KARS GOVERNOR HEADS PRO-ARMENIAN FORCES IN TURKEY: AZERBAIJANI CONSUL
Yerevan, August 18. ArmInfo. Governor of Kars Naif Ali Bey-oghlu
heads pro- Armenian forces in Turkey, Azerbaijani Consul in Kars
Hasan Zeynalov told Trend.
Kars Governor still calls those against the opening of Armenian-Turkish
border nationalists, the Consul said.
To note, earlier Kars Governor proposed official Ankara to lift the
blockade of Armenia. He said economic problems in Kars, mass emigration
are connected mainly with the blockade of Armenia.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Armenians staging military exercises in occupied Azeri district – agency
Azerbaijani news agency APA
18 Aug 06
Baku, 18 August: The Armenian armed forces have started large-scale
military exercises in the occupied Agdam District. The enemy is using
heavy artillery and armoured hardware in the military exercises,
the Karabakh bureau of APA reports.
It is not known when the exercises will end. The military exercises
of the Armenian armed forces can be observed from villages close to
the contact line.

US-Azeri relations discussed at Washington meeting – TV
ANS TV, Baku
17 Aug 06
[Presenter] UN ambassador to Azerbaijan Anne Derse has highlighted
the main aspects of bilateral economic relations during a meeting at
the US-Azerbaijani Chamber of Commerce in Washington.
Derse recalled that during his visit to Washington Azerbaijani
President Ilham Aliyev had said that Azerbaijan was developing as a
modern and democratic country with a market economy. She added that
both president and his team had said during this visit that Azerbaijan
aimed to use oil revenues as a major source to develop the non-oil
sector and expand trade relations with the USA.
ANS’s special correspondent Ali Ahmadov has the details.
[Ali Ahmadov, ANS’s special correspondent, captioned, speaking over
phone over his still picture and video of meeting] The key speaker
at the presentation ceremony at the Ronald Reagan Business Centre
in Washington was US ambassador to Azerbaijan Anne Derse. She gave
an update on US-Azerbaijani economic relations. She said that the
two countries cooperate in different areas such as energy security,
the fight against terrorism and democracy. Generally, the USA views
Azerbaijan as its major partner in the economic area, as well as in
other areas. The main challenge is to further develop economic ties
and provide mutual assistance. Naturally, one of the main issues was
to increase the volume of US investments in Azerbaijan.
Derse said that the Azerbaijani government intended to develop the
non-oil sector. Being situated at the crossing of Asia and Europe,
Azerbaijan is a vital transport corridor. Derse mentioned the newly
commissioned Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline [designed to carry
Caspian oil to world markets] and the [Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum] gas
pipeline which is under construction. She said that these pipelines
would increase Azerbaijan’s role in the region. Touching on the
economic situation in Azerbaijan and US investment in the country,
Derse mentioned the non-oil sector. She said that the Azerbaijani
government wanted to develop the non-oil sector, including
telecommunications, agriculture and energy.
The business environment in Azerbaijan was immediately mentioned. It
was noted that there were certain problems in Azerbaijan such as
corruption and problems related to transparency. But the government
is already stepping up the fight against corruption and plans to
improve the situation in this area in accordance with international
standards. Corruption must also be tackled so that it does not prevent
Azerbaijan from spending its huge oil revenues in a very efficient way.
Investors who attended the meeting were interested in the situation
in Azerbaijan. They asked about how the Nagornyy Karabakh conflict
affected the investment climate in Azerbaijan. The ambassador said that
the conflict did not create problems for the investment climate in
Azerbaijan on the whole. There were other questions, too. It emerged
at the end of the meeting that a group of US businessmen and experts
from the US administration were expected to visit Azerbaijan soon to
hold talks with the government to resolve the problems of US companies
in Azerbaijan.
Ali Ahmadov, ANS, Washington.

PRESS RELEASE
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
Address: Vagharshapat, Republic of Armenia
Contact: Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian
Tel: (374 10) 517 163
Fax: (374 10) 517 301
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website:
August 18, 2006
Lake Sevan Hosts Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin
For the first time in more than a century, the ranks of the Brotherhood
of Holy Etchmiadzin have swelled to more than 90 members. In order
to increase their fraternal ties to one another and reinforce their
oath of service to God, the Armenian Church and the Mother See of
All Armenians, regular clergy conferences have been convened in Holy
Etchmiadzin for the past decade.
The second day of the 2006 conference, gathering the members of the
Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin, continued its activities on August
17. The two sessions of the day took place at the Vaskenian Theological
Seminary of Lake Sevan. Nearly 70 young monks and archimandrites
(vardapets) from throughout the world have gathered in Holy Etchmiadzin
on this occasion.
During the sessions, the priests participated in the lectures of
Very Rev. Fr. Mkrtich Proshian, Dean of the Vaskenian Theological
Seminary, and Very Rev. Fr. Komitas Hovnanian, (Marseille,
France). Fr. Proshian’s lecture was entitled “The Priest as Teacher
of the Faith”, and Fr. Hovnanian’s was entitled “The Priest as
Preacher”. Discussion sessions, as well as question and answer periods,
followed both lectures.
At the conclusion of the two sessions, the clergymen participated in
Evening Services at the historic monastery of Sevan, in the Church of
the Holy Apostles. The conference continues on Friday and Saturday,
concluding with Divine Liturgy in Holy Etchmiadzin on Sunday,
August 20.
##

PRESS RELEASE
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
Address:  Vagharshapat, Republic of Armenia
Contact:  Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian
Tel:  (374 10) 517 163
Fax:  (374 10) 517 301
E-Mail:  [email protected]
Website: 
August 18, 2006
His Holiness Karekin II Receives Pilgrims from
the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
On August 17, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and
Catholicos of All Armenians, received more than 50 pilgrims from the
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern). The pilgrims
are in Holy Etchmiadzin on the occasion of the 75th anniversary
of the establishment of their parish, St. James Armenian Church
in Watertown, Massachusetts. The delegation of faithful sons and
daughters of the Armenian Church was led by their parish priest,
Rev. Fr. Arakel Aljalian, and his wife, Yeretsgin Natasha.
Receiving the large group of pilgrims in the Pontifical Residence,
the Catholicos of All Armenians welcomed them to their spiritual
home and administrative center of the Holy Mother Church. Fr. Arakel
introduced the parish members to His Holiness and, on behalf of all
his parishioners, expressed his love and filial respect to the Mother
See and the Pontiff of All Armenians. He asked His Holiness for his
blessing and message to the pilgrims.
His Holiness extended his words of appreciation to the pilgrims
on the occasion of their visit and, noting their enthusiasm stated,
“…May our Lord inspire you with the new reality of our country – our
independent homeland, with the spiritual renaissance of our Church and
the developing life of our people, so that far from the homeland, but
with her love always in your souls, you continue working and toiling
with restlessness and consolation for the benefit of your own parish
and community, as well for our homeland and your brothers and sisters
who live here.”
His Holiness also reflected on Father Arakel’s years of service as
a pastor, commending him for his vigilant and dedicated service.
##
–Boundary_(ID_mm6Ej3WhY3ODmAA3L3uHN Q)–
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

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ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
08/17/2006
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WEBSITE AT HTTP://
1. ANCA Launches 2006 “Hye Voter Turnout” Campaign
2. Lebanon ARF Rejects Deployment of Turkish Troops in Lebanon
3. ARS Western USA Regional Executive
4. Russia Ends Transfer Of Military Equipment To Armenia
5. Second Pan-Armenian Educational Conference Kicks Off
6. Azerbaijan Repatriates Three Armenians
1. ANCA Launches 2006 “Hye Voter Turnout” Campaign
WASHINGTON–The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) has launched its
2006 “Hye Voter Turnout” campaign – a nation-wide, drive to ensure that record
numbers of Armenian American voters go to the polls this November 7th, armed
with timely and reliable information about where the candidates seeking their
votes stand on Armenian American issues.
The campaign took off this week with grassroots volunteers across the country
calling to speak with Congressional campaigns about the electoral value of the
ANCA 2006 Congressional Candidate Questionnaires. These questionnaires were
distributed nation-wide earlier this year to candidates for each of the 435
House seats and 33 Senate seats being contested this November.
An ANCA tradition for the better part of the past two decades–the
questionnaires provide candidates with the opportunity to outline their views
on issues of special concern to Armenian Americans. Responses to the
questionnaires will be widely distributed to Armenian Americans prior to
Election Day. The policy areas covered by the questionnaires are the
following:
The Armenian Genocide
US Support for Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh
US-Armenia Economic Relations
US Military Aid to Armenia and Azerbaijan
Self-Determination for Nagorno Karabakh
Conditions on US Aid to Azerbaijan
The Turkish Blockade of Armenia
Subsidy of a Proposed Caucasus Railway Bypass
The questionnaires are part of the “Hye Voter Turnout” campaign, a
nation-wide
grassroots effort to educate Armenian Americans about the policy issues
impacting Armenia, Nagorno Karabakh, and the surrounding region; provide
timely
and reliable information on the records and views of the candidates seeking
Armenian American votes, and; encourage increased civic participation in
local,
state, and national elections.
As in years past, a key component of the “Hye Voter Turnout” will be the ANCA
Congressional Report Card, a useful tool for voters that has proven itself an
enduring fixture on the Armenian American landscape. This rating system,
which
will be featured on the ANCA website – – assigns each
Congressional incumbent a grade based on their level of support for a broad
range of legislative initiatives on Armenian American issues. The ANCA will
issue Congressional endorsements later in the election cycle.
“The ANCA is gratified, once again, to offer our Congressional Candidate
Questionnaires as a public service to empower Armenian Americans as active and
informed participants in the coming election campaigns,” said Aram Hamparian,
Executive Director of the ANCA. “We encourage everyone to download the
questionnaires from our website, and invite all Armenian Americans who are
interested in getting politically involved this election season to contact us
at [email protected] to find out how to get in touch with their local ANCA chapter
and other area activists.”
Copies of the ANCA 2006 Congressional Candidate Questionnaire are provided in
Adobe PDF format and can be downloaded or printed from the ANCA website:
pdf
The full text of the ANCA 2006 Congressional Candidate Questionnaire is
provided below.
ANCA 2006 Congressional Candidate Questionnaire:
The Armenian Genocide:
Despite overwhelming evidence, Turkey continues to deny the Armenian
Genocide –
the systematic and deliberate massacre of 1.5 million Armenians between
1915-1923.
1. Do you support the adoption of the Congressional Armenian Genocide
Resolution?
US Support for Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh:
US aid has strengthened Armenia’s economy by promoting trade and investment,
and by helping offset the impact of the Turkish and Azerbaijani blockades.
2. Do you support US aid and other programs to strengthen Armenia’s
self-reliance?
3. Do you support continued US developmental and humanitarian aid to Nagorno
Karabakh?
US-Armenia Economic Relations:
Over the past five years, US-Armenia trade levels have nearly doubled,
creating
export, investment and commercial opportunities for US firms.
4. Do you support actions to expand US-Armenia economic
relations?
US Military Aid to Armenia and Azerbaijan:
Since 2001, based on an agreement between the White House and Congress to
promote peace and regional stabilty, parity has been maintained in the
level of
military aid to Armenia and Azerbaijan.
5. Do you support maintaining parity in US military aid to Armenia and
Azerbaijan?
Self-Determination for Nagorno Karabakh:
In 1923 Stalin carved Nagorno Karabakh out of Armenia and placed it under
Soviet Azerbaijani rule, setting the stage for seven decades of oppression,
followed, after 1988, by Azerbaijan’s ethnic cleansing aggression against the
population of this Armenian territory.
6. Do you support the people of Nagorno Karabakh’s right to
self-determination?
Conditions on US Aid to Azerbaijan:
In 1992 Congress passed Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act to limit aid to
Azerbaijan until it lifts its blockades of Armenia and Karabakh. In 2001 the
Congress reaffirmed its support for this law, but gave the President limited
waiver authority.
7. Do you support maintaining Section 907?
The Turkish Blockade of Armenia:
In 1996 the Congress enacted the Humanitarian Aid Corridor Act in response to
Turkey’s policy of blocking US humanitarian aid to Armenia.
8. Do you support legislative and other means to urge Turkey to end its
blockade of Armenia?
9. Do you supporting pressing Turkey, as a condition for purchasing US
arms, to
end its blockade of Armenia, occupation of Cyprus, attacks on Kurds,
restrictions on Christians, and rights abuses?
Subsidy of a Proposed Caucasus Railway Bypass:
US taxpayers are being asked to fund the construction of an unnecessary and
costly railroad between Turkey and Georgia, whose sole purpose is to undermine
the economic viability of the existing railroad going through Armenia.
10. Do you oppose taxpayer subsidies for a politically motivated new railroad
that circumvents Armenia?
2. Lebanon ARF Rejects Deployment of Turkish Troops in Lebanon
BEIRUT–The Armenian Revolutionary Federation Central Committee of Lebanon
issued an announcement Wednesday unequivocally rejecting the proposed
deployment of Turkish troops as part of an international peace keeping force
mandated under the UN cease-fire resolution 1701.
“Turkey should reevaluate its history before even thinking about taking part
in an international peace keeping force,” the announcement declared.
“The inclusion–by the Security Council–of Turkey within the peace keeping
force to be deployed in southern Lebanon will be an insult to the collective
memory of the Armenian people,” affirmed the Lebanon ARF.
The Lebanon Central Committee expressed hope that the Lebanese government
will
also oppose the deployment of Turkish troops, citing Turkey’s historic enmity
with many countries and its people and its bloody past, which resulted in the
Armenian Genocide.
As a historical reminder, the announcement highlighted Lebanon’s own bloody
history with Turkey and the Ottoman Empire, which through systematic
persecution and murder.
ARS Western US Appeals for Lebanon Relief Efforts
The Armenia Relief Society Western US Regional Executive appealed to the
Armenian community of the Western United States to actively participate in the
Lebanon relief efforts by donating to a ARS Lebanese Relief. Below is the
translated text of that appeal:
The heroic people of Lebanon are facing difficult times. As a result of the
war, hundreds of thousands of people have been left homeless and destitute.
The
country, including the Armenian community of Lebanon, is confronted with
serious socio-economic problems.
It is our responsibility to assist our brethren in Lebanon and immediately
extend a helping hand to them.
Through your tax deductible donation, you can save a lives, provide food and
medication to those affected or displaced.
Send your donations to ARS Lebanese Relief Fund to ARS Western USA Inc., 517
W. Glenoaks Blvd., Glendale, CA 91202-2812. You may contact our offices by
phone at (818) 500-1343 or via email at [email protected].
3. ARS Western USA Regional Executive
Prosecutors Probe ‘Gross Violations’ In Environment Protection
YEREVAN (RFE/RL)–A senior prosecutor Thursday accused Armenia’s Environment
Ministry of condoning illegal logging, poaching, mining and other activities
which he said are inflicting great damage on environment.
According to Deputy Prosecutor-General Gevorg Danielian, a six-month inquiry
conducted by the Prosecutor-General’s Office this year found “serious
violations” in the ministry’s operations. Danielian said the ministry and its
territorial divisions have failed to take meaningful action against the
continuing destruction of forests and other green areas across the country.
The
few individuals caught for illegally cutting trees usually get off with minor
fines or are not punished at all, he claimed.
“The same is true for all other spheres of environment protection such as
illegal fishing and poaching and illegal mining,” Danielian told RFE/RL. “Such
violations are of serious concern to us.”
He said the law-enforcement agency’s Department on the Protection of State
Interests has sent the findings of its inquiry to the Environment Ministry and
expects it to give an official response by September 2. No criminal charges
have been brought so far, he added.
The ministry declined to comment on the allegations. A spokesman said
Environment Minister Vartan Ayvazian is currently on holiday and will
personally respond to them after he returns to work later this month.
The extraordinary probe will only stoke renewed speculation that Ayvazian may
soon be relieved of his duties. The Russian newspaper “Trud” reported last
week
that the Armenian government is considering sacking him for mismanagement,
misuse of public funds and frequent trips abroad.
The Yerevan daily “Aravot” on Thursday quoted Ayvazian as dismissing the
rumors through a spokesman and blaming them unspecified individuals who “steal
gold” in Armenia. Ayvazian has had an uneasy rapport with foreign investors
exploiting Armenia’s gold reserves. Some of them have implicitly accused
him of
bribery.
4. Russia Ends Transfer Of Military Equipment To Armenia
YEREVAN (RFE/RL)–Russia was reportedly completing on Thursday the transfer of
military equipment from one of its two Soviet-era bases in Georgia to Russian
troops stationed in Armenia.
Russian news agencies said a convoy of 13 military trucks and armored
vehicles
left the Russian base in Akhalkalak, southern Georgia, early in the morning
and
was expected to cross the Armenian border in the afternoon. Russian military
officials were quoted as saying that it is the 12th and last batch of military
hardware and other equipment sent to Armenia since the start of a gradual
Russian pullout from Georgia last May.
Under a Russian-Georgian agreement signed earlier this year, Moscow is to
close the bases headquartered in Akhalkalak and the Georgian Black Sea city of
Batum by the end of 2008. Most of the tanks and other heavy weaponry of the
Akhalkalak facility are due to be transported to Russia by rail via
Azerbaijan.
Unlike Georgia, Armenia is a member of the Russian-led Collective Security
Treaty Organization and regards Russian military presence as a key element of
its national security doctrine. Yerevan has made it clear that Russian troops
will remain on Armenian soil in the foreseeable future despite its growing
military ties with NATO and the United States in particular.
The Russian military had moved military equipment from the Armenian-populated
Georgian town to its larger base in Gyumri, northwestern Armenia, even before
the agreement. The shipments sparked protests by Azerbaijan which feared that
it could be transferred to the Armenian military and thereby change the
balance
of forces in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Russian officials have assured
Baku
that the materiel is meant for the Gyumri base only.
Russia’s reluctant pullout raised fears of an upsurge in tensions in
Akhalkalak and other parts of Georgia’s impoverished Javakhk region which is
mainly populated by ethnic Armenians. The Russian base has long been Javakhk’s
largest employer. There have been no reports of major unrest there in recent
months.
5. Second Pan-Armenian Educational Conference Kicks Off
YEREVAN (Armenpress)–The second Pan-Armenian educational conference
officially
began Thursday at the Arno Babajanian small Philharmonic Hall.
Hranush Hakobian, the head of the Armenian Parliament’s Science, Education,
Culture and Youth Affairs Commission, said that this year directors of 150
educational establishments, teachers, representatives of different educational
organizations from 23 countries are participating in the conference.
Armenian President Robert Kocharian, Karabakh President Arkady Ghoukassian
and
His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians sent messages on the
occasion of the opening of the conference, which will start its work tomorrow
in Tsakhkadzor.
6. Azerbaijan Repatriates Three Armenians
YEREVAN, BAKU (RFE/RL)–Azerbaijan on Thursday repatriated three Armenian
nationals that were detained last month after straying into Azeri territory in
uncertain circumstances.
Citing the Azeri Ministry of National Security, the Trend news agency
reported
that the hand over was arranged by the International Committee of the Red
Cross
and took place in the westernmost section of the Armenian-Azeri frontier,
which
is close to Georgia.
The Armenian Defense Ministry spokesman, Colonel Seyran Shahsuvarian,
confirmed the information, saying that all three men are civilians. “They had
accidentally crossed into Azerbaijan,” Shahsuvarian told RFE/RL. He said
two of
them entered Azeri territory via Georgia but could not give further details.
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GOLDEN POMEGRANATE ANNUAL TRADE FAIR OF ARMENIAN PRODUCTS TO BE HELD IN MOSCOW ON SEPTEMBER 9-10
Arka News Agency, Armenia
Aug. 17, 2006
YEREVAN, August 17. /ARKA/. “Golden Pomegranate” annual trade fair
of Armenian products will be held in Moscow Revolution square on
September 9-10. The representation of Yerevan in Moscow informed
ARKA News Agency that Armenian producers of industrial products and
foodstuffs had been informed to take part in the fair. Jewelries and
souvenirs, different makes of national and art will be exhibited at
the fair. By tradition Armenian producers will present to the visitors
of the fair products of the Armenian national cuisine, which will be
available for tasting for everybody.
In the scope of the program citizens and guests of Moscow will be
able to enjoy a rich cultural-entertainment program: performances
of stars of Armenian and Russian stages, children’s and adults’
folk collectives, dance and instrumental groups.
“Golden Pomegranate” trade fair is held within the framework of
implementation of the agreement on trade-economic cooperation between
the governments of Moscow and Republic of Armenia. “NEVA-EXPO” jsc
authorized by the RA government is the organizer of the fair.
The fair will be held with the support of the RA government, Armenian
Embassy in Russia, Moscow city government, Yerevan municipality,
representation of Yerevan municipality in Moscow, consumer market
department of Moscow, department of food resources in Moscow and
Moscow prefecture.

ARMENIA LAUNCHES DEVELOPMENT OF STATE CONCEPTION OF INFORMAL EDUCATION
Arka News Agency, Armenia
Aug. 17, 2006
YEREVAN, August 17 /ARKA/. The Armenian Ministry of Culture and Youth
Affairs started implementation of the conception of informal education,
which is included in the program of strategic actions on the state
youth policy for 2006-2007.
The press service of the ministry reported that the work on the
document was included in the plan of actions of the government
for 2007.
With the aim to work out the conception, the ministry of culture
created a working expert group that consists of representatives of
both the public sector and NGOs.
Establishment of cooperation with all the interested structures: public
authorities, international and non-governmental organizations, is to
be carried out within the frameworks of working out the conception.
It is planned to conduct public discussions over the preliminary
version of the conception, which will be organized on
and
The working out of the conception was preceded by a conference,
participated by experts of Informal Education in Armenia and interested
persons on March 3-6. The conference addressed the issues of creating
an effective system of informal education and the current situation
in this sphere.

AZERBAIJAN RETURNS THREE CIVILIANS TO ARMENIA
Arka News Agency, Armenia
Aug. 17, 2006
YEREVAN, August 17 /ARKA/. Three civilians were returned to Armenia
from Azerbaijan with the support of the International Committee of
the Red Cross (ICRC). The ICRC press service reported that this took
place on the road between the Armenian city of Ijevan and Azerbaijani
city of Kasakh.
By request of the Armenian and Azerbaijani governments, the ICRC on
its own initiative rendered assistance with the transportation of
these people, acting as a neutral mediator.
The ICRC representatives visited the hostages before their return to
make sure that they were going to the homeland voluntarily.
Since 1992, the ICRC has rendered assistance in returning 659 people
to their homelands. The ICRC will continue to render assistance if
needed.