Category: News

ARMENIAN OPPOSITION RALLY IN CAPITAL ENDS – WEB SITE
A1+ web site
27 Apr 04
Despite the fact that law-enforcement agencies were again seriously
prepared for today’s opposition rally and lined up a reinforced police
squad along Bagramyan Avenue, the opposition limited itself to a
rally.
The rally on Freedom Square all in all continued three hours. During
this time, the rally organizers, political figures and representatives
of the intelligentsia informed people of the latest developments
regarding the situation in Armenia, including the outcome of
opposition-authorities talks.
It was noted that no agreement had been achieved in the negotiations
and that the opposition demands remained unchanged. Taking the
opportunity, a member of the Justice bloc and leader of the Democratic
Party of Armenia, Aram Gasparovich Sarkisyan, commented publicly on
(Armenian President) Robert Kocharyan’s statement that the
opposition’s actions “reek of treachery” because while he was going to
meet the Azerbaijani president, the Armenian opposition was calling
for the change of the authorities.
“First, the meeting with the Azerbaijani president is simply a regular
meeting, which is of no particular significance. The Karabakh issue
will be resolved only when people begin to trust their president,”
Sarkisyan said.
The leader of the Justice bloc, Stepan Demirchyan, told the
demonstrators that the authorities had breached one of the opposition
conditions. The opposition demanded that the discussion of the draft
law “On the conduct of rallies, protest actions and marches” be
postponed for a while so that the opposition had an opportunity to
submit its proposals. As is known, the authorities did not meet the
opposition halfway and the draft law was put to vote in the National
Assembly and approved in its first reading.
(Passage omitted: minor details)
As for the opposition’s next steps, the authorities have to fulfil its
demands by 4 May. In the course of the rally, scheduled to start at
1800 (1100 gmt), the opposition will take a decision on their future
actions.
Opposition leaders are also planning to take an active part in
festivities on the occasion of 1 May.

Our Best in Budapest?: Can Armenia’s choice handle the environment of an
international murder trial?
ArmeniaNow.com
April 23, 2004
Commentary by Naira Manucharova, ArmeniaNow Deputy Editor
Political tension in Yerevan has shifted focus from the upcoming trial in
Hungary in the death of Armenian Army Lieutenant Gurgen Markaryan.
The slain officer was memorialized in Yerevan.
Markaryan was murdered February 19 while attending a NATO “Partnership for
Peace” conference in Budapest. Ramil Safarov, an officer in the Azerbaijan
Army has been charged.
Armenians were shocked by news of Markaryan’s brutal murder, and were
outraged by commentary in Baku that turned Safarov into a national hero.
Funds have been established in Azerbaijan for Safarov’s defense and he is
regularly visited by countrymen concerned for his well being. Azeri
politicians, lawyers, public figures and his country’s ombudsman are
manipulating pre-trial developments. His family receives money from a
special fund established specifically for their purpose, called “Ramil
Safarov Stipend”.
Meanwhile Markaryan’s family is almost forgotten.
Ombudsman Elmira Suleimanova has written to Hungarian officials “reminding”
that Safarov is a victim of Armenian aggression. A chief rights advocate
attached a document to the letter “concerning outrages committed by Armenian
‘monsters’ in Khojalu”.
One needn’t peculiar insight to conclude that Azeri measures will aim at
influencing a favorable outcome in Budapest. Nor should one doubt that
neighbors to the east will be intent on a verdict that in effect indicts
Armenia, while vindicating Safarov as a victim out to avenge his family’s or
nations death.
Simply, in Budapest there is a murderer, witnesses, a weapon and, in a
Yerevan grave, a victim. But what, without these extenuating conditions
might be a routine trial, promises to be an extraordinary theater in which
relations between two republics are examined.
That the murder took place in NATO’s very front yard and was neither an
example of “peace” nor “partnership” does not inspire confidence for
Armenia-Azeri collaboration in upcoming joint-operations; specifically,
multi-national military training to take place in September in Azerbaijan.
It is logical to presume that NATO might side with the aggrieved party in
the hostility that not only escalated Armenian-Azeri hatred, but sullied
NATO in the process.
But there is no evidence of such a bias as, till now, only Azerbaijan’s
interest is obvious. Little is yet known as to how the Armenian side will
protect its citizen’s rights or its honor.
About all that is known, is that Markaryan’s rights will be defended by
Yerevan attorney Nazeli Vardanyan. And about all that could be learned about
Vardanyan, is that she specializes in environmental law.
It would be unfair to judge the attorney’s effectiveness before she’s even
had a chance to prove it. It is not unfair, however, for concerned citizens,
aware that a country is on trial, to question why someone of her specialty
has been appointed the task.
Journalists who might want to tell the citizenry who this woman is, are
rebuffed, as if her very identity represents national security. Vardanyan
herself referred us to a committee of five lawyers who will be working with
her on the case. Attempts to get information by those means were not
unsuccessful, but were dismissive.
There would be little reason for wanting to know the pedigree of an
attorney, if this were merely a case of citizen against citizen. Clearly,
though, it is not.
At stake is the reputation of a republic, and the risk of courtroom rhetoric
being perceived as national foreign policy. Don’t, then, the people of
Armenia deserve to know their representative has earned confidence?
Why did the Armenian International Lawyers Union appoint an environmental
attorney to manage a case that could have exceptional repercussions? More
significantly, why did the State react indifferently to the appointment?
Typically, secrecy is maintained during investigations. But this secrecy of
defense is something new for Armenia.
Ombudsman of Armenia Larisa Alaverdyan was asked whether Armenia, not to
mention the rights of the victim, can adequately be represented by the State
‘s appointment to the case.
“The upcoming court battles in Budapest will be too much for one lawyer,
even if he or she is very talented and clever,” Alaverdyan said. “I think
there must be at least two lawyers and one expert on the issue of the
Karabakh problem because it is clear that the Azeri side is going to use
this incident for carrying out a public trial against Armenia and Karabakh.
Besides, as I know Nazeli Vardanyan is not experienced enough in criminal
cases, moreover, in cases where crime is loaded with political and
interstate relations.”
Alaverdyan also says it is unacceptable that a second charge against
Safarov – attempted murder on the life another officer, Hayk Makuchyan – has
been completely neglected. The Ombudsman is of the opinion that the crime
against the officers was premeditated and had far-reaching political goals.
“Supporting proper representation of the Armenian side at the forthcoming
trial is a responsibility and duty of the government,” Alaverdyan says.
Why, then, trust the task to an attorney who is respected as an
“eco-jurist”, but unknown in the field of criminal prosecution?
In October of last year, Vardanyan attended an international conference on
ecology, in Hungary. Can it possibly be that Markaryan’s, and Armenia’s
representation was selected merely because she has a Hungarian stamp in her
passport?
Of course it seems absurd. But in the absence of information, we are left to
speculate.
No doubt, “environment” will have a role in the Budapest trial. It is likely
to be an environment bristling with slander, innuendo and attacks on
nationality from both sides. We hope, nonetheless, that Armenia’s counsel
has not been sent for her knowledge of enviro-law, but that she truly is a
secret weapon, worthy of secrecy.
For it is clear that our neighbors are sparing no effort and means preparing
for trial in Budapest. Head of the World Azerbaijani Congress expressed
readiness to hire the best lawyer in Europe for defending the “national
hero”. Notorious Azeri businessman Fizuli Mamedov (nicknamed Al Capone) has
offered to finance all actions of defense. At the same time, Azerbaijan is
providing the Hungarians with their peculiar history of the Karabakh
conflict.
What will be Armenia’s answer? What will our government’s mouthpiece be able
to do for protecting legal successors of Gurgen Markaryan and,
correspondingly, national dignity?
We wonder. And worry. Days into preparation for the trial, the coalition of
lawyers assisting Vardanyan complained they hadn’t yet even received the
Hungarian Criminal Code. They said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is late
with translation. They also complained that Armenia’s lead lawyer Vardanyan,
did not even have a laptop computer or roaming services on her mobile
phone – conditions that make communication a distraction if not an outright
handicap.
Internal concern over the latest opposition activity has shoved this
internationally-significant trial down the list of priorities set in
Yerevan.
Among the many questions we have about the personnel charged with defending
an officer’s rights and a republic’s name, none is more crucial than a
question that lingers while others, too, are unanswered:
Is this the best our government can do? And isn’t it worth the attention of
the public, even while Yerevan’s attention is on political rumbling?
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
04/27/2004
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <;HTTP:// 1) April is The Cruelest Month. . . And Most Persistent for Armenian Youth 2) Turkish Consulate Protest Attracts 5,000 3) President Kocharian's Rendezvous in Paris 4) Coalition, Opposition Talks Break Down 5) His Holiness Aram I Urges International Action to Prevent Future Genocide 1) April is The Cruelest Month. . . And Most Persistent for Armenian Youth LOS ANGELES--Alternative Radio Host David Barsamian mesmerized an audience of over 1,000 who packed the Homenetmen Ararat Hall on the Friday before April 24 for the “Rally Against Genocide Denial.” Organized by the ARF Shant Student Association, Armenian Youth Federation, the Armenian National Committee (ANC) Professional network, along with the ANC, the dynamic rally proved, yet again, that the Armenian youth in the Los Angeles area are serious in their pursuit of justice for the Armenian Genocide. The no-nonsense Barsamian began saying that the issue of Armenian Genocide recognition must consistently be pushed forward. April is the cruelest month, breeding Lilacs out of the dead land, mixing Memory and desire, stirring Dull roots with spring rain. “And so,” said Barsamian, having quoted T.S. Elliot, “April is truly is the cruelest month,” singling out the atrocities of the Armenian Genocide and the number of deaths this month--thousands of Iraqis and hundreds of US soldiers--the greatest since the US occupation of Iraq. In addressing the issue of denial, Barsamian said that Armenians are not victims, and should never place themselves in that role. “We are not victims, we are not supplicates,” thus should never beg for justice. “It’s an issue of morality and justice,” he added, that requires assertiveness in advancing an issue that is long overdue. The program also featured National Assembly (NA) of Armenia member and ARF NA faction leader Levon Mkrtchian, renditions of patriotic songs, visual presentations, and addresses by activists and political figures. 2) Turkish Consulate Protest Attracts 5,000 LOS ANGELES--About 5,000 protestors converged at the Turkish Consulate in Los Angeles on April 24, demanding that Turkey recognize the Armenian Genocide, and reminding all that the Armenian youth will not relent until justice is served. The youthful crowd of protestors picketed across two blocks of Wilshire Blvd., carrying signs with slogans such as, "Genocide Unpunished is Genocide Encouraged," and "Turkey stop historical Revisionism." "The Canadian government officially recognized the Armenian Genocide earlier this week," said protest director Sevag Garabetian. "We are thankful for their ability to classify truth and justice above special interests and are hopeful that our government, here in the US, will follow suit shortly," explained Garabetian. About two hours after marching on Wilshire Blvd., the protestors gathered in front of the Turkish Consulate, where Vicken Sosikian, chairman of the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) Western Region, addressed the crowd standing on top of a cargo truck, used as a make-shift stage. Emphasizing that over 80% of the protestors are youth, Sosikian said that this generation, along with future generations of Armenian American youth, will resolutely demand the return of Western Armenia, proper reparations, and justice. The annual protest, which has taken place for thirty years, proved more than ever this year to attract all major broadcast and print media. "The success of the protest can be credited to a committee of 10 AYF members who carefully planned the protest for the past five months; over 100 AYF members helped with crowd control," said chairperson of the protest organizing committee Marie Minassian. "The protest is one of many forms of political activism organized by the AYF throughout the course of the year," explained Minassian. 3) President Kocharian's Rendezvous in Paris PARIS (Armenpress)--Armenian President Robert Kocharian had an hour-long private conversation with French President Jacques Chirac on Tuesday morning, and later briefed reporters on the focus of those talks that included bilateral relations and the Karabagh conflict. The two presidents also reviewed Armenia’s current domestic situation. Arriving in Paris on April 25, President Kocharian attended one of Charles Aznavour's farewell concerts at the Palais de Congres. The concert, the first in a series of 25 concerts, is in celebration of Aznavour's 80th birthday on May 22. The packed auditorium greeted the Armenian president, while Aznavour thanked him for accepting his invitation. Aznavour dedicated the concert to Armenia, especially to its younger generation. The proceeds from the concert will be transferred to the Aznavour Pour L'Armenie Foundation for charity projects in Armenia. The delegation departed for Warsaw late Tuesday, for the World Economic Forum, where Kocharian is scheduled to meet, apart from Polish and Georgian presidents, with his Azeri counterpart Ilham Aliyev. 4) Coalition, Opposition Talks Break Down YEREVAN (RFE/RL)--Early on Tuesday, opposition leaders in Armenia halted their talks with Armenia’s governing coalition. On Monday, the opposition presented to the leaders of the governing coalition, an ultimatum that contains ten demands, including that a referendum of confidence be held. The talks resumed Tuesday only to end in half an hour. Opposition representatives said they are freezing the “political consultations” because the authorities have already rejected two of their demands by blocking all roads leading to Yerevan and passing a law on rallies. Parliament speaker Artur Baghdasarian said the talks were suspended by the two sides “so the [coalition] parties can discuss the submitted proposals.” Holding yet another rally in Yerevan on Tuesday, opposition leaders also attributed the move to halt talks to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) decision to discuss the political situation in Armenia on Wednesday. The Armenian parliament approved the law on rallies in the second reading despite strong objections voiced by experts from the Council of Europe and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. In an interim report, the Council’s legislative watchdog, the Venice Commission, concluded that the legislation runs counter to the European Convention on Human Rights of which Armenia is a signatory. In Strasbourg, meanwhile, a PACE commission monitoring Armenia’s compliance with its membership obligations discussed a statement which will be put before the 45-nation assembly for debate on Wednesday. 5) His Holiness Aram I Urges International Action to Prevent Future Genocide ANTELIAS (AP)--Commemorating the early 20th century death of hundreds of thousands of Armenians in Ottoman Turkey, the spiritual leader of about 2 million survivors and their descendants on April 23, urged international action to prevent future genocide. His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of Cilicia, said the world should impose economic sanctions, "and in extreme situations, engage in humanitarian intervention" to stop mass killings. "These are the most efficient ways of preventing genocide," he told a two-day conference organized by his church. Speaking at the opening session of the conference on Thursday, Aram I also announced the establishment of an International Center for Dialogue, Peace and Human Rights, to be based at his seat in the northern Beirut suburb of Antelias. The International Conference on Genocide, Impunity and Justice brought together Lebanese Cabinet ministers, lawmakers, religious leaders from other sects, and foreign scholars and diplomats. Speakers focused on the inadequacy of existing international criminal laws in dealing with mass killings, which mostly go unpunished. The speakers included UN human rights and world court officials, as well as a presidential representative from Rwanda, where the world's latest genocide a decade ago killed nearly 800,000 people. All subscription inquiries and changes must be made through the proper carrier and not Asbarez Online. ASBAREZ ONLINE does not transmit address changes and subscription requests. (c) 2004 ASBAREZ ONLINE. All Rights Reserved. ASBAREZ provides this news service to ARMENIAN NEWS NETWORK members for academic research or personal use only and may not be reproduced in or through mass media outlets.

[Congressional Record: April 26, 2004 (Extensions)]
[Page E645-E646]
>From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:cr26ap04-12]

COMMEMORATING THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
______

HON. CALVIN M. DOOLEY
of california
in the house of representatives
Monday, April 26, 2004
Mr. DOOLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my
colleagues in remembrance of the Armenian Genocide.
[[Page E646]]
This terrible human tragedy must not be forgotten. Like the
Holocaust, the Armenian Genocide stands as a tragic example of the
human suffering that results from hatred and intolerance.
The Ottoman Turkish Empire between 1915 and 1923 massacred one and a
half million Armenian people. More than 500,000 Armenians were exiled
from a homeland that their ancestors had occupied for more than 3,000
years. A race of people was nearly eliminated.
It would be an even greater tragedy to forget that the Armenian
Genocide ever happened. To not recognize the horror of such events
almost assures their repetition in the future. Adolf Hitler, in
preparing his genocide plans for the Jews, predicted that no one would
remember the atrocities he was about to unleash. After all, he asked,
“Who remembers the Armenians?”
Our statements today are intended to preserve the memory of the
Armenian loss, and to remind the world that the Turkish government–to
this day–refuses to acknowledge the Armenian Genocide. The truth of
this tragedy can never and should never be denied.
And we must also be mindful of the current suffering of the Armenian,
where the Armenian people are still immersed in tragedy and violence.
The unrest between Armenia and Azerbaijan continues in Nagorno-
Karabakh. Thousands of innocent people have already perished in this
dispute, and many more have been displaced and are homeless.
In the face of this difficult situation we have an opportunity for
reconciliation. Now is the time for Armenia and its neighbors to come
together and work toward building relationships that will assure
lasting peace.
Meanwhile, in America, the Armenian-American community continues to
thrive and to provide assistance and solidarity to its countrymen and
women abroad. The Armenian-American community is bound together by
strong generational and family ties, an enduring work ethic and a proud
sense of ethnic heritage. Today we recall the tragedy of their past,
not to replace blame, but to answer a fundamental question, “Who
remembers the Armenians?”
Our commemoration of the Armenian Genocide speaks directly to that,
and I answer, we do.

Daily Californian (UC Berkeley)
Tuesday, April 27, 2004
Students Comemorate Genocide’s Legacy
The Armenian Genocide of 1915 resulted in the extermination of 1.5
million Armenians at the hands of the Ottoman Turks. Millions of
Armenians were tortured, murdered and starved to death during a forced
death march through the Syrian deserts. To this day, Turkey refuses to
acknowledge its past and instead distorts the truth by attempting to
rewrite history. In spite of the overwhelming evidence documenting the
Armenian Genocide, Turkey continues to refute its crime and pursues a
well-funded campaign here and throughout the world to deny the
Genocide. Organizations such as the United Nations, the European
Parliament, the People’s Tribunal, and countries such as France,
Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Greece, Italy, Lebanon, Russia, Sweden,
and Uruguay have all recognized the genocide. After years of referring
to the Genocide as a “tragedy,” Canada’s Parliament passed a motion
last week stating, “this House acknowledges the Armenian genocide of
1915 and condemns this act as a crime against humanity.”
The official commemoration day of the Armenian Genocide is the 24th of
April, as it was on that day in 1915, that several hundred Armenian
intellectuals were rounded up and mass murdered. This was the starting
point of the genocidal plans of the Young Turk regime which would then
forcibly remove the Armenians from their ancient homeland. They would
be driven to their deaths in manners unconceivable to the human
imagination. As bullets were too expensive, daggers, bayonets, ropes,
and gas chambers were used. It is just as much unimaginable how the
Turkish government can blatantly deny and falsify its own history.
On the evening of April 16 the hallways leading to the History
Department’s Conference Room in Dwinelle Hall echoed with the voice of
Turkish scholar, Taner Akçam. Akçam is one of the few Turkish scholars
who has not only openly recognized the Genocide, but publishes and
teaches about it. He delivered a lecture specifically about Ottoman
documents which carried obvious evidence of the orders for the
extermination of the Armenians. Akçam currently teaches at the
University of Minnesota since he is not hired by universities in
Turkey, as his topics are too controversial for the government’s
standards.
During a week of Genocide Commemoration and Education, the Armenian
Student Assocation at UC Berkeley organized lectures and documentary
showings to educate the campus community about the genocide. Last
Monday, the association spearheaded an event called United Hands
Across Cal, the purpose of which was to bring students together,
irrespective of cultural, ethnic, racial, and gender differences to
stand in solidarity against genocide and all forms of human rights
violations. More than 100 students lined up, holding hands, from Lower
Sproul Plaza up to the Golden Bear Café. After a short program of
speakers, every student as well as every participating student group
had the opportunity to vocally express what they stood for or against
in this world.
It is important to acknowledge such horrific events that have occurred
throughout history. Failing to acknowledge such events allows leaders
to justify their actions. After all, it was Hitler, who before
beginning his campaign of extermination, said “Who still talks
nowadays of the extermination of the Armenians?”
Alina Azizian
Hasmig Tatiossian

Azat Artsakh – Republic of Nagorno Karabakh (NKR)
April 27, 2004
DECREE SIGNED
NKR president Arkady Ghukassian signed a decree according to which
Youri Ghazarian was released from his duties in the position of the
minister of development of industrial infrastructures and building
according to his application.
AA
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ARKA News Agency
April 27 2004
Romania, Italy, GB, Belarus and Kazakhstan celebrated anniversary
Armenian Genocide Victims Day
Meeting in support of TV Channel A+1 to be held in Yerevan on 3 May
Opposition powers of Armenia sure that their struggle will lead to a
result
Actions devoted to Armenian Genocide of 1915 held in Paris
**********************************************************************
ROMANIA, ITALY, GB, BELARUS AND KAZAKHSTAN CELEBRATED ANNIVERSARY
ARMENIAN GENOCIDE VICTIMS DAY
YEREVAN, April 27. /ARKA/. Romania, Italy, GB, Belarus and Kazakhstan
celebrated anniversary Armenian Genocide Victims Day, RA MFA told
ARKA. In London, Armenian Embassy organized procession to memorial of
victims – Cenotaph, and the representatives of the procession gave
the letter to GB Prime Minister Tony Bler.
>From the beginning of the 19th century till 1920, the Ottoman Empire,
legal successor of which is today’s turkey, regularly tormented and
persecuted Armenians. The top of barbarity was in 1915 when over a
million of Armenians was massacred in different regions of West
Armenia, part of the Empire.
The fact of the Armenian Genocide has been recognised by many
countries, including Uruguay (the first state that recognised the
genocide in 1965), Russia, France, Argentina, Greece, Lower Chamber
of Italy, 31 states of the U.S. L.D. -0–
**********************************************************************
——————————————————————————–
MEETING IN SUPPORT OF TV CHANNEL A+1 TO BE HELD IN YEREVAN ON 3 MAY
YEREVAN, April 27. /ARKA/. `The Fund for Support of Freedom of
Speech’ and the Initiative Group for the support of A+1 TV Channel
will organize a meeting in the support of the Channel on 3 May, as
the Initiative Group told ARKA.
April 2, 2002 the Commission recognised Sharm company as a winner in
the tender for the 37th decimetre frequency. As a result, A1+
opposition channel was deprived of the license for 5 years, which
aroused discontent of the opposition. Currently the information
agency with the same name published `Ayb Fe’ daily. T. M. – 0 –
**********************************************************************
OPPOSITION POWERS OF ARMENIA SURE THAT THEIR STRUGGLE WILL LEAD TO A
RESULT
YEREVAN. April 27. /ARKA/. Regular meeting of opposition started
today in Yerevan. According to the Secretary of Opposition Faction
Justice Viktor Dallakian, opposition powers of Armenia are confident
that their struggle will lead to a result. He said that since today
any dialogue with authorities will be stopped, because main demand of
opposition is not met.
He announced 10 offers of the Justice Faction that were represented
at yesterday’s political consultation at RA NA Speaker Arthur
Baghdasarian. Among basic offers are restoration of legal order,
release of political prisoners, right for free movement of the
citizens, legal guarantees of authorities on non-use of power against
peaceful rallies, punishment of guilty in violent actions on April
12-13, referendum on vote of confidence to the president. L.D. –0–
**********************************************************************
ACTIONS DEVOTED TO ARMENIAN GENOCIDE OF 1915 HELD IN PARIS
YEREVAN, April 27. /ARKA/. Paris hold actions devoted to the Armenian
Genocide of 1915 in Ottoman Empire, as RA Foreign Ministry Press
department told ARKA. According to the information provided the
actions began on 23 April a day before the commemoration date of the
victims of the Armenian Genocide. At that day there was no access to
the Champs-Elysees adjacent to the Etoile Square, from where the
participants started a march to the Arc de Triomphe. As it is
mentioned in the press release, RA Ambassador Plenipotentiary and
Extraordinary in France Eduard Nalbandyan accompanied by the top
military laid a wreath to the Unknown Soldier Tomb in sign of respect
to the victims of the Genocide. During the ceremony there were
performed hymns of two countries and the Armenian and French flags
were lowered. As also mentioned in the press release, on 244 April
Paris Municipality organized a reception in memory of the Genocide
victims attended by RA Ambassador in France and Paris Mayor Bertrand
Delanoe. On the same day the Armenian church of St. Surb Hovhannes
Mkrtitch (St. John the Baptist) and on 25 April the Paris Notre Dame
Cathedral finished liturgy. The press release also mentioned about
mass actions devoted to the Armenian Genocide held in Marseille,
Lyon, Grenoble, Toulon, Valance and Cannes.
The fact of the Armenian Genocide, during which the Ottoman
authorities annihilated 1.5 million Armenians has been recognised by
many countries, including Uruguay (the first state that recognised
the genocide in 1965), Russia, France, Argentina, Greece, Lower
Chamber of Italy, 31 states of the U.S. T.M. -0–
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Azat Artsakh – Republic of Nagorno Karabakh (NKR)
April 27, 2004
128 BANK ACCOUNTS FOR LARGE FAMILIES
According to the November 26, 2002 decision N 62 of the NKR government
measures are taken to raise birthrate, improve material supply and
education of the growing generation and the quality of life of large
families, the final aim being social security of the Karabakh
population and relief of the social tension. According to the head of
the department of benefits of the NKR Ministry of Social Security
Samvel Dadayan, for several years now in the first trimester of the
current year in the regional branches of “Artsakhbank” 128 bank
accounts were opened for the 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 9th and 11th
child in their families until the age of 18, the total amount of money
is 115 thousand 400 US dollars. According to the mentioned decision of
the government, within the framework of providing financial aid to the
families having more than 5 children 1329 children of 241 families
received in total 3 million 409 thousand 700 drams (subsidy for 60
kW/h electricity per child). The official of the Ministry of Security
informed that in the first trimester of the current year on the birth
of the 11th child in the family of Tamara Sarghissian, village
Vazghenashen, Martouni region, for improving the social and economic
condition of the family, 2 million 823 thousand 900 AM drams equal to
5000 US dollars was transferred on the account opened in the Martouni
branch of “Artsakhbank”. According to Samvel Dadayan, the
implementation of the program has already produced desirable results,
and in parallel with the policy of encouraging birthrate the outflow
of the villagers is also slowed down.
AA

Azat Artsakh – Republic of Nagorno Karabakh (NKR)
April 27, 2004
DIFFICULT TO CONFUSE THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY
In the recently published report of the US State Department on
strategic control of international circulation of drugs for the first
time there is no information on production and circulation of drugs in
Nagorni Karabakh and its adjacent regions. In his interview to the
news agency “Mediamax” the NKR vice minister of foreign affairs Masis
Mayilian mentioned that “since 1996 for the first time in the report
of the US State Department there were no accusations made by
Azerbaijan in address to Karabakh.” According to him, it was
facilitated by the open policy of the Karabakh authorities who have
for a number of times applied to the corresponding international
organizations, particularly the OSCE and the PACE, as well as the US
State Department with the request of forming an independent monitoring
group to observe the situation and confirm facts. Masis Mayilian
reminded that in order to prevent the access of such a group to
Karabakh the Azerbaijani party has set forth unacceptable conditions
which enabled them to confuse the international community freely. The
vice foreign minister of NKR said that hopefully the USA State
Department and the international organizations will from now on refuse
to use unverified information in their reports. “We are sure that the
activity of the groups of independent experts will enable to put an
end to the false accusations of Azerbaijan and prevent the circulation
of misinformation on the international arena,” said Masis Mayilian.
AA

Azat Artsakh – Republic of Nagorno Karabakh (NKR)
April 27 2004
NKR AND CYPRUS CONFLICTS HAVE DIFFERENT BASES
Commenting on the recent announcement of the Azerbaijani president
Ilham Aliev that official Baku may recognize the Turkish Republic of
North Cyprus, NKR foreign minister Ashot Ghulian mentioned that “it is
possible, it looks unexpected but in the sense of the contents there
is nothing unexpected.” According to the minister, the authorities of
Azerbaijan once again proved their inconsistency in the process of
settlement of the Karabakh conflict. “Ilham Aliev’s statement
obviously testifies that Azerbaijan does not exclude the use of dual
standards,” said Ashot Ghulian, “in his actions he is merely guided by
the political conjuncture, once supporting the right of the Turk
Cypriots for self-determination, on the other hand, denying the same
right of the people of Nagorni Karabakh.” Answering the question of
possible resemblance of the problems of Cyprus and Karabakh, the head
of the NKR Ministry of Foreign Affairs answered that the situation in
North Cyprus and Nagorni Karabakh are completely different. According
to him, from the aspect of their prehistory, origins, processes of
settlement these conflicts have different bases and directions. At the
same time Ashot Ghulian did not exclude that because of the extremely
different approaches of the Karabakh conflict parties its settlement
will last very long like in the case of Cyprus. “Our approach is the
following; Nagorni Karabakh is interested in the rapid settlement of
the problem because together with de jure recognition of NKR the rates
of economic development of the republic will grow,” said the minister
of foreign affairs of NKR Ashot Ghulian.Â
AA
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress