TREND Information, Azerbaijan
June 9 2006
I hope that Armenian government will analyze results of high-level
talks and look through its position – Azeri deputy FM

Source: Trend
Author: R.Abdullayev

09.06.2006

I hope that the Armenian government will analyze the results of the
talks at high level in Rambue and Bucharest, and review its position
in the direction of constructivism, Araz Azimov, the Azerbaijani
deputy foreign minister, made such a statement in his interview to
journalists on June 9, Trend reports.

According to Azimov, day-by-day Armenia becomes alone in its position
on Nagorno-Karabakh conflict because today there is no support for
the position of an aggressor-country. `In no country of the world,
Yerevan cannot receive any support in its occupation of Azerbaijani
lands. Several countries have already expressed their unwillingness
to establish normal relations with Armenia. Yerevan understands that
its current position will not bring desirable results,’ told Azimov.
Azimov stressed his confidence that the position of Armenia would
further weaken day-by-day.

`Half of the Armenian people have leaved the country. Therefore, the
current position should be looked through,’ added Azimov.
Touching on the upcoming meeting of Azerbaijani and Armenian foreign
ministers, Azimov ruled out that the meeting would focus on the
process of negotiations, in particular the issues that what steps can
be taken as a result of the meeting of presidents in Bucharest. We
have to find an answer to the question: in what direction does it
need to continue the peace talks to regulate the Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict?

Besides, Azimov expressed his attitude towards the rotation of
co-chairs of OSCE Minsk group. `I don’t think that the diplomat who
will substitute Steven Mann will be less experienced in the process
of Azerbaijan-Armenian conflict. To my knowledge, the diplomat is
also experienced and principal,’ told Azimov.

Furthermore, Azimov spoke about the positive activity of Steven Mann
in the co-chair position. `From the conceptual point of view and
position of the talks process, Mann brought important advancement to
the dialogue process on the solution of Azerbaijani-Armenian
conflict,’ considers Azimov.

Daily Nation , Kenya
June 9 2006
Police arrest Armenian brothers in night raid
Story by OWINO OPONDO
Publication Date: 6/9/2006
Police are holding the two Armenian brothers at the heart of
mercenary claims.
Also arrested were three people found with them at their posh Runda
estate in Nairobi during the police swoop at 1am (2200hrs GMT).
Found at the palatial home were car registration plates for
government, diplomatic and civilian vehicles. Also parked at the
residence were 15 luxury cars, some bearing GK (government)
registration.
Military uniforms, hoods, and a gun bag were also found in the house.
About 50 police officers led by Gigiri police boss Patrick Lumumba
used a truck to pull down the gate when the Armenians refused to
open.
Police then flushed out the Armenians and bundled them into a waiting
saloon car. They were driven to the Gigiri police station and later
transferred to Kileleshwa police station this morning.
The two brothers who have been described as investors by the
Government had earlier caused a scene at the Jomo Kenyatta
International Airport when they refused to have their baggage
inspected by customs officers. It is still not clear where they were
arriving from.
It is understood that the two declined to have their bags inspected
by customs officers in keeping with practice.
photos of the arrests:
gcontententry.asp?category_id=39&newsid=74819

TREND Information, Azerbaijan
June 9 2006
EU can undertake responsibility for maintenance of peace in
Nagorno-Karabakh – EU special rep for S Caucasus

Source: Trend
Author: A.Mammadova

09.06.2006

Exclusive interview of Trend with the European union (EU) special
representative for South Caucasus, Peter Semnebi
Question: How do you estimate the last visit to the South Caucasus
countries? Did you manage to achieve any accord during the talks?
Answer: The purpose of my first visits to the South Caucasus was not
to achieve accords but to see how the EU can later be useful in
supporting a settlement of the conflicts. I was encouraged by the
depth of discussion on conflict resolution among experts in
Azerbaijan and Armenia. But I was also discoraged by the harsh public
discourse. In Georgia, the conflicts have to be seen in the context
of the problematic relation between Russia and Georgia. There is much
more that could be done on the part of both countries to enhance
dialogue and resolve problems. But there have been some positive
signs recently of a mutual willingness to at least discuss the
problematic issues. The EU is prepared to engage where it can be
helpful. Russia has a special responsibility because of the
difference in size: any move on the part of Russia may be seen as an
existential threat in tiny Georgia, but the opposite is obviously not
true.
Ultimately, it has to be in Russia’s interest to help resolving the
conflicts in order to make sure that it has a stable and friendly
neighbour on its border.
Question: At which stage are the consultations on the preparations of
the Act Plan on the implementation of the EUs New Naborhood Policy?
Answer: The negotiations are almost finished with all three
countries, although there are some issues that are still open. The
European Neighbourhood Policy does not involve a membership
perspective, but if Azerbaijan and the other countries take the
Action Plans seriously, they will be able to move very close to the
EU and to European standards in most areas of society. This will not
be an easy path, but I am certain that the trip along this path will
ultimately be rewarding. The trip itself will be an important
learning experience for the individual countries as well as for the
EU. This learning experience will inevitably bring us closer
together. At the end of the road, I am convinced that there will be a
strong sense of common identity. The Neighborhood Policy is also
supposed to strengthen regional cooperation. I have seen from my
previous job in the Balkans how this became much easier within a
larger European framework based on certain common principles and
values.
Question: How is the mandate of the Special Deputy of EU on South
Caucasus countries practically enlarged?
Answer: The participation of the three countries in the European
Neighbourhood Policy means that the EU has a direct interest of
prosperity and stability in the region. As a result, the interest of
the EU for the conflicts is growing.
The EU marked this interest in a subtle way by reinforcing the
mandate of the EUSR when I was appointed. While my predecessor was
supposed to “assist” in conflict resolution, I am supposed to
“contribute” to conflict resolution. This change is particularly
important as a political signal.
Question: Are any recommendations on the issue on the settlement of
the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict on Nagorno Karabakh supposed to be
prepared to the governing body of EU?
Answer: The EU is not involved in the actual negotiations, which are
the responsibility of the OSCE, and more specifically of the OSCE
Minsk Group. But the EU supports and follows the work of the Minsk
Group, and one EU country is involved in it as co-chair. The main EU
role is likely to come after a settlement. The EU will, of course,
help to ensure that a settlement is implemented. In addition to a
strong sense of responsibility for two countries that have suffered
because of war and ethnic conflict, there is also a growing notion
that it is in the self-interest of the EU to support a settlement.
A settlement will create the conditions for stability and
prosperity in an important neighboring area of the EU, which is
becoming tied more closely to the EU and which is embracing the
fundamental values of the EU. After a settlement, it will be
self-evident for the EU to make a major contribution to the
reconstruction and rehabilitation of the war-torn areas. The EU may
also consider a peacekeeping engagement, but I have to mention that
there are other options for peace-keeping as well.
Question: Do you think that there is still a chance to settle
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in 2006?
Answer: I’m neither a pessimist nor an optimist. For too long the
pessimists have been proven right over and over again. I will stretch
so far as to say that I hope the optimists will be right this time. I
also hope that those who look upon the conflict in a rational way
will prevail in both countries. The advantages of a settlement for
both countries are obvious. The reopening of contacts between the two
countries and particularly in the conflict area will finally create
the conditions for long-term stability and prosperity. By contrast,
if the conflict continues, there will always be missed opportunities.
Societies that live on a war footing will always devote a large
amount of resources to purposes that could have been used in other
ways if there had been peace. A settlement will require bold and
statesmanlike decisions on the part of the political leaders of the
two countries. The fact that both countries have exceptionally
capable leaders gives me reason to hope that this is possible.
Question: What do you think about collaboration in the energy field
between Azerbaijan and the EU?
Answer: There is already collaboration in the energy field with EU
companies active in Azerbaijan. As the EU is continuing to diversify
its energy resources, not only in terms of types of energy, but also
in terms of suppliers and supply routes, Azerbaijan will have a
growing importance. But again, the full potential of this
collaboration will only be realized if there is lasting peace.

TREND Information, Azerbaijan
June 9 2006
Azeri, Armenian FMs to meet in short

Source: Trend
Author: À. Mammadov

09.06.2006

Armenian FM Vardan Oskanyan does not rule out the possibility of one
more meeting between Azeri and Armenian presidents during 2006.
`Talks at the level of foreign ministers will undoubtedly go on’, –
Oskanyan said in an interview to Armenian Kentron TV channel.
Trend reports with reference to ÀRÊÀ, Oskanyan said FMs may meet the
soonest. `Co-chairs already called the parties to define the date of
the meeting’, – Oskanyan said.
`The principles to be discussed are the same, status of
Nagorno-Karabakh, grounds, refugees, security’, – Oskanyan added,
claiming the parties having found contact for most of these issues.
`A few issues are still disputable and presidents shall try to reach
agreement on them’.

TREND Information, Azerbaijan
June 9 2006
Returning of controlled grounds to Azerbaijan shall be discussed in
line with other issues – Armenian FM

Source: Trend
Author: À. Mammadov

09.06.2006

Returning of controlled grounds to Azerbaijan shall be discussed in
line with other issues, said Armenian FM Vardan Oskanyan in an
interview to Armenian Kentron TV channel.
`The package to discuss consists of numerous elements and we shall
find a right balance for the issues we give and issues we receive’, –
he continued.
`While Nagorno-Karabakh’s right to self-determination is uncertain,
not registered and not recognized, I don’t want to show my hands and
say Armenia is ready to give back any areas’, – minister added.
Trend reports with reference to ÀRÊÀ, Oskanyan said that in response
to Azerbaijan’s recognition of Nagiorno-Karabakh’s right for
self-determination Armenia is ready to go for a compromise and
discuss grounds question with Azerbaijan.

TREND Information, Azerbaijan
June 9 2006
Azerbaijan rebuffs media reports on congratulatory message sent by
Azeri speaker to chair of Armenian parliament

Source: Trend
Author: R.Abdullayev

09.06.2006

Media reports on congratulatory message reportedly sent by the
Azerbaijani speaker Oktai Asadov to the chairman of the Armenian
National Assembly, Tigran Torosian are groundless and lying, Akif
Nasirov, the spokesman for the Milli Majlis [Azerbaijan parliament]
told Trend.
`It is wrong information, which is part of anti-Azerbaijani
propaganda held by Armenia,’ Nasirov stressed.
Spread of such reports is behind the ethic norms. `Azerbaijani
journalists should not fall under tricks of the Armenian intelligence
services,’ he underlined.
Earlier the Armenian media spread reports on congratulatory message
as though sent by the Azerbaijani Speaker to the chairman of the
Armenian National Assembly. In accordance with article, the message
was read by Azerbaijani MP Asef Hajiyev at the plenary session of the
Black Sea Economic Cooperation’s Parliamentary Assembly in Yerevan on
8 June.

TREND Information, Azerbaijan
June 9 2006
Azeri FM to take diplomatic demarche against Lebanon president

Source: Trend
Author: E.Huseynov

09.06.2006

The Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs is going to take
diplomatic demarche steps in respect to Lebanon, Tahir Tagizade, the
head of the Press and Information Department of the Azerbaijani
Foreign Ministry, told Trend. He was commenting on the news article
placed the website of the President of Lebanon on 6 June.
President Lahoud is reported to have a meeting with a delegation of
the Armenian Tashnak Party headed by its secretary general Hovik
Makhtarian.
The meeting was also attended by a delegation of the Armenian
`Nagorno Karabakh’ region chaired by Georgi Pedrossian, former
minister Sebouh Hofnanian, Armenian Ambassador to Lebanon Serge
Amerkhanian, and Benjamin Butchakajian.
Tagizade said that the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry will take
relevant steps.

Los Angeles Daily News, CA
June 9 2006
Outside mailer generates woes for Quintero
BY ALEX DOBUZINSKIS, Staff Writer

GLENDALE – Although his failed run for state Assembly is behind him,
City Councilman Frank Quintero still faces questions about the
campaign because of a last-minute mailer some denounced as racist.
The mailer was distributed by the California Latino Leadership Fund,
and sought to link Paul Krekorian, an Armenian-American who was
Quintero’s opponent in the Democratic primary, to terrorism.
Quintero has worked for years to cultivate ties with Glendale’s huge
Armenian community and maintains he had nothing to do with the
campaign hit piece.
“I condemn the independent mailer and its message,” Quintero said.
“Now I’m looking forward to continuing to serve the people of
Glendale and enjoying my time on the council.”
But City Councilman Ara Najarian, another Armenian-American, wants
the council to hold a hearing into the mailer and a related phone
message campaign.
“It went way past Paul Krekorian,” Najarian said. “It went to all the
Armenians, so essentially I feel that all Armenians were under attack
when that mailer was sent out.”
The mailer sent by the Oakland-based Leadership Fund targeted
Krekorian and the Armenian National Committee of America, an advocacy
group that endorsed him.
The mailer accused the ANC of giving an award to “suspected
terrorist” Mourad Topalian in 2000, and faulted Krekorian for
accepting the ANC’s endorsement in the Assembly race.
Topalian, a former Armenian National Committee leader, was sentenced
in 2001 to 37 months in prison for storing stolen explosives and
owning two machine guns. The ANC says it cut its ties with Topalian
after his conviction.
In fact, Quintero himself had been endorsed by the ANC when he ran
for City Council in 2001.
“I’m fine with the Armenian community,” Quintero said. “I don’t have
any issues with the Armenian community.
“The California (Latino) Leadership Fund needs to issue a letter and
a statement telling people that I have not in any way been involved
in that mailer.”
Krekorian, 46, a Burbank school board member, said he was hurt by the
mailer, which implicated his wife because she is an ANC member.
“It’s beyond anything that really should be acceptable,” he said, “by
anyone in the political arena.”
Officials with the Latino Leadership Fund did not return phone calls.
Although the group was prohibited by law from contacting Quintero’s
campaign before the primary, City Councilmen Rafi Manoukian and Bob
Yousefian – both Armenian-Americans – said they believe Quintero was
involved in sending out the mailer.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen but there is a lot of anger in
the community,” said Manoukian, who supported Krekorian for the 43rd
Assembly District seat.
Krekorian defeated Quintero 57-43 percent in Tuesday’s primary and
will face Republican Michael Agbaba and Libertarian Steve Myers in
November.
The Latino Leadership Fund received money from PG&E Corp., Sempra
Energy and others, although most of its money came from the San
Manuel Band of Mission Indians. The Indian band also gave $3,200 to
Quintero’s campaign.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Capital FM, Kenya
June 9 2006
7 including Artur brothers arrested
By Bernard Momanyi
Seven people including the Artur brothers have been arrested following
an incident at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport where one of
them drew a gun at customs officials.
Police say Artur Margaryan had gone to the airport to receive his
brother and pulled out a firearm when asked to follow customs
regulations.
Authorities have now raided the residence of the Armenians in Runda
and detained 11 vehicles, including one bearing Government of Kenya
number plates.
In last night’s incident, trouble is said to have started when the duo
differed with Customs officials shortly before 9.30 pm.
Police were immediately called in and managed to arrest Margaryan and
his crew.
They were later led to their Runda residence when police commnced the
search in their premises.
Police Spokesman Gideon Kibunjah says a detailed statement of the
matter will be released once the raid is over.
The 7 are being held at the Gigiri Police Station.
The Armenian brothers prominently featured in the media three months
ago when they were branded mercenaries by former Roads Minister Raila
Odinga.
Margaryan has since sued the Lang’ata legislator for maligning his
name.

di-ve.com, Malta
June 9 2006
Armenia wins Turin Chess Olympiad, Ukraine tops Women’s Division
by di-ve.com

Friday, 09 June, 2006
Armenia coasted to a 2:2 draw against Hungary in the final round of
the 37th Chess Olympiad to clinch Gold with 36 points after thirteen
rounds followed by China with 34 and the United States with 33
points. Russia managed only sixth place, a disastrous result by any
standard for the top seeded team.
In the Women Olympiad the overall winners were the Ukrainian team
after drawing on all boards with Armenia in the last round. They
topped the table with 29.5 points followed by Russia with 28 and
China with 27.5 points.
Since the last update the Maltese team managed a good win in round
ten against South Korea (3.5-0.5) and three consecutive draws (2-2)
in the last three rounds against Bahrain, Zambia and Jamaica
respectively. This placed them in the 107th place from 150 countries.
This result is slightly better than expected notwithstanding the fact
that some players played below their rating strength.
The Maltese Women, on the other hand, finished in the 86th place
overall out of 107 countries. In the last three rounds the locals
lost to Botswana 2.5-0.5, to Panama 2-1 and won 3-0 against the
Netherland Antilles.
Meanwhile, at the General Assembly, incumbent FIDE President Kirsan
Ilyumzhinov was re-elected as FIDE President by a wide margin with 96
votes in favour against Bessel Kok’s 54. In his address after his
re-election, Ilyumzhinov pledged to attend to the concerns raised by
the Bessel Kok campaign and, in the FIDE spirit of “Gens Una Sumus”,
invited his workers to join the FIDE team. Kok, in turn, thanked his
supporters and called the election a fair fight. The FIDE General
Assembly applauded as the two protagonists gave each other a warm
embrace.