May /June 2003 – Mai /Juin 2003 Volume 12 - N° 4

Covcas Bulletin Conflits et Droits de l’Homme au Caucase Publication mensuelle bilingue (Anglais/Français) Conflicts & Human Rights in the Caucasus A monthly and bilingual (English/French) publication

CONTENTS / SOMMAIRE SUMMARY NOTES Government supporters have proposed that the president appoint 9 of the 11 members of the Central p 1 Summary notes ARMENIA Election Commission (CEC); and/or, that only parties that had garnered p 1-2 Résumés more than 7% of vote during the Irregularities and breaches seen 1999 elections be represented on p 2-22 Developping events during the February and March, the CEC. Opposition groups have stridently criticized both options. Revue de presse : 2003 presidential elections were largely repeated in the May 25th The debate on amendments to the p 2-6 Azerbaijan parliamentary elections. Prior to both elections, international election law has been unproductive. Azerbaidjan election monitoring organizations According to one option proposed

expressed concern about by the government, CEC members p 6-11 Armenia electioneering efforts by would be appointed by a majority of Arménie participating political parties in the current parliament members while days leading up to the vote. The another option proposed by p 11-14 Georgia OSCE and Council of Europe opposition groups would have Georgie concluded that the irregularities and political parties appoint CEC fraud were not the result of technical members. Five opposition parties -- p 15 Daghestan difficulties but the lack of political will including the National Movement, to carry out free and fair elections. United Democrats, New Right, Daghestan Traditionalists Union and the While other election observers did cite improvements in the Geogian People's Party -- organized p 15-17 Abkhazia rd Parliamentary election, they noted the June 3 demonstration in front Abkhazie that the vote fell short of of the Parliament, which attracted

international standards. several thousand people and called p 17 North Ossetia for the resignation of the current Ossetie du Nord Not surprisingly, parties aligned with CEC. the ruling regime emerged victorious p 17-18 South Ossetia in the elections, allowing Ossetie du Sud for the creation of a coalition RESUMES government, with the Republican p 18-20 Chechnya Party taking on six ministries, and Tchetchénie the Orinats Yerkir and Armenian Revolutionary Federation taking on ARMENIE p 20 South Russia three ministries each. The ministries of Defense, Foreign Russie du sud Affairs and Interior remained outside Les élections législatives du 25 mai

of the coalition agreement, with the dernier ont répété dans l'ensemble p 20-22 Nagorno Karabakh Ministers appointed by President les défauts et manquements des Haut Karabagh Kocharian. élections présidentielles en février et mars 2003. p 22 Ingushetia Le verdict des organisations Ingouchie GEORGIA internationales qui ont assuré des missions d'observation dans les p 22 Javakhk deux cas avait tiré la sonnette Djavakhk Just six months prior to the d'alarme dans la période qui a parliamentary elections, election précédé le scrutin législatif p 22-23 Documents laws have become the subject of demandant un réajustement des discord between the Georgian ruling comportements des partis en lisse. parties and opposition. Les conclusions de l'OSCE et du p 23 Information Conseil de l'Europe ont souligné le

Editeur : COVCAS CENTER FOR LAW & CONFLICT RESOLUTION - Hilda Tchoboïan Maison B. Albrecht ~14, place Grandclément ~ 69100 Villeurbanne ~ FRANCE Tél. : 33 (0)6 60 69 42 97 Fax : 33 (0)4 78 31 74 01 E-Mail [email protected] 2 Covcas Bulletin fait que les fraudes et irrégularités AZERBAIJAN / Council of Europe (PACE), Georges ne sont pas dues à des problèmes Clerfayt, urged the Azerbaijani techniques mais à l'absence d'une AZERBAIDJAN authorities on 6 May to release a volonté des autorités de procéder à group of 10 alleged political des élections justes et libres. prisoners, Interfax and ANS D'autres observateurs ont déclaré 05/02/03 – Member of reported. The Azerbaijani que des améliorations par rapport à coordination Council of government denies that any of the l'élection présidentielle étaient 10 are actually political prisoners. Caucasian Forum NGO calls visibles mais les performances Clerfayt studied a list of more than indignant Azeri human rights restaient bien de deçà des 300 detainees identified by standards requis par la communauté activist’s persecution - ArmInfo Azerbaijani human rights groups as internationale. political prisoners and selected 10 La victoire, sans surprise, des partis In her interview to the Karabakh cases in which to intervene. The proches du pouvoir en place a Radio, the member of the group includes former Defense permis la création d'un Caucasian Forum NGO Irina Minister Rakhim Gaziev and former gouvernement de coalition où le Grigoryan called indignant the Interior Minister Iskander Hamidov. Parti Républicain garde 6, et " persecution of the Azeri human Clerfayt was dispatched to Orinats Yerkir " et la Fédération rights activist Eldar Zeynalov, who Azerbaijani to inspect prison Révolutionnaire Arménienne " has recently participated in a facilities and living conditions for Dashnaktsutiun " 3 portefeuilles regional seminar of NGOs in political prisoners. Azerbaijan is chacun. Les ministères clés de la Stepanakert. formally committed, under the terms Défense, des Affaires Etrangères et According to ARMINFO's special of its Council of Europe de l'Intérieur restent en dehors de correspondent to Stepanakert, in her membership, to release any l'accord de Coalition et leur interview, Irina Grigoryan said that detainees judged the council to be ministres étaient nommés par le all the members of the Karabakh political prisoners. Président Kotcharian lui même. NGOs and, in particular, of the Caucasian Forum, are deeply 05/07/03 – Aliyev’s health concerned about this fact. The problems create political negative attitude to Eldar Zeynalov uncertainty in Azerbaijan – GEORGIE of several governmental Caucasus analyst – Azer organizations and even non- governmental circles of Azerbaijan Mamedov A six mois des élections parlementaires la loi électorale a été is not a news. Zeynalov's approach to such normal things as human (…/…) l'objet de discorde entre le pouvoir Aliyev's recent health problems have et l'opposition géorgiens; les projets factor and normal human relations are misinterpreted in Azerbaijan. already become Azerbaijan's du gouvernement proposant que 9 problems. The illness of the sole des 11 membres de la Commission This persecution was expected, but not in such scales. We worry about decision-maker has put the political Electorale Centrale soient nommés and economic development of the par le président, ou encore, que our colleague with whom we try to develop the civil principles in country on hold, leading to seuls les partis qui avaient récolté stagnation in many sectors of plus de 7 % des votes lors des different regions of the Caucasus. The democratic forces of Azerbaijan economy. There have been rumors élections de 1999 soient of foreign companies pulling out représentés à la CEC se sont should make the right decision and support their colleague, Grigoryan their financial resources from the heurtés à une vive opposition de la country.(…/…) part des formations adverses. said. Although it may be premature to Le débat sur les amendements de la foresee the President's demise and loi n'ont pas abouti. L'un présenté 05/05/03 – Presidential amnesty for Azerbaijani prisoners speculate of the consequences of par le gouvernement proposait que this event, some implications of the submitted to parliament - RFE/RL ce soit la majorité actuelle qui collapse are already emerging. The désigne les membres de la CEC, most palpable consequence has President Aliev on 3 May submitted l'opposition, quant à elle, demandait been an acceleration of latent a general amnesty to parliament for que les partis politiques en political processes. Internal several thousand prisoners, ANS désignent les membres. Cinq partis struggles within the ruling party have reported. The new amnesty would d'opposition, le Mouvement begun to intensify, raising the release nearly 9,000 inmates and National, Les Démocrates Unis, La possibility of a split between forces reduce the sentences for another nouvelle Droite, l'union des presently united mainly by vested 2,200 convicts. The draft amnesty, traditionalistes, et le parti du peuple interests in staying in power. At the which requires parliamentary de Géorgie ont appelé à une same time, opposition parties have approval, specifies several manifestation le 3 juin devant le jumpstarted their race for power, preconditions for eligibility, all of Parlement qui a réuni plusieurs thus creating a real danger for which mandate that beneficiaries milliers de personnes, demandant la increased political instability in the either be veterans, elderly, or have démission de l'actuelle CEC. country. The last two weeks have committed crimes as minors. highlighted the risks of relying on 05/07/03 – Pace official calls for one person as the guarantor of release of 10 alleged Azerbaijani stability both in Azerbaijan and in DEVELOPPING EVENTS / political prisoners - RFE/RL REVUE DE PRESSE general. Two specific issues are presently worth watching: one is the A leading member of the role of foreign powers, especially Parliamentary Assembly of the Russia and Iran, who may attempt

2 3 Covcas Bulletin to influence these processes by meeting categorically condemned 05/19/03 – Azerbaijani opposition supporting their own candidates; the the assault, calling it a step directed stages protest demonstration - other is whether the Karabakh issue against the freedom of the press RFE/RL Newsline will be an element in the power and speech. Aliev noted that the struggle, and whether this will union will hold a protest on 12 May. Some 25,000 people attended a increase regional tensions. Peter Burkhard, head of the rally in Baku on 18 May organized Organization for Security and by the nine opposition parties 05/09/03 - Editors Condemn Cooperation in Europe's (OSCE) aligned in the Opposition Newspaper Attack - RFE/RL Baku Office, who visited the editorial Coordinating Center(…). Azerbaijan Report office, called the assault an attack Participants in the rally, which took against free media and freedom of place with the permission of the On 4 May at 9.30 p.m. about 20-30 speech. U.S. Embassy officials also municipal administration, demanded people, led by Faramaz visited the office, but refused to President Aliev's resignation and Allahverdiev, burst into the editorial comment on the situation. measures to ensure that the office of the opposition newspaper presidential election due in October "Yeni Musavat." Allahverdiev is one 05/13/03 – Azerbaijani journalists is free and fair. of the former activists of the Popular protest restrictions on sale of Front Party and a former chairman opposition publications - RFE/RL 05/19/03 – IMF releases new loan of the Sharur district's Council of Newsline tranche for Azerbaijan - RFE/RL People's Deputies. He was once Newsline one of Azerbaijani President Heydar Meeting in Baku on 12 May, the Aliev's agitators. Council of Editors expressed its On completing its second review of Recently Allahverdiev has got support for the planned picket of the Azerbaijan's economic performance himself noticed because of his sharp Baku municipal administration to under a three-year Poverty criticism of opposition Musavat Party protest restrictions on the sale in the Reduction and Growth Facility chairman Isa Gambar and city of opposition publications, Turan (PRGF) program, the IMF's Mirmahmud Miralioglu, head of the reported. The Committee for the executive board approved the "conservative faction" within the Rights of Journalists had adopted a release of a further loan instalment People's Front Party. Gabil statement on 6 May calling on the worth approximately $18 million, Abbasoglu, the newspaper's deputy authorities to revoke the ban according to an IMF press release editor in chief, who was a witness of imposed on 5 May on the sale of dated 15 May. The press release the incident, told RFE/RL's opposition newspapers at metro noted that the money was disbursed Azerbaijani service that the stations and the total ban on sales despite Baku's failure to meet assailants were looking for him and of "Yeni Musavat," "Azadlig" and certain key IMF conditions, including the newspaper's editor in chief Rauf "Hurriyet." According to the Council raising domestic prices for oil and Arifoglu. Another witness Elshad of Editors, that ban was ordered by gas to world market levels, Pashasoi said that the attackers presidential administration head privatizing the state-owned insulted and beat him, Abbasoglu, Ramiz Mekhtiev. International Bank, and granting and another man. After 20-30 quarterly tax credits to the state oil minutes the attackers were detained 05/15/03 - Treason trial opens company SOCAR. The IMF board by the police. against former Azerbaijani extended until 31 March 2005 the In an interview with RFE/RL's prisoner of war - Associated three-year PRGF program, which Azerbaijani service Rauf Arifoglu Press Worldstream was initially approved in July 2001. said that the editorial staff was Acting IMF Chairman Eduardo aware of the possibility of an attack A treason trial opened Thursday Aninat noted that Azerbaijan has some days before and Interior against a former Azerbaijani experienced strong economic Minister Ramil Usubov and the prisoner of war who is accused of growth in recent years, but warned Sabail Police Department were collaborating with his ethnic that the country's economy is informed. In response to their Armenian captors and abusing his heavily weighted toward the oil appeal, the police department compatriots in custody. sector and that poverty remains stationed an officer in front of the Nadir Mahmudov was taken prisoner widespread. editorial office. But some hours prior by ethnic Armenian separatists in to the incident the officer had left his the Nagorno-Karabakh enclave in 05/21/03 - Intellectuals Discuss post. According to preliminary data, October 1993, and was held for Fallout of Authoritarian Regime - there was $3,000 worth of damage more than two years in a makeshift RFE/RL Azerbaijan Report at the newspaper, Arifoglu said. prison in a pediatric hospital in the But Nazim Nagiev, head of the village of Khankendi. Prosecutors Intellectuals, political leaders, and Sabail Police Department, told say he was appointed an overseer others gathered on 14 May to RFE/RL's Azerbaijani service that for his fellow prisoners and that he discuss how to avoid a brewing the incident must not be took part in torturing and humiliating political power crisis. exaggerated. A number of people them. The theoretical and practical simply tried to protest and were They also accuse Mahmudov of conference brought together prevented and four of them were providing information to ethnic prominent professors and heads of detained, he said. Armenian security and intelligence human rights and political The Editors Union held an officials. He faces a sentence of 10 organizations to discuss the current extraordinary meeting on the years to life in prison if social and political situation in the incident. Arif Aliev, chairman of the convicted.(…) country. Saleh Memmedov, a former New Generation Journalists Union, finance minister, noted that during said that the participants of the the 10 years of President Aliev's

3 4 Covcas Bulletin government an "authoritarian 05/27/03 - Australians advised not of 37 people were apprehended, of regime" has been established in to travel Azerbaijan - paper whom 10 were subsequently Azerbaijan. Given such a regime, Azadliq released. now that the president is ill, people at all levels who normally await The Australian Department of 05/30/03 - Journalists Meet Over orders from above are now in a Foreign Affairs and Trade has urged Violence by Police - RFE/RL position of some difficulty and a Australian citizens not to travel to Azerbaijan Report power crisis has ripened. Azerbaijan. The department Memmedov noted that at present circulated a statement yesterday [26 On 24 May the Sabail police the Azerbaijani public has been May] which said that the threat of department of Baku used physical divided on a class, societal, and terror is still hanging over foreign force against some journalists in ideological basis and turned into citizens in Azerbaijan and serious front of the office of the opposition forces that do not accept each other. crimes are being committed in this newspaper "Azadlig," according to It cannot be ruled out that if the Caucasus country. From this Azer Hasret, chairman of president remains unable to fulfill his viewpoint, travel to Baku can lead to Azerbaijani Journalists duties for some reason or another, undesirable consequences for Confederation. Hasret told RFE/RL's these forces could collide. Australian citizens. Australia joined Azerbaijani service that journalists Leila Yunus, director of the Institute Britain in putting Azerbaijan on its were exposed to physical force as for Peace and Democracy, noted list of dangerous countries for travel. well during a 25 May unsanctioned that some steps must be made to In a statement the British protest held by the Democratic Party avert a power crisis. She said that government said that Azerbaijan's (ADP). He noted that only one of Azerbaijani intellectuals and active Karabakh region was beyond control them was identified to date. He is political groups should appeal to law and travel to numerous districts, for from the opposition newspaper enforcement bodies, calling on them instance Zaqatala [northern "Hurriyyet." to think carefully about future Azerbaijan], was dangerous for Hasret noted that the issue of decisions. Moreover, groups must foreigners. One can understand journalists being beaten was also be alert to any possible London's anxiety over Karabakh discussed at a 27 May meeting of violation of the cease-fire at the front especially as the Azerbaijani the Editors Union. "First of all, we and take measures to prevent it. government is also complaining will appeal to the country's Representatives of political parties about a lack of control over this leadership and law-enforcement and intellectuals emphasized that region. But the fact that the British bodies. At the same time we agreed under existing conditions the government called on its citizens not to resume the meeting committee of opposition forces must put up a to visit other districts of Azerbaijan journalists and to finish current united front. as well cannot but escape our pickets with a mass meeting." A resolution adopted at the end of attention. Ehsan Geribov of the Internal the meeting suggests that Thus, the number of countries, Ministry's press service told considering the conflicting which have put Azerbaijan on their RFE/RL's Azerbaijani Service that intransigence in the country, list of dangerous countries, is on the the ministry was unaware of the opposition forces and the rise. The Canadian government also recent incident with journalists, government must sign an urged its citizens to exercise caution adding that it could investigate the agreement, determining both sides' during their "visits to Baku". All this matter after an official appeal. duties and responsibilities. Control shows that our country is now being over the implementation of the perceived differently abroad. 06/06/03 - Europe's Human Rights agreement is to be entrusted to a Citizens of several developed Court to Hear Azerbaijani Cases - monitoring group, composed of countries are not travelling to Baku RFE/RL Azerbaijan Report representatives from the Council of even for business reasons. Europe, OSCE, UN, and the U.S. From the end of June the Council of Embassy. Moreover, considering the 05/28/03 – Azerbaijan’s police Europe's Human Rights Court will president's health problems, the threatened with dismissal for begin to look at Azerbaijani citizens' participants at the conference called unwarranted violence - RFE/RL complaints, said Hajimurad for the president's resignation and Newsline Sadeddinov, head of the Fund for the holding extraordinary Democratic Development and presidential elections, as well as the Interior Minister Ramil Usubov told Protection of Human Rights. inclusion of international institutions' an emergency session of ministry Although citizens of Azerbaijan, a representatives in the Central staff on 27 May that any police full member of the Council of Election Commission. officers who in future resort to Europe, have long ago won the right The meeting's participants unwarranted physical violence to appeal to the European Court, suggested creating a public against members of the public will their complaints have not be monitoring committee with be dismissed without warning, Turan considered because of the absence participation of elders, well-known reported. Also on 27 May, Nazim of an Azerbaijani judge and lawyer intellectuals, and specialists in order Nagiev, who heads the police in this institution. to assess the government's work. department in Baku's Sabayil Raion, Sadeddinov told RFE/RL's The resolution proposes to appeal to admitted that his men took some Azerbaijani service that in June the Gulhane Military Hospital on passers-by into custody while Khanlar Hajiev will take up the behalf of the conference's forcibly dispersing members of the duties of Azerbaijani judge at the participants for information about the opposition Azerbaijan Popular Front European Court. The European president's health and his ability to Party who were picketing the Court's representatives in Baku work. parliament building on 27 May to stated that they have no exact

protest Abiev's insulting (…). A total information about this, but

4 5 Covcas Bulletin expressed assurance that he polled over 35 percent of the 06/18/03 – Azerbaijani President Azerbaijani citizens' complaints vote, thus depriving Heidar Aliev of pardons more prisoners - RFE/RL would be considered in the near a first-round victory. On 7 June, Newsline future. opposition Musavat Party leader Isa Meanwhile, there is also no reliable Gambar reaffirmed his support for Heidar Aliev issued a decree on 17 information regarding the number of fielding a single opposition June pardoning 97 prisoners and citizens who have appealed to the candidate to challenge incumbent reducing by half the remaining European Court. For example, President Aliev. Gambar suggested sentence that nine more must serve, according to the European Court that candidates should be selected Turan reported. only 140 of a total of 1,000 by means of U.S.-style primaries. Thirty-eight of those pardoned had applicants have been accepted for Also on 7 June, Lala-Shovet been sentenced for crimes against processing. The Council of Europe's Gadjieva resigned as chairwoman of the state, including involvement in Representative Office in Baku told the Liberal Party of Azerbaijan, an attempted coup d'etat in late Olaylar news agency that 360 which she founded in 1995, Turan 1994 and the March 1995 people have appealed to the reported. Gadjieva plans to run as insurrection by special police. European Court. Most of complaints an independent candidate in the 17 Human rights activist Hadjimurad are linked with violation of fair court October ballot. Sadaddinov told Turan that two of law, and freedom of speech and the freed prisoners are included on assembly. But according to 06/13/03 – “Azerbaijan-Turkey the Council of Europe's list of Sadeddinov's estimates, some 300 relations may suffer if wrong persons considered political citizens have appealed to the steps taken” Azerbaijani prisoners. European Court to date. Only 30 of ambassador - Azerbaijan News them have been registered. Service ANS 06/18/03 – Azerbaijani academic fired for criticizing President - 06/09/03 – Council of Europe Azerbaijan is concerned of secret RFE/RL Newsline criticizes Azerbaijan’s failure to negotiations started by Ankara with release political prisoners - Armenian lobby in U.S. and Armenia Ahad Ibrahimov, a professor at the RFE/RL Newsline to regulate relations with this Oil Academy, was dismissed from country. Azerbaijan ambassador to his post on 3 June for having Azerbaijan was severely criticized at Turkey Mammad Aliyev expressed appended his signature to a a session in Paris on 5 June of the anxiety of President of Republic of statement issued by the AMAL Committee on Human Rights and Azerbaijan concerning the issue. In movement calling for President Aliev Legal Affairs of the Parliamentary his interview with Huriyyet to acknowledge the damage his Assembly of the Council of Europe newspaper the ambassador said If "dictatorial regime" has inflicted on (PACE), Turan reported on 6 June. wrong steps taken in this field the country and resign.(…) Among the criticisms contained in a Azerbaijan and Turkey relations may draft report submitted to the suffer. On the other hand Union of 06/18/03 - Azerbaijani analyst committee by Belgian Europe laid demand before Turkey critical of new USA appointment – parliamentarian Georges Clerfayt to establish relations with Armenia Ekho were the Azerbaijani authorities' as a prerequisite for admission to failure to act on their promises to this organization. However Ambassador Edward Jerejian, a implement democratic reforms and Azerbaijani citizen of the USA of Armenian release political prisoners, the arrest diplomat once more repeated 4 origin, was appointed yesterday as of new political prisoners, and the main demands by official Ankara chairman of a new commission delay in completion of the repeat after which the borders may be which will advise the Bush trials of three men whom PACE opened. That is Armenia must give administration on the issues of considers political prisoners. At the up land claims toward Turkey and public diplomacy and programmes insistence of the Azerbaijani stop the campaign of the so called in the Arab and Islamic worlds. representative, the draft was Armenian genocide. Armenia should At the start of the 1990s Washington amended to remove direct criticism release occupied territories of was planning to appoint Jerejian as of President Heidar Aliev's son Azerbaijan and open a corridor ambassador to the USSR. Baku Ilham, who heads Azerbaijan's between Nakhchivan and protested against Jerejian's PACE delegation, Turan reported. Azerbaijan. Blockade on appointment at the time and due to Nakhchivan should be lifted. that and to several other factors the 06/09/03 – Azerbaijani opposition Otherwise there cannot be any talks USA decided not to appoint him. party nominates chairman as on relations with Armenia or opening However the US Department of presidential candidate - RFE/RL of borders. This position has been State said in a statement that Newsline confirmed by President of Turkey Jerejian would now supervise and Prime Minister. Meanwhile Azerbaijan as a country, where the The more than 4,000 delegates to foreign minister of Turkey Abdulla majority of the population professes the eighth congress in Baku of the Gul affirmed at press conference in Islam, as a country of the "Islamic Azerbaijan National Independence Ankara the negotiations with world". Party (AMIP) on 8 June nominated armenian representatives. But he According to political analyst Vafa party Chairman Etibar Mamedov as didn't elaborate the concrete results Quluzada, "the US administration AMIP's candidate for the 17 October of negotiations held by Ecvet now has a consultant who is not presidential election, Turan Tezcan from Turkish side. objective". The former state advisor reported. Mamedov contested the said that "an Armenian is always an presidency in 1993 and 1998, Armenian and Jerejian will not be claiming on the latter occasion that

5 6 Covcas Bulletin able to take an unbiased stance on for a facelift for Baku, including a Organization for Security and the Azerbaijani-Armenian conflict". spacious Philharmonic Hall, for the Cooperation in Europe Observation Therefore "I would have preferred president's 80th birthday this year, Mission in Armenia. the ambassador to consult the but aren't able to ease the lives of administration on the problems of hundreds of thousands of Azeris Executive Summary say Micronesia or Canada, but not living in misery and squalor. on Azerbaijan".(…) The fact is, Azerbaijan's refugees According to the OSCE observers, are a convenient propaganda tool not only international standards 06/24/03 - The Plight of Refugees for the government. Far better that were not met but also the Armenian As a Propaganda Tool- The they live in miserable conditions Electoral Code was not Moscow Times than integrate with the rest of the implemented with sufficient political population. In any case, giving them determination to meet OSCE Friday was World Refugee Day, permanent accommodation would commitments for democratic though I shouldn't think any of the mean admitting that Azerbaijan lost elections. people who fled the war in Nagorny the war and that the refugees will However, it provided a basis for the Karabakh and now live in rickety never go home. I can't see the conduct of elections in compliance shacks, railway carriages and tiny situation changing any time soon. I with international standards. mud huts were celebrating. imagine next year's World Refugee The report says that some The UN refugee agency gave a Day, a decade after the end of opposition leaders made concert and grand reception on hostilities, will see just as many intemperate statements, including Friday evening for government refugees struggling to survive in the calls for unconstitutional action, ministers and other bigwigs to shadow of a war most people no although the opposition candidate in highlight the plight of refugees in longer remember. the second round called on his Azerbaijan. Per capita, Azerbaijan supporters to take only action in has one of the worst refugee 06/24/03 - Heydar Aliyev accordance with the law. Rallies and problems in the world. There is a Nominated For Third Presidential demonstrations remained largely growing number from Chechnya, the Term - Baku Today peaceful. Middle East and Afghanistan. But Public TV and the major State- the bulk of them come from the Heydar Aliyev, Yeni Azerbaijan funded newspaper were heavily 1988-94 Karabakh war. party's chairman, has been biased in favor of the incumbent, About 800,000 Azeris and 200,000 nominated yesterday for the third failing to comply with their legal Armenians were forced out of their presidential term at the session of obligation to provide balanced homes during the conflict in the party's Political Council. reporting on candidates or with Karabakh, which was part of Soviet Ali Akhmedov, party's executive OSCE commitments on equal Azerbaijan. Six years after the secretary, said in his speech that access to the media. Independent fighting began, the two sides signed "Azerbaijani people support Heydar television A1+ remained off the air a ceasefire, conceding Karabakh Aliyev's policy and he is regarded throughout the election. and six of the surrounding territories as a leader by an absolute majority." In general, the election to Armenian control. Milli Mejlis speaker Murtuz administration completed efficiently The Armenians who left have been Aleskerov, party's deputy chairman, the technical preparations for the housed in Armenia or moved to has presented Heydar Aliyev's election. The formula for appointing Russia. But in Azerbaijan, the program. According to Turan news election commission members led to situation has been very different. agency, he said Heydar Aliyev is a politically imbalanced commissions Almost half a million of those "symbol of independence" of in which most opposition candidates displaced by the war are still living in Azerbaijan and Aliyev's return to had little confidence. The Central makeshift accommodation. Baku on June 15 must be Election Commission (CEC) did not I've visited some of the places celebrated as Independence Day. publish a prompt and detailed where refugees live. Electricity (…) breakdown of preliminary results, comes and goes, water supplies are contributing to further lack of sporadic and it's sweltering in the confidence in the process. Despite summer and dismally cold in the useful efforts to improve the voter winter. Aid agencies have a hard ARMENIA / ARMENIE lists, they remained problematic. time drumming up support for The observers also referred to the Azerbaijan's refugees: The war hearings in the Constitutional Court, ended almost 10 years ago and OSCE Final Report Published – saying that two cases were brought they've been all but forgotten by the Armenian NGO news in brief to the Constitutional Court outside world. The government has contesting separately the outcome started building new shelters for "The 19 February and 5 March 2003 of each round. The cases were some of the refugees, but many say presidential election in the Republic heard and underwent rigorous, it's too little, too late. of Armenia fell short of international public and thorough examination by "Azerbaijan hasn't succeeded in standards for democratic elections. the Court. Neither complaint was reviving its economy, and we are not While the election involved a upheld, although the Court yet in a position to solve the vigorous countrywide campaign, the confirmed that a number of serious problems of all the displaced overall process failed to provide electoral violations had taken place. people," the head of the equal conditions for the candidates. The Court also made a number of government's working committee on Voting, counting and tabulation recommendations for improved refugees, Qurban Sadygov, told showed serious irregularities, implementation of the legislative and journalists last week. Interesting, including widespread ballot box administrative frameworks. then, that the authorities could pay stuffing," says the final report of the

6 7 Covcas Bulletin The failure of the 2003 presidential (...)Ankara's ambassador to Israel, recent directive of the Turkish election to meet international Feridun Sinirlioglu, told Israeli National Education Ministry that standards lay not in technical or foreign ministry director Victor Harel incites pupils to deny the Greek, procedural lapses, but in a lack of of Turkey's disapproval at any such Syriac and Armenian sufficient political determination by reference. exterminations. the authorities to ensure a fair and After the intervention, and in This Ministry document, sent on honest process. Restoring response to a request by April 14th to the Primary and confidence in the election process parliamentary speaker Reuven Secondary schools of Turkey, asks will require prompt and vigorous Rivlin, Nalbandian grudgingly the principals of those action by the authorities, including a agreed to drop the reference to the establishments to arrange clear assumption of responsibility Armenian genocide. The words were conferences and "testimonies" and holding accountable those who also hastily erased from a plaque attesting that Turkey never violated the law, particularly those in that was to have been unveiled at exterminated those minorities. It official positions who did so. the ceremony. (...) particularly asks the pupils to write essays on the theme of the "fights 05/06/03 – Council of Europe 05/23/03 - Parliamentary Election against the allegations of genocide". wants Armenia to fully abolish Must be Kept Free of Arbitrary In this dissertation, the minister death penalty - AZG Armenian Arrests - Human Rights Watch categorically prohibits to use Daily formulas, such as " Turks could kill There must be no repeat of the Armenians" and asks that they be The new criminal code approved by mass arrests that marred Armenia's replaced with other sentences that Armenian parliament last April 17 recent presidential election, Human presente those facts as a necessity abolished death penalty but the law Rights Watch said today. Armenia's in front of "massacres perpetuated on its enactment stipulates it for parliamentary elections are slated to by Armenians". A first report, drafted grave crimes, committed before the take place May 25. in this sense should be sent back by code's enactment. In a 24-page briefing paper released schools to the regional directorates 'The Council of Europe finds that today, Human Rights Watch of Ministry before May 30th. death penalty is de jure not documents the arbitrary arrest of The European Armenian Federation eliminated in Armenia,' a special hundreds of opposition activists specifies that such measures touch representative of the Council of during the presidential elections, the notably the Armenian schools of Europe secretary general Natalia abuse of the Soviet-era Code of Istanbul, where 70 000 Armenians Vutova said to the daily Azg. She Administrative Offenses to justify the live today. once again reminded the position of arrests, and the disabling impact the "We are particularly shocked by the the Council of Europe on death arrests had on the opposition's cynicism of this directory which penalty that 'the Council of Europe is campaign. Human Rights Watch encourages not only Turkish a death penalty free zone.' 'We are also called for urgent reform of aggressiveness towards minorities, doing everything possible to have all Armenia's flawed administrative but also requires of such crimes member countries to ratify Protocol justice system. from minorities' children to accuse 6 that abolishes unconditionally `The Armenian authorities use the their own parents who are victims of death penalty,' she said. Natalia outdated code on punishing public extermination " declared the Vutova said the Parliamentary order misdemeanors as a tool of President of the European Armenian Assembly of the Council of Europe political repression,' said Elizabeth Federation.(...) (PACE) will hear a report on the Andersen, executive director of abolition of death penalty in Armenia Human Rights Watch's Europe and 05/26/03 - Armenian elections in late June. 'Whether the Council of Central Asia division. `This show improvement over Europe will apply sanctions on weekend's elections will be a test of presidential voting, but fail to Armenia or not depends completely their will to stop this practice.' meet international standards in on PACE delegates,' she said. More than a hundred opposition key areas – Press Release activists were given prison 05/06/03 - Turkey Blocks sentences of up to fifteen days in Sunday's parliamentary elections in Reference To Armenian Genocide February and March under the code, Armenia marked improvement over On Israel Independence Day - AFP for attending, or allegedly the recent presidential voting, but misbehaving at, rallies that the failed to meet international Turkey has stepped in to prevent authorities arbitrarily deemed standards in several key areas, any reference to the genocide of `unauthorized.' Police denied them concluded an international Armenians during Israel's 55th access to counsel, and judges tried observation mission led by the Independence Day celebrations, them in closed, cursory hearings at Parliamentary Assemblies of the officials said Tuesday. which defendants were denied OSCE and the Council of Europe, The initial program for Wednesday' attorneys, the opportunity to present and the OSCE's Office for festivities had been scheduled to evidence, and their right to appeal. Democratic Institutions And Human include an Israeli woman of (...) Rights (ODIHR). The election was Armenian origin, Naomi Nalbandian, marred by a fatal shooting at a as one of 12 people selected to light 05/24/03 – Armenian pupils of polling station on election day. torches at the traditional ceremony. Turkey are commanded to deny "After a generally peaceful She was to have presented herself the genocide – Press Release campaign we have observed an as a "third generation survivor of the Brussels, Belgium - The European election which represents an (Armenian) genocide carried out in Armenian Federation for Justice and improvement in meeting 1915" by the Turks. Democracy, launched today an international standards, despite a appeal asking Europe to resist the

7 8 Covcas Bulletin number of serious incidents and 05/29/03- Armenian voters reject A candidate from the minor Pan- shortcomings during the electoral proposed constitutional Armenian Workers' Party won a process", said Giovanni Kessler, the amendments - RFE/RL majority seat.(...) head of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly delegation and special co- Fewer than the required one-third of 06/04/03 - EU dangles huge grant ordinator appointed by the OSCE all of Armenia's 2.33 million if Armenia shuts nuclear plant - Chairman-in-Office. "However, the registered voters approved the Agence France Presse low turnout is a clear indication of package of constitutional the lack of voter confidence in the amendments put to a national The European Union has dangled electoral process and political referendum concurrently with the 25 the promise of a 100-million-euro institutions in the country. May parliamentary elections, (117-million-dollar) grant to Armenia Enhancing such confidence is the RFE/RL's Yerevan reported on 28 if the former Soviet republic shuts major challenge to the political May. Only 46 percent of the 1.2 down its aging nuclear power plant, leadership in Armenia." million voters who participated in the an EU official said Wednesday. "There was undoubted progress referendum approved the proposed "This nuclear power plant must be towards meeting international changes. Opposition parties claimed closed as soon as possible," said standards despite a limited number the official figures Hugues Mingarrelli, who oversees of reported incidents of a very released by the Central Election former Soviet republics for the serious nature",added Lord Russell- Commission late on 27 May European Commission, the EU's Johnston, head of the Council of artificially inflated support for the executive arm. Europe's Parliamentary Assembly amendments, which the opposition "Right now, we are conducting delegation. "I hope that those claims would have expanded the studies to find the best alternative responsible will be held accountable president's powers to appoint senior to the power plant." and that there will be no return to officials without the approval of Armenia's Mezamor plant, located the sense of impunity parliament. some 30 kilometers (20 miles) west evident in the recent presidential of the capital Yerevan, provides election." 05/31/03 - Pro-presidential parties some 40 percent of all energy used "While the legislative framework dominate new Armenian by the tiny, impoverished country. generally provides a basis for parliament - Arminfo Built in 1977, it was shut down in democratic elections, Armenia's 1988 after a massive earthquake leadership must demonstrate more Pro-presidential parties dominate shook the mountainous state. determination in order that future the new Armenian National But the authorities were forced to elections meet international Assembly, although non-party reopen the two-reactor plant in 1995 standards", said Ambassador Barry, candidates have won a significant because the country, reeling from head of the OSCE/ODIHR long-term number of seats, according to the post-Soviet malaise, faced an observation mission. final results of the elections energy crisis. The international observers noted announced on 31 May. The EU officials said one energy several improvements in independent candidates won 36 alternative for Armenia would be the comparison with the recent seats, all under the majority, or first- construction of a natural gas presidential election, particularly past-the-post, system, Armenian pipeline from Iran, although funding with regard to the campaign and the news agency Arminfo reported. for the project was still being media coverage. However, the The pro-presidential Republican discussed by the 15-nation bloc and observers pointed out that these Party of Armenia, which dominated other international organizations. improvements mirrored a similar the outgoing parliament and development during the previous government, has the most seats of 06/04/03 - Turkey : Teachers succession of presidential and any party or bloc, 32. It won nine arrested in the framework of the parliamentary elections in 1998 and majority seats and 23 through Armenian genocide denial 1999, which also failed overall to proportional representation. The campaign – European-Armenian comply with international standards. pro-presidential Orinats Yerkir, or Federation for Justice § In addition to a generally Law-Governed Country, Party won inadequate performance of the Democracy 18 seats, six in majority election adminsitration, the mission constituencies and 12 through again observed a number of The Turkish newspaper « Radikal » proportional representation. reveals that on this 30th of May, irregularities during election day, The opposition Justice bloc won 14 including falsification of results, some acts of repression have been seats through proportional performed against teachers who intimidation of observers, and representation, while the violations of the secrecy of the tried to get information on the Anrapetutyun (Republic) Party, procedures set by the Turkish ballot during military voting. which is part of the bloc, won one The international observation government to "fight against the majority constituency. Armenian genocide allegations". mission stressed that its final The pro-presidential Armenian conclusion on the extent to which Revolutionary Federation - On this day, the subprefect of Elbely the elections meet international Dashnaktsutyun won 11 seats standards will depend on the county (province of Kilis) had through proportional representation. organized a seminar for all the transparency of the tabulation and The National Unity Party, which announcement of results, and the officials of the county in the sometimes places itself in the pro- framework of the recent campaign complaints resolution process. presidential camp, won nine organized by the Ministry of proportional representation seats, Education and officially entitled while the newly created United "fight against genocide allegations". Workers' Party won six PR seats.

8 9 Covcas Bulletin Among the numerous people monitoring commission of the government will cooperate with other compelled to take part to this Parliamentary Assembly of the supporting the president political seminar, a teacher, Mrs Hülya Council of Europe (PACE). forces as well. Akpinar asked questions to the Torosyan believes that the PACE speaker M. Mehmet Kabadjic which met Armenia halfway since the deeply angered him. Following his ratification of the 6th protocol violent reaction, many teachers left immediately after the parliamentary the room to protest. Legal elections would be impossible. proceedings have thus been immediately taken against six teachers for "provocation". On the 06/13/06 - Armenia Removed same day, Mrs Hülya Akpinar was From U.S. Human Trafficking arrested and immediately Blacklist - RFE/RL prosecuted. She was fined 1,5 06/11/03 – Parties having majority billion of Turkish Lira (nearly 1000 seats in Armenian parliament By Emil Danielyan euros) to the State.(…) form new government – Pan The United States has removed Armenian News Armenia from the list of countries 06/07/03 – ANCA called to resist which could face U.S. sanctions for Turkish attempts to derail The representatives of the their alleged failure to prevent the progress in US recognition of Republican Party of Armenia, forced transport of human beings Armenian Genocide – Pan "Orinats Yerkir" party and from or through their territory. Armenian News "Dashnaktsutyun" Armenian An annual report by the U.S. State Revolutionary Federation who won Department lists Armenia among 74 Net The Armenian National the majority of seats in the Armenian nations that are making `significant Committee of America (ANCA) parliament signed a memorandum efforts' to comply with `minimum called on Armenian Americans to on principles of formation of the new standards' for the elimination of resist efforts by the Turkish membership of the state human trafficking. Its name figured Government to manipulate them and government today. As Armenian last year in the `Tier 3' group of undermine recent progress toward prime minister Andranik Margarian states which the department U.S. recognition of the Armenian who signed the document on the believes are doing little to tackle the Genocide. June 6 an ANCA letter RPA part told journalists, "Orinats problem. reported that Turkish diplomatic Yerkir" party and "Dashnaktsutyun" The 2003 report, released on representations in the United States Armenian Revolutionary Federation Wednesday, says the Armenian "are seeking to arrange meetings will receive three ministerial authorities have acknowledged the with Armenian American leadership portfolios each. The Republican need for urgent action and cracked organizations for senior Turkish Party will keep six ministerial posts. down on some suspected traffickers government official Ecvet Tezcan Besides the post of the prime over the past year. representing Turkey's foreign policy minister the RPA will manage the `The Government of Armenia does and intelligence gathering following ministries: the ministry of not comply with the minimum agencies." "The real purpose of this territorial administration and standards for the elimination of effort is to deceive the U.S. infrastructures activity coordination, trafficking; however, it is making society into believing that a "direct the ministry of finance and significant efforts to do so,' the dialogue with Armenians" is economy, the ministry of trade and report says. `The government currently in process," - the economic development, the ministry increased its focus on trafficking as statement says. Such actions, of ecology as well as the ministry of a domestic and international issue, ANCA considers, intend to derail communication. It should be noted, and focused more law enforcement "the most recent progress in the that "Orinats Yerkir" party members resources on the problem.' (…) U.S. will head the ministries of town Congress toward recognition of the planning, education, and science as 06/14/03 - Economically Armenian Genocide." well as of the culture, youth and struggling Armenia has asked sports. "Dashnaktsutyun" will hold Russia for additional grain 06/07/03 – Council of Europe sets the posts of ministers of agriculture, supplies because it cannot new deadline for Armenia to health and social maintenance. provide enough bread from its repeal death penalty - Arminfo Three ministerial posts these being own crops, Prime Minister the ones of defense, foreign affairs Andranik Markarian said Saturday The date for the ratification of the and justice will remain out of the - Associated Press Worldstream "frames" of the coalition and the 6th protocol of the European Human heads of these ministries will be Rights Convention which requires Markarian said he appealed to appointed by the president himself. the (full and unconditional) abolition Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Due to the memorandum signed, the of the death penalty, which was Kasyanov for more Russian grain to prime minister emphasized, the previously set for June this year, has tide tiny Armenia over until the above mentioned parties will been extended until December harvest. account for the activity of the state 2003, the deputy speaker of the He did not say how much grain he legislative and executive bodies in Armenian National Assembly, Tigran requested, and government officials equal, "irrespective of the fact how Torosyan, told today's news refused to say how much the many portfolios will pass into the conference. country normally receives from possession of each party". At the He said that such an agreement had Russia. same time Andranik Margarian been achieved during the 25 May Armenia's own grain crops can emphasized that the coalition visit by a representative of the provide for only about half of the

9 10 Covcas Bulletin demand for bread and related beginning of the last century was PACE Armen Rustamian told in his products, Markarian said, and genocide. interview to the Armenian Public consumer prices for the products The International Federation for Television, the present suggestion has risen by 10-20 percent in recent Human Rights (IFHR) said in an even aroused confusion among days. open letter to Turkish Prime Minister some delegates of the session. Markarian said Armenian officials Recep Tayyip Erdogan that it was Particularly, French deputy Roslan, had reached a preliminary worried by recent Turkish who refused to participate in the agreement on additional grain educational guidelines regarding discussion of this issue, did not hide supplies with Russian President Turkey's treatment of minorities, his surprise. In connection with the Vladimir Putin's representative in especially Armenians. insertion of such an item in the fertile southern Russia, Viktor The guidelines, said the IFHR, report a number of other European Kazantsev, during a recent visit to called on schools to "lead a parliamentarians expressed their Armenia, a former Soviet republic negationist campaign regarding the dissatisfaction in the course of with a population of 3.3 million. oppression of minorities throughout conversations held with the Armenia's economy has suffered Turkish history, in particular with Armenian delegation members. A. since the Soviet breakup of 1991, regard for the Armenian Rustamian emphasized that the and tense relations with neighbors community." above-mentioned 53-th item of the Azerbaijan and Turkey have (...) report not being the result of the aggravated the situation and inner-parliamentary discussions on increased the Caucasus Mountain 06/25/03 – Turkish citizens Armenia cannot be considered as a nation's reliance on Russia. residing in Europe called Ankara suggestion on Armenia. According to recognize Armenian Genocide - to the CE regulations, reports of 06/20/03 – International socialist PanArmenian News such character are only taken into organization urges Turkey to account but are not considered to be recognize Armenian Genocide - On the day of the 16-th anniversary a resolution regarding this or that PanArmenian News of the adoption by the European state, he added. Parliament the first resolution, "Turkey should recognize the appealing to Turkey to recognize the Armenian Genocide", - forum Armenian Genocide, a petition of the GEORGIA / GEORGIE chairman, head of Leftist "Union of Genocide Opponents" Democratic Party of Italy Pierro representing the Turkish citizens Fasinio stated at the conference of living in Germany was handed to 05/02/03 – Western ambassadors the International Socialist European Parliament chairman Pat in Georgia stress need for Organization (ISO) for Central and Cox. According to the report of the democratic elections - RFE/RL Eastern European states. As European Parliament Department Yerevan "Yerkir" newspaper writes, for links with the press and public A group of prominent Western in the work of the conference held relations, the petition maintaining ambassadors posted to Georgia met in the Bulgarian parliament building the appeal to the Turkish parliament with President Eduard June 14-15, the ISO secretary to recognize the Armenian Genocide Shevardnadze on 1 May to express general Luis Ayala took part. Among of 1915 was signed by 11 000 their collective concern that the the delegates of the European people, 10 000 of them being the upcoming parliamentary elections Socialist parties there was member citizens of Turkey. must be free and fair, "Civil Georgia" of the Armenian Revolutionary reported. British Ambassador to Federation Bureau Mario 06/25/03 – Suggestion on non- Georgia Deborah Nalbandian. During his speech he recognition of Armenian Barnes Jones told Shevardnadze presented the results of the delegation authorities in pace that London feels strongly that Armenian elections, the course of aroused European Parliament Georgia must ensure democratic the Nagorno Karabakh conflict Arian’s surprise - PanArmenian elections, while U.S. Ambassador settlement and the anti-Armenian News Richard Miles called on the policy pursued by Turkey. The Georgian government to "take Armenian delegation voted against The members of the Parliamentary measures to ensure fair elections to the suggested at the conference Assembly of the Council of Europe move forward toward democracy." resolution on the European Union expressed their disagreement with widening, which included the issue CE observing mission reporter 05/07/03 – Georgian census of Turkey's entry in the EU. Turkey, Bernard Schreiner's suggestion on results reveal sharp population in their opinion, should fulfill its non-recognition of the Armenian decrease - RFE/RL obligations not nominally, but in delegation authorities in the PACE practice. because of the violations taken Officials of the State Statistics place in the course of the Department on 6 May released the 06/25/03 - Human rights group parliamentary elections in Armenia. official results from the country's calls on Turkey to recognise Reporter of the PACE monitoring January 2002 census (...). The Armenia genocide - Agence group Irzhi Yaskernya and member figures reveal a 20 percent fall in France Presse of the mentioned-above group Jozef the population, which fell by 1.1 Yuvio emphasized in their million people since 1989. The A leading human rights organisation yesterday's speeches that the country's 1989 population was 5.5 on Wednesday called on Turkey to present suggestion did not million, while the latest census found recognise that the massacre of up to correspond to the logic of the the population to be just 4.4 million. 1.5 million Armenians at the observing mission activities. As The census did not include head of the Armenian delegation in information from Abkhazia, which

10 11 Covcas Bulletin has an estimated population of insufficient. Shevardnadze pledged on 19 May 160,000, and South Ossetia, with a Nadiradze quoted Robertson as that the Georgian authorities will reported 70,000 residents. A saying that, in order for it to join make every effort to ensure that the detailed breakdown of the census NATO, a great deal "would have to 2 November parliamentary elections results, with figures broken down by be done by Georgia itself". Earlier are free and fair, Interfax and gender and other criteria, will not to on Wednesday, Robertson held Caucasus Press reported. But he be available for several days, meetings with President Eduard added that this will be possible only officials said. Unofficial estimates Shevardnadze, Foreign Minister with the "constructive cooperation of suggest that roughly half of the Irakli Menagharishvili and Defence all political forces." The previous population decline is accounted for Minister Davit Tevzadze. He also day, Adjar Supreme Council by migration to Russia. met students at Georgian Technical Chairman Aslan Abashidze said in University. Batumi that his Revival bloc will 05/09/03 – Georgian Interior On Wednesday evening the NATO boycott the election unless the Ministry increases police secretary-general left for Armenia. Georgian government guarantees it presence along border with south Georgia officially stated its desire to will be free and democratic, Ossetia - RFE/RL join NATO at the alliance's summit Caucasus Press reported. in Paris last year. Georgian Deputy Interior Minister 05/19/03 - …As parliament Zurab Khazhalia announced on 7 05/16/03 – Georgian President factions fail to agree on optimum May that the police force deployed rules out OSCE representation on election commission composition along the Georgian border with election commissions - RFE/RL - RFE/RL South Ossetia will be increased from the current level of 47 officers to 80, In a 15 May interview with the Georgian parliamentary factions Interfax reported. The independent television station failed to reach agreement during reinforcements are to be stationed Rustavi-2, President Eduard talks in Tbilisi on 19 May on the near the village of Kurta, mainly in Shevardnadze said he sees no need optimal composition of the Central response to a recent rise in crime in to include representatives from the Election Commission (CEC), the area, with last week's slaying of OSCE and other international Caucasus Press and the website of four residents being the most organizations in election the independent television station notable example. commissions, Caucasus Press Rustavi-2 reported. Vitalii reported. Some opposition parties Khazaradze, who heads the 05/09/03 – Georgian prisoners end who objected to the present draft parliament faction of the former hunger strike - RFE/RL election bill, under which the ruling Union of Citizens of Georgia, president would name nine of the 11 advocated forming a new CEC on More than 4,500 prisoners in several members of the Central Election which those political parties that Georgian penal facilities on 7 May Commission, proposed international polled a minimum of 7 percent of the ended a hunger strike after representation on the commission in vote in the 1999 elections would be Georgian authorities formed a new order to preclude falsification of the represented. That model would, commission to investigate their outcome of the ballot. however, exclude the United cases, "Civil Georgia" reported. The Shevardnadze also said Georgia Democrats, New National prisoners organized a coordinated made the correct decision in Movement, and New Rightists -- all national hunger strike to protest affirming its support for the U.S. of which were created within the poor living conditions and to draw military operation in Iraq. But he past two years. Parliament is to attention to the serious backlog of warned that it is "naive" to expect begin on 20 May debating two appeals. that, in return, the United States will alternative sets of amendments to send troops to help Georgia restore the president election legislation. 05/14/03 – NATO secretary- its control over the breakaway One, drafted by the government, general urges Georgia to speed Republic of Abkhazia. proposes that the existing up reforms - Prime-News news Shevardnadze also divulged that he leadership should appoint CEC agency considers several "erudite and well- members, while the opposition educated" individuals possible insists that CEC members should be At his meeting behind closed doors candidates to succeed him as selected by political parties. with deputies in parliament, NATO president when his second and final Secretary-General George term expires on April 2005, but he 05/19/03 - Georgia Claims Part of Robertson, who paid a one-day visit declined to name the individuals in Azerbaijan's Territory - AA.Azat to Tbilisi on Wednesday 14 May , question. Artsakh stressed the importance of Georgia stepping up reforms in the defence According to the Georgian diplomat sphere as well as institutional reform Tbilisi wants to return the of governance in its drive to join monastery, which is now in the NATO. territory of Azerbaijan. At the end Journalists were told this by member of May and at the beginning of June of the opposition Traditionalist 05/19/03 – Georgian President the question of reconsidering the parliamentary group Maia Nadiradze calls on opposition to help ensure state border between Georgia and after the meeting with the secretary- parliamentary elections will be Azerbaijan will be discussed in general. According to her, the NATO fair…- RFE/RL Tbilisi. According to the agency secretary-general welcomed "Novosti", the representative of the Georgia's desire to join NATO but In his regular Monday radio Georgian minister of foreign affairs added that the pace of reform was interview, President Eduard Z. Kandelaki said that 2/3 of the

11 12 Covcas Bulletin state border is agreed by both May, Machavariani and fellow vote in the 1999 parliamentary Georgia and Azerbaijan. The deputy Giorgi Baramizde, who was elections be represented. Movement question of some parts is still also involved in the brawl, told for Democratic Reforms faction undecided, especially the area of journalists they are ready to forfeit head Kote Kemoularia argued that "Krasni Most". During the upcoming their immunity voluntarily, according the commission should be made up meeting the Georgian delegation is to the website of the independent of international experts, as was the going to request their Azerbaijani television station Rustavi-2. case in the elections held Bosnia colleagues to return the part of the Baramidze claimed that the in 1996 after the 1995 Dayton Azerbaijani territory, the district, Prosecutor-General's Office is acting agreement came into effect. Two where the Davit Gareji monastery under pressure from the Georgian Council of Europe experts are (19th century) is located. The government. expected in Tbilisi on 3 June to Azerbaijani Ministry for Foreign review preparations for the 2 Affairs could not give any comments 05/26/03 - Iran prepared to assist November parliamentary elections. on the situation around in Abkhazia's dispute – IRNA the negotiations between Azerbaijan 06/02/03 – Georgian opposition and Georgia. Besides the monastery Iran's Ambassador to Georgia rejects leadership’s election there are other Georgian historical Hossein Aminian Tousi said here concessions - RFE/RL monuments in Azerbaijan, such as Monday that Iran is prepared to Saint Nino church in the district of assist in resolving the Abkhazia Following talks on 30 May between Kakhi. dispute in Georgia. Minister of State Avtandil He also declared Iran's full support Djorbenadze and parliament 05/21/03 – Georgian officials for Georgian territorial integrity speaker Nino Burdjanadze, make contradictory statements on and sovereignty, adding, Djorbenadze announced that the alleged Al-Qaeda presence - "Establishment of peace and government is prepared to accept a RFE/RL security in the Caucuses is an Iran's model for appointing a new Central important foreign policy priority." Election Commission under which Commenting on 20 May on a U.S. He said the upcoming visit by the the authorities would propose nine ABC Television broadcast earlier Georgian President Eduard members of that body and the that day reporting the alleged Shevardnadze to Iran will help to opposition 10, Caucasus Press presence in Georgia of Al-Qaeda further cement the already cordial reported. But opposition parliament bases, Georgian State Security ties as well as bolstering regional factions rejected that compromise, Minister Valerii Khaburzania said security. arguing that two of the political there are no such bases in those […] Earlier in April Foreign parties the government considered regions of Georgia controlled by the Minister Kamal Kharrazi told for that purpose as opposition in central government, but that he Shevardnadze that security in fact support the present leadership. does not exclude the possibility that southern Caucasus is of the utmost Parliament adjourned late on 30 such bases exist in Abkhazia, importance to the Islamic Republic. May without adopting the new draft Caucasus Press and Interfax "Regional countries must play their election code. Nor did opposition reported. Khaburzania said in role in guaranteeing security factions attend a further round of February that Islamic militants had (in southern Caucasus) in order to discussions on the code scheduled fled from Georgia's Pankisi Gorge achieve economic development," for 31 May. during the fall of 2002 and taken Kharrazi said. refuge in Abkhazia. Georgian […] Iran shares no borders with 06/03/03 – Georgian opposition National Security Council Secretary Georgia but it neighbors Armenia stages mass protest…- RFE/RL Tedo Djaparidze said on 20 May and Azerbaijan which are Georgia's with reference to the ABC claims immediate neighbors. Some 7,000 people gathered on 3 that no threat to the international Shevardnadze announced his June outside the parliament building community emanates from Georgia, country's readiness to add steam to in Tbilisi in a protest convened by ITAR-TASS reported. ties with Iran at the highest level and five opposition parties: the National boost exchange of visits between Movement, United Democrats, New 05/22/03 – Georgian prosecutor- the two countries. (…) Rightists, Union of Traditionalists, general asks for parliament and the People's Party of Georgia, Deputy’s immunity to be revoked - 05/29/03 – Georgian election law Caucasus Press reported. They RFE/RL talks deadlocked - RFE/RL were joined by supporters of deceased President Zviad The Prosecutor-General's office has Talks in recent days between the Gamsakhurdia and the asked parliament to lift the immunity various Georgian parliament extraparliamentary Georgian from prosecution of former Tax factions and speaker Nino Popular Front. The demonstrators Minister Mikhail Machavariani, Burdjanadze have failed to yield a are demanding the dismissal of the whom an investigation has identified solution to the ongoing present Central Election as the playing the key role in the 5 disagreement over the optimal Commission (CEC), the May assault on parliament deputy composition of the Central Election appointment of a new CEC on a speaker Vakhtang Rcheulishvili, the Commission, Caucasus Press parity basis, and the adoption of a newspaper "Tribuna" reported on 21 reported. Opposition factions have new election code that will preclude May, according to Caucasus Press. rejected the government's proposal the authorities falsifying the outcome The paper claims that Machavariani that the commission be staffed with of the 2 November parliamentary could also face charges of government officials, and suggested elections in order to retain their misappropriating some $3 million instead that all political parties that control of the legislature. United while serving as minister. On 22 polled a minimum of 4 percent of the Democrats leader Zurab Zhvania

12 13 Covcas Bulletin said the demonstrators will not kidnappers reportedly demanded 06/16/03 – Eduard Shevarnadze disperse until their demands are was not paid. As on three previous confirmed his denial to run for 3rd met, Caucasus Press reported, occasions, the Georgian authorities President term - PanArmenian while National Movement leader agreed not to make any attempt to News Mikhail Saakashvili called on them apprehend the kidnappers, who to seize control of the parliament have been given the chance to Georgian president Eduard building if the Georgian authorities leave the gorge. All three previous Shevarnadze confirmed today his reject their demands. abductions (in October 1999 and denial to run for the president for 3- June and December 2000) likewise rd term in 2005. At the same time, 06/05/03 – UN observers abducted took place in the upper, Georgian- as reported by "ITAR-TASS" in Georgia - RFE/RL controlled sector of the gorge. But agency, he spoke against the President Eduard Shevardnadze constitutional amendments Three members of the UN Observer said on 9 June in his weekly radio forbidding one and the same Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG) and address that he is certain the individual to be elected for the their interpreter have been abducted kidnappers were not residents of supreme state post of the country. It in the Kodori Gorge, local Governor Kodori but "our enemies and those should be noted that E. Emzar Kvitsiani announced on 5 who betray us," Caucasus Press Shevarnadze was elected for this June. The observers began a six- reported. post in 1995 and 2000. day patrol of the gorge on 2 June "It is early to speak where I will together with members of the 06/12/03 – Georgia rejects U.S reside after I leave the presidential Russian peacekeeping force criticism over human trafficking - chair. Do not worry about me, when deployed in the Abkhaz conflict RFE/RL the time comes I will decide myself zone, whom the kidnappers later where to live: in Tbilisi, Moscow, released. Georgian National Security Council Washington or in my native village Caucasus Press on 5 June quoted Secretary Tedo Djaparidze told of Mamati", - the Georgian leader the UNOMIG office in Sukhum as Caucasus Press on 12 June that the said. saying that the observers were inclusion of Georgia in the third- abducted at gunpoint by masked annual U.S. State Department 06/17/03 – Materials for “dirty men who opened fire on their car. It report, which was released the bomb” discovered in Georgian is the fourth such abduction of UN previous day, listing 15 countries capital - RFE/RL personnel in Kodori in the past four liable for sanctions because of their years. In all previous cases, the failure to take measures to combat During a routine check on 31 May, observers were finally released human trafficking is "a police discovered two containers unharmed and the kidnappers were misunderstanding" based on with radioactive strontium-90 and never apprehended. inaccurate data. Other countries on caesium-137 in a taxi in Tbilisi, that list include Kazakhstan, Georgian and Russian media 06/06/03 - Discrimination Uzbekistan, and Turkey. The reported on 16 June, quoting continues in Georgia - YERKIR Georgian parliament last week Georgian officials. The taxi was Online amended the Criminal Code to bound for Kobuleti on Georgia's designate human trafficking a Black Sea coast close to the Turkish INFO - The Georgian Parliament is criminal offense punishable by five border, and an Interior Ministry to discuss the Law on Passports to 10 years' imprisonment . official said the containers were and Birth Certificates in the coming probably destined for export to days. The law has been adopted in 06/16/03 – UN Georgia mission Turkey. the first reading a month ago. This suspends patrols in Kodori - Environment Minister Nino time, some problematic issues are RFE/RL Chkhobadze described the find as to be discussed: for example, all "extremely serious." She said birth certificates in Georgia will state Meeting in New York on 13 June Georgia does not produce such "Georgian" for nationality. with visiting Georgian parliament substances, which could have been When the bill was discussed in the speaker Nino Burdjanadze, UN used to manufacture a so-called first reading, ethnic Armenian and Secretary-General Kofi Annan "dirty" bomb. Azerbaijani members were absent. It stressed that it is imperative that is expected that they will participate those responsible for the 5 June 06/17/03 – Georgia explains this time to attempt removal of abduction in the Kodori Gorge of refusal to sign CIS agreement on discriminating sections from the law. three members of the UN Observer portable antiaircraft missiles - Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG) be RFE/RL 06/10/03 – UN observers released apprehended and brought to trial, in Georgia - RFE/RL Caucasus Press reported. The The Georgian Embassy in Moscow kidnappers were surrounded by has released a statement clarifying The three UN observers and their Georgian troops and released their the reasons for Georgia's refusal to interpreter who were taken hostage hostages on 10 June after being sign a proposed CIS agreement to in the Georgian-controlled sector granted free passage by Kodori monitor sales of shoulder-launched of the Kodori Gorge on 5 June have Governor Emzar Kvitsiani. Also on Igla and Strela antiaircraft missiles, been released following negotiations 13 June, Annan's special Caucasus Press reported on 16 on 9 and 10 June between the representative for Abkhazia, Heidi June. The statement said Georgia Georgian leadership and the Tagliavini, said in Tbilisi that would have agreed to sign the kidnappers, Caucasus Press UNOMIG has suspended patrols agreement if Russia had not reported on 10 June. The of Kodori for an unspecified time rejected its additional proposals to multimillion-dollar ransom the period, Caucasus Press reported. compile an inventory of all such

13 14 Covcas Bulletin weapons and their registration agreement about the removal of 06/24/03 – Duma elections numbers, to register their transfer ammunition and hardware from watchdog disbanded - RFE/RL from one country to another, and to Georgian territory. Representatives provide Tbilisi with information on of the Georgian Ministry of Defense The State Duma decided on 21 how many such weapons are and Georgian law-enforcement June to disband its Elections currently stored at Russian military bodies are carrying out the Commission, which was headed by bases in Georgia. monitoring of loading. Deputy Aleksandr Salii, a member of the Agro-Industrial Group who was 06/18/03 – Georgia, Russia, UN 06/26/03 – Council of Europe calls elected from the Communist Party discuss repatriation to Abkhazia - on Georgia to hold transparent list. The decision was made with RFE/RL elections - RFE/RL 228 votes in favor -- just two more than the required minimum. Representatives of the Georgian Speaking at a press conference in According to the website, news of government, the Russian Foreign Strasbourg on 25 June, Council of the commission's demise was Ministry, and the UN held talks in Europe Secretary-General greeted with enthusiasm in the Moscow on 16-17 June on Schwimmer said he hopes the 2 regions "since in recent years not implementing the agreement November Georgian parliamentary one regional election had occurred reached three months earlier by the elections will not duplicate the "sad without 'troops' from the Russian and Georgian presidents experience" of this year's Armenian commission." Aleksandr Shemelev, on the return of Georgian displaced elections, Caucasus Press reported executive director of the Moscow persons to Abkhazia, Georgian (see Armenia item above). Bureau for Jurisprudence, told the media reported. Georgian Schwimmer called on the Georgian website that the "many lawyers who Ambassador to Moscow Zurab government and opposition to make practice in the sphere of election Abashidze told the independent every effort to ensure that the ballot law evaluate the Duma's decision to television station Rustavi-2 on 18 is fair and transparent. On 24 June, dissolve the commission positively." June that there is no truth to Caucasus Press quoted Bulgarian The website also reported that Salii Georgian media reports, including parliamentarian Jevgeni Kirillov as had incurred the wrath of a number one by Rustavi-2, that the talks saying that Georgia has squandered of political consultants and members ended in a deadlock. He said the the "credit of confidence" bestowed of regional election commissions. Russian representatives and the UN by its admission to the Council of Analyst Ivan Preobrazhenskii wrote presented a program for repatriation Europe. on politcom.ru on 23 June that and that the possibility of Salii's commission participated as establishing a joint Georgian- consultants in a number of Abkhaz administration in Abkhazia's scandalous elections, including in southernmost Gali raion was Bashkortostan and Norilsk. The discussed. Gali had a large commission was also responsible Georgian population prior to the for documenting alleged fraud that 1992-93 war and is the first region DAGHESTAN / occurred in the 2000 presidential of Abkhazia to which Georgians are DAGHESTAN election. It asserted that about expected to return. The Abkhaz 700,000 votes in Daghestan must leadership was not represented at have been wrongly awarded to the talks, but Rustavi-2 reported President Putin. that Abkhaz Foreign Minister Sergei 06/11/03 – Daghestan schedules Shamba is in Moscow and was discussion on constitutional being briefed on their progress. The amendments - ABKHAZIA / ABKHAZIE next round of talks is scheduled for RFE/RL late June. 05/16/03 – Georgian guerrilla Daghestan's parliament on 10 June killed in Abkhazia - RFE/RL 06/23/03 – Russian Ministry of approved holding a Constitutional Assembly session on 10 July to Defense began to remove Abkhaz National Security Service Russian ammunition and discuss constitutional amendments that would replace the present head Givi Agrba announced on 16 hardware form Georgian territory - May that Abesalom Arkania,whom Agency WPS bicameral parliament with a unicameral one and reduce the he identified as one of the leaders of the Georgian guerrilla formation Russian Ministry of Defense started number of parliament deputies from 121 to 60, ITAR-TASS reported. In White Legion, was killed in an the removal of Russian ammunition exchange of fire with Abkhaz special and hardware from Georgian addition, it is proposed that beginning in 2007 the republic's forces in Gali Raion the previous territory. According to the Georgian day, Caucasus Press reported. But Ministry of Defense, Russia started head is to be elected in a republic- wide ballot. Georgian sources claim Arkania was the removal of its ammunition taken hostage by the Abkhaz and from the 130th Russian military At present, the State Council head is elected by the Constitutional then executed in retaliation for the 4 depot in Sagaredzho. The May shooting of Abkhaz customs ammunition and armaments will be Assembly, which comprises 120 members of the People's Council official Ruslan Khashba in the handed over to the Russian military village of Tagiloni. base in Armenian Gumri. The first and 122 representatives from Daghestan's various towns and Those sources say Arkania's body train will depart on June 20. The was found on 15 May in the village total removal will finish in 5 days. raions. of Chuburkhindji, where Georgian Russia and Georgia had come to an and Abkhaz officials and members of the Russian peacekeeping force

14 15 Covcas Bulletin and the UN Observer Mission in Georgian White Legion and Forest 05/30/03 – Georgian paper claims Georgia meet every Thursday to Brothers guerrilla groups. CIS peacekeepers killed in discuss the situation in the Abkhaz shootout with Abkhaz - RFE/RL conflict zone. 05/22/03- …As Georgian official says no evidence chemical The independent newspaper 05/19/03 – Abkhaz opposition weapons produced in Pankisi - "Mtavari gazeti," which is financed criticizes new government - RFE/RL by Russian oligarch Badri RFE/RL Patarkatsishvili, reported on 30 May Speaking live on the independent that four Russian peacekeepers and Amtsakhara, the opposition television station Rustavi-2, two Abkhaz soldiers were killed and movement founded by, but not Khaburzania said on 22 May that 14 soldiers wounded during a restricted to, veterans of the 1992- there is no evidence to corroborate shootout in the village of Lata in the 93 war with Georgia, has issued a reports that Islamic terrorists lower, Abkhaz-controlled reaches of statement criticizing newly ensconced in the Pankisi Gorge the Kodori Gorge, Caucasus Press appointed Prime Minister Raul engaged in the production of reported. The paper claimed the Khadjimba for failing to show chemical weapons, including ricin, Abkhaz authorities are hushing up independence in the selection Caucasus Press reported . the incident, the date of which is earlier this month of the new Khaburzania said no laboratories for unclear. cabinet, Caucasus Press reported the production of toxic substances on 17 May. The statement predicted have been located in Pankisi. 06/03/03 – Abkhazia anticipates that the new government will prove new destabilization - RFE/RL unable to effect any radical changes 05/30/03 – Abkhaz parliament-in- in the unrecognized republic or exile head warns Georgian The Abkhaz leadership possesses improve the living standards of the leadership over peacekeepers - reliable information that the population. It was similar criticism by RFE/RL Georgian authorities are planning to Amtsakhara that triggered the instigate unrest in Abkhazia's resignation in early April of the Tamaz Nadareishvili, chairman of southernmost Gali Raion in order to previous government headed by the Tbilisi-based Abkhaz Supreme create a pretext for introducing a Gennadii Gagulia. The Georgian Council, warned on 30 May that nationwide state of emergency, newspaper "Akhali taoba" reported consent by the Georgian leadership Caucasus Press on 3 June quoted on 19 May that Abkhazia is at the upcoming CIS summit in St. Abkhaz First Deputy Premier experiencing a severe grain Petersburg to prolong the mandate Astamur Tarba as saying. shortage and its reserves will run of the CIS peacekeeping force out within days, according to deployed in the Abkhaz conflict zone 06/18/03 – Abkhaz calls for Caucasus Press. will negatively affect relations resumption of talks with Georgia - between his parliament and the RFE/RL 05/22/03 – Abkhaz security Georgian authorities, Caucasus officials say Al-Qaeda in western Press reported. In the 1999 Astamur Tania, who is an adviser to Georgia…- RFE/RL parliamentary elections, Vladislav Ardzinba, president of the Nadareishvili's Abkhaz Liberation unrecognised Republic of Abkhazia, Abkhazia's First Deputy National Party (AGP) aligned with the ruling said again on 17 June that Abkhazia Security Minister Nugzar Samsoni Union of Citizens of Georgia. But on is ready to resume talks with denied on 21 May that any Islamic 27 May "Tribuna" reported that he is Georgia under the aegis of the UN- militants have taken refuge on the currently holding discussions with sponsored Coordinating Council, territory of the unrecognized other political parties, and that in the Caucasus Press reported. Those republic, Caucasus Press reported. 2 November elections he will talks were suspended 18 months He said there are some refugees align with whichever party includes ago following an abortive incursion from Chechnya in Abkhazia, but that in its program demands for the into Abkhazia by Chechen fighters. the Chechen fighters who fought on withdrawal of the CIS peacekeeping Also on 17 June, Abkhaz Deputy the Abkhaz side during the 1992-93 force and for a UN-backed peace- Defense Minister Garri Kupalba told war with Georgia left Abkhazia long enforcement operation in Abkhazia. Interfax that Georgia has not yet ago. Commenting the previous day On 29 May, Nadareishvili threatened withdrawn the additional troops it on a report by the U.S. ABC to mobilize some 100,000 deployed in the Kodori Gorge earlier television network, Georgian State Georgians who fled Abkhazia during this month following the abduction of Security Minister Valeri Khaburzania the 1992-93 war to demonstrate in three UN observers. Kupalba had said he does not rule out the front of the Georgian predicted that it will take six-eight presence in Abkhazia of Wahhabi parliament building if the legislature weeks before the UN resumes its sympathizers . On 22 May, does not ratify by the end of next joint patrols of the gorge with CIS Caucasus Press quoted Abkhaz week the Rome Statute of the peacekeeping troops. Kodori State Security chief Givi Agrba as International Criminal Court, Governor Emzar Kvitsiani said on 17 saying that ABC was correct in Caucasus Press reported. June that meanwhile Georgian and alleging that Al-Qaeda operatives Nadareishvili hopes that ratification Abkhaz units will control the de facto are being trained in Georgia. Agrba will expedite the extradition to The border in Kodori between the upper, said his agency has "reliable Hague of those Abkhaz government Georgian-controlled and lower, information" that there are Al-Qaeda officials whom he has accused of Abkhaz-controlled sectors, militants in Georgia's Zugdidi Raion, genocide and war crimes. Caucasus Press reported. which borders on Abkhazia, and that they are being trained by the

15 16 Covcas Bulletin 06/18/03 – Russian, UN envoys that Georgians and Abkhaz have concurrently with the repatriation to agree that CIS peacekeepers reached agreement on policing the Gali of Georgian displaced persons should remain in Abkhazia - de facto border between their is unacceptable, Caucasus Press RFE/RL respective zones of influence in the reported on 27 June. Shamba again Kodori Gorge, Caucasus Press insisted that repatriation is a purely On the sidelines of the Russian- reported. Kodori Governor Emzar humanitarian issue and accused the Georgian talks, Russian First Kvitsiani had announced such an Georgian leadership of using the Deputy Foreign Minister Valerii agreement the previous day, noting displaced persons as pawns in their Loshchinin, who is Russian that it is unlikely that joint patrols of "political games" . President Putin's special envoy for the gorge by CIS peacekeepers and the Abkhaz conflict, met with UN members of the UN Observer special envoy Heidi Tagliavini to Mission in Georgia will resume in discuss the repatriation process and less that six-eight weeks . The other aspects of resolving the Abkhaz statement added, however, Abkhaz conflict, Caucasus Press that the Abkhaz Defense Ministry reported. Tagliavini said the Russian and Kvitsiani's administration have peacekeeping force deployed under agreed unofficially not to engage in the CIS aegis in the Abkhaz conflict any actions that could again zone is an important destabilize the situation in the gorge. stabilizing factor and cooperates "constructively" with the UN NORTH OSSETIA /

Observer Mission. OSSETIE DU NORD

06/24/03 – Abkhaz officials condemn Georgian Minister’s 05/27/03 – Police in North threat of force - RFE/RL Caucasus intercept explosives - RFE/RL In separate statements on 23 June, 06/19/03 – Abkhaz foreign Police halted two trucks late on 25 Abkhaz Vice President Valerii Minister rejects proposed May on the border between North Arshba and Foreign Minister Sergei international administration - Ossetia and Ingushetia and Shamba condemned Georgian State RFE/RL secured and destroyed the Security Minister Khaburzania's Sergei Shamba, who is foreign consignment of explosive they were disclosure at a Georgian parliament minister of the unrecognized loaded with. The drivers of both session on 20 June that plans have Republic of Abkhazia, said in vehicles escaped. An FSB been drafted for a new military Sukhum on 18 June that the joint spokesman told Interfax the operation to bring the unrecognized Georgian-Abkhaz administration explosive was similar to that used in Republic of Abkhazia back under under the UN aegis that Georgia a 27 December truck-bomb attack the control of proposes establishing in Abkhazia's on the Chechen government the central Georgian government, southernmost Gali Raion building in Grozny in which some 70 Apsnipress reported. Arshba concurrently with the repatriation to people were killed. reaffirmed Abkhazia's commitment Gali of Georgian displaced persons to resolving the conflict peacefully, is "unacceptable," Caucasus Press 06/06/03 – FSB implicates reported. Shamba also said that the while Shamba construed Khaburzania's statement as proof Maskhadov in Mozdok suicide Russian peacekeeping troops bombing - RFE/RL currently deployed under the CIS that unnamed Georgian officials seek to prevent the repatriation to aegis in the Abkhaz conflict zone Interfax on 5 June quoted Federal must remain there until a final Abkhazia of Georgian displaced persons. Abkhaz Defense Minister Security Service (FSB) spokesman solution to the conflict is reached. Sergei Ignatchenko as saying that On 17 June, Georgian Ambassador Vyacheslav Eshba likewise affirmed the Abkhaz authorities' commitment Chechen President Aslan to Russia Zurab Abashidze told Maskhadov knew in advance that Interfax that Tbilisi wants the to resolving the conflict peacefully, Apsnipress reported. He said any the suicide bombing earlier that day peacekeepers' mandate amended to in North Ossetia was being planned. deploy them throughout Gali Raion, resort to violence by the Georgian side would postpone a resolution of Ignatchenko identified Maskhadov, rather than in a 14-kilometer zone together with Arab field on the right bank of the Inguri River. the conflict for a long time. commanders Abu al-Walid and Abu In January, the Georgian National Omar as-Seif as responsible for Security Council ruled that the CIS planning and carrying out all terrorist peacekeepers' mandate should be attacks in the North Caucasus. prolonged only if it is simultaneously 06/27/03 – Abkhazia again rejects proposed international Maskhadov for his part has amended to allow for their repeatedly stressed that his men administration - RFE/RL deployment throughout Gali. have orders not to perpetrate

terrorist attacks on Chechen territory Abkhaz Foreign Minister Sergei 06/19/03 – Abkhaz Defense or against Chechen civilians. Also Shamba has told Apsnipress that Ministry says no agreement on 5 June, Russian Prosecutor- the Georgian leadership's proposal reached on Kodori - RFE/RL General Vladimir Ustinov met in to establish a joint Georgian-Abkhaz Moscow with Russian President administration under the UN aegis in In a statement released on 18 June, Putin to brief him the Abkhaz Defense Ministry denied Abkhazia's southernmost Gali Raion

16 17 Covcas Bulletin on the investigation into the according to Caucasus Press on 16 unrecognized breakaway Republic bombing in North Ossetia, in which May. of South Ossetia, told Caucasus 17 people died, including the female Press on 17 June that reports of his suicide bomber, whose identity has 05/23/03 – Russian envoy visits imminent replacement are untrue. not yet been established. South Ossetia - RFE/RL He said he will remain in his post until November. Nabdzorov also Russian First Deputy Foreign criticized the Georgian contingent of Minister Valerii Loshchinin met in the South Ossetian peacekeeping Tskhinvali on 21 May with Eduard force, saying that it lacks modern Kokoyty, president of the equipment, including for unrecognized republic of South communications. Nabdzorov further Ossetia, ITAR-TASS reported. warned that he will make a formal Kokoyty characterized the Russian complaint to the Georgian Foreign peacekeeping contingent deployed Ministry unless Georgia suspends in the region as "the main guarantor military helicopter flights over the of peace and calm" there. The South Ossetian capital, Tskhinvali, Georgian government has and the surrounding area. He also demanded the replacement of the rejected as untrue Georgian media SOUTH OSSETIA / commander of that force. reports that he was present at an Kokoyty also deplored the lack of incident in which the nephew of the OSSETIE DU SUD progress in resolving economic unrecognized republic's president problems with Tbilisi. was injured by astray bullet. 05/19/03 – Russia agrees to replace peacekeeping 05/28/03 – Russia reportedly 06/25/03 – Russia calls for greater commander in South Ossetia - “considering” military bases in efforts to resolve Georgian RFE/RL South Ossetia - RFE/RL conflict with South Ossetia…- RFE/RL Lieutenant General Valerii The Russian authorities are Yevnevich, who is commander in considering an offer by the Russian diplomat Mikhail Maiorov chief of Russian peacekeeping leadership of the unrecognized expressed concern on 24 June at operations, told Caucasus Press on Republic of South Ossetia to host what he termed the failing 17 May that the Russian Defense Russian military bases that Russia momentum of talks aimed at Ministry is prepared to accede to has pledged to remove from resolving the South Ossetia conflict, Georgia's demand to replace Major elsewhere in Georgia, Caucasus ITAR-TASS reported. He said General Svyatoslav Nabdzorov, who Press on 27 May quoted South Russia, as a member of the Joint since late 2002 has commanded the Ossetian parliament speaker Control Commission (JCC) formed Russian peacekeeping contingent Stanislav Kochiev as telling to seek a solution to that conflict, is deployed in South Ossetia. journalists. ready to do all in its power to Georgian officials demanded his expedite such a solution. He called replacement earlier this month 06/03/03 – South Ossetian on both sides to avoid further following the 3 May shooting of four President accuses OSCE of Bias, confrontations and to set about Georgians near Tskhinvali . The double standards - RFE/RL implementing the agreements they Georgians argued that the Russian signed earlier. Also on 24 June, peacekeepers are unable to protect Eduard Kokoyty, who is president of Caucasus Press reported that Boris the local Georgian population. the unrecognized Republic of South Chochiev, who is one of South Nabdzorov responded that the Ossetia, has accused the OSCE of Ossetia's representatives on the killings were committed by criminals, siding with Georgia in the dispute JCC, has written to President and that his men are not required to between the Georgian government Shevardnadze complaining that carry out police duties. A 14-16 May and the breakaway republic, Georgia has failed to implement an meeting of representatives from Caucasus Press reported on 3 June. agreement signed in December Georgia, South Ossetia, the Russian He said the OSCE is exceeding its 2000 on funding reconstruction in peacekeeping force, and mandate in trying to pressure South South Ossetia and one signed in international organizations Ossetia into accepting the status of Lisbon in 2002. represented in Georgia ended an autonomous republic within Chochiev blamed Georgian JCC without agreement being reached on Georgia. "Why did you not take into representative Irakli Machavariani an EU proposal to fund measures to account [the paramount need to for the failure to implement those stamp out smuggling between preserve] territorial integrity when agreements. Georgia and the Russian Federation you approved the dismemberment via South Ossetia. The South of Yugoslavia and the unification of 06/25/03 - … As ossetians seek to Ossetian representative proposed Germany?" Kokoyty asked. emigrate from Georgia - RFE/RL that a joint force composed of police from both 06/18/03 – Russian peacekeeping Ossetians living in Georgia's Pankisi North and South Ossetia be commander denies Georgian Gorge and elsewhere in eastern established to crack down on crime reports of his replacement - Georgia are lobbying the in South Ossetia, while the Georgian RFE/RL government of the unrecognized representative rejected that Major General Svyatoslav Republic of South Ossetia for proposal, insisting that Georgian Nabdzorov, who commands the CIS permission to settle there, according police are capable of tackling that peacekeeping force deployed in the to Caucasus Press on 24 June and problem on their own,

17 18 Covcas Bulletin the Georgian newspaper "Akhali settlement in Chechnya, ITAR-TASS restoration work in Grozny, the taoba" on 25 June. Of some 5,000 reported. Putin instructed process of paying compensation to Ossetians who lived in Pankisi prior government officials to speed up the Chechens whose homes have been to the second Chechen war, only drafting of the planned power- destroyed over the past decade, the 1,000 remain there . sharing treaty between Russia and development of small and medium- Chechnya. sized businesses, the work of the traffic police, and progress on drafting a treaty on the division of competencies between Chechnya and the federal center. Kadyrov said 05/13/03 – Putin submits Chechen a working group established to CHECHNYA / Amnesty bill to Duma - RFE/RL prepare that document has so far TCHETCHENIE produced "two or three" drafts. President Putin submitted to the Putin commented that those drafts Duma's Committee on Legislation should be published in Chechnya to on 12 May the draft bill on an allow broad public discussion. 05/01/03 – MSF claims displaced amnesty for Chechen fighters who Kadyrov also said that a Chechen Chechens afraid to go home - voluntarily lay down their arms(...). State Council, composed of two RFE/RL The amnesty does not extend to representatives from each raion, will those Chechen militants who have begin work on 10 June. The State A survey by Doctors Without perpetrated terrorist acts or Council will function as an interim Borders (MSF) has found that the committed other serious crimes (...). parliament pending new vast majority of displaced persons The fate of an alternative amnesty parliamentary elections, for which no who have fled Chechnya are too bill drafted by Aslanbek Aslakhanov, date has yet been set. (...) scared to return. The survey, which Chechnya's deputy to the Duma, the international aid group remains unclear. 06/04/03 – Chechen conducted in February and March administration head dismisses among 3,209 Chechen families 05/20/03 – radical Chechen cabinet - RFE/RL living in displaced-persons camps in warlord claims responsibility for neighboring Ingushetia --a total of recent bombings - RFE/RL Akhmed-hadji Kadyrov issued a 16,499 people -- found that more decree on 3 June dismissing all than 98 percent of the families have In a statement posted on 19 May on cabinet ministers except Prime no plans to return to Chechnya and kavkazcenter.com, field commander Minister Anatolii Popov and Security that 93 percent believe they would Shamil Basaev claimed Council members (...). be in danger if they did. The survey responsibility for the 12 May car- According to Adlan Magomadov, concluded that those who have bomb attack in Znamenskoe in who is Kadyrov's envoy to the returned to Chechnya were placed northern Chechnya and the suicide Kremlin, the dismissals are in line "under tremendous pressure" to do bombing two days later in with the new Chechen Constitution so. President Putin's envoy for Gudermes Raion. adopted in a referendum in late human rights in Chechnya, Abdul- Deputy Prosecutor-General March, according to which Kadyrov's Khakim Sultygov, called the MSF Fridinskii declined to comment on status is now that of acting survey a "provocation" and said the Basaev's claim, noting that no president, and new executive bodies assertion that more than 90 percent evidence is yet available to are to be appointed. Kadyrov of displaced Chechens in Ingushetia substantiate it, Interfax reported. himself told Interfax that Popov has do not want return home is "a pure In February, Basaev likewise been asked to propose a new lie," (...) claimed responsibility for a car- cabinet within two weeks, and that bomb attack that seriously damaged outgoing ministers will continue to 05/12/03 – Dozens killed in the Chechen government building in perform their duties until a decision Chechnya car-bomb attack- Grozny. Meanwhile, in a is made on whether they should be RFE/RL written statement to Reuters, reappointed. He also said the Chechen President Aslan number of deputy premiers is to be At least 30, and possibly as many as Maskhadov denied responsibility for cut from five to three. 40, people died on 12 May when a last week's bombings, saying he is Kamaz truck loaded with explosives convinced the perpetrators were 06/09/03 – Amnesty for Chechen drove into the local administration acting on orders from Russia's fighters takes effect - RFE/RL building in the Nadterechnyi Raion special forces with the explicit aim of in northern Chechnya. Chechen discrediting the Chechen resistance The State Duma passed the bill on administration head Akhmed-hadji forces he commands. an amnesty for participants in the Kadyrov immediately blamed the last 10 years of fighting in Chechnya blast on fighters loyal to Chechen 05/29/03 – Putin meets with in the third and final reading on 6 President Aslan Maskhadov. Some Chechen leaders - RFE/RL June by a vote of 352-25, with one 80 people died in a similar car-bomb President Putin met on 28 May at abstention. The law took effect from attack on his suburban Moscow residence the time of its publication in the 7 the government building in Grozny with Chechen administration head June issue of "Rossiiskaya gazeta." in December. In Moscow, President Akhmed-hadji Kadyrov, Chechen Russian presidential human rights Putin said on 12 May that such Prime Minister Anatolii Popov, and commission head Ella Pamfilova attacks will not halt the process of Federal Minister for Chechen Affairs said on 6 June that up to 1,000 establishing a peaceful political Stanislav Ilyasov, Russian media Chechen fighters could be eligible reported. Putin inquired about for amnesty; Russian presidential

18 19 Covcas Bulletin aide Sergei Yastrzhembskii said harmony and preventing possible that speeding up the creation of some 200 Chechens currently conflicts between his supporters constitutional bodies in Chechnya serving prison terms could be and those of Chechen "will help normalize the social and eligible, together with a similar administration head Akhmed-hadji political situation in the republic and number of Russian servicemen, Kadyrov. He further instructed the reinforce the people's hope that they Interfax reported. Russian Chechen parliament and other will be able to start living a normal presidential commissioner for legitimate organs of power to life soon," according to Interfax. human rights in Chechnya Abdul- impress on the population that the Khakim Sultygov said on 6 June it is Chechen Constitution adopted in important to ensure that Chechen 1992 remains valid. A new Chechen fighters who surrender their arms Constitution was adopted in March SOUTH RUSSIA / under the amnesty do not become in a referendum, the outcome of blood-feud victims, Interfax reported. which is widely believed to have RUSSIE DU SUD "Profil" on 26 May quoted Aslanbek been falsified. Aslakhanov, Chechnya's deputy to 05/28/03 – As Kremlin mulls the Duma, as saying that most of 06/23/03 – Chechen another regional merger - RFE/RL the 500 Chechens who surrendered administration head, Russian Tsik during the 1999 amnesty were chairman at odds over election In a further move toward reducing subsequently either murdered by timing - RFE/RL the overall number of federation fellow Chechens or disappeared subjects, the Russian leadership is during "mop-up" operations Kadyrov told Interfax that he considering holding a referendum conducted by Russian troops. believes presidential elections in following the 2004 presidential

Chechnya should be held no later election on subsuming the Republic 06/10/03 – Moscow increases than October. He said he believes of Adygeya into Krasnodar Krai troop presence in Chechnya - that "most politicians and public (...). Adygeya is an enclave of just RFE/RL figures in Chechnya and the federal under 8,000 square kilometers center" think likewise, and that he within Krasnodar Krai that received Despite the amnesty for Chechen "cannot agree with those who, not the status of a full-fledged federation prisoners that was passed by the knowing the situation in Chechnya, subject only in 1992. The republic is State Duma on 6 June, the Kremlin suggest holding the presidential primarily agricultural and depends is increasing the number of Russian elections in Chechnya concurrently" on subsidies from Moscow for some troops in the republic. with the Russian State Duma 70 percent of its annual budget. The Defense Ministry has elections on 7 December. He announced that this week it will argued that holding the ballots dispatch an additional 1,000 simultaneously could result in "an NAGORNO KARABAKH / paratroopers to Chechnya. The acute polarization of society," but HAUT KARABAGH paratroopers will join soldiers from did not explain why this might the Airborne Forces, Army, Interior happen. Also on 20 June, the office Ministry, Border Troops, FSB, and of presidential envoy to the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Southern Federal District Viktor 05/10/03 – Proposals on Karabakh General Staff (GRU) who are Kazantsev issued a statement under preparation to suit all already stationed in Chechnya. RTR saying that scheduling the Chechen parties to conflict, OSCE minsk commented that the fresh presidential election for October is in group co-chair said - deployment is a reaction on the part line with "normal legal procedure," PanArmenian News of the Defense Ministry to the Interfax reported. In Moscow, increased activity of Chechen Russian Central Election The proposals on the Nagorno fighters, and shows that the ministry Commission (TsIK) Chairman Karabakh settlement, being does not place much faith in the Aleksandr Veshnyakov said on 21 prepared by the OSCE Minsk group effectiveness of the amnesty. June, as he has done on several co-chairs, will satisfy all parties to previous occasions, that he believes conflict. As reported by "Echo" Baku 06/18/03 – Chechen President that Chechen presidential elections newspaper, MG Russian co-chair calls on his forces to observe should be held concurrently with Nikolay Gribkov told ATV channel in Geneva conventions - RFE/RL those to the State Duma, ITAR- Paris. In his words, having once TASS reported. again reviewed all their previous In a decree dated 30 May, Aslan proposals, the mediators arranged Maskhadov ordered all field 06/26/03 – Interim Chechen the new document including only commanders to abide strictly by the Parliament asks Putin to schedule most constructive elements fitting Geneva Conventions and to avoid presidential poll for October - both parties. "The co-chairs using weapons against Chechen RFE/RL consider the new proposals citizens unless their own lives are in prepared will be accepted by the danger. He appealed to those Hussein Isaev, chairman of Armenian and Azeri presidents Chechens who "for various reasons" Chechnya's interim State Council, without fail, - the Russian diplomat have ended up serving "in the has written to President Putin asking said. - There may be some armed forces of a hostile state" to him to set the date for elections for a differences over a few aspects, but surrender to his men, promising that new Chechen president for October on the whole, we formed the new they will be rehabilitated. 2003. Under the constitution ideas in a way for them to bring all Maskhadov also called for the approved in a referendum in March, interested parties to conflict to formation of a state commission October is the earliest date such a accord." N. Gribkov also reported charged with promoting civic ballot may be held. Isaev reasoned that in the course of the coming visit

19 20 Covcas Bulletin to the conflict region the co-chairs the monitoring, provided the OSCE businesslike atmosphere. would hold talks with Nagorno observers with information about Nevertheless, Nikolay Gribkov Karabakh leader Arkady Ghukasian. violations of the cease-fire regime did not spell out the content of the In response to official Baku protests by the Azerbaijani side during the negotiations. on the occasion, the Russian co- period between the two latest Gribkov added that the date of the chair noted that the MG members monitoring sessions. cochairmen's visit to the region was would meet not only with A. Members of the OSCE monitoring not known yet. "This is our Ghukasian, but also with "Nagorno group also visited a military hospital headache. There are many sides Karabakh Azeri community leader." and inquired about the health of two involved in the negotiations - "We do not favor any of the parties NKR soldiers. They were wounded Russia, the USA, France, Armenia, to conflict and we do not suppose by an Azerbaijani sniper in the area Azerbaijan, not to mention Nagornyy the meeting with the leader of of today's monitoring in early May. Karabakh. Therefore, it is extremely Armenians of Karabakh can cause difficult to determine a date which any problems. On the contrary, we 06/04/03 – EU supports the efforts would suit all the sides," the try to take into consideration the of OSCE MG on karabakh conflict cochairman said. interests of all parties and we are settlement - ARKA News Agency The date of the visit has been trying to deduce a common position changed on a number of occasions out of it," - the diplomat said. In his EU supports the efforts of OSCE for different reasons, including words, before arriving in the region MG on Karabakh conflict settlement, Azerbaijani President Heydar the co-chairs will confer once again Greek Ambassador Extraordinary Aliyev's health problems. in Moscow. The meeting date is not and Plenipotentiary to Armenia made known yet. Antonios Vlavianos stated at the 06/12/03 - Monitoring at Jails in press conference in Yerevan. Nagorni Karabakh - Azat Artsakh 05/13/03 – OSCE mission According to him, EU is interested in conducts schedule monitoring of soonest settlement of the conflict, Albert Voskanian. contact lines of Nagorno because it prevents the Karabakh and Azerbaijan armed development of South-Caucasus The non-governmental organization forces - ARKA News Agency region. "We understand that "Center of Civil Undertakings" presidential and parliamentary operating since October 2003, with OSCE mission conducted schedule elections in Armenia and oncoming the permission of the NKR monitoring of contact lines of presidential elections in Azerbaijan authorities, conducted monitoring at Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan interrupted negotiating process, but the prison of Shushi and the jail of Armed Forces. we hope that the parties continue it", NKR Ministry of Home Affairs. This Monitoring group from NKR Defence he said. was the first practical attempt in Army positions was headed with Note, the Karabakh conflict was Nagorni Karabakh. The visits to Coordinator of the Office of Personal reasoned by reluctance of such institutions will be regular and Representative of OSCE Acting Armenians in Nagorno Karabakh to determined, and on the basis of the Chairman Imre Palatinus (Hungary). live in Azerbaijan in 1988. Active information accumulated during The group consisted of field military actions were stopped with observations and visits the Center of assistants Jan Repa (Slovakia) and signing in May 1994 of the Civil Undertakings will present Gennadi Korj (Ukriane). No agreement on setting the cease fire reports to the PRI, which has a violations of cease-fire regime were regime which is being observed up leading role in the sphere of reforms registered. to date. At present there are talks on in the system of jails, other the conflict settlement, namely, interested organizations and 05/27/03 - OSCE monitors Azeri- within the terms of the OSCE Minsk persons, and the corresponding Armenian contact line - Mediamax Group. Russia, USA and France are structures of NKR. The center plans news agency the co-chairs. to give constant assistance to the staffs of the NKR jails in solving The OSCE mission held a 06/10/03 – Russian negotiator existing problems. In the result of monitoring on the contact line pleased with talks with Azeri, the monitoring the Center of Civil between the armed forces of Armenian sides on Karabakh - Undertakings came to the Nagornyy Karabakh and Azerbaijan Arminfo conclusion that the moral and in Agdam direction today. physical state of the people behind The press service of the Foreign The cochairman of the OSCE Minsk bars, the protection of their rights, Ministry of the Nagornyy Karabakh Group, which deals with the the sanitary and hygiene conditions, Republic (NKR) told Mediamax resolution of the Nagornyy Karabakh organization of medical aid, food today that the monitoring had been conflict, Nikolay Gribkov, and rest are on a high level. At the held in accordance with the agreed has given a positive assessment to same time the center made some schedule and no violation of the the results of meetings with the suggestions concerning the existing cease-fire regime had been Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign drawbacks. The report based on the registered. ministers in Madrid. results of the monitoring was sent to The personal representative of the In an interview with Arminfo, the international organizations, state OSCE chairman-in-office, Andrzej Russian cochairman of the group bodies and persons who are Kasprzyk, headed the group from stressed that talks with both concerned with the problem. This is the positions of the NKR Defence Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan the first attempt to introduce the Army. Oskanyan and Azerbaijani Foreign situation in the NKR system of jails A representative of the NKR Minister Vilayat Quliyev had been to the international community. The Defence Ministry, who took part in held in a reassuring and center is for transferring the responsibility for the system of jails

20 21 Covcas Bulletin from the NKR Ministry of Home Nadterechnyi and Gudermes raions May 21 to support President Affairs to the administration of on 12 and 14 May, Chechen Shevardnadze's political platform in justice, which will allow to reach the Prosecutor Vladimir Kravchenko told Georgia's upcoming parliamentary international standards and solve Interfax on 2 June. Kravchenko elections. The gathering the problems existing in a more said the suspects were in wasorganized and funded by effective and complex way. The possession of explosives that are Georgian authorities who also organization is also for the being compared both with those choose the participants--more than prohibition of the corporal used in the two suicide bombings likely for their pro-presidential punishment. and with the consignment of stance. explosive intercepted in Ingushetia Certain Armenian groups at the 06/25/03 – Nagorno Karabakh on 25 May. Akhalkalak discussions sharply conflict non-mentioning in report criticized the May 21 decision, presented to pace caused Azeri conveying that Armenians should party discontent – Pan Armenian support those parties that pledge to news JAVAKHK / DJAVAKHK pursue Armenian issues such as autonomy for Javakhk, state The Azeri delegation in the protection of Armenian cultural sites, Parliamentary Assembly of the 05/15/03 – Javakhetia students and recognition of the Armenian Council of Europe expressed its picket Georgian-Armenian frontier Genocide. discontent regarding member of - PanArmenian News As a result, the Akhalkalak PACE commission for political gathering adopted a memorandum issues Andreas Gross's report Last morning some 150 Armenian urging Armenian organizations not named "Positive experiences of students of Samtskhe-Javakhetia to make blanket statements on autonomous regions as a source of region of Georgia picketed the behalf of the entire Georgian inspiration for conflict resolution in custom building near Bavra Armenian community--considering Europe". As "Echo" Baku settlement situated on the no organization is entitled to such a newspaper writes, head of Azeri Javakhetia strip of the Georgian- right. delegation in PACE Ilham Aliyev, in Armenian frontier. As reported by The memorandum also calls on the particular, protested against the fact "Impulse" radio station, the picketers Georgian press to practice restraint that the Nagorno Karabakh conflict demanded to change the passport and neutrality on reporting one- was not mentioned in the report. In regime currently in force. sided issues. response to this Andreas Gross Specifically, the students protest elucidated that there was PACE against a number of items in the 06/13/03 – Samtske-Javakhetia special reporter on this issue. Georgian legislation, putting custom Armenians position on coming obstacles on the way of citizens with parliamentary election in Georgia 06/27/03 – Azeri army ready to Soviet passports. According to the not determined yet - PanArmenian liberate Nagorno Karabakh, Azeri source, some 170 thousand News defense minister stated - Pan Armenians residing in Javakhetia have not got new Georgian Armenian news representatives of Armenian social passports yet. The action organizers and political organizations of the intend to protest until the country Military efficiency and preparedness Akhalkalak region of Georgia authorities of both countries meet of the Azeri army allow to restore the discussed issues referring the their demands. territorial integrity of the country to position of local Armenians on the date. Azeri defense minister Safar coming parliamentary election in Abiyev stated speaking at the 06/12/03 - Georgia Armenians Georgia. As reported by "A-Info" measure on occasion of the armed Condemn Endorsement, Push agency, the meeting participants forces day celebrated in the country Armenian Issues – Asbarez online recognized that the position of the yesterday. As reported by "Zerkalo" Armenian population in the issue is Azeri newspaper, touching upon the Representatives of political still uncertain. Some participants Nagorno Karabakh issue Abiyev organizations gathered in were for supporting political forces spoke out with threats toward Akhalkalak on June 12 to review the that come for strengthening the Armenia, which "considers itself to position of Akhalkalak residents Armenian-Georgian friendship. be the victor". In his words, "the Concerning upcoming Georgian There were also opinions to second situation has changed completely parliamentary elections. The forces, which will contribute to the and the Azeri army is ready to discussion was organized by the solution of such problems as liberate the occupied territories". Center of Reforms and protection of the rights of Development of Democracy. Armenians, state concern over Concerns were raised about several Armenian cultural centers, Armenian organizations in Tbilisi recognition of the Armenian INGUSHETIA / having already endorsed certain Genocide. INGOUCHIE parties while the Armenian community, in general, has not yet 06/03/03 – Chechen bombing made a final decision. Some of the DOCUMENTS suspects apprehended - RFE/RL speakers, on the other hand, urged

those present to support Armenian- Three men were arrested in Georgian friendship. 05/15/03 - New figures suggest Ingushetia on 1 June on suspicion As reported in Asbarez on May 23, of involvement in the suicide Georgia is losing some of its best certain representatives of people in a massive migration bombings in Chechnya's Armenians in Georgia decided on

21 22 Covcas Bulletin crisis - IWPR's Caucasus between 1993 and 1995. They Reporting Service mainly came from the country's ethnic minorities and left for their INFORMATION By Lyudmila Rayeva in Tbilisi "historical homelands," meaning Russia, Ukraine, Armenia, Greece, Our E-Mail : Georgia's population has shrunk by Israel and Germany. Notre E-Mail : one-fifth - a million people – in the The second big wave of emigration [email protected] 13 years since independence, began in 1999, and this time those according to census figures just leaving were mainly Georgians. The released. experts suggest that these people The much-delayed census results had waited for 10 years for their highlight for the first time the lives to improve, but their had finally fullextent of the country's migration run out of patience. crisis. The figures were released on Russia remains the main destination May 6, more than a year after the for migrants, with up to 750,000 census was held. Georgians believed to be living there They show that Georgia now has a now. It is a natural place for them to population of 4.4 million. The last go - it is a country they know well, census in Soviet Georgia in 1989 which has higher living recorded a population of five and a standards, and a language they half million people. understand. However, many Government and independent Georgians work in Russia either experts agree that the main reason semi-legally or illegally for lower for the disastrous figures is a mass than average wages. Some are exodus of people, mainly of working victims of illegal people trafficking. age. "The country continues to be in A recent damning report on Georgia a state of crisis, both politically and by the International Organization for economically, and it is no big Migration, entitled "Hardship Abroad surprise that a huge number of its or Hunger", concludes that, "This citizens are trying to find a new study has clearly demonstrated that homeland for themselves where irregular migration from Georgia is they can be sure of a stable and substantial and that trafficking in secure existence," said Tamaz Georgian citizens is a serious Gugushvili of Georgia's ministry for problem." refugees and resettlement. The report suggests government Statistical and anecdotal evidence corruption is fuelling much of the suggests that the country is losing illegal migration. its most valuable people - "The government of Georgia has so professionals, people with a higher far made only limited steps in trying education, and men and women to restrict irregular migration and aged between 20 and 50 who could suppress trafficking," the IOM report be having children. As a result, the declares. "Some analysts claim that birth rate in Georgia has halved certain government officials have since 1992, and a disproportion has vested financial interests in the grown up between the sexes, with operation of tourism firms and women making up 52.8 per cent of employment mediators, which could the population and men 47.2 per serve as an explanation of why cent. irregular migration can still operate It is hard to get a fully reliable figure with virtual impunity." for Georgia's population. The state […] statistical department points out that Another class of emigrants consists it was only able to do a proper of young Georgian men, who go survey in territory that is currently abroad to escape two years' military under the political control of the service in the country's miserable Georgian government. Officials did and underfed armed forces. estimate population numbers for the […] unrecognised republics of Abkhazia Migration official Tamaz Gugushvili and South Ossetia, which broke is blunt. "Georgia is on the brink of a away from Georgia in the 1990s, but demographic catastrophe," he said. only through "alternative sources of "The government prefers to give the information." most implausible arguments to Sociologists point out that most explain the dramatic fall in the migrants leave the country looking number of citizens, rather than admit for work and many of them would to its own incompetence. And that's like to return at some point. the reason that there was a 13-year […] gap since the last census." The first wave of emigrants to leave independent Georgia did so mainly Lyudmila Rayeva is a freelance journalist based in Tbilisi.

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