SITUATION OF KARABAKH PROBLEM
Azat Artsakh – Nagorno Karabakh Republic (NKR)
27 Nov 04
The leader of the NKR parliament faction of the Armenian Revolutionary
Federation Vahram Balayan addressed Ashot Ghulian with the request
to provide information on the recent developments in the negotiation
process for the Karabakh settlement, and particularly the draft report
of David Atkinson in the PACE and the discussion of the situation of
the occupied Azerbaijani territories at the UN. The foreign minister
pointed out that recently, in fact, there has been certain activity in
reference to the Karabakh problem. However, the discussion has nothing
to do with the negotiation process. It is the right of the OSCE Minsk
Group. Ashot Ghulian characterized the efforts of Azerbaijan to have
the Karabakh problem discussed in international organizations as
attempts to mislead the process of settlement. “Countries related to
neither the OSCE Minsk Group, nor the Karabakh confrontation do not
approve of Azerbaijan’s attempts,” mentioned the minister. Touching
upon the discussions at the UN General Assembly A. Ghulian mentioned
that the discussions which started on November 23 were postponed
to the next day, probably by Azerbaijan’s undertaking, which doubts
whether it will manage to receive the necessary number of votes for
passing the resolution. “If, nevertheless, the resolution is passed,
it will mean that the Azerbaijani propaganda has managed to mislead
the negotiation process. Azerbaijan resorts to a similar policy when
concrete arrangements are concerned,” said Ashot Ghulian. In answer to
the question of member of parliament Levon Hayrian what the attitude
of the foreign minister is towards Karabakh’s not participating in the
negotiation process, the foreign minister mentioned that without the
participation of Karabakh the process of negotiations is meaningless,
and the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmen unambiguously announced about
this. The problem is that today there is no negotiation process,
there are only consultations on negotiations.
AA. 27-11-2004

“SAFETY ON SOUTHERN CAUCASUS” SEMINAR ENDED
[November 27, 2004, 22:25:29]
AzerTag, Azerbaijan State Info Agency
Nov 27 2004
As was informed by AzerTAj, on November 27, the 58th Rose-Roth seminar
conducted by the Parliamentary Assembly of the NATO together with
Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan Republic rounded.
Opening the action, international expert John Roberts informed that
discussed would be the topic “Reforms in the field of defense in the
new independent states”.
At the seminar, making was statement the Minister of Defense of
Azerbaijan Republic Safar Abiyev. He has told that the Azerbaijan
Republic even during war with the aggressor state Armenia, on May 4,
1994, has joined the NATO “Partnership for Peace” Program.
Activity of Azerbaijan within the framework of the “PfP” Program
has created opportunity for expansion of the international
links and cooperation with the states of NATO and Armed Forces of
partner-countries in military-political and military-technical area
on the way of strengthening of defensibility of the Republic.
He has noted that in 1997 the state commission on cooperation of the
Azerbaijan Republic with the NATO has been created. Since that period
in the Armed forces of Azerbaijan and in system of its education,
reforms have begun according to standards of the NATO. First of all,
the educational system of Armed Forces has been reformed according
to modern standards, and purposeful concrete measures directed on
preparation of the officer staff were undertaken.
And in 2004, the Center preparing younger experts for Armed Forces
of Azerbaijan has been created. In this Center, within the framework
of programs of cooperation with the NATO and bilateral cooperation,
it is planned preparation of officer and sergeant staff for Armed
Forces of the Country.
In 2004, Azerbaijan has undertaken 33 more Partner obligations under
the “Planning and Processing Analysis” (PPA) program of NATO and
plans to increase in further their number.
Minister also has emphasized that the structure headed by him prepares
for the Individual program of partnership of the NATO, and according
to the program, officers of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan take
part in the NATO’s 250 exercises, conferences, seminars, courses and
other actions.
Cooperation between the Azerbaijan Republic and the NATO proceeds
also at the level of the leadership of both sides, the Minister
emphasized. The President of the Azerbaijan Republic repeatedly has
visited Headquarters of the NATO, the Secretary General of the NATO,
his assistants, Supreme Commander-In-Chief of forces of the NATO
in Europe, director of group on Coordination of partnership, the
commander of the United Forces of the NATO in southeast Europe and
its other representatives of high rank have visited Azerbaijan and
carried out here useful consultations.
Further, The Minister has dwelt on participation of Azerbaijan’s
Armed Forces in peace-making operations. The peace-making platoon
of the Armed Forces of the Republic since September 1999 carries out
peace-making mission in Kosovo, other platoon since November 2002 –
in Afghanistan, and another unit since August 2003 – in Iraq. Then,
the Minister has told that Azerbaijan carries out bilateral cooperation
with the NATO and partner-countries in military sphere and has signed
various documents with these states.
In conclusion, Minister Safar Abiyev has drawn attention of
participants of the seminar to that military-political conditions in
the Southern-Caucasian region that is very intense and difficult. The
main reason of it consists that Armenia does not refrain of its
aggressive policy. Today, the basic part of Armed Forces of Azerbaijan
continues serving in front conditions. All this impedes more successful
integration of Azerbaijan and its Armed Forces into the NATO and in
structures of security of Europe, the Minister said.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

AzerTag, Azerbaijan State Info Agency
Nov 27 2004
SPEAKER OF MILLI MAJLIS RECEIVES OSCE PA SPECIAL ENVOY
[November 27, 2004, 20:51:21]
Speaker of Azerbaijan Parliament Murtuz Alaskarov on 27 November has
received OSCE Parliamentary Assembly special envoy on the Nagorny
Karabakh conflict Goran Lennmarker, AzerTAj reported.
Chairman of parliament has noted that Azerbaijan waits for much
from activity of OSCE as it is the organization directly engaged
in settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorny Karabakh conflict.
Unfortunately, the conflict is strongly delayed, and specific proposals
on its settlement are not present. We count, that OSCE, its special
representative on the Nagorny Karabakh conflict should act resolutely
in this question.
Murtuz Alaskarov has reminded that the report of the Council of Europe
in connection with the conflict is available, and the Parliamentary
Assembly will start its discussion. In other word, its position is
clear, this authoritative organization confirms the fact of occupation
of the Azerbaijan lands, condemns the aggressor. The conflict was
also focused at the 58th Rose–Rîth seminar of the NATO Parliamentary
Assembly. The question on situation in Nagorny Karabakh is included in
the agenda of session of General Assembly of the United Nations. Delay
of problem results in serious consequences. It is found out that on
the occupied Azerbaijan lands the Armenians moved from other places
are settled.
Chairman of Parliament has once again reminded position of the
Azerbaijan side in connection with the conflict, has expressed
confidence that the envoy’s report would be objective and prepared
in view of norms of international law.
Mr. Goran Lennmarker has emphasized that he also shares the stated
opinion on the prompt solution of the question in the peace way on the
basis of norms of international law. People want to return to their
native lands, and therefore, the role of the OSCE Minsk Group should
become more concrete. The special representative also has suggested
establishing dialogue between parliaments of two countries.
–Boundary_(ID_l1NBv6clnc+Uvh91fijgbA)–

AzerTag, Azerbaijan State Info Agency
Nov 27 2004
POTENTIAL OF AZERBAIJAN HIGH ENOUGH TO BECOME LEADER IN REGION
[November 27, 2004, 21:22:07]
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Elmar Mammadyarov has met
the delegation headed by the special representative of chairman of
Parliamentary Assembly of OSCE on the Nagorny Karabakh conflict Mr.
Goran Lennmark, November 27.
Minister Elmar Mammadyarov highly has estimated at the meeting the
attention rendered by representatives of the European countries and
the international organizations to the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorny
Karabakh conflict. Having noted that Azerbaijan supports peace
settlement of the conflict and carries out certain work in this
direction, the Minister has added that attempts to change border by
force at the present stage is impossible.
Having emphasized that the policy illegally carried out recently by
Armenia directed on resettlement of the population in the occupied
territories of Azerbaijan, represents threat to process of peace
talks, the Minister has underlined importance of demonstration by the
international public of position of principle for the termination of
this illegal activity. Having noted that the independent policy
pursued by Azerbaijan which regained the sovereignty in 1991, during
more, than 13 years, is directed on strengthening in the country of
democracy, norms of international law, the western and European
values, Elmar Mammadyarov has emphasized that Azerbaijan tries to
define the activity in the field of internal and foreign policy in
the form corresponding to these values.
Especially having emphasized that the Republic gives great value to
question of integration into the European and Euro-Atlantic
structures, the Minister has noted adherence of Azerbaijan to the
“New Neighborhood Policy” of the European Union and to the “Plan of
activity of individual cooperation” of the NATO, having expressed
confidence that cooperation in the given direction would create
conditions for the further expansion and deepening of relations.
Having expressed his attitude to the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorny
Karabakh conflict, Mr. Goran Lennmarker has emphasized impossibility
of existence in XXI century in Europe the occupied lands, having
expressed hope for settlement of the problem by negotiations. Having
stated that quick resolution to conflict will benefit not only to
Azerbaijan, but also all region, the visitor has especially
emphasized that in case of the statement of stability on the Southern
Caucasus, favorable opportunities for regional development will open.
Having noted expansion of the European Union on the southeast, Goran
Lennmarker has told: “One of the major forthcoming tasks consists in
that Southern Caucasus became further a part of Europe. Highly having
estimated potential of Azerbaijan possessing advantage among the
countries of Southern Caucasus on the population and economic
development to become the leader in region, the visitor has called
the Republic for closer cooperation with the countries of the
European Union.
At the meeting, the sides had comprehensive exchange of views on
other questions representing mutual interest.

20 MEMBERS OF JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES TO HAVE ALTERNATIVE MILITARY SERVICE
ArmenPress
Nov 26 2004
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 26, ARMENPRESS: Armenian Labor and Social Affairs
Ministry has confirmed that 20 members of Jehovah’s Witnesses who
refused obligatory military service in the armed forces, choosing
instead alternative service, will get down to what is termed as
“labor service” beginning from December 10.
The ministry said they will serve as attendants at two old people
houses in Martuni and Yerevan. The ministry said they will wear special
uniform of blue color with a special stripe. It said also all other
members of the sect who were sentenced to prison terms for refusing
the military service will have to have alternative military service.

YEREVAN MUNICIPALITY MOVES TO NEW BUILDING
ArmenPress
Nov 26 2004
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 26, ARMENPRESS: Armenian president Robert Kocharian
praised today the companies that have built the new building of the
Yerevan municipality, saying after a stroll that he was satisfied
with both the quality of the work and the speed with which it was
accomplished.
Speaking to reporters, Kocharian said the municipality staff should
work now more effectively to tackle the citizens’ problems without
red tape and delays. “The idea of one window should be implemented
in the municipality that has to ensure uninterrupted function of
all city services,” the president said, adding that complains that
the municipality does not have good conditions for work will be
unjustified.
The construction of the building was started yet in 1980 but was
suspended after 1991 and resumed only in 2003. The new municipality
building will also house the Yerevan History Museum.
The new five-storey building has a total of 13,500 square meters of
space. It cost is 3.1 billion drams.
From: Baghdasarian

CENTRAL BANK TO INTRODUCE NEW 10 DRAM COINS
ArmenPress
Nov 26 2004
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 26, ARMENPRESS: The Central Bank of Armenia will put
into circulation new coins with a face value of 10 drams beginning
from December 1, 2004. It said old coins issued in 1994 will remain
as legal tender.
A Central Bank official said new coins were issued to finalize
the process of introducing new coins. He said the old coins differ
considerably in their size from the recently issued coins.
The new coins were minted in Poland. The old coins will be taken out
of circulation gradually.
The Central bank will issue in 2005 gold memorial coins dedicated to
100-th anniversary of Arshile Gorky, an American-Armenian artist and
to 125-th anniversary of Martiros Saryan, a prominent Armenian painter
and also silver memorial coins dedicated to 1,400-th anniversary of
a mediaeval Armenian geographer Ananaia Shirakatsi.
The Bank also said the first 100 and 200 dram fake coins were revealed,
which, however, are made crudely and can be identified with an
unarmed eye.

US EMBASSY IN YEREVAN DENIES RUMORS ABOUT DECREASED VISA FEES
ArmenPress
Nov 26 2004
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 26, ARMENPRESS: The US embassy in Yerevan denied
today rumors about plans to change application fees. The US Consul
Mary Stickles said the Consulate will continue to charge $100 for
each visa application, adding there are no plans for an increase.
The Consulate said in fact, visa fees have been lowered for some
visa types. The fee for multiple-entry visa to visit the US has been
lowered to $50 US, effective immediately, a drastic decrease from
the $300 US previously charged.
It said the US visa fees are set to correspond to what the citizens of
the United States are charged in order to visit Armenia. In addition
to maximum validity period for multiple-entry visas has been extended
to twelve months from the previous six-month limit.
Single-entry visas will continue to require no additional fees beyond
the application charge, and will remain valid for three months.
The application fee, which is separate from the cost of the visa,
is used to recover some of the administrative costs associated with
new visa security requirements and new fraud prevention efforts.
“The embassy has not made the visa process more expensive to the
applicant. In fact, for many travelers, we have reduced the cost and
lengthened the validity of their visas,” US Consul Mary Sticklers said.

CONSTRUCTION OF ARMENIAN STRIP OF ARMENIA-IRAN GAS-MAIN TO BEGIN SOON
RIA Novosti, Russia
Nov 26 2004
YEREVAN, November 26 (RIA Novosti’S Hamlet Matevosyan) -The ceremony
of launching the construction of the Armenian strip Megri-Kadjaran
of the Iran-Armenia gas-main will take place on November 30, reports
the Iranian embassy in Moscow.
“The construction of the 42kilometere-long strip of the gas-main 700
millimetres in diametre will begin in Armenia from the Megri-Kadjaran
strip,” said Levon Vardanyan of the Armenian Energy Industry
Ministry. Finances for the construction of the said strip will be
provided by Iran in accordance with the available agreements while
the remaining strip to Ararat and Yerevan will be built later.
The agreement signed by Armenia and Iran on May 13, 2004, provides
for the construction of an Iran-Armenia gas-main whereby Armenia
will receive 36 billion cubic metres of Iranian gas over a period
of 20 years, with 1.1 billion cubic metres a year, in exchange for
electricity.
The gas-main project with a length of 141 kilometres (41 kilometres
across the territory of Armenia and 100 kilometres across the
territory of Iran) is planned to be completed at the end of 2006.
Early estimates indicate that the Armenian side will invest about
$90 million while Iran’s share will be some $120 million.
The gas-main running from Teheran to Yerevan across the Megri strip of
the border between the two states will also enable transit deliveries
of Turkmen gas to Armenia via Iran.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

El Correo Gallego
Sábado 27 de noviembre de 2004
Sólo Bielorrusia y las repúblicas de Asia Central siguen fieles a Moscú
Radiografía del ‘Telón de Acero’ en el siglo XXI
Las viejas formas soviéticas perduran también en Moldavia, Azerbaiyán
y Armenia, que viven una gran inestabilidad
Madrid. Fax Press, M.V.
Tras la caída del Muro de Berlín, todos los países ex comunistas
sufrieron las lacras de la desintegración del bloque comunista:
crisis económica, falta de instituciones democráticas, corrupción y
el auge del crimen organizado. Algunos países avanzaron más
rápidamente que otros en su transición hacia la economía capitalista
y la democracia pero dos objetivos se convirtieron en prioridad para
la mayoría: la OTAN, primero, y la UE, después. Los fieles a Rusia,
que tiene conflictos abiertos en cuatro de sus repúblicas (Chechenia,
Daguestán, Osetia del Norte, Ingusetia) son cada vez menos y ahora se
limitan a Bielorrusia y las repúblicas de Asia Central, aunque alguna
de estas no escatima en favores a EEUU. Las viejas formas soviéticas
perduran también en Moldavia, Azerbaiyán y Armenia, que viven una
gran inestabilidad
POLONIA, CHEQUIA, ESLOVAQUIA, HUNGRIA: La transición fue dura y
conllevó grandes esfuerzos económicos que se dejaron sentir en la
población pero han sido algunos de los países que más rápido han
avanzado. Entraron en la UE el 1 de mayo de 2004, con la gran
ampliación al Este y sus gobiernos son de los que dieron un apoyo
mayor a EEUU en la guerra de Irak con el principal objetivo, al
margen de los ideológicos, de satisfacer a un benefactor que querían
tener contento.
RUMANIA, BULGARIA: Aspirantes a integrarse en la UE en 2007 debido a
que su transición económica y política ha sido más lenta se
convirtieron en miembros de la Alianza Atlántica este año.
PAISES EX YUGOSLAVOS: Tras las guerras que desangraron la antigua
república, solo un país, Eslovenia, ha conseguido entrar en la UE en
la gran ampliación de 2004. La inestabilidad continúa en algunas
zonas de los Balcanes pero la apuesta por occidente parece clara en
todos los países excepto en Serbia, donde el ultranacionalismo está
en auge cuatro años después de la revolución de derrocó a Slobodan
Milosevic y que abrió el periodo de transición. Además, sigue sin
cerrarse definitivamente el conflicto de Kosovo y la inestabilidad
perdura en Albania. Croacia es el país que está más cerca de iniciar
negociaciones de adhesión a la UE.
BIELORRUSIA Y MOLDAVIA: Son los países europeos que continúan en la
órbita de Moscú. El primero, con Alexander Lukashenko en el poder, es
uno de los ejemplos más claros de autoritarismo post- soviético,
donde los males dictatoriales continúan y la democracia ni se atisba.
Es uno de los fieles de Moscú y su aliado más solido. Moldavia es un
país pequeño, el más pobre de Europa y el de mayor índice de tráfico
de personas y de contrabando de órganos. Gobiernan los comunistas al
estilo soviético y los grupos de la oposición han hablado incluso de
limpieza étnica de los moldavos. Vive un constante conflicto político
y social.
LITUANIA, LETONIA, ESTONIA: Son las primeras ex repúblicas soviéticas
que se adhieren a la UE, lo que junto con su incorporación a la OTAN
fue un batacazo para Moscú quien exigió ciertas limitaciones
militares para salvaguardar sus fronteras y que no hubiera bases
aliadas tan cerca de su territorio. La transición económica ha sido
bastante exitosa pero continúa la inestabilidad política.
GEORGIA, ARMENIA, AZERBAIYAN: Creyeron que la independencia de Rusia
sería la solución a todos los problemas, pero no. Las últimas
elecciones en Azerbaiyán y Armenia han sido notablemente fraudulentas
y las protestas de democratización y apertura se han reprimido. En
Georgia, un poco más afortunada, la revolución que echó a Eduard
Shevardnadze hace un año suscita ciertas esperanzas de que la
transición haya comenzado. Los intereses estadounidenses en esta zona
petrolífera son extraordinarios.
KIRGUIZISTAN, UZBEKISTAN, KAZAJISTAN, TURKMENISTAN, TAYIKISTAN: Las
repúblicas ex soviéticas de Asia central se mantienen fieles a Moscú
aunque algunas se hayan querido ganar el favor de Washington
(Kirguizistán tiene una base aérea estadounidense y Kazajistán apoyó
a EEUU en Irak). Los grandes males son la falta de libertades
democráticas, la inestabilidad, y en auge de grupos islamistas
radicales en Tayikistán.
–Boundary_(ID_DJ+pS9md0IGElJhRSlqpLg)–