KOCHARYAN MAKES A MOVE
by Aleksandr Iskandyaryan
Source: Rossiiskie Vesti, No. 9, March 9-15, p. 6
Agency WPS
DEFENSE and SECURITY (Russia)
March 13, 2006 Monday
THE SITUATION ABOUT NAGORNY KARABAKH IS ESCALATING; Armenia will
de-jure acknowledge the independence of Nagorny Karabakh, if
negotiations with Azerbaijan on settling this problem reach an impasse.
Armenia will do what Russia should have done with Abkhazia and South
Ossetia long ago, it will de-jure acknowledge the independence of
Nagorny Karabakh, if negotiations with Azerbaijan on settling this
problem reach an impasse. It was said by Armenian President Robert
Kocharyan, in an interview to the first channel of Armenian television,
“Though the meeting in Rambuie has brought no results, the negotiations
are going on and there is a chance that they will be successful. If
the negotiations reach an impasse for one or another reason, it will
be the worst scenario.”
It is clear about what scenario they are speaking. Yerevan and
Stepanakert are afraid, that the aggravation of the situation about
Iran will in some way influence the Karabakh problem, the decision
of which has long been in a deadlock. The attempts to make terms in
different international formats, to “lead up” in Russia or in the
West turn out to be sterile. But the common and disturbing course
of events in the South Caucasus, which according to the analysts,
makes Moscow (and not only it) carry out pragmatic policy of equal
distance. And this in its turn begins to encourage Yerevan to force
events in an extraordinary way, to bind all the unsettled conflicts
in the South Caucasus in one knot and by this tie and prevent possible
actions of Moscow.
The time when Robert Kocharyan made his statement is not incidental.
It was delivered right after the official visit of President Vladimir
Putin to Baku, where he opened the year of Russia in Azerbaijan. The
visit proved to be not only a success for the parties, but it allegedly
put the policy of Moscow into definite limits, since in the year of
Russia it will be very awkward to put excessive pressure on Azerbaijan
for one or another reason.
The second reason of activating Robert Kocharyan is considered to be
the early start of electioneering in Armenia. That’s why there is the
desire of official Yerevan to seize the initiative from opposition
in deploying different scenarios of Karabakh’s fix-up.
The situation is aggravated by the fact that Karabakh has turned into a
national idea for conflicting parties. Armenia tries to keep Karabakh
outside the jurisdiction zone of Azerbaijan, and Azerbaijan to return
its territories. That’s why very few believe, that the co-chairmen of
the OSCE group would manage to propose a mutually acceptable decision
for the parties.

SPEAK UP, FOR THE NEIGHBORS’ SAKE; RUSSIA II
by Mark Brzezinski
The International Herald Tribune
March 13, 2006 Monday
WASHINGTON
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 urged Russia to “constructively
contribute to resolution of open issues and cease with activities”
that “undermine the countries’ sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
President George W. Bush should give President Vladimir Putin the
message 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 master plan guiding Russia’s actions
toward her neighbors. Instead, Russia’s actions are driven variably
by ambition, nostalgia, confusion, misinterpretation, irritation
and resentment.
And Russia’s policy toward the former Soviet republics is manifested
in different ways and produces different results. Baltic leaders and
Ukraine claim that Russia uses energy to assert leverage, by having
Russian concerns acquire key elements of their energy sectors.
President Viktor Yushchenko of Ukraine 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, but 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 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. Russia
accommodated itself to Georgian central control over Adzharia, and
Russian and Georgian authorities agreed to a plan for the withdrawal
of Russian troops from Georgia. But Russian troops may be redeployed
to Armenia, which would alarm 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 help Russia to understand that Washington is
not trying to transform the region into a zone of American control
through “color revolutions” and that instead, what’s been happening
there is part of a process Europe has been going through for more
than 50 years.
At the same time, Russia’s neighbors 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 U.S. interests with Russia.
In the near-term, the Belarus presidential election on March 19
provides an important test. Belarus is one of the most repressive
former Soviet republics. Last week, the police beat and detained
Alexander Kozulin, an opposition presidential candidate. Symbolizing
solidarity with the opposition, Bush met recently with the widows of
two Belarussian 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, 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.
***
Mark Brzezinski, a Washington attorney, was director of Russian and
Eurasian affairs on the National Security Council in the Clinton
administration.
[Not to be reproduced without the permission of the author.]

TOM CASEY HOLDS STATE DEPARTMENT REGULAR NEWS BRIEFING
Congressional Quarterly
March 13 2006
Tom Casey, Acting State Department Spokesman
Location: Washington, D.C.
[parts omiited]
QUESTION: Can we try something easy?
CASEY: Sure, let’s try something easy.
(LAUGHTER)
QUESTION: Is the ambassador to Armenia having his career shortened
because he spoke out against genocide in Armenia?
CASEY: I know we promised you an answer on that one on Friday.
QUESTION: Yes.
CASEY: I still don’t have it, and I’ll get something for you this
afternoon.
QUESTION: You mean his future hasn’t been decided yet?
CASEY: Not that I’m aware of.
QUESTION: I think it has.
CASEY: I believe you think it does.
QUESTION: No, I do believe it does.
And so do — and I have reason to believe it does, and I know there
are least two members of Congress who believe it does.
No, I just think that the State Department is having difficulty
finding words to announce his premature retirement.
CASEY: No, we owe you an answer on that, and I’ll get it for you.
QUESTION: Do you have a readout on the Eritrea-Ethiopia meetings? I
know they were in London, but I believe there was U.S. representation
there. But did they make any progress?
CASEY: Yes, I did check on that before the briefings and don’t have a
full readout for you, and we’ll get you something later this afternoon.
QUESTION: On Slobodan Milosevic?
CASEY: Yes.
QUESTION: How his death is going to affect the new round of talks
March 17th in Vienna for the final steps of Kosovo — do you expect
a kind of postponement?
CASEY: Well, I don’t — do we expect a postponement in the next round
of discussions?
QUESTION: Yes.
CASEY: Not that I’m aware of, and obviously you know our policies on
this issue.
We’re supporting the efforts of Special Representative Ahtisaari to
negotiate a final-settlement agreement or final-status agreement,
and we look forward to seeing those talks continue.
QUESTION: Any communication between Secretary Rice and the chief of the
tribunal, (inaudible) Carla del Ponte on Slobodan Milosevic’s death?
CASEY: No.
QUESTION: And who is going to be present in the Slobodan Milosevic
funeral in Belgrade on behalf of the U.S. government since it’s a
political event — your ambassador to Serbia-Montenegro?
CASEY: I’m not aware that there are any State arrangements being made
for his funeral, and I’m certainly not aware of any U.S.
participation in it.
QUESTION: And one on Armenia.
Representative Frank Pallone in a strong statement expressed his
extreme disappointment with regards of the Department of State’s
decision to (inaudible) Ambassador John Evans from Armenia as a
retaliation for a statement he made in recognition of the Armenian
genocide in Los Angeles by Ottoman Turks. And it was reported that
already you have decided to replace him.
Could you please clarify for us what’s going on exactly at this
particular moment on this issue?
CASEY: That was a question Barry asked. We owe you an answer and
we’ll get you one.
QUESTION: It’s the same answer?
CASEY: Yes. It’s the same issue. It’ll be the same answer.
QUESTION: Is there an ambassador on post in Armenia right now?
CASEY: Yes, there is.
QUESTION: Is his name Evans?
CASEY: Yes, it is.
QUESTION: (OFF-MIKE) suitcase packed?
CASEY: Not that I’m aware of.
QUESTION: But when you do announce this, would you kindly tell us
the difference between what happened and genocide?
CASEY: I think…
QUESTION: Because U.S. policy is there was no genocide.
CASEY: Our policy on this issue is well known. It was repeated in a
presidential statement. And, yes, I don’t have anything to add to it.
[the rest of the press conference deleted]
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

OSCE OFFICE HELPS OPEN AARHUS CENTER IN TAVUSH
Armenpress
Mar 14 2006
YEREVAN, MARCH 14, ARMENPRESS: The OSCE Office in Yerevan has supported
the opening of an Aarhus public environmental information Center in
the capital of Armenia’s Tavush province, Ijevan.
“The Center will promote public access to information, participation
in decision-making and access to justice in environmental matters —
the three main pillars of the Aarhus Convention ratified by Armenia
in 2001,” said Ambassador Vladimir Pryakhin, the Head of the OSCE
Office. “Serving as a unique link between governmental authorities
and non-governmental organizations in the field of environmental
policy-making and awareness raising, the Center will help create a
climate of transparency in environmental affairs and contribute to
the democratization and good governance in the region.”
The OSCE Office in Yerevan supports the establishment of a network
of Aarhus Centers in Armenia to promote the principles and values of
the international Aarhus Convention and to address security related
environmental issues.

HERITAGE HEADQUARTERS STILL UNDER LOCK
A1+
07:38 pm 13 March, 2006
Yerevan-Raffi K. Hovannisian, chairman of the Heritage Party, today
sent a communique to Armenia’s Attorney General Aghvan Hovsepian and
Police Chief Haik Harutiunian in regard to the unlawful operation
carried out against its main office on March 4.
The forcible closure of the Heritage’s premises, it states, has de
facto resulted in the unconstitutional and illegal cessation of
party’s activity. “The party’s archives, its seal, all documents
necessary for normal operations, as well as personal and family
belongings are at the office. Hence, I formally request that you
consider this as a declaration concerning an act entailing criminal
elements, give the relevant legal assessment of what has occurred,
and bring those responsible to justice,” the statement concludes.
On March 9, upon his return from Europe, where he had taken part in an
international forum on regional security and a number of meetings,
Raffi Hovannisian spoke with Armenian Prime Minister Andranik
Margarian, who committed in short order to address and resolve the
continuing illegality.
The next day, on March 10, Hovannisian sent a letter to the director of
the Hakob Paronian Musical Comedy State Theater, proposing that pending
the Prime Minister’s formal directive the shameful violation of the
right of access to his own place of work be immediately removed. No
response has been received to date.

RUSSIAN STATE DUMA VICE-SPEAKER: RUSSIA-ARMENIA COOPERATION PROGRESSES
PanARMENIAN.Net
14.03.2006 18:32 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Russia-Armenia cooperation develops in the line of
ascent, Russian State Duma First Vice-Speaker Oleg Morozov stated at
the tenth meeting of the Interparliamentary Commission on Cooperation
between the Parliaments of Russia and Armenia.
“Cooperation between our countries develops in the line of ascent,
and if there are problems, it would be desirable to solve these in
2006,” Oleg Morozov said.
He reminded that this year is announced to be a Year of Armenia
in Russia. The Russian State Duma First Vice-Speaker reported the
Interparliamentary Commission meeting is dedicated to solution of
a number of humanitarian issues, including education and science
cooperation, reports RIA Novosti.

AZERBAIJAN CARPING AT BIOGRAPHY OF SINGER REPRESENTING ARMENIA AT EUROVISION
YEREVAN, MARCH 13. ARMINFO. The Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan
is concerned over the birthplace indicated in the biography of the
singer representing Armenia at Eurovision – Andre – on the official
web-site of the contest. The ministry sent a letter of protest to the
event organizers. Day.az agency reports referring to the press-service
of the Azerbaijani Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
According to source, the letter calls the fact as disrespect for
the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and provocation, as well as
a supposition that the contest organizers support the aggressive
policy of Armenia. The letter emphasizes that Nagorny Karabakh
is an integral part of the Azerbaijani Republic. In conclusion,
the letter expresses confidence that the organizers of the contest,
which promotes the dialogue of cultures, will clear up the mess and
display respect to the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan.
To note, Armenia will be represented at the 51st Eurovision Song
Contest by the singer Andrey Hovnanyan under the pseudonym Andre. He
will perform the song “Stay with me” arranged by Ara Torosyan.
Besides, Armenia will be the only country from the South Caucasus to
participate in the contest. The semifinal of the contest is fixed for
May 18 in Athens. Ten participants will be selected for the final on
May 20.
The contest rules allow the countries whose representatives occupied
top ten places during the previous contest and representatives of
the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to reach the final of the
contest automatically. The Armenian Public Television has recently
become a member of EBU, whereas Azerbaijan meets neither of the
criteria. The young star of the Armenian stage culture Andre won its
first International Prize in 2001 at the International Music Festival
“Golden Scythian” in Donetsk (Ukraine). Then he took the first place.
He became the champion of the World Art Championship on Stage Culture
(Hollywood) in 2004 in his age category. Andre had been recognized
the best singer of the year in Armenia for the last two years.

CYBERSPORT COMPETITION HELD IN YEREVAN
YEREVAN, MARCH 13.ARMINFO. The National Porfessional League of
Cybersport initiated competition on War Craft3 at “Nexus” club,
in Yerevan.
21 participants took part at the competition.The winner received a
mouse and a mouse pad. While those who occupied the second, third
and fourth places received AMD 60000, 40000 and 20000 relevantly.

ARMENIA NEVER TO GIVE AWAY KARABAKH, MINISTER SAYS
Arminfo
13 Mar 06
Yerevan, 13 March: Neither under the threat of war nor if war is
rejected, will Armenia give away territory. Official Yerevan is
ready to discuss the issues of territories and the safety of refugees
only and only when Azerbaijan recognizes the right of the people of
Karabakh to self-determination. Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan
Oskanyan said this in his replies to questions from the on-line
version of the newspaper Azg.
“Karabakh is Armenian land. Only Armenians have lived on that land
for thousands of years and they preserved their sovereignty. There are
no doubts here: this territory has never been part of Azerbaijan and
it will not be. Armenians have no territorial claims outside their
rights. Karabakh has not been part of Azerbaijan and cannot be.
Karabakh has been Armenian and will remain Armenian, especially as
Azerbaijan has no moral right to have any claims on Karabakh because
it lost it in the 1990s when it tried several times to put pressure
on the people of Karabakh militarily and even to subject them to
ethnic cleansing. If it had not been for resistance by Armenians,
there would be no Karabakh today,” Oskanyan recalled.
Speaking about compensations to Azerbaijani refugees from Armenia,
Oskanyan stressed that Armenia is ready to discuss this issue within
the framework of allocation of compensations by the Azerbaijani
government to 350,000-400,000 Armenian refugees from Azerbaijan.

ARMENIA TO SWITCH TO SUMMER TIME ON 26 MARCH
Arminfo, Yerevan
13 Mar 06
13 March: Armenia is to switch to summer time at 0200 on the night of
25-26 March [2200 gmt, 25 March]. The clocks will go forward one hour.