Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

CENN: Daily Digest - November 2, 2004

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • CENN: Daily Digest - November 2, 2004

    CENN - NOVEMBER 2, 2004 DAILY DIGEST
    Table of Contents:
    1. Society for Democratic Reforms (SDR)
    2. Resolution of NGO Conference
    3. Environmental, Socio-economic Issues Threaten Caucasus
    4. BP Demands More Attention from the New Government
    5. Security and Stability in the Black Sea Region
    6. Armenia will Receive $20.3 mln. for Economic Development of Rural
    Areas
    7. Armenian leader, World Bank officials discuss developing cooperation
    8. Half of Armenia's Territory Non-habitable
    9. First South Caucasus Media Conference Opens
    10. "How to Overcome Barriers of None EU Member States Youth NGOs to
    Participate Actively in EU Youth Programme?"
    11. EIA Report Submitted to the Ministry of Environment of Georgia
    12. Vacancy Announcement -- Civil Assurance Inspector
    13. Vacancy Announcement - Certification Engineer Assistant



    1. SOCIETY FOR DEMOCRATIC REFORMS (SDR)
    Date: 25 October 2004
    Baku

    PRESS-RELEASE

    SDR implements a project titled `Monitoring of Socio-Economic Impacts of
    BTC in Azerbaijan' since August 1, 2004 with financial aid from NOVIB,
    The Netherlands. This project intends carrying out the Independent BTC
    Pipeline Monitoring on educating and informing the population about
    their rights, operating an observation and data collection system, and
    preparing the advocacy materials to influence the international
    financiers. The mission of the project is to ensure that the rights and
    dignity of Azerbaijanis are respected, the environment is preserved and
    the welfare of Azerbaijanis improved.

    One of the directions of the monitoring will be held along the
    geographic length of the pipeline construction route in and bringing
    attention to problems in the implementation and construction of the
    project to local, national and international actors. The other direction
    is to synthesize field data into periodic monitoring reports, publish a
    free Pipeline Watch Journal in Azerbaijani and English to inform the
    population about the project, and organize briefings for local and
    international media.

    The third direction of the project is to train about 60 activists along
    the pipeline route who will help the focus groups and file monthly
    reports. The monitoring will be grounded in the community and community
    concerns. The project will combine participatory research, communication
    and advocacy from the local to the international levels.

    The Press Release is available on the following address:
    http://www.cenn.org/info/Press-release_27.10.2004_Eng.doc


    2. RESOLUTION OF NGO CONFERENCE

    EECCA Strategy: Prerequisites for Successful Implementation Preparation
    to Conference of EECCA Environment Ministers and Their Partners

    Tbilisi, Georgia, October 20-21, 2004

    A Russian and English version of the resolution is available on the
    following address: http://www.cenn.org/info/NGO Resolution Draft.doc


    3. ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIO-ECONOMIC ISSUES THREATEN CAUCASUS

    Source: The Messenger, October 26, 2004

    In a new report on the environment and security, analysts warn that
    non-traditional environmental and socio-economic threats could
    exacerbate existing conflicts in the Caucasus.

    The report, entitled `Environment and Security: Transforming risks into
    cooperation' and supported by both the UN and the OSCE, was released at
    the start of the conference of Eastern European, Caucasus and Central
    Asian Environment Ministers October 22, 2004.

    The report is part of a wide effort called the Environment and Security
    (ENVSEC) initiative, jointly run by the OSCE, the UN Development Program
    (UNDP) and Environment Program (UNEP), and identifies key environmental
    issues that may effect security in the Southern Caucasus.

    In its press release, ENVSEC states that the report highlights three
    common areas of concern, either negatively as sources of potential
    conflict or positively as opportunities for cooperation and confidence
    building, for Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia.

    The three areas are environmental degradation and access to natural
    resources in areas of conflict; management of cross border environmental
    concerns, such as water resources, natural hazards, and industrial and
    military legacies; and population growth and rapid development in
    capital cities.

    The Environmental Ministries of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia were
    invited to discuss the report with the representatives of partner
    countries and agencies at the launch event, after which was held a
    regional conference of Eastern European, Caucasus and Central Asian
    Environment Ministers.

    `The Southern Caucasus countries are confronted by similar social,
    political and economic transformation that are altering century old
    relationships within and between them and shaping their development.
    Each of these transformation has an impact on, and could be effected by
    the state of the natural environment,' said Director of UNDP Regional
    Bureau or Europe and the CIS Kalman Mizsei.

    Director of UNEP's European office Frits Schlingenmann added this could
    pose a threat to stability in the region, saying that environmental
    stress and change could undermine security in the three South Caucasian
    countries.

    Coordinator for OSCE economic and environmental activities Marcin
    Swecicki agreed, saying, `Today we face a variety of non-traditional
    threats to security, posted by socio-economic and environment issues.'

    `However,' Frits Schlingenmann added, `sound environmental management
    and technical cooperation could also be a means for strengthening
    security while promoting sustainable development if three governments
    decided to do so.'

    The ENVSEC Initiative builds on the combined strengths and field
    presence of the lead organizations in three main areas: assessment and
    monitoring of environment and security linkages; capacity building and
    institutional development; and integration of environment and security
    concerns and priorities in international and national policy making.


    4. BP DEMANDS MORE ATTENTION FROM THE NEW GOVERNMENT

    Source: The Messenger, October 29, 2004

    The building of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline is in its final stage,
    and on Georgian territory its construction is nearly complete. The
    ceremony linking the Azerbaijani and Georgian sections took place
    recently, and was attended by the presidents of Georgia and Azerbaijan.

    But despite this, builders say that the Georgian government has a very
    indifferent attitude towards the Caspian oil project, which was
    considered to be one of the main achievements of the Shevarnadze regime.

    There have been several reports in the Georgian media connected with
    BP's dissatisfaction with the Georgian government. On October 25, 2004
    during a meting with Georgian journalists in London, the company's
    representatives openly talked about their business and problems in
    Georgia.

    The newspaper 24 Saati quotes BP regional director Jay Berson as saying,
    `With the new government we feel like stepsons our parents have died and
    we are in the hands of a new family. They think that we are bad too, as
    they have seen neither our diaries nor our friends and so they don't
    know the truth about us.'

    However, BP GEO Jord John Browne said, `I think that we are establishing
    a very good and realistic relationship with the new government.'

    The new government had problems with BP with regard to construction of
    the pipeline through the Borjomi district, and construction was
    temporarily halted owing to a government demand for additional safety
    guarantee. The opposition evaluated this as a `sector pro Russian'
    policy and an attempt to distance Georgia from the West.

    The Georgian government contains only a few members with a pro Russian
    orientation, and the opposition's claims seem overplayed. There is no
    doubting the benefit to the Georgian economy that the pipeline will
    bring, although to depend solely on this to rejuvenate the economy would
    be foolish, nor that its construction will continue in the near future.

    Nevertheless, there does seem to be some distrust between BP and the new
    government, and the two sides will need to overcome this, particularly
    in the near future when they must discuss pipeline safety and the
    construction of a second pipeline for natural gas.


    5. SECURITY AND STABILITY IN THE BLACK SEA REGION

    Source: The Messenger, November 1, 2004

    On October 29, 2004 the eleventh meeting of the Council of Foreign
    Affairs Ministers of member states of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation
    Organization (BSEC) was held in Tbilisi.

    Delegates to the meeting who included senior officials and
    representatives of BSEC affiliated organizations as well as the
    ministers of foreign affairs, praised Georgia's chairing of the
    organizations from May 1, 2004 citing enhanced cooperation in such
    fields and modern technologies and particularly the strengthening of
    stability in the region.

    The Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) stated that, through the
    efforts of Georgia as presiding country, a Statement was adopted on
    BSEC's Contribution to Security and Stability at a special meeting of
    the Council of Foreign Affairs Ministers in Istanbul on June 25, 2004
    which the ministry says `serves as further proof of the readiness of
    member states to cooperate closely so as the strengthen security and
    stability in the Black Sea region.'

    The MFA stated further that `the involvement of the South Caucasus
    countries in the new European Neighborhood Policy, which began in summer
    2004, attest to Europe's increasing interest in its neighboring
    regions.' A respective document was elaborated within the BSE that
    envisages a new model of cooperation with the EU.

    `During the next chairmanship of Greece,' the MFA said in information
    given to the media regarding the meeting, 'special importance will be
    attached to cooperation with the EU.' As a member of the both
    organizations, `Greece has to play a positive role in expanding
    relations between the BSEC and the EU.'

    The MFA stated that during its term of chairmanship, Georgia brought to
    the fore the issues of improving the business environment in the region
    and attracting greater investment. `In this context, mention should be
    made of the meeting of the BSEC Business Council Directors, which posed
    the question of enhancing cooperation with a view to crating an
    appropriate business environment. This, first of all, calls for the
    conduction of business meetings and the exchange of experience.'

    The ministry said that it took particular pride in projects put into
    motion by Georgia, in cooperation with Russia and Ukraine and with the
    assistance of the BSEC Project Development Fund, to prevent AIDS,
    malaria and tuberculosis through the se of information communication
    technologies in BSEC member states.

    The MFA also announced a new agreement between Georgia and Romania that
    it cities as evidence of positive regional cooperation, on the
    `Effective Operation of Ferry Transport between the Ports of Batumi and
    Konstantsa.'

    The agreement that was approved by Romania on October 28, 2004 and will
    shortly be submitted to the Georgian parliament, `serves to facilitate
    the realization of projects related to ferry traffic as well as the
    modernization of Batumi port.'

    Within the framework of the meeting Minister of Foreign Affairs Salome
    Zurabishvili held bilateral meetings with Vice Premier and State
    Minister of Turkey Abdulatip Sener, Armenian Foreign Affairs Minister
    Vartan Oskanian, Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Alexander
    Motsik, and Romanian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Borgdan
    Aureskus.

    The talks centered on relations between the countries, prospects for
    future cooperation, the ongoing processes in Georgia, integration into
    European structures and relations with international organizations.


    6. ARMENIA WILL RECEIVE $20.3 MLN FOR ECONOMIC DEPLOYMENT OF RURAL AREAS

    Source: Arminfo, October 28, 2004

    A $20.3 mln credit program of IFAD "Economic Development of Rural Areas"
    was signed in Yerevan, Thursday by Armenian Minister for Finance and
    Economy Vardan Khachatryan and Head of IFAD programs in Armenia Ganing
    Peterson.

    Minister Vardan Khachatryan said that the credit would be issued to
    Armenia for 40 years, including 10 years on preferential terms, at the
    annual interest of 0.75%. He said that under the above program, IFAD
    credit line is $15.3 mln, the remaining $5 mln will be provided by the
    Fund of Economic Development attached to OPEC as a grant. The minister
    said that besides the Agricultural Cooperative Bank the fund has
    cooperated with for already several years, the program will include in
    it other commercial banks of Armenia meeting the criteria required for
    participation in the program. The minister said that the final agreement
    would be signed by the end of the year in the Athens. On the part of
    Armenia, the document will be signed by Presidency Robert Kocharyan.

    In his turn, G.Peterson pointed out the efficiency of implementation of
    IFAD programs in Armenia, adding that the main stress of the program
    "Economic Development of Rural Areas" will be put on the long term of
    the provided funds, which will aim development of small and medium-scale
    entrepreneurship in the Armenian villages. Besides, he said that the
    program also aims economic development of regional infrastructures.

    It should be noted that the above program would be implemented in three
    major directions. The program allocated over $9.5 mln for crediting of
    agricultural entrepreneurship, with two types of credits to be issued
    under this component: some $5 mln for crediting of family enterprises,
    and $5-$150,000 for development of SMEs in villages. $0.31 mln are
    allocated for implementation of the second component, development of the
    network of organizations providing business services. The third
    component is aimed at economically based restoration on infrastructures,
    with $9.4 mln being issued for the given component, including $4.4 mln
    issued by IFAD, $5 mln by the OPEC Fund for Economic Development. In
    conformity with the draft agreement, commercial banks will provide
    debtors with funds for some 7 years under 8-11% of annual interest.

    It should be noted that IFAD implemented its first credit program in
    Armenia in 1998-2001, using $13,5 mln for implementation of various
    agricultural programs. By July 1, 2004, under the currently implemented
    program some $14.858 mln have been used, including $3.8 mln in the first
    half of 2004.


    7. ARMENIAN LEADER, WORLD BANK OFFICIALS DISCUSS DEVELOPING COOPERATION

    Source: Arminfo, October 30, 2004

    Yerevan, 29 October: Armenian President Robert Kocharyan today held a
    meeting with the regional director of the World Bank, Donna
    Dowsett-Coirolo, the infrastructure and energy sector director of the
    World Bank, Hossein Razavi, and the director of the World Bank office in
    Yerevan, Roger Robinson, who was accompanying them.

    The Armenian president's press service told Arminfo news agency that
    Donna Dowsett-Coirolo expressed her satisfaction with the process of
    economic reforms in Armenia. In turn, Mr. Kocharyan pointed out that
    cooperation with the World Bank is developing quite effectively and the
    World Bank played an important role in the whole process of the reforms.

    At the same time, he expressed his confidence that Armenia will continue
    to receive assistance from this authoritative international financial
    organization.

    The participants in the meeting stressed the importance of improving tax
    and customs administration. Kocharyan pointed out that these tasks, just
    like the reforms of the pension system, are in the spotlight of the
    government.

    The sides also discussed promising programmes in the energy sphere.

    We should point out that since 1992, the World Bank has implemented 36
    programmes in Armenia to the tune of 820.8m dollars.


    8. HALF OF ARMENIA'S TERRITORY NON-HABITABLE

    Source: Arminfo, October 28, 2004

    Only 58% of Armenia's territory is habitable with the rest covered by
    mountains with poor infrastructure, Armenia's deputy urban development
    minister Ruzan Alaverdyan said during today's Yerevan international
    seminar "Spatial Development Governance."

    The issue of Armenia's territorial development is important in the
    context of the country's situation in the region. Armenia has 9
    borderline regions of total 11 with 7 of 37 towns and 200 settlements.
    Armenia's modern spatial governance was developed under the influence of
    the soviet time planned economy. Now that Armenia wants to integrate
    into the world it is facing the need to develop its spatial governance
    according to the UN and CE principles. All the technical documents and
    the whole information base need revising. The population should be
    provided with housing, social-cultural and transport structures. One of
    the key tasks of spatial governance is to create increasingly favorable
    conditions for the public life.

    The seminar is organized by Armenia's urban development ministry in the
    framework of the CEMAT-CoE - Spatial Planning of Member States of
    Council of Europe.


    9. FIRST SOUTH CAUCASUS MEDIA CONFERENCE OPENS

    Source: The Messenger, October 26, 2004

    A two-day conference on dealing with libel and freedom of information in
    the Caucasus opened on Monday at the Sheraton Metechi Palace. The First
    South Caucasus Media Conference is organized by the OSCE Mission to
    Georgia and brings together over 50 journalists from Georgia, Armenia
    and Azerbaijan. OSCE Representative on Freedom of Media, Miklos
    Haraszti, opened the conference and praised Georgia for decriminalizing
    defamation earlier this year.


    10. "HOW TO OVERCOME BARRIERS OF NONE EU MEMBER STATES YOUTH NGOS TO
    PARTICIPATE ACTIVELY IN EU YOUTH PROGRAMME?"

    Dear Friends,

    I would like to bring to your attention about our Contact Making Seminar
    within the Youth Programme in Azerbaijan, Baku, /16-21 April 2005 (16-
    arrival day, 21-departure day). The seminar is aimed at setting up a
    co-operation between Programme countries and countries from the region
    of Eastern European Countries and Caucasus and is titled: "How to
    overcome barriers of none EU member states youth NGOs to participate
    actively in EU Youth Programme?" We expect 2 people from each
    participating organization.

    Accommodation, lodging and local transportation are covered fully.
    Participants will have to cover only their 30% of international travel
    cost. There is no participation fee.

    So we need especially partners from Moldova, Russia and from other 3rd
    Countries. Please, send your Part III agreement papers to the fax
    number-0048 81 759 62.

    Let me know when you will send the Part III papers to the fax
    number-0048 81 759 62 30 and hope to see you soon in our lovely and
    sunny capital Baku of Azerbaijan.

    Also don't forget to fill in and send me or to [email protected]
    the form on travel information which is requested the information about
    your travel details. Both files have been attached to this message.

    Feel free to apply with any questions at any time.

    Yours,

    Vugar Ahmadov
    Azerbaijani-American Youth Social Association
    Chairman


    11. EIA REPORT SUBMITTED TO THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT OF GEORGIA

    Source: `Sakartvelos Respublica' (`Republic of Georgia'), October 30,
    204

    In accordance with the Georgian legislation, `Black Sea Terminal' Ltd.
    submitted EIA reports to the Ministry of Environment of Georgia to
    obtain an environmental permit for the activity of second category
    -Development of the Sand Gravel Deposit in Khobi Region, Village Bia.

    EIA report is available at the press-center of the Ministry of
    Environment (68, Kostava Str., VI floor) and at the Department of
    Environmental Permits and State Ecological Expertise (87, Paliashvili
    Str., Tel: 25 02 19). Interested stakeholders can analyze the document
    and present their comments and considerations until December 14, 2004.

    Public hearing will be held on December 14, 2004 at 12:00, at the
    conference hall of the Ministry of Environment.


    12. VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT -- CIVIL ASSURANCE INSPECTOR

    For the purpose of BP pipeline projects, and under the BP management
    supervision, IRA Ltd. seeking to recruit a suitable qualified individual
    for the position of Civil Assurance Inspector. Civil Assurance Inspector
    will be a third party contractor for BP pipeline construction project in
    Georgia working under BP management supervision.

    Roles & Responsibilities:

    o To work alongside Contractor Quality Control Inspector and to monitor
    trenching, lowering in, back filling. Fiber Optic Cable Installation and
    the as built final survey.
    o Ensure that Contractor is in compliance with his Method Statement
    Permit to Work procedures for the work activity
    o Maintain a diligent approach to all HSE matters associated with the
    work and to uphold Company HSE Policy at the workplace
    o Ensure that works are undertaken by Contactor in accordance with
    approved Company documentation
    o Responsible for providing accurate daily reports on site progress to
    Line Management

    Requirements:

    o Work Experience in major earthworks activities with particular
    attention to deep excavations or Work Experience of road construction
    and reinstatement methods, or construction of temporary facilities and
    the provision of utility services in remote locations
    o Fluent in English and Georgian
    o Good command of MS office
    o Ability to stand in for other discipline Inspectors at the works when
    required
    o Ability to oversee works associated with the ROW clearance, stripping
    and storage of topsoil and subsequent land reinstatement
    o Ability to work in a multi discipline and multi national Construction
    team
    o Ability to maintain a diligent approach to all HSE matters associated
    with the works and to uphold Company HSE policy at the workplace
    o Good communication skills

    How to Apply/Additional information

    If you feel you have the required skills and experience to fulfill this
    role please submit a copy of your CV and fill in the relevant
    application form available at the address below. The closing date for
    receipt of applications is Friday, November 12, 2004.

    Georgian citizenship is required.

    All applications received will be acknowledged but this in no way
    implies that candidate will be interviewed and offered employment.

    HR Department
    Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Pipeline Company
    BP Georgia
    38, Saburtal;o str., Tbilisi


    13. VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT - CERTIFICATION ENGINEER ASSISTANT

    For the purpose of BP pipeline projects, and under the BP management
    supervision, IRA Ltd. seeking to recruit a suitable qualified individual
    for the position of Certification Engineer Assistant. Certification
    Engineer Assistant will be a third party contractor for BP pipeline
    construction project in Georgia working under BP management supervision.

    Roles & Responsibilities:

    Certification Engineer Assistant will be responsible in reviewing
    database for Pump Stations and Pipeline EPC Contracts for the Georgia
    section of the AGT Pipeline Project. Ensuring the certification is
    correctly recorded and that the database produces acute commissioning
    records.

    Roles & Responsibilities will include but not to be limited:

    o Will support the certification engineer in monitoring of BP's
    Assurance activities throughout the project
    o Assist the certification of engineer in the audit of contractors
    completions system to achieve technical integrity
    o Work closely with the EPC Contractors during the development of their
    completions system to ensure compliance with all Project specification
    o Will review all certification dossiers at mechanical completion and
    handover to operations to show that technical integrity has been
    achieved
    o Prepare weekly and monthly completions reports and submit to the In
    Country Manager
    o Review technical documents and procedures to determine Inspection and
    Test requirements
    o Responsible for updating and maintaining all the Project deliverables
    in the absence of the certification engineer

    Experience & Education:
    The incumbent will have:

    o University degree in Electrical, Instrument or Telecomm degree is
    preferable
    o Minimum of 5 years experience in oil and gas is desirable
    o Fluent English & Russian skills
    o Knowledge of computer based completions system
    o Strong computer abilities with MS Access, Microsoft Excel, Word &
    Power Point
    o Must be a good team player and possess good interpersonal skills
    o Must be able to work in a multi cultural environment
    o Must be `dead line' oriented
    o Must be able to work in an unsupervised environment

    How to Apply/Additional information

    If you feel you have the required skills and experience to fulfill this
    role please submit a copy of your CV and fill in the relevant
    application form available at the address below. The closing date for
    receipt of applications is Friday, November 10, 2004.

    Georgian citizenship is required.

    All applications received will be acknowledged but this in no way
    implies that candidate will be interviewed and offered employment.

    HR Department
    Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Pipeline Company
    BP Georgia
    38, Saburtal;o str., Tbilisi





    --
    *******************************************
    CENN INFO
    Caucasus Environmental NGO Network (CENN)

    Tel: ++995 32 92 39 46
    Fax: ++995 32 92 39 47
    E-mail: [email protected]
    URL: www.cenn.org
Working...
X