AZERI LEADER PRAISES “NEW FORMAT” OF NAGORNYY KARABAKH TALKS
ANS TV, Baku
12 Apr 06
The Nagornyy Karabakh talks are now conducted in a new format which
suits Azerbaijan’s national interests, President Ilham Aliyev has said.
“The talks are conducted in a new format and this format is just
and suits Azerbaijan’s interests. The format creates the necessary
foundation for the restoration of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity,”
Aliyev said during a trip to the northern Balakan and Zaqatala
districts on 12 April. “Azerbaijan must restore its territorial
integrity. We want to achieve this through peaceful means,
negotiations,” he added.
Speaking about ethnic conflicts in other countries, he said that
Azerbaijan is tolerant toward ethnic minorities. “Regardless of their
ethnic origins, each Azerbaijani citizen is dear to us. In this sense,
Azerbaijan can set an example for the world,” Ilham Aliyev said.
ANS TV reported that the president spent most of his time inspecting
outposts of the State Border Service in Zaqatala District. It showed
servicemen demonstrating their skills to the president.
ANS correspondent quoted Ilham Aliyev as saying that the Azerbaijani
borders were weakened during the Nagornyy Karabakh war and Armenians
took advantage of the opportunity and “attempted to carry out terrorist
attacks”. The president described the role of the State Border Service
in ensuring the country’s security as very important.

POWERS TRY TO DERIVE MAXIMUM BENEFIT FROM KARABAKH ISSUE SETTLEMENT PROCESS, EXPERT MENTIONS
Noyan Tapan
Apr 12 2006
YEREVAN, APRIL 12, NOYAN TAPAN. “Just like the “Property for Debt”
agreement, the last Armenian-Russian bargain regarding the 5th block
of Hrazdan TPP is in no way connected with the national and state
interests of Armenia,” Stepan Safarian, head of the researches of
the Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS),
declared this to Noyan Tapan correspondent.
According to him, the bargain is connected with the current
geopolitical situation formed in the South Caucasus. In Safarian’s
opinion, today the Karabakh problem is the most dominating one and
has subordinated to itself other problems regarding Armenia and
Azerbaijan. In the expert’s estimation, the U.S. has become much
more active in the process of Nagorno Karabakh settlement and in this
context the authorities of the two countries have appeared in a very
“pitiful” position. And for the purpose of making advantage of this
“pitiful” position, the powers, including Russia, try “to derive the
maximum benefit”.
Meanwhile, Armenia, transferring entities of strategic importance
to Russia, once more expects Russia’s assistance in failing the
settlement process or avoiding the settlement. In the expert’s
affirmation, Robert Kocharian’s conduct, as well as Russia’s
position are conditioned by the pressure of the U.S. in the issue
of Karabakh settlement. In this respect, according to Safarian,
it is rather noteworthy that the former balance was violated and
the Azerbaijani President was officially invited by U.S. President
Bush. He reminded the 2001 Key West negotiations when U.S. President
Bush received Robert Kocharian and Heydar Aliyev “only provided that
they will agree to realize the Key West principles”. “Of course,
the disappointment was great later as Heydar Aliyev refused this
variant and doing so, saved Robert Kocharian, but in any case, this
time the accents of the U.S. on Azerbaijan are obvious,” the expert
mentioned. In Safarian’s estimation, the current processes of Karabakh
settlement can be qualified as “Key West-2” but in a perfected variant
when the U.S. and the West in general apply such technologies in the
negotiations process that “the possibilities of tacking are minimal in
difference to the 2001 Key West negotiations but it is a bit difficult
to imagine in what ways these technologies will be implemented”.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PRESENTATION OF ALMANAC “ARMENIA IN A TRANSFORMING WORLD” TOOK PLACE IN ACNIS
Noyan Tapan
Apr 12 2006
YEREVAN, APRIL 12, NOYAN TAPAN. The presentation of the almanac
entitled “Armenia in a Transforming World” took place on April
12 at the Armenian Center for National and International Studies
(ACNIS). Presenting the almanac prepared according to 2005 results,
Stepan Safarian, head of ACNIS researches, called the attention
of those present to the works included in it: the work by Martin
Malek, research officer of the Austrian National Academy of Defence,
entitled “State Collapse as a Phenomenon of International Relations”,
research dedicated to the chronology and ways of settlement of
the Nagorno Karabakh conflict with 11 maps (authors S.Safarian
and A.Barkhudarian); results of sociological surveys conducted by
the Center among the population and experts in 2005; the work by a
member of the Constitutional Court, professor Felix Tokhian entitled
“Reform of the Electoral Code and Constitution in Armenia”; “Some
Aspects of Armenian-Russian Economic Ties in the Light of the Format
“Property for Debt” by Hovsep Khurshudian, etc. Speaking at the
presentation, Center expert H.Khurshudian mentioned the topicality
of studies of Armenian-Russian economic contacts in the light of
the last bargain with “Gasprom”, as a result of which the 5th block
of Hrazdan TPP was transferred to the management of the Russian gas
monopolist. He especially drew the attention of those present to the
circumstance that at first it was supposed to transfer the right of
finishing the construction of the 5th block of Hrazdan TPP to one of
Iranian companies on terms very beneficial for the Armenian side, but
subsequently the government made quite another decision. Khurshudian
made a brief economic and political analysis of the last agreement,
as well as implementation of the agreement “Property for Debt” and
made a supposition that these agreements could have a “shady side”
and could be the consequence of the Russian political influence.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

SOCIETY FOR ARMENIAN-BULGARIAN FRIENDSHIP ESTABLISHED IN VANADZOR
Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
Apr 12 2006
VANADZOR, APRIL 12, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. On April,
11, 2006 in the city of Vanadzor was established a Society for
Armenian-Bulgarian Friendship. As Noyan Tapan was informed by the
Press Service of the Embassy of Bulgary to Armenia, as a chairman of
the Society was elected Mr. Samvel Darpinyan, the mayor of Vanadzor
city, and as an executive secretary of the Society – Ms. Sonya
Malumyan. The establishment of the Society was realized with the
participation of the ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of
the Republic of Bulgaria to the Republic Armenia Mr. Stefan Dimitrov.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ROBERT KOCHARIAN: ARMENIAN SIDE EXPECTS FROM “MILLENNIUM CHALLENGE” CORPORATION CLEAR AND DISTINCT RELATIONS OF PARTNERSHIP
Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
Apr 12 2006
YEREVAN, APRIL 12, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. The Armenian-American
relations develop in a rather practic and dynamic way, widening the
volumes year by year. RA President Robert Kocharian stated about this,
receiving on April 12 the delegation headed by U.S. Congressman Jim
Kolbe. Congressman Scott Garrett, Ambassador John Danilovich, the
Chief Executive Officer of the “Millennium Challenge” corporation,
other officials are in the delegation. Congressman Jim Kolbe
greeted in his turn the Armenian peace-keepers’ successful mission in
Iraq. Expressing his gratitude for the financial assistance allocated
to Armenia within the framework of the “Millennium Challenge” program,
Robert Kocharian said that Armenia remains faithful to strengthening
of democracy and liberty, to keeping and progress of which the
program is aimed. The head of the country considered the program to
be double important as it involves the marzes of the republic and,
as the President mentioned, may arise great qualitative changes,
supporting reduction of discrepancy among the city of Yerevan and
rural communities. Robert Kocharian also said that the Armenian
side expects from the “Millennium Challenge” corporation clear and
distinct relations of partnership. Issues of securing good indexes
in the spheres of just management, making investments in the humane
capital and encouriging the economic freedom, issues of struggle
against corruption were considered primary for getting continuous
assistance from the “Millennium Challenge” fund. As Noyan Tapan was
informed by the RA President’s Press Office, for raising the level of
holding elections to take place in 2007 and 2008, the interlocuters
attached importance to improvement of the electoral code and promotion
of as wide discussions on it as it’s possible. The Karabakh issue
settlement was also touched upon during the meeting.

VARTAN OSKANIAN AND AMERICAN DELEGATION DISCUSS ISSUES REGARDING DEVELOPMENT OF FREE ECONOMIC SYSTEM AND STRENGTHENING OF DEMOCRACY IN RA
Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
Apr 12 2006
YEREVAN, APRIL 12, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. On April 12, RA
Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian received U.S. Congressmen, Jim Kolbe
(state of Arizona), Chairman of the foreign programs subcommission
of the allocations commission of the House of Representatives,
Scott Garrett (state of New Jersey), member of financial services
and budget commissions of the House of Representatives, Ambassador
John J. Danilovich, Executive Director of the Millennium Challenge
corporation, who are in Armenia on a regional visit. As Noyan Tapan was
informed from RA Foreign Ministry Press and Information Department,
they exchanged thoughts about the agenda of Armenian-American
relations, in particular, about implementation of the provisions of
the agreement signed with the Millennium Challenge corporation and
foundation of an Office in Yerevan for this purpose, development of
a free economic system and strengthening of democracy in Armenia,
as well as about a number of issues of international and regional
interest. Highly estimating the assistance rendered by the U.S. since
the independence of Armenia, the sides mentioned the importance of
openness and transparency for the society of all issues connected
with the resources provided to Armenia within the framework of
the Millennium Challenge program and adherence of the Armenian
government to the principles of democracy. Then the sides touched upon
regional issues speaking about the Armenia-Iran and Armenia-Turkey
relations. Minister Oskanian briefly presented the situation in the
Karabakh settlement formed after Rambouillet.

CATHOLICOS OF ALL ARMENIANS EMPHASIZES CAREFUL ATTITUDE OF HUNGARIAN AUTHORITIES TOWARDS ARMENIAN COMMUNITY
Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
Apr 12 2006
ECHMIADZIN, APRIL 12, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. On April 12,
Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II received newly appointed
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Hungary to
Armenia Arpad Sekey (residence Moscow) in the Mother See of Holy
Echmiadzin. Congratulating the Ambassador on the occasion of his
appointment, His Holiness the Patriarch espressed him his gratitude and
passed him his good wishes. “We are pleased to see that the relations
between the two countries develop at a new level, adequate to the ties
that were historically formed between the two peoples,” Catholicos of
All Armenians said. As Noyan Tapan was informed from the Information
Services of the Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin, Karekin II also touched
upon the life of the Armenian community enjoying the careful and kind
attitude of the Hungarian authorities. Expressing gratitude for the
opportunity of the meeting, the Ambassador touched upon his first
visit to Armenia and to the Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin 28 years
ago. The Ambassador also presented His Holiness the Patriarch the
political and religious situation in Hungary. The interlocutors also
spoke about the important role and mission of the Armenian Apostolic
Church in the life of the Armenian people, touched upon the Church’s
activity and interchurch relations.

“ARMENIAN NAVY BAND’S” VICTORY IS ONE OF WHOLE ARMENIAN PEOPLE, ARMENIAN MANAGER OF GROUP EMPHASIZES
Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
Apr 12 2006
YEREVAN, APRIL 12, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. The “Armenian Navy
Band” headed by Arto Tuncboyaciyan was awarded the most honourary
“World Music Award” prize of the BBC radio company’s authoritative
music awarding taken place in October, 2005. This prize is given
as a result of votion of music lovers of all over the world. As
John Grigorian, the Armenian manager of the group informed at the
April 12 press-conference taken place in Yerevan, the “Armenian
Navy Band” got votes of 20 thousand music lovers of the world and
at the April 7 solemn ceremony taken place in London was recognized
the main prize-winner of the BBC awarding. The “Armenian Navy Band”
was sympathized by music lovers for vanguard-folk interpretations of
traditional Armenian melodies. The band entered the final stage with
the Brazilian “Seu Jorge”, Iraqian “Ilham al Madfai” and Italian
“Enzo Avitabile and Botari” groups in the nomination of the “Best
European Group.” At the ceremony taken place in London, band head,
composer and singer Arto Tuncboyaciyan had a solo performance after
getting the prize. John Grigorian mentioned that this victory is
not only Arto’s one, but of the whole Armenian people. The Armenian
manager of the group mentioned that the band’s “Voice of our Soul”
disk supported this victory. This disk was recognized the 14th among
the 950 disks released all over the world in 2004, and the 4th in
May of the same year. After the awarding the 12-members band got an
invitation to participate in vangard-folk music festival to take place
in Venice in June. At present Arto Tuncboyaciyan is in the U.S. and
probably, will arrive in Yerevan after April 20. His son Sedrak
with his friends will also arrive with him. According to preliminary
information, Sedrak will perform a concert program in Armenia.

RESTORERS’ SCHOOL TO BE FOUNDED IN ARMENIA WITH ITALIAN SPECIALISTS’ ASSISTANCE
Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
Apr 12 2006
YEREVAN, APRIL 12, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. The Government
of Italy allocated in 2006 35 thousand evros and the Embassy of
Italy to Armenia – 29.5 thousand evros for keeping and restoring the
historic-cultural monuments in Armenia. Roberto Nocella, the Second
Secretary of the Embassy of Italy to Armenia stated about this at
the April 11 press-conference. According to the Second Secretary of
the Embassy, Armenia was given this year scholarship for 26 months,
from the scholarships being allocated by the Italian Government to
specialists of different countries for studying the Italian Language
and culture. Those scholarships will be given in Armenia first of
all to those specialists who are engaged in study of architecture,
restoration of frescos and fastening of monuments. Roberto Nocella
emphasized that sources of the Armenian-Italian friendship, having deep
roots, continues to productively develop today as well. According to
him, following the UNESCO example, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
of his country implements activity aimed to keeping monuments in
different countries of the world. According to R.Nocella, restoration
of a cultural monument in any country may be considered the best
cultural dialogue.
According to Professor Gaiane Casnati, the Director of the
Armenian Architecture Study and Documentation Center of Milan, the
Armenian-Italian joint works have given their positive results in the
direction of restoring monuments since 2000. The monastic complex of
Marmashen was restored, the preliminary appearance of the Yereruyk
temple is studied at present. The state of wall-paintings of the
Kobayri monastery will be studied with the help of Italian specialists
and their restoration scheme will be drafted this year. Gaiane Casnati
mentioned that Italian specialists jointly with the Government of
Armenia participate in works of fastening the castles of Amberd and
Dashtadem. She informed that seminars with participation of Armenian
and Italian architects will be organized in Armenia during this
year. According to G.Casnati, the final goal of that joint activity
is creation of the Restorers’ School in Armenia.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

EGOYAN’S “ARARAT” FILM TO BE SHOWN IN TURKEY ON APRIL 13
Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
Apr 12 2006
YEREVAN, APRIL 12, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. The Turkish
“Canal Turk” private TV will demonstrate late on April 13 Atom
Egoyan’s “Ararat” film where the theme of the Armenian Genocide is
touched upon. According to Radio Liberty, the TV speaker assured
on April 12, that the film will be shown without shortenings and
cencorship.” According to him, it was decided to show the film after
the event when the survey showed that 72% of televiewers wants to
watch Egoyan’s film. According to the information of the “Francepress”
agency, the Government of Tukey did not prohibit show of the film. The
agency reminds at the same time that in 2004 a Turkish company intended
to show the “Ararat” film at cinemas, but then refused this idea,
having a fear that show of the film may raise a wave of complaint
and the cinema halls must be controlled by policemen.