RUSSIA HOPES UNDERSEA DEVICE CAN LIFT RECORDERS FROM PLANE THAT CRASHED IN BLACK SEA
AP Worldstream
May 14, 2006
Russian authorities plan to use a robotic device to try to recover
the flight data recorders from an Armenian passenger jet that crashed
in the Black Sea earlier this month, killing all 113 people on board,
the ITAR-Tass news agency reported Sunday.
The device, which includes a video monitor and a hydraulic apparatus
that will be used to try to lift the recorders from a depth of nearly
500 meters (1,640 feet), was being loaded onto a ship in the port of
Novorossiisk, ITAR-Tass said.
It cited the head of the state commission investigating the May 3
crash, Transport Minister Igor Levitin, as saying an operation to
recover the “black boxes” would begin Tuesday.
Authorities hope the recorders will help them pinpoint the cause of
the crash. The Armavia Airbus A-320 plunged into the sea in heavy
rain and poor visibility as it approached the airport in Adler,
near the Black Sea resort city of Sochi.
The PT-1000 device has been used by geologists to lift natural objects
weighing up to 40 kilograms (88 pounds) from the sea floor, the report
said. It has not been used to lift man-made objects.

PRESS RELEASE
The Armenian College and Philanthropic Academy (ACPA)
56B, MIRZA GHALIB ST. KOLKATA (Calcutta), India
E-mail: [email protected]
Manager: Father Oshagan Gulgulian
11th May 2006
See photo of the students and the Armenian press release at:
Id=734ahh67
For the first time since their enrollment three years ago in the Armenian
College and Philanthropic Academy (ACPA), a group of Iranian Armenian
students (24 in number) headed home to spend summer vacations with parents,
relatives and friends in Iran.
The students were accompanied in their journey back with Ararad Yeghigian
and ex-student of the Academy and the current representative in Iran, who
arrived earlier to Kolkata specifically for this purpose. During his visit
to the Academy Yeghigian had meetings with the administration of the school
and examined closely the living conditions of the students. He was briefed
on their future educational prospects. Following his tour Yeghigian pointed
out that, although the Academy is facing different sorts of challenges, but
recent developments have clearly shown that the situation is changing
positively toward a brighter future.
The manager of the Academy Father Oshagan Gulgulian blessed the students
prior their departure and wished they will be able to return back, after
staying some time near their beloved ones, with more energy and freshness,
in order to go ahead with their studies, under the ceiling of this 185 years
old historical educational institute.

ARMENIAN INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION
65 Main St., #3A
Watertown, MA 02472
Contact: Barbara J. Merguerian
[email protected]
617-92 6-0171
Women’s Leadership in Business and Government Will Be Discussed at AIWA’s
Annual Meeting on May 20
BOSTON, MASS. – The public is invited to join in a discussion about
women’s leadership in business and government at the 15th Annual
Meeting of the Armenian International Women’s Association on Saturday,
May 20, at the Winchester Country Club in Winchester, Mass.
Armenian women are vastly under-represented in political and
economic leadership positions, but the reasons for this situation and
possible solutions are subjects of debate.
The standard explanation is that Armenia remains a
conservative and male-dominated society where women are largely
confined to minor positions outside the home.
But at a recent workshop Yerevan, one female politician
argued that the women themselves are to blame for their extremely weak
presence in the executive and legislative branches of government,
because they are more reluctant than men to vote women into office.
The situation is not much improved in societies considered
more advanced. If there are only six women in the Armenian parliament,
or 5% of the total, the figures are only slightly higher in the United
States, where women make up only 14% of the membership in the Senate
and 13% in the House of Representatives.
Several women will join in a panel discussion exploring
`Paths to Leadership: Armenian Women in Business and Government.’
These will include Hranush Hakobyan, Deputy in the Parliament of the
Republic of Armenia and president of Aiwa/Armenia, Rachel Kaprielian,
a Watertown Representative inthe Massachusetts Legislature, Nancy
Kolligian, Chairman of Distributor Corporation of New England, and
Sharyn S. Boornazian, Leslie University Certification Officer and
Armenia liaison for AIWA’s Women’s Entrepreneurship Program in
Armenia.
Among those present for the meeting will be actress and author
Nora Armani, who has appeared extensively on stage and screen
worldwide andis currently writing about Soviet Armenian Cinema
(1965-75) as a PhD candidateat the London School of Economics, from
which she also holds a Masters Degree in Sociology.
The event will begin with registration and coffee at 10 a.m. and
the annual Business Meeting at 10:30 a.m., followed by the Luncheon
and Program at 12 noon
AIWA President Suzanne E. Moranian will preside over the business
meeting, and former president and one of the founders, Barbara
Merguerian, will moderate the panel discussion.
Among the topics included on the meeting agenda are the future
plans of AIWA’s Women’s Entrepreneurship Program (WEP) in Armenia, the
organization of the next international conference, AIWA’s
publications, scholarship program, Women’s Archives, and other
projects designed to increase the visibility of Armenian women and to
promote their equal role in the community.
Established in 1991 `to unite Armenian women worldwide and to
address the critical issues facing them everywhere,’ AIWA and its
programs are open to all who share its goals.

Iran Mania, Iran
May 14 2006
Iran can connect Armenia to world: Official
Sunday, May 14, 2006 – ©2005 IranMania.com

LONDON, May 14 (IranMania) – Head of Armenia’s Chamber of Commerce
Martin Sarkisian said that only Iran can act as a highway to connect
Armenia to the world, said IRNA.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the first specialized
exhibition on the products of his country in the provincial capital
of Sari, he said that since the independence of Armenia Iran has been
his country’s major partner in all modern economic fields over the
past decade.
He referred to the great attraction of the exhibition on potentials
of Mazandaran province in Armenia to businessmen and said that it
paved the way for inking several cooperation agreements between the
two sides.
“Armenia’s first exhibition in Sari aims to introduce the province to
Armenian producers. As a first experience, we hope that the event
will help strengthen bilateral relations,” he added.
The Armenian official said that his country and Mazandaran province
mostly cooperate in scientific, medical and agricultural fields as
well as rendering various services.
For his part, Deputy Head of Iran’s Chamber of Commerce, Industries
and Mines, Alaeddin Mir-Mohammad Sadeqi, referred to 30 chambers at
the provincial capitals across the country and said, “Even in some
provincial cities chambers of commerce have been established, which
can prepare the ground for cooperation with other countries.”
He added that continued communication between the two sides will be
in the interest of both Iran and and Armenia.

Zaman, Turkey
May 14 2006
Compelling Statements from Erdogan
By Ekrem Dumanli, Bali, Indonesia
Published:
zaman.com
Journalists had the opportunity to hear significant remarks from
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on domestic and
international issues during his visit to Indonesia.
Erdogan traveled to Indonesia to attend a gathering of D-8 countries
after his visit to Austria, where a meeting of officials from the
European Union and Latin American countries was held.
On the flight from Austria to Indonesia, journalists heard Erdogan
speak on a wide range of topics – from the Middle East to the upcoming
presidential elections in Turkey, from the tension between the
governments of Turkey and France over the so-called Armenian
genocide, to his recent football performance.
Erdogan is making plans for a surprise visit to the United States; he
believes that as Turkey is Co-President of the Greater Middle-East
and Northern Africa Projects, it has an immense responsibility and
the Turkish government should do its utmost.
`The tension in the region is set to mount due to Iran’s nuclear
activities. I do not expect to see a war; however, there is bound to
be a heavy price for us to pay. I have plans to take a trip to the
United States as soon as I return to my country.’
Erdogan pressed for the need to recognize Iran’s right to have
nuclear power, provided that Iran’s nuclear involvement be open to
international inspection.
The Tehran administration does not object to an examination of its
nuclear activities, said Erdogan, and stressed the need not to be
over-judgmental, since it is not the change of regime in Iran that
deserves focus.
The recent growing trend of reactionary news in Turkey is bound to
the approaching presidential elections, said Erdogan.
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced he will ask
the United States for an appointment to discuss the Iran, Iraq, and
Palestine issues after returning to Turkey from Indonesia.
`As co-chairman of the Greater Middle East and Northern Africa
Projects, Turkey is under a huge responsibility,’ Erdogan said,
tension has escalated in the region due to Iran’s nuclear activities.
`I predict hot developments in the region. In such a case, Turkey
will suffer greatly. I am thinking of visiting the US as soon as I
return to Turkey, and I will ask for an appointment. On May 25 and
26, I will meet the German Chancellor Angela Merkel, which is
important for the United Nations Security Council. We should discuss
the Iraq, Iran, Israel, and Palestine issues.’
Erdogan stressed that the Iranian issue can be resolved
diplomatically and said Iran has the right to enjoy nuclear power;
however, its activities should be open to international inspections.
`The issue should not be quickly and harshly resolved. A regime
change in Iran should not be discussed. There are problems with
transparency, however, Iran is not against International Atomic
Energy Agency (IAEA) inspections and the international community
should be informed about that.’
Erdogan said he did not approve of the international community
halting the transfer of financial aid to Palestine after HAMAS
(Islamic Resistance Movement) won the elections and discussed the
issue with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
`Palestine is like an open prison,’ Erdogan said, adding, `When Rice
came to Turkey I asked her about the decision to stop humanitarian
and financial aid to Palestine and said, `It is not appropriate.’
Rice said `the US is still sending humanitarian aid’ and I told her
that `Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas does not confirm this.’ We
are discussing humanitarian aid including food, oil, and sugar with
Turkey’s Special Coordinator to Palestine Vehbi Dincerler. I spoke to
UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan. He also shares our feelings.’
Algeria bill implications
Erdogan noted France’s bill to criminalize denial of the so-called
Armenian genocide is related to its domestic political issues.
Emphasizing that French President Jacques Chirac also voiced his
discomfort over the bill during their conversation in Vienna, Erdogan
said: `Chirac wants that the bill be decided by the lower wing and
should not be carried to parliament. He said the agenda of the French
Parliament was already too busy.’
Erdogan said he met with representatives of French companies
operating in Turkey and added that they are also uncomfortable with
the current situation.
Erdogan said that a country that has considerable investments in
Turkey will of course be negatively affected with this kind of a
situation.
Replying to a question on whether Turkey could take a similar
decision about the genocide in Algeria in response to France’s move,
Erdogan said, they have not made any moves towards such a decision
yet and added: `Our patience continues up to a certain point. We want
to reach an agreement and we will continue to act with patience, but
I don’t know what will happen if this process in France continues. We
are not in the position of hostility; however, we can apply our own
sanctions.’
Negotiations can start next month
Prime Minister Erdogan also touched upon Turkey’s relations with the
European Union (EU) during our conversation and said that half the
screening process was complete.
Erdogan said the negotiations, which will be conducted as two
chapters, will start before Austria’s term presidency ends in June.
Erdogan said the process continues and that they do not need to visit
all EU member countries as they did prior to the December 17 process,
and added: `We already meet with the leaders during the summits and
have had the opportunity to impart our position. Even if we do not
have a place in the family portrait, we are invited to participate as
a gesture.’
Erdogan emphasized the government evaluates the developments over the
EU in all meetings it conducts and added that some important steps
will be taken next year in order to strengthen ties with the EU.
AKP ready for contributions to CTA, not for its withdrawal
`We are ready to work with anybody prepared to contribute to the
Counter-terrorism Act (CTA). The lawyers or others should come and
share their concerns about the CTA with us; however, no one should
expect us to completely withdraw the CTA. About twenty NGO’s came to
us with their concerns about the CTA. I told them `Let’s make this
law as a nation not just as the Justice and Development Party (AKP)
Government.’ The security forces expect legal support from us for
their struggle against terrorism. The CTA was already prepared
consulting all organs of the state. The Turkish Armed Forces is one
of them and the Presidency is another.’

Assa-Irada, Azerbaijan
May 14 2006
Azeri MP slams French parliament `genocide’ decision
AssA-Irada 14/05/2006 01:44
An Azeri parliament member has aired discontent over the law the
French parliament is planning to enforce that allows prosecuting
persons denying the so-called Armenian genocide.
Raising the issue at a session of the Milli Majlis (parliament) on
Friday, the Great Establishment Party chairman, MP Fazil
Gazanfaroghlu suggested that Azerbaijan reject this country’s
co-chairmanship in the OSCE Minsk Group (MG) mediating settlement to
the Upper (Nagorno) Garabagh conflict.
The MP said the stance of all the three countries co-chairing the MG
(Russia, France and the United States) on the Garabagh problem is
against Azerbaijan. `We should therefore ensure that another, more
neutral country, replaces France,’ he said.
Gazanfaroghlu said Azerbaijan should stand by Turkey on the issue.
`The claims being laid out against Turkey directly refer to
Azerbaijan. If we do not take this seriously, the French Senate may
also pass a decision in the near future criminalizing the recognition
of Upper (Nagorno) Garabagh as Azeri territory,’ the MP said.
Gazanfaroghlu suggested that the legislative body set up a taskforce
that would further prepare an appeal to world parliamentarians. `It
should say that the French parliament’s decision was fully prompted
by their harboring Armenians and animosity toward Turks.’

Itar-Tass, Russia
May 14 2006
Russian weapons loaded on train in Georgia by schedule – official

TBILISI, May 13 (Itar-Tass) — The loading of the first train with
hardware and weapons from Russia’s military base in Akhalkalaki is
underway in the town of Tsalka, 50 kilometres from the base, and
proceeding by schedule, Deputy Chief of the Georgian General Staff
Alexander Kiknadze said.
He is personally watching the loading at Tsalka. `Seven T-72 tanks,
eight armoured reconnaissance vehicles, four armoured fighting
vehicles, 28 automobiles, and 340 boxes of shells for Grad systems
will be loaded today and tomorrow,’ he said.
Officers from the Group of Russian Troops in the Transcaucasia told
journalists that `all technical questions and problems that could
arise during the loading of hardware and weapons and their withdrawal
have been resolved together with the Georgian side.’
The weapons and hardware will take up 16 carriages, one carriage will
be for the guards and two for the property to be withdrawn from the
base to Russia, the command of the Russian troops in the
Transcaucasia told Itar-Tass.
Last week Russian troops set up a field camp and a ground for
collecting trains at Tsalka. Military hardware and weapons to be
shipped with the first train were brought to Tsalka in advance
because there is no railway in Akhalkalaki.
It will take two days to load the first train. It will leave Tsalka
on May 15 to go to Russia via Azerbaijan. The next three trains will
go to Russia on May 23, 25, and 30.
Trucks will take some of the military hardware and weapons from the
base in Akhalkalaki to the Russian base in Gyumri (Armenia). The
first convoy of trucks will go there on May 18.
The Georgian Defence Ministry and local law enforcement agencies will
ensure the security of the withdrawal.
The Russian pullout from Akhalkalaki will be completed in 2007. The
biggest part of military hardware and weapons will be withdrawn
between May 15 and August 15, 2006. The first motor vehicles left the
base in Akhalkalaki in the summer of 2005.

Itar-Tass, Russia
May 14 2006
Kocharyan praises Armenia’s cooperation with OSCE

YEREVAN, May 13 (Itar-Tass) — Armenian President Robert Kocharyan
praised cooperation with the Organisation for Security and
Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).
Kocharyan met with OSCE Secretary General Mark Peren de Brisambo on
Saturday. Brisambo arrived in Armenia to attend the opening ceremony
for an enterprise at Kaltakhchi, not far from Spitak, which will
recycle a component of missile fuel left over from Soviet times.
Kocharyan and Brisambo discussed the latest events in the OSCE area
and the organisation’s reform.
The president briefed the guest on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement
efforts. He stressed the importance of the fact that these efforts
are taking place within the OSCE framework and an effective format.
The two men also discussed relations between Armenia and Turkey, two
neighboring countries that have no diplomatic relations.
In a meeting with Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanyan, Brisambo
lauded the country for its contribution to the OSCE’s work. They also
talked about the programmes implemented by the OSCE Yerevan office
and democratisation processes in Armenia.

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
May 13 2006
Azerbaijanis close exposition of tourism company from Nagorno
Garabagh in Moscow
[ 13 May 2006 20:22 ]
Azerbaijanis staged a protest action related to the opening of an
exposition by the separatist Nagrono Garabagh regime, which has
occupied Azerbaijan’s lands, during the exhibition organized by
Moscow, Russia (APA).
Our 15 young compatriots surrounded the exposition for the Nagorno
Garabagh’s tourism company holding Azerbaijan’s national flag,
demanded closing the exposition. Azerbaijanis said Nagorno Garabagh
belongs to Azerbaijan, and Armenians has occupied it. The exhibition
organizers called militia to the site. The militiamen prevented
Azerbaijani young protesters to come into conflict with Armenians
from Nagorno Garabagh.
The separatist regime removed the expositions after that./APA/

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
May 13 2006
Armenian President discusses Garabagh conflict with OSCE Secretary
General
[ 13 May 2006 18:51 ]
Armenia’s President today had talks with OSCE Secretary General Marc
Perrin de Brichambaut (APA).
The sides exchanged views on the ongoing processes in the region and
reforms in OSCE as well. Kocharian informed the OSCE Secretary
General about the current negotiating process for the settlement of
the Nagorno Garabagh conflict. Armenian President said he supports
solving the problem in OSCE framework which is effective.
The sides also exchanged views on Armenia-Turkey relations./APA/