SERGEY KIRICHENKO: UKRAINE RESPECTS ARMENIA NOT LESS THAN OTHER
COUNTRIES OF REGION

YEREVAN, MAY 25, NOYAN TAPAN. Colonel General Sergey Kirichenko, the
Chief of the Armed Forces General Staff of Ukraine and Commander
General who is in Armenia on a two-days official visit, and Colonel
General Mikayel Haroutiunian, the Chief of the Armed Forces
Headquarters General of Armenia signed on May 24 a report concerning
results of the visit. As the Armenian Armed Forces Headquarters
General Chief mentioned, it has been the first similar visit of the
Ukrainian high-ranking serviceman since establishing diplomatic
relations between the two contries. According to him, the countries
are bilaterally interested in developing relations in the defence
sphere. International agreements, annual planning of bilateral
military cooperation and its implementation, joint participation of
Ukraine and Armenia in the “Partnership for Peace” program are a basis
for development of bilateral relations. The sides mentioned at the
meeting prospects of future cooperation, discussed issues of regional
and international cooperation, modernization of the Armed Forces,
participation of the Armenian and Ukrainian Armed Forces in
peace-keeping activities. Responding journalists’ issues, Sergey
Kirichenko disproved the information about Ukraine’s supplying
Azerbaijan with armour technics, military aircrafts and rockets. He
stated that Ukraine does not respect Armenia less than amy other
country of the region. The Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander also
disproved the possibility of placing in Georgia the Ukrainian armed
forces instead of the Russian military bases.

MIKAYEL HAROUTIUNIAN ASSURES THAT NOTHING TO BE GIVEN TO ARMENIAN
ARMED FORCES FROM RUSSIAN MILITARY BASE IN GEORGIA

YEREVAN, MAY 25, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. No unit of armour
technics will enter Armenia from the Russian military bases placed in
the territory of Georgia. As Colonel General Mikayel Haroutiunian, the
Chief of the Armed Forces Headquarters General of Armenia mentioned,
it is spoken only about cars, means of communication and other
techniques with which the 102nd Russian military base placed in Gyumri
will be completed. Haroutiunian assured that nothing will be given to
the Armed Forces of Armenia from the above-mentioned military
equipment. According to him, the first echelon arrived in Gyumri on
May 18, and few others will arrive soon. Haroutiunian stated that the
armed forces, military equipment and armament of the Russian military
bases are mainly moved from Georgia to Russia. Responding the Noyan
Tapan correspondent’s question, the RA Armed Forces Headquarters
General Chief does not consider trustworhty those rumours that a part
of echelons with the Russian military equipment may accidentally stay
in Azerbaijan through the territory of which they are moved to Russia.

EXHIBITION DEDICATED TO 15TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE OPENS AT RA
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

YEREVAN, MAY 25, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. The exhibition of
works of Arev Petrosian, a member of the Painters’ Union of Armenia,
that opened on May 24, at the National Assembly, on the initiative of
Hranush Hakobian, the Chairwoman of the RA Parliament Standing
Committee on Science, Education, Culture and Youth Issues, is
dedicated to the 15th anniversary of the independence of Armenia. “We
got an opportunity to see the future of our country brighter,” Vahan
Hovhannisian, the NA Deputy Speaker, a ARF Bureau member mentioned,
looking at sculptor Benik Petrosian’s daughter’s colourful painting on
organic glass. “We sometimes listen to so pessimistic speeches in the
conference-hall that it seems that everything has perished out of the
hall, but it appears, people live, create, and create wonderfully, out
of the hall,” the NA Speaker said.

REP. MARKEY LEADS CONGRESSIONAL OPPOSITION TO WHITE HOUSE RECALL OF
U.S. AMBASSADOR TO ARMENIA
WASHINGTON, MAY 25, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. Over 60 Members of
Congress, led by Rep. Ed Markey (D-MA), sent a letter to Secretary of
State Condoleezza Rice asking for clarification on reports of
U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John Evans’ recall over his forthright
remarks about the Armenian Genocide, reported the Armenian National
Committee of America. The letter was sent on the eve of a May 23rd
White House announcement nominating Richard Hoagland to serve as the
new Ambassador to Armenia. Amb. Evans will be relieved of his duties
as soon as Hoagland’s Senate confirmation process is completed.
According to the ANCA, the Administration has recalled Amb. Evans over
his February 2005 statements at Armenian American community functions,
during which he properly characterized the Armenian Genocide as
‘genocide.’ Following his statements, Amb. Evans was apparently forced
to issue a statement clarifying that his references to the Armenian
Genocide were his personal views and did not represent a change in US
policy. He subsequently issued a correction to this statement,
replacing a reference to the genocide with the word “tragedy.” The
American Foreign Service Association, which had planned to honor
Amb. Evans with the “Christian A. Herter Award,” recognizing creative
thinking and intellectual courage within the Foreign Service,
reportedly rescinded the award following pressure from the State
Department a few days before Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip
Erdogan traveled to Washington, DC to meet with President Bush.
“Ambassador Evans has been recalled for doing nothing more than
honoring the forsaken pledge of his president,” said ANCA Executive
Director Aram Hamparian. “We want to thank Congressman Markey and his
59 colleagues for calling for a clarification and rejecting the
Armenian Genocide ‘gag-rule’ imposed by the Turkish government and,
sadly, enforced by our own State Department.” “Armenian Americans
truly regret that the Administration lacks the courage to speak
honestly about its reasons for firing Ambassador Evans,” added
Hamparian.
“We call upon the Senate Foreign Relations Committee – the
Congressional panel constitutionally charged with oversight of
diplomatic appointments – to hold a hearing thoroughly examining the
reasons behind this firing, the role of the Turkish government, and
the broader implications for the future of the Foreign Service that a
senior American diplomat’s career has been ended simply for speaking
the truth.” The 60 Members of Congress expressed special concern about
the destructive precedent of recalling a U.S. diplomat for speaking
truthfully on matters of historical record. They wrote that, “we must
not allow the perception to linger that he [Amb. Evans] is being
required to vacate his position early for accurately labeling the
cataclysmic events of 1915 as genocide.” The Representatives, noting
President Ronald Reagan’s references to the Armenian Genocide,
reminded Secretary Rice that Amb. Evans “did nothing more than
succinctly repeat the conclusions enunciated by those before him.”
The Congressional signatories also expressed concern about the role of
the Government of Turkey in the impending removal of Amb. Evans from
his posting.
“Were the United States to allow the views or beliefs of a third
country to interfere with our diplomatic postings to the Republic of
Armenia,” wrote the House members, “it would establish a dangerous
precedent and be injurious to the long- standing relationship built on
trust and friendship between the two countries.” “I am seriously
concerned at the early departure of Ambassador Evans,” stated
Rep. Markey. “I hope that this sudden action by the State Department
is not related to comments made by Ambassador Evans about the Armenian
genocide. 60 members of Congress have signed on to a letter to
Secretary Rice asking questions about whether or not Ambassador Evans
was forced out of his post. I look forward to a response from the
State Department.” Several Members of Congress, including
Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Rep. Adam
Schiff (D-CA) and Rep. Grace Napolitano (D-CA) have each called on
Secretary Rice for a clarification of the State Department’s position
on this issue. Members of Congress joining Rep. Markey in cosigning
the letter to Secretary Rice were: Robert Andrews (D-NJ), Tammy
Baldwin (D-WI), Charles Bass (R-NH), Xavier Becerra (D-CA), Shelley
Berkley (D-NV), Howard Berman (D-CA), Jeb Bradley (R-NH), Sherrod
Brown (D-OH), Lois Capps (D-CA), Michael Capuano (D-MA), Emanuel
Cleaver (D-MO), John Conyers (D-MI), Jim Costa (D-CA), Barney Frank
(D-MA), Scott Garrett (R-NJ), Jim Gerlach (R-PA), Charlie Gonzalez
(D-TX), Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), Stephanie Herseth (D-SD), Rush Holt
(D-NJ), Michael Honda (D-CA), Nancy Johnson (R-CT), Sue Kelly (R-NY),
Joe Knollenberg (R-MI), James Langevin (D-RI), Sander Levin (D-MI),
Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Nita Lowey (D-NY), Stephen Lynch (D-MA), Carolyn
Maloney (D-NY), Betty McCollum (D-MN), James McGovern (D-MA), Michael
McNulty (D-NY), Martin Meehan (D-MA), Candice Miller (R- MI), Grace
Napolitano (D-CA), Richard Neal (D-MA), Devin Nunes (R- CA), John
Olver (D-MA), Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Donald Payne (D-NJ), Collin
Peterson (D-MN), George Radanovich (R-CA), Mike Rogers (R- MI), Steven
Rothman (D-NJ), Bobby Rush (D-IL), Linda Sanchez (D- CA), Adam Schiff
(D-CA), Allyson Schwartz (D-PA), Joe Schwarz (R- MI), Mark Souder
(R-IN), Ted Strickland (D-OH), John Tierney (D- MA), Mark Udall
(D-CO), Christopher Van Hollen (D-MD), Peter Visclosky (D-IN), Diane
Watson (D-CA), Henry Waxman (D-CA), and Anthony Weiner (D-NY).

ANDRANIK TEYMURIAN IS NEW DISCOVERY OF IRANIAN FOOTBALL

TEHRAN, MAY 25, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. This is the first time
during the whole Iranian football history that an Iranian Armenian has
succeeded to be chosen for participation in the world championship as
well, besides being involved in the country team. 23 years old
Andranik Teymurian as well will participate in the staff of the
Iranian team in the world football championship to start in Germany on
June 9. As Noyan Tapan was informed by Vardan Davtian, the Tehran
“Alik” daily correspondent, Teymurian started to play football when he
was 17 years old, in the Armenian district teams of Tehran. Showing
his abilities, he was accepted the Tehran “Ararat” youth football
team, then was involved in one of the strongest football teams of
Iran: “Abumoslem” of the state of Khorasan, from which he was chosen a
member of the country team.
Participating in the Iranian team staff in the gathering taken place
in Switzerland, Teymurian presented himself perfectly in games with
three Swiss teams, and Croatian trainer of the team Branko Ivankovich
chose him for participation in the 2006 world championship. Both
Ivankovich and Iranian Football Federation Chairman Dadkan, local and
foreign press and specialists consider Teymurian a new and exclusive
event in the Iranian football. Andranik’s father, Sokrat Teymurian,
who died a year ago, was the first trainer of the “Shahaziz” Armenian
team which was the first Armenian team participated in the Iran
football championship. Andranik’s brother, Serzhik, is an Iranian
Armenian famous football player who had played in German clubs.

DAYS OF ARMENIAN CULTURE HELD IN CITY OF STAROGARD GDANSK, POLAND

WARSAW, MAY 25, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. “Armenian Cultural
Days” took place in the city of Starogard Gdansk of Poland on May
18-20. Films concerning Armenia were shown, works of Armenian painters
living in Poland were presented, national songs and melodies were
performed by Armenian musicians and singers within the framework of
the event taken place in the cultural center of the city of Starogard
Gdansk. RA Ambassador to Poland Ashot Galoyan, PR Sejm deputies,
Starogard Gdansk Mayor, guests from the RF region of Kaliningrad as
well as representatives of the Armenian community of Poland were
invited to the “Armenian Cultural Days.” As Noyan Tapan was informed
by the RA Foreign Ministry’s Press and Information Department, the RA
Ambassador had official meetings with the Pomorsk Regional Governor,
Pomorsk Regional Sejm head, Gdansk and Strogard Gdansk Mayors. Pomorsk
Regional Governor and Gdansk Mayor addressed to the RA Ambassador
asking to assist them in the issue of establishing cooperation between
one of Armenian marzes and the city. According to the Polish side,
Gdansk, being a big port city, may give possibilities for
implementation of commodity circulation by acceptable means with a
prospect to export other Baltic countries in future. During the
meetings the RA Ambassador informed the Pomorsk Regional Governor and
Gdansk Mayor that during the navigation round Europe, the Armenian
“Cilicia” vessel will arrive in Gdansk this July 1-5. In responce to
the RA Ambassador’s official application, the Polish authorities
assured that everything will be done to meet “Cilicia” properly and
show hospitality to it. During the visit to the Pomorsk Regional
Governor’s Office, the RA Ambassador met with the Elblong Mayor and
representatives of the Armenian community living here as well. At the
meeting with the Governor, the RA Ambassador expressed gratitude to
the authorities of Elblong for assisting the Armenian community’s
initiative to erect a khachkar (cross stone) dedicated to memory of
the Armenian Genocide victims. Discussing at the meeting possibilities
of making the Armenian-Polish relations even closer, the Polish side
proposed to establish an immediate cooperation with one of cities of
Armenia to establish sister cities. The Elblong Mayor also informed
that due to financing from the EU corresponding funds, it is possible
to implement joint scientific-cultural and educational programs as
well as to assist development of tourism.

INITIATIVE OF FORMING RA NA AD HOC COMMISSION FOR INVESTIGATING
CURRENT SITUATION IN CIVIL AVIATION FAILS

YEREVAN, MAY 23, NOYAN TAPAN. The initiative of Ardarutyun (Justice)
faction to form an ad hoc commission for investigating the current
situation in the Civil Aviation and submitting a corresponding
certificate to the RA NA failed. At the end of the 24-hour deadline of
signing the corresponding form which was fixed according to the NA
regulation law on May 23 at 14:00 only 26 deputies had joined the
initiative, while signatures of 44 deputies were necessary. The
members of Ardarutyun (Justice), Azgayin Miasnutyun (National Unity),
Orinats Yerkir parties, one member of Zhoghpatgamavor (National
Deputy) and two independent deputies signed the form. According to the
Secretary of Ardarutyun faction Viktor Dallakian, the initiator of the
collection of signatures, the commission was also to investigate the
details connected with the tragedy of the May 3 Yerevan-Sochi plane
accident, as well as the issue of guaranteeing the security in the
civil aviation. Thus, he considered unacceptable the motivation of
Chairman of Republican Party of Armenia Galust Sahakian, according to
which he did not take part in the collection of signatures to avoid
political speculations. “I think that this atmosphere of fear, which
is spoken about for several days, played its role. The National
Assembly stood in silence to respect the memory of the victims of May
3, but today many deputies of the same Assembly have feared to join
that collection of signatures”, V. Dallakian said.

DECLINE IN VOLUME OF PRODUCTION IN JEWELRY AND DIAMOND CUTTING BRANCH
OF RA ECONOMY CONTINUES

YEREVAN, 25 MAY, NOYAN TAPAN. The decline in volumes of production in
the spheres of jewelry and diamond cutting continues in Armenia.
According to the data of Gagik Mkrtchian, head of the Jewelry and
Goldsmith Department of RA Ministry of Trade and Economic Development,
in 2004 the production in this sphere amounted to about 280 million
dollars, while in 2005 it amounted to 220 million dollars. In 2006
from January to April, the production in this sphere amounted to 63.1
million dollars (about 28.4 billion drams), while in the same period
of 2005 it amounted to 86 million dollars (38.7 billion drams). The
decline makes 27%. During the interview with the Noyan Tapan
correspondent Mr. Mkrtchian mentioned several factors for the decline
of the production in this sphere, among which are the crisis phenomena
that are registered in the international jewelry and diamond market.
The reason for them is that especially the costs of fuel resources are
raising, which in many countries resulted in reduction of the solvent
demand. In such conditions, consumers spend less means for buying
luxury accessories. Referring to the estimations of international
experts, he mentioned that the international market of jewelry and
goldsmith will become active already this year. It was mentioned that
the further implementation of the 2005-2007 branch development program
will stop the decrease in the production of the jewelry and diamond
cutting branch of the RA economy and will secure its increase. By this
document, it is expected to improve the legislative field for
investments and to reduce to the extent the administrative obstacles
by implementing the administrative principle of one window.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

FRENCH PROVINCE OF VENDEE TO SUPPORT ARMENIA IN SPHERES OF VILLAGE
TOURISM, AGRICULTURAL RECULTIVATING AND STUDENTS’ RETRAINING

YEREVAN, MAY 25, NOYAN TAPAN. During the visit of the delegation of
the French province of Vendee to Armenia (May 20-25), development
programs of village tourism, recultivating of agricultural products
and student’s retraining were discussed. Doninique Souchet, the
General Councelor, President of the Commission of the International
Cooperation Action in the spheres of culture, economy and tourism
announced about it during the May 24 press conference. The visit was
organized by the Armenian Development Agency together the
Franco-Armenian Gi2A organization. According to D.Souchet, Armenia has
a great potential to develop the village tourism, and the French
province of Vendee which receives 5 million tourists annually (the
second index in France) will support its implementation. As he stated,
the province which is also a leader in the agricultural recultivation
field has undertaken the readiness of supporting the Armenian
enterprises recultivating beef and poultry. It was mentioned that
already starting this year, the students of the French University in
Armenia will be retrained in big enterprises of Vendee. According to
D. Souchet, the enterpreneurs of the province can get acquainted with
the pecuilarities of the Armenian markets and markets of other CIS
countries by associating with the Armenian students. According to
D.Souchet, programs of economic cooperation between Armenia and Vendee
as well as programs of possible investments of the enterpreneurs of
that French province in Armenia will be discussed during the planned
mutual visits, exhibitions of productions of both sides in Vendee and
Armenia and during the business forums. As he states, in Vendee the
first exhibition of Armenian products is planned to be organized
during Year of Armenia in France.

A-320 PLANE’S BLACK BOXES TO BE OPENED IN FRANCE AND TO BE DECODED IN MOSCOW
YEREVAN, MAY 25, NOYAN TAPAN. The black boxes of A-320 Armenian plane
crashed on May 3 without being opened will be moved from Moscow to
France to the laboratory of the Airbus company. Gayane Davtian,
Spokeswoman of Head of the General Department of RA Civil Aviation,
informed Noyan Tapan about this.
According to her, after being opened at the Airbus laboratory the
information carriers of flight recorders will be returned to Moscow
where they will be decoded with participation of specialists from
Armenia, France and Russia.
According to G.Davtian, a sitting of the interstate commission will be
held in Moscow with participation of 2 representatives of RA Civil
Aviation. One of them, Gagik Galstian, is the Deputy Chairman of the
above-mentioned commission.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress