PRAVDA< Russia June 23 2006 Ex-Soviet nations meet in Belarus to discuss defence and economic cooperation Leaders of Russia, Belarus and four Central Asian nations - Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan - sat down for a summit of their Eurasian Economic Community in the Belarusian capital, focusing on plans to form a customs union. Opening the talks, Belarus' authoritarian president, Alexander Lukashenko, also said they would discuss ways to coordinate strategies for joining the World Trade Organization. Talks on forming a customs union were also moving slowly, he said, and the pact's members so far had agreed on just over half of all customs tariffs. "The process isn't advancing as quickly as we would like it to happen," Lukashenko said. Russian President Vladimir Putin, who took over from Lukashenko on Friday as the chairman of the group, tried to sound optimistic, saying that "we are paying a close attention to forming the customs union and have an intention to form it quickly." Numerous previous attempts by the ex-Soviet nations to form a customs union and coordinate their economic policies have failed because of sharp differences in size and level of development of their economies, as well as fears of Russian domination. The same six leaders and Armenia's president planned later Friday to take part in a summit of the Collective Security Treaty Organization, according to the AP. Lukashenko, dubbed "Europe's last dictator" by the United States and other Western nations for his relentless crackdown on dissent, has repeatedly accused the West of harboring aggressive intentions and sought to build closer economic and military ties with Russia and other ex-Soviet nations.

AzerTag, Azerbaijan
June 23 2006
MINISTER OF NATIONAL SECURITY MEETS GENERAL DIRECTOR OF INTERNATIONAL
ORGANIZATION FOR MIGRATION
[June 23, 2006, 17:23:15]
Minister of National Security of Azerbaijan, general-lieutenant
Eldar Mahmudov has met a delegation being on a visit in the country
headed by the General Director of the International Organization For
migration Brunson McKinley.
Informing visitors about the processes proceeding in region, present
conditions and arising various threats, minister E. Mahmudov has
noted, that growth of the facts of the international terrorism, illegal
circulation of drugs, illegal migration and other dangerous displays of
the transnational organized crime causes serious concern all over the
world. He has brought to attention of visitors, that in this connection
the Ministry of National Security carries out adequate measures.
Having concerned the problem of the Armenia-Azerbaijan,
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, minister of National Security has noted,
that occupied territories of the country, and also a 130-kilometer
site adjoining on Iran are outside of the control and that this
factor represents serious threat for safety not only of Azerbaijan,
but also all Europe. Such situation creates favorable conditions for
illegal migration and drugs trafficking, he stressed.
Minister Mahmudov has noted, that Azerbaijan quickly developing from
the economic point of view where are established civil and democratic
principles, steady stability, involves not only foreign businessmen,
but also illegal migrants, he has emphasized importance of acceptance
in this connection purposeful adequate measures.
Having thanked for the detailed information, Mr. Brunson McKinley
has told, that he regards Azerbaijan especially, has concerned
intensive positive changes in Republic. He told, that the migratory
problems are solved in the country at state level. The guest also has
noted importance of creation of global system and common database,
connected with biometric measurements, carrying out of discussions
in this direction, and also an opportunity of rendering to Azerbaijan
financial support within the “Program of the assistance for voluntary
returning of migrants”.
At meeting, also discussed were other questions of mutual interest.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Azeri leader appeals to UN
By Sun Staff
Baku Sun, Azerbaijan
June 23 2006
The Human Rights Institute of the National Academy of Sciences of
Azerbaijan last week held a round table to discuss the role of the
Diaspora in Azerbaijani-Russian relations.
Tatyana Poloskova, head of department at the Center for International
Scientific and Cultural Cooperation (CISCC) under the Russian Ministry
of Foreign Affairs, also attended the event.
Baku Sun~Rs Mammad Bagirov asked Ms Poloskova for her comments on the
problems facing Russia~Rs sizeable ethnic Azerbaijani community. ~W
What are the main problems facing Azerbaijanis in Russia today? ~W
During the round table, we agreed that Azerbaijanis really are facing
problems in Russia.
The main problem is the negative image of Azerbaijanis which has
developed in Russia. As I said at the round table, it is actually
possible to improve this image. A group of Russian and Azerbaijani
experts are going to look into the reasons for this negative image.
On the surface, the negative attitude towards Azerbaijanis in Russia
stems from the fact that Azerbaijanis have filled a certain economic
vacuum in Russia, particularly in the sphere of trade. But in fact,
there were no other contenders for this vacuum apart from Azerbaijanis.
As Russians have traditionally never shown interest in trade,
Azerbaijanis engaging in trade cannot serve as a reason for this
negative image. Yes, we have to admit that one can frequently observe
Azerbaijani vendors behaving incorrectly in Russian markets. However,
vendors representing other nationalities behave in the same way as
well. This is a special market environment.
I think one of the main reasons behind this negative image of
Azerbaijanis is their ability to compete. They are hard working,
mobile and less inclined to alcoholism. There are ways of building up
a positive image, and we are ready to work with the Azerbaijani side
on this. Why is this important for us? One of the responsibilities of
the CISCC is to accompany Russia~Rs foreign policies with informational
initiatives in the humanitarian field.
It is very difficult to hold a humanitarian dialogue with Baku as
long as the problem of Caucasusphobia remains in Russia. If we do not
resolve this problem, it will hinder our humanitarian relations. ~W One
of the problems hindering Azerbaijani-Russian relations is Russia~Rs
policy of double standards toward Azerbaijan. For instance, when dozens
of Azerbaijanis were killed in a market roof collapse in Moscow, Russia
did not declare mourning. But Russia did mourn Armenians killed in
a recent aircraft crash. ~W Yes, Russia should have declared morning
after the roof collapse in the Basmanniy market. It is difficult to
say why the Russian authorities did not do so. I think in politics
lobby systems play a greater role than states. However, I cannot say
that there is an efficient Armenian lobby in Russia today. They are
much less efficient than they might be.
On the contrary, the Azerbaijani lobby in Russia is becoming more
powerful with each passing year.
Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline. As strange as it may seem, Russia
reacted calmly to this. Is this a sign that the position of Russia~Rs
political elite is changing towards realism and pragmatism? ~W Reaction
always means something. Moscow realizes that Azerbaijan is a key player
in the South Caucasus region with its political, economic and cultural
potential. Russia has spiritual and religious ties with Armenia and
Georgia. But Azerbaijan is the key player because of its potential.
Therefore, one should address the key player while building relations
with the region. The reaction of the presidents is important. You may
have noticed that the issue of the Diaspora receives great attention
in the Azerbaijani-Russian dialogue. If you have such a large Diaspora
in Russia, one cannot but view Azerbaijan as the key player.

Thursday, June 22, 2006
**************************************
Once in a while I am compared to such famous writers as Camus, Mencken, and Vidal only to be told that I am a total mediocrity and a miserable failure.
I don’t mind admitting that no matter how hard I try I will never be as good a writer as Camus and Vidal, or Arlen and Saroyan. But I hope my detractors will agree with me when I say, if I were as good a writer as they are, I would be treated with such respect by my fellow Armenians that no one would dare to say anything remotely critical about me; and if anyone did, my fans would tear the poor bastard to shreds.
As a better writer, moreover, I would have been exposed to an entirely different set of experiences and thus would have acquired an entirely different perspective on my fellow Armenians. I might even have been misled into thinking that Armenians are indeed among the Chosen. That’s because, even the greatest of writers have an ego that is not immune to flattery.
If I write as I do it may be because I write not as a first-class giant in world literature but as a second-rate scribbler; and if God in His infinite wisdom made me who I am, namely a mediocrity and a failure, He must have done so for a purpose, and who am I to question His judgment?
Do I really believe I am a mediocrity? That is not a question that I would even consider replying because experience has taught me to assess oneself is to make an ass of oneself. Besides, trying to be honest in a dishonest world keeps me so busy that I consider it a waste of time to engage in endless speculations and controversies about intangibles with men who seem to be more interested in who I am and less in what I say, more on my status and less on the reality we confront.
However, I will say this in my favor: if readers who have read Camus, Vidal, Saroyan, Mencken, Arlen, and many other great writers take the trouble to read and assess me, then I must be going places.
#
Friday, June 23, 2006
****************************************
FROM HOMER TO HITLER
**************************************
The Greeks had a word for everything, but I doubt if they had one for miscegenation, perhaps because even their gods fornicated with mortals. (How low can you get?)
*
By inventing fornicating gods, the Greeks may have understood that if fornication with mortals was uppermost in their gods’ minds, why should we pretend to be any better?
*
By proscribing fornication, Christianity invented a literary genre (fiction) whose central concern is fornication. But the Greeks were ahead of the rest of us there too – after all, is not adultery what propels the action in the ILIAD?
*
To how many of our racists I could say, “Please, don’t waste your breath on me. I too have read MEIN KAMPF.”
#
Saturday, June 24, 2006
******************************************
In the following definition from THE DEVIL’S DICTIONARY, Ambrose Bierce was not thinking of Armenians but he might as well have been: “RESPONSIBILITY: A detachable burden easily shifted to the shoulders of God, Fate, Fortune, Luck or one’s neighbor. In the days of astrology it was customary to unload it upon a star.”
*
When asked what he knows now that he did not know on the first day of his presidency, Bush is said to have said something to the effect that he had learned to be more careful in his choice of words. It is to be noted that he did not say he learned to be more careful in his thinking or more objective in his judgment or more tolerant of opposing views and arguments, only more carefully with his vocabulary.
*
Don’t tell me what you should think; tell me what you think. On second thought, don’t tell me what you think because when an Armenian says what he thinks, out pops an insult.
*
By insulting another we also insult ourselves by exposing the absence of reason in our thinking, lack of manners in our conduct; and if we speak in the name of God and Country we also run the risk of exposing the moral bankruptcy of both.
#

OFFICE OF THE NAGORNO KARABAKH REPUBLIC IN THE USA
1140 19th Street, NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20036
Tel: (202) 223-4330
Fax: (202) 315-3339
E-mail: [email protected]
Web site:
PRESS RELEASE
June 23, 2006
HIGH-RANKING NAGORNO KARABAKH OFFICIALS BEGIN U.S. VISIT
Conflict Resolution, Political and Economic Issues Top the Agenda
Washington, DC — On June 23-30, 2006 Nagorno Karabakh Republic
(NKR) National Assembly Speaker Ashot Ghulian and Foreign Minister
Georgi Petrosian will visit Boston, New York and Washington, DC for
a series of political and economic discussions aimed at garnering
stronger support for NKR, while highlighting Karabakh’s progress
during almost 15 years of de-facto independence. NKR leaders will
meet with Bush Administration officials, Members of Congress and the
Armenian-American community.
In Boston, Speaker Ghulian and Foreign Minister Petrosian will
meet with Massachusetts State Assembly representatives, leaders of
the Boston area Armenian-American organizations and members of the
Armenian Community. In New York and New Jersey, the delegation will
meet with major supporters of NKR and take part in community events.
On June 26 – 30, NKR senior officials will be in Washington D.C. to
discuss issues related to the settlement of the conflict with
Azerbaijan and increased humanitarian and development assistance.
A U.S. Capitol Reception is scheduled for June 28, which will be
followed by a Diplomatic Reception at the Armenian Embassy on June
29. Speaker Ghulian and Foreign Minister Petrosian will be available
to press throughout their stay in the U.S.
The Office of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic in the United States is
based in Washington, DC and works with the U.S. government, academia
and the public representing the official policies and interests of
the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, Artsakh.
* * *
This material is distributed by the Office of the Nagorno Karabakh
Republic in the USA (NKR Office) on behalf of the Government of the
Nagorno Karabakh Republic. The NKR Office is registered with the
U.S. Government under the Foreign Agent Registration Act. Additional
information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.

ARMENIA KEEPS HELPING ESTABLISHMENT OF INTERNATIONAL MECHANISMS TO PREVENT GENOCIDE
PanARMENIAN.Net
22.06.2006 13:43 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Globalization and electronic media enhance the
level of information and increase responsibility, Armenian FM Vartan
Oskanian said at the opening of the first session of the UN Council
on Human Rights in Geneva. “Entering neighbor’s drawing-room is just
as easy as one’s own. Hearing shouts from the adjacent room and not
respond to them is as difficult, as not noting noise in one’s own
home. The current generation can unite time, skills and resources
to create a new and efficient international system, which will enjoy
not only moral authority, but will also be a long-standing defender
of the weak,” he remarked.
Oskanian underscored that Armenia has been helping to establish
international mechanisms to prevent Genocide and its causes. “These
causes imply not only “cleansing” of a people, living in its historical
fatherland, but also successful attempts to wipe out such facts
from humanity’s memory,” the Minister said, reports the Armenian MFA
Press Service.

ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
06/22/2006
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <;HTTP://WWW.ASBAREZ. COM 1) Istanbul Patriarch Bartholomew Meets Karekin, Urges Solidarity 2) Canadian Company to Search for Oil and Gas in Armenia 3) Murderer of Armenian Citizen Found Guilty in Russia 4) Kocharian to Attend CSTO Meeting in Minsk 1) Istanbul Patriarch Bartholomew Meets Karekin, Urges Solidarity (AP)--Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I urged the world's Orthodox churches to minimize differences and seek solidarity as he met with the head of Armenian Apostolic Church on Wednesday. Deep divisions are prevalent throughout the Orthodox Church. Although Bartholomew controls several Greek Orthodox churches around the world, including the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, and is considered the spiritual leader of some 250 million Orthodox worldwide, relations with two of the largest churches, in Russia and Greece, remain tense. The Armenian Apostolic Church also operates independently and is not under his jurisdiction. The two spiritual leaders met under heavy security and after a brief religious ceremony in Istanbul, the formerly Greek Byzantine city of Constantinople that is the seat of Bartholomew's Orthodox Patriarchate. Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, was accompanied by clerics wearing long black robes and black hats. His hat bore a jeweled cross and he held a staff with a golden handle. "We must always keep in mind that we aim only for the glory of God," Bartholomew said in a speech to Karekin II in which he touched on the ancient split between the two churches. "He himself taught us this: 'May they all be one.' It is a sacred goal." Bartholomew praised what he called the ongoing "unofficial theological meetings" between the two churches, saying the dialogue between them began in the fifth century. Armenian Christians pride themselves on being descendants of the first people to adopt Christianity as their official national religion. The Armenian national church was established in AD 301. That predates the Roman Empire's edict of AD 313 tolerating Christianity, which was previously illegal, and was 94 years before it became the official religion of Rome and the Orthodox lands of the East. Karekin arrived in Istanbul on Tuesday for a weeklong visit to the Armenian community here and to hold talks with Bartholomew. He is expected to visit several Armenian churches in Istanbul, as well as Armenian graveyards and other religious sites including the Hagia Sophia. Both Armenians and Greeks had huge roles in the history of the city, though their numbers have dwindled to just a few thousand combined. Police tightened security to protect the visiting cleric from Turkish nationalists who protested his arrival on Tuesday night, prompting the police to accompany Karekin out of the airport through a separate entrance. Karekin has angered Turks by openly discussing the Armenian genocide. 2) Canadian Company to Search for Oil and Gas in Armenia YEREVAN (PanArmenian)A Canadian energy company, Transeuroenegery Corporation, will launch an exploratory mission to search for oil and gas fields in the Armenian regions of Armavir, Krasny, and Shoghaghbyur. "I am sure there are oil and gas deposits in Armenia," said the head of the corporation's Armenian Office Mike Smith. "Why shouldn't Armenia have oil and gas, if all their neighbors have them? In the past, in my opinion, Armenia was not lucky and prospecting works were not a success. However I am sure Armenia has oil and gas deposits," he remarked. According to Smith, researchers searched for oil in Armenia in the 1970's, but they were not pursuing commercial goals. "We are ready to introduce the necessary technical equipment and get responses to the questions of interest," Smith said. The Canadian corporation has just signed an agreement with an exploration company, which is ready to transport more modern equipment to Armenia. "This equipment will allow exploring at depth of 2500 meters, while causing minimal damage and getting the maximal outcome," Mike Smith said. He said the project will begin in September, while the first results will be ready in February 2007. 3) Murderer of Armenian Citizen Found Guilty in Russia YEREVAN (PanArmenian/RFE/RL)A court in the Russian town of Kostroma found Alexander Belov, Alexander Serov, and Andrey Potapov guilty for planning and committing the murder of an Armenian citizen, Ivan Khaltyan. Although the prosecutor demanded a life sentence for Potapov, the murderer was sentenced to 21 years in prison. His accomplices received 18 and 8 years in prison for their involvement. The month-long interrogation process also resulted in weapons charges against the accused. They have 10 days to appeal the verdict. This case is only the latest in a string of ethnic violence in Russia. At least six ethnic Armenians were beaten, stabbed or shot to death this year in xenophobic extremism targeting dark-skinned immigrants from the Caucasus, Central Asia, and Africa. The Russian authorities' failure to solve the vast majority of those crimes has is increasingly raising eyebrows in Armenia, leading to pressure from the Armenian Government on Moscow to stop the violence. Armenian President Robert Kocharian and Prime Minister Andranik Markarian raised the issue with a visiting senior Kremlin official last week. The two men told President Vladimir Putin's representative to southern Russia, Dmitry Kozak, that they expect tougher action against Russian neo-Nazi groups responsible for the increasingly serious violence. Kocharian said the Russian law-enforcement bodies, widely accused of inactivity and even connivance in the deadly attacks, should act in a more "quick, steadfast, and understandable" manner. Markarian urged Moscow to take "serious steps to identify and bring the guilty to justice as well as to avert more such incidents." According to Markarian's press service, while condemning the racist murders, Kozak said that "they are not specifically directed against Armenians" and that "the Russian authorities are doing everything to solve and rule out such crimes." 4) Kocharian to Attend CSTO Meeting in Minsk YEREVAN (Armenpress)--Armenian President Robert Kocharian will visit Friday the capital of BelarusMinskto attend a recurrent meeting of the Council of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), made up of the heads of its member countries. The Council meeting will be preceded by meetings of CSTO Foreign Ministers, Ministers of Defense, and Secretaries of Security Councils. The meeting of the CSTO Council will focus on sweeping reforms of the regional security organization and will set priorities for future activities. The heads of CSTO member states--Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan--will also focus on current developments in neighboring regions, including Afghanistan and Iran. The meeting is also expected to discuss a draft document on CSTO reform and further improvement of its activities. All subscription inquiries and changes must be made through the proper carrier and not Asbarez Online. ASBAREZ ONLINE does not transmit address changes and subscription requests. (c) 2006 ASBAREZ ONLINE. All Rights Reserved. ASBAREZ provides this news service to ARMENIAN NEWS NETWORK members for academic research or personal use only and may not be reproduced in or through mass media outlets.

AGBU Press Office
55 East 59th Street
New York, NY 10022-1112
Phone: 212.319.6383, x118
Fax: 212.319.6507
Email: [email protected]
Website:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, June 12, 2006
AGBU MONTREAL MAKES NEW HISTORY
Montreal – In its inaugural meeting today, the newly formed Executive
Board of AGBU Montreal elected its first ever female chairperson.
Dr. Rita Kuyumjian, becomes the 12th chairperson of the Montreal
chapter on the eve of its 50th anniversary to be celebrated in 2007.
Dr. R. Kuyumjian is a well-known Montreal psychiatrist; she is the
director of the outpatient clinic at St. Mary’s hospital, and a
professor at McGill University. She is also a known intellectual,
author of several volumes, including a groundbreaking book on Komidas.
“I humbly accept this position to continue the great work done by all
of my predecessors”, said Dr. Kuyumjian, “I am particularly proud of
our new Executive Board, because it is formed by a wonderful balance
of seasoned former members and a strong group of newly elected young
individuals that will bring youth, vitality, international focus as
well as an experienced approach to move the AGBU Montreal chapter to
even greater achievements.”
The composition of the new Executive Board will be displayed on the
chapter website,
For further information, please contact AGBU Montreal at 514-748-2428
or at [email protected].
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ARMENIA NOT SURE CREATION OF PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY OF “CAUCASIAN FOUR” POSSIBLE
PanARMENIAN.Net
22.06.2006 17:21 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenia is not sure that creation of the
Parliamentary Assembly of “Caucasian Four” is possible, Armenian
Speaker Tigran Torosyan stated at a news conference in Yerevan. In his
words, “Some optimism of the Armenian party is due to possibility of
discussion of the matter of settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict
at the Assembly. This is why we take part in events like that.” At
that he noted that the Karabakh issue will also be discussed at the
Rose-Roth NATO seminar, opening tomorrow. “Report “NATO Role in the
South Caucasus” may be presented,” Torosyan said.

AZERBAIJAN BRINGS DISCUSSION OF ITS PACE MANDATE TO KARABAKH ISSUE
PanARMENIAN.Net
22.06.2006 17:45 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The Armenian delegation should be ready that
Azerbaijan may make unexpected statements at the PACE Summer Session,
Armenian Speaker Tigran Torosyan stated at a news conference in
Yerevan. In his words, Azerbaijan tries to attract attention of PACE
delegates to invented facts regarding Armenia, when Azerbaijan’s
mandate is discussed.
Torosyan reported that October 15-16 the PACE Monitoring Commission
will meet in Armenia. “We got the consent of the Commission. It is
now PACE Bureau’s turn to approve the trip. We should, in our turn,
clearly determine our tasks at the session,” Torosyan underscored. He
added that PACE Interim Commission on Nagorno Karabakh will visit the
region in autumn and the PACE Bureau’s decision is already available.