Author: Vasilian Manouk

SHOULD WE COUNT ON ACTING PRIME MINISTER?

A1+
[06:20 pm] 12 April, 2007

Over 35 employees gathered at the Government House to attract the
officials’ attention with posters bearing the following message,
"Armenian Airline pilots demand their salaries." The strikers signed
the letter to Prime Minister right in front of the Government.

The airline workers informed ‘A1+’ that they have not received
salary since October 1, 2003. "We have been making this issue public
since 2003, but nobody seems to pay any attention to us," engineer
Edward Revazyan states.’ Though the former prime minister had passed
a resolution on the issue, he did not fulfill it. So we hope the
present prime minister will redeem the debts."

To note, the debts to the pilots should have to be paid due to RA
Government resolution 331-A by December 31, 2003.

"Today is the day of aviation but we are out of the attention
spectrum. Our demand is legal, we spoke out many times but all in
vain," one of the strikers who wanted to remain anonymous, told ‘A1+’

BASHAR ASSAD: SYRIA RECOGNIZES AZERBAIJAN’S TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY AND SUPPORTS PEACEFUL SOLUTION TO KARABAKH CONFLICT

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
April 12 2007

Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov met with Syrian
President Bashar Assad during his visit to this country, Azerbaijan
Honorary Consul to Lebanon Nazih Gassab told APA.

According to him, Elmar Mammadyarov discussed issues of mutual
interest and Syria’s position on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict with
Bashar Assad.

Syrian President said his country recognizes Azerbaijan’s territorial
integrity and supports peaceful solution to the Karabakh conflict.

Mammadyarov and Assad stressed the importance of regional cooperation
and joint projects. The meeting also covered issues of establishing
Azerbaijani embassy in Syria. The sides also touched on the situation
in Iraq and Palestine. Two sides agreed to continue talks on the
issues of mutual interest in the future.

Syrian Foreign Minister Valid al-Muallim’s visit to Azerbaijan has
been agreed by the sides on this purpose.

ARMENIA REMAINS RUSSIA’S STRATEGIC PARTNER IN SOUTH CAUCASUS

PanARMENIAN.Net
11.04.2007 15:03 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenia remains Russia’s strategic partner in the
South Caucasus, Russia’s First Vice Premier Sergey Ivanov said at a
joint news conference with Armenian Prime Minister Serge Sargsyan.

Armenia-NATO cooperation program within IPAP is not an alternative to
the Armenian-Russian partnership, he said. "Our strategic partnership
rests not only on the presence of Russian military bases but also
on the commonness of cultures and whole scope of relations," Ivanov
underscored.

For his part, RA PM Serge Sargsyan noted that creation of extra
dividing lines in the region will not do good to Armenia’s security
structure. "It’s true, Russia reduces its presence in the region but it
doesn’t mean that other states should expand their presence instead,"
he said.

APA
Armenia-made napkins sold in Azerbaijan
11 Apr 2007 12:49
"VioleT" napkins sold in Khachmaz markets caused discontent of residents.
City residents told APA’s North bureau that the napkins are produced in a
company owned by an Armenian Markaryan A. E.

City resident Samire Bakhshiyeva told APA’s bureau that there are many
napkin producer companies in Russia, so it should be investigated why mainly
the napkins produced in the company owned by Armenian should be brought to
Azerbaijan.
"We understand that there are trade relations between Azerbaijan and Russia
and the personality of producer does not matter. But it is interesting who
brings the Violet napkins to Azerbaijan and what is his benefit?" she said.
APA’s bureau confirmed the fact that VioleT napkins are sold in Khachmaz
markets. The investigations of the agency proved that this company functions
in Krasnodar and is owned by Armenian Artur Eduardovich Markaryan. The
company produces only napkins. The head office of the company is situated in
Novorossiysk, Russia.

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA
—————————————— —-
PRESS AND INFORMATION DEPARTMENT
Government House # 2, Republic Square
Yerevan 0010, Republic of Armenia
Telephone: +37410. 544041 ext 202
Fax: +37410. 562543
Email: [email protected]

10-04- 2007

Minister Oskanian reacts to the postponement of exhibition on Rwandan
Genocide at the United Nations in New York

It is not enough that the Government of Turkey thinks it can hide its
history from its own people. Now, they have taken their campaign of cover-up
and distortion to such lengths that they will prevent an exhibition on
Genocide entitled "Lessons from Rwanda."

This UK-based AEGIS Trust NGO-sponsored exhibition on the horrors of Rwanda,
at the United Nations in New York, is being postponed because the Turks
object to a sentence that refers to Armenians being killed and to Raphael
Lemkin’s conclusion that such large-scale and pre-meditated slaughter
amounted to Genocide.

Raphael Lemkin’s work is part of the international record, and of world
history. It is unacceptable that a UN member-state, committed to world
peace, dares to export such intolerance to the United Nations. Armenia
cannot accept that the history of the world, the current experiences of
suffering of the people of Rwanda, of Darfur, and Armenians’ memories of
injustice are subjected to such callous, cynical dismissal.

It is ironic and shameful that this Turkish-led postponement should befall
an event which was to provide lessons on how to respect human rights and
prevent genocides. Instead, the lesson here is one of total disrespect for
history and memory. -0-

10 PERIODICALS INCLUDED IN PROGRAM ON MONITORING OF 2007 PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS’ COVERAGE BY ARMENIAN PRESS

Noyan Tapan
Apr 09 2007

YEREVAN, APRIL 9, NOYAN TAPAN. Since March 1, the "New Format"
Consulting Center" NGO has been implementing the program on monitoring
of the 2007 parliametary elections’ coverage by the Armenian
press. The chairman of the NGO Movses Demirchian said at the April
9 press conference that the monitoring to be conducted until June 1
includes such periodicals as "Haykakan Zhamanak" ("Armenian Time"),
"168 Hours", "4th Power", "Iravunk" ("Law"), "Zhamanak Yerevan",
"Pakagits" ("Brackets"), "Hayots Ashkharh" ("Armenian World"), "Aravot"
("Morning"), "Hayq" and "Azg" periodicals. According to him, the choice
of these newspapers was conditioned by the results of a social study
conducted at the request of thier center, according to which these
periodicals have the largest number of readers. M. Demirchian said
that the website was created to ensure the program’s
publicity. Besides, monitoring results are published weekly in the
insert "New Format" of the newspaper "168 Hours". It is envisaged to
publish the summarized information on the 2007 parliamentary elections’
coverage by the Armenian press in a book.

The speaker noted that the total cost of the program makes 2.7 million
drams (about 7.4 thousand USD). It is implemented with resources
of the grant provided to NGOs from the RA state budget – with the
assistance of the "Social Dialog and Developments Center" NGO.

Qualitative change in political life is necessary
Editorial

Yerkir.am
April 06, 2007

`Electoral bribes, collection of passports and other similar practices
are of course unacceptable. At the same time, we should understand
that only political forces that do not feel confident about themselves
resort to such practices.

Those who are sure that they can win the votes with their platforms
resort to such measures,’ member of ARF’s Supreme Body Artashes
Shahbazian says. Shahbazian hopes we will have fair elections. `It’s
a shame that people come from abroad to teach us. It’s a shame when
they say that no fair elections have taken place in Armenia,’
Shahbazian, who occupies the 5th position in ARF’s proportional list,
says in an interview to Yerkir.

Q: Mr. Shahbazian, the official electoral campaign is starting in
several days. Do you think the campaign will be based on ideas or will
black PR be used?

A: We are prepared with our campaign materials and our platform and
are determined to have a truly ideological and political campaign. We
will present our vision of Armenia’s economic development,
consolidation of national values, cultural development as well as our
position on education related, demographic, social, economic and other
issues. I can assure you that ARF will not use black PR. Political
forces should not resort to negative campaigning for the purpose of
getting votes. Black PR will distort the political and public
atmosphere. Elections are a political action. We will continue living
and working together after the elections. The logic of elections
implies that elections are much more efficient if there is a contest
of ideas, when competition evolves around political platforms.

Q: Is the society interested in platforms and ideologies?

A: Through our recent interaction with different people from different
backgrounds we found out that people are expecting improvement of
their lives. People are interested to know what the future will bring
for them. The country has overcome the crisis and the regress. There
are positive changes and people see this. Of course, there is shadow
economy, corruption and gaps in the legislation and law
enforcement. The economic life is becoming more active, the industries
are working, new jobs are created. However, these processes do not
affect everyone and a significant segment of ht society is left behind
this progress. In other words, there is development but it does not
affect everyone, the incomes are not distributed in a fair manner.

Nevertheless, people appreciate that some progress takes place and
they want to know where we are going next. Through our interactions
with people we can see that the increased interest towards the ARF
derives from this expectation. People stress that ARF is a party with
an ideology. This is our strength. This factor fosters and will
continue fostering our reputation.

Q: Some conflicts and divisions have recently occurred within some
political parties. Now that the political life is becoming more
active, are such surprises possible within the ARF?

A: The level of internal organization, stability and well-defined
relations are pointed out as the main characteristics of the
ARF. Members of the ARF are dedicated people who are connected with
each other with an ideology rather than momentary interests. They
believe in the party’s program. This is why our organization is stable
and united. Internal conflicts and divisions cannot take place in such
an organization. People should believe and rely on ideas and not
leaders. If there is a functioning system, individuals’ roles are not
of decisive importance any more. People can see that ARF is far from
the unpleasant surprises that take place on the political arena.

Q: Aren’t you worried about the indifference towards political
processes on the part of the society?

A: I mentioned that people are interested in ideas and political
platforms, they have some expectations from the upcoming
elections. Unfortunately, our political elites have always shattered
the people’s expectations, their hopes. In reality, there are no
opportunities for changing the political atmosphere, the political
relations so that people could also change as a result of such
changes. Every time we destroy the people’s hope, and the voters
become more and more disappointed after each elections. Political
apathy and passiveness drives them to stalemate of disappointment and
indifference.

Then we start complaining that the civil society does not develop in
Armenia. We start asking why people are leaving the country, why the
society is not united, etc. The same thing can occur this time as
well. Some people view illegal and immoral phenomena as something
natural and normal. They say, `This is how it has always been.’ This
means rejection of their civic duties and responsibilities. We live in
an environment of distorted standards and values. It is time that the
political forces take up the mission of changing the political life
and taking it to a qualitatively new level. We must assure ourselves
that this time there will be a breakthrough.

Q: Your optimism suggests that the new parliament will be much more
representative. A: Those who say that the new parliament will be much
worse than the present one pay a negative service to the society `
they disseminate the feeling that everything has already been decided.
In reality, everything depends on the elections. Those who will follow
the political path will take this quality to the new parliament. Those
who will follow other paths will bring other qualities. The fairer the
elections are the better the new parliament will be in terms of its
quality.

Q: How do you assess the ARF’s chances? A: ARF’s structures function
throughout the country. Our interactions with the voters show that the
party’s rating is rather high and the reason for this is that people
have some expectations from the ARF. We are determined to pursue
every vote given to us because with these votes we will be able to
have better representation in the parliament.

amp;show_article=1 < KG1&show_article=1>

Kerkorian Makes Offer for Chrysler

Apr 5 02:42 PM US/Eastern
By KEN THOMAS
Associated Press Writer

NEW YORK (AP) – Billionaire investor Kirk Kerkorian is proposing to
pay $4.5 billion in cash for Chrysler, as parent DaimlerChrysler AG
examines what to do with its troubled U.S. automaking arm.

A deal would put Kerkorian in charge of Chrysler a decade after he
claims he was tricked out of a potential billions of dollars in the
1998 deal in which Germany’s DaimlerBenz combined with Chrysler.

The offer disclosed Thursday from Kerkorian’s Tracinda Corp. is
slightly lower than at least one competing bid from Canadian auto-
parts supplier Magna International Inc., worth a reported $4.7
billion.

Tracinda said it would place a $100 million deposit for the right to
exclusive bargaining rights.

Tracinda in a statement said it wants "to build and strengthen" the
troubled automaker and "will offer the UAW and Chrysler management the
opportunity to participate as equity partners in the transaction."

DaimlerChrysler shares climbed $2.96, or 3.7 percent, to $83.95 on the
New York Stock Exchange after the announcement.

California-based Tracinda said its offer is subject to Chrysler
reaching a new collective bargaining agreement with the United Auto
Workers as well as a deal with DaimlerChrysler on sharing the unfunded
pension liabilities and health care costs of Chrysler retirees.

A message seeking comment was left Thursday with a UAW spokesman.

Tracinda also said it’s ready to start a more extensive review of
Chrysler’s financial books right away and believes it could complete
it within 60 days.

Han Tjan, head of corporate communications for DaimlerChrysler in New
York, said the German-American automaker is talking with partners
about a sale and that the chairman is satisfied with the process.

"All of our options are still open. For us to talk about (Tracinda) is
speculation," Tjan said.

At least two groups in addition to Tracinda and Magna reportedly have
expressed interest in Auburn Hills, Mich.-based Chrysler. Cerberus
Capital Management LLC and a consortium of investors led by Blackstone
Group each have reviewed Chrysler’s finances and are expected to make
bids.

In a letter to DaimlerChrysler Chairman Dieter Zetsche, Tracinda said
it has been following the developments at Chrysler closely and has
been studying available materials about the automaker.

"Having been a major shareholder for over a decade we are very
familiar with both Chrysler and the automotive industry, and have come
to believe, all factors considered, that a private ownership approach
is in the best interests of all Chrysler constituencies," said the
letter, signed by Tracinda adviser Jerome York, a former Chrysler
Corp. executive.

The letter said it would be easier for a privately owned company to
take a long-term approach "to build Chrysler into a robust and
lasting, stand-alone entity."

Kerkorian long has had interest in automotive companies.

Late last year he dumped the last block of what once was a nearly 10
percent share of General Motors Corp., the world’s largest automaker.

He had Kerkorian pushed an alliance between GM, Nissan and Renault
SA. GM’s board voted to explore the idea of an alliance, but after
three months of discussion the idea was scrapped. York served as
Tracinda’s representative on the GM board but stepped down after the
alliance talks fell apart.

Kerkorian, whose wholly owned Tracinda was Chrysler’s largest
shareholder at the time of its 1998 merger with DaimlerBenz, sued the
combined company in 2000. He claimed that DaimlerBenz engineered a
takeover of Chrysler, then cheated him out of billions by casting the
deal as a merger of equals. A federal judge rejected his claim.

Associated Press Writer Corey Williams in Detroit contributed to this
report.

Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

YEREVAN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY HOSTS MILITARY MEDICINE CONFERENCE

ARMENPRESS
Apr 04 2007

YEREVAN, APRIL 4, ARMENPRESS: Military medics from 16 countries,
including newcomers from Holland, the Czech Republic, Great Britain
and France are in Yerevan for the 4-th international military medicine
conference, organized by Armenian defense ministry in cooperation with
NATO’s military-medical headquarters and Yerevan Medical University.

The focus in discussions will be on preventive and anti-epidemic
measures in the armed forces. David Mkhitarian, chair of the
University’s Military Medicine Department, said the traditional
conference is a good opportunity for Armenian military medics for
exchange of information with colleagues from other countries.

Today military medicine experts from Hungary, UK and Germany will
present reports on the structure of NATO’s medical system and basic
performance principles. The conference will run through April 6.

RUSSIA’S FM: MEDIATORS ARE IN LOCKSTEP NOT ONLY ABOUT KARABAGH SETTLEMENT’S PRINCIPLES, BUT ALSO CONCRETE DETAILS

DeFacto Agency, Armenia
April 3 2007

"The Nagorno-Karabagh conflict claims the status of a unique one more
than any other, not because some different principles are applied to
the Nagorno-Karabagh and not the international law’s fundamentals,
but due to the fact that from the practical viewpoint it must be the
only conflict, where the interests of Russia, the U.S. and European
Union absolutely do not contradict one another and the conflicting
parties’ interests", Russian Federation’s FM Sergey Lavrov stated
at a joint press conference with Vardan Oskanian upon the bilateral
talks’ completion.

According to Sergey Lavrov, RA and AR leadership has a final say in
the matter. "We highly estimate the efforts of both Baku and Yerevan
on advancing the negotiation process, first of all at the Presidents’
level as well as at the level of Foreign Ministers. The Co-Chairs are
careful about their functions. We realize we should not decide for
the parties, we should only help. I hope the Co-Chairs’ unique unity
not only about principles, but also details will help our friends in
Yerevan and Baku to reach mutually acceptable agreements, while Russia
is ready to be the arrangements’ guarantor", Russia’s FM underscored.