UN BODY CONSIDERS DRAFT AGREEMENT ON TRANS-ASIAN RAIL PROJECT
Asia Pulse;
Apr 13, 2006
TASHKENT, April 13 Asia Pulse – A draft agreement on cooperation
for the Trans-Asian Railway (TAR) project was presented in a
ministerial-level roundtable dialogue being held in Jakarta on Tuesday.
The move was part of the six-day 62nd Session of the United Nations
Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP).
UNESCAP Executive Secretary Kim Hak-Su said in his remarks that
through various technical and knowledge advices, the UN body was
helping member states to develop efficient regional and international
transportation network, improve infrastructure and promote sustainable
tourism development in national, sub-regional and regional levels.
The draft of the TAR cooperation agreement, which was being discussed
in the meeting, was the final one and the signing of the agreement
was expected to be conducted in November 2006.
One of UNESCAP’s important agendas was to help modernize avenues and
railways in Asia under the Program of Transportation Infrastructure
Development in Asian Mainland.
The Trans-Asian Railway was first initiated in the 1960s and expected
to link up a total distance of 14,000km, from Singapore to Istanbul
(Turkey), and could be continued to Europe and Africa later.
However, the programme has faced a number of problems such as
regional conflicts which affected economic policy in implementing
the TAR programme.
A study was conducted in 1995 to look at a railway network connecting
China, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Russia, and Korean Peninsula. A year
later, the study continued to Southeast Asia covering Indonesia,
Cambodia, Lao, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
The Southern corridor of the Trans-Asian Railway, which will connect
Thailand and China’s Yunnan Province with Turkey, and will pass
Myanmar, Bangladesh, India Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Iran, was studied
in 1999.
In 2001, a study was conducted to look at the final corridor, which
will connect northern Europe and the Persian Gulf, and will pass
Russia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Finland, Georgia, Iran, Kazakhstan,
Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
Negotiations and finalization of the draft cooperation agreement on
the Trans-Asian Railway Network was carried out from 1997 to 2005.

TURKISH PRESIDENT ADDRESSES WAR ACADEMIES COMMAND
Anatolia news agency, Ankara
12 Apr 06
President Ahmet Necdet Sezer has thanked Turkish security forces
for their “determination” in sorting out “recent acts of violence”
in southeast part of the country and has said that “nobody should
attempt to test the power of Turkey”. In his address to War Academies
command, Sezer also said:
Turkey’s foreign policy top priority will remain EU integration,
relations with the USA and active position within NATO;
Turkey’s EU membership will depend on EU relations with the Middle
East and the region;
Differences of opinion due to Turkey’s national interests do not
harm its relations with the USA;
Turkish Army, the second biggest within NATO, will “adapt to the
requirements of the new international situation”;
The main threat to Turkey’s security remains the separatist and
fundamentalist movements;
EU “unilateral decisions” on Cyprus could cause “new difficulties
and problems”.
The following is the text of report in English by Turkish news agency
Anatolia:
Istanbul, 12 April: “Attempts to disrupt unity and tranquillity of
the Turkish nation are, in fact, initiatives targeting the unitary
state. Those initiatives will not yield any results,” said Turkish
President Ahmet Necdet Sezer on Wednesday [12 April].
Speaking at the War Academies Command in Istanbul, President Sezer
said: “Recent acts of violence in the southeastern city of Diyarbakir
and in the neighbouring cities caused sorrow throughout Turkey. No
one should attempt to test the patience and power of the Republic of
Turkey. They should know that we will never give up our determination
to protect our indispensable integrity. There have always been some
domestic and foreign circles who felt uneasy about atmosphere of peace
and tranquillity and development of Turkey. We should be careful
against them. I call on all our citizens to act with common-sense
and to contribute to social peace.”
“The southeastern and eastern regions of Turkey have been
underdeveloped because of the terrorist organization and its
supporters. All citizens equally benefit from advantages of democracy
in Turkey. Those who came to power by benefiting from advantages of
democracy, make some statements contradicting with their position.
Our people should well-understand the real intent of those who
attempted to stage acts by using children and women. We should
consolidate our national identity and unity by underlining common
values instead of creating artificial differences,” he said.
President Sezer thanked Turkish security forces for their determined
and common-sense approach.
“We saw a significant example of drawbacks stemming from efforts to
politicize the jurisdiction in Semdinli a few months ago. The Turkish
Army was dragged into an unfair argument as a result of the events
in Semdinli. Actually, it is one of the basic duties of the state to
protect the prestige of the army,” he said.
International developments
Touching on recent political developments in the international area,
Sezer said: “Turkey preserves its national interests as a requirement
of its peaceful, clear and transparent foreign policy.”
“Turkey is located in a geography which is very close to clash areas
and depression regions in the world. Thus, it cannot remain indifferent
towards the problems as well as the approaches of international
community to the developments in our region. Our basic target should
be preventing an uncertainty which can stem from the change process
in our region. Values like globalization, human rights, law order and
democracy can deepen social differences and this can cause disorder
in international relations. Our national interests require a stance
which will prevent problems to be ossified in our region as well as
in the general of the world,” he noted.
Globalization
Sezer said: “There is no common understanding about the concept of
globalization and its effects. It cannot be defined as negative
or positive alone. The only way to stay away from globalization
is isolation from international system completely. However, it is
clear that such an isolation does not serve freedom, prosperity and
development.”
“The clash of civilizations which has been on agenda frequently in
recent years is one of the most important threats against positive
part of globalization. Signs of this clash was seen after 11 September
attacks in security dimension, and also seen during cartoon crisis
in philosophical dimension. Western world stated that the cartoons
which caused depression were assessed within the scope of freedom
of expression. However, it is not good to attack holy values of
the Islam while using the freedom of expression. On the other hand,
Turkey possessed a rationalist and responsible approach during the
cartoon crisis, and tried to undertake a constructive role in efforts
to find a solution. Turkey stressed that freedom of expression is one
of the basic principles of democracy, but it is necessary to act with
responsibility while using this freedom, and also the problem cannot
be solved through violent methods. ‘Unity in diversity’ should be
the ideal of humanity in the future,” said Sezer.
He noted: “The EU adopts this ideal as a slogan, but today, many
circles can say that they do not want Turkey in the EU as Turkey has
different religious and cultural aspects.”
Turkey’s strategic importance
Sezer said: “Turkey, due to its strategic location, is on routes of
strategic transportation as well as among the most unstable regions of
the world like Caucasia, Middle East and the Balkans. Turkey is still
being faced with complicated and multilateral inner and external
threats which stem from separatist and unprogressive activities,
international terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction
and regional problems.”
“Turkey is among the countries which are mostly affected from
multilateral threats due to its geopolitical location. On the other
hand, the possibility and risk of use of weapons of mass destruction
are increasing in both regional clashes and acts of terrorism.
Although international treaties ban use of such weapons, several
countries are exerting efforts to possess these weapons, and this
jolts the international order,” noted Sezer.
“The terrorist attacks which have been staged in recent years with
unique methods and scales have made terrorism the primary threat
against world peace and stability. It is obvious that nobody is
purified from this threat in a milieu where everywhere has become a
front,” he added.
Sezer said: “Targets of terrorism has changed from individual level to
mass destruction level, and this is very concerning. Unity of power
against terrorism must be the common target of humanity. Thus, there
is a global fight against terrorism today. The success of this fight
depends on pursuing international efforts, force and determination
as well as cooperation within the scope of extension of freedom and
democracy and supremacy of law.”
Separatist and fundamentalist threat
Sezer said: “Terrorism generally appeared on ideological basis in the
past, but today it can influence larger number of people by using
ethnical and religious differences. Disagreements on definition of
terrorism and identity of terrorist organizations, supportive attitudes
of some countries towards terrorism and separatist stances towards
terrorism affect the success of fight against terrorism negatively.”
“Turkey is determined to successfully pursue its fight against
various domestic threats especially separatist and fundamentalist
threats. In spite of widespread international consensus to pursue
fight against terrorism on global level regarding the deployment of a
larger part of terrorist organization in the north of Iraq, Turkey’s
disappointment continues because our allies and neighbours did not
give the necessary support to eliminate the existence of the terrorist
organization in the region, and we express this disappointment in every
platform. Sensitivity in the public will increase due to indifference
towards terrorism targeting our country,” noted Sezer.
“Similarly, fundamentalist threat is a sensitive issue for us like
separatist terror. Fundamentalist threat has reached to a concerning
level. Turkey’s biggest assurance against this threat is its secular
order,” said Sezer.
“We expect the European Union (EU) to take into consideration
our progress under universal principles of democracy and rules of
market economy instead of discriminative statements,” said Turkish
President Ahmet Necdet Sezer on Wednesday. President Sezer said:
“Dynamic and coherent stance of our foreign policy constitutes
an evident element of stability in our region. Our relations with
European and European-Atlantic institutions create the main dimension
of our foreign policy. The EU membership process, relations with the
United States and our position at the NATO are among top priorities
of our foreign policy.”
“As you know, the membership negotiation process was formally opened
on 3 October 2005. Turkey has been maintaining its progress with a
great determination. At the end of this process, the only alternative
for us is the equal membership,” he said.
Highlighting importance of Turkey in regard to the EU’s future
contributions to global stability, President Sezer said: “Turkey’s
membership will deepen the EU’s relations with the Middle East,
Caucasus, Central Asia and Mediterranean. Turkey will enrich
a multi-cultural Europe with its modern, secular and democratic
identity. Therefore, we expect the EU to take into consideration our
progress under universal principles of democracy and rules of market
economy instead of discriminative statements. No one should expect
us to admit some unfair requests about Cyprus, Armenian allegations
and the other issues concerning our national interests.”
Relations with the United States
Referring to the relations with the United States, President Sezer
said: “as we stressed on numerous occasions, Turkey considers its EU
membership process a complementary element of our relations with the
United States. Turkey-the United States bilateral relations contain
energy, economy, trade, regional cooperation areas in addition to
defence and security. Also, the two countries cooperate in the Balkans,
the Middle East, Caucasus, eastern Mediterranean, the Black Sea and
Caspian Basin.”
“Turkey and the United States have been cooperating with each other
in fight against terrorism and proliferation of weapons of mass
destruction. Differences of opinion in line with our national interests
do not harm our alliance. Problems in our region entail Turkey to
make different and more sensitive assessments. The United States is
aware of this fact. Settlement of peace and stability in our region is
connected with Turkey’s being a powerful and stable country,” he said.
President Sezer kept on saying: “We have the second biggest army within
NATO. This stems from the conditions in our geography. Turkey will
continue preserving and developing its defence capabilities. The
Turkish Armed Forces adapt itself to requirements of the new
international security environment.”
“Black Sea is a sea of peace”
“The Black Sea is a sea of peace. This area should not become
a diplomatic play field. We have succeeded in creating a positive
dynamic in our relations with our neighbours such as Greece, Bulgaria,
Russia and Syria. Improving commercial relations have contributed to
those relations,” he said.
Turkey-Armenia relations
Referring to the relations with Armenia, President Sezer said:
“Turkey wants to normalize its relations with Armenia to create an
atmosphere of cooperation in the region and to contribute to regional
stability. However, Armenia should take some steps to this end.
Armenia already knows it.”
Middle East
Recalling that the Middle East had been living through an extremely
important process, President Sezer said: “Turkey is in favour of
protection of territorial integrity and national unity of Iraq. We
want a democratic and prosperous Iraq having peaceful relations
with its neighbours. However, stability cannot be restored in Iraq,
and confidence cannot be provided among different segments of the
population yet. Recent developments revealed once again that balances
in Iraq became quite fragile. Therefore, Iraqi people need to seek
solutions to their problems on the basis of compromise.”
Kirkuk
“Efforts to prevent any separation that will lead to collapse
of Iraq’s territorial integrity and national unity, are of vital
importance. Several groups in Iraq ignore common will of Iraqi people
and affect regional peace and stability negatively. Turkey considers
their attempts totally unacceptable. Because of its special position,
Kirkuk [northern Iraq] continues posing a threat to Iraq’s stability.
Kirkuk is a small model of Iraq with its natural assets and demographic
balances. Kirkuk’s fate will affect the future of whole Iraq. Future
status of the city should be resolved with a formula to be accepted
by all segments in Iraq,” he said.
Northern part of Iraq and terrorist organization
Expressing Turkey’s concerns over Iraq’s territorial integrity
and presence of the terrorist organization PKK [Kurdistan Workers’
Party] in the northern part of the country, President Sezer said:
“Ongoing presence of the terrorist organization in northern part of
Iraq has been jeopardizing Turkey’s security. We have been holding
perpetual talks with both Iraqi and US authorities to this end. We
hope that those talks will yield positive results soon.”
Iran’s nuclear programme
“Another source of concern is the international tension about Iran’s
nuclear programme. All countries have the right to use nuclear energy
for peaceful purposes. However, it requires full cooperation with
the International Atomic Energy Agency and fulfilment of commitments
stemming from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
Turkey thinks that Iran has some important responsibilities to
ease the current tension. We call on Iran to cooperate with the
International Atomic Energy Agency. We conveyed our views to Iranian
authorities. Turkey does not want a new crisis in its region,” he said.
Palestinian-Israeli dispute
President Sezer noted: “If Palestinian-Israeli dispute cannot be
resolved, it is impossible to settle a lasting peace in the Middle East
and eastern Mediterranean. A new political picture has emerged in the
Middle East after the elections in Palestine on 25 January 2006. New
Palestinian government’s displaying a realistic, compromising and
flexible attitude is of great importance. Also, we want to believe
that the new Israeli government will assess the existing conditions
with common-sense. Both sides should give priority to resume talks
on the basis of the Road Map.”
Cyprus
Recalling that Turkey had been expending efforts to find a fair
and lasting solution to the Cyprus issue, President Sezer said:
“Recent Action Plan envisaging lifting all restrictions in Cyprus by
the all relevant parties, is the latest example of Turkey’s efforts
to safeguard peace on the island. International community extended
support to Turkey’s Action Plan.”
“It was the Greek Cypriot administration which rejected the plan
of United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan. The most important
step to be taken to lift embargoes imposed on the Turkish Cypriot
side will be financial assistance and direct trade. Turkey will not
support any other option. While the Turkish side has been trying to
revive a solution process and strengthen this process with the Action
Plan, the EU’s unilateral decisions will cause new difficulties and
problems. Everyone has to understand the fact that an atmosphere
of peace and stability to be settled in eastern Mediterranean will
contribute to tranquillity and security of the whole Europe. However,
problems cannot be resolved with efforts of only one side. Both sides
should contribute to efforts to find a lasting solution,” he said.
“Development of global economy, new scientific and technological
developments, social imparity, developments in energy, development
of rising powers such as the People’s Republic of China and India,
aging populations, democratization process in several regions, spread
of extreme ideologies, global terrorism, proliferation of weapons of
mass destruction and development process of international organizations
are among factors shaping the future of our world.
Turkey closely monitors and assesses all these developments. The
United Nations is the only universal forum in which all those
problems which require international cooperation and solidarity will
be discussed. Turkey supports all efforts aiming to protect peace
and security in the world,” President Sezer added.

NKR FOREIGN MINISTER MET WITH PETER SEMNEBY
Azat Artsakh, Nagorno Karabakh Republic [NKR]
13 April 2006
On April 7 Georgy Petrosyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of NKR,
met with the newly-appointed EU Special Representative for the
South Caucasus Peter Semneby. Congratulating Peter Semneby on his
appointment, Georgy Petrosyan emphasized the role of the European Union
in promoting democracy and maintaining stability in the region. Peter
Semneby informed that the mandate of the EU Special Representative
had been expanded and now includes prevention and settlement of
conflicts. On the request of the EU Special Representative the foreign
minister of NKR briefed Peter Semneby on democratization in NKR,
as well as the stance of official Stepanakert on the settlement of
the conflict, underlining the necessity of full engagement of Nagorno
Karabakh in the talks.
Expressing concern about recently frequent cases of violation of
the ceasefire at the front line between the armed forces of Nagorno
Karabakh Republic and Azerbaijan, Georgy Petrosyan extended the text
of the statement of the NKR Foreign Ministry, calling Azerbaijan and
Armenia for confirming their willingness to achieve a peace settlement
of the Karabakh conflict.

WE ARE RUINING THE FOUNDATIONS OF JUSTICE IN TURKEY
TDN
Thursday, April 13, 2006
The chief prosecutor of the Turkish supreme court, Nurettin Ok,
must definitely stand behind a recent statement he made about how the
leadership of Turkey has not put enough importance on the independence
of justice in this country and how politics has made its way into
the justice system itself.
Mehmet Ali Birand
Nurettin Ok, the chief prosecutor of the Turkish supreme court,
must definitely stand behind a recent statement he made about how the
leadership of Turkey has not put enough importance on the independence
of justice in this country and how politics has made its way into
the justice system itself. Ok’s analysis of the situation is spot
on. He has touched on the most important reason for the crisis being
experienced in the system today. There are phrases that you repeated
over and over in the government. They go: “Justice is independent. No
one should fear the scales of justice. Justice will arrive at the
truth.”
The public, however, perceives things a bit differently. Whether true
or not, the public sees these phrases as sometimes being hollow,
sometimes meaningful, but definitely not consistent. This is the
result of some of the justice system’s past acts. In his column
on Tuesday Hurriyet’s Ertugrul Ozkok gave a few clear examples of
what I’m talking about. Pointing at a list of allegations about
the Welfare Party (RP) and the Milli Gorus (National View) movement
prepared by two of our most famous prosecutors, Savas and Yuksel,
Ozkok notes that rather than relying on any concrete evidence, these
allegations were based on personal opinions. What Ozkok says in his
column in true. This is also the impression among many members of
our society. Our leaders give the impression they are pleased with
the results emerging from the courts, which reflect the conditions
of the day or the direction the political winds are blowing. Let’s
look back into the past a bit… The words of former Justice Minister
Sami Turk, who said Article 312 of the penal code was interpreted in
an exaggerated manner, had a great effect on the public.
In former allegations a few articles from a writer, or even accusations
based entirely on rumor, would be accepted as information. General
applause for the prosecutors creating these questionable allegations
started to raise eyebrows and elicit questions from other circles.
After all, these were like the methods employed under communism during
the cold war years. Later, these methods continued, in an approach
seen as being protective of the secular republic and the unity of
the nation.
There’s no doubt that we were acting with good intentions.
But this sort of winking at justice brought along with it terrible
effects on the justice system as a whole.
Another important point is that we never attached enough importance
to the education of judges and prosecutors.
We didn’t prepare them for the changing conditions in Turkey and
in the world at large. We didn’t expand their horizons enough. We
treated them as though they were just any old bureaucrat. We didn’t
compensate them properly for the work they were doing. And now we
complain. But don’t we reap what we sow?
No matter what happens, if we don’t stop meddling in justice, Turkish
society as a whole will never trust it.
Ismet Berkan, the general editor of Radikal, also touched on a critical
point in his column yesterday.
The case against a group of journalists who criticized a court
decision to stop the Armenian conference held in Istanbul was dropped
this week. The journalists, for whom prison sentences of up to 10
years apiece were being sought, are Hasan Cemal, Ismet Berkan, Haluk
Sahin and Erol Katircioglu. In addition, the Bagcilar 2nd Criminal
Court, which was deciding matters in this case, announced that Kemal
Kerincsiz, a board member of the Legal Union Foundation, would not
be allowed to interfere in the case from now on.
Berkan noted: “We always talk about the heavy load on the justice
system. But this case actually shows why there has been such an
unnecessary increase in the load.” And in truth, there really is a
completely unnecessary load on the justice system, and it is being
increased, in fact, by our prosecutors themselves. Saying, “I’m going
to file a case and let the courts decide,” the prosecutors escape all
responsibility while clogging up the schedule of the courts. Completely
needless cases are filed against people.
They are brought before the public clamoring argument, and our image in
the world abroad is simultaneously ruined. The sensation behind these
cases grabs everyone’s immediate attention, though no one hears when
the cases are rejected. And thus, the idea that Turkey is a country
that tries to prevent freedom of thought is the only real lasting
impression remaining after everything is said and done.
Prosecutors, get to work.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

APPOINTMENTS FOR US VISA INTERVIEWS NOW MADE BY PHONE
ArmRadio.am
13.04.2006 14:03
Applicants for non-immigrant visas to the United States may now
save time by scheduling their non-immigrant visa interviews by
telephone, instead of making a trip to the Consular Section of the
US Embassy. Visa applicants may call (374-10) 49-46-86 any workday
between the hours of 3:00 and 5:00 pm to schedule their non-immigrant
visa interview, effective immediately. Applicants do not have to
make the call personally, but the person calling must have all needed
information available.
When scheduling an interview appointment by phone, callers should
have the applicant’s passport in hand and be ready to provide
the applicant’s name, passport number and passport expiration
date. Interview appointments will not be given to those whose passports
will not be valid for a minimum of six months from the date they
plan to enter the United States. Likewise, applicants must have
an Armenian exit permit valid for three months in order to receive
an interview time. Applicants must present a completed application
form at the time of their interview Beginning May 1, interviews can
be scheduled only by telephone, and it will no longer be possible to
make an appointment in person at the embassy. No visa applicants will
be interviewed without appointments.

BERNARD FASSIE BELIEVES SETTLEMENT OF NAGORNO KARABAKH CONFLICT WILL SATISFY ONLY 80% OF SIDES’ CLAIMS
By Aghavni Harutyunian
AZG Armenian Daily
13/04/2006
“We can’t take decisions instead of the both sides.
These are going to be very hard decisions to take, as not a single
peaceful settlement can’t justify the hopes of at least one of the
sides for 100%. But I can say that there is a settlement that can
secure satisfaction of over 50% of the sides’ expectations.
Though the governments of both sides should take the final decision,”
Bernard Fassie, OSCE Minsk Group’s French c-chair, made this statement
in the course of his visit to Baku.
He said that 2005 was rather a tense year from the viewpoint of
the negotiations. As a result, the sides managed to define the main
principles for the peaceful settlement. Fassie said that the presidents
failed to come to agreement around the unsettled principles during
the Rambouillet meeting.
The French co-chair also informed that after his visits to Baku and
Yerevan, Steven Mann will arrive in the region on April 18. He added
that Yuri Merzliakov will visit the South Caucasus already at the end
April. Afterwards, in early may, the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs will
meet in Moscow to make the conclusion of the April meetings.
According to Mr. Fassie, most likely, after the May discussions in
Moscow, the co-chairs will visit Armenia and Azerbaijan to prepare the
new meeting of Presidents Kocharian and Aliyev. “I am sure that there
is an opportunity to achieve agreement of both presidents,” Fassie
said. Only after this, the co-chairs will represent the main principles
of new settlement to the presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan.

RA PRESIDENT RECEIVED THE NEWLY APPOINTED AMBASSADOR OF MOROCCO
ArmRadio.am
13.04.2006 13:44
Today the newly appointed Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco
Abdeljalil Sobri handed his credentials to RA President Robert
Kocharyan.
Congratulating the Ambassador on his appointment, the President
expressed the hope that certain progress will be registered in the
bilateral relations during his term in office.
According to Ambassador Sobri, he attaches importance to the deepening
of cooperation with South Caucasus countries, considering the great
opportunities of the region. The parties highly appreciated Armenia’s
traditional good relations with the Arab world and expressed readiness
to undertake concrete steps for developing cooperation.
Considering that the experience of collaboration between the European
Union and Morocco is useful for our country, Robert Kocharyan said
that a process has started in EU-Armenia relations, which started in
Morocco years ago.

FOUR OPERATING UNITS OF THERMAL PLANT SOLD FOR 35 M, FIFTH UNIT SOLD FOR 248 M DOLLARS
Lragir.am
13 april 06
On April 12 the core issue of debates between the government and the
National Assembly was the fifth generating unit of the Thermal Power
Plant of Hrazdan and the Iran-Armenia gas pipeline. Prime Minister
Andranik Margaryan, Defense Minister Serge Sargsyan, Minister of
Energy Armen Movsisyan elucidated the topic.
The prime minister says Hrazdan 5 was a component of the Property
for Debt Program, which was rejected by Russians, however. Some
time later Serge Sargsyan stated the opposite. According to him,
Russians have displayed interest in Hrazdan 5 since 2000. However,
their stipulation was short-term return on investment. “And it meant
that we were to buy all the energy generated in this unit. Why if we
have cheap electricity?” the defense minister elucidated the energy
problems. This time Russians rejected this stipulation, and the deal
was struck. “Nothing good happens without me,” said Serge Sargsyan
with regard to Hrazdan 5. And Armen Movsisyan had to explain how it
happened that we sold all the four generating unit to Russia for 35
million dollars, and the fifth generating unit, half-built, was sold
for 248.8 million. Because when it starts operating, it will use
240 grams of gas to generate 1 kWh electricity, whereas the other
four use 400 grams. Even half-built it cannot be compared to these,
said Armen Movsisyan.
The prime minister stated that the sale of Hrazdan 5 is not related
with the Iran-Armenia gas pipeline and the other Iran-Armenia
projects, and the Iran-Armenia gas pipeline was not discussed during
the negotiations for Hrazdan 5. “The deal was a big business, it was
sold successfully,” thinks the prime minister of Armenia.
“Owning a pipeline has nothing to do with security. We have to discuss
if Armenia needs to have two gas sectors: state and Armrusgasard. It is
a question to be discussed in the future,” says the prime minister. It
does not depend on the ownership of the pipeline; the supplier
must supply gas to consumers, and “it does not matter whether the
Iran-Armenia gas pipeline under construction will be included in
Armrusgasard,” says the prime minister.

VERDICT EXPECTED IN TRIAL OF AZERBAIJANI ACCUSED OF MURDER AT NATO COURSE
AP Worldstream
Apr 13, 2006
A court in Hungary is expected to issue a verdict Thursday in the case
of an Azerbaijani officer accused of murdering an Armenian classmate
with an ax at a NATO training course in Budapest.
Lt. Ramil Safarov of Azerbaijan has confessed to hacking Lt. Gurgen
Markarian of Armenia to death with an ax in February 2004 in
a dormitory used by participants of a NATO Partnership for Peace
English language course in Budapest.
Police said Safarov confessed to the killing, claiming that the
conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia was at the root of his act.
The two neighboring, former Soviet republics remain at odds over
the status of Nagorno-Karabakh, an ethnic Armenian enclave within
Azerbaijan.
Safarov is scheduled to make his final statement Thursday morning
and the Budapest City Court is expected to announce its verdict in
the afternoon.
Prosecutors asked that Safarov be sentenced to life in prison, with
a 30-year minimum before any parole hearings.
Armenian-backed forces drove Azerbaijan’s army out of the ethnic
Armenian enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh in the early 1990s.
A 1994 cease-fire ended the six-year war that killed 30,000 people
and left about 1 million homeless and the enclave is now under the
control of ethnic Armenians.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

WHOSE FACTS ARE TRUE?
Lragir.am
13 april 06
The idea that was most often repeated during the parliamentary debates
on the report on performance of the 2001-2003 program of privatization
was the great difference between the value of the company and the price
at which it was sold. For instance, Orbita Factory was assessed at
3 billion but sold for 116 million. Hours after the debates on this
issue the minister of trade and economy Karen Chshmarityan replied
to similar accusations made during the debates on April 10-12.
The minister, as well as the head of the Department for Management
of State Property Karineh Kirakosyan delivered a small lecture on the
topic of value and price, then said, “Orbita was assessed at 3 million
drams and sold at 750 million.” Plus, the company owed debts of 320
million, 220 million other liabilities, salary debt, and products of
550 million produced for the Near East, which, however, the company
had been unable to sell due to the embargo.
Before the privatization 30 people were employed in Orbita who were
paid 15 thousand drams monthly, after the privatization 150 people
work here and get 60 thousand drams, says Karen Chshmarityan. And such
allegations may have a negative impact on the investment environment
in Armenia, he believes. It should be noted that the allegations
of the members of parliament are based on the facts that another
representative of the Executive, the head of the Department for
Management of State Property Karineh Kirakosyan had provided. The
latter characterized Victor Dallakyan’s allegation that the minister
of trade and economic development Karen Chshmarityan owns several
buildings in the center of Yerevan as “irresponsible.”
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress