Category: News

Nuclear Power: Europe’s new concern about Metsamor
Armenianow.com
10 June 2004
Special from Caucasus Media Institute
The European Union will allocate 100 million Euro to Armenia for
interrupting the exploitation of the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant
and searching for new energy sources. However, the grant was frozen
and will not be allotted unless the Armenian government announces
the precise term for closing the plant.
Metsamor Power Plant from the South-East..
Resistance to the Europeans’ demand was decisive: Armenian experts and
the representatives of state structures express radically different
opinions. The Armenian government declares that some 800 million Euro
is necessary to close Metsamor and for other relevant arrangements,
as well as for developing alternative energy systems.
The first block of the Armenian power plant was launched December 22,
1976; the second started January 5, 1980. It was built by a project of
first generation plants. Under ecological pressure that strengthened
in 1988, the two blocks of the plant were stopped the following
winter. The 1988 strong earthquake of Spitak that killed tens of
thousands turned out a decisive factor. In 1988-1992 the republic
literally plunged into darkness, and, by the government’s decision,
the plant restarted in 1995. The power project envisages 30 years of
exploitation. Then why is Europe in a hurry? What’s the ground for
the unrest?
“We think that no nuclear power plant must be in a seismic zone as
it is dangerous for the region as a whole. There are also technical
reasons because that plant is an old generation construction and
does not comply with contemporary standards,” says Alexis Loeber, EU
Armenia Office director. According to European experts, the Armenian
plant is one of such dangerous constructions throughout the world.
The probability of repeating earthquakes in the same territory is
a truth seismology recognizes. The settlement and the temple of
Garni situated not far from the power plant are historically known
to have suffered from a mighty earthquake that ruined them. “Those
seismic risks that are considered today in Armenia are not that
dangerous. But geological events are a complicated processes. There
can be an earthquake that occurs once 20-30 years; it is impossible
to guarantee anything,” acknowledges Alvaro Antonian, head of the
Armenian national service of seismic protection.
According to Areg Galstian, Armenian deputy minister of energy,
the reactor of the Metsamor plant is the modernized and stable
version of the Russian, Bulgarian and Slovakian reactors of the same
generation. The security systems were strengthened before the restart,
taking account Armenia’s peculiarities.
Charles Dunlop, an expert from the American University of Armenia,
says that the second reason for closing the Metsamor plant is that the
reactor is not in line with contemporary standards although American
and European donor organizations have allotted around $50 million to
solve that problem. The reactor of the Armenian power plant has no
concrete protecting layer, which would keep the stream of exhaustion
from polluting the atmosphere. But, Konstantin Pyuskulian, deputy
director of the plant’s security department, says that today it is
both financially and technically impossible to construct a concrete
protecting layer for the Armenian plant.
Alvaro Antonyan Head of National Seismic Center.. There’s also
another perplexing circumstance: the nuclear fuel is imported to
Armenia from Russia via air. In terms of the economic blockade, this
is the only way of transporting the product. “It is the same as a
flying potential nuclear bomb. This is a way practiced nowhere else
all over the world. The fuel is generally transported either via sea
or by railway,” says Alexis Loeber. “Even if the airplane crashes,
there will be less damage than the air pollution in case of using
a bomb with depleted uranium,” confidently says, Armen Saghatelian,
director of the Center for Ecological Studies.
The Metsamor plant currently generates 1/3 of the energy consumed
in Armenia.
“The closing of the plant for Armenia will signify a return to the
darkness of 1988-1992,” says Galstian and, at the same time, adds
that if the plant gets closed, Armenia will have to depend on the
only gas pipeline, the technical state of which is not very good.
The construction of the Iran-Armenia gas pipeline may be a good
incentive for developing thermal power plants. But this, too,
according to the Armenian official, is not a complete alternative to
the nuclear power plant. “We never say ‘no’, we say ‘yes’, we will
shut down the Metsamor plant but we must have alternative sources and
capacities.” According to him, if everything takes its normal course,
the Metsamor plant will close in 2016.
And if the dialogue between the European Union and Armenia on the issue
of closing the plant does eventually take place then the closing will
be no earlier than 5 years following the decision made. About this
much time is necessary to create capacities partially alternative to
the Metsamor plant.

At Risk in Metsamor?: Living in the shadow of reactors
Armenianow.com
10 June 2004
Special from Caucasus Media Institute
Parallel to the construction of the nuclear power plant in the
1970-80s, the town of Metsamor was established some three to four
kilometers from the plant. People from almost all the regions of
Armenia fled to the town to settle down here. They built families,
had children and worked at the power plant.
Sanosyan Artavazd 90 years old (in center), resident of Metsamor..
But after the plant closed in 1989, the people of Metsamor lost their
jobs and didn’t start working again until late 1995, when construction
of the plant restarted.
Today only 20% of the population of Metsamor works at the plant. Many
people in the town are pleased that the plant that is their only hope
does function, while others are unhappy with that very fact.
“It poisons us. And if we get an instrument measuring the dose and
install somewhere in the town, we’ll see that we are living in poison,
but who cares, we have to,” says Rafik Mkhitaryan, a 70-year-old
resident of Metsamor.
“We, Armenians, to put it relatively, are among the smart nations of
the region,” says Artavazd Sanosyan, a man in his 90s, whose two sons,
a daughter and two grandchildren work at the power plant.
“If they tell me that the nuclear power plant is safe and secure,
I trust them,” he says. “If the plant shuts down, this town will
exist no more. This is the only working place that feeds us.”
Karapet Manukyan, 74, has been working at the plant for almost two
decades and has never felt any change in his health condition. Nor
has he ever had a medical examination to learn whether the work at
plant has affected his health.
“The plant functions fine, it is protected, and we haven’t felt that
it may damage our health,” says Manukyan.
Rafik Mkhitaryan has been working as a brigade leader of the group
digging pits for the two reactors of the plant since February 4, 1970.
Rafik Mkhitaryan 76 years old (third from the left). “When the plant
was ready for exploitation, the minister of electric networks of the
USSR, Grigoriants, said that the term is 28 years, and there ‘s no
right to exploit it even a day past the deadline,” says Mkhitaryan. He
assures that now the scientists check up the plant once a year and
extend the term by two-three years, which is not right.
“We are very much afraid but there are people that prolong the life of
the plant to amass wealth. The structure at present is decayed. They
are also afraid to go on building it but, nevertheless, they do for
filling their pockets. Though I am not smart enough for it but I find
that if the deadline has expired, then it’s necessary to stop it so
that our nation doesn’t get into big trouble,” he says.
The mother of two children, Gohar Bezprozvanikh also fears for herself
and her kids and does not think the plant is secure.
“Earthquakes take place and that is already dangerous. On the
other hand, we have no other source for work or energy, so it is as
impossible to close
it,” says Gohar.
Some in the town say the plant causes certain illness and birth
defects.
They suggest that, in exchange for the risk, residents of Metsamor
should get their power for free.
“This will compensate the risk of living here,” Mkhitaryan said.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Alternatives: Is Armenia’s energy future blowing in the wind?
ArmeniaNow.com
10 June 2004
Special from Caucasus Media Institute
If Armenia’s nuclear power plant at Metsamor should shut down, the
Solaren company is ready to let the wind take over.
“According to the map of wind energy industry of Armenia, today
there is a great wind energy potential in the republic,” says head
of Solaren’s wind energy programs Artur Lalayan.
Reserves surveys show a potential of 400-450 megawatts of wind
energy in Armenia, about one-third of the total energy produced by
the nuclear power station.
For the present moment there are no wind power stations in Armenia,
however, two projects will be implemented within next three years.
According to Lalayan, in the end of 2005 the first two-megawatt wind
power station with capacity of annual 5 million kilowatt-hour capacity
will start functioning in the Pushkin mountain pass. It is constructed
with money from an Iranian-funded grant. Another wind power station
will be ready in three years. This 20-megawatt station is constructed
on the Sotki mountain pass (Vardenis) and will be annually producing
60 million kilowatts per hour.
Solaren believes Armenian winds are sufficient for developing wind
energy industry; only the seasonal nature of getting energy is one
of the program’s negative sides. Winds are stronger in Syunik and
Zangezor, Northern Regions of Sevan Lake, at the foot of Mt. Aragats,
and Karakhach.
Gas resources offer another energy alternative.
The governments of Armenia and Iran have recently signed Iran-Armenia
gas-transmission pipeline construction agreement. Fuel will be supplied
to a thermal power plant (under construction) with a capacity of 250
megawatts through that pipeline. In addition, programs of the European
Union foresee running small hydroelectric power stations of Armenia,
with a total capacity of 140 megawatts.
Small hydroelectric power stations are another source of alternative
electric energy. There are several dozens of them in Armenia. They
are mainly privatized. According to calculations, one kilowatt of
hydroelectric energy will cost seven cents. The potential of small
hydroelectric power stations is valued at approximately 300 megawatts
and production is equal to one billion kilowatts per hour of energy.
Today solar energy is also included in the energy budget of Armenia.
Executive director of Solaren, Victor Afyan says: “If we place solar
water heaters on the territory of 16 square kilometers then we will
satisfy demand for the energy of the whole county.”
The first solar water heaters have already been created here. They
correspond to all international standards and have necessary
documentation. The device costs about $300 and costs $400-600 to
install. But after installation, energy is self-created.
Solaren also tries to get energy from household gas. According to
Afyan, they installed a device with carrying capacity of 25 cubic
meters in Agrospasarkum livestock farm. By means of burning liquid
dung that device produces 20-30 cubic meters of gas. Dung is fermented
and as a result it produces gas. In its turn it burns out producing
electric energy. After burning, the waste is sold to villagers as
fertilizer material.
“If household gas devices are installed in such organizations
functioning in Armenia then it will become possible to get 900
megawatts of energy per hour,” explains Afyan.
According to the director, they are also working on introducing
legislative reforms which will lead to development of restorative
energy.
Solaren is sure it is not possible to shut down the nuclear power
station without having alternative energy sources. It is necessary to
have serious financial assets both for deactivation and detoxification
as well as for conducting construction works of devices producing
alternative energy sources. And even if there are such assets it can
take tens of years for getting and gaining energy using alternative
methods.

IN THIS ISSUE:
*** HEALTHY LIFESTYLE IN NGO PROGRAMS
*** YEREVAN ECOLOGICAL PUBLIC ALLIANCE AGAINST ILLEGAL OCCUPATION OF GREEN
ZONES
*** SEXUAL EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS
*** FOR INTEGRATION OF BOARDING HOUSE CHILDREN INTO THE SOCIETY
*** SECOND EDITION OF CAUCASUS ENVIRONMENTAL NGOs DIRECTORY IS PUBLISHED
*** ARMENIAN NGO SUCCESS STORIES
*** NGOs SIGNED AN AGREEMENT
*** THE PROCESSION-MARATHON OF WHEELCHAIR DISABLED
*** GRANTS PROGRAM CARRIED OUT IN SECURITY AND PRIMARY HEALTH CARE
*** HEALTHY LIFESTYLE IN NGO PROGRAMS
On May 26, the Armenian Assembly of America’s NGO Training and Resource
Center hosted its regular Thematic NGO/Media devoted to Healthy Lifestyle.
The goal of similar encounters, initiated by the AAA NGOC, is to introduce
the problems of vulnerable groups to the public-at-large, NGOs activities
directed at solving those problems, and obstacles encountered. Healthcare
NGOs and representatives of media, international organizations and state
structures participated. Mary Khachikyan of the For Family and Health
Armenian Association NGO, Narek Zeinalyan of the Adam Youth Health NGO and
Karine Manukyan of the Women for Green Ways for Generations NGO made
presentations on Sexual Culture, Smoking Hazards and Prevention, and Food
Safety and Nutrition Culture, respectively. The spokespersons presented
their activities, shared success stories, disseminated samples of their
publications, and answered questions. They also emphasized critical problems
in their field and made significant suggestions for their solution.
Contact:
Mary Khachikyan of the For Family and Health” Armenian Association NGO
E-mail: [email protected]
Narek Zeinalyan of the Adam Youth Health NGO
E-mail: [email protected]
Karine Manoukyan of the Women for Green Ways for Generations NGO
E-mail: [email protected]
*** YEREVAN ECOLOGICAL PUBLIC ALLIANCE AGAINST ILLEGAL OCCUPATION OF GREEN
ZONES
On May 22, members of the Yerevan Ecological Public Alliance, (uniting 37
NGOs), together with human rights and youth organizations and the local
population organized a picket against destroying a territory known as “Mkoyi
Antar.” Located in Yerevan’s Zeytun community, this wooded area has been
recently partially destroyed by construction activities. The construction
has damaged the upper layer of soil and almost 3,000 trees and plants.
Alliance members had contacted, via letter, relevant state structures but
received no response. Through the May 22 picket, they made the issue public
and demanded the illegal construction be stopped, reviewing ROA Government’s
decree regarding provision of the territory and restoring the green zone. In
the event that their demands are not met, the Alliance plans to apply to
juridical bodies.
Contact: Silva Adamyan
Coalition of Green Zones of the Yerevan Ecological Public Alliance
Tel.: (374-1) 28-11-82
E-mail: [email protected]
Arman Vermishyan
Tel.: (374-1) 25-06-71
E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]
*** SEXUAL EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS
During the 2003-2004 academic school year, with the assistance of Medicins
Sans Frontiers – Belgium and on the initiative of Hope and Help NGO, the
Healthy Lifestyle and Sexual Education pilot extra curricular course was
introduced in seven schools of Noyemberyan region. Initially teachers of
biology underwent training through seminars, and the course was taught to
650 schoolchildren of 8th and 9th grades. On April 29, the Sexual Education
in Schools conference was held in Noyemberyan school #1. School directors,
teachers, representatives of regional government, NGOs and Mass Media
participated. The spokespersons introduced the results and discussed
positive and negative aspects of the activities. Within the conference
working groups, issues of course topics and methodology were discussed.
Contact: Yenok Shatvoryan
Hope and Help NGO
23 Mashtots St., #31
Tel.: (374-1) 53-17-70
E-mail: [email protected]
Tavush Branch of Hope and Help NGO
13 Noyemberi 29 St.
Tel.: (374-66) 2-24-53
*** FOR INTEGRATION OF BOARDING HOUSE CHILDREN INTO THE SOCIETY
The Future is Yours Charitable, Social NGO’s project, aimed at integrating
boarding house children into society, especially into their peer group, is
currently underway. For this purpose, a series of events were held to
encourage communication among children from various groups. The May 21
event, organized in Yerevan School #5 after Mushegh Ishkhan, was one event
in the series. At this event, 17 children of Zeytun community boarding house
were hosted. They prepared a performance on the occasion of the 135th
anniversary of the Armenian poet and writer Hovhanness Tumanyan. During the
event, Narine Sargsyan, the NGO Chairwoman, emphasized the smooth
integration of boarding house children into regular secondary schools. The
activity is carried out with the assistance of Project Harmony and World
Vision organizations.
Contact: Narine Sargsyan
The Future is Yours Charitable, Social NGO
Tel.: (374-1) 58-23-68
E-mail: [email protected]
*** SECOND EDITION OF CAUCASUS ENVIRONMENTAL NGOs DIRECTORY IS PUBLISHED
The Regional Environmental Center (REC) has published the second edition of
the Environment and NGO Community, Directory of Environmental
Non-Governmental organisations in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, the
presentation of which was held on May 14. The last edition was published in
2002. This new publication, covering 374 environmental NGOs in Armenia,
Azerbaijan and Georgia, provides more accurate, updated and additional
information: contact data, activity areas and directions, implemented
programs, etc. The directory, available in English and Russian, was
published with financial assistance received from the European Union. The
publication will be beneficial not only for NGOs, but also for donors, state
structures, private and academic sector. The electronic version of the
directory will soon be available at The
publication is available from the Armenian Office of the REC Caucasus
Information Point.
Contact: Hovhanness Ghazaryan
REC Caucasus Information Point, Armenia
1 Charents St., 2nd floor
Tel/Fax: (374-1) 57-47-43
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website:
*** ARMENIAN NGO SUCCESS STORIES
On May 6, presentation of the Armenian NGO Success Stories book, initiated
by the World Learning organization, was held. Ten of 66 stories presented
for the competition announced by the World Learning organization have been
announced winners and are included in the book. As stated during the
presentation by Yan Karpovich, World Learning Organization Chief of Party,
“The book is a powerful tool to educate the public on the role and
implemented activities of the NGOs.”
Contact: Yan Karpovich
World Learning Organization
24 Moscovian St., #1
Tel.: (374-1) 52-08-51, 58-26-20
E-mail: [email protected]
*** NGOs SIGNED AN AGREEMENT
To better represent the public-at-large in the process of policy
implementation and decision-making in the public services regulation field,
on May 31, 11 NGOs signed a cooperation agreement on creating an NGO Council
on Public Participation in the Field of Public Services Regulation. Its
objectives are to promote dialogue and cooperation between state structures
and beneficiaries of civil society constituencies and ensure transparency of
activities of the ROA Public Services Regulatory Commission. Members of the
NGO Council bring valuable experience in the following areas to this
council: consumers rights protection, condominium development, legal
assistance, environmental protection and human rights. The main directions
of the Council activities are legislative improvements, raising public
awareness, legal consultancies, follow up of consumers’ appeals and
suggestions and research. Any NGO, whose mission is consistent with the
Council goal and objectives, can become a member of the Council.
Contact:
Secretariat of the NGO Council on Public Participation in the Field of
Public Services Regulation
Tel.: (374-1) 53-27-25
E-mail: [email protected]
*** THE PROCESSION-MARATHON OF WHEELCHAIR DISABLED
On May 28, the annual procession-marathon of wheelchair disabled of Pyunic
Union of Armenian Disabled began its trek from near Yerevan’s Aram
Khachatryan Concert Hall and continued to Etchmiadzin. The marathon was
devoted to the Armenian Statehood Day. The goal of the marathon was to draw
public attention to the problems of the disabled and their full integration
into society. Disabled people from Yerevan, Gyumri, Spitak, Vanadzor,
Stepanavan, Etchmiadzin, guests from local and international organizations
and Mass Media participated. Marathon participants were greeted by Pyunic
Chairman Hakob Abrahamyan, Chairwoman of the Department of Disabled and
Elderly of the ROA Ministry of Labor and Social Issues Jemma Baghdasaryan
and ROA National Assembly Deputy Artak Arakelyan. The marathon-procession
ended in Holy Etchmiadzin where participants were greeted by priests.
Arminco CJSC was the primary sponsor of the marathon and Antares Media
Holding sponsored the marathon.
Contact: Hakob Abrahamyan
Pyunic Union of Armenian Disabled
16 Tsitsernakaberd St.
Tel.: (374-1) 56-07-07
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
*** GRANTS PROGRAM CARRIED OUT IN SECURITY AND PRIMARY HEALTH CARE
Yerevan Municipality and AAA NGO Training and Resource Center (NGOC)
announce the results of the competition of Grants Program Carried Out in the
Spheres of Social Security and Primary Health Care. The winning NGOs are:
Maternity Fund of Armenia Charitable NGO; Haghartsin Youth Health NGO; Paros
Disabled Center for Development of Education and Culture; and Fund
Shirakatsi Lycee. Within the framework of the program, the activity form and
directions of the NGOs are: supporting lonely invalids, the elderly, and
beggars; providing care for women during the pre-natal period; arts and
crafts training for mothers with many children, lonely mothers and refugees;
personal services for lonely disabled and elderly; preparatory education for
preschool children; advocacy for healthy lifestyle; and basic, first-aid
training for families of the disabled. Beneficiaries of the program are
lonely disabled; mothers with many children; young families; preschool and
schoolchildren; disabled with mobility difficulties; families with disabled.
Projects will be carried out in Yerevan. The grants program is funded by
USAID.
Contact: AAA NGO Center
39 Koghbatsi St.
Tel.: (374-1) 54-40-12; 54-40-13
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
__________________________________________________________________________
Armenian NGO News in Brief is a publication of the NGO Training and Resource
Center (NGOC) issued in the Armenian, English and Russian languages for
electronic dissemination inside and outside Armenia. Primary funding for
the NGOC, which is a project of the Armenian Assembly of America, is
provided by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
Individual NGOs are welcome to submit information for publication to the
NGOC. The NGO Center is not responsible for the clarity of information
provided by individual NGOs.
Dear Readers,
The not-for-profit, non-governmental sector of Armenia is rich with diverse
civic initiatives and activities. This electronic publication, though far
from covering all activities of the sector per any given period of time, is
intended to contribute to raising awareness, both inside and outside
Armenia, of the activities of Armenian not-for-profit, non-governmental
organizations.
Your comments and feedback about this electronic publication are greatly
appreciated.
Thank you.
NGOC staff.
Contact Information:
In Armenia:
Armenian Assembly of America
NGO Training and Resource Center
39 Yeznik Koghbatsi St., Yerevan 375010
Tel.: (3-741) 54-40-12; 54-40-13; 53-92-04
Fax: (3-741) 54-40-15
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
In the United States:
Armenian Assembly of America
NGO Training and Resource Center
122 C Street NW, Suite 350
Washington, DC 20001 USA
Tel: (202) 393-3434
Fax: (202) 638-4904
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:

KOCHARIAN MEETS BUSINESSMEN
ArmenPress
June 8 2004
YEREVAN, JUNE 8, ARMENPRESS: President Kocharian met today with around
three dozens of entrepreneurs, representing small and medium-sized
businesses. He was quoted by his press office as saying that a lot
has been done since their previous such meeting towards improvement
of the field and seeking solutions to concrete problems.
Underscoring the need of such meetings president Kocharian noted that
they provide a good opportunity to get a better picture about the
state of things in this sector, about the problems and hindrances
and about what can be done to eliminate them.
Speaking about general trends in this area, Kocharian underlined the
contribution of small and medium-sized businesses in the overall 2003
GDP that amounted to 38 percent, which he said was ” a serious figure,
meaning that small and medium-sized businesses are gradually standing
on their feet.” Kocharian also vowed his assistance to businessmen in
overcoming many still existing problems they face in their everyday
activity.
During the meeting an array of issues that can help further
strengthen this branch of economy was discussed by the president and
businessmen. Thus, many of businessmen pointed to their problems in
hiring staff, emphasizing the restoration of vocational education.
Concluding the meeting Kocharian said all raised questions will be
summarized and ways of their solutions will be discussed and specific
instructions will be issued.

Le Figaro, France
08 juin 2004
Bruxelles est devenue La Mecque du lobbyisme;
Les parlementaires européens sont l’objet des sollicitations de 15
000 professionnels des groupes d’intérêts qui ont pignon sur rue
Bruxelles : de notre correspondant Pierre Avril
Dans son journal de bord, destiné à ses électeurs du Lancashire, le
Britannique Chris Davies s’enthousiasme : «Bruxelles est bourrée de
lobbyistes». A quelques heures d’une délibération capitale relative
à des directives sur les déchets et les cosmétiques, ce membre de
la commission de l’environnement s’amuse à recenser les groupes
d’intérêts qui, en une après-midi, ont défilé dans son bureau : le
fabricant d’électroménagers Electrolux, le constructeur informatique
Hewlett-Packard, le Bureau européen de l’environnement, le département
britannique du Commerce, la Société pour la prévention de la cruauté
faite aux animaux, l’Association des industriels du cosmétique… «Ici,
ce n’est pas comme à Westminster où c’est toujours le gouvernement
qui gagne», écrit-il. Ce parlementaire britannique ne sait pas si
bien dire. Dans cette Mecque du lobbying qu’est devenue Bruxelles,
les rapports de force sont inversés. Environ 15 000 professionnels y
ont pignon sur rue, un petit peu moins qu’à Washington. Quelque 4 647
personnes sont directement accréditées auprès du Parlement européen,
ce qui fait environ 8 lobbyistes par député. Même la puissante
Fédération européenne de l’agroalimentaire (CIAA) en convient :
«Le problème des parlementaires, c’est qu’ils sont submergés»,
explique son directeur général, Raymond Destin. Le Parlement est
devenu la cible privilégiée des groupes d’intérêts. «Depuis dix ans,
son poids dans les institutions s’est accru de manière considérable»,
observe Bruno Dupont, président du cabinet de «conseil» Euralia,
et l’élargissement amplifiera le phénomène.
Les députés et leurs assistants – siégeant dans les commissions
à caractère économique – ne sont plus les seuls à faire l’objet
d’intenses sollicitudes. Rapporteur de la commission des Affaires
étrangères sur la Turquie, le français Alain Lamassoure (UMP) fut
par exemple, en 2001, soumis à une intense pression, à la fois des
Arméniens, soucieux que son rapport fasse de la reconnaissance du
génocide une condition préalable de l’adhésion du pays, ainsi que des
lobbies turcs, très actifs sur Internet. Ces derniers ont finalement
gagné la partie : le rapport du député conservateur fut plutôt
favorable à Ankara. Le vote, en 2002, d’une résolution recommandant
la légalisation de l’avortement fut également l’objet d’une féroce
bataille entre lobbies libéraux et pro life. Parmi ces derniers, Euro
Fam décortique, sur son site Internet, chacun des votes à caractère
«sociétal» effectué par les 626 députés, avant de lui attribuer une
cote, au regard des critères défendus par l’association. Dans le camp
français, le souverainiste Georges Berthu y est ainsi le mieux noté,
tandis que Pervenche Bérès (PS) est classée bonne dernière. Les
Français, qui occupent peu de postes influents, restent moins
courtisés. Ces derniers sont par exemple sous-représentés au sein
du Kangaroo Group, le premier think tank intergroupe, d’inspiration
anglo-saxonne, dans lequel se côtoient parlementaires et industriels.
«Dans les trois quarts des dossiers, on se tourne vers eux en
dernier recours», explique un lobbyste français. A l’inverse,
les Britanniques, les Scandinaves ou les Allemands font l’objet de
toutes les attentions. A force de sollicitations, les parlementaires
donnent parfois l’impression de passer pour des hommes sandwiches,
s’accusant entre eux de «rouler» pour tel ou tel lobby. Spécialiste
des transports, l’eurodéputé de Hambourg Georg Jarzembowsky (PPE), par
exemple, est réputé très proche des milieux portuaires patronaux. Il
fut rapporteur d’un projet de loi remettant en cause le monopole des
dockers. La Française Jannely Fourtou (PPE), épouse à la ville du
président de Vivendi Universal, a également été rapporteur d’un texte
visant notamment à renforcer la lutte contre la contrefaçon des CD.
Les exemples de ce type abondent, faisant parfois apparaître d’évidents
conflits d’intérêts. Exemple, l’Allemand Elmar Brok (PPE) est rémunéré
par le géant des médias Bertelsmann. Ce dernier affirme qu’il ne prend
jamais part à un vote lié aux intérêts de l’entreprise. «Il a mauvaise
réputation», soulignent néanmoins plusieurs professionnels. Ces
pratiques sont parfaitement tolérées par le Parlement dès lors que le
député en question fait «une déclaration personnelle, circonstanciée
et complète de ses intérêts financiers». Ce registre est accessible
au grand public, mais, dans les faits, l’opacité reste la règle.
Bruxelles : de notre correspondant Pierre Avril

Libération
7 juin 2004
Exiger la mémoire du génocide arménien;
L’entrée éventuelle d’une Turquie négationniste en Europe inquiète
les 450 000 Français d’origine arménienne.
par Ara Toranian, président du Conseil de coordination des
organisations arméniennes de France (CCAF)
La perspective d’entrée de la Turquie dans l’Europe ne soulève pas que
des questions académiques sur l’histoire et la géographie de l’Ancien
Continent. Elle suscite également une forte inquiétude au sein d’une
partie de la population française qui a rarement voix au chapitre,
qu’on a du mal à entendre et qu’on évacue trop souvent des débats :
les 450 000 Français d’origine arménienne, enfants et petits-enfants
des rescapés du génocide de 1915.
Fantasmes que leurs craintes fondées sur de l’histoire ancienne
? On aimerait s’en convaincre. Hélas, la politique des gouvernements
turcs qui se sont succédé depuis cette extermination fait montre de
suffisamment de constance pour ne pas laisser place au doute. Qu’ils
soient de droite, de gauche, laïques ou islamistes, ces pouvoirs se
sont inscrits, avec un remarquable sens de la continuité, dans la
logique de ce crime. Depuis la fondation de la Turquie dite moderne en
1923, ces gouvernements n’ont eu de cesse de poursuivre par d’autres
moyens l’entreprise d’anéantissement engagée par les Jeunes Turcs
: négation organisée du fait historique, gommage systématique de
tout indice des massacres, de toute trace des Arméniens dans leurs
territoires ancestraux, destruction ou détournement – partout où cela
est possible – de leurs vestiges historiques, de leurs églises. Ils se
sont également évertués à imposer une loi du silence à l’intérieur du
pays et un chantage permanent à l’extérieur pour faire taire les Etats
qui, tels le Canada le 21 avril dernier, la Suisse le 16 décembre 2003
ou la France le 29 janvier 2001, ont pris la liberté de reconnaître
le génocide.
Cette complicité active des autorités turques “modernes” envers
l’extermination des Arméniens a atteint un nouveau pic. Il y a un an,
en effet, le ministère de l’Education nationale a envoyé à l’ensemble
des établissements secondaires du pays une circulaire leur enjoignant
d’organiser une dissertation sur le thème suivant : “Comment répondre
aux allégations de génocide arménien ?” Avec, à la clé, une récompense
pour la meilleure copie.
Face à un tel obscurantisme, un tel acharnement, comment les Français
d’origine arménienne pourraient-ils appréhender sereinement la venue
de cet Etat qui, du fait de sa démographie et des dispositions du
traité de Nice, est destiné à être le plus représenté au Parlement
européen ? Comment les enfants du génocide arménien pourraient-ils
accepter de se retrouver dans une Europe qui ferait la place belle
à une Turquie négationniste, complice de la solution finale ?
Certaines personnes déjà nous ont fait savoir que face à cette
éventualité, elles se préparaient à plier bagage. Et ce n’est
pas l’attitude des pouvoirs publics dans cette affaire qui les
tranquillisera. En témoigne la réponse de Jacques Chirac à une
question d’un journaliste de Radio J, lors de sa conférence de presse
du 29 avril dernier. A sa question portant sur la reconnaissance du
génocide des Arméniens par la Turquie comme préalable à son adhésion
dans l’Europe, le président de la République a répliqué sèchement :
“C’est une affaire bilatérale entre la Turquie et l’Arménie.” Des
propos qui ont semé le trouble, y compris à droite : “C’est comme si
on disait que les exterminations ne concernent que les communautés
qui en sont les victimes”, a rétorqué François Bayrou.
Les communautés arméniennes ont dû batailler pendant quatre-vingts ans
contre les menées négationnistes de la Turquie. Les reconnaissances
du génocide effectuées dernièrement par quelques Etats démocratiques
leur laissaient espérer en l’avènement d’une nouvelle ère. Se
sont-elles trompées ? Faces aux diverses menaces que laisserait
craindre l’adhésion d’un Etat turc qui n’aurait pas rompu avec la
logique criminelle de ses prédécesseurs, quelle sera l’attitude de la
France ? Assumera-t-elle la protection due à ses citoyens d’origine
arménienne ? Il n’y a qu’en exigeant de la Turquie qu’elle reconnaisse
officiellement le génocide des Arméniens que l’on pourra rassurer
nos concitoyens. Et aller de l’avant. On est encore loin du compte.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

AZERI AGENCY SAYS 11 KILLED, NINE WOUNDED BY LAND MINES
ANS TV, Baku
7 Jun 04
According to the Azerbaijani National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA),
11 land mine victims died and nine wounded in 2004.
Four land mine blasts were registered in the last month (May) alone. To
recap, five people died and three seriously wounded as a result. In
general, 36 land mine victims have died and 44 wounded since 2001.

Cork City await UEFA Fair Play draw
Online.ie
Sports
online.ie
2004-06-08 09:30:05+01
Cork City take on Shelbourne in the eircom League tonight but they
are up against Matt Holland’s Charlton also in the draw for the Fair
Play League.
The draw for the Fair Play League takes place in Germany tonight,
with 11 European teams vying for two places in the UEFA Cup.
The teams are based on their disciplinary record last season.
The 10 other teams who will go into the ballot along with Charlton are:
Esbjerg (Denmark), SK Brann (Norway), Freiburg (Germany), Cork City
(Republic of Ireland), FC Lahti (Finland), Real Mallorca (Spain),
KS Teuta (Albania), FC Mika (Armenia), Throttur Reykjavik (Iceland),
plus a team from Ukraine yet to be decided as their league season
runs until June 19.
As Pat Dolan hopes his team make the UEFA Cup, Ireland’s Matt Holland
is hoping to lead Charlton on a European adventure through draw.
The Republic of Ireland midfielder would welcome the prospect of
European football coming to The Valley for the first time.
“It would be great for the fans here,” he said on the club’s official
website,
“We would have liked to have done it through the league, but if it
does come about through the Fair Play draw, we’ll take it – especially
after the season we had.
“We benefited from playing in the UEFA Cup when I was at Ipswich and
it was a great experience playing against the top sides like Inter
at the San Siro.”
The Addicks finished third in the discipline-based rankings for
England, behind winners Arsenal and Chelsea.
However, with both of those clubs having already secured a place
in the Champions League, Charlton were put forward as the Football
Association’s representatives.
Last season Manchester City came through the Fair Play League system
to get a crack at European football.
And should Charlton be successful, it would not leave much time for
changes to pre-season plans as qualification would mean a two-legged
UEFA Cup qualifying tie on July 15 and 29, meaning the club’s planned
trip to China would most probably be shelved.
The draw will take place during the half-time interval at the UEFA
European Under-21 Championship final between Italy and Serbia and
Montenegro in Bochum this evening, kick-off 7.45pm.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

San Francisco Chronicle
Tuesday, June 8, 2004
Summit is a huge global affair
Jan Sandred, Chronicle Staff Writer
It’s not only the largest biotechnology gathering ever, but also the most
international. Fifty-nine countries are represented at this week’s BIO 2004
International Convention in San Francisco.
Nearly half of those countries are visiting with official delegations with
federal-level ministers of science and technology, trade, and economics.
In addition to Americans, the largest delegations are from Australia,
Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Russia, Sweden,
Switzerland, Taiwan and Britain. Russia alone sent more than 65 senior
scientists and project managers.
There are 29 international pavilions on the exhibit floor with many times
more companies. For example, the Swedish pavilion in the North Hall of the
Moscone Convention Center features 14 biotech companies and organizations.
Countries participating for the first time include Algeria, Armenia, Ivory
Coast, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Peru, Romania, Slovenia, Uganda, Ukraine and
Yemen.
China, Japan and New Zealand all sent significantly more representatives
than in past years, in some cases doubling the numbers from last year, when
the convention was in Washington, D.C.
“Biotechnology is a global enterprise, thanks to solutions that now touch
the daily lives of millions in health care, the environment and
agriculture,” said Carl Feldbaum, president of the Biotechnology Industry
Organization, the meeting’s sponsor. “Our convention fully reflects the
international reach of this industry.”
E-mail Jan Sandred at [email protected].