Author: Vorskanian Yeghisabet

RA PRESIDENT IS NOT COMPETENT TO SIGN ANY DOCUMENT ON BEHALF OF NKR,
IN DEFENCE OF NKR STEERING COMMITTEE DECLARES

YEREVAN, JULY 13, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. RA President Robert
Kocharian is not competent to sign any agreement or contract on behalf
of the NKR not recognized by Armenia yet or not having joined it de
jure. The July 13 statement of the In Defence of NKR steering committee
read. The document authors also mention that by the 1992 decision
of RA Supreme Council no Armenian official has the right to sign a
document where Nagorno Karabakh is mentioned as part of Azerbaijan.

"Both the OSCE MG July 3 statement and the proposals reveal the
tendency to politicize the problem and open neglect of history,
international law and regional facts. The legality of Nagorno Karabakh
formation and Baku’s aggressive territorial claims are disregarded,"
the statement read.

In Defence of NKR steering committee expresses its disagreement with
the methods adopted by the OSCE Minsk Group in the issue of Nagorno
Karabakh settlement, condemns the Armenian diplomatic services’
activity, "because of the incapacity of which the essence of the
conflict was distorted" and demands that the Budapest summit format
be restored, according to which NKR will be a side of the negotiations
enjoying full rights.

Aliyev-Kocharian talks at G8 summit ‘not likely’

Assa-Irada, Azerbaijan
July 11 2006

Baku, July 10, AssA-Irada — Azerbaijani and Armenian Presidents Ilham
Aliyev and Robert Kocharian are not expected to table settlement to
the Upper (Nagorno) Garabagh conflict during the upcoming G8 summit
in St. Petersburg, despites reports suggesting otherwise.

President Aliyev has not received such an invitation, the head of the
President’s Office international relations department, Novruz Mammadov,
told the press Monday.

Mammadov said he is surprised with the reports saying the two heads
of state are to meet during the meeting of the world’s industrialized
nations in Russia.

"An invitation to the summit would suit us, but there is no specific
information in this regard yet," he said. Mammadov added that there
is little chance this will happen.*

VARTAN OSKANIAN EVALUATES FRAME AGREEMENT PROPOSED BY OSCE MG CO-CHAIRS
AS ALL-EMBRACING AND BALANCED

YEREVAN, JULY 11, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. "I do not perceive
the statement of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs as a statement aimed
at ceasing the Minsk process," RA Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian
declared at the July 11 press conference. As he affirmed, in their
statement the Co-chairs "want to say that the document proposed by them
is a balanced synthesis of everything done over the past two years."

In the Minister’s opinion, if the sides start to conduct the process on
the settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict in this direction, it
is possible that new opportunities will be created in the negotiations
process.

Vartan Oskanian again confirmed the position of the Armenian
side on the frame agreement proposed by the Co-chairs. "This
is really an all-embracing, balanced document envisaging right
mutual concessions. Of course, it is not ideal for any side, but is
acceptable for all sides that want to solve the Nagorno Karabakh
conflict through a compromise. So, we really want Azerbaijan to
return to reconsideration of this document," the Armenian Foreign
Minister declared.

According to him, there is no contact with Azerbaijan at present. He
informed that the American Co-chairman is to pay a visit to the region
soon, which will become a reason for establishing some contacts and
planning the next steps. At the same time, he found it difficult to
say, whether the American side will assume the initiative to organize
the next meeting of the Presidents.

As for the developments connected with the EU New Neighborhood program
and, in particular, discussion of the Actions Plan proposed by Armenia,
Vartan Oskanian informed that Finland currently presiding in the
EU expressed interest in the quick solution of issues connected
with the Actions Plan within two months. The Ambassador of Finland
accredited in Armenia will arrive in Yerevan on July 22 for clarifying
a number of issues connected with Armenia’s participation in the New
Neighborhood program.

Russia hurts Armenia after closing Georgia checkpoint – MP
13:29 | 10/ 07/ 2006

RIA Novosti, Russia
July 10 2006

YEREVAN, July 10 (RIA Novosti) – A deputy chairman of Armenia’s
parliament said Monday that Russia had hit Armenian interests after
it closed a checkpoint on the Russian-Georgian border for construction
work.

Russia closed the Kazbegi-Verkhny Lars border checkpoint early Saturday
morning for an indefinite period, which has created problems for
people traveling between Georgia and Armenia.

Vaan Ovannisyan said the border had been closed because of difficult
relations between Russia and Georgia.

"They [relations] have been worsening rather than improving recently,"
he said. "Our Russian colleagues must understand that each step against
Georgia also hurts Armenia’s interests. Therefore, they should be
more flexible and careful."

Iranian Ambassador: "Region’s countries should be represented in OSCE Minsk Group"

Today, Azerbaijan
July 7 2006

07 July 2006 [20:32] – Today.Az

"Despite the ceasefire between Azerbaijan and Armenia, Armenians
violate ceasefire regularly, village population fired. People live
in fear on borderline territories."

This statement was made by Ambassador Suleymani visiting Tovuz region
at the invitation of parliamentarian Ganira Pashayeva.

West bureau of APA reports that the ambassador visited borderline
territories of Tovus with Armenia – Aghdam, Munjuglu, and Alibeyli
villages, met with local population.

"OSCE Minsk Group works have not any results in the settlement of
the conflict. For investigating Minsk Group work there is necessity
of holding special conference in Baku. Politicians, experts should
be invited; they should announce the non results of OSCE Minsk
Group work."

According to Ambassador, one of the reasons of OSCE Minsk Group works’
being of no result is related to France and the USA being represented
there as not region state.

"In Minsk Group, Russia is in some meaning the only country close
to the region. This country has close relations with Armenia, but it
has borders with Azerbaijan."

The Ambassador in case if the war launches he did not give define
answer on his country’s support.

"The government of Iran does not want Nagorno Karabakh conflict to
be settled through war. If Azerbaijan wages on and applies to Iran
for support, then this apply might be looked into."

It should be noted that, ambassador of Iran to Azerbaijan, Afshar
Suleymani will visit Ganja tomorrow. Within the visit program the
ambassador will meet with city leadership and visit historical places
of Ganja.

URL:

UNTIL NAGORNO KARABAKH IS RECOGNIZED NO TERRITORIES
WILL BE HANDED OVER: NKR DEFENSE MINISTER S. OHANYAN

Panorama.am
16:34 07/07/06

"Until recognition of NKR we do not plan to hand over any territories
which serve as security zone for Karabakh," defense minister of
Nagorno Karabakh Seiran Ohanyan told a press conference today.

According to De Facto, S. Ohanyan mentioned that Karabakh exclusively
supports peaceful settlement of the conflict "but Azerbaijan imposed
a war on us and we had to take up military measures." In his words,
the territories under Karabakh control serve as security zone for
Karabakh to ensure normal functioning of the republic.

Ohanyan also said that deployment of peacekeeping forces also
may be discussed only after the status of Nagorno Karabakh is
decided. /Panorama.am/

OSCE mission finds no evidence of arson attacks – Armenian agency

Arminfo, Yerevan
6 Jul 06

Stepanakert , 6 July: The office of the personal representative of the
OSCE chairman-in-office held a monitoring of the border zone between
the Nagornyy Karabakh republic and Azerbaijan near the settlement of
Kuropatkino on 5 July.

Members of the OSCE monitoring group did not discover evidence to
support the Azerbaijani side’s allegations of deliberate arsons
of villages on the territory controlled by the Nagornyy Karabakh
republic. At the same time, Karabakh defence ministry representatives,
who accompanied the monitoring group, drew the monitoring group’s
attention to the areas of burnt fields at a distance of about 3 km
behind the positions of the Azerbaijani armed forces.

[Passage omitted: known background details of the mission]

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07/06/2006
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1) Kocharian Wraps Up Iran Visit
2) Bryza Jumps The Gun, Again!
3) US, Turkey Sign ‘Strategic Vision’ Document
4) Karabakh Urges Inclusion Conflict Resolution Process

1) Kocharian Wraps Up Iran Visit

TEHRAN (RFE/RL, Armenpress)President Robert Kocharian Thursday ended a
two-day
visit to Tehran during which he and his Iranian counterpart Mahmoud
Ahmadinejad
called for the strengthening of the already close economic and political links
between Armenia and Iran, reported Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
The two men met twice and presided over the signing of seven Iranian-Armenian
agreements covering a broad range of areas on Wednesday. One of the agreements
paves the way for the construction of a third transmission line that will
connect the power grids of the two neighboring states.
The high-voltage line will allow for a substantial increase in exports of
Armenian electricity to Iran after the construction of a pipeline which is due
to start pumping Iranian natural gas into Armenia next year. Yerevan borrowed
$34 million from Tehran to finance the ongoing work on the first Armenian
section of the pipeline and will repay the loan with electricity supplies.
Ahmadinejad and Kocharian were widely expected to discuss the
under-construction pipeline and, in particular, Russia’s desire to control it.
However, they were not reported to have mentioned the issue at their joint
news
conference.
The two leaders only stressed, in general terms, the need for their nations to
bolster their relationship which Ahmadinejad said has a "huge potential."
"The Islamic Republic of Iran welcomes and supports the development of ties
with Armenia in various areas, particularly in energy fields as well as
transportation, sports, and tourism," The Tehran Times daily quoted
Ahmadinejad
as saying. "I hope the Armenian president’s trip to Iran would serve as an
important step toward the development of all-out ties between the two
countries."
Kocharian, for his part, reportedly welcomed "noticeable progress" in the
development of Iranian-Armenian ties, while calling for unspecified "new
steps"
to implement bilateral agreements signed in the past. He also threw his weight
behind an extremely ambitious idea to build a rail link between Armenia and
Iran.
It is not clear whether mounting international tensions over Iran’s
controversial nuclear program were also on the agenda of Kocharian’s separate
talks with Ahmadinejad and Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki.
Armenian officials have repeatedly expressed hope for a "diplomatic" solution
to the dispute. Yerevan fears that possible US military action against Iran
could thwart the implementation of Armenian-Iranian energy projects and have
other unpredictable consequences.
Kocharian highlighted Iran’s significance for Armenia by choosing to publicly
shake hands with Ahmadinejad and invite him to Yerevan at a time when Tehran’s
nuclear standoff with the West is coming to a crunch. The Iranian president is
facing Western ostracism for his hard line on the issue and public denials of
the Holocaust.
Before wrapping up his trip, Kocharian met with the Armenian community of
Iran
to hear their ideas about how to boost cooperation between Armenia and the
community and other Armenia-Diaspora related issues, reported the Armenpress
news agency.
The Armenian-Iranian community commended the "One Nation-One Culture"
festival
organized and held for the third consecutive time by Armenian authorities,
suggesting that this festival may be taken beyond Armenia to the countries
with
strong Armenian communities.
The community members pledged active participation in the third
Armenia-Diaspora conference scheduled for September in Yerevan.
During the meeting president Kocharian awarded the Armenian medal of Mkhitar
Heratsi to prominent Iranian-Armenian psychiatrist Harmik Davtian.
Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian positively assessed the results of
Kocharian’s visit to Iran. He said the visit was important taking into
consideration the fact that after the election of the new president a new team
has been formed in Iran.
"Today the two countries aim to expand relations. In this respect we have
executed quite positive changes," the foreign minister said, while
underscoring
the importance of the meeting of the two presidents.
Oskanian also emphasized the political importance of the visit, saying that
quite serious developments are taking place in the region, in which Iran is
fully and actively involved and therefore, it is useful for the Armenia to be
aware of Iran’s posturing on regional issues.
It is important that Iran, as a regional country, learns about the
developments in the ongoing Nagorno-Karabakh peace process directly from
Armenia, explaining that Kocharian informed his Iranian counterpart about the
developments in that realm.

2) Bryza Jumps The Gun, Again!

YEREVANThe US co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group Matthew Bryza told the Haykakan
Zhamanak newspaper Wednesday that US Ambassador-designate to Armenia Richard
Hoagland will assume his post in some two weeks, immediately after his formal
confirmation by the US Senate.
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee, however, held delayed Hoagland’s
confirmation following a controversial and often heated hearing process last
week when he failed to provide satisfactory answers to inquiries from key
committee members on US policy on the Armenian Genocide and the dismissal of
the current US Ambassador to Armenia John Evans, who characterized the events
of 1915 as "a Genocide."
Both Houses of Congress are on their annual July 4 recess and will
returned to
Washington next week. When the Senate committee hearing resume, Hoagland faces
a new set of questions submitted late last week regarding the aforementioned
issues.
Late last month, in his capacity as co-chairman of the OSCE Minsk Group,
Bryza
leaked confidential principles of a peace plan, sending the diplomatic
community in a furor over the disclosure of sensitive information regarding
the
Nagorno-Karabakh peace process.
. "Hoagland is a very attentive person and he is perfectly aware of the
history
of the Caucasus. As for incumbent Ambassador Evans, he is an excellent
personality and Ambassador. It’s not true to sat that he is recalled and even
removed from diplomatic service," Bryza said.
"Ambassadors serve the President and they are obliged to follow his policy.
President Bush’s policy as it regards the mass killings of Armenians is
precise
and he mentions it in his annual statement. Certainly if somebody doesn’t
agree
with the president’s policy, he can take his own decisions, however they
should
not be announced publicly. We all serve the President and our job is to
contribute to his policy. We should also give him advice but when matter
concerns public statements we should support the President’s policy," Bryza
said.
Evans’ recall is said to be caused by his statement on the Armenian Genocide.
On February 19, 2005, during his public presentation at the University of
California, Berkeley, hosted by Armenian Studies Program Executive Director,
Prof. Stephan Astourian, Evans announced, "I will today call it the Armenian
Genocide." The Ambassador, who has studied Russian History at Yale and
Columbia
universities and Ottoman History at the Keenan Institute, argued that, "we,
the
US government, owe you, our fellow citizens a more frank and honest way of
discussing this problem. Today, as someone who’s studied it… There’s no
doubt
in my mind what happened."

3) US, Turkey Sign ‘Strategic Vision’ Document

WASHINGTON (Anatolia News Agency) Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul and US
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice stated that they have agreed on common
vision document between Turkey and the United States.
Following their meeting at US State Department on Wednesday, Gul and Rice
held
a joint news conference.
Gul said, "we have discussed Iraq, Iran, the PKK and Middle East problem as
well as energy issues and Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline project which will
be implemented soon. We would like to host a US representative during the
inauguration ceremony of the pipeline."
When asked why Turkey and the United States needed a strategic vision
document, Gul said that the strategic vision document reflects the shared
values of the two countries like democracy, human rights and free market
economy as well as the close cooperation, adding that they thought it would be
beneficial to put these things down on paper and accept as a reference.
On the other hand, US Secretary of State Rice expressed pleasure about
Turkey’s initiatives in the region, and said that they discussed the problems
in the Middle East and the situation in Iran.
She stressed that Iran should meet the demands of international community and
show that it is sincere in this issue. Rice thanked Gul for the support he
gave
for extension of democracy in the region.
Rice said the strategic vision document underscores the mutual trust that
exists between the two countries.
The document is a reminder that the relationship is broad and deep and based
on shared values and interests, Rice said.
Stressing that Turkey-US relations continue on basis of strong friendship,
strategic relation and dependence on common values, Rice noted that the vision
document will have great contribution to regional and global stability.
Upon a question about PKK terrorism, Rice said that the United States defines
PKK as a terrorist organization, and she made specific reference to the joint
US-Turkish stand against the violence employed by PKK.
No one wants the PKK to carry out attacks anywhere, especially from north of
Iraq, Rice said.
Upon a question, Rice praised the diplomatic efforts of Turkey with the
Syrian
government to ease accelerating tension between Israel and Palestine.
Rice noted that Turkish envoys have told Syrian authorities, as directly as
possible, that they should use their leverage to secure the release of the
Israeli soldier detained by Palestinians.
Rice called the Turkish role very helpful.
She urged Israel and Palestine to show restraint in order to prevent a
further
deterioration of the situation.
The situation in Gaza is very tense, she said.
Rice noted that the United States exerts efforts for humanitarian aid to
Palestine, adding that Hamas should fulfill its responsibilities as well.
Upon a question about Iran’s nuclear program, Rice warned Iran not to delay
talks aimed at ending its nuclear program.
If indeed Iran is trying to stall, it’s not going to work, Rice said. She
added, we need to know if the path of negotiation is open or not.
Rice said a substantive response from Iran was needed before the Group of
Eight leaders meet later this month.

4) Karabakh Urges Inclusion Conflict Resolution Process

YEREVAN (YERKIR) Nagorno-Karabakh Republic foreign minister Georgi Petrossian
Wednesday emphasized that the country’s position on the conflict resolution
process remained unchanged and urged the inclusion of a Karabakh side in the
peace process.
"Nagorno-Karabakh took part in the establishment of the cease-fire, thus
it is
entitled to participate in talks that will decide its fate," Petrossian
emphasized.
He emphasized that Karabakh would not like to see the elimination of the
results of the conflict, but rather concrete solutions to resolve the issue.
He also reported that during their visit to the US, Karabakh representatives
voiced their concerns over publicizing the principles of a peace plan drafted
by the OSCE Minsk Group.
Late last month, the Minsk Group US co-chairman Matthew Bryza leaked the
confidential details of a peace plan being negotiated for the last two years.
"The latest developments in the conflict resolution process have created a
new
situation and it is not yet how the talks will resume," said Petrossian.
Meanwhile, Nagorno-Karabakh Republic Parliament Speaker Ashot Ghulyan told a
press conference Wednesday that the latest proposals by the OSCE Minsk Group
can serve as a basis to continue the peace talks and the conflict resolution
process.
Ghulyan said that not all provisions proposed by the Minsk Group are
acceptable to the leadership of both Armenia and Karabakh.
"Publicizing the principles of the OSCE-proposed peace plans by the mediators
is aimed at launching public discourse among the parties to the Nagorno-
Karabakh conflict." said Ghulyan.
"In doing so, the Minsk Group co-chairs provide an opportunity to the parties
to find a solution to the problem on their own," added Ghulyan.
The speaker expressed optimism that the resolution to the conflict would be
comprehensive, citing recent statements by the Minsk Group co-chairmen. In
discussing a possible resolution by this year, Ghulyan emphasized the
political
situation in Azerbaijan, as well as the posturing by the Azeri leadership as
reasons that Baku was not willing settle conflict as soon as possible.
"An agreement by Azerbaijan to engage in dialogue with Nagorno-Karabakh will
signal Azerbaijan’s willingness to resolve the conflict," Ghulyan said.

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G8 FOREIGN MINISTERS’ MEETING IN MOSCOW – CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT

Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, Moscow
30 Jun 06

Chairman’s statement

G8 foreign ministers met in Moscow on 29 June 2006 to discuss a
range of global and regional issues of primary importance to the
international community.

The meeting focussed on Iran’s nuclear programme and on the Middle
East peace process. We exchanged views on issues of post-conflict
stabilization and reconstruction, strengthening peacekeeping capacity
in Africa, G8 partnership with the BMENA [Broader Middle East and North
Africa] region, as well as discussed recent developments in Iraq,
Afghanistan, Western Balkans/Kosovo, Sudan/Darfur, Northern Uganda,
East Timor, Haiti.

Iran

We reiterate our commitment to a diplomatic solution to the Iranian
nuclear issue, which remains a source of international concern,
as highlighted by the resolutions of the IAEA [International Atomic
Energy Agency] Board of Governors and the presidential statement of
the UN Security Council.

We endorse the Vienna Declaration as delivered by [British] Foreign
Secretary Margaret Beckett on 1 June. The Vienna meeting of the
"six" resulted in far reaching proposals agreed by the foreign
ministers of China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom,
the United States and High Representative of the European Union for
a long-term comprehensive agreement with Iran based on mutual respect
and the establishment of international confidence in the exclusively
peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme. An agreement of this sort
would allow the Iranian people to enjoy the benefits of modern civil
nuclear power and would bring Iran many other long-term political
and economic advantages.

We are disappointed in the absence of an official Iranian response
to this positive proposal. We expect to hear a clear and substantive
Iranian response to these proposals at the planned meeting of Javier
Solana, the high representative of the European Union, and Dr Ali
Larijani, the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council,
on 5 July and to bring these discussions to a rapid conclusion.

We understand that foreign ministers of China, France, Germany, Russia,
the United Kingdom, the United States and the high representative of
the European Union will assess the situation before mid-July.

Counterterrorism and narcotics

We considered the draft G8 Declaration on Counterterrorism with
the annexed G8 Statement on Strengthening the UN’s Counterterrorism
Programme and endorsed its submission for consideration by the G8
leaders at the St Petersburg summit. We welcomed the results of the
International Ministerial Conference on Drug Trafficking Routes from
Afghanistan that took place on 26-28 June 2006 in Moscow.

Middle East

We reiterated our commitment to a negotiated, comprehensive, just and
lasting settlement in the Middle East. The G8 common goal remains the
creation of a viable, democratic and sovereign Israel and Palestine
living in peace and security side-by-side within internationally
recognized borders.

The foreign ministers acknowledge the democratic, fair and free
parliamentary elections in the Palestinian territories in January
2006. We call on the government of the Palestinian [National]
Authority to commit itself to the principles of nonviolence,
recognition of the right of Israel to exist, and acceptance of the
previous Israeli/Palestinian agreements consistent with the Quartet
statements as of 30 January, 9 May, and 17 June 2006.

We welcomed Prime Minister [Ehud] Olmert’s and President [Mahmud]
Abbas’ pledge to negotiations and urge both parties to avoid
unilateral measures which prejudice the final status of the Palestinian
territories.

We call on the Palestinian government to bring terrorist violence to
an end and to take immediate measures to liberate the abducted Israeli
soldier. We condemn the extremist groups responsible for these acts
and all those who jeopardize the prospects for peace.

We call on Israel to exercise utmost restraint in the current
crisis. The detention of elected members of the Palestinian government
and legislature raises particular concerns.

We call upon all parties to protect all civilians and not to add to
their suffering. We urge them to assume their full responsibility to
restore security, allowing for the resumption of the peace process
and for returning to the road map.

Concerns were expressed over the severe humanitarian situation in the
Palestinian territories. We reiterated firm commitment to continue
providing assistance to the Palestinian people. The foreign ministers
expressed support for the temporary international mechanism and in
this regard noted the Quartet statement of 17 June, which endorsed
this mechanism, and encourage other donors, including other countries,
to consider early and substantial contributions.

We agreed that movement and access are key, and in this regard we call
on both parties to fully implement the Movement and Access Agreement
of 15 November 2005.

Foreign Ministers reaffirmed their support for the restoration of the
Israeli/Palestinian political dialogue in the spirit of the road map
and based on the UNSC Resolutions 242, 338, 1397 and 1515.

Western Balkans

We reaffirmed that the Contact Group remains actively involved in the
Kosovo future status process with UNSC Resolution 1244, the guiding
principles and the 31 January London ministerial statement being the
basis of its activities. We expressed our support for the efforts of
the special envoy of the UN secretary-general, Mr.Martti Ahtisaari,
which are within the scope of the abovementioned documents.

We welcomed the launch of direct BelgradePristina talks and in this
regard we urge the parties, including the Kosovo Serbs, to negotiate in
good faith and make every effort to reach a negotiated agreement. We
underlined that Kosovo must remain multiethnic. The Kosovo leadership
should pay particular attention to implementing the standards for
national minorities defined by the international community.

We note that the UN Security Council remains actively engaged in
the matter.

We also agreed on the necessity for Bosnia and Hercegovina to continue
constitutional reforms.

Korean Peninsula

Foreign Ministers reiterated the G8 commitment to the denuclearisation
of the Korean peninsula, and expressed full support for the six party
talks. We urge North Korea to promptly return to the talks without
preconditions and to cooperate in implementing the joint statement of
19 September 2005 in good faith. We also discussed other security and
humanitarian issues, including abductions, in North Korea, and urge
the DPRK to address these concerns of the international community,
and to respect existing security commitments.

African peacekeeping capacity building

The foreign ministers noted the report on strengthening Africa
peacekeeping capacity, agreed upon at the meeting of the G8 officials
and those from other key donor partners held in Moscow on 8 June 2006,
and reaffirmed previous G8 commitments in support of the efforts of the
African states to build a peaceful and stable Africa. We acknowledged
progressive implementation of decisions taken at the Sea-Island
and Gleneagles summits. The G8 has been consistently increasing
its contribution to the African peacekeeping capacity building,
including through provision of coordinated technical assistance to
the creation of African Stand-by Force as well as through setting
up and making functional national peacekeeping training capacities
regional training centres for African peacekeepers both in Africa
and in other parts of the world (including the Centre of Excellence
for Stability Police Units) in Vicenza, Italy.

We noted the steps taken so far bring us closer to the implementation
of the Sea-Island commitments to train and equip about 75,000
peacekeepers mainly from Africa. We acknowledged the need to enhance
African logistics capacity, including through provision of equipment,
equipment depots and support for a transport and logistics arrangement.

Cooperation and future action in stabilization and reconstruction

The foreign ministers discussed the draft G8 declaration of Cooperation
and Future Action in Stabilization and Reconstruction, proposed by
the United States. We agreed that the rapidly changing international
environment and evolution of new threats and challenges demands more
agile, adaptable responses from the international community. We
underlined that the UN and its Security Council as well as the
newly established peacebuilding commission are primary players in
international peacekeeping and S&R operations. We welcomed the US
Initiative and will remain involved in the matter.

BMENA

The foreign ministers reiterated the G8 adherence to the comprehensive
partnership with BMENA with a view to promoting peace, stability,
freedom and democracy for all the peoples and nations in the region
in accordance with the commitments made at the Sea-Island and in
Gleneagles.

We agreed that the basis of our cooperation with the BMENA countries
peer-to-peer dialogue in the spirit of mutual respect for the cultural
and religious peculiarities, social patterns and traditions.

The foreign ministers welcomed the commitments on modernization
and reform made at the Arab League summits in Tunisia, Algeria and
Khartoum, as well as recognized the role of the "Forum for the Future"
as the central mechanism for sustaining the dialogue between the G8
and the BMENA region.

Iraq

The foreign ministers reiterated the G8 commitment to Iraq’s
independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. We expressed
the G8 support for the permanent Iraqi government, commend its
reconciliation initiative and urge it to continue active efforts
towards achieving national accord, which is critical for improvement
of domestic political situation, strengthening the public order and
security, as well as for Iraq’s sustained socio-economic development.

We call on the international community, in particular the UN,
international financial institutions, Iraq’s neighbours and regional
governments to respond to this new era in Iraq’s development by
offering broad support for Iraq’s new government and its people
including in responding to the Iraqi government’s proposal for an
International Compact.

The foreign ministers strongly condemned the barbarian killing of the
five members of the Russian embassy to Iraq and demanded capture and
fair punishment for the culprits of this villainy. This tragic event
underlines the importance of improving security for all in Iraq.

Afghanistan

The foreign ministers welcomed the successful holding of National
Assembly and Provincial Council elections and formation of a new
government, and underlined the G8 support for effective implementation
of the commitments made by the international community and the
Afghan government within the framework of the London Conference
on Afghanistan, including the Afghanistan Compact, and taking into
account that more responsibility for providing security, political and
socio-economic recovery falls on the Afghan government. Afghanistan
can be fully confident that the G8 will continue providing all-round
support and assistance to its formation of peaceful, independent and
prosperous state, without Taleban heritage, terrorism and narcotics.

We welcomed ISAF’s [International Security Assistance Force] expansion
southward, to deal with ongoing security challenges, and call on
regional states to contribute constructively. We also expressed support
for the UN’s continued role, including more robust monitoring and
coordination. We condemn attacks by Taleban and al-Qa’idah terrorists
on innocent civilians, Afghan forces and officials and international
military and civilian personnel. The foreign ministers reiterated the
G8 commitment to helping Afghanistan with governance, human rights
and the rule of law.

Sudan

The foreign ministers expressed support for the peacebuilding process
in Sudan on the basis of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, political
settlement of the conflict in Darfur and negotiated solution to other
problems in Sudan.

We stressed the need to provide assistance to Sudan in order to
ensure its post-conflict recovery and improvement of the humanitarian
situation in the country, and in this regard we call on donors to
fully implement their commitments made at the conferences in Oslo
(April 2005) and in Paris (March 2006).

We welcomed the Abuja Agreement of 5 May 2006 as the basis for
political settlement in Darfur. We also stressed the importance to
ensure a sustainable peace in the region, and to this end we call
on all parties to implement this agreement, including ending all
atrocities, and urge all forces and groups operating in Darfur to
join fully in its implementation. The foreign ministers underlined
the need for the international community to provide additional support
to the AU to enable it to fulfil its responsibilities under Abuja. In
view of the last decision adopted by the AU Peace and Security Council
and the recent UNSC Resolution 1679, we committed to do our utmost to
implement these steps aimed at transforming the mandate of the AMIS
[African Union Mission in Sudan] to the UN-led peace-keeping operation
in Darfur. We welcomed the joint AU/UN Technical Assessment Mission
in Darfur. We call upon the Sudanese government to cooperate. We also
call on the governments in Chad and Sudan to prevent clashes in the
border districts, provide for the protection of the refugee camps in
Chad, maintain good neighbourly relations and resolve emerging issues
through dialogue and cooperation.

The foreign ministers expressed support for the negotiation process
between the Sudanese government and "Eastern Front" aimed at a
comprehensive political settlement in Eastern Sudan.

Nagornyy Karabakh settlement

The foreign ministers affirmed the support of the G8 for the mediation
efforts of the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group (Russia, United
States, France).

We emphasized the need for the soonest agreement on basic principles of
a peaceful settlement of the conflict to be reached still in 2006. We
call on Azerbaijan and Armenia to show political will with the aim
to reach an agreement this year and prepare their peoples for peace
and not for war.

Northern Uganda

Concerns were expressed over the current situation in Northern Uganda,
its serious humanitarian consequences. The foreign ministers welcomed
the steps taken by the government of Uganda to improve the situation,
including the recent creation of the Joint Monitoring Committee and
cooperation with the governments of the neighbouring DRC [Democratic
Republic of Congo] and Sudan in tackling the criminal acts of the
Lord’s Resistance Army, and put an end to the humanitarian crisis in
Northern Uganda. We call on the international community, including
the UN, to intensify efforts in providing support to overcome
humanitarian problems, including assistance to the implementation
of the government’s programme of resettlement of IDPs [internally
displaced persons] and to DDR (disarmament, demobilisation and
reintegration).

Haiti

The foreign ministers discussed the situation in Haiti, noted certain
improvements after presidential elections, as well as expressed concern
about the persisting difficult humanitarian situation and security
environment. We reiterated the G8 support for the UN Stabilization
Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) including its renewed and strengthened
mandate and reaffirmed that long-term international commitment is
required. We urge the international community to support the pledging
conference on 25 July in Haiti.

East Timor

The foreign ministers discussed the situation in East Timor, expressed
their concerns and emphasized the need to help the government of East
Timor to restore stability, law and order in the country. In this
regard we note the significant contribution and the quick response
by Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and Portugal. The International
community should expeditiously respond to the flash appeal of OCHA
[Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs] issued on 12
June 2006. We emphasized a major constructive role of the United
Nations Office in Timor Leste (UNOTIL).

Other issues

There was a discussion on the issues related to Abkhazia, South
Ossetia, the Dniester region and Belarus, raised by some of the
ministers.

We also discussed UN embargoes violations through illicit air transport
of SALW [Small Arms and Light Weapons].

AZERBAIJAN READY FOR KARABAKH WAR, MP TELLS ARMENIAN DAILY

Aykakan Zhamanak, Yerevan
8 Jun 06

Azerbaijani MP Musa Quliyev has said that he regarded war as the
last option for the settlement of the long-standing dispute between
Azerbaijan and Armenia over Nagornyy Karabakh. In an interview with
Armenian Aykakan Zhamanak daily, Quliyev added that Azerbaijan was
ready for war. If the incumbent Armenian president fails to agree
with Azerbaijan on a solution to the conflict, Baku will wait for
the next Armenian president, Quliyev said. The MP also said that he
did not regard Armenia as his motherland although he was born and
brought up there. The following is the text of Naira Zograbyan’s
report by Armenian newspaper Aykakan Zhamanak on 8 June headlined
"We are ready for war"; subheadings have been inserted editorially:

An interview with a member of the Milli Maclis [Azerbaijani parliament;
from the ruling New Azerbaijan Party], Musa Quliyev.

[Aykakan Zhamanak correspondent] Mr Quliyev, you were born in the
Sisian Region of Armenia. For how long did you live there?

"Armenia is not my motherland"

[Musa Quliyev] I was born in the Urut village of Sisian Region and
went to a secondary school in Sisian. My parents lived in Urut till
1988. I lived there until I was 17, then I studied in Baku, but spent
my holidays in Urut for 10 years.

[Correspondent] Do you think Armenia is your motherland in a sense?

[Quliyev] I do not think Armenia is my motherland even though I was
born and brought up there.

[Correspondent] When you arrived in Armenia you immediately visited
your native village Urut. Did you meet your kith and kin or neighbours
there?

[Quliyev] What kith and kin or neighbours do you mean? Even the graves
of my father and grandmother were destroyed. What are you talking
about? Of course, I found my house where an old man lives nowadays. He
was quite friendly. I gave him a gift. We had a talk. In Sisian deputy
of your parliament Ovik Azoyan met me. Our parents used to be friends
for many years. But I say again that I could not find my father’s grave
as the Azerbaijani cemetery of Urut has been absolutely demolished.

[Correspondent] You lived in Armenia for many years. Do you not feel
nostalgic for our country?

[Quliyev] I do not feel nostalgic for Armenia, I just miss my native
village Urut.

Azeri public do not justify Ramil Safarov

[Correspondent] Mr Quliyev, you were moving freely in Armenia, nothing
threatened your security, you were not met with anti-Azerbaijani
actions or slogans. Why is anti-Armenian hysteria immediately raised
when an Armenian delegation arrives in your country?

[Quliyev] What should they do – shoot a deputy? As for our attitude to
Armenian delegations, here the problem is different. Our territories
are occupied, there is a large number of refugees and naturally people
feel differently.

If you speak about intolerance, I lived in Armenia and know who
is tolerant and how tolerant they are. We were regarded here as
second-rate people.

[Correspondent] But were Armenians not regarded as second-rate people
in Azerbaijan?

[Quliyev] You should ask Azerbaijani Armenians about that.

[Correspondent] You did not forget to mention the occupied territories
and refugees. But there is history which says that Karabakh as well
as the territories which you consider to be your motherland are
Armenian territories.

[Quliyev] Your history says so.

[Correspondent] Azerbaijani Ramil Safarov who killed Armenian officer
Gurgen Markaryan [at NATO courses in Budapest in February 2004]
was named the person of the year in Azerbaijan. Do you think it is
normal in the 21st century for people to name a murderer the person
of the year?

[Quliyev] Safarov was not named the person of the year. Your
information is false. There were some public organizations which
suggested supporting Safarov, but Azerbaijan has never officially
named him the person of the year. He was not called a hero.

[Correspondent] As an individual can you justify Safarov’s action? What
do the Azerbaijani public think about the murder?

[Quliyev] I myself do not justify his action. A man may be killed
only at war or in accordance with a court verdict. As for the view
of the Azerbaijani public, clever people and politicians believe that
it was a wrong action.

[Correspondent] Does it mean that you agree with the life sentence
for Safarov?

[Quliyev] Nevertheless, I think that the punishment was severe. He
could have been sentenced to 15 to 25 years if the murder had not
been given political colour.

Azerbaijan ready for Karabakh war

[Correspondent] Mr Quliyev, how do you assess the latest meeting of
the Armenian and Azerbaijani presidents? Do you share the [OSCE Minsk
Group] co-chairs’ optimism that 2006 may be a critical year for the
Karabakh conflict settlement?

[Quliyev] I assess positively the meeting of the two presidents and I
think that there is still a chance to settle the conflict peacefully,
such meetings are necessary.

[Correspondent] You speak about a peaceful settlement to the conflict
whereas Azerbaijan makes bellicose statements from time to time at
a very high level.

[Quliyev] You forget that not Armenian but Azerbaijani territories are
occupied. I regard war as the last option for the conflict settlement
and we are ready for it.

[Correspondent] Do you share the view that Armenians and Azerbaijanis
are genetically incompatible?

[Quliyev] There is no such incompatibility. We are neighbours and
are forced to live next to each other. We simply have to find the
formula of peaceful coexistence.

[Correspondent] Finding that formula depends on the Karabakh issue,
but the parties cannot agree their positions. As a deputy of the
Milli Maclis, how do you see a settlement to the Karabakh conflict?

[Quliyev] One thing is indisputable – Karabakh is Azerbaijani land and
the conflict should be settled within the framework of international
norms.

[Correspondent] But nations’ right to self-determination is also an
international norm. Does that mean that you agree that the Karabakh
people may be independent on their territory?

[Quliyev] We have put forward our position clearly: the Karabakh
conflict should be settled according to international norms, and
within the framework of those norms, Azerbaijan is ready to give
Karabakh a high level of autonomy.

[Correspondent] But the Armenian president declared clearly that
Karabakh and Armenia will not agree to any level of autonomy.

[Quliyev] If they do not agree, let me say in jest, we shall wait
for the next president.

[Correspondent] Nevertheless, you forget a very important detail:
Armenia won the war and one should take this into account.

[Quliyev] Armenia did not win the war, it won a battle. These are
different things.