ARSENYAN SAYS FORMER AND PRESENT GOVERNMENTS ARE IDENTICAL
Lragir.am
20 June 06
The policy of authorities in Armenia did not change, and Robert
Kocharyan carries on what Levon Ter-Petrosyan started. The author of
this point of view is Gurgen Arsenyan, the leader of the Labor Party,
who gave a news conference June 20 at the Pastark Club. Gurgen Arsenyan
said there is no controversy between the policies of the present and
former governments. “There was only a tactical disagreement on the
Karabakh conflict. It concerns foreign policies.
The activities of the government are continuous and tenacious in all
the other spheres. It is obvious, one only has to be able to see,”
said Gurgen Arsenyan. By the way, he thinks that his political
party is responsible for the developments over the past 15 years
as part of the political sphere of Armenia. And with this sense of
responsibility Gurgen Arsenyan, who is already not only a political
but also government part, states in fall they will take up the
implementation of an important component of Robert Kocharyan’s election
program. “In fall we will carry out the most important stage of the
judiciary reform. We will do it. It is one of the key components of
the president’s program, the program which we endorsed.” Lragir.am
inquired who Gurgen Arsenyan’s “we” are: the Labor Party and the
president, or the Labor Party, Dashnaktsutiun and the Republican Party.
“The parliament,” said Gurgen Arsenyan.

BROCHURE – THE ANNIHILATATION OF JULFA BY AZERBAIJANI AUTHORITIES
Source
The Armenian National Committee of Cyprus
A Member of the European Armenian Federation for Justice and
Democracy
amp;pID=60&cID=5&s=2
19-06-2006
Abstracts from the Brochure
The centuries-old cultural monuments the Armenian people created
both in Nakhijevan and other territories of Historical Armenia are
of universal value.
At various periods, they were studied by different foreign scholars.
In recent years, Nakhijevan’s Azerbaijani authorities have been
perpetrating the premeditated annihilation of a wide variety of
Armenian monuments which are reminders of the Armenian presence in
the region.
In August 2005, European researcher Stephen Sim became witness to
the barbarities committed against the Armenian monuments in Nakhijevan.
The violence against the memory and history of the Armenian people
reached its climax with the total destruction of the historical
cemetery of Julfa (known as ‘Jugha’ in Armenian) located in Yernjak
District.
Julfa Cemetery used to extend over three hills on the left bank of
the river Arax.
Boasting a special place in the treasury of world heritage, this
extensive depository of spiritual and artistic monuments aroused the
admiration of both Armenian and foreign travellers and art historians
for many centuries.
French traveller Alexandre de Rhodes, who visited the cemetery in 1648,
saw 10,000 standing khachkars and ram-shaped tombstones there.
By 1904, however, their number had been reduced to 5,000.
In the brochure you can find many images of Jufra Cemetery (Past &
Present)

FRENCH MAYOR YIELDS TO TURKISH PRESSURE
Source
Jean Eckian, (París)
19-06-2006
Three months before the opening of the “Year of Armenia” in France,
and after several demonstrations by Turkish-French nationalists,
a photographic exhibition devoted to Armenia has been cancelled
Mr. Andre Gerwig (non partisan), mayor of the town of Valentigney
(east of France), decided to cancel an exhibition by a well known
Armenian-French Photographer, Antoine Agoudjian, dedicated to the
Armenians.
The exhibition within the framework of the festival “Rythmes et
Couleurs”, this exhibition presented 40 splendid photographs in black
and white (extracted from the book “Les Yeux brûlants”, 2006), taken
in Armenia and Turkey between 1989 and 1999.
Two photos poked the anger of the Turkish representatives.
The first with the Title “a city inhabited in majority by descendants
of Armenian genocide of 1915, originating in Sassoun, currently
in Turkey”.
And the second illustrated a gathering of people in front of the
mausoleum of Yerevan, under the Title “Memorial of the genocide
perpetrated by Turkey in 1915 was written during which a million and
half of Armenians perished”.
During the opening of the exhibition, Turkish-French nationalists
barricaded the exhibition and blocked the entrance. “We feel insulted
by this exhibition; the Armenian genocide is not a reality!” one of
the demonstrators said.
Another added “We cannot agree to be fingered of a Genocide that not
all historians agree” – “We are wounded”.
(note by Jean Eckian:French Parliament officially recognized in 2001
the 1915 Armenian genocide).
The municipality closed the exhibition when a request to remove the 2
offending pictures was turned down by Antoine Agoudjian, who described
it as a “serious attack to the freedom of expression” adding “should
we remove an artistic work because it disturbs? Is it normal to yield
to such pressure?”
In November 2006, the French socialist party will submit to the
Parliament a resolution requesting to penalise the denial of the
Armenian genocide.
–Boundary_(ID_3LRWiGU0G4nf+Kl5/SdpRQ)- –

HEAD OF ARMENIAN CHURCH LEAVES FOR VISIT TO TURKEY
Interfax, Russia
June 20 2006
Yerevan, June 20, Interfax – The head of the Armenian Apostolic Church,
Catholicos Karekin II of All Armenians, has departed for Istanbul,
the church’s press service told Interfax.
Karekin II will visit Turkey at an invitation from Armenian Patriarch
of Constantinople, Mesrop II Mutafian, and Patriarch Bartholomew I
of Constantinople.
During the visit to last about one week, Karekin II will visit Armenian
holy places in Istanbul and will meet with the Armenian community in
the city. On June 25, the catholicos will serve a liturgy service
at the Holy Virgin Church. In addition, Karekin II will meet with
representatives from various churches and the Istanbul mayor.

LE NOZZE DI FIGARO
by Neil Fisher at Covent Garden
The Times, UK
The Sunday Times
June 20 2006
No doubt about it: Covent Garden’s production of Figaro, given
its premiere in January and now back for the summer instalment of
Wolfie’s 250th-birthday party, is here to stay. Slicker than many a
West End spectacular, David McVicar’s sprawling production takes us
round every nook and cranny of Count Almaviva’s château, shedding
perceptive light on the murkiest corners of Mozart’s opera buffa.
One of McVicar’s greatest strengths has always been his knack for
sharp characterisation, and one of the most admirable features of this
production is how memorably he defines all the servants, masters and
hangers-on who can so often merge into a generic blur. The normally
frumpish Marcellina is a much more touching, fragile figure than usual
(deftly played by Diana Montague); John Graham Hall’s wonderfully
shifty Don Basilio has one reptilian eye on all the house intrigue –
and another on the randy adolescent page Cherubino.
Do McVicar’s instincts for big-house theatrics occasionally cramp the
intimate conflicts at the heart of Figaro? There is the odd moment in
Stephane Marlot’s revival when Tanya McCallin’s vast set and the hordes
of extras intrude on the drama rather than adding to it, particularly
when it comes to the Count’s glowering Act III aria, which is awkwardly
delivered in plain view of both his allies and adversaries.
When this production was new McVicar could take advantage of two
cocky stags as his Figaro and the Count; now the sparring duo are more
low-key. Once into his stride, Kyle Ketelsen’s Figaro is a loveable
scamp, singing with gusto and swagger. Michael Volle’s Count is more
problematic. This lord of the manor is too blustery and foppish to earn
either our scorn or our sympathy, and no Count should ever get audience
laughs when he begs forgiveness after his climactic come-uppance.
It’s the women who lift the show this time around. Isabel Bayrakdarian
makes a sparkling Covent Garden debut as Susanna, the moral compass
of this Figaro. The Canadian-Armenian soprano’s portrayal is bubbly,
brave and resourceful, and she uses her darkly tinted soprano to
delicious effect in both aria and recitative.
Sophie Koch’s gawky Cherubino is rapturously sung, her Voi che sapete
a proper showpiece full of ardent longing.
But two starry performances stick out for posterity. One is Soile
Isokoski’s supremely poised Countess, who provides the best singing
I’ve heard this season at Covent Garden with her rapt, silvery tone.
And the other is Colin Davis, conducting with a wry smile and an
unerring sense for the emotional tempo of Figaro. His Mozart is richly
coloured, poignant, lyrical and witty all at the same time – and
gives us all the bittersweet ambiguity we need to complete the picture.
Box office: 020-7304 4000
–Boundary_(ID_/Eow+dUMX+MRb5ySRudZiw)–

AZERBAIJAN CONCERNED ABOUT RUSSIA SUPPLYING MILITARY BASE IN ARMENIA WITH ANTIAIRCRAFT EMPLACEMENT
Georgian Times, Georgia
June 20 2006
Russia indents to supply its military bases abroad, especially the
102nd base in Gumru, Armenia with S-400 antiaircraft missiles in
near future. APA reports quoting military sources that one of the
antiaircraft battalions in the 102nd base will be supplied with
the S-400 antiaircraft missiles. A group of officers and technical
staff of the base will attend trainings of Russian Air Attack Defense
Troops to master technical and tactical characteristics of the S-400
emplacements.
Russia has started supplying its Armed Forces with new S-400
antiaircraft missiles since last year. It plans to establish five
missile brigades supplied with S-400 antiaircraft emplacement within
five years.
Azerbaijani Defense Ministry press secretary, Colonel Ramiz Malikov
told the APA that the Ministry have control on the armament process
in the region and is informed about it.
“We were informed about this. Russia’s arming the aggressive Armenia
and sending additional forces to this country poses threat to not only
the South Caucasus but the entire Europe,” the press secretary said.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

AMBASSADOR OF GERMANY IN NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
National Assembly of RA, Armenia
June 20 2006
On June 20, Tigran Torosyan, RA NA Speaker received Heike Renate
Peitsch, the German Ambassador to Armenia.
Congratulating Mr. Torosyan on the occasion of being elected as NA
Speaker, Mrs. Peitsch emphasized the great responsibility that is
multiplied especially before the elections and attached importance to
the development of friendly relations to which can greatly contribute
the parliaments.
Touching upon the work of the parliament the NA Speaker Tigran Torosyan
attached importance to the reflection of constitutional amendments in
the Armenian legislation, which means additional editing of over 60
laws. Valuing the improvement of the Armenian political atmosphere
before the forthcoming general elections the NA Speaker noted
that only the amendments of the Electoral Code are not sufficient
for holding democratic elections. He considered unacceptable the
hostility of political forces towards each other highlighting their
competition. According to the NA Speaker, the improvement of the
political atmosphere and the holding of elections in conformity with
democratic criteria will contribute also to further developments of
European integration.
During the meeting interparliamentary issues were also discussed.
Noting the willingness for bilateral cooperation, Mr. Torosyan
highlighted the presence of clear programs, which will make the
interrelations efficient. Regarding the creation of a full multiparty
system in Armenia importance was attached to the study of the German
experience.
They also touched upon the activity of German funds in Armenia.
Importance was attached to the study and exchange of the experience
of German parties for all the Armenian parties, at the same time
abstaining form one-sidedness.
During the meeting other issues of mutual interest were also discussed.

GUL WARNS IRAN NOT TO MISS OPPORTUNITY FOR PEACE
By Ramil Ismayilov, Vusal Guzelov, Cihan News Agency, Baku, Cihan
Zaman, Turkey
June 20 2006
With the nuclear crisis between the Iranian administration and the
international community reaching a critical level, Turkey increased
its efforts to find a peaceful solution.
Tehran is expected to give its response to the “package of incentives”
proposed to end the tension ahead of the G-8 summit on June 29.
With only days remaining before a response is expected, Foreign
Minister Abdullah Gul, who continues his efforts with the Iranian
administration, met his Iranian counterpart Manouchehr Mottaki at the
Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) foreign ministers meeting
held in Azerbaijan.
At the OIC foreign minister’s meeting convening for the first time
in a Turkic republic.
Gul sent the messages “support the Annan Plan and take the opportunity
of a peaceful solution,” to Mottaki.
Gul also met host country Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev.
Turkish and Iranian foreign ministers, at news conference after their
meeting, revealed their pleasure at the outcome of the 45-minute talks.
When reporters asked, “What did you talk about?” Gul simply responded,
“We spoke about positive things.”
In the meeting, Gul once again emphasized “the importance of finding
a solution to the crisis through peaceful and rational means.”
Mottaki thanked Turkey for its “facilitating efforts” for a solution
and asked for “the continuation of these sincere contributions.”
Mottaki also said they are trying to conclude their works on an
official response to the package of incentives and they will inform
Turkey on this issue.
Western countries gave Tehran a deadline of the June 29 G-8 Summit
to reply to the package.
Gul may go to Tehran in the upcoming days to continue efforts for a
solution in his “facilitating role.”
Economic issues were also handled in the talks. Gul invited Mottaki
and the Iranian Minister for Energy to attend the opening of the
Baku-Ceylan pipeline, to which Mottaki positively accepted, should
his political program allow.
The 33rd Session of OIC foreign ministers meeting began with the
recitation from the Qur’an at the Gulistan Palace and President Aliev,
in his opening remarks, sent the message.
“Islam is a religion of peace and freedom. It is wrong to identify
Islam with terrorism,” and asked for support on the issue of the
Armenian occupation.
The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and Russia joined the
three-day meetings in Baku as observers.

U.S. CANNOT WORK WONDER IN RESOLUTION OF NK CONFLICT -AZERI-US COUNCIL
Author: S.Ilhamgizi
TREND Information, Azerbaijan
June 20 2006
“It would be so naïve to expect the full resolution of the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in the nearest 3-5, or 10 years. The
settlement of regional and ethnic conflicts is a very difficult
process, Jeyhun Mollazade, the President of the US-Azerbaijan Council,
told Trend.
In 2006 the Untied States, as an OSCE Minsk Group co-chair, which
functions as a mediator in the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict tries to achieve peaceable solution to the conflict and is
eager to see progress in this process. “Of course, the co-chairs are
intended to make Armenia to make definite compromises. In its turn
Azerbaijan has made to compromises.
So, the United States, Russia and France are to make Armenia to
go to compromises. I’d note that they have so few chances to do
it. The well-organized Armenian lobby actively functions throughout
the world. For instance, the pro-Armenian positions dominate at the
U.S. Congress, nevertheless, the UIS government conduct balanced
policy. The influence of the Congress is very strong in the United
States. Here it is almost impossible to press on Armenia, or take
sanctions against it, but persuade this country. It is necessary
to explain Armenia that Karabakh conflict will be resolved, future
of Armenian residing in Europe and the West will be excellent,”
Mollazade underscored.
If Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is resolved and regional cooperation is
set up among Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia and these three countries
could enter the Euro-Atlantic area. At present Russia has forces which
come out against it. In case of resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict they might lose influence on Armenia. As to U.S. position,
Mollazade said that the resolution of Karabakh conflict does not depend
on the United States. “The United States tries further continue putting
efforts in to achievement solution to the conflict. However, the United
States cannot work wonders in the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict. The process develops in the real platform and is based on
the exiting realities,” Mollazade underlined.
–Boundary_(ID_4hn/BVxMH11juEv0+4NpeA )–

EX-MINISTER SKEPTICAL ABOUT KARABAKH PEACE
By Ruzanna Stepanian
Radio Liberty, Czech Rep.
June 20 2006
Armenia’s former Foreign Minister Aleksandr Arzumanian was on Tuesday
highly pessimistic about prospects for a near-term resolution of the
Nagorno-Karabakh dispute, saying that it is not considered urgent by
both the conflicting parties and international mediators.
Arzumanian claimed that the replacement of the U.S. co-chair of the
OSCE Minsk Group, Steven Mann, was a clear indication that Washington
no longer hopes that the Armenian and Azerbaijani presidents will cut
a framework peace deal this year. “It was obvious to me that if those
upbeat statements [made by the U.S., Russian and French co-chairs
earlier this year] led nowhere, then some face-saving steps would be
taken,” he told RFE/RL. “This is one such step.”
“The appointment of a new [U.S.] co-chair is just a way to prolong
or review the process,” he added.
Mann was replaced by a more high-ranking U.S. diplomat, Deputy
Assistant Secretary of State Matthew Bryza, following the collapse of
the June 4-5 talks in Bucharest between Presidents Ilham Aliev and
Robert Kocharian. The two leaders all but dashed hopes for a quick
solution to the Karabakh dispute.
The mediators seem to be still trying to salvage the peace process,
having arranged a fresh meeting of the Armenian and Azerbaijani
foreign ministers in Paris last week. Azerbaijani Foreign Minister
said at the weekend that they want him and Armenia’s Vartan Oskanian
to meet again soon.
Arzumanian insisted, however, that international pressure on the
parties is still not strong enough because Karabakh peace is “neither
imperative nor vital” for France, Russia and the United States. “The
Karabakh conflict’s being unresolved is not a big threat to strategic
U.S. interests,” he said. “The same is true for France and the European
Union in general. As for Russia, it has never been interested in
seeing the small nations and peoples of the region live in peace.”
Arzumanian, who had served as foreign minister in the cabinet of
former President Levon Ter-Petrosian from 1996-98, also claimed that
both Baku and Yerevan are not interested in a compromise settlement.
“Any compromise would be painful for both Armenia and Azerbaijan. And
because experience shows that the Karabakh issue is a brilliant trump
card for seizing power, any president will think twice before accepting
a compromise solution,” he said.
The ex-minister was clearly referring to the fact that Ter-Petrosian
was forced by his key ministers, including then Prime Minister
Kocharian, to step down in 1998 after advocating more concessions to
Azerbaijan. Kocharian supporters may counter that the current Armenian
leader has not rejected any international peace plans since then.
Still, Ter-Petrosian allies are convinced that Kocharian has been
happy with the apparent rejection by Azerbaijan of peace proposals
made by the Minsk Group in recent years. “He came to power to drag
out a settlement,” said Arzumanian.
Arzumanian also reiterated Ter-Petrosian’s belief that the Karabakh
status quo is more detrimental to Armenia than its oil-rich foe. “The
[1998] regime change pushed Armenia several years back,” he said. “As
a consequence, Armenia is in complete international isolation and
not involved in any regional project, and Armenian democracy is
now far more comparable to the political systems of Azerbaijan and
Turkmenistan.”
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress