Azeri ruling party official says pre-election situation “perfectly normal”
ANS TV, Baku
11 Aug 05
The pre-election situation in Azerbaijan is causing great concerns,
because despite the pressure exerted on the Azerbaijani authorities on
the part of the West and international organizations, neither the
composition of electoral commissions has been changed, nor conditions
have been established for public organizations to observe the
election, the co-founder of the Yeni Siyasat (New Policy) election
bloc, Eldar Namazov, has said.
Namazov was invited to the Azerbaijani commercial ANS TV’s “Point of
View” programme on 11 August together with the deputy executive
secretary of the ruling New Azerbaijan Party, Mubariz Qurbanli.
Namazov said the failure to meet these demands had undermined public
confidence in the fairness of this election. He said that since the
process of registration of candidates had already started, his bloc
had nominated about 90 people to stand in the election. However, the
fact that many citizens have not received their ID cards is creating
problems in the process of collection of signatures. According to the
official statistics, more than 1m voters have yet to receive their ID
cards, he said.
Another problem candidates have been facing is the requirement to
produce too many documents. Members of the bloc have had to produce 48
different documents, Namazov said. In addition to that, all candidates
nominated from one bloc have to have their documents confirmed by a
single stamp, which means that the candidates nominated in regions of
Azerbaijan have to come all the way to Baku or send their documents by
mail. The biggest problem, however, is the ever exacerbating tension
in society, Namazov noted.
Mubariz Qurbanli said that his opponent had painted a grim picture of
the situation. He described the pre-election situation as “perfectly
normal” and said it was totally under control. Qurbanli said
sufficient changes had been introduced to the electoral code on the
basis of recommendations from international organizations. He noted
that the current election law can provide for a completely free and
fair election.
With regard to the difficulties Namazov referred to with the issuing
of ID cards to the population, Qurbanli said the Yeni Siyasat election
bloc had not organized its work properly. He explained that candidates
nominated in rural parts of Azerbaijan do not have to come to Baku but
can work through their proxies.
Qurbanli dismissed claims that polarization in society was deepening,
adding that the majority of citizens were rallying behind the
incumbent authorities. He said the forces who are already aware of
their impending defeat in the election portray themselves as a
fully-fledged player on the political firmament.
The ruling party executive went on to say that it was normal for
different groups of people, not necessarily those involved in
politics, to be outraged by the fact that the member of a group
supported by People’s Front of Azerbaijan Party (Yeni Fikir youth
movement), Ruslan Basirli, accepted money from Armenian secret agents
in order to overthrow government in Azerbaijan. He added that even
though a recent protest action outside the party had not been
authorized, members of the party should have let the police disperse
the protesters. Instead, some of them had climbed to the roof of the
building to throw stones at the pickets.
Picking up the topic, Eldar Namazov said he had condemned Ruslan
Basirli’s action in the press. However, he said opposition parties in
Azerbaijan have been deprived of any funding opportunities. In
democratic countries, he said, parties are supported by certain
businessmen. The businessmen helping opposition parties in Azerbaijan
have repeatedly come under pressure which eventually forced them to
close their enterprises.
Namazov said that in Russia, for instance, the parties running for
parliament receive money from the state budget proportionately to the
number of votes cast for them in a previous election. There is no such
thing in Azerbaijan, he said.

SWEDEN INTERESTED IN CONFLICT SETTLEMENT IN TRANSCAUCASUS
YEREVAN, August 12. /ARKA/. Sweden is interested in conflict
settlement in the Transcaucasus, Lars Danielson Gunnar, State
Secretary of the Swedish Prime Minister’s Staff, stated at his meeting
with RA Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanyan. In this context he stressed
the importance Sweden’s willingness to render political and economic
assistance to both parties to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in
reaching settlement agreements.
The sides pointed out the necessity of further cooperation, as well as
the importance of mutual visits. Oskanyan emphasized the importance of
Swedish assistance to Armenia in its integration into new neighborhood
policy of the European Union. He also pointed out successful
implementation of technical programs implemented and funded by the
Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) since 1995. At the
guest’s instance Minister Oskanyan presented the programs of Armenia’s
cooperation with EU and NATO and addressed issues of Armenian-Turkish
relations. P.T. -0–

ARMENIAN FM MEETS WITH NEW HEAD OF UNDP ARMENIA OFFICE
YEREVAN, August 12. /ARKA/. RA Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanyan has
held a meeting with the newly appointed Head of the UNDP Armenia
office Consuella Vidal Bruce. Minister Oskanyan congratulated
Consuella Vidal Bruce on the appointment and wished her success in her
mission. He pointed out that Armenia is actively involved in UN
programs and cooperates with various UN structures. Oskanyan pointed
out Armenia’s readiness to contribute to the establishment of
democracy, rule-of-law state and human rights protection. In her turn,
C. V. Bruce thanked Minister Oskanyan for a warm reception, pointing
out the effectiveness of UN programs being implemented in Armenia, as
well as the Armenian authorities’ assistance in this process.
C. V. Bruce was born in Peru, in 1959. She graduated from the
University of Sussex, England, and specialized in policy of
technologies. She speaks Spanish and English. From 2002 up to now she
has worked UN Deputy Resident Representative to Macedonia. P.T. -0–

AGBU Press Office
55 East 59th Street
New York, NY 10022-1112
Phone: 212.319.6383, x118
Fax: 212.319.6507
Email: [email protected]
Website:
PRESS RELEASE
Friday, August 5, 2005
AGBU FOCUS 2005 Unites Worldwide Young Armenian Professionals, Raises
$30,000 for AGBU Scholarship Program
Over 550 Young Armenians Converge in South Beach
AGBU FOCUS has wrapped up its third biennial affair and is proud of
the unprecedented success that culminated from the weekend’s
festivities. Over 550 young Armenian professionals from around the
globe came together from July 14-17 in South Beach, Florida. The
stylish city played the perfect host to the program’s itinerary and
the shared vision of FOCUS organizers assisted in weaving together the
numerous events. Courtney Cachet, the sole Committee Member hailing
from Miami, held the responsibility of coordinating with the New
York-based Organizing Committee. “After a year of planning, it was a
pleasure to see our hard work come to fruition as we hosted hundreds
of Armenians from different hometowns on the shores of Miami. FOCUS
2005 garnered much enthusiasm from all its guests and has particularly
excited and inspired many local young Armenians to continue this
tradition of coming together to celebrate our common bond,” Cachet
said.
AGBU FOCUS was initiated in 2001 and designed as a weekend event where
young Armenian professionals from all over the world could congregate
and share their international perspectives, as well as provide a venue
to showcase notable contributions and achievements made by the
organization’s diverse youth programs. This landmark affair, organized
entirely by a new generation of AGBU beneficiaries and members, allows
participants to pay tribute to the programs that have positively
impacted their lives.
RAISING AWARENESS & FUNDS
“In addition to planning a weekend filled with activities that enrich
the relationships among young AGBU supporters, every two years, FOCUS
seeks to highlight a specific AGBU youth program. In doing so, FOCUS
educates its attendees on the true generosity and spirit of the
organization and demonstrates that a new generation is prepared to
continue AGBU’s mission. This year, we selected to honor the AGBU
Scholarship Program. Our Organizing Committee initiated pre-weekend
fundraising which allowed us to donate to this program. We are
grateful to all the donors who supported our efforts,” explained FOCUS
Chairperson Ani Manoukian.
For more than 70 years, grants and loans have been awarded to highly
qualified candidates who demonstrate excellence in their chosen fields
of study. AGBU Scholarship Program offers financial assistance to
full-time students of Armenian descent enrolled in colleges and
graduate programs around the world. Today, over $300,000 in
scholarships and loans is distributed annually to students in 25
countries. Many former recipients, selected for both their academic
and extracurricular involvements return to the Armenian community and
express their desire to continue the legacy of philanthropy in their
local communities. AGBU takes great pride in planting the seeds for
these future community activists. FOCUS 2005 applauded the Program’s
achievements and raised over $30,000 to ensure continuing support for
each generation of ambitious students and emerging leaders.
EXCHANGING INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVES
This year’s guests flew in from Belgium, Canada, England, France,
Greece, Israel, Italy, Lebanon and Switzerland, in addition to over 20
U.S. cities, to take part in FOCUS 2005 events. Everyone enjoyed the
weekend’s diverse schedule, including Thursday’s Perspectives, a
networking evening featuring a panel discussion; Club Night on Friday
at the heart of Miami’s spicy nightlife; FOCUS on Art on Saturday
afternoon, which coupled a casual lunch with a silent auction of art
from AGBU Children’s Centers in Armenia; a closing Sunday Brunch; and
the weekend’s highlight, an Saturday evening Gala at the Mandarin
Oriental Hotel.
Perspectives, which has become the traditional kick-off event to the
weekend, took place at the Wolfsonian Museum of Art & Design. The
topic of the evening, “Success Stories: Taking Chances in the
Professional World”, was moderated by Young Professionals of Northern
California’s Kimberly Bardakian, who was joined by four guest
speakers: Ara Balikian, Deborah L. Devedjian, Dan Janjigian and Debbie
Ohanian. Panelists shared their professional experiences, the
influences of their Armenian background, and the career lessons they
learned through risk-taking.
Debbie Ohanian, a Miami resident with vast entrepreneurial experience
in real estate, restaurants, nightclubs and fashion, started off the
evening on a high note. Ohanian recounted her adventures, including
her latest venture, a maternity clothing line called “Meet Me In
Miami,” which has been featured in numerous magazines and television
shows, including HBO’s “Sex and the City.”
Another unique career path was forged by Olympic bobsledder Dan
Janjigian of Northern California, who fulfilled his dream by securing
the funds needed to participate as part of Team Armenia in the 2002
Winter Olympics.
With her strong credentials in private equity investing and
international business, New York City-based Deborah L. Devedjian
shared her experiences in setting up the Copernicus Learning Fund,
LP. Realizing the great void in the for-profit education sector, she
launched a business plan and raised millions to set up this innovative
fund which invests in for-profit companies in K-12, university and
post-secondary, corporate training, lifelong learning and human
capital management.
Wrapping up the panel session with his trademark humor, Ara Balikian
from Boston recounted his personal journey in the legal world. Leaving
a secure position in a large firm, he established his own private
litigation law practice.
Canadian guest, Vicky Tarakjian from Montreal, was pleased with the
evening’s impact, “I found the Perspectives event to be inspiring,
motivating and beneficial, as it instilled a sense of pride toward the
achievements of fellow Armenians. The stories and experiences shared
by the panelists were true testaments to the fact that courage, drive
and perseverance are key ingredients to realizing one’s dreams and
aspirations.”
The Club Night on Friday attracted close to 600 people, who mingled
and danced till late into the evening at Rumi, situated on the
ever-popular Lincoln Road. Featuring both a local and New York DJ,
guests enjoyed a truly eclectic mix of world rhythms throughout the
night.
In addition to FOCUS activities, the weekend also provided a venue for
a meeting of leaders within the AGBU Young Professionals (YP)
network. This fast-growing association of professionals, comprised of
ambitious volunteers dedicated to the organization, design
philanthropic, educational, professional, cultural and social
activities that respond to the lifestyle of young Armenians. AGBU YP
members from the United States, Canada, France and Lebanon convened to
brainstorm and exchange ideas on a range of topics that will help
foster the growth and strength of the YP chapters. Led by AGBU YP
Liaison, Kim Yacoubian, the meeting brought forth positive
outcomes. “Over 15 representatives from YP Groups attended this year’s
meeting, where topics of discussion included fundraising, teamwork and
communication. This type of exchange of ideas is vital to the future
growth and sustainability of the YP movement,” she noted.

COMING TOGETHER TO FOCUS ON AGBU
Building on the success of the premier event held in Montreal in 2003,
the second FOCUS on Art took place Saturday afternoon at the art deco
Abbey Hotel. A silent auction showcased paintings, woodwork,
embroidery, needlework and other beautiful artistic renderings by
young students ages 11 to 16 from the Arapkir, Malatya and Nork AGBU
Children’s Centers in Armenia. The afternoon event proved to be a hit
once again as each of the 26 pieces of artwork sold to the highest
bidders.
Three-time FOCUS guest from Milan, Italy, Vatche Istanboulli, enjoyed
the afternoon of sunshine and bright colors, courtesy the Centers’
creative students. “FOCUS on Art demonstrates the vast talents of
Armenia’s newest generation. I was personally impressed by the tempera
works of a 13-year old artist…so impressed that I was eager to fight
till the very last second to bid the highest price on the beautiful
painting. But all fun aside, I do believe that through our collective
encouragement and with AGBU’s continued support, projects like the
Children’s Centers will create a brighter future in Armenia,” he said.
The highlight of the weekend was the Saturday night Gala held at the
Mandarin Oriental Hotel. The evening attracted 450 guests to the
elegant ballroom that was filled to capacity. Guests enjoyed a
cocktail hour overlooking the Biscayne Bay, a full-course sit-down
dinner, and an evening with the Renowned Johnny Roubian and Orchestra
entertaining the guests with live Armenian and international music as
they danced and socialized with friends old and new.
Enthralled by the convivial atmosphere of the Gala, Natalie
Golnazarians of Southern California noted, “The 2005 FOCUS Gala was
amazing. As we gathered from across the globe in celebration of our
friendship, our culture and our heritage, I felt the genuine meaning
of being an Armenian throughout the evening.”
At the Gala, guests were touched by the inspiring sentiments conveyed
during a video presentation that featured a dynamic presentation of
images and clips from past FOCUS events, along with AGBU Scholarship
Program recipient experiences and narration by alumni of various AGBU
youth programs, including Camp Nubar, the New York Summer Intern
Program and YPs. The applause of the crowd was encouraging to all,
especially as former beneficiaries thanked the organization for the
assistance and support in aiding them toward making their life
aspirations come true.
Many former and present scholarship recipients, including Dr. Joe
Bastadjian from New York City, joined in the festivities held in South
Beach: “Through a balanced mix of entertaining and educational events,
this weekend seamlessly unified Armenians from all corners of the
world. The video presentation at the Gala demonstrated the global
reach of AGBU’s tireless efforts in providing the means for Armenian
students to further their educational goals.”
On the final morning, more than 300 guests came together for the
Sunday Brunch at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel. The sentiment echoed
continually amidst the goodbyes was that of excitement and eagerness
to reunite again soon and to become more active within AGBU.
“This fantastic event has deepened my connection to AGBU. From Camp
Nubar and the New York Summer Intern Program to FOCUS, I have built
lifelong friendships-that is the spirit of AGBU, unity. We grow as
individuals and a community with each event and now we must all give
back to AGBU in our own special way,” said Stephanie Yacoubian, who
traveled from Beirut, Lebanon to attend.
Stephen Odabashian, a continuous FOCUS supporter, shared his view on
this endeavor: “I have been to all three events in New York, Montreal
and Miami. I am amazed at how each weekend manages to top the previous
one. Everyone was blown away by all FOCUS had to offer. The hotel
provided a picture postcard setting and the event venues offered the
perfect backdrop for this unforgettable event. Most importantly, the
people made it most memorable. FOCUS always manages to attract a
diverse group of professionals and we now anxiously await the
announcement of the 2007 host city.”
AGBU FOCUS 2005 has helped to unite young Armenian professionals from
around the world, leaving a lasting impression on their lives and
nurturing friendships. Each participant left the weekend with a
stronger connection to AGBU and a better understanding of its mission
to preserve and promote the Armenian identity and heritage. The young
group of volunteers that comprised the FOCUS 2005 Organizing Committee
worked diligently behind the scenes to flawlessly choreograph this
weekend of events. Thanks to the time and efforts of Chairperson Ani
Manoukian and committee members Hripsime Arissian, Courtney Cachet,
Aline Ekmekji, Anthony Ekmekjian, Natalie Gabrelian, Talia Jebejian,
Natalie Kaypekian, Lisa Markarian, Salpi Mekhjian, Tamar Nahabedian,
and Hrag Vartanian, AGBU FOCUS has taken another step forward and
hopes to plan bigger and better things for its next event in 2007.
To view photos from the weekend or learn more about FOCUS, please
visit:
Established in 1906, AGBU () is the world’s largest
non-profit Armenian organization. Headquartered in New York City with
an annual budget of $26 million, AGBU preserves and promotes the
Armenian identity and heritage through educational, cultural and
humanitarian programs, annually serving some 400,000 Armenians in 35
countries.

World musician is one of a kind

Farmington chamber leader is one of a few Armenian performers in U.S. to
play genre

The Detroit News (Detroit, Michigan)
August 11, 2005
By Jennifer Youssef
FARMINGTON HILLS, MI — Haunting music filled the home of Ara Topouzian
as he gently pulled the strings of the kanun, a 76-stringed Middle
Eastern dulcimer-like instrument perched on his lap.
When Topouzian of Bloomfield Township isn’t fulfilling his duties as
president of the Farmington/Farmington Hills Chamber of Commerce, he can
be found playing an array of Middle Eastern instruments such as the
kanun at ethnic festivals and events throughout the state such as the
upcoming Experience Petra ancient Middle Eastern exhibit at Calvin
College in Grand Rapids next week and the Concert of Colors in Detroit
last month.
Although he is of Armenian descent, Topouzian, 35, says playing the
instruments allows him to stay connected to his roots and gives him an
opportunity to entertain and educate others about Middle Eastern history
through music.
The interest in music from that part of the world has increased, he
said, and there has been a growing demand for him to perform at Arabic,
Armenian, American and Greek weddings, festivals and events.
“What’s kind of nice is that everybody likes this,” said Topouzian, who
grew up listing to Arabic songs and music though nobody else in his
family took an interest in it.
“It’s almost become mainstream.”
Topouzian began playing Middle Eastern instruments 15 years ago and is
one of the only Armenian musicians in the country to perform Middle
Eastern music, he said.
He’s had many opportunities to play for audiences — up to 40 each year
— but the one that sticks out most in Topouzian’s mind is when he
played at Calvin College for Prince Firas Raad, son of the lord
chamberlain to His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan in April.
“I just love the sound of it,” said Topouzian, who developed his own
record label American Recording Productions and has produced 45 world
music albums, including 15 of his own.
“It’s a form of relaxation and I can play it for hours,” he said.
Topouzian also performed at this year’s Concert of Colors, Metro
Detroit’s diversity music festival at Chene Park in July.
The three-day festival was presented in part by the Arab Community
Center for Economic and Social Services in Dearborn.
“He’s a great artist,” said Steve Heath, a booking agent for SRO
Artists, based in Middleton, Wis., and a former ACCESS employee who
asked Topouzian to play at the Concert of Colors. “We are seeing more
interest in Middle Eastern music partly because of the political climate
right now.
“It’s growing,” Heath said of world music, “but it’s not commercialized
the way pop music is. We’re happy to see more live venues for world music.”
World music is becoming more popular, but Metro Detroiters have had
access to that genre for more than 30 years through Detroit’s public
radio station WDET 101.9 FM, said Judy Adams, director of the Judy Adams
Program, which airs weekdays and features local artists.
“Our world is getting smaller and smaller,” Adams said.
“People can get on the Internet and listen to music from thousands of
miles away. People have found that world music is enjoyable and infectious.”
For Topouzian, playing his instruments is beneficial in many ways,
including providing a reminder of his ancestry.
“I think so many people lose their ethnicity and spend a lifetime trying
to get it back,” Topouzian said. “The only way for me to do it is to
play it.”
Photo Caption [Ankur Dholakia / The Detroit News] — “Ara Topouzian
plays the kanun, a Middle Eastern instrument. He says playing the
instruments gives him an opportunity to educate others.”
Upcoming shows by Ara Topouzian:
Aug. 13: Experience Petra, a comprehensive exhibition on the ancient
Middle Eastern city of Petra at Calvin College in Grand Rapids
Sept. 19: Farmington Public Library main branch
Sept. 24: World Music at the Civic, Civic Theater, Farmington

AGBU Press Office
55 East 59th Street
New York, NY 10022-1112
Phone: 212.319.6383, x118
Fax: 212.319.6507
Email: [email protected]
Website:
PRESS RELEASE
Friday, July 8, 2005
AGBU Swiss Chapter Accompanies Geneva Canton Delegation to Armenia
Geneva, Switzerland – The Swiss Chapter of AGBU accompanied the
Minister of Education of the Geneva Canton, Mr. Charles Beer, to
Armenia from April 24 to 28, 2005. Mr. Beer’s trip to Armenia was his
first ever and he was accompanied by two assistants, Ms. Vanessa
Mengel and Ms. Ivana Vrbica.
Minister Beer, great grandson of Rostom Zorian, one of the founders of
the Armenian Revolutionary Party, visited the capital as well as
several Armenian provinces and towns, including Dilijan and
Tsaghkadzor. Geneva authorities sent Mr. Beer to supervise the
implementation of the city’s Armenia programs.
He had great admiration for the country but said that there was much
to do in the sphere of infrastructure. Partners of the Geneva Canton
in their Armenia projects are AGBU’s Swiss Chapter, headed by Taline
Avakian, and the Armenian Social Investment Fund, whose director is
Ashot Guiragossian. The Canton, along with the Swiss AGBU covers 10%
of the project cost, while the remainder of the financial support
comes from the World Bank.
Minister Charles Beer enumerated all past and present community
programs that have been co-sponsored with AGBU, including the repair
of a hospital roof in Artik and the repair of village water pipelines
in various regional towns. Mr. Beer was convinced that the money has
been well spent and well administered by both AGBU and the Geneva
Canton government. A new project for repairing the Tsaghkadzor sewage
system was presented to Charles Beer during his visit.
Two years ago, Mr. Carlo Lamprecht visited Armenia through the
initiative of the Swiss Chapter of AGBU. The Canton of Geneva has a
special budget called “International Solidarity,” which allocates
funds for projects in developing countries.
During his visit, Minister Beer also highlighted another side of
Armenian-Swiss relations, namely his Canton’s close ties with the
local Armenian community. Many Armenians, including orphans, found
refuge in Geneva after the Genocide. Mr. Beer mentioned that his great
grandmother taught Armenian language lessons during the period.
On December 10, 2001, the Geneva Canton adopted a statement officially
recognizing the Armenian Genocide of 1915. Mr. Beer was a governmental
deputy at the time and one of the initiators of the declaration.
For more information on AGBU chapters around the world, please visit

Armenian telecommunications company fined for abuse of “dominant” role
on market
Mediamax news agency
12 Aug 05
YEREVAN
The commission to protect economic competition today fined ArmenTel
company for “abuse of the dominant position on the market of mobile
communication services”.
ArmenTel will have to pay one per cent from its profit received in
2004 from the mobile communication services.
The commission’s resolution notes that between 30 June and 10 July of
2005, ArmenTel did not provide to its subscribers the mobile
communication services at the needed level. This contradicts Armenia’s
legislation and licence No 60 regulating the company’s activity.
Representatives of ArmenTel company at the commission’s meeting
acknowledged shortcomings in their work. However, they rejected the
claims on the company’s dominant role. The company’s lawyer, Artag
Khachatryan, said that the mobile operator Vivacell, which had entered
the market on 1 July, became a “powerful and serious rival” for
ArmenTel.

“ARMENFILM” TO BE COMPLETELY REPAIRED WITHIN 2 YEARS
YEREVAN, August 12. /ARKA/. The “Armenfilm” studio will be completely
repaired and brought to conformity with international standards within
two years, the new Armenfilm owner, President of the CS MEDIA CITY
holding Bagrat Sargsyan told reporters. “We will install up-to-date
equipment at Armenfilm, which will allow the viewers to see all the
films shot by the studio in restored or digital versions,” Sargsyan
said. According to him, film production will be possible as well.
Sargsyan reported that most of the studio staff members will take
retraining courses in Armenia and abroad. “`Armenfilm’ is not only a
film studio, but also the embodiment of traditions of Armenian
cinema,” he said. Sargsyan stressed that al traditions of Armenian
cinema will be upheld despite technical re-equipment of the studio.
Responding to a question about the principal share-holder of the SC
MEDIA CITY holding, Sargsyan said that the holding is owned by Gerard
Cafesjian and the Sargsyan family, ruling out the possibility of two
share-holders.
The “Armenfilm” studio has been sold for AMD 350mln to the “Armenio
Studios” CJSC, which is part of the “CS MEDIA CITY” holding. P.T. -0–

Ukrainian admiral criticizes “biased” media coverage of international drill
UNIAN news agency, Kiev
12 Aug 05
Sevastopol, 12 August: The commander of the Peace Shield-2005 naval
exercise, Read-Adm Illya Chalyy, has criticized the biased coverage of
the peacekeeping exercise by some media outlets. The press service of
the exercise quoted Chalyy as saying that one of the objectives of the
exercises is to improve cooperation and deepen trust between
servicemen from different states, who learn to work together in
peacekeeping operations. “We are keen to help the public learn as much
as possible about international cooperation on the part of the
Ukrainian armed forces,” Chalyy said. “For this reason, we have
created appropriate conditions for journalists who report about Peace
Shield-2005,” Chalyy said.
“We are very sorry to see media reports that distort the peacekeeping
nature of the exercise. Reports about the landing of US special
operation troops on the Russian training ground in Crimea or about the
setting up of a NATO training ground misinform the public and foster a
negative public opinion,” Chalyy said.
He said that almost all servicemen of the US marine company that takes
part in the exercise are reservists who have nothing to do with
special operation forces. Chalyy added that the naval training ground
near the Opuk mount is rented by the Russian Black Sea Fleet. It was
agreed with Russia that the exercise would use this training ground,
he said. The stage of the exercise involving the Opuk training ground
will be monitored by Azeri, Armenian, Georgian, Kyrgyz and Russian
observers.
Asked to specify which media outlets ran biased reports about Peace
Shield-2005, the head of the press service said that it was the
[Crimean pro-Communist] Krymskaya Pravda newspaper, the [Ukrainian
opposition] Inter TV channel and some Russian media outlets. The press
service of the Russian Black Sea Fleet said that their own monitoring
of the media had revealed nothing of this sort.
[Passage omitted: profile of the Peace Shield-2005]

Peace Shield-2005 military exercises completed in Crimea
18:58 | 12/ 08/ 2005

KIEV, August 12 (RIA Novosti) – The Peace Shield 2005 international
military exercises have been concluded in the Crimea, Ukraine. The
closing ceremony took place Friday at the Starokrymsky training
ground, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry told Novosti-Ukraine news
agency.
Ukrainian, U.S., Georgian, and Azerbaijani troops practiced
anti-terrorist measures, including disarmament and elimination of
imaginary terrorist units, during the final amphibian-coastal stage of
the maneuvers.
NATO experts and observers from Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia,
Kyrgyzstan, and Russia inspected the final stage.
The first (command and post) stage took place at the Kiev-based
Imitation Modeling Center of the Ukrainian National Defense Academy in
July.
About 750 officers and soldiers from 22 countries were involved in the
first stage.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress