ArmenPress
Nov 19 2004

UMCOR CELEBRATES 10-TH ANNIVERSARY OF ACTIVITIES IN ARMENIA

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 19, ARMENPRESS: The United Methodist Committee
On Relief (UMCOR) celebrated today its decade-long activity in
Armenia with a tree planting in the “Motherhood Park” at
Malatia-Sebastia Community Site in cooperation with the Armenia Tree
Project (ATP).
UMCOR has donated a total of 1,000 trees to this park, a portion
of which has already been planted and the remained part was planted
today by the heads and members of UMCOR, ATP and other guests at the
event. Among the planted three were thujas, ashes and junipers, that
will serve as a beautiful gift from UMCOR to the local community,
ensuring future generations with a flourishing dense green park, in
place of the site’s current deserted land.
Invited to participate in the ceremonial tree planting were
representatives from UMCOR’s partners and friends, government
ministries, and over 55 local and international organizations who
have shown support for the Armenian transition over the years.
Following the welcome speeches planting commenced supervised by
agriculture specialists from ATP, who explained and demonstrated the
methodology of tree planting in order to secure the survival of each
and every seedling.
The hope of this event was to foster community awareness of the
urgent environmental need to restore disappearing green areas.
Furthermore, the event established a basis for further UMCOR-ATP
collaborations with respect to community outreach and poverty
reduction programs throughout the city.
UMCOR and ATP already have had an opportunity to collaborate with
each other. It was in June 2000, when 3 volunteers through UMCOR’s
“Global Justice Volunteer” program joined ATP staff doing volunteer
work in ATP’s programs. These volunteers were hosted by ATP
employees’ families and they spent their time helping and supporting
ATP in its daily activities.

ArmenPress
Nov 19 2004

WORLD BANK PRAISES 2005 DRAFT BUDGET

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 19, ARMENPRESS: World Bank Resident
Representative in Armenia praised today the government for increased
spending on health, education and social sector, earmarked in its
2005 draft budget. The Bank Representative, Rodger Robinson, said it
was evidence of the government’s commitment to implement the Poverty
Reduction Program.
Robinson described bigger spending on education than on defense,
set by the budget as “symbolic,” adding though that defense
expenditures are also a government priority. In general, he said, the
2005 draft budget is balanced.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ArmenPress
Nov 19 2004

TRANSIT RAILWAY FROM MOSCOW TO SOUTH CAUCASUS MAY BE RESTORED LATE IN
2005
MOSCOW, NOVEMBER 19, ARMENPRESS: The head of Russian railroad
transport department Mikhail Akulov said the existing problems will
not hamper restoration of the main railway line from Russia to South
Caucasus in 2005. “The railway connection from Moscow to Georgian
capital Tbilisi, and from there to Armenia and Azerbaijan may be
restored in a year time,’ he told Russian reporters, adding that only
the economic aspect of the issue has to be solved.
He said next week a Russian-Georgian commission will meet to
discuss restoration of Russia-Georgia railway link. Georgia has
already presented its version of how much restoration of the railway
from Sukhumi, the capital of its breakaway region of Abkhazia, to
Samtredia station in Georgia will cost. According to approximate
estimation, some $40 million are required to rehabilitate the 187
km-long section.

The Economist
November 20, 2004
U.S. Edition

Small war, big mess: Nagorno-Karabakh

stepanakert

A troubled enclave

A deep-frozen conflict continues to infect the region

ARRIVE in Stepanakert, capital of Nagorno-Karabakh, and nothing
suggests it is a war zone. The streets are clean, public buildings
refurbished, there is a good hospital, a television studio, casinos,
hotels and even a fitness club. The road that links Karabakh to
Armenia may be the best maintained in the Caucasus.

In the mind of Karabakh’s Armenians, their bitter war to break free
of Azerbaijan in the early 1990s, in which some 25,000 people were
killed, is won. They have a president, a flag and a small army. “The
issue is resolved,” says Gegham Baghdasarian, editor of Demo, a local
newspaper. “The people made their statement, then defended it.” But
for Azerbaijan, the war is not over. A ten-year ceasefire is holding,
just, but thousands of Azerbaijani and Armenian troops face off
across minefields. Not only Karabakh, but seven other Azerbaijani
regions – 14% of Azerbaijan’s area all told – are occupied by the
Armenians.

Border blockades imposed by Azerbaijan and its ally Turkey have
turned Armenia into a backwater dependent on Iran and Georgia for
access to the outside world. Between the two former Soviet neighbours
there are no air, road or rail links. Azerbaijan has made sure that a
new oil pipeline from the Caspian to the Mediterranean bypasses
Armenia. About a million people on both sides were ethnically
cleansed from Armenia and Azerbaijan during the conflict. None has
returned.

Nor, despite the prosperity in Stepanakert, is life easy for the
Armenians running Karabakh. Their “republic” remains unrecognised. It
is less an independent entity than an extension of Armenia. The army
is deeply integrated with Armenia’s, the currency is the Armenian
dram, cars have Armenian number plates. Armenian “credits” and gifts
from the Armenian diaspora account for Nagorno-Karabakh’s good
infrastructure.

Shusha, near Stepanakert, illustrates the problem. Once one of the
most charming places in the Caucasus, it is now a ghost town of
gutted buildings and overgrown graveyards. Its Azeri population is
gone. Many inhabitants are Armenian refugees from Azerbaijan, living
wretchedly in what remains of ransacked apartments. Filip Noubel, an
analyst at the International Crisis Group, says that renewed war is
unlikely. But, he adds, the stand-off is being manipulated by both
governments, undermining democracy in both countries.

Agency WPS
DEFENSE and SECURITY (Russia)
November 19, 2004, Friday

RUSSIA AND THE U.S. ARE RIVALS IN THE CAUCASUS

SOURCE: Vremya Novostei, November 16, 2004, p. 5

by Gayane Movsesyan

ARMENIAN FOREIGN MINISTER VARDAN OSKANYAN ON THE INFLUENCE OF
EUROPEAN AND U.S. PRESENCE IN THE REGION ON RUSSIAN-ARMENIAN
RELATIONS AND THE PROBLEMS OF SETTLING THE KARABAKH CONFLICT

Armenian President Robert Kocharyan acknowledged on November 15 that
his views of the prospects of settling the Karabakh problem are
pessimistic. He complained that Baku wants to hold negotiations only
with Armenia. Mr. Kocharyan noted that in this regard he has to
defend the positions of Armenia and Nagorny Karabakh in negotiations,
though “this format does not reflect the essence of the conflict”.
This topic was discussed in Moscow during Armenian Foreign Minister
Vardan Oskanyan’s visit.

Question: Armenia doubts that Russia is its ally. Some forces demand
that Armenia orient to joining NATO. Will Yerevan change its foreign
political course?

Answer: The strategic character of Armenian-Russian relations will
not change. Take a look at the dynamic of contacts of our presidents.
Our negotiations are very productive. In fact, the population was
displeased a bit when the Russian-Georgian border was closed – this
created some obstacles for passengers and cargo moving to Armenia.
However, the border was opened, and society calmed down.

Question: Does the US and European presence in the region affect the
Russian-Armenian regions?

Answer: Armenia continues partnership with European and NATO
structures. This is a matter of security of the Caucasus, which
coincides with Russia’s interests. Russia and the US, Russia and
Europe are rivals in the Caucasus – not enemies. Such situation
cannot worsen relations between Russia and Armenia. We act on the
basis of the Friendship agreement signed in 1997. We also signed the
long-term agreement on economic cooperation. This makes our economic
contacts more active.

(…)

Question: Is there progress in settling the Karabakh conflict?

Answer: Nagorny Karabakh is one of the most topical problems in the
Caucasus. Azerbaijan often makes bellicose statements but the
armistice concluded in 1994 remains. This is a very important factor.
We have reached a point where we can achieve concrete decisions. This
has become possible thanks to negotiations held by the Armenian and
Azerbaijani presidents. However, concrete decisions require strong
political will. Unfortunately, Azerbaijan is trying to torpedo
constructive ideas.

Question: Armenia insists on solving the conflict in complex.
Azerbaijan prefers step-by-step settling of the conflict. Is it
possible to reach a compromise?

Answer: It’s a very important task for Armenia to determine the
status of Nagorny Karabakh. We reached concrete agreements regarding
this problem under Heidar Aliyev in 2001. However, Azerbaijan’s
position has become stricter since Ilkham Aliyev came to power.
Meanwhile, we have some approaches, which make it possible to settle
the problem.

(…)

Question: Azerbaijan insisted on adding the issue regarding the
situation in Azerbaijan’s territories occupied by Armenia to the
agenda of the 59th session of the UN General Assembly. Is it
reasonable?

Answer: Discussing this issue at the UN General Assembly will not
contribute to settling of the conflict. This will hinder the process.
I think that this is a serious mistake made by Azerbaijan, unless it
seeks to torpedo the situation. The international community states
that this move is very dangerous. The co-chairmen of the Minsk OSCE
group and a representative of the EU opposed discussing this issue at
the session.

We could reach a new level of relations if we started a second round
of negotiations at the level of foreign ministers. However, it’s
impossible now. We propose to continue discussing this problem within
the framework of the Minsk OSCE group. If Azerbaijan decided to
discuss the problem with other international structures it must
discuss it with representatives of Nagorny Karabakh.

Agency WPS
DEFENSE and SECURITY (Russia)
November 19, 2004, Friday

THE COUNCIL OF FOREIGN MINISTERS OF THE ORGANIZATION OF THE
COLLECTIVE SECURITY TREATY HELD A MEETING IN MOSCOW

The foreign ministers of Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan,
Russia and Tajikistan discussed topical problems of international and
regional security, and the performance of the organization in the
main sectors of its activities. They considered the
military-political situation in the responsibility zone of the
Organization of the collective security treaty, the situation in the
central-Asian region, nonproliferation of mass destruction weapons
and the post-conflict situation in Afghanistan. In this regard the
ministers focused on improving legal mechanisms of the Collective
rapid deployment force, the joint staff of the organization of the
collective security treaty and training of servicemen.

He statement passed by the foreign ministers reflects the intention
of member nations of the organization of the collective security
treaty to take additional measures against terrorism, drug
trafficking, proliferation of mass destruction weapons and more.
According to the document, members of the organization consider US
President George W. Bush’s initiative on nonproliferation of mass
destruction weapons as an important element of the world’s security.

Two meetings of executive bodies of the organization of the
collective security treaty will be held in November. The Council of
the defense ministers will hold a meeting in Moscow on November 25.
The committee of secretaries of the security services will hold a
meeting in Yerevan on November 30.

Source: Krasnaya Zvezda, November 17, 2004, p. 3

Translated by Alexander Dubovoi

RosBusinessConsulting Database
November 19, 2004 Friday 6:04 am, EST

Russia not to send more servicemen to Armenia

Russia is not planning to increase its military contingent in
Armenia, a representative of Russia’s Armed Forces told journalists
in Yerevan, having added that this decision had to be made at the
level of the countries’ Presidents and Prime Ministers. As such, he
refuted information that Russia was going to re-deploy its military
base in Georgia to Armenia, the ARKA news agency reported.

Russian military presence in Armenia, along with border troops, is
considered to be an important factor in Armenia’s security. The
personnel strength of the Russian base in this country amounts to
4,000 people.

Sun 14 11 2004 20:17:24 PM

Artist Interviewed:: KASABIAN

I’m sitting in a mangy tour-bus with Karloff from Kasabian, guerilla
rock group rising in fame from their top 20 hit, Club Foot and support
from XFM. Whatever. What I am struck by is how the guys are into easy
reads in a big way, with at least three television magazines scattered
about the bus, as well as the Sun, and some Mr. Men books. Maybe I
need my priorities straightening out. Maybe this wasn’t what I was
expecting from young, anarchistic guerilla rockers. Where’s Young
Socialist? These are boys described by NME as `Edgy, euphoric and
electrifying.’

Kasabian came to fame in May when their song Club Foot became a
surprise top 20 hit, and more success followed when their album was
released in September. Kasabian had a top summer, playing at
Glastonbury and Summer Sonny in Japan, and are invading Great Britain.

Twenty minutes ago Kasabian were playing in their home town, Leister
at the Summer Sundae event to a large, openly enthusiastic audience,
not to mention a few besotted female fans. But while the other members
of the band are enjoying a beer in the sunshine, Chris Karloff has
kindly agreed to give me a few minutes for questions before they all
head-out to perform at Reading.

First of all, I ask Karloff about the unusual name for the group. The
group’s name was actually taken from Linda Kasabian, the star witness
who put Charles Manson in jail, but as Karloff tells me, it also has
“the significant meaning of `butcher’ in Armenian.” Their website,
which suits their music, is built out of a self-confessed `obsession
with guerilla shit’.

So how was the set?

My electrics blew up in stage in the first stage ‘cos my synth blew
up… But it’s good to come back at home. Generally it’s better to
play later, which would have been better. But it was good fun, I saw
people really getting into it.

Do you have a favourite track?

I love all of them, I do like Club Foot, because I like playing the
bass. I do also like Reason is Treason. It’s cool and good exercise
for my wrist.

Who’s the most famous person you’ve met ?

It would have to be Roger Daltry and Pete Townsend. It was unreal, we
were going to walk off and Roger Daltry carried on speaking to us. You
know – normal bloke after everything he’s done. And he’s done a lot.

Who’ve you been influenced by musically?

Everything from Jimi Hendrix to the Beatles to the Stones to Bob Dylan
– to name the obvious ones, to Pink Floyd pretty things, to film
scores: John Williams, Bernard Herman… loads and loads of stuff.

How do you come up with the music?

Me and Serge mainly. We just sit around on the computer and get
something down, a loop, a riff, whatever and add things on from
there. It’s just like a snowball.

So what’s with all the T.V. magazines?

We really like T.V.! Don’t get a chance to watch much of it though.

Final Life message:

Don’t be a miserable bastard, anybody do what you got to do, don’t
bottle it in. Cos you will regret it

And don’t listen to other people unless you know you can value their
opinions.

May the power of revolution stay with you, Kasabian.

Berwick Advertiser, UK
November 18, 2004

Operation Christmas Child finds premises

A PROCESSING centre for shoeboxes donated to the Operation Christmas
Child appeal has been found in Berwick.

The Berwick area co-ordinator, Harry Plater, made an urgent appeal a
fortnight ago for suitable premises to receive up to 3000 shoeboxes,
full of gifts destined for children in the third world, which are
expected to be donated locally.

This week he was able to announce that he had secured the use of the
former Job Centre in Castlegate.

Harry said: “We have to thank Lord Joicey for the loan of the
property. We were offered places in Wooler and West Allerdean, but it
really had to be in Berwick.”

The processing centre will be open from 10am-4pm, Monday to Saturday,
until December 10. You can also drop shoeboxes off at Cornhill
Village Store, Lyn’s Shop in Norham, Berwick Community Centre and the
Tweeddale Press.

Last year more than 3000 boxes were sent out from Berwick,
contributing to 1.25 million from the British Isles and 6 million
worldwide. This year’s parcels will be sent to Armenia, with any
overflow going to the former Soviet state of Kyrgzstan.

This year, chocolate and sweets will be accepted in the shoeboxes
provided they have a best before date after March 2005.

Anyone who can help in any way with the appeal can contact Harry on
(01289) 330807.

Indian Express
November 18, 2004

NO CLEAR FAVOURITES AT KOCHI

Remis means draw in French and the word is used by most of the
European chess players to signify the result. And it is ‘remis’
(equality) as the 43rd World Junior and 21st World Junior Girls Chess
Championship action begins at Hotel Casino on Friday offering a level
playing field in both sections. Though in FIDE rating points, some of
the top seeds are more equal than others, there is no clear favourite
for the Kochi edition of the event in either section. You may not
find a Teimour Radjabov (Azerbaijan), Sergey Karjakin (Ukraine), Bu
Xiangzhi (China), Hika Nakamura (USA) or Luke McShane (England) in
this World junior. These are names that have hit the headlines in the
last few years by antiquating records and are at the top of the
rating list for juniors. So the top seed in the open section Ferenc
Berkes of Hungary at 2630 may be ahead of someone like Tigran L
Petrosian of Armenia, who at 2539, is seeded fourth, but both of
them, who are room mates at Casino here, insist that not too much
should be read into the rating aspect. Humpy, who has come for this
event with her sister Chandra Hawsa, who is playing in the World
junior girls, her father cum coach Koneru Ashok and mother, missed
the opening ceremony but looked relaxed as she is free from the load
of expectations by playing in the open section. “I am playing with an
open mind,” says the strongest-ever Indian woman player. “I don’t
look at results here. It is just another tournament for me,” adds
Humpy. In the girls section too, there is hardly anything to choose
between the top three players at least. Ekaterina Korburt (Russia,
rating 2400), Elisabeth Paehtz (Germany, 2398) and Dronavalli Harika
(India, 2391) are all Woman Grandmasters and may consider themselves
as front-runners. However, Paehtz feels some of the competitors have
a definite advantage and they are certainly not Europeans, according
to her. Apart from Harika, the one Asian who could emerge from the
pack, is Zhang Jilin of China, seededs seventh here and for whom this
is her third visit to India. Jilin is the junior champion of China
and is eager to assert her country’s supremacy in women’s chess. “I
would like to repeat the success of Zie Jun and Zhu Chen (World women
champions),” says the Chinese girl.