ITAR-TASS News Agency
TASS
November 2, 2004 Tuesday

NATO wants to deepen relations with Armenia – Scheffer

By Tigran Liloyan

YEREVAN

NATO wants to deepen relations with Armenia, NATO Secretary General
Jaap de Hoop Scheffer told the Armenian Mediamax news agency in view of
his Yerevan visit. De Hoop Scheffer will come to Armenia on Friday.

Rates of Armenia’s partnership with NATO have been smaller than those
of the other two South Caucasian countries, but the alliance can see
clear signals of Yerevan adherence to the relations with NATO at
present, he said.

For instance, Armenia has recently accredited an ambassador in
Brussels, who will work exclusively on the relations with NATO, and has
expressed the wish to sign an individual partnership plan, he said.

Participation in NATO operations had not been an Armenian priority for
years and it did not take part in the alliance planning and estimation
process, de Hoop Scheffer said. Yet two years ago the Armenian
authorities decided that they would like to have troops capable of
international operations, and the republic joined the process, he said.

Nowadays Armenian servicemen are on mission in Kosovo together with
colleagues from 35 countries, he said. Armenia’s decision to sign the
individual partnership plan will help it use all possible mechanisms of
cooperation with NATO, he noted.

RosBusinessConsulting Database
November 2, 2004 Tuesday

Armenian industrial production up

Armenian industrial production gained 1.6 percent to $692.8m in January
to September 2004 in comparison to the same period in 2003. Industrial
products totaling $683.8m were sold in the reported period including
$63.3m in the CIS and $185.8m in other countries. According to the
country’s National Statistics Service, the volume of industrial
production decreased by 1.1 percent in September this year.

The chemical industry advanced considerably in January to September
2004, namely by 175.5 percent against January to September 2003.
Armenian energy companies produced 4.4787bn kWh in the first nine
months of this year, which was a 9-percent increase against the
corresponding period in 2003. A noticeable decline was reported in
jewelry production (84.2 percent).

RIA Novosti
November 02, 2004

RUSSIA TAKES SILVER AT CHESS OLYMPIAD

MOSCOW, November 2 (RIA Novosti Sports Observer Mikhail Smirnov) – The
36th Chess Olympiad in Calvia, Spain will go down to history as
something that was impossible for the last quarter of a century; the
Russian men’s team did not win and was surpassed by one of the
successors to the Soviet chess school, Ukraine. The Russian team, which
had the same score as the Armenian team, took second place by external
factors.

The last time the Soviet men’s team did not win the gold at the Chess
Olympiad was in 1978. At the time, the loss was explained by the
absence of Anatoly Karpov who at the time was engaged in the battle for
the crown with Viktor Korchnoy in Bagio.

Now, ironically there are similar reasons. Several players were not on
the Russian team because they were competing in individual chess
tournaments. Vladimir Kramnik, who would have been useful on Yevgeny
Bareevy’s team, defended his title as Classical World Chess Champion
against Peter Leko. Garry Kasparov, who has worked individually with
the Great K, Anatoly Karpov, for a long time was not on the team.

The three Alexanders (Morozevich, Grischuk, and Khalifman) were the
leaders of the team in their absence, losing at the most inopportune
moment to their main competitors-the Ukrainians and the Bulgarians. It
is likely that all of them saved their strength before the super final
of the Russian championship in Russia, which is expected to feature
Kasparov and Karpov.

However, maybe the uncertainty in the chess world played a part.
Kramnik, right in the middle of the Olympiad, reminded everyone that
chess had not become a professional sport, as had been promised in
Prague two years ago. The classical chess world champion and the
Association of Chess Professionals, which he supports, have come out in
favor for a fixed system for the world title with a compulsory match
against the reigning champion. Kramnik has challenged FIDE to adopt
these principles and Kaspartov, who has agreed to a match for the FIDE
crown with Rustem Kasymjanov with $1, 200,000 up for grabs.

The FIDE leadership is unlikely to meet Kramnik and his team halfway in
these conditions. This mean that the second Kasparov vs. Kramnik match
is unlikely to take place, even though chess fans around the world are
waiting for this encounter.

If this scenario in Russian and world chess, mean that the sensational
result of the 36th Chess Olympiad may become a routine event for
Russians?

Baltic News Service
November 2, 2004

ESTONIAN PRESIDENT MAKES 45 FOREIGN VISITS IN THREE YEARS

TALLINN, Nov 02

President Arnold Ruutel of Estonia has made 45 foreign visits during
his term of office since October 2001.

“The Constitution lays down the president’s obligation to represent the
Republic of Estonia in international relations. After accession to the
European Union and NATO Estonia is systematically expanding its sphere
of international relations — it is connected both with Estonia’s
interests to widen the sphere of bilateral relations as well as the
need to shape its positions as member country of the European Union and
NATO in order to have a say in different processes,” Eero Raun, public
affairs adviser of the president’s office, said to justify Ruutel’s
frequent trips.

This fall the president has already made several visits. He is in Japan
at the moment and will go to Armenia in mid-November, the daily SL
Ohtuleht reported.

Raun said Japan was geographically distant but in the global context a
very important country, and Estonia was hoping to intensify economic
contacts with it.

“Armenia is a country Estonia still knows quite well both from a more
distant past as well as from recent history. As the three Caucasian
countries come in the EU neighborhood policy context, it is necessary
for the European Union, apart from the interests of our own bilateral
relations, that the Baltic countries’ earlier relations with and
experience of those countries do not get rusty.”

“This year visits of different levels and for different reasons have
taken the president to Cyprus, Macedonia, Spain, Hungary, Iceland,
Switzerland, Belgium, Kazakhstan, Austria, Greece, Finland, Denmark,
the United States and Lithuania as well as twice to Latvia. During his
whole term of office the president has made 45 foreign visits,” Raun
said.

Raun said that thanks to his health habits and exercise the president
has never had to be away from work during his present term of office.

“The president’s health doesn’t fail him even on long trips. Rest and
relaxation is connected with constant exercise — walks, jogging or
gardening,” he added.

ARKA News Agency
Nov. 2, 2004

NKR Minister of Foreign Affairs refutes the information about holding
joint maneuvers by military units of Pridnestrovie, the South Ossetia,
Abkhazia and NKR

Recommencement of negotiating process with participation of Nagorno
Karabakh is the shortest way of Karabakh settlement – A.Ghulian

Business forum `IT for Corporate Companies’ to take place on Nov 5 in
Yerevan

4th specialized exhibition `Infortech 2004′ to take place in Yerevan on
Nov 4-6, 2004

On Nov 3, RA NA Speaker to leave for Paris for participation in the
meeting of South Caucasus parliament speakers

***********************************************************************

NKR MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS REFUTES THE INFORMATION ABOUT HOLDING
JOINT MANEUVERS BY MILITARY UNITS OF PRIDNESTROVIE, THE SOUTH OSSETIA,
ABKHAZIA AND NKR

STEPANAKERT, November 2. /ARKA/. NKR Minister of Foreign Affairs Ashot
Gulyan in the course of today’s press conference in Stepanakert refuted
the information about holding joint maneuvers by military units of
Pridnestrovie, the South Ossetia, Abkhazia and NKR. According to
Gulyan, the information about holding military exercises by military
departments of four republics in the end of the month is not true.
`Besides ensuring the national security and protecting the borders, NKR
army has no other tasks, especially out of NKR’, he said.
To remind, recently Interfax referring to the Ministry of Defense of
Abkhazia disseminated information that the military units of
Pridnestrovie, the South Ossetia, Abkhazia and NKR are going to conduct
joint maneuvers. According to the Ministry of Defense of Abkhazia the
military exercises will be held on the territory of the South Ossetia
till the end of the year. The main goal of the military exercises is to
work out reaction on armed attack. A.H. –0 –

***********************************************************************

RECOMMENCEMENT OF NEGOTIATING PROCESS WITH PARTICIPATION OF NAGORNO
KARABAKH IS THE SHORTEST WAY OF KARABAKH SETTLEMENT – A.GHULIAN

STEPANAKERT, November 2. /ARKA/. Recommencement of negotiating process
with participation of Nagorno Karabakh is the shortest way of Karabakh
settlement, NKR Foreign Minister Ashot Ghulian stated today.
`Azerbaijan understands that the territories it always mentions are
under control of Nagorno Karabakh and Armenia has nothing in common
with it’, he said.
He stressed that during last years Azerbaijan claims Karabakh with
numerous far-fetched accusations, the goal of which is to damage the
growing image of Nagorno Karabakh. `We have stated many times that are
ready to discuss any issue, including the issue of territories’,
Ghulian said. L.D. –0–

***********************************************************************

BUSINESS FORUM `IT FOR CORPORATE COMPANIES’ TO TAKE PLACE ON NOV 5 IN
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, November 2. /ARKA/. Business forum `IT for Corporate
Companies’ will take place on Nov 5 in Yerevan, EXPO MEDIA press
service told ARKA. The result of marketing researches showed that
Armenia has the necessity of cooperation of corporate companies with
firms that deal with implementation of IT. Business forum is conducted
for these goals.
Exhibition is organized by EXPO MEDIA Center in support of RA
Government, Foreign Ministry, Ministry of Trade and Economic
Development, Transport and Communication and Trade-Industrial Chamber
of Armenia, Yerevan TIC, Armenian Development Agency and Enterprises
Incubator Fund. L.D. –0–

***********************************************************************

4th SPECIALIZED EXHIBITION `INFORTECH 2004′ TO TAKE PLACE IN YEREVAN ON
NOV 4-6, 2004

YEREVAN, November 2. /ARKA/. 4th specialized exhibition `Infortech
2004′ will take place in Yerevan on Nov 4-6, 2004, EXPO MEDIA press
service told ARKA. The goal of the exhibition is analysis of condition
of development of IT market, familiarization with perspective
developments in the field of computer technologies and opportunity of
their use in different spheres of life.
Besides, exhibition will contribute to exchange of business
information, knowledge and practical experience in the field of
creation of effective business atmosphere at IT market and related
segments.
The topics of the exhibition: Computers and Accessories, Programming,
Providers, IT-education, Communication Facilities, Security Systems,
Protection of Information in Computer Networks, Design and Typography,
IT in Tele-and-Photo Industry, Services.
Exhibition is organized by EXPO MEDIA Center in support of RA
Government, Foreign Ministry, Ministry of Trade and Economic
Development, Transport and Communication and Trade-Industrial Chamber
of Armenia, Yerevan TIC, Armenian Development Agency and Enterprises
Incubator Fund. L.D. –0–

***********************************************************************

ON NOV 3, RA NA SPEAKER TO LEAVE FOR PARIS FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE
MEETING OF SOUTH CAUCASUS PARLIAMENT SPEAKERS

YEREVAN, November 2. /ARKA/. On Nov 3, RA NA Speaker Arthur
Baghdasarian will leave for Paris for participation in the meeting of
South Caucasus parliament speakers, RA NA PR Department told ARKA. The
meeting of Parliament Speakers of Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan is
organized by representative of French Senate Christian Ponsle. The
agenda of the discussions includes development of tourism and
estimation of culture heritage. L.D. –0–

PRESS RELEASE
Armenian Studies Program
5245 N Backer Ave PB4
Fresno, CA 93740-8001
Email: [email protected]
ASP Office: 559-278-2669
Office: 559-278-4930
FAX: 559-278-2129

6th Annual Armenian Film Festival

Friday, April 1, 2005

Sponsored by the Armenian Students Organization
Armenian Studies Program
California State University, Fresno
Partially funded by the Diversity Awareness Program of the
University Student Union, CSU Fresno

First Call for Entries

Entries are being sought for the 6th Annual Armenian Film Festival to
be held on the California State University, Fresno campus.
Films made by Armenian directors/writers, or films with an Armenian
theme are being sought.

Films up to 1 hour in length
Films may be in any language, English preferred
Films may be on any topic, Armenian theme preferred
Film must be in video/DVD format- if in video it should be in NTSC format.

DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES TO BE RECEIVED IS FEBRUARY 1, 2005.

Please send the video/DVD to:

Armenian Film Festival
c/o Armenian Studies Program
5245 N Backer Ave. PB4
Fresno, CA 93740-8001

Entries should be accompanied by a CV of the director/writer and a
synopsis of the film.

Telephone 559-278-2669
Email: [email protected]

The Festival Committee will meet to view and judge which entries will
be accepted for the Film Festival. Entrants will be contacted by
email with the decisions.

ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
11/02/2004
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WEBSITE AT <;HTTP://

1) Karabagh, Russia, Minsk Group Say UN Discussion of Conflict Bad Idea
2) South Caucasus Parliament Speakers Meeting in Paris
3) Burjanadze Holds Talks with Top Russians
4) Abkhazia Presidential Candidates in Moscow
5) Second Social Services Complex Opens in Armenia
6) Source Reveals Russian Minister Discussed Railway Link via Abkhazia
7) Turkish Conference on Minority Rights’ Ends in Chaos
8) New Community Center Opens in Gyumri

1) Karabagh, Russia, Minsk Group Say UN Discussion of Conflict Bad Idea

STEPANAKERT (Interfax/Itar-Tass)–The foreign ministries of both Mountainous
Karabagh Republic and Russia, as well as the OSCE Minsk Group (the group
spearheads the OSCE effort to find a political solution to this conflict), all
spoke out against including the Karabagh conflict on the UN General Assembly’s
agenda. The move, initiated by Azerbaijan, was backed by the UN General
Committee which voted to recommend the inclusion of the issue on the agenda of
the assembly’s ongoing session.
“The Azeri-initiated UN discussions on the territories controlled by
Mountainous Karabagh has yet again shown Azerbaijan’s disinclination to settle
the entire range of problems between Azerbaijan and Mountainous Karabagh,” MKR
Deputy Foreign Minister Masis Mailian told Interfax.
Azerbaijan alleges that the territory is used for drug manufacturing and
terrorist training.
“This step by Baku is purely propagandistic in its nature, which in no way
facilitates the creation of a favorable atmosphere–essential for reaching a
comprehensive solution to the Karabagh problem,” Mailian said.
Karabagh has repeatedly invited Azeri authorities to start implementing
confidence building measures between the conflicting parties so as to resume
full-scale negotiations, which are “the most efficient method for settling the
conflict,” Mailian said.
The Russian cochairman of the OSCE Minsk Yury Merzlyakov said the action
could
harm efforts to bring about a just and lasting settlement
Interviewed by Azerbaijan’s ATV television, Merzlyakov said the UN General
Assembly’s session is not the proper forum to discuss the matter.
Merzlyakov iterated the Minsk Group’s statement on the move, that says,
“Today, when we are all waiting for the sides to resume talks, there was no
necessity to raise the issue.”
In its statement released on Monday, the Russian Foreign Ministry said the
suggestion to debate a Karabagh settlement at the UN General Assembly,
parallel
with OSCE efforts, “can hardly have a beneficial effect on the negotiating
process.”
Russia, along with France and the US who represent the countries that make-up
OCSE Minsk Group, abstained from the UN vote.
“The group’s format permits it to deal with any problems related to the
conflict and to ensuring peace,” the statement continued.

2) South Caucasus Parliament Speakers Meeting in Paris

PARIS (Armenpress)–At the initiation of French Senate Chairman Christian
Poncelet, a meeting of Armenian, Azeri, and Georgian parliamentary leaders
will
take place in Paris on November 4. Armenian National Assembly chairman Arthur
Baghdasarian arrived in Paris on Monday for a four-day visit, while his
Georgian and Azeri counterparts, Nino Burjanadze and Murtuz Aleskerov, are
scheduled to arrive on November 3.
According to the Armenian embassy in France, the meeting’s agenda includes
talks on developing tourism and preservation of cultural heritage. No reports
were made about whether the Karabagh conflict will be discussed. The three
parliament speakers and Poncelet will also meet with UNESCO’s Director
General.

3) Burjanadze Holds Talks with Top Russians

MOSCOW (RBC/Civil Georgia)–The Chair of Georgian Parliament Nino Burjanadze,
held separate meetings in Moscow on Monday with Secretary of the Russian
Security Council Igor Ivanov and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
Along with the bilateral ties, resolution of the South Ossetian and Abkhazian
conflicts were discussed during talks between Burjanadze and Lavrov. In her
talks with Ivanov, Burjanadze expressed readiness to develop “constructive
dialogue” between the two countries, reported the Russian Foreign Ministry.
“There are particular agreements; however, the difficulties in our relations
still exist. I hope that further relations between our countries will proceed
normally,” Burjanadze told reporters, but stressed that double standards are
applied to Georgia, in pointing to Russia’s struggle with separatists in
Chechnya and its backing of Abkhaz and South Ossetian authorities.

4) Abkhazia Presidential Candidates in Moscow

MOSCOW (Itar-Tass)–Abkhazian presidential candidates Sergei Bagapsh and Raul
Khadzhimba are in Moscow, a source in the Moscow representative office of
Abkhazia told Itar-Tass on Tuesday. The source did not announce, however,
which
Russian leaders the two men are scheduled to meet.
Khadzhimba, who was contacted by phone, denied any comment, saying he was too
busy. The standoff between Khadzhimba and Bagapsh has sparked a political
crisis in the self-proclaimed republic.
The current situation erupted after the unresolved October 3 presidential
elections. The atmosphere was further clouded after the Supreme Court passed
down two conflicting decisions about the election results. The first validated
the Central Election Commission’s results, which named Bagapsh the winner,
while the second–released several hours later–invalidated the entire
election
and called for new elections.
A decree of incumbent President Vladislav Ardzinba followed, ordering new
elections on the grounds that the “Supreme Court of the Republic of Abkhazia
has not passed a decision at a time stipulated by the Constitution on
complaints addressed to it and on defense of constitutional rights of citizens
and prevention of threats to the constitutional order of Abkhazia.”
Bagapsh stated that he did not intend to obey Ardzinba’s order. “At present,
the sole legal document is the decision of the Supreme Court rendering the
elections in Abkhazia to be valid, and I have been elected president of the
republic,” he said in an interview with Itar-Tass.
Supporters of Khadzhimba blocked the entrance to Abkhazian parliament
building
on Monday, when he and Bagapsh arrived in Moscow. Khadzhimba’s chief
campaigner
Vasily Avidzba said the protesters prevented parliamentarians from entering
the
building because they “were going to pass a resolution on annulment of the
order of President Vladislav Ardzinba on the repeated elections of the head of
the republic and declare a vote of no-confidence in the president.”

5) Second Social Services Complex Opens in Armenia

YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)–A new social service center opened in the Armenian city
of Masis on November 2, to launch an experimental USAID program.
The center, “One Stop Social Services,” will house several local NGOs
including, the Territorial Agency of Social Services, Territorial Center of
Employment, Territorial Office of State Fund of Social Insurance, and the
Commission of Medical-Social Expert Examination.
Each NGO will take advantage of a networked computer system that will allow
them to access larger databases. The technologically advanced system will
centralize information and eliminate the need for multiple document
submissions
by those applying for services.
Minister of Labor and Social Issues Aghvan Vardanian, announced that the
specific database technology is being studied by Romanian, Albanian, and
Georgian specialists, who are interested in introducing similar systems in
their respective countries.
At the opening of the center, US Ambassador to Armenia John Evans expressed
hope that the new center would help alleviate the social and economic problems
residents of Masis and its neighboring towns currently face.
The town of Masis is currently home to 4,000 needy families, 1,500
unemployed,
and 3,000 pensioners and disabled persons.
“One Stop Social Services” is the second center of its kind in the republic.
The first was established in the city of Vanadzor.

6) Source Reveals Russian Minister Discussed Railway Link via Abkhazia

(RIA Novosti)–An unnamed source in the Georgian President’s administration
said that Russian Transport Minister Igor Levitin, who visited Tbilisi on
November 1, agreed with Georgian officials over setting up joint government
groups to work on “technical aspects” of restoring the railway link between
Russia and Armenia via Georgia, which lies through breakaway Abkhazia.
On September 10, the railway link between Moscow and the capital of Georgia’s
breakaway Abkhazia was re-opened, triggering protests from Tbilisi, which
insists that the process should be accompanied by the return of Georgia’s
internally displaced persons to Abkhazia.
Georgian Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania told reporters after his talks with
Levitin that the issue of railway connection was discussed during the meeting,
but added that “until the normalization of the situation in Abkhazia occurs,
talks over railway restoration make no sense.”
Georgian Economy Minister Kakha Bendukidze, however, downplayed Russia’s
unilateral decision to reopen its rail link with Abkhazia.
Minister Levitin said at a news briefing after his talks with Zhvania and
Bendukidze on November 1 that the Georgian officials showed an “understanding”
towards Russia’s decision to reopen its railway link with Abkhazia. He added
that reopening of the route “should not lead to a worsening of relations”
between the two countries.
Armenia also insists on the reopening of the railway link via Abkhazia, which
will enable it to restore its railway connection with Russia. President Robert
Kocharian pressed this issue during recent talks with the Georgian leadership
during his visit to Tbilisi in late October.
On March 7, 2003, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Georgia’s ex-President
Eduard Shevardnadze signed an agreement in Sochi that envisioned
“synchronization” of the two processes–the return of the internally displaced
persons to Abkhazia’s westernmost Gali region and the resumption of the
railway
connection. The two presidents also agreed to set up two separate bilateral
government commissions to work out these issues; however, the commissions
failed to complete the task.

7) Turkish Conference on Minority Rights’ Ends in Chaos

ANKARA (AFX.COM)A debate over a report criticizing breaches of minority rights
in aspiring European Union member Turkey collapsed when members of a
government-sponsored human rights group, which authored the document, clashed
in public.
The incident is the latest in a series of rows within the Human Rights
Advisory Boarda body attached to the office of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip
Erdoganwhich highlighted widespread hostility in Turkey to advanced cultural
freedoms for the country’s Kurdish and non-Muslim communities.
Nationalist members of the board, which is comprised of government officials,
academics, and civic groups, sabotaged a news conference called to formally
release the report, which makes some controversial recommendations to the
government and excerpts of which were last week leaked to the media.
Shortly after the head of the board, Ibrahim Kaboglu, began speaking, a
nationalist unionist grabbed the papers from his hands and tore them to
pieces,
yelling: “This report is a fabrication and should be torn apart.”
Kaboglu was forced to leave the hall, stating: “We cannot even hold a news
conference. This is the state of freedom of thought in Turkey.”
The EU, which Turkey is seeking to join, has long pressed Ankara to grant
equal cultural freedoms to its sizable Kurdish minority as well as smaller,
non-Muslim communities such as Greeks, Armenians, and Jews.

8) New Community Center Opens in Gyumri

GYUMRI (Armenpress)–On November 2, a new three-building community center
complex opened in Gyumri, financed by the Norwegian Refugee Council.
Mission Armenia and Douleurs Sans Frontieres (DSF, Pain Without Borders) will
be providing social services to the local population which include refugees,
earthquake victims, and local residents. These services include various
facilities for youth and elderly persons, including a soup kitchen, a clinic
and trauma center, laundry services, library, conference room, counseling
services, as well as a Kindergarten for around 20 children.
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a non-governmental, humanitarian
organization that has worked actively for more than 50 years to create a safer
and more dignified life for refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs),
regardless of their race, religion, nationality, or political convictions. The
NRC’s mission is to work for the rights of refugees and IDPs, assisting with
food, shelter, and education, and offering counseling on repatriation.
In Armenia, NRC has invested more that $10 million in refugee-targeted
projects since 1995, including not only housing construction, but also
building
schools, and drinking and irrigation water pipelines. So far, NRC has provided
new homes for over 600 refugee families in Armenia.
Mission Armenia was registered in 1993, though its founding members started
their activities since 1988, assisting those who suffered from the devastating
earthquake.
The organization’s mission is to increase the quality of life for the
elderly,
refugees, and other vulnerable groups through its model of community-based
assistance.
Currently about 6,500 single older persons and 10,000 refugees residing at
250
temporary shelters benefit from Mission Armenia’s community-based
socio-healthcare and community development programs.
Douleurs Sans Frontieres has advanced the mission of helping those in pain
since 1995. Based in Europe, DSF is a non-governmental organization that has
brought educational and clinical pain treatment programs to developing
countries. Since November 2001, DSF has provided medico-psychological
assistance for mothers and children from Gyumri and some from Yerevan.

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KARABAKH NOT TO TAKE PART IN MILITARY DRILLS OF UNRECOGNIZED REPUBLICS –
MINISTER

Mediamax news agency
2 Nov 04

YEREVAN

The foreign minister of the Nagornyy Karabakh Republic (NKR), Ashot
Gulyan, has denied that the NKR defence army’s subunits will take part
in the “command and staff exercises of unrecognized republics”.

“The NKR defence army does not have a task more important than the
protection of the security of the republic’s borders and people,
especially outside Nagornyy Karabakh,” Ashot Gulyan stressed.

`NAIRIT’ EMPLOYEES PROTESTING

A1+
02-11-2004

‘Nairit’ hasn’t run for 6 months. Factory was stopped in June for
re-equipment and re-functioning a few days later but it
didn’t. Theemployees of the factory anxious for the fate of it have
today held a protest action and demanded for their salaries of 2
recent months and the debt frozen.

‘Trade and Economic Development Minister Karen Chshmarityan announced
from Parliament rostrum that Kirov debt had been settled but we don’t
have money for bread. We haven’t been paid to the old debt. Moreover,
the new leadership doesn ‘t pay salary of 2 recent months’, factory
employee Alexan Margaryan said at the conversation with us.

He informed that the employees are resolute. `90% of the staff sitsat
home. We neither work, nor get money. Court refused to accept our
application reasoning the administration has settled the
issue. Salaries are frozen. Government doesn’t hear our voices. But we
will insist on our demand’,they say.

Mr. Margaryan is also anxious for the fate of the factory. He says
because of the debt of a few million drams electricity supply for the
factory had been ceased the day before since 11:00 AM whereas to
provide safety of chloroprene it is necessary to keep it cold for 24
hours.

‘1 million drams are spent daily to keep chlorine. The whole raw
materials may spoil because of cutting electricity supply once, not
even mentioning the ecological danger’, Margaryan says.

Fortunately, last midnight electricity supply was restored but for a
week only until the matter is somehow regulated.

Tomorrow `Nairit’ staff will march to Government building and then to
Presidential Residence demanding to solve `Nairit’ problems.

FOLLOWING EASTERN TIMOR EXAMPLE

A1+
02-11-2004

‘Referendums are preferred versions among those for conflict
settlements’, NKR FM Ashot Ghulyan has announced this in Stepanakert.

According to Ghulyan, he has concluded this after following the
settlement mechanisms for Eastern Timor, Eritrea and Kosovo conflicts.

Mr. Ghulyan has today summed up his visit to USA this October. He has
partaken in a conference in Michigan City, during which regional
issues were discussed. By the impression of Ghulyan, USA audience is
much informed about the Karabakhi conflict.