Armenian National Committee of America
888 17th St., NW, Suite 904
Washington, DC 20006
Tel: (202) 775-1918
Fax: (202) 775-5648
E-mail: [email protected]
Internet:

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 8, 2004
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918

CONGRESSIONAL ARMENIAN CAUCUS CO-CHAIRS OPPOSE AZERBAIJANI EFFORT
AT UN TO DISRUPT KARABAGH PEACE PROCESS

— Urge Secretary Powell to “Renounce” and “Secure Retraction” of
Proposed UN Initiative

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Frank
Pallone (D-NJ) and Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) have urged Secretary of
State Colin Powell to take decisive action against a UN
resolution, introduced by Azerbaijan, which could seriously
undermine the Nagorno Karabagh peace process, reported the Armenian
National Committee of America (ANCA).

In a November 7th letter to the Secretary of State, the Caucus Co-
Chairs expressed concern about the “ill-advised” resolution on the
“situation in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan,” stating
that:

“This intentionally disruptive resolution threatens the principles
and procedures of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in
Europe (OSCE) as well as the Minsk group mediation effort, co-
chaired by the United States, France and Russia, to resolve the
Karabakh conflict.”

The letter from the Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs goes on to state
that: “Efforts to reinforce stability and reduce the risk of
conflict are in the best interests of the U.S. and the South
Caucasus region. To this end, we urge that the United States
forcefully renounce this proposal, secure its retraction, and
impress upon the Azerbaijani government that it should drop such
counter-productive tactics in favor of a serious and lasting
commitment to the OSCE Minsk Group process.”

“We want to thank the Co-Chairmen of the Armenian Issues Caucus –
Frank Pallone and Joe Knollenberg – from drawing the urgent
attention of Secretary Powell to the threat that Azerbaijan’s
efforts at the United Nations to manipulate the Nagorno Karabagh
issue pose to U.S. interests in the stability of the Caucasus
region,” said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. “We share
the concerns they raised in their letter and are also urging the
State Department to take decision action against destructive
measures, such as this, that only foster greater divisiveness and
set back the cause of peace in this important part of the world.”

On October 14th, the Azerbaijani Ambassador to the UN, Yashar
Aliyev, submitted a letter requesting that a resolution, which
would restrict the repatriation of Armenians to their homes in
Nagorno Karabagh, be included on UN General Assembly agenda.
Prior to its consideration by the international panel, Rep. Frank
Pallone (D-NJ) urged U.S. Ambassador to the UN John Danforth to
oppose the measure, citing the negative ramifications on the
Karabagh Peace process. The OSCE Minsk Group Cochairs issued a
statement on October 27th, noting that “introducing this issue to
the United Nations General Assembly may have two negative
consequences. In light of the situation we have outlined, this
will be detrimental to the efforts to find a just and lasting
settlement of the issue, particularly at this time. Secondly, it
will fail to achieve consensus, a situation that will not be
helpful. We advise avoiding this situation.” Despite these
efforts, on October 29th, the UN General Assembly voted in support
of the request during their regular session.

The complete text of the Knollenberg/Pallone letter to Secretary
Powell is provided below:

November 7, 2004
The Honorable Colin Powell
Secretary of State
Department of State
2201 C Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20520-0001

Dear Mr. Secretary:

We are writing to share with you our alarm over the prospect that
Azerbaijan’s continued efforts at the United Nations to manipulate
the Nagorno Karabakh conflict will, if unchecked, undermine our
clearly articulated national interest in the stability of the
Caucasus.

We refer, of course, to Azerbaijan’s recent introduction of an ill-
advised resolution on the “situation in the occupied territories of
Azerbaijan.” This intentionally disruptive resolution threatens
the principles and procedures of the Organization for Security and
Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) as well as the Minsk group mediation
effort, co-chaired by the United States, France and Russia, to
resolve the Karabakh conflict. Azerbaijan’s proposal represents a
hostile declaration against the entire peace process, aimed only at
fostering increased divisiveness. Its consideration can only set
back the cause of peace.

We are deeply concerned that the OSCE Minsk process cannot survive
Azerbaijan’s destabilizing tactics. Continued tampering with this
process will inevitably produce a chain reaction resulting in its
demise. We cannot afford to allow Azerbaijan to continue to
disrupt the work of the OSCE, which, as you know, has been
recognized by the UN itself as the lead arbiter in this conflict.

We value the vital role the United States plays as an honest broker
in the Nagorno Karabakh peace process. In this capacity, given our
commitment to keep the parties talking and moving forward, it is
necessary for the United States to act forcefully against
destabilizing steps that will unravel the peace process. Our
interests are best served by the continuation of dialogue on the
outstanding issues related to Nagorno Karabakh within the OSCE
framework, not by the fragmentation of this orderly process.

Efforts to reinforce stability and reduce the risk of conflict are
in the best interests of the U.S. and the South Caucasus region.
To this end, we urge that the United States forcefully renounce
this proposal, secure its retraction, and impress upon the
Azerbaijani government that it should drop such counter-productive
tactics in favor of a serious and lasting commitment to the OSCE
Minsk Group process.

Thank you for your consideration of our views. We stand ready, of
course, to assist you in addressing this matter in the interest of
the American people.

Sincerely,

Joe Knollenberg Frank Pallone, Jr.
Member of Congress Member of Congress

#####

CENN – NOVEMBER 8, 2004 DAILY DIGEST
Table of Contents:
1. Development of Local Capacities and Public Awareness for Better
Energy Governance
2. EBRD, SOCAR Agree Shah Deniz Credit Terms
3. Rural-tourism to Promote Georgia’s Provinces
4. Armenian Company Leads Talks on Chemical Giant’s Future
5. USAID Allocates $600,000 For Implementation of Heating Program at 15
Schools in Armenia
6. Contest in Armenia to Honor Special Reports on Georgia
7. Noubarashen School #11 To Receive Orchard from HSBC Bank Armenia and
Armenia Tree Project
8. Personal Business Poisoning the Society
9. Those Having Dollars Can Cut Trees
10. A Bio-Energy Superpower

1. DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL CAPACITIES AND PUBLIC AWARENESS FOR BETTER
ENERGY GOVERNANCE

>>From November 2003 the Project ”Development of Local Capacities and
Public Awareness for Better Energy Governance”, is being implemented by
NGO Coalition led by Caucasus Environmental NGO Network (CENN), along
with partner NGOs – Green Alternative and Eco-Vision. The project is
implemented with the financial assistance of the United States Agency
for International Development (USAID).

The project aims to increase the transparency and efficiency of
performance and consumption in the energy sector, through community
mobilization, confidence building, increasing public awareness and
citizens’ responsibilities over the resources’ use, creation of ESCAs
(Energy Services Consumers’ Association), increasing public
participation in the decision-making processes at all levels and
launching a nation-wide constructive dialog between all stakeholders on
energy sector governance.

Painting actions in schools

In October 12-15, 2004 in the framework of this project were conducted
Painting Actions in six schools of the six pilot districts in which the
project team is working. About 200 pupils participated in this action
the age of the participants of the paining action was from 10 to 16. The
subject of the action was: “Winter in our Houses”. The exhibition of the
paintings will take place in November 19, 2004 in “Children’s Gallery”
in Tbilisi.

The ESCA leaders with the support of the project team conducted the
action. The action had the following objectives: i) to give confidence
to ECSA leaders and involving them in education campaign; ii) to
advertise the project idea via the pens, t-shirts, booklets distributed
after the action, also via the exhibition; iii) to get the idea how the
children are looking on energy crises.

As the result, more than 300 pictures were painted. The view of children
on winter and energy was quite interesting and different among the
pupils of different ages. The paintings will be soon available on the
following address:

Training of ESCA’s leaders

In September 23-24, 2004 in the framework of this project was held the
training for the ESCA’s leaders. The training had two key objectives:

ž Providing the information on Georgian power sector that included: i)
Technical and institutional structure of the sector; ii) Rights and
obligations of the institutions involved in the power sector; iii)
Service conditions and legal framework for Telasi and customers;
ž Elaboration of the operational plans for ESCA. Setting the targets and
defining the ways for the problems solution.

The representatives of ESCA’s, the whole project team and the legal
expert as well as the representatives of the Liberty Institute
participated in the training. During the training were distributed the
Electricity Services Consumers’ Guide for Tbilisi that was developed in
the framework of this project and the handouts of the presentations on
Georgian power sector and electricity service conditions in Tbilisi.

The first day of the training was entirely devoted to the first
objective of the training also during the first day was held the
presentation of the Electricity Services Consumers’ Guide for Tbilisi.

The second day of the training was dedicated to the discussion of the
problems existing in these six districts and the possible ways for their
solution. In addition, the discussion was followed by the elaboration of
ESCA’ work plans. The second day was facilitated by the professional
trainers from the Center for Training and Consultation (CTC).

The final stage of the workshop was identifying the problems, which are
common for all districts. These problems were discussed during the
roundtable conducted in October 29, 2004 with the participation of all
the stakeholders in the power sector. (In the next issues of our
publications we will inform our audience about this roundtable.)

The following important and common problems had been identified:
ž Old debts
ž Flat rates
ž Theft
ž The bad communication between Telasi and consumers
ž Seasonal tariffs
ž Installation of new electric meters

At the end of training was conducted the evaluation of the training.

We will provide you the information on the project on the regularly
bases.

Prepared By CENN
Nino Tevzadze

2. EBRD, SOCAR AGREE SHAH DENIZ CREDIT TERMS

Source :Interfax, November 5, 2004

The State Oil Company of the Azerbaijani Republic (SOCAR) and the
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development have initialed all
documents for a credit of $170 million to finance the SOCAR share in the
Shah-Deniz project, SOCAR President Natik Aliyev said.

“We agreed all the documents for the credit. The credit agreement will
be signed in December, in London,” Aliyev said after talks with bank
representatives.

Aliyev said earlier that if necessary the EBRD might provide a credit
for more than $170 million.

Of this total, $110 will be used to finance the SOCAR share in the
development of the Shah Deniz field, and $60 million – on building the
Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum pipeline.

Shah-Deniz holds an estimated 625 billion cubic meters of gas and 101
million tonnes of condensate. Stage-1 development includes the
production of 178 billion cubic meters of gas and 34 million tonnes of
condensate. During peak production under Stage-1 the field will produce
8.4 billion cubic meters of gas and 2 million tonnes of condensate a
year. Gas will be produced from 15 wells at the TPG-500 platform at sea
depths of 105 meters. Production will increase to 16 billion cubic
meters a year in the later stages of the project.

Participants in the Shah Deniz project include SOCAR – 10%, BP – 25.5%,
Statoil – 25.5%, TotalFinaElf – 10%, LukAgip – 10% OIEC (Iran) – 10% and
TPAO (Turkey) – 9%.

3. RURAL-TOURISM TO PROMOTE GEORGIA’S PROVINCES

Source: Messenger, November 5, 2004

Georgian economists believe that the country has excellent prospects in
the sphere of eco-tourism, particularly wine tourism and could generate
income for both the government and farmers.

According to official statistics there are approximately 400, 000
farmers in Georgia, but despite the country’s potential in agriculture,
farmers face numerous problems, such as difficulties in cultivating
their lands that result from the lack of technology, fertilizers and
infrastructure necessary to transport those products. As a result,
newspaper Khvalindeli Dge reports, cash incomes in villages are very low
and many farmers are in effect subsistence farmers, consuming most of
their products themselves.

As a result, it has become necessary for small farmers to grow a little
of everything, rather than to concrete on particular crops as farmers
growing crops for sale do. In the wine industry, for example, in many
villages that previously grew just grapes, farmers today are forced to
plant wheat and other agricultural products because they can no longer
rely on selling grapes to bring in the money needed to buy what they
need. This has inevitably damaged both the county’s economy and
eco-system.

In this particular situation, the development of eco-tourism would
provide a boost for villages, enabling farmers to increase their money
incomes.

The idea of eco-tourism that rests on the premise that many people dream
of rest and relaxation in peaceful villages with dining tables groaning
with natural food products was first developed in France in the 1970s.
Italy and Spain were quick to follow, with special legislation
elaborated to develop tourism, and today Georgia also hopes to offer
“peasants hospitality” and to welcome foreign tourists to Georgian
villages.

24 Saati reports that specific theme holidays have been suggested,
including experiencing the wine vintage in Kakheti, making of wool
products in Tusheti and singing Georgian fold songs ling the
Kriamanchuli in Guria, although the most popular may well be related to
the wine industry, which has a long history. Wine tourism aims to
attract foreigners to the places where the grapes are grown and the
wines made. There are many of these in Georgia but for wine tourism to
take off, the government needs to actively support its development, as
do businessmen who are interested in wine.

4. ARMENIAN COMPANY LEADS TALKS ON CHEMICAL GIANT’S FUTURE

Source: Mediamax news agency, November 5, 2004

The Armenian company Flash will from now on conduct talks with Russian
investors on the sale of chemical giant Nairit, Armenian Central Bank
Chairman Tigran Sarkisyan told a briefing in Yerevan today.

Tigran Sarkisyan recalled that Nairit’s shares belong 100 per cent to
Haykapbank [Armenian communications bank] and the Flash Company is
carrying out the programme to revive the bank, Mediamax reports. The
programme to revive the bank is supervised by the IMF, which is
demanding that the process be finished by the end of this year.

Mediamax news agency recalls that on 16 April this year an agreement was
signed at the Armenian Central Bank on the sale of 100 per cent of
Haykapbank’s shares to Russia’s Volgaburmash holding company. Addressing
a briefing after the signing of the agreement, Volgaburmash
representative Mikhail Zavertyayev said that the restoration of Nairit’s
position on the Russian synthetic rubber market was the priority for the
holding company. For reasons of commercial confidentiality Zavertyayev
refused to disclose the cost of the deal to acquire Nairit’s shares. He
said that Volgaburmash had worked out a draft project on the
reconstruction of the enterprise, aimed at resuming the production of bu
tadiene at Nairit. Mikhail Zavertyayev said that since 2003 Volgaburmash
had invested 3.5m dollars in Nairit.

Tigran Sarkisyan said today that the Russian holding company had
demanded that the revival programme for Haykapbank be prolonged for four
months, but, taking into account the commitments before the IMF, the
Armenian side had not given its consent to this and had “decided to
implement the revival programme with another investor, the Armenian
Flash company”.

The Central Bank chairman said that Flash had invested more than 1m
dollars in the bank and had finished the revival process. Tigran
Sarkisyan said that Flash was now conducting talks directly with the
Russian side on Nairit’s fate.

He said that for four months the Russian side would be studying Nairit’s
technical possibilities and would make a corresponding decision. Tigran
Sarkisyan said that the 100 per cent of shares in Nairit were reflected
in Haykapbank’s balance sheet at the nominal price of 14.2m dollars. The
bank has to realize these assets in the next six months, according to
current Armenian legislation.

5. USAID ALLOCATES $600,000 FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF HEATING PROGRAM AT 15
SCHOOLS IN ARMENIA

Source: Arminfo, November 5, 2004

USAID has allocated $600,000 for implementation of a program on heating
at 15 schools in Armenia, Head of USAID Office in Armenia Robin Phillips
said during his meeting with Armenian Town Building Minister Aram
Haroutiunyan, Friday.

The press-service of the Town Building Ministry told ARMINFO that the
sides discussed the program’s implemented at 15 republican schools,
which are currently constructed and repaired on the state budgetary
funds for 2004. In conformity with the agreement reached in the course
of the meeting, within the c oming days specialists of the ministry and
USAID intend to discuss the list of schools to be included in the
heating program, to approve the schedule of the works. A relevant
document will be signed in the middle of November, 2004. Phill ips
expressed readiness to organize heating at another 15 schools in Armenia
in case of successful implementation of the given program.

6. CONTEST IN ARMENIA TO HONOR SPECIAL REPORTS ON GEORGIA

Source: International Journalist’s Network, November 5, 2004

Television stations and companies in Armenia can enter a competition
aimed at producing a series of special reports about Georgia.

Internews-Armenia is organizing the competition, sponsored by the U.S.
Agency for International Development. The application deadline is
November 20, 2004.

The contest aims to offer the public better information on the social
and political processes in Georgia. Internews encourages a creative
approach to the reports, which could focus on the economy, culture,
environment, politics, social problems or international relations, among
other topics.

Candidates should submit a completed application form; two
Russian-language copies of a detailed script proposal; the production
schedule, to be completed by January 15; the curriculum vitae of the
director/producer and main participants; detailed production expenses; a
videotape of the applicant’s past work; and a letter from the TV company
agreeing to air the reports.

Internews will select the proposal based on the best likelihood of
carrying out the project and the professionalism of the bid, among other
criteria.

Detailed requirements and forms are available at:

For more information, contact Internews-Armenia
E-mail: [email protected],
Telephone +374 1 583 620

7. NOUBARASHEN SCHOOL #11 TO RECEIVE ORCHARD FROM HSBC BANK ARMENIA AND
ARMENIA TREE PROJECT

65 Main Sreet, Watertown, MA 02472
Tel: 617-926-TREE (8733)

email: [email protected]

2004-11-06
ARMENIA TREE PROJECT

YEREVAN–.This Sunday, November 7, 2004, the children of the Noubarashen
School #11 for the mentally disabled had the opportunity to beautify
their school grounds with the help of their friends from HSBC bank and
the Armenia Tree Project. This is planting initiated by HSBC Bank as a
part of their community outreach. A total of one hundred trees,
including 30 apricot, 5 quince, 30 apple, 20 peach, and 15 cherry trees
will be planted at the event, scheduled to begin at 11.00 a.m. The
Republic of Armenia’s Ministry of Science and Education oversees the
Noubarashen School #11, a school that provides accommodations and
nutrition for 125 students, 110 of whom are permanent residents.

Over the past five years, HSBC and the Armenia Tree Project have
successfully collaborated on similar tree planting projects. Together,
they provided the Noragyugh Rehabilitation Center with a total of four
hundred trees in 2000, 2001 and 2002 years. To date, these seedlings
are thriving, with an above average survival rate of 72%. Since its
first Armenian branch opened in March of 1996, the HSBC group has shown
support for both education and the environment.

Sunday’s event at the Noubarashen School #11 served as a forum for the
integration of these two ideals.

HSBC Bank Armenia:

The HSBC Group opened for business in March 1996 as Midland Bank cjsc
and was renamed to HSBC Bank Armenia cjsc in 1999, as a part of global
re-branding exercise. Nowadays HSBC has two full service branches
operating in Yerevan. Now HSBC is Armenia’s leading bank by market share
and profitability. The Group also maintains branches in other CIS
countries including Russia and Kazakhstan. The bank offers a full range
of products and services to both commercial and personal customers
resident in Armenia and overseas. Since its establishment, HSBC has
focused its community support on areas of education and theenvironment.
The Bank has been involved in sponsoring the Noubarashen orphanage,
Vardashen special educational centre, Armenian Society for the
preservation of Historical Monuments, Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra,
Isabel centre of the Talented Children’s Concert, a Health walk in
coordination with the Armenian Mammography centre, the children’s
international play ground, as well as a tree planting project in the
Children’s Rehabilitation Centre. HSBC staff are true community citizens
and give fully, and freely, of their time and energy in supporting the
many worthwhile causes in Armenia that need our support in both
financial and humane ways.

For information please contact:

HSBC Bank Armenia cjsc
9 V. Sarkissian Street, Yerevan, Armenia
Tel. 58 70 88

HSBC Bank Armenia cjsc
3 Komitas Avenue, Yerevan, Armenia
Tel. 22 25 96, 22 87 57

E-mail: [email protected]
Web:

Armenia Tree Project (ATP):

Armenia Tree Project was founded in 1994 during Armenia’s darkest and
coldest years with the vision of securing Armenia’s future by protecting
Armenia’s environment. Funded by contributions from diasporan
Armenians, ATP has by now planted and rejuvenated 538,000 trees at more
than 450 sites ranging from Gyumri to Goris.

[email protected]
Web:

8. PERSONAL BUSINESS POISONING THE SOCIETY

Source: A1 Plus, November 8, 2004

Yerevan Municipality Monitoring Group for Conservancy studied activity
of 35 managing subjects in Yerevan and fixed: there are no sewer outlet
networks in 26 of them. As a result the industrial waste of the
establishments – chemical, food and sewerage, are thrown into Getar and
Hrazdan River. 7 out of 26 are located in Hrazdan Canyon.

Romik Kosemyan, head of Municipality Department on Conservancy, has
informed today that the owners of the subjects have been fined.
According to Kosemyan, Municipality has worked out a project, under
which all the managing subjects running in Yerevan will be brought to
the legislative field beginning from 2005.

9. THOSE HAVING DOLLARS CAN CUT TREES

Source: A1 Plus, November 8, 2004

Irrigation line 135 kilometers at length was drawn for preservation of
the green zones and protection of them from fires. Romik Kosemyan, head
of Municipality Department on Conservancy, assures the action will
enable to take care of the green zone of about 600 hectares.

In case of illegal cutting of the trees registered in “The Red Book”
Municipality will apply a new price for damage compensation – $1000 for
each tree cut. For the time being the old punishment is still valid – a
fine of up to 100,000 drams in case of causing damages

10. A BIO-ENERGY SUPERPOWER

RIO DE JANEIRO, Nov 4 (Tierram Erica) – Rising oil prices and the
upcoming implementation of the Kyoto Protocol on greenhouse gases,
following the recent ratification by Russia, are accelerating the
process of turning Brazil into a world leader in ”bio-energy”.

Exports of alcohol made from sugarcane are expected to increase from 800
million litres last year to two billion litres this year — this
expansion trend continues independent of rising world oil prices.

There are many countries, like Japan, that are moving to blend ethanol
with gasoline, or increase the alcohol additives in fuel, as a means
towards curbing air pollution.

It augurs for renewable energy sources having a strong global impulse
with the implementation of the Kyoto Protocol, which sets goals for
reducing emissions of greenhouse gases, responsible for climate change.

The Russian Senate announced its ratification of the global treaty Oct.
27. Once it is enacted by the Russian president, the Kyoto Protocol will
enter into force, as it has finally achieved the required threshold of
countries: a total that produces at least 55 percent of the world’s
greenhouse gases.

In Brazil, renewable fuel is recuperating the popularity it had in the
1980s, and not just because of the lower price. There is a growing
demand for ”bi-fuel” automobiles that can use gasoline, fuel alcohol
or any mix of the two. These cars were put on the market last year.

In 1985 and 1986, alcohol-fuelled vehicles had achieved the incredible
proportion of 76 percent of all of Brazil’s car production. But supply
and price problems eroded the Proalcohol programme for fuel substitution
that had been launched during petroleum crisis of 1973.

Output of alcohol-driven cars hit bottom in 1997 — just 0.06 percent of
total car production, according to Brazil’s National Association of
Automotive Manufacturers.

Since then there has been a gradual recovery, which was particularly
notable last year, with 84,173 alcohol-fuelled cars, including the
bi-fuel vehicles, represented 4.6 of automotive production. This year
that portion is expected to be five times as big, as 253,817 such cars
were produced from January through September.

The possibility of using one fuel or another, along with the reasonable
price, contributes to public confidence in alcohol as a fuel in general.
It reduces the risk of shortages or sudden price hikes at service
stations.

In addition, all gasoline in Brazil contains 20 to 25 percent anhydrous
alcohol, which reduces petroleum dependence and pollution. And work is
beginning on manufacturing crop spraying aircraft that run on ethanol.

The subsidised development of Proalcohol cost some 40 billion dollars,
but the country has ”already recovered those expenses” and is now
seeing its fruits, including the continued development of related
technology, Osvaldo Stella Martins, an expert with the National Centre
for Biomass Research, told Tierram Erica.

The sugarcane needed to make Brazil the world leader in sugar and
alcohol production also generates enormous quantities of waste pulp, a
source of energy that feeds the electricity market as well as running
the sugar mills and distilleries.

Now the new biodiesel programme is motivating researchers and business
leaders. The government announced that it will authorise its addition to
regular diesel fuel in November, in a proportion of two percent and
increasing to five percent over the next few years.

Beyond reducing the need to import fuel and curbing environmentally
harmful emissions, the programme is intended to be socially inclusive,
generating hundreds of thousands of jobs and promoting family farming in
impoverished areas, says Science and Technology Minister Eduardo Campos.

It is also a government priority to promote production of fuel using the
castorbean (Ricinus communis) in the Brazilian northeast, the country’s
poorest region. But biodiesel made from castorbeans must be more heavily
subsidised, as it costs three times more than petroleum, said Stella, a
mechanical engineer who holds a doctorate in ecology and natural
resources.

Castor oil, the raw material for hundreds of chemical, medicinal and
cosmetic products, has great unsatisfied global demand, and it would be
more logical to promote its production as an industrial input, instead
of using it for biodiesel and burdening society with the cost of
subsidies in order to ”resolve a problem for Petrobras,” the giant
state-run oil company, he said.

The problem is that Petrobras must produce diesel without sulphur, for
environmental protection reasons, and it would be better to substitute
that lubricant with biodiesel, transferring costs to society, explained
the expert.

Studies are under way for producing biodiesel using other plant sources,
and even from the vegetable oil waste in cities, such as from food
processing and restaurant cooking.

The alternative that most excites Stella and forestry engineer Laercio
Couto, president of the National Network for Biomass Energy, is to make
use of agricultural and forestry waste.

Lumber production uses 45 percent of the tree, leaving ”incredible”
biomass sources, Couto told Tierram Erica

The lumber waste is packed into cylinders to reduce volume and humidity,
and to facilitate transport, and is exports to Europe are beginning. But
last year just 40,000 tons were sold, while the demand reaches two
million tons, the engineer added.

Brazil, with its land, sun, and water resources, is a major producer of
biomass, and the process of photosynthesis makes the South American
country an energy superpower, according to Jos Bautista Vidal, the
”father” of Proalcohol.

However, the great distances and insufficient infrastructure that make
transportation expensive continue to create obstacles in the energy
business beyond local production and use, Couto said.

–Boundary_(ID_KBFoJL8LWUW6yV0P3TkelA)–

PRESS RELEASE

UCLA Armenian Graduate Students Association
Kerckhoff Hall Room 316
308 Westwood Plaza
Los Angeles, CA 90024
Contact: Haig Hovsepian
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:

USC ASA welcomes UCLA AGSA members to speak about graduate studies

Westwood, CA – On Thursday, November 11th, a group of UCLA graduate
students will be taking a trip across town to speak about pursuing
graduate degrees. Organized by the UCLA Armenian Graduate Students
Association at the request of the USC Armenian Student Association,
the mentorship event will provide an opportunity for undergraduates to
learn more about the ins and outs of graduate studies while networking
with graduate students in their fields of interest. While the UCLA
AGSA continues to organize its annual mentorship events for the UCLA
ASA and campus, this marks the first time that it will be taking its
program on the road.

“It is the natural evolution of our effort to reach out to the
undergraduate student community,” explained Haig Hovsepian, Project
Director for the mentorship event. “When we first started these
mentorship events, we focused on our own backyard. But with the
fast growth of the UCLA AGSA in terms of membership, capabilities,
and resources we felt it was time to go beyond Westwood.”

Though many Bruin undergraduates continue their graduate studies at
UCLA, the campus also attracts a large number of undergraduates from
local universities including many Trojan alumni.

“It is especially important that we make sure that the Armenian
community learns about the opportunities that await them in graduate
school,” noted Hovsepian. “We also want to let them know that the
UCLA AGSA will also be there to support even greater academic and
professional development once they arrive on campus.”

Established in the 2001-2002 academic year, the UCLA AGSA provides
an opportunity for the currently enrolled graduate students at UCLA
of various fields to network, facilitates mentorship, and serves as
a forum through which graduate students can make use of their field
specific skills to promote academic as well as professional development
by means of participation in events that increase awareness of Armenian
culture, communities, and issues.

ARMENIA TREE PROJECT
57/5 Arshakunyats Street
Yerevan, Armenia 375026
Contact: Bella Avetisyan
Telephone: (374 1) 44-74-01

Press Release For Immediate Distribution:
2004-11-09

NOUBARASHEN SCHOOL #11 RECEIVED ORCHARD FROM HSBC BANK
AND ‘ARMENIA TREE PROJECT’

YEREVAN– Sunday, November 7, 2004, the children of
the Noubarashen School #11 for the mentally disabled
yesterday beautified their school grounds with the
help of their friends from HSBC bank and the Armenia
Tree Project. The tree planting was initiated by HSBC
Bank as a part of their community outreach.
A total of one hundred trees, including 30 apricot, 30
apple, 20 peach, 15 cherry and 5 quince trees were
planted at the event, which started at 11 a.m. The
Republic of Armenia’s Ministry of Science and
Education oversees the Noubarashen School #11, which
was established in 1973. Daily the school provides
education, accommodations and nutrition for 125
students, 110 of whom are permanent residents.

Over the past five years, HSBC and the Armenia Tree
Project have successfully collaborated on similar tree
planting projects. Together, they provided the
Noragyugh Rehabilitation Center with a total of four
hundred trees in 2000, 2001 and 2002 years. To date,
these seedlings are thriving, with an above average
survival rate of 72%. Since its first Armenian branch
opened in March of 1996, the HSBC group has shown
support for both education and the environment.
Sunday’s event at the Noubarashen School #11 served as
a true forum for the integration of these two ideals.

Susan Yacubian Klein, Country Director of Armenia Tree
Project, welcomed all who arrived that day and showed
their active participation by planting trees. In her
brief welcome speech Ms. Klein thanked HSBC Bank
management for their community minded spirit in
bringing their staff to plant trees with the residents
and teachers of Noubarashen School. She stressed that
both HSBC Bank and the Armenia Tree Project consider
as part of their missions active involvement with
community members in improving their environment.
The planting of the trees yesterday will not only
bring fruit for the children’s nutritional needs but
also serves as a teaching tool about care and
preservation of trees, she concluded.

Nick Gilmour, Chief Executive Officer of HSBC Bank
Armenia, greeted guests and expressed hope for the
long lasting HSBC-ATP partnership. “I think our
collaboration in greening Yerevan’s different sites
will continue due to the already formed tradition of
our annual tree-plantings. Joining our forces we can
improve the living conditions in communities”, Mr.
Gilmour said in his later interview to reporters.
HSBC Bank Armenia is supporting Noubarashen School by
furnishing it and providing clothes and supplies to
schoolchildren.

Meroujan Yengibaryan, Noubarashen Boarding School
Director, speaking to those assembled added:
“HSBC-ATP partnership resulted in this wonderful gift
for our school. We’re all looking forward to seeing
these children collecting fruit from their own garden
in 3 – 4 years’ time. Let God give long life to
witness future generations gathering fruit from the
trees planted today”.

After a ceremonial tree planting by the initiators of
the event, the children and staffs of the school, HSBC
and ATP joined in planting the fruit tree seedlings. A
total of 100 seedlings were planted, according to the
instructions given during a demonstration from the ATP
specialists.

HSBC Bank Armenia:

The HSBC Group opened for business in March 1996 as
Midland Bank cjsc and was renamed to HSBC Bank Armenia
cjsc in 1999, as a part of global re-branding
exercise. Nowadays HSBC has two full service branches
operating in Yerevan. Now HSBC is Armenia’s leading
bank by market share and profitability. The Group also
maintains branches in other CIS countries including
Russia and Kazakhstan. The bank offers a full range of
products and services to both commercial and personal
customers resident in Armenia and overseas. Since its
establishment, HSBC has focused its community support
on areas of education and theenvironment. The Bank has
been involved in sponsoring the Noubarashen orphanage,
Vardashen special educational centre, Armenian Society
for the preservation of Historical Monuments, Armenian
Philharmonic Orchestra, Isabel centre of the Talented
Children’s Concert, a Health walk in coordination with
the Armenian Mammography centre, the children’s
international play ground, as well as a tree planting
project in the Children’s Rehabilitation Centre. HSBC
staff are true community citizens and give fully, and
freely, of their time and energy in supporting the
many worthwhile causes in Armenia that need our
support in both financial and humane ways.

For information please contact:

HSBC Bank Armenia cjsc
9 V. Sarkissian Street, Yerevan, Armenia
Tel. 58 70 88

HSBC Bank Armenia cjsc
3 Komitas Avenue, Yerevan, Armenia
Tel. 22 25 96, 22 87 57

e-mail: [email protected]
web:

Armenia Tree Project (ATP):

Armenia Tree Project was founded in 1994 during
Armenia’s darkest and coldest years with the vision of
securing Armenia’s future by protecting Armenia’s
environment. Funded by contributions from diasporan
Armenians, ATP has by now planted and rejuvenated
538,000 trees at more than 450 sites ranging from
Gyumri to Goris.

For additional information, please, contact Bella
Avetisyan, ATP Public Outreach Coordinator Assistant
at [email protected]
Web:

ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
11/08/2004
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
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1) Ghukasian Open to Start Negotiations with Azerbaijan
2) Kocharian Names New National Security Service Chief
3) Safarov Trial Set to Begin
4) Akhtamar Church Targeted for Shooting Practice, Treasure Hunts
5) Erdogan Says Human Rights Report Never Disclosed to the Prime Ministry
6) Armenia Tightens Control over Radioactive Materials

1) Ghukasian Open to Start Negotiations with Azerbaijan

YEREVAN (Combined Sources)Referring to the two resolution
strategies”step-by-step” and “package” accordthat have been proposed by the
conflicting sides, Mountainous Karabagh Republic President Arkady Ghukasian
stated on November 8 that “Karabagh is ready to conduct negotiations with
Azerbaijan within the context of any formatwith or without Armenia.”
“We are ready to discuss any issue with Azerbaijan,” noted the president
while
elaborating on his government’s stance, which he considers to be “very
productive.” Ghukasian stated that Azerbaijan’s ability to settle the conflict
is currently inhibited, however, by its “hostile political stance,” adding
that Azerbaijan’s policies will not impact the position of the OSCE Minsk
Group
chairmen, who will be able to realistically gauge the proposals offered by
each
side.

2) Kocharian Names New National Security Service Chief

YEREVAN (RFE/RL)–Gorik Hakopian, the former Deputy Director of Armenia’s
National Security Service, has been appointed by President Kocharian as the
new
chief of Armenia’s National Security Service.
Hakopian, 58, who took one of the most powerful government positions in
Armenia, was born in Gyumri. He has graduated from the Higher Courses of
Soviet
KGB.
A statement from Kocharian’s office says, “Hakopian worked in the security
system from 1970…Since December, 2002 Hakopian worked as Deputy Director of
National Security Service.”

3) Safarov Trial Set to Begin

YEREVAN (Armenpress)–The trial of Ramil Safarov, accused of killing Gurgen
Margarian in Hungary on February 19, 2004, is set to begin on November 23.
Both were officers participating in an English-language course at the
Hungarian University of National Defense as part of NATO’s Partnership for
Peace (PfP) program. The Armenian officer Margarian, 26, was axed to death in
his sleep by Safarov, who is an Azeri.
Safarov is accused of premeditated murder with unusual cruelty and may face a
sentence 15 years to life imprisonment. Attorney Nazeli Vardanian will
represent the Margarian family.
The Armenian International Union of Lawyers has created a team of lawyers to
assist Vardanian in the case.

4) Akhtamar Church Targeted for Shooting Practice, Treasure Hunts

VAN–The Istanbul-based Marmara Armenian newspaper reports that sculptures on
the Akhtamar Church, located on Akhtamar Island, in Western Armenia, are being
used as targets for shooting practice by visitors. A photo accompanying the
article in the Turkish Newspaper Milliyet reveals the pierced images.
Reporting
from Van, writer Cukran Bakan says that a guard is posted at the historical
site only during visiting hours, and only during the summer season.
Though visitors routinely arrive to the island to practice their shooting,
visitors have also begun to dig underneath the church for hidden treasure. A
professor of Ancient Studies at Van’s Yuzuncu Yil University says that people
have the notion that there are treasures buried in Van. A guard at the
Akhtamar
Church was even caught and arrested for digging for treasure.
Marmara also laments a reference in the first paragraph of the Milliyet
article that refers to the Akhtamar Church as a 1,000 year-old sacred site for
Christians and Jews. “There is nothing left for us to say,” writes the
Armenian
paper.

5) Erdogan Says Human Rights Report Never Disclosed to the Prime Ministry

ISTANBUL (Combined Sources)–Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan
said a
minority report released by the Human Rights Advisory Board had been drafted
without instructions from him.
“It was unethical to disclose the report to the press before informing us,
that is, the Prime Ministry,” Erdogan said.
The report broadened the definition of minorities in Turkey and criticized
the
government’s policy towards minorities, which has drawn criticism from various
circles.
Erdogan responded to questions at a press conference in the Black Sea
province
of Rize on Saturday.
He emphasized that the minority report should have been submitted to the
prime
minister or the deputy prime minister before it was released to the press.
“After the public debate, the report was again discussed by the board and
amended. Later it was sent to the Prime Ministry. This [sequence of events] is
ethically wrong,” said Erdogan.
Asked about criticism alleging that he had signed the European Union
Constitution in Rome on Oct. 29 without reading it, Erdogan said those who
released such news were not aware of the content of the constitution and
how it
was drafted.
Drawing attention to the fact that the Inter-parliamentary Conference had
drafted the constitution, Erdogan said: “Turkey participated in studies on the
drafting of the constitution, which is not legally binding on Turkey. It will
be binding on us when we become a full member of the EU.”
The report on ethnic minorities in Turkey, released by an advisory body
linked
to the office of the Turkish Prime Minister, has led to debates in Turkey.
Issued in Late October, the report recommends greater recognition be given to
ethnic minorities in Turkey. Currently, only three ethnic minorities–the
Jews,
Armenians, and Greeks–are officially recognized.
Chairman of the Human Rights Advisory Board Ibrahim Kaboglu, said the report
had been submitted to the Prime Ministry, but government officials denied
having anything to do with it.

6) Armenia Tightens Control over Radioactive Materials

YEREVAN–The Armenian government approved the licensing order of radioactive
materials to prevent illegal shipments of materials and equipment containing
them, reported RIA-Novosti.
Armenian authorities arrested a man last month carrying radioactive
cesium-137
in the trunk of his car. The highly toxic material is capable of contaminating
large areas if used as a dirty bomb.
Yerevan resident Gagik Tovmasian was arrested on charges of illegal trade in
radioactive materials. It was unclear how the man obtained the material which
is used in Armenia in density gauges and for machine calibration.
Devices containing cesium-137 can cause serious radiation exposure if broken
and held. Depending on the amount and form, experts say a dirty bomb made with
cesium-137 could spread intense radioactivity over a section of a city, making
it uninhabitable.
The AP reported that a powerful source of radiation was found last
February on
the Armenian-Iranian border, amid scrap metal headed for Iran.

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From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PERSONAL BUSINESS POISONING THE SOCIETY

A1 Plus | 14:14:17 | 08-11-2004 | Social |

Yerevan Municipality Monitoring Group for Conservancy studied activity
of 35 managing subjects in Yerevan and fixed: there are no sewer
outlet networks in 26 of them. As a result the industrial waste of
the establishments – chemical, food and sewerage, are thrown into
Getar and Hrazdan River. 7 out of 26 are located in Hrazdan Canyon.

Romik Kosemyan, head of Municipality Department on Conservancy,
has informed today that the owners of the subjects have been
fined. According to Kosemyan, Municipality has worked out a project,
under which all the managing subjects running in Yerevan will be
brought to the legislative field beginning from 2005.

THOSE HAVING DOLLARS CAN CUT TREES

A1 Plus | 14:29:00 | 08-11-2004 | Social |

Irrigation line 135 kilometers at length was drawn for preservation
of the green zones and protection of them from fires. Romik Kosemyan,
head of Municipality Department on Conservancy, assures the action
will enable to take care of the green zone of about 600 hectares.

In case of illegal cutting of the trees registered in “The Red Book”
Municipality will apply a new price for damage compensation – $1000
for each tree cut. For the time being the old punishment is still
valid – a fine of up to 100,000 drams in case of causing damages.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Azeri officer killed in Armenian truce violation – TV

Lider TV, Baku
8 Nov 04

[Presenter] The Armenian side has broken the cease-fire on the front line
again and an Azerbaijani officer has been killed. Lider TV’s special
correspondent for the Karabakh region, Teymur Zahidoglu, reports that Lt Bahaddin Abdiyev
was shot dead in the territory of Agdam District at an early hour today. He
had been conscripted by the military enlistment and registration office of Tovuz
District. We are now having a link-up with the Karabakh region for the
details. Our correspondent Teymur Zahidoglu is to be on the phone. Hello, Teymur.

[Teymur Zahidoglu speaking over the phone] Good day, Rasad.

[Presenter] Teymur, how did the incident happen?

[Correspondent] Armenian army units in the occupied village of Yusifcanli in
Agdam District fired on the Azerbaijani army positions in the village of
Hacimammadli in Agdam District from assault rifles and machine guns on the night
leading to 8 November. As a result, an Azerbaijani army officer, Lt Bahaddin
Abdiyev, aged 24, was shot dead. There are no other casualties among the military
or local civilians.

[Passage omitted: repetition]

Other front line villages of the district are being subjected to fire from
small-calibre guns intermittently every other day. Back to you, Rasad.

[Presenter] Thanks, Teymur. It was Lider TV’s special correspondent in the
Karabakh region, Teymur Zahidoglu.

The head of the press service of the [Azerbaijani] Ministry of Defence, Ramiz
Malikov, has already confirmed the reports on the death of the Azerbaijani
officer and said that an investigation is under way.

ARMENIA TRIES TO ACHIEVE MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS

A1 Plus | 16:52:07 | 08-11-2004 | Social |

Today the Ministry for Coordination of Territorial Administration and
Infrastructure Operations of Armenia and United Nations Development
Programme (UNDP) inaugurated a new project on the Establishment of
the Municipal Service System.

The aim of the project is to support decentralization and help
strengthen communities by focusing on the legislative, educational,
technical and operational systems that are necessary to ensure viable,
accountable and effective local administrations.

Within the framework of the project launched by Mr. Hovik Abrahamyan,
Minister for the Coordination of Territorial Administration and
Infrastructure Operations, and Ms. Lise Grande, UN Resident Coordinator
and UNDP Resident Representative, a package of legal acts aimed at
ensuring viable municipal service systems will be introduced. Steps
will also be taken to introduce performance-based budgeting at the
local level and training on fiscal decentralization will be provided
to community heads, members of local councils and municipal civil
servants.

“Together with the Government of Armenia we are trying to strengthen
local communities. This is particularly important because small
villages and former industrial towns have suffered enormously during
the past decade. Their economic viability has been undermined and large
parts of their populations have been forced to emigrate. To ensure that
Armenia remains strong and unified and that no one is left behind,
the country needs effective and accountable local administrations,
capable of providing public services and supporting the general needs
of the community”, Ms. Grande noted.

The Establishment of Municipal Service System project is a
two-year project with a budget of USD 312,700. To ensure successful
implementation, a Steering Committee will be formed comprised of
representatives of UNDP, Ministry for Coordination of Territorial
Administration and Infrastructure Operations, the Public Administration
Academy of Armenia and other partners.

Armenian troops kill Azeri officer near disputed Karabakh region
AFP: 11/8/2004

Agence France Presse
Nov 8 2004

BAKU (AFP) – Armenian troops shot dead an Azeri army officer along the
tense border that separates the two warring former Soviet republics,
Azerbaijan’s defense ministry revealed.

Bahaddin Abdiyev, a 24-year-old lieutenant, was killed on Sunday
evening during an exchange of fire with Armenian troops in the Agdam
region of southern Azerbaijan, a spokesman told AFP.

Armenian and Azeri forces have been locked in a tense stand-off
since fighting a war in the early 1990s over the disputed territory
of Nagorno-Karabakh, which is now under Armenian control.

The two sides are observing a ceasefire but crossborder shootouts
are a frequent occurrence.

The latest violence brings the Azeri death toll to close to a dozen
soldiers since the start of the year.