INTERVIEW OF AZERBAIJAN PRESIDENT ILHAM ALIYEV TO TURKISH NEWSPAPER CUMHURIYET
[July 10, 2006, 21:06:52]
AzerTag, Azerbaijan
July 10 2006
The following is the interview the President of Azerbaijan Ilham
Aliyev gave on July 4 in Baku to the reporter of the Turkish newspaper
Cumhuriyet Leyla Tavshanoglu.
QUESTION: Mr. President, we have, at last, reached the final stage
of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan project that we have been anticipating
for many years. When visiting Kazakhstan you met with President
Nazarbayev, and agreed on using the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline to
carry the Kazakh oil. How do assess this – i.e. the fact that the
Kazakh oil will also be transported via this pipeline – on the eve
of the official opening of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline?
ANSWER: It once again proves the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline
to be very advantageous project from not only economic but also
any other viewpoints. We have worked at it for several years,
and were implementing this large project in collaboration. It
will allow us to bring the Caspian oil to the world market. We are
anticipating the production of large amounts of oil, and, of course,
the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline is of great interest for other
companies, as well. The Kazakhstan’s joining the project is a one
more evidence of this.
You know, in the past, there were different opinions about this
project. There was some resistance, and there were forces that
did not want it to be realized. They even said this project was
economically unjustified, disadvantageous. The life shows, however,
all these allegations were not based on real facts, whereas our
thoughts, ideas and policy have become a reality. This project, and,
in general, the international projects implemented in the Azerbaijan
sector of the Caspian Sea, have already brought all this activities
to a global level. It has already broken the regional bounds, and is
now acquiring a global significance, that, in its turn, is of great
importance for Azerbaijan.
QUESTION: Mr. President, your late father, esteemed Heydar Aliyev used
to meet regularly with our ninth head of state. After your father
passed away, and the esteemed Demirel left his office, however,
our relationship seemed to become cooler, didn’t it?
ANSWER: No, not at all.
JOURNALISTS: At that time, they seemed to meet more frequently.
ILHAM ALIYEV: You know, now it’s a little difficult to compare. But
I’d like to say that the Turkey-Azerbaijan relations are developing
very rapidly, and now are on the highest level. I had numerous
meetings with esteemed President Ahmet Necdet Sezer and esteemed
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan both in Baku, Ankara and other
countries. Our ties are very strong. Besides, Turkish delegations,
ministers and parliamentarians visit Azerbaijan in a regular manner,
and likewise, the visit of Azerbaijani delegations to Turkey. It let
us say that our relations are getting stronger, and realization of
the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil and Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum gas pipelines,
and later the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway projects is possible only as
a result of our joint activities, and it is a reality.
Q: Mr. President, by the way, the Armenian lobby is doing their best
to hamper realization of the Kars-Akhalkalaki-Tbilisi-Baku railway
project. Do you think the Armenians will manage to achieve their
goal? The question arises because they are striving to seriously
prevent both European Union and the United States from supporting
the project.
A: They naturally will try to do so, because Armenian and the Armenian
lobby are hostile towards Azerbaijan and Turkey, and will use every
opportunity to strike us a blow. It will continue. It is a truth,
a reality. We should pursue our policy with confidence. Look, the
Armenian lobby was opposing actively the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil
pipeline. They even sent letters to the international organizations.
The International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and banks funding
the projects were among those they were trying to put pressure
upon. But they failed to achieve anything, because the steadfastness
of the Azerbaijan state, the steadfastness of the Turkish state,
and active stance of Georgia prevented them from spoiling this
business. Despite all their efforts to hamper realization of the
Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, I am convinced that we will do realize this
project. Indeed, the Armenian lobby is striving for some organizations,
international structures not to support this project, but our current
situation allows us to be independent of other organizations. We have
possibilities, and we have funds. I told several time that today
Azerbaijan is prepared to fulfill its financial obligation, and we
can do that at the expense of our own funds. Therefore, this Armenian
policy will fail to succeed; Azerbaijan will become stronger, and
take stronger position in the region. Armenia is now isolated from all
the international projects, and their situation will further worsen.
Q: Mr. Aliyev, You met with President Vladimir Putin as well. Did
you share you views on Armenia with Putin?
A: You know, the international group of mediators works to settle
Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The group includes
Russia, France and the United States of America. Thus, these three
countries try to assist us in reaching any kind of agreement.
Q: The issue of referendum in Nagorno-Karabakh has emerged too. Is
it really so?
A: You know, Minsk group has recently made a statement with some
details of their proposals made public. Namely, the revealed issues
were their proposals, as we have not come to agreement. Armenia
and Azerbaijan are far away from the agreement. There are just
some proposals. They were put forward by the Minsk group. The final
statement has revealed some of them. We did not raise our objection
to it because we have never wanted the talks be held in the dark. We
have nothing to hide. Considering the other side’s suggestion, we
also agreed to hold secret negotiations. As Minsk group has decided
to go public about the details of the peace talks, thus, we have to
make some things clear too.
The territorial integrity of Azerbaijan must be restored. No
compromise is possible here. Occupation forces should leave the
lands they occupied, and Azerbaijani refugees and IDPS must return
to these territories. As to the future status of Nagorno-Karabakh,
the opinion of the Azerbaijani and Armenian communities may be
taken into consideration since both Armenians and Azerbaijanis
resided in Nagorno-Karabkh before the war. Return of Azerbaijanis
to Nagorno-Karabakh is the condition. They have to return there,
they have to be settled. Afterwards, the communities and Azerbaijan
– as Nagorno-Karabakh is the integral part of Azerbaijan – can hold
discussions on the Karabakh status in the future. We will see in the
future how much time the negotiations will require. This is the issue.
We will never allow adopting any decision that violates the territorial
integrity of Azerbaijan or provides for separation of Karabakh from
Azerbaijan in a year, decade or hundred years. We will never allow
this. Minsk group co-chairs and leadership of Armenia are aware of
this. In some cases, Armenia tries to go public about some points
that are incorrect and do not reflect the reality. Maybe, they want
the public opinion in Armenia be positively oriented. However, the
reality is that the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan is not the
subject of negotiations, and independent status will never be given
to Nagorno-Karabakh.
Q: Mr. President, there is an interesting issue. So-called “President”
of Nagorno-Karabakh said “we neither join Armenia nor Azerbaijan
can possess us, and we will be the independent state. What is you
opinion? How much sincere he was?
A. I do not give at all to its words any value as he heads an illegal
criminal regime – illegitimate, a self-proclaimed, criminal group not
recognized by any international organization. Therefore, I, at all,
do not wish to speak about this person, and his words have no value.
As to ways of the settlement of question in the whole, the
international community has recognized Nagorno Karabakh as an
inseparable part of Azerbaijan. The United Nations Organization, all
other organizations recognize territorial integrity of Azerbaijan
together with Nagorno Karabakh. In that case, independence cannot
be even debated. There is a certain practice, a world practice,
practice of normal residing of minority. Including in Azerbaijan. In
Azerbaijan, there are national minorities that live very easy, freely,
have all rights. In Europe, there is a form of autonomy. It functions
in the several European countries. Why there should be any other form
here?! Why the national minority living in Azerbaijan can move the
territory of the residing from Azerbaijan and create an independent
state?! We shall not allow it, and anybody, any organization and any
country never will recognize independence of Nagorno Karabakh. If
to consider, that today Azerbaijan becomes stronger as from the
political, economic, and the military point of view, here we possess
more preferable positions.
Armenia cannot compete with us, and by years our force will be even
more palpable. I regret, that time goes ahead, and our refugees and
IDPs cannot still return to the native lands. But I am convinced,
that we will solve the problem fairly and according to norms of
international law. Territorial integrity of Azerbaijan will be
provided, and the sovereignty of Azerbaijan restored within the
borders of entire country.
Q. Mr. President, there is a plan for Your meeting with Robert
Kocharian. Is there probability for Your meeting with Kocharian during
the G8 Summit?
A. No, there is nothing as such. We have met several times during
some months, and those meetings did not give any result.
J. Didn’t?
A. No. As you know, the first meeting passed in France and the
Armenian president left the meeting uncompleted. Then, a meeting
took place in Romania. There, too, was gained nothing. There is no
any understanding between us, no agreement, and the reason for hat
is Armenia’s unconstructive position. Armenia’s occupant policy.
We have no territorial claim against anyone. We demand to return back
the territory that belongs to Azerbaijan. We try to do it peacefully.
We give chance to Armenia to withdraw from the occupied lands and
without any bloodshed and warfare to resolve this question. Should we
achieve this, then, the picture will change completely, be established
relations, ways open and cooperation be possible. In future, Armenia –
now isolated from all international projects – can join them. That is,
the Armenian people will also benefit this.
What is the use for Armenian people of the occupation of these lands?
Nothing. Did they begin to live better? No. Increased their reputation
over the world? On the contrary, the world recognizes then as occupant,
aggressor state, as a state that pursues the policy of ethnic cleanse
against Azerbaijanis.
Did Armenian’s positions strengthen in the world? No. By delay of
settlement of the conflict, their positions get worse and worse. And in
the future, of course, they cannot compete with Azerbaijan. Therefore,
should this question find its solution, the Armenian people will
also live better. But settlement of the question is possible only on
base of international law. There are certain principles in the world,
rules, and resolutions of international organizations.
Now, Armenia wants to annex Nagorno Karabakh. And we can want
many things. We can want to annex Azerbaijan’s historical lands,
to annex the Iravan Khanate to Azerbaijan. We can want that. But it
is not reality now. That’s why, and this question cannot be solved
on somebody’s wish. There is international law. I reiterate, now we
give chance to Armenia to settle this question peacefully. Otherwise,
we should consider and other versions.
Q. That is, You mean the warfare?
A. That is, it is not excluded. Never excluded.
If to take into account that now the ceasefire regime is very
sensible. That is, the safety measures do not enable to provide full
calm in the contact line. There are no forces of other countries
between us, no peacemaking troops. That is, any unpleasantness
is possible. How long should we bear this? How long should be
participate in negotiations? We see the Armenian side is not frank in
talks. Therefore, we must be ready for all versions. Azerbaijan’s
rising economic potential, military strength, its position in
region, our importance for region and the world, lead us to superior
positions. By years passed, this will seem more vividly. Armenia
should think and they bear responsibility for all possible dangerous
conclusions.
Q. That is, responsibility will rest on them?
A. Yes.
Q. Esteemed Mr. Aliyev, but they seem not as earlier?
A. Look, how unfair claims they raise against Turkey. And they raise
false, imaginary, unreal and faked accusations, and try the notorious
“genocide” to be approved in Europe. That is, it shows that they are
in a hostile position.
First, there was not any genocide. Instead, in all periods they have
killed the Turks, Azerbaijanis, and massacred them.
Secondly, let us have a look at the new history. There were countries
that battled with each other for ten times, twenty times. The European
countries. Have a look at the World War II. In this war, carried
out by Germany, the Soviet Union, England, France and America, 30
million and may be more people were killed. Wars occurred in world,
and earlier in Europe. But after 20 years, the Soviet Union and
Western Germany established relations. And today they are allies,
France and Germany play leading role in the European Union and all
see their alliance. These nations, these countries have closed the
history for future, for progress. But look at Armenia; they educate
their youth in spirit of hostility.
J. And they still live in the past?
ILHAM ALIYEV. They live in the past, and therefore cannot develop.
This is their problem. It shows that they are not going to leave this
policy. They, first, try the “genocide’ to be recognized, and what
will be further, we know. Then they will demand compensation. Then,
they will raise territorial claim against Turkey. We know that. And
therefore we must be ready. Turkey and Azerbaijan should have stronger
position. We should not defend, but on the contrary, we should attack
from the point of view of policy and propaganda. Here, in Azerbaijan
we set up the affairs in high level. It is necessary to unmask the
Armenian propaganda, and smash up their false propaganda and bring
to the notice of world community.
Q. Mr. President, You have visited America, in your meetings, what
discussions did you have related to Iran, Armenia, Turkey, the region
and Azerbaijan?
A. My visit to America was very successful. There were comprehensive
talks with to President Bush, Vice-President Cheney, and other
officials – ministers, public figures, senators, congressmen,
and the non-governmental organizations. Of course, we had, first
of all, exchange of views on bilateral relations. I can say today
the Azerbaijan-America relations are very high level. We cooperate
successfully in all fields, and my official visit once again
strengthened it. The bilateral relations will develop much more
intensively.
Of course, the situation in region was also discussed. Because
we live in this region, and the ongoing processes in region have
certain influence on Azerbaijan, and the processes in Azerbaijan
impact the regional affairs. The major item is that stability was not
violated here. The peace was established, strengthened, the safety
measures reinforced and the region could normally cooperate in secure
conditions. It is because the region has great potential. Oil and
gas fields of Caspian, transport routs, new opportunities – to use
all these we need safety measures be strengthened, and Azerbaijan
plays its own role in this cause.
Q. Mr. President, there were periodically color revolutions in
region. As we follow the later processes, it appears those revolutions
have failed. Why did these color revolutions take place? And there
were also similar attempts here, but failed. Isn’t that true?
A. Those attempts here also had, to say, very pitiful impressions.
Possibly you know its reasons. It results when the people and
government have different points of view in some questions. Or,
the abyss between power and people deepens. And, of course, also the
socio-economic problems instigate the people to this. As to Azerbaijan,
here, it completely differs. Now, for economic growth, we are the
leading country in the world. Last year the economic growth made up
26 percent, while in five months of this year it was 40 percent. For
economic growth rate we are the first over the world.
The industrial production in Azerbaijan in five months has increased
approximately by 40 percent. In the last two and a half year, 400
workplaces have been opened in Azerbaijan. Number of vulnerable
downsized by 20 percent. Revenues of the population have increased
by 25 percent. That is, all these show that the country economically
strengthens, and the people live better. In addition, the people
approve our external policy. That is, there was no reason for
uprising here. True, some politicians having watched the unrests
in other countries either wanted to cerate problem, or even reach
something. But the people did not support them.

Georgia unaffected by Russian border post closure – premier Noghaideli
Rustavi-2 TV, Tbilisi
8 Jul 06
[Presenter] Prime Minister Zurab Noghaideli has requested the Georgian
Foreign Ministry to contact their Russian counterparts and ask for an
explanation [of the closure by the Russian side of the Qazbegi-Zemo
Larsi checkpoint on the Georgian-Russian border]. Noghaideli is
convinced that the closing of Larsi [checkpoint] will have a more
negative impact on Armenia than on Georgia. Zurab Noghaideli said
this at a business forum in Batumi which the Georgian and Armenian
prime ministers are attending.
[Noghaideli] Restoration and repair work are not usually carried out
without a preliminary agreement in normal situations. Incidentally, I
want to tell you that as Georgia virtually exports nothing to Russia,
it is first and foremost Armenia that has been affected the most,
if we are speaking in economic terms. Accordingly, I have notified
the Armenian prime minister and they too will react to this. However,
I want to reiterate that we will look into this issue and will respond
to it in an appropriate manner.

President’s visit to Iran damages Armenia’s image – paper
Aykakan Zhamanak, Yerevan
7 Jul 06
Text of report by Anna Akopyan in Armenian newspaper Aykakan Zhamanak
on 7 July headlined “One more diplomatic victory”
“Iran and Armenia should expand their cooperation in the world,”
Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinezhad said at a joint news conference
with Armenian President Robert Kocharyan on 5 July. He also said
that Armenia and Iran have very good relations and this cooperation
must develop. He described Iranian-Armenian relations as “friendly,
stable and developing”.
In turn, Robert Kocharyan noted that up till now more than 90
agreements have been signed between
Iran and Armenia, which is a good basis for the further development
of cooperation. He also invited Ahmadinezhad to pay a visit to
Armenia. The Iranian mass media reported that this invitation was
accepted by the Iranian president with great pleasure, which means that
the visit will be paid soon. In general, there was no lack of mutual
understanding during the three days of the Armenian president’s visit
to Iran. Seven agreements signed on the spheres of energy, transport,
the economy, culture, sports and tourism strengthen this cooperation.
It is surprising that the Iranian and Armenian media did not say a
single word about the problem of the Iran-Armenia gas pipeline. It
is no secret that the involvement of a third party, namely Russia,
in the programme on the construction of the Iran-Armenia gas pipeline
was to be the main subject of Kocharyan’s talks with Ahmadinezhad. It
is also strange that they did not touch on the Karabakh issue
either. Meanwhile, we should note that Kocharyan’s visit to Iran dealt
a blow to Armenia’s international image, if Armenia still has one,
of course.
The point is that the European Union’s foreign policy chief Javier
Solana was supposed to meet Iran’s top nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani
in Brussels. The meeting was very important because Iran’s nuclear
programme was planned to be discussed by the USA, Russia, France,
the United Kingdom, China and Germany, and the Iranian party was
planning to reply to suggestions. In other words, the meeting was very
important. Iranian Foreign Minister Manuchehr Mottaki told journalists
during the ceremony to welcome Robert Kocharyan that the aforesaid
meeting will not take place. Naturally, everybody noticed this. This
was a “surprise” prepared by the Iranian party for the Armenian
delegation as a sign of century-long warm friendship. Certainly, Mr
Mottaki could not but understand that Armenia would be happier if he
made such a statement in any other place but not standing next to the
Armenian president. And certainly, it is not by chance that the Iranian
foreign minister made it while standing next to Kocharyan. Moreover,
just at the moment when Larijani was to meet Solana in Brussels, he
met Kocharyan in Tehran. Of course, all this deals a blow to Armenia,
but despite that, neither Kocharyan nor any member of his delegation
expressed displeasure in this regard. In general, I doubt that they
understood how irrelevant Mottaki’s step was for Armenia.

Armenian, Georgian premiers discuss bilateral cooperation
Arminfo
7 Jul 06
Yerevan, 7 July: The Armenian and Georgian prime ministers discussed a
wide range of issues related to the further development of cooperation
between the two countries in Batumi today, Armenian Prime Minister
Andranik Markaryan told journalists after a one-hour meeting with
Georgian Prime Minister Zurab Noghaideli.
He said that the construction of the third high-voltage power line by
Georgia was discussed and an appropriate agreement was reached today.
Apart from that, issues related to the sphere of transport were also
discussed at the meeting, specifically, the talks focused on the fact
that the authorities of both countries are doing everything possible
to open the Abkhaz sector of the railway. However, the prime minister
added that in order to fully solve this issue, Russia’s support is
also important. Markaryan said that during the meeting, an agreement
was also reached to set up a joint working group that will estimate
the possibilities and benefits of resuming the rail service between
Kars, Gyumri and Tbilisi.
Speaking about the Georgian authorities’ decision to restore the
infrastructure of [the Armenian-populated Georgian] Samtskhe-Javakheti
region, Markaryan pointed out that it will be expedient to involve
businessmen and the local population of Samtskhe-Javakheti in the
implementation of the aforesaid work in order to weaken tensions in
the region, especially as the local population has great experience
in such work.
[Passage omitted: Markaryan spoke about Armenia’s possible assistance
to the region]
The Armenian prime minister said that they also discussed the
importance of opening an Armenian-Georgian university in Tbilisi. In
this regard, the Armenian education and science minister will visit
Georgia to discuss a number of technical issues.
The sides also discussed cooperation in the sphere of tourism and noted
that the number of Armenian tourists visiting Georgian and Ajarian
resorts on the Black Sea coast is increasing year by year. In this
regard, Markaryan told journalists that the importance of increasing
the volume of Armenian investment in the Black Sea resorts was
also noted.

Armenian-Georgian Group to Study Opportunities to Open Kars-Gyumri-Tbilisi Railway
PanARMENIAN.Net
08.07.2006 13:59 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Yesterday Armenian PM Andranik Margaryan met with his
Georgian counterpart Zurab Nogaideli, reports the Press Service of the
Armenian Government. Welcoming the decision of Georgian authorities to
restore infrastructure of Samtskhe-Javakheti Georgian region populated
by Armenians, Margaryan said he thought to slacken the tension among
the population it would be expedient to involve local entrepreneurs and
residents in construction works planned. The Armenian PM reaffirmed
Armenia’s commitment to assist to implementation of the program. At
this stage the Armenian party will help restore a number of education
institutions of Javakheti. The form of further assistance will be
determined when information on the complex restoration programs is
submitted to the Armenian party.
The interlocutors also discussed matters of restoration of regional
transport communications. Armenian and Georgian PMs agreed to form
a joint working group, specifically to study opportunities to resume
Kars-Gyumri-Tbilisi railway communication.

NKR President: Restoration of Shushi Highly Important to All Armenians
PanARMENIAN.Net
08.07.2006 14:10 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Restoration of Shushi town in Karabakh is highly
important not only for Nagorno Karabakh, but also all Armenians,
NKR President Arkady Ghoukassian stated in Stepanakert yesterday
when receiving a delegation led by Yerevan Mayor, Chair of Shushi
Revival Foundation Yervand Zakharyan, reports the NKR leader’s
Press Service. “The town of Shushi should regain its fame of one
of all-Armenian spiritual, cultural and educational centers,”
Ghoukassian said.
In his turn Zakharyan noted that the Foundation is already working
for a number of important matters, including 4-5 year program of
development and revival of Shushi, as well as working out a project
of infrastructure building, search for financial means to implement
it and create workplaces in the town. During the conversation with
participation of NKR Government members matters of rebirth of Shushi
were discussed.

$30-Million Credit to Be Provided for Modernizing Zvartnots Airport
PanARMENIAN.Net
08.07.2006 14:45 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ To modernize Zvartnots Yerevan Airport the
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and German
Investment and Development Company (DEG) will provide a credit of $30
million. According to Press Secretary of the Central Board of Civil
Aviation of Armenia Gayane Davtyan, the credit will be mostly spent
at enhancing passenger service quality.
According to a contract between the Government of Armenia and
Argentinean Corporation America, Zvartnots Airport was conveyed for
concession management of International Airports Armenia company. The
latter plans to invest $253 million within 30 years, which will
result in the airport acquiring B category instead of the current
D. $63 million will be spent on construction works of the terminal,
which will annually serve 2 million passengers. By 2011 it is planned
to build a registration hall, after which the function of the current
airport will be met in the new building, reports IA Regnum.

Gul Thanks Rice “for Preventing Genocide Bill Adoption”
PanARMENIAN.Net
08.07.2006 14:58 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ During a meeting with US Secretary of State
Condoleezza Rice Thursday, Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul
thanked his American counterpart for her efforts to impede the passage
of an Armenian Genocide resolution in Congress. At a press conference
following the meeting in Washington, Gul told the attendees that the
passage of a Genocide recognition resolution by Congress would greatly
hinder Turkish-American relations. “Turkey urges the US government
to continue its efforts to deter the Congress from recognizing the
Armenian Genocide and should take all steps to not allow such a
development,” Gul said, reports AsbarezOnline.

ARMENIAN PM MEETS HIS GEORGIAN COUNTERPART IN BATUMI
Armenpress
YEREVAN, JULY 7, ARMENPRESS: Armenian Prime Minister Andranik Margarian
paid today a three-day official visit to Batumi, capital of Ajaria,
Georgia to participate in the 5th session of the Armenian-Georgian
economic cooperation intergovernmental commission.
Armenian governmental press service informed Armenpress that the
delegation headed by the Armenian prime minister consisted of the
Armenian Finance and Economy Minister Vardan Khachatrian, Deputy
Foreign Minister Gegham Gharibjanian, head of the Armenian State
Tax Committee Armen Avetisian, Deputy Energy Minister Areg Galstian,
aide to the prime minister Stepan Margarian, executive director of
“Armenian Railway” company Ararat Khrimian, as well as other officials,
businessmen and members of parliament.
In Batumi the Armenian prime minister met with his Georgian counterpart
Zurab Noghaideli. Noting the high level of relations and cooperation
between the two countries the prime ministers expressed satisfaction
about the activation of contacts on different levels.
They also expressed conviction that during the session of the
Armenian-Georgian economic cooperation intergovernmental commission
they will discuss a wide-range of issues on bilateral relations,
find ways for their regulation. They will also develop new proposals
directed towards the development of further economic ties between
the two countries.
The prime ministers noted with satisfaction that all the
decisions approved at the 4th session of the commission have
completely been implemented, among which is the opening of
Yerevan-Tbilisi-Batumi-Yerevan railway. Expressing satisfaction
over the decision of the Georgian authorities connected with the
restoration of infrastructures of Samtskhe-Javakheti, Armenian prime
minister said that for smoothening the tension of local population it
would be purposeful to involve the local businessmen and population
in the construction work.
Andranik Margarian once again confirmed the readiness of the
Armenian authorities to support the restoration of Javakhq
infrastructures. During the meeting the two prime-ministers also
underscored the necessity of establishing Armenian-Georgian university,
in this respect Andranik Margarian expressed hope that during this
year a relevant decision will be made in connection with it.
The interlocutors also referred to the issues on re-opening regional
railway communication. The prime ministers agreed to create a joint
working group which will survey the opportunity and effectiveness of
the restoration of Kars-Gyumri-Tbilisi railway.
After the meeting the two prime-ministers co-chaired the 5th session
of the Armenian-Georgian economic cooperation intergovernmental
commission. In his opening speech the Armenian prime minister said that
he is sure the session will promote the continuation of constructive
dialogue established between the two countries.
Zurab Noghaideli on his part talked about the increase of the volume of
trade-turnover between the two countries and referred to the necessity
of encouraging investments which may give new impetus to bilateral
economic cooperation.
On the second half of the day the Armenian prime minister visited
Batumi shipbuilding factory, university and airport where he got
acquainted with the reconstruction work.

3 Iranian artists heading to Armenia in August
IranMania, Iran
July 9 2006
Sunday, July 09, 2006 – ©2005 IranMania.com
LONDON, July 9 IranMania) – Three Iranian painters have been invited
to participate in the 5th Gyumri International Biennial of Contemporary
Art, which is scheduled to open in Armenia on August 8, ISNA reported.
Behrang Samadzadegan, Barbad Golshiri, and Rozita Sharafjahan will
leave Tehran for the northwestern Armenian city of Gyumri on August
2 to participate in a workshop which is slated to be held before the
beginning of the biennial.
The theme of this year’s biennial is “The Sea, Dreams, and Illusions”.
The biennial was inaugurated in 1997 with the goal of helping to
restore Gyumri to its former status as the influential cultural city
it once was before the devastating earthquake of 1988.
Promoting cultural exchanges and dialogue between Armenia and the
international artistic community is one of the other primary goals
of the biennial.
–Boundary_(ID_dbSC0DchhXQAG45n/iaksw)- –