Author: Tatoyan Vazgen

Third European Socialist forum over
Yerkir/am
October 22, 2004
The Third European Socialist Forum was held in London on October 15-17.
Regional socialist forums have been organized every year since the
Global Socialist Forum in Porto Allegre, Brazil in 2001.
More than 30 000 people from different countries participated in the
Third Forum. Representatives of labor unions, socialist, communist,
anti-war parties and organizations, organizations lobbying for human
rights, environmental issues, womenâ~@~Ys and refugees rights attended
the forum in London. The forum participants shared a common concern
with the current globalization processes in the world.
Alida Guevara, Ernesto Che Guevara’s daughter, British MP George
Galov, Indian writer Aronda Roy, leader of the Irish Shin Fin party
Jerry Adams, ATTAC leader Bernard Kassen and others attended the forum.
Several seminars, discussions and workshops were held on issues such as
struggle against genocide and fascism in Europe, the future of Europe,
the role of Muslims in the civilized world, the future of Palestine,
the situation in Iraq, etc.
Armenian Revolutionary Federationâ~@~Ys Youth Organization delegated
six members to participate in the forum. The delegation included
participants from Armenia, France and Great Britain. ARFâ~@~Ys
delegation participated in several debates including discussions on
Turkish troops in Cyprus, violations of the rights of Kurds in Turkey
and Turkeyâ~@~Ys membership in the European Union.
ARFâ~@~Ys delegation met the members of the Turkish delegation. The
latter stated that they recognize the Armenian Genocide and believe
that Turkey must officially recognize it.
The Armenian delegation members also met the representatives of the
European Council of Organizations of Socialist Youth and attended
the camping event organized by ECOSY.
ARFâ~@~Ys Youth Organization is a member of ECOSY. The members of
ARFâ~@~Ys delegation met representatives of other organizations
attending the forum. The Armenian delegation distributed leaflets
with information on the Armenian Genocide.
On the last day of the forum, a protest demonstration against
intervention in Iraq and discrimination and injustice in the world
was organized in London. Over 50 000 people participated in the
demonstration.
ARFâ~@~Ys Youth Organization had attended the First and Second
European Socialist Forums in 2002 and 2003 as well as the First
Socialist Forum of North and South Americas held in 2004 in Ecuador.
–Boundary_(ID_WTcBb5jNViLvj+RE0QkY+Q)–

Olympic champs on target in final
The Nation (Thailand)
October 28, 2004, Thursday
[SHOOTING] Two-time Olympics gold medallist Maria Grozdeva of Bulgaria
showed her class in the womens air pistol event, while two other Athens
champions were below par as the ISSF World Cup final started yesterday
at the Hua Mark Shooting Range.
The 32-year-old from Sofia produced a solid final score of 691.6 to
walk away with the first gold medal of the meet and extended her
brilliant performance with the air pistol following her wins in the
Sydney and Athens Olympics.
While Grozdeva, who had to be content with the silver in the Bangkok
World Cup in February, lived up to expectations, this years Summer
Olympics gold medallists Wang Yifu of China and Matthew Emmons of the
US did not even make it into the top three positions.
Veteran Yifu shot only 584 in the mens air pistol qualification round
and ended the final with only 683.8 for sixth position. He failed to
repeat his form in Athens and the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona where he
won the gold.
New Jersey-based Emmons, whose solid 703.3 scoreline propelled him to
the mens rifle prone gold medal in Athens, was not at his best in the
same category after firing 668.6 to finish fifth.
With a perfect score of 600 in the preliminary round, Olympic silver
medallist Christian Lusch of Germany left all competitors behind in the
final with 702.1 to snatch the gold medal in the mens rifle prone
event. He beat two Belarussians, Yury Shcherbatsevich and Sergei
Martyynov, who finished second and third.
Russian Mikhail Nestruev made amends for his loss to Wang Yifu in
Athens when he took the silver to win the mens air pistol gold.
Armenias Norayr Bakhtamyan, unable to maintain his lead in the
qualification, took the silver, followed by Russian Vladimir
Gontcharov.
Jakkrit Panichpatikum, the only Thai eligible for the meet, was no
match for the elite shooters as he scored only 580 to finish ninth in
the field of 10 in the qualification round, which saw his aim of making
the final cut fall through.
In the concurrent SEASA Shooting Championships exclusive only to
regional participants, Vietnamese shooters took the lions share of gold
medals by winning two of four gold on offer yesterday.
Lerpong Amsa-ngiamThe Nation

Calgary Sun (Alberta, Canada)
October 27, 2004 Wednesday Final Edition
ATTACKS BLASTED
JERUSALEM
An Israeli chief rabbi held an unprecedented meeting yesterday with
Christian clergy in Jerusalem in an effort to ease tensions after an
Orthodox Jew spat at an Armenian bishop. Chief Rabbi Yona Metzger
denounced any attacks on religious clergy in Israel. The Oct. 10
incident saw a Jewish seminary student spit on an Armenian archbishop
carrying a cross in Jerusalem, sparking a fist fight that damaged
the cleric’s medallion.

SAMVEL BABAYAN VISITED ERABLUR
A1+
27-10-2004
General Samvel Babayan, ex Commander of Defense Army of Nagorno
Karabakh visited Erablur. He came alone, put a garland on the grave
of Vazgen Sargssyan and flowers to tomb stones of all the victims.
General Babayan was excited and refused to talk with
journalists. “Today I am not in the mood to talk. But I have something
to tell all of you and we will meet during 5-10 coming days”,
he promised.
Artcakh War fighters in Erablur greeted Samvel Babayan cordially and
embraced him calling him “Hope and Faith”.

ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
10/27/2004
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <;HTTP:// 1) Turkish EU Bid Gets Vocal Support from German, French Leaders, but Chirac Says 'Not A Done Deal' 2) Armenia Marks Parliament Attack Anniversary 3) Turkey Condemned by Human Rights Court for Torture of Alleged Kurdish Militant 4) Two Armenians in Lebanon's Final Cabinet Lineup 5) Deliberation in Case Against Turkish Consul of France Underway; Verdict to Be Announced on November 15 6) Kocharian Congratulates the Armenian Sailors of 'Cilicia' 1) Turkish EU Bid Gets Vocal Support from German, French Leaders, but Chirac Says 'Not A Done Deal' --German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and French President Jacques Chirac have reiterated their support for Turkey's EU bid, saying they will vote for setting a date for the start of accession talks when EU leaders meet at a summit in December. (International Herald Tribune, AFP, BBC, Reuters, Deutsche Welle)--German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, said the EU's December summit should set a date for starting accession talks with Ankara. Reiterating their support for Turkey's EU bid, German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and French President Jacques Chirac said on Tuesday that they would vote for opening accession talks with Ankara at the Union's December summit in Brussels. "We are both of the opinion that on December 17, it is about a decision that should give Turkey the opportunity to negotiate with the Commission with the explicit aim of Turkey joining the EU and with no other aim," Schroeder said after a meeting with Chirac in Berlin, preceding three-way talks with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The Brussels summit, he added, would serve as a probable starting point for negotiations. Earlier this month, the European Commission (EC) gave its preliminary approval for starting membership negotiations with Turkey. But it also warned that the process could be suspended at any time if Ankara fails to meet its political and human rights reform commitments. The commission's recommendations are expected to serve as a basis for the EU leaders' decision in December. Chirac said on Wednesday that Turkey's EU membership bid was "not a done deal," although he believed it was in Europe's best interests, a government spokesman reported after a cabinet meeting. "It is for Turkey to do the necessary to join the European Union, not for the EU to adapt to Turkey," he was quoted as telling ministers. "It will demand a considerable effort by Turkey and a lot of time, and it's not a done deal," he added, telling reporters the talks were likely to begin "in 2005 or around 2005," cautioning that it could take 15 years for Turkey to complete its negotiations and eventually join the Union. "Adapting all of Turkish law to the laws of the EU will demand a very major effort, particularly on Turkey's part," he said. Should negotiations fail to result in Turkey joining the EU, another option would be a "system designed to conserve strong links with Turkey", Reuters quoted the French president as saying. Significant opposition to Turkish membership exists both in France and Germany, with many worrying that the EU labor market would be flooded. Responding to domestic pressures, Chirac has said Turkey's EU entry bid will be put to a referendum in his country--an idea which sparked fierce criticism by Turkish officials, who say none of the ten Central and East European countries which joined the Union on May 1 were subjected to such a plebiscite. "The rules of the game are known and established. You cannot have new rules once the match has begun," Erdogan was quoted as saying in Berlin on Tuesday. He has sought to allay fears of a "clash of civilizations," saying that his country's membership would instead reconcile Europe and the Muslim world. Asked about the referendum on Tuesday, Chirac said it would only take place at the end of the negotiation process, voicing confidence that "the problem will provoke much less passion at that time." Portuguese President Jorge Sampaio also voiced support for Turkey's EU bid on Tuesday, viewing its eventual admission to the club as "a promising venture of mutual interest." "On the one hand, it would reinforce the national consensus regarding the secular nature of the Turkish state while, on the other hand, it would certainly contribute in the turbulent world which we live in since September 11, for a better perception of Europe in Muslim nations," said Sampaio, addressing a conference on the future of Europe in Lisbon. Also on Tuesday, Czech Foreign Minister Cyril Svoboda met with Turkish counterpart Abdullah Gul, and voiced support for starting accession negotiations. The two officials also said their countries planned to discuss future visa liberalization. 2) Armenia Marks Parliament Attack Anniversary YEREVAN (Combined Sources)--Senior Armenian government officials marked the fifth anniversary of the 1999 attack on Armenia's parliament by visiting the Yerablur military cemetery in Yerevan, where eight top government officials are laid to rest alongside hundreds of Armenians who died during the 1991-94 war in Mountainous Karabagh. Prime Minister Andranik Markarian visited in the morning together with members of his government, parliamentarians, and senior law-enforcement officials. "The 1999 terrorist act pushed Armenia several years back," Markarian said after laying flowers at his predecessor's grave. He said the two assassinated leaders laid the groundwork for Armenia's economic recovery. Foreign minister Vartan Oskanian, who also was at the cemetery, said Armenia should reinforce its borders to prevent the country from becoming a transit route for terrorists. 3) Turkey Condemned by Human Rights Court for Torture of Alleged Kurdish Militant STRASBOURG (AFP)--The European Court of Human Rights condemned Turkey on Tuesday for the 1998 torture of a man accused of having links with the Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK--now renamed KONGRA-GEL). It dismissed a similar case brought by a second man arrested in the same incident but found Turkey guilty in both cases of failing to provide an effective remedy to complaints of ill-treatment. Turkish police arrested Abdurrahman Celik and Kasim Imret on May 17, 1998 on suspicion of acting as couriers for the PKK; they were later cleared of the charge. Both Celik and Imret said that while in detention, they were subjected to electric shocks, notably on their genitals, and also beaten, deprived of food and water, kept in isolation, immersed in cold water and threatened with death. The Turkish government argued that injuries found on Celik's body--a large bruise under one eye and lesions in the groin area--were the result of a fall, an account the Strasbourg-based court found "not very convincing," ruling that they were the result of treatment for which the Turkish government was responsible. Accordingly, it found that Turkey had violated an article of the European Convention on Human Rights prohibiting torture. In the case of Imret, it acquitted Turkey on the grounds that the plaintiff had not provided proof of his allegations. But it ruled that the Turkish authorities had been remiss in failing to rapidly prosecute the police officers involved, and found Turkey in breach of its obligation to provide an effective remedy to the men's complaints. Turkey was ordered to pay 10,000 euros (12,800 dollars) to Celik and 5,000 euros to Imret. 4) Two Armenians in Lebanon's Final Cabinet Lineup --30 member government includes two Armenians BEIRUT (Daily Star)--Prime Minister-designate Omar Karami formed a 30-minister Cabinet on Tuesday that includes two candidates proposed by the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Sebouh Hovnanian and Alain Tabourian to represent Lebanon's Christian Armenians. Hovnanian will again serve as Sports and Youth Minister, while the incoming Tabourian was named Minister of State. Karami's Cabinet is the first to include two women, Leila Solh, daughter of former Prime Minister Riad Solh and aunt of billionaire Saudi Prince Walid Bin Talal, and Wafaa Hamza, a Shiite close to Speaker Nabih Berri. Karami said, "Women constitute half the Lebanese population." Two of the most prominent portfolios, the defense and foreign ministries, were given to Syria's allies Abdel-Hamid Mrad and Mahmoud Hammoud, while Syria's strongest ally, Suleiman Franjieh, was named interior minister. Karami named economist and former Minister Elias Saba as finance minister, at a time when his government is suffering from an estimated $35 billion national debt. Druze Talal Arslan was named minister of the displaced, replacing his opponent Chouf MP Walid Jumblatt, who said he will not participate in any Cabinet under Lahoud's mandate in opposition to the extension of the president's term for three years on Sept. 3. In accordance with the Taif Accord, the Cabinet must include equal Christian and Muslim representation spread between six Christian Maronites, four Christian Orthodox, three Christian Catholics, two Christian Armenians, six Shiites, six Sunnis and three Druze, headed by a Sunni Muslim prime minister. The Cabinet was announced following extensive and lengthy consultations between Lahoud, Berri, and Karami over the past five days. Sources close to the Cabinet discussions said that Berri vetoed the presence of former Speaker Hussein Husseini in the Cabinet and demanded that the names of all six Shiites ministers receive his approval. Berri, who heads the Amal Movement, issued a statement on Tuesday denying all information about a "Shiite obstacle" in the Cabinet reshuffle. "There is no Shiite obstacle at all in the Cabinet reshuffle. Several of the names mentioned in the press are inaccurate," the statement said. After resolving the interior ministry obstacle, granted to outgoing Health Minister Suleiman Franjieh after outgoing Interior Minister Elias Murr announced he would not participate in the next Cabinet, other difficulties emerged over the past 24 hours concerning the names to be appointed in the culture and education ministries. The new Cabinet excludes members of the opposition, such as Jumblatt's Democratic Gathering parliamentary bloc, the Qornet Shehwan Gathering and any ally of Hariri. Karami's extensive attempts to include members of the opposition in his Cabinet failed late Monday. The opposition groups, although not opposing Karami personally, are determined not to participate in a cabinet that falls short concerning basic national objectives, such as implementing the Taif Accord. They have also repeatedly said that the next cabinet will not bring any improvement to the current situation. "We refused to participate in the next cabinet knowing...that the opposition would be a minority and could not make any difference to face the majority of pro-regime parties and forces that are determined to keep the situation going as it is now," said Qornet Shehwan Gathering member Batroun MP Butros Harb in a statement Tuesday. What remains to be seen following the Cabinet reshuffle is whether it will be granted the confidence of Parliament, which requires the vote of 86 out of its 128 MPs. According to Article 64 of the Constitution, "The Cabinet does not exercise its powers before it gains Parliament's confidence." The 29 MPs who voted against the constitutional amendment of the extension of Lahoud's term may refuse to cast their vote for the new Cabinet. However, such a number would not affect the Cabinet's legitimacy. But if Hariri's parliamentary bloc decided not to vote in favor of the government, in addition to the 29 other MPs, Karami's Cabinet would not be able to exercise its powers. 5) Deliberation in Case Against Turkish Consul of France Underway; Verdict to Be Announced on November 15 PARISLawyers representing the Armenian National Committee of France in its legal suit against Turkish Consul General Aydin Sezgin, presented their argument before a Paris court on October 11. After listening to the parties, the court decided to postpone the verdict to November 15. "We are confident that the court will return with a favorable verdict," stated ANC France Chairman Harout Mardirossian, after sitting through the hearings. "Neither the opposing party, nor the public prosecutor contested the validity of the facts presented by our side." On his personal webpage, the Turkish Consul General includes a copy of "Armenian Allegations and Historical Facts"--the Turkish government's ten-point thesis, which denies the historical validity of the genocide perpetrated against the Ottoman-Armenians during World War I. After some deliberation, the ANC decided to bring the matter under the attention of the French courts. Wanadoo France Telecom, the internet company that hosts Sezgin's webpage, was also identified as a defendant in the suit. After refusing to suspend Sezgin's site, the ANC moved to gain convictions against both the counsel general and the web hosting company for their respective roles in producing and distributing denialist propaganda. "As French citizens, we are confident in the justice of our country," concluded Mardirossian. 6) Kocharian Congratulates the Armenian Sailors of 'Cilicia' YEREVAN--On Tuesday, President Robert Kocharian congratulated the crew of "Cilicia" after the successful completion of the first leg of their voyage. The president confirmed the Armenian government's willingness to assist the crew members, who have "shown to be steadfast in their goal and ready to overcome all sorts of difficulties." The sailing ship is named and modeled after the 13th century vessels used in and around the Armenian kingdom of Cilicia. All subscription inquiries and changes must be made through the proper carrier and not Asbarez Online. ASBAREZ ONLINE does not transmit address changes and subscription requests. (c) 2004 ASBAREZ ONLINE. All Rights Reserved. ASBAREZ provides this news service to ARMENIAN NEWS NETWORK members for academic research or personal use only and may not be reproduced in or through mass media outlets.

Radio Free Europe, Czech Rep
Oct 22 2004
Armenians `Offered To Bid For Georgian Ports’
By Shakeh Avoyan 22/10/2004 11:04
Georgia has invited Armenian businessmen to participate in the
planned privatization of its Black Sea ports that serve as Armenia’s
main commercial conduits to the outside world, it was claimed on
Thursday.
Arsen Ghazarian, the chairman of Armenia’s biggest business
association, said the call for proposals was received by the Armenian
government recently and will be on the agenda of President Robert
Kocharian’s official visit to Tbilisi that begins on Friday.
Economic issues are expected to dominate his talks with President
Mikhail Saakashvili and other top Georgian officials. Kocharian and
Saakashvili will open an Armenian-Georgian business forum on Sunday.
In addition, more than two dozen Armenian firms will exhibit their
production in Tbilisi.
Ghazarian is one of more than 30 entrepreneurs that will accompany
Kocharian on the three-day trip. He said international tenders for
the Georgian ports of Poti and Batumi will take place within the next
six months and voiced his strong support for Armenian participation
in them.
`I we manage to make Armenian investments there it would be very good
because psychologically we will feel more confident [in external
trade],’ he told RFE/RL. `I am sure that the Georgians are making a
honest and sincere bid for investments. We will hold discussions with
them at the business forum.’
`I’m sure that Russian industrial groups as well as Western and
Turkish companies will also show interest. So the competition will be
tough,’ he added.
Ghazarian admitted that Armenian-based investors would stand little
chance of winning that competition without teaming up with their
wealthier counterparts from the Armenian Diaspora in Russia and the
West.
The Poti and Batumi facilities handle the bulk of cargo shipped to
and from Armenia. Their significance has grown further since the
closure of the land border between Georgia and Russia almost two
months ago.
Ghazarian, who owns one of Armenia’s biggest freight companies, said
the privatization will benefit Armenian traders regardless of its
outcome, arguing that the ports need substantial private investments
to increase their cargo-processing capacity.

Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region
104 North Belmont Street, Suite 200
Glendale, California 91206
Phone: 818.500.1918 Fax: 818.246.7353
[email protected]
PRESS RELEASE
October 18, 2004
Contact: Armen Carapetian
(818) 500-1918
ANC Praises Republican Senator John Ensign of Nevada
Senator Serves As Vice Chairman of Republican Steering Committee
Las Vegas, NV – The State of Nevada’s largest Armenian American public
affairs organization issued a statement today praising Senator John
Ensign (R-NV). The Senator was commended for his outstanding tenure
in the U.S. Senate and his advocacy on behalf of the growing Armenian
American community in Nevada.
`John Ensign is our community’s best friend,’ commented ANCof Nevada
Chairman Hriyr Dadaian. `The Senator’s leadership on human rights
issues is deeply appreciated by Armenian Americans in Nevada. Since
he was elected to the U.S. Senate in November of 2000, Senator Ensign
has been a true supporter of the issues so important to Armenian
American voters here in Nevada, like recognition of the Armenian
Genocide and building stronger economic ties between the United States
and Armenia,’ Dadaian added.
In June of 2003 Senator Ensign drafted and introduced S.Res.164, a
Genocide Resolution that marks the 15th anniversary of the U.S.
implementation of the Genocide Convention. The bill reaffirms the
commitment of the American people to this landmark treaty and
specifically cites the importance of applying the lessons of past
genocides, like the Armenian Genocide, in order to make the world safe
from future genocides. Support for the Genocide Resolution has been
widespread outside of Congress as well, with a diverse coalition of
over 100 ethnic, religious, civil and human rights organizations
calling for its passage, including American Values, National
Organization of Women, Sons of Italy, NAACP, Union of Orthodox Rabbis,
and the National Council of La Raza.
Since his election to the U.S. Senate on November 7th of 2003, Senator
Ensign has passionately served the people of Nevada. Before being
elected to the Senate, Ensign was a veterinarian, small business owner
and distinguished member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
The Armenian National Committee of Nevada is part of the ANCA, the
largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots political
organization.
Working coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and
supporters throughout the United States and affiliated organizations
around the world, the ANCA actively advances the concerns of the
Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.
#####

Lithuania pledges to help Georgia on EU, NATO integration
Lithuanian Television LTV2, Vilnius
14 Oct 04
The Lithuanian and Georgian presidents, Valdas Adamkus, and Mikheil
Saakashvili, have signed a declaration in which Lithuania undertook
to help Georgia on its integration into the EU and NATO, Lithuanian
TV2 has reported. During the Georgian leader’s visit to Vilnius,
both parties also said that the resolution of internal conflicts in
Georgia was conditional on the withdrawal of Russian troops from that
country. The following is the text of a report broadcast on 14 October;
subheadings inserted editorially:
Goals to be achieved in less than decade
[Presenter] Lithuania has undertook to develop a special relationship
with Georgia and support its Euro-Atlantic aspirations. During
the first visit of the Georgian president [Mikheil Saakashvili]
to Lithuania, both states also stated that internal conflicts in
Georgia could only be resolved upon the pull-out of Russian troops
from the country.
[Correspondent] This is the president who has said he would be happy
to accept Lithuania’s assistance . As he started his first official visit to Lithuania, Georgian
President Mikheil Saakashvili said that his country could by now
have close friends who would represent its interests in European
institutions and make them hear the voice of Tbilisi.
President Valdas Adamkus has proposed that the countries should
cooperate under the formula three plus three, which means three Baltic
states [Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia] and three Caucasus states
[Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan].
However, as it is not giving up the idea of becoming a regional leader,
Lithuania seeks to help Georgia more than the other two Baltic states,
while, for its part, Georgia has much more aspirations to integrate
into the EU and NATO than the other two Caucasus countries.
The youngest European president says that this should happen within
much less than a decade, that is, before the end of his second term
in office. To many, Lithuanian membership [of the EU and NATO] also
seemed an unlikely idea initially.
Saakashvili said that the pace of Georgia’s integration would also
depend on how fast the Lithuanian people, with their hard work,
ingenuity and modern thinking, destroy the stereotypes regarding new
members that are still alive in Europe.
Transition specialists needed
[Adamkus] We have identified the areas of common work, in which we
will be able to share our experience to Georgia as it is pursuing
its goals, primarily to join the European Union.
[Correspondent] The top priority is experts – of the kind needed
by Georgia – who can advise on reforming post-Communist law and the
bureaucratic apparatus.
[Saakashvili, speaking in English with Lithuanian translation
superimposed] We do not need experts from developed European countries
because quite a few of our people have Western education. Eighty per
cent of my cabinet members are Western-trained and we have ministers
who held high posts in foreign governments, for instance the foreign
minister. Thus, it is important not to get [just] experts but to get
experts on transition who know how to proceed with transition from
the Soviet to a more advanced system.
No concessions at cost of independence
[Correspondent] The guest has also given assurances that, although
it is seeking good relations with Russia, it will stand its ground
on the conflict in Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
[Saakashvili in Russian with Lithuanian translation superimposed]
Georgia is maintaining a constant dialogue as it seeks to resolve
contested issues. But, certainly, not at the cost of its independence
and its pro-European orientation, and its territorial integrity. This
is a red line and Georgia will never step back from it.
[Correspondent] As Russia is closely following any cooperation with the
Caucasus countries, the two countries’ leaders signed a declaration
on the development of a special relationship. The document also
says that it is only possible to resolve internal conflicts in this
strategic country after the pullout of Russian troops from Georgia –
an obligation Russia undertook five years ago.

LEVITIN: CLOSED BORDER
Azg/am
16 Oct 04
Armenians Suffering Because of Russia’s “Anti-Terrorism” Actions in
South Ossetia
Igor Levitin, co-chairman of Armenian-Russian Intergovernmental
Commission on Economic Cooperation and Russia’s transport minister,
stated at the October 14 press conference that the Russian-Georgian
border will remain closed 30-40 more days. He said that Russia takes
measure for an effective anti-terrorism fight.
Levitin noted that the Russian-Armenian trade potential is not fully
used because of Georgia’s non-constructive policy. After a joint
press conference with Armenia’s defense minister, Levitin suggested
that Armenia may transfer its goods via Astrakhan and Enzel Iranian
harbor in Caspian Sea, then via Agarak-Meghri-Kajaran land route,
till Upper Lars remains closed.
Levitin also underscored that this route is more preferable to the
Upper Lars crossing point from economic point of view. “We should only
arrange with the Iranian side on several issues”, he said. Armenian
companies engaged in good conveying think that the Iranian route
will cost demand additional $1000-2000 for each truck. Besides,
Meghri-Kajaran route like Upper Lars becomes impassable for
transportation.
Russia’s transport minister emphasized that Upper Lars hasnâ^À^Ùt
closed for ever, and if there are more car congestion in the coming
weeks they will have to take up necessary measures. Levitin meant the
opening of the crossing point for a day allowing trucks and people
cross the border.
Levitin noted that civilians shouldn’t suffer as a result of
anti-terrorism activities.
Russians suggest Armenians crowded at Upper Lars to use Inner
Chamarag crossing point of the Russian-South Ossetian border. But
the Georgian side keeps declaring that it doesn’t recognize South
Ossetian checkpoint.
Later Tbilisi send a green light to Armenian vehicles to cross the
border at the South Ossetian site, suggesting meanwhile to find other
ways to cross the border and no to rely on Inner Chamarag crossing
point. It has been few days today that people are again crowded at
border. 100 citizens of Armenia are in uncertainty, Regnum news agency
informs. There are at least 12 children 4 of whom were send to the
Tskhinvali’s hospital. Eduard Kokoyti, president of South Ossetia
visited Armenians yesterday.
Georgian press writes that Russia intended to set Georgia and Armenia
against each other by sending Armenian citizens to the South Ossetian
border.
“Russian side told us that the border will remain closed for a while
and suggested the South Ossetian route. Armenia and Georgia alike are
against this route as the situation there is so wobbly that we cannot
secure our goods. Then Ilyichevsk’s and Astrakhan-Iran-Meghri-Kajaran
routes were suggested”, MP Andranik Margarian told Haykakan Zhamanak
in an interview.
Poti-Novorisiysk sea route has also been unavailable since September
12. Russia reason the harbor closing by a cargo ship repair. The
repair was supposed to take only 2 weeks but the harbor remains closed
today and will allegedly open on October 18.
On October 14 Levitin left for Azerbaijan and then to Georgia where
he is going to talk authorities into opening of the railway. Russian
minister was so confident speaking of the Abkhazia-Armenia-Azerbaijan
railway opening as though he was unaware of the conflicts battering
the region. He didn’t forget to mention of the high level of
Russian-Armenian relations.
By Tatoul Hakobian

World Armenian Congress to set up strategic studies center
By Tigran Liloyan
ITAR-TASS News Agency
October 13, 2004 Wednesday
YEREVAN, October 13 — World Armenian Congress and the Union of
Armenians of Russia will set up a center for strategic studies and
an Armenian investment fund, president of these two organizations
Ara Abramyan said on Wednesday.
Abramyan leads the work of an international Armenian economic forum
that convened in Yerevan.
He said the objective of the strategic studies center is to set
the main guidelines for the development of Armenia and the Armenian
community in the economic, social and cultural spheres, and work out
ways of realizing them.
The emerging Armenian investment fund will handle programs developed
by the center, as well as other projects.
Abramyan proposed to conclude an agreement on cooperation between
the Armenian government and World Armenian Congress, in order to set
the main parameters of economic cooperation and terms of implementing
investment programs.
Priorities are the development of entirely new mechanisms of
integrating Armenia’s economy into the global economy and international
business organizations.
He believes the country’s economic development should proceed along
the lines of pooling the efforts of business circles of the Armenian
diaspora and Armenian authorities, as well as the assistance to
specific business programs aimed at facilitating the socio-economic
development of the country.
A more effective use of the political and economic potential of the
Armenian diaspora in foreign states, and the opportunities provided by
international financial and economic organizations assumes increasing
significance, Abramyan said.
He proposed to discuss at the forum the projects to build a business
and trade center in Yerevan, and a housing complex in central Yerevan,
renovate the highland resort of Tsakhkadzor and build a tinned food
factory in the regional center of Yekhegnadzor.