Armenian Assembly of America
1140 19th Street, NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: [email protected]
Web:
MEDIA ALERT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 16, 2006
CONTACT: Karoon Panosyan
Email: [email protected]
Assembly Holds Briefings in Michigan & New Jersey
The Assembly’s Executive Director Bryan Ardouny traveled to Farmington
Hills, Michigan and Wayne, New Jersey, on July 9 and 16 respectively,
to meet with local supporters and discuss critical issues facing the
Armenian-American community.
In those meetings, Ardouny provided an update on his meetings with
U.S., Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh government officials during his
recent trip to Armenia, as well as a legislative update. He also
answered a variety of questions asked by supporters regarding the
Appropriations Bill for FY 2007, the pan-Armenian Genocide Resolution,
the Rail Measure and the confirmation hearing of U.S. Ambassador to
Armenia Designate Richard Hoagland.
In Michigan some 100 area supporters attended the annual picnic
on July 9. The picnic included music, food, numerology readings by
Ilene Hagopian Blackman and a raffle. Regional Council Chairman Edgar
Hagopian, who was unable to attend, organized the afternoon event with
the help of Council Members Robert Benian, Paul Kulhanjian, Natalie
Mosher, Shirley Sarkisian, David Terzibashian and Madeline Thomasian.
The following week, the Assembly’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Council
held its annual summer briefing at the residence of Gene and Jane
Hastings in Wayne, NJ. Co-Chairs Mike Candan, Arthur Halvajian and
Carla Kapikian organized the annual event.
“We have had numerous successes throughout this Congressional cycle
from House approval of a provision to prevent Export-Import Bank
funding of a rail bypass of Armenia to the resounding International
Relations Committee vote last September on affirming the Armenian
Genocide,” said Ardouny. “However we have many challenges ahead and
it’s heartening to meet with so many committed activists. I would
like to especially thank the Assembly’s Regional Council Members for
making these events possible.”
The Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based
nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness
of Armenian issues. It is a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt membership
organization.
### NR#2006-071
Photographs available on the Assembly Web site at the following links:
1/2006-071-1.jpg
Photo Caption: Executive Director Bryan Ardouny discusses
Armenian-American issues at the Great Lakes Regional Picnic.
71/2006-071-2.jpg
Photo Caption: Members were briefed on Armenian-American issues at
the Mid-Atlantic Briefing in Wayne, NJ.

ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
08/16/2006
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <;HTTP://WWW.ASBAREZ. COM 1. Armenian Caucus Established in California State Assembly 2. ARF Delegation Visits Southern Lebanon After Cease-Fire 3. Azerbaijan Calls on UN to Reaffirm its 'Territorial Integrity' 4. Eurasian Scouting Jamboree Kicks Off in Armenia 5. Armenian Soccer Team Gets New Foreign Coach 1. Armenian Caucus Established in California State Assembly A bipartisan group of legislators Monday formed the Assembly Armenian-American Legislative Caucus, which is modeled after a similar grouping that has been addressing Armenian-American issues in Congress, the Glendale News Press reported. Co-founded by Assembly majority leader Dario Frommer, a Democrat who represents Burbank and Glendale, and Stockton Republican Greg Aghazarian, the caucus aims to address issues of concern to the more than 700,000-strong California-Armenian community. "Our intent is for it to be a working caucus and a group of folks who reach out and educate others," Frommer told the Glendale News Press. "Here in California we have a large and vibrant Armenian community, not just in my district, but in Fresno and other places, and we want to bring those folks together." Frommer and Aghazarian expressed hope that the California State Senate will follow suit. Such a caucus is long overdue, Burbank Unified School Board member and Democratic candidate for the 43rd Assembly District, Paul Krekorian told the News Press. "I've been a little surprised that legislators who consider themselves friends of the Armenian community did not create one like this years ago," he told the News Press, adding, "But what matters to most to Armenians is the same that matters to all Americans: Excellent public schools, good jobs, health care for seniors and the opportunity to send their kids to college." Frommer, who currently represents the 43rd District, will vacate his seat this year because of term limits 2. ARF Delegation Visits Southern Lebanon After Cease-Fire BEIRUT (Aztag)--A delegation of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Lebanon Central Committee visited southern Lebanon Tuesday to assess the damage following the 30-day old Israeli attack on the country. Accompanying the delegation were members of parliament Hagop Pakradouni and Sebouh Hovnanian, who was a former Lebanese minister, as well as members of the local Armenian media. The delegation was greeted by the local leadership who led a tour of the devastated areas. Also touring the region was Lebanese minister Mohamad Fenaysh, who joined the delegation in assessing the devastating conditions. Local leaders expressed their gratitude to the Lebanese-Armenian community--especially the ARF--for its efforts in assisting the refugees displaced from the attacks. The Armenian community also was praised by leaders. Following a press conference with the Armenian, Lebanese and international media representatives, the delegation continued to meet with the displaced who were returning to their homes following the cease-fire. 3. Azerbaijan Calls on UN to Reaffirm its 'Territorial Integrity' YEREVAN (Yerkir)--The Azeri government, on August 4, submitted an appeal to the United Nations urging the international body to reaffirm that country's territorial integrity as it relates to the liberated territories that border the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. Armenia's representative in the UN Armen Martirosyan told Radio Free Europe that the document also categorizes Nagorno-Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan and calls on the international community to condemn recent forest fires on the bordering regions of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. Asbarez has reported that several weeks that, after conducting a full investigation of allegations that Armenians from Karabakh were setting the forest fires, the OSCE determined that, in fact, the fires were being set by Azeris. Martirosyan announced that Armenia has already submitted its position on the Azeri appeal and is working with UN-member states. He added that during the last session of the UN, an agreement was reached that status of Nagorno-Karabakh would not be addressed with the UN, since OSCE Minsk Group is continuing its conflict resolution process. "If Azerbaijan continues to pursue discussions and the matter is placed for a vote [in the UN] then Armenia has the right to pull itself out of the peace process," stressed Martirosyan. The UN representative added that Azerbaijan's strategy will play a great role in determining the outcome of this appeal. "If Azerbaijan chooses to push forward with this matter, it signals that it has reservations about the conflict resolution process." In 2004, Azerbaijan attempted--but failed--to address this issue in the UN, by alleging that Armenia had adopted a policy to resettle the liberated territories. In a November 2004 interview with RFE/RL, Martirosyan said the territories are serving as a security belt around Nagorno-Karabakh as a response to what he called the "war-mongering rhetoric" of the Azeri leadership. "The issue of those territories cannot be resolved unless there is a resolution on the status of Nagorno-Karabakh and security guarantees are provided," Martirosyan said. The then US co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group Susan Moore said the Minsk process is the best forum for resolving the dispute. She said efforts should be focused on building confidence between the two sides and avoiding divisions in the General Assembly. "Azerbaijan is raising specific concerns linked to the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh," Moore said at the time. "We believe these concerns can be fully addressed in the existing format. As a first step an OSCE fact-finding mission could be considered as a means to address this issue." 4. Eurasian Scouting Jamboree Kicks Off in Armenia YEREVAN--Immediately following the closing ceremonies of the 8th Homenetmen pan-Armenian Scouting Jamboree in Biurakan, the Homenetmen Regional Executive of Armenia played host Monday at the opening ceremonies of the Eurasian Scouting Jamboree, in which 120 scouts from nine countries are represented. This is the first such jamboree and it is of great significance that it is being held, for the first time in Armenia. Represented at the jamboree are scouts from Armenia, Georgia, Russian, Ukraine, Moldova, Kazakhstan, Tajikstan, Japan and the United States. Garbis Kabasakalian, Harout Haroutunian and Vahram Danielian of the Homenetmen Central Executive and Manoug Keoshkerian from Syria represented the Homenetmen at the opening ceremonies. At the close of the event, Kabasakalian presented Dr. Alexander Bondar, the CIS Representative and a member of the International Scouting Federation, a memento from the Homenetmen pan-Armenian Jamboree. In his remarks, Bondar emphasized the important role the Homenetmen Central Executive and the Homenetmen play in strengthening Armenia and bolstering the scouting movement there. He added that he always cites Homenetmen as an example during his speeches and presentations. Kabasakalian thanked Bonard and pledged the Homenetmen's continued cooperation with the CIS and International Scouting federations. 5. Armenian Soccer Team Gets New Foreign Coach YEREVAN (RFE/RL)--The Football Federation of Armenia named the new foreign coach of the national soccer team on Wednesday less than a month before the start of its qualifying campaign for the 2008 European Championship. Ian Porterfield, a veteran British tactician, pledged to bring a "good spirit" to the team as he was presented to the media after signing an 18-month contract with the FFA. "I am looking forward to working here over the next few months," he said. Ruben Hayrapetian, the federation chairman, said Porterfield was chosen from a pool of about two dozen foreign specialists that showed interest in the job. Hayrapetian said the 60-year-old Scot's experience and track record was decisive in the selection process. He refused to disclose any financial details of the deal. Porterfield managed the Scottish side Aberdeen in the late 1980s and England's reigning champions Chelsea in the early 1990s before continuing his coaching career abroad. He has coached the national teams of Zambia, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Trinidad and Tobago. His last job was with one of South Korea's leading football clubs. Porterfield, who replaces Dutchman Henk Wisman, is the fifth foreigner to take the helm of the Armenian team in the last four years. He faces a daunting task of ending its protracted run of poor results in the European qualifying competitions. He admitted having little knowledge of the squad, saying that he last watched its games in 2003. Armenia is presently only 104th in the worldwide rankings of national teams that are issued by the game's governing body, FIFA. It faces Serbia, Belgium, Finland, Poland, Portugal, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan in Group A of 2008 European Championship qualifying. The Armenians will open their qualifying campaign against Belgium, one of the group favorites, in Yerevan on September 6. Few believe that they stand a chance of qualification. The competition will see the first-ever games between Armenia and Azerbaijan that are certain to arouse nationalistic passions in the two countries The FFA wants the matches, tentatively scheduled for September 2007, to be played in Baku and Yerevan. The Azeri side, however, is pushing for a neutral venue, saying that it can not guarantee the security of Armenian players. A final decision on the issue rests with UEFA, European football's governing body. It is expected to be announced later this year or early next. 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.

Armenian National Committee of America
1711 N Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
Tel: (202) 775-1918
Fax: (202) 775-5648
E-mail: [email protected]
Internet:
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 16, 2006
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918
ANCA LAUNCHES 2006 “HYE VOTER TURNOUT” CAMPAIGN
— Campaign Features Candidate Questionnaires,
Congressional Report Cards, Endorsements,
and Increased Grassroots Participation
WASHINGTON, DC – The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA)
has launched its 2006 “Hye Voter Turnout” campaign – a nation-wide,
drive to ensure that record numbers of Armenian American voters go
to the polls this November 7th, armed with timely and reliable
information about where the candidates seeking their votes stand on
Armenian American issues.
The campaign took off this week with grassroots volunteers across
the country calling to speak with Congressional campaigns about the
electoral value of the ANCA 2006 Congressional Candidate
Questionnaires. These questionnaires were distributed nation-wide
earlier this year to candidates for each of the 435 House seats and
33 Senate seats being contested this November.
An ANCA tradition for the better part of the past two decades – the
questionnaires provide candidates with the opportunity to outline
their views on issues of special concern to Armenian Americans.
Responses to the questionnaires will be widely distributed to
Armenian Americans prior to Election Day. The policy areas covered
by the questionnaires are the following:
* The Armenian Genocide
* U.S. Support for Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh
* U.S.-Armenia Economic Relations
* U.S. Military Aid to Armenia and Azerbaijan
* Self-Determination for Nagorno Karabagh
* Conditions on U.S. Aid to Azerbaijan
* The Turkish Blockade of Armenia
* Subsidy of a Proposed Caucasus Railway Bypass
The questionnaires are part of the “Hye Voter Turnout” campaign, a
nation-wide grassroots effort to educate Armenian Americans about
the policy issues impacting Armenia, Nagorno Karabagh, and the
surrounding region; provide timely and reliable information on the
records and views of the candidates seeking Armenian American
votes, and; encourage increased civic participation in local,
state, and national elections.
As in years past, a key component of the “Hye Voter Turnout” will
be the ANCA Congressional Report Card, a useful tool for voters
that has proven itself an enduring fixture on the Armenian American
landscape. This rating system, which will be featured on the ANCA
website – – assigns each Congressional incumbent a
grade based on their level of support for a broad range of
legislative initiatives on Armenian American issues. The ANCA will
issue Congressional endorsements later in the election cycle.
“The ANCA is gratified, once again, to offer our Congressional
Candidate Questionnaires as a public service to empower Armenian
Americans as active and informed participants in the coming
election campaigns,” said Aram Hamparian, Executive Director of the
ANCA. “We encourage everyone to download the questionnaires from
our website, and invite all Armenian Americans who are interested
in getting politically involved this election season to contact us
at [email protected] to find out how to get in touch with their local
ANCA chapter and other area activists.”
Copies of the ANCA 2006 Congressional Candidate Questionnaire are
provided in Adobe PDF format and can be downloaded or printed from
the ANCA website:
pdf
The full text of the ANCA 2006 Congressional Candidate
Questionnaire is provided below.
#####
ANCA 2006 Congressional Candidate Questionnaire:
The Armenian Genocide:
Despite overwhelming evidence, Turkey continues to deny the
Armenian Genocide – the systematic and deliberate massacre of 1.5
million Armenians between 1915-1923.
1) Do you support the adoption of the Congressional
Armenian Genocide Resolution?
U.S. Support for Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh:
U.S. aid has strengthened Armenia’s economy by promoting trade and
investment, and by helping offset the impact of the Turkish and
Azerbaijani blockades.
2) Do you support U.S. aid and other programs to
strengthen Armenia’s self-reliance?
3) Do you support continued U.S. developmental and
humanitarian aid to Nagorno Karabagh?
U.S.-Armenia Economic Relations:
Over the past five years, U.S.-Armenia trade levels have nearly
doubled, creating export, investment and commercial opportunities
for U.S. firms.
4) Do you support actions to expand U.S.-Armenia economic
relations?
U.S. Military Aid to Armenia and Azerbaijan:
Since 2001, based on an agreement between the White House and
Congress to promote peace and regional stabilty, parity has been
maintained in the level of military aid to Armenia and Azerbaijan.
5) Do you support maintaining parity in U.S. military aid
to Armenia and Azerbaijan?
Self-Determination for Nagorno Karabagh:
In 1923 Stalin carved Nagorno Karabagh out of Armenia and placed it
under Soviet Azerbaijani rule, setting the stage for seven decades
of oppression, followed, after 1988, by Azerbaijan’s ethnic
cleansing aggression against the population of this Armenian
territory.
6) Do you support the people of Nagorno Karabagh’s right
to self-determination?
Conditions on U.S. Aid to Azerbaijan:
In 1992 Congress passed Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act to
limit aid to Azerbaijan until it lifts its blockades of Armenia and
Karabagh. In 2001 the Congress reaffirmed its support for this law,
but gave the President limited waiver authority.
7) Do you support maintaining Section 907?
The Turkish Blockade of Armenia:
In 1996 the Congress enacted the Humanitarian Aid Corridor Act in
response to Turkey’s policy of blocking U.S. humanitarian aid to
Armenia.
8) Do you support legislative and other means to urge
Turkey to end its blockade of Armenia?
9) Do you supporting pressing Turkey, as a condition for
purchasing U.S. arms, to end its blockade of Armenia,
occupation of Cyprus, attacks on Kurds, restrictions on
Christians, and rights abuses?
Subsidy of a Proposed Caucasus Railway Bypass:
U.S. taxpayers are being asked to fund the construction of an
unnecessary and costly railroad between Turkey and Georgia, whose
sole purpose is to undermine the economic viability of the existing
railroad going through Armenia.
10) Do you oppose taxpayer subsidies for a politically
motivated new railroad that circumvents Armenia?
#####
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PRESS RELEASE
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
Address: Vagharshapat, Republic of Armenia
Contact: Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian
Tel: (374 10) 517 163
Fax: (374 10) 517 301
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website:
August 17, 2006
Conference of the Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin in the Mother See
A three-day conference of clergy convened in the Mother See of Holy
Etchmiadzin on August 16, under the presidency of His Holiness Karekin
II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians. 2006 marks
the fourth such gathering of the members of the Brotherhood of Holy
Etchmiadzin in recent years.
Nearly 70 members of the Brotherhood, comprised of senior
archimandrites, archimandrites and monks, have arrived in the
Mother See from throughout Armenia and the diasporan dioceses
around the world. The participants will discuss issues related to
the responsibilities of the priest as pastor of the people, teacher
of the faith, preacher, counselor, and leader with a mission.
The conference began with the Lord’s Prayer, followed by welcoming
remarks by the Very Reverend Father Sasoon Zumrookhdian, Vicar of the
Diocese of Gugark. Father Sasoon, in his capacity as a member of the
organizing committee for the conference, reflecting on the spiritual
concerns facing societal life today and the challenges placed before
the Church, considered the renewal of the mission of the priest as an
imperative. At the conclusion of his remarks, Father Sasoon once again
affirmed the oath of the members of the Brotherhood to be soldiers of
the spiritual army, and invited His Holiness Karekin II to extend his
pontifical message and blessings to the young generation of priests.
In his message, the Catholicos of All Armenians stated in part,
“It is a great joy for us as pontiff to see our beloved priests
gathered in the Mother See of All Armenians – Holy Etchmiadzin. This
is a wonderful new tradition that has begun in the Mother See,
whereby every few years, members of our Brotherhood convene in Holy
Etchmiadzin to renew their oath toward our cherished holy center,
as well as to spend a few days in each other’s company, to exchange
their pastoral and spiritual experiences with one another, to share
their concerns with their brothers, as well as their vision and dreams
surrounding the future of our Church and our people.”
His Holiness spoke of the issues facing the Church in detail,
especially noting the areas of Christian education, daily preaching,
the necessity for increasing the level of activity of pastoral care,
and the mission of re-establishing a healthy moral atmosphere in the
life of society. “…As long as we fail to fully accomplish this
mission, we shall see manifold negative occurrences accompanying
our life; as long as the Armenian son or daughter is far from God,
then it shall not be the commandments and exhortations of God which
will be directing their lives,” stressed His Holiness.
Reflecting on the calling of the priest, his responsibilities and
mission, the Catholicos of All Armenians encouraged the clergymen
to use this opportunity to its fullest extent, to strengthen their
brotherhood, reinforce their faith and spirit, to live moments of
reflection, to reevaluate their lives and vision, so that they will
return to their service with new strength and vigor. “We believe that
if we devote our time fully and completely to our service, we can
truly perform miracles in the present day, to increase the standing
of our Church before our people, to put an end to all criticisms –
just and unjust – which are directed at the Church, thereby being a
worthy laborer before God, a worthy son of our nation, and a worthy
successor to our forefathers,” concluded His Holiness, wishing success
to the deliberations of the conference.
During the first session of the conference, the participants listened
to the lecture of the Very Reverend Father Haigazoun Najarian, entitled
“The Priest as Pastor of the People”, which was followed by a question
and answer period, as well as a discussion among panelists.
At the conclusion of the first session, His Holiness Karekin II
presided during a requiem service offered in memory of all deceased
members of the Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin.
##
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

KOCHARIAN MEETS PUTIN IN SOCHI
ArmRadio.am
16.08.2006 15:47
The delegation headed by the Armenian President Robert Kocharian
arrived today in Sochi to participate in the non-official summit of the
Eurasian Economic Association conducted in Sochi August 15-17. Armenia
is participating in the summit as an observer.
At the airport Robert Kocharian was met by the governor of Krasnodar
province Alexander Tkachov, Russian deputy foreign minister and
executive secretary of Eurasian Economic Association Grigori Rapota
and Armenian consul in Sochi Vardan Azoyan.
The agenda of the summit includes the following issues: formation of
customs union within the scope of the organization, establishment of
a system of international centers for rendering services of nuclear
cycle on basis of nondiscrimination access, water-energy regulation
in the Central Asia and establishment of the Eurasian water-economy
consortium, deepening of cooperation between the Community and
Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), as well as issues
related to Uzbekistan’s joining the CSTO, ARKA reported.
Member countries of the EurAsEC are Byelorussia, Kazakhstan,
Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Armenia, Moldova and
Ukraine obtain the status of observers under the EurAsEC.
The treaty on establishment of the EurAsEC was signed in the capital of
Kazakhstan Astan on October 10, 2000, by the presidents of Byelorussia,
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan. Later Uzbekistan joined
the Community.

IRAN-ARMENIA GAS-PIPELINE IS UNDERWAY
ArmRadio.am
16.08.2006 15:54
The “Hayrussgasard” has finished the Iran-Armenia gas-pipeline
contract land works of 2.7 million dollars with the Iranian “Arvandam”
organization. The General Engineer of “Hayrussgasard” Ashot Hovsepian
has told about this to the Arminfo correspondent. He also told that
by the Organization’s workers a 22.5km long trench was dug.
The length of the Armenian part of the gas pipe-line is 41 km from
Meghri to Kajaran. The left land works and the installation of the
pipe-line will be carried out by the Iranian side, mentioned the
engineer. It is planned to finish that part of the construction until
the end of this year.

PUTIN IS TIGHTENING THE CIRCLE OF HIS FRIENDS
Kommersant
ArmRadio.am
16.08.2006 15:54
A regional alternative to the World Trade Organization; An informal
summit of the Euro-Asian Economic Community opens in Sochi today. The
presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and
Belarus have confirmed their attendance. Armenian leader Robert
Kocharjan and new Ukrainian Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych have
been invited.
An informal summit of the Euro-Asian Economic Community opens in
Sochi today. The presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan,
Tajikistan, and Belarus have confirmed their attendance. Armenian
leader Robert Kocharjan and new Ukrainian Prime Minister Viktor
Yanukovych have also been invited to Sochi.
The Kremlin attaches considerable importance to the forthcoming
meeting. The Russian authorities want it to demonstrate that they are
not concerned about the failure of World Trade Organization (WTO)
membership talks. When negotiations with the United States broke
down on the eve of the G8 summit in St. Petersburg, Moscow decided
to organize an “alternative WTO” – based on the Euro-Asian Economic
Community (EAEC).
In fact, Russia began demonstrating exactly how it perceives the
future economic integration within the framework of the EAEC even
when preparations for the summit were under way. Mounting mutual
dependance of the neighbor states (with both states’ consent, that
is) for starters. Mounting pressure applied to the neighbors still
resisting as phase two. Expansion into the countries that have so
far escaped being in the focus of Moscow’s attention afterwards.
Traditionally for the Kremlin, energy sphere will become the number
one tool and lever. That is why establishment of the EAEC common
energy market is going to become the central issue of the informal
summit that will end on August 17.
Kazakh media outlets report on the eve of the Sochi summit that a
colossal project of water supply for Central Asia – Moscow’s latest
initiative – will become the most important issue on the agenda.
Water has always been a strategic resource in and for Central Asia.
Almost 80% of the water resources of the region are concentrated in
Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan while the major consumers are Uzbekistan
and Kazakhstan. Tension usually mounted in summertime when water was
in a higher than usual demand but Kyrgyzstan began storing it up in
reservoirs for electric power production in winter. Kazakhstan and
Uzbekistan inevitably brought economic leverages into play to bow
Kyrgyzstan, dependent on exported energy as it is, to their will.
The Kremlin is trying to turn the tables now and make use of the
opportunities this situation is presenting. The idea of an Eurasian
water-energy consortium was first conceived of in Moscow in early
summer. Sources in Moscow and Astana imply that the project may be
financed by the Eurasian Bank Russia and Kazakhstan established not
long ago… Inter RAO EES, a subsidiary of the RAO Unified Energy
Systems, is already building the Sangtuda 1 hydroelectric power plant
and Russian Aluminum the Rogun hydroelectric power plant in Tajikistan.
Realization of the water-energy consortium initiative will put in the
Kremlin’s hands a major geopolitical tool that will certainly boost
its positions in Asia. On the other hand, it will pave way to energy
expansion into the Indian, Pakistani, and Chinese markets.
Eager to do its neighbors great favors, Russia has never yet failed
to encounter one and the same old problem. A great deal of CIS
countries are in the focus of Washington’s interests and attention,
and Vladimir Putin will have to have “friendly chats” with the CIS
leaders who seem to be on too intimate terms with the United States.
Russia has several “problematic” countries to deal with in this
respect and Kyrgyzstan is one of them. Encouraged by Moscow, Kyrgyzstan
asked the United States to revise the terms of the presence of Khansi
airbase in Bishkek airport Manas in 2005. In short, Bishkek wanted
$207 million in rent per year. According to our sources, the Kremlin
feared at first that Washington would accept the new terms but the
latter turned the demand down. Moscow expected that it would result in
curtailment of American military presence in Central Asia but Bishkek
let it down. All of a sudden, it abandoned its new demands and let
the Americans stay for a much lower price that it had demanded at
first. The Kyrgyz-American talks ended on July 14. Under the terms
of the new agreement, Washington is expected to pay $150 million per
year for the airbase. Putin will certainly expect an explanation from
President Kurmanbek Bakiyev of Kyrgyzstan now.
One other subject will be raised in Sochi. Russia will do its best
to persuade Kyrgyzstan not to join the HIPC (Heavy Indebted Poor
Countries) program under the aegis of the World Bank and International
Monetary Fund. Kyrgyzstan will be told that membership of the program
will cost it tis sovereignty and place it at the beck and call of
the United States. Moscow will offer Kyrgyzstan dependence on Russia
instead.
Yanukovych as a special guest at the informal summit is the Kremlin’s
other potential headache. According to what information is available at
this point, Putin invited the new Ukrainian prime minister to Moscow
because of the alarming rumors from Kiev that Yanukovych’s contacts
with American negotiators become more and more frequent and that the
sides have all but reached mutual understanding already.
Neither do Yanukovych’s latest statements permit the Kremlin to
relax. The Ukrainian prime minister is resolved to demand a lower
gas price from Russia: $95 per 1,000 cubic meters. This is not
an initiative guaranteed to find Putin or Gazprom particularly
sympathetic. Last but not least, Moscow cannot help noticing that
Yanukovych, the erstwhile “pro-Russian candidate,” isn’t even thinking
of keeping his central pro-Russian campaign promises. (On a working
visit to the Crimea on August 11, Yanukovych announced that making
Russian the second state language is not possible for the time being.)
There are some guests expected in Sochi whose pro-Russian stance
is not something Putin doubts, but even that doesn’t make Russia’s
relations with their respective countries exactly cloudless.
The Russian-Belarusian talks promise to be particularly difficult.
Moscow is resolved to make no more advances to Minsk. Establishment of
a union state is one of the worst problems in the Russian-Belarusian
bilateral relations. Russia wants a common currency introduced in
both countries as soon as possible but Belarus never misses a chance
to delay and impede the process.
Alexander Lukashenko demands from Russia a recompense for the
budget losses the forthcoming unification of the two countries will
entail. Belarusian economists maintain that processes of integration
has cost Belarus almost $2 billion in the last twelve months. Russia,
however, has an ace up its sleeve.
The Kremlin is enraged – and doesn’t bother concealing it – that
Belarus is exporting Russian gas and oil products to the third
countries without compunction. According to official estimates
alone, Belarusian petroleum product exports increased by almost 60%
in January-May 2006, to $3.2 billion. More than ample compensation
for what losses Belarus claims it is suffering.
There is one other factor that doesn’t make Russian-Belarusian
bilateral relations any more easier. When Lukashenko was re-elected
this spring, Gazprom announced that the price of Russian gas sold
to Belarus should be raised to match the European average. Moscow
is even prepared to discuss the matter, as long as Beltransgaz turns
over some elements of the gas transportation framework to Gazprom.
But official Minsk wouldn’t hear of it, so the gas price could soar
from $46 to $180-200 per thousand cubic meters. This would be a
near-fatal blow to the struggling Belarusian economy.
Lukashenko has made some frantic attempts to establish a dialogue
with Iran and Venezuela and even evinced vivid interest in the project
of the pipeline from Iran to Pakistan to India. And yet, it is clear
that all these contacts are merely a show, an attempt to make Moscow
more amenable.
Rapprochement with Islam Karimov of Uzbekistan, another “faithful
friend” of Russia, is not following the script Russia has chartered.
Tashkent found himself in international isolation after the massacre
in Andijan. Russia moved in, supported Karimov wholeheartedly, and
even signed a treaty of the relations of allies with him. Expecting
Uzbekistan to sell Russia its major assets in return. Well,
considerably glitches have developed in the process. Establishment
of an uranium-mining joint venture to develop the Aktau deposit came
to grinding halt because of the Uzbek redtape on the government level.
The future of the American-Uzbek Zarafshan-Newmont is another
unknown. US-based Newmont Mining withdrew from the project when the
Uzbek authorities slapped back tax claims on it ($11 million for 2005
and $37 million for 2002-04). Moscow hoped that Interros would take
the Americans’ place, but no progress at all has been made yet…
In fact, Moscow has a strong argument to be used in the disputes with
Uzbekistan. The matter concerns the group of Uzbeks currently in the
detention cell in the Russian city of Ivanovo. Suspecting them of
organization of the revolt in Andijan, Tashkent has been clamoring
for their extradition for a year now. Russia is prepared to turn the
Uzbeks over to Tashkent but only in return for serious condescensions
on the part of Uzbekistan. After all, the Russian authorities have
already granted the men in question the status of political refugees,
and their extradition to Uzbekistan will almost certainly make trouble
for Moscow’s image in the West (not to mention political problems it
will generate).
On the other hand, damage to its image in the eyes of the international
community is not what worries Moscow that much nowadays. Mad at the
West, the Kremlin is out to nail together a team of its own. Should
it set the West seething, Moscow will be only pleased.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

YAN PORTERFIELD, ARMENIAN NATIONAL TEAM TRAINER
ArmRadio.am
16.08.2006 18:59
During the press conference held today by the Football Federation
of Armenia the President of the Federation Rouben Hairapetian
introduced the new trainer of the National Team Yan Porterfield who
is Scotchman. To the end of the press conference a contract between
the Armenian Football Federation and Yan Porterfield was completed
until the end of 2007. Yan Porterfield will live in Armenia with his
family during his work in Armenia.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

“CICILIA” VESSEL WILL BE IN ARMENIA IN SEPTEMBER
ArmRadio.am
16.08.2006 19:05
The barge will transfer the sailing vessel “Cicilia” from Poti to
Yerevan will be ready to the end of August. It is awaited that the
sailing vessel ” Cicilia” which is now in Volgodon canal at that time
will be in Poti.
The assistant of the Captain of “Cicilia” Areg Nazarian has told
the ” Armenpress” that the vessel will be in Armenia till the 9th
of September and will participate in the celebrations of the 15th
Anniversary of the Independence of our Republic. He mentioned that
although there was no time to renovate ” Cicilia” in spring as it
was in sail, it is in good shape.
After the celebrations of the 15th Anniversary of the Independence
of our Republic “Cicilia” will be transferred to the lake Sevan and
will become a museum.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ANOTHER 46 U. S. PEACE CORPS TO HOLD THEIR SERVICE IN ARMENIA
ArmRadio.am
16.08.2006 19:14
The event dedicated to the 45th anniversary of the U.S. Peace Corps
(PC) and the oath ceremony of the PC 46-member group arrived in
Armenia, took place in Yerevan, Noyan Tapan reported.
According to PC Director Patrick Hart, the volunteers’ group that
will undergo its service in Armenia during the coming two years,
participated in the preparatory courses organized in Vanadzor. He also
mentioned that more than 500 volunteers having undergone service in
Armenia from 1992 up today had a goal to present the American values
and culture to the Armenian society as well as to get acquainted with
the Armenian culture, to study the Armenian language.
According to the estimation of John Evans, the US Ambassador
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Armenia, the cooperation taking
place in any sphere between Armenia and the U.S. assists development
and strengthening of prosperity and democracy in Armenia. According
to his words, that cooperation is based on the human and ideological
generality in the two countries’ relations.
Armenian Minister of Education and Science Levon Mkrtchian, Deputy
Minister of Nature Protection Hakob Matilian and Deputy Minister
of Health Care Tatul Hakobian appreciated the role and meaning
of activity promoted by the U.S. Peace Corps in Armenia. They also
mentioned that the PC activity is based on the best traditions of the
U.S. Constitution and democratic ideology. And according to words of
Salpi Ghazarian, the Foreign Minister’s Special Assistant, the main
mission of the PC Armenian volunteers is “to bring America to Armenia
and to take Armenia to America.”