OSCE CONCERNED OVER HIGH POLITICAL TENSION IN ARMENIA

YEREVAN, APRIL 13, ARMENPRESS: Armenian president Robert Kocharian
received today Vladimir Pryakhin, the head of the OSCE Yerevan office,
to discuss, as the presidential press office said, “some issues
pertaining to a set of projects implemented by the office in Armenia.”
The press office said both men underlined the practical implementation
of the government-designed plan of actions to fight against corruption
and the necessity to improve Armenia’s election law. Also a special
importance was attached to the fulfillment of the poverty reduction
program.

Kocharian’s press office also said the two men spoke about the
latest political developments. Ambassador Pryakhin was quoted as
saying that the OSCE Yerevan office is concerned over the high
political tension, stressing concurrently “the unacceptability of
exploiting the names of international organizations, including also
the OSCE, by different political forces.”

He emphasized that the OSCE is called to promote establishment of
civil society and stands for maintenance of constitutional order and
legality in Armenia.

POLICE DISPERSE OPPOSITION RALLY

YEREVAN, APRIL 13, ARMENPRESS: Armenian police used water cannons
and stun grenades to disperse an opposition rally in Yerevan, that was
demanding the resignation of president Robert Kocharian. A special
operation for driving the protesters from the Marshal Baghramian
Avenue, where the presidential palace and the parliament building are
situated, was started today morning at 02.00, local time.

The police told Armenpress that the decision to start the operation
was made after the unsanctioned rally, organized by the Ardarutyun
(Justice ) alliance and the National Unity on April 12, moved from
Theater Square in downtown Yerevan to Baghramian Avenue, developing
into an uncontrolled gathering that was accompanied by provocative
calls and offensive language together with announcements for a violent
overthrow of the current authorities.

The police said the gathering disrupted the traffic and normal work
of several government agencies and foreign diplomatic missions and
public order, as the demonstrators were singing and dancing,
shattering peace and quiet of residents in nearby houses.

The police said that despite numerous warnings that their actions
were illegal and in violation of laws, and that they would be
retaliated appropriately if continued, the demonstrators took no
notice, throwing in response fire-bombs, bottles and stones.

The police said the demonstrators’ actions were getting more and
more aggressive, threatening both police officers and ordinary
citizens, as a result they had to apply physical force and other
measures, stipulated by the Law on Police, to stave off further
offenses of the law and neutralize the danger to people’s life and
health. The police said demonstrators were armed with batons, metal
rods and knives.

The clash between police officers and demonstrators left several
officers and demonstrators injured, some were taken to hospitals. The
police said some of opposition activists and leaders were detained,
including a parliament member Shavarsh Kocharian, who, they said, was
armed with a gun. Some of other opposition leaders took to flight. The
police said they are now tying to track them down and arrest. The
police said they have notified the chief prosecutor about their
actions. They also said that the situation is now under the full
control of the authorities.

“TOURISM AND REST ARMITT-2004” EXHIBITION HELD IN YEREVAN

YEREVAN, APRIL 8, ARMENPRESS: Armenian EXPO.com has initiated an
exhibition “Tourism and Rest ARMITT-2004” which is held at the Cinema
Housein Yerevan on April 7-10. The exhibition aims to unveil the
potentials of Armenian tourism markets, emphasize the role of tourism
in the economic development of the country and contribute to a growing
interest to Armenia thus fostering investment and new employment
places.

Armenian deputy minister of trade and economic development Ara
Petrosian noted that these are the first steps and this exhibition is
going to becomea tradition increasing in geography and supported by
the Armenian government. “Tourism is at an irreversible and dynamic
stage of its development in Armenia,” the deputy minister noted. The
statistics indicate that in the coming yearsit will keep on developing
as dynamically, he added. Some 30 per cent rise is registered in this
field as compared to the data of 2002. The deputy minister expects
similar growth in the coming year. Much should be done in promotion
activities and assistance programs while this event serves
particularly to those aims, the deputy minister said.

He also stressed the role of the private sector and stated that “it
is capable to record successes and attract tourists to Armenia in the
conditions of serious competition in the international market.”
A. Petrosian also expressed his gratitude to the diplomatic agencies
present at the meeting stressing that tourism has a great potential in
Armenia.

The deputy tourism minister of Lebanon Antoine Issa El Quirin
congratulated all the participants. He expressed his happiness for
this inaugural event and added that the historical backgrounds of both
Armenia and Lebanon allowto say that such events and tourism will
become a tradition.

Moscow office head of Armenian EXPO.com Hovhannes Khachatrian who
also supervises the current exhibition said that more than two dozens
Armenian and one Lebanese company participate in the event. For the
coming year, there are five applications received from Cyprus. An
international conference titled “Domestic Tourism: Problems and
Challenges,” another round table are also expected. At the end of the
event, the companies named as the best in 11 categories will receive
honor certificates.

The exhibition was officially supported by Armenian foreign
ministry, ministry of trade and economic development and Interregional
Internet-Commercial Net.

Azeri foreign minister speaks of Karabakh before Prague meeting

Baku Today
13/04/2004 13:15

Azerbaijani and Armenian foreign ministers are planning to meet on
April 26, 2004 in Prague. Azeri foreign minister Elmar Mammadyarov
said, the meeting will be of acquaintanceship character. Azeri stance
over Karabakh conflict is clear, said Mammadyarov , Azerbaijan will
not agree nether to independent state status of Karabakh or to
Karabakh being the part of Armenia. New proposals of the OSCE Minsk
group for the settlement of the conflict must base on these
principles, he said. Mammadyarov said, Minsk group’s position does
not satisfy Azerbaijan as the group says the two conflicting parties
have to reach agreement between them and then the group will accept
the concluded agreement.

The solution of the conflict is the priority area in the affairs of
the foreign ministry, he said, adding the speediest peaceful
settlement of the conflict might eliminate the security threats to the
South Caucasus and have huge impact on the economies of the nations in
the region.

Turkey Promises not to Open Armenian Border until Karabag is Solved

ZAMAN
04.13.2004 Tuesday

At the invitation of President Ahmet Necdet Sezer, Azerbaijan
President Ilham Aliyev is in Turkey for a two-day official
visit. Speaking to Zaman before the visit, Aliyev told ZAMAN before
the visit that Turkey has promised not to open the Armenian border
until the Mountainous Karabag problem is solved. He said the reaction
of the Azeri people has stemmed from the latest statements made by
American officials. Aliyev said that the promise given by Ankara is
enough for him, saying, “our power is our union.” The Azerbaijan
President stressed that he would maintain a policy of mutual
relations. Aliyev noted that they wanted Ankara to be a mediator for
the problem in Karabag, but said the Armenian side would need to
agree.

Aliyev called on Turkish businessmen to investment, noting that
Turkish high

schools have trained qualified people for Azerbaijan’s future. He
said,

“As President of the country, I want these high schools to continue
their activities”. Aliyev said the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline would be
completed on time, Aliyev added that Kazakhstan also wanted to join in
on the project.

President Aliyev thanked Zaman newspaper for its decent press policies
that have

brought the two countries closer together.

Aliyev’s first visit as President is significant as it is taking place
amongst rumors in Azerbaijan that Turkey will open its doors to
Armenia.

04.13.2004 Enes Cansever Baku

AUTHORITIES FIRM TO STAVE OFF NEW MANIFESTATIONS OF EXTREMISM, PRESIDENTIAL
SPOKESMAN SAYS

YEREVAN, APRIL 13, ARMENPRESS: Ashot Kocharian, a spokesman for
president Kocharian (no relation) said today the demeanor of the
“opposition minority,” its calls for change of power and violence,
unsanctioned rallies and marches developed into political extremism,
which he said were jeopardizing Armenia’s stability and damaging its
international image, of a country that has chosen the path of
democracy and radical reforming of its economy.

The spokesman argued that the law-enforcement bodies had to
interfere to maintain public order, and that their actions did not go
beyond the frameworks, set by laws. “The police interfered after the
anti-government rally had disrupted the work of the president and the
parliament, endangering the county’s constitutional order,” he said.

He said the police intervened after the demonstrators refused to
obey their orders. “The capital is under the full control of the
authorities andall government agencies are functioning normally. The
authorities are firm in their resolution to apply all measures,
envisaged by laws, to preserve stability and stave off manifestations
of extremism,” he said.

PRESS OFFICE
Armenian Church Endowment Fund (ACEF)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: George Kassis, Executive Director
Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 54; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:

April 13, 2004
___________________

ACEF SENDS $2.7 MILLION TO ORGANIZATIONS, PARISHES

It was a big payday this year for local parishes and other Armenian
organizations.

The Armenian Church Endowment Fund (ACEF) recently distributed $2.7 million
to 151 beneficiaries, income generated in 2003 from endowments managed by
ACEF. Because of successful investment planning, ACEF was able to
distribute $2.7 million compared to last year’s distribution of $2.4
million.

Individuals who establish funds with ACEF designate beneficiaries. The
principal investment is never touched. Each year part of the income is
added to the principal, allowing it to grow in the face of inflation. The
other half of the income is sent to the Diocese, Armenian organizations, and
local parishes. This plan assures these organizations receive annual
financial support for generations.

Because of successful investment planning, ACEF was able to distribute $2.7
million this year, compared to last year’s distribution o $2.4 million.

The largest amount, $1.25 million, went to help fund ministries and programs
of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) — efforts such
as youth ministry, college outreach, Armenian and Sunday Schools, music and
deacon training, and mission parish support.

“With the ongoing support of the funds invested in ACEF, the Diocese is able
to spend less time worrying about raising funds and more focused on reaching
Armenians with the Lord’s word,” said Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate
of the Eastern Diocese. “When people create endowments for the Diocese,
we’re assured they’ll continue to support our ministries for generations to
come.”

The second largest check was sent to St. Nersess Armenian Seminary in New
Rochelle, NY, which received $286,000 for 2003. With the support offered by
the money invested in ACEF, St. Nersess is able to identify future clergy
and lay ministers, train them to assume responsibility, and offer programs
that support and educate current lay and clergy leaders.

Funds earmarked for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin brought in $244,000
in income in 2003.

HELPING AT HOME

Local parishes are often named as beneficiaries of ACEF funds. St. James
Church of Watertown, MA, was the parish with the largest income from ACEF
investments in 2003, a total of $104,000. That’s a large portion of the
parish’s yearly $700,000 budget.

St. James has a total of $2.1 million invested by ACEF. Of that, $400,000
is in endowments established by individuals and designated to benefit the
parish. The rest of the principal is money raised by the parish
specifically for its endowment.

Since assuming the pastorship in Watertown in 1999, Fr. Arakel Aljalian has
made it a mission to increase the parish’s endowment, with the goal of
eventually having half the parish budget covered by endowment income. He
said the steady income allows the parish to do more programming and frees it
from fund-raising worries.

“If you have a strong endowment fund, you can do more educational,
spiritual, youth, outreach programs,” Fr. Aljalian said. “Our church was
built by the hands of the parishioners in the difficult times of the
Depression. I try to remind my parishioners that it is our obligation to
continue that legacy left by our grandparents, to make sure this church will
be here for a long time. And with the continued, yearly financial support
of endowments, we can bring our community together at St. James.”

The principal donations invested in ACEF remain untouched in perpetuity.
The income generated from the investments is distributed to beneficiaries
named by the establisher of the fund. Some income is also used to build up
the principal, so future distributions can keep pace with inflation and even
grow.

For more information on the Armenian Church Endowment Fund and to establish
your own fund, contact George Kassis, executive director of ACEF, by
e-mailing [email protected] or calling (212) 686-0710 ext. 54.

* * *

Top 10 Beneficiaries of 2003 ACEF income
Eastern Diocese: $1,251,097
St. Nersess Seminary: $286,692
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin: $244,639
St. James Church, Watertown, MA: $104,370
Holy Martyrs Armenian Day School, NY: $101,516
St. Leon Church, Fair Lawn, NJ: $69,385
Fund for Armenian Relief: $63,769
Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem: $50,503
ST. Tarkmanchatz School: $43,876
Holy Cross Church, New York, NY: $43,176
St. Gregory the Enlightener, White Plains, NY: $30,382

# # #

Azeri paper speculates on replacement of envoy to Georgia

Azadliq, Baku
13 Apr 04

Text of Information Department’s report by Azerbaijani newspaper
Azadliq on 13 April headlined “Ilham Aliyev has sent his university
mate to Georgia” and subheaded “Witnesses of old regimes are being
‘disposed of'”

The Azerbaijani ambassador to Georgia, Hacan Haciyev, has been
recalled and replaced by Ramiz Ayvaz oglu Hasanov.

Hasanov, 43, was born in Georgia. He studied at Moscow’s State
Institute of International Relations together with Azerbaijani
President Ilham Aliyev. His father, Ayvaz Hasanov, used to command a
lot of respect among ethnic Azeris in Georgia and was a deputy
agriculture minister of Georgia.

According to people who know the new ambassador, his appointment to
Georgia is like an “honorable exile” for he could aspire to become a
minister considering his contacts with Aliyev and other factors.

According to some circles, Haciyev’s recall may have to do with the
new Georgian leadership’s irk at dubious cooperation between the
regimes of Heydar Aliyev and Eduard Shevardnadze the former
Azerbaijani and Georgian presidents . Haciyev was, to put it mildly,
too well informed about the forms of this cooperation. The recent
seizure of the smuggled oil on the Georgia-Armenia border is part of
such “cooperation”.

The incumbent Azerbaijani leadership reckons that there are too many
differences between Georgia under Shevardnadze and under the
incumbent, and that hence it should rid itself of all people who
served such “cooperation”.

Prior to this appointment, Hasanov was deputy chairman of the
joint-stock company Azarkontrakt.

PARLIAMENT FAILED TO RESUME WORK

YEREVAN, APRIL 13, ARMENPRESS: Armenian parliament failed to
convene today a regular session for the second running day after its
Monday sitting was disrupted by the lack of quorum with members of the
majority of deputies representing the three governing parties refusing
to attend it, citing the escalating standoff with the opposition.

The three members of the coalition-the Republican Party, the
Armenian Revolutionary Federation (Dashnaktsutyun) and the Orinats
Yerkir Party had explained the move by their desire to avoid
artificial tensions and stave off possible clashes between their
supporters and the opposition crowd, that approached the presidential
palace and parliament building. Only 15 lawmakers turned up for
today’s session.

Iranian, Armenian Top Diplomats Discuss Regional, Int’l Issues

04/13/04

TEHRAN (IRNA) — Iran and Armenia here Tuesday discussed expansion of
bilateral cooperation as well as regional and international issues,
including Karabakh.

Visiting Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian, in a meeting with
his Iranian counterpart Kamal Kharrazi, called for expansion of
relations with Iran.

Oskanian pointed to the increasing trend of political, economic,
cultural and scientific cooperation between the two countries, and
voiced his country’s determination to boost mutual ties through
increased regular consultations.

He further highlighted the positive outcomes of the two countries’
joint gas projects, saying they are in line with the two countries’
interest and hoped such projects would be implemented seriously.

He termed developments in Karabakh and his country’s upcoming
negotiation with Azeri officials as “important,” and stressed the need
to maintain regional consultations, particularly with Iran, to
establish stability in the region.

Kharrazi, for his part, outlined the two countries’ potentials for
cooperation and said providing facilities to increase trade exchanges
would double the motivation of tradesmen, industrialists and state and
private companies for promotion of bilateral cooperation. Kharrazi,
referring to the Armenia-Azerbaijan talks, termed the talks “positive”
and proposed continuation of these talks at the ministerial level as
well as with other senior officials, adding that “the Islamic Republic
of Iran supports the strategy of dialogue to settle the Karabakh
issue.”

“Iran’s cooperation with Armenia is in line with efforts to achieve
regional stability and is not against any country,” Kharrazi said.

The Iranian minister referred to the project to transfer gas via
Armenia and Ukraine to Europe as “important” and in line with efforts
to promote regional cooperation, adding that current talks regarding
the project have been fruitful and constructive in establishing
greater participation and collaboration in the region. SNSC secretary:
Tehran Keen on Developing Relations with Neighbors

Secretary of Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Hassan Rowhani
said on Tuesday that Iran is keen on developing economic and political
relations with neighboring states.

In a meeting with Armenian foreign minister, Rowhani said that
longstanding cultural affinity between Iran and Armenia contributed to
common interests in the field of economy and boosting Tehran-Yerevan
cooperation.

He appreciated the current cooperation between Iranian and Armenian
energy ministries over the project of dam building and setting up
power plant over Aras River as symbol of economic cooperation.

He hoped that the agreement on setting up pipeline to carry Iranian
gas to Armenia will be signed soon.

Rowhani said that Armenian government is expected to help resolve
problems of Iranian nationals and organizations based in Armenia.

Referring to the developments in Caucasus and Karabakh, Rowhani said
that as much as the regional states succeeded to resolve the crisis,
their interests would be guaranteed and regional stability would be
reinforced.

Rowhani pointed to crises in Iraq, Afghanistan, Palestine and Caucasus
as the four dangerous places which should be dealt with politically to
help bring about economic development and social welfare for the
people living in those areas.