ARMENIA, THAILAND TO SIGN JOINT ACTIONS PROGRAM THURSDAY IN YEREVAN
ARKA News Agency
Sept 7 2005
YEREVAN, September 7. /ARKA/. Program of joint actions is to be
signed by Armenia’s and Thailand’s Governments Thursday in Yerevan.
According to Armenian Foreign Ministry’s press service, from Armenian
side the document will be signed by Deputy Foreign Minister Armen
Baiburdyan and from the opposite side his Thai counterpart Virachai
Virameteekul. M.V. –0–
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

OMBUDSMAN CAUTIOUSLY CONDEMNS
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| 17:35:53 | 08-09-2005 | Politics |
Human rights defender Larissa Alaverdyan has issued a special report on
violations of human rights of the residents being expelled from their
houses over the construction project of Yerevan. Today the Ombudsman
met with journalists to tell that the report will be placed at the
website
Without mentioning any names or state structures infringing the rights
the residents L. Alaversyan diplomatically noted, “The violations can
be observed n the government resolution, the programs worked out by
the city administration and in the course of performing pleas.” The
forcible expelling and the amount of compensation aroused indignation
of the Ombudsman.
During today’s’ press conference L. Alaverdyan stated that the report
in not called to condemn the incumbent or the construction works
carried out in the capital. After attending Buzand Steet 23 and seeing
the expelled residents the Ombudsman concluded that the program caused
serious social tension, which, in her opinion can cause emergency
situation. “The authorities have to settle this issue”, she said.

OPPOSITION SET TO END PARLIAMENT BOYCOTT
Radio Free Europe, Czech Rep.
Aug 8 2005
The Armenian opposition confirmed on Wednesday its reported plans to
put a permanent end to its 18-month boycott of parliament dominated
by President Robert Kocharian’s supporters.
The more than two dozen deputies representing the Artarutyun bloc and
the National Unity Party (AMK) walked out of the National Assembly
in February 2004 after its pro-presidential majority refused to
consider calling a “referendum of confidence” in Kocharian. The move
precipitated a bitter confrontation between the government and the
opposition that deepened political polarization in the country.
The Armenian authorities and the Council of Europe have since
repeatedly urged the opposition minority to return to the parliament.
The two opposition groups suspended the boycott last week to attend
parliament debates on constitutional reform not least because it was
broadcast live by state television. That gave opposition leaders a
rare opportunity to spread their message to TV viewers across Armenia.
“Deputies from the National Unity Party tentatively discussed that
issue and after analyzing the results of the extraordinary parliament
session arrived at the conclusion that they should return to the
National Assembly,” AMK leader Artashes Geghamian told RFE/RL. “Only
in that case will the failings of the coalition become obvious to
the people.”
Geghamian added that the AMK faction’s decision is likely to be
endorsed by the party’s governing board on Saturday and that he and
eight other deputies representing it could return to the National
Assembly on Monday.
A similar decision is expected to be made by Artarutyun. “The people
are asking us to participate in the work of the National Assembly
and expose the real face of the regime,” one of its leaders, Victor
Dallakian, said after Wednesday’s meeting of the bloc’s governing
board.
The end of the boycott continues to be strongly opposed by
Hanrapetutyun, the most radical of the nine parties aligned in the
bloc. “I personally won’t go to the parliament,” its leader Aram
Sarkisian told reporters.
Sarkisian, who has still not attended a single parliament session,
against stated that he does not fear being stripped of his mandate
by the parliament majority because of absenteeism. “If they are such
law-abiding and honest guys, let them expel me,” he said. “I am openly
challenging them to expel me. I have no problem with that.”
The outspoken oppositionist also downplayed the decision by
several prominent members of his party to leave Hanrapetutyun. The
dissenters led by former Yerevan Mayor Albert and former Defense
Minister Vagharshak Harutiunian cited Sarkisian’s growing pro-Western
orientation and readiness to ignore the opinion of other opposition
forces.
“The Hanrapetutyun leader is promising a quick democratic revolution
but his real actions are having opposite effects,” Harutiunian charged
on Tuesday. “We believe that regime change is possible only through
the consolidation of the opposition camp.”
Harutiunian, who has a reputation of a pro-Russian politician, also
claimed that at least half of the Hanrapetutyun chapters across the
country have decided to split from the party. “Those figures are very
far from reality,” responded Sarkisian.
Sarkisian claimed that the discord, heavily publicized by pro-Kocharian
media, is only helping his party attract new and mostly young
members. He said he will outline Hanrapetutyun’s plans at a conference
which will take place later this month or early next.

AUSTRIA INTENDS TO BE MEDIATOR IN KARABAKH CONFLICT PEACEFUL SETTLEMENT
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 8. ARMINFO. Austria intends to be a mediator
between Armenia and Azerbaijan in the process of Karabakh conflict
peaceful settlement, Turkish “Milliet” newspaper informs.
According to the source, Austrian Foreign Minister Ursula Plasnik
stated at a press-conference after a meeting with Azeri Foreign
Minister Elmar Mamedyarov. She reminded on Vienna’s efforts in
Karabakh conflict peaceful settlement process within both the OSCE
Minsk Group and the UN frameworks. Plasnik stressed that Austria in
future also will continue to contribute to the quickest settlement
of Karabakh conflict.

SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF REGIONS IS PRIORITY OF THE STATE AND THIS POLICY WILL BE CONTINUED IN THE YEARS AHEAD
AzerTag, Azerbaijan
Sept 8 2005
SPEECH OF THE PRESIDENT OF AZERBAIJAN ILHAM ALIYEV AT THE OPENING OF
THE MONUMENT TO THE NATIONWIDE LEADER HEYDAR ALIYEV IN THE CITY OF
LANKARAN
Dear residents of Lankaran,
Dear sisters and brothers,
I welcome all of you, and would like to express my deep respect and
love to you. We are having a landmark day. Today, we open the monument
to the nationwide leader of the Azerbaijan people Heydar Aliyev in
Lankaran. Heydar Aliyev has exclusive merits in the present history of
Azerbaijan. Thanks to his activity, our country overcame the crisis
in 1990s, reached development and since 1993 up to date, confidently
marches along the path of development. We all well remember hard
moments in early 1990s. In that time, anarchy, chaos, arbitrariness
ruled in the country, both economically and politically. The country~Rs
future, its destiny was unknown. Only thanks to resoluteness of Heydar
Aliyev, his political will, experience and courage, our country could
overcome this ordeal, and now is a country with quickly developing
economy both in region and world.
I have been to Lankaran for many times, and every time when I see
novelty, attractive construction works I feel deep sense of pleasure.
I would like that everywhere in Azerbaijan developed, its regions,
provinces were equipped with modern amenities and the people lived
much better. Perhaps, for this purpose, the country should have strong
economic potential. In mid-1990s, the economic reforms started after
establishment of socio-political stability in Azerbaijan, yield fruits.
If those reforms were not carried out, and continued today, we could
not reach what we wanted. Strength of every country is connected to
its economic potential. The ongoing economic processes in Azerbaijan
give reason to say that our country will soon become a rich and
strong state. Economic factors are of great importance to solve
the social problems, strengthen the country~Rs defense potential,
and hold worthy place on the international arena. Therefore, it is
not by cause that we attach major importance to these questions and
in the last two years, as a result of the done works, our country
began to rapidly develop. In 8 months of current year, the economic
growth has reached 20 percent. This is an unprecedented index in
the world economy. Economy of the developed countries grows 2-3
percent annually. Economy of Azerbaijan in 8 months has grown 20
percent. The industrious potential has grown for 23 percent. This is,
of course, statistic data. But at the same time, these indices find
their reflection in life. Last years, the attention given to the
social questions promoted rise of wages, pensions, and scholarships.
Scholarships of the students have increased by 2,5 times. Average
monthly wages rises quickly. Minimal wages in the last two years
have increased by 3 times and since October 1 the minimal wages in
Azerbaijan will make 150 thousand manats. And this is not the limit.
We know that there are many problems in the country, in particular,
social problems. Major of those are unemployment and poverty. I am
confident the works done in this direction will promote to abolish
both of them.
Execution of the socio-economic development program in Azerbaijan
since February last year, promoted opening of 300 thousand new
workplaces and majority of them are permanent. Where have been opened
300 thousand workplaces in other counties in such a short period of
time? In Azerbaijan, two years ago, the people living in the poverty
made 50 percent. Now, it is 40 percent. Of course, this is also much.
But next year, probably, the figure will downsize, and finally, there
should not be poor in Azerbaijan. We should create such a state, such
a country that in Azerbaijan, every citizen lived better, comfortably,
not faced material problems. And opportunities were created to solve
social problems. We try to do our best in this direction.
As I said, I have been in Lankaran for many times. I remember,
in January 2004, when a building was damaged, I came here and
familiarized with the situation, visited the inured at the hospital,
and I saw that the conditions here was not good at all. That is, not
only here, all the hospitals in Azerbaijan need cardinal overhaul.
This is natural. For many years, when we had no economic opportunities,
it was not possible to pay due attention to social problems. Now we
have enough funds to do so. Today, it is going to be a ceremony
of laying foundation of a new diagnostics and medical center
in Lankaran. I don~Rt doubt a new well-equipped hospital will be
constructed here soon. In addition, I have recently issued an order
on construction of a new airport in the town, I believe this will
contribute to i development of this region. I would like to repeat
that to realize these intentions, we have to create huge economic
potential. Azerbaijan~Rs budget is increased yearly ~V $2 bln 200 mln
in 2006 against $1 bln 500 mln in 2005. In 2006, it is expected to
reach at least $3 bln 500 mln. This shows the country is on the path
of progress. Electricity supply is also getting improved, and today
in the town of Astara, a foundation for a new electric power plant
will be laid. It will generate 90 MW power helping supply the region
with electricity. Such plants will be installed in every region of
the country during this and next years.
Strengthening economic potential will create favorable conditions to
solve any problems in Azerbaijan. In the first place, it will foster
political reforms in the country. Processes of democratization in
Azerbaijan are of immense importance, particularly, in the context
of the November parliamentary election in the country. The first
phase of the election run-up went well with over 2 thousand people
proposing themselves as candidates. It shows people believe in fair
election. For comparison, no more than 400 nominees were registered
in 2000 parliamentary election. I hope the new parliament will play a
key role in the improvement of the legislative basis in Azerbaijan.
New progressive laws will be adopted and have a positive impact on
every sphere of our life.
My course is aimed at development of every region of Azerbaijan. I
want them to have good roads, well-equipped schools and hospitals,
as well as continuous, gas power and water supply.
Addressing you at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Complex in
Lankaran during 2003 election campaign, I told you I would do my best
for my people and my homeland.
I can say, over the past period solutions have been found to all
the tasks set in both domestic and foreign policy. Of course, the
occupation of our lands concerns us most of all. As you know we
are making great efforts, but there is no a result yet. There is
no a result because the destructive position of Armenia does not
yet allow to find peaceful solution. We are still hoping for the
peace process. At the same time, however, we should reinforce our
military potential. In 2006, our military budget will reach $600
mln against $300 mln in 2005 and $175 mln in 2004. We have already
achieved military superiority over Armenian, and the enemy must realize
that Azerbaijan~Rs army is strong enough to release its lands at any
moment. Anyway, we have to get even stronger.
In other word, my friends, want to state that our policy is quite
transparent and clear, and serves the present and the future of
the Azerbaijani people. All the work done allows us to hope we will
achieve the goal. We will be leading our country towards progress in
political, military, economic and social spheres. We need to do it
together. The people of Azerbaijan must do it, and we shall do it.
Once again, accept my congratulations and best wishes for your health
and happiness.

ARMENIA READY TO INTRODUCE CE ELABORATED PROGRAM “STAGE” AND ESTABLISH CULTURAL CONTACTS WITH AZERBAIJAN
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 8. ARMINFO. Minister of Culture and Youth Affairs
of Armenian Hovik Hoveyan will make a report on introduction of the
CE project STAGE in the South Caucasian states to the 5th Ministerial
Colloquium of CIS.
The ministerial press-service informs ARMINFO that the report
contains projects aiming development of culture and the public,
culture and economy, as well as cooperation of Armenia, Georgia
and Azerbaijan in the sphere of culture. Accoring to the source,
CE experts have already been in Armenia and presented the project
STAGE to the Armenian party. Besides, the terms of the project’s
introduction in Armenia will be discussed at the colloquium.
The enlarged ministerial colloquium on the initiative of the CE will
be held in Kiev on September 15-16. The main topic of the meeting is
“Culture and Cultural Policy for Development.” The main goal of the
project STAGE started by the CE in the December of 2000 is provision
of assistance to the South Caucasian states in development of an
effective policy in the sphere of culture adjusted to transitional
period and in exchanges of the states of the region and Europe.
Besides the three South Caucasian states. Observer-states and
donor-states will participate in the meeting (Greece, Austria, Germany,
Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine) as well as delegations from all the 48
signatory-states of the European Convention on Culture.
The Colloquium will be opened by the Minister of Culture and Tourism
of the Ukraine and CE Assistant Secretary General, the source reports.

WINTER COMING
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| 13:30:08 | 08-09-2005 | Regions |
There won’t be any precise schedule of heating season in the Shirak
region any longer. Depending on the climate conditions each school
will determine its schedule. Unlike last year the heating system of
secondary schools will not undergo any serious changes. 50 of 167
schools will be heated with the local heating system, 54 with eclectic
power, the others with liquid fuel.
Despite the fact that the terms of heating period and the amount of
fuel provided varies in schools, stable temperature will be kept in
the classrooms.
Head of the department of education of Shirak region Vardan Aslanyan
noted that the heating system of many schools badly need repair and
that certain steps are taken in this direction, Tsayg TV Company
reported.

33 CHILDREN ADOPTED IN ARMENIA IN THE FIRST HALF OF 2005
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 8. ARMINFO. In the first half of 2005, 33 children
were adopted in Armenia, testify the data of a report of relevant state
structures submitted to today’s sitting of the Armenian government.
The press-service of the Armenian government informs ARMINFO that in
the period under review, 145 minors were put under ward, trusteeship
was put on the property of 17 minors and 31 died, absent, disabled
persons. Guardianship put on 43 minors and 10 disabled.
The government has approved a project of a program of social protection
of invalids for 2006 to be submitted to the parliament together
with the RA Law on state budget for 2006. According to the project,
pensions of invalids and pensioners as well as payments for services
to veterans are to be increased starting from Jan 1 2006.

ONE SHOULD EXPECT SERIOUS INTERNAL POLITICAL PROCESSES IN ARMENIA WITHIN NEXT TWO MONTHS, ARSHAK SADOYAN THINKS
YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 8. ARMINFO. Serious processes of home policy
will take place in Armenia within the next two months. leader of the
party Bloc of National Democrats, deputy of the parliament from the
opposition Arshak Sadoyan stated during the news conference, Thursday.
According to him, from 1998, i.e. since the day of his coming to power
Robert Kocharian promised to carry out constitutional reforms, but he
delayed conducting them, as the acting Constitution suits him much
more, which provides super-authorities to the president. Now under
the pressure of the European structures Robert Kocharian has to make
amendments to the Constitution, for which he has to falsify the results
of the referendum. In any case the opposition turns out to be in safe
situation – if the referendum fails Robert Kocharian must resign,
and if the results of the referendum are successfully falsified (the
success is impossible without its falsifications, Sadoyan is sure),
the people and international community will brindle at that and all
will end with “flower” revolution, the opposition deputy stressed.
He declared that in this situation the opposition must be 100% cable of
functioning, to provide each polling station with a group of observers
(10 people), who will hinder the falsifications.

FOREIGN MINISTER OF AZERBAIJAN VISITING AUSTRIA
AzerTag, Azerbaijan
Aug 8 2005
As was stated, visit of the foreign minister of the Azerbaijan Republic
Elmar Mammadyarov to Austria commenced on September 6.
In the frame of visit, Mr. Mammadyarov has met with the newly
appointed Secretary General of the OSCE Ambassador Marc Perrin de
Brichambaut. Updating on the cooperation between Azerbaijan and
OSCE, the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno Karabakh conflict, economic
and political reforms in Azerbaijan, the process of democratization,
the Minister exchanged views on development and future activity of
this structure.
After gathering of the Permanent Council, Elmar Mammadyarov had
bilateral meetings with permanent representatives of France, USA,
Russia, Turkey and Cyprus at the OSCE.
In the frame of visit program, Minister Mammadyarov met with the
vice-president of the Economic Chamber of Austria Richard Schents
and discussed issues of cooperation.
Then, the Minister delivered a lecture on the topic “Azerbaijan
At Present” for the personnel of the foreign diplomats accredited
in Austria, the political figures of this country, businessmen,
journalists and representatives of Azerbaijan community in Austria,
also answered questions on political, economic development of the
country, the accomplishments Azerbaijani gained during independence
years, the Republic’s international links.