Guest Posted July 6, 2000 Report Share Posted July 6, 2000 1. OSCE Disapproves Uniting Armenia and Artsax YEREVAN (Itar-Tass, Noyan Tapan)—A co-chairman of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Minsk group on Nagorno Artsax on Tuesday rejected the idea of uniting Artsax and Armenia. Nikolai Gribkov, who represents Russia, said upon his arrival in Yerevan that the group did not agree to Armenia-Artsax unification, which had been flatly opposed by Azerbaijan. The Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, Carey Cavanaugh from the US, Nikolay Gribkov from Russia and Jean-Jacques Gaillard from France paid a regular working visit to the region of the Artsax conflict. They visited Baku, Stepanakert and Yerevan. Talking to journalists at the "Erebuni" airport, the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs said that they conducted negotiations with the leaders of Azerbaijan and Nagorno Artsax and now they are going to hold similar negotiations in Yerevan. During their stay in Azerbaijan, the mediators also made a trip to the Armenian-Azeri border-at the junction of the Kazakh region of Azerbaijan and Ijevan region of Armenia. According to them, during meetings among things discussed were the possibilities of economic integration in the region, and of opening communication between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Particularly considered was the possibility of re-operating the Kazakh-Ijevan branch line and the gas pipe line running from Artsax to Nakhichevan. According to Gaillard, the co-chairs were strengthened in their conviction that much can be achieved in the aspects of measures aimed at strengthening mutual confidence. When asked about new ideas, Carey Cavanaugh pointed out that they always bring new ideas, as it is their duty. In his turn, Nikolay Gribkov said that the main task of the visit is "to keep the hand on the pulse of the negotiating process." He pointed out that "now it is difficult to say when the negotiating process will be resumed within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group. This issue is now being discussed with the conflicting parties." The mediators stressed the importance of the Kocharian-Aliyev meetings to the negotiating process as well as of the Armenian president's latest meetings with the leaders of Russia, the US and France. Nagorno Artsax Republic President Arkady Ghoukassian also held a meeting with the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group. Ghoukassian said that the Nagorno Artsax Republic authorities remain committed to the peaceful settlement of the conflict and are interested in the measures being taken to resume the negotiating process. The mediators reaffirmed their countries' willingness to promote the establishment of long-lasting peace in the region and expressed regret over the March 22 events and wished the President well. The OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs informed the Ghoukassian of the details of their negotiations in Azerbaijan and of the meetings at the Armenian-Azeri border. The sides also discussed the issue of maintaining the cease-fire as well as a number of issues related to the region's economic development. Thereafter, the Nagorno Artsax Republic President held a private meeting with the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs. Armenian Defense Minister Serge Sarkisian also met with the OSCE Minsk group co-chairmen to discuss ways and possible options of the Artsax conflict settlement. According to the Armenian defense ministry, the co-chairs put special emphasis on the role of defense ministries of both Azerbaijan and Armenia in the working out ways for the peaceful settlement of the conflict and establishment of peace. 2. Armenian Monuements Being Destroyed by Neighboring Countries YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)—The destruction and misappropriation of Armenian monuments in the countries bordering Armenia has become a public policy, Samvel Karapetian, the author of a number of works dedicated to Armenian historical monuments, told Noyan Tapan. But, "through the destruction and misappropriation of its neighbor's civilization, no people will obliterate its neighbor's history nor will create its own." Karapetian's work entitled "Georgia's Public Policy And Cultural Monuments" includes the materials about the destruction and misappropriation of cultural monuments in Georgia, substantiated by the evidence of 115 eyewitnesses and by the photos of those monuments taken by the author in different years. According to him, about 300 inscriptions in the Armenian language disappeared or were blotted out from the walls of about thirty Georgianized churches and other buildings as well as from gravestones in Georgia. Karapetian said that in Tbilisi alone dozens of Armenian churches were destroyed and thousands of graves were defiled. In particular, during the construction of a Georgian church (whose ceremonial foundation was attended by Georgian Patriarch Iliya II and President of Georgia Eduard Shevardnadze), at the place of the ancient Armenian cemetery Khojavank, hundreds of graves including those of renowned Armenian figures, were destroyed. Karapetian pointed that the registration of Armenian monuments are being continued in Georgia: 308 monuments have been registered in the Marneuli region and 204 in Tetri-Tskharo. About 500 monuments, including the basilica-churches of the fifth century and khach-kars (cross-stones) of the ninth century, have already been registered in Javakhk. According to Karapetian, in Iran the Armenian historical and cultural monuments are protected by the government. He said that many years ago, an organization engaged in studying Armenian architecture numbered the stones of Church Tsortsor in Iran and transported them to another place. The church was actually erected again at another place. The work was carried out at the Iranian government's request, as the construction of a new water conduit could result in the church being submerged. It is to be noted, that Karapetian's first monograph entitled "Stone inscriptions of the primordial Aghvank" presents the inscriptions that were preserved in the left-bank regions of the River Kura-historical Aghvank, Shaki, Vardashen, Shamakhi, Agsu and Yevlakh, the regions of the present-day Azerbaijan. 1,300 Armenian monuments, including stone inscriptions dated the sixth century, were registered as a result of the studies conducted in that territory. Recently published, "The Armenian cultural monuments in the regions forcibly annexed to Soviet Azerbaijan" deals with the historical monuments discovered during research works in the territory bordering on Nagorno Artsax - Kashatag, Zangelan, Jabrail, Fizuli, and other regions. Karapatian said that the studies were conducted in the territory which, according to the world community, was occupied by Armenians, "but it is a territory where we come across Armenian khach-kars everywhere." As a result of the research works, which have been carried out since 1979, numerous ancient Armenian settlements were discovered and are now presented in the book. About 600 photos with necessary information are provided on 1,700 Armenian cultural monuments. But the territory of Nagorno Artsax has not been studied so far. The aforementioned monographs, which were published by the "Gitutyun" publishing house underwent serious scientific expert examination, and are the first three volumes of the series of books published by the Research of Armenian Architecture (RAA) organization. RAA launched its activities in Germany in the late 1960s, but it was not until 1982 that it was officially registered. The organization's branch in Armenia was established in 1998. The founder of the organization is a citizen of Germany, Doctor of Architecture Armen Akhnazarian. The goal of the organization is conducting a thorough study of Armenian historical monuments outside Armenia - in the territory of historical Armenia and in the Diaspora. The organization so far has sent 40 scientific expeditions to Western Armenia - present-day Turkey - and to Cilicia. Another scientific expedition to Akn-Arabkir, the right bank of the Euphrates, will be launched in 20 days. In the future, on the occasion of the 1700th anniversary of the proclamation of Christianity in Armenia, a number of works authored by the members of the organization will be published. Among them are "The Cloisters of the Basin of Lake Van", "Architecture of Nor Julfa," "Armenians in Kakhetia" and others. It is to be noted that the books published by the RAA, including the book "The Armenian Cultural Monuments in the regions forcibly annexed to Soviet Azerbaijan", which was published in Russian, will soon be translated into English and sent to the libraries of universities of Armenia and other countries. Karapetian said that RAA members are also engaged in restoring ancient monuments. The small church of Dadivank is currently under restoration and will be completed in autumn. 3. ARS, Homenetmen Receive State Funding * Wildman and Frommer play key roles in securing assistance package. GLENDALE—On the Friday before the July 4 weekend, Governor Gray Davis signed and approved the State Budget passed by the California State Legislature, which included more than half a million dollars for Armenian community based organizations including the Armenian Relief Society and the Homenetmen General Athletic Union. The Homenetmen Ararat Chapter of Glendale received $158,000 to upgrade their facilities in order to better serve the thousands of scouts and athletes who participate in their programs. On Saturday, July 1, a day after Governor Davis had approved the budget, Ararat Chapter Executive Director Armond Gorgorian and Chapter Chairperson Lilit Baghdasarian, along with Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region Chairman Berdj Karapetian and Executive Director Vicken Sonentz-Papazian, met with Assemblyman Wildman to express their appreciation for his assistance in securing the funds. In response, Wildman praised Homenetmen for the valuable contributions it provides to the community and added that, from the moment he took office in 1996, both he and his wife Arlene were embraced by the Armenian American community, making it easier to identify the community's needs and concerns. On Monday, July 3, Democratic nominee for the 43rd State Assembly seat, Dario Frommer paid a visit to the Armenian Relief Society's Regional Headquarters in Glendale to meet with representatives of the ARS and other community based organizations including New Horizons and We Care for Youth to announce that more than $250,000 had been allocated to initiate and expand local programs targeting the needs of at-risk youth and gang violence through counseling programs. During the gathering ARS representatives praised Frommer for his valuable assistance in working with the State Legislature and Governor's Office to assure that funds were set aside for the programs. When notified that the funding was approved by the Governor, ARS Western Region Chairperson Marie Chalian Read remarked that the additional moneys would" help expand services and reach and counsel youngsters and families." During the meeting at the ARS Center, ARS Regional Board Member Anita Haddad outlined the many ARS programs currently in place and felt confident that the state allocated funds would prove invaluable in effectively outreaching to the Armenian and Latino youth. 4. Yesayan Re-Elected Artsax Parliament Speaker STEPANAKERT (Armenpress)—The Nagorno-Artsax Republic National Assembly Wednesday held its first session, during which Oleg Yesayan was re-elected as the speaker of the parliament In the speaker election process, two parliament members were nominate, Oleg Yesayan of the Democratic Organization of Artsax and Maxim Mirzoyan of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation. Following a lengthy discussion on the election processes and debate about the candidates, the ARF parliamentary bloc decided that it would not take part in the election. Of the remaining 24 representatives 22 voted for Yesayan, while two votes were deemed invalid. Present at the inaugural session of Artsax's third parliament were Archbishop Parkev Martirossian, Primate of the Artsakh Diocese and Artsax Central Electoral Commission chairman Sergey Davitian. Before convening the legislative session, Archbishop Martirossian blessed the parliament, following which Davitian, reiterated that the entire parliamentary election process has been deemed valid and that all 33 representatives were elected fairly. Meanwhile, nine of the elections have been called into question and cases have been filed in the Artsax supreme court, which, per Artsax law, will have 30 days to determine the validity of the vote, based on testimony and data. Of the nine complaints, five have been filed by members in the ARF candidate pool. 5. Artsax ARF Bloc Holds Press Conference STEPANAKERT (Armenpress)—The Armenian Revolutionary Federation Central Committee of Artsax and the Artsax ARF parliamentary bloc members held a press conference Wednesday, prior to the convention of the legislature inaugural session. The conference aimed at reporting to the press, the party's envisioned plans, goals and projects for the upcoming five years. ARF Central Committee chairman Grish Hayrapetian, in referring to Artsax's internal political situation, as well as his party's posturing reported that the current National Assembly does not have a majority. In the election no party garnered the majority status. Hayrapetian also remarked on the recent actions of the pro-government Democratic Organization of Artsax. The ARF leader called DOK's actions inexplicable and driven by "shadow politics." The ARF parliamentary bloc chairman Vahram Balyan also spoke during the conference. He too expressed concern and dismay at the fact that elections in his district are being called into question, despite an official CEC report validating elections in all districts. 6. President's US, France Visit Produce A Success YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)—The main stress of President Robert Kocharian's recent visits to the United States and France was laid on the possibilities of promoting economic cooperation. Kocharian's spokesman Vahe Gabrielian quoted the heads of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank as expressing satisfaction with the situation getting stable in Armenia. The heads of the two prestigious financial organizations hailed the initial steps of the Armenian authorities directed against corruption and expressed their readiness to continue cooperation with Armenia. They also said they expected the Armenian Government to fulfill its budget commitments. The sides agreed that in the future the IMF and WB funds will be primarily directed at the implementation of investment programs, and the earlier reached agreements, that is the agreed size of allocations, will be respected nonetheless. Vahe Gabrielian was pleased to note that Armenia is regaining its confidence in international financial institutions and foreign countries. To cite examples for his statement, Gabrielian referred to the fact that the WB Multilateral International Guarantees Agency will provide guarantees for Armenia's share in the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Bank. The World Bank has also reaffirmed its intention to arrange a business forum to attract investments to Armenia. The presidential press secretary singled out Kocharian's meeting with the President of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), which resulted in the OPIC's affirming its position to participate in the current economic processes in Armenia. Gabrielian described as Kocharian's meeting with Kirk Krikorian, an American businessman of Armenian origin, as "exceedingly important." Krikorian allocated $100 million for the implementation of credit programs in Armenia and as much for road construction and earthquake zone rehabilitation projects. However, the allocation of the money mean for road construction projects was slowed down because of some technical difficulties related to US legislation. During Kocharian's stay in the US this problem was solved, and in the near future millions of dollars will be allocated for the construction and reconstruction of several sections of the Yerevan-Tbilisi road on the Armenian side. From these funds Krikorian also allocated a large sum for the earthquake zone. These funds as well as the funds foreseen under agreements reached by Kocharian in the US Congress make a pretty solid sum that make one feel optimistic about the possibility of relieving the problem of construction of houses, schools and hospitals in the earthquake zone in the near future. Gabrielian reported that about 20 million dollars of the US aid to Armenia in 2001 will be earmarked for the disaster zone. During a meeting with the US Trade Representative, the sides discussed the process of Armenia's membership in the World Trade Organization. The Armenian president thinks that the process is following its normal course and the issue is most likely to be solved in the near future. The US Trade Representative expressed a hope that Armenia will become a member of the WTO this year. The issue of broadening economic cooperation and promoting US and French investments in Armenia was the main subject of discussion during Kocharian's meetings with these countries' leaders. The president, in particular, expressed satisfaction with the work of the US-Armenian task force. The task force will finally identify the areas for cooperation soon and will gather for its second meeting in Washington in September. During Kocharian's meetings with the US and French presidents, the sides discussed ways of boosting bilateral relations and invigorating economic cooperation. Kocharian discussed issues with French President Jacques Chirac in the context of Armenia-EU relations, since France took over the EU rotating chairmanship on July 1. At the invitation of the French President, Kocharian will pay an official visit to France in February 2001. For his part, Jacques Chirac accepted Kocharian's invitation to visit Armenia. Kocharian discussed the Artsax conflict resolution as well as other issues of regional concern with the presidents of the US and France. Vahe Gabrielian emphasized that the three co-chairing countries attach importance to direct meetings and are willing to support any decision agreed upon by all the parties to the conflict. While in France, the president of Armenia awarded renowned French singer of Armenian descent Charles Aznavour with a St. Mesrop Mashtots Order, which was awarded to him two years ago. 7. Armenia's Defense Chief To Visit US In Late July YEREVAN (Armenpress)—Armenia's defense minister Serzh Sarkisian will visit the US in late July. He is scheduled to meet with his US counterpart William Cohen July 24, the Golos Armenii semi-weekly reported. Sarkisian is quoted saying that "Armenia and US have contiguity points in military cooperation. Armenia is located in a region that is obligated to accept all constructive proposals." Sarkisian did not rule out that a document, having no relations to military cooperation, may be signed during his visit. "The document relates generally to Armenia," said the defense minister refusing to go into details. 8. Kocharian Offers Condolences On Oshagan's Death YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)—President Robert Kocharian gave his deepest condolences to the family of Vahe Oshagan on the death of the prominent poet. Kocharian's message reads: "It was with deep sorrow in our hearts that we learned the news about the death of Vahe Oshagan, a prominent poet, artist and outstanding public figure. His poetry, publishing activities, translations and studies of literature are one of the brightest manifestations of the cultural life of the Armenian Diaspora and his passing away is a big loss for Armenian literature. Let me offer my deepest condolences to the relatives of the Great Son of the Armenian people as well as to all those who admire his undying art." 9. All Obligations To Be Imposed On Armenia By CE Are In Harmony With Our Wishes YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)—At the plenary session June 28 the Parliament Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) voted for Armenia's full membership in the Council of Europe, which became a landmark event in Armenian history, Chairman of the National Assembly Armen Khachatrian said in a news conference July 3. The NA chairman pointed out that "new prospects, a new European geography for Armenia's development and many political and later economic opportunities were created," opportunities which will enable Armenia to get closer to European countries as far as possible, to harmonize its laws, culture and education, bring human rights and freedoms in conformity to European standards and thereby follow the European countries in their way of progress". The PACE decision will be affirmed in the CE Committee of Ministers in September or November. However, Khachatrian said that "there is no danger," as this affirmation has ceremonial value only. As for the obligations to be imposed on Armenia by CE, there are preconditions to fulfill them, and "all the obligations to be imposed are consonant with our wishes." "We have to do a lot in the political, juridical and economic spheres, as well as in connection with the Artsax conflict. I would like to assure you that the fulfillment of the requirements set to us will drastically promote the democratic processes in Armenia," Khachatrian said. According to the agreements achieved, the CE Development Bank will render financial assistance to keep the processes alive. The chairman of the National Assembly also stated that if Armenia could move forward after its admission to the CE, this would promote the development of our economy. In this case we will have an opportunity first of all to focus our attention on the press because we are well aware of the power and influence the mass media has. It should be noted that one of the CE requirements is the adoption of a new law on mass media through which the mass media will get new fundamental freedoms and certain protectability. 10. Kocharian Addresses Nation On Constitution Day YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)—President Robert Kocharian addressed the nation on the occasion of Armenia's Constitution Day marked on July 5. In his message the President said: "Dear compatriots, I congratulate you on the occasion of our Constitution Day. The Basic Law of the Republic of Armenia expresses the collective will of our nation to build a social, law-abiding and democratic state. The adoption of the Constitution is a historical event for every state and the strict enforcement of the Constitution is a criterion of civil society and duty for every nation. The Constitution of the Republic of Armenia, which is the basis of our national system of law, was called to life to guarantee the rights and liberties of our citizens, ensure civic solidarity and confirm our commitment to panhuman values. Stipulating the principles of democracy and rule of law and bearing an exceptional importance in itself, the Constitution, nevertheless, is the product of a definite period of time and needs improving, which is dictated by today's reality and new imperatives. Constitutional reforms must be carried out simultaneously with the country's advancement. We are marking our Constitution Day today confident that the Basic Law of our country will serve both today's generation and generations to come." 11. Catholicos Aram I To Pay A Visit To Iran ANTILLES (Armenpress)—The Catholicos of the Holy See Cilicia Aram I received the Iranian extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassador to Lebanon Mr. Mohammed Ali Sabhani who was accompanied by the Embassy responsible for the political issues July 4. According to the press service in the Holy See of Cilicia, issues concerning the present situation in Lebanon and the visit of Catholicos Aram I to Iran were discussed during the meeting. Catholicos Aram I is to leave for Iran on Wednesday. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Please send your comments and questions to AsbarezOnline@asbarez.com. We also encourage suggestions on improving our online services. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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