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ARKA News Agency
March 24 2005
Armenian Ambassador to Iran Karen Nazaryan hands copies of his
credentials to Iranian Foreign Minister
RA President Robert Kocharyan holds a meeting with Heads of
Law-enforcement bodies in regard with the explosion in the morning in
front of the building of RA State Customs Committee
RA Prime Minister Andranik Margaryan condemns the explosion in front
of the building of the RA Customs Committee
Armenian Youth holds a campaign against Phillip Kirkorov~Rs arriving
in Armenia
RA NA Speaker discusses issue of demographic reforms with the
Ambassadors of states-members of the EU
Russia is willing to promote Karabakh problem solution
It is very important to secure integration processes in economic
cooperation between Russia and Armenia
Year of russia in Armenia is large-scale events aimed at
strengthening base of friendly relations between two countries
The relations between Armenia and Russia are characterized as ally
and partner relations
Presentation of www.karabakh.net site of Nagorno-Karabakh Republic~Rs
Government held in Stepanakert
The hockey team from Armenia proves to be the worst team of the world
DW-WORLD: Armenia chosen no colors for ~Svelvet revolution~T yet but
already made some alteration to its foreign policy
Catholicos of All Armenians meets with Sverdlovsk Governor
Vladimir Putin leaves for Yerevan today to take part in opening of
year of Russia in Armenia
Blast near RA Customs Committee
RF President Vladimir Putin arrives in Armenia this evening for a
working visit
************************************************** *******************
ARMENIAN AMBASSADOR TO IRAN KAREN NAZARYAN HANDS COPIES OF HIS
CREDENTIALS TO IRANIAN FOREIGN MINISTER
YEREVAN, March 24. /ARKA/. Armenian Ambassador to Iran Karen Nazaryan
handed copies of his credentials to Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed
Kamal Kharrazi. According to Armenian Foreign Ministry, the sides
noted that Iranian-Armenian political relations reached advanced
level.
Nazaryan assured the Iranian Foreign Minister that he would make all
possible efforts to make ties between the two countries closer. M.V.
-0--
************************************************** *******************
RA PRESIDENT ROBERT KOCHARYAN HOLDS A MEETING WITH HEADS OF
LAW-ENFORCEMENT BODIES IN REGARD WITH THE EXPLOSION IN THE MORNING IN
FRONT OF THE BUILDING OF RA STATE CUSTOMS COMMITTEE
YEREVAN, March 24. /ARKA/. RA President Robert Kocharyan held a
meeting with Heads of Law-enforcement bodies in regard with the
explosion in the morning in front of the building of RA State Customs
Committee. According to RA Government~Rs Press Service, in the course
of the meeting the President was submitted report on the details of
the incident and measures taken. RA Attorney~Rs Office instituted
legal proceedings under Article 305 of RA Criminal Code. Kocharyan
told to take measures to reveal the crime and keep him informed about
the investigation process.
Around 10 a.m. near the RA Customs Committee a blast occurred when
the company of Chief of the Committee Armen Avetisyan drove up to the
entrance. The car was damaged, but Avetisyan was not injured. The
Committee top officials account for the incident by active struggle
against shadow economy, which has been waged since the beginning of
2005 as well as for toughening customs administration. A.H. ~V0--
************************************************** *******************
RA PRIME MINISTER ANDRANIK MARGARYAN CONDEMNS THE EXPLOSION IN FRONT
OF THE BUILDING OF THE RA CUSTOMS COMMITTEE
YEREVAN, March 24. /ARKA/. RA Prime Minister Andranik Margaryan
condemned the explosion in front of the building of the RA Customs
Committee. According to RA Government~Rs Press Service Department,
Margaryan emphasized that ~Sif the attempt to frighten was related to
the current activity of the Committee and Tax Service that activated
their work on combating shady economy, then the initiators of it
should be aware that the structures will continue carrying out the
work consistently, ordered to them by the RA President and Prime
Minister and aimed at ensuring timely completion of the planned
tasks~T. ~SNobody should hope that by such attempts they may somehow
hinder the work of the above mentioned structures ~T, he said.
To remind, today, there was an explosion around 10 a.m. near the
building of State Customs Committee adjunct to RA Government. The
explosion took place at the moment when the office car of the
Chairman of Customs Committee Armen Avetisyan approached the
building. Avetisyan wasn~Rt injured, though the car was damaged.
A.H.~V0~W
************************************************** *******************
ARMENIAN YOUTH HOLDS A CAMPAIGN AGAINST PHILLIP KIRKOROV~RS ARRIVING
IN ARMENIA
YEREVAN, March 24. /ARKA/. Armenian Youth holds a campaign against
Phillip Kirkorov~Rs arriving in Armenia. According to ~SNikol
Aghbalyan~T the students~R union of ARF Dashnaktsutyun, about 30 youth
and student organizations sent a letter to organizers of the
performance of the singer with the demand to cancel the concerts. ~S
Phillip Kirkorov has anti-Armenian, moreover, Turkish position. Also,
he offended an Armenian reporter~T, according to the statement. A.H.
~V0--
************************************************** *******************
RA NA SPEAKER DISCUSSES ISSUE OF DEMOGRAPHIC REFORMS WITH THE
AMBASSADORS OF STATES-MEMBERS OF THE EU
YEREVAN, March 24. /ARKA/. RA NA Speaker Arthur Baghdasaryan
discussed issues of demographic reforms with the Ambassadors of
states-members of the EU. According to RA NA Press Service
Department, constitutional reforms, amendments to the Election Code
and to the law on Meetings, Assemblies Marches and Demonstrations
attracted their special attention. Other issues related to mutual
interests of Armenia and states-members of the EU were considered as
well.
Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France, FRG, GB,
Poland and Greece to Armenia Anri Cuni, Haike Peitsch, Thorda
Abbot-Watt, Thomash Knotkhe and Antonios Vlavianos, as well as
representative of EU in RA Torben Holts and coordinator of Yerevan
Office of European Union Alexis Loeber were present at the meeting.
A.H. --0--
************************************************** *******************
RUSSIA IS WILLING TO PROMOTE KARABAKH PROBLEM SOLUTION
YEREVAN, March 24. /ARKA/. Russia is willing to promote Karabakh
problem solution either considering bilateral aspect or as OSCE Minsk
Group~Rs Co-Chair, Russian Foreign Ministry Official Representative
Alexander Yakovenko said in his interview with RIA Novosti. In his
words, Russia welcomes resumption of Armenian-Azeri dialogue at
various levels, first of all, between the two countries, thinking
that it should bring the sides stances on the conflict settlement key
aspects closer and should eventually lead to elaboration of formula
of a problem solution acceptable to both sides. M. V. --0--
************************************************** *******************
IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO SECURE INTEGRATION PROCESSES IN ECONOMIC
COOPERATION BETWEEN RUSSIA AND ARMENIA
YEREVAN, March 24. /ARKA/. It is very important to secure current
integration processes in economic cooperation between Russia and
Armenia, Russian Federation Foreign Ministry~Rs Official
Representative Alexander Yakovenko said in his interview to RIA
Novosti. In his words, in their political dialogue, both sides also
attach great importance to coordination of efforts focused on
enhancement of the political interaction based on struggle against
terrorism. Yakovenko pointed out major role of Collective Security
Treaty Organization. According to him, CIS-related problems are also
in the focus of the two sides as well as the situation in Caucasus
and current conflicts settlement by using political means. M.V. --0--
************************************************** *******************
YEAR OF RUSSIA IN ARMENIA IS LARGE-SCALE EVENTS AIMED AT
STRENGTHENING BASE OF FRIENDLY RELATIONS BETWEEN TWO COUNTRIES
YEREVAN, March 24. /ARKA/. Year of Russia in Armenia (2005) and Year
of Armenia in Russia (2006) are large-scale events aimed at
strengthening base of friendly relations between the two countries,
Russian Foreign Ministry~Rs Official Representative Alexander
Yakovenko said in his interview with RIA Novosti. In his words, they
widen borders of cooperation in trade, economic, scientific,
technical and cultural areas and make people contacts more available.
He says the two nations ~Sare united by the centuries-old friendship
that has grown stronger at historic battlefields~T. Yakovenko finds it
symbolic that the opening ceremony of the Year of Russia in Armenia
is to be held on the threshold of 60th anniversary of Great Victory
over Nazi. M.V. -0--
************************************************** *******************
THE RELATIONS BETWEEN ARMENIA AND RUSSIA ARE CHARACTERIZED AS ALLY
AND PARTNER RELATIONS
YEREVAN, March 24. /ARKA/. The relations between Armenia and Russia
are characterized as ally and partner relations, as stated the
official representative of RF MFA Alexander Yakovenko to RIA Novosti.
He noted that regular contacts between the representatives of both
sides are frequent. Yakovenko stated that the relations between
Russia and Armenia are based on fruitful multi-vector interaction and
have firm legal basis, namely Agreement on friendship, partnership
and mutual assistance, Declaration on ally relations between RF and
RA, oriented in the 21st century, and almost 160 intergovernmental
agreements. A.H. --0--
************************************************** *******************
PRESENTATION OF WWW.KARABAKH.NET SITE OF NAGORNO-KARABAKH REPUBLIC~RS
GOVERNMENT HELD IN STEPANAKERT
STEPANAKERT, March 24. /ARKA/. Presentation of www.karabakh.net site
of Nagorno-Karabakh Republic~Rs Government was held Thursday in
Stepanakert. Nagorno-Karabakh Deputy Prime Minister Ararat Danelyan,
speaking at the presentation ceremony, said the site would make it
possible Karabakh to appear before the world as an independent state
and would give media outlets and the republic citizens an opportunity
of closer contacts with the Government. ~SWe are trying to make the
Government activity transparent for journalists~T, Danelyan said.
In his words, there is only Armenian version in the site so far, but
Russian and English versions are expected to be launched in the
nearest future. Provider of the site is Karabakh-Telecom CJSC. The
site~Rs design and elaboration have been carried out by NKR Press
Service. M.V. -0--
************************************************** *******************
THE HOCKEY TEAM FROM ARMENIA PROVES TO BE THE WORST TEAM OF THE WORLD
YEREVAN, March 24. /ARKA/. Contest of hockey in Mexico City defined
the only team that would enter the second league of hockey (there are
four leagues, participants of the most power division will play for
golden medal of world Championship). Mexico, SAR, Luxemburg, Ireland
and Armenian participated in it. Having won in all four matches with
the score 60:3, the Mexicans entered the second league. The worst was
the team from Armenia, which, according to International Hockey
Federation (IIHF), became the worst team of the world in 2004,
ranking the 45th (Canadians rank the firsd and Russians-the seventh).
Armenia lost in all matches, losing 142 pucks, and driving in 5
pucks. According to RIA News, the team~Rs worst game was with the
Mexicans, 0:48. A.H.~W0--
************************************************** *******************
DW-WORLD: ARMENIA CHOSEN NO COLORS FOR ~SVELVET REVOLUTION~T YET BUT
ALREADY MADE SOME ALTERATION TO ITS FOREIGN POLICY
YEREVAN, March 24. /ARKA/. Armenia hasn~Rt chosen colors for its
~Svelvet revolution~T yet but has already made some alteration to its
foreign policy, Uwe Halbach, an expert on Caucasus of SWP German
Science und Politics Fund, said on the eve of Russian President
Vladimir Putin to Armenia in his interview with DW-WORLD. The expert
reminded that Armenia is one of the Russia~Rs most loyal partners in
post-soviet space. In his opinion, Moscow is interested in developing
bilateral military and economic relations with Armenia. According to
Halbach, close ties between Russia and Armenia have brought energy
and other strategically important areas of Armenia~Rs economy under
Russia~Rs control. This fact is often considered in Armenia as a
threat to the country~Rs economic stability, the Geramn expert said.
In his words, either Armenian President Robert Kocharyan or the
opposition in Armenia speaks not only about development of strategic
partnership with Russia, but also about European integration now.
Observers view this as shift in Armenian foreign policy direction.
Uwe Halbach also says doctrine of ~Scomplementary foreign policy~T
announced by Armenia long ago was put into practice only now. In his
words, Armenia is now shifting its Russia-leaning foreign policy
toward the West and trying to diversify it. It doesn~Rt mean Armenian
foreign policy will become pro-western and completely turn its back
to Russia. It will become just complementary, the expert says.
Halbach thinks that, considering geopolitical aspect, Armenia is
hardly to find new allies among European countries. Nobody will make
alliance with Armenia against any ~Sthird country~T, for example
Azerbaijan. He stresses that Europe offers equal partnership to all
three South Causacus countries and rejects any type of geopolitical
intrigues in such a critical region as Caucasus.
Speaking on internal political situation in Armenia, the German
expert said that after Ukraine opposition~Rs victory in elections a
question rose where in the space between Minsk and Bishkek will be
the next ~Scolored revolution~T. Halbach noted that the 2003
parliamentary elections in Armenia are considered rigged. He reminded
that Constitutional Court~Rs recommendation to conduct referendum on
confidence in the President and the government triggered political
unrest However, political forces correlation differs from that
created in Georgia before power transition of power, the expert says.
But, he noted, that in November 2003 Ukraine weren~Rt reckoned among
likely candidates to follow ~STbilisi scenario~T. The only problem for
Armenia is that it has no own Saakashvili yet able to raise the
country for peaceful power transition, Uwe Halbach said in his
interview. M.V. -0--
************************************************** *******************
CATHOLICOS OF ALL ARMENIANS MEETS WITH SVERDLOVS GOVERNOR
YEREVAN, March 24. /ARKA/. Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II has
met with Governor of the Sverdovsk region Eduard Rossel. The press
office of the Mother See of Echmiadzin reports that during the
meeting the Head of the Armenian Church expressed his satisfaction
with the strengthening of warm relations and practical cooperation
between Armenia and the Sverdlovsk region of Russia, which
consolidate the centuries-old friendship between the Russian and
Armenian peoples. Garegin II thanked Governor Rossel for a
considerable attitude to the Armenians residing in the Svedlovsk
region, as well as for his aid to Armenia after the 1998 earthquake.
In his turn, Governor Rossel called his visit to Armenia effective.
He presented to Garegin II the potential spheres of the region~Rs
cooperation with Armenia, as well as the religious situation in the
region.
Rossel invited Garegin II to visit the Sverdlovsk region late in 2006
for sanctifying and opening the first Armenian church in the Urals.
Attending the meeting were also RF Ambassador to Armenia Anatoly
Dryukov, RA Minister of Territorial Administration and Coordination
of Infrastructures Hovik Abramyan, and RA Deputy Foreign Minister
Gegham Gharibjanyan. P.T. ~V0--
************************************************** *******************
VLADIMIR PUTIN LEAVES FOR YEREVAN TODAY TO TAKE PART IN OPENING OF
YEAR OF RUSSIA IN ARMENIA
MOSCOW, March 24. /ARKA/. The President of Russian Federation
Vladimir Putin leaves for Yerevan today, ITAR-TASS reports. The main
objective of his visit is the participation in the opening ceremony
of Year of Russia in Armenia together with Armenian President Robert
Kocharian, according to ITAR-TASS.
As they note in Kremlin, "this large-scale event corresponds to
traditions of friendship, spiritual and cultural close relations of
the two peoples". The program supposes about 120 joint events in
political, economic, humanitarian, scientific-technical and
interregional areas. It takes special significance in connection with
celebration of 60th anniversary of Victory in Great Patriotic War.
The Year of Armenia in Russia is planned for 2006.
Armenian and Russian Presidents will discuss the full complex of
bilateral relations today, including agreements within "property
against debt" model and military-technical cooperation. The leaders
will also"synchronize watches" on pressing regional problems, in
particular, security in Caucasus.
"The priorities discussed will include current state and perspectives
of trade-economic cooperation development, projects in energy, color
metallurgy, banking field, construction and transport, implementation
of "property against debt" agreement, expansion of military-technical
cooperation", stated Kremlin representative.
"A significant place in the agenda will occupy issues of humanitarian
cooperation, intensification of contacts between the citizens of the
two countries, cooperation of NGOs, strengthening of the position and
importance of the Russian language in Armenia and Armenian language
in Russia", he said.
The Presidents of the two countries will exchange views on a number
of vital world problems and coordination of efforts in such important
directions as neutralization of international terrorism and extremism
threat, ensuring security and stability in the Caucasus, solutions of
regional problems ", said Kremlin expert. In addition, special
attention will be paid to issues of Armenian and Russian cooperation
in reforms of CIS, mutually beneficial participation of Russia and
Armenia in European Asian Economic Cooperation and Collective
Security Treaty Organization", he said. L.V. ~V0--
************************************************** *******************
BLAST NEAR RA CUSTOMS COMMITTEE
YEREVAN, March 24. /ARKA/. Today, at about 10:00 a.m., a blast
occurred near the RA Customs Committee. The press service of the RA
Customs Committee reports that the blast occurred when the company of
Chief of the Committee Armen Avetisyan drove up to the entrance. The
car was damaged, but Avetisyan was not injured. The Committee top
officials account for the incident by active struggle against shadow
economy, which has been waged since the beginning of 2005. ~SWe
consider it necessary to inform all those hoping to weaken the
Committee~Rs determination to struggle against shadow economy by means
of such terrorist steps that the Committee will be consistent in
exposing customs violations by toughening customs administration. The
morning incident is another proof that measures to improve customs
administration are effective,~T says a press release. P.T. ~V0-
************************************************** *******************
RF PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN ARRIVES IN ARMENIA THIS EVENING FOR A
WORKING VISIT
YEREVAN, March 24. /ARKA/. RF President Vladimir Putin has arrived in
Armenia this evening for a working visit. Contacts at higher level
between the President of the two countries are quite active. The
first official visit of RA President Robert Kocharyan to Russia took
place on Sep 24-28, 2000, in the course of which Russian ~VArmenia
Declaration on ally cooperation, oriented for the ÕÕI century was
signed, and on Sep 14-15, 2001 the first official visit of RF
President Vladimir Putin to Armenia took place. The last meetings of
the Presidents were held on May 13, July 3 in Moscow, August 20 in
Sochi and Sep 16, 2004 in Astana.
Legislators of Russia and Armenia cooperate in bilateral format and
in frames of Interparliamentary assembly of the CIS. Also there are
regular meetings between the MFAs of the countries. Relations of
law-enforcement bodies strengthen. There are active contacts between
the Ministries of Defence and subjects of RF and regions of Armenia.
The positions of the countries about the key-issues coincide. Armenia
supports Russia in strengthening the CIS. The cooperation of Armenia
in frames of Organization for Collective Security Treaty is very
important in stability of the region.
The main goal of the military cooperation between RA and RF is to
ensure security, collective security in the CIS and support of
stability in the region. The military cooperation has a
legal-cooperative basis, the key elements of which are agreement on
friendship, cooperation and mutual support dating to August 29, 1997,
as well as the agreement on legal status of RF Armed Forces in
Armenia dating to August 21, 1992 and agreement on Russian Military
Base in Armenia dating to March 16, 1995.
Cooperation in the humanitarian area of Armenia develops dynamically.
Since 1999, Russian-Armenia University has been operating in Armenia,
where about 2000 students study in its 6 departments. In 2003-2004
about 998 Armenians studies in Russian Universities. In 2004, 130
citizens of Armenia went to Russia for these purposes. In 2001 the
Centre for Armenian language and culture was opened on the base of
Moscow State linguistic University.
Diplomatic relations between RF and RA were established on April 3,
1992. Over 160 intergovernmental agreements were signed between the
countries, including the one dating to August 29, 1997, as well as
some documents stipulation Russian military presence in Armenia. A.H.
--0--
************************************************** *******************
--Boundary_(ID_54XCa/0wPhT4xfgxh7+HxQ)--
March 24 2005
Armenian Ambassador to Iran Karen Nazaryan hands copies of his
credentials to Iranian Foreign Minister
RA President Robert Kocharyan holds a meeting with Heads of
Law-enforcement bodies in regard with the explosion in the morning in
front of the building of RA State Customs Committee
RA Prime Minister Andranik Margaryan condemns the explosion in front
of the building of the RA Customs Committee
Armenian Youth holds a campaign against Phillip Kirkorov~Rs arriving
in Armenia
RA NA Speaker discusses issue of demographic reforms with the
Ambassadors of states-members of the EU
Russia is willing to promote Karabakh problem solution
It is very important to secure integration processes in economic
cooperation between Russia and Armenia
Year of russia in Armenia is large-scale events aimed at
strengthening base of friendly relations between two countries
The relations between Armenia and Russia are characterized as ally
and partner relations
Presentation of www.karabakh.net site of Nagorno-Karabakh Republic~Rs
Government held in Stepanakert
The hockey team from Armenia proves to be the worst team of the world
DW-WORLD: Armenia chosen no colors for ~Svelvet revolution~T yet but
already made some alteration to its foreign policy
Catholicos of All Armenians meets with Sverdlovsk Governor
Vladimir Putin leaves for Yerevan today to take part in opening of
year of Russia in Armenia
Blast near RA Customs Committee
RF President Vladimir Putin arrives in Armenia this evening for a
working visit
************************************************** *******************
ARMENIAN AMBASSADOR TO IRAN KAREN NAZARYAN HANDS COPIES OF HIS
CREDENTIALS TO IRANIAN FOREIGN MINISTER
YEREVAN, March 24. /ARKA/. Armenian Ambassador to Iran Karen Nazaryan
handed copies of his credentials to Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed
Kamal Kharrazi. According to Armenian Foreign Ministry, the sides
noted that Iranian-Armenian political relations reached advanced
level.
Nazaryan assured the Iranian Foreign Minister that he would make all
possible efforts to make ties between the two countries closer. M.V.
-0--
************************************************** *******************
RA PRESIDENT ROBERT KOCHARYAN HOLDS A MEETING WITH HEADS OF
LAW-ENFORCEMENT BODIES IN REGARD WITH THE EXPLOSION IN THE MORNING IN
FRONT OF THE BUILDING OF RA STATE CUSTOMS COMMITTEE
YEREVAN, March 24. /ARKA/. RA President Robert Kocharyan held a
meeting with Heads of Law-enforcement bodies in regard with the
explosion in the morning in front of the building of RA State Customs
Committee. According to RA Government~Rs Press Service, in the course
of the meeting the President was submitted report on the details of
the incident and measures taken. RA Attorney~Rs Office instituted
legal proceedings under Article 305 of RA Criminal Code. Kocharyan
told to take measures to reveal the crime and keep him informed about
the investigation process.
Around 10 a.m. near the RA Customs Committee a blast occurred when
the company of Chief of the Committee Armen Avetisyan drove up to the
entrance. The car was damaged, but Avetisyan was not injured. The
Committee top officials account for the incident by active struggle
against shadow economy, which has been waged since the beginning of
2005 as well as for toughening customs administration. A.H. ~V0--
************************************************** *******************
RA PRIME MINISTER ANDRANIK MARGARYAN CONDEMNS THE EXPLOSION IN FRONT
OF THE BUILDING OF THE RA CUSTOMS COMMITTEE
YEREVAN, March 24. /ARKA/. RA Prime Minister Andranik Margaryan
condemned the explosion in front of the building of the RA Customs
Committee. According to RA Government~Rs Press Service Department,
Margaryan emphasized that ~Sif the attempt to frighten was related to
the current activity of the Committee and Tax Service that activated
their work on combating shady economy, then the initiators of it
should be aware that the structures will continue carrying out the
work consistently, ordered to them by the RA President and Prime
Minister and aimed at ensuring timely completion of the planned
tasks~T. ~SNobody should hope that by such attempts they may somehow
hinder the work of the above mentioned structures ~T, he said.
To remind, today, there was an explosion around 10 a.m. near the
building of State Customs Committee adjunct to RA Government. The
explosion took place at the moment when the office car of the
Chairman of Customs Committee Armen Avetisyan approached the
building. Avetisyan wasn~Rt injured, though the car was damaged.
A.H.~V0~W
************************************************** *******************
ARMENIAN YOUTH HOLDS A CAMPAIGN AGAINST PHILLIP KIRKOROV~RS ARRIVING
IN ARMENIA
YEREVAN, March 24. /ARKA/. Armenian Youth holds a campaign against
Phillip Kirkorov~Rs arriving in Armenia. According to ~SNikol
Aghbalyan~T the students~R union of ARF Dashnaktsutyun, about 30 youth
and student organizations sent a letter to organizers of the
performance of the singer with the demand to cancel the concerts. ~S
Phillip Kirkorov has anti-Armenian, moreover, Turkish position. Also,
he offended an Armenian reporter~T, according to the statement. A.H.
~V0--
************************************************** *******************
RA NA SPEAKER DISCUSSES ISSUE OF DEMOGRAPHIC REFORMS WITH THE
AMBASSADORS OF STATES-MEMBERS OF THE EU
YEREVAN, March 24. /ARKA/. RA NA Speaker Arthur Baghdasaryan
discussed issues of demographic reforms with the Ambassadors of
states-members of the EU. According to RA NA Press Service
Department, constitutional reforms, amendments to the Election Code
and to the law on Meetings, Assemblies Marches and Demonstrations
attracted their special attention. Other issues related to mutual
interests of Armenia and states-members of the EU were considered as
well.
Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France, FRG, GB,
Poland and Greece to Armenia Anri Cuni, Haike Peitsch, Thorda
Abbot-Watt, Thomash Knotkhe and Antonios Vlavianos, as well as
representative of EU in RA Torben Holts and coordinator of Yerevan
Office of European Union Alexis Loeber were present at the meeting.
A.H. --0--
************************************************** *******************
RUSSIA IS WILLING TO PROMOTE KARABAKH PROBLEM SOLUTION
YEREVAN, March 24. /ARKA/. Russia is willing to promote Karabakh
problem solution either considering bilateral aspect or as OSCE Minsk
Group~Rs Co-Chair, Russian Foreign Ministry Official Representative
Alexander Yakovenko said in his interview with RIA Novosti. In his
words, Russia welcomes resumption of Armenian-Azeri dialogue at
various levels, first of all, between the two countries, thinking
that it should bring the sides stances on the conflict settlement key
aspects closer and should eventually lead to elaboration of formula
of a problem solution acceptable to both sides. M. V. --0--
************************************************** *******************
IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO SECURE INTEGRATION PROCESSES IN ECONOMIC
COOPERATION BETWEEN RUSSIA AND ARMENIA
YEREVAN, March 24. /ARKA/. It is very important to secure current
integration processes in economic cooperation between Russia and
Armenia, Russian Federation Foreign Ministry~Rs Official
Representative Alexander Yakovenko said in his interview to RIA
Novosti. In his words, in their political dialogue, both sides also
attach great importance to coordination of efforts focused on
enhancement of the political interaction based on struggle against
terrorism. Yakovenko pointed out major role of Collective Security
Treaty Organization. According to him, CIS-related problems are also
in the focus of the two sides as well as the situation in Caucasus
and current conflicts settlement by using political means. M.V. --0--
************************************************** *******************
YEAR OF RUSSIA IN ARMENIA IS LARGE-SCALE EVENTS AIMED AT
STRENGTHENING BASE OF FRIENDLY RELATIONS BETWEEN TWO COUNTRIES
YEREVAN, March 24. /ARKA/. Year of Russia in Armenia (2005) and Year
of Armenia in Russia (2006) are large-scale events aimed at
strengthening base of friendly relations between the two countries,
Russian Foreign Ministry~Rs Official Representative Alexander
Yakovenko said in his interview with RIA Novosti. In his words, they
widen borders of cooperation in trade, economic, scientific,
technical and cultural areas and make people contacts more available.
He says the two nations ~Sare united by the centuries-old friendship
that has grown stronger at historic battlefields~T. Yakovenko finds it
symbolic that the opening ceremony of the Year of Russia in Armenia
is to be held on the threshold of 60th anniversary of Great Victory
over Nazi. M.V. -0--
************************************************** *******************
THE RELATIONS BETWEEN ARMENIA AND RUSSIA ARE CHARACTERIZED AS ALLY
AND PARTNER RELATIONS
YEREVAN, March 24. /ARKA/. The relations between Armenia and Russia
are characterized as ally and partner relations, as stated the
official representative of RF MFA Alexander Yakovenko to RIA Novosti.
He noted that regular contacts between the representatives of both
sides are frequent. Yakovenko stated that the relations between
Russia and Armenia are based on fruitful multi-vector interaction and
have firm legal basis, namely Agreement on friendship, partnership
and mutual assistance, Declaration on ally relations between RF and
RA, oriented in the 21st century, and almost 160 intergovernmental
agreements. A.H. --0--
************************************************** *******************
PRESENTATION OF WWW.KARABAKH.NET SITE OF NAGORNO-KARABAKH REPUBLIC~RS
GOVERNMENT HELD IN STEPANAKERT
STEPANAKERT, March 24. /ARKA/. Presentation of www.karabakh.net site
of Nagorno-Karabakh Republic~Rs Government was held Thursday in
Stepanakert. Nagorno-Karabakh Deputy Prime Minister Ararat Danelyan,
speaking at the presentation ceremony, said the site would make it
possible Karabakh to appear before the world as an independent state
and would give media outlets and the republic citizens an opportunity
of closer contacts with the Government. ~SWe are trying to make the
Government activity transparent for journalists~T, Danelyan said.
In his words, there is only Armenian version in the site so far, but
Russian and English versions are expected to be launched in the
nearest future. Provider of the site is Karabakh-Telecom CJSC. The
site~Rs design and elaboration have been carried out by NKR Press
Service. M.V. -0--
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THE HOCKEY TEAM FROM ARMENIA PROVES TO BE THE WORST TEAM OF THE WORLD
YEREVAN, March 24. /ARKA/. Contest of hockey in Mexico City defined
the only team that would enter the second league of hockey (there are
four leagues, participants of the most power division will play for
golden medal of world Championship). Mexico, SAR, Luxemburg, Ireland
and Armenian participated in it. Having won in all four matches with
the score 60:3, the Mexicans entered the second league. The worst was
the team from Armenia, which, according to International Hockey
Federation (IIHF), became the worst team of the world in 2004,
ranking the 45th (Canadians rank the firsd and Russians-the seventh).
Armenia lost in all matches, losing 142 pucks, and driving in 5
pucks. According to RIA News, the team~Rs worst game was with the
Mexicans, 0:48. A.H.~W0--
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DW-WORLD: ARMENIA CHOSEN NO COLORS FOR ~SVELVET REVOLUTION~T YET BUT
ALREADY MADE SOME ALTERATION TO ITS FOREIGN POLICY
YEREVAN, March 24. /ARKA/. Armenia hasn~Rt chosen colors for its
~Svelvet revolution~T yet but has already made some alteration to its
foreign policy, Uwe Halbach, an expert on Caucasus of SWP German
Science und Politics Fund, said on the eve of Russian President
Vladimir Putin to Armenia in his interview with DW-WORLD. The expert
reminded that Armenia is one of the Russia~Rs most loyal partners in
post-soviet space. In his opinion, Moscow is interested in developing
bilateral military and economic relations with Armenia. According to
Halbach, close ties between Russia and Armenia have brought energy
and other strategically important areas of Armenia~Rs economy under
Russia~Rs control. This fact is often considered in Armenia as a
threat to the country~Rs economic stability, the Geramn expert said.
In his words, either Armenian President Robert Kocharyan or the
opposition in Armenia speaks not only about development of strategic
partnership with Russia, but also about European integration now.
Observers view this as shift in Armenian foreign policy direction.
Uwe Halbach also says doctrine of ~Scomplementary foreign policy~T
announced by Armenia long ago was put into practice only now. In his
words, Armenia is now shifting its Russia-leaning foreign policy
toward the West and trying to diversify it. It doesn~Rt mean Armenian
foreign policy will become pro-western and completely turn its back
to Russia. It will become just complementary, the expert says.
Halbach thinks that, considering geopolitical aspect, Armenia is
hardly to find new allies among European countries. Nobody will make
alliance with Armenia against any ~Sthird country~T, for example
Azerbaijan. He stresses that Europe offers equal partnership to all
three South Causacus countries and rejects any type of geopolitical
intrigues in such a critical region as Caucasus.
Speaking on internal political situation in Armenia, the German
expert said that after Ukraine opposition~Rs victory in elections a
question rose where in the space between Minsk and Bishkek will be
the next ~Scolored revolution~T. Halbach noted that the 2003
parliamentary elections in Armenia are considered rigged. He reminded
that Constitutional Court~Rs recommendation to conduct referendum on
confidence in the President and the government triggered political
unrest However, political forces correlation differs from that
created in Georgia before power transition of power, the expert says.
But, he noted, that in November 2003 Ukraine weren~Rt reckoned among
likely candidates to follow ~STbilisi scenario~T. The only problem for
Armenia is that it has no own Saakashvili yet able to raise the
country for peaceful power transition, Uwe Halbach said in his
interview. M.V. -0--
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CATHOLICOS OF ALL ARMENIANS MEETS WITH SVERDLOVS GOVERNOR
YEREVAN, March 24. /ARKA/. Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II has
met with Governor of the Sverdovsk region Eduard Rossel. The press
office of the Mother See of Echmiadzin reports that during the
meeting the Head of the Armenian Church expressed his satisfaction
with the strengthening of warm relations and practical cooperation
between Armenia and the Sverdlovsk region of Russia, which
consolidate the centuries-old friendship between the Russian and
Armenian peoples. Garegin II thanked Governor Rossel for a
considerable attitude to the Armenians residing in the Svedlovsk
region, as well as for his aid to Armenia after the 1998 earthquake.
In his turn, Governor Rossel called his visit to Armenia effective.
He presented to Garegin II the potential spheres of the region~Rs
cooperation with Armenia, as well as the religious situation in the
region.
Rossel invited Garegin II to visit the Sverdlovsk region late in 2006
for sanctifying and opening the first Armenian church in the Urals.
Attending the meeting were also RF Ambassador to Armenia Anatoly
Dryukov, RA Minister of Territorial Administration and Coordination
of Infrastructures Hovik Abramyan, and RA Deputy Foreign Minister
Gegham Gharibjanyan. P.T. ~V0--
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VLADIMIR PUTIN LEAVES FOR YEREVAN TODAY TO TAKE PART IN OPENING OF
YEAR OF RUSSIA IN ARMENIA
MOSCOW, March 24. /ARKA/. The President of Russian Federation
Vladimir Putin leaves for Yerevan today, ITAR-TASS reports. The main
objective of his visit is the participation in the opening ceremony
of Year of Russia in Armenia together with Armenian President Robert
Kocharian, according to ITAR-TASS.
As they note in Kremlin, "this large-scale event corresponds to
traditions of friendship, spiritual and cultural close relations of
the two peoples". The program supposes about 120 joint events in
political, economic, humanitarian, scientific-technical and
interregional areas. It takes special significance in connection with
celebration of 60th anniversary of Victory in Great Patriotic War.
The Year of Armenia in Russia is planned for 2006.
Armenian and Russian Presidents will discuss the full complex of
bilateral relations today, including agreements within "property
against debt" model and military-technical cooperation. The leaders
will also"synchronize watches" on pressing regional problems, in
particular, security in Caucasus.
"The priorities discussed will include current state and perspectives
of trade-economic cooperation development, projects in energy, color
metallurgy, banking field, construction and transport, implementation
of "property against debt" agreement, expansion of military-technical
cooperation", stated Kremlin representative.
"A significant place in the agenda will occupy issues of humanitarian
cooperation, intensification of contacts between the citizens of the
two countries, cooperation of NGOs, strengthening of the position and
importance of the Russian language in Armenia and Armenian language
in Russia", he said.
The Presidents of the two countries will exchange views on a number
of vital world problems and coordination of efforts in such important
directions as neutralization of international terrorism and extremism
threat, ensuring security and stability in the Caucasus, solutions of
regional problems ", said Kremlin expert. In addition, special
attention will be paid to issues of Armenian and Russian cooperation
in reforms of CIS, mutually beneficial participation of Russia and
Armenia in European Asian Economic Cooperation and Collective
Security Treaty Organization", he said. L.V. ~V0--
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BLAST NEAR RA CUSTOMS COMMITTEE
YEREVAN, March 24. /ARKA/. Today, at about 10:00 a.m., a blast
occurred near the RA Customs Committee. The press service of the RA
Customs Committee reports that the blast occurred when the company of
Chief of the Committee Armen Avetisyan drove up to the entrance. The
car was damaged, but Avetisyan was not injured. The Committee top
officials account for the incident by active struggle against shadow
economy, which has been waged since the beginning of 2005. ~SWe
consider it necessary to inform all those hoping to weaken the
Committee~Rs determination to struggle against shadow economy by means
of such terrorist steps that the Committee will be consistent in
exposing customs violations by toughening customs administration. The
morning incident is another proof that measures to improve customs
administration are effective,~T says a press release. P.T. ~V0-
************************************************** *******************
RF PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN ARRIVES IN ARMENIA THIS EVENING FOR A
WORKING VISIT
YEREVAN, March 24. /ARKA/. RF President Vladimir Putin has arrived in
Armenia this evening for a working visit. Contacts at higher level
between the President of the two countries are quite active. The
first official visit of RA President Robert Kocharyan to Russia took
place on Sep 24-28, 2000, in the course of which Russian ~VArmenia
Declaration on ally cooperation, oriented for the ÕÕI century was
signed, and on Sep 14-15, 2001 the first official visit of RF
President Vladimir Putin to Armenia took place. The last meetings of
the Presidents were held on May 13, July 3 in Moscow, August 20 in
Sochi and Sep 16, 2004 in Astana.
Legislators of Russia and Armenia cooperate in bilateral format and
in frames of Interparliamentary assembly of the CIS. Also there are
regular meetings between the MFAs of the countries. Relations of
law-enforcement bodies strengthen. There are active contacts between
the Ministries of Defence and subjects of RF and regions of Armenia.
The positions of the countries about the key-issues coincide. Armenia
supports Russia in strengthening the CIS. The cooperation of Armenia
in frames of Organization for Collective Security Treaty is very
important in stability of the region.
The main goal of the military cooperation between RA and RF is to
ensure security, collective security in the CIS and support of
stability in the region. The military cooperation has a
legal-cooperative basis, the key elements of which are agreement on
friendship, cooperation and mutual support dating to August 29, 1997,
as well as the agreement on legal status of RF Armed Forces in
Armenia dating to August 21, 1992 and agreement on Russian Military
Base in Armenia dating to March 16, 1995.
Cooperation in the humanitarian area of Armenia develops dynamically.
Since 1999, Russian-Armenia University has been operating in Armenia,
where about 2000 students study in its 6 departments. In 2003-2004
about 998 Armenians studies in Russian Universities. In 2004, 130
citizens of Armenia went to Russia for these purposes. In 2001 the
Centre for Armenian language and culture was opened on the base of
Moscow State linguistic University.
Diplomatic relations between RF and RA were established on April 3,
1992. Over 160 intergovernmental agreements were signed between the
countries, including the one dating to August 29, 1997, as well as
some documents stipulation Russian military presence in Armenia. A.H.
--0--
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