Category: News

MILITARY COOPERATION OF ISRAEL AND USA WITH TURKEY MAKE THEM
CO-PARTICIPANTS IN CRIME AGAINST HUMANITY
YEREVAN, JANUARY 12. ARMINFO. It is tragic that part of the
understanding between Israel and Turkey was that Israel would continue
to deny the Armenian Genocide and would not comment on Turkey’s human
rights violations against Turkey’s 20% Kurdish minority. Furthermore,
Israel’s military cooperation with Turkey makes Israel an accessory to
Turkey’s ethnic cleansing, crimes against humanity and genocide
against its 15- 20 million Kurdish minority. It should also be noted
that the U.S. military and economic assistance to Turkey these past
decades has made the U.S. the prime accessory to Turkey-s massive
human rights violations against the Kurds. Israel-s failure to
acknowledge the Armenian Genocide mirrors those nations and
individuals who do not acknowledge the Jewish Holocaust.
Unfortunately, Israel does not stand alone in this regard: the U.S.
Executive Branch has also failed to acknowledge the Armenian
Genocide. The U.S. and Israel also need to acknowledge the genocide by
Turkey between 1914-1923 of 350,000 Greeks of the Pontos, Black Sea
region.
The attempts to deny the Jewish Holocaust have been vigorously
denounced and rightly so by Israel and the U.S., in books, articles,
speeches and in the media. Yet where is the outcry against Turkey’s
and Israel-s denial of the Armenian Genocide? And where is the outcry
against Turkey’s horrendous crimes against its Kurdish minority? It is
imperative that the U.S. change its policy towards Turkey.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

HEAD OF ARMENIAN DELEGATION TO PACE REFUTES INFORMATION OF AZERBAIJANI
MASS MEDIA SAYING THAT ARMENIAN PARLIAMENT HAS APPEALED TO CE
LEADERSHIP TO MAKE CORRECTIONS IN REPORT REGARDING NAGORNY KARABAKH
YEREVAN, JANUARY 12. ARMINFO. Tigran Torosian, Head of Armenian
delegation to PACE, Vice Speaker of National Assembly of the Republic
of Armenia, refuted the information of Azerbaijani mass media saying
that the parliament of Armenia has sent a letter to CE Secretary
General and PACE Chairman, requiring to make corrections in the report
of David Atkinson concerning Nagorny Karabakh.
As Tigran Torosian told ARMINFO, such an information is not only
false, but it is also an absurd. Head of the parliamentary commission
for foreign affairs Armen Rustamian had declared that the Armenian
delegation is elaborating a strategy and proposals for making
amendments to the report of David Atkinson on Nagorny Karabakh.

Wednesday, January 12, 2005
t-boston-byline.html
Young Philanthropist Contributes to ARS Sponsor-A-Child Program
by Jenny Kiljian
WATERTOWN, Mass. – For sixteen-year-old Sarah Varadian, humanitarian work has
become something of an extra-curricular activity. In her ongoing efforts to
help children in developing countries, Varadian recently donated $300 to the
Armenian Relief Society (ARS) Sponsor-A-Child Program. The money will be used
to provide Christmas gifts and a party for the children living in the orphanage
in Gyumri, Armenia.
Her commitment to service began when President Bush asked the children in the
United States to help the children in Afghanistan by each contributing one
dollar to the America’s Fund for Afghan Children, supervised by the American
Red Cross. Varadian, then 13, organized a children’s fair in the front yard of
her family’s home in Norwood, Mass., and raised over $800 for the fund.
The experience fostered a continued interest in the Afghan children, especially
the girls who, at that time, were not permitted to attend school. In her
freshman year at the Ursuline Academy, a Catholic girls’ school in Dedham,
Mass., Varadian started an independent project called `Wee Care’ Bears.
It was no easy task. She enlisted her mother in teaching her how to sew and
gathered the necessary materials to make the tiny, bear-sized pleated skirts
that mirror the school’s uniform. The two dressed more than 100 stuffed bears
and sold them for $10 each at the school’s Mission Day Fair.
Varadian made her first contribution to CARE, an international organization that
fights global poverty. She learned that one could help open a girl’s school in
Afghanistan for $450. Her efforts raised enough money to open not one, but two
girls’ schools in the war-torn country. Varadian was invited to meet CARE
president Peter Bell and she personally presented him with one of her bears and
a check for the schools’ opening.
In 2004, sales from `Wee Care’ Bears totaled more than $1000, which was divided
among several organizations, including the ARS Sponsor-A-Child Program. `As I
was helping the Afghan children, I realized the people of my own culture were
suffering, too, and it brings me joy to know that I’m helping them,’ said
Varadian, now in her junior year at the Ursuline Academy. `This is the first
time I’ve helped the Armenian Relief Society, and I’m definitely going to
continue these efforts.’
The ARS was impressed and touched by Varadian’s commitment to the community.
`Beyond the monetary value of her donation, we appreciate Sarah’s youthful
exuberance in giving of her time to the needs of those who may be overcome by
misfortune,’ said ARS Central Executive Board Chairperson Maro Minassian. `With
youngsters like this, the future of humanitarian endeavor is bright, indeed.’
Although CARE is no longer opening new schools in Afghanistan, Varadian donated
$250 that will be used to support the schools she opened in 2003. She also gave
$500 to Science With a Mission, Inc., a non-profit organization that gives
developing countries the tools to properly diagnose diseases. Thousands of
people die each year in these countries from treatable diseases such as malaria
and typhus because doctors are unable to diagnose patients. The donation will
enable an entire village to be screened and diagnosed, likely saving many
lives.
Armenie Varadian credits her daughter’s inspiration to the principles taught by
her school, whose motto is `Serviam,’ Latin for `I will serve.’
`They are encouraged to learn and to become all that God has created them to
be,’ says Armenie Varadian. `This moved her to more action.’
Thus far, the school has allowed Sarah Varadian to research and choose the
causes for which she raises funds. Varadian intends to work on the project
during her senior year. Her work has motivated many of her classmates, and she
will be training younger students to continue `Wee Care’ Bears even after she
graduates.
For more information about `Wee Care’ Bears, or to contribute to the project,
contact Sarah Varadian at 781-762-0029.

Azeri experts wary about Armenia’s consent to stage-by-stage Karabakh plan
Ekho, Baku
11 Jan 05
Excerpt from R. Orucov’s report by Azerbaijani newspaper Ekho on 11
January headlined “Has the process started?”
Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanyan left for Prague on 10
January. The department of information and press of the Armenian
Foreign Ministry reports that Oskanyan is expected to meet Azerbaijani
Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov on 11 January to hold talks on the
settlement of the Nagornyy Karabakh conflict. The negotiations will be
held in the presence of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmen.
The Russian co-chairman of the Minsk Group, Yuriy Merzlyakov, has said
recently that the Armenians have given their consent to the
stage-by-stage settlement of the Karabakh conflict. He said “if the
forthcoming meeting of the Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers
produces tangible results, the dialogue may be continued in the near
future”.
Meanwhile, an Azerbaijani political analyst, Zardust Alizada, thinks
“the Armenians are unlikely to agree to the stage-by-stage settlement,
while the package alternative suggested by the Armenian side is
unacceptable. The stage-by-stage settlement does not mean a solution
either, because each stage involves its own obstacles.”
[Passage omitted: reported statement by Azerbaijani President Ilham
Aliyev]
“It is naive to present Armenia’s willingness to discuss the
stage-by-stage plan as a major achievement of the Azerbaijani
diplomacy. In principle, I am opposed to bringing the issue down to
which settlement option – package or stage-by-stage – the sides have
chosen for negotiations. It is the essence of the issue that matters.
Even under the stage-by-stage plan it is possible to accept a
suggestion that can lead to the complete loss of Karabakh,” says the
head of the Centre of peace and conflict settlement, Elxan Mehdiyev.
He believes the Armenians wanted to solve the status issue for
Nagornyy Karabakh, which is why they insisted that all the issues be
covered by one and the same agreement. “But this, of course, is
impossible, at least because of the enmity between the sides,” he
said.
Mehdiyev also recalled Oskanyan’s latest statement about the
continuation of “the Prague process”.
“According to the minister, even though Armenia has agreed to the
stage-by-stage plan, all the aspects of the negotiations that meet the
Armenian interests will be explored. So, in their view, the sides can
agree all the issues of interest and then start implementing them on a
stage-by-stage basis. The Armenians are not and have never been
against this. They simply don’t want to start discussing other issues,
leaving the issue of status for Nagornyy Karabakh for the very last
stage of the settlement plan. If Azerbaijan agrees to provide Nagornyy
Karabakh and other occupied territories with a status, the Armenians
will go for a stage-by-stage solution. They won’t accept anything
else,” Mehdiyev said.
[Passage omitted: reported comments by another Azerbaijani expert]

Agency reports staff changes in Armenian government
Arminfo
12 Jan 05
YEREVAN
Under a decision of Armenian Prime Minister Andranik Markaryan,
Meruzhan Mikaelyan has been relieved of the post of deputy minister of
finance and economy, the press service of the Armenian government has
informed Arminfo news agency.
According to the source, under another decision of the prime minister,
Anatoliy Avakyan has been relieved of the post of deputy justice
minister and Karine Akopyan of the post of deputy minister of labour
and social security.

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HyeSanta Says Thanks!!!!!
ArmeniaNow readers and viewers of Shoghakat Television’s production of this year’s HyeSanta campaign, have made the
2004 fund drive a great success.
In the coming days, ArmeniaNow journalists who brought you the stories of hardship, and of bravery in the face of
catastrophe, will be revisiting those families, with news that people they’ve never even met care about their
condition. Using the money that you have provided, our staff will be arranging for the purchase of cows, sheep,
chickens, medicines, books and other provisions that will make 2005 start much better than 2004 ended for those you
read about.
Help came in dollars by 5s and 500s from North America; by the $100s from Belgium; pounds were mailed from the UK and,
we are especially pleased to report, by millions of drams from within Armenia.
As soon as all the mail has been received (by the end of this month) we will report a total. Already, however, we can
gladly tell you that every person we wrote about, photographed, filmed, will receive significant aid.
We hope that by next week we can begin distributing the items we suggested that our readers purchase. Upon completion
of the program we will publish a detailed report of how the money was spent – none of which has been used for
administrative purposes, unless specified for that reason.
It is not too late to add your gift to this year’s campaign. See last week’s archive to read about those who are being
helped.
ArmeniaNow and the HyeSanta Foundation thanks you for your generosity and are glad you share our belief that it is
better to help a few than to ignore everyone.
This year’s holiday campaign has successfully concluded, but we invite you to read our HyeSanta issue and continue to
read our site to learn about others who might benefit from your concern. Click here.
John Hughes and Tony Halpin
Editors, ArmeniaNow
Cow Feet Soup for Breakfast: Armenia’s winter-time tradition of khash
By Julia Hakobyan
ArmeniaNow Reporter
If you come to Armenia in summer season you may be offered to taste the best Armenian fruits such as grapes, peaches
and apricots.
But if you appear in Armenia in winter times most likely you will be invited to go for khash-a masterpiece of Armenian
cuisine made by cows’ feet, stomach and Armenian ingenuity.
Khash is a unique experience for any foreign visitor, and whether they like it or not (and many don’t), almost all
enjoy the ritual of a khash party.
Khash is a gastronomic ceremony, a combination of ritual and lively heart-to-heart talks in the flavor of garlic and
raddish.
To prepare totikner (this is how Armenians call cows feet) for cooking it should be stripped of hairs and clean until
it turns opaque.
Then, the cow feet are boiled all night until the ingredients give its juice and piquancy to water and the flesh
flakes off the bones.
Usually Armenians go for khash in the morning on weekends, because after a khash party, participants are happy, but
also heavy with sleep. And, typically, not smelling so sociably acceptable. It may not be the cow feet that make a
person sleepy; rather the vodka, which, real khash professionals assures is good for digestion.
Besides vodka, a proper khash must have six components: mineral water, greens, raddishes, yellow chili pepers, lavash
and garlic. Minced garlic and salt – lots of both — is put into khash right before the eating. Dry lavash is soaked
in the soup until it becomes like a sponge. Hardcore khash eaters use only their fingers for consuming the odd meal,
and they recommend that participants abstain from eating, early on the previous evening.
Photogenic: Armenian model among winners in Turkey
By Marianna Grigoryan
ArmeniaNow Reporter
Teenage beauty queen Anush Grigoryan has added another crown to her career, winning one of five places at `World’s
Best Photo Model’ last month in Turkey.
It was the second victory for the 19-year old, who is also a former Miss Armenia (2003). In November Anush was also
crowned `Miss Tourism’ in a competition in Beijing, China.
To be crowned `Best Photo Model’, Anush beat out girls from 92 countries. The contest chooses five winners – of equal
rank – out of the entrants.
A requirement for competing in the contest is that participants must first have won a similar contest in their own
countries. But, as such a pageant has not yet been held in Armenia, organizers invited Anush based on her win in
China.
Anush was selected to the Top Five that included girls from Egypt, Philippines, Azerbaijan and Belgium. (Best male
models were also selected.)
`I Was A Slave’: Victim of human trafficking tells of abduction
By Arpi Harutyunyan
ArmeniaNow Reporter
Mariam is 18 months old and can say three words: `Mummy, Pa, Grandma’.
When she says `Mummy’ or `Grandma’ she knows someone will respond. She will never know the identity of `Pa’.
Mariam’s father is one of the many men her mother was forced to have sex with, after she was deceived into traveling
abroad for what was promised as a good job and a good life.
In 2002, when she was 19, Naira (names have been changed to protect privacy) managed to escape a life of forced
prostitution and returned to Armenia after about 3 months as a victim of human trafficking.
She gave birth to twins, but only Mariam survived.
When she was 19 Naira lived in Armenia with her mother and 17-year old sister. She had studied at school for eight
years and went to work as a waitress in one of the cafés in her home town.
`I had to provide for my family,’ she says. `We had neither father nor a brother so I began working to provide for my
mother and my sister. But an acquaintance, a woman whose name was Alla, suggested that I go with her abroad and work
there. Me, a naïve child, I agreed.’
In a neighboring country Alla said a girl could earn much more working as a waitress. (To protect her family identity,
ArmeniaNow agreed to not reveal the exact place to which Naira was taken). Naira trusted the woman. She knew Alla had
children of her own, and Naira could not imagine her being deceitful.
Timeless: Researcher uses ancient manuscripts for modern medicine
By Suren Deheryan
ArmeniaNow Reporter
A doctor who became a priest has devoted himself to the life of a pharmacist to maintain a science that reaches to the
days when Armenia was a land of kings.
In a small laboratory that looks to be picked from the pages of a fantasy book, 43-year old Armen Sahakyan concocts
paints, herbs and ointments, using recipes found in the ancient manuscripts of the Matenadaran.
In 1993, Sahakyan, who is a priest at St. Astvatsatsin Church in Parakar, began collecting the ingredients found in
pharmacological recipes dating to the 10th century and turning them into the same sort of products used in those
times. And, since 2004, he has been selling those products in the gift shop at the Matenadaran. He has produced skin
lotion, ointment, tea – items that sell from $5 to $24.
His role as a senior researcher at the Manuscripts Museum led him on a quest to make paints – in 14 colors – using
Armenian herbs and flora. He developed paints, using barberry roots, apricot pulp and other distinctly Armenian
natural products. The paint is now being used by artists in the Matenadaran to produce paintings and pottery.
Silent Nights?: Bothered residents hope authorities will put a lid on noisy strip joints
By Mariam Badalyan

Opponents of nightclubs in Yerevan residential buildings won a legal victory recently that they hope will set a
precedent for ridding the capital of noisy discos and strip clubs.
In late November, after a drawn-out dispute between residents of 13 Tumanyan Lane and the `Yojik’ strip bar located in
the same building, a court ruled that the bar must turn down its music at midnight. As most clubs of the sort hardly
get much of their business after that hour, the ruling is seen, in effect, to close the club.
In fact, the strip club has not operated since the court ruling was imposed.
The residents’ case was championed by Yerevan intelligentsia whose letter-writing campaign drew the attention of
President Robert Kocharyan. During the week of December 20, the president called a special meeting attended by various
department heads of the Yerevan Municipality, and Mayor Yervand Zakharyan.
According to Karen Gevorgyan, head of the Department of Merchandise and Services of Yerevan Municipality, a working
group has been formed to investigate the noise issue and offer solutions.
It is welcomed news to many residents in the center of Yerevan, where nightclubs have sprung up in the past several
years, bringing thumping music and topless dancers into previously quiet apartment buildings for families.
Larisa Isahakyan, a 79-year old professor says she has been in a conflict with the `Relax’ nightclub since it opened
in her building on Moskovian Street in 1997. `People are afraid to speak out,’ she says. `Out of 94 people who
resisted `Relax’ existence in our building in 1997 only 14 are left today. Others complain each time they meet you,
but will not sign a paper. They know that the bar owners have strong backing.’
The Armenia Court of First Instance ruled in favor of residents in a case against “Omega”, Yerevan’s most popular
strip bar and a favorite of out of towners. But, one resident told ArmeniaNow that although the ruling should bring
peace to the neighborhood, it has in fact had no impact.
The club is believed to be among those that are “well connected” and are seemingly immune to prosecution.
Some annoyed residents, however, may get relief from the Republic of Armenia’s Ombudsman office.
Jora Khachatryan, chief legal advisor to Ombudsman Larisa Alaverdyan says their office has received four complaints in
the past couple months and that the cases are being investigated and a report prepared for addressing the Government
and National Assembly.
The cases, Khachatryan said, include complaints from residents who say they have been threatened by bar owners if they
complain. Larisa Harutiunyan, a retired eye doctor, claims that she was beaten twice for complaining to police about
the noise coming from `Relax’ and `Marcel’ bars on her street.
Fighting for Breath: MSF plan aims to combat tuberculosis in Armenia
By Suren Musayelyan
ArmenianNow Reporter
The New Year is bringing a new hope for recovery for patients suffering from forms of tuberculosis so far deemed
incurable in Armenia.
Multi Drug Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) patients in two districts of Yerevan will be diagnosed and treated by local
polyclinics free of charge thanks to a new $3.8 million program of the French arm of the international medical relief
organization, Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF).
The MSF program whose active phase will start in February/March 2005 will be implemented with the assistance of
Armenian health authorities and, in particular, through basic polyclinics N18 and N19 in the Shengavit and Malatia-
Sebastia communities of Yerevan and two TB dispensaries in Yerevan and Abovian.
MSF/France Head of Mission Christian Ferrier expects that up to 200 patients suffering from resistant forms of
tuberculosis might be totally cured of the disease by 2008, when the program is due for completion, and another 100
might pass the first intensive phase and be involved in continuous ambulatory treatment.
`Our possibilities are limited and we cannot involve the whole of Armenia in our program, nor can we involve the whole
of Yerevan. However, our program will respond to specific demands and will be an effective one,’ Ferrier says.
But he acknowledges that the end result will also depend on patients’ cooperation with medical staffs. `Of course, our
primary goal is to cure MDR tuberculosis patients totally. But treating such patients is a difficult process and in
many cases patients leave their treatment half-finished themselves.’
In this regard, Ferrier attaches great importance to psychological assistance and explanatory work among the
population. He also thinks the role of mass media is crucial here. `The media must speak about this problem so that
people know more about tuberculosis, get rid of prejudices towards this disease and understand that tuberculosis is
not incurable,’ says Ferrier. `To be a tuberculosis patient is difficult as it is. And these people should not be
stigmatized because of their disease, but on the contrary should be helped in every possible way.’
According to the Ministry of Health statistics, there are at least 6,000 tuberculosis cases in Armenia, but the actual
figure may be much higher. Over a hundred people are said to have died of tuberculosis in 2003. At least 15 percent of
new TB cases, as believed by the MSF, might be those of MDR, which is a form resistant to at least the two most
powerful tuberculosis drugs – Rifampicin and Isoniazid.
A complete treatment of such forms might cost from $5,000 to $25,000 and the duration of treatment might vary from 12
to 24 months.
The MSF will build, rehabilitate and equip two specialized labs and two medical-social rooms in the Yerevan
polyclinics, two diagnostic departments in TB dispensaries of Yerevan and Abovyan, and a special department for MDR
patients’ treatment in the Republican Tuberculosis Dispensary in Abovyan (jointly with the Armenian Ministry of
Health).
Cutoff: A glimpse of life in Armenia’s coldest region
By Zhanna Alexanyan
ArmeniaNow Reporter
On the northwestern border of Armenia in the Shirak province, villages such as Paghakn and Berdashen maintain the
unpleasant reputation of being the coldest point in Armenia and one of the coldest in the Caucasus.
Some 2,000 meters above sea level, temperatures plunge to -46 Celsius. Winters aren’t just severe, but are long,
lasting from November to April. Snow often measures two meters deep, and the only road leading to Gyumri closes,
shutting villagers away from provisions, communications, and from healthcare resources.
`We open the ways by ourselves in case of acute necessity – when someone is ill or when we lack food. All of us gather
winter supplies like bears to stand the 6 months,’ says the head of the village, 41-year old Slavik Chapanyan.
Families plan childbirth for delivery before November or after April.
Nine villages in the region used to be populated by Azerbaijanis until hostilities began between Armenia and
Azerbaijan soon after the USSR dissolved. Most of the population now is made up of families who moved from Armenian
villages in Georgia.
In Berdashen, 57 of 61 households came from Poga, mostly for patriotic reasons.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PRESS RELEASE
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
Address: Vagharshapat, Republic of Armenia
Contact: Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian
Tel: (374 1) 517 163
Fax: (374 1) 517 301
E-Mail: [email protected]
January 10, 2005
Christmas Eve Services in Holy Etchmiadzin
On the evening of January 5, the Eve of the Holy Nativity and Theophany of
Jesus Christ, a candlelight Divine Liturgy was celebrated in the Cathedral
of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos
of All Armenians, presided as His Eminence Archbishop Datev Sarkissian
celebrated the liturgy and delivered the sermon.
With the joyous singing of “Christ is Born and Revealed!”, the Armenian
Church proclaimed the great tiding of Jesus’ birth to her faithful in
Armenia and the Diaspora. Hundreds of faithful, representatives of sister
Churches and members of the Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin gathered in the
Cathedral to hear the traditional reading from the prophet Daniel, the
readings from the Holy Scriptures concerning the birth of Christ and to
participate in the liturgy.
Following the candlelight Divine Liturgy, His Holiness offered a Home
Blessing service in the Pontifical Residence, and prayed for our Lord to
keep and protect the Armenian Church, her hierarchal centers, her dioceses,
clergy and faithful under the protection of His Holy Cross in 2005 and
always.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

OSCE OFFICE IN YEREVAN STARTS IMPLEMENTATION OF PROJECT ON MIGRATION
LEGISLATION REVIEW AND LABOR MIGRATION STUDY IN ARMENIA
YEREVAN, JANUARY 11. ARMINFO. The OSCE Office in Yerevan has started
the implementation of a project on migration legislation review and
labor migration study in Armenia, Blanka Hancilova, the
Democratization Officer in the OSCE Office in Yerevan told ARMINFO.
According to her, the objective of the project is to assist the
Government of Armenia in creation of a coherent and transparent
legislative and administrative framework in response to increasingly
complex migration scenarios as well as elaboration of necessary
constructive approaches in migration regulation. The results of this
project will assist the formulation of a congruent migration policy
and strategy. The objective of the project is to study the legislative
and administrative frameworks of Armenia regarding migration, analysis
of gaps of this legislation, as well collection and analysis of
sociological data on labor migrants.
As Hancilova mentioned, work over this project is carried out in close
cooperation with the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs of the
Republic of Armenia, the Department of Migration and Refugees at the
Government of Armenia, as well as with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
of Armenia.

Azeri defence minister, outgoing Greek envoy discuss ties
MPA news agency, Baku
12 Jan 05
Baku, 12 January: “Greece intends to cooperate with Azerbaijan in the
defence sphere,” the Greek ambassador to Azerbaijan, Mercurios
Karafotias, has told Azerbaijani Defence Minister, Col-Gen Safar
Abiyev, at a meeting held on completion of his mission to Azerbaijan.
Abiyev pointed to the development of Azerbaijani-Greek relations
during this period. Greece wants to cooperate with Azerbaijan in all
areas, including in the sphere of defence, Karafotias said.
The ambassador said that his country supports the efforts of the
Azerbaijani president and the OSCE to settle the Armenian-Azerbaijani
conflict. He said Greece wants this problem to be resolved within the
framework of international law and Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity.

Armenia not to compromise with Azerbaijan over Karabakh – expert
Yeni Musavat, Baku
12 Jan 05

Excerpt from Elsad’s report by Azerbaijani newspaper Yeni Musavat on
12 January headlined “Karabakh discussions in Prague” and subheaded
“Rasim Musabayov: Armenia will not overcome its desire”
Another meeting of the Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers
initiated and attended by the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmen was held in
Prague yesterday [11 January].
[Passage omitted: Azeri minister said that the country’s territorial
integrity and a swap of territories had not been discussed]
Specific details of the talks were not made public this time
either. It seems that the Azerbaijani people will again have to wait
for revelations by Armenian sources in order to get detailed
information.
To recap, in his statements before the meeting, [Azerbaijani Foreign
Minister] Elmar Mammadyarov said that time had expired for the
exchange of opinions and the sides should hold logical discussions. We
wonder if the Azerbaijani minister could get what he had expected from
the Prague talks.
[Passage omitted: the Armenian minister said that “we have to be ready
for compromises”]
Political analyst Rasim Musabayov had difficulty commenting on the
talks since its details are not known. In his opinion, since Armenians
gave their consent to the stage-by-stage settlement plan a few days
ago, one can think that a territorial swap, the status of Nagornyy
Karabakh and the complete pull-out of Armenians from Azerbaijan were
not the focus of the talks.
“It is difficult to say whether the co-chairmen will submit a specific
document to the sides after the talks. It is easy to reach general
agreement rather than to submit a specific document and agree on it.”
Musabayov also touched on [Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan]
Oskanyan’s opinions about compromises.
“Armenia will not overcome its desire. The talk might be only about
their pull-out from a certain area in exchange for guarantees that
Azerbaijan will never start a war. This means that we admit the
Armenian occupation of Nagornyy Karabakh and adjacent districts.
Armenia wants Azerbaijan at least to sign such a document but this
cannot be done.”
The next meeting of the ministers has been set for late February.