EUROPEAN ARMENIAN FEDERATION
for Justice and Democracy
Avenue de la Renaissance 10
B – 1000 BRUXELLES
Tel./Fax : +32 (0) 2 732 70 27
Email: [email protected]
Web:

THE EUROPEAN ARMENIAN FEDERATION DELIVERS ITS REPORT ON TURKEY TO THE
EUROPEAN COMMISSION

— This document includes the most recent Turkish threats, including
information on article 306 of the new penal code

Brussels, Belgium — On Wednesday September 29th, the European Armenian
Federation provided the European Commission with detailed information
about Turkish Government strategy in dealing with Armenian concerns.
The extensive 32 page report, titled “Turkey and the Armenian Genocide,”
covers policies adopted and enacted in 2003 with a special 2004
addendum, focuses on Turkey’s domestic policies dealing with their
Armenian minority and relations with foreign countries with regard to
the Armenian Genocide. The document excludes coverage on Turkey’s
ongoing blockade of Armenia and its relations with that country.

The report, available on the Federation’s website ,
outlines Turkey’s efforts to destabilize Armenian institutions in
Turkey, providing information on so-called reconciliation attempts and
threats against other countries. The report is organized in several
sections providing examples of alleged scientific research,
administrative measures, manipulation tools, intimidation tactics and
diplomatic measures used to promote their strategy.

“European policy-makers often have a incomplete view of Turkey’s
aggressive policies toward their Armenian minority and Armenian issues
in general. Often, only the most egregious tactics are taken into
account. With this report, we aim to disclose the actual scale of this
strategy, which serves as a fundamental pillar of Turkey’s State policy”
said Laurent Leylekian, Executive Director of the European Armenian
Federation.

“We updated this report with the most recent measures undertaken by
Ankara, with special focus on the recent adoption of article 306 which
criminalizes the affirmation of the Armenian genocide. This attack on
liberty clearly contradicts accepted international laws dealing with
freedom of speech, specifically articles 10, 11 and 14 of the European
Charter of Fundamental Rights, which will serve as an integral part of
the forthcoming European Constitution” added Leylekian.

“Based on our findings, we hope that the European Commission’s annual
report on Turkey will give a more complete account of Turkey’s denialist
and anti-Armenian policies than previous years – policies which
consistently violate the Copenhagen criteria. The absence of these
finding, would signal the Commission’s endorsement of Turkey’s racist
and discriminatory policies,” concluded Leylekian.

PRESS RELEASE
Fund for Armenian Relief’s Fellows Alumni Association
9-38 Tumanyan Street,
Yerevan, Armenia
Contact: Armine Gasparyan,
Coordinating Assistant
Tel: (3741) 53-58-68
Fax: (3742) 53-48-79
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:

`OUTCOMES RESEARCH’

Lecture

Yerevan, October 1, 2004

FARFAA – Salzburg Medical Seminars Program, in cooperation with the
Armenian Medical Association, organized an `OUTCOMS RESEARCH’ meeting
on the first of October at the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
(Yerevan, Armenia). About 50 medical specialists from a various
hospitals throughout Armenia participated in the lecture.

At the focus of the meeting was a lecture given by Chris Arslanian,
PHD, RN, the Director of Outcomes Research International, Inc (USA)
who stressed to Armenian physicians that outcomes research should be a
part of good clinical practice. Contrary to Arslanian’s lecture,
there are many practitioners who believe that outcomes research is too
much work for too little reward. It was stressed that conducting
outcomes research in clinical practice can be valuable and that by
learning and using the process and using it frequently it becomes much
less burdensome.

Additionally, several outcomes research case presentations were
presented by the representatives of AUA, YSMU Clinical Hospital No 1
and the Center of Genetics. Dr. Arslanian followed-up with her own
scholarly opinion and valuable advice regarding the design and methods
of the outcome research project.

The lecture was highly regarded by both the participants and the
organizing committee, most applauding the quality of the
presentations, interesting discussions and opportunity for networking.

The organizers are especially grateful to the Institute of Obstetrics
and Gynaecology, with whom this event would not have a success
without.

Utilizing the theories and discussions offered at the meeting, we hope
that the presentations will help to enhance the practice of local
specialists and that we can continue such programs like this in the
future.

FARFAA is a non-for-profit non-governmental organization of medical
professionals, aimed at improving the health care system and advancing
the medical sciences in Armenia.

Armenian Medical Association is a professional non-governmental
organization of physicians and medical students which aims to better
medicine in the Republic of Armenia. The organization has made it one
of their paramount goals to consider progressive ways in approaching
medicine in Armenia, as well as bringing global perspectives to
Armenian physicians. For more information on the Armenian Medical
Association please visit their website at

CENN – OCTOBER 5, 2004 DAILY DIGEST
Table of Contents:
1. Invitation — New Issue of The `Caucasus Environment’
2. EBRD Energy Policy Review: Time to Set Targets for Renewables
3. City Launches Grants, Volunteer Programs to Beauty Tbilisi
4. Hopes of a Brighter, Warmer Winter
5. UN Population Fund Announces New Country Program
6. School Project Successfully Launched
7. Armenian Nuke Plant Restarts Work, Monday
8. Hearings on the Attack on the Photojournalist Scheduled for October 7

9. Industrial Production in Armenia Increased 2.4% in Jan-Aug 2004
10. Iran-Armenia Gas Pipeline to Kick off Soon
11. Ecology and Economy in Harmony
12. EIA Reports Submitted to the Ministry of Environment of Georgia
13. EIA Report on the Improving of the Bakuriani landfill, Borjomi Region

1. INVITATION — NEW ISSUE OF THE `CAUCASUS ENVIRONMENT’

We are happy to inform you that the new issue of the `Caucasus
Environment’ regional environmental magazine is published, with
financial support of SDC – Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.
This seventh issue is dedicated to Mountains, Sustainable Development
and Tourism of the Caucasus.

We publish materials on birdwatching potential, REC project of
mountains` sustainable development, Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park,
ski mountaineering, forest privatization etc. The magazine is
illustrated with high-quality photos and maps and is distributed
worldwide. Articles are in Russian and English languages.

Presentation of the magazine will take place on 7 October, 17.00 on the
following address:
Chonkadze Str., 14 B, Tbilisi. CENN office.

We are looking forward to see you on our presentation!

2. EBRD ENERGY POLICY REVIEW: TIME TO SET TARGETS FOR RENEWABLES

Dear friends,

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has just
announced that it will undertake a review and propose a new energy
policy. This policy will also result in the merger to two existing
policies, the Natural resources Operations Policy (oil, gas, coal mining
and mining of precious and non-precious metals) of March 1999
, and the
Energy Operations Policy (power generation, transmission and
distribution, heat generation and distribution, gas distribution and
utilisation of power, heat and gas including energy consumers and energy
utilities) of May 2000

In preparation for this review the Bank has released an evaluation of
its past performance in Extractive industries which is available at
The study is
based on the Natural Resources Operations Policy of 1999. The management
response is included in Appendix G.

The process for the preparation of a new Energy Policy for the EBRD will
commence in September 2004 and should be completed in July 2005. The
indicative timetable is as follows:-

? September 2004
The Bank will invite comments on its website based on the soon to be
published Extractive Industries Report prepared by the EBRD’s Project
Evaluation Department, together with the `Management Response,’
() and the previous policies referred
to above.
? October / December 2004
The Bank will consult with a range of stakeholders in informal sessions
or electronically, including selected clients/potential clients in power
and energy, energy efficiency, renewables, oil and gas, mining as well
as selected energy and mining institutions and “think tanks” in the
region and the oil/gas producers association; the EBRD’s Environmental
Advisory Council and NGOs. With the involvement of independent
Facilitators the Bank will consult NGOs in three locations (London,
Moscow and Sofia) to seek a wide range of perspectives.
? January 2005
Taking into consideration the comments received during the initial
consultation period, the Bank will prepare the draft Energy Policy.
? March 2005
The Bank will publish on its website the draft Energy Policy for 45
calendar days during which time the public will be invited to send
comments to the Bank.
? July 2005
After the consultation period, the Bank will respond to the comments and
finalise the new draft Energy Policy for consideration by the Board of
Directors. The final Policy document and the summary of comments and
staff responses will be posted on the Bank’s website in accordance with
the Public Information Policy. In addition, the summary will be e-mailed
to participants in the consultation process for their information.

The EBRD has so far not adopted any target for it’s lending for energy
efficiency or renewable energy and current has no plans to do so.
However, we sufficient guidance and pressure from NGOs, business and
Governments, this position can be reversed.

Therefore please can those that are interested in being involved look at
the relevant documents and let me know if you wish to take action,
within a coalition or individually,

With thanks

Manana Kochladze

Regional Coordinator for Caucasus
CEE Bankwatch Network

Visiting address: Rustaveli avenue. 1. Entrance I. floors 4
Mailing address: Chavchavadze 62, Tbilisi, Georgia, 380062
Tel: 99532 22 38 74, 99 04 72
Fax: 99532 93 24 03
E-mail: [email protected]

3. CITY LAUNCHES GRANTS, VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS TO BEAUTY TBILISI

Source: The Messenger, October 4, 2004

On October 1, 2004, the Tbilisi municipal government announced a new
grant competition for neighborhood groups hoping to inject some fresh
paint and cleanliness into dilapidated courtyards and entranceways.

Sponsored by the Tbilisi Service, the competition will award GEL 3,000
each o five `Tenant Partnerships.’

Organizers say the goal of project is to stimulate citizens to take care
of their living area, yards, squares and graders that form the image of
the city.

`The Tbilisi City Service was founded exactly with the intention of
supporting and improving cooperation between the city administration and
the public an to engage citizens in activities of local
administrations’, says the head of office Shalva Tskhakaia.

Ultimately, he says, this will `awake the soul of districts.’

The first steps made to improving residential neighborhoods include the
publication of a guide on establishing community partnerships and their
work, made by the Tbilisi City Service together with the German
Technical Cooperation organization, GTZ.

`The Georgian mentality needs changing towards strengthening the sense
of respect to one’s hometown,’ adds Tskhakaia. `It is a complicated
process, but important and will last for the years.’

Initially the project `Tents Partnerships’ aims to form groups in each
district, section of town or even a ingle building. City officials say
this is a long-term project that will be financed by the municipal
budget. In addition, the City Service plans to utilize the new Tbilisi
Corps of volunteers as a manpower resource for eh projects.

Mr. Tskhakaia says that Tbilisi Corps volunteers could partner with any
state structure or non-governmental organization to do anything from
tiding up neighborhood, delivering booklets, monitoring illegal
constructions to preparing community database.

Training of volunteers is already underway, being conducted by the local
head of the Urban Institute Lado Vardosanidze and financed by the GTZ
team.

Law student and new volunteer David Kavtaradze say that the experience
is worth it. `Unpaid employment in a sector where I can get work
experience is acceptable for me – it is essential for my studies at
university.’ He also admits `it would be better if in future there is
remuneration’.

People interested in volunteering or applying to the grants program can
contact the Tbilisi City Service in city hall. Trainings are underway
and will continue throughout the fall; winners of the grants program
will be announced at the Tbilisoba festival later this month.

4. HOPES OF A BRIGHTER, WARMER WINTER

Source: The Messenger, October 4, 2004

New agreement means Georgia `will be without problems’ this winter

Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of RAO UES Anderei Rappoport
and Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania signed an agreement on Friday which is
hoped will ensure the uninterrupted functioning of the Georgian
electricity system this fall and winter.

According to the agreement, the Georgian government commits to pay for
the received electricity on time and must also ensure that the Georgian
Energy Wholesale Market’s debt to the RAO UES-owned ninth and tenth
Gaedabani power units does not exceed GEL 30 million.

For its part, RAO UES will provide an uninterrupted supply of
electricity form the ninth power unit from October 10 to March 31. It
must also settle the question of Telasi’s debt to the Energy Wholesale
Market Telasi, which distributes electricity to Tbilisi, is also owned
by RAO UES.

The Prime Minister said that as a result of the agreement, this winter
`will be without problems’ as far as electricity supply is concerned,
saying that electricity form the repaid ninth unit would be supplemented
by imports provided from Russia. `We think that the technical side well
prepared,’ Rappopport said with regard to both the 200MW ninth unit and
imports. He added that this is why the sides are currently more
concerned not about the prospects of future cooperation.

Rappaport’s words were in marked contrast to last month, when he told
Russian newspaper Gazeta: `I am not feeling very comfortable, so I am
not planning serious investment in Georgia. Our position is based on
business logic – if you want energy, pay for it, and if there is not any
money to pay, then good bye.’

On Friday, Rappaport explained that these remarks were provoked by the
actions of Georgian law enforcement bodies. `Law enforcers tried to
arrest our bank accounts. They had claims against Telasi, and we in turn
had claims against the budget organizations.’

Rappoport denied rumors that RAP UES buys energy in Abkhazia and then
sells it to Georgia. `This is an interesting idea,’ he joked, `buying
cheap energy and then selling it at a more expensive price.’ More
seriously Rappoport called this rumor `a monstrous accusation.’

`We only negotiate with Enguri hydroelectric station through the
Ministry of Energy.’ Rappaport assured journalists.

Both Rappoport and Zhvania said political tension between Georgia and
Russia did not effect the negotiations. As Zurab Zhvania said, `all
decisions are far from the political background.’

RAO UES controls the energy distribution company Telasi that supplies
Tbilisi with electricity, as well as the ninth and tenth power units in
Gardabani. It also has the rights to manage the hydroelectric stations
Khrami-1 and Khrami-2. The company invested USD 5 million in the ninth
bloc and in the Telaasi distribution system – more than USD 6 million
this year.

The company reports that it has managed to decrease the number of
accidents on electricity transmission lines by 60 percent.

Meanwhile RAO UES also reports the amount of payments fron Telasi
consumers increased from 40 percent in summer 2003 to 80 percent this
summer.

5. UN POPULATION FUND ANNOUNCES NEW COUNTRY PROGRAM

Source: The Messenger, October 4, 2004

On Friday, October 1, 2004 the UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund)
held a conference regarding its activities in Georgia, which was
attended by the UNFPA Country Director for Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan
Anne-Birgitte Albrectsen government officials and partner organizations.

UNFPA that has worked in Georgia since 1993, notes on its website that
it is the world’s largest international source of funding for population
and reproductively health programs.

The UNFPA Country Director for Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan
Anne-Birgitte Albrectsen confirmed the organization’s commitment to
continuing its programs in Georgia, and the introduction of a new
country program.

`UNFPA will continue to focus on improving access top and information
about reproductive health service in Georgia. Many high impact and low
cost activities are on going and we have excellent collaboration with
government, NGOs and donors. The new country program will support new
government priorities, `Albrectsen said.

UNFPA consultant in PR issues in Georgia Tea Skhiereli told The
Messenger that `the special country program has already been worked out
and it means that UNEPA will have a more long term strategy and larger
budget for projects which need to be implemented in Georgia.’

Mrs. Skhiereli said that the 5-year country program, which will offer
more effective assistance to the Georgian government, will start in
2006, while Albrectsen told journalists that they will need to give
increased attention to young people, male involvement and women’s
empowerment.

During her visit, Albrectsen met with Minister of Health Vladimer
Chipashvili, First Deputy Foreign Minister Nika Tabatadze and other
government officials, as well as representatives of donor organizations
and the United Nations.

`I had very good meetings. The Minister of Health is very aware of our
activities and he welcomes our ideas. He is very open to the kind of
work what we do. We had a similar response at the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs,’ Albrectsen told The Messenger.

Indeed, Albrectsen stated the UN Population Fund has always experienced
good relations with government, as well as NGOs. `During the time I have
been in Georgia, I have looked at all the projects we were doing in the
past. I found that we have collaborated very well with all our partners,
NGOs, the government and with the general population,’ she The
Messenger.

`We will continue the project we have now until 2005 and then the
program from 2006 to 2010 will hopefully be approved by the executive
board in New York next June. Once that is approved, we can really start
scaling up our activities. So we will be here for the long term,’
Albrectsen stated.

Director of Zhordania Research Institute Professor Archil Khomasuridze
is involved in the UNEPA program and said that approximately 27,000
socially vulnerable patients have been checked up. `The mobile groups
bring help to vulnerable regions. The main goal of this program is the
work of the mobile groups, education of the population, the treatment of
adults and coping with AIDS,’ he stated in an interview with The
Messenger.

At the conference, Anne-Birgitte Albrectsen also presented UNEPA’s
annual report, which found that life expectancy in Georgia is 69.5 years
for men and 77.6 for women.

According the press release, the UN is committed to the Millennium
Development Goals, which aim to reduce extreme poverty and hunger,
maternal and child mortality and the spread of AIDA. This report is a
call to the government to invest in the education, health and human
rights of women and young people to ensure a more equitable and
sustainable world.

6. SCHOOL PROJECT SUCCESSFULLY LAUNCHED

Source: The Messenger, October 1, 2004

BP, as operator of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) oil export pipeline and
South Caucasus (SCP) gas pipeline projects, is pleased to announce the
launch of the second stage of a USD $ 150, 000 School Project. This
project will benefit schoolchildren throughout the Eastern part of
Georgia by providing schoolbooks for all classes in the schools of
Tetritskaro, Gardabani and Marneuli districts as well as in the towns of
Rustavi and Tetritskaro that are located within the 4km corridor of the
pipeline route.

The School Project is another of BP’s development initiatives in the
education sector and aims to compliment the $ 5 million Community
Investment Program (CIP) and $3 million Improved School Projects (ISP)
already initiated and funded by BP and its partners.

The first phase of the School Project was successfully implemented in
late 2003 with the distribution of schoolbooks to students in Tsalka,
Borjomi, Akhaltsikhe and Adigeni.

On September 28, 2004 the second stage of the project began with the
distribution of schoolbooks in Rustavi schools.

Ed Johnson, General Manager of BP in Georgia met with the teachers’ ad
children from two schools in Rustavi. He said, `At BP we are proud that
thanks to our extensive engagement with local communities, NGOs, local
governments and general public al our initiatives are directed to the
core needs of those affected by our activities. It is important for BP
to contribute to the development of Georgia’s future generation, and be
an active partner in the development of the country, through sustainable
educational initiatives such as this. We are happy we could play a
significant role in this respect.’

BP’s $5 million Community Investment Program (CIP) was launched in May
2003 and is aimed at benefiting the 72 communities along the pipeline
route. To date more than 50,000 people have benefited from CIP projects
in the areas of infrastructure rehabilitation, agricultural support,
income generation projects, access to energy and community capacity
building.

The $3 million Improved Schools Project (ISP) was launched in August
2004 and will target 54 secondary schools in the towns of Gardabani,
Marneuli, Rustavi, Tsalka, Akhaltsikhe, Borjomi, Vale, benefiting over
28,000 students and 2,000 teachers, administrators and parents through
school infrastructure rehabilitation projects, the establishment of
Boards of Trustees and capacity building projects for teachers.

7. ARMENIAN NUKE PLANT RESTARTS WORK, MONDAY

Source: RIA Novosti, October 1, 2004

The Armenian nuclear power plant was stopped, July last, for an overhaul
and refueling. It will recommence work October 4, on schedule, Gaghik
Markosyan, its Director General, announced today.

The plant has scheduled repairs annually, and overhauls once every four
years, he added.

This year’s overhaul concerned turbine No. 4. There was also a thorough
check of the metal reactor casing. Industrial safety has been increased,
and the refueling procedure has been introduced, Mr. Markosyan said to
Novosti.

The Armenian nuclear plant stopped in the small hours, July 30. Another,
12 million dollar batch of nuclear fuel was finally delivered to the
plant the week before.

Commissioned in 1980, the plant was shut down in March 1989 and
re-commissioned, November 1995, with an acute energy crisis in the
country. The INTER United Russian Power Grid paid for its fuel,
according to a contract.

Unit 2, with a first-generation VVER-440 water-cooled reactor, of
Russian manufacture, accounts for an average 30-40 per cent of Armenia’s
entire electricity. Experts think the plant can safely work up to 2016.

Plant management was warranted for five years, September last, to the
INTER United Russian Power Grid, United Russian Power Grid-its branch,
and the Rosenergoatom Russian nuclear industrial concern.

The European Union expressly demands the plant sealed, and is willing to
grant 100 million Euro for the purpose, while Armenian experts think it
will take close on a billion Euro to build sufficient substitute plants
in the country.

8. HEARINGS ON THE ATTACK ON THE PHOTOJOURNALIST SCHEDULED FOR OCTOBER 7

On October 7, 2004 in the court of primary jurisdiction of Kotayk region
of Hrazdan city the hearings on the case of attack on the correspondent
of “Photolure” photo news agency Mkhitar Khachatrian, committed on
August 24, 2004, in Tsaghkadzor, are to start. As it has been reported,
Mkhitar Khachatrian together with the correspondent of “Aravot” daily
Anna Israelian were in Tsaghkadzor preparing a piece on the forest
cutting in the vicinity of sports complex for the construction of
summerhouses of high-ranked officials. After the end of the shootings
the memory chip of the journalist’s camera was taken away by force.
Charges of public disorder (part 1 of Article 164 of the RA Criminal
Code) and the obstruction of legitimate professional activities (part 1
of Article 258 of the RA Criminal Code) of correspondents Mkhitar
Khachatrian and Anna Israelian were introduced by the RA General
Prosecutor’s Office to a Yerevan resident, formerly twice convicted
Gagik Stepanian, whose prevention measure was chosen to be arrest

See details in YPC Weekly Newsletter, August 26 – September 2, 2004 and
September 3-9, 2004

9. INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION IN ARMENIA INCREASED 2.4% IN JAN-AUG 2004

Source: ARMINFO, October 1, 2004

The volume of the industrial production in Armenia in Jan-Aug of the
current year as against 2003 increased by 2.8% and totaled 330.9 bln
drams. Not taking into account the energetic sphere, gas supply and
water economy it increased by 2.6%. National Statistical Service of
Armenia informed ARMINFO, in Aug as against July 2004 the volume of
industrial production increased by 5.9%. Industrial production worth
326.8 bln drams were sold in the period under review, including in CIS
countries – 30.9 bln drams, and other countries – 89.7 bln drams.

A considerable growth was registered in production of textile goods in
Jan-Aug of 2004 as compared with the same period of 2003 – the index
made up 222.8% and production of textile goods – 207.2%, nonmetallic
mineral products – 128.5%, in production of tools and devices – 124.8%.
in production of finished clothes and leather working – 122.1%, in
production of finished metallic goods – 113.2%. The most considerable
fall has been fixed in production of jewelry goods – the index made up
85.6%, in working of wood 97.1% and metallurgy industry – 92.3%

In Jan-Aug 2004 energetic enterprises of Armenia had generated 4,097.6
mln kW/h electricity or 112.2% out of the index of the same period of
last year. Electricity produced by the Armenian Atomic Power Station
made up 40.6% of the total generation, in thermal power stations – 24.1%
and in hydro power stations – 35.3%.

Production of bread and bakery products for the accounting period
totaled 196,400 tons. Production of beer increased by 23.9%, totaling
6,454,000 liters. Growth of production of flour by 9%, macaroni – by
104.5%, production of vodka by 30% and wine 28.5% were registered in the
period under review. Production of cigarettes and meat products
decreased by 12.9% and 22.6% respectively.

Production of aluminum roll grew 9.2 times, black copper – by 26.8% zinc
concentrate – by 13.8%, molybdenum concentrate – 4.1%, and of copper in
copper concentrate and aluminum foil decreased by 1.9% and
97.5% respectively.

10. IRAN-ARMENIA GAS PIPELINE TO KICK OFF SOON

Source: IranMania.co, October 3, 2004

Official in charge of a gas pipeline to Armenia noted that the project
would kick off within two months after announcement of tender winner,
Petroenergy Information Network (PIN) reported.

Mohammad Reza Lorzadeh added that the project is a major enterprise
launched by the National Iranian Gas Company and 14 major Iranian
contractors have been qualified for it.

“The Armenian gas pipeline will be constructed as EPC (engineering,
procurement, construction) and contractors should hand in their
proposals within next two months,” he noted.

The official said the winner would be announced after quoted
transactions commission of the National Iranian Gas Company studies
prices and its implementation will follow.

“The Iranian part of the pipeline is 110-120 km long and the pipeline
will carry 10 mln cu. m. gas to the northern neighbor per day. After
installing compression stations, the figure can be increased to more
than 15 mln cu. m.,” he noted.

11. ECOLOGY AND ECONOMY IN HARMONY

We believe that we can have a real, measurable and positive impact on
the biodiversity of the world. If you are a non-governmental
organization (NGO) or an environmental agency who thinks the same way,
please read on Building on last 2 years’ success BP is pleased to
announce the third

Georgian Biodiversity Competition

The competition, which is part of BP’s Biodiversity Strategy in Georgia,
supports our commitment to undertaking a series of specific biodiversity
initiatives in the countries and areas where we operate.

The cost of the projects submitted for the competition should be in the
range of $5,000- $20,000. These projects should:

ž Deliver practical, long-term benefits
ž Have potential for dual benefit for climate change and biodiversity
ž Include sustainability initiatives
ž Have identified ways of measuring performance and success
ž Be based on sound science
ž Be cost effective

We will also consider projects with a research element if they also add
practical, long-term benefits.

Projects can be submitted by one organization or by a group of NGOs.
Please note that only credible NGOs and organizations can participate in
the Competition.

The document submitted for the competition should include detailed
project description (objectives, expected outcomes, implementation
dates, detailed work plan (action, date, responsible people and their
CVs) and budget breakdown.

Submission deadline is 25 October, 2004. The winner project will be
announced in December, 2004.

All proposals should be addressed to Communications Team
(38, Saburtalo St. Tbilisi, Georgia/0177). Tel: (995 32) 59 34 00

12. EIA REPORTS SUBMITTED TO THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT OF GEORGIA

Source: `Sakartvelos Respublica’ (`Republic of Georgia’), October 2,
2004

In accordance with the Georgian legislation, Ltd. `Roki’ submitted EIA
report to the Ministry of Environment of Georgia to obtain an
environmental permit for the activity of second category – Processing of
the Deposit along the River Khrami, Marneuli region, in order to Extract
Sand and Gavel.

In accordance with the Georgian legislation, Ltd. `Mshenebeli’ submitted
EIA report to the Ministry of Environment of Georgia to obtain an
environmental permit for the activity of second category – Processign of
the Inert Materials Deposit in Borjomi Region, along the Vashlovani
Settlement and Village Dvirti.

In accordance with the Georgian legislation, Ltd. `Ibolia’ submitted EIA
report to the Ministry of Environment of Georgia to obtain an
environmental permit for the activity of second category – Extracting
Sand and Gavel in Gori Region.

In accordance with the Georgian legislation, company `Vakhtangi’ EIA
report to the Ministry of Environment of Georgia to obtain an
environmental permit for the activity of second category – Basalt
Extracting Enterprise in Ninotsminda Region, Village Mamamtsvari.

EIA reports are 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 November 16, 2004.

Public hearing will be held on November 16, 2004 at 12:00, at the
conference hall of the Ministry of Environment.

13. EIA REPORT ON THE IMPROVING OF THE BAKURIANI LANDFILL, BORJOMI
REGION

Source: `Sakartvelos Respublica’ (`Republic of Georgia’), October 2,
2004

In accordance with the Georgian legislation, Governance of Borjomi
Region submitted EIA report to the Ministry of Environment of Georgia to
obtain an environmental permit for the activity of first category –
Improving of the Bakuriani landfill, Borjomi Region.

EIA reports are 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 November 19, 2004
instead of October 5, 2004.

Public hearing will be held on November 19, 2004 at 12:00, at the
conference hall of the Ministry of Environment.

—
*******************************************
CENN INFO
Caucasus Environmental NGO Network (CENN)

Tel: ++995 32 92 39 46
Fax: ++995 32 92 39 47
E-mail: [email protected]
URL:

Southeast European Times
05/10/2004

Del Ponte Renews Call for Arrest of War Crimes Suspects

05/10/2004

BELGRADE, Serbia-Montenegro — Chief UN prosecutor Carla del Ponte
said Monday (4 October) that she expects Serbia to arrest Ratko Mladic
and other war crimes indictees within days or weeks. Speaking to
reporters after a meeting with Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica, she
insisted that Mladic was still hiding in Serbia and that none of the
officials she met had been able to prove the opposite. Del Ponte added
that she had received assurances from Kostunica that Serbia would
co-operate fully with the UN tribunal. The prosecutor is due to brief
the UN Security Council in November. She signalled that she expects
evidence of Serbia’s co-operation by then. (AP, CBC, AFP, B92, Beta –
04/10/04)

Patten, Solana Expected in Belgrade

05/10/2004

BRUSSELS, Belgium — European Commissioner for External Relations
Chris Patten and EU security chief Javier Solana are visiting Belgrade
on Tuesday (5 October) for talks aimed at accelerating
Serbia-Montenegro’s EU integration through the so-called “twin-track”
approach, according to an EU press release. Patten has said the
approach will keep the country from lagging behind its neighbours. He
also stressed that Belgrade’s co-operation with The Hague tribunal is
crucial. On Monday, Serbia-Montenegro and the EU signed a framework
agreement for participation in EU programmes, ensuring financial
assistance during the accession process. (EU Web site, Tanjug, Mina,
B92 – 04/10/04)

NATO Plans to Transfer Military Command in BiH to EU on 2 December

05/10/2004

SARAJEVO, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) — The ceremony marking the
handover of military command in BiH from SFOR to EUFOR will take place
in Sarajevo on 2 December, according to BiH Presidency Chairman
Sulejman Tihic. After talks Monday (4 October) with international
community envoys, Tihic said the BiH presidency would ask the UN
Security Council to adopt a relevant resolution. The envoys reiterated
that BiH’s lack of co-operation with the UN war crimes tribunal
remains a major problem. (Nezavisne novine, Dnevni avaz – 05/10/04;
PBS BiH, Fena – 04/10/04)

Albanian Opposition Threatens Mass Protests if Election Reforms Not
Settled Soon

05/10/2004

TIRANA, Albania — The main opposition Democratic Party (DP)
threatened on Monday (4 October) to stage mass protests if the ruling
Socialist Party (SP) does not settle the stalemate in the electoral
commission soon. DP official Jemin Gjana said the SP should
demonstrate it is willing to hold free and fair elections. The warning
follows the ruling party’s announcement that it will ask parliament to
extend the deadline for approval of electoral reforms by the
commission. The current deadline is Tuesday. (Albanian Daily News –
05/10/04; ATA – 04/10/04)

Former Muslim Commander in Srebrenica Stands Trial

05/10/2004

THE HAGUE, Netherlands — Naser Oric, the former commander of the
Muslim forces in Srebrenica, is to appear before the UN tribunal on
Wednesday (6 October) to answer war crimes charges. He is charged with
destroying 50 Serb villages and driving their population out of the
area. He is also accused of failing to prevent cruel treatment and
killings of Serb prisoners by troops under his command. Oric was
arrested and transferred to The Hague in April 2003. (AFP – 04/10/04)

Croatia Hopes New Slovenian Government Will Work to Improve Bilateral
Ties

05/10/2004

ZAGREB, Croatia — Foreign Minister Miomir Zuzul expressed hope on
Monday (4 October) that the new Slovenian government, no matter who
forms it, would contribute to improved bilateral ties. He described
Croatia and Slovenia as friendly countries with common objectives as
well as their own interests. The change in government follows
elections last weekend.

In other news Monday, Croatia nominated two law professors, Mirjan
Damaska and Davor Krapac, to serve as “friends of the court” at the UN
war crimes tribunal. The move is a step in the process of referring a
tribunal case to a Croatian court. (HINA, HRT – 04/10/04)

Turkish Cypriots Given Representation Rights at PACE

05/10/2004

STRASBOURG, France — The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of
Europe (PACE) gave the go-ahead Monday (4 October) for members of the
Turkish Cypriot Parliament to participate in PACE meetings. The
decision means that Turkish Cypriot lawmakers will not need to obtain
permission from Greek Cypriot authorities, and will participate as
“representatives of the Turkish Cypriot Community”. PACE President
Peter Schieder stressed the move does not mean recognition of the
Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. (PACE press release, NTV –
04/10/04)

EC Questionnaire Distributed to Macedonian Ministries

05/10/2004

SKOPJE, Macedonia — Macedonia’s deputy prime minister in charge of EU
integration, Radmila Sekerincka, announced Monday (4 October) that the
translated European Commission (EC) questionnaire has been delivered
to all ministries. She noted that the document includes 1,922 sections
with over 3,000 questions, most of which are directed to the
ministries of economy, finance and labour. The government is to submit
its answers to the EC by 31 January as part of its bid to receive
official EU candidate status. (Dnevnik – 05/10/04; A1 TV, Makfax –
04/10/04)

Bulgaria Reaffirms Support for Croatia’s Euro-Atlantic Integration Bid

05/10/2004

SOFIA, Bulgaria — Prime Minister Simeon Saxe-Coburg reaffirmed
Bulgaria’s support for Croatia’s Euro-Atlantic integration bid, during
talks with Croatian Parliamentary Speaker Vladimir Seks on Monday (4
October). The two agreed that bilateral relations are good but should
be strengthened. In Sofia, Seks also met with Bulgarian counterpart
Ognyan Gerdzhikov and President Georgi Parvanov.

In other news, Parvanov kicks off a four-day trip to Armenia and
Azerbaijan on Tuesday. Transport and Communications Minister Nikolay
Vassilev and mayors of several Bulgarian cities are accompanying him.

Meanwhile, a four-day exercise involving the military and police is
under way at three bases in Bulgaria. The drill aims to bolster
co-ordination efforts in case of a crisis. (Sega, bTV – 05/10/04;
Bulgarian government Web site, Hina – 04/10/04)

Greek Parties Request Committee to Investigate Weapons Procurement

05/10/2004

ATHENS, Greece — Representatives of the ruling New Democracy party
and the opposition PASOK separately submitted requests Monday (4
October) for the formation of a parliamentary committee to investigate
questionable weapons contracts. The New Democracy is insisting on a
probe into two agreements signed by the previous PASOK administration,
related to the procurement of anti-aircraft systems and anti-artillery
radar. Though PASOK denies any wrongdoing, it favours an investigation
into all weapons contracts signed by the previous and current
governments.

Also Monday, an Olympic Airlines flight was forced to divert amid
claims of a bomb on board. It was the third such incident involving
the airline within the last month. The London-bound plane landed in
Corfu and was searched before being cleared for take-off. (ANA, AFP –
05/10/04; MPA, ABC – 04/10/04)

Karabakh plans to double population

Yerkir web site, Yerevan
5 Oct 04

October

Since 2000, 5,300 families have moved to Nagornyy Karabakh, Anushavan
Daniyelyan, prime minister of the Nagornyy Karabakh Republic, has told
a correspondent of Armenpress news agency. He added that immigration
is an important issue as Artsakh’s [Karabakh’s] human resources do not
correspond to its natural resources.

The Karabakh prime minister said that the issue was of both
demographic, economic and strategic importance.

Immigration has intensified since 2000. Under a decision of the
Nagornyy Karabakh government, it is planned to double the number of
the population, i.e. to bring it from 150,000 to 300,000 within a
short time. The immigration programme will be implemented in all
districts [of Karabakh], and in border districts in the first
place. The programme is being financed from the budget of the Nagornyy
Karabakh government. Various organizations are also funding this
programme, Daniyelyan said.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

AZERBAIJANI POLITOLOGISTS THINK NON-SERIOUS STATEMENT BY DEFENSE
MINISTER OF THAT COUNTRY ON POSSIBILITY OF ANTI-TERRORIST OPERATION IN
KARABAKH

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 5. ARMINFO. Azerbaijani politologists think
non-serious the statement by Defense Minister of that country Safar
Abiyev made during his visit to Turkey on possibility of holding an
anti-terrorist operation in Karabakh.

According to the Zerkalo newspaper, Zadrusht Alizade said that such a
statement cannot be perceived either by the international community,
nor by Azerbaijan. Commenting on the fact that Abiyev meets not only
militaries, but also Turkish President Ahmed Necet Cezer, Alizade said
that the defense minister is most likely to be given a specific
political instruction he must inform the Turkish leadership of. “Safar
Abiyev is not the very person able to hold political negotiations,”
Alizade said. He said that issues of political situation and strategic
planning are within the competence of Prime Minister. He said that
Safar Abiyev and Turkish President will, undoubtedly, discuss the
Karabakh conflict, but it does not mean that the such a problem can be
solved at the given level, Alizade said.

In his turn, politologist Vafa Guluzade said that such a statement is
nothing, but a phantasia. He said that Azerbaijan is in a situation of
war with Armenia, and “Russian strategists took all the measures that
the current font line not be in favor of Azerbaijan.” Besides,
Guluzade said that engineering structures are built in Karabakh and in
the regions nearing it, so, to attack, Azerbaijan needs a very strong
army. “I think if Azerbaijan starts an anti-terrorist operation in
Karabakh, in response, Armenia will began bombing Baku and other towns
of the country,” Guluzade said.

He said that the statement on anti-terrorist operation in Karabakh is
just a fiction by Putin, Russia, misleading the Azerbaijani people. He
added that the given statement could be just torn out of the context.

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

PRESS RELEASE
October 5, 2004
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918

ANCA URGES LEGISLATORS TO ADOPT KEY PRO-ARMENIA
TRADE MEASURE BEFORE CONGRESS ENDS SESSION

— Urges Adoption of Provision as Part of Larger Trade Measure

WASHINGTON, DC – With the 108th session of Congress coming to an
end, the Armenian National Committee of America is urging
legislators to include a pro-Armenia trade measure, spearheaded by
Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairman Joe Knollenberg (R-MI)
and Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), in the final version of a
larger trade bill set to be approved before the end of this week.

The U.S. House, last November, approved Permanent Normal Trade
Relations Status (PNTR) for Armenia, opening the door to expanded
U.S.-Armenia commercial relations. The Senate version of this
legislation, known as the Miscellaneous Trade and Technical
Corrections Act of 2004 (H.R.1047), did not include the PNTR for
Armenia provision. As a result, the Congressional leadership has
assigned a “conference committee” to reconcile the two different
versions of this legislation. The conferees include Ways and Means
Committee Chairman, Rep. Bill Thomas (R-CA); Trade Subcommittee
Chairman, Rep. Phil Crane (R-IL); Rep. E. Clay Shaw (R-FL); Ways
and Means Ranking Democrat, Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY); Trade
Subcommittee Ranking Democrat, Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI); Senate
Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN); Finance Committee Chairman, Sen.
Charles Grassley (R-IA), and; Finance Committee Ranking Democrat,
Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT).

The ANCA has asked Armenian Americans to call on their Senators and
Representative to urge the conferees to include PNTR for Armenia in
the final version of the bill approved by Congress. The ANCA
action alert can be found at:

The sample letter for activists includes several reasons to support
this legislation, among them:

* Increased U.S.-Armenia trade and investment advances U.S.
foreign policy by strengthening Armenia’s free market economic
development and integration into the world economy.

* Expanded U.S.-Armenia commercial relations will strengthen
bilateral relations and reinforces the enduring friendship between
the American and Armenian peoples.

* Adoption of PNTR for Armenia will help offset – at no cost to
U.S. taxpayers – the devastating impact of the dual Turkish and
Azerbaijani blockades, estimated by the World Bank as costing
Armenia up to a third of its entire GDP (as much as $720 million
annually) and half of its exports.

The Trade Act of 1974 excluded all Soviet countries from having
normal trade relations (NTR) status with the United States. One
particular provision of the Act, known as the Jackson-Vanik
amendment, required the President to deny NTR to those countries
that restricted free emigration. The policy was adopted, in part,
in response to Communist government restrictions on the emigration
of Jews. According to the terms of the Jackson-Vanik amendment,
when the President determines that freedom of emigration rights
have been reinstated in a country, normal trade relations may be
granted. To maintain NTR, the President must report to Congress
twice a year that Jackson-Vanik requirements have been met. While
successive Presidents have waived the Jackson-Vanik Amendment
restrictions on Armenia during the past decade, the passage of the
Knollenberg bill, would grant Armenia permanent normal trade
relations status, without the need for semi-yearly Presidential
determinations.

`UNWANTED STANDPOINT ON NKR IS BEING FORMED IN CE’

A1plus
05-10-2004

‘Using the resolution Azerbaijanians again profiteered in NKR issue.
Fortunately, we managed to alleviate it. But it doesn’t mean that we
succeeded to hamper Azerbaijanians to introduce the document where
Karabakh as well was represented as an occupied territory. Of course,
it would be good if other territories weren’t represented as occupied
territories, either butwe didn’t manage`, Armenian delegation member
Shavarsh Kocharyan said after discussion on Azerbaijan’s report.

– What impact will Azerbaijan report have on settlement of Karabakhi
conflict?

-Irrespective of the changes, where Karabakhi issue is talked about
everyone is at a deadlock and accepts that conflict is between Armenia
and Azerbaijan. We must remind all the time that the conflict can’t
be settled without participation of Karabakh.

-Who is to blame for such an opinion?

First it is the neglect in our foreign policy. No one made Robert
Kocharyan assume settlement of Karabakhi conflict. The meetings are
important but Karabakh must partake in those meetings. The conflict
won’t be solved without Karabakh. Unfortunately, the standpoint that
Armenia has occupied a part of Azerbaijan prevails in CE.

– Are you sure that CE thinks so?

-I don’t say that. Documents prove it. Azerbaijanians cynically
announce what they want – `Armenians have occupied our territories’.

RUSSIA JOINS TURKISH-AZERI BLOCKADE

Azg/am
6 Oct 04

Price of Armenian-Russian Strategic Cooperation

The Armenian-Russian strategic relations arouse suspicion. Anyway,
Moscow, close friend of Armenia, its strategic and the only ally, put
Armenia in a situation that is unprecedented for the last 13
years. There were cases of misunderstanding in the Armenian-Russian
relations in the past as well. There were times, for example during
the Georgian-Abkhazian war, when Georgia was in chaos, when Armenia
was blocked from three sides and the neighbouring Iran was the only
way for us to communicate with the outer world.

Soon, it will be a month that the Russian-Georgian border is locked,
i.e. Russia is indirectly keeping Armenia in blockade. According to
some information, over 1500 cars are stuck on the Russian part of
Verin Lars checkpoint. It’s worth reminding that Moscow closed its
border with Georgia after the terrorist act in Beslan, condemning
Georgia and Azerbaijan of making no sufficient efforts to prevent the
entrance of the hirelings and terrorists to Chechnyathrough their
territories.

By the end of the last week, Sergey Mironov, chairman of the Council
of Federation of Russia, who paid an official visit to Armenia,
expressed hopethat “the Armenian authorities will treat with
understanding the decision of the Russian authorities to close the
border with Georgia in Verin Lars point. Mironov characterized it as a
“forced measure”. “Terrorists penetrate into Russia from Georgia. They
feel quite free there. This measure is not directed against the
transportation of the Armenian goods. We are aware of Armenia’s
problems,” Mironov said.

Mironov arrived in Armenia just in time. It seemed that his Armenian
colleague will express concrete discontent. It is not a secret that
President Kocharian can’t express discontent for well-known
reasons. Yet, thebehaviour of Artur Baghdasarian exceeded all the
expectations. And not only his behaviour. Instead of expressing
concrete discontent to Mironov, the second person of our country
(according to the Constitution), at the airport, at the
parliament,during the press conference, displayed such a flattering
behaviour as if nothing happened. Meanwhile, this was the case when
the very chairman of the parliament and the deputies should have
expressed concrete discontent to Russia.

One can understand Russia. The terrorist acts of the recent years made
the Russians take additional security measures. On the other hand,
difficult questions occur. For instance, why Russia doesn’t allow the
cars leaving for Armenia to pass the Georgian-Russian
border. According to our information, the cars stuck in Verin Lars are
going to Armenia or Azerbaijan mainly. Isn’t it possible to let at
least one car move in a day? Do the terrorists pass through the
Russian-Georgian passport control points to reach to Chechnya? The
Russian side assures the Armenian drivers and passengers stuck in
Northern Ossetia for weeks that the border is blocked from the
Georgian side.

About a month ago, the Georgian president ordered to close the
Southern Ossetian part of the Georgian-Russian border. Trucks heading
for Armenia manage to pass the Northern Ossetian border by bribing
guards but have to stay in South Ossetia as the Georgian side is
reluctant to let them cross the Georgian-Ossetian border. For several
times in Tbilisi by the assistance ofthe Armenian Embassy it became
possible to let some of the cars cross the border. In this case, a
complicated situation is shaped for the Georgian authorities. It turns
out that the instructions of Mikheil Saakashvili don’t concern the
Armenians. There were speeches held at the Georgian Parliament,
saying that the blocked borders should be blocked for everybody,
including Armenians.

In fact, Georgia doesn’t suffer from Russia’s blockade. Let’s suppose
that the Georgian budget loses several million of dollars because of
the blocked borders. It is obvious that Saakashvili, who is enjoying
the assistance of the West, will get ten times more sums for that. In
fact, Russia put in blockade its strategic ally Armenia.

One should suppose that by this step Moscow is expressing discontent
for Armenia’s policy to deepen relations with NATO. But the measure
Russia chose to punish Armenia is not good for a long period. If
Russia wants to arouse anti-Russian moods among the political and
public circles of Armenia, it can continue keeping locked the
Russian-Georgian border, i.e. to keep Armenia in blockade.

By Tatoul Hakobian

“WE SHOULDN’T HAVE ACCEPT YOU IN 1915”

Azg/am
6 Oct 04

Arabs Will Say if We Send a Group

Even if we send a group consisting of 2 people to Iraq it will have
fatal consequences for Armenia and the Armenian nation. The idea will
be discussed at RA Parliament. Certainly, the political figures and
experts will say their word. But “such wise” ideas make the people
suffer. Let me explain.

“We have no moral right to be on Bush’s side, who is fighting an
unfair war in a foreign country.

We have no moral right to be on Bush’s side, who doesn’t recognize the
Armenian Genocide and considers Turkey of the times of the Armenian
Genocide a democratic country.

American Armenians support Armenia. We are grateful to them, but we
shouldn’t thank them for making unfair things against the Arabs. Iraq,
as well as the US is a friendly country for us.

Certainly, the Armenian aid to the coalition forces will be merely
symbolic, but it will be considered as betrayal in the Arab world,
Iran and Russia.

One should pay for betrayal. We will lose the friendship of the Arabs,
the Iranians and the Russians. We will let the Arab terrorist
penetrate to Armenia, our sons will be executed in Iraq.

The Arabs received the Armenians as brothers during the years of the
Armenian Genocide. But we are going to answer them by ingratitude. If
Armenia sends military or even civic persons to Iraq, it will become
anâ=80¦ anti-Armenian country.

The American Jews annihilate the Israel’s enemies with the help of the
US and Coalition Forces and grasp their wealth. Israel is Turkey’s and
Azerbaijan’s ally. The Jews hinder recognition of the Armenian
Genocide at the US Congress. Why on earth should we receive millions
of enemies for their sake?

We certainly want to have good relations with Israel and the Jews of
the world. But they don’t want that for Turkey’s sake. For themArmenia
is a coin that has lost its value. That is the tragic reality.

The Americans are in Iraq at present they will leave but tomorrow. We
will stay where we are. How shall we look into Arabs’ eyes? They will
say: “We shouldn ‘t have accepted you in 1915.”

By Marat Mejlumian from Rostov-on-Don