CELEBRATION DEDICATED TO 14TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE OF NK TO TAKE PLACE IN BUILDING OF HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF US CONGRESS
Noyan Tapan News Agency, Armenia
Sept 28 2005
WASHINGTON, SEPTEMBER 28, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. A celebration
dedicated to the 14th anniversary of the independence of the Nagorno
Karabakh is invited at the building of the House of Representatives
of the US Congress in Washington on September 28.
According to Radio Liberty, Baroness Caroline Cox, the Deputy Speaker
of the House of Lords of Great Britain is the guest of honour of
the event titled “Progress towards Liberty, Democracy and Economic
Development.” Senators Frank Palone, Joe Nollenburg, Adam Schif,
George Radanovich and others will make speeches.
The Embassy of Armenia in the US, the Hai Dat Office in the US
(Armenian National Committee of America), the Office of Nagorno
Karabakh Republic in USA and Palone and Nollenburg, the Co-Chairmen of
the Congress Committee on Armenian Issues, organized the celebration.
Hayk Gugarats, the Speaker of the Embassy of Armenia in the US
doesn’t consider as accidental holding of such a celebration just
in the building of the Congress as “still in 1989 when Armenia and
Nagorno Karabakh weren’t independent yet, the Congress made a decision
supporting the struggle for independence of Armenia and Nagorno
Karabakh.” “And it continues the assistance to Karabakh. The US is the
only foreign country which assists to Nagorno Karabakh officially. This
shows that the existance of Nagorno Karabakh, its efforts for the
international recognition are accepted by Congressmen,” he emphasized.

BAYBURDIAN INSTIGATES HATRED BETWEEN ARMENIANS AND GEORGIANS, COA OF JAVAKHK DECLARES
Noyan Tapan News Agency, Armenia
Sept 28 2005
AKHALKALAK, SEPTEMBER 28, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. The Council
of Armenian NGOs of Samtskhe-Javakhk made a statement, in which it
opposed the statements of Deputy of Georgian parliament Van Bayburdian
in connection with the third public forum of Samtskhe-Javakhk held
on September 24 in Akhalkalak.
In particular, Van Bayburdian expressed an opinion that the proposal
made by the forum regarding giving autonomy to Javakhk is ungrounded
and the Georgian power gave all authorities for ruling on the spot
to Akhalkalak and Ninotsminda.
Blaming Van Bayburdian for “incompetent statements and indecent”
steps, the Council of Armenian NGOs of Samtskhe-Javakhk persuades him
to study the Georgian legislation and then declare what authorities
Akhalkalak and Ninotsminda have. “Van Bayburdian must also know that
the resolution adopted by the forum refers to all the settlements of
Samtskhe-Javakhk and Kvemo-Kartli populated with Armenians and not
only to 2 regions,” the statement spread by the A-Info agency read.
The Council highlighted that the resolution adopted by the third public
forum of Samtskhe-Javakhk suggests giving such a status to Javakhk
in Georgian state structure which is suggested to South Ossetia by
the Georgian authorities. “If the authorities are ready to give the
widest autonomy to 40 thousand Ossetians living in South Ossetia, so
150-200 thousand Armenians living compactly in Georgia also deserve
autonomy, especially as they have always observed the laws and never
raised arms against the state,” the document read.
The Council is convinced that the bases of complicated situation in
Javakhk are mainly and first of all political and “in this respect
also Van Bayburdian living far from Javakhk and being unaware of
Javakhk problems misunderstood the situation.”
“It’s still obscure how the person praising Shevardnadze’s power and
considering it irreplaceable since the days of Soviet Georgia, appeared
in independent Georgia in Sahakashvili’s team having overthrown the
very Shevardnadze. The Council is convinced that Van Bayburdian is
a puppet in the hands of some dark forces and proceeding from his
own interests he can instigate destabilization of the situation and
hatred in Armenian-Georgian friendship,” the statement read.

H. TUMANIAN PUPPET THEATER TO MARK ITS 70th ANNIVERSARY WITH ITS PERMANENT AND BELOVED SPECTATORS
Noyan Tapan News Agency, Armenia
Sept 28 2005
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 28, NOYAN TAPAN. Hovhannes Tumanian Puppet Theater
will celebrate its 70th anniversary in the first decade of October.
Theater’s executives decided to celebrate the anniversary in a
non-traditional way. As Noyan Tapan’s correspondent was informed by
Ruben Babayan, theater’s Art Director, theater’s collective will spend
the jubilee with their permanent and beloved spectators, children. In
October the theater will have 4 benevolent performances for parentless
children and those attending special schools.
“For a theatrical figure the greatest occasion is pleasing the
spectators and when they are glad this is the greatest occasion. I
think that marking the jubilee with the spectators is the most
efficient way,” Ruben Babayan mentioned.
Derenik Martirosian, an actor of the Puppet Theater who has worked
there for many years, has written a book about theater’s history on
the occasion of the jubilee. He is a great connoisseur of theater
and is now teaching History of Puppet Art at the State Institute of
Cinema and Theater. According to R.Babayan, the book consisting of
several parts has been already translated into English, too, but they
aren’t able to publish it because of absence of funds. Besides, as
the theater has been a member of “Yunima” (international organization
of puppet theaters) for already 30 years, the book is likely to have
its online variant, as well.

RA PM AND PRESIDENT OF FINLAND ATTACH IMPORTANCE TO KEEPING CONSTANT POLITICAL DIALOGUE BETWEEN TWO COUNTRIES
Noyan Tapan News Agency, Armenia
Sept 28 2005
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 28, NOYAN TAPAN. Andranik Margarian, the RA
Prime Minister, and Tarja Halonen, the President of the Republic
of Finland, fixed the activeness of the Armenian-Finnish relations
and spoke for their developing at the September 27 meeting which
took place at the “Armenia Marriott” hotel. The Prime Minister
expressed confidence that Tarja Halonen’s visit will be a new spur
for stimulation of that process. For keeping a constant political
dialogue, the interlocuters considered purposeful organization of
periodical political consultations between the Foreign Ministries of
the two countries.
Attaching importance to involvement of the South Caucasian countries,
among them Armenia as well, in the “European Neighbourhood Policy”,
Andranik Margarian, mentioned that within that framework, working out
and implementation of a joint Armenia-EU Actions Program arise from
vital interests of the country and correspond to the general direction
of the reforms being implemented in the country. The Prime Minister
attached importance to the individual approach of the European Union
towards every country and not a package implementation of that process
for few countries at the same time what was present while membership to
the Council of Europe. He emphasized that within the framework of the
“European Neighbourhood Policy” Armenia also expects Finland’s active
assistance in the issue of developing the cooperation with Armenia
by working out and implementing some programs by the cooperation of
branch ministries and departments of the two countries. Mentioning
that appointment of Heiki Talvitie, the representative Ambassador of
Finland as the EU Special Representative to the South Caucasus was
the evidence of increase of the European Union’s interest towards
the region, the head of the Government of Armenia appriciated the
latter’s role in the issue of deepening the Armenia-EU dialogue.
Touching upon the currect state and prospects of relations of the
Council of Europe as well as of NATO with Armenia, Andranik Margarian
informed the interlocuter that Armenia has already presented the
package of the Armenia-NATO Individual Partnership Actions Program
(IPAP) this June in Brussels. He expressed a hope that as a result of
the referendum on the cosntitutional reforms to take place in November,
the Republic of Armenia will implement the main part of obligations
connected with the membership to the Council of Europe as well.
As Noyan Tapan was informed by the RA Government’s Information and
Public Relations Department, the sides attached importance to the
regional cooperation as a necessary precondition aimed to regional
economic development, stability and getting mutual confidence.
Andranik Margarian informed the President of Finland about the
approach of the Armenian side concerning the issue of relations
of regional neighboring countries, particularly with Turkey,
according what, Armenia attaches importance to opening borders by
that country and attempts to improve relations with Turkey, without
any preconditions. The Prime Minister emphasized, that in that issue,
the Armenian side expects assistance of the international community,
including one of Finland, particularly, within the framework of the
negotiation process on Turkey’s membership to the EU.
The head of the Armenian Government touched upon the latest
developments on settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh problem as well.

DeFacto Agency, Armenia
Sept 28 2005
ACTIVATION OF NK TALKS CAN RESULT IN AN AGREEMENT, BELIEVES KOCHARYAN
“Since 1994 we have been negotiating with Azerbaijan within the
framework of the OSCE MG. There were moments, when the parties were
close to solution of the problem; however, something hampered it and
the negotiations became passive. At present there is some activation in
the negotiation process and he hope we’ll manage to achieve success”,
stated RA President Robert Kocharyan at the joint press conference
with President of Finland Tarja Halonen on the outcomes of Armenian –
Finnish talks on September 27.
Touching upon the issue referring to international participation in
the settlement process Robert Kocharyan noted international structures
should interfere with the issue after the parties had adopted an
agreement. “We take a favorable view of the international community’s
participation in the issue and we hope as soon as the parties reach
political consensus assistance – both economic and political – will
increase”, stated RA President.
In the course of the press conference Robert Kocharyan expressed
satisfaction concerning the meeting’s outcomes and pointed out the
necessity of development of relations with Finland, especially in
the context of development of cooperation with the EU.
In her turn, T. Halonen highly estimated Armenia’s participation in
the EU program titled “Enlarged Europe. New Neighbors”. She stated
Finland would promote Armenia in the process of Euro integration.

FINLAND TO PROMOTE EUROPEAN INTEGRATION OF ARMENIA
De Facto Agency, Armenia
Sept 28 2005
Armenia goes on working over the Plan of Actions within the European
Neighborhood Policy, stated RA President Robert Kocharyan in the
course of the joint press conference with Finnish President Tarja
Halonen on September 27.
In her turn President of Finland congratulated RA authorities on the
progress achieved in cooperation with the EU. When speaking about
Armenia’s Euro integration she stated democracy, human rights and
supremacy of law were each state’s bases.
Finnish President stated the necessity to determine the perspectives
of bilateral economic cooperation.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

MINISTERS OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS OF BELARUS AND ARMENIA TO SIGN COOPERATION PROTOCOL
De Facto Agency, Armenia
Sept 28 2005
Ministers of Internal Affairs of Armenia and Belarus are to sign
a bilateral Protocol on interaction between Ministry of Internal
Affairs of Belarus and RA Policy for 2006 – 2007 in the course of
the sitting of CIS Internal Ministers Council that is to take place
in Yerevan on September 29 – 30.
According to Regnum Ministers of Internal Affairs of Armenia and
Belarus are to discuss the issues referring to struggle against
corruption and other problems.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

GOVERNMENT SUPPORT GUARANTEES BUSINESS
Azat Artsakh, Republic of Nagorno Karabakh
Sept 28 2005
In two or three years after the maintenance of the ceasefire the
NKR government launched the loan programme for the treatment of the
paralyzed economy through the funds of Artsakhinvest Foundation. That
was absolutely the right thing to choose. The wrong thing about it was
that the people in charge of loan repayment relied on the conscience
of borrowers. There was no mechanism of loan repayment.
The consequence of this is that the bulk of over 2 billion drams of
loan has not been repaid yet. Carrying on with this “guarantee free”
loan programme would mean dissipation of government funds. The year
2003 can be considered as the second stage of the loan programme.
This time the executive’s attitude was more cautious, warrants were
replaced by collateral of real and personal property. In order
to coordinate the programmes of development of small and medium
size business the Foundation for Small and Medium-Size Business
Development was set up, which was restructured into the Arstakh
Development Agency in 2005. From 2003 to 2005 over 1 billion 62
million drams from government funds was lent to businesses operating
in NKR. The year 2005 is distinguished by the scope and amount of
soft loans. In 2005 about 800 million drams was lent from government
funds. 200 million drams was provided for wine growing and orchards,
cattle farming, manufacturing and purchase of agricultural machines
each. Besides, food processing, IT and other branches were also
funded in the framework of loan programmes. In order for the money to
reach the addressees (i.e. regions mainly) the Artsakh Development
Agency set limits on the number of applications for loans from each
region. This policy is obviously effective. If in 2003 the loans
granted for wine growing in Askeran region totaled only 9.8 million,
in 2005 they mounted to 49 million. In the region of Hadrut the loan
sums totaled 7.4 million and 30 million, in Martakert 6.0 and 35
million respectively. Two businesses received 100 million drams each
for purchase of agricultural machines. The two pools of agricultural
machines will offer agricultural services to farmers at comparatively
low prices. Summing up the indices describing the dynamic of small
businesses and government funding, we may say that small business is
going along successfully despite the problem of collateral.

FIRES
Azat Artsakh, Republic of Nagorno Karabakh
Sept 28 2005
Harvesting of grain is over. At the NKR Department of Emergency
we were told that out of the 62 thousand 650 hectares under wheat
49.4 hectares was destroyed by fire. The damage totaled 45 million
980 thousand drams. In 2004 338.8 hectares out of 57 thousand
660 hectares was destroyed by fire, and the damage totaled 38
million 798 thousand drams. Since January 1, 2005 76 fires have
been reported in the republic, and the damage totaled 4 million 142
thousand 600 drams. In 2004 the number of fires was 76, the damage
totaled 40 million 103 thousand 765 drams. According to the head of
the Department of Emergency Gregory Gasparian, on September 16 two
houses burnt down in the village of Avetaranots. According to him,
it was impossible to fight the fire because the fire brigade had to
drive 55 km to reach the villages, but they managed to save the two
neighbouring houses. G. Gasparian said the department had requested
the NKR government to station fire brigades in several areas in the
regions of the republic.

BELARUS SECURITY COUNCIL SECRETARY TO VISIT YEREVAN
De Facto Agency, Armenia
Sept 28 2005
On September 27 the issues referring to the upcoming visit of Belarus
Security Council Secretary Gennady Nevyglas were discussed in the
course of meeting of Secretary of the National Security Council under
RA President, Defense Minister Serge Sargsyan and Belarus Ambassador
to Armenia Marina Dolgopolova.
According to the information De Facto got at the RA Defense Ministry,
the parties also discussed the issues of mutual interest.