Author: Antonian Lara

IN HIGH WYCOMBE CITY AN EXHIBITION OF ARMENIAN MINIATURES OPENED

Aysor
Feb 18 2010
Armenia

Yesterday in the library of High Wycombe city in the frameworks
of the "Aspects of the Armenian cultural Heritage" took place the
ceremonies titled "Life’s tree" and "Illustrated manuscripts" which
was organized by the help of "The Chiltern-Armenian" company and High
Wycombe Library. There have been presented more than 115 photos of
Armenian miniature.

As the RA MFA Press and Information department informs Armenian
ambassador Vahe Gabrielyan, the head of "The Chiltern-Armenia" company
Mrs. Odette Basils, vice-mayor of High Wycombe city Muhamet Abdul
Karim, representatives of local press, representatives of Armenian
community, etc.

Opening the exhibition the ambassador Gabrielyan noted that it is
a usual event in High Wycombe city that presents the Armenia. He
expressed hope that these events give an opportunity to learn about
each others cultures. The ambassador has highly appreciated the small
Armenian community of Chiltern and the support of High Wycombe city.

The exhibition will be open till February 28.

KANAT SAUDABAYEV PAYS A PURELY COGNITIVE VISIT TO THE REGION

/PanARMENIAN.Net/
16.02.2010 GMT+04:00

In contrast to Baku, Yerevan adequately responds to statements of
the officials visiting the region, never ascribing to them what they
haven’t said.

The new OSCE Chairman-in-Office has started his visit to the South
Caucasus. Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan Kanat Saudabayev naturally
lays the emphasis on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. However, neither
he will be able to somehow settle the conflict, as the Turkic factor
may be pressing on the Kazakhstani FM. Or, at least, they hope so
in Baku, not realizing or pretending not to realize that the OSCE
Chairman-in-Office cannot simply take one or the other side.

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ By the way, Baku was eager to make use of Movlud
Chavushoglu’s appointment as PACE President too, but, roughly speaking,
she tripped up the Turkish parliamentarians. Sometimes it seems that
on the one hand OSCE continues devoting much time to the Karabakh
conflict simply out of habit, having adapted itself to the idea that
the parties will never come to an agreement. On the other hand, the
Organization is not going to give the already established mechanism of
"settlement" into someone else’s clumsy hands, for example, into those
of UN. The examples of Yugoslavia, Iraq and Afghanistan are enough to
know how the United Nations is able to regulate conflicts. In the end,
all the calls of UN are reduced to the assistance from NATO, and then
we get what we get: instability, war and a long post-war restoration
period, if it is ever possible for Iraq or Afghanistan. Nevertheless,
the initiative of the new Chairman-in-Office is worth praising:
probably, like his predecessors, he is eager to settle the conflict.

However, it must also be stressed that Kanat Saudabayev’s visit to
the region is purely cognitive and no serious statements should be
expected from him. In contrast to Baku, Yerevan adequately responds
to statements of the officials visiting the region, never ascribing
to them what they haven’t said. This mainly refers to the notorious
"territorial integrity of Azerbaijan", which, according to the
Azerbaijani propaganda, receives support from the whole world.

But let us revert to the visit of the OSCE chairman. Kazakhstan,
which markets itself as a new Asian power thanks to her wealth and
geographical location, can definitely play a constructive role in
regulating conflicts in the South Caucasus as a whole. And as a
guarantee to this can serve the good relations of Kazakhstan with
all nations that are directly or indirectly involved in the situation
leading to instability in the region. Besides, Kazakhstan is a CSTO
member and her allied relations with Armenia are much more serious
than the "Turkic solidarity", which is remembered about only during
the congresses of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC).

Attempts of Baku to play a major role in the OIC cannot be accepted
either by Turkey or by Kazakhstan. The position of Kazakhstan as the
OSCE chairman should be viewed from this perspective only. A country
that geographically is not part of Europe may become a more reliable
"East-West" bridge than Turkey.

"During its chairmanship in the OSCE, Kazakhstan intends to give a real
impetus to the Karabakh conflict settlement. We are convinced that
regulation of the conflict primarily depends on the parties directly
involved in this conflict. All the other players are assistants that
sincerely wish and intend to lend a hand for peaceful regulation of
the problem that does not create conditions for stable development
of the region," said the OSCE Chairman in Yerevan.

According to him, Astana cherishes a cautious optimism about future
developments around this situation. He also noted that Kazakhstan is
well aware of the Karabakh-Azerbaijan conflict history. "In addition
to the efforts made by our predecessors in the OSCE, and the results
obtained by all parties involved in the process of conflict regulation,
Kazakhstan has some additional resources, such as knowledge of the
conflict history, some historical and mental community and, of course,
respect and confidence enjoyed by the Head of Kazakhstan among the
conflicting sides," Saudabayev said.

FM: LEBANON SUPPORTS EFFORTS OF FRIENDLY COUNTRIES TO ADDRESS MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT (INTERVIEW)

Trend
Feb 17 2010
Azerbaijan

Trend News Middle East desk’s interview with Lebanese Foreign Minister
Ali Hussein Al-Shami

Trend News: Lebanese Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri is supposed to
visit Azerbaijan this year. How will this visit change the development
of bilateral relations between countries? What visits are planned by
you and what future steps will Beirut take to develop relations with
Azerbaijan in economic and political spheres?

Ali Hussein Al-Shami: Since taking the office, the Prime Minister
of Lebanon has visited a number of countries, with which Lebanon has
diplomatic and consular relations, within the overall government policy
to strengthen the role of the country, especially during the election
of Lebanon as a member to the UN Security Council for 2010-2011.

Immigration & Foreign Affairs Minister accompanies the Head of State
during official visits or conducts himself separate meetings and
makes visits, depending on conditions.

It is well known the importance of these visits to strengthen relations
between Lebanon and the fraternal countries in the field of economy,
social relations, culture and science.

With regards to relations with Azerbaijan, Lebanon has officially
recognized the Republic of Azerbaijan after the declaration of its
independence in 1991, and charged its embassy in Moscow to deal with
the Lebanese people living in Azerbaijan until opening embassy and
consulates there. In 1992, diplomatic relations were established
between the countries and an ambassador – non-resident of Azerbaijan
in Lebanon was appointed, but the vice-versa exchange did not happen.

In addition, agreements were signed on cooperation in trade, economic
and customs sectors.

There are a number of draft agreements on cooperation in economic,
trade, cultural, educational and scientific fields; an agreement on
judicial cooperation in civil and criminal cases and the agreement
on avoidance of double taxation are under the process of preparation.

So far the exact date of next visit to Azerbaijan has not been
determined yet. However, in the future, when the issue becomes
clearer, it will facilitate legalizing cooperation in various areas
of bilateral relations. The agenda includes visits with economic and
social objectives, mentioned in Lebanon’s foreign policy plan.

Q: How does Lebanon assess the negotiation process to resolve the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict? What is Lebanon’s official position on
this issue?

A: Lebanon supports Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and territorial
integrity within its internationally recognized borders on the basis
of international law and in accordance with U.N. resolutions

Although Lebanon had abstained from voting on the 63th meeting of the
U.N. General Assembly, Beirut is committed to friendly relations with
Azerbaijan, and continues constant consultations and cooperation with
Baku in various fields.

Q: Given the economic growth of Azerbaijan, which sectors of the
economy are most interesting for Lebanese investors?

A: Lebanon hopes to participate in the economic growth of Azerbaijan,
which will improve opportunities for the Lebanese investments. In
particular, Lebanon is ready to offer the Azerbaijani market services
in consulting and banking, tourism development, expansion of the food
sector, the production of clothing, perfume and electrical goods. The
potential of mutual trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Lebanon
can be raised.

Q: Does Beirut consider that Turkey can become a successful mediator
in solving Middle East problems, given the increased cooperation
between Ankara and the countries of the region?

A: Until now, Lebanon has relied on good relations with neighboring
countries and diligently strives to develop and preserve these
relations. Lebanon is a peace-loving country, which is an example of
openness, freedom, and peaceful co-existence in the region. Lebanon
has only one enemy – this is Israel for occupying Lebanese territories
and refusing to withdraw troops from them, in spite of resolution 425
(1978) and 1701 (2006), which once again confirms 425. According to
it, Israel must fully and immediately withdraw from Lebanese occupied
territories to the internationally recognized borders.

In this regard, retaining the full right of Lebanon to defend itself
from any attack and liberate its territories, Lebanon welcomes
any efforts that friendly countries make to resolve the Middle East
problem and the Arab-Israeli conflict. Firstly this is the Palestinian
problem and the right of the Palestinian people to establish their
own state and return to their lands, according to the Arab peace
initiative. Lebanon, therefore, supports the renewed mobilization
of Turkey’s efforts, particularly because strong historical and
cultural ties connect it with Turkey. Turkey plays a strategic role at
regional and international levels. With the support of major powers,
especially the U.S., Turkey has succeeded in bringing together the
views and positions in conducting indirect talks between Israeli and
Syrian sides.

EU EXTENDS ZIMBABWE SANCTIONS FOR 12 MONTHS

press tv
Tue, 16 Feb 2010 18:20:07 GMT

Zimbabwean Prime Minister, Morgan Tsvangirai (L) and President Robert
Mugabe The European Union has extended sanctions against Zimbabwe for
another year, citing lack of progress in the country’s power-sharing
unity government.

The EU sanctions imposed on President Robert Mugabe and some 100 of
his associates include an arms embargo, travel bans, as well as asset
freezes which were first introduced in 2002.

"In view of the situation in Zimbabwe, in particular the lack of
progress in the implementation of the Global Political Agreement
signed in September 2008, the restrictive measures … should be
extended for a further period of 12 months," the official journal of
the European Union said on Tuesday.

A year has passed since the formation of the country’s first
power-sharing government in decades, following an agreement between
the longtime leader and Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai aimed at
ending a post-poll unrest in the country.

The main goal of the new government was to pave the way for necessary
political reforms that would lead to new, free, and fair elections.

However, Mugabe and Tsvangirai have yet to wrinkle out executive
disputes at a time when Zimbabwe is suffering an economic crisis amid
a chronic inflation.

Earlier this week, Tsvangerai, who is the leader of the opposition
Movement for Democratic Change, called for new elections in the
country.

ERDOGAN’S FORMER PARTY MP INTENDS TO ASSUME HIS POST AFTER COUP

news.am
Feb 16 2010
Armenia

Deputy Chairman of the ruling Justice and Development party Ahmet
Edip Ugur stated that Turan Comez — former party MP and ex-assistant
to Turkish Premier (acting as Premier most useful second) planned to
head the government after coup.

According to CNNTurk, Comez initiated treason when realized he will
fail to become MP. He united with groups planning to stage coup d’etat
and demanded premier’s post.

Turan Comez was expelled from Justice and Development for insulting the
party in April 2008, thereafter in July court delivered a judgment on
his arrest in frames of Ergenekon case. However, former MP fled to UK.

Comez paid the tribute to the Genocide victims’ memory holding a minute
of silence upon of one of the Armenian student’s demand participating
in TV show in Yerevan.

IN SOURP STEPANOS CHURCH OF LARNACA WILL BE CELEBRATED "DIARNENTARACH"

Noyan Tapan
Feb 12, 2010

CYPRUS, FEBRUARY 12, NOYAN TAPAN-ARMENIANS TODAY. On 13 February
in Sourp Stepanos church of Larnaca on the eve of the feast of
"Diarnentarach" will be a small celebration. All young couples are
encouraged to attend the traditional fire ceremony and they will jump
over the fire. About this we know from

HERITAGE PARTY CALLS FOR "PROTOCOLS PROTEST" OUTSIDE PARLIAMENT

/
2010/02/12
Important Politics

Protests to begin the day Protocols are sent to Parliament for
ratification

The Heritage Party publicly declared today that it would be organizing
demonstrations outside the National Assembly the day the Armenia-Turkey
Protocols are introduced for ratification. The party, in its statement,
calls on all those who oppose these "traitorous and destructive"
documents to join with them in voicing their disapproval.

Heritage says that on that infamous day of reckoning, the entire
nation and those political forces that truly represent the national
interests of the people must once and for all prove to the authorities
in power that their determination to struggle for honour and dignity
is unwavering.

CHINESE CORNER OPENED IN YSU LIBRARY

/PanARMENIAN.Net/
11.02.2010 18:07 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ On February 11, opening of Chinese corner was held in
Yerevan State University library, attended by the advisor of Chinese
Embassy in Armenia.

The event was organized by YSU library, Chinese Center of Culture
and Science and YSU Culture Center.

Chinese Center of Culture and Science was the author of the initiative.

ARMENIA TO SEND PROTOCOLS WITH TURKEY TO PARLIAMENT

Today’s Zaman
Feb 11 2010
Turkey

Armenian President Serzh Sarksyan on Wednesday said he will submit
protocols signed by Turkey and Armenia for the normalization of
bilateral relations between the two estranged neighbors to the Armenian
parliament for ratification. He said, however, that he expected Turkey
to ratify and start implementing the protocols before Armenia.

Speaking during a working visit to London, Sarksyan also dismissed
Ankara’s negative reaction to a ruling of the Armenian constitutional
court last month on the two protocols.

"After this meeting at Chatham House, I intend to instruct my personnel
to send these documents to Armenia’s National Assembly to start the
ratification process," he said in a speech at the Royal Institute
of International Affairs, a London-based think tank also known as
Chatham House.

"I reaffirm that as the political leader of the [Armenian]
parliamentary majority, I exclude [the possibility of] a failure by
Armenia’s parliament to ratify the protocols in the event of their
ratification by Turkey without preconditions in accordance with our
understandings," he said.

DRUG FROM TURKEY TO ARMENIA

Lragir.am
10/02/10

Is the Armenian Police able to control the criminogenic situation
after the opening of the Armenian and Turkish border? On February 10,
reporters asked the Chief of the Police Alik Sargsyan who had stated
before that a case of drug import by foreign citizens to Armenia was
revealed. He said that alongside with the increase of the number
of foreigners in Armenia, the number of crimes committed by them
increased to, but he considers this normal saying that 2010 is also
going to be such a year and the Police has already get accustomed to
this situation.

As to the possibility of drug import in case of the opening of the
Armenian and Turkish border, Alik Sargsyan says if people think that
the border is now closed, they are mistaken. Today too, big scale of
drug is imported to Armenia from Turkey. He stated that the Police
have enough potential to control the situation.