Armenian president signs law on fight against financing of terrorism
Arminfo
12 Jan 05
YEREVAN
Armenian President Robert Kocharyan signed a law on the fight against
money laundering and financing of terrorism on 11 January, the
presidential press service told Arminfo news agency today.
We should recall that this document envisages a simplified regime for
deals with private individuals working outside Armenia if the volume
of the deal exceeds 5m drams (about 10,000 US dollars). The limit for
foreigners to buy real estate, which is not subject to control, is
fixed at 50m drams (about 100,000 dollars). The document requires a
report about the origin of the sum if larger sums are used in a
deal. Moreover, the law also contains a provision that the bank
deposits opened by Armenian citizens in the republic’s banking system
before 1 July 2005 will not be regarded as doubtful deals.
The law envisages the establishment of a single financial monitoring
centre under the Central Bank, which will collect information from all
the financial sectors and analyse financial flows in order to reveal
dangerous phenomena and the extent to which deals are doubtful. For
the first time in the country’s legislation, this document clarifies
concepts like “financing of terrorism” and “doubtful deals” and offers
real mechanisms to fight them.
At the same time, the law establishes principles of collecting
information whose special feature is to clarify demands to financial
flows from offshore countries.
We should point out that in December 2004, the chairman of the Central
Bank of Armenia, Tigran Sarkisyan, pointed out that no cases of money
laundering or financing of terrorism have been registered in the
Armenian banking system, but there are doubtful deals investigated by
the Prosecutor-General’s Office.

Armenian minister predicts intense diplomatic activity in 2005
Arminfo
12 Jan 05
YEREVAN
Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanyan predicts intense diplomatic
activity in the country in 2005, he told a news conference today.
He said that in 2005 traditional bilateral relations would be
continued and, moreover, the list of friendly countries would be
extended. Visits to new countries have been planned. Armenia intends
to take part in global issues, in the struggle against terrorism, and
in the reforms of the UN and OSCE.
The year 2005 will be marked by the launch of an individual programme
of cooperation with the EU within the framework of the New Neighbours
policy.
A corresponding EU report on Armenia is expected to be ready by
March. A programme of individual cooperation with NATO is being
drafted. It is expected to be ready by April-May.
At the forthcoming summit of the Council of Europe Armenia will be
presented as a country which has implemented its commitments and it
will at the same time assume new commitments, the minister noted.
“I think that this summit can become a turning point for us, in this
sense, we have completed the first and are entering into the second
stage of democratic processes,” the minister noted, adding that a UN
summit will also be held in autumn.
The year 2005 will see changes in the Karabakh issue as well. “We are
entering into the second Prague stage, which will differ qualitatively
from the previous one,” the minister noted.
He also spoke about Turkey’s integration into Europe and noted the
need for efforts to open the Armenian-Turkish border and recognize the
Armenian genocide.

“Inconsistent” foreign policy damages Azeri-Turkish ties – opposition daily
Azadliq, Baku
13 Jan 05

Text of Xayal Sahinoglu report by Azerbaijani newspaper Azadliq on 13
January headlined “Relations between Baku and Ankara have become cool”
and subheaded “Fuad Mustafayev: ‘Relations between Turkey and
Azerbaijan have cooled because the foreign policy priorities have not
been set correctly'”
As a result of the foreign policy conducted by the incumbent regime,
Azerbaijan is about to lose Turkey as its strategic ally. To recap,
relations between the two sides began to deteriorate in the wake of
[Azerbaijani President] Ilham Aliyev’s certain irresponsible statement
on the Cyprus problem. This trend was confirmed once again when
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan did not discuss the
Karabakh issue with Vladimir Putin on his visit to Russia.
It is a manifestation of the cooling of Azerbaijani-Turkish relations
that Erdogan did not discuss the Karabakh conflict when he visited
Russia, Fuad Mustafayev, deputy chairman of the People’s Front of
Azerbaijan Party [PFAP], said. The authorities are to blame for the
current state of affairs in bilateral relations, Mustafayev said. The
wrong foreign policy of the incumbent regime creates additional
problems for Azerbaijan, he said.
“Relations with Turkey, Azerbaijan’s strategic ally, have cooled
because the foreign policy priorities have not been set
correctly. Over the past few years, Azerbaijan’s foreign policy course
has been uncertain. The authorities suddenly declare Arab countries a
foreign policy priority, but then turn to Central Asia and
Russia. Such a foreign policy is bound to create problems for
Azerbaijan. It is the result of this policy that the Turkish prime
minister did not discuss with Russia, which is an interested party, a
very important issue for the region,” he said.
Mustafayev also linked the inconsistency of the authorities’ foreign
policy with the emergence of the issue of reopening the
Turkish-Armenian border on the agenda of the Moscow talks. “If the
authorities take populist steps trying to take advantage of the
problem instead of steadily defending our interests in settling the
Karabakh conflict, we have no right to hope that some country would
defend our interests. Although the Azerbaijani people may want Turkey
to demonstrate that it is Azerbaijan’s friend in the Karabakh
conflict, the authorities’ foreign policy does not allow this to
happen.”
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

VLADIMIR KAZIMIROV’S STATEMENTS ON KARABAKH PROBLEM REFLECT RUSSIA’S
OFFICIAL POSITION: AZERI POLITOLOGIST
YEREVAN, JANUARY 13. ARMINFO. People like Vladimir Kazimirov speak on
behalf of the official Kremlin, says ex FM of Azerbaijan Tofik
Zulfugarov. “His statements show his incompetence,” he adds.
“Armenia insists that Nagorny Karabakh be given independence which
would break Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity. So Armenia must be
pressured. It is very rough now because it feels Russia’s backing,”
says Zulfugarov.
He says that in early 90s both parties said that the key to the
problem is in Moscow who does not however want it to be solved as this
problem is a lever for it to pressure both Azerbaijan and Armenia. “It
is playing into Moscow’s hands to constantly delay the conflict
settlement. That’s exactly what Kazimirov is proposing,” says
Zulfugarov.
The head of the Azeri community of Nagorny Karabakh Nizami Bahmanov
says that “Kazimirov’s statements show that people like him are the
key obstacle to the conflict settlement.” “Late Haydar Aliev told him
repeatedly to stop supporting Armenia. So it is not strange that
Kazimirov is talking such nonsence.”
Bahmanov says that unless the international community tries to settle
the problem Azerbaijan will resort to any means including military
ones. If the talks fail the parties will resume war. “Our patience is
not endless, we want to get back the lands of our ancestors and
diplomats like Kazimirov must know that Karabakh will never be
independent.” “Armenia and the Karabakh Armenians have in fact
suffered a serious social, political and diplomatic defeat. The
Armenian population of the occupied Azeri territories is in dire
state. People are leaving Karabakh on a mass scale.” “Nagorny Karabakh
is our homeland and we will go back there without fail,” says
Bahmanov.

ARMENIAN GENOCIDE ISSUE THREATENS TO COMPLICATE TURKEY’S ENTRY TALKS
WITH EUROPEAN UNION
YEREVAN, JANUARY 13. ARMINFO. The Armenian Genocide issue threatens to
complicate Turkey’s entry talks with the European Union, says
President of Turkish History Institute Yusuf Halacoglu.
Halacoglu, who endorses the mainstream Turkish view of the events and
rejects the genocide claims, says that setting scholars to work
together is all the more important for his country, He says that the
commission would ideally work under the auspices of the United Nations
or another international body to help ensure impartiality and to
encourage all states concerned to open up their archives to the
panel. Halacoglu met with Turkish Minister Abdullah Gul Wednesday and
said he hoped for official Turkish backing for the commission.

REPRESENTATIVES OF ARMENIAN DELEGATION TO PACE TRY TO ENLIST SUPPORT
OF EUROPEAN COUNTERPARTS IN KARABAKH PROBLEM, CONTACTING WITH THEM
THROUGH E-MAIL, SHAVARSH KOCHARIAN STATES
YEREVAN, JANUARY 13. ARMINFO. Representatives of Armenian delegation
to Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe try to enlist the
support of their European counterparts when discussion of the draft
report of David Atkinson on Nagorny Karabakh in PACE by electronic
correspondence. Member of Armenian delegation to PACE, representative
of the opposition Justice bloc Shavarsh Kocharian stated talking to
ARMINFO.
“It is difficult to enlist the support of European parliament members
in the Karabakh problem sitting here in Armenia, that’s why the
members of the Armenian delegation are trying to use personal contacts
with representatives of European delegations, contacting with them
through e-mail”, Shavarsh Kocharian thinks. A certain work is carried
out with European colleagues during the sittings of the PACE
commissions as well. The deputy also assured that when discussion of
the draft report for Nagorny Karabakh in PACE the representatives of
the opposition and pro-power forces in the Armenian delegation will
come out with common positions. At the same time Shavarsh Kocharian
stressed that the draft report of David Atkinson regarding Nagorny
Karabakh is the failure of not the Armenian parliamentary delegation
to PACE, but the foreign policy of Armenia.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

TurkishPress.com
Thursday, January 13, 2005
Erdogan And Putin Get Together With Turkish Businessmen
Anadolu Agency: 1/12/2005
MOSCOW (AA) – Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has stated that a
political will exists in Turkey and Russia to make mutual investments.
”Such investments could not have been imagined 10-15 years ago,” said
Erdogan.
In a meeting with Erdogan, President Putin remarked that Russia
supports the UN Secretary General Annan’s plan on Cyprus. ”We do not think
that the economic isolation of the Turkish Cypriots is fair,” told Putin.
Erdogan and Putin got together with Turkish businessmen in Moscow’s
President Hotel.
In a speech delivered at the meeting, President Putin stated that the
trade volume between Turkey and Russia will increase. ”Our trade volume
could easily reach 15 billion U.S. dollars and is expected to reach 25
billion U.S. dollars in 2007. Joint projects should also be encouraged,”
said Putin.
Putin stressed that the cooperation agreement he signed with the
Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer on December 6, 2004, makes an important
reference to the good relations between Turkey and Russia.
”We pay high attention to Turkey’s relations with the European Union.
Half of our trade volume is with the EU states. With Turkey’s integration
into the EU, we are eager to make our relations better,” expressed Putin.
”In this framework, many obstacles could be eliminated. Obstacles could be
removed with Russia’s entrance into the World Trade Organization. We are
pleased with Turkey’s positive approach in this regard.”
-INVITATION TO VICTORY CEREMONIES-
”We will soon celebrate the 60th anniversary of the victory against
fascism. We would be happy to see Erdogan at the celebrations on May 9.
Erdogan’s visit will be a turning point in our relations. The year 2005 also
marks the 85th anniversary of the foundation of Turkish-Russian relations,”
said Putin.
Speaking after President Putin, PM Erdogan expressed that the good
relations between Turkish and Russian businessmen will not only help the two
countries but the whole region. ”Turkey will strongly support Russian
membership to the World Trade Organization. This question will be discussed
in Davos on January 24, 2005,” told Erdogan.
Meanwhile, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Trade & Industry
Chamber Chairman Salih Tunar stated that, despite the Turkish Cypriots’
approval of the Annan Plan, the Turks still face blockade. ”We want the
isolation of Turkish Cypriots to end and wish to contribute to world
peace.”
Erdogan has reminded media members that a ”Russian Year” will be
celebrated in Turkey and a ”Turkish Year” will be celebrated in Russia in
the near future.
Putin added that he discussed the re-construction of Iraq with Erdogan.
”What is happening in Iraq is a matter of concern for the Russians. We will
work together with Turkey on Iraq and with the aim to solve (its)
problems,” remarked Putin.
According to Putin, Turkish and Russian delegations also discussed the
Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline, railways and means to make better use of the Black
Sea region.
In response to a Turkish journalist’s question on Cyprus, Putin
explained that Russia supports the Annan plan. ”We will vote in the
Security Council according to the document presented to the commission,”
told Putin.
Asked about what he thinks on the Karabagh issue, Putin said that
neighborly relations between Russia-Armenia, Turkey-Armenia and
Azerbaijan-Armenia should be developed. ”We are all aware about the
historical problems between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Russia will contribute
to the peace process,” he indicated.
Erdogan also expressed that Armenia must be positive in its approach to
find a solution. ”Turkey’s policy is based to find a lasting solution. If
Armenia claims that it does not recognize the Kars Agreement, this would be
a negative approach. The Ataturk Airport in Istanbul has been made available
for Armenian passenger flights. We do not want negative relations with any
of our neighbors, including Armenia. We will open our border with Armenia
for trade once we witness a positive approach from Armenia,” stressed
Erdogan.
(ES-ULG)
2005-01-11

PRESS RELEASE
Armenian Relief Society of Western U.S.A. Inc.
Regional Executive
517 W. Glenoaks Blvd., Glendale, CA 91202-2812
Telephone: (818) 500-1343
Fax: (818) 242-3732
e-mail: [email protected]
Webpage:
ARS Campaigns for Tsunami Victims
In response to the devastating Tsunami in South-East Asia, the
Armenian Relief Society of Western USA (ARS-WR) calls on its
supportive communities to respond with generous hearts to a
special ARS Tsunami Fund.
“How can we as Armenians not remember the generosity of the world
community when the entire world opened their hearts and gave
tremendous support following the 1988 Spitak earthquake that took
the lives of thousands?” asked Ung. Angela Savoian, Chair, ARS-WR
Regional Executive. She added, “In turn, we must do our part in
helping the victims of this overwhelming disaster that has left
millions in parts of Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand,
Malaysia and the Maldives in such dire straits.”
The ARS Central Executive, based in Boston, Massachusetts has
already made a contribution to the American Red Cross and
appealed to its entities in 24 countries to mobilize their
membership and communities to also provide assistance.
During the ARS-WR regional membership Christmas party on January
4, 2005, at the St. Mary Armenian Church Hall in Glendale, Ung.
Angela Savoian, Chair of the ARS-WR Regional Executive, announced
the start of the campaign for the tsunami victims to the ARS
membership for the first time. Following her announcement, the
members who gathered from chapters across the Southland from San
Diego to the San Fernando Valley, observed a moment of silence
for the 160,000 victims of the tragedy.
On January 15, 2005, the ARS-WR headquarters, at 517 W. Glenoaks,
Glendale, CA 91202-2812, will have volunteers ready to accept
monetary donations for the ARS Tsunami Fund, which are tax-
deductible. Local dignitaries and the press are invited to come
to the center at 3:00 pm. We urge donors to mail their donations,
or attend the day-long (10:00 am to 6:00 pm) fundraising campaign
ARSwestUSA.org

US U-19 National Team Coach Mark Krikorian Selected To Head Florida
State University Women’s Soccer
Mark Krikorian was named 2002 WUSA Coach of the Year with the
Philadelphia Charge.
*Jan. 12, 2005*
Tallahassee, FL – United States U-19 National Team head coach and 2002
WUSA Coach of the Year Mark Krikorian was announced as the new head
women’s soccer coach at Florida State today by Athletics Director Dave
Hart. Krikorian brings 14 years of head coaching experience to
Tallahassee at all levels of the game including college, pro and with
the US Olympic Development Program. He is just the third coach in the
history of the FSU soccer program.
“Having Mark Krikorian accept our offer to become the head coach of our
women’s soccer program is certainly cause for much excitement and
anticipation,” said Hart. “Mark brings a wealth of experience and
knowledge from his prior positions on the college, professional and
national team levels of competition. He is an accomplished teacher,
coach and recruiter who will build on the success which Patrick Baker
<; generated during his outstanding tenure at Florida State. This search produced some truly distinguished candidates, which speaks volumes about our soccer program. We welcome Mark, Linda and their children into our Seminole family." "I am thrilled to join the Florida State family and am looking forward to working with such an outstanding group of student-athletes," said Krikorian. "I am excited to work with an athletic department that is so committed to excellence." Krikorian comes to Florida State fresh off leading the United States U-19 National Team to the bronze medal while winning the FIFA Fair Play Award at the 2004 U-19 Women's World Cup. Prior to that he spent 2003 as a scout for the US Women's National Team preparing reports on opponents in both the CONCACAF Qualifications and the Women's World Cup. As the head coach of the Philadelphia Charge from 2000-2003, Krikorian had another opportunity to coach the top players in the world and he once again proved he could take talent and guide it to great heights. He coached the Charge to two playoff berths in his three seasons and was named the league's coach of the year in 2002. Krikorian drafted and coached 10 WUSA All-Stars and coached an all-star team during his tenure with the league. "I feel fortunate that I have had so many opportunities and experiences in both the WUSA and with the US National Team program," said Krikorian. "I feel that those experiences will be a huge benefit to us (FSU) as we continue to improve upon the outstanding foundation that Patrick (Baker) and his staff have established." Krikorian has achieved an equal measure of success on the college level. He coached the University of Hartford for five seasons from 1996-2000 leading the squad to an Elite Eight and two Sweet Sixteen appearances during his four consecutive trips to the NCAA Tournament. He recruited five National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) All-Americans, three academic All-Americans and his squads received the NSCAA Team Academic Award on four occasions. Overall, Krikorian's teams averaged 15 wins per season as he posted a 75-30-3 overall record while winning three conference championships. Three of his squads finished the year ranked in the NSCAA's top 15. He coached two of his players to conference player of the year awards and three to conference rookie of the year honors. Before taking over the Hartford program, Krikorian was the head coach at Franklin Pierce College in Rindge, NH for six seasons from 1990-1996 where his teams won two National Championships, both during undefeated seasons, and appeared in two other final fours. His squads had a remarkable 39-game winning streak and his 1995 National Championship team was 20-0. Krikorian's teams compiled a 93-19-2 record in seven seasons. He recruited three National Players of the Year, eight All-Americans, five academic All-Americans and four national scoring champions. His team at Franklin Pierce also garnered the NSCAA Team Academic Award. "Academics have always been very important to me wherever I coached and few schools combine the athletic and academic opportunities that FSU provides its student-athletes," said Krikorian. "The average SAT score of an FSU student is 1200 and when you couple that with what the athletic department has to offer, FSU becomes a very attractive school to potential recruits." On top of his coach of the year honor from the WUSA, Krikorian was named the NSCAA's Northeast Division I Coach of the Year in 1997, the NSCAA Division II National Coach of the Year in 1992 and 1995, the NSCAA Division II Northeast Region Coach of the Year in 1992 and 1995 and was a two-time New England Collegiate Conference Coach of the Year in 1994 and 1995. In 1990 and 1993 he was named the Division II New England Coach of the Year as well. Krikorian was a standout player at St. Anselm College in Manchester, NH from 1981-1983. He was a two-time captain and team MVP. In 1983 he was a New England Indoor Soccer League (NEISL) All-Star and a first team All-New England selection. "This is a very exciting time for our team and this program," said team captain Kelly Rowland <;. "A lot of the unknowns we were going through are behind us and it is good to have a coach in place. The administration did a great job and we are excited to meet coach Krikorian. I watched him coach the Charge growing up in Philadelphia so it is especially exciting for me. We are all very happy with the decision and look forward to getting started." Krikorian graduated with a degree in history from St. Anselm College and he earned his master's degree in education from Keene (NH) State College in 1994. Krikorian also served as an assistant men's coach at the University of Maine at Farmington and was a Social Studies teacher at Mt. Abram High School in Maine and Raymond High School in New Hampshire. He is married to the former Linda Mastrogiovanni. They have two children Alexandra (4) and Michael (2).

AzerTag, Azerbaijan
Jan 12 2005
FORTHCOMING VISIT OF AZERBAIJAN PRESIDENT TO PAKISTAN WILL ALLOW
RELATIONS BETWEEN OUR COUNTRIES TO ENTER A NEW STAGE
[January 12, 2005, 21:55:32]
On January 11, the deputy foreign minister of the Azerbaijan Republic
Khalaf Khalafov has met the secretary on foreign affairs of the
Islamic Republic of Pakistan Riaz Kokar.
As was informed to AzerTAj from the press canter of the Foreign
Ministry, Khalaf Khalafov, having noted the high level of relations
between Azerbaijan and Pakistan, ascertained that last year’s visit
of the President of Pakistan Pervez Musharraf to Azerbaijan has
stimulated development of links between our countries. The deputy
minister also has especially emphasized that the arrangement achieved
during this visit between our countries and the signed documents
create favorable environment for development of the
Azerbaijan-Pakistan relations at a strategic level. Mr. Khalafov also
has noted importance of carrying out of dialogues at all levels,
including between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of two countries,
for realization of cooperation between Azerbaijan and Pakistan in
political, economic, humanitarian spheres, in the field of safety,
within the framework of the international organizations.
Mr. Riaz Kokar, having noted that he shares views on development of
mutual relations, has emphasized, that Pakistan highly estimates
communications with Azerbaijan. Having ascertained, that for
realization of cooperation between our countries in all areas there
are ample opportunities, he has expressed confidence that the visit
of the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev planned for this year to
Pakistan would stimulate further development of these relations.
Mr. Riaz Kokar, having noted, that his country highly estimates
cooperation with Azerbaijan within the framework of the international
organizations, has expressed hope for continuation of this
cooperation. Having touched the question of carrying out of reforms
in the United Nations Organization, the visitor has emphasized that
Pakistan supports carrying out of the given reforms only on the basis
of democratic principles and the consensus of states – members of the
Organization.
Having stated that the United Nations till now cannot achieve
execution of 4 Resolutions of the Security Council of the United
Nations providing unconditional clearing by aggressive Armenia of the
Azerbaijan lands which it already more than ten years hold under
occupation, Mr. Khalafov has noted that reforms in the said structure
are directed on strengthening of the organization and increase of
efficiency of its activity that represents great value. The deputy
foreign minister has told: `The said reforms should be carried out
with observance of the principle of validity, sovereign equality and
regional representation of the countries, to serve interests of all
states, and the main thing, – to the prime targets of the United
Nations directed on maintenance of peace and safety all over the
world’.
During the meeting, the sides also have touched other questions
representing mutual interest.