Freedom House Says ‘New Divide’ Formalized By EU Expansion
By Ron Synovitz
Radio Free Europe, Czech Republic
May 25 2004
EU: Reuniting and dividing?
Freedom House, a U.S.-based pro-democracy group, has issued its
latest annual report as part of an ongoing, decade-old study on
democratic transition in the former communist world. RFE/RL takes a
closer look at the “Nations in Transit 2004” report.
Prague, 25 May 2004 (RFE/RL) — Freedom House, a U.S.-based group
that monitors democracy around the world, says there is a widening
“democracy gap” between the European Union and former communist
states further east that continue to lag behind on reforms.
Freedom House released its report, “Nations in Transit 2004,” in New
York late yesterday. The report says the enlargement of the European
Union on 1 May has formalized a “new divide” between the stable
democracies of Central Europe and the Baltics on the one hand, and
reform laggards further to the east on the other.”Freedom House found
that the non-Baltic post-Soviet states have regressed over the life
of the study. Russia has registered the most significant decline in
scores since last year, with Azerbaijan, Moldova, and Ukraine also
showing significant downturns.”
Kristie Evenson is the director of Freedom House’s Budapest office.
She explains that the latest report is part of an ongoing study that
began nearly 10 years ago.
“The ‘Nations in Transit’ study is an attempt to be systematic at
looking at the transition process in Central and Southeast Europe and
in the Eurasia region. The study has a consistent set of methodology
— or a framework — which looks at key areas of political
development. Everything from media, to ‘free and fair elections,’ to
differences in judicial reform, etc. The study is a good way to begin
benchmarking progress, or [a lack of progress], in areas which have
been determined to be important for overall reform and democratic
transition,” Evenson said.
The methodology Evenson refers to includes a “democracy score” based
on a 1-7 scale. The democracy score is an average of subcategory
ratings that Freedom House researchers have given each country after
reviewing electoral processes, civil society, independent media,
governance, corruption and legal frameworks.
A score of 1 represents the highest possible level of democratic
development in a particular country, while a score of 7 represents
the lowest score.
Evenson tells RFE/RL that the most recent report in the ongoing study
reveals there have been regressions on democratic reforms in most
former Soviet republics.
“Freedom House found that the non-Baltic post-Soviet states have
regressed over the life of the study. Russia has registered the most
significant decline in scores since last year, with Azerbaijan,
Moldova, and Ukraine also showing significant downturns. Continued
poor performance was documented throughout the Central Asian
countries, which include some key U.S. allies. The editor of the
‘Nations in Transit’ report, Amanda Schnetzer, says that while there
were some bright spots in the past year — especially in Georgia —
the longer-term outlook for democracy in the non-Baltic former Soviet
states remains bleak,” Evenson said.
Although Russia’s democracy score of 5.25 was a better ranking than
Belarus (6.54), Azerbaijan (5.63), and all five former Soviet
republics in Central Asia (ranging from 5.67 to 6.8), Evenson says
Freedom House remains concerned about democratic regression in
Russia.
“Worrisome setbacks in Russia continue. It’s been noted [that there
has been] a backslide in key areas of democratic practice. According
to our ‘Nations in Transit 2004’ [report], President [Vladimir]
Putin’s policies have sought to centralize power, leaving little room
for a vibrant civil society, independent media or political
opposition. While Russia has emphasized the importance it places on
maintaining strong ties to the West, it is headed in an increasingly
authoritarian direction,” Evenson said.
Armenia’s score of 5.0 reflects what Freedom House calls a worsening
of the ratings for electoral process and independent media. That
score reflects serious irregularities that were noted by
international observers at presidential and parliamentary elections
last year.
By comparison, Georgia’s overall score of 4.83 includes criticism of
what Freedom House calls “fraudulent parliamentary elections” last
year. But Evenson notes that the readiness of the Georgian people to
mobilize peacefully and defend democratic values has resulted in an
improved rating for civil society in Georgia.
“‘Nations in Transit 2004’ suggests some cause for concern regarding
Armenia’s democratic trajectory, particularly in the areas of free
and fair elections, independent media, and human rights. Georgia’s
performance since the ‘Rose Revolution’ of last November suggests
more promise in this regard,” Evenson said.
Out of all the countries examined, Turkmenistan received the lowest
overall score with 6.88. It was followed closely by Belarus with
6.54; Uzbekistan with 6.46; Kazakhstan with 6.25; Tajikistan with
5.71; and Kyrgyzstan with 5.67.
“Freedom House Executive Director Jennifer Windsor says that Western
leaders must renew efforts to support political and economic reform
in the postcommunist countries,” Evenson says. “At the same time,
they must press slow-to-reform governments harder for tangible
improvements in securing basic rights, promoting free and independent
media, supporting the rule of law, and introducing effective and
transparent governance.”
In the final analysis, Freedom House says that the findings of this
year’s “Nations in Transit” study make clear that much remains to be
done to extend the benefits of liberal democracy and free markets to
the majority of postcommunist countries in Europe and Eurasia.
Here are the democracy scores published by the Freedom House for the
non-Baltic former Soviet republics and some of the reasons given for
the rating.
Belarus (6.54) — “Belarus saw its ratings worsen in two ‘Nations in
Transit’ categories: civil society and corruption. Local elections in
March 2003 were conducted as a largely ceremonial event and
predictably confirmed the political hegemony of the president. The
government intensified its attacks on civil society and the
independent press, and introduced a new ‘state ideology’ that had a
particularly negative impact on academic freedoms. The government has
failed to address the spread of corruption in the public sector, and
the public’s perception of corruption has increased considerably.”
Russia (5.25) — “Russia experienced the greatest overall decline of
any country covered in ‘Nations in Transit 2004,’ with ratings
worsening in five out of six categories covered by the study. The
December 2003 State Duma elections capped a year in which the central
government continued to tighten its grip over all aspects of Russian
political life. The authorities used public resources and
state-funded personnel to guarantee the overwhelming victory of the
pro-Kremlin party in elections to the lower house. As Putin continues
to crack down on all sources of opposition and to limit public space
and debate, he will undermine the very democratic institutions and
practices that could help the country deal with the enormous
challenges it faces.”
Moldova (4.88) — “Democratic practice in Moldova continued to
decline in the period covered by ‘Nations in Transit 2004,’ with the
country receiving worsening ratings in the areas of electoral
process, civil society, independent media, and governance. The ruling
Communist Party achieved victory in flawed local and regional
elections in 2003. Overall public support for the party actually
slipped during the year, but the opposition remained fragmented and
lacking in resources. Efforts to settle the Transdniestrian conflict
continued, but Russia failed to comply with commitments to withdraw
its armaments and munitions from the breakaway region. The
persistence of weak governance, widespread corruption, and a fragile
system of checks and balances also marked the year.”
Ukraine (4.88) — “Political life in 2003 was guided by the upcoming
2004 presidential election. Growing pressure against opposition
parties and politically active NGOs, a persistent lack of
transparency in policy making, and the presidential administration’s
efforts to pressure Parliament, the Cabinet, and the courts led to
ratings declines in four out of six areas covered by ‘Nations in
Transit.’ President Leonid Kuchma sought guarantees that he will not
face criminal proceedings if he leaves office and pursued changes to
the Constitution that would limit the authority of any future
president and/or eliminate direct presidential elections.”
Azerbaijan (5.63) — “With events in 2003 once again highlighting the
authoritarian nature of government in Azerbaijan and the extent of
government control over civil society and the media, the country
received declining ratings in four out of six categories covered by
‘Nations in Transit.’ President Heydar Aliyev’s public collapse and
subsequent health problems in 2003 ended his rule. Internal fissures
in the government were muted as President Aliyev’s son Ilham was
appointed prime minister and became the ruling party’s presidential
candidate. Cracks within the opposition could not be similarly
bridged. The opposition’s claims of electoral fraud and its refusal
to accept the official election results resulted in violent clashes
with the authorities. Government efforts to exert greater control
over civil society and the media were also evident.”
Armenia (5.00) — “Armenia’s ratings for electoral process and
independent media worsened in ‘Nations in Transit 2004.’
International observers noted serious irregularities in presidential
and parliamentary elections in 2003. The authorities also failed to
ensure that the country’s leading independent media organizations
were able to resume broadcasting before the elections. Media freedom
was further threatened by the inclusion of strict libel laws within
Armenia’s new criminal code. International organizations continued to
highlight human rights abuses, but welcomed the abolition of the
death penalty. Corruption and weak governance remained serious
threats to Armenia’s democratic development.”
Georgia (4.83) — “Fraudulent parliamentary elections in 2003, and
the ensuing political crisis that culminated in President Eduard
Shevardnadze’s resignation may constitute a turning point in the
development of Georgian democracy. Although this change of power
demonstrated the fragility of Georgia’s democratic institutions, the
events also showed the readiness of the people to mobilize in a
peaceful and organized way to defend democratic values, thus leading
to an improvement in the country’s ‘Nations in Transit’ rating for
civil society. This, as well as strong leadership by the opposition,
the independent media, and civil society, factored heavily in the
success of the ‘Rose Revolution.’ The incoming government was fast to
reestablish public order, working within the limits of the
Constitution. Nations in Transit ratings declines in the areas of
governance and corruption suggest the extent of the challenges
ahead.”
Turkmenistan (6.88) — “Fallout from the 2002 assassination attempt
against President Saparmurat Niyazov continued in 2003. The country’s
economy weakened further, despite claims by the government to the
contrary. Political oppression, already severe, further increased.
And the country’s international relations with neighbors and major
powers in the region deteriorated. Overall, prospects for the
country’s future remained depressing. Turkmenistan’s governance
rating worsened in ‘Nations in Transit 2004’ owing to President
Niyazov’s continued efforts to make government officials and
institutions operate only at his behest.”
Uzbekistan (6.46) — “In 2003, Uzbekistan remained one of the most
authoritarian countries to emerge from the Soviet Union. Controls
over the media continued to stifle freedom of expression.
Administrative functioning remained excessively politicized. The
absence of judicial independence continued to present serious
impediments to commerce and liberty. And flagrant violations of human
rights called into question Uzbek government commitments to
international standards of promises of lasting reforms.”
Kazakhstan (6.25) — “Kazakhstan’s ratings for independent media and
corruption worsened in ‘Nations in Transit 2004.’ The elections for
local councils in September enabled the regime to install its favored
candidates, who will play a crucial role in securing a favorable
outcome in the elections of the lower house in 2004. Although the
government withdrew a draft law that ambiguously defined NGOs and
restricted their ability to accept foreign funding, no noticeable
improvement took place in the civil sector in 2003. The government
refused to release the highly regarded journalist Sergei Duvanov from
prison. The president and close family members continue to wield
control over all key positions within the government and economic
sector.”
Tajikistan (5.71) — “A June 2003 plebiscite paved the way for
constitutional amendments that allow President Emomali Rakhmonov to
stand for reelection for two additional seven-year terms. The flawed
nature of the referendum resulted in a worsening of Tajikistan’s
‘Nations in Transit’ rating for electoral process. Corruption and a
lack of confidence in the market and the state continued to scare
away the levels of international capital required for a full economic
recovery, leading to a ‘Nations in Transit’ ratings decline for
corruption. However, the government did make progress in securing the
country from banditry, hostage taking, and terrorism, as reflected in
a slight ‘Nations in Transit’ rating improvement for governance.”
Kyrgyzstan (5.67) — “In 2003, the opposition demanded President
[Askar] Akayev’s resignation over the 2002 killing of unarmed
opposition demonstrators in the southern town of Kerben. Various
opposition groups and parties united for the first time in criticism
of Akayev’s policies and widespread corruption among his cronies.
After Parliament adopted a law granting Akayev lifetime immunity, the
president confirmed he would step down in 2005. Attacks on the media
continued, and the country’s governance system remained ineffective
and unaccountable.”

Armenian TV ridicules Azeri report of protest rallies in Karabakh
Public Television of Armenia, Yerevan
24 May 04
[Presenter] The Azerbaijani press has set a new record of hypocrisy
due to its irresponsibility and by misleading its compatriots and the
international community. According to the Azerbaijani Ekho newspaper,
the Artsakh [Karabakh] Armenians have raised the Azerbaijani flag
at a rally as a sign of their desire to be part of Azerbaijan. This
news was received with laugh in Artsakh and Armenia, and they wished
the Azerbaijanis saw this in their dreams.
[Correspondent over video of Azeri newspapers, archive footage of
Karabakh] According to the Azerbaijani press, rallies have been
staged in Stepanakert [Xankandi] since mid-April during which the
Karabakh Armenians raised the Azerbaijani flag and expressed their
desire to return to Azerbaijan. One cannot read without laughing
these lines in the Azerbaijani newspaper which say that the Armenians
are attracted to Azerbaijan’s prosperity and the Artsakh Armenians
are seriously concerned about a possible resumption of hostilities,
which, according to the Baku source, must be completed by a blitzkrieg.
The Karabakh Foreign Ministry has said that there is no need to
comment on this nonsense. A Regnum correspondent in Stepanakert noted
that there is political stability in Stepanakert and that the second
Armenian capital is living its usual peaceful life.
The Azerbaijani newspaper’s report is pure fuss which intends to
refresh the Karabakh subject by means of internal forces and the
international community. Soon after this report, the Azerbaijanis
published another article which noted that Azerbaijan should beat
Armenia at any cost in the information war. Apparently, Baku is using
unclear and unfair struggle methods even in the information war. There
is no Azerbaijani flag in Stepanakert and there will never be. But
they are joking in Artsakh that finally one day the Armenian flag
will be waving in the Azerbaijani capital.

MENAFN, Middle East
May 25 2004
Batelco in roaming deal with ArmenTel – Bahrain
Bahrain Tribune – 25/05/2004
Batelco mobile users travelling to Armenia will now be able to make
and receive calls while they are there, thanks to the deal struck
between Batelco and Armenia Telephone Company (ArmenTel) in Armenia.
Roaming facilities between Bahrain and Armenia took effect last week.
The signing between Batelco and ArmenTel preceded the start of
operations between the telecoms companies.
Ebrahim Al Sayed, acting senior manager mobile services at Batelco
said: “We have been working to expand the international network that
our customers are using for roaming services. The signing of this
agreement increases the already substantial reach Batelco’s mobile
users have… Our aim is to provide a network for our customers that
encompasses anywhere they might travel to. The recent signing has
allowed us to extend the scope of international roaming connections
for Batelco mobile customers by a significant amount.”
Batelco now has commercial roaming agreements with 103 countries and
248 operators.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Azeri MPs rebuke BBC for “pro-Armenian” stance
Turan news agency
25 May 04
Baku, 25 May: A number of MPs attending today’s session of the
Milli Maclis [parliament] condemned the statement by US ambassador
to Azerbaijan Reno Harnish in which he said that Washington could
not apply sanctions against US companies working in Nagornyy
Karabakh. Speaking about this were MPs Zahid Oruc, Qulamhuseyn
Alibayli, Qudrat Hasanquliyev and others.
MP Alibayli said Azerbaijan was not included in the Millennium
Challenge programme because of the low level of democracy in the
country. Azerbaijan has been deprived of US aid through the fault of
its high-ranking officials, he said.
The deputy executive secretary of the ruling New Azerbaijan Party,
Mubariz Qurbanli, called on Azerbaijani radio stations not to provide
air for the BBC’s Central Asia and Caucasus Service. He explained
his call by the “pro-Armenian” position of the BBC.
MP Musa Quliyev expressed his concern about the “activity” of the
People’s Front Party and suggested that its leader, Ali Karimli,
be deprived of his deputy’s mandate for boycotting parliament sessions.
MP Cavansir Huseynov voiced his indignation at the fact that 34
Armenian officers were working at the Russian radar station in Qabala
[northern Azerbaijan]. He said the Milli Maclis should consider
repealing the lease agreement with Russia for the use of the radar
station.
Summing up all the suggestions, Speaker Murtuz Alasgarov said the
Russian side would be informed of the discussion.
With regard to the BBC, the speaker instructed the parliament’s
standing commission on science, education and culture to prepare a
letter of protest and send it to the BBC management. He urged local
TV channels and the press to express their opinion on the issue.
As for the activity of American companies in Nagornyy Karabakh,
Alasgarov suggested that the Foreign Ministry issue a statement
saying that it is unacceptable for Washington to cooperate with
“self-styled entities”.
As far as the US assistance to Azerbaijan is concerned, the speaker
said that its suspension was explained by the fact that Azerbaijan
is rapidly developing.
With regard to depriving MP Ali Karimli of his deputy’s mandate,
the speaker instructed the head of the secretariat, Safa Mirzayev,
to look into the issue. If Karimli has indeed missed more than 30
sessions, the issue will be handed over to the disciplinary commission.
Then the MPs started discussing the draft law “On carpet weaving”.

Indusmin Acquires Exploration Rights to Block 1 and 2 In Armenia
Business Wire
May 25, 2004
VANCOUVER, British Colombia–(BUSINESS WIRE)–May 25, 2004–Indusmin
Energy Corp. (TSX VENTURE:IDM) (Berlin Wkn:469065) is pleased to
announce that the company has acquired exclusive exploratory rights
on the Blocks 1 and 2 in the Republic of Armenia from the Armenian
American Exploration Inc. (‘AAEC’), of Solana Beach, California, for
a non disclosed override over twenty years term on any oil or gas
discovery made. Indusmin recently applied to the Armenian Ministry
of Energy for a five year extension to the license.
AAEC, a private company, was solely owned by Allen Paulson from
California, now deceased (July 2000); it is now owned by his son,
Michael Paulson. AAEC originally commenced operations in the spring
of 1997, acquiring 200 kilometres of seismic data during 1997-8 and
drilling one well, Azat-1, to 3,524 meters by July 1998. Oil traces
were encountered at about 3,212-5 meters. Allen Paulson was previously
Chairman Emeritus of Gulfstream Aerospace, a successful business man
in California and owner of world famous horse “CIGAR” .
Block 2, which covers the south western part of Armenia, including most
of the Armavir, Aragatsotn, Ararat and Kotaik regions, as well as the
capital city of Yerevan, contains the most prospective areas for both
oil and gas in the country. To the south west of the city of Armavir,
thirty kilometres due west of Yerevan, is an area where a number of
gas prospects occur. Two wells, Oktemberyan-13E and Oktemberyan-7P,
drilled in the 1960’s, tested gas at rates of 19,000 m3/day and
900m3/day respectively; many other boreholes have gas and oil shows.
“The agreement originally signed between AAEC and the Armenian
Ministry of Energy is a Production Sharing Agreement with advantageous
terms. Because of AAEC’s high start up costs, much of which are
eligible for cost recovery, Indusmin will be entitled to 80-85% of the
output of any initial discovery, dependent upon reserve size. Several
prospects with reserve sizes ranging between 15 and 40 bcf, supported
by both seismic and surface geochemical data, have already been
identified in the Armavir area, west of Yerevan. To the east, two oil
prospects — Shorakhpur and Nubarashen — have recoverable reserves
of about twenty million barrels each,” Tim Papworth, advisor to AAEC,
previously General Manager.
Further to the news releases of January 13 and 20, 2004, the Company
announces that it has closed its private placement of 1,183,463
units at a price of $0.19 per unit. Each unit consists of one common
share and one non-transferable share purchase warrant, each warrant
entitling the holder to purchase an additional common share for a
period of two years at a price of $0.25 per share.
The Company paid finders’ fees to David McNamara of 37,500 common
shares and Peter Sugden of 6,250 common shares, at a deemed price of
$0.19 per share in accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture
Exchange.
The shares, shares issued on the exercise of any warrants and shares
issued to the finders are subject to hold periods that will expire
on August 3, 2004.
Further to the news release of February 29, 2004, the Company announces
that it has closed a private placement of 1,719,000 units at $0.30 per
unit. Each unit consists of one common share and one non-transferable
share purchase warrant entitling the holder thereof to purchase an
additional common share of the Company at a price of $0.30 per share
in the first year of the term of the warrant and at a price of $0.40
per share in the second year of the term of the warrant.
Union Securities Ltd. acted as agent on a portion of the placement
and received $20,160 as broker fee, $5,000 and 10,000 common shares of
the Company at a deemed price of $0.30 per share as a processing fee
and a share purchase warrant entitling it to purchase up to 100,800
common shares of the Company at a price of $0.30 per share in the
first year and $0.40 per share in the second year.
–30–MRO/se* CONTACT: Indusmin Energy Corp. Carlos Munoz, 604-960
9930 Fax: 604-608-4733 or
The Company also issued 38,500 common shares to Canaccord Capital
Corporation, 16,000 common shares to Derek Ivany and 33,000 common
shares to David McNamara, all at a deemed price of $0.30 per share,
in payment of finders’ fees.
All securities issued under this placement are subject to hold periods
expiring on August 28, 2004.
The Company has also closed its shares for debt transaction announced
on January 13, 2004. A total of 1,094,735 common shares of the Company
were issued to creditors, at a deemed price of $0.19 per share,
for settlement of $208,000 in debt. The share issued under the debt
settlement are subject to hold periods expiring on August 6, 2004.

AROUND THE SQUARE
By Charlie Wright/For the Daily Ledger
Canton Daily Ledger, IL
May 25 2004
World War II lasted from Dec. 7, 1941, to Aug. 14, 1945, for the
Untied States. Japan officially surrendered on the battleship USS
Missouri to General of the Army, Douglas MacArthur in Tokyo Bay.
Thousands of Americans were killed and millions of dollars spent.
America put its best foot forward from the White House on Pennsylvania
Avenue in Washington to the little white houses across the country in
rural America to the magnificent mansions in the metropolitan regions
of the country.
Great civilian and military leaders emerged to lead the country
to victory over the enemies of our way of life. Oh, there were
adversaries, but we were Team America. Sunday and Monday, Memorial
Day 2004 will be observed to remember all who have died in defense
of our country.
World War II is recognized as the most significant event in the
20th Century. The National World War II Memorial, established by
the American Battle Monuments Commission, is the first national
monument honoring what NBC’s Tom Brokaw called “the greatest
generation.” The memorial is to be dedicated May 29 on the National
Mall in Washington. It has a threefold purpose.
*To honor the more than 16 million men and women who served in
uniform and the more than 400,000 Americans who died in the war, as
well as millions more who supported the efforts at home, from Rosie
the Riveter to the Hollywood talent performing at bond rallies;
*To commemorate the entire nation’s participation in the war; and
*To honor the high moral and idealism that motivated the nation’s call
to arms, and to serve as a lasting tribute to the spirit, sacrifice,
and commitment of the American people to the common defense of the
nation and to the broader causes of peace and freedom in the world.
The American Legion advanced the idea and has been a player in seeing
the idea become a reality. Construction of the memorial located on a
7.4 acre site between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument,
began in September 2001. Dedication Day represents a unique opportunity
to honor Americans who, at a critical time in world history, stood
united in defense of freedom and democracy. It also represents the
culmination of many years of planning, preparations, and fundraising.
It took a lot of money to build a suitable memorial. Fundraising was
led by the National Chairman Bob Dole, former Senator from Kansas and
World War II veteran who received two Bronze Stars and two Purple
Hearts, and National Co-Chairman Frederick W. Smith, president and
CEO of FedEx.
Dole told the American Legion Magazine the importance of honoring “the
greatest generation” and the phenomenal campaign that transformed an
idea into a timeless tribute. Dole says the total cost of the project
is around $172 million. He tells about meeting a 73 year-old man, an
Armenian American from Pennsylvania. He wasn’t a veteran but told Dole,
“This country’s been good to me. I came here with nothing. I want to
give something back.” They were all shocked when they received the
man’s check for $1 million, the single largest contribution received
from an individual.
Return now for a moment to Sept. 2, 1945, on a ship in Tokyo
Bay. It was a Sunday. It dawned gray and sullen. Fujiyama’s white
crest reflected no ray of the rising sun. No sun over Tokyo on the
momentous day and the Japanese saw in this celestial manifestation
their “divine ancestors” were weeping. This was the day of formal
surrender to the Supreme Allied Commander General Douglas MacArthur on
the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. This was to be the first surrender in
Japan’s long history. Before the day was over — at the very moment
the 20 minute ceremony ended — General MacArthur pronounced simply,
“The proceedings are closed.” Suddenly, the sun broke through and
beamed its radiance upon a world at peace.
For that brief shining moment there was peace in the world and
today, as in 1919, when Eugene Lockhart and Ernest Seitz wrote it,
“The World Is Waiting for the Sunrise.”

Armenian ruling coalition calls for dialogue with opposition
Yerkir web site, Yerevan
25 May 04
on 25 May headlined “Ruling coalition again calls for dialogue”
25 May: The ruling coalition issued a statement on Tuesday [25 May]
calling on the opposition to truly engage in a dialogue. The following
is the text of the statement.
The political coalition’s proposal to settle the existing issues
through a political accord is in fact being rejected by the National
Unity Party and the Justice bloc. Unfortunately, the opposition forces
did not take the constructive path, which was a real opportunity to
emerge jointly from the present internal political tension.
Adopting a policy of holding protest rallies instead of engaging
in a dialogue, they effectively did not adhere to the Council
of Europe’s urgings to settle issues by political means without
preconditions. This confirms that the opposition is probably not
sincere in either preserving the country’s image and stability or in
its statements to solve the problems by civilized methods.
Though the opposition, through its statements made jointly with
other parliamentary forces, emphasized the need to create a new
political situation in the republic, it, however, fails to take
proper steps. The situation in the country can change not only due
to the authorities’ readiness but also provided that the opposition
escalating the confrontation changes its stance.
Nevertheless, the political coalition, as the force executing the power
in the country, is determined to settle the problems and issues that
the people are concerned with through implementation of the Council
of Europe’s recommendations and the country’s commitments before
the Council.
The political coalition believes the possibility for a further
dialogue still exists, and expects that the opposition will, in a
responsible way, participate in the process of settling the current
problems jointly.

BBC RADIO STATION WARNED
[May 25, 2004, 23:03:55]
Azer Tag, Azerbaijan State Info Agency
May 25 2004
In connection with the fact that correspondent of BBC radio station,
ignoring the laws of Azerbaijan, has gone to Nagorny Karabakh occupied
by the Armenians and has broadcast a program, chairman of the State
Broadcasting Company Nizami Khudiyev has sent to the management of
the said radio station a letter with warning.
According to the norms of international law, the broadcasting company
cannot suspend transmission of radio station directly, Nizami Khudiyev
told AzerTAj correspondent. Therefore, the management of BBC was
warned by means of the letter, also was brought to their notice
that actions of the employee of radio station contradict norms of
international law and the mentioned fact serves interests of one of
the conflicting sides – Armenia.
In the letter, also is underlined that if employees of the radio
station repeatedly will admit similar facts, then, broadcasting of
BBC in Azerbaijan would be suspended.
It has to be reminded that the BBC broadcasts in Azerbaijan within two
hours per day – 1 hour in the Azerbaijan language and for 30 minutes –
in Russian and English languages.

Azeri ruling party happy about BBC’s response to criticism
Sarq, Bak
25 May 04
Text of Lala’s report by Azerbaijani newspaper Sarq on 25 May headlined
“The BBC has stopped the campaign against Azerbaijan” and subheaded
“The New Azerbaijan Party will monitor the programmes”
After the ruling New Azerbaijan Party’s secretariat sent a letter to
the headquarters of the BBC World Service, anti-Azerbaijani programmes
stopped. The ruling party will continue to monitor the BBC’s radio
programmes, the party’s deputy executive secretary, Mubariz Qurbanli,
has said.
The party’s secretariat sent a letter to the headquarters several
days ago to protest against the BBC Russian Service’s anti-Azerbaijani
propaganda. Responding to the party’s statement, the BBC has stopped
its anti-Azerbaijani propaganda, Qurbanli said.
“Although the BBC is a very powerful international media corporation,
its Russian language radio programmes, regrettably, contained some
aspects aimed against the Azerbaijani statehood. The reason for this is
that ethnic Armenians work for the Russian Service. They are directly
to blame for these programmes,” he said.
Qurbanli reckons that any body or organization operating in Azerbaijan
should voice its protest against the radio station, as the New
Azerbaijan Party did. “We believe that the party’s statement did
have an effect. The BBC looked into the issue. They told us that
appropriate measures were to be taken. However, in addition to this
we will continue our monitoring. We will issue a similar statement
again should the situation be repeated. At present, monitoring shows
that the radio station is operating within the legal limits.”

ADJUTANT GENERAL OF THE KANSAS NATIONAL GUARD, MAJOR GENERAL TOD M.
BUNTING, VISITS ARMENIA TO DISCUSS BEGINNING OF STATE PARTNERSHIP
PROGRAM ACTIVITIES
ArmenPress
May 25 2004
YEREVAN, MAY 25, ARMENPRESS: Major General Tod M. Bunting, Adjutant
General of the Kansas National Guard, is visiting Armenia from
the 25th to the 29th of May, 2004, to discuss the beginning of
the State Partnership Program (SPP) between Kansas and Armenia,
reported the US Embassy public affairs office. This is Major General
Bunting’s first visit to Armenia. He and his delegation will meet
with Armenian government officials from the ministry of defense,
emergency management administration and the ministry of health to
discuss areas of cooperation, including peacekeeping operations,
health/medical activities, and disaster preparedness and emergency
management as well. The State Partnership Program is initiated with
the National Guard of a given state, with coordination provided by
the Office of Defense Cooperation at the U.S. Embassy, and may include
military-to-military, military-to-civilian, and civilian-to-civilian
programs of cooperation.
The National Guard consists of men and women who, though working at
regular civilian jobs in their home state, dedicate a part of their
time to military service. Every state and territory has its own Guard
as provided by the Constitution of the United States. The Guard in
each state is made up of Army National Guard and Air National Guard
units. Guard units may serve to combat natural disasters, to support
regular Army or Air Force units, and, when called upon, to bear arms
against their nation’s enemies. The Guard of a given state is under
the control of the governor during peacetime, yet is available to
the President during national emergencies.
The State Partnership Program links National Guard states and
territories with partner countries for the purpose of fostering
mutual interests and establishing long-term relationships across
all levels of society. The SPP between Kansas and Armenia began
with initial discussions in March 2003. The Kansas-Armenia SPP
was officially inaugurated during the fall of 2003. The Armenian
military has asked Kansas for assistance in the two major areas of
Peacekeeping Operations and Health/Medical. Other areas of concern
and possible cooperation are Emergency Management and Planning, and
Disaster Response. Further programs in different areas are expected
to follow in time as the relationship develops and widens.