Turkish minister says nuclear energy is a must
Anatolia news agency, Ankara
14 Apr 06

Ankara, 14 April: “Nuclear energy issue is not only a preference; it
is a must,” said Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Hilmi
Guler.
Guler held today a meeting in Ankara with 150 scientists from Turkish
Atomic Energy Agency (TAEK) on nuclear energy.
Following the meeting, Guler told reporters, “Researches of TAEK and
related departments of universities on nuclear energy have been going
on for 56 years.”
Regarding the safety aspect of the issue, Guler said that they are
working on the safest and most modern methods.
On the other hand, TAEK Chairman Okay Cakiroglu said, “We have made a
preliminary study in Sinop. We haven’t still decided on the exact
place where the nuclear power plant will be built. Inceburun region of
Sinop is appropriate in geotechnical aspect. We will make our decision
within a year.”
Recalling that they can also build a nuclear power plant for civilian
use in Akkuyu (in southern city of Mersin), Cakiroglu said, “We did
not give up Akkuyu. We can build a power plant in Akkuyu any time if
necessary.”
He added, “However, we looked for another alternative because Akkuyu
is a tourist region. Thus we chose Sinop.”
When asked how long it will take to build a power plant, Cakiroglu
said that the construction may take 60 months.
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday had selected Black
Sea city of Sinop as the city where the nuclear power plant will be
built.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Turkish engineers criticize proposed nuclear plant
Anatolia news agency
14 Apr 06

Ankara, 14 April: The Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects
(TMMOB) Ankara Branch has criticized the government’s decision to build a
nuclear power plant in Black Sea city of Sinop.
In a statement made public today, TMMOB indicated that it is impossible to
present the dirtiest source of energy (which is nuclear energy) as the “most
clean” energy.
TMMOB decided to organize a protest meeting in Sinop on 29 April, the day of
the anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant disaster.

Ilham Aliev to pay an official visit to US

ArmRadio.am
15.04.2006 15:16
On April 26 President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliev will pay an official
visit to the United States. April 26-27 the Azeri President will have
a number of meetings and will hold talks in US capital. April 28 he
will be received by Us President George Bush.

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
April 15 2006
Azerbaijan to express protest to US State Department for registration
of `Nagorno Karabakh Republic representative office in Washington’
[ 15 Apr. 2006 16:05 ]
The Embassy of Azerbaijan in the United States will express a protest
to the US Department of State regarding the US Justice Department
registering `Nagorno Karabakh Republic representative office in
Washington’.
The spokesman of the Foreign Ministry Tahir Taghizadeh told APA that
the Embassy will protest to the word `republic’ in the representative
office. He said that Nagorno Karabagh office in Washington has been
functioning as a non-governmental organization since the 90s of the
last century.
`Every year when the office try to include the word `republic’ during
the registration Azerbaijan prevents it .If the office was registered
as a diplomatic mission, the Department of State not the Justice
Department would have registered it,’ Taghizadeh underlined./APA/

PACE Discussed the Situation in Armed Forces of Azerbaijan

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14.04.2006
At the session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe
Bulgarian Member of Parliament Alexander Arbadjiev presented verbal
report on situation and protection of human rights in armed
forces. The rapporteur informed that in many Member States of the
Council of Europe the human rights are violated in armed forces. He
underlined the importance of establishment of the Institute of
Military Ombudsman to review their complaints. In section devoted to
Azerbaijan the rapporteur informed that in Azerbaijan about 5,000
soldiers died because of hard conditions and various diseases. But not
all Member States of PACE were for description of situation of human
rights in armed forces.
Members of Azerbaijani delegation to PACE – Aydin Mirzazade, Elmira
Akhundova and Ganira Pashayeva made report. A. Mirzazade informed that
the military in equal with civilians should have the rights drawn from
the European Convention. He considers as important establishment of
the Institute of Military Ombudsman to which the military could make
an anonymous complaints.
Speaking at the session E. Akhundova said that she did not agree with
report figures. She informed that the figures about death of 5,000
Azerbaijani soldiers who have been died because of unacceptable
conditions and acute diseases do not meet realities, and said that
this misinformation is based on figures of NGOs.

Moscow News (Russia)
April 14, 2006
KOSOVO PATH A TRAP
By Sergei Markedonov The Institute of Political and Military Analysis
Special to The Moscow News
Russia should propose its own criteria for the recognition of new
states
The status of Kosovo is in the final stages of resolution. According
to U.S. State Department Spokesman Sean McCormack, the U.S.
administration supports the efforts of Marti Ahtisaari, special envoy
of the UN secretary general, aimed to resolve the status of Kosovo
before the end of this year.
The United States and EU countries are categorically opposed to any
parallels being drawn between Albanian separatism in Serbia and the
struggle for independence by ethnic Ossetians and Abkhaz in Georgia,
Armenians in Azerbaijan, or interethnic separatism in Moldova’s
breakaway Transdnestr region. According to Sean McCormack, every
ethno-political conflict in the post-Soviet area has its own unique
specifics that must be taken into account.
Nevertheless, “Kosovization” of the post-Soviet area is well under
way. The hasty resolution of the “Kosovo problem” highlighted the
problem of the self-proclaimed entities in the post-Soviet area.
The Ukrainian blockade of the Transdnestr Moldovan Republic
effectively coincided with a massive diplomatic onslaught by official
Tbilisi against South Ossetia and the latest escalation in the
Georgian-Abkhaz conflict in Abkhazia’s Gali District. Lying behind
the strong-worded statements by Georgian, Moldovan and Ukrainian
leaders is the thinly veiled intention to resolve the problem of
rebellious territories before Kosovo’s independence is
internationally recognized.
As of now Kosovo will become a crucial factor in the domestic and
foreign policy of the “commonwealth of unrecognized states” – a kind
of CIS-2 the Commonwealth of Independent States, the loose alliance
that replaced the Soviet Union . Leaders and ideologues of the
Transdnestr Moldovan Republic, Nagorny Karabakh, Abkhazia, and South
Ossetia keep quoting Vladimir Putin’s statement about the need to
apply a universal approach to resolving ethno-political problems in
the post-Soviet and the post-Yugoslav areas. Vladimir Putin’s thesis
was unquestionably embraced by the Russian expert community.
According to Sergei Karaganov, chairman of the influential Council
for Foreign and Defense Policy, “if Kosovo is recognized as an
independent state, South Ossetia, Abkhazia, and the Transdnestr
region will have a right to ask for accession to Russia.”
At first glance, the principle of universalism is logical. If Kosovo
(like Slovenia and Croatia before it) is recognized on the basis of
the principle of ethnic self-determination (“blood right”), why are
the same rights denied to ethnic Armenians in Nagorny Karabakh or to
Ossetians or the Abkhaz?
But the logic of the “universal” approach only goes so far. Kosovo is
not simply a model for the formation of a separatist state, but also
a certain settlement model adopted by the “powers that be” of this
world – Europe and the United States. They predicate the recognition
of Kosovo on the return of refugees – Serbs and Gypsies. But is this
approach applicable to all CIS-2 states? The Kosovo model could be
attractive to South Ossetia since more than 40,000 ethnic Ossetians
ended up as refugees in the Georgian-Ossetian conflict. In the
Transdnestr region, there was no “ethnic cleansing” at all. Yet
Abkhazia and Nagorny Karabakh (which so zealously supported the
“Kosovo path”) will reject this principle. For Abkhazia, the return
of Georgian refuges to the republic’s entire territory (not just to
the Gali District), without any preconditions, would drastically
change the ethnic/demographic situation. In that case, the Abkhaz, as
before the 1992-93 war, would once again become an ethnic minority.
For the Nagorny Karabakh Republic, the repatriation of refugees would
mean the elimination of the “security belt” and the appearance of
about 500,000 Azerbaijanis on their territory, as well as near their
borders.
Russian politicians and diplomats, who are striving to prevent the
recognition of Kosovo, should not draw any parallels between the
former Yugoslav autonomy and the CIS-2, but invoke such factors as
the weakness of the province’s state institutions and the threat of
international terrorism and drug trafficking (real problems for
Kosovo).
By proposing its own criteria for the recognition or non-recognition
of newly independent states, Russia could secure freedom to maneuver
both in the Balkans and within the CIS-2. Why do we not recognize
Kosovo? Because there is no viable democracy there: After all, even
the report by Kai Eide, the UN secretary general’s envoy to Kosovo,
talks about personnel policy based on clan affiliation without any
regard to competence. Why does Russia support China (the PRC)?
Because there have been several election cycles there and local
government institutions are developing.
Why is Russia helping South Ossetia and Abkhazia? Because Tbilisi
discriminates against ethnic minorities (not only Abkhaz and
Ossetians, but also Azerbaijanis, Armenians, Kurds, and Assyrians)
and because it has abolished the Adzhar autonomy.
The mastering of political jargon adopted in the West and a
diversified policy would prevent Russia from falling into the trap of
“universalism” with regard to ethnic self-determination. It must not
be forgotten that recognition of “blood right” as the main motive for
revising state borders is fraught with a new “parade of
sovereignties” for the Russian Federation – something that the
“vertical chain of command” would be powerless to stop.MN

Police Day celebrated also in Nagorno-Karabakh

ArmRadio.am
15.04.2006 15:20
According to April 15 decree of the NKR President Arkadi Ghukasyan,
NKR Deputy Chief of Police, Poliice Colonel Sergey Grigoryan was
awarded the title of Major-General of Police. Deputy Chief of the
Department of Operative Services of Police, Head of the Criminal
Investigations Department, Deputy Colonel of Police Boris Yengibaryn
was awarded the title of Police Colonel.

Historic Armenia Perks Up After Soviet Era
The Washington Times, Travel Section
Saturday, April 8, 2006
Randy Mink, Copley News Service
Yerevan, Armenia
Armenia sits poised on the brink of discovery. Blessed with historical
attractions and rugged splendor but closed to tourism for many years, this
ancient land is seeing an increasing number of well-traveled Americans.
Encouraged by improved standards of comfort, visitors are satisfying their
thirst for intrigue in this small Christian country tucked in the Caucasus
Mountains of southwestern Asia.
Armenia was the smallest of the former Soviet Union’s 15 republics. Since
gaining independence in 1991, it has been transitioning to a market-based
economy, with tourism is a key component.
“This cradle of civilization wants to rock,” said Nina Hovnanian, director
of the fledgling Armenian Tourism Development Agency.
As a travel destination, Armenia – one of the world’s oldest Christian
nations – is best known for its mountains and monasteries, but Yerevan, the
capital city, abounds with urban diversions and hums with a youth-driven
cafe and disco scene.
Images of pop star Cher, who is of Armenian ancestry, come to mind as you
watch the sidewalk parade of long-haired girls in tight jeans, spangly tops
and high heels, many of them talking on cell phones. (The singer’s family
name, Sarkisian, is typical of Armenian surnames, most of which end in
“ian.”)
One-third of Armenia’s 3 million people live in Yerevan, a logical base of
operations for visiting the major sights. After a day trip to the
countryside, it’s heartening to know an air-conditioned room awaits your
return. Most Americans choose the new Armenia Marriott Hotel. An oasis of
luxury, the country’s first internationally branded hotel overlooks Republic
Square, a grand oval in the heart of town.
On clear days, the snow-shrouded peak of Mount Ararat dominates Yerevan’s
skyline. Although it lies across the border in eastern Turkey, the mountain
is a symbol of historic Armenia, which once covered a large territory that
extended to the Black Sea. Biblical tradition says Noah’s ark rested on its
summit after the great Flood.
Through the centuries, Romans, Persians, Turks and Russians invaded and
carved up Armenia, a strategic crossroads on the land bridge connecting
Europe and Asia. Today the landlocked country is about the size of Maryland.
Armenia is also bordered by Iran and the former Soviet republics of Georgia
and Azerbaijan, but geopolitical tensions keep the Turkish and Azerbaijani
borders closed, hurting the Armenian economy. Though Armenia is politically
stable and safe to visit, one U.S. diplomat in Yerevan admits “it’s a rough
neighborhood.”
American tourists find that Armenia blends Soviet-era drabness with Middle
Eastern exotica. The Armenian alphabet throws outsiders for a loop and adds
to the otherworldly flavor.
The country is not culturally diverse because 96 percent of the people are
ethnic Armenians. Curiously, the majority of Armenians – about 4 million –
live outside their homeland. In the United States, the largest
concentrations are in metropolitan New York and Boston, and California,
especially Glendale and Fresno.
The Armenian Apostolic Church is so intertwined with Armenian life that
religion and culture are practically synonymous.
Established there some 1,700 years ago, Christianity has survived and is
being embraced by all age groups after decades of Soviet-era atheism. Gilded
icons, priests’ elaborate vestments and other Eastern flourishes invite
comparisons to the Russian and Greek Orthodox churches.
A short drive west of Yerevan is the Echmiadzin complex, the `Vatican’ of
the Armenian Church. There in a palace at the country’s holiest religious
site resides Karekin II, the catholicos, or patriarch of the worldwide
church.
Walking through the gardenlike campus, visitors see black-robed monks and
ancient khatchkars, the intricately carved stone crosses found throughout
Armenia. Burning incense permeates the main cathedral, on the site where St.
Gregory the Illuminator built the first church.
Another shrine is Khor Virap Monastery, south of Yerevan, where St. Gregory
was imprisoned in a dark pit for 13 years for preaching the Gospel. When he
miraculously cured King Tiridates III of a disease in 301, the king set him
free and converted to the faith, or so the legend goes, forever
distinguishing Armenia as the first Christian nation. Agile visitors can
climb a ladder into the dungeon where Gregory languished.
On a trip to this border area near Mount Ararat, you’ll spy guard towers at
American military bases in Turkey.
East of Yerevan, make a pilgrimage to Geghard Monastery, hewn into a
mountainside. You may witness worshippers lighting candles in cavelike
chapels dating to 1215.
By a stream, the devout tie scraps of cloth onto tree branches, an act of
faith that is said to make a wish come true and assure a return to Geghard.
In the parking lot, folk musicians and village women wearing kerchiefs hawk
round loaves of bread and jars of honey, jam and fruit, offering more
subject matter for photographers.
>From the bus window, keep your eyes peeled for boys herding sheep or donkeys
burdened with saddle baskets full of tomatoes.
Roadside stands offer everything from cucumbers and eggplants to walnuts and
sunflower seeds.
Apple, peach and plum orchards dot the rocky terrain. You’ll also see many
pomegranates. Famous for its brandy and table wines, Armenia counts grapes
as another important crop.
A longer day trip from Yerevan is the northward excursion to Lake Sevan. One
of the largest alpine lakes in the world, it occupies about 5 percent of
Armenia’s landmass. Hotels and camping resorts cater to Yerevan residents;
foreigners come for the two lakeside monasteries, both with the trademark
conical domes that crown other churches.
To truly understand the Armenian nation, it’s essential to visit the
Genocide Memorial, the No. 1 site in Yerevan.
An underground museum tells of the ethnic Armenians who suffered in Anatolia
(eastern Turkey) before, during and after World War I. Visitors pay their
respects by placing flowers around an eternal flame.
On Republic Square, formerly Lenin Square, the State Museum of Armenian
History overlooks fountains in a huge reflecting pool, and the National Art
Gallery has an impressive collection of European masters.
Both museums face the Armenia Marriott, where tables under Coca-Cola
umbrellas provide ringside seats for people-watching. Clad with the pinkish
volcanic stone common in Yerevan buildings, the 225-room hostelry opened in
2004 after a $42 million refurbishment that transformed the Hotel Armenia, a
1950s dinosaur that offered Soviet-style service.
Abovian Street, off Republic Square, has small souvenir shops. Popular items
include brandy, carpets, woodcarvings, embroidery and costumed dolls.
Ceramic pomegranates also make good mementoes.
For a night on the town, try the Old Yerevan Restaurant, a rustic place that
dishes up folk entertainment and classic Armenian cuisine. Feast on
khorovats (marinated pork or lamb barbecued on a skewer) or tolma (spiced
meat in cabbage or grape leaves). There will be greens, tomatoes, rice and
cheeses, along with yogurt to roll into thin sheets of pitalike bread called
lavash.
IF YOU GO
The following will be helpful in planning a trip to Armenia:
Lufthansa, British Airways and Austrian Airlines flights from the U.S. to
Yerevan involve a change of planes in Europe and cost an average of $1,400
round trip.
Armenia travel specialists with offices in Glendale, Calif., include Tatians
Travel, (818) 550-8790, ; Levon Travel, (818) 552-7700,
; and Sidon Travel, (818) 553-0777,
A top guidebook is `The Stone Garden Guide: Armenia and Karabagh’ sold in
select U.S. bookstores and through Amazon.com.
Tourist information: The Armenian Tourism Development Agency’s Web site is
Randy Mink is a freelance travel writer.
Visit Copley News Service at
Copyright 2006 Copley News Service
GRAPHIC:
– Armenia, the world’s oldest Christian nation, is best known for its
mountains and monasteries, but Yerevan abounds with urban diversions and
hums with a youth-driven cafe and disco scene.
– The main cathedral at Echmiadzin, a complex sometimes referred to as the
Vatican of the Armenian Apostolic Church. It stands on the site where St.
Gregory the Illuminator built the country s first Christian church 1,700
years ago.
– The Genocide Memorial in Yerevan commemorates the suffering Armenians
endured from the Ottoman Empire in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
– A pizza restaurant s sidewalk tables reflect the lively street life of
Yerevan, Armenia, a logical base of operations for travelers visiting the
small country.

PanARMENIAN.Net
U.S. President Nominated Anne E. Derse for Ambassador
to Azerbaijan
14.04.2006 21:47 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The President intends to nominate
Anne E. Derse, of Maryland, to be Ambassador
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States
of America to the Republic of Azerbaijan, a White
House statement says. Ms. Derse, a career member of
the Senior Foreign Service, most recently served as a
Director for Bio Defense Policy at the Homeland
Security Council at the White House. Prior to this,
she served as Minister Counselor for Economic Affairs
at the United States Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq. Earlier
in her career, she served as Minister Counselor for
Economic Affairs at the United States Mission to the
European Union in Brussels, Belgium. Ms. Derse
received her bachelor’s degree from Macalester College
and her master’s degree from the Johns Hopkins University.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PanARMENIAN.Net
Arif Yunusov: Ramil Safarov’s Case Ordinary Murder for
Europe

14.04.2006 22:07 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ `Safarov’s defense was organized
incorrectly from the very beginning. Our society had a
wrong idea about the legal proceedings in Europe and
the Europeans’ attitude to cases of the kind. It’s an
ordinary murder for them,’ head of the Conflictology
Department of the Institute of Peace and Democracy
Arif Yunusov stated. In his words, Safarov should have
been presented as the victim of the Karabakh conflict.
`With availability of confession and some extenuating
circumstances Safarov’s sentence could be milder,’ he
said.
`However some politicians launched a gambling on Ramil
Safarov’s tragedy. Some declared him the Man of the
Year and set him as example for the Azeri youth. All
these statements reached the Hungarian court and
played a negative role for the decision. Unfortunately
these statements covered President Aliyev and our
Foreign Ministry’s statement that said we regret over
the incident,’ Yunusov said, reported Day.az.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress