RECONSTRUCTION OF HADRUT
Azat Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh Republic [NKR]
07 Aug 2006
Hadrut is one of the old settlements in Artsakh. In 1923 it became the
administrative center of the region of Hadrut. The town is surrounded
with high mountains in the south, west and north, in the east it looks
at the Artsakh valley. This geographical position has always been very
important in defending the settlement from the enemies. During the war
in Artsakh Hadrut went through great difficulties. On August 15, 1992
the foe stepped up an offensive in the direction of Hadrut, intending
to capture the hill of Khurhat and the village of Melikashen. The
fall of Hadrut would endanger NKR. The local militants and the force
that joined them counterattacked and prevented their advance.
The war in Artsakh took the lives of 57 people. 22 peaceful people were
killed during shelling. During the war, Hadrut had a very important
strategic position; a number of attempts were made to capture the
town. Over 150 houses, schools, shops, restaurants, thousands of km
of power transmission lines were damaged. In the post-war years 140
houses and apartments have been reconstructed, 48 apartments have
been built for the families of the killed soldiers, refugees and
poor families. The building of the music school and the Center of
Children’s Art has been repaired. The repair of the secondary school
of Hadrut is over, the repair of the gym and the club is underway. The
streets are being repaired, the government has provided 350 million
drams for this purpose.
Water remains the main problem of the town of Hadrut. The water supply
system was built in 1976 and has not been repaired since. Hadrut is
supplied from underground water, which is pumped to the town from
a pumping station three km from the town. The pumping station does
not operate normally and the town gets almost no water. There was a
plan to lay a 5-km pipeline from the Parzaget, and water will flow
to the town under natural pressure. In 1995, Armenia Foundation built
the second pipeline and installed a filtering station. The filtering
station did not work, however, because of the lack of corresponding
materials. Currently the draught has made the situation worse. The
government allocated 1.5 million drams to repair the pumping station
and the artesian wells. Hopefully, the new quarter of Hadrut will soon
have water, which will flow to the town under natural pressure, said
Mayor A. Abrahamian. The City Hall is going to celebrate the day of
the town on August 15, which has already become a traditional holiday.
E. DAVITIAN.

“WE KNOW WHEN WE SHOULD USE AND SAVE BULLETS”
Azat Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh Republic [NKR]
07 Aug 2006
The defense ministry of Azerbaijan announces that the Karabakh
party often breaks the cease-fire in different parts of the front
line. Are these statements true and what is the purpose of Baku for
circulating these rumors? We asked Major-General Samvel Karapetian,
First Vice Commander of the Defense Army, to answer these and
other questions. Mr. Vice Commander, what is the situation at the
Karabakh-Azerbaijani front line? Samvel Karapetian: The situation
continues to be stable at the front line. Our force on sentry duty
fulfills its task in accordance with the bylaws and does everything
to guarantee the security of our country. The Azerbaijani side often
accuses the Karabakh border guards of breaking the cease-fire. What
would you say in this connection?
Samvel Karapetian: I would say it is misinformation. Yes, there are
cases of violation of the cease-fire but the Azerbaijanis should
look for the cause among themselves. For us, we know when we should
use and save bullets. The Karabakh party upholds peace and I wish
our potential foe also upheld it. We speak about peace and at the
same time we build a powerful fortification. Does this mean that we
contradict ourselves? Samvel Karapetian: Absolutely no. We take every
step considering the political military situation in the region. Let
us not mix up cease-fire with peace. The resumption of war is highly
probably and we have but become stronger and more powerful. They say if
you want peace, get ready for war. As a person in charge of the front
line of the army, how do you assess the border installations? Samvel
Karapetian: Highly effective.
But this does not mean that there is nothing else to do. The
construction of the fortification began immediately after the
truce. However, this process became better coordinated in 2000, and
continues. It is very important that we know what we want to do and
how. And what do we want? Samvel Karapetian: We want to have defense,
which could resist all kinds of strikes, by air, artillery, tanks or
landing. The army command calls the fortification a defense shield,
which must guarantee the security of the soldier at the front line
to stand up and fight against the attack of the foe without fear
and defend the defense line. Considering the volume and quality
of this work, I can state that the country has effective border
installations, which will be improved further on. Is this the reason
why no significant incidents were reported at the borderline this
year? Samvel Karapetian: Not only that. I would like to emphasize first
of all the discretion of the personnel, the organizational ability
and responsibility of the officers and soldiers. Entrenchment and
fortification are only means of defense, and it depends on knowledge
and training of the soldier how to use them. This enabled to avoid
incidents, which often occur during the sniper war waged by the foe,
the hard climate and geography. I am hopeful that our soldiers will
go on to display conscious approach to the problem and will fulfill
the important duty of defense of the homeland.
The Goyamart.

RATE OF BIRTH GREW COMPARED WITH 2005
Azat Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh Republic [NKR]
07 Aug 2006
The NKR National Statistics Service reports, 1203 children were born
in the first half of 2006, compared with 1169 in the first half of
2005. Hence, the natural growth of the population totaled 454 and
increased by 12.7 percent, compared with the first half of 2005. This
year 398 marriages were registered, compared with 354 in the first
half of 2005. The rate of divorce remained 64.
By official records, 534 people arrived in NKR in the first half of
2006 (internal migration excluded) and 643 people left NKR. GRAIN CROP
YIELD DECLINED. The NKR National Statistics Service reports that as
of July 31, 52763 ha of grain was harvested, which is 94.5 percent of
the total area under crop (55814.4 ha). 62.06 thousand tons of wheat
was threshed, the average yield totaled 11.8 metric centners per
hectare, including the region of Askeran 12313.4 ha, 14.24 thousand
tons, 13.7 metric centners, Hadrut 7897 ha, 9.33 thousand tons,
11.8 metric centners, Martakert 8043.6 ha, 11.47 thousand tons, 14.3
metric centners, Martuni 13101 ha, 17.99 thousand tons, 13.7 metric
centners, Shushi 830 ha, 356.9 tons, 4.3 metric centners, Shahumyan
78 ha, 23.4 thousand tons and 3 metric centners, Kashatagh 10500 ha,
8.64 thousand tons, 8.2 tons.
The yield of grain crops declined by 14.6 percent or 2 metric centners
compared with the average yield as of August 1, 2005 (13.8 metric
centners).
AA.

PROPOSED TO PROHIBIT PREPARING AND SALE OF HOT FOOD IN YEREVAN UNDERGROUND CROSSINGS
YEREVAN, AUGUST 7, NOYAN TAPAN. As a result of researches implemented
at 24 underground crossings of Yerevan by the Rescue Service of the RA
Ministry of Territorial Administration, by the Yerevan Mayor’s Office
and community heads’ offices, it was proposed to prohibit preparing
and sale of hot food in underground crossings. Vrezh Gabrielian, the
Deputy Chief of the Rescue Service informed about it at the August
7 press-conference. He mentioned that this food is mainly prepared
in non-satisfying sanitary hygienic conditions and is dangerous for
people’s health. According to V.Gabrielian, there are underground
crossings which have not been restored for a long time and became
dangerous from the viewpoint of future operation. The underground
crossing of the “Barekamutyun” (Friendship) underground station which
is made use of by metro passengers as well, was mentioned as the most
dangerous one. V.Gabrielian informed that restoration works are being
done at present in the crossing. Similar works will be implemented
also in a number of other underground crossings of the capital as well.

TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS INCREASE BY 37 IN YEREVAN IN FIRST HALF YEAR
YEREVAN, AUGUST 7, NOYAN TAPAN. 291 traffic accidents were fixed in
Yerevan in January-July as result of what 32 people died, 306 people
were injured.
Vrezh Gabrielian, the Deputy Chief of the RA Territorial Administration
informed about it at the August 7 press-conference. He mentioned
that compared with the first half year of the previous year, traffic
accidents increased by 37 cases, number of deaths by 2. According to
V.Gabrielian, the main reason of increase of traffic accidents is the
increase of the number of cars in the capital. It was also mentioned
that 726 cases of poisoning from domestic gas, food and alcohol were
fixed in the first half of this year. According to V.Gabrielian,
it is more by 120 cases compared with the same period of time of the
previous year.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

VICTOR DALLAKIAN LEAVES “JUSTICE”
YEREVAN, AUGUST 7, NOYAN TAPAN. Victor Dallakian, Secretary of the RA
National Assembly Justice faction, withdrew from the faction. Radio
Liberty reported that V. Dallakian on August 5 filed an application
to the Justice faction’s head Stepan Demirchian. “I inform you that I
am withdrawing from the membership of the Justice faction. I express
my gratitude to you and the faction members for our joint activity. I
apologize to you all if there have been any shortcomings in my work,”
the application reads.

INFORMATION ON NEW FOREIGN CAR IMPORTS SUBMITTED TO RA COMMISSION ON
ECONOMIC COMPETITION PROTECTION DOES NOT REFLECT REAL MARKET SITUATION
YEREVAN, AUGUST 7, NOYAN TAPAN. At the August 7 sitting, the RA State
Commission on Protection of Economic Competition approved the results
of studies in several commodity markets. According to these studies,
in 2005, eleven economic entities were operating on the new Russian
passenger car market, with Armenia-Lada and Carcomavto accounting
for the largest share of the market.
4,378 new Russian vehicles and 141 used ones were sold in the
market. In 2005, 43 companies were operating on the new “far
abroad” passenger car market, with Muran, Megna, Carcomavto, Fora,
Armenia-Lada, Eurovagen, Euromotors, Avangard Motors companies
accounting for a large share of sales. According to the information
of the State Customs Committee, last year 16,471 passenger cars
were imported into Armenia, 5,524 of which were imported by economic
entities and 10,947 – by natural persons. The comparison of the data
received from the State Customs Committee and economic entities showed
that in 2005, only 552 new foreign cars were imported into Armenia by
economic entities. The commission called these facts in question as
it is possible that the passenger cars imported by economic entities
at the request of natural persons cross the border as belonging to
natural persons rather than to economic entities – importers.
The provisions of the RA Law on Protection of Economic Competition
do not apply to the economic activity of natural persons, while,
according to the commission, the information about imports of new
foreign cars does not reflect the real situation on the market. So,
under the commission’s decision, additional studies will be conducted
on the given market. In the commission’s estimation, Armenia-Lada and
Carcomavto represent an economic entity – a group of persons on the
new Russian passenger car market and account for about 95% of the
market. Muran, Megna, Carcomavto, Fora and Armenia-Lada companies
are operating as a group of persons in the new “far abroad” car
market. Out of these two groups of persons, the former was recorded in
the register of entities with a dominating position. The commission
also studied the market of electric lamps. The studies revealed
that 128 economic entities were operating in the commodity market
“Domestic Electric Lamps” last year. Grand Sun (47.7%) and Carlita
(28%) companies were leading ones in terms of market sales. By the
commission’s decision, Grand Sun was recorded as in the register of
economic entities as one with a dominating position. The commission
made a decision, according to which Armenian Railway CJSC that has no
competitor was also qualified as a company with a dominating position
in the reailway service sector.

There are no Captives and Hostages in Kharabagh
ArmRadio.am
07.08.2006 19:22
Since May 12 1994 there are no hostages and captives in
Kharabagh. Detached cases of captivity of Azerbaijanian soldiers
may occur during ravaging actions.These cases are immediately being
reported to the Red Cross International Committee Office in Stepanakert
by the NKR authorities.
In 1-2 months by mediation of the Red Cross International Committee
these captives are being returned to the Azerbaijanian side. The
coordinator of the Committee “Helsinki Initiation-92” Karen Ohanjanian
informed the own correspondent of ArmInfo about this. He interpreted
the “Turan” agency information, where in particularly it is said:
“In the tunnels of golden mines of Kelbajar Azerbaijanian captives
are being used”.
“The Azerbaijanian authorities are raising the problem of azeri
captives in Kharabagh in order to conceal the loses of their
army by the war obligated by them. Instead of helping Armenian
and Azerbaijanian Non Governmental Organization for solving this
humanitarian problem Baku makes it political”, mentioned Karen
Ohanjanian.
We want to remind that a regional conference of experts
of traceless losts’ conference took place the other day in
Stepanakert. Representatives from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia
and NKR participated in the conference which was organized within
the framework of “Yellow Tulips” project by the contribution of the
Church World Committee. In their speeches the reporters spoke about
different aspects of traceless losts, presented the role of Mass Media
in the regulation of the problem, the attitude of State Structures’
towards the problem.

PRESIDENT KOCHARIAN MEET CHAIRMAN OF THE COURT OF CASSATION
ArmRadio.am
07.08.2006 20:15
Armenian President Robert Kocharian conducted today a working meeting
with the chairman of the Court of Cassation Hovhannes Manukian. The
presidential press service informed Armenpress that during the
meeting they discussed issues on judicial reforms as well as on the
legislative package approved by the National Assembly connected with
the judicial system.
After the constitutional reforms a necessity arose to make urgent
legislative changes on making the activity of the Court of Cassation
in accordance with the Constitution. Hovhannes Manukian also informed
the president that in coming week they are going to review all the
cases which are in the Court of Cassation.

LEBANON’S ARMENIANS NOT AFFECTED BY ISRAELI FIRING
Arka News Agency, Armenia
Aug. 7, 2006
YEREVAN, August 7. /ARKA/. Lebanon’s Armenians have not been affected
by the Israeli firing, Lebanese Ambassador to Armenia Gabriel Zheara
told journalists in Yerevan.
“I state with all the responsibility that none of Armenians residing
in Lebanon became a victim of the firing at Lebanese territories,”
According to Zheara, the Armenian community has not experienced
neither physical, nor material losses during bombardments at Lebanon.
“Probably, this is accounted for by the Lord’s love towards Armenians,”
Zheara said and expressed his joy regarding this.
The Armenian community in Lebanon appeared at the end of the 19th
century. After mass persecutions and the Armenian Genocide in Ottoman
Turkey in 1915, the Armenian community in Lebanon became one of the
most numerous ones in the world. It currently consists of 120,000
people. Armenian school function in the country and three daily
newspapers are published. R.O. -0–