ARMENIA WILL ASPIRE TO BRING POLITICAL RELATIONS WITH CHINA INTO
ECONOMIC FIELD: ROBERT KOCHARIAN

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 25. ARMINFO. Armenia will aspire to bring high
level of the political relations with China to the economic field,
including the scientific and agricultural branches. President of
Armenia Robert Kocharian told journalists during his visit to Gyumri.

According to Armenian leader, China is a very important partner for
Armenia. Besides, this country may come out as a market of Armenian
products.

It should be noted that President of Armenia will pay a five-day state
visit to China on Sept 26. In the delegation staff – representatives
of the government, public, science and business circles of Armenia.

Le Monde, France
25 septembre 2004

Les échecs en quête d’un roi

Le match qui va opposer en Suisse, à partir du samedi 25 septembre,
le Russe Vladimir Kramnik à son challenger hongrois Peter Leko marque
le début d’un processus de réunification du titre mondial

par Pierre Barthélémy

C’EST LA FIN d’une ère. Pour la première fois depuis 1984, un
championnat du monde d’échecs va se disputer sans le Russe Garry
Kasparov. Du 25 septembre au 18 octobre, la petite ville suisse de
Brissago, sur les rives du lac Majeur, attirera les regards de tous
les amateurs d’échecs, qui suivront la joute mentale que se livreront
le tenant du titre, le Russe Vladimir Kramnik, et son challenger, le
Hongrois Peter Leko. Ce match qui, à défaut d’opposer deux champions
spectaculaires, verra s’affronter les deux joueurs les plus
difficiles à battre de la planète constitue la première grande étape
vers la réunification du monde des échecs.

Depuis 1993, celui-ci est en effet coupé en deux, après que Garry
Kasparov, détenteur de la couronne mondiale à l’époque, a claqué la
porte de la Fédération internationale des échecs (FIDE) pour fonder
une organisation concurrente, la Professional Chess Association
(PCA). La PCA a fait long feu mais la plaie ne s’est toujours pas
refermée, ce d’autant plus que la FIDE, pilotée par le président de
la petite république russe de Kalmoukie, Kirsan Ilioumjinov, n’a pas
su prendre le tournant du professionnalisme tout en cumulant de
graves erreurs ( Le Monde du 12 mai). La dernière en date est d’avoir
monté son propre championnat du monde cet été à Tripoli, dans la
Libye du colonel Kadhafi, une compétition dont étaient exclus les
Israéliens et que la plupart des grands joueurs ont boycottée…

L’ACCORD DES « POIDS LOURDS »

Conscients que la désorganisation du haut niveau ne pouvait que leur
être nuisible, les poids lourds des échecs – Kirsan Ilioumjinov,
Garry Kasparov, toujours numéro un mondial au classement par points,
et Vladimir Kramnik – avaient pourtant signé, dès 2002 à Prague, un
accord visant à la réunification du titre. Schématiquement, ce texte
prévoyait que Vladimir Kramnik remette sa couronne en jeu contre un
challenger, tandis que, de son côté, la FIDE, qui dispose de son
propre champion (aujour-d’hui l’Ouzbek Roustam Kazimdjanov) était
censée opposer celui-ci à… Garry Kasparov, qualifié d’office en
raison de son classement.

Le Russe, qui rêve d’un glorieux chant du cygne, n’est donc pas
encore complètement sorti du paysage. Selon l’accord de Prague, les
vainqueurs des deux matches se seraient rencontrés ensuite pour
réunifier le titre, à l’instar de ce qui arrive fréquemment en boxe.

Mais, deux ans plus tard, rien de tout cela ne s’est passé. Pour la
communauté échiquéenne, l’enjeu du match de Brissago dépasse donc le
seul intérêt sportif puisqu’il lance réellement le processus de
réunification. Par ailleurs, comme le fait remarquer le grand maître
français Joël Lautier, qui préside le comité d’organisation de la
rencontre, celle-ci est « sponsorisée par une compagnie privée
parfaitement connue, Dannemann [marque suisse de cigares], et non par
des entités obscures telles celles auxquelles Ilioumjinov a fait
appel par le passé, ou même la société Braingames, qui avait été
créée ad hoc pour organiser le match Kasparov-Kramnik en 2000. C’est
un changement de tendance important. »

La FIDE a d’ailleurs compris où se trouvait son intérêt puisque,
après son championnat du monde de Tripoli, elle a rapidement lancé un
appel d’offres pour le match Kazimdjanov-Kasparov, qui pourrait se
jouer dès le début de 2005.

En attendant, pendant un peu plus de trois semaines, deux
intelligences vont s’opposer au-dessus de l’échiquier sur les bords
du lac Majeur et la confrontation s’an- nonce serrée. Respectivement
numéros 3 et 5 au classement mondial, Vladimir Kramnik et Peter Leko
ont, de l’avis de Joël Lautier, « la faculté de ne perdre que très
peu de parties dans une saison entière ».

Tous deux sont bien préparés : le premier a recruté une équipe
composée de ses amis grands maîtres Peter Svidler (russe, 9e joueur
mondial), Evgueni Bareïev (russe, 13e) et Miguel Illescas (espagnol,
87e), tandis que le second s’est entouré de son entraîneur et
beau-père, le grand maître arménien Arshak Petrossian, et de deux
autres confrères, Vladimir Akopian (arménien, 17e) et Vladislav
Tkatchiev (russe, 94e).

La clé du match pourrait bien être psychologique. Même si sa dernière
victoire contre Vladimir Kramnik date de 1998, Peter Leko constitue
la bête noire du champion russe, contre lequel il est le seul joueur
du top mondial à détenir un score positif. En revanche, une de leurs
dernières confrontations, en février au tournoi de Linares (Espagne),
a tourné à l’avantage du Moscovite, au cours d’une partie qui a fait
le tour de la planète échiquéenne. Vladimir Kramnik, qui menait les
Noirs, est venu à bout de Peter Leko après un fantastique sacrifice –
parfaitement calculé – de fou puis de tour. Le Russe a-t-il pour
autant vaincu le signe indien ? Lui qui a toujours eu du mal à
assumer le rôle de favori, va-t-il enfin prendre les risques que son
talent lui autorise ?

Quant à Peter Leko, qui n’a rien à perdre et dont tout le parcours
est tendu vers ce match, point culminant de sa carrière, pourra-
t-il, en seulement quatorze parties, triompher de celui que Garry
Kasparov, en 2000, n’avait pas réussi à battre une seule fois en
quinze rencontres ? Premiers éléments de réponse samedi 25 septembre,
lorsque le Hongrois, avec les Blancs, jouera son premier coup.

Agence France Presse
24 septembre 2004 vendredi 2:37 PM GMT

La Turquie divise et brouille le débat sur la Constitution européenne
en France (PAPIER D’ANGLE)

PARIS 24 sept

La question de l’entrée de la Turquie dans l’Union européenne (UE)
divise les formations politiques françaises, jusqu’au niveau de
l’exécutif, au point de brouiller le débat sur la Constitution
européenne qui sera soumis à référendum en 2005.

Même si l’adhésion éventuelle de la Turquie ne pourra se concrétiser
avant une dizaine d’années – pas avant “dix ans ou plus” répète le
président français Jacques Chirac – cette question est désormais
régulièrement brandie par les partisans et les adversaires de cet
élargissement.

Le débat a été relancé jeudi par le Premier ministre Jean-Pierre
Raffarin qui s’est montré très réservé à l’égard de l’entrée de la
Turquie en s’interrogeant, dans le Wall Street Journal Europe, sur
l’opportunité de voir “le fleuve de l’islam (rejoindre) le lit de la
laïcité”.

“L’argument religieux est irrecevable”, a répliqué la socialite
Elisabeth Guigou, ancien ministre français des Affaires européennes.

Les propos de M. Raffarin ont d’autant plus surpris que Jacques
Chirac s’est clairement prononcé pour l’entrée de la Turquie dans
l’UE quand ce pays aura rempli “toutes les conditions requises”.

Ces discordances au sommet de l’Etat s’ajoutent au divorce entre le
chef de l’Etat et son parti, l’Union pour un mouvement populaire
(UMP), massivement opposé à ce que la Turquie rejoigne la famille
européenne.

Au Parti socialiste, officiellement favorable à la Turquie dans l’UE
mais à condition notamment que le génocide arménien soit reconnu, la
question turque est également très sensible. Laurent Fabius, n°2 du
parti et partisan du non à la Constitution européenne, a affirmé
qu’un élargissement à la Turquie ne serait “pas raisonnable”.

Il a demandé vendredi que l’Assemblée nationale se prononce “avant
que le chef de l’Etat ne le fasse au nom de la France”, un souhait
également exprimé par le deuxième parti de la majorité de droite,
l’Union pour une démocratie française (UDF), en revanche lui,
favorable à la Constitution européenne, tout en étant opposé à
l’entrée de la Turquie.

“Si ce problème n’est pas traité, alors le référendum sur l’Europe
risque de trouver une réponse négative”, redoute le président de
l’UDF, François Bayrou qui “exige” un débat suivi d’un vote au
Parlement français sur la Turquie.

Les souverainistes français de droite qui ont fait de la défense de
la souveraineté nationale leur cheval de bataille ont quant à eux axé
leur campagne pour le non au référendum sur leur opposition à
l’entrée de la Turquie.

Jean-Marie Le Pen, président du parti d’extrême-droite Front
national, est lui aussi fermement opposé à l’élargissement à la
Turquie, un pays qui “n’est européen ni par la géographie, ni par
l’histoire, ni par la culture”.

Le Parti communiste, également hostile à la Constitution européenne,
est en revanche favorable, sous conditions, à l’entrée de la Turquie,
car “il ne faut surtout pas considérer l’Europe comme un club
chrétien”.

Quant aux Verts, partagés comme leurs alliés socialistes sur la
Constitution, ils sont favorables à l’adhésion de la Turquie à l’UE,
qui serait “un plus” pour l’un et l’autre, selon Noël Mamère, député
de Gironde (sud-ouest).

ROMANO PRODI: “OIL MAY MAKE YOU RICH BUT MAY ALSO DESTROY”

Azg/am
25 Sept 04

During Romano Prodi’s, president of the European Commission, visit in
Baku Ilham Aliyev, president of Azerbaijan, threatened the latter
saying: “We need your support only in Nagorno Karabakh conflict
settlement process, in other issues we can do without you. We are
going to produce 1.5 milliard tones ofoil”, French Le Figaro informs.

Prodi replied, “The oil may make you reach but may also destroy”. In
its September 23 issue Le Figaro published an article titled
“Caucasus: Europe Reaches out to New Neighbors” where it touched upon
European Commission president’s September 16-19 visit to South
Caucasus, Mediamax informs.

“Europeans are afraid that Baku will use the oil profit to get armed
and begin a new war against Armenia. That will end up in disaster for
the region in the present situation when the Baku-Jeyhan oil pipeline
construction, passing Russia by, is coming to an end”, Le Figaro
writes.

The newspaper also touches upon Armenian-Turkish relations and
Turkey’s membership in the EU in this context. “The Armenian-Turkish
confrontation may be included in the report on Turkey as one of the
points”, it writes.

Prodi’s statement made in Armenia during the press conference that
“the closed Armenian-Turkish border makes me worry. I will do
everything to change that” was also touched by Le Figaro.

By Tatoul Hakobian

PRESS RELEASE
Federation of Armenian Organizations in The Netherlands
April 24 Committee
For Recognition and Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide of 1915
Contact: Mrs. I. Drost
Tel. 070 4490209
E-mail: [email protected]
K.v.K. 27264382

EU can only end the systematic denial of genocide of 1915 now

The Hague, 22 September 2004 – The Armenian Federation has again appealed in
a letter to the government and parliament to move Turkey to make an end to
the systematic denial of the genocide of Armenians and the crimes against
other Christian minorities in WW I, and to normalise the relations with
neighbouring country Armenia. An earlier call on this issue to the Foreign
Affairs minister and Secretary Of State of the Netherlands to the address
of their Turkish colleagues failed to yield any visible results.

The European Commission – the executive body of the European Union in
Brussels – will present a report on Turkey on October 6. This document is
decisive for the question of whether Turkey can become a member of the EU.
Turkey has been in the waiting room of the EU for forty-one years. However,
the Armenians have been waiting longer. They want for the genocide of 1915
to be finally recognised. However, Turkey has kept her door closed for 89
years. And each year again another year is added to this one.

The current Turkish republic was founded on the first systematic genocide of
the twentieth century. In 1915, 1.5 million Armenians were deported and
killed by the Turkish rulers, among others by Kemal Atatürk, who wanted to
establish (with violence) a secular state of the Ottoman Empire. In 1923,
the task had been completed: the Turkish republic was founded and nothing
more was mentioned of the genocide. The Armenians have already struggled for
three generations for recognition of the injustice that has been done to
them.

The Austrian writer Franz Werfel (1890-1945) of Jewish descent had already
attempted to bring the Armenian genocide to light before World War II . In
his novel ³The Forty Days of Musa Dagh² (1938), which deals with the
Armenian Genocide, he outlined a spectre for what could happen to the Jews
in Europe. His warning could not prevent the destruction of the European
Jews. In 1939, on the eve of the Holocaust, even Adolf Hitler brushed aside
the Armenian Genocide as irrelevant.

Notwithstanding, modern-day Turkey continues to carry out the policy of
denial to this day. According to the Turkish government the Armenian
Genocide is a fabrication. Stronger still: the Turkish minister of education
recently ordered all primary schools to write an essay in certain classes in
which they had to describe the official reading of the history on this
point. The schools were also obliged to dedicate a conference on this
issue. Teachers who had the courage to refuse to follow this order, were
arrested. Here, in the least, the rights of minorities and freedom of
speech are an issue. Therefore Turkey does not qualify yet for the so-called
Copenhagen criteria which serve as a test for the commencement of
negotiations for the accession of Turkey to the EU.

It needs little argumentation (compare for example with denial of the
Holocaust) that such a question – Copenhagen criteria or not – is of
overwhelming and humanitarian importance. In this respect, it is interesting
that the French socialist party, – to avoid discussion on this and moreover,
as a party favourable for Turkey¹s accession, – explicitly puts the
recognition of the Armenian Genocide as a condition for the accession of
Turkey to the EU. Possibly this is an example to follow.

With a letter, the Armenian Federation has again called on (the Dutch
government and) the Dutch parliament to put pressure on Turkey for the
recognition of the genocide of Armenians and other Christians at the
beginning of the previous century. The denial of it up to the present is
unacceptable for many countries and for the Armenians spread throughout the
whole world. The denial is moreover the most important cause for the bad
relations between Turkey and neighbouring country Armenia. Therefore the
border is closed on the Turkish side and there are no diplomatic relations
between Turkey and Armenia.

The Federation indicates that at this moment everything seems to be possible
in Turkey, big and fast changes, small improvements, reform bills are
submitted and adopted and if necessary partly withdrawn. The Federation of
course welcomes with joy each improvement, but these changes also highlight
the refusal to change the policy on the denial of the genocide and the
negative consequences thereof, like the bad relations with Armenia. Recently
Dutch government members Bot and Nicolai indicted in the Parliament that
they and EU leaders have explicitly questioned their Turkish colleagues on
this issue. This was made clear from the consultation that these government
members conducted in the Dutch Parliament. They appear, however, to speak to
deaf ears. On this point, Turkey leaves the EU and the Armenians in the
dark.

The Federation of Armenian Organisations in the Netherlands calls on the
Dutch government in her position of President of the European Union to
express explicitly its care for this question and to indicate that denial of
the genocide is of such an importance that accession negotiations are
unthinkable under this denial. In this context, the Netherlands must
emphasise that Europe should not allow itself to blur its own eyes with
remarks that later (once Turkey becomes/is the EU member) all will be good.
This is only possible if a statement is fixed now. The European Union only
now has a chance to stop Turkey¹s policy of systematic denial.

Moreover, at European level the Armenians and human rights organisations are
trying to attract the necessary attention to this problem. In this respect,
during a press conference on 22 September in Brussels the co-operating human
right and humanitarian organisations of several European countries will
present a memorandum concerning these questions.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PRESS OFFICE
Armenian Holy Apostolic Church Canadian Diocese
Contact; Deacon Hagop Arslanian, Assistant to the Primate
615 Stuart Avenue, Outremont Quebec H2V 3H2
Tel; 514-276-9479, Fax; 514-276-9960
Email; [email protected]
Website; September 25, 2004
* * *

BISHOP GALSTANIAN VISITS ONTARIO PARISHES

His Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galstanian, Primate, presided over several
meetings in the Province of Ontario. His Eminence accompanied by Very
Reverend Hayrik Apegha Hovhannisyan went to Toronto and met with the
Board of Trustees of Holy Cross Day School in Toronto.

In Mississauga, His Eminence met with Parish Council of Saint Vartan
Apostolic Church and discussed the current activities as well as the
future plans of the Parish in Mississauga. The Primate informed the
Parish Council members about the outcome of his visit to the Mayor of
Mississauga and asked them to work together closely in order to
achieve more success for the Parish and to create a better future for
our young generation in Saint Vartan Parish of Mississauga.

Bishop Galstanian also met with the Parish members of St Mary Armenian
Church of Hamilton and talked to them about the plans to reorganize
the Parish. His Eminence informed that once the project is complete he
will then meet with the Parishioners and discuss the possibilities to
achieve it.

* * *

HONORING THE 2004 HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES: A GREAT SUCCESS

Reporting: Talar Chichmanian

On Sunday September 19th, 2004 Armenians for Higher Education
presented certificates of achievement to over 50 high school graduates
from the Class of 2004 under the auspices of Bishop Bagrat Galstanian.
An innovative first for our community, this inaugural affair honored
Canadian Armenians graduating from any one of the high schools in the
greater Montreal and Laval areas in 2004.

Many thanks go out to the organising committee, Mr. & Mrs. Levon and
Ana Afeyan, Mrs. Maral Balian-Partamian, Ms. Talar Chichmanian and
Ms. Hilda Tursucuyan. Many thanks to Mr. Linton Garner,
representative of the Ministry of Education, Mr. Pierre Reid, and
Madame Line Beauchamp, Minister of Culture and Communications for
having taken the time to recognise this important occasion. A
heartfelt thank you as well to the students who used their free summer
months to put their hearts and energy into organising their original
community event.

The emcee of the event, Levon Afeyan, the driving force behind the
organisation, greeted the students on behalf of the organising
committee with a welcome cocktail whereby students got acquainted with
one another. Later, during the graduation ceremony, each student was
called up on stage to receive a certificate, a beautiful Bible from
Armenia as well as a commemorative T-shirt! The ceremony was followed
by a reception for all in attendance as well as a dance party for the
students. By the invitation of His Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galstanian
the keynote speaker of the event was Mrs. Julia Dumanian.

During the ceremony, the students listened with rapt attention as
Julia Dumanian, CEO and President of Cambridge Memorial Hospital,
wowed parents and students with her inspirational message to always
strive for academic excellence. Her impressive educational background
and credentials coupled with her fervent enthusiasm to always reach
for the stars and never be afraid of wanting to have it all set the
perfect example for the eager and keen ears of this next generation of
strong Armenians. Mrs. Julia Dumanian’s husband Mr. Loris Dumanian is
the Chairperson of the Parish Council of St Vartan Armenian Church,
Mississauga and her sons Armen and Van serve the Holy Altar every
Sunday. Mrs Dumanian supports the mission of the Mother See of Holy
Etchmiadzin and the Diocese of Canada.

Both Bishop Galstanian and Mrs. Dumanian stressed the fact that our
forefathers survived genocide; some came to Canada as refugees and
promptly contributed to the development and culture of their adopted
homeland much like many of the Armenian families found in Canada
today. A point alluded to by Mme Line Beauchamp for Armenians in
Quebec.

Mrs. Dumanian’s message was further cemented by Bishop Bagrat
Galstanian as he conveyed his thoughts: ‘Strive higher in life, think
broader and bigger, always forget and ignore minor, life consuming
things and always create. Do good. Help and love each other in spite
of all obstacles. In one word, be Armenians and Christians which
implies quality.’

A message all Armenians should follow.

* * *

PRIMATE TO CELEBRATE WITH HOLY CROSS CHURCH OF LAVAL

His Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galstanian, Primate of the Diocese of the
Armenian Church of Canada, will celebrate the Feast of the Holy Cross
of Varak at Laval Parish on the occasion of its name day and the 11th
anniversary.

Bishop Galstanian will celebrate the Divine Liturgy on Sunday,
September 26, 2004 which is the Feast Day of Holy Varak and St George
the Warrior. That will be followed by a banquet marking the church’s
11th anniversary.

On Saturday night a candle light dinner is organized by the Parish
Council where political dignitaries and members of Christian Churches
will be present.

* * *

THE CALENDAR OF DIOCESAN EVENTS FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER

On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of
Canadian Armenian Diocese the Organizing Committee has planned a
series of activities to mark this significant milestone. In the month
of October an exhibition of paintings of Montreal Armenian artists
will be held October 1-2 and 3, at St Gregory the Illuminator Armenian
cathedral in Montreal. Later that month, October 14-15-16 an Armenian
Culture Day will be celebrated in the Diocese. Both events are
dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the establishment of Canadian
Armenian Diocese (for further information please see the flyers by
visiting ).

We invite our faithful of all our parishes throughout Canada to
participate in the ceremonies and in the celebrations organized on the
occasions noted in the calendar.

* * *

NEWS FROM THE MOTHER SEE OF HOLY ETCHMIADZIN

a) Seminar and Celebration Dedicated toe the 1000th anniversary of the
Getcharis Monastery: On September 18 and 19 the 1000th anniversary of
the Monastery of Getcharis located in the Diocese of Kotayk was the
subject of a seminar and religious as well as popular festivities. On
the morning of September 18, following a religious ceremony, the
Primate of the Diocese of Kotayk Bishop Arakel Karamian presided the
opening session of the seminar dedicated to the history of the
monastery. The letter of greetings and well wishes of His Holiness
Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, was read by Archbishop Mesrop
Krikorian, Legate of the Catholicos for Central Europe. Papers were
presented about this major educational and cultural center at the
height of the Bgratid Dynasty of Armenia, about the place of
Khatchatour of Getcharis in the annals of Middle age literature, and
about plans for completion of reconstruction of the monastery
complex. Also the launching of the book “Getcharis-1000” was held
during the first session.

The next day, Sunday, September 18, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated
in the cathedral of the monastery by the Primate of Kodayk, and
presided over by His Holiness the Catholicos, who later blessed all
participants of the seminar, the pilgrims from Southern Russia, and
the faithful, then decorated the benefactor Mr. Vladimir Harutyunian
by an honorary medal. Following the blessing of Madagh, festivities
began by the participation of local song and dance groups. Present
were representatives of the regional governing authorities.

b) The Ambassador of Poland was Received by the Catholicos: On
September 23, His Holioness Karekin II received the visit of Poland’s
Plenipotential and Extraordinary Ambassador to Armenia Domash
Gnodhe. His Holiness expressed pleasure in view of the close
collaboration between Armenia and Poland and also talked about the
challenges faced by churches in the modern world. Ambassador Gnodhe
vouched to do his best for further strengthening the ties of
cooperation between the two countries.

c) Conference on the Interpretation Schools of Armenia: Within the
orbit of the 1600th anniversary of the discovery of the Armenian
Alphabet, on September 22, a conference on the schools of
interpretations of the Holy Scriptures in Armenia since the early days
of Christianity was held in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, with
the participation of 25 scholars from Armenia and abroad. His
Holiness Karekin II presided over the sessions. Director of the
Karekin I Theological Center Azat Pozoyan opened the conference and
spoke about the necessity of compiling and publishing the
interpretations of the Bible by our forefathers of the Armenian
Church. His Holiness blessed this initiative and stressed the
importance of introducing the rich patrimonial legacy of the Armenian
Church to our clergy, scholars and people. Bishop Yeznik Petrosian
introduced the first two volumes of the series “Library of Armenian
Intrerpretations of the Bible”. Speakers highlighted the contribution
of the Armenian interpretations of the Bible to world culture and
civilization. The concluding session of the conference was held in the
lecture hall of St. Mesrop Seminary in Oshagan.

d) Meeting with Artsakh President Arkady Ghoukassian: On September 23,
His Holiness Karekin II received in the Mother see of Holy Etchmiadzin
the visit of Arkady Ghougassian, President of Artsakh (Mountainous
Gharabagh), accompanied by the Speaker of the Parliament Olek
Yessayan, Prime MinisterAnoushavan Danielian and other high ranking
officials. His Holiness blessed the delegation and wished them success
in their mission in leading the people of Artsakh. President
Ghougassian thanked His Holiness and stated that each visit to the
Holy See invigorates him and encourages him to continue his
responsibilities with renewed enthusiasm, and invited His Holiness to
conduct His pastoral visits to Artsakh more frequently.

e) Meeting with the United Nations Supreme Council of Refugees : On
September 23, head of the UN Supreme Council of Refugees Peter Nicolau
and his assistants were received by His Holiness Karekin II. His
Holiness appreciated the efforts of the Council in helping
refugees. Mr. Nicolau informed about his office’s activities and
future plans. Opinions were exchanged about the possibility of
cooperation in this sphere between the Mother See and the UN office of
refugees.

ARMENIAN GOVERNMENT PREPARES FOR NATIONAL REPORT ON CORRUPTION AT
GRECO

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 24. ARMINFO. Armenia is to prepare materials of a
national report on corruption to GRECO on the basis of the documents
presented to Armenia by GRECO. Chairman of the Commission of the
Council for Monitoring of Implementation of a Strategy Against
Corruption Bagrat Yesayan made this statement today during the session
of the Armenian Council for Struggle Against Corruption.

The Armenian Governmental Press-Service told ARMINFO that Yesayan said
that the Governmental Staff jointly with the UN Development Program
elaborated a program “Development of possibilities of civil public for
monitoring of corruption in Armenia.” The program consists of three
parts: analysis of the situation, results of the program and resource,
task program and state budget. Besides, Yesayan said that in
combatting corruption, Armenia enlisted support of the Organization of
Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Chairman of the Council,
Prime Minister of Armenia Andranik Margaryan instructed Bagrat Yesayan
to form a task group on consideration of proposals and notifications
of public and international organizations and the Government of the
USA on the Armenian Strategy Against Corruption.

The member of the Council, Head of the Government Staff Manuk Topuzyan
said that from the 63 anti-corruption measures planned for 2004-2006,
16 have already been taken, 7 are in process, including reports in the
sphere of licensing, judicial and educational systems. Besides, the
process of fulfillment of Armenia’s commitments on the ratified
international anti-corruption conventions and agreements were also
discussed in the course of the session.

TURKEY’S ADMISSION TO EU FAVORABLE FOR ARMENIA: ARMENIAN DEFENSE
MINISTER

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 24. ARMINFO. Turkey’s admission to EU is favorable
for Armenia, said Secretary of the Armenian Presidential Security
Council, Defense Minister Serge Sargsyan during his meeting with Vice
Chairman of the Assembly of West-European Union, Head of the Italian
delegation to the Union, Marco Zaker yesterday.

The Armenian Defense Ministry told ARMINFO that Minister Sargsyan
pointed out the necessity of establishment of diplomatic relations
with Turkey without preconditions. However, to solve all the issues
official Ankara must recognize the Armenian Genocide, Sargsyan
said. In his turn, Marco Zaker said that he fully agrees with the
Armenian minister and will include this issue in his report. Serge
Sargsyan said that Armenians consider themselves Europeans, though to
enter the European family, Armenia is still to pass a great way. Zaker
said that his mission is to prepare a report on security issues in the
region. He said that stability and security of the Caucasus are
important for Europe. Sarge Sargsyan added that security issue is one
of the most important issues for Armenia, and, naturally, this issue
is in the focus of attention. He said that the South Caucasus is a
very sensitive region, especially in the context of international
problems. The program of Karabakh conflict must be solved exclusively
in a peaceful way on the basis of mutual concessions, the Armenian
minister added. He informed Marco Zaker of the three important
principles advanced by the Armenian party. At first, Karabakh cannot
be part of Azerbaijan. Second, Karabakh cannot exist isolated and must
have a land boundary with Armenia. And, the third, it is necessary to
ensure very strict guarantees of security. As regards Armenia’s
relations with Turkey, the minister said that Turkey’s admission to
the EU is favorable for Armenia. The sides discussed the issues of
struggle against terrorism.

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE OF ARMENIA AND UNDP WITH SUPPORT OF EU SIGN
AGREEMENT ON MUTUAL FINANCING BETWEEN ARMENIAN DEFENCE MINISTRY AND
UNDP

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 24. ARMINFO. Today, the Ministry of Defence of the
Republic of Armenia and the United Nations Development Programme
(UNDP), with the support of the European Union, signed an Agreement on
mutual financing between the Armenian Defence Ministry and UNDP.

The press-service of the Armenian DM reports that the agreement is
part of the Armenia De-Mining Project signed by Serzh Sargsyan,
Minister of Defence and Ms. Lise Grande, UN Resident Coordinator and
UNDP Resident Representative.

Experts estimate that there are between 6,000-8,000 antipersonnel
mines impl anted in approximately 840 square kilometres of mostly
borderland in Armenia. The impact of this mine infestation is
serious: Each year, civilians, including children, become the victims
of landmine accidents and agricultural production in tens of border
villages is hampered. One of the main aims of the Project, which will
be implemented during the next three years with a total budget of more
than 1.5 million Euro, is to strengthen the capacity of the Government
to coordinate and implement de-mining programmes. In addition, a
countrywide Landmine Impact Survey will be conducted and a new
database established. Other activities will include: a) clearance of
landmines in Syunik region; b) a public awareness campaign and mine
risk education in mine-affected areas; c) targeted victim and survivor
assistance; and d) professional training programmes for de-miners and
medical personnel.

The Armenian Humanitarian De-Mining Centre, which will act the
principal national counterpart, was established in March 2002 with the
help of the US State Department and the US Department of
Defence. According to the Landmine Victims Survey conducted in 2002,
there are 343 landmine survivors in Armenia and landmine incidents
have been recorded in all 11 regions. Armenia has not yet signed the
two international conventions on landmines due to the security
situation in the South Caucasus.

Ms. Grande noted: “This Project is valuable for a number of reasons:
it will help to reduce poverty in hard-hit areas by clearing
agricultural land of mines; it will help to reinforce the capacity of
the Government to coordinate and implement mine action programmes; and
it will increase the awareness of civilians in mine infested areas. In
an important first for UNDP, the Ministry of Defense is directly
contributing financial resources to this Project. By doing so, the
Government of the Republic of Armenia is demonstrating its concrete
commitment to humanitarian de-mining.”

*** UNDP is the UN’s global development network. It advocates for
change and connects countries to knowledge, experience and resources
to help people build a better life. We operate in 166 countries,
working with them on their own solutions to global and national
development challenges. As they develop local capacity, they draw on
the people of UNDP and our wide range of partners.

ARMENIAN PRESIDENT ROBERT KOCHARYAN WILL PAY A 5-DAY STATE VISIT TO
CHINA ON SEPT 26

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 24. ARMINFO. On September 26 Armenian President
Robert Kocharyan will pay a 5-day state visit to China.

The Armenian Presidential Press Service told ARMINFO that the Armenian
delegation will consists of Minister for Territorial Administration
and Coordination of Infrastructures Hovik Abrahamyan, Minister of
Agriculture David Lokyan, Minister for Culture and Youth Affairs Hovik
Hoveyan and other officials. Robert Kocharyan will be accompanied in
China by representatives of scientific, public and business circles of
the country. In the course of the visit to Pekin, Robert Kocharyan is
expected to meet Chinese President Xu Dzintao, Chairman of the State
Council, Chairman of the All Chinese Assembly of National
Representatives. At the end of the visit, the presidents of the two
states will sign a joint declaration. Besides, intergovernmental
agreements of cooperation in the technical-and-economic and
seismological spheres will be signed, as well as a program of cultural
cooperation for 2005.

Besides, visits to the historical and cultural sights of Pekin are
planned, On Sept 29, the Armenian delegation will leave from Pekin to
Shanghai, where Robert Kocharyan will meet the Mayor, will visit an
exhibition of ocal city development, local center of tourism and will
get first hand information of the current works. On Sept 30 the
Armenian delegation headed by President Robert Kocharyan will return
to Yerevan.