Pravda, Russia
March 25 2005

Russia’s Putin reaffirms ties with Armenia, reportedly seeking to
open new military bases in ally nation

14:37 2005-03-25
Visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed Moscow’s close
ties with key regional ally Armenia in talks Friday with his Armenian
counterpart, Robert Kocharian.

Putin said he hoped his two-day visit to Yerevan would lay the
groundwork for further strengthening the two nations’ relations.

“We have a good basis for economic cooperation and the development of
relations in the political sphere,” the Russian leader said in
televised remarks.

“The ties between our two countries and peoples have long been very
stable,” Putin said.

Armenia, an impoverished, landlocked Caucasus state, is one of
Moscow’s closest allies on its southern flank, and Russian maintains
a military base there.

The alliance with Armenia _ one of the six countries in an ex-Soviet
military pact led by Moscow _ has taken on added importance since
neighboring Georgia began leaning toward the West after the 2003
“Rose Revolution” brought liberal reformers to power.

In an article headlined “Putin tries to hang onto last ally,” the
Russian daily Kommersant reported that the Russian leader was seeking
agreement to open new military bases in Armenia because of the forced
withdrawal of Russian bases in Georgia.

Putin’s visit came a day after massive opposition protests in the
Central Asian state of Kyrgyzstan, where protesters ousted
long-serving ruler Askar Akayev in the third popular revolution in an
ex-Soviet republic within the last year and a half.

THE STATEMENT OF NKR NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Azat Artsakh – Nagorno Karabakh Republic (NKR)
25 March 05

Eighty-five years ago on March 23 a tragic event took place:
massacres were perpetrated in the administrative center of Nagorno
Karabakh Shushi and the adjacent villages. This monstrous crime to
which 30 thousand peaceful citizens fell victims, was instigated
and committed by the authorities of the predecessor of the present
Republic of Azerbaijan, the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan with
the direct support and aid of the Turkish troops deployed in the
country. The massacres were perpetrated violating the provisional
arrangement between the Armenian National Council of Karabakh which
was an independent administrative and political unit then, and the
Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan according to which the legal status
of the region of Karabakh was to be decided at the peace conference
in Paris. As a matter of fact, the March massacres of the Armenians
of Shushi in 1920 continued in different ways and forms of ethnic
cleansing throughout the imposed existence of Nagorno Karabakh
within Azerbaijan and were concluded by the mass displacement of
the last inhabitants of the city in 1988. Condemning the March 23,
1920 massacre of the Armenian population of the town of Shushi and
the adjacent areas, the National Assembly of the Republic of Nagorno
Karabakh calls the international community to define these bloody
events of ethnic extermination as a crime committed by Azerbaijan
against the humanity – genocide.

AA. 25-03-2005

BLESSED BE PUTIN’S VISIT TO ECHMIADZIN

A1+
25-03-2005

Today Garegin II, the Catholicos of all Armenians, received in
Echmiadzin the RF President Vladimir Putin, together with the Russian
Ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to Armenia Anatoly Dryukov
and Armenian Ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to Russia
Armen Smbatyan.

The Catholicos expressed his satisfaction with the fact that in the
process of the improvement of the Russian social life the President
gives importance to the spiritual values.

Vladimir Putin expressed his joy for the meeting, as well as for the
possibility to discuss the cooperation of the two countries in the
spiritual field.

At the end of the meeting the Catholicos and the {resident visited
the Museum, and then … the Holy Cathedral, where the Catholicos
prayed to God for the stability of the friendship of the Armenian and
Russian nations and the progress and well-being of the two countries.

Nauseated Feeling and Media
by ETYEN MAHCUPYAN

Zaman Online, Turkey
March 25 2005

In every society, the periods of rapid and chaotic metamorphoses pave
the way for conservatism. Above all, if this reference to change
especially is coming from “outside” and denotes that the society
adopts a new way of life, then it wouldn’t be surprising if the
conservatism at issue turns into xenophobia.

For our modern world, which has been nourished by the nation-state
structure and nationalism, it would be seen as natural if this
conservatism becomes more of an excluder and adopts more “national”
tones. As a matter of fact, the anti-EU motion is heading towards
that direction~E We confront numerous examples of the uneasiness the
society feels for change being activated as a reactional nauseated
feeling. And trying to produce “proud reinforcing” outcomes from
this… It is possible to refer to art and science in order to repair
the pride that felt it could be hurt, but bearing in mind that since
it is being considered that we are not powerful enough in this field,
or as a result of the habit of “wanting to get something for
nothing,” the attitude of acting in order to rediscover history, has
been adopted. On the other side, the history issue does not seem to
be separated from the EU context, Armenian emigration, even
indirectly, and is in a position as the main part of the agenda.
Therefore, the said nauseated feeling, turning its face to history
and rediscovering itself through history, is a sensible phenomenon.

These kinds of activities, as reflected recently in newspapers;
laying wreaths at the grave of Talat Pasha, the British commemorating
the six soldiers they killed in 1920, at the station where the
incident happened, have gained significance within this context. It
seems hard to find a different explanation to these ceremonial
commemorations, which had been ignored for years, becoming very
popular all of a sudden, and people exerting efforts to find some
incidents to commemorate~E But what really is interesting here is the
media’s attitude: We see that the “centrist” media, which has taken
it upon itself the mission to reflect the irritation penetrating into
the depths of Turkey’s state structure, is making banner headlines
out of stories like this or carrying them to its front pages.
Moreover, we see that an editor is using his pen as a tool to
encourage these kinds of activities. And do bear in mind that all
these are being done in an atmosphere where the AKP government is
seen as “ambivalent and incoherent,” where a commander, as if this
did not amount to interference, blames the government over Iraq. What
is being seen is that the anti-EU and anti- AKP parties have joined
forces; a strategy in which one can be hindered through the other, is
being pursued. And the societal nausea — and the Armenian issue have
been used in the psychological context in the entire case.

Otherwise, would it be possible to ignore an incident, which at the
moment should have been the top priority on the agenda? The Armenian
ambassador to the EU [Viguen Tchitechian] told the European
Parliament’s Interparliamentary Cooperation Commission meeting [in
Strasbourg] that the Armenian Diaspora created the genocide issue.
Undoubtedly, this does not mean we are not confronting a so-called
genocide problem~E The ambassador said the following: “Without any
doubt, there was a genocide committed by Young Turks (Jeune Turks),
however, the responsibility for this should not be put on the
shoulders of modern Turkey and the Turkish nation. This genocide is
important for the security of Armenia~EBut it is not a precondition
for our relations with Turkey.” This statement is a sign that the
phenomenon, which is called “Armenian Issue,” can be divided into two
categories, history and politics, and both categories can move in
different directions. This is the point Turkey has been trying to
reach for years… But this news did not appear in many newspapers,
and in a few, it was a small story buried in the back pages.

Apparently, our media did not like this story. Let me put it this
way, the anti-EU and anti-AKP coalition that has been formed found it
far short of their targets. Because this matter, taking a
rationalistic turn, is hardening reactive nationalism that is being
produced and making manipulation difficult.

Putin: CIS Should be Preserved

Civil Georgia, Georgia
March 25 2005

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on March 25 while visiting
Armenia’s capital, Yerevan that it is necessary to preserve the
Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

“Expecting from the CIS outstanding achievements in the spheres of
economy, political and military cooperation, naturally led to nothing,
since there were no prerequisites for that,” news agency RIA Novosti
quotes Vladimir Putin as saying.

The Russian President describes the CIS as a “useful club” for exchange
of information as well as for the determination of opinions on common
problems, economic and humanitarian issues.

“Which platform would be the most suitable for the discussion of
these issues,” says the Russian President.

According to him, the main purpose for setting up the Commonwealth
of Independent States was to symbolically have a civilized divorce
after the Soviet Union’s disintegration. “It had no other integrated
purpose,” the Russian President added.

PUTIN HIGHLY ASSESSES CHURCH’S ROLE IN ESTABLISHING PEACE, COOPERATION BETWEEN PEOPLES

RIA Novosti, Russia
March 25 2005

ECHMIADZIN (Armenia), March 25 (RIA Novosti) – The state promises
to render assistance to the church in its efforts to establish peace
and cooperation between nations.

“The church introduces a substantial contribution to the cause of
establishing peace and inter-ethnic cooperation in the Caucasus. We not
only welcome it but will assist this as much as we can,” the Russian
president said Friday in Echmiadzin at a meeting with Garegin II,
the Catholicos of all Armenians.

The head of Russia said that the Armenian Apostolic church was
one of the most ancient churches, and the relations between the
peoples of Russia and Armenia had this spiritual basis as well. “It’s
pleasant to note that the Russian Orthodox Church and the Armenian
Apostolic Church are connected by very warm relations,” said the
Russian president. “This is a substantial element of development of
interstate ties.”

Putin said he would be glad to see the Catholicos of all Armenians
in Moscow. “I do not doubt that with your spiritual support, all
issues will be resolved even faster than when people vested with
administrative power deal with it,” said the Russian president.

In his turn, Garegin II noted that the arrival of Putin in Echmiadzin
was a new illustration of the age-long friendship between the Russian
and Armenian peoples. “The churches of two states stood at the origin
of our friendship, and we are glad that these traditions of age-long
relations continue in all spheres, filling the peoples with hope and
belief in the future,” said the Catholicos.

He thanked Vladimir Putin for paying a great attention to church
activity.

Today, Azerbaijan
March 26 2005

Meeting of the Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan is expected in
nearest future

25 March 2005 [17:05] – Today.Az

The Meeting of the Armenian president Robert Kocharian with the
Azerbaijan president Ilham Aliyev is expected in the nearest future.

The agency Trend reports, the minister of foreign affairs of Armenia
Vardan Oskanian said to journalists.

He indicated two options of meeting are possible: within frames of
non- formal summit meeting of the heads of CIS in Moscow, 9 May or
within frames of summit of the states of the Council of Europe in
Warsaw, 16 May. V.Oskanian informed, “the presidents have their own
agenda”. “The ministers of foreign affairs introduced their own
corrections on some issues, and the presidents are to try finding
solutions on other issues”, said V.Oskanian. At that the MFA of RA
added, meantime there were no specific agreements about meetings of
the ministers of foreign affairs of both states and necessity of such
meeting may be would be non-relevant.

The next round of negotiations of the MFA heads of Armenia and
Azerbaijan Vardan Oskanian and Elmar Mamedyarov, scheduled 2 March in
Prague, was postponed due to illness of V.Oskanian. The last meeting
of the presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan was held 15 September
2004 in Astana within frames of summit of the heads of CIS. (“ÀRKÀ”)

URL:

–Boundary_(ID_ajS5e6rXykSu+jCYUEhxEg)–

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Putin says won’t object to Kyrgyzstan’s Akayev coming to Russia

Prime-Tass, Russia
March 25 2005

YEREVAN, Mar 25 (Prime-Tass) — Russian President Vladimir Putin said
Friday that he would not object to Askar Akayev, the ousted president
of Kyrgyzstan, coming to Russia.

“As far as Askar Akayev’s coming to Russia is concerned, if he would
like to do so, we will not object,” said Putin during his official
visit to Armenia, ITAR-TASS reported.

During violent riots in the Kyrgyz capital of Bishkek Thursday,
protestors seized the presidential residence, as well as the main
television center, demanding Akayev’s resignation.

There were numerous media reports that Akayev was at a Russian military
base in Kant, seeking political asylum, or that he had even fled
to Russia. He was also reported to have fled to Almaty, the former
capital of nearby Kazakhstan, about 250 kilometers from Bishkek.

“It is a pity that once again in one of the post-Soviet countries,
they are solving problems by non-legal means, accompanied by pogroms
and human casualties,” Putin said Friday.

He said he believes that “the situation in Kyrgyzstan is the result
of weak power and accumulated social and economic problems.”

But he also noted that the opposition leaders that are struggling
to establish control in the country were well known among Russian
politicians. He recalled that they had previously worked for the
Kyrgyz government.

“We hope that the opposition leaders in Kyrgyzstan can take control of
the situation as soon as possible and straighten it out,” Putin said.

The Russian president also said that Russia would do whatever was
necessary to maintain its good relationship with Kyrgyzstan.

Mass riots in Kyrgyzstan started several days ago following
parliamentary elections that were described as “flawed” by the
opposition and observers from the Organization for Security and
Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

In power since 1991, Akayev is prohibited from seeking another term,
but the opposition accused him of manipulating the parliamentary
elections to gain a compliant legislature that would amend the
constitution to allow him to stay in office beyond a presidential
election scheduled for October. Akayev denied the accusations.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PRESS RELEASE
Analysis Research & Planning for Armenia (ARPA)
18106 Miranda Street
Tarzana, CA 91356
Contact: Hagop Panossian
Tel: (818) 586-9660
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:

ARPA Institute and AESA present the lecture “Armenia 2020: Visions
of Nation” on Saturday, April 2, 2005 at 5:30 PM in the lecture
hall of the Armenian Society of Los Angeles (Iranahaye Miutiun).
The presenter is Dr. Noubar Afeyan.

The address is 221 S. Brand Blvd., Glendale, CA 91204. Directios:
>From the 134 FWY exit on Brand and go south. From the 5 FWY exit on
Glendale and go north, turns into Brand.

Abstract: The lecture will cover scenario planning as well as
socioeconomic research conducted by Armenia 2020 relating to the
future prospects of Armenia. Established in 2002, Armenia 2020 is an
organized network of individuals working to build a shared vision and
a prosperous future for Armenia. Participants include Armenians from
around the world, both in Armenia and in the Diaspora, supported
by other action-oriented professionals, researchers, experts and
problem-solvers dedicated to understanding and shaping Armenia>
‘> s future. Armenia, a small country of 3 million people, gained
independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, but faces persistent
poverty despite a highly educated and accomplished population and
a sizable, wealthy and compassionate Diaspora. This project is
part of an ongoing effort to build a shared vision among Armenians
both in Armenia and in the Diaspora, focused on creating successful
Armenian companies and attractive jobs as well as a shared strategy
in which Government, private sector and the Diaspora work together
to realize their potential. The lecture will cover several topics
including research into attitudes and mental models among Armenians,
research on productivity and competitiveness within Armenia’s economic
sectors, four alternative development scenarios and project ideas to
spur transformation.

Noubar B. Afeyan, co-founder and Board member of Armenia 2020,
managing partner of Flagship Ventures and senior lecturer at MIT Sloan
School, received his Ph.D. in Biochemical Engineering from MIT. He
is a recognized technologist and entrepreneur, having co-founded 18
life science and high technology startups over the past 17 years. He
is currently a director of two public companies and seven Flagship
portfolio companies, and serves on the Boston University School
of Medicine Board of Governors. Noubar is engaged with several
non-profit organizations focused on helping the development of
the newly independent country of Armenia. Since 2000, in addition
to co-founding Armenia 2020, he has helped found the Armenian High
Technology Council of America and YerazArt. He is also a trustee of
the Armenian Assembly of America as well as Vem Radio in Armenia.

For Information Please call Dr. Hagop Panossian at (818)586-9660 or
e-mail at [email protected]

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Darchinyan vows to unleash the power
By Peter Kogoy

The Australian
March 26 2005

March 26, 2005 — JEFF FENECH cranked up the pre-fight propaganda
machine last night by claiming his prized flyweight boxer Vic
Darchinyan fears nobody in or out of the ring.

For those who aren’t familiar with Darchinyan, there is a body
pad hanging on the side of the Team Fenech gymnasium in the Sydney
suburb of Marrickville with a handwritten inscription which reads:
“Everyone must wear a body protector when sparring Vic”.

Fenech needed little reminding of the fact local fans are expecting
nothing less than an impressive win from Darchinyan in his first
defence of the IBF flyweight crown against South African Mzukisi
Sikali at the NSW State Sports Centre tomorrow night.

“He will do the job,” Fenech said last night.

Sikali, 33, is a tough opponent with a 29-2 record. He has not been
beaten since June, 1999.

“He’s a good, smart fighter, Darchinyan said. “He can run in the ring,
but he can’t run away from me.

“Pacheco was a great champion, very strong and very tough, but people
will see that I am an even stronger fighter tomorrow night. I will
show all of Australia what I can do and how good I am.”

Darchinyan, four years Sikali’s junior, joined the Fenech camp in 2000
after fighting at the Sydney Olympic Games for Armenia. He turned
professional the same year after an amateur record of 152 wins from
170 fights.

Unbeaten in 22 professional fights, including 17 by KO, Darchinyan won
the IBF belt last December by stopping Irene Pacheco in the 11th round.

The world-title fight and undercard featuring Lovemore Ndou and Nedal
“Skinny” Hussein in separate bouts will be shown live on the Main
Event Channel and at participating hotels and clubs through Sky
Channel from 7pm (AEST).