Author: Topchian Jane

Azer Tag, Azerbaijan State Info Agency
April 19 2004

CONSTITUENT CONFERENCE OF CONGRESS OF EUROPEAN AZERBAIJANIS HELD IN
BERLIN
[April 19, 2004, 16:34:08]

As correspondent of AzerTAj reported, on April 17, constituent
conference of the Congress of Azerbaijanis of Europe (CAE) was held
in well-known Berlin hotel “Hilton”.

The Conference was attended by representatives of the Azerbaijan
communities and Diaspora organizations of Ukraine, the Russian
Federation, Belarus, Sweden, Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, Finland,
Belgium, Austria, Netherlands, France, Spain, Czech, Poland, Romania,
Hungary, Bulgaria, Germany, heads of the Azerbaijan societies
functioning in the US, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrghyzstan, head
of socio-political department of Administration of the President of
Azerbaijan Ali Hasanov, delegation of the State Committee on work
with the Azerbaijanis living in foreign countries, led by chairman of
committee Nazim Ibrahimov, the ambassador of our country in Germany
Huseynaga Sadigov, members of Great National Assembly of Turkey.

In the beginning, the national anthem of the Azerbaijan Republic was
performed.

Memory of the national leader Heydar Aliyev was revered with a moment
of silence.

Opening the conference by opening address, chairman of the State
Committee on Work with the Azerbaijanis living in foreign countries,
Nazim Ibrahimov, named creation of the Congress of Azerbaijanis of
Europe as an important event for association of Diaspora
organizations of this continent. He expressed confidence that the new
structure would carry out purposeful activity in strengthening of
connections of our compatriots living in Europe with their historical
Motherland – Azerbaijan, maintenance of political, spiritual unity
and solidarity between Azerbaijanis of the world.

Mr. Ali Hasanov has read congratulatory message of the President of
Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to the participants of Conference.

In the first part of the conference, passed under the motto `Modern
Azerbaijan realities – the new stage of development and cooperation’,
have been heard reports of Ali Hasanov, on the topic `Azerbaijan on
the European space – the European states: democracy, secularity,
supremacy of law becomes norm of civil society’, ambassador Huseynaga
Sadigov – `Azerbaijani-German relations at the present stage’,
representative of the Ministry of Economic Development Samad Bashirov
– `Updating and dynamics in the Azerbaijan economy’, the adviser of
vice-president of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Eldar Shahbazov
– `Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan – the bridge between the countries of the
Caspian region and Mediterranean’, the leading expert of the Ministry
of Youth, Sports and Tourism Farid Akhundov – `Opportunities of
tourist potential in Azerbaijan’.

In second half, discussed were issues of `Modern state and prospects
of development of the Azerbaijan Diaspora’. The speakers touched the
prospects of development of the Azerbaijan Diaspora, its
participation in the political life of the countries of residing, the
role in settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorny Karabakh
conflict, relations of the Azerbaijan communities with local state
structures at the decision of problems and cares of our compatriots,
of problems and cares in the field of protection of the rights of
Azerbaijanis in the countries of Europe.

The Conference has discussed the project of the Charter of the
Congress of Azerbaijanis of Europe and elected the directing bodies
of structure – the Central Council and Executive Committee. The
president of Association of Turkish-German businessmen Bahyaddin Gaya
was elected Chairman of the Congress of Azerbaijanis of Europe, and
executive director of All-Russia Azerbaijan congress Natig Agamirov
and chairman of the Congress of Azerbaijanis of Ukraine Ogtay
Efendiyev – vice-chairmen.

After statement of the Congress of Azerbaijanis of Europe, heads of
more than 50 communities and associations have signed the Protocol of
the official consent, and have called societies, associations and
national structures in other countries for cooperation in the name of
our national interests.

The Headquarters and Coordination Secretary of the Congress will
locate in Berlin. After official registration in Germany, the
Congress will receive the right to put before the international
organizations the questions connected to problems of Azerbaijan and
Azerbaijanis.

Chairman of the State Committee on Work with the Azerbaijanis Living
Abroad Nazim Ibrahimov has held a news conference devoted to results
of the Conference.

After the Conference, was organized a concert program of masters of
the art of Azerbaijan.

Azeri politicians ambivalent on recognition of Turkish Cypriots

Zerkalo, Baku
17 Apr 04

Azerbaijani politicians are divided on possible consequences of
recognition of the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
for the Nagornyy Karabakh conflict. The issue came onto the agenda
following the Azerbaijani president’s remarks in Ankara. The
Azerbaijani opposition used to call for this recognition, but is now
criticizing the president’s stance, the executive secretary of the
ruling party said. The following is an excerpt from Teymurxanli’s
report by Azerbaijani newspaper Zerkalo on 17 April headlined “In the
wake of the statement” and subheaded “Azerbaijani politicians comment
on Ilham Aliyev’s remarks”; subheadings inserted editorially:

It probably will not be an exaggeration to say that the Azerbaijani
public’s attitude to President Ilham Aliyev’s recent statement was
ambiguous.

During the official visit to Turkey, Aliyev said [on 15 October] that
“in the event the Turkish Cypriots accept and the Greek community
rejects the reunification at the forthcoming referendum, Azerbaijan
may recognize the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus”.

Zerkalo newspaper contacted Azerbaijani politicians in order to learn
their stance on these remarks. Predictably, their views
diverged. Moreover, for reasons difficult to understand some
politicians simply refused to comment on Aliyev’s statement.

Misleading media coverage

Political analyst [and ex-Foreign Minister] Tofiq Zulfuqarov told
Zerkalo that journalists’ interpretation of the remarks was somewhat
misleading. He talked about two aspects of the statement. First, it is
about supporting the referendum, “i.e. supporting in effect the UN
plan”. Second, “Azerbaijan is ready to back the Turkish population of
the Northern Cyprus if they vote for the reunification of the two
parts of Cyprus”.

“If this is about supporting the idea of the referendum, it means
support for the UN plan which does not envisage creation of two
separate states,” Zulfuqarov said.

In turn, the leader of the Azarbaycan Milli Istiqlal Party, Etibar
Mammadov, said that such a statement could create a precedent for
recognition of Nagornyy Karabakh as an independent state. Should the
Greek community vote “no”, it will in fact reject Northern Cyprus,
Mammadov said. “By contrast, Azerbaijan has not conducted such a
referendum. Therefore, the situations are different and should not be
viewed as similar,” he said.

Hasty remark

Aydin Quliyev, the secretary for ideology of the Democratic Party of
Azerbaijan, described Aliyev’s remarks as hasty. This issue has to be
treated carefully since Armenia is actively conducting a policy to
make the international community recognize Nagornyy Karabakh as an
independent state, he said.

This statement has done tangible damage to Azerbaijan’s interests and
can be viewed as suiting the interests of Turkey’s official
circles. “Albeit Turkey is our strategic partner, their interests must
not be realized at the expense of ours,” Quliyev said.

He also reckons that Aliyev’s remarks will negatively affect relations
with Greece, “because Greece will not be delighted by these words”. It
can be expected that the Armenian lobby will start an intensive
campaign regarding the Greek community’s stance on the referendum. In
the event the independence of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
is recognized, this may create a dangerous precedent for recognition
of Nagornyy Karabakh as an independent state.

Ex-prisoner welcomes president’s statement

Isgandar Hamidov, ex-interior minister and chairman of the National
Democratic Party (Grey Wolves) who was recently released from jail,
said that “if there is an intention to recognize the independence of
Northern Cyprus, then I completely welcome it”. He does not believe
either that recognition of Northern Cyprus may result in recognition
of Nagornyy Karabakh’s independence. “There is a UN plan on Cyprus,
and it says that if one of the sides does not vote in the referendum,
then the other one will be recognized by international organizations,”
Hamidov said.

The situations around Northern Cyprus and Nagornyy Karabakh cannot be
compared, he said. “We are anyway unable to step on Karabakh soil,
regardless of whether the international community recognizes Nagornyy
Karabakh or not. And we have the legal right to liberate that
territory.”

Greek-Azerbaijani relations not to be affected

One should not expect any perceptible changes in Greek-Azerbaijani
relations, “since they were not especially friendly anyway”, Hamidov
said. “The Greeks have always sold weapons to Armenians,” he
said. “True, Greece says it supports Azerbaijan’s territorial
integrity, but Greek-Armenian companies are active in Armenia and
Nagornyy Karabakh.”

He ruled out the possibility of Greece recognizing Nagornyy Karabakh’s
independence in the event of such a statement. “Even if there is such
a threat, we still should recognize Northern Cyprus’ independence.”

Biased stance

In turn, the executive secretary of the ruling New Azerbaijan Party,
Ali Ahmadov, said that a biased stance should not be taken on this
issue. “At one time, opposition newspapers frequently carried calls
for Azerbaijan to recognize the independence of the Turkish Republic
of Northern Cyprus. And now they say that this was a mistaken
statement. I believe that everybody should do their best to resolve
this issue,” Ahmadov said. Should the UN plan fail, Azerbaijan will
not agree with violation of Turkish Cypriots’ rights, he said.

[Passage omitted: Minor details]

LIFE REGULATING IN THE UNRECOGNIZED COUNTRY

Azat Artsakh–Nagorno Karabakh Republic (NKR)
14-04-2004

In the past four years more than 40 million dollars of foreign
investments were made in the Republic of Nagorni Karabakh. NKR and its
economy are considered a risk zone because the international community
has not and in the near future is not going to recognize the right for
self-determination of the people of NKR, and the conflict has not been
settled yet. Prime minister Anoushavan Danielian agrees that NKR was
and remains a risk zone for foreign investors. Therefore, the prime
minister of NKR considers it necessary to find an intermediate
solution to attract investors. “In 2000 the government worked out an
economic program which works today. Tax rates were reduced. Today the
profit tax and the income tax total 5 percent,” said Anoushavan
Danielian. The economic reforms and simplification of the tax system
have produced the first results; businessmen from the USA, Russia,
Lebanon and other countries make investments in NKR. “I am opposed to
the opinion that before the settlement of the conflict Karabakh will
remain a risk zone. A certain intermediate solution should be sought
for. If NKR is considered a risk zone, then we have to compensate this
by providing so attractive conditions as to overbalance the risk,”
says Danielian. The flow of foreign investments started in 2000 and
as a result the rate of the industrial growth totaled 17 percent, in
2001 it increased to 22, in 2002 36 and in 2003 about 44
percent. These are not mere numbers, every year salaries and pensions
are increased. The investments of the provider of telephone
communication in Karabakh the Lebanon company “Karabakh Telecom” have
exceeded 10 million dollars already. Today the cellular communication
tariffs in NKR are lower and the quality of service is higher than in
Armenia. Of big investments it is worth to mention “Artsakhbank”, the
sphere of hotel building is developing at high rates. The hotel
“Nairi” was built on Australian investments, the hotel of Shoushi was
built on American investments. The hotel “Karabakh” is
reconstructed. Within a year and a half the metallurgic factory of
Drmbon was projected, built and operated. Even in Soviet years it was
impossible to build a factory in such a short period of time. Today
700 people are employed in Drmbon, 150 were invited from Armenia,
there is need for labour force. In the past 1 or 2 years the
businessmen of Armenia also make investments in NKR. Two wineries were
rebuilt in Martouni and Karmir Shouka. In total 5 million dollars were
invested in the production of alcoholic drinks in NKR. In cooperation
with the American “Lebanon Corporation” and the Russian “Armenian
Cognac” the company “Artsakhalco” realizes its production (vodka, wine
and brandy) in the USA, Russia, the CIS countries. 100 thousand
bottles are imported to Russia annually. “Last year the paltry farm of
Lousakert produced 900 tons of paltry, this year it is planned to
produce 1300 tons,” said Anoushavan Danielian. In the past two years
Karabakh had a good harvest of grain. The grain produced in 2003 is
enough to supply the NKR population during 3 years. The NKR prime
minister considers the sphere of water resources promising. “17-18
technical programs are ready, and we expect that in the coming years
investments will be made in this sphere. After the construction of the
first hydroelectric station we will manage to supply the whole
republic. In 2003 we used 150 million kilowatt energy of which 130
million was produced in Karabakh (water reservoir of Sarsang). Soon
we will be able to export electric energy. We are in the same system
with Armenia and the Republic of Armenia has exit to Georgia and
Azerbaijan,” said Anoushavan Danielian. In 2003 the budget of
expenditure totaled 12 billion 592 million drams of which receipts
totaled 3 billion 92 million, budget deficit totaled 9.5 billion drams
which is provided by Armenia (the interstate loan). It seems that
Armenia is the chief taxpayer of the NKR budget. But on the other
hand, there is no customs on the NKR-RA border and the customs of
products exported from or imported to Karabakh are paid to
Armenia. These sums are almost equal to the interstate loan provided
by Armenia to Karabakh.

TATUL HAKOBIAN.
14-04-2004

A1 Plus | 15:19:39 | 13-04-2004 | Politics |

PEOPLE PARTY HEADQUARTER SURROUNDED

Police prevented People Party’s leader Stepan Demirchyan from giving news
conference by surrounding his office.

Demirchyan could do little more than giving brief answers to the questions
journalists put to him. He denounced the law enforcement’s last night attack
on demonstrators as terror against own people.

ARMENIA MARKS 90TH ANNIVERSARY OF GENOCIDE

2004-04-12 18:44

YEREVAN, 12 April (RIA Novosti correspondent Gamlet Matevosyan)
-Armenia will hold measures from may 2004 to May 2005 dedicated to the
90th anniversary of the genocide of Armenians conducted by the Ottoman
Empire.

RIA Novosti learned in the Armenian government’s PR and press
department that a program of events had been discussed by a state
commission chaired by Prime Minister Andranik Markaryan.

In line with the program, from April 20 to 23 2005, Yerevan will host
an international academic conference on the genocide.

International conferences will also be held in Russia, the USA, Europe
and the Middle East.

Armenia’s foreign ministry has instructed its embassies in various
countries to work out and present their lists of functions to
commemorate the 90th anniversary by the end of May.

Work will also be conducted to identify whether of nor international
organizations acknowledge that the genocide took place and whether or
not countries are prepared to recognize and condemn this crime at the
state level.

The Armenian government is planning to take measures to raise the
international community’s awareness of the Armenians’ genocide, in
particular, by distributing books and leaflets about it.

Many countries have acknowledged the 1915 genocide of the Armenians in
the Ottoman Empire. Uruguay was the first in 1965, while Russia,
France, Argentina, Greece, Italy and Switzerland have also officially
done so.

IN THIS ISSUE:

*** ROA MINISTRY OF LABOR AND SOCIAL ISSUES RAISES NGOS’ AWARENESS ON SOCIAL
SECURITY CARDS SYSTEM

*** ARMENIA’S FIRST “ONE-STOP SHOP” FOR SOCIAL SERVICES OFFICIALLY OPENED IN
VANADZOR

*** NGO CODE OF STANDARDS CREATED

*** SEXUAL HARASSMENT IN THE WORKPLACE

*** CENTER FOR COMMUNITY DIALOGUES AND INITIATIVES FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

*** HEALTHY COMMUNITY MEMBERS

*** NGO BRUSSELS STATEMENT

*** ROA MINISTRY OF LABOR AND SOCIAL ISSUES RAISES NGOS’ AWARENESS ON SOCIAL
SECURITY CARDS SYSTEM

On March 10, 2004, the AAA NGO Training and Resource Center hosted a meeting
of NGO representatives with the ROA Ministry of Labor and Social Issues
Working Group Implementing the Social Security Cards System in Armenia. The
objective was to raise the awareness of participating NGOs on the system, so
that later they could improve the knowledge of their beneficiaries on the
benefits of the social security card in combating corruption in Armenia.
During the meeting, the Ministry representative Artem Asatryan outlined the
Social Security Card system and explained its advantages. Artem Asatryan
said, “The introduction of the Social Security Cards (SSCs) will increase
the efficiency of state government activities. The program will have a
beneficial influence on the activities of benefit payments, taxation,
payment of customs duties, the administration of Armenia’s system of social
security and insurance and other sectors. All those present were provided
with public education materials (Q&A brochures on SSCs and new pension
system, leaflets on pension age in Armenia and pension reforms) to
distribute among their beneficiaries. These materials are available at the
Pensions Department of the Ministry of Labor and Social Issues.

Contact: Artem Asatryan
ROA Ministry of Labor and Social Issues
Government Building #3
Tel.: (374-1) 56-42-10

*** ARMENIA’S FIRST “ONE-STOP SHOP” FOR SOCIAL SERVICES OFFICIALLY OPENED IN
VANADZOR

Since March 29, 2004, the Integrated Social Services Center (ISSC) has been
functioning in Vanadzor, allowing citizens to apply for social services in
one location. The Center was created jointly by the Ministry of Labor and
Social Issues and the USAID-funded Armenia Social Transition Project (ASTP),
PADCO, Inc. The structures providing services at the ISSC are:

 State Social Insurance Fund, where citizens can apply for pensions and
employers pay social insurance contributions for employees;

 Regional Social Service Agency, where families can apply for social
assistance, humanitarian assistance, Poverty Family Benefit and Lump Sum
Assistance payments;

 National Employment and Labor Agency, where the unemployed can receive
unemployment benefits, apply to job announcements, and where customers can
also enroll in training opportunities;

 Social Medical Expertise Commission, where persons with disabilities can
apply for medical examinations which may qualify them for disability
pensions;

 NGO Gateway, uniting more than 30 NGOs in Vanadzor, which provides
services for the vulnerable, elderly, refugees, and others who need advice
and information. An NGO representative in the reception area will provide
information and assistance to citizens who have a need, but may not qualify
for state benefits and require additional services that state social service
offices cannot provide.

There are plans to created similar Integrated Social Service Centers in
Masis and Etchmiadzinin in the near future.

Contact: Armenia Social Transition Project (ASTP), PADCO, Inc. 14 Sundukian
St.
Tel: (374-1) 27-31-75; 27-31-76; 27-31-79; 27-27-85
E-mail: [email protected]

*** NGO CODE OF STANDARDS CREATED

On February 26, 2004, Tekeyan Cultural Center hosted the presentation of the
Code of Standards for Armenian NGOs. The Code of Standards was developed by
a working group of Yerevan-based and regional NGOs with technical and
financial support provided by World Learning through USAID. Taking into
account international experience, the Code initiators intend to formally
establish the basis and standards of practice which will enable Armenian
NGOs perform their representative and progressive functions in advocating
for the interests of communities and civil society. Among those invited were
representatives of NGOs, the donor community, Armenian government officials
and mass media. The authors of the document introduced issues highlighted in
the document, including Mission; Leadership; Legal Conformity; Conflict of
Interests; Financial Accountability; Human Resources; Fundraising
Activities; Transparency; Involvement in State Policy; Partnership and
Alliances; and Information Management. It is anticipated that the Code of
Standards will serve as a guide for NGOs in strategic planning and
evaluation processes and contribute to the strengthening of the sector and
raising its role in society.

Contact:
Levon Nersisyan
Astghik Union of Disabled Children’s Parents
Tel: (374-1) 57-51-85
E-mail: [email protected]

Gayane Akulyan Dashink NGO
E-mail: [email protected]

*** SEXUAL HARASSMENT IN THE WORKPLACE

The Women’s Forum NGO’s Sexual Harassment in the Workplace project is
currently underway in Yerevan, Gyumri,Vanadzor, Ashtarak and Kotayk cities
with the financial assistance of World Learning. The goal of this project is
to contribute to the prevention of violence towards women in Armenia,
promotion of women’s participation at all levels of public relations as full
members of society and ensuring legal protection of their rights and
interests. After revealing the urgency of the problem, the NGO conducted a
number of roundtables with employed and unemployed women of the cities
mentioned, various NGO representatives, and managers of business and
government sectors. Printed materials on the problem were disseminated
during these events and meetings. Articles were published in the press, a
video clip and programs were aired on TV and radio, and a press conference
was held. Packages have been also developed and presented to Heads of
National Assembly factions, Chairmen of Committees and the relevant Deputy
Group.

One of the main activities of the project is developing suggestions to the
currently discussed draft ROA Labor Code. Designed to protect the labor
rights and legal interests of women in Armenia, the suggestions are already
included in the draft Code and will be heard soon, during the Draft’s first
hearing in the National Assembly.

Contact:
Lilit Avetisyan
Women’s Forum NGO
Tel: (374-1) 58-99-36; 58-13-81
E-mail: [email protected]

*** CENTER FOR COMMUNITY DIALOGUES AND INITIATIVES FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

On March 26, 2004, the presentation of the newly created Center for
Community Dialogues and Initiatives (CCDI) NGO was held. Through its
Citizens’ Awareness and Participation in Armenia project, implemented with
the assistance of IFES and USAID, CCDI will contribute to the formation and
development of civil society. CCDI trainers carry out the following
activities in eight regions of Armenia: training, consultancy, raising the
population’s awareness on the current legislation, elections monitoring,
organizing public forums and discussions, events intended to protect
citizens’ interests, voluntary actions, professional development of young
people, cultural events, research, and providing library resources.

Contact:
Haykaz Karapetyan
Center for Community Dialogues and Initiatives (CCDI) NGO
8 Tumanyan St.
Tel: (374-9) 40-09-53; 45-31-55
E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]

*** HEALTHY COMMUNITY MEMBERS

Future Generation Union’s three-year-long “Well Informed, Empowered,
Responsible and Healthy Communities” project is currently being implemented
in nine villages of Armavir Marz, with the financial assistance of the
Netherlands NOVIB organization. The goal of the project is to contribute to
the betterment of health of community members through increasing their
health awareness and health conditions. The Healthy Communities Foundation
has been established and has nine branches and Community Resource Centers,
replenished with health-related literature in their libraries and modern
communications technologies. Through these Resource Centers, healthcare
awareness training sessions will be conducted for community members; topics
will include health rights, nutrition, sanitation and hygiene, HIV/AIDS and
other STIs, Recently, the Future Generation NGO announced a grants program
among these communities to solve the their prioritized problems.
Infrastructure of the nine villages will be improved by laying pipelines or
repairing health-posts or school buildings. The project activities will also
be expanded throughout nine other communities in Armavir. The Revolving Drug
Fund model will be applied here to improve health conditions of community
members by providing medicines and medical services. Preventive health
screening services will be provided to low-income community members, and
appropriate treatment to some of them.

Contact:
Rafayel Vardanyan
Future Generation Union NGO
61/7 Marshal Baghramyan Ave.
Tel: (374-1) 26-46-33
E-mail: [email protected]

*** NGO BRUSSELS STATEMENT

The Women for Green Way for Generations, Armenian Women for Health and
Healthy Environment, Future Generation Union and Lore Eco-Club NGOs made an
announcement on the NGO Brussels Statement, developed in December 2003 in
Brussels during the NGO Strategy Meeting: Making the Environment Work for
Our Children’s Health conference. The event brought together 70
representatives from 50 international, European and national environmental
and health citizens organizations, during which representatives discussed
their ideas, demands and suggestions for the Ministerial Conference on
Environment and Health to be held in Budapest in June 2004. The NGO Brussels
Statement will be followed up with an NGO and Civil Society Declaration to
be presented in Budapest. The statement covers various issues primarily
concerning genetically modified organisms, chemicals, water and food, air
pollution, sustainable development strategy, role of health professionals,
etc. For more information on the statement, visit the
website or contact the following
Armenian NGOs:

Karine Manukyan of Women for Green Way to Generations NGO
E-mail: [email protected]

Karine Grigoryan of Future Generation Union NGO
E-mail: [email protected]

Elena Manvelyan of Armenian Women for Health and Healthy Environment
NGO
E-mail: [email protected]

Andranik Melikjanyan – Lore Eco-Club NGO
E-mail: [email protected]

__________________________________________________________________________

Armenian NGO News in Brief is a publication of the NGO Training and Resource
Center (NGOC) issued in the Armenian, English and Russian languages for
electronic dissemination inside and outside Armenia. Primary funding for
the NGOC, which is a project of the Armenian Assembly of America, is
provided by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
Individual NGOs are welcome to submit information for publication to the
NGOC. The NGO Center is not responsible for the clarity of information
provided by individual NGOs.

Dear Readers,

The not-for-profit, non-governmental sector of Armenia is rich with diverse
civic initiatives and activities. This electronic publication, though far
from covering all activities of the sector per any given period of time, is
intended to contribute to raising awareness, both inside and outside
Armenia, of the activities of Armenian not-for-profit, non-governmental
organizations.

Your comments and feedback about this electronic publication are greatly
appreciated.

Thank you.
NGOC staff.

Contact Information:

In Armenia: Armenian Assembly of America
NGO Training and Resource Center
39 Yeznik Koghbatsi St.,
Yerevan 375010
Tel.: (3-741) 54-40-12; 54-40-13; 53-92-04
Fax: (3-741) 54-40-15
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:

In the United States:Armenian Assembly of America
NGO Training and Resource Center
122 C Street NW, Suite 350
Washington, DC 20001 USA
Tel: (202) 393-3434
Fax: (202) 638-4904
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:

BUSINESS-INFO, TRANSCAUCASIAN ECONOMIC NEWS

ARMINFO NEWS AGENCY

April 12, 2004

FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATES OF ARMENIA’S CENTRAL BANK

ISD CURRENCY 12.04.2004

AUD 1 Australia Dollar 428.74
GBP 1 Britain Pound 1031.02
ARP 1 Argent Peso 199.11
BYR *1000 Belarus Ruble 2.60
BGL *100 Bulgarian Lev 346.34
BRC 1 Brazil Real Cruzado 194.65
HUF 10 Hungary Forint 27.34
GEL *1 Georgia Lari 280.00
DKK 1 Denmark Krone 90.81
EUR 1 EUR 677.38
EGP 1 Egypt Pound 90.76
ILS 1 Israel Shekel 123.89
INR 1 India Rupee 12.87
IRR 100 Iran Rial 6.58
ISK *10 Iceland Krone 77.35
KZT *1 Kazakhstan Tenge 38.18
CAD 1 Canada Dollar 422.32
KGS *1 Kyrgyzian Som 12.92
CNY 1 China Yuan 67.66
KWD *1 Kuwait Dinar 1856.15
LUL *1 Latvia Lat 1033.21
LBP 100 Lebanon Pound 37.15
LTL *1 Lithuania Lit 197.71
MXN 1 Mexico Peco 49.90
MDL *3 Moldova Ley 46.07
NOK 1 Norway Krone 80.77
AED 1 OAE Dirham 152.47
PLS 1 Poland Zloty 143.32
RUR *1000 Russia Ruble 19.64
ROL *100 Romania Ley 8.96
SAR 1 Saudi Arabia Rial 149.33
SGD 1 Singapore Dollar 333.86
SYP 1 Syria Pound 12.68
SKK 1 SlovakRepKoruna 17.01
USD 1 US Dollar 560.00
TJR *10 Tajikistan Ruble 200.72
TRL 10,000 Turkey Lira 4.29
TMM *100 Turkmenistan Manat 10.77
USM *10 Uzbekistan Soom 5.61
UAK *1 Ukraine Karbov. 105.08
CZK 1 CzechRepKoruna 20.79
SEK 1 Sweden Krona 73.91
CHF 1 Switzerland Franc 436.43
EEK *1 Estonia Krone 43.56
KRW 10O S. Korea Von 48.76
JPY 10 Japan Yen 52.58

* -rates are set by the CB without selling-buying obligations

BUYING-SELLING FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATES FIXED BY ARMENIA’S CENTRAL BANK

12.04.2004
ISO Un .
buying selling

USD 1 554.40 565.60
EUR 1 673.30 681.40
GBP 1 1024.80 1037.20
CHF 1 433.80 439.00
CAD 1 419.80 424.90
JPY 10 52.30 52.90
RUR 1 18.50 20.80

PRICES FOR PRECIUOS METALS SET BY ARMEIA’S CENTRAL BANK

Code gram Precious metals 12.04.2004 Changes
ISO 09.04.04

XAU 1 Standardized golden bars 7,552.85 3.69
XAG 1 Standardized silver bars 145.57 -1.01
XPT 1 Standardized platinum bars 15,987.92 -19.72

FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATE FOR INDIVIDUALS IN COMMERCIAL BANKS OF YEREVAN

USD, EUR, RUR, GBP, CHF rates for individuals in Yerevan’s commercial banks
on Apr. 12, 2004 (changes of rates in comparison with Apr. 09 given in
brackets).

USD EUR

buying selling buying selling

Ardshininvest 556(-1) 562(0) 670(-3) 680(-8)
Armimpex 556(-1) 562.5(-1) 670.6(-0.1) 684.2(0)
Armeconom 557(0) 562(0) 670(0) 683(-1)
Areximbank 557(-1) 562(0) 670(+4) 685(0)
Arminvest 557(-1) 560(-3) – –
Arm Dev.Bank 557(-1) 562(0) 665(0) 690(0)
HSBC-Armenia 556(-1) 562(-1) 662(-2) 687(-1)
Unibank 557(-1) 562(0) 668(0) 687(0)
Armsavingsbank 556(-1) 563(0) 670(-1) 680(-2)
Artsakhbank 557(0) 561(-1) 673(-2) 680(-7)
Anelik 558(0) 561(-1) 670(-2) 683(-2)
Convers 557(-1) 560(-1.5) 670(0) 680(+1)
ITB 557(-1) 561(-1) 670(-3) 680(-3)
INECO 556(-1) 561(-1) 670(0) 680(-5)
Prometheus 558(-1) 562(0) 670(0) 685(0)
ACBA 557(+2) 561(-0.5) 670(-6) 679(-1)
Mellat 558(0) 561(-1) 670(0) 690(0)

RUR GBP

buying selling buying selling

Ardshininvest 19.2(0) 19.7(-0.05) 970(+10) 1045(0)
Armimpex 19(0) 19.8(0) 1001(0) 1039(0)
Armeconom 19.2(0) 19.65(0) 1000(+1) 1030(+1)
Areximbank 19(0) 20(0) 900(0) 1010(0)
Arminvest 19.2(0) 19.7(0) – –
Arm Dev.Bank 19.4(0) 20(0) 1000(-5) 1050(-5)
HSBC-Armenia 18.45(-0.03) 19.85(-0.03) 1000(-5) 1044(-7)
Unibank 19(0) 19.8(0) 1000(0) 1038(-5)
Armsavingsbank 19(0) 19.8(0) – –
Artsakhbank 19.2(0) 20(0) 1000(0) 1060(0)
Anelik 19(0) 19.85(0) – –
Convers 19.4(-0.05)) 19.74(-0.03) 1001(0) 1031(+2)
ITB 19.2(-0.1) 19.7(0) 1005(0) 1050(0)
INECO 19.2(0) 19.7(0) – –
Prometheus 19.4(0) 19.7(0) 1005(0) 1035(0)
ACBA 19.5(0) 19.65(-0.15) – –
Mellat 19(0) 20(0) 980(0) 1040(+10)

CHF

buying selling

Ardshininvest – –
Armimpex 388.4(+1.4) 449.5(+1.5)
Armeconom 410(0) 433(-6)
Areximbank 410(0) 440(0)
Arminvest – –
Arm Dev.Bank 417(0) 457(0)
HSBC-Armenia 391(-3) 452(-3)
Unibank – –
Armsavingsbank – –
Artsakhbank 410(0) 470(0)
Anelik – –
Convers 396(-2) 436(+1)
ITB – –
INECO – –
Prometheus – –
ACBA – –
Mellat – –

HSBC-Armenia Converse Bank Areximbank

Currency selling buying selling buying selling buying

1 CAD 386(-1) 436(-1) 367(-1) 422(-5) 385(0) 430(0)
1 GEL – – – – 250(0) 280(0)

CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATES IN COMMERCIAL BANKS OF YEREVAN

USD, EUR and RUR rates (non-cash) for individuals in Yerevan’s commercial
banks on Apr. 12, 2004 (changes of rates in comparison with Apr. 09 given in
brackets).

USD EUR

buying selling buying selling

Ardshininvest 557(0) 562(0) 670(-3) 680(-2)
Armeconom 557(0) 562(0) 670(0) 683(-1)
Arm Dev.Bank 557(-1) 562(0) 665(0) 690(0)
Anelik 558(0) 561(-0.5) 670(-2) 683(-)
Unibank 557(-1) 562(0) 668(0) 687(0)
Armsavingsbank 559(0) 561(-0.5) 675(0) 680(0)
Artsakhbank 557(0) 561(-1) 673(-2) 680(-7)
Converse 557(-1) 560(-1.5) 671(0) 681(+1)
ITB 557(-1) 561(-1) 671(-1) 680(-2)
Prometei 558(-1) 562(0) 670(0) 685(0)
Mellat 558(0) 561(-1) 670(0) 690(0)

RUR

buying selling

Ardshininvest 19.2(0) 19.75(0)
Armeconom 19.2(0) 19.7(0)
Arm Dev.Bank 19.4(0) 20(0)
Anelik 19(0) 19.9(-0.05)
Unibank 19(0) 19.8(0)
Armsavingsbank 19.4(0) 19.75(0)
Artsakhbank 19.2(0) 19.8(-0.2)
Converse 19.45(-0.5) 19.77(-0.03)
ITB 19.2(-0.1) 19.8(0)
Prometei 19.4(0) 19.7(0)
Mellat 19(0) 20(0)

DAILY QUOTATIONS OF FORWARD DEALS OF ARMENIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK

The bank has started signing forward deals from February 10, 1998. It has
started fixing quotations of forward contracts since June 1, 1999 Size of
standard lot makes – $1000. Forward contract is signed for 15 days up to 3 months. 5%
of the transaction volume are frozen due to client’s resources until the term
of the forward contract expires.

Term of imple 12.04.04
menting
forward
contracts buying selling

27.04.04 557,14 563,15

12.05.04 557,29 564,31

11.06.04 559,58 566,62

11.07.04 562,37 568,93

DATA ON ADDITIONAL ISSUES OF STATE TREASURY BILLS OF AMGT SERIES AT CENTRAL
BANK’S AUCTIONS (in drams)

Number of Date of Volume Volume Volume
issue * auction of of de- by comp.
emissi- mand bids
on(mln) (thsd) (thsd)

AMGT522404 25.02.03 700 1607196 1459343
AMGT5002C04 18.03.03 600 1204728 1090105
AMGT5030C04 15.04.03 600 737646 654727
AMGT5227D04 29.04.03 600 1374947 1229302
AMGT5218E04 20.05.03 700 1973263 1790171
AMGT5157E04 05.06.03 500 1921170 1659821
AMGT4313D04 17.06.03 500 1705923 1597979
AMGT5217f04 19.06.03 500 1528805 1379448
AMGT4608f04 22.07.03 700 1542313 1386044
AMGT4901G04 24.07.03 500 902104 847762
AMGT5227G04 29.07.03 500 1432561 1310204
AMGT3906E04 07.08.03 700 1636891 1553160
AMGT4629E04 12.08.03 700 1457813 1353248
AMGT5105H04 14.08.03 600 1252767 1198795
AMGT5217H04 19.08.03 700 1243783 1194568
AMGT4103F04 21.08.03 600 990708 943638
AMGT522404 26.08.03 700 1528934 1467496
AMGT4829G04 28.08.03 500 787636 757336
AMGT5207I04 09.09.03 500 1132931 1022587
AMGT4712H04 18.09.03 600 1304837 1222440
AMGT4826H04 25.09.03 600 1232471 1143645
AMGT5121I04 30.09.03 600 1889666 1743969
AMGT4120G04 07.10.03 600 2147372 1877698
AMGT5212J04 14.10.03 600 1579141 1413587
AMGT4531H04 21.10.03 600 1335040 1185984
AMGT5226J04 28.10.03 600 917087 830606
AMGT5104K04 13.11.03 600 744500 648113
AMGT4605J04 18.11.03 600 873234 806750
AMGT5116K04 25.11.03 600 1237968 1131450
AMGT4519J04 09.12.03 600 1619503 1498869
AMGT5030K04 16.12.03 600 2184553 1944022
AMGT4028I04 23.12.03 600 1631960 1467388
AMGT5225A05 27.01.04 500 2430615 2274235
AMGT4918A05 10.02.04 600 1894769 1759269
AMGT5222B05 24.02.04 600 1160354 1055227
AMGT4808B05 09.03.04 500 1334100 1254065
AMGT5222C05 23.03.04 500 823659 803629
AMGT4717B05 25.03.04 500 765465 699115
AMGT5205D05 06.04.04 500 1094602 995601

Number of Date of (%) Sum
issue * auction received
maxim. Average from
profit. profit. (mln.)

AMGT522404 25.02.03 13.10 12.79 619.847
AMGT5002C04 18.03.03 14.20 13.72 529.374
AMGT5030C04 15.04.03 15.23 14.67 525.110
AMGT5227D04 29.04.03 15.24 15.09 520.550
AMGT5218E04 20.05.03 13.75 13.54 615.728
AMGT5157E04 05.06.03 12.98 12.93 443.201
AMGT4313D04 17.06.03 11.43 11.32 456.784
AMGT5217f04 19.06.03 11.26 11.18 449.199
AMGT4608f04 22.07.03 11.00 10.56 639.564
AMGT4901G04 24.07.03 10.89 10.60 639.564
AMGT5227G04 29.07.03 10.60 10.54 451.849
AMGT3906E04 07.08.03 10.54 10.34 649.097
AMGT4629E04 12.08.03 11.00 10.56 639.566
AMGT5105H04 14.08.03 10.95 10.74 542.272
AMGT5217H04 19.08.03 10.88 10.76 631.343
AMGT4103F04 21.08.03 10.68 10.58 553.343
AMGT522404 26.08.03 10.75 10.64 632.009
AMGT4829G04 28.08.03 10.75 10.59 455.040
AMGT5207I04 09.09.03 10.74 10.59 451.654
AMGT4712H04 18.09.03 10.70 10.55 547.243
AMGT4826H04 25.09.03 10.68 10.48 546.549
AMGT5121I04 30.09.03 10.49 10.43 543.782
AMGT4120G04 07.10.03 10.25 10.24 554.702
AMGT5212J04 14.10.03 10.18 10.09 544.442
AMGT4531H04 21.10.03 10.12 10.03 551.578
AMGT5226J04 28.10.03 10.42 10.12 544.328
AMGT5104K04 13.11.03 10.29 10.14 545.169
AMGT4605J04 18.11.03 10.20 10.13 550.150
AMGT5116K04 25.11.03 10.18 10.14 545.197
AMGT4519J04 09.12.03 10.00 10.00 551.824
AMGT5030K04 16.12.03 9.80 9.71 548.225
AMGT4028I04 23.12.03 9.50 9.34 559.369
AMGT5225A05 27.01.04 7.62 7.53 464.610
AMGT4918A05 10.02.04 6.83 6.71 563.946
AMGT5222B05 24.02.04 6.3 6.03 565.496
AMGT4808B05 09.03.04 6.09 6.02 473.413
AMGT5222C05 23.03.04 6.00 5.89 471.903
AMGT4717B05 25.03.04 6.50 5.94 474.239
AMGT5205D05 06.04.04 6.01 5.84 472.126

following: AM – Armenia , G – emitter (government), M – middle-term, 15
months – circulation term of STMTCB, 7 – day of repayment, 6-month of quarter
redemption of the bill (June) and 01 – 2001 year (year of redemption of coupon
bills.

DATA ON PLACEMENT OF AMGM T-BILLS AT AUCTIONS OF CENTRAL BANK WITH QUARTER
REPAYMENT OF COUPON (in drams)

NN Date Volume Volume Volume on
issues of emis of compet.
sion demand bids
(bln) (bln .) (bln )

AMGM3018304 18.09.01 1.500 3.305 3,226
AMGM3620C04 20.12.01 1.800 3.064 2,595
AMGM2419304 19.03.02 1.600 2.572 2,444
AMGM3014B04 14.05.02 1.200 2.190 2,025
AMGM3625605 25.06.02 1.500 3.715 3,558
AMGM2416704 16.07.02 0.800 1.141 1,006
AMGM4223106 23.07.02 0.840 1.194 1,190
AMGM1824304 24.09.02 1.500 1.506 1,420
AMGM4822A06 22.10.02 1.800 1.188 1,152
AMGM1819504 19.11.02 1.200 2.274 2,084
AMGM2417C04 17.12.02 1.200 1.315 1,185
AMGM4822A06 26.12.02 1.475 1.505 1,505
AMGM6030C07 30.12.02 0.500 1.071 1,061
AMGM1811904 11.03.03 1.200 1.670 1,589
AMGM2425305 25.03.03 1.200 1.578 1,501
AMGM1822A04 22.04.03 1.500 1.984 1,905
AMGM2413505 13.05.03 1.200 2.183 2,071
AMGM1827B04 27.05.03 1.200 2.633 2,397
AMGM3012c05 12.06.03 1.200 2.539 3,307
AMGM3624606 24.06.03 1,200 3.573 3,471
AMGM6008708 08.07.03 2,000 3.381 3,363
AMGM3015106 15.07.03 1,500 2.978 2.781
AMGM6016908 16.09.03 2,000 4.514 4.243
AMGM3623906 23.09.03 1,500 3,747 3.412
AMGM6011B08 11.11.03 3,000 6,810 6.619
AMGM4817208 17.02.04 2,000 7,372 6.679
AMGM5416908 16.03.04 2,700 5,750 5.224

NN Date (%) sum,
issues received
maxim. average from place
profit. profit. ment (bln)

AMGM3018304 18.09.01 22.91 22.25 1.467
AMGM3620C04 20.12.01 20.86 19.94 1.756
AMGM2419304 19.03.02 15.02 14.72 1.589
AMGM3014B04 14.05.02 17.60 16.95 1.159
AMGM3625605 25.06.02 19.37 18.77 1.446
AMGM2416704 16.07.02 18.97 18.53 0.775
AMGM4223106 23.07.02 19.85 19.85 0.782
AMGM1824304 24.09.02 19.45 17.50 1.463
AMGM4822A06 22.10.02 19.99 19.55 0.306
AMGM1819504 19.11.02 18.88 17.58 1.176
AMGM2417C04 17.12.02 19.99 19.2398 1.156
AMGM4822A06 26.12.02 19.95 19.90 1.430
AMGM6030C07 30.12.02 19.99 19.99 0.473
AMGM1811904 11.03.03 16.40 15.51 1.175
AMGM2425305 25.03.03 17.10 16.78 1.154
AMGM1822A04 22.04.03 18.31 17.57 1.452
AMGM2413505 13.05.03 17.48 17.10 1.167
AMGM1827B04 27.05.03 16.05 15.40 1.176
AMGM3012c05 12.06.03 16.00 15.50 1.164
AMGM3624606 24.06.03 16.43 16.13 1.160
AMGM6008708 08.07.03 17.90 17.43 1.856
AMGM3015106 15.07.03 15.80 15.27 1.441
AMGM6016908 16.09.03 16.29 16.29 1.902
AMGM3623906 23.09.03 14.12 13.80 1.463
AMGM6011B08 11.11.03 14.70 14.30 2.922
AMGM4817208 17.02.04 10.48 9.65 2.050
AMGM5416908 16.03.04 9.99 9.78 2.766

following: AM – Armenia , G – emitter (government), M – middle-term, 15
months – circulation term of STMTCB, 7 – day of repayment, 6-month of quarter
redemption of the bill (June) and 01 – 2001 year (year of redemption of coupon
bills.

Azer Tag, Azerbaijan
April 9, 2004

COE SECRETARY GENERAL MEETS IDPS
[April 09, 2004, 14:02:31]

Council of Europe Secretary General Walter Schwimmer met April 8 with
internally displaced people settled at unfinished building of
maternity hospital in Baku Narimanov district.

Deputy Prime Minister of the Azerbaijan Republic, Chairman of the
State Committee for Refugees and IDPs Ali Hasanov let the guest know
that over 220 families ousted from Jabrail, Zangilan, Gubadli,
Hojali, Kalbajar, and Lachin regions had been living here for several
years, and told of the purposeful measures the Government had been
taking for this period to improve social conditions of the people
living in encampments.

Mr. Walter Schwimmer visited `apartments’ of several refugee
families, who told him of the Government’s efforts to improve their
living conditions, and demanded the civilized Europe to put an end to
the policy of double standards. `Let the Armenia supporters and
protectors know that Azerbaijan is strengthening day by day, and
people’s patience is not unlimited. We are ready to release our lands
any way,’ they said.

Council of Europe Secretary General said he realized well the
people’s home-sickness and their hard living conditions, and promised
the problem would be settled soon. `People should live in peace. This
is the principle of the Council of Europe,’ Mr. Schwimmer said.

Present at the meeting was permanent representative of the Azerbaijan
Republic to the Council of Europe, Ambassador Agshin Mehdiyev.

39% OF POPULATION OF ARMENIA WANT CHANGE OF AUTHORITY

08.04.2004 17:56

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Only 39% of population of Armenia support the ideas of
change of authorities, head of the Armenian Sociological Association Gevorg
Poghosian said in an interview with Novoye Vremya Armenian newspaper.
According to the returns of the survey, held by the Association in all
regions of the republic, 43.4% of the respondents do not support the idea
and 17% found it difficult to answer. “The rating of the two opposition
leaders does not exceed 30% – Artashes Geghamian (leader of National
Unification Party) has 20%, which is about twice as much as Stepan
Demirchian’s rating (Justice Bloc leader) – 10%,” G. Poghosian said. In
his words, the model of the Georgian rose revolution, when external forces
organize and sponsor authority change without hindrance, will not work out
in Armenia. “One should realize that Armenia is traditionally oriented
towards Russia, and 67% of those questioned state this,” Gevorg Poghosian
said. 1 thousand citizens of Armenia were interrogated by the Association.

ARKA News Agency
April 8 2004

Armenian opposition is not trustworthy – Rector of State Institute of
Theater and Cinema

Armenian intelligentsia calls to authorities and opposition to a
dialogue

The Secretary General of OACS is arriving in Armenia today with a
three-day official visit

The NKR Minister of Defense: the situation on the border line in NKR
is stable

OSCE Office in Yerevan condemns the attacks on the reporters during
the meeting of the opposition on April 5 in Yerevan

*********************************************************************

ARMENIAN OPPOSITION IS NOT TRUSTWORTHY – RECTOR OF STATE INSTITUTE OF
THEATER AND CINEMA

YEREVAN, April 8. /ARKA/. Armenian opposition is not trustworthy,
Rector of State Institute of Theater and Cinema Sos Sargsian stated
during the discussion organized by Dashnaktsutyun party. `Acting
president must remain at power, because opposition is not solid, does
not have joint ideology and program’, he said. Sargsian urged
Dashnaktsutyun party to become a mediator between authorities and
opposition for achievement of agreement and decrease of tension. L.D.
–0–

*********************************************************************

ARMENIAN INTELLIGENTSIA CALLS TO AUTHORITIES AND OPPOSITION TO A
DIALOGUE

YEREVAN, April 8. /ARKA/. ARF Dashnaktsutyun initiated today a
meeting `Public Harmony and Collision’ with participation of
representatives of intelligentsia. According to RA NA Speaker, the
Member of ARF D Supreme Body Vahan Hovhannisian, `we will try to
create bridges between political powers and intelligentsia and to
create the atmosphere that will stop tension in created situation’.
Representatives of intelligentsia in their turn called to authorities
and opposition to a dialogue. According to the Director of the Center
of Aesthetic Education of Armenia Genrich Igitian there is no other
alternative to dialogue. `We have to first of all think about future
of the country. We must not break our home from the inside’, he said.
Rector of State Institute of Theater and Cinema Sos Sargsian added
that `if Armenian fights against Armenian, it is the first sign of
losing the State system’. L.D. –0–

*********************************************************************

THE SECRETARY GENERAL OF OACS IS ARRIVING IN ARMENIA TODAY WITH A
THREE-DAY OFFICIAL VISIT

YEREVAN, April 8. /ARKA/. The Secretary General of the Organization
for Agreement on Collective Security (OACS) Nikolai Bordiuzha is
arriving in Armenia today with a three-day official visit. According
to the RA MFA Press Service Department, meetings with the RA
President, RA NA Chairman, the RA Ministers of Defense and Foreign
Affairs, and the Director of National Security Service and the Head
of police are planned. A.H. -0–

*********************************************************************

THE NKR MINISTER OF DEFENSE: THE SITUATION ON THE BORDER LINE IN NKR
IS STABLE

STEPANAKERT, April 8. /ARKA/. The situation on the border line in NKR
is stable, as Seiran Ohanian, the NKR Minister of Defense,
General-Lieutenant stated, according to ARKA reporter in Stepanakert.
Speaking of the present situation in the Army, the minister noted
that it has entered a new stage of development. He emphasized that
`constructions of ñîåðøåíñòóþòñÿ frontier, strengthening and
defensive, engineering importance are improved day by day, and the
level of readiness for military action of the army, technical
equipment of the army is high’. `The NKR Army of defense commits its
duties of motherland defenders well. The army keeps the situation
under control. The concepts of motherland and army are connected with
the frontier, where an Armenia soldier serves, and he is ready to
defend his motherland from any encroachments’, said Ohanian.
One of these days the NKR Ministry of Defense has invited a group of
reporters from Armenia to get acquainted with the life and
conditions, under which soldiers of defensive army serve. 27
reporters, who represented 10 TV companies, at the head of the RA
Minister of Defense Press Secretary Seiran Shakhsouvaryan visited
different military units and the frontiers units of NKR Army and got
acquainted with the life conditions of the Army on the spot. A.H.–
0–

*********************************************************************

OSCE OFFICE IN YEREVAN CONDEMNS THE ATTACKS ON THE REPORTERS DURING
THE MEETING OF THE OPPOSITION ON APRIL 5 IN YEREVAN

YEREVAN, April 8. /ARKA/. Valeri Priakhin, the Head of OSCE Office in
Yerevan condemned the attacks on the reporters during the meeting of
the opposition on April 5 in Yerevan. According to OSCE Yerevan
Office Press Service Department, Priakhin noted that any attack on a
reporter must be condemned, and the organizers of such activities
should be punished and legal proceedings should be instituted against
them. `I hope that the RA Government will keep its promise to take
certain measures against all this’, said Priakhin. He also expressed
profound anxiety about the arrests of the member of the political
council of Respublika opposition party, the Press-Secretary of the
party Souren Sourenyants. `OSCE Yerevan Office will carefully follow
the further events’, said Priakhin.
On April 5 during the meeting some of National Unity opposition party
TV cameras of some local TV companies were broken as well as photo
cameras of the reporters. The General Office of Public Prosecutor
instituted legal proceedings against Sourenyants in the morning of
the same day. He is accused of public appeals to change the
constitutional order by force, and offences addressed to the
Government. A.H. –0–