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ARMENIAN PRIME MINISTER RECEIVED SPAIN'S STATE SECRETARY ON EUROPEAN ISSUES YEREVAN, MARCH 13, ARMENPRESS: Today the Prime Minister of Armenia Andranik Margarian received Spain's state secretary on European issues Ramon de Miguel. As it was reported to Armenpress from the press office of the Armenian government, the Armenian Prime Minister expressed a hope that this visit will stimulate the bilateral political and economical cooperation between the two countries. Andranik Margarian stated that Armenia is ready to support Spain in any international organization if the interests of the two countries do not contradict each other. He also said that being a memeber of Council of Europe Armenia is working hard to develop bilateral relationships with all countries members of European Council. Ramon de Miguel in his turn stated that his country also will support Armenia in EU as well as in different international organizations. He also attached great importance to activating the dialog between Spain and Armenia. The Armenian Prime Minister as well as Spain's state secretary on European issues stated that both Armenia and Spain are interested in stability in the region and active cooperation among European countries.

FINLAND'S AMBASSADOR PRESENTS HIS CREDENTIALS TO KOCHARIAN YEREVAN, MARCH 13, ARMENPRESS: Finland's extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassador to Armenia Timo Lehelman (residence in Helsinki) presented today his credentials to Armenia's president Robert Kocharian. The ambassador was quoted by Kocharian's press office as saying that his country is willing to expand bilateral cooperation with Armenia. President Kocharian in his turn assured of Armenia's readiness to launch a mutually profitable cooperation with Finland emphasizing Finland's role in European policy and economy. It was stated that there are no political problems between the two countries. The two men stressed that the available potential for developing bilateral relations is not fully used, they also indicated that the necessary legal fieled for such cooperation should still be developed.

ARMENIAN PAINTER'S WORK DISPLAYED IN PARIS'S CAFE YEREVAN, MARCH 13, ARMENPRESS: A painting by Armenian painter Flora Baghdassarian called Maternity will decorate a wall in one of the famous cafes in Paris. The picture was bought at the exhibition of Flora Baghdasarian and her husband Vladimir Grigorian works, that was on display at Paris International Art Center. The couple's exhibition in Paris was on for 9 days, during which many people came to see their works. Then their paintings were displayed at St. Mesrop cultural center for another 13 days. Both exhibitions were devoted to the 1700th anniversary of Armenia's adoption of Christianity.

MAMMOGRAPHY CENTER GETS NEW LABORATORIES YEREVAN, MARCH 8, ARMENPRESS: Armenia's First Lady Mrs. Bella Kocharian, US ambassador to Yerevan Michael Lemmon, a US Armenian benefactor Mrs. Rita Palian and other senior officials were present on March 7 at an inauguration ceremony of new laboratories at the Armenian Mammography Center, equipped with state-of-the art devices. The Center was established in Yerevan in 1997 on the funds provided by Mrs. Rita Palian and since then about 20,000 Armenian women have been thoroughly examined there. Each year the Center holds the so-called Open Door days to provide free medical aid to women who cannot afford paying for it.

ALIYEV TO DISCUSS KARABAGH REGULATION IN TURKEY YEREVAN, MARCH 12, ARMENPRESS: "Azerbaijan has never refused Turkey's mediation in the regulation of Karabagh conflict," Azerbaijani president Heydar Aliyev announced today in Baku before departing for Turkey where he is scheduled to meet with top Turkish officials and to address the Turkish parliament. Aliyev said his approach towards Turkey's foreign minister Ismail Cem's recent offer to mediate in the Karabagh conflict was positive, but "Armenia will never agree to it, as it has been condemning Turkey for its pro-Azerbaijani position." In Turkey Aliyev will also pay a visit to Ankara University where he will be awarded the title of honorary doctor. From Ankara Aliyev will travel to Istanbul to meet with leading Turkish businessmen. The main topics of Aliyev's talks in Ankara will be focused on the Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline, supply of Azerbaijani gas to Turkey, Karabagh conflict regulation and regional security issues. Aliyev is also expected to request from Turkey $3 million to meet the urgent needs of the armed forces. Ali Hasanov, a senior official of Aliyev's administration told that specific points of Azerbaijani-Turkey military cooperation will be discussed during the visit, but he ruled out Turkish active military participation in the Karabagh conflict. Aliyev will also undergo a thorough medical check up at Ankara Military Medical Academy.

ARMENIA LIKELY TO SUCCEED IN TENNIS, SAYS HARUTYUN PAMBUKIAN YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 6, ARMENPRESS: The president of the Armenian Tennis Federation (ATF) and parliament memeber Harutyun Pambukian said in his interview to Armenpress that he has a program for solving the ATF problems, which is already being implemented. As Mr. Pambukian said tennis is a special sport, and it requires much money for its development. He said there are good preconditions for it, namely good trainers and talented sportsmen. One of them is Sargis Sargissian, who moved to Germany from the USA opening a road for other Armenian tennis-players. As the president of the ATF said, another precondition for the development of tennis in Armenia is considered to be the fact that since 1993 Armenian tennis-players have been given the opportunity of living and training in the USA, remaining citizens of Armenia. Pambukian said that the ATF plans to organize an international competition 'Yerevan Junior Cup' under the sponsorship of the European Federation May 28, 2001. As Pambukian said ATF will make every effort to support the activities of all- Armenian tennis structures. At 9 schools of Yerevan the lessons of physical training are substituted by tennis lessons, which means that about 1,500 children will be in the center of attention and the ATF will be engaged in the 'selection' of gigted sportsmen. While referring to the ATF international plans, Pambukian said that his visit to the Great Britain is anticipated one of these days, as well as meetings with the leadership of the International Tennis Federation, during which issues concerning the assistance to the Armenian tennis will be discussed as well. He noted that close relations are established with the federations of Greece and the United Arab Emirates.

NEW DOCUMENTARY SHEDS LIGHT ON MYSTERIOUS DEATH OF PAINTER YEREVAN, MARCH 12, ARMENPRESS: A new documentary, shot by Ara Shirinian at Versus studio, has shed some light on the mysterious death of one of the most talented Armenian painter Minas, who was run over by a car in 1975. Since then the rumors that the accident had been planned have not subsided. Gohar Harutunian, who wrote the scenario, had started an independent investigation into the painter's death still five years ago. She told Armenpress that numerous unknown facts and names had been obtained during the investigation. "One of our goals was also to draw the authorities' attention to the fact that reporters have the right to carry out independent investigations," she said. In 1992 the then interior minister Vano Siradeghian ordered a new inquiry into the death of Minas. In 1994 the documentary's authors asked the minister to get permission to get acquainted with the new facts. In 1997 the ministry allowed the team to look into the new documents which, however, contained many contradictions. The team also met with witnesses and other persons. The director said the death version put forward by the film is proved by the facts. Gohar Harutunian said that the relatives of Minas "are still afraid, after 25 years of his death, to speak about it." The film will be shown by Armenian National TV March 15.

ARMENIAN PARLIAMENT RATIFIES LEGAL REFORMS LOAN AGREEMENT YEREVAN, MARCH 12, ARMENPRESS: As reproted earlier, the International Development Association (IDA) has released a total of $11.4 million for carrying out legal reforms in Armenia. Last Friday the Armenia parliament ratified the loan agreement between the IDA and the government, which is to be fulfilled by December 31, 2004. The loan is given for 40 years under privileged terms. The repayment will start from 2010. Armenian justice minister David Harutunian told Armenpress that the loan will be used for construction of three new court buildings and repair of 13 others, purchase of necessary equipment and provision of consulting. The latter will include a wide range of work from designing up to creation of an online database of legislature. The loan means will also be spent on improvement of conduction of legal proceedings, retraining of judges and other personnel and raising the people's legal knowledge.

SPAIN'S STATE SECRETARY ON EUROPEAN ISSUES TO PAY A VISIT TO ARMENIA YEREVAN, MARCH 12, ARMENPRESS Spain's state secretary on European issues Ramon de Miguel will arrive in Armenia on a two-day official visit March 13. According to the foreign affairs ministry's public relations department, it will be the highest-level visit to Armenia of a Spanish official. Meetings with the president of Armenia, parliament speaker, prime minister and foreign affairs minister are scheduled. The Spanish government recognized Armenia's independence in December, 1991 and in January 1992 diplomatic relations were established between the two countries. Edward Khojayan was appointed Armenia's extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain (residence in Yerevan) July 12, 1999. The ambassador presented his credentials to Spain's King Carlos I June 27, 2000. The head of the Spanish Constitutional Tribunal Pedro Cruz Vilialon was in Yerevan on an official visit September 2-7, 2000. The head of the Armenian Constitutional Court Gagik Harutyunian's return visit is expected March 21-25, 2001. Armenia's foreign affairs minister Vartan Oskanian was in Spain on an official visit November 14, 2000. During the visit Vartan Oskanian met with the state secretary on European issues Ramon Miguel, state secretary on economy, energy and small and medium businesses Jose Folgado Blanco. Within the framework of the visit a memorandum on holding consultations between the foreign ministries of the two countries and inter-governmental agreement on transportation were signed.

ALL-KUBAN ARMENIAN CONGRESS ESTABLISHED IN KRASNODAR 12.03.2001 YEREVAN, March 12. /Mediamax/. Constituent Assembly of newly established Armenian non-governmental organization "All-Kuban Armenian Congress" was held on March 10 in Krasnodar, "Yerkramas" paper of Southern Russia Armenians reported. Armenian communities, as well as any other organizations, headed by Armenians, can join the Congress. Physical persons can also become individual members of the Congress. Gevorg Safarian, who once held the post of the first vice-president of the once existing Coordination Council of the Armenian cultural organizations of Krasnodar region, is elected chairman of "All-Kuban Armenian Congress". --0--

GEORGIA IS INTERESTED IN Artsax CONFLICT SETTLEMENT 09.03.2001 YEREVAN, March 9. /Mediamax/. "Georgia is vitally interested in the soonest settlement of the Artsax conflict, as a factor impeding regional integration", deputy head of the Service of International Relations of the State office of Georgia, Shalva Pichkhadze said, commenting at the request of Prime-News agency on the recent Parisian meeting of presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia, Heydar Aliyev and Robert Kocharian. Pichkhadze noted that regional Caucasian conflicts, especially the Artsax dispute as a conflict between two neighboring states, impede the South Caucasus to establish closer ties with Europe, which, undoubtedly, meets all the vital interests of Georgia. Pichkhadze reminded that President Eduard Shevardnadze had repeatedly stated of the willingness of Georgia to become a mediator in the Artsax peace process, but the Georgian leader had noted at the same time that Armenia and Azerbaijan should first of all wish that. "Realistically speaking, only the great powers participating in the OSCE Minsk Group, are able to eradicate the reasons which provoked the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Pichkhadze noted. --0--

NKR LAW-ENFORCEMENT BODIES TAKE MEASURES TO REVEAL CRIMES CONNECTED WITH EXPLOSIONS AND ARSONS 09.03.2001 YEREVAN, March 9. /Mediamax/. The law-enforcement bodies of Nagorno Artsax Republic assess the facts of explosions and arsons in NKR capital Stepanakert as an attempt to spread panic among the population and to destabilize the situation in the republic, reads the special statement of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and National Security Committee of NKR in connection with the recent events in Stepanakert, Mediamax correspondent reports. The statement, in particular, says that a number of operative-investigation measures will be taken to reveal the guilty in the committed crimes and that the crimes will be disclosed and the criminals will be punished with all the strictness of the law. NKR law-enforcement bodies called the people of Artsax to render support in the investigation of the crimes to achieve soonest results. The authorities of the republic have allocated a large reward to the persons who will submit valuable information for the investigation. --0--

NKR PM IS NOT TO RESIGN 10.03.2001 YEREVAN, March 10. /Mediamax/. Head of the press service of the government of Nagorno Artsax Republic (NKR) David Mikaelian flatly refuted in the interview to the correspondent of Mediamax the statements concerning the possible resignation of NKR Prime Minister Anushavan Danielian, which appeared recently in the Armenian mass media. Mikaelian said A. Danielian has never submitted a petition for resignation to NKR President and isn't going to do this. "Certain forces are spreading rumors about premier's resignation to destabilize the domestic political situation in Nagorno Artsax", said chief of the press service. Mikaelian also noted that there are attempts to find contradictions in the mutual relations between the President and the head of the government of NKR. Mikaelian assessed such attempts as having no prospects. "Anushavan Danielian isn't going either to resign or leave Nagorno Artsax. Moreover, he'll successively realize perspective programs on development of the economy of NKR", Mikaelian stressed. --0--

LEADER OF AZERI PARTY SAYS PRINCIPLES OF Artsax CONFLICT SETLEMENT ARE ALREADY AGREED UPON IN PARIS 10.03.2001 YEREVAN, March 10. /Mediamax/. Chairman of Azeri "National Congress" party Ikhtiyar Shirin spoke with a statement saying that Presidents Robert Kocharian and Heydar Aliyev agreed in Paris upon the principles of Artsax dispute settlement, Azeri Bilik Dunyasi agency reported. Referring to reliable sources, Shirin says that in accord with these principles Nagorno Artsax gets the status of an independent state, formally connected with Azerbaijan, but without being included in Azerbaijan's territory. Azerbaijan will also lose more than 70 settlements in Nagorno Artsax. In accord with these principles, the OSCE Minsk Group will prepare the agreement project and submit it to the leaders of the two countries. Authors of this statement have demanded of the Azeri authorities to publicize the principles of Artsax conflict settlement, which were agreed upon at the meetings in Paris. --0--

NKR PRESIDENT MET WITH THE PERSONAL REPRSENTATIVE OF THE OSCE CHAIRMAN-IN-OFFICE 12.03.2001 YEREVAN, March 12. /Mediamax/. President of Nagorno Artsax Republic (NKR) Arkady Ghukasian received on March 10 the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office Anjey Kasprzyk, who arrived in Stepanakert for a short working visit. As Mediamax was informed in the press office of the President of NKR, the sides discussed the present stage of Artsax conflict settlement, the situation on the contact line of the Armed Forces of Artsax and Azerbaijan, as well as issues related with regular monitorings, held by the OSCE representatives. --0--

IN CASE ALL PEACEFUL WAYS OF Artsax CONFLICT SETTLEMENT ARE EXHAUSTED, AZERBAIJAN WILL HAVE TO RESORT TO AN ALTERNATIVE VARIANT, NOVRUZ MAMEDOV STATED 12.03.2001 YEREVAN, March 12. /Mediamax/. "If all the possible ways of Armenian-Azeri Artsax conflict settlement are exhausted, of course, we'll have to resort to an alternative variant", chief of Foreign relations department of the Executive office of the president of Azerbaijan, Novruz Mamedov said, according to Azeri "Trend" agency. Mamedov said Azeri society must be prepared for that. He said Azerbaijan is already ready to take "certain steps", and if there is need to realize them, Armenia "won't be able to resist us". He argued this by the fact that the population of Armenia has decreased for the past years due to the outflow of people and that according to his data it makes 1.5 million at present, with about 50 % of the population over 55 years of age. Unless hard economic situation in Armenia changes within a year, "nobody will remain in the country", Mamedov said. At the same time Mamedov said if Azerbaijan has to choose between peaceful and military settlement of the Artsax conflict, the leadership of Azerbaijan will certainly prefer the first one. --0--

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ARMENIAN DEFENSE MINISTER RECEIVED COUNSELOR OF IRANIAN FOREIGN MINISTER 10.03.2001 YEREVAN, March 10. /Mediamax/. Armenian Defense Minister Serzh Sarkisian received on March 9 the counselor to the Iranian Foreign Minister, head of department of the Foreign Ministry of Iran for CIS states Firdus Dolatabad, Mediamax was informed in the press service of the defense ministry of Armenia. Regional security issues and perspectives of Armenian-Iranian cooperation in this sphere were discussed at the meeting. The interlocutors expressed opinions on working out and realization of joint programs. They also stressed the importance of establishing atmosphere of mutual trust and cooperation in the region. --0--

ARMENIAN PM: ARMENIAN-RUSSIAN MILITARY COOPERATION IS NOT A THREAT TO NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES 10.03.2001 YEREVAN, March 10. /Mediamax/. Prime Minister of Armenia Andranik Margarian received on March 9 the chairman of NATO military committee, Admiral Guido Venturoni. During the meeting Premier Margarian noted the importance of development of Armenia's bilateral relations with NATO member-states. He highly commended the unbiased position of this organization in the matter of Artsax conflict settlement and its cooperation with the countries of the region. "Being a member of the Council of Europe, Armenia strives to cooperate with all the European structures. From this viewpoint, Armenia's cooperation with NATO has a big potential", premier said. He believes that any cooperation should promote the establishment of peace. Andranik Margarian noted that Armenian-Russian military relations are not a threat to adjacent countries and they do not hinder Armenia's relations with NATO member-states. According to him, Armenian-Russian military cooperation doesn't exclude Armenia's cooperation with other security structures. In his turn, Guido Venturoni noted that NATO gives much importance to Armenia's participation in "Partnership for Peace" program and welcomes the steps aimed at the development of bilateral relations. Mr. Venturoni highly commended Armenia's efforts to establish peacekeeping forces and promised to render assistance to this initiative. --0--

ARMENIAN PRESIDENT ROBERT KOCHARIAN: ARMENIA IS READY TO EXPAND COOPERATION WITH NATO 10.03.2001 YEREVAN, March 10. /Mediamax/. "Armenia is ready to expand cooperation with NATO and to participate in "Partnership for Peace" program", President of Armenia Robert Kocharian said at the meeting with NATO Military Committee Chairman, Admiral Guido Venturoni. As Mediamax was informed in the press office of the President of Armenia, participants of the meeting discussed wide range of questions concerning cooperation between Armenia and NATO. The parties stressed the importance of Armenia's participation in programs, which are being realized within the framework of NATO and Euro-Atlantic cooperation. Robert Kocharian expressed confidence that the visit of the top military delegation of NATO to Armenia and the meetings held will become another step on the path of developing mutual cooperation with this organization. Mr. Venturoni noted that NATO gives much importance to cooperation with Southern Caucasian states. The interlocutors expressed the opinion that the region possesses great resources and perspectives for development. Touching upon Armenian-Russian military cooperation, Armenian President noted that military presence of Russia in Armenia is stipulated by regional problems. First of all it is a deterrent, necessary for preserving stability in the region. --0--

LEADER OF AZERI PARTY SAYS PRINCIPLES OF Artsax CONFLICT SETLEMENT ARE ALREADY AGREED UPON IN PARIS 10.03.2001 YEREVAN, March 10. /Mediamax/. Chairman of Azeri "National Congress" party Ikhtiyar Shirin spoke with a statement saying that Presidents Robert Kocharian and Heydar Aliyev agreed in Paris upon the principles of Artsax dispute settlement, Azeri Bilik Dunyasi agency reported. Referring to reliable sources, Shirin says that in accord with these principles Nagorno Artsax gets the status of an independent state, formally connected with Azerbaijan, but without being included in Azerbaijan's territory. Azerbaijan will also lose more than 70 settlements in Nagorno Artsax. In accord with these principles, the OSCE Minsk Group will prepare the agreement project and submit it to the leaders of the two countries. Authors of this statement have demanded of the Azeri authorities to publicize the principles of Artsax conflict settlement, which were agreed upon at the meetings in Paris. --0--

NO COUNTRY CAN INFLUENCE ARMENIA, THINKS ONE OF THE HEADS OF AZERI PRESIDENT'S OFFICE 10.03.2001 YEREVAN, March 10. /Mediamax/. "There is no country today that can really influence Armenia, even in the presence of the four resolutions of UN Security Council, Budapest, Lisbon and Istanbul summits resolutions on recognizing Nagorno Artsax as a part of Azerbaijan", head of social-political department of Azeri President's Office, Ali Hasanov said at a press conference in Baku. The world community doesn't do and apparently won't do anything to liberate Azeri territories, Hasanov said. "It means that either Azerbaijan must start a war, making use of international rights and his potential, or the negotiations must proceed until Armenia goes to normal compromises", he thinks. According to him, if these processes do not bring to any results and Armenia doesn't give up its extreme positions, Azerbaijan reserves the right to take other, more drastic measures. In any case, President Aliyev won't make any compromises contradicting Azerbaijan's interests, Hasanov said. Touching upon Turkey's military support to Azerbaijan, Hasanov excluded any active military participation of Turkey in the Artsax conflict. On the other hand, according to flank agreement, Turkey has the right to allot 100 tanks from its quota to Azerbaijan for defense . "But this is fraught with Russia's adequate reaction, as a result of which Armenia can get twice as many tanks, Hasanov said. --0--

AZERI POLITICIANS AND SOCIAL FIGURES PUT A QUESTION MARK OVER THE READINESS OF THEIR ARMY FOR HOSTILITIES 10.03.2001 YEREVAN, March 10. /Mediamax/. Politicians and social figures of Azerbaijan reacted differently to the statement of Armenian Defense Minister Serzh Sarkisian that the Azeri army is not ready for large-scale hostilities at this stage. As Azeri Bilik Dunyasi agency reports, Defense Minister of Azerbaijan Safar Abiyev declared that the Azerbaijani army is able to begin and win the war. While the co-chairman of the Social-Democratic party of Azerbaijan, Araz Alizadeh is sure that Serzh Sarkisian is not far from the truth. "Armenians know none the worse that our army is not ready for war, and this is why they allow themselves to speak to us from the position of force", Alizadeh stated. Ex defense minister Tadjetdin Mekhtiev refused to comment on today's condition of fighting trim of the Azeri army, but he expressed opinion that an army able to defeat the enemy could have been established in the last seven years. "Today, let our defense minister give a worthy answer to Armenians, if he can. Perhaps, it is not without purpose that Sarkisian makes such statements; this means that Armenians have grounds for this", Mekhtiev said. --0--

NKR PM IS NOT TO RESIGN 10.03.2001 YEREVAN, March 10. /Mediamax/. Head of the press service of the government of Nagorno Artsax Republic (NKR) David Mikaelian flatly refuted in the interview to the correspondent of Mediamax the statements concerning the possible resignation of NKR Prime Minister Anushavan Danielian, which appeared recently in the Armenian mass media. Mikaelian said A. Danielian has never submitted a petition for resignation to NKR President and isn't going to do this. "Certain forces are spreading rumors about premier's resignation to destabilize the domestic political situation in Nagorno Artsax", said chief of the press service. Mikaelian also noted that there are attempts to find contradictions in the mutual relations between the President and the head of the government of NKR. Mikaelian assessed such attempts as having no prospects. "Anushavan Danielian isn't going either to resign or leave Nagorno Artsax. Moreover, he'll successively realize perspective programs on development of the economy of NKR", Mikaelian stressed. --0--

NKR PM LEFT FOR SWITZERLAND 09.03.2001 YEREVAN, March 9. /Mediamax/. Prime Minister of Nagorno Artsax Republic Anushavan Danielian left today for Geneva on the invitation of the Union of entrepreneurs of Switzerland. As Mediamax was informed in the press service of NKR government, A. Danielian will take part in the international forum of investors and entrepreneurs, to be held on March 10. Besides, meetings of the premier with big businessmen, both of Swiss and Armenian origin, as well as with representatives of Armenian communities are envisaged. --0--