Author: Tavakalian Edgar

AIR TEMPERATURE TO DECREASE BY 3-5 DEGREES IN TERRITORY OF ARMENIA THIS WEEK

YEREVAN, February 7 (Noyan Tapan). Precipitation is expected in
separate regions of Armenia on February 7 and 9, and weather mainly
without precipitation is expected in the territory of Armenia from
February 10 till the end of the week. According to Zaruhi Petrosian,
the Chief of the Weather Forecast Department of “HayHydromet”,
the average February temperature will not essentially change till
February 10: the air temperature will make -18 degrees in the
montainous regions, and in valleys it will make 7 degrees. The air
temperature will decrease by 3-5 degrees from February 10-12, and it
will increase by 3-5 degrees starting from February 13.

OUR CITIZENS LESS INTERESTED IN CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

Azg/arm
6 April 05

“Vox Populi” Sociology Center at he Electoral Systems- Center held the
second poll among the citizens of Yerevan about their awareness in
the current initiative of the constitutional amendments. The first
poll was carried out on October 6-9, 2004, while the second one was
held on April 13, this year.

In response to the question whether they will participate in the
referendum of constitutional amendments this Sunday, 19% of the
questioned answered “Yes, I will,” 22% answered “I will sooner
participate,” 39% said “I am not likely to participate,” 67% answered
“No. I will not participate,” and 53% said, “It’s hard to answer.”

During the past six months the number of the people who would
participate in the referendum decreased from 22% to 19, while the
number of the citizens that would not participate increased from 46%
to 60%.

In response to the question whether the citizens know what
constitutional amendments the political forces offer, 19% said,
“Yes,” 123% said “No” and 58% was hard to answer.

The public poll testified that though the number of the informed
people increased from 8% to 11%, this is still a low indicator. The
number of the citizens that are unaware increased to 67% during the
past six months.

By Ruzan Poghosian

Azeri radio reports Armenian truce violation, no casualties

ANS Radio, Baku
4 Apr 05

[Presenter] The Armenian armed forces continuously fired at our
positions in five areas at about 2200 [1700 gmt] last night. Sahin
Rzayev reports the details from ANS’s Karabakh bureau.

[Rzayev] The Armenian army attempted to carry out offensives in the
Agdam section of the front line. At 2200, the Armenian armed forces
started firing from the occupied village of Qarvand in Agdam on the
villages of Miraselli and Ciragli. Bullets hit most houses in the
villages, getting into some of them. The villages were mainly fired
from machine guns and automatic weapons, while the positions from
grenade launchers. They fired on the positions in the villages of
Ciragli and Ahmadagali from an area called Gulculuk farm.

At 2215 [1715], the Armenian armed forces fired from Agdam’s occupied
village of Sixlar at the village of Orta Qislaq. At about the same
time, the Armenian armed forces opened fire at our positions in the
settlement of Tazakand from the village of Surabad. Residents of
the village say that the latest firing was one of the most powerful
military operations carried out by the Armenian army over the past 10
years. It should also be noted that during the attack, four villages
in Agdam District and positions of the Azerbaijani army stationed
in those villages came under intensive fire, which lasted more than
an hour. The Azerbaijani army launched a retaliatory action to stop
the efforts of the Armenian army to continue the attacks. There are
no casualties among our military and civilians. Sahin Rzayev, ANS.

AVETIK ISAHAKIAN CULTURAL UNION ESTABLISHED

AZG Armenian Daily #059, 05/04/2005

Culture

A new cultural union of Avetik Isahakian was established these days.
Ministers of culture and education, secretary of the Writers’ Union,
president Tekeyan Cultural Association, president of the Painters’
Union and others were present at the opening ceremony.

The Avetik Isahakian Cultural Union was initiated by Orinats Yerkir
party a year ago aiming at development of the Armenian culture and
safeguarding it for generations to come. Head of the party and chairman
of the National Assembly, Artur Baghdasarian, said: “I belong to the
group of people who are sure that both state leaders and the people
has to turn their face to our national cultural values. The party will
start settling different issues through this union staying away from
low-cost political approaches and commentaries”. The grandchildren
of the great Armenian poet, Avik Isahakian, will run the Cultural
Union. Along with a concert the participants had the chance to listen
to Avetik Isahakian’s recorded voice.

By Marietta Makarian

YEREVAN WATER CANAL TO CARRY OUT 2 MLN DOLLAR WORK THIS YEAR

YEREVAN, APRIL 4, NOYAN TAPAN. This year the company Yerevan Water
Canal envisages to carry out work of 2 mln dollars in the system within
the framework of the second credit program, including capital repairs
worth 869 mln drams (about 1.8 mln USD). Deputy mayor of Yerevan
Vano Vardanian stated at the April 4 press conference that 66.4%
of the consumers currently have 24-hour water-supply.

PanArmenian News
March 29 2005

VARDAN OSKANIAN: KARABAKH PROBLEM CAN BE SETTLED BY RECOGNIZING
KARABAKH PEOPLE’S RIGHT FOR SELF-DETERMINATION

29.03.2005 01:17

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The Nagorno Karabakh conflict cannot be resolved
militarily. Once there was a war and the Armenian party won it.
However the problem was not solved. It cannot be solved via working
out various documents confirming the territorial integrity of
Azerbaijan, as Karabakh will by now means agree to become a part of
Azerbaijan again», Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanian stated
at the hearings in the National Assembly, IA Regnum reports. In his
words Armenia is following three major principles: 1. Nagorno
Karabakh cannot be a part of Azerbaijan, 2. there should be overland
communication between Karabakh and Armenia, 3. the population of
Karabakh should be given real security guarantees. However, the key
item is Karabakh’s right for self-determination, he stressed. The
Minister also divided into 4 stages the cycle of negotiations that
has now gone on for over a decade. – The first stage began with the
OSCE Budapest Summit and ended with the OSCE Lisbon Summit. – The
second stage covered the post-Lisbon period through the change of
presidential administration in Armenia. – The third stage stretched
to the death of Father Aliyev. – And the fourth stage is the one
we’re in now, that started with the change of administration in
Azerbaijan. «The permanent institute of the OSCE Minsk Group
Co-Chairs formed in Budapest in 1994 made a successful effort in
reconciling the principles of territorial integrity and
self-determination. The result was the Common State document which
was rejected by Azerbaijan. Direct meetings between the presidents of
Armenia and Azerbaijan followed Azerbaijan’s rejection of the Common
State. All together, during the third stage the two presidents met
nearly two dozen times. They came to share an awareness of the need
for a comprehensive solution. Father Aliyev, accepting the
inevitable, tried to negotiate in a way as to reap such dividends
that would make the whole package acceptable to his people. The
result, in April 2001, was the Key West document, the second
important document created during this third stage. The Key West
document clearly affirmed the fact of the self-determination of the
people of Nagorno Karabakh. Thus, in the six years from Lisbon to Key
West, there had, in our opinion, been fundamental, radical changes in
thinking on this issue – changes in sync with contemporary
international developments and self-determination processes in
different parts of the world’, Vardan Oskanian said. `Azerbaijan’s
new authorities attempt to reverse the wheel of history. The
presidents do meet, although not with the former frequency. There is
a parallel track of foreign ministers meetings. During those talks,
the issue of Nagorno Karabakh’s status is always on the agenda.
Azerbaijan is part of those discussions. Despite Azerbaijan’s
engagement, and the efforts of the sides to search for an acceptable
resolution of the issue, Azerbaijan continues to attempt to
simultaneously introduce the Nagorno Karabakh issue in those
international forums which continue to abide by a traditional,
conservative approach to the issues of territorial integrity and
self-determination. The approach of those organizations is that when
the principles of territorial integrity and self-determination
clash with each other then the first receives preference all
conflicts should be treated within a single resolution
framework, regardless of the degree of legitimacy of
grievances and gravity of the issue if a deviation is allowed and
self-determination is recognized, it will become a precedent
and a domino effect will result. Their answer to claims of
self-determination is simply greater human rights and certain
economic benefits. This approach ignores a great many factors
including the role of history in shaping of one’s identity and
destiny’, he noted.

United States Department of State
28 March 2005
Europe and Eurasia

Supporting Human Rights and Democracy: The U.S. Record 2004 – 2005
Released by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor

Armenia

The Government’s human rights record remained poor; although there were some
improvements in a few areas, serious problems remained. The president, who
is directly elected, has extensive powers that are not checked by the
legislature or judiciary. Recent elections – including the controversial
2003 presidential election – have not met international standards. There
were some limits on freedom of assembly, the media and religious freedom.
However, in a positive step toward religious freedom, the Government
registered the Jehovah’s Witnesses. Judges remained subject to pressure from
the executive branch and corruption was a problem. Some members of the
security forces committed a number of human rights abuses. Security forces
beat pretrial detainees, and impunity remained a problem. There were
instances of arbitrary arrests and detentions. In April, police used
excessive force to disperse an opposition rally, detained opposition
politicians and raided opposition party offices. The Government’s assistance
with the creation of a civilian prison monitoring board and decision to
permit independent monitoring of prison conditions were positive
developments. While the Government took steps to limit trafficking in
persons, violence against women and trafficking of women and children
remained problems. The U.S. human rights and democracy strategy focused on
the promotion of democratic institutions and processes, the development of a
vibrant civil society, fundamental freedoms, rule of law, human rights and
anti-trafficking measures. United States officials regularly met with
Armenian government officials, parliamentary opposition leaders, religious
minorities and human rights activists regarding these issues. In 2004, the
United States sent two high-level State Department officials to Armenia who
engaged leaders on a variety of human rights issues. United States officials
raised human rights concerns during all high-level encounters with Armenian
officials, including during the meetings of the U.S.-Armenia Task Force in
May and October. The Embassy hosted numerous representational events and
roundtables during the year to raise awareness and encourage dialogue in
support of these objectives.

To promote democratic institutions and processes, the United States
supported programs designed to strengthen the separation of powers. Toward
that end, the United States funded programs in Armenia to augment the
national legislative abilities to respond to citizen concerns. The Armenian
National Assembly provided its members with information they previously
lacked, such as drafts of past legislation and non-governmental organization
(NGO) literature. The United States helped the National Assembly’s Control
Chamber to improve legislative oversight of the national budget and helped
the Government improve the published budget. The United States helped
Armenian citizens access information on pending legislation. With U.S.
support and encouragement, the National Assembly improved its transparency
by holding committee hearings, publishing draft laws in newspaper inserts
and developing a tracking system for citizen inquiries and communications.
The program also provided citizens with information about the National
Assembly through the creation of a website and publication and dissemination
of draft legislation.

The United States targeted its assistance to expand civic participation,
strengthen institutions of governance, and empower citizens to hold
government accountable by encouraging laws and policies needed to create a
democratic governance framework in Armenia. United States-funded programs
helped local governments improve internal management systems, implement
transition reforms, strengthen oversight and fiscal responsibilities and
increase public accessibility and accountability.

With U.S. help, more than 13,000 people participated in 240 town hall
meetings to discuss citizen concerns with community leaders. In more than
660 dialogue groups held around the country, citizens discussed the law on
the legal status of property, community schools, privatization, community
development and apartment building administration, among other issues. The
impact of these programs was reflected in the concrete actions taken by
initiative groups that formed as a result of the dialogues. Successful
efforts included renovation of a local state college and establishment of a
library fund for the college, legalization of supplementary constructions by
building residents and improvements in the sanitary situation in
communities. Through these programs, citizens created tangible improvements
in their communities by engaging in democratic processes at the local level.

To promote the development of a vibrant civil society, the United States
gave grants and technical assistance to advocacy NGOs and continued to
foster citizen participation at the grassroots level. The United States
supported public awareness campaigns, including campaigns to address the
societal costs of corruption and the shared responsibility for combating it.
The United States also launched a program to strengthen Armenian NGOs
through 82 grants in various sectors. This program has demonstrated success
as citizen advocacy programs deepen and broaden, and according to USAID’s
NGO Sustainability Index, NGOs in Armenia have significantly increased their
self-sustainable capacity.

The United States also provided 38 small grants in 2004 to NGOs and
independent media outlets that work to strengthen democratic institutions
and promote civil society in Armenia. These embassy-based “Democracy
Commission Small Grants” addressed issues such as citizens’ use of the newly
passed Law on Freedom of Information, patients’ rights, environmental
education, the promotion of volunteerism, media literacy and the integration
of disabled youth into society.

Following the Government’s excessive reaction to peaceful opposition
protests, the Department of State issued a Statement in April which observed
that “Physical assaults, raids on political party offices and widespread
arrests and detentions of opposition activists by the police do not
contribute to creating an atmosphere conducive to political dialogue.” The
United States also sponsored international visitors to observe political
parties in action during the U.S. elections.

To promote freedom of the media, the United States provided equipment and
technical assistance to increase journalists’ level of professionalism and
objectivity. A U.S-funded International Visitors Program on media ethics
introduced Armenian journalists to democratic media practices in the United
States.

To promote the rule of law, the United States continued to engage with the
Armenian Ministry of Justice and legal institutions. With the assistance of
a U.S.-funded NGO, the Government enacted legislation creating a bar
association for defense lawyers. Human rights advocates believe that the new
association will increase the legal defense of human rights by improving the
training and organization of defense lawyers.

Senior U.S. officials consistently engaged government officials on the
rights of women, children, minorities and the disabled. In 2004, the United
States began a Children’s Tolerance Education Program in elementary schools
and closely monitored and engaged the Government on issues of intolerance.

United States officials urged greater respect for religious freedom. As a
direct result of international engagement, the Government of Armenia legally
registered Armenia’s Jehovah’s Witnesses and enacted new laws to allow
conscientious objectors an alternative to mandatory military service.

The United States increased its assistance to anti-trafficking efforts in
Armenia, aiding the Government, local NGOs and international organizations
in their efforts. With U.S. assistance, the Government began training
consular officers to recognize and assist potential victims of trafficking,
and the United States invested in informational and child-protective
prevention efforts. The United States established programs to research
trends in trafficking and assisted in the creation of anti-trafficking
legislation. The United States continued to engage the Government
diplomatically on trafficking issues. The United States also significantly
assisted NGOs in creating, maintaining and publicizing victim assistance
programs nationwide.

LEVON MKRTCHIAN: “WHAT HAPPENS IN KYRGHYZSTAN IS FAR FROM BEING
QUALIFIED AS REVOLUTION”

YEREVAN, MARCH 25, NOYAN TAPAN. “The situation that is present in
Kyrghyzstan, doesn’t at all look like the situation that was in the
Ukraine, and all the more as in our region,” stated Levon Mkrtchian,
the head of the NA “ARF” faction at the March 25 briefing. According
to him, possible comparisons of the situations after the elections
of Kyrghyzstan and particularly, of Armenia, search of similarities,
are inappropriate. “What took place in Kyrghyzstan, considers quite
other logical developments, and almost all the important countries of
the world have great anxiety concerning development of uncontrolled
actions in Kyrghyzstan,” MP mentioned. According to Levon Mkrtchian,
“what happens in Kyrghuzstan today, is far from being qualified as a
revolution: since yesterday a robbery has started, in the conditions
of absolute anarchy.”

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V. Rev. Fr. Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
Web:

PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon

Armenian version:

THE CATHOLICOSATE OF CILICIA PARTICIPATES IN THE CONFERENCE DEDICATED
TO DISCUSSING THE ISSUE OF MIGRANTS

The Life and Service Unit of the Middle East Council of Churches
organized a conference in Beirut form March 15 to 17 for the committee
of services to refugees, migrants and the displaced. Representatives
from Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Jerusalem and Lebanon participated in
the conference. Ms. Nelly Vekilian represented the Catholicosate of
Cilicia in the conference.

The main purpose of the conference was to discuss the best way
for solving the problem of refuges, migrants and the displaced. The
participants discussed the issue of migrants and the displaced settled
in the Middle East. They focused on the legal, social and economic
hardships these migrants and displaced people face and on their living
conditions. The discussions were held through a series of lectures,
personal accounts and workshops.

At the end of the conference, the participants stressed the importance
of developing the role of the church in problems related to migrants,
refuges and the displaced. A special plan was devised for this purpose.

##

The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates
of the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the
Ecumenical activities of the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer
to the web page of the Catholicosate, The
Cilician Catholicosate, the administrative center of the church is
located in Antelias, Lebanon.

International Herald Tribune, France
March 24 2005

Holiday to see Britons travel in record numbers

Reuters
Thursday, March 24, 2005

LONDON Record numbers of Britons were expected to travel during the
Easter weekend, the airport operator BAA said Wednesday.

The United States and Spain were among the most popular destinations
for about 1.9 million people expected to fly between Thursday and
Monday, BAA said. Destinations in Eastern Europe, including Prague,
Budapest and Bratislava in Slovakia, were increasingly popular.

BAA said it expected Thursday to be the heaviest day of air travel,
with about 440,000 passengers passing through its airports, including
London Heathrow.

To help motorists, the Highways Agency said it would suspend roadwork
at more that 70 spots in England and delay new projects until after
the holiday weekend. (Reuters)

HONG KONG

Airport is rated No. 1

Hong Kong International Airport was named the world’s best in survey
results announced Wednesday.

Singapore Changi Airport and Incheon International Airport in Seoul
were second and third, respectively, in the survey conducted by
Airports Council International and the International Air Transport
Association, based on interviews with 65,000 people at 40 airports in
2004.

Halifax International Airport in Nova Scotia was rated the best in
the Americas, Copenhagen Airport was rated best in Europe and Dubai
International Airport came first in the Middle East and Africa. (AP)

CASTRIES, St. Lucia: Two U.S.-based airlines are increasing flights
to St. Lucia after Air Jamaica temporarily suspended flights to the
Caribbean island, a tourism official said. US Airways has already
increased its flights from two to three times a week, while Delta Air
Lines will move from two to five flights a week, beginning April 1,
said the St. Lucia tourism director, Hilary Modeste. (AP)

YEREVAN, Armenia: Birds that had abandoned trees around Armenia’s
main airport because of heavy snow caused problems for at least three
planes Tuesday after they were sucked into the planes’ engines,
Armavia Airlines said Wednesday. Several flights were delayed out of
the capital. “Because of heavy snowfall the birds were not sitting in
the trees and preferred to stroll on the runway,” said a spokesman
for the national carrier. (AFP)

TOKYO: A suicidal man who hijacked a Japanese domestic flight in 1999
and stabbed the pilot to death in the cockpit was sentenced to life
in prison Wednesday after a court ruled that he suffered mental
problems. Yuji Nishizawa, 34, killed Naoyuki Nagashima before he was
seized by airline staff; the plane with 517 passengers and crew
returned safely to Tokyo.(AFP)

MANILA: Terrorists are in the final stages of planning an attack in
the Philippines, the British Embassy warned Wednesday as it
discouraged British citizens from traveling to most parts of Mindanao
and the Sulu Archipelago. The United States also updated its travel
advisory, saying that reprisals by the militant group Abu Sayyaf are
possible. (AFP)

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico: A 110-passenger cruise ship carrying gay and
nudist passengers was temporarily stopped by local authorities and
prevented from entering Saint Kitts and Nevis on Wednesday, a
Windjammer Barefoot Cruises official said. (AP)