NEW US AMBASSADORS TO ARMENIA AND TAJIKISTAN TO BE APPOINTED SOON
Yerevan, May 24. ArmInfo. The US Senate will discuss the issue of
appointing Richard Hogland, current US Ambassador to Tajikistan,
in Armenia and to appoint Tracy Ann Jackobson, Deputy US Ambassador
to Latvia, as US Ambassador to Tajikistan.
The sources close to the foreign political circles in Armenia and
Tajikistan informed that the candidacies for the positions of the
ambassadors will be approved after the voting at the Senate. The new
appointments are expected to take place this summer.
The Armenian sources give various comments to the coming resignation of
John Evans, current US Ambassador to Armenia. Some of them condition
the early rotation by the speech of Mr. Evans at the meeting with the
Armenian community of San Francisco in the February of 2005. Evans
emphasized the importance of “recognizing the Armenian genocide” in
his speech. According to another version, Mr. Evans failed to avert
the growing political and economic influence of Russia in Armenia.

NAGORNY KARABAKH REPUBLIC TO HAVE ITS CONSTITUTION
Stepanakert, May 24. ArmInfo. Nagorny Karabakh Republic will have its
own Constitution. The greatest part of the work has been fulfilled,
the Concept of NKR Constitution has been published, ArmInfo’s
correspondent to Stepanakert reports referring to Armen Zalinyan,
NKR Prosecutor General, the head of the working group engaged in the
elaboration of the Constitution.
In an interview with “Azat Artsakh,” Armen Zalinyan said the NKR
Constitution will aim to strengthen Artsakhi people’s right of
self-determination at the Constitutional level, develop democracy,
establish a full-fledged legitimate statehood, protect human rights
and freedoms, foster the local self-government and establish a civil
society.
NKR has been lacking Constitution for 15 years as it had to wage
the war forced upon it, to overcome the war aftermath. During the
last 15 years, the country has accumulated a definite experience
in the building of a state, which is a proper basis for adoption of
Constitution, Zalinyan says. The Constitution of NKR will meet the
international trends of constitutional development and requirements.
However, it will take into account the peculiarities connected with
strengthening of the independent statehood. “For this purpose, all
the necessary mechanisms were defined. Armenia’s experience in the
sphere proved important for the elaboration process. The experience
of other states in development of constitution is also considered
i.e. everything positive is successfully applied,” he says. The
Constitution will be adopted through a nation-wide referendum. It
will become another significant step in the way to establishment and
strengthening of NKR, Zalinyan says.

RUSSIAN TV COMPANY ORT TO PROVIDE SOVIET RETRO-FILMS AND NEW RUSSIAN “SOAP OPERAS” TO CIS TELE-VIEWERS
Yerevan, May 24. ArmInfo. The Russian Public Television broadcast
in Armenia will be replaced with the “First Channel. CIS” starting
from 25 May, declared Igor Burenkov, ORT Public Relations Director,
ArmInfo’s special correspondent to Moscow reports. I. Burenkov said
modern commercial, foreign and Russian films will be replaced with
Soviet-Russian retro-films and modern Russian serials.
He assured that these changes will not have any significant impact on
the ORT broadcasting structure. Given the popularity of the programs
of the “First Channel” among the tele-viewers in Russia and CIS,
the “First Channel” resolved to launch a special project of the TV
channel for CIS – “First Channel. CIS.” This project is to include
new Russian and foreign TV programs and licensed films. In addition,
the tele-viewers will get an opportunity to enjoy the programs of the
“First Channel” adjusted to the time zone of their state. No additional
payment is envisaged either by the country where these programs are
broadcast or by the broadcasting country, Burenkov said.
He explained that the satellite signals of the Russian “First Channel”
are coordinated to meet the requirements of the international
legislation on copy right and the standards of the International
Broadcasting Union. In fact, the broadcasting of the Russian “First
Channel” will be brought in accord with international broadcasting
standards. Besides, the illegal broadcasting of the Russian version
of the “First Channel” outside the RF will be stopped, Burenkov said.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ZHIRINOVSKY: KARABAKH TO FOLLOW THE PATH OF MONTENEGRO
Yerkir
25.05.2006 16:50
YEREVAN (YERKIR) – Unrecognized republics, which were formed in
the territory of the former Soviet Union, will follow the path of
Montenegro, Russian State Duma Vice-Speaker Vladimir Zhirinovsky said.
“Abkhazia, Transnistria and Karabakh will follow the path of
Montenegro.
Referendum on declaring independence in Montenegro is a precedent
in the international law,” he told journalists in Moscow before the
third congress of the Union of Armenians of Russia.
“Time will come and resolutions on referendums will be adopted
in the South Caucasus, e.g. Karabakh will acquire independence,”
Zhirinovsky added.
“Karabakh is fully entitled to become an independent state and for
Baku not to feel hurt, it may not join Armenia, having allied relations
with it,” Russian State Duma Vice-Speaker said.
He also reminded that Abkhazia joined Russia earlier than
Georgia and it was included in the Russian Empire as the Abkhaz
Kingdom. “Transnistria has nothing to do with Moldova. Tiraspol
and other cities of Transnistria are those created by Russians and
Transnistria can join Russia with time,” Zhirinovsky remarked.
May 21 a referendum on independence was held in Montenegro. The
Montenegro independence block collected 55.5% of constituency votes,
while the supporters of preservation of the common state got 44.5%
of votes, Russian media report.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

YEREVAN BRANDY FACTORY INCREASED SALES VOLUME BY 10% IN 2005
Yerevan, May 23. ArmInfo. In 2005 the Yerevan Brandy Factory increased
the volume of sales by 10% – up to 4,4 million liters against 4 million
in 2004, told the ArmInfo correspondent Herve Caroff, director general
of the factory.
According to Mr. Caroff, the company is satisfied with such volume as
much time in 2005 was spent on installation of new equipment at the
factory. That is why new sorts of cognac were issued to the market
only in March 2005. He said that this quantity is optimal taking into
consideration the store of spirits which will remain unchanged for the
next few years. The director general said that Pernod Ricard company,
owner of the factory, will make investments in Russia and Ukraine so
as the consumer distinguishes the production of the Yerevan Brandy
Factory from that of others. The company is not palnning yet to
open new branches, but intends to increase the sales in Kazakhstan,
where recently Pernod Ricard representation was opened. In this
country most demanded are super premium quality cognacs – ‘Nairi’
and Festive”. Contacts with Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan are also
being enhanced.
Mr. Caroff informed that 90% of production is sold in Russia, Ukraine,
Belarus and Kazkhstan (75% in Russia only). The factory supplies
cognac also to the markets of Japan, Germany, Czech Republic,
Israel and Greece. This year export to the USA and Moldova will
be started. Opportunities of export to Britain and China are being
studied. Next year Pernod Ricard is also recommencing the production
of ‘Dvin’ cognac (10 years ripening, 50% alcohol). This specific kind
of cognac will be produced only at Yerevan Brandy Factory.
Commenting on the temporary suspension of export to Russia because of
change of documentary stamps standard, the factory’s director general
said that the company did not suffer much loss. An arrangement with
the Russian partner was made and shortage of Ararat cognac did not
occur in Russia.
Herve Caroff expressed satisfaction with the grapes harvest of 2005.
24 thousand tons of fresh grapes was stored and a little quantity
of wine materials, which were distilled at the plants in Armavir
and Aygevan. 28 thousand tons of grapes and 3 thousand tons of wine
materials are planned for 2006. The Yerevan Brandy Factory purchases
grapes from 4500 Armenian farmers as well as wine materials from
Armenian wine factories. Each year Pernod Ricard invests $7-8 million
in the Yerevan Brandy Factory, of which $4-5 million is spent on the
extension and modernization of the enterprise. This year investments
will be made in Aygevan and Armavir distilling plants.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ALL WERE GRANTED A PATENT
A1+
[11:54 am] 25 May, 2006
The teams “Ararat,” “Shirak” and “Kilikia” were granted patents by
the Patent Board of the Armenian Football Federation (AFF) at the
end of April on condition that they introduce additional documents.
The clubs presented all the necessary documents within the deadline
fixed by the Patent Committee and according to the specialists of
the Patent Board of the Armenian Football Federation (AFF) these
documents meet the criteria of the AFF patent system guidebook.
This fact is especially vital for the Yerevan “Kilikia” which couldn’t
participate in the Intertoto Cup meetings on June without a patent.
Let us remind you that patent procedure has been held on the request
of UEFA in all its member countries in the recent years and the
demands are becoming more and more strict. This procedure has been
held for the third time, and each time a number of clubs counter
certain problems connected with financial and organizational issues.

PASSIONS HAVE COOLED DOWN
A1+
[08:33 pm] 24 May, 2006
Today 20 deputies in the Parliament discussed most important drafts,
in particular the one about introducing changes into the Law on
Energy. The oppositional deputies were mainly interested in the draft,
with the exception of the Orinats Yerkir Party and the National Unity.
Deputy Minister of Energy Areg Galstyan introduced the draft about
introducing changes into the Law on Energy. He mentioned that the
energy produced by small hydro electric power stations is subject
to purchase according to the market rules. According to him, clear
stipulation of several provisions of the draft until 2016 creates
unequal conditions for those stations which are constructed later,
hindering the development of small power stations.
In order to overcome this obstacle it was offered to establish 15
years as guaranteed date of purchase of energy produced by small
power stations, since the day of getting license.
Answering the questions of the deputies, Areg Galstyan mentioned
that the German company “KFM” has not yet allotted loans for the
construction of new stations.
He added that the Central Bank council holds discussions in this
connection.
Deputy of the Justice faction Grigor Haroutyunyan thinks that the state
ought to buy the energy produced by small power stations. According
to him, getting high interest banks make the situation for consumers
really hard, and the state must enhance control in this field.
Arshak Sadoyan announced that 45 years later the level of power
development of the country will be the same as in 1988. “Are you
pleased with that development?”, Naturally, Areg Galstyan tried to
avoid answering political questions.
According to deputy Hakob Hakobyan from Sevan, the draft makes the
conditions equal for the producers.
According to him, in case of quick exploitation of the Yerevan heat
power plant and the 5th bloc of the Hrazdan heat power plant Armenia
will be the first country in the region with the volumes of energy
production.
According to deputy of the “Justice” faction Tatoul Manaseryan, the
alternative and regenerative power resources cannot be imported,
so they are means of providing energy security. According to the
deputy, the energy of the sun and the wind must be used for raising
the ability to compete with the neighbors in this field.

NKR CONSTITUTION TO BE CONSTITUTION OF INDEPENDENT AND DEMOCRATIC STATE
Yerkir
25.05.2006 12:44
YEREVAN (YERKIR) – The NKR Constitution Committee is discussing
the two initial chapters of the Constitution, these being the
bases of constitutional order and fundamental rights, freedoms and
responsibilities of an individual and citizen.
It means that the day of adoption of the Organic Law will come soon,
NKR Prosecutor General, head of the working group for the development
of NKR Constitution Armen Zalinyan said.
“NKR has lived without Constitution for 15 years. No single newly
formed state can adopt the Constitution within a short term. Experience
of state building is necessary for it.
NKR had to wage imposed war and then overcome the postwar hardships
in legal, socio-economic and cultural sectors. In the course of 15
years we have gained certain experience of state building, what is
a sufficient basis for the adoption of the Constitution,” Zalinyan
remarked.
“The NKR Constitution will be adopted at a national referendum. I
am convinced that our people will take active part in it, since the
adoption of the Constitution will be one more step towards formation
and consolidation of our republic,” he emphasized, Azat Artsakh
newspaper reports.

UKRAINE DOES NOT SUPPLY ARMS TO AZERBAIJAN
PanARMENIAN.Net
24.05.2006 20:57 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Ukraine is a friendly country towards Armenia, Chief
of the General Staff of Ukraine, Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief,
colonel general Sergey Kirichenko stated at a news conference in
Yerevan. In his words, Ukraine works to have normal relations with all
countries of the region, specifically Georgia and Azerbaijan. Sergey
Kirichenko underscored that reports on arms supplies to Azerbaijan
are not true. “Ukraine does not interfere with conflicts between
countries and does not supply arms to any of the parties. This refers
to light armament, as well as tanks and planes,” the General Staff
Chief emphasized.

ROMANIA TO HOST BLACK SEA SUMMIT TO COMBAT PROBLEMS IN THE REGION
AP Worldstream
May 25, 2006
Romania is to host a Black Sea summit next month aimed at tackling
drug- and people-smuggling in the region and finding ways to clean up
pollution in the sea, as well as discussing alternative energy routes,
the foreign minister said.
Mihai Razvan Ungureanu said that the June 5 summit was “a rare occasion
for Black Sea leaders to meet and discuss the most acute problems
of the region which experts will then be translated into projects,”
he told foreign journalists in Bucharest late Wednesday.
He said he hoped that leaders would find “political consensus” to
dealing with the region’s problems.
After Romania and Bulgaria join the European Union _ which they hope
to do in 2007 _ the Black Sea will form the EU’s eastern border and
will take on extra significance for the bloc, Ungureanu said.
“How can the region prosper? How can trust in the region grow?” said
Ungureanu, adding he hoped that Russia would send a high-level official
to the Bucharest summit. Russia has not yet announced who will attend
the meeting.
One of the more sensitive issues to be discussed at the summit will
be the “alternative energy routes which connect the Caspian Sea,
Iran, Iraq through Russia or through the Black Sea to Europe,”
said Ungureanu.
A brief disruption in Russian gas supplies to Western Europe early this
year amid a price dispute with Ukraine tarnished Russia’s reputation
as a reliable supplier and encouraged the EU to intensify a search
for alternative supply routes.
Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko, Moldovan President Vladimir
Voronin, Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili and Armenian
President Robert Kocharian are among the heads of state who have
already confirmed they will attend the one-day summit in Bucharest
which will be followed by a day of workshops for regional experts.
Ungureanu said the main topics on the summit’s agenda would be
environment protection, regional cooperation, joint energy projects,
combatting cross-border crime and improving infrastructure. NATO,
the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the
Council of Europe will also attend the summit.
Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, Ukraine, Russia and Georgia directly border
the Black Sea, which is one of the world’s most polluted seas.
Its only outlet to outside seas is via the Bosphorus Straits.