CENN – NOVEMBER 2, 2004 DAILY DIGEST
Table of Contents:
1. Society for Democratic Reforms (SDR)
2. Resolution of NGO Conference
3. Environmental, Socio-economic Issues Threaten Caucasus
4. BP Demands More Attention from the New Government
5. Security and Stability in the Black Sea Region
6. Armenia will Receive $20.3 mln. for Economic Development of Rural
Areas
7. Armenian leader, World Bank officials discuss developing cooperation
8. Half of Armenia’s Territory Non-habitable
9. First South Caucasus Media Conference Opens
10. “How to Overcome Barriers of None EU Member States Youth NGOs to
Participate Actively in EU Youth Programme?”
11. EIA Report Submitted to the Ministry of Environment of Georgia
12. Vacancy Announcement — Civil Assurance Inspector
13. Vacancy Announcement – Certification Engineer Assistant
1. SOCIETY FOR DEMOCRATIC REFORMS (SDR)
Date: 25 October 2004
Baku
PRESS-RELEASE
SDR implements a project titled `Monitoring of Socio-Economic Impacts of
BTC in Azerbaijan’ since August 1, 2004 with financial aid from NOVIB,
The Netherlands. This project intends carrying out the Independent BTC
Pipeline Monitoring on educating and informing the population about
their rights, operating an observation and data collection system, and
preparing the advocacy materials to influence the international
financiers. The mission of the project is to ensure that the rights and
dignity of Azerbaijanis are respected, the environment is preserved and
the welfare of Azerbaijanis improved.
One of the directions of the monitoring will be held along the
geographic length of the pipeline construction route in and bringing
attention to problems in the implementation and construction of the
project to local, national and international actors. The other direction
is to synthesize field data into periodic monitoring reports, publish a
free Pipeline Watch Journal in Azerbaijani and English to inform the
population about the project, and organize briefings for local and
international media.
The third direction of the project is to train about 60 activists along
the pipeline route who will help the focus groups and file monthly
reports. The monitoring will be grounded in the community and community
concerns. The project will combine participatory research, communication
and advocacy from the local to the international levels.
The Press Release is available on the following address:
2. RESOLUTION OF NGO CONFERENCE
EECCA Strategy: Prerequisites for Successful Implementation Preparation
to Conference of EECCA Environment Ministers and Their Partners
Tbilisi, Georgia, October 20-21, 2004
A Russian and English version of the resolution is available on the
following address: Resolution Draft.doc
3. ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIO-ECONOMIC ISSUES THREATEN CAUCASUS
Source: The Messenger, October 26, 2004
In a new report on the environment and security, analysts warn that
non-traditional environmental and socio-economic threats could
exacerbate existing conflicts in the Caucasus.
The report, entitled `Environment and Security: Transforming risks into
cooperation’ and supported by both the UN and the OSCE, was released at
the start of the conference of Eastern European, Caucasus and Central
Asian Environment Ministers October 22, 2004.
The report is part of a wide effort called the Environment and Security
(ENVSEC) initiative, jointly run by the OSCE, the UN Development Program
(UNDP) and Environment Program (UNEP), and identifies key environmental
issues that may effect security in the Southern Caucasus.
In its press release, ENVSEC states that the report highlights three
common areas of concern, either negatively as sources of potential
conflict or positively as opportunities for cooperation and confidence
building, for Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia.
The three areas are environmental degradation and access to natural
resources in areas of conflict; management of cross border environmental
concerns, such as water resources, natural hazards, and industrial and
military legacies; and population growth and rapid development in
capital cities.
The Environmental Ministries of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia were
invited to discuss the report with the representatives of partner
countries and agencies at the launch event, after which was held a
regional conference of Eastern European, Caucasus and Central Asian
Environment Ministers.
`The Southern Caucasus countries are confronted by similar social,
political and economic transformation that are altering century old
relationships within and between them and shaping their development.
Each of these transformation has an impact on, and could be effected by
the state of the natural environment,’ said Director of UNDP Regional
Bureau or Europe and the CIS Kalman Mizsei.
Director of UNEP’s European office Frits Schlingenmann added this could
pose a threat to stability in the region, saying that environmental
stress and change could undermine security in the three South Caucasian
countries.
Coordinator for OSCE economic and environmental activities Marcin
Swecicki agreed, saying, `Today we face a variety of non-traditional
threats to security, posted by socio-economic and environment issues.’
`However,’ Frits Schlingenmann added, `sound environmental management
and technical cooperation could also be a means for strengthening
security while promoting sustainable development if three governments
decided to do so.’
The ENVSEC Initiative builds on the combined strengths and field
presence of the lead organizations in three main areas: assessment and
monitoring of environment and security linkages; capacity building and
institutional development; and integration of environment and security
concerns and priorities in international and national policy making.
4. BP DEMANDS MORE ATTENTION FROM THE NEW GOVERNMENT
Source: The Messenger, October 29, 2004
The building of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline is in its final stage,
and on Georgian territory its construction is nearly complete. The
ceremony linking the Azerbaijani and Georgian sections took place
recently, and was attended by the presidents of Georgia and Azerbaijan.
But despite this, builders say that the Georgian government has a very
indifferent attitude towards the Caspian oil project, which was
considered to be one of the main achievements of the Shevarnadze regime.
There have been several reports in the Georgian media connected with
BP’s dissatisfaction with the Georgian government. On October 25, 2004
during a meting with Georgian journalists in London, the company’s
representatives openly talked about their business and problems in
Georgia.
The newspaper 24 Saati quotes BP regional director Jay Berson as saying,
`With the new government we feel like stepsons our parents have died and
we are in the hands of a new family. They think that we are bad too, as
they have seen neither our diaries nor our friends and so they don’t
know the truth about us.’
However, BP GEO Jord John Browne said, `I think that we are establishing
a very good and realistic relationship with the new government.’
The new government had problems with BP with regard to construction of
the pipeline through the Borjomi district, and construction was
temporarily halted owing to a government demand for additional safety
guarantee. The opposition evaluated this as a `sector pro Russian’
policy and an attempt to distance Georgia from the West.
The Georgian government contains only a few members with a pro Russian
orientation, and the opposition’s claims seem overplayed. There is no
doubting the benefit to the Georgian economy that the pipeline will
bring, although to depend solely on this to rejuvenate the economy would
be foolish, nor that its construction will continue in the near future.
Nevertheless, there does seem to be some distrust between BP and the new
government, and the two sides will need to overcome this, particularly
in the near future when they must discuss pipeline safety and the
construction of a second pipeline for natural gas.
5. SECURITY AND STABILITY IN THE BLACK SEA REGION
Source: The Messenger, November 1, 2004
On October 29, 2004 the eleventh meeting of the Council of Foreign
Affairs Ministers of member states of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation
Organization (BSEC) was held in Tbilisi.
Delegates to the meeting who included senior officials and
representatives of BSEC affiliated organizations as well as the
ministers of foreign affairs, praised Georgia’s chairing of the
organizations from May 1, 2004 citing enhanced cooperation in such
fields and modern technologies and particularly the strengthening of
stability in the region.
The Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) stated that, through the
efforts of Georgia as presiding country, a Statement was adopted on
BSEC’s Contribution to Security and Stability at a special meeting of
the Council of Foreign Affairs Ministers in Istanbul on June 25, 2004
which the ministry says `serves as further proof of the readiness of
member states to cooperate closely so as the strengthen security and
stability in the Black Sea region.’
The MFA stated further that `the involvement of the South Caucasus
countries in the new European Neighborhood Policy, which began in summer
2004, attest to Europe’s increasing interest in its neighboring
regions.’ A respective document was elaborated within the BSE that
envisages a new model of cooperation with the EU.
`During the next chairmanship of Greece,’ the MFA said in information
given to the media regarding the meeting, ‘special importance will be
attached to cooperation with the EU.’ As a member of the both
organizations, `Greece has to play a positive role in expanding
relations between the BSEC and the EU.’
The MFA stated that during its term of chairmanship, Georgia brought to
the fore the issues of improving the business environment in the region
and attracting greater investment. `In this context, mention should be
made of the meeting of the BSEC Business Council Directors, which posed
the question of enhancing cooperation with a view to crating an
appropriate business environment. This, first of all, calls for the
conduction of business meetings and the exchange of experience.’
The ministry said that it took particular pride in projects put into
motion by Georgia, in cooperation with Russia and Ukraine and with the
assistance of the BSEC Project Development Fund, to prevent AIDS,
malaria and tuberculosis through the se of information communication
technologies in BSEC member states.
The MFA also announced a new agreement between Georgia and Romania that
it cities as evidence of positive regional cooperation, on the
`Effective Operation of Ferry Transport between the Ports of Batumi and
Konstantsa.’
The agreement that was approved by Romania on October 28, 2004 and will
shortly be submitted to the Georgian parliament, `serves to facilitate
the realization of projects related to ferry traffic as well as the
modernization of Batumi port.’
Within the framework of the meeting Minister of Foreign Affairs Salome
Zurabishvili held bilateral meetings with Vice Premier and State
Minister of Turkey Abdulatip Sener, Armenian Foreign Affairs Minister
Vartan Oskanian, Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Alexander
Motsik, and Romanian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Borgdan
Aureskus.
The talks centered on relations between the countries, prospects for
future cooperation, the ongoing processes in Georgia, integration into
European structures and relations with international organizations.
6. ARMENIA WILL RECEIVE $20.3 MLN FOR ECONOMIC DEPLOYMENT OF RURAL AREAS
Source: Arminfo, October 28, 2004
A $20.3 mln credit program of IFAD “Economic Development of Rural Areas”
was signed in Yerevan, Thursday by Armenian Minister for Finance and
Economy Vardan Khachatryan and Head of IFAD programs in Armenia Ganing
Peterson.
Minister Vardan Khachatryan said that the credit would be issued to
Armenia for 40 years, including 10 years on preferential terms, at the
annual interest of 0.75%. He said that under the above program, IFAD
credit line is $15.3 mln, the remaining $5 mln will be provided by the
Fund of Economic Development attached to OPEC as a grant. The minister
said that besides the Agricultural Cooperative Bank the fund has
cooperated with for already several years, the program will include in
it other commercial banks of Armenia meeting the criteria required for
participation in the program. The minister said that the final agreement
would be signed by the end of the year in the Athens. On the part of
Armenia, the document will be signed by Presidency Robert Kocharyan.
In his turn, G.Peterson pointed out the efficiency of implementation of
IFAD programs in Armenia, adding that the main stress of the program
“Economic Development of Rural Areas” will be put on the long term of
the provided funds, which will aim development of small and medium-scale
entrepreneurship in the Armenian villages. Besides, he said that the
program also aims economic development of regional infrastructures.
It should be noted that the above program would be implemented in three
major directions. The program allocated over $9.5 mln for crediting of
agricultural entrepreneurship, with two types of credits to be issued
under this component: some $5 mln for crediting of family enterprises,
and $5-$150,000 for development of SMEs in villages. $0.31 mln are
allocated for implementation of the second component, development of the
network of organizations providing business services. The third
component is aimed at economically based restoration on infrastructures,
with $9.4 mln being issued for the given component, including $4.4 mln
issued by IFAD, $5 mln by the OPEC Fund for Economic Development. In
conformity with the draft agreement, commercial banks will provide
debtors with funds for some 7 years under 8-11% of annual interest.
It should be noted that IFAD implemented its first credit program in
Armenia in 1998-2001, using $13,5 mln for implementation of various
agricultural programs. By July 1, 2004, under the currently implemented
program some $14.858 mln have been used, including $3.8 mln in the first
half of 2004.
7. ARMENIAN LEADER, WORLD BANK OFFICIALS DISCUSS DEVELOPING COOPERATION
Source: Arminfo, October 30, 2004
Yerevan, 29 October: Armenian President Robert Kocharyan today held a
meeting with the regional director of the World Bank, Donna
Dowsett-Coirolo, the infrastructure and energy sector director of the
World Bank, Hossein Razavi, and the director of the World Bank office in
Yerevan, Roger Robinson, who was accompanying them.
The Armenian president’s press service told Arminfo news agency that
Donna Dowsett-Coirolo expressed her satisfaction with the process of
economic reforms in Armenia. In turn, Mr. Kocharyan pointed out that
cooperation with the World Bank is developing quite effectively and the
World Bank played an important role in the whole process of the reforms.
At the same time, he expressed his confidence that Armenia will continue
to receive assistance from this authoritative international financial
organization.
The participants in the meeting stressed the importance of improving tax
and customs administration. Kocharyan pointed out that these tasks, just
like the reforms of the pension system, are in the spotlight of the
government.
The sides also discussed promising programmes in the energy sphere.
We should point out that since 1992, the World Bank has implemented 36
programmes in Armenia to the tune of 820.8m dollars.
8. HALF OF ARMENIA’S TERRITORY NON-HABITABLE
Source: Arminfo, October 28, 2004
Only 58% of Armenia’s territory is habitable with the rest covered by
mountains with poor infrastructure, Armenia’s deputy urban development
minister Ruzan Alaverdyan said during today’s Yerevan international
seminar “Spatial Development Governance.”
The issue of Armenia’s territorial development is important in the
context of the country’s situation in the region. Armenia has 9
borderline regions of total 11 with 7 of 37 towns and 200 settlements.
Armenia’s modern spatial governance was developed under the influence of
the soviet time planned economy. Now that Armenia wants to integrate
into the world it is facing the need to develop its spatial governance
according to the UN and CE principles. All the technical documents and
the whole information base need revising. The population should be
provided with housing, social-cultural and transport structures. One of
the key tasks of spatial governance is to create increasingly favorable
conditions for the public life.
The seminar is organized by Armenia’s urban development ministry in the
framework of the CEMAT-CoE – Spatial Planning of Member States of
Council of Europe.
9. FIRST SOUTH CAUCASUS MEDIA CONFERENCE OPENS
Source: The Messenger, October 26, 2004
A two-day conference on dealing with libel and freedom of information in
the Caucasus opened on Monday at the Sheraton Metechi Palace. The First
South Caucasus Media Conference is organized by the OSCE Mission to
Georgia and brings together over 50 journalists from Georgia, Armenia
and Azerbaijan. OSCE Representative on Freedom of Media, Miklos
Haraszti, opened the conference and praised Georgia for decriminalizing
defamation earlier this year.
10. “HOW TO OVERCOME BARRIERS OF NONE EU MEMBER STATES YOUTH NGOS TO
PARTICIPATE ACTIVELY IN EU YOUTH PROGRAMME?”
Dear Friends,
I would like to bring to your attention about our Contact Making Seminar
within the Youth Programme in Azerbaijan, Baku, /16-21 April 2005 (16-
arrival day, 21-departure day). The seminar is aimed at setting up a
co-operation between Programme countries and countries from the region
of Eastern European Countries and Caucasus and is titled: “How to
overcome barriers of none EU member states youth NGOs to participate
actively in EU Youth Programme?” We expect 2 people from each
participating organization.
Accommodation, lodging and local transportation are covered fully.
Participants will have to cover only their 30% of international travel
cost. There is no participation fee.
So we need especially partners from Moldova, Russia and from other 3rd
Countries. Please, send your Part III agreement papers to the fax
number-0048 81 759 62.
Let me know when you will send the Part III papers to the fax
number-0048 81 759 62 30 and hope to see you soon in our lovely and
sunny capital Baku of Azerbaijan.
Also don’t forget to fill in and send me or to [email protected]
the form on travel information which is requested the information about
your travel details. Both files have been attached to this message.
Feel free to apply with any questions at any time.
Yours,
Vugar Ahmadov
Azerbaijani-American Youth Social Association
Chairman
11. EIA REPORT SUBMITTED TO THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT OF GEORGIA
Source: `Sakartvelos Respublica’ (`Republic of Georgia’), October 30,
204
In accordance with the Georgian legislation, `Black Sea Terminal’ Ltd.
submitted EIA reports to the Ministry of Environment of Georgia to
obtain an environmental permit for the activity of second category
-Development of the Sand Gravel Deposit in Khobi Region, Village Bia.
EIA report is available at the press-center of the Ministry of
Environment (68, Kostava Str., VI floor) and at the Department of
Environmental Permits and State Ecological Expertise (87, Paliashvili
Str., Tel: 25 02 19). Interested stakeholders can analyze the document
and present their comments and considerations until December 14, 2004.
Public hearing will be held on December 14, 2004 at 12:00, at the
conference hall of the Ministry of Environment.
12. VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT — CIVIL ASSURANCE INSPECTOR
For the purpose of BP pipeline projects, and under the BP management
supervision, IRA Ltd. seeking to recruit a suitable qualified individual
for the position of Civil Assurance Inspector. Civil Assurance Inspector
will be a third party contractor for BP pipeline construction project in
Georgia working under BP management supervision.
Roles & Responsibilities:
o To work alongside Contractor Quality Control Inspector and to monitor
trenching, lowering in, back filling. Fiber Optic Cable Installation and
the as built final survey.
o Ensure that Contractor is in compliance with his Method Statement
Permit to Work procedures for the work activity
o Maintain a diligent approach to all HSE matters associated with the
work and to uphold Company HSE Policy at the workplace
o Ensure that works are undertaken by Contactor in accordance with
approved Company documentation
o Responsible for providing accurate daily reports on site progress to
Line Management
Requirements:
o Work Experience in major earthworks activities with particular
attention to deep excavations or Work Experience of road construction
and reinstatement methods, or construction of temporary facilities and
the provision of utility services in remote locations
o Fluent in English and Georgian
o Good command of MS office
o Ability to stand in for other discipline Inspectors at the works when
required
o Ability to oversee works associated with the ROW clearance, stripping
and storage of topsoil and subsequent land reinstatement
o Ability to work in a multi discipline and multi national Construction
team
o Ability to maintain a diligent approach to all HSE matters associated
with the works and to uphold Company HSE policy at the workplace
o Good communication skills
How to Apply/Additional information
If you feel you have the required skills and experience to fulfill this
role please submit a copy of your CV and fill in the relevant
application form available at the address below. The closing date for
receipt of applications is Friday, November 12, 2004.
Georgian citizenship is required.
All applications received will be acknowledged but this in no way
implies that candidate will be interviewed and offered employment.
HR Department
Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Pipeline Company
BP Georgia
38, Saburtal;o str., Tbilisi
13. VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT – CERTIFICATION ENGINEER ASSISTANT
For the purpose of BP pipeline projects, and under the BP management
supervision, IRA Ltd. seeking to recruit a suitable qualified individual
for the position of Certification Engineer Assistant. Certification
Engineer Assistant will be a third party contractor for BP pipeline
construction project in Georgia working under BP management supervision.
Roles & Responsibilities:
Certification Engineer Assistant will be responsible in reviewing
database for Pump Stations and Pipeline EPC Contracts for the Georgia
section of the AGT Pipeline Project. Ensuring the certification is
correctly recorded and that the database produces acute commissioning
records.
Roles & Responsibilities will include but not to be limited:
o Will support the certification engineer in monitoring of BP’s
Assurance activities throughout the project
o Assist the certification of engineer in the audit of contractors
completions system to achieve technical integrity
o Work closely with the EPC Contractors during the development of their
completions system to ensure compliance with all Project specification
o Will review all certification dossiers at mechanical completion and
handover to operations to show that technical integrity has been
achieved
o Prepare weekly and monthly completions reports and submit to the In
Country Manager
o Review technical documents and procedures to determine Inspection and
Test requirements
o Responsible for updating and maintaining all the Project deliverables
in the absence of the certification engineer
Experience & Education:
The incumbent will have:
o University degree in Electrical, Instrument or Telecomm degree is
preferable
o Minimum of 5 years experience in oil and gas is desirable
o Fluent English & Russian skills
o Knowledge of computer based completions system
o Strong computer abilities with MS Access, Microsoft Excel, Word &
Power Point
o Must be a good team player and possess good interpersonal skills
o Must be able to work in a multi cultural environment
o Must be `dead line’ oriented
o Must be able to work in an unsupervised environment
How to Apply/Additional information
If you feel you have the required skills and experience to fulfill this
role please submit a copy of your CV and fill in the relevant
application form available at the address below. The closing date for
receipt of applications is Friday, November 10, 2004.
Georgian citizenship is required.
All applications received will be acknowledged but this in no way
implies that candidate will be interviewed and offered employment.
HR Department
Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Pipeline Company
BP Georgia
38, Saburtal;o str., Tbilisi
—
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CENN INFO
Caucasus Environmental NGO Network (CENN)
Tel: ++995 32 92 39 46
Fax: ++995 32 92 39 47
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