Azat Artsakh, Republic of Nagorno Karabakh
Sept 20 2005
PARTICIPATION OF NKR IS ESSENTIAL
`The participation of Karabakh in the talks is not an end in itself.
We will take part in the talks; there are prospects that they will
prove effective. Considering the standpoint of the Azerbaijani
authorities, I cannot see such prospects at the moment,’ said the
foreign minister of NKR Arman Melikian at the press conference at the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs on September 16. `Political circles in
Armenia imply that in the upcoming stages of the peace talks Russia
will come up with initiatives. How realistic are these forecasts and,
generally, is the standpoint of Russia on the resolution of the
Karabakh conflict favourable for the Armenian party?’ `In this or
that stage of the talks for the resolution of the Karabakh conflict
the interested parties are always lively, however the resolution of
the issue is never reached. What is the current situation in the
talks like?’ In answer to these questions of the reporter of Azat
Artsakh the foreign minister said that any step forward is
commendable and today there already exists a formed format of
negotiations in which Russia has also been involved. `If Russia
wishes or insists on the participation of NKR as a party in the
talks, our attitude towards this approach will be positive,’ he said.
As to the settlement of the issue, according to Arman Melikian it is
not probable in the near future because reaching a resolution
requires a long time. In connection with the report of the
International Crisis Group the foreign minister said already certain
approaches have been formed. `The authors of the report also think
that the report was intended to assist to the peace process and will
probably be used by the OSCE Minsk Group mediators and other
organizations. There are principles in the report, which absolutely
contradict to our approach but there are also others which we
consider objective and practical. In my opinion, we have no right to
underrate the role of the report and will attend to it absolutely
seriously. After a thorough study we will present our written
interpretation which must be rather lengthy,’ said the foreign
minister, In answer to the question of the reporter of Liberty
concerning the meeting in Paris, Arman Melikian said that the meeting
in Paris was intended to sum up all the existing opinions on the
talks. According to him, the representatives of different European
organizations closely related to the NKR issue took part in the
discussions. In fact, different organizations seem to have become
aware of the fact that without the direct involvement of NKR it will
be very difficult to seek for ways of resolution. The foreign
minister informed that at the recent meeting the NKR National
Assembly enacted a number of laws referring to foreign policies,
including the law on international agreements. In his opinion it will
become a fundamental document underlying the establishment of
official relationships between NKR and other countries. `We also
intend to join a number of conventions. Therefore it is necessary to
overcome certain inner legislative controversies,’ said A. Melikian,
adding that besides the work to be done in the internal legislative
environment the main task is to set up direct relations with the
representatives of different countries. He stated that at the moment
he is not authorized to give any information about these relations,
taking into account the possibility of a negative reaction abroad.
`Hopefully, the international recognition of NKR will be achieved in
the near future,’ said the foreign minister of NKR. Once again
touching upon the report of the International Crisis Group, it was
said that the authors of the report pointed out that Armenia had not
occupied any area of Azerbaijan. It is emphasized in the report that
the armed forces in the territory of NKR are subject to the NKR
authorities. As to the confidentiality of the talks and the principle
expressed in the report of ICG, according to the minister, the
governments of the parties should try to prepare their peoples,
offering them some model of resolution of the issue; however, since
the resolution is has not been outlined yet, it is too early to talk
business. `The worst thing about the negotiations is that they speak
about the Azerbaijani refugees and only occasionally mention the
Armenian refugees from Shahumian or Getashen; but they never remember
about the huge number of people who were compelled to leave
Azerbaijan. The issue of refugees should not be biased. The principle
of equivalence should underlie the talks,’ said Arman Melikian. In
connection with the upcoming parliamentary election in Azerbaijan the
foreign minister mentioned that the possible change of the power may
bring about inner disorders in Azerbaijan, which may threaten our
borders as well. `To be honest, I see no prerequisites for such
changes in Azerbaijan,’ he said.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Azat Artsakh, Republic of Nagorno Karabakh
Sept 20 2005
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AZERBAIJAN LOST AGAIN
The member of the Armenian delegation to the PACE, Member of
Parliament Shavarsh Kocharian was deeply impressed by the meeting of
the PACE commission on the resolution of the Karabakh issue in Paris
on September 12. Returning from France, the member of the PACE
delegation was impatient to share his great impressions, as he
characterized them, with the journalists, informing that the list of
the participants was impressive. At the meeting the representatives
of the three Minsk Group co-chairs, Andrzej Kasprzyk who has long
been the special representative of the OSCE and has been occupied
with the monitoring of the cease-fire, Goran Lennmarker, who is
special reporter to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Heikki Talvitie,
representing the European Union, had been present. What was the
reason for the mood of Shavarsh Kocharian? `First of all, the
arguments of the Azerbaijani party were beaten down.’ He also pointed
out the fact that at the meeting all the participants mentioned that
the issue of Artsakh should be resolved only under the auspices of
the OSCE Minsk Group, and the role of other international
organizations, particularly the Council of Europe, is to support the
resolution of the conflict. In fact, the hopes of the Azerbaijani
party to settle the Karabakh issue outside the OSCE Minsk Group were
destroyed. The model of resolution is also there. `I think that there
is a tendency to involve wider circles around this model which is
being formed to be used for the aim of resolution,’ said Shavarsh
Kocharian. For years on the only obstacle on the way of resolution of
the issue of Artsakh was the contradicting principles of the sides;
Azerbaijan has always been guided by the principle of territorial
integrity, and Armenia pursued the principle of self-determination of
Karabakh. According to Shavarsh Kocharian, the positive thing today
is that the participants of the meeting managed to arrive at points
where this controversy between these principles can be overcome.
`Yes, territorial integrity but in reference to the territories which
are outside the borders of Nagorno Karabakh Republic; as to
self-determination, it refers to the territory of Nagorno Karabakh
Republic.’ Analysing the details of the meeting in Paris, Shavarsh
Kocharian literally stated that a package settlement of the issue
will be adopted, which will be fulfilled stage by stage. This model
referred to as a stage by stage model looks like the model of 1997
which supposed that the Armenian party should return to Azerbaijan
the liberated areas, and only after this would they go on to
negotiate the status; in other words, Karabakh would appear inside
Azerbaijan. This danger, however, according to Shavarsh Kocharian,
does not exist today. Although the mechanisms of resolution were not
discussed at the meeting, according to the spokesperson, everyone who
addressed the meeting mentioned by all means that they were not
supposed to consider details yet. Nevertheless, positive tendencies
were apparent. For example, the participants of the meeting stated
that Karabakh cannot be an enclave and should have land borders with
Armenia. Despite the objections of the Azerbaijani party why only the
corridor between Armenia and Karabakh was discussed and other
corridors were ignored, it was said that those were quite different,
and particularly Karabakh should not be an enclave.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ARKA News Agency, Armenia
Sept 19 2005
PRESENTATION OF WORLD COMPETITIVENESS REPORT 2005-2006 TO BE HELD IN
YEREVAN
YEREVAN, September 19. /ARKA/. A presentation of the World
Competitiveness Report 2005-2006 of the World Economic Forum is to be
held in Yerevan on September 29, 2005. The Economy and Values
research center, which is a partner of the program, reports that the
Report contains information on Armenia as well. The information will
be based on the results of polls that involved heads of various
organizations.
The international presentation of the Report is to be held in Geneva
on September 28. The World Competitiveness Report is a well-known
analytical paper, which contains information on the economic
competitiveness of various countries and factors influencing
countries’ economic development. First published in 1979, the Report
contained information on 117 countries. P.T. -0–

ARKA News Agency, Armenia
Sept 19 2005
ERRA TARIFF COMMITTEE TO MEET IN YEREVAN
YEREVAN, September 19. /ARKA/. The Tariff Committee of the Energy
Regulators Regional Association (ERRA) is to hold a meeting in
Yerevan on September 23-24, 2005. The RA Regulatory Commission for
Public Services reports that the meeting is to be attended by members
of regulatory commissions from 24 countries. ERRA was founded in 2000
to consolidate the regulatory bodies of the former Soviet Union,
Central and Eastern Europe, as well as to render assistance in
informational exchange to them. P.T. -0–

Aravot, Armenia
Sept 20 2005
ADVICE TO RECTORS
Aram Abrahamian
Teachers dismissed or offended by principals of schools periodically
come to the editorial office of “Aravot” /as well as other editorial
offices/ and tell about illegalities in schools. If the newspaper
publishes an article on that theme /certainly listening to the
opposite side, too/ the principal sends to the editorial office 10-15
teachers in addition to it 6-7 parents who make noise in the
corridors and whose brought text is approximately the following; “We,
the whole staff of the school and parents’ committee are deeply
indignant and angry of “Aravot’s” publishing. The journalist didn’t
even have right to listen to false information, which distorts the
high name of the principal. And which sounded some garbage dismissed
from the school” etc. As the principal orders to write such texts to
the teachers of Armenian Language the artistic emotionality always
exists there. The mentioned illegalities of the dismissed teachers /
gathering money, private lessons with the pupils, not going to school
the pupils in 9-10 forms etc./ exist in every school. But the “whole
staff” have to sign under “complaint- letter” as they depend on him
and in case of not obeying him they can loose their job and the
mentioned “private lessons”. The expectation of a high citizenship
from the half-hungry people is almost a cynicism.
Now is the time for our “expire date” rectors to be reelected. And it
is very possible for the “whole staff” of the institutes of highest
education to write “artistic” letters, to arrange various kinds
actions of protest for proving that how irreplaceable their rector is
and what a disaster will happen if another person leads the IHE.
Those who don’t want to stay in their posts have already sent in
their resignation. The former rector of the State Institute of Stage
and Screen doesn’t need in self-determination by the post; he is the
beloved artist Sos Sargsian. And those who try to keep their posts
produce shows and receive presents from the oligarchs. Probably as
the representative of the most needy strata of society just the
rector of Medical Institute needed in a new car.
In short, we are waiting for the activity of “all collectives”. It is
also normal. Let me only give an advice to the rectors; don’t allow
women by philological education to write texts, which assist you.

Aravot, Armenia
Sept 20 2005
“WORKS SPEAK MORE LOUDLY THAN THE WORDS”
the NA chairman Arthur Baghdasarian says
-Does the US consider you as an alternative leader? In your opinion
you or Aram Sargsian? Elucidate the radicalism of American moods.
– There are so many leaders in Armenia that will be sufficient for
several Armenia. There are groups of ambitious persons who ion the
political, public field who think in that way. There is an element of
contrast in your question what isn’t right. I can tell about me, I
was in Washington by the project of “International visitors of
leaders” at the US State Secretariat round of which leaders of about
180 states, governments and parliaments visited the US. As this was
the first visit of the NA chairman in last 15 years, certainly it was
a good opportunity to thank the US authorities for organizing the
visit. As regards the US moods I must say the following; the US
expects from us consecutive intensification of democratic reforms,
realization of constitutional and electoral reforms, aimed fight
against corruption, free and transparent elections etc. It is obvious
that economic even a small progress should be combined with the
policy of intensification democratic reforms. I can say that there is
radicalism of expectations and not moods in the USA. And those
expectations connect with the core political events in our country;
to hold the constitutional referendum, new state elections by
international standards.
– If constitutional referendum is failed or the results are rigged
which is much more possible, will the US want to assist in realizing
a revolution in Armenia.
– Why do you think that the constitutional referendum must be failed
and the results must be rigged? Why don’t you think that the
referendum will take place assisting in deepening democratic reforms
in the country. And it is obvious that those steps are progressive
indeed. Each revolution is realized by the motivation of reforming
the country, I’m for real reforms and not for revolutions and all
those who are against all that real reforms they organize those
revolutions. I’m sure that the US wants to see democracy in Armenia
with its predicted developments. During all my meetings I had in
Washington and New York I can say with confidence that the US is
interested in development of democracy and strengthening regional
peace in Armenia. Democracy is equal to peace because it is the
shortest and most effective way to prevent terrorism, war, poverty
and other challenges. And not only in our difficult territory but in
the whole world.
– In your opinion what developments are possible after constitutional
referendum if it is failed. Is it possible that the NA become a
scapegoat, which is stressed, as responsible for constitutional
amendments?
– There were a lot of standpoints and versions of failing the
referendum and searching for the scapegoats. I don’t think that they
are more than the version or standpoint is. Democracy supposes
different opinions I don’t see serious dangers in such suppositions.
I can say what developments are possible if the referendum isn’t
failed. National Assembly will make those legislative amendments,
which are foreseen by constitutional amendments, new possibilities of
the country development will be formed. Referendum won’t be held a
priori, itself, those who will go and say their “yes” or “no” will
decide it. Works always speak more loudly than the words so let’s
prove with other interested powers that it is possible to realize
those reforms in Armenia.

National Assembly of RA, Armenia
Sept 20 2005
The Settlement of the Problems of the Status of not Recognized
Countries Debated

At September 19 press conference Aram Sargsyan Gaspar touched upon
the results of the International Conference dedicated to the key
problems of the status of not recognized countries and the
initiatives connected with the control of the brandy factory.
Aram Sargsyan stressed that the running of the brandy factory is or
not complete or intentional. According to the treaty, the owner of
the factory has not the right of using the basic spirit if the
necessary additions are not done. The MP informed that in the letter
to RA President Robert Kocharyan it is marked that 800.000 is left
from 1m 600 decalitre. `It’s the part of our national treasury
because it’s on the account of it that the association `Pernod
Ricard’ considers the factory having the value of 770m USD,’ stressed
the MP. Mr. Sargsyan said that he proposed the group and factions to
put this issue on the agenda for being discussed in the Parliament,
but there was no response. Such attitude the MP considers as an
absolute indifference.
Aram Sargsyan recorded that in the conference dedicated to the key
problems of the status of not recognized countries NKR was differed
from all other non recognized states, which want to be included in
Russia. The NKR representatives didn’t take floor with similar
statements because the NKR is independent and must be united only
with RA. `In my presented two speeches and the NKR representatives in
their speeches stated that the settlement of the conflict depends on
the politics of Russia as much as from OSCE Minsk Group,’ stated Mr.
Sargsyan. As he characterized, today’s Russian authorities are deeply
disappointed from Armenian authorities for the joint relations with
NATO and not discussing the very important steps with Russia, for the
`flirt’ with the West and for other reasons. As a result of which,
Russia will try to run a tough policy not only from the viewpoint of
politics but also of economy.
Aram Sargsyan also answered the journalists’ questions.
The correspondent of `Medimax’ agency wanted to know how the Russian
policy will reflect on the NKR key problem. As the MP assured the
issue won’t be solved without the participation of NKR authority and
public representatives. Russia is aware that everybody with its
capability and opportunity must find out which team will lead the
country from such condition.
The reporter of `Yerkir Media’ TV Company was interested in the
participation of Azerbaijan and Georgia in the conference. Mr.
Sargsyan informed that though they referred to the conference being
illegal, they had active participation in it.
The correspondent of `Noyan Tapan’ agency asked which were the
contradictions between NKR and RA powers pointed out by Mr. Sargsyan.
It was noted that there were essential contradictions, which can
impose on our general political position but it’s an inner problem.

WAM – Emirates News Agency, United Arab Emirates
Sept 20 2005
Sharjah Ruler opens Sharjah Week in Armenia
Armenia, Sep. 20, 2005 (WAM) — H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed
Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated
here last night Sharjah Cultural Week.
The organising of the event, which would last until later Thursday,
stems from the Ruler’s belief in the great and effective role culture
plays in bringing peoples together and in extending the bridge of
friendship, cooperation and love among them. It is also part of
Sharjah’s plans and programmes for continuous cultural interaction
with the peoples of the world to sensitise them about UAE culture and
portray to them the true image of UAE society.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by senior Armenian officials
including Deputy Prime Minister, Huvik Abrahamian, Deputy Foreign
Minister, Kigam Gharbjanian, who is also the head of the honorary
mission accompanying the Sharjah Ruler and Minister of Culture and
Youth Affairs, Hovik Hoveyan a number of UAE officials and a large
number of members of the local and international press.

Assa-Irada, Azerbaijan
Sept 20 2005
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Foreign minister addresses UN session

Baku, September 19, AssA-Irada
Foreign minister Elmar Mammadyarov has restated that Azerbaijan will
never agree with the occupation of its territories.
The UN has been actively engaged in the process of resolving the
Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict over Upper Garabagh since Azerbaijan was
admitted to the organization, Mammadyarov said in his address to the
general discussions of the UN’s 60th session.
The minister said that the Azerbaijani government backs peaceful
settlement of the conflict in compliance with international law as
well as the resolutions of the UN Security Council and the Council of
Europe.
Mammadyarov called on the United Nations to step up its efforts at
the conflict settlement. `Baku hopes that Armenia will take a
constructive position and will not miss the right moment.’
Mammadyarov added that his country is ready to guarantee security of
the Armenian residents of Upper Garabagh.
The minister is expected to return home on Tuesday.*

Assa-Irada, Azerbaijan
Sept 20 2005
President chairs meeting on army-building

Baku, September 16, AssA-Irada
A meeting on the development of Azerbaijan’s army-building chaired by
the
President, commander-in-chief Ilham Aliyev was held at the Ministry
of Defense on Friday.
During the discussions on future objectives, Aliyev said army
building is successfully developing in the country, its military
potential is strengthening and the process will continue to proceed
rapidly in the future.
The President said that Azerbaijan’s military spending will reach the
level of Armenia’s state budget soon, which alarms a number of
forces.
`Armenians are concerned over our increasing military budget, which
is groundless. We are aware how much military aid Russia provided to
Armenia. But we do not interfere with this, as this is their internal
affair’, Aliyev said.*