Author: Chalian Meline

Aysor, Armenia
Feb 13 2010

Came out the work `In the Cliffs of Ararat’ by E. Holslakh

The Netherlandish `ASPEKt’ Publishing House has published the work of
Entony Holslakh called `In the Cliffs of Ararat’.

As the press and information department of the RA MFA informs in the
work consisting of 6 chapters Entony Holslakh, based on the historical
documents, and the eyewitnesses, the interviews and stories is
presenting the causes and the consequences of the Armenian Genocide.

The author is telling about the life of Arshil Gorky, his work. He is
also speaking about the identity of the Armenians and the concept of
the collective memory. He describes the migration, the formation of
Diaspora and its connection to the Genocide.

Interfax, Russia
Feb 12 2010

Armenian president, CSTO head discuss cooperation issues

YEREVAN Feb 12

Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan and Collective Security Treaty
Organization (CSTO) General Secretary Nikolai Bordyuzha discussed
cooperation prospects at a meeting in Yerevan on Friday.

Sargsyan and Bordyuzha welcomed the agreement to set up the
organization’s Collective Rapid Deployment Force, the Armenian
president’s press service said.

"The parties also stressed the need to maintain the rapid pace of
efforts to form CSTO structures and to update the related contractual
and legal framework in 2010," the press service said.

OFFICE OF RA HONORARY CONSUL OPENS IN DEIR ZOR

ARKA
Feb 12, 2010

DEIR ZOR, FEBRUARY 12, NOYAN TAPAN. Deir Zor Governor Huseyn Arnus and
Baas party Deir Zor provincial structure head Taha Khalifa received a
delegation led by RA Deputy Foreign Minister Arman Kirakosian who had
arrived in Deir Zor on February 11. During the talk the sides attached
importance to the opening of the Office of RA Honorary Consul in Deir
Zor and expressed the hope that it will play the role of a bridge in
the issue of deepening cooperation between RA and Deir Zor. A.

Kirakosian thanked Deir Zor authorities for considerate and warm
attitude to the Armenian community.

The consecration ceremony of the RA state flag took place the same day,
at which three religious leaders of the Armenian community, as well
as heads of provincial power and many representatives of the Armenian
community arriving from various regions of Syria were present. The
congratulatory address of Catholicos of the Great Cilician House Aram
I was read during the consecration ceremony.

After the ceremony the procession moved to the office of the RA
Honorary Consul where A. Kirakosian, RA Ambassador to Syria Arshak
Poladian and Governor H. Arnus gave greeting speeches. Ambassadors of
states accredited in Syria, consuls, journalists, public, political
and cultural figures, representatives of the Syrian Armenian community
were present at the opening ceremony of the Office of the RA Honorary
Consul.

According to the RA Foreign Ministry Press and Information Department,
a reception was organized in the evening where newly appointed Consul,
resident of Deir Zor Suren Vardanian gave a speech.

PETER SEMNEBY TO VISIT AZERBAIJAN

news.am
Feb 12 2010
Armenia

Special representative of the European Union for the South Caucasus
Peter Semneby intends to visit Azerbaijan shortly.

European diplomat will meet with country’s officials, heads of NGOs
and political parties, Azerbaijani APA news agency reports referring
to the diplomatic source.

According to the source, various aspects of EU-Azerbaijan cooperation
as well as Karabakh peace process will be in focus.

In January, Peter Semneby visited Armenia and was received by RA
President Serzh Sargsyan. The sides discussed Armenia-EU relations,
exchanged opinions on regional processes, particularly Karabakh
conflict settlement and Armenia-Turkey reconciliation.

EUROPARLIAMENT CALLS ON TURKEY TO PROMPTLY WITHDRAW TROOPS FROM CYPRUS

ArmInfo
2010-02-11 12:53:00

ArmInfo. European lawmakers on Wednesday endorsed a resolution that
called on Turkey to withdraw its troops from Cyprus.

As the Turkish media report, the authorities of this country urged
to take specific measures for successful completion of negotiations
on Cyprus settlement, otherwise, it may have serious consequences for
negotiations on Turkey’s joining EU. However, Turkish State Minister
& Chief Negotiator for EU talks Egemen Bagis said this resolution is
unacceptable for Turkey. "Turkey does not have a plan or opinion to
withdraw troops from the island. Turkish troops in the island assume
a very important task to restore peace there. EU process is important
for Turkey, however, it is not so important to sacrifice Cyprus",
the minister said.

"AGARAK COPPER-MOLYBDENUM COMBINE" CJSC DEMONSTRATES SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

ArmInfo
2010-02-11 13:06:00

ArmInfo Agency interview with ACMC General Director Sergej Petrovich
Polovinkin

GeoProMining Group acquired Agarak Copper-Molybdenum Combine shares
in December of 2007. The Company was practically in idle condition
because of the economic crisis. Negotiations with the Government
and realization of anti-crisis program contributed to resuming of
industrial activities of the Company in the second half of the year
2009. Regardless of world crisis, the Company demonstrated a stable
production boost, as well as carried out all social responsibilities.

Sergej Petrovich, we have information that in November of 2009
Technical Economic assessment will be ready for reconstruction of
"Agarak Copper-Molybdenum Combine" CJSC, which was commissioned to
an international company Mechanobr. Is the project ready and what
does reconstruction include?

Technical Economic Assessment was ready on time – at the beginning
of November. The document contains preliminary data on reconstruction
and includes approximate sum, dates, design, equipment models.

Technical-Economic Assessment represents the plan of reconstruction
project and in order to announce more accurate volumes of investments
and terms, we must have the project itself. According to initial
prognosis we will need a year, but later we may reconsider it. I
should mention that reconstruction plan is imminent. Another 20 year
of operation will lead to a collapse of the construction structures
and production equipments, which are old physically and morally. No
reconstruction works have been carried out at the plant from the
moment of its establishment, and it is a very big period.

In the result of reconstruction we plan to increase ore processing
capacities and precentage of metal extraction. Processing capacities
nowadays form approximately 3 million ton ore annually, it is planned
to increase up to 3,5 million ton. As to extraction, it will not
exceed 2-3%, nevertheless it will allow for increase of incomes,
and from the other side it will reduce production self-cost. For
now I cannot tell how much the costs will reduce on this or that
production components – electric power, flotation reagents, etc,
but unambiguously, economic effect will take place.

How much copper concentrate was produced in 2009 and how much copper
and molybdenum was received, what is the dynamics as compared to 2008.

In 2009 a positive dynamics was recorded, although it should
be mentioned that because of global economic crisis the company
started its full-scale operation since July 2009, and during the first
half-year it was practically in idle condition. During the second half
year of 2009 the company processed more than 1,3 million ton ore,
in the result of which we received around 248 ton molybdenum and 13
500 ton copper concentrate, which is more for 5% than in 2008.

Will new work-places be created in the result of reconstruction and
will there take place salary raise?

Presently salaries at our Company are quite high. What about new
work-places, then related to reconstruction works, work-places may
indirectly be created. Renovation-construction works will lead to
inclusion of additional employees. Today the Company employs around
900 people, whereas according to project capacity 750 employees
would be the correct number. In general, social projects are one of
priorities of our Company. Our main problem is to provide people
with worthy jobs and salaries. Social issues are one of the most
important problems for the management. Salaries are regularly paid
and all social responsibilities are being carried out. Since the
end of 2008 ACMC’s operation became instable and starting from
the month of October it started to accumulate losses, which were
covered at the expense of investments of the shareholders. From
the moment of stoppage of the Company 500 employees out of 900
continued renovation-recovery works and received full salaries,
and 400 employees were on downtime vacation, and received 2/3 of
their salaries. After the Company restarted it operation all the
employees were reinstated. City-formation policy is one of the
Companys priorities. It is actively cooperates with the Agarak city
administration, and to the extent of its abilities participates in
realization of social projects.

Last year the RA Government granted ACMC with 14 million USD loan,
how is this loan being realized, when are you going to fully use it?

The Government loan was granted to ACMC for investment project, which
includes procurement of machinery and reconstruction of the plant.

Part of the loan amounts was used for purchase of mining machinery,
which have already been delivered and set in operation. Other part
of the loan amount was used for purchasing of flotation equipment,
delivered at the beginning of this year. We have used 90 % of the
Government loan. The remaining one million will be used for project
design. Business plan obligations, assumed under loan are fully
implemented. Since December 1 2009 the Company started payment of
interests.

What about financial means generally, we will invest in plant
reconstruction more, than the Government loan. Continuously those
investments will make about 20 million USD. Possibly, we will take a
loan, although we would prefer to do by our resources. I would like to
emphasize that these are approximate assessments, everything depends
on the final project and prognosis of global prices for metalls.

What are the Company plans for 2010?

In 2010 we are planning to increase ore mining and processing volumes
up to 3 million ton, and stripping works – up to 2.2 million cubic
meters. As compared to the second six-months of 2009 increase of
production of concentrate can be not so big. One of the reasons is
that for many years stripping program has not been realized, and now
we must reach up to high grade and stable ore. Besides, we will build
up a balancing storage of ore, which formerly didn’t exist. There are
a number of other production problems, which have been waiting for
decisions. Particularly, some structural changes are planned, we should
choose a group of constructors, who will carry out reconstruction
works, also include estimators, engineers-designers. In 2010 favorable
conditions may be created for our Company because of increase of
global prices for copper and molybdenum, which will increase the
income of the company, as well as its attractiveness for investments.

TURKISH-ARMENIAN NORMALIZATION CREATES NEW HOPE FOR PEACE IN OUR CONFLICT-RIDDEN GEOGRAPHY: ABDULLAH GUL DOES NOT HESITATE TO ESTABLISH RELATIONS WITH ARMENIA

ArmInfo
2010-02-11 22:42:00

ArmInfo. President of Turkey Abdullah Gul has responded to the message
by Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan.

"Your Excellency, Dear Friend,

I would like to thank you for the kind message that you have sent
on the occasion of your flight over the Turkish territory. Please
accept my reciprocal greetings to you and the people of neighboring
Armenia," says Abdullah Gul in pesponse to President Sargsyan’s
overflight message.

"I welcome the thoughts conveyed to us in your message. I do share
the view that our bilateral efforts aimed at the normalization of
Turkish-Armenian relations attracted due attention world-wide by
creating a new hope for peace in our conflict-ridden geography.

Overcoming the long-established prejudices and nurturing mutual
understanding and trust among our two neighboring peoples were indeed
our main objectives when endorsing the process of normalization between
our countries. You should have no doubt that our determination to
take these objectives forward is intact, provided that this resolve
and commitment remains reciprocal.

I also agree with you that responsible governance necessitates both
standing behind words and supporting words with deeds. Hence, we will
continue to work for taking our normalization process forward based
upon the understanding reached between our two countries. We have to
be aware that concluding this historic process will require honoring
our commitments in their entirety as well as displaying adequate
political courage and vision.

A future characterized by sustainable peace, security, prosperity
and cooperation for all the people living in our region is our common
goal and I will remain personally engaged in this process hoping to
see it reach a satisfactory conclusion for both of our countries,"
the Turkish president says.

TURKISH EXPERT: IF MINSK GROUP DEMANDS COMPROMISES FROM AZERBAIJAN CONTRADICTING THE INTERNATIONAL LAW IT WILL DESTROY THE PROCESS

APA
Feb 10 2010
Azerbaijan

"Development of relations with Armenia is impossible if it doesn’t
give up its territorial claims against Turkey and stop occupation of
Azerbaijan’s lands"

Baku. Lachin Sultanova, Gulshan Hajiyeva – APA. Head of Turkish Center
for Strategic and International Studies Celal Cem Oguz gives interview
to Azerbaijani mass media

-The mediators say that the Nagorno Karabakh conflict should be solved
basing on compromise. What compromise is expected from Azerbaijan? May
they say that the occupied territories expect Nagorno Karabakh should
be released?

-I do not know what compromises are expected from Azerbaijan. If a
country is right, wants to protect its territorial integrity, the
level of the required compromise is also known. If they want more,
this country will not agree to it, it means that those who want it are
not benevolent. There is the issue of territorial integrity. What is
the first condition of the international politics? The inviolability
of borders. The international system has been founded basing on this.

If there are more demands from Azerbaijan, I do not believe that they
are benevolent. If it is right, I am disappointed with the position of
Minsk Group. Because the initiative concerning the settlement of the
problem is in hand of Minsk Group. If Minsk Group acts contradicting
to the international law it will destroy the process.

-Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan initiated to establish
Caucasus Stability and Cooperation Platform. How real is the
realization of this idea?

-This is a very good idea. Being an expert for the region, I support
this idea. But I do not believe that the idea will be realized under
the present circumstances and with the current position of Armenia.

Turkey has done its best for the cooperation in the Caucasus. But the
signs from Armenia show that they do not have such a will. Despite
the good idea, I think it is not real now. It should be discussed in
future if the conditions improve.

-What should be done for this?

-First of all, Armenia should normalize its relations with Turkey and
Azerbaijan. Turkey closed the border with Armenia for two reasons:
Armenia’s territorial claims against Turkey, occupation of Azerbaijani
territories. Bzhezinsky says foreign policy looks like a spaceship,
it is impossible to maneuver much. It is impossible to make radical
changes in Turkey’s foreign policy concerning this issue. If these
two wishes are not fulfilled and there is no coordination on these
two issues, relations with Armenia cannot be developed.

-Turkish Foreign Ministry official visited Switzerland and the United
States due to the situation created around the protocols. What do
you think, what Ankara will demand from the United States concretely?

-I think two issues will be on agenda. First, they will require
to pressure on Armenia because there are great differences between
what they say now and what they said earlier. Second one is that the
Armenian Diaspora sends the "genocide" resolution to the Congress. It
will not have positive effect on the process, but in contrary will
cut it. I think the United States will be informed about that.

-Armenia prepared bill giving to the president an authority to withdraw
his signature under the protocols.

-It is not a good initiative. It is a trick. Of course, Armenia’s
domestic policy should be taken into consideration. What reaction did
these protocols cause in Armenia? It should be reviewed. Armenian
authorities have two intentions: first, to keep domestic protests
against its policy and second, if affairs with Turkey are going
backward, to use it as a mean of threat. At last it is an initiative
against the spirit of the process.

-Recently the opening of Azerbaijani representation in Palestine and
Palestinian in Azerbaijan came to agenda. How is reaction of Turkey
to the improvement of Azerbaijan-Palestine relations?

-I should have more details to express opinion about this issue. But
I can say easily that if Azerbaijan makes such decision, Turkey will
like it because Palestine should also integrate into the international
system. Palestine needs in support in this period because it is
experiencing hard days. If there is such decision it must be welcomed.

-Israeli Foreign Minister visited Azerbaijan. How is Turkey’s opinion
about the development of Azerbaijan-Israel relations? Does it have
any negative case for Turkey?

-It will never be so. Turkey welcomes good relations of Azerbaijan
with the international actors. We have no right to dispute it. If
Azerbaijan wishes to develop its relations with Israel and other
countries, we respect its decision.

-What is your opinion about future of Nabucco project?

-This is very important project. The energy was the main factor
determining the international system since later 19th century until
present, especially after 1990s. The United States declared its
national energy policy in 2001 calling the energy story as declining
of sources and increasing of dependence. It needs to diversify
sources and to guarantee security of proposals. The Caspian region
is very important for independence from the Middle East. Azerbaijan
and Kazakhstan are very important. Nabucco is a serious project for
diversification of the resources. It requires serious thinking on it
and keeping it on agenda. It will be very sad if Nabucco is stopped. I
don’t believe that this project will fail. It is important to make
sustainable energy and proposal security. Nabucco should be carried
out for that. I am optimist.

VISIT TO FRANCE OF DELEGATION LED BY RA DEFENCE MINISTER CONTINUES

NOYAN TAPAN
FEBRUARY 10, 2010
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 10, NOYAN TAPAN. On February 9, RA Defence Minister
Seyran Ohanian met with Camille Grand, Executive Director of one of the
leading research centers of France, Foundation of Strategic Research,
in Paris.

After a private talk, during his meeting with representatives of French
Foreign Ministry, Defence Ministry, scientists, journalists and media
S. Ohanian in detail presented the principles of RA defence policy in
the South Caucasus, its priorities, security environment’s influence,
main directions of international military cooperation and RA Defence
Ministry’s position on various processes in the region.

According to the RA Defence Ministry Press Office, the same day the
delegation led by S. Ohanian left for Mourmellon center for military
exercise, met with center’s management and senior instructors. The
center founded in 1856 has a pivotal role in the issue of training of
specialists of infantry, rifle and motor rifle, and and other troops.

An exercise was organized for the Armenian delegation in the center,
the practical teaching methods of developing the ruling methods of
junior command staff were shown.

On February 9, RA Defence Minister Seyran Ohanian met with Jean-Louis
Georgelin, French General, Chief of the Defence Staff. Issues of mutual
interest, programs of bilateral cooperation and their development
prospects were discussed at the meeting.

TURKEY WILL NOT RECOGNIZE ABKHAZIA AND S. OSSETIA – TURKISH OFFICIAL

Yerkir
10.02.2010 12:43
Yerevan

Yerevan (Yerkir) – Turkey will not recognize independence of Abkhazia
and South Ossetia, PACE President and Turkish MP Mevlut Cavusoglu
said at the meeting with Georgian Parliament Speaker David Bakradze
in Ankara.

The also discussed the Turkish-Georgian and Russian-Georgian relations,
Kavkaz press agency reported. Cavusoglu told Bakradze that he would
visit Georgia and familiarize himself with situation in the country.

The parties outlined that international community should do its utmost
to bring the processes back to the framework of international law.

David Bakradze offered Turkish side to get involved in the strategic
plan of Georgian conflicts’ settlement.