UZBEK TRANSPORTERS EXEMPTED FROM RUSSIAN REGISTRATION FEE
UzReport.com, Uzbekistan
22.09.2006 14:59:41
Russia has exempted 22 states from paying duty for the registration
of transport facilities, including Uzbekistan, the Federal Customs
Service of the Russian Federation said.
In accordance with this document, Azerbaijan, Austria, Albania,
Armenia, Belarus, Belgium, Great Britain, Denmark, Ireland, China,
Cyprus, Luxemburg, Mongolia, Norway, Portugal, Tajikistan, the Ukraine,
Finland, France, Czech Republic and Estonia are exempted from 100
Rouble-worth state fees.
The Customs Service of Russia sent to its Regional customs
administrations explanation for the fact that it was exempting
[the aforementioned countries] from state fee for the registration
of transport facilities, regarding the delivery of certification to
transport facilities carrying imported goods to the Russian Federation
for the period of six months.

CHRISTINE M. FLOWERS | THE WORLD ACCORDING TO ORIANA
Philadelphia Daily News, PA
Posted on Fri, Sep. 22,
WHEREVER SHE is now, Oriana Fallaci must appreciate the irony.
The brash and bombastic journalist, feared and revered in equal
measure, died last week after a long battle with cancer. But the
illness didn’t dim her prodigious intellect, or stop her from
launching the literary firebombs that made her the most celebrated
female journalist of the last half-century. Splitting her final years
between post-9/11 Manhattan and her native Florence, Fallaci produced
three books that detailed her disgust with an increasingly violent
strain of Islam that threatens to destroy the west.
In the first of the trilogy, “The Rage and the Pride,” she wrote that
“there are moments in life when keeping silent becomes a fault, and
speaking an obligation. A civic duty, a moral challenge, a categorical
imperative from which we cannot escape.”
Fallaci wrote those words as prologue to her tirade against a religion
that she felt preached death and violence and the destruction of
innocents. She was a modern Cassandra, and radical Islam was her Trojan
Horse. She received death threats for speaking out, and was charged
with the crime of “vilifying religion” in Italy and Switzerland.
And that’s why she must be winking at us from that place where atheists
go when their earthly days are done. Nothing escaped her notice,
so she must be aware of the furor caused by Pope Benedict’s remarks
in Germany last week, where he quoted an obscure and politically
incorrect emperor from the 14th century to prove that reason, not
violence, would save the world from ultimate destruction.
As if on cue, the violent protests began. Benedict was burned in effigy
in Pakistan. Christian churches were firebombed in Palestine. Turkey,
that bastion of human rights (just ask the Armenians who escaped the
genocide), compared the pope to Hitler and Mussolini.
Honestly, you’d think the cartoonists were at it again.
But the pope, like Fallaci, had attacked the inclination of so many
followers of Islam to try to impose their worldview on the rest of
us. It’s the same spirit that motivated the kidnappers of a Fox news
reporter and his cameraman, forcing them to convert to Islam at the
point of a gun. It animated the men who beheaded Nicholas Berg and
Daniel Pearl, who murdered aid worker Margaret Hassan, who firebombed
churches and synagogues.
It’s the same poison that ran in the veins of the Somalian monsters
who shot a Catholic nun in the back three times in retaliation for
the pope’s speech. They killed in the name of their god; she forgave
them in the name of hers.
Which brings us back to Fallaci. Her courage was both physical and
emotional.
As a younger woman in Mexico City, she was shot three times during
a protest and left for dead. She covered wars in Vietnam and South
America, and defied the Ayatollah Khomeini by ripping off the veil
she’d been forced to wear in front of him.
She may not have believed in God, but she saw his stamp on human
beings and fought for their dignity.
And that’s why she criticized the evil that she saw in radical Islam.
The world is diminished because she’s left it. At a time when people
are so worried about giving offense, we need to hear her unvarnished
truths.
It may not be diplomatic to say that Islamofascism is an evil that
crosses borders and threatens the security of Christians and Jews, and
those Muslims who reject the fanaticism of their wild-eyed brothers.
It may not even be safe to say these things. But it is necessary,
unless we decide that placating one religion is more important than
protecting the welfare of all people, believers and atheists alike.
Fallaci understood this, and was vilified for it in, of all places,
Italy. But she didn’t hold a grudge.
In fact, she went home to die in her beloved Tuscany, where she had
been, as a child of 10, a lookout for the antifascist resistance
during World War II.
She knew what it was like to live in a state of fear and repression,
and saw no difference between the secular fascism of her youth and
the religious fascism of the present.
We shouldn’t, either. Rest in peace, Oriana.
Christine M. Flowers is a lawyer. E-mail [email protected].

CNN ADVERTISES ARMENIA
Armenpress
Sept 21 2006
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 21, ARMENPRESS: Deputy trade and economic
development minister Ara Petrosian told the second Armenia-Diaspora
economic forum that since September 18 the CNN TV channel has been
showing two reels advertising Armenia three times a day. These reels
were prepared by Armenian Armenia TV and H2 channels.
Petrosian said the 30-second advertisements can be watched overall
by 1 billion people across the globe.
He said the reels will certainly make Armenia more attractive for
foreign tourists and recalled that around 7 percent of Armenia’s GDP
comes from tourism industry.

RA Prime Minister of Armenia Andranik Margaryan’s Message on 15th Anniversary of Republic of Armenia’s Independence
Armenpress
Sept 21 2006
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 21, ARMENPRESS: Dear Compatriots, I congratulate you
on the 15th anniversary of independence of the Republic of Armenia. The
Day of Independence is the brightest and most important day on our
State holiday calendar. It marks the realization of our people’s most
cherished hopes and national pride after a gap of 600 years.
Fifteen years ago, having adopted this historical decision and having
won the right to free and independent life, our people was well aware
of all the hardships and barriers on this way, however, they were
sure that independence had no alternative and that thereby they were
given the opportunity to control their destiny, to determine their
own course, place and role among several other States of the world.
By founding an independent State on a portion of historical homeland in
1991, the people of Armenia initiated an irreversible and ever-lasting
process.
While acknowledging independence as an absolute value and celebrating
the Day of Independence, we should not forget that this has been
possible due to decades-long heroic struggle waged by the devotees of
independence and was aimed at keeping up the freedom-loving spirit in
the hearts of new generations so as to take it to the long-awaited day
of independence. Let us pay a well-deserved tribute to all the devotees
of independence and, especially, to those who sacrificed their lives
to this end and leaved to future generations the duty of preserving it.
It is not fortuitous that we are celebrating the 15th anniversary
of independence together with thousands of our compatriots who have
arrived in Armenia from all over the world, driven by the desire of
being of some service to Homeland. Let us congratulate each other
on this significant to all of us day and wish lasting peace for our
State, as well as – dignified life, prosperity and realization of
long-cherished expectations – to our people.
I am confident that the people of Armenia will have enough will and
ability to join their efforts with the view of resisting to challenges
and keep on the 15-year-long march of independence with steady belief
in the future of the Armenian State.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

STATEMENT OF PRESIDENT ROBERT KOCHARIAN ON THE OCCASION OF INDEPENDENCE DAY
Armenpress
Sept 21 2006
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 21, ARMENPRESS: Your Holiness, Soldiers, officers
and generals, Dear compatriots and guests, I congratulate all of us on
the occasion of the 15th Anniversary of Independence of the Republic
of Armenia.
For the people with millennia long history the last fifteen years of
statehood is just a blink. However, it took in a war, energy crisis,
blockade, and all the hurdles of the transitional period. The starting
point for establishing Armenian statehood was extremely difficult. But
the spirit of our people was high and great was the desire to overcome
all the difficulties in the name of freedom and dignity. In the flames
of war that spirit gave birth to heroes and formed the army, which
we are proud of. The armed forces of the Republic of Armenia are a
powerful defender of the Motherland of all Armenians. The Republic
of Armenia is the greatest achievement of determined hard work of
many generations.
Today Armenia is a steadily developing country.
Successful reforms are underway in all areas of life.
The high tempo of economic growth makes Armenia a new, more promising
country. It is of vital importance, since competitive and effective
economy is the main guarantee for the building of a truly democratic
state.
A number of strategic programs, which are being implemented in our
country, are aimed at the general development and advancement of our
people and our country, and particularly, at the resolution of social
problems. Among priorities the state has identified poverty reduction,
improvement of life quality, and equal development of the country as
a whole.
In the establishment of the Armenian state the input of Diaspora
is hardly to be overestimate. Since day one it has mobilized all
its resources and stood by our state. Symbolically, the third
Armenia-Diaspora conference is also being held during these
jubilee celebrations. It is also important that through the years
of independence the factor of Diaspora has been revaluated, and our
relations have become reciprocal and complementary.
In foreign relations Armenia has proved to be a stable, reliable and
predictable partner. We continue to successfully deepen the engagement
of our country in international affairs, preserving and strengthening
at the same time traditional ties.
The just resolution of the NK conflict remains the highest
priority. And it can only be based on the respect and recognition
of the Artsakhi people’s right to self-determination. Nothing
should threaten security and development of the Nagorno Karabagh
Republic. Dear compatriots, Such a precious jubilee is both
inspiring and binding – we must do the utmost for the strengthening
of Armenia. We should spare no effort to build a new country being
citizens of which will make proud many generations of our people. Once
again I congratulate on the occasion of the 15th Anniversary of
Independence.
Long live the Republic of Armenia! Long live the glorious Army
of Armenia!

DECLARATION ADOPTED AS A RESULT OF THE THIRD ARMENIA-DIASPORA CONFERENCE
Armenpress
Sept 22 2006
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 22, ARMENPRESS: A declaration was adopted to sum
up the work of the third Armenia-Diaspora Conference that was wrapped
up in Yerevan on September 20. Armenian Foreign Ministry’s press
service told Armenpress that the declaration particularly refers
to the readiness and determination of the Diaspora to support the
resolution of problems faced up by Armenia.
The declaration, particularly, approves the program on reduction of
poverty in the Armenian rural areas and calls on all stakeholders
and organizations to have active participation in the implementation
of this program. “We also reconfirm our complete responsibility and
support in the regulation of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict,” says
the declaration.
Besides it reconfirms determination to continue work in all countries
for international recognition of the Armenian genocide.
The conference took place on the eve of the 15th anniversary of the
Armenian Independence. President of Armenia Robert Kocharian, Karabakh
President Arkady Ghukasian, Armenian NA Speaker Tigran Torosian,
Armenian Prime Minister Andranik Margarian, Foreign Minister Vartan
Oskanian, Armenian Catholicos Karekin II and Cilician Catholicos Aram
I delivered speeches at the conference.
The participants also presented and discussed a program on the
elimination of poverty in the Armenian rural communities. The
program will be started in spring 2007. The conference also decided
to establish a consultation body which will ensure the continuation
of Armenia-Diaspora partnership and form the agenda.
As part of the conference forums and exhibitions were conducted.

GULBENKIAN FOUNDATION REWARDS BEST STUDENTS
Armenpress
Sept 22 2006
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 22, ARMENPRESS: Forty-five students of Yerevan
State University with best academic achievements received today a
total of $28,000 in money rewards from the Gulbenkian Foundation.
Yerevan State University pro-rector Alexander Grigorian said it is
the second year the best academic students receive rewards of the
Foundation. He said this is very instrumental for those students who
are in paid departments to pay their tuition fees.
The students were selected by a specially set up commission based on
their achievements and social conditions.
The money was transferred in US Dollars and because of unprecedented
fall of US Dollar’s value against Armenian Dram. the reward is not
enough to pay an annual tuition fee, but the University has pledged
to pay the rest.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

YURI CHAYKA: DIRECTIONS FOR COOPERATION OUTLINED
PanARMENIAN.Net
22.09.2006 14:28 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Today Armenian President Robert Kocharian met with
Russian Prosecutor General Yuri Chayka, reported the RA leader’s
press office. During the meeting they discussed the reformation
process and pointed out to the necessity of development of bilateral
cooperation. Robert Kocharian remarked that the successful experience
of collaboration between the police and special services of the two
states proves the possibility of efficient cooperation within the
Offices of Prosecutor General. For his part Yuri Chayka said that
during the visit to Armenia important agreements were achieved and
exact directions of cooperation outlined.

JOINT RUSSIAN-ARMENIAN EXERCISE TO BE HELD IN RUSSIA IN 2007
PanARMENIAN.Net
22.09.2006 14:39 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ A joint Russian-Armenian exercise will be held
in Russia in the initial half of 2007, said Major General Vladimir
Gorshukov, the head of the RF Interior Ministry’s department for
coordination of special forces’ activities. “The exercise for
coordination of joint moves and prevention of terrorist acts will
be conducted in Rostov-on-Don with the participation of the special
forces of the Russian Ministry of Interior and Armenian Police by
initiative of the joint board,” he said.
Vladimir Gorshukov also informed that Armenian military will take
part in the special forces’ exercise in Novosibirsk in October 2006
as observers.
Besides, they will participate in the round table discussions upon
completion of the exercise, reported newsarmenia.ru.

KARABAKH’S LIBERATION GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT OF ARMENIAN PEOPLE IN RA MODERN HISTORY
PanARMENIAN.Net
22.09.2006 15:25 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The Third All-Armenian Armenia-Diaspora Forum
that was held on the days when the republic was celebrating the
15th anniversary of independence adopted the resulting declaration,
which says, “We confirm our will and determination to assist in
strengthening of Armenia’s statehood as a condition for resolving
the existing problems and progress of Armenianhood. The forum proved
that the relations between Armenia and Diaspora developed in the
atmosphere of mutual trust and respect and laid a firm basis for
further efficient evolution. We have common history, goals and problems
concerning the whole Armenian nation and only with uniting human and
material resources we can resolve the problems we face. The Republic of
Armenia, as a state, should take every opportunity to secure conditions
essential for each Armenian to participate in the development and
strengthening of the state. The identity of the Armenian nation is
immediately bound with the Christianity and attaches an important
role to the Armenian Church, whose mission is to support the spiritual
life of the people and deepen relations between Armenia and Diaspora.”
The conference participants also approved the rural areas development
program as a key instrument for poverty reduction and called upon the
all the structures and organizations to take part in the realization
of the project.
“The liberation of Karabakh is the greatest achievement of the Armenian
people in the modern history. We confirm our responsibility and all
possible support to the Nagorno Karabakh Republic for their right
to live freely. After the proclamation of Armenia’s independence the
Diasporan Armenians faced a new reality and challenges that befell the
young state. The Armenians of Diaspora rendered and keep on rendering
assistance to the republic while Armenia helps Diaspora to maintain
the Armenian traditions, culture and identity,” the declaration says.
The forum participants affirmed readiness for pressing for the Armenian
Genocide international recognition.
“We are convinced that democratic principles, human rights and
freedom are a priority for the state and community structures. We
highlight peace, friendship between people and mutually beneficial
cooperation, the right of nations to free life and development, freedom
of speech and conscience. In the 21st century we are responsible
for protection of national rights and interests, strengthening of
cooperation, realization of our hopes and aspirations in the name
of secure development and welfare of our people and Homeland,” the
statement says.