The Standard, Kenya
July 1 2006
Brothers travelled with shared passport

By PATRICK MATHANGANI and BIKETI KIKECHI
The Artur passports mystery deepened yesterday as it emerged they
used the same travel document at least once and were cleared by the
Immigration Department.
Also, when they were kicked out of Kenya, none of the names in their
air tickets corresponded with the names in the deportation order
signed by Immigration minister, Gideon Konchella.
It was further revealed that when Artur Sagarsyan was deported,
immigration officials gave him a travel certificate exclusively
reserved for Kenyans wishing to travel within East Africa.
This means Sagarsyan can still travel to Uganda, Kenya or Tanzania
until July 9, the expiry date of the certificate that should have
been valid only for the day he travelled.
The principal Immigration Officer in charge of Jomo Kenyatta
International Airport, Mr John Cheruiyot, said despite the security
issue raised by the discrepancies, the Arturs were still allowed to
travel.
JKIA is regarded as Kenya’s most secure airport, and travellers are
extensively vetted before boarding planes. Cheruiyot admitted that if
such discrepancies had been noted on a foreigner entering the
country, he or she would have been turned back. When the Armenians
finally left, no records were kept at JKIA to show they had been
deported.
“Our system does not capture deportation. Anybody going through the
system won’t know if they were deported,” Cheruiyot told the
commission sitting at Kenyatta International Conference Centre.
Despite the inconsistencies in their travel tickets, Kenya Airways
allowed the foreigners to travel, following consultations with the
immigration department, he said.
Evidence adduced by businessman Raju Sangani showed the two first
came to Kenya on November 10, 2005. Sangani sent his `acquaintances’
to meet them at the airport.
However, Cheruiyot said records at the Immigration Department show
while Artur Margaryan came to Kenya on the said date, Sargasyan
arrived on December 13, 2005.
He produced the records showing the Arturs’ movement in and out of
Kenya from the first day to the date they were deported.
Instead, the records show it was a man named Arthur Gevorkyan who
accompanied Margaryan to Kenya on November 10. It emerged that this
is the passport Sargasyan had used when he first came to Kenya in the
company of Margaryan on November 10.
When he was finally deported, Margaryan used Gevorkyan’s passport,
meaning the two brothers used the same passport on different dates
and were cleared to travel.
Cheruiyot told the commission of inquiry investigating the conduct of
the Artur brothers that he was learning for the first time about how
they kept changing their identities. “After looking at these records,
I realise they played a trick,” Cheruiyot told a hushed sitting.
Records further show none of the Artur’s travelled on the day they
held a press conference at JKIA’s VIP lounge, which is reserved for
senior people in the Government and dignitaries.
On that day, (March 13, 2006) records show it was the man named as
Gevorkyan who arrived from Dubai.
Cheruiyot said Kenya does not have a document to issue to deportees.
In the case of Sargasyan, officials had to improvise and gave him one
reserved for Kenyans travelling in East Africa, he said.
He explained that they forgot to cancel the segment that gave
Sargasyan the go ahead to return.

The Standard, Kenya
July 1 2006
Raju: How I brought the `Arturs’ to Kenya

By Patrick Mathangani and Biketi Kikechi
A friend of businessman Kamlesh Pattni who invited the so-called
Artur brothers to Kenya and ensured they lived like kings yesterday
narrated to the Kiruki Commission the story of their grand arrival
and stay.
Mr Raju Rajendra Sanghani narrated how he met the bogus brothers,
invited them to Kenya, booked them in a five-star hotel – linked to
Pattni – and later secured them a posh home.
He also generously spoke about how he hooked them onto the right
connections, including memorable sessions with former Foreign
minister Kalonzo Musyoka, who they wanted to use as the gateway for
their “businesses” in the region.
The emergence of Sanghani’s face in the latest saga, added to the
fact that Pattni was pictured dining and wining with the
gold-bedecked impostors at their Runda home, gave a fresh spin to the
latest nightmare for President Kibaki’s Government. (Pattni later
said that he had gone to see the alleged brothers in order to solicit
funds for his children’s home.)
In political circles, the dramatic entry of the bogus brothers into
Kenya, the curious manner in which they were deported despite arrest
with illegal guns and fake passports, and the general manner
high-ranking public officials kid-gloved them, is being seen as
having inflicted on the Kibaki administration more political wounds
than Anglo Leasing scandals.
The man fondly referred to as Raju in business circles, and who has
spent time in the Kenyan jail for assaul , said he first met the
impostors in Dubai. At the first introduction, the burly bearded
“younger brother” went by the name James while the clean-shaven
elder “brother” was Arthur.
Sanghani – who was in 2002 jailed with his brother for ordering
guards to beat up men sent by a solicitor to list the goods they
owned – downed several glasses of water as he fielded questions on
the foreigners for whom he rolled the red carpet, ostensibly on
behalf of a mutual rich friend he met in India.
Raju said he was mesmerised by the “brothers” when they poured
half-a-million US dollars (Sh37 million) in cash onto the table in
Dubai for him to carry to Kenya.
For the second time, the name of little-known Mohamed Zakir Oomer
featured, this time not just as a co-director with the Artur’s in
Brotherlink International Ltd Company, but as the big-time player at
whose behest Sanghani rolled the red carpet for the bogus brothers.
Raju, a man with a silvery hair patch at the front of his head, said
he hoped to make a windfall in business with the so-called Armenians.
Raju’s side of the story was that he accidentally met Oomer, an old
pal, in Mumbai in May 2005 and they agreed to discuss investment in
Kenya.
Although the deal wasn’t sealed they agreed to try property
development in Kenya and Oomer called five months later to say he was
travelling to Kenya with some investors.
They were allegedly looking for an investment worth about $5 million
(Sh365 million) and wanted Raju’s assistance during their stay in
Kenya.
Oomer arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport with two other
people who were introduced him as Arthur and James. “These people who
are commonly referred to as “Artur Brothers” were also introduced as
members of the Armenian royal family,” said Raju.
He booked them at Grand Regency and it was during the period, that he
also introduced them to Kalonzo at Serena Hotel after they
accidentally met in the corridor.
Sanghani said they requested to meet Kalonzo again because as a
former Minister, he would help them establish business connections in
neighbouring states.
The main session was held at the Grand Regency where the Mwingi MP
met with a different group later in the evening.
The three impostors left the country on November 15, 2005 most
probably impressed with the hospitality of the local people and how
easily they could get connected to people in high places.
Sanghani travelled to Dubai where he met the brothers two weeks later
. They attempted to give him the thousands of dollars to purchase
property for them in Kenya.
He declined because it was not the “proper manner” of transacting
business and transferring money. A few days later, Oomer and the
brothers arrived in Nairobi, and informed Sanghani that they had
received other offers from people he didn’t know.
A month later they requested for a house that was leased to them in
Runda through Sanghani’s real estate agency. They also allegedly
requested for cars from Sanghani and he offered them three Toyota
Harriers from the six he had purchased for sale in Uganda.
Sanghani claimed that he was assured that the cars would be used in
Uganda and they agreed to follow the right procedures by paying the
relevant duties. He gave them three luxurious cars, all Toyota
Harriers, with a verbal sale agreement that was never honoured.
He is now pleading that the vehicles, now in the hands of the police,
be returned to him because they were worthy Sh7.5 million and the
Armenians handed him a measly Sh1.8 million without documentation.
Sanghani who guzzled several glasses of water, and appeared to be
navigating strange waters, was shocked when he was told he should
take responsibility of the “Armenians brothers” presence in Kenya.
“Although you say you didn’t bring them, I believe you did and you
should take that responsibility,” said assisting counsel Ms Dorcas
Oduor.
She told Sanghani that he invited them to the country, sent his
people to the airport and booked them at Grand Regency Hotel.
Sanghani told the Commission that he later took the bogus brothers
around Nairobi up-market estates in search of a house.
He said whatever happened to the two masqueraders before and during
their deportation was unfortunate. “Because you invited them and now
that they have been deported, what can you say to this Commission?”
asked Oduor. “It is just unfortunate. I don’t know what to say,”
replied Sanghani.
>From Sanghani’s testimony it turned out that the Armenians were
masters in undercover money-deals. All their payments were always in
six-figure digits and were made in cash despite the risk involved.
“Why did you let them handle transactions in cash when there is too
much risk in the world of business?” Asked Oduor. Sanghani’s response
was as those to earlier questions.
He said: “I believed them in good faith and remember they had put $
500,000 on the table in Dubai.”
Following is the verbatim exchange between Oduor and Sanghani on his
role in their coming to Kenya:
Dorcas: Although you are saying that you did not bring these people
into this country, I believe you did bring them from what you have
explained. If our documentation shows that the November 10 is when
they first came into this country, then they were coming to do
business with you and you were their host.
Sanghani: Can I just say something. Zakir had been visiting this
country many times before 10th November. He is the one who said he
must organise them to come and do business here and if you read my
statement, I have said he told me if I can assist him, meaning Zakir
knew many other people besides me. They were not full time with me…
Dorcas: But on this particular day at least we can safely say that
you communicated that they were coming . You went for them at the
airport; you arranged for them to be booked at the Grand Regency
Hotel…
Sanghani: Ok, I can say that, but…yeah, ok…I mean it depends on how
you look at it.
He revealed they have been communicating since they were deported and
that they have called either twice or thrice. “They are normal calls
because they were trying to get a copy of the lease agreement.”
Evidence provided by Immigration officers showed that Oomer first
came to Kenya last November contrary to Sanghani’s evidence that they
first came eight years ago.
Sanghani said he introduced them to many significant people
especially in the business world.
He admitted that he visited their home in Runda several times and
that at one point two other people stayed in that house.

IF THEY UNDERSTAND, THEY WILL FINANCE
Lragir.am
1 July 06

On June 30 U.S. Ambassador John Evans stated that the United States
assists in working out a long-term energy strategy in Armenia.
John Evans affirmed that the Unites States perceives the importance of
the use of alternative energy sources and diversification of energy
supply, and knows that in this context one of the options under
consideration is the building of a new atomic power plant. Evans
announced that the project of building a new atomic plant involves
participation of international donors, which depends on the
possibility to perceive fully the strategy of Armenia in the sphere of
energy and closing of the old atomic power plant.
John Evans suggested that Armenia discuss how the settlement of
complicated problems with Azerbaijan will affect diversification of
energy supply and finding new markets for generated electricity.

VAHRAM BAGHDASARYAN BLAMES U.S.
Lragir.am
1 July 06
Commenting on the revaluation of the Armenian dram at the Pastark
Club, Member of Parliament Vahram Baghdasaryan, Deputy Chair of the
Committee of Finance and Budget, asked to forget about revaluation of
the dram on June 30.
`Let us forget about the revaluation of the dram. Revaluation of the
dram and generally currency results from economic reforms or
significant economic growth in that country, which is felt by people
rather than seen on paper.I think you agree that we did not have
significant achievements,’ says Vahram Baghdasaryan.
It does not mean, however, that the instigator of the dram-dollar
operation is in Armenia. `There are, of course, negative phenomena, I
can speak about some of them, moreover, these are the political
intrigues, the games of the United States rather. To execute someone
who is earning billions. It is possible that they are earning a sum,
that there are negative phenomena. But there is a serous political
problem rather than a small country would be able to make such changes
with the dram or with the dollar,’ says Vahram Baghdasaryan.
According to him, if the dram is in harmony with the economy, it means
our economy is sustainable, whereas fluctuations show that there is a
problem. `We need not be concerned about the dollar. We need to find
the remedy in our economy, and become adjusted to outside games. We
should compare now the fluctuations of the dollar in another country,
such as France. If we have the same here, it means it is not our game,
if unusual things are happening, it means our economy is not
sustainable, or may be it is a matter of control,’ says the member of
parliament.

EVERYONE MUST UNDERSTAND THEIR ROLE AT PRESENT AND RESPONSIBILITY FOR FUTURE
Lragir.am
1 July 06
Recent there has been a lot of consideration that the NKR president is
likely to run a third term. It is interesting and distressing that
these are based on rumors about the wish of a definite person. `Ask
anyone in the street.
The majority would like to be president.’ I understand the comparison
is not successful. Nevertheless, there is something in common in
terms of wishes.It should be noted that besides the wish, which is
common for both cases, there is also the reality, which is supposed to
regulate such wishes. The point is what the reality is. Let us not go
deeper into it now, helping the political scientists, who work for
definite people and receive a salary (or money inan envelope). Let us
dwell on the reasons, which seem to be forceful arguments against the
idea of a third term, independent of the wishes of the candidate.
1. Since 1988 all our steps and decisions have seriously and carefully
complied with the rules and logic of a democratic society. Their
implementation sometimes acquired a certain shade, like the actions of
the government during one election or another. But these shades have
never really trespassed the usual frame of democracy. A violation of
the law on the president would first of all cause suspicions whether
our intention to build a democratic society is genuine, which has been
commended by the entire civilized world so far, placing us superior to
Azerbaijan in this context. They cannot cheat us like in the election
of governors in Russia several years ago, when some laws were annulled
on adoption of others. The effort to name an unimportant figure, who
would resign in a couple of months, enabling the former president to
be named again is also impractical. I would like to repeat that we
must display our commitment to real democracy rather than the skills
of pro-governmental lawyers to the world.
2. We must keep in mind that in 1994 our parliament, which later
elected the first president, disagreed about the introduction of this
type of governance. The participants of this event know how this law
was adopted.
Now we are told that time showed that this type of governance is not
effective. We are told by people who used to uphold it, or `enjoy’ it,
if we may say so. And they decline to explain the mistake, whether it
was corrected or not, who is to blame and for what, and so on. It
makes think about the Soviet years, when hazy formulations `persuaded
people’ about thenecessity to adopt it. I very much hope that those
times are over. But as they say, time will show.
Now let us return to the change of the system of governance, offered
in the draft constitution (by the way, it merely a draft, and the
confidence of some people that it will be adopted does not allow the
author to say that this type of governance is already an adopted
decision). And it (the draft) is said to provide for a
semi-presidential governance. It is clear without going into detail
that the powers of the president will be restricted. And immediately
the `worm of suspicion’ stirs: isn’t this intendedto pass the real
power to a definite person, who will be occupying another post? If our
`worm’ is mistaken, we are happy, and if not, again the skills of
lawyers are noticed (certainly, not so original). In other words, the
government may try to name a president, who does not have real
political power, and the country will be ruled from another post,
which would be empowered by the new Constitution.By the way, a similar
situation may occur in Armenia as well. So, we have to repeat that
this approach is not related to the tenets of democracy we dream of
establishing in our homeland.
I think we will have time to discuss these serious problems again and
again. It would be much better if the intellectual political
potential of Karabakh worked for the welfare of the society rather
than the definite interests of certain people. Everyone who is able to
perceive the essence of what happened, and especially those who have
influence on it, must keep in their mind what sacrifices it took to
achieve what we have now. Everyone must realize their role at present
and their responsibility for the future. And let God help us.
SERGEY KALANTARYAN

–Boundary_(ID_SdxMHdCEaAVYP8ZJ9O4PqQ)
Content-typ e: message/rfc822
From: “Katia M. Peltekian”
Subject: Nairobi: Owners of vehicles at Armenians’ home revealed
MIME-version: 1.0
Content-type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1
Content-transfer-encoding: 8BIT
The Standard, Kenya
July 1 2006
Owners of vehicles at Armenians’ home revealed
By Biketi Kikechi and Patrick Mathangani
Owners of vehicles and number plates found at the Artur brothers’
residence was revealed at the Kiruki commission yesterday.
The commission heard that engine and chassis numbers of the vehicles
had been tampered with. Also, some cars had stolen tractor number
plates.

Zul Mohammed, representing Raju Sanghani, and Jane Otieno appearing
for the suspended CID director Joseph Kamau, during yesterday’s
proceedings.

For example, a grey Toyota Corolla, number KAV 573K, had its engine
and chasis numbers tampered with.
Records at the Registrar of Companies office showed the documents
belonged to a red Massey Ferguson tractor belonging to Ole Suswa Farm
Ltd in Naivasha.
Government vehicles were also not spared, among them a grey Mercedes
Benz, number GK A666K.
The registration number, according to information from the
registrar’s office, belonged to another Government vehicle – a
Mitsubishi Pajero.
There was also a blue Mitsubishi Pajero car whose engine and chassis
numbers had been tampered with. Its engine number, KAL 525X, showed
that it originally belonged to Henry Gathuo’s blue Mitsubishi Station
Wagon.
Owners of some luxury vehicles imported from the United Arab Emirates
were not traced, while other cars were believed to have been stolen
while on transit.
Nairobi businessman Raju Shangani said two Toyota Harriers,
identified by police as stolen while on transit, were his.
Other makes whose engines had been tampered with included BMW, Subaru
Impreza, Honda Civic and Toyota makes.
Diplomatic and Government number plates, including 2CD4K, 4UN277K, GK
A222H and GK A333G were also recovered from the house.
The following is part of the testimony.
Oduor: You talked about some vehicles that you wanted to sell to them
or you attempted to sell to them the Arturs?
Sanghani: Yes, my lords.
Oduor: How many vehicles were they?
Sanghani: They were three.
Oduor: Three vehicles.
Sanghani: Yes, three vehicles.
Oduor: Did you enter into an agreement with them?
Sanghani: No, no we did not have a written agreement, but it was a
verbal agreement.
Oduor: Now, those Toyota Harriers look like Lexus, do they?
Sanghani: That is right.
Oduor: How much would one go for on the Kenyan market?
Sanghani: Between Sh2.2m and 2.3m.
Oduor: So we are talking about Sh7m?
Sanghani: Yes, about Sh7.5m.
Oduor: And it was without an agreement?
Sanghani: Not.
Oduor: It might not matter to you but it does to small Kenyans. I
wouldn’t part with my small Toyota worth Sh200,000.
Sanghani: I did not doubt their funds because they gave me $25,000 as
down payment.
Oduor: They did?
Sanghani: Yes, they did.
Oduor: How did they pay the money?
Sanghani: It was in cash.
Oduor: So this is the third time we are dealing with cash.
Sanghani: Yes.
Oduor: $25,000 in cash?
Sanghani: Yes.
Oduor: How much is $25,000 in Kenyan shillings?
Sanghani: It is about Sh1.8m.
Oduor: They just brought it to your office?
Sanghani: Yes, in fact I took it from their home.
Oduor: Oh, from their Runda house?
Sanghani: Yes, from the Runda House.
Oduor: Were you a frequent visitor there?
Sanghani: I used to visit once in a while.
Oduor: Okay, we will come to the Runda house. Now, what is the
evidence that those cars belong to you?
Sanghani: I have the documents.
Oduor: Assist by showing where you bought them and other details.
Sanghani: Yes. (Produces documents).
Oduor: I’m sure we can have photocopies of that and give you the
original.
Sanghani: Yes. Sure, you can.
Oduor: Now I want to show you a list of vehicles that are in that
residence or were towed away by the police and then tell us if any of
your vehicles is among them.
Sanghani: Yes, my lords. I can see chassis number 585 at number six
and number ten.
Oduor: Remember you told us that you sold them three vehicles.
Sanghani: That is right.
Oduor: Where is the third one?
Sanghani: The third car is at Nairobi Area Police Station.
Oduor: So you know where the third one is.
Sanghani: Yes, my lords.
Oduor: Will you favour us with the particulars of that third vehicle
later on?
Sanghani: Yes, my lords.
Oduor: So you go around saying you sold them three vehicles?
Sanghani: That is correct.
Oduor: That they had given partial payment of $25,000 and on that
list you can only identify two?
Sanghani: That is correct.
Oduor: Are these the vehicles that they were always driving in?
Sanghani: Yes, two of them from that list.
Oduor: It is a matter of public notoriety that they used to drive in
Toyota Harriers and were escorted in several Toyota Harriers and
everybody was wondering what they were doing and what business they
were doing. I’m a little bit worried, have you ever told anybody the
story you have told the commission today?
Sanghani: Yes, I recorded a statement with the police in March.
Oduor: Under what circumstances did you record it?
Sanghani: They wanted to know how I met Hon Kalonzo Musyoka. I’m
under oath to tell the truth and nothing but the truth.

_______________________________________________ ___
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FATHER SAW EVERYTHING
Lragir.am
1 July 06
The Turkish visit of the Armenian Catholicos had a positive effect on
the society-church relationship. The Armenian society witnessed the
activity of the Catholicos, and if the Catholicos is active, the
Armenian Apostolic Church is active too, consequently there is a
possibility to restore the society-church relationship. There is a
nuance, however. The society learned about the existence of the
church, whereas I very much doubt that the church knows that the
society exists. In fact, it is not important why the Catholicos of All
Armenians decided to go to Turkey, knowing about the inner tension in
Armenian and Turkish relations.
In the course of time it may become known what political effect the
visit of the Catholicos had on these relations, which caused this
tension to go bang.
Perhaps, it is also unnecessary to discuss why the Catholicos, who
honors Diasporans with frequent visits, seldom visits the regions of
Armenia, where people would also be happy to get spiritual charge and
support.
It appeared that the Turkish visit of the Catholicos, despite being
disputable, would become an opportunity of mutual awareness of
existences (of the society and the church), but the society did not
react to the visit. Even when certain sets of the Turkish society met
the head of the Armenian Apostolic Church reluctantly, the Armenian
society did not try to defend their spiritual leader. Of course, the
Ararat Diocese arrived at the airport to defend the` honor of the
uniform’ and meet the Catholicos, as if he had captured Istanbul.
Besides, the young Dashnaks used the opportunity to criticize Turks,
and what happened encouraged them rather than made them angry. And if
we separate the Ararat Diocese and Nikol Aghbalyan Students Union from
the society, it will become apparent that the Turkish visit of Garegin
II did not disturb the Armenian society, even after the unpleasant
incident, when it seemed that the Armenian gene would wake up to
defend the Catholicos of All Armenians.
Now Garegin II has the right to tell that there is no society in
Armenia if it did not make an effort to defend their spiritual
leader. However, the Catholicos had better not say anything, of
course, and he will not do.
Complaining of the passivity of the Society is directly against the
interests of the church. Hence, he will lift the inner, moral bar
established to protect the church from possible criticism. In that
case, the church would need forgiveness, even if it would not raise
its head and shout, `Forgive them, Father, for they do not know what
they are doing.’ Father knows that they are aware of what they are
doing. Father saw the church remain silent when the public was denied
the right to vote. Father saw the church remain silent when the
secular power violated all the spiritual categories along with the
legal ones. Father saw the church follow silently the secular
government beating, demoralizing, consistently demolishing
spirituality in the flock. Father saw the Armenian Apostolic Church
declare friends those who serve the Caesar’s and hide the God’ s. In
order to rely on society’s protection the church should fulfill its
function of a spiritual protector. Especially now, when rhetoric about
history and historical mission is causing indigestion among the
nation, endangering not only the spiritual but also the physical
existence of the nation.
HAKOB BADALYAN

Senate delays confirmation vote on Armenian Ambassador-designate

ArmRadio.am
01.07.2006 11:20
In the wake of this past Wednesday’s contentious Senate Foreign
Relations Committee nomination hearing for Ambassador to Armenia
Designate Richard Hoagland, panel members John Kerry (D-MA), Paul
Sarbanes (D-MD), Lincoln Chafee (R-RI), and Barbara Boxer (D-CA) have
each submitted a series of detailed written questions asking the
nominee to explain the guidance he has received from the State
Department concerning its policy on the Armenian Genocide, reported
the Armenian National Committee (ANCA).
Ambassador-Designate Hoagland’s June 28th appearance before the
Foreign Relations Committee was alongside nominees for the US
ambassadorships to Ireland and Switzerland, who were subsequently
approved by the Committee and then the full Senate on June 29th. In
contrast, the Committee deferred action on confirming the proposed new
Ambassador to Armenia.
“Seven of the eighteen members of the Foreign Relations Committee –
over one third of this influential panel – are already on record
raising serious concerns about confirming a new Ambassador to Yerevan
before receiving a full, open, and official explanation of the
circumstances surrounding the recall of our current ambassador, the
instructions given to our prospective ambassador, and ` more broadly –
the exact nature of our government’s policy on the Armenian Genocide,”
said ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian. “In light of the seriousness of
these issues – and the lack of responsiveness from the Administration
– we were gratified that the Committee has wisely delayed action on
the new Ambassador to Yerevan until these fundamental questions have
been answered.”

`Armenian economy’ national exhibition to open in Moscow

ArmRadio.am
01.07.2006 11:57
In the framework of the Year of Armenia in the Russian Federation,
`Armenian economy’ national exhibition will open today in `Armenia’
pavilion of the All-Russian Exhibition Center of Moscow.
Special attention will be paid to the presentation of scientific and
technical achievements and results of the innovative activity.

Baku discontent with OSCE activity

ArmRadio.am
01.07.2006 14:22
‘There are errors in the activity of the OSCE directed at the
regulation of political relations and conflicts. Unfortunately, OSCE
has not managed to settle the existing conflicts; it has achieved no
considerable progress in the resolution of the Armenian-Azerbaijani
conflict. That’s why I do not share the opinion that OSCE enjoys great
authority in the settlement of conflicts,’ Deputy Foreign Minister of
Azerbaijan Vagif Sadikhov declared.
According to Azeri media, the Foreign Minister declared that he does
not share the opinion about the great privilege of the OSCE over the
Assembly of Islamic Organizations in the settlement of conflicts. In
his words, starting last year the OSCE Minsk Group has activated its
efforts directed at resolution of the conflict.
`It was promoted by the absence of elections in Azerbaijan and Armenia
in the current year. In both countries there is still time before
elections, and the Minsk Group Co-Chairs are trying to use this break
to achieve some result,’ Azeri Deputy Foreign Minister said.