Author: Chatinian Lara

KARABAKH SOLUTION IN HOURS IF AZERBAIJAN RESPECTS SELF-DETERMINATION RIGHT

HULIQ
April 5 2010
SC

The ongoing struggle in the relationship of Turkey and Armenia is
even gaining more momentum as the issue of Nagorno Karabakh, an
Armenian stronghold, is pushed into the forefront. Serzh Sargyan,
the president of Armenia, believes that the currently closed borders
of Turkey and Azerbaijan could be opened and the Karabakh problem
solved in hours if Azerbaijan would recognize the people’s right to
self-determination and freedom for the region.

Nagorno Karabakh is a small, landlocked region in the South Caucus,
encompassing over 3,000 square miles. It is a de facto independent
republic whose name derives from a Russian word meaning "highland"
and a Persian word meaning "black garden". The region has been under
dispute since Armenia and Azerbaijan gained their independence from
the Russian Empire in 1918.

However, internationally, the region is considered to belong Azerbaijan
despite being governed largely by the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic of
Armenian majority. The conflict is similar to that of the ethnic
Albanians in Kosovo, who wanted freedom from Serbia due to religious
and cultural oppression.

As it stands now, relations with Azerbaijan and Armenia remain
incredibly strained. Azerbaijan has support from Turkey, which refuses
to recognize its part in the Armenian Genocide of 1915. Azerbaijan
and Turkey share both language and religion (Turkish and Islam,
Armenia is Orthodox Christian). Turkey siding with Azerbaijan, has
closed its borders with Armenian, while aspiring to be a member of
the European Union. Now Turkey pushes for concessions from Armenian
on Nagorno Karabakh to reopen its borders with its neighbor.

In an interview with Der Spiegel, Serzh Sargsyan believes the
issue of opening borders should not be linked to the recognition
of Genocide on Turkey’s part. Rather, he believes, it is merely an
issue of giving Nagorno-Karabakh self-determination. Sargsyan said
"If Azerbaijan recognizes the independence of Nagorno-Karabakh, I
believe the issue can be solved in a matter of hours. Unfortunately,
they still believe that they should bring Nagorno-Karabakh back,
while returning Nagorno-Karabakh back under the control of Azerbaijan
would mean that before long Nagorno-Karabakh will be rid of all its
Armenian population." Turkey, however, gauges progress by the ongoing
conflict itself and wants to see serious progress made in the conflict
resolution before normalizing relations with Armenia. In the meanwhile
recognition of Armenian genocide by various parliaments around the
world unnerves Turkey as it does not know how to cop with the darkest
pages of its history.

The Nagorno-Karabakh Republic still maintains a heavy Armenian
military presence, which Turkey and Azerbaijan feel does not help
matters. Armenia, conversely, believes the issue is rooted deeply in
the politics of oil rather than people’s rights.

While the European Union, USA and Russia push Turkey to remain
impartial in the matter, the 16 year + conflict shows a stalemate
of sorts among the three countries. The issue remains divisive and
border negotiations are often fraught with what seems to be a general
distrust and unwillingness to move forward without major concession.

For the Nagorno-Karabakh issue to be resolved and the right to
self-determination to be installed, it seems more incentives will
have to be put it place for talks to move forward.

Written by Lani Shadduck HULIQ.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 6, 2010
CONTACT: Press Department
Phone: (202) 393-3434
Web:
E-mail: [email protected]

ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY ANNOUNCES NATIONAL FLY-IN DAY APRIL 21

Community Activists to Unite in Washington for Day of Advocacy and Affirmation

Washington, DC – The Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly) will hold
its 2010 National Fly-In Day entitled `Day of Advocacy and
Affirmation’ on Wednesday, April 21, 2010 in the nation’s capital.

`With the House Foreign Affairs Committee adoption of H. Res. 252, the
Armenian Genocide resolution, Assembly members, ARAMAC activists,
friends and colleagues are all urged to join us in Washington, DC as
we push forward,’ stated Assembly Grassroots Director Taniel
Koushakjian. The next step in the legislative process is to secure an
affirmative vote on the House floor.

Also, on the evening of April 21, the Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs, Reps.
Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Mark Kirk (R-IL) will host the Capitol
Hill Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide, which will be held in the
Cannon Caucus Room.

`With April designated as Genocide Prevention Month, the Obama
administration has an important opportunity to further the cause of
genocide education and prevention through a clear and unambiguous
affirmation of the Armenian Genocide,’ stated Assembly Executive
Director Bryan Ardouny. `We encourage activists and all people of good
will to take action to ensure that President Obama and Congress affirm
the truth.’

For more information about our National Fly-In Day, please contact
Taniel Koushakjian at (202) 393-3434, extension 335.

Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest
Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public
understanding and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a
501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.

###

NR# 2010-022

EU BACKS RATIFICATION OF THE ARMENIA-TURKEY PROTOCOLS WITHOUT PRECONDITIONS
Anna Nazaryan

"Radiolur"
06.04.2010 15:27

The European Union is a reliable political and economic partner for
Armenia, Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian said at a joint
press conference with Stefan Fule, EU Commissioner for Enlargement
and Neighborhood Policy. Minister Nalbandian attaches particular
importance to the creation of free trade zones, easing of the visa
regime and the start of the talks on the Association Agreement.

EU Commissioner Stefan Fule also attached importance to the development
of relations with Armenia. The Commissioner’s visit to our country
marks a breakthrough in the Armenia-EU relations, especially under
the Eastern Partnership Program.

For his part, Mr. Fule noted that the European Union wishes stability
and development for EU’s eastern neighbors. "We are glad that our
cooperation with Armenia is gradually developing and reaching a
new level. I hope that talks on Association Agreement will start
in near future and I hope that a part of this agreement will be the
so-called economic integration, i.e. a deep and comprehensive free
trade agreement, a strong tool that the EU offers to Armenia to help
it integrate in European market," he said.

The recognition of the Nagorno-Karabakh people’s right to
self-determination is the top priority of the Nagorno-Karabakh peace
process, Minister Nalbandian stated, adding that "our position has
not changed in any way."

"We have repeatedly stated and not only we, but also the three
Minsk Group Co-Chairs realize as well – that the recognition of the
Nagorno-Karabakh people’s right to self-determination, which can
actually be exercised, is the top priority of the Nagorno-Karabakh
peace process. If this major problem is resolved, the others will be
easier to discuss and solutions will be found," Nalbandian said.

Stefan Fule reiterated EU support for the OSCE Minsk Group activity.

Touching upon the Armenian-Turkish relations, the Commissioner said
"EU backs ratification of the Armenia-Turkey Protocols without
preconditions and within a reasonable timeframe. According to him,
EU assisted the process of normalization of relations between the
two states and is ready to aid in solution of transboundary issues
after the protocols come into force.

Stefan Fule urged Turkey to press on with stalled reconciliation
efforts with Armenia and linked the issue with Ankara’s EU membership
bid.

"Good relations with neighbors are very important in the framework
of any country’s entry to the European Union," Fule told journalists.

"The EU must also make efforts to help both sides end this deadlock,"
he added.

CONGRESS OF INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS STARTED IN YEREVAN

news.am
April 6 2010
Armenia

April 6, the 37th Congress of International Federation of Human Rights
started in Yerevan welcoming 300 delegates from different countries.

Many Armenian human rights advocates boycotted the event and will
not attend. RA Ombudsman Armen Harutyunyan waved his right to deliver
a speech.

"The registration is still available, so everyone is welcome to sign
up," Iranian human rights activist and the Nobel Prizewinner Shirin
Ebadi stated commenting on the situation for NEWS.am.

Representative of Civil Society Institute (CSI) Artak Kirakosyan
said that only several advocates refused to participate. "It is their
viewpoint and we welcome any decision," he said.

CONSTRUCTION AND INTERIOR 2010 EXHIBITION TO BE HELD ON APRIL 21-23 IN YEREVAN

PanARMENIAN.Net
April 5, 2010 – 12:57 AMT 07:57 GMT

The third largest, regional, international exhibition Construction
and Interior 2010 will be held in Yerevan from April 21 to 23 2010
at the SCC after Demirchyan, press office of exhibition’s organizer
Promexpo reported.

"This exhibition is a great opportunity for companies and business
people to establish new business relationships and to explore the
construction market, it is a good occasion for consumers to make
better choices," Promexpo’s report said.

The exhibition will be attended by producers, importers and exporters
from Armenia and foreign countries, offering Armenian construction
market the latest products and technologies. The exhibition is always
of great interest for domestic and foreign construction companies
form Russia, Italy, Spain, UK, Germany, Iran, the report says.

Construction and Interior 2010 will be officially supported by the
RA Government, the Ministry of Urban Development, the Ministry of
Emergency Situations, Chamber of Commerce, Yerevan mayor’s office,
the National Centre for Development of Small and Medium Enterprises.

General sponsor of the exhibition is "Glendale Hills" and the official
sponsor is H M Tiles LLS.

news.am, Armenia
April 3 2010

FPWC to organize Earth Day activities in Armenia

13:34 / 04/03/2010The Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and
Cultural Assets (FPWC) will organize its Earth Day activities in
Armenia as a part of global celebrations of the Earth Day 40th
anniversary. Program aims at raising public awareness on environmental
issues and nature protection.

The events will take place from April 2 to April 22 covering all
regions of Armenia. The program offers film screening of documentaries
about environment, tree planting, photo exhibition of children,
garbage gathering etc.

The year 2010 marks both 40th anniversary of Earth Day and the 95th
commemoration of Armenian Genocide. Thus, the pinpoint of Green
Generation Campaign will be a solemn tree planting ceremony on April
22 in Genocide Memorial complex alley. Overall, ninety-five trees will
be planted reminding that new generation need to care about the future
without forgetting the past.

Today, Azerbaijan
April 3 2010

Azerbaijani Presidential Administration official: Azerbaijan supports
Turkey’s position on the Karabakh conflict and Ankara-Yerevan
protocols

03 April 2010 [22:43] – Today.Az

Official Baku supports Turkey’s position on the Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict and Armenian-Turkish Protocols.

Commenting on the Delegation’s (headed by the head of the
Presidential Administration Ramiz Mehdiyev) visit to Turkey, the Head
of the social and political problems department Ali Hasanov said, that
official Baku supports Turkey’s position on the Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict and Turkish-Armenian protocols.

In general, Hasanov said that the visit was positive and fruitful.

According to him, the Turkish leadership has once again stated that
the Armenian-Turkish protocols will not be approved until such time
until the Azerbaijani territory remains under Armenian occupation.

This is consistent with the interests of the Azerbaijani people. The
Parties agreed to conduct a joint struggle against the allegations of
the Armenian lobby in connection with the "Armenian genocide", Hasanov
said.

/ANS PRESS/

URL:

GIRL WHOSE FAMILY WAS SLAIN NOW IN PROTECTIVE CUSTODY

Contra Costa Times
April 1 2010
CA

An Armenian girl who recently found her mother shot to death in
Hollywood, 18 months after she discovered the bodies of her father
and 9-year-old sister, who also were shot dead, has been placed in
protective custody, law enforcement sources said today.

The slayings of Karine Hakobyan, 38, Khachik Safaryan, 43, and their
9- year-old daughter, Lusine, appear to be targeted "hits" that may
have stemmed from a disagreement that Safaryan had with someone over
money or romance, said the sources, who requested anonymity because
they were not authorized to speak publicly about the case.

Los Angeles police Robbery-Homicide detectives in Hollywood were
investigating all three deaths, the most recent of which occurred
Friday.

Hakobyan’s body was found by Los Angeles police in the driver’s
seat of her Honda sport utility vehicle around 8:20 p.m. Friday. The
vehicle was parked in the 5800 block of Lexington Avenue in Hollywood,
according to police. The Honda was parked in a fenced-in, gated area.

Hakobyan’s husband and 9-year-old daughter were found shot to death in
December 2008 in their home on the 1200 block of Tamarind Avenue. The
couple’s other daughter discovered the deaths when she returned from
school on Dec. 11, 2008.

A $75,000 reward was offered in February 2009 for information leading
to the arrest of whoever killed them.

The victims have not been linked to any criminal activity in the
United States or Armenia, according to police.

An FBI spokeswoman would not immediately comment on whether a Justice
Department’s Eurasian Organized Crime Task Force has been deployed
to assist in the homicide investigations.

"Whatever the motive, whether it’s money or romance, these are
clearly hits," a local law enforcement source said. "There is no
coincidence here."

ARMENIAN COMMUNITY SPLIT OVER BUSINESSMAN’S REMARKS

Hurriyet
April 1 2010
Turkey

Bedros Sirinoglu speaks to journalists after meeting with Prime
Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on March 26. AA photo

Angered by a Turkish-Armenian representative’s failure to emphasize
the group’s suffering in 1915 during a recent meeting with the prime
minister, community members have demanded "civilian" leadership within
the community through an online petition.

The intra-communal split stems from a March 26 meeting in Ankara
between Bedros Sirinoglu, president of the Yedikule Surp Pırgic
Armenian Hospital Foundation, and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

During their conversation, Sirinoglu, who is also a prominent
businessman, described the events of 1915 as "a fight between two
brothers," and said Armenians in Turkey have no problems whatsoever.

Furious at the remarks, some members of the Armenian
community have started an online petition campaign at
bizbaskabirturkiyedeyasiyoruz.blogspot.com, a domain name that means
"We are living in another Turkey." The petition had been signed by
378 individuals as the Hurriyet Daily News & Economic Review went to
press Thursday.

Speaking to the Daily News, Sirinoglu said he was deeply sorry
about the issue. "I do not deny what was experienced, but calling it
‘genocide’ does no good to anyone," he said.

On his being described as the representative of the Armenian community,
he said he "does not need any titles."

"The people are unfortunately unaware of one fact: Anybody who is the
president of the Yedikule Surp Pırgic Armenian Hospital Foundation
has been described as a community representative since Ottoman times
and has special protocol status in Ankara," he said. "It is not a
title exclusive to me. I am not glued to this chair either – anybody
who wants to become president can do so when my term ends."

Rakel Dink, the widow of assassinated Turkish-Armenian journalist
Hrant Dink, and other Dink family members are among those who have
signed the online petition. Signatories see the petition as a first
step on the path toward "civilianizing" the community.

Pakrad Oztukyan, editor at the weekly Agos, where Dink once worked,
is among the signatories. "This is the reaction of the Armenian
people, a denominational stance and a first step on the path toward
civilianization," he told the Daily News.

Oztukyan claimed Sirinoglu is the president of the foundation "only
because he is wealthy" and "makes donations to community foundations."

"He is … someone who has ‘bought’ the position," Oztukyan said.

"Sirinoglu cannot speak in the name of the people."

Other Turkish Armenians, however, have kept their distance from
the dispute. Arsen AÅ~_ık, a retired academic from Bogazici
University, said both sides are "making superficial criticisms"
without understanding each other. "Both sides have valid points,
but they also have wrong points," he said.

Erdogan’s outburst

The dispute, however, is not limited to the petition and is the
result of events that have occurred within the community over the
past five months.

In November 2009, prominent community members met with the prime
minister under the direction of the spiritual leader of the Armenian
Patriarchate of Turkey, Aram AteÅ~_yan, at Dolmabahce Palace in
Istanbul.

Sirinoglu was among those who attended the meeting, which apparently
laid the foundation for Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s outburst
against undocumented Armenians during a BBC interview on March 16,
in which said there were "170,000 Armenians in Turkey," and threatened
to expel the undocumented ones, which he said totaled 100,000.

"This figure that the prime minister pronounced was the result of the
meddling of a friend of ours at the November meeting," Sirinoglu said.

"Our friend said there were 100,000 undocumented Armenians from Armenia
in Turkey and 70,000 Turkish Armenians. Yet, I was held responsible
for that remark."

Although there is no exact figure, the number of undocumented Armenian
workers in Turkey is no more than 14,000, according to recent research.

The number was not discussed during the Ankara meeting, Sirinoglu said.

"We had just asked for an appointment as a foundation. We have serious
[legal] issues about the properties of the foundation and its income.

We have conveyed our complaints on those matters. The media assumed
we were in Ankara because of the prime minister’s remarks, but that
is not the truth," he said.

"My grandfather was a priest in Bahcecik in Ä°zmit. He was murdered in
1915. His throat was slit because he would not cut his beard. Traces of
half my family are unknown. I do not deny what has been experienced. I
have told my story to the prime minister as well," Sirinoglu said.

"What has been experienced between Turks and Armenians was a fight
among brothers; a scenario prepared by the West. I could have described
what happened as genocide, but that would do no one any good," he said.

Sirinoglu also told the Daily News that the Armenian community is
experiencing a chaotic period due to of the illness of Patriarch
Mesrop II.

"Everybody wants to become prominent and be recognized by the masses,"
he said. "There are those who are even using the illness of Mesrop
II to their own advantage. The patriarchy elections were interrupted
because of that. [The community is waiting for] the approval from
the Patriarchy and [the Ministry of the] Interior for an election
date. If Istanbul Armenians continue to play tricks, they will endure
great harm."

ERDOGAN TO ANNOUNCE TODAY FINAL DECISION ON ATTENDING NUCLEAR SUMMIT

armradio.am
02.04.2010 12:54

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday said that
he is likely to announce his final decision on whether to accept an
invitation from the White House today, noting that he would return the
Turkish ambassador, who was recalled last month, back to Washington
if he decides to attend the nuclear energy summit.

"At the moment, I’m making the assessment with my advisors," Erdogan
said when asked whether he would participate at the summit on nuclear
security on April 13.

"I think that I will announce my decision on this issue on Friday. In
the case that I decide to go, then I will soon send our ambassador
back," Erdoðan added, Today’s Zaman reports.