LAW ON 14 COMPANIES WITH BEAUTIFUL NAME WHICH DOES NOT WORK
Aram Zakaryan
Lragir.am
28 Aug 06
The National Assembly of Armenia passed a law on May 15, Georgia and
Azerbaijan do not have similar laws. Over this period the law has
been changed twice, it has only 5 articles, and it does not work. It
is true that in terms of form we are ahead of our neighbors, but in
terms of content we are on the same level.
The name of the law is pleasing, “End use of environmental payments by
companies”. And though the companies operating in Armenia and paying
environmental payments count hundreds, the law refers to 14 companies
only; Armenian Copper Program, Zangezur Copper and Molybdenum Factory,
Dino Gold Mining Company, Akhtala Metallurgic Factory, Ararat Cement,
Mika Cement, Hrazdan Thermal Power Plant, Yerevan Thermal Power Plant,
Gadjagorts, Gadj, Makur Yerkat, ASKE Group, Dzulakentron. The authors
of the law decided that if the activities and income of these companies
cause different environmental problems, air, water and other types of
pollution, part of the environmental payments should be transferred
to the community budget where the company is based to implement
environmental projects. Nice, isn’t it? Even very very nice. But.
First, why should the law concern these 14 companies only? Why
should part of the environmental payments of Ararat Cement be spent
on environmental projects, whereas part of the payments by Ararat
Gold Recovery Company will not be spent.
The amount to be allocated to the local governments for environmental
projects from the sum paid by the company to the state budget is
set down in a complicated wording. It is possible to get the meaning
after reading it for several times, however, if the aim is honest,
we could use more simple wording, say x percent is allocated from
the environmental payments of the company. And that’s all. However,
complicated wording is not the only reason why the law does not work.
In accordance with the document, the money is allocated to the
local governments. And the whole charm about it is that the local
governments do not have environmental departments or at least a
relevant specialist, and the money is paid only after the environmental
project is confirmed. These are first confirmed by the board of
supervisors, then by the ministries of environment and health. And the
projects can be confirmed or on the contrary. Now imagine our village
mayors and council members working on a project on a sphere which is
not familiar to them. And it is evident from the reality of Armenia,
which is gradually turning a desert, that environmental protection
is not familiar to our officials.
Experts think if the auhtors of the law did not go in for form and
intended to find real remedies for the wounds of nature in Armenia,
they are apparently following the wrong path and it is clear that they
did not consult specialists. And specialists say it would be easier
if instead of working out complicated and non-practical mechanisms in
the law they made the same companies direct the x amount that they
must pay to the state budget at environmental activities. And if
there is a problem of government control, it can be provided for by
the same law. Moreover, the same law could provide for implementation
of projects by these companies through the NGOs which deal with the
problems of state and environmental protection.
This would be another step to a civil society and public involvement.
By the way, different NGOs and boards of supervisors have implemented
and implement environmental projects in different regions of Armenia
on grants without waiting for the law on end use of environmental
payments by companies. Therefore, it is not always necessary to write a
law to do something good. For everyone knows what hinders a bad dancer.

THE ADMINISTRATIVE AND CRIMINAL RESOURCE IS REPELLED EVERYWHERE
Lragir.am
28 Aug 06
Several days ago the deputy head of the president administration of
Russia Surkov made an interesting statement, who is known as the
ideologist of the Kremlin policies. He announced that people are
already tired of public officials and the government needs to set
up a new political party to win over public support, which will not
include public officials. Perhaps he meant the pro-government Yedinaya
Rossiya Party, consisting of public officials.
This statement is interesting because it reminds the situation
in Armenia where besides the existing pro-government party a new
political party, Bargavach Hayastan was set up, which being obviously
a government project, announced nevertheless that it will not involve
any public official or minister. The logic of Surkov’s statement is
obvious, which allows supposing that the government of Russia tends
to reject the resource of the currupt system of officials. For its
part, this means that Russia hints at adopting a similar policy in
the CIS countries as well. This fact probably confirms the information
that the administrative criminal consolidation in Armenia within the
Republican Party is not approved by Moscow.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

DEMANDED TO REPLACE DEFENSE MINISTER
Lragir.am
28 Aug 06
There is information from reliable sources that before the conference
of the Republican Party Russian President Vladimir Putin personally
suggested that Robert Kocharyan dismiss the defense minister Serge
Sargsyan. Robert Kocharyan told Serge Sargsyan about it and suggested
that he resign before becoming Republican. Serge Sargsyan refused.
There is information that this might be the reason why Robert Kocahryan
avoided participating in the informal CIS summit in Sochi on July 21.
It is notable that the Chief of the Headquarters of the Armed Forces
Mikael Harutiunyan made definite hints regarding the minister in
the meeting of the college of the Defense Ministry. The sources
mention that Mikael Harutiunyan and several other representatives
of the Command are definitely dissatisfied with the possibility of
involvement of the army in politics, for they think it threatens the
army and the national security. The fact is interesting because Mikael
Harutiunyan is a general of the Russian school and is perceived as a
representative of the pro-Russian direction, who is in close relations
with the Russian Command.
For its part, the Republican Party confirmed this information through
its channels, which caused tensions inside the already troubled
political party. The point is that the Republican Party is growing
doubtful that the defense minister will not bring success to the party
in the upcoming parliamentary election without having the support of
the Russian government. There is information that inside the Republican
Party they now often remember the statement made by the Russian
defense minsiter Sergey Ivanov concerning the post of president,
when Ivanov sitting beside Sargsyan gave a definite answer to the
question concerning the next candidate for president. Ivanov said he
is a defense minister, and if he starts thinking about presidency,
he will fail fulfilling his direct duties.

U.S.-RUSSIAN RACE IN ARMENIA SHIFTED TO CIVIL SPHERE
Lragir.am
28 Aug 06
The recent developments show that the potential of the anti-criminal
movement gathering momentum in Armenia gave rise to definite
conclusions by the great powers interested in the situation in
Armenia. Perceiving the political potential of the anti-criminal
movement, the United States and Russia compete for leading this
movement. There is information that Russia is especially active.
Though this sphere of activities is new to Russia, it is full of
resolve, for it can see the results of work of the United States
in this sphere. The evidence to this is the well-known statement
of Kolerov, adviser to Putin, that Russia will no longer support
the criminal regimes in the CIS space to prevent accusations agaist
Russia that it supports criminal governments at power. The reliable
sources also state that the elite of Kremlin made a decision concerning
Armenia intended to become more active in the civil sphere and promote
cooperation with the anti-criminal movement.

TIGRAN TOROSYAN SURPRISED THE NEUROLOGIST
Lragir.am
28 Aug 06
Tigran Torosyan’s statement that the National Assembly will
suspend funding of NGOs, and skepticism about the activity of the
Armenian-Russian Center for Interregional Cooperation surprized
the neurologist Henrich Bakunts, who is the director of the
Armenian-Russian Center for Interregional Cooperation. He says there
is nothing strange about funding an NGO, because the parliaments of
a number of countries in the world fund NGOs, including the Russian
Duma, the Senates of France and the United States, the parliament
of Hungary. Henrich Bakunts says the Armenian-Russian Center for
Interregional Cooperation was set up after lasting negotiations, and
fosters Armenian-Russian economic, public, scientific and cultural
cooperation.
“For me Tigran Torosyan’s statement was a surprise, because there
should be no problems. The funding is not from the account of the
National Assembly, the government allocates the money to the National
Assembly for us. It is not fincanced from the National Assembly’s
funds,” says Henrich Bakunts. He says the Center for Interregional
Cooperation is assisted by the Russian Duma, which pays the rent
and telephone bill of the Center. Henrich Bakunts says the office
is in Saint Petersburg, in a famous historical building, which
costs expensive and even surprised Russian figures, for it is in an
excellent and prestigious area. The director of the Armenian-Russian
Center for Interregional Cooperation says he even had a private talk
with Tigran Torosyan on this question, before his press conference and
statement. The speaker of the National Assembly said the government can
fund the center directly, not via the National Assembly. But Henrich
Bakunts says the circumstance of the National Assembly enhances the
reputation and status of the center, therefore the establishment and
activity of the center was supported by the former speaker Arthur
Baghdasaryan and the speaker of the both houses of the Russian Duma,
Grizlov and Mironov. Henrich Bakunts assures that he presented this
to Tigran Torosyan.
“All that I told you, I told more to him, and it was a warm
meeting. And I was satisfied with this meeting. He thanked me
and said we did considerable work in a short period, and frankly
speaking rather positive steps would be taken after our talk. For
me this statement was unexpected, believe me, very unexpected, that
there is such a center led by a certain Bakunts. I am not a certain,
I was the adviser to the speaker of the National Assembly for three
years, I am a member of the delegation, I made speeches in both our
parliament and in Russia, I was one of the founders of the center,”
says Henrich Bakunts. He cannot tell the reason for the standpoint of
Tigran Torosyan. However, he says, although they will not be funded
by the National Assembly, the center will go on operating.

GATHERING MONEY AT SCHOOLS IS A CRIME
Lragir.am
28 Aug 06
This was stated by the first deputy mayor of Yerevan during the August
28 briefing at the City Hall of Yerevan. Moreover, the directors
of schools who organize illegal raising of money will be dismissed
forever. “Raising money is an unacceptable phenomenon, if we have
facts, the directors will be dismissed,” warns Kamo Areyan. The latter
confirms that raising money at schools is illegal because the schools
do not have the right to make a deal with pupils.
However, in order to legalize this money raising at schools it
should be on a volunteer basis. In this case the extra-budget sums
of the schools will be considered legal. And while the first mayor of
Yerevan assures that they will battle this phenomenon, the experienced
directors of schools will resume their mission in several days.

NEW SYSTEM OF EDUCATION IS NOT READY FOR 5-DAY ACADEMIC WEEK
Lragir.am
28 Aug 06
The new 12-year school education allows directors of schools choose
whether children will go to school for 5 day or 6 days a week. The
directors of 22 schools confessed in a consultation with the mayor
of Yerevan that they are not ready to replace 6-day week by 5-day week.
The latter believe that with the present load of the curriculum and
standards 6-day education will continue at schools. The first deputy
mayor of Yerevan Kamo Areyan announced about this common approach
of teachers.
Kamo Areyan said the Motor Vehicle Inspectorate has already been
instructed to guarantee security in the first ten days of September,
besides the City Hall is worried about electricity supply and the
Electricity Networks also received instructions. Yerevan Water Company
received instructions on the water supply of schools. The City Hall
also instructed the Health Department of the City Hall of Yerevan to
control medical stations at schools.
In the beginning of the academic year in 2006 the number of first-grade
pupils in Yerevan is 9081 but the statistics will be more precise on
September 5 because admittance to schools continues.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

HOW ARE WE GOING TO ELECT PRESIDENT
Lragir.am
28 Aug 06
The year 2007 may be a breakthrough for Karabakh. In the fall of the
next year the second term of President Arkady Ghukasyan will end. In
accordance with the law, a person cannot run three terms running. In
fact, it is possible that A. Ghukasyan will run a third term but
there has been no official statement yet. Therefore, the question of
candidate is becoming urgent in the current situation. And interest
in this question is not difficult to explain.
Open Society NGO decided to conduct a survey among the population
of the republic. Considering statements in the media, opinions of
experts and political activity, 14 politicians were chosen who could
be presidential candidates. The organization offered to vote for one
on the list. The results are the following.
Open Society questioned 150 people. 31 people voted for Ashot Ghulyan,
Speaker of NKR National Assembly. Then comes Armen Sargsyan (the
leader of the parliamentary group ARF – Movement 88) with 24 votes,
Seyran Ohanyan (minister of defense of NKR) 15 respondents.
Next is the mayor of Stepanakert Edward Aghabekyan and Masis Mayilyan
(11 votes each). Bako Sahakyan and Vitaly Balasanyan got 7 votes.
Georgy Petrosyan and Gegham Baghdasaryan got 5 votes each. Ararat
Danielyan got 4 votes, Rudik Hiusnunts got 2 votes. Hrant Melkumyan,
Murad Petrosyan and Arthur Mosiyan got 1 vote each.
There was also the option “name other possible candidates”.
Three people named Arkady Ghukasyan, 1 person named Samvel Babayan.
Another 11 respondents found it difficult to answer this question.
Another 9 think that none of the politicians they know suit this
post. 1 respondent said all the 15 candidates could occupy this post
because it does not require big responsibility.

ARF SUPREME BODY OPPOSES IDEA OF CHANGING COUNTRY’S ANTHEM
Yerkir
28.08.2006 18:17
YEREVAN (YERKIR) – Armenian Revolutionary Federation Supreme Body of
Armenia made a statement on Monday, reaffirming its position that the
“Mer Hairenik” should remain the country’s anthem.
Below is the text of the statement
The recent constitutional amendments provide that Armenia’s anthem
should be defined by law. But some circles groundlessly interpret
the law as a constitutional requirement to change the current anthem.
A commission has been established to draft a law on the Armenian
anthem.
However, the commission, based on unclear reasons, decided that its
task is to deny the “Mer Hairenik” (Our Homeland) and replace it with
another anthem. A campaign against the “Mer Hairenik” is apparent.
The situation when the national and state values are replaced with
mere esthetical ones is becoming very concerning and regrettable. A
country’s anthem is created and established through time only when
the logic of historical development makes it an inseparable part
of the nation’s fate and biography. This is what the “Mer Hairenik”
has become after entering its third century.
The ARF Supreme Body of Armenia
– Considering unacceptable the unhealthy environment set up around
one of the most important symbols of our state – “Mer Hairenik” – as
well as the work-style of the commission and the atmosphere it has
created; – Reiterating that love and respect towards the state are
strengthened first of all through forming respect towards its symbols
Announces the withdrawal of its representative from the commission
and its intention to draft a law to reaffirm the “Mer Hairenik”
as the country’s anthem.

THE BASE OF OUR STATE AND SOCIETY
Editorial
Yerkir.am
August 25, 2006
On August 23, 1990 Armenia adopted the Independence Declaration. Our
national dreams and goals were adopted in it.
One year later, through a referendum, the people fulfilled its dream
of independence. Our state has passed a road full of hardships and
achievements in the past years.
Those hardships, however, have not devaluated our most important
achievement – the idea of Independence. Today, we all – the
political leadership, political and non-governmental organizations,
intelligentsia and every citizen of this country – hold in their
hands the goal to make the Independence an irreversible value.
But this cannot be done by words uttered at ceremonies. Unless the
idea of Independence is in the basis of every step every person
makes in his/her life, it would be a mere historic document but not
a lifestyle. In no case there should be any concession in this idea
be it political of psychological.