Author: Torosian Aram

ARMENIA MISSES OUT ON INVITE

Hurriyet
Nov 18 2008
Turkey

ISTANBUL – Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian said yesterday
that Yerevan had not received a proposal for a meeting between the
Armenian, Azerbaijani and Turkish presidents.

"We have not been informed of such an initiative," Nalbandian told
a news conference, reported Web site PanArmenian.net yesterday.

Last week, the Azerbaijani Press Agency quoted Turkey’s Ambassador to
Azerbaijan Hulusi Kılıc as saying, "a trilateral meeting between the
presidents of Azerbaijan, Turkey and Armenia is expected to take place
in Turkey." Some Turkish media circulated reports about President
Abdullah Gul preparing to take another bold step to contribute to
regional peace in the Caucasus by hosting a trilateral summit with
the presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan.

However, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said Turkey had not planned
trilateral talks between the leaders. "Of course, we would be pleased
by visits from the presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia. But Turkey has
not planned a meeting of this kind," said a foreign ministry spokesman
Burak Ozugergin. Foreign Minister Ali Babacan said three-way talks
occurred on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly meetings in
New York and all sides were in agreement to press ahead with talks.

–Boundary_(ID_7GrU7Gjv2IKYbm5Y+QrGAw)–

RUSSIAN FOREIGN MINISTER HAILS MOSCOW DECLARATION ON NAGORNYY KARABAKH

Ekho Moskvy radio
Nov 15 2008
Moscow

The declaration on Nagornyy Karabakh signed by the Armenian,
Azerbaijani and Russian presidents in Moscow on 2 November was a
major step forward, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said.

First, Lavrov said that both Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and
Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan "have unambiguously confirmed
their readiness and intention to continue meeting at the highest
level. Incidentally, they have done this for the first time in 14
years in a document they signed, because after the conflict ended 14
years ago the two presidents have not signed any documents.

"Second, the Moscow declaration lists specific instructions of
President Aliyev and President Sargsyan to their corresponding foreign
ministers to step up work aimed at seeking a compromise.

"Third, for the first time in a joint document, whether it is signed
or not, the Azerbaijani and Armenian leaders acknowledged the presence
of the Madrid document which was handed to the parties by the co-chairs
one year ago, and which is now deposited with the OSCE," Lavrov said.

Lavrov described as "a major step forward" the fact that both
presidents "confirmed the presence of the document and their readiness
to work taking it into account".

Fourth, Lavrov said the leaders had unambiguously confirmed the role
of the three co-chairs of the Minsk OSCE Group – Russia, the USA and
France. He went on: "Many of our Western partners had suspicions that
Russia was trying to create a new format. We assured them that we had
nothing of the kind in mind as we value highly the three-party format
of the chairmanship of the Minsk OSCE Group on Nagornyy Karabakh. It
is unique, if only because Russia, the USA and France representing
the European Union, have no disagreement, even tactical, but are
working along the same lines and are moving the parties towards
reaching an agreement.

"The fact that the Moscow agreement, at our initiative, has repeatedly
stressed the ongoing importance of this mechanism, moreover, the
need to use it more actively, the fact that both the presidents of
Armenia and Azerbaijan subscribed to these provisions – that is also
a great achievement.

"This document has not solved everything, but the very fact of
the meeting, the fact of signing the declaration – not a hollow or
unsubstantiated declaration but one with rather practical contents –
creates momentum that should be used.

"At present, the co-chairs are in the area. They are holding meetings
in Yerevan and Baku and are preparing another meeting of ministers. In
future we will prepare proposals for the presidents to meet and
perhaps make some more progress."

OPPORTUNITIES EXAMINED FOR LOCALIZATION OF VENDEE’S ECONOMIC MODEL IN ARMENIA

Noyan Tapan

Nov 18, 2008

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 18, NOYAN TAPAN. The opportunities for localization
of the economic model of Vendee region (France) in Armenian economy
were discussed at the November 17 conference at French University
in Armenia (FUA) with the participation of the French ambassador
to Armenia Serge Smessov, the teaching staff and students of the
university, representatives of Vendee’s Chamber of Commerce and
Industry, and businessmen.

The head of the Vendee delegation, President of the region’s general
council Philippe de Villiers gave the report "The Economic Model of
Vendee", saying that the economies of Armenia and this French region
have some similarities, in particular, in terms of their small areas
and limited energy resources.

According to him, the dynamic development of Vendee’s economy is
ensured by small and medium enterprises, mainly family ones. There is
one enterprise per 17 residents of Vendee, whereas the average index in
France makes an enterprise per 30 residents. The economy of the region
is mainly based on agriculture, craftsmanship, industry and tourism,
and the hopes are pinned on own production rather than import. The
strong relationship between the educational system and enterprises,
as well as the proportionate territorial development and the active
regulation of employment contribute to economic development.

P. de Villiers answered the questions of those present. Some
businessmen of Vendee, who had hosted FUA students in France for a
month, made speeches at the event. They expressed their satisfaction
at the work of the Armenian students, while the students thanked them
for the opportunity to gain experience in Vendee.

"KARABAKH COORDINATOR OF "HELSINKI INITIATIVE -92": "MOSCOW DECLARATION IS THE MOST DISGRACEFUL DOCUMENT THROUGH THE WHOLE HISTORY OF THE KARABAKH CONFLICT SETTLEMENT"

Today.Az
s/politics/48973.html
Nov 13 2008
Azerbaijan

"The Moscow declaration is the most disgraceful document on
Nagorno Karabakh through the whole modern history and through
the whole process of the Karabakh conflict resolution", considers
Karen Ohadjanyan, coordinator of the "Nagorno Karabakh committee"
"Helsinki Initiative-92".

He noted that "of all existing documents, undersigned by the conflict
parties, this is the only one which lacks a signature of the Karabakh
representative".

He considers that this document completely rules out possible
participation of the Karabakh side in the discussion of the basis
of the future agreement on the resolution of the Karabakh conflict
and replaces the format of the negotiation process in the OSCE Minsk
Group framework.

"The forced change of configuration in the South Caucasus by Russia’s
fault makes its participation in the negotiation process as an
unbiased mediator impossible. And in this connection, the Karabakh
society must realize the danger of the Moscow intrigue for the future
security of the Karabakh people and resist to Russia’s intention to
play a Karabakh card in its favor", noted Ohadjanyan.

He said "the Armenian leadership must define its priciples and
priorities in the resolution of the Karabakh conflict and rule out
any illusions that someone in Nagorno Karabakh will allow somebody
to change the strategic component of the structures of the security
system of the Karabakh people and the whole region".

"The Karabakh leadership must make a statement, giving a political
assessment to the signed declaration and fixing that the interests of
Nagorno Karabakh on the international arena and in the negotiation
process can be represented only by the elected powers of Nagorno
Karabakh.

Not a single document, signed without participation of a representative
of the elected authorities of "Nagorno Karabakh Republic" will be
treated seriously in Nagorno Karabakh", added Ohadjanyan.

FRENCH CO-CHAIR TO OSCE MG DOES NOT RULE OUT MEETING OF ARMENIAN AND AZERBAIJANI PRESIDENTS TILL THE END OF THE YEAR

ArmInfo
2008-11-13 16:22:00

ArmInfo. ‘It is not ruled out that presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan
may meet till the end of the year, but head of states themselves have
to adopt the decision. As for us, we are always ready to organize
such meetings’, – French co-chair of the OSCE MG Bernard Fassier said
in Baku.

As Day.az reported referring to ANS TV channel, he also added that the
Declaration signed by the presidents of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia
is an important step on the way of the Karabakh conflict settlement.

Fassier called activation of Turkey in the conflict settlement and its
started talks with Armenia a new stage in the life of the region. He
thinks Turkey’s initiative on creation of the Caucasus Platform will
promote resolving of the Karabakh conflict. He also added despite
Turkey’s initiatives the Karabakh conflict settlement process has
only one format – the OSCE Minsk Group.

WB FINANCES REHABILITATION OF ARMENIAN WATER INFRASTRUCTURE

RIA OREANDA
Economic News
November 11, 2008 Tuesday
Russia

Washington. OREANDA-NEWS . November 10, 2008. The World Banks Board
of Directors today approved a US20 million credit for additional
financing for the Armenia Municipal Water and Wastewater Project
(MWWP), reported the press-centre of WB.

The additional financing will support the governments efforts in
scaling up activities implemented under the ongoing program of water
system rehabilitation and improvements, including an extension of the
ongoing management contract between the Armenia Water and Wastewater
Company (AWSC), the water utility in charge of the project, and an
international water supply utility operator. Armenia has achieved
considerable progress in efficiently delivering safe and continuous
water to its citizens. Reforms in water management supported under
the Bank-funded Municipal Development, Municipal Water and Wastewater,
and Yerevan Water and Wastewater Projects have led to improved supply,
quality, and financial viability of the water utilities.

The need for additional funding from the Bank to scale up the
on-going project was anticipated at appraisal of the project and
the management contract was prepared on the basis of a six year
program. The additional financing will therefore fund extension of
the management contract and the remaining investments identified
earlier. It will contribute towards meeting the huge investment needs
of the Armenian water supply sector. Citizens across Armenia have long
awaited improvements in their water supply, said Jonathan Kamkwalala,
Leader of the World Bank team designing the project. The investment
program under the on-going project has largely proceeded on track, and
the repair and rehabilitation program for AWSC water supply systems has
already resulted in improved water quality and increased availability
of clean and safe water supply in areas participating in the project.

He continued As an example, the weighted average daily hours of
drinking water availability has increased from 6 hours in 2004,
to 12.2 hours in 2008, while the water safety and quality also
improved in the same period in the areas where the project has been
implemented. The institutional and financial performance of AWSC has
notably improved as a result of the project, however, there remain
significant investment needs in the sector. Thats why the Bank
will continue supporting the government in reforming the water and
wastewater services. The Additional Financing will support three main
components: (i) AWSC Management Strengthening by providing funding
for continuation of the management contract for additional two years;
(ii) AWSC Investments by funding institutional and financial capacity
building, procurement of equipment and machinery to improve the
operations of AWSC, rehabilitation and improvement of chemical and
biological laboratories, and assistance to AWSCs training activities;
and (iii) Investments in Branch Systems by providing funding for the
replacement of deteriorated treatment and chlorination equipment;
procurement and installation of pressure loggers, pipes and fittings,
and design and civil works for network rehabilitation. Armenia
joined the World Bank in 1992 and IDA in 1993. Commitments to date
total approximately US 1.076 billion for 49 operations. The credit
is provided on hardened IDA terms with a maturity of 20 years, and
a grace period of 10 years included. Armenia has been in the process
of graduating from IDA since July 1, 2006.

ARMENIAN PREMIER SAYS INVESTMENTS IN ARMENIA-IRAN RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION TO REACH $2 BLN

ARKA
Nov 13, 2008

YEREVAN, November 13. /ARKA/. Investments in construction of
Armenia-Iran railway will total $2bln, RA Prime Minister Tigran
Sargsyan reported at the RA parliament’s session on Wednesday.

The large-scale program offers good investment opportunities, the
premier said, adding the government has negotiated with the private
investors over their possible participation in the project.

Armenia’s Transport Minister Gurgen Sargsyan previously said the
World Bank and the Asian development Bank would co-finance the railway
construction project.

It has been fixed that one of the sections of the railway will pass
though Jermuk-Meghri. The railway is likely to pass through Sisian
and Kapan.

Some 100km of the railway will pass though Iran, with the starting
point being the Armenian border. The last station of will be Merand
in Iran.

Specialists say the railway will be constructed in six years.

In soviet times, Yerevan-Yeraskh-Nakhijevan (Azerbaijan)-Meghri
railway, which does not work now, used to link Armenia and Iran.

The new railway will pass through the territory of Armenia, opening
an alternative route for imports. The only railway linking Armenia
and other countries passes through Georgia.

CYPRUS HOUSE SPEAKER KAROYIAN IN YEREVAN ARMENIA
by Nikos Markides (CNA)

and_World_News/12594
November 12, 2008 –

President of the House of Representatives Marios Karoyian arrived
this morning in Yerevan for a two-day official visit to Armenia,
at the invitation of the President of the National Assembly of the
Republic of Armenia Hovik Abrahamyan.

The Cypriot official will be received by Armenian President Serzh
Sargsyan and Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan. He will also meet his
counterpart Abrahamyan.

During his stay, Karoyian will address the Parliament and on
Wednesday evening an official reception will be given in his honour
by Abrahamyan.

On Thursday, Karoyian will meet Armenian Minister of Foreign Affairs
Edvard Nalbandyan and afterwards he will be received by His Holiness
Garegin II, Catholicos of all Armenians.

He will lay a wreath at the Memorial Complex of the Genocide and
visit the museum in memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide,
the Matenadaran, Institute of Ancient Manuscripts as well as the
Museum of the Catholicosate and the Cathedral.

The Cypriot Speaker will be accompanied by the Representative of
the Armenian religious group to the House of Representatives Vartkes
Mahtesian, officials, as well as business people.

The delegation returns home on Friday afternoon.

ARMENIA CAN’T RECOGNIZE ABKHAZIA AND SOUTH OSSETIA BEFORE IT RECOGNIZES KARABAKH

PanARMENIAN.Net
11.11.2008 14:01 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Europe should declare that one of the sides in the
Nagorno Karabakh conflict undermines the peace process, the Armenian
President said.

"In case with Kosovo the right of nations to self-determination
was applied. However, Russia’s similar step was given a hostile
reception," Serzh Sargsyan said in an interview with Frankfurter
Allgemeine Zeitung.

At that he noted that Armenia has no right to recognize independence
of Abkhazia and South Ossetia before it recognizes Nagorno
Karabakh. "Recognition of independence is the last step in the
process. We are not strong enough to recognize Karabakh unilaterally,"
he said.

Commenting on Armenia’s cooperation with NATO, President Sargsyan
said the republic does not intend to join the Alliance. "We are
convinced that cooperation with NATO is a part of our security
system. However, drawing new dividing lines in this region would be
extremely dangerous. This is the lesson derived from the Georgian
war. Our policy has always been to find a balance between U.S.,
Russian and NATO interests, although it seems attractive to get
benefits from their opposition," he said.

HOW MUCH ARE ARMENIAN FOOTBALL PLAYERS WORTH?

A1+
[09:02 pm] 11 November, 2008

According to German company "Transfer-Market", the overall value of
the football players of the Armenian national football team is 5.5
million euros. With this index, Armenia is the 45th among the 53
countries of Europe.

At present 26 Armenian players are included in this According German
company. Out of them, only 10 have transfer value. The most expensive
Armenian player is Artavazd Qaramyan from Romanian "Timishoara", whose
transfer is valued at 1.8 million euros. The 29-year-ild midfielder
has been playing in European clubs for the last 5 years. He has worn
the uniform of the Armenian national team 41 times and has stricken
2 goals.

The second most expensive Armneian player is Samvel Melqonyan from
Russian "Metallurg" Donetsk (0.6 million euros).

The third place is shared by goalkeeper Roman Berezovski (Russian
"Khimki") and Edgar Manoucharyan (Dutch "Ayax"). Their transfer price
is 0.5 million euros. Several years ago Roman Berezovski’s transfer
price had leaped to 2.5 million euros. However, it has declined
primarily due to his age (he is 34).

According to Transfer-Market, the most expensive national team in
Europe is that of Spain (419 million euros). Among former Soviet
countries, Russia has the most expensive team of all (150 million,
8th place). Then come Ukraine (60 million, 25th place), Belarus (33.6
million, 35th place) and Georgia (27.7 million, 39th place). Azerbaijan
is in the 47th place with 3.7 millions.