ARMENIAN PRESIDENT CONGRATULATES ARMENIAN WOMEN ON HOLIDAY OF MARCH 8
ARKA News Agency, Armenia
March 8 2006
YEREVAN, March 8. /ARKA/. Armenian President Robert Kocharyan
congratulated Armenian women on the holiday of March 8, the RA
President’s Press Service reported.
“It is difficult to number all those spheres where your participation
is traditionally great. Women have always made a considerable
contribution to the development of Armenia. No one but you can
understand and appreciate the importance of peaceful and sustainable
development,” the message says.
“I want to congratulate especially all our mothers. You are the basis
of the family, and thanks to you centuries-old traditions preserve,
and the upbringing given by you form future generations. I wish you
happiness to be proud of this future,” the message says.
“By congratulating you on this nice spring holiday of March 8, I wish
that you stay beautiful and charming, and let love and warmth always
hover over your houses,” the President message says.

NO PLANS TO RECALL US AMBASSADOR TO ARMENIA: STATE DEPARTMENT REP
ARKA News Agency, Armenia
March 8 2006
YEREVAN, March 8. /ARKA/. There are no plans to recall the US
Ambassador to Armenia, Deputy Assistant of State for European and
Eurasian Affairs Matthew Bryza told reporters.
“He is a bright ambassador, and he serves to the US President as well
as all we do,” Bryza stated and pointed out that “Ambassador Evans
gathered an excellent team, and we are glad that he is here”.
He pointed out that he does not want to comment possible decisions
of the President, as well as concerning human resources In his turn,
US Ambassador to Armenia John Evans pointed out that he had not sent
in his resignation.
“One cannot expect that the post of the ambassador is everlasting. I
do not know when my authorities will expire, but I will remain the
leader of this mission until the day I leave this country,” Evans said.
“I hope that this occurs as late as possible,” he said.
The day before, some Armenian mass media outlets disseminated the
information, referring to the publication of “The California Courier”,
that the US Ambassador was recalled to Washington. The reason for
the recall, according to the press, was his declaration about the
Armenian Genocide.

MAKING RUSSIA A BETTER NEIGHBOR
By Mark Brezezinski
The Boston Globe
March 08, 2006 Wednesday
Third Edition
LAST SUMMER, the Council of Europe issued a report urging Russia to
cease treating “neighboring and other countries in the region as zones
of special influence.” The report urges Russia to “constructively
contribute to resolution of open issues and cease with activities
. . . which undermine the countries’ sovereignty and territorial
integrity.”
A key message from President Bush to President Vladimir Putin should
be that Russia’s own integration into the world, a highly desirable
objective, is jeopardized if at the same time the Kremlin has a policy
of undercutting democratic development along its borders.
It’s unlikely that there’s a Kremlin master plan guiding Russia’s
actions toward her neighbors. Instead, Russia’s actions are driven
variably by ambition and nostalgia, confusion or misinterpretation,
irritation or resentment.
And Russia’s policy toward the former Soviet republics varies it’s
manifested in different ways and it produces different results. The
Baltic States today are confident of their independence and
sovereignty, but they remain afraid of Russia. Baltic leaders and
Ukraine claim that Russia uses energy to assert leverage, by having
Russian concerns acquire key elements of their energy sectors.
Ukraine and Belarus are themselves contrasts between striving for
independence and extreme dependency. Ukrainian President Viktor
Yuschenko has been clear about the goal of Ukraine’s membership in the
European Union. But he realizes the vital importance of not estranging
Russia and has taken steps to develop dialogue with the Kremlin, even
after Russia shut off gas supplies on Jan. 1. By contrast, Belarus
remains a dependency where democracy demonstrations in the lead-up
to the March 19 presidential election have been brutally crushed.
In the Caucasus and Moldova, Russia has tried to readjust the
orientation of her neighbors, with little success. In 2002, Russia
told Georgia to end its political and security relationship with
NATO, and urged Georgia to accept Russian bases for the long-term. In
Central Asia, dictators who previously resisted closer cooperation with
Moscow have been encouraged by the Kremlin’s urging to be heavy-handed
with any signs of religious revival. Only Russia and China endorsed
the Uzbekistan government’s killing of hundreds of demonstrators in
Andijon last summer.
There are signs that Russia is adjusting to new realities. In Georgia,
Russia accommodated itself to Georgian central control over Ajaria
and helped with the removal from Georgia of separatist leader Aslan
Abashidze. In 2005, Russian and Georgian authorities agreed to troop
withdrawal with a timetable and benchmarks, and ended their demand
for financial compensation. But there are potential loopholes through
follow-on pacts, and Russian troops and arsenals in Georgia may be
redeployed to Armenia alarming Azerbaijan.
It’s in Russia’s interest, and in America’s, for there to be greater
trust and cooperation between Russia and her neighbors. The United
States should strive to get Russia to understand that it is not
pursuing a policy to transform the region into a zone of American
control through “color revolutions.” Instead, what’s been happening
there is part of a process of what’s been happening in Europe for
more than 50 years.
At the same time, countries in Russia’s neighborhood need reassurance
that the United States is committed to their independence, integrity,
and stability. The lack of Western reaction to Russian meddling
made some new democracies worry that their sovereignty is entirely
subordinate to other key US interests with Russia.
In the near-term, the upcoming Belarus presidential election provides
an important test. Today Belarus is one of the most repressive former
Soviet republics. Last week, police beat and detained Alexander
Kozulin, an opposition presidential candidate. A new law pushed
through Parliament last year makes organizing a public protest or
making statements that discredit the state punishable by three to
five years in prison.
Symbolizing solidarity with the opposition, Bush met recently with
the widows of two Belarusan leaders who were murdered by Alexander
Lukashenko’s government. But as Western governments develop a strategy
in the event that international monitors report electoral fraud on
March 19, it must be remembered that Lukashenko’s major financial
and political sponsor is Putin.
In the long term, the West might consider a more dynamic vision of
its relationship with a democratic Russia. As the Russia task force
of the Council on Foreign Relations recommends: “Western leaders
should also diversify their political contacts within Russia. It’s
not enough to meet with representatives of `civil society.’ Open and
routine contact with opposition political figures and organizations
carry a more potent message.” Doing so would give credibility and
consistency to Bush’s freedom agenda.
NOTES: MARK BRZEZINSKI Mark Brzezinski, a Washington attorney, was
director of Russian and Eurasian affairs on the National Security
Council in the Clinton administration.

WORDS OF WISDOM
The Statesman (India)
March 8, 2006 Wednesday
Mathures Paul “There is something about Kolkata and India that
gets into your blood! J Chloe Braun has been writing articles and
short stories most of her life. Having spent 12 years working with
underprivileged women and children, her journals and memories gave
birth to Hurdy Gurdy, a fictional account of one brave womans escape
from spousal abuse.
Raised in the small Armenian community, one of her aunts by marriage
was an Anglo Indian. Along with my parents she had a tremendous
influence on me encouraging me to read by buying me books, to be
always willing to read my work, to study music and to think! Kolkata
was a great place to grow up in with its rich culture and hospitable
people. Most of my teachers were Anglo Indians my English teacher
was tremendous. She not only taught us to speak proper English but
to love the language as well. The seeds for Hurdy Gurdy was sowed
at a writing competition. The topic (of the competition) was Unusual
customs or practices, or something like that. And I decided to write
about bride burning because I thought it would be a very unusual
entry. A woman in India confided in me that her in-laws had tried to
burn her because the amount of her dowry was not enough. There were
also articles in newspapers and journals about such cruelty. As I
continued my research and began recalling some of the experiences I
had heard from women I had worked with, the story took a different
path. The contest deadline came and went but I was so engrossed in
continuing, it seemed the novel wrote itself. I had not meant it to
be so poignant and dark. I developed one main character and used
her to tell the many stories I had heard from women in situations
of domestic violence. Since the story unfolds in the first person,
many consider Hurdy Gurdy to be autobiographical. But this is not true.
Besides Hurdy Gurdy, she has written another mystery novel set
in Kolkata and the Himalayas. Its about a group of bumbling jewel
thieves who go after some famous emeralds. I co-authored it with
Lynne Rebeiro, who is involved with the Anglo Indian community in
Canada. Lynne helped me to answer some of these questions since she
is more knowledgeable than I am. Our book is called Blind Spot and is
being published by Amazon.com later this year. All profits will go to
help the Tiljallah Project (CTR Calcutta Tiljallah Relief fund) with
which Lynne is very much involved. The Anglo Indian community in the
United States is steadily growing. But there is no active association
or organisation to bring the community together. Canada, however,
has a thriving Anglo Indian community. The Anglo Indian Association
of Canada is the 2007 host city for the World Anglo Indian Reunion.
Living in the Midwest with her husband and two children, Braun works
with the chancellors office at the local University. Of the shrinking
Anglo Indian community in India, especially Kolkata, she says,
After Partition, as the Anglo Indian diaspora immigrated to various
western venues, the remaining members endeavoured to maintain their
unique culture and at the same time embrace their Indian heritage
in a whole-hearted manner. In so doing, they adopted the language,
the Indian dress and most importantly, married outside the community.
Away from her former home, Braun is always ready to return. I would
love to just pack up my bags and take a long sentimental journey back
to India, especially Kolkata where my dearest friend resides. I would
love to take a year off and trek all over that wonderful land. It would
be wonderful to tour the Nilgiris with our daughter who was born there.

ARMENIA, US DISCUSS COOPERATION
by Tigran Liloyan
ITAR-TASS News Agency
March 8, 2006 Wednesday 10:24 AM EST
Armenian parliament speaker Artur Bagdasaryan met with a U.S. deputy
assistance secretary of state on Wednesday to discus prospects for
cooperation between the two countries.
The speaker thanked the United States for assistance to Armenia and
praised support to democratic reforms in the country.
Speaking about the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Bagdasaryan said there
is still chance to resolve it and reach progress at the talks in 2006.
The U.S. diplomat called for the deepening of democracy in Armenia
and emphasised the importance of resolving conflicts, addressing
energy security issues, and developing economic potential.
In his view, the fight against corruption becomes increasingly
important as a condition for stable investments in the Armenian
economy.
Having noted the importance of the Millennium Challenges programme,
under which Armenia will receive a grant of 235 million U.S. dollars,
the two sides said the use of this money through NGOs must be
transparent and public.

SEAN MCCORMACK HOLDS STATE DEPARTMENT REGULAR NEWS BRIEFING – ABOUT AMB. EVANS
Congressional Quarterly, Inc
March 8 2006
Washington, D.C.
Speaker:
Sean Mccormack, Assistant Secretary Of State For Public Affairs
[parts omitted]
QUESTION: So as far as for Greece, I have to ask — to refer my
question to the DOD…
MCCORMACK: In terms of any DOD activities, yes, talk to the Department
of Defense.
QUESTION: And the last one, why did you recall your ambassador to
Armenia, Mr. John Evans. Are you going to replace him?
MCCORMACK: I’m not aware that we have recalled anybody, our ambassador
to Armenia.
QUESTION: Not in Germany, in Armenia.
MCCORMACK: What’s that?
(CROSSTALK)
MCCORMACK: I’m not aware. I believe that he’s still serving as
ambassador in Armenia.
QUESTION: On the subject of ambassadors, are there any plans yet to
fill the vacant spot in Australia in Canberra, because I believe it’s
still vacant, isn’t it? There is not a U.S. ambassador…
MCCORMACK: Yes, I believe you’re right. The personnel process sometimes
works on its own schedule. It’s an important appointment.
It’s an important post.
And I don’t have any announcements for you. Those come out of the
White House, in terms of ambassadorial announcements.
But I know it has been a topic of discussion. And we’re very anxious
to get somebody nominated and then before the Senate so they can
start their work.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ARMENIA TAKES MEASURES AGAINST BIRD FLU
Public Television of Armenia, Yerevan
6 Mar 06
[Presenter] Armenian President Robert Kocharyan has instructed
the government to waive the added value tax on the imported
poultry feed for six months [to help farmers cope with the bird flu
situation]. Although not a single case of bird flu has been registered
yet by international and local organizations in Armenia’s Ararat and
Armavir districts, the local governments of both districts are taking
measures to discover the infection in time.
In connection with this, the UN’s Food and Agricultural Organization
[FAO] will give additional technical assistance to Armenia. The
Armenian agricultural minister and the subregional representative of
the FAO for Central and Eastern Europe signed an agreement today on
an assistance programme for taking preventive measures against bird
flu in Europe and the Caucasus.
[Armenian Agricultural Minister David Lokyan] By signing this agreement
the Armenian government tries to solve a difficult problem in the
agricultural sphere and ensure the safety at the poultry plants which
employ 3,000 people. This is part of a complex programme against
the disease.
[Maria Kadlecikova, subregional representative for Central and Eastern
Europe of the UN FAO, speaking in English with Armenia voice-over]
This is the first programme in the region. Preventive measures
against bird flu are at a low level in Eastern Europe. Therefore,
it is impossible to step up the public awareness efforts regarding
the preventive measures against bird flu.

AZERI PARLIAMENT SLAMS EUROPEAN RESOLUTION ON ARMENIAN CEMETERY
Interfax News Agency
Russia & CIS General Newswire
March 8, 2006 Wednesday 10:35 AM MSK
The Azeri parliament’s commission for international relations has
held closed-door parliamentary hearings on the European Parliament’s
February 16 resolution addressing the demolition of an Armenian
cemetery in Djulfa, Azerbaijan’s Nakhichevan autonomous republic.
The commission dismissed the resolution as “biased” and called on
the European Parliament to revisit the issue, a parliament source
told Interfax-Azerbaijan.

RA PRESIDENT CONGRATULATED ARMENIAN WOMEN ON MARCH 8
PanARMENIAN.Net
08.03.2006 20:00 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ RA President Robert Kocharian issued a congratulatory
address on the occasion of the International Women’s Day. The address
says in part, “Dear women. I congratulate You on the International
Women’s Day. It is hard to name all the fields where Your participation
is traditionally great. Women have always played an important role
for Armenia’s prosperity. No one realizes the importance of peace and
sustainable development better than women do. I especially congratulate
our mothers. You maintain our century-lasting traditions. Your
upbringing forms the image of our next generations. I wish you the
happiness of being proud of this future. Congratulating You on this
wonderful spring holiday I wish to remain beautiful and charming and
let warmness and love reign in your families.”

CIS FM COUNCIL SITTING TO BE HELD IN SAINT PETERSBURG APRIL 21
PanARMENIAN.Net
08.03.2006 20:17 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The regular meeting of the Council of the CIS
Foreign Ministers will be held in Saint Petersburg April 21. Having
considered the draft agenda the Council rated it as formed. In accord
with the draft the participants will discuss the consultations to be
held between the Foreign Ministries within the CIS in 2006 as well
as the perfection and reformation of the CIS bodies, reported Interfax.