Author: Tigranian Ani

Reuters, UK
March 14 2008

UN assembly tells Armenia to get out of Azerbaijan

Fri Mar 14, 2008 5:48pm EDT
By Louis Charbonneau

UNITED NATIONS, March 14 (Reuters) – The U.N. General Assembly on
Friday demanded that Armenian forces withdraw from all occupied
territories in Azerbaijan, but key mediators in the Azeri-Armenia
dispute rejected the non-binding resolution.

In an Azeri-drafted resolution, the assembly called for "the
immediate, complete and unconditional withdrawal from all the
occupied territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan."

Although the largely symbolic resolution was adopted, only 39 out of
192 members of the U.N. General Assembly voted for it. Seven
countries, including Armenia, the United States, France and Russia,
voted against it.

There were 100 abstentions and many other countries chose not to
participate in the vote, which Western diplomats said was a
reflection of the fact that most people felt the Azeri resolution was
not a balanced picture of the problem.

"This resolution was not helpful," said a diplomat from one of the
three co-chairs of the Minsk Group — Russia, the United States and
France.

The Minsk Group is a committee of countries working to bring about a
peaceful resolution of the disagreement over Nagorno-Karabakh, the
disputed Caucasus mountain enclave. The group was established by the
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in 1992.

A U.S. statement on the resolution said the three Minsk Group
co-chairs all voted against the resolution because they agreed it
represented a "unilateral" view of the dispute.

European Union president Slovenia issued a statement that said the
Minsk Group should continue to deal with the issue.

"The EU calls on the parties concerned to avoid any actions which
could lead to heightened tensions and which could undermine the
ongoing mediation efforts," it said.

Last week Azeri President Ilham Aliyev said Kosovo’s newly declared
independence from Serbia had emboldened Armenian separatists in
Azerbaijan’s mountainous enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh.

Both Armenia and Azerbaijan have accused each other of stoking the
recent violence there. (Editing by Eric Walsh)

U.S. MAY SUSPEND MILLENNIUM CHALLENGE ACCOUNT

PanARMENIAN.Net
13.03.2008 17:21 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ "If Armenia doesn’t observe certain provisions of the
Millennium Challenge Account, the program may be stopped," RA Foreign
Minister Vartan Oskanian told a news conference in Yerevan today.

"Armenian authorities were facing a dilemma: security and stability
or financial assistance. The matter is that democratic values have
not taken final shape in Armenia yet. We should not forget that
only 17 years have passed since the USSR decline. At that, it’s
worth mentioning that the U.S. will suspend financial flows to the
structures which can’t function under the emergency rule," he said.

Earlier, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said that "the state
of emergency in Armenia, imposed recently after rioting against the
results of the presidential election, had made it necessary to suspend
some U.S. programs there."

ARMENIA’S GOVERNMENT APPROVES STRATEGIC PROGRAM OF PRE-SCHOOL EDUCATION REFORMS FOR 2008-2015

ARKA
March 14, 2008

YEREVAN, March 14. /ARKA/. Armenia’s Government approved the strategic
program of pre-school education reforms for 2008-2015.

The main objective of the program is to improve quality and
accessibility of services in pre-school education, said Levon
Mkrtchian, Armenia’s Minister of Science and Education.

Special focus will be placed on involving children from poor families
in the program, the Minister said.

Mkrtchian pointed out that importance will be attached not only to
development and application of special methodologies of teaching
5-6-year children, but also to rehabilitation of outdated logistics.

Emphasis in educational programs will be put on preparation of children
of senior pre-school age to turn to the secondary education system,
the Minister said. He pointed out that the program will be funded from
three main sources – international financing, community appropriations
for pre-school establishments and support from state budget.

According to Armenia’s Science and Education Ministry, 47,308
children (21.6% of all children of pre-school age) were attending
623 kindergartens functioning in Armenia in 2006, including 395 urban
kindergartens and 228 rural kindergartens.

38454 children attended urban and 8854 rural kindergartens in
2006.

ROBERT KOCHARIAN DISCUSSED WITH COUNCIL OF EUROPE COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS THE POST-ELECTION SITUATION IN ARMENIA

Mediamax
March 13, 2008

Yerevan /Mediamax/. Armenian President Robert Kocharian and Council
of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Thomas Hammarberg discussed
in Yerevan today the post-election situation present in the country
and the problems, conditioned by the given situation.

As Mediamax was told in the press service of the Armenian President,
Robert Kocharian stated that after the elections, unfortunately, we did
not manage to avoid unwanted development of events, and the authorities
were forces to take up steps, necessary to settle the situation.

Talking about the situation on human rights protection in Armenia in
conditions of the state of emergency, the sides noted the importance of
taking the necessary steps for the soon normalization of the situation.

Robert Kocharian noted that at present the situation in Yerevan is
calm, in connection with which the limitations, conditioned by the
state of emergency, have already been mitigated twice.

UN TO TABLE SITUATION IN OCCUPIED AZERI LAND FRIDAY

Assa-Irada
March 11 2008
Azerbaijan

A draft resolution on the situation in the occupied Azerbaijani
territories included in the agenda of the UnitedNations General
Assemblys 62nd session will be put on discussion on Friday,
the Foreign Ministry spokesman KhazarIbrahim said. He added that
the Azerbaijani representation in New York was working hard to
achieve adoption of thedocument. The draft resolution, handed out
earlier at the UN GA session to muster international support for it,
urgedunconditional withdrawal of the Armenian armed forces from the
occupied territories. It said the ongoing occupation ofUpper (Nagorno)
Garabagh and adjacent districts considerably disrupted regional
stability. The paper pointed to theimportance of providing suitable
conditions for the co-existence of the Azerbaijani and Armenian
communities of UpperGarabagh in the future. The UN has already passed
four resolutions on the unconditional pullout of the Armenian forces,
but none of them have been implemented so far.

Azerbaijan and Armenia fought a lengthy war that ended with the
signingof a cease-fire in 1994, but Armenia continues to occupy Upper
Garabagh and seven other Azerbaijani districts. Peacetalks have been
fruitless so far and refugees remain stranded.

PRESS RELEASE
Wedensday, March 13, 2008
Union of Armenian Associations in Sweden
Box 237
177 24 Järfälla
Sweden
[email protected]
www.ar meniska.se

Open Letter to the Armenian Government and Armenia TV

The members of the Armenian community in Sweden have with great regret
followed the development of the latest presidential elections in Armenia.
For a long time the election campaigns seemed to be at least the most
active during the entire post independence period and were, despite the
still existing shortcomings, regarded as a highly positive step in right
direction for democratization of the country where the people for the
first time displayed their interest for the topical news and their active
participation in the election. However, that soon showed to be a
short-lived euphoria.

First and foremost, let it be known that we do not either advocate the
opposition or any other particular parties in the election and do not
intend this letter as a political statement. This letter is solely aimed
at the office of the government and the media reporting, their duties and
obligations to safeguard democracy and freedom of speech in Armenia. In
the current situation the issue seems to have deviated from the real
problem, disregarding the institutions in question and instead focusing on
individuals. Living in Sweden, considered one of the foremost developed
and transparent democracies on the globe, one soon learns that all
parties, government or opposition, right or left, 1) work towards the same
goal of a prosperous Sweden, 2) everyone has the right to speak up their
minds, regardless of this taking 1 day or 1 year 3) even the farthest
distance between government and opposition never results in gagging the
opposition 4) media is obliged to present a neutral and objective picture
of the situation. As citizens of a country which many other nations look
up to and praise as a role model for a free and democratic nation, the
unfolding events of the past weeks in Armenia are nothing but utterly
unacceptable behavior, unbecoming of an Armenia in the 21st century. The
declaration of a state of emergency, shooting unarmed demonstrators, and
imposing an almost dictatorship-like state-censorship is unbecoming of a
republic which Armenia claims to be. That Armenia is depicted as yet
another post-Soviet oligarchic-ruled state is not a flattering image that
the Armenian Government should strive for.

As far as it concerns the Armenian Public Service TV and in particular the
news coverage of Haylour, both during the election campaign and that of
the unrest on March 1st and the following days, one can not help but
strongly criticize the heavily one-sided, biased reporting that the
Haylour has allowed itself to deliver. Once more, we do neither endorse
nor defend the actions of the obvious vandals and opportunists who
committed the lootings and destruction which followed the unrest, and
strongly condemn their actions. However, we feel that it is highly odd
that not once, the media allowed the opposition to come forward and
condemn (or not if they so wish) the happening, thus setting the record
straight whether they defended those actions or dissociate from and
condemned them. As a description text of the Public Service TV of Sweden,
it is stated that `One of the most important points is `to scrutinize
authorities, organizations and private firms which exert influence over
policy affecting the public, and cover the activities of these and other
bodies.” Sorry to say, but the Armenian TV is parsecs from living up to
that standard. Armenia 1 TV and Haylour in particular have done nothing
to further agitate and contribute to the current situation in Armenia,
smearing all and everyone that has not endorsed government policy. Thus,
the public TV and news agency bear an equal responsibility in
destabilizing the country. If anything, now that the H1 broadcasting is
targeting people living abroad, mostly in developed democratic countries,
any sensible, clear-minded person soon starts to question the one-sided
reporting and how it comes that no one from the opposition (or for the
sake of the argument `the accused’) is given the opportunity to explain
and defend themselves?

And finally, that almost all media, radio, and internet sites, such as
Armenialiebrty.org and even Youtube are blocked are signs of great
concern. We ridiculed and condemned less developed democracies, such as
the decision of Turkish Government for doing the same over the Armenian
Genocide when the Turkish Government blocked Youtube for `protecting their
citizens from untruthful lies.’ Do Armenia and the Armenian Government now
resorting to the same action? And do does the Armenian Government
genuinely believe that the internet sites and the information and the
documented news, images, and videos therein will disappear just because
the Armenian public in Armenia are prohibited from accessing them? And how
long will the prohibition last and then what? The information, the images
and the videos will still be there and the general public will eventually
learn about all the facts, presented from all perspectives, pro and con.

We welcomed the initiative taken by the Armenian Government to invite all
parties to join a coalition which would work for the common goal of taking
Armenia forward towards a better future. That the Government resorted to
violence and now is implementing actions unbecoming a `republic,’ does not
fit the image which the Armenian Government, Armenia 1 TV or Haylour are
advocating or we as Armenians strive and hope for. Thus, we urge that the
Government of Armenia considers completely lifting the state of emergency,
allow freedom of speech even for those who do not share the governmental
view, and to engage in resolving the situation by peaceful dialogues. What
transpired in Yerevan is still by many regarded as unbelievable. The
Armenian authorities, regardless of who and what party that holds the post
of president or government, must come to realize that they serve one
entity and one entity alone: the people of Armenia. It is the people of
Armenia who have the right to pass judgment on any political party in the
country, empower or dismiss any president or government, since, after all,
these offices are elected by the general public. The soon this fact is
realized the sooner we can start combating corruption, poverty and anarchy
which prevails in Armenia and work for a democratic, prosperous and stable
and strong nation worthy of rich cultural and historic heritage that we
have inherited.

Yours truly,

The Board of the Union of Armenian Associations in Sweden,
Stockholm, Sweden

AZERBAIJAN ATTACKS KARABAKH POSITIONS – NKR DEFENSE ARMY RESTORE STATUS-QUO

NKR Representative to U.S.
March 10 2007

Washington, DC – Last week an Azerbaijani military unit attacked
defense positions of Nagorno Karabakh, wounding two Karabakh officers
and seizing two military posts near Levonarkh located in the northern
part of the Line of Contact. After fruitless attempts to reinstate
the status-quo through OSCE mediation, the NKR Defense Army launched a
counter-offensive and restored its defense positions causing casualties
to the adversary.

This blatant violation of the 1994 Ceasefire Agreement by Azerbaijan
follows President Ilham Aliyev’s recent statement that his country
had been buying military hardware, airplanes and ammunition and was
prepared to attack Nagorno Karabakh again.

NKR Government informed the OSCE representative in the region about
the Azeri attack and asked the Personal Representative of the OSCE
Chairman-in-office to urge Baku to stop the offensive and retire
to previous positions. However, Azerbaijan’s refusal to cooperate
left no option for the NKR defense forces other than to respond in
kind, reclaiming the two military posts after a brief but intensive
firefight.

NKR Ministry of Foreign Affairs called for a crisis-monitoring of
the area to fully investigate the incident. However, the mission,
which was planned for March 7, had to be postponed due to Baku’s
refusal to ensure the security of the OSCE personnel.

NKR military intelligence points to increased concentration of
Azerbaijani military hardware and personnel close to Levonarkh.

"We urge, once again, the Azeri leadership to refrain from attempts to
violate the armistice and also warn that any intrusion by the Azeri
military units will receive an adequate response of the NKR Defense
Army," said today’s statement of the NKR Foreign Ministry.

The OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs issued a statement
(), in which they called on the
conflicting sides to restore confidence along the Line of Contact
and desist from any further confrontations, escalation of violence
or warmongering rhetoric.

"The Co-Chairs reiterate that there is no military solution to
the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The outbreak of hostilities would
destabilize the entire region, with calamitous consequences for all
involved", the statement said in part.

In the last several years Azerbaijan has used its vast oil revenues to
build up its offensive capabilities aimed against Nagorno Karabakh,
threatening the latter with another war. Azerbaijan’s destructive
behavior jeopardizes OSCE mediation efforts and also goes against
the U.S. goal of fostering peace and stability in the South Caucasus.

The Nagorno Karabakh Republic remains fully committed to the peaceful
resolution of the conflict with Azerbaijan and also ready to resume
full-fledged negotiations without any preconditions. NKR welcomes
continued mediation efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group, co-chaired by
the United States, Russia and France.

We also call on the United States and the international community
to hold Azerbaijan accountable for the recent violation of the truce
and to help prevent further escalation of tensions in the region.

* * * The Office of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic in the United
States is based in Washington, DC and works with the U.S. government,
academia and the public representing the official policies and
interests of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, Artsakh.

PanARMENIAN.Net

Dov Lynch: Kosovo can set precedent for conflicts like
in Nagorno Karabakh
07.03.2008 14:50 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Despite the difference between the
Kosovo and Nagorno Karabakh conflicts, independence of
Kosovo can set a precedent for conflicts like in
Nagrono Karabakh, Dov Lynch OSCE Secretariat Senior
Adviser, said when addressing Rose-Roth NATO seminar
in Baku.

`The conflict should be resolved peacefully, since
resumption of the hostilities in Nagorno Karabakh will
result in new bloodshed,’ he said.

For his part, Markus Meckel, Chairman of the NATO PA
Political Committee, said that resolution of the
Nagorno Karabakh conflict is important for
Azerbaijan’s democratic and economic development,
Azeri Press Agency reports.

ARMENIAN INFLATION ACCELERATES FURTHER IN FEBRUARY
by Venla Sipila

Global Insight
March 4, 2008

Inflation pressure remains high in Armenia in early 2008. According
to latest data from the Armenian National Statistical Service,
consumer prices in the country increased by 7.5% year-on-year (y/y)
in February, ARKA News reports. Thus, inflation accelerated further
from the already elevated rate of 6.6% y/y registered in both January
and December. Food prices surged by 10.8% y/y, while prices of non-food
goods increased by a more modest rate of 4.8% y/y and service charges
gained 4.7% y/y. Measured month-on-month (m/m), consumer prices on
the whole rose by 1.1% after gaining 2.4% m/m in January.

Specifically, cost of good increased by 0.6% m/m while non-food
good prices rose by 0.5% and service prices rose by 2.3% m/m. The
rapid pace of service price growth was mainly attributed to growth
of 6.8% m/m in the cost of medical services and an increase of 4.1%
m/m in the prices of cultural services. The cumulative consumer price
growth for January-February registered 3.4% while prices rose by 7%
y/y over the first two months of this year.

Significance:While food prices typically tend to rise in the winter
months, this year’s increases are also notably pushing up the annual
inflation rates, as world market prices for grains remain high. High
energy prices are also contributing to inflation. However, as Armenian
growth is finally expected to cool somewhat after a prolonged very
strong period, price pressure from the demand side should somewhat
ease this year, although still remaining a clear factor in boosting
inflation. In any case, inflation pressure in Armenia is likely to
remain considerable in the near term making achieving the target
specified by the Central Bank of Armenia (CBA) at 4% a challenging
task.

ARMENIAN OFFICIAL SAYS EX-LEADER MAY BE TRIED OVER RIOTS

Mediamax
March 4 2008
Armenia

Yerevan, 4 March: Spokesman of the Armenian president Viktor
Soghomonyan did not rule out the likelihood of bringing to criminal
responsibility the ex-President Levon Ter-Petrosyan for the mass
unrest in Yerevan on 1 March, which led to human losses.

"All the organizers, instigators and executors of the unrest
will be punished to full severity of the law",Viktor Soghomonyan
stated, answering the question on the possibility of bringing Levon
Ter-Petrosyan to criminalresponsibility.

Mediamax reports that the spokesman of the president refuted the
statements on the "house arrest" of theex-president.

"On 1 March, the minister of foreign affairs of Armenia already talked
about this – State Protection Serviceconsiders it inexpedient for
Ter-Petrosyan to leave his house. However, he can sign any time the
document on renouncing the services of state protection and in that
case no one will hinder his movement", Viktor Soghomonyan stated.

The spokesman of the president noted that "the soon abolition of
the state of emergency meets the interests ofall the citizens of
Armenia". Noting that the decree on state of emergency was signed by
the president on 1 Marchfor the term of 20 days, Viktor Soghomonyan
stated that the decision on possible abolition of the state of
emergencyprior to the given date will depend on the "development of
the situation".

Viktor Soghomonyan refuted the statements, according to which in
reality the number of victims of 1 March events was more than eight
people.

"This is another blatant lie, which we evidenced repeatedly in the
course of the recent few months. The very liewas the basis for the
pre-election campaign of Ter-Petrosyan", Viktor Soghomonyan stressed.

Spokesman of the Armenian president refuted the statements and the
claims of Ter-Petrosyan, according to which heallegedly held talks
with the authorities at night between 1 and 2 March.

"This is another lie. I believe that in the course of the nearest few
days you will have the opportunity tocommunicate with the president
of Armenia, and I propose you to ask the question on those claims
of Ter-Petrosyan to thepresident. I am sure that he will have some
things to tell you", Viktor Soghomonyan told the journalists.