CENN – SEPTEMBER 29, 2004 DAILY DIGEST
Table of Contents:
1. EBRD Issues New Strategy for Georgia (27 September 2004)
2. NGOs Sign Ethics Code
3. Gazprom’s Involvement in Iran-Armenia Pipeline to be Discussed
4. Armenia to Consume 20% of Electricity Generated from Iranian Gas
5. RA Ambassador to US and Rector of University of Connecticut Discuss
Perspectives of Cooperation in the Sphere of Education
6. Complex Exercises Launched at NPP in Beloyarsk
7. Russian Gazprom to Participate in Iran-Armenia Gas Pipeline Project
8. Hunting and Fishing Tourism Planned to Develop
9. Ecologist Ferdinand Grigoryan to Take Home Know-How for Vanadzor
Nursery
10. Ecology and Economy in Harmony
11. Vacancy Announcement — Environmental Education Coordinator
12. Vacancy Announcement — Housing and Administration Assistant
13. Vacancy Announcement — Operations Technician
14. Vacancy Announcement — Fire & Safety Technician
1. EBRD ISSUES NEW STRATEGY FOR GEORGIA (27 SEPTEMBER 2004)
Georgia, among the poorest countries of the EBRD’s 27 countries of
operations, has achieved notable progress since the elections of a new
president and government earlier this year, the Bank says in its new
strategy for the country.
The new authorities have addressed key problem areas, namely those
affecting Georgia’s investment climate, such as organized crime and
corruption, governance and structural issues in vital sectors such as
energy and the weak external position with high foreign debt. The
government’s commitment, willingness and ability to reform are crucial
to meet the significant challenges the country faces.
Georgia forms part of the EBRD’s “Early Transition Countries” (ETC)
initiative launched this year to stimulate market activity in the Bank’s
poorest countries of operations. The initiative aims to stimulate market
activity by using a streamlined approach to financing more and smaller
projects, mobilizing more investment, and encouraging economic reform.
The initiative is part of an international effort to address poverty in
these members of the Commonwealth of Independent States (the former
Soviet Union). The Bank will accept higher risk in the projects it
finances in the ETCs, while still respecting the principles of sound
banking.
The EBRD has defined the following priorities in its new strategy for
Georgia:
In infrastructure the focus will be on power and energy, regional
transport, water utilities and telecommunications. New investments would
be considered mainly on a non-sovereign basis – meaning without a
guarantee from the national government – and only if accompanied by
appropriate regulatory and institutional reforms.
The Bank will expand funding of local enterprises, including micro,
small and medium-sized enterprises and larger private enterprises,
directly and through local banks.
In the financial sector, the EBRD will support existing and new partner
banks using the full range of debt instruments and will seek suitable
equity investments.
The Bank will intensify its policy dialogue with the authorities in an
effort to improve the investment climate for local and foreign
investors.
As of mid-2004, the EBRD has signed 35 investment projects in Georgia in
the energy, transport, agribusiness, general industry and banking
sectors worth more than ˆ240 million.
Press contact:
Axel Reiserer
Tel: +44 20 7338 775
E-mail: [email protected]
2. NGOS SIGN ETHICS CODE
Source: Messenger, September 28, 2004
A group of 40 Georgian NGOs signed a new professional code of ethics on
Sunday in the Sheraton Metechi Palace, giving themselves five silver
principles to follow for greater success.
As the chair of the Civil Development Center “Alternative” the NGO who
coordinated the work on the code, Irina Tsintdadze told the Messenger,
work on the code started in 2003.
A special group consisting of eight NGO representatives elaborated the
final draft, including current members of the government MP Giga Bokeria
, Minister of Education Kakha Lomaia and new Head of Poti Port Temur
Miminoshvili, all of whom led NGO prior to their governmental posts.
The project stemmed form the work of the Citizens Advocate Program
(CAP), a USAID funded project whose stated goal is to improve the
capacity of civil society organizations and help them “promote citizens”
interests and effectively advocate their cause”.
The NGOs who signed the code on Sunday and who will sign the code later
on will be monitored. In May, CAP will select award-winning NGOs based
on the criteria of the code.
The NGOs who signed the code now have “five silver principles” which
they must follow in their work. The principles call for NGOs to
publicize annual reports on their work. They also must regularly
organize financial audits. Information about the NGOs, its members and
financing must be open for public, and their activities must be
transparent as well as NGOs must have “a clear policy on the finances
and staff.”
Tsintsadze claims the code must not only call for punishment in case an
NGO does not follow the principles; she says there must also be awards
for outstanding NGOs as positive reinforcement.
Tsintsadze says that the Sunday presentation is far from the end of the
work, “It work has not ended with Sunday signing.” She adds that as the
code comes into force, the NGO will continue to analyze the sector, in
particular making a survey of NGO clients.
Georgia is the third post soviet country after Estonia and Armenia to
have such an ethic code for NGOs. MP Levan Berdzenishvili, who
participated in establishing the Estonian code, provided consultations
for those creating the Georgian ethnical code as well.
“We are creating standards for NGOs so that people can evaluate our
job,” Tsintsadze told The Messenger. She says the NGOs who signed the
code will create “a network” and exchange information.
The goal of the code is to increase the responsibility of the NGOs
towards society, to make their financial activity more transparent and
to perfect the norms of management of NGOs.
Tsintsadze adds six more NGOs expressed their intention to sign the
code. She says the presentation of the code will be held in the regions
in order “to make the regional NGOs interested in signing code” as well.
3. GAZPROM’S INVOLVEMENT IN IRAN-ARMENIA PIPELINE TO BE DISCUSSED
Source: Interfax, September 27, 2004
The Russian-Armenian inter parliamentary commission on economic
cooperation is planning to discuss the involvement of Russia’s Gazprom
in the construction of the gas pipeline connecting Iran and Armenia in
mid-October, a source in the Armenian government told Interfax. Gazprom
intends to offer its cooperation on the construction of the 41 km long
Armenian section of the pipeline connecting the town of Megri (located
on the Iranian border) to the town of Kadzharan (320 km southeast of
Yerevan) and also on the reconstruction of the pipeline connecting
Kadzharan and Yerevan (which has a pipe diameter of 500 to 700 mm).
The cost of building the Armenian section of the pipeline exceeds the
$30 million loan provided for this purpose by the Export Development
Bank of Iran, which increases Gazprom’s chances of participating in the
project
4. ARMENIA TO CONSUME 20% OF ELECTRICITY GENERATED FROM IRANIAN GAS
Source: Interfax, September 27, 2004
Armenia plans to consume up to 20% of the electricity it generates from
Iranian gas, Armen Movsesian, the Armenian energy minister, told
reporters.
Armenian officials earlier said Armenia would export all the electricity
it generates with Iranian gas to Iran and, possibly, to Georgia.
The Energy Ministry said it would export 3 kilowatt-hours of electricity
to Iran for 1 cubic meters of gas received from Iran.
Armenia and Iran have signed a $30-million credit agreement to finance
the construction of the Armenian section of the Iran-Armenia gas
pipeline. The pipeline is 141 km long, inducing 41 km in Armenia and 100
km in Iran. The total cost of the project is estimated at $210-$220
million. The pipeline is expected to be launched before January 1, 2007.
Gas should start to arrive in Armenia from January 2007 and will be used
at Armenian thermal power plants to produce electricity for export to
Iran. Iran will supply 36 billion cubic meters of natural gas to Armenia
over 20 years according to the document.
5. RA AMBASSADOR TO US AND RECTOR OF UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT DISCUSS
PERSPECTIVES OF COOPERATION IN THE SPHERE OF EDUCATION
Source: ARKA, September 27, 2004
Ambassador to US Arman Kirakosian and Rector of University of
Connecticut discussed perspectives of cooperation in the sphere of
education, RA MFA told ARKA. Kirakosian stated on his assistance to the
project of implementation of program of Armenian Studies in the
University of Connecticut. He noted the important role of this project
not only for traditional Armenian studies, but also in strengthening of
cooperation of Armenian and American experts and scientists from this
field. Kirakosian also read a lecture called “Present Condition and
Perspectives of Armenian-American Relations”.
At present administration of University of Connecticut discusses issues
on creation of regular chair of Armenian Studies. University created
special committee, one of which goals is to involve science potential of
Yerevan State University in given process.
6. COMPLEX EXERCISES LAUNCHED AT NPP IN BELOYARSK
Source: ITAR-TASS News Agency, September 28, 2004
Rosenergoatom Concern, that operates numerous nuclear power utilities
across Russia, launched complex exercises at the Beloyarsk nuclear power
plant near Yekaterinburg at 8.00 Moscow time on Tuesday. Over 500 people
take part in the two-day exercises.
Observers from the United States, France, China, Ukraine and Armenia
will monitor the exercises. The top managers and personnel of the
Beloyarsk NPP, specialists from the Rosenergoatom crisis management
centre and experts of the group for assistance to NPPs in emergencies,
as well as means and forces of the Ministry for Emergency Situations and
the Russian Defense Ministry take part in them.
The objective of the exercises is to improve operational interaction and
information exchanges in the course of clean-up operations after
possible emergencies at nuclear power plants and to test special
hardware and means of communication.
One reactor of the BN-600 series is now operational at the Beloyarsk
nuclear power plant. It is the world’s most powerful fast-neutron
reactor. Rosenergoatom specialists plan to use the spent nuclear fuel
imported into Russia in the fast breeders of the BN-600 type. The design
service life of Power Generating Unit 3 at the Beloyarsk NPP is 30
years, and it runs out in 2010.
The Beloyarsk nuclear power plant is now building its fourth power-
generating unit that will use a BN-800 breeder with s capacity of 800
megawatt. It will be commissioned in 2009.
7. RUSSIAN GAZPROM TO PARTICIPATE IN IRAN-ARMENIA GAS PIPELINE PROJECT
Source: IRNA, Iran, September 27, 2004
Inter-parliamentary commission of Russia- Armenia in economic
cooperation is to consider next month the participation of Gazprom firm
in construction of the gas pipeline between Iran and Armenia.
An informed source in Armenian government told Interfax News Agency on
Monday that the Russian Gazprom Company intends to offer its cooperation
for construction of 41 kilometers of the pipeline in the Armenian
territory.
According to the aforementioned source the expenditure of construction
is around 30 million dollars that will be financed by a loan from
Iranian Bank of `Export promotion `.
Interfax News Agency said Iran and Armenia signed an agreement on May
2004 to establish a consortium to provide gas for Armenia. According to
the agreement Iran will provide 36 billion cubic meters of gas for
Armenia in 20 years period. Meanwhile, it is possible that the
agreement be renewed for another 5 years and the amount of gas be
increased to 47 billion cubic meters.
The construction work in Iran side started in mid-July and in Armenia
side will start by the end of October.
8. HUNTING AND FISHING TOURISM PLANNED TO DEVELOP
Source: ArmenPress, September 28, 2004
Conditions for hunting of moufflons and wild goats are created in Vayots
Dzor that is possible due to increased reproduction rates, Natural
Resources Management Agency head Artashes Ziroyan told Armenpress. “We
should think about providing for reproduction and sale of international
demanded species,” he said, adding that in case of a desired level of
reproduction is secured, hunting of bears, especially of old males, may
also be organized.
According to A. Ziroyan, the initiative aims to create preconditions for
development of hunting tourism in Armenia, supported by an Italian
company. In his words, hunting tourism is becoming a matter of
discussion for the Armenian government.
“There are some animals in Red Book which may be put under limited
hunting in case their reproduction is properly secured. The money
collected from hunting will be re-directed back to their reproduction
and natural protection,” the agency head said, saying that the price of
one moufflon ranges from $4-6,000 in international market.
The ecotourism development project envisages also conditions for funs of
fishery who would like to travel to Armenia.
9. ECOLOGIST FERDINAND GRIGORYAN TO TAKE HOME KNOW-HOW FOR VANADZOR
NURSERY
Source: Armenian Mirror-Spectator, September 25, 2004
WATERTOWN, MA–Massachusetts’ forests, farms, nurseries and arboretums
have proved a fertile research laboratory for Armenian ecologist
Ferdinand Grigoryan, who is in the US for seven weeks, to learn and
collect information for Tsiatsan (Rainbow), the environmental NGO which
he founded in 1997.
Now working in partnership with the Armenia Tree Project (ATP),
Grigoryan has visited Levon Kachadoorian’s Everlast Nursery in
Leicester, Concord’s Walden Pond, Harvard’s Arnold Arboretum, Mahoney’s
Rocky Ledge Nursery in Winchester, various supply stores and talked to a
local Armenian-American farmer, Krikor Soujian, about his corn crop.
Each visit has been an opportunity to study planting and cultivation
techniques, or to learn about how small retail nurseries work.
What he has absorbed he will take back to Armenia where Tsiatsan’s main
project will be to develop a 15-acre reforestation nursery in Vanadzor,
in the Lori district, which by 2006, is hoped to have the capacity to
produce one million trees a year. The goal is to plant trees that are
indigenous to Armenia such as maple, oak, linden, walnut and beech.
“Mainly, I am learning about how people care for the environment here,”
said Grigoryan in an interview at ATP’s headquarters. “The idea of
protecting the environment is still new in Armenia. There is a lot that
needs to be grasped, not just about protecting the environment, but new
growth techniques that can be applied in agriculture.”
Grigoryan will be taking seeds home for testing as well as books and
some specific implements such as sprinkler heads, which will be used in
the irrigation system at Vanadzor. But, it is education that will ensure
the long-term success of environmental and reforestation projects, he
said.
“Trees were being cut down at a great rate in the early ’90s, due to the
energy crisis. But people have learned that deforestation leads to
degradation of the soil and to erosion. We now have a program in the
Lori schools about environmental protection. We want to educate the
students to become stewards of the land,” he said.
To reach people who live in rural areas outside of Yerevan, Grigoryan
plans to produce a series of television programs on the environment to
air twice a month on community stations free of charge.
“We especially need to train people who are dependent on the land. If
they cut down a tree, we are teaching them to plant a tree to replace
it,” said Grigoryan. “In this way, we can change people’s psychology.
Someone who has planted a tree is much less likely to cut it down.”
There are signs that Armenia is beginning to pay more attention to its
environment, said Grigoryan. “Some legislation has been passed, and the
Armenia Forestry Agency has been transferred from the Ministry of
Environmental Protection to the Ministry of Agriculture. All of these
ministries have a limited budget. But, as an NGO, Tsiatsan can have
access to the top professionals in Armenia, in topography and many other
fields.”
Also, Yerevan State University and more importantly, community colleges
are beginning to teach courses on ecology and protection of the
environment. And the Armenian Volunteer Corps (AVC) is encouraging their
members to help with environmental education in the schools.
He added, “The Armenia Tree Project has done a tremendous job in
Armenia. They are a great partner for us. There is no organization like
it.”
Grigoryan said he had a special appreciation for what has been
accomplished at Walden Pond. “I wanted to learn how natural forests are
being protected,” he said. “There is no cutting of trees there and when
erosion occurs, the problem is addressed immediately. I admire the way
the area has been conserved, and there is a relationship there between
the animals and people that I haven’t seen before.”
While he was here, Grigoryan visited St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary
School and invited the students to come to Armenia, meet students there
and work on the Vanadzor planting project.
Beyond planting trees, Grigoryan said, care and maintenance are
extremely important. He cited a recent case of the fir trees planted at
Echmiadzin in honor of all previous catholicoses. The trees died soon
after as a result of neglect.
“The NGO involved in the planting should have been responsible for the
maintenance. The trees were not watered properly. Yes, people should
have been educated to take care of them, but there should be
accountability,” he said.
Grigoryan concluded, “Each tree I plant is for the future and for future
generations. And each generation can do this. It’s very important. This
is the most important work of my life.”
10. 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 that 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:
o Deliver practical, long-term benefits
o Have potential for dual benefit for climate change and biodiversity
o Include sustainability initiatives
o Have identified ways of measuring performance and success
o Be based on sound science
o 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 completion.
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 Communication Team
(38, Saburtalo str., Tbilisi, Georgia/177) Tel: 995 32 59 34 00
For additional information you are welcome to attend a meeting on 4
October 2004 to be held in Courtyard Marriott Hotel at 11:00 am.
11. VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT — ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION COORDINATOR
Duty Station: Akhaltsikhe
Employer: CARE International in the Caucasus
Position title: Environmental Education Coordinator (EEC)
Project: Improved Schools Project (ISP)
Job Summary:
BTC funded Environmental Education Program (EEP) of Improved Schools
Project (ISP) aims to contribute to the conservation of natural
resources in Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park and its support zone
through influencing attitudes, values and patterns of behavior towards
environment amongst school children participating in the program.
Under the direct supervision of ISP Project Manager, the EEC will be
coordinating the process of developing and implementation of teachers
training in Active Learning Methodology and environment conservation
issues. S/he will oversee the creation of Nature Clubs and its
functioning on regular bases. EEC will coordinate the process of
development and competitive selection of environment conservation
micro-projects. S/he supervises two Environmental Education Officers.
The EEC is responsible for coordinating the monitoring and evaluation of
program activities.
The position requires that the Educational Coordinator work in close
coordination with experts, project consultants and relevant governmental
and non-governmental organizations.
Qualifications, Skills and Experiences:
Required:
o Degree in Environmental or Natural Sciences or Natural Resources
Management;
o Good writing and public speaking skills;
o Demonstrated ability to work comfortably and effectively in a
professional, organized manner;
o Demonstrated ability to collaborate with school administrators and
staff;
o Good understanding of the environmental problems in Georgia;
o Demonstrated experience in coordinating / organizing larger scale
learning events;
o Good command of English and Georgian languages (both speaking and
writing);
o Demonstrated competencies in working with others to achieve results:
coaching, contributing to team success, delegating responsibility,
developing teams;
o Demonstrated experience in monitoring and evaluation;
o Excellent communication skills;
o Computer skills including ability to use MS Word, Excel and email;
o Ability to extensively travel throughout the target area.
Desired:
o Demonstrated experience of working for internationally funded
environmental projects;
o Ability to work with diverse people in diverse locales;
o Ability to motivate and interest youth in exploring the natural world;
o Organization, flexibility and ability to work independently.
To apply, please submit a cover letter and Curriculum Vitae (English
version) to one of the following addresses:
CARE-Georgia HQ
74a Chavchavadze Ave., / 11 Mosashvili St., Tbilisi
or
CARE CIP-West field office
26 Aspindze St., Akhaltsikhe
The applications could be also submitted electronically to:
[email protected]
The deadline for submission of applications is: 8 October 2004, 17:00.
Please include position title in the subject line.
CARE is committed to employment equity and strongly encourages women to
apply.
12. VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT — HOUSING AND ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANT
For the purpose of BP in Georgia and under the BP management
supervision, Ira Ltd. is seeking to recruit a suitable qualified
individual for the position of Housing and Administration Assistant.
Housing and Administration Assistant will be a third party contractor
working under BP management supervision.
Roles & Responsibilities:
Roles & Responsibilities will include but not be limited to:
o Wok as a member of a team responsible for routine and non-routine
maintenance of the electrical, mechanical and administration of BP’s
offices, apartments and warehouse facilities;
o Supervise maintenance and construction contractors working on behalf
of BP;
o Receive instructions, carry out activities in an unsupervised
environment and report results each day;
o Track all incoming requests from internal customers and follow up the
status of each section to supervisor on a daily basis;
o Insure BP’s health and safety policy is applied to each job and that
all contractors perform to appropriate health and safety standards;
o Insure BP’s health and safety facilities are maintained in the office,
apartments and warehouse facilities;
o Maintain accurate records, produce reports and keep filing systems for
all activities;
o Safely drive a vehicle to work sites and follow all BP driver and
vehicle safety procedures.
o Document all work and maintain communication with clients/customers on
the BP computer network
Experience & Education:
The incumbent will have:
o Strong administrative background
o The ability to supervise contractors while maintaining BP rules,
processes and producers
o Previous experience in mechanical, electrical and construction
activities
o University degree – preferred
o Fluent English & Russian skills
o 5 years of experience in related activities
o Preference will be given to candidates wit office and housing
administration experience
o PC proficiency in all Microsoft Office applications
Georgian citizenship is required.
How to apply / Additional information
If you feel you have required sills and experience to fulfill this role
please submit a copy of your CV and fill in the relevant application
form available at the address below.
The closing date for receipt of applications is Monday 11 October 2004
6:00 pm. All applications received will be acknowledged but this is no
way implies that candidates will be interviewed and /or offered
employment.
HR Department
BP Georgia 38 Saburatlo str., Tbilisi, Georgia
13. VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT — OPERATIONS TECHNICIAN
BP Exploration (Caspian Sea) Ltd. Georgia is seeking to recruit a
suitable individual for the position of Operations Technicians for
Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) Pipeline Operations.
Roles & Responsibilities:
Selected individuals will be formally trained before Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan
Pipeline is fully operational and following the induction program will
be working in a team involved in integrated BTC pipeline operations and
maintenance, to ensure efficient operation and mechanical integrity of
BTC facilities.
General Roles and Responsibilities include but are not be limited to the
following:
o Demonstrate understanding of Operations activities from previous
employment or training
o Demonstration of understanding of operational maintenance procedures
o Following necessary pipeline maintenance processes, procedures and
commitments
o Following Company policies, commitments and management systems
o Demonstration of high commitment towards Health, Safety & Environment
o Safe and effective control of site
o Permit to work system and all site safety registers
o Assure that procedures in areas of HSE and Production are followed.
o Proactive approach to problem solving and willingness to take
responsible decisions
o Must be willing to work at remote location
o Requirement to have good communication skills to interface with all
personnel on site and Pipeline Operations team
o Requirement to have good team working sense
o Demonstrate understanding of various equipment specification
o To take active role in Pipeline / Facility integrity management
o Demonstrate ability of work planning and time management
Experience & Education:
The incumbent will have:
o Relevant University degree in technical field (engineering)
o Sufficient experience in working in industrial entities e.g.
electrical, instrumental, mechanical, production
o English skills both oral and written and willingness to develop
further
o Driving skills (at least “B” category)
How to apply / Additional information
If you feel you have required sills and experience to fulfill this role
please submit a copy of your CV and fill in the relevant application
form available at the address below.
The closing date for receipt of applications is Monday 11 October 2004
6:00 pm. Georgian citizenship is required.
All applications received will be acknowledged but this is no way
implies that candidates will be interviewed and /or offered employment.
HR Department
BP Georgia 38 Saburatlo str., Tbilisi, Georgia
14. VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT — FIRE & SAFETY TECHNICIAN
BP Exploration (Caspian Sea) Ltd. Georgia is seeking to recruit a
suitable individual for the position of Fire & Safety Technician at
Supsa Terminal.
Roles & Responsibilities:
The Fire & Safety Technician is responsible for ensuring that all safety
equipment is fully functional and available for immediate use and that
the planned inspection and maintenance of this equipment is undertaken
in good time. In addition, the post holder is responsible for providing
safety related training for Supsa Terminal personnel, including permit
to work, gas-testing, fire fighting techniques and equipment.
Roles & Responsibilities:
Specific responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:
o Demonstrated commitments to health, safety and the environment;
o Active participation in ASA and STOP Programs;
o Ensuring through audit, inspection and maintenance that all fire
fighting equipment, breathing apparatus and other safety equipment are
maintained are ready for immediate use;
o Preparation of emergency exercises;
o Assist with preparation of site Emergency Response Plans;
o Provision of support to induction and safety training courses for
Supsa Terminal personnel and contractors;
o Involvement in the Accident/Near Miss Investigation process;
o Provide support to HSE Tbilisi team and pipeline operations as
required.
Experience & Education:
The incumbent will have:
o University degree preferable in a HSE field or oil related discipline;
o Experienced in inspection and maintenance of oil related safety
equipment
o Fluent Georgian, English & Russian skills;
o 3 years in a safety environment and preferably in an oil related
industry;
o PC proficiency preferred;
o Successful candidates should preferably by based in the local area.
How to apply / Additional information
If you feel you have required sills and experience to fulfill this role
please submit a copy of your CV and fill in the relevant application
form available at the address below.
The closing date for receipt of applications is Monday 12 October 2004
6:00 pm. Georgian citizenship is required.
All applications received will be acknowledged but this is no way
implies that candidates will be interviewed and /or offered employment.
HR Department
BP Exploration (Caspian Sea) Ltd. Georgia
BP Georgia 38 Saburatlo str., Tbilisi, Georgia

RUSSIAN BORDER CLOSURE HITS PASSENGERS
Institute for War & Peace Reporting
Sept 29 2004
Armenians are the main victims of the shutting of the chief
Georgian-Russian border crossing point
By Eteri Mamulashvili in the Daryal Gorge
For almost a month now 45 Armenian bus passengers have been waking
up every morning under the open skies of the Daryal Gorge in the
Georgian mountains, hoping that this will be their last day in this
beautiful spot.
The busload of passengers from Armenia had the misfortune to try
to cross this mountainous border into Russia just as the Russian
authorities closed it on September 3, the day the bloody Beslan tragedy
unfolded. Since then every day they have pestered the Georgian border
guards to relay back to them any news from their Russian colleagues.
“The Georgians told us that because of the Beslan tragedy the Russian
authorities are closing the border with Georgia for several days,”
said Viktoria Piroyeva, one of the passengers, in a despairing voice.
“We have been here since September 3 and every night we go to sleep
hoping that they will open the border on the next day.”
The bus, which was supposed to take them to the Northern Ossetian
capital Vladikavkaz, is uncomfortable even for sitting, but has now
become their sleeping quarters. The passengers manage to buy food
with the little money they still have with them. Fortunately, the
border checkpoint has a canteen where the passengers take turns to
eat. The nearby river Terghi has become their bathroom.
The Armenian bus is one of the few survivors of what three weeks ago
was a mass of vehicles trying to get into Russia.
“There were a lot of people during the first week after the border
closed, but then the numbers went down,” Georgi Kulumbegov deputy head
of the checkpoint, told IWPR. “Three buses with Armenian citizens,
most of whom were going to Russia to work, turned back a few days
ago. All those who could go back left Daryal a long time ago.”
The Georgian foreign ministry says it is in daily touch with its
Russian counterpart, seeking the opening of the frontier. All the
border guards can do is refer to a statement issued by the Russian
foreign ministry which says, “Because of the sharp deterioration of
the situation in the North Caucasus, the Russian side is temporarily
suspending international vehicle traffic on the Kazbegi-Verkhny Lars
section of the state frontier.”
Many of those stuck in the gorge have burned their bridges with home
and have nothing to go back to. Russian language teacher Susanna
Peranian sold her house in Yerevan two months ago and was moving to
live with her son in Moscow. Now her main concern is getting a daily
meal. “We barely manage to eat once a day, soon we probably won’t
have even that,” she said unable to hold back tears. “We are all
like prisoners, but even they live better than we do – prison cells,
at least, have beds.”
The Georgian government gave the trapped passengers a one-off gift
of humanitarian aid in the form of food, warm blankets, medicine and
first aid kits. But some of them are in failing health.
Elizaveta Abramovna, who worked as a doctor herself for 40 years,
was travelling to Russia to have an urgent operation on a tumour. For
the last week, she has been in acute pain.
“Would anyone care to explain to us why and for how long we are
going to be in this situation?” the 68-year-old Armenian asked aloud.
“Those who are doing this, they are the enemies of any people. Three
years ago a tragedy worse than in Beslan happened in New York, but
there the borders were not closed and people could freely move from
one country to another.”
As well as worsening the health of passengers, the long wait is
inflicting material damage.
Zia Bogirzade is an Azerbaijani citizen, who was transporting ten
tons of tomatoes to Moscow with her business partner and has spent
over three weeks at the closed border. Every morning Bogirzade throws
away several dozens of kilos of rotten tomatoes. “More than half the
cargo has gone bad,” she said. “A bit longer like this, and I will
probably leave my last tomato here.”.
Bogirzade said she had lost 10,000 US dollars already, and the losses
were growing by 50 dollars each day.
Russia’s land border with Azerbaijan has also been closed since the
crisis, with devastating results for the traders who usually shuttle
back and forth between the two countries.
This reporter managed to approach the Russian-controlled checkpoint
at Lars for twenty minutes and talk to the Russian border guards,
but they gave only one answer to all our questions, “We know nothing.”
An even more dramatic scene has formed on the Russian side of the
border, with the authorities there refusing to let through a huge
column of lorries and cars and thousands of passengers. About twenty
hauling trucks loaded with sugar and meat are standing in the neutral
zone. Georgian border guards say about 300 vehicles of various kinds,
mostly transit, are waiting on the other side of the frontier.
Although this is the Georgian-Russian border, check point officials
believe that Armenia is suffering the most.
“For them, Daryal is effectively the only road that links them with
Russia – practically, the ‘road of life’ because many Armenian citizens
work in Russia as seasonal labourers and travel by this road year in
year out,” said Kulumbegov.
And one other thing is now on everyone’s minds: the approach of
winter. The first snow fell in the gorge this year on September 12
and the longer the standoff continues, the greater the risk that the
weather will shut down the crossing point altogether.
“Now is not the time to ask who is right, who is to blame,” said
Kulumbegov. “Our main job is to help these people to get out of here
as soon as possible.”
Eteri Mamulashvili is a correspondent with the Georgian newspaper
24 Hours.

Institute for War & Peace Reporting
Sept 29 2004
FREEING OF KARABAKH MILITARY CHIEF STIRS DEBATE
There’s heated speculation about the significance of the pardoning of
a leading Armenian commander.
By Karine Ohanian in Stepanakert
News of the release from prison late last month of Karabakh Armenian
military leader Samvel Babayan came out of the blue and has provoked
a lively debate within both Karabakh and Armenia – stoked by the fact
that Babayan himself has refused to comment on his unexpected freedom.
Babayan has a mixed reputation amongst Armenians. When the Karabakh
war ended in 1994, he was widely lauded as a military hero and the
commander of the entity’s Armenian army. After the war, however,
he became not only the military leader but the most powerful man
in Karabakh overall, controlling its government and economy. His
accumulation of more and more power for himself and his despotic
tendencies made him many enemies.
Then in 2000 he was accused of organising the assassination attempt
on Karabakh president Arkady Gukasian in which Gukasian was wounded.
In January 2001, Babayan was sentenced to 14 years’ imprisonment.
Ever since he went into jail, there have been rumours on the eve of
every national holiday that Babayan would be freed. But his actual
release came as a surprise. On September 17, Gukasian published a
decree saying 13 prisoners in Karabakh had been fully pardoned and
22 partially pardoned. Amongst those named was Babayan.
Babayan himself did not stay in Karabakh for long but left shortly
afterwards for Yerevan. People close to him say he intends to leave the
former Soviet Union to have treatment for his health, which suffered
while he was in captivity.
Neither Gukasian nor any other Karabakh officials have commented
publicly on the pardon. A spokesman in the presidential press service
told IWPR only that Babayan had been freed because of his “service
to the motherland” and because he had served more than a third of
his sentence, which made him eligible for release.
For a prisoner to be pardoned he must first write a letter formally
request to be forgiven. There has been much speculation in Karabakh
as to whether such a letter was written. The Aravot newspaper
reported that the letter was written not by Babayan himself, but by
his mother. Aravot also reported that the former commander had been
banned from holding office in Nagorny Karabakh for another five years.
Iravunk newspaper in Yerevan reported that the decree had been signed
on September 2, but that the authorities in Armenia and Karabakh
spent two weeks discussing what should be the terms of his release.
Iravunk said that in the end no final agreement was reached.
With nothing been said in public, Karabakh Armenians have been actively
debating among themselves whether the right decision had been made
to set Babayan free.
“The law is the law,” said policeman Ashot Gabrielian. “He ought to
have served out his full term. I think that by pardoning Babayan,
the president simply wanted to improve his ratings with the public
and show he is a humane and forgiving ruler.”
A former soldier Leonid Sogomonian said of Gukasian’s decision,
“He simply understood that Babayan had more positive virtues than he
made mistakes.”
“I think that the pardon was not on the wishes of Gukasian himself
but came as a result of pressure from opposition forces in Armenia,”
said another veteran Vardges Gasparian. “But all the same I would
like to believe the former commander did not spend so many years
in prison in vain and that he is aware now of all those actions he
committed which were unacceptable.”
Another subject of lively discussion is what Babayan’s freedom means
for the unrecognised republic now and whether the former defence
minister has a political future.
“I think that a definite condition of the pardoning of Babayan
was that Gukasian made him a demand – his freedom in exchange for
his neutralisation as a political figure,” said businessman Artur
Karapetian.
“Maybe this means war?” said pensioner Valena Grigorian. “They didn’t
just release him for nothing. That means they need him again.”
A local analyst in Karabakh ,who asked not to be named, said, “It’s
unlikely that Gukasian was acting under pressure from one group or
another. Actually I think Babayan’s release is connected with the
latest twists in the Karabakh peace process.
“I don’t think that Samvel Babayan will make himself known as a
political figure again in the near future. He needs time to look
around and get used to the situation because after all a lot has
changed here in recent years. But I don’t think that he will disappear
without trace either.”
Karine Ohanian is a freelance journalist in Nagorny Karabakh.

Azer Tag, Azerbaijan State Info Agency
Sept 29 2004
PARLIAMENTARY DELEGATION OF AZERBAIJAN VISITS BULGARIA
[September 29, 2004, 20:52:35]
A delegation of the Azerbaijan Parliament led by Speaker Murtuz
Alasgarov staying on an official visit to Bulgaria was received by
President of the country Georgiy Prvanov to discuss the prospects
of political, economic and cultural cooperation between Azerbaijan
and Bulgaria.
The parties also focused on the problem of peaceful settlement of
the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. President Prvanov
stated in this connection that his country stands for resolution
of the problem in accordance with the norms and principles of the
international law.
Touching on his forthcoming visit to Azerbaijan, the Bulgarian
President stressed he pins great hopes on the meeting with his
Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev.
In Bulgaria, the parliamentary delegation of Azerbaijan had also
meetings with Chairman of the country’s National Assembly Ognyan
Gerdzhikov and Prime Minister Simeon Saxe-Coburg Gotha.

ARMENIAN INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION
65 Main St., #3A
Watertown, MA 02472
Tel/Fax: 617/926-0171, 781/237-6858
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
PRESS RELEASE – September 27, 2004
Contact: Barbara Merguerian
LEBANON’S FIRST LADY WILL ADDRESS
AIWA’S GENEVA CONFERENCE ON OCTOBER 25
BOSTON – Mrs. Andree Emile Lahoud, First Lady of the Republic of
Lebanon, will be the featured keynote speaker at the 4th International
Conference of the Armenian International Women’s Association, which
will take place in Geneva, Switzerland, on October 24-27, 2004.
Mrs. Lahoud’s address, on the role of women in the Middle East today,
will take place during the opening plenary session of the conference,
scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. at the historic Hotel des Bergues,
located on Lake Geneva.
An advocate for women’s rights, Mrs. Lahoud issued a statement last
March on the eve of International Women’s Day calling for legislation
that would guarantee equal rights for women in Lebanon. At the same
time she hosted a forum on “Arab Women and Armed Conflict” in which
she summarized gains made by women in the Middle East in recent years
and called for increased effort to improve the status of women in
all of the Arab states.
The First Lady of Lebanon was born in Beirut of Armenian parentage
(her father was Edouard Armadouny). She studied at the School of
the Franciscan Sisters in Beirut and then enrolled in the Pedagogic
Course at the French Cultural Center, also located in the Lebanese
capital. She is fluent in Arabic, French, and English.
As wife of the President of Lebanon, General Emile Lahoud, the First
Lady has a prominent role. She serves as President of the National
Commission of Lebanese Women, and as Honorary President of several
organizations, including the School for the Blind and Mute in Baabda,
and the Lebanese Federation of Scouts and Guides.
She and her husband have three children: Carine (married to Elias
Michel Murr), Emile Jr., and Ralph.
AIWA’s 4th International Conference will feature presentations and
workshops on a broad array of topics touching on women’s leadership,
economic activities, education, health, social relations, culture,
history, and traditions. In common with the earlier conferences
(London in 1994, Paris in 1997, and Yerevan in 2000), the gathering
will provide an opportunity for participants to meet, network, and
share their ideas with other women from Armenia and all parts of
the diaspora.
A special focus of this AIWA conference will be on the role of women
in diplomacy, international relations, and conflict resolution. A
tour of the United Nations headquarters in Geneva has been scheduled
for Tuesday morning, and speakers from the Human Rights Commission
and other United Nations departments are planned. AIWA has been a
Non-Governmental Organization with the United Nations in New York
for over a decade and serves as a roster member of the Economic and
Social Council.
Lily Ring Balian of Los Angeles is the chair of the Geneva Conference
Committee, and the co-chairs are Barbara J. Merguerian and Joy
Renjilian-Burgy of Boston. Taline Avakian serves as Geneva Coordinator,
and Hermine Janoyan of Los Angeles is serving as the International
Coordinator. AIWA’s president is Suzanne E. Moranian.
AIWA membership and events are open to all who share the association’s
goals. Further information about the Geneva conference is available
by contacting AIWA at 65 Main St., #3A, Watertown, MA, tel/fax:
617/926-0171, e-mail: [email protected]; web:

New Era (Windhoek)- Namibia
Sept 29 2004
A New Look At the Stars
Wezi Tjaronda
Windhoek
SCORES of scholars, researchers and scientists descended on Farm
Goellschau for the inauguration of the HESS telescope observatory,
which will provide answers to how the most violent of things happen
in the universe.
With the High Energy Stereoscopic System (HESS) telescopes erected
two years ago, scientists have observed the gamma rays from a binary
system, in this case a Be star. The observations performed between
February and May this year are the first discovery of a binary system
emitting energetic gamma rays. It also observed a mysterious source
of gamma rays as the first unidentified TeV source discovered by the
HESS experiment.
The universe contains a large cluster of galaxies with very high
energy sources that emit gamma radiation.
“Gamma rays have highest energy in the spectrum of cosmic emissions.
High energy processes cause the radiation,” said the chairman of the
HESS Collaboration Board, Professor Heinrich Völk yesterday.
During observations with the antennae , a second hot spot had been
discovered which was a new, as yet unknown, source of high-energy
gamma rays.
“Detailed investigations of the emission characteristics of the hot
spot have shown that the according to scientists.
The system can also observe the explosion of stars by means of the
gamma rays and a lot of other cosmic objects that are invisible to
the naked eye or a normal telescope.
Other discoveries have also been made but have not yet been made
public.
HESS detects sources 100 times faster than previous experiments and
opens a new window on the high-energy universe.
“These are the best results worldwide,” said Prof Völk.
The project is one of four gamma ray observatories in the world with
the other three in Australia, the Canary Islands and the United
States of America.
The Gamsberg area is said to be a excellent site for the project
because it has clear skies and dark nights, thus making it one of the
best astronomical sites in the world.
It was set up to discover more about the very early universe and was
from the beginning planned to be the biggest gamma ray stereoscopic
system in the world.
One of its objectives is to provide a better understanding of the
properties of particles that challenge science and the understanding
of the laws of physics.
It will allow scientists to observe the most violent events in the
universe such as exploding stars, black holes and jets of matter
which move at incredible speeds.
The HESS equipment was inaugurated by Prime Minister Theo Ben Gurirab
yesterday, and he pointed out that astronomy was one of the
pioneering and instrumental sciences in helping the human race to
understand the solar system.
“The HESS instruments that we see here today will help to open up new
vistas for astronomy and will no doubt make Namibia one of the few
leading centres in the world, along with South Africa, Chile, Hawaii
and some others,” he said.
Gurirab said that through the collaboration of several countries in
the project – Namibia, Germany, France, South Africa, the United
Kingdom, Ireland, Armenia and the Czech Republic amongst others –
Namibian scientists would one day echo Isaac Newton’s words that ” if
I have been able to see further, it was because I stood on the
shoulders of giants.”
He said the project should serve as a centre of discovery and
excellence to Namibians to enhance the country’s quest for research
and knowledge in astronomy.
Scientists from France, Germany and South Africa hailed the project
and highlighted the importance of astronomical discoveries like the
ones from the HESS project on African soil.
Dr Khotso Mokhele, President of the National Research Foundation,
noted that astronomy was the key to all things contrary to the belief
that it was just the study of the blue sky with no use for the human
race.
For Professor Enos Kiremire, acting Dean of the Science Faculty at
the University of Namibia, yesterday was a day of victory for
science. And since Namibia and Africa were hungry for knowledge it
could now be obtained from the HESS project.
Namibia could now not be ignored anymore according to German
Ambassador Dr Wolfgang Massing since the project had put the country
on the world map.
The event was attended by the former president of the Max Planck
Society, Professor Reimer Lüst, and representatives of the French
Embassy, ministries of education and research in France and the
director of the National Institute of Nuclear Physics and Particle
Physics in France, Dr Michel Spiro.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Reuters
Sept 29 2004
Search and rescue ‘listings’ planned to save lives
29 Sep 2004
Source: AlertNet
By Nick Cater
German rescuers search with their dogs through the rubble of Bam.
File photo by WOLFGANG RATTAY
LONDON (AlertNet) – When a devastating earthquake hit the Iranian
city of Bam last December, some 1,600 would-be rescuers and relief
staff from 46 countries swarmed to the scene. But most arrived long
after survivors had been pulled from the rubble by relatives,
neighbours or local emergency teams.
Ten months on, disaster experts are suggesting a novel way to improve
the effectiveness of initial international disaster response –
classify search and rescue teams by equipment and skills to help get
the right teams in the right places when disaster strikes.
The idea was proposed at a late-September meeting in Singapore of
senior experts from the inter-governmental International Search and
Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG), the first global conference on the
issue of search and rescue (SAR) since the Bam earthquake killed
31,000 people.
While some experts suggest Bam was exceptional, with many Western
countries wanting to be seen to send assistance to politically
sensitive Iran, a review of the disaster by the Pan American Health
Organisation noted that Bam was a reminder that the majority of
international SAR teams are unable to reach the scene fast enough to
make a major difference.
The classification proposal would divide international SAR teams into
three listings based on their level of equipment, skills, experience
and thus suitability for various types and intensity of disaster,
from a single building’s collapse to an earthquake in a modern city
with many trapped alive.
Founded in 1991 in the wake of the Armenian earthquake, INSARAG
operates under the United Nations umbrella to foster information
exchange, higher standards, cooperation and coordination, with its
secretariat provided by the Office for the Coordination of
Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
As head of the OCHA Emergency Services Branch’s Field Coordination
Support Section, Arjun Katoch leads the secretariat. He said
classification would help vital decision-making and get work started
faster.
LIGHT, MEDIUM, HEAVY
“We aim to classify teams by their capacity – light, medium or heavy
– so after a disaster, the country affected and any experts on the
ground can assess the situation and say what resources are needed so
only the right teams with the required skills and equipment turn up,”
he told AlertNet.
But with the World Conference on Disaster Reduction planned for
January 2005 in the Japanese city of Kobe and a preparatory session
in Geneva in October, SAR teams also face calls for far greater
priority to be given to preparedness, such as extra resources for
national emergency networks and training for local volunteers in
crisis-prone countries.
There are different tasks to be tackled, said Katoch.
“International and local teams are completely different. At no point
does any international team think that it can be a substitute for
local people, who clearly do most of the work, especially in the
first 24 hours. Because of their equipment and skills, international
teams would always focus on more difficult and specialist tasks, such
as those trapped deep under rubble.
“Training of local teams to enhance capacity is already underway
through regional INSARAG meetings and training exercises. We’ve had
recent training in Bogata and Manila. The next events will be in
Kathmandu and Australia. But not all countries can afford the teams
or the training they would like.”
With topics as diverse as satellite imagery, use of dogs and
confined-space medicine, the Singapore conference agenda emphasized
how SAR operations draw on a range of skills and equipment.
One example is the use of the Internet to create a virtual on-site
operations centre, through which all those involved in a disaster –
including governments, local authorities and rescue teams – can share
information and plan their response together.
The INSARAG chairman for its Africa-Europe region, Kjell Larsson,
head of the Swedish Rescue Services Agency’s International
Department, said it was very important that international teams were
complementary to existing efforts, avoided duplication and helped
develop local skills.
“International teams do have a valuable role because they can come
with the kind of specialist equipment and skills not needed every day
but vital in particular situations,” he said.
“Search and rescue teams are interested in training but donors are
rarely willing to sponsor this until after a disaster. There were
lots of initiatives in Turkey after its series of earthquakes. Now
the country has nine main search and rescue groups, each trained by a
different international team.”
And he warned: “Chaos is possible if groups that are not part of
INSARAG deploy even before being asked, and are not coordinated with
the rest of the operation.”
Larsson described classification as a “useful move, as it could allow
those most needed to get priority at arriving airports, for example.
The classification will help specify what is required from among the
elements available, such as search, rescue, medical, management and
communications.”

Bendukidze’s politics commendably uncomplicated
The Messenger, Georgia
messenger.com.ge
Sept 29 2004
There is increased concern in the Georgian media that the government
is planning to ‘sell the Georgian economy to the Russians.’ This
refers to government plans to privatize what are considered strategic
state assets, including gas pipelines, energy assets and ports.
A Gazprom delegation was in Tbilisi last week to observe the
investment climate here, and there is speculation that the Russian
energy giant wishes to buy Georgia’s main gas pipeline, which would
allow the company to transport gas from Iran’s gas fields to Russia.
During an interview with the Russian newspaper Kommersant, Minister
of Defense Giorgi Baramidze stated that Russian state companies would
be able to buy Georgian state assets. “I have in mind the main gas
pipeline, which connects Russia with Armenia via Georgia, as well as
the electricity transmission system and Georgian ports.”
What is surprising about all this is that before the Rose Revolution
the main accusation against Shevardnadze from the former opposition,
which is now in the government, was the fact that he was opposed to a
Western orientation, evidence of which was his government’s decision
to hand over parts of the Georgian energy sector (such as Telasi) to
Russia.
At the time it was suggested that the main Georgian gas pipeline
might be sold to Gazprom, but this was vehemently opposed by the then
opposition, which saw it as a ‘stab in the back’ for the Western
Shah-Deniz project. Not only would such a move negatively affect the
construction of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan gas pipeline, they said, it
would mean losing the chance to gain freedom from Russia in terms of
energy.
Today, however, the architect of the government’s new economic
policy, Minister of Economy Kakha Bendukidze, has placed the
privatization of state objects at the center of his policy, and he is
unconcerned who buys particular objects. What is important for him is
not whether they are Russian or of any other nationality, but that
they invest in the country and boost the economy.
While Bendukidze states that this is nothing more than good economics
and that the government does not take part in the privatization
process, which should remain transparent and apolitical, some
analysts argue that selling Georgia’s main gas pipeline to Gazprom,
which is part owned by the Russian government, cannot but have
political ramifications.
This has led the Georgian media to speculate that the invitation to
Russia to buy Georgia’s state assets must be politically-motivated,
at least in part. Russia will get its pipeline, the argument runs,
but must speed up its withdrawal of Russian military bases in Georgia
and change its position towards the separatist regions of South
Ossetia, no longer impeding Georgia’s efforts to restore the
country’s territorial integrity.
Many critics are concerned that if this is indeed the case, then the
Georgian administration is playing a dangerous game; and the
country’s strategic state assets may end up in Russian hands, but
without any change of stance regarding Georgia’s conflict zones, nor
any prospect of an early closure of Russian bases. In the meantime,
Georgia’s administration could seriously damage its relations with
the West.
Such a view is put forward by the newspaper Rezonansi: “The endless
arguments connected with Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan project, unclear talks
about gas exports from Iran, with which we damage Shah-Deniz gas
export project, the discrimination of TRACECA corridor, the
discussion of the issue to give gas pipeline to Russia – these are
mistakes that are useful only for one side and this is the country
which has exploited us for more then 200 years.”
However, Minister Bendukidze argues that it is a mistake to think in
terms of pro-West or pro-Russia when it comes to making economic
decisions about Georgia. Newspaper Akhali Taoba quotes him as
stating, “Our business is to take care of ourselves. It is necessary
to lead pro-Georgian politics and the pipeline privatization to be in
expected norms for the country.”
“Because of a pro-western position we denied Gazprom permission to
transport gas to Turkey, but Gazprom built a pipeline at the bottom
of the Black Sea and exported gas to Turkey anyway, and Georgia lost
the transit income. Now, if the Shah-Deniz group does not buy the gas
pipeline, the government will sell it to Gazprom,” he adds.
Bendukidze’s politics are commendably uncomplicated. His policies are
motivated not by seeking to play the big global game, but simply by
seeking to develop the Georgian economy, and hence to create jobs and
increase the quality of life of Georgians. If Gazprom appears as the
only potential buyer of Georgia’s pipeline, the minister says, and
the privatization will help boost the economy, then the government
should not hesitate in allowing it to do so.
Although Bendukidze has come in for a great deal of criticism in the
Georgian media recently, his policies are designed to improve the
lives of ordinary Georgians and should be welcomed.

Sunday, September 26, 2004
**********************************
INFORMATION AND WISDOM.
LITTLE BOYS AND BIG BOYS.
ON THE COMPLEXITIES OF LIFE.
ON LOSING AN ARGUMENT.
ON FICTION.
****************************************
There is a natural tendency in all of us to overestimate the wisdom of someone who knows something we don’t know, or to confuse information with wisdom.
*
Everyone knows something no one knows, even if what he knows is about himself and his experiences.
*
Little boys brag about things they haven’t done or cannot do. Big boys brag about things they neither know nor understand, all the while hoping no one can tell if they are bragging.
*
In life, the crucified do not always rise on the third day.
*
A bishop will never lose an argument if losing it would mean defrocking himself. Neither will a born-again lose an argument if losing it would mean being dead again.
*
Reality or life is a succession of false starts, vicious circles, and dead-ends. Faith or a belief system allows us to think otherwise by reducing life to a one-dimensional operation in which all questions have answers, the end is predictable, and man is subject to rigid laws. In other words, a belief system is a program and a believer is one who constantly programs himself in order to eliminate the uncertain, the irrational, and the incomprehensible by means of prayer and ritual, also known as incantation and mumbo jumbo.
*
There is a visible as well as an invisible universe. Great many questions about the visible universe remain unanswered. As for the invisible: we know nothing about it. We don’t even know if it is an extension of the visible. To believe means to reduce the mystery of reality by assuming that since we know the Creator, we need all we need to know about His creation. I am somewhat simplifying things, but not as much as a man of faith simplifies reality.
*
Every novel has a central theme or thesis, which can be expressed in a single sentence or brief paragraph. I speak only of themes because I have a horror of boring my readers with imaginary characters, landscapes and dialogue. When I was a child, words like “Once upon a time,” were pure magic. But I am no longer a child, and dark forests, castles, palaces and beautiful princesses no longer exercise the same spell on me. And it is beyond me why anyone would be interested to read such an opening sentence as “The bell rang and I went to the front and opened the door,” or “It was on my wanderings that I first met my beloved.”
*
Fine sentiments and thoughts should be expressed either in a fine style or with the utmost simplicity, because even a hint of pretentiousness may expose the writer as a counterfeit.
*
It has been observed that even when our words have wings they may fly in unpredictable directions.
#
Monday, September 27, 2004
*************************************
WHEN BELIEF SYSTEMS CLASH.
PREACHING TO THE CONVERTED.
HOW TO JUDGE A NEW IDEA.
REALITY AND PROPAGANDA.
EXPLOITING DUPES.
******************************************
It is a mistake to judge a belief system on its own terms. It is only when it clashes with other belief systems that it arouses the irrational and the crocodilian in man.
*
If I had a choice between a hundred readers who don’t agree with me and ten readers who do, I would choose the hundred for the very simple reason that there is no merit in preaching to the converted.
*
One of the worst mistakes we can make is to approach a new idea with the question: “Is it for us or against us?” We should ask instead: Does it make sense? Does it appeal to our reason or to our emotions? Is it consistent with established facts?
*
Whenever a reader writes that he enjoys reading me, I cannot help reflecting that I must be doing something wrong. I don’t write for anyone’s enjoyment.
*
The best way to see the discrepancy between reality and propaganda is to study history and compare what happened with what was said by politicians on both sides of the conflict.
*
The astonishing ease with which most people believe their side of the story and the ruthless cynicism with which leaders on both sides exploit this human weakness.
*
Islam says, “If the enemy is an infidel, he deserves to be slaughtered.” Christianity says, “If Almighty God is on our side, we can’t lose.” The clash of these two belief systems resulted in the senseless slaughter of nearly two million Armenians. I am not saying religion was the main cause of our genocide, but I hope no one will disagree with me if I say it was a contributing factor.
#
Tuesday, September 28, 2004
**********************************
ON THE EFFICACY OF PRAYER.
A MONUMENT TO HUMAN DEGRADATION.
THE AIM OF CRITICISM.
***********************************************
As a child I was brought up to believe all prayers are eventually answered. If we assume that to be true, we must also assume that the millions of innocent civilians who were senselessly slaughtered during two world wars did not pray hard enough; and they did not pray hard enough probably because their faith in God was not of sufficient strength to meet God’s standards. Which also means that in some minimal way, they contributed to their own demise. This type of thinking is another proof of the fact that organized religions, and men of faith in general, are first and foremost in the business of dehumanizing not only their fellow men but also diminishing God. Because, if you think about it, what kind of God would allow children to be slaughtered simply because He was disappointed in the quantity and quality of their prayers? But then, what kind of God would ask a decent father to butcher his own son (see GENESIS) to test his loyalty? Can God be so insecure as to be in need of a poor mortal’s loyalty? And if He knows everything, shouldn’t he already know the answers to His own questions?
*
The most underdeveloped countries are also the most religious. Two cases in point: Mexico and India. Where religion plays a central role, there will also be poverty, disease, corruption, prejudice, ignorance, and overpopulation. Are we to assume Mexican and Indian children deserve their fate because their parents did not pray hard enough?
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If Armenians were slaughtered because they more or less deserved it, does that mean the Turks did what they did with God’s consent? Or perhaps Sultan Abdulhamid II and Talaat were His messengers?
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I read in today’s paper that Taj Mahal (described as “a monumental love nest” and “India’s most famous monument”) was built 350 years ago. When I think of Taj Mahal I do not consider its beauty but the degradation of poor anonymous laborers who worked on its constructions to memorialize the love of two individuals who should have been hanged from the nearest tree for their arrogance and greed for immortality.
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Only the abysmally ignorant view criticism as an expression of hostility rather than concern.
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Wednesday, September 29, 2004
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FATHERS AND CHILDREN.
MUD IS MUD.
IN PRAISE OF MODERATION.
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As children we trust our elders and accept their simple answers to our questions. As adults we continue to behave like children when we are told patriotism or nationalism is good only when it is ours; or the word “homeland” is sacred only when it refers to our own homeland; or again, our mud is better than someone else’s.
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Silence contains the worst lies as well as the best truths.
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The difference between a fanatic and a moderate is that a moderate suspects there are two sides to every question and if he is honest and objective he may have a better chance to understand reality.
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If a writer cannot change our perception of reality, he might as well identify himself as an entertainer.
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Never insult an Armenian writer: being one is insult enough.
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Azeri speaker vows diaspora support for Ukrainian premier in presidential polls
ANS TV, Baku
27 Sep 04
[Presenter] The Azerbaijani delegation led by Speaker Murtuz Alasgarov
is already in Ukraine. At today’s meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister
Viktor Yanukovych, the sides mainly discussed relations between Baku
and Kiev, the economy, trade and relations between the Azerbaijani
and Ukrainian parliaments, as well as the Nagornyy Karabakh problem.
[Correspondent over archive footage] During his visit to Ukraine,
Alasgarov had talks with Yanukovych and discussed topics of mutual
interest. Alasgarov told Yanukovych that the Azeri diaspora in Ukraine
will support him in the upcoming presidential elections.
Alasgarov said that he managed to meet representatives of the
diaspora during his visit to Ukraine and they assured him that the
500,000-strong Azeri diaspora has already decided to vote for the
Ukrainian prime minister.
In turn, Yanukovych said that he supports the development of economic
ties between Azerbaijan and Ukraine, and Kiev is interested in doubling
trade with Azerbaijan. He said that bilateral trade grew by 50 per
cent in 2004 and the bilateral economic commission believes that
there is potential for further growth. He said that the decision
of the Azerbaijani government to jointly produce An-148 planes is a
vivid example of the two countries’ interest in expanding economic
cooperation.