Category: News

Fresno Bee
May 31 2004
Day of Remembrance
Armenian church in Yettem celebrates how early Valley settlers
worshipped.
By Ron Orozco
Choir members sing during a special outdoor service Sunday
commemorating the 100th anniversary of St. Mary Armenian Apostolic
Church in Yettem. The service was held under trees adjacent to the
church, where early settlers to the area held their first service.
Richard Darby / The Fresno Bee
YETTEM — Under a canopy of trees, parishioners of St. Mary Armenian
Apostolic Church in eastern Tulare County symbolically celebrated
the church’s 100th anniversary on Pentecost Sunday.
Pentecost is the Christian festival on the seventh Sunday after Easter,
celebrating the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles.
In the central San Joaquin Valley, Pentecost is observed with special
sermons from the pulpit.
St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church celebrated under its trees to
remember how early settlers in the area worshipped.
In 1904, settlers gathered under a tree at the home of Tateos Davidian
to celebrate Feast of Pentecost, thus beginning the religious life
of the community.
Sunday, the symbolism left parishioners with a sense of gratitude to
the settlers.
Yettem is the Armenian word meaning Eden.
“It takes you back in memory in how they did it before,” said Charlie
Basmajian of Selma. “They put their heads together and built a church.”
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At the outdoor service Sunday, birds chirped from branches and
morning sunlight glistened on leaves as nearly 150 parishioners
were reminded that the early settlers sang the hymn “Aravod Loosoh”
(“Morning of Light”) and read from the New Testament book of Acts.
The Rev. Vartan A.K. Kasparian, pastor of St. Mary, and Archbishop
Hovnan Derderian, primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian
Church in America, chanted the service in Armenian along with deacons
and 14 choir members.
Mary Enfiedjian of Visalia followed the service in her prayer book,
“Pokrikneroo Jamakirk.”
“It gives people the courage and inspiration to recall what our
forefathers have gone through as survivors of genocide,” said
Derderian, who visited from Burbank.
An estimated 1.5 million Armenians were killed in the Armenian genocide
in the Ottoman Empire from 1915 to 1923.
“In a short period, they had a vision to establish a church, to be
fully integrated in the community and to give life to the community.
“This is special for all of us, not just for Yettem. This will be
the beginning of many more celebrations.”
At the end of the service, Kasparian invited parishioners to come
forward to kiss the Gospel book — and a line quickly formed.
After a short break, parishioners filed inside the church, where
Derderian blessed a new Rodgers pipe organ and celebrated Divine
Liturgy.
In the afternoon, nearly 300 people filled the parish’s Majarian Hall
for a luncheon.
“This is so exciting,” Lucinne Bennett of Visalia said of the
celebrations. “My family has lived here for many, many years.”
It definitely was a day of remembrance.
Betty Farsakian, one of two St. Mary organists, remembered with pride
that her father, Garabed Charles Simonian, built the church.
Member Araxie Menenian also remembered her father: Garbed Kalfayan.
He was parish priest from 1939-65, including during one of the most
difficult times for parishioners.
In 1955, a fire destroyed the church.
“When it burned, he was in Armenia voting for the ‘pope’ of the
church,” Menenian said.
If parishioners had a hard time remembering, six display boards with
the names of Yettem residents in 1910 helped them.
The oldest living person on the board who was in attendance Sunday:
Harry S. Jenanyan, 95.
The Rev. Kasparian pointed out that many have moved away from Yettem,
which remains a hamlet with a population of just 284.
Kasparian said, “Even though a lot of people have moved away from
the area, some to the East Coast, Yettem is still home to them.”
The reporter can be reached at [email protected] or (559) 441-6304.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

WEB SITE DEVOTED TO ARMENIAN GENOCIDE IN OTTOMAN TURKEY OPENED IN
GERMANY
PanArmenian News
May 31 2004
BERLIN, 31.05.04. A web site devoted to the Armenian Genocide in
Ottoman Turkey in early last century has opened in Germany. In
the words of the creators of the site – leaders of the Recognition
Germany-based committee– the main goal of the project is to propagate
and achieve recognition of the fact of the Armenian Genocide by
Bundestag (the Parliament). The site is in German yet, however
English and Armenian versions will appear soon. The Genocide history,
documents and photographs of 1890-1922 are presented at the site.
Here one can find latest news on the process of world recognition of
the Armenian Genocide, specifically in Germany.

PRESS RELEASE
Armenian Center for National and International Studies
75 Yerznkian Street
Yerevan 375033, Armenia
Tel: (+374 – 1) 52.87.80 or 27.48.18
Fax: (+374 – 1) 52.48.46
E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]
Website:
ACNIS
Summary Report of Expert Opinion Polls
May 2004
“My View of Armenia’s Future”
In April-May 2004, the Armenian Center for National and International
Studies (ACNIS) conducted its first two focus-group surveys on
“My View of Armenia’s Future” and “Armenia’s Foreign Policy,
Orientation, and Attitude toward Power Centers of the World.” Fifty
experts participated in the survey, 30% of whom work at state-run and
70% in non-governmental institutions. 72% of them are male and 28%
female. 18% are 20-30 years old, 40% 31-40, 32% 41-50, 6% 51-60, and
4% 61-70 years of age. Among them 98% had received higher education,
2% incomplete higher education. 2% of the respondent specialists were
full professors, 32% were candidates of science, 60% had a Master’s
degree, while 6% had earned only a Bachelor’s degree.
Within the framework of the expert poll entitled “My View of Armenia’s
Future,” 16% are satisfied with current realities and ongoing policies,
while 10% are reconciled to them but not satisfied, and 70% reject
them; 4% consider themselves indifferent. 14% think they are able
to change everything, 80% are able to change something or other,
whereas 6% believe they are unable to change anything.
50% of the respondents deem themselves to be well informed, politically
active and influential, 46% are well informed but do not struggle
for the realization of their own opinions; only 4% view themselves as
passive. As for social changes, 80% of the polled specialists are for
systemic reforms in state and society, while 20% are for changing
at least what is practicable. On Armenia’s economic system, 16%
assess it as extremely negative, 54% as negative, and 30% as positive
with certain reservations. 100% have a positive attitude only to the
concepts of profit and competition. Meanwhile, 30% carry a positive
and 70% a negative attitude toward the ideas of super-profit and
privilege. The categories of fair competition, equal participation,
and liberalism are viewed as positive by 96% and negative by 4%
of them. 16% consider monopolies as positive, 84% as negative. 90%
are for employee participation in the management of organizations
and enterprises, as well as for trade unions, while 10% are against
them. 14% are for and 86% against the command system of management.
Generally, capitalism is viewed as positive by 72% of experts and
negative by 28%, while socialism as positive by 70% and negative by
30%. 4% identify themselves as left-leaning, 30% as center-left, 30%
as right-leaning, 30% as center-right, and 6% on the extreme right. 60%
are of the opinion that the development of Armenia is possible in
a liberal democracy, just as 20% prefer social democracy and 20%
national democracy.
The respondent experts also express their opinion about different
problems facing Armenia. 18% think that the most urgent issue for
Armenia in the near future is regional cooperation and the same
number prioritize the deepening of democracy, 16% believe it to be
regulation of the Karabagh conflict, 10% a reassessment of Armenia’s
foreign policy, 10% establishment of law and order, 8% a strengthening
of the army and maintenance of stability in the country. 6% find the
struggle against corruption and 4% job creation to be imperative. As
for the most vital issue for Armenia in the long run (10 years), 18%
think it is democratization of political life and the same number the
formation of a national security system, 12% activation of societal
consciousness, and 4% the Karabagh question. 20% consider economic
development of the country and elevation of living standards as the
most important issues, while the highest index, 28%, favors human
rights and freedoms.
As for the problems inherited from the near and far past, 52% consider
international recognition of the Armenian Genocide as feasible and 48%
improbable in the next 10 years; 6% view the return of historical
Armenian lands as possible and 94% impossible; 56% find resolution
of the Karabagh conflict as achievable and 44% not; 68% see ways to
prevent emigration and 32% do not; 52% consider poverty surmountable
and 48% do not. Only 6% of respondents believe in the success of the
campaign against corruption, while 94% do not.
12% regard the apathy and inconsistency of both government and society
as the main reason for the country’s problems, while 10% think it
is the incompetence of the authorities, 2% each the intervention of
international actors, Armenia’s lack of resources, and the absence of
a requisite political atmosphere. 6% find that problems are not solved
as it is already too late to solve them, and an equal number that civil
society institutions do not present problems to the authorities in a
timely and proper manner. Another 6% believe that public support of the
authorities is unsatisfactory or even absent, and finally a plurality
of 24% are convinced that the principal reason for these problems is
the absence of the necessary political will of the authorities.
24% of respondents fear the arbitrariness of the government, 18%
life’s uncertainty, 12% war with Turkey, 6% war with Azerbaijan,
6% further deepening of relations with Russia, 6% poverty, 6% loss
of relatives, 6% God, 4% violence, and 4% death. 2% choose “other”
and express concern about the need to defend the present authorities,
while 6% are afraid of nothing.
40% of the experts surveyed are of the opinion that Armenia’s dominant
potential is the human one, 18% pinpointing the people themselves as
the strongest resource; 16% select Armenia’s geographical position
and geopolitical importance, 14% the Diaspora, and 8% cultural
heritage. 4% believe that none of the above can be considered as
potential. Armenia’s economic capacity, its natural resources, and
attractiveness of the land and nature are not marked at all. After 10
years, 4% find that the territory of Armenia has expanded, and 8% that
its political and geopolitical rating has risen. 18% note an increase
in economic potential, 20% in human potential, 4% in cultural wealth,
38% in political maturity. 8% think that none of the cited resources
has grown.
As for the presentation and pursuit of the nation’s interests, only 14%
conclude Armenia to be completely free, 50% partially free, and 36%
not free. Simultaneously, 86% believe that Armenia does not define its
own national aspirations and moves forward spontaneously, while 14%
find its future imposed from outside.
According to the forecasts of 50%, Armenia will be a mediocre state
in 10 years, 46% think it will be weak, and only 4% expect it to be
a strong country. 80% note that today the prospect for Armenia to
be a sovereign, democratic, legal and social state is in danger,
and 20% do not think it is in jeopardy. Among the reasons for the
above-mentioned problem, 44% are of the opinion that today the country
lives exclusively in the past or at best in the present, but nobody
thinks about the future; 26% see that the future is not charted today;
18% cite the difficult challenges of the future, and 6% think that
the above mentioned ideals were threatened even in the past.
74% are convinced that Armenia will overcome all the difficulties of
the present time, while 26% are of the opposite opinion. 36% think that
most people in Armenia believe in the future of their country, but 64%
think they do not. 28% find that people explain the country’s problems
by reference to their tough fate and bad neighbors, and 24% refer to
pointless reliance on others. 20% are convinced that people consider
themselves unable to solve their own problems; 12% think that in this
case people view the world and their partners in it as dishonest and
solely driven by their own interests; 10% respond that people think
they are alone in the world and do not have any partners. Finally,
4% believe people blame themselves for overestimating their abilities.
“Armenia’s Foreign Policy, Orientation, and Attitude toward Power
Centers of the World”
Within the framework of the expert poll entitled “Armenia’s Foreign
Policy, Orientation, and Attitude toward Power Centers of the World,”
56% find Armenia’s most important obligation before the Parliamentary
Assembly of the Council of Europe to be human rights protection,
including freedom of speech, conscience, assembly and press, while
34% think it is constitutional reforms and only 6% judicial-legal
reforms. The vast majority of respondents, 82%, evaluate the process
of carrying out these commitments as unsatisfactory. 50% are of
the opinion that the gradual fulfillment of these obligations has a
“partially positive” influence on the current state and demeanor of
society, 6% say “partially negative,” and 16% register no impact.
56% view the arbitrariness of the authorities as the most widespread
and flagrant violation of human rights in Armenia, while 34% consider
themselves to be deprived of the opportunity to live in dignity.
18% believe that the executive branch of government hampers the
development of society and thus improvement in living standards, 18%
blame overall unlawfulness, and 16% the delay in solving the Karabagh
conflict. It is noteworthy that only 12% find the major obstacle to
be corruption and 12% the country’s clans and oligarchs.
In response to a question about which state or international structure
restricts the republic’s independence and state-building, 56% note the
Russian Federation and 12% the Armenian government, with 6% each for
the United States and the Commonwealth of Independent States, while
interestingly 10% fault noone. As for the countries or international
bodies promoting the development and sovereignty of Armenia, 72%
cite the Council of Europe and the European Union taken together,
22% identify none, and 6% say the United States. No respondent
names Russia.
The survey includes a number of questions concerning Armenia’s security
system and its further viability. 66% opine that Armenia should join
NATO during the upcoming 10-12 years, 28% do not think so, and 6% find
it difficult to answer. As for the presence of the Russian military
base in Armenia as the main guarantee for national security, only 18%
of the specialists surveyed agree with this assertion, 76% do not,
and 6% do not answer at all.
72% are convinced that the changes in volume of the US government’s
financial or humanitarian assistance to Armenia do not affect the
well-being of their families in any way, 22% think they do, and 6%
do not make up their mind.
The final, and frequently contemplated, question on the improvement
of Armenian-Turkish relations and the opening of borders is viewed
as urgent by 50% of respondents and not urgent by 40%. 10% encounter
difficulty in responding.
¡2004, Armenian Center for National and International Studies

Fresno protest backs Armenian resolution
By Pablo Lopez, The Fresno Bee
(May 29, 2004, 5:57 AM)
A group of protesters picketed outside a northwest Fresno restaurant
Friday, hoping to get U.S. Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert to
commit to a resolution that recognizes the Armenian genocide.
Hastert, in town to support Republican state Sen. Roy Ashburn’s
bid for Congress, never got a chance to address the issue. Once the
$250-a-plate luncheon at Pardini’s was over, Hastert was rushed to
the airport so he could head to his next engagement.
The protesters, however, didn’t leave empty-handed.
Afterward, Ashburn said he told Hastert that he supports the resolution
that recognizes the slaughter of 1.5 million Armenians at the hands
of the Ottoman Empire between 1915 and 1923. If elected to Congress,
Ashburn said, “I would ask Hastert to bring it to a vote.”
At issue is House Resolution 193, marking the 15th anniversary of
the U.S. implementation of the United Nations Convention on the
Prevention and Punishment of Genocide. This landmark convention,
adopted by the U.N. in 1948, specifically identifies genocide as a
crime under international law. The resolution cites the Armenian
genocide as an example of past genocides, along with the Holocaust
and the Rwandan and Cambodian genocides.
The House Judiciary Committee unanimously approved the resolution
more than a year ago, but Hastert has not brought it to the House
floor for a vote, said Rich Sanikian, a member of the Armenian
National Committee, Central California, which organized the protest
at Pardini’s.
“If Hastert doesn’t bring this human-rights legislation to a vote
in the next six months, it will die at the end of this congressional
session,” Sanikian said.
Hastert is an Illinois Republican.
About 30 people protested outside the restaurant, carrying signs
that read: “Hastert hear the cry from history” and “Hastert holds
the genocide vote hostage.”
Sanikian said local leaders who support the resolution include
Rep. George Radanovich, R-Mariposa; Fresno Mayor Alan Autry; and
Ashburn’s political rival, former state Sen. Jim Costa.
Costa, a Fresno Democrat, and Ashburn are battling for the open 20th
Congressional District seat. Incumbent Cal Dooley, D-Fresno, is not
running for reelection.
The Central Valley is home to more than 60,000 Armenians, one of the
oldest ethnic groups in the area. Armenians want Turkey to recognize
the genocide and pay restitution.
The modern Turkish republic, which evolved from the Ottoman Empire,
disputes that a genocide occurred. The U.S. government has repeatedly
balked at passing a resolution because Turkey is an ally and its
location is of strategic importance to American interests abroad.
Ashburn’s luncheon drew a who’s-who list of civic leaders, including
state Sen. Chuck Poochigian, a Fresno Republican; Madera County
Supervisor Frank Bigelow; and Mike Reynolds, founder of the Three
Strikes repeat offender law.
News crews were not allowed inside the private party. Guests could
get photographs with Hastert for a $2,000 donation.
Afterward, Ashburn said if he is elected to Congress he could help the
Armenian cause and protect Valley interests because he will be part
of the Republican majority in the House of Representatives. “I will
have committee assignments and seek a leadership role,” he said. If
Costa is elected, Ashburn said, “he would be in the minority, a back
bench newcomer.”
Costa said he has been an effective legislator because he has
bi-partisan support. He said he has been a long time supporter of
the genocide resolution.
The reporter can be reached at [email protected] or (559) 441-6434.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

TOROSYAN: ARMENIAN AUTHORITIES FULFILLING CE COMMITMENTS
A1 Plus | 23:06:17 | 31-05-2004 | Politics |
PACE Monitoring Committee member and reporter on Armenia Yerzi
Yaskernia, who is now in Armenia, met Monday with Armenian National
Assembly Vice-Speaker Tigran Torosyan and the head of the parliamentary
standing commission on foreign affairs Armen Rustamyan.
Torosyan said Armenian authorities had accomplished a great deal in
complying with the PACE demands listed in its latest resolutions. He
said by the monitoring group’s expected visit to Armenia on June
14-17a detailed report will be prepared.
Answering Yaskernia’s question related to election irregularities
and those having committed illegalities during presidential and
parliamentary elections in Armenia, Torosyan said a paper had been
recently received from the Prosecutor’s Office, which would be put
on the National Assembly floor soon.
Asked about A1+ TV Company problem and pluralism in the media field,
Torosyan offered to send the CE experts to see the situation on site.

ARKA News Agency
May 28 2004
RA President awards two Russian frontier guards with “Military
Meritorious” medal
Kirk Kirkorian and Charles Aznavour awarded title of National Hero of
Armenia
RA PM congratulates Armenian citizens on Day of First Republic
RA Government approves the order of organization and aviation
security control in the airports of the republic
RA President Kocharian congratulates citizens of Armenia on the
occasion of the Republic Festival
RA NA Speaker Arthur Baghdasaryan congratulates citizens of Armenia
on the occasion of the Republic Festival
*********************************************************************
RA PRESIDENT AWARDS TWO RUSSIAN FRONTIER GUARDS WITH “MILITARY
MERITORIOUS” MEDAL
YEREVAN, May 28. /ARKA/. RA President Robert Kocharian awarded two
Russian frontier guards with “Military Meritorious” medal. As RA
President Press Service told ARKA on occasion of the Republic
Festivity Commanders of two military units of frontier Department of
Federal Security Service of Russia (FSS) in Armenia Colonel Vladimir
Molkov and Yuri Rusov also received awards. Similarly, the Head of
the Armenian State awarded Chief Therapeutist of Forntier Department
of FSS of Lieutenant Colonel Siranush Kharmandaryan with Mkhitar
Heratsi medal.
As it is mentioned in the press release, President also awarded a
number of policemen, Prosecution General and National Security
Service of Armenia by medals “For Courage”, “Military Meritorious”,
“Mkhitar Gosh”, as well as orders “Military Cross” of 2nd Degree.
T.M. –0–
*********************************************************************
KIRK KIRKORIAN AND CHARLES AZNAVOUR AWARDED TITLE OF NATIONAL HERO OF
ARMENIA
YEREVAN, May 28. /ARKA/. Famous Armenian philanthropist Kirk
Kirkorian and famous French singer of Armenian descent Charles
Aznavour are warded title National Hero of Armenia with handing over
Motherland order. As RA President Press Service told ARKA, Kirkorian
is awarded the highest title for patriotic activity aimed at
prosperity and wellbeing of Armenia and Charles Aznavour for
exceptional services rendered to Armenian people and on occasion of
80th anniversary. T.M. –0–
*********************************************************************
RA PM CONGRATULATES ARMENIAN CITIZENS ON DAY OF FIRST REPUBLIC
YEREVAN, May 28. /ARKA/. RA PM Andranik Margarian congratulated the
Armenian citizens on Day of First Republic. As RA Government Public
and Press Relations Department told ARKA PM mentioned in his message
that “on 28 May 1918 due to collective will and unbending spirit of
our people
The centuries old aspirations f the Armenian people related to
restoration of the statehood became reality.” In his opinion, despite
the First Republic was short-lived, its lessons of freedom,
independence, creation and the most important retaining strong
statehood were transferring from generation to generation and had new
and remarkable manifestations in the end of 1980s” “The heroic
Artsakh struggle proved our determination to keep historic
achievements”, said the Head of the Government, adding that “13th
years old the Third Armenian Republic confidently marches ahead,
gradually developing its economy and strengthening independent
statehood and its place in the global processes” “Free and
independent Armenia, based on democratic values has no alternatives
and I am confident that no force, no difficulties are not able to
withstanding our movement”, PM’s congratulation message says. T.M.
–0–
*********************************************************************
RA GOVERNMENT APPROVES THE ORDER OF ORGANIZATION AND AVIATION
SECURITY CONTROL IN THE AIRPORTS OF THE REPUBLIC
YEREVAN, May, 28. /ARKA/. RA Government approved the order of
organization and aviation security control in the airports of the
republic. According to the RA President’s Press Service Department,
the decision was made issuing from commitments taken by Armenia the
frames of an International Agreement on Aviation Security, and the
necessity of preserving life and good health of passengers and the
crew. The corresponding ministries and departments are to submit
within a week their notes and suggestions on making decisions and
their further discussion. A.H. —0–
*********************************************************************
RA PRESIDENT KOCHARIAN CONGRATULATES CITIZENS OF ARMENIA ON THE
OCCASION OF THE REPUBLIC FESTIVAL
YEREVAN, May, 28. /ARKA/. RA President Kocharian congratulated
citizens of Armenia on the occasion of the Republic Festival.
According to the RA President’s Press Service Department, the
greeting of RA President states that the Republic of Armenia is fruit
of century lasting expectations of the Armenian nation and the heroic
battles in 1918. According to him, after an interval for a century,
Armenian nation again returned to the international political arena.
The greeting states that notwithstanding serious challenges and short
period of existence as a republic, the First Republic managed to
create preconditions for the development of its nation and the
country. “It could pass to the generations new system of values of a
nation-carrier of a republic and the realization of having own
country by its citizens”, as stated in Ra President’s greeting. He
also noted that May 28 is a an example of a national unity, “which we
should be guided with today and in future”. A.H.—0–
*********************************************************************
RA NA SPEAKER ARTHUR BAGHDASARYAN CONGRATULATES CITIZENS OF ARMENIA
ON THE OCCASION OF THE REPUBLIC FESTIVAL
YEREVAN, May, 28. /ARKA/. RA NA Speaker Arthur Baghdasaryan
congratulated citizens of Armenia on the occasion of the Republic
Festival. According to RA NA Press Service Department, the greeting
states that each country has its special days and festivals that
symbolize important historical events, victories of a nation and a
state. According to Speaker, for Armenian deprived of republic for so
many years, Republic Festival is especially important as it “crowns
century lasting struggle and final victory”. “The history of the last
century teaches us that in order to have a Republic, it ‘s necessary
to struggle for it, and the struggle should be not only political ,
but also economical and cultural”, according to the statement.
On May 26, 1918 after the collapse of Transecaucasian Seym and
declaration of independence by Georgia, the regional assembly of the
Armenia revolutionary federation Dashnaktsutyun entitled the Armenian
National Council (ANC) in Tbilisi with the authorities of Government
with the right to dictatorship in all areas of life. On May 28, ANC
declared Armenia’s independence, and on May 29, the assembly of ARF
Dashnaktsutyun West and East Bureau appointed the architect Hovhannes
Kadjaznuni the first Prime Minister of independent Armenia and chose
Yerevan as the capital of the new state. The independent Armenian
state maintained its independence till December 2, 1920, when under
the pressure of Bolshivik Russia Armenia had to sign Yerevan
agreement with it which crowned the beginning of making the republic
soviet. A.H—0–
*********************************************************************

ARKA News Agency – Interview
May 28 2004
WE WANT TO HELP PEOPLE TO BUY HOUSING
Exclusive interview of Robert Galstyan, the Chief Director of First
Hypothec Company, to ARKA News Agency.
ARKA-Being a universal credit organization, what kind of crediting
does First Hypothec Company do? What criteria are you guided with for
this?
R.Galstyan – As of today, First Hypothec Company grants three kinds
of credits: hypothec, consumer, and commercial ones. We put the
emphasis on granting credits for the purposes of purchasing real
estate. Initially, funding in Yerevan is planned, and then -in
regions. Credits are granted for 4-7 years at 12 -14% depending on
the sum of fore-payment, the state of housing, and other parameters.
The amounts of fore-payments are set beginning from 30%. Besides, we
grant consumer credits, in particular, for purchasing cars. We hold
negotiations to find partners among legal entities that are engaged
in distributing processes in Armenia. The conditions for crediting
are as follow: 18% -20% of annual rate. The third kind of credits
granted is business- credits. With regard to criteria for crediting,
they first of all propose for maximal information about a loaner to
ensure return of a credit and to minimize risks in this respect.
ARKA – How productively may hypothec market develop in Armenia?
R.Galstyan – It’s clear that in the conditions of developing economy
we have a lot to do. In particular, we have to create classical
hypothec market with low interest rate and grant credits for 25-30
year-term for paying them off. Economy itself dictates that certain
financial means may be assigned for crediting real estate. At the
initial stage we plan to grant credits for 7 years, but in future we
will prolong the period to 10 years. Most likely, it will be possible
to do already next year. With regard to effective development of
hypothec, the legislative amendments to be made are very important,
as they will regulate the field, as a consequence of that risks rate
will decrease and less expenditures will be spent connected with
transactions. It will allow prolonging the terms for crediting that
are not enough but are quite good for the conditions in Armenia.
ARKA – How can growth of prices on real estate influence on demand?
R.Galstyan- Of course, we trace tendencies, since the prices on real
estate are closely related to our business. I think that the prices
will get stable. I think that they will reduce within 30% that we
anticipate as fore-payment. According to the international
experience, the tendencies changes on the real estate market take
place every 20-25 years, and this stimulates the development of
hypothec business. In our case, we shouldn’t neglect the factor of
artificial increase of prices in Yerevan.
ARKA- How can you explain the recent agiotage about the real estate
market in Armenia?
R.Galstyan – First of all it should be noted that the interest in the
market is caused by the situation in the country. The factor of
stable growth of economy for the recent years caused interest of
businessmen to hypothec market. We can fix today rapid growth of
construction works in the capital. Besides, with improvement of life
conditions, certain strata of the society either buys new apartments,
or changes the old ones for new more comfortable apartments. We think
that our potential clients are among such people.
ARKA – Are there any calculations on the growth of demand?
R.Galstyan- We have no such calculations. But I can say that the
conditions for crediting that we have would satisfy at least 5- 7
thsd clients.
ARKA- The issue of hypothec attracts a lot of attention nowadays in
Armenia. In particular, CBA proposed legislative initiative, and
there is an interest in it on the part of banks and international
organizations. How do you position yourself in such conditions?
R.Galstyan – We do not aim at competing with banks regarding
crediting. The market development will show the efficiency of the
product we offer. The company has stable resources, and we hope that
we will use them. It’s not a secret for anybody that the owner of the
company is a non-resident. As of today, our capital amounts to $300
thsd. and will be brought to $600 thsd till the end of 2004,
according to law on credit organizations. We plan to increase the
capital to $1,5 mln during 2005.
ARKA – What can hypothec development stimulate in Armenia?
R.Galstyan – Of course, first of all legislative amendments are
necessary. As it’s known, there are already some legislative
initiatives in that area and they are considered in the Government.
The support of the RA President and CBA Chairman is very important in
this case. Systematized information about an apartment fund is also
very important, and such kind of info is very difficult to get. The
issue is not only is an apartment estimation. There is very little
info about the technical conditions of apartment blocks. Though the
Cadastre of real estate does some steps in this direction but they
are not enough. More stable basis for systematization is necessary.
ARKA – Does the company have any contacts with realtor organizations
and insurance companies?
R.Galstyan – We hold negotiations with some realtor companies that
would provide with services when real estate estimation. Such policy
of insurance and reliable partners in this area are very important
for us. At present, we hold negotiations we two insurance companies,
namely: London-Yerevan and Efes. It’s not excluded that we will
co-operate with both of them.
ARKA – And what about banks?
R.Galstyan -We co-operate with Armeconombank and HSBC Bank Armenia.
Most likely Unibank will joint hem. Our work is very specific, we
sell a type of a banking instrument not being a bank and are willing
to have the banks as our partners.
ARKA – Is the First Hypothec Company going to issue hypothec
securities?
R.Galstyan – It’s a very interesting question. But positive answer to
that question may be given only after the securities market develops.
People should first of all trust in securities. There is no doubt
that the development of this market will by 100% improve the
conditions of hypothec from the standpoint of the terms of crediting
and reduction of interest rate.
ARKA – What’s the main goal of First Hypothec Company on the hypothec
market?
R.Galstyan – We want to help people to buy housing at possibly low
prices. Of course, we are interested in it. We try to find our niche
and try to give our clients the possibility of choice. –0–

Azeri opposition leaders sue presidential aide for putting pressure on court
Muxalifat, Baku,
30 May 04
Text of Sabina Avazqizi report by Azerbaijani newspaper Muxalifat
on 30 May headlined “Leaders sue Ramiz Mehdiyev” and sub-headed
“Demanding that legal action be taken against him”
As we have reported, the head of the presidential administration,
Ramiz Mehdiyev, in an interview with one of newspapers, has commented
on the trial of the opposition leaders who were illegally arrested
in the aftermath of the 15-16 October developments [post-election
riots in Baku].
The official fully dedicated his comments to putting pressure on the
court and abused his power to accuse the opposition leaders. He said
that by refusing to attend the court hearings, the leaders cannot
succeed in putting pressure on anyone.
Mehdiyev also expressed some negative opinions about the leaders. He
said that the leaders, who are currently being kept at the
[high-security] Bayil prison, want their trial to last till October
in order to create even more hue and cry over their detention because
of the municipal elections which are due at that time.
Seeing this as an insult, the leaders have lodged a suit with the
Sabayil district court. The suit says:
“In an interview with Sarq newspaper on 28 May, the head of the
Azerbaijani presidential administration, Ramiz Mehdiyev, said that
‘those in the opposition who organized the 16 October clashes will
not succeed in putting pressure on anyone by refusing to attend
the court hearings’. Also, in his interviews with ATV and Lider TV
channels, Ramiz Mehdiyev accused us of trying to delay the trial
until the October municipal elections in order to receive money from
foreign countries. Therefore, by accusing us of involvement in the
organization of the 16 October disturbances, by libeling us and by
saying inaccurately that we intend to receive money from abroad,
Ramiz Mehdiyev has committed a crime punishable under Article 147
of the Azerbaijani Criminal Code. At the same time, the high-ranking
official abused his power to put pressure on the court.
“Taking the above into account and governed by Article 37.2 of the
Code on Criminal Procedures, we request you to institute criminal
proceedings against the head of the presidential administration,
Ramiz Mehdiyev.”
The suit has been signed by the chairman of the People’s Party of
Azerbaijan, Panah Huseyn, the deputy chairmen of the Musavat Party,
Arif Hacili and Ibrahim Ibrahimli, the editor-in-chief of Yeni
Musavat newspaper, Rauf Arifoglu, the chairman of the Hope Party,
MP Iqbal Agazada, the secretary-general of the Democratic Party
of Azerbaijan, Sardar Calaloglu, and the chairman of the Union of
Karabakh war veterans, Etimad Asadov.

Azeri presidential aide says BBC radio cannot be taken off air
Azartac news agency, Baku
31 May 04
Azerbaijan is a democratic republic, democracy in the country is
developing rapidly, and it would be inappropriate to take a media
outlet off the air for the information it circulates, the head of
the presidential administration, Ramiz Mehdiyev, has told Azartac
news agency commenting on a BBC correspondent’s visit to Nagornyy
Karabakh without the permission of the Azerbaijani authorities and
in violation of Azerbaijani laws.
Ramiz Mehdiyev added that the BBC correspondent should have observed
the law, and the fact that he did not has caused fair discontent of
many people.
However, since freedom of the press is duly protected in Azerbaijan,
it would be unacceptable to take sanctions against the radio station
or to take it off the air. This runs counter to democratic principles
and to our position, Mehdiyev said.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ARMENIAN PREMIER READY TO NEGOTIATE WITH OPPOSITION
Ayots Ashkhar, Yerevan
27 May 04
Text of Vaan Vardanyan’s report by Armenian newspaper Ayots Ashkhar
on 27 May headlined “Mutual work was a success”
Armenian Premier Andranik Markaryan had a traditional meeting with
journalists yesterday after a meeting between the National Assembly
and the government.
(Correspondent) Mr Markaryan, what is your assessment of the one-year
activity of the National Assembly?
(Markaryan) It is positive. The government and the National Assembly
managed to work together, as the same format operates in both branches
of power in the person of the coalition parties, the United Labour
Party and the People’s Deputy group.
Unfortunately, the opposition boycotted the last session of the
National Assembly. It does not prevent the legislative branch of
power from working. And I think the opposition should be concerned
about this. And its presence at the next session is desirable.
(Correspondent) What is your attitude to the failed dialogue with the
opposition? You have met Aram Sarkisyan (a member of the opposition’s
Justice faction and chairman of the Democratic Party of Armenia)
and intended to continue this line. Against the background of the
failed dialogue, what will be the fate of this initiative?
(Markaryan) I thought that the coalition’s meetings with the opposition
would yield certain results, that is why I announced my intention to
meet the leaders of the opposition. But before I returned from abroad,
the opposition put forward new preconditions, which is inadmissible. If
they change their position, I am ready to negotiate with them as the
leader of the Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) and prime minister.
(Correspondent) Are you satisfied with the activity of the coalition
parties last year? When the coalition was just being formed, did you
think that the relations would be the way they are now?
(Markaryan) The formation of a coalition is not a marriage of parties
or a compulsory term. It is a mutual desire of everyone. None of the
coalition parties has attempted to describe the declaration as null
and void so far, and I can state that no such thing will happen in the
future. There are problems discussed inside the coalition. One should
not forget that it is the first attempt to form a coalition. Every
month and at every session, the work of the coalition becomes more
and more improved, especially in the National Assembly. The coalition
representatives have no problems with each other in the government at
all. There are some problems between the coalition parties operating
in the National Assembly, but they are technical and will be settled
in the course of time.
(Correspondent) Did the RPA play any role in changing the restraining
measure against (ex-Defence Minister) Vagarshak Arutyunyan and what
is your opinion of this, on the whole?
(Markaryan) Politics cannot be mixed with criminal cases and no party
can interfere in a criminal case. MPs or political forces can only
propose that the restraining measure be changed. And I can assure
you that RPA has made no such proposal.
(Correspondent) The head of your faction, Galust Saakyan, often states
that the opposition is falling apart little by little. Can one state
that the possibility of a third force appearing is increasing?
(Markaryan) A holy place is never left unoccupied, someone will take
it at last, but I cannot call them a third or a fourth force.
(Correspondent) The Georgian president has reached an agreement with
Turkey on the construction of a new railway. In turn, Iran and Russia
are concluding a similar deal with Azerbaijan. Don’t you think that
Armenia will be sidelined?
(Markaryan) I think that just for this reason, we shall try to
participate in this programme. We are having negotiations both with
Russia and Georgia to open the Abkhaz railway. If it is opened,
it will be less possible to sideline the country. We have our own
problems, other states have their own. We must only take into account
the reality, and how can Armenia influence the solutions to these
problems? We have proposals which seem promising to other parties.