WHO UNDERSTOOD IT RIGHT?
Karine Asatryan
A1+
[08:15 pm] 28 June, 2006
Is Armenia with the NATO or with Russia? Did the NATO representatives
ask this question? Let us remind you that Aram G. Sargsyan, the leader
of the Democratic Party of Armenia announced today that the NATO
delegation which arrived in Armenia lately demanded the NA Standing
Committee on Defense, National Security and Internal Affairs to answer
five questions, including this one.
As for what the Armenian deputies answered, Aram Sargsyan advised
to turn to Armen Roustamyan or Vahan Hovhannisyan. That’s exactly
what “A1+” tried to do turning to the chairman of the NA Standing
Committee on Foreign Relations, member of the Armenian delegation to
PACE Armen Roustamyan.
“There was no such question. We were asked detailed questions as we
ourselves called on our colleagues to be sincere and to ask all the
questions they were interested in. The question was as follows: How do
you put complimentary policy together with the procedures into the NATO
and Russia? We gave a full answer which was published in the press. We
explained that complimentary policy is dictated by the geopolitical
situation of Armenia and the transitional phase, and this is the
reflection of the situation in the foreign policy of the country”.
According to the ARF deputy, the relations of Armenia with the NATO
and with Russia are mutually agreed and acceptable for both sides. “If
there were incompatibility, such relations would not last long”.
Has Armenia ever been asked the question by any country or structure
whether we are with this side or with the other? “There has never been
a question of the kind as Armenia joint this or that organization
proceeding from his own interests. That is to say, we accepted
the legislation and the aims. The only organization which imposes
obligatory conditions (of religion, for instance) is the Islamic
conference.
Naturally, Armenia is not member of that structure”.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

A TEST HELD TO DECIDE A CHESS COACH
A1+
[12:11 pm] 29 June, 2006
A class attached to the RA Chess Academy was opened in the Secondary
school N2 in Tsambarak where the pupils of the village will be taught
the secrets of the ancient game.
Smbat Lpoutyan, deputy president of the RA Chess Federation and Rafik
Grigoryan, RA NA deputy participated in the opening ceremony.
Smbat Lpoutyan held a chess meeting with15 chess players of the
village Tsambarak to reveal the coach of the newly opened class. 14
participants lost the game to Grand Master Smbat Lpoutyan and only
Hakob Martirosyam could beat him. Due to his brilliant participation
and victory Hakob Martirosyan was qualified as a coach and he will
attend to his duties one of these days.
TV Company “Qyavar,” Gavar.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

DEMOCRATIC PARTY LEADER SAYS ARMENIA SHOULD PRESS FOR MAINTENANCE OF KARABAKH CURRENT STATUS QUO
Armenpress
Jun 28 2006
YEREVAN, JUNE 28, ARMENPRESS: Aram Sarkisian, a parliament member
from the opposition Ardarutyun (Justice) alliance and also head of
a minor Democratic Party, argued today that Armenia must press for
maintenance of the current status quo of Nagorno-Karabakh, because
any other option would lead to further deterioration of the situation.
Speaking to a news conference today Aram Sarkisian said judging from
what was revealed lately by the US cochairman in the OSCE Minsk group,
Mathew Bryza, the only acceptable option for Armenia is holding of
a referendum on Karabakh status, but he added that the people of
Karabakh had already held referendum back in early 1990s.
He said however, Azerbaijan has also expressed its position on it
saying that the referendum can be held only in line with requirements
of its constitution, which means holding referendum in entire
Azerbaijan.
Sarkisian said Nagorno-Karabakh will never agree to it.
He then argued that the USA wants a soonest resolution of the conflict
as it wants to deploy NATO peace-keeping troops in the zone, which
he said would result not only in shattered balance of regional forces
but also in spoiled Iran-Armenia relations.

ARMENIAN FOREIGN MINISTER VISITS GEORGIA
Armenpress
Jun 28 2006
TBILISI, JUNE 28, ARMENPRESS: Armenian foreign ministry said Georgia’s
Foreign Minister Gela Bezhuashvili received Armenia’s Foreign Minister
Vartan Oskanian in Tbilisi, on June 27, on the first day of Minister
Oskanian’s working visit to Georgia.
In their welcoming remarks, the two foreign ministers shared the belief
that Armenian-Georgian relations, based on solid historic ties, will
continue to develop in the spirit of friendship and cooperation. The
two ministers discussed bilateral issues in detail. They noted that the
Armenian-Georgian bilateral agenda is a full one and this broad-based
relationship is reflected in frequent and high-level visits.
The sides stressed the need to further coordinate economic and business
ties in order to encourage greater trade and more investments. They
noted that the development of economically efficient transport routes
is essential for greater economic activity.
They also discussed issues related to energy security.
The two ministers explored ways to seek the assistance of international
organizations and individual countries in cross-border rural
development programs.
Armenia’s Foreign Minister stressed the economic and political
importance of the operation of the Kars-Gyumri-Tbilisi rail line,
and its contribution to the growth of trade in the region, equally
benefiting all countries.
The Georgian Foreign Minister affirmed that Georgia is aware of its
bridging role and responsibility in the region and will continue to
work for more favorable transit conditions for Armenia. He explained
that Georgia , too, is interested in ensuring diversified transport
routes. In discussing Javakhk, Minister Oskanian stressed that
the Armenian government stands prepared to work with the Georgian
government to resolve the socio-economic problems facing the population
of Javakhk.
They addressed issues of border delimitation and confirmed that there
exists the political will on both sides to resolve outstanding issues
and reach a mutually acceptable solution. Regarding euro-integration
processes, and specifically the European Neighborhood Policy
and deepening cooperation with NATO, they noted the importance of
coordinating efforts. Minister Oskanian briefed his colleague on the
current state of the Nagorno-Karabakh negotiations. In turn, Minister
Bezhuashvili spoke about the negotiations surrounding Abkhazia and
South Ossetia.
The meeting between the ministers was followed by a joint press
conference. Later on the same day, Georgia’s President Mikhail
Saakashvili received Armenia’s Foreign Minister. On Wednesday, the
Minister’s visit will continue.

SERGE SARGSYAN NEITHER DENIES NOR AFFIRMS
Lragir.am
29 June 06
The minister of defense of Armenia, answering the questions of news
reporters June 29, neither denied nor confirmed the information
about his membership to the Republican Party. Serge Sargsyan said he
would give an answer within the upcoming 7-10 days. “It’s a normal
and usual thing, and it isn’t worthwhile to give so much attention
to it,” said Serge Sargsyan.

WHAT DOES OUR HOME CRIMINAL RELYING UPON?
Melik Avanyan
Lragir.am
29 June 06
The imminent end of office of Armenian President Robert Kocharyan
gave rise to fantastic phenomena, namely the process underway among
the tight-knit government officials and businessmen. The behavior of
this environment is like that of a baby, who wants to get out of the
playpen without realizing that its caring mother put it inside the
playpen. It cannot realize because so far it has thought that the
world is the playpen, whereas now another world is seen through the
wooden bars of the playpen. And the desire to appear in that outer
world is so strong!
Such is our home oligarchy. It was born in the womb of the home
government void at birth, without concerns about future: loved parents
took care about everything. And suddenly they were told that the
president would retire soon. He would retire, deserting his own
creation, the proud home oligarchy. At that point their peace was
disturbed.
By the end of the week the Armenian land was blessed. At last Serge
Sargsyan made up his mind. Serge realized where he should be. And the
prodigal son returned to the political party of the former defense
minister.
And everything stirred around him, more exactly, around the name of
the blessed. Everything became clear: salvation is where Serge is.
And one of the too oppositionist newspapers even wrote with delight
that “Nemets Rubo joins the Republican party because Serge is there
too.” He showed a model of behavior, after all Ruben Hairapetyan is
not the least of authorities. And the home criminal started the race
of grouping. At that moment the citizens of the country wondered
whose salvation they are talking about in Armenia.
The answer is clear, the salvation of those who were abandoned by
their father, the retiring president. Those who had decided that the
world inside the “playpen” is too small and unsafe. Another question
occurred, however: what is the home criminal relying on? The retiring
“father” did not go away, he is following from above how the babies
are playing in the playpen. He is watching the babies, whom Serge
has made to believe that now he will be their “father”. People are
watching around too. They are watching and thinking what to do with
them, these practical robbers.
So, now we have also become interested in what these gentlemen are
trying to achieve together. It is clear. They are up for taking over
the lever of administrative terror, and the sanctuary – the electoral
commissions. For elections are coming up. They cannot have someone
else approach the commissions. They need to turn 3.5 percent into
67 percent. This is the tradition in Armenia. And most importantly,
people cannot be allowed to come close to the ballot boxes not to
cram the future of the privileged with bad ballots.
Maybe it is not worthwhile to be that excited, but the oligarch Gagik
Tsarukyan somehow started acting too broadly. And he is backed by
the president. What if they refuse to give the commissions? What
will be then? Then will be the same 3.5 percent as in 2003. What
should they do in this case? Of course, they should tell Tsarukyan
Gagik that he will not appear in the parliament at any rate. He may
surrender without fight and complain to the president. They made up
their minds and told him, very mildly, of course, carefully enough
not to make Kocharyan angry.
Tigran Urikhanyan, shy and timid, gave a news conference and said,
“I saw a dream, oh, I’m sorry, not me but the person who told me,
that the Bargavach Hayastan Party will not enter the parliament.” And
he felt relief. He did not believe it either but since he had been
told to do it, there was nothing else he could do.
Exactly like in a playpen.
And if to be more serious, the situation in Armenia is growing
serious. No doubt, the criminal will be burning like rats drenched
with petrol. However, it is not what worries the citizens of Armenia.
We are interested in our country, and the cost of the running rats.
Quite recently, two of these were shooting at each other, but an
innocent citizen got killed, leaving her children orphaned. And
if we allow these scoundrels decide our future, the entire country
will suffer.
It means others should start acting. The pack should be driven back
to the playpen and provided safe custody where the law has foreseen.
If the president cannot or does not want to do it, the citizens should
do it themselves. After all, this is not the first time.

DEFENSE MINISTER THINKS BRYZA WAS WRONG
Lragir.am
29 June 06
The publication of details of the talks for the Karabakh conflict
settlement will not lead to another war, stated Defense Minister
Serge Sargsyan June 29 with regard to the statement of the OSCE
Minsk Group Co-Chair Mathew Bryza, reports ARKA News Agency. “I do
not think there happened something that would lead to a war. There
are no preconditions for military actions,” stated Serge Sargsyan.
According to the minister, “It would be better if instead of his own
comment Bryza had published the documents adopted in Key West and
afterwards.” “It is somehow wrong that the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs
urge confidentiality to prevent emotional perceptions, and then they
do the contrary,” said Serge Sargsyan. He stated that the settlement
of the conflict is the problem of the presidents of two countries,
and the co-chairs will accept what the two presidents will decide.

RF, GEORGIA TO DECIDE ON EXTRADITION OF SUSPECT KILLER OF 2 POLICE
ITAR-TASS News Agency, Russia
June 28, 2006 Wednesday
Russia and Georgia will decide soon on the extradition to Russia of
a suspected killer of two Moscow policemen, Russian Interior Minister
Rashid Nurgaliyev said here on Wednesday.
“One of the attackers on Moscow policemen was detained in Georgia on
murder suspicions. The issue of his extradition to Russia will be
solved soon,” Nurgaliyev emphasized. According to him, another six
suspects in this case are put on the international wanted list.
The minister recalled that two policemen from the police department
in the Chertanovo Severnoye district of Moscow were killed protecting
an Armenian family in Moscow on April 28. It was found out during
the investigation that the ethnic criminal group committed an armed
attack on the apartment where the Armenian family lived and killed
two policemen. “All attackers have been established,” Nurgaliyev
pointed out.

DELEGATION OF RUSSIAN INTERIOR MINISTRY VISITS ARMENIA
ITAR-TASS, Russia
June 28 2006
YEREVAN, June 28 (Itar-Tass) – The Wednesday meeting of the Joint
Collegium of the Russian Interior Ministry and the Armenian Police
is to discuss the prospects for the further cooperation between the
law enforcement structures of the two countries. Interior Minister
Rashid Nurgaliev is representing Russia.
“The main purpose of the current meeting is to further enhance the
effectiveness of our joint actions,” Nurgaliev noted upon arriving
n Yerevan. “It is necessary more than ever before to consolidate our
efforts, to concert the actions of the law enforcement structures of
Russia and Armenia” in order to guarantee the rights and liberties of
our citizens, to ensure the stability and security of the two states,
the Russian minister stressed.
The Press Service of the Armenian Police reports that the Collegium
is planning to discuss the methods of perfecting the interactions of
the Federal Migration Service of the Russian Interior Ministry and
the Armenian Police in order to combat illicit migration. Economic
crimes committed on the territories of the two countries are also on
the order of the day. The sides are planning to sign a protocol on
cooperation between the All-Russia Research Institute of the Interior
Ministry and the Armenian Police.
The Russian Interior Minister and his Armenian colleague will go on
Thursday morning to the highland health resort of Tsakhkadzor, where an
anti-terrorist exercise of special-purpose units of the two structures
will be held. Taking part in it from the Russian side will be the “Rys”
(Lynx) special-purpose unit of the Russian Interior Ministry.
The visit of the delegation of the Russian Interior Ministry to
Armenia will last until June 30.

AZERBAIJANI DELEGATION PERFORMED SHOW IN STRASBURG
Lragir.am
29 June 06
On June 28 Speaker Tigran Torosyan met with Terry Davis, Secretary
General of the Council of Europe to discuss the legislative work that
followed the constitutional reform, the problems of adoption of the
Electoral Code, reports the Department of Public Relations of the
National Assembly.
During the meeting the aggressive policy of the Azerbaijani delegation
in the PACE was discussed. The members of the Azerbaijani delegation
use the chair of the PACE to make allegations and set forward
false accusations against Armenia. In particular, this time the
question of fires in Nagorno Karabakh and adjacent areas was raised
by the Azerbaijani members of parliament during the discussion of
all the issues. Mr. Torosyan presented the reality, emphasizing
that two weeks ago the NKR government called on the Office of the
Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office to conduct
a monitoring, assess the situation and refute false accusations:
the Azerbaijanis make a political show in Strasburg. In such a
situation it becomes impossible to prevent the Armenian delegation
from countering. Tigran Torosyan proposed making efforts to improve
this unhealthy situation. Mr. Davis promised to make efforts.
During the meeting they touched upon an interview with the reporter
of Yerkir Media TV with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe
on June 8. Mr. Davis explained that the reporter tries to push him to
make condemning statements, particularly with regard to the economic
blockade of Armenia by Turkey, he does not have necessary information
to do it. Mr. Davis asked for the text of the interview.
During the meeting of Speaker Tigran Torosyan, the head of the
Azerbaijani delegation Samad Seyidov, and Lord Russell Johnston,
reporter of the CoE Committee on Nagorno Karabakh, the time of the
visit of the ad-hoc committee for the application of Resolution 1416
on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in the framework of the of the OSCE
Minsk Group was arranged. The PACE Bureau confirmed the staff of the
committee, proposed by Mr. Torosyan in spring. It includes the leaders
of the delegations of Armenia and Azerbaijan, an oppositionist member
of parliament from each delegation, reporters on both countries,
the chair of the committee Lord Russell Jonston, Leo Platvoet, the
author of the regional report on the missing people.
Considering the circumstance that a meeting of the PACE Monitoring
Commission will be held in Yerevan in early October, and a meeting
of the Political Committee will take place in Baku in mid-November,
it was arranged to hold the meeting of the ad-hoc committee on Nagorno
Karabakh within the last week of October.
The visit of the ad-hoc committee and meetings in Armenia, Nagorno
Karabakh and Azerbaijan will be cognitive. The chair of the ad-hoc
committee proposed holding a seminar with parliamentarians, reports
the Department of Public Relations of the National Assembly.