Pressure group vows to bar Armenians from Azeri-hosted NATO conference
ANS TV, Baku
8 Jun 04
[Presenter] Armenian officers have voiced their intention of coming
to Baku. The Armenian Defence Ministry press secretary said that the
officers insist on coming to Baku for exercises to be held within
the framework of NATO’s Partnership for Peace programme. The Karabakh
Liberation Organization [KLO] advises the Armenians against this trip.
[Correspondent] Armenian officers declared their intention of coming
to Baku on 22 June. A planning conference for exercises within the
framework of NATO’s Partnership for Peace programme will be held
here on that day. The Armenian Defence Ministry press secretary,
Col Seyran Shakhsuvaryan, told Russia’s Regnum news agency that on 16
June, the Azerbaijani embassy in Georgia will issue relevant papers
to the Armenian officers for their trip to Baku. Let us recall that
the Armenian military was not permitted to attend conferences held
in Baku earlier.
Commenting on the Armenians’ attempts to come to Baku, the head of the
Foreign Ministry’s press service, Matin Mirza, said that the event
is being held within the framework of NATO’s Partnership for Peace
programme and that not only Armenians, but also representatives of all
the member states of the programme will take part in the conference.
In his opinion, the Armenians’ trip to Baku cannot be regarded as the
establishment of bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia. He
said that there are positive aspects of the Armenians’ visit.
[Matin Mirza] I do not think that the Armenians’ involvement in
the Baku-based event can create any problem for Azerbaijan. On the
contrary, after arriving in Baku and participating in the conference
under the NATO programme, the Armenians will once again witness
dynamic economic and democratic reforms which have been carried
out in Azerbaijan. They will also see for themselves that not only
Azerbaijan, but also Armenia will be weakening until Armenia gives
up its aggressive policy regarding Azerbaijan.
[Correspondent] Mirza also said that by making a fuss on various web
sites, the Armenians want to tarnish Azerbaijan’s image. The Defence
Ministry press service said that the Armenians’ arrival in Baku is not
desirable and we have accurate information that they will not come,
end quote.
KLO chairman Akif Nagi believes that the country’s relevant agencies
should take a firm position on the issue. He said that the enemy
country, which won the first phase of the war, now wants to establish
cooperation with Azerbaijan, and international organizations are busy
rendering Armenia assistance in this sphere.
He does not share the optimism of Azerbaijani diplomats. As for
the statements that NATO will guarantee the Armenians’ security,
he described this as a wrong notion. We will prove that NATO cannot
guarantee the security of any Armenian on the territory of Azerbaijan,
end quote.
[Nagi] If the Armenian officers arrive in Azerbaijan despite our
protests, then keeping to its position, the KLO will make it impossible
for the Armenian officers to enter Baku. If we fail to do this and they
enter Baku via some secret routes, then using its internal reserves,
the KLO will make it impossible to begin the conference. The KLO will
use the most radical methods in this process. I would not like to
make these methods public. I mean that protest rallies will be the
mildest methods to be used. I think if the Armenian officers dare to
come to Baku, they will regret it.
[Correspondent] Nagi called on Azerbaijani officers not to take part
in any event attended by Armenian officers.
Mahir Mammadli and Seyraz Azadoglu, ANS.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

TV poll shows Azeris against Armenian officers’ presence in NATO conference
ANS TV, Baku
9 Jun 04
[Presenter] Armenian officers’ visit to Baku [to attend NATO exercises]
does not cause any problems on the state level. However, this is
not the case among the public. Our correspondent has come to this
conclusion after conducting an opinion poll among Baku residents.
[Correspondent, over video of central Baku] Armenian officers’ visit
to Baku is an insult to the spirit of thousands of our martyrs and
our national values. This is the position of the Union of National
Democratic Forces [UNDF] on Armenian officers’ intention to attend
a conference due in Baku within the framework of NATO’s Partnership
for Peace programme.
Today’s sitting of the UNDF discussed attempts of the Armenians to
come to Baku. They decided that this was inadmissible. According
to Elcin Mirzabayli, secretary of the United People’s Front Party,
which is a member of the UNDF, Armenian officers will not be allowed
to arrive in Baku until Azerbaijani lands are freed from occupation.
[Mirzabayli, in his office] Using all the rights granted by the
constitution, the UNDF will try to prevent this and will use all
possible means not to allow Armenian officers to visit Baku. We
think that our actions will be quite harsh. We think that it is very
difficult to curb emotions of Karabakh war veterans and refugees from
the occupied districts who are members of our party. It is difficult
for me to predict what these actions will cost the Armenians.
[Correspondent] Elcin Mirzabayli went on to say that leaders of
the UNDF member parties had instructed their party members to foil
the Armenians’ expected visit. Our party members will be posted at
different places of the city and will prevent the visit, end of quote.
An opinion poll that we have held among Baku residents has enabled
us to approximately clarify the position of ordinary people on the
issue. Almost all the city residents we polled said the same.
[Unidentified man in the street, captioned as a Baku resident] My
mother, sister and relatives are in Armenian captivity. They have
played thousand tricks on us and are mocking us.
[Second man] It is difficult to say if their visit to Baku is good
or bad. But I do not regard it as necessary at this stage.
[A woman] This is very bad. No, they should not be allowed to
come. No-one has the right to allow the enemy into our country. My
son was martyred. I will never accept this. I do not want this and
I do not support this.
[Third man] What does the word officer mean? An officer is an armed
person who kills another person, is he not? How can we then allow
them into the republic?
[Passage omitted: others repeat similar ideas]
[Correspondent, over video of Mammadov] MP Elman Mammadov [former
executive head of occupied Xocali District] also protested against
the Armenians’ visit to Baku. According to him, the mass media and
public figures foiled the previous attempts of enemy officers to visit
Baku. The MP thinks that the same should be done this time as well.
[Mammadov] I cannot understand how some people, people who describe
themselves as Azerbaijanis, can accept the fact that Armenians,
who have occupied over 20 per cent of our territories, made over a
million of our compatriots abandon their lands and shed the blood
of tens of thousands of Azerbaijanis, will arrive in Azerbaijan,
Baku. Do you know how they will come to Baku, Azerbaijan? They will
come to the capital of the country they have occupied as victors.
They will rejoice at this fact and will tell criminals like them
back home that they have been to the capital of the country whose
territory they occupied and enjoyed themselves.
[Correspondent] Thirteen days are left until the start of the
conference which Armenian officers want to attend.
Mahir Mammadli, Sehrac Azadoglu, ANS.

EUROPEAN ARMENIAN FEDERATION
for Justice and Democracy
Avenue de la Renaissance 10
B – 1000 BRUXELLES
Tel./Fax : +32 (0) 2 732 70 27
E-mail : [email protected]
Web :
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
June 11th, 2004
Contact: Talline Tachdjian
Tel.: +32 (0)2 732 70 27
EUROPEAN ARMENIAN FEDERATION POLLS EUROPEAN ELECTIONS CANDIDATES
Brussels, Belgium – The European Armenian Federation has sent a
questionnaire to a representative sample of some 20,000 candidates
participating in the upcoming European Parliament elections.
The questionnaire was addressed to 1354 candidates from 25 European
Union countries, in proportion to the number of seats by country and
political party affiliations. The poll is made up of four multiple
choice questions, focusing on Turkey’s aggressive policy lead toward
Armenia and its Armenian community, in the framework of its candidacy
to join the European Union.
“The first question deals with genocide denial and the incitement of
hatred against Armenians through the Turkish scholar programmes,”
explained Laurent Leylekian, Director of the European Armenian
Federation. “The second is concerning the destruction or the conversion
of Armenian cultural heritage in Turkey. The third deals with the
blockade of Armenia, while the fourth is a more general question
regarding the European Union’s final borders.”
He went on to note: “We understand the procedural restrictions and
limitations on Members of Parliament. That is why we provided a choice
of questionnaire responses which do not deal with overall principles,
but call for concrete commitments within the framework of possibilities
and which deal with Ankara’s candidacy to the European Union.”
The European Armenian Federation office has already begun receiving
answers to the questionnaire. The results will be published,
following the tabulation of responses, on the Federation’s website —
— and through press releases.
####

PRESS RELEASE
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
Address: Vagharshapat, Republic of Armenia
Contact: Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian
Tel: (374 1) 517 163
Fax: (374 1) 517 301
E-Mail: [email protected]
June 11, 2004
His Holiness Karekin II Departs for the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Northern Ireland
On June 10, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All
Armenians, departed for the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern
Ireland for an official visit to the Church of England, upon the invitation
of His Grace Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury and head of the
Anglican Communion. Following the ecumenical visit, His Holiness will
conduct his first Pontifical Visit to the Armenian Church Diocese of Great
Britain.
>>From June 10-14, His Holiness will stay in Lambeth Palace, which is the
administrative center of the Church of England. On June 11, the Pontiff of
All Armenians will meet with the Archbishop of Canterbury, followed by a
meeting with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in Buckingham Palace. In the
course of the trip, His Holiness will visit the Nikaean Club, the Shrine of
St Edward and Shrines of 20th Century Martyrs, St Mary’s Abbey (Anglican
Benedictine Women’s Community), and the King’s School, Canterbury. His
Holiness will also attend prayer services in Westminster Abbey, and on
Sunday, June 13, will deliver a homily in Canterbury Cathedral during church
services.
As part of the ecumenical portion of the visit, His Holiness is scheduled to
have meetings with His Eminence Gregorios, Archbishop of Thyateira and Great
Britain (of the Greek Orthodox Church), and the Council of Oriental Orthodox
Churches.
>>From June 14-19, the Catholicos of All Armenians will visit the Armenian
Church Diocese of Great Britain. His Holiness will meet with Armenian
community members, visit the St. Sarkis Armenian Church (Diocesan
Headquarters), and will preside during the celebration of Divine Liturgy in
St. Yeghishe Armenian Church. His Holiness will also receive the Armenian
community of Manchester.
His Holiness Karekin II is accompanied by His Grace Bishop Yeznik Petrosian,
Director of Inter-Church Relations; His Grace Bishop Yezras Nersissian,
Primate of the Armenian Diocese of New Nakhijevan and Russia; Rev. Fr.
Mesrop Parsamian, Staff-bearer of His Holiness; and Dr. Radik Martirossian,
Rector of Yerevan State University.
##

PRESS RELEASE
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
Address: Vagharshapat, Republic of Armenia
Contact: Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian
Tel: (374 1) 517 163
Fax: (374 1) 517 301
E-Mail: [email protected]
June 11, 2004
Official Visit of His Holiness Karekin II to Finland Concludes
On June 7, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos
of All Armenians, concluded his official ecumenical visit to the
Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland and returned to the Mother
See of Holy Etchmiadzin. The Pontifical delegation had departed for
Finland upon the invitation of the Most Reverend Dr. Jukka Paarma,
Archbishop of Finland and Turku, Head of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church of Finland.
During meetings with Archbishop Paarma and His Eminence Archbishop
Leo of Karelia and All Finland (Finnish Orthodox Church), the
three spiritual leaders underlined the importance of inter-church
and ecumenical relations. The Armenian Pontiff expressed hope that
cooperation would be continued not only between the Heads of Churches,
but also between church-based organizations and structures.
In the course of the visit, His Holiness met with Mr. Matti Taneli
Vanhanen, the Prime Minister of Finland. His Holiness spoke of the
great tragedy which befell the Armenian nation and people at the
beginning of the 20th century in the Ottoman Empire, and expressed
regret that there are still many states which have not officially
recognized and condemned the Armenian Genocide, which was one the
gravest crimes committed against the whole of mankind.
During the five-day trip, the Catholicos of All Armenians and
the Pontifical delegation visited the Finnish Bible Society, had
meetings with the administrative staff of the Department of Theology
of the University of Helsinki and became acquainted with the work
and activity of the scientific/research centers of the Department.
His Holiness was also received by the philanthropic organizations of
both Finnish Churches.
His Holiness also met with the local Armenian community, giving them
his Pontifical blessing and encouraging them to remain steadfast
in their faith, continue to love their homeland and to be loyal,
contributing and honorable citizens of the Republic of Finland.
His Holiness Karekin II was accompanied during the journey by His
Eminence Archbishop Mesrob Krikorian, Pontifical Legate for Central
Europe; His Grace Bishop Yeznik Petrosian, Director of Inter-Church
Relations; His Grace Bishop Yezras Nersissian, Primate of the Armenian
Diocese of New Nakhijevan and Russia; and Rev. Fr. Mesrop Parsamian,
Staff-bearer of His Holiness. Mr. Vladimir Karmirshalian, Ambassador
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenia to the
Republic of Finland, Kingdom of Denmark and the Kingdom of Norway,
accompanied the Pontifical delegation in Finland.
##

Jailed Azeri opposition leaders’ trial postponed due to defendants’ absence
ANS TV, Baku
10 Jun 04
Presenter Opposition members who staged mass rallies in protest
against the October 2003 presidential elections in Azerbaijan and
who are being charged with organizing mass riots, did not appear in
today’s session of the court which was to investigate their case. The
process was adjourned until tomorrow 11 June.
Correspondent, over archive footage of trial The trial at the Grave
Crimes Court into the case of opposition activists, Democratic Party
of Azerbaijan Secretary-General Sardar Calaloglu; the Musavat Party
deputy chairmen, Rauf Arifoglu, Arif Hacili and Ibrahim Ibrahimli;
People’s Party of Azerbaijan Chairman Panah Huseyn; Hope Party Chairman
Iqbal Agazada, and the chairman of the union of Karabakh war veterans,
Etimad Asadov, who are accused of organizing mass actions and riots
in October 2003 in protest against the outcome of the presidential
elections in Azerbaijan, was postponed even before it started. The
reason was that the defendants refused to attend the trial as they
did in the latest preliminary sessions.
To recap, the defence lawyers stopped their activities since their
clients officially dismissed them at the last session. The lawyers
appointed by the state were sitting in the courtroom today. Only
the Musavat Party deputy chairman, Rauf Arifoglu, signed a contract
with his former lawyer, Samad Panahov. Judge Mansur Ibayev said the
session could not be conducted without the defendants and announced
an adjournment until tomorrow. The judge said that if the defendants
were absent for invalid reasons, then they would be forced to attend
the sessions.
Leyla Hasanova, ANS.

ANOTHER POLITICAL PRISONER RELEASED FROM JAIL
A1 Plus | 18:07:52 | 10-06-2004 | Politics |
Republic party member Ashot Zakaryan charged with hooliganism,
disorderly conduct and defying the police order was freed right from
the courtroom on Thursday.
He was sentenced to one year’s probation. It means he will be under
police supervision for one year.
The court session lasted two hours. The prosecution offered to sentence
the accused to a year in jail while the defense side demanded to find
Zakaryan innocent and release from detention.

Libération, France
9 juin 2004
Turquie : PS et UMP tournent casaque;
Européennes.
AUTEUR: AESCHIMANN Eric
Inquiets de leur score dimanche, les deux partis renient leur soutien
à son adhésion.
L’UMP a opéré une brutale volte-face sur une éventuelle adhésion par
peur d’une nouvelle poussée des listes eurosceptiques ; plus
subtilement mais avec autant d’arrière-pensées électorales, le PS a
décidé d’embrasser la cause arménienne à dix jours du scrutin. Pour
les deux grands partis français de gouvernement, la campagne des
élections européennes a été l’occasion de déchirantes révisions sur
la question turque. Une sorte de surenchère qui a même valu à Pierre
Moscovici, responsable du secrétariat international du PS et ardent
partisan de la Turquie, des coups de fil inquiets de responsables de
la gauche turque, sur le thème : “A quoi jouez-vous ?”
Revirement. L’impulsion de ce tournant dans l’histoire des relations
franco-turques a été donnée il y a deux mois par Alain Juppé en
personne. Lors d’une conférence de presse, le président de l’UMP a
reconnu qu’il avait changé d’avis et que désormais, sa réponse était
“non”. Hasard : quelques jours plus tôt, Philippe de Villiers, le
dirigeant du Mouvement pour la France (MPF), avait dévoilé l’axe de
sa campagne pour les européennes : la Turquie. A l’UMP, on comprend
vite que la thématique est susceptible de capter les franges
eurosceptiques de l’électorat UMP. En 1999, la liste conduite par le
duo eurosceptique Philippe de Villiers et Charles Pasqua n’était-elle
pas arrivée devant la liste RPR ? Avec son revirement sur la Turquie,
Juppé a voulu éteindre l’incendie aux premières flammes.
“Il s’agit d’une manoeuvre concertée, et au final Jacques Chirac
soutiendra la candidature turque”, assure Pierre Moscovici, ministre
délégué aux Affaires européennes pendant la cohabitation Jospin.
Peut-être. Sauf qu’en matière de manoeuvre le Parti socialiste n’est
pas en reste, puisque François Hollande, son premier secrétaire,
vient d’imposer un virage à 180° en érigeant la reconnaissance du
génocide arménien de 1915 comme “condition de l’ouverture des
négociations d’adhésion à l’Union européenne”. L’affaire est
suffisamment cruciale pour que les associations arméniennes se soient
battues en ce sens depuis des années.
Jusque-là, la position socialiste était à la fois d’appuyer la
candidature turque et de réclamer la reconnaissance du génocide, mais
sans aller jusqu’à en faire un préalable aux négociations. “Le
génocide est une affaire complexe et, si la responsabilité des Turcs
est évidente, en faire un préalable est une façon hypocrite de leur
fermer la porte au nez”, explique un expert socialiste. “La
reconnaissance doit être exigée pour l’adhésion elle-même, mais non
pour l’ouverture des négociations. Car ce sont les négociations qui
permettront l’évolution de la société turque ; alors, la
reconnaissance du génocide viendra naturellement”, estime pour sa
part Michel Rocard, tête de liste du PS dans le Sud-Est.
Affolement. Mais là aussi les calculettes ont fonctionné. Il y a un
an, le parti arménien Dachnaktsoutioun menace de présenter des listes
en Ile-de-France et dans le grand Sud-Est, où vit l’essentiel de la
communauté arménienne. Affolement des élus locaux PS. A la fin de
l’hiver, Hollande prend langue avec le parti arménien, qui, en
échange de la promesse d’une inflexion de la ligne du PS, renonce à
son projet. Placé en porte-à-faux, Pierre Moscovici tente désormais
de faire la synthèse : “La reconnaissance du génocide est une
condition politique. Nous restons favorables à l’adhésion.” Et de
réclamer que le Conseil européen de décembre 2004, qui décidera de
l’ouverture des négociations, demande à la Turquie d’assumer son
passé. Le distinguo est subtil. Trop ?
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ARKA News Agency
June 8 2004
Robert Kocharian and David Harutyunian discuss process of realization
of legal-executive reforms in Armenia
CBA Chairman receives delegation of KFW bank
RA president holds working meeting with representatives of small and
medium business
First instance courts’ newly appointed judges swore to RA Justice
Council
President of National Academy of Sciences of RA Fadei Sargsyan left
for Rostov -on-Don today
*********************************************************************
ROBERT KOCHARIAN AND DAVID HARUTYUNIAN DISCUSS PROCESS OF REALIZATION
OF LEGAL-EXECUTIVE REFORMS IN ARMENIA
YEREVAN, June 8. /ARKA/. The President of Armenia Robert Kocharian
and RA Minister of Justice David Harutyunian discussed process of
realization of legal-executive reforms in Armenia. The parties
discussed perspectives of creation of schools for judges’ candidates
that will be activated in 2005. L.D. –0–
*********************************************************************
CBA CHAIRMAN RECEIVES DELEGATION OF KFW BANK
YEREVAN, June 8. /ARKA/. CBA Council headed with CBA Chairman Tigran
Sargsian met with the delegation of Kreditanstalt fur Wiederaufbau
bank, headed with the Head of Directors Council Ingrid Matheus Mayer.
Delegation from Germany arrived in Yerevan in the frames of regional
visit and on June 10 it will leave for Georgia.
During the meeting Matheus Mayer noted that the Government of Germany
pays attention to development of middle class and KfW is the largest
Germany banks assisting the development of medium companies.
Sargsian said that RA Government also pays attention to creation of
small and medium business and in this view activity of KfW is very
important for Armenia. He stressed high effectiveness of its
activity, because there are almost no not-returned credits. He also
noted with satisfaction that at the moment CB and KfW conduct works
on creation of fund of deposits insurance.
The parties expressed hope that they will start cooperation in
implementation of concept of development of hypothec credits market
and corporate management. L.D. –0–
*********************************************************************
RA PRESIDENT HOLDS WORKING MEETING WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF SMALL AND
MEDIUM BUSINESS
YEREVAN, June 8. /ARKA/. RA President Robert Kocharian held working
meeting with representatives of small and medium business,
President’s press office told ARKA. He said that serious steps on
improvement of general field have been made since the last meeting
the representatives of SMB. He paid attention to conduction of
similar meeting on a regular base. Kocharian said that these meetings
allow having clear understanding of the situation in given field.
Talking about general trends the President stressed that in 2003 the
share of SMB in GDP structure made 38%, which is pretty serious
indicator. “However there are still numerous goals and obstacles
related to activity of certain structures”, Kocharian stressed and
expressed readiness to discuss given issues with the businessmen.
The parties discussed as general issues, so concrete goals. They
noted the necessity of improvement of tax and custom administration,
provision of fair competition.
The President assured that all raised issues will be generalized and
discussed, as well as the way to solve the problems will be found.
According to preliminary estimations of RA Ministry of Trade and
Economic Development, the weight share of small and medium business
in RA GDP will grow by 2% in 2004 and amount to 40%. L.D. –0–
*********************************************************************
FIRST INSTANCE COURTS’ NEWLY APPOINTED JUDGES SWORE TO RA JUSTICE
COUNCIL
YEREVAN, June 8. /ARKA/. The newly appointed judges of first instance
courts swore today to RA Justice Council. According to the Press
Service Department of RA President, the judges swore to administer
justice in accordance with the Constitution and laws, to be
impartial, just and humane and to keep high the country’s and court
authority.
As the press release says, Robert Kocharian, the President of RA and
the Head of Justice Council expressed his confidence that the newly
appointed judges will honorably fulfill their duties. L.V. –0–
*********************************************************************
PRESIDENT OF NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF RA FADEI SARGSYAN LEFT
FOR ROSTOV -ON-DON TODAY
YEREVAN, June 8. /ARKA/. Today, Fadei Sargsyan, President of National
Academy of Sciences of RA starts his visit to Rostov-on-Don. As
reported by web channel Don-TR during five days the representatives
of RA to meet with Governor Vladimir Chub, Minister of General and
Professional Education Leonid Kovalev. Also the delegation to meet
the scientists from Rostov, Taganrog, Aksay. They will discuss the
future exchange of students and lectures of universities and joint
projects. T.M. –0–
*********************************************************************

ARKA News Agency
June 9 2004
Programs of German Bank KFW in Armenia are among most successful ones
RA Foreign Minister presented condolences on account of death of
ex-president of USA Ronald Reagan
By end of June package of electoral and constitutional reforms in RA
to be send to expertise of CE
PACE Monitoring Commission Co-Reporters to arrive in RA on 11 June
Delegation of RA France-Armenia friendship parliamentary group leaves
for France
EU welcomes initiative of construction alternative gas main in
Armenia
By the RA President’s decree Aram Harutyunyan is appointed a new RA
Minister of Urban Planning
*********************************************************************
PROGRAMS OF GERMAN BANK KfW IN ARMENIA ARE AMONG MOST SUCCESSFUL ONES
YEREVAN, June 9. /ARKA/. Programs of German Bank Kreditanstalt fur
Wiederaufbau in Armenia are among most successful ones, RA President
Robert Kocharian stated at the meeting with the member of KfW
Directors Council Ingrid Matheus-Mayer. Kocharian noted the
importance of cooperation in the sphere of energy and in banking
sector. According to Mayer, “bilateral cooperation on different
levels has good bases”. She said that the bank pays attention to
development of small and medium business in Armenia. In this view,
according to her, activity of German-Armenian Fund is very importance
and its productivity is very high, because the return of credits
makes almost 100%.
Talking about future programs Mayer said that partnership in the
sphere of energy will be continued. L.D. –0–
*********************************************************************
RA FOREIGN MINISTER PRESENTED CONDOLENCES ON ACCOUNT OF DEATH OF
EX-PRESIDENT OF USA RONALD REAGAN
YEREVAN, June 9. /ARKA/. RA Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanian
presented condolences on account of death of ex-president of USA
Ronald Reagan. The Minister visited today the Embassy of the U.S. to
Armenia. L.D. –0–
*********************************************************************
BY END OF JUNE PACKAGE OF ELECTORAL AND CONSTITUTIONAL REFORMS IN RA
TO BE SEND TO EXPERTISE OF CE
YEREVAN, June 9. /ARKA/. By the end of June package of electoral and
constitutional reforms in RA to be send to expertise of CE, as Tigran
Torosyan, Head of Temporary Parliamentary Commission on
Eurointegration, Vice Speaker of RA Parliament presenting the report
on the Commission’s activity. He said that the report concerns on
implementation of commitments related to two resolutions of PACE
issued in January and April 2004. In his words, the January
resolution offered RA to change 15 draft laws concerning deepening of
democracy and local self-governing, reforming of judiciary and legal
system. He considered as a negative thing non-participation of the
Armenian opposition in adopting of laws and decrees. “During this
time, the Parliamentary majority several times proposed to the
opposition, including prior to 12 April dialogue and cooperation”, he
remarked. Torosyan reminded that the parliamentary majority offered
to the opposition to create an action plan for working out two
packages – constitutional and electoral reforms and their adoption by
consensus. “It is unclear how the opposition could miss such
invitation, as this was an exceptional offer”, he believed. T.M. –0–
*********************************************************************
PACE MONITORING COMMISSION CO-REPORTERS TO ARRIVE IN RA ON 11 JUNE
YEREVAN, June 9. /ARKA/. PACE Monitoring Commission Co-Reporters
Jerzy Jaskernia and Rene Andre to arrive in RA on 11 June, as Tigran
Torosyan, Head of Armenian Delegation of PACE, Vice Speaker of RA
Parliament. He mentioned that the visit to allow to collect the facts
for a more detailed report.
As earlier reported by Jerzy Jaskernia in Yerevan, the Reporters
plans meeting with the representatives of the opposition, NGOs and
the Constitutional Court. “For us it is extremely important to
present a comprehensive report on Armenia”, he mentioned. T.M. –0–
*********************************************************************
DELEGATION OF RA FRANCE-ARMENIA FRIENDSHIP PARLIAMENTARY GROUP LEAVES
FOR FRANCE
YEREVAN, June 9. /ARKA/. Delegation of RA France-Armenia Friendship
Parliamentary Group headed by MP Mher Shahgeldyan left for France. As
RA Foreign Ministry Information and Press Department told ARKA,
during the visit Armenian MPs to discuss with their French colleagues
the issues related to deepening of Armenian-French
inter-parliamentary cooperation. Also, the Armenian delegation plans
visiting Marseille, Lyon, Roman, Alforville, Grenoble, Avignon,
Valence and other cities where they to meet the leaders of local
governments and MPs.
As it is mentioned in the press release, on 13 June, the day when
there will be held elections to the European Parliament, eth Armenian
MPs to follow the course of voting in one of the constituencies of
France. T.M. –0–
*********************************************************************
EU WELCOMES INITIATIVE OF CONSTRUCTION ALTERNATIVE GAS MAIN IN
ARMENIA
YEREVAN, June 9. /ARKA/. EU welcomes the initiative of construction
of an alternative gas main in Armenia, as Karen Chshmarityan, RA
Trade and Economic Development Minister presenting the results of the
4th session of Armenian-EU Cooperation Committee held on 4 June in
Brussels. He mentioned that the construction of the gas main was
regarded in the context of closing Armenian Nuclear Power Plant as
additional gas supply.
He stressed that the EU’s financial participation in the project in
the project was not discussed so far, however the EU welcomes the
initiative as providing appearing of an alternative source of gas
supply for RA “This would allow to have more flexible economy and to
use alternative resources”, he considers.
The agreement on construction of Iran-Armenia gas-main was signed
during the visit of RA President Robert Kocharian in Iran on December
25-27, 2001. The intergovernmental agreement on Iran—Armenian gas
main was signed in 1995. The first stage of the construction
envisages construction of 100 kilometres gas-main on Iranian
territory and 41 kilometres at the territory of Armenia, which will
allow Armenia to receive 1.5 million cubic meters of gas daily. The
pipeline will make it possible to supply gas from Turkmenistan to
Armenia, through Iran. The construction of the gas main Iran-Armenia
will enable to import into Armenia 350-400 mln cubic m. of gas
annually.
The deadline for the completion of the gas main is expected on 1
January 2007. T.M. –0–
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BY THE RA PRESIDENT’S DECREE ARAM HARUTYUNYAN IS APPOINTED A NEW RA
MINISTER OF URBAN PLANNING
YEREVAN, June 9. /ARKA/. By the RA President’s decree RA NA Deputy,
the representative of Orinats Yerkir party Aram Harutyunyan is
appointed as a new RA Minister of Urban Planning, according to RA
President’s Press Service Department.
Aram Harutyunyan was born on July 20, 1967 in Armenia. In 1992 he
graduated from Yerevan Architectural – Building University. From 1984
to 1999 he occupied different positions, including high ones. In 1999
he was elected as a Deputy of RA Parliament by majority system. He
was a member of standing committee on social, health and
environmental issues. In May 2003 he was re-elected as a Deputy. He
was a member of a standing committee on financial-credit, budget and
economic issues.
The RA ex-Minister of Urban Planning Aram Aramyan declared of his
resignation on April 9 and motivated his decision by speculations and
artificial fuss about the incident connected with his son. The
application for resignation was signed to avoid compromising the
party and the Government, according to him. A.H. –0—
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