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ARKA News Agency
March 25 2005
Armenia to resolve refugee problem in few years: PACE Rapporteur
RA President congratulates Armenia's workers of theater
Armenian Apostolic Church Leader Garegin II hosts Russian President
Vladimir Putin in his residence in Echmiadzin
Hearings on Karabakh problem to be held in Armenian parliament on
March 29 and 30
Robert Kocharyan, Vladimir Putin open year of Russia in Armenia
No violations of cease-fire regime recorded in monitoring of contact
line between NKR, Azerbaijani armed forces
Special attention should be paid to youth exchange: Vladimir Putin
Armenian President Robert Kocharyan sees great potential in
enlargement of cooperation with Russia
Caucasus-Poti ferry service to open up broad prospects and radically
change situation:Robert Kocharian
Caucasus-Poti ferry service to intensify region's economic life:
Vladimir Putin
Armenian President Robert Kocharyan to visit Moscow on May 8 to
attend festive events connected with celebration of victory in World
War II
Vladimir Putin: Armenian investments in Russian economy to be
welcomed
Vladimir Putin: Armenia and Russia to keep promoting Russian and
Armenian businessmen's participation in investment and privatization
activities
Russia to contribute to the settlement of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
Putin: Revolution in Kyrgyzstan "was not a surprise" for Russia
Robert Kocharyan: there is a very high potential for cooperation
between Armenia and Russia
Vladimir Putin: the CIS surely needs preserving, and everybody is
interested in it, irrespective of political adherence of authorities
************************************************** ******************
ARMENIA TO RESOLVE REFUGEE PROBLEM IN FEW YEARS: PACE RAPPORTEUR
YEREVAN, March 25. /ARKA/. Armenian legislation on refugees is in
full conformity with international standards, and the existence of
some programs inspires hope that Armenia will resolve the refugee
problem in a few years, Boris Chilevich, PACE Rapporteur for Refugees
and Displaced Persons in Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia stated at
his meeting with Speaker of the RA National Assembly Artur
Baghdasaryan. The public relations department, RA National Assembly,
reports that Chichelevich made a positive appraisal of the NA
Speaker-headed Council for Refugee Affairs, which is an important
link in accomplishing legislative and practical tasks.
In his turn, Speaker Baghdasaryan pointed out the priority of solving
the refugee problem, and singled out the provision of refugees with
housing and job. He pointed out that the RA state budget provides for
funds for resolving the refugees' housing problem, and relevant
programs are being implemented in nine Armenian regions. Baghdasaryan
said that special courses are planned in Armenia's higher schools for
refugees to improve their professional skills and find jobs.
"Computer centers that are working and opened in Yerevan and in
Armenian regions contribute to the accomplishment of this task,"
Baghdasaryan said. The side also discussed the implementation of a
professional retraining program under PSCE's auspices. P.T. -0--
************************************************** ******************
RA PRESIDENT CONGRATULATES ARMENIA'S WORKERS OF THEATER
YEREVAN, March 25. /ARKA/. RA President Robert Kocharyan has
congratulated Armenia's workers of theater on International Day of
Theater. The RA presidential press service reports that in his
message the RA president pointed out the theater's significant role
in the Armenian people's life. "It appears to be natural that nobody
enjoys such love and popularity in Armenia as great masters of the
Armenian stage. We attach importance to upholding and developing
their traditions," Kocharyan said.
According to him, great is the theater's role in the spiritual and
cultural life of present-day Armenia. In his message he points out
that "the picture of future Armenia depends on our work today, and
especially on cultural establishments' efficient activities. "I
warmly congratulate all representatives of our stage art on their
holiday, wish them to have new brilliant representatives, inspiration
and success," the President's message says. P.T. -0--
************************************************** ******************
ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC CHURCH LEADER GAREGIN II HOSTS RUSSIAN PRESIDENT
VLADIMIR PUTIN IN HIS RESIDENCE IN ECHMIADZIN
YEREVAN, March 25. /ARKA/. Armenian Apostolic Church Leader Garegin
II hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin Friday in his residence in
Echmiadzin. After welcoming the Russian President, Garegin II spoke
about centuries-long cordial relations between the two nations. "This
is a historic visit that will be recorded in St.Echmiadzin books as a
new evidence of long friendship between our nations", he said.
Armenian Apostolic Church Leader thanked the Russian President for
his care of Armenians living in Russia. Putin, in turn, stressed
spiritual nature of the base of the two nations' relations. He
expressed satisfaction that relations between Armenian and Russian
Churches remain as cordial as centuries ago. Vladimir Putin
emphasized great contribution made by Garegin II either to
development of the two countries' relationship or establishing peace
in Caucasus. The meeting was ended in GareginII and Vladimir Putin
visit to Echmiadzin Patriarchy Museum and St Echmiadzin Cathedral,
where Garegin II prayed for further development of friendship between
Armenian and Russian nations.
Russian Presidential Adviser Sergey Prikhodko, Russian Ambassador to
Armenia Anatoly Dryukov, Armenian Ambassador to Russia Armen
Smbatyan, Bishop Yeznik Petrosyan, who is in charge of
St.Echmiadzin's Department for Foreign Church Relations, Vicar of
Armenian Apostolic Church's Ararat diocese Navasard Kchoyan, the Head
of New-Nakhichevan and Russian dioceses Bishop Yezras Nersisyan and
St. Echmiadzin Office head Bushop Arshak Khachatryan. M.V. -0--
************************************************** ******************
HEARINGS ON KARABAKH PROBLEM TO BE HELD IN ARMENIAN PARLIAMENT ON
MARCH 29 AND 30
YEREVAN, March 25. /ARKA/. Armenian National Assembly's Standing
Committee on Foreign Relations initiated parliamentary hearings on
Karabakh problem to be held on March 29 and 30. According to the
National Assembly Department for Public Relations, the aim of the
hearings is to specify opportunities and mechanisms of parliamentary
diplomacy, to promote the problem solution and to clarify the role
Armenia plays in Nagorno Karabakh in the process of Karabakh conflict
settlement. After the hearings, the Committee will publish reports
and speeches heard here. To make the hearings more effective, their
initiators ask all interested individuals and juridical entities to
submit their remarks and proposals related to the event to the
Committee.
************************************************** ******************
ROBERT KOCHARYAN, VLADIMIR PUTIN OPEN YEAR OF RUSSIA IN ARMENIA
YEREVAN, March 25. /ARKA/. Today, RA and RF Presidents, Robert
Kocharyan and Vladimir Putin, have opened a Year of the Russian
Federation in the Republic of Armenia. The program envisages 120
joint arrangements in political, economic, scientific and
technological, and interregional spheres. The program envisages the
organization of trade and industrial exhibitions and fairs, expansion
of exchange of economic information, scientific-practical conferences
on various problems of bilateral and regional cooperation. The
cultural part of the program includes the presentation of Russia's
best creative groups, achievements of the country's musical,
theatrical and art schools, modern-day art workers, cinema and
television to the Armenian public. Meetings of literary men, workers
of theatre, and cinema are expected as well. Such world-famous
collectives as the ballet troupe of the Bolshoi Theater, RF National
Philharmonic Orchestra, Moscow Anton Chechov Art Theater, S.
Obraztsov Puppet Theater, A. Alexandrov Academic Company of the
Russian Army are to participate in the cultural actions. A week of
Russian cinema, exhibitions of contemporary art and photo exhibitions
are to be held as well.
As regards science and education, arrangements are to be organized
aimed at expanding contacts between higher schools, training and
re-training of personnel, at strengthening the positions of the
Russian language in Armenia. Arrangements at the level of the RA and
RF Academies of Sciences, particularly, forums on priority subjects
of joint research, are to be held as well.
A logical continuation of the Year of Russia in Armenia will be a
Year of Armenia in Russia in 2006. The main idea of the Year is to
pave the way for public and business initiatives, establish direct
human communication, expand information and cultural exchange, deepen
bilateral contacts. P.T. -0--
************************************************** ******************
NO VIOLATIONS OF CEASE-FIRE REGIME RECORDED IN MONITORING OF CONTACT
LINE BETWEEN NKR, AZERBAIJANI ARMED FORCES
STEPANAKERT, March 25. /ARKA/. No violations of the cease-fire regime
were recorded during regular monitoring of the contact line between
the NKR and Azerbaijani armed forces at a section to the north of the
village of Talish, Martakert region, Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR).
The press service of the NKR Foreign Office reports that on the side
of the NKR Defense Army the monitoring was conducted by the filed
assistants to the Personal Representative of the OSCE
Chairman-in-Office, Miroslav Vimetal (Czechia), Peter Key (Great
Britain) and Torsen Arsen (Switzerland). The Azerbaijani side did not
take the OSCE representatives to its fronts, which resulted in a
defective visual contact between the OSCE monitoring groups.
On the NKR side the monitoring mission was accompanied by
representatives of the NKER Ministry of Defense and Ministry of
Foreign Affairs. P.T. -0--
************************************************** ******************
SPECIAL ATTENTION SHOULD BE PAID TO YOUTH EXCHANGE: VLADIMIR PUTIN
YEREVAN, March 25. /ARKA/. Special attention should be paid to youth
exchange and to the involvement of young people in the
Armenian-Russian cooperation, RF President Vladimir Putin told a news
conference held jointly with RA president Robert Kocharyan in
Yerevan. Putin said that the problem of cultural ties between the
people of the Soviet generation and young people really exists and is
the result of restricted contacts during the last few years. "It is
not so much political. Rather, it is accounted for by the decrease of
the volume of cooperation and cultural ties, as people have more
difficulties is moving around the post-Soviet area than they had
within a common state," Putin said. According to him, these issues
are being constantly discussed, and possibilities and ways of
overcoming these difficulties are being sought. "We hope that today's
arrangement, the opening of a Year of Russia in Armenia, will
contribute to the accomplishment of these tasks," the RF President
said.
In his tur, speaking of cultural ties, RA President Robert Kocharyan
pointed out more active use of the potential of modern information
technologies and public communication. "In this aspect, the relaying
of the Culture TV channel in Armenia is most important," the RA
President said. According to him, the use of some instruments allows
the culture and art situation in the CIS to be properly monitored. He
pointed out that Russian TV companies could have prepared programs
about cultural situation in Armenia and in the other CIS countries.
"We regret to lose what has been created by many generations. All
benefit from mutual enrichment, especially in the aspect of cultural
contacts," Kocharian said. P.T. -0--
************************************************** ******************
ARMENIAN PRESIDENT ROBERT KOCHARYAN SEES GREAT POTENTIAL IN
ENLARGEMENT OF COOPERATION WITH RUSSIA
YEREVAN, March 25. /ARKA/. Armenian President Robert Kocharyan sees a
great potential in enlargement of cooperation with Russia, the
Armenian President said at joint press conference with Russian
President Vladimir Putin in Yerevan. Speaking on cooperation
prospects in bank area, Kocharyan said "we see active movement
forward". In his words, Moscow companies run construction in Yerevan.
"There were no such a thing two years ago", Armenian President said.
According to him, reconstruction of Armenal, which will become one of
leading companies in this area, is under way now.
"There are also serious projects in energy area and we discussed
possibility of their fundamental continuation. We will deal with a
new quality of cooperation - regional cooperation.And there are
serious reserves in the region", Kocharyan said. M.V. -0--
************************************************** ******************
CAUCASUS-POTI FERRY SERVICE TO OPEN UP BROAD PROSPECTS AND RADICALLY
CHANGE SITUATION:ROBERT KOCHARIAN
YEREVAN, March 25. /ARKA/. The Caucasus-Poti ferry service will open
up broad prospects and radically change the situation, RA President
Robert Kocharian told a news conference held jointly with RF
President Vladimirm Putin in Yerevan. He pointed out that the
operation of the ferry service means the commencement of the solution
to a most serious transport problem, "which has been curbing our
economic cooperation." "The situation is changing radically here, and
time is required for developing this route, calculating expenses, but
I am sure that prospects will be opened up which have not been spoken
of at least during the last few years and have not been completely
calculated even by us," Kocharian said. P.T. -0--
************************************************** ******************
CAUCASUS-POTI FERRY SERVICE TO INTENSIFY REGION'S ECONOMIC LIFE:
VLADIMIR PUTIN
YEREVAN, March 25. /ARKA/. The Caucasus-Poti ferry service will
intensify the region's economic life, RF President Vladimir Putin
told a press conference held jointly with RA President Robert
Kocharian in Yerevan. He pointed out that the first ferry has
transported a grain cargo for Georgia from the Caucasus to Poti. "In
the future, this ferry is expected to be used for transporting goods
to Armenia. We hope that this line will start operating in the
interests of all the countries of the region, private investments
will be attracted, and it can be said a good start in the right
direction," Putin said. He pointed out that such steps will afford
ample opportunities for business and creation of jobs, as well as
intensify the region's economic life. "It will also contribute to the
integration and resolution of accumulated problems," Putin said. P.T.
-0--
************************************************** ******************
ARMENIAN PRESIDENT ROBERT KOCHARYAN TO VISIT MOSCOW ON MAY8 TO ATTEND
FESTIVE EVENTS CONNECTED WITH CELEBRATION OF VICTORY IN WORLD WAR II
YEREVAN, March 25. /ARKA/. Armenian President Robert Kocharyan
decided to visit Moscow on May 8 to attend festive events connected
with celebration of victory in World War II, Russian President
Vladimir Putin said Friday speaking at a joint press conference with
Armenian President Robert Kocharyan in Yerevan. "Our nations were
fighting Nazi side by side and this date in our common history we'll
mark together", he said. M.V. -0--
************************************************** ******************
VLADIMIR PUTIN: ARMENIAN INVESTMENTS IN RUSSIAN ECONOMY TO BE
WELCOMED
YEREVAN, March 25. /ARKA/. Armenian investments in Russian economy
will be welcomed, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday at his
joint press conference with Armenian President Robert Kocharyan in
Yerevan. In his words, the issue was discussed during bilateral
talks. "I think Armenian investments in Russian economy, especially
in those areas in which Armenia itself is interested, will be
welcomed", Putin said. In his words, certain growth of Russian
investments in Armenia is visible today. In his words, they are still
not so great but the prospects are obvious. In his opinion, regional
and investment cooperation is an important reserve. Russian President
pointed out the importance of political and economic stability in the
country as key factor for cooperation enlargement. M.V. -0--
************************************************** ******************
VLADIMIR PUTIN: ARMENIA AND RUSSIA TO KEEP PROMOTING RUSSIAN AND
ARMENIAN BUSINESSMEN'S PARTICIPATION IN INVESTMENT AND PRIVATIZATION
ACTIVITIES
YEREVAN, March 25. /ARKA/. Armenia and Russia will keep promoting
Russian and Armenian businessmen's participation in investment and
privatization activities, Russian President Vladimir Putin said
Friday at a press conference in Yerevan. In his words, accord on that
is already reached with Armenian President Robert Kocharyan. Putin
also pointed out that there are considerable prospects of cooperation
between the two countries in energy and banking areas. Russian
President called negotiations with his Armenian counterpart very
fruitful and useful considering all aspects of bilateral relations
and also regional and international problems. Putin attached special
significance to the issue related to partnership in the frames of CIS
that he discussed with Armenian President. "We intend to solve common
problems, such as terrorism, transnational criminality and drug and
arms trafficking, by joint efforts. M.V. -0--
************************************************** ******************
RUSSIA TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE SETTLEMENT OF NAGORNO-KARABAKH CONFLICT
YEREVAN, March 25. /ARKA/. Russia will contribute to the settlement
of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, as stated RF President Vladimir Putin
at a press conference in Yerevan after the negotiations with RA
President Robert Kocharyan. "We will hope for the regular meeting and
negotiations between presidents of RA and AR", Putin said. He
emphasized that in the course of the meeting with Kocharyan attention
was paid to regional problems. "Our countries are interested in
stabilizing the situation in Transcaucasia, hence formation of the
atmosphere of trust and relations that would dynamically develop
social and economic area", he said. A.H.-0--
************************************************** ******************
PUTIN: REVOLUTION IN KYRGYZSTAN "WAS NOT A SURPRISE" FOR RUSSIA
YEREVAN, March 25. /ARKA/. "Development of situation in Kyrgyzstan is
the result of power weakness and accumulated social and economic
problems in the country", stated the President of the Russian
Federation Vladimir Putin during the press conference upon the
results of talks with the Armenian President in Yerevan. "This was
not a surprise for us", said the Russian President. "At the same
time, the political issues are once again solved by non-legal means
in one of the countries of post-Soviet territory, accompanied by
havoc and victims. This fact arouses our regret", said Putin.
At the same time, Vladimir Putin affirmed readiness to receive Askar
Akaev in Russia. "As far as the arrival of Askar Akayevich Akaev is
concerned, we won't mind, if he decides to come to Russia. I think it
is quite possible", said the Russian President. L.V.-0--
************************************************** ******************
ROBERT KOCHARYAN: THERE IS A VERY HIGH POTENTIAL FOR COOPERATION
BETWEEN ARMENIA AND RUSSIA
YEREVAN, March 25. /ARKA/. There is a very high potential for
cooperation between Armenia and Russia, as stated RF President
Vladimir Putin at a press conference in Yerevan after the
negotiations with RA President Robert Kocharyan. According to him,
Armenian-Russian cooperation includes political area as well as
economic field, which has improved for the last 2-3 years, and
military-technical area. According to Kocharyan, both countries now
try to develop the humanitarian component of the cooperation,
emphasizing that holding the Year of Russia in Armenia is a serious
action. "We discussed the possibilities of making the program
satiated, so that during the year citizens of Armenia could have a
full-fledged idea of today's Russia, its achievements in the area of
culture, business and the whole spectrum of relations ", Kocharyan
said.
According to Kocharyan, in the course of the meeting with V. Putin
issues of interaction in the field of energy were discussed, where
"there are interesting projects, and Russia is represented well
enough". Also, issues of activating investments policy of Russian
business in Armenia were discussed. "Armenian side greets it, and we
will create all the facilities for efficient work ", he said.
Kocharyan expressed his satisfaction with the atmosphere and results
of the negotiations held. "We also exchanged opinions abut
international issues related to the region, discussed the state of
the bilateral relations", he said. Kocharyan noted the friendly and
constructive mood, adding that considering the volume of bilateral
relations it's difficult to be on schedule of the meeting. A.H. -0--
************************************************** ******************
VLADIMIR PUTIN: THE CIS SURELY NEEDS PRESERVING, AND EVERYBODY IS
INTERESTED IN IT, IRRESPECTIVE OF POLITICAL ADHERENCE OF AUTHORITIES
YEREVAN, March 25. /ARKA/. The CIS surely needs preserving, and
everybody is interested in it, irrespective of political adherence of
authorities, as stated RF President Vladimir Putin at a press
conference in Yerevan after the negotiations with the RA President
Robert Kocharyan. According to him, "the CIS is quite a useful club"
for mutual cooperation and integration, including humanitarian and
administrative areas. "We should not lose it, since mutually
advantageous cooperation is very important", he said. According to
Putin, a lot of relations between states are established in the
framework of the CIS. "This is a field for presidents of many
countries, where they can meet, discuss and solve various problems",
Putin said. According to him, there are many directions for
cooperation, thousands of problems, in particular, borders,
pensioners, refugees, "the field of the CIS is very convenient for
raising, discussion and solving such problems".
He added that all disappointments are caused by excessive
expectations in economic, political and military areas, but "nothing
of the kind could happen since the CIS was established for the
civilized collapse of the USSR with the least losses". According to
Putin, the CIS has completed that task. "If in Europe structures are
established for unification, then the CIS was established for the
civilized parting. All the rest is a political husk", he said.
According to him, when formation of the CIS there was no goal to
integrate in the area of economy, "since really nobody worked at
it". He emphasized that opportunities come forth in the framework
of European Asian Economic Cooperation and other structures and
principles for economic integration are formed. "Someone is not ready
yet, someone shows interest, and a new integration community will be
formed on the base of a new voluntary integration", he said. A.H.-0-
************************************************** ******************
March 25 2005
Armenia to resolve refugee problem in few years: PACE Rapporteur
RA President congratulates Armenia's workers of theater
Armenian Apostolic Church Leader Garegin II hosts Russian President
Vladimir Putin in his residence in Echmiadzin
Hearings on Karabakh problem to be held in Armenian parliament on
March 29 and 30
Robert Kocharyan, Vladimir Putin open year of Russia in Armenia
No violations of cease-fire regime recorded in monitoring of contact
line between NKR, Azerbaijani armed forces
Special attention should be paid to youth exchange: Vladimir Putin
Armenian President Robert Kocharyan sees great potential in
enlargement of cooperation with Russia
Caucasus-Poti ferry service to open up broad prospects and radically
change situation:Robert Kocharian
Caucasus-Poti ferry service to intensify region's economic life:
Vladimir Putin
Armenian President Robert Kocharyan to visit Moscow on May 8 to
attend festive events connected with celebration of victory in World
War II
Vladimir Putin: Armenian investments in Russian economy to be
welcomed
Vladimir Putin: Armenia and Russia to keep promoting Russian and
Armenian businessmen's participation in investment and privatization
activities
Russia to contribute to the settlement of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
Putin: Revolution in Kyrgyzstan "was not a surprise" for Russia
Robert Kocharyan: there is a very high potential for cooperation
between Armenia and Russia
Vladimir Putin: the CIS surely needs preserving, and everybody is
interested in it, irrespective of political adherence of authorities
************************************************** ******************
ARMENIA TO RESOLVE REFUGEE PROBLEM IN FEW YEARS: PACE RAPPORTEUR
YEREVAN, March 25. /ARKA/. Armenian legislation on refugees is in
full conformity with international standards, and the existence of
some programs inspires hope that Armenia will resolve the refugee
problem in a few years, Boris Chilevich, PACE Rapporteur for Refugees
and Displaced Persons in Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia stated at
his meeting with Speaker of the RA National Assembly Artur
Baghdasaryan. The public relations department, RA National Assembly,
reports that Chichelevich made a positive appraisal of the NA
Speaker-headed Council for Refugee Affairs, which is an important
link in accomplishing legislative and practical tasks.
In his turn, Speaker Baghdasaryan pointed out the priority of solving
the refugee problem, and singled out the provision of refugees with
housing and job. He pointed out that the RA state budget provides for
funds for resolving the refugees' housing problem, and relevant
programs are being implemented in nine Armenian regions. Baghdasaryan
said that special courses are planned in Armenia's higher schools for
refugees to improve their professional skills and find jobs.
"Computer centers that are working and opened in Yerevan and in
Armenian regions contribute to the accomplishment of this task,"
Baghdasaryan said. The side also discussed the implementation of a
professional retraining program under PSCE's auspices. P.T. -0--
************************************************** ******************
RA PRESIDENT CONGRATULATES ARMENIA'S WORKERS OF THEATER
YEREVAN, March 25. /ARKA/. RA President Robert Kocharyan has
congratulated Armenia's workers of theater on International Day of
Theater. The RA presidential press service reports that in his
message the RA president pointed out the theater's significant role
in the Armenian people's life. "It appears to be natural that nobody
enjoys such love and popularity in Armenia as great masters of the
Armenian stage. We attach importance to upholding and developing
their traditions," Kocharyan said.
According to him, great is the theater's role in the spiritual and
cultural life of present-day Armenia. In his message he points out
that "the picture of future Armenia depends on our work today, and
especially on cultural establishments' efficient activities. "I
warmly congratulate all representatives of our stage art on their
holiday, wish them to have new brilliant representatives, inspiration
and success," the President's message says. P.T. -0--
************************************************** ******************
ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC CHURCH LEADER GAREGIN II HOSTS RUSSIAN PRESIDENT
VLADIMIR PUTIN IN HIS RESIDENCE IN ECHMIADZIN
YEREVAN, March 25. /ARKA/. Armenian Apostolic Church Leader Garegin
II hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin Friday in his residence in
Echmiadzin. After welcoming the Russian President, Garegin II spoke
about centuries-long cordial relations between the two nations. "This
is a historic visit that will be recorded in St.Echmiadzin books as a
new evidence of long friendship between our nations", he said.
Armenian Apostolic Church Leader thanked the Russian President for
his care of Armenians living in Russia. Putin, in turn, stressed
spiritual nature of the base of the two nations' relations. He
expressed satisfaction that relations between Armenian and Russian
Churches remain as cordial as centuries ago. Vladimir Putin
emphasized great contribution made by Garegin II either to
development of the two countries' relationship or establishing peace
in Caucasus. The meeting was ended in GareginII and Vladimir Putin
visit to Echmiadzin Patriarchy Museum and St Echmiadzin Cathedral,
where Garegin II prayed for further development of friendship between
Armenian and Russian nations.
Russian Presidential Adviser Sergey Prikhodko, Russian Ambassador to
Armenia Anatoly Dryukov, Armenian Ambassador to Russia Armen
Smbatyan, Bishop Yeznik Petrosyan, who is in charge of
St.Echmiadzin's Department for Foreign Church Relations, Vicar of
Armenian Apostolic Church's Ararat diocese Navasard Kchoyan, the Head
of New-Nakhichevan and Russian dioceses Bishop Yezras Nersisyan and
St. Echmiadzin Office head Bushop Arshak Khachatryan. M.V. -0--
************************************************** ******************
HEARINGS ON KARABAKH PROBLEM TO BE HELD IN ARMENIAN PARLIAMENT ON
MARCH 29 AND 30
YEREVAN, March 25. /ARKA/. Armenian National Assembly's Standing
Committee on Foreign Relations initiated parliamentary hearings on
Karabakh problem to be held on March 29 and 30. According to the
National Assembly Department for Public Relations, the aim of the
hearings is to specify opportunities and mechanisms of parliamentary
diplomacy, to promote the problem solution and to clarify the role
Armenia plays in Nagorno Karabakh in the process of Karabakh conflict
settlement. After the hearings, the Committee will publish reports
and speeches heard here. To make the hearings more effective, their
initiators ask all interested individuals and juridical entities to
submit their remarks and proposals related to the event to the
Committee.
************************************************** ******************
ROBERT KOCHARYAN, VLADIMIR PUTIN OPEN YEAR OF RUSSIA IN ARMENIA
YEREVAN, March 25. /ARKA/. Today, RA and RF Presidents, Robert
Kocharyan and Vladimir Putin, have opened a Year of the Russian
Federation in the Republic of Armenia. The program envisages 120
joint arrangements in political, economic, scientific and
technological, and interregional spheres. The program envisages the
organization of trade and industrial exhibitions and fairs, expansion
of exchange of economic information, scientific-practical conferences
on various problems of bilateral and regional cooperation. The
cultural part of the program includes the presentation of Russia's
best creative groups, achievements of the country's musical,
theatrical and art schools, modern-day art workers, cinema and
television to the Armenian public. Meetings of literary men, workers
of theatre, and cinema are expected as well. Such world-famous
collectives as the ballet troupe of the Bolshoi Theater, RF National
Philharmonic Orchestra, Moscow Anton Chechov Art Theater, S.
Obraztsov Puppet Theater, A. Alexandrov Academic Company of the
Russian Army are to participate in the cultural actions. A week of
Russian cinema, exhibitions of contemporary art and photo exhibitions
are to be held as well.
As regards science and education, arrangements are to be organized
aimed at expanding contacts between higher schools, training and
re-training of personnel, at strengthening the positions of the
Russian language in Armenia. Arrangements at the level of the RA and
RF Academies of Sciences, particularly, forums on priority subjects
of joint research, are to be held as well.
A logical continuation of the Year of Russia in Armenia will be a
Year of Armenia in Russia in 2006. The main idea of the Year is to
pave the way for public and business initiatives, establish direct
human communication, expand information and cultural exchange, deepen
bilateral contacts. P.T. -0--
************************************************** ******************
NO VIOLATIONS OF CEASE-FIRE REGIME RECORDED IN MONITORING OF CONTACT
LINE BETWEEN NKR, AZERBAIJANI ARMED FORCES
STEPANAKERT, March 25. /ARKA/. No violations of the cease-fire regime
were recorded during regular monitoring of the contact line between
the NKR and Azerbaijani armed forces at a section to the north of the
village of Talish, Martakert region, Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR).
The press service of the NKR Foreign Office reports that on the side
of the NKR Defense Army the monitoring was conducted by the filed
assistants to the Personal Representative of the OSCE
Chairman-in-Office, Miroslav Vimetal (Czechia), Peter Key (Great
Britain) and Torsen Arsen (Switzerland). The Azerbaijani side did not
take the OSCE representatives to its fronts, which resulted in a
defective visual contact between the OSCE monitoring groups.
On the NKR side the monitoring mission was accompanied by
representatives of the NKER Ministry of Defense and Ministry of
Foreign Affairs. P.T. -0--
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SPECIAL ATTENTION SHOULD BE PAID TO YOUTH EXCHANGE: VLADIMIR PUTIN
YEREVAN, March 25. /ARKA/. Special attention should be paid to youth
exchange and to the involvement of young people in the
Armenian-Russian cooperation, RF President Vladimir Putin told a news
conference held jointly with RA president Robert Kocharyan in
Yerevan. Putin said that the problem of cultural ties between the
people of the Soviet generation and young people really exists and is
the result of restricted contacts during the last few years. "It is
not so much political. Rather, it is accounted for by the decrease of
the volume of cooperation and cultural ties, as people have more
difficulties is moving around the post-Soviet area than they had
within a common state," Putin said. According to him, these issues
are being constantly discussed, and possibilities and ways of
overcoming these difficulties are being sought. "We hope that today's
arrangement, the opening of a Year of Russia in Armenia, will
contribute to the accomplishment of these tasks," the RF President
said.
In his tur, speaking of cultural ties, RA President Robert Kocharyan
pointed out more active use of the potential of modern information
technologies and public communication. "In this aspect, the relaying
of the Culture TV channel in Armenia is most important," the RA
President said. According to him, the use of some instruments allows
the culture and art situation in the CIS to be properly monitored. He
pointed out that Russian TV companies could have prepared programs
about cultural situation in Armenia and in the other CIS countries.
"We regret to lose what has been created by many generations. All
benefit from mutual enrichment, especially in the aspect of cultural
contacts," Kocharian said. P.T. -0--
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ARMENIAN PRESIDENT ROBERT KOCHARYAN SEES GREAT POTENTIAL IN
ENLARGEMENT OF COOPERATION WITH RUSSIA
YEREVAN, March 25. /ARKA/. Armenian President Robert Kocharyan sees a
great potential in enlargement of cooperation with Russia, the
Armenian President said at joint press conference with Russian
President Vladimir Putin in Yerevan. Speaking on cooperation
prospects in bank area, Kocharyan said "we see active movement
forward". In his words, Moscow companies run construction in Yerevan.
"There were no such a thing two years ago", Armenian President said.
According to him, reconstruction of Armenal, which will become one of
leading companies in this area, is under way now.
"There are also serious projects in energy area and we discussed
possibility of their fundamental continuation. We will deal with a
new quality of cooperation - regional cooperation.And there are
serious reserves in the region", Kocharyan said. M.V. -0--
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CAUCASUS-POTI FERRY SERVICE TO OPEN UP BROAD PROSPECTS AND RADICALLY
CHANGE SITUATION:ROBERT KOCHARIAN
YEREVAN, March 25. /ARKA/. The Caucasus-Poti ferry service will open
up broad prospects and radically change the situation, RA President
Robert Kocharian told a news conference held jointly with RF
President Vladimirm Putin in Yerevan. He pointed out that the
operation of the ferry service means the commencement of the solution
to a most serious transport problem, "which has been curbing our
economic cooperation." "The situation is changing radically here, and
time is required for developing this route, calculating expenses, but
I am sure that prospects will be opened up which have not been spoken
of at least during the last few years and have not been completely
calculated even by us," Kocharian said. P.T. -0--
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CAUCASUS-POTI FERRY SERVICE TO INTENSIFY REGION'S ECONOMIC LIFE:
VLADIMIR PUTIN
YEREVAN, March 25. /ARKA/. The Caucasus-Poti ferry service will
intensify the region's economic life, RF President Vladimir Putin
told a press conference held jointly with RA President Robert
Kocharian in Yerevan. He pointed out that the first ferry has
transported a grain cargo for Georgia from the Caucasus to Poti. "In
the future, this ferry is expected to be used for transporting goods
to Armenia. We hope that this line will start operating in the
interests of all the countries of the region, private investments
will be attracted, and it can be said a good start in the right
direction," Putin said. He pointed out that such steps will afford
ample opportunities for business and creation of jobs, as well as
intensify the region's economic life. "It will also contribute to the
integration and resolution of accumulated problems," Putin said. P.T.
-0--
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ARMENIAN PRESIDENT ROBERT KOCHARYAN TO VISIT MOSCOW ON MAY8 TO ATTEND
FESTIVE EVENTS CONNECTED WITH CELEBRATION OF VICTORY IN WORLD WAR II
YEREVAN, March 25. /ARKA/. Armenian President Robert Kocharyan
decided to visit Moscow on May 8 to attend festive events connected
with celebration of victory in World War II, Russian President
Vladimir Putin said Friday speaking at a joint press conference with
Armenian President Robert Kocharyan in Yerevan. "Our nations were
fighting Nazi side by side and this date in our common history we'll
mark together", he said. M.V. -0--
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VLADIMIR PUTIN: ARMENIAN INVESTMENTS IN RUSSIAN ECONOMY TO BE
WELCOMED
YEREVAN, March 25. /ARKA/. Armenian investments in Russian economy
will be welcomed, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday at his
joint press conference with Armenian President Robert Kocharyan in
Yerevan. In his words, the issue was discussed during bilateral
talks. "I think Armenian investments in Russian economy, especially
in those areas in which Armenia itself is interested, will be
welcomed", Putin said. In his words, certain growth of Russian
investments in Armenia is visible today. In his words, they are still
not so great but the prospects are obvious. In his opinion, regional
and investment cooperation is an important reserve. Russian President
pointed out the importance of political and economic stability in the
country as key factor for cooperation enlargement. M.V. -0--
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VLADIMIR PUTIN: ARMENIA AND RUSSIA TO KEEP PROMOTING RUSSIAN AND
ARMENIAN BUSINESSMEN'S PARTICIPATION IN INVESTMENT AND PRIVATIZATION
ACTIVITIES
YEREVAN, March 25. /ARKA/. Armenia and Russia will keep promoting
Russian and Armenian businessmen's participation in investment and
privatization activities, Russian President Vladimir Putin said
Friday at a press conference in Yerevan. In his words, accord on that
is already reached with Armenian President Robert Kocharyan. Putin
also pointed out that there are considerable prospects of cooperation
between the two countries in energy and banking areas. Russian
President called negotiations with his Armenian counterpart very
fruitful and useful considering all aspects of bilateral relations
and also regional and international problems. Putin attached special
significance to the issue related to partnership in the frames of CIS
that he discussed with Armenian President. "We intend to solve common
problems, such as terrorism, transnational criminality and drug and
arms trafficking, by joint efforts. M.V. -0--
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RUSSIA TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE SETTLEMENT OF NAGORNO-KARABAKH CONFLICT
YEREVAN, March 25. /ARKA/. Russia will contribute to the settlement
of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, as stated RF President Vladimir Putin
at a press conference in Yerevan after the negotiations with RA
President Robert Kocharyan. "We will hope for the regular meeting and
negotiations between presidents of RA and AR", Putin said. He
emphasized that in the course of the meeting with Kocharyan attention
was paid to regional problems. "Our countries are interested in
stabilizing the situation in Transcaucasia, hence formation of the
atmosphere of trust and relations that would dynamically develop
social and economic area", he said. A.H.-0--
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PUTIN: REVOLUTION IN KYRGYZSTAN "WAS NOT A SURPRISE" FOR RUSSIA
YEREVAN, March 25. /ARKA/. "Development of situation in Kyrgyzstan is
the result of power weakness and accumulated social and economic
problems in the country", stated the President of the Russian
Federation Vladimir Putin during the press conference upon the
results of talks with the Armenian President in Yerevan. "This was
not a surprise for us", said the Russian President. "At the same
time, the political issues are once again solved by non-legal means
in one of the countries of post-Soviet territory, accompanied by
havoc and victims. This fact arouses our regret", said Putin.
At the same time, Vladimir Putin affirmed readiness to receive Askar
Akaev in Russia. "As far as the arrival of Askar Akayevich Akaev is
concerned, we won't mind, if he decides to come to Russia. I think it
is quite possible", said the Russian President. L.V.-0--
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ROBERT KOCHARYAN: THERE IS A VERY HIGH POTENTIAL FOR COOPERATION
BETWEEN ARMENIA AND RUSSIA
YEREVAN, March 25. /ARKA/. There is a very high potential for
cooperation between Armenia and Russia, as stated RF President
Vladimir Putin at a press conference in Yerevan after the
negotiations with RA President Robert Kocharyan. According to him,
Armenian-Russian cooperation includes political area as well as
economic field, which has improved for the last 2-3 years, and
military-technical area. According to Kocharyan, both countries now
try to develop the humanitarian component of the cooperation,
emphasizing that holding the Year of Russia in Armenia is a serious
action. "We discussed the possibilities of making the program
satiated, so that during the year citizens of Armenia could have a
full-fledged idea of today's Russia, its achievements in the area of
culture, business and the whole spectrum of relations ", Kocharyan
said.
According to Kocharyan, in the course of the meeting with V. Putin
issues of interaction in the field of energy were discussed, where
"there are interesting projects, and Russia is represented well
enough". Also, issues of activating investments policy of Russian
business in Armenia were discussed. "Armenian side greets it, and we
will create all the facilities for efficient work ", he said.
Kocharyan expressed his satisfaction with the atmosphere and results
of the negotiations held. "We also exchanged opinions abut
international issues related to the region, discussed the state of
the bilateral relations", he said. Kocharyan noted the friendly and
constructive mood, adding that considering the volume of bilateral
relations it's difficult to be on schedule of the meeting. A.H. -0--
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VLADIMIR PUTIN: THE CIS SURELY NEEDS PRESERVING, AND EVERYBODY IS
INTERESTED IN IT, IRRESPECTIVE OF POLITICAL ADHERENCE OF AUTHORITIES
YEREVAN, March 25. /ARKA/. The CIS surely needs preserving, and
everybody is interested in it, irrespective of political adherence of
authorities, as stated RF President Vladimir Putin at a press
conference in Yerevan after the negotiations with the RA President
Robert Kocharyan. According to him, "the CIS is quite a useful club"
for mutual cooperation and integration, including humanitarian and
administrative areas. "We should not lose it, since mutually
advantageous cooperation is very important", he said. According to
Putin, a lot of relations between states are established in the
framework of the CIS. "This is a field for presidents of many
countries, where they can meet, discuss and solve various problems",
Putin said. According to him, there are many directions for
cooperation, thousands of problems, in particular, borders,
pensioners, refugees, "the field of the CIS is very convenient for
raising, discussion and solving such problems".
He added that all disappointments are caused by excessive
expectations in economic, political and military areas, but "nothing
of the kind could happen since the CIS was established for the
civilized collapse of the USSR with the least losses". According to
Putin, the CIS has completed that task. "If in Europe structures are
established for unification, then the CIS was established for the
civilized parting. All the rest is a political husk", he said.
According to him, when formation of the CIS there was no goal to
integrate in the area of economy, "since really nobody worked at
it". He emphasized that opportunities come forth in the framework
of European Asian Economic Cooperation and other structures and
principles for economic integration are formed. "Someone is not ready
yet, someone shows interest, and a new integration community will be
formed on the base of a new voluntary integration", he said. A.H.-0-
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