PETROL PRICE UP IN ARMENIA
Regnum, Moscow
27 Apr 06
Petrol prices have gone up by 10 per cent in Armenia over the past
few days, Russian Regnum news agency reported on 27 April.
The hike is caused by the rising oil prices in the world. If the
situation continues, petrol prices will keep growing in Armenia,
the agency said.
The agency quoted the Flesh company, which covers about 30 per cent
of the country’s petrol market, as saying that domestic petrol prices
might go up by more than 2-3 per cent in the next 10 days if the
world prices kept growing.
If hostilities begin in Iran, petrol prices in Armenia might reach
1.5 dollars per litre, the agency quoted one the largest Armenian
companies, Max Group, as saying. However, the company said Armenia
imports petrol from Europe, not Iran.

RA PRESIDENT EXPECTS NA SPEAKER’S EXPLANATIONS OVER THE LATTER’S STATEMENTS ABOUT ISSUES OF FOREIGN POLICY
Noyan Tapan
Apr 27 2006
YEREVAN, APRIL 27, NOYAN TAPAN. According to the “Haykakan Zhamanak”
newspaper, the sitting of the coalition council that recently takes
place at President Robert Kocharian’s office will also touch upon
the issue of Armenian National Assembly Speaker Artur Baghdasarian
soon. According to the daily, Kocharian got indignant with NA Speaker’s
statement in his interview to the “Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung”
German newspaper, that Armenia is going towards NATO and RF should
not stand in this way. And RPA has been angry with Artur Baghdasarian
since the previous four-day session because of the stir made by him
around the 2001-2003 privatization report. And all together will
demand an explanation from Artur Baghdasarian over his expression
that if the coming elections are falsified like the previous ones,
serious changes are awaited in Armenia. In his interview to the
“Golos Armenii” newspaper Robert Kocharian commenting upon Artur
Baghdasarian’s statement about joining NATO said: “Armenia is not going
to join NATO. Membership to the Collective Security Treaty Organization
(CSTO) and the current high level of military-technical cooperation
with Russia solve the issue of providing the country’s security to
the suifficient extent”. According to the President, today Armenia
prepares for closer cooperation with the European Union within the
framework of the New Neighborhood policy but “we do not set the issue
of joining EU, either. Armenia’s Euroatlantic ambitions are balanced
and realistic, they are positively perceived by the European structures
and do not give rise to problems in relations with Russia. We voice
our position in Moscow, in Brussels and in Washington,” the President
said. Kocharian also mentioned that NA Speaker is received by him every
week and “it was strange to learn about such viewpoints expressed by
him from the German newspaper”. Besides, according to the President,
the legal-contractual bases of Armenian-Russian relations in the
military-technical sphere, as well as the agreement on membership
to CSTO were ratified by the Armenian parliament, which expresses
Armenia’s position in the sphere of defence. “All officials are obliged
to respect this position,” the President said and emphasized: “By the
way, the country’s foreign policy, according to the Constitution,
is determined by the Armenian President. The Speaker’s statement,
possibly, expresses his changed viewpoint. I think we need to wait for
his explanations over this issue,” the Armenian President emphasized.

AZERI PRESIDENT, US OFFICIALS DISCUSS REGIONAL ISSUES, KARABAKH
Lider TV, Baku
27 Apr 06
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev held a meeting with US Director
of National Intelligence John Negroponte in Washington on 26 April,
Azeri Lider TV reported on 27 April.
The two men discussed the current developments in the region. The
main point of the discussion was that the two countries should develop
cooperation, the TV said.
President Aliyev visited the US Congress the same day. The TV said that
Aliyev had held “very important talks” about the Nagornyy Karabakh
conflict the with the speaker of the US House of Representatives,
members of the House of Representatives commissions on energy and
international relations, the chairman of the US Senate state, foreign
operations and related agencies subcommittee and the chairman of the
US Senate foreign relations committee.
Earlier that day, Aliyev held a meeting with US NGOs, such as IREX
(International Research and Exchanges Board), Soros, Freedom House
and Human Rights Watch.
At his meeting with 15 representatives of “an influential Jewish
organization”, Aliyev thanked the Jewish community for supporting
Azerbaijan in many issues, the TV said.
Aliyev also had a meeting with Gen Brent Scowcroft, national security
advisor to Presidents Gerald Ford and George H.W. Bush, the TV said.

RA FOREIGN MINISTER TO PAY TWO-DAYS VISIT TO NAGORNO KARABAKH
Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
Apr 27 2006
YEREVAN, APRIL 27, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. RA Foreign Minister
Vartan Oskanian will pay on April 27 a two-days visit to the Republic
of Nagorno Karabakh for regular consultations. RA Foreign Minister’s
meetings with the NKR President, heads of the Parliament and Government
as well as with the Foreign Minister are envisaged in Stepanakert. As
Noyan Tapan was informed by the RA Foreign Ministry’s Press and
Information Department, Vartan Oskanian will make a speech in the
Stepanakert University as well.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ARAM KARAPETYAN WOULD RATHER SEND ALPHA IN ANOTHER DIRECTION
Lragir.am
27 April 06
On April 27 Aram Karapetyan, the leader of the Nor Zhamanakner Party
(New Times), told news reporters at the Pastark Club about the recent
incident and the developments that followed. Twelve armed and masked
soldiers of the Alpha Detachment of the National Security Service
raided the car of Aram Karapetyan and the car of his bodyguards,
searching for illegal weapon, at midday. Whereas, the license for
the gas guns of Aram Karapetyan and his bodyguards has been signed
by the deputy chief of the Police of Armenia Hovanes Varyan.
At the Pastark Club Aram Karapetyan repeated his assessments. “I
would rather enquire how much weapon the prime minister gave, and how
many people were killed with these guns. Or how many times a drunk
government official shot at the ceiling of a café, and I would rather
send Alpha in that direction,” announced Aram Karapetyan.
Aram Karapetyan thinks that Alpha’s operation lacked professionalism,
“it means everything is very bad,” however, he declines to give more
details. Aram Karapetyan says the force agencies wanted to televise the
operation, however, they changed their mind when Alexan Harutiunyan,
the president of Public TV Channel, said each episode of the video
would guarantee additional 1000 votes for Aram Karapetyan.
–Boundary_(ID_WMfchKJkvzCC0ciABNBJyw )–

20 ARMENIAN POLITICAL PARTIES TO FOLLOW PROVISIONS OF PLAN “LET’S WIN TOGETHER WITH WOMEN”
Noyan Tapan
Apr 27 2006
YEREVAN, APRIL 27, NOYAN TAPAN. 20 Armenian parties have expressed
readiness to follow the provisions of the plan “Let’s Win Together
with Women”. Last year the Institute of National Democracy announced a
general actions plan “let’s Win Together with Women” aimed at involving
women in politics. The goal of the plan is to increase the women’s
number on the ruling positions and to encourage their participation
in the electoral processes. According to the report provided to Noyan
Tapan, the Institute of National Democracy has founded the “Woman
Leader” forum, in which women representing NGOs, political parties,
governmental and business spheres are included.

ARMENIANS ASSASINATED IN RUSSIA
Lragir.am
27 April 06
Armenia must be neutral in the U.S.-Iran conflict and temporize, and
the best way of temporizing is change of power, believes the leader
of the Nor Zhamanakner Party (New Times).
According to him, the question of accepting or rejecting deployment
of American peacemakers in the liberated territories cannot have an
answer that would favor us: if we accepted it, we would have problems
with Iran, if not, with the United States. If we had problems with
Iran, at least 150 thousand refugees would come to Armenia, Iran
would station forces in the liberated territories, preventing the
United States, and considering the position of Nakhidjevan and Turkey,
it would be difficult to prevent an attack on Maghri, forecasts Aram
Karapetyan. He believes that the special services of Iran have worked
hard enough to be able to provoke instability in the countries of
the South Caucasus. This somber picture will not become reality if
Armenia remains neutral.
Russia will not be neutral. Aram Karapetyan thinks Armenia can enter
a confederation with Russia, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan.
However, this does not suggest breaking relations with the United
States. Aram Karapetyan assures that he has never met a serious
politician or analyst who would suggest breaking relations with the
United States and neglecting the 1.5 million Diasporan Armenians in
the United States. Similarly, the Armenian community of Russia cannot
be neglected.
For the nationalist tensions in Russia, Aram Karapetyan says the
assassination of the Armenian young man in Russia was intended; they
killed a native of Karabakh. “Russian-Georgian relations are bad,
but in Russia they do not assassinate Georgians.” According to Aram
Karapetyan, the actions of nationalists in Russia are coordinated,
and they push Armenians because “there is no trust in the Armenian
leadership.”
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ONLY CANDIDATE FOR GORIS MAYOR’S POST IS CURRENT MAYOR
Noyan Tapan
Apr 27 2006
YEREVAN, APRIL 27, NOYAN TAPAN. The only candidate nominated for the
Mayor’s elections to be held on May 21 in Goris is current Goris Mayor,
member of the Republican Party of Armenia Nelson Voskanian. Noyan Tapan
correspondent was informed about it by Spokesperson of RA Central
Electoral Commission Tsovinar Khachatrian. The issue of candidate’s
registration will be discussed at the sitting of district electoral
commission N 37 to be convened on April 30.

TURKEY CONDEMNS CANADIAN PM’S REMARKS ON 1915 INCIDENTS
The New Anatolian
Turkish Press
April 26 2006
Press Review
Turkish Foreign Ministry officials are protesting the Canadian
government over Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s remarks last week
describing the events of 1915 as an “Armenian genocide.” Turkish
diplomats described Harper’s remarks as grossly prejudiced, since
the allegations have not been proven by unbiased historical studies.
According to ministry officials, such remarks do not contribute to
a dialogue between Turkey and Armenia, and have a negative impact on
Turkish-Canadian relations. In related news, in his annual message to
mark the tragic events of 1915, US President George W. Bush on Monday
called on Turks and Armenians to forge a dialogue in order to normalize
their relations. As expected, resisting Armenian pressure in his annual
speech to mark April 24, the date claimed as a commemoration of the
genocide claims, he didn’t use the term “genocide,” and said, “Today
we’re remembering one of the horrible tragedies of the 20th century.”

AZERBAIJANI PRESIDENT VISITS WASHINGTON
Shahin Abbasov and Khadija Ismailova
EurasiaNet, NY
April 26 2006
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev began a three-day visit to
Washington on April 26 that could help determine whether the Bush
Administration pursues a military option against Iran as part of its
ongoing effort to thwart Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.
The key talks of the hastily arranged trip will come on April 28,
when Aliyev is scheduled to meet with US President George W. Bush.
Aliyev has long sought a photo-op with Bush out of the apparent belief
that the US presidential imprimatur of approval would greatly enhance
the Azerbaijani leader’s legitimacy. Aliyev’s election win in 2003
was marred by widespread irregularities and police repression against
demonstrators. [For background see the Eurasia Insight archive]. US
officials had resisted inviting Aliyev to a White House, feeling
that an Oval Office meeting would be perceived internationally
as undermining the Bush Administration’s global democratization
mission. The administration’s ardor for pressing an international
democratic agenda has cooled perceptibly in recent months, as its
concern over Iran’s nuclear program has risen. [For background see
the Eurasia Insight archive].
Apparently aiming to burnish his image, Aliyev on April 26 met with
representatives of prominent non-governmental organizations that
promote civil society, including Freedom House, Human Rights Watch and
the Open Society Institute. [EurasiaNet operates under the auspices
of the Open Society Institute].
Aliyev’s discussions with various US officials are expected to focus
on geopolitical issues in the Caucasus, including the response to
Iran’s nuclear program, breaking the stalemate in Nagorno-Karabakh
peace talks and Caspian Basin energy-related issues.
US officials are believed to be most interested in discussing Iran,
Azerbaijan’s southern neighbor. Since the announcement earlier this
month that Aliyev would be traveling to Washington, Baku has buzzed
with speculation that the Bush administration wanted to enlist Aliyev’s
support for a blitz against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
Such plans were reported by the American weekly magazine The New
Yorker. However, US officials have denied the magazine report.
Nevertheless, Bush on April 18 emphasized that “all options remain
on the table,” including the potential use of force, as Washington
ponders ways to contain Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
All indicators show that securing Azerbaijan’s participation in any
offensive military operations against Iran will be an extremely tough
sell for Washington. Azerbaijani officials have shown no interest
in confronting Iran. On April 20, Foreign Ministry spokesman Tahir
Taghizadeh indicated that Azerbaijan remains interested in balancing
its relations with both Iran and the United States. “In general
Baku’s position remains unchanged in two directions: Every country
has right to develop a nuclear program with peaceful goals, and our
region is vulnerable enough due to existing conflicts [to preclude]
adding a new source of tension,” Taghizadeh said.
Azerbaijani public opinion is also solidly opposed to a potential
conflict with Iran. Local newspapers and broadcast media have carried
reports in recent weeks critical of Bush’s confrontational approach,
and have urged the government to refrain from granting basing rights
to US forces, or providing any other form of assistance that would
facilitate an attack against Iran. In urging Baku’s neutrality in the
standoff, the reports have expressed alarm over a possible flood of
Iranian refugees into Azerbaijan, or retaliatory strikes by Tehran
against Azerbaijani targets.
Iranian officials have done nothing to discourage speculation
in Azerbaijan about military retaliation. Azerbaijani media have
given prominent play to recent comments made by Iranian National
Security Council chief Ali LAlijani, who said that an attack against
Azerbaijan’s economic lifeline, the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline,
could not be excluded in the event hostilities between the United
States and Iran.
Aliyev moved quickly to quash expectations that Azerbaijani officials
could be persuaded to change their minds, telling members of the
Council on Foreign Relations during a closed-door meeting April 26 that
Baku would not be a participant in “any kind” of military operation
against Tehran. Although Aliyev appears committed to sitting out any
possible military clash between the United States and Iran, he may
be playing a diplomatic role aimed at heading off a conflict.
On April 19, Iranian Defense Minister Mostafa Mohammad Najjar visited
Baku ostensibly for talks on mutual security issues. However, some
political analysts in Baku believe that Najjar passed an Iranian
message for Washington to Azerbaijani officials. Najjar helped fuel
such conjecture by saying Azerbaijan can act as a mediator in the
US-Iranian dispute. “Azerbaijan is our closest neighbor and … Ilham
Aliyev can convince the United States to understand Iran’s position
properly,” Najjar said.
Other observers say Najjar’s visit was designed to remind Baku of the
high risks it would take if it opted to join an American coalition
against Iran. Uzeyir Jafarov, a Baku-based military expert, said
Najjar probably delivered a blunt message that Azerbaijan could not
expect to escape unscathed if Iran was attacked. “The Iranian minister
likely reminded Ilham Aliyev that in case of [Baku’s] participation
in any action against Iran, Azerbaijan would be the first to suffer,”
Jafarov said.
Hikmet Hajizade, the political analyst and vice-president of
FAR-center, a Baku-based NGO, suggested that the consequences could
be devastating for Azerbaijan. “Even pre-attack tension will impact
our interests. … If military action takes place, Azerbaijan could
experience retaliatory strikes against the BTC pipeline. Besides,
one day we could find Iranians naval vessels along the Azerbaijani
coast.” At the same time, Hajizade indicated that the worst possible
geopolitical scenario in the Caucasus for Azerbaijan could involve
a nuclear-armed Iran. “Azerbaijan’s interests [might] suffer more if
Iran develops its nuclear weapon,” he said.
If Aliyev is indeed acting as a messenger, there would seem to
be an opportunity in the near future for the Azerbaijani leader
to pass along any back-channel communication conveyed by the Bush
Administration. Iranian President Mahmmoud Ahmadinejad is planning to
visit Baku on May 4 to attend a summit of the Organization of Economic
Cooperation. Jafarov said that President Aliyev could update the
Iranian leader on any US proposals, counter-proposals or ultimatums
at that time.
A few opposition politicians and political experts in Baku have
suggested that Aliyev explore the possibility of a quid pro quo
involving Azerbaijani support for a US attack against Iran in exchange
for Washington’s unequivocal support for Baku on the Nagorno-Karabakh
question. [For background see the Eurasia Insight archive].
Currently, the United States is a member of the OSCE Minsk Group that
is acting as the chief mediator between Azerbaijan and Armenia. [For
background see the Eurasia Insight archive]. Some recent statements by
Azerbaijani officials have prompted speculation of a possible linking
of Iran and Karabakh. On April 22, for example, Deputy Foreign Minister
Araz Azimov caused a sensation when he suggested that some Azerbaijani
regions currently under Armenian occupation could become embroiled
in a possible US-Iranian conflict, the Turan news agency reported.
Hajizade and other experts downplay such a connection. “The Karabakh
conflict is not just about United States’ will and the question is:
will the Washington able to push on Russia, which in its turn would
push Armenia to give up [some] of its claims. So far I do not see any
opportunity for US-Russia agreement on the issue,” Hikmet Hajizade
said.
Vardan Oskanian, the Armenian foreign minister, dismissed the
possibility of a US-Azerbaijani quid pro quo involving Karabakh. “It
is not a way that the United States operates. And such a deal would
not end with any positive result,” Oskanian said on April 19.
Editor’s Note: Khadija Ismayilova and Shain Abbasov are freelance
journalists based in Baku.