ArmenPress
March 5 2005

ARMENIAN OFFICIAL QUESTIONS VERACITY OF TURKISH FM’s ANNOUNCEMENT

YEREVAN, MARCH 5, ARMENPRESS: An Armenian government official
questioned today the veracity of an announcement by Turkish foreign
minister Abdullah Gul who was quoted by Turkish daily Hurriyet as
saying last week that some 40,000 Armenian citizens live and work in
Istanbul and other Turkish cities.
Gagik Yeganian, head of a government-affiliated department of
migrants and refugees, said Gul’s announcement was an effort to
exploit this issue in its drive to join the EU and to allege that
even without diplomatic relations between the two countries Armenians
live and work in Turkey freely.
Citing official figures, Yeganian said in the years between
1998-2004 58,839 Armenian citizens went to Turkey and 53,318 of them
came back. According to him, the overwhelming majority of Armenians
traveling to Turkey are either tourists or shuttle-traders. He also
said about 100 Turkish citizens arrive in Armenia a month.

ArmenPress
March 5 2005

ARMENIA WELCOMES EUROPEAN COMMISSION’S COUNTRY REPORT ON ARMENIA

YEREVAN, MARCH 5, ARMENPRESS: Armenian foreign ministry welcomed
Friday the European Commission’s March 2 detailed “country report” on
Armenia, describing progress toward reform. The so-called
neighborhood action plan outlines specific reforms the EU expects of
Armenia and details the advantages the bloc will offer in return.
“Armenia welcomes the EU Commission’s proposal to boost relations
with Armenia based on neighborhood action plan and expresses its
readiness to start its development right of the bat,” Hamlet
Gasparian, a foreign ministry spokesman, said to Armenpress.
Asked to comment on the US Department of State annual report on
human rights record of Armenia, Gasparian said the ministry has
studied it in detail. According to him, ” though the criticism
contained in the report is exaggerated and one-sided, it can serve as
a basis and a guideline for greater progress in the civil and human
rights sphere.”
He also described as “detailed and comprehensive” the report of
the OSCE fact-finding mission that visited the territories controlled
by the Nagorno Karabagh armed forces, to inspect Baku’s allegations
that they are being populated illegally by Armenian resettles.
“The OSCE fact-finding mission’s report will be officially
submitted to the OSCE Permanent Council in mid-March. We have been
given the chance to familiarize ourselves with this document. It is
detailed and comprehensive. We are confident that the publication of
this document will clarify some problems that have given rise to
speculations recently,” Gasparian said.

Tehran Times
March 5 2005

Gazprom wins Iran-Armenia gas tender

MOSCOW (IRIB News) — The Russian Gazprom company has won a tender
for construction of a pipeline which is to transfer Iran’s gas to
Armenia.

The construction work of the pipeline is expected to kick off late
April.

The Islamic Republic of Iran and Armenia signed the contract for the
pipeline in May 2004.

The 100 km of the 140km-long pipeline is to run through Iranian soil
and the rest will be constructed in Armenia.

The 40km pipeline is set to be laid in border city of Kucharan.

Iran expects to export 36b cubic meter gas over twenty years once the
pipeline is being completed by 2007.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

RIA Novosti, Russia
March 5 2005

U.S. CRITICISM OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN ARMENIA IS EXAGGERATED

YEREVAN, March 5 (RIA Novosti’s Gamlet Matevosyan) – Criticism by the
United States State Department of human rights in Armenia is
exaggerated and biased, says press secretary of the Armenian Foreign
Ministry Gamlet Gaspayan in the statement, reaching RIA Novosti on
Saturday.

The Armenian Foreign Ministry has carefully studied the annual human
rights report of the U.S. Department of State and notes with
satisfaction that the report “clearly seals the stable transition of
Armenia to the market economy”.

Simultaneously, Mr. Gasparyan noted that the report also makes note
of Armenia’s human rights oversights last year.

“Although the criticism reflected in the report is exaggerated and
biased, it still can provide the basis and guiding light for the
attainment of greater progress in the sphere of civil and human
rights”, Mr. Gasparyan believes.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PanArmenian News
March 5 2005

ELECTIONS IN MOLDOVA MAY INDIRECTLY AFFECT KARABAKH CONFLICT RESOLUTION

In Stepanakert they suppose that political forces supporting the
dialogue with the unacknowledged Prednestrovian Republic will win the
elections.

Parliamentary elections in Moldova will take place on Monday.
Armenian political leadership has several reasons to express special
interest to the political processes in this country. One of the
reasons is the presence of a conflict that has a lot in common with
Karabakh. First of all the important thing for us is the way
Moldavian elections will affect Prednestrovian conflict resolution.
Another important question is will the “velvet revolution” wave
swallow Moldova? If after Tbilisi and Kiev change of power takes
place also in Kishinev, Armenian oppositionists will definitely get
more determined…

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Having stirred up revolutions in Georgia and
Ukraine, the West shows less interest in Moldova. During his speech
in Bratislava, the President of the USÀ George Bush also mentioned
Moldova, talking about countries where democracy may and must win in
the nearest future. However, his words can be interpreted
differently. The thing is that the current regime in Kishinev is much
more convenient for the West than for Russia, that is why United
States does not have particular reasons to stir up a revolution in
Moldova. In fact, a “velvet revolution” took place in Kishinev yet
when the pro-Russian communist Vladimir Voronin reviewed his policy
towards the European Union. The westernized course of the president
became more apparent after the rejection of Moldavian authorities of
the “Kozak plan” proposed by Moscow for Prednestrovian conflict
resolution.

Voronin supposes that Americans have to appreciate his aspiration to
oppose to Moscow in everything. As an encouragement for the
persistency in that issue, Washington abandoned the idea of sending
political technologists to Kishinev to train local oppositionists the
art of revolution making. The figures of Georgian “Kmara” revolutionary
organization were recommended to leave Moldova immediately. The leader
of “Kmara” Tea Tutberidze hurried to state that his people had nothing
to do in Kishinev and went home immediately. Instead of her Georgian
president Mikhail Saakashvili went to Moldova but with quite another
mission. He arrived there not to stir up a revolution but on the
contrary – to suppress the revolution. The support of communist
Voronin may seem strange if we take into account that not long ago
Saakashvili announced in the Parliament about the necessity to
prohibit the activity of Georgian communist party. However, ideology
always receded into the background when global geopolitical interests
come to the forefront.

The President of Ukraine also supported the Moldavian leader and
organized a warm reception in Kiev. The formation of
Saakashvili-Ushenko-Voronin “Triple Alliance” also touches upon our
interests. Establishment of friendly relations between Georgia,
Ukraine and Moldova means that in the structure of GUUAM (Georgia,
Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Moldova) association a new informal
union of “more advanced” states is being formed. Important for us is
that Azerbaijan is not included in that union. On the other hand
extremely dangerous for us is the intention of the initiators of the
“Triple Alliance” to unite the “Black Sea zones of CIS” with the
European Union. Europeans have so far regarded South Caucasus as a
single whole. In all global European programs Georgia, Armenia and
Azerbaijan participate as a component part of the south Caucasian
region. But now there is a new tendency – Europeans started to
outline “Black Sea region” viewing Georgia in isolation from other
Caucasian countries. The victory of westernized parties will speed up
close cooperation between the three Black Sea states and will
strengthen their claims to full EU membership. The acceptance of
Moldavians in the “trust circle” contradicts to the interests of
Yerevan and may slow down the integration of our country into
European structures. Therefore, it would be more favorable for
Armenia if Kishinev stayed under Moscow’s sphere of influence. In
this view the formation of a powerful pro-Russian opposition in
Moldavian parliament will be convenient for us.

The implementation of the Russian scenario in Moldova would enable to
speed up the settlement of Prednestrovian problem. In case of the
success of political forces enjoying the support of Moscow, there
will be a chance of resubmitting to consideration the so-called
“Kozak plan” according to which horizontal relations should be formed
between Kishinev and Tiraspol. This is an interesting variant for us
since it may result in the creation of an important precedent. It is
worth reminding that the “Kozak plan” is based on the principle of
“common states” which was discussed during negotiations on the
settlement of Karabakh conflict. This variant was approved by Yerevan
and Stepanakert but was denied by Azerbaijan. In this respect,
strengthening of the pro-Russian opposition in the parliament may be
very advantageous for Armenia since it might help the recommencement
of direct dialogue between the authorities of Moldova and the
unacknowledged Prednestrovian Republic. The more examples of loyal
attitude towards unacknowledged states the stronger the positions of
Nagorno-Karabakh Republic.

The victory of communists in Moldavian elections may also be useful
for us in another aspect. As it is known, president Voronin insists
on the new format of peacemaking operations, based on Kosovo scheme.
He urges that mixed peacemaking forces including Russian and NATO
militaries should be the guarantors of the maintenance of agreements
reached. The necessity of placing peacemaking forces will arise
sooner or later also in case of Karabakh if the issue of eastern
regions of security zone is solved. The possibility of involvement of
American militaries in peacemaking forces will naturally displeasure
Moscow. Possibly the solution of this problem will be less painful if
the partnership of western and Russian militaries is approbated
firstly in Prednestrovia.

However, in any case it should be remembered that the outcome of
elections will hardly bring to radical changes because on Monday in
Moldova they are going to elect parliament and not president.
(Moldova is a presidential country.) Therefore, it is quite possible
that the next capital of “velvet revolution” is going to be Baku and
not Kishinev. This perspective became more real after the meeting of
George Bush with the leader of Ukrainian “revolutionists” Vladislav
Kaskiv who was blessed by the U.S. President to “support democratic
movements in Azerbaijan”.

Artyom Yerkanyan

Today, Azerbaijan
March 5 2005

Araz Azimov: “Illegal Armenian settling facts in Lachin, Kelbejer,
Zangilan, Jebrail and Gubadli” were confirmed

05 March 2005 [16:47] – Today.Az

Deputy Prime Minister Araz Azimov who was on a visit to Prague with
Minister for Foreign Affairs Elmar Mammadyarov has held press
conference on results of the visit today.

A.Azimov stated that, though the visit failed to realize due to
Minister for Foreign Affair of Armenia Vardan Oskanyan’s illness
E.Mammadyarov got in touch with him by telephone. Araz Azimov
considered the meetings held with co-chairman of Minsk group and
members of FactFinding Mission of OSCE on March 2-3 fruitful.

The deputy Minister said of the lecture made by the Mission to be
consisting of 36 pages, though he didn’t inform about the details of
the lecture he said that, illegal settling facts were confirmed in
Lachin, Kelbejer, Zangilan, Jebrail and Gubadli. “The mission
didn’t come across population in other regions however they saw newly
repaired houses, ploughed soils.” A.Azimov told that, it can be
estimated that, Armenians had done some work, given proper
instructions to the population before the Mission arrived the
territory. He generally considered the lecture to be based on
reality.

A.Azimov replied the question “Whether the territory of Lachin region
will be given to Armenia as a corridor” as Azerbaijan side offers to
make use of this road both by Azerbaijan and Armenia, after the peace
treaty achieved, “We offer this road to be used for visits and load
carrying from both the Upper Garabagh to Armenia and from Armenia to
the Upper Garabagh and Azerbaijan to use it for visiting Nakhchivan.”

As to the matter that peaceful forces might be placed in the
border-line of Armed Forces of Armenia and Azerbaijan A.Azimov this
can lead to the freezing of the condition and will have no use,
“Azerbaijan wants the conflict to be solved not to be frozen. Such
forces can be placed only after peace treaty is achieved and the
population returns to their previous settlements.” A.Azimov said of
the delayed meeting between E.Mammedyarov and V.Oskanyan to be
realized next month. /APA/

URL:

Turks find wolf in sheep’s clothing

Irish Times
Mar 05, 2005

TURKEY: Turkey’s environment ministry has renamed three native animals
to rid them of names which ministry officials believed were given by
“foreigners” with a territorial axe to grind.

A sheep species previously known as Ovis Armeniana has been renamed
Ovis Orientalis Anatolicus . A red fox was renamed as Vulpes Vulpes
rather than Vulpes Vulpes Kurdistanica . A deer named Capreolus
Capreolus Armenius was renamed as Capreolus Caprelus Capreolus
. “Unfortunately there are many other species in Turkey which were
named this way with ill-intentions. This ill-intent is so obvious that
even species only found in our country were given names against
Turkey’s unity,” the statement said.

Turkey has tense ties with its eastern neighbour Armenia, which it
does not officially recognise. It has also waged a bloody war against
Kurdish separatists, who have sought an independent state in Turkey’s
southeast. The ministry said scientific studies led to the choice of
new names.

Georgian government, Russian grid to sign 5-year cooperation agreement

Kavkasia-Press news agency
5 Mar 05

TBILISI

The Georgian government and the Russian Unified Energy Systems (UES)
will sign a new five-year cooperation agreement, Deputy Chief
Executive of the UES Andrey Rappoport said at a news briefing after
his meeting with Georgian Prime Minister Zurab Noghaideli today
(Rappoport is also the chairman of the supervisory board of [the
Tbilisi electricity distribution company] Telasi). According to him,
the agreement will be drawn up by Georgian-Russian working groups and
will probably be signed on 1 June 2005.

At today’s meeting the sides discussed a wide range of issues,
including the results of the winter season, establishment of a new
market model in the Georgian energy sector, additional electricity
imports from Russia during the Inguri hydropower plant’s planned
shutdown for repairs, Russian electricity exports to other countries
through Georgia, development of the joint Georgian-Russian venture
Sakrusenergo, refurbishment of the 10th power generating unit of the
Gardabani thermal power plant and Khrami-1 and Khrami-2 hydropower
plants, and other issues.

Andrey Rappoport said that during the Inguri plant’s shutdown Georgia
would receive additional electricity imports from Russia, Armenia and
Azerbaijan. He noted that there might be some problems with [the poor
condition of] the Kavkasioni high-voltage power line but expressed his
hope that everything would go as planned.

Rappoport noted that the Russian side was both technically and
organizationally ready to start the refurbishment of the 10th power
generating unit of the Gardabani thermal plant. When there is a demand
in Georgia for the energy generated by the 10th unit, investment will
be made for its refurbishment, Rappoport said.

Prime Minister Zurab Noghaideli said that he was very pleased with the
results of today’s meeting where the sides “reached full understanding
on many issues”. Noghaideli said that Russian companies were offered
to take part in the current, second stage of reforms of the Georgian
energy sector which envisaged privatization of energy facilities. In
this regard, Rappoport said that the UES was interested in Georgia’s
power distribution grids. He also noted that Georgia needed to develop
an infrastructure of trunk power lines and, therefore, a third party
could be invited in the Sakrusenergo joint venture. However, Rappoport
did not specify the third party’s name.

The parties also discussed electricity tariffs for Telasi customers.
Rappoport said that the Georgian National Energy Regulating
Commission’s decision to lower the tariffs was not fair and that the
tariffs should remain the same. Zurab Noghaideli said that the
tariffs would not be discussed until the signing of the new
agreement. [Passage omitted]

TWO YEARS HAVE PASSED SINCE REELECTION OF ARMENIAN PRESIDENT

YEREVAN, MARCH 5. ARMINFO. Today, on March 5, is two years since the
reelection of Robert Kocharyan to the post of the Armenian President.

According to the ruling parties in Armenia, during the last two years,
Robert Kocharyan successfully fulfilled his pre-election promises.
Armenian Prime Minister, RPA Leader Andranik Margaryan, in particular,
says that during the last two years Robert Kocharyan fulfilled the
greatest part of his pre-election promises, and preconditions for
fulfillment of the remaining promises are created. Among the
achievements of Robert Kocharyan, representatives of the ruling
coalition called stable the domestic political situation, pointing out
two-digit economic growth and a growth of GDP. At the same time,
representatives of the ruling coalition say that there are many
problems in the country to be solved in future, including the high
level of corruption, and plutocracy reigning in the country.

Unlike the ruling forces, the Armenian oppositionists lever harsh
criticism at the activity of Robert Kocharyan demanding his
resingation.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

MORE THAN 150 PEOPLE TAKE PART IN QUARREL AT YEREVAN HPP

YEREVAN, MARCH 5. ARMINFO. More than 150 people took part in a
criminal quarrel at the Yerevan Heat Power PLant (HPP), Chief of
Armenian Police Ararat Makhtesyan said at today’s press-conference.

To remind, the quarrel happened at the HPP on February 4 at about
22:00 p.m. As a result, one person were killed, several were wounded,
9 were arrested, and 3 are wanted by the police. 7 units of weapons
and ammunitions were confiscated.

To note, 5 workers were dismissed from the Police bodies and an
investigation is being under conduction in respect to the other
one. Makhtesyan sees the crime reason in the tendency of youth
generation to the reappraisal of values, in the lack of public
assistance and, certainly, in availability of weapons at people. He
said that as many weapons were withdrawn from people during the last
years that one may equip the whole division. He said that the
situation in the country in favorable differ from situation in the
neighboring countries and “somewhat is normal for them, comes as an
extraordinary for Yerevan”.

In his turn, Chief of Yerevan Police Department Nerses Nazaryan noted,
that the names of both the crime’s organizers and the participants are
already known and added that the occurrence is not related to the
category of very complicated.