Author: Vanyan Gary

ARMENIAN PRESIDENT MEETS HIS RUSSIAN COUNTERPART
Armenpress
Oct 30 2006
MOSCOW, OCTOBER 30, ARMENPRESS: President of Armenia Robert Kocharian,
who is in the Russian Federation on a working visit, had today
a face-to-face meeting with his Russian counterpart Vladimir
Putin. Greeting the visit of the Armenian president to Russia,
Vladimir Putin said he is pleased that frequent high-level visits
are taking place between the sides which promote development of
Russian-Armenian relations.
During the meeting Putin referred to the expansion of the
Armenian-Russian economic cooperation pointing out that only during
the eight months of the running year the trade turnover between the
two countries reached 278 million USD which is 60 percent more as
compared with the same span of the last year.
Nevertheless, he considered it shameful that Russia is only on the
third place in Armenia’s economy in respect of investments. “It is
strange and shameful that being Armenia’s strategic partner Russia
is not on the first place in respect of its investments in Armenia,”
Putin said, at the same time pointing out that there exists tendency
of increasing Russian investments in Armenia.
Robert Kocharian, on his part, noted that all the serious agreements
reached with “Gazprom” have entered the round of implementation. “So,
we may say that in the coming year the investments will notably
increase,” Kocharian said. As a brilliant example of effective
bilateral cooperation the Armenian president pointed out to the
operation of modernized “Armenal” foil mill factory which has several
times increased the volume of its production.
During the meeting the Russian president also referred to the Year
of Armenia in Russia saying that it is being held in Russia quite
successively and is a natural continuation of the Year of Russia held
in Armenia. The two presidents also discussed a wide-range of issues
on bilateral relations and exchanged views over the international
and regional developments.
Tomorrow, on October 31, Armenian president will meet with the Russian
Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov and Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov. He
will also participate in the opening of the monument to world-famous
Armenian composer Aram Khachaturian.

Hayots Ashkar, Yerevan,
27 Oct 06, p 3
ARMENIAN NEWSPAPER SEES IRAN AS TRANSPORT ALTERNATIVE TO GEORGIA
Iran may be a solution to Armenia’s transport problems arising from
Russia’s blockade of Georgia, an Armenian newspaper has said. The
early commissioning of an Iran-Armenia gas pipeline has given Armenia
hope for more transport and energy options via Iran. Closer
cooperation with Iran would make Armenia’s positions stronger both in
talks on a Karabakh settlement and in relations with Georgia amid
Russian pressure on Yerevan to take a tougher stance. The following
is the text of an article by Sark’s Gevorkyan entitled “We need an
alternative and Iran maybe that alternative” and published in the
Armenian newspaper Ayots Ashkar on 27 October:
Two events that have occurred recently, such as the recognition of
Iran’s right to uranium enrichment by the director-general of
International Atomic Energy Agency, Muhammad al-Baradi’i, and the
publication of the programme on armed forces withdrawal from Iraq,
indicate that the world community recognizes the fact that our
neighbour Iran may turn its force into an independent factor, and is
ready to take this reality into account. In such conditions, Armenia,
which has found itself in a difficult geopolitical situation because
of events around Georgia, may take the edge off the need to make a
choice between the northern and western directions of its policy by
giving a new quality to Armenian-Iranian strategic cooperation.
Putting an Iran-Armenia gas pipeline into operation a month earlier
than expected and the prospects for an Iran-Armenia-Georgia energy
corridor is additional proof of that.
It is not hard to notice that, as Armenia gains a serious energy
alternative, it should not be in a hurry to sell the Iran-Armenia gas
pipeline to a third party or transfer it into trust management.
Moreover, Armenia may also consider the construction of a second gas
pipeline towards Europe, which may seriously strengthen its positions
in terms of energy exports.
Let us try to understand what Armenia can gain from the further
deepening of cooperation with Iran in the context of new developments
in efforts to settle South Caucasus conflicts?
Those developments obviously suggest that each of the “projects”
being offered to Armenia – the western and the northern ones –
contains such possible dangers that this country is in fact facing
the problem of choosing the lesser of the two evils. Thus, until the
geopolitical status of Georgia is clarified and the process of
Karabakh talks reaches its climax, Armenia is simply deprived of an
opportunity to make “sharp movements”. But even after that the
obstacles between Russia and Georgia may increase the role of
southward communications via Azerbaijan for Russia. For Armenia this
is a deadlock in both cases at the Russian-Georgian and
Armenian-Azerbaijani borders. For this reason, the transfer of the
Russian southern transport corridor from Georgia to Azerbaijan augurs
badly for this country. But Armenia is also deprived of an
opportunity of making a choice between Georgia, which is turning into
a possible NATO base, and Russia. It turns out that Armenian-Russian
high-level talks, which are due to be held in Moscow, may discuss the
following options: either Armenia changes its policy towards Georgia
or Russia will have to consider using the Azerbaijan-Iran
communications system. We think that in such conditions Armenia needs
support from a third party, which also worries about the prospect of
foreign forces deploying not far from its borders. Moreover,
Armenia’s rapprochement with Iran would not damage Moscow’s efforts
to find a “black cat” in Armenian-Georgian relations as well as to
keep the Karabakh conflict settlement process in a deadlock. It is
obvious that by means of Armenian-Iranian cooperation we may balance
out the two mutually exclusive extremes we are facing in
Russian-Georgian relations and we may be able to talk to Georgia from
the positions of a country that has a specific transport alternative.
A further rapprochement with Iran will also allow Armenia feel more
confident in the context of the an accelerating Karabakh negotiation
process. The involvement of a third force will allow us to
counterbalance processes which may be at variance with our national
interests. The reason is evident as the Araz valley is also a
security zone for Iran, which would view any control of it by
international forces as a serious threat.
Thus, in the context of geopolitical processes taking place in our
region and the consequent isolation of Armenia, this country may
start consultations with Iran on all aspects of energy, communication
and military-technical cooperation and take it to a new quality
level.

RPA TERRITORIAL ORGANIZATION TO KEEP NEUTRALITY AT AJAPNIAK COMMUNITY
HEAD’S ELECTIONS

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 27, NOYAN TAPAN. The RPA territorial structure
decided not to interfere in the elections of the community head of
Ajapniak, Yerevan, to be held on October 29, to exclude possible
tension. Head of NA RPA faction Galust Sahakian stated about it
responding the Noyan Tapan correspondent’s question at the October 27
briefing. “We’ll support with our neutrality for it will be just as if
the party’s territorial structure and its head name anybody, I think,
just he will pass, but strainings will arise in the whole process,”
G.Sahakian mentioned.
To recap, candidatures of 3 members of the Nig-Aparan compatriotic
union, non-partizan Ruben Hovsepian, ARF member Gagik Sargsian and
Ishkhan Arshakian, the head of the territorial structure of the
“Zhoghovrdavarakan Ughi” (Democratic Path) party, will be voted at the
elections to be held in Ajapniak. By the Nig-Aparan council’s
decision, the union supports its Honourary Chairman, RA Prosecutor
General Aghvan Hovsepian’s brother, R.Hovsepian.

DOCUMENTARY FEATURING SYSTEM OF A DOWN PREMIERING IN DECEMBER
Blabbermouth.net, NY
Oct 26 2006
Launch Radio Networks reports: A new documentary about the history
of genocide throughout the 20th century, featuring SYSTEM OF A DOWN,
will premiere in Los Angeles on December 8, with the film expanding to
New York and other selected cities in January. Titled “Screamers”, the
film examines why genocides continue to occur, from the 1915 Armenian
extermination to the Holocaust to more recent atrocities in Rwanda
and Darfur. The members of SYSTEM OF A DOWN are all grandchildren
of survivors of the Armenian genocide, during which the Turkish
government slaughtered 1.5 million Armenians. Turkey has denied its
actions despite historical and eyewitness evidence.
“Screamers” was directed by filmmaker Carla Garapedian, who is also an
Armenian-American. SYSTEM OF A DOWN frontman Serj Tankian told Launch
about his and the band’s participation in the project. “I’ve helped
kind of advise Carla as the film started, and I got the band involved,
SYSTEM OF A DOWN involved, and she basically came and shot a number
of our shows and followed the band through our recognition campaign
for the Armenian genocide,” he said. “She’s also interviewed a lot of
activists, scholars, people in the government in different countries –
U.S., Europe, a lot of different countries in Europe.”
The film also features an interview with Tankian’s grandfather,
who is one of the few remaining eyewitnesses of the genocide.
Tankian and drummer John Dolmayan met with members of Congress last
April to lobby for legislation recognizing the genocide. The bill has
been blocked by Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert, who, according
to Vanity Fair, has received $500,000 in campaign contributions from
the Turkish government to block the vote.
SYSTEM OF A DOWN is currently on an extended hiatus following the
release of its “Mezmerize” and “Hypnotize” albums last year and the
touring that followed.
rmouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=6 1037

BAKU POSITIVELY ASSESSES RECENT STATEMENT OF ARMENIAN FM
Author: E.Huseynov
TREND, Azerbaijan
Oct 26 2006
The recent statement by the Armenian Foreign Minister, Vardan Oskanyan,
regarding the return of all occupied Azerbaijani territories is very
highly assessed, the Chief of the Press & Information Policy Department
of the Azerbaijan Foreign Ministry, Tahir Tagizade, told Trend.
According to him, the inevitability of returning occupied Azerbaijani
territories within the regulation process is a factor for Armenian
side. “The Armenian Foreign Minister made it clear that the Armenian
side understands that the return of all occupied Azerbaijan territories
is a very essential element of the regulation,” Tagizade emphasized.
Recently, during his speech at the Armenian Parliament, Oskanyan stated
that the return of the territories forms a part of the proposals. “We
will discuss the territories once a definite agreement has been reached
regarding the status of Nagorno-Karabakh. Only then will we discuss
the details of returning the territories,” the Minister said. In
addition, he made it clear that all territories of the Nagorno-Karabakh
are under the territories – northern and eastern parts – including
Martuni, Mardaket and Shaumyan. “All the territories are topics for
discussion.” Oskanyan added.

HENRY CUNY AWARDED MKHITAR GOSH MEDAL
Noyan Tapan
Oct 26 2006
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 26, NOYAN TAPAN. Under RA President’s October 25
decree, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France
to Armenia, Henry Cuny was awarded Mkhitar Gosh medal, for his
considerable contribution to strengthening and development of
Armenian-French friendly relations. Noyan Tapan was informed
about it from RA President’s Press Office. Giving the award to
the diplomat at the October 26 farewell meeting, Robert Kocharian
expressed his gratitude for efficient cooperation and said that he
completes his mission in Armenia registering considerable progress
in Armenian-French relations. Henry Cuny expressed gratitude to the
President for being honored at such a high level and assured that it
is very dear for him. He highly estimated Armenia’s warm attitude
to France considering the award as a pledge of Armenian-French
friendship. Mentioning with satisfaction the involvement of France
in various spheres, the Ambassador said that he has done with love
and devotion any act undertaken by him. Henry Cuny wished prosperity
to our country, well-being to the Armenian people and success in his
work to the President.

UNDP AND HAYASTAN FOUNDATION SIGN MEMORANDUM ON COOPERATION IN ARMENIA
ARKA News Agency, Armenia
Oct 25 2006
YEREVAN, October 25. /ARKA/. The UNDP and the All-Armenian “Hayastan
Foundation” signed a memorandum on implementation of programs on
poverty reduction in rural areas.
The UN permanent coordinator in Armenia Consuello Vidal reported
that poverty reduction in Armenia’s rural areas is in the center
of special attention of not only the UN structures, but also the
Armenian authorities.
“We intend to join our efforts both with the Hayastan Foundation and
representatives of the Diaspora and local governmental structures to
achieve a more tangible result,” she said and added that the fundament
for implementation of the programs aimed developing rural areas was
laid at the third Armenia-Diaspora Forum.
In her turn, Executive Director of the Hayastan Foundation Naira
Melkumyan pointed out that by cooperating with the UNO, implementation
of new governmental programs, aimed at developing rural, and especially
border-line areas of Armenia, will be possible.
The Hayastan Foundation was established in 1992 by the decree of
the Armenian president. It has implemented programs for a total
of $160mln. Projects with the total budget for $160mln have been
implemented. Over 220 km of roads, 130 km of water canals, 36
schools, 3 power substations, 210 residential houses, and 14 medical
institutions have been constructed.
The UNDP within the frameworks of the activity in Armenia, has
elaborated plans for development of 20 border-line villages of
Armenia. Works on provision of financial support for these programs
are being implemented. The third Armenia-Diaspora Forum was held in
Yerevan on September 18-20.

NAMES OF COMMISSIONERS FROM NEWEST EU STATES EMERGE
By Mark Beunderman
EUobserver.com, Belgium
Oct 25 2006
EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS – The names of the two likely new members of
the European Commission have emerged, with Romania proposing liberal
senator Varujan Vosganian and Bulgaria likely to nominate EU affairs
minister Meglena Kuneva.
Romanian prime minister Calin Popescu-Tariceanu officially announced
his country’s nomination on Wednesday (25 October), with EU accession
of Romania and Bulgaria on 1 January 2007 fast approaching.
“I strongly believe that the solid political experience and the
professional profile of Mr Varujan Vosganian recommends him for this
position,” Mr Tariceanu said.
Mr Vosganian, a 48 year old economist and a liberal senator, is a
member of the Armenian minority of Romania. He is also a member of
the parliamentary assembly of the Council of Europe, Europe’s human
rights watchdog.
The move came as a surprise after press reports on Wednesday morning
had suggested that Bucharest would pick justice minister Monica
Macovei as its member of the EU executive.
Meanwhile, Bulgarian officials on Wednesday could not give official
confirmation of their country’s commissioner-designate doing the
rounds – EU affairs minister Meglena Kuneva.
But government-linked news website eunews.bg referred to a report on
Bulgarian public radio saying Sofia will put forward Ms Kuneva, who
had already been frequently tipped for the post and who is well-known
on the Brussels scene.
The head of the Bulgarian centre-right observers group in the European
Parliament, Maria Cappone, told her colleagues in statement that
“the Bulgarian government has nominated the minister for European
integration, Mrs Meglena Kuneva.”
The European Commission and EU member states still have to officially
agree to Mr Vosganian and Ms Kuneva as the two new commissioners,
with a commission spokeswoman saying today that commission chief
Jose Manuel Barroso will only issue a statement once consensus on
the issue is fully clear.
Recent “consultations” between Sofia, Bucharest, the commission and
EU capitals, suggest however that the two candidates emerging on
Wednesday will be endorsed by Mr Barroso and national governments.
Mr Barroso is thereafter solely responsible for the attribution of
the exact portfolios for the commissioners.
One EU official on Wednesday denied reports that Mr Barroso will split
the justice and home affairs portfolio and create a new commissioner
for immigration.
Another suggestion doing the rounds on the tasks of the new
commissioners is that the consumer protection and health portfolio
will be divided – resulting in a separate new commissioner for health.
Barroso tells parliament to shift date Meanwhile the European
Parliament will hear the two commissioners-designate in late November,
with the EU assembly still wrangling with the commission on when it
will vote on the new members of the Barroso team – either just before
or just after accession.
Parliamentary group chiefs have picked 4 January as an investiture
date for the new commissioners, in order to allow the Romanian and
Bulgarian MEPs – who until 1 January have “observer” status only –
to vote for their own commissioners as fully-fledged European deputies.
But in a letter to the parliament’s president Josep Borrell, commission
chief Barroso has written that this is legally impossible.
In the letter, dated 23 October, Mr Barroso writes that parliament has
to finish its procedure “before” 1 January in order to allow the new
commissioners to “take up their positions on 1 January,” citing legal
reasons enshrined in the accession treaties of Romania and Bulgaria.
Political group leaders in the parliament are discussing the issue
in Strabourg this week, considering the alternative of shifting the
vote to December.

TURKS LESS KEEN TO JOIN EU
The Media Line, NY
Oct 25 2006
More than a quarter of the Turkish population believes Turkey should
not enter the European Union, a recent public opinion poll suggests.
Only about 10 percent of the population felt the same way in a similar
poll conducted last year.
The survey was published in the Turkish newspaper Milliyet. It
questioned 2,408 people and was carried out in late September.
Anti-EU sentiments have increased since the poll was conducted due
to the law passed in the French parliament that outlaws denial of
the Turkish genocide against the Armenians in 1915.
Fewer than a third of the respondents thought Turkey must enter the
EU, compared to more than two thirds who espoused this opinion in a
similar poll conducted in 2004.
The survey also indicated that 78% of Turks had no confidence in
the EU.
Turkey began accession talks with the EU a year ago, negotiations that
are likely to last at least a decade. Ankara has come under pressure
for its sluggishness in incorporating reforms.

BABACAN MEETS EUROPEAN COMMISSION VICE PRESIDENT FRATTINI
Turkish Press
Oct 25 2006
BRUSSELS – Turkish State Minister & Chief Negotiator for EU talks
Ali Babacan met European Commission Vice President Franco Frattini
for Justice, Freedom and Security in Brussels on Thursday.
Speaking to Turkish reporters, Babacan said that French parliament’s
decision on adoption of a bill on criminalizing denial of so-called
Armenian genocide was a concerning development regarding the future
of the EU, noting that this decision would make a negative impact on
(Turkish people’s) senses on EU.
“It is not reasonable to respond to France’s mistakes by making
mistakes. We will keep fulfilling reforms,” Babacan stressed.
Replying to questions on Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code (TCK),
Babacan noted that technical works on this matter were under way. “We
will monitor its implementation. There can be amendments on any law.
However developments in France will make difficult initiatives on
the matter,” he said.
Responding to a question on Turkey’s attitude in regard to the decision
of France, Babacan said that the government has not made a decision
on the matter yet, underlining that this issue would be discussed in
the first meeting of the Council of Ministers.
Noting that European Commission’s reaction to the decision of France
was a very important development, he stressed, “we consider the
commission’s attitude positive and sound.”
“We are continuing legal arrangements on EU adjustment laws. Turkish
Parliamentary General Assembly will debate the law on foundations
next week,” Babacan said upon a question.
He noted, “now Turkey aims to be a full member of the EU.”
Stating that he held very fruitful meetings in Brussels, Babacan
indicated that there could be progress regarding visa procedure for
Turkish businessmen, students and academicians.
In regard to prominent Turkish novelist Orhan Pamuk, who won the 2006
Nobel Prize for literature, Babacan stated, “it is a very important
development.”