Asbarez News Room 07-13-2000 #2 Asbarez.com

[Guest]

1. Melkumian Meets With OSCE Officials In Vienna.

YEREVAN (RFE/RL)--Speaking by phone from Vienna Thursday, the foreign minister of the Nagorno-Artsax Republic, Naira Melkumian, told RFE/RL's Armenian Service that the OSCE Minsk Group wants to overcome the deadlock in the Nagorno-Artsax peace process, and that her visit to Vienna serves that purpose.

 

Naira Melkumian has been invited to Vienna, where the OSCE Minsk Group is holding a three-day extended session. The aim of the meeting, which has started yesterday, is to evaluate the results of last week's visit by the OSCE co-chairmen to Azerbaijan and Armenia.

 

Naira Melkumian said she disagrees with the view that the work done by OSCE Minsk Group is no longer necessary because it has no new ideas and its previous proposals have not been accepted by all sides.

 

Melkumian said that Kocharian-Aliyev bilateral meetings and the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmen's peace efforts are both important and should proceed in parallel. It is impermissible to stop the Minsk Group negotiating process, the Artsax Foreign Minister said.

 

According to Melkumian, the settlement of the Nagorno-Artsax conflict is very complex issue and it couldn't be solved this year. "I don't think that it can be solved in half a year", she said.

 

Commenting on the possibility of the resumption of the hostilities, Naira Melkumian said that almost every politician in Azerbaijan, except for Haydar Aliyev is threatening to use force against Artsax.

 

"President Haydar Aliyev is perhaps the only politician in Azerbaijan who understands that it is impossible to solve the conflict by use of force. I don't want a war, but if war breaks out then it will be fought on the Azeri Territory, considering the strength of Nagorno-Artsax armed forces," said Naira Melkumian.

 

According Naira Melkumian, the solution to the Nagorno-Artsax conflict in many respects depends on the Azeri position, which has changed recently. The Azeris are now making some corrections taking into account the current realities, Naira Melkumian said, adding that there is an element of unpredictability in the Azeri position.

 

No one knows what will happen in Azerbaijan after Aliyev. The biggest challenge of the Azeri political elite is to deal with the issue of uncertainty, which will arise after Aliyev leaves the political scene, said Melkumian.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Azeris Reject US Report on Links with Terrorism

BAKU (Reuters)--Azerbaijan rejected on Thursday a US State Department report that the ex-Soviet state had been a hub for Moslem sympathizers of breakaway Chechnya's battle against Russian troops.

 

The report on ``Patterns of Global Terrorism'' for 1999, issued earlier this year, said Azerbaijan ``served as a logistic hub for international Mujahideen with ties to terrorist groups, some of whom supported the Chechen insurgency in Russia.''

 

But it also said the country had enhanced border controls to prevent foreign Mujahideen Moslem fighters from operating on its territory.

 

``The accusation that Azerbaijan helps international terrorists connected to military activities in Chechnya is a groundless one,'' the foreign ministry said in a statement.

 

``Azerbaijan has condemned and continues to condemn terrorism in all its forms.''

 

The mainly Moslem Caspian Sea state has maintained close ties with the United States, the source of billions of dollars of investment in the country's crude reserves.

 

But Azerbaijan is especially sensitive to accusations it aids terrorism after Russia accused it of providing training for Chechen rebels and giving them weapons.

 

Senior Azeri officials have denied the accusations and supported Russia's military offensive against the rebels.

 

Months into the war, Russia says it controls most of Chechnya but its troops have yet to bring the region's southern mountains under control and tensions have mounted in the province after an upsurge in rebel attacks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Aram I Begins Iran Visit

TEHRAN--His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia arrived in Tehran Wednesday, where he was greeted by leaders and officials. The pontiff is visiting Iran as part of celebrations marking the 1700th anniversary of Armenia's adoption of Christianity as a state religion.

 

Greeting the Catholicos at Tehran's international airport were representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran Hojatoleslam Nomani, the vice-chairman of the Iranian Cultural and Communications Organization; Prelate of Tehran Bishop Sebouh Sarkissian; Prelate of Isfahan Archbishop Goriun Babian; Prelate of Iranian-Azerbaijan Right Rev. Nshan Topouzian; Armenia's Ambassador to Iran Gegham Gharibjanian and the embassy staff; Lebanon's Ambassador to Iran Adnan Mansour; member of the Catholicosate Central Executive Council Tatul Ohanian; Iranian parliament deputies Dr. Levon Davtian and Jorjik Abrahamian; Prelacy Executive Council members, community organizational representatives and representatives of the Alik newspaper.

 

Upon arriving in Tehran, the Catholicos expressed his greeting to Iran's religious leader Ayatollah Ali-Akbar Khamenei, the president of the Islamic Republic of Iran Mohammad Khatami, the prelates and the entire Armenian community of Iran.

 

The Catholicos also discussed in length the close ties between Iran and Lebanon, specifically mentioning Iran's role in Lebanon's resistance in South Lebanon.

 

Aram I, made specific mention of the centuries-old relations between Iran and Armenia, emphasizing the need for practical expression of those relations. He also discussed the fruitful relations enjoyed between Iran and the Catholicosate of the Holy See of Cilicia, and further outlining the importance of spiritual and moral values within society.

 

In response to the Catholicos' remarks, Hoj. Nomani thanked Aram I for his visit and praised his leadership both as Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia and as chairman of the World Council of Churches.

 

He stressed the respect the Iranian government and the people of Iran hold toward the Armenian community in that country, viewing it as one of the pillars of the Islamic Republic of Iran. In conclusion, Nomani pledged the government's support to the Iranian-Armenian community and to the further strengthening of relations between Iran and the Holy See of Cilicia.

 

The Catholicos and his entourage, which includes the Prelate of Canada Bishop Khajag Hagopian and the Catholicos' Scepter Bearer Very Rev. Mashdots Chobanian, went to the St. Sarkis Church in the heart of Tehran where hundreds awaited the pontiff's arrival.

 

Following the Mass, the Catholicos delivered a moving sermon, in which he highlighted the importance of commitment to spiritual values, praising the community for its role in the advancement of Iran.

 

At the courtyard of St. Sarkis church, Aram I laid a wreath at a monument in memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide and proceeded to the large auditorium, where he met with community members and parishioners.

 

On Wednesday evening, a banquet was held at the pontiff's honor, where Aram I stressed the importance of service to one's nation.

 

During his visit to Iran, the Catholicos will visit all the prelacies in that country and he will lead a pilgrimage to the St. Thaddeus and St. Stephens monasteries, as part of celebrations marking the 1700th anniversary.

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Pallone, Knollenberg, And Porter Speak Out For Armenian Provisions In Foreign Aid Bill

* Urge colleagues to back aid to Armenia, defend Section 907, and support confidence-building measures for Nagorno-Artsax

 

WASHINGTON--On the eve of a key vote in the US House on the fiscal year 2001 foreign aid bill Wednesday, Armenian Caucus Co-Chairmen Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and John Edward Porter (R-Ill.) joined with Rep. Joe Knollenberg (R-Mich.) in calling for increased US assistance to Armenia and Nagorno Artsax, maintaining the restrictions on US aid to Azerbaijan, and finding an equitable resolution to the Nagorno Artsax conflict, reported the Armenian National Committee of America.

 

The fiscal year 2001 foreign aid bill, H.R. 4811, allocates $13.3 billion in assistance to countries around the world, $740,000,000 of which will reach the Independent States (IS). The legislation stipulates that Armenia and Georgia will each receive 12.5 percent of the IS allocation, representing a slight increase in the percentage of assistance but an overall reduction in aid to Armenia. Commenting on the reduction, Rep. Pallone explained that "given the fact that budgets are tight this year, and the total level of the assistance to the IS has been decreased by $99 million, I appreciate the fact that the appropriators have recognized the need to continue our commitment to Armenia."

 

The bill maintains the ban on US aid to the government of Azerbaijan, commonly known as Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act, while allowing for humanitarian and democracy assistance. "This law should remain in place," commented Rep. Pallone, "and the Subcommittee was right in resisting efforts to repeal or further modify this important provision - echoing the bipartisan sentiment that has been clearly expressed both here and in the Other Body (the Senate.)"

 

Rep. Knollenberg cited the importance of language in the bill "directing the Administration, without further delay, to release the remainder of the $20 million provided in 1998 for victims of the Nagorno Artsax conflict." The legislation calls on the Secretary of State to report on US and bi-lateral assistance levels to Nagorno Artsax since 1998 and to project additional sums necessary to assist displaced persons within fifteen days of enactment of the bill.

 

In his speech on the House floor, retiring Congressman John Edward Porter spoke forcefully in support of Congressional efforts to encourage credible confidence building measures and to promote a lasting peace in Nagorno Artsax. Rep. Porter called attention to language in the foreign aid bill urging "Secretary of State to move forthwith to appoint a high-level, long-term Special Negotiator to facilitate direct negotiations and any other contacts that will bring peace to the people of the South Caucasus. The Secretary is further urged to remain engaged in the regional peace process."

 

The House will continue debating foreign debt relief and other aspects of the bill, with a final vote on H.R.4811 expected later Thursday.

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Government To Consider Privatization Of Energy Grid.

YEREVAN (RFE/RL)--There are reports that the Security Council will discuss tomorrow the controversy over the privatization Armenia's energy networks. On Saturday, the government will also discuss a separate bill on the privatization of the Energy grid in its extraordinary seating. Analysts believe that the Cabinet will give its approval and send the bill to the parliament next Monday. Parliament will debate the bill for one week. The parliament will convene extraordinary session on July 24 to decide the fate of the bill.

 

The passage of the bill will almost rescue the government of Andranik Markarian, because it will allow to pay the salaries of the public sector workers, the pensions. Privatization of the energy grids will provide $40 million for the budget. It will also bring $80 million investments in Armenia's economy. If parliament passes the bill, the World Bank will release long-term credits worth almost $50 million.

 

According to the government officials, the bill will not specify whether the Russian "Itera" gas company will participate in the tender to privatize the energy grid. There will be no new tender, we will continue the interrupted tender, said Minister of State Property David Vardanian. Swiss, French and American companies were competing for the Armenia's Energy grids. Analysts say the passage of the separate bill on the privatization of the energy grid is almost certain.

 

 

 

 

 

 

6. OSCE Head Arrives In Caucasus

YEREVAN (Armenpress)—The OSCE chairman-in-office, Austrian Foreign Minister Benita Ferrero-Waldner will take a trip to Armenia and Azerbaijan on the weekend of July 15, Itar-Tass reported.

 

The official reason for the visit is the opening of the OSCE office in Baku. However, the real motives lie deeper and are connected with the search for a resolution to the Nagorno-Artsax crisis.

 

As the OSCE chairman, Austria is a member of the Minsk Group which has been dealing with the conflict practically since its very beginning.

 

The OSCE Minsk Group, co-chaired by Russia, France and the United States, held a closed door meeting in Vienna on Wednesday.

 

 

 

 

 

 

7. Ghoukassian Welcomes Armenia's Defense Minister

STEPANAKERT (Noyan Tapan)—Recently Artsax's President Arkady Ghoukassian received Armenia's Minister of Defense Serge Sargssian, who was on a working visit to Artsax.

 

A number of issues concerning the OSCE Minsk Group's latest visit to the region were discussed during the meeting. Sargssian informed Ghoukassian of the results of his most recent visit to Moscow.

 

The sides also discussed the situation on the Artsax-Azeri front-line and proposals for reform of the Armenian Army.

 

 

 

 

 

 

8. Catholicos Aram I Congratulates Syria's New President

YEREVAN (Armenpress)—His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia sent a congratulatory message to the newly elected president of Syria Bashar Asadi.

 

"Your father opened a golden page in the modern history of Syria. We believe that you will fill this page with new accomplishments, services and victories for the sake of prosperity and progress of Syria," the message reads.

 

The Catholicos also said that the Armenian community in Syria will continue to bring its contribution to the country's development.

 

 

 

 

 

 

9. CIS Joint Exercises to Be Held August 21-26

YEREVAN (Armenpress)—A joint tactical air-defense exercise code-named Comba Commonwealth-2000 will be held in the Astrakhan region on August 21-26, the Air Force press service told Itar-Tass.

 

The exercise will be held on the Ashuluk training range and will involve air force and air-defense units from Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Ukraine.

 

 

 

 

 

 

10. Lebanese President to Visit Armenia in May 2001

YEREVAN (Armenpress)—President of Lebanon Emil Lahoud received Armenia's ambassador to Beirut, Arman Navasardian, Wednesday the Armenian foreign ministry reported.

 

The president and the ambassador discussed the current state of Armenia-Lebanon relations and prospects for their development. The two sides also referred to the activities of the local Armenian community, the regional situation and Mid-East peace process.

 

President Lahoud confirmed his intention to visit Armenia in May 2001.

 

 

 

 

 

 

11. Alternative Channel of International Communication Opened

YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)—A new service of external connection started to function in Armenia upon the initiative of the "Armcomputer" center, Vahram Mkhitarian, the center's director general, announced during a press conference Tuesday. The establishment of the first Center of Alternative International Communication is a joint effort of the "Armcomputer" center, the Russian "Rostelecom" company and the "Mir" interstate TV and Radio company.

 

"The monopoly of ArmenTel does not hinder the development of new trends of communication in Armenia," said Mkhitarian. The new system is the product of cooperation of Armcomputer, Rostelecom, Mir and ArmenTel.

 

Mkhitarian announced that Mir's Yerevan branch satellite communication complex is connected to ArmenTel's optic communication main satellite via optic and fiber cable, which makes new digital channels countrywide accessible. Mir's central complex in Moscow is connected to Rostelecom via optic cable, which provides access to digital channels throughout Russia as well as creates a new means of communication with CIS countries and the rest of the world. From now on Armenia will have video and audio connection with other countries, which will make it possible to hold teleconferences, tele-trainings, tele-medical services and consultations while performing surgery.

 

Mkhitarian announced the company's intention to cooperate with Russia and CIS countries in the sphere of telecommunications and information technologies. The first step in such cooperation will be the establishment of a CIS data exchange system. Local networks will be united by means of the "Mir" satellite system for this purpose. The first channel operating at a speed of 2 million bits per second will be used to this effect. This speed is expected to be increased to 8 million bits per second soon.

 

The Center leases ArmenTel's channels for the operation of the program. According to Mkhitarian, tariffs for the service will be lower than international prices.