Author: Tatoyan Vazgen

KARABAKH PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE VANIK AVANESYAN’S ELECTION PLATFORM

BBC Monitoring research
16 Jul 07

A presidential candidate in Nagornyy Karabakh has said that house
building is the focal point of his election programme. Vanik Avanesyan,
who is a professor at Nagornyy Karabakh state university, also said
it was important to bring all emigrants back to this separatist
republic. Nagornyy Karabakh is to hold a presidential election on 19
July. Following a war for this disputed region in the early 1990s,
Armenia and Azerbaijan signed a cease-fire in 1994, but the dispute
remains unresolved after more than a decade of negotiations and troops
remain in a tense standoff. The following is the text of Avanesyan’s
election platform published and distributed in Nagornyy Karabakh
ahead of the election; subheadings as published:

Vanik Garegin Avanesyan was born on 18 November 1934 in Stepanakert. In
1951 he graduated from Stepanakert Armenian language secondary school
No 2. In the same year he was admitted to the Azerbaijani Azizbayov
Industrial Institute in Baku. After graduating from the university
in 1956 he started to work in the sphere of industry.

In 1957 he started to work as a fellow researcher at the Hydromechanics
Problem Laboratory at Baku Scientific Research Institute. In 1962
he started his postgraduate study at the Azerbaijani Industrial
Institute and in 1965 he defended his candidate dissertation and
became candidate of technical sciences. In 1966 he was appointed
fellow researcher at the Armenian Scientific Research Institute for
Water and Hydrotechnical Problems. In 1967-71 he was a professor at
the department of engineering of Yerevan Veterinary Institute. In 1971
he was appointed head of the department of structural mechanics and
resistance of materials at Ust-Kamenogorsk Construction Institute. In
1976 he became a professor of Orenburg Polytechnic Institute. In 1978
he was appointed senior research officer at Krasnodar All-Soviet
Scientific Research Institute. In 1979 he became the dean of the
physics and mathematics department of Stepanakert Pedagogical
Institute. Later on he was head of some departments in the same
institute.

In 1988 he defended his doctoral dissertation in Moscow. In 1998-2002
he was the rector of Stepanakert Technical University.

Currently, he is a professor at the Artsakh [Nagornyy Karabakh] State
University. He was awarded the medal of Artsakh State University. In
2001 under the decree of the NKR president, he was awarded the Anania
Shirakatsi medal. He has written more than 180 published scientific
and other articles as well as some books. He is a member of the
Democratic Party of Artsakh.

Vanik Avanesyan is married, he has a son and two grandchildren.

Part one. Social issues

More resources will be spent to solve social issues. To achieve this
we have to eradicate shadow economy, and ensure the effective use
of financial resources and reforms in the tax filed. The essence
of tax reforms should be introducing higher taxation rates for the
rich. This would help increase pensions and salaries at least by 50
per cent. Minimal pensions should be 40,000-50,000 drams [110-140
dollars], minimal wages 50,000-60,000 drams.

House building will be a focal point of my presidency. I am planning
to provide apartments to all disabled veterans of the Artsakh war,
mothers having many children, people who lost their houses as a result
of the war, people who live in basements and new young families at
least in three to four years.

I will pay special attention to safeguarding round-the-clock water
supply in the capital Stepanakert. People in the capital should have
a cheerful life.

Economic development. In the sphere of industry, significant attention
will be paid to the introduction of new capacities and development
of the already functioning ones. There are good prospects for
expanding the tanning and garment industry at least two and a half
to three times. It is possible to restore the former capacities of
the Stepanakert furniture factory. I will open factories processing
fruit and berries. This will help create new jobs.

Part two. Agriculture

I am confident that it is necessary to create gradually joint-stock
industrial companies, semi- industrial, consumer and other types
of organizations. We have to create large enterprises processing
agricultural products. We have to stop the decentralization of
agricultural machinery and equipment. There have to be created
joint-stock and, if necessary, state corporations which will assist
the effective use of agricultural equipment and machinery.

Part three. Improvement of governance and personnel policy

The current system of state governance needs serious improvements. In
comparison with the Soviet period, our bureaucratic apparatus has
increased despite the decrease in the population. The apparatus must
be half the current size. But this has to be carried out gradually, in
parallel with creating new jobs. We have to take into consideration
work experience, knowledge and moral character before promoting
somebody. I will demand that every executive officer be accountable
to a higher level official and that directors of enterprises and
factories be accountable to their employees. We have to redirect
investment from the sphere of trade to industry and consumer services.

We have to develop tourism. We have all the necessary conditions
(nature, picturesque places, etc) to do this. We have to develop a
comprehensive tourism development strategy.

Part four. Emigration and birth rate

The issue of emigration is the most important issue. The implementation
of the abovementioned tasks will help bring back our compatriots who
emigrated from the NKR. We have to thoroughly study the experience of
Israel in this field. Repatriates should be confident that they will
have a permanent job and will enjoy a secure life in Karabakh. The
current state programme should be substantially improved. First of
all, repatriates should be provided with houses where they prefer,
that is not only in rural areas, but also in towns, including the
capital Stepanakert.

Part five. Science and education

There are programmes that have been carried out in our republic in the
fields of science and education. These programs should be improved and
made more effective. I put special emphasize on teaching the Russian
language in our universities. This is an imperative both because of
centuries-long friendship between the Armenian and Russian people and
the role the Russian language plays as a medium through which we will
be able to keep pace with scientific progress.

Part six. Nagornyy Karabakh conflict settlement

Artsakh should be part of the negotiation process. Nagornyy Karabakh
cannot be part of Azerbaijan in any form. The only way out is the
state sovereignty of Artsakh or its reunification with the Republic of
Armenia. When Baku is ready for compromises, we will be ready too. But
no compromise can be achieved around the abovementioned issues.

We have to stop abuses of power by officials, eradicate corruption
and make justice, truth and humaneness become the cornerstone of our
state building.

GLORY TO VARDAN!!!
By Rouzan Poghosian

AZG Armenian Daily
18/07/2007

Referring to the juries’ decisions of the film festival, it’s correct
to say that the majority opinion was in favor of Vardan Hovhanissyan’s,
"A Story of People in War and Peace."

Participant of the Artsakh war, film director Vardan Hovahnissian’s
"A Story of People in War and Peace" documentary film was a tremendous
success. It received four jury awards, namely, the Ecumenical Award,
FIPRESCI Jury Award, Silver Apricot Award and Golden Apricot Award.

"This prize belongs to the brave soldiers who perished in the Artsakh
war. It is your, guys!!!," Vardan Hovhannesian said when receiving
the awards.

While Carla Garabedian’s "Screamers" received the Golden Apricot
award and the encouragement award of the ecumenical jury.

The Armenian panorama special prize went to Karen Hovhanessian for
his "Time Out" film. Ashot Mkrtchian ("Seven Indian Boys"), and Igor
Apasian ("Grafiti") received honorary dimplomas.

The documentary jury awarded the Silver Apricot prize to Christiaens
Xavier(Belgium) for his "The White She-Camel" film. The special diploma
of the International Feature Competition went to Bruno Dumont (France)
for his "Flandres" film. The Silver apricot went to Emanuele Crialese’s
"Nuovomondo" (Italy/France) and the Golden Apricot was given to Ulrich
Seidl for his "Import/Export" film (Austria).

The Wishing-Tree Prize lucky winner whose film was chosen at random
off the Apricot Wishing-Tree was Gor Baghdasaryan, young film-director,
for his "Dinner Time" film (Armenia).

After marvelous series of fireworks and the concert given by
the Chamber Music Orchestra conducted by Arama Gharabekian, the
spectators and the guests of the festival watched "The Screamers"
by Carla Garabedian.

AZERIS GIVE MIXED REACTION TO RUSSIAN SUSPENSION OF CFE TREATY

Sources:

Interfax news agency, Moscow, in Russian 1702 gmt 14 Jul 07
ANS TV, Baku, in Azeri 1600 gmt 15 Jul 07
Yeni Musavat, Baku, in Azeri 0000 16 Jul 07

Russia’s decision to suspend its participation in the Conventional
Forces in Europe (CFE) treaty is "undesirable" for Azerbaijan, as
this can undermine global security, a senior official has said.

"In any case, this is an undesirable process and position for us,"
Novruz Mammadov, head of the foreign relations department of the
presidential administration, told Russia’s Interfax news agency. "We
would want global security to be ensured so that different parts of
the world cooperate in a constructive say."

Mammadov urged both Russia and the USA to show "constructivism"
in their relations.

"Constructivism is vital for interstate relations in the 21st
century. It is particularly important that Russia and the USA show
this constructivism," he said.

Former presidential aide Vafa Quluzada, however, believes that
Azerbaijan will not be affected by the Russian move in any way.

"This will be make no difference for Azerbaijan," Quluzada
told commercial ANS television on 15 July. "This is a matter of
Russian-American relations."

Popular opposition daily Yeni Musavat described the Russian move as
the start of a new Cold War. Commenting on possible ramifications of
the decision, the paper said that this would allow Russia to deploy
more weapons on the border with Azerbaijan and Georgia and strengthen
its bases in Armenia.

WINNER OF "LAKE SEVAN" INTERNATIONAL CHESS TOURNAMENT BECOMES KNOWN ON JULY 14

Noyan Tapan
Jul 16 2007

MARTUNI, JULY 16, NOYAN TAPAN. The "Lake Sevan" international chess
tournament will finish in Martuni on July 14. Yuri Vovk (the Ukraine)
and Bartolomey Macheyan (Poland) are in the lead with 4.5 points
after seven stages. Arman Phashikian, Tigran L. Petrosian (Armenia),
and Ji En Gopal (India) have four points each.

ARMENIAN PEACEKEEPERS’ 6th SHIFT TO LEAVE FOR IRAQ ON JULY 18

Noyan Tapan
Jul 16 2007

YEREVAN, JULY 16, NOYAN TAPAN. The 6th shift of Armenian peacekeepers
will leave for Iraq on July 18. As Noyan Tapan correspondent was
informed by the RA Defence Ministry, the departure solemn ceremony
will take place in the morning the same day in Yerevan’s Capital
Regiment. The previous, 5th shift of peacekepeers, which had left
for Iraq on February 2, will return to Armenia one of these days,
in connection with the expiration of the 6-month term.

It is noteworthy that there are military doctors, mine-clearers and
drivers among Armenian peacekeepers consisting of nearly 30 people. In
Iraq the group is included in the Polish peacekeeping division.

OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs issue a joint statement

armradio.am
14.07.2007 14:17

The Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group issued a joint statement to give
their assessment of the emerging situation in the settlement process
for the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in light of the recent meeting
between the President of the Republic of Armenia Robert Kocharyan and
the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev in St
Petersburg.

‘At the Co-Chairs’ suggestion, during this meeting the Presidents
concentrated their discussion on a limited number of obstacles that
stand in the way of agreement on a set of basic principles for the
peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Unfortunately,
the Presidents could not overcome these remaining differences. Thus,
the two sides are approaching 2008 – a year of presidential elections
in both Armenia and Azerbaijan, when, as past experience shows, chances
for progress will likely be overshadowed by the electoral campaigns.
Without an endorsement of the basic principles at the presidential
level, it is impossible to start drafting the text of an agreement on
the peaceful settlement of the conflict, or to secure the progress of
the past three years of negotiations in order not to reopen them from
scratch whenever they resume again,’ the statement reads.

`The Co-Chairs recognize that preservation of the status quo after
thirteen years of "no peace-no war" in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
may seem less difficult for the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan than
the mutual compromises that will lead to an equitable and lasting
settlement of the conflict and, ultimately, to a new era of peace and
prosperity for their people. However if the parties to the conflict
choose nevertheless to avoid making courageous decisions now, we as
mediators cannot make these decisions in their place.

We take due note of the parties’ recent statements of their willingness
to continue the negotiations on the basis of what has been developed
over the past years. We urge them to give life to these statements in
the limited time remaining and to make resolute efforts to consider
again the fairly distributed benefits of the solution embodied by the
proposed basic principles. To that end, the Co-Chairs are ready to
assist the parties in the preparation for their next summit, at the
first opportunity, in the coming months.

Recently both sides showed their ability to create more favorable
conditions for preparing their public opinion for peace by organizing a
joint visit to Nagorno-Karabakh, Yerevan and Baku of a group of their
intellectuals. The Co-Chairs welcomed and highly appreciated that
event, which they consider as a first concrete confidence building
measure such as the Co-Chairs have constantly proposed and encouraged
in numerous fields to develop trust between the parties. In this
respect, the Co-Chairs regret that the recommendations of the OSCE-led
environmental assessment mission last year have not been carried out
and call upon the parties to make possible their implementation.

Unfortunately, the Co-Chairs observe with concern several current
developments that, in their view, do not contribute to preparation of
the populations for peace. Among these are militaristic statements
threatening use of force and creating the dangerous illusion that war
is an option for resolution of the conflict. The upcoming so-called
presidential elections in Nagorno-Karabakh have already caused an
increase in tensions. Recalling their statements with respect to
previous voting in Nagorno-Karabakh, the Co-Chairs reiterate that, like
all other members of the international community, their countries do
not recognize Nagorno-Karabakh as an independent state, and such
"elections" should not have any impact on the peaceful settlement of
the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Finally, the Co-Chairs stress the
primary role of the OSCE Minsk Group in mediation of the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. They note that unilateral initiatives in
other organizations can increase tensions and disrupt the negotiation
process. Therefore, they urge the sides to focus their attention in the
coming months on making real progress in the negotiations mediated by
the Minsk Group Co-Chairmen.’

MANUAL OF RA PARTIES PUBLISHED WITH ASSISTANCE OF U.S. INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY AND OSCE

Noyan Tapan
Jul 13 2007

YEREVAN, JULY 13, NOYAN TAPAN. Mark Boyanich, the acting Head of
the OSCE Yerevan Office, declared during the launching of the book
"The parties of the Republic of Armenia", which was held on July 13,
that the above-mentioned manual provides universal and comprehensive
information about all the registered parties of Armenia.

He mentioned that this manual will contribute not only to the increase
in the possession of information of society concerning the political
programs of parties, but will also promote the open policy of the
Armenian parties.

According to Mark Boyanich, there are 75 registered parties in Armenia
at present. "This is a rather big number for a country, which has a
three million population. I hope that such a number of parties is in
corresponding demand in society," he said.

It should also be mentioned that this manual was made by the Civil and
Social Development Fund with the assistance of the OSCE Yerevan Office
and the U.S. International Development Agency. It has been published
in the Armenian and English languages in eight hundred copies.

NEITHER RUSSIA NOR U.S. WILL HELP TO OPEN ARMENIAN-TURKISH BORDER

PanARMENIAN.Net
11.07.2007 19:14 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Neither Russia nor the U.S. will help to open the
Armenian-Turkish border, Armenian President Robert Kocharian said in
an interview with SPIEGEL ONLINE.

"Our relations with Turkey are not simple and they are even more
complicated by the facts of our common history. The most reasonable
thing to do would be to resume direct contacts. But there is no light
at the end of the tunnel yet," the Armenian President said.

The Armenian-Turkish border was closed in 1993 over the conflict in
Nagorno Karabakh.

AAEF RENDERS ASSISTANCE TO ARMENIAN VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS
By Nana Petrosian

AZG Armenian Daily
11/07/2007

RA Science and Education ministry and the Anushavan Abrahamian
Educational Fund (AAEF) signed an agreement, according to which
the latter commits to continue rendering assistance to the Armenian
vocational schools.

Holding speech after the signing ceremony, Levon Mkrtchian, RA Science
and Education Minister, said that he hopes that other Diaspora-based
Armenian benefactors will support this initiative.

The Foundation president Anushavan Abrahamian said he is proud of
being able to help Armenia restore its vocational education.

"I am not very rich but I want to spend the proceeds of our family
Foundation on helping develop Armenian vocational education," he said
urging other Diaspora Armenians to follow his example.

The Anushavan Abrahamian Education Fund (AAEF) was founded as a
charitable organization in the USA in 2004 with the intention of
starting its first programs in Armenia. It has already spent $200,000
on vocational schools in Armenia and will provide $500,000 more
this year.

SHOW OF ARMENIAN FILMS IN BERLIN RECEIVES WARM WELCOME BY SPECTATORS

Noyan Tapan
jul 10, 2007

YEREVAN, JULY 10, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. The show of Armenian
films that started from May 5 in Germany received a warm welcome by
the spectators. Even the seats were not enough at the cinema hall in
the last days of film show’s month. Cinematographer Garegin Zakoyan,
who had participated in the Armenian cinema month held at Berlin’s
Arsenal cinema, stated this at the July 9 press conference.

G. Zakoyan said that the program included the whole history of Armenia
cinematography, starting from the film "Namus" up to the latest
films. In total, 20-30 films were shown to the German spectators.

Besides the show of the best national films shot in different
years, historical, political, scientific discussion-lectures, round
tables were conducted within the framework of the program. They
were dedicated to the subject of the Genocide in cinematography,
Germany’s participation in the Genocide, as well as the history of
Armenian cinematography.

"The spectators admired the best pieces of the Armenian cinema. They
also took part in the discussions with an inspiration," G. Zakoyan
said. Now the Armenian films are being shown in Frankfurt and in Halle.

G. Zakoyan said that an agreement has been reached with the German
side to continue the film show program next year after solving a
number of financial problems.