IRAN STARTS CONSTRUCTION OF ITS SECTION OF IRAN-ARMENIA GAS PIPELINE
YEREVAN, JULY 21. ARMINFO. Iran starts constructing its 100 km section
of Iran-Armenia gas pipeline. The construction will be completed by
the spring of 2006, Armenian Ambassador to Iran Gegham Gharibjanyan
said in his interview to RFE/RL.
He said that construction is carried out by an Iranian company on
state funds. He said that the Armenian section of the pipeline (45 km
length) will also be constructed by an Iranian company, whose name is
already known and its representative has recently visited Armenia. The
Ambassador refused from naming it, pointing out that it is patronized
by the state, has a big experience in the sphere and its financial and
construction possibilities allow it to complete the construction
before the term fixed.
It should be noted that on May 13, 2004, an agreement on delivery of
Iranian natural gas to Armenia and on construction of the gas pipeline
was signed in Yerevan. The sides intend to construct the gas pipeline
within 2 years and to put it into exploitation by Jan 1, 2007. In
conformity with the document, within 20 years, Iran will deliver at
least 36 bln cubic meters of gas to Armenia. In conformity with the
feasibility study worked out by the specialists of Gazprom OJSC, the
construction of the Armenian section of the pipeline from Meghri to
Kajaran costs $140 mln. The project will be justified within 9 years.
Chairman of Gazprom OJSC Alexander Ryazanov, who has recently been in
Armenia, did not rule out that a Russian company may be a co-financier
of the project.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ARMENIA TO PRESENT ITS PROPOSALS TO USA UNDER PROGRAM “MILLENNIUM
CHALLENGE” IN SEPT
YEREVAN, JULY 21. ARMINFO. Armenia will present its proposals to the
USA under the assistance program “Millennium challenge” in Sept of the
current year. Prime Minister of Armenia Andranik Margarian informed
during today meeting with U.S. Ambassador Extraordinary and
Plenipotentiary to Armenia John Ordway, who is completing his
diplomatic mission in the republic.
ARMINFO was informed in the press office of the government, the prime
minister has mentioned that Armenia’s involvement in the program
Millennium challenge is the example of successful cooperation between
two states. He has highly assessed the efforts of the ambassador
towards the development of Armenian-American relations, noting that
there is significant progress in activation of political and economic
relations, as well as in the sphere of cooperation with international
organizations.
In preliminary estimations, expressed by the Minister of Finances and
Economy of Armenia Vardan Khachatrian, under the U.S. assistance
program “Millennium Challenge” Armenia expects to receive $700 mln, by
the way the first $100 mln – till the 2004.

MOSNEWS, Russia
July 21 2004
Gazprom May Sponsor Iran-Armenia Pipeline Construction
Russian natural gas monopoly Gazprom may sponsor the construction of
a gas pipeline from Iran to Armenia, said Alexander Ryazanov, Deputy
Chairman of Gazprom’s Board, quoted by Itar-Tass news agency.
The project’s cost is estimated to equal to $140 million. According
to Gazprom’s calculations, the project will pay for itself in nine
years. The total length of the gas pipeline is 141 kilometers (88
miles), with 41 kilometers passing through Armenia’s territory and
100 kilometers being built on Iran’s territory. The annual volume of
gas deliveries to Armenia will be 36 billion cubic meters of gas. The
gas pipeline is being constructed solely to satisfy Armenia’s
domestic demand for natural gas.
Ryazanov conceded that the Russian monopoly may pay for the
construction of the pipeline, although the company is somewhat
`pressed for money’.

Interfax
July 21 2004
Iran starts to build pipeline to Armenia
Yerevan. (Interfax) – Iran has started to build its 100- km section
of the Iran-Armenia gas pipeline, Armenian Ambassador Plenipotentiary
to Iran Gegam Garibjanian told journalists in Yerevan.
He said that an Iranian company is building the pipeline using state
funds.
He said that the 40-km Armenian section of the pipeline would also be
built by an Iranian company, whose representatives arrived in Armenia
over the past few days. The ambassador did not name the company, but
said that it has state support and will be able to complete the
project ahead of schedule.
ZAO Armrosgazprom announced earlier that its plans to participate in
the construction and operation of the Iran-Armenia pipeline.
ZAO Armrosgazprom was set up in 1997 with a charter capital of $280
million. The company includes the entire gas transport and
distribution system in Armenia. The company’s shareholders are
Gazprom and the Armenian Energy Ministry – 45% each, and Itera – 10%.
According to the feasibility study for the project, developed by
Gazprom, the project will cost $140 million.
Armenia and Iran signed an agreement on May 13 for the construction
of a pipeline between the two countries. 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.
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.

ARMENIA’s LAW RESTRICT SANITARY INSPECTIONS’ STRUGGLE FOR SANITARY
SAFETY
YEREVAN, JULY 21. ARMINFO. The State Epidemiological and Hygienic
Inspection, RA Ministry of Health, has no right to conduct inspections
at enterprises or trading institutions without notifying them, Head of
the Inspection Artavazd Vanyan told ARMINFO.
He said that the law allows inspectors to conduct sanitary inspections
only once a year, notifying the enterprises three days in
advance. “Enterprises have time to get ready for inspections, and they
do not produce any results,” Vanyan said. Enterprises often close
their doors before inspectors, and small ones suspend their
activities. According to Vanyan, if inspectors find any violations of
sanitary conditions of producing or keeping foodstuff, they can
decided to impose a 1,000 AMD fine on the enterprise or order it to be
closed. However, in a number of cases punishment does not produce any
effect, and the law breaker pay little fines and continue their
work. To control the situation the State Inspection elaborated new
sanitary norms, which are to be included in the draft law on sanitary
safety to be submitted to the Government late this year or early next
year. Also, the Inspection submitted proposals for amendments to the
Code of Administrative Offences, which stipulate fines of 50-100
thousand AMD for violating sanitary standards. High fines and legal
specification of the Inspection’s activities will enhance the
efficiency of sanitary control at all institutions, Vanyan said.

RA COURT OF APPEAL STARTS CONSIDERING VARDAN ZURNACHYAN’s APPEAL
YEREVAN, JULY 21. ARMINFO. The RA Court of Appeal has started
considering an appeal lodged by Vardan Zurnachyan, lawyer of the
opposition activist Lavrenty Kirakosyan.
Advancing arguments for his appeal, Zurnachyan stated that the
investigation was conducted with gross violations of the Code of
Criminal Procedure. Kirakosyan’s flat was searched on the last day of
his being under arrest for participating in the opposition’s rallies
not sanctioned by the authorities. “After a telephone conversation,
during which the policemen reported that nothing suspicious had been
found, they came back and searched the tank once more and found a
package with green substance. Moreover, my client was subjected to
violence at the police station. This and other violations testify that
the investigation was not impartial and the case is trumped up,”
Zurnachyan said. The lawyer asked the court to invite as witnesses the
Head Physician of the Baghramyan regional hospital and the medical
nurse who rendered medical aid to Kirakosyan that day.
Speaking in court, Kirakosyan pointed out that he is being persecuted
for political reasons. “Since 1995, the time of dictatorship of the
Armenian National Movement, I have been persecuted by the police. A
testimony to that is the criminal charge of unlawful possession of
arms trumped up against me at that time, for which I was unfairly
imprisoned for six months. And now I am being persecuted for my being
honest and committed to principles during last year’s elections and
latest developments in this spring,” he said.
Lavrenty Kirakosyan, the active member of the National-Democratic
Union, which is part of the opposition bloc “Justice”, was sentenced
to 18 months of imprisonment for unlawful possession of drugs. The
convict and his lawyer claim that the drugs were put stealthily by the
policemen during the search in his house. The trial is to be resumed
on July 26.

NAGORNO-KARABAKH CONFLICT CAN BE CONSIDERED SETTLED: HRANT KHACHATRYAN
YEREVAN, JULY 21. ARMINFO. The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict can be
considered settled, as Nagorny Karabakh is free and independent,
Chairman of the opposition party “Constitutional Right Union” (CRU)
Hrant Khachatryan told a press conference at the National Press Club.
According to him, as far back as 1989 the Supreme Soviet of the
Armenian SSR adopted a resolution that Nagorny Karabakh was an
integral part of Armenia. Thereafter, the entire world recognized
Armenia’s independence, and, according to the 1989 resolution, Nagorny
Karabakh was part of it, Khachatryan said. On the other hand, he
stressed that Nagorny Karabakh is not a geographically clear-cut
territory, and its borders were determined during the liberation war
in 1988-1994, when the Armenian side succeeded in liberating a number
of regions neighboring on Nagorny Karabakh. Khachatryan also expressed
the opinion that the international community will not during next 2-3
years pressure the conflicting parties into settling the conflict as
soon as possible. According to the CRU leader, the superpowers are not
concerned with whether Nagorny Karabakh will be part of Azerbaijan or
of Armenia. The most important for them is that the conflict be
settled, as the international community views Nagorny Karabakh as a
hotbed of instability. Khachatryan also stressed that the Armenian
people will not retreat in the issue of Nagorny Karabakh, irrespective
of what position the country’s authorities assume.

RPA EXCLUDES POSSIBILITY OF RETURN OF ALL LIBERATED DISTRICTS,
NEIGHBORING ON NAGORNY KARABAKH, TO AZERBAIJAN
YEREVAN, JULY 21. ARMINFO. Republican party of Armenia excludes the
possibility of return of all the liberated territories, neighboring on
Nagorny Karabakh, to Azerbaijan. Member of the RPA Board Gagik
Minasian stated during the press conference at the National press
club.
At the same time he did not exclude the possibility of return of
several liberated districts, which are not included in the program of
resettlement, in exchange for Azerbaijan’s admitting the independence
of Nagorny Karabakh. Gagik Minasian mentioned that during his recent
visit to the liberated districts he made sure of that the process of
resettlement of these territories is going on quite actively. According
to him, large-scale construction works are being implemented in the
liberated territories, these populated areas are provided with power
supply. The population of these districts is getting ready for the
elections to local self-government bodies. Gagik Minasian stressed
that as regards the democratization level Nagorny Karabakh and
neighboring districts are by no beans inferior to Azerbaijan.
Speaking about RPA’s position in the issue of settlement of the
Karabakh conflict Gagik Minasian stressed that RPA advocates full
independence of Nagorny Karabakh or its joining to Armenia. He also
declared that the territories of Armenia cannot be a subject of trade
during the negotiations concerning the peaceful settlement of the
Karabakh conflict. According to him, Nagorny Karabakh must also have
direct communication with Armenia.

NKR MUST PROCLAIM ITS HEGEMONY OVER NEIGHBORING TERRITORIES: KIRO
MANOYAN
YEREVAN, JULY 21. ARMINFO. Nagorny Karabakh must proclaim its hegemony
over the neighboring liberated territories as soon as possible, Kiro
Manoyan, a Board member, Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF)
“Dashnaktsutyun”, told a press conference at the National Press Club.
According to him, as long as the status of liberated territories
remains undetermined, they will be a subject of “bargain” in the
negotiations for the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement. Manoyan stressed
that the intensification of the re-settlement process requires
guarantees against the return of liberated territories to Azerbaijan.
“The ARF is not against concessions in the negotiations, but if
Azerbaijan wants to get the liberated territories back, let it
exchange them for the Shahumyan, Martunashen and Getashen regions,”
Manoyan said. He also stressed that the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
cannot be settled without considering the public opinion in Armenia
and in Nagorny Karabakh itself. He said that sooner or later
Azerbaijan will have to sit down at the negotiating table with Nagorny
Karabakh.

Azer Tag, Azerbaijan State Info Agency
July 21 2004
ELMAR MAMMADYAROV: `UNTIL RETURN OF IDPS TO THEIR HOMELANDS, IT IS
NOT REAL TO SPEAK OF SETTLEMENT OF THE ARMENIA-AZERBAIJAN, NAGORNY
KARABAKH CONFLICT’
[July 21, 2004, 15:53:37]
As was informed, foreign minister of Azerbaijan Elmar Mammadyarov is
on his visit to Washington on the invitation of Secretary of State
Mr. Colin Powell. This is his first visit as foreign minister.
On 20 July, Minister Mammadyarov has met Secretary of State Colin
Powell, minister of energy Spenser Abraham, chairmen of working
groups of Congress-Milli Majlis, congressmen Curt Weldon and Solomon
Ortiz, as well as representatives of the Jewish community, AzerTAj
correspondent reported.
At the meeting with the minister of energy Spenser Abraham, the
foreign minister informed on the achievements in the oil-gas fields
in the Republic. The parties stressed the importance of the
Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil and Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum gas pipelines for
the region. Currently Azerbaijan negotiates with Greece on gas
transportation, Minister Mammadyarov said. There are good
opportunities for transportation of Azerbaijan gas to world markets.
He stressed necessity of US assistance in this question.
The Ministers also focused the question of signing the project
`US-Azerbaijan energy dialogue’ that covers bilateral cooperation in
the energy sector. It was noted that there is an interest to the
restored energy sources in the world. Mr. S. Abraham expressed hope
that the two countries would reach high-level cooperation in this
sphere. Also were touched issues of establishment of links between
scientific-research centers, made suggestions on joint research with
the participation of Azerbaijan scholars in the labs in America with
their American colleagues.
The same day, Mr. Mammadyarov made a report on the topic `Foreign
policy priorities of Azerbaijan at the Center of Strategic and
International Researches in Washington. The Minister highlighted on
the relations of the Republic with US, Iran, Russia, Turkey and NATO,
on the projects being realized in the Caspian basin, on ensuring
safety of the oil-gas pipelines, on the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict.
Noting that the democratic and economic reforms are going at full
scale, Mr. Mammadyarov said that investing the oil profits to the
non-oil sectors of Country is one of the major tasks of Azerbaijan
government. Deposits of the transparently acting Oil Fund of Republic
will be directed to agriculture, tourism, transport, communications
and other spheres.
Impeding regional development in the South Caucasus, the
Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorny Karabakh conflict was in the focus of the
meeting at the Center of Strategic and International Researches in
Washington. In reply to numerous questions of the participants,
Minister Mammadyarov stated that despite 20 percents of the Country’s
territories have been occupied and there are over million refugees
and IDPs, Azerbaijan still adheres peaceful settlement of the
conflict in the frame of international laws. He reminded that
Presidents of both countries have met two times and foreign ministers
– three times in this year. Touching the recent visit of Minsk Group
co-chairs to the region, foreign minister of Azerbaijan said he is
hopeful for their mediation in the conflict settlement. At his words,
international support for Azerbaijan’s position gives reason to say
that. He reminded that the Council of Europe has reaffirmed in its
recent document the territorial intensity of Azerbaijan.
One of the items focused in the meeting was allocation by the
Congress Committee of equal military assistance for Azerbaijan and
Armenia. Mr. Mammadyarov gave high assessment to the links between
Azerbaijan and Pentagon, recalled the earlier successfully realized
military programs. He, at the same time, underlined that he is
surprised at equal assistance to Azerbaijan who is in the anti-terror
coalition with the United States in the hot spots, and Armenia, who
simply expresses its support for the Alley’s military operations. If
the United States wants to continue cooperation with Azerbaijan it
should appropriately regard and military assistance to Azerbaijan.
***
On 20 July, Mr. Elmar Mammadyarov has met at the Department of State
with Secretary of State Mr. Colin Powell. In the course of talks, Mr.
Powell expressed gratitude for Azerbaijan’s participation at the
anti-terror campaign and in particular, for service in staff of the
peacemaking forces in Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq. The United States
attentively watches the democratic and economic reforms in
Azerbaijan, Secretary of State said. Noting that since George Bush
Administration assumed power, the US pays constant attention to
settlement of the Nagorny Karabakh conflict, Mr. Colin Powell said
that as the OSCE Minsk Group co-chair the United States would closely
watch the developments in the region and continue to effectively take
part at the process of negotiations. He noted that it should be taken
into account how the society is ready to discuss the settlement of
conflict.
Minister E. Mammadyarov stated: `Until return of IDPs to their
homelands, the society will remain sensitive to settlement of
conflict and in this case, it is not real to speak of settlement of
the Armenia Azerbaijan, Nagorny Karabakh conflict’. He called on the
United States as a super state and OSCE Minsk Group co-chair to
increase its efforts for just settlement of the conflict in the frame
of international laws.
During the talk, the parties also focused the energy projects being
realized in the Caspian basin. Also were discussed other questions of
mutual interest.
Ms. Elizabeth Jones, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of European and
Eurasian Affairs, American co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group Steven
Mann, ambassador of Azerbaijan in Washington Hafiz Pashayev,
Azerbaijan’s permanent representative in UN Yashar Aliyev took part
in the meeting.
Mr. E. Mammadyarov is expected to have a number of meetings and
discussions till 24 July.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress