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COORDINATOR OF PUBLIC ALTERNATIVE COMMISSION FOR CONTROLLING CURRENT PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION OFFERS HIS MEDIATION TO STAFFS OF RUN-OFF CANDIDATES MARCH 3. Coordinator of public alternative commission for controlling current presidential election, lawyer Ruben Torossyan has offered his mediation to the electoral staffs of the run-off candidates. The commission's press service reports that the commission's resolution on the first round of the election gives grounds for serious concern. "Cooperation between the rival staffs will become a stimulus for the conduct of a free and fair election." Torossyan said that the commission-mediated Mar 4 meeting of Robert Kocharyan and Stepan Demirtchyan, during which the sides are expected to sign a commission-prepared agreement, will play a decisive role in overcoming the current moral crisis in Armenia.
The above agreement says that terror and violence are inadmissible
during elections. It particularly says "We, the candidates for
Armenian presidency, hereby promise ourselves and the Armenian people
to assist in conducting the Mar 5 run-off election in an atmosphere
of tolerance and cooperation."
COORDINATOR OF PUBLIC ALTERNATIVE COMMISSION FOR CONTROLLING CURRENT
PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION OFFERS HIS MEDIATION TO STAFFS OF RUN-OFF
CANDIDATES
MARCH 3. Coordinator of public alternative commission for controlling current presidential election, lawyer Ruben Torossyan has offered his mediation to the electoral staffs of the run-off candidates. The commission's press service reports that the commission's resolution on the first round of the election gives grounds for serious concern. "Cooperation between the rival staffs will become a stimulus for the conduct of a free and fair election." Torossyan said that the commission-mediated Mar 4 meeting of Robert Kocharyan and Stepan Demirtchyan, during which the sides are expected to sign a commission-prepared agreement, will play a decisive role in overcoming the current moral crisis in Armenia.
The above agreement says that terror and violence are inadmissible
during elections. It particularly says "We, the candidates for
Armenian presidency, hereby promise ourselves and the Armenian people
to assist in conducting the Mar 5 run-off election in an atmosphere
of tolerance and cooperation."-
LDUA TO SUPPORT PRES.KOCHARYAN DURING MAR 5 RUN-OFF ELECTION
In its today's statement the party says that it took an immediate part in the development of Kocharyan's electoral program, which is fully consonant with the party's goals.
In this context, the party is going to use the whole of its
organizational potential and all of its members to ensure
better-organized and consequently free, fair and transparent ballot,
which will reflect the true will of the people.
PRES.KOCHARYAN HOPES FOR ACTIVENESS OF HIS SUPPORTERS DURING MAR 5
RUN-OFF
MARCH 3. Armenia's President, presidential candidate Robert Kocharyan has visited his electoral staffs in Nork Marash, Nor Nork, Erebuni, Nubarashen and other Yerevan's communities.
He thanked the staffs for their fruitful activities during the first
round of the election and expressed hope for no less active work
during the Mar 5 run-off election. The key goal is to ensure the
conduct of a free, fair and transparent election.
SUPPORTERS OF BOTH RUN-OFF CANDIDATES TO HOLD RALLIES TODAY
MARCH 3. The supporters of both presidential run-off candidates are going to simultaneously rally in Yerevan today. Stepan Demirtchyan's supporters will rally at the Republic Square, while those of Kocharyan will meet in front of Matenadaran.
Today in the evening the candidates themselves will meet - for the
first time in the history of post-Soviet Armenia - on the air of
Armenia's Public Television. Kocharyan and Demirtchyan will respond
questions by TV viewers and journalists of 6 local TV companies.-
48 PEOPLE DETAINED DURING OPPOSITION RALLIES SET FREE
MARCH 3. 48 people detained during the recent
opposition rallies in Yerevan have been set free.
According to the press secretary of Armenia's Justice Minister Ara
Saghatelyan, the chairman of Armenia's Court of Appeal for Criminal
and Military Cases Tigran Sahakyan reconsidered today the verdicts of
first instance courts. As a result, the people who were earlier
sentenced to 15 days in prison will now have to pay fines.
The court will consider all the further appeals by the remaining
detainees. To remind, 158 people were detained during rallies, of
whom 86 were made administratively liable.
ARMENIA'S CEC REFUTES REPORTS ON DISMISSAL OF HEAD OF CIS
OBSERVATION MISSION
MARCH 3. The Central Electoral Commission of Armenia refuted today the opposition's reports that CIS Executive Secretary Yuri Yarov has been dismissed from the post of head of the CIS Observation Mission. On the contrary, Yarov is expected to arrive in Yerevan already today to meet with the CEC Tuesday.
To remind, the allegation were voiced during the Mar 1 opposition
rally by leader of National-Democratic Party, MP Shavarsh Kocharyan,
who said that "Yarov was dismissed because of his partiality during
the Feb 19 presidential race."
INCUMBENT PRESIDENT DOESN'T NEED IN FALSIFICATION OF RESULTS OF
ELECTION
MARCH 3. The incumbent President of Armenia Robert Kocharian doesn't need in falsification of results of the election. Member of the Supreme body of the party ARF Dashnaktsutiun Vahan Hovhannisian stated during the rally, organized in favor of the candidate for presidency of Armenia Robert Kocharian. According to him, "we have a common choice, as we see the united future of Armenia. We'll win by united forces".
Over 100,000 people took part in the rally, with the slogans "Work
togeter", "To win together" and "Work, stability, development". After
the rally the people saw the President of the republic Robert
Kocharian, who was present at the rally, to the presidential
residence.
ARMENIAN PEOPLE DON'T WANT TO LIVE IN THE DARK ANYMORE
MARCH 3. The Armenian people don't want to live in live in the dark any more and stand in line for bread. The Vice Speaker of the National Assembly of Armenia, the Vice Chairman of the Republican party Tigran Torosian stated during the rally in support to the candidate for presidency, the incumbent president Robert Kocharian.
According to him, an inexperienced political, the leader of
might-have-been party will be on the scale on one hand, on March 5.
He doesn't have a clear program of development of the economy and
solution of foreign political problems. Torosian said that forces
are , who want to come to power by all means and who could not
fulfill their promises neither concerning nomination of a single
candidature from the 16 opposition parties, nor regarding organizing
TV debates, scheduled for tonight, are behind Demirchian's back.
According to the RPA leader, one the other hand, the people of
Armenia may elect an experienced politician, who comes out for
economic growth of the country and has an experience of state
construction and clear program of development of Armenia for the
nearest 5 years.
PPA LEADER STEPAN DEMIRTCHYAN REFUSES TO TURN HIS TV DEBATES WITH
PRES.ROBERT KOCHARYAN INTO PRESS-CONFERENCE
MARCH 3. Presidential candidate, leader of the People's Party of Armenia Stepan Demirtchyan is ready to take part in TV debates with his rival, incumbent President of Armenia Robert Kocharyan, but refuses pointblank to turn the debates into a press-conference, PPA spokesperson Rusanna Khachatryan said at a press-conference today commenting on a possibility of Demirtchyan's refusal to take part in the debates. Khachatryan noted that tough today's meeting of Demirtchyan and Kocharyan on the air of Armenia's Public Television is called TV debates, in fact it is a press-conference because of the presence of journalists from 6 Armenian TV companies. "Demirtchyan is ready to meet face to face with Kocharyan, and we did our best for the meeting to take place. However, Kochatryan's team is insisting on its plan. This is an obvious attempt of avoiding the meeting." "Perhaps Kocharyan's supporters doubt his mental faculties." "In any case we'll wait will 9:30 pm. Unless we receive an answer by this time, Stepan Demirtchyan will not take part in the meeting."
Khachatryan noted that the official invitation was received only
today in the morning. The earlier meetings between PPA and Public
Television had not given any results. As for the statements on the TV
debates made Sunday at the Orakarg TV program, Khachatryan called
them lie and attempt to create an atmosphere of terror.
POLITICAL DESTABILIZATION IN ARMENIA ABSOLUTELY UNFAVOURABLE FOR
RUSSIA
MARCH 3. Political destabilization in Armenia is absolutely unfavourable for Russia, well-known Russian politician Vitaly Tretyakov said on the air of Russia's Public Television Sunday. This may automatically draw the attention of "those continue cutting the world map anew." Tretyakov said that Christian Armenia, squeezed between Iran, Turkey, Georgia and Azerbaijan, is Russia's and Europe's strategic outpost in the region.
Of course, Georgia and Azerbaijan are more interesting to Russia
because of their Black Sea and Caspian coasts. However, in light of
the current development of Russia's relations with those countries
Armenia is becoming Russia's most stable partner.
RUSSIAN POLITOLOGIST: MAINTENANCE OF STATE SUCCESSION IN ARMENIA
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT FOR STABILITY
MARCH 3. The maintenance of state succession in Armenia is of extreme importance from the viewpoint of stability, and it is not ruled out that the change of power can lead to a serious destabilization of the situation. The well-known Russian politologist Andranik Mihranyan said in his interview to the TV program "Vremena" on the air of the Russian Public Television yesterday.
Commenting on the wave of rallies in the country, Mihranyan said in
the countries like Armenia, when changing the power the political
elite undergoes changes as well, which results in a new re-division
of property. All this will lead to a chaos, destabilzation of the
situation and economic regress. "It can lead to serious negative
circumstances, which cannot but arise the concern of Russia," he
said.
SETTLEMENT OF NAGORNO-KARABAKH CONFLICT IMPOSSIBLE WITHOUT RADICAL
CHANGES: SERGEY MARKOV
MARCH 3. Either Armenia will rapidly grow weak and Azerbaijan has the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settled in a military way, or a crisis emerges in Azerbaijan and Armenia will be able to consolidate the legal status quo, Director of the Russian Institute of Political Research Sergey Markov stated in Vladimir Pozner's "Vremena" TV program. According to him, the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is impossible to settle without radical changes. Markov is sure that the possibility of both states' changing their position on the Karabakh problem is minimal. "Under the current circumstances the situation will remain unchanged," he said, adding that any politician "who will surrender Karabakh" will "bury his career."
At the same time he pointed out that Russia has played a great part
in making the conflict "freeze." Markov stressed that Armenia is a
small, but quite an influential country due to the Armenian lobby in
both the USA and Russia. "Relations with it as an influential
country, which has influenced the positions of diverse political
forces, are important for us," Markov said.
OVER 200 REPRESENTATIVES OF ARMENIAN INTELLECTUALS TO SUPPORT ROBERT
KOCHARIAN'S CANDIDATURE
MARCH 3. Over 200 representatives of the Armenian intellectuals made a statement today, saying that they will support Robert Kocharian's candidature during the second round of the presidential election in the country.
The authors of the statement, in particular, say that it is
impossible to imagine the future of the republic without strong state
system. "We proceed from the logic of achievements, believing that
due this logic all the social, economic and psychological
difficulties will be overcome, that's why we prefer the leader, who
already has merits in strengthening the Armenian state system and in
defence and liberation of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic - the
incumbent President of Armenia Robert Kocharian", the intellectuals
say.
FAMOUS ARMENIAN CONDUCTOR AND POETESS SUPPORT STEPAN DEMIRCHIAN'S
CANDIDATURE
MARCH 3. The famous Armenian conductor Ohan Durian state about his support to the candidature of the leader of the People's Party of Armenia Stepan Demirchian.
Speaking at the rally, organized by the opposition on the Republic
Square, Durian expressed his support to Demirchian, and he blamed the
incumbent President Robert Kocharian for stoppage of broadcasting of
the Russian TV channel "NTV" and stated that "there is no sense" to
talk about culture with Robert Kocharian. As a result Ohan Durian
called for Robert Kocharian "to leave his post with dignity and
peace".
The famous Armenian poetess Silva Kaputkian sent her statement of
support to Stepan Demirchian to the rally.
"YERKRAPAH VOLUNTEER UNION" PUBLIC-POLITICAL ORGANIZATION:
AUTHORITIES' LEGITIMACY IS THE ONLY GUARANTEE OF ARMENIA'S MERITED
FUTURE
FEBRUARY 3. The Armenian authorities' legitimacy is the only guarantee for Armenia's merited future, says the statement of the "Yerkrapah Volunteer Union" (YVU) public-political organization.
Leader of the "Hanrapetutyun" party Albert Baseyan announced the text
of the statement during an opposition-organized meeting currently
held at Republican Square, Yerevan. The meeting was attended by over
30 thous people. In particular, taking into account the
paramount importance of the upcoming election, Albert Bazeyan urged
the citizens of Armenia to actively participate in the second round
of the Armenian presidential election. Any violation during the
election will be considered a crime committed against the state and
national interests of the country. "In spite of the authorities'
illegal activities during the first round of the election, we shall
win," Bazeyan stated and added that the statement announced by him
had been made during the YVU enlarged meeting held on February 15
ARMENIAN MP, MEMBER OF CPA CENTRAL COMMITTEE "REFUTES" STATEMENT OF
LEADER OF ARMENIAN COMMUNISTS
MARCH 3. Armenian MP, a member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Armenia (CPA), Khoren Sargsyan, refuted "the information on the refusal of the CPA leader, Vladimir Darbinyan, to support either of the two candidates for the Presidency." Speaking at the meeting, Sargsyan stated that "the information reported by the mass media on the neutral position of Darbinyan does not correspond to the reality." The Armenian communists support the leader of the National Party of Armenia, Stepan Demirchyan, said Sargsyan. It should be noted that several days before the first round of the presidential election CPA Leader Vladimir Darbinyan stated that he withdraws his candidacy in favour of Artashes Geghamyan, the leader of the "National Unity" party. Just some time before the second round of the presidential election, in his interview to an ARMINFO correspondent Darbinyan himself stated that the communists are not going to support any of the two candidates explaining his position by "the numerous falsifications and violations during the first round."
The participants of the meeting also pointed out that the Armenian
Komsomol members also support Stepan Demirchyan's candidacy.
According to Leader of the Democratic Party of Armenia Aram Sargsyan,
after the opposition comes in power, "the current authorities will
have to responsible for the current sad state of the Armenian
people."
CC PRESIDENT INVITES INTERNATIONAL EXPERTS TO EXAMINE ARTASHES
GEGHAMIAN'S COMPLAINT
MARCH 3. President of the Constitutional Court of Armenia Gagik Harutiunian has invited several experts of the Council of Europe and of the CE Venetian Commission for Human Rights to Yerevan to examine the complaint lodged by one of the presidential candidates Artashes Geghamian to prevent "mistrust from the very beginning." The experts are to arrive in Yerevan on March 8. Chairman of the "National Unity" party Artashes Geghamian, who received 17.7% of votes during the first round of the presidential election, appealed against the election results at the Constitutional Court, demanding their invalidation. During the CC's sitting, the reporter on the case, CC Vice-President Vladimir Hovhannissian said that, top substantiate his complaint, Geghamian presented facts of falsifications reported not only by his proxies, but also by those of the other presidential candidates. According to Hovhannissian, the facts presented by Geghamian contain numerous discrepancies. Nevertheless, Hovhannissian recommended the CC to accept the complaint for consideration. In his turn, CC President Gagik Harutiunian pointed out that besides the election results, all the decisions of Armenia's Central Electoral Commission were appealed against at the country's minor courts, so not all the points of Geghamian's complaints are subject to consideration. The CC member Felix Tokhian considers advisable that the CC consider points 1 and 3 of Geghamian's complaint. After a long discussion, the CC decided to accept the complaint for consideration. "The Constitutional Court must first of all be guided by the letter of the law, and if a complaint is lodged, we are obliged to consider it," Harutiunian said.
Head of the PACE observer mission, the Lord Russel Johnston, who
closely watched the discussion, expressed his satisfaction with the
CC's decision. Under law, the CC is to return a verdict on a
complaint within 20 days after it was lodged, which is quite a short
period. However, Russel Johnston expressed his concern over a
considerable number of violations during the first round of the
presidential election. He expressed hope that the run-off election
will be fair, as it is the only way to democracy.
Under the CC's decision, Armenia's CEC is to appear as respondent to
Geghamian's complaint, and the hearing will be open.
EITHER DEVELOPMENT OR DEADLOCK: ARTUR BAHDASARIAN
According to him, the Armenian people must make the right choice. Armenia need stability now as never before, he said. The country is located in a complicated region and to deal with domestic and external problems it needs balanced decisions both in the domestic and foreign policies. What is the opposition's proposal? A policy leading to a deadlock? Bahdasarian condemned this policy, pronouncing for unification, which is, in fact, taking place now. The incumbent President's policy has shortcomings as well, but the work is being continued and the willingness to improve the country's life can be observed. Bahdasarian also pointed to Robert Kocharian's clear election program.
He said that the President proposes the creation of 30-40 thousand
jobs yearly, eradication of the "disaster zone" and poverty, a clear
program of the country's socio-economic development. On the other
hand, it is not clear what is the opposition's program. Bahdasarian
stressed the necessity for unification, as the country need a normal
development program. He urged the people to vote for Robert
Kocharian and "demand a report for the work done from him in the
future."
75 DETAINEES FOR OPPOSITION RALLIES SET FREE
MARCH 3. 75 people detained during the recent opposition rallies in Yerevan have been set free by 6:00 pm. local time today. According to the press secretary of Armenia's Justice Minister Ara Saghatelyan, the chairman of Armenia's Court of Appeal for Criminal and Military Cases Tigran Sahakyan reconsidered today the verdicts of first instance courts. As a result, the people who were earlier sentenced to 15 days in prison will now have to pay fines.
The court will consider all the further appeals by the remaining
detainees. To remind, 158 people were detained during rallies, of
whom 86 were made administratively liable.
CEC DEPRIVES "ARAVEN" ORGANIZATION OF OBSERVER STATUS IN PRESIDENTIAL
RUN-OFF ELECTION IN ARMENIA
MARCH 3. The Armenian "Apaven" organization has been deprives of its observer status in the presidential run-off election in Armenia. The Central Electoral Commission made this decision in conformity with point 5 of Article 29 of the Electoral Code of Armenia.
CEC Secretary Anna Alexanian, who presented the draft decision,
explained that the "Apaven" organization, which has about 40
observers, has publicly stated its support of the incumbent President
Robert Kocharian. Armenia's Election Code prohibits the support of
any of the presidential candidates by organizations having the
observer status, so the "Apaven" organization has been deprived of
its observer status.
72 HOURS - 6 DAYS TO BE PROVIDED FOR SUMMING UP RESULTS OF
PRESIDENTIAL RUNOFF ELECTION, IN CONFORMITY WITH ELECTORAL CODE
MARCH 3. 72 hours - 6 days will be provided for summing up the results of the presidential runoff election in conformity with the Electoral Code of Armenia.
Talking to ARMINFO's correspondent today, Head of the Central
Electoral Commission of Armenia Artak Sahradyan said if there are no
grievances sent to the commission after the runoff election, the
results of the voting will be summed up within 72 hours, otherwise it
will require 6 days. Thus, the deadline for presentation of the final
results of the runoff election is March 11 8:00 pm. local time, Artak
Sahradyan said.
ARAM SARGSSIAN INTENDS TO SUE ARMENIA'S AUTHORITIES FOR LIBEL
MARCH 3. Chairman of the "Republic" party Aram Sargssian has announced his intention to sue Armenia's authorities for libeling him. He called false the charges of selling the Charentsavan "Lizin" plant, as Armenia's TV channels reported. Sargssian stated that neither he nor his brother Armen Sargssian have anything in common with the plant.
The plant was sold during Robert Kocharian's presidency and Andranik
Margarian's premiership, Sargssian said. It is noteworthy that,
according to the US Department of State, the "Lizin" plant, which was
sold to Iran, can produce bacterial strains for bacteriological
weapons.
ARMENIAN OPPOSITION DECIDED TO PARTICIPATE IN RUNOFF ELECTION IN
ARMENIA
MARCH 3. The opposition headed by Stepan Demirchyan decided to participate in the runoff election, where we have more chances for victory than in the first round, as today the people more actively support the opposition and more international observers will monitor the runoff election, with the union of volunteers "Yerkrapah" to take an active part in the election, said Leader of the "Hanrapetutiun" party Aram Sargssyan speaking at the meeting organized by the opposition in the center of Yerevan. He said the opposition has been informed that Robert Kocharyan occupied the fourth place in the first round, nevertheless, the opposition does not intend to protest the results of the first round at the Constitutional Court, considering it senseless because of the Constitutional Court's being under the power of Robert Kocharyan. Aram Sargssyan urged the union to be more active in the runoff election and protect the votes given by the people. He also said the blackwashing campaign on the Television addressed to the opposition testified to the authorities' fear of the runoff election. It is symbolically that the authorities hold rallies in favor of Robert Kocharyan in the territory of the warehouse of ancient manuscripts "Matenadaran," while the opposition holds rallies in the Republican square. Let the authorities get used to the fact that their rallies will further take place near "Matenadaran," Aram Sargssyan said calling the people to gather on March 6 at 4:00 pm. at the building of "Matenadaran" to celebrate Stepan Demirchyan's victory.
Speaking at the meeting, Leader of the "Hanrapetutyun" party Albert
Bazeyan said if anyone tries to rig the runoff election, "we shall
square accounts with him." "It is people's struggle against
anti-people regime," Bazeyan said.-
STEPAN DEMIRCHIAN: I'M READY TO TAKE PART IN TV DEBATES, BUT
AUTHORITIES CONFUSE TV DEBATES WITH PRESS CONFERENCE
MARCH 3. "I'm ready to take part in the TV debates, but the authorities confuse TV debates with a press conference", the candidate for presidency, the leader of the People's party Stepan Demirchian stated during the rally of the opposition today.
According to him, if there were a need in holding a press conference,
journalists would be invited to the office of the People's party and
would get exhaustive responses to their questions. "But I want to
hold TV debates and discuss with the incumbent president. If he is
ready for it, the TV debates will take place", Stepan Demirchian
said, stating that he will go for the second round, despite that he
is sure in attempts to falsify his results. If he wins the election
Stepan Demirchian intends to struggle for establishment of democracy
in the country, liquidation of junta, welfare of the people and
raising the authority of Armenia on the international arena.
VAHE GABRIELIAN: ROBERT KOCHARIAN TO TAKE PART IN TV DEBATES
MARCH 3. The candidate for presidency of Armenia, the incumbent president Robert Kocharian doesn't refuse to take part in the TV debates with his opponent, the leader of the People's party Stepan Demirchian. The Press Secretary of the President of Armenia Vahe Gabrielian told the journalists. According to him, it's impossible to understand to whom are the pretensions regarding the conditions of the meeting of the two candidates are directed, as the TV companies offered to organize TV debates just in this format. "If there are issue on the format of holding TV debates, it is necessary to address them to the TV companies themselves", Vahe Gabrielian said, adding that he considers inexpedient to raise this question the last day before the second round of the presidential election.
At the same time, the press secretary of the president expressed an
opinion that the proposed versions is optimal. "It's an accepted
format, based on the experience of other countries. I cannot imagine
how will the two candidates speak without questions. One should
suppose that Robert Kocharian must prepare themes, and in accordance
with them to question Stepan Demirchian. One or several journalists
must be in the studio, who will offer themes and questions", Vahe
Gabrielian said. He also added that Robert Kocharian agreed for
taking part in the TV debates, and his agreement is in force.
RALLY IN SUPPORT OF ROBERT KOCHARIAN'S CANDIDATURE HELD IN VANADZOR
MARCH 3. A rally of many thousands in support of the candidature of Robert Kocharian's candidature was held in the third town of Armenia - Vanadzor today.
The participants of the rally explained their preference to the
candidature of Robert Kocharian int he second round of the
presidential election with the aspiration for keeping the internal
political stability, ensuring successive economic development of the
country. The residents of Vanadzor gave to the governor of Lori
region Henrik Kochinian many letters, addressed to the president,
where they not only wished him victory in the second round, but also
presented their approaches to solution of pan-national and state
problems of the republic.
BURNING BRIDGES BETWEEN AUTHORITIES AND OPPOSITION GROSS BLUNDER:
ROBERT KOCHARIAN
MARCH 3. Burning bridges between the incumbent authorities and the opposition would be a gross blunder, Armenia's President robert Kocharian stated during a TV debate with the opposition presidential candidate, Chairman of the People's Party of Armenia (PPA) Stepan Demirchian.
According to him, cooperation with the opposition is possible only on
condition of mutual willingness. Kocharian stated that the events
that took place in Armenia during the election campaign arouse
certain doubts of the opposition's willingness to cooperate with the
authorities. Nevertheless, the President pointed out that some field
of cooperation can be found. "Today we have opposition in the
Parliament, in Armenia's representation in the OSCE, but we must
speak of a wider range of issues. As regards the executive power, it
was formed by the Parliament. Here one needs to be rational, not
romantic, and picture a real range of cooperation between the
authorities and the opposition," Kocharian said.
BURNING BRIDGES BETWEEN AUTHORITIES AND OPPOSITION GROSS BLUNDER:
ROBERT KOCHARIAN
MARCH 3. Burning bridges between the incumbent authorities and the opposition would be a gross blunder, Armenia's President robert Kocharian stated during a TV debate with the opposition presidential candidate, Chairman of the People's Party of Armenia (PPA) Stepan Demirchian.
According to him, cooperation with the opposition is possible only on
condition of mutual willingness. Kocharian stated that the events
that took place in Armenia during the election campaign arouse
certain doubts of the opposition's willingness to cooperate with the
authorities. Nevertheless, the President pointed out that some field
of cooperation can be found. "Today we have opposition in the
Parliament, in Armenia's representation in the OSCE, but we must
speak of a wider range of issues. As regards the executive power, it
was formed by the Parliament. Here one needs to be rational, not
romantic, and picture a real range of cooperation between the
authorities and the opposition," Kocharian said.
LIQUIDATION OF CLAN SYSTEM SOLUTION TO POVERTY PROBLEM IN ARMENIA:
STEPAN DEMIRCHIAN
MARCH 3. Liquidation of the can system in Armenia is the core of the solution to the poverty problem in the country, the presidential candidate, chairman of the People's Party of Armenia (PPA) Stepan Demirchian stated during a TV debate with Armenia's incumbent President Robert Kocharian. According to him, the creation of jobs and a social policy will certainly contribute to the solution to the problem. Armenian society is extremely polarized now. Under the circumstances, struggle against corruption and injustice is of paramount importance. When people see just authorities, they can wait and they trust the authorities. Economic development is also important, Demirchian said, pointing out that no matter how much economic growth is spoken of, social polarization will continue. In his turn, Armenia's President Robert Kocharian pointed out that he did not hear from his opponent anything but declarative statements. Speaking of his election program, particularly of the point concerning the reduction of poverty in Armenia, the President cites the WB's data according to which poverty has been reduced from 26% to 17% during th last five years. The economic growth registered in 2002 will reduce poverty by several per cent more, Kocharian said.
He pointed out that his election program clearly provides for the
creation of 30-40 thousand jobs yearly during the next five years.
Active assistance will be rendered to the development of small and
middle-sized business, farms. He stated that it is the incumbent
authorities that instituted the family allowance system, and
allowances tend to increase year by year. The high economic growth
reduces the distance between the 20% of rich people and 20% of
the poor. Kocharian stressed that the data cited by him was provided
by the WB and his program was elaborated with the assistance of
international financial organizations.
STEPAN DEMIRCHIAN ACCUSES ARMENIAN PUBLIC TELEVISION OF BAREFACED LIE
MARCH 3. Preliminary agreement with the candidate for presidency Stepan Demirchian for the format of today's TV debates with another candidate for presidency, the incumbent President Robert Kocharian, was broken by the Public TV of Armenia. Stepan Demirchian said during the TV debates.
According to him, demand of his election team on holding direct
debates with Robert Kocharian, without participation of the
journalists was rejected at first, then was accepted, but was finally
cast away without warning. Thus, not only the Armenian society, but
also the world society are deceived, Stepan Demirchian says. "I
don't consider myself obliged to make conversation on a scenario,
approved beforehand", he stated, refusing to answer the questions of
the Public Television of Armenia, "as they break the law and all the
moral norms". He also stated that the Public TV conducts a
anti-propagandist activities and even the OSCE observes have
mentioned it, Stepan Demirchian stressed.
STEPAN DEMIRCHIAN: "SHADOW STAFF OF ARMENIAN GOVERNMENT", PUBLISHED
IN PRESS, IS NOT TRUE
MARCH 3. "Shadow staff of the Armenian government", published in the press, has nothing common with truth. The candidate for presidency Stepan Demirchian stated during the TV debates with the incumbent President Robert Kocharian. Moreover, no concrete discussions concerning this issue has taken place. At the same time, Demirchian noted, naturally, his today's entourage will be "in the key roles". "The team, with whom am I, enjoy the confidence of the society", Stepan Demirchian said, adding that among these people - the ex foreign minister Raffi Hovhannisian, Vazgen Manukian, Aram Sargsian, Albert Bazeyan, Shavarsh Kocharian, Arshak Sadoyan.
As regards the formerly ruling part Armenian national movement,
Stepan Demirchian said that "similar speculations were used in 1998
as well against Karen Demirchian, they are applied now, and there is
nothing new here". "Distinguished figures of the ANM now make a part
of Armenia's government", Stepan Demirchian said.
PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES EXCHANGE ACCUSATIONS
MARCH 3. The presidential candidates, Robert Kocharian and Karen Demirchian accused each other of using inadmissible methods of canvassing. Robert Kocharian pointed out that unlike him and his team, the opposite side exceeded all the bounds. According to him, it can be accounted for either by the division of roles or by the fact that Demirchian himself, who personally restrained from insults and anticonstitutional appeals, had no control of the situation. Kocharian pointed out that the first instance was just immoral, the second dangerous for the country, as the candidate unable to control his team will not be able to rule the country and lead it to destruction. According to Kocharian, the insults against him and his team began during the principal election campaign, a month ago, when no one of the activists was yet detained and the opposition candidates used insults during their appearance on the Armenian National TV.
In his turn, Demirchian pointed out that Robert Kocharian had no need
to insult the opposition leaders, as the Armenian Public Television
and the country's newspapers successfully did it instead of him.
"Of course, there were emotional speeches, but it does not mean that
were are unable to rule the country," he said.
ROBERT KOCHARIAN: I'VE NEVER BEEN AN ANM ACTIVIST
MARCH 3. "I've never been an activist of the formerly ruling part Armenian national movement", the candidate for presidency, the incumbent President of Armenia Robert Kocharian stated during the TV debates with the leader of People's party Stepan Demirchian. According to him, the political field of Armenia in 1998-90 was formed just under he banner of the ANM. In this connection Robert Kocharian reminded that during the Karabakh movement the cooperation with the authorities of Armenia somehow or other was connected with the cooperation with the ANM. "Though I have never been an ANM activist, during one of the sessions of the party I was elected to the leading unit. But I never took part in any sitting of the ANM, as I thought that the president of Karabakh must cooperate with all the political forces of Armenia, not drawing attention to the relations with any political force. I think that it was a true policy, which gave an opportunity to keep Karabakh far from internal political process in Armenia", Robert Kocharian stated, adding that the fact of today's absence of the ANM at the power took place thanks to him.
Besides, the president reminded that just the activists of the ex
ruling party ANM defend Stepan Demirchian directly or indirectly.
ROBERT KOCHARIAN: INVESTIGATIONS FOR VIOLATIONS DURING FIRST
MARCH 3. The candidate for presidency, the leader of the PPA Stepan Demirchian today accused the present authorities of that they didn't punished the falsifiers of the first round of the presidential election. According to the president, the Prosecutor General's Office has received 14 complaints, and criminal cases were brought concerning the 3 of them and the investigation in this direction is in process. As for the facts of violence during the first round of the election, 3 or 4 of them relate the threats and violence to address of the employees of the election staffs of the president. As regards the falsifications, which the opposition likes to speak about, even before the beginning of the election campaign, it is clear that the opposition take as a basis the line, the following postulate is the purpose of it - however the election may be finished, they are falsified and during the next 5 years the issue on the legitimacy of the president will be in consideration. "I relate to it quietly, as it's peculiar to all the countries of the transitional period", Robert Kocharian said.
The president of Armenia expressed astonishment that there is no word
about constitutional reforms int he election program of Stepan
Demirchian. At the same time, the entourage of the PPA leaders,
political figures spoke and speak about their necessity.
ARMENIAN-TURKISH RELATIONS MUST NOT BE BUILT AT ARMENIA'S EXPENSE
MARCH 3. The Armenian-Turkish relations must not be built at the expense of Armenia's national dignity, the presidential candidate, PPA leader Stepan Demirchian stated during a TV debate with Armenia's President Robert Kocharian. According to him, Armenia must have friendly relations with all of its neighbors in the Transcaucasus. At the same time, natural is the issue of recognition of the Armenian Genocide in Ottoman Turkey in 1915, as it is an all-Armenian problem. Speaking of Armenia's relations with Azerbaijan, Demirchian pointed out that they will be settled after the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has been settled. He also pointed out that he considers negative the fact that the NKR is not a party to the negotiations, and the conflict has actually become an Armenian-Azerbaijani one, which implies compromises on Armenia's part as well. The issue must be settled by means of peaceful negotiations, but not at the expense of Armenia's territories, and Nagorny Karabakh must become a party to the negotiations, Demirchian said. In his turn, Robert Kocharian pointed out that in 1997 the Armenia's authorities intended to consider acceptable any settlement scheme that will be acceptable to Nagorny Karabakh, which meant that the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict was exclusively Nagorny Karabakh's business. In its turn, it was an occasion for pressure and the Lisbon decision. It is not after the settlement, but in the course of it, that Armenia must cooperate with Azerbaijan, which affords ample opportunities for cooperation with international organizations, including the European Union. This gave us an appreciable advantage and relieves tension, Kocharian said. From cooperation to settlement, the President said, pointing out that the international community will not accept any other approach. He also was surprised at the fact that Stepan Demirchian's election program does not contain any word about the recognition of the Armenian Genocide. "How could you forget about it?" the President asked. PONTIFF GIVES AUDIENCE TO PRESIDENT OF UAR MARCH 3. Mar 1 Pope John Paul II gave an audience to President of the Union of Armenians of Russia Ara Abrahamyan. According to ITAR-TASS, the Pontiff spoke with great sympathy about the Armenian nation, who marked the 1,700th anniversary of its proclaiming Christianity as state religion. His Holiness asked Abrahamyan to convey his best wishes to Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II. The Pope remembered that at school he sat at the same desk with an Armenian boy. "I know that his sister is still alive." In conclusion, the sides stressed the need to strengthen peace in the South Caucasus. TWO PEOPLE DIED AS A RESULT OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENT IN YEREVAN MARCH 3. Two people died, and four were hospitalized as a result of the traffic accident in Yerevan today.
ARMINFO was informed in the press service of the Police of Armenia,
today at 10:00 a.m. the bus "PAZ" of the route N10 because of failure
of brakes clashed against the car "zhiguli", then, the bus,
continuing to move, clashed against the next lorry "KAMAZ". As a
result of the accident the driver of the bus Grigor Koshkarian died
in the place, and the ticket collector Poghos Lerejian died in the
city hospital of ambulance. Four more passengers of the bus are under
medical observation, by the way the physicians consider as hard the
state of health of one of the passengers, suffered as a result of the
accident. A criminal case was instituted on the fact of the accident.
SEVERAL UNDERGROUND ENTERPRISES PRODUCING VODKA LIQUIDATED IN
ZHITOMIR REGION IN UKRAINE
MARCH 3. A number of underground enterprises engaged in production of vodka have been liquidated in the Zhitomir region (Ukraine).
According to the Ukrainian network of news CORRESPONDENT, militiamen
of the Ukrainian Security Service liquidated 15 underground
enterprises engaged in illegal production of vodka in the region. The
enterprises are headed by citizens of Georgia and Armenia. The
products were sold in the regional center. As a result of
examination, the law-inforcers confiscated almost one ton of spitir,
2,000 bottles of vodka, over 10,000 forged excise marks, a great
number of bottles with logotypes of the Zhitomir liqueur and vodka
factory, relevant equipment as well as unregistered arms. Criminal
actions have been brought against 7 persons.
RUSSIAN POLICE OFFICERS DETAINED A CAR WITH AMMUNITION DRIVEN BY
ARMENIAN CITIZENS
MARCH 3. Today, the officials of the State Inspection of Traffic Security (SITS) of Lermontov town, Stavropol region, Russia, detained a car with weapons and ammunition in which two Armenian citizens were. According to the "Regions.Ru" agency, the SITS officials stopped a car VAS-2121 on the Northern-Western highway in the town of Pyatigorsk in order to search it. The car was driven by a 33 year-old citizen of Armenia.
During the examination of the car, a bag was found with a Kalashnikov
calibre gun in it and 27 cartridges. 3.2 grams of marihuana were
found while searching the driver of the car. The detainees were
brought to the Department of the Internal Affairs of Pyatigorsk.
Ivestigation is underway.
ROBERT KOCHARIAN: I MANAGED TO FULFILL SEVERAL PROMISES
MARCH 3. "I managed to fulfill immediately several promises, given during my election campaign of 1998". The candidate for presidency Robert Kocharian said during the TV debates. According to him, the construction of the Davidashen bridge was completed, the construction of the Vorotan tunnel draws to a close, restoration of the zone of the Spitak earthquake and construction of the Selim road are going on successfully. The president stated that the state budget, the potentials of the diaspora, Social Fund of investments, the Pan-Armenian Fund "Hayastan" and other organizations are involved in implementation of the aforementioned projects. Robert Kocharian especially mentioned that all these projects will be completed. The problem of the energetic security of the state is being solved. Not having energy resources, Armenia exports electricity, he cooperation in the sphere of power engineering with Russia is also prosperous, active negotiations for implementation of programs, connected with the Yerevan Thermal Power Station are in process. It will give an opportunity to generate electricity, the cost price of production of one kW/h of which will be twice cheaper than now. A program on development of hydro power engineering is also being elaborated, there is a project on production of alternative energy resources. In the issue of safeguaridng energetic security there is a clear approach of the state. The second gas pipe-line from Iran will be built as well, Robert Kocharian stressed. In this connection the candidate for presidency Stepan Demirchian stressed that the power engineering is a part of global security of the state and agreed with the significance, which the projects on generation of alternative energy resources have. He also informed that his election campaign envisions more available secondary and higher education, free health-care for needy sections of the populations. All the aforementioned depends on development of the economy, the state must keep the education and culture. The question is about tax privileges for the higher education institutes, but the main thing is the availability of the education, Stepan Demirchian stressed. In this connectional Robert Kocharian said about 5 bln drams, added by the state budget of 2003 for the sphere of health-care and the same sum for the sphere of education. Stepan Demirchian said that it's not necessary to confuse the election programs with the working programs. "If we come to power, our government will also present a clear budget with concrete figures", Stepan Demirchian said. HEADLINES OF 3 MARCH
II INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON TRANSPORT TERRORISM AND SECURITY TO BE
HELD IN MOSCOW MAR 5-6
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MARCH 3. During the Mar 5 presidential run-off
election the Liberal-Democratic Union of Armenia will support
incumbent President of Armenia Robert Kocharyan, just like it did
during the first round.
MARCH 3. Today Armenia's people must choose - the
country's further development or a way to a deadlock, Chairman of the
"Country of Law" party Artur Bahdasarian stated at a meeting in
support of Robert Kocharian.
