AZERBAIJAN, US: SUCCESSFUL COOPERATION IN POLITICAL, ECONOMIC AND MILITARY FIELDS
[June 01, 2005, 22:52:36]

AzerTag, Azerbaijan
June 1 2005

Defense minister of Azerbaijan, colonel- general Safar Abiyev on 1 June
met with the delegation headed by general Charles Wald, deputy head
of the European Commandment of US Military Forces, Senator Charles
Hagel and US Defense Ministry Eurasia Department Director general
James Mcdougal.

The Minister said Azerbaijan and USA are strategic partners, and
today their cooperation in the political, economic and military
fields successfully develops. After 11 September events, Azerbaijan
has been one of the first states fighting in ally with the United
States against terrorism, and there is close partnership between the
countries in the fame of NAT PfP Program.

Minister Safar Abiyev updated the visitors on the current
military-political situation in the region, Armenia-Azerbaijan,
Nagorno Karabakh conflict, and on the aggressive policy pursued by
Armenia under support of its patrons.

Senator Charles Hagel expressed gratitude to the people of Azerbaijan
for friendly feelings towards the United States, and said: “Jointly
solving the tasks we shall have great future”.

Speaking of deepening of the bilateral relations between the two
counties, colonel-general Safar Abiyev said the 907 Section to the
Freedom Support Act still concerns the people of Azerbaijan.

General Charles Wald said the US adheres peaceful and diplomatic way
of solution of the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno Karabakh conflict.

Defense minister of Azerbaijan also expressed hope for peaceful
solution of the problem. “And, therefore, we say Armenia should be
forced to withdraw its armed forces from the occupied Azerbaijani
areas. We have and other way to liberate our lands”, he underscored.

Ambassador of the United States to Azerbaijan Rino Harnish took part
at the meeting.

Armenian prosecutor, international experts discuss corruption

Noyan Tapan news agency
1 Jun 05

Yerevan, 1 June: The fight against corruption involves joint efforts
of all the appropriate bodies and the public. This must be based on
improved legislation and carried out in a coordinated and continuous
manner, Armenian Prosecutor-General Agvan Ovsepyan, has told a meeting
with experts of GRECO [the Group of States against corruption], who are
visiting Armenia within the framework of the anti-corruption campaign.

The prosecutor-general informed the visitors of the work done, crime
figures and judicial practice. The sides discussed transnational
crime and noted the need to speed up cooperation of law-enforcement
agencies in different countries in the fight against money laundering,
a source in the Prosecutor’s Office told Noyan Tapan.

German conservative: new government would honor decision to open Turkish EU talks

AP Worldstream
Jun 01, 2005

A new German government would honor a European Union commitment to
open membership talks with Turkey, but would push for the country to
be granted a “privileged partnership” instead, a senior opposition
figure said in comments published Wednesday.

Opinion polls have given the conservative opposition a strong lead
over Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder’s Social Democrats ahead of elections
expected in mid-September. Unlike Schroeder, the conservatives oppose
Turkish EU membership, arguing that the largely Muslim country would
over-stretch the bloc culturally and financially.

EU membership talks with Turkey are set to start Oct. 3.

“We opposed this decision … but we can’t unilaterally reverse it,”
Bavarian Governor Edmund Stoiber told the weekly Die Zeit. “But it
is also clear that the negotiations would acquire a new direction
with a conservative-led government.”

“We don’t want entry, but rather a privileged partnership for Turkey,”
said Stoiber, Schroeder’s challenger in 2002 elections. Conservative
leaders have yet to define how such a “privileged partnership”
would work.

“We have to consider very carefully whether a country where women
are oppressed on World Women’s Day, torture is still practiced and
references to historical truth _ the Armenia issue _ are seen as
an attack on its identity fulfills the European canon of values,”
Stoiber was quoted as saying.

Turkey has passed sweeping reforms to meet requirements for EU
membership, such as abolishing the death penalty and granting cultural
rights to Kurds.

Stoiber noted, however, that “negotiations can be broken off if
certain conditions are not fulfilled.”

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Azeri leader, visiting US senator discuss preparations for November polls

Trend news agency
1 Jun 05

Baku, 1 June: Democracy, security and economic development were
discussed during Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s meeting with the
visiting US senator Chuck Hagel, the senator told a news conference
after the meeting, Trend reports.

The senator expressed his gratitude to President Aliyev for the
involvement of Azerbaijani peacekeepers in Afghanistan, Iraq and
Kosovo.

The sides also discussed the course of preparations for the
parliamentary elections [due in November]. Hagel said the sides noted
the importance of holding free, fair and democratic elections.

Hagel arrived in Baku from Turkey on 31 May. After the talks in Baku
on 2 June, he will leave Baku for Armenia and then Georgia. He is
also expected to visit Ukraine as part of the tour.

NEWLY APPOINTED SPANISH AMBASSADOR TO ARMENIA PRESENTS HIS CREDENTIALS TO RA PRESIDENT

YEREVAN, June 1. /ARKA/. The newly appointed Spanish Ambassador
to Armenia Francisco Javier Elorsa Cavengt marquis de Denerva has
presented his credentials to RA President Robert Kocharyan. The RA
presidential press service reports that during the meeting the RA
President stressed the intensification of Armenia-Spanish cooperation
requires the revision of the current potential and new measures.

In his turn, the Spanish Ambassador pointed out that to contribute
to the bilateral economic relations he intends to organize Spanish
businessmen’s visit to Armenia. P.T. -0–

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

86% OF ARMENIA’S CITIZENS CONSIDER RUSSIA FRIENDLY COUNTRY

YEREVAN, June 1. /ARKA/. According to the results of an interview
conducted in Armenia as part of the project “Armenia and Azerbaijan
at `neither peace nor war’ crossroads: overcoming stereotypes”,
86% of Armenia’s citizens consider Russia a friendly country. Among
five friendly countries are also France (55.4%), Iran (30.5%), CIS
countries (26.3%) and the USA (22.4%). On the other hand, the first
five unfriendly countries are: Azerbaijan (89.2%), (turkey 84.8%),
Georgia (34.1%), the USA (12.1%) and Great Britain (10.2%). Although
most of the respondents consider Russia a friendly country, 19 of
1,000 respondents (1.9%) consider that country unfriendly. Ten of
them included Russia among the most unfriendly countries.

According to the results, 86.2% of the respondents believe that
economic cooperation should first of all be maintained with Russia,
with Iran (50.9%), with the other CIS countries (32.8%), with Georgia
(28.2%), with France (18.3%). Turkey ranks sixth (8.8%). Also,
1.8% of the respondents said that Armenia is interested in economic
cooperation with Azerbaijan.

According to the results, 87.8% of the respondents ranked Russia
first among the countries with which Armenia’s military cooperation
meets its national interests. The USA ranks second (39.8%) and is
followed by the other CIS countries (17.8%), Iran (15%), Georgia
(9.7%). As to which country Armenia should develop its military
cooperation, Azerbaijan was mentioned 20 times by respondents. Also,
43.6% of the respondents consider the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
a threat to Armenia. This problem ranks fourth among the threats
to Armenia preceded by corruption (63.3%), political instability
(56.8%), economic problems (49.4%). The interview was conducted last
October-December, and involved 1,000 citizens of Armenia (500 Yerevan
residents and 100 residents from each of the regions of Ararat, Lori,
Tavush, Chambarak, Meghri).

The project “Armenia and Azerbaijan at `neither peace nor war’
crossroads: overcoming stereotypes” was implemented by the “Region”
research center of investigatory journalism (Armenia) and the Institute
of Peace and Democracy (Azerbaijan), with the sponsorship of the
European Commission delegation to Georgia and Armenia. P.T. -0–
See more…

RA CBA CHAIRMAN PRESENTS THE LEGAL PECULIARITIES OF FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION IN THE COUNTRY TO GRECO DELEGATION

YEREVAN, June 1. /ARKA/. RA CBA Chairman Tigran Sargsian presented the
legal peculiarities of fight against corruption in RA to the experts
of Group of states against corruption GRECO. As the CBA Press Service
Department told ARKA News Agency, Sargsian acquainted the members
of the delegation with RA law On Fighting Terrorism Financing and
Legalization of Illegally Obtained Money, peculiarities of its effect
in Armenia. It was also noted that CBA is developing a new program
to ensure the introduction of the required standards and creation of
the corresponding field. CBA Chairman noted that FATF methodology is
applied in the law and recommendations on fight against corruption
are considered. Sargsyan also said that at present, all the banks
functioning in Armenia are within the frameworks of the fixed internal
regulations in accordance with the law. L.V.-0–

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

AGGREGATE VOLUME OF AGRICULTURAL GOODS PRODUCED IN ARMENIA IN JAN-APR 2005 REACHES AMD 55845mln

YEREVAN, June 1. /ARKA/. Aggregate volume of agricultural goods
produced in Armenia in Jan-Apr 2005 reached AMD 55845.7mln exceeding
that of the same period in 2004 by 1,7%. According to RA National
Statistical Service, gross product rose 5.5% in April 2005 (in
comparable prices), compared with previous month. Sales of cattle and
chicken meat fell 3.2% to 24.4 tons, comparing with the same period
a year earlier.

The volume of milk produced for the period between January and March
2005 exceeded that of the same period a year earlier by 8.8 thousand
tons or 7.1% totaling AMD 132,2thnd tons while egg production fell
34.6% to 157,8mln. ($1 – AMD 445,98). –0-

ARMENIAN CB CHAIRMAN TO TAKE PART IN INTERNATIONAL BANKING CONGRESS

YEREVAN, June 1. /ARKA/. Chairman of the Central Bank of Armenia
Tiogran Sargsyan is to take part in the 14th International Banking
Congress in Saint Petersburg, Russia, early in June. The CBA press
service reports that on the suggestion of the congress organizers the
CBA Chairman is to make a report “Monetary policy, foreign-exchange
regulation and banking supervision in conditions of revaluation
of national currency.” The congress is to discuss the development
of Russia’s banking system until 2008 and the present development
strategy, topical issues of regulating Russian credit institutions’
activities, cooperation between banks and economy, as well as
the banking system’s cooperation with the country’s scientific
sector. P.T. -0–

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Armenian Assembly of America
1140 19th Street, NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: [email protected]
Web:

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 1, 2005
CONTACT: Christine Kojoian
Email: [email protected]

ASSEMBLY REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO LANDMINE CLEARANCE IN ARMENIA
Organization Leaders Saluted at MLI’s Washington Gala

Washington, DC – The Armenian Assembly of America was commended by
the Marshall Legacy Institute (MLI) on May 10 for continuing to lead
efforts to help rid Armenia of deadly landmines that kill and maim
countless people and livestock each year.

MLI Board of Directors President Perry F. Baltimore III expressed
his appreciation to the Assembly and Board of Directors Vice Chair
Annie Totah during the organization’s annual “Clearing the Path Gala,”
at the Four Seasons Hotel in Washington, DC.

The recognition followed an Assembly-led effort to raise $100,000 to
procure mine detection dogs for use in a State Department-sponsored
demining project in Armenia. Assembly Life Trustees Gerard L. Cafesjian
and Associate Trustee Greg Parseghian were among the leading supporters
of the project, to which the State Department contributed $300,000.

“The Assembly is honored to be part of such a worthy cause,” said
Totah, an MLI benefactor and Board of Directors Member. “The true
credit, however, goes to the twelve mine handlers and their trained
dogs, who are headquartered near Etchmiadzin, and are all doing a
great job in saving lives and returning the land to productive use.”

The event included a keynote address by Her Majesty Queen Noor of
Jordan, an international humanitarian activist and an outspoken voice
on issues of world peace and justice. Former presidential advisor and
ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulous served as master of ceremonies.

Awards were presented by Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Congressman
Richard Neal (D-MA). Diana Enzi, who is married to Senator Michael
Enzi (R-WY), received the Community Service Award for establishing the
Children Against Landmines Program (CHAMPS) in Wyoming. The program
fosters global citizenship and gives schoolchildren the opportunity
to sponsor and name their own mine detection dog.

“The Assembly commends all the 2005 honorees for their leadership,
creativity and dedication in ridding the world of these hidden
explosives,” said Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny.

MLI, a Washington-based non-profit, provides mine detection dogs,
management training and mine awareness education to reduce suffering
and restore hope to people, especially children, in war-torn countries.
The organization’s two major programs are CHAMPS and the K9 Demining
Corps Campaign (K9DC).

The Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based
nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness
of Armenian issues. It is a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt membership
organization.

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NR#2005-049

Photographs available on the Assembly’s Web site at the following link:

049-1.jpg

CAPTION: L to R: Senator Michael Enzi (R-WY), Assembly Board of
Directors Vice Chair Annie Totah, Liana Mkrtchian, Armenian Embassy
Counselor Arman Israelian, Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny
and Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues Co-Chair Rep. Frank
Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ).

CAPTION: L to R: Assembly Board of Directors Vice Chair Annie Totah,
Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan, Diocesan Legate Bishop Vicken
Aykazian and Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues Co-Chair
Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ).

CAPTION: L to R: Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny,
Diocesan Legate Bishop Vicken Aykazian, Master of Ceremonies George
Stephanopoulous, Armenian Embassy Counselor Arman Israelian and Board
of Directors Vice Chair Annie Totah.

CAPTION: L to R: Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny, former
U.S. Ambassador to Armenia Michael Lemmon, Assembly Board of Directors
Vice Chair Annie Totah, Esther Coopersmith, Michele Lemmon and former
National Security Advisor and Marshall Legacy Institute Chairman the
Honorable Anthony Lake.

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