Redeployment of troops to Armenia not aimed against Azerbaijan -Russian envoy

Trend news agency
2 Jun 05

Baku, 2 June: “The Russian side has not yet made up its mind on the
possible re-deployment of Russia’s military hardware from Georgia to
Armenia, and media reports to that effect have nothing to do with the
re-deployment of Russian bases from one place to another,” the charge
d’affaires of the Russian Federation in Azerbaijan, Petr Burdykin,
told journalists today, Trend reports.

He acknowledged the possibility that the military bases might really
be supplied with something because, as a large facility, they cannot
stay without equipment throughout the year. He said that if it
wasn’t something made up by journalists, it is ordinary equipment,
the transfer of some hardware as part of ordinary material and
technical provision.

As for the re-deployment of military hardware from Georgia, the
diplomat said that “Russia is being urged to withdraw its troops from
Georgia as soon as possible and pressure is put on us not only by
Tbilisi, but also by other countries which urge us to seek ways of
doing it quickly, and one of the ways is to send the troops to our
military base in Armenia”.

The Russian diplomat said this didn’t mean that the arms were being
handed over to Armenia.

“This re-deployment, if it does take place, will not be aimed against a
third country, will not affect the settlement of the Nagornyy Karabakh
conflict and does not run counter to international agreements,”
he said.

According to the diplomat, he has submitted the Russian side’s official
response to the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry following the latter’s
note presented to him last week.

RUSSIAN-ARMENIAN CENTER FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES IN EDUCATION OPENED IN YEREVAN

YEREVAN, June 1. /ARKA/. Russian-Armenian center for advanced
technologies in education and intellectual resources development is
opened in Armenian branch of Moscow State University of Economics,
Statistics and Informatics. Armenian Science and Education Minister
Sergo Yeritsyan said at the opening ceremony that the center creation
is another evidence of friendship between Armenia and Russia. In
his opinion, the effect produced by the center is to be seen in the
nearest future.

The Moscow University Rector Vladimir Tikhomirov, in turn, said the
humanity is entering informational society building era, the key index
of which is new economy – the economy based on knowledge. “We live in
time when non-stop education is needed. Many large-scale companies
organize their work the way leaving at least two hours a day for
each employee for his education”, Tikhomirov said. He also said the
center would let teachers and specialists use electronic libraries
to upgrade their qualification. As a result, those countries using
knowledge, not those countries producing them will find themselves
in advantageous position, he said. M.V. -0–

Armenian Government Plans Further Spending Increase

Radio Free Europe, Czech Rep.
June 2 2005

02/06/2005 09:02

The Armenian government’s budgetary expenditures will grow further
in the next few years but they will still make up a small share of
the country’s Gross Domestic Product, officials said on Wednesday.

A three-year program approved by ministers calls for a major increase
in tax revenues which should allow the government to boost its modest
public spending. Under that plan made public by Deputy Finance Minister
Pavel Safarian, the tax revenues will equal 15.9 percent of the GDP
in 2008, up from 15.1 percent projected for this year.

The proportion is very low even by ex-Soviet standards and is the
most vivid indicator of the scale of tax evasion in Armenia. The
authorities announced a major crackdown on the endemic practice last
year, with President Robert Kocharian personally warning the country’s
leading businessmen that they should stop grossly underreporting
their earnings.

The crackdown is aimed at ensuring a 25 percent rise in the proceeds
from the collection of taxes and import duties. They are projected
to total 307 billion drams ($690 million) in 2005. They government
now appears on track to meet that target.

Safarian told reporters that the tax revenues are projected to grow by
another 53 billion drams next year. He said at least half of the extra
money will be used for raising public sector wages and social security
benefits. Similar hikes are envisaged for 2007 and 2008, he added.

Safarian also said the program’s successful implementation is based
on expectations of annual economic growth of 6 percent. According to
official figures, the growth rate has averaged 11 percent in the last
four years and slowed to 7.8 percent during the first quarter of 2005.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ARMENIAN DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER HOSTS CIS INTER-PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY COUNCIL’S SECRETARY GENERAL

YEREVAN, June 1. /ARKA/. Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Gegham
Gharibjanyan received Wednesday the CIS Inter-Parliamentary Assembly
Council’s Secretary General Mikhail Krotov who is now in Armenia for
working visit. According to the Ministry’s press service, issues
related to Armenia’s participation in 9th International Economic
Forum to be held in Saint Petersburg on June 14 to 16 were discussed
at the meeting.

Taking into account that the forum is to be held under Russian
Federation President and is considered one the main economic events
either for the CIS member countries or for 50 other world states, the
sides attached importance to Armenian delegation participation in it.

According to the press-release, Gharibjanyan said at the meeting that
Armenia will continue to join processes going on the CIS space and will
make all possible efforts to ensure its effective participation in the
International Economic Forum. The Deputy Foreign Minister also pointed
out the necessity of the CIS member countries cooperation enlargement
in humanitarian area. In his words, Humanitarian Cooperation
Declaration signed on May 8 in the course of a CIS informal summit,
lays favorable ground for interaction in this area either as part of
Armenian-Russian relationship or at the CIS level. M.V. -0–

Iranian Quran News Agency, Iran
June 2 2005

Hojjat-ul- Islam Seyyed Hasan Khomeini:
Talibanism & Zionism of the Same Origin

6/1/2005

Tehran, IQNA: June 2, 2005-Talibanisiam and Zionism stem from
religious extremism and have the same origin.

Grandson of the late leader, Hojjat-ul- Islam Seyyed Hasan Khomeini
in a gathering of Iranian Zoroastrian, Assyrian, Armenian and Jewish
community communities in Jamaran mosque which was coincided with the
late Imam’s 16th departure anniversary said religious extremism
blinds eyes on various common grounds and leads to denial of other
religions.

Referring to commonalities religions have he pointed out monotheism
and national identity is what all Iranians have in common. He added
what religions have in common is far more than their differences and
one should capitalize on these commonalities to avoid discord.

The late Imam’s grandson opined that the essence of all religions is
living beautifully, dying peacefully and everlasting prosperity, and
that the main objective of all religions is to bring spirituality
into man’s material life.

Burjanadze Meets Armenian PM

Civil Georgia, Georgia
June 2 2005

Visiting Armenian Prime Minister Andranik Margaryan met with Georgian
Parliamentary Chairperson Nino Burjanadze on June 2 and discussed
issues related with the situation in Samtskhe-Javakheti region,
which is predominately populated by ethnic Armenians and resumption
of railway link between Georgia and Russia via breakaway Abkhazia.

Andranik Margaryan is visiting Georgia to participate in the summit
of heads of governments of Commonwealth of Independent States, which
is scheduled in Tbilisi on June 3.

After the talks Georgian Parliamentary Chairperson Nino Burjanadze told
reporters that the Georgian authorities plan to launch comprehensive
social programs in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region in order to ease
those problems which might occur in the process of withdrawal of
Russian military base stations there in the town of Akhalkalaki. Part
of the locals in Akhalkalaki is employed at this military base.

Nino Burjanadze emphasized that like in other parts of Georgia,
social situation is also difficult in Javakheti.

“The social-economic situation is very difficult there, however not
very different from other regions of Georgia. We intend to implement
serious programs in Samtskhe-Javakheti,” Nino Burjanadze said on
June 2.

In respect of resumption of railway link via Abkhazia, Burjanadze
reiterated Georgia’s position, that Tbilisi wants this process to
occur in parallel to return of Georgian internally displaced persons
back to Abkhazia.

“The Armenian side accepts this stance with understanding,” she said.

Restoration of railway via Abkhazia is of vital importance for Armenia,
which can get a rail access to its strategic partner – Russia if
Georgia agrees to rehabilitate railway connection through Abkhazia.

UNITED STATES EUROPEAN COMMAND SATISFIES WITH SERVICE OF AZERBAIJAN’S SOLDIER
[June 02, 2005, 11:34:21]

AzerTag, Azerbaijan
June 2 2005

Chairman of the Milli Majlis of the Azerbaijan Republic Murtuz
Alaskarov received on June 1 the delegation led by deputy commander
of the United States European Command General Charles Wald, now
visiting the country. Greeting the visitors, Speaker of the Azerbaijan
Parliament dwelt on existent relations between Azerbaijan and US, and
highly assessed the role of the heads of state in development of these
ties. The nationwide leader of the Azerbaijan people Heydar Aliyev
since 1994 has for many times been visiting the United States, held
numerous meetings, signed a number of contracts. The Congressmen of
the United States and Azerbaijani parliamentarians have made mutual
visits to widen bilateral relations. The Memo signed between the
Congress and Milli Majlis provides creation of working groups and
their useful cooperation.

It is pleased that in many international questions the positions of
two countries coincide, Mr. Alaskarov underscored.

Speaker Alaskarov highlighted on the recently passed Yalta gathering
of the GUAM Parliamentary Assembly, and also noted necessity of
settlement of the existent conflicts in region.

Touching upon the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno Karabakh conflict, Mr.
Murtuz Alaskarov said the aggressor – as is known Armenia has been
recognized as an aggressor state – should be forced to observe
international law and without condition abandon the occupied
Azerbaijani territories. The aggressor should be imposed serious
sanctions, he emphasized. Only in this way, Azerbaijan’s territorial
integrity would be restored.

Speaking on behalf of the House of Representatives and Congress
members, Senator Charles Hagel said the goal of the visit is to thank
President of Azerbaijan, the Governments and people of Azerbaijan
for support of the United States, also negotiate on perspectives of
cooperation in mutually interested issues in the region.

At the meeting, also were speaking ambassador of the United States to
Azerbaijan Reno Harnish, deputy commander of the United States European
Command General Charles Wald, who expressed consent with current
level of relations between two countries, and the latter thanked
for exemplary service of the Azerbaijani soldiers in peacemaking
operations in Afghanistan, Kosovo and Iraq.

Mr. Charles Hagel said the United States would further support the
fair position of Azerbaijan.

The sides also had comprehensive exchange of views on a range of
questions of mutual interest.

Today, Azerbaijan
June 2 2005

Yerevan might recognize the independence of the separatist regime
occupied the territories of Azerbaijan

01 June 2005 [13:13] – Today.Az

“The challenge of Baku concerning the resolution of the Nagorno
Karabakh conflict might cause the negotiations process face dilemma.
If Azerbaijani side remain in its previous principles it is not
excluded the official Yerevan might recognize the independence of
the Nagorno Karabakh”.

This statement was made by chairman of “Irs” party, former Foreign
Minister Raffi Ovanesyan.

R.Ovanesyan stated that, the so-called republic should also participate
in the talks together with Azerbaijan and Armenia as equal in rights
side. He also made an interesting suggestion: “The territory of Fuzuli
region which is under the control of Armenian troops can be exchanged
with northern Aghdere which is under the control of Azerbaijani troops
as well as Aghdam can be exchanged with the villages Shaumyan and
Getasheni (the viilage Bashkend of Gadabay region).

R.Ovanesyan considers that, Armenia and Azerbaijan should hold
democratic elections, establish diplomatic relations with Turkey,
relations in the spheres of communication, border as well as in
economical sphere should be established among the Nagorno Karabakh,
Armenia, Azerbaijan and Turkey, the refuges from both sides should
be returned to their homes in order to get guarantee to the solution
of the conflict”.

/APA/

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Araz Azimov: “Transporting bases to Armenia is contrary to the region countries’ interests”

Today, Azerbaijan
June 2 2005

01 June 2005 [12:45] – Today.Az

“Azerbaijan supports the agreement obtained between the sides on
withdrawing the Russian military bases from the Georgian territory”.

This was informed to the journalists by the foreign affairs
deputy-minister of Azerbajan Araz Azimov.

According to the words of the FAM official, Azerbaijan is displeased
with the wish of Moscow to place some part of the military equipment
to be withdrawn from Georgia in Armenia.

“Azerbaijan has already sent a note in the connection of this problem,
and we are waiting for the response. Transporting the military bases
situated in Georgia to Armenia does not conform to the interest of
Azerbaijan including the interest of all countries of the region. I
think that there is no need to establish foreign military bases in
the Southern Caucasus. We consider that keeping the foreign military
bases in the region is contrary to the interests of all nations living
in this region”.

/APA/

URL:

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Today, Azerbaijan
June 2 2005

Senator Charles Heigle: “It will cause serious anxiety if military
supplies of Russia are placed in Armenia”

02 June 2005 [15:53] – Today.Az

The USA Congress Senator Charles Heigle who visited Baku yesterday
held press conference yesterday.

C.Heigle was introduced to the journalists before the press conference
started. He was reported to have been serving in the Senate for a long
time, participated in the Vietnam War, founded mobile phone company,
headed investment company and he took his first independent steps in
the radio as broadcaster of talk-show.

Then the Senator addressed the conference. C.Heigle stated that, that
is his 9th visit to the region and 3rd visit to Azerbaijan. Stating
that, he started his journey from Turkey this time, the Senator
underlined that he will visit Georgia, and Armenia and Ukraine then.

He stated he conducted several meetings in Baku as well as conducted
talks with President Ilham Aliyev: “The goal of my visit is to
display devotedness in continuing the relations in the cooperation
in the sphere of democracy, security, economic development and energy
between the USA and Azerbaijan”.

Responding to the questions, the Senator expressed his hope that free,
transparent, democratic elections will be held in Azerbaijan.

He underlined that, the USA always assists Azerbaijan in holding
democratic election. Stating that Republicans and Democracy
institutions of his country are functioning in Azerbaijan, the Senator
announced that the election depends on the will of government of
Azerbaijan and the voters at the result.

The senator expressing his relation to not allowing holding political
actions in Azerbaijan informed that it was not an estimable case. He
said that he hoped the Azerbaijani government would not impede the
opposition’s holding the action on June 4. Charles Heigle answering the
question about establishing the Russian military bases withdrawn from
Georgia in Armenia informed that withdrawing the military equipment
from Georgia was good news: “However, if the military supplies of
Russia are brought to Armenia, this would give much trouble”. The
senator considers that the military bases of the foreign country
should not be established in the territory of the independent country
in case it causes danger for the region.

/APA/

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