U. S. CONGRESSMEN CONGRATULATED NKR ON ADOPTION OF PRO-INDEPENDENCE CONSTITUTION

DeFacto Agency, Armenia
Dec 13 2006

December 12 the Co-Chairmen of the Congressional Armenian Caucus,
Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Joe Knollenberg (R-MI), were joined by
Representatives Adam Schiff (D-CA) and George Radanovich (R-CA)
in congratulating the citizens of the Republic of Nagorno-Karabagh
(Artsakh) on overwhelmingly approving a pro-independence constitution
in a popular referendum held on December 10th.

According to the information DE FACTO got at the Armenian National
Committee of America (ANCA), in a December 11th letter to Artsakh
President Arkady Ghoukassian, the two Caucus leaders had welcomed
the adoption of the first-ever constitution as a key milestone in
Nagorno Karabagh’s political and democratic progress. They stressed,
"Artsakh’s Constitution embodies your nation’s values to live in a free
and fair society, where human rights and economic opportunities are
enjoyed by all," adding that "societies that are fundamentally free and
fair are most successful, contributing to international security and
progress along the way." They closed their letter to the President by
reaffirming that they "will remain by your side, as Nagorno Karabagh,
Artsakh, continues to pursue its freedom, security and development."

Commenting on the referendum, Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA) stated,
"I congratulate the people of the Republic of Nagorno Karabagh for
reaffirming their commitment to freedom, peace, economic development,
and regional stability by democratically adopting a new constitution.

By establishing a market economy, holding free and fair elections,
and promoting human rights, the people of Nagorno Karabagh have
shown that they deserve an independent state free from the oppressive
Azerbaijani regime."

Rep. Radanovich noted, "The adoption of Nagorno Karabagh’s first ever
democratic Constitution is a landmark achievement; advancing democracy
breeds a free and open society, while promoting human rights. The
adoption of the Constitution proves the desire of the people of
Nagorno Karabagh to live in such a free society. I commend this
great achievement and pledge my continuing support for the Nagorno
Karabagh Republic."

In letters sent December 11 to every member of Congress, the ANCA
underscored that "the approval of the Nagorno Karabagh constitution
reaffirms its citizens’ collective commitment to freedom and marks
a major milestone in this new democracy’s contribution to peace,
economic development, and regional stability." Each ANCA letter was
accompanied by a three-page briefing document (attached) addressing
key points concerning Nagorno Karabagh, Azerbaijan, the peace process,
and prospects for regional stability.

The Nagorno Karabagh Republic Central Electoral Commission has
reported, based on preliminary results, that the people of Nagorno
Karabagh overwhelmingly approved their first-ever constitution by a
majority in excess of 98% of those casting ballots. Early estimates
point to a voter turnout of over 87% of eligible voters.

The new Constitution affirms that the Nagorno Karabagh Republic is
a sovereign state based upon democracy and the rule of law, as well
as the protection of human rights and civil liberties. The state’s
authority is derived from popular consent, as expressed through
elections and referendums, and the governmental system is based
on the principle of separation of the executive, legislative and
judiciary branches.

KOCHARIAN REJECTS KARABAKH VOTE CRITICISM
By Emil Danielyan

Radio Liberty, Czech Rep.
Dec 13 2006

President Robert Kocharian condemned international mediators
and European officials through a spokesman on Wednesday for their
strong criticism of the weekend referendum in Nagorno-Karabakh on a
constitution declaring the disputed region an independent state.

The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the Council
of Europe and the European Union joined the Azerbaijani government
in rejecting the legitimacy of the vote that reaffirmed Karabakh’s
de facto secession from Soviet Azerbaijan.

The OSCE chairman-in-office, Belgian Foreign Minister Karel De Gucht,
said it is "counter-productive to the ongoing conflict settlement
process." In a separate statement, French, Russian and U.S. diplomats
co-heading the OSCE’s Minsk Group on Karabakh likewise called it
"unhelpful." A similar statement issued by Terry Davis, the Council
of Europe secretary general, said the international community will
not recognize the referendum outcome.

"This is an overt display of disrespect for an event of historic
significance for the people of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic,"
Kocharian’s press secretary, Victor Soghomonian, was quoted by the
Regnum news agency as saying.

"Such an attitude can only undermine the trust in the OSCE and the
group of mediators. I believe the best thing these gentlemen — as
well as ‘commentators’ from the Council of Europe — could have done
was to keep silent," Soghomonian snapped.

Kocharian on Monday welcomed the official referendum results that
showed the overwhelming majority of voters in Karabakh approving
the constitution drafted by their government. He described the vote
as "another milestone in the establishment of Nagorno-Karabakh’s
independence."

The authorities in Stepanakert also received a congratulatory message
from the two U.S. congressmen co-chairing the 142-strong Armenian
Caucasus in the House of Representatives.

U.S.-ARMENIAN TYCOON LAUNCHES NEW LOBBY GROUP
By Harry Tamrazian in Prague

Radio Liberty, Czech Rep.
Dec 13 2006

Gerard Cafesjian, a U.S. philanthropist of Armenian descent, has set
up a new lobbying organization which he hopes will "complement" the
existing Armenian-American advocacy groups and match their considerable
influence in Washington.

The Cafesjian-funded U.S.-Armenia Public Affairs Committee (USAPAC)
announced its creation in a mission statement last week, pledging to
become a "powerful and effective addition to the Armenian-American
lobby."

The group will be run by Ross Vartian and Rob Mosher, two former
senior executives of the Armenian Assembly of America (AAA), which
is led by another U.S.-Armenian tycoon, Hirair Hovnanian. Cafesjian
himself has long been a member of the AAA board of trustees.

Vartian, who was the Assembly’s chief executive as recently as last
year, insisted that the USAPAC is not a splinter group, arguing that
Cafesjian will remain on the Assembly board. "Our primary purpose
is to add to the community of the Armenian lobby in a unique and
collaborative way and make the Armenian lobby stronger by doing it,"
he told RFE/RL in an interview.

"It’s quite clear that in any large lobby there are many voices,"
he said. "The problem is not the number of voices, the problem is do
those voices work together? And we pledge to do that."

The AAA and the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA)
have been instrumental in the passage of congressional bills making
Armenia one of the largest per-capita recipients of U.S. aid in the
world. They are also at the forefront of a long-running campaign for
U.S. recognition of the 1915 Armenian genocide.

According to Vartian, the USAPAC will concentrate on countering the
impact of Azerbaijani oil on U.S. policy towards Armenia and pressing
Washington to take a pro-Armenian stance on the Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict. He said genocide recognition will also be on the USAPAC
agenda but indicated that the new group will favor a softer line on
Turkey’s membership in the European Union.

"Turkey today is not a friendly neighbor to Armenia. But as a fully
mature member of the EU, Turkey would be a much more friendly neighbor
of Armenia," Vartian said.

Vartian denied that the USAPAC will also be furthering the interests
and agenda of Armenia’s government, with which Cafesjian is believed to
have close ties. "While the Armenian government may welcome our doing
this, we are not here to promote or push the Armenian government,"
he said.

Cafesjian is the principal owner and sponsor of three Armenian
television stations that are staunchly supportive of President Robert
Kocharian and his government. Their news coverage of opposition
candidates during the 2003 presidential and parliamentary elections
in Armenia was criticized as extremely biased by Western observers.

The TV channels caused an uproar earlier this year by suggesting that
Armenia’s leading human rights groups work for Western intelligence
services. One of the accused human rights campaigners charged at the
time that Cafesjian’s money is being used for "spreading government
propaganda and disinformation."

In Vartian’s words, the USAPAC believes that democracy is important for
Armenia and hopes that the upcoming national elections in the country
will be free and fair. "We will not hesitate to talk about the pluses
and minuses of what is happening in Armenia, just like anyone else
does," Vartian said. "It would not be a problem for us to criticize."

"But we are not here to criticize, we are here to support," he added.

PACE REGULAR SESSION HELD IN PARIS

AzerTag, Azerbaijan
Dec 13 2006

Regular session of the Committee of Parliamentary Assembly of the
Council of Europe on migration, refugees and population took place
in Paris. Discussed were the questions of regulation of illegal
immigration, activity of the Development Bank of the Council of Europe,
position of workers-immigrants in agencies of day-work. Also were
considered the questions connected with missing persons in Azerbaijan,
Georgia and Armenia, the people looking for refuges in Europe, state
of democracy and human rights in the European states and others.

At session, the Dutch deputy Leo Platvoet made report on the theme
"The missing people in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia".

L. Platvoet has noted, that with the purpose of gathering the facts
for preparation of the report, he alongside with Armenia and Georgia
has twice visited Azerbaijan, has met members of the government,
parliament, other officials, and also families of the people who
have missing.

The reporter informed, that as a result of occupation of the
Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan by Armenia and adjacent 7
regions, 4604 Azerbaijanis have missed. The report reflects the fact,
that many of them are alive and secretly contained in territory of
the occupied Nagorno Karabakh and in Armenia. The report in detail
narrates about the problem with which Azerbaijan has faced, including
about creation in Nagorno Karabakh of the so-called "government"
of a separatist regime, the armed forces of Armenia located at the
occupied Azerbaijan lands.

The report notes that the Council of Europe recognizes territorial
integrity of Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia, emphasizing that
discussion of the question at all does not mean recognition in this
or that form of Nagorno Karabakh, South Ossetia and Abkhazia, where
today there are conflicts. In the document, it is stated that Armenia
till now ignores four resolutions of Security Council of the United
Nations on unconditional liberation of the Azerbaijan territories.

These Resolutions have recognized the territorial integrity and
sovereignty of Azerbaijan, the report underlines.

RUSSIAN AZERBAIJANIS HELD PROTEST ACTION OUTSIDE ARMENIAN EMBASSY IN MOSCOW

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
Dec 13 2006

A protest action organized by Karabakh International Community and
Azerbaijani Youth Coordination Council in Russia took place outside
the Armenian embassy in Moscow, protestor Anar Shabanoglu told APA.

He said that the protestors condemned Armenian crimes and the
referendum in Nagorno Karabakh.

"Other aim was to make Russian media and society aware of historical
truth. A number of Russian media observed the picket", he said.

The protestors chanted "No Azerbaijan without Karabakh!", "Armenia,
Get out of Azerbaijani lands!", "Armenia, stop aggression!" and "No
terrorism and invasion". Then the resolution was presented to the
embassy. The protest action concluded with the anthem of Azerbaijan.

Anar Shabanoglu said that no incident happened as the protestors
abided by laws.

AN OP-ED BY PROFESSOR CHARLES FRIED: GETTING AT THE TRUTH

Harvard Law Bulletin, MA
Dec 13 2006

The following op-ed, Getting at the truth, was published in The Boston
Globe on December 13, 2006.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the egregious president of Iran, is hosting a
conference this week on whether the Holocaust really happened. There
are serious questions that someone with Ahmadinejad’s hostile attitude
toward the state of Israel might ask about the Holocaust — did it
justify the settlement of its survivors in Palestine in the first
place and has Israel misused the Holocaust to justify the Israeli
settlements in the occupied territories — but whether the Holocaust
ever happened is not one of them. To even somewhat sensible, mildly
educated people, Ahmadinejad’s conference is like having a conference
about whether the world might be flat after all.

Although Iran surely intends this as an affront to Israel and
Jewish people everywhere — my family and I fled Czechoslovakia
in 1939, leaving my grandparents and many relatives behind to die
in Theresienstad and Auschwitz — the real victims of this minor
latter-day outrage are the Iranian people and rational discourse
everywhere.

What Ahmadinejad’s conference proclaims is that truth has no place
in the world of politics; that if your ends are just, you can say
anything, no matter how far-fetched. Ahmadinejad tells us that his
pursuit of advanced nuclear capabilities is for peaceful purposes only:
power generation, medical applications, and not as part of a weapons
program. Why would a rational person put faith in any assurance from
a man so contemptuous of truth or even think there is any point in
negotiating with him?

But Ahmadinejad’s tortured logic seems almost broad-minded compared
with Turkey’s stringent criminal prohibition on any suggestion that
such a thing as its genocide of the Armenian people ever happened.

Many brave Turkish writers and journalists have suffered persecution
in recent times for proclaiming what no reasonable person would deny.

Yet the Armenian genocide is as certain a historic fact as Hitler’s
European Holocaust, for which Ataturk’s may well have served as a model
and feasability study. (A recent brief, horrifying and thoroughly
documented account can be found in Niall Ferguson’s "War of the
World.") Turkey and Iran turn truth into either a crime or charade.

And then there is the converse: What about countries like Canada
and many in Europe that make it an offense to offer propositions
derogatory of races or religions, or to deny the Holocaust, or
proposed legislation in France that would make it a crime to deny the
Armenian genocide. Here, too, the truth and how we come to know it
suffers. States that forbid such palpable lies degrade the currency
of truth as much as those who proclaim a lie as their national policy.

For in the end, the only way to bite the nickel to make sure it’s
genuine is in discussion, debate, assertion, and counter-assertion.

That is the process in which extremists in Iran and Turkey are shown
to be what they are — charlatans and liars. But states that shut down
that process, even to inane propositions like Holocaust or Armenian
genocide denial, debase the currency of truth every bit as much
as their opposites, For in their zeal, they assign to themselves,
to politics, and to official power (with its attendant machinery
of prosecutors, judges, juries, and jailors) an authority that can
reside only in the forum of individual judgment and conviction.

There is such a thing as truth; that is why Holocaust deniers are
fools or liars. But that is exactly why there can be no such thing as
official truth — truth endorsed, policed, and enforced by the power
of the state. Truth is above politics, and judges politics, which
is why politics has no authority to proclaim it. Official truth is a
contradiction in terms. In one respect the Turks seem worse than the
Iranians: They make it a crime to tell the truth, while Ahmadinejad
claims to doubt what only a fool or scoundrel would deny. Because
there is a truth about the Holocaust and Armenian Genocide, this
doubt is foolish, but that judgment is not a judgment of politics
but of the free mind that judges politics.

NKR CEC CONFIRMED ADOPTION OF THE REPUBLIC’S CONSTITUTION

DeFacto Agency, Armenia
Dec 13 2006

The Nagorno-Karabakh Republic Central Election Commission has decided
to consider the NKR Constitution submitted to a referendum December
10 adopted.

According to the information DE FACTO got at the NKR CEC, by the NKR
law "On a Referendum" a Constitution is considered adopted in case
over a half of the poll’s participants have voted for it.

According to the preliminary data, 87% of the electors have backed
the Draft Constitution.

ISSUE ON AZERBAIJAN TO BE DISCUSSED IN PACE WINTER SESSION

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
Dec 13 2006

The meetings of the Monitoring, Migration, Refugees and Population
and Equal Opportunities for Women and Men committees of the PACE are
held today, APA reports.

The members of delegation of the Azerbaijani parliament to PACE
Aydin Mirzezadeh, Elmira AKhundova and Aydin Abbasov participated
in the meetings. Aydin Mirzezadeh said that the issue on Azerbaijan
was raised at the meeting. But as the co-rapporteur on Azerbaijan
Tony Lloyd and the head of the Azerbaijani delegation to PACE Samad
Seyidov did not attend the meeting the discussions are decided to be
held within winter session of PACE. Andres Herkel another co-rapporteur
on Azerbaijan spoke about the processes in Azerbaijan.

Noting that there are some problems concerning the freedom of press
and speech, Andres Herkel welcomed the restart of ANS. Answering his
critical notes concerning Azerbaijan Aydin Abbasov said that chairman
of the Monitoring Committee Edward Lintner was satisfied with the
meetings held in Azerbaijan and his talks with the President.

Participating in the meeting of PACE Committee on Migration, Refugees
and Population Aydin MIrzezadeh said that Leo Platvoet’s report
on missing people in the South Caucasus was discussed there. The
parliamentarian said that some changes were made in the report. Aidin
Mirzezadeh considers Leo Platvoet’s report objective. The occupation
of the Azerbaijani territories and stationing Armenian Armed Forces
in these territories were stressed in the report. Captivity of
about 5000 Azerbaijan citizens was also noted in the report. Aydin
Mirzezadeh also confessed that there are points in the report that
do not satisfy Azerbaijan. He said he rejected these points and noted
that Leo Platvoet’s report will be again discussed at the meeting of
the committee in January next year.

CE COMMITTEE OF MINISTERS CONSIDERS KARABAKH REFERENDUM UNRECOGNIZABLE

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
Dec 13 2006

The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe expressed its
concern over the so-called "constitutional referendum" held in Dec.10,
2006, in the Nagorno-Karabakh region of the Republic of Azerbaijan,
APA reports.

The Committee stressed that this act violates the relevant norms and
principlaes of international law, and interferes with an ongoing
peace process, The so-called "referendum" and its results shall
have no legal effect and any constitutional document envisaging a
self-rule for the population of the Nagorno Karabakh region can only
be elaborated through a legal, democratic and peaceful process with
full, equal and direct participation of the entire population of the
region consisting of the Armenian and Azerbaijani communities.

The statement points out that "constitutional referendum", organized
in Nagorno Karabakh will not be recognized by the Council of Europe.

STRONGER COMPETITION IN ARMENIA TO SPUR DOMESTIC MARKET DEVELOPMENT

Arka News Agency, Armenia
Dec 13 2006

YEREVAN, December 13. /ARKA/. Competition development in Armenia is
to have positive impact on domestic market, Chairman of the Central
Bank of Armenia Tigran Sargsyan, said Wednesday in Yerevan.

In his opinion, competition will ensure of country’s economy
development.

He thinks there can’t be room ineffective companies in Armenia, a
country with high economic growth. They should be weeded out giving
space for their more successful rivals. Sargsyan is convinced that
the country is badly in need of tough competition now, as never before.

The head of the bank views macroeconomic stability in the republic
as the second factor for economy development.

"Macroeconomic stability creates real prospects for further economic
growth", Sargsyan said. As other factors, he singled out low inflation,
floating currency exchange rate and relatively light foreign debt
burden.