ARMENIAN KAREN ANDREASIAN AMONG VICTIMS OF IRKUTSK PLANE ACCIDENT
IRKUTSK, JULY 11, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. The name of RF citizen
Karen Andreasian is also on the list of the victims of the accident
A-310 plane of Russian Sibir airline carrying out Moscow-Irkutsk flight
on Sunday. Vladimir Karapetian, Spokesperson of RA Foreign Ministry,
informed radio Liberty about this.

Vardan Oskanyan: Armenia and Azerbaijan not holding consultations to bring
positions closer
ArmRadio.am
11.07.2006 16:46
“Currently Yerevan and Baku are not holding any consultations for
bringing close the positions of the parties on the settlement of the
Karabakh conflict,” RA Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanyan declared
today during the joint press conference with the Lebanse Minister
of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants.
RA Foreign Minister did not rile out that the expected visit of the
US Co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group Matthew Bryza to the region could
bring forward some vividness in the peace process.
“It’s difficult to say, however, whether the American side will come
forth with a new initiative,” Vardan Oskanyan said.
“WE have declared a number of times that we consider the mediators’
suggestions acceptable. The document is not ideal, but it includes a
correct combination of concessions. We continue to hope that Azerbaijan
will return to the negotiations table to discuss this suggestion of
the mediators,” RA Foreign Minister declared.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: TURKEY’S APPLICATION UNDER SCRUTINY
BRUSSELS, JULY 11, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. On Wednesday, July
12th, the European Parliament’s Committee for Foreign Affairs will vote
on a draft resolution on “Turkey’s progress toward accession,” but not
until it considers some 343 amendments submitted to the report prepared
by Mr Camiel Eurlings (Conservative, the Netherlands), reported the
European Armenian Federation for Justice and Democracy (EAFJD).
While Mr. Eurlings’ report made only vague references to Armenian
concerns, the amendments tackle key conserves comprehensively. Many
parliamentarians from the main political parties – including the
Conservative, Socialist, Liberal, and Communist – unanimously call
on Turkey to “withdraw without condition the blockade of Armenia” and
to acknowledge the Armenian Genocide as “a prerequisite to accession”.
Further, many amendments urge the European Commission and Council to
include the Armenian Genocide as a perquisite in the Revised Accession
Partnership – the roadmap of the negotiation process.
“We hail the initiative of these Members of the European Parliament
whose amendments are going to embed these important issues within the
current negotiation process,” stated Hilda Tchoboian, the chairperson
of the European Armenian Federation. “We invite their colleagues
from the Foreign Affairs committee to follow this path in adopting
these amendments.”
Overall, the Eurlings report cites Turkey’s numerous breaches of
international law, including the invasion and subsequent occupation
of Cyprus, the Kurdish issue, as well as, the crackdown on minority
rights and freedom of speech.
The report underlines the total absence of progress in 2006. It also
points out that the negotiation process will not automatically lead
to accession, particularly if Turkey refuses to ratify the Ankara
protocol which extends the customs union to all member states,
including Cyprus. Finally, it rebukes the Council, which – according
to the report – harmed the credibility of the negotiations by refusing
the Austrian presidency’s proposal to consider political criteria
throughout the process.
“Twenty years ago, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on ‘a
political solution to the Armenian question’ the findings of which were
considered ‘insurmountable obstacles’ to Turkey’s accession. Twenty
years later, none of these issues has been resolved. Given these
circumstances, the continuation of the negotiations, without dealing
with the root concerns, is a political anomaly which must stop,”
commented Hilda Tchoboian.
“We urge the executive bodies of the European Union to regain their
credibility on these critical issues, by listening to public opinion
and advancing strong, non-negotiable demands with regard to Turkey,
most notably the acknowledgment of the Armenian Genocide. Otherwise,
each step forward in the accession process of this denialist State
will mean a retreat for Europe, until its fundamental values completely
vanish,” concluded the chairperson of the European Armenian Federation.

ANDRANIK MARGARIAN: ARMENIAN-IRANIAN ECONOMIC CONTACTS INCLUDE ELEMENTS
OF REGIONAL COOPERATION AS WELL
YEREVAN, JULY 11, NOYAN TAPAN. Rather high political level of relations
between Armenia and Iran is built on the centuries-old friendship
between the two peoples, on cultural-historical communities and
mutual respect and confidence. RA Prime Minister Andranik Margarian
declared this on July 11, receiving IRI Minister of Medical Services
and Medicine Kamran Bagheri Lankarani.
A.Margarian expressed gratitude to the Iranian President and
government for their efforts in the issue of providing permanency
in the relations with Armenia. He expressed confidence that the
agreements reached between the Presidents of the two countries will
be fulfilled under extension of cooperation and full-value use of
the potential existing in various spheres. From this point of view
the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of the work of the
Intergovernmental Commission.
According to RA Government Press Service, the interlocutors also
touched upon a wide range of issues regarding construction of the
Iran-Armenia gas pipeline, third line of electric conductivity,
construction of a joint HPP on the river Araks, fact of exploitation
of the new repaired sector of Armenia-Iran motorway, building of
wind power plants by Iran in Armenia, the opening of which took place
in 2005.
A.Margarian emphasized that Armenian-Iranian economic contacts
include elements of regional cooperation, as well, so it is possible
to involve other regional countries in these relations. RA Prime
Minister said that during his recent visit to Georgia the authorities
of this country showed interest from point of view of joining
the Armenian-Iranian partnership. A.Margarian also emphasized the
importance of the memorandum on mutual understanding in the sphere
of health protection signed in April 2005 between Armenia and Iran,
which includes a great number of events.

MARCO BELLOCCHIO: FANS OF REAL CINEMA ARE FEW EVERYWHERE BUT EVEN
THIS IS ENOUGH FOR CREATION OF NEW VALUABLE FILMS
YEREVAN, JULY 11, NOYAN TAPAN. “This is my first visit to Armenia
and I have few information about this country. In these days I try to
see everything regarding Armenia and its culture,” classic of Italian
cinematography, film director and philosopher Marco Bellocchio declared
at the July 11 press conference in Yerevan.
Bellocchio informed the journalists that he equally likes all
his specialities, but he has not deviated from his principles in
them. According to him, his films have been shown for many times in
the former socialist countries, including Armenia: “My films were
accepted very warmly in these countries, but the regime apologists
complained that they contradict the principles of Marxism-Leninism.”
“There was a period in my life when for the purpose of being opposed
I began to outwardly adhere to the Italian Communist Party, but, of
course, this did not last long,” Marco Bellocchio said. The prominent
film director also said that he prefers to work on his own and has
little information about the other Italian film directors.
According to Bellocchio, there are two types of spectators. The
first is groups or families that go to the cinema together and see
films enjoying mass demand. Their number of great. But there is
also another group of spectators, in a small number, who see real
films. “I feel sorry, but the picture is the same everywhere. But
even this is enough for creation of new valuable films,” the Italian
film director emphasized.

THIS YEAR TOO, ARMENIAN ARTISTS PARTICIPATE IN “SAINT PETERSBURG
PALACES” 14TH INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL
YEREVAN, JULY 11, NOYAN TAPAN. RA people’s artists Araks Davtian,
Barsegh Tumanian and “Shoghakn” ethnographical ensemble participated
in the “Saint Petersburg Palaces” 14th International Music Festival
held on June 24 – July 1 in Saint Petersburg. Hasmik Poghosian, RA
Minister of Culture and Youth Affairs handed the RA People’s Artist
certificate to B.Tumanian just during the press conference.
As Araks Davtian informed at the July 11 press conference, world
famous musicians and musical groups take part in the “Saint Petersburg
Palaces” annual festival established by Konstantin Orbelian in 1992. In
her words, this year the representatives of U.S. and Italy performed
works of Aram Khachatrian, Makar Yekmalian and Alexander Haroutiunian
during the final concert. According to her, the performances of
B.Tumanian and “Shoghakn” ethnographical ensemble were warmly accepted.
In the words of Hasmik Haroutiunian, soloist of the “Shoghakn”
ensemble, such festivals give possibilities to present the Armenian
national culture to the world.

RA presidential Prizes awarded to best sports families
ArmRadio.am
11.07.2006 17:35
The republican contest for the Presidential Prize for the “Best
Sports Family” was over today in Tsakhkadzor. Shahbazyans’ family
from Yerevan won the contest. President Robert Kocharyan granted
prize money to the best sports families and noted, “We should aspire
to have healthy life-style become a component of the everyday life of
Armenian families. Such events can promote having steady families,”
the President said.
After the contest Robert Kocharyan visited Tsakhkadzor ropeway. By
the way, the 4th line of the ropeway will be launched in November
and will have a length of 910 meters.
Today the President instructed to build the 5th line also.

ARMENIAN AND LEBANESE FOREIGN MINISTERS GIVE HIGH ESTIMATION TO
RELATIONS BETWEEN TWO COUNTRIES
YEREVAN, JULY 11, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. On July 11, Lebanese
Foreign Minister Fawzi Salloukh held a joint press conference with RA
Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian. The press conference was dedicated
to the evaluation of Armenian-Lebanese relations, prospects of
their development and summing up the results of the Lebanese Foreign
Minister’s visit to Armenia.
Both Ministers highly appreciated the current level of bilateral
relations between Armenia and Lebanon and pointed to great
possibilities of further development and deepening of these
relations. “The political will of both countries, the Armenian Diaspora
in Lebanon, as well as the legislative base contributes to development
of bilateral relations,” Vartan Oskanian declared.
He expressed satisfaction with the results of the meeting with
his Lebanese colleague: “I am content with the negotiations and I
think that Fawzi Salloukh’s visit will become a stimulus for further
development of bilateral relations between Armenia and Lebanon.”
In his turn, Fawzi Salloukh highly evaluated the activity of
the Armenian Diaspora in Lebanon: “Lebanon is proud that a large
Armenian Diaspora lives there. We are proud that Armenians make a
great contribution to the prosperity of Lebanon.”
The Lebanese Foreign Minister also declared that the Lebanese people
highly estimates the constructive role the representatives of the
Armenian Diaspora played in the complicated situation in the middle
of 70-s. H informed that he has invited Vartan Oskanian to take part
in the sitting of the Armenian-Lebanese Intergovernmental Commission
to be held in Lebanon.

THIRD INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL TO BE HELD ON JULY 16-17 IN YEREVAN
YEREVAN, JULY 11, NOYAN TAPAN. Third International Jazz Festival of
Yerevan will be held on July 16-17 at the Malkhas Yerevan club. State
Jazz Orchestra of Armenian Public Television and Radio, Armenian Jazz
Band, the Jazz Band of the 70-s, Artaskh Jazz Band, as well as the
US well-known Earth, Wind and Fire Experience Feat Al McKay AllStar
band will take part in the festival. The latter will first perform
in Yerevan on July 17 at the Aram Khachatrian concert hall.
As pianist Levon Malkhasian, Malkhas jazz club Chairman, informed
at the July 11 press conference, well-known Diasporan musicians,
saxophone-player Alexander Zakarian (Russia), duduk-player Levon
Minasian (France), pianist Artur Satian (Lebanon) and others will
participate in the festival. According to L.Malkhasian, a concert
of 4 Armenian jazz bands will be organized within the framework of
the festival.
The first Yerevan International Jazz Festival was held in 1998, the
second in 2000. According to L.Malkhasian, despite of a long interval,
jazz days have been held in Yerevan for already several years on the
initiative of the U.S.
Embassy. “The halls are crowded in these days, which was surprising
for me at first. They like jazz in Armenia and we will try to organize
this festival even if once in two years,” the famous jazzman said.
According to Vazgen Asatrian, founder of the Jazz Band of the 70-s,
jazz originated in Armenia in the 1930-s. Artemi Ayvazian, Tsolak
Vardazarian, Konstantin Orbelian, Stepan Shakarian made a contribution
to the full formation of the Armenian jazz. “Though in the Soviet
years jazz was considered a bourgeois art, many people listened to
jazz, particularly, the generation of the 60-70-s liked jazz art,”
V.Asatrian said.
To recap, the tickets of July 16 and 17 concerts have been almost
completely sold, though the tickets of the first concert cost 2-10
thousand drams and of July 17 concert 10-30 thousand drams.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

“Global Gold” Corporation Opens New Workplaces
/196.html
July 11, 2006
In spite of the announce economic growth in the country, the situation
of the majority of the population of Armenia remains distressing. Since
the majority of the enterprises of Armenia were shut down 15 years ago
because of alteration of the economic situation, energy crisis and
transport blockade, very many people lost their jobs.
The problem of unemployment remains to be very serious in Armenia. In
accordance with the latest data of the employment service, the number of
the unemployed is about 90 thousand people, or about 7,7%. Actually, in
the opinion of many experts, the figure is much higher. Besides, about
40 percent of the population of Armenia lives behind the border of
poverty. The people living in small towns and villages, especially in
remote districts, are most miserable.
In the Soviet times, small industrial productions were in the Armenian
regions with severe climate and unfertile land. These enterprises made
great contribution to the solution of social problems of many poor
villages, but they had the same fate as the industry in general. The
people who lost their jobs could connect their hopes only with the
unfertile land.
The same was the situation with the highland village Melik in Aragatsotn
region. Severe winter reigns here for 7 months a year, the air
temperature is often below 20-23 oC, the layer of the snow reaches 2
meters. Under such conditions the population can just grow a little
potato and barley. The village is poor, as the profit yielded by
cattle-breeding is not big, and the harvest is often small because of
the weather conditions. The road leading to the village located eight km
away from Aparan, is practically impassable in winter. According to the
words of the village headman Ashot Khlghatyan, the road condition is the
biggest problem in villages. The community cannot repair them by its own
means. The unemployed young people are also a problem. “At present,
unemployment is the main problem for everyone here. Everyone wants to
work”, – says Ashot Khlghatyan.
Ten years ago the diamond processing factory, where 200 people were
employed, was shut down in the village. And now the people are
impatiently waiting for the beginning of exploitation of the gold mine
“Tukhmanuk” located a few kilometers away from their village.
The owner of the mine – the international corporation “Global Gold” –
is actively preparing the mine for exploitation, which will make it
possible to open 200 workplaces.
In the years 1995-1996 they started minute study of the mine. The gold
resources in the two veins of the mine, confirmed by the state
committee, amount to eight tons. In the opinion on the chief geologist
of “Global Gold” Mr. Henrikh Lazarian, the potential of “Tukhmanuk” is
high and amounts to the minimum of 20-25 tons.
In August, 2005 the international corporation “Global Gold” purchased 51
percent of “Mero Gold” LLC, which owned the gold mine “Tukhmanuk”. The
remaining 49% of the shares belong to private Armenian investors, but
the corporation is planning to redeem them in August, 2007.
The company “Global Gold” registered in the USA is engaged in extraction
and research of the gold industry in Chile and Armenia. Its market price
is USD 80 million. “Global Gold” has recently increased its capital by
additional USD 13 million.
The corporation started its activity at the gold mine “Tukhmanuk” last
September. The works cover establishment of engineering infrastructures,
construction of the working village “Banavan”, repair of the gold
concentrating mill located in the vicinity of the mine, purchase of
equipment, development of the field of geological-research works.
Exploration boring is already being implemented ” the boreholes will be
the basis for determination of the content of gold in the ore and
estimation of the reserves.
It is planned to extract openly and to process at the concentrating mill
75 thousand tons of ore.
In accordance with the words of the director of the Armenian branch of
“Global Gold” Mr. Ashot Poghosyan, last year they spent about half a
million dollars on preparation works, and this year it is envisaged to
spend 3,3 million dollars and 3,8 million dollars for the study of the
mine and its exploitation, accordingly. By the end of the year the
investments made by “Global Gold” in the exploitation of the mine will
amount to about 9,6 million dollars.
This year it is planned to extract openly and to process at the
concentrating mill 75 thousand tons of ore. “Global Gold” intends to
process within a period of two years 150 thousand tons of ore, gradually
increasing the extraction and processing to 350-400 thousand tons of ore
annually. One ton of ore here contains about 6-6,5 grams of glod, which
is considered to be a good index.
At the initial stage, the mine will be exploited openly and about 100
people will be engaged here. The extracted ore will be transported to
the concentrating mill equipped with modern equipment. The average
salary at the mine will be AMD 75-100 thousand.
In accordance with Mr. Ashot Poghosyan’s words, they haven’t decided yet
where the concentrate will be sold ” in Armenia or abroad.
The necessary equipment will arrive from the USA soon and will be used
for open exploitation. Simultaneously, underground works are being
prepared and it is planned to start them in two-three years. The project
of mine exploitation submitted by “Global Gold” is currently being
considered at the Government of Armenia. Upon approval of the project,
they will start the work at the mine, and life will return to village
Melik.
Note: the gold mine “Tukhmanuk” is located in Aragatsotn region, in the
mark of 2000-2200 meters, it is of the vein type and contains 10-12
veins only two of which have been studied minutely. The mine was studied
back in the Soviet times, in 1950s, but it wasn’t of top-priority
significance for the USSR. According to the conducted research works,
the majority of gold deposits of the South Caucasus countries is
concentrated in Armenia.
Susanna Petrosyan