KARABAKH IN G8
Lragir.am
29 June 06
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin and U.S. Assistant
State Secretary Nicolas Burns discussed June 28 the settlement of
regional conflicts in the CIS, reports the news agency Mediamax. The
Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs told Mediamax that burning issues
of U.S.-Russian relations, with the stress on the problems of CIS,
including the regional conflict were discussed. Nicolas Burn did
not deny that the Karabakh conflict might be discussed during the G8
Summit in July.

BRYZA VISITED NKR LEGACY IN WASHINGTON
Lragir.am
29 June 06
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nagorno Karabakh reported that
Foreign Minister Georgy Petrosyan and NKR Speaker Ashot Ghulyan met
with Mathew Bryza, U.S. Co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group. During the
meeting they discussed the present stage of settlement of the Karabkh
conflict. The meeting was on June 26 at the NKR representation to
Washington.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

HAUNTED BY CHANGE OF POWER IN 98
Lragir.am
29 June 06
Pre-election processes are underway in the country, the evidence
to this is the summer congress of the Republican Party, and it is
connected with the settlement of the Karabakh conflict. Member of
Parliament Grigor Harutiunyan expressed this point of view on June
29 at the Pastark Club. According to him, the statement of the OSCE
Minsk Group American Co-Chair Mathew Bryza, then the joint statements
of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs show that the process of settlement
of the conflict over Karabakh is becoming more active.
Grigor Harutiunyan says there were different agreements in different
stages of the talks over the Karabakh conflict but Armenia and
Azerbaijan violated these agreements, therefore the mediators are
stating that they did their work, and the rest is to be decided by
the presidents.
And what is the job of the opposition in this situation? Grigor
Harutiunyan does not give a clear answer to this question. At least,
the opposition does not have anything to do with the authors of
the statement.
“But if you think that we must organize rallies, protests in front of
the embassies of the co-chairs. These people put it clearly that all
that has been reached, the proposals in the statement, were approved
by the heads of our states,” says Grigor Harutiunyan.
He thinks that these proposals may lead to an early election. In the
long run, however, the opposition has nothing to do here. At least,
Grigor Harutiunyan says, a possible change of power will not be pushed
by the opposition, however it will not be the consequence of a process
going on inside the government.
“Early elections may be connected with the Karabakh process. It is not
real to consider an early election under the pressure of the government
or opposition, or inside the government. There is not a revolutionary
state. I repeat, however, that the change of power may repeat the
model of 98. Not the change of power, but the early election,” says
Grigor Harutiunyan. He thinks that now the way out is the resignation
of Robert Kocharyan to temporize and try to improve the situation.
“We think there will be a resignation, and afterwards a change of
power,” states Grigor Harutiunyan, declining to say who will push
Kocharyan to resign.

ARDARUTIUN MAY WITHDRAW ITS SIGNATURE
Lragir.am
29 June 06
Ardarutiun Alliance may withdraw the signature it put to the draft
reform to the Electoral Code, stated Member of Parliament Grigor
Harutiunyan, the secretary of the Popular Party on June 29 at the
Pastark Club. He announced that the point of view that Ardarutiun
signed the draft constitution to reach a compromise with the government
and guarantee its reproduction in the parliament is not true.
“There were serious controversies over three or four points, and
we signed the document but we said it needs further elaboration. If
these points are rejected, we will withdraw our signature,” states
Grigor Harutiunyan. His words regard staining fingers with ink,
proportional system of election and setting up committees.
Grigor Harutiunyan says a parliamentary group and judges cannot have
representatives in the committees, because only political forces run
in elections and they must set up committees.
Besides, Grigor Harutiunyan mentions that the government seems unlikely
to make active efforts in working out the amendments to the Electoral
Code because the meeting of the task force is often put off.

POPULAR PARTY COULD HAVE DONE IT
Lragir.am
29 June 06
The Popular Party is ready and can run in the election alone, stated
the secretary of the Popular Party Grigor Harutiunyan June 29 at the
Pastark Club. He noted that the Popular Party could have done the
same in 2003.
“At that time our aim was to bring together the political forces
to establish a common approach. We do not deny anything now, we may
run in the election alone or in an alliance. Time will show,” stated
Grigor Harutiunyan. According to him, there is some time until the
election and the approaches will be made clear in fall.
Grigor Harutiunyan disagrees that the opposition is passive with
regard to processes underway inside the government. For the Popular
Party, he says that both the parliamentary corps and the members of
the political council meet with the population, they are going to
visit the villages. Grigor Harutiunyan says if necessity arises for
more intensive contacts with the population, it will be done in fall,
if necessary in summer too. Grigor Harutiunyan thinks that the other
opposition parties will do the same.
The secretary of the Popular Party gave an ambiguous answer to the
question whether the Popular Party would join an alliance, which
would not be led by Stepan Demirchyan. Grigor Harutiunyan says the
Popular Party has always upheld consolidation.

THE OPPOSITION CANNOT GET ANGRY WITH BRYZA
ArmRadio.am
29.06.2006 17:35
“The disclosures of the US Co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group and later
the joint statements of the Co-Chairs about the details of the talks
over the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement mean that Armenia goes
for unilateral concessions,” said MP Grigor Harutyunyan, representing
the “Justice block.
Although the opposition Deputy considers the situation inadmissable,
he doesn ‘t imagine what they should do in this case and in response
to the journalists’ question why the opposition does not get angry,
he says, “With whom? Bryza?”
Judging from the recent statements of the representatives of
international structures, MP Grigor Harutyunyan infers that serious
processes are expected in the region and these will occur at an
accelerated pace. Today’s statement of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs,
which actually discloses the details of the negotiations over the
settlement of the Karabakh conflict, was unexpected and very harsh
for Grigor Harutyunyan.
The uncertainity of the referendum is also concerning: will it
be a referendum on the territory of Karabakh, as we imagine or a
pan-Azerbaijani voting?
According to Grigor Harutyunyan, the uncertainity connected with the
referendum allows to infer that the document under consideration is
not that pro-Armenian.
There are several ways out of the situation: to agree with the document
if we do not agree to change the format of the mediators or go to an
inevitable war.

OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT OF PRESS CONFERENCE BY CATHOLICOS OF ALL ARMENIANS IN ISTANBUL
Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
Jun 29 2006
ETCHMIADZIN, JUNE 29, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. NT was submitted
a transcript of the press conference by Catholicos of All Armenians
Karekin II to Turkish reporters at the Armenian Patriarchate of
Constantinople on June 25.
The transcript is presented below:
The moderator of the press conference was Ms. Luiz Bakar, spokesman for
the Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople. His Beatitude Archbishop
Mesrob Mutafian, Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople introduced
His Holiness.
His Beatitude Mesrob Mutafian: Welcome, dear friends. His Holiness
has allocated one half hour from his itinerary for today to be with
you. He is here on a pontifical visit upon the joint invitation of
the Greek Patriarch and the Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople. He
will be with us until June 27. Prior to his visit, a number of strange
news stories appeared in various media and news outlets, which caused
us amazement. The articles had stated that the Armenian community
and the Patriarchate were anxious with this visit; however there
was no such unease in the community. Up until this point, the visit
has been progressing as planned. The first two days of the visit,
the Catholicos was the guest of the Greek Patriarch, according to
their itinerary; thereafter we visited Armenian churches and the
sites and museums of Istanbul together. Since our time is limited,
I request that there be no repetitions of questions. You may now ask
any questions which you desire.
Question: Your Holiness, you are here as the guest of the Greek
Patriarch.
He is making efforts directed at bringing the two Churches closer. What
is your opinion on this and what will be the steps you implement?
His Holiness Karekin II: We are visiting Constantinople upon the
invitation of the Armenian Patriarch and the Greek Ecumenical
Patriarch. We have come on a pontifical visit to the Armenian
Patriarchate of Constantinople and a fraternal visit to the Ecumenical
Patriarchate. As part of our visit (with the Ecumenical Patriarch),
there were meetings between the clergy of our Churches, where we
discussed the theological and dogmatic issues about which there has
been ongoing dialogue for quite a long time; meetings have occurred
and will continue to take place. The purpose of our visit to the
Ecumenical Patriarch was the reinforcement and strengthening of the
brotherly ties between our sister Churches, as well as the continuation
of the existing collaboration between our Churches with a new spirit
and new warmth.
Question: During your meeting with the Governor of Istanbul, you stated
that you are pleased with the regular (airline) flights between Yerevan
and Istanbul, however similar steps must continue. What do mean by
“steps”?
His Holiness Karekin II: We expressed our satisfaction that
Yerevan-Istanbul flights occur regularly. As you are aware, our
country – the Republic of Armenia – is inclined to improve relations
with Turkey, and we are certain that as a result (of those improved
relations) we will find solutions. We shall be able to concurrently
search for and find solutions to the issues that exist in the
relationship between our two peoples, one example being the issue of
the Genocide, of which you are aware.
Question: As you just mentioned, the issue of the Genocide exists
between Turkey and Armenia. We, meaning the opinion of Turkish
society, are not limited by the Armenians of Armenia. We see three
groups of Armenians: Diaspora, Armenians of Turkey, and Armenia. What
are your thoughts? During these deliberations, whom must Turkey
consider? And the Armenians, whom do they consider – the Turkish
government or…? As you know, this issue is being discussed in
certain Turkish intellectual circles. In different universities,
specifically the University of Bilgi, this issue has been discussed
during different symposia where the Armenian Patriarch Mutafian was
also present. Taking the aforementioned into consideration, I want
to ask two questions: Who must represent the Turkish and Armenian
sides and what steps must be taken? And the second question, how do
you evaluate the atmosphere of democratic debate in Turkey?
His Holiness Karekin II: We are one people; dispersed throughout
the world.
However, we are a people that have statehood. And naturally, the
Republic of Turkey can discuss these issues and find solutions with
the Republic of Armenia. For 90 years, the issue of the Genocide has
been researched by the academics of the world, and manifold volumes
have been written. For our people, the Genocide is not a matter
for research – it is a reality of fact that happened, which must
be recognized. That (recognition) is naturally the desired option,
but a negative position can also be taken on this issue.
If academic conferences in Turkey are intended to present the actuality
of the Genocide to Turkish society, then it shall be possible to
welcome them. If they are politically motivated, to further the
position of denial, naturally that won’t have a positive influence
on resolving this issue. We are satisfied to see that in the life of
Turkish society, within democratization processes, people are speaking
and reflecting on the issue of the Genocide during the First World
War to a certain extent.
Question: During his meeting with the governor of Istanbul, the
Catholicos stated, “A certain amount of progress is noticeable in
Turkish society. If necessary steps are taken, everything can be
much better.” These words were translated by (Armenian Patriarch)
Mutafian. What is lacking in the life of Turkish society and what
did you have in mind?
His Holiness Karekin II: During our conversation with the governor,
we have said that we are pleased, that in the life of ethnic
and religious minorities, as it relates to the Armenian Apostolic
Church and the Ecumenical Patriarchate, some concerns are receiving
their positive solutions. We can see that for many decades, it was
impossible to renovate the (headquarters of the) Patriarchate, and
today we see it restored. Permission has been granted, and churches
are being repaired. However, we noted that there are a certain number
of other concerns, the resolution of which would benefit the greater
strengthening of community life. For example, among these issues are
property rights and organizational matters for educational activities.
Question: The Catholicos stated that the two states must discuss
the issue of the Genocide. However in recent times, discussions were
held in Turkey when two Armenians of Turkey participated, among them
Hrant Dink. The law which was being debated in France, whereby the
deniers of the Genocide would be held criminally liable, was opposed
by nine Turkish intellectuals who sent a letter to France. They
asserted that expressing a viewpoint about the Genocide must not have
consequences. This is one example of the fact that Turkey and Armenia
are not alone in debating this issue, and that there are other states,
which make decisions in their parliaments about the Genocide. In this
regard, the issue assumed an international character. What is your
opinion? Is it correct for other states to be drawn into this matter?
His Holiness Karekin II: Genocide against any nation is not limited
to the life or borders of one people. Genocide does not recognize
ethnicity. Genocide envelopes all of mankind. And for that reason,
when similar actions are being committed in any corner of the world,
states and nations raise their voices in condemnation, to prevent
similar incidents in the life of mankind. Only in this manner will
it be possible to keep mankind free from similar tragedies.
Regarding the first part of the question, that should only Turkey
and Armenia be concerned with this issue, we wish to further clarify
that the Armenian people have statehood. But the issue concerns all
Armenians. Armenians dispersed throughout the world. Every single
individual Armenian. However the body that represents the rights of
the nation, and guarantees those rights, obviously, is the state.
Question: The Catholicos says that the issue of the Genocide
for Armenian society is not one that needs research, rather it is
reality. Does this position not obstruct the resolution of this issue,
perhaps, since the Turkish side continues to deny the Genocide? In
other words, is it not possible to study the Genocide?
His Holiness Karekin II: Obviously, if Turkey denies (the Genocide),
it is impossible to resolve this issue. If the facts are present,
then what’s the point in discussing the necessity to debate the
facts? There must be the will to record, confirm and accept the facts.
Question: What do you propose as a way of resolving this issue?
His Holiness Karekin II: We believe that as many states and
countries have done, Turkey also has the capability to conduct the
corresponding studies, and add its name to that list of many countries,
by recognizing the Armenian Genocide. Armenia has never held similar
deliberations with any of the other countries who have recognized
and condemned the Armenian Genocide. Because the facts exist, they
can be studied, and based upon those facts, a decision and position
can be made. This cannot be or be proposed to be an issue which
necessitates discussions.
Question: You say that to keep humanity free from the repetition of
similar sorrows, that they must be studied and accepted. But have
you ever made a statement regarding the events taking place in Iraq,
which is very close to both Turkey and Armenia? As you are aware, the
intervention of the United States of America is present there. What
do you think about this, and what are you doing about it?
His Holiness Karekin II: We as a Church, express our voice of
indignation on every occasion when a hand is raised against the
greatest treasure of God’s creation – human life.
Question: You visited the seminary on the Island of Halki. What are
you thoughts, since that seminary is not operating at present?
His Holiness Karekin II: I am pleased with the process of
democratization which is taking place today in the Republic of
Turkey. And I am certain that in time, all those issues will find
their positive solutions.
Question: Did you like Istanbul?
His Holiness Karekin II: We have not had the opportunity to see
Istanbul.
But in these past few days, we mentioned in our remarks that in
Istanbul, there are many valuable and beautiful buildings, churches,
etc. However, the most valuable, the most beautiful for me is our
people, our community, for whom we are conducting our Pontifical
Visit. Having this as our primary concern, naturally, we have allocated
all of our time for the strengthening of the spiritual life of our
people and to the work of reinforcing their faith.
Nevertheless, I am certain that another opportunity will be created,
and we shall be able to have the necessary amount of time to see the
sights of Istanbul. For example, yesterday, we were able to visit
the Dolmabahce palace museum and the Hagia Sophia, which greatly
impressed us.
Question: There is a report that you desired to pray when at the
Hagia Sophia, but were prohibited from doing so.
His Holiness Karekin II: We are not aware of any such occurrence.
Question: From the first day of your visit, there have been protest
demonstrations. What do you think about this?
His Holiness Karekin II: The protest demonstrations in no way affected
neither our mood nor our mission. We would prefer that there be no
place for similar demonstrations in the relationship between our
two peoples. We are destined to live side by side as neighbors, and
therefore it is necessary to cultivate, educate and nurture appropriate
relationships between neighboring peoples. I am convinced that in my
next trip, we won’t see similar demonstrations or expressions. And even
if there are protests such as these, we must understand that we still
have work to do, both of us together, to exclude similar occurrences.
Question: During the Eurovision competition, Turkey gave 10 points
to Armenia. How do you evaluate this fact?
His Holiness Karekin II: We see nothing negative in this.
Question: Is this perhaps a step forward on the part of Turkey?
His Holiness Karekin II: Of course, it is a step, which must be
positively assessed. God willing, that this positive course leads us
to the resolution of the fundamental issue.
Question: Although your visit was not “official” in nature, you were
received by the governor of Istanbul. An occurrence such has this has
not happened since 1961. What do you think about this? Do you asses
this as a positive step? Were there any other similar offers? If yes,
then for what reason did they not occur?
His Holiness Karekin II: We recognize our meeting with the governor
as a display of his appreciation for the Armenian community, and their
important contributions and service to the life of Turkish society. We
have not had nor do we have any objections to meeting with any state
official, whether the suggestion is made by our community or by
any other entity. There was the concept, at one time, to organize a
meeting with the religious leader of Turkey, but it became unfeasible
to bring it to fruition. The reasons being that the congestion of
our itinerary for this trip did not provide the opportunity.
We express our thanks for this meeting and for such an open
discussion. We wish you all the best.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

G8 CALLS FOR SWIFT END TO REGIONAL CONFLICTS
Radio Free Europe, Czech Rep.
June 29 2006
June 29, 2006 — Foreign ministers from the Group of Eight leading
industrialized nations have called for a prompt resolution to regional
conflicts in former Soviet republics and in the Balkans.
In a statement after a meeting in Moscow, the ministers called on
Azerbaijan and Armenia to show the political will needed to reach an
agreement this year over Nagorno-Karabakh.
They also welcomed the launch of direct talks on Kosovo and urged a
negotiated agreement.

ANTRANIK TEYMOURIAN OF IRAN ON EUROPEAN CLUBS WANTED LIST
Author: Farhad
IranFootballOnline, CA
Persian Football, CA
June 29 2006
Upcoming Iranian star Andranik Teymourian is flooded with offers from
European clubs after his powerful performance in the World Cup.
The 23-year-old Iranian of Armenian descent won hearts back home in
Iran with his courageous approach and never-say-die attitude, and
came close to scoring for Team Melli against Portugal in the match
they lost 2-0.
And, Iranian fans were not the only ones sitting up and taking notice
of the midfielder’s outrageous talent.
Speaking exclusively to , Teymourian confirmed that
the club he currently plays for – Iran Pro League outfit Abo Moslem –
had already been approached by several European clubs.
“My club has already received offers (for me) from the Bundesliga,
Italy, Turkey and the Emirates,” said Teymourian, who has a one-year
contract with Abo Moslem.
“The decision will be made by my club and I will be talking to them
(Abo Moslem) shortly on this issue.”
“Going to Europe is a dream come true for a football player like me,”
added Teymourian.
Teymourian started his football career at Tehran’s Ararat Club and,
after a series of age group competitions, caught the eye in Iran’s
third place finish at the Islamic Solidarity Games.
It was only a matter of time before he broke through to the senior
ranks as coach Branko Ivankovic handed the promising midfielder his
international debut against Libya last August. Since then Teymourian
has made the defensive midfielder’s position his own in 10 starts
for Team Melli.
“I always believed that I would be a regular player in Germany,” said
Teymourian. “I trained hard and was inspired. When people say I got my
chance because of injuries to Nikbakht Vahedi and Fereydoon Zandi it
doesn’t matter as I would have been better prepared had they been fit.”
The midfielder said the key to his playing uninhibited football
against vaunted rivals was his fitness. “I took great care about my
sleep and food and worked hard on my fitness. I knew that I had to
make the most of this opportunity.”
The Iranian refused to find fault with Ivankovic’s tactics at the
World Cup, saying the team could have done better with a little bit
of luck. “I regret our elimination. Tactical issues are none of my
business. I am a player and should follow the rules. But I wish we
were more lucky.”
The one abiding memory for Teymourian in this World Cup is decidedly
the fierce shot which shook the woodwork in the match against
Portugal. “Yes…it was offside but I enjoy it when I remember it. It
was my biggest slice of action out there!”
“But the goodbye was as painful as it was untimely. I will never forget
the moment when Farakki (Hossein; assistant coach) came to me and said
‘don’t cry…this is football, we should accept it…we can show our
ability in next year’s AFC Asian Cup and in the 2010 World Cup.
The world has not come to an end’.”

PACE POLITICAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE DISCUSSES STABILITY PACT IN SOUTHERN CAUCASUS
Today, Azerbaijan
June 29 2006
Rumanian parliamentarian Adrian Severn’s memorandum was heard at
the meeting.
He thinks that parallel treat with Southern Caucasus countries and
Balkan countries is impossible, APA reports.
He thinks it is impossible to admit Balkan and southern Caucasus
countries to the EU.
Stability Pact was put forward for the first time by Bulgarian MP
Vlachezar in 2004.
Head of Azerbaijani delegation to PACE Samad Seidov stated that he
was satisfied with the document.
Armenian parliament speaker and head of Armenian delegation Tigran
Torosyan told that both sides’ positions on Garabagh were heard at
the meeting. He said that it was not a report but a memorandum.
“It is so far difficult to say anything about the memorandum. Some
items in the document is in contradiction with PACE conceptions. It
is necessary to harmonize these documents. I talked with Severn about
the issue. He promised to work on the document once more. The topic
was indirectly linked to Garabagh issue, but was not discussed widely.
Severn said that because some other reporters work on Garabagh issue,
it is unnecessary to discuss it here.”
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