PARLIAMENTARY ELECTION COMING UP

Azat Artsakh – Nagorno Karabakh Republic [NKR]
01 June 05

The parliamentary election to be held on June 19 is truly in the
focus of attention of the society of Nagorno Karabakh. Because
of the disputed issue of Nagorno Karabakh the upcoming election
has acquired both home and foreign political importance. Like
in other democratic countries, in Nagorno Karabakh elections are
held by general, equal and secret ballot. Before 2004, the order
of holding elections was maintained by the law on NKR President,
the law on Election to NKR National Assembly, and the law on local
authorities. In December 2004 the Electoral Code of NKR was adopted,
which includes all the laws on election. The law on Election to NKR
National Assembly was first adopted in 1994. In 2000 the new law on
parliamentary elections was adopted, with improved basic principles
of the former law in accordance with the European and international
standards. The electoral code adopted in 2004 modified the electoral
legislation. According to Article 32 of the Electoral Code, before
the election central, district and local election committees are set
up. Before the enactment of the electoral code, according to Article 41
of the law on Election to NKR National Assembly, the Central Election
Committee consisted of 9 members of which three were appointed
by the head of state. One of the three members appointed by the
president was to be a representative of one of the political parties
of NKR. Three members appointed by the National Assembly were chosen
from among the political alliances and public movements represented
in the parliament, choosing only one representative from a political
party. The other three members of the committee were appointed by the
government. Besides, the Central Election Committee was set up for
five years, 69 days before the election. After the enactment of the
Electoral Code, the Central Election Committee is set up again for five
years but 40 days before the election. The president appoints three
members of the committee. One member is appointed by the political
parties and alliances which have political factions in the National
Assembly. If the number of the political parties and alliances
which have factions in the National Assembly is not above three,
each political party appoints two members of the Central Election
Committee. If the political party or the alliance having faction in the
National Assembly does not nominate a candidate before the last day of
constituting the Central Election Committee, the members are chosen
from among the members of other factions. At present two political
parties – the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (Dashnaktsutyun) and
the Democratic Party of Artsakh (formerly Democratic Union Artsakh)
– have factions in the National Assembly. The Central Election
Committee of NKR consists of seven members, three appointed by the
president, and two by ARF and the Democratic Party each. The order of
constituting district committees has been changed as well. According
to Article 42 of the former law on Election to NKR National Assembly,
the district committees were set up by the regional administrations and
municipalities, the members were chosen from the staffs of businesses
and organizations, members of political parties and NGOs. According
to the new Electoral Code, district election committees are set up
in the same way as the Central Election Committee: three members are
appointed by the head of state, the political parties and alliances,
which have parliamentary factions, appoint one member each.

The next essential innovation is that for the first time the candidates
stand for parliament on party tickets as well. 22 candidates have been
nominated under the majority system, and 11 on party tickets. Before
all the 33 members of parliament were elected under the majority
system. The number of the seats in the National Assembly has been
considerably reduced since 1992. In the Supreme Soviet of first
convocation there were 81 members of parliament. At present there are
22 electoral districts in NKR (equal to the number of the candidates
standing for parliament under the majority system). Stepanakert
is divided into 8 electoral districts, the region of Martuni 4,
the region of Hadrut 3, Martakert 3, Askeran 2, the regions of
Shahumian and Kashatagh 1. There is more than one polling station in
each electoral district. The majority of polling stations are again
in Stepanakert. The number of polling stations in Stepanakert is
23. According to the Electoral Code, the number of voters registered at
one polling station should not be more than 2000. Thus, serious changes
have been made to the NKR electoral laws for the sake of transparency
of elections, the evidence to which is the changes in the order of
constituting election committees on all the levels. The new law does
not provide for any role of the local authorities and the government in
setting up committees. Today we may state that the election committees
are formed by elective institutions (president and parliament) and
not appointive bodies (ministers, regional administrations).

The changes which at first seem to have a formal character play
an essential political role. For example, they make it difficult,
if not impossible, to engage administrative resources to influence
polls. Changes in legislation, as well as fundamental changes
in the home policy of the republic, resulting from the powerful
democratic wave after the well-known events of 1999 – 2000, had a
direct influence on the society and turnout in elections. The period
preceding the upcoming election can be regarded as the most active
of all the previous elections in the history of NKR. Currently,
167 candidates run for the election, 115 under the majority system,
and 81 on party tickets. In the election in 2000 113 candidates were
registered, 88 are independent candidates and 25 were nominated by
political parties. In 1995 the total number of candidates was 81.

The number of candidates has increased 1.4 times since the previous
election to the National Assembly. 75.5 per cent of the members of
parliament of the present National Assembly will again stand for
parliament both under the majority system (49 per cent or 16) and
on party tickets. In the capital of NKR, Stepanakert, the number of
candidates from each electoral district is 10, in the regions the
number of candidates from each electoral district is 4 or 5. The
increase in the number of candidates once again confirms that there
is democratic environment in the home policy of NKR. 54 candidates
running for the election under the majority system (47 per cent)
represent different political parties. 61 candidates (53 per cent)
are independent candidates. The picture of nomination on party tickets
is the following: the political alliance Dashnaktsutyun – Union 88 –
18 candidates (6 were simultaneously nominated under the majority
system), Azat Hayrenik Party – 17 candidates (9), NKR Communist
Party – 10 candidates (4), Mer Tun’ Hayastan Party – 4 candidates
(3), Social Justice Party 4 candidates (1), Baroyakan Veratsnund –
3 candidates. The political parties also stand for parliament under
the majority system. The picture is the following: Dashnaktsutyun –
Movement 88 – 20 candidates, NKR Communist Party – 12, Democratic
Party of Artsakh – 10, Azat Hayrenik Party – 9, Mer Tun’ Hayastan
Party – 4, Social Justice Party – 1, Armenakan Party – 1.

To make forecasts on the staff of the future National Assembly would
mean contradicting to the law. Nevertheless, we would like to point
out that it would not be correct to think that the new parliament
will be formed of the members of a certain political party. As it was
mentioned above, the number of candidates, representing a political
party, nominated under the majority system constitutes 47 per cent
of all the candidates. The rest are independent candidates. Besides,
there are candidates on party tickets who are not members of any
political party.

The Democratic Party of Artsakh is the first by the number of
such candidates (6 candidates, constituting 24 per cent of all
the candidates). The political alliance Dashnaktsutyun – Movement
88 is in the second place with 3 candidates (16.6 per cent of
candidates). Naturally, independent members of parliament will also be
elected, which will influence the correlation of political forces in
the National Assembly, and the latter will influence the home policy
of the republic.

DAVIT BABAYAN.

01-06-2005

Turkish Press
June 2 2005

Tuzmen: We Are Trying All Diplomatic Means To Change Russia’s
Decision On Suspending Imports Of Fresh Fruits And Vegetables From
Turkey

KISHINEV (AA) – Turkish State Minister Kursad Tuzmen has indicated
today (Thursday) that his administration is trying all diplomatic
means to change Russia’s decision on suspending imports of fresh
fruits and vegetables from Turkey.

Tuzmen told reporters that Russia’s decision to suspend imports of
fresh fruits and vegetables from Turkey is not a new one. “For the
past five years, we have been sending plant health certificates to
the Russian Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs,” noted Tuzmen.

“Identical cases in the past were overcome by diplomatic initiatives
and personal contacts in Russia. Apparently, the Russians had been
waiting for a reply to their request for information for the past
seven months. As the Russians could not get an appropriate response
from Turkey, they decided to stop importing fresh fruits and vegetables
from Turkey,” commented Tuzmen.

“We are working on resolving the fresh fruits and vegetables matter
as soon as possible. The Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Rural
Affairs is doing all it can to find a solution. It is unfair for
Russia to stop all fruits and vegetables imports from Turkey due
to presence of the Mediterranean fruitfly (Ceratitis Capitata Wied)
larvae,” expressed Tuzmen.

According to Tuzmen, the 25-member European Union will discuss the
quality and the numbers of the EU soon. “Some nations have joined the
EU without making some standards real. In the near future, the European
Economic Community will receive attention once more,” stated Tuzmen.

-PEOPLE ARE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE BUREAUCRACY IN BRUSSELS-

Tuzmen mentioned that an empire of bureaucracy has begun to be
established in Brussels. “More and more, the people of Europe are
complaining about the slowness in Brussels in making decisions.

People in Europe have doubts that Brussels is the best place for the
decisions pertaining to their individual states,” said Tuzmen.

Tuzmen expressed that the referenda in France and the Netherlands are
internal matters of these countries. “The referenda were on the EU
Constitution and have nothing to do with Turkey’s EU membership. Entry
negotiations of Turkey will begin on October 3rd, 2005 as scheduled,”
told Tuzmen.

Tuzmen indicated that Turkey’s overall trade volume in 2005 will
reach 180 billion USD. “Out of 180 billion USD, 90 billion USD of
trade will be conducted with the EU,” declared Tuzmen.

-CHAOS IN IRAQ WILL NOT BE OVER SOON-

In reference to Iraq, Tuzmen pointed out that some forces want to
make Iraq a second Lebanon near Turkey. “The chaos in Iraq will not
be over soon. Despite the tense situation in Iraq, our trade volume
with Iraq will be around 2.5 billion USD, instead of preliminary
expectation of 1.8 billion USD,” remarked Tuzmen.

Tuzmen reminded reporters that, during the deportation of Armenians
in eastern Anatolia in the beginning of last century, there were
two ministers of Armenian heritage in the government of the Ottoman
Empire. “These ministers continued to serve in the government even
after the deportation and re-location of the Armenians of east
Anatolia. History must be examined with an objective view. Armenia
must remove certain parts of its constitution that cause a matter of
deep concerns to Turkey. Turkey, in its history, has done nothing to
feel sorry or regret,” added Tuzmen.

(SOL-MS)

PRESS RELEASE
Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
138 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212-689-7810
Fax: 212-689-7168
e-mail: [email protected]
Website:
Contact: Iris Papazian

June 2, 2005

ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN IS IN CALIFORNIA
ATTENDING MEETING OF NEWLY FORMED
CHRISTIAN CHURCHES TOGETHER
Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan is in California attending the
meeting of the steering committee for the newly-formed Christian Churches
Together, in the serene surroundings of the Jesuit retreat house in Los
Altos Hills. The meeting began yesterday, June 1, and will conclude
tomorrow.
Christian Churches Together in the USA had its initial meeting
in Baltimore on September 7-8, 2001, with the participation of church
leaders in the United States who explored the need for expanding fellowship,
unity, and witness among the diverse expressions of Christian faith today.
The concept was born from the need of having one place where representatives
of historic Protestant, Roman Catholic, Pentecostal, Evangelical, and
Orthodox Churches come together officially “to strengthen their unity in
Christ and empower their mission.” Since then several organizational
meetings have taken place in various locations in the United States. The
current meeting in Los Altos officially inaugurates the work of the group.

V. REV. FR. ANOUSHAVAN TANIELIAN BEGINS SERVICE
AS FULL-TIME VICAR TO THE PRELACY
V. Rev. Fr. Anoushavan Tanielian began his service as the
full-time Vicar of the Prelacy on May 23. Hayr Anoushavan has been serving
as the Vicar on a part-time basis since February 1995, when he was appointed
by the then Prelate, the late Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian. Since that time
Hayr Sourp has served the Prelacy while also serving as the pastor of St.
Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York.
A profile of Hayr Anoushavan on the occasion of the conferring
of the Doctor of Philosophy degree from Columbia University, is in the
May/June 2003 issue of Outreach which can be accessed through the Prelacy
web page:

PRELATE AND VICAR ATTEND AYF JUNIOR SEMINAR
Archbishop Oshagan and Hayr Anoushavan attended the junior
seminar of the Armenian Youth Federation last weekend in the suburbs of
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Prelate and Vicar participated in four
educational sessions for more than 400 young boys and girls, discussing the
challenges facing the Armenian Church. The AYF juniors had gathered to learn
about their church and nation while creating bonds of friendship with their
peers from different areas of the United States. The Prelate praised the
effort and noted that he was particularly impressed with the questions that
were posed by the youthful participants, showing maturity and knowledge far
beyond their actual ages.

CATHOLICOS ARAM AWARDS MESROB MASHDOTZ MEDAL
TO PROFESSOR PETER BALAKIAN
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia,
this week awarded the Catholicate’s Mesrob Mashdotz Medal to the well-know
educator and author, Professor Peter Balakian. The award was made on May 30,
in a moving ceremony at the Catholicate’s center in Antelias, Lebanon.
Professor Balakian is the author of the groundbreaking The
Burning Tigris: The Armenian Genocide and America’s Response, and Black Dog
of Fate, winner of the PEN/ Martha Albrand Prize for Memoir and a New York
Times Notable Book. He is the recipient of many awards, including a
Guggenheim Fellowship. He holds a Ph.D. in American Civilization from Brown
University and teaches at Colgate University.

CATHOLICOS ARAM DELIVERS LECTURE TO
VISITING SCHOLARS
Twenty-five professors and doctoral candidates from the United
States visited Antelias, Lebanon, on May 27, to meet with Catholicos Aram I.
The scholars are visiting Lebanon to conduct research about the coexistence
of religions and cultures. His Holiness, who was invited to present a
lecture on this topic to the visitors, spoke about the unique aspects of
Lebanese society, presenting Lebanon as a country of confessional and
religious coexistence and stressing the expression of this coexistence
through cultural, economic, religious and political means. He also spoke
about the positive challenges and sensitivities presented by coexistence.

BEAST ON THE MOON CONTINUES TO RECEIVE ATTENTION
The “Beast on the Moon” is continuing its off-Broadway
production with hopes of extending the performances into the summer months.
A recent column by the well-known New York Post columnist Liz
Smith noted the following: “Where might one see Leonardo Di Caprio with
Gisele Bundchen, Helen Hunt, Olympia Dukakis, Hilary Swank and Chad Lowe,
Donna Murphy and Mariska Hargitay? Well, you had to be at the new off-B’way
hit play “Beast on the Moon” on the right occasion. These starts have all
applauded Omar Metwally and Louis Zorich. Don’t miss it?”
For ticket information go to:

ST. NERSES THE GREAT IS REMEMBERED
This Saturday, June 4, the Armenian Church commemorates the life
of St. Nerses the Great, one of the most memorable Armenian Church fathers.
A great grandson of St. Gregory the Illuminator, Nerses became catholicos in
353. He served until his death in 373. He was responsible for the first
council of bishops in Armenia-the Council of Ashdishad-which began the
development of church laws. Catholicos Nerses was dedicated to the common
people and cared deeply about their well-being. At a time when social
programs were nearly non-existent, he initiated programs to care for the
elderly, orphans, widows, and the poor. He built numerous hospitals and
established many schools. Because of his many benevolent works he is
remembered and honored as the patron of charity.
It is no wonder that when the Eastern Prelacy began its
charitable work in Armenia following the earthquake, Archbishop Mesrob
Ashjian, of blessed memory, chose to name the organization, “St. Nerses the
Great Charitable Fund,” which to this day continues its vital charitable
work in Armenia and Karabagh, primarily through programs to aid orphans, the
elderly, the needy, as well as hospitals, orphanages, and other institutions
serving the people.

ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN WILL BE IN NEW JERSEY SUNDAY
Archbishop Oshagan will attend the Divine Liturgy at Sts.
Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey, this Sunday, June 5. His Eminence
is expected to return from California tomorrow evening.

SIAMANTO AND DATEV ALUMNUS RECEIVES HONORS
In recognition of the outstanding achievements of our youth, we
congratulate Siamanto Academy and St. Gregory of Datev Institute alumnus,
Taleen Kupelian, who graduated from Fort Lee High School with honors. Taleen
received the following awards: University’s Dean’s scholarship, the Fort Lee
High School prestigious Scott Vasel Memorial Scholarship, and the Armenian
General Athletic Union award. Taleen has served as a teacher’s aide at Sts.
Vartanantz Sunday School in New Jersey, and occasionally serves as a
volunteer at the Prelacy ANEC office. She was a charter member of the Teen
Prevention Education Program at her high school, and was invited to be part
of the National Youth Leadership Forum on Law in Washington, DC. Taleen
continues to attend the Datev Summer Institute as a post-graduate. Taleen is
the daughter of Gilda B. Kupelian, the director of the Armenian National
Education Committee (ANEC).

CHRYSLER BUILDING IS 75 YEARS OLD
Last Friday, May 27, was the 75th birthday of the Chrysler
Building in New York City. Seventy-five years later it is still the most
beautiful and unmistakable sight on the New York skyline. It was the tallest
building in the world for less than one year, when the Empire State Building
surpassed it. Of course, since then, other buildings around the world have
overtaken that honor; however, the Chrysler building remains to be the most
distinctive and loved building for New Yorkers. Just a short walk from the
Prelacy office, the Chrysler building is a favorite destination for some of
us at Crossroads.

SPRING IN OUR GARDEN-FINALLY!
Spring arrived in our garden last weekend-finally. It has been
unusually cold and very unspring-like here in the northeast, with even a
scattering of frost. But, at last, it smells like spring. This year,
reluctantly, we are going to forego the early crops like radishes, lettuce,
peas, and concentrate on what we think of as the “basics”-tomatoes,
cucumbers, squash, beans, peppers in multi colors, okra (especially because
we love the beautiful flowers it produces), and of course the herbs that
refresh and enrich our food and table.

And go along with you ere you lose sight
Of what you came for and become like me,
Slave to a springtime passion for the earth.
How Love burns through the Putting in the Seed
On through the watching for that early birth
When, just as the soil tarnishes with weed,
The sturdy seedling with arched body comes
Shouldering its way and shedding the earth crumbs.

>>From “Putting in the Seed,” by Robert Frost (1874-1963)

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Thursday, June 2, 2005

GOSPEL ARTIST GIVEN STANDING OVATION BY PRESIDENT OF ARMENIA
His Song About Armenian Genocide Has Been Translated Into 17 Languages,
Proclaims Gospel and Brings Healing To Armenian People

By Michael Ireland
Chief Correspondent, ASSIST News Service

YEREVAN, ARMENIA (ANS) — Christian musician Daniel Decker just returned
from Armenia, where he proclaimed the Gospel and brought God’s healing
through his song “Adana,” and received a standing ovation from that
country’s President. (Pictured: Puerto-Rica born Christian Artist Daniel
Decker received a standing ovation form Armenia’s President at a recent
nationally-televised concert).

Decker sang “Adana,” to a standing ovation at a nationally televised concert
commemorating the 90th Anniversary of the 1915 Armenian Genocide — an event
in which 1.5 million Christians were slaughtered by Muslim Turkish soldiers
of the Ottoman Empire during WWI because they would not renounce their faith
in Christ.

Upon the official invitation of the Armenian Government, U.S. Christian
musician Daniel Decker just returned from Yerevan, the capitol of Armenia,
where he boldly declaring the Gospel through the lyrics of Adana which tell
the tragic story of the genocide.

With every family having lost a member to the genocide, Decker is bringing
God’s healing and restoration to the Armenian people over the event, which
is still not recognized by some countries.

Accompanied by the Armenian Opera Orchestra, Decker performed Adana at the
Memorial Concert at the Opera and Ballet Academic Theatre on April 23, 2005.

As Decker’s voice choked with emotion, many in the capacity crowd had tears
in their eyes as he sang, including an Armenian Cabinet Member. Upon
finishing his performance, Decker received a standing ovation from the
audience, which included the President of Armenia, Robert Kocharian, and the
head of the Armenian Apostolic Church, His Holiness Karekin II.

ADANA TRANSLATED INTO 17 LANGUAGES

Decker’s moving lyrics to Adana have so deeply resonated with people around
the world that the song has been translated into 17 different languages,
providing him an opportunity to reach people for Christ and touch hearts
around the world, according to information from his publicist.

Decker, a man of strong faith in Jesus Christ, says the story of the
Armenian Genocide is close to his heart.

“This is an event that took the lives of 1.5 million Armenian Christians
during World War I because they would not renounce their faith,” he says.
“So I’m really singing about the loss of my brothers and sisters in Christ.”

“Ruthlessly they came, with one deadly aim
Kill all who believed in Jesus’ name”

“As they knelt before the warrior’s blade — singing
To the great I AM, worthy is the Lamb
To Him who sits upon the throne we bow before You
Holy is the One, God’s Almighty Son
Glory to the Christ, Our risen King”

(Lyric excerpts from Adana)

Adana is a collaboration between Decker who wrote the song’s powerful
lyrics, and Ara Gevorgian, one of Armenia’s premier composers. When Decker
first heard Gevorgian’s composition, he felt it was perfect to tell the
story of the Armenian Genocide, an issue that moved him deeply.

“Daniel has done a great thing for the people of Armenia,” says Gevorgian.

MILLIONS HEAR THE GOSPEL

Through Adana, the Gospel has been heard by millions of people across
Armenia, a former Eastern block country only recently unchained from more
than 70 years of Communist rule.

Visiting foreign dignitaries already hear Adana whenever they visit the
Genocide Memorial in Yerevan, an official government building where the song
is played. Now, the national television broadcast has transformed Adana into
an immediate popular hit that has been repeatedly featured on Armenian radio
and television.

One newspaper reporter who interviewed Decker thanked him for the song, as
she had personally lost family to the genocide in the city of Adana, the
name of the city in present-day Turkey where one of the first massacres took
place.

Another Armenian woman who had seen Decker’s performance on television
quickly ran to the duty-free shop upon seeing him at the airport, to
purchase and present him a gift to thank him for bringing greater
international awareness to the genocide.

While Decker’s popularity in Armenia has grown exponentially since his
performance of Adana on national television, he has been a media darling
since he and Gevorgian first collaborated in 2002 on “Noah’s Prayer,” a song
the composer had written for Armenia’s National Independence Day.

Decker performed “Noah’s Prayer,” which chronicles the spiritual journey of
Noah on the ark, live during a nationally televised outdoor concert
accompanied by the Armenian Opera Orchestra, with Mt. Ararat looming in the
background.

POLITICALLY SIGNIFICANT

The Armenian Government’s invitation of Daniel Decker, who is a U.S.
citizen, to commemorate the genocide, is extremely politically significant
on an international level.

Despite massive historical evidence for the event, modern-day Turkey refuses
to acknowledge the atrocities committed by the Turkish Ottoman Empire, which
include starvation, rape, and torture.

Sadly, while many countries such as France have recognized the genocide, the
U.S. has not formally recognized the genocide yet either, probably because
Turkey, the only Muslim member of NATO, is an American ally, particularly in
the war on terror.

ABOUT DANIEL DECKER

Decker is a New York native with Puerto Rican heritage, and his wife is from
Armenia. In addition to his music ministry, Daniel Decker has been working
with relief organizations in Armenia to bring aid to the poorest regions and
to those that have been hit the hardest, children and the elderly.
(Pictured: CD My Offering cover).

Both Adana and Noah’s Prayer can be found on Decker’s latest CD entitled,
“My Offering.” Along with his unique piano stylings, the CD is a rich fusion
of world music influences with Flamenco guitars, Armenian duduk, Brazilian
samba, Latin jazz, and special performances by the Armenian Philharmonic
Orchestra.

The CD “My Offering” reflects his love and appreciation of the many cultures
he has experienced, and is bringing healing and restoration to all who hear
his music.

For more information, please visit or contact his
publicist Anne Sharp at (818) 994-2309.
________________________________________
Sharp Concepts PR
Anne P. Sharp
President
email: [email protected]
phone: 818-994-2309
Sharp Concepts, 6931 Tyrone Avenue, Van Nuys, CA 91405
________________________________________
** Michael Ireland is an international British freelance journalist. A
former reporter with a London newspaper, Michael is the Chief Correspondent
for ASSIST News Service of Garden Grove, CA. Michael immigrated to the
United States in 1982 and became a US citizen in Sept., 1995. He is married
with two children. Michael has also been a frequent contributor to UCB
Europe, a British Christian radio station.

________________________________________
** You may republish this story with proper attribution.
_____________________________________ ___
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MONITORING HELD IN FRONTLINE
2005-06-02 12:06

Azerbaijan News Service
June 2 2005

In accordance with mandate of the OSCE Acting Chairman’s personal
envoy, regular monitoring was held on the contact line of troops
in the territory of the Garakahnbeyli village of Fizuli region
of the Azerbaijan Republic, defense ministry’s press service said.
Representatives of the OSCE Acting Chairman conducted the monitoring,
which passed without any incidence. Qarabaq bureau correspondent of
ANS TV informed that military units of Armenia continued shooting the
positions of Azerbaijan in Alkhanli village of Fizuli region. OSCE
representatives didn’t meet the officials and local resident of Fizuli
and returned Baku after ending monitoring. No information given about
incidents took place during the monitoring.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ARMENIAN PARLIAMENT SPEAKER MEETS OSCE VENETIAN COMMISSION’S REPRESENTATIVES

YEREVAN, June 2. /ARKA/. Armenian Parliament Speaker Arthur
Baghdasaryan met OSCE Venetian Commission’s representatives on
Thursday. According to Armenian National Assembly’s Public Relations
Department, Giovanni Buchicchio said that Armenia has accomplished a
great deal in constitutional reforms area since 2000. At the same time,
he noted that principles of balanced authorities, maximally perfect
laws and democratic atmosphere are still needed for establishing a
real democracy in the country and adopting Constitution conforming
to international standards.

Baghdasaryan, in turn, attached importance to cooperation with Venetian
commission in the process of the republic’s democratization and noted
that there is considerable difference between preliminary bill and
that passed by the Parliament at the first reading. At the same time,
there are some provisions connected with independence of judicial
authorities, Yerevan mayor election and power differentiation need
to be improved, Armenian National Assembly’s Speaker said.

Agreement was reached by the end of the meeting to discuss ultimate
version of constitutional amendments with Venetian Commission in late
June and to pass the altered version at the second reading only after
that. If so, the constitutional referendum is to be held in October.

M.V. -0–

ARMENIAN PRESIDENT: ARMENIAN-AMERICAN RELATIONS DEVELOP DYNAMICALLY

YEREVAN, June 2. /ARKA/. Armenian-American relations are develop
dynamically opening new opportunities for further cooperation,
Armenian President Robert Kocharyan said in his meeting with U.S.
Senator Chuck Hagel and Gen. Charles F. Wald, Deputy Commander,
Headquarters U.S. European Command. According to Armenian Presidential
Press Service, Senator Hagel noted that a real progress had been seen
for last years in bilateral relations. The U.S. side stressed the
importance of Armenia’s contribution to struggle against international
terrorism pointing out that Armenian peacekeepers in Kosovo and Iraq
are fulfilling their mission with high sense of commitment. M.V. -0–

The Daily Star, Lebanon
June 3 2005

Aoun announces partial list of candidates for northern Metn
FPM leader starts news conference with moment of silence for slain
Kassir

By Leila Hatoum
Daily Star staff

BEIRUT: Free Patriotic Movement leader Michel Aoun announced his list
of candidates for the upcoming parliamentary elections in the
northern Metn district, amidst the country’s dismay over a car
bombing that claimed the life of prominent anti-Syrian journalist
Samir Kassir.

During a news conference in the morning, Aoun called for a moment of
silence for the slain An-Nahar columnist, and said he believed the
murder was an act of vengeance by those Kassir had spent his life
battling.

Kassir was best known for his anti-Syrian writings and unrelenting
attacks against the pro-Syrian Lebanese security apparatus and
authority.

Aoun’s list, announced during a news conference at his home in Rabieh
on Wednesday, was still incomplete but included five names: former
General Edgar Maalouf, former MP Ghassan Moukhaiber, Ibrahim Kenaan,
Salim Salhab and Nabil Nicholas.

However, the list failed to include candidates for the Maronite,
Orthodox and Armenian seats in northern Metn.

Aoun explained the lack of a full list by saying: “The circumstances
didn’t allow us to form one unified list because of our alliance with
the opposing list in northern Metn, which will be declared Friday.”

The FPM list comes one day after Aoun formally unveiled an electoral
alliance with his one-time pro-Syrian rivals in a bid to weaken
leading opposition figure Walid Jumblatt in what is expected to be
the country’s main electoral battle. The two opposition leaders will
square off in crucial polls in the Baabda-Aley district of Mount
Lebanon, which is made up of Maronites, Druze and Shiite voters.

Both Aoun and Jumblatt have sought the backing of pro-Syrian forces,
each hoping to trump the other and gain extra seats in the new
Parliament.

Aoun has allied with Jumblatt’s rival in the Chouf, Druze pro-Syrian
MP Talal Arslan.

When asked whether his incomplete lists implied there were further
alliances to come in northern Metn, Aoun replied there are common
factors between the FPM and the Phalange party, former Interior
Minister Michel Murr and opposition members Nassib Lahoud and Gabriel
Murr.

He added: “We cannot screen the people and the choice goes back to
them whom to vote for and whom to follow.”

Aoun continued it is not acceptable for Lebanon’s diversified
political life to be transformed into one political line controlling
everything.

According Aoun, “this eliminated democracy, and if all of us parties
had a common agreement then our agreement would overrule everything
and delete the role of others.”

Aoun failed last week to reach a deal to run in the elections
alongside the other main opposition parties.

He insisted his differences with the opposition started when he
announced he wanted to reopen files, once in Parliament, into
allegations of government fraud over the past 15 years and bring in
international auditors to go over the accounts.

He said: “The main issue that terrified everybody and will continue
to terrify them is the issue of corruption and unjustified
indebtedness. Those candidates who are against us all took part in
the 15 years of corruption.”

Turkish Press
June 2 2005

PRESS SCAN

Milliyet:

“BLONDE BRIDE” IN EUROPE

The Time Magazine, one of the leading weekly news magazines,
distributed CDs of Turkish documentary about Turkish-Armenian relations
to its 494 thousand subscribers in Europe. The documentary “Blonde
Bride” was sponsored by the Ankara Chamber of Commerce (ATO). The CDs
are prepared in Turkish, Russian, English, German, French, Spanish
and Arabic languages.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

REGULAR SESSION OF ARMENIAN-GEORGIAN INTERGOVERNMENTAL COMMISSION ON
ECONOMIC COOPERATION TO BE HELD IN SEPTEMBER

YEREVAN, June 2. /ARKA/. Regular session of Armenian-Georgian
Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation is to be held
in September. According to RA Government’s Press and Public Relations
Department, the arrangement was made in the course of Armenian Prime
Minister Andranik Margaryan’s meeting with his Georgian counterpart
Zurab Nogaideli in Tbilisi. At the meeting, both sides expressed their
satisfaction with bilateral ties and mutual visits activation, which,
in their opinion, gives new impetus to trade and economic relations
between Armenia and Georgia. They also pointed out the effectiveness
of the commission activity.

Armenian governmental delegation headed by PM Andranik Margaryan is
now in Georgia to attend the CIS prime ministerial session on June
1 to 3. M.V. -0–

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress