Agency WPS
DEFENSE and SECURITY (Russia)
February 18, 2005, Friday

WILL NATO BE ON FRIENDLY TERMS WITH THE ORGANIZATION OF THE
COLLECTIVE SECURITY TREATY?

by WPS observer

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov’s visit to Munich attracted
the attention of military experts. Moscow continues informing the
international community about its foreign political priorities.
Sergei Ivanov made a report on this topic in the US in January. His
“Washington theses” concerned Russia’s interests in the post-Soviet
republics. This time the Russian minister focused on plans of
co-operation between Russia and NATO. Sergei Ivanov thinks that
operational compatibility and co-operation in search-and-rescue
operations are the most prospective sectors of co-operation.

He stated at the conference, “We are prepared to reach a new level of
co-operation with the alliance.” The minister noted that, “direct
contacts between the alliance and the Organization of the collective
security treaty may bring in positive results”.

Sergei Ivanov announced this thesis for the first time. To all
appearances, it is no coincidence. The Russian media stated that
Moscow winds up integration within the framework of the CIS and
proceeds have closer contacts with its strategic partners in the
Organization of the collective security treaty.

Well-informed sources in the Defense Ministry stated that Moscow
agreed to Astana’s proposal to abolish the Headquarters for
coordinating military co-operation between the CIS member nations. To
all appearances, this decision will be made at the CIS summit in
Kazan (Russia) in August 2005.

What will Russia lose? Will NATO become a partner for members of the
Organization of the collective security treaty?

As is known, Russia opposes NATO’s expansion to the CIS. Russia has
its own interests in the CIS, and it must defend its interests. In
the meantime, member nations of the Organization of the collective
security treaty have their interests too. For instance, Kyrgyzstan
permitted NATO to deploy its airbase in Manas, not far from Russia’s
airbase in Kannt. Kazakhstan, Armenia and Tajikistan would not mind
receiving military aid from NATO. However, Moscow does not like this.

For instance, Russia seeks to demilitarize the Caspian Sea, and does
not approve of NATO’s aid to Kazakhstan in creating its national
Navy. The participation of Kazakh and Armenian units in the operation
in Iraq contravenes Russia’s interests. In other words, the members
of the Organization of the collective security treaty have different
tasks and goals/ secondly, it is not clear in what form co-operation
between the Organization of the collective security treaty and NATO
can develop.

The point is that these two organizations are rivals in Central Asia.
It is hardly likely that Moscow will agree to co-operate with NATO in
settling conflicts in the Caucasus. There are no common interests in
the west of the CIS either.

Ivanov reproached the West for using double standards and approaches.

He said, “The West proposes us to ignore violations of the rights and
freedoms of Russian citizens in the Baltic States.”

Ivanov stated, “They propose us to ignore precedents when some
European nations harbor international terrorists. They call
terrorists operating in Chechnya insurgents. Foreign mercenaries of
international terrorist organizations operate in this region. At
present there are 150 to 200 foreign mercenaries in Chechnya.”

The minister said, “I consider the interview with terrorist Basaev
shown by the UK television as an unfriendly act addressed at Russia.”

In other words, the Russian defense minister uncovered many problems
of relations between Moscow and NATO in Munich. Russia again tries to
put up a bold front. This is why Sergei Ivanov recalled about the
Organization of the collective security treaty. NATO will not become
its friend. Actually, Russia does not need this. Otherwise, NATO’s
soldiers will soon come to Abkhazia and Southern Ossetia. Does Moscow
need this? No, it does not.

Translated by Alexander Dubovoi

ARMENIAN PRESIDENT’S PRESS SECRETARY APPOINTED AMBASSADOR TO INDIA

PanArmenian News
Feb 18 2005

18.02.2005 18:42

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenian President Robert Kocharian signed a decree
on dismissing Ashot Kocharian from the post of Press Secretary and
his appointing Armenia’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary
to India, the President’s press service reports. According to another
decree Karen Nazarian was appointed Armenia’s Ambassador Extraordinary
and Plenipotentiary to Iran.

Armenian opposition MP warns president against running for third term

Mediamax news agency
18 Feb 05

Yerevan, 18 February: The Armenian president intends to use
constitutional amendments in order to provide himself with the
right to be elected for a third term in office, the secretary of the
parliamentary faction of the opposition Justice bloc, Viktor Dallakyan,
said in Yerevan today.

Addressing the National Press Club today, Viktor Dallakyan said that
the opposition is fully determined to “transform” the referendum on
constitutional changes into a referendum of confidence in the Armenian
president, Mediamax news agency reports.

“The opposition Justice bloc will struggle on to achieve a change of
the authorities in Armenia and will cooperate with all the political
forces who are ready to fight for the restoration of constitutional
law and legitimate authorities,” Dallakyan said.

He also said that the Justice bloc will continue boycotting sessions
of parliament until the ruling coalition accepts the opposition’s
demands to conduct a referendum of confidence in the authorities.

11th Temagan Meeting, Sharjah 2005

Azad-Hye, United Arab Emirates
Feb 18 2005

AZAD-HYE (18 February 2005): The overall political situation in the
Gulf Region was this time favorable for the meeting of the Armenian
Prelacy Body (Temagan) of Kuwait and Arabian Gulf Countries. During
the last two years the war in Iraq and the political instability in
the Region had affected the course of these annual meetings, without
causing significant delays or troubles.

The meeting took place in the Sharjah Armenian Community Center from
16-17 February 2005, with the attendance of about 18 delegates,
headed by Archbishop Gorun Babian, who welcomed the delegates and
conveyed to them the blessings of Catholicos Aram I.

The yearly reports of the three local National Administrations (Kuwait,
Abu Dhabi and the Northern Emirates of the UAE) were delivered and
assessed without public audience, in the presence of those who had
originally appointed the members of these bodies.

The Prelacy Body moved ahead to appoint functioning members of
the three National Administrations for a term of two years. Some
old members were reinstalled in their same positions, others were
reshuffled in new positions within the usual frame. Series of
self-appointments also were recorded, with the result that several
individuals assumed duties in both bodies, thus combining legislative
and executing powers.

No press was invited to attend the meeting and no writing whatsoever
is expected to circulate. A lively photo of the participants was
fixed on the announcement board of the Sharjah Armenian Church.

EFFECTS OF TRANSITION IN EDUCATION SECTOR ADDRESSED BY NEW UNDP PROJECT

ArmenPress
Feb 18 2005

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 18, ARMENPRESS: Armenian Ministry of Education
and Science and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP)
launched today the Strengthening Policy Development Capacities of the
Ministry of Education and Science project. Minister Sergo Yeritsyan
and UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative Lise
Grande signed a Memorandum marking the official start of the project.

A UNDP press release said the first component of the project will
include a survey and analysis of the country’s labor market and
forecasts of labor requirements through 2015. Under the second
component, a Concept Paper will be developed and policy
recommendations made on reforming state management of science. The
recommendations will aim at making the sector sustainable and
efficient and responsive to the Armenian economy. The recommendations
will also aim at ensuring that Armenian science remains highly
competitive in the world and at the cutting edge of new technologies.

This innovative project supports other reforms in the education
sector aimed at addressing the impact of the transition and ensuring
links between employers and the country’s education and training
system. Recognizing that standards have declined and that the
excessive supply of graduates has contributed to unemployment, acted
as a break on wage rates and led to continuing brain drain, the
Government and international organizations are working together to
reform the sector. Through UNDP’s project, efforts will be made to
ensure that instruction is targeted at the labor market and that
vacancies are filled by candidates with practical knowledge and
skills.
Ms. Grande noted in her speech: “This project is a concrete
indication of UNDP’s commitment toward helping Armenia to build an
open, modern and knowledge-based economy that is able to compete
globally and attract investments. Education and science are critical
sectors not only for the economy, but also for the social and
cultural development of any country. And for a country like Armenia,
with highly valuable human capital, sustaining positive traditions is
the key to real success.”
The half-year project is co-financed by the Government of Armenia
and UNDP.

ITV, UK
Feb 18 2005

Djorkaeff set to join MLS giants

Breaking News, Friday February 18 2005

Former France international Youri Djorkaeff is joining Major League
Soccer outfit New York/New Jersey Metrostars.

The 36-year-old former Monaco, Paris St Germain, Internazionale,
Kaiserslautern, Bolton and Blackburn striker is eager to start his
new life in the United States after finally sealing the deal with the
MLS.

“This is a new life starting for me,” Djorkaeff, a member of France’s
1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 winning teams, told a Paris press
conference on Friday.

“I have been spoilt throughout my career and I had decided to retire
if the deal with New York fell though.

“I had no wish to join a club in Qatar. On the contrary it was a
sporting and life choice, as it’s always been a dream for me to live
in the United States.

“I am leaving France on Sunday with all my family who are also eager
to start this new adventure with me,” added the veteran forward,
whose family roots are in Armenia and who is an honorary citizen of
that country.

Djorkaeff wants to help soccer develop in the United States.

“I have been in touch with them since I was at Bolton,” added the
Frenchman, who said that his three-month spell at Ewood Park earlier
this season was mainly to keep him fit.

“I really wanted to move to the United States. The MLS is a very
interesting league. There are 12 clubs this season but there will be
14 next which shows there is a real desire to take it forward.

“I would like to sort of open a door. Soccer is not well known in
America and I want to contribute to making it more popular.”

The length of Djorkaeff’s contract has not been revealed.

He said: “I can’t tell for how long I will stay because when you sign
for an American club there is no definite time.”

Club president Nick Sakiewicz added: “It’s been two years of
discussions. Youri is a real gentleman and I will be very happy to
see him play every weekend for us.

“As long as Youri has fit legs, he will play with us.”

The American league will kick off on April 2 with the Metrostars
facing Real Salt Lake City.

Djorkaeff is to join his future team-mates in Ecuador where the team
are currently following a pre-season training programme.

The Iraqi Armenians in the post-war era

Azad-Hye, United Arab Emirates
Feb 17 2005

We received the following article written by Ara S. Ashjian of Baghdad,
Iraq and would like to share the information with our readers:

Due to the war on Iraq in March-April 2003, the Armenian community in
Iraq, fortunately, had little casualties. Few Armenians lost their
lives during military operations, and a number of houses belonging
to Armenians were damaged.

In the aftermath of the war, the Armenian Club and the priest residence
at the northern city of Kirkuk, and the Armenian Club at the southern
city of Basra had been looted by the mob.

Armenians worldwide took role in aiding their brothers and sisters in
Iraq. For instance, a relief committee was established in California,
USA, which donated monetary assistance to aid Armenian families who
were facing distressing circumstances due to the war and to rebuild
damaged residences.

The Catholicos of All Armenians H.H. Karekin II issued an appeal to all
Armenian dioceses worldwide to aid Iraqi Armenians. Consequently, the
Community received from the Holy See of Echmiadzin all the donations
of the Armenian churches worldwide. Donations were also made by the
Karaghozian and other Armenian Relief Foundations, and the Armenians
Aid Fund, USA; the Committee to relief the Iraqi Armenians in the UK;
and the Armenian community in Germany.

Efforts to uphold the educational and the religious rights:

The Primate of the diocese H.E. Archbishop Avak Asadourian and the
community officials exerted considerable effort in the post-war
era to uphold the educational and the religious rights of the Iraqi
Armenians, in order that the forthcoming constitution will take into
consideration the Armenians’ as well as other Iraqi minorities’ rights.

The establishment of the Armenian National School of Baghdad was one
of the priorities. The Diocese formed a committee to achieve the aim
of reopening the National School that was nationalized 30 years ago.

The Primate had many contacts with the officials of the former Iraqi
Governing Council and the Ministry of Education to achieve this goal.
As a result of these efforts, and for the first time in the history
of Iraq, the right to teach Armenian along with other languages in
Iraq was stated in the country’s transitional constitution.

NATO SECRETARY GENERAL’S SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR SOUTH CAUCASUS TO VISIT ARMENIA FEBRUARY 23-24

PanArmenian News
Feb 18 2005

18.02.2005 16:03

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ February 23-24 NATO Secretary General’s Special
Representative for South Caucasus and Central Asia Robert Simmons will
pay a call to Armenia to introduce Officer-Coordinator Romualdas Razuks
to the Armenian leadership. Let us remind that early February Robert
Simmons and Romualdas Razuks visited Georgia and Azerbaijan. When in
Baku Robert Simmons stated that though NATO is examining the situation
around Karabakh “the Alliance is not going to mediate in the process”.

ARMENIA DEVELOPING FRIENDLY RELATIONS WITH ARAB STATES

PanArmenian News
Feb 18 2005

18.02.2005 13:29

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Presently Armenia is developing friendly relations
with the Arab states, Armenian Minister of Foreign Affairs
Vardan Oskanian stated at the meeting with the students of the
Russian-Armenian (Slavonic) University. According to the Minister,
during his visit to Egypt he signed a memorandum on cooperation and
mutual understanding with the League of Arab States. V. Oskanian
also pointed out to the friendly relations between Armenia and the
Organization of Islamic Conference. However, he said, it would be
rather hard for Armenia to receive a status in the Organization of
Islamic Conference, as its members -Turkey and Azerbaijan – will
certainly put obstacles in the way. When touching upon Armenia’s
participation in the North-South transport corridor Vardan Oskanian
said that taking into account its geographical location and the lack
of the railway the RA is taking part in the project within the limits
of the possible.

KNOW-ALLS IN PACE TAKE KARABAKH ISSUE SUPERFICIALLY: VLADIMIR KAZIMIROV

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 17. ARMINFO. The most complicated problem of how
to peacefully settle the Karabakh conflict has been driven back by
propaganda “fencing,” says the former Russian co-chair of the OSCE
MG Vladimir Kazimirov.

Azerbaijan’s recent initiative to raise the “occupied territories”
issue at UN General Assembly has by no means contributed to the peace
process but it did so greatly for denouncing Armenia. In fact Baku
is trying to shift the international attention from the cause of the
conflict – the status of Nagorny Karabakh to one of its consequences –
occupied territories.

Few in Europe actually know how the Karabakh conflict has been
developing so far – so Baku decided that it would not be bad to
raise the issue to get the world’s sympathy. Kazimirov says that the
Armenians have underestimated this tactics but when Yerevan demanded
to have Nagorny Karabakh back at the negotiating table Baku recalled
its UN initiative and was just content with OSCE fact finding mission
to the controlled territories.

The PACE unbalanced resolutions on the reports of Terry Davis and
David Atkinson have very much pleased Baku. The know-alls in PACE did
not care as to go deep into the problem and just took it superficially.

They suddenly found some occupation and refugees but did not take the
pains of finding out where this all has come from and who is guilty
for it. They don’t even know who sabotaged 4 UN Security Council
resolutions, repeatedly wreaked or avoided cease-fires and continues
relying on military force in the issue. They are even unaware that some
of their current positions run counter to those of UN SC and OSCE. OSCE
has never denied that Nagorny Karabakh is a party to the conflict. Only
Azerbaijan did so and now it is backed by PACE. PACE has called on
Baku to start discussing status with Karabakh representatives but
with whom are they to discuss the withdrawal of the Karabakh troops
from the controlled districts and where will those troops go. Who
will resolve this issue?, asks Kazimirov.