AZG Armenian Daily #095, 26/05/2005

Concern

ZORY BALAYAN ARRESTED IN BRINDISI AND RELEASED 5 HOURS LATER

Armenia Sends Note of Protest to Italy

Yesterday, when “Cilicia” ship entered Brindisi harbor in South Italy, the
police arrested Zory Balayan, writer and publicist, and Karen Balayan,
captain of the ship. After being kept at the local police department for
five hours, they were released.

Years ago, by the demand of Azeri authorities Zory Balayan’s name was
included in the lists of Interpol. Baku authorities managed to talk over the
organization by blackmailing it and accuse Balayan of a number of charges.
In 2001 RA Foreign Ministry managed to exclude his name from the lists of
the Interpol.

The case in Brindisi harbor was a mistake. Anyway, thanks to the efforts of
the Armenian embassy to Italy and RA Foreign Ministry, the Balayans were
released. In connection with the arrest of the Balayans, the official
Yerevan sent a note of protest to Rome. It is supposed that the arrest of
Balayan was provoked by the Azeri and Turkish forces.

Daily Azg managed to get in touch with the Armenian sailors who left the
Brindisi harbor and headed for Syracuse. The captain said that the head of
Brindisi Police apologized, stating that in this case Azerbaijan and Turkey
should be blamed. General Secretary of Interpol called them and ordered to
release the arrested, as Zory Balayan was excluded from the “red card” long
ago. Secretary General said that such cases of arresting people damage the
reputation of Interpol.