IMPLEMENTATION OF STATE PROGRAM ON RESETTLEMENT OF MESKHETIAN TURKS IN GEORGIA TO START SOON
Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
May 24 2006
AKHALKALAK, MAY 24, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. In late May, 6
Meskhetian families will be resettled from Azerbaijan in the region
of Gori within the framework of the state program on resettlement of
Meskhetian Turks in Georgia.
According to Georgi Khaindrava, Georgian State Minister on Issues of
Conflicts Settlement, the parliament will soon adopt the respective law
on resettlement of Meskhetian Turks in Georgia. After the adoption
of the law the government will work out the respective actions
plan. Khaindrava hopes that in the respect of program’s financing
the Council of Europe and the international community will render the
respective assistance as the Georgian government cannot allocate the
respective resources.
It is not concretely calculated today how many Meskhetian Turks will
want to return to Georgia but their number can reach 500 thousand.
The A-Info agency also mentions that the government is going to
resettle the Meskhetians mainly in Samtskhe-Javakhk populated with
Armenians.

ARMENIA ANXIOUS ABOUT SITUATION IN JAVAKHK
Noyan Tapan
May 24 2006
YEREVAN, MAY 24, NOYAN TAPAN. The Republic of Armenia is anxious
about the situation in Javakhk. RA Prime Minister Andranik Margarian
declared this at the Internet conference of the Azg newspaper.
Karapet Aristakesian, a resident of the French city of Marseilles,
expressed anxiety in connection with the fact that “before our eyes the
nationalistic authorities of Georgia broke Javakhk’s back and now it
is suffering from mortal blows. How long we will limit ourselves only
to solution of socio-economic problems? Will our generation, that has
liberated Kelbajar, inherit Javakhk in the form of Nor Nakhichevan?”
In response, RA Prime Minister advised before making such sharp
observations on such a delicate issue to weigh everything and to
take into consideration the fact that we speak about our neighboring
state and our compatriots living there and each non-careful statement
or action can do harm the interstate relations and put Armenians of
Javakhk in a more difficult position.
“We discuss with the Georgian authorities not only issues of
improvement of the socio-economic situation in Javakhk and possible
assistance by Armenia, but also those relating to preservation
of educational, spiritual-cultural and national values of our
compatriots. Within the framework of our budget we render some
assistance in providing Javakhk schools with textbooks, in repairs
of cultural centers and schools,” A.Margarian emphasized. According
to him, the Armenian government always involves the Javakhk youth in
All Armenian youth programs, implements various programs in different
spheres at the level of NGOs.
A.Margarian expressed stisfaction in connection with the fact that
considerable resources are also envisaged within the framework of the
Millennium Challenge program for reconstruction of infrastructures
in Javakhk.

CONFERENCE ON HISTORY ISSUES HELD IN YEGHEGNADZOR
Noyan Tapan
May 24 2006
YEGHEGNADZOR, MAY 24, NOYAN TAPAN. A conference was held in
Yeghegnadzor on May 19-21 in which scientific workers of the
History Institute of the RA National Academy of Sciences (NAS)
participated. “When everything is centralized in Yerevan, it is
pleasant that the science is moved to marzes,” Professor Ashot
Melkonian, the NAS History Institute Director mentioned in the opening
speech of the conference being held at the “Gitelik” University.
He expressed gratitude to Bishop Abraham Mkrtchian, the Syunik Diocese
Primate for by the assistance the latter, as a member of the “Gitelik”
University Board of Trustees, a tradition of holding the conference
in Vayots Dzor is already being formed: a similar conference was for
the first time held here in 2005.
A meeting among scientific workers and “Gitelik” University students
was also organized within the framework of the conference, during what
the issue of Armenians’ identity was touched upon. Students addressed
numerous questions to the History Institute Director, starting from
the Armenian Genocide problems to acception of national ideology of
our-days political figures. Deputy Regional Governor of Vayots Dzor
Samvel Tarverdian was also present at the conference.

UNITED LABOUR PARTY TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY IN EXECUTIVE POWER
Noyan Tapan
May 24 2006
YEREVAN, MAY 24, NOYAN TAPAN. The United Labour Party (ULP) finds that
the “Orinats Yerkir” (Country of Law) party, being considered as an
opposing field, may serve a great and important service to the affair
of settlement of the legislative life of Armenia, assisting adoption of
legislative initiatives of higher quality. Gurgen Arsenian, the head of
the United Labour Party and the parliamentary faction stated about it
at the May 23 sitting of the RA National Assembly, expressing gratitude
on behalf of the party and himself to NA Speaker and “Orinats Yerkir”
party Chairman Artur Baghdasarian for the three-years joint work.
He also expressed an opinion on behalf of the ULP that the existing
political mosaics of Armenia does not threat the political stability of
the country in any way, but just the opposite, strengthens and fastens
it. “We also state that we undertake some responsibility within the
framework of solution of those problems which we stated during the
process of defending RA President Robert Kocharian’s pre-electoral
program,” Arsenian mentioned. According to him, till now the ULP made
use of legislative means and now it undertakes responsibility towards
means of the legislative power, what, in the opinion of the party,
will assist wider possibilities of implementing the above-mentioned
pre-electoral programs.

ANDRANIK MARGARIAN: ARMENIA ATTEMPTS TO BRING RELATIONS WITH NATO TO NEW LEVEL, NOT PUTTING ISSUE OF MEMBERSHIP TO NATO ON AGENDA
Noyan Tapan
May 24 2006
YEREVAN, MAY 24, NOYAN TAPAN. Armenia does not oppose cooperation
with the CIS, European Union, NATO or Collective Security Treaty
Organization. RA Prime Minister Andranik Margarian stated about it
during the internet conference of the “Azg” (nation) newspaper.
One of readers mentioned: “One of the main reasons of Artur
Baghdasarian’s leaving the coalition was his statement concerning our
country’s orientation towards the European Union. Are you against
such an orientation and deepening cooperation with the NATO and
EU?” In responce, A.Margarian stated that the authorities of Armenia,
including the Government, are not against the cooperation with the
NATO as Armenia was involved in the European Union’s New Neighborhood
Policy program, presented the National Actions Plan of implementation
of the RA-EU Partnership and Cooperation Agreement. Besides, Armenia
cooperates with the NATO at present as well, the Indivudual Partnership
Actions Plan with that structure was adopted. “So, we never oppose
the CIS, European Union, NATO or Collective Security Treaty member
countries and have mentioned many times that in its foreign policy
Armenia is led by the principle of mutual supplement and builds a
multifoliated system of securing the safety,” the RA Prime Minister
emphasized.
According to him, since the first years of independence the Republic
of Armenia has gone on the way of the European integration what
does not yet mean to join the European Union or become a member of
the NATO. “Our state at least has no such priorities in its foreign
policy. Thus, Armenia observes development of relations with the
NATO as an important component of the European integration policy and
makes an attempt to bring its relations with that alliance to a new
qualitative level, not putting the issue of membership to the NATO on
the agenda of the foreign policy.” A.Margarian also mentioned that
at present Armenia’s relations with the NATO “develop woderfully”
as Armenia actively participates in all the regional programs of the
NATO and does not yeild neighbors of the region in the sense of the
level of relations with the Euro-Atlantic Alliance. “Armenia always
supports development of the regional cooperation within the framework
of the Partnership for Peace program and protects all the steps taken
by the NATO in this direction,” the Prime Minister stated.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

DEPUTIES’ STATEMENTS EMBELISHED WITH PROSE AND SWEARING
Noyan Tapan
May 24 2006
YEREVAN, MAY 24, NOYAN TAPAN. Deputies’ statements scheduled for the
end of the NA May 23 sitting were mainly turned into mutual injuries
and swearings between the “Orinats Yerkir” (Country of Law) and
“Azgayin Miabanutiun” (National Unity) factions, and it is impossible
to make them public arising of norms of ethics.
OYK representative Mher Shahgeldian mentioned that after the decision
on party’s leaving the coalition, “Azgayin Miabanutiun” and its head
Artashes Geghamian started a whole process of aspersions, having a
goal to throw mud to the address of the “Orinats Yerkir” party. He
stated that “Azgayin Miabanutiun” “leading its policy by the means
of intrigues” attempts to pull “Orinats Yerkir” into a foul play.
According to “OYK” faction Secretary Heghine Bisharian, “People like
Geghamian, instead of being glad, that the opposition rows have been
completed, were buckled down to carry out the authorities’ order to
pick on the OYK.”
“OYK” faction head Samvel Balasanian, emphasizing that nobody from
the ruling brach said anything in address of the party, mentioned that
nobody privatized the opposing field, and it is not anybody’s monopoly.
“Azgayin Miabanutiun” representative Koryun Arakelian called on
the OYK to define whose opposition the OYK becomes: “of Kocharian’s
authorities or by his imposing, of “Azgayin Miabanutiun.”
And a member of the same party Gagik Kostandian stated that information
of the OYK about the issue that the “Azgayin Miabanutiun” party
is financed by Defence Minister Serge Sargsian and that he is the
supplier of the same ministry “are false and old.”
“Azgayin Miabanutiun” deputies’ statements were accompanied by reading
parts from prose-writer Hrachya Matevosian’s open letter addressed
to President Robert Kocharian.

ANDRANIK MARGARIAN: SO FAR PEACE NOT ESTABLISHED IN REGION, TIME TO WORK TO DETRIMENT OF ALL SIDES
Noyan Tapan
May 24 2006
YEREVAN, MAY 24, NOYAN TAPAN. So far the Karabakh conflict is not
solved, so far stable peace is not established in the region, the
time will work to the detriment of all the sides. RA Prime Minister
Andranik Margarian stated about it in the internet interview of the
“Azg” (nation) newspaper.
A.Margarian mentioned that the U.S., as one of the OSCE Minsk Group
Co-Chair countries, is interested in peaceful and as much as possible
quick set tlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, establishment of
stability in the region.
According to him, Armenia cooperates with the U.S. both in the issue
of peaceful settlement of the conflict and in the most different
spheres of economy and in political field. “Involvement of Armenia
in the Millennium Challenges program of the American Government, in
general, since proclaiming the independence, the volumnous assistance
shown to our state by the U.S. and its readiness for cooperation also
prove the above-mentioned,” the RA Prime Minister emphasized.
According to him, Armenia has always welcome the impartial and
balanced policy led in the region by Iran what is very important and
considerable in a number of senses. According to A.Margarian, political
relations of the two countries are at a high level. The RA Prime
Minister attached importance to economic relations being developed
between Iran and Armenia, particularly, the cooperation in the energy
sphere: building of the Iran-Armenia gas pipe, Araks hydroelectric
power station, of the third line of high-volt transmission line.
A.Margarian stated that Armenia has “good partnership relations and
cooperation” with the U.S. and Iran, so he saw no bases for anxieties.
As for the Azerbaijani oil, according to the Prime Minister, there
is no necessity “to inappropriately swell its role: same those
questinings were made during the war as well, and immediately after
it.” He emphasized that no economic wonders took place in Azerbaijan,
and there are numerous and serious social problems in the country
today as well.

FESTIVAL OF YOUTH PERFORMANCES TO BE HELD IN JUNE IN YEREVAN
Noyan Tapan
May 24 2006
YEREVAN, MAY 24, NOYAN TAPAN. A Festival of Youth Performances will
be held on June 23-30 in Yerevan on the initiative of the Armenian
Theater Figures’ Union. 8 Yerevan and 3 regional, Goris, Gavar
and Kapan theaters will take part in the festival. As Noyan Tapan
correspondent was informed by RA People’s Artist Yervand Ghazanchian,
Chairman of the Armenian Theater Figures’ Union, producers and actors
aged 30 and below will participate in the festival.
According to Y.Ghazanchian, the festival is also a peculiar review
that will gave young producers and actors an opportunity to present
their professional skills. “We should be sure that the Armenian
theater will have deserved successors after us and will develop,”
Y.Ghazanchian emphasized. According to him, it is possible that
after the festival the best participants will receive an invitation
of working at Yerevan theaters.
The festival is held with the assistance of RA Ministry of Culture
and Youth Affairs and Yerevan Mayor’s Office.

MEASURES NECESSARY FOR MAKING INSURANCE PAYMENTS TO FAMILIES OF PLANE ACCIDENT VICTIMS UNDERTAKEN
Noyan Tapan
May 24 2006
YEREVAN, MAY 24, NOYAN TAPAN. The Grand insurance company
is undertaking the measures necessary for making payments to the
families of the victims of the May 3 plane accident as quickly as
possible. This was mentioned in the statement spread by the company
on May 23. In the statement the company proposes that on working
days the relatives of the victims visit the Yerevan office of Grand
in Tumanian 38 (telephone number +374 10 512824 or +374 93 400914).
On May 5, Grand had declared that the causes of the accident of A-320
plane of Armavia airline are investigated by the Airclaims expert
organization and Beaumont&Son juridical-expert organization.
They had also informed from the Grand insurance company that
the above-mentioned plane, the latter’s crew and passengers had
insured themselves by the Grand insurance company, which in its turn
transferred the risks assumed by it to 14 large reinsuring companies
working on London insurance market. The amount of compensation to be
given to the relatives of the accident victims will be determined on
the basis of Airclaims and Beaumont&Son.
Grand had explained that according to Warsaw Convention of 1929,
in the circumstance of international air transportations the amount
of life insurance cases is limited to 20 thousand USD.

RA FOREIGN MINISTER VISITS CANADA TO DISCUSS ISSUES CONNECTED WITH COMING ARMENIA-DIASPORA CONFERENCE WITH LOCAL ARMENIAN COMMUNITY
Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
May 24 2006
OTTAWA, MAY 24, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. RA Foreign Minister
Vartan Oskanian paid a one-day short-term working visit to Canada on
May 22 within the framework of preparatory work of the Armenia-Diaspora
conference to take place in Armenia on September 18-20 of the current
year, implementation of the program of development of rural communities
of Armenia put on the agenda of the conference.
As Noyan Tapan was informed by the RA Foreign Ministry’s Press and
Information Department, the goal of the visit was to discuss with the
Canadian Armenian community ways of future strengthening and widening
ties between Armenia and Diaspora, issues connected with organizing
and holding the conference, particularly, with implementation of the
long-term program, important for many-sided development of agricultural
infrastructures of Armenia.
During the practical meetings taken place in Ottawa and Toronto
with responsible representatives of community organizations of
the program, Minister Oskanian presented thoroughly details of
the Armenia-Diaspora conference and especially, of the agricultural
program, attaching importance to the strategic meaning of the program
for Armenia. Organization issues connected with the present stage
of implementation of the program as well as future activities were
discussed.
Community representatives appreciated the RA Government’s efforts
addressed to economic development of Armenia and undertaking
obligations, expressed readiness to properly participate in the
program.
Minister Oskanian made a speech on the same day at the solemn reception
organized at the Embassy of Armenia in Ottawa and answered Canadian
Armenian community representatives’ questions.