UNITED LABOUR PARTY TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY IN EXECUTIVE POWER

Noyan Tapan
May 24 2006

YEREVAN, MAY 24, NOYAN TAPAN. The United Labour Party (ULP) finds that
the “Orinats Yerkir” (Country of Law) party, being considered as an
opposing field, may serve a great and important service to the affair
of settlement of the legislative life of Armenia, assisting adoption of
legislative initiatives of higher quality. Gurgen Arsenian, the head of
the United Labour Party and the parliamentary faction stated about it
at the May 23 sitting of the RA National Assembly, expressing gratitude
on behalf of the party and himself to NA Speaker and “Orinats Yerkir”
party Chairman Artur Baghdasarian for the three-years joint work.

He also expressed an opinion on behalf of the ULP that the existing
political mosaics of Armenia does not threat the political stability of
the country in any way, but just the opposite, strengthens and fastens
it. “We also state that we undertake some responsibility within the
framework of solution of those problems which we stated during the
process of defending RA President Robert Kocharian’s pre-electoral
program,” Arsenian mentioned. According to him, till now the ULP made
use of legislative means and now it undertakes responsibility towards
means of the legislative power, what, in the opinion of the party,
will assist wider possibilities of implementing the above-mentioned
pre-electoral programs.

ANDRANIK MARGARIAN: ARMENIA ATTEMPTS TO BRING RELATIONS WITH NATO TO NEW LEVEL, NOT PUTTING ISSUE OF MEMBERSHIP TO NATO ON AGENDA

Noyan Tapan
May 24 2006

YEREVAN, MAY 24, NOYAN TAPAN. Armenia does not oppose cooperation
with the CIS, European Union, NATO or Collective Security Treaty
Organization. RA Prime Minister Andranik Margarian stated about it
during the internet conference of the “Azg” (nation) newspaper.

One of readers mentioned: “One of the main reasons of Artur
Baghdasarian’s leaving the coalition was his statement concerning our
country’s orientation towards the European Union. Are you against
such an orientation and deepening cooperation with the NATO and
EU?” In responce, A.Margarian stated that the authorities of Armenia,
including the Government, are not against the cooperation with the
NATO as Armenia was involved in the European Union’s New Neighborhood
Policy program, presented the National Actions Plan of implementation
of the RA-EU Partnership and Cooperation Agreement. Besides, Armenia
cooperates with the NATO at present as well, the Indivudual Partnership
Actions Plan with that structure was adopted. “So, we never oppose
the CIS, European Union, NATO or Collective Security Treaty member
countries and have mentioned many times that in its foreign policy
Armenia is led by the principle of mutual supplement and builds a
multifoliated system of securing the safety,” the RA Prime Minister
emphasized.

According to him, since the first years of independence the Republic
of Armenia has gone on the way of the European integration what
does not yet mean to join the European Union or become a member of
the NATO. “Our state at least has no such priorities in its foreign
policy. Thus, Armenia observes development of relations with the
NATO as an important component of the European integration policy and
makes an attempt to bring its relations with that alliance to a new
qualitative level, not putting the issue of membership to the NATO on
the agenda of the foreign policy.” A.Margarian also mentioned that
at present Armenia’s relations with the NATO “develop woderfully”
as Armenia actively participates in all the regional programs of the
NATO and does not yeild neighbors of the region in the sense of the
level of relations with the Euro-Atlantic Alliance. “Armenia always
supports development of the regional cooperation within the framework
of the Partnership for Peace program and protects all the steps taken
by the NATO in this direction,” the Prime Minister stated.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

DEPUTIES’ STATEMENTS EMBELISHED WITH PROSE AND SWEARING

Noyan Tapan
May 24 2006

YEREVAN, MAY 24, NOYAN TAPAN. Deputies’ statements scheduled for the
end of the NA May 23 sitting were mainly turned into mutual injuries
and swearings between the “Orinats Yerkir” (Country of Law) and
“Azgayin Miabanutiun” (National Unity) factions, and it is impossible
to make them public arising of norms of ethics.

OYK representative Mher Shahgeldian mentioned that after the decision
on party’s leaving the coalition, “Azgayin Miabanutiun” and its head
Artashes Geghamian started a whole process of aspersions, having a
goal to throw mud to the address of the “Orinats Yerkir” party. He
stated that “Azgayin Miabanutiun” “leading its policy by the means
of intrigues” attempts to pull “Orinats Yerkir” into a foul play.

According to “OYK” faction Secretary Heghine Bisharian, “People like
Geghamian, instead of being glad, that the opposition rows have been
completed, were buckled down to carry out the authorities’ order to
pick on the OYK.”

“OYK” faction head Samvel Balasanian, emphasizing that nobody from
the ruling brach said anything in address of the party, mentioned that
nobody privatized the opposing field, and it is not anybody’s monopoly.

“Azgayin Miabanutiun” representative Koryun Arakelian called on
the OYK to define whose opposition the OYK becomes: “of Kocharian’s
authorities or by his imposing, of “Azgayin Miabanutiun.”

And a member of the same party Gagik Kostandian stated that information
of the OYK about the issue that the “Azgayin Miabanutiun” party
is financed by Defence Minister Serge Sargsian and that he is the
supplier of the same ministry “are false and old.”

“Azgayin Miabanutiun” deputies’ statements were accompanied by reading
parts from prose-writer Hrachya Matevosian’s open letter addressed
to President Robert Kocharian.

ANDRANIK MARGARIAN: SO FAR PEACE NOT ESTABLISHED IN REGION, TIME TO WORK TO DETRIMENT OF ALL SIDES

Noyan Tapan
May 24 2006

YEREVAN, MAY 24, NOYAN TAPAN. So far the Karabakh conflict is not
solved, so far stable peace is not established in the region, the
time will work to the detriment of all the sides. RA Prime Minister
Andranik Margarian stated about it in the internet interview of the
“Azg” (nation) newspaper.

A.Margarian mentioned that the U.S., as one of the OSCE Minsk Group
Co-Chair countries, is interested in peaceful and as much as possible
quick set tlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, establishment of
stability in the region.

According to him, Armenia cooperates with the U.S. both in the issue
of peaceful settlement of the conflict and in the most different
spheres of economy and in political field. “Involvement of Armenia
in the Millennium Challenges program of the American Government, in
general, since proclaiming the independence, the volumnous assistance
shown to our state by the U.S. and its readiness for cooperation also
prove the above-mentioned,” the RA Prime Minister emphasized.

According to him, Armenia has always welcome the impartial and
balanced policy led in the region by Iran what is very important and
considerable in a number of senses. According to A.Margarian, political
relations of the two countries are at a high level. The RA Prime
Minister attached importance to economic relations being developed
between Iran and Armenia, particularly, the cooperation in the energy
sphere: building of the Iran-Armenia gas pipe, Araks hydroelectric
power station, of the third line of high-volt transmission line.

A.Margarian stated that Armenia has “good partnership relations and
cooperation” with the U.S. and Iran, so he saw no bases for anxieties.

As for the Azerbaijani oil, according to the Prime Minister, there
is no necessity “to inappropriately swell its role: same those
questinings were made during the war as well, and immediately after
it.” He emphasized that no economic wonders took place in Azerbaijan,
and there are numerous and serious social problems in the country
today as well.

FESTIVAL OF YOUTH PERFORMANCES TO BE HELD IN JUNE IN YEREVAN

Noyan Tapan
May 24 2006

YEREVAN, MAY 24, NOYAN TAPAN. A Festival of Youth Performances will
be held on June 23-30 in Yerevan on the initiative of the Armenian
Theater Figures’ Union. 8 Yerevan and 3 regional, Goris, Gavar
and Kapan theaters will take part in the festival. As Noyan Tapan
correspondent was informed by RA People’s Artist Yervand Ghazanchian,
Chairman of the Armenian Theater Figures’ Union, producers and actors
aged 30 and below will participate in the festival.

According to Y.Ghazanchian, the festival is also a peculiar review
that will gave young producers and actors an opportunity to present
their professional skills. “We should be sure that the Armenian
theater will have deserved successors after us and will develop,”
Y.Ghazanchian emphasized. According to him, it is possible that
after the festival the best participants will receive an invitation
of working at Yerevan theaters.

The festival is held with the assistance of RA Ministry of Culture
and Youth Affairs and Yerevan Mayor’s Office.

MEASURES NECESSARY FOR MAKING INSURANCE PAYMENTS TO FAMILIES OF PLANE ACCIDENT VICTIMS UNDERTAKEN

Noyan Tapan
May 24 2006

YEREVAN, MAY 24, NOYAN TAPAN. The Grand insurance company
is undertaking the measures necessary for making payments to the
families of the victims of the May 3 plane accident as quickly as
possible. This was mentioned in the statement spread by the company
on May 23. In the statement the company proposes that on working
days the relatives of the victims visit the Yerevan office of Grand
in Tumanian 38 (telephone number +374 10 512824 or +374 93 400914).

On May 5, Grand had declared that the causes of the accident of A-320
plane of Armavia airline are investigated by the Airclaims expert
organization and Beaumont&Son juridical-expert organization.

They had also informed from the Grand insurance company that
the above-mentioned plane, the latter’s crew and passengers had
insured themselves by the Grand insurance company, which in its turn
transferred the risks assumed by it to 14 large reinsuring companies
working on London insurance market. The amount of compensation to be
given to the relatives of the accident victims will be determined on
the basis of Airclaims and Beaumont&Son.

Grand had explained that according to Warsaw Convention of 1929,
in the circumstance of international air transportations the amount
of life insurance cases is limited to 20 thousand USD.

RA FOREIGN MINISTER VISITS CANADA TO DISCUSS ISSUES CONNECTED WITH COMING ARMENIA-DIASPORA CONFERENCE WITH LOCAL ARMENIAN COMMUNITY

Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
May 24 2006

OTTAWA, MAY 24, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. RA Foreign Minister
Vartan Oskanian paid a one-day short-term working visit to Canada on
May 22 within the framework of preparatory work of the Armenia-Diaspora
conference to take place in Armenia on September 18-20 of the current
year, implementation of the program of development of rural communities
of Armenia put on the agenda of the conference.

As Noyan Tapan was informed by the RA Foreign Ministry’s Press and
Information Department, the goal of the visit was to discuss with the
Canadian Armenian community ways of future strengthening and widening
ties between Armenia and Diaspora, issues connected with organizing
and holding the conference, particularly, with implementation of the
long-term program, important for many-sided development of agricultural
infrastructures of Armenia.

During the practical meetings taken place in Ottawa and Toronto
with responsible representatives of community organizations of
the program, Minister Oskanian presented thoroughly details of
the Armenia-Diaspora conference and especially, of the agricultural
program, attaching importance to the strategic meaning of the program
for Armenia. Organization issues connected with the present stage
of implementation of the program as well as future activities were
discussed.

Community representatives appreciated the RA Government’s efforts
addressed to economic development of Armenia and undertaking
obligations, expressed readiness to properly participate in the
program.

Minister Oskanian made a speech on the same day at the solemn reception
organized at the Embassy of Armenia in Ottawa and answered Canadian
Armenian community representatives’ questions.

YOUNG ARMENIAN SAMBISTS WIN 5 MEDALS AT EUROPE CHAMPIONSHIP

Noyan Tapan
May 24 2006

SALONIKA, MAY 24, NOYAN TAPAN. The representatives of Armenia
successfully performed at the Europe Youth Championship of Sambo
Wrestling held in the Greek city of Salonika. 5 out of 18 members
of the Armenian national team received medals. Artur Vardanian from
Gyumri (57 kg weight category) became Europe champion and received
a gold medal. Artyom Gevorgian (52 kg) and Hakob Arakelian (81 kg)
from Yerevan took 2nd places in their weight categories and received
silver medals. Lilit Poghosian (64 kg) who performed in the ladies’
competition also received a silver medal. Artavazd Minasian from Gyumri
(48 kg) was given a bronze medal.

TEAMS OF ARMENIAN CHESS-PLAYERS DEFEAT THEIR RIVALS IN 3rd TOUR OF TURIN OLYMPIAD

Noyan Tapan
May 24 2006

TURIN, MAY 24, NOYAN TAPAN. The Armenian national teams won in the
3rd tour of 37th World Chess Olympiad being held in Turin.

The men’s team defeated the national team of Denmark with a score of
3 to 1.

Levon Aronian and Vladimir Hakobian won their games and Gabriel
Sargsian and Artashes Minasian drew the game. After this victory the
Armenian national team has gained 9.5 out of 12 possible points and
shares 7-12th places. The teams of Russia, Uzbekistan and China are
in the lead. Each of them has 10.5 points.

The Armenian women’s national team defeated the national team of
Mexico with a score of 2 to 1. Lilit Mkrtchian and Elina Danielian
gained victories and Nelli Aghinian lost the game. The Armenian
woman chess-players have gained 6.5 out of 9 possible points and
share 12-21th places. The national teams of Lithuania, Russia and
China are in the lead in the competition among women’s national teams.

In the 4th tour to be held on May 24 the Armenian men’s national team
will compete with chess-players from Norway and the women’s national
team with chess-players from Ecuador.

DELEGATION LED BY RA PRIME MINISTER ARRIVES IN DUSHANBE TO TAKE PART IN SITTING OF COUNCIL OF HEADS OF GOVERNMENTS OF CIS COUNTRIES

Noyan Tapan
May 24 2006

DUSHANBE, MAY 24, NOYAN TAPAN. On May 24, the delegation led by
RA Prime Minister Andranik Margarian arrived in the capital of
Tadzhikistan, Dushanbe on a working visit, for the purpose of taking
part in the regular sitting of the council of heads of governments
of CIS countries.

As Noyan Tapan was informed from RA Government Press Service, Manuk
Topuzian, Head-Minister of RA Government Administration, Gegham
Gharibjanian, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Artak Vardanian, RA
Standing Plenipotentiary Representative in the Commission on Economic
Issues attached to CIS Economic Council, MP Gurgen Arsenian, ULP
faction Head, heads of Government and Foreign Ministry subdivisions,
other high-ranking officials are included in the delegation.