Guest Posted September 14, 2000 Report Share Posted September 14, 2000 1.Pentagon Opposes Genocide Bill, Turks Say 2. World Bank Should Change Grant Process, ARF Says 3. Kocharian Meets With Ghoukassian in Artsax 4. EU-Armenia Cooperation Commission Begins Its Second Meeting 5. Pope To Visit Armenia In 2001 6. Artsax Supreme Court Rejects Petition to Move Babayan Trial 7. Melkumian Pleased With EU Interest in Artsax Settlement 8. Three Bengali Citizens Detained while Crossing Border 9. Turkish Soldiers Open Fire on Armenian Border 10. Greek Officials Demand Reopening of Theology School in Turkey 11. Parliamentarian Discusses Preservation of Lake Sevan -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1.Pentagon Opposes Genocide Bill, Turks Say ISTANBUL (Marmara)--The Istanbul-based Marmara Armenian daily newspaper reported Thursday that Turkish public opinion has been focused on the pending resolution in Congress recognizing the Armenian Genocide. Marmara quoted the Turkish Anatolia news agency as reporting that the Pentagon has warned US House Speaker Dennis Hasterst and other Congressional leaders that the passage of H.Res 398 would greatly impact US-Turkish relations and would hinder chances of relations between Turkey and Armenia. The Defense Department officials, reportedly also said that the resolution would negatively effect the outcome of the ongoing Artsax conflict talks. Anatolia said that the Pentagon allegedly warned Congressional leaders that it would behoove the Congress to not sacrifice US-Turkish relations for a domestic matter which has been raised by the Armenian-American lobby. A hearing was scheduled to be held Thursday at the House Sub-Committee on International Operations and Human Rights, during which historical revisionist Justin McCarthy of the University of Louisville (Ky.) and Robert Melson of Purdue University were expected to testify. Also presenting a viewpoint at the hearing was the US State Department. The hearing was to be chaired by sub-committee chairman Rep. Christopher Smith (R-NJ), who has been deemed an "anti-Turk" by the Anatolia news agency. Meanwhile at a press conference in New York, Turkish foreign minister Ismail Cem said that while until now the issue of the resolution was being led by the Armenian-American lobby, today the Armenian government was heading the fight in Congress. Cem criticized Armenian president Robert Kocharian for his remarks last week at the UN Millennium Summit, at which time Kocharian urged Turkey to "come to terms" with history. "Turkey is a large country, and, at the end of the day, it is not affected by such resolutions," Cem told the press conference. "It is a shame that such resolutions take away such valuable time from our Embassy personnel," Cem added. 2. World Bank Should Change Grant Process, ARF Says YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)--The leader of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation parliamentary faction in Armenia Davit Lokian said Thursday that it was imperative for the World Bank to alter the course of its financial assistance to Armenia, in order to better serve the international finance organization's aims at instituting reforms. Lokian was briefing reporters on a meeting held earlier that day with World Bank officials and the ARF parliamentary faction, as part of the World Bank's efforts to gauge the opinion all parliament factions on its future activities in Armenia. Lokian reported that the ARF had suggested the World Bank to direct some of its funding to the agricultural sector. Furthermore, a point of discussion centered around World Bank credits and grants in general. According to practice, all World Bank allocations are included in the annual state budget, which make it difficult to assess and establish the effectiveness of expenditure of the said funds. The ARF proposed that in 2001 the budge indicate which programs are being conducted through World Bank allocations. In other matters, Lokian stated that a special commission to review energy allocations to Armenia since 1992 was currently working with Armenia's prosecutor general's office and a report of the criminal case emanating from the commission's report is scheduled to be presented to the National Assembly on Nov. 1. The ARF leader added that the government-led commission was in the process of assessing mechanisms for returning sums to certain energy providers which were frauded by the government, as the commission's findings indicated. In a related matter, Lokian also commented on the set deadline for the shut down of the Medzamor nuclear power plant. In his remarks, Lokian said that the Armenian government and energy experts in Armenia have produced numerous documents, which provide myriad reasons for not shutting down the Soviet-era plan, which has become a primary source for energy in Armenia. The main issue, Lokian said, was the lack of alternatives for energy resources, if the Medzamor plant were to shut down. Lokian said, given the current rate of economic growth in Armenia, the practical date for the shut down of the power plan can be set between 2010 and 2013. He opined that it would more cost effective to begin the construction of a new plant in Medzamor's vicinity. The discussion was a part of a joint meeting between Armenian and Parliamentary Assembly of Council of Europe members, who raised the plant's closure issue. Lokian stressed that Armenia must become part of the European Union-sponsored energy programs, given that neighboring Azerbaijan and Georgia currently receive 20 million ecus annually. He added that the European Union had expressed interest in the proposed gas pipeline between Armenia and Iran, with the project to be carried out within the EU's INOGATE program. The Armenian government approved on Thursday a three-year plan on the "financial adjustment" of the country's energy sector. The plan calls for tougher measures for the repayment of debts owed to the energy companies by consumers. The total amount of unpaid electricity bills has reached $150 million. In particular, power distribution companies will now be allowed to cut electricity supplies even to government agencies failing to pay or exceeding their consumption limits. The first deputy minister of energy, Robert Nazarian, told reporters after the cabinet session that the measures are vital for the normal functioning of the sector, which itself owes large sums of money to commercial banks and energy resource suppliers. The authorities decided earlier that the future owner of Armenia's state-run energy distribution networks, will be responsible for only a fraction of their debts. The plan also envisages tougher punishment for energy officials responsible for corruption and disproportionately high losses during the electricity transmission. 3. Kocharian Meets With Ghoukassian in Artsax STEPANAKERT (Armenpress)--Armenian president Robert Kocharian, accompanied by the chairman of the Constitutional Court Gagik Harutunian and the executive director of Hayastan Pan-Armenian Fund Vahan Ter-Ghevondian, made a short trip to Artsax Wednesday to meet with president Arkady Ghoukassian, parliament speaker Oleg Yesayan and prime minister Anushavan Danielian. President Kocharian and the Artsax leadership discussed the pace of rehabilitation work in Artsax, particularly, the process of construction of a highway system running north to south in Artsax. President Kocharian also met with local law-makers and members of the government to brief them on the outcome of his participation in the UN Millennium Summit and meeting with Diaspora businessmen. Artsax President Arkady Ghoukassian held a meeting Wednesday with Armenian President Robert Kocharian. Participating in the meeting were Artsax's Prime Minister Anushavan Danielian and Speaker of the Artsax National Assembly Oleg Yesayan. During the meeting attended by Chairman of the Constitutional Court of Armenia Gagik Harutiunian, and Executive Director of the All-Armenian "Hayastan" fund Vahan Ter-Gevondian the sides discussed the problems of restoration works in Artsax, in particular, of the programs implemented by the "Hayastan" fund, as well as the construction of the "North-South" highway. Thereafter, Kocharian and Ghoukassian held a meeting with the members of Artsax's Parliament and other government officials. Kocharian informed those present of the results of the UN Millennium Summit as well as of the results of the Armenian delegation's meetings with Diasporan businessmen. Wednesday evening leaders from Artsax and Armenian discussed the two countries' political, social and economic problems. 4. EU-Armenia Cooperation Commission Begins Its Second Meeting YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)--The Commission for the EU-Armenian Parliamentary Cooperation started its second meeting in Yerevan, Wednesday. The meeting is chaired by Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Foreign Relations Committee Hovhannes Hovhannissian and Chairman of the EU Constitutional Affairs Committee Ursula Schleiher. The first similar meeting was held in Brussels last December. In his welcoming address Speaker of the Armenian National Assembly Armen Khachatrian pointed out the importance of Armenia's involvement in the EU-implemented regional programs. According to Khachatrian, the INOGATE and TRACECA projects can promote regional cooperation. In particular, Armenia's involvement in the INOGATE project may contribute a the solution to the Armenian NPP's problem which is of particular importance to EU-Armenia relations. "The close cooperation between countries of the South Caucasus and the laying of foundations for steady and stable development are all-important elements of regional security and a guarantee of the strengthening of these countries," Khachatrian said. Schleiher expressed confidence that due to the efforts of the Armenian government legislation will be brought to conformity with the European conventions. Pointing out the importance of settling the Artsax conflict, she stressed that the European Parliament is adhering the principles of the Luxembourg Summit that stipulate the need for peaceful settlement of the conflict. Along with environmental and economic problems Ursula Schleiher pointed to the high unemployment level in Armenia, brain drain problems and the need for restraining this process. According to Schleiher, Armenia's membership in the Council of Europe is of great importance, but the CE parliamentary Assembly decided to wait for the results of the parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan. Hovhannissian pointed out that if the results of parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan are not accepted by the CE, Azerbaijan will not be admitted to this organization, which does not mean that Armenia will not be admitted either. He pointed out that the discussion of Armenia's membership in the CE is likely to be postponed until November, but the final terms will be determined on October 4 at a meeting of the CE Ministers' Council. According to Hovhannissian two schemes are possible: the membership of both countries will be discussed either on October 11-12 or after the parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan - at the meeting of the CE Ministers' Council in Strasbourg, November 8-9 5. Pope To Visit Armenia In 2001 YEREVAN (Armenpress)—Bishop Gregory Ghabroyan, the spiritual leader of the Armenian-rite Catholics in Western Europe, announced that the Pope would accept an invitation that will be formally delivered early in November, when His Holiness Garegin II, the head of the Armenian Apostolic Church, visits Rome, CWNews reported. "Pope John Paul II is very anxious to go to Armenia, and the Armenian authorities have already invited him. If his health permits it, the trip should not pose any problem at all," said Bishop Ghabroyan. The year 2001 will furnish an apt occasion for the papal visit, since it marks the 1700th anniversary of the first evangelization of Armenia. Some Vatican insiders have suggested that the papal visit may occur in September of 2001. But Bishop Ghabroyan expressed confidence that an earlier date, perhaps in June of next year would soon be announced officially. 6. Artsax Supreme Court Rejects Petition to Move Babayan Trial YEREVAN (Armenpress)—The counsel for former Artsax defense minister Samvel Babayan, who is accused of a premeditated assassination attempt on the life of Artsax president Arkady Ghoukassian last March 22, issued a statement Wednesday to the Armenian parliament requesting that law-makers join their demand to pass Babayan's trial to an Armenian court. The Supreme court of Artsax has rejected the counsel's petition to move the trial to an Armenian court. Babayan's lawyer Judex Shakarian told Armenpress that the Artsax Supreme court's decision was groundless and ran counter to acting legislation in Artsax along with international norms of human rights protection. The statement says that investigation into all crimes, committed by military servicemen in Artsax over the last two years, have been carried out by Armenia's military prosecution and trials have been conducted in the Karabagh capital Stepanakert by the Syunik provincial court of Armenia. According to Shakarian, Babayan and four other defendants are military servicemen and should be tried by an Armenian court. The Artsax prosecutor's office has set September as the date for Babayan's trial. 7. Melkumian Pleased With EU Interest in Artsax Settlement YEREVAN (Armenpress)—Artsax foreign minister Naira Melkumian met with two senior Europarliament officials, Wednesday. The officials were members of a Europarliament delegation, currently on a visit to Armenia to take part in the second session of European Union-Armenia parliamentary cooperation commission. Melkumian, Pierre Garton and Marie Ann Izler shared their opinions about a peaceful resolution to the Artsax conflict. "We are pleased with the fact that such an authoritative organization as the European Union is concerned with our future and does not miss an opportunity to learn how things are developing there," Melkumian was quoted as saying.. Marie Ann Izler said that unlike in the Balkans, no shootings occur in Artsax and the cease-fire regime, observed by the conflicting sides is a great advantage in seeking a peaceful solution to the conflict. 8. Three Bengali Citizens Detained while Crossing Border YEREVAN (Armenpress)—Three Bengali citizens were detained Tuesday night while attempting to illegally cross into Armenia from Turkey, Itar-Tass reported, Wednesday. The transgressors were detained at about one o'clock local time. An investigation has been launched and the Armenian ministry of national security has been informed of the incident. This is the second time over the past two years that Bengali citizens have violated Armenia's border. 9. Turkish Soldiers Open Fire on Armenian Border YEREVAN (Armenpress)—The Armenian foreign ministry is preparing to issue a letter of protest to the Turkish government following an incident on the Armenia-Turkey border, Monday. Three Turkish servicemen apparently trying to steal cattle grazing on Armenian territory shot at Russian border guards who tried to stop them. The Russian troops fired warning shots in the air in response, and the Turkish troops retreated to their side of the border. No casualties were reported. The Turkish troops had moved 300 meters into Armenian territory near the town of Gumri when Russian guards approached and tried to detain them. "This is not the first such incident, and I think is not the last one," Armenian prime minister Andranik Markarian told reporters ,Wednesday. 10. Greek Officials Demand Reopening of Theology School in Turkey YEREVAN (Armenpress)—EU Commissioner Ferhoigen in a response letter addressed to European Popular Party president Hans-Gert Petering stressed that Turkey is violating the Treaty of Lauzanne regarding the rights of the Greek and Armenian ethnic communities by refusing to allow the reopening of the Theology School in Halki, Greece's Macedonian News Agency reported. Petering mentioned that within the framework of dialogue with Turkish authorities, Turkey has to establish that recognized religious minorities can exercise their rights. He also said that the EU will consider the issue in its regular report on Turkey to be presented in November. A Right-wing group of New Democracy Euro-deputies led by Christos Zacharakis and Antonis Trakatelis submitted a statement calling for the immediate intervention of the EU Commission for the reopening of the Theology School in Halki and the adoption of measures for the protection of religious freedom in Turkey. 11. Parliamentarian Discusses Preservation of Lake Sevan YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)—Leader of the "CPA" parliamentary faction Berj Boshnagian presented the faults of the bill "On Lake Sevan" at a recent news briefing. According to Boshnagian, one structure must deal with the problem of preservation of the lake. It must be a commission acting on a voluntary basis and including relevant experts. Boshnagian pointed out that the problem is now dealt with by the Ministry of Nature Protection, Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Energy. According to the data provided by the Ministry of Agriculture and Energy, they release 197,000,000 cubic meters of water annually from Sevan. Considering the fact that 250,000,000 cubic meters are channeled to the lake through the Arpa-Sevan tunnel, it is unclear why the water-level in the lake is decreasing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.