PRESS RELEASE
August 22, 2005
Embassy of the Republic of Armenia
2225 R Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20008
Tel: 202-319-1976, x. 348; Fax: 202-319-2982
Email: [email protected]; Web:
Ambassador Markarian’s Interview to the Armenian Mirror Spectator
The Armenian Mirror Spectator published an exclusive interview with
Ambassador of Armenia Tatoul Markarian in its August 13, 2005 issue. This
was the first interview granted by Ambassador Markarian to the
Armenian-American media. Following is the text of the interview.
*****************************************************************
M-S: What is your biggest challenge in Washington? You have dealt with the
US government for a long time. Do you notice an improvement in relations or
a downward trend?
The biggest challenge, if it can be called so, is to further promote the
already excellent bilateral relations that are soundly based on shared
values and interests. Since the restoration of Armenia’s independence, the
United States extended significant political support and humanitarian
assistance to Armenia, helping Armenia to sustain an independent statehood
and implement democratic, legal, and economic reforms.
The cooperation between the United States and Armenia started immediately
after Armenia’s independence in 1991, and the scope and substance of our
relations continues to increase. The United States plays an important role
as a Co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, mediating the Nagorno Karabakh
conflict settlement. Armenia is a partner of the United States in the global
war against terrorism.
As you know, Armenia has been selected as a potential recipient of the
Millennium Challenge Account funds, which reflects the U.S. assessment of
Armenia’s economic and social conditions. The MCA funds and continued U.S.
assistance to Armenia will advance the objectives of poverty reduction and
promotion of economic growth.
U.S.-Armenian military and security cooperation expanded in the last three
years. So, the trend has been positive, and it will continue. Independently
of the currently high level, our priority is to work to further expand and
deepen our bilateral relations in all areas. We greatly value continued U.S.
assistance programs in Armenia and humanitarian assistance to Karabakh.
M-S: A large US delegation, including two senators, recently visited
Armenia. Also the US has opened a very large embassy there. Do you think the
US is
placing greater emphasis on Armenia in its foreign policy?
Mutual bilateral visits occur on regular basis. This year alone, in addition
to the visits to Armenia by Senators Norm Coleman and Chuck Hagel, Chairman
of the Armenian National Assembly and the Foreign and Defense Ministers of
Armenia will visit the United States. Such visits and institutionalized
meetings and consultations between the Governments of our countries, such as
U.S.-Armenia Economic Task Force, U.S.-Armenia Strategic Dialog, Bilateral
Defense Consultations, provide a framework for dialog on bilateral
political, security, and economic cooperation.
As for the opening of the new U.S. Embassy building in Yerevan, which is
indeed one of the largest in the region, it is a testimony of the solid
basis and the enduring nature of our bilateral relations.
M-S: Do you see any movement on the Karabakh negotiations?
Active dialog on Nagorno Karabakh peace process is conducted on the level of
the Presidents and Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan. The Foreign
Ministers meet periodically, and the Presidents have met during
international forums during the last two years.
Recently, there have been many public statements from parties, as well as
mediators. Issues of interest are being actively discussed. President
Kocharian will meet his Azeri counterpart during a CIS Heads of State summit
in Kazan, Russia in late August. This meeting is acclaimed as a potentially
important discussion of key aspects of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict
settlement. It is difficult to predict whether there will be a full
consensus soon. However, Armenia remains committed to an early, just, and
durable resolution of the conflict by peaceful means.
M-S: What can Armenian-Americans do to help Armenia more?
Armenian-Americans have contributed significantly to alleviating
humanitarian needs in Armenia and Artsakh, and are still implementing many
projects, such as building roads and schools etc. Such assistance projects
have been supported by individuals and organizations. The Lincy Foundation
has financed the restoration of Armenia’s road infrastructure and other
valuable projects. With participation of thousands of Armenian-Americans,
the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund completed the strategic Goris-Stepanakert
highway and is currently building the North-South Highway in Artsakh. Such
examples are many, and this assistance is greatly appreciated by the people
and the Government of Armenia.
At the same time, Armenia offers many economic opportunities for the
commercial involvement by the Armenian Americans. Most U.S. investment to
Armenia went into Armenia’s hospitality and IT industries, particularly
software manufacturing. Without underestimating the ongoing humanitarian and
social programs carried out in Armenia by the Diasporan individuals and
organizations, greater commercial involvement by Armenian-Americans will be
mutually beneficial and promote more open business environment in Armenia.
That is exactly what today’s Armenia needs most. Both the Homeland and the
Diaspora can benefit from this synergy.
M-S: What is the effect on Armenia of the start up of the Baku-Ceyhan
pipeline?
Armenia’s economy has followed its own path of development and is now more
efficient and diversified than those of its neighbors. We will continue to
implement economic and legal reforms to further improve the business
environment and stimulate domestic and foreign investment.
Armenia’s economic progress has been accomplished despite lack of
significant natural resources and under conditions of a blockade, which
fostered greater efficiency and more competitive economic environment.
Nevertheless, Armenia is part of the South Caucasus region and Armenia’s
vibrant economy will be able to benefit from regional wealth.
The challenge for the region is to ensure that the oil and transit revenues
are used efficiently and transparently. All too often in other countries the
oil wealth has been squandered and embezzled. In this regard, the
international community possesses the levers to ensure that the proceeds
from the Caspian oil are used constructively and do not threaten the peace
and stability in the region.
M-S: How will the transfer of Russian troops and military equipment from
Georgia to Gyumri affect Armenia-Russia relations and Armenia-US relations?
The issue of withdrawal of Russian military bases from Georgia is a matter
between Georgia and Russia. The transfer of military ammunition from the
Russian base in Georgia to the Russian military base in Armenia does not
violate any international agreement. This does not constitute a threat to a
third party and will not affect regional security. Moreover, this has in no
way affected our relations with the United States.
M-S: Recently, a historians’ conference scheduled by three universities in
Istanbul to deal with the Genocide was canceled by the Turkish government.
Nevertheless, there were a large handful of Turkish scholars ready and
willing to discuss the Genocide. Do you think this is a hopeful sign?
Armenia and the world follow these developments in Turkey with close
interest, as they show the true actions and intentions of the current
Turkish authorities. In my article in The Washington Times, I questioned the
sincerity and plausibility of Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan’s initiative
for a ‘joint study of history’ given the legal and other obstacles to the
free discussion and understanding of the Armenian Genocide in Turkey. The
threats from the Turkish government that led to the cancellation of this
conference of Turkish historians answered my question.
It is encouraging that some representatives of the Turkish society are
willing to discuss the contentious issues of Turkey’s past and present,
including the Armenian Genocide. It is all the more disappointing that the
Turkish government forced the conference to close simply because it could
not control the substance and outcome of the discussion. As a result, it
generated significant criticism from the West, since Turkish aspirations for
joining the EU cannot be taken seriously if Turkey is unable to internally
discuss and address all issues in an open and democratic manner.
M-S: Recent anti-smoking legislation was passed in Armenia. Studies have
shown that 22 percent of Armenian men die from smoke related disease. Do you
think
the Ministry of Health and the government will have the resources to enforce
the legislation and launch a public education campaign?
As the Armenian economy develops and civil society strengthens, the Armenian
citizens begin to think beyond the immediate, current needs. This includes
tackling issues related to quality of life, such as smoking, environment,
and food safety, among others. It is no coincidence that after some Armenian
NGO’s began to carry out anti-smoking and healthy lifestyle campaign the
National Assembly responded and passed this law. The passage of this law is
the first step, and will be followed by others. We have the example of other
foreign countries which have managed to reduce smoking dramatically within
one or two decades, and it can be done in Armenia as well.
(Reprinted from the Armenian Mirror Spectator, August 13, 2005, p. 1)

ARMENIA HAS REACHED A HUGE PROGRESS AS REGARDS DEMOCRATIZATION PROCESS
YEREVAN, AUGUST 20. ARMINFO. Armenia has reached a huge progress as
regards the democratization process. Leader of U.S. Democratic party
Howard Dean said talking to journalists in Yerevan, Saturday.
According to him, the independence of the judiciary is the
characteristic of the level of democracy in the country. “The
president and the parliament must work together. It is very important
to establish a constructive dialogue between the authorities in order
the latter stopped boycotting the lawmaking activities of the
parliament”, the democrat mentioned, stressing that successful
reforms in Armenia proceed from the interests of the United States.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Iranian cabinet approves funds for African, regional states
IRNA web site
21 Aug 05
Tehran, 21 August: Cabinet on Sunday [21 August] approved payment of a
10-million-dollar grant to seven states upon a proposal of the Foreign
Ministry. According to Public Relations Department of Ministry of
Economy and Finance, the grant will be provided from development
credit fund.
Based on the cabinet’s approval, Iran will grant 2.5 million dollars
to Tajikistan, two million dollars to Iraq, 1.5 million dollars to
Niger, 1.5 million dollars to Guinea, 1.5 million dollars to Mali,
half a million dollars to Armenia and half a million dollars to
Georgia.
The credit will be allocated to the states for completion of Anzab
tunnel in Tajikistan, Iraq’s reconstruction, renovation of gas
transfer pipeline to Georgia and implementation of development
projects in four other countries.

Armenian general advises Azerbaijan to spend more on people
Arminfo
22 Aug 05
YEREVAN
Instead of increasing its military budget, Azerbaijan had better spend
that money on resolving much more important issues, the chief of the
General Staff and first deputy defence minister of Armenia, Col-Gen
Mikael Arutyunyan, has told our Arminfo correspondent.
“I think they ought to invest that money in the socio-economic
development of their country and people who are poor and
starving. There are very many problems. They could resolve the problem
of refugees, build houses and raise the pensions. But they are saying
that all the money will be spent on the army, which I believe is an
approach lacking seriousness. And what will they do afterwards? They
will destroy the armada created, again rather than spending the money
on the people? I think they had better think about their people,”
Arutyunyan noted.
At the same time, he stressed that the Armenian side “will not stay
idle” either. “We are also preparing and although we are not going to
invest big money, we will invest enough,” he said.
[Passage omitted: background note on Azerbaijan president’s statement
on increasing military budget]

Armenian National Committee
of Eastern Massachusetts
47 Nichols Avenue
Watertown MA 02452
[email protected]
PRESS RELEASE
August 22, 2005
WATERTOWN HIGH SCHOOL COMMITTED TO EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE
Continues To Enhance Armenian language Program
WATERTOWN, MA–After meeting with representatives of the local
Armenian-American community this past summer, the Superintendent of Schools
and Principal of Watertown Public High School have agreed that maintaining
two Armenian-language courses in the high school would better accommodate
the educational needs of the student population, reported the Armenian
National Committee (ANC) of Eastern Massachusetts.
While students were off enjoying their summer vacation, local ANC activists
learned that the Watertown Public High School was considering combining
three levels of Armenian-language students into one class with one teacher
for the upcoming school year.
After investigating the issue, the ANC learned from parents and students
that there were over 20 students of at least three levels of Armenian
language skills enrolled in the Armenian language classes, which would have
resulted in an inferior learning environment if the classes were combined.
Since this was understandably a major concern for parents and students, the
ANC of Eastern Massachusetts raised the issue at a School Committee meeting
in June, and the Watertown Tab ran a front-page story on the issue the
following week, citing the concern of parents with children enrolled in the
classes.
The ANC met with principal Michael Noftsker of Watertown High School, a
strong advocate of enriching programs which enhance Watertown’s ethnic
diversity. Principal Noftsker shared the community’s concerns but was not
sure a solution would be reached by the 2005-2006 school year.
In a subsequent meeting with Watertown Superintendent of Schools Steven
Hiersche last month, ANC representatives again outlined the issue and asked
that the matter be reconsidered. The Superintendent assured the ANC that the
decision to make the change was not related to budget restrictions nor
intended to diminish the Armenian language program, agreeing that combining
three language levels did not offer an ideal learning environment for
Watertown students, and he pledged to work with Principal Noftsker toward a
solution.
The ANC of Eastern Massachusetts was pleased to learn soon after that
meeting that the Armenian-language courses would continue to be taught as
originally intended with at least two separate classes in September 2005
addressing the different levels of students.
`We would like to thank Superintendent Hiersche and Principal Noftsker for
their commitment to the diverse educational needs of Watertown students and
for their deep understanding as we presented the concerns of parents and
students,’ stated Sharistan Ardhaldjian of the ANC.
`We are proud that Watertown students are learning in the hands of such
committed leaders. We applaud the town of Watertown and particularly the
school system. Watertown High School is the only area school that offers
Armenian as one of its language courses, in recognition of the diversity of
local cultures, and we are glad that students of all nationalities will
continue to be able to learn Armenian in the best possible environment in
the public school system,’ added Ardhaldjian.
The Armenian National Committee (ANC) is the largest Armenian American
grassroots political organization in Massachusetts and nationwide. The ANC
actively advances a broad range of issues of concern to the Armenian
American community.
####
Note to editor: Photo attached.
Photo caption: John Avedissian, Watertown Superintendent of Schools Steven
Hiersche, Sharistan Ardhaldjian

AZERI AMBASSADOR TO US DEMANDS THAT US CONGRESS DO NOT
INCREASE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO NAGORNY KARABAKH
YEREVAN, AUGUST 20. ARMINFO. Azeri Ambassador to the US Khafiz
Pashayev has sent a letter to the US Congress where he exposes the
actions of congressmen Franck Pallone and Joe Knollenberg, APA (Baku)
reports with reference to the Azeri Embassy in Washington.
Pashayev is displeased with Pallone’s and Knollenberg’s asking US
President George Bush to increase the US financial assistance to
Karabakh and the Congress to support this proposal. Pashayev says
that Pallone’s and Knollenberg’s appeal does not correctly reflect
the situation in the region and the position of the international
community on the issue of Nagorno Karabakh status.
Nagorny Karabakh has never been sovereign state or part of Armenia
and is recognized by the UN and other international organizations as
part of Azerbaijan an so the US’s economic and political steps should
comply with the legal, political and economic interests of
Azerbaijan, says Pashayev. He reiterates that “Armenia has occupied
Nagorny Karabakh and 7 Azeri districts this resulting over 1 mln
refugees.”
In conclusion Pashayev urges the congressmen to respect the US
official policy recognizing Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity. While
Azerbaijan and Armenia are holding peace talks any support of the
initiative of Pallone and Knollenberg can deal a blow on Minsk
process especially as “Azerbaijan is already suffering from the two
congressmen’s initiative,” says Pashayev implying Section 907 to
Freedom Supporting Act.

OPINION OF AZERBAIJANI LAWYERS AND LAW-ENFORCEMENT BODIES
ON POSSIBLE NATURALIZATION OF ARMENIANS – FORMER BAKU CITIZENS DIFFER
YEREVAN, AUGUST 20. ARMINFO. Opinion of Azerbaijani lawyers and
law-enforcement bodies on possible naturalization of Armenians –
former Baku citizens differ. According to the Azerbaijani newspaper
Exho, a group of Armenians from Baku residing abroad consider a
possibility of applying to the Azerbaijani authorities for
restoration of their Azerbaijani citizenship.
The lawyer, specialist in international relations Erkin Kadirov, in
this issue everything will depend on the “period and the conditions
of their leaving the country.” Besides, the lawyer says not less
important factor will be how they managed to get citizenship of other
state, in the given case, the Russian citizenship. At the same time,
Kadirov says that the Law on AR Citizenship stipulates that every
person applying for citizenship is to apply to the country’s
government with a relevant petition. On the whole, to get citizenship
it is necessary that an applicant lives in Azerbaijan for some time,
though the fact of the person’s birth in Azerbaijan changes the
situation. The position of the country’s government will not be the
last in this issue, Kadirov says, adding that the applications of
former Baku citizens will not be consider in the general order. At
the same time. He says that the legislation in Azerbaijan does not
provide for any discrimination on the national principle. At the same
time he says that if naturalized in Azerbaijan, the above people will
lose their Russian citizenship automatically.
In his turn, an MP, member of the native deputy group at PACE
Gyultekin Hajiyev says that issue of citizenship can be considered
subject to simultaneous consideration of the return of citizenship to
the Azerbaijanis- residents of the Armenian SSR by the RA leadership.
Leader of Azerbaijani Organization for Liberation of Karabakh Akif
Nagi is sharper and urges for carefulness. He thinks the
law-enforcement bodies of Azerbaijan must identify each Armenian from
Baku that wants to return to Azerbaijan of get citizenship of
Azerbaijan. “We must find out if they fought against us during
Karabakh war.”
Meanwhile, human rights activist, Head of the Peace and Democracy
Institute Leila Yunus thinks settlement of Karabakh conflict must
suppose return of Azerbaijanis – citizens of Armenia and vice versa
in the territories they left during the war.

PACE CHAIRMAN URGES DIALOGUE BETWEEN GOVERNMENT, OPPOSITION AND CIVIL SOCIETY
YEREVAN, AUGUST 20. ARMINFO. PACE President urges dialogue between
government, opposition and civil society in Armenia Council of Europe
Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) President Rene van der Linden today
completed a two-day visit to Armenia, as part of his visit to the
South-Caucasus from 18-23 August at – as he stressed – “a crucial
time for the country”. He held frank and constructive discussions
with all the relevant actors including representatives of civil
society. The main issues discussed were constitutional reforms. The
press office of Council of Europe informs.
The President urged dialogue between the government, opposition and
civil society. The constitutional reform was a test case for further
democratic development in Armenia and of its willingness to fulfil
its obligations and commitments to the Council of Europe, he said.
The success of the referendum would depend in particular on the
revision of voters’ lists, media independence and the organisation of
an effective public awareness raising campaign. The President
appealed to government and opposition parties to use the coming days
to reach an agreement on joint amendments, so as to attract the
broadest support for reform. He said that failure of the reform
process would have negative consequences for the country as a whole.
On the issue of Nagorno-Karabakh the President stated his intention
to enhance the possibility for parliamentary diplomacy available to
the countries’ PACE delegations as a complement to the primary means
of bilateral diplomacy and the Minsk Group process. He added that
democratic development in the two countries would create a better
climate for finding a solution. He urged all political actors to
enhance their efforts to ensure good relations with Armenia ‘s
neighbours.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Armenpress
TURKISH-ARMENIAN CLERGYMAN PRAISES TURKISH AUTHORITIES FOR RESTORATION OF
ARMENIAN MONUMENTS
YEREVAN, AUGUST 22, ARMENPRESS: Sahak Mashalian from the Armenian
Patriarchate in Istanbul praised Turkish authorities for their latest
endeavors to restore some of Armenian historical and cultural monuments
scattered across Eastern Anatolia, citing, particularly, the recently
launched restoration of Holy t Cross Armenian church on Akhtamar Island in
Lake Van denying also allegations that restoration may result in distortion
or remodeling of Armenian churches into mosques.
“Just on the contrary, we have to encourage these endeavors of the
Turkish authorities,” he told Armenpress, adding also that the Turkish
authorities have given up their policy of rebuilding Christian churches into
mosques. Father Sahak Mashalian said the Saint Cross Church on Akhtamar
island is preserved better than other Armenian churches, ascribing this to
its being located on an island. He said the Armenian Patriarchate of Turkey
has dispatched a local Armenian architect to supervise the restoration work.
Eastern Turkey was once a heartland of Armenian culture with millions of
Armenians living there at the turn of the 19th century. They were all killed
and driven out at the beginning of the 20-th century. The Holy Cross church
was one of the most important churches of those ancient Armenian lands. It
was built by Armenian King Gagik I of Vaspurakan and inaugurated in A.D.
921. Gagik’s historian described it as being near a harbor and a palace with
gilded cupolas, peacefully surrounded by the lake. Only the church survived.
By 1113, the church had become the center of the Armenian Patriarchate of
Akhtamar and the center of a renowned school of scribal art and
illumination. Considered one of the most important examples of Armenian
architecture, the church has elaborate reliefs projecting up to 4 inches
from brownish-red sandstone walls, almost like sculptures. Some depict
biblical stories, such as Jonah being swallowed by the whale and Daniel in
the lion’s den.

Assa-Irada, Azerbaijan
posted Aug 22 2005
Azeri amb. urges US Congress to ignore calls for aiding separatist regime

Baku, August 19, AssA-Irada
The Azeri ambassador to the United States Hafiz Pashayev has
condemned two US Congressmen’s call for more assistance to Upper
Garabagh.
Co-chairs of the congressional taskforce on Armenian issues, Frank
Pallone from New Jersey and Joe Knollenberg from Michigan earlier
sought support from the Congress to ask President George Bush for
increasing aid to the separatist regime.
`The Pallone-Knollenberg appeal does not reflect the situation in the
region and the position of the international community on the Upper
Garabagh status issue. Upper Garabagh is an integral part of
Azerbaijan, which is recognized by the United Nations and other
international organizations. Therefore, the United States’ steps in
this regard should be strictly in line with Azerbaijan’s legal,
political and economic position’, the ambassador said in his letter
to the US Congress.
Pashayev called on Congressmen to honor the official policy of the
United States, which recognizes Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity.
At the stage of ongoing peace talks between Azerbaijan and Armenia,
any support to the Pallone-Knollenberg initiative would deal a blow
on the negotiating process, he wrote.
The ambassador recalled that Azerbaijan has already suffered from the
efforts of pro-Armenian congressmen. According to Section 907 to the
Freedom Support Act passed by the US Congress, Azerbaijan was the
only country devoid of US assistance. After the September 11 attacks
on the United States, however, the US government suspended the unfair
provision and showed the true essence of America’s interests,
Pashayev wrote, calling on Congressmen to consider these facts.*