Author: Torgomian Varazdat

United Press International
February 3, 2005 Thursday 3:37 PM EST
Ex-State official indicted for bribery
WASHINGTON
A former official in the U.S. Embassy in Armenia has been indicted
for bribery and visa fraud in Washington, the Justice Department said
Thursday.
Zdzislaw Parlej, a U.S. citizen who served as consular associate in
Yerevan, was named in a 13-count indictment.
Officials said he was arrested Wednesday in Washington.
He faces up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each of the
counts, if convicted.
The indictment said from April 2004 through Jan. 13, Parlej and other
unnamed co-conspirators engaged in exchanging U.S. visas for cash.
The indictment singles out six separate incidents in which Parlej
allegedly took cash bribes of up to $10,000 in exchange for issuing
visas, regardless of whether the applicants were qualified.
Ambassador Frank Taylor, speaking for the State Department’s Bureau
of Diplomatic Security, said, “We are committed to investigating and
bringing to justice Department of State officials who use their
positions of trust to break the law.”

TV notes change of tack in PACE rapporteur’s stance on Karabakh
Arminfo, Yerevan
1 Feb 05
STEPANAKERT
The Nagornyy Karabakh Republic NKR Public TV and Radio Broadcasting
Company produced from its archives an interview with a member of the
British House of Commons, the chairman of the commission of the
non-member countries of the Council of Europe CE , David Atkinson,
(currently rapporteur on Nagornyy Karabakh), in the village of Kichan
of Mardakert of the NKR in October 1993.
In his 1993 speech David Atkinson noted, in particular, that he had
heard much about Nagornyy Karabakh, but he was here for the first
time, an Arminfo special correspondent reported from Stepanakert.
“What I have seen, David Atkinson said, is above my imagination. Here
is a real war which is taking away many lives on a daily basis. It is
obvious that Azerbaijan launched this war, Azerbaijan will not be a
member of the Council of Europe unless it is stopped”.
Speaking with admiration about churches in the town of Shushi ,
Atkinson noted that the Azerbaijani vandals desecrated the Christian
church Kazachetsots, turning it into an ammunition depot. “This fact
must be condemned and I shall certainly tell my colleagues about
this,” Atkinson noted.
“I think the people of Karabakh have the right to decide their own
destiny and future. Our organization and I shall personally do
everything so that the Karabakh Armenians live a free and full life on
their land,” David Atkinson noted in 1993. On becoming the PACE
rapporteur on Nagornyy Karabakh in 2004, he announced that the
principle of the right to self-determination is not applied to
Nagornyy Karabakh.

ArmenPress
Jan 28 2005
ARMENIAN PRESIDENT MEETS POPE JOHN PAUL II
VATICAN, JANUARY 28, ARMENPRESS. Armenian President Robert
Kocharian who is in Italy on a four-day official visit met today with
UN World Food Program Director Jacques Deuffi. The latter highly
assessed the pace of cooperation with Armenia.
In his turn Armenian President expressed hope that the cooperation
with UN World Food Program will expand more in future. At present
Armenia and this organization implement 5 programs costing 1.7
million USD.
Robert Kocharian also met with the head of the International Fund
for Agricultural Development (IFAD) L. Bogey and the latter highly
assessed the reforms that are being implemented in Armenia in the
agricultural sphere.
L. Bogey assured that the present speed of the cooperation will
continue. After the meeting a credit program costing 20 million USD
was signed – 10 millions will be provided for the development of
agricultural economy and the other 10 million for the development of
village communities’ infrastructures.
Armenian President Robert Kocharian visited today Vatican where he
met with Pope John Paul II.
“Your presence here reminds me of our first meeting in Vatican in
March, 1999, on the opening occasion of Rome-Armenia exhibition and
also of our meeting in Yerevan on the 1700th anniversary of the
adoption of Christianity by the Armenians. I use with pleasure the
opportunity to greet all the people in Armenia and those Armenians
who are in different parts of the world but united by Christian and
cultural ties,” said John Paul II.
The Pope referred to the good relations with Holy See and said “I
know that Catholic community is respected in Armenia and all its
initiatives promote the increase of prosperity of the whole people.
The relations between the Catholic and Armenian Apostolic churches
are based on mutual respect and relationship.”
After the meeting with Cardinal Angelo Sodano, the Armenian
President visited the Saint Grigor Lusavoritch monument which was
erected in Vatican and blessed by the Pope on January 19. Here the
President was greeted by the Armenian Catholic clergymen. Later the
President met with the Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berluskoni.

ArmenPress
Jan 28 2005
PRESIDENT KOCHARIAN’S MESSAGE ON THE OCCASION OF ARMY DAY
YEREVAN, JANUARY 28, ARMENPRESS: On the occasion of Army’s Day
President Robert Kocharian sent a congratulatory address, which
states:
“Dear country fellows: I congratulate you on the occasion of
Army’s Day. This a new holiday for the Republic of Armenia. However,
this holiday is great and precious for everyone. It has been
established through the heroic deeds of the sons of the Armenian
people on the borders of Karabagh and Armenia, and through the
collective will of our people. The Armenian Army has been forged in
the flames of the war as a splendid manifestation of national
self-expression and dignity.
The Army of the Republic of Armenia is a reliable safeguard of our
borders, guarantor of peaceful and secure life of our people, and an
important constituent of our advancement.
Dear servicemen: With a special feeling I congratulate you on the
occasion of Army’s Day. Your difficult and devoted service to our
Fatherland, your professional skills and high combat spirit are the
cornerstones of our freedom and independence. I wish you successful
service.
Once again I congratulate all of us on the occasion of this great
holiday, and wish peaceful skies and stable development for the
benefit of our country and our people.

Azerbaijan hands over four POWs to Armenia
ANS TV, Baku
28 Jan 05
Four servicemen of the Armenian army, Martirosyan, Azadyan, Gunyan and
Filiganyan, who crossed the front line at different times in 2004, are
being handed over to Armenia in the village of Bala Cafarli of
[Azerbaijan’s] Qazax District at the moment.
ANS’s correspondent in Ganca Sahla Abdinova, who is watching the
process, has quoted Azerbaijani servicemen as saying that three of the
soldiers of the Armenian army were detained in Nagornyy Karabakh where
they were serving and the other one was detained while crossing the
Armenian-Azerbaijani border. All four soldiers are residents of
Armenia.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Armenian president meets Italian counterpart in Rome
Public Television of Armenia, Yerevan
27 Jan 05
[Presenter] The Italian president is ready to help Armenia integrate
into Europe, Italian President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi said in Rome today
during a meeting with Armenian President Robert Kocharyan.
Italy also intends to aid the economic development of Armenia,
increasing bilateral trade and investment in the country.
Ciampi and Kocharyan touched on the Karabakh settlement process. The
Caucasus is a region of strategic importance for Europe and the danger
of instability in the region reduces the development prospects for the
region as a whole, the Italian president said.
President Kocharyan met today in Rome the chairmen of the Italian
senate and parliament and attended the Armenian-Italian business forum
organized by the Italian Institute for Foreign Trade.
[Correspondent Lilit Setrakyan from Rome] The official reception for
the Armenian president took place in the afternoon at the Italian
presidential residence. After the ceremony, the two presidents
discussed Italian-Armenian relations. They also discussed regional and
international issues and Armenia’s integration into Europe.
During a short meeting with journalists, the Italian president noted
that Armenia was a country close to Italians’ hearts. The Italians
were the first to render assistance to Armenia in the 1988 earthquake.
President Ciampi said that Italy was ready to assist the economic
development of Armenia, to increase trade and Italian investment in
Armenia.
Ciampi called for the continuation of constructive talks on the
peaceful settlement of the Nagornyy Karabakh conflict.
For his part, Kocharyan expressed confidence that the Armenian
president’s first official visit to Italy would promote the
development of bilateral relations and would be a convenient
opportunity to transfer political relations into the business
sphere. The president stressed the importance of the Armenian-Italian
business forum gathering in Rome, during which Italian and Armenian
businessmen were able to assess and discuss cooperation potential. The
Armenian president also noted that the development potential for
Armenian-Italian relations was large as regards integration into
Europe.
Kocharyan outlined to Ciampi Armenia’s relations with the European
Union and the importance of this organization’s “Expanded Europe: New
Neighbours” programme for Armenia.
Ciampi promised his country’s assistance on this issue and stressed
that the Caucasus was of strategic importance to Europe, which wishes
to develop democracy and the economy in this region.
The Armenian president discussed interparliamentary cooperation with
the president of Italy’s Chamber of Deputies, Pier Ferdinando Casini.
During a meeting with Italy’s Senate Speaker Marchello Pera, Kocharyan
discussed the two countries’ cooperation in the legislative
sphere. Pera said that Italy was ready to assist in the reform of
Armenian legislation.
Tomorrow [28 January] Kocharyan will meet Italian Prime Minister
Silvio Berlusconi and Pope John Paul II.

NKR ECONOMIC GROWTH IN 2004
Azat Artsakh – Nagorno Karabakh Republic (NKR)
26 Jan 05
In 2004 the GDP of the Republic of Nagorni Karabakh totaled 42 183.0
million drams against 33883.7 million drams in 2003. The rate of
growth of the GDP totaled 17.5 per cent. Of this 9.1 per cent was
provided by industry, building, transport and communication provided
2.6 per cent each, 1.8 per cent was provided by trade and public food
places. Production had a positive impact on the economic
development. The actual growth of production totaled 22.2 per cent,
services 6.7 per cent, taxes on products and import 33.6 per cent.
AA.
26-01-2005

ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
01/25/2005
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <;HTTP:// 1) PACE Adopts Controversial Resolution Mountainous Karabagh Presented by Atkinson 2) $100,000 Raised in Support of Youth Centers in Armenia 3) Tension between Turkey and Vatican on Inclusion of Armenian Genocide 4) Khatami, Aliyev Optimistic about Enhancing Cooperation 5) PACE Sets Firm Deadline for Georgian Reforms of Minority Rights 1) PACE Adopts Controversial Resolution Mountainous Karabagh Presented by Atkinson BRUSSELS (EAFJD/RFE-RL)--The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) approved on Tuesday a controversial resolution on Mountainous Karabagh, amid protests from the Armenian delegation, which described the draft resolution and its appending report biased in Azerbaijan's favor. Prepared by David Atkinson (Democrat) from the United Kingdom, the resolution notes that "considerable parts of the territory of Azerbaijan are still occupied by Armenian forces" and that "separatist forces are still in control of the Nagorno-Karabakh region." The resolution also describes Mountainous Karabagh Republic as a mono-ethnic area "which resemble the terrible concept of ethnic cleansing." "The Atkinson report is the report of Azerbaijan. This country believes that shifting the institutional framework will turn its crimes into virtues. Attempts of ethnic cleansing actually occurred but, contrary to Mr. Atkinson insinuations, it was the policy led by Baku," the executive director of the European Armenian Federation (EAFJD) Laurent Leylekian explained prior to the vote. "Without the fight for self-determination led by the people of Karabagh, theses historically Armenian territories would no longer house Armenians, as is the case today in the region of Nakhichevan or throughout the areas of Eastern Turkey," he added. The majority of PACE delegates on Tuesday supported a demand made by Bulgarian parliamentarian Evgeni Kirilov that Azerbaijan be free of any occupying troops. "There cannot be territories occupied by force, or there cannot be any prospect of joining any territories by force to [any] country," he said. The resolution calls on Azeri authorities to establish contacts with Karabagh's leaders--which they have persistently refused to do--and to refrain from any attempts to retake lost territory by force. Pointing to the biased nature of the report, the deputy chair of the Armenian delegation to PACE, and a member of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Armen Rustamian, said he believes Atkinson's resolution will not only hinder the peace process, but will also serve as an incentive for Azerbaijan to forcefully restore its territorial integrity. "Azerbaijan is expecting to use this document as a justification to issue an ultimatum it has been preparing for a long time. Azerbaijan wants to solve the [Karabagh] issue according to its own scenario--that is, through war," he said, addressing the Assembly in French. French parliamentarian Francois Rochebloine publicly questioned the impartiality of Atkinson's report: "It seems to me that, for the sake of objectivity, this report should have given a more balanced view of the position of the Armenian side and its readiness to negotiate." The Armenian government has so far not reacted to the Atkinson report. 2) $100,000 Raised in Support of Youth Centers in Armenia LOS ANGELES--Over $100,000 was raised in support of ARF youth centers in Armenia during a banquet held at the Alcazar restaurant on Thursday, January 20 in the San Fernando Valley. Organized by the Armenian Revolutionary Federation-Western Region, the banquet featured guest speaker Hrant Margarian of the ARF Bureau, who was on an official visit to the region. Following the opening remarks of ARF Western-Region Central Committee representative Hovig Saliba, Margarian spoke to the group of ARF supporters and representatives present at the event about the importance of properly educating youth in Armenia and the significance of youth centers within the endeavor. On the night of the event, a notable contribution of $10,000 was made by Mr. and Mrs. Khachig and Elo Mouradian, who only a few days before had already donated $10,000. The couple added another $10,000 on Saturday night during the ARF anniversary celebration in Glendale, California, raising the total amount to $30,000. 3) Tension between Turkey and Vatican on Inclusion of Armenian Genocide ANKARA (Sabah)--Turkey's Sabah daily newspaper reports that the inclusion of the Armenian genocide in the book, "The Church's Guidelines on Social Education," distributed by the Vatican, has caused friction between the Turkish government and the papal authority. Sabah reports that Turkey's foreign ministry has approached and warned the Vatican on the issue, insisting that the section on the Armenian genocide be removed. The Genocide is included in the book's "Seeking Worldwide Peace and Justice" section, along with the genocides of Ukrainians, Cambodians, and the African people. 4) Khatami, Aliyev Optimistic about Enhancing Cooperation LONDON (IranMania)--Immediately after the formal welcoming ceremony for Azeri President Ilham Aliyev to Iran, the presidents of both countries expressed their desire to expand Tehran-Baku relations. President Mohammad Khatami, accompanied by Aliyev, told reporters at Sadabad Complex that Iran is keen on furthering relations with Azerbaijan. Responding to an Azeri reporter's inquiry about what Iran will do to help resolve the Karabagh crisis, President Khatami said that his country is among the few which support Azerbaijan's national sovereignty and territorial integrity. "Iran believes that the Karabagh crisis could be resolved through logic and understanding between the two parties without resorting to force. I believe that the Karabagh conflict will be resolved if the two sides seriously decide to do so," he said. Khatami noted that Iran has friendly relations with both Azerbaijan and Armenia and is ready to serve as a mediator between the two countries. Asked whether he sees a similarity between the occupation of Arab lands by Israel and the situation in Karabagh, Khatami said Iran condemns occupation and use of force by any country. "Of course, there is a difference. I believe Israel has occupied all of Palestine and established an illegitimate existence, but Armenia is a country itself. But at the same time, occupation and seizure of an inch of territory is condemned and the international community should help end the occupation," Khatami said. President Aliyev told reporters that his visit to Iran is aimed at developing relations in all fields, including the economy. He pointed to the accords President Khatami signed during his visit to Baku and said Azerbaijan looks forward to implementation of the agreements. Aliyev further said Tehran-Baku relations are developing rapidly and political and economic cooperation is excellent. "The exchange of visits by presidents of the two countries indicates the extent of relations enjoyed between the two," he said. 5) PACE Sets Firm Deadline for Georgian Reforms of Minority Rights BRUSSELS (Combined Sources)--The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) adopted a report on Tuesday, setting the final deadlines for Georgia to honor its obligations and commitments as a member state of the Council of Europe. While acknowledging that Georgian authorities "continue to demonstrate an unyielding resolve to carry out far-reaching political, legal, social, and economic reforms," the adopted text of that report seeks full compliance with membership obligations, including challenges Georgia faces in protecting human rights and rights of minorities. While not mentioning Georgia's mostly Armenian population of Javakhk, these requirements are expected to directly impact Javakhk's Armenians whose social and human rights are effectively neglected by the Government of Georgia. The report stipulates that, prior to September 2005, Georgia must sign and ratify the European Charter for Regional and Minority Languages and the European Outline Convention on Transfrontier Co-operation, and must ratify the Revised European Social Charter and the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities. In October 2004, the Council of Armenian Non-governmental Organization of Javakhk appealed to the OSCE, seeking adoption and implementation of the these points, saying they would "contribute greatly to the improvement of the grave situation" in Javakhk. The report also stipulates that no subsequent negotiations will take place, and deadlines to fulfill obligations will not be extended. "The Assembly expects the Georgian Government to honor their promises fully and in time," it stresses. All subscription inquiries and changes must be made through the proper carrier and not Asbarez Online. ASBAREZ ONLINE does not transmit address changes and subscription requests. (c) 2005 ASBAREZ ONLINE. All Rights Reserved. ASBAREZ provides this news service to ARMENIAN NEWS NETWORK members for academic research or personal use only and may not be reproduced in or through mass media outlets.

GOVERNMENT APPROVES CONCEPT OF INNOVATIVE ACTIVITIES IN ARMENIA
YEREVAN, January 21 (Noyan Tapan). At the January 20 session, the RA
government approved the concept of innovative activities in
Armenia. The principles and approaches of the innovative policy
implemented by the government are stipulated in the concept. The
adoption of the concept and the Law on State Assistance for Innovative
Activities in Armenia developed on its basis will promote the
formation of a knowledge-based economy, the stable and secure
development of the country, the process of integrating into the global
economic system and rationalizing the use of natural and intellectual
resources, it will increase the competitiveness of the Armenian
economy and, as a result of all this, become one of the stable
guarantees of reducing poverty in the country and ensuring an
appropriate standard of living for the people. According to the RA
government’s Information and PR Department, the RA Minister of Trade
and Economic Development was assigned to develop and submit to the
government for approval, within 6 months, the 2005-2010 Program on
Creation and Development of the Innovative System in the RA.

Corsicana Daily Sun, TX
Jan 21 2005
Church News
Dawson First Assembly of God Church
Anoosh Bullock will present a miraculous story that could change your
life, “From Russia With Love,” Jan. 23 at Dawson First Assembly of
God Church. Sunday school will begin at 10 a.m. with the worship
service to begin at 10:50 a.m.
You are invited to come and hear about the persecuted church in the
former communist Soviet Union, and learn how a young Armenian girl
trapped behind the Iron Curtain reached to her impossible dream by
persistent prayer, unwavering faith and dedication to the Christ of
her childhood. For more information, call Pastor Jimmie Capehart at
(903) 874-6893.