ITAR-TASS, Russia
Sept 22 2004

Armenia, Azerbaijan foreign ministers attend to Karabakh problem

YEREVAN, September 22 (Itar-Tass) – Foreign ministers of Armenia and
Azerbaijan have finished the first stage of consultations on
Nagorno-Karabakh settlement, Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan
Oskanyan said.

He told a news conference on Wednesday that the goal of the recent
meeting of the foreign ministers in Prague was to set a stage for
talks of the two countries’ presidents.

Oskanyan did not comment on the content of the first talks of the
Armenian and Azeri presidents, Robert Kocharyan and Ilkham Aliyev, on
the sidelines of a recent CIS summit in Astana on September 15.

Contrary to expectations, the president did not give to foreign
ministries any orders `in order to begin the second stage that is far
more closer to settlement of the problem,’ Oskanyan said.

However, this does not mean that the presidents rejected the
groundwork made by the foreign ministers in Prague, he added.

Karabakh settlement `remains in sight of the two presidents’.

`Nagorno-Karabakh does not have a price: we cannot change it for
either a railroad or any pipelines,’ Oskanyan said.

The Messenger, Georgia
messenger.com.ge
Sept 22 2004

Georgia, Azerbaijan tread “path of victory”
BTC anniversary gives Zhvania opportunity to build relations with
Azerbaijan

By Mary Makharashvili

Government officials, corporate executives and oil workers converged
in Baku on Monday to celebrate the signing of the ‘Contract of the
Century’ – the initial agreement that paved the way for oil exports
to the west and the BTC pipeline.

Georgia’s Prime Minister traveled to Baku on the occasion and was
warmly received by President Ilham Aliev.

“A successful Azerbaijan means a successful Georgia. And the welfare
of Georgia means the welfare of Azerbaijan,” stated President of
Azerbaijan Ilham Aliev in an address to Zhvania.

The contract, signed September 20, 1994, provided for the export of
Azeri oil products via Georgia and Turkey to western markets.

Monday also saw the signing of an agreement on beginning the third
phase of the BTC pipeline, as well as the awarding of medals and
money awards to 106 oil workers as part of Azerbaijan’s Oil Workers
Day celebrations.

“We consider this day as our anniversary as well,” Zhvania said at
the ceremony.

Zhvania and Aliev took the opportunity to reaffirm the friendship
between the two countries. Prime News reports Aliev told Zhvania that
relations between the two countries were developing successfully in
all spheres, including the energy sector. He expressed his confidence
that communications between Azerbaijan and Georgia would henceforth
also develop successfully.

The Azeri president also declared that Baku supports Tbilisi in its
fight against “aggressive separatism” and recognizes the territorial
integrity of Georgia.

Zhvania, for his part, as reported by Prime News, conveyed greetings
to Aliev from the president of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili, noting
that the friendship between the presidents of the two countries gives
a special pulse to the further development of Azerbaijan-Georgian
relations.

Zhvania noted that the positions of Azerbaijan and Georgia coincide
with regard to problems in the Caucasus and international relations.
He called the political path chosen by Georgia and Azerbaijan “the
path of victory.”

According to Prime News, Prime Minister Zhvania emphasized the
successful results of the oil strategy, which he said were thanks to
the wisdom and foresight of the former president of Azerbaijan Heydar
Aliev, Ilham’s father.

The ceremony was attended by the heads of the largest oil-producing
companies in the world. The president of Azerbaijan also received
letters of congratulation from numerous heads of state, including
U.S. President George Bush and France’s Jacques Chirac.

During the celebration, media reports announced that it is feared
that the construction of the BTC pipeline will not be finished by
next year.

“Yes, there is this fear,” said Zurab Gumberidze, Georgian Ambassador
to Armenia. “The winter might come earlier and because of this we
will have to stop the construction works. But we are doing our best
to do this work within the terms of the agreement. The violation of
the terms might be a very serious problem.”

Aliev expressed his desire for the BTC pipeline to be finished as
soon as possible, as his country’s economic welfare depends on it.
“We have overcome a lot of difficulties since the signing of the
‘Contract of the Century.’ The development of the oil sector is the
key to the Azeri economy. Azerbaijan is expecting USD 50 billion from
this,” said Ilham Aliev.

This money would be used to benefit the entire Azeri people, Aliev
promised. “The money gained from oil will be spent on the welfare of
the Azeri people. Pensions and social aids will be increased. The new
authority of Azerbaijan is continuing the policy of Heydar Aliev,
that will bring a better life to the Azeri people,” he said on
Monday.

“With the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline started, the revenues will
increase allowing us to solve successfully all social and economic
challenges,” he said in his official speech.

The Azeri authorities may soon be receiving the help of Georgian Gia
Chanturia. Reports in the media on Monday suggested the possible
appointment of the former Chair of the Georgian International Oil
Corporation (GIOC) as advisor to the Azerbaijani president on oil
issues, although, as the media reported, Chanturia did not attend the
anniversary himself.

Noyan Tapan Highlights #37 (539)
20 September, 2004

Breakthrough in Karabakh?

By Haroutiun Khachatrian

Periods of International tension is not the best time to settle
conflicts. Mid September 2004 is the period of increase in tension in
Caucasus, both internal, and among the states. The increasing
uncertainty among Georgia and Russia following the impatient storming
of Georgia in South Ossetia, the shock of Azerbaijan leadership over
the cancellation of the NATO war games have greatly aggravated by the
aftermath of the tragedy in Beslan.

Russia has almost closed its borders with Georgia and Azerbaijan,
hence bringing new problems to these countries, and, of course, to
Armenia as well. On this background, the CIS summit in Astana,
Kazakhstan, brought together the presidents of Armenia and
Azerbaijan. Formally, the meeting which lasted almost five hours
(including 1.5 hour with Russian President Putin as the third partner,
and some time of talks in the presence to the Minsk Group Co-Chairmen)
has brought no results. However, there are some bases to expect some
progress here.

First, the meeting was to develop the results of the meeting of the
Foreign Ministers of the two countries held in Prague on August 30,
which both ministers characterized as very positive.

Second, the presence of the Putin, who, according to a Russian
newspaper, is eager to become the principal peace-maker in Nagorno
Karabakh, might have a certain positive impact.

Third, the above-mentioned whole atmosphere of uncertainty and the
danger emergence of additional problem every new day could also
stimulate the presidents to additional flexibility.

As “leakage” of information shows, the versions under discussion may
include some moves aimed at return of at least part of the Azeri
displaced persons to the territories around Nagorno Karabakh now
controlled by the Armenian forces. If so, Robert Kocharian has,
probably, given up from his commitment to the “package solution”
implying link between the return of those territories and the
determination of the status of Nagorno Karabakh. This path may result
in decreasing the tension between Armenia and Azerbaijan, but its
dangers are also evident.

In fact, nothing is clear yet. There is no guarantee that the
breakthrough will take place, even in the form of a preliminary
agreement between the two leaders. Let’s wait another couple of
months.

—

A1 Plus | 19:41:52 | 22-09-2004 | Social |

WEBSITE GIVEN PRIZE

On Wednesday, website was awarded Yerevan Press Club’s annual
prize for providing timely information and creating Internet page as a media
outlet.

A1+ Company got also a special prize from Cooperation in the Sake of Open
Society, the initiative including 30 organizations.

Handing the Yerevan Press Club’s prize, Liberty radio station correspondent
Ruzan Khachatryan said the jury decided to give the award to A1+ not because
the company is stripped of its broadcasting license but after assessing its
staff work. As an example of providing timely and comprehensive information,
Ruzan Khachatryan singled out Apr 12, 13 events covered by the website.

Prize for objective coverage of political problems remained nobody’s. The
jury found no media outlet deserving it.

Photojournalist Hakob Berberyan was given a prize for reflecting social
problems.

Sports commentator of Armenian Public Television Armen Melixetyan won a
prize for commenting Spain Football Premiership and European Cup
objectively.

Photolur agency was handed award for creative progress and commentator of
Armenian service of Liberty radio station Atom Margaryan for the best
coverage of economic problems.

Head of standing parliamentary commission on science, culture, education and
the youth Hranush Hakobyan got a prize for open and transparent work and
effective cooperation with journalists.

Yerevan Press Club intends to submit its proposals on Radio and Television
Law alteration to the commission. “We ought to amend the law if want to
fulfill our CE commitments”, the Club’s chair Boris Navasardyan.

A1 Plus | 21:17:42 | 22-09-2004 | Social |

ARMENIAN TYCOONS DEVISED TRICKS SHIELDING THEIR BODYGUARDS FROM LAW

Armenian Prosecutor General’s Office has sent the case on violence committed
against Aravot newspaper correspondent Anna Israelyan and Photolur
photographer Mkhitar Khachatryan to Kotayk community’s first instance court.

It should be reminded that both Anna and Mkhitar were badly beaten by a
well-known tycoon’s bodyguards and barred from doing their work.

The case papers sent so far didn’t reach the destination. Iravunk newspaper
and Noyan Tpan news agency voiced alarm at the lost case. Liberty radio
station correspondent tried to clarify the case fate.

Nothing became clear: the case left Prosecutor’s Office but hasn’t been seen
in court.

Anna Israelyan says there is nothing surprising in what happened. “Our
justice is good at doing miracles and our tycoon’s resourcefulness is
unlimited. They devised new and new tricks shielding their bodyguards from
the law”, she said.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

A1 Plus | 21:27:31 | 22-09-2004 | Official |

OSKANYAN RECEIVES DIMITROV

Armenian foreign minister Vardan Oskanyan received OSCE Special Envoy on
Karabakh issue Phillip Dimitrov on Wednesday.

Dimitrov emphasized the extraordinary importance of quick solution of
Karabakh problem.

Phillip Dimitrov met with president Kocharyan, National Assembly speaker
Baghdasaryan and defense minister Sargssyan during his two-day visit to
Armenia.

OUR SPORTSMEN IN TEHERAN

Azat Artsakh – Nagorno Karabakh Republic (NKR)
22 Sept 04

Our delegation also participated in the 37th all-Armenian games in
Teheran held on September 8-18. Artsakh sportsmen participated in
three events. NKR vice minister of education, culture and sport
informed that our sportsmen won medals. Marine Musaelian (trainer Arto
Arstamian) took the third place in 400m and 800m footrace and won two
gold medals. Table tennis player Arayik Firian (trainer Sergey
Avanessian) won a silver medal. And the basketball team of women
(coach Anahit Gasparian) won the bronze.

ANAHIT DANIELIAN.
22-09-2004

AZERBAIJANI YOUNG MEN SHARE OPINIONS

Azat Artsakh – Nagorno Karabakh Republic (NKR)
22 Sept 04

During the seminar held in Tsakhkadzor recently I met with two young
representatives of Azerbaijan. They shared their opinions and
impressions from the seminar, the role of the youth in the settlement
of the conflict and cooperation between Azerbaijan and Karabakh.

Hamlet ISMAILOV, Baku, director of the center of public diplomacy and
tolerance. `To be honest, I did not expect such a warm welcome. From
the very beginning, reaching Bagratashen, I watched the frontier
guards with suspect but everything was alright and they treated usin a
friendly and attentive manner. I want to thank all those boys who
protectedus but I must mention that we did not have to protect us at
all because everybody treated us well, which is very important for
us. Of course, at the beginning during the group discussions there
were disagreements between the Armenian young people and us in
reference to the problem of Nagorni Karabakh. However, little by
little we achieved mutual understanding. To tell the truth, I had
expected that as soon as we arrived we would hear accusations
addressed to Azerbaijan. Contradicting opinions were expressed only
during the debates. As to Nagorni Karabakh, we must continue
cooperation at least through Armenia because presently there is no
communication between Baku and Stepanakert. I think through seminars
and exchange programs we will achieve certain results in the upcoming
ten years. If I came to Armenia and everything is good, then I am
willing to participate in seminars in Karabakh as well. Of course, I
am not sure how we will be received because we are living at martial
law. I hope that the organization will be on a high level. During the
seminar there were certainmoments which I did not like. For example,
certain participants said they would speak Armenian because they lived
in Armenia. Or, during the group works Armenianyoung people suggested
to keep two minutes of silence in respect for the Armenian officer
killed in Budapest by an Azerbaijani. Yes, I think it was a crime, and
I agree that that man did not do a good thing but I cannot hold two
minutesof silence in respect for him. In Azerbaijan many are willing
to solve the problems between the two countries in a peaceful way but
there are also people who have the opposite opinion. If the problem is
not solved soon, unfortunately everything will lead to a war which is
not favourable for any of the parties. I think we should better
cooperate, for example in the economic sphere than fight. And we must
be aware that we must compromise, I mean the both parties. Of course,
I am for Karabakh being a sovereign republic within Azerbaijan granted
with big authorities. We lost Karabakh about 15 years ago and we must
thinkof how to attract the people of Karabakh to Azerbaijan. In my
opinion, for Armenia also it is profitable to cooperate with
Azerbaijan. I think that president Kocharian should arrive at the
point that it is time to cooperate with Turkey and Azerbaijan. As to
the role of the youth in the settlement of the conflict, I think that
neither in Armenia and Karabakh, nor in Azerbaijan youth plays any
role. Although they say the youth is the future of a country but the
settlement of the problem is ascribed to the politicians who should,
for example, learn a lesson from this seminar during which the young
people try to come to certain agreement.’

Roman TEMNIKOV, Baku, Vice chairman to the analytic center ` Country,
Democracy and Culture’. `This is my first visit toArmenia and frankly
speaking I was deeply impressed by how we were received. Everybody
knows that our countries are not on good terms. Naturally I came here
with precaution but to our joy we were received very well. From the
very beginning I felt the kind attitude of not only the citizens but
also the officers and soldiers of the defence army of Armenia. And
those on whose part I had expected hostile attitudes surrounded me
with warm treatment. I am glad to meat here Armenian young people not
only from the towns of Armenia but also Nagorni Karabakh. Attitudes
on both parties were so warm and friendly that it seemed there had
been no conflict between us. During these days I was endlessly
surprised at the resemblance of Armenia and Azerbaijan in terms of the
landscape, customs, even dishes. Actually both the nations both fought
and lived side by side. This was obviously felt during the seminar
from the relationships between the Azerbaijanis and the Armenians. The
seminar was beneficial for the youth. Although it bore the name
`Caucasus in Europe’ the important thing was development of
cooperation. All the games organized during the seminar at first sight
seemed childish and senseless. But as soon as you think on the meaning
of these games and exercises, you understand that they are directed at
development of cooperation and supporting relationships. I am happy
that within the framework of the seminar we were given a chance to see
Yerevan which is really a beautiful city. We gladly visited the
ancient fortress of Yerevan, Erebuni. Before visiting here I had met
Armenians in Georgia, then they came to Baku and we had a long time
together but I had never met people from Karabakh. During this first
meeting I became sure that it is possible to talk quietly, to get on
well with them. It should be mentioned that this time too they were
very tolerant. In brief, I am pleased with the meeting. And if there
is any opportunity to take part in any undertaking in Karabakh I will
gladly receive the invitation. I will not be the first Azerbaijani
there because a number of reporters of different Azerbaijani mass
media and representatives of public organizations have visited
Karabakh. As to the role of the youth, I think that young people have
an important role in the settlement of problems. During the seminar I
met young people who have formed as individuals already. I am sure
that in the future they will occupy certain posts in their
countries. And naturally such people may havetheir influence upon the
country’s politics, and why not also of other states. I am sure the
problem will be solved soon, and why not through today’s youth. On the
cooperation between Karabakh and Azerbaijan I will say that presently
it is impossible for the simple reason that the conflict is continuing
still. Although there has been cease-fire for 10 ten years now, the
conflict has not been settled yet. The status of Nagorni Karabakh is
not certain yet, therefore Azerbaijan cannot establish economic,
diplomatic relations with Karabakh. Naturally, after the settlement
of the conflict everything will be settled.And in joint undertakings
(I mean those made through other countries) I think the status of
Karabakh will not obstruct the participation of Karabakh
representatives. And we may cooperate peacefully. If we view the
situation realistically, we should confess that there is normal
cooperation between Azerbaijan and Georgia, Armenia and Georgia but
the cooperation of the three countries is hindered by the unsettled
conflict. Of course, the integration of all the countries of the South
Caucasus would be ideal. In that case we would advance quietly and
integrate in the European Council. I think this is the dream of the
three states. But before that we have to solve all our conflicts.’

ANAHIT DANIELIAN.
22-09-2004

FOOD SECURITY: POSSIBILITIES AND PROSPECTS

Azat Artsakh – Nagorno Karabakh Republic (NKR)
22 Sept 04

Security of food resources is vitally important for any country,
especially for a country with an unsettled conflict. The Republic of
Nagorni Karabakh is able to provide its food security in reference to
such kinds of food as cereals, vegetables, meat, etc. In 2003 the
total area under agricultural produce and grain was 43972.8 hectares,
in which the share of grain was 41147.8 hectares, potato 1348.8
hectares, vegetables 1393.1 hectares, fodder crops 46.5 hectares,
industrial crops 36.7 hectares. The average yield of main agricultural
products per hectare was the following: grain 2.13 tons, potato 9.46
tons, vegetables 8.5 tons. In the recent years there has been a
constant growth in the production of main agricultural products in
NKR. In 2003 87.4 thousand tonsof grain was harvested, against the
60.9 thousand tons in 2002 and 36 thousandtons in 2001. Last year the
yield of potato was 12756 tons, in 2002 12531 and in 2001 12661
tons. If in the republic effective technologies and irrigation system
was used in farming, the average yield per hectare would be 40-50 tons
of wheat thereby the total grain yield in 2003 would be 164-200
thousand tons.The crop yield per capita would be 1 tons of grain which
is a world standard of self-sufficiency in grain. The same refers to
other types of agricultural products. Fore example, in 2003 the
average yield of potato per hectare totaled 9.46 tons. But in case of
using effective technologies this rate would grow up to 40-50 tons,
and from 1384 hectares of area under crop it would be possible to
harvest 53930 tons of potato, or 371 kg per capita, which surpasses
the standard rate of consumption of this product three times. The same
refers to other kinds of vegetables. In 2003 the total area used for
vegetable growing was 1120 hectares, 12.7 thousand tons of vegetables
was harvested, and the average yield per hectare was 8.5 tons. A
person should have 250-300 g of vegetables per day, and the yearly
amount of vegetables to be consumed by a person is 91-109 kg. In 2003
in NKR 87.5 kg of vegetables per capita was produced. Whereas, by
using modern technologies in land farming it would be possible to
increase the average crop yield per hectare to 1.6 tons thereby
producing 17.9 thousand tons of vegetables on 1120 hectares of farming
land, which would mean 123 kg production per capita. Thus, from the
strategic aspect of food security, to achieve self-sufficiency in
agricultural production (provided that the population of NKR is
planned to increase up to 200 thousand) NKR will need to have 41
thousand hectares of arable land with an average crop yield of 5 tons
per hectare or 50 thousand hectares with 4 tons per hectare, 1200
hectares of potato with an average crop yield of 2 tons per hectare,
and 1500 hectares of vegetables with an average yield of 16 tons per
hectare. Therefore, a country with 200 thousand inhabitants needs to
have 53 thousand hectares of farming land to provide food security. At
the beginning of the 1980’s the total area under crop was 72 thousand
hectares in the Autonomous Region of Nagorni Karabakh, and it means
that the necessary area for self-sufficiency will be 73 per cent of
the area under crop in the former self-governing region. The problem
of irrigation is to be viewed in the context of using effective
technologies in increasing the crop yield per hectare. One ton of
grain needs to be irrigated 2-3 times a year each time using 500 cubic
meters of water. One ton of potatoes requires 100 cubic meters of
water, one ton of tomato needs 520-719 cubic meters of water, one ton
of cucumber 120-200 cubic meters of water. In order to grow 200
thousand tons of grain, 30 thousand tons of potato, 22 thousand tons
of vegetables in NKR 320 million cubic meters of water needs to be
used, which is 41 per cent of the volume of the water reservoir of
Sarsang. However, food security is not limited to agricultural produce
only. Meat, milk and dairy products are also an important component of
food security. In this context it is essential to increase the amount
of cattle, pigs, poultry. In 2003 the average amount ofmilk produced
by each cow during the year totaled 1444 kg or 3.9 kg daily which is a
very low rate. In 1975-1987 the average rate was 1750-2500 kg annually
(4.8-6.8 kg daily), and the highest rates were in the town Martakert
(3400-3470 kg yearly or 9.3-9.5 kg daily) and the village Gishi
(3100-3120 kg annually or 8.4-8.5 kg daily). To achieve
self-sufficiency in milk and meat production new kinds of cattle need
to be bred. Suppose a cow daily produces an average of9 kg of milk in
NKR. A person needs in average 1 kg of milk and dairy products
daily. To satisfy the demand of dairy products of the present
population ofNKR (about 150 thousand) it is necessary to breed 17
thousand head of cattle. And with the present rates of average
production of milk (i.e. 4 kg daily) the amount of cattle will need to
be increased up to 38 thousand. A person needs 81 kg of meat yearly,
including beef, pork, mutton and poultry. Satisfying the demand of 150
thousand people will require 20 thousand head of cattle, 60 thousand
pigs, sheep 140 thousand, 1.5 million domestic birds. And all
thisduring a single year only. But the amount of cattle needs to be
restored. According to agricultural standards, 100 cows may produce
100 calves, 100 sheep 120 lambs, 100 pigs 2200 piglets. What is more,
in case of free copulation one bull will be needed for 40-50 cows, one
male sheep for 20-30 female, one male pig for 10 female
pigs. Therefore, for restoring the amount of cattle additional 21
thousand head of cattle will be needed (20 thousand cows, 500-1000
bulls), 180 thousand sheep (170 thousand female and 10 thousand male
sheep) and 3.5 thousand pigs (3 thousand female and 500 male
pigs). All in all, to satisfy the demand of meat and milk of 150
thousand people there will be needed 42-60 thousand head of cattle
(depending on the average production of milk), 320 thousand sheep, 65
thousand pigs, as well as 1.8 million domestic birds (1.5 millionfor
meat and 350 thousand for eggs). By the way, in the years of
confrontation with Azerbaijan before restoring land communication with
Armenia the amount of cattle practically coincided with these days due
to which the population in blockade had a supply of agricultural
production. In 1988 there was 100 thousand head of cattle, 300
thousand sheep and 95 thousand pigs. According to agricultural
estimates, a head of cattle needs 100 liters of water daily, asheep
needs 10, a pig 25 and a domestic bird 1-1.2 liters of water. All in
all 4 million cubic meters of water will be needed yearly (1.5 million
for cows, 1.17 million for sheep, 0.6 million for pigs, and 0.79
million for poultry) which is only 0.6 per cent of the total volume of
the reservoir of Sarsang. To provide the supply of the main
agricultural products for the population 325 million cubic meters of
water or 54.6 per cent of the reservoir of Sarsang will be needed. Of
what was said above can be concluded that the Republic of Nagorni
Karabakh may fully provide the food security of its population in
reference to the main agricultural products. Moreover, our country may
have a significant contribution to the food security of Armenia. In
this context special importance is attributed to water security,
particularly the problem of protection of therivers Tartar, Khachen,
Aghavno, etc. And this aspect is one of the main components of the
settlement of the Karabakh conflict. Therefore, all possible efforts
should be made for the settlement of the conflict which actually means
the secure existence of the Armenian people on their land.

DAVIT BABAYAN.
22-09-2004

Azerbaijan not ready for concessions in Karabakh settlement – Armenian
minister

Mediamax news agency
22 Sep 04

Yerevan, 22 September: After the decision of the Azerbaijani
authorities to bar Armenian officers from coming to Baku to attend
NATO exercises, the Armenian side has serious reasons to doubt the
ability of the Azerbaijani authorities to make compromises in the
Karabakh settlement, Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanyan said in
Yerevan today.

Oskanyan added that by not allowing Armenian officers to come to Baku,
the Azerbaijani authorities actually gave in to the demands of “small
organizations” and such behaviour cannot but worry Yerevan in the
context of the negotiated settlement of the Nagornyy Karabakh
conflict.