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TOP STORIES
07/12/2004
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1. Lennmarker Underscores Karabagh Security
2. Armenian, Greek Americans Disappointed at President Bush's Push to Get
Turkey into EU
3. OSCE Minsk Group Mediators Begin Tour of Region with Armenia
4. House Foreign Aid Bill Passes Second Hurdle
5. Both Russia, Georgia Say Eager to Settle South Ossetia Conflict
6. NEWS BRIEFS
1. Lennmarker Underscores Karabagh Security
YEREVAN (Yerkir)--National Assembly Vice Speaker Vahan Hovhannisian rebuffed
reports in the Armenian press that the Organization for Security and
Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) has raised the issue of returning "occupied
territories," to Azerbaijan.
Hovhannisian, who heads the Armenian delegation to the OSCE Parliamentary
Assembly, told a news conference on Monday that OSCE rapporteur Goran
Lennmarker's draft report on the Karabagh makes no mention of Azerbaijan's
territorial integrity.
"During his meeting with the Armenian and Azeri delegations, Lennmarker
addressed all of the occupied territories--including parts of the Shahumian
and
Martuni districts under the Azeri occupation--but in the context of de-mining
and eliminating of other hurdles for the return of residents," clarified
Hovhannisian.
"In fact," explained Hovhannisian, "the Azeris were seriously concerned that
the document did not make mention of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity."
The document apparently does not address the issue of Mountainous Karabagh
Republic's status, concentrating instead, on its security.
Hovhannisian revealed that the Armenian delegation managed to thwart Azeri
attempts to include a section in the resolution, that recognizes "uncontrolled
territories" are a haven for drug and weapons trafficking.
2. Armenian, Greek Americans Disappointed at President Bush's Push to Get
Turkey into EU
ANCA, AHI send letter to White House after Bush's Istanbul speech praising
Turkey's treatment of minorities
WASHINGTON, DC (ANCA)--The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) and
the American Hellenic Institute (AHI) expressed their profound disappointment
over recent remarks by President Bush praising Turkey's treatment of
minorities
and calling for that nation's acceptance in the European Union.
During his official visit to Istanbul, Turkey to participate in the NATO
summit, President Bush repeatedly called for the European Union to support
Turkey's candidacy for membership. "Turkey is a strong, secular democracy, a
majority Muslim society, and a close ally of free nations," Bush noted, and
continued, "with 150 years of democratic and social reform, stands as a model
to others, and as Europe's bridge to the wider world."
ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian and AHI President Gene Rossides, in a July 8
letter to the President, point out, "the reality is that Turkey is neither
secular nor democratic and, if anything, represents a negative role model for
the states of the region. Over the past one hundred and fifty years,
successive
Turkish governments have been characterized by their violence toward their own
citizens, their disdain for democracy, and their aggression against
neighboring
states. . . Significantly, during this period, Turkey has dealt with its
minority populations by committing genocide against Armenians, massacring and
driving Pontians and other Greeks from its shores, denying the existence of
its
Kurdish citizens, and restricting the rights of Christians to worship freely."
Responding to calls by President Bush for European leaders to endorse Turkish
membership in the European Union, Rossides and Hachikian stated that "Turkey's
candidacy for this European institution does not enjoy the backing of our
nation's citizens, who recognize that the Turkish government falls far
short of
meeting even the most basic standards of democracy and human rights that we
embrace as Americans. Nor does Turkey's application have the support of
Europeans--including European Greeks and Armenians--who clearly reject
Turkey's
candidacy."
ANCA and AHI concerns about continued US calls for Turkish membership in the
European Union are shared by ANCA affiliates across Europe, who have actively
worked with activists in their respective countries urging European leaders to
bar Turkey's membership due to a range of issues, including significant human
rights violations and Turkey's failure to recognize the Armenian genocide. In
1987, the European Parliament adopted a resolution calling on Turkey to
acknowledge the Armenian genocide and to establish political dialogue with
representatives of the Armenian people as a precondition for European Union
membership.
In addition to the joint letter to President Bush, ANCA representatives
attended an American Hellenic Institute sponsored forum on Capitol Hill last
week regarding Turkey's illegal occupation of Cyprus. The event was titled
"Cyprus: 30 Years Later--An Assessment of the Annan Plan and Where Do We Go
>From Here." Guest speakers at the forum included noted author and television
commentator Christopher Hitchens, Congressional Hellenic Caucus Co-Chairman
Michael Bilirakis (R-FL), Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Frank Pallone
(D-NJ) as well as Representatives Brad Sherman (D-CA), and Rob Andrews (D-NJ).
ANCA Government Affairs Director Abraham Niziblian and Capital Gateway Program
Director Arsineh Khachikian led a delegation of ANCA "Leo Sarkisian"
Internship
participants to the luncheon, which was attended by several dozen
Congressional
staff members and a broad range of Greek and Cypriot American activists.
ANCA/AHI letter to President Bush
July 8, 2004
The Honorable George W. Bush
President of the United States
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mr. President:
We are writing to express the profound disappointment of our nation's Greek
and Armenian American communities over your remarks of June 29th forcefully
advocating for Turkey's membership in the European Union.
Turkey's candidacy for this European institution does not enjoy the
backing of
our nation's citizens, who recognize that the Turkish government falls far
short of meeting even the most basic standards of democracy and human rights
that we embrace as Americans. Nor does Turkey's application have the
support of
Europeans--including European Greeks and Armenians--who clearly reject
Turkey's
candidacy. Beyond the specific problems with Turkey's eligibility, we also
want
to share with you our reservations about the propriety of a US President
seeking to direct the internal decision-making of our European allies
regarding
the conduct of their diplomacy and multilateral affairs. Turkey's membership
is, ultimately, a European decision.
In your remarks, you argued that, "Turkey is a strong, secular democracy, a
majority Muslim society, and a close ally of free nations." You added that
Turkey "with 150 years of democratic and social reform, stands as a model to
others, and as Europe's bridge to the wider world." The reality is that Turkey
is neither secular nor democratic and, if anything, represents a negative role
model for the states of the region. Over the past one hundred and fifty years,
successive Turkish governments have been characterized by their violence
toward
their own citizens, their disdain for democracy, and their aggression against
neighboring states. Turkey's aggression against and occupation of 37% of
Cyprus
is now in its 30th year.
Significantly, during this period, Turkey has dealt with its minority
populations by committing genocide against Armenians, massacring and driving
Pontians and other Greeks from its shores, denying the existence of its
Kurdish
citizens, and restricting the rights of Christians to worship freely. Last
April, the Turkish Education Minister Huseyin Celik issued a decree requiring
that all Turkey' school children--Greeks and Armenians included--be taught to
deny the Armenian Genocide. As recently as this February, the State
Department's Country Reports on Human Rights Practices documented that,
"torture, beatings, and other abuses by security forces remained
widespread" in
Turkey.
Extending uncritical support to an unrepentant and unreformed Turkish
government only encourages and enables Turkey's continued refusal to respect
international norms for responsible membership in the family of nations.
Rather
than turning a blind eye to Turkey's serious failings, US interests and
American values would be better served by bringing to bear the full
pressure of
our government to ensure that Turkey meets basic standards for domestic and
international behavior.
Thank you for your consideration of our concerns. As we have noted to you in
the past, we stand ready to meet with you to discuss these and other
matters of
concern to our communities.
Sincerely,
Gene Rossides, President
American Hellenic Institute
Kenneth V. Hachikian, Chairman
Armenian National Committee of America
3. OSCE Minsk Group Mediators Begin Tour of Region with Armenia
YEREVAN (RFE-RL)On the first leg of their regional tour, the French, Russian
and US co-chairs of the OSCE's Minsk Group met on Sunday with senior
representatives of political parties in Armenian parliament. The meeting was
held in the US embassy.
According to Orinats Yerkir party representative, Mher Shahgeldian, the
meeting aimed to "make clear" to everyone that delay in the settlement of
Mountainous Karabagh conflict would bring no dividends to either side.
"They were also seeking better understanding of the positions and approaches
of the policy makers and politicians who are able to influence public opinion
in Armenia," he added.
On Monday the co-chairs held talks with President Robert Kocharian and
Foreign
Minister Vartan Oskanian. They will leave for Stepanakert on Tuesday.
The Russian co-chair Yuri Merzlyakov said he could not unveil the content of
the talks, and stated, "At this stage the consultations between co-chairs and
Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers that have begun in Prague are
continuing." "This time we wanted also to compare our perception of the
results
of Prague consultations with the perception of the sides," Merzlyakov added.
4. House Foreign Aid Bill Passes Second Hurdle
Armenia/Azerbaijan US military aid parity maintained; bill Allocates $65
million in economic assistance for Armenia; $5 million for Mountainous
Karabagh
WASHINGTON, DC--The House Appropriations Committee on Friday voted on the
Fiscal Year 2005 foreign aid bill, affirming an earlier decision by the
Foreign
Operations Subcommittee to maintain parity in US foreign military financing
(FMF) assistance to Armenia and Azerbaijan, reported the Armenian National
Committee of America (ANCA).
The committee, chaired by Florida Republican Bill Young, agreed to
allocate $5
million in military financing assistance to Armenia and Azerbaijan,
respectively, as opposed to President Bush's earlier request of $8 million for
Azerbaijan and $2 million for Armenia. The committee also supported an earmark
of $65 million in US assistance to Armenia, and $5 million for Mountainous
Karabagh. By contrast, the Bush Administration had requested $62 million for
Armenia and had not specified any funding level for Mountainous Karabagh.
With the adoption of this measure by the Appropriations Committee, the foreign
aid bill will move to the full House for a vote. The Senate version of the
bill
will follow a similar path.
5. Both Russia, Georgia Say Eager to Settle South Ossetia Conflict
TBILISI (BBC/Eurasianet/Interfax/Itar-Tass)--The co-chairman of the mixed
controlling commission, set up to maintain a handle on the Georgian-Ossetian
conflict, met last Sunday and decided to hold a high-level meeting to find a
settlement to the latest outbreaks in South Ossetia.
Georgia's National Security Chief Guela Bejuashvili, and his Russian
counterpart Igor Ivanov, along with the Georgian, Russian, South Ossetian and
North Ossetian co-chairmen of the Commission are scheduled to meet in
Moscow on
July 14.
Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili praised Russia, on Sunday, saying
he is
convinced Russia is not interested in using force to quell the situation in
South Ossetia. "Russia's special envoy Lev Mironov has been sent to settle the
conflict. Mironov is demonstrating constructive approaches," Saakashvili told
journalists at the government building in Tbilisi.
Saakashvili did charge that "certain forces in Russia" are preparing for
"aggression against Georgia," the news site Civil Georgia reported. Calling on
Putin to "restrain these forces," Saakashvili warned that any armed
conflict in
South Ossetia would not be a fight between Georgians and Ossetians, but would
become "a serious problem between the two countries, Georgia and Russia."
Like Moscow, Tbilisi has been quick to take credit for avoiding a full-scale
armed conflict in the territory. "Due to coordinated activities by the
Georgian
government, international support and because of frequent contact with Russia
and the United States, Georgia has avoided the bloody conflict which [South
Ossetian leader Eduard] Kokoev and his backers in Russia wanted to launch,"
Civil Georgia reported Saakashvili as saying upon a July 12 departure for
London.
"Kokoev will not succeed. Tbilisi is prepared for talks on South Ossetia's
status as a part of Georgia. The most important thing for us is to preserve
peace. South Ossetia will be reintegrated into Georgia in just one year," the
president said.
In the latest fighting on Sunday, four Georgian soldiers were wounded.
Violence broke out when separatist forces opened fire at Georgian troops
in an
ethnically-Georgian village in South Ossetia.
A few days earlier, South Ossetia came close to renewed hostilities when
separatists detained a group of Georgian peacekeepers for 24 hours, forcing
them to their knees in a humiliating display that was broadcast on Georgian
television.
It came after Georgian troops impounded two Russian lorries which were
carrying military equipment to the region.
Russia, which jointly patrols the region with Georgian and South Ossetian
troops, said the arms were needed for peacekeeping purposes.
There have been angry exchanges between Moscow and Tbilisi over the last few
days.
South Ossetia broke away from Georgia in the early 1990s after a war that
followed the collapse of the Soviet Union. It claimed independence from
Georgia
and wants to join North Ossetia, which is ethnically similar and part of
Russia.
6. NEWS BRIEFS
EU Ready to Support Nuclear Plant Security Measures
YEREVAN (ARMENPRESS)The European Union (EU) announced that it is ready to
provide Armenia with 4-5 million euros for the implementation of security
measures at the nuclear power plant. According to the Head of the European
Commission Delegation in Armenia and Georgia, Torben Holtze, Armenia must
present a thorough proposal before receiving the funds. Holtze added that the
offer has no bearing on the organization's willingness to allocate 100 million
euros for the power plant's closure.
President Mohammad Khatami to Visit Azerbaijan
BAKU (ARMENPRESS)Iranian President Mohammad Khatami is scheduled to spend the
first ten days of August on an official visit to Azerbaijan. The details of
the
president's visit will be announced during Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar
Mamediarov's visit to Iran at the end of the month.
According to an Azeri news source, several documents--including a reportedly
major political declaration--that are now being drafted, will be signed by
both
sides during the visit.
Azeri 525 daily writes that the visit of the Iranian president was
expected in
1998. President Heydar Aliyev made two official visits to Iran-one in 1994 and
another in 2002. According to the Azeri daily, the Iranian head of state
declined Azeri invitations during the eight year period due to considerations
linked to Caspian Sea politics. The Iranian president is expected to visit
Armenia later on this year.
$48,000 Pledged for Construction of Disabled Persons Center
YEREVAN (ARMENPRESS)Levon Nersisian, the chairman of the Astghik (Starlet)
union of handicapped people, announced that nine international and local
organizations have pledged $42,000 for the development of a rehabilitation
center. The center is to be built on two hectares of government allocated land
in Yerevan's Nor York community. It will serve as the home of the "Hope
Shelter" program, which Nersisian said will require $6 million dollars and
adhere to internationally accepted standards of care for the disabled. When
complete, 60 children will be placed under the care of a 148-member staff. The
center will also accommodate local senior citizens and elderly tourists.
Kocharian Receives Indonesian Ambassador
YEREVAN (ARMENPRESS)On Monday, Armenian President Robert Kocharian received
Indonesian Ambassador to Armenia Remi Romauli Siahan, who is ending his
two-year long diplomatic mission in Armenia. According to president press
services, the ambassador thanked the Armenian government for the support it
provided him during his tenure. The sides discussed bilateral relations and
prospects for their development.
Georgia Protests Against Violation of its Air Space
TBILISI (ARMENPRESS)On July 11 the Georgian Foreign Ministry expressed its
disapproval over the violation of Georgia's airspace by Russian forces and
assessed the incident as being "another provocation aimed at aggravating and
escalating the situation in the breakaway region of South Ossetia."
On July 11, at 6:34 am, a military aircraft penetrated Georgian airspace over
the South Ossetian region of the Georgian-Russian border. The aircraft
penetrated Georgian airspace, usually reserved for commercial airlines, and
stayed in the region for 6 minutes heading back toward Russia. The Georgian
Foreign Ministry claims that the Russia continues the illegal delivery of
armored vehicles and equipment into Georgia.
French-Armenian Bicycle Marathon Launched
YEREVAN (ARMENPRESS)Approximately 40 children from Armenian and French
orphanages started a twelve-day bicycle marathon on Sunday that is jointly
organized by the French Pa-de-Calais Orphanages Association and the Armenian
Bicycles Sports Federation. During the marathon, participants will pass
through
several of Armenians regions, including mountainous areas. Pa-de-Calais
Orphanage Association head, Francis Rambo, said that they seek to promote
friendship and healthy competition amongst the children of the two nations.
Armenian Health Minister Visits Karabagh
STEPANAKERT (ARMENPRESS)On July 9, Mountainous Karabagh Republic President
Arkady Ghoukasian received an Armenian Health Ministry delegation, headed by
minister Norayr Davidian.
According to presidential press services, Davidian reported that their
delegation has visited a number of hospitals, met with medical personnel and
patients and the Mountainous Karabagh ministerial employees to learn about the
health sector of the country. The problems which exist, the services reported,
could be ameliorated through the joint efforts of the two ministries. Davidian
assured the president that his ministry is ready and willing to support
Karabagh in a variety of ways, including the training of medical personnel and
improving the technological capacity of hospitals.
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TOP STORIES
07/12/2004
TO ACCESS PREVIOUS ASBAREZ ONLINE EDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR
WEBSITE AT <http://www.asbarez.com/>HTTP://WWW.ASBAREZ.COM
1. Lennmarker Underscores Karabagh Security
2. Armenian, Greek Americans Disappointed at President Bush's Push to Get
Turkey into EU
3. OSCE Minsk Group Mediators Begin Tour of Region with Armenia
4. House Foreign Aid Bill Passes Second Hurdle
5. Both Russia, Georgia Say Eager to Settle South Ossetia Conflict
6. NEWS BRIEFS
1. Lennmarker Underscores Karabagh Security
YEREVAN (Yerkir)--National Assembly Vice Speaker Vahan Hovhannisian rebuffed
reports in the Armenian press that the Organization for Security and
Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) has raised the issue of returning "occupied
territories," to Azerbaijan.
Hovhannisian, who heads the Armenian delegation to the OSCE Parliamentary
Assembly, told a news conference on Monday that OSCE rapporteur Goran
Lennmarker's draft report on the Karabagh makes no mention of Azerbaijan's
territorial integrity.
"During his meeting with the Armenian and Azeri delegations, Lennmarker
addressed all of the occupied territories--including parts of the Shahumian
and
Martuni districts under the Azeri occupation--but in the context of de-mining
and eliminating of other hurdles for the return of residents," clarified
Hovhannisian.
"In fact," explained Hovhannisian, "the Azeris were seriously concerned that
the document did not make mention of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity."
The document apparently does not address the issue of Mountainous Karabagh
Republic's status, concentrating instead, on its security.
Hovhannisian revealed that the Armenian delegation managed to thwart Azeri
attempts to include a section in the resolution, that recognizes "uncontrolled
territories" are a haven for drug and weapons trafficking.
2. Armenian, Greek Americans Disappointed at President Bush's Push to Get
Turkey into EU
ANCA, AHI send letter to White House after Bush's Istanbul speech praising
Turkey's treatment of minorities
WASHINGTON, DC (ANCA)--The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) and
the American Hellenic Institute (AHI) expressed their profound disappointment
over recent remarks by President Bush praising Turkey's treatment of
minorities
and calling for that nation's acceptance in the European Union.
During his official visit to Istanbul, Turkey to participate in the NATO
summit, President Bush repeatedly called for the European Union to support
Turkey's candidacy for membership. "Turkey is a strong, secular democracy, a
majority Muslim society, and a close ally of free nations," Bush noted, and
continued, "with 150 years of democratic and social reform, stands as a model
to others, and as Europe's bridge to the wider world."
ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian and AHI President Gene Rossides, in a July 8
letter to the President, point out, "the reality is that Turkey is neither
secular nor democratic and, if anything, represents a negative role model for
the states of the region. Over the past one hundred and fifty years,
successive
Turkish governments have been characterized by their violence toward their own
citizens, their disdain for democracy, and their aggression against
neighboring
states. . . Significantly, during this period, Turkey has dealt with its
minority populations by committing genocide against Armenians, massacring and
driving Pontians and other Greeks from its shores, denying the existence of
its
Kurdish citizens, and restricting the rights of Christians to worship freely."
Responding to calls by President Bush for European leaders to endorse Turkish
membership in the European Union, Rossides and Hachikian stated that "Turkey's
candidacy for this European institution does not enjoy the backing of our
nation's citizens, who recognize that the Turkish government falls far
short of
meeting even the most basic standards of democracy and human rights that we
embrace as Americans. Nor does Turkey's application have the support of
Europeans--including European Greeks and Armenians--who clearly reject
Turkey's
candidacy."
ANCA and AHI concerns about continued US calls for Turkish membership in the
European Union are shared by ANCA affiliates across Europe, who have actively
worked with activists in their respective countries urging European leaders to
bar Turkey's membership due to a range of issues, including significant human
rights violations and Turkey's failure to recognize the Armenian genocide. In
1987, the European Parliament adopted a resolution calling on Turkey to
acknowledge the Armenian genocide and to establish political dialogue with
representatives of the Armenian people as a precondition for European Union
membership.
In addition to the joint letter to President Bush, ANCA representatives
attended an American Hellenic Institute sponsored forum on Capitol Hill last
week regarding Turkey's illegal occupation of Cyprus. The event was titled
"Cyprus: 30 Years Later--An Assessment of the Annan Plan and Where Do We Go
>From Here." Guest speakers at the forum included noted author and television
commentator Christopher Hitchens, Congressional Hellenic Caucus Co-Chairman
Michael Bilirakis (R-FL), Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Frank Pallone
(D-NJ) as well as Representatives Brad Sherman (D-CA), and Rob Andrews (D-NJ).
ANCA Government Affairs Director Abraham Niziblian and Capital Gateway Program
Director Arsineh Khachikian led a delegation of ANCA "Leo Sarkisian"
Internship
participants to the luncheon, which was attended by several dozen
Congressional
staff members and a broad range of Greek and Cypriot American activists.
ANCA/AHI letter to President Bush
July 8, 2004
The Honorable George W. Bush
President of the United States
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mr. President:
We are writing to express the profound disappointment of our nation's Greek
and Armenian American communities over your remarks of June 29th forcefully
advocating for Turkey's membership in the European Union.
Turkey's candidacy for this European institution does not enjoy the
backing of
our nation's citizens, who recognize that the Turkish government falls far
short of meeting even the most basic standards of democracy and human rights
that we embrace as Americans. Nor does Turkey's application have the
support of
Europeans--including European Greeks and Armenians--who clearly reject
Turkey's
candidacy. Beyond the specific problems with Turkey's eligibility, we also
want
to share with you our reservations about the propriety of a US President
seeking to direct the internal decision-making of our European allies
regarding
the conduct of their diplomacy and multilateral affairs. Turkey's membership
is, ultimately, a European decision.
In your remarks, you argued that, "Turkey is a strong, secular democracy, a
majority Muslim society, and a close ally of free nations." You added that
Turkey "with 150 years of democratic and social reform, stands as a model to
others, and as Europe's bridge to the wider world." The reality is that Turkey
is neither secular nor democratic and, if anything, represents a negative role
model for the states of the region. Over the past one hundred and fifty years,
successive Turkish governments have been characterized by their violence
toward
their own citizens, their disdain for democracy, and their aggression against
neighboring states. Turkey's aggression against and occupation of 37% of
Cyprus
is now in its 30th year.
Significantly, during this period, Turkey has dealt with its minority
populations by committing genocide against Armenians, massacring and driving
Pontians and other Greeks from its shores, denying the existence of its
Kurdish
citizens, and restricting the rights of Christians to worship freely. Last
April, the Turkish Education Minister Huseyin Celik issued a decree requiring
that all Turkey' school children--Greeks and Armenians included--be taught to
deny the Armenian Genocide. As recently as this February, the State
Department's Country Reports on Human Rights Practices documented that,
"torture, beatings, and other abuses by security forces remained
widespread" in
Turkey.
Extending uncritical support to an unrepentant and unreformed Turkish
government only encourages and enables Turkey's continued refusal to respect
international norms for responsible membership in the family of nations.
Rather
than turning a blind eye to Turkey's serious failings, US interests and
American values would be better served by bringing to bear the full
pressure of
our government to ensure that Turkey meets basic standards for domestic and
international behavior.
Thank you for your consideration of our concerns. As we have noted to you in
the past, we stand ready to meet with you to discuss these and other
matters of
concern to our communities.
Sincerely,
Gene Rossides, President
American Hellenic Institute
Kenneth V. Hachikian, Chairman
Armenian National Committee of America
3. OSCE Minsk Group Mediators Begin Tour of Region with Armenia
YEREVAN (RFE-RL)On the first leg of their regional tour, the French, Russian
and US co-chairs of the OSCE's Minsk Group met on Sunday with senior
representatives of political parties in Armenian parliament. The meeting was
held in the US embassy.
According to Orinats Yerkir party representative, Mher Shahgeldian, the
meeting aimed to "make clear" to everyone that delay in the settlement of
Mountainous Karabagh conflict would bring no dividends to either side.
"They were also seeking better understanding of the positions and approaches
of the policy makers and politicians who are able to influence public opinion
in Armenia," he added.
On Monday the co-chairs held talks with President Robert Kocharian and
Foreign
Minister Vartan Oskanian. They will leave for Stepanakert on Tuesday.
The Russian co-chair Yuri Merzlyakov said he could not unveil the content of
the talks, and stated, "At this stage the consultations between co-chairs and
Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers that have begun in Prague are
continuing." "This time we wanted also to compare our perception of the
results
of Prague consultations with the perception of the sides," Merzlyakov added.
4. House Foreign Aid Bill Passes Second Hurdle
Armenia/Azerbaijan US military aid parity maintained; bill Allocates $65
million in economic assistance for Armenia; $5 million for Mountainous
Karabagh
WASHINGTON, DC--The House Appropriations Committee on Friday voted on the
Fiscal Year 2005 foreign aid bill, affirming an earlier decision by the
Foreign
Operations Subcommittee to maintain parity in US foreign military financing
(FMF) assistance to Armenia and Azerbaijan, reported the Armenian National
Committee of America (ANCA).
The committee, chaired by Florida Republican Bill Young, agreed to
allocate $5
million in military financing assistance to Armenia and Azerbaijan,
respectively, as opposed to President Bush's earlier request of $8 million for
Azerbaijan and $2 million for Armenia. The committee also supported an earmark
of $65 million in US assistance to Armenia, and $5 million for Mountainous
Karabagh. By contrast, the Bush Administration had requested $62 million for
Armenia and had not specified any funding level for Mountainous Karabagh.
With the adoption of this measure by the Appropriations Committee, the foreign
aid bill will move to the full House for a vote. The Senate version of the
bill
will follow a similar path.
5. Both Russia, Georgia Say Eager to Settle South Ossetia Conflict
TBILISI (BBC/Eurasianet/Interfax/Itar-Tass)--The co-chairman of the mixed
controlling commission, set up to maintain a handle on the Georgian-Ossetian
conflict, met last Sunday and decided to hold a high-level meeting to find a
settlement to the latest outbreaks in South Ossetia.
Georgia's National Security Chief Guela Bejuashvili, and his Russian
counterpart Igor Ivanov, along with the Georgian, Russian, South Ossetian and
North Ossetian co-chairmen of the Commission are scheduled to meet in
Moscow on
July 14.
Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili praised Russia, on Sunday, saying
he is
convinced Russia is not interested in using force to quell the situation in
South Ossetia. "Russia's special envoy Lev Mironov has been sent to settle the
conflict. Mironov is demonstrating constructive approaches," Saakashvili told
journalists at the government building in Tbilisi.
Saakashvili did charge that "certain forces in Russia" are preparing for
"aggression against Georgia," the news site Civil Georgia reported. Calling on
Putin to "restrain these forces," Saakashvili warned that any armed
conflict in
South Ossetia would not be a fight between Georgians and Ossetians, but would
become "a serious problem between the two countries, Georgia and Russia."
Like Moscow, Tbilisi has been quick to take credit for avoiding a full-scale
armed conflict in the territory. "Due to coordinated activities by the
Georgian
government, international support and because of frequent contact with Russia
and the United States, Georgia has avoided the bloody conflict which [South
Ossetian leader Eduard] Kokoev and his backers in Russia wanted to launch,"
Civil Georgia reported Saakashvili as saying upon a July 12 departure for
London.
"Kokoev will not succeed. Tbilisi is prepared for talks on South Ossetia's
status as a part of Georgia. The most important thing for us is to preserve
peace. South Ossetia will be reintegrated into Georgia in just one year," the
president said.
In the latest fighting on Sunday, four Georgian soldiers were wounded.
Violence broke out when separatist forces opened fire at Georgian troops
in an
ethnically-Georgian village in South Ossetia.
A few days earlier, South Ossetia came close to renewed hostilities when
separatists detained a group of Georgian peacekeepers for 24 hours, forcing
them to their knees in a humiliating display that was broadcast on Georgian
television.
It came after Georgian troops impounded two Russian lorries which were
carrying military equipment to the region.
Russia, which jointly patrols the region with Georgian and South Ossetian
troops, said the arms were needed for peacekeeping purposes.
There have been angry exchanges between Moscow and Tbilisi over the last few
days.
South Ossetia broke away from Georgia in the early 1990s after a war that
followed the collapse of the Soviet Union. It claimed independence from
Georgia
and wants to join North Ossetia, which is ethnically similar and part of
Russia.
6. NEWS BRIEFS
EU Ready to Support Nuclear Plant Security Measures
YEREVAN (ARMENPRESS)The European Union (EU) announced that it is ready to
provide Armenia with 4-5 million euros for the implementation of security
measures at the nuclear power plant. According to the Head of the European
Commission Delegation in Armenia and Georgia, Torben Holtze, Armenia must
present a thorough proposal before receiving the funds. Holtze added that the
offer has no bearing on the organization's willingness to allocate 100 million
euros for the power plant's closure.
President Mohammad Khatami to Visit Azerbaijan
BAKU (ARMENPRESS)Iranian President Mohammad Khatami is scheduled to spend the
first ten days of August on an official visit to Azerbaijan. The details of
the
president's visit will be announced during Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar
Mamediarov's visit to Iran at the end of the month.
According to an Azeri news source, several documents--including a reportedly
major political declaration--that are now being drafted, will be signed by
both
sides during the visit.
Azeri 525 daily writes that the visit of the Iranian president was
expected in
1998. President Heydar Aliyev made two official visits to Iran-one in 1994 and
another in 2002. According to the Azeri daily, the Iranian head of state
declined Azeri invitations during the eight year period due to considerations
linked to Caspian Sea politics. The Iranian president is expected to visit
Armenia later on this year.
$48,000 Pledged for Construction of Disabled Persons Center
YEREVAN (ARMENPRESS)Levon Nersisian, the chairman of the Astghik (Starlet)
union of handicapped people, announced that nine international and local
organizations have pledged $42,000 for the development of a rehabilitation
center. The center is to be built on two hectares of government allocated land
in Yerevan's Nor York community. It will serve as the home of the "Hope
Shelter" program, which Nersisian said will require $6 million dollars and
adhere to internationally accepted standards of care for the disabled. When
complete, 60 children will be placed under the care of a 148-member staff. The
center will also accommodate local senior citizens and elderly tourists.
Kocharian Receives Indonesian Ambassador
YEREVAN (ARMENPRESS)On Monday, Armenian President Robert Kocharian received
Indonesian Ambassador to Armenia Remi Romauli Siahan, who is ending his
two-year long diplomatic mission in Armenia. According to president press
services, the ambassador thanked the Armenian government for the support it
provided him during his tenure. The sides discussed bilateral relations and
prospects for their development.
Georgia Protests Against Violation of its Air Space
TBILISI (ARMENPRESS)On July 11 the Georgian Foreign Ministry expressed its
disapproval over the violation of Georgia's airspace by Russian forces and
assessed the incident as being "another provocation aimed at aggravating and
escalating the situation in the breakaway region of South Ossetia."
On July 11, at 6:34 am, a military aircraft penetrated Georgian airspace over
the South Ossetian region of the Georgian-Russian border. The aircraft
penetrated Georgian airspace, usually reserved for commercial airlines, and
stayed in the region for 6 minutes heading back toward Russia. The Georgian
Foreign Ministry claims that the Russia continues the illegal delivery of
armored vehicles and equipment into Georgia.
French-Armenian Bicycle Marathon Launched
YEREVAN (ARMENPRESS)Approximately 40 children from Armenian and French
orphanages started a twelve-day bicycle marathon on Sunday that is jointly
organized by the French Pa-de-Calais Orphanages Association and the Armenian
Bicycles Sports Federation. During the marathon, participants will pass
through
several of Armenians regions, including mountainous areas. Pa-de-Calais
Orphanage Association head, Francis Rambo, said that they seek to promote
friendship and healthy competition amongst the children of the two nations.
Armenian Health Minister Visits Karabagh
STEPANAKERT (ARMENPRESS)On July 9, Mountainous Karabagh Republic President
Arkady Ghoukasian received an Armenian Health Ministry delegation, headed by
minister Norayr Davidian.
According to presidential press services, Davidian reported that their
delegation has visited a number of hospitals, met with medical personnel and
patients and the Mountainous Karabagh ministerial employees to learn about the
health sector of the country. The problems which exist, the services reported,
could be ameliorated through the joint efforts of the two ministries. Davidian
assured the president that his ministry is ready and willing to support
Karabagh in a variety of ways, including the training of medical personnel and
improving the technological capacity of hospitals.
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