MosJan

ECONOMIC ‘INTRUSION’ OF RUSSIA USEFUL FOR ARMENIA Armenian ambassador to Russia Suren Sahakian assures that Armenian-Russian strategic-political relations remain on a high level Q: Mr. Sahakian, for the first time in the last 10 years Russian president pays an official visit to Armenia. The current Yerevan-Moscow strategic cooperation, especially the coming September 14-16 visit of Russian president Vladimir Putin to Armenia, show the high level of relations between the two countries. In your opinion what can the visit of Russian president give to Armenian-Russian relations? A: Our relations with Russia are really on a very high level, but they develop only in several directions- military, political, cultural and economic. Armenian-Russian economic relations didn’t reach such a level as Yerevan-Moscow strategic-political cooperation, though. Russia is our strategic partner, and that reality is expressed in many documents signed between the two countries. Because of blockade imposed on Armenia by its neighbor countries, absence of common border and transport isolation the Armenian-Russian economic relations didn’t reach the level they could have. As you know Armenia has debts to Russia, which can be paid off in several ways- creating joint enterprises instead of paying off the state debt or delivering parts of shares of some Armenian enterprises to the Russian side. This will bring to increase of Armenian products’ share in Russian market, and opening of new jobs in Armenia. We expect that Putin’s visit to Armenia will boost Armenian-Russian economic relations. Q: Mr. Sahakian, it has been talked about a ‘paradoxical’ situation created in Armenian-Russian relations during Putin’s presidency, and sometimes ARmenian-Russian relations are described as ‘hard’. In your opinion will Putin’s visit to Armenia smooth the issue about which it is written and talked much in Russian mass media? A: Frankly speaking I didn’t notice publications about Armenian-Russian ‘hard’ relations in Russian press. There were articles where the events had been elucidated in different ways. You know the political field is multi-tonal and probably that is the reason why such articles are being published. And second, what I think more important, is that after Putin was elected president Russia conducts pragmatic policy in economic issues, and when economic relations are transferred to pragmatic field, it gives rise to various talks. If Armenia has debts to Russia, then these debts had to be paid off, and to consider it a difficulty in Armenian–Russian relations is not right. In this respect all the CIS countries have this kind of ‘difficult’ relations with each other. But I repeat that Armenia and Russia are strategic partners, and the two countries have a common security system. Armenia is going to continue strategic-political cooperation with Russia because Armenia’s security is the most important thing for us. Armenian-Russian economic relations are slow as far as not much attention has been paid to them. We highly value Russia’s support to Armenia during those heavy years for our republic, especially the nuclear fuel supply. To say that Armenian-Russia relations are ‘hard’, in my opinion, is a wrong political approach. Q: Official Yerevan conducts foreign policy of complementarity. Don’t Kremlin and Russian circles in general see pro-Western tendencies under this name? A: In my opinion Armenia conducts pro-Armenian foreign policy. We have four neighbors, shall we conduct ‘pro-neighbor’ policy? Interests of super powers clash in our region. Shall we conduct a policy which is ‘pro’ these powers? Russia itself conducts complementarity policy in some issues, and so does USA. And we approach some issues sentimentally – seeing only black and white, leaving aside other colors. Q: Is it finally coordinated what documents will be signed during Putin’s visit, and are the names of those enterprises which will be re-formulated as Russian-Armenian joint enterprises already known? A: The general list of the enterprises was discussed, and the Russian side is especially interested in Armenia’s radio-electronics and military-economic complex enterprises. I don’t want to enumerate the concrete names of the enterprises, because the final agreement process is long lasting and many changes will take place during it. Now experts work on it and give their estimates. Q: Mr. Sahakian, as you have noted, Armenian-Russian strategic-political relations are on a very high level, and Russia establishes in Armenia economically as well. There is an opinion in some political circles of Armenia that the increase of economic influence of Russia in our country can negatively affect Armenia-West, and especially Armenia-international financial organizations relations. How should we act in order not to ‘offend’ Russia or the West? A: We must see what results Armenia gets after each step. I don’t think that Russia’s economic ‘intrusion’ into our country is harmful for us. We must be guided by Armenia’s interests. Russia is a market with 150 million customers, plus the whole CIS territory, and if by creating Armenian-Russian joint enterprises we are succeeding to expand the export of Armenian goods by several times, then this surely will not do any harm to our republic. By Tatoul Hagopian, Moscow author : AZG Daily #162

ARSHAK II DEBUT IN SAN FRANCISCO Composer Tigran Chukhadjian wrote ``Arshak II'' in 1868, creating Armenia's first opera. Then opera was never fully staged before and its international debut took place Saturday, September 8, in the San Francisco Opera. The debut was a great success, 1200 seats of the opera hall were all full, and notable Armenian singers Hasmik Papian, Tigran Martirosian and Parandzem’s role player Frenchwoman Nora Gyubish were happy. The experts especially gave a high mark to the performance of Hasmik Papian. The performance pleased both American-Armenian and American audience. Hasmik Papian said that by this debut we acquainted the world with Armenia’s opera and music. The opera will be staged again on September 11, 16, 21, 27 and 30.

http://www.azg.am/IMAGE/200116201.jpg MUST COUNCIL OF EUROPE TAKE PART IN KARABAGH REGULATION? The chairman of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly Lord Russell Johnston opened on Monday the session of the Armenian parliament which resumed its work after summer vacations. The essence of his speech, addressed to the parliament members, was that Armenia should fulfil the commitments it has assumed after joining the Council of Europe earlier this year. Lord Russell Johnston singled out Armenia’s commitment to abolish death penalty and expressed hope that Armenia, which has chosen the path of democracy, would meet this obligation, even with the ongoing trial of the October 27 trial when part of the political forces demand capital punishment for the perpetrators. Johnston even urged the Armenian lawmakers to ignore the public opinion. In his words, the Armenian lawmakers need courage to ignore the public demand, as the Council of Europe is categorically against application of death penalty. In a reference to Karabagh conflict regulation Lord Russell Johnston announced it was high time for the COE to intervene in the decade-long conflict regulation process on grounds that the two conflicting sides are Council of Europe members. As a substantiation Russell Johnston declared that the OSCE Minsk group has exhausted itself and the fruitless face-to-face talks between the leaders of the countries proved it. Russell Johnston argued that he had discussed Karabagh regulation with the late parliament speaker Karen Demirchian, killed in 1999 parliamentary attack, who, he argued, supported the following principles: Armenia must withdraw from the occupied territories, Armenia must have an overland connection with Karabagh. But the Lord did not mention the Karabagh status, the return of refugees, and other relevant issues which prove that the Council of Europe did not make an in-depth analyses of the conflict. This prompted some 20 deputies to leave the chamber in sign of protest. Deputy parliament speaker Tigran Torosian said Johnston’s speech was very long, tiresome and frustrating. “But we have to take it calmly,” he added. The head of the ARF faction Aghvan Vardanian said later that Lord Russell Johnston admitted that the Council of Europe statement issued on August 24 which called on Karabagh authorities to refrain from elections to local management bodies, describing them as “illegitimate” was a mistake. The parliament members also voiced their opposition to the Council of Europe urge to abolish death penalty. “As a Council of Europe member country Armenia has to respect this provision, but having in mind that the October 27 crime was a grave one and that that majority of people and lawmakers want them to be executed, Council of Europe should respect this,” Aghvan Vardanian said. It is hard to say now if the Council of Europe will allow an exception with respect to Armenia. But Russell Johnston’s other announcements come to prove that Europe is taking bigger interest in this region. © Copyright AZG

PRESIDENT ORDERS TO INVALIDATE ARMENTEL’S DECISION Armenian president Robert Kocharian reaffirmed on Saturday the government's intention to prevent Armentel from enforcing its earlier decision to raise telephone charges. Speaking to reporters on Saturday president Kocharian said he had instructed transport and communication minister Andranik Manukian to invalidate by his order ArmenTel's decision. "We have all possibilities and levers to solve this dispute in the legal field," he said. According to Kocharian, in serious deals the government should bear the responsibility. In a related development prime minister Andranik Margarian said on Saturday that the government was against the per-minute payment and "is doing everything to make sure that it is not enforced from October 1." Margarian said that the parliament has suggested to start a legislative initiative that would seek changes to the relevant laws, but "the government has asked not to take up the step for the time being." According to Margarian, the license which granted Armentel 15 year monopoly in the domestic communications market provides for possibilities to prevent introduction of per minute charges for domestic calls. Armentel company, owned by the Greek state-owned OTE, decided to introduce the new payment scheme in January. The Armentel chief executive, Nikos Georgulas, has said he will press ahead with the measure over the government's objections. The prime minister said his government had drawn up a strategic policy for cooperating with Armentel which covers not only per minute charges but also seek a creation of conditions to enable other companies enter the sector.

REVANCHISM http://www.azg.am/IMAGE/200116203.jpg Rouben Mirzakhanian The 20-th century was marked for Armenia by two key events, first it regained its independence, lost centuries ago, and second, it had to go through a severe ordeal to live in two radically different social-political and economic systems. They were realities which differed in the manner of organizing economy and in the content of human values, as well as in the conception of national ideology and the basic tasks. During the years of the First Republic (from 1919) a one-party system was established in the country. The government was composed of members of the Armenians Revolutionary Federation (ARF, Dashnaktsutyun), which appointed the parliament and introduced the judicial system. The Bolsheviks who would come to replace the Dashnaks were doing underground work and using their entire potential were trying to oust the Dashnaks. In 1920 after seizing the power, they outlawed the Dashnaks. Decades later any contact with the ousted party. which ruled the First Republic, was punished with all the strictness of the law. In 1921 February, several months after the Bolsheviks’ victory the Dashnak party made an attempt to seize the power back, but failed. This attempt was assessed differently by the historiography. During the Soviet times it was described as an “adventurism”, now it is qualified as a national-liberation movement, directed against the totalitarian Bolshevik state. We are not going to assess the inter-political developments in 1921, but would like to mention that it was the first attempt of revanchism. By the way , from 1918 up to 1921 there was a death and life struggle between the Communists and Dashanks for political power, each of the sides was trying to eradicate its political rival. Acting in the Diaspora, the Dashnaks never ceased the idea of coming back to power. Declaration of the Third Republic in 1991, which, first of all, was the result of serious geopolitical changes , brought to power an organization of quite different political quality, the Pan-Armenian National Movement (HHSh), which was formed as a result of people’s movement for fair resolution of the Karabagh problem, an organization which was straying in ideological searches even after reaching the top of power. First it was trying to get in contacts with the Socialist Internationalist, then declared its adherence to the principles of liberalism. Proceeding from this, categorical denial of the past became one of the main mottoes of the HHHh. The Communist party of Armenia, which already lost its independence under the Soviets, was not able to start a campaign of revanchism under the conditions of national revival. In 1991 in Moscow an attempt was made by revanchists to keep the power. The Armenian political elite, including senior Communist members, were silently following the developments in Moscow. The failure of Moscow revanchists was the beginning of a short period of time when the Communists in Russia were declared out of law. Several years later, however, the Armenian Communists became stronger and as a result of the economic policy of the HHSh the Communist party of Armenia not only won seats in the parliament but also declared openly about its revanchist aspirations, coming out against the sovereignty of the Armenian state and advocating for the restoration of the collapsed USSR. Passage of the power from the Dashnaks to Bolsheviks and from them to the HHSh is the outward side of the changes, that took place in the life of our people. What actually occurred was a radical change in all the areas of life, and aspiration to restore the lost power, revanchism, has become the main objective of the aforementioned forces. The present The change of power in 1998 was not followed by the change of the political system. The turmoil in the inner-political situation as a result of the change of power, as well as October 27 crime in the Armenian parliament were surpassed thanks to the acting Constitution, adopted in 1995, but the existence of several forces striving to restore the lost power is evident. These parties are trying to present themselves to the public as the political opposition. But in reality none of them can be qualified as “classical opposition: none of them demonstrates ideological differences with the acting power, they not only cooperated with the current authorities in different years, but also formed the ruling system, but have assumed an opposition stance only after losing the power. The first group of these people is the closest surrounding of the ex-president Levon Ter-Petrosian, which from 1990 up to 1998 were governing the country. Having at their disposition certain material and informational resources and continuing contacts with individual financial tycoons in the Diaspora, representatives of this group understand that the majority of the people reject them. Some other revanchist groupings avoid open and public cooperation with the representatives of former administration of Ter-Petrosian. The dominant objective of these people is ousting the current president and to bring to power another revanchist group with the aim of integrating in it for a certain period of time and then restore the lost power. To reach this goal this group is ready to collaborate with anyone. Being a grouping with no clearly cut ideology when in power, especially in the recent years, and rejecting the national ideology, some members of this group entered the so-called Turkish-Armenian Reconciliation Commission (TARC), a Commission, the main goal of which was described by former deputy foreign minister of Turkey Ozdem Sanbark as “ prevention of initiatives seeking international recognition of the Armenian Genocide, which may weaken Turkey’s positions.” “It is important for us that this question should not be considered in the US Congress,” Sanbark said. “As long as we continue the dialogue, I am sure, the issue will not be put on the Congress agenda and we ,Turks, will only benefit from it.” When needed , these groupings assume a pro-Russian position, under other circumstances they become pro-Western. They come out with social-democratic mottoes, but assure they are proponents of liberal ideology. In 1999 parliamentary elections the legislative and the executive power were chiefly formed by Karen Demirchian and Vazgen Sargisian. As a result of October 27 crime in the parliament, a certain portion of the political layer, that was closely connected with these political figures, has lost power levers. Their families were deprived of economic privileges and lost the power to influence the inner-political development. The second group striving to restore the lost power was formed. Part of it, having inherited rather serious material resources and having direct links with the top military officials and representatives of the executive power has as their dominant goal ousting the acting president. The third group of revanchists is represented by individuals who held senior positions in late 80s and early 90s and who kept their positions, after the HHSh came to power, but in the course of the years they have not put up with the idea of becoming outsiders of the real power. Representatives of this direction have no direct links with each other. Narcissism, exaggeration of their mental and organizing capabilities which creates an illusion that they are popular among the people are the main characteristics of this group. They think that admiration they receive from part of the people who are in heavy social conditions and by certain group of people who connect their promotion with them may, become a crucial factor in future political developments. Representatives of this group in general welcomed change of power in 1998, but having not received top positions, that is failing to reach their revanchist goals, have turned into most noisy “opposition.’ Can these groups, different with respect to their genealogy, way of thinking, which even were rivals at different period of time, unite? Yes! The core of their objectives is apparent-ousting of the acting president. Can they reach their goal by joint efforts? No! The modern political history says: the opposition will be able to reach its goal, but revanchists never. Future Existence of opposition is a compulsory component of any developed political system. Political opposition is the bearer of a certain ideology. Its task is to implement the goals, based on the aforementioned ideology. Revanchism has only one goal-to restore the lost power. Revanchism is based on hatred, which, as a rule is individualized. The notion of revanchism is derived from French “revanch”, which means “to take revenge” A political movement based on revenge has no prospects and is doomed to bankruptcy. Revanchists cannot accept new ideas and they lack creativity. Their main goal is to take revenge on those who have “occupied” their place. Revanchism is dangerous. To reach their goals these people will do everything. They are ready not only to constantly deceive the people, but also to sell themselves out to anyone who will help them to satisfy their feeling of revenge. Any stranger, and even enemy may be this “anyone.” Political alliances, based on revanchist ideas are existent in the countries with developed political system as well, but there they do not form any quality because of the political opposition, which, as a rule strives to go back to power, if it had it, but using radically different methods, and what is more important, the opposition’s goals are very different from those of the revanchists. Political opposition strives for power to make social and economic conditions better and to avoid the mistakes of the past. Revanchists strive for power to take revenge and restore what they had when in power. What kind of situation there should be to allow the political opposition to become a factor promoting progress of the country and to eliminate conditions of revanchism? First of all, we need a political system with 4-5 parties, carriers of most important ideologies and formed not on clan principles or personal devotion. We need a political system formed on the outcome of elections in which the force structures do not occupy privileged positions and are depoliticized. We need an economic system which will reject monopolies and which will be operating on the principles of free competition. It is evident that implementation of all these aforementioned tasks in a short period of time in a post-Soviet country which suffered from economic and political turmoil is very difficult. But we had to strengthen progress tendencies. We believe that the process of formation of local self-management bodies in 2002 elections and then in the legislator will be a serious step towards establishment of power and formation of a civilized opposition. There is a mere chance for it and nothing more…

ABOUT 900,000 PEOPLE EMIGRATED FROM GEORGIA SINCE 1995 YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 10, ARMENPRESS The head of Georgia's refugees and migration department Toma Gugushvili told the France Press Agency, that according to the data provided by the independent experts, about 900,000 people have left Georgia since 1995. According to him, the population of the country makes hardly 3.5 mln, while several years ago it comprised 5 mln.

ARMENIAN NATIONAL TEAM WINS EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 10, ARMENPRESS Armenian weightlifter G. Kamalian (85 kg) has won Europe's champion title under 21 in the city of Kalmar in Sweden. The Armenian national team has also placed the first. It should be mentioned that the Armenian sportsmen won 2 gold, 3 silver and 1 bronze medals.

PHILATELY INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION OPENED IN YEREVAN YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 10, ARMENPRESS An international exhibition of philately dedicated to the 1700th anniversary of Armenia's adoption of Christianity, opened today at the Modern Art Museum in Yerevan. The exhibition, organized by the transport and communication ministry, displays more than 150 collections of philatelists from Armenia, Greece, Spain, Argentina, Germany and Russia. Armenia's transport and communication minister Andranik Manukian, who opened the exhibition, said that philately was a means of presenting the Armenian cultural values to the world, so as the tradition of this exhibition should be continued and developed. The deputy head of the Philatelists International Federation Erisero Ruben Otero expressed hope that the Armenian philately will reach international standards. Among the former USSR countries Armenia, Russia, Belarus and the Baltic states are members of this Federation, which includes 127 countries of the world.

NUCLEAR POWER PLANT TO RESUME OPERATION IN 6 WEEKS YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 10, ARMENPRESS: The director of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant Souren Ayvazian, fresh back from Moscow, where he had signed an Armenian-Russian agreement on resumption of Russian nuclear fuel supplies to Armenia, said that the first batch was expected to arrive in Yerevan in two weeks, given all the terms of the contract were observed. The nuclear power plant was brought to a halt in July 10 for a 45-day planned repair and refueling and was supposed to resume operation in the first half of September, but the Armenian government's failure to secure payment for the fuel deliveries prolonged the plant's resumption. n early September Armenian energy and then defense ministers had pledged in Moscow to pay 4$ million in advance and the rest of a $13.7 million worth deal within the next 90 days. Souren Ayvazian said another 3 weeks will be needed for refueling the plant if the fuel arrived in due time. Armenian nuclear power plant accounts for nearly 40 percent of energy production in the country.

ATLANTIC TREATY ASSOCIATION DELEGATION ARRIVES IN ARMENIA SEPTEMBER 11 YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 10, ARMENPRESS: An Atlantic Treaty Association (ATA) delegation, led by its chairman Alan Lee Williams will be visiting Armenia from September 11 to September 16, the Armenian Atlantic Association (AAA) has said today. The delegation also includes ATA secretary general Antonio Borges de Carvalo and the chairman of the Greek Atlantic Association Theodossis Georgiou. The ATA includes non-governmental organizations of the countries involved in NATO Partnership for Peace Program. The ATA delegation arrives in Armenia at the invitation of the AAA. The ATA delegation is scheduled to have meetings with Armenian lawmakers, foreign and defense ministries' senior officials as well as with the head of the Armenian Church. Within the framework of the visit the AAA plans to hold a seminar on September 14 in Yerevan, entitled 'NATO- Security Prospects in Armenia/ Caucasus' with participation of Armenian law makers, representatives of the executive power and public organizations. The Armenian Atlantic Association has taken several steps to seek full membership to the ATA. Before considering the possibility of the AAA joining the ATA, the delegation plans to get first-hand information about the current state of affairs in Armenia. Based on the visit's results the ATA will present a report on Armenia at its 47th Assembly, slated for October in Slovenia's City of Bled. AAA application was already considered at the ATA meeting in Brussels and got a preliminary approval. The visit of the ATA delegation is rich in cultural events. They will be told about an extensive range of festivities and events held in Armenia and dedicated to 17 centuries of Armenia's conversion to Christianity. The delegation members will visit several historical and cultural sites in Armenia. The Armenian Atlantic Association has launched its activity in 2001 and seeks promotion of Armenia's relations with NATO member-countries and to raise the Armenian public's awareness about NATO's goals and mission in the rapidly changing world.

ARMENIAN PRESIDENT ROBERT KOCHARIAN'S ON-LINE CONFERENCE ON GAZETASNG.RU YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 10, ARMENPRESS: -Natalia Sashtik, deputy chief editor of the Gazetasng.ru: -Dear friends, we are beginning an on-line conference with the President of Armenia Robert Kocharian. We would like to thank all the visitors to our web site for their questions. These questions will be answered by president Kocharian on a priority order. Unfortunately, we are short of time, because of the over-employment of our guest. Armenia is getting ready today for some key events, among them the visits of president Vladimir Putin, the heads of all Orthodox Churches and Pope John Paul II to Armenia. -Mr. Kocharian, we hope you are there, let me once again to thank you for your courtesy to participate in our conference, which, as we can see, has caused a big interest. Taking the advantage we would like to congratulate you on your birthday and to remind our visitors that the president of Armenia has become 47. Our congratulations, Mr. President. -R.K. Thank you for your congratulations. I would also like to take the advantage and congratulate all the citizens of Armenia, our Diaspora compatriots and Armenia's friends with the upcoming 10th anniversary of our independence. I would also like to thank all the participants to this conference. I am happy to communicate with you. Your questions are very interesting and I believe we shall have a useful conversation. -Andrey Simonov, Moscow. What do you think about virtual communication, many people of your generation say online chats are meaningless and even harmful? Do you allow your children to log on to Internet? -R.K. Unfortunately, I do not have much free time to use Internet, but everyday a pile of materials, retrieved from Internet is put on my table. There are also many e-mails coming. This, for the time being, restricts my communication with Internet. But my children use it and very actively. I learn many things from them. I welcome this and do not pose any restrictions. -Armen Karapetian, economist. When you were running for presidency, you used to say that Armenia needed an economic breakthrough, but the country continues suffering from heavy economic conditions. Do you think that you have managed to improve, though a little, the state of affairs? -R.K. Economically strong Armenia is my number 1 objective. You are right, we are continuing to resolve many problems in economy and they still remain Armenia's priorities, but I would like to say that the essence and character of the problems have changed and they are different from what we had a couple of years ago. In the past years the economic environment in Armenia has seen a significant change. The main thing I think I have succeeded in is that we have shifted from the conception of survival to the conception of active development. We have reformed the tax legislation to target business development, the judicial system, and thanks to it the businessmen have got real guarantees for protection. Approaches towards privatization have also changed: we demand specific and clearly cut guarantees from potential buyers that the to be privatized companies should be operational and that the amount of investments, fixed in takeover contacts, should be made. A as a result of all this some leading Armenian enterprises are gathering momentum. The main goal is advancement in all directions. Armenia is resolving its economic problems and the content of these problems is different from what they were several years ago, the development dynamic is also different. Of course, we all would like to see faster growth and more tangible results, but I believe this all will come. -Panarmenian. Net, Yerevan. Leaders of many countries have different viewpoints regarding Internet. Possibilities for uncontrolable exchange of information cause concerns and cautiousness. Internet makes people less controllable and less dependent from the state. What does the leadership of Armenia thinks about Internet development? -R.K. The entire core and the bulk of reforms which are underway in Armenia is to make people as less dependant on the state as possible. Government bodies should be overseen by the public and it is here where Internet provides great opportunities. The power should become transparent and predictable. Such methods of work are entering the life. Practically all state bodies have their own web sites where they should post data, which have public importance. Besides, very interesting and important projects of informational, entertainment character are being implemented in the Armenian domain of Internet. An Internet project that was collecting texts of the Armenian literature and historiography and posting them on Internet was awarded presidential prize. This, I think speaks about what I think about Internet. Internet is a serous tool for the president in his work. -Azadinfrom@azerin.com, Baku, Azerbaijan. What does Armenian leadership mean under "compromise solution" and will the Armenian public support compromise's terms? -R.K Armenia has more than once announced its adherence to package solution of the Karabagh conflict. In this case all the sides to the conflict have a clear idea about what they will get and what they will be sacrificing. We have clearly formulated three main principles, which should be on the basis of the regulation: legal equality of all the sides to the conflict, exclusion of Karabagh enclave status, international security guarantees for Karabagh population. If these principles are observed, Armenia will be ready to consider potential compromise solution options. -As regards the second part of your question; if a compromise solution is adopted, leaders of each side should have enough political will and explain to their respective people the advantages of the option and convince them to take it. If such will is not in the place, this leader cannot conduct the negotiation process. -Larisa Sarukhanian, Yerevan, dear Mr. President, I would like to voice my full support to you. I voted for you I 1988 and next time if you decide to be re-elected my family and I will again cast our ballots in your favor. The opposition in Armenia has become active and new parties are being set up. Do not you think that their only goal is to seize power? How long you are going to put up with it? -R.K. Thank you for your kind words. I have enough patience and I am not going to change my main principle of how to work with the opposition- that is to be tolerant. The word is about the culture of political communication. One has to have respect for his partners, irrespective of whether you like their position or not. Unfortunately, the response is not often adequate. But in general, there is a normal political process underway, at least, the dialogue with parliament represented parties is constructive. What causes my concern is the level of political culture. President should be criticized for mistakes and shortcomings, but he is powerless when he is insulted, I cannot retaliate, I was brought up differently and my position does not allow me to retaliate. I am trying to explain my actions, be frank with the population. Some of my actions may cause criticism, some people may not like them, but when you are frank with people, criticism is not something to be afraid of, as the people trust you and understand your actions. The main thing for me is the feeling of the accomplished duty before my voters. -Vardges Hakobian, Moscow. You promised that some 40,000 new jobs would be created in Armenia this year. This made me very happy. Almost five years ago I was sacked and had to leave for Russia in search of a job. Now there is some hope, but I am afraid we are too many and there will not be enough jobs for all those who left Armenia. What are you doing to reduce unemployment? -R.K. The remedy for curing this disease is the same everywhere. Economic growth, development of industry, small and medium businesses. The unemployment in Armenia, according to official data, is about 17 percent, but actually, I think it is bigger. This year we have made our task to create 40,000 new jobs. The government is to follow such an economic policy that would promote attraction of new investments and creation of new jobs. Forty thousand jobs are really a big figure for Armenia. This, of course, will not eliminate the problem, but we have made the first step. At the end of the year we shall summarize the results to outline the future measures. -Anatoliy Volk, journalist. What is your vision of the future of Russian-Armenian relations? -R.K. I see them as I used to. Based on friendship, mutual understanding and respect for one another's interests. The interests of the two countries coincide in many parameters. This, in the first place, conditions our strategic partnership. Common history, deep cultural similarities give a special coloring to our relations. -Sergey Gevorgian, Yerevan. What do you know about how ordinary people live in your country? -R.K. Armenia is a small country and to build a fence not to see the others' problems is impossible. I never forget that many of my compatriots live in hard conditions, but I also know that I can help them only by concrete deeds, which require pragmatic approaches and purposeful efforts. Each year people should feel tangible improvement, unfortunately, under positive economic trends, part of the society does not yet feel it. But the quantity changes into quality and our everyday work will have its impact on the quality of life of all our citizens. -Rouben Matevosian, former engineer. Your government has sold to foreigners the Telephone Company, the brandy plant and now you are going to sell energy distributing networks. What will remain for Armenia? How long the national riches of Armenia will be plundered, what are we going to leave for our children? -R.K. The life has shown that the state is not the most efficient owner, otherwise the Soviet Union would have been prospering. The executive power is not to run businesses but to create conditions for normal entrepreneurship. This is my strong belief. Efficient and correct privatization is another question. Here we have problems. As regards the Yerevan Brandy Company and other enterprises, they continue remaining in Armenia and no one is going to move them out. I would also like to add that all the companies privatized by foreigners operate and very successfully, by the way the quality of Armenian brandy has improved. Raisa214@aol.com, Los Angeles. Why Armenia, that won the war, lives in economic poverty and political isolation? -R.K. You are right when saying that Armenians do not live well, but if we compare our social and economic conditions with other CIS countries, we shall see that, if we asses per capita GDP and other economic indices, it will turn out that Armenia is not at the bottom. These indices were assessed by international financial institutions. We have taken the lead in some indices and besides, the positive dynamic is apparent. The word "political isolation" you mentioned surprises me , I think you are not well aware of our foreign policy activity. -Konstantine Martsev, Petersburg, Russia. Why Armenia does not make a good will jester and liberate one of the occupied Azerbaijani territories, controlled by Armenian troops. This, I think will be a powerful political move, which will be assessed by the international community. -R.K. I would like to stress that this conflict is based on the people right to self-determination, but not on territorial problems. The regions you have mentioned are held with one aim-to ensure the security of the population of Nagorno Karabagh. These territories are a component of the established balance of forces and this is the basic formula of the truce continuing from 1994. Any changes on the line of contact without security guarantees will destroy the balance of forces and may provoke resumption of hostilities. This is why we favor the so-called package option of the solution and this territories are a component of it. -Sisak, Krasnodar. Our family moved to Russia after the destructive earthquake of 1988. I am a student now, but have always dreamed of going back to may native Gyumri. All my family wants to go back. But shall we have a shelter, shall we be able to earn our living? What is the situation now in the earthquake zone? -R.K. The volumes of major construction in Armenia are rather big and a significant portion falls on the earthquake zone. A number of serious programs are being implemented there by the government and international organizations to provide homeless families with apartments or houses. In the next two years the conditions there will improve radically. As regards jobs, there is already a demand for workforce, besides the government is drawing up some projects targeting revival of industrial enterprises and attraction of foreign investments. Several leading plants have resumed operation in the zone. Positive changes can also be observed in the agricultural and food processing sectors. We have built many hospitals, outpatient clinics there and by the end of the year we are planning to get rid of schools, located in temporary buildings. -Csmptn2B@aol.com, USA. Hello, my name is Gevorg Alexanian and I am writing from the USA. I would like to ask Mr. President what are his steps towards creating an equal opportunity atmosphere in the areas of economy, especially in the private sector of the small businesses? -R.K. You have mentioned a very important issue. Creation of business friendly conditions is the main precondition for economy development. I cannot say that we have been consistent in this area in the recent ten years, but a range of cardinal steps have been taken. Very important laws have been passed regulating this sector and the limits of the state interference are clearly outlined. In many issues we have managed to minimize the administrative arbitrariness. Tax legislation has also improved, small and medium businesses are encouraged and we can boast of certain results in the areas of informational technologies, trade, tourism, services, jewelry and diamond-cutting. It is enough to have a stroll in Yerevan streets to see what I have mentioned. It would be naive to think that all the problems we are facing can be solved in a day or two. -Shakin Aliyev, Baku. Can you agree with a thought that Armenia has won the battle but not the war? Do you admit that Armenia's resources are too small to secure complete victory? Do not you have apprehensions that Azerbaijan may renew hostilities in Karabagh? -R.K. Your question sounds a little bit malicious. I believe that what is important for both Azerbaijan and Armenia, and for all Southern Caucasian countries in general is to win the peace. The history has shown many times that any enmity in our region, be it a battle, a war or just an opposition, did not bring good to no one. You, as a resident of Azerbaijan, may have felt it as well. Our region will be prospering, given peace, a stable peace is established here. The Armenian leadership is working in this direction. As concerns the resources, you may make sure, based on the facts, that Armenia's economy is developing no less dynamically than your country's economy. Now about apprehensions. In the passed years the both sides have reinforced their positions and it is certain that the side that renews hostilities would lose the battle. -Tigran Tavadian. Chief editor of Armenian Yekramas newspaper in Krasnodar, Russia. Mr. President, how are the things with reforming the Constitution? I mean the changes that may allow the so-called duel citizens for Armenians living outside their homeland? -R.K. The package of constitutional reforms is ready and will be formally submitted to parliament's consideration this month. It contains some changes relevant to dual citizenship. But I cannot specify whether the referendum on constitutional reforms will be held this or next year. I would like to add that I support this idea of duel citizenship, as I think that a country with such a strong Diaspora has to provide its compatriots with relevant mechanisms for strengthening their ties with their historical homeland. -Arthur Hakopov. Do you think that Karabagh conflict may be regulated in near future? -R.K. I do not think that prognosis in such issue should be made. I can only say that we are continuing to work for it. -Arka news agency. Yerevan. Do you think that a recently created Turkish-Armenian Commission for Reconciliation may influence Armenia's relations with Turkey? -R.K. Armenia supports any step aimed at building civilized and neighborhood relations with Turkey. At the same time, having in mind that this is a very sensitive question, it would be desirable that this issue be discussed on state level, which Armenia has never avoided or with involvement of a broader community of political forces. -Souren Ayvazian, businessman. Mr. President, we have plans to launch a business in Armenia but after wasting several months of talks with government officials have not received information we need. What should be done to have the issue move ahead? Can you help us? -R.K. We have established the Development Agency to help advancement of private business projects; it actually serves as a starting point for many businessmen, who open businesses in Armenia. Unfortunately, the red tape problems exist, though they have reduced a little. If you have concrete proposals you may submit theme to presidential staff. I guarantee that you will receive answers to your questions. -Arman Kazarian, dentist. When will Armenia join the World Trade Organization? -R.K. We are planning that Armenia will join World Trade Organization by the end of the year. This actually means acknowledgement of the fact that market relations have established in this country. Without serious rise in export volumes we shall not be able to raise the country's economy. WTO membership first of all means predicted markets of WTO member- countries. This will also mean that we can predict developments in our domestic market, a basis for favorable investment climate. -Natalia Sashtik: Our time is out and we cannot keep Mr. President any longer. We thank you again Mr. Kocharian for your courtesy to participate in our on-line conference.

PRESIDENT KOCHARIAN INTENDS TO STAND FOR A NEW TERM 10.09.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenian President Robert Kocharian intends to stand for the next presidential elections to be held in spring 2003. He declared it in an interview to journalists in course of his visit to Yerevan electric-bulb factory. The head of the state said he had doubted the expediency of becoming a candidate till recently. The leaders of a number of opposition political parties ("People's Party of Armenia", "Republic", "National Unity"), who came out demanding that the President resign, helped him to make the final decision. "There is so much malice in their statement that it is easy to understand how dangerous its authors are for the country. They can poison the whole state with their venom. Having recognized it I came to a conclusion on the necessity of announcing my candidacy," – Robert Kocharian stated. Reproduction in full or in part is prohibited without reference to "PanARMENIAN.Net"

"CHILDREN'S WORLD" DEPARTMENT STORE SOLD TO RUSSIAN MULTIMILLIONAIRE AT 900 THOUSAND DOLLARS 10.09.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ One of the biggest trade centres of the Armenian capital "Children's World" department store is sold to "Soglasiye" Russian concern at 900 thousand dollars. Russian multimillionaire of Armenian descent, specializing in diamond mining, President of the Union of Armenians of Russia Ara Abramian is the owner of the company. As reported by "Arka" agency, "Soglasiye" JSC intends to invest 3-5 million dollars into the building repairs. The company has a right to change the type of the enterprise and organize any other activity except the industrial one. Let us note that "Soglasiye" will grant 15 thousand dollars to Yerevan Benevolent Fund to meet the needs of the capital. Let us remind that three auctions were held for selling the building earlier, but they did not succeed due to absence of applications. Reproduction in full or in part is prohibited without reference to "PanARMENIAN.Net"

ATLANTIC CONVENTION ASSOCIATION DELEGATION ARRIVING IN YEREVAN TOMORROW 10.09.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ Tomorrow a group of representatives of Atlantic Convention Association will arrive in Yerevan. Leader of the international organization Allan Lee Williams heads the delegation. In course of the visit, which will last till September 14, the members of the delegation will meet with Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin the Second, the leaderships of the National Assembly, Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defense. Within the framework of the visit a seminar entitled "NATO and security prospects in Armenia and the Caucasus" will be held. The head of the Association will give a talk summing up the visit to Armenia for consideration by 47-th Congress of the organization. The matter of Armenia's affiliation to the Atlantic Convention Association in many respects depends on the estimates presented in the report. Reproduction in full or in part is prohibited without reference to "PanARMENIAN.Net"

ARMENIAN PRIME MINISTER AGAINST LEGISLATIVE RESTRICTION OF "ARMENTEL" ACTIONS 10.09.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenian Prime Minister Andranik Margarian has assured the citizens they would not have to pay for city telephone calls. On completion of the joint closed meeting of the Government and Parliament representatives Margarian stated to the journalists that both the legislative and executive branches would do their best not to let "ArmenTel" Company impose payment by minute. At the same time he considered it unacceptable to restrict the actions of "ArmenTel" by means of legislative changes. In his words, it would be much more correct to avoid confrontation and seek reasonable compromises that would let solve all issues with "ArmenTel" at the bargaining table. In case of disconnection of telephones because of non-payment, the Prime Minister called to appeal to control service under the Government. Reproduction in full or in part is prohibited without reference to "PanARMENIAN.Net"

MEMBERS OF BRITISH ROYAL FAMILY ARRIVING IN YEREVAN 10.09.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ Members of the British Royal Family Duke and Duchess of Gloucester will arrive in Yerevan November 3. Duke of Gloucester is first cousin of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second and grandson of King George the Fifth. The Royal Family members visit Armenia on the occasion of the celebration of the 1700-th anniversary of adoption of Christianity. Reproduction in full or in part is prohibited without reference to "PanARMENIAN.Net"

Congressman Thompson To Join Armenian Caucus SAN FRANCISCO—Napa Valley Democrat Mike Thompson has announced that he will be joining over 100 of his House colleagues in advancing issues of concern of the Armenian American community as a member of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issue, reported the San Francisco-Bay Area chapter of the Armenian National Committee. "As part of the Congressional Armenian Caucus, I look forward to working with Armenian American constituents in the first district of California, the Bay Area ANC and fellow legislators to strengthen ties between the United States and Armenia and to open up dialogue on key issues of importance to Armenian Americans," said Rep. Thompson. Bay Area ANC activists Roxanne Makasdjian and Raffi Momjian had met with Rep. Thompson's legislative staff in Washington, DC earlier this year and had encouraged Rep. Thompson to join the Armenian Caucus and increase his activism on Armenian American concerns. Makasdjian and Momjian had traveled to Washington along with hundreds of activists from across the nation to participate in the annual ANCA Capitol Hill Observance of the Armenian Genocide. Makasdjian served as Mistress of Ceremonies for the program. "We congratulate Rep. Thompson on his decision to join the Armenian Caucus," said Bay Area ANC representative Raffi Momjian. "The Caucus, now with 104 members, is still growing, and - under the leadership of Congressmen Frank Pallone and Joe Knollenberg - we are confident that it will continue to expand its role in educating members of Congress and the Administration about issues of importance to our community." Elected to the House of Representatives in 1998, Rep. Thompson represents the first district of California, which includes all of Napa, Lake, Mendocino, Humboldt and Del Norte Counties as well as portions of Solano and Sonoma Counties. Prior to his service in Congress, Rep. Thompson represented California's 2nd District in the State Senate where he chaired the powerful Budget Committee. He is a member of the Armed Services and Agriculture committees.

. Debbie Poochigian May Run For State Assembly FRESNO—Debbie Poochigian is weighing the possibility of running for California State Assembly. Poochigian is an active volunteer. Prior to raising her three children, she was a middle school teacher and a coach. A native of Fresno County, Poochigian's family has farmed in the San Juaquin Valley since the early 1900s. Poochigian is the wife of State Senator Chuck Poochigian and daughter of Fresno County Supervisor Deran Koligian. She has been involved in leadership positions in numerous political campaigns including those of former Governor George Dukmejian and Pete Wilson, Bruce Herschensohn, and Attorney General Dan Lungren. She also served as a 17-county regional chair for President Bush's campaign in 2000 and was a delegate to the Republican National Convention in 2000 and 1996. She has held leadership positions with the California Republican Women, Federated. Debbi Poochigian is a member of the Board of Trustees of the St. Agnes Medical Center and the Armenian Community School of Fresno Foundation Board. She has served as a member of the board of directors of the Fresno Area Crime Stoppers and the Fresno County and City Historical Society. She is also a member of the Fresno County Farm Bureau and California Women for Agriculture. She has been the chair for a number of civic, charitable and church programs and projects. In the past, she was a little league coach, Girl Scout leader, and Sunday School Superintendent. Poochigian said, "I have had a strong interest in public policy for many years. I have been involved in numerous political and civic campaigns. State Assemblyman Mike Briggs (R-Fresno) has indicated that he is exploring a run for Congress. If he vacates his Assembly seat, I will give serious consideration for running for the State Assembly." "There are so many issues in state government about which I care deeply. I would enjoy the opportunity to participate in efforts to improve our educational system, address the very serious deficiencies and challenges in health care, and to work hard on matters that deal with California's vital agriculture industry and equitable treatment of the San Juaquin Valley, from transportation and economic development to education and criminal justice." Legislative district boundaries are currently the subject of redistricting hearings in Sacramento. If approved, a proposal for the 29th Assembly District would result in a district that includes much of Fresno and Madera Counties. The current 29th AD includes Fresno and the Tulare Counties. Candidates for State Office will run in newly drawn districts in the primary election in March, 2002.

Aleksanian Becomes New European Champ YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)—Armenian athletes Gevorg Aleksanian and Tigran Martirossian set two new world records and won the gold and bronze medals at the European Weightlifting Youth Championship, held in the Swedish city of Kalmar. Both athletes competed in the 77kg weight division.

Hartford Mayor Issues Apology for "Turkish Zafer Holiday" Proclamation WATERTOWN, Mass.—After a major statewide grassroots effort focused on setting the historical record straight, the Mayor of Hartford, Michael P. Peters, issued a formal apology to the Greek and Armenian community (see full text of the September 6, 2001, letter below) for his proclamation honoring August 30th as a "Day of Remembrance for the Turkish Zafer Holiday in the City of Hartford. This proclamation was deeply flawed with inaccuracies and omissions. The proclamation glorified Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and furthered a number of long time myths about the Republic of Turkey including the myth that Turkey has made significant contributions to US foreign policy, that Turkey enjoys a long history of friendship by living in harmony with different ethnic groups, and that Turkey is a staunch ally of the United States. Although the proclamation did accurately state that "Millions of the Ottoman Empire citizens; from different religious and ethnic backgrounds, died" during the years of World War I, it failed to note that these victims were mostly Armenians, as well as Greeks and other minorities, who were massacred on the orders of the Turkish authorities in what constituted the first genocide of the twentieth century. In a letter addressed to the Armenian National Committee of America Eastern Region, Mayor Peters extended his deepest apology and vowed never to issue the above-mentioned proclamation again. The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) is the largest and most influential Armenian-American grassroots political organization. The ANCA actively advances a broad range of issues of concern to the Armenian-American community. Complete text of the Letter Mayor Peters sent to the ANCA ER As Mayor of the City of Hartford, I would like to extend my deepest apology for issuing the proclamation declaring Day of Remembrance for the Turkish Zafer Holiday in the City of Hartford. As Mayor, one of my duties is to issue proclamations, citations and memoriams. My office was not aware of the history and controversy behind this proclamation and it was never my intention in any way to offend or cause conflict to the Greek and Armenian community. As long as I am Mayor, I can only promise you that our office will never again issue the above-mentioned proclamation. Again, please accept my sincere apology. Yours truly, Michael P. Peters (signed) Mayor

http://www.azg.am/IMAGE/200116101.jpg Natalia Sashtik, deputy chief editor of the Gazetasng.ru: Dear friends, we are beginning an on-line conference with the president of Armenia Robert Kocharian. We would like to thank all the visitors to our web site for their questions. These questions will be answered by president Kocharian on a priority order. Unfortunately, we are short of time, because of the over-employment of our guest. Armenia is getting ready today for some key measures, among them the visit of president Vladimir Putin, visits of the heads of all Orthodox churches and Pope John Paul II to Armenia. Mr. Kocharian, we hope you are there, let me once again to thank you for courtesy to participate in our conference, which, as we can see, has caused a big interest. Taking the advantage we would like to congratulate you on your birthday and to remind our visitors that the president of Armenia has become 47. Our congratulations, Mr. President. R.K. Thank you for your congratulations. I would also like to take advantage and congratulate all the citizens of Armenia and our Diaspora compatriots and Armenia’s friends with the upcoming 10-th anniversary of our independence. I would also like to thank all the participants to the conference. I am happy to communicate with you. Your questions are very interesting and I believe we shall have a useful conversation. Andrey Simonov, Moscow. What do you think about virtual communication, many people of your generation say online chats are meaningless and even harmful? Do you allow your children to log on to Internet? R.K. Unfortunately, I do not have much free time to use Internet, but everyday a pile of materials retrieved from Internet is laid on my table. There are also many e-mails coming. This, for the time being, restricts my communication with Internet. But my children use it and very actively. I learn many things from them. I welcome this and do not pose any restrictions. Armen Karapetian, economist. When you were running for presidency, you used to say that Armenia needed an economic breakthrough, but the country continues suffering from heavy economic conditions. Do you think that you have managed to improve, though a little, the state of affairs? R.K. Economically strong Armenia is my number 1 objective. You are right, we are continuing to resolve many problems in economy and they still remain Armenia’s priorities, but I would like to say that the essence and character of the problems have changed and they are different from what we had a couple of years ago. In the past years the economic environment in Armenia has seen a significant change. The main thing I think I have succeeded in is that we have shifted from the conception of survival to the conception of active development. We have reformed the tax legislation, targeting business development, the judicial system, and thanks to it the businessmen have got real guarantees for protection. Approaches towards privatization have also changed: we demand specific and clearly cut guarantees from potential buyers that the to be privatized companies should be operational and that the investments fixed in takeover contacts should be made. A as a result of all this some leading Armenian enterprises are gathering momentum. The main goal is advancement in all directions. Armenia is resolving its economic problems and the content of these problems is different from what they were several years ago, the development dynamic is also different. Of course, we all would like to see faster growth and more tangible results, but I believe this all will come. Panarmenian. Net, Yerevan. Leaders of many countries have different viewpoints regarding Internet. Possibilities for uncontrolled exchange of information cause concerns and cautiousness. Internet makes people less controllable and less dependent from the state. What does the leadership of Armenia thinks about Internet development? R.K. The entire core and the bulk of reforms which are underway in Armenia is to make people as less dependant on the state as possible. Government bodies should be overseen by the public and it is here where Internet provides great opportunities. The power should become transparent and predictable. Such methods of work are entering into life. Practically all state bodies have their own web sites where they should post data, which have public importance. Besides, very interesting and important projects of informational, entertainment character are being implemented in the Armenian domain. A project that was collecting texts of the Armenian literature and historiography and posting them on Internet was awarded presidential prize. This, I think speaks about what I think about Internet. Internet is a serous tool for the president in his work

WE NEED AN ENCYCLOPEDIA Right after Armenia and Azerbaijan agreed to sign a Russia-mediated truce in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan in 1994, I got down to the first volume of a book which was supposed to give a full picture about the origin and process of the Karabagh movement. In its introduction I wrote that many books would be written about our Patriotic war (I used this word frequently knowing that the war in Karabagh was regarded as a Patriotic war according to all the laws of the historical science, as it was deciding the fate of our homeland, a question of to be or not to be was at stake. I wrote that a new Yeghishe (a mediaeval Armenian historian) would come to write down the story of Karabagh heroes to leave it for the coming generations. I wrote that a new Leo Tolstoy would be born to create the epic of war and peace. I wrote that we would have everything, final victory, chronicles and epic. Bu t I would have never thought that right after the establishment of the cease-fire regime the book market would be saturated with works which I can hardly describe as memoirs. In the first years after the truce they were thin booklets about the deeds and lives of the Karabagh heroes who sacrificed their lives for the sake of their land. There were people who covered all these expenses. A major work by that time was completed by Andranik Arshakian, who released the first volume of short biographies of the soldiers killed in the war from the start of the Karabagh movement up to December 31, 1991. Sasoun Grigorian, another devotee is also conducting a huge amount of work, who issued several books, still under the Soviets, about Armenian writers, poets, painters, composer and musicians perished in the World War II. Meantime dozens of poetry books of both live and killed authors were released. But the lion’s share of these books was created in a genre, which can be named as “About Time and Self,” or “Autobiographies.” And this is quite natural. There were times when an author had to overcome a thousand and one obstacles to have his book published. The book should have been included in the so-called “state plan” and the author had to patiently wait, sometimes, for years, to see his book published. After the book was released the author’s text was sometimes as much changed by the editors that he could hardly recognize it. Ernest Hemingway, and especially William Saroyan used to admit that irrespective of what they wrote about, even about the past, it was about themselves It is well known that every front-line soldier describes the battle in his own way, mincing his memories and it is regarded as chronicle. This is why all the so-called biographies present the events in a subjective manner. The publishers do not check out either geographical names or the dates of the battles or the heroes’ names. Naturally, it is not possible to either stop these processes or manage them. This all is called market economy and freedom of speech. By the way, this is observed in all countries, except those suffering from totalitarian syndrome. People write about what they want, the only problem is the money to cover expenses, but this, however, does not mean that after passing to the market economy we have to put up with this phenomena which discredits and falsifies the history. This may have a negative impact on further studies. But there is a way out. We have to start working on a true history of the Karabagh Movement from 1988 up to 1994. I think we should start from preparing a one-volume encyclopedia. The editorial office of the Armenian Encyclopedia is the only body that will be able to cope with this task of huge importance. The encyclopedia should elucidate all the sides of the life of our people before the Karabagh Movement and in the process of national-liberation movement, which grew into a wide-scale Patriotic war. Fortunately, the Armenian Encyclopedia has acquired a big experience in preparing and publication of such editions. It is enough to name a major Armenian Encyclopedia consisting of 13 big volumes. Despite the hardships the editors and the entire staff had to go through, they have not quit their work. It is high time to publish this one volume encyclopedia that would contain a thorough information about all the battles, strategic military operations, defense of such settlements as Karintak, Khnabad, Askeran which altogether were the defending shield of the capital Stepanakert. The book has to include not subjective stories but scientifically processed articles, written by experts, about the people who started the movement, about the Diaspora and its aid, about Diaspora benefactors who rendered concrete assistance. A special place should be given to description of battles on the front line and at the rear. For the first time the heroic feeds of Armenian pilots who flew to Karabagh on warplanes and helicopters should be elucidated. The same should be said about the doctors thanks to whom nearly 80 percent of the wounded recovered. The book should be well illustrated, with different pictures showing how the towns looked before and after bombardments. Today few people remember how the capital Stepanakert looked like before liberating the town of Shoushi, located above the capital and from where the Azeris fired at the capital. People have forgotten that they left basements only to bury the dead. The pictures should also illustrate what kind of weapons the warriors used before formation of a regular Karabagh army. I have visited all the places both in Karabagh and Armenia where monuments to the soldiers perished in the war were erected. Many of them are made in the traditional Armenian style; the book should include the pictures of all these monuments. The book should have an historical introduction, a short military-political article about the turning points in the movement when from sporadic shootings it grew into a war. This book should contain unbiased information only, as “history is as exact as Mathematics.” My opponents, while agreeing with my idea about creating this book, may argue that publication of such an encyclopedia would be too expensive under our scanty resources. It is true, but we think that the Institute of History affiliated with the Academy of Sciences, the defense ministry, the Union of writers and other creative unions may contribute to it. We also believe that our compatriots from Diaspora will also take interest in this undertaking and will render material assistance for its implementation. This book will be a strong weapon and an argument both in endless negotiation process on all levels and in propaganda and information wars. Zory Balaian © Copyright AZG

DEFENSE MINISTERS OF RUSSIA AND AZERBAIJAN DISCUSSED THE Artsax ISSUE 07.09.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ Russia is interested in settlement of the Artsax conflict both as a mediator and a country supporting friendly relations both with Armenia and Azerbaijan. Today Russian Defense Minister Sergey Ivanov stated it at a press conference on the results of the talks with Defense Minister of Azerbaijan Safar Abiev. "We are ready to seek ways of conflict settlement patiently, not thrusting our opinion on the partners," – Ivanov noted. Minister emphasized that settlement of the conflict should first of all rest on understanding between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Reproduction in full or in part is prohibited without reference to "PanARMENIAN.Net"

THE CENTRAL ELECTION COMMITTEE OF NAGORNO-Artsax TOTALED THE ELECTION TO THE BODIES OF SELF-GÎVERNMENT 08.09.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ The central election committee of Nagarno-Artsax has totaled the election to the bodies of self-government of the republic held September 5. 53537 voters out of 86525, that is 61.9% of the electorate, participated in the election. 194 community leaders and 1363 member of the council of the elders were elected. Second elections will be held in some rural communities of NK. 13566 voters participated in the elections for mayor post. Amik Awanesyan, who had 52.3% of votes for 6 candidates, was elected the head of the city administration of NK. Reproduction in full or in part is prohibited without reference to "PanARMENIAN.Net"

CONFLICTS WERE BETWEEN POLICE AND PARTICIPANTS OF PROTEST ACTION AGAINST "ARMENTEL" ACTIVITIES 08.09.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ Yesterday evening the protest action against introduction of per minute charge for city calls took place in Yerevan. The initiator of the action holding was opposition "National Democratic block"party, headed by parliament deputy Arshak Sadoyan. The MIA workers did not let the meeting participants go to "Liberty" square, where at that moment a concert was taking place. But the City administration sanctioned the meeting holding. Conflict between meeting participants and police was a result of all that. After short fight, the protest action organizers decided to lead the people to the president residence. There they were met be the police cordon armed with shields and batons. The representatives of the police informed the meeting organizers that their actions were illegal, as they were not coordinated with Yerevan City administration. The minister of internal affairs called Arshak Sadoyan and told that he would be called to account for holding unauthorized procession. Reproduction in full or in part is prohibited without reference to "PanARMENIAN.Net"