ARKA News Agency, Armenia
Jan 18 2005
The Armenian contingent of peacekeepers to leave for Iraq today
Armenia takes 5th place on inflation level among CIS countries in
Jan-Nov 2004
Sitting of the commission on celebration of 1600th anniversary of
creation of Armenian written language takes place today
Appointed new Ambassador of Armenia to Bulgaria
Activity dedicated to 15th anniversary of Armenian massacre in Baku
takes place in Yerevan
An exhibition `Discover Armenia’ of the Armenian art is opened in the
art center of Ganshoren Brussels community
*********************************************************************
THE ARMENIAN CONTINGENT OF PEACEKEEPERS TO LEAVE FOR IRAQ TODAY
YEREVAN, January 18. /ARKA/. The Armenian contingent of peacekeepers
consisting of 46 people will leave for Iraq. Hercules C130 American
military airplane landed in Armenia to take Armenian servicemen to
Iraq. According to the commander of the group Garush Avetisyan, the
Armenian contingent will leave for Kuwait first and then for Iraq.
The contingent as a part of the Polish division will participate in
the process of maintaining stability in Iraq. Armenian peacekeepers
include a commander, signal officer adjunct to the headquarter of the
Polish division, a commander of the platoon, 3 doctors (a
cardiologist, a therapeutist and a psychiatrist), 10 combat engineers
and 30 drivers. The Division will be divided into two parts – drivers
and combat engineers will be located in the city of El-Hilla in the
South of Baghdad, and doctors will be located in the South-West of
the capital of Iraq. According to Avetisyan, two-week training will
be organized before the peacekeeping mission begins.
As RA Minister of Defense Serge Sargsyan stated before, since the
authorities approved of the contingent’s staying in Iraq for a year,
6 months later the staff will be replaced.
On December 24, 2004, RA NA ratified the memorandum about sending
Armenians to Iraq, where they will be under the command of Polish
division. 91 deputies voted for sending the contingent to Iraq, 23
deputies-against, and 1 abstained. The decision was taken after the
discussions lasting for 7 hours behind the closed doors. Two
opposition factions boycotting the parliament, namely Justice bloc
and National Unity, participated in the discussions. Dashnaktrsutyun
party, which is a part of the ruling coalition, and Justice
opposition bloc were against sending Armenian servicemen to Iraq.
A.H.-0 –
*********************************************************************
ARMENIA TAKES 5TH PLACE ON INFLATION LEVEL AMONG CIS COUNTRIES IN
JAN-NOV 2004
YEREVAN, January 18. /ARKA/. Armenia takes 5th place on inflation
level among CIS countries in Jan-Nov 2004, with inflation level of
7.4%, CIS Statistic Committee reports. At this maximal growth of
prices was registered in Belarus – 18.4% and minimal – in Kyrgystan –
4.2%. In the rest countries it goes as follows Azerbaijan – 6.4%,
Georgia – 5.5%, Kazakhstan – 6.9%, Moldova – 12.4%, Russia – 10.8%,
Tajikistan – 6.8%.
At the same time the biggest growth of consumer prices was registered
in Azerbaijan – 2.3% and deflation in Tajikistan made 0.3%. In
Armenia the prices grew by 0.8%, in Russia – 1.1%. L.D. –0–
*********************************************************************
SITTING OF THE COMMISSION ON CELEBRATION OF 1600TH ANNIVERSARY OF
CREATION OF ARMENIAN WRITTEN LANGUAGE TAKES PLACE TODAY
YEREVAN, January 18. /ARKA/. Sitting of the commission on celebration
of 1600th anniversary of creation of Armenian written language took
place today in Yerevan under the chair of RA PM Andranik Margarian.
The Commission specified places and terms of conduction of more than
two dozens of activities envisaged by the program and determining the
figures responsible for their realization. The activities will start
in May-June 2005 with republican festival of declamation, the
activities will also be conducted in Nagorno Karabakh and Armenian
regions. L.D. –0–
*********************************************************************
APPOINTED NEW AMBASSADOR OF ARMENIA TO BULGARIA
YEREVAN, January 18. /ARKA/. The decree of RA President Robert
Kocharian appointed Sergey Manaserian Armenian Ambassador
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Bulgaria, President’s press
service told ARKA. L.D. –0 –
*********************************************************************
ACTIVITY DEDICATED TO 15TH ANNIVERSARY OF ARMENIAN MASSACRE IN BAKU
TAKES PLACE IN YEREVAN
YEREVAN, January 18. /ARKA/. Activity dedicated to 15th anniversary
of Armenian massacre in Baku took place in Yerevan. According to the
organizer of the activity, the Chairman of Public Organization Center
of Civil Society Svetlana Aslanian `similar crime should not be
forgotten’.
RA Ombudsman Larisa Alaverdian refugees from Baku and representatives
of public organizations took part in the activity.
Aggression against Armenians of Baku in the form of murders, violence
and robbery became more frequent in December 1989. By January 12-13,
1990, massacres of Armenians in Baku acquired an organized and
ubiquitous character. On January 13, 1990, 60 thou activists lead by
the National Azeri Front in a mass meeting, started the methodical
`cleanup’ of the city from Armenians. There are numerous facts of
brutal carnages of the peaceful Armenian population in the Azeri
capital. The exact number of killed is still unknown. Only when the
Soviet forces entered Baku on January 20, the survived Armenians
managed to leave the country. L.D. -0 –
*********************************************************************
AN EXHIBITION `DISCOVER ARMENIA’ OF THE ARMENIAN ART IS OPENED IN THE
ART CENTER OF GANSHOREN BRUSSELS COMMUNITY
YEREVAN, January 18. /ARKA/. An exhibition `Discover Armenia’ of the
Armenian art is opened in the art center of Ganshoren Brussels
community. According to RA MFA Press Service Department, work by
artists Levon Aghayan, Avetis Balayan, Samo, and sculptors Mariam
Grigoryan and Suren Oganyan are exhibited. The exhibition will last
till January 23. A.H. –0–

ASBAREZ ONLINE
TOP STORIES
01/18/2005
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <;HTTP:// 1) ANCA Criticizes State Department Statement Describing The Mountainous Karabagh Republic as 'Criminal Secessionists' 2) Twenty-two Novices Refresh Ranks of ARF 3) Armenia Kicks off Iraq Mission 4) Agricultural Concerns Addressed at Meeting with Kocharian 5) Prelacy Projects and Schools Receive Major Boost during Prelate's Christmas Dinner 1) ANCA Criticizes State Department Statement Describing The Mountainous Karabagh Republic as 'Criminal Secessionists' Incendiary Remarks by Assistant Secretary of State Jones Undermine the Karabagh Peace Process WASHINGTON, DC--The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) condemned highly incendiary statements by US Assistant Secretary of State Elizabeth Jones referring to Mountainous Karabagh's leaders as "criminal secessionists" and calling for their removal from power. The statement came as part of a January 13 digital video-conference with journalists in US Embassies in Moscow, Rome, and Bratislava. "Assistant Secretary Jones's comments seriously weaken the foundation of our role--as Americans--as impartial mediators of the Mountainous Karabagh conflict," said ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian. "Her remarks unfairly attack the right of the people of Mountainous Karabagh to express themselves democratically through elections. They also prejudice the outcome of the OSCE negotiations, materially compromising the search for peace, and--very significantly--embolden the growing chorus in the Azerbaijan government that is calling for renewed aggression against Mountainous Karabagh." Expressing the Armenian American community's shock and outrage at Assistant Secretary Jones' remarks, the ANCA condemned her statements "as counter to the long-standing US policy of helping the parties reach a negotiated settlement." The ANCA also called on the Administration to begin repairing this damage by immediately and clearly renouncing the unfair and inaccurate remarks. During the video conference, Jones, in discussing US bi-lateral relations with Russia, called for increased engagement in resolving regional conflicts in the former Soviet Union, stating: "It is in Russia's interest for these areas--for Transnistria, Abkhazia, South Ossetia, Mountainous Karabagh--to be stable, for corruption to end there, for the criminal secessionists who rule there to be removed. It is not appropriate for this kind of instability and criminality to exist right in the middle of Europe." When asked to clarify her reference to "criminal secessionists" in the region, Jones stated: "The areas that are right around Russia's borders where there are, as I said, secessionists who are criminals seem to us to undercut Russia's security by allowing and not really addressing in a concrete way the fact that there are two secessionist areas remaining in Georgia and one in Moldova. There are still outstanding questions with Mountainous Karabagh. Russia can play a very positive leadership role in addressing these questions. It cannot be in Russia's interest to allow this kind of criminal activity to take place so close to its borders. This is where there can be a breeding ground for terrorists. That is not in Russia's interests. It is not in Russia's interest, or in the interests of the United States or Europe for these areas to be free for weapons transportation, for narcotics transportation and trafficking." The complete transcript from the video conference may be obtained on the US Embassy-Moscow, Russia website: <;www.mo scow.usembassy.gov/embassy/transcript.php?record_id=99 2) Twenty-two Novices Refresh Ranks of ARF ENCINO--Twenty-two members joined the ranks of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Western Region during a swearing in ceremony on January 15. ARF Western Region Central Committee (CC) member Khajag Dikranian served as the godfather for the 8 female and 14 male novices to the ARF ranks. On behalf of ARF CC's educational committee, Marzbed Margossian introduced the new members, affirming their competence to enter the ranks of the ARF, and capability to assume responsibility. He urged the new members to immediately take on tasks entrusted to them. Addressing the novices, Khajag Dikranian said, "For our organization, this moment is one of renewal; this pledge and the legacy of struggle have been transferred from generation to generation to finally reach us." He reminded the audience that the novices must be nurtured, as each has volunteered to join the ARF; their individual paths of continuous struggle within the organization will be long and tireless. He conveyed that the ARF is an organization that undergoes constant renewal. Recalling the words of Nigol Aghbalian, he said that whoever leads the organization, whatever form the methodology or direction, the ideal and vision remain the same. ARF CC Representative Hovig Saliba pointed to two distinct moments in the life of an ARF member--the oath of the Tashnagtsagan and the burial of a fellow ARF member. In both cases, those assembled together renew their oath--united in their emotion and conviction. ARF Bureau member Dr. Vicken Hovsepian welcomed the novices into the great family of the ARF, saying that we are born into families, but we join the family of the Tashnagtsoutiun by choice. He expressed hope that the new members continue working within the ranks of the ARF with their current level of eagerness and resoluteness--even in moments of doubt--and remain worthy of being a member of the ARF by being exemplary and committed members of the organization. Following the swearing in of the new members, more than 600--mostly youth--celebrated the evening's dinner dance organized by the Papken Suni ARF chapter, featuring singers Karnig Sarkissian and Hovhannes Shahbazian. 3) Armenia Kicks off Iraq Mission YEREVAN (RFE/RL)--After more than a year of preparations, a small contingent of Armenian non-combat troops set out for Iraq Tuesday on a mission that will cement Armenia's basic security ties with the United States. Forty-six Armenian servicemen, among them medics, sappers, and truck drivers, flew to Kuwait on board a US military transport plane after an official ceremony attended by Defense Minister Serge Sarkisian and senior army officers. The unit is due to undergo final preparations in the Gulf state and proceed to Iraq within two weeks. "Our mission in Iraq is strictly humanitarian," Sarkisian told the troops lined up on the tarmac of Yerevan's Zvartnots airport. "We have chosen the most necessary ways of helping the Iraqi people: medical treatment, demining, and cargo shipments that pursue the noble task of saving human lives," Sarkisian said. "The Armenian people have repeatedly seen assistance from the international community in critical times. Today is our turn to stretch a helpful hand to the Iraqi people caught in a destructive whirlwind of war." The US ambassador to Armenia, John Evans, was also in attendance. "We applaud the decision of the government of Armenia to deploy this contingent to Iraq," Evans told reporters. "Armenian-American relations are in very good shape," he said. "They are improving day by day. In particular, our security relationship is growing in a very positive way. So I think this deployment can only help to strengthen that relationship." Armenian military presence in Iraq will give a largely symbolic boost to the international legitimacy of the US-led overthrow of Saddam Hussein. The administration of President George W. Bush has used the participation of over 30 other nations in America's "coalition of the willing" to argue that its military action in Iraq has not been unilateral. However, some of those nations, notably Poland, are now considering recalling their troops in the course of this year due to the deteriorating security situation there. Incidentally, the Armenian contingent will be part of a Polish-led multinational division deployed in south-central Iraq. Both Sarkisian and Evans admitted that the decision to join the US-led occupation force has caused controversy in Armenia. Critics of the deployment have warned of possible terrorist attacks on thousands of ethnic Armenians living in Iraq. Iraqi Armenian leaders have themselves pleaded with Yerevan not to send any military personnel. In his speech, Sarkisian argued that peace and stability in Iraq is important for Armenia. "Our efforts to fully integrate into the international community create moral responsibilities to make our contribution to the resolution of problems facing that community," he said. "We understand that the decision to send this contingent to Iraq was not an easy one," Evans said for his part. "But it is very important for the world and this region in particular that democracy and stability should come to Iraq, the people of which have suffered so much." "We have great confidence in the contingent. They are well trained, they are well prepared, they have a good spirit," the US envoy added. The mood among the Armenian servicemen bound for Iraq appeared remarkably festive. Some of them played folk music and danced to its tunes as they waited for the arrival of the US C-130 Hercules plane. Their family members, allowed to attend the ceremony, also sounded optimistic. But tears in some of the relatives' eyes betrayed deep anxiety for the safety of their loved ones. "We are wishing them a nice trip," said one woman. "Let Armenia's army help other countries in trouble." The troops are to serve in Iraq for six months and be replaced by another Armenian contingent. Each serviceman will get at least $1,000 for every month spent there, a princely sum by Armenian standards. 4) Agricultural Concerns Addressed at Meeting with Kocharian YEREVAN (Yerkir)--On Tuesday, President Robert Kocharian met with Agricultural Minister Tavit Lokian to discuss the various technological and economic issues that impact Armenia's farming communities. Prompted by the president, Lokian spoke about a number of advancements to be introduced in 2005 that seek to boost crop yield through improvements in irrigation technology and fertilizer quality. President Kocharian reiterated his administration's concern about the growing burden farmers face as a result of high interest rates on government issued loans--an issue brought to the ministry's attention last year. Lokian assured Kocharian that the ministry is attempting to ease such problems, and that it will implement a 3 point cut in interest rates during the upcoming year. The two men also discussed government efforts to repopulate the country's forests, which were devastated during the years following Armenia's independence. On the ministry's agenda currently, is a proposal to reforest approximately 5000 hectares of land, 200 of which runs adjacent to Yerevan. 5) Prelacy Projects and Schools Receive Major Boost during Prelate's Christmas Dinner LA CRESCENTA--The Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church's New Year and Christmas dinner fundraiser on January 6, 2005 was a resounding success for Prelacy projects and schools. The evening's supporters included numerous dignitaries and representatives of Armenian organizations, Prelacy benefactors, Representative Assembly members, church boards of trustees, and associated church and school committee members. Consul General of the Republic of Armenia Gagik Kirakosian, Central Executive Council member Khajag Dikijian, ARF Bureau member Viken Hovsepian, ARF Central Committee representative Hovig Saliba, Regional Executive members from ARS, Homenentmen, and Hamazkayin were among the many supporters who gathered at the Montebello Baghramian Hall. Longtime Prelacy benefactors, Mr. and Mrs. John and Asdghig Bedrossian hosted the dinner. Organized by the Prelacy Ladies Auxiliary, the evening began with the religious procession followed by welcoming remarks by Mrs. Mariam Karapetian of the Ladies' Auxiliary. In a special taping, His Holiness Aram I stressed the importance of expressing love towards the church, the Armenian people, and the homeland. Among the performers who entertained the crowd was soloist Rima Garabedian of the Glendale St. Mary church, Hovig Shahbazian, and the young dancers from the Djanbazian Dance Academy. In his message, Prelate Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian reminded everyone of the tsunami tragedy in Asia and said that special prayers were said at Prelacy Churches for the victims. He also thanked the evening's sponsors for their continued support, while declaring 2005 as the "Year of the School.' Recent accomplishments for various Prelacy schools were highlighted. The Encino preschool was renamed "The Holy Martyrs ARS Ashken Pilavjian Preschool" to commemorate Mrs. Pilavjian's pledge of $200,000. Mrs. Pilavjian is also the sponsor of the new chapel being built at the Prelacy and dedicated to St. Dertades and St. Ashkhen. The chapel is expected to be completed by October 2005, in time for a Pontifical Visit by His Holiness, which will coincide with the 25th anniversary of the See of Cilicia Catholicosate's seminary. Charles Keyan added $50,000 to his original donation to establish a scholarship fund for Mesrobian High School. Ralph and Savey Tufenkian donated a property located adjacent to the Tufenkian Pre-School, to be used for parking. Tony and Eileen Keusseyan donated 10 copies of the "Partzerpert" Bible to each of the Prelacy school libraries, so the students can see and touch one of the treasures of the Catholicosate of Cilicia. Mrs. Rose Kasimian donated $150,000 in memory of her late husband, Kegham Kasimian, towards Prelacy Media Department and equipments, a "khachkar" and religious publications. The Compatriotic Union of Ourfa donated $50,000 in memory of the Ourfa martyrs by sponsoring the Western Memorial Wall of the Prelacy Building, as well as a khachkar and a fountain. The Carolan family continued their support of the Christmas Fund with a $25,000 donation, in memory of Richard Carolan. The Prelate also announced the establishment of a Mortgage Burning Fund to pay off the loan on the Prelacy building. Mr. and Mrs. John and Asdghig Bedrossian, one of the major donors of the new building, made the first major donation to the fund. Based on the recommendations of the Representative Assembly, the Prelate also reported that youth groups have been established under the auspices of Prelacy churches to help guide teenagers and young people with Christian values and Armenian traditions in an atmosphere conducive to providing young souls the spiritual guidance they need. In concluding his message, Prelate Mardirossian wished for "the year 2005 to be the year for great accomplishments for our organizations and churches, individually and collectively, in the spirit for peace brought to us by the Son of God's Birth. May our good intentions enrich our lives; may we find peace and love to brighten our spirits; and may our steps be led by the example of the humble and modest shepherds. Let Christmas renew ourselves and help us lead our lives in peace and love, accepting God's offer for knowledge and accepting Him as our savior. And let us join our voices to the singing angels to praise the Lord, to wish for peace and good will towards men, and say: Happy New Year. Christ was born and revealed." All subscription inquiries and changes must be made through the proper carrier and not Asbarez Online. ASBAREZ ONLINE does not transmit address changes and subscription requests. (c) 2005 ASBAREZ ONLINE. All Rights Reserved. ASBAREZ provides this news service to ARMENIAN NEWS NETWORK members for academic research or personal use only and may not be reproduced in or through mass media outlets.

BISNIS Trades & Tenders
12/30/04 – 01/18/05
This issue of BISNIS Trades & Tenders includes opportunities in:
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=================================FOOD PROCESSING AND EQUIPMENT LEADS
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For more information on the Food Processing and Equipment Sector in the
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These opportunities are provided solely as an informational service and
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COMBATIVITY AND ALERT OF ARMENIAN ARMED FORCES EVEN MORE STRENGTHENED
IN 2004: HEAD OF GENERAL STAFF OF ARMENIAN ARMED FORCES
YEREVAN, JANUARY 18. ARMINFO. In 2004, the combativity and
preparedness of the Armenian Armed forces was even more strengthened,
Head of the General Staff of the Armenian Armed Forces, Deputy Defense
Minister of Armenia, Lieutenant General Michael Haroutiunyan told
ARMINFO’s correspondent commenting on the results of the Collegium of
the Armenian Defense Ministry convened last week.
He said that last year a special attention was paid to strengthening
of the alert and combativity and material and technical equipment of
the country’s Armed Forces. It brought them to a new level of
preparedness and readiness to fulfill the tasks set, Haroutiunyan
said. In his words, the Collegium determined the priorities of the
activity of the Defense Ministry and the General Staff. The deputy
minister also said that in 2005 Armenian Armed Forces will participate
in a number of military exercises of NATO, CSTO as well as regular
Armenian-Russian military exercises in Yerevan.

ARMENIAN PEACE-MAKERS LEAVE FOR IRAQ
YEREVAN, JANUARY 18. ARMINFO. Tuesday, an Armenian peace-making
continent left for Iraq. Talking to journalists at the ceremonial
seeing-off at the airport, Head of the General Staff of the Armenian
Armed Forces, Deputy Defense Minister of Armenia, Lieutenant General
Michael Haroutiunyan said that 46 peace-makers leave for Iraq,
including 10 sappers, 30 drivers and 3 doctors (therapeutist,
cardiologist, psychologist), as well as the commander of the platoon,
signalman, captain Garush Avetisyan.
He said that at first, Armenian peace-makers will arrive in El-Kuwait,
then they will be transported to Iraq in two weeks, to the populated
areas Kerbela, Al-Illa. The contingent will be dislocated as part of
the Polish peace-making division. The peace-makers will receive 1,000
USD monthly salary. Part of the maintenance cost is laid on the
Armenian party, but the greatest part of the expenses will be carried
out by the American party. The Armenian contingent will stay in Iraq
for six months with following rotation. Participating in the
ceremonial seeing-off were Defense Minister of Armenia Serge Sargsyan
and US Ambassador to Armenian John Evans.

OPPOSITION HUMAN RIGHTS-DEMOCRACY PARTY INDIGNANT AT BIOGRAPHY OF MANY
GOVERNMENT MEMBERS IN ARMENIA
YEREVAN, JANUARY 18. ARMINFO. The Opposition Human Rights-Democracy
Party distributed a statement, Tuesday, wherein it named the officials
who violated the RA Law On Conscription, in the opinion of the
party-members.
In the statement, the party’s Leader Ruben Torosyan expresses
indignation at the new appointment of Gegham Gharibjanyan to the post
of Deputy Foreign Minister of the country and Vazgen Khachikyan to the
post of Chairman of the National Fund of Social Welfare as they did
not serve in the army. The list includes in it Prime Minister Andranik
Margaryan, Defense Minister Serge Sargsyan, Justice Minister David
Haroutiunyan, Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanyan, Minister for Education
and Science Sergo Yeritsyan, Health Minister Norayr Davtyan,
Agricultural Minister David Lokyan, Energy Minister Armen Movsisyan,
Minister for Culture and Youth Affairs Hovik Hoveyan, Minister for
Labor and Social Affairs Aghvan Vardanyan, Minister for Finance and
Economy Vardan Khachatryan, as well as Head of the Presidential Staff
Artashes Tumanyan and CB Chairman Tigran Sargsyan. The statement also
says that 65% of politicians in Armenia evaded army.
Ruben Torosyan calls the authorities to take into account this
circumstance and observe the letter of the law. At the same time, he
refers to the positive experience of the neighboring country, which he
does not name, where the authorities made officials to go to army.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

THE PRICE OF ARMENIAN-AMERICAN RELATIONSHIPS OR ARMENIAN PEACEMAKERS
LEFT FOR IRAQ
A1+
18-01-2005
`The situation in Iraq is difficult and sending a group there was not
an easy decision’, said the ambassador of the USA John Evans at the
airportafter seeing off the Armenian forces to Iraq. He stated that
the US government approves of the RA government’s decision to send a
non-military subdivision as it will contribute to the maintenance of
stability and democracy in Iraq.
In his address minister of defense Serge Sarghissian said that
Armenians who have experienced war can better empathize with the
situation of a people at war. `The Armenian people have always
received help from the international community during critical
moments. Today it is our turn to lend a hand to the Iraqi people who
are facing the destruction of war. I am sure that rendering help is a
dignified action for the Armenian soldier. Of course, all of us dream
that there be no need for such missions in any part of the world.’
Serge Sarghissian assured the public that the 46 persons leaving for
Iraq are performing a valuable service not only to the friendly people
of Iraq, but also to our fatherland by strengthening Armenian military
forces and improving their international credo.
When asked about Armenia’s expectations for sending people to Iraq,
John Evan diplomatically stated that Armenian-American relationships
are quite good and from now on will become closer on the issue of
security.
Thus, today 30 drivers, 10 mine clearers, 3 doctors and 3 commanders
left for Iraq. After a 15-day training in Kuwait they will leave for
Iraq. Doctors will leave for Karbala, where there is a multinational
hospital, and the others will leave for Al Hilla, 120 km from Baghdad
and Al Divania.
A year-long agreement was signed, and in six months, those who left
today will return, and 50 new persons will be deployed.
Also, `A1+’ Serge Sarghissian says that each soldier’s lifeis insured
for 10 thousand dollars.
The promised sums, 1000 dollars plus their salary at home, will be
paid from budget means.

Imperative of day
Editorial
Yerkir/arm
January 14, 2005

People often ask why foreigners try to fake up our history and we only
try to protest against it. We should realize that in many foreign
countries branches like culture, education and science are adjusted to
governmental needs and policies.
It is these policies and foundations but not individuals that act
against us. These institutions shape not only their knowledge of
history but also arrange foreign countries in the niches they find
appropriate to their interests.
Our neighbors, having unsettled territorial disputes with us, develop
anti-Armenian science projects and relevant policies. Namely, our two
neighbors, Turkey and Azerbaijan develop scenarios denying the right
of Armenians for existence on our lands and on the map that today’s
Armenian republic covers.
In terms of informational globalization, the false images of Armenia
appear in international instances and undermine our international
position. Thus, the imperative of the day is to use our cultural,
scientific and informational facilities for strategic response to
those mutilations.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Will revolutionary fire go out in 2005?
By Karine Mangasarian
Yerkir/arm
January 14, 2005
The Georgian rose revolution of 2003 impacted Armenia in the way of
encouraging the opposition to overthrow the power. The latter did not
take place. The Ukrainian revolution of 2004 also provoked enthusiasm
with the Armenian opposition. However, why was the authority change
possible in Georgia and Ukraine, but not in Armenia?
The next logical question would be about the possible political
developments in 2005 both in the parliament, and outside. Chairman of
the `Republic’ party council (member of the `Justice’ bloc) Albert
Bazeyan does not link the foreign revolutions with the Armenian
reality. Talking about the prospects for 2005, Bazeyan said: `I find
possible new political developments, including massive events, since
the reasons for a power shift are still there. Peoplemust fight for
the power, which is taken away from people.’ Independent MP Manuk
Gasparian mentions Western and namely US influence, as prevailing over
the revolutions in Georgia and Ukraine.
He also said: `The two sons of Soros, Georgia and Ukraine can be added
by new post-Soviet countries. I do not exclude Armenia, Azerbaijan or
Moldova. I find likely that Armenia may be influenced upon by pressure
through the Karabagh issue.’ He also said that the situation had
better not change rather than be changed by foreigners. However, he
finds that there is a 50-60 per cent chance for a national overthrow
of the power.
Leader of the Modernized Communist Party Yura Manukyan believes there
is not social need for a revolution in Armenia today and people `are
too smart to follow a couple of adventurers who want to revolt.’
ARF faction leader Levon Mkrtchian, as usual, is against forecasting.
However, he expects more active foreign political developments around
Karabagh and Armenian-Turkish border. He said: `We must establish
qualitatively new relationships with foreign organizations and
institutions and this will have a considerable influence.
I believe the internal situation will mainly remain the same, although
foreign developments may tell upon it. I do not think that examples of
foreign countries can be so easily implemented in the Armenian
reality. In this respect, I do not believe the Georgian or Ukrainian
case studies may work out in Armenia.’

Annual economic balance
By Mher Ohanian
Yerkir/arm
January 14, 2005
The economic index of 2004 was almost similar to the previous year. It
was again composed of double digits – 10 (previous – 13). The passed
year also had 3 per cent of inflation and an approximately same size
of investments, which is noteworthy, given that the year 2004 did not
get significant funding from Lincy foundation.
Industry, energy, communications
In a way, the year was unfavorable for industrial development, namely
in jewelry and gold spheres. Nevertheless, the overall export of
Armenia increased by 25 per cent.
An evident success of 2004 was the start of the Iran-Armenia gas pipe
construction. This will on the one hand raise the energetic
independence ofthe country and will create competitive prices on gas
(in competition with Russian gas). In addition, it will also become
possible to import cheap gas from Turkmenistan.
Another milestone of 2004 was the eventual agreement with ArmenTel,
which yielded at least one sphere of monopoly – cell phone
communication.A new operator is expected to enter the market. It is
Kharabagh-originated company called K-Telecom. We shall witness its
activities in the coming six months.
Investment balance
The main progress in this respect was the sale of control package of
shares of the Zangezur factory of copper-molybdenum to the German
Chronimed company.
The overall cost of the deal peaks 132 million dollars. In fact, there
are 4 shareholders of the factory: Chronimed (60% shares), `Clean
iron’ factory of Yerevan (15% shares), `Armenian Molybdenum
Production’ cjsc(12.5% shares) and `Zangezur mining’ cjsc (12.5%
shares). During 5 primaryyears, there will be 150 million dollars
invested in the branch.
Note that the copper-molybdenum factory was sold during the world
crisis of copper and molybdenum, which probably accounts for the high
price of the sale.
In addition, the success of the deal is about the investment prospects
and creation of jobs, which are expected to rise from current 3000 to
4500.
Another successful investment during 2004 was the purchase of 100 per
cent share of the Armenian Leda Systems and Arsed companies by the
famous international Sinopsys company, involved in high-tech. It shows
the big potential of Armenia in this field.
Preliminary estimations show 300 million dollars of total private
investments in Armenia during 2004. However, given the size of shadow
economy, the real number is likely to be way bigger.