Author: Tavakalian Edgar

UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT MET ARMENIAN FM VARDAN OSKANYAN

UNIAN , Ukraine
June 20 2006

Victor Yushchenko has met with Armenia’s Foreign Minister Vardan
Oskanyan.

They discussed bilateral relations between the two countries and
both agreed that it was important to activate Ukrainian-Armenian
cooperation, according to the President’s press-office.

Mr. Yushchenko said he was pleased with the dynamics of trade with
Armenia and then invited President Robert Kocharyan to visit Ukraine.

In his turn, Mr. Oskanyan said the two nations had always been good
friends. He added that Ukraine and Armenia had already signed about
sixty bilateral agreements. The minister said the countries both
wanted to join the European Union.

They also discussed ways to ensure stability and security in
the Caucasian region. Victor Yushchenko said Ukraine wanted the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict to be settled peacefully.

The Head of State said 400, 000 Armenians lived in Ukraine, adding
that it was important to forge closer cultural and humanitarian ties
between the states.

AZERBAIJAN CONCERNED ABOUT RUSSIA SUPPLYING MILITARY BASE IN ARMENIA WITH ANTIAIRCRAFT EMPLACEMENT

TREND, Azerbaijan
June 20 2006

Russia indents to supply its military bases abroad, especially the
102nd base in Gumru, Armenia with S-400 antiaircraft missiles in
near future.

APA reports quoting military sources that one of the antiaircraft
battalions in the 102nd base will be supplied with the S-400
antiaircraft missiles. A group of officers and technical staff
of the base will attend trainings of Russian Air Attack Defense
Troops to master technical and tactical characteristics of the S-400
emplacements.

Russia has started supplying its Armed Forces with new S-400
antiaircraft missiles since last year. It plans to establish five
missile brigades supplied with S-400 antiaircraft emplacement within
five years.

Azerbaijani Defense Ministry press secretary, Colonel Ramiz Malikov
told the APA that the Ministry have control on the armament process
in the region and is informed about it.

"We were informed about this. Russia’s arming the aggressive Armenia
and sending additional forces to this country poses threat to not
only the South Caucasus but the entire Europe," the press secretary
said.

ALL GUYS NEED IS MONEY

Lragir.am
19 June 06

According to economist Edward Aghajanov, Tigran Sargsyan, the president
of the Central Bank of Armenia, lies when he says that the government
does not intervene in the dollar-dram exchange rate.

"It is worthwhile to remind him that on October 7, 2005 he personally
announced that the exchange rate of the dram does not float in Armenia,
it is controlled by the Central Bank."

The exchange rate of the national currency is not an end in itself;
it must foster economic development, whereas we move in the opposite
direction. "Due to the artificial increase of the exchange rate, the
export rate went down by 2.9 percent over the past 4 months. It is very
simple. The high exchange rate of the national currency hinders local
production and export and favors importers, it is a simple axiom,"
says Edward Aghajanov. According to Aghajanov, we should have done
what all the normal countries do.

For instance, the United States had a huge trade deficit, comprising
5 percent of the GDP. The economists alarmed that it threatened
the U.S. economy. Our deficit is a record, 817.5 million drams,
16-17 percent of the GDP. This is very dangerous for our economy. The
United States launched a policy of a low exchange rate of the national
currency to promote local production and export, and make imports
expensive, says Aghajanov, whereas ours "either do not understand or
play in the field of import."

Edward Aghajanov repeats the opinion that the games with the exchange
rate of the dollar and the dram have also a political context.

"If formerly one had to pay 150 thousand drams to appear on a party
ticket, now they have to pay 500 thousand dollars. It is clear that
all the guys need is money to enter the parliament again," concluded
Edward Aghajanov.

DEPORTED BROTHERS ENJOYED CLOSE TIES WITH PATTNI AND OTHERS IN THE LIMELIGHT
By Tony Kago And Patrick Mayoyo

The Nation, Kenya
June 19 2006

Mr Kamlesh Pattni of the Goldenberg scandal. The sons of slain drug
baron Ibrahim Akasha. Narc activist Mary Wambui and her daughter
Winnie. Real estate tycoon Raju Sanghani. And Mombasa brothers Hassan
and Abu Joho. These are the some of names that crop up as some of the
associates of the deported Artur brothers. While the Wambui and Winnie
link has been exhaustively analysed, not much has been mentioned on
some of the even more controversial characters who mingled with Artur
Margaryan and Artur Sargsyan.

Mr Kamlesh Pattni

His name is synonymous with the most sensational scandal to ever hit
Kenya – Goldenberg.

His fortunes seemed to have changed dramatically when Kanu was
voted out of power in 2002, and the Narc Government set up a Judicial
Commission of Inquiry to investigate Goldenberg and associated scandals
afresh. Mr Pattni was eager to reveal all and heap the blame on former
President Moi.

He has also tried to cultivate links with leading figures in Kibaki’s
government and the President’s informal circle of advisers and
power-brokers.

His links to the Armenian brothers have been an open secret. He was a
frequent visitor to their Runda residence and had hosted them severally
at the Grand Regency Hotel.

However, the managers of a casino recently established at the Grand
Regency have denied reports that the Artur brothers were its owners.

Mr Pattni was described by the Justice Samuel Bosire’s commission of
inquiry as the chief architect of the Goldenberg scandal where Kenya
lost Sh20 billion under the guise of a gold and diamonds trade. The
scheme involved fictitious exports that were used to claim the billions
in export compensation.

According to the findings of the Bosire commission, Mr Pattni escaped
arrest for many years because he was shielded by influential people
in the Kanu government.

Mr Pattni and five other former government officials were charged
with plotting to steal Sh5.8 billion from the Treasury.

He denied the four counts of conspiring to steal the money in 1993
jointly with the then spy chief James Kanyotu, Treasury permanent
secretary Wilfred Koinange, Central Bank governor Eric Kotut and his
deputy Eliphaz Riungu. The case is still in court.

Mr Raju Sanghani

When the Artur brothers saga started in March amid claims that they
were mercenaries, real estate agent Rajendra Rajilal Sanghani –
who was known for his connections during the Moi era – was among
those interviewed by police.

His firm, Real Management Services, was the agent for the Runda house
let by Mr Sammy Mutinda Musyoki.

Mr Sanghani admitted that he facilitated the business activities of
the brothers and had introduced them to top business and security
officials and politicians, including Mwingi North MP Kalonzo Musyoka.

In March, Mr Musyoka said that he would sever the links until the row
over the Armenians is resolved. Mr Sanghani showed journalists a copy
of the design of the proposed 5,000 low cost houses project which
the brothers were alleged to have been keen to develop in Athi River.

The brothers were also keen to buy some houses Mr Sanghani had built
in Karen, but the deal failed when they failed to agree on the price.

Mr Sanghani was in the news recently contesting the seizure five
years ago of a Mercedes Benz 500 SEL by the Kenya Revenue Authority.

He said he had bought the Sh8 million car from retired President
Moi’s son, Philip Moi, only for the taxman to seize the vehicle for
non-payment of duty.

His lawyer asked appellate judges R.S.C. Omolo, Philip Waki and
William Deverell to give the car back to his client.

He wondered why KRA was denying his client the car when it could
demand duty and storage charges from Mr Philip Moi. The court heard
that although Mr Sanghani bought the car from Mr Moi in 1994, Mr Moi
did not hand over the logbook but promised to do so later.

The Akashas

Mr Baktash Akasha is another Artur associate who was questioned during
the first police investigation into the saga of the brothers.

Mr Margaryan had said that one of the Akasha daughters was married
to one of his business managers.

When the Nation reported that a blue Mercedes Benz used by Mr Margaryan
was registered in Baktash’s name, Baktash said he wanted to sell it
and that it was Mr Sanghani who gave it to Mr Margaryan.

The Benz was one of the 15 cars police found parked at the Arturs’
compound during a recent raid.

Mr Baktash was also a frequent visitor to the Runda home and has
been present at some of the parties the brothers used to throw for
pressmen and entertainment celebrities.

The head of the Akasha family – Mr Ibrahim Abdalla Akasha –
was shot dead in a gangland-style execution in Amsterdam’s Bloedstrat
(Blood Street) in May 2000 as he hurried for an appointment with an
underground drugs agent.

He died in the hands of his second wife, Mrs Gazi Hayat, as two
other people who had accompanied the couple, Ms Zainabu Hassan and
Mr Mohammed Ali Musa watched.

Reports indicated that he met his death after a long-standing feud
over non-payment of a Sh200 million heroine consignment he delivered
to the Netherlands in 1999.

Mr Akasha, who had vast business interests at the Coast and in Nairobi,
was an international drug trafficker, but escaped prosecution because
of his strong links with influential people in the Kanu government.

The family was hit by another tragedy when on March 28, 2003, a lone
gunman shot Mr Kamaldin seven times in the head in a Mombasa street
killing him instantly. Three people were arrested and charged with
murder. The case is still pending.

Abubakar and Hassan Joho

Among those whose names featured prominently as the Armenian brothers
business associates in Mombasa were the Joho brothers, Hassan and
Abubakar. The two are also said to be longtime business associates
of Narc activist Mary Wambui.

Abubakar is a director of Chelamed (K) Ltd, one of the companies
recently mentioned in connection with airport security passes dished
out freely to individuals and companies associated with the Artur
brothers.

Mr Hassan Joho is also a politician, and attracted Ms Wambui’s support
during the Kisauni by-election in 2004.

Narc nomination

With support from the Liberal Democratic Party, he won the Narc
nomination but was rejected by other Mombasa politicians who instead
teamed up to support Mr Ananiah Mwaboza who vied on a Labour Party
ticket.

Ms Wambui has in the past attended public functions involving Hassan
Joho and one such occasion is when she presided over a fundraiser
in Kisauni constituency on Mr Joho’s invitation. Immediately
after the deportation of the Artur brothers, detectives from the
Coast provincial CID headquarters are said to have raided a house in
Tudor estate, Mombasa. The owner of the house is said to be a close
business associated of the Artur brothers and was also involved in
motor vehicle importation.

In Mombasa, the Artur brothers are also said to have had close
links with a number of leading commodity dealers, particularly sugar
importers.

ALL ARE CONCERNED BUT FIND NO WAY OUT

Panorama.am
14:29 16/06/06

Today was a regular day of briefing at the National Assembly. The
deputies were asked how many Armenians should be murdered in Russia
that we understand that Russia is not our fellow-country. Armenian
Revolutionary Federation block leader Hrair Karapetyan informed that
their party is concerned with the facts of murder against Armenian
nationals in Russia and has messaged this concern to the Russian
Embassy in Armenia. However, there are no policy elements in such
cases, he said.

Artashes Geghamyan, leader of National Unity brought a counter-argument
saying that 1600 people have ended up their life in Armenia through
suicide. If Russia may be called a non-fellow country because three
people have been murdered there, what should our authorities be
called, claiming that "our authorities may be called traitors of
the nation." What was the relation between the two, he did not
explain./Panorama.am/

IT’S EARLY TO SPEAK ABOUT THE REASONS OF THE A-320 CRASH, ARMAVIA COMPANY SAYS

ArmRadio.am
15.06.2006 12:44

"All comments of anonymous sources about the reasons of the crash of
the A-320 jet near Sochi are void," "Arminfo" correspondent was told
at the press service of Armavia Company.

The Company informed that it is not correct to speak about the
reasons of the tragedy, unless the decoding of the black boxes is
completed. The official results will be made public by the Interstate
Aviation Committee.

The press service denied the suggestion that such "anonymous"
information may pursue certain objectives. However, sources close
to aviation circles of Armenia are concerned that some of these
"anonymous" information may be paid for to expel the national
transporter of Armenia from the market.

PRESS OFFICE
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. 60; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:

June 14, 2006
___________________

ACYOA MARKS 60 YEARS WITH SUCCESSFUL GENERAL ASSEMBLY, SPORTS WEEKEND

The current generation of active young Armenian Church members thanked their
predecessors during a celebratory Armenian Church Youth Organization of
America (ACYOA) General Assembly and Sports Weekend this May.

Hosted by the Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church of Providence, RI, the
organization marked its 60th anniversary in the city where the youth group
first got started. The Assembly ran from May 25 to 26, 2006, and the Sports
Weekend followed.

Seventy-five delegates, clergy, and observers from 24 parishes came together
for the business of the Assembly, with several hundred others joining for
the weekend’s sporting events.

The Primate presided over the Assembly’s proceedings, which were chaired by
Diran Jebejian of the St. Leon Church of Fair Lawn, NJ, with Arda Paylan of
the St. James Church of Evanston, IL, serving as secretary. This year, a
record number of 20 clergy attended the Assembly. Many of the clergy grew
up alongside the 60-year-old organization.

Fr. Karekin Kasparian, pastor of the St. Gregory the Illuminator Church of
White Plains, NY, is a former ACYOA executive secretary who worked for many
years alongside ACYOA founder Archbishop Tiran Nersoyan. As a person
instrumental in the organization’s early years, Fr. Kasparian was pleased to
see passion still bubbling around the members.

"How heartwarming to see our youth participate in the assembly deliberations
with such seriousness and maturity," he said. "They are worthy inheritors
of our cultural legacy and spiritual heritage. I was particularly impressed
by their spiritual sensitivity."

Other clergy saw the young leaders gathered in Providence as a sign of good
things to come for the Armenian Church.

"The ACYOA has been, and still remains, one of the greatest venues for young
adult involvement within the life of the church," said Fr. Vasken Kouzouian,
pastor of the Holy Trinity Church of Cambridge, MA. "It was wonderful to
see the energy and enthusiasm of our young people. To transfer this energy
to the local level will make a tremendous impact on all parishes."

NEW LEADERS

One of the main actions of the Assembly delegates is to elect leaders for
the coming year. On Sunday, May 28, following the Divine Liturgy at the
host parish, Archbishop Barsamian installed and blessed the new ACYOA
Central Council, including three newly elected members.

Returning to the Central Council and their new positions are: Chair Gregory
Andonian of the St. Gregory of Narek Church of Cleveland, OH; Vice Chair Ani
Tovar of the St. Sarkis Church of Dallas, TX; Secretary Sarine Zenian of the
St. Mary Church of Washington, DC; and Treasurer John El Chemmas of the St.
John Church of Southfield, MI.

The newly-elected members and their Central Council positions are
Programming Coordinator Talin Hitik from the St. Gregory the Illuminator
Church of Chicago, IL; Public Relations Coordinator Alex Derderian of the
St. Sahag and St. Mesrob Church of Wynnewood, PA; and Chapter Relations
Coordinator Stan Sheridan of the St. Mesrob Church of Racine, WI.

"It was extremely encouraging to see a record number of delegates from so
many different parishes," said new Central Council Chair Andonian. "It is a
very tangible sign that the ACYOA is making a difference in the lives of
young Armenians in America and that we are getting stronger. When the ACYOA
gets stronger, the future of the Armenian Church becomes brighter, stronger,
and more certain."

In addition to the election of three new Central Council members, the
assembly elected an auditing committee and a nominating committee. The
delegates also received reports from the outgoing Central Council chair,
treasurer, and from Executive Secretary Nancy Basmajian, as well as updates
from the Holy Land Project Committee and the 60th Anniversary Committee.

DISCUSSIONS ON FAITH, CULTURE

Following his remarks to the assembly, the Primate asked delegates to gather
in small groups to discuss such questions as: "Do you feel the leadership of
the Armenian Church understands you?" "What young adult programs are
working?" "What concrete efforts would you like to see the Diocese and/or
the ACYOA initiate for youth?"

The Primate then welcomed delegates to a luncheon he sponsored. The lunch
was a time for him to talk to and answer questions from the young delegates.

"These active, vital youths are indeed the future of the Diocese and the
entire Armenian Church," the Primate said. "I am overjoyed each year to
spend time with them, to talk to them, answer their wonderful questions and
see the love they have for their community."

The assembly also heard from Fr. Daniel Findikyan, dean of St. Nersess
Seminary, who focused on the special bond between the ACYOA and the
seminary, both of which were founded by the late primate, Archbishop Tiran
Nersoyan.

"We are sister institutions. We both share a focus on youth and on learning
and on the growth and development of the young," he said.

The Primate encouraged the ACYOA members to build both the youth
organization and the seminary.

"It was obvious during the ACYOA Assembly that many of our young people are
interested in taking an active role in the ministries of the church. A few
of them are already full-time students at St. Nersess Seminary, but more are
needed," said Fr. Stepanos Doudoukjian, director of vocations and youth for
the seminary. "Our Primate has gently challenged the ACYOA to assist in the
recruitment of students of St. Nersess by requesting that ten new students
be sought out from ACYOA to attend St. Nersess in the next three years. It
is a promising time for ACYOA and St. Nersess."

CELEBRATING ITS ANNIVERSARY

Saro Kalayjian, chair of the 60th Anniversary Committee, told delegates
about plans for regional balls, detailed recent work on the ACYOA archives,
and announced plans for producing a bookmark and promotional DVD to
commemorate the anniversary.

"I think this is a video that all parishes in the Diocese should have and
present sometime during the year so that all are aware of the impact this
organization has had and will have in the future," said Central Council Vice
Chair Ani Tovar, after the DVD premiered at the Sports Weekend Banquet on
Sunday night.

AWARDING EFFORTS

During the assembly, awards were presented to recognize dedicated service to
the ACYOA.

The Chapter "A" Award, given to an ACYOA senior chapter that has best
fulfilled the requirements as seen by the ACYOA Central Council, was
presented to the ACYOA chapter of the St. Mary Church of Washington, DC.

The Greg Arpajian Award, given to an individual who displays leadership and
service to the Armenian Church and community, was presented to Zack Kowalski
of the St. Gregory of Narek Church of Cleveland, OH.

The Sam Nersesian Award, given to an individual who displays the Christian
values of love, patience, humility and understanding, was presented to Stan
Sheridan of the St. Mesrob Church of Racine, WI.

Two other awards are presented in memory of two beloved, departed clergymen.
The V. Rev. Fr. Haigazoun Melkonian Award was presented to Fr. Vertanes
Kalayjian, pastor of the St. Mary Church in Washington, DC "for his
passionate leadership, exemplary service and dedicated efforts on behalf of
the youth of the Armenian Church." The Rev. Fr. Haroutiun Dagley Award was
presented to ACYOA alumna Lisa Manookian, a Diocesan delegate and parish
council member from the St. Sahag and St. Mesrob Church of Wynnewood, PA,
for "her continued devotion to the youth of the Armenian Church."

— 6/14/06

E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News and
Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,

PHOTO CAPTION (1): Delegates vote during the 2006 ACYOA Assembly in
Providence, RI.

PHOTO CAPTION (2): Newly elected ACYOA Chair Gregory Andonian speaks to
delegates about programming ideas during the 2006 ACYOA Assembly hosted by
the Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church of Providence, RI.

PHOTO CAPTION (3): Delegates to the 2006 ACYOA Assembly discuss questions
posed by Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate, about the role of youth in
the Armenian Church.

PHOTO CAPTION (4): The Primate, other clergy, and 75 delegates attended the
2006 ACYOA Assembly, hosted by the Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church of
Providence, RI.

PHOTO CAPTION (5): Young delegates fill the Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church of
Providence, RI, during a Divine Liturgy celebrated by the Primate on May 28,
2006, which capped off a successful ACYOA Assembly.

PHOTO CAPTION (6): The newly installed ACYOA Central Council with
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate, and ACYOA Executive Secretary Nancy
Basmajian.

PHOTO CAPTION (7): Archbishop Barsamian presents the Chapter "A" Award to
leaders of the St. Mary Church of Washington, D.C.

PHOTO CAPTION (8): Saro Kalayjian, left, accepts the V. Rev. Fr. Haigazoun
Melkonian Award on behalf of his father, Fr. Vertanes Kalayjian, pastor of
the St. Mary Church of Washington, D.C.

PHOTO CAPTION (9): The Primate and Fr. Yeprem Kelegian present the Sam
Nersesian Award to Stan Sheridan of the St. Mesrob Church of Racine, WI.

# # #

BAKU STATEMENTS ON ARSONS IN KARABAKH AIMED AT AGGRAVATION OF SITUATION IN CONFLICT REGION

PanARMENIAN.Net
16.06.2006 12:48 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ A propagandistic hysteria as if arsons of nearborder
settlements on the territories controlled by the Nagorno Karabakh
Republic has an objective to tense the situation in the conflict
region and aggravate mutual distrust between the parties, NKR Deputy
Foreign Minister Masis Mailyan stated, reported the NKR FMA press
office. In his words, simultaneously the Azerbaijani authorities
try to distract the attention of the international community from
the demolition the Armenian historic and cultural heritage on the
territories of present-day Azerbaijan, what is testified, particularly,
by destruction of Armenian khachkars in Djulfa (Nakhichevan).

Meanwhile, Mailyan added, as it was repeatedly mentioned, in summer,
in droughty weather, ignition of dry grass takes place in the low part
of Karabakh and its extinguishing on the territories near Azerbaijan
is hampered because of permanent firing from the Azerbaijani side
and impossibility of ensuring security of fire brigades. Ignition
of dry grass is caused not only by the hot weather but also firing
of the territories controlled by the NKR by tracer bullets from the
Azerbaijani positions, as well as ignition of grass by Azerbaijani
servicemen on neutral line between the borders of the NKR and
Azerbaijan, the NKR Deputy FM said.

CALMY-REY EHRTE ARMENISCHE OPFER DES GENOZIDS
Doppelbesteuerungsabkommen in Eriwan unterzeichnet

Associated Press Worldstream – German
12. Juni 2006 Montag 2:36 PM GMT

Eriwan/Bern

Bundesratin Micheline Calmy-Rey hat am Montag bei ihrem Besuch in
Armenien an der Erinnerungstatte des Genozids einen Kranz niedergelegt
und einen Baum gepflanzt. In Eriwan unterzeichnete die Aussenministern
ein Doppelbesteuerungsabkommen, wie das EDA mitteilte.

Calmy-Rey fuhrte beim offiziellen Arbeitsbesuch Gesprache mit
ihrem Amtskollegen Vardan Oskanian, dem Ministerprasidenten
Andranik Margarian und dem Staatsprasidenten Robert Kotscharian. Die
Bundesratin sprach dabei auch die politische Situation in der Region
an, einschliesslich der Frage von Nagorno-Karabach. Die Schweiz
messe dem Sudkaukausus eine wachsende Bedeutung bei und sei an der
Schaffung stabiler und demokratischer Verhaltnisse in der Region
interessiert, halt das Eidgenossische Departement fur auswartige
Angelegenheiten (EDA) weiter fest. Calmy-Rey habe in den Gesprachen
auch die tragischen Massendeportationen und die Massaker erwahnt, die
das Ende des Osmanischen Reichs pragten. Sie ehrte die armenischen
Opfer, indem sie an der "Erinnerungsstatte fur den Genozid" einen
Kranz niederlegte und einen Baum pflanzte.

Das EDA erinnert, dass die wirtschaftlichen Beziehungen zwischen den
beiden Landern noch bescheiden sind, aber der juristische Rahmen
und damit das Potenzial besteht. Seit 2000 ist ein Abkommen uber
Handel und wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit in Kraft. Seit 2002
ein Abkommen uber den Schutz von Investitionen und neu nun ein
Doppelbesteuerungsabkommen, das am Montag zwischen den beiden Staaten
unterzeichnet wurde. Seit 1988 hat die Schweiz Armenien mit ungefahr
30 Millionen Franken unterstutzt.

DEVELOPPEMENT CALMY-REY EN ARMENIE ENTRETIENS MINISTERIELS ET VISITE AU MONUMENT DU GENOCIDE

Schweizerische Depeschenagentur AG (SDA)
SDA – Service de base francais
12 juin 2006

Erevan (ats) Micheline Calmy-Rey s’est rendue en Armenie lundi,
effectuant la première visite officielle d’un membre du Conseil
federal dans ce pays. La cheffe du DFAE a rencontre les dirigeants
armeniens et rendu hommage aux victimes du genocide.

Le voyage d’un jour de Mme Calmy-Rey dans cette republique du sud
du Caucase a permis de faire le point sur les relations bilaterales,
qualifiees de bonnes par le ministre armenien des affaires etrangères
Vardan Oskanian et par la conseillère federale devant la presse
a Erevan.

La Suisse a entame un dialogue politique avec l’Etat du sud du Caucase
en 2004. La cooperation humanitaire et technique avait pour sa part
demarre en 1988, a la suite du tremblement de terre qui a detruit le
nord de l’Armenie.

Position centrale

L’Armenie beneficie d’une position centrale dans cette region de
l’ancienne Union sovietique et la Suisse a interet a sa stabilite,
a explique la cheffe du Departement federal des affaires etrangères
(DFAE). Cette stabilite passe en particulier par une solution au
conflit du Haut-Karabakh qui oppose ce pays a l’Azerbaïdjan.

Ce territoire, qui s’est declare autonome, est peuple majoritairement
d’Armeniens, mais est rattache juridiquement a l’Azerbaïdjan. Il a
fait l’objet d’une rude guerre de 1988 a 1994, provoquant des dizaines
de milliers de morts et des centaines de milliers de deplaces des
deux côtes.

Cette question a dès lors egalement ete abordee lors des discussions
de Mme Calmy-Rey avec le ministre des affaires etrangères, le premier
ministre Andranik Margarian et le president Robert Kotcharian. En
fevrier, la cheffe du DFAE avait fait de meme en rencontrant les
autorites azeries a Bakou.

La Suisse a offert ses services a deux reprises a ces deux pays en
organisant des reunions entre les deux parties sur son territoire,
a releve Mme Calmy-Rey. Mais elle n’a pas l’intention de jouer
actuellement un rôle de mediateur actif dans ce dossier, tant Bakou
qu’Erevan n’ayant pas sollicite un tel interet.

Reconnaissance du genocide

La cheffe du DFAE a aborde avec les autorites armeniennes un autre
thème sensible: le genocide perpetre par les Turcs contre les Armeniens
durant la première guerre mondiale et qui vu la mort de 1,5 million
de personnes, selon les Armeniens.

Usant du langage diplomatique, elle a rappele que le Conseil national
a reconnu cette “tragique deportation de masse et massacre auquel on
se refère sous le nom de genocide”. La Suisse a toujours condamne de
tels actes, a-t-elle ajoute.

A l’instar de tous les officiels se rendant en Armenie, la conseillère
federale a visite le monument et le musee commemorant le genocide
armenien. Elle a depose une gerbe de fleurs et s’est recueillie devant
la flamme du souvenir.

“J’ai tenu a exprimer ma sympathie a ce peuple”, a-t-elle dit lors
d’un entretien a l’ATS, ajoutant qu’elle avait ressenti une “profonde
emotion” sur le site.

Tensions avec la Turquie

Ce geste symbolique pourrait durcir les relations deja tendues entre
la Suisse et la Turquie. Ankarra reproche a Berne des procès pour
negationnisme menes contre des Turcs par la justice helvetique. En
signe de represailles, elle a notamment annule une importante commande
a l’entreprise Pilatus.

Cette visite au monument du genocide ne change rien aux relations avec
la Turquie, qui connaît deja la position de la Suisse, a souligne Mme
Calmy-Rey. La Suisse reste prete a aider au dialogue entre Ankara et
Erevan, a-t-elle ajoute.

Profitant de sa presence en Armenie, la conseillère federale a
signe une convention de non-double imposition. Cette demarche vise a
favoriser les echanges economiques et commerciaux entre les deux pays.

NOTE: depeche developpee au terme de la visite. Deux encadres suivent
sur l’aide a la cooperation et les relations commerciales

–Boundary_(ID_WaJuIOjzeAsWn89PdhBvU A)–