ARMENIAN SPOKESMAN SAYS AZERI COUNTERPARTS “UNAWARE” OF PEACE TALKS CONTENT
Arminfo
4 Jul 06
Yerevan, 4 July: The reason of contradictory statements by the
Azerbaijan side is that they are uninformed about the content of
the talks between the Armenian and Azerbaijani presidents, Vladimir
Karapetyan, acting press secretary of the Armenian Foreign Ministry,
told Arminfo. Karapetyan was asked to explain the contradictory
statements by Azerbaijan’s deputy foreign minister and Foreign
Ministry spokesman about the principles of the Nagornyy Karabakh
conflict settlement.
“Indeed, the Azerbaijani side has made contradictory statements
and commentaries in the past few days. In reality, everything is
simple: in their second statement, the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmen
presented conflict settlement principles being discussed and their
assessments. Probably the reason of such contradictory statements is
that the mentioned Azerbaijani diplomats are unaware of the content
of the talks between the Armenian and Azerbaijani presidents,”
Karapetyan said.

KARABAKH MINISTER CONFIRMS TIES WITH OTHER CIS REBEL REGIONS
Arminfo
3 Jul 06
Stepanakert, July 3: “The Nagornyy Karabakh republic [NKR] does
not abandon its partners. We are building our policy taking into
consideration our own interests and the peculiarities around the
situation in Abkhazia, South Ossetia and the Dniester Moldovan
republic,” Nagornyy Karabakh’s foreign minister Georgiy Petrosyan has
told journalists, commenting on the establishment of a community in
Sukhumi “For Democracy and Right of People” and Nagornyy Karabakh’s
intention to carry out an independent policy to achieve recognition
of its independence.
“Our colleagues from the Dniester Moldovan republic, Abkhazia and
South Ossetia understand the position of the NKR very well. The NKR
foreign ministry is following very attentively the processes and
also the developments and the settlement processes of the relevant
conflicts. We are regularly communicating at various levels, exchanging
information and carrying out multilateral and bilateral consultations,”
Petrosyan said.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

KOCHARYAN CALLS FOR PROMOTION OF TEHRAN-YEREVAN TIES
Islamic Republic News Agency, Iran
July 6 2006
Visiting Armenian President Robert Kocharyan Wednesday evening called
for promotion of Tehran-Yerevan ties.
Kocharyan, during a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr
Mottaki Wednesday evening, said the two countries’ close cultural and
historical bonds as well as common interests have paved the ground
for expansion of mutual ties.
The Armenian president praised the achievements of the Islamic Republic
of Iran in various fields.
He expressed the hope continuing consultations between the two
countries’ officials will further strengthen ties, encourage opening
of joint ventures and raise the volume of trade exchanges.
Turning to prospects of Tehran-Yerevan ties, Mottaki said the two
countries have numerous potentials to open up new areas of cooperation.
Holding joint commission sessions and more consultations will help open
new opportunities for cooperation in line with their mutual interests,
the Iranian foreign minister said.
Mottaki stressed implementation of agreements already inked by the
two countries.
“We are hopeful the two sides will be able to implement projects that
have been sidelined by adopting effective strategies.” President
Kocharyan arrived in Tehran at the head of a high- ranking
politico-economic delegation for a two-day official visit Wednesday
morning.
Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian, Minister of Energy Armen Movsisyan
and Deputy Foreign Minister Armen Kirakosian are accompanying the
Armenian president in this visit.

MARINA DOLGOPOLOVA: BELARUS AND ARMENIA DEVELOP DYNAMIC POLITICAL DIALOGUE
Yerkir
05.07.2006 14:59
YEREVAN (YERKIR) – The Belarusian-Armenian relarions are actively
developing in all the fields, Belarusian Ambassador to Armenia Marina
Dolgopolova stated during a solemn reception dated to the Independence
Day of the Republic of Belarus.
The event was attended by Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian,
parliament leaders, members of the President Administration and supreme
state bodies, representatives of business circles, intelligentsia,
Belarusian Diaspora and heads of diplomatic missions.
In a welcoming speech Marina Dolgopolova said this day is the
most important holiday for Belarus and its people. In her words,
a dynamic political dialogue is developing between Armenia and
Belarus. Considerable progress was achieved in trade and economic
cooperation. In part, the commodity turnover between the two states
has increased 6 times against the index of 2000. During the initial
five months of the current year trade turnover increased 1.5 times
and exceeded $9.1 million, reported Belta news agency.

PROPOSAL OF AZERBAIJANI DELEGATION TO PA OSCE
Ïðaâî Âûaîða, Azerbaijan
Democratic Azerbaijan
July 6 2006
Reportedly a member of Azerbaijani delegation to the Parliamentary
Assembly of the OSCE, Chairman of MM Commission for Human Rights,
Rabiyyat Aslanova attended the PA OSCE summer session which was held
in Brussels, recently Azerbaijani delegation raised the question
concerning punishment of Armenia for committed crimes by the OSCE.
R. Aslanova said that recently the sessions of the PA OSCE Committee
for Security and Political Issues, Committee for Economic Issues,
and Committee for Human Rights were held. “These arrangements were
focused on Reinforcement people’s security in the space of the OSCE.”
56 Member States of PA OSCE attended the discussions. They stated that
the security won’t be ensured if territorial integrity of the OSCE
Member States has been violated or aggression committed,” informs
member of Azerbaijani delegation.
At the same time, the sessions discussed a number of issues. R.
Aslanova’s speech here was devoted to the national minority related
issues: “Regarding to destiny of Azerbaijanis expatriated from
Armenia, I underlined that this fact per se means the violation of
security. Thus, we included this issue to agenda and demanded to
punish Armenia.”
Eldar Ibrahimov and Fattah Heydarov spoke at the Committee for Economic
Issues, told about important economic projects being realized in
Azerbaijan. Furthermore, Chief of Azerbaijani delegation, Bahar
Muradova, and Azay Guliyev attended the Permanent Committee for
Security & Political Issues. “6 out of 16 our proposals made to the
Resolution to be adopted by the Permanent Committee for Security &
Political Issues, have been adopted. All of them concern regulation
of conflicts and OSCE activity,” informed MP.
–Boundary_(ID_EwFRGcoJq3ZuoDViFCB43A)–

“ECHO”: CAN ARMENIA START WAR FIRST?
Kh. Gasimova, N. Ramizoglu
Ïðaâî Âûaîða, Azerbaijan
Democratic Azerbaijan
July 6 2006
Accordingly to experts, such variant must be ruled out as the countries
that invested South Caucasus will not allow such provocations.
Armenia will not be able to start the war first as it would be the end
for this country. It was the statement made by head of press service
of the Defense Ministry, Ramiz Melikov, for “Echo”, on commenting
recent statement of vice speaker of the parliament of Armenia, Vaan
Ovanesyan concerning taking “steps” to prevent the threat to Armenia.
In interview for “Aravot”, Ovanesyan stated that “if Azerbaijan
declares openly that it needs time out to strengthen attack, then,
it would be wrong to provide time for it”. “If we see that Azerbaijan
not only threatens but turns into real threat for us, we should think
about our own steps”, he said. At the same time, Ovanesyan refused
to explain what steps he meant.
Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan holds that at this stage Armenia
even cannot think of military operations against Azerbaijan. “Famous
Azerbaijani poet, Samad Vurgun, wrote that before death comes, goat
bothers herdsman. World knows Armenian as aggressor, and it cannot
take such step to worsen its image. As for Azerbaijani military forces,
they must be ready to repulse attacks of enemies”, Melikov emphasized.
Milli Mejlis deputy, Vakhid Ahmadov, shares this opinion. He and group
of deputies recently visited one of military units on front line. He
doubted that Armenia can start the war first. “While all leading
countries and international organizations insist on regulation of this
conflict this year, such turning-point is impossible. Leading countries
are interested in security of South Caucasus and it is not surprising,
as they invested economy of the region”, parliament member said for
“Echo”. At the same time Akhundov doesn’t deny that Armenia may give
way to provocations. “Armenia knows that it is in no-go”. Though he is
sure that in case of attack against Azerbaijan on the part of Armenia,
our army can manifest its forces to prevent provocations on the part
of neighboring country.
Military expert, Uzeir Jafarov, holds that Ovanesyan’s statement
shouldn’t be taken seriously. He believes that it is another attempt
of Armenian politicians to present desirable thing as real one. “To
admit it was possible several years ago, as there were opportunities
and prerequisites for the start of military operations. Taking into
consideration the fact that economic project Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan is
realized in the region, I don’t think Azerbaijan or Armenia can be
given chance to start military operations”, Jafarov said for “Echo”.
Though accordingly to expert, Azerbaijan has moral and legal right
to declare war to Armenia. Armenia occupied Azerbaijani territories
and this fact is recorded in 4 UN resolutions. “We have right to start
military operations. Nobody can use economic and legal sanction against
Azerbaijan. Last statement of OSCE Minsk group co-chairmen once again
proves that we just waste time, and no progress is observed in peace
talks on regulation of Nagorni Garabagh conflict.
At the same time Armenia refuses to return Lachin, Kalbajar regions”.
He said. Expert holds that in near future there will be
no prerequisites for military operations. Though, he holds that
Armenians attempt to do something in frontline regions. “But if any
attempt of Armenia causes war, then separatist will face repulse”,
expert concluded.
–Boundary_(ID_qNnDmxo8B3TTlABcLBZYvw) —

ARMENIAN PRIME MINISTER TO VISIT FRANCE IN OCTOBER
PanARMENIAN.Net
05.07.2006 18:28 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenian Prime Minister Andranik Margaryan will pay
a visit to France October 17-18. He will take part in the conference of
twin cities of Armenia and France to be held under the patronage of the
heads of the French Senate and the Armenian parliament, reported the RA
government’s press service. “I think this event will mark the opening
of the Year of Armenia in France,” Margaryan said. He assured Yerevan
will do the utmost to make the Year of Armenia in France a bright
event for the development of the friendly Armenian-French relations.

AZERBAIJAN POINTS TO ILLEGAL ARMENIAN SETTLEMENTS
AzerNews Weekly, Azerbaijan
July 6 2006
Azerbaijani MPs have submitted a document condemning the illegal
settlement of Armenians in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan to
the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE).
The report, co-signed by over 30 parliament members, was prepared by
Ganira Pashayeva, a member of the Azeri delegation at the Assembly.
Armenia, which ignores the four UN Security Council resolutions on the
unconditional withdrawal of its armed forces and the PACE resolution
on liberation of Azerbaijani lands and return of refugees to their
homes, jeopardizes the ongoing talks between the two presidents,
the document said.
“This policy runs counter to international legal norms and the
mentioned documents. Armenia tries to assert the status-quo in the
occupied territories and hinder the return of Azeri IDPs home by
increasing the number of Armenian-populated settlements in these
areas.”
The document reads that according to official figures, in 1989,
there were 145,450 Armenians in Upper Garabagh. Yerevan is pursuing
a purposeful policy aimed at bringing the figure to 300,000 by 2010,
it says.
“According to Armenian and other sources, 23,000 Armenians have
been settled in the occupied Upper Garabagh region and seven adjacent
districts, including 13,000 in Lachin, 700 in Kalbajar, 520 in Zangilan
and 280 in Jabrayil over the past few years. The population of these
districts comprised only Azerbaijanis before their occupation by the
Armenian armed forces.”
The document reads that separatists in Armenia and Garabagh forced
Azeris to leave their homes and pursued a policy of ethnic cleansing
in the occupied territories. Hundreds of ethnic Armenian families
from Armenia and other countries were settled in the occupied Aghdam,
Fuzuli and other districts.

GOV’T ANGERED BY SWEDISH MPS’ VISIT TO OCCUPIED LANDS
AzerNews Weekly, Azerbaijan
July 6 2006
A Swedish parliamentary delegation led by the head of Swedish Leftist
Party, Ulla Hoffman, has reportedly visited the occupied territories
of Azerbaijan.
The delegation consisting of party members, who arrived in the occupied
land from Armenia, is believed to have met with “vice-speaker” of the
self-proclaimed Upper Garabagh Republic, Rudik Usnunch, on Thursday.
Usnunch thanked the Swedish government for what he described as
recognizing the “genocide of Armenians” and requested his interlocutors
to take steps to recognize the entity as an independent state.
Hoffman said the Leftist Party is taking interest in Armenia and
Upper Garabagh and will be regularly in contact with the self-styled
republic.
The Azerbaijan Foreign Ministry has instructed the country’s embassy
in Great Britain to look into the Swedish MPs’ visit. If the report
is confirmed, Baku will officially express its objection to the visit,
the Foreign Ministry spokesman Tahir Taghizada said.
Such visits to the separatist entity have been paid by foreign
nationals on numerous occasions in the past, drawing fire from Azeri
officials. The visitors included British, Russian, French and US
parliament members, not to mention frequent visits by representatives
of various foreign companies and even popular Russian singers.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

VISITORS FROM EURASIA TOUR CONCORD PLANT IN SEARCH OF NEW IDEAS, TECHNOLOGIES
By Leo Strupczewski [email protected]
The Delaware County Times, PA
July 6 2006
CONCORD — Five visitors had broken from the tour and joined an
impromptu business meeting. Twenty visitors from Armenia, Moldova,
Georgia and Ukraine toured the Concord Sewage Treatment Plant
Wednesday. The tour was part of an U.S. Department of Commerce program
for mid- and senior-level water resource management and maintenance
engineers and executives from Eurasia.
While Tom Chew, the facility’s managing director, directed the tour,
Karapet Ohanyan was talking with Peter Snow, the training manager
for Godwin Pumps.
It couldn’t have worked out any better for Ohanyan, from Yerevan,
Armenia. He needed a portable water pump, but didn’t want to buy them.
No one in Armenia rents them, Ohanyan said. The same also goes for
Ukraine and Georgia.
“It would be good for both sides if you did rent there,” Ohanyan said
through an interpreter.
Snow, an Aston resident, smiled and pulled Godwin’s national sales
manager Joseph Abbott Jr. into the group.
“The idea is to bring them in, expose them to our technologies,”
Abbott said of the program, called the Special American Business
Internship Training Program. “Maybe stimulate some sort of business
relationships.”
No deal was settled on the spot, but the program was a success.
The 20 visitors have been in the country for four weeks. They’ve
toured facilities throughout the Mid-Atlantic states and met with
manufacturers, along with local, federal government officials and
water treatment plant officials.
They visited Concord because it’s a smaller plant, Abbott said. It’s
also state-of-the-art and clean.
“They run a nice operation,” he said. “I wish they all looked like
this.”
For the facility, hosting a similar program six years ago probably
would not have been possible.
“It would have been difficult at best,” Chew said. “There just wasn’t
any personnel.”
Or space.
Chew said the facility has experienced tremendous growth since 2000.
At the time, there was only one full-time pump operator and two other
part-time employees.
Now, there are six full-time employees and a new garage with office
space. The facility will also break ground on a new pump in August.
All of it is attributed to the population growth in the area. The
facility’s main customer is the Delaware County Prison, but also
serves roughly 2,000 households.
“It’s sort of a chicken and the egg scenario,” Chew said. “Concord
could’ve never grown at the rate it did without the facility.”
But for Ohanyan and the other visitors, the tour was about picking
up some advice and making contacts.
“At the minimum, I will let people know what I’ve learned,” Ohanyan
said. “Everyone here has had lots of patience and interest with us.”