referendum is
becoming a norm for solving conflicts,”, said Mr Smirnov, 64, a
former metalworker.

In the unlikely event that Transdniestr wins independence, it would
become Europe’s 19th new country since the collapse of communism in
1989, and the fragmentation goes on.

>From the Basques of Spain to Turkey’s Kurds, there are minorities
who yearn for a country of their own, and Montenegro’s example has
kindled hopes that even tiny enclaves in Europe’s forgotten corners
can still become viable states.

The fear is that declarations of independence by mini-states could
spark fresh instability in already unstable regions.

In the Balkans, Montenegro’s independence drive is likely to be
followed by Kosovo, a predominantly ethnic Albanian province of
Serbia. That could spark fresh moves by the ethnic Serb Republika
Srpska to break away from Bosnia, and Herceg-Bosna’s Croats to join
Croatia.

In the Caucasus, Russia is still struggling to contain the
separatist rebellion in Chechnya. Georgia is split by breakaway
regions in Abkhazia and South Ossetia. There is still no resolution to
Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed enclave in Azerbaijan that is controlled
by Armenia.

Not even Western Europe is immune. Nationalists in Northern
Ireland still seek a united Ireland. Scotland is in theory closer
to independence that at any time since the Act of Union with England
300 years ago. Separatist movements are active in the Basque country,
Corsica, Sardinia and Italy.

As for Europe’s newest would-be state, Transdniestr broke away from
Moldova in 1990 and the two sides fought a war in 1992 that left more
than 1,500 people dead. Although never recognised internationally,
it has close ties to Russia, which helped the ethnic Russians in the
war and has maintained 1,500 troops there.

Officially, they are there to keep the peace and guard a stockpile of
40,000 tonnes of weapons stored there in case of a Nato invasion. In
reality, this remains Moscow’s westernmost strategic outpost —
a bulwark against the expanding EU and Nato. It is also a haven for
money-laundering, smuggling and illegal weapons sales.

Mr Smirnov runs it as a personal fiefdom, financed by local oligarchs
and propped up by nostalgia for the Soviet Union. It has its own
currency based on the old Soviet rouble, uses the old Soviet Moldovan
flag, and stages annual Soviet-style military parades. Police wear
uniforms bearing the hammer and sickle.

There is no direct telephone link to Moldova and no mobile
network. Shop windows display tawdry goods from the 1970s and
1980s. The only redeeming feature is Moldova’s only FIFA-approved
football stadium, which is home to the country’s top football club,
Sheriff Tiraspol.

Peace talks, mediated by the Organisation for Security and Co-operation
in Europe, have stalled over Transdniestr’s refusal to accept autonomy
within a Moldovan state. Russia has backed the referendum.

Karel De Gucht, the Belgian Foreign Minister and OSCE chairman, has
said that there is no legal basis for a referendum and urged both
sides to return to the negotiating table.