MosJan

"ANY MODE OF SETTLEMENT SHOULD BE ACCEPTABLE FOR THE PEOPLE OF Artsax FIRST OF ALL," – RUSSIAN DIPLOMAT STATES 11.07.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/. Any mode of settling the Artsax conflict should be acceptable for the parties to conflict, and the people of Artsax first of all. First Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia Vyacheslav Trubnikov stated this at the meeting of OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmen with President of Nagorno-Artsax Republic Arkady Ghukasian. As reported by "Arka" agency, Trubnikov noted the importance of approaches and views of the Artsax party. "We do not want the people living in Artsax to think that the mediators are trying to impose any solution," – he stated. Today Trubnikov together with Co-Chairmen of OSCE Minsk Group Nikolay Gribkov (Russia), Kerry Kavano (USA) and Philip de Suremein (France) will participate in monitoring the contiguity line of the armed forces of Nagorno-Artsax and Azerbaijan, held by the office of the personal representative of OSCE acting Chairman. After monitoring the mediators will cross the defense borders of NKR in a segment coordinated beforehand and will pass to the Azerbaijanian side.

MINSK GROUP CO-CHAIRMEN CONSIDER SETTLEMENT OF THE Artsax CONFLICT IMPOSSIBLE WITHOUT TAKING THE REALITY INTO ACCOUNT 11.07.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/. The principles on which the Artsax settlement will be based should proceed from the present reality. President of Nagorno-Artsax Republic Arkady Ghukasian stated this at the meeting with OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmen. As reported by "Arka" agency, the President of NKR has confirmed the readiness of Artsax authorities to constructive work. In Ghukasian's words, in spite of some change in the dynamics of the negotiations, the Artsax party is sure that they will be continued. According to a press release spread by the President of NKR Public Relations Office, the Co-Chairmen noted that it was impossible not to consider the present reality while developing an effective mode of settling the conflict. At the same time the Co-Chairmen have expressed disturbance in connection with becoming more frequent in Azerbaijan calls for resumption of military actions. They stressed that "the OSCE Co-Chairmen countries are unambiguously against the attempts to settle the Artsax conflict in military ways". After the meetings with the heads of Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defense, the Co-Chairmen will take part in monitoring the contiguity line between the armed forces of Nagorny Artsax and Azerbaijan, will cross it and go to Baku on the shortest route.

PRESIDENT OF NKR WILL ARRIVE IN YEREVAN TOMORROW 11.07.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/. Tomorrow President of Nagorno-Artsax Republic Arkady Ghukasian will arrive in Yerevan on a working visit. Public Relations Office of the head of the Artsax State informs that during the visit Ghukasian will have meetings with the leadership of Armenia. The visit is dedicated to discussion of the suggestions of OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmen, made during their tour to the countries of the region.

ARMENIA OCCUPIES THE THIRD PLACE AMONG THE CIS COUNTRIES ON "THE INDEX OF THE HUMAN POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT" 11.07.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/. Armenia occupies the 72-nd place in the world and the third place among the CIS countries on "the index of the human potential development". That is said in the UNO development program report. As "Arka" agency informs, in the group of the countries with "the medium development level" where the CIS countries are included, Armenia is inferior in rating to Belorussia and Russian, that accordingly occupy 53-rd and 55-th places. Armenia is followed by Ukraine, 74, Kazakhstan, 75, Georgia 76, Azerbaijan 79. By the experts, the first place on "the index of the human potential development" has been appointed Norway, followed by Australia, Canada, Sweden, Belgium, USA, Island, Netherlands, Japan and Finland. The list of 162 countries is concluded by Sierra-Leone. It should be mentioned that while calculating the "index of the human potential development" was taken into consideration the complex of the per capita income, the public health system and education system quality, and also the average level of the life-span.

TURKISH MILITARY INSPECT RUSSIAN MILITARY BASE IN ARMENIA 11.07.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/. Turkish specialists have started inspection of the military base of the group of Russian troops in the Transcaucasus, which is located in Armenia. As reported by "Arka" agency making reference to "ITAR-TASS", the inspection is being held within the framework of the Agreement on common armed forces in Europe. Military experts of Turkey are inspecting separate objects and subdivisions of units of 102-nd military base. They are checking data on the number of the staff, armament and operational readiness of the military equipment, declared by the Russian side by January 1, 2001.

A NEW SUGAR FACTORY WILL BE BUILT IN SPITAK 11.07.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/. In autumn the auditing company " Amio Exko Armenia" will complete the work on the technical analysis of the program of the building of the factory producing sugar in Spitak. As "Noyan tapan" informs the enterprise building will be started after that. According to the "Amio Exko Armenia" company deputy director Gagik Gyulbadagyan, $100 million is needed for the realization of the planned program. The USA government has already allotted the part of the needed sum. The program is implemented with the mutual efforts of an American firm and "Aikoop" enterprise.

THE EUROPEN DIPLOMAT CLAIMS THAT A PRINCIPAL AGREEMENT ABOUT THE OPENING OF THE CORRIDORS THROUGH MEGHRI AND LACHIN IS REACHED /PanARMENIAN.Net/. ''Echo'' newspaper, published in Baku, informs that the ex-ambassador of the European Union in Russia Michael Emerson, who is now the expert of the European center of political studies in Brussel, has given an interveiw to the Turkish newspaper ''Zaman'' that, it can be said, is sensational. Emeron claims that the Artsax side was very close to the agrement cuncluding, but the radically turned nationalists in Azerbaijani opposition prevented that. In that situation, the Minsk group could do nothing but freeze the peaceful settlement process. However the ex-diplomat is sure that the cochairmen will offer the sides a new detailed variant of the settlement in the nearest future. Emerson has lifted the veil of the secret of some details of the plan, that has been already made agree. In particular, according to his words, it is achived the principal agreement about the opening of the Megri and Lachin corridors under the garranties of the peacemaking forces. Emerson points out that the corridor opening will help the realization of the transport projects ''Silk way'' and ''East-West'', that are supported by the European Union. In emerson's opinion, exectly this kind of the solution will help to achive stability in Caucasus.After the agreement signing, the embargo put by Azerbaijan and Turkey on Armenia, will be abolished.

IRAN BECOMES AN ACTIVE REGIONAL "PLAYER" Last updated: July 10, 2001 Several events attesting to the activation of Iranian role in the South Caucasian region in general and in the context of peace settlement of the Artsax conflict in particular happened during the last two weeks. The statements of the Iranian Ambassador to Armenia Mohammad Farhad Koleyni, published in the end of June in the Yerevan newspaper "Aravot", marked the beginning of such activation. He said, "the OSCE Minsk Group is currently trying to find common grounds between the conflicting sides and to form a common public opinion." In fact, this was the first public statement of Teheran official on the subject of Artsax peace process after the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs announced their intention to begin regular consultations with Iran. It is Koleyni who is appointed the "contact person" at the consultations of the mediators with Teheran. Another statement of the Iranian diplomat aroused still greater interest. Mohammad Farhad Koleyni said "one could confidently say that the issue of territorial swap between Armenia and Azerbaijan is not on the agenda". According to him, such a swap would restrict Armenia's relations with neighbors, which would contradict the national interests of Yerevan. The subject of territorial swap, which aroused wild reaction in the Armenian society, was somewhat forgotten lately. This was probably caused by the fact that everyone, including the most furious opponents of the authorities, made certain that this variant was not on the table of negotiations anymore. Koleyni's words were taken as a "verdict" on the variant of territorial swap. Several Russian experts noted the "non-randomness" of such a statement on the part of the Iranian Ambassador. "Today, Iranians, on the whole, feel themselves in the region rather confident, which their open statements attest to," the director of the Center for Caucasian Researches (Moscow) Alexander Iskandarian said in the interview to CNA agency. In the opinion of the expert of the Moscow Center of Political Technologies, Boris Makarenko, with its statement the Iranian side first of all wanted to strike a blow to the authority of the United States. However, Makarenko believes the conduct of the Iranian ambassador to Yerevan was "at least unethical". We will venture not to agree with the opinion of the Russian expert and turn to the prehistory of the decision taken about the "indirect" participation of Iran in the Artsax peace process. According to the evidence of Mediamax sources in the Yerevan diplomatic circles, it was the Armenian side to play a significant role in this, assuring the mediators in the necessity to hold a regular dialogue with Iran. It is but natural that taking this decision the co-chairs of the Minsk Group - Russia, the USA, and to some extent France, followed their objectives. Russia, as it is known, closely cooperates with Iran, which arouses the badly concealed dissatisfaction of the United States. The latter has no relations at all with Iran. Despite this, according to the reports of Azerbaijani mass media, the US Ambassador to Baku Ross Wilson said that the presence of the Iranian representative at the talks was "necessary". According to him, the broken off American-Iranian ties would not have a negative impact on the Artsax peace process. It is interesting that Iran, the leaders of which over the last years consistently spoke against the participation of "outer forces" (first of all – the USA) in the settlement of regional security issues during the meetings with Yerevan officials, has recently softened its position. During the visit of the head of Armenian President's Office Artashes Toumanian and deputy foreign minister Ruben Shugarian to Teheran, held last week, the sides already spoke of the necessity of Iran's involvement in the settlement of regional security issues and didn't touch upon the subject of "outer forces" – in any case, the reports of official Teheran agency IRNA made no mention of it. One can assume that Iran and the USA have come to certain compromises. The change of official Washington's position regarding the construction of Iran-Armenia gas pipeline, the final decision on which will be made this September, can serve an example of this. A year ago, the representatives of the US Department of State spoke with a direct text against the implementation of this project. Today, when the negotiations on the gas pipeline have reached a most active stage, the USA in no way displays its negative attitude toward the project. Iran's agreement in itself to take even an indirect participation in the Artsax peace process, where the USA's role is by no means the last, can attest to the certain softening of Teheran's position. On June 28th, the meeting of the first deputy foreign minister of Russia V. Trubnikov and the Ambassador of Iran to Russia M. Safari took place in Moscow, the main highlight at which was the work of the OSCE Minsk Group. It is not by chance that the meeting was held right after the consultations of the mediators in Malta, where the decision to visit the region in July was taken. After the Artsax peace talks in Key West, Philippe de Suremain, who until that time held the post of the ambassador to Teheran, was appointed the co-chairman of the Minsk Group from France. In May, de Suremain said in the interview to Mediamax that the mediators were going to inform the leadership of Iran about the course of the peace process so that they got assured that no "plot" was being hatched against Teheran. "We realize that the settlement of Artsax conflict must not harm any one. It seems to me Iran is the first interested in the establishment of stability in the region, taking into account the number of crisis zones around that country," the French diplomat noted. Today, it is still difficult to judge - will Iran's participation bring to a progress in the Artsax peace process? Another thing is apparent though – today, Iran's relations with Armenia are on a much higher level than the ones with Azerbaijan. During the visit of the Armenian delegation to Teheran, an agreement was achieved to hold regular consultations between the foreign ministries of the two countries. The official visit of the Armenian President Robert Kocharian to Teheran will take place this fall, which, as his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Khatami is convinced, "will bring the Armenian-Iranian relations to a qualitatively new level and will promote the effective cooperation between the two countries within the framework of international organizations". It is relevant to remind you that the visit of Heydar Aliev to Iran was repeatedly being postponed in the course of the last years. Armenian Foreign Minister says Yerevan appreciates it that "unlike Turkey, Iran had taken a neutral and balanced position throughout the whole Artsax peace process, which was certainly not easy". It was probably with the consideration of this fact that the Armenian side insisted on Iran's involvement in the peace process. If it is crowned with success, Armenia will actually become the inspirer of the first peace initiative, worked out with the participation of Washington and Teheran, which will surely weaken the possibility of a new polarization in the South Caucasus. Analytical department of Mediamax news agency

HAroutr jan inch gorts es man galsi vor ??

it's time to close or delete this topic !!! [ July 10, 2001: Message edited by: MosJan ]

Boz Khan (mongolian head of the goats) is the same as sick MJ in the Hye forum. Posted By: Iranyar (qn-213-73-142-216.quicknet.nl) Date: Tuesday, 10 July 2001, at 3:43 p.m. from insider information! That MJ's cut and paste style is typical Turkish. However here he is a more developed provocator, and is een able to make webpages of his own!

iy iy iy iy iy http://www.cyberiran.com/forum/?read=4281 Re: forums Posted By: Iranyar (tanya.054.conceptsfa.nl) Date: Tuesday, 20 February 2001, at 2:28 p.m. In Response To: forums (alp) wow is Armenians.com still an Armenian forum? or is that hijacked by MJ a Jewish Turk (according to several sources), who tries to destroy the ties between Armenia and Iran and Russia, and advocates friendship with Turks Turks, Is.raelis. and recently of Arabs. and his stupid friend Raffi who admitted that he has more Arab than Armenian blood. And you call that forum an intelligent forum? is that a Forum at all, MJ has terrorized each person who thaught different than him, there are now 90% of MJ's posts who nobody reads them, and if someone doesn't agree with that agent then mr. Raffi the Arab comes as first one to bite him. Well this is sad that forums are hijacked, they could do it with the Armenian forum, why? Because the Armenians in the Wests are a small people, and a lot of Armenian youngsters in the west don't know much about Armenian culture and politics, and the Armenians in Armenia itself have ususlly not optimal access to the internet, so they could steal that forum, but these Mj's an alikes cannot do the same with this or any other Iranian forum easily, there are nearly 10 millions Iranian diaspora, and in Iran a lot of people especially the students have access to internet, there comes by that we Iranian youngsters are assertive becouse the world powers have betrued us. So they better don't waste their times and don't dream about that they can hijack this forum too.

ARMENIAN MILITARY DOCTRINE CAUSES TURMOIL IN AZERBAIJAN BAKU, JULY 9, ARMENPRESS: A recent announcement by a senior official of the Armenian defense ministry that soon the Armenian military doctrine would be submitted to broad public discussions has caused a turmoil in Azerbaijan. The Baku-based Echo and Yeni Musavat dailies citing Colonel Melkoninan's announcement that Armenia needs some $700 million for proper maintenance of the armed forces, allege that Armenia's goal is to have a 360,000 army. Under the Conventional Forces in Europe Treaty each of the three Trans-Caucasian states' quota is 60,000. An independent Azeri expert Rasim Musabekov described the provisions of the doctrine as "aggressive."

SECOND PAN-ARMENIAN GAMES TO KICK OFF AUGUST 18 YEREVAN, JULY 10, ARMENPRESS: Some 5,000 Armenian athletes from around 32 countries, including France, Germany, Canada, Switzerland, Australia, USA, Russia, Syria, Lebanon are expected to arrive in Armenia in mid August to take part in the Second Pan-Armenian Games, scheduled for August 18 to August 26 in the Armenian capital and other towns. The official opening of the Games will be held at Yerevan Republican Stadium August 18 with Armenian leadership and delegations, to arrive in Armenia to participate in the jubilee events devoted to 17 centuries of Armenia's conversion into Christianity, will attend it. Armenian athletes will compete in football (soccer), basketball, mini-football, volley-ball, tennis, table-tennis, chess, swimming, calisthenics and other events. About 300,000 people are expected to attend the sporting events in Yerevan, Ashtarak, Artashat and Abovian. The closing ceremony will take place August 26 at Karen Demirchian Palace in Yerevan.

PRESIDENT KOCHARIAN REITERATES THE NEED FOR ARMENIA'S ACCESSION TO WTO YEREVAN, JULY 10, ARMENPRESS: Armenian president Robert Kocharian reiterated last Saturday that Armenia's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) will help Armenian businessmen increase the volumes of exports of their goods. Kocharian was speaking to reporters while visiting a local brewery to attend opening of a new workshop for production of natural juices. "Though some Armenian businessmen say that it (Armenia's joining the WTO) will hit the local producers, I do not think so," Kocharian said, adding that it will open for Armenian goods markets of some 150 WTO member-countries. As regards protection of domestic market, Kocharian said the WTO Regulations provide special rules for protection of domestic markets of member countries, "but according to WTO standards." "If Armenian businessmen want to produce competitive goods they will have to have respect for business logic," he stressed. Kocharian said Armenia's accession to the WTO will be resolved by the end of the year.

ARMENIA DEVOTED BUSINESS FORUM IN PARIS IN FULL SWING PARIS, JULY 10, ARMENPRESS: An Armenia devoted business forum, organized and sponsored by World Bank started today in France's capital with participation of an Armenian government delegation, led by prime minister Andranik Margarian and representatives from around 30 leading international donor organizations. The meeting was opened by a World Bank regional director Judy O' Connor who presented the overall economic situation in Armenia and the government's steps for reforming the economy which was followed by prime minister Margarian's report who presented a government-drafted program for poverty reduction. Thanking the World Bank for initiating the forum and its participants for securing a wide representation, Armenian prime minister expressed hope that the two-day discussions would allow to reveal the real developments related to Armenian economy and social condition of the population and would also provide with opportunities to expand efficient cooperation with the international community. The prime minister presented in detail the preconditions for passing to market relations, the difficulties accompanying the process of economic reforms, obstacles on the way to liberalization of the market and the government's efforts to overcome these difficulties. It was particularly noted that the fall in real wages and economic activity, rise in the unemployment and growth of the shadow sector of economy have led to virtually complete collapse of the former security and insurance systems. The government is facing now serious difficulties in paying pensions to around 560,000 people of retired age. According to the Armenian government, the main way for reducing the volumes of poverty is securing a comprehensive and sustained economic growth. "The link between economic development and poverty reduction is of two-way and the poverty cannot be eased without economic growth, but on the other hand, the economic development cannot be sustained under the conditions of the society's deepening poverty," the prime minister underlined. Another major factor for reduction of poverty volumes, according to the Armenian prime minister, is introduction of an efficient governing system. "The economic policy aiming at reduction of poverty volumes means not only continuation of economic and structural reforms aimed at improving the social condition of the population, but also undertaking a set of measures directed at improvement of indices defining the level of poverty along with implementation of reforms," noted the prime minister. Creation of new jobs and securing, for that purpose, a favorable business climate, promotion of new investments and support to business are the priorities in the government's plans to solve the problem of poverty. Armenia's accession to the World Trade Organization, expected later this year is regarded by the government, from the point of view of securing sustained economic growth, as a necessary step. Armenian prime minister also referred to the results of the Armenian Investor Conference held last May in New York, to the simplified procedures for registration and licenses granting, full application of bankruptcy mechanisms, which, he said, "makes the operation of companies more efficient," transparent process of state-owned companies privatization. "From the point of view of establishment of favorable investment and competition climate, the government deems as a priority securing free economic competition for support of medium and small enterprises and defining of efficient mechanism for struggling against monopoly in the market," the prime minister said. In terms of implemented tax reforms, according to Margarian, Armenia can now be placed among countries with favorable tax field, which is also very decisive for promotion of investments. A recently set up governmental commission for supporting economic competition is called to assist in this issue. The main goal of the commission is to prevent emergence of artificially created economic monopolies. The prime minister also placed emphasis on agriculture development for securing sustained economic growth. "Application of specific approach in the agriculture sector is conditioned, in the first place, by the absence of alternative employment possibilities in rural settlements," Margarian said. Proceeding from the necessity to overcome the obstacles in this sector the government will be consistent in raising the efficiency of irrigation systems, expanding of possibilities for farmers to get credits and making more accessible fertilizers and other facilities ," he said. The implementation of World Bank and International Fund for Agriculture Development funded programs will have a significant importance in this issue, said Margarian. The government has drafted a food security program which is being realized with the support of the European Commission. Margarian also emphasized the need for improvement of state management system, which requires transparent and clearly-cut legislative field, a stable legal system, highly paid and skilled judges and civil servicemen. The prime minister also presented the government's activity in this direction, putting the stress of struggling against corruption. Margarian also said that the parliament has passed in the first reading a draft law on declaration of Incomes by Senior Government Officials. The government will also try to push through the parliament the law on Civil Service by the end of the year. The prime minister also referred to the government's policy in the areas of health, education and social security, closely connected with poverty reduction and sustainable human development. "The government will secure installment of efficient mechanisms for protection from unemployment and will focus its attention in helping the unemployed to find jobs," he said. In his report Armenian prime minister also dwelt upon programs to be realized in Armenia's earthquake zone in 2001-2003. Prime minister's report was followed by International Monetary Fund's analyses and EU comments on Armenia's macroeconomic situation, volumes of state debt and funding. After a short break the chief advisor to Armenian president on economic issues Vahram Nersisiants presented the chief macroeconomic indices of Armenian economy. He also detailed about the results of Armenia Investor Conference held in New York. This was followed by remarks of the World Bank, USAID and Japan's government on speeding up investments and securing comprehensive economic growth. Deputy parliament speaker Tigran Torosian's report highlighted the government's efforts to improve the governing system and its encroachment on informal sector and corruption. He said an extensive set of anti-corruption measures were being implemented in the legal and legislative areas. Raising the efficiency of state spending, according to Torosian, is one of the major steps to reduce corruption volumes. Armenian health minister Ararat Mkrtchian spoke about human development related issues and Armenian government's positions and approaches towards it. He spoke in detail about the situation in education, social security and health sectors and presented the government's approaches about how to overcome the problems in these sectors. According to him, the main problems in education are the restricted financing, imperfect legislation, inefficient management, lack of technical basis and others. Only 10 percent of the state budget is earmarked for this sector. Lack of finance in the area of social security is the major problem in the areas of health and social security, according to the minister. Tomorrow July 11 the plenary session will continue its work. Armenian finance and economy minister Vartan Khachatrian as well as representatives of donor organizations are expected to come out with reports. The meeting will be concluded by a joint World Bank and Armenian government representatives' news conference.

Sections of Artsax's North-South Backbone Highway To Open Soon YEREVAN (Armenpress)--Two sections of the North-South Backbone Highway in Artsax will be opened for commute in September of this year announced Armenia Fund. The first 20 km stretch links Dashboulagh to Kichan, and the second 10 km road connects Karmir Shouka to Drakhtik. Groundwork for both sections of the highway have been completed, and only one of the stretches has yet to laid with asphalt. The 170 km North-South Highway, which will be connected to the Goris-Stepanakert Highway, will secure the Nagorno Artsax Republic's link with Armenia proper, along with the outside world. The highway is being built with the funds raised from the telethons held in Los Angeles in 1999 and 2000. This year's telethon in November will help complete the construction of remaining sections of the highway.

Georgian Political Analyst Says Repatriation of Meshkhetian Turks Dangerous TIBILISI (Noyan Tapan)--According to Georgian political analyst Georgi Nodia, the mass repatriation of Meshkhetian Turks to Georgia will be dangerous due to the country’s current political situation. The Meshkhetian Turks were forced to migrate from Georgia in 1944, however, the population of Samtskhe-Javakhk is likely to oppose their return, said Nodia during an interview with Prime News agency. Nodia says that the people who have lived and settled in the region during the past several decades will aggressively oppose the repatriation of the Turks. According to him, the problem can only be resolved with the Georgian authorities providing clear explanations about the situation so that senseless fears and rumors can be diminished. The exact number of Meshkhetian Turks willing to repatriate is still unknown, said Nodia, adding that rumors claim up to 300,000 might return. The political analyst said he believes the Georgian government is failing to formulate a clear policy on the issue, which can bring about undesirable consequences both inside and outside the country. Several committees in the Georgian Parliament are currently working on a bill regarding the repatriation of the Meshkhetian Turks to Georgia.

Lincy Foundation Allocates $530,000 To Prelacy Armenian Schools LOS ANGELES--The Lincy Foundation has made a generous donation of $530,000 to Western Prelacy Armenian Schools for the 2000-2001 academic year. Renowned for its philanthropic mission, for meeting the numerous needs of the Diaspora and Armenia with generous donations and for its moral and financial support in general, the Lincy Foundation allocated funds to the following schools: Ferrahian Armenian High School, Encino; Rose & Alex Pilibos Armenian High School, Hollywood; Mesrobian Armenian High School, Montebello; Vahan & Anoush Chamlian Armenian School, Glendale; Ari Guiragos Minassian Armenian School, Orange County; Krouzian Zekarian Vasbouaragn Arm School- San Francisco; Levon & Hasmig Tavlian Pre-School, Pasadena; Richard Tufenkian Arm. Pre-School- Glendale. Prelate Bishop Moushegh Mardirossian, the Western Prelacy Religious & Executive Councils and the Board of Regents of the Prelacy Armenian Schools thank the Lincy Foundation and its Honorable Administration for their continuous allocations to the schools, as manifested by the Foundation's permanent financial and moral support for their endeavors to educate and nurture the new generation in the spirit of Armenian heritage and humanity

THE OCSE MINSK GROUP COCHAIRMEN REGULAR TOUR TO THE REGION COUNTRIES HAS BEEN STARTED 10.07.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/. Yesterday night the OCSE Minsk group cochairmen Nikolay Gribkov, Kery Kovanno and Phillip De Sureyman arrived in Armenia. Several hours earlier the first deputy minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia Vyacheslav Trubnikov had arrived in Yerevan, his visit is in the frameworks of the trip of the diplomats of the Minsk group countries-cochairmen to the region. Yesterday RA Minister of Foreign Affairs Vardan Oskanyan received Trubnikov. According to the report of the public relation department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, besides the Artsax question, the perspectives of the bilateral relations development, the preparation process for the Yerevan visit of RF president Vladimir Putin, planned in September visit, were touched on at the meeting. Today Trubnikov will join the Minsk group peacemakers. Their joint meeting with President Robert Kotcharyan will take place. In the evening the diplomats will leave for Nagorni Artsax.

SOME 70 MILLION DOLLARS NEEDED FOR BUILDING NEW COPPER WORKS 10.07.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/. "Manes Vallex" company, established on the basis of the former Alaverdi mining metallurgical works, and "Constructions ARMBRO BFC Inc." Canadian firm have signed a memorandum on intentions, which presupposes partnership within the framework of "Armenian Copper" program. The program includes construction of a plant on processing copper and mining in the town of Alaverdi and also in villages of Tekhut and Akhtala in the north of Armenia. In "Manes Vallex" Closed Stock Company Director Valery Mejlumian's words, the Canadian company has much experience in building mining metallurgical works and is interested in participation in Armenian programs. At today's press conference Mejlumian also reported that construction of the copper processing plant would cost 70 million dollars. He also noted that it was an approximate figure. At present "Lurgi Metallurgie GmbH" German company, which is the partner of "Manes Vallex", is holding a pre-project research, which will be completed before the end of the year. "Then the cost of construction works can be determined to an approximation of 15%," - Mejlumian said. The output of the plant, which will be built on the basis of Alaverdi works, will make about 40 million tons a year.

THE RIGHT STATUS AGREEMENT OF AZERBAIJANIS, RESIDENT IN RUSSIA IS BEING PREPARED FOR SIGNING 10.07.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/. The work completion of the Azerbaijani-Russian agreement of the right status of the RF citizens resident in Azerbaijan and Aserbaijani citizens, resident in Russia nears the end. As "CNA" agency informs the agreement will be signed during the Heydar Aliev forthcoming official visit to Moscow. This document will define the civil, economic and social rights of a country citizens living in the territory of another country. Armenia and Russia signed a similar agreement a year ago, and that raise the indignation in Azerbaijan, where the situation was assumed as the giving the Armenians "the regime of the most favor".

THE LOCAL SELF-GOVERNMENT BODY ELECTIONS ARE BEING PREPARED IN NAGORNI Artsax 10.07.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/. The central election committee of Nagorny Artsax has begun the preparation for the local self-government body election, appointed on 5, September. The questions regarding the observer's authorities, the way of the bullet storage and issuing, the campaign conducting terms of the nominees for the community heads have been discussed at the meeting of the Central election committee.

"APPROACHES TO RESOLVING THE Artsax CONFLICT WILL NOT BE CHANGED," - MINSK GROUP CO-CHAIRMEN STATED 10.07.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/. Today OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmen had a meeting with President Robert Kocharian, Minister of Defense Serge Sargsian and the leaders of Parliamentary fractions and deputy groups. American Co-Chairman Kerry Kavano stated that "the negotiations with the head of Armenia had again shown the complexity of the Artsax problem". "Mediamax" agency emphasizes that the meeting of Robert Kocharian with the American and French Co-Chairmen and Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia Vyacheslav Trubnikov, who had joint them, lasted two hours and a half. (Russian Co-Chairman Nikolay Gribkov did not participate in the negotiations.) If we were not missing the helicopter to Stepanakert, we could continue the talk for two hours and a half again," - Kerry Kavano said. In his words, it is necessary to study the agreements achieved in Key-West. His statement allowed commentators contend that the mediators had come to the region not with a new settlement plan, as Baku keeps trying to present, but with intention to turn back the process to the course outlined during the meetings of Kocharian and Aliev in Paris and Key-West. The statement of the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia also testifies this. In Vyacheslav Trubnikov's words, "the approaches suggested by the Presidents of Russia, USA and France should not be reconsidered". He assumed the opportunity for "slight corrections of these approaches".

Congressional Action Alert U.S. Senate 7/10/2001 URGE KEY SENATE PANEL TO SUPPORT ARMENIAN PROVISIONS IN FOREIGN AID BILL -- Ask Senators to Maintain U.S. Aid Level to Armenia at Least at $90 Million; Defend Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act ================================================================ Status: ================================================================ The U.S. Senate subcommittee responsible for U.S. foreign aid is scheduled to meet as early as the third week of July to finalize its version of the fiscal year 2002 foreign aid bill. Among the issues this panel will consider include: * Assistance levels for Armenia * Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act * Aid to Nagorno Karabagh On June 27th, the U.S. House Subcommittee responsible for foreign aid approved a fiscal year 2002 foreign aid bill that reduced U.S. aid to Armenia by eight percent, from $90 million to $82.5 million. The Senate can help restore this aid by including an "earmark" for at least $90 million for Armenia in its version of the foreign aid bill. ================================================================ Action: ================================================================ 1) Visit http://www.anca.org to send a free ANCA WebFax urging your two Senators to support Armenian provisions in the foreign aid bill. Just type in your ZIP Code and follow the simple directions. 2) Contact the members of the Senate panel (see list below) and urge them to support Armenian provisions in the foreign aid bill (see suggested phone script and sample letter). NOTE: Email, particularly from out-of-state, is not generally seen as an effective form of communication with Congressional offices. ---------------------------------------------------------------- MEMBERS OF U.S. SENATE APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE ON FOREIGN OPERATIONS ---------------------------------------------------------------- Chairman of Foreign Operations Subcommittee ---------------------------------------------------------------- Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) -- Chairman Staff: Tim Reiser Tel: (202) 224-4242 Fax: (202) 224-3595 Notes: Voted to defend Section 907 in June of 1999. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Ranking Member of Foreign Operations Subcommittee ---------------------------------------------------------------- Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) -- Ranking Member Staff: Billy Piper Tel: (202) 224-2541 Fax: (202) 224-2499 Notes: Long-time leading advocate for Armenian provisions in the foreign aid bill. Led effort on Senate floor in 1999 to defend Section 907. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Members of Foreign Operations Subcommittee (alphabetically) ---------------------------------------------------------------- Sen. Robert Bennett (R-UT) Staff: Bill Triplett Tel: (202) 224-5444 Fax: (202) 228-1168 Notes: Voted to defend Section 907 in June of 1999. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Sen. Christopher Bond (R-MO) Staff: James Pitchford Tel: (202) 224-5721 Fax: (202) 224-8149 Notes: Voted to defend Section 907 in June of 1999. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Sen. Richard Durbin (D-IL) Staff: Sue Hardesty Tel: (202) 224-2152 Fax: (202) 228-0400 Notes: Voted to defend Section 907 in June of 1999. Consistently supports Armenian American issues. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Sen. Judd Gregg (R-NH) Staff: Frank Barca Tel: (202) 224-3324 Fax: (202) 224-4952 Notes: Voted to defend Section 907 in June of 1999. Consistently supports Armenian American issues. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) Staff: Bill Gould Tel: (202) 224-3254 Fax: (202) 224-9369 Notes: Voted to defend Section 907 in June of 1999. Consistently supports Armenian American issues. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-HI) Staff: Christine Alston-Eads Tel: (202) 224-3934 Fax: (202) 224-6747 Notes: Voted to defend Section 907 in June of 1999. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Sen. Tim Johnson (D-SD) Staff: Ian Marquardt Tel: (202) 224-5842 Fax: (202) 228-5765 Notes: Voted to defend Section 907 in June of 1999. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA) Staff: Jason Matthews Tel: (202) 224-5824 Fax: (202) 224-9735 Notes: Voted against Section 907 in June of 1999. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) Staff: Frederick Baron Tel: (202) 224-4654 Fax: (202) 224-8858 Notes: Voted to defend Section 907 in June of 1999. Consistently supports Armenian American issues. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-CO) Staff: James Dean Tel: (202) 224-5852 Fax: (202) 224-1933 Notes: Voted to defend Section 907 in June of 1999. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Sen. Richard Shelby (R-AL) Staff: Joseph Summers Tel: (202) 224-5744 Fax: (202) 224-3416 Notes: Voted against Section 907 in June of 1999. Consistently opposes Armenian American issues. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA) Staff: Karen Rogers Tel: (202) 224-4254 Fax: (202) 228-1229 Notes: Voted to defend Section 907 in June of 1999. Consistently supports Armenian American issues. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Full Appropriations Committee Chairman ---------------------------------------------------------------- Sen. Robert Byrd (D-WV) -- Appropriations Chairman Staff: Eric Raven Tel: (202) 224-3954 Fax: (202) 228-0002 Notes: Leading Senate opponent of Armenian American issues. Successfully filibustered Armenian Genocide Resolution in 1990. (Authorized to sit on this Subcommittee) ---------------------------------------------------------------- Full Appropriations Committee Ranking Member ---------------------------------------------------------------- Sen. Ted Stevens (R-AK) -- Appropriations Ranking Member Staff: George Lowe Tel: (202) 224-3004 Fax: (202) 224-2354 Notes: Voted to defend Section 907 in June of 1999. (Authorized to sit on this Subcommittee) ---------------------------------------------------------------- Sample Phone Script: ---------------------------------------------------------------- [The phone will be answered by a receptionist. Ask to speak to the staffer who is responsible for foreign aid appropriations issues. If he or she is not available, please leave a written or voice-mail message indicating that you strongly oppose any reduction in aid to Armenia.] Hello, my name is _________________. (Give your address if you are from the Senator's state.) I am calling to ask the Senator to support provisions in the foreign aid bill that strengthen our ties with Armenia. Specifically, I urge the Senator to make sure that aid to Armenia remains at least at last year's level of $90 million. In addition, please help end Azerbaijan's blockade of Armenia by defending Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act and also support continued aid to Nagorno Karabagh. Armenia has made tremendous progress on economic, democracy- building, and regional issues. Reducing aid levels to Armenia would send the wrong signal at the wrong time. I am following the foreign aid bill very closely and look forward to hearing of your position on these issues. I can be reached by phone at __________ or by mail at _____________________________. Thank you for your attention to my concerns. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Sample Letter to Senators: ---------------------------------------------------------------- The Honorable ________ ______________ United States Senate Washington, DC 20510 RE: ARMENIAN AMERICAN ISSUES IN FY 2002 FOREIGN AID BILL Dear Senator _________________________: I am writing to ask you to actively support provisions in the foreign aid bill that strengthen our ties with Armenia. Of special concern to me is the need to maintain fiscal year 2002 U.S. aid levels to Armenia at least at the fiscal year 2001 level of $90 million. I am also very committed to maintaining Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act. Despite the challenges presented by the devastating 1988 earthquake, the collapse of the Soviet Union, rapid market reforms, instability in Georgia, and the ongoing, ten-year blockade by Azerbaijan and Turkey, Armenia has emerged as a leading partner of the United States, in the Caucasus and among the New Independent States, on a broad range of issues. Among these are: * Cooperation on Economic Issues: U.S. aid to Armenia has substantially helped Armenia's economic development. Armenia's GDP has grown steadily, inflation has been drastically lowered, the exchange rate is stable, and the deficit has been brought under control. Foreign direct investment rose 29% last year, and real GDP growth of 6% or more, with 3% inflation, is expected through 2003. Last month Armenia hosted an investors conference in New York City with the U.S. Government, the World Bank and International Finance Corporation, and just two weeks ago helped to foster increased U.S.-Armenia trade at a successful trade show, attended by over 5,000, in Los Angeles. * Cooperation on Regional Issues: On regional issues, Armenia has been a consistently reliable partner in the search for peace and regional cooperation in the Caucasus, extending its full cooperation to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe's peace process for Nagorno Karabagh. Armenia's support for the peace process contrasts sharply with the position taken by Azerbaijan, which, according to the statements of its own leaders, bears responsibility for the failure of the most recent round of negotiations. * Cooperation on Security Issues: Armenia is cooperating with the Departments of State, Defense, and Energy on a number of projects concerning counter-proliferation, cooperative threat reduction, export control and border security assistance. Armenia is an active member of the NATO Partnership for Peace, and participates extensively in the International Science and Technology Center, the U.S. Civilian Research and Development Foundation, and other institutions involved in anti- terrorism, de-mining, and other security issues. * Cooperation on Energy, Agricultural and Environmental Issues: Armenia is cooperating extensively with the United States on energy sector reforms, nuclear reactor safety programs, and on regional environmental projects to protect the natural resources of the entire Caucasus region. At the request of Armenian officials, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has provided environmental impact training in Armenia. Agricultural programs, notably those organized by the Fresno-California based Armenian Technology Group (ATG), have created much needed jobs, while promoting private sector agribusiness and increased trade. In each of these areas, U.S. assistance has been vital. Please help to further expand U.S.-Armenia cooperation and to strengthen the enduring bonds between the American and Armenian peoples by supporting Armenian provisions in the fiscal year 2002 foreign aid bill. For more information, please contact the Armenian National Committee of America at (202) 775-1918 or anca@anca.org. Sincerely, ANCA