CATHOLICOS OF ALL ARMENIANS PRESENTS IOSIF KOBZON WITH ST SAHAK-ST
MESROP ORDER

ECHMIADZIN, December 4 (Noyan Tapan). On December 3, Catholicos of All
Armenians Karekin II received the Russian political and social figure
Iosif Kobzon in the Mother See of Holy Echmiadzin and presented him
with the St Sahak – St Mesrop order and the kondak – official epistly
of the Catholicos on conferring this high award of the Armenian
Apostolic Church upon him for his services to Armenia and the Armenian
people. The kondak was published by His Holiness a year ago. “You have
been to Armenia many times and every time you were a welcome guest in
the Land of biblical Ararat. Our people’s respect and sympathy for you
is great both as a talented singer and artist and as a political and
social figure. In Armenia people remember with love all your visits
and with gratitude – all charitable concerts and programs organized
and implemented by you for our people. During your last visit you also
showed support for our people by going once again to the disaster
regions on Remembrance Day of the December 7, 1988 earthquake victims
and giving new hopes and encouragement to the people there who live in
difficult conditions,” the kondak reads. Iosif Kobzon expressed
gratitude to His Holiness for conferring this high award upon him and
promised to do his best in order to strengthen even more the age-long
friendship between the Russian and Armenian peoples. According to the
Inforamtion System of the Mother See, the the monks and leaders of the
Mother See, as well as guests from Moscow attended the order award
ceremony.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

RA NA CHAIRMAN MEETS IN SAINT PETERSBURG WITH PACE VICE CHAIRMAN,
CHAIRMAN OF HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF BELARUS’ PARLIAMENT AND WITH
SERGEI MIRONOV

SAINT PETERSBURG, December 4 (Noyan Tapan). Armenia is actively
working to honor its commitments towards the Council of Europe and the
honoring of the commitments will be completed in 2005 by the
constitutional reforms. The RA National Assembly Chairman Artur
Baghdasarian told this to the PACE Vice Chairman Ionas Chekuolis
during the December 3 meeting in Saint Petersburg. The sides also
discussed the issue of organizing discussions on the regional problems
under the aegis of PACE, issues of developing the European
integration, as well as the issues of developing relations between
Armenia and the Baltic states. I. Chekuolis qualified PACE – RA NA
relations as model ones in terms of honoring the commitments. It was
noted that increasing the cooperation in all formats will promote
Armenia’s Eurointegration, while bringing the Armenian legislation
with the CE standards was considered an important problem whose
solution may be helped by the Baltic states that express readiness to
assist. According to the NA PR Department, Artur Baghdasarian also had
a meeting with Vladimir Konopliov, Chairman of the House of
Representatives of the National Assembly of the Republic of
Belarus. The issues of strengthening the Armenian-Belarusian
interparliamentary relations were discussed. The interparliamentary
cooperation commission’s work was pointed out as important: Konopliov
noted that starting from mid December the commission will be formed in
the newly elected parliament, and a co-chairman will be appointed at
the level of the parliament’s vice chairman. The sides stressed the
importance of the implementation of the agreement on cooperation,
which was signed in February in Minsk, as well the cooperation in
international structures. The RA NA Chairman met with Chairman of the
Federation Council of the RF Federal Assembly Sergei Mironov. The
sides discussed the issues related to development of the inter-state
relations, attached importance to the interparliamentary cooperation.

ACCORDING TO PARUYR HAYRIKIAN, NSU’S PROPOSAL IS THE ONLY PRACTICAL
ONE WITH RESPECT TO CONSTITUTIONAL REFORMS

YEREVAN, December 3 (Noyan Tapan). One of the serious political steps
taken recently by the “National Self-Determination” Union (NSU) is the
initiative to establish cooperation with other parties with respect to
the constitutional reforms. The NSU chairman Paruyr Hayrikian stated
this at the December 4 session of the party board. He believes that
the only practical proposal is the one put forward by the NSU: to
reject the constitutional reforms package and suggest putting into
circulation only an abridged version of its last article.

Hayrikian proposes to hold a referendum on this issue so that the
constitutional amendments will be made through the parliament with the
previous consent of the RA President and the Constitutional
Court. According to the NSU chairman, instead of cooperating on this
issue some parties linger considering this to be “a game by Robert
Kocharian.” However, he stated that this is “the NSU’s game” and
announced that discussion on this issue with other parties will be
held on December 10. According to Paruyr Hayrikian, a movement, which
was established on the initiative of the National Press Club and
called “the Democratic Armenia” movement in the document at the
suggestion of the NSU, will get their support. Yet there is no
signature of the NSU among signatures of those who signed the
document, which, in the opinion of Hayeikian, is the reason why “they
are not progressing.” The NSU leader considered as long-term the
agreement on setting up a social consultative system for Armenia’s
foreign policy, which was signed by the National Democratic Union’s
chairman Vazgen Manukian, the Armenian Socialist Forces and
Intellectuals Union’s political secretary Ashot Manucharian and
himself. The agreement envisages setting up two councils in the
future: the foreign policy experts council and the political leaders
council.

Analyzing the political situation in Ukraine and stating that “the
Russian imperialism” relies on criminal elements of various countries,
Hayrikian congratulated everybody on the victory of democracy in
Ukraine. During the session the issue of the NSU’s central office was
also discussed. Only 120 thousand dollars out of the needed amount of
500 thousand dollars has been raised so far.

ARMENIAN PROGRESSIVE PARTY’S LEADER WORRIED ABOUT POSSIBILITY OF
“ELITE REVOLUTION” IN ARMENIA

YEREVAN, December 4 (Noyan Tapan). “It is quite obvious that the arrow
of the “elite revolution” is aimed at Armenia,” chairman of the
Progressive Party of Armenia Tigran Urikhanian stated at the December
4 meeting with reporters at the Azdak club. According to his
definition, “elite revolutions” based on the support from outside have
very dangerous consequences for the people masses, although he did not
specify what consequences. Tigran Urikhanian noted that during the
last decade many such revolutions have happened in the world, of which
the most recent one is that in Ukraine. He said all these revolutions
have the same scenario writer and film director. Immediately before
these events some statements about “homosexuals” among those in power
appear, sects like “Jehova’s Witnesses” become active, fight with
corruption at higher education institutions is highlighted, etc:
“After all this the people is presented either with roses or with
oranges.” Tigran Urikhanian expressed concern about the possibility of
implementing in Armenia a scenario similar to those in Georgia and
Ukraine. According to him, it is necessary to be prepared for
artificial tendencies capable of bringing the masses to the streets.

In this connection he appreciated the amendments in the Law on
Parties, which envisage enlargement of the parties. In addition,
according to Urikhanian, political forces blocs in principle being
formed now may also play a great role. “The time for national
consolidation has come, so work must be done in the marzes. Some
50-100 thousand people, who can explain the true nature of the
developments related to the elite revolution, must be on call,” the
PPA leader stated. Asked by NT correspondent how Armenia can
counteract such a “elite revolution” when much more powerful countries
failed to do so, Tigran Yrikhanian said: “Armenia is the center of the
intersection of many geopolitical interests and if the existing
contradictions are cleverly used, it will be possible to avoid these
artificial tendencies.”

SERGE SARGSIAN HAILS NEW IDEAS REGARDING ARMENIAN-IRANIAN COOPERATION
IN SPHERE OF ECONOMY

YEREVAN, December 3 (Noyan Tapan). The problems of regional security,
the process of the settlement of the Karabakh problem were discussed
during the December 3 meeting of RA Minister of Defense Serge
Sargsian, Secretary of the RA National Security Council, with
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Iran to Armenia Ali
Reza Haqiqian. The issue of the upcoming visit of the Minister to Iran
was also touched upon. Ambassador Haqiqian expressed readiness in
connection with the organization of Persian language classes at the
Military Institute after Vazgen Sargsian. Minister Sargsian hailed
this proposal and expressed an opinion that this will be the second
center of profound study of Persian in Armenia after the Yerevan State
University. According to Colonel Seiran Shahsuvarian, the Spokesman of
the RA Ministry of Defense, the sides also touched upon issues
regarding the serious progress in Armenian-Iranian economic
cooperation observed during the recent period, the construction of the
Iran-Armenia gas pipeline that started on November 30, in particular,
the construction of the new two-way electricity transmission line
between Iran and Armenia. “Armenia’s stability and economic
development are quite important for Iran,” mentioned Ambassador
Haqiqian. “The new ideas of Armenian-Iranian cooperation in the sphere
of economy were born during the recent official meetings, in particular,
regarding the construction of Iran-Armenia railroad, delivery of oil
products from Iran to Armenia,” he added. Serge Sargsian hailed these
approaches, called them brilliant and mentioned that if the
realization of these ideas is possible, they will be of great
importance for Armenia. Touching upon the individual programs of
partnership with NATO, the RA Minister of Defense once again stressed
that no issue of membership in NATO is on Armenia’s foreign policy
agenda.

GEORGIA’S FIRST LADY MEETS WITH STUDENTS OF YEREVAN STATE UNIVERSITY

YEREVAN, December 3 (Noyan Tapan). On December 3, Georgia’s first lady
Sandra Elizabeth Rulovs who is in Armenia on a 4-day visit had a
meeting with the students of Yerevan State University. Answering the
students’ questions, the first lady and officials accompanying her
noted that a 270-km road will be built and economic programs
imlemented in Javakhk. As regards her husband, Georgia’s President
Mikhail Sahakashvili’s promises to fight corruption and implement
refoms in the political sphere, Mrs. Rulovs stated this will be done
gradually, in particular programs are already being implemented in the
spheres of health care and education. During the meeting it was also
mentioned that this year a centralized system of entrance examinations
was introduced at Tbilisi State University, whereas this system has
been used at Yerevan State University for 13 years. NT corresdpondent
was told all these details by a student present at the meeting since
the journalists accredited to cover the meeting were deprived of an
opportunity to attend it because of the university vice rector
Shahazizian’s inhospitality. He complained the place was “too
crowded”, as a result of which the reporters were asked out and had no
chance to do their job.

APPROXIMATELY 7,000 FAMILIES RECEIVE PERMANENT HOUSING IN EARTHQUAKE
ZONE WITHIN FRAMEWORK OF EQZRP

YEREVAN, December 3 (Noyan Tapan). Approximately 7,000 families
(approximately 30,000 persons) have received permanent housing within
the framework of Earthquake Zone Recovery Program (EQZRP) implemented
in 1998-2004, including approximately 6,270 with Housing Purchase
Certificates (HPCs) at an average cost of $3,442 per family; 664 with
Housing Improvement Grants (HIGs) at an average cost per family
sheltered of $4,224; 60 with Urban Housing Improvement Grants (HIGs)
at an average cost per family sheltered of $2,079. Steven Anlian, the
Head of EQZRP, said about it during the December 3 conference entitled
“From Recovery to Development”. According to him, over 120 municipal
sites have been reclaimed by clearing of “domics” in five cities; over
50 sites, formerly occupied by domics, have been redeveloped/are under
development; over 4,000 domics have been removed and destroyed to-date
with another thousand or more still to be removed by participating
local governments; over 100 public buildings (schools, kindergartens,
museums, etc.) and sites (parks and squares) have been reclaimed and
returned to the communities. The Conference audience is comprised of
the donor community, both organizations and governments which have had
a direct role in providing resources to the Earthquake Zone’s
recovery, as well as broader donnor community; Armenian Central
Government and 18 participating local governments; all EQZRP program
staff and partners/subcontractors, including bank staff, auditors,
engineers, NGO representatives and real estate professionals. US
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the US to Armenian
John Evans mentioned that the US government’s support to Armenia will
not complete with this program. According to him, there are already
projects for support to the northern regions of the republic. The
Earthquake Zone Recovery Program is part of a broad range of
activities supported by USAID to help the recovery of this region and
the rest of Armenia. These activities include nutrition and health
programs to increase access to primary health care, and programs to
strengthen local capacity through support of community, local
government and non-governmental organization (NGO) development. Other
programs focus on reform of social service delivery and social
infrastructure systems, and support of micro, small and medium
enterprises, especially agribusiness.

IN JANUARY-OCTOBER, NUMBER OF ECONOMIC CRIMES DOUBLES IN ARMENIA

YEREVAN, December 3 (Noyan Tapan). In January-October 2004, 237 crimes
against economic activities were registered in Armenia, which is about
twice as many as the number of such crimes in the same period of
2003. According to the RA National Statistical Service, 37 cases of
selling, manufacturing and keeping fake money and securities were
registered (42 cases in January-July 2003), and 200 cases of other
crimes against economic activities, including false and illegal
entrepreneurship.

DURING 10 MONTHS, PRODUCTION IN ARMENIA MADE 424 BILLION 924 MILLION DRAMS

YEREVAN, December 3 (Noyan Tapan). According to the data from
Armenia’s 2,131 industrial enterprises, in January-October of 2004,
industrial products of about 424 billion 924 million drams (about
849.8 million dollars) were turned out in Armenia, while sales
amounted to more than 420 billion 108 million drams. Products of
39,815.1 million drams were sold in CIS countries, products of
116,024.3 million drams – in other countries. The physical volume of
industrial production increased by 0.5% in comparison with the same
period of 2003. According to the RA National Statistical Service,
during the indicated period, the processing industry’s share in the
industrial production structure was 64.2%, that of electricity, gas
and water production and distribution – 19%, and mining industry’s
share – 16.8%. Food and drinks production accounted for most part –
50.3% of the processing industry. The sales of the finished goods at
current prices in this sector amounted to 134 billion 890 million
drams, and the physical volume increased by 4.2% as compared to the
same period of last year. Metallurgical production made 19% (59
billion 603 million drams), jewelry – 5.3% (14 billion 83 million
drams). Metal ores’ extraction accounts for 97% of the mining
industry. Finished goods of 71 billion 321 million drams were
produced, of which the goods of 61 billion 674 million drams were
sold. The production volumes of 69 from the 113 main product types
increased during the indicated period.

DURING NINE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR NUMBER OF TOURISTS VISITING ARMENIA
INCREASES BY 30% IN COMPARISON WITH LAST YEAR’S INDEX

YEREVAN, December 3 (Noyan Tapan). In Jan-Sept of 2004, the number of
tourists arriving in Armenia increased by 30% in comparison with the
same period of last year and made 181,602 persons. 36% of tourists
arrived from the CIS countries. According to the RA National
Statistical Service, 173,580 persons left the republic during the same
period. It is more by 31.5% than the index of Jan-Sept.