PICTURES WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS
By Mick Oxley, The Journal
THE JOURNAL (Newcastle, UK)
June 27, 2006 Tuesday
Edition 1
Armenia still bears the scars of a terrible earthquake and the Soviet
withdrawal. But artist Mick Oxley found redeeming features on a
recent trip.
Mick Oxley, an artist from Craster, recently returned from Armenia
where he was working at the Veratsnund Art School in the Italian
Village in Spitak.
In 1988, Armenia was devastated by an earthquake which killed more
than 45,000 people and left 500,000 homeless. Spitak, home to 25,000,
was all but levelled.
Some countries supplied temporary accommodation and much of it is
still in use – hence Italian Village.
Mick’s trip was organised by Italian charity Family Care, which is
supported by churches in the Alnwick area. Recently they raised £1,700
to buy materials for the art school and to fly Mick out to teach and
inspire the people who use the place.
A wheelchair-user, Mick found attitudes to disabled people in Armenia
less sympathetic than in Britain.
These are extracts from the diary he kept during the trip
:May 6
We arrived on bumpy Tarmac at Yerevan at 11.45pm. As I started to
re-assemble my wheelchair, I was surrounded by uniformed guards. “We
need your passport and dollars for a visa.” Welcome to Armenia!
The guards were dressed in drab Soviet-style uniforms with enormous
peaked caps. They kept saying: “You need ambulance!”
I replied: “I don’t need an ambulance” and promptly wheeled off to find
myself at a flight of 20 stairs. I hopped out of the chair and scuttled
down the steps on my backside. By now, the reception committee had
grown to about 15, gawping at this nutter bouncing down the staircase.
We piled our cases into two cars and made the 15-minute journey to
our lodgings in central Yerevan.
May 7
After breakfast, we journeyed by car to Italian Village Spitak,
the Lada Niva packed with cases and wheelchair.
Last night on the plane, a steward asked: “Where are you getting off,
Yerevan or Tashkent?”
“Yerevan,” I replied.
“On holiday?”
“A working holiday,” said I.
“Are you collecting scrap metal then?” he said in jest.
The significance of his remark hit home on the journey. Piles
of rusty metal lay by the road, old cars and contorted pieces of
machinery. Buildings which were being constructed by the Russians
are as they were in 1991 when they left. The road was deeply potholed
and vehicles wove in and out, often at high speed.
Travelling over the high ground to Spitak, we passed ugly, Soviet-built
housing blocks, stranded from the city. The hardness of life up here
screamed out at you.
In total contrast was the majestic beauty of the countryside: soaring,
snow-capped peaks, verdant valleys, eagles gliding on the thermals.
Another massive plus is the warmth of the people, especially out of
the capital. There a wheelchair invites trance-like stares.
We went to Arsen and Arusiak’s house in Uzbekistan Village to celebrate
their son’s birthday.
May 8
I headed for the Veratsnund Art School at 9am. With two groups coming
every afternoon for the next six days, I felt acutely in need of
preparation. By 6pm, I had tried five styles of painting with the
materials at hand, with differing results. At least I had something
to show the students.
May 9
In the art school by nine.
After lunch, the first of two groups arrived. Not speaking Armenian,
I couldn’t really fire them up. Maybe the students, aged six to 14,
were fazed by the odd-looking bloke in a wheelchair who used sign
language. Later, Arsen called round. Like me, Arsen is in a wheelchair,
having broken his back in the earthquake. Also like me, he is trying
to establish himself as an artist. Arsen rarely leaves his immediate
environment, especially in a wheelchair. The terrain makes life hard
and there are stares and comments from some locals.
May 10
I painted a landscape, the road outside, weaving its way through the
mountains. Arsen painted a view of a neighbouring snow-capped mountain
in a more rapid style which was also new to him.
After lunch, the same children reappeared. Happier with the subject
and more comfortable with the teacher, they produced some pleasing
work in pastel.
I visited the orphanage. The kids range from babies to young adults
and have a range of mental and physical disabilities.
Many of the children are not orphans; they have been handed over to
the nuns because they are disabled.
May 12
Invited to the house of Juliette, her son Hovannes and daughter Hamest.
Every time we get in a car it causes comment when I put a seatbelt
on. Having the front seat (for ease of transfer from wheelchair),
it is always noted. Seatbelt wearing is not just optional but almost
frowned upon, taken as a slight against the driver.
With their house destroyed by the earthquake, their home has been
two steel shipping containers bolted together. With the rusting metal
sides, it is very dark and cramped. On the wall is a poignant photo
of Juliette’s other daughter, who died in the earthquake. Just before
our visit, the family received their compensation for the loss of
their house – £15.
May 14
The day started with the sound of a cuckoo! We headed to Spitak to
attend Sunday Mass at the new Armenian Apostolic church. In many ways
it was similar to a Roman Catholic Mass; the layout inside was similar,
the incense, the organ and the choir.
Afterwards, we headed up to Venadzor. It was previously a heavily
industrialised town. Now it looks fairly desolate.
The people remain, as do the factories. Sadly, though, for mile after
mile we passed ghost factories.
We journeyed back to Yerevan to view the venue for the exhibition,
the Artbridge in Abovian Street. Set in a pleasant avenue, the gallery
had a good ambience, with tasteful decor and cool music. The only
drawback again was access – two steps up and two down to get in and
inaccessible toilets.
May 15
Some of the children’s work is progressing well.
One girl, Piruz, was so cheerful and helpful, constantly translating
for me. Another student, Susan, consistently achieved pleasing
results. Arsen, too, was well into his stride, working happily in his
new-found style. Previously, he had concentrated on religious icons
and very traditional still-lifes.
May 16
I went into the art school early and started on a mountain view.
After 30 minutes, I was visited by three children from the orphanage,
Elizabeth, Igneas and Rosa. All were keen to paint. Within minutes
my picture was transformed into a more abstract representation! All
three left, pleased to have put me right!
We had arranged transport from Spitak to Yerevan for the exhibition
and many of the children were keen to attend with their parents.
May 17
I worked until 2.30pm, ringing and stringing 25 canvases and seven
framed pictures.
All but the framed work had been completed during our six working
days together. There were nine canvases from the children and eight
apiece from Arsen and me.
May 18
We arrived at the Gallery by 5pm and met Arsen and his family. It was
a big event for Arsen to venture out in his wheelchair after years of
ridicule and rude stares. Soon after, the bus from Spitak arrived;
the looks of wonderment on the children’s faces as they entered the
gallery and saw their work made everything so worthwhile. The Mayor
of Spitak made a speech, Arsen and I sold a canvas each and were
interviewed by Armenian TV.
May 19
We said our farewells. Arsen and his family had become good friends.
Would I visit again?
I would like to – if someone could help me manoeuvre the wheelchair
over the rough ground and monstrously high kerbstones.
May 20
After breakfast, I sauntered around the city centre. At one point,
I got stranded in the middle of the road while on a crossing with a
green man flashing. A marshrutka (taxicab) stopped and as I turned
to thank him, he was sitting shaking his fists at me!
May 21
Headed for Zvartnots airport. Yerevan was serene at that time of
morning.
The plane arrived late from Tashkent but we boarded without hassle –
only to meet some women from Seahouses.
PS
This was a trip I won’t forget. I feel we met our aims. We introduced
Arsen and the students to new ways of working. We also left a legacy
in terms of materials. I hope being there in a wheelchair might
have encouraged Arsen and others to venture out. If by wheeling
around Yerevan I changed one person’s view of the disabled, I would
be satisfied.
j Mick is participating in The Art Tour. See his work at the Village
Hall, Whin Hill, Craster, every Sunday in July from 11am to 5pm. Tel.
–Boundary_(ID_8ghcJ8dgveCmyzvFg8z7zA)–

KARABAKH PROBLEM TO BE DISCUSSED IN WASHINGTON, NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SPEAKER AND FOREIGN MINISTER OF NKR MAIN SPEAKERS
Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
Jun 28 2006
WASHINGTON, JUNE 28, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. A discussion
“Karabakh Conflict: Peace Prospects” will take place at the United
States Institute of Peace in Washington on June 28. The main speakers
are Speaker of the NKR parliament Ashot Ghulian and Foreign Minister
Georgy Petrosian.
According to Radio Liberty, the following issues will be discussed: Has
the deadline for signing a peace agreement expired? What prerequisites
are necessary in order to complete the negotiation process and sign
a peace agreement?
How can the US contribute to this process? How will the problems of
thousands of Armenian and Azerbaijani refugees be solved? What are the
lessons to be drawn from other conflicts in the post-Soviet territory?
“This visit was envisaged long ago and has no relation to the latest
developments. Yesterday we arrived in Washington and a few hours
later had a meeting with the new US Co-Chairman of the OSCE Minsk
Group Matthew Bryza at the NKR representative mission,” Ashot Ghulian
told Radio Liberty. “To us, the meeting is of cognative character,
we have a lot of things to tell each other. I think we have succeeded
in exchanging preliminary information,” he noted.
In response to the question that Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan
Oskanian stated that the Armenian and Azerbaijani Presidents have come
to an agreement on the issue of referendum on Nagorno Karabakh status,
to which the Karabakh side has always objected, Ashot Ghulian replied:
“I think the Armenian foreign minister told that quite clearly,
and there is no need to make comments.”

NKR OFFICIAL DELEGATION VISITS USA
Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
Jun 28 2006
NEW YORK, JUNE 28, NOYAN-TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. On June 22, within
the framework of the working visit of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic’s
delegation to the United States of America, NKR National Assembly
Chairman Ashot Ghoulian and the Republic’s Foreign Minister Georgy
Petrossian arrived in Boston.
On June 23, the NKR Parliament Speaker and Foreign Minister visited the
House of Representatives of the state of Massachusetts where they met
with Deputy of the Parliament Rachel Kapriyelian and advisor to Speaker
on Healthcare Issues Chris Hager. In the course of the meetings issues
concerning mutual cooperation in the sphere of education, culture,
and healthcare, as well as parliamentary activity were discussed.
Then the NKR delegation met with the members of the Council of editors
of the “Boston Glob” newspaper. During the conversation the current
state of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement peace process
and social-economic situation in Artsakh were touched upon. The NKR
representatives replied to different questions of journalists.
In Boston the official representatives of Nagorno Karabakh also
had meetings with representatives of the leadership of the Armenian
Assembly of America (AAA) Caroline Moughar and Anthony Parsamian. The
issues connected with the relations’ expansion between AAA and the
NKR authorities were discussed.
According to the NKR Foreign Ministry Press Service, in the evening NKR
National Assembly Chairman Ashot Ghoulian and NKR Minister for Foreign
Affairs Georgy Petrossian visited Armenian Cultural and Educational
Centre where they met with the leadership of the Armenian organizations
of the state of Massachusetts. After the meeting a public event took
place. During the meeting an important contribution of the USA Armenian
community to the development of Artsakh was noted. They also spoke
about the necessity of the participation of the Diaspora Armenians
in the confrontation to the challenges facing Nagorno Karabakh. The
official representatives of Artsakh answered the questions of the
participants of the meeting, which mainly related to economic, social
and cultural spheres.
On June 24, a meeting was held at Sam and Aida Bedjakians place
where a number of American philanthropists of Armenian origin were
present. During the meeting the NKR representatives on behalf of
the people of Nagorno Karabakh expressed their gratitude to their
compatriots from the USA for the consistent assistance which was being
rendered to Artsakh. In their turn, the Armenian businessmen of America
confirmed once more their readiness to support the Nagorno-Karabakh
Republic.
The working visit of the NKR delegation to the USA is ongoing.

KAREKIN II: “WE DO NOT BELIEVE THAT EXTREMIST NATIONALISTIC FORCES WILL SUCCEED IN SOWING HATRED AND ENMITY TOWARD ARMENIANS LIVING IN TURKEY.”
Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
Jun 28 2006
ETCHMIADZIN, JUNE 28, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. His Holiness
Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians,
having completed his first Pontifical Visit to Istanbul, returned
to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin in the early morning hours of
June 28. The seven-day visit included a two day fraternal visit to
the Ecumenical Patriarch, followed by five days with the Armenian
community of Istanbul and the Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople.
Although His Holiness’ flight arrived in Yerevan in the middle of the
night, waiting for him in the Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin
at 4:00 AM, were hundreds of faithful who had come to welcome him
home. His Holiness’ procession was escorted into the Mother Cathedral
under the singing of the “Hrashapar” hymn. Standing before the Holy
Altar of Descent, the Catholicos of All Armenians offered prayers of
thanks to heaven and thereafter conveyed the unforgettable and warm
impressions from his pontifical visit to all those present.
His Holiness Karekin II joyfully reflected on the enthusiastic
reception he received from the Armenian community of Istanbul, as
expression of their love and devotion to the Holy Armenian Apostolic
Church and the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
His Holiness stated, “Glory and thanksgiving to God. We return from
our pontifical visit to our sons and daughters in Constantinople
with a content heart. Our soul was filled with joy to personally see
and meet our faithful children, their enthusiastic devoted faith,
and their patriotic spirit. We communed with 600 years of history
and treasures of the Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople.”
According to the press-release of the Information Services of the
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, the Pontiff of All Armenians stated
with contentment that the Armenian community of Istanbul, a community
that lives, breathes and speaks Armenian, is active today with a
vibrant national life. The community has 39 churches, 17 Armenian
schools and many institutions, the largest of which is the Holy
All-Savior National Hospital. His Holiness also fondly recalled his
meetings with Armenian intellectuals and youth of Istanbul.
As the visit of His Holiness was widely covered by the Armenian and
Turkish press and media in Turkey, His Holiness spoke of the press
conference convened in Istanbul on Sunday, June 25, following the
Pontifical Divine Liturgy, during which the Armenian Genocide was
discussed. (The full text of the press conference will be available
tomorrow on the website of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin,
). In reply to the concerns about the prospect
that His Holiness’ statements on the Armenian Genocide could negatively
affect the attitude of the Turkish authorities towards the Armenians of
Turkey, the Catholicos stated, “We do not believe that our thoughts
and words can affect the attitude of the authorities towards our
Armenians in Istanbul, because we never expressed hatred or enmity,
we simply stated the reality and the truth. Taking into account the
process of democratization, which the Turkish authorities desire
to achieve in their country, we also do not believe that extremist
nationalistic forces will succeed in sowing hatred and enmity toward
the Armenians or other minorities living in Turkey.”
His Holiness continued, stating that as many countries have recognized
the Genocide of the Armenians, so too must Turkey recognize the
Genocide, for which there exists no need for deliberations.
Regarding the protests that had been organized in Istanbul during
his visit, noting that the Turkish authorities characterized them as
the “actions of extremist groups”, His Holiness emphasized that in
no way did they diminish his impressions from the trip. Due to the
unprecedented security measures which were implemented, they did not
obstruct the activities of the Pontifical Visit and generally remained
unnoticed by the delegation.
Just before daybreak in Holy Etchmiadzin, as His Holiness concluded
his remarks, he once again expressed his appreciation to the Armenian
Patriarch of Constantinople and the faithful people of Istanbul for
the warm reception, and offered his prayers for the stability and
vibrancy of the Armenian Patriarchate. The Pontiff of All Armenians
also warmly expressed his thanks to all those present who had waited
all night long to greet him upon his return to Armenia.

VARTAN OSKANIAN: FOR THE FIRST TIME CO-CHAIRS CONFIRM THAT KARABAKH’S STATUS WILL BE DETERMINED BY KARABAKH PEOPLE
Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
Jun 28 2006
TBILISI, JUNE 28, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. The revelation or
statement of the principles of the Nagorno Karabakh settlement by
OSCE Minsk Group American Co-chair Matthew Bryza was not complete but
partial. Two important principles were left out of it. Armenian Foreign
Minister Vartan Oskanian declared this at the June 28 joint press
conference with his Georgian colleague Gela Bezhuashvili in Tbilisi.
“First, one of the important components of settlement of the
problem should be ensuring of a corridor between Armenia and Nagorno
Karabakh. Second, Nagorno Karabakh should have an intermediate status
until the status of Nagorno Karabakh is finally determined through
a referendum,” Vartan Oskanian declared.
“For the first time the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs confirmed that the
Nagorno Karabakh status will be determined by the Nagorno Karabakh
people through a referendum,” he emphasized.
According to radio Liberty, the Minister also declared that Armenia
considers that the principles put on the table by the Co-chairs “are
balanced and can contribute to the settlement of the problem.” “Armenia
is ready to continue the negotiations with Azerbaijan on the basis
of these principles,” Oskanian mentioned.
In response to a question of one of the Azerbaijani journalists, why
Armenia does not respect the resolutions of the UN Security Council
to immediately withdraw the troops from the occupied territories,
the Armenian Foreign Minister said: “The above mentioned resolutions
of UN do not mention Armenia as a country having occupied these
territories. Local Armenian forces are exactly sp oken about here.”

RA FOREIGN MINISTER MEETS WITH GEORGIAN PRESIDENT AND FOREIGN MINISTER IN TBILISI
Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
Jun 28 2006
TBILISI, JUNE 28, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. On June 27, RA Foreign
Minister Vartan Oskanian, who is in Tbilisi on a working meeting,
was received by Georgian Foreign Minister Gela Bezhuashvili.
In their greeting speeches the Foreign Ministers of the two countries
held the same opinion that Armenian-Georgian relations based on close
historic contacts and strong friendship will continue to develop in
the spirit of friendship and mutually beneficial partnership.
Then an interested and practical conversation on bilateral and regional
issues of mutual interest went on between the two Ministers. The
sides estimated the agenda of Armenian-Georgian relations as large,
the evidence of which is the high-level eventful mutual visits and
constant contacts between the governments on various issues.
As Noyan Tapan was informed from RA Foreign Ministry Press and
Information Department, the sides especially emphasized combination of
their efforts in the sphere of economy and business in the direction
of deepening of contacts and encouragement of mutual investments. The
Ministers mentioned that deepening of Armenian-Georgian trade and
economic contacts can contribute to development of economically
efficient transport communication. In this connection they discussed
the possibilities of full exploitation of the regional transport
routes. They also touched upon issues relating to energy security, as
well as socio-economic programs in border villages with the assistance
of international structures and individual countries.
RA Foreign Minister mentioned that a number of economic issues have
some political implication and require a special attention. Minister
Oskanian, in particular, emphasized that the relaunching of the
Kars-Gyumri-Tbilisi railway will contribute to the growth of volumes
of bilateral commodity cirulation, as well as will enable all South
Caucasian countries to equally use the regional transit potential.
In his turn, the Georgian Foreign Minister said that Georgia precisely
realizes its role of a bridge and its responsibility in the region
and will continue to try to create conditions of a more beneficial
transit for Armenia.
Georgia is interested in diversification of transport routes, which
at large, in the prospect will contribute to development of all
regional countries.
Touching upon the problems of Javakhk, the sides held the same
opinion that efficient implementation of programs by the Georgian
government in the economic, cultural and educational spheres will
greatly contribute to mitigation of socio-economic problems in the
region. Minister Oskanian repeated RA government’s proposal to as far
as possible assist the Georgian authorities in the issue of solving
the problems existing in Javakhk.
Speaking about the process of demarkation and delimitation of the
Armenian-Georgian state border, the sides, taking into consideration
the political will, expressed confidence that the process will have
a mutually acceptable end in as short terms as possible.
Then the Ministers touched upon the developments in the direction of
Europe, in particular, upon the Actions Plan within the framework of
the EU Neighborhood Policy and issues of deepening of cooperation with
NATO mentioning the importance to combine the efforts of the two sides.
In the respect of the prospect of regional development the Ministers
touched upon the settlement of conflicts. The Ministers informed
each other about the current negotiations and settlement prospects
around Nagorno Karabakh, Abkhazia and South Ossetia, about the
peculiarities of discussions dedicated to them at different
international organizations.
V.Oskanian’s and G.Bezhuashvili’s joint press conference was held
after the meeting.
The same day in the evening the Armenian Foreign Minister was received
by Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili.
The Foreign Ministers’ contacts during the visit continue.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

BAKU BLAMES YEREVAN FOR DISTORTING ESSENCE OF KARABAKH TALKS
Interfax News Agency
Russia & CIS Military Newswire
June 28, 2006 Wednesday 9:22 AM MSK
The Azeri Foreign Ministry has denounced what it calls “the continued
attempts by the Armenian Foreign Ministry to purposefully distort
the realities in the negotiating process for the settlement of
the Armenian-Azeri conflict over Nagorno- Karabakh” in a statement
on Tuesday.
“The Armenian Foreign Ministry’s statement [] has become yet another
evidence of the persisting unconstructive position of Armenia in the
process to settle the conflict,” the Azeri Foreign Ministry said.
According to the Azeri Foreign Ministry, the OSCE Minsk Group co-
chairmen, particularly Matthew Bryza of the U.S., “only outlined
specific principles for a gradual peace settlement, which are being
discussed now and which cannot be taken out of the general context
of this document.”
“This sets the grounds for misunderstanding, confusion of the terms,
and speculations similar to those contained in the Armenian Foreign
Ministry’s statement,” it said.
“The definition of [Nagorno-Karabakh’s] status is impossible under
continued occupation and ethnical cleansing and therefore presumes
that the occupied Azeri territories be liberated and the entire
conflict zone demilitarized, which, given appropriate international
security guarantees, should provide conditions for the return of the
displaced Azeri population to their permanent residence. The Armenian
leadership acknowledges this as well,” the Azeri Foreign Ministry said.

MARTAKERT IS CELEBRATING 13 YEARS OF LIBERATION
Lragir.am
28 June 06
On June 28, 1993 Martakert was liberated being controlled by the foe
for a year. On the 13th anniversary people who come from Martakert
will arrive to take part in the celebration. Most of them are quite
successful scientists, politicians, businessmen, but few of them have
contributed to the reconstruction of Martakert.
The atmosphere in the town is interesting. Some ruined buildings,
with new metal and plastic windows, were turned into beauty parlors,
the windows of other buildings are covered with blue cellophane that
the Red Cross distributed to returning natives of Martakert. One can
see a Jeep and an old Moskvich loaded with hay in the street.
Water is a serious problem in Martakert, although the big rivers
of Karabakh flow via this region. Roads are bad, there is shortage
of water, what business can there be? They only sow wheat, but the
yield is low. On the other hand, the two largest companies of NKR are
“based” in Martakert, the mines and copper factory in Drmbon and the
woodworking factory of Vank. It is interesting that both factories
were built after the war.
The telethon of the Armenian Foundation held last year was devoted to
the reconstruction of Martakert. Although, we have learned that work
on the raised funds has not started yet. Well, we are not being late.

BAKU CAN GRANT ANY STATUS TO KARABAKH WITHIN AZERBAIJAN – AZERI FM
Interfax News Agency
Russia & CIS General Newswire
June 27, 2006 Tuesday 6:42 PM MSK
Baku is prepared to grant any status to Nagorno-Karabakh on condition
that it remains part of Azerbaijan, Azeri Foreign Minster Elmar
Mammadyarov has said.
“I have said repeatedly what status it could have: it would be, in
particular, either identical to the status of the Naxcivan autonomous
republic [within Azerbaijan] or the status of Tatarstan within Russia,
and so on,” Mammadyarov said.
“First of all, all issues will certainly be resolved within
Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity recognized by the entire
international community,” Mammadyarov said.
“Nagorno-Karabakh should have some status. The Milli Mejlis [the
Azeri parliament] once annulled the autonomous status of Nagorno-
Karabakh. Now, of course, we should sooner or later consider the
status issue,” he said.
The possibility of another meeting between the Azeri and Armenian
presidents during the upcoming G8 summit in St. Petersburg could
be considered following OSCE Minsk Group U.S. Co-Chairman Matthew
Bryza’s visit to the region, he said.

SWEDISH LEFT-WING PARTY IS VISITING KARABAKH
Lragir.am
28 June 06
The delegation of the Swedish Left Party is visiting Karabakh. During
the two-day visit the Swedish will have meetings with the authorities
of Karabakh and go sightseeing.
Ulla Hoffman, representative of the Swedish parliament, the deputy
leader of the Left Party, told news reporters that the group has
been implementing a program in Armenia, and has visited Yerevan
and the regions of Armenia. Now the members of the party decided to
visit Karabakh.
The same political party initiated a survey of the Armenian Genocide
in 2002. As a result, in 2005 the parliament recognized the genocide.
Murad Artin, Armenian by origin, the deputy mayor of the city of
Orebro, a member of the party, said the group also pursues the
recognition of independence of NKR. Vardan Mkrtichyan, member of
the Ardarutiun faction of Armenia, arrived in Karabakh with the
Swedish delegation. He told news reporters that the Swedish Left
Party is implementing a program together with the People’s Party of
Armenia. And since the Left Party are feminists, the program deals
with gender issues. “We will be discussing Karabakh women joining
our partners,” said Vardan Mkrtichyan.