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03/29/2006
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WEBSITE AT <;HTTP://WWW.ASBAREZ. COM 1) Azeris Fail Planned Ceasefire Monitoring 2) Chairman of Danish European Movement Says Turkey Must Acknowledge Armenian Genocide 3) Turks Petition PBS to Air 'Armenian Revolution' Film 4) City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo to Host Armenian Genocide Exhibit, LAUSD Training 5) Conference Dedicated to Cilician Culture to Be Held in Antelias 6) Corruption-Related Crimes Cause Damage Amounting to 3.5 Billion Drams 1) Azeris Fail Planned Ceasefire Monitoring YEREVAN (Armenpress/A1Plus)--The regular monitoring of the contact line between Armenian and Azeri troops near the settlement of Seysulan of Karabagh's Martakert region scheduled for March 29 was canceled because of shots fired from the Azeri side. Andrzey Kasprzyk, personal envoy of the Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) chairman-in-office, who heads a team of observers monitoring the ceasefire had to stop the planed monitoring due to the absence of safety guarantees from Azerbaijan. The Mountainous Karabagh Republic foreign ministry said Kasprzyk and officials from the ministry accompanying him registered three separate shots fired by the Azeris coming from the occupied village of Karmiravan. 2) Chairman of Danish European Movement Says Turkey Must Acknowledge Armenian Genocide YEREVAN (Yerkir/Armenpress)Erik Boel, chairman of the Danish European Movement, visited the Armenian Genocide Memorial and Museum in Yerevan Wednesday and wrote in the guestbook that, "This tragedy should not be forgotten." Boel was accompanied by Armenian Parliament Vice-speaker and Armenian Revolutionary Federation Bureau member Vahan Hovhannisian and Bureau member Mario Nalbandian. He also laid a wreath in honor of the victims. "The country I represent and I personally believe that it was a genocide. And this is why I am paying homage to the victims of that tragedy. I believe all countries should come to terms with their pasts to move forward, I believe Germany is the best example," he said. As for making recognition of the Armenian genocide for Turkey a precondition to admission into the European Union, Boel said that he believed it is in Turkey's interest to recognize the Genocide. He said Turkey must acknowledge this crime committed by the Ottoman Empire and come to terms with its past. He said the EU and Armenia should encourage Turkey to continue its membership drive, otherwise nationalistic forces within the country may become stronger. Boel also spoke about the Karabagh conflict, saying it is not as big a priority for Europe, which focuses more on problems in the Middle East and Kosovo. 3) Turks Petition PBS to Air 'Armenian Revolution' Film Turkish Americans have begun collecting signatures urging PBS to air a film called "The Armenian Revolution" on April 17, the same night that PBS affiliates around the country will be airing the documentary "The Armenian Genocide." So far, over 10,000 have signed the petition. The Petition alleges that the $650,000 budget for Andrew Goldberg's documentary on the Genocide was paid for by Armenian American associations. 4) City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo to Host Armenian Genocide Exhibit, LAUSD Training City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo will host an exhibit and teacher training workshop for Los Angeles Unified School District teachers about the Armenian genocide at Los Angeles City Hall on April 3. The teacher training workshop will be conducted by The Genocide Education Project, a non-profit educational organization, which will ultimately train more than 300 LAUSD world history teachers about the Armenian genocide. The workshop, which incorporates elements of the iwitness exhibit in its lesson plans, will take place at City Hall from 8 AM to 3 PM on April 3, with the opening reception for iwitness at 5 PM. The exhibit, iwitness, features striking portraits and oral histories of Genocide survivors and will be on display through the end of April. Iwitness will be on display at the City Attorney's Office through the month of April. For more information, or to schedule a student field trip to the exhibit, please call (213) 978-8100. To RSVP for the April 3 opening reception, please email [email protected] or call (213) 978-1575 by March 31. See our Saturday edition for more information about the exhibit and teacher workshop. 5) Conference Dedicated to Cilician Culture to Be Held in Antelias The Catholicosate of Cilicia and the Mashdots Madenataran of Armenia will organize an international conference called "The Culture of Cilicia," which is to be held in Antelias, Lebanon in January 2007. The deputy director of the Mashdots Madenataran of Armenia is currently visiting the Catholicosate of Cilicia. Arshag Panoutchian arrived almost a week ago in Antelias to carry out philological research in Antelias and to pave the way for cooperation between the Madenataran and the Catholicosate of Cilicia. Arshag Panoutchian and His Holiness Aram I discussed the possibilities of cooperation between the Catholicosate and the Madenataran through various initiatives particularly in the field of culture and Armenology. Panoutchian praised the cultural activities organized by the Catholicosate and especially the publication of new books by the collective efforts of the Catholicosate and the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation. His Holiness hailed the readiness of the Mashdots Madenataran to cooperate with the Catholicosate of Cilicia. "The Mashdots Madenataran of Yerevan is not only Armenia's Madenataran, but that of the entire nation. The entire nation therefore has obligations in the efforts for the betterment of the Madenataran, the expansion of its work and its economic viability. The Mashdots Madenataran is a symbol for the Armenian nation's cultural identity, richness, and greatness. Our Holy Seat is always ready to actively participate in all the initiatives aimed at its better organization," said His Holiness. As proposed by His Holiness Aram I, an international conference titled "The Culture of Cilicia" will be organized collectively by the Catholicosate and the Madenataran in Antelias in January 2007. Experts from Armenia and the diaspora, as well as foreign experts will be invited to participate in the conference. A special committee will be formed in the future to follow up on the efforts for organizing the conference. 6) Corruption-Related Crimes Cause Damage Amounting to 3.5 Billion Drams YEREVAN (Armenpress)--The amount of damages inflicted last year by corruption and related crimes amounted to almost 3.5 billion drams, while local courts were able to recover only 236 million drams. Bagrat Yesayan, an aide to president Kocharian, revealed these figures and said law-enforcement bodies have to shift the focus on recovering money lost to corruption. He said this was one of recommendations of a report on Armenia by GRECO, an organization that helps its member states fight corruption. Yesayan downplayed public discontent with the law that only convicted 97 government officials of corruption when 352 such crimes were reported. All subscription inquiries and changes must be made through the proper carrier and not Asbarez Online. ASBAREZ ONLINE does not transmit address changes and subscription requests. (c) 2006 ASBAREZ ONLINE. All Rights Reserved. ASBAREZ provides this news service to ARMENIAN NEWS NETWORK members for academic research or personal use only and may not be reproduced in or through mass media outlets.

Armenian National Committee of America
1711 N St., NW
Washington, DC 20036
Tel: (202) 775-1918
Fax: (202) 775-5648
Email: [email protected]
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 29, 2006
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918
SENATORS SANTORUM, MENENDEZ INTRODUCE BILL TO BLOCK U.S. FUNDING
FOR PROPOSED CAUCASUS RAILWAY PROJECT EXCLUDING ARMENIA
— Similar Measure in House Has Garnered 77 Cosponsors
WASHINGTON, DC – Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) and
newly appointed New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) introduced
legislation this week that would prohibit U.S. assistance for the
building of railroads traversing the Caucasus that circumvent Armenia,
reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).
The legislation mirrors a similar House measure (H.R. 3361) titled
the “South Caucasus Integration and Open Railroads Act of 2005”,
introduced by Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Joe Knollenberg
(R-MI) and Frank Pallone (D-NJ) in June, 2005. The House version of
the legislation currently has 77 cosponsors.
“We welcome this effort to protect U.S. taxpayers from subsidizing
an ill-advised and over-priced railroad project that – at the
insistence of Turkey and Azerbaijan – has been specifically designed
to exclude Armenia,” said Aram Hamparian, Executive Director of the
ANCA. “Constructing this railroad around Armenia runs directly counter
to U.S. foreign policy, is commercially untenable, and will only serve
to institutionalize Turkey and Azerbaijan’s blockades of Armenia.”
In his speech on the Senate floor, S. 2461 original cosponsor Sen.
Menendez noted the Turkish government’s ongoing campaign to “isolate
Armenia economically, politically and socially,” citing Turkey’s
13-year blockade of Armenia and, more recently, the construction
of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline, which also circumvents Armenia.
“U.S. policy in the South Caucasus seeks to foster regional cooperation
and economic integration and supports open borders and transport
and communication corridors. U.S. support for this project would
run counter to that policy which is why Senator SANTORUM and I are
introducing this legislation today.”
In May, 2005, the president of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, Georgian
President Mikheil Saakashvili, and Turkey’s President Akhmed Nedget
Sezer announced their intention to construct the railway corridor
linking Turkey, Tbilisi, and Baku. The project would effectively
replace the Kars-Gyumri railroad route, which has been blockaded
by Turkey for more than a decade. The governmental and commercial
interests involved in the project, estimated at between $600 million
and $1 billion, will almost certainly turn to the U.S. government for
financial support, subsidies, favorable lending terms, and low-cost
risk insurance, as they did for the Baku- Tblisi-Ceyhan pipeline route.
In October 2005, the European Commission added its voice to the growing
international opposition to a Caucasus railroad. The Commission’s
position was articulated by the Directorate General for Transport and
Energy. In explaining why the European Union would not support the
creation of this rail line, the Directorate noted that its construction
was both unnecessary and inefficient in light of the existing railroad
connecting Kars, Gyumri, and Tbilisi.
Sen. Menendez’ complete statement follows.
#####
Statement By Sen. Robert Menendez Upon Introduction of S.2461
Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce legislation
to block U.S. support for yet another anti-Armenian initiative.
In numerous cases over the last few years, the Turkish government has
methodically sought to isolate Armenia economically, politically and
socially. One of the most egregious examples was the imposition of a
1993 blockade against Armenia in support of Azerbaijan’s war against
Karabakh Armenians.
The Turkish government has routinely sought to exclude Armenia from
projects that would benefit the economies of the countries of the
South Caucasus. The latest example of this policy is the proposal
to build a new rail line that would connect Turkey, Georgia and
Azerbaijan. Similar to the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline, this rail link would
specifically go around Armenia.
Now, geographically, we all know that a pipeline or rail line that
seeks to connect Turkey, Georgia and Azerbaijan would have to pass
through Armenia. One would have to make a special effort to bypass
Armenia.
The U.S. should not endorse Turkey and Azerbaijan’s politically
motivated attempt to isolate Armenia.
I therefore rise today in opposition to this plan, and to introduce
legislation, along with my colleague, Senator SANTORUM, that would bar
U.S. support and funding for a rail link connecting Georgia and Turkey,
and which specifically excludes Armenia. This project is estimated to
cost up to $800 million and would take three years to complete. The aim
of this costly approach, as publicly stated by Azeri President Aliyev,
is to isolate Armenia by enhancing the ongoing Turkish and Azerbaijani
blockades and to keep the existing Turkey-Armenia-Georgia rail link
shut down. This ill-conceived project runs counter to U.S. policy,
ignores the standing Kars- Gyumri rail route, is politically and
economically flawed and serves to destabilize the region.
U.S. policy in the South Caucasus seeks to foster regional cooperation
and economic integration and supports open borders and transport
and communication corridors. U.S. support for this project would
run counter to that policy which is why Senator Santorum and I are
introducing this legislation today.
We cannot continue to stoke the embers of regional conflict by
supporting projects that deliberately exclude one of the region’s
most important members. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
#####

ARMENIA READY TO REBUFF AZERBAIJAN’S POSSIBLE ATTACK AT ANY TIME
PanARMENIAN.Net
28.03.2006 21:26 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The Armed Forces of Armenia are ready to rebuff the
possible attack of the adversary at any moment, Armenian Deputy MOD
Head, lieutenant general Artur Aghabekyan told journalists. In his
words, Armenia is ready to any threat by Azerbaijan or any other
state. When commenting on more frequent cases of breaks of the
cease-fire regime at the line of contact between the Armenian and
Azeri Armed Forces, Aghabekyan remarked incidents like those happened
during the entire period since establishment of the cease-fire in
Nagorno Karabakh, i.e. since 1994.
In Aghabekyan’s opinion, this is due to a number of factors, like
engineering works at the positions, more frequent aggressive statements
of official Azerbaijan.
“I can assure that in case our positions are fired upon, we will
respond in an adequate hard manner,” the lieutenant general said.

INTERVIEW: VALERY BALAYAN: NEITHER 2006, NOR ANY OTHER COMING YEAR CAN MAKE A “BREAK” IN THE KARABAKH ISSUE
PanARMENIAN.Net
23.03.2006 GMT+04:00
The International Crisis Group (ICG) new report titled Conflict
Resolution in the South Caucasus: The EU’s Role says that “With its
reputation as an “honest broker”, access to a range of soft and hard
power tools, and the lure of greater integration into Europe, the EU
has a greater role to play, and offers added value to compliment the
UN and the OSCE. To avoid instability on its borders, the EU seeks
a ring of well-governed countries around it,” the ICG believes. At
the instance of PanARMENIAN.Net, Chair of the Standing Commission for
Defense and Security of the Supreme Council of the Nagorno Karabakh
Republic in 1992-1995, Chairman of Tradition NGO Valery Balayan
comments on the ICG new report.
How does the NKR assess reports and recommendations of the
International Crisis Group?
I can say nothing of ICG activities in the NKR, as there was no
such. As of the reports and recommendations, this is the rare case,
when the NKR society was negative both on reports and recommendations
of the International Crisis Group (ICG). A whole range of rhetoric
questions arises when acquainting with ICG documents and they remain
unanswered. Which of the parties to conflict invited the ICG as a
mediator? If none, who imposes them upon us? What do they have to do
with the conflict? Do they have any views of the many aspects of the
conflict? If they do, which are these, etc. ICG professionalism arouses
special perplexity. In their reports they often make conclusions based
on doubtful articles of interested parties in favor of the same party.
The OSCE has the leading role in settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh
conflict. What are the statements on the need to involve the EU and
UN in the process, as Azeris insist, due to?
The role of the OSCE in settlement of the conflict is not that
much self-dependent, as it seems to Azerbaijan. Peculiarities of
contemporary policy in the globalization age are the way, that when
deciding core matters of world policy – and the Nagorno Karabakh
conflict refers to those – some consensus is reached at the EU
or UN. Consensus is being reached mainly within the interests of
large countries, who fund activities of those organizations, while
interests of the parties to conflict are taken into account “as luck
would have it.” This was true also at division of Yugoslavia, it is
observed now when solving the Kosovo issue and that of Iraq. Thus,
those who insist on it are advised to read Krylov’s fable or recall
arithmetic rule on changing the order of items.
How would you comment on attempts to settle the conflict in
Rambouillet, Washington and Istanbul? Can the year 2006 be a “break”
indeed?
Neither 2006, nor any other coming year can make a “break” in
settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, as bloody conflicts like
this can be settled only on the expiry of long time. Forecasting the
exact number of years necessary for that is impossible. A break is
being just outlined in the settlement of the Cyprus issue after 30
years, no break can be seen in the Palestinian issue. Please, recall
how long the conflict on the Indo-Chinese peninsula lasted, while
issues have remained until now. This is also true of any conflict
of the 20th century. To make the terms shorter, the negotiations
should be intensified, the format of the talks should be expanded,
society should participate, confidence measures should be arranged.
The conflict will not be settled for no particular reason. It is a
very hard work and it demands qualified and professional approach.
An idea of referendum in the NKR was proposed in Rambouillet. What
is your attitude to it?
As of a repeated referendum in the NKR, comments are unnecessary
here. In their time Azeris of Nagorno Karabakh just refused from
participation in it. I do not see what can change their viewpoint
now or on the expiry of the term, invented by the ICG.

INTERVIEW: ARAM HAMPARIAN: ANCA FOCUS IS TO END U.S. COMPLICITY IN TURKEY’S CAMPAIGN OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE DENIAL
PanARMENIAN.Net
24.03.2006 GMT+04:00
The Armenian National Committee of Armenia (ANCA) is one of the
U.S. most influential lobbying organizations the activities of
which are targeted at the recognition of the Armenian Genocide. On
the threshold of the 91st anniversary of the Armenian Genocide in
the Ottoman Empire in 1915 PanARMENIAN.Net requested ANCA Executive
Director Aram Hamparian to cover the Committee activities and comments
on some recent event referring to the Armenian-American relations.
Lately we have heard that the Armenian lobby is more powerful than
the Jewish Lobby. How accurate is that opinion?
While it is hard to compare the strength of lobbies that are working on
very different issues, it is clear that the Armenian lobby is strong
and growing stronger, confident in the knowledge that as Armenians –
in the homeland and the Diaspora – we are collectively the authors
of our own destiny. Here are just a few examples of our progress:
* We launched the pioneering California-Armenia Trade Office to
increase bilateral trade and create jobs in the U.S. and Armenia. In
just the past two years, due in large part to our efforts to normalize
U.S.-Armenia trade relations, Armenian exports to the U.S. rose >From
$37.6 million (2003) to $45.8 million (2005).
* The growth of our local ANCA chapters to more than fifty –
particularly in non-traditional states such as Nevada, Arizona,
Florida, and Texas.
* The increased level of assistance to Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh,
which has amounted to $1.6 billion since 1991 – and especially the
new $235 million Millennium Challenge grant to Armenia.
* The growing opposition to Turkey’s denial of the Armenian Genocide
in the U.S. Congress, the media, and academia. For example, within the
past year the Armenian Genocide Resolution passed a key Congressional
committee by a vote of 40 to 7, a dramatic increase over the 24 to
11 vote on a similar measure in 2000. Also, 38 of the 50 U.S. states
have recognized the Armenian Genocide.
What type are activities / efforts are you planning in the U.S. with
regard to the 91st anniversary of the Armenian Genocide?
Our focus, this April as always, is to end U.S.
complicity in Turkey’s campaign of Armenian Genocide denial, to press
Turkey to acknowledge its responsibility for this crime, and to work
toward a just resolution for Armenian nation.
As in past years, we will hold a Congressional observance on Capital
Hill and in local communities around the nation. These events will
build support for the adoption of the Armenian Genocide Resolution
and the effort to encourage President Bush to properly recognize the
Armenian Genocide in his April 24th remarks.
We are, of course, very interested in the controversy surrounding
Amb. Evans and are strongly opposing any steps to punish or recall
him due to his truthful statements on the Armenian Genocide. Another
special concern this April is PBS’s decision to provide a platform for
Genocide deniers – which we are strenuously opposing at the national
and grassroots levels.
Has there been any U.S. reaction to the destruction of the Armenian
Cemetery in Djugha?
For more than three months, the U.S. government did not utter a
single word about this systematic desecration of an Armenian holy
and cultural site.
During a recent visit to Armenia, a State Department official responded
to questions on this matter during a press conference by condemning the
destruction – but the Department seems to have done little else. This,
of course, stands in stark contrast to the vocal U.S.
outrage over the Taliban’s destruction of the Bamiyan Buddha statues
in 2001.
What steps are being taken by the Armenian lobby to ensure military
aid parity to Armenia and Azerbaijan?
We are working very actively within the Congressional appropriations
process – on both the House and Senate sides – to see that military
aid parity is restored.
The key to this effort is explaining that disparity in favor of
Azerbaijan will embolden Baku to act on its increasingly violent
threats against Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh.

INTERVIEW: ZARDUSHT ALIZADE: PEOPLES OF ARMENIA AND AZERBAIJAN CAPABLE TO SETTLE KARABAKH CONFLICT THEMSELVES
PanARMENIAN.Net
25.03.2006 GMT+04:00
The Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement has activated
recently. However Baku doesn’t wish to hear about any kind of
compromise stating that Azerbaijan’s participation in the talks is
the greatest concession.
The opinion of the opposite side is always interesting. PanARMENIAN.Net
requested Azeri political scientist Zardusht Alizade to comment on
the Armenian-Azeri relations and the situation in the region.
Judging from the publications in the Azeri media you are impartial
enough on the situation in the South Caucasus. How would you
characterize the Armenian-Azeri relations for the next 5-10 years?
With extrapolation of the current situation to the future without
taking into account the possibility of a miracle, the future of the
South Caucasus seems sad.
Without the settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict on the basis of
a compromise our nations and states will keep on hostility. No regional
or continental integration will break through the strong redoubt of
national myths and corporate interests of the ruling elite. There
is no hope for “an imposed peace” either. Over the availability of
conflicts the waters in the South Caucasus are troubled and economic
and geopolitical fish is easily caught here
In one of your interview you said, “I am one of few political
scientists who press for normalization of the Armenia-Turkey
relations. Are you optimist about the issue?
The normalization of the Armenia-Turkey relations will have a
positive impact not only upon the economy and internal political and
ideological situation in Armenia but also upon the Armenian-Azerbaijani
relations. The more Armenians benefit from the cooperation and good
neighbor relations with Turkey the less political forces in Armenia
will build the policy of hostility towards Turkey and Azerbaijan. In
this case those, who specialize in “the eternal Armenian-Turk
animosity” in Baku and Turkey, will have to fall silent.
Integrating Europe is a good example. But counter steps are
essential. Armenians are convinced that Turkey should acknowledge
the events of 1915 with all the consequences. Turkey for its part
considers that Armenia should stop being an instrument in the hands
of anti-Turkish forces, first of all the Russian special services
and right-wing conservative parties in Europe.
I am a cautious optimist and I set hope upon the reason and the sense
of historical prospects of the Armenian people. Presently Armenia’s
position doesn’t give ground for optimism.
Which formulation is the correct one in you opinion: Nagorno-Karabakh
or Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict? Do you really think Armenia has
territorial claims from Azerbaijan?
Naturally, I do not only think, but I am convinced in it. Availability
of Armed Forces of Armenia in the territory of Azerbaijan is a direct
proof of those claims. I will add: [another proof is] Robert Kocharian
of Karabakh origin being the President of Armenia, in spite of the law.
Will the time of signing an agreement between the Nagorno Karabakh
Republic and Azerbaijan come?
I hope that an agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, according
to which Armenia will refuse >From interference in Azerbaijan’s
domestic affairs, will come first. After that it will not be hard to
find ways and forms of adjustment of common peaceful life of Azeri
citizens, all residents of Karabakh irrespective of their ethnic
identity. Naturally, provided guarantees from superpowers (how can
one do without these?) and the UN…
Do you attach importance to the role of people’s diplomacy. Can it
play a positive part?
I am convinced that people’s diplomacy has done much good to our people
(just recall release of prisoners of war and hostages). However, its
efficiency is low at the current stage, as united powers of Armenian
and Azeri authorities are against it.
People’s diplomacy is a pioneer, hacking through a path in the
jungles of animosity. No one knows whether the society will follow
a handful of idealists, or well-organized criminal community of the
strong. Greed of elites of superpowers had a strong impact on all this
(in the Middle East, as well as the South and North Caucasus).
Resumption of hostilities is spoken about too often in your country. Is
your President’s disposition so militant or all this rhetoric is
aimed at frightening Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh?
I personally do not believe in resumption of large-scale hostilities
soon. However, I am often mistaken, as I do not take into account
the degree of greediness and silliness of important players.
This year three meetings of the OSCE MG co-chairs were in
vain. Nevertheless, Mr. Steven Mann believes the conflict will be
solved in 2006. What is your opinion on whether he has ground for
optimism or whether he presents what is wishful for what is actual?
It is a question to be answered by Mr. Mann. I am sure that peoples
of Armenia and Azerbaijan are capable to solve the conflict – if
Mr. Aliyev and Mr. Kocharian admit it.

THE SARALANGE DWELLERS ARE DOOMED TO STAY OUTDOORS
A1+
01:31 pm 28 March, 2006
Today the surrounding of the Government building was overcrowded
again. The inhabitants of Saralange Str. aroused a revolt.
The dwellers of Saralange have always been in constant fear as they
heard that their dwelling places are a “zone of realization” for the
“needs of the Government.” Whereas they found out that in 2004 the
Youth Palace was sold by auction and their territory was privatized
by the Director of “Avangard Motors” Edik Avetisyan.
Edik Avetisyan offered the people present in the revolt to pay one
million ARD per a person on condition to release the premises within
5 days in order to pull it down. “We are not confident that the money
will be given,” complains the inhabitant Zabela Sargsyan living on
147 Saralange and adds, “We demand a compensation corresponding to
the market prices. We can’t even buy a one-room flat with the money
offered.” The inhabitant of 155 apartment Hasmik Sargsyan said,
“We protect our rights. They combat poverty; do they want to make us
poor. Let them provide us with flats, I don’t need their money.”
It wasn’t the first revolt of the Saralange dwellers; they twice
turned to the RA Government but they were sent to the City Hall and
the latter sent them to the Program Implementation Office. “We were
told in the PIO to come in a week’s time. A week later they said it
is beyond their responsibilities,” say the Saralange inhabitants.
They assure that they will go on their protests by the time they
achieve results.

OVERFLOWING BEGAN
A1+
12:55 pm 28 March, 2006
The rivulet Ghorghoba has seethed. Each year the rubbish of the
rivulet mixes with rain-water, thaw and flows into the adjacent
dwelling places and yards.
Each year about 15 houses on Poghosyan Street in the district
Poghpatavan in Gjumri face this problem. The rubbish of the rivulet
is added by the garbage taken from other places and as a result of it
the exit lines of the sewerage system to the river become blocked. A
cane field has formed in one of the yards because of the constant
overflowing. The housing conditions are also awful as both the floors
and the walls are completely destroyed.
Some of the house owners have moved to their relatives. If the main
problem of these months is the garbage and sewage the penetrating
into the houses, the stinking and mosquitoes are added to this during
the summer months. The inhabitants assure that they have turned to
the responsible bodies many times but so far their applications and
complaints haven’t been responded. They claim that the river-bed was
cleaned 2 years ago. By the way it has become narrower because of
the waste thrown by the inhabitants into the river and because of
the cottages built in the area.
The “Tsajg” TV channel of Gjumri

THE DELEGATION WILL ARRIVE IN YEREVAN FROM BAKU
A1+
02:01 pm 28 March, 2006
Tomorrow the Russian and American co-presidents of the group seeking
ways for the establishment of the Karabakh conflict Vitali Naumkin
and Herald Sonders will arrive in Armenia on a two-day call within
the framework of the Dordmundyan Conference.
They will come to Armenia from Baku and after the meeting with the
political and state circles of the country and then they will leave
for Nagorno Karabakh.
By the way, the Dordmundyan Conference is the only format today where
Karabakh acts as a negotiating side.
Tomorrow the co-presidents will meet the leaders of the political
parties and the Parliament representatives. Later they will participate
in the round table organized in the National Academy of Science, and
then the representatives of the Dordmundyan Conference will answer
the questions of the journalists.
The issue of the discussion is the frame contract which was signed
last year in the city Snegir of the RF by the Armenian, Karabakh and
Areri sides.

THE SECURITY ISSUES OF THE FOODSTUFF
A1+
02:56 pm 28 March, 2006
The NA Deputy Tatul Manaseryan, the Vice-Deputy of the Ministry of
Agriculture Gagik Khachatryan and the representatives of a few public
organizations discussed the security issues of the RA foodstuff and
the ways of their solving during the round table organized in the
National Academy of Science.
The key issues of the discussion were the exertion of new economic
methods available for peasants, the full investments in the legislative
sphere, the regulation of the product export and partial competitive
field.
In Tatul Manaseryan’s opinion it is difficult to rename the former
markets nowadays. The reason for that is the abundance of low quality
products imported to the country and the shadow state of the local
manufacturer. This fact is determined by the absence of appropriate
monitoring and right presentation. “We mustn’t suffice ourselves with
financing peasants and the right export organization,” mentioned Mr.
Manaseryan.
The Vice-Deputy Gagik Khachatryan mentioned that problems of food
security which are also components of the national security are in
the centre of attention of the Armenian population as well as of the
international society. He claims that our legal field must comply
with the international, especially of the European criteria for the
regulation of export issues.
A group has been formed for this purpose in the correspondent
department of the Ministry which works out programs of implementation
of the whole legal field in the Republic within the coming 3 years. “I
admit that everything is not ideal in our country. But one can’t deny
the fact that something is being done.
It mainly refers to the export, to the products of animal origin and
to Armenian honey. A lot of serious steps are made on this score. We
are going to accredit Armenian honey in Europe after the results of
an appropriate laboratory examination,” added Gagik Khachatryan.
The Chairman of the public organization “Farmers’ Movement” Sargis
Setrakyan mentioned that before demanding the quality of the export
attention must be paid to the quality of imported fertilizers. This
assumes full support to the peasant. The Vice-Deputy said that on
this score they will be given 15 million credit with annual 10% for
7 years’ time with 18 months privileged period. This sum will help
the peasants to buy the necessary equipment and fertilizer.