ARMENIAN PARLIAMENTARY SPEAKER RECEIVED IMF PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE
Yerevan, June 13. ArmInfo. Chairman of the Armenian National Assembly
Tigran Torosyan received Permanent Representative of the International
Monetary Fund James Mchugh, Tuesday.
The Armenian parliamentary press-service told ArmInfo the sides
discussed the cooperation of the Armenian parliament and the IMF. J.
McHugh congratulated T. Torosyan on his election to the responsible
post and expressed confidence that the Armenian NA-IMF cooperation
enters a new stage. He stressed the importance of the parliamentary
control over all the stages of the Poverty Reduction Strategic Program
in Armenia as well as over the functions of the legislative power
in all those programs IMF implements jointly with the government and
the Central Bank of Armenia.
T. Torosyan said the post-Soviet transformation can be divided into
two stages: at first, economic issues are brought to foreground;
at second, political problems are settled, and democracy is developed.
The economic development in Armenia for the last five years was more
intensive than democratic processes: formation of civil society,
overcoming corruption, public polarization. The Armenian speaker said
a full success in development in the country is possible only subject
to combining the economic and political break-through, which will lead
Armenia to a proper position in the world community. T. Torosyan said
the cooperation of Armenia and IMF is a crucial factor for achievement
of this goal as IMF combines economic and political components in
its activity despite being a financial organization.
The sides pointed out the necessity of raising the public awareness.
They stated that a detailed presentation of the processes aims to give
a positive impetus to the public. The source reports the parties also
discussed the reduction of US dollar rate.

Rural Reforestation Program in Armenia
By Bella Avetisyan and Jason Sohigian
“Caucasus Environment” Magazine
Issue 1(14) (2006)
In October 2005, Armenia Tree Project (ATP) started a unique reforestation
project in the Getik River Valley of northeastern Armenia. Nearly 120,000
tree seedlings were planted to begin the process of restoring the region’s
forest ecosystems, which are home to many endangered plant and animal
species. Residents of the villages of Aghavnavank, Dzoravank, and Aygut,
most of whom are Armenian refugees from Azerbaijan, directly participated in
the process, by growing and planting the seedlings, which hold their hopes
for the future.
As a result of unsustainable tree cutting for basic heating and cooking
needs in the Getik River Valley, the villages are facing problems caused by
severe erosion, landslides, and flooding. To address the issue, ATP
established a unique backyard nursery pilot project in 2003 in Aygut
village. Working closely with the community and local officials, ATP entered
into agreements with families interested in growing tree seedlings to be
sold to ATP for reforesting the mountainous areas surrounding their village.
Seventeen nurseries were established in the first year, which produced
20,000 seedlings. As a result of the success of the pilot program, the
number of participating families grew to 153 in 2005. The program now
includes two other villages where families agreed to develop these
micro-enterprises in collaboration with ATP. Due to the expansion and
success of this rural economic development program, the 153 backyard
nurseries produced 120,000 seedlings ready for planting in 2005, and more
than 40 workers were employed by ATP in the reforesting activity.
This, in combination with ATP’s Community Tree Planting program, resulted in
the planting of over 170,000 trees, far exceeding the number of trees
planted by ATP in a single year since its founding in 1994. After signing
contracts with ATP, each backyard nursery owner was provided with a variety
of seeds from nearby forests as well as the necessary tools and equipment.
In addition, ATP agro-specialists regularly visited the nurseries to provide
technical assistance and training to the farmers. Participants were taught
how to maintain soil and properly nurture their seedlings, which needed to
achieve a threshold height of 30 cm before being eligible for purchase by
ATP. Local children were introduced to environmental issues through a new
curriculum ATP developed for the schools.
According to a household survey conducted by ATP in 2003, the average annual
income of rural villagers in Aygut was only $280, so the money earned by the
families and workers involved in this project has provided a desperately
needed source of income.
4/16_sm.html
Table of Contents for this issue:
Contents_sm.html

U.S.DEPT OF STATE
12 Jun 2006
U.S. Plans “Significant” Contribution to New Black Sea Fund
Public-private grant-making trust will promote democracy, regional cooperation
By Vince Crawley
Washington File Staff Writer
Washington — The United States plans to make a substantial
contribution to the Black Sea Trust, a new multimillion-dollar fund
promoting democracy and cooperation among nine countries in southeast
Europe, President Bush’s deputy national security adviser says.
The trust will provide grants to focus on enhancing economic and
security cooperation, crisis management and democracy in Armenia,
Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Moldova, Romania, Russia, Turkey
and Ukraine.
In remarks at the Black Sea Forum June 5 in Bucharest, Romania,
Deputy National Security Advisor J. D. Crouch said the United States
would participate in and make a significant financial contribution to
the trust in partnership with the German Marshall Fund, the Romanian
government and other donors.
Crouch said the United States is supporting other initiatives such
as the Black Sea Economic Cooperation initiative and the Southeast
European Cooperative Initiative. “We want to hear your ideas on how
to cooperate more effectively to address a broader range of issues,”
Crouch added.
“For centuries, these lands have been a cultural crossroads —
connecting Europe to the Middle East and Central Asia,” Crouch
said. The flow of communication through the region was stifled during
the Cold War, he added, “but today your nations have a new opportunity
to build stronger links with each other — and thereby reclaim your
historic position as a region of connections between East and West.”
The German Marshall Fund (GMF) of the United States announced
the creation of the trust on June 5 during the Black Sea Forum in
Bucharest, Romania. The GMF said it anticipates launching operations
of the Black Sea Trust in the fall, with initial contributions
of more than $20 million, climbing to more than $40 million as the
trust matures. Contributors include the U.S. Agency for International
Development (USAID), the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, the Romanian
government and other private and public donors from the United States
and Europe.
The trust is expected to provide grants to local organizations —
including civic groups and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs),
local and regional governments, educational institutions and media,
according to a news release by the German Marshall Fund. Grants will
be awarded for civic-participation programs as well as projects that
promote cross-border cooperation in the region.
“Approximately $2 million in rolling grants will be given out each
year,” said the GMF, which will staff the trust. “Individual grants
would range from $1,000 to $75,000 with an average size around $15,000
or $20,000, and will be approved monthly by a grant-making committee
that will include GMF representatives and one representative from
each of the donors to the Trust.”
The German Marshall Fund is also in negotiations with the Romanian
government to base the trust’s operations in Bucharest. (See related
article.) The U.S. State Department recently signed agreements with
Bulgaria and Romania to share military bases near the Black Sea
coast. (See related article.) The GMF, USAID, and the Mott Foundation
previously joined forces in 2003 to create the Balkan Trust for
Democracy, a $30 million fund that has given out millions in grant
money toward promoting regional cooperation and reconciliation,
civil society development, and democracy-building ideas and
institutions throughout the Balkans. The Balkan Trust for Democracy
“has successfully grown and added new partners after its founding,
a process the Black Sea Trust will emulate,” the GMF said. (See
related article.) In March, the German Marshall Fund co-sponsored a
conference aimed at promoting cross-border cooperation, particularly
in disaster response planning, and some of the same countries attended
that were represented at the Black Sea Forum. (See related article.)
The U.S. Embassy in Bucharest has posted the full text of Crouch’s
remarks on its Web site. The Black Sea Trust press release is posted
on the Web site of the German Marshall Fund of the United States.
The Southeastern Europe Cooperative Initiative (SECI) is a law
enforcement consortium that allows authorities to share intelligence
and coordinate activities in the pursuit of criminals across
jurisdictional lines.
Information on SECI’s work against human trafficking is available in
a USINFO Electronic Journal article “European Alliance Combats Human
Trafficking” and the Web site of the SECI Center in Bucharest.
Additional information is available on the Web site of the Black Sea
Economic Cooperation, to which the United States was recently granted
observer status.

AGBU Press Office
55 East 59th Street
New York, NY 10022-1112
Phone: 212.319.6383, x109
Fax: 212.319.6507
Email: [email protected]
Website:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
AGBU SAN DIEGO HOSTS INAUGURAL PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING EXCHANGE
Seeking to provide career guidance to the next generation, the San
Diego Chapter of AGBU’s Southern California District sponsored its
inaugural professional networking exchange on April 30, 2006, in
Carlsbad, California for university students and professionals.
“Our goal is to support our students in fulfilling their career
potential,” said Dr. Christine Saroian, who spearheaded the
initiative. “It was very gratifying to see connections between the
professionals and students immediately being established.”
Championed by Chapter Chairwoman Ani Kalayjian Lanuza and Committee
Members Drs. Christine Saroian and Arbi Nazarian, the new initiative
has enlisted dozens of local professionals to mentor and network with
students through ongoing exchanges, as well as online communication
tools.
The AGBU San Diego Chapter is committed to preserving and promoting
the Armenian identity and heritage through educational, cultural
and humanitarian programs. For more information on the mentoring
initiative, please email Ani Kalayjian Lanuza at [email protected].
For more information on AGBU and its worldwide chapters, please
visit
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

AGBU Press Office
55 East 59th Street
New York, NY 10022-1112
Phone: 212.319.6383, x118
Fax: 212.319.6507
Email: [email protected]
Website:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
CAMP NUBAR’S 2006 SOCIAL, CULTURAL & SPIRITUAL PROGRAM READY TO GO
American Camp Association, Red Cross & American Academy of Pediatrics
Give Nubar Their Stamp of Approval
Gearing up for an action packed summer, AGBU Camp Nubar has again
received the American Camp Association (ACA) highly prized seal of
approval. Only a fraction of the thousands of camps across the nation
receive ACA’s accreditation and, as part of the process, camps are
asked to adhere to 300 strict health, safety and program-quality
benchmarks created in cooperation with the American Red Cross and
the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Camp Nubar Committee Chairman, Mardi Merjian, is proud that Camp
Nubar is the only Armenian camp to hold the honor, “ACA accreditation
assures parents that the camp has had a regular, independent safety
audit that goes beyond regulations in most states. ACA accreditation
is the best evidence for parents that a camp is committed to providing
a safe and nurturing environment for their children, and in our case,
in a spiritually and culturally Armenian environment.”
Kicking off on July 1, 2006, Camp Nubar is continuing to register
campers who are eager to spend their summers in a first-rate facility
with high quality supervision and instruction. In addition to the
vast array of sporting, arts & crafts, and cultural activities, this
year’s program continues to incorporate the involvement of clergy from
the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America. His Eminence
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian will once again join Camp Nubar for the
Annual Open House Celebration on Sunday July 23, 2006. The day will
begin with Badarak in the morning, followed by a fun filled day of
activities and delicious cuisine. Rev. Fr. Taniel Karadjian, Pastor
of St. Sarkis Church of Charlotte, NC will spend a week with campers
and staff from July 1 through July 7. Other visiting clergy include
Fr. Stepanos Doudoukjian and Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan. Fr. Daniel
is an alumni of Camp Nubar and spent many happy summers there as a
child. The participation of clergy in the daily life of Camp Nubar
ensures that faith is an integral part of the Nubar experience.
This year’s Camp Nubar Head Staff include, Camp Director Maggie
Derderian Casaceli, Health Director Susan Schuman, Girls Head Counselor
Jen Omartian, Boys Head Counselor Dan Antreasyan, Activities Director
Tina Hagopian, Waterfront Director Chris Burdman, Office Manager Maro
Jamgotchian and, our newest addition, New York City Office Executive
Director Arshak Der-Artinian.
Accredited by ACA (), AGBU Camp Nubar was founded in
1963 and continues to be a summer haven for Armenian youth from all
around the world. For more information on Camp Nubar, please call (212)
319-6383, visit or email [email protected].
For more information on AGBU and its youth programs, please visit
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
06/13/2006
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <;HTTP://WWW.ASBAREZ. COM 1) Oskanian And Mamedyarov Discuss Contentious Issues in Karabagh Conflict Regulation 2) Iran Supports Peaceful Settlement of The Karabagh Conflict 3) Armenians Convert Savings as Dram Gains Strength 4) Armenian Parliament to Convene Hearings on Dual Citizenship 5) Events Mark 40th Day after Armenian Plane Crash 6) Iranian Diplomat Discusses Natural Gas Pipeline 1) Oskanian And Mamedyarov Discuss Contentious Issues in Karabagh Conflict Regulation YEREVAN (Armenpress)--Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian and his Azeri counterpart Elmar Mamedyarov met Tuesday in Paris to discuss settlement of the Karabagh conflict. The negotiations were conducted with the participation of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmen and personal representative of the OSCE chairman-in-office Andzey Kasprchik. The Armenian Foreign Ministry press service reported that during negotiations, Oskanian and Mamedyarov discussed the principles and approaches over which the two countries disagree. They decided to continue negotiations. 2) Iran Supports Peaceful Settlement of The Karabagh Conflict YEREVAN (Yerkir)Iran's Deputy Ambassador to Armenia Ali Akbar Jokar said Tuesday that Iran believes that the Karabagh conflict can only be settled through negotiations. At a news conference in Yerevan, he said that Tehran repeatedly confirmed its readiness to assist in the settlement of the Karabagh conflict. "Iran enjoys good relations with all its neighbors and is interested in stability in the region," he said. 3) Armenians Convert Savings as Dram Gains Strength YEREVAN (RFE/RL)--The chairman of Armenia's Central Bank, Tigran Sarkisian, said Tuesday that the renewed strengthening of Armenia's national currency, the dram, against the US dollar has led to Armenians converting their dollar savings into drams because they have finally begun to trust their currency. The dram has gained almost 9 percent in additional value against the dollar in less than a month and is now worth over 30 percent more, in dollar terms, than it was right before the start of its dramatic appreciation in late 2003. The Central Bank attributed this to a sizable increase in multimillion-dollar remittances from hundreds of thousands of Armenians working abroad. Sarkisian said a further rise in their amount this year has boosted demand in the dram and pushed up its value as a result. Last week, the Armenian Government's mid-term economic outlook said that the Government expected the economy to continue its robust growth and enable a further increase in public spending on education and social programs in the next few years. The document presented by Deputy Finance and Economy Minister Pavel Safarian forecasts that Gross Domestic Product will rise at an annual rate of at least 6 percent from 2007 through 2009. Official statistics show that the Armenian economy expanded by 12 percent in the first four months of this year, putting it on track to register a double-digit growth for a sixth consecutive year. Safarian said continued growth is expected to raise the country's GDP per capita, a key indicator of living standards, from the current $1,600 to $2,300 by 2009. Armenia's macroeconomic performance in recent years has been repeatedly praised by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. Both financial institutions have endorsed the government's assertions that the growth has considerably reduced widespread poverty. The dram's strengthening, for example, has hit hard a large part of Armenia's population which is dependent on cash regularly sent by their expatriate relatives. Some analysts say it is stifling the country's modest exports. Official statistics show their total volume falling by nearly 8 percent to $253.7 million in the first four months of this year. Armenian imports, by contrast, rose by 13 percent to $584 million during the same period. However, Safarian said the anticipated economic growth will enable the Armenian Government to raise the average salary of civil servants and school teachers by 40 percent to 124,000 drams ($295) and 82,500 drams respectively in the next three years. He said the Government will also raise its tiny monthly pensions and poverty benefits by 2,000 drams each year. 4) Armenian Parliament to Convene Hearings on Dual Citizenship YEREVAN (Armenpress)The Armenian Parliament's Foreign Relations permanent commission will conduct parliamentary hearings on Dual Citizenship starting June 23, said leader of the Armenian Revolutionary Faction (ARF) Hrayr Karapetian. He noted that representatives of interested organizations, parties, political figures will be invited to participate in the discussion. 5) Events Mark 40th Day after Armenian Plane Crash YEREVAN (Yerkir/Armenpress)Relatives of those killed in the crash of an Armavia Airline arrived in Sochi, on the Black Sea Coast of Russia, Tuesday to mourn the deaths of their loved ones and attend a ceremony marking the 40th day after the tragic event. Armenian Ambassador to Russia Armen Smbatian also took part in the ceremony, saying that a stone, which will become part of a planned monument to the crash victims, will be laid. Members of the Armenian Consulate and administration of the Krasnodar region also attended the events. The victims' families also attended a requiem service in the St. Gevorg Church in Tbilisi, Georgia, on their way to Sochi. In Tbilisi, they were met by the members of Georgian Parliament, Armenian Ambassador to Georgia Hrach Silvanian, and representatives of the local Armenian community who expressed their condolences. Saying that Georgians grieved together with Armenians the Ambassador noted that "At this difficult moment we understand what means real friendship." An A-320 airplane belonging to Armenian company Armavia crashed into the Black Sea on May 3 killing all 113 passengers aboard. 6) Iranian Diplomat Discusses Natural Gas Pipeline YEREVAN (RFE/RL)--Iran's Deputy Ambassador to Armenia, Ali Akbar Jokar discussed the natural gas pipeline running from Iran to Armenian, which is currently under-construction. Russia's state-run natural gas monopoly, Gazprom, was reported earlier this year to have secured ownership of the pipeline as part of a controversial settlement of its recent gas dispute with Yerevan. The information was initially confirmed by Gazprom, but subsequently refuted by the Russian giant and senior Armenian officials. "There are no changes yet in the project," Iran's deputy ambassador to Armenia, Ali Akbar Jokar, insisted on Tuesday. "Changes may only happen with the consent of all parties [to the project.]" Asked whether his government would object to the possible change of pipeline ownership, Jokar said, "Since there is nothing concrete, such a prediction can not be made at this point." Work on the first 40 kilometer section of the pipeline, financed by a $34 million Iranian loan, began late last year and is scheduled to be complete by next January. Armenian and Iranian officials say the construction is proceeding according to plan. The pipeline will ease Armenia's strong energy dependence on Russia, presently its sole supplier of gas. All subscription inquiries and changes must be made through the proper carrier and not Asbarez Online. ASBAREZ ONLINE does not transmit address changes and subscription requests. (c) 2006 ASBAREZ ONLINE. All Rights Reserved. ASBAREZ provides this news service to ARMENIAN NEWS NETWORK members for academic research or personal use only and may not be reproduced in or through mass media outlets.

Press Release
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr.Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon
Armenian version:
THE NEW AMBASSADOR OF AUSTRALIA TO LEBANON VISITS ANTELIAS
His Holiness Aram I met with the new Ambassador of Australia to
Lebanon, Ms Lyndall Sachs, in his office in Antelias on June 13. Being
appointed recently, the Ambassador visited the Pontiff to inquire
about his views concerning the current situation in Lebanon and the
Armenian community’s role in it.
The Catholicos introduced the current circumstances of the
Armenian people, talking briefly about the situations in Armenia and
Karapagh. He focused on the Armenian communities in the Diaspora, the
national struggle of Armenians, and the Catholicosate of Cilicia. The
Pontiff then assessed the internal situation in Lebanon and the role
of the Armenian community in that context.
The meeting also presented an opportunity to talk about the problems
the current world faces and particularly conflicts related to the
ecumenical dialogue, violence and other issues. Expressing his views
on these matters, the Catholicos emphasized the importance of dialogue
in all fields in life.
The Ambassador expressed interest in the Armenian communities in the
Diaspora and particularly the Lebanese-Armenian community, at the
same time praising the values of the Armenian nation.
##
View photo here:
es85.htm
*****
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates
of the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the
history and mission of the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer
to the web page of the Catholicosate, The
Cilician Catholicosate, the administrative center of the church is
located in Antelias, Lebanon.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

BUILDERS OF BAKU-GEIHAN REFUSE TO RECOVER DAMAGE TO ARMENIAN VILLAGE
Lragir.am
14 June 06
AKHALKALAKI, JUNE 13, A-INFO. SPI-Capag-Petrofac carrying out the
construction of of the section of Baku-Geihan running through Georgia
damaged the soil of the village of Ghado, Akhalkalaki using sand
necessary for the construction of the oil pipeline, and refuses to
recover the damage.
The building company says the land they used belongs to the state and
they had a special license of the Ministry of Environmental Protection
to use it.
The inhabitants of the village of Ghado say the sand used in
construction was extracted from the territory they own, and they
have a corresponding certificate on public ownership. Besides, the
inhabitants of Ghado say when the soil of the Georgian villages was
used for the same purpose, the damages were recovered at full.
Presently the inhabitants of Ghado rely on the justice of Georgian
law-enforcement agencies. Their claim was lodged with the Office of
Head Public Prosecutions of Georgia.

THE ISSUE OF STATUS OF JAVAKHK THE MOST PAINFUL TODAY
ArmRadio.am
14.06.2006 16:16
The newly elected President of “Javakhk” Patriotic Union Shirak
Torosyan presented in detail the problems Javakhk faces and suggested
possible ways of resolution of these. According to him, the most
painful today is, most probably, the issue of the status of Javakhk,
regarding which the opinions are diverse. The President of the Union
is confident that there is no need to undertake extreme measures. It
is solely necessary to raise the level of self-governance in Javakhk,
providing corresponding liabilities to local authorities of Javakhk,
which will make it possible to resolve a number of issues locally.
“The problem of the status of Javakhk gradually deepens, since the
decisive steps are undertaken by interested sides,” Shirak Torosyan
said.
According to him, Javakhk should become a factor normalizing
Armenian-Georgian relations, not a worsening one. Aside from the
issue of teaching Armenian in the schools of Javakhk and preservation
of historical monuments, the emphasis is put today on the social
conditions of Javakhk Armenians.
The issue of Kars-Akhalkalak railway in the framework of
Georgian-Turkish relations has found itself among the numerous problems
Javakhk faces. Shirak Torosyan said this railway can resolve a number
of social problems in Javakhk.
Nevertheless, since it directly counters Armenia’s interests, Javakhk
Armenians defend the position of Armenia in this issue.

VAROUZHAN HAKOBYAN – WINNER OF THE SAN MARINO TOURNAMENT
A1+
[12:46 pm] 14 June, 2006
Armenian Grand Master Varouzhan Hakobyan became the winner of the
chess international tournament in San Marino together with Vadim
Milov from Switzerland.
Hakobyan and Milov have 7.5 points after 9 games. 148 chess players,
including 30 Grand Masters participated in the tournament.
Varouzhan Hakobyan has been citizen of the USA for the last five
years. Together with the US team he won a bronze medal in the World
Olympiad. By the way, in 1998 in the Youth Chess Olympiad in Istanbul
Varouzhan became the champion together with the Armenian national team.