INDIAN DELEGATION OF JEWELLERS TO VISIT ARMENIA
ArmRadio.am
29.08.2006 17:00
August 31 the Indian delegation of led by Head of the Council promoting
the export of jewels and gold Sanjay Kutari will arrive in Armenia,
the Indian Embassy in Armenia told ArmInfo. According to the source,
an Armenian-Indian forum of jewelry will be held in the framework of
the visit. The opportunity of establishing a joint Armenian-Indian
jewelry enterprise will be discussed during the forum. The major aim
of the visit of the Indian delegation to Armenia is to introduce the
Indian production to Armenian businessmen and consumers.
Besides, Indians consider Armenia a probable partner for importing
raw materials for jewelry production. For this purpose members of
the delegation will visit several Armenian gold factories and gold
mines. The Indian delegation will stay in Armenia till September 2.

ARMENIAN PM: OFFICIALS WERE PRESENTED WITH ARMS NOT FOR COMMITTING MURDERS
Yerevan, August 29. ArmInfo. Various officials were presented with
arms not for committing murders but for their good work, Armenian
Prime Minister says in an interview to Haykakan Zhamanak when asked
to comment on the reports that he has granted weapons to 589 people
this years: 3 of them have committed murders from the weapons.
Margaryan says that there is a specific attitude towards arms in
Armenia. Besides, one should take into account the 80-year Soviet
past when people were forbidden to possess firearms and also the
Karabakh conflict. Many of those granted arms took part in various
operations and weapon was the best prize for them. One should not
regard the arms as just means of shooting. In some 5-10 years the
Karabakh conflict will be resolved, the syndrome of “fire-eater”
will be overcome and people will stop giving arms as presents.
At the same time, Margaryan notes that he did not grant arms just to
anybody. There is a special procedure. However, he refuses to name
them as this is secret information.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

LESSONS OF “PEOPLES’ LEADERS” OR HOW KARABAKH WILL ELECT PRESIDENT
Melik Avanyan
Lragir.am
29 Aug 06
The question of election of a new president of Nagorno Karabakh
in 2007 stirred the public and political life in this country,
which has not been recognized yet. As it could have been expected,
this important problem has given rise to peculiar moods among the
government and the public. The NKR public, used to making their own
decisions since the very first days of the Karabakh movement, became
less alert in the post-war years having gone through the difficulties
of war. Decision making on important issues for the state went to a
narrow circle of leaders and the government of Armenia.
This produced its consequences. The reality of the unrecognized
republic began irritating people, who had paid such a high price
for their freedom. Many began to realize that if this reality
does not change, their country may lose its future. With regard to
this there are different opinions, and the reasons for problems are
evaluated differently. There is a question, however, which is accepted
unanimously: the society must form government. The time of passive
waiting for “miracles from the outside” is over.
Therefore, everyone is concerned about the election of the new
president. What can be more crucial than this fact. The present
president appears not to accept the reality – it is somewhat
unusual. It is possible to understand him. Very few people around are
able to divide the public life from the private life. Everyone is used
to viewing public life through their I. This is the problem of all
the post-Soviet societies. “Who needs the success of the state if I am
not the leader,” thinks everyone who has had the opportunity to rule.
This is not the biggest problem of the situation, however. In one or
two months President Ghukasyan will realize that he has to quit. The
next president will be elected, and the country will go on. The
biggest problem is the Karabakh society. Public problems have become
complicated, and their rational perception does not keep up with the
time. Although it is already apparent that the active part of the
society realizes that urgent problems of the time.
The problems that occur in a public debate are given a rational
evaluation. The role of the society in the current situation is also
perceived. The evidence to this is the wish of the public to hold
public debates on the new candidate of NKR president. Public opinion
surveys, online forums and publications show that the society perceives
the current problem rationally.
It appears, however, that there is a lot to tackle with in the
fossilized thinking from the previous years. There are still a
number of people (by the way, quite literate), who have difficulty
understanding the logic of changes, and shift it into plane of “good”
and “bad” leaders. The Soviet ideology is so deeply rooted in the
consciousness of people that it even survived the war. Democratic
reforms are perceived as slogans, not an effective mechanism of
governance, change and settlement of problems.
This circumstance can hinder the advance of the country for a long
time.
Well, the public in Karabakh is not so experienced. It is not easy for
everyone to understand that democrats set forward the idea of election
and terms of office to get rid of the “ballast” that accumulates in
a definite period of governance and anti-social phenomena within the
government and the society. The leaders are changed not because they
are good or bad but in order to clear space for the use of potential
of the public. The change of leader is the only way of change and
improvement of the system of governance. The legal replacement of
an elected person is also a mechanism of getting rid of leaders,
who are not wanted.
Most leaders and their teams know this, therefore they do not want to
quit on time. God be with you, time finds other ways of making them
quit. The opinion of other people is more interesting. For people
who do not perceive this core principal of democracy look for the
cause of trouble in the wrong place. It is evident that changes of
concepts are occurring in a crucial period for NKR. This needs a
scrutiny. The recent speech of Murad Petrosyan, a famous figure in
the society of NKR is notable. It is interesting that as one of the
ardent supporters of the moral and political revival of NKR, in his
interview on TV Petrosyan tried to “revise” the theory of statehood
in the aspect under consideration.
If this were done at another time, or during some seminar, we could
simply argue his opinion. But when the country is facing an election
of a new president, announcing that the change of the president is
not important, it is important that for running a third term Arkady
Ghukasyan needs to carry out a fundamental reform and manpower policy
changes means at least arousing doubts about one’s competence.
It is difficult to believe that Murad does not know the real purpose of
Ghukasyan’s manpower policy over the past 9 years, especially during
his second term. It is difficult to believe that Murad refers to the
negative manpower policy and social policy as one of the “mistakes”
of Ghukasyan. At least he should know that the manpower policy is a
consequence of a determined action, which proceeded from Ghukasyan’s
perception of the state, the government and his role in this state. And
he did not invent anything new compared with his counterparts in the
post-Soviet space. Although he had to invent for the simple reason
that NKR has not reached its major goal – international recognition
and sustainable security.
And now Murad is proposing him in the tenth year of presidency to
invent something to continue his own presidency instead of the state.
Why? There can be a number of opinions. It is also possible that the
puspose and essence of the democratic change of power is not clear to
Murad Petrosyan. He may believe in “good” leaders, and he suggests
that the “bad” ones, whom he says 90 percent of people dislike,
simply become “good” for their personal interests. Here serious
reflection is necessary. I do not think that the problem is only
waiting on President Ghukasyan. The problem is the false belief that
is harmful for psychology. This way of thinking is more harmful for
the state than servility.
There is a story which was placed at the basis of a film. The film
tells about the tragedy of the wife of a Soviet functionary whom the
Commissar of Internal Affairs had forced into sexual slavery. The wife
hang herself after begging her husband for help, for her “devoted
defender” did not understand her. It was a serious incident for the
Soviet times, an “extraordinary incident”.
At that time Stalin personally decided to deal with the incident,
visiting the mourning tchekist at home.
After giving his condolences, the leader nevertheless enquired
whether the “soldier” was disappointed with the party’s policy. He
said nothing could make him doubt the Party and the Soviet country. At
that time, history says, the great leader said the important words,
“As long as we have people like you, the country has no future.”
There is hardly a more educative story which shows the old truth,
“The servant is not superior to the lord”. If the tyrant is surprised
at the way of thinking of his “soldier”, such a country in fact cannot
have future. Fortunately, we do not have tyrants and “soldiers” in
NKR. However, the dictate of harmful logic and false beliefs is hihgly
dangerous. But I think that this country could have future because
times have changed. Murad Petrosyan’s mates can explain him that it is
not appropriate to speak to the public that way, even if one thinks so.

VARDAN OSKANIAN: THE TALKS TODAY ARE AT A CRUCIAL POINT
Tatul Hakobyan
“Radiolur”
29.08.2006 16:25
Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanian delivered a speech at the
“Caspian Prospects 2008” forum organized jointly by the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs of Slovenia and the Lyublyana Center for Strategic
Studies.
During the discussions on the EU New Neighbors Policy, the Foreign
Minister particularly emphasized the importance of implementation
of the European Neighborhood Policy for the establishment of peace,
stability and development in the region.
Officials from a number of countries gathered in Lyublyana, Neighboring
Azerbaijan was represented by President Ilham Aliev.
In a press conference after the meeting between the Presidents of
Azerbaijan and Slovenia, Azeri President Ilham Aliev declared that
“Currently the negotiation process proceeds in the framework of the
Prague format, which generally envisages phasic settlement of the
question. We consider that it is the most acceptable way, and we hope
that at last Armenia will demonstrate constructive position and will
apply efforts to resolve the issue.”
Certainly RA Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanian also turned to the
Karabakh settlement, to be more precise, to the current state
of negotiations. The Minister underlined that the settlement is
hindered by Azerbaijani policy of resolving the question in a military
way. Oskanian said that the talks today are at a crucial point, and
the international community should do its best to have Azerbaijan
return to a realistic and constructive field in order to discuss the
principles put on the bargaining table today.
Let’s remind once again that June 22 OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs
actually disclosed the last package of suggestions, the so-called
framework agreement discussed by Armenian and Azerbaijani Presidents
in Ramboulliet and Bucharest.
To remind, the basic points of the agreement envisage that Armenian
forces should be gradually withdrawn from the Azeri territories
bordering Nagorno Karabakh, special approach should be demonstrated
towards Kelbajar and Lachin regions, the final legal status of
Nagorno Karabakh should be determined via referendum or a general
vote. International peacekeeping forces should be deployed in the
conflict zone.
The Armenian side has been repeatedly stating that the suggestions
are not ideal. Nevertheless, Yerevan accepts these as a basis for
negotiations.
However, two months after the publication of the document Baku has
not said a decisive “yes” or “no” to the mediators. It is obvious,
though, that this time also Azerbaijan does not consider the suggested
principles acceptable and tries to get a better document or to freeze
the settlement of the issue and anticipates to reinforce its positions
through oil dollars.

FOREIGN MINISTERS OF ARMENIA AND AZERBAIJAN TO MEET IN MID-SEPTEMBER
ArmRadio.am
29.08.2006 17:10
The next round of negotiations between the Foreign Ministers of
Armenia and Azerbaijan over the settlement of the Karabakh conflict
will be held in mid-September, Head of the Information Agency of
the Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs Tahit Tagizadeh said,
“Interfax” agency reports. Tagizadeh noted that the time and place
of the meeting has not been set so far.
The meeting will be held at the initiative of the OSCE Minsk Group
Co-Chairs, who suggested several versions of terms and places for
the meeting.
It’s not ruled out that the Foreign Ministers will arrange to organize
talks on the level of Presidents.

ASSEMBLY HOLDS BRIEFINGS IN MICHIGAN AND NEW JERSEY
ArmRadio.am
28.08.2006 14:13
The Assembly’s Executive Director Bryan Ardouny traveled to Farmington
Hills, Michigan and Wayne, New Jersey to meet with local supporters
and discuss critical issues facing the Armenian-American community.
In those meetings, Ardouny provided an update on his meetings with US,
Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh government officials during his recent
trip to Armenia, as well as a legislative update. He also answered a
variety of questions asked by supporters regarding the Appropriations
Bill for FY 2007, the pan-Armenian Genocide Resolution, the Rail
Measure and the confirmation hearing of US Ambassador to Armenia
Designate Richard Hoagland.
“We have had numerous successes throughout this Congressional cycle
from House approval of a provision to prevent Export-Import Bank
funding of a rail bypass of Armenia to the resounding International
Relations Committee vote last September on affirming the Armenian
Genocide,” said Ardouny. “However we have many challenges ahead and
it’s heartening to meet with so many committed activists. I would
like to especially thank the Assembly’s Regional Council Members for
making these events possible.”
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

FOREIGN MINISTERS OF ARMENIA AND AZERBAIJAN MAY MEET IN SLOVENIA
ArmRadio.am
28.08.2006 14:36
Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan Vardan Oskanian and
Elmar Mammadyarov are scheduled to meet in Slovenia today, ANS TV
Channel reports.
Acting Armenian MFA Press Secretary Vladimir Karapetyan sais,
however that no agreement has been reached on the meeting between
Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan Vardan Oskanian and
Elmar Mammadyarov.
Speaking about the possibility of the meeting in Slovenia, Vladimir
Karapetyan noted that the Foreign Ministry possesses no such
information. However, he did not rule out the opportunity of the
Foreign Ministers meeting.
August 27-28 Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanyan is participating
in the “Caspian Prospects 2008” conference in Slovenia. The conference
welcomes also heads of states, Foreign Ministers, EU and NATO Special
Representatives to the South Caucasus, representatives of international
organizations and political scientists.

THE OTHER SIDE OF FAKE DAMAGES
By Mher Ohanian
Yerkir.am
August 25, 2006
Hiding profits and stating damages through inflated expenses is
something that is widespread among the business community.
Businessmen in both the developed countries and developing ones
attempt to profit from doing so. Governments, in turn, try to thwart
tax evasion cases through laws and tax administration. It looks like
the Armenian tax authorities are trying to do the same.
Judging by the “List of taxpayers who have stated damages in 2005,”
released by the State Tax Service, one gets an impression that the key
goal of the Armenian businessmen is to get damages instead of profits.
It turns out that any business – production of mineral water,
beer or soft drinks, jewelry, import of gasoline or real estate —
is non-profitable in Armenia. The same goes for bottling Coca Cola
or selling Mercedes or even owning markets. To cut it short, every
business in Armenia is loss-making, according to that list.
Apparently, our businessmen least interested in their images: what’s
more important is making mega profits taking advantage of the loopholes
in the legislation.
Most of the businesses operating in such lucrative sectors as
construction, transportation, production of soft drinks, import of
cigarettes and others have stated petty profits thus paying more than
modest taxes.
Even those tycoons, who are also legislators, are not shamed of
registering their businesses in offshore zones, and by taking advantage
of the laws they have passed evade taxes.
None of those businesses have declared themselves bankrupts and
no court has ever ruled them bankrupt. Those businesses continue to
flourish and their owners make mega profits because they have powerful
protection or pay bribes to tax authorities.

CHINA AND KAZAKHSTAN INTERESTED IN KARS-TBILISI-BAKU RAIL PROJECT
ArmRadio.am
28.08.2006 15:45
China and Kazakhstan are interested in the project of construction
of Kars-Tbilisi-Baku railway bypassing Armenia, “National Interests”
news agency of Kazakhstan reports, referring to Turkish media.
The source notes that the Chinese intend to join the construction
of the railway, which should start in 2007. In case the project
is a success, Turkey will turn into the major transport and energy
corridor linking Europe, Caucasus and Asia. It is supposed that the
railway will transport 20 million tones of cargoes annually. After
the exploitation of the transport network, Kars city will be linked
to Shanghai. The Kazakh agency reports that Turkey connects great
hopes with the Kars-Tbilisi-Baku rail project, which, Ankara is sure,
will fundamentally change the face of the region. The railway will
establish an immediate link between Azerbaijan and Turkey, which
goes in line with the strategy of Baku and Ankara to reinforce the
military-political relations.
To remind, the project will cost $400 million. According to some
Turkish experts, the accomplishment of Kars-Tbilisi-Baku project
will lead to the considerable weakening of Armenia’s and Russia’s
positions in the region.

AZERI MEDIA DISSEMINATE RECURRENT MISINFORMATION
ArmRadio.am
28.08.2006 16:50
Armenian Defense Minister’s Press Secretary, Colonel-General Seyran
Shahsuvaryan refuted the recurrent misinformation of the Azeri media
on the violation of the cease-fire regime by Armenia on August 27.
Seyran Shahsuvaryan characterized this report as the recurrent lie
of Azerbaijani media.
It should be noted that Azeri media reported yesterday that the
Armed Forces of Armenia opened fire on Azerbaijani positions from
the Southeastern positions 1km away from Gyulustan village between
19:45 – 20:15.