SPECIAL ASSEMBLY OF EUROPEAN BOXING UNION OPENS IN MOSCOW
YEREVAN, JUNE 23, NOYAN TAPAN. The assembly of the European Boxing
Union opened on June 23 in Moscow. Special election of the Chairman
and leading staff of this organization is on the agenda. Derenik
Gabrielian, organization’s Vice-Chairman, RA Honored Worker of
Physical Culture and Sport, and Levon Hovhannisian, Head of the
Department of Olympic Kinds of Sports of Armenian Sports Committee,
Secretary General of Republican Boxing Federation, take part in the
assembly from Armenia.

CATHOLICOS OF ALL ARMENIANS BEGINS PONTIFICAL VISIT TO ARMENIAN
PATRIARCHATE AND ARMENIAN COMMUNITY OF ISTANBUL
ISTANBUL, JUNE 23, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. On the evening
of June 22, having concluded the Fraternal Visit to the Ecumenical
Patriarchate and His All Holiness Bartholomew I, the Catholicos
of All Armenians officially began the Pontifical Visit to the
Armenian Patriarchate and the Armenian community of Istanbul. His
Holiness and the pontifical entourage visited the Mother Cathedral of
St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Mother of God) in Kumkapi, Istanbul, and were
greeted by a “Hrashapar” service welcoming the Pontiff. In attendance
were high-ranking clergy of the Armenian Patriarchate, representatives
of Sister Churches, Mr. Karen Mirzoyan (Representative of the
Republic of Armenia in Turkey), and countless Armenian faithful,
many who had come to see the Catholicos of All Armenians for the
first time. According to the information system of Mother See of Holy
Etchmiadzin, following the traditional service of greeting a hierarch,
His Beatitude Archbishop Mesrob Mutafian, Armenian Patriarch of
Constantinople, warmly greeted the Catholicos of All Armenians and
welcomed him to Istanbul on behalf of the Armenian Patriarchate, the
clergy and faithful. His Beatitude then invited His Holiness to offer
his words of blessing to the assembled. His Holiness addressed his
message of blessing and love, stating in part, “…We are with you
now with our prayers of thanksgiving and praise. At this historic
and emotional moment, we turn our gaze to heaven with the prayer
of our holy forefathers: ‘King of Peace, Our Lord Jesus Christ,
keep and protect Your people under Your holy and revered Cross in
peace’. “This cherished prayer has resounded throughout the halls of
this sanctuary for centuries as well. It has been uttered from the lips
of many courageous and glorious clergymen, who became martyrs of the
faith; the good shepherds who devoted their lives to God for the flock
entrusted to them, and with the life-giving light of faith, led them to
creativity, loyalty and fidelity. Five Patriarchs of Constantinople,
by the will of God and the nation, were called to become Catholicos
of All Armenians – the first servant of our Holy Church. Only after
kneeling down before this Holy Altar and asking for the intercession
of the Holy Mother of God on behalf of the Armenian nation, did they
depart to sit on the Throne of the Illuminator. In difficult times,
our luminous and brave-hearted Pontiffs protected our people and
kept them gathered around Holy Etchmiadzin with the hope and belief
in salvation. And now from the Throne of the Illuminator – the holy
cradle of our faith – Holy Etchmiadzin, we have come to see you, our
dearly beloved sons and daughters, to extend our blessings and love
to you all. We have come so that Pontiff and flock can be united once
again with the same oath of our holy fathers, and unite our prayers to
their appeals for the peace of mankind and for keeping all Armenians
dispersed throughout the world reinforced in faith and unified. “…For
six hundred years, the churches of the Armenian Patriarchate kept
the belief in Christ and hope of salvation alive and vibrant in the
souls of our people. For six hundred years, our mother tongue was
proclaimed undefiled in our schools, where our national traditions
transformed into the spirit of our people. Connected with the Armenian
Patriarchate of Constantinople are the brightest achievements of
our culture – in literature, art, music and architecture… “It
is with these emotions that we have come to visit you, to see our
ancient, incense-filled churches, which remain vibrant through your
presence. We came to see our educational and cultural institutions,
which continue to remain alight through your vigilant efforts. We came
to bless your lives, to encourage your devoted spirits, your resolute
will and selfless allegiance, through which you are firmly standing
on the foundation-stone established by Saint Gregory our Illuminator,
keeping the light of Holy Etchmiadzin sparkling in your souls, which
has always shined and glowed in the monasteries and churches of the
Patriarchate. “We have brought the boundless yearning and love of the
Mother See of All Armenians to you, dear faithful, and greetings from
your brothers and sisters in Armenia, Artsakh and the Dispersion,
who are always with you in their warmest of prayers. We have also
brought the optimism of the reborn new life of our homeland, and our
people’s hopes for strengthening our unified spiritual and cultural
life. Our Church is strong and alive with all of her children, and
steadfast in the path of her mission, which is the same yesterday,
today and always – to lead the small flock of the Armenians toward
the life-giving and saving light of faith, toward God Who makes peace
and creates beneficence. Let us stay loyal to the Holy Gospel of our
Lord, loyal to our Holy Church, and loyal to our inherited appeal for
peace.” In his remarks, His Holiness also offered prayers to heaven,
asking for God to grant rest to the souls of the Armenian Patriarchs
of Constantinople of blessed memory, as well as long years of health
and fruitful reign to His Beatitude Archbishop Mesrob Mutafian. At
the conclusion of the service, the special Pontifical Encyclical of
the Catholicos of All Armenians was read, wherein His Grace Bishop
Aram Ateshian, a member of the Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin and
the Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople, was elevated to the
rank of “Archbishop” by His Holiness Karekin II. Archbishop Ateshian
was commended by the Pontiff of All Armenians for his devotion and
efforts as Chairman of the Religious Council and Sacristan of the
Armenian Patriarchate.

COMPOSITE ECONOMIC INDICES BELOW 100 POINTS IN THIRD QUARTER OF THIS YEAR
YEREVAN, JUNE 23, NOYAN TAPAN. In the third quarter of 2006, the
composite economic indices of Armenia were below 100 points. The
business environment index made 97.9, the economic activity index
– 99.4, and the consumer confidence index – 95.1. The indices are
calculated as the so-called ratio of index response balances – the
percentage ratio of the given quarter’s balance to the balance of
the previous quarter. According to a press release of the Central
Bank of Armenia (CBA), in the first quarter of 2006, the balances of
business environment indices responses made 58.3, while in the second
quarter – 57.1 The economic activity indices responses balances made
70.5 and 70.1 respectively, while those of consumer confidence –
51.3 and 48.8. Since early 2005.
the CBA started conducting quarterly surveys of non-financial,
financial organizations and households. The purpose of these surveys
is to evaluate changes in the current economic situation compared with
the previous period, assess economic expectation of economic entities
surveyed, and based on the survey results, to calculate and publish
composite economic indices. More than 600 organizations in industry,
constrcution and service sector have been surveyed.

‘Lifelong volunteer’ helped Armenians
By Jim Steinberg
The Fresno Bee
June 23, 2006
Rosemarie Saghdejian of Fresno left Beirut, Lebanon, as a child,
eventually growing up to become a leader in Armenian charity around
the world and in education in Fresno.
Mrs. Saghdejian served as a board member of the international
Armenian Relief Society and the Armenian Community School in Fresno.
She founded the Trinity Adult Day Care Center in Fresno.
Mrs. Saghdejian died Saturday. She was 52.
Tatul Sonentz-Papazian, executive ARS director, said from the agency
headquarters in Massachusetts that Mrs. Saghdejian was dynamic and
committed. She worked with the Armenian Relief Society to raise funds
and involve more people in the organization’s work.
The ARS operates in 23 or 24 countries, Sonentz-Papazian says, and
Mrs. Saghdejian’s work touched people in all of them.
Yeretsgin Sossy Costanian, an ARS assistant coordinator in Fresno who
also left Beirut, came to know Mrs. Saghdejian when the two worked
together in Los Angeles.
“She had a love for humanity,” Costanian says, “and she was adored
by seniors. She was like an angel.”
Mrs. Saghdejian graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a
teaching credential. She moved to Los Angeles to become close to
its growing Armenian community. She received her master’s degree
from UCLA in French culture and arts, and met her husband, Abraham
“Apo” Saghdejian.
Former Fresno Mayor Jim Patterson lives around the corner from the
Saghdejians’ home, and recalls Mrs. Saghdejian helping him and,
especially, his wife, Sharon.
“She took Sharon under her wing, and treated her like a daughter,”
Patterson says. “Rose and Abe made us feel we were invited to their
dinners because we were part of the family. I loved her baklava and
humus. A regular plate would show up o-n our doorstep.”
Abraham Saghdejian recalls his wife’s work for others regardless of
national boundaries: “She was generous and helpful to people all over
our community. She was a lifelong volunteer, a leader who had been
to Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh.”
He referred to a disputed Armenian enclave inside the neighboring
nation of Azerbaijan.
The couple worked together with the ARS o-n a relief telethon for
victims of the 1988 Karabakh earthquake, which killed upward of 25,000
people and left 500,000 homeless.
Mrs. Saghdejian spoke fluent English, Armenian, French and some Arabic,
her husband says.
Apart from her work, Mrs. Saghdejian was an excellent cook and
hostess, he says: “She made beautiful dishes and set beautiful
tables. Congressmen remember her food.”
Mrs. Saghdejian’s accomplishments and contributions could not prepare
her for the tragedy of their lives, Abraham Saghdejian says. o-n
July 14, 2004, their son, Hovig, 23, was killed in a Herndon Avenue
traffic collision.
“She was very hurt,” Saghdejian says.
“She had been such a healthy woman. Then she came up with cancer in
the stomach. Grief can do anything.
“She never complained. She talked with people about their
organizations, and asked what they were doing… She brought life,
joy and happiness to people in pain.”
A funeral service was held Thursday at Holy Trinity Armenian Church
in Fresno, followed by burial in Masis Ararat Cemetery.
The reporter can be reached at [email protected] or (559)
441-6311.

Armenian National Committee of America
1711 N Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
Tel: (202) 775-1918
Fax: (202) 775-5648
E-mail: [email protected]
Internet:
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 23, 2006
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918
RADANOVICH LEADS CONGRESSIONAL EFFORT TO URGE
SECRETARY OF STATE TO RECONSIDER RECALL OF AMB. EVANS
— Fresno Congressman Joined by Rep. Adam Schiff and
Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Joe Knollenberg and Frank Pallone
WASHINGTON, DC – Four leading Congressional friends of Armenia,
George Radanovich (R-CA) and Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Congressional
Caucus Co-Chairmen Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Joe Knollenberg (R-MI),
have strongly encouraged Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to
reconsider the recall of Ambassador Evans, reported the Armenian
National Committee of America (ANCA).
In a June 22nd letter, the legislators noted that “after months of
speculation,” the recall of Ambassador Evans “was confirmed when
the President nominated Richard Hoagland to serve as the new United
States Ambassador to the Republic of Armenia on May 23. While
there has been no official acknowledgement that Ambassador Evans
removal was a result of his February 2005 statement that the
Armenian Genocide was the first genocide of the 20th Century, all
evidence points to that conclusion.”
“We join with Armenian Americans across the country in thanking
Congressman Radanovich, Schiff, Pallone, and Knollenberg – the four
lead authors of the Armenian Genocide Resolution – for once again
taking the lead in challenging the State Department’s failed policy
of complicity in Turkey’s denial of this crime against all
humanity,” said Aram Hamparian, Executive Director of the ANCA.
“We share their belief that Ambassador Evans’ recall should be
reversed and look forward, in the days ahead, to learning more
about the circumstances behind this ill-advised, morally
unjustifiable, and increasingly controversial action.”
The Congressional letter closed with the four legislators
expressing their belief that “the United States must formally
recognize the Armenian Genocide, and we will continue to work
towards that goal. Allowing John Evans to continue as Ambassador
to Armenia sends a strong message on the necessity of Turkish
recognition, and will be an important step in establishing the U.S.
position on the Armenian Genocide.”
The State Department, with the blessing of the White House, fired
Amb. Evans in response to his February 2005 statements at Armenian
American community functions, during which he properly
characterized the Armenian Genocide as “genocide.” Following his
statements, Amb. Evans was forced to issue a statement clarifying
that his references to the Armenian Genocide were his personal
views and did not represent a change in U.S. policy. He
subsequently issued a correction to this statement, replacing a
reference to the genocide with the word “tragedy.” The American
Foreign Service Association, which had decided to honor Amb. Evans
with the “Christian A. Herter Award,” recognizing creative thinking
and intellectual courage within the Foreign Service, reportedly
rescinded the award following pressure from the State Department in
the days leading up to Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip
Erdogan’s visit to Washington, DC to meet with President Bush.
The full text of the letter to Secretary Rice is provided below.
#####
The Honorable Condoleezza Rice
Secretary
United States Department of State
2201 C Street, NW
Washington, DC 20520
Dear Secretary Rice:
We are writing to reiterate our concern over the recall of U.S.
Ambassador to Armenia John Evans. After months of speculation,
this action was confirmed when the President nominated Richard
Hoagland to serve as the new United States Ambassador to the
Republic of Armenia on May 23. While there has been no official
acknowledgement that Ambassador Evans removal was a result of his
February 2005 statement that the Armenian Genocide was the first
genocide of the 20th Century, all evidence points to that
conclusion.
After acknowledging the Armenian Genocide last year, Ambassador
Evans quickly issued a clarification in which he reassured the
public that U.S. policy on the issue remains unchanged. In so
doing, he clarified that his Genocide acknowledgement did not
represent the views of the State Department or the White House.
Despite these clarifications, Evans tenure as Ambassador has been
scheduled for a premature end.
It has been consistent U.S. policy to acknowledge and rebuke the
Ottoman Empires attempted annihilation of the Armenian people
during World War I. As recently as this past April, President Bush
called it one of the great tragedies of history. We strongly
encourage you to reconsider the recall of Ambassador Evans.
Allowing the Ambassador to remain in his post and complete his
tenure will demonstrate to Turkey that the United States stands
firmly by this recognition, and that it wholly supports Turkish
recognition of the Genocide.
We believe that the United States must formally recognize the
Armenian Genocide, and we will continue to work towards that goal.
Allowing John Evans to continue as Ambassador to Armenia sends a
strong message on the necessity of Turkish recognition, and will be
an important step in establishing the U.S. position on the Armenian
Genocide.
Thank you for your attention to our concerns.
Sincerely,
George Radanovich (R-CA)
Adam Schiff (D-CA)
Frank Pallone (D-NJ)
Joe Knollenberg (R-MI)

GAS SUPPLY NETWORK INSTALLATION IN ARAGATSAVAN TO START SOON
ASHTARAK, JUNE 23, NOYAN TAPAN. The process of installing a gas
supply network in Aragatsavan – one of the largest settlements of
Aragatsotn marz started in early 2005 but was later discontinued
due to lack of funds, the community head Andranik Papikian told NT
correspondent. Only part of the program was implemented with 7 mln
drams allocated by the Armenian government and 2 mln drams (about
4.7 thousand USD) invested by the community. According to A.
Papikian, considerable financial resources are needed in order
to complete the program. He said that the Armenian government
and ArmRusgazprom will allocate funds for this purpose, and the
installation of a gas supply network in Aragatsavan will resume
soon. It is envisaged to complete this work in late 2006.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

System Of A Down refute charges by Turkish media
Online Rock Radio, Greece
June 23 2006
System Of A Down has posted a statement at its official website
refuting claims by the Turkish media that the band’s 1998 tour featured
tickets with an anti-Turk slogan printed on them. The message reads
in part, “The Turkish media has been spreading blatant lies about
System Of A Down, among them the claim that we had an anti-Turk slogan
printed on tickets during our 1998 tour with Slayer.
The truth is that System Of A Down cancelled our shows opening for
Slayer in Turkey in 1998…there were no anti-Turkish slurs printed
on any tickets for that, or any other tour involving System Of A
Down.” The statement adds that the band “wishes that the media be
conscious of the facts, responsible in their research, honest in
their writing, and dedicated to the essential importance of the truth.”
Drummer John Dolmayan told us why the band pulled out of the shows:
“You know, we had an opportunity to play in Turkey and we decided
not to do it for a number of reasons, one of which being our personal
safety. You know, we do have a few songs in our repertoire that touch
on the Armenian genocide and we insist on playing them. In fact, we
had planned on playing only those songs. At that time there was one,
and we were gonna play it for our whole set if we went to Turkey.”
SOAD has been highly critical of the Turkish governments for failing
to acknowledge and apologize for the genocide of 1.5 million Armenians
by the Turks during World War One. The members of SOAD are of Armenian
descent and lost family members in the atrocities.
SOAD will begin its co-headlining stint on this summer’s Ozzfest next
Thursday (June 29th) in Seattle, Washington.
The band plans to take a long hiatus after completing the tour,
during which all four members will work on individual projects.
The latest single from SOAD’s Hypnotize album is “Kill Rock ‘N’ Roll.”

U.S. FEDERAL DISTRICT JUDGE GIVES COURSES FOR REPRESENTATIVES OF RA
LEGAL BODIES YEREVAN, JUNE 23, NOYAN TAPAN. The Honorable Richard G.
Stearns, a U.S. Federal Judge, accompanied by U.S. Department of
Justice Prosecutor Michael Yoon, visited Armenia June 17 through
23. As Noyan Tapan was informed by the U.S. Embassy, in Armenia at the
invitation of the U.S. Embassy and the U.S. Department of Justice,
Judge Stearns met with several of Armenia’s leading judges and with
Justice Minister David Harutunian, who chairs Armenia’s Judicial
Reform Council.
Judge Stearns also conducted training sessions for Armenian
judges, the Prosecutor General’s Office, and the Armenian Police
Department. The training sessions focused on trafficking in persons
issues, and specifically on victims’ rights and the protection of
witnesses. The Honorable Richard G. Stearns has been a United States
District Judge at the Massachusetts Federal District Court since
1994. Previously, he served as an Associate Justice on the Superior
Court of Massachusetts. Judge Stearns received his B.A. from Stanford
University, M. Litt. from Oxford University (where he was a Rhodes
Scholar), and J.D. from Harvard Law School.

AzerTag, Azerbaijan
June 23 2006
THE AZERBAIJANI ARMY CREATED BY NATIONAL LEADER HEYDAR ALIYEV, IS
CAPABLE TO SOLVE ALL PROBLEMS FACING IT
SPEECH OF PRESIDENT OF AZERBAIJAN, SUPREME COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF ILHAM
ALIYEV AT GRADUATION CEREMONY AT HEYDAR ALIYEV HIGH MILITARY SCHOOL
[June 23, 2006, 20:37:24]
Dear cadets, officers and generals!
Dear graduates!
Ladies and Gentlemen!
I cordially congratulate you and wish every success on the coming Day
of Armed Forces. Moreover, today is a graduation day at the
Azerbaijan High Military School bearing the name of Heydar Aliyev,
and I congratulate the graduates on this wonderful occasion. I am
confident that the graduates will serve honorably in the ranks of the
Azerbaijan~Rs Army.
The fact that the School bears the name of the great leader Heydar
Aliyev puts additional responsibility on those who study in it. The
great leader has made great contribution to army building in
Azerbaijan. It is the alumni of the military school after
Nakhchivanski founded in 1970s that today are honorably and worthily
serving the National Army of Azerbaijan, and strengthen our military
potential. The process of army building was continued more rapidly
under the leadership of Heydar Aliyev after Azerbaijan regained its
state independence. If to take into account that in the first years
of independence there was no a single command in the army, one can
see how severe were the conditions under which the process of army
building was going then. On the one hand, there were various negative
factors – economic, political and military crisis, and internal
confrontation – within the country, on the other hand Armenian
Aggression against Azerbaijan and loss of lands as a result: in such
a situation, the army building process, as a matter of fact, started
from nothing.
However, it took a short period of time to build a powerful Army in
Azerbaijan, which today is capable to cope with any task. Our army
has stronger material and technical basis, and more qualified
manpower. Of course, great attention is paid to training of military
personnel. In this context, improvement of activities of the High
Military School is of great importance. For already several years
this School has sent its alumni to the Army thereby contributing to
our army~Rs strength.
Today great attention is paid to the army building. You feel it, and
the society feels that. Strengthening of army concerns every citizen,
it is duty of everybody. First of all, the state should not spare
attention. We try to develop all the processes in army building. In
strengthening of the material-technical base of army increase of
allotted means from the state budget is necessary and we do that. In
the last three years, the military expenses have increased by 4
times. In 2003, the expenses allotted for army building made up 135
million dollars, while in 2006 these expenses are about 700 million
dollars, and in the coming years we shall increase them. In last
years, a lot was done in strengthening of material-technical base of
army, many technics and equipment, modern weapons purchased. And,
thus, the Army of Azerbaijan has strengthened much. This process will
be continued. Azerbaijan lives in war conditions and in this case, at
first, the army building should be paid more attention.
I often visit the military units, familiarize with the state of
things, meet the soldiers and I see the preparation is high level. It
pleases much. The army should have nice condition, best service, at
the same time, professionalism and fighting spirit. All these are
available, ether. And education of youth in high patriotic sense is
also important.
There are number of factors that defines success and development of
each country. These factors are available and in Azerbaijan. I
consider strong economy, good welfare of people, strengthening of our
sovereignty and existence of strong army will have great influence on
Azerbaijan~Rs development. Now the country is in progress. This
progress is available in all fields and perhaps, it bases on strong
economic reforms, successful oil strategy. Initiator of the oil
strategy was our great leader Heydar Aliyev. Signing of the ~SContract
of the Century~T in 1994 on his initiative and as a result of
development of the oil projects later, today Azerbaijan economically
depends on nobody. Azerbaijan lives the period of economic progress
and this policy, the taken measures define our country~Rs long-term
development strategy.
Operation of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline is historical
event. This is an unprecedented event for our people, country, and
region, for strengthening of safety measures in region, for regional
cooperation, for Azerbaijan~Rs strong position in the world community.
Great leader Heydar Aliyev has initiated these projects. By operation
of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline the development will envelope
all the fields in Azerbaijan.
Our economy strengthens. Last year, the economic growth reached the
highest level in the world and made up 26 percent. In five months of
current year, the GDP averaged 40 percent. In future, by realization
of all the economic programs, we shall have greater achievements.
This strengthens is our economy, involves additional financial
recourses to the country, and thus, our opportunities increase. Our
budget now nears 5 billion dollars. Total budget is bigger. State
budget of Azerbaijan has increased several times in the last years.
This enables us to resolve all the questions. First of all, in the
army building. In absence of these economic opportunities, we would
not be able to allot such a big amount to the army. In future, our
budget will increase much more. And thus, the army will receive much
more allotment.
At the same time, we pay great attention to solution of the social
problems. As you know, the wages are increased twice in a year, the
minimum wages, and the wages of different categories of people are
increased. Yesterday I have signed a Decree on increase of wages of
the servicemen twice. In whole, on the last three years, the wages of
servicemen have been increased three times. I consider that it is,
too, not enough. By increase of our economic opportunities, of
course, we shall pay more attention to the wages, and not only of the
servicemen, but also all the people of numerous categories.
Great structural and construction works are being carried out in
Azerbaijan. Large project of great importance for the country~Rs
future are underway. Now, 6 power stations are under construction to
strengthen energy sector of Azerbaijan. A new water pipeline is being
laid to Baku. The gas mains are renewed. Only during the last year,
over 300 schools have been built in the country. More than 10 modern
hospitals are under construction as well. Yesterday I attended
opening of the surgery of military hospital and I was deeply pleased
with such a medical institution in Azerbaijan. This means progress.
That means successful economic reforms, and growth of industrial
production.
All our oil programs are being successfully implemented. I said that
Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline has been commissioned.
Baku-Tbilisi-Erzerum gas pipeline is scheduled to be put into
operation by the end of the year. It will bring additional revenues
to Azerbaijan and, at the same time, serve strengthening of our
position in the region.
Azerbaijan strengthens its position in the international arena. We
are members of some international organizations and began to play
more active role in them. International image, prestige of Azerbaijan
and respect for us are increasing and it is a reality. Today,
Azerbaijan, in the true sense of the word, is the country that has
the firmest positions in the region. Of course, there are various
factors stipulating this. Among them are economic potential and the
strength of the army. We know the history very well and learn the
experience of the successful countries. Strong army is the strong
state. Our aim is to build the strong army. We do this, we build it
and we must have the stronger army.
I want to point out that we have programs to solve the problems that
Azerbaijan faces. We have many efficient programs of actions. As you
know, the program on socio-economic development of regions is being
successfully implemented. 400 thousand new jobs have been created for
the past three years. Settlement of social problems of the
settlements surrounding Baku has begun with much money set aside for
this. Very large amount of funds are allocated to the road
infrastructure. Much work is being done in Baku, all the centers of
regions, villages including the repair of the trunk highways.
In one word, our country is developing. I have no doubt that we will
fulfill all the tasks that Azerbaijan faces. The successful results
as well as the work we have done give us every reason to say about
it. We have prepared concrete and precise programs for every sphere
and they are being implemented.
Resolution of the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is
the problem number one for Azerbaijan. Unfortunately, there is no
progress in this sphere. Indeed, the talks are going on; the talks
are being held within some framework. However, they are all not
effective because we cannot achieve any results. The position of
Azerbaijan has always been constructive. We have been committed to
the negotiations for over ten years and it demonstrates our
constructivism. Although, our lands are under occupation and over 1
million Azerbaijan became refugees and IDPs as a result of the policy
of ethnic cleansing that Armenia pursues against Azerbaijan,
nevertheless, we are trying to use all the available peace
opportunities. Therefore, Azerbaijan~Rs stance in the negotiations is
very constructive. Unfortunately, Armenia~Rs non-constructive stance
does not allow us to resolve this conflict.
We are committed to the international legal standards. This conflict
and all other international issues should be settled only within some
framework. This problem cannot be solved in accordance with anybody~Rs
desire, in particular, if this desire does not reflect the reality
and is beyond the framework of the international law. International
law applies to all countries. If international rules, norms of
behavior, decisions of international organizations are not observed
and the decisions do not result in taking measures, then, it will
break all international rules of behavior since the world is governed
in accordance with some rules. All countries are members of the
United Nations and UN is the world~Rs major organization. This
organization has adopted four resolutions on the Armenia-Azerbaijan
conflict, which openly state that armed occupation forces should
unconditionally leave the occupied territories. Unfortunately,
Armenia disregards this and does not comply with these resolutions.
Other international organizations expressed their attitude to this
matter by their decisions and documents. The Council of Europe has
adopted the resolution that recognizes Armenia as an aggressor.
However, this resolution remained ineffectual. GUAM has recently made
a statement concerning the frozen conflicts. It does not affect
Armenia. The summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization held in
Azerbaijan adopted the relevant resolution, which remains
unfulfilled. Quite important decisions on this matter were made at
the session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers. However,
Armenia disregards the decisions of all international organizations.
In this case, we no longer count on international mechanisms of
settlement. If the decisions, resolutions of the international
organizations reflecting reality, justice and international legal
standards are not complied with, what we should do then?! We will
never put up with this situation, loss of our lands. We will never
allow Nagorno-Karabakh to be separated from Azerbaijan it is not the
subject of negotiations. Territorial integrity of Azerbaijan is
recognized all over the world. The United Nations recognized it. The
world considers Nagorno-Karabakh as an integral part of Azerbaijan
and it is really so from historical, political, legal and other
points of view.
Therefore, the subject of negotiations must be connected to restoring
of territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. It is necessary to ensure
security of all peoples residing in the region. No agreement beyond
this is impossible.
And I reiterate that we highly appraise the efforts of international
community, their decisions. We value activity of the OSCE Minsk
Group. Indeed, they try to reach agreement. But non-constructive
position of Armenia, ignorance of the international legal norms
impedes to achieve any agreement. In this case, Azerbaijan should
make corrections in it policy. How long shall we participate in
negotiations? How long shall we expect? Our patience is not endless!
Today Azerbaijan is quickly developing country. Armenia, neither from
the point of view of economy, nor military, cannot compete with us.
Our dominance is a reality. We are still in the beginning of our
development. Let they think over and over in Armenia, after a year,
or three and five, where Azerbaijan and Armenia will be. Armenia has
no chance to develop. They are on the sidelines of all the
international projects. They have little economic growth chances.
Half of the country~Rs population has moved. As provided, they have
difficulty in guarding the contact line. There is lack of living
forces. On the other hand, there is economically strengthening
Azerbaijan with strong army, and politically becoming the center of
region and out economic opportunities.
Recently I have recollected some figures. I reiterate, that according
to estimations of the international financial structures, in the
coming 20 years, only from oil projects Azerbaijan will receive 140
billion dollars. Nagorno Karabakh is our first number problem and I
see no problem for Azerbaijan except this one.
Perhaps, we should use these opportunities ands strengthen our army,
so that in any case it could return our occupied lands. I have no
doubt and hope that our policy will lead to this.
Simply, it is regretful that the time passes, and Armenia gets
nothing by delaying solution of the problem. The time does not work
for them, and on the contrary, it works in our favor.
We, in the country, should use every opportunity. Now we have very
good conditions economic growth, political stability, civil
solidarity, unity between power and people, cohesion, strengthening
of civil society, success of democratization process, strengthening
or our position in region, effective cooperation with the
international organizations and leader position in region. That is
out goal, and that is our present life. And the most important is
that we see the future clearly, what expects us in the coming years.
We know that Azerbaijan in short time should be among the most
developed countries. We have chance, political will, unity of nation,
its talent, and we shall reach this.
Azerbaijan will never reconcile with isolation of Karabakh, and it
will – by peaceful way and military – restore its territorial
integrity.
There is another matter. As you know, recently we have set up the
Ministry of Defense Industry. Of course, should we be not in war
conditions, we would not need this Ministry. And if the Nagorno
Karabakh conflict cannot find its solution, we decided to set up a
strong military industrial complex, and we make necessary steps in
this direction. I hope in short time Azerbaijan will have strong
military industry and this, in turn, have great contributions to
army.
Dear friends,
Dear servicemen,
I cordially congratulate you on the forthcoming Day of Armed Forces.
I congratulate the alumni. Having graduated form the higher school,
they will worthily serve in the national Army of Azerbaijan and
strengthen Azerbaijan~Rs defense ability. Thank you.

Ex-Soviet group looks at boosting security ties
Euronews.net, France
June 23 2006
Leaders of a collective of former Soviet states have been meeting
in the Belarussian capital Minsk – aiming to boost their level
of cooperation in order to serve as a counterweight to NATO. The
Council of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation, or CSTO,
brings together presidents from Belarus, Kazhakstan, Tajikistan,
Kyrgyzstan, Armenia and Russia.
One of the Kremlin’s objectives is for the CSTO to be able to launch a
peacekeeping force that could be deployed either within member states
or outside under a UN mandate. The Russians are concerned by NATO’s
planned expansion into neighbouring states such as Ukraine and Georgia,
and complain of being given the cold shoulder by the Alliance.
Other issues on the agenda include what are described as “concrete
measures” to stop the flow of drugs westwards from Afghanistan,
and cooperation on halting the illegal trade in light arms.