A1plus

| 17:38:41 | 08-04-2005 | Sports |

CHESS “OSCAR”

The best chess-player of the world was decided for the 10th time. Every
year he gets the special chess Oscar. The best chess-player of 2004
has been recognized Vishvanatan Anand who wins the title for the 4th
time. Garry Kasparov is only the 2nd.

As a result of the survey of 445 experts from 75 countries Anand
won about 1500 points more than Kasparov. Kasparov who has recently
finished his career as a chess-player did not manage to leave with
victory. Let us remind you that Kasparov lost the last game of his
career to Topalov, although it did not hinder him to win the Linnares
Competition.

A1plus

| 17:15:14 | 08-04-2005 | Politics |

THE PARLIAMENT HAS MUCH TO DO

51 issues, 7 international treaties and 16 supplementary issues have
been included in the agenda of the April 11-14 4-day session of the
NA. The Parliamentarians will possibly start to discuss the draft
Constitutions and the amendments to the Electoral Code. But according
to some sources, they will try to postpone the discussion of the last
two issues.

A1plus

| 12:36:19 | 08-04-2005 | Social |

AKHALQALAQ DOES NOT NEED HISTORY

The Akhalqalaq Museum of Regional Studies is the only one in the Akhalqalaq
region. With its unique exhibits it carries out a special role in the
Javakhq cultural life.

There are five parts in the Museum – friendship of nations, Javakhq history,
Javakhq ethnography, war glory, the Soviet period and that of intellectuals.

One of the unique exhibits of the Museum is the sun calendar. At the same
time it must be mentioned that because of ignorance and absence of financing
exhibits are disappearing from the Museum. During the 70s the copper cannons
of Paskevich’s time disappeared from the Museum.

Hakob Hambaryan, head of the Museum mentions that if there is a small
possibility of state care towards the Museum, they can not only protect what
is left, but find the lost exhibits and bring new ones to the Museum.

According to the agency “A-info”, the state of the Museum building is much
graver. It was built in 1830s and is now considered subject for
deconstructing, and it can be destroyed any time. Mels Mahtesyan, deputy
governor of the Akhalqalaq region mentions that the reconstructing of the
building is meaningless and the Museum needs a new building. The directors
of the Museum have no hope of getting help from the state. And the regional
deputy governor hoped that thee Javakhqians living in Moscow will try to
save the only museum of the Akhalqalaq region.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

A1plus

| 15:16:50 | 09-04-2005 | Politics |

CONTRADICTORY APPROACHES

Former head of Nor-Nork community, to date deputy Mkrtich Minasyan
considers that the authorities of the local self-government bodies
should be extended as the main principles of the state are formation
of state system do not contrast.

Mkrtich Minasyan says that the local community council should be given
the authority to express distrust to the head of the community. Despite
some attempts took place no single community head was dismissed in this
way. He does not share the opinion that the appointed body should keep
under control an elective one. «They should be separated: the governor
of the region (marzpet) is the body of territorial government while the
local self-government is a separate public body with its property, the
activity of which is regulated by the Constitution and acting laws. It
seems to us that there is a vertical structure called government
-marzpetaran-community but it is not so. It is horizontal structure
and there are responsibilities entrusted to the local self-government
bodies while marzpetaran is only to control the activities.

According Mkrtich Minasyan the most optimal drafts of constitutional
amendments in regards to the local self-government bodies are submitted
by the coalition and People’s Deputy group. Head of Kentron community
Gagik Beglaryan holds quite an opposite opinion. When we asked him to
express attitude to this issues he invited us to the community office,
where we met about 50 people in the waiting room. Not sufficiently
provided resident of the community turned to Beglaryan with various
requests

In the words of Gagik Beglaryan, the people are directly communicating
with the community head however the latter does not possess the
authority or instruments as the major part of the budget was formed
two years ago when the city community was empowered to collect the
property tax. According to him, 100 million AMD is annually paid to
the citizens out of the property tax. Beglaryan considers that the
Mayor of Yerevan should be elected while head of the city communities
– appointed, as they are to be functionaries. The Mayor, who is well
familiarized with the concerns of his electorate, should govern. If the
city is too big for governing and the Mayor elected by the residents
can become a counterbalance to the President the borders of the city
can be cut and the outskirts of the city can be transformed into
suburbs. Gagik Beglaryan is convinced that democratization should
start with the strengthening of the local self-government and the
formation of the local community council as the counterbalance.

Diana Markosyan

–Boundary_(ID_pY0uSxSE6EuXF6+kvcPtFA)–

RESULTS OF SECOND REPUBLICAN DISABLED WOMEN’S BEAUTY PHOTO COMPETITION ANNOUNCED

YEREVAN, APRIL 8, NOYAN TAPAN. The results of the Second Republican
Disabled Women’s Beauty Photo Competition organized by the NGO Unison
were summarized on April 6. 40 disabled women between the ages of
16 and 40 presented their photos for the competition. According to
Unison’s executive director Armen Alaverdian, the purpose of the
competition is to show to the public that “disability does not close
the doors of beauty in women’s face.” “The society should perceive
the disabled as normal people, while the disabled themselves should
take a more active part in all sorts of events and in general be
able to live a life of full value,” he noted. The organization
instituted prizes in the following nominations: Miss Beauty, Vice
Miss, Miss Charm, Miss Smile, as well as 6 encouraging prizes. In
the above nominations, 18-year-old Svetlana Grigorian, 25-year-old
Gohar Stepanian, 22-year-old Ruzanna Martirosian (all from Yerevan)
and 22-year-old Anahit Khachatrian (from Abovian) were announced the
winners. Unison also held a competition of disabled authors, at which
over 80 paintings, ceramic articles, tapestries and needleworks were
presented. Hasmik Mnatsakanian from Artashat, David Gabrielian and
David Babayan from Yerevan were awarded prizes in the nominations
“Tapestry and Needlework”, “Painting” and “Engraving and Ceramics”.

TENEMENT HOUSE APARTMENT PRICES INCREASE 2.1% IN YEREVAN IN FEBRUARY

YEREVAN, APRIL 8, NOYAN TAPAN. 8,040 transactions on real estate
were made in the country in Febraury, 2005, which represents
a 12.2% increase compared with February of last year and a 32%
increase compared with January, 2005. According to the State Real
Estate Cadastre Committee, out of 2,858 alienation transactions,
sales-purchases made 89.1%, donations – 10.4% and exchanges – 0.5%.
34.3% of the alienation transactions were registered in Yerevan. In the
indicated period, the number of alienation transactions declined 7.3%
compared with February, 2004, and increased 14.5% against January,
2005. 68.1% of real estate sale-purchase transactions in Yerevan
in February were those on apartments of tenement houses. The number
of sale-purchase transactions on tenement house apartments declined
27.6% compared with February, 2004, and increased 10.3% compared with
January, 2005. The price index studies show that the growth rate of
the average market price of 1 sq. meter of tenement house apartments
made 2.1% in Yerevan in February. The minimum and maximum prices of
1 sq. meter of tenement house apartments made in the communities:
Kentron – $350-970, Arabkir – $250-560, Kanaker-Zeytun – $130-330,
Nor Nork – $115-300, Avan – $120-300, Erebuni – $120-300, Shengavit –
$120-350, Davtashen – $130-350, Ajapniak – $120-350, Malatia-Sebastia –
$120-300, Nubarashen – $80-200.

A1plus

| 14:34:15 | 09-04-2005 | Politics |

THEY CHEAT AS THEY HAVE BEEN CHEATED

An article from Ayb-Fe newspaper.

Representative of Group of Caucasian Communications, the new owner of the
Dvin Hotel, Andreas Ghukasyan still in early autumn 2004 promised that he
will provide the detailed information on the future plans and the mysterious
owners of the hotel. Months passed by, but the Group of Caucasian
Communications has nothing to report either to journalists or to the
society. To remind, Andreas Ghuklasian did not refute the hearsay binding
the sale of Dvin with Russian singer Josif Kobzon.

On the face of it the hotel is not cared of and some people in military
uniforms can be noticed in the yard. According to the hotel director thay
are police officers. Construction works are carried out inside. On all the
14 floors the unnecessary walls have been demounted, the
engineer-communicative elements opened. So why did not the promised meeting
take place? The reason is obvious: the meeting with the journalists purposed
a certain aim. The administration ran into debt to several tens of former
employees. According to various documents the size of the debt was
exaggerated and the employees took of the opportunity of the tensed
political situation and organized a rally pressing for public resonance. To
date 149 out of 157 suits have been settled, the rest 9 will be examined
this week. Thus the conflict between the present owners and former employees
can be considered settled.

However the conflict aroused through the government~Rs fault. Judging from
the resolution of the government on the sale of Dvin, the executive power
practiced deceit when selling the hotel. In other words, it got rid of it.
Today, having settled the problems with the debts the owners came across
unexpected problems connected with the height of the walls and the scenery
of plain old houses around. According to the contract on purchase the hotel
complex should be finished within 5 years. But the uncomely scenery will
hardly change by 2009 and can damage the image of the hotel providing for
high class service.

Sevak Grigoryan

Text of China-Azerbaijan joint statement on Azeri president’s visit

Xinhua news agency domestic service, Beijing
19 Mar 05

Text of joint statement of the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of
Azerbaijan issued in Beijing on 19 March carried by official Chinese news
agency Xinhua (New China News Agency)

Beijing, 19 March: On 19 March, China and Azerbaijan jointly issued a Joint
Statement of the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Azerbaijan
signed by Chinese President Hu Jintao and Azeri President Ilham Aliyev. The
following is the full text of the joint statement:

Joint Statement of the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of
Azerbaijan

At the invitation of PRC President Hu Jintao, His Excellency President Ilham
Aliyev of the Republic of Azerbaijan paid a state visit to the PRC from 17 to
19 March.

1. The two sides have pointed out: Peace and development continues
to be the main theme of the contemporary era; it is also the
common wish of the peoples of various countries in the world. The
international community should strengthen consultations, safeguard
the world’s diversity, and promote mutual exchanges and learning
between different civilizations and development models. The two sides
advocate establishing a new international political and economic order
that is peaceful, stable, equitable, and rational on the basis of the
UN Charter and universally recognized norms of international law and
support the efforts to strengthen the authority of the United Nations
and its core role in safeguarding world peace and security and in
promoting common development, and to advance the diversification of
development models.

2. The two sides have pointed out with satisfaction: Thanks to joint
efforts, the political, economic, and cultural foundations of relations
between China and Azerbaijan have been further consolidated. China
and Azerbaijan are willing to strengthen their traditional friendly
relations, expand exchanges in various fields, cooperate closely on
international issues, and devote themselves to safeguarding world
peace and stability.

3. The two sides emphasized have that reciprocal visits and
high-level meetings between leaders of the two countries carry
important significance, and that this tradition should be maintained
through the conduct of bilateral dialogues and consultations, including
meetings at the levels of state and government leaders, parliamentary
leaders, and government ministers, in order to further develop
political and economic relations and mutual cooperation between the
two countries. The two sides will devote themselves to expanding and
perfecting the treaty and legal foundations of bilateral cooperation
in various fields in accordance with the historically significant
Joint Statement Concerning the Basis of Friendly Relations Between
the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Azerbaijan, which
was signed on 7 March 1994.

4. The two sides agree that the governments of the two countries
should actively take measures to vigorously tap the potential for
cooperation in the economic and trade fields in order to create
favourable conditions for further establishing and developing direct
links between economic entities in the two countries.

The two sides encourage and support their respective enterprises in
their efforts to expand cooperation in the field of infrastructure
for petroleum, petrochemicals, light industry, machinery building,
agriculture, transportation, and communications on the basis of
equality and mutual benefit. The Economic Cooperation and Trade
Committee between the governments of China and Azerbaijan will play
an active role in this regard. The Chinese side welcomes the Azeri
side to participate in the great development of western China.

5. The Chinese side has a high opinion of the achievements scored
by Az erbaijan since regaining independence in maintaining social
stability and rapid economic development, and is pleased with the
achievements in economic cooperation and trade between China and
Azerbaijan in recent years. The Chinese side supports the Azeri
side in joining the World Trade Organization [WTO] at the earliest
possible date, believing that this will be instrumental in enhancing
the WTO’s universal and representative nature and in expanding the
influence of multilateral trade structures and conducive to cooperation
between China and Azerbaijan on the basis of common rules. Azerbaijan
admires the achievements scored by China since it introduced the
programme of reform and opening up, and recognizes China’s full
market-economy status. The Chinese side is willing to continue to
support the Azeri side in its efforts to promote national economic
and social development.

6. The two sides believe that in order to develop a
Europe-Caucasus-Asia transportation corridor, it is essential that
China and Azerbaijan strengthen bilateral and regional cooperation
with regard to transportation and various conveyances.

The two sides will encourage relevant agencies in their countries
to cooperate closely on new projects in the transportation sectors
in China and Azerbaijan and in carrying out those projects within
the framework of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and
the Pacific, in accordance with The Intergovernmental Agreement on
the Asian Highway Network, and within the framework of the plan to
develop a cross-Asia transportation network.

7. The two sides support expanding and perfecting cooperation in
the cultural field between the two countries and strengthening
cultural, educational, scientific, tourism, sports, and information
exchanges. The two sides will earnestly implement the various
agreements they have signed; carry out diverse forms of activities,
such as exchanges of youth and university students, the popularization
of languages, the training of experts, and exchanges of teaching
programmes; encourage colleges and universities as well as scientific
research institutes in the two countries to establish direct contacts;
and promote increased contacts between local and nongovernmental
organizations in the two countries.

The two sides will work hard to expand cooperation between the two
countries in the banking and financial industries and in carrying
out joint investment projects.

The two sides will foster and expand bilateral, regional and
international cooperation in environmental protection.

The two sides will maintain and expand exchanges and cooperation in the
military sphere. These exchanges and cooperation serve the security
interests of the two countries and do not violate the international
obligations of the two countries.

8. The two sides offer positive assessments of cooperation between
the two countries in the United Nations and its affiliated agencies
as well as in other international and regional organizations, and
are willing to continue to strengthen consultations on bilateral,
international, and regional issues of common concern.

9. The Azeri side reiterates that there is only one China in the
world, that the PRC Government is the sole legitimate government
representing all of China, and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of
Chinese territory. The Azeri side reiterates that it will not establish
official ties in any form or engage in any exchanges of an official
nature with Taiwan and that it opposes any attempts to create “two
Chinas” or “one China, one Taiwan” as well as “Taiwan independence”
in any form. The Azeri side understands and supports China’s efforts
to oppose and curb “Taiwan independence” separatist forces, to bring
about the country’s peaceful reunification, and to safeguard peace
and stability in the Taiwan Strait and in the Asia-Pacific region,
including the passage of the Anti-Secession Law by the Chinese National
People’s Congress. The Chinese side thinks highly of this position
of the Azeri side.

10. The two sides stress that existing and growing terrorism,
separatism and extremism have seriously threatened the security of
sovereign countries as well as security and stability on a global
scale and that only joint efforts will lead to effective prevention.

The two sides support bilateral and multilateral cooperation in
responding to new global challenges and threats, including cooperation
in combating international terrorism, drug trafficking, precursor
chemicals, smuggling, money laundering, cross-border organized crime,
human smuggling and illicit trading in arms.

The two sides condemn with one voice and resolutely oppose any forms
of terrorism, separatism and extremism and are willing to strengthen
cooperation in combating these “three forces” within the framework of
the UN Charter and international treaties on combating terrorism, and
to support cooperation by relevant departments in the two countries.

11. The Chinese side reiterates its support for the Republic of
Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, calls for abiding
by the resolution passed by the UN Security Council regarding the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, advocates peaceful resolution of the
conflict, and supports the international community in making efforts
in this connection.

12. Both sides advocate dialogue and cooperation in the realm of
international human rights and oppose double standards in international
politics. The two sides are committed to enhancing mutual understanding
through consultations and exchanges on human rights, strengthening
mutual support and cooperation on human rights on a multilateral basis
and jointly advancing the healthy development of bilateral relations
and the cause of international human rights.

13. During the visit, the two sides signed the following documents:

The Extradition Treaty of the People’s Republic of China and
the Republic of Azerbaijan; the Memorandum on the Provision of
Technical Assistance by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the
People’s Republic of China to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the
Republic of Azerbaijan; the Agreement on Economic Cooperation and
Trade Between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the
Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan; the Agreement on Economic
and Technological Cooperation Between the Government of the People’s
Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan;
the Agreement Between the Government of the People’s Republic of
China and the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan on Avoiding
Double Taxation on Income and Preventing Tax Evasion; the Agreement
on Mutual Assistance in Customs Affairs Between the Government of
the People’s Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of
Azerbaijan; the Protocol on Cultural Cooperation in the Years From
2005 to 2009 Between the Ministry of Culture of the People’s Republic
of China and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan;
the Agreement on Cooperation in Youth Affairs Between the All-China
Youth Federation and the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Tourism of the
Republic of Azerbaijan; the Agreement on Cooperation Between China
Central Television and the Azerbaijan National Television and Radio
Broadcasting Company; the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation
Between the Ministry of Information Industry of the People’s Republic
of China and the Ministry of Communications and Information of the
Republic of Azerbaijan; the Agreement on Cooperation Between the China
Olympics Committee and the Azerbaijan National Olympics Committee;
and the Agreement on Cooperation Between the Ministry of Justice of
the People’s Republic of China and the Ministry of Justice of the
Republic of Azerbaijan.

14. The two sides indicate that maintaining and developing friendship
and cooperation between the People’s Republic of China and the
Republic of Azerbaijan is not directed against any third country,
nor is it aimed at hurting the interests of a third country.

[Signed by] Hu Jintao

President of the People’s Republic of China

[Signed by] Ilham Aliyev

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

[Dated] 17 March 2005, Beijing

NA COMMITTEE ON STATE AND LEGAL AFFAIRS POSTPONES DISCUSSION OF DRAFTS OF AMENDMENTS TO ELECTORAL CODE

YEREVAN, APRIL 8, NOYAN TAPAN. The NA Standing Committee on State
and Legal Affairs envasiged to discuss two drafts on amendments
and additions to the Electoral Code at the April 8 sitting, but the
discussion was postponed. It was cause by the fact that the joint
draft of a number of NA political forces was not completed. Conclusion
of the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe on a number of
disputable issues, particularly concerning the order of formation of
the Electoral Commissions is also expected till April 11. According
to the preliminary arrangement, the drafts will be discussed at
the sitting of the Committee to be convened at 10:00, on April 11,
before the NA regular four-day sessions.

RA PRESIDENT EMPHASIZES NECESSITY TO MAKE CIVIL SERVICE SYSTEM MORE
EFFECTIVE

YEREVAN, APRIL 8, NOYAN TAPAN. The Civil Service Council (CSC)
continues work on detecting cases of documents forgery by people
occupying posts in the civil service system, or claiming to the
posts. Manvel Badalian, the CSC Chairman informed about it at the
working meeting with RA President Robert Kocharian, held on April 7.
As Noyan Tapan was informed from the RA President’s Press Office,
R.Kocharian emphasized the necessity to appoint leading specialists
to the civil service posts and to make the system full-fledged
and effective. The parties also touched upon problems concerning
integration of the civil service system, as well as the initiative
of the CSC to make some legislative amendments.