LEBANESE SPEAKER EXPECTS POSITIVE OUTCOME OF NATIONAL DIALOGUE
Al-Nahar website, Beirut
4 Mar 06
Lebanese Speaker Nabih Birri said that he expected the outcome of
national dialogue to be positive, according to a report published by
Lebanese paper Al-Nahar on 4 March. While participants were said to
agree that leaking information to the media would be counterproductive,
the paper reported agreement on various themes of the dialogue:
the removal of President Lahhud; the need to disarm Palestinians
outside camps and for weapons inside camps to be removed through
dialogue and without the involvement of the army; the Lebanese
identity of the Shab’a Farms; and discussion on the weapons of the
Islamic Resistance. The following is the text of a report by Rita
Shararah headlined “Three meetings on second day of National Dialogue:
Removing Lahhud, resolving Palestinian arms inside and outside camps,
Lebanese identity of farms”, published by Lebanese newspaper Al-Nahar
website on 4 March; subheadings inserted editorially
The outside scene not just reflects the real picture of the
interlocutors but of Lebanon’s current state as well. A journalist
following the developments of the national dialogue gathering would
have ample time to observe, especially the commercial scene, which
has become an isolated field whose silence is only interrupted by the
motorcades of politicians. In order for the picture to be complete on
the outside and inside as well, the escorts of the meeting participants
gather around their round table. Every politician has his own security
detail that helps the state and its security forces offer the necessary
protection. Even if the ice has been broken between the interlocutors
– which is what happened – the strict security persists to make sure
that the round table’s membership remains complete.
What positive developments have emerged and prompted House of
Representatives Speaker Nabih Birri to affirm that the outcomes “will
be good”, keeping in mind that the positive signs of the first day
have caused Solidair’s shares to rise to 8 per cent as former Bank
of Lebanon governor Harut Samulian disclosed to Al-Nahar?
The second of the historical days in Lebanon did not start in
the House of Representatives, but at the shrine of martyr comrade
Al-Hariri, where Deputy Sa’d Al-Hariri and Hezbollah Secretary-General
Hasan Nasrallah made certain publicity of the philosophy of their
meeting. They meant to read the opening verses of the Koran for
the soul of Prime Minister Al-Hariri, the architect of Al-Ta’if,
in order to send a clear signal that there is no Shi’i-Sunni discord
in Lebanon and that fishing in murky waters here will not succeed in
reaching its evil goals. The meeting was held at that location to set
the atmosphere for the discussions that will be held in parliament
over Resolution 1559.
Lahhud
After the dialogue participants proved – by staying in the parliament
building seated at the round table – that they support the first
[operative] paragraph of that resolution, in which the Security
Council “affirmed its call for the strict respect of the sovereignty,
territorial integrity, unity and political independence of Lebanon
under the sole and exclusive authority of the Government of Lebanon
throughout Lebanon,” it was neither difficult nor complicated to
agree on the fifth paragraph of the same resolution pertaining to the
unconstitutionality of extending President Emile Lahhud’s term. It
was thus not difficult for them to agree in one form or another on
the petitions submitted to the House of Representatives or those
signed by citizens petitioning to remove Lahhud in accordance with
that paragraph. In the paragraph, the Security Council expressed its
support “for a free and fair electoral process in Lebanon’s upcoming
presidential election conducted according to Lebanese constitutional
rules devised without foreign interference or influence”.
However, the resolution was not discussed by the interlocutors in the
manner planned and they did not cover it paragraph by paragraph;
rather, the resolution was discussed as a single unit and was
summarized under three issues: The presidency, Hezbollah’s arms,
Palestinian arms inside and outside the camps.
Palestinian arms
After the participants unanimously agreed on the need to remove Lahhud
from office, they moved on to discussing Palestinian arms.
They also unanimously agreed on the ministerial statement’s mention
of the need to remove these weapons that exist outside the camps
providing the camps themselves disarm through dialogue and without
involving the army. Moreover, the Palestinians should be allowed
to exercise their right to live in dignity, receive medical care,
education, employment and other human rights. This would give the
government of Prime Minister Fu’ad Al-Sanyurah a renewed push to
continue its work according to the cabinet statement on whose basis
the parliament granted his government confidence.
Probe into killings
The government received its first boost on the first day of the
dialogue when the participants agreed on an international court and
on expanding the investigation into the crimes committed, starting
with the attempted assassination of Minister Marwan Hamadah and ending
with the assassination of deputy and colleague martyr Jubran Tuwayni.
Weapons of the “Islamic resistance”
The weapons of the “Islamic Resistance” were then discussed from the
viewpoint of the coordinates set by Nasrallah for the existence of
such weapons in the document he drafted with the Free National Current
and its leader, deputy Michel Awn, on Tuesday, 7 February, 2006:
– Liberating Shab’a Farms from the Israeli occupation.
– Liberating Lebanese prisoners from Israeli jails.
– Defending Lebanon against Israeli dangerous through a national
dialogue that would formulate a national defence strategy that the
Lebanese agree on and become involved in through bearing its burdens
and benefiting from its outcomes.
Based on the above, the participants unanimously agreed – after
a presentation by Speaker Birri that included the use of maps and
documents – that Shab’a Farms are Lebanese and must thus be liberated
from Israeli occupation.
So far, the participants have agreed on the possibility of naming a
successor other than Awn to take over the Presidency to guarantee the
implementation of the three articles stated in the document. Owing to
the atmosphere that prevailed, it was necessary to resume discussions
today in order to finalize an agreement over the rest of the articles
so that the features for the president of Lebanon would emerge.
“Great positive atmosphere”
The great positive atmosphere of the dialogue was manifested in a
statement by one of the deputies in which he said they needed an
hour and a half to finish their work but that the attendants were
tired from the two rounds of dialogue that lasted from 3pm to 9pm
with only a 30 minute break at 6pm.
What did the House of Representatives Speaker say in his short press
conference that he has held in the past two days at the main hall?
Birri expected “the outcomes of the dialogue between the leaders of
the main political forces in Lebanon to be good”. He said all matters
were discussed, including the Presidency, Palestinian arms inside
and outside the camps, the arms of the resistance, Shab’a Farms,
the eastern sector of southern Lebanon and the controversy over its
identity, and putting a stop to Israeli attacks on Lebanon. Without
going into details, the Speaker described the dialogue as “serious,
responsible, and very open.” He stressed that the “national angle”
dominated the scene “with no reservations”.
After the second round of the dialogue ended at night, some of the
participating deputies expressed their opinion. Muhammad Al-Safadi,
minister of public works and transportation, said the “discussion
was positive and will have positive outcomes.”
Deputy Hagop Baqradian said “discussions in the first evening
session focused on Shab’a Farms and the fact that all factions
are in agreement over the Lebanese identity of the farms; we are
convinced of their Lebanese identity and need to convince the rest
of the world of it. Everyone is talking about selecting a president
through consensus but no names were discussed.” On the issue of arms,
he noted that “every leader expressed his viewpoint transparently,
openly and courageously.”
Samir Ja’ja, chairman of the Lebanese Forces’ executive body, said
“the Presidency issue needs detailed discussions and more time.”
Labour Minister Pierre Al-Jamil described the general atmosphere as
“good and open; the talks touched on all topics. Every side gave its
opinion and we agreed during the session to not leak any information.
We are at the negotiating table and the negotiating table, not media
positions, will determine what happens inside. Media posturing may
even obstruct this outcome, which is why the dialogue is held in an
atmosphere of absolute honesty without any fears and in a constructive
atmosphere.”
Deputy Jawad Bulus expected the discussions to last for days owing to
the sensitive nature of the topics being discussed in a very serious
atmosphere and with utmost honesty, seriousness and calm. Everyone
feels the national responsibility. He noted that preparations for
this conference were adequate “contrary to what is said; everyone had
their files and were ready to stay for as long as necessary until an
agreement is reached over contentious issues.”
Yesterday’s morning session was inaugurated in a commemorative
manner with the absence of deputies Walid Junblatt and Marwan Hamadah
because of travel engagements. Junblatt was replaced by Information
Minister Ghazi Al-Uraydi, who was assisted by deputies Ali Hasan
Khalil and Samir Azar. Deputy Al-Hariri was assisted by deputies
Bahij Tabarah and Nabil De Furayj. Ja’ja was assisted by deputies
Elli Kayruz and George Udwan. Nasrallah was assisted by Energy
Minister Muhammad Fanish and Deputy Muhammad Ra’d. President Emile
Lahhud was accompanied by Minister Pierre Al-Jamil and Deputy Antoine
Ghanim. Deputy Michel Awn was accompanied by deputies Abbas Hashim and
Ibrahim Kan’an. Deputy Elias Skaf was assisted by deputies Asim Araji
and George Qasarji. Deputy Muhammad Al-Safadi was assisted by Deputy
Qasim Abd-al-Aziz. Deputies Butrus Harb and Jawad Bulus represented
the independent Maronite deputies. The Orthodox were separately
represented by deputies Ghassan al-Tuwayni and Michel Al-Murr. The
Armenian parties were represented by deputy Hagop Qasarjian on behalf
of Ramgavar and was assisted by Baqradunian on behalf of Dashnak and
Yigya Gargisian on behalf of Hunchakian.

US-ARMENIA RELATIONS ENTER NEW PHASE
Yerkir
08.03.2006 12:52
YEREVAN (YERKIR) – Today Secretary of the National Security Council at
the President of Armenia, Defense Minister Serge Sargsyan met with US
Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs
Matthew Bryza.
Armenian Deputy FM Arman Kirakosyan and US Ambassador to Armenia
John Evans were present at the meeting. Appreciating the current
level of US-Armenia relations, S. Sargsyan specially emphasized the
development of military cooperation and bilateral relations within
past 5 years. In his turn, Matthew Bryza thanked Armenian peacekeepers
for successfully fulfilling their mission in Iraq.
The Armenian-American relations are entering a new phase of
development, he remarked. He specially underscored the notable rate of
Armenia’s develop0ment and reforms in the country, open and transparent
discussion of national security policy.
Speaking of the process of settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict,
the interlocutors highlighted efforts for peaceful settlement of the
issue within the OSCE Minsk Group framework.

EX-SPANISH OFFICIAL URGES WEST TO SUPPORT AZERI FAIR CAUSE
Assa-Irada, Azerbaijan
March 14 2006
Baku, March 13, AssA-Irada
A former Spanish official has urged the West to support liberation
of the Azeri land from under Armenian occupation.
“Western countries should support an accord on settling the Upper
(Nagorno) Garabagh conflict. Under the agreement, Armenia is to vacate
Azeri territories, while Upper Garabagh should be granted the status
of autonomy through a referendum,” former Spanish Foreign Minister
Anna Palacio told the Washington Post.
“Russia’s political and military influence on Upper Garabagh is
increasing, Therefore, the West should back a peace accord envisioning
liberation of Azeri territories, while Upper Garabagh should operate
as an autonomous entity until its status is determined,” she said.
With regard to the Russian military bases stationed in Armenia,
which earlier drew fire from Azeri officials, the former official
said it is essential for this country to withdraw them.

KAMO AREYAN: IN 2020 TOTAL VOLUME OF GREEN TERRITORIES IN YEREVAN FALLING TO ONE PERSON TO MAKE 78 SQ.M
Noyan Tapan
Mar 07 2006
YEREVAN, MARCH 7, NOYAN TAPAN. The three big program documents of the
green belts of the city of Yerevan, that were worked out in 1960s,
70s and 90s, were implemented only by 40%. Drop of total volumes of
green seedlings happened in 90s because of the energetic crisis. Kamo
Areyan, Deputy Mayor of Yerevan informed about this on March 6 at the
“Yerevan City Surroundings Problems” parliamentary hearings that were
held at the RA National Assembly. According to him, during the working
out of the new plan of the capital it was envisaged to reach the green
territories of total usage from 4.9 sq.m. falling to one person (2005)
up to 19.8 sq.m. And the volume of the green seedlings falling to one
person, that are subjected for the total usage, special importance
and limited usage, that now makes 44 sq.m., to reach to 78 sq.m. in
2020. Hence, the demands of permissions of building in the future
were reviewed, at the same time a program of forest restoration is
being implemented in the capital.
According to K.Areyan, the nature protection state of the Yerevan
in the sense of normative, is really troubling and bind the Mayor’s
Office to implement a program of urgent measures, which is already
worked out. He also mentioned that in 1990-2003 investments were not
done for the implementation of programs of green territories, total
forest restoration. From September, 2003 a program of protection of
total green territories, usage and broadening was put in action. For
the implementation of the later, an investment amounting nearly
4 milliard drams, within the framework of the capital expenses,
was implemented by the Yerevan Mayor’s Office in 2004 and 2005. 100
thousand trees were planted during the mentioned two years. It was also
mentioned that the protection and restoration of the irrigation system
is one of main problems. During the previous two years an investment
of 1.5 milliard drams was implemented for that purpose. Only in 2005
a water line of 70 kilometres was built. The 220 kilometres of the
acting system was repaired by the means of 1.5 mln drams. In 2006,
150 mln drams for 29 water buildings and 1.2 milliard drams for the
irrigation system, restoration of green territories, protection and
usage are envisaged. The second stage of the improvement program of
the canyon of Hrazdan is in process.

KOSOVO MAY SET PRECEDENT, ARMENIAN MINISTER SAYS
Assa-Irada, Azerbaijan
March 14 2006
Baku, March 13, AssA-Irada
If the people of Kosovo make the best of their right to
self-determination, this can set a precedent for the solution of
ethnic conflicts in other countries, Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan
Oskanian has said in an interview with Yerevan’s Shant TV channel.
Oskanian believes that if Kosovo fully secures independence, the
position of ethnic Armenians living in Upper (Nagorno) Garabagh will
be further boosted. He noted that all conflicts are different from
each other, but they should all be treated in the historical and
legal context.
The foreign minister went on to say that if his country capitalizes
on the current situation and if the parties to the conflict make
compromises in negotiations, it will be possible to speed up a
settlement.
“Otherwise, Azerbaijan will stick to its current position and no
progress will be made in the Garabagh talks,” Oskanian said. He
indicated that Armenia had already made some concessions, adding that
it wasn’t known how the Armenian people would react to them.

TURKEY MAY GIVE MILITARY SUPPORT TO AZERBAIJAN IF WAR WITH ARMENIA STARTS
Ekspress, Baku
7 Mar 06 p 2
Text of unattributed report by Azerbaijani newspaper Ekspress on 7
March headlined “Turan Morali: ‘Turkey may provide military assistance
to Azerbaijan if war starts’.”
“If the two countries establish a military alliance, Turkey may provide
military assistance to Azerbaijan in case of resumption of hostilities
[with Armenia],” Turkish ambassador to Azerbaijan Turan Morali has
told APA news agency.
Morali said that the two countries did not have a military alliance,
but stressed that he was not in favour of resolving the conflict
[with Armenia over Nagornyy Karabakh] by means of war. “In any case
the parties need peace,” he said.
Morali said that Turkey provides different assistance to the
Azerbaijani armed forces as part of the agreement on military
cooperation.
“Turkey implements different programmes together with Azerbaijan. We
will continue these programmes and provide other assistance this
year. This includes technical assistance, training, etc,” he said.

ARMENIAN TAKEN CAPTIVE, TO BE REPATRIATED – AZERI PAPER
Ekspress, Baku
8 Mar 06
Text of Alakbar’s report by Azerbaijani newspaper Ekspress on 8
March headlined “The Armenian serviceman has been captured by the
Azerbaijani side” and subheaded “Yerevan is concealing it”.
The Azerbaijani side has taken captive an Armenian serviceman.
Ekspress has learnt from informed sources that Vardan Saakyan, 20,
from [Armenia’s] Sisyan [District] was captured by the Azerbaijani
side in unknown circumstances.
The head of a working group of the State Committee on Captives,
Missing Persons and Hostages, Firudin Sadiqov, told Ekspress that
negotiations are under way and necessary procedures are being
considered to repatriate the Armenian captive.
Interestingly, Armenia’s official agencies have not reported Saakyan’s
capture. In any case, there has been no press reports on this in
Armenia.

BAKU ‘NOT READY FOR WAR’, ARMENIAN OFFICIAL SAYS
Assa-Irada, Azerbaijan
March 14 2006
Baku, March 13, AssA-Irada
Azerbaijan will not resume hostilities, at least because it is not
ready for war now, Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanian has said.
The Armenian diplomat said in an interview with Yerevan’s Shant TV
channel that he believes that if Azerbaijan cannot make even the
most basic compromises in the negotiations, it will never venture to
resort to a military option. He added that Azerbaijan could benefit
a lot from the talks.
Oskanian said further that billions of dollars were being invested
in the Azerbaijani economy and that Baku would not want to jeopardize
this capital.
“Therefore, no-one will give Azerbaijan the opportunity to restart
war with Armenia,” he said.
The discussions held by the Azeri and Armenian leaders in the French
town of Rambouillet in February turned out fruitless, as the parties
failed to iron out issues of principle, which was followed by mutual
threats.

ARMENIA MAY PROVOKE “NEW” WAR TO HALT AZERBAIJAN’S ECONOMIC GROWTH – ANALYST
ANS TV, Baku
8 Mar 06
A political analyst has said Yerevan may try to provoke a new war with
Azerbaijan before it starts making billions of dollars in oil revenues.
Speaking to ANS TV’s “Point of View” programme on 7 March, Eldar
Namazov, former head of the presidential secretariat, said Azerbaijan
should not give in to the Armenian provocation.
“Armenians are very concerned. They realize that Azerbaijan will
start making large amounts of money once its oil starts running to
the world markets,” Namazov said and called for caution.
“The Armenians may resort to various forms of provocation. In any
case, we know the Armenians well. If they realize they is no other
way of preventing us from gaining superiority, they may use various
forms of provocation to strike a blow to Azerbaijan,” Namazov said.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ONE-ON-ONE MEETING OF PRESIDENT ILHAM ALIYEV AND EMPEROR OF JAPAN AKIHITO
AzerTag, Azerbaijan
March 8 2006
President Ilham Aliyev’s Official Visit To Japan
On 8 March in Tokyo, President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan and the
Emperor of Japan Akihito had a one-on-one meeting.
His Majesty Akihito and Empress Michiko warmly greeted President of
Azerbaijan and his spouse Mehriban Khanum Aliyeva.
Then, the heads of state had private meeting.
Highly appraising official visit of the Azerbaijani President to Japan,
His Majesty Akihito said development of bilateral relations would be
useful for both sides. Touching upon the historical friendly links
between two peoples, the Emperor said Japan is deeply interested in
strengthening of relations with Azerbaijan. He reminded with pleasure
the visit of the nationwide leader of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev to Japan
in February 1998, shared his impressions of the past meetings. His
majesty Akihito said just thanks to efforts and resoluteness of Heydar
Aliyev, successful reforms led Azerbaijan to the world’s developed
counties and that policy today have yielded its fruits.
Expressing gratitude to His Majesty Akihito for hospitality and kind
words, President Aliyev said he was pleased with the visit, and spoke
of the legal, democratic, secular state building process ongoing in
the Republic of Azerbaijan. “The current visit will open a new phase
in development of bilateral relations”, he emphasized.
President Ilham Aliyev said Azerbaijan always attaches great importance
to mutually beneficial ties with the world countries. From this
standpoint, the relations with Japan are of particular impatience,
he stressed. “The country is open to businessmen of world counties,
socio-political stability has been guaranteed, the investments
are protected, and any condition for activity in the Republic is
available”.
Speaking of the works done for joint development of prospects at the
Azerbaijan sector on the Caspian, President of Azerbaijan said the
Japanese Itocu had greater share in the projects.
During the talk, also were focused the prospects of the
Azeri-Japanese cooperation, the situation in region, settlement of
the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno Karabakh conflict and other questions.
After the meeting, His Majesty Akihito and Empress Michiko with great
respect and honor have seen off President Aliyev and Ms. Aliyeva.