MosJan

http://www.armeniaweek.com/current/photos/cemetery_1.jpg Gyumri marks its date with fate Today (December 7) marks 13 years since a Wednesday morning earthquake destroyed Gyumri. President Robert Kocharian (left) joined mourners at the city's main cemetery as Armenia held a day of remembrance for the victims. If the second-largest city in Armenia will ever be normal again, there is little evidence that that time is anywhere near. Gyumri, once an industrial city, has, for these 13 years, been a reconstruction site. And an eyesore of failed reconstruction. And a lingering emotional challenge to so many already damaged by personal loss. With this issue, ArmeniaWeek looks at Gyumri today. We sent a team of reporters, photographers, and editors to the city to listen to its people and report on how they are coping with the legacy of those fateful few seconds in 1988. When Mikhael Gorbachev, then leader of the Soviet superpower, visited Gyumri shortly after the disaster, he pledged the city would be completely rebuilt in two years. Both he and the country he represented have gone. The people of Gyumri, as our special report shows, have had to get used to promises unfulfilled.

COMPENSATION FOR FORCED LABOR The Taschjian Law Offices would like to inform the population of Armenia, Georgia and Nagorno Karabagh that the deadline for handing in claims for forced labor during the Fascist regime ends on December 31, 2001. No new claims are accepted in Yerevan and Berlin offices after December 14, 2001 because all papers have to be controlled in Berlin before they are handed over to the German compensation Fund. These deadlines are not relevant for additional information to claims, which have been given to our offices before December 14 such as references of the Armenian Ministry of National Security. This additional information is accepted after December 14, 2001. Written protest against possible rejections of claims have to be sent to the Fund or its partner organizations within 3 months after getting a negative answer. We are looking for Russian information about the Armenian legion, especially its establishment and the recruiting of Armenians in concentration camps, because members of the Armenian legion can only demand a compensation when they have been in a concentration camp which is acknowledged as such and not as a prisoner of war camp. We are working on adding some prisoner of war camps where our clients had to stay to the list of camps acknowledged concentration camps by the German compensation fund. We would like to announce that our Yerevan office is closed during the German and Armenian Christmas holidays, i.e. from December 24 until January 7. Our Berlin office is just closed from December 24 until December 26. We wish population of Armenia, Georgia and Artsakh and especially all our clients a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2002. Stefan Taschjian, Attorney at Law Taschjian Law Offices Yerevan, Aram Khachatryan Str. 23, Tel. 252692 Berlin, Friedrichstrasse 113, 10117 Berlin, Tel. 0049-30-243114-40, Fax: 0049-30-243114-69, Email. taschjian@taschjian.com, Web: www.taschjian.com © Copyright AZG

TURKISH PAPER CONDEMNS GREECE FOR DECLARING SEPTEMBER 14 A GENOCIDE DAY But Turkish state TV dismisses the newspaper's report The Turkish Turkiye daily raised a clamor in its December 5 issue, following a move by neighboring Greece that declared September 14 the Day of Anatolia Greeks' genocide, committed by Turkey. Turkiye is a pro-Islamic newspaper, and is as nationalistic as the Orta Dogu newspaper of nationalist Grey Wolves party. Both newspapers are 'specialized' in criticizing both Greek and Armenians, and do everything to distort the historical truth. And important are not only the condemnations of the newspapers, but the counteractions that Turkish National Security Council has undertaken, hastening to declare May 15 as the Day of Western Thrakia's Turks' genocide. This was announced by the Turkish state TV December 5. The Turkiye daily considered this measure as a just counter step, underlining that Turkey has to take such counter actions, connected with the Armenia's alleged genocide'. In all likelihood, the next move of Turkey's National Security Council may be Declaration the day of 'Turkish genocide carried out by Armenians'. The Turkish state TV doubts that Greece has made such a 'hostile step' and during a live news broadcast the Turkish TV shows its reporter calling to their correspondent in Greece to ask whether September 14 was really declared the Day of Anatolia's Greeks genocide. Turkish correspondent Nur Batur in Greece is shown taken aback and rejects the report by the Turkiye daily, saying that the issue of declaring September 14 the Day of Anatolia's Greeks genocide was frozen in Greece, though such a decision was adopted by Greek parliament'. Parliament decisions are not frozen, as a rule. The question is- why was the issue frozen and why does Turkiye newspaper raise such a clamor? To answer this question we must take into consideration the calculations of USA to alone decide the future of Afghanistan, as well as implement anti-terrorist actions in Iraq. As far as these intentions clash with those of the powerful European countries such as France, Germany and Great Britain, and Turkey, as an authorized representative of USA in the region is opposing the formulation of quick reaction forces of the European Union for keeping the balance, the tension in US-European relations is inevitable. This, though, contradicts the implementation of the above-mentioned political calculations. For easing the tension with European countries USA forces Turkey to withdraw its opposition to the creation of EU quick reaction forces under condition that that Greece will not oppose the exclusion of using the quick reaction forces of EU against Turkey for solving the Cyprus and Aegean Sea conflicts. Thus, preconditions of easing EU-USA and Turkey-Greece relations are being created, as well as preconditions for solving the Cyprus issue. So it is obvious that in such a situation any anti-Turkish step, as declaration of Anatolia Greeks genocide day, would eliminate all the efforts, aimed at easing the tension in Turkish-Greek relations. As far as Greece is an EU member and Turkey is the authorized representative of USA, then as a result of Turkey-Greece relations' aggravation American-European relations would also strain. And this would collapse all the hopes of USA concerning Afghanistan. All this gives grounds to suppose that it was USA that pressured Greece to freeze the above-mentioned decision in Greek parliament. And Turkiye newspaper raised such clamor in this respect as a preventive counteraction - so that the issue is withdrawn from Greek parliament's agenda and for justifying the pressure USA implemented on Greece. The newspaper also wants to show the 'hostile' attitude of Greece, whereas Turkey as though went to concession in the quick reaction forces' creation. With this approach Turkey continues enjoying the support of USA in Aegean and Cyprus issues, whereas Greece is being deprived of the support of European countries, for in these circumstances there seems no serious reason for supporting Greece with creation of quick reaction forces. By Hagop Chakrian © Copyright AZG

http://www.azg.am/IMAGE/200122501.jpg The authorities assure that the earthquake zone will be completely restored in the next few years, pledging that in 2002 there will not be pupils having classes in temporary schools. They also assure that rebuilding efforts have increased in the last two years, with the government, humanitarian organizations, and international financial institutions injecting more funds for construction and business development in the region. Must we believe such promises, which are 13 years long? The situation with the restoration works would have been more optimistic today if all the humanitarian aid, directed to the population of the zone had reached destination in the aftermath of the quake and several following years, but not to a group of people. The restoration pace has slowed down, but let us hope that we shall see the zone completely restored in the nearest future. We shall not see any longer families, huddling together in temporary dwellings, we shall not see the zone's dead industrial enterprises. We need to eliminate the consequences of that destructive earthquake forever to cure our memory and psychology. Now we can only say that we have overcome an endlessly long period of misery, disaster and human sufferings. However, all efforts to rehabilitate the earthquake's zone, to bring the people back to normal life through building apartments for them and schools for their children will evaporate unless the zone's enterprises are re-put on their feet. And it is beyond any doubt that every resident in this area expects, more than a humanitarian aid, jobs in factories and plants. The Armenian Seismic Protection Service (ASPS) holds traditional news conference on the eve of earthquake anniversary. Speaking to Thursday's such news conference the chief of the ASPS Sergey Balasanian said that his agency had drafted and submitted to the government's approval a bill on Seismic Protection. "While drafting the bill we have picked up the best experience developed in Japan, USA and other countries," he said. Balasanian called on the government not to delay endorsement of the bill, adding that it will help to develop seismic protection system and will help raise the level of population safety. Balasanian said the ASPS is continuing realization of long-terms programs. According to him, the preparedness of the population for similar disasters was higher today than 13 years ago. Balasanian said that the number of earth tremors has decreased if compared with previous years. In the aftermath of the 1988 Spitak earthquake the number of annual tremors in the Caucasian region was 100, between 1991-1999 there were only 30 tremors annually and in 2002 only 15 tremors were registered. The Armenian National Seismic Protection Service (NSPS) was named the best among similar services in Europe and ranks second in the world after the Ministry of Civil Affairs of China. © Copyright AZG

TURK WOMEN TO HOLD AN ACTION FOR RIGHT TO WEAR TROUSERS AT WORKPLACE 07.12.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ Today women in Turkey working in state offices intend to hold a protest action against the law passed 1982 to say women office workers do not have the right to appear at their workplaces in trousers. As reported by "Arminfo" agency making reference to "Associated Press", the action implies that women will go to work in trousers. Besides the ban to wear trousers in state offices of Turkey it is also prohibited to wear clothes without sleeves, with open parts of body as well as open footwear. In the opinion of member of the Joint Women Committee of Turkey Saheyla Isman, the majority of women have to wear covering clothes as the most part state offices do not heat. Reproduction in full or in part is prohibited without reference to "PanARMENIAN.Net"

BAKU PERCEIVES LOSING CE FULL MEMBER STATUS INEVITABLE 07.12.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ The prospect of Azerbaijan losing the mandate of Council of Europe member is already seen as something inevitable in Azerbaijan. According to "Zerkalo" newspaper information, to all appearance the question of depriving Azerbaijan of the European organization membership will already be decided at CE January session. Listing the possible causes of the sanctions the newspaper writes about "unpatriotic" behavior of some local non-governmental organizations that wash dirty linen in public. But member of Azeri delegation in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe Gulamguseyn Aliyev's opinion is different. He is inclined to consider the Azerbaijani Govenrment responsible for the present situation, as instead of fulfilling the demands of the CE to release political prisoners it is trying to deny the fact of their existence. The deputy notes it is not the sole requirement of the Europeans unfulfilled by the Government. Reproduction in full or in part is prohibited without reference to "PanARMENIAN.Net"

CATHOLICOS OF ALL ARMENIANS LEFT FOR FRANCE ON VICARIAL VISIT 07.12.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ Yesterday the vicarial visit of Catholicos of all Armenians Garegin II to France started. In the course of a fortnight visit the Supreme Patriarch will meet with representatives of the Armenian communities of Paris, Marseilles, Lyons and a number of other cities. Tomorrow the Catholicos will celebrate a liturgy in St. Hovhannes Armenian church in Paris. The same day the head of the Armenian Apostolic Church and Cardinal Jean-Marie Lustiger will participate in the church motet ceremony in the Paris Blessed Virgin Temple. Meeting of Garegin II with President of France Jacques Chirac and Chariman of Senate Christian Poncelet is fixed for December 10. Reproduction in full or in part is prohibited without reference to "PanARMENIAN.Net"

RELIGIOUS LEADERS OF ARMENIA AND AZERBAIJAN TO MEET IN MOSCOW 07.12.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ As we have already reported, in the near future the meeting of the religious leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan will take place in Moscow on head of the Russian Orthodox Church Alexy II initiative. The conversation will be dedicated to discussing the Artsax conflict settlement process. The participants of the meeting will exchange opinions on the opportunity for paving the way for developing Armenian-Azerbaijani dialogue at different levels. That will be the fifth meeting of the Catholicos of All Armenians and the head of the clerical department of Moslems of the Caucasus. Sheik-ul-Islam Allahshukyur *****zade met with the Catholicos of All Armenians Vazgen I in 1988 and 1993 in Rostov-on-Don (Russia) and Montre (Switzerland). The meeting of the leader of Azeri clergy with Catholicos Garegin I took place in Moscow through the mediation of the Patriarch of All Russia 1995. Sheik-ul-Islam met with present Patriarch of Armenian Apostolic Church Garegin II November 2000. Reproduction in full or in part is prohibited without reference to "PanARMENIAN.Net"

TODAY IS 13-TH ANNIVERSARY OF SPITAK EARTHQUAKE IN ARMENIA 07.12.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ Today Armenia marks the 13-th anniversary of Spitak earthquake. December 7, 1988 the earthquake with intensity of 9,8 points shook the northern regions of Armenia. Town of Spitak was entirely demolished as a result of the natural cataclysm, Gyumri (former Leninakan) lost 80%, Vanadzor (former Kirovakan) and Stepanavan towns also suffered much. The natural disaster took 25 thousand people's lives and 40 thousand were extracted from under the obstructions. The consequences of the earthquake are not overcome yet. According to the data provided by "Arminfo" agency, building and reconstruction works to the amount of 32 million dollars are carried out in the disaster area. The entire program of reconstruction in 2001-2003 is estimated to spend nearly 150 billions. In the words of the Minister of town planning of Armenia David Lokian, 1906 families are provided with accommodation this year. The state has obligations to 14200 families who suffered during the earthquake. It is planned to carry out works to the sum of some 60 million dollars in 2002. The external sources will give the lion share of the payments, in particular "Linsi" fund created by billionaire Kirk Kirkorian. Reproduction in full or in part is prohibited without reference to "PanARMENIAN.Net"

wh00tJan - pleas do not!!! use turkish in this forum. Thank you... MOvses

FISH POACHING CONTINUES IN LAKE SEVAN Armenian nature protection ministry has banned fishing in the lake Sevan from November 19 until December 25 connected with spawning period, but despite the ban one can see numerous fish traders in Yerevan market places. The daily Azg addressed nature protection minister Vardan Ayvazian to find out what measures are being applied to discover poachers. Here is what he said: “We are having regular monitoring of the Lake and though it is known that to eliminate poaching entirely is not possible, but the set of measures, approved by the ministry, has produced the desired results. In the last two days we have confiscated some 90,000 fish, which we have donated to kindergartens and nursing homes.” The minister also said that prosecutors have launched seven legal proceedings against poachers. The round the clock inspection is carried out by nature protection ministry officers and regional law-enforcement bodies. The minister said the fish sold in streets is not from the Lake Sevan and that it is cultivated in private pools. Let us hope that the minister’s explanations are true. By Marieta Makarian © Copyright AZG

PHONE-A-THONS REGISTER GOOD RESULTS The executive director of the ‘Hayastan’ Pan-Armenian Fund Vahan Ter-Ghevondian called a news conference December 5. The news conference was dedicated to the constructional works the fund implemented in Disaster Zone and Nagorno-Karabagh’s North-South highway. Vahan Ter-Ghevondian talked about the North-South highway in detail. He again reminded that the planned telethon that was to be held in USA for raising money for future construction of the road was postponed because of the September 11 tragic events. Instead phone-a-thons were carried out in the USA and other countries. The director of the ‘Hayastan’ Fund said that the best results were registered during the phone-a-thon held in France from November 8 to 11. French-Armenians of Paris, Lion, Marseilles and Monpelliers responded positively to the initiative and 8200 of them donated 3,5 million French Franks or 500,000 USD. Next year the figures of raised money are expected to reach 4,5-5 million Franks. A phone-a-thon was carried out in Germany for the first time, and 10,000 USD were raised here, 20,000 USD were raised in Canada, 45,000 USD- in Argentina. The phone-a-thon that is held in the western coast of USA still continues (the deadline is January 6), and already 300,000 USD are raised there. The fund hopes that the sum will reach 1 million by January 6. The Armenians of the East Coast of USA undertook the sponsorship of the biggest part of the North-South highway – the construction of Shekher village’s bridge. Parallel to the phone-a-thons the construction of the third part (Dashbulagh-Baluja) of the highway already started in Karabagh. The construction of Dashbulagh-Baluja 9,7-km part is planned to be finished in one year. The construction of this part will secure normal road from Stepanakert to Gandzasar crossroad. Concerning the disaster zone Mr. Ter-Ghevondian said that here the fund implemented programs worth 3 million USD. The constructions of two schools in Gyumri are already finishing, and two more schools are going to be built. People are going to settle in a newly built living house on Abovian Street of Gyumri in the second half of December. In Spitak 4 living houses, a culture palace and a school are being built. Constructions are also in full swing in Lori marz’s other residences – polyclinic is being built in Tashir, kindergarten in Tsaghkaber village, school in Arjovit. Among the sponsors of the construction works are ‘Robert Poghosian and Sons’ Fund, benefactors Andranik Nurian, Joseph Dorian, Vahe Gitapchian, and Armenian communities of Great Britain, Argentina and USA. Answering Daily Azg’s question when they expect to finish the construction of North-South highway Vahan Ter-Ghevondian answered that if they have the financial means the remaining 129 kilometers of the highway will be built in 2-2,5 years. For this purpose now there is a need of 17 million USD, which will be collected not only via telethons and phone-a-thons, but also via other means. By Ara Martirosian © Copyright AZG

AZERBAIJAN WILL NOT RECONCILE WITH LOSS OF ITS TERRITORIES Azerbaijan will never reconcile with a loss of a square meter of its territory and will restore its territorial integrity. Azerbaijani foreign minister Vilayat Guliyev came up with such a statement-warning directed towards Armenia at the session of OSCE Ministers’ Council, held in Bucharest on Tuesday, December 4, OSCE press office informed. In Guliyev’s opinion the only way of restoring peace and stability in South Caucasus is ‘granting Karabagh a highest level of autonomy as a part of Azerbaijan’. Vilayat Guliyev stressed that any other option of the Karabagh conflict regulation will not be accepted by Azeri side. © Copyright AZG

CONGRESSMEN KNOLLENBERG AND PALLONE ASK SECRETARY POWELL FOR HELP IN REMOVING TURKISH BLOCKADE Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues Co-Chairs Congressmen Joe Knollenberg (R-MI) and Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) have called on Secretary of State Colin Powell to urge Turkey to lift its blockade of Armenia, the Armenian Assembly of America (AAA) reported. The letter sent December 3 comes as Secretary Powell departed for an overseas trip, which includes meetings with top Turkish officials in Ankara. The letter said in part, "The failure of Turkey to lift its blockade of Armenia, to establish diplomatic relations...and continued refusal to lift the visa restrictions that were issued by Turkey during House consideration of the Armenian Genocide resolution last Congress are extremely troubling." The Congressmen call on Secretary Powell to raise Turkish-Armenian issues, noting that "While Turkey is a valued ally of the United States, particularly in our effort to eradicate terrorism, its behavior towards its neighbor Armenia is unacceptable." In their letter, Congressmen Knollenberg and Pallone also noted that Turkey has not reciprocated the good faith efforts of Armenia relative to the Reconciliation Commission (TARC). "We commend Congressmen Knollenberg and Pallone for their leadership particularly with regard to Turkey's blockade of Armenia and refusal to normalize relations. Peace and stability in the Caucasus are particularly critical as the US wages an all-out war on terrorism. Economic development of all countries in the region contribute to such stability so Turkey's stranglehold on Armenia, via its blockade, should be of particular concern to the Secretary," said Armenian Assembly Executive Director John Jamian. "We also agree with the Co-Chairs that International Monetary Fund assistance to Turkey and Turkey's application for European Union accession should be conditioned upon lifting its blockade, establishing diplomatic relations and finally coming to terms with the Armenian Genocide." Secretary Powell's nine-day trip will include stops in Europe and Eurasia to consult with coalition partners on the continuing war on terrorism. The Secretary will also continue his efforts to emphasize the importance of democracy and human rights in building a Europe that is "whole, free and at peace." The Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues membership totals 107 Members in this congressional session. In recent years, the Caucus has focused on strengthening the U.S.-Armenia and U.S.-Karabagh relationships, searching for a peaceful solution to the Nagorno Karabagh conflict, ending the Turkish and Azerbaijani blockades of Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh and reaffirming the U.S. record on the Armenian Genocide. © Copyright AZG

KOCHARIAN RECEIVES VATICAN'S ENVOY Armenia's president Robert Kocharian received today Vatican's envoy Peter Stephan Durbriggen, who finishes his diplomatic mission in Armenia. According to the president's press office, praising Mr. Durbriggen's three-year activities in Armenia, president Kocharian underlined the visit of the Pope of Rome to Armenia, which was really an important event for the country and its spiritual-cultural and political life. In his turn Mr. Durbriggen said that the visit of the Pope of Rome to Armenia was different from other visits, as he came to a country, which was the first in the world to adopt Christianity as a state religion. Underlining the fact that the relations between the Armenian Apostolic Church and the Roman Catholic Church are based on the mutually enriching traditions, Robert Kocharian underlined the importance of the inter-church co-operation, saying that in this context the Armenian church has a rather interesting development. © Copyright AZG

STATEMENT BY ARMENIAN FOREIGN MINISTER VARTAN OSKANIAN AT OSCE MINISTERIAL MEETING IN BUCHAREST Honorable Chairman, Minister Geoana, Esteemed Colleagues, Distinguished Guests,this annual gathering of the Ministerial Council in Bucharest demonstrates that the OSCE is alive and well. Through its various incarnations, the OSCE has overcome not only radical transformations in the international and particularly European security environment, but it has survived the greatest challenge of them all, skepticism. Over these 25 years, there have been uncertainties about its capacity to adapt, doubts about its flexibility, cynicism about the continuing relevance of its mission. Last year's difficult Ministerial Council, with a meager harvest of consensual documents did not do much to re-instill confidence. We must admit that the Romanian Chairmanship was given the very difficult task of putting us back on track this year. We wish to express our appreciation for their efforts and for the plan on the Reform of the OSCE adopted here. We hope the measures contained therein will successfully address some of the problems that had gradually hobbled our organization: a lack of equilibrium between the dimensions of our foundational pillars, a gradual marginalization of certain delegations due to the disproportionate weight of new groupings, the problem of credibility which arose from the contradictions between de facto opacity, combined with ritual references to transparency, a lack of balance in the geographic distribution of our field operations, implying an unjustifiable tendency to stigmatize exclusively only certain societies. As a way of tackling this last problem, our mission has presented a comprehensive proposal on New Types of OSCE Missions. One in particular calls for setting up special task forces which are non-place-based, roving, with a time-limit on operations, pursuing a problem or threat no matter were it takes it. Transnational crime, including drug trafficking, trafficking in human beings, and even terrorism, are all perfectly suited candidates for such a working group, no matter where trails lead across the whole OSCE area. We believe it is worth trying this new model, to address the enduring imbalance we refer to, despite the unsettling resistance of participating states unwilling to have field missions on their territory. Mr. Chairman, The world has changed since last year's meeting. We are not the first nor the last delegation to observe that this OSCE Ministerial Council is convened in the shadow of September 11. We must repeat that no level of anger or frustration can justify the violence perpetrated against the psyche of all mankind on US soil that day. The terrorism of September 11 made clear that if the US could be vulnerable, then, we are all vulnerable. The solidarity borne of the real threats to our security was and is genuine. Dangers that do not discriminate between rich and poor, big and small, powerful and weak, East and West or in between made it necessary - and easy -- for us to bind together. The OSCE's Decision on Combating Terrorism and the Bucharest Action Plan is evidence of such solidarity. Nothing less would have done justice to the credibility of our organization. But as we watched the dedicated efforts of those entrusted with the burden of crafting this crucial document uniting us all in the fight against international terrorism, we could not help but notice how hard it is for many of our partners to accept that these new strains of old diseases need new thinking, new attitudes, new tools, new priorities, new paradigms. Humanity has often suffered by shunning explanations of "evil" for fear of justifying it, thus losing its battle against it. We should not be afraid to understand. Nor should we, determined to fight international terrorism together, be reluctant to examine with a cold eye, the mysteries and the mechanisms of its virulence. Mr. Chairman, The threat of terrorism is too real to allow cynical opportunism to take over and ascribe to every political, social or economic adversary the damnation of "terroristic practice". Terrorism is the callous taking of innocent life, indiscriminately and recklessly. Armed insurrection against tyranny is no terrorism - nor is it always separatism. Neither democracy, nor the rule of law, nor the protection of people's right to freedom and freedom from repression are served by insuring the immutability of oppressive regimes in the name of stability or status quo. Mr. Chairman, A more reasonable, accurate, differentiated and therefore effective response is necessary for the other kinds of conflicts, too. I have in mind those conflicts which arise from a people's exigent need to mount a battle for self-defense against military suppression, against a denial of their peacefully sought right to self-determination. One such conflict in need of peaceful settlement is the Nagorno Karabagh conflict, the resolution of which is one of the OSCE's important mandates through the Minsk process. Mr. Chairman, no amount of ambiguous diplomatic language can mask the fact that the men, women and children of Nagorno Karabagh have earned the right to live peacefully on their historic lands, free of alien domination and foreign occupation. Nagorno Karabagh's secession from Soviet Azerbaijan was both legal, peaceful, and just. During the twilight of a crumbling Soviet Union, a population long oppressed, its rights systematically denied, sought redress. Just as Azerbaijan was no longer willing to accept the Soviet legacy, and withdrew from the Union, Nagorno Karabagh was no longer willing to live under conditions imposed arbitrarily by Stalin decades earlier. The resistance of the people of Nagorno Karabagh to arbitrary and repressive measures brought about further repression and an attempt at military suppression of their legitimate desire and actions for self-defense and self-protection. The present stalemate is the consequence of the war that followed. An uneven battle pitted a state trying to reimpose its rule and its sovereignty over a people who refuse to resubjugate themselves to the authority of those they do not trust. Azerbaijan's claim on Nagorno Karabagh has been legally invalid. Its absolute and blind adherence to the principle of territorial integrity will do it no good, since Nagorno Karabagh has never been a part of independent Azerbaijan. The League of Nations did not accept Azerbaijan's territorial claims then, we do not accept them now. Its claim of sovereignty over the people of Nagorno Karabagh, too, is morally invalid. For decades, it denied them basic social and economic rights, and attacked them violently and repeatedly. Here lie the difficulties of the negotiation process. Here lie the difficulties confronting the co-Chairs of the Minsk Group in their relentless - and much appreciated - efforts to push the process forward. Here lies the logic of confidence building measures in the latest phase of stalled negotiations, since once more this year, confidence and trust seem to be the main victims of the seesaw of Azerbaijan's positions and ambivalence about peace and the temptations of war. Those changing positions, undependable at best, are reflected in the documents produced -- and not produced -- at this meeting. The final statement (which, by the way, we still cannot be sure will be adopted) is significant, as it stands, not so much for what it includes, but for what is left out. Its limited scope, and its questionable fate, is the result of Azerbaijan's unwillingness to sanction the basic, fundamental premise of mutual compromise. So short is Azerbaijan's memory and so shallow its commitment to peace, that it is even unwilling to accept any reference to the Paris and Key West meetings in this statement. Mr. Chairman, what are we to understand if Azerbaijan can not acknowledge the last round of negotiations as a stepping stone to the next round? If our negotiating partner cannot make room for compromise on paper, how are we to expect that it can create it on the ground? Azerbaijan's revisionism is rampant as it applies labels, invents numbers, creates history, confuses discussion, redefines terms and manufactures charges. It is to address these accusations that the democratically re-elected President of Nagorno Karabagh has issued a blanket invitation to those who wish to assess the veracity of Azerbaijan's unfounded accusations for the purposes of propaganda. His letter has been made available to you. Mr. Chairman, Armenians continue to be ready to engage in serious give and take, ready for mutual compromise, because we understand that the region is a place where we live together, and not a place where we can stand alone, unwavering and intransigent in an illusory world. We believe that with the help of the co-Chairs, even tentative, incremental, forward movement can be registered, sustained and consolidated. Mr. Chairman, We must also avoid the subversion of this opportunity by Azerbaijan and others who believe that the battle against terrorism allows them to wear the mantle of aggrieved victims of terrorists, hence entitled to one-sided compensation. Such delusions make realistic compromises hard to achieve. The international community and the OSCE most particularly, must try hard not to encourage this kind of fiction. Most of the conflicts that have confronted the OSCE in the last decade, have had their share of old, enduring, national myths in fueling animosity and hostility. It would be a pity, if present, tragic circumstances were to carelessly contribute to the manufacture of new myths and self styled martyrs. Mr. Chairman, This year represents the 100th anniversary of Alfred Nobel, remembered for two achievements: the invention of dynamite – an instrument of destruction -- and the establishment of the Peace Prize which bears his name. Today, he is remembered equally for both seemingly contradictory accomplishments. If the international community, through its various international organizations, including and especially this one, genuinely and persistently addresses the many challenges of September 11, that date too, will be marked for two similarly opposite yet monumental occasions: not just for the terror it wreaked on all mankind, but also for the wisdom demonstrated since that day by a humanity which chose the tough path of understanding and security over the obvious path of cynicism and violence. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. © Copyright AZG

BUDGET PERFORMANCE 82 PERCENT, MINISTER SAYS YEREVAN, DECEMBER 6, ARMENPRESS: Armenian finance and economy minister Vartan Khachatrian said on Wednesday that the 2001 state budget performance in the first ten months was 82-83 percent. The minister said the budget performance would be 100 percent if the SAC-4 World bank credit received until the end of this year. Khachatrian said that revenues from Value Added Tax were 72.5 percent, a 29.7 percent growth against the same period of time last year. The total volume of revenues from profit taxes was down 23.3 percent and the volume of revenues from income tax was down by 17.4 percent. The volume of revenues received from land tax were up by 2.4 percent. The volume of revenues from customs duties was 90.8 percent, up by 24 percent against last year. The volume of non-tax revenues made 12.8 billion Armenian Drams, 36.2 percent up against last year. Current expenditures grew by 22 percent over last year and some 15 billion Drams were allocated for payment of wages in the public sector. The service of state debt was performed by 76.4 percent making a total of 13,5 billion Drams, of which 5.6 billion Drams went for service of internal and 7.8 billion for external debt.

ARMENIAN SEISMIC PROTECTION SERVICE BEST IN EUROPE YEREVAN, DECEMBER 6, ARMENPRESS: The chief of the Armenian Seismic Protection Service (ASPS) Sergey Balasanian told a today's news conference that his agency had drafted and submitted to the government's approval a bill on Seismic Protection. "While drafting the bill we have picked up the best that was developed in Japan, USA and other countries," he said. Balasanian called on the government not to delay endorsement of the bill, adding that it will help develop seismic protection service and raise the level of population safety. Balasanian said the ASPS is continuing realization of long-terms programs. Speaking just a day before the 13th anniversary of the devastating earthquake of 1988 that claimed 25,000 lives, Balasanian said the preparedness of the population for similar disasters was higher today than 13 years ago. Balasanian said that the number of earth tremors has decreased if compared with previous years. In the aftermath of the 1988 Spitak earthquake the number of annual tremors in the Caucasian region was 100, between 1991-1999 there were only 30 tremors annually and in 2001 only 15 tremors were registered. The Armenian National Seismic Protection Service (NSPS) was named the best among similar services in Europe and ranks second in the world after the Ministry of Civil Affairs of China. In a related development the Armenian prime minister Andranik Margarian has addressed a message today to the nation. A message released by the government press office, particularly, says: "Each year going through this day we recall the 1988 Spitak earthquake, the biggest disaster that has ever befallen on our nation. The time is not able to cure the pain and sadness in our hearts, caused by thousands of innocent deaths and huge destruction." The prime minister's message says that the problems, faced by the entire nation are felt stronger in the disaster zone where thousands of families still live in temporary dwellings. He says that restoration of the earthquake zone is the biggest priority of the government. Rebuilding efforts have increased in the last two years, with the government, humanitarian organizations, and international financial institutions injecting more funds for construction and business development in the region.

ARMENIA MOVES TOWARDS EUROPEAN FAMILY OF NATIONS, ARMENIAN PRESIDENT SAYS YEREVAN, DECEMBER 6, ARMENPRESS: The head of the European Commission Delegation to Armenia Torben Holz (residence in Tbilisi, Georgia) met on Wednesday with Armenian president Robert Kocharian to hand in his credentials. President Kocharian was quoted by his press office as saying that Armenia gives a special importance to development of its relations with the European Union and the European Commission, in particular. President Kocharian reiterated that Armenia's foreign policy direction was to get integrated with the European family of nations. He added that Armenia has adopted European standards in development programs. The two men discussed the entire complex of Armenia-European Union cooperation, emphasizing the agreement on Partnership and Cooperation between the three South Caucasian countries and the EU, set to help implementation of programs promoting democratic reforms and restoration of economy. Mr. Holz stressed the need for developing regional partnership describing it as a major factor for building the atmosphere of confidence. President Kocharian for his part stressed that Armenia was strongly supporting regional cooperation and integration processes. Also issues pertaining to the current sate of Karabagh conflict regulation and the safety of the Armenian power grid were discussed.

AZERI RIGHT DEFENDER TO BE TRIED FOR ASKING ARMENIANS' PARDON 06.12.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ The Baku citizen Yashar Magerramov, who took part in Artsax war, intends to bring an action against the chairman of Azerbaijani national committee of Helsinki civil Assembly Arzu Abdullayeva. He accuses Abdullayeva of that "she too often meets with representatives of Armenian social organizations". It should be reminded that some Baku media representatives have started a persecution campaign against Arzu Abdulayeva after she allowed herself to ask Armenian delegation members' pardon for the Armenians killed at the war with Azerbaijan when speaking at the conference dedicated to the Caucasus region problems. Reproduction in full or in part is prohibited without reference to "PanARMENIAN.Net"

PUBLIC DISORDERS BEGIN IN GEORGIAN DMANISI REGION POPULATED BY AZERIS 06.12.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ The situation in Dmanisi region of Georgia where the most of population are Azerbaijanis has become tenser. According to Georgian parliament Deputy Irakli Gogov the reason of the public disorders was the scandal in the Georgian parliament. Deputy David Magradze who was elected by the «Union of Citizens» party lists, demits the deputy mandate. The place in the parliament that became free has to be taken up by the next candidacy on the list. The next was a Damnisi region resident, Azerbaijani Mikael Mahmudow. But, it turned out, that «Union of Citizens» leadership signed the document regarding the withdrawal of Mikael Mahmudow from the list. Reproduction in full or in part is prohibited without reference to "PanARMENIAN.Net"

OFFICIAL MOSCOW THINKS EUROPEAN COUNCIL JOINING Artsax SETTLEMENT TALKS MAKES NO SENSE 06.12.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ At today's conversation with Armenian National Assembly speaker Armen Khachatrayn, Russian Federation State Duma chairman Gennady Seleznev has stated that the Official Moscow can not even think that Artsax can be seriously considered as a country engaged in the international terrorism and drugtraffic by anyone. The Russian parliament lower chamber head noted that the positions of Russia and Armenia completely agree regarding the issue of the format of the talks on the conflict settlement. Both Moscow and Yerevan think that at this stage there is no need for the European Council's participation in the talks held within the Minsk group framework. Reproduction in full or in part is prohibited without reference to "PanARMENIAN.Net"

US SECRETARY OF STATE DISCUSSED ARMENIAN-TURKISH RELATIONS WITH TURKISH LEADERSHIP 06.12.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ Yesterday at the meetings of the US state Secretary Colin Powell and Turkey's President Ahmed Sezer, Prime minister Bulent Ejevit and foreign minister Ismail Jem discussed the outlooks of Armenian-Turkish relations and the process of the Caucasus region conflict settlement as well as many other issues. At the joint press conference Turkey's foreign minister stated «We have discussed the current situation in the Caucasus that is treat with caution by us». The details of the talks were not informed. It should be reminded that the day before Powell's official visit to Ankara, Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues Co-Chairs Congressmen Joe Kollenberg and Frank Pallone had called on Secretary of State to urge Turkey's leadership to raise their blockade of Armenia. Reproduction in full or in part is prohibited without reference to "PanARMENIAN.Net"

ARMENIAN SPECIAL SERVICES' EX-LEADER CARRIES ON TALKS WITH AZERBAIJAN PART ON Artsax PROBLEM SETTLEMENT 06.12.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ As we have already informed, the first stage of the negotiations between Azerbaijan Peace and Democracy Institute director Leyla Yunusova and head of Armenian Center of Legal and Political Researches David Shahnazaryan who is mostly known as «XXI century» political party leader and associate of ex-President Levon Ter-Petrosyan took place in Berlin at the end of October. The objective of the talks, according to the parts, is the development of a plan for the Artsax conflict settlement. According to Baku press, David Shahnazaryan agreed that the only acceptable way of the conflict settlement is the step-by-step approach. It should be reminded that both Armenia's and Nagorno-Artsax's leaderships have stated several times that the step-by-step approach that does not provide guarantees necessary for Armenian part is not acceptable. According to Leyla Yunusowa the Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan that have the right of the final word will be informed on decisions that will be made at the next stages. It should be noted that the leader of the opposition «XXI century» party has hardly any contacts with the President Kocharyan and it is difficult to believe that the initiatives proposed by him might be discussed seriously by the political leadership of the country. Reproduction in full or in part is prohibited without reference to "PanARMENIAN.Net"

PASSING OF LAW ON FOREIGN COUNTRY OR ITS PART'S BECOMING OF RUSSIA'S PART CAUSED AZERBAIJAN'S ALARM 06.12.2001 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ The Russian Parliament Upper chamber has passed a federal constitutional law «On the order of the including of a foreign state into Russian Federation and the establishment of a new federation subject in its structure». Federation council 140 members were for the document passing, 4 were against and 4 abstained. According to the law, including of a new subject into Russia's structure is realized through the joining of a foreign state or its part to Russia. And the foreign state is given a federation subject status. The existence of the common boarder with that foreign state is not necessary. It is expected that the joining of a foreign state or its part to Russia be realized according to mutual agreement of Russia and that state according to international agreement. The law passed by the Federation Council caused alarm in Azerbaijan where they remember that Artsax supposed to join Russia as a federation subject. People in Baku think that the new law passed by Russia might be used against the national interests of Azerbaijan. Reproduction in full or in part is prohibited without reference to "PanARMENIAN.Net"