Author: Andres-Papazian

RUSSIA SAYS NAGORNYY KARABAKH SETTLEMENT CANNOT BE REACHED THROUGH ELECTION

Interfax
May 24 2010
Russia

Moscow, 24 May: It is believed in Moscow that the status of Nagornyy
Karabakh cannot be determined through elections in that region,
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Andrey Nesterenko has said.

“In our view, its (that of Nagornyy Karabakh – Interfax) future status
should be determined without the use of force as a result of political
negotiations between all the sides within the framework of the Minsk
process. At the same time Moscow does not believe that the progress
of the conflict’s peaceful settlement could be dependent on holding
elections in Nagornyy Karabakh,” says Nesterenko’s reply circulated
on Monday [24 May].

The diplomat noted that Moscow supported the principle of Azerbaijan’s
territorial integrity, as well as other fundamental norms and
principles of international law.

“As is known, we do not recognize Nagornyy Karabakh as an independent
state,” he stressed.

The Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman added that Russia was ready to
provide every kind of assistance to the settlement of the situation
surrounding Nagornyy Karabakh.

“As for Russia, in close cooperation with its partners in
co-chairmanship of the Minsk group of the OSCE (Russia, the USA
and France), it will continue vigorously to help the Azeris and the
Armenians to reach a compromise untying of the Karabakh knot as soon
as possible,” he said.

A parliamentary election took place in Nagornyy Karabakh last Sunday.

From: A. Papazian

TURKISH DEPUTY PREMIER SAYS TURKEY WANTS TO MAINTAIN PRESENCE IN CYPRUS

Anadolu Agency
May 24 2010
Turkey

Lefkosa, 24 May 2010: Turkish State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister
Bulent Arinc said on Sunday [23 May] that Turkey had gained strength
thanks to its political and economic stability.

Arinc delivered a speech at a seminar held at the Near East University
(YDU) in Lefkosa, which was also attended by TRNC’s President Dervis
Eroglu; Parliament Speaker Hasan Bozer; Prime Minister Irsen Kucuk;
Turkish Ambassador in Lefkosa Sakir Fakili; several Turkish Cypriot
ministers and deputies, as well as Anadolu Agency’s Director General
Dr Hilmi Bengi.

Commenting on the developments in TRNC during his speech, Arinc said,
“We want to maintain our presence in TRNC and we want to stand on
our feet”.

Noting that Turkish Cypriots had suffered a lot in the past, Arinc
said, “Some were disturbed by our presence and they wanted to destroy
us. However, we are here today and we are strong”.

Arinc said that TRNC should continue to display efforts together with
Turkey for the acknowledgment of its rightful cause by the world.

He also said any agreement or solution to be reached in Cyprus should
provide the Turkish Cypriots the opportunity to carry on with their
presence.

Pointing to Turkey’s “zero-problem policy” with its neighbours as well,
Arinc said Turkey had signed agreements with Greece, was about to
lift visa procedures with Russia, kept good relations with Bulgaria
and Balkan countries, continued efforts to get closer with Armenia
and established close ties with Syria.

“Turkey has grown and gained strength. This happened thanks to the
political and economic stability in the country,” Arinc said.

After the seminar, Arinc attended a dinner hosted by Turkish Cypriot
Prime Minister Kucuk.

The Turkish deputy premier is expected to depart from TRNC on Monday.

From: A. Papazian

MOTHERS OF “KILLED” ARMENIAN SOLDIERS STAGE PROTEST

Azg Daily
May 21 2010
Armenia

The mothers of several Armenian servicemen said to have been killed
in peacetime staged a silent protest near the government building in
Yerevan on 20 May.

The mothers, who held pictures of their sons, stage this traditional
protest every Thursday, the report said.

The mothers believe that their sons were killed, despite the fact
that most official investigation theories are that their sons died
as a result of accidents or shooting by the enemy (reference to
Azerbaijani troops). The parents have been waiting for years for an
answer as to why their sons were killed in the Armenian army during
peacetime, the report said.

Anahit Lazarian, mother of serviceman Arayik Avetisyan who died in a
military unit in Vayk town in 2001, told the paper her son was killed
as a result of an act of violence by a commander but no-one has been
punished for her son’s death.

Anahit Kirakosyan, mother of Andranik Karapetyan who died in Martakert
town in Karabakh on 15 May 2008, believes her son was killed after
being beaten up, although the official theory is that he was killed
by an enemy bullet. Kirakosyan told the paper that traces of violence
could be seen in photographs of her son’s body.

Gohar Sargsyan, mother of serviceman Tigran Ohanjanyan who was found
dead at the Karchaghbyur military unit in Gegharkunik Region on 30
August 2008, believes her son was smothered because the exhumation
of her son’s body revealed traces of violence, despite the official
theory of the investigation that her son was killed by an electric
shock, the report said.

From: A. Papazian

OSCE MINSK GROUP: ‘PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS IN NAGORNO-KARABAKH NOT MEAN DETERMINATION OF FINAL STATUS

Trend
May 24 2010
Azerbaijan

The Co-Chairs consider that the so-called parliamentary elections
should not preempt the determination of the final legal status of
Nagorno-Karabakh in the broader framework of the peaceful settlement
of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmen’s
statement said.

The Co-Chairs understand the need for the de facto authorities in
Nagorno-Karabakh to try to organize democratically the public life of
their population with such a procedure. They underscore again that
Nagorno-Karabakh is not recognized as an independent and sovereign
state by any of their three countries, nor by any other country,
including Armenia.

Separatist regime held unlawful “parliamentary elections”
in Nagorno-Karabakh May 23. Many international organizations,
including the Council of Europe, said about the non-recognition of
these elections.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988
when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Armenian
armed forces have occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan since 1992,
including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and 7 surrounding districts.

Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a ceasefire agreement in 1994.

The co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group – Russia, France, and the U.S. –
are currently holding the peace negotiations.

Armenia has not yet implemented the U.N. Security Council’s resolutions
on the liberation of the Nagorno-Karabakh region and the occupied
territories.

From: A. Papazian

MFA: FRANCE DON’T RECOGNIZE INDEPENDENCE OF NAGORNO KARABAKH

Trend
May 25 2010
Azerbaijan

The separatist regime held unlawful “parliamentary elections” in
Nagorno-Karabakh May 23. In this context, France recalls that she,
like the European Union, as well as international community, including
Armenia, did not recognize independence of Nagorno Karabakh, the
French Foreign Ministry statement said, told Trend in the Azerbaijan
Embassy in Paris.

“Currently, conditions for the peaceful settlement of Nagorno
Karabakh conflict, acceptable for all parties concerned, the subject
of negotiations within the OSCE Minsk Group, under the mediation of
three countries co-chairs – France, USA and Russia. In this regard, the
elections on May 23 at no circumstances may affect the ongoing process
of settlement and determine the future status of Nagorno-Karabakh”,
– said in the French Foreign Ministry statement.

As noted in the statement France with American and Russian partners,
once again reiterates its firm determination to support the leaders
of Armenia and Azerbaijan to achieve a balanced and a negotiated
political settlement under the agreement, based on the principles
of Helsinki Final Act to refuse the use of force or the threat of
territorial integrity, equality and self-determination of peoples.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988
when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Armenian
armed forces have occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan since 1992,
including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.

Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a ceasefire agreement in 1994.

The co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group – Russia, France, and the United
States – are currently holding the peace negotiations.

Armenia has not yet implemented the U.N. Security Council’s four
resolutions on the liberation of the Nagorno-Karabakh region and the
occupied territories.

From: A. Papazian

FRENCH FOREIGN MINISTRY CONDEMNS “ELECTIONS” IN NAGORNO-KARABAKH

APA
May 25 2010
Azerbaijan

Baku-APA. France`s Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs has issued
a statement on Tuesday condemning “parliamentary elections” held in
the so-called “Nagorno-Karabakh Republic”, APA reports quoting AzerTAc.

The statement underlines European Union, and other international
organizations that France and Armenia are member of do not recognize
independence of Nagorno-Karabakh. It said 23 May “elections” will
neither affect peaceful resolution process nor future status of
Nagorno-Karabakh.

From: A. Papazian

FISHER MAKES CONNECTION WITH ARMENIAN SKI FEDERATION

SkiRacing.com

May 25 2010

During a visit to Armenia earlier this month, 2010 Olympian and U.S.
Alpine Ski Team athlete Erik Fisher met with a group of coaches,
athletes and students at the Armenian State Physical Education
University in the country’s capital city.

The 10-day trip began as a chance to do some traveling while picking up
his sister Carlie from a mission trip, but after an email from Fisher’s
friend Arman Serebakian, who is a member of the Armenian National Ski
Team and currently a senior on the University of Colorado Ski Team,
Fisher found himself connected to Gagik Sargsyan, Secretary General
for the Armenian Ski Federation.

“Arman lives in Squaw Valley and when he heard I was headed to Yerevan,
he introduced me to Gagik over email and we started planning,”
said Fisher. “It came together pretty quickly and was an amazing
experience. Gagik showed me around and then we spent a few hours at
the University talking skiing.”

According to Sargsyan, who is a member of the faculty, the university
is the top facility sport studies facility in Armenia.

“We decided to invite Erik to Tsakhkadzor Ski Resort in Armenia which
is where our national teams are train and where we organize FIS races,”
said Sargsyan. “After visiting Tsakhkadzor Erik met with the Armenian
Ski Federation’s vice presidents, national team head coaches, athletes,
lecturers, specialists and students at the Armenian State Physical
Education University. This was a very important opportunity for us as
the Armenian Ski Federation continues to develop as an organization.”

In a room full of around 80 people, including Armenian television and
print news crews, Carlie provided translation as Fisher spoke about
the U.S. alpine skiing development pipeline.

“Everyone was pretty excited that I was there,” added Fisher. “I
pretty much spoke about what it takes to become a professional ski
racer in the U.S. and then walked them through some typical workouts
both in the gym and on snow.”

Post lecture, Fisher fielded questions then met with University
President Vahram Araqelyan. “Mr. Aragelyan mentioned that Erik’s visit
was very important for all of us and special exchange of experience
is very useful,” said Sargsyan. “The meeting was a great success not
only among the students but also among the specialists. The ideas
presented by Erik will be used by our specialists and coaches in
their future practice.

The president of the Armenian Ski Federation Armen Yeritsyan
also highly appreciated Erik’s visit to Armenia. It was the first
co-operation with the USA Alpine representatives, and we think that
the co-operation from our two sides will continue and deepen.”

To continue the relationship, Fisher is working to build program with
ski swaps around Idaho and Utah where unsold and unclaimed equipment
is sent to the Armenian Ski Federation for free distribution to
young athletes.

“I’ve been involved in the Bogus Basin ski swap in the past and
there’s always a truckload of stuff that isn’t picked up. A lot of it
is great equipment and unfortunately probably ends up in a landfill,”
said Fisher. “I’d like to start a program where all that stuff is
gathered and sent to Armenia. They have a lot of passion for skiing
over there and I want to support that.”

While planning is still in the initial stages, Fisher hopes to have
the program ready to go by next fall and the Bogus Basin Ski Education
Foundation has already pledged their support with equipment.

Additionally, Foundation Head Coach Steve Smart says plans are in
the works to adopt the Armenian Ski Federation as their sister program.

To support Fisher’s effort, go to

Erik Fisher and Armenian Ski Federation Secretary Gagik Sargsyan
photo by Shelly Fisher

From: A. Papazian

Serzh Sargsyan: `We don’t trust Turkey’

[ 26 May 2010 12:57 ]

Baku – APA. `Turkey dictated conditions and broke agreements, so it
has lost confidence as a part of negotiations’, said Armenian
president Serzh Sargsyan in his meeting with the NATO Secretary
General Anders Fogh Rasmussen in Brussels, APA reports quoting
Armenian News. Armenian-NATO relations and the process of solution to
Nagorno Karabakh conflict were discussed at the meeting.

Sargsyan also scheduled to meet with the European Union
leadership. The visit takes place on May 25-27.

From: A. Papazian

PRESS RELEASE
Armenian Center for National and International Studies
75 Yerznkian Street
Yerevan 0033, Armenia
Tel: (+374 – 10) 52.87.80 or 27.48.18
Fax: (+374 – 10) 52.48.46
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Website:

May 26, 2010

ACNIS Assesses Recent Developments in Greece, Kyrgyzstan and Thailand:
Are there Lessons for Armenia?

Yerevan– Following a series of significant developments in several
countries over the past several weeks, the Armenian Center for
National and International Studies (ACNIS) convened a roundtable
discussion today to analyze the implications for Armenia from those
events. ACNIS Director Richard Giragosian presented an analysis
examining the recent political unrest in Thailand, the economic crisis
in Greece, and assessing the resurgence of violence in Kyrgyzstan, as
well as looking at the continuing political crisis in Iran. The
roundtable was attended by over thirty guests, including
representatives from the diplomatic community, international
organizations and a number of Armenian students, analysts and
journalists.

After welcoming the guests, ACNIS Director Richard Giragosian
explained that the recent trend of political unrest and economic
tension in these countries offered several specific lessons for
Armenia. These lessons included important and revealing
considerations in terms of the need for political consensus,
compromise and dialogue, the relationship between the authorities and
the opposition, and the impact of an economic crisis on political
stability and development.

Giragosian presented an analysis of the recent wave of unrest in
Thailand that left more than 85 people dead after a violent
confrontation between the army and opposition demonstrators.
Giragosian noted that the opposition demonstrators, known as `red
shirt’ protestors, were `driven to take to the streets to oppose
entrenched corruption and mounting inequalities in wealth.’ The
opposition, which was demanding new elections, he said, `organized a
series of demonstrations for ten weeks, until the Thai army moved in
last week and forcibly broke up the demonstrators.’ The `lesson from
Thailand,’ according to Giragosian, `is not only that the army’s
actions did not resolve the crisis, but that the underlying reasons
for the crisis are only growing more serious.’

He then assessed the recent economic crisis in Greece, which has also
fueled widespread discontent. He noted that `the lesson from the Greek
crisis was that even a strongly democratic government can be
undermined by failing to manage an economic crisis.’ The Greek
government, he said, `was plagued by the burdens of soaring debt and
low tax collection, structural problems that Armenia is also now
facing.’

Turning to the resurgence of violence in the southern part of
Kyrgyzstan, he noted that although the recent overthrow of the Bakiev
government stemmed from widespread discontent and frustration, the
current situation remained unstable, as mounting demands for change
and high expectations on the new Kyrgyz government was adding new
pressure on the new leadership. Giragosian added that the underlying
factors that sparked the initial unrest were unresolved and the
country’s new leaders have only just begun to address the economic
crisis and tackle entrenched corruption. Against this backdrop of
economic crisis and as yet unmet demands for change, he warned that
such factors `are now present in Armenia as well, although to varying
degrees,’ and added that `there are lessons for Armenia from what
happened in Kyrgyzstan in terms of the need for further reform and
real democratic change.’

The presentations were then followed by a series of questions and
answers, and featured a lively exchange among the discussants.

—————————————————–

The Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS) is
a leading independent strategic research center located in Yerevan,
Armenia. As an independent, objective institution committed to
conducting professional policy research and analysis, ACNIS strives to
raise the level of public debate and seeks to broaden public
engagement in the public policy process, as well as fostering greater
and more inclusive public knowledge. Founded in 1994, ACNIS is the
institutional initiative of Raffi K. Hovannisian, Armenia’s first
Minister of Foreign Affairs. Over the past fifteen years, ACNIS has
acquired a prominent reputation as a primary source of professional
independent research and analysis covering a wide range of national
and international policy issues.

For further information on the Center call (37410) 52-87-80 or
27-48-18; fax (37410) 52-48-46; email [email protected] or [email protected];
or visit

From: A. Papazian

Vem Radio/Vem Media Arts
19a Koriun Street
Yerevan 0009, Armenia
Tel./Fax: 374 10 54 15 95
E-mail: [email protected]
URL:

“From Ararat to Zion” Awarded at the Swansea Bay Film Festival, UK

The documentary “From Ararat to Zion” won the Best European Documentary
prize at the Swansea Bay Film Festival held on May 7-16 in Wales, UK. The
Festival ranks among the biggest in the UK and aims at providing a worldwide
public forum for independent and experimental filmmakers. The film was
nominated among other documentaries produced by filmmakers from France,
Germany, Netherlands, Spain, UK, Denmark, Norway, Poland, Israel and others.
Nevertheless, this spiritual and cultural self-identity card of the Armenian
nation proved to be ‘hors concours’!

Other festivals where “From Ararat to Zion” has been selected for
screening can be seen at

BBC article on the triumph of the documentary:

From: A. Papazian