MosJan

Hmayk - Khme @esetsir hishetsy - Surj@ inch yerav ? Kavat m@ Surj uzetsiq 3 amis e ter chiga Artsyoq Asang Bid @ellar ??? HAyi PAkht

Hampig Hearing Deemed 'Step in Right Direction' LOS ANGELES—In what was deemed as a "Step in the right direction," by defense attorney Mark Geragos, a hearing on the retrial of the special circumstance in the Hampig Sassounian case was held Wednesday at the Criminal Courts building. The brunt of Wednesday's hearing focused on a discussion regarding inherent problems in the prosecution's case for segregating the special circumstance portion from the underlying case. Judge Robert J. Perry scheduled further hearing on the matter of the special circumstances for January 30, however acknowledging that there were issues would have to be resolved before the prosecution's case can go forward. "We're coming back in January. Hopefully, we'll get a part of this case dismissed at that point. I'm hopeful that by the 30th, half of this case will be dismissed," said an optimistic Geragos, who pointed the finger at the Los Angeles Country District Attorney Steve Cooley for unnecessarily dredging up a 20-year-old case Judge Perry also ruled that the prosecution was under no responsibility to explain to the defense or the court its reasoning for bringing forth the retrial motion. "Steve Cooley is doing nothing but embracing the genocide deniers and the Turkish propaganda types and will be able to see it for what it is and will put right to them," remarked Geragos. The noted defense attorney explained that the court was not going to easily embrace the prosecution's reasoning for the retrial "In fact, the court was pretty adamant that it was not going to do that. The court has also invited them to rethink this. That was the last they said. I think that if we could ever get a prosecutor here who wasn't biased and wasn't interested in assaulting the Armenian community, somebody would drop this case and they will let Harry out the door immediately. Unfortunately, we don't have that yet but we're making steps in the right direction," argued Geragos "They plan on bringing and making this a trial, if you will, of the ARF and the AYF and do a full frontal assault and talk about those organizations. They refer to these organizations as Armenian fringe organizations. Our feeling is we're going to have to awaken them up to whether or not these are fringe organizations or mainstream organizations," explained Geragos. "The Armenian community needs to step up and let this guy know that they're not going to get away with what I believe is insulting or racist kinds of comments," advised Geragos. The opposing side has embraced the Assembly of American-Turkish Propaganda Group: the ones out there talking about how the genocide never took place. Their very first document in discovery was stuff produced by them. So this whole thing is nothing but the Turks as a prosecution by proxy that's organized by the Turks and they should be ashamed of themselves," added Geragos. Sassounian is serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole for allegedly murdering then Turkish Consul General to Los Angeles Kemal Arikan in 1982. The special circumstances, which made Sassounian ineligible for parole were linked to the jury's decision that the crime was racially motivated. Last year, the 9th Federal Circuit Court ruled that the special circumstances may be waved since the jury in the initial trial had entertained matters that were not presented in court during the trial. The courtroom was, once again, filled to capacity with Sassounian relatives and supporters, the majority of whom were the youth. During an interview with Horizon Television following a hearing on Oct. 31, prosecutor Gregory Dohi attempted to assure the Armenian-American community that the motivation of the DA's office was not to single out the community by pursuing this matter. "I want to make it very clear that the DA's office means no disrespect to the Armenian Cause... We respect the Armenian Cause very deeply, however we're doing simply what Gov. Deukmejian said when this happened 18 years ago, that we should seek the full measure of justice and that's what we are doing," explained Dohi Defense attorney Geragos said, however, "This prosecution is nothing less than a full frontal assault on the Armenian community," explaining that new material provided to him by the prosecution for discovery "is nothing more than attacks on the ANC, the ARF, the AYF and the Armenian community." The noted defense lawyer argued that, indeed, the District Attorney was motivated by the events of Sept. 11th and thus is mounting a case against the community. "The first document I got in the discover is a piece of paper with a headline that reads 'terrorism.' If this is not linked to Sept. 11, then why does the first document have a banner that says 'terrorism'?" explained Geragos. "This is unconscionable. The Armenian community should not stand fort this," said Geragos, who urged those Armenian-Americans who had contributed to District Attorney Cooley's election campaign to call the DA and file complaints, since Cooley himself had announced that he election was largely due to the support of the Armenian-American community. The Los Angeles Country District Attorney's office announced on Sept. 28 during a hearing at the Los Angeles County Criminal Court its intentions to retry the special circumstance portion of the Hampig Sassounian case, despite a ruling last year by the federal Circuit Court of Appeals to overturn that decision and provide parole eligibility for the defendant. The Sassounian Defense Committee, which has been at the forefront of the community-wide effort to secure the needs of the defense urged the community to come together and assist the committee in ensuring a fair verdict from this retrial. "Now, more than ever, we know we can count on the community to support our activities, and through that to send a clear signal to Hampig that the Armenian community continues to stand in solidarity with him," said Hasmig Derderian of SDC. Individuals wishing to assist Sassounian in his defense of this politically motivated re-trial should send their contributions to The Sassounian Defense Committee (SDC) P.O. Box 5278, Pasadena, California, 91117.

BRITISH AIRWAYS CHARITY AUCTION AT ST ANDREWS BALL RAISES OVER $5,000 FOR GYUMRI CHILDREN -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A St Andrews Ball in Yerevan supported by British Airways Armenia raised US$5,200 through an auction held to back the airline's campaign for a Christmas celebration for two thousand deprived Gyumri children. The total amount gathered has now topped US$6,700, easily surpassing the US$3,000 needed for the Christmas festivities, and sets BA Armenia well on the way to its next project, supporting and boosting a new World Vision charity mission, to provide a proper school lunch for school children in Gyumri throughout the coming winter. The centerpiece of the auction was a pair of British Airways tickets, one to London and one to any destination in Europe, which raised US$3,200 between them. The Hotel Armenia donated to the auction a weekend for two and also a dinner for four and a dinner for two at the hotel's "Ginger" restaurant. Tufenkian Hand Made Carpets donated three beautiful Afghan blankets. Salt Rack, a souvenir and gift shop, donated a traditional electric clay barbecue oven and three traditional Salt dolls. The Hotel Yerevan gave six months membership for two at the Activa Fitness Centre, and the contributions were completed by the Wheel Club restaurant and bar, which gave two dinners for two. The foundation of the fundraising was laid by British Airways sales staff and travel agents who asked passengers to donate US$2 with each ticket purchased. The Christmas festivities for the two thousand children from the Gyumri region, who live in orphanages or are mentally or physically handicapped, will consist of a dinner, entertainment, and gifts of toys. Additional gifts of toys and sweets are being collected by the aircraft crews of British Mediterranean Airways, the BA franchise partner which operates the Yerevan-London route, and will be distributed among children in orphanages in Gyumri and other cities in Armenia during the festive season. Dougie Douglas, British Airways Commercial Manager Armenia, said, "We have put everything we can into this fundraising, and we were highly delighted to see the generosity of Yerevan business people who offered their support to the auction, and to the guests at the St Andrews Ball who bid so enthusiastically and raised such a marvelous sum. "Our staff have wholeheartedly backed this project, our travel agency partners have also been wonderfully support and enthusiastic, and we take great pleasure in enabling World Vision to help the children of Armenia." © Copyright AZG

BULGARIA, ARMENIA STRESS NEED FOR REINVIGORATING CONTACTS Issues, related to Bulgaria-Georgia-Armenia transport corridor, softening of visa issuance procedures and reinvigoration of trade contacts between Armenia and Bulgaria were the main topics of a recent meeting between Bulgaria's foreign affairs minister Solomon Pasin and Armenia's ambassador to Bulgaria Mrs. Sevda Sevan. Praising the traditionally friendly relations between the two countries, the two sides expressed their concern over the reduction in the volume of trade turnover between Bulgaria and Armenia. Bulgaria's foreign minister and Armenia's ambassador agreed that organization of business forums and business meetings between representatives of the two countries would give a boost to improvement of economic relations. The overall number of bilateral documents is 25 and another four are being prepared for signing. There is a good legislative basis for promoting reciprocal contacts in economic, political and cultural areas. © Copyright AZG

http://www.azg.am/IMAGE/200123403.jpg ARMENIAN GENOCIDE MONUMENT OPENS IN CARACAS, VENEZUELA -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- With the participation of the mayor of Caracas-Chackao region, Mr. Leopoldo Lopez, spiritual leaders, primates of Christian communities, governmental and diplomatic officials, and Armenian people the Spiritual Dean of the Armenian Community of Venezuela Bishop Gomidas Ohanian inaugurated the opening ceremony of the Armenian Genocide monument devoted to the one and a half million martyrs, in the capital Caracas of Venezuela, on Sunday, December 16, 2001, Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia said.. His Holiness Catholicos Aram I of Cilicia has presided over the ground-breaking ceremony of the monument, during his pontifical visit to Venezuela on November 3, 2000. In his remarks, His Grace Bishop Gomidas Ohanian singled out the martyrdom commitment, mentioning the Armenian Genocide in 1915. During the ceremony, the Pontifical Message of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I has been read. After the delivered speeches, His Grace Bishop Gomidas Ohanian blessed the newly built monument with special prayers and water blessing. Afterwards, the present people performed the marches of Armenia and Venezuela, and the "Cilicia" song and passed through the monument, where they placed their red and white cloves around the everlasting flame. © Copyright AZG

I was not aware this band,  but a year a go, one of our members Mike AKA PilafHead – Aghmug – has intrudes the bend to this forum, I will be honest, I live it !!Is it that they are Armenians + the 3 color flag in the background + the Armo Nose + Music, that sounds something like Armenian time to time + Duduk + Shvi + Ter Vorormya + +++++ I do not know what is it, but I do like it and it’s in my car all the time, and it's the only heavy metal CD that i have Thanks Mike.. Movses [ December 19, 2001: Message edited by: MosJan ]

Arpa jan mejberum@t shat j@shgit e. i vercho yes vorpes Musalertsu Tsor karor em hastatel Mer Gerdastan@ skizb e arel Musaleri Vaqef Gyurits. Movses kam Moses anun@ shat e tartsvtas Musalertsineri mej, batsarutyun chi kazmum nayev mer Tohm@, indz haytni en 3 Movsesn-er, #1 im anuni ter@ Hayrikis mets pap@, yev yerkus@ hor@s horYerbor traner@. mek@ Afstralya er bnakbum, Muysn el minch hima Anjar gyurum e, Libanan. Anjar@ miyayn yev miyayn HAyerov e bnaketsvats, iyn "nvirvel" e Musalertsy HAyerin, i shnorhiv Fransyai karavarutyan mijnordutyan. ehh eli gnatsinq mer dar@ patmutyan girk@... MOvses MOvsisyan

By Rea Blakey and Elizabeth Cohen CNN Medical Unit (CNN) -- More than two decades after the accident at the Three Mile Island nuclear reactor, the United States is again confronting the fear of an unexpected release of radiation. This time the concern isn't about an accident, but about a terrorist attack on a nuclear power plant. The specter of such a strike has prompted the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to take a step many advocates have been demanding for years: supplying potassium iodide pills to people at risk of radiation exposure. Potassium iodide, known as KI, is a cheap, nonprescription drug that is proven to prevent thyroid cancer -- one of the main causes of death after radiation exposure -- if administered within three to four hours of a nuclear release. But unlike many other countries, the United States has not stockpiled the drug as a precautionary measure. "Why shouldn't America, and American children, have the same level of protection that kids do in France and Germany and Poland and Russia and Armenia and Ireland and Norway and a host of other countries?" asks Peter Crane, a former attorney with the NRC. Crane has been battling his former employer over the issue since the Three Mile Island accident. Now, the NRC says it will offer KI pills to all 50 states. It will be up to each state to decide whether to take the pills and how to get the drug to its citizens, an NRC spokesman said. The agency has set aside $800,000 for the effort and is negotiating with pharmaceutical companies to get the best price on the pills. Some Internet Web sites sell KI pills for as little as 21 cents for two 85 milligram tablets, or 11 cents per 65 milligram tablet. Some states aren't waiting for federal help. Tennessee has already distributed KI to residents, and Alabama and Arizona are stockpiling the drug. New Hampshire is considering requiring pharmacies to carry KI so individual citizens can buy their own. Mark Jacobs, who lives near New York's Indian Point nuclear power plant, carries a supply of potassium iodide for himself, his wife and his son wherever he goes. "Every time I hear a plane going overhead I have to ask myself, 'Is that a plane that's going to continue or is it going to crash into Indian Point?' and that scares me," he said. But not everyone is convinced KI is the answer. NRC chairman Richard Meserve says giving people KI could create a false sense of security. "The more effective action would be to evacuate people, because KI does not provide complete protection," he said. Another problem could be getting the drug to residents in time. In the immediate aftermath of Three Mile Island, officials prepared 237,000 doses of potassium iodide, but the drug didn't make it to the scene for six days -- too late to do any good. Ken Kelly, another Indian Point neighbor, says the solution is to move nuclear plants away from populated areas. But until such a step happens -- if it ever happens -- people like Mark Jacobs say they'll keep their potassium iodide pills handy.

DOCUMENT ON MUTUAL RECOGNITION OF IRANIAN, ARMENIAN DIPLOMAS PREPARED YEREVAN, DECEMBER 19, ARMENPRESS: A team of Iranian experts from the ministry of science, researches and high technologies has arrived in Armenia for a three-day visit with the aim of discussing with their Armenian counterparts issues related to mutual recognition of educational diplomas and other relevant documents. The Iranian experts met on Tuesday with a similar team of experts in the Armenian science and education ministry to discuss the entire complex of the two countries' educational systems. The discussions have resulted in drafting a document, on the basis of which the two governments will sign an agreement on reciprocal recognition of academic degress, diplomas and other related documents. The paper is to be submitted to the government on Wednesday for approval.

500 HUNDRED HOUSING CERTIFICATES ISSUED TO HOMELESS FAMILIES IN GYUMRI GYUMRI, DECEMBER 19, ARMENPRESS: Five hundred housing certificates have already been distributed among eligible households in Armenia's second largest town of Gyumri, which have lost their houses or apartments in the 1988 earthquake. This project is implemented the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) along with the Urban Institute. This $20 million Earthquake Zone Recovery (EZR) Program is co-financed by USAID and th

RUSSIA READY TO GUARANTEE PEACE DEAL OVER KARABAGH MOSCOW, DECEMBER 19, ARMENPRESS: The press office of Russian president Vladimir Putin said that besides economic issues, the leaders of Armenia and Russia have also discussed ways for solving the Karabagh conflict during Kocharian's two day working visit to Moscow on December 17-18. "Russia is a key mediator in the process of regulation of the Karabagh conflict and Moscow stands for continuation of direct dialogue between Kocharian and Aliyev," a Moscow-based Russian news agency RIA Novosti said. The agency quotes Putin as saying that the status of Nagorno Karabagh should be searched for and agreed on by Azerbaijan and Armenia themselves, "but Russia is ready for its part to support any option, which would be acceptable to all conflicting sides and under these conditions it may take the role of the guarantor of the reached peaceful agreement." The issue of Armenia's blockade by neighboring Azerbaijan and Turkey was also discussed by the two leaders. It was stated that de-blockading of Armenia is largely dependant on opening the railway across Georgia's breakaway region of Abkhazia. "Russia is interested in the opening of this section of the railway, but the question is not regulated because of the lack of political will on behalf of Georgia's leadership," RIA Novosti reports.

Japan, Armenia Vow To Fight Terrorism, Boost Ties TOKYO, (AFP) - Japan and Armenia agreed Wednesday to strengthen international cooperation in fighting terrorism and boost wide-ranging bilateral relations. The agreement was reached in a meeting between visiting Armenian President Robert Kocharian and Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, according to a joint statement issued after their meeting. In the 35-minute meeting at his official residence, Koizumi welcomed Armenia's denunciation of terrorism following the September 11 terror attacks on the United States, a Japanese government official said. “Regional stability is essential to eradicate terrorism,” Koizumi was quoted as telling Kocharian, who was the first Armenian president to visit Japan. The premier pledged to promote friendly ties with Armenia and cooperate in maintaining stability in the region, the official said. The joint statement committed the two countries to strengthening cooperation in fighting terrorism, striving for a total ban on nuclear tests and support for the non-proliferation of mass-destruction weapons. It also said the two countries would promote bilateral relations in the political, economic and cultural fields. Kocharian called on Japan to continue aid to his country even if Tokyo plans to cut its official development assistance due to its financial constraint, the official said. Kocharian also called for direct Japanese investment in his country. Koizumi noted Armenia's move toward a market economy and democracy and promised to consider as much cooperation as possible to its efforts, the official said.

MEMORIAL TO VICTIMS OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE UNVEILED IN VENEZUELA'S CAPITAL 19.12.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ The memorial to the 1915 Armenian genocide victims was unveiled in the capital of Venezuela. The memorial is situated in one of the central squares of Caracas and is a small copy of the Yerevan's Tsitsernakaberd complex. At the memorable stele is a board with the inscription that this memorial symbolizes friendship of Armenian and Venezuelan peoples. The mayor of Caracas participated in the memorial unveiling ceremony. Reproduction in full or in part is prohibited without reference to "PanARMENIAN.Net"

JAPANESE INVESTORS INTERESTED IN EXPLOITING BOWELS OF ARMENIA 19.12.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ The official delegation of the Republic of Armenia headed by President Robert Kocharian continues its visit to Japan. Today member of the delegation, Minister of Industry and Trade Karen Chshmaritian and Chairman of the Japanese agency for international cooperation Takaaki Kawakimoi signed "Program of developing mineral industry of Armenia." The program is designed for two years. The interest of Japanese investors in exploiting the bowels of Armenia is expected to lead to notable recovery of the mineral industry. Reproduction in full or in part is prohibited without reference to "PanARMENIAN.Net"

SASUN AGHAJANYAN WHO ATTEMPTED ON NKR PRESIDENT IS IN MENTAL HOSPITAL 19.12.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ Ex-head of guard of the NKR's ex-minister of defense Sasun Aghajanyan, sentenced according to the case for the attempt at the President of Nagorno-Artsax Arkady Ghukasyan, is admitted to Nubarashen mental hospital for the complex checkup. This information was confirmed at the justice ministry press service yesterday. This decision was made after consultations held by psychiatrists. Reproduction in full or in part is prohibited without reference to "PanARMENIAN.Net"

VLADIMIR PUTIN SIGNED LAW ON RATIFICATION OF ARMENIAN-RUSSIAN AGREEMENT ON JOINT PLANNING OF TROOP USE 19.12.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ Today Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the law "On ratification of the agreement between the Russian Federation and Armenia on joint planning of troop use for the sake of joint security" adopted by both chambers of the Parliament the other day. The agreement, which was signed by the Defense Ministers of Armenia and Russia in September 2000, provides a legal basis for uniting efforts and coordinated actions of Russia and Armenia for securing joint defense in the Transcaucasus region. The document defines the order of forming joint headquarters, preparing documents for joint planning of using troops of the united grouping, envisages creation of a unified communication system and automated command of the troops, establishes the rules of rear, technical and financial supply of the troops. Reproduction in full or in part is prohibited without reference to "PanARMENIAN.Net"

ARMENIAN PRESIDENT AND HEAD OF JAPANESE GOVERNMENT SIGNED PROTOCOL ON FRIENDSHIP AND COOPERATION 19.12.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenian President Robert Kocharian arrived in Tokyo on an official visit. The Armenian head held a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Yunidziro Koidzumi. Robert Kocharian and Yunidziro Koidzumi signed a joint protocol "On developing friendship and cooperation." Tomorrow meeting of the President with Emperor of Japan Akikhito will take place. Reproduction in full or in part is prohibited without reference to "PanARMENIAN.Net"

ARMENIAN CITIZENS CAN ENTER UKRAINE WITHOUT VISA Starting January 1, 2002 the citizens of CIS countries can enter, leave or transit across the Ukraine without visas. They only need to have their passports. The official representative of Ukraine’s foreign ministry Igor Dolgov announced about this yesterday, December 18. At present the citizens of Belarus, Russia, Georgia and Turkmenistan can already enter Ukraine without visa- according to the agreement concluded between the countries and the Ukraine. Now the decision also expands on the citizens of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Ukraine has already concluded agreements with some of the above-mentioned countries and with the rest corresponding bilateral agreements will be reached soon. © Copyright AZG

NEW ARMENIAN AMBASSADOR TO LEBANON By the December 17 decree of president Robert Kocharian Areg Hovhannisian was appointed to the post of Armenian ambassador to Lebanon. The residence of the Armenian ambassador is Beirut. © Copyright AZG

END TO KARABAGH CONFLICT SHOULD BE SEARCHED BY LEADERS OF TWO NATIONS, KAREKIN II SAYS "The leading states of the world are interested in the soonest solution of the long-lasting conflict over Nagorno Artsax, as it will bring stability and peace in the volatile region of the South Caucasus," head of the Armenian Apostolic Church Catholicos Karekin said in an interview with French Le Figaro, wrapping up his Pontifical visit to France. His Holiness was received by France's president Jacques Chirac and other top officials, he also visited Lyon and Marseilles to meet with the local Armenian communities. Karekin II said that both Armenians and Azeris wanted to see the conflict resolved as soon as possible. "Solution to this conflict should be found out by the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia. If it is not made today, we shall face bigger problems in future," he said. He also said that his meeting with the spiritual leader of Azeris, scheduled for the end of December in Moscow at the mediation of the head of the Russian Orthodox Church Patriarch Alexiy II would also focus on ways to end the conflict. © Copyright AZG

NAGORNO Artsax REPRESENTATIVE BRIEFS HARVARD COMMUNITY ON CONFLICT RESOLUTION Representative of the Nagorno Artsax Republic in the United States Vardan Barseghian told Harvard University students last week that the May 1994 cease-fire agreement signed by Armenia, Azerbaijan and Nagorno Artsax was the major achievement of the peace efforts aimed at the resolution of the Nagorno Artsax conflict to date. On December 12, speaking to a negotiations class at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government (KSG) in Cambridge, MA, Representative Barseghian said: "The cease-fire accord was only made possible because all parties to the conflict were present at the negotiating table and were willing to accept their part of the responsibility for its implementation. This is the only formula that can work and bring realistic agreements". "Nagorno Artsax has been effectively independent for 10 years and I think it is important that we speak for ourselves not only with different governments, but also with academic and research institutions. We have welcomed this opportunity to appear before the Harvard community," Barseghian said. The briefing was an open event and interested students and faculty from Harvard University and Tufts University's School of Law and Diplomacy attended. The Nagorno Artsax Republic (NKR) declared its independence following the collapse of the Soviet Union. In 1991-94 the people of NKR successfully defended themselves from Azerbaijani aggression. Since then, however, Azerbaijan has refused to negotiate with NKR directly to finalize a peace agreement. Massachusetts State Representative Peter J. Koutoujian, who was present at the briefing, noted that "Nagorno Artsax was able to defend its people, democracy and independence at a time when the international community was deaf to Nagorno Karabagh's plea for help during the Azerbaijani military aggression. It is in the interest of the democratic world to support the Nagorno Artsax Republic." Harvard Professor Keith Allred, who supported this seminar, said it was a great opportunity for the students to learn about the Nagorno Artsax conflict directly from the people in the region. He also thanked Representative Barseghian for an insightful and informative presentation and a dynamic question-and-answer session. His enthusiasm was echoed by several students. Harvard student Mathieu Lefevre said, "This presentation gave us a first-hand account of the issues at hand in this major international dispute. It was very interesting to hear the perspective of the main people involved: the people of Nagorno Artsax. This was also a perfect case study for our negotiation class." "I recommend to other universities that study the Nagorno Artsax conflict to initiate these kinds of briefings since without the official Nagorno Karabagh's perspective the picture cannot be complete", said Scott Talan, a student in the Kennedy School of Government's Master of Public Administration program. © Copyright AZG

Constitution OPPOSITION DEMANDS LEAVING CHOICE TO VOTERS Leaders of six parties, who have agreed upon a joint package of constitutional reforms that advocates for passage to a parliamentarian way of governance, as opposed to another package of reforms that calls for maintenance of the so-called semi-presidential governance, but with limited authorities of the head of state, have issued a statement on Tuesday accusing president Kocharian of deviating from the path of democracy. The move came after Kocharian strongly criticized the opposition’s package of reforms, saying that it would never be put on a nation-wide referendum, to be held next year. The statement describes Kocharian’s announcement that he would not allow the alternative option be pushed through parliament as “a threat to the constitutional process” and calls on all healthy forces within the parliament to back it. “The constitutional reforms, a crucial process for the country’s advancement is assessed by president Kocharian only from that point of view of whether it fits his interests or not and his improper announcements tell about the discrepancy between the course of the president and democracy,” the statement reads. This move of the opposition comes as a logical answer to Kocharian’s announcements, and unfolds a new battle between the authorities and opposition, this time on ideological basis. The clash is described by the opposition as “constitutional movement,” with a clearly set goal of expanding the anti-presidential front to make the struggle as efficient as possible. Hrant Khachatrian, leader of a minor Constitutional Right Union party (CRU) says” “president Kocharian thinks he is the only person that is able to implement constitutional reforms.” Realizing the Kocharian will veto any alternative package of reforms, and that the parliament is facing a heaviest dilemma, leaders of the six promise to secure 66 votes to endorse the alternative package. Shavarsh Kocharian, one of its authors , believes that in case of securing 66 votes in favor of the alternative package would mean a serious qualitative change in the opinions of many deputies and Kocharian would think twice before vetoing it. Under the current legislation the alternative package must be put on a nation-wide referendum together with the presidential reforms only after being endorsed by 66 votes and given that Kocharian would not veto it. If he does, the opposition would have to secure already 88 votes, and if it succeeds, the two options would be put on referendum. Hrant Khachatrian, however, goes as far as to claim that Kocharian has schemed a plan that may suggest change of power, like ex-president Ter-Petrosian, who incited the public against him by announcing that the national ideology was a false idea. The opposition, however, does not intend to fail the presidential option of reforms, saying that it want the two options be put on referendum simultaneously to allow voters to decide by themselves which way of governance they would prefer. By Gor Abrahamian © Copyright AZG

Armenians in Europe FAAE ANNOUNCES EU TRAINING SEMINAR "ARMENIANS AND THE EUROPEAN UNION" The Forum of Armenian Associations in Europe (FAAE) will hold a seminar entitled 'Armenians and the European Union' on March 17-19, 2002 in Brussels. This introductory seminar is aimed at training up to 25 Armenian activists from all EU Member States in understanding the politics of the European Union's institutions and the opportunities they provide. Is the EU a chance for Armenia and the European Diaspora? How might the EU institutions integrate the preoccupations of Armenians? The seminar will provide some answers to these questions by providing an insight into Europe's policies. The European Union's significance to Armenians in Europe is considerable, and growing. The European Union is a major partner of Armenia as well as Turkey and it is also the world's main trading power and aid donor. Turkey's prospects as a candidate to join the European Union in particular have generated considerable interest in that country among the EU institutions. The Armenian Diaspora can also make a significant contribution in the construction of a multicultural European Union. © Copyright AZG

Ukraine-Armenia ARMENIAN CARGO FORWARDERS CONCERNED WITH UKRAINIAN FERRY COMPANY DECISION A last month decision by the Ukrainian ‘Ukrferry’ company that Armenian businessmen will have to ship and receive goods using a ferryboat line connecting Ukrainian port of Ilichevsk with Georgian port of Batumi instead of the Ilichevsk-Poti line has caused anger in Armenia, as change of the roots leads to increase in the transportation costs. Commenting on this decision, chairman of Armenian government affiliated Commission for Protection of Economic Competition Samvel Stepanian said: ‘the Union of Cargo Forwarders of Armenia applied to us and informed that the Ukrainian ‘Ukrferry’ company makes Armenian companies to conclude unprofitable agreements for 2002. We contacted the director of the Georgian Poti harbor Mr. Iniashvili in this respect, and he answered that there is no limitation in his port and that the harbor has necessary capacity to receive the Armenian products. We would agree with the decision of ‘Ukrferry’ if it spread on the companies of other countries that use the port- Azerbaijan and Georgia, but the decision refers only to Armenia. Three percent of the imported products to Armenia are transported via ferryboats, as well as 1,8% of the exported products. According to calculations, if the goods are forwarded via Batumi, then Armenian companies will have more than 250,000 USD of losses annually. But besides the figures most concerning here are the probable consequences, which will impact the perspective development. Thus, according to Armenian-Ukrainian Economic Cooperation Commission the volumes of ferryboat shipment is going to increase considerably next year. If the change of the transportation line doesn’t hurdle, and we really have an essential increase of products’ shipment, then, naturally the economic losses of Armenian companies will increase even more. The latter may bring to unwanted social consequences- the prices of products will rise in the country etc. Shipments are made in different directions, products are forwarded and received from those regions where there is a land transport – railways and highways. The products are coming from European countries, Siberia, Central Asia etc. So we must support our businessmen and protect their interests. The CIS has an Anti-Monopolist Policy Interstate Council, and the heads of CIS countries’ similar councils are the members of the council. If the anti-monopoly committee of any country, in this case Ukrainian, doesn’t respond to our request and doesn’t try to regulate the issue, then we will put the issue for the interstate council’s discussion. Our commission sent a message to the anti-monopoly committee of Ukraine. And we know that they started to work on the regulation of the issue. I hope that in near future we’ll receive a final official answer from them’. By Arpine Sahakian © Copyright AZG

KOCHARIAN, KASYANOV STRESSED QUICK IMPLEMENTATION OF AGREEMENTS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Armenian president Robert Kocharian and Russian prime minister Mikhail Kasyanov spoke for quick implementation of the agreements reached between the two countries earlier this year- aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation. As daily Azg informed earlier president Robert Kocharian is paying a working visit to Russia. Opening the negotiations with the Armenian president yesterday, December 18, Mikhail Kasyanov noted that although the ministries of the two countries work quite actively, the implementation of the concluded agreements is being delayed a little. In Kasyanov’s words, Russia and Armenia must finish the works in this sphere in the ‘shortest period of time’. Armenian president Robert Kocharian noted in his turn that his visit to Moscow is ‘due to the concern that we may not finish the works in the expected time’. He also said that ‘it is easy to sign an agreement for the presidents, but the work that the ministries carry out after the agreements is quite heavy, so we must help them to bring it to a logical end’. Mr. Kasyanov commissioned the deputy prime minister, science, industry and technology minister Ilya Klebanov to accelerate the preparation of the list of those Armenian enterprises the shares of which the Russian side will be interested to purchase. The spokeswoman for Russian prime minister Tatiana Rashbash informed about this to the reporters after the Kocharian-Kasyanov meeting yesterday, December 18. During the meeting Mikhail Kasyanov and Robert Kocharian also discussed the preparation process of the draft agreement on Russian diamond supply to Armenia. © Copyright AZG