Author: Chaltikian Arsine

news.az, Azerbaijan
Dec 5 2009

I have confidence in the democratic responsibilities of Presidents
Sat 05 December 2009 | 06:51 GMT Text size:

Walter Schwimmer News.Az interviews Walter Schwimmer, Former
Secretary-General of the Council of Europe (1999-2004).

Council of Europe celebrates its 60-th anniversary. Did it succeed to
become one of the strongest international organizations?

The 60th anniversary is the celebration of 60 years of successful
activities for pluralist democracy, rule of law and human rights. The
achievements are many and important, starting with the European
Convention on Human Rights and the establishment of a supra-national
European Court of Human Rights. The guidance of the new democracies
after the big change 1989/1990 in a difficult and still not completed
process of transition is a historical merit of the Council of Europe.

Even when the Council today seems to be overshadowed by the European
Union – the European Union would not be there without the preceding
Council of Europe and the new EU-members of 2004 and 2007 – 10 former
communist countries or even Soviet republics – would not have
fulfilled the Copenhagen Criteria of EU-membership which are exactly
the basic principles of the Council of Europe. Therefore it is not a
coincidence that the European Union uses the flag and the anthem of
the Council of Europe as its symbols too.

Don’t you think that there’s a need of reforms in CoE to make its
decision more effective?

The Council of Europe has always to adapt its structures and
procedures to new circumstances.

I see three main goals in order to improve the Council’s efficiency:
First, member states should realize that the conflict preventing
activities of the Council of Europe are much cheaper than any measures
of conflict solution. But the budget of the Council did so far not
reflect its enlarged membership of 47 states.

Secondly, the excellent tools to monitor the implementation of the
basic principles of the Council in the member states – not only the
Parliamentary Assembly, but also the Committee of Ministers and
several committees, like the Anti Torture Committee or the Commission
against Racism and Intolerance should be combined and used in a more
comprehensive way to assist the member countries to comply with the
principles.

And thirdly, after the change of the European Economic Community to a
Political Union which is composed by already more than half of the
Council’s member states (27 out of 47) there is a need of a clear
definition of the relations of the two organizations, including access
of the Union to main conventions of the Council such as the Human
Rights Convention, the Social Charter and the European Cultural
Convention. As proposed by Luxembourg’s Prime Minister Jean-Claude
Juncker, the Union itself should become a member of the Council of
Europe within its competences as defined by the Treaty of Lisbon.

But you are right, we should also look at the decision making process.
Not foreseen in the Statute, which knows majority decisions, there is
an agreement to adopt decisions at the level of ministers’ deputies,
i.e. the ambassadors, to decide only unanimously which means a
cumbersome way to reach an agreement among 47! Of course, the
Non-EU-members are scared to be overruled automatically by an
EU-majority. So to be more flexible in the decision making process,
one could consider an agreement, that decisions not taken unanimously
would need a double majority – a majority of members as well as
majority among the Non-EU-members.

Former head of the Russian delegation in PACE D.Rogozin once said that
without post-Soviet states CoE would discuss only problems with rights
of pets and sexual minorities. Do you agree that membership of CIS
countries made the discussions more actual and urgent?

This a narrow view with which I cannot agree. Main achievements and
activities of the Council have nothing to do with East and West,
CIS-countries and the "other" part of Europe.

May I refer to the Biomedicine-Convention, the Cybercrime-Convention,
the fight against corruption which is not only a problem of the new
democracies. I can speak about actions against violence against women
and children – unfortunately not "minority" questions. Migration
issues concern the countries of origin, of transit and of destination.

The Council is dealing with these questions as well as with the fight
against trafficking in human beings – where the shame is to be put
more on the countries of destination. Intercultural and
Inter-religious matters are on the agenda of the Council and are more
actual than ever after the Swiss referendum. So the Council is needed
by the whole of Europe!

Do you thing that Azerbaijan has significantly changed during these
almost 8 years in CoE?

Yes, of course. There are still changes necessary, but the transition
from a Soviet and a post-Soviet system to a full-fledged European
democracy is a long and sometimes cumbersome way. But Azerbaijan has
decided 8 years ago to go that way and I am proud that I could
accompany the country during the first three years. The full
transition does not only request legal changes, but also changes in
the mentality.

And when people in Azerbaijan are now aware of democratic freedoms and
human rights, we can see the change in mentality.

Or to give you another example: when I came first to Baku I was shown
the terrible conditions under which the refugees from the occupied
territories had to live. In the meantime they could move to temporary
houses – not used a tool in the political struggle, but treated as
human beings in need. This is a significant change.

Does the membership of Azerbaijan and Armenia helps to solve the
Karabakh problem?

The joint admission of both countries was intended to contribute to
reconciliation among them and to help other international
organisations, like OSCE and its Minsk group in their endeavours.
Certainly one may have expected more progress since both countries
belong together to the Council of Europe.

On the other hand one can see that both sides so far stayed away from
military means and continued in their efforts to achieve a peaceful
solution. Like President Heydar Aliyev and President Kocharian met at
the occasion of the admission to the Council of Europe, also today’s
presidents are meeting and trying to find a compromise which will be
accepted by both peoples.

I have confidence in the democratic responsibility of President Ilham
Aliyev and President Serzh Sargsyan and hope they will not only
continue to have a constructive dialogue but will find the way for a
peaceful solution which both peoples desperately deserve.

U.M.
News.Az

WORLD CHAMPION NAZIK AVDALYAN CHANGES WEIGHT CLASS

/PanARMENIAN.Net/
04.12.2009 16:52 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Head coach of women’s national team of Armenia
Artashes Nersisyan and athlet Nazik Avdalyan on December 4 met with
journalists to summarize the outcomes of the world championship in
Goyang (South Korea).

Artashes Nersisyan praised Nazik Avdalyan (w/c 69 kg) wining the
champion title and 3 gold medals and Hripsime Khurshudyan (75 w/c),
who won the bronze medal.

World champion Nazik Avdalyan decided to move to another weight class –
75 kg.

Recall that in her second attempt Nazik Avdalyan was able to raise
119 kilograms.

RATIFICATION OF TURKEY-ARMENIA PROTOCOLS IS NOT ON AGENDA: TURKISH MP

Today
html
Dec 3 2009
Azerbaijan

Day.Az interview with Zeynep Dagi, member of Turkey’s Grand National
Assembly (parliament), Deputy Chairman of ruling Justice and
Development Party’s parliamentary faction.

Day.Az: When the Armenia-Turkey protocols on normalization of relations
are likely to be ratified?

Zeynep Dagi: The protocols may be ratified only after Turkey is
willing to do so. No one can exert pressure on Turkey in this matter
as the country is governed by the Turkish people. We do not act upon
outside orders. Turkey pursues an expedient policy which will not
change under some pressure. Those who believe that Turkey is acting
under an order are mistaken. So far, the AKP has acted only in line
with its own plan which aims only at benefiting Turkey.

The delay in ratification is due to further development of
Armenian-Azerbaijani peace talks. Turkey is closely watching this
process and is waiting for its end.

Q: You are represented in the ruling party leadership. Can you say
with confidence that the Turkish parliament will not ratify the
protocols till the Karabakh conflict is resolved?

A: We keep a close eye on the peace process. It all depends on how
the problem will be solved. Vagaries of some of our neighbors prevent
Turkey from achieving its goals. Turkey wants changes for the better
in our region. The conflict has a destructive effect on this process.

I can only say that ratification of the protocols is not on the agenda
and unlikely to be put into the agenda in near future. Azerbaijan
should not be concerned over this matter.

Q: Armenia consistently hinders the peace process while Turkey is
trying to improve relations with the country which is an obstacle to
peace …

A: Turkey believes in power of diplomacy. In any case we must try to
solve the problem at the negotiating table and achieve a peaceful
solution. Protracting the conflict does not meet interests of not
only Turkey but also that of Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Q: As an expert on international affairs, what is your vision of a
just resolution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict?

A: I am supporter of diplomacy and negotiation and an opponent of
a war. The peace process conducted by the OSCE Minsk Group is the
most acceptable option. Today the South Caucasus has become like the
Middle East. This small region periodically witnesses large-scale
military confrontation. The current situation in the region does not
satisfy Turkey. Turkey seeks to make the Caucasus a region of peace,
security and cooperation.

Q: Though the OSCE Minsk Group has been engaged in resolving the
Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict for already 16 years,
no result has been achieved yet…

A: Large states are usually distinguished for wise actions. This
problem may only be solved by rational approach and wise policy. The
Soviet Union does not exist any more and Azerbaijan does not act
under somebody’s dictation. Azerbaijan is an independent state and
an important figure in international politics. Azerbaijan has a good
understanding of the intricacies of regional politics. I believe that
Azerbaijan should be committed to a peaceful solution to the conflict.

Q: It is said that Armenia took a tough stance in the Karabakh
negotiations following a thaw in Turkey-Armenia relations…

A: The Minsk Group was not acting so intensive before the protocols
were discussed. The negotiations have been intensified today. On
the other hand, Azerbaijan should not respond with radicalization to
Armenia’s radicalization. In this case, the international community
will see who obstructs a peaceful solution to the conflict. A rational
policy would add to a number of Azerbaijan’s allies.

Q: Do you mean Turkey must recognize the so-called "Armenian genocide"?

A: Problems can not be regarded only as an internal affair of a
country. International principles and world opinion should be taken
as a basis in this respect.

Q: What if international opinion favors Armenia?

A: In any case, both Turkey and Azerbaijan should show the world
their just position. This is possible only by means of a wise policy
based on truth. We must prove to the world that we are a peace-loving,
democratic country that respects rights of neighboring peoples.

Q: Turkish opposition accuses the ruling party of unreasonable
concessions to Armenia. The opposition argues that Turkey is not
obliged to withdraw Armenia from crisis …

A: Turkey is not making any concessions to Armenia. Simply Turkey
is a superpower on a regional scale. Turkey is worried about the
situation in the Caucasus. Turkey considers the Armenian-Azerbaijani
conflict to be not non-local, but a global problem. Thanks to its
energy potential, Azerbaijan is open to the world. But Armenia is
still in an isolated position. Turkey believes that the warming of
Turkish-Armenian relations may mark beginning of an entirely new
policy in the region. Turkey does not want to live in a volatile
region with eternal conflicts. It wants the neighbors to live in a
peaceful environment.

THE OFFICE OF THE OSCE REPRESENTATIVE ON FREEDOM OF THE MEDIA MIKLOS HARASZTI TO CONTINUE OBSERVING THE SITUATION ON EXPRESSION OF DIFFERENT OPINIONS IN ARMENIAN MASS MEDIA

ARMENPRESS
Dec 3, 2009

ATHENS, DECEMBER 3, ARMENPRESS: The office of the OSCE Representative
on Freedom of the Media Miklos Haraszti will continue observing
the situation on expression of different opinions in Armenian mass
media. Miklos Haraszti told Armenpress that he will head the office
till March 10, 2010 and by the end of his tenure will once again
visit Armenia.

"Even if not complete report, additions to the previous one will be
prepared. Certain researches will be made connected with provision
of license, maintaining the rules of freedom of speech," the OSCE
representative said.

Refusing to compare the situation of the sphere in Armenia with the
other countries of the region, M. Haraszti said that he would be
happy to see all the conflicts settled and then only speak about the
differences of situations. Nevertheless he pointed out that without
comparison it must be considered strictly important that there are
no imprisoned reporters in Armenia, except one case when criminal
trial is in process.

AZERBAIJAN EXPRESSES DISCONTENT WITH EURONEWS TV CHANNEL’S REPORTAGE ABOUT NAGORNO- KARABAKH

ArmInfo
2009-12-01 21:00:00

ArmInfo. Azerbaijan expresses discontent with Euronews TV channel’s
reportage about Nagorno-Karabakh.

Azerbaijani mass media report that the Azeri foreign ministry
addressed a letter to the Euronews leadership in connection of the
reportage about Nagorno-Karabakh and expressed its "negative attitude
to unilateral coverage of the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh".

According to Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry Spokesman Polukhov, the
foreign ministry also instructed the Azeri embassy in France to find
out the reasons of appearance of such an item on Euronews.

The ruling party "Yeni Azerbaijan" also expressed its indignation
and sent a letter of protest to the TV channel.

To recall, Euronews dedicated a reportage to Nagorno-Karabakh and
objectively covered the life in Karabakh, war between Armenia and
Azerbaijan, Armenian refugees, etc.

DURING THE MEETING OF THE ARMENIAN AND TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTERS NO REFER TO THE NAGORNO KARABAKH CONFLICT ISSUE WAS MADE

ARMENPRESS
DECEMBER 2, 2009
ATHENS

ATHENS, DECEMBER 2, ARMENPRESS: During the meeting of the Armenian
and Turkish foreign ministers in Athens the parties spoke about the
process of normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations and processes of
ratification of protocols. No refer to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict
issue was made, Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandyan said at
a briefing with reporters.

"There was no need to enter into thorough discussions over Karabakh
issue as we cannot tie these two processes with each other," the
minister said. In his speech at the OSCE Ministerial Council he
pointed out that tying of Nagorno Karabakh conflict and normalization
of Armenian-Turkish relations will only harm the both processes.

"We tell it to all, including to Turks. It is not only our opinion,
it is the opinion of the international community," E. Nalbandyan
pointed out. The participants of the session of the Ministerial
Council, referring to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, were pointing
out in their speeches that the process of settlement of the Karabakh
conflict is not connected with the normalization of Armenian-Turkish
relations. According to Azerbaijani sources, in Athens during the
meeting of the Azerbaijani and Turkish foreign ministers A. Davudoghlu
said that as if at the meeting with the Armenian foreign minister he
said that the protocols will not be ratified as far as the Karabakh
conflict is not settled.

"Why we signed these protocols if we are not going to ratify and
implement them. I think that the two parties realize that it is
necessary to ratify the protocols in the possible reasonable timeframe
and implement them," the Armenian foreign minister said, explaining
that "reasonable timeframe" means not creating artificial obstacles,
difficulties on that way.

The initiator of the meeting of the Armenian and Turkish foreign
ministers was the Turkish side, and Armenia gave its consent. "As
far as we are conducting a process, why not meet and speak? Thanks to
dialogue, meetings and negotiations today we have two signed protocols
which open an opportunity for the normalization of further relations,"
the minister pointed out.

PROTOCOLS WITH ARMENIA TO BE RATIFIED AFTER KARABAKH OCCUPATION ENDS -TURKISH FM

news.az
Dec 2 2009
Azerbaijan

Ahmet Davutoglu Ratification of the Armenian-Turkish protocols is
possibly only after the occupation of Azerbaijani lands by Armenia
ends: Turkish FM Ahmet Davutoglu.

Turkish FM Ahmet Davutoglu said during the meeting with his Azerbaijani
counterpart Elmar Mammadyarov in Athens Tuesday that the ratification
of the Armenian-Turkish protocols is possibly only after the occupation
of Azerbaijani lands by Armenia ends.

According to the news service for the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry,
at the meeting held in Athens, Davutoghlu noted that there is a need
to continue Karabakh conflict settlement to ensure peace and security
in the region.

During the meeting the sides exchanged views in all directions
of bilateral relations. The sides touched upon regional issues,
normalization of the Turkish-Armenian relations, Karabakh problem
and situation in Afghanistan.

At the end of the meeting Davutoghlu invited Mammadyarov to pay an
official visit to Turkey. Azerbaijani minister accepted the invitation
and stressed he may pay a visit in the second half of December 2009.

THE DIVERSITY OF ARMENIA ARMENIA, AN ANCIENT AND BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY, HOSTS MANY UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES
By Motaz Othman

eTurbo News
Nov 30 2009

During the World Travel Market (WTM), eTurboNews (eTN) visited the
Armenia stand, where representatives from the Armenia Tourism Board,
hotels, resorts, and Armenian tour operators were exhibiting to
introduce Armenia to WTM exhibitors.

Motaz Othman, eTN’s Middle East editor, had a few minutes talk with
Ms. Anna Khachaturova and asked her about Armenia’s attractions and
what makes it a unique and interesting destination along with a large
number of interesting and important historical and early Christian
monuments, rich cultural heritage, fascinating landscapes, and diverse
flora and fauna.

Anna Khachaturova shared that first of all, it is Armenians living in
this ancient and beautiful country, therefore, all cultural tour
programs and holiday packages are featured and strengthened with the
human touch, enabling tourists to explore traditions, national
characteristics, culture, and, of course, the famous hospitality of
Armenians. All travel packages, together with discovering the most
interesting architectural, Christian, cultural, and historical
monuments, most of which are included in the UNESCO World Heritage
List, as well as fantastic landscapes of Armenia, also include visits
to the Armenian countryside, meetings with interesting local people,
participation in making famous Armenian hand-made carpets, Armenian
souvenirs, Armenian wine and brandy, and Armenian traditional bread,
"Lavash."

Walk and explore, trekking, hiking, and culture tours enable tourists
to appreciate the countryside and healthy lifestyle, see the most
important sightseeing places, and explore the country on foot rather
than by bus. These holidays are more focused on the discovery the
country’s nature, Armenians, and the Armenian lifestyle. Trekking
tours enable visitors to experience the atmosphere of and gain a real
insight into a local area where one may enjoy the sights and sounds of
Armenia’s glorious countryside. Tourists will see fascinating details
of areas inhabited by man for over many thousands of years; hear about
the history, farming, flora, and fauna; and learn entertaining
anecdotes of those famous areas. Walks include visits along the way
and a great chance to meet local people. Armenia tour operators are
promoting long-term partnership with the community-based providers of
tourist services thus supporting the development of local economies
and pioneering and promoting socially- and environmentally-responsible
tourism in Armenia.

Trekking/walking programs are about filled environments rich in
natural beauty, wildlife, history, and cultural realities of Armenia.

These tours present a fantastic and unprecedented mixture of
riding/trekking and adventure tourism in Armenia’s most fascinating
mountainous wild environment and discovery of Armenia’s rich cultural,
historical, and ethnic heritage.

Armenian cuisine is as ancient as the history of Armenia and a
wonderful combination of different tastes and aromas. Closely related
to eastern cuisine, various spices, vegetables, fish, and fruits
combine to present a unique experience for any visitor to the country.

Fruits such as peaches, apples, pears, cherries, mulberry, figs,
pomegranates, strawberries, and water melons are particularly
succulent, but in particular, Armenia is famed for its apricots, which
many consider taste better than anywhere else in the world. As early
as the 4th century BC, Alexander the Great brought apricot trees from
Armenia to Greece, which eventually found their way to Rome.

Environmental protection is important among local communities and
people, so tourists will enjoy the care and preservation of local
fauna and flora.

A warm welcome to Armenia is extended to everyone who visits – the
single traveler, couples, families, and groups of various sizes.

Armenia is exciting, enjoyable, and forever memorable; a destination
where you can experience archaeology, architecture, Christianity,
history, culture, and most of all, the warm Armenian welcome.

Ms. Anna is the CEO of Nueva Vista, an incoming tour operator in
Armenia/Georgia. Its primary focus is to produce and execute
good-value, in-bound tours (cultural, religious, adventure, culinary,
etc.) and to provide DM services such as event management and
conferences to its worldwide-located partners and clients.

The Official Visit of the Minister of National Devence of Poland to Armenia

p;p=0&id=1071&y09&m=11&d=28
27.11. 09

On the 27th of November, 2009 by the invitation of the RA Minister of
Defence Seyran Ohanyan the delegation headed by the Minister of
National Defence of the Republic of Poland Bogdan Klikhi arrived in
Armenia for a two-day official visit. An official meeting-ceremony
took place at the RA Ministry of Defence after which the Ministers of
the two countries had a separate conversation. Then there was a
meeting which included the members of the delegations.

During the meeting they discussed matters of mutual interest
concerning the activation of the Armenian-Polish defence cooperation
in the frames of NATO PfP program, as well as matters concerning the
regional security. The two parties also touched upon the mission
fulfilled by the Armenian peacekeepers in the multinational division
under Polish command in Iraq in 2005-2008; they highly estimated the
role of the Armenian peacekeepers. The abovementioned visit in the
frames of Armenian-Polish defence cooperation was the first official
visit of the Minister of National Defence of Poland to the Republic of
Armenia.

On the 28th of November, 2009 the delegation headed by the Minister of
National Defence of Poland Bogdan Klikhi met with the RA Prime
Minister Tigran Sargsyan. They also visited `Tsitsernakaberd’ – the
memorial of the victims of Armenian Genocide – commemorating the
victims of the Genocide.

RA MoD Department of Information and Public Affairs

Time to raise the level of political culture in Armenia
28.11.2009 17:31 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ ‘We managed to prevent deepening of destructive
separation,’ Serzh Sargsyan , president of Armenia, Chairman of the
Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) said addressing the 12th congress of
the ruling RPA.

According to him, inadequate freedoms of electoral system, civil
society institutions, press, lead to socio-political crisis, whci is
the main challenge of the country.

According to him, it’s time to raise the level of political culture in
Armenia.

"In order to have a stable system in the country, first and foremost,
you need to have a stable inner-party system. The ruling party must
serve as an example for others in this regard, " the president said.