SEZER SPEAKS GUARDEDLY ABOUT KARABAKH ISSUE
By Aghavni Harutyunian
AZG Armenian Daily
05/04/2006
“Turkey sees the regulation of Nagorno Karabakh issue in the context
of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity through peace talks,” Turkish
President Ahmed Necet Sezer stated after a meeting with his Azeri
counterpart in Baku yesterday adding that Ankara is ready to do
everything to settle the Armenian-Azeri conflict.
Though Sezer was expected in Baku early this year, the Turkish
president had to postpone his visit because of heavy schedule. However,
Sezer declared in Baku that good-neighborly relations and partnership
between Turkey and Azerbaijan are an example for the other states of
the region.
Turkish and Azeri presidents consider important their participation
in Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil project.
Sezer stated that his visit to Baku testifies to Turkish-Azeri
fraternal ties, and Azeri President Ilham Aliyev underscored that
Azerbaijan always feels Turkey’s support. The Azeri president did not
forget to remind the people of Azerbaijan that the country’s stance
on Karabakh issue regulation is unshakable.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

DONATION OF $5 MLN TO ARMENIAN CHURCH
AZG Armenian Daily
05/04/2006
Thanks to the efforts of Archbishop Hovnan Terterian, head of the
Western Diocese of the United States, resident of Scottsdale, Arizona,
Anahit Avetisian donated $5 million to the Armavir Diocese of the
Armenian Apostolic Church. In a special ceremony the benefactor will
be honored with “St Gregory the Illuminator” medal in Mother See of
Holy Etchmiadzin, Zartonk newspaper of Beirut reports.
The paper informs also that recently Archbishop Terterian handed the
epistle of Armenian Catholicos and “St Nerses Shnorhali” medal to
Grigor Kanimian for his activities from Beirut to Los Angeles.

DOES AMALIAN WORK IN “A1+” FAVOUR?
A1+
[03:39 pm] 04 April, 2006
“Serious Shakes Are Required”
“Keep Silent In Order To Servive”
“The best and the most efficient way of power maintenance is to gain
control over the mass media,” the President of the Yerevan Press
Club Boris Navasardian declared today in the club “Mirror” during
the debate on “Freedom of Speech in Armenia.”
According to him the withdrawal of speech freedom in Armenia is
connected with the embattlement of “A1+” on April 2. “Today the working
TV channels do not implement a number of public matters. They do not
face the problem of educating conscious society. Mr.
Navasardian claims that today printed press has more freedom than
television and radio. This is determined by the absence of the National
Commission on TV and Radio or some other suchlike body in the press.
The Chairman of the TV Company “A1+” Mesrop Movsesian who was also
invited to the club “Mirror” does not think that the attempts of
the media while speaking of speech freedom are not sincere. “After
“A1+”s embattlement in 2002 19 mass media signed a document that the
speech freedom is under threat in Armenia.”
By that step they testified to the fact of their countering problems
and solved their future. Anyway, the TV channels did not understand the
role and function of speech freedom . Being guided by their interests
they preferred to compromise in the matter of speech freedom, to keep
silent and to survive.”
Continuing Mr. Movsesian’s words Mr. Navasardian mentioned that
the presidents of our TV channels still live with the nostalgia of
the USSR.
“Nowadays the mass media cannot freely make decisions; differentiate
between white and black. They are dictated from the authorities whom
to criticize and whom to praise. This is a serious public matter.
Serious shakes are necessary on order to get out of the situation. I
do not challenge to instigate a revolution. The shake can be the
settlement of “A1+”s problem in the European Court. Mr. Movsesian
reminded that “A1+” will participate in the licence tendence on April
7 initiated by the National Commission on TV and Radio. In response
to the journalists’ question concerning “A1+”‘s expectance from the
contest Mr.
Movsesian said, “” Let the authorities care for it, as their promises
are already known. Everything is to end sooner or later.”
One of the journalists asked Mr. Movsesian to comment on the National
Commission on TV and Radio President Grigor Amalian’s announcement
according to which “A1+” has rather won than lost within the 4
years’ embattlement by being rejected in the tendencies, and gaining
reputation in international institutions. Mr.
Movsesian reminded that “A1+” was rejected in the tendencies by
Amalian and instead of announcing such nonsense Amalian had a good
opportunity to put an end to this story and could give the company a
broadcasting licence. By the way, the presidents of all TV channels
refused to participate in the debate on “Freedom of Speech in Armenia”
We can only conclude that everything is “O.K.” in the sphere of speech
freedom in Armenia.

AFTER THE ESTRANGEMENT
A1+
[06:41 pm] 04 April, 2006
Today the RA President Robert Kocharian and the Head of the Realty
State Committee Manuk Vardanian discussed the issues concerning the
land auction, private buildings and the realty market.
It was mentioned that the procedure of land giving must be more
available and the stress was laid on the transparency and publicity of
the auctions. On this score Robert Kocharian emphasized the necessity
of reviewing the land giving process, which will help to fix real
starting prices during the auctions.
They tried to find ways of solution to the building problem remaining
aside the legalization procedure.
They also spoke about issues concerning the renting process.
The participants of the meeting also spoke of the tendencies of the
hypothec and realty market according to which the bargains of the
previous two months outnumber the bargains of last year with 27%.

“WE SHALL FIND AN OPTIMAL VERSION FOR GAS PRICE”
A1+
[06:43 pm] 04 April, 2006
Today while answering the question on gas price increase at the
press conference the NA Chairman Arthur Baghdasarian announced that
the Armenian side will admit any solution to gas price through the
mechanism of compromise. He hopes that certain agreement will be
reached on that matter with the Russian side. Arthur Baghdasarian
rejected the rumors about giving the Russian side the Energy and
Power Station of Hrazdan and the Iran – Armenian gas main.
But the NA Chairman is not against the solution of the matter by this
method. Moreover, he thinks that the project “Property in place of
the debt” was a successful bargain. Now we must take care of those
enterprises, make the Russian side exploit them and import the product
to the Russian market. We shall find an optimal version for gas price.”
When Mr. Baghdasarian was directly asked about his position about
giving the Russian side the Energy and Power Station of Hrazdan and
the Iran – Armenian gas main he answered that they are against any
bargain contradicting our national security and interest, but the
details of the bargain must be appreciated properly.
DON’T LOOK FOR COMPLIMENTS, MR. BAGHDASARIAN
At today’s press conference Arthur Baghdasarian also spoke about the
program “Parliamentary week” which has aroused public resonance. He
said he receives 2 – 3 international delegations a day and it is not
his guilt that his meetings are broadcast in the program.
He didn’t want to comment on Galust Sahakian’s announcement that the
program is Baghdasarian’s monologue. In regard of various political
parties’ announcements about the program “Parliamentary week” Arthur
Baghdasarian said that he will say who and how much pays for different
announcements in due time.
By the way, the NA Chairman urges that they have held a survey and
can say how much time each fraction is given during the program. As
it turns out they are all given equal opportunities. Anyway, Arthur
Baghdasarian expressed his wish to have a separate TV Channel which
will give a full coverage of the Parliamentary procedure. “I can
assure you that there is not free frequency and you will not succeed
in attempting to find it.” In response to our remark on the matter he
said, “Some people view the Parliament as a link out of the State and
we have difficulties in finding free frequency as it is not profitable
for them,” but they will have a separate TV channel and the rumours
about “Parliamentary Week” will end.
By the way, it is already 4th year of “A1+”‘ embattlement, and when
Arthur Baghdasarian was asked to estimate the level of speech freedom
the latter answered, “I miss “A1+” and wish it regain its broadcasting
licence.”
ARTHUR BAGHDASARIAN COMBATS WITH HIS DEEDS
“The licentious behavior deprives people of their hope,” Arthur
Baghdasarian claimed while speaking of corruption combat and did not
go into details.
He mentioned that corruption may be combated with actions and words,
he prefers combating with deeds and added that an international
conference will be held in Armenia on corruption combat from April 6 –
7 in which representatives from 10 countries will participate.
“Such international conferences are always held in Georgia. They will
also be held in Armenia in 2006 on the theme of combating intimidation,
chemical weapon spread and for the purpose of implementing democratic
reforms.”
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

THE RA DOES NOT PROMOTE MIGRATION
A1+
[06:45 pm] 04 April, 2006
The Danish Council of the Refugees (DCR) and the OSCE Office initiated
a two – day symposium which started today. Two representatives from
the OSCE Office were invited to the first session, Vladimir Pryakhin,
the Head of the office was among them. But they weren’t in the hall.
The head of the DCR International Board Anre Vagen said that they
already supported 130 public organizations in connection with the
refugees’ return and consultation. In the review of the participants
it was mentioned that the majority of the immigrants to the European
countries are from urban places, whereas the inhabitants of rural
territories mainly leave for Russia to find a temporary job. The
experts of the council state, “The migration level is surprisingly
higher in areas which are densely populated with refugees.”
About 300 thousand people with higher or average education emigrated
from Armenia to the European Council member – countries from 1989
to 2001.
According to the data of the Council 1 milliard people emigrated from
the country in 2001 which is equal to 26.6% of the whole population. By
the way, the authorities of Denmark made a law on “the return to the
country” according to which each adult coming back is granted 3500
EURO and one – year medical insurance.
Some people were given 5 years’ or life assistance.
The DCR is of negative opinion about Armenia, “The RA cooperation
with the Governments of the EC countries on the assistance of
reintegration or return to Armenia program is limited or does not
exist.” It was mentioned that mainly the “irregular immigrants were
exiled to Armenia.”
So far our country has made contracts of back acceptance with Denmark,
Switzerland, Lithuania, Poland, Germany, Ukraine, Russia, Sweden
and Romania.
According to the DCR survey the migration is determined by the
political destabilization, wars and natural calamities. Today our
citizens are insured against none of them in comparison with the
1989 data.
The participants of the DCR polling assured that if they earned 350
EURO in Armenia they would never leave their country. Their average
income abroad is about 500 EURO a month.

ARAM KARAPETIAN PREPARES ITS “ARSENAL” FOR STRUGGLE
A1+
[07:25 pm] 04 April, 2006
more images Today the oppositional party “New Times” held an open
conference in the territory of Matenadaran.
Let us remind you that this method was first used by the “Republican”
party. According to the Chairman of the party “New Times” Aram
Karapetian they are ready to hold their meetings in the open air
as the authorities do not give them a place though the Hall of the
Government Briefings is free today. Before the participants of the
meeting gathered, Karapetian thanked the authorities for not closing
the roads this time. “We would hold our meeting regardless of the
roads closure,” declared Aram Karapetian.
Mr. Karapetian likes the surrounding of Matenadaran and he repeated
the words uttered at the conference of the “Republican Party,” “The
authorities do everything to exile the Opposition from the halls to
the street.”
Karapetian assures that 1200 people took part in their conference
and they got to Yerevan by the financial support of the party. “We
invested money and will still invest,” announced Aram Karapetian and
informed the authorities that the next conference would be held in
front of the RA Police – station as the police did not give back the
techniques taken from them.
Karapetian reminded the events of last April when the leader of the
party’s youth wing was shot, there were attempts of his arrest and
party threats. “You didn’t manage to press us and you won’t succeed
to do it in the future,” said Aram Karapetian. He informed the people
present that they are renewing their party “arsenal.”
“The party will always be in its form and shape, we have the same
purpose from Meghri to Noyemberian and try to make the party an
arsenal; 12 more territorial organizations will be formed and we
shall integrate 50 thousand members into the party and take them to
the capital,” stated Aram Karapetian and reminded that they had made
constructive suggestions for 3 years without any result. There is only
one way out, “The survival of the country lies in the activization
of the society.”
By the way, he gave up the idea of closing Pharakjar, as in his opinion
no country will accept the present authorities, so if they take a plane
they will remain in the air. “There is no need to close Pharakjar now;
there is a need to gather people.” He advised the airport workers not
to look for the keys of Pharakjar in his luggage. Today Aram Karapetian
also commented on his words which have recently become a saying,
“I always say, “today I threat you with my finger, tomorrow I shall
threat you with the law”. I am not guilty that everybody grasped my
words in his own way,” the Chairman of the party “New Times” made
the participants glad with his words.
The conference opened and closed under the sounds of the RA State
hymn. The policemen carefully followed the process of the conference.

ARMENIA DOES NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THE BORDERS?!
A1+
[07:43 pm] 04 April, 2006
“We recognize Armenia as an independent country. We do not have
diplomatic relations with Armenia but we respect the independence of
the country, as well as the independence of the former USSR countries,”
the Councillor of the Turkish Prime Minister and the Parliament Deputy
Egemen Bagish said in New York. In his words Turkey will not open
the borders with Armenia as Armenia does not acknowledge those borders.
“The RA Constitution calls for the non acknowledgement of the borders,”
he said.

AZERBAIJAN IS GRATEFUL TO TURKEY
A1+
[08:54 pm] 04 April, 2006
The Azeri position is unchangeable in the Nagorno – Kharabakh
settlement; the President of Azerbaijan Ilhalm Aliev assured the
President of Turkey Ahmed Sezar who arrived in Baku on official call.
“The matter can be solved in the realm of international norms. The
wholeness of the country must be regained, the Azeris who abandoned
Azerbaijan because of the Armenian policy must return to their
country. These principles show the reality, justice and international
norms,” said Aliev.
The Nagorno – Karabakh conflict was one of the key issues of the
Azeri and Turkish presidents’ discussion. “Turkey always supported
Azerbaijan on this score and still supports, and this assistance is
of vital importance. The Turkish position is justified and Azerbaijan
is grateful for it,” said the President of Azerbaijan.
From: Baghdasarian

THE PARTY “DEMOCRATIC WAY” SUED ROBERT NAZARIAN
A1+
[08:56 pm] 04 April, 2006
Today the Chairman of the party “Democratic Way” Manuk Gasparian sued
the Committee Regulating Public Services. Let us remind you that he
promised to do it on March 10 when the Committee upheld the claim of
“ArmRusGasArd” in connection with the gas price increase.
Today the party “Democratic Way” appealed to the Court of First
Instance of Kentron and Nork – Marash communities demanding to annul
the resolution 29 of March 10 according to which the gas price became
90 thousand AMD per 1000 sq. meter for ordinary users and 146.5USD
for enterprises. Manuk Gasparian states that the Committee increased
the gas price on the basis of the agreement made with “GasExport,”
but it is not known yet whether that organization will be able to
provide the whole volume of consumption, besides, the negotiations with
“”Gas Export are still continuing.
Gasparian also claims that the decision of the Committee is not
warranted and it contradicts the law on energy and violates the rights
of natural gas users.
Manuk Gasparian mentions that the gas price became 24AMD higher for
people than for enterprises. Manuk Gasparian claims to fix equal
prices for everybody taking into account the average price. The case
will be heard by the judge Edik Avetisian.