ITAR-TASS News Agency
TASS
July 13, 2004 Tuesday
Russian market promising for Armenian producers – premier
By Susanna Adamyants, Alexandra Urusova
MOSCOW
The Russian market is the most promising for Armenian producers,
Prime Minister Andranik Margaryan said in Moscow on Tuesday.
He said the Armenia pavilion at the All-Russia Exhibition Center had
helped to increase bilateral trade by $5 million.
“Energetic efforts are being taken to upgrade trade and economic
cooperation to the level of political partnership,” Margaryan said.
The Armenian premier had negotiations with his Russian counterpart
Mikhail Fradkov.

RosBusinessConsulting Database
July 13, 2004 Tuesday
PM comments on Russian trade with Armenia
Russian trade with Armenia totals over $200m currently, Russian Prime
Minister Mikhail Fradkov announced at a meeting with his Armenian
counterpart Andranik Markaryan, who pays an official visit to Moscow.
According to Fradkov, Russian trade with Armenia can grow further but
the two parties have to contribute more to the development of
bilateral relations. The trade with Armenia surged over 30 percent in
2003, the Prime Minister stressed. “We are satisfied with the
development of economic relations,” he added. According to him, the
two countries should enhance the cooperation in the energy and gas
sectors, as well as in the high tech sector.

RosBusinessConsulting Database
July 13, 2004 Tuesday
Russia and Armenia to prepare cooperation accord
Russia and Armenia will complete preparations for signing a
government agreement in the gas sphere, Russian Prime Minister
Mikhail Fradkov declared after negotiations with his Armenian
counterpart Andranik Markarian. According to the head of the Russian
government, relations between the two countries in the gas sphere are
developing dynamically. Fradkov also noted that the sides had
considered the efficiency of activities of the joint venture
ArmRosgazprom in Armenia.
Moreover, the construction of a fifth energy generating unit of the
Razdan power plant was negotiated at the meeting. Fradkov also
mentioned that issue concerning supplies of Russian nuclear fuel to
the Armenian nuclear power plant had been settled.

RosBusinessConsulting Database
July 13, 2004 Tuesday
Armenia to continue upgrading its military forces
The first meeting of a joint Russian-Armenian intergovernmental
commission on cooperation in the military sphere will take place in
September to October 2004. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov
made a corresponding statement after negotiations with his Armenian
counterpart Andranik Markarian, who is on an official visit in
Moscow. According to Fradkov, this cooperation will continue within
the framework of modernization of Armenian military forces.

RosBusinessConsulting Database
July 13, 2004 Tuesday
PM on Armenian debt to Russia
Problems of transferring shares in Armenian enterprises to Russia in
repayment of the Armenian state debt to Russia will be solved in the
near future, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov made a
corresponding statement after negotiations with his Armenian
counterpart Andranik Markarian.
At the same time, according to Fradkov, Russia and Armenia are not
using their potential in terms of economic cooperation to full
extent. In this connection, the Russian Prime Minister pointed out
that the next meeting of an intergovernmental commission would take
place by the end of 2004.
As reported earlier, an agreement on transferring shares in Armenian
enterprises to Russia in repayment of the Armenian state debt to
Russia, which amounts to $93m, was singed in 2002.

Prime-Tass English-language Business Newswire
July 13, 2004
Armenia confident its needs second telecom operator
YEREVAN, July 13 (Prime-Tass) — The Armenian government is confident
that a second cell phone operator will enter the Armenian
telecommunications market, Armenia’s Justice Minister David
Arutyunyan told reporters Tuesday.
The Armenian government is currently holding talks with the Greece’
Telecommunications Organization (OTE) and domestic ArmenTel on the
issue, Arutyunyan said.
He noted that the arbitration process regarding the ArmenTel case is
still underway and would only be stopped if the negotiations yielded
positive results.
But the introduction of a second telecom operator to the Armenian
market would not necessarily resolve the situation, considering the
fact that ArmenTel controls Armenian fixed-line networks, Arutyunyan
said.
He also expressed hope that the talks to resolve the dispute between
the government and ArmenTel would prove successful.
On February 19, the government decided to make changes to ArmenTel’s
license due to the company’s alleged violation of the license’s
terms.
The amendments to the license were expected to come into force on
June 30.
The London arbitration court is currently hearing two suits, the
Armenian government vs the OTE, and ArmenTel vs the Armenian
government.
In 1997 OTE paid U.S. USD 142.470 million to gain control of the 90%
stake in ArmenTel that was formerly held both by the Armenian
government with a 41% stake and Trans World Telecom with 49%.
ArmenTel was granted the right to a monopoly for 15 years, according
to the agreement.
On September 8, 2003, the government decided to deprive ArmenTel of
its monopoly license, but the decision has not yet been enforced due
to the ongoing lawsuits against the company. End
From: Baghdasarian

Petroleum Economist
July 13, 2004
NEWS IN BRIEF.
** National Iranian Gas Exporting Company has agreed to export 36bn
cm of natural gas by pipeline to Armenia, over 20 years, beginning in
2007. In return, Armenia will transmit power to Iran from a state-run
power plant in Yerevan. The agreement will require construction of a
141-km pipeline, expected to cost $220m.
**The EU froze Euro100m ($122m) of aid after the government refused
to agree a timetable on decommissioning a Soviet-designed nuclear
power plant, sited 40 km from Yerevan. The reactor was closed in the
mid-70s after an earthquake devastated the area, but was restarted in
1995 because of energy shortages.

NOTE TO EDITORS: The California Courier office will be closed the week of
July 13-20 due to its semi-annual vacation. Publication of the Online
Edition will resume with the issue of July 29.
California Courier Online, July 15, 2004
1 – Commentary
Turkey Gives Up Candidacy for OSCE
Chair, After Armenia Threatens Veto
By Harut Sassounian
California Courier Publisher
**************************************************************************
2 – Prof. Dekmejian Will be Special
Guest at AAPAC Aug. 1 Event
3 – USC Friends of Armenian Music
Celebrate 25th Anniversary, July 25
4 – AACL Will Host Moonlight Picnic
July 17 at Fresno’s California Home
5 – Author Richard Demirjian
Addresses Valley Guild Dinner
************************************************************************
1 – Commentary
Turkey Gives Up Candidacy for OSCE
Chair, After Armenia Threatens Veto
By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier
In what may be the first major diplomatic victory for Armenia over Turkey,
the Turkish government withdrew its candidacy for the Chairmanship of the
OSCE after Armenia threatened to exercise its veto power.
As reported in this column last month, Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian,
during his talk at the Center for Strategic and International Studies
(CSIS) in Washington, D.C., revealed that Armenia would use its veto to
prevent Turkey from assuming the Chairmanship of the OSCE in 2007. Oskanian
explained that since the decision to select the chair of the OSCE is made
by consensus, Turkey needed the votes of all member states. As Turkey is
the only candidate for that position, its chairmanship would have been
normally approved as a routine matter.
Oskanian justified Armenia’s threatened veto by stating: “Turkey has not
risen to the occasion. We cannot allow a country to be chairman in office
with which we don’t have diplomatic ties. We cannot allow a country to be
chairman in office of OSCE which negotiates the Nagorno Karabagh conflict,
and the chairman has certain rights and privileges that can be used against
Armenia. And given their policy in these past 12 years towards the region,
which has been extremely unbalanced, and given their unequivocal support
and solidarity toward Azerbaijan and one-sided policy toward Nagorno
Karabagh, Armenia simply – even if we wanted – cannot afford to have, for a
whole year, Turkey as a chairman in office. So these kinds of problems
arise because Turkey has not risen to the occasion and has not given us the
chance to look at Turkey differently. And this, as I said, puts us under a
lot of pressure by different countries so that we accept Turkey as chairman
in office, but it will be an extremely difficult political decision for
Armenia.”
Both Turkey and the United States were unhappy with Armenia’s intent to use
its veto. High-ranking U.S. officials pressured the Armenian government to
reconsider its position on this issue.
During a press conference in Yerevan last week, when asked what concessions
Armenia would seek in return to lifting its threatened veto, Oskanian said:
“We are not looking for a deal. Our decision was based on a single factor:
Turkey does not have diplomatic relations with Armenia. The country
chairing the OSCE must have diplomatic relations with all member states.”
While insisting that Armenia was not looking for a deal, Oskanian’s
response confirmed that Armenia was indeed seeking to exchange its veto for
the establishment of diplomatic relations with Turkey. Armenia may have
been forced to take such a negative position out of frustration with
repeated unkept promises by the United States to pressure Turkey into
establishing diplomatic ties and opening the border with Armenia.
The Turkish government made the surprising decision last week to withdraw
its candidacy for the Chairmanship of the OSCE. Turkey formally informed
the OSCE that it would not seek the chairmanship in 2007. Obviously, Turkey
did not want to be humiliated in public by having Armenia reject its
chairmanship during a formal vote.
This unexpected Turkish move may mean that all attempts by the United
States and Turkey to pressure Armenia into lifting its veto have failed and
that Armenia stood firm on its intent to use its veto. By refusing to make
a deal with Armenia, the Turks may be indicating that they have no plans in
the foreseeable future to establish diplomatic relations and open the
border with Armenia.
A more devious explanation for the withdrawal of its candidacy could be
that should Turkey, under pressure from the European Union, be forced to
make a positive gesture towards Armenia in the near future, the Turks would
not want this move interpreted by the international community as caving in
to Armenia’s threatened veto.
Only time would tell which of these two interpretations is correct.
Nevertheless, Armenia’s threatened veto of Turkey’s candidacy for OSCE
Chairmanship was a smart diplomatic move that would pay dividends for
Armenia in the long run, regardless of how cleverly Turkey tries to
disguise its next moves.
This experience shows that Armenia’s foreign policy should be conducted
from a position of strength rather than weakness. The world respects
strength as long as Armenia’s leaders do not overplay their hand and know
the boundary between firmness and recklessness!

**************************************************************************
2 – Prof. Dekmejian Will be Special
Guest at AAPAC Aug. 1 Event
PASADENA, Calif. – The Armenian-American Political Action Committee (AAPAC)
announced this week that renowned professor and critically acclaimed
author, Dr. Richard H. Dekmejian, will be a special guest at the AAPAC’s
Young Professionals Event in Pasadena, Calif. on Aug. 1 at the AGBU Center.
Dekmejian is a Professor of Political Science at USC. His specialties
include Comparative Political Violence, Middle East/Islamic Studies,
Political Elites, Multinational Business & Politics, US Foreign Policy,
Political Economy of Oil, and Comparative Ethnic Politics. Prof. Dekmejian
has appeared as a commentator on world affairs on radio and television
networks and has been quoted in major newspapers and publications.
“We are honored to have Dr. Dekmejian speak at our event. The Professor is
one of the most knowledgeable and compelling expert in his field. He is an
inspiration to all Armenian-Americans,” said AAPAC’s Board of Trustees
Chairman, Albert Boyajian. “We look forward to hearing his comments on
advocacy and the importance of involvement among all Armenian-Americans.”
A US Army veteran, Dr. Dekmejian has served as a consultant to various
federal agencies including the Department of State, the US Information
Agency, and the Department of Defense. He received his doctorate from
Columbia University and has served as the Chair of the Political Science
Department at USC. His recent books include: Islam in Revolution (1995),
Troubled Waters: The Geopolitics of the Caspian Region (2001, 2003), The
Just Prince: A Manual of Leadership (2003).
The AAPAC is currently seeking steadfast young professionals who are
interested in becoming active members of the organization, ultimately
helping to carry the banner for Armenian issues and concerns into the
future. All those interested in learning more about the AAPAC, its
political efforts, and its impact upon the political landscape of America
and abroad, are encouraged to attend. Space is limited, so RSVP as soon as
possible or by calling (818) 896-1550, or email Executive Director, Armen
Zenjiryan at [email protected].
**************************************************************************
3 – USC Friends of Armenian Music
Celebrate 25th Anniversary, July 25
By Seda G. Marootian
LOS ANGELES – Musical performances, elegant dining, and honoring notable
personages will all be a part of the USC Friends of Armenian Music 25th
Anniversary celebration at the campus’ Town and Gown, July 25 beginning at
1 p.m.
President Diana Artunian and her board of directors welcome the
participation of the entire Armenian community to share in this
celebration.
A variety of artists will entertain following the July 25 dinner which will
honor Dr. Robert A. Cutietta, the present Dean of USC Thornton School of
Music.
Past and present USC scholarship recipients to perform include violinist
Arusiak Baltaian, pianist Sakis Baltaian, cellist Garin Terzian and his
string trio. Tenor Leon Makasjian, soprano Salpy Mayilian and flutist
Zevart Joulhiyan round out the program.
Past presidents of USC FAM who will be acknowledge for their services
include Dr. Jirire Boyajian, Eric Avazian, Audrey Gregor, Fred Mickaelian,
Jr., Elise Tashjian, Rose Ketchoyan, Manush Simonian and Artemis Bedros.
USC FAM was founded in 1979 by the late Grant Beglarian, Dean of the School
of Performing Arts. Throughout the years, its aim has been to advance the
knowledge, preservation and presentation of Armenia’s rich musical
heritage.
Reservations can be made by calling (626) 282-5295 or (323) 461-1441.
Parking is available on campus at Child’s Way.
**************************************************************************
4 – AACL Will Host Moonlight Picnic
July 17 at Fresno’s California Home
VAN NUYS – The annual Moonlight Picnic, sponsored by the Fresno Chapter of
the Armenian-American Citizens’ League, will be held on July 17 on the
California Home Grounds in Fresno. This year’s picnic is being co-sponsored
by the AACL and the Staff of the California Armenian Home. The co-chairmen
are George Juarez, assistant administrator of the Home, and George
Emerzian, president of the Fresno AACL Chapter.
The picnic will start at 6:00 p.m. and the entrance fee is $5 per vehicle.
Music will be provided by Richard Hagopian and his Band.
The picnic is a fund-raiser for the California Armenian Home.
**************************************************************************
5 – Author Richard Demirjian
Addresses Valley Guild Dinner
MISSION HILLS, Calif. – Richard Demirjian was guest speaker at the May
dinner meeting of the Valley Guild of the Ararat Home. Demirjian is the
author of two military books, Triumph and Glory, and The Faces of Courage.
The latter is a documentary of 48 Armenian men and women who have served in
various branches of the United States military during wartime in the
Asiatic-Pacific theatre, European-African, Middle Eastern, Korea, Vietnam,
and foreign military theatres.
Demirjian, who is 75 years old, made a fifteen year commitment to research,
compile, write, and edit these volumes. He credits his wife, Dotty, for
assisting him in editing the books as well as enduring “social dropout”
status necessary to produce such a work.
The Armenian community is fortunate to have the stories of these men and
women in print. Demirjian recognizes that so much of our history, as
Armenians, has been lost because so many of the horror stories of our
parents and grandparents during the Turkish massacres were never revealed.
His effort is an important step in making the contributions of first
generation Armenians known to future generations.
Several of the subjects of Faces of Courage who now reside in Southern
California were present at the Guild dinner: Kegham (Chummy) Alexanian, 93
years old and the most decorated among the veteran attendees; Yuga
Ekparian, who was in the audience and recognized by Demirjian, is the wife
of the late Jack Ekparian who received a Bronze Star for his heroic role in
breaking through the German lines; Mike Hartunian, another decorated
veteran of World War II; actor Vahe (Buck) Kartalian, whose overseas duty
earned him an incredible 16 battle stars; and Darwin Avedisian, whose
service in the U.S. Navy earned him 3 PTO Battle Stars and 2 ETO Battle
Stars.
In the audience were veterans who were not the subject of Faces. Among them
was Ara Sevanian, whose illustrious career as a Kanoonist in the USSR was
interrupted in 1940 when he was drafted into the USSR Medical Corps during
World War II.
Also present was the Guild’s own Nikki Smith, who joined the WAVES in 1942
and served as Pharmacist Mate, First Class at Bethesda Naval Hospital, as
well as at San Diego Naval Hospital. Smith has been an active board member
of the Valley Guild for many years.
A book signing took place at the end of the evening. Those interested in
purchasing a copy may write to Ararat Heritage Publishing Co., P.O. Box
396, Moraga, CA 94556.
**************************************************************************
***************************************************************************
The California Courier On-Line is a service provided by the California
Courier. Subscriptions or changes of address should not be transmitted
through this service. Information in that regard should be telephoned
to (818) 409-0949; faxed to: (818) 409-9207, or e-mailed to:
[email protected]. Letters to the editor concerning issues
addressed in the Courier may be e-mailed, provided it is signed by
the author. Phone and/or E-mail address is also required to verify
authorship.

Associated Press Worldstream
July 13, 2004 Tuesday 11:43 AM Eastern Time
Armenian opposition lawmakers defend their boycott of parliamentary
sessions
YEREVAN, Armenia
Opposition lawmakers in Armenia on Tuesday defended their nearly
yearlong refusal to attend parliamentary sessions as a political
boycott against this ex-Soviet republic’s leadership.
“The absence of opposition deputies from sessions of the Armenian
National Assembly should be considered the ultimate political action
to boycott the parliament’s work,” said the opposition factions,
Justice and National Unity.
The opposition statement came in response to a letter sent by the
parliament’s committee on state and legal questions to all 24
opposition deputies asking them to explain their absence.
Some of the opposition lawmakers have refused to attend parliamentary
sessions since last July to protest against Armenian President Robert
Kocharian, whose resignation they have demanded. Kocharian won a
second term in presidential elections a year ago that sparked mass
protests and which the opposition claims was marred by widespread
violations.
Parliamentary officials have said they are considering whether to
punish the opposition lawmakers for violating discipline by not
attending sessions of the 131-seat parliament, including stripping
them of their parliamentary mandate. The opposition, meanwhile, has
said it is currently deciding whether to continue the boycott.

PRESS RELEASE
July 13, 2004
CONTACT: Anita P. Kazarian
Noah’s Landing LLC
PO Box 22168
Cleveland, OH 44122
Tel: 216.932.8100
Email: [email protected]
Armenians across America raise money for Armenia’s athletes
By Anita Papazian Kazarian
Many individual Armenians, Armenian organizations and friends of
Armenia are making the world a little smaller – and helping make big
dreams come true for 13 young athletes in Armenia.
They are helping to bring a team to Cleveland from Armenia to play in
the 2004 International Children’s Games (ICG) being held July 30 –
August 2. Last December it was realized that Armenia was not
represented in the 2004 ICG, primarily because of the high cost of
transportation to get here.
By January, the Cleveland Armenian community organized to raise funds
with the initial hope of bringing three teams. Its goal – to remove
financial barriers, set visitors up in both Armenian and non-Armenian
homes after the games conclude, and ensure the visiting team has the
best opportunity to learn about how we can, together, make Armenia a
stronger nation.
“A guest is a gift from God” says an old Armenian proverb, and we
truly believe that” said Dzaghig Pounardjian, the Cultural Co-Champion
for Armenia. According to Mrs. Ara Pounardjian, “the Armenian
children will meet ours, and children from around the world. We know
they will make lifelong friends, maybe one of these friendships will
help bring greater peace in the future.”
The Armenia Team will play in tennis, swimming, track/field, and
gymnastics. All donations to the ICG-Armenia Task Force (PO Box
22168, Cleveland, OH 44122) are tax deductible and will be used solely
to bring the 13 children (ranging in age from 12 to 15), and 4 coaches
to the USA. E-mail [email protected] for a listing of donors and
expenses.
Glendale, California’s team is made up of Armenian children who will
compete in Track/Field and Baseball according to Suzelle Avitsian of
Solon Ohio. She has been working with Glendale head coach Koko
Panossian for the past several months to insure their participation.
“Glendale athletes and coaches have raised their own funds in
California to pay their expenses.” said Mrs. Rafi Avitsian.
Cleveland area Armenians welcome the world to Cleveland, won’t you
join us?
###