THREAT OF REVOLUTION AND KARABAKH ISSUE MAKE ALIYEV TURN TO MOSCOW
By Tatoul Hakobian
AZG Armenian Daily #150
25/08/2005
Karabakh issue
Vartan Oskanian, foreign affairs minister of Armenia, and his Azeri
counterpart, Elmar Mammediarov, held yesterday a meeting in Moscow,
which was witnessed by the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmen. “Within the
frameworks of the Prague Process, the ministers discussed all elements
of peaceful settlement of the conflict, some of which are supposed to
top the agenda of Kazan meeting between Armenian and Azeri presidents
this weekend. Discussions, already informal, continued at lunch
with the participation of Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov”,
press service of RA Foreign Ministry informs.
Oskanian and Mammediarov had another informal meeting on August 23.
According to Regnum agency, positions of the sides essentially
disagree. Mammediarov said particularly after the meeting that
“Karabakh has to remain within the structure of Azerbaijan”, adding
that the sides try to come to some kind of agreement over these
issues. The Azeri minister, who labeled the idea of a referendum to
decide the status of Nagorno Karabakh a provocation against Azerbaijan
only a few weeks ago, stated in Moscow that the sides discuss the
possibility of holding a referendum. “It’s quite another matter how
we will hold it”, Mammediarov said.
Elmar Mammediarov also stated several days ago that Armenian and Azeri
sides disagree over 7-9 issues. Ever since the mediators visited region
in July, Baku has been skeptical over the expected “breakthrough” as
the Kazan meeting approaches. In this regard, Russia is also doubtful,
contrary to the US co-chair who is still moderately optimistic. It
may happen that the Russian side is not interested in comprehensive
and final regulation, as that will even more undermine its positions
in South Caucasus.
This is, perhaps, the reason of noticeable thaw in Russian-Azeri
relations. Ilham Aliyev, whose perception was one of a pro-Western
only 1.5 year ago, has turned to the Moscow. Two factors the least –
the Karabakh issue and the threat of a velvet revolution – made the
Azeri President reconsider his foreign policy priorities. This is,
certainly, for the time being, as Ilham Aliyev sees the place of
Azerbaijan in Euro-Atlantic structures, beside the USA.
In an interview to British Sky News, Aliyev stated that they are not
planning to locate US military bases in Azerbaijan, nor they negotiate
on this issue. He called such information rumors that often come about
on purpose. Earlier, in an interview to News Week, Aliyev declared
that Azerbaijan is no outpost to any state.
Suchlike statement may well aim to make the Americans understand
that Baku is not satisfied with Washington’s policy in Karabakh
issue. In his statements to Sky News Aliyev complained in effect
of the international community, which urges Azerbaijan to keep back
from “forcible liberation of territories that are under Armenian’s
occupation for over 10 years”. Aliyev cannot be also satisfied with the
statements of American officials about parliamentary election November
6. The US and European organizations threaten the Azeri President
that another rigged election can turn into a real trial for Azerbaijan.
Only 2 years ago Azeri officials used to declare of their wish to
join NATO but their voices have subsided recently. Saying Azerbaijan
is no outpost Baku apparently means no outpost for the NATO or
US forces. While paying a working visit to the US capital in early
August, Elmar Mammediarov never spoke of Azerbaijan joining NATO. A
few months ago when Donald Rumsfeld visited Baku, the Azeri President
avoided to meet him and left for Pakistan.
>>From the point of view of tactics, Moscow’s stance in Karabakh
issue is more acceptable for Aliyev today; President Putin describes
it in the following way: there should be no winners and losers,
Russia will exert no pressure on the sides. Positions of Russians and
Azeris coincide in the issue of velvet revolutions either. Moscow’s
response is edgy to West-supported revolutions in post-soviet terrain,
traditionally considered zone of Russian influence.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ARMENIA TO SELL CEMENT AND WINES TO RUSSIAN PROVINCE
Armenpress
August 24, 2005
YEKATERINBURG, AUGUST 24, ARMENPRESS: Under an agreement signed today
in Russian Yekaterinburg by its governor Eduard Rossel and the governor
of Armenian Ararat province the Armenian province will sell cement,
wines and brandy to the Russian region.
Rossel was quoted by Itar-Tass as saying that during the visit of the
Armenian delegation, headed by Ararat governor Alik Sarkisian, the
two regions signed several agreements. Rossel said that the Armenian
province has a plant producing high quality cement and its wines are
also known for their quality.
The trade between the Russian province and Armenia in the first half
of this year amounted to $1.5 million, a 3.7 percent higher from a
year ago.
The Russian province sells to Armenia machines, food and
metals. Armenia sells there machines and food.

U.S. DELEGATION ARRIVES IN ARMENIA TO REVIEW MILLENNIUM CHALLENGES PREPARATIONS
Armenpress
August 24, 2005
YEREVAN, AUGUST 24, ARMENPRESS: The US Embassy in Armenia said
three staff members from the United States House of Representatives
International Relations Committee are arriving today in Armenia for
a three-day visit. The delegation members are visiting Armenia to
review plans for the country’s pending development compact with the
Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC).
In addition to meetings regarding the Millennium Challenge Account
process, the delegation will discuss the full range of political and
economic development issues in Armenia and the region with high-level
government officials, NGOs, political leaders and diplomats.
The delegation, whose members have already been to Georgia for
a similar visit and who will visit Ghana and Benin following
Armenia, includes staffers Matthew McLean, Samuel Stratman, and Paul
Oostburg-Sanz. These un-elected staff members advise the Congressmen
who serve on the House International Relations Committee, which is
the standing committee of the U.S. House of Representatives that
is in charge of legislation related to the foreign affairs of the
United States. During their visit to Armenia, the delegation members
will meet with Millennium Challenge-Armenia representatives and will
visit project-sites throughout Armenia that may receive assistance
if Armenia’s MCC proposal is accepted.
The delegation will also meet with various NGOs and donor community
representatives, as well as with Armenian officials, including Minister
of Foreign Affairs Vartan Oskanian, Minister of Agriculture Davit
Lokyan, National Assembly Speaker Artur Baghdassaryan, Presidential
Senior Advisor Armen Gevorkyan, Minister of Regional Administration
and Infrastructure Hovik Abrahamyan, and Deputy Minister of Finance
and Economy Khachatryan.
The U.S. Government continues to implement a development assistance
program in Armenia that is aimed at strengthening democracy and civil
society, promoting broad-based economic growth, and fostering regional
stability. To date, the U.S. Government has provided over 1.6 billion
dollars to help the people of Armenia.

Agency WPS
The Russian Business Monitor (Russia)
August 24, 2005, Wednesday
OPIC TO INVEST UP TO $100 MILLION IN FORMER SOVIET REPUBLICS
Overseas Private Investments Corporation (OPIC, US) plans to invest
up to $100 million in the former Soviet republics through funds of
direct investments, reports the company. OPIC is prepared to invest
up to $100 million in projects in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia,
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan,
Ukraine and Uzbekistan.
The corporation is also ready to act as a partner and participant of
the newly established funds of direct investments oriented at the
former Soviet republics and to invest up to 33% of the overall
capital of the funds in them.
OPIC plans to spend the money on investments in projects with high
risks including private companies, new business projects, development
of the already existing companies and programs for restructuring and
privatization of companies.
Source: polit.ru, August 23, 2005

ITAR-TASS News Agency
TASS
August 24, 2005 Wednesday
Nigerian president to keep eye on Russian sailors case
By Yelena Volkova
MOSCOW
Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo said he will continue to pay
attention to the fate of the Russian sailors who are kept in custody
in his country on charges of oil contraband.
Obasanjo said so in his answer to the appeal by good-will ambassador
Ara Abramyan.
The president said he was taking into consideration Abramyan’s
concern and his wish to quickly resolve the situation.
After completion of judicial procedures and the announcement of the
verdict it might be possible to make political moves or consider the
prisoners exchange option, the president said.
Abramyan, a UNESCO good-will envoy and head of the Union of Armenians
of Russia, is taking an active part in the efforts to secure the
return of the sailors.
Russia passed to the Nigerian lawyers all the necessary documents for
their release under the embassy’s guarantees.
“Russia has completed the formalities demanded by the Nigerian
court.” The documents now need to pass through Nigerian judicial
bodies, a Foreign Ministry official said.

ITAR-TASS News Agency
TASS
August 24, 2005 Wednesday
Moscow sees hopeful signs in Karabakh settlement
By Ksenia Kaminskaya
MOSCOW
Russia’s Foreign Ministry said Wednesday “hopeful signs have appeared
in the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement.”
“This may see further development at the upcoming meeting between
Presidents Robert Kocharyan and Ilkham Aliyev,” a diplomatic source
said.
Wednesday reports said the meeting between the Azerbaijani and
Armenian leaders would take place in Kazan on August 27.
On Wednesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met with his
colleagues from Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanyan and his Azerbaijani
counterpart Elmar Mamedyarov held consultations in Moscow which were
attended by international mediators – the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk
group /Russia, the United States and France/.
Lavrov underscored Moscow’s intention “to create all the conditions
for achieving progress in settling the Nagorno Karabakh problem.”
He underlined that he could not comment on the negotiations which are
steered by the co-chairpersons of the OSCE Minsk group.
They certainly have ideas, the Russian minister noted.
Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanyan said Yerevan and Baku can
hopefully find “common denominators” in resolving the Nagorno
Karabakh problem.
“There is hope that we’ll find common denominators; it would bring
peace and stability to southern Caucasus,” Oskanyan said.
Oskanyan said the self-determination of Nagorno Karabakh is the
priority in settling the conflict, which should manifest itself in
the right of its population to take care of their fate on their own.
The remaining issues such as the elimination of the consequences of
the conflict, the territorial problem and the return of refugees stem
from this priority and will follow it, he noted.
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mamedyarov gave a positive
valuation to the Moscow meeting. However, he believes it is premature
to talk about any headway in resolving the conflict.
It is necessary to actively work on the settlement. There is an
opportunity “to arrive at a common denominator for this problem,” he
said.
The negotiations over the settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict
began on September 23, 1991 and involved Russia, Kazakhstan,
Azerbaijan and Armenia.
In February-May 1992, the OSCE joined the settlement efforts.
The fighting in the conflict zone ceased on May 12, 1994. The
negotiations are held within the framework of the Minsk group,
co-chaired by Russia, the United States and France.

ITAR-TASS News Agency
TASS
August 24, 2005 Wednesday
Armenia hopes for “common denominators” in Karabakh solution
By Ksenia Kaminskaya and Natalia Simorova
MOSCOW
Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanyan said Yerevan and Baku can
hopefully find “common denominators” in resolving the Nagorno
Karabakh problem.
He said so at a meeting with his Russian and Azerbaijani counterparts
in Moscow on Wednesday.
“There is hope that we’ll find common denominators; it would bring
peace and stability to southern Caucasus,” Oskanyan said.
According to the Armenian diplomat, the parties at the meeting in
Moscow were discussing preparations for the talks between the
presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan in Kazan on August 27.
“We’ve discussed details of the upcoming negotiations,” Oskanyan
said.
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mamedyarov gave a positive
valuation to the Moscow meeting. However, he believes it is premature
to talk about any headway in resolving the conflict.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov emphasized Moscow’s intention
“to create all conditions for achieving progress in the settlement”
at the talks in Moscow.

ITAR-TASS News Agency
TASS
August 24, 2005 Wednesday
Russia, Armenia, Azerbaijan discussing Karabakh settlement
By Ksenia Kaminskaya and Natalia Simorova
MOSCOW
The foreign ministers of Russia, Armenia and Azerbaijan met in here
on Wednesday to discuss ways of settling the Nagorno Karabakh
conflict.
“The settlement requires active work,” Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister
Elmar Mamedyarov said, adding that there is an opportunity now “to
arrive at a common denominator regarding this problem.”
His Armenian counterpart Vartan Oskanyan said the self-determination
of Nagorno Karabakh is the priority in settling the conflict, which
should manifest itself in the right of its population to take care of
their fate on their own.
The remaining issues such as the elimination of the consequences of
the conflict, the territorial problem and the return of refugees stem
from this priority and will follow it, he noted.
Meanwhile, the Russian Foreign Ministry expressed Moscow’s position,
which implies “close interaction with the partners in the OSCE Minsk
group /the United States, Russia and France/, the mediator in
settlement the conflict, and energetic assistance to the peoples of
Azerbaijan and Armenia toward the soonest finding of a solution.”
Co-chairman of the Minsk group for Russia Yuri Merzlyakov underlined
that Russia “has a clear position on this issue.”
“We believe that one should not impose his solution of the problem on
the parties to the conflict; they should arrive at it independently,
without outside interference,” Merzlyakov said.
“If a mutually acceptable accord is reached, we’ll be able to
guarantee. it. The settlement should be such as to make all the
parties involved feel safer, the balance of forces that historically
developed in the region should not be upset, while the region itself
should not become an arena of rivalry,” he said.

ITAR-TASS News Agency
TASS
August 24, 2005 Wednesday
Armenian, Azerbaijani leaders to meet in Kazan Aug 27 – FM
MOSCOW
The presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan – Robert Kocharyan and
Ilkham Aliyev – will have a meeting in Kazan on August 27,
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mamedyarov said.
After his talks with Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanyan on
Wednesday, Mamedyarov said, “We discussed the details of the
meeting.”
“But now it is early to talk about any progress in the
Nagorno-Karabakh settlement,” the Azerbaijani minister added.

Herald Sun (Melbourne, Australia)
August 24, 2005 Wednesday
Vic already looking beyond title fight
by Barry Michael
SYDNEY’S Raging Bull, IBF-IBO world flyweight champion Vic
Darchinyan, steps into the ring tonight at the Sydney Entertainment
Centre against Colombian Jair Jiminez for the second defence of his
titles.
Darchinyan is already looking well beyond this fight, aiming to unify
the division by winning the WBC, WBA and WBO belts.
Politics often makes these things difficult, but Vic’s mind is firmly
focused on his goal.
The Armenian Aussie has total belief in his ability to destroy any
flyweight, or even bantamweight, put in front of him.
It is easier to understand his supreme confidence when you look at
his background.
Vic was born in Armenia and started boxing at eight. He had about 320
fights as an amateur and lost only 20. More than 100 of his wins were
by KO. What a mighty apprenticeship. He came to Sydney to represent
Armenia at the 2000 Olympics.
Jeff Fenech liked what he saw, even though the little bloke didn’t
win a medal.
Jeff saw the incredible power inside this pocket rocket, and
Darchinyan joined Team Fenech and Jeff helped him settle into Sydney.
The Raging Bull has cut a swathe through some of the best flyweights
in the world since he turned professional in 2000. He has 23 wins, 18
by KO, and no losses.
He won the IBF title in December, 2004, with a TKO win over Irene
Pacheco of Colombia.
Pacheco, who had 30 wins without a loss, was a respected champion who
crumbled under Darchinyan’s punching power.
Vic’s only fight since was a title defence against Mzukisi Sikali. He
stopped the South African in the eighth round with some viscous
punching.
Tonight’s opponent, Jiminez, has won 22 of his 27 fights, 16 by KO.
He also has lost four and drawn one.
His record says he is a pretty good puncher at this weight of 52kg.
He’s been in six fights scheduled for 12 rounds for championships,
including a close 12-round majority loss in 2002 for the WBO title.
This is the biggest opportunity of his career.
Australia is just starting to realise it has a true boxing star in
our adopted Armenian.
Vic is incredibly proud to be an Aussie and talks openly of his love
for Australia.
He plans to marry a beautiful, highly intelligent Russian girl he met
on the steps of the Sydney Opera House.
He will go into the ring for tonight’s fight, shown live around
Australia on Main Event, with everything he’s achieved on the line.
Vic is a man on a mission and Jiminez, 26, is in for a pummelling. My
tip is that Darchinyan will put his opponent away at some stage and
immediately look to bigger things.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress