Category: News

PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Deacon Vagarsag Seropyan
Armenian Patriarchate
TR-34130 Kumkapi, Istanbul
T: +90 (212) 517-0970
F: +90 (212) 516-4833
[email protected]
Monitorial Group on the Melkonian Trust Meets With Patriarch in Support of
Legal Action
ISTANBUL (26/01/2004) – His Beatitude Mesrob II, Armenian Patriarch of
Istanbul & All Turkey, received the members of the Monitorial Group on the
Melkonian Trust (MGMT) on 24 January 2005, at 18:00 hours, at the Armenian
Patriarchal headquarters in Istanbul.
Chaired by Mr Ardashes Cavusyan, the MGMT members thanked the Patriarch for
his willingness to act concerning the Melkonian Trust, in order to secure
that the historic school continues to function.
Patriarch Mesrob had received in his office in Istanbul, on 28 December
2004, Mr. Raffi Zinzalian (Chairman of the Melkonian Alumni Association,
LA), Mr. Mgo Godjamanian (Vice-Chairman of the same) and Mark MacCarley
(attorney-in-law) who furnished the Patriarch with a copy of the Melkonian
Trust as amended on December 15, 1926.
In 1921, Garabed Melkonian, a wealthy Armenian businessman, conveyed a gift
of real and personal property to Patriarch Zaven of Istanbul, with which the
hierarch established a school and orphanage in Nicosia, Cyprus, in 1924, and
named it Melkonian Educational Institute (MEI).
On December 25, 1925, Patriarch Zaven conveyed the entire Melkonian gift and
the proceeds thereof, to include the newly founded MEI in Nicosia, Cyprus to
the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU), in trust due to the AGBU’s
expressed ability to better manage the trust assets and execute the original
deed. The Melkonian Trust was then amended in writing on December 15, 1926,
between the AGBU, Patriarch Zaven and Garabed Melkonian.
According to the Deed of Amendment to the Garabed Melkonian Trust, dated
December 15, 1926, the AGBU is responsible for maintaining the MEI in
Nicosia, Cyprus; paying an annual subsidy of one thousand Egyptian pounds to
the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem; paying an annual subsidy of one
thousand Egyptian pounds to the Armenian Patriarchate of Istanbul; building
a kindergarten for Armenian children in the vicinity of the Armenian
Orthodox Church of Alexandria; paying the Armenian Patriarchate of Istanbul
an additional perpetual annuity of five hundred Egyptian pounds per year.
For more than 75 years the relationship between the Armenian Patriarchal See
of Istanbul and the AGBU has been cordial, as the AGBU has fulfilled its
minimum obligation to support the MEI in Nicosia, Cyprus. However, in
violation of the Melkonian Trust, the AGBU announced formally in March 2004
that it would absolutely be closing the MEI in Cyprus, and transferring the
students elsewhere, at the end of the 2005 schoolyear in June. The AGBU has
taken this decision without informing or consulting with Patriarch Mesrob of
Istanbul who is the lawful successor of Patriarch Zaven.
Patriarch Mesrob informed the members of the MGMT that he first became aware
of the existence and contents of the 1926 Deed of Amendment to the Melkonian
Trust only on December 28, 2004, through the MEI Alumni in Los Angeles. The
Patriarch emphasized that he is now cognizant of the multiple obligations
the AGBU accepted from his predecessor, Patriarch Zaven, in 1926.
The Patriarch informed the MGMT members that, represented by Attorney Mark
MacCarley, Esq., of Los Angeles, he has filed a petition to the Los Angeles
Superior Court, in his fiduciary capacity as Patriarch of the Armenian
Patriarchal See of Istanbul and All Turkey. The Patriarch explained that he
has petitioned for 1) instructions with regards to the obligations of the
AGBU; 2) compelling the AGBU to perform the Trustee’s duties; 3) compelling
an exhaustive accounting on Melkonian Trust transactions since 1926; and 4)
compelling the AGBU to redress any breach of trust.
Endorsing the Patriarchate’s legal action in order to compel the AGBU to
perform the Trustee’s duties, the MGMT members thanked Patriarch Mesrob for
acting to prevent the closure of the MEI.
The Monitorial Group on the Melkonian Trust was formed out of necessity
following Armenian Christmas on January 6, 2005, in order to monitor the
worldwide press and the AGBU actions with regards to the MEI. The members of
the MGMT are Mr. Ardashes Cavusyan (Chairman), Mr. Hagop Mamigonyan
(Vice-Chairman), Mrs. Silva Kuyumcuoglu (Secretary), Yervant Asa, Artin
Kilerci, Dork Miricanyan and Aram Ozhalacyan – all educated at the MEI and
residing presently in Istanbul, Turkey.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA
PRESS AND INFORMATION DEPARTMENT
375010 Telephone: +3741. 544041 ext 202
Fax: +3741. .562543
Email: [email protected]:
PRESS RELEASE
SPEECH OF H.E. VARTAN OSKANIAN, FOREIGN MINISTER OF ARMENIA AT THE LEAGUE OF
ARAB STATES
January 19, 2005
Your Excellency Mr. Secretary General
Your Excellencies Permanent Representatives at the League of Arab States
The signing of a Memorandum of Mutual Understanding between the Foreign
Ministry of the Republic Armenia and the League of Arab States is certainly
a historical event. This opens an important new page for further improving
and deepening Armenian-Arab relations.
Signing this document is the natural consequence of the centuries-old
historical and cultural links between Armenians and Arabs. It is also the
result of the persistent execution of Armenia’s foreign policy.
Armenians are among the region’s oldest nations, with a historical and
cultural past that is strongly interlinked with other peoples in the region,
including Arabs. For centuries, Armenians have had a great input towards the
development of culture, economy and science in the region. In turn,
throughout history, Armenians have come under the influence of neighboring
peoples.
Our common history is full of pages of friendship and cooperation with
thousands of examples of instances of reciprocal support.
At the beginning of the last century, Armenians, victims of Genocide in and
by the Ottoman Empire, lived the most tragic pages of their history. There
is a popular saying, in Armenian as well as Arabic, that essentially means:
‘a friend in need is a friend indeed.’ During those dreadful days, when
Armenians were either killed or forcefully deported from their ancestral
homes, Arabs rendered assistance to the Armenian refugees, supplied them
with shelter and provided them the urgent assistance they needed. Armenians
not only survived in Arab countries but they were given the opportunity to
rise and become full citizens in their new homes, while preserving their
national identity establishing schools, culture and sport clubs.
Grateful Armenians will never forget the humane approach of the Arab people.
This historic reality naturally had influenced the foreign policy of newly
independent Armenia.
Since gaining independence, the Republic of Armenia has been committed to
improving relations with Arab states and, in the Middle East Peace Process,
always expressed its solidarity with the Arab position.
We highly appreciate the mediation efforts of the Quartet and the work done
in that direction. We consider very important both the Road Map and the
development of constructive dialogue between the parties in the conflict
resolution process. The establishment of an independent Palestinian state is
at the core of the process of establishing regional security and stability.
It would directly eliminate regional tensions, change the existing
sociological trends and create new opportunities for mutual cooperation.
I am confident that the election of Mahmoud Abbas to the position of
President of the Palestinian National Authority will have a crucial impact
on this process.
Events in Iraq remain under the constant attention of the international
community. It is our desire to see Iraq a sovereign, united, stable and
democratic state and we are ready to take part in the realization of these
goals.
We cooperated with Arab states on various issues within international
organizations (arrangements, institutions).
Within a short period of time, we have achieved tangible successes in our
relations with Arab states: we have signed a number of bilateral documents
in various fields, we have created intergovernmental commissions, we have
frequent exchange visits and we’ve established working ties at all levels.
We also conduct mutual cultural events.
Armenia adheres to the policy of complementarity, which means that we build
our international relations not on the basis of competition and rivalry
between powers but rather on the basis of co-operation and complementarity.
We are doing our best to develop mutually beneficial relationships with both
regional parties and powers with interests in our region.
Touching upon the Nagorno Karabakh issue, I should stress that we are
committed to a negotiated settlement of the conflict and international
recognition of the right of self-determination for the people Nagorno
Karabakh.
Since 1994 the truce has been observed by the conflicting parties. Regular
meetings between the Presidents and Foreign Ministers of Armenia and
Azerbaijan under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group are aimed at finding a
mutually acceptable solution to the conflict. We highly appreciate the
mediation efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group and we consider it to be the best
international format for the settlement of the conflict.
I wish to particularly stress that the Nagorno Karabakh conflict is purely
a matter of self-determination and has no religious basis whatsoever.
Azerbaijan’s efforts to attach religious motives to the conflict are not
only groundless, but they are unacceptable and dangerous. We flatly reject
Azerbaijan’s attempts to attach a religious character to the conflict. We
also reject their ill-intended efforts to draw parallels between themselves
and the Palestinians, by presenting themselves as victims of the conflict.
Those steps by Azerbaijan are intended to gain the sympathy of the Islamic
world.
Any conflict is unique in nature, but if one wishes to draw parallels, then
in this case it is the Armenians of Nagorno Karabakh who, like the
Palestinians, strive for free determination of their own destiny in their
historical homeland, without foreign domination.
Armenians have lived in Nagorno Karabakh from time immemorial and, with the
exception of the Soviet period, this land has never been part of Azerbaijan.
The only desire of the Armenians of Karabakh is to correct Stalin’s unjust
decision to forcibly attach Karabakh to Azerbaijan.
Your Excellency Mr. Amre Mousa,
We highly appreciate the role of the League of Arab States in strengthening
the sovereignty of Arab countries and in ensuring Arab solidarity. Despite
many difficulties the League did not loose its significance and continues to
prove its vitality and importance. We are confident that with its immense
potential the League is able to play a decisive role in establishing
regional stability, ensuring natural development of Arab countries and
broadening cooperation between them.
I would like to particularly acknowledge your efforts in making the League
more viable and in introducing new qualities to the organization. We are
well aware of the commitment that you always display in safeguarding the
interests and rights of Arab countries, and supporting unity and solidarity
among them. Taking this opportunity we would like to express our support to
your efforts and we wish success to all your initiatives.
I wish to congratulate all of us on the occasion of the signing of this
historical document and express our confidence that the Arab League will
contribute to the further development of mutually beneficial Armenian-Arab
relations and to strengthening the friendship between our peoples.
Esteemed Mr. Amre Mousa,
In conclusion, I would like to sincerely thank you for the warm reception
and support that you and your staff have kindly provided in the course of
preparation of this document and our visit.
Shuqran aleiqom.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

THE OSCE DEMAND WILL CONTRIBUTE TO THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE CONDITION OF
ARMENIANS IN GEORGIA
A1+
25-01-2005
On January 24, 2005, the Council of Europe Parliament Congress adopted
a resolution about the responsibilities of Georgia and their carrying
out.
In the resolution the steps of Georgia taken for carrying out their
responsibilities are appreciated and in a number of cases new dates
are made clear. According to Agency A-info, in Georgia’s
responsibilities reconsidered by OSCE there are those which have
direct connection to the problems of Armenians in Javaxk and Georgia
on the whole. These responsibilities are: a)
Before September 2005 to sign and ratify the European Charter of the
Local Languages and those of Minorities and the European Circle
Convention on Transboundary Cooperation. b)
Before September 2005 to ratify the Circle Convention about the
Defense of National Minorities. c)
As for self-government, to make a whole of the administrative reforms
before the next elections of local authorities and to guarantee that
they will take place according to the European Charter of Local
Authorities. d)
In the context of the Georgian Administrative reforms to reconsider
the recently adopted model of Agarian self-government according to the
point ofview of the Venice Committee. e)
As for Mesxet population, to create immediately juridical,
administrative and political conditions to start the process of their
return, with the aim of fulfilling it in 2011. f)
This resolution adopted by OSCE comes from the December 2004 report of
the OSCE Monitoring group. Let us remind you that in October 2004 a
session was carried out by the above mentioned group which had
received a memorandum from the Council of Armenian Social Organization
of Samtsxe-Javaxk, mentioning, that the carrying out of the
responsibilities mentioned in the first 3 points by Georgia `will
contribute greatly to the improvement of the grave situation in
Samtsxe-Javaxk `.

COLLISION OF IDEAS IN OSCE
A1+
25-01-2005
The Armenian delegation to the Council of Europe finds the resolution
about the Karabakh conflict adopted today extremely negative. As Armen
Roustamyan mentioned in his report, the Report only does not
correspond to its aim – to avoid the use of force, but moreover –
it sets Azerbaijan free.
According to Roustamyan, the report will create new difficulties in
the conflict and will no how contribute to its settlement. During the
discussion of the report, when 4 members of the Armenian delegation
made speech – Shavarsh Kocharyan, Armen Roustamyan, Tigran Torosyan,
and Artashes Gegamyan, two tendencies were noticeable. The Armenian
party tried to stress the right of self-determination, proving that
the insertion Karabakh into Azerbaijan by force will cause new
tensions and bloodshed.
The Azerbaijani delegation did everything in order not to introduce
any changes in the draft resolution and it succeeded. François
Rogeblois from the European National party, representative of the
French delegation, indirectly supported the Armenian point of
view. `The borders are the heritageof the past’, said the French
delegate, `stability in the region must be founded on the right of
self-determination’. Besides, several delegates from France, Greece,
and Italy underlined that the participation of the Karabakh
representatives is necessary in the negotiation process, for the
settlement of the conflict is impossible without the participation of
the people.
It is also worth mentioning that the delegates of Russia did not make
speech.
However, the majority of the delegates thought that the David
Atkinson’s report is a `balanced’ approach to the problem. The
resolution is adopted, which can be ground for the Armenian party to
reconsider the strategy in the field of foreign policy.

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA
PRESS AND INFORMATION DEPARTMENT
375010 Telephone: +3741. 544041 ext 202
Fax: +3741. .562543
Email: [email protected]:
PRESS RELEASE
January 26, 2005
ARMENIA’S ECONOMY DISCUSSED AT A CONFERENCE IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
On 15 – 16 January, Washington, D.C. hosted a conference on Armenia’s
economy organized by Armenian International Policy Research Group (AIPRG).
The Conference, entitled Income Distribution and Social Safety Net, garnered
participation of the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, US State
Department and other agencies, US and Armenian NGOs, research and expert
groups.
The speakers of the Conference included the WB experts, economists,
representatives of Armenian Diaspora involved in education, R&D, commercial
and state institutions of the US, students. The Conference discussed
prospects of Armenia’s economic growth and development, the country’s
macroeconomic policies, poverty level and income distribution, reforms in
the healthcare and social security sectors, services provided by public and
private sectors, Armenia’s foreign trade and regional cooperation issues and
Armenia-Diaspora economic cooperation.
Armenia’s Ambassador to the US H.E. Arman Kirakossyan, AIPRG Executive
Director David Grigoryan, President of the American University of Armenia
Harutyun Armenyan welcomed the Conference participants in their opening
remarks. The keynote address was delivered by Chief Economic Advisor to the
President of Armenia Vahram Nercissiantz who introduced Armenia’s current
economic and political developments, reflected on causes of certain
drawbacks in the country’s economic performance and solutions proposed to
overcome these problems. He further explored the importance of increased
volumes of domestic and foreign investments and continued economic reform.

Resolution 1416 (2005)[1]
A1+
25-01-2005
The conflict over the Nagorno-Karabakh region dealt with by the OSCE
Minsk Conference 1. The Parliamentary Assembly regrets that, more than
a decade after the armed hostilities started, the conflict over the
Nagorno-Karabakh region remains unsolved. Hundreds of thousands of
people are still displaced and live in miserable
conditions. Considerable parts of the territory of Azerbaijan are
still occupied by Armenian forces and separatist forces are still in
control of the Nagorno-Karabakh region.
2. The Assembly expresses its concern that the military action, and
the widespread ethnic hostilities which preceded it,led to large-scale
ethnic expulsion and the creation of mono-ethnic areas which resemble
the terrible concept of ethnic cleansing. The Assembly reaffirms that
independence and secession ofa regional territory from a state may
only be achieved through a lawful and peaceful process based on
democratic support by the inhabitants of such territory and not in the
wake of an armed conflict leading to ethnic expulsion and the de facto
annexation of such territory to another state. The Assembly reiterates
that the occupation of foreign territory by a member state constitutes
a grave violation of that state’s obligations as a member of the
Council of Europe and reaffirms the right of displaced persons from
the area of conflict to return to their homes safely and with dignity.
3. The Assembly recalls Resolutions 822 (1993), 853 (1993), 874 (1993)
and 884 (1993) of the United Nations Security Council and urges the
parties concerned to comply with them, in particular by refraining
from any armed hostilities and by withdrawing military forces from any
occupied territories. The Assembly also aligns itself with the demand
expressed in Resolution 853 (1993) of the United Nations Security
Council and thus urges all member states to refrain from the supply of
any weapons and munitions which might lead to an intensification of
the conflict or the continued occupation of territory.
4. The Assembly recalls that both Armenia and Azerbaijan committed
themselves upon their accession to the Council of Europe in January
2001 to use only peaceful means for settling the conflict, by
refraining from any threat of using force against their neighbours. At
the same time, Armenia committed itself to use its considerable
influence over Nagorno-Karabakh to foster a solution to the
conflict. The Assembly urges both Governments to comply with these
commitments and refrain from using armed forces against each other as
well as from propagating military action.
5. The Assembly recalls that the Council of Ministers of the
Conference for Security and Co-operation in Europe (CSCE) agreed in
Helsinki in March 1992to hold a conference in Minsk in order to
provide for a forum for negotiations for a peaceful settlement of the
conflict. Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, the former Czech and Slovak
Federal Republic, France, Germany, Italy, the Russian Federation,
Sweden, Turkey and the United States of America agreed at that time to
participate in this Conference. The Assembly calls on these states to
step up their efforts to achieve the peaceful resolution of the
conflict and invites their national delegations to the Assembly to
report annually to the Assembly on the action of their governments in
this respect. For this purpose, the Assembly asks its Bureau to create
an Ad hoc Committee with inter alia the heads of these national
delegations.
6. The Assembly pays tribute to the tireless efforts of the Co-Chairs
of the Minsk Group and the Personal Representative of the OSCE
Chairman-in-Office,in particular for having achieved a cease-fire in
May 1994 and having monitored the observance of this cease-fire since
then. The Assembly calls on the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs to take
immediate steps to conduct speedy negotiations for the conclusion of a
political agreement on the cessation of the armed conflict, the
implementation of which will eliminate major consequences of the
conflict for all parties and permit the convening of the Minsk
Conference. The Assembly calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to make use
of the OSCE Minsk Process and actively submit to each other via the
Minsk Group their constructive proposals for the peaceful settlement
of the conflict in accordance with the relevant norms and principles
of international law.
7. The Assembly recalls that Armenia and Azerbaijan are signatory
parties to the Charter of the United Nations and, in accordance with
Article 93, paragraph 1 of the Charter, ipso facto parties to the
Statute of the International Court of Justice. Therefore, the Assembly
suggests that if the negotiationsunder the auspices of the Co-Chairs
of the Minsk Group fail, Armenia and Azerbaijan should consider using
the International Court of Justice in accordance with Article 36,
paragraph 1 of the Court’s Statute.
8. The Assembly calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to foster political
reconciliation among themselves by stepping up bilateral
inter-parliamentary co-operation within the Assembly as well as in
other forums such as the meetings of the Speakers of the Parliaments
of the Caucasian Four. It recommends that both delegations should meet
during each part-session of the Assembly to review progress on such
reconciliation.
9. The Assembly calls on the Government of Azerbaijan to
establishcontacts without preconditions with the
politicalrepresentatives of both communitiesfrom the Nagorno-Karabakh
region regarding the future status of the region. It is prepared to
provide facilities for such contacts in Strasbourg, recalling that it
did so in the form of a hearing on previous occasions with Armenian
participation.
10. Recalling its Recommendation 1570 (2002) on the situation of
refugees and displaced persons in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, the
Assembly calls on all member and observer states to provide
humanitarian aid and assistance to the hundreds of thousands of people
displaced as a consequence of the armed hostilities and the expulsion
of ethnic Armenians from Azerbaijan and ethnic Azerbaijanis from
Armenia.
11. The Assembly condemns any expression of hatred portrayed in the
media of Armenia and Azerbaijan. The Assembly calls on Armenia and
Azerbaijan to foster reconciliation, confidence-building and mutual
understanding among their peoples through schools, universities and
the media. Without such reconciliation, hatred and mistrust will
prevent stability in the region and may lead to new violence. Any
sustainable settlement must be preceded by and embedded in such
reconciliation processes.
12. The Assembly calls on the Secretary General of the Council of
Europe to draw up an action plan for specific support to Armenia and
Azerbaijan targeted at mutual reconciliation processes and to take
this resolution into accountin deciding on action concerning Armenia
and Azerbaijan.
13. The Assembly calls on the Congress of Local and Regional
Authorities of the Council of Europe to assist locally elected
representatives of Armenia and Azerbaijan in establishing mutual
contacts and inter-regional co-operation.
14. The Assembly resolves to analyse the conflict settlement
mechanisms existing within the Council of Europe, in particular the
European Convention for the Peaceful Settlement of Disputes, in order
to provide its member states with better mechanisms for the peaceful
settlement of bilateral conflicts as well as internal disputes
involving local or regional territorial communities or authorities
which may endanger human rights, stability and peace.
15. The Assembly resolves to continue monitoring on a regular basis
the peaceful resolution of this conflict and decides to revert to
considering this issue at its first part-session in 2006.
[1] Assembly debate on 25 January 2005 (2nd Sitting) (see Doc. 10364,
report of the Political Affairs Committee, rapporteur: Mr
Atkinson). Text adopted by the Assembly on 25 January 2005 (2nd
Sitting).
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Recommendation 1690 (2005)[1]
A1+
25-01-2005
The conflict over the Nagorno-Karabakh region dealt with by the OSCE
Minsk Conference
1. The Parliamentary Assembly refers to its Resolution 1416 (2005) on
the conflict dealt with by the OSCE Minsk Conference and recommends
that the Committee of Ministers:
i. urge the parties concerned to comply with the United Nations
Security Council Resolutions 822 (1993), 853 (1993), 874 (1993) and
884 (1993), in particular by refraining from any armed hostilities and
by withdrawing military forces from all occupied territories of
Azerbaijan;
ii. monitor the compliance by Armenia and Azerbaijan with the United
Nations Security Council Resolutions and the decisions of the OSCE
Council of Ministers on this conflict and to report to the Assembly on
the outcomes of this monitoring;
iii. report to the Assembly on the efforts undertaken by member states
for the peaceful settlement of the conflict in accordance with the
Resolutions of the United Nations Security Council including whether
member states refrain from the supply of any weapons and munitions
which might lead to an intensification of the conflict or the
continued occupation of territory in violation of Resolution 853
(1993) of the United Nations Security Council;
iv. recalling its Recommendation 1251 (1994) on the conflict in
Nagorno-Karabakh, place experts at the disposal of Armenia and
Azerbaijan who could help draw up a political status for
Nagorno-Karabakh, if they so wish;
v. allocate resources for an action plan of specific
confidence-building measures for Armenia and Azerbaijan;
vi. allocate resources for specific training programmes for teachers
and journalists from both countries aimed at better mutual
understanding, tolerance and reconciliation;
vii. allocate resources for specific action by the European Commission
against Racism and Intolerance concerning both countries, in
particular with regard to educational institutions and the public
media;
viii. instruct its competent steering committee to analyse how far the
European Convention for the Peaceful Settlement of Disputes reflects
the current requirements of conflict settlement among member states of
the Council of Europe and where it should be revised in order to
provide an adequate instrument for the peaceful settlement of disputes
between the member states of the Council of Europe;
ix. take Resolution 1416 (2005) into account when deciding on action
concerning both countries;
x. forward Resolution 1416 (2005) and this Recommendation to the
governments of member states with a view to supporting them
nationally, bilaterally and internationally.
[1] Assembly debate on 25 January 2005 (2nd Sitting) (see Doc.10364,
report of the Political Affairs Committee, rapporteur: Mr
Atkinson). Text adopted by the Assembly on 25 January 2005 (2nd
Sitting).
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

MAJLIS SPEAKER MEETS ARMENIAN MINISTER, SAYS IRAN MINORITIES HAVE EQUAL
RIGHTS
IRNA web site
25 Jan 05
Tehran, 25 January: Majlis Speaker Gholam Ali Haddad-Adel said here
Tuesday (25 January) religious minorities in Iran’s legislative body
have five representatives who enjoy equal rights like all Muslims.
In his meeting with Armenian Minister of Social Welfare Agvan
Vardanyan, he said that Armenian scholars, linguists and Iranologists
have had special status for Iranian scholars and Yerevan is considered
as one of the leading Iranology centre in the region.
“We do believe that the two countries, given their historical,
cultural and geographic commonalties, should make utmost efforts to
promote mutual relations in line with the national interests of the
two countries,” he added.
He termed the Armenians residing in Iran as noble and artistic people
who have no social problem in the country rather, they coexist with
their Muslim brothers and sisters.
Elsewhere, Haddad-Adel expressed hope that the Karabakh crisis would
be settled peacefully, so tranquillity and stability would be restored
in the region.
He noted that the governments of Iran and Armenia have managed to
recognize their needs and potentials and opened new chapters for
mutual cooperation.
The Armenian minister, for his part, termed Iran as a great, stable
and powerful partner for Yerevan and expressed his satisfaction with
high level of political and trade relations between the two countries.
“Iran enjoys thousand years of history and civilization and no threat
could backtrack Iran from its own path,” he added.
Referring to the upcoming presidential elections in Iran, he expressed
hope that Iran could take step towards further development.

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA
PRESS AND INFORMATION DEPARTMENT
375010 Telephone: +3741. 544041 ext 202
Fax: +3741. .562543
Email: [email protected]:
PRESS RELEASE
January 26, 2005
Deputy Minister Ruben Shugarian received EU Special Representative for the
South Caucasus Ambassador Heikki Talvitie
On 25 January, Deputy Minister Ruben Shugarian received European Union’s
Special Representative for the South Caucasus, Ambassador Heikki Talvitie
who is in Armenia in the framework of a regional visit.
The parties discussed EU’s New Neighborhood policy for the South Caucasus
and Action plan to be prepared under this new framework.
EU Ambassador expressed confidence that Armenia – EU Action plan would be
finally drafted in 2005 and adopted by both sides in 2006. The parties
agreed that along with the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between
Armenia and European Union, this Action plan would become a useful tool for
Armenia’s further European integration.
Ambassador Talvitie suggested that Armenia benefits from opportunities
offered by the New Neighborhood policy by proposing various regional
cooperation initiatives. In the initial stage, such programs could cover
Armenia and Georgia and if successfully implemented, would establish a new
momentum of regional cooperation.
The parties also explored the current status and prospects of Nagorno
Karabagh conflict regulation and exchanged views on other issues of regional
significance.
The above issues were also discussed at a round table with EU Ambassador,
hosted by the Ministry on the same day.

KARABAKH SIDE ARTIFICIALLY ISOLATED FROM NEGOTIATIONS
Arkady Ghukasian’s Interview to Regnum Agency
Azg/arm
26 Jan 05
Arkady Ghukasian, NKR President, said in the interview to the Russian
Regnum agency that the consequent meetings between the Azeri and the
Armenian foreign ministers “are useful, certainly.” On the other hand,
he added that these meetings can’t replace the full negotiation
process with the full-right participation of NKR. “One shouldn’t
forget that the Nagorno Karabakh issue was risen by the people of
Karabakh and it concerns the status of NKR. The rest is the result of
the war Azerbaijan forced us to fight,” Ghukasian said.
In response to the question whether Yerevan and Stepanakert make
sufficient efforts to avert discussing of formulae unfavorable for NKR
at various international instances, Ghukasian said that the
unfavorable characteristics for the Armenian side in the documents of
the international instances are conditioned by the absence of Nagorno
Karabakh in the negotiation process. “The negations and discussions of
the Nagorno Karabakh issue are carried out on the level the relations
between Armenia and Azerbaijan. They are supposed to cause such
characteristics time after time. Here, we don’t mean the volume of
efforts, but the principles and the conceptual approaches in the
settlement mechanisms,”NKR president said.
As for the question whether it is time for Yerevan to put forward the
issue of NKR participation in the negotiations, Ghukasian said: “First
of all, the addressee is not right, secondly, the issue will have no
peaceful settlement if we continue issuing ultimatums. It will not be
settled without NKR’s participation in the negotiation process,
either. Make your own conclusions.”