Armenian govt forecasts 6%-7% GDP growth in 2005-2007
Interfax
June 21 2004
Yerevan. (Interfax) – The Armenian government is forecasting growth
in GDP in 2005-2007 of 6%-7% per annum and average yearly inflation in
this period is planned at not more than 3%, Armenian Finance Minister
Pavel Safarian said at a press briefing.
He said that in absolute terms GDP in 2005-2007 would amount to 1.953
trillion dram, 2.133 trillion dram and 2.33 trillion dram respectively.
The deputy minister said that the government approved a mid-term
program for expenditure in 2005-2007. He said that priority would be
given to expenditure on education, healthcare and social welfare.
Armenian GDP in 2003 increased 13.9% year-on-year to 1.62 trillion
dram. The Armenian Central Bank forecasts that inflation in the
republic in 2004 will not exceed 3%. Consumer prices increased 8.6%
in 2003.
The official exchange rate on June 17 was 545.63 dram to the dollar.

Azerbaijani, Armenian Foreign Ministers Meeting in Prague
Baku Today, Azerbaijan
June 21 2004
Azerbaijani and Armenian foreign ministers are going to meet in
Prague, Czheck republic, on Monday to discuss ways of finding a
peaceful settlement to Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
Elmar Mammadyarov of Azerbaijan and Vardan Oskanian of Armenia are also
expected to discuss the recent breaches of the cease fire agreement
in the contact line between the Azerbaijani and Armenian troops.
Co-chairs of the Minsk group of the Organization for Security and
Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) that has been mediating the peace
negotiations since 1992 are also to attend the meeting.
Oskanian said before the meeting that no new proposals from the Minsk
group are expected, ANS reported.
The chief diplomats of Azerbaijan and Armenia last met in Strasbourg
on May 12 and after the meeting Oskainian said no agreements were
reached between the two.

Cher on Farewell Tour in Moscow, Armenian Declares Being Her Cousin
Moscow News
June 21 2004
American singer Cher will perform in Moscow Kremlin palace on Monday
and Tuesday. On June 24, she will have a concert in St. Petersburg,
at the New ice arena.
These concerts are part of her farewell world tour. In an interview
to the NTV television channel, she said that one should leave the
stage at the golden age.
Cher’s concerts coincided with Moscow International Film Festival.
Hollywood star Meryl Strip who had arrived to Moscow for the festival
will attend Cher’s show, Moscow government information center
reported. In 1983, Strip and Cher played in the Silkwood movie by
Mike Nichols.
Cher is of Armenian origin, she was born as Cherilyn Sarkisian.
Komsomolskaya Pravda newspaper wrote that a citizen of Yerevan, the
capital of Armenia, approached to the bus in Moscow airport where
Cher was sitting and showed her a photograph of his father who, as
he was quoted by the paper as saying, was the brother of Cher’s father.
Marvel Sarkisian quoted by the paper said that his father Vardan was
killed in the World War II and his brother Karapet who allegedly is
Cher’s father went to the United States via Bulgaria and changed his
name to John. Marvel was ready to make a genetic analysis of his blood,
the paper wrote. However, Cher did not talk to him and left after he
had shown the photo to her.

Azer Tag, Azerbaijan State Info Agency
June 21 2004
EXTENDED MEETING OF AZERBAIJAN PRESIDENT ILHAM ALIYEV AND GREEK
PRESIDENT KOSTANTIONOS STEPHANOPOULOS
[June 21, 2004, 18:22:41]
After the one-on-one meeting of the twp presidents, was held an
extended meeting of the heads of states.
After the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev welcomed the guests,
he said:
“The relations between Greece and Azerbaijan successfully develop. We
would like these relations to cover all the fields. We have discussed
this question in our private meeting. We want the political dialogue
strengthened. There are many economic projects and opportunities. I
hope the economic links will accelerate.
We are delightful that together with the president a large number of
businessmen have come to Azerbaijan and they are having useful
meetings. We have also successful links in humanitarian sphere. A
Greek department is functioning in the Baku Slavonic University and
attracts many students.
As you know, we are to cooperate in energy sector fruitfully. We have
made fist steps in this field. I hope our energy cooperation will
acquire higher level. I once again welcome you and am convinced that
after this visit, our relation swills develop in all spheres”.
President of Greece Constantinos Stephanopoulos said:
” Thank you very much, Mr. President,
Taking the opportunity of presence of the media representatives, I
would like to tell we attach great importance to this visit. Also I
would revere memory of your great father with whom I have met twice
and had exchange of views connected to regionally important questions
and issues related to your country.
Today, we shall have conversation of possible ways of cooperation
between our countries. Our country is interested in the energy sector
of your country. We hope we shall take part in development of natural
gas deposits of Azerbaijan.
We would also to set up trade links with your country and on this
purpose a large number of Greek businessmen have come to Baku. I am
convinced that the 2-day economic forum that I am invited too, will
also make its contributions to this.
Mr. President, Greece is a country with ancient culture and
traditions. We would like to develop our cultural links, have close
relations among the higher educational institutions and scientists.
It is pleased that I will visit the Baku Slavonic University
tomorrow. I shall be ranked honorary doctor of the University. We
shall open a Greek Studies Center in the University”.
Touching upon the Armenia- Azerbaijan Nagorny Karabakh conflict,
President Constantinos Stephanopoulos said: “We fully understand the
problem. It is because we are facing a similar problem. Despite the
difficulties, we wish the problem found its solution. And this, of
course, depends on the sides’ sincerity and will, as well as support
of the international organizations.
Mr. President, I assure You that Greece in the frame of the European
structure, will do its best that Europe played active role in
settlement of the conflict.
Mr. President, permit me to thank You for warm hospitality and invite
You to visit our country. Of course, the diplomatic channels will
ascertain the schedule of the visit. It is a regret that probably it
will not be me who will receive you in Athens. But this does not
change anything. We have unchangeable feelings of respect for you.
During the meeting, also were discussed a number of other isues of
mutual interest.

Iranian Prodigy Qaem-Maqami Humbles Vaganian
Mehr News Agency, Iran
June 21 2004
TEHRAN, June 21 (MNA) – Iranian grand master Ehsan Qaem-Maqami gave
top Armenian player Rafael Vaganian an unforgettable lesson at the
World Chess Federation (FIDE) Championships in Tripoli, capital of
Libya, Monday.
The Iranian phenom checkmated once world No. 3, Vaganian, who stood
top in Russia’s Aeroflot event in 2004.
Maqami found himself in the top 64 players’ list as he beat the
Armenian twice.
Playing with black pieces in his first challenge Sunday, he displayed
unexpected prowess against Vaganian in a queen’s Indian defense after
offering his opponent a draw, which was declined.
“The game was normal for first 18 moves. I offered my opponent draw
but he tried to win and did some bad moves,” said the Iranian genius
after the first match.
He managed to defeat Vaganian in their second fight on June 21.
Morteza Mahjub, Maqami’s teammate, who also emerged victorious in his
first fight and overcame Georgian grand master Zurab Azmaiparashvili,
was booted out of the tournament Monday when he lost the return and
semi-rapid matches.

PRESS OFFICE
Armenian Holy Apostolic Church Canadian Diocese
Contact; Deacon Hagop Arslanian, Assistant to the Primate
615 Stuart Avenue, Outremont Quebec H2V 3H2
Tel; 514-276-9479, Fax; 514-276-9960
Email; [email protected] Website;
Naira Melkoumian Received at the Canadian Diocese
On Friday June 11, 2004, Mrs. Naira Melkoumian, Executive Director
of the “Armenia” Pan-Armenian Fund (Himnadram) visited the Montreal
headquarters of the Canadian Armenian Diocese. His Eminence Bishop
Bagrat Galstanian, Primate, warmly welcomed the distinguished guest
in the Dikran Karibian Hall.
Attending the formal reception were Very Rev. Fr. Ararat Kaltakdjian,
Vicar General, Very Rev. Fr. Hayrig Hovhannessian, Rev. Fr. Vazken
Boyadjian, Pastor of St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral, Dr. and
Mrs Haroutiun Arzoumanian, vice chairman of the Diocesan Council,
representatives of Montreal Armenian organizations, members of both
Montreal and Laval parish councils, Diocesan Youth Council members
and members of the Executive Committee of Montreal’s “Armenia” Fund.
Rev. Fr. Vazken Boyadjian welcomed the guests and introduced
Mrs. Melkoumian, who has been the Foreign Affairs Minister of
Mountainous Karabakh and permanent representative of Karabakh in
Armenia, before assuming the responsibility of Executive Director
of the “Armenia” Pan-Armenian Fund. Bishop Galstanian addressed
the guests and expressed his joy that this was the first time he
was welcoming a high-ranking official from Armenia. Serpazan said,
“Armenia is the homeland of all Armenians and that the strengthening of
our motherland socially, economically and politically is a sacred call
for all of us. Today, more than ever, we are called upon to preserve
our motherland, where our identity and the nation’s existence lies.”
Mrs. Naira Melkoumian thanked the Primate for the cordial reception
at the Diocesan headquarters. She then extensively talked about the
plans and the projects that the Fund is carrying out in Armenia and
in Artsakh. She asked His Eminence’s blessings and called for all
those present to support the mission of the “Armenia” Fund.
Bishop Galstanian visited Archbishop Andrew Hutchison
On Tuesday June 15, 2004 His Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galstanian visited
the Anglican Archdiocese of Montreal and personally congratulated
Archbishop Hutchison on his election as Primate of the Anglican Church
of Canada.
“Canadian Armenians are delighted as a close friend of their church
and their motherland Aremenia has been elected Primate of the Anglican
Church,” said Bishop Galstanian, and added, “We certainly look forward
for further cooperation and exchange of views between our respective
churches on many social issues”.
Archbishop Hutchsion briefly presented his plans for the coming
months and expressed his wish to officially visit the Mother See of
Holy Etchmiadzin, the Spiritual Centre of Armenian Christianity. His
Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galstanian promised to convey Archbishop
Hutchison’s wish to His Holiness Karekin II in order to arrange an
official visit.
The Vicar General of Anglican Archdiocese Rev. Peter Hannen invited
Bishop Bagrat Galstanian to attend a farewell reception in honor of
Abp Hucthison where government officials as well as eminent spiritual
leaders will be present. Accompanying the Primate was Deacon Hagop
Arslanian.
Pontifical and Diocesan Awards Bestowment
On Saturday June 12, Bishop Bagrat Galstanmian, Primate of the Armenian
Church Diocese of Canada, bestowed the Pontifical Medal of St Nersess
Shenorhali and the Holy Encyclical (Gontag) by His Holiness Karekin
II, Catholicos of All Armenians, to Mr. Kevork Manoukian, Chairman
of Montreal’s “Hayastan” Pan-Armenian Fund. Siultaneously, the
“Etchmiadzin” Diocesan First Order Medal was bestowed upon Mrs. Nayira
Melkoumian by His Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galstanian.
The occasion was the formal banquet held at the AGBU Alex Manougian
Center’s Jirair and Eliz Dervishian Hall, in honor of Mrs. Nayira
Melkoumian, Executive Director of “Hayastan” Pan-Armenia Fund
headquartered in Yerevan, Armenia. Mrs. Melkoumian talked about the
Fund’s projects in Armenia and Artsakh and thanked the Montreal and
Toronto committees as well as the Canadian Armenian community for
their support of the Fund’s reconstruction projects. Bishop Galstanian
praised Mr.George Manoukian’s leadership and services to the Canadian
Armenian community, then asked Rev. Fr Vazgen Boyajyan to read His
Holiness’ Encyclical, and then pinned the Pontifical Medal to the
recipients’s chest. The Primate tgen emphasized the importance
of supporting the “Hayastan” Pan_Armenia Fund, and bestowed the
“Etchmiadzin” Diocesan First Order Medal to Mrs. Nayira Melkoumian
in appreciation of her tireless efforts to serve Armenian and Artsakh.
Attending the banquet were representatives of community churches
organizations. The Diocesan Council was represented by Dr Haroutiun
Arzoumanian, Vice Cahirman.
Divan of the Diocese

Armenian diaspora head pledges assistance to Karabakh
Mediamax news agency
21 Jun 04
Yerevan, 21 June: The Armenian Assembly of America (AAA) is ready to
defend Nagornyy Karabakh’s interests on the international scene in
every possible way.
The chairman of the AAA board of directors, Anthony Barsamyan, said
this at a meeting with the NKR Nagornyy Karabakh Republic foreign
minister, Ashot Gulyan, on 19 June, Mediamax’s correspondent reports
from Stepanakert Xankandi .
Anthony Barsamyan said that during his visit to the NKR, he is going
to study the opportunities of the AAA’s assistance to Nagornyy Karabakh
in the implementation of humanitarian programs.
Ashot Gulyan familiarized the guest with the current state of the
Nagornyy Karabakh settlement and the situation in the region. The
minister noted that although the conflict has not been settled,
Nagornyy Karabakh should develop in all directions.
In this regard, Ashot Gulyan expressed the hope that the AAA will
render assistance to the processes of democratization and state
building in the NKR, the development of the republic’s public sector,
and the involvement of Karabakh’s NGOs in the realization of regional
projects.

RUSSIA’S PUTIN PRAISES TASHKENT SUMMIT
Channel One TV, Moscow
21 Jun 04
(Presenter) Russia should develop immunity, so that negative
events occurring on the international market do not affect Russia’s
interests. This was discussed today (21 June) at a meeting between
President Vladimir Putin and government members. Putin also summed up
the results of the recent summits. Lyudmila Moiseyenko has the details.
(Correspondent) Today’s meeting with the cabinet of ministers in
the Kremlin summed up the results of the recent summits – the G8,
Shanghai Cooperation Organization (Russia, China, Kazakhstan,
Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan), the Eurasian Economic
Community (Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan)
and the Collective Security Treaty Organization (Armenia, Belarus,
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Russia). Vladimir Putin thanked
everybody who participated in preparations for the events. All goals
Russia set were achieved.
(Putin) We have significantly moved forward in strengthening
partnership links in all these areas. I’d like to specifically
emphasize our work with Uzbekistan, where we agreed with its
leadership to sign a very important document – the treaty on strategic
partnership. This is changing the quality of Russia’s relations with
the Republic of Uzbekistan in general.
(Passage omitted: Long-term multiple visas to France and Italy
available for Russian businessmen.)
(Correspondent) Another major point at the meeting was the movement of
capital into and out of Russia. The law on currency market regulation,
which has come into force, should simplify the procedures. The
finance minister (Aleksey Kudrin) gave a report on this to the
president. Russia is joining the world currency system and this is
a serious step towards a convertible rouble. However, since the law
came into force, the country can sometimes find itself dependent on
events on the world market.
(Kudrin) Last Friday (18 June) the Central Bank introduced a whole
series of instructions that ensure that such opportunities can be
used. However, specific measures will depend on the state of the
market, the grounds for and necessity of preventive measures on
the market against the movement of speculative capital, which can
quickly disrupt the payment balance and influence the currency rate
and inflation in our country.
(Putin) How long could these restrictive measures be in place?
(Kudrin) The measures could be in place for two years only. In two
years, after a transition period, these measures will be cancelled
by law, and it will not be possible to introduce them again.
(Correspondent) Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov was absent from the
meeting in the Kremlin today. He had good reason. He is currently
in Tallinn at a meeting of the heads of government of the members of
the Council of the Baltic Sea States.

ARMENIAN ANALYST SAYS DENOUNCES LEADER’S REFUSAL TO ATTEND NATO TALKS
Noyan Tapan news agency
21 Jun 04
Yerevan, 21 June: “The president’s (Robert Kocharyan) refusal to take
part in the Istanbul summit of NATO is a crude tactical mistake, which,
I think, may have bad consequences for the image of our country, and
for cooperation with Europe and the USA in the future, especially
as the leaders of the neighbour states are going to take part in
the summit,” the chairman of the West-East national and strategic
research centre, Aram Oganesyan, has said in an interview with a
Noyan Tapan correspondent.
He noted that transport corridors are already bypassing Armenia, in
particular, the North-South corridor via Azerbaijan, Iran and then
Pakistan and India. Negotiations are now being held on the unification
of the Turkish and Georgian railroads in the area of Batumi. “This
is being done now and if the foreign political situation regarding
Armenia will worsen, it will be a result of our mistakes.”
Aram Oganesyan recalled that the Caucasus is an important part of
NATO’s Partnership for Peace programme and is becoming one of the
most important elements of NATO.
At the same time, the analyst said that if one looks at the
chronology of the events, Kocharyan announced his refusal to visit
Istanbul immediately after his arrival from Moscow. A few days
later Russia announced that President (Vladimir) Putin will also
not participate in the Istanbul meeting, but send Foreign Minister
Sergey Lavrov instead. “There is some logic to this and agreement.
Armenia’s relations with Russia are the closest which is determined
by history, geography and culture. But it would be wrong to make our
national interests unconditionally dependent on Russia’s political
or national interests,” Oganesyan announced.
He said that Armenia must resolve the existing problems “at the
negotiating table with its neighbours which is the only way of
resolving conflicts”.

Armenian officers arrive in Azeri capital for NATO conference
Azad Azarbaycan TV, Baku
21 Jun 04
We have just received a report from the [Azerbaijani] Defence Ministry.
According to the report, Col Murad Isakhanyan and Senior Lieutenant
Aram Ovanesyan have already arrived in Baku [for a NATO conference
due to start tomorrow].
The Defence Ministry will ensure the security of the Armenian officers
in Baku. It is reported that immediately after the NATO conference
in Baku tomorrow, they will return home. According to our report,
the Armenians arrived in Baku at the invitation of NATO without visas.