Belmont Citizen-Herald, MA
June 22 2006
Learn about NAASR library at open house
Thursday, June 22, 2006
The National Association for Armenian Studies and Research will hold
an open house tonight (Thursday) beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the NAASR
Center, 395 Concord Ave., Belmont.
As part of the open house, the NAASR Bookstore will also be open
and all titles will be 20 percent off, with larger discounts on
selected titles.
The event will showcase NAASR’s Edward and Helen Mardigian Armenian
Reference and Research Library. Through the years, numerous important
and valuable collections have been donated or willed to NAASR and form
the heart of the Armenian language collection, and NAASR continues
to accept donations. The library also contains several important
collections of personal papers, including those of the late Avedis
Derounian (a.k.a. John Roy Carlson), which represent a substantial
source of information for future researchers.
Highlights of the library include a large number of histories of
now-destroyed Armenian villages and towns, Armenian dictionaries
of many different types, a rich collection of scholarly works on the
Armenian Genocide, a copy of virtually every title published in English
over the past half-century, and an enormous trove of newspapers and
periodicals, including scholarly journals.
Over the past two years the Mardigian Reference and Research
Library has undergone a dramatic transformation. That process has
consisted of cataloguing the library’s large holdings of books,
pamphlets, periodicals and other items including personal papers and
manuscripts. The computer cataloguing of the NAASR Library (begun in
2005) has resulted in a far more accessible resource for researchers
and other interested individuals. As the major cataloguing phase draws
to a close, NAASR is inviting members and friends to hear about the
progress and visit the library.
For more information about the open house or NAASR and its programs
for the furtherance of Armenian studies, research and publication,
call 617-489-1610, e-mail [email protected], or write to NAASR, 395 Concord
Ave., Belmont, MA 02478.

BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF LINCY FUND PROGRAMS SUMS UP RESULTS OF
COMPETITION FOR CONSTRUCTION OF NEW HIGHWAY IN YEREVAN
Arka News Agency, Armenia
June 22 2006
YEREVAN, June 22. /ARKA/. The board of governors of Lincy fund programs
summed up results of competition for construction of a new highway
connecting streets Heratsi, Saralanji and Avetisyan within bounds of
“Reconstruction of Yerevan Streets” program during a session held
under the direction of the Board’s Chairman, head of President’s
administration, the RA President’s Press service reports.
On basis of proposal made by the Competition Commission the board
of governors chose three construction companies, which will do the
construction work in three parts of Yerevan.
Lincy Fund has been functioning in Armenia since 2001 and is financed
by an American entrepreneur of Armenian origin, billionaire Kirk
Kirkoryan.
In Armenia the second 2006 program of the fund amounts to $60 mln,
which will be spend on construction and reconstruction of roads,
schools and Yerevan streets. S.P.–0–

ARMENIAN PRESIDENT TO TAKE PART IN CSTO SUMMIT IN MINSK
Arka News Agency, Armenia
June 22 2006
Yerevan, June 22. /ARKA/. RA President Robert Kocharyan is to leave for
Minsk on June 23 to take part in a plenary meeting of the Council of
the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), the RA presidential
press service reports.
The CSTO Presidential Summit will be preceded by meetings of the CSTO
Ministers’ Council and Secretaries of the Security Councils.
The plenary meeting is to begin with a meeting of the Presidents of the
CSTO member-countries. The meeting participants will exchange views on
the political situation in the region of the CSTO’s responsibility. The
presidential meeting will be followed by a joint plenary meeting to
be attended by Foreign Ministers, Ministers of Defense and Secretaries
of Security Councils.
The Presidents are to discuss the priorities of the organization’s
activities and approve the CSTO Declaration on further reforms of
the organization and enhancement of its efficiency.
The meeting participants are to sign a number of documents to expand
the contractual basis of cooperation between the CSTO members.
The Armenian President is to take part at a meeting of the EurAsEc
Council as observer. The same day the Armenian delegation led by
President Robert Kocharyan is to return to Yerevan.
The CSTO comprises Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrchyzstan
and Tajikistan. P.T. -0–

RECENT MURDERS BY NO MEANS AGAINST ARMENIANS, RA AMBASSADOR TO RF STATES
Arka News Agency, Armenia
June 22 2006
Yerevan, June 22. /ARKA/. The recent murders are by no means aimed
particularly against Armenians, RA Ambassador to Russia Armen Smbatyan
stated at his meeting with Armenian students in Moscow.
Smbatyan stressed that, first of all, these problems do not meet
Russia’s interests and run counter to its policy toward Armenia and
Armenians residing in Russia.
The students expressed their concern over the recent accidents
involving Armenians, which have been presented as intolerance toward
Armenians by some media outlets. These processes arouse public
concerned both in Russia and in Armenia, which may be used by third
forces interested in weakening Armenian-Russian relations and may
affect bilateral cooperation.
During the meeting, the students were informed of the measures taken
by the RA Embassy as well as of the Russian authorities’ measures to
disclose recent murders. The meeting participants pointed out that
Armenia’s authorities condemn the crimes as well.
The students also raised the issues that are in the center of their
attention, namely, the institution of dual citizenship in Armenia,
migration problems, as well as increase in quotas for Armenian citizens
in Russia’s higher schools. P.T. -0–

RUSSIA’S ROLE IN NAGORNO-KARABAKH CONFLICT AS GREAT AS IN ABKHAZIA, SOUTH OSSETIA
Arka News Agency, Armenia
June 22 2006
STEPANAKERT, June 22. /ARKA/. Russia’s role in the Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict is as great as in Abkhazia and South Ossetia, the German
scholar Tessa Hofman told reporters. She participated in the
international scientific conference “Nagorno-Karabakh Republic: past,
present, future”.
According to her, the Karabakh war can easily be called a war of
liberation because Armenian liberated the territory where they resided
as a majority.
Hofman said that the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has so far been frozen
for two reasons. First, Karabakh does not take part in the negotiations
held with internationally recognized countries.
Secondly, no analysis of the real causes of the conflict is available.
Speaking of the possibility of the international community’s changing
its attitude to the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement, she pointed out that,
although with reluctance, the international community recognized the
independence of Serbia and Montenegro. P.T. -0–

NKR PREMIER: INVESTMENTS IN NKR ECONOMY INCREASING YEAR BY YEAR
Arka News Agency, Armenia
June 22 2006
STEPANAKERT, June 22. /ARKA/. Investments in the economy of the
Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR) are increasing year by year.
Production process in a number of economic sectors have been modernized
due to foreign investments, NKR Prime Minister Anushavan Danielyan
stated at the international conference “Nagorno-Karabakh Republic:
past, present, future.”
He said that a 3.7-fold increase in industrial output was recorded
in 2005 compared to 2000.
“In the first quarter of 2006 alone more industrial products were
manufactured than in 1999,” he said.
According to Danielyan, the internal revenues have increase by 43.2%
on average over the last three years, and exports totaled $38mln.
The NKR Premier also pointed out that this made budget revenues
possible, which had a positive effect on the social sector.
“As regards the population’s cash incomes, they have increased 2.2
times since 2000,” he said.
The NKR Premier said that social expenses budgeted in the NKR for
2006 have increased by almost 30% compared to 2005. About 3,500 jobs
were created in various economic sectors of the NKR in 2005.
Teachers’ salaries have been raised by almost 70%, and salaries of
medical and cultural workers by 30%. P.T. -0–

NKR’s AUTHORITY CONSISTENTLY INCREASING, NKR PREMIER STATES
Arka News Agency, Armenia
June 22 2006
STEPANAKERT, June 22. /ARKA/. The authority of the Nagorno-Karabakh
Republic (NKR) as a de facto independent states is consistently
increasing, NKR Prime Minister Anushavan Danielyan stated at the
international scientific conference “Nagorno-Karabakh Republic: past,
present, future.”
“This is chiefly accounted for by the fact that the people’s demand is
a fair one and is based on serious legal and historical underpinnings,”
Danielyan said.
According to him, various international structures, authoritative
political and public figures are in active contacts with the NKR
authorities and representatives of public and political organizations.
“Noteworthy is the fact that everybody is supporting the reforms being
implemented in the country. They are well aware of the difficulties of
economic development in conditions of blockade and unsettled conflict,”
Danielyan said.
In this context, the most topical issue is the admission of the
NKR’s independence.
“The Nagorno-Karabakh Republic is interested in developing both
bilateral and multilateral cooperation with the countries of
the region, and the fundamental principle of the NKR’s policy is
openness and willingness for cooperation with all countries, including
Azerbaijan,” Danielyan said. P.T. -0–

INDEX OF ARMENIA’S ECONOMIC ACTIVITY 70.1 IN 2ND QUARTER 2006 AGAINST
70.5 IN 1ST QUARTER AND 72.2 IN 2ND QUARTER 2005
Arka News Agency, Armenia
June 23 2006
YEREVAN, June 23. /ARKA/. The index of Armenia’s economic activity
amounted to 70.1 out of the 100-point measurement in the 2nd quarter
2006 against 70.5 in the 1st quarter 2006 (72.2 – 2nd quarter 2005,
71 – 3rd quarter 2005, 53.6 – 4th quarter 2005).
At the same time, the final averaged index of economic activity in
the 2nd quarter 2006 totaled 99.4% of the previous quarter’s level
(0.6% decrease). As compared to the 2nd quarter 2005, this index
decreased by 2.9% in the 2nd quarter 2006.
According to the Central Bank of Armenia, the index of economic
activity is calculated on the basis of averaged method of evaluations
and expectations of respondents concerning production volumes, orders
for production and expected changes of production reserves.
Starting from 2005 the CBA has begun quarterly surveys of
non-financial, financial organizations and households.
The surveys are aimed at evaluating the change of the current
situation compared to the previous period, economic expectations of
the respondents, and to calculate and publish aggregative economic
indices based on the survey results. More than 600 organizations of
the industrial, construction and service sectors were selectively
investigated.
The surveys were held on Internet, by means of phone calls and direct
visits. R.O. –0–

NKR PRESIDENT: SETTLEMENT OF NAGORNO-KARABAKH CONFLICT STILL LONG WAY OFF
Arka News Agency, Armenia
June 23 2006
YEREVAN, June 23. /ARKA/. During meeting with paricipants of “NKR:
Past, Present, Future” international scinetific conference the
President of Nagorno-Karabakh Republic Arkady Ghukasyan said settlement
of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is still long way off Ghukasyan emphasized
that “opponents”, avioiding dialogue have shifted Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict to political, economic and even scinetific planes, NKR
Presidetn’s Press Service reports.
“We have to accept the chellange, and in this struggle our firm
bearing must become the scinetific potential and rich experience of
the inteeligentcia”, Ghukasyan said. S.P.–0–

Institute for War and Peace Reporting, UK
June 23 2006
Hard Times for Caucasians in Moscow
Residents and migrants say they are under increasing pressure from
nationalist thugs.
By Vage Avanisian and Samira Ahmedbeili in Moscow, and Sofo Bukia in
Tbilisi (CRS No. 345, 23-June-06)
Armenia is still reeling from the brutal murder of 18-year-old Artur
Sardarian last month. Sardarian, an Armenian migrant worker, was taking
a commuter train home from work on May 25 when a group of lads set
on him, stabbing him in the neck and then five more times in the chest.
Each knife thrust was accompanied by cries of “Glory to Russia!”
eyewitnesses said.
The attack took place on the day celebrations kicked off for “Armenia
Year” in Russia.
In the Caucasus, there was shock at a murder whose motive was so
patently the ethnic origin of the victim. Nor was Sardarian the
first foreigner murdered in Russia since the beginning of the year –
a Senegalese student and another Armenian were killed in April.
The sense that xenophobic violence is on the rise is supported by
data from Sova, a British non-governmental group that monitors racist
attacks in Russia, which indicated that 18 people have been killed
and more than 100 injured in hate crimes so far in 2006.
Doudou Diene, the United Nations special rapporteur on racism and
xenophobia who has just completed a report on Russia, told a press
conference in Moscow on June 16 that he was concerned not only at the
rising number of assaults on foreigners, but also by the increasingly
brutal nature seen in these attacks.
President Vladimir Putin roundly condemned the phenomenon when he
met with Russian interior ministry staff on February 17.
“Belligerent nationalism and attempts to provoke inter-ethnic conflict
endanger the life and constitutional rights of citizens, hamper the
stable existence of the state, and undermine its integrity. And, of
course, it does immense damage to Russia’s image worldwide,” he said.
Although there are no precise data, non-government groups estimate
that there are around three million Armenians living in Russia,
the same number of Azerbaijanis and over a million Georgians.
A Russian foundation called Public Opinion had done a survey which
shows that about half of all Muscovites polled tends to dislike
people from the Caucasus. Interestingly, those surveyed also said they
thought other Russians in the capital held even less tolerant views.
And as Levon Ananian, who heads the Armenian Writers’ Union,
points out, that is just Moscow, “We learn from the press about the
high-profile killings in the capital, but it’s clear the same is
happening in remote places throughout Russia.”
Moscow’s first ethnic murder this year happened on April 7 in Saint
Petersburg, when a group of skinheads attacked some dark-skinned
students. A student from Senegal, Samba Lampsar Sall, was shot dead,
and a gun marked with a swastika was found at the crime scene.
Two weeks later, skinheads dressed in black uniforms stabbed Armenian
student Vigen Abramiants in the heart at Moscow’s busiest underground
station, Pushkinskaya.
Elhan Mirzoyev, who works as a producer with the well-known television
station NTV and is of Azerbaijani origin was beaten within an inch
of his life at another Moscow underground stations on April 3. The
gang who attacked him said he had no right to live in Russia.
The doctors who put seven stitches in his head told him it was a
miracle he had survived.
Although these cases clearly bore the hallmarks of racist crime,
prosecutors only included the Russian criminal code clause covering
ethnic crimes in their indictments only after strong pressure from
lawyers for the two Armenians.
“The fact that people are being killed in Russia because of their
dark hair, swarthy skin or the shape of their eyes is harming the
country’s image,” said Moscow-based lawyer Simon Tsaturian, who is
acting for the two murdered Armenians. “That is why some officials
might be tempted to change the way the cases are presented, and put
them in a different light.”
Vigen Abramiants’s father Rafael agreed with this view, citing an
investigator on the case who told him he had nearly lost his job
after bringing the criminal action under Russian legislation covering
“murder on ethnic grounds”.
“What marked me most during the encounters and conversations I’ve
had?” the UN’s Diene told reporters. “It is the feeling of fear
and of solitude expressed by a number of foreign communities and
ethnic minorities – the Africans have been very vocal about it, as
well as people from the Caucasus and Central Asia… This is a very
alarming sign.”
Diene warned that the wave of racist attacks, if unchecked, could
soon target not only ethnic minorities, but even those who lobby to
protect them.
He noted that Russia still lacked clear laws on discrimination,
and urged the government to demonstrate a stronger political will to
fight racism and xenophobia.
The mayor of Moscow, Yuri Luzhkov, claims the authorities in the
capital are doing their best to curb xenophobic sentiment. “We have
over 100 nationalities living here, and things do happen,” he told
IWPR. “But there are also cases like one where one of our policemen
died protecting an Armenian family from raiders.”
Ella Pamfilova, who chairs the Civil Society Institutions and Human
Rights Council, a body which answers to President Putin, said the
growth of xenophobia was mainly a consequence of corruption and flawed
migration laws.
“Adopting an intelligible law would go against the interests of corrupt
groups, which exist everywhere including in government agencies,”
Pamfilova told IWPR. “It’s far more convenient to have illegal people
deprived of their civil rights, to rob them in markets, than to have
legalised citizens who would pay taxes to the state and observe all
the laws. Because in the latter case the state would have to protect
their rights.”
Despite President Putin’s and Mayor Luzhkov’s assurances, there
are politicians and analysts in Russia and in the southern Caucasus
who believe the Russian authorities are in fact encouraging radical
nationalism.
“In most cases, ethnically motivated crimes in Russia either go
unpunished or the punishment is inadequate,” said Grigory Yavlinsky,
who heads the Yabloko opposition party in Russia. “I’m sure the
authorities have an interest in xenophobia being unleashed. I have
no facts or evidence to prove this, but it’s quite possible that the
authorities have some influence over the skinheads, and that they
support and manipulate them.”
The link between the gangs of youths and nationalistic political groups
is clearer. Such organisations as the Great Russian National Party,
the Union of Slavs, the National Bolshevist Party and the Movement
Against Illegal Immigration, and others too, are all active in and
around Moscow.
Alexander Chervyakov, a spokesman for the Great Russian National Party,
set out his group’s views in remarks to IWPR, “We are not going to
let foreigners humiliate us. We are fighting against those who are
trying to take our homeland away from us. We… are able to defend
what belongs to us and take revenge on our enemies.”
Chervyakov would not respond to questions about why young men like
Sardarian and Abramiants should be considered enemies of Russia.
According to Eduard Limonov, the head of the National Bolsheviks,
“Being a skinhead is fashionable in Russia these days. Young people
are attracted to crewcuts, black gear, big boots and a particular
kind of music. It’s a modern youth movement.”
Alexander Prokhanov, editor of the Zavtra newspaper which promotes
nationalist views, said resentment among Russians was spurred by the
hardship of daily life “People have to think about how to earn their
meager daily bread at a time when foreigners are milling to and fro
before their eyes. And there are many [foreigners], too many of them
now,” he told IWPR.
It is unclear whether such views are affecting migrants from the
three south Caucasian countries as they make decisions about coming
to Russia or staying there.
Ara Abramian, who heads the Union of Armenians in Russia, said that
following the recent attacks on his countrymen, he had noticed a
decline in the number of people coming from Armenia to look for jobs.
At the same time, he said, few people were actually deciding to leave
once they arrived. “The situation is difficult to judge,” he said.
“People are unlikely to leave for fear of encountering skinheads in
the street. Although that too plays a part.”
Georgian political analyst Mamuka Areshidze pointed to the
deteriorating diplomatic relationship between Moscow and Tbilisi as
an additional factor affecting migrants from Georgia.
“Of course political relationships play a very important part in
this, and the worsening of relations between Georgia and Russia has
done a great deal of damage to the many Georgians living in Russia,
who are now having problems with their jobs and businesses. In terms
of morale, it’s very hard,” he said. “Still, the extents of this are
not so global as to force Caucasians now living in Russia to start
returning home. I don’t think anyone in Russia will dare set up a
united front against Caucasians.”
Meanwhile, people from the Caucasus now living in Moscow either
permanently or as migrant labour continue to find their own ways of
dealing with hostile attitudes.
Sixteen-year-old Ruslana Samedova copes by concealing her ethnic
identity. She counts herself lucky to look more like her Russian mother
than her Azerbaijani father. “Even my closest friends don’t know I’m
Azerbaijani,” she admitted. “None of my schoolmates has ever seen my
father – I’m literally hiding him from everyone. As for my Azerbaijani
surname, I have to invent all sorts of stories to explain it.
“If they find out I’m Azerbaijani – even on one side only – at school,
that’ll be the end of me. I’ve seen how one of my classmates was
driven close to suicide. Her family had to move to Baku. I don’t want
to suffer the same fate.”
Vage Avanesian is director of the Moscow office of the TV-company
Shant. Samira Akhmedbeili is a correspondent for the newspaper Azerros
in Moscow. Sofo Bukia is a correspondent for 24 Saati in Tbilisi.