Civil Georgia, Georgia
July 27 2004
Georgia Seeks Alternative Gas Supply from Iran
/ Civil Georgia, Tbilisi / 2004-07-27 13:42:16

Georgian officials say Tbilisi considers Iran as an alternative gas
supplier for Georgia, which currently depends only the Russian giants
GazProm and Itera for its gas supply.
Officials say that the project is a long-term one and may be launched
as early as next year. Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili
discussed this issue during his visit to Iran in early July.
`Iranian gas can serve as an alternative source of gas supply for
Georgia only in cases of emergency situations and in the case that
Russia reduces or stops the gas supply[to Georgia]. It can not be a
permanent supplier for us, as Iranian gas is more expensive,’ Teona
Doliashvili, a spokesperson for the Georgian Energy Ministry, told
Civil Georgia.
There are two potential delivery routes of gas from Iran into Georgia
– one via Azerbaijan and another through Armenia.
In Soviet times Georgia received gas from Iran via Azerbaijan;
however the Azerbaijani pipeline needs rehabilitation, which,
according to the Georgian Energy Ministry, would cost around USD 2
million.
Representatives from SakGazi, the gas distribution company in
Georgia, say that the joining of the Georgian gas system to the
Iranian-Armenian gas pipeline may prove cheaper.
`These considerations over a gas supply from Iran were launched some
three years ago, but discussions yielded no results, mainly because
of the lack of finances to rehabilitate the pipe. I think the
Armenian option will be cheaper,’ Maka Arakhamia, a spokesperson for
the SakGazi company, told Civil Georgia.
This issue was discussed during the Georgian Foreign Minister Salome
Zourabichvili’s vist to Armenia last week. Zourabichvili said that
Georgia is interested in gas being delivered from Iran.
According to the Georgian Energy Ministry, Iran is also interested in
Georgia as a transit country to export its gas to Europe.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Zaman, Turkey
July 27 2004
US Ties up New Base Structuring in Europe
The US will begin negotiations concerning new “strategic
partnerships” that will assist the redeployment of its military
bases.
General Charles Wald, Deputy Commander for the European Command, told
a foreign policy symposium in the Senate that the US needed to change
its military settlement plan in foreign lands. Wald said that the
Ukraine, Russia, Romania, Bulgaria, the Black Sea region of Turkey,
Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia, in the Southern Caucuses, because of
their proximity to oil fields, drug smuggling, terrorism and
instability, were the “‘new geopolitical hot points”.
General Wald noted that the US was not looking for a permanent base
in Southern Caucasian countries, rather, “strategic partnerships.”
American troops settled in Germany could be temporarily shifted to
some countries including Turkey. Last month, an article in The New
York Times claimed that the US planned to move 72 F-16 planes from
Germany to Incirlik Base in Eastern Turkey. The story was denied. 84
percent of 120,000 American troops in Europe are in Germany.

UEFA.com
July 27 2004
Going gets tougher for hopefuls
The champions of Denmark, Hungary, Poland and Russia enter the UEFA
Champions League today when the first legs of six of the 14 second
qualifying round ties are played.
First legs
Twenty-eight teams make up the second round of qualifying, with the
first legs today and tomorrow and the second legs to follow on 4
August. Real Madrid CF, Manchester United FC and Juventus FC will be
among the opposition in the third and final qualifying round, which
will be played next month.
Balkan threat
Danish champions FC København opened the new season with a 2-2 draw
with Silkeborg IF at the weekend and will not underestimate their
Slovenian hosts NK Gorica, who were impressive 7-3 winners over
Estonia’s FC Flora in the first qualifying round. FCK coach Hans
Backe said: “Anyone who knows anything about teams from the Balkans
will know they all have good footballers and so do Gorica.”
Csaba warning
Hungary’s Ferencvárosi TC visit KF Tirana in Albania for new coach
László Csaba’s first competitive match. Ferencváros were beaten 2-1
by second division Bodajk FC in a pre-season friendly last week and
Csaba warned: “Everyone must concentrate better.”
Aldonin absent
PFC CSKA Moskva had a better preparation for their visit to
Azerbaijan to face PFC Neftchi when they beat FC Rubin Kazan 1-0 last
Friday, Ivica Olic the scorer. However, they will be missing Russia
midfield player Evgeni Aldonin, who did not travel following his
father’s death in a car crash. Neftchi coach Kazbek Tuaev, meanwhile,
welcomes back Vidadi Rzayev, one of his key players, from injury.
Shakhtar confident
Armenian champions FC Pyunik will host Ukraine’s FC Shakhtar Donetsk
at the Republican stadium in Yerevan strengthened by the return from
suspension of midfield player Karen Aleksanyan. Teenage striker Edgar
Manucharyan is doubtful, however, and after starting their league
season with three straight wins, Shakhtar coach Mircea Lucescu said:
“We only have one goal for his match and that is victory.”
Maccabi fear repeat
In Finland, HJK Helsinki host Maccabi Tel-Aviv FC. The match has been
moved from HJK’s Finnair stadium to the Pohjola stadium in nearby
Vantaa in order to meet UEFA’s regulations. HJK’s English coach Keith
Armstrong has warned his players need to be “extremely cautious”
against a Maccabi side desperate to avoid a repeat of their exit at
the same stage last season, against Slovakia’s MŠK Žilina.
Polish test
In today’s sixth and final tie, Polish champions Wisla Kraków visit
Tblisi to face FC WIT Georgia – conquerors of Faroese minnows HB
Tórshavn in the first qualifying round.

HURRIYET (LIBERAL)
July 27 2004
INCREDIBLE ESCAPE
By cutting the cell bars with iron shears, Armenian swindler Emili
Parapoziam escaped from the Istanbul Security Directorate where he
was being kept for deportation. During the count in the detention
room which is monitored 24 hours a day with surveillance cameras,
officials knew about escape of Parapoziam who cut the bars with iron
shears and jumped down an area three meters beneath and later exited
the building like a visitor. There were five Chechens in the same
room who have links to al-Qaeda. Police investigate how he managed to
escape and the iron shears was brought in.

Cyprus PIO – Turkish Cypriot Press Review
July 27 2004
Ozgur Politika stresses that Turkey will become EU member when it
withdraws its troops from Cyprus
Ozgur Politika newspaper (24.07.04) publishes a commentary by Murat
Aktas on the Turkish Prime Minister´s recent visit to France. Mr
Aktas writes, inter alia, the following: “Having conducted a
three-day official visit to France in order to seek support for
Turkey’s accession to the EU, Erdogan finalized his visit with the
purchase of 36 Airbus planes. Nonetheless, he returned to Turkey
without being able to persuade the French politicians who oppose
Turkey’s EU membership in any way whatsoever.
In addition to the purchase of the planes that will cost Turkey $3
billion, Erdogan has also given the French as a present tenders such
as the sales of certain banks and the construction of nuclear plants.
The fact that he returned from this visit as if he has won a victory
has naturally made the diplomatic circles very angry. Former diplomat
Nuzhet Kandemir compared the visit conducted by Erdogan, who
generously marketed his values, to “selling carpets in an eastern
market.” Furthermore, he firmly criticized the prime minister who
gave France the economic card in return for support in the EU.
The agreement that was signed between the AINF (Airbus Industrie No’l
Forgeard) and the Turkish Airlines at the Elysee Palace for the
purchase of five A330-200, 12 A321, and 19 A320 planes amounts to
more than $3 billion. Furthermore, in his meeting with MEDEF, French
Employers’ Federation, Erdogan also generously repeated that he is
opening the markets in Turkey, which has a population of 70 million,
to the French. Stating that in addition to the sale of certain banks,
a rapid privatization process will be initiated in the months ahead,
Erdogan gave the French the good news that certain privileges will be
given to French businessman in order to deepen the relations with
France. In his meeting with French employers, Erdogan also hinted
that Turkey will construct some nuclear plants in the period ahead.
Why did the media turn a blind eye?
Despite all this however, Erdogan was not able to persuade the
representatives of the UDF [Union of French Democracy] and the UMP
[Union for a Popular Movement], the rightist coalition parties that
oppose Turkey’s EU membership, to extend support to Turkey. UDF
Leader Francois Bayrou asserted that “Turkey does not adopt the
European culture,” while former UMP leader Alain Juppe once again
noted that Turkey will be given a conditional candidacy.
As a matter of fact, even French Socialist Party leader Francois
Hallande, who had supported Turkey’s EU membership in the past, said
to Erdogan that Turkey will become a member only if “it complies with
the Copenhagen criteria and if it officially acknowledges the
Armenian genocide.”
Despite the fact that the press featured pages and pages of reports
that noted that Jacques Chirac supports Turkey’s membership, it
failed to focus on the fact that Chirac merely extends conditional
support. Nonetheless, Chirac, who had repeated the same things over
and over again in the past, did not say anything positive during
Erdogan’s visit. In his meeting with Erdogan, Chirac once again said:
“Turkey’s integration with the EU will be desirable when it becomes
possible.” However, using a diplomatic language as usual, Chirac
avoided giving an exact date regarding when “Turkey’s membership will
become possible.” After all, he wanted to ensure that the Americans
do not snatch the tenders. Nevertheless, the French president
asserted that he extends support to the efforts made by Turkey for
becoming an EU member, rather than to Turkey’s accession to the EU
itself.
Why did Chirac, who demanded “one last effort” from Erdogan, not
understand Erdogan or why did he conceal the fact that he understood
Erdogan? Maybe Erdogan’s words were misinterpreted! And why did
Erdogan not ask Chirac the exact date for membership and the reasons
behind his remarks? Let us say that Erdogan forgot, but why did the
bourgeois media not focus on these issues and why did it applaud
Erdogan’s defeat, which was introduced as a victory?
This is because everyone very well knows that Turkey will become an
EU member when it becomes possible — in other words, when it truly
democratizes, when it acknowledges that the Kurds are the actual
founders of the republic and that they have equal rights with the
Turks, when it accepts the Armenian genocide and apologizes to the
Armenian people, and when it withdraws its troops from Cyprus.
Erdogan winked to the genocide
Meanwhile, no one is asking why in the public polls that were
conducted more than 60 percent of the French people noted that they
are against Turkey’s EU membership.
This is because 450,000 Armenians live in this country. The Turks had
massacred one and a half million Armenians and had driven the rest
away from their land. And the Armenians told and are still telling
each and every French person they live with what the Turks did to
their forefathers.
Furthermore, more than 200,000 Kurds live in France as refugees. The
Turks have been massacring the Kurds for the past two centuries. As a
matter of fact, they are still killing Kurdish youths with chemical
weapons and they are still cutting off their ears and noses. Despite
the fact that these Kurds were not able to properly explain the
nature of their problems, the French are able to follow the things
that happen to them in this age of communications. Instead of
stopping his soldiers who cut off the noses and the ears of Kurdish
youth and instead of putting Turkey in order, Erdogan is bribing the
French politicians and he is calling upon them to turn a blind eye to
all this and to extend support to Turkey. Despite the fact that they
received the tenders, the French repeated that they will not extend
support to Turkey under the current conditions.
Regardless of what anyone says, after the projects that were given to
France without even holding a tender, it is the 450,000 Armenians who
live in France and the Armenian genocide that actually sealed
Erdogan’s visit to France.
Turkey will not be able to become an EU member as long as it avoids
taking the necessary steps toward democratization, as long as it
avoids officially acknowledging the Kurdish identity and the fact
that the Kurds partners of the republic who have equal rights with
the Turks, and as long as it avoids accepting and apologizing for all
the massacres that it has conducted — from the Armenian genocide to
the Dersim genocide.”

Times of India
July 27 2004
You ain’t well? Suffer and die
SHIVANI SINGH & AMIT MUKHERJEE
TIMES NEWS NETWORK[ TUESDAY, JULY 27, 2004 08:55:08 PM ]

NEW DELHI: Here is a shocking nugget of information: in terms of
public spending on health, India ranks 171st out of 175 countries for
which data is available in Human Development Report 2004.
In contrast, it ranks an impressive 18th in terms of private spending
on health. It is hardly surprising then that the doctor ki dukan is
thriving. Nor should it be a secret any longer why the poor have not
bought the argument that reforms are about pulling public money out
of unproductive investments and deploying it in the social sector.
Public spending on health in India is a mere 0.9 per cent of the GDP.
There are only four countries – Nigeria, Indonesia, Sudan and Myanmar
— which spend less. In China, with which India is often compared,
the government spends two per cent of GDP on health and even Nepal
(1.5%) and Bangladesh (1.6%) spend more on health. Only Pakistan (1%)
in this region does almost as badly as India.
The picture is quite different when it comes to private spending on
health. Only in 17 countries does private expenditure as a percentage
of GDP exceed the 4.2 per cent figure for India. Those who spend more
than Indian include the US, Switzerland, South Africa, Brazil, Kenya,
Cambodia, El Salvador, Armenia, Bosnia and Cyprus.

Noyan Tapan
July 27 2004
KARABAKH DENIES PRINTING CURRENCY – ARMENIAN AGENCY
STEPANAKERT, 27.07.04. No Karabakh currency has ever been printed,
the central bank of the Nagornyy Karabakh Republic has told Noyan
Tapan news agency.
Noyan Tapan contacted the bank in connection with the report carried
by the Baku-based Ekho newspaper which claimed that a `journalistic
investigation` had revealed that the Austrian state printing works
had printed `Karabakh currency`.

Noyan Tapan
July 27 2004
FRENCH SOCIALISTS CONSIDER RECOGNITION OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE AS
PARIS, 27.07.04. The Socialist party of France considers the
recognition of the Armenian Genocide as an indispensable condition
for Turkey`s membership in the European Union. Francois Holand,
Secretary General of the party, reported about it after his meeting
with Prime Minister of Turkey Recep Tayipp Erdogan, answering Turkish
correspondents` questions. `It is impossible to specify the term of
negotiations on membership as long as Turkey didn`t recognize the
Genocide,` he said. According to the `Marmara` newspaper of Istanbul,
when journalists said that the recognition of the Armenian Genocide
isn`t considered as a criterion in the issue of the EU membership,
and for what basis the Socialist Party lays down such a condition, F.
Holand reminded that the French parliament had recognized the
Armenian Genocide. News agencies report that the issue of the
Genocide was touched upon during the Holand-Erdogan meeting and
Erdogan noticed that this issue should be submitted to historians for
discussion.

PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Coordinator of Information Services
Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 60; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
July 27, 2004
___________________
ARMENIANS DESCEND UPON ARARAT CENTER FOR OPEN HOUSE, CONSECRATION
By Jake Goshert
It was more than the brilliant sun that made the day exhilarating. When
more than 650 guests descended upon the Eastern Diocese’s new Ararat
Center for an open house and consecration on July 24, 2004, they were
quickly inspired by the site.
They explored the seven buildings on the site, marveled at the
possibility afforded by the location’s 65 acres, and were moved by the
inspirational consecration of the land, making it Armenian.
“This is truly an extraordinary day in the life of our Diocese,” the
Primate told the crowd following the consecration, which featured dozens
of priests and sharagans sung by the St. Vartan Camp participants.
“This is a day of beginnings; a day of dreams reaching their
fulfillment; a day of seeing our dreams come to fruition and setting
beautiful dreams for the future.”
The Ararat Center was palpably transformed during the consecration
service when soil from Armenia was buried in the site and, with the
promise of success to come, an altar stone was blessed and consecrated
for use in a future on-site chapel.
“With the founding of the Ararat Center, a new horizon of amazing
possibilities has opened up for our church,” the Primate said. “Summer
camps, religious retreats, all manner of programs for young and old –
the Ararat Center promises all this and more to our future generations.”
As the consecration continued, the transformation into a truly Armenian
site was noticeable. In that simple ceremony the Ararat Center became a
home for all Armenians.
“Being Armenian, I think the idea of having the Ararat Center in
beautiful New York State is so rejuvenating for the community. It will
revitalize the Armenian community,” said Sona Jones of Tenafly, NJ. “We
don’t have the real Ararat anymore, but we are happy with the
Catskills.”
CULMINATION OF EFFORTS
The historic beginning was several years in the making, and only came
about thanks to boundless dedication by many individuals.
The efforts began during the 2000 Diocesan Assembly in Philadelphia,
when a call for the purchase of a permanent home for the Diocesan summer
camp program was lead by the late Fr. Haigazoun Melkonian. He was
encouraged by the generous and then anonymous donations from the late
Acabe Boornazian. Both Fr. Melkonian and Mrs. Boornazian will be
honored in memorial plaques at the Ararat Center site.
“They and others truly felt the Holy Spirit guiding them. We can only
pray everyone, young and old, who utilizes this facility will feel the
same spirit in their hearts,” the Primate said. “We have never ceased
calling upon the Lord, and indeed the Lord has heard us, and has set us
free to realize our deepest longings. This beautiful center is another
way He has blessed us; another way He has shown us that His loving
kindness will endure forever.”
That dedication did not go unnoticed by the attendees of the open house,
many of whom traveled hundreds of miles just for the celebration.
“I think it’s beautiful. I like that we accomplished something, that we
realized our dreams,” said Lynn Hajatian, a parishioner of the Holy
Trinity Church of Cheltenham, PA. “I am hoping the parishes use it. It
would be unfortunate if they didn’t.”
Along with the support of lay leaders, the Ararat Center project came to
fruition because of the dedication of a number of clergy, including the
Primate.
“Archbishop Barsamian saw the potential here and brought the right
people together to make this dream a reality,” said Stephen Hovnanian,
chairman of the Ararat Center Advisory Committee.
SUPPORTING THE SPIRIT
The Diocese purchased the expansive Ararat Center in January 2004 for
$1.2 million. Already nearly $1 million in cash and pledges has been
raised. During the consecration, many people, moved by the testimony of
supporters and the potential of the site, gave another $25,000.
“Today, as you have toured our 65 magnificent acres, it is time to
celebrate,” said Rose Najarian-Kedeshian, a member of the Ararat Center
advisory committee. “It is the new home of every single one of you. It
only happened because we made this happen. We felt the spirit and
passion and acted. We must now make sure we use every inch of soil of
this magnificent place.”
The committee is also working on raising funds for an endowment, which
will ensure the Ararat Center can operate independently and not take
money away from the ministries and programs of the Diocese. One early
donor, Papken Megerian, a parishioner from the Sts. Sahag and Mesrob
Church of Wynnewood, PA, who had already pledged to give $1,000 every
year he is alive was moved by seeing the actual site and pledged to give
$1,000 to the endowment every year after he passes away.
“We thought this is the best thing we could do so our children don’t go
to camp in Odarland,” Megerian said. “Now we have a camp with an
Armenian soul.”
NEW HOME FOR ALL ARMENIANS
That Armenian soul makes the Ararat Center the perfect site for prayer
retreats, seniors’ weekend get-aways, and leadership seminars.
“I’d like to see our parish come up here, because it would be like
camping for seniors. It’s a good place for us to come up and enjoy the
fresh air,” said Dick Kalagian, a parishioner from the St. George Church
of Hartford, CT. “It would be better to bring parish groups up here for
retreats, because you’ll be away from the parish and your normal lives.
You can think more and take more time to focus on whatever you’re doing
up here.”
The first group to use the facility, formerly known as Balsam Shade, was
the Diocese’s St. Vartan Camp program. More than 200 campers and staff
stayed at the center for two two-week sessions this July. Their new
home — with tennis courts, a swimming pool, and plenty of nature —
quickly won rave reviews.
“At first it was difficult to deal with the new environment,” said
camper George Vartanian, who spoke for the campers along with St. Vartan
Camp Director of Programs Charis Yousefian and Camp Director Yn. Arpi
Kouzouian. “But in less than two days, Balsam Shade became the Ararat
Center and it felt like our new home.”
The next group to use the site will be the Association of Armenian
Church Choirs of America (AACCA), which will hold a four-day junior
choir leadership retreat there starting August 4.
The day’s festivities also brought out special local guests, such as the
mayor of neighboring Troy, NY, Harry Tutunjian. Music was provided by
the Philly Kef Band, and the Sipan dance group of Albany, NY, performed.
Desserts were prepared by local Women’s Guild chapters. The joint
community and Diocesan effort could not have happened without the help
of countless volunteers from several parishes, especially the St. Peter
Church of Watervliet, NY, and its Yn. Paulette Doudoukjian, a member of
the Ararat Center Advisory Committee.
— 7/27/04
E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News
and Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,
PHOTO CAPTION (1): Fr. Krikor Sabounjian, pastor of the Armenian Church
of the Holy Translators in Framingham, MA, buries soil from Armenia in
the ground of the Eastern Diocese’s new Ararat Center during its
consecration on July 24, 2004.
PHOTO CAPTION (2): Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern
Diocese, blesses a cornerstone and cross to be used for a future
Armenian chapel on the site of the Ararat Center, located 30 miles south
of Albany, NY.
PHOTO CAPTION (3): Dozens of clergy joined the Primate for the
consecration service at the Diocese’s new Ararat Center on July 24,
2004.
PHOTO CAPTION (4): Khoren Mekanejian, coordinator of music ministry for
the Eastern Diocese, leads the St. Vartan Camp campers in singing
sharagans during the Ararat Center consecration service on July 24,
2004.
PHOTO CAPTION (5): More than 500 people from several states came to the
Ararat Center open house and consecration on July 24, 2004.
PHOTO CAPTION (6): Several parishes organized bus trips to the Ararat
Center open house, including this bus from St. Mark Church of
Springfield, MA.
PHOTO CAPTION (7): Michael Zeytoonian, a member of the camp committee
that found the Ararat Center, leads one of the many tours of the seven
buildings and 65-acres of land during the Ararat Center open house on
July 24, 2004.
PHOTO CAPTION (8): Following the Ararat Center consecration service,
guests were entertained by the Sipan dance group of Albany, NY.
PHOTO CAPTION (9): Guests at the Ararat Center open house dance to live
music by the Philly Kef Band, whose members donated $1,200 towards the
purchase of the new youth and conference center.
PHOTO CAPTION (10): Papken Megerian, a parishioner from the Sts. Sahag
and Mesrob Church of Wynnewood, PA, tells the crowd at the Ararat Center
open house why he is donating to the efforts.
PHOTO CAPTION (11): Speaking on behalf of the St. Vartan Camp campers,
George Vartanian says they quickly came to love their new home, the
Ararat Center, located 30 miles south of Albany, NY.
PHOTO CAPTION (12): More than 650 lunches were served during the Ararat
Center open house and consecration by volunteers, from the St. George
Church of Watervliet, NY, as well as other parishes. Desserts were
provided by parish Women’s Guilds.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

US mediator urges Armenia, Azerbaijan to make compromises
Golos Armenii, Yerevan
27 Jul 04
The US mediator for the Nagornyy Karabakh problem, Steven Mann, has
said that the OSCE Minsk Group sees the conflict settlement only in
compromises and called on Armenia and Azerbaijan to be ready for
them. He stated that the Minsk Group supports the dialogue between the
foreign ministers and presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan. At the
same time, the co-chairman added that if the conflict drags on for a
long time, the situation in Azerbaijan as well as in Armenia will
become more difficult, which is why the parties should start a
dialogue so that this does not happen. The following is the text of
Regnum news agency’s report by Armenian newspaper Golos Armenii on 27
July headlined “Baku and Yerevan should be ready for
compromises”. Subheadings have been inserted editorially:
An interview with the American co-chairman of the OSCE Minsk Group,
Steven Mann.
Emotions prevail here and there
Regnum correspondent Mr Mann, what was the purpose of the latest visit
to the region by the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmen?
Steven Mann That was a planned visit and its purpose was to bring
together the positions of the parties and to help find ways of
settling the Karabakh problem. This time we visited Yerevan as well as
Nagornyy Karabakh and Baku, where we informed the parties that the
Minsk Group will continue its activity and will support a dialogue
between the presidents and foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and
Armenia. The co-chairmen understand the situation of the two
countries’ governments and want to make their positions closer. But
unfortunately, emotions prevail here and there. The problem may not be
resolved when they are guided by emotions. As long as there are
conditions for continuing the talks, we, the diplomats, will do
everything possible to prevent a new tragedy.
Correspondent The position of the Minsk Group is taken negatively by
Azerbaijani society. Sometimes, you are even called “political
tourists”. Are you going to correct your activity?
Mann Harsh criticism is an ordinary thing for us politicians and it
does not disturb us. The point is that the talks are really difficult
and society expects a lot from us. But we are not Gods. The parties
themselves should come to a solution, our aim is to get any decision
from any of the conflicting parties. The success of the talks depends
on the parties’ readiness for compromises. The Armenian and
Azerbaijani leadership, not the mediators, are responsible for the
talks. Progress in the talks also depends on them. Along with it, a
peaceful settlement to the Karabakh conflict by means of negotiations
within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group meets the national
interests of the USA. I will make every effort to represent US
interests fully and I take my duty seriously. If the conflict drags on
for a long time, the situation in Azerbaijan as well as in Armenia
will become more difficult. The parties should start a dialogue so
that this does not happen.
The conflict can be settled only through compromises
Correspondent In Tbilisi you said that the USA supports the actions of
Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili in the South Ossetia
problem. Will you support Azerbaijan if it makes up its mind to
restore its territorial integrity?
Mann Every conflict has its peculiarities. The US position on the
Karabakh issue is unchangeable – the conflict should be settled
peacefully. Let us think soberly and make a compromise. The mutually
acceptable decision may be found only in compromises. One cannot have
success in any talks if he does not make compromises. The co-chairmen
see the settlement to the conflict only in compromises. Azerbaijan as
well as Armenia should be ready for compromises. A lasting peace can
be achieved in the region only in this way. The parties to the
conflict themselves have chosen the OSCE for its settlement and we are
trying to settle the conflict peacefully and will support the
decisions adopted by the parties.
Correspondent The Russian co-chairman, Yuriy Merzlyakov, said in Baku
that the UN Security Council resolutions on the Karabakh conflict were
adopted in another situation and today they may not be fulfilled. Do
you share such a viewpoint?
Mann You simply misunderstood his statement: at the press conference
in Baku, touching on the fulfilment of the four UN Security Council
resolutions, the Russian co-chair said that he does not think they are
obsolete. In our work we use all the options including resolutions.
Conflicting parties have the last say
Correspondent Do the co-chairmen regard Nagornyy Karabakh as a
participant in the negotiating process?
Mann Nagornyy Karabakh’s involvement does not depend on the OSCE Minsk
Group co-chairmen, it only depends on the conflicting parties. One of
the conflicting parties is against Nagornyy Karabakh’s participation
in the negotiating process. But I think that all the interested
parties should be involved in the talks. I think this will help
accelerate the process of finding ways to settle the conflict. But at
the same time, the parties to the conflict have the last say. They
should decide who will be involved in the negotiating processes.
Correspondent Does the Karabakh conflict have an impact on the energy
interests of the USA in this region?
Mann US policy in this region has a long-term nature and we are in
favour of stability. Of course, the USA is not interested in events
that may threaten st ability. Here the USA supports big energy
projects. The Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline is one of such projects. It is
significant for the whole region.
Correspondent Some time ago there was information in the press that
you allegedly suggested recognizing the independence of Nagornyy
Karabakh in exchange for three of the occupied Azerbaijani districts.
Mann Yes, there was really such information in the Armenian press. I
would like to say once again that all this information is not true and
is invented. I expressed my indignation in connection with this – I
said nothing concerning three, five or seven districts. I would like
to ask journalists to clarify my position before publishing anything
on my behalf.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress