ARMENIA AGAINST NOMINATING AZERI OMBUDSWOMAN FOR CE COMMISSIONER
Pan Armenian News
08.09.2005 02:51
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ “The organization for defense of interests of Gurgen
Margaryan has issued a statement, which specifically notes, “Reports
have appeared in the Azeri press that Human Rights Commissioner
(Ombudsperson) of Azerbaijan Elmira Suleymanova has been nominated
for the office of Council of Europe (CE) Human Rights Commissioner
among other 7 candidates. The Azeri party calls this “a brilliant
diplomatic move.” Leaving aside the personal record of E. Suleymanova
and the evaluation of her work in Azerbaijan, we would like to draw
the CE attention to some aspects of her activities in Armenian-Azeri
conflict and the settlement process. Analysis of Suleymanova’s
individual actions and statements leave no doubt that the Ombudsperson
institute and the Human Rights Commissioner of Azerbaijan have become a
mouthpiece of Azeri authorities’ official policy, supporting in every
way possible the anti-Armenian, xenophobic and racist rhetoric both
within the countries and beyond its limits. There are many examples
of that policy in today’s Azerbaijan. Unfortunately, until now we
do not know any cases of the institution protecting the rights of
a few hundred Armenians, who are still in Baku and are subject to
persecution and violence. Moreover, the institution in the person of
Suleymanova has many times criticizes authoritative international
human rights organizations, who included Azerbaijan in the list of
not free countries, while Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh were found
among partially free ones. This stand is not surprising at all,
taking into account the unaccountable statement of Suleymanova,
made after the brutal murder of Armenian officer G. Margaryan in
Budapest in February 2004 by Azeri officer R. Safarov, who were
both taking English language courses within NATO Partnership for
Peace Program. The Azeri Ombudswoman called the barbaric crime
“an example of genuine patriotism for the Azeri youth.” The NGO for
protection of G. Margaryan’s interests considers its duty to state
that the inclusion of Elmira Suleymanova into list of candidates for
the office of Council of Europe Human Rights Commissioner does not
do the CE credit. Thus CE attachment to high human rights ideals,
their observation and protection irrespective of ethnic, national
and religious identity are questioned. The politicization of the
election process and insufficient demands to candidates for the high
and important office are able to discredit the European institution
itself and cause serious doubts that the CE in the person of the
Human Rights Commissioner really considers human rights and basic
freedoms a priority value of the European civilization scale, which
is not subject to undeserving political conjuncture and withstands
all challenges of our hard times with dignity,” reported IA Regnum.

US BRINGS CHARGES AGAINST V. HARUTYUNYAN, WHO THREW GRENADE ON BUSH
Pan Armenian News
08.09.2005 06:31
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The US has brought charges against Georgian citizen
Vladimir Harutyunyan, who had thrown a grenade on US President George
Bush during the latter’s visit to Tbilisi. Harutyunyan, 27, is charged
in attempt at Bush and illegal storage and use of arms. A US Department
of Justice statement notes that if the trial on Harutyunyan’s case is
held in the US, he may be sentenced to life imprisonment. If this is
the case, only having announced the verdict will the US authorities
make a decision on extradition of Harutyunyan if requested.

VISIT OF OSCE PA RAPPORTEUR ON NK TO BAKU POSTPONED
Pan Armenian News
08.09.2005 05:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (PA) Rapporteur on
Nagorno Karabakh Goran Lennmarker will visit Azerbaijan after the
parliamentary election, head of the OSCE PA Azeri delegation Sattar
Safarov told journalists. In Safarov’s words, the postponement is due
to the parliamentary election. The report on Nagorno Karabakh will
be discussed in the course of Lennmarker’s visit to Azerbaijan. The
OSCE representative will probably take part in the discussion of new
proposals. “The Azeri party again insists on the position that the OSCE
PA decision over NK should openly demonstrate the occupation policy
of Armenia. Theses indicated in the CE PA Resolution on NK should also
be reflected in the document,” S. Safarov stated, reported IA Regnum.

PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release
August 27, 2005
Contact at HFH Armenia: Haykuhi Khachatryan
Communications Coordinator for HFH Armenia
[email protected]
Aygestan 8-th STR, h 5,
Yerevan-070, Armenia
Tel: (374 10) 556-114
E-mail: [email protected]
Armenia Marriott Hotel staff members worked on Habitat for Humanity
Armenia building site in the village of Mayakovski, region of Kotayk.
It became a continuing tradition that Armenia Marriott Hotel and
Habitat for Humanity Armenia started last year: to partner and build
together. On August 27 Armenia Marriott Hotel associates: General
Managers, administrative employees, receptionists, bellmen were in
the village of Mayakovski to help build a house for a disadvantaged
family. A group consisting of 14 staff members did not waste an
opportunity to help Ahmadyans family of seven get their first ever
decent and affordable house and a possibility to raise their five
children in safe and healthy conditions. This family lived in a metal
container more then 8 years. During the construction works the floors
in the house were laid. This expression of good will is a wonderful
example of Serving the Communities and bringing the God’s Love into
Action. Marriott associates have demonstrated their willingness to
help those in need contributing their volunteer labor into building
homes, communities and links between people of different backgrounds
and professions. This is also a very bright example of the Marriott’s
‘spirit to serve’ philosophy, which perfectly corresponds to the
Habitat for Humanity’s principals. It is an example of Habitat’s model
of neighbors helping neighbors to build better communities. By winter
Ahmadyan’s family will move into their new built house.
“I know about partnership between Habitat and Marriott in other
countries and I am very excited that Armenia Marriott Hotel team has
one more opportunity to be next to those in need. I also hope that
the partnership between two corporations in Armenia will become a
tradition as well. We are looking forward to see our communities strong
and prosperous in the future and will contribute our volunteer labor
as much as we can.” – said the General Manager of Armenia Marriott
Hotel Katrin Hentszel during the construction works in the village
of Mayakovski.
Marriott and Habitat for Humanity International developed a global
partnership in 1995 to help create more housing builds throughout the
world. Since then Marriott has contributed volunteer labor and funds
toward the completion of more than 50 homes in seven countries. Now,
Armenia joins the countries, where Marriott is involved in Habitat
activities.
Habitat for Humanity Armenia is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity
International and supports community development in the Republic of
Armenia by assisting in the construction and renovation of simple,
decent and affordable homes. The purpose of the organization is to
help families in need improve their living conditions, to raise funds
to support the vital work, and to give hope to thousands of people
across the country. The organization was formed in March of 2000 and,
to date, has dedicated 122 homes and given shelter to 693 people.
Sub-standard housing is all too common in Armenia. Many families live
in deteriorated housing, in cramped quarters with inadequate water
and heat. HFH Armenia’s selected target group is families living in
substandard, over-crowded and unacceptable living quarters. This group
comprises more than 50-60% of the country’s current population. These
families are unable to purchase their own homes, as they do not have
sufficient income to save to pay for the entire house cost up front,
nor can they risk, or would they be eligible for, a high-interest
loan from a commercial lender.
Founded in 1976, Habitat for Humanity International is a
non-denominational Christian, non-governmental, non-profit housing
organization that has helped more than 1.000.000 people of all races,
religions and backgrounds to have a simple, decent and affordable place
to live. Habitat for Humanity is active in 100 countries worldwide,
including 19 in Europe and Central Asia.
THE END
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

OSCE MONITORED CONTACT LINE BETWEEN KARABAKH AND AZERI ARMED FORCES
Pan Armenian News
08.09.2005 04:37
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Today the OSCE mission held recurrent planned
monitoring of the contact line between the Armed Forces of
Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan. It was held next to Levonarkh
village of NKR Martakert region. Personal Representative of the
OSCE Chairman-in-Office Andrzej Kasprzyk and his field assistants
monitored the line from the positions of the NKR Defense Army. The
monitoring registered no breaks of the cease-fire regime, however the
Azeri party, in contrast to the Karabakh one, did not admit the OSCE
mission to the front line.

ARMENIAN NGOs WISH TO OBSERVE ELECTION IN AZERBAIJAN, BAKU IS AGAINST
Pan Armenian News
08.09.2005 03:52
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) of Armenia wish
to observe the parliamentary election in Azerbaijan, Central Electoral
Commission (CEC) Secretary Vidadi Mahmudlu stated. Having called the
intention “a recurrent provocation by Yerevan,” the CEC Secretary said
Azerbaijan will not admit it. Mahmudlu also reported that there has
been response from international organizations over a CEC request
to provide in arranging electoral rolls on Khankendi electoral
district. “Election will be held in the district mentioned. This is
out of question. However, it is not known yet whether Armenians will
take part in the election or not. Thus, election may be void in that
district,” reported IA Regnum.

TV SHOWS SECURITY DRILL AT NUCLEAR POWER PLANT IN RUSSIA’S NORTH
Channel One TV, Moscow
8 Sep 05
[Presenter] An exercise has been held at a nuclear power plant on the
Kola Peninsula. They were getting ready for the worst: the destruction
of the reactor and emission of a high level of radiation.
Experts say that the likelihood of a situation like this is minimum.
However, it is better to envisage any turn of events.
[Unidentified employee] Pressure goes down in the primary cooling
circuit.
[Correspondent] There has been an accident at the fourth power unit of
the Kola nuclear power plant. A chain reaction of malfunctioning of
one system after another leads to the destruction of the reactor’s
radiation zone. A large amount of radioactive material has been
released into the atmosphere. The plant’s territory and the village
of Polyarnyye Zori are contaminated.
The probability of the above is minimal. However, the drill at the
plant was based precisely on this scenario.
[Igor Chkalov, driver] You have to carry out exercises some time. A
drill is a drill. What if an emergency takes place at the plant? What
would we have done then?
[Correspondent] An exercise like this is held at the station for the
first time. Under the scenario the facility does not have resources
of its own to cope with the situation. A decision is taken in Moscow
to send down a task force dealing with rendering assistance to
power plants.
These robots are used instead of people in places where radiation
considerably exceeds the norm. A minisubmarine is used to inspect
the bottom of a contaminated water reservoir.
[Yuriy Kolomtsev, director of the Kola nuclear power plant] Certainly,
trained people will never be at a loss. Why did those working at
nuclear power plants acted successfully in Chernobyl?
Because they knew what to do and what protecting measures to take.
[Correspondent] Foreign observers are monitoring the drill. They are
from France, Sweden, Armenia, Norway and Finland.
[Heikki Reponen, observer from Finland, speaking in Russian] Risk
is always present at plants like this but people work very hard to
ensure the highest possible level of security.
[Correspondent] The results of the exercise once again proved that
the Kola nuclear power plant is safe. Experts include it in top three
most secure Russian nuclear power plants.
[Video shows the plant, fire and firefighters using special equipment;
c/r 0132-0310]

ARMENIA KEEN ON AIDING KATRINA HURRICANE VICTIMS
Assa-Irada, Azerbaijan
Sept 8 2005
Baku, September 7, AssA-Irada
The Armenian government has stated its readiness to assist the victims
of a recent deadly Katrina hurricane that swept through the United
States. Armenian foreign minister Vardan Oskanian has forwarded a
written appeal to the US embassy in Yerevan in this regard, according
to Armenian reports.
Earlier, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev approved allocation of
$500,000 in emergency aid for the calamity survivors. US Secretary
of State Condoleezza Rice expressed her appreciation to Azerbaijan
for the assistance.
Some Armenian opposition sources criticized this country’s government
for allocating assistance to U.S. four days after Azerbaijan’s move.*

OSCE CHAIRMAN: “RESOLUTION OF NAGORNO-KARABAKH BY LATE 2005 POSSIBLE ONLY THROUGH WILL OF CONFLICT SIDES”
Today, Azerbaijan
Sept 8 2005
(ARKA) the resolution of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict by the
end of 2005 is possible only through the will of the conflict sides,
the chairman-in-office of the OSCE, Dimitrij Rupel, told a news
conference in Yerevan.
During the resolution of the conflict it is necessary to guide 2
principles: the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and right for
self-determination.
Rupel underlined the existence of exact formats for the resolution
of the Karabakh conflict – the OSCE Minsk Group, a dialogue between
the Presidents and conflict sides.
“I am personally ready to speak to all, including the leadership
of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, let is promote the resolution
of the problem,” Rupel stressed. Azerbaijan is one the eve of the
parliamentary elections, while the elections are not a component
promoting the resolution of the conflict.
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ASIM MOLAZADE: “DEMOCRATIC ELECTIONS IN AZERBAIJAN TO COME OUT A TEST FOR DEMOCRACY”
Today, Azerbaijan
Sept 8 2005
The democratic elections in Azerbaijan are a great test for the
country. It is the test to reiterate the democracy and establishment
of a favorable international image of the country, Asim Mollazada,
the chairman of the Democratic Reforms Party (DRP) stated on Monday.
He voiced his agreement with the position of Terry Davis, the
Secretary General of the Council of Europe, who stated in Baku that
the democratic elections will have positive impact in the resolution
of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh.
“The elections even not directly, but indirectly will impact
on the settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict over
Nagorno-Karabakh. Sympathy of the international community to Azerbaijan
as a democratic country is rather deep. It will be easier for us
to inform the world about the existing realities, the unfairness in
regard to Azerbaijan, occupation of areas, the Armenian aggression,”
Mollazada underlined, voicing his disappointment with Azerbaijan’s
failure to realize all said thus far.
According to the leader of the DRP, the stability which will
consolidate as a result of the democratic elections will also be
a factor assisting Azerbaijan in the peaceable resolution of the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
The same time Mollazada voiced his hope for increase of attention
towards the parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan. “Azerbaijan is
one of rare Moslem countries, which possesses tremendous democratic
potential,” the DRP leader stressed. “Azerbaijan is interested in
the integration into the European community, which accepts only the
countries with definite level of cultural values, including the
organization of free and democratic elections, freedom of press,
multi-party system,” he stressed. Today Azerbaijan has more chances
for holding democratic elections, Mollazada added.
“Of course, the establishment of the democratic society is possible
only with participation of Azerbaijanis. None of us will develop
democratic institutes and liberal elections system,” Mollazada
concluded, underlining that support and experience of all those
who passed this path, will help Azerbaijan to intensify the pace of
democratic arrangements.
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