ARMENIA IS IN THE WATCH LIST
A1+
[05:08 pm] 06 June, 2006
Armenia is a major source and, to a lesser extent, a transit and
destination country for women and girls trafficked for sexual
exploitation largely to the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) and
Turkey. Traffickers, many of them women, route victims directly into
Dubai or through Moscow. Traffickers also route victims to Turkey
through Georgia via bus. Profits derived from the trafficking of
Armenian victims reportedly increased dramatically from the previous
year.
The Government of Armenia does not fully comply with the minimum
standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making
significant efforts to do so. Armenia is placed on Tier 2 Watch List
for a second consecutive year because of its failure to show evidence
of increasing efforts over the past year, particularly in the areas
of enforcement, trafficking-related corruption, and victim protection.
While the government increased implementation of its anti-trafficking
law, it failed to impose significant penalties for convicted
traffickers. The government failed to vigorously investigate and
prosecute ongoing and widespread allegations of public officials’
complicity in trafficking. Victim protection efforts remained in
early, formative stages. Victim-blaming and lack of sensitivity for
victims remain a problem among Armenian officials, particularly in
the judiciary.
In 2005, the Government of Armenia increased the use of the 2003
anti-trafficking statute under Article 132, which prohibits trafficking
in persons for forced labor and sexual exploitation. However,
many courts overturned convictions handed down under Article 132,
and reduced sentences by converting the charges into lesser pimping
charges. The government continued to apply other criminal codes to
about half of its trafficking cases in 2005. During the reporting
period, the government investigated 30 trafficking cases, resulting
in 14 prosecutions and 17 convictions. While Article 132 provides
for longer sentences, penalties actually imposed continue to be
insufficient and not commensurate with those for other equally grave
crimes in Armenia. During the reporting period, only a few convictions
resulted in actual imprisonment; the remaining offenders received
suspended sentences, corrective labor and fines. Lack of public
confidence and allegations of official complicity continued to hurt
the credibility of the government’s anti-trafficking efforts.
By the way, all these facts were surveyed and published by the US
State Department.

THE STATEMENT OF THE ARMENIAN COMMUNITY REGARDING THE RECENT MURDERS BASED ON RACIAL AND ETHNIC HATRED
AZG Armenian Daily
07/06/2006
In the course of recent years cases of violence based on racial and
ethnic hatred acquired a frequency in Russia. Along with this, there
have been evident attempts of the Russian law-enforcement agencies
and judiciary to cover up the racially motivated crimes or even
justify the criminals, thus encouraging the recurrence of aggressive
xenophobia and extremism.
According to a number of experts’ evaluations, today more than a
half of the neo-Nazi organizations of the world are registered in
Russia. The case in point is not the isolated marginal groups, but
a mass phenomenon; a considerable part of the contemporary Russian
society is contaminated by racist and xenophobic pathologies. Moreover,
there are grounds to assume that the neo-Nazi organizations are
backed by a whole system, including the Russian mass media, business
structures, law enforcement agencies and courts, as well as other
state institutions of Russia.
In connection with the above-mentioned facts, the Armenian public
organizations and the virtual community consider it a duty to condemn
any manifestation of ethnic and racial hatred, and express their
deep concern about the growth and scale of xenophobia, racism and
neo-Nazism in Russia. Both the Russian society and the authorities
carry a direct responsibility for the deterioration of the situation.
With regard to the racially motivated attacks against Armenians, one
should also mention the political dimension of these incidents. The
official statements from both sides about the “age-old friendship and
brotherhood” sound false in light of such events. The Armenians do
not intend to remain silent while our compatriots are being killed in
Russia. The political leadership and the elite of Russia are causing
a rift between the two nations by their inertia regarding this issue.
We are aware of the low level of legal and civil culture in Russia,
when both the constitution and laws of the country are being widely
violated. However, the current situation is not only about the
violation of the Russian legislation, but rather about the gross
breach of international norms and obligations Russia signed on
to. The Armenian community will continue monitoring numerous facts of
aggressive xenophobia and crimes based on racism in Russia, and will
inform the corresponding international bodies in a timely fashion
about the unwillingness and inability of the Russian Federation to
carry out its international commitments.
Thus, the present statement will be disseminated throughout the
international community, including international organizations.
Arev.ru ArmenianWay.com Artsakh.info ArtsakhWorld.com Genocide.ru
Hayastan.com Hayk.org Haylife.ru Openarmenia.com ACCI Armenischer
Jugendausschus Munchen.

“ARMENIA WILL NOT BE LEFT OUT FROM THE REGIONAL PROGRAMS”
A1+
[09:14 pm] 06 June, 2006
“The member countries of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation
Organization (BSEC) are guided with the principle of egality, non of
the member countries pursues its objectives and there is no threat that
Armenia will be omitted from the regional programs,” announced general
secretary of the BSEC Leonidas Chrisanthopoulos in Yerevan today.
Asked to share his opinion on the Kars-Akhalkalaq-Tbilisi-Baku railway
construction taking into account the fact that the BSEC has already
expressed its opinion on the existing Kars-Gyumri-Tbilisi railway
Mr. Chrisanthopoulos answered that Armenia will be included in the
ring-shaped highway which is still being worked out.
As for the railway he noted that it will be opened when the relations
with Turkey better. Thus, Leonidas Chrisanthopoulos didn’t give direct
answer to the question relating to the Kars-Akhalkalaq-Tbilisi-Baku
railway and announced that in his opinion Armenia will not be left
out of the regional transportation programs.
Just at the beginning of the press release Leonidas Chrisanthopoulos
announced that he is greatly impressed by the progress evident in
Armenia in comparison with 1994. Russia will preside over the BSEC
from May to August 1. Next year Turkey will take up the presidency
during the symposium held in Istanbul.
By the way, RA deputy Foreign Minister Arman Kirakosyan informed that
this is the only organization which gives an opportunity to get in
touch with Azeris and Turks. “According to its legislation this is
an economic cooperation organization and it mustn’t be used by any
country as a political means to solve its private matters.”
By the way, Leonidas Chrisanthopoulos was the Greek Ambassador
to Armenia in 1992 – 93 and even has a book titled “Caucasian
chronicle.” He met with President Kocharyan and RA Foreign Minster
Vartan Oskanian today.
The key issues of the meeting were the developments of the Black
Sea region, particularly issues connected with economy, security and
stability. They focused on the issues enhancing mutual cooperation.
The general secretary presented the future plans of the organization
and the reforms initiated by him in the secretariat located in Istanbul
to the RA Foreign Minister.
They also referred to a number of agenda issues of the Foreign
Ministers’ forthcoming meeting and to the symposium of the
presidents and governments of the countries in connection with the
15th anniversary of the BSCO. While speaking of the programs of
the organization Minister Oskanian underlined that the promotion of
the transportation and energy substructures is the vital pledge for
regional prosperity and on this score the exploitation and rerunning
of the current substructures is very important.

CHLORINE KILLED THE FISHES OF THE RIVER
A1+
[07:39 pm] 06 June, 2006
The fishes (mainly barbells and khramulyas) of the Vachagan River
flowing through Kapan were killed yesterday. Today the reason is
already known.
The point is that the Kapan broad of “Armwatersewerage” LTD implemented
the purification of the reservoir which is located in the district
Shinararner. Chlorine was used for that purpose for the first time
and the workers were unaware of the required quantity of chlorine
they were to use. While they were purifying the reservoir it became
known that there was flowing from the reservoir to the River Vachagan
as a result of which many fishes were killed.
The sum of the harm is not known yet. An action is not brought either.
TV Company “Sosi” of Kapan.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

YEREVAN-BATUMI RAILWAY TO OPEN ON JUNE 15
Armenpress
June 06 2006
YEREVAN, JUNE 6, ARMENPRESS: Very soon Armenian holiday-makers wishing
to spend a week or two in Georgia’s Black Sea resorts will be able
to travel to Batumi, the capital of the autonomous Ajaria region,
by train.
Armenian transport and communication ministry said comfortable
trains with double and four-passenger compartments will be running
between Yerevan and Batumi from June 15 to September 15. The railway
connection between Armenia and Georgia’s Batumi is expected to give a
very strong boost to development of Georgia’s tourist industry. The
train from Yerevan will make stops in Gyumri, Vanadzor and Sanahin
stations before crossing the brooder with Georgia.
Ticket prices will be very affordable, 18, 000 drams for a double
compartment and 9,300 drams for four-passenger compartment. Last
year around 20,000 Armenians spent their summer vacations in Ajaria,
traveling largely by vans and buses.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PRESIDENT’S STAFF LEADS IN BUDGET PERFORMANCE
Panorama.am
13:34 06/06/06
The National Assembly and the president’s staff ensured 100%
performance in terms of capital construction of administrative sites
according to budget 2005 report. The government staff had minor
shortcomingS ensuring 98,71% performance. However, government staff
head-minister Manuk Topuzyan is content with budget funding. He said
different projects were normally funded by the budget.
“2 billion 118 mln drams were proposed by 2005 annual plan, including
capital and maintenance expenditures.
Actually, 2 billion 245 mln drams were allocated, including revenues
from the reserve fund,” president’s staff head Armen Gevorgyan says.
The best performance on public services was registered with president’s
staff – 99,99%, followed by the legislature – 99,94% and government
staff – 97,81%.

INCREASE IN WATER TARIFF WILL RAISE DEMAND FOR WINE
Panorama.am
14:42 06/06/06
At present each citizen consumes 1 liter of wine in average in
the Republic, NA deputy Manuk Gasparyan stated at a discussion
today. Manvel Ghazaryan, the head of Vedi Alco Co., said that in
Europe this statistics reaches 40-50 liters per one person.
Armenians have a tradition of drinking wine. However, the present
figures do not speak about that. In fact, our consumption is very
low. M. Ghazaryan thinks that the decline of wine consumption is
connected with Soviet era when Armenians shifted from aristocratic
wine to less respected vodka. “Almost all parties have first of all
vodka and then brandy on the table,” he said. He thinks that wine
should be promoted on state level. Ghazaryan hoped that after some
years the situation with wine consumption will improve both at home
and abroad. “Soon the water tariffs will rise and everybody will
drink wine,” he joked.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

YOUNG POLITICIANS DEBATE ON CORRUPTION
Panorama.am
14:56 06/06/06
Young members of two parties forming the ruling coalition, Armenian
Revolutionary Federation and Armenian Republican Party, as well as
young political figures of former coalition member Orinats Yerkir
debated on corruption today at Hayeli Club.
ARF member Ishkhan SAGHATELYAN is proud that Armenia has joined
GRECO. He also mentioned that legislative field is developed and
there are some theoretical achievements. Karen AVAGYAN, ARP, also
thinks that some steps have been taken. He is proud that compared to
neighboring countries “Armenia is in much favorable conditions.”
The leader of youth Samvel FARMANYAN, OY, considered corruption as
the biggest challenge to our national security. He stated that no
practical fight is launched in Armenia against corruption.
Armen VARDANYAN, the leader of Young Politicians’ Club, non-profit
organization, was also present at the debate. He wanted to know names
of people who have ever been punished for corruption. According to him,
all supervision bodies established to fight corruption have become even
more corrupt, referring to anticorruption committee headed by prime
minister. ARP member K. Avagyan did not like the idea and suggested
the organization to join the committee and make its own efforts.
ARF representative I. Saghatelyan recalled their efforts of fighting
corruption at the higher educational institutes. He said they prepared
a joint statement but soon some institutes withdrew from the effort,
including Medical University, Agricultural Academy and Institute of
Physical Training.
The young politicians largely debated on who is to be blamed that the
effort failed. After all they came to the conclusion to make a study
at higher educational establishments to unveil cases of corruption. I
Saghatelyan assured that the education minister, also from ARF,
will support the efforts.

WILL THERE BE FEWER FOUNTAINS?
Panorama.am
15:44 06/06/06
The internal network of water supply for 1665 muli-block buildings
has been renovated in the course of the last 3 years and 2600 water
meters have been installed free of charge. This has been accomplished
within the framework of 1 mln 915 thousand dollar grant program
provided by Japan. The program will end in three month. The contract
has been concluded with Water Sewage Company. Starting from now,
the water supply is implemented by French operator, General Dez O,
Andranik Andreasyan, head of water economy state committee said. The
contract obligations are shifted to “Water Yerevan.”
The project is implemented in several communities of Yerevan, including
Malatia Sebastia, Shengavit and Ajapniak. As a result, water losses
at multi-block buildings were reduced by 20-50 %. Some say that
water losses are registered on behalf of small fountain springs near
buildings. “There are many fountain springs in the communities. Our
company cooperates with community administrations,” Andreasyan said.
The Japanese representative Carol Roberthorst said he is content
with the project results. Apart from installing water meters and
reconstructing the internal network, residents are informed about
their rights in water consumption.

DO SHAVED HEADS HATE …CHEAP LABOR FORCE
Panorama.am
16:54 06/06/06
Today the vice minister of foreign affairs Gegham Gharibjanyan spoke
about the murder of Armenian nationals in Russia in the Armenian
parliament. “We have delivered our concern to the press secretary
of Russian foreign ministry who is in Yerevan now. The issue is very
serious and we are watchful for the process,” he said.
Gharibjanyan assured that he will discuss the issue with his Russian
counterpart soon. “We will raise the issue during high rank meetings
and we must ensure that such cases are not repeated with our citizens,”
he said. He is sure that Russian chief prosecutor should seriously
engage in inter-ethnic conflicts. He also thinks that former Russian
chief prosecutor was dismissed from his post on that ground.
Replying to the question if it is possible that Russian-Armenian
relations deteriorate because of such cases, Gharibjanyan answered,
“Armenian-Russian relations are not based on several individuals. They
are serious strategic relations.” He also advised not to politicize
the issue since similar problems arise in many countries where cheap
labor force appears.
From: Baghdasarian