HAPPIEST MOMENTS OF MY LIFE
Susanna Balayan

Azat Artsakh, Republic of Nagorno Karabakh [NKR]
11 Dec 2006

The recent concert of the chamber orchestra of Artsakh was dedicated
to the 85th anniversary of the famous composer, professor of Yerevan
State Conservatoire Edward Mirzoyan. Therefore, the program included
the pieces by the composer. The concert took place in a cheerful and
warm atmosphere thanks to the conductor and director of the orchestra
Gevorg Muradian and, of course, the fact that Edward Mirzoyan was
present in the hall. The composer expressed his gratefulness from
the stage. "This concert is one of the happiest moments of my life,"
he said. Speaker Ashot Ghulian awarded him the special memory medal
devoted to the 15th anniversary of the independence. The idea to
celebrate the anniversary of the outstanding composer was Gevorg
Muradian’s. "I think we passed this test. It was very exciting that
Mirzoyan heard the performance sitting in the hall. He has traveled
in the world but this concert is special for him because his works
were played in Artsakh. That’s why he was so excited, " said Gevorg
Muradian.

RECORD HIGH RESULT

Azat Artsakh, Republic of Nagorno Karabakh [NKR]
11 Dec 2006

Telethon 2006 of Armenia Foundation had a record high amount of
donations and pledges – 13.7 million dollars. The highest result of
all the previous eight telethons was 12 million. The 9th telethon of
Armenia Foundation was held to raise funds for the Rebirth of Artsakh
Project. The result of the telethon was predictable because before
November 23 the foundation had got a great number of donations from
individuals and companies and the phonethons held in Armenia and
Europe had significant results. On November 23 it was stated at the
beginning of the telethon that it starts with already 2.4 million
dollars of donations and pledges, including 1.2 million from Armenia
and Artsakh and 1.4 million from Europe. The Armenians worldwide were
not indifferent towards the Rebirth of Artsakh Project. The donations
gathered momentum within the first hour, and philanthropists and
"ordinary" donators sustained the high rates of growth of the result
of the telethon. Sargis Hakobyan pledged the first large donation – 550
thousand dollars – for the development of the region of Hadrut. Louise
Manoogian Simon pledged 500 thousand dollars for the development of
the region of Hadrut. During the telethon Albert Boyajian, member of
the board of trustees, announced about his friend Gerry Turpanjian’s
donation of 1 million 250 thousand dollars. This money will be spent on
the construction of a school in Stepanakert. Vahe Karapetian donated
1.5 million dollars for the road to Amaras Monastery. Deputy CEO
Harut Sasunian announced about a 2 million dollar donation by Kirk
Kirkorian through Lincy Foundation. The money will be spent on the
construction and reconstruction of educational institutions in NKR. Ara
Abrahamian, president of the Union of Armenians of Russia, pledged
1 million dollars. The money will be spent on the construction of a
new school in Stepanakert. The American Project C.U.R.E. organization
also pledged 2 million dollars. The regional hospital of Hadrut will
be provided with medical equipment, which is included in the project
of reconstruction. The same organization will give medical equipment
costing 1.5 million dollars to the regional hospital of Martakert. The
Los Angeles branch of the foundation donated 1.5 million dollars
and the New York Branch donated 900 thousand dollars. The Armenian
businessmen and companies also made donations. Michael Baghdasarov
pledged 100 million dollars, Member of Parliament Ruben Hayrapetian,
the president of the Football Federation of Armenia, and Member of
Parliament Samvel Alexanian donated 50 thousand dollars each. Vivacell
donated 70 thousand dollars, ASHIB invested 41 thousand dollars, and
ACBA Credit Agricole Bank donated 25 thousand dollars. The foundation
will release detailed information on donations by individuals and
organizations of Armenia. The success of Telethon 2006 was determined
by the fact that philanthropists and "ordinary" donators participated
equally actively. The Rebirth of Artsakh Project got donations not
only for the reconstruction of Hadrut but also other entitlement
programs. Therefore, the Foundation is grateful to everyone who
contributed. On November 23 the executive board of the foundation
received hundreds of phone calls and donations from Armenia, Artsakh,
Germany, Iran, Turkey, Russia, Belgium, France, Holland, Ukraine,
Greece and other countries. The foundation will publish the names of
donators in the annual book of the foundation in May 2007.

EXPRESSION OF CARE
Svetlana Khachatrian

Azat Artsakh, Republic of Nagorno Karabakh [NKR]
11 Dec 2006

On December 3, the international day of the disabled people, NKR Deputy
Prime Minister Ararat Danielian met with the chairs of the unions of
the disabled. This day cannot be considered as a holiday, of course,
but it is another opportunity to meet, wish good health, discuss
their problems and assure that they are in the focus of attention of
the government. The disabled people comprise 10 percent of the world
population and 7 percent of the population of Artsakh. Unfortunately,
their number is growing. If in 2002 7000 disabled people were
registered in the republic, in 2006 their number has mounted to 9000.

This is an immense number for such a small country, especially that
the social and economic possibilities are not sufficient to solve
all the problems of the disabled people. However, the government does
everything not to let them feel isolated and help them integrate with
the society. Ararat Danielian said several days ago the government
adopted the annual program of social security of the disabled and
extended it to the National Assembly. He said it is foreseen to
increase the allocations for the disabled people. The minister of
social security Vasily Atajanian said they will be trying to send
more people with disabilities to resorts. Afterwards the deputy prime
minister of NKR gave presents to the NGOs. The Vita Organization,
which had won the grant of the government in 2006, got a Ford car. The
unions of veterans of World War II, and the veterans of the Artsakh
Liberation War, Kantegh, the union of people with hearing problems,
the Zangak union of disabled children got TV sets.

MEETING WITH NKR SPEAKER

Azat Artsakh, Republic of Nagorno Karabakh [NKR]
11 Dec 2006

On December 2 the speaker of the NKR National Assembly Ashot Ghulian
met with a group of representatives of NGOs including people with
disabilities. The meeting was on the occasion of the international
day of the disabled, which is celebrated on December 3. Arevik
Petrossian, chair of the Vita Society of soldiers with back injuries,
and Sergey Beglarian, chair of the Kantegh Society of soldiers who
lost eyesight in the war, appreciated the care of the government,
namely the National Assembly for the needs of the disabled, and
at the same time they presented the problems they are facing and
came up with proposals on solving these problems. In particular,
they mentioned the necessity of establishing a center for disabled
people in Stepanakert, improvement of their houses, setting the size
of benefits and allowances considering individual needs. For his
part, the speaker of the National Assembly assured that the disabled
people as a vulnerable social class are constantly in the focus of
attention of the government. "Your problems worry everyone, and are
the priorities of the social policy of the government," he said,
confirming the willingness of the National Assembly and the other
branches of power to help settle the problems raised by the NGOs of
the disabled.

MEETING OF NKR COUNCIL OF SECURITY

Azat Artsakh, Republic of Nagorno Karabakh [NKR]
11 Dec 2006

On December 4 NKR President Arkady Ghukassian held a meeting of the
NKR Council of Security, in which the leadership of the National
Assembly and the members of government were present too. Arkady
Ghukassian heard reports on the situation at the front line between
the Karabakh and Azerbaijani forces and the criminal state in the
country. The head of state told about the results of his visit to the
United States in November, as well as the meetings with the religious,
public and political, cultural and business circles of the Armenian
community. Arkady Ghukassian appreciated the participation of the
Armenians of the United States and other places in the telethon
held by Armenia Foundation for the reconstruction of the region of
Hadrut. In particular, he mentioned that the results of the telethon
and the constant interest in the reconstruction of NKR comes to prove
once again the trust and confidence of the Armenians in the future
of Artsakh and its people. Afterwards, the Council of Security went
on to discuss the questions on the agenda. The participants of the
meeting touched upon the recent developments connected with the talks
for the settlement, the preparations for the referendum on the NKR
Constitution, and discussed the draft budget of NKR for 2007. Hearing
the report of the government on its activities and current issues,
the NKR president gave corresponding instructions.

SERGEY NASIBIAN SUMMED UP PREPARATIONS FOR REFERENDUM
Laura Grigorian

Azat Artsakh, Republic of Nagorno Karabakh [NKR]
11 Dec 2006

On the eve of the referendum Sergey Nasibian, chair of the NKR Central
Commission on Referendum, gave an interview to the Azat Artsakh. He
informed that the electoral registers have been checked again to
avoid irregularities, and about 90 thousand voters aged 18 and up
are included in the registers.

According to him, 278 polling stations have been set up, including
one at the NKR Representation to Armenia, where the citizens of NKR
temporarily living or staying in NKR will vote. Sergey Nasibian
said efforts were made to guarantee security and order at the
polling stations, as well as to prevent disruption of telephone
communication. According to him, 46 million drams have been allocated
for preparations, which was provided in time and has been spent. "
According to the NKR Law on Central Election Commission, like
in the previous elections, at least half of the eligible persons
should vote for the question, and the referendum will take place
if 1/3 of voters included in the electoral registers show up," said
Sergey Nasibian. Several days ago the mayor of the village of Mets
Tagher stated on Artsakh Public Television that the village did not
get the draft constitution, and people are not acquainted with its
provisions. With regard to public awareness, Sergey Nasibian said:
"The draft constitution of NKR was published in the Azat Artsakh and
distributed to the regions. Besides, a booklet was published in 3500
copies and distributed to the communities. I cannot say how these
were used. The mayors and regional administrations were supposed
to deal with this, and propaganda is supposed to be carried out by
political parties, staffs of government agencies. The divisional
committees were given instructions. Nevertheless, there appear to be
drawbacks. Especially in the capital. People need to know that we are
going to adopt a constitution, which is the basic law of the country
and sums up 15 years of independence, and includes their rights and
duties, as well as the guarantees of protection of their rights. If it
is not perfect, it can be improved later in case questions occur. This
is important, and we should explain to people that we are moving
towards reconfirming the referendum on independence on December 10,
1991." According to Sergey Nasibian, people are especially active
in the regions of Hadrut and Martakert. "When the general idea is
explained to people, they realize that we need the Constitution." With
regard to observation and coverage of the voting, Sergey Nasibian told
the Azat Artsakh that by the information of the Central Commission
on Referendum 12 international observers and 7 international media
will arrive. Besides, 39 local reporters and 109 local observers have
been registered. However, he said, it is expected that the number
of international observers will grow. The foreign ministry gets a
number of phone calls from different countries, said the chair of
the Central Commission on Referendum. According to Sergey Nasibian,
the results of the voting will be released every three hours. The
preliminary roundup must be made within 28 hours. The final outcome
will become known within three days.

NKR CENTRAL COMMISSION ON REFERENDUM APPEALED TO VOTERS

Azat Artsakh, Republic of Nagorno Karabakh [NKR]
11 Dec 2006

The NKR Central Commission on Referendum has released a message
and called the voters to go to polling stations on December 10
and make a free and acknowledged vote for the NKR Constitution,
for the adoption of the Constitution of Nagorno-Karabakh Republic
is an important stage in the establishment of our independent state
and promotion of democracy, runs the message. "The organizers of the
preparation and conduct of the referendum, including the NKR Central
Commission on Referendum and the divisional committees made maximum
efforts to solve all the technical and organizational problems in
preparing and holding the referendum. The referendum commissions
are ready to conduct the most responsible stage of the referendum,
the voting and the roundup, openly and publicly, in compliance with
the NKR Electoral Code and the NKR Law on Referendum. The voters,
as well as the local and international observers and reporters who
will observe the referendum and cover the conduct and results of the
popular voting will witness this."

THE STATEMENT OF GROUPS AND FACTIONS OF NKR PARLIAMENT

Azat Artsakh, Republic of Nagorno Karabakh [NKR]
11 Dec 2006

On December 10, 2006 a referendum on the adoption of Constitution will
be held in Nagorno Karabakh Republic. Over the past years about 500
laws have been adopted, including constitutional laws. It is time
to set down the real basis for public order, organization of the
society, the relations of person and state. The analysis of 15 years
of experience of NKR as an independent state, which survived through
the war that was imposed on it, the success as well as difficulty
of the reform of the society and settlement of economic problems
show that there is no alternative to the track it has taken. The
basis of a democratic society and free market economy was created
in a short period of history. The system of public administration,
democratization and promotion of political reforms, the development
and strengthening of the principles and mechanisms of market economy,
the reform of the legal basis, establishment of the institutions
of civil society, the adoption of the European principles of local
government are the result of the path we have already passed. The
presidential, parliamentary and local elections, which preceded the
constitutional referendum, were a serious test on mature democracy,
commitment to free and transparent elections compliant with European
principles and proved that the line adopted by NKR is irreversible. The
characteristic feature of the development of the state is the urge
of the society for renovation. In this respect, the referendum on
December 10 will become a logical summary of the stage of political
self-organization of the society, which started 15 years ago and was
marked by the expression of the will of people in connection with the
independence. The adoption of the Constitution of Nagorno-Karabakh
Republic is the imperative of the time. It will enable not only to
set down the basic principles of sovereignty in the Constitution and
mark the new stage of development of our Republic but will also become
an impetus for the establishment and development of new, more liberal
principles and the civil society. Our people have the right to decide
the fate of the present and future generations by expressing their
will freely, and we expect that the international community, which
upholds the right of nations for self-determination, and principles
of civilized cooperation will appreciate duly the referendum on
the NKR Constitution. The Democratic and Hayrenik factions and the
ARF-Movement 88 Group of the NKR National Assembly made a statement
during the December 6 meeting of the NKR National Assembly.

ARMENIA ARRESTS LEBANESE NATIONAL OVER PLANNED COUP

MOSNEWS, Russia
Dec 11 2006

Armenian authorities detained the head of a public organization
accusing him of plotting a coup attempt, the Reuters news reports.

Lebanon citizen Zhirair Sefilian, who heads For Protection of Liberated
Territories organization, was detained on charges of plotting to
overthrow the government of Armenia and sentenced to deportation,
said Armen Agaian, a leading member of Sefilian’s group.

Agaian has refuted the charges.

An anonymous official at the Armenian National Security Service
confirmed that Sefilian had been arrested but refused to elaborate
on the charges against him.

Sefilian is a veteran of the 1988-94 war in the disputed enclave of
Nagorno-Karabakh, which ended when Armenia-backed separatists drove
out Azerbaijan’s government forces.

AZERBAIJANI AND ARMENIAN FMS EXPECTED TO MEET IN JANUARY

Today, Azerbaijan
Dec 11 2006

"I could not meet with Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanian in
the 14th meeting of Foreign Ministers’ Council of OSCE countries held
in Brussels because of lack of time," Azerbaijani Foreign Minister
Elmar Mammadyarov said.

Saying he had met with co-chairs one by one, Mammadyarov noted that
he is expected to meet with Armenian Foreign Minister in January
next year.

The Minister also stated Azerbaijani side tries to settle the problem
peacefully, and believes it, APA reports.

Noting that it is possible to get peace accord with to be elected
Armenia President, the minister stressed that if he did not believe
diplomatic settlement of the conflict, then he would move aside and
let Defense Ministry solve the problem.

"Military settlement of the conflicts does not favor, because it can
harm our economic potential. But, there is still an uncoordinated item
between the sides. If we could agree, the problem will be settled,"
he said.

The minister did not give any information about the item saying
that it is confidential. Speaking about the legal status of Nagorno
Karabakh, the minister noted that Azerbaijani side will not give up
its principles.

"We do not change our opinion and consider that, this problem should
be solved in the frame of territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and
Nagorno Karabakh should be given the highest Autonomy status," the
Minister said.

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