GREAT BRITAIN’S REPRESENTATIVE IN OSCE VISITS MILLI MAJLIS [March 17, 2006,
22:00:52]
AzerTag, Azerbaijan
March 17 2006
Great Britain’s permanent representative at OSCE Collin Monroe on 17
March met with Samad Seyidov, chairman of the Standing Committee on
International Relations and Inter-Parliamentary Links, head of the
Azerbaijan delegation at PACE.
Samad Seyidov said Azerbaijan closely cooperates with the Council of
Europe, NATO, Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization, and the
Organization of Islamic Conference and other international
structures. The Country attaches special importance to cooperation
with OSCE and its Parliamentary Assembly, he said. “Because OSCE is
directly engaged in settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno
Karabakh conflict. We hope the Minsk Group will increase its efforts
for quick resolution to this conflict and the problem will find its
fair solution”, he emphasized.
Collin Monroe expressed pleasure with the ongoing development process
in Azerbaijan, in particular, the economic progress. Such intensive
development of economy may be an important factor and in settlement
of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, the guest underlined.
The parties had comprehensive discussions on prospects of relations
between the Great Britain and Azerbaijan, the ongoing progresses in
region and other questions of mutual interest.
Ambassador of Great Britain in Azerbaijan Lawrence Bristow took part
in the meeting.

RA FM: RESPONSIBILITY FOR NEGOTIATIONS’ DEADLOCK RESTS WITH BAKU
DeFacto Agency, Armenia
March 17 2006
“In the civilized world there is not a country or a nation that uses
the amount of its budget to compete with the neighbors. I believe
the actions of the kind cannot add one’s honor. Nowadays there are
other spheres of competition – economical, cultural. The Azeri party
is aware that Armenia surpasses it in the above-mentioned spheres”,
stated RA FM Vardan Oskanyan in an interview with the Second Armenian
TV when commenting on the Azeri President Ilham Aliyev’s statement,
Regnum reports.
To remind, March 16, while speaking at the opening of the Second
Congress of the world Azerbaijanis, President of Azerbaijan stated:
“My task is to make military budget of Azerbaijan equal to all the
budget of Armenia in the near future”.
According to RA FM, “Azerbaijan’s statement on bloating military
budget and making it equal with Armenia’s state budget is not news,
such statements used to be repeatedly made”.
“Let’s turn to the U. N. human development ratio, which includes health
care, education and other spheres. Undoubtedly, we surpass Azerbaijan
by all the rates. We are superior having positive atmosphere, free
economy, as well as democracy, human rights and freedom of speech. This
is the international organizations’ estimation. There are no points
of comparison between Armenia and Azerbaijan in the spheres”, stated
RA FM.
“We face a task to prepare our societies for peace, not war. We
regret such statements, consider them to be negative and believe
responsibility for the negotiations’ deadlock rests with Baku”,
stated Vardan Oskanyan.
According to the Minister, the principal goal is to manage to continue
the process and go on acting on the positive factors we used to have
before the Presidents’ talks in Rambouillet. “It is not a secret that
in Rambouillet Azerbaijan stepped backward in respect of the positive
issues. It is very important to return the process to the zero point,
the so-called “pre – Rambouillet position”, where there are a lot of
positive sides, and to build the process on the basis”, noted Oskanyan.
In Oskanyan’s words, in the course of a meeting that is to be held
in Istanbul March 20 the OSCE Minsk group Co-Chairs will chart
future tasks. “We will wait for their decision. We should continue
the process, as we think the process has not been exhausted yet”,
stated RA FM.

RECURRENT SITTING OF CONSTITUTION COMMISSION HELD IN STEPANAKERT
DeFacto Agency, Armenia
March 17 2006
March 16 a recurrent sitting of the Constitution Commission headed
by the Nagorno Karabakh Republic (NKR) President Arkady Ghoukasyan
was held.
According to the information De Facto received at the NKR President’s
Administration, discussion of two chapters of the Constitution draft
had taken place in the course of the sitting.
By the Arkady Ghoukasyan’s proposal, the expert group formed of
professional lawyers was delegated to study notes and suggestions
made at the discussion and to prepare conclusions on the basis. The
NKR President stated the NKR future constitution must correspond to
the internationally recognized criteria.
Arkady Ghoukasyan charged the working group to prepare and place for
consideration a schedule of the Constitution Commission’s further
works.

NKR PRESIDENT SIGNED A NUMBER OF LAWS
DeFacto Agency, Armenia
March 17 2006
The Nagorno Karabakh Republic President Arkady Ghoukasyan signed a
number of laws on making modifications in the NKR laws “About Tax on
Trade”, “About Cash Operations”.
According to the information De Facto got at the NKR President’s
Press Service, Arkady Ghoukasyan had also signed laws on making
modifications and addenda to the NKR laws “About Tax Service”,
“About Fixed Payments”, “About Income Tax”, “About Using Control –
Cash Devices”.

Peter Semneby: “European Union is ready to send peacekeepers to the conflict zone”
Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
March 17 2006
[ 17 Mar. 2006 20:55 ]
The European Union Special Representative for the South Caucasus
Peter Semneby held a news conference on the conclusions of his visit
to Azerbaijan (APA).
Mr.Semneby said that during his visit, he had talks with Azerbaijan’s
President Ilham Aliyev, Prime Minister Arthur Rasizade, head of
President’s Executive Office Ramiz Mehdiyev, deputy Foreign Minister
Araz Azimov as well as opposition leaders Ali Karimli, Isa Gambar,
Sardar Jalaloglu, Lala Shovkhat and Eldar Namazov.
Saying that he will fulfil the mission of his ancestor Heike Talvitie,
Mr.Semneby said he will focus on the settlement of frozen conflicts
in the region. According to the diplomat, the EU can support settling
conflict though observation, sending peacekeepers and renovation works.
“Talvitie’s office was in Finland but mine is in Brussels-near the
European Union organizations. This will ensure to attach more attention
to the South Caucasus,” he said.
Stressing that the EU’s interest in the South Caucasus is growing,
Semneby explained this interest by two Black Sea states recently
becoming members of the European Union.
“The European Union is negotiating with Turkey, Turkey borders on
the three Southern Caucasus countries”.
Peter Semneby said that there are opportunities for the settlement
of Nagorno Garabagh conflict in the current year.
“The main point is achievement of the agreement, changes are necessary
in the sides’ position. Common interests can be found in the settlement
of all conflicts”.
He said that the European Union is ready to station its peacekeeping
forces in the region. Peter Semneby said that The European
Union-Azerbaijan talks held in Brussels on March 7 were not fruitless.
“Talks held in Brussels were not unsuccessful, they are ordinary
talks. It was known in advance that the third round of the talks will
be held in order to come to any agreement”.
Diplomat added that the cooperation plan has not been agreed on with
all of the three Southern Caucasus countries. /APA/
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
03/17/2006
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <;HTTP://WWW.ASBAREZ. COM 1) Turkey Has Less Than Two Years to Meet EU's Political Accession Criteria 2) Fifty House Members Call on Foreign Aid Appropriators to Maintain Military Aid Parity to Armenia And Azerbaijan 3) US Urges Turkey to Open Border with Armenia 4) Armenian Organizations Demand Introduction of Armenian as State Language 5) Authorities in Tabriz Assure Normalization of Situation 6) Courts Allow Turkish Demonstration in Berlin 7) ANCA Joins Armenian Bar Association-Led Coalition in Fighting Armenian Genocide Denial in Massachusetts 8) Burbank ANC Organizes Armenian Genocide Art And Essay Contest 9) Armenian Genocide Documentary to Be Honored at 2006 Midwest Journalism Conference in April 10) Armenia Fund Reconstructs Artik Hospital 11) Third Pan-Armenian Writers' Conference to Be Held in Antelias 12) Element Band Presents Armenian CD Yev O Phe 13) Critics' Forum: Visual Arts: By Ara Oshagan 1) Turkey Has Less Than Two Years to Meet EU's Political Accession Criteria BRUSSELS--Noting the slowing pace of reform in Turkey, the European Parliament has called on the Turkish government to take immediate steps to ends its discriminatory and repressive policies. In its recently adopted resolution on the "Commission's 2005 Enlargement Strategy Report," the Parliament called on the European Commission to define the geographical boundaries of the European Union. This report, prepared by Elmar Brok, a Conservative from Germany, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, aims to formulate a comprehensive enlargement policy before focusing on candidate nations (Macedonia, Western Balkans) and countries in negotiation (Turkey, Croatia). In the section of the report dedicated to Turkey, the European Parliament states that the priorities outlined in the Accession Partnership "have to be accomplished in the first phase of the negotiations" and "notes with satisfaction that the Commission now supports this view as well by stating that those criteria have to be fulfilled within one or two years." Based on these considerations, the Parliament therefore called on Turkey "to present as soon as possible a plan, including a timetable and specific measures, to meet these deadlines," and urged the Commission and the Council "to make the progress of the negotiations conditional on the timely accomplishment of those priorities." This demand comes in reaction to the slowing down of Turkey's reforms, which were noted in the resolution. The Parliament also formally asked Turkey "to remove all existing legislative and practical obstacles to full enjoyment of fundamental rights and freedoms by all Turkish citizens, notably freedom of expression, religious freedom, cultural rights and the rights of minorities." The Resolution also urged the Commission "to conduct a rigorous and thorough scrutiny of developments on the ground." The adopted text--for the first time in European Union history--also recalled that "the capacity for absorption of the Union...remains one of the conditions for the accession of new countries" and stressed that "defining the nature of the European Union, including its geographical borders, is fundamental to understanding the concept of absorption capacity." Thus, the Parliament requested that that Commission submit a report by December 31, 2006 "setting out the principles which underpin this concept" and invites it "to factor this element into the overall negotiation timetable." "We welcome the adoption of this resolution as a true expression of the growing will of the European Parliament to be involved in the Union's decision-making processes. This measure--like the many previously adopted resolutions on this matter--urges the European Commission and Council to not be satisfied with pledges and prolonged delays, but rather to demand genuine reforms in Turkey," said Hilda Tchoboian, Chairperson of the European Armenian Federation. "We are working with European democratic movements in order to require that Turkey meet its criteria within the next two years--including its full recognition of the Armenian genocide and the abandonment of its aggressive policies toward Armenia." 2) Fifty House Members Call on Foreign Aid Appropriators to Maintain Military Aid Parity to Armenia And Azerbaijan WASHINGTON, DCCongressmen Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and George Radanovich (R-CA) were joined by forty-eight of their House colleagues today in urging the leadership of the House Foreign Operations Subcommittee to support pro-Armenian provisions in the fiscal year 2007 foreign aid bill, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA). Members of Congress cosigned a letter, addressed to the panel's Chairman Jim Kolbe (R-AZ) and Ranking Member Nita Lowey (D-NY), which would strengthen the hand of pro-Armenian members of the Subcommittee, most notably Armenian Caucus Co-Chairman Joe Knollenberg, Steve Rothman (D-NJ), Mark Kirk (R-IL), and John Sweeney (R-NY). Representative Sweeney, who joined the panel last year, is one of only two Members of Congress of Armenian heritage. The letter notes that members of Congress are "deeply troubled" that the Administration's request for military aid for Azerbaijan is considerably higher then the request for Armenia. By signing the letter, legislators will add their voice to the effort to ensure that the agreement struck in 2001 between the White House and Congress to keep aid levels to these two countries equal is fully respected. In addition, the letter calls for a hard earmark of at least $75 million for Armenia, a one-year $5 million allocation for Karabagh, and the preservation of Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act. Members of Congress joining Representatives Pallone and Radanovich in cosigning the letter included: Reps. Tom Allen (D-ME), Robert Andrews (D-NJ), Xavier Becerra (D-CA), Howard Berman (D-CA), Michael Bilirakis (R-FL), Eric Cantor (R-VA), Lois Capps (D-CA), Dennis Cardoza (D-CA), John Conyers (D-MI), Jim Costa (D-CA), Joseph Crowley (D-NY), William Delahunt (D-MA), David Dreier (R-CA), Chaka Fattah (D-PA), Mike Ferguson (R-NJ), Barney Frank (D-MA), Scott Garrett (R-NJ), Rush Holt (D-NJ), Michael Honda (D-CA), Dale Kildee (D-MI), James Langevin (D-RI), Sander Levin (D-MI), Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ), Stephen Lynch (D-MA), Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Edward Markey (D-MA), Doris Matsui (D-CA), Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI), James McGovern (D-MA), John McHugh (R-NY), Michael McNulty (D-NY), Martin Meehan (D-MA), Grace Napolitano (D-CA), Donald Payne (D-NJ), Collin Peterson (D-MN), Bobby Rush (D-IL), H. James Saxton (R-NJ), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Joe Schwarz (R-MI), Christopher Shays (R-CT), Brad Sherman (D-CA), Rob Simmons (R-CT), Mark Souder (R-IN), Edolphus Towns (D-NY), Diane Watson (D-CA), Henry Waxman (D-CA), Anthony Weiner (D-NY), and Lynn Woolsey (D-CA). Representatives Knollenberg, Pallone, and Rothman also submitted individual letters citing their foreign aid priorities for Armenia and Karabagh, among other countries. The House Foreign Operations panel is set to review the FY 2007 foreign aid bill, which will then be considered by the full Appropriations Committee and then the full US House of Representatives. The Senate will finalize its own version, which will be reconciled with the House bill by a conference committee. 3) US Urges Turkey to Open Border with Armenia ANKARA (Armenpress)--US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Daniel Fried and the OSCE Minsk Group US Co-Chair Steven Mann met in Turkey Friday with Turkish officials to discuss the Karabagh conflict settlement, Ankara-Yerevan relations, and energy issues. During the meeting, Fried urged Turkey to open up its border with Armenia as a step toward normalization of relations between the two countries, Anatolia News Agency reported. Fried said that the opening of the border between Armenia and Turkey will be beneficial for the two countries and the whole region. He said US will support it. The Turkish side refused, saying that it defends Azerbaijan and will not open its border with Armenia unless progress is made in the Karabagh conflict and Armenia steps back from its demand for recognition of the Armenian genocide. Referring to the Armenian genocide, Fried said that Turkey should seriously recognize the mistakes it has made in the past. Fried said, "The tragedies should be recognized. People must be truly and bravely interested in the issue. At the same time it is necessary to think of the future of the two nations." The US official also discussed with Turkish officials Iran's nuclear program and the Cyprus issue. Turkey and the United States share concern over the Iranian nuclear issue, but officials from both sides agree that it should be resolved through diplomatic means, Anatolia said. 4) Armenian Organizations Demand Introduction of Armenian as State Language AKHALKALAK (Armenpress)The Virk and Javakhk organizations, which are based in the Armenian populated Georgian region of Javakhk, have demanded that Armenian receive the status of a second state language in the region. The organizations prepared a letter of appeal to the Georgian Parliament at a Thursday meeting in Akhalkalak. According to them, since the majority of the local population is of Armenian origin, they must be able to conduct official business in the Armenian language. Representatives of Virk and Javakhk also point out that Armenians already suffer frequent discrimination because of their ethnicity. They say Armenians are not hired as public officers and are often replaced by Georgians who come to Javakhk from other regions of Georgia. 5) Authorities in Tabriz Assure Normalization of Situation TEHRAN (Alik)--An Azeri satellite television station operating in Iran has been disseminating Anti-Armenian propaganda and calling on the local population to engage in anti-Armenian demonstrations. Kevork Vardanian, Iranian Member of Parliament representing the Northern Iran Armenian community, went to Tabriz last Tuesday to check on the hostile situation created by the Azeri TV station. Vardanian has also been in touch with the governor's and interior minister's office in the meantime. He was assured that all the necessary security measures have been taken by the Iranian government to prevent an inter-ethnic clash between the local Azeri population and the Armenian community. "We were at the Prelacy until midnight and fortunately nothing happened. The local security officials called me and the Prelate to assure us that the situation is under control and nothing will happen. The most important thing, however, is that the Armenian community of Tabriz is leading a normal life and last week's concerns have all disappeared," he said. Vardanian also informed that local authorities visited the church and assured the public that "the security of the Armenian community is the responsibility of the Iranian security apparatus and that they will guarantee that." 6) Courts Allow Turkish Demonstration in Berlin --Demonstrators cannot deny Genocide The German Court of Appeals allowed on Friday a demonstration organized by Turks against the recognition of the Armenian genocide and in honor of Talaat Pasha to be held Saturday, March 18. The court has allowed the controversial demonstration, but forbade demonstrators from denying the Genocide either verbally or in writing. The court also called on the police to strictly enforce this decision. The Berlin Police Department wanted the demonstration to be banned completely because they feared violence would erupt and because they suspected demonstrators would try to both deny and glorify the Armenian genocide. 7) ANCA Joins Armenian Bar Association-Led Coalition in Fighting Armenian Genocide Denial in Massachusetts WASHINGTON, DC--The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) has joined with a broad coalition of civil rights organizations in filing an amicus curiae (friend of the court) brief in Massachusetts Federal District Court to oppose attempts by the Assembly of Turkish American Associations (ATAA) to mandate the inclusion of Armenian genocide denial material in Massachusetts' genocide curriculum guide. The coalition led by the Armenian Bar Association, also includes the Irish Immigration Center, the Jewish Alliance for Law and Social Action, and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). In support of the State of Massachusetts, the coalition filed its brief on March 8 urging the dismissal of the complaint filed by the ATAA, a lobbying group that actively denies the Armenian genocide and is calling for the inclusion of the ATAA website in a list of educational sources provided as part of a teacher's guide on genocide education. The complaint also calls for the addition of other websites, including that of the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey, which the ATAA had lobbied to include in the guide. These website were disqualified from the guide because they denied the Armenian genocide, contradicting the Massachusetts statute that requires the teaching of the Armenian genocide. In filing the brief, coalition members expressed their opposition to the inclusion of genocide denial material in Massachusetts' curriculum guide and refuted allegations that plaintiffs' free speech rights were violated. The brief argues, "This case is not about Plaintiffs' ability to express themselves, to receive ideas, or to access information. Nothing in the Massachusetts Guide to Choosing and Using Curricular Materials on Genocide and Human Rights has altered those rights. Rather, this case involves [Massachusetts'] right as a government to express its own official views on matters of historical importance and their place in education and to choose the specific content of its own message." Citing judicial precedent, the brief noted that courts cannot compel state governments to speak as plaintiffs demand: "The government is entitled to full control over its own speech, whether it speaks with its own voice or enlists private parties to convey its message, and the remedy for dissatisfaction with its choices is political rather than judicial." To read the entire brief, visit: ae.pdf 8) Burbank ANC Organizes Armenian Genocide Art And Essay Contest In the spirit of "learning from the past, shaping our future," the Armenian National Committee (ANC) of Burbank has organized an essay and art contest to commemorate and learn from the Armenian genocide of 1915-1923. The contests officially began in early March with the help of more than 80 English, Art, and History teachers from the Burbank Unified School District. Contest packets were distributed to teachers and student. Students in grades 10-12 were invited to take part in either the art or essay contest with the theme, "Learning From The Past, Shaping Our Future: What does the Armenian genocide mean to me?" Using any form of visual media or their own original writing, participating students of all ethnic backgrounds will have the opportunity to creatively express their thoughts and feelings about the impact of the Armenian genocide. "Our goal is to create an understanding among youth that this crime against the Armenians is not just past history and it still has a real impact on our lives today" said Tamar Krekorian, head of the Genocide Commemoration Committee of the Burbank ANC. "Through this contest, young people will learn the continuing lessons of the Armenian genocide and will be prepared to work together to prevent future atrocities." The Burbank ANC is also collaborating with a long time friend, the Burbank Public Library. The contests, running through March 24, 2006, will culminate in an award ceremony Saturday, April 1 at the Burbank Central Library. Student art will be on display and excerpts from winning essays will be read. Three winners for each contest will be awarded cash prizes. Representatives of the City of Burbank and the Burbank Unified School District present the winners with their prizes. The event is open to the public. For more information on the contest, visit <;www.burbankanc.o rg. 9) Armenian Genocide Documentary to Be Honored at 2006 Midwest Journalism Conference in April A Regional Emmy nominated documentary about the Armenian genocide, The Armenian Genocide: 90 Years Later, will be honored at the 2006 Midwest Journalism Conference in Bloomington, Minnesota. The event, which is sponsored by the Northwest Broadcast News Association in memory of journalist Eric Sevareid, will take place April 1. As part of an ongoing series by the Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies in Minnesota (CHGS) about genocide and its lingering effects, [The Armenian Genocide: 90 Years Later] aired on public television in Minnesota last April and was nominated for the 2005 Regional Emmy in the category of "Best News Special." The documentary, which is being honored in the Talk and Public Affairs category, discusses events that led to the Genocide, issues related to Genocide recognition, and its effects on Turkish democracy. The film also addresses current issues about revisionism and the repression of viewpoints that deviate from the official position in Turkey. The program discusses this phenomenon and raises questions about how the issue of the recognition of the Armenian genocide fits into the context of understanding the current status of Turkish democracy, academic freedom in universities, and issues involving language and identity for minorities. Most poignant in the program is the testimony of those whose family members survived the Genocide and lived to tell about it. They discuss how the memory of the Genocide is embedded in the identity of many Armenians. Discussants include Taner Akçam, Stephen Feinstein, and Eric Weitz, from the University of Minnesota, as well as descendants of survivors, and members of the community who explore issues related to the genocide. The documentary is a co-production of Twin Cities Public Television and the University of Minnesota Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies, (CHGS) and is distributed by the Armenian Genocide Resource Center in Richmond California through a special arrangement with CHGS. The Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies in Minnesota has been at the forefront of education on the Armenian genocide for many years. It was established as an Independent Center with its main administrative relationship with the Department of History. CHGS is also affiliated with The Institute for Global Studies, The Humanities Institute, Department of German, Dutch and Scandinavian Languages, The Human Rights Program at the University of Minnesota School of Law, and The Center for European Studies. Its director, Professor Stephen Feinstein, has been at the helm of the Center since its creation in 1997 and has expanded its website to include eyewitness survivor testimonies, documents, teaching guides, online streaming video and audio, and other materials about the Armenian genocide. Some of the materials were provided to the Center over the years by the Armenian Genocide Resource Center (AGRC), including an expanded reference guide for teachers and students, and are available through its website. The Armenian Genocide: 90 Years Later DVD is available from AGRC for a special price of $14.95 plus $4.00 shipping and handling. Send check or money order to AGRC, 5400 McBryde Avenue, Richmond, CA 94805. 10) Armenia Fund Reconstructs Artik Hospital YEREVANThe British affiliate of Armenia Fund has embarked on a vital hospital reconstruction project in the Republic of Armenia. The Artik Hospital the Shirak Region of Armenia will undergo major renovation in order to meet the growing needs of the region. Presently, the project is in its design stage. The scope of the reconstruction will include strengthening of the building and its foundation, construction of a boiler-house, installation of a modern heating system, as well as installation of new doors and windows. The hospital will also undergo crucial seismic retrofitting in order to prevent collapse in case of an earthquake. In addition to key structural upgrades, new restroom facilities will be built and new flooring will be installed throughout the facility. Part of the new plan will encompass a new electrical conduit system, as well as safe and reliable wiring throughout the building. After its completion, the hospital will have a new, independent sewage system. The surrounding landscape of the hospital will be redesigned as well. After a close assessment of the hospital, healthcare specialists determined that the condition of the hospital is critically deteriorating. Construction experts revealed major structural damage due to a lack of repair and maintenance over the years. Over the past twenty years, the hospital has been moderately renovated. Unfortunately, the catastrophic earthquake of 1988 crippled the hospital's structural support and foundation structure. Currently, only one out of four buildings is being used for patient care. The hospital currently has 40 beds and serves as the main healthcare facility for the town of Artik. Due to a lack of readily available healthcare facilities, the hospital serves the Shirak region's growing 60,000 population. Armenia Fund plans to expand patient capacity as soon as reconstruction works are completed. Armenia Fund, Inc., is a non-profit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt corporation established in 1994 to facilitate large-scale humanitarian and infrastructure development assistance to Armenia and Karabagh. Armenia Fund, Inc. is the US Western Region affiliate of "Hayastan" All-Armenian Fund. 11) Third Pan-Armenian Writers' Conference to Be Held in Antelias ANTELIAS (Combined Sources)--The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia, based in Antelias, Lebanon, will host the third Pan-Armenian Writers' Conference on April 6-9, according to a press release by the preparatory Committee. The conference will be the third meeting of writers from Armenia and the diaspora. In consultation with the presidency of the Union of Writers of Armenia, the Committee has already sent invitations to writers in Armenia, Karabagh, and the diaspora. More than 170 writers from Armenia, Karabagh, Syria, Lebanon, Iran, Turkey, Egypt, Cyprus, France, Germany, Greece, Switzerland, England, Australia, Georgia, the United States and Canada have already accepted the invitations. All writers can participate in the conference. Interested individuals can contact the preparatory Committee for more information by emailing [email protected]. 12) Element Band Presents Armenian CD Yev O Phe --Band incorporates sounds of Europe and the Mediterranean, while maintaining purity of original compositions Titled Yev O Phe, Element Band's first Armenian CD brings a refreshing and long-awaited sound to Armenian music by partnering distinct vocals with colorful, warm, and exotic arrangements. While the sounds of Europe and the Mediterranean come to life through the use of classical guitar, violin, bass, accordion, bouzouki, mandolin, and keyboard, Yev O Phe remains free to be distinctively Armenian. The band takes great pains to keep the Armenian songs pure, but uses bold arrangements and genuine sounds of instruments to introduce exciting twists and compositions of traditional songs. Element Band first captured the attention of audiences with their performance at the John Anson Ford Theatre in May 2005, as the opening act for the French gypsy band Bratsch. They later opened for the legendary Demis Roussos at the Kodak Theater in November 2005. Element Band members include Ara Dabandjian (arrangements, keyboards, classical guitar, accordion, string instruments), Saro Koujakian (songwriter, vocals, guitar), Gars Sherbetdjian (vocals), Shant Mahserejian (violin), and Jeremy Millado (bass). Yev O Phe During the Middle Ages, as a result of greater and more enduring contact between Armenia and the West, the 36-letter Armenian alphabet incorporated two additional letters, o and phe, to better reproduce the sounds of European tongues--all the while, needless to say, remaining utterly Armenian. As a result, the modern Armenian alphabet can almost perfectly replicate the pronunciations of various languages. So it is with Element's Armenian compositions that incorporate the sounds of Europe and the Mediterranean, while remaining untethered, simply free... to be Armenian--uniquely. Yev O Phe will be available on March 19 at , , , and at a store near you. 13) Critics' Forum: Visual Arts Of Man and Nature, Layers and Fragments: The Art of Vasken Brudian By Ara Oshagan Vasken Brudian is an architect and artist. He has held one solo exhibition, but his work has been part of many group shows across the country over the past few years. After a long hiatus, Brudian has returned to the art scene with brand new work and the publication of a monograph titled, "Paintings and Collages: Towards a New Aesthetics." In conjunction with this publication, Brudian's work will be on display in a solo exhibit at the Harvest Gallery in Glendale, from March 24 to April 2. Brudian's work draws together a wide array of concepts and ideas and employs a plethora of media: from architectural drawings, paint, acrylic and ink, to photography, alphanumeric texts, philosophical writings, poetry, literature, and essays by well-known writers. And complementing his range, the sizes of his works also vary from the very intimate to ones over 20 feet in length. His work is expansive and inter-disciplinary and does not lend itself to easy categorization. It attempts to strike a difficult and delicate balance of form, color, and concept. Brudian is best known for his "architectural paintings"though these two words are not nearly sufficient to describe what this work is. These "paintings" are the product of a process that combines free-hand painting (the paint and brush) with modern technology-based methods (the computer and plotter). Paint and pencil is used to begin a painting on a surface, typically mylar. Then, after it is dry, architectural forms (everything from lines to beams to numbers to sections of buildings and stairways) are drawn over it with a large-scale plotter. Then more paint is added, then more plotting. This process is repeated several times, layer upon layer, until a dense and multi-storied canvas emerges. Obliteration is used as a tool of construction here. Each layer fully or partially obliterates the one before it. It obliterates and also fuses into it and builds on top of itconstructing a painting in the same way one constructs a building, perhaps. Technology is inherent to the creation of these worksthey cannot be conceived or made without the use of computer technology. The end result of this process is that paint and architectural fragments are held in tension, the fierce linearity of bits and bytes tussle with the free-flow of the hand, instinct is interwoven with technology. Are the two fusing or clashing? This is a question that is raised by Brudian over and over again. In his monograph, Brudian includes some of this earlier work but also adds a host of new work, some of it continuing in the vein of architectural painting and some of it departing from it completely. The new work takes its inspiration from various literary works, poems, and essays. These fragmentary textual references are a strong presence, and they also serve as platform on which Brudian develops his explorations of various themes. This series also introduces photographic images, mainly landscapes. And although they are at times altered, their essential photographic quality is retained. In the new work, these large natural landscapes are fragmented and altered and then juxtaposed with fragmentary texts or abstractions or architectural paintings. Nature, as a concept, makes itself known. Where the landscape photograph is brought together with poetic fragments, the result is overtly and simply emotional. "The Caged Bird"which combines a scenic landscape photograph cast to red with Maya Angelou's verse about a bird singing of freedomis idyllic in its presentation of nature and the bird's romantic musings about freedom. "Two Butterflies," which presents a very similar idyllic and idealized scene of nature, adds poetry by Emily Dickinson about waltzing butterflies. It is nearly impossible to not imagine butterflies waltzing in those trees or to not see the flight of a bird. These works are like reveries, simple invitations to stop and contemplate nature, to bathe in the serenity and emotional flow of verse and landscape. It's quite a leap from these pieces to the much more challenging and compelling ones that bring together nature and man via architecture and technology. This work is a direct continuation of Brudian's architectural paintings but extends their reach significantly. While the earlier work was based on a process of layering and melding of diverse forms, Brudian's new work begins with a clash, a conflict, but goes furtherthat is, it turns in on itself. In his best work, Brudian tiptoes along the razor-sharp edge between man and nature, conflict and harmony, instinct and technology. These larger canvases are composed of two totally distinct and disparate partsa color-washed photographic scene of nature on one side and a Brudian-style architectural painting on the other. The works are juxtaposed and placed next to each other and forced to inhabit the same frame. The two sides of the frame are pitted against each other, and while in one moment they are clashing and tussling, in the next they suddenly seem to flow together in a strange harmony. The best example of this is "/Twisting the Separatix/," where underneath a serene row of upright trees (cast to blue) mad architectural forms crisscross. At first, it seems the ground ends and underneath the soil, architecture and art begin, i.e. manthe dividing line, the front is demarcated, the trenches are dug. But then, those architectural lines and forms begin to echo strange rootscold, hard rootsthat seem to feed the trees themselves, and suddenly the two parts of the canvas flow into each other, give and take from each other. Nature and man are at war, yes, but also at peace and perhaps even nurturing one another. The work, at its best, is a constantly shifting perspective, asking and answering and suddenly losing hold of the answer and questioning again. The effect is thought-provoking and inquisitive: are the two sides clashing or complementing each other? What is the relationship between the natural and the man-made? These are the critical questions Brudian poses in his work. Brudian's monograph is a bold attempt at embracing a plethora of diverse and difficult concepts, using nearly as many diverse media. In his best pieces, he manages to strike a delicate balance between a host of extremesideas, forms, and colors, all pulling in different directions. Brudian's reentry into the art world is refreshing and welcome. Ara Oshagan has degrees in Physics and English Literature from UCLA and a degree in Geophysics from UC Berkeley. He used to be a scientist and now is a photographer. But everything still comes from Literature. You can reach him or any of the other contributors to Critics' Forum at [email protected]. This and all other articles published in this series are available online at To sign up for a weekly electronic version of new articles, go to Critics' Forum is a group created to discuss issues relating to Armenian art and culture in the diaspora. 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. --Boundary_(ID_jwqj3O+APTY7OLnOXyXc4Q)--

Polyeucte – Grand Theâtre Massenet Saint-Etienne, France
By Francis Carlin
FT
March 17 2006 02:00
They are doing Carry on Christians in Saint-Etienne, a dizzy
Technicolor show that is as camp as Christmas. Alexandre Heyraud’s
interlocking series of red colonnades is simple and practical but
management should have taken the costume designer Frederic Pineau
aside and stopped him spending the entire municipal budget at the
local fabric warehouse. Pineau’s riotous pastel togas and headdresses
are right out of a 1950s time-warp.
Gounod thought his penultimate opera, based on Corneille’s tragedie
about the Armenian prince who flouts Roman authority and converts to
Christianity, was his best. It shows how mistaken composers can be
about their own works.
Polyeucte too often gets bogged down in an oompah, grand opera
style that the music director, Laurent Campellone, delivers with
keen attacks but a bit too much vigour. Apart from the tenor recital
lollipop “Source delicieuse”, there is little music of note but much
emphatic padding, run-of-the-mill orchestration, and regurgitated
formulae from past successes such as Faust.
Jean-Louis Pichon’s lame production makes things worse by leaving
the cast stranded mid-stage in shock-horror poses but the work
really requires a starry cast to make us overlook its pious self-
indulgence. Cecile Perrin’s Pauline can muster the high notes but is
hoarse in the middle register. Jean- Pierre Furlan in the title role
has a tenor voice that is in a weird class of its own: his vibrato-less
timbre could cut through the din of roadworks.
Evgeny Alexiev, as the altruistic Sevère, has appreciable power
but wayward control. The supporting cast is more at home with the
required style, notably Christophe Berry in a stylish, all-too-
brief pagan barcarolle.
And Corneille? He is probably still revolving in his tomb. But the
matinee audience lapped it up, particularly the climax, as Pauline
follows her husband and embraces death and the Christian faith.
Tel +33 4 77 47 83 40
–Boundary_(ID_MdbOAO5OgvVrI5erOSiIOA)–

Kenyan government denies links to suspected Armenian mercenaries
The Standard, Nairobi
17 Mar 06
Text of report by Biketi Kikechi and Ayub Savula entitled “Mutua
denies govt link to Armenians” published by Kenyan newspaper The
Standard on 17 March
The government yesterday said it had nothing to do with the business
two alleged mercenaries are doing in the country.
Government Spokesman Alfred Mutua said a company owned by Artur
Sargaryan and Artur Margaryan, known as Brother Link Ltd, was
registered in their names on 1 December 2005.
“They were later issued with class H type immigration investors
permits on 23 January 2006,” said Mutua.
He said the government could not explain any relations they may be
having with a Narc activist.
“Ask the activist, but you cannot expect the government to answer
questions for a person who is not its employee,” Said Mutua.
He, however, said the two brothers could be having other companies,
among them Kensington Holdings Ltd, where Ms Winfred Wangui Mwai is
also a director.
Mutua said it appeared the Armenians had been meeting several people
in the country, such as Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka and others.
“As we speak here, they are at the police station recording a statement
on allegations that they are mercenaries, “said Mutua.
However, Artur Margaryan was at the time addressing journalists at
a press conference in KTN offices.
Mutua said the police would be particularly interested in the pictures
and CCTV footage the Armenians claim they have. He said there was
nothing wrong with businessmen or any other people holding a press
conference at the airport VIP lounge.
He did not explain why they were using GK [Government of Kenya]
vehicles, covering their car number plates nor the kind of business
they did in the country.
Elsewhere, the government said the two men would record a statement
with the police. Office of the President Assistant Minister Joseph
Kingi and Internal Security Permanent Secretary Cyrus Gituai [said]
the men were already under investigation.
“Give the government time to carry out investigations. We are
investigating whether they are mercenaries or not,” Kingi said.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Commonwealth Games notebook
AP Worldstream; Mar 17, 2006
DENNIS PASSA
South African hamstrings, biceps and fingers are taking a beating at
the Commonwealth Games.
The republic’s rugby sevens scrumhalf Stefan Basson had a series-ending
hamstring tear in the quarterfinals Friday.
South African head gymnastics coach Miklos Szabos, meanwhile, will
also be heading home after rupturing his biceps tendon while trying to
catch Gerhard Swiegers, who fell during his routine on the horizontal
bars Thursday. Szabos will require surgery.
To add to the South African injury woes, netballer Martha Mosoahle
has a dislocated finger but is hoping to play.
_____
WEIGHT LIFTED: _ Former Olympic silver medalist Yurik Sarkisian
retired from weightlifting on Friday after failing to win a medal at
the Commonwealth Games.
The 44-year-old Sarkisian, competing for Australia, failed in his
final attempt in the 69-kilogram class. He finished in seventh place,
after lifting a total of 255 kilograms, with Sri Lankan Chinthana
Vidanage winning the gold with a 271 total.
He took off his shoes on the platform to signal his retirement _
but it could be temporary.
“Today I am stopped, next year I don’t know,” Sarkisian said.
Four years ago in Manchester, he won three medals in the 62-kilogram
class.
“Too much pressure, I never feel this pressure before,” he said. “I
feel nervous, that never happened before too.”
Sarkisian, who was born in Armenia, won an Olympic silver medal for the
Soviet Union at the Moscow Olympics in 1980. He also competed at the
1996 and 2000 Olympics for Australia but finished out of the medals.
In his career, Sarkisian has won five world championships and held
23 world records.
_____
NIGERIA, ZAMBIA ON CARDS?: _ If Nigeria or Zambia win the right to
host the Commonwealth Games in 2014 or 2018, it would be the first
time an African country has held the event.
At a press conference in Melbourne on Friday, a Kenyan journalist
asked Commonwealth Games Federation chief executive Mike Hooper when
the games would go to Africa.
“I can’t answer that. That is up to the delegates from the 71 nations
and territories to determine,” said Hooper. “As you know, Abuja in
Nigeria is one of the candidate cities vying for the right to host
the 2014 Games, and like the other cities, I wish them well.”
Abuja is the Nigerian capital. Lusaka, the Zambian capital, is
competing with Adelaide (Australia), Auckland and Karachi, Pakistan
to host the 2018 Games.
The Commonwealth Games has only been held twice outside Britain,
Australia, New Zealand or Canada since 1930. The Games were held in
Kingston, Jamaica in 1966 and in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in 1998.
They will return to Asia in four years, when the Indian capital,
New Delhi, is the host.
___
SHOOTING STAR: Mick Gault equaled the record for most Commonwealth
Games medals won by an English shooter when he took bronze Friday
with Nick Baxter in the men’s 50-meter pistol pairs competition at
the Melbourne Games.
It was the 51-year-old Gault’s 12th Games medal, equaling Malcolm
Cooper’s haul between 1974 and 1990.
Swimmer Karen Pickering holds the overall English record for the most
Commonwealth medals with 13.
____
SEEING DOUBLE: _ Identical Scottish twins Helen and Carol Galashan
are having trouble getting together _ at least before they got to
the competition stage at the Commonwealth Games.
The 18-year-old gymnasts perform the same routines, train at the
same gym and are sharing a room together at the athletes village
in Melbourne.
But injury and limited spots on the Scottish team had denied the
twins the opportunity of competing alongside each other _ Helen on
the bars and beam and Carol in all four apparatus.
“It is the first time we have managed to get it together,” Carol
said. “It is much better with the other one here.”
The pint-sized duo claim they have never abused their situation by
pretending to be the other one.
Team officials struggle to tell them apart. The only difference is
that Carol is four centimeters (1 1/2 inches) taller.
Helen competed at the 2002 Commonwealth Games while Carol recovered
from an elbow injury. The reverse occurred at the 2004 Olympic Games
where Helen was forced to sit on the sidelines as Carol went through
her routine. But they competed Friday in the team event.
_____
CONTROVERSY IN THE RING: _ Controversial boxer Soulan Pownceby will
make his first appearance for New Zealand’s Commonwealth Games team
on Sunday _ as captain.
Pownceby, 30, was jailed for four years in 1995 for the manslaughter
of his 5-month-old daughter and was convicted of four more assault
charges by 2000.
Since then, he has been under the tutelage and care of coach Paul
Fitzsimons at Christchurch’s Salvation Army boxing academy, where
the Australian Associated Press reports that he has become a sporting
idol to kids who know him as Soul Man.
Pownceby, because of his criminal record, was given a special entry
authority from the Australian government, despite Prime Minister John
Howard saying he should not be allowed to compete.
Before boxing competition started Friday, New Zealand team manager
Alan Dickey said Pownceby was a “tremendous team captain.”
“We’ve stayed away from the media,” said Dickey.
Pownceby, a light heavyweight, received a visa after Australian
Immigration Minister Amanda Vanstone confirmed he was “of good
character.” But letters to the editor of several newspapers criticized
the move, including one that said Pownceby’s selection was “an insult”
to the games.
Pownceby, who also competed at the Athens Olympics _ losing in the
third round _ fights Glenn Hunter of Canada on Sunday.

Azeri leader blasts Armenia, praises domestic policies in address to diaspora
Azerbaijani TV Channel One, Baku
16 Mar 06
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has said that Azerbaijan wants to
resolve peacefully the conflict over the disputed region of Nagornyy
Karabakh but it may rethink its policy if Armenia disrupts the peace
talks. Azerbaijan has been loyal to peace negotiations but it will
not participate in the talks for the sake of talks, Aliyev said
in an address to the Baku-hosted second congress of Azeris of the
world. Karabakh can never be separated from Azerbaijan but it can be
given autonomy, he said. The president also said that Azerbaijan’s
military expenditure would equal Armenia’s entire budget and that he
saw this as his duty. Aliyev said that the restoration of Azerbaijan’s
territorial integrity would serve the interests of the Armenian
people as well since this would enable Yerevan to join regional
economic projects. The president also praised Azerbaijan’s recent
economic and political achievements. The following is an excerpt
from the speech carried live by Azerbaijani state TV on 16 March;
subheadings have been inserted editorially:
Esteemed ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, dear countrymen.
I sincerely congratulate you all on the opening of the second congress
of Azeris of the world. I wish good health and happiness to all of
you. The congress of Azeris of the world is a very big event.
[Passage omitted: Speaking about a film about the late President
Heydar Aliyev which was shown before Ilham Aliyev’s speech and the
first congress which was organized by Heydar Aliyev]
Organizing diaspora
It was after the first congress that President Heydar Aliyev decided
to set up the State Committee for Work with Azeris Living Abroad. The
committee has been very successful in organizing the Azeri diaspora.
A law on the state policy toward the Azeris living abroad was adopted
in 2002. This has created a legal basis for this undertaking. All these
measures, all these steps continue to yield results. Our countrymen
living abroad have formed organizations, and they play a bigger role
in the countries where they live. Naturally, this both strengthens
their positions and boosts the positions and the significance of the
independent Azerbaijani Republic.
[Passage omitted: praising Heydar Aliyev and his policies]
Foreign policy
Our foreign policy is very successful and active. Azerbaijan occupies
a very important place in international organizations. Our positions
are getting stronger. Fair decisions which benefit Azerbaijan have
been made in various international organizations lately, particularly
concerning the Nagornyy Karabakh conflict between Azerbaijan and
Armenia. We have managed to maintain excellent relations with
neighbouring countries and we are strengthening [these ties]. This
is very important for our development because we live in this region,
and the establishment of peace and security in the region, development
of regional cooperation serves our interests.
In the sphere of foreign relations, the steps taken by Azerbaijan
are producing positive results.
Over the past two years, Azerbaijan has decided to open 21 new
embassies. Azerbaijan will have 46 ambassadors abroad. Some of those 21
embassies have already opened and some will be inaugurated soon. What
does this mean? It means that Azerbaijan will carry out its policy
in a more comprehensive way. You probably feel it and we know that,
unfortunately, the international community is not well aware of
Azerbaijan’s realities. There is lack of information and in some
cases we face an information blockade because the Armenian lobby of
the world acts against us. It employs all means available to blacken
Azerbaijan, to present the events in Azerbaijan in an unfavourable
light, and thus isolate Azerbaijan. This also happens. However, there
is simple ignorance as well. Hence, the opening of the embassies,
an active foreign policy of Azerbaijan and the strengthening of the
diaspora introduces Azerbaijan to the international community the
way Azerbaijan is.
[Passage omitted: continues in the same vain, urges the diaspora
to help]
Economy
Azerbaijan has achieved economic successes as well over the recent
years. Our country has achieved much in this regard. Our economy is
growing at the highest rate in the world. Economic growth totalled
26 per cent in 2005, which is the highest figure in the world. The
industrial potential went up by 33 per cent in Azerbaijan in 2005,
which is also the highest rate in the world. The income of the
population increased by 27 per cent in 2005. Over the past two years
and a half, 340,000 new jobs have been created in Azerbaijan which
helps reduce unemployment.
The poverty level in Azerbaijan was 49 per cent two years ago,
but dropped to 29 per cent by the end of 2005. This is still a high
figure. I have said that. Why should Azerbaijani citizens live in
poverty? After becoming president I set a task that there should not
be a single poor person in Azerbaijan and we will achieve that. I
am certain that the work which will be done in 2006 will result in
a sharp fall in the poverty rate in Azerbaijan.
A regional development programme in Azerbaijan is being carried out
rapidly. Our capital Baku is also developing rapidly. At the same time,
the provinces are developing very fast. New electric power stations,
gas pipelines, roads, water pipelines, all the municipal and industrial
infrastructure are being renewed.
[Passage omitted: New hospitals and schools are being constructed in
various districts of Azerbaijan; economic growth to continue]
Oil strategy
At the initiative of Heydar Aliyev, Azerbaijan is implementing its
oil strategy. Oil is a great wealth, a natural resource. However, it
only serves the nation after it is extracted from the sea bed and is
exported to the world markets. This was the essence of Azerbaijan’s
oil strategy: to attract foreign investment, to create a favourable
investment climate in Azerbaijan and to bring major oil companies
to Azerbaijan. This is the case today. Oil production is growing
in Azerbaijan by the year and an oil fund has been set up. [The oil
fund] is a transparent organization. Each citizen of Azerbaijan knows
how much money has been accumulated in the State Oil Fund because
information in this regard is being released regularly. We certainly
need this transparency. Everybody must know what the country has and
how it is spent. Public control must be very strict, especially at
this stage when Azerbaijan is to receive larger financial inflows.
The oil strategy of Azerbaijan is being implemented successfully. The
Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline is under construction and will be
put into operation this year. The Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum gas pipeline
will be put into operation in 2006. Our energy resources will be
delivered to the European and international markets. First of all,
this is going to bring us a large economic benefit. This will allow
us to develop and modernize our country to the highest level. On
the other hand, and there can be no doubts about it, Azerbaijan’s
positions in the region, on the continent and in the world will become
stronger. Because Azerbaijan is turning into a very important country
for the European and international consumers and this increases our
strength, our importance, increases the significance of our opinion
and serves our interests.
These giant projects, which will be completed this year, will also
have a very positive impact on the processes in the region because
the trends of regional development are already very clear.
Armenia isolated from regional projects
In the context of the region’s development, Azerbaijan is playing
a very active role: it takes part in all regional projects and is
the initiator of many of them. No political, energy, economic or
transport project can be implemented in the region without our
participation. Azerbaijan is a bridge that connects Asia with
Europe. We are now building up our transport infrastructure. New
airports are being built in various towns. New highways are being
constructed. Large sums are invested in our sea transport and
railway. In a nutshell, the transport sector will have a very big
role in the future.
Our other important regional project is connected with this. To link
Turkey and Azerbaijan with a railway, to launch the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars
railway is one of the main tasks now and we will achieve that.
[Loud applause make Ilham Aliyev interrupt his speech]
It will link Turkey and Azerbaijan with a railway, this route will be
used for all [railway] freight. At the same time, and this is clear,
Armenia, which has attacked us and occupied our territories, will be
left outside of all these projects. We can never allow the country
which has occupied our lands to take part in regional cooperation
together with us.
[Another round of applause]
We have isolated Armenia from all regional projects.
[Applause]
Because no international project can work without our
participation. These regional projects do not just serve the interests
of Azerbaijan or those of its neighbours. In a broader sense, they
are globally important projects. Azerbaijan’s role will continue to
increase and this is our goal. We want Azerbaijan to become a strong
country. We want the Azerbaijani people to live well and in peace
and enjoy prosperity. We want good relations with all our neighbours,
we want to maintain stability and cooperation in the region. This is
the goal of our policy. We can see positive results and successes in
all spheres. I am sure that these trends will go on even faster.
Social issues
Much attention is paid to social issues as well. Our budget grows
by the year. Azerbaijan has completely built its economy on the
basis of free markets and the private sector accounts for around
75 per cent of the GDP. This is a very high figure if we take into
consideration that oil and gas form a major part of our GDP and are
monopolized by the state. This shows that the Azerbaijani economy
has been liberalized, entrepreneurship is developing very fast, the
private sector is developing and the principles of market economy
have been firmly entrenched in Azerbaijan.
Yet, if you look at the structure of the Azerbaijan budget, you will
see that it is social-oriented. That is, the major part of the budget
is channelled into social projects: wages, pensions, social benefits,
humanitarian spending, education, health care and other spheres.
[Passage omitted: says the economy must be liberal but the living
standards of the Azerbaijani people are very important]
I am responsible before the nation and therefore I should try not to
allow the Azerbaijani people, any citizen [of Azerbaijan] to be in
need or face problems.
[Applause]
A sharp drop in the poverty rate and eradication of unemployment serve
to this end. Hence, social issues are very important in our work and
more funds will be invested in that.
[Passage omitted: Azerbaijani refugees need more assistance]
Karabakh talks going on for too long
After the liberation of our territory from occupation we will found
new towns because on the occupied territories all buildings have been
destroyed. The Armenian barbarians have destroyed all buildings,
cemeteries, mosques, schools and historical memorials there. This
is barbarism. After we liberate our lands we will restore them. Our
economy will allow us to do that.
As you know, the Azerbaijani-Armenian conflict over Nagornyy
Karabakh has not been resolved for many years. True, the talks are
continuing, and after establishing a cease-fire there have been
stages in the negotiations when the sides were close to reaching an
agreement. However, the conflict eventually remains unresolved.
Over the past 12 years we have shown loyalty to the peace talks
despite the failed attempts to resolve the conflict. There has been a
cease-fire between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the past 12 years. We
are taking part in the talks because we are still hoping to achieve
results. But how long will this continue? This process cannot go
on forever.
[Applause]
The patience of the Azerbaijani people and authorities is being
tested. We are loyal to the peace process. Our participation in the
peace talks once again confirmed our resolve to settle the problem not
militarily, but peacefully. We have channeled all our efforts into
this. If we see that Armenia’s position at the talks is insincere
and not constructive, if we see the international community being
deceived and misinformed by Armenia, we will have no choice. For
how long will we be taking part in the peace process? I have said
that we will take part in the process until the last opportunity,
until the last challenge, as long as we feel that there is still a
possibility. Azerbaijan will not participate in the talks for the
sake of talks.
Karabakh never to separate from Azerbaijan
This conflict can only be resolved within the framework of
international law. Historically, Nagornyy Karabakh is an Azerbaijani
territory and has always belonged to Azerbaijan. Armenians came there
only in the middle of the 19th century. A monument erected in 1978 in
Nagornyy Karabakh symbolized the migration of Armenians to Nagornyy
Karabakh and it was a proof of this. Armenians later destroyed the
monument. Armenians came to our lands as guests. Then they became the
majority and started separatist tendencies. This aggressive separatism
and the aggressive policy of Armenia have resulted in the invasion
of the Azerbaijani territory.
The norms of international law must be the same for everyone. Nobody
can be an exception or have a privilege. International legal norms
require that Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity be restored. The
entire world recognizes our territorial integrity, the UN and all
[international] organizations recognize it. Therefore, it must be like
that. The occupying forces of Armenia must withdraw from the occupied
territories. Azerbaijani citizens must return to their native lands,
including to Nagornyy Karabakh. Normal relations between Armenia and
Azerbaijan can be restored only after this. Only then will the peace
process be possible.
[Applause]
We will not allow Nagornyy Karabakh to be separated from Azerbaijan
today, tomorrow, in a decade or in a century.
[Applause]
We are the victims of the conflict. Armenia had carried out an ethnic
cleansing policy against us for which it should answer before the
international community.
[Applause]
We give them an opportunity: if they agree to constructive proposals,
if they agree to a new framework proposed by the [OSCE] Minsk Group,
if they sincerely take part in the Prague process, then the security
of Armenians living Nagornyy Karabakh will be ensured.
[Passage omitted: National minorities need autonomy not independence]
Karabakh autonomy possible
An autonomy is possible and the existing positive international
expertise should be applied to this conflict as well. I repeat that
this is our principled stance and we will never give up on it.
It is also a reality, however, that the cease-fire regime has been
there for 12 years and the conflict remains unresolved. What should
we do in this case? Consultations are under way in this regard in the
Azerbaijani government. If we see that the peace process is being
undermined by Armenia and if this is the case, then, of course,
Azerbaijan will have to reconsider its participation in the peace
process.
Azeri military expenditure to equal Armenia’s budget
Along with developing our economy we are also building up our
army. Over the past years we have paid much attention to this
sphere. Azerbaijan’s military budget is increasing year by year. It
increased by 70 per cent in 2005 compared to 2004. It went up by 100
per cent, that is, it doubled in 2006. It will increase further in
2007. Our military budget equals 600m dollars now. I consider it my
duty to make our military expenditure equal Armenia’s entire budget
in the near future.
[Applause]
Armenia will never be able to compete with Azerbaijan and the sooner
the Armenian authorities realize that, the better for them. Azerbaijan
is developing.
[Passage omitted: International organizations support Azerbaijan’s
position on the Nagornyy Karabakh issue]
Economically, the gap between Armenia and Azerbaijan will further
widen. The main objective of our economic programmes is to strengthen
our economic potential in a very short period in order to have
stronger positions on the Nagornyy Karabakh conflict. Without it,
without economic growth, without stronger fiscal discipline, without
bold economic reforms in Azerbaijan, then where from will we fill this
budget? How will we be able to spend so much on the army? Therefore,
economic potential is on our side and our budget and military spending
will continue to grow by the year.
Karabakh settlement to benefit Armenia
The second aspect of the issue, which concerns the stronger positions
of Azerbaijan in the world, especially some regional conflicts and
problems in terms of energy resources, has introduced Azerbaijan to
the world as an alternative exporter of energy.
Whereas two years ago we only defined some directions during talks with
European countries and the negotiations were of theoretic nature, the
talks now are practical. Azerbaijan’s oil and gas will be transported
to Europe now and the two sides are very interested in this. As a
country, Armenia can in no way compete with Azerbaijan. The latter
has been isolated from all regional projects because we have isolated
them. Armenia’s potential to develop is very limited and, in effect,
it is zero. There are no investments, the population is emigrating,
poverty is rife. Its occupying policy and unfounded claims will have
a negative impact on Armenia itself.
[The resolution of the] Nagornyy Karabakh conflict, restoration of
Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity will help the Armenian people
as well. They too can end this situation, they too can take part in
regional processes and can be normal neighbours of [other] countries.
With which of its neighbours does Armenia have good relations? With
none of them. Azerbaijan has open and sincere relations with all
of its neighbours because we are open to cooperation, we do not
secretly sabotaging anyone and we are not involved in separatism. On
the contrary, Azerbaijan is the home of all peoples living in the
country. Azerbaijan is a multiethnic country and followers of various
religions live here as a family. Azerbaijan has never and will never
experience problems on neither ethnic, nor religious grounds. This
is our strategic line. All peoples, all religions live as a family
in Azerbaijan.
Look at Armenia. It is a monoethnic country, no other people can
live there. Under the Soviet Union the Armenians accounted for 90
per cent of the population and now the figure is more than 99 per
cent. People of other nationalities cannot live there. They must end
this policy. This policy is leading them to a precipice.
[Passage omitted: Azerbaijan must develop its potential and diaspora
must help that]