VERBAL DUEL IN ARMENIAN PARLIAMENT: ROBERT KOCHARYAN AND SERZH SARKISYAN HAVE DESTROYED ORINATS YERKIR?
Regnum, Russia
May 22 2006
Speeches of opposition National Unity (NU) Party and parliamentary
faction Leader Artashes Geghamian and ex-Speaker Artur Bagdassaryan,
who announced his resignation on the same day, turned into a verbal
duel in raised voices.
In particular, speaking before the MPs, Artashes Geghamian stated
that “Robert Kocharyan and Serzh Sarkisyan succeeded in destroying
Orinats Yerkir (OE) Party (Head – Artur Bagdassaryan) within several
days.” “Artur Bagdassaryan says that atmosphere of fear has developed
in the country, may be the atmosphere hinders him in revealing true
information that exactly Kocharyan and Sarkisyan have forced him to
reject speaker’s post; otherwise, why he does not call for a vote of
confidence?” he stressed.
Artur Bagdassaryan, who had returned into the session hall at the
moment, sharply retorted that nobody led the OYe out of the ruling
coalition. “We have decided it by ourselves. Much is said in the
hall about President Kocharyan. Yes, we state that we supported his
candidature during first and second rounds of presidential elections
in 2003 because such political figures appeared, who suddenly stopped
to be opposition in the second round (OYe did not support opposition
candidate Stepan Demirchyan in second round of 2003 presidential
elections – REGNUM). Also, very much was said about Serzh Sarkisyan,
but he has been illegally financing you. You fulfill order, why you
were absent when we were speaking about privatization and other vital
important questions?” Artur Bagdassaryan asked himself.
In his turn, Artashes Geghamian proposed Bagdassaryan to take Serzh
Sarkisyan into court as a briber, and Bagdassaryan as bribe-taker.
Effusive sorting out of the parties’ relationship continued some time
else. After that the parties agreed to continue “the duel” on air of
one of Armenian TV-channels.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ARMENIA CAN BECOME EU MEMBER ONLY WITHIN SOUTH CAUCASUS’ GEOPOLITICAL FRAMEWORKS
Arka News Agency, Armenia
May 22 2006
YEREVAN, May 22. /ARKA/. Armenia can become an EU member only within
South Caucasus’ geopolitical frameworks, MP from opposition Armenian
Republican Party Armen Ashotyan told reporters.
According to him, a state, cooperating individually with European
structures cannot hope for a status of an individual EU member. In
this respect, he expressed doubt as to the fact that the region of
South Caucasus is ready to adopt the European values.
“The problem lies in the unresolved status of regional issues,
particularly the Karabakh conflict, and also the unfavourable situation
with economic integration and disturbance of economic relations,”
he said.
Ashotyan also stated that the South Caucasus region cannot expect
a positive resolution of the problem of joining the EU in the near
20-25 years.

MIHRANYAN FINDS PROFOUND AND BITTER CONFRONTATION BETWEEN RUSSIA, ARMENIA IMPOSSIBLE
Arka News Agency, Armenia
May 22 2006
YEREVAN, May 22. /ARKA/. Profound and bitter confrontation between
Russia and Armenia is impossible, Russian political analyst Andranik
Mihranyan told journalist on Friday in Yerevan.
“There is a widespread opinion expressed by western media outlets that
a new cold war has broken out between Russian and the United States. I
consider this as stupidity and primitive analysis result”, he said.
The political analyst thinks only local rivalry is possible between
these countries and finds nothing surprising in that, because every
country searches for its niche in today’s changing international
relations.
In his opinion, Russia wants not so much. The only the Russia avoids
is to merely comply with the U.S. will. Instead, the country is trying
to strengthen itself by financial buildup in order to become a partner
and a subject of international relations, Mihranyan said.
Mihranyan doesn’t deny that there are some problems in Russian-American
relations. These problems are connected with different stances taken
by the countries on Iran’s nuclear program and Washington’s ambition
to intensify its influence in CIS member countries.

BLACK BOX OF DROWNED ARMENIAN PLANE FOUND
Sofia News Agency, Bulgaria
May 22 2006
One of the two flight “black boxes” from an Armenian Airbus that
crashed in the Black Sea May 3 has been recovered. A representative
of a center involved in the recovery effort announced Monday efforts
are continuing to find the second black box. Rescuers are striving
to retrieve the black boxes from a depth of 496 m and 5 m apart from
each other. An Airbus A-320 operated by Armenia’s Armavia flying
from Yerevan came down May 3 in stormy weather 6 km from the popular
Russian resort of Sochi. All 113 people on board were killed.

FLIGHT DATA RECORDER FROM CRASHED A320 FOUND
ITAR-TASS, Russia
May 22 2006
MOSCOW, May 22 (Itar-Tass) — One of the two flight data recorders
from the Armenian Airbus-320 passenger plane, which crashed into the
Black Sea off Sochi on May 3, was found on Monday, Russian Transport
Minister Igor Levitin said.
The search for the second “black box” will start this night, he said.
The first “black box” was lifted from the seabed at about 3.05 p.m.
(1105 GMT). “The flight data recorder was found under a layer of
soil. The operation to lift it began at 09:00 Moscow time and lasted
six hours. The ‘black box’ has been sent to Moscow for deciphering.
The second data recorder may be not far from the place where the
first one was found,” the operational headquarters told Itar-Tass.
The head of the Interstate Aviation Committee, Tatyana Anodina, said,
“The found flight data recorder is badly damaged because of strong
impact and because of lying in an aggressive environment.”
She said data from the recorder would be analysed by a standard
procedure that will involve officials from Armenia, France, and Russia.
The operation to lift the flight data recorders started last Tuesday
but was interrupted by a strong side wind that constantly carried
away the ship, which is operating the RT-1000 apparatus, which is
conducting the search for the flight recorders.
Silt on the seabed complicated the work, covering the video camera
and the searchlights. The team had to raise the apparatus several
times to clean them. It takes 40 minutes for the apparatus to sink
and as much to come back to the surface.
The apparatus had not participated in such operations before. It
raised only geological samples weighing up to 20 kilogrammes and did
not work at such depths.
The device is capable to lift fragments of a plane weighing up to
12 kilogrammes and the two flight recorders, each weighing seven
kilogrammes, the head of the Federal Agency for Sea and River
Transport, Alexander Davydenko, said.
The RT-1000 is a system consisting of control and lifting equipment
and the apparatus itself with photo and video equipment and a hydraulic
manipulator operating in all directions.
Davydenko said the operation would involve several groups of 18
people. Each will work for eight hours.
The Navigator’s crew obtained the first television image of the flight
recorders lying at the depth of almost 500 metres, using the top-notch
research complex Kalmar.
The Kalmar equipment was provided by the department for salvage and
emergency operations based in the port city of Novorossisk.
The designer of the complex, the Russian corporation Tetis-Pro,
made the Kalmar for the Russian Navy. When the A-320 crashed, the
complex, which includes a sonic depth-tester having the functions of
a side-looking sonar, was still in the phase of testing.
The Kalmar is capable of tracking down objects at the depths of down
to 600 meters.
The flight recorders are lying on the seabed 496 metres from the
surface and about five metres apart. “The visibility is sufficient
for the work to be done,” the minister said.
Flight recorders used on aircraft of the Airbus-320 type withstand
the depth of up to 6,000 meters for 30 days, experts from the French
air crash investigation bureau said.
They said that flight recorders’ radio beacons keep working during
the 30-day period.
One of the flight recorders registers flight parameters, including the
speed, height and direction of the flight and the autopilot operation,
each second. The other gadget records conversations in the cockpit.
Each flight recorder weighs 10 kilograms, including a seven-kilogram
armoured casing for the gadget. The casing can withstand water pressure
at a depth of 6,000 meters, the temperature of 1,100 degrees Celsius,
and the compression of 2.2 tonnes.
The bureau retrieved flight recorders from the depth of over 1,000
meters in the Red Sea in January 2004, when an Egyptian plane crashed
near the Sharm-el-Sheikh resort. The rescuers were using a Scorpio
deep-water apparatus.
A technical commission investigating the Sochi air crash, which is
led by the CIS Interstate Aviation Committee, has asked French experts
to help find A-320 flight recorders.
Of 113 people who were abroad the plane, 51 bodies have been found
so far.
The Airbus A-320 of the Armenian airline Armavia plunged into the
Black Sea as it was making a landing manoeuvre in the early hours of
May 3. The accident claimed the lives of 113 people.

BLACK BOX RECOVERED FROM BLACK SEA AIRBUS CRASH SITE – MINISTER
RIA Novosti, Russia
May 22 2006
SOCHI, May 22 (RIA Novosti) — Emergency teams have recovered one of
the two flight recorders from an Airbus that crashed in the Black Sea
May 3 with the loss of 113 people, Russia’s transportation minister
said Monday.
Igor Levitin said the black box recorded the conversation between
the pilot and crew and had been buried under 20-50 centimeters of silt.
Levitin said the search for the other box, which recorded flight
data and was thought to be lying 3-5 meters (10-16 feet) away from
the first one, would continue into the night.
Rescuers’ data showed that the A-320’s black boxes were at a depth of
496 meters (1,627 feet) and 5 meters (16 feet) apart from each other.
The airliner operated by Armenia’s Armavia flying from the Armenian
capital, Yerevan, came down May 3 in stormy weather six kilometers
(3.7 miles) from Adler airport, which services the popular Russian
resort of Sochi.

“ZERKALO”: EUROPE AND THE NOTORIOUS “GENOCIDE OF ARMENIANS”
M. Mejidli
Ïðaâî Âûaîða, Azerbaijan
Democratic Azerbaijan
May 22 2006
France has postponed “restoration of inquisition”
Regardless of expectations of Armenian lobby, parliament of France
has postponed voting concerning bill presented by Socialist Party. It
should be pointed out that the said document envisaged criminal
penalty – 1 year imprisonment or fine amounting to 45,000 Euro – of
persons who, being in France, do not recognize “Genocide of Armenians”
or oppose this “fact”. Armenians were getting ready thoroughly for
this event and they were almost convinced that statements of Turkish
authorities that in case of adoption of the bill they would review
Turkish-French relationship, would have no effect for French parliament
members. However, speaker of the French Parliament, Jean Louis Debre,
opposed it. Armenians, attending the meeting, as informed “Zerkalo”,
started loud protest. They were turned out from the meeting hall
by representative of security service. This time Turkey managed to
defend its position. But it is not the end. Armenian lobby with the
help of one of French parties may attempt to re-introduce the bill
with the same content next year.
Even when this bill was introduced to the commission of French
Parliament, our newspaper asked: why Armenian lobby are so insistent?
Lawmakers of France recognized “Armenian Genocide of 1915”, isn’t
it enough?
It is clear that there is precedent, as Jewish community made the
world recognize Holocaust. Moreover, denial of Holocaust is persecuted
in such developed countries as Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic,
France, Germany, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Switzerland,
and of course, Israel. And now Armenians decided to introduce the
similar bill to parliaments of different countries.
Their logic is based on precedent in the form of persecution of
Turkish historian, Yusuf Galaoglu well known with his anti-Armenian
statements, on the part of Swiss authorities. Earlier Federal
Department on Foreign Affairs of Switzerland emphasized the use of
Swiss law with respect to representative of Turkish Labor Party,
Dogu Perinchek who denies the fact of “genocide of Armenians”. The
matter is that accordingly criminal code of Switzerland, denial,
underestimation and justification of genocide and other crimes against
humanity are punishable actions. Though, Switzerland had to soften
its position under pressure of Turkish government. In this respect
Swiss representatives said that they welcome proposal of Turkish
government concerning creation of joint Turkish-Armenian historic
commission, which should investigate historic facts of “genocide
of Armenians”. We wrote about it several times. However, Armenians
continue attacking Turkish positions despite discontent of European
countries. For example, professor of law from Belgian university ULB,
O. Gorten, calls the use of punishment of people who deny this “fact”
restoration of inquisition. Accordingly to him, history of Europe
is full of facts of “genocide” of different nations and if “Armenian
genocide” is recognized chain reaction will occur (“Hurriyyet”).
“I am not historian, and I cannot judge the events of 1915. But as a
jurist I believe that this issue is unacceptable. I informed commission
of Belgian parliament about the issue in question.
Armenians are ready to introduce the same bill to it. I gave my advices
to the French parliament”, jurist pointed out. The main reason of
Gorten’s discontent is that, first, there is no court decision of
those years proving the fact of “Genocide of Armenians”.
Second, even if such decision had been made by French parliament,
the law would not have had retroactive effect.
“At the beginning of XX c. there was no notion of “genocide”. History
does not provide unique evaluation of events of 1915. If we accept
the events of the beginning of XX century then how can we call actions
of Belgium in Congo? I think that the notion of “genocide” should be
used in connection with events occurred after World War II.
Otherwise, whole Europe will face legal questions – which criterion
prove realization of genocide? If we review history then facts of
killing of people can be found right up to the times of Roman Empire.
But to use punishment for the actions which cannot be proved is
unacceptable from legal point of view”, Gorten said.
“Imagine, that Belgium will adopt the mentioned law. And what do
we have to do – to arrest our Ministry descent from Turkey, Emir
Kir, who does not recognize “genocide of Armenians”. Or to send to
prison Turkish high officials who no doubt touch upon this issue
during discussion on European Union membership. If Belgian parliament
accepts this issue, it will be unpleasant surprise for me”, Belgian
professor stressed. It should be pointed out that, Emir Kir does not
recognize “genocide” that is why some Belgian politicians cooperating
with Armenian lobby have launched undermining campaign against him,
attempting to slander the Minister.
Ambassador of Algeria to Egypt, Abdulkadir Khijar, said: “First,
France should answer for mass destruction of population in Algeria
and Africa”. “Why world is silent when the matter concerns the fact
that during the war for independence of Algeria (1954-62) the French
destroyed 1,5 million Algerians. I partook in liberation fight
of Algeria. I was cruelly tortured in prison. When France started
occupation of Algeria in 1830, population was 9 millions. 120 later,
when we started liberation fight there were 10 millions of Algerians.
Is it possible for Muslim country to have just one more million
of population for 120 years? It proves the fact that our nation
was destroyed deliberately. What France dares to speak about?”,
Ambassador stressed.
There are many similar opinions. But it is strange that Europe
follows Armenian lobby and imposes “genocide of Armenians” on the
world. As for Turkey, the response of European country is substantial
step. In the end Europe will see that Turkey in turn will issue decree
on prohibition to deny in Turkey “genocide Algerians by France”,
“genocide in Congo by Belgium” etc. And to arrest diplomats who will
not recognize the fact of “genocide”.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey expressed discontent concerning
temporal postponement of consideration of bill on persecution for
denial of “genocide of Armenians”. Accordingly to “Trend” agency in
Ankara referring to Turkish mass media, Turkey expects that France
will reject bill and Paris will promote organization of meeting
between Turkish and Armenian historians for unbiased investigation
of made up problem of “Armenian genocide”.
–Boundary_(ID_fW9oInUfX34FtljsrOZb8A) —

CONSTRUCTION OF 22.5 KM LONG SECTION OF IRAN-ARMENIA PIPELINE TO BE COMPLETED BY AUGUST
Regnum, Russia
May 22 2006
The ArmRosgazprom Company intends to complete construction of 22.5
km of the first 47 km long section of the Iran-Armenia pipeline,
ArmRosgazprom Director General Karen Karapetyan announced at a
meeting with the press on May 22. According to him, the agreement
on construction of the 22.5 km long section worth $2.7 million was
signed by the company and Arvandan Company (Iran).
“After finalizing construction of the first section of the Iran-Armenia
pipeline, it will be connected to ArmRosgazprom gas system,” Karen
Karapetyan noted adding that ArmRosgazprom will have to increase
carrying capacity of its pipes, in particular, by extending the
diameter. “We do not know yet, how it will be financed, probably,
from the Armenian state budget, probably, by the Iranian side, or,
maybe, with the help of new investors,” Karen Karapetyan noted.
As he said, all the countries in the region experience deficit in
energy. “From this point of view, Armenia has an opportunity to
become a liberal place, as there is untapped energy potential and a
brilliant perspective to supply energy particularly to Iran, Iraq,
Turkey, Georgia and Azerbaijan,” Karen Karapetyan pointed out.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

REGNUM STATEMENT ON ARCHITECTURAL SITES IN THE WORLD AND TRANSCAUCASUS
Regnum, Russia
May 22 2006
On May 21, Azerbaijani Day.az web-site released information that
Azerbaijani Ambassador to Russia Polad Bul-Bul Ogli was going “to
take very serious measures against REGNUM, including taking it into
court, if it is necessary.” The statement was based on REGNUM reports
about discussion of members of the Russian Public Chamber on future
of Armenian architectural sites (khachkars) located in Nakhichevan.
According to the ambassador, the Russian Public Chamber did not
actually discuss the question.
Sincerely respecting Mr. Bul-Bul Ogli as an outstanding artist,
long-term Culture Minister of Azerbaijan, we have to note that he
arrogates information to REGNUM, which has not actually been released
by the agency.
As it is evident from our May 17 report, the appeal on the khachkars
future was discussed by Commission of the Public Chamber on Cultural
Sites and Spiritual Heritage and not at a plenary session of the
chamber itself. Primarily, editors of Russian Armenians’ Yerkramas
Newspaper received information about the commission’s session. Our
news article contained reference to the source pointing out in such way
to the fact that only viewpoint of the Armenian side on the event was
presented. Later, we received and published exclusive commentary on the
held session of Commission Deputy Chairperson Galina Bogolyubova. Her
commentary clearly demonstrated that the Public Chamber Commission had
approached to difficult question of Transcaucasian cultural heritage’s
preservation from positions of peace and tolerance, not focusing on
accusations against any single country of the region.
Question of Armenian cultural sites in Nakhichevan, as well as
Azerbaijani sites in Nagorno Karabakh, was politicized to the highest
extent during Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict and it often became
subject of verbal dueling of the conflicting parties. Covering the
situation in Transcaucasus every day for many years, REGNUM wishes to
become the site, where both Armenian and Azerbaijani public figures and
experts could express their ideas concerning ways of Karabakh conflict
settlement. The position of us has already obtained recognition of
many people in both countries. And we believe it to be inadmissible
to allow that our agency’s activities in this direction would suffer
as a result of the misunderstanding.

TURKISH PARADE EXCITEMENT IN US
Zaman, Turkey
May 22 2006
The Turkish Day parade, which was first held in reaction to attacks
in the 1980s against some Turkish diplomats from ASALA, an Armenian
terror organization, celebrated its 25th anniversary over the weekend.
New York hosted the “Turkish parade” and attracted the largest ever
turnout of Turkish people in the United States.
Thousands of people gathered in the Madison Street and Dag Hammarskjold
Park with Turkish flags in their hands.
The parade, which is held every third Sunday of May, welcomed people
from all over the US.
The Turkish people-either independent or associated with an association
of foundation-from Rochester to south New Jersey, from Ohio to Florida
joined the march.
The Turks later held a celebration in Dag Hammarskjold Park. Mehmet Ali
Sahin, the Minister of State and the Deputy Prime Minister, said he was
very happy to see Turks here living together in peace and solidarity.
Omer Onhon, the Turkish counsel general, expressed how deeply affected
and touched he was by the parade, indicating his 4-year term would
be ending in the upcoming months.
Zaman Stand Draws Attention
Zaman was, as always, there to support the parade with a display stand.
Its colorful stand received much welcome from the public.
Thousands of people were given a copy of Zaman for free.
Yuruyus was another newspaper that attracted great public attention.
Yuruyus wants its news articles to be an exploration of the Turk’s
history in the United States.
People were also informed about the books that Zaman has so far
distributed.