Author: Chilingarian Babken

ARMENIA, TURKEY TO SIGN PROTOCOLS IN SIX WEEKS

urkey-announce-relations-protocols/
Aug 31, 2009

BERNE, YEREVAN, ANKARA (Foreign Ministry Press Service)-The
foreign ministers of Armenia, Turkey and Switzerland issued a joint
announcement Monday outlining the protocols that will guide the
establishment and development of relations between Turkey and Armenia.

Below is the text of the announcement and the protocols, which we
received from the foreign ministry.

The Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey have agreed to
start their internal political consultations on the two protocols –
the "Protocol on the establishment of diplomatic relations" and the
"Protocol on the development of bilateral relations" – which have
been initiated in the course of their efforts under Swiss mediation.

The two Protocols provide for a framework for the normalization of
their bilateral relations within a reasonable timeframe. The political
consultations will be completed within six weeks, following which
the two Protocols will be signed and submitted to the respective
Parliaments for the ratification on each side. Both sides will make
their best efforts for the timely progression of the ratification in
line with their constitutional and legal procedures.

The normalization of bilateral relations will contribute to the
regional peace and stability. The Republic of Armenia and the Republic
of Turkey are committed are pursuing their joint efforts with the
assistance of Switzerland.

Protocol on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations

Between Republic of Armenia and Republic of Turkey

The Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey,

Desiring to establish good neighborly relations and to develop
bilateral cooperation in the political, economic, cultural and other
fields for the benefit of their peoples, as envisaged in the Protocol
on the development of relations signed on the same day,

Referring to their obligation under the Charter of the United Nations,
the Helsinki Final Act, the Charter of Paris for a New Europe,

Reconfirming their commitment, in their bilateral and international
relations, to respect and ensure respect for the principles equality,
sovereignty, non intervention in internal affairs of other states,
territorial integrity and inviolability of frontiers,

Bearing in mind the importance of the creation and maintenance of
an atmosphere of trust and confidence between the two countries that
will contribute to the strengthening of peace, security and stability
of the whole region, as wll as being determined to refrain from the
threat or the use of force, to promote the peaceful settlement of
disputes, and to protect human rights and fundamental freedoms,

Confirming the mutual recognition of the existing border between the
two countries as defined by the relevant treaties of international law,

Emphasizing their decision to open the common border.

Reiterating their commitment to refrain from pursuing any policy
incompatible with the spirit of good neighborly relations.

Condemning all forms of terrorism, violence and extremism irrespective
of their cause, pledging to refrain from encouraging and tolerating
such acts and to cooperate in combating against them,

Affirming their willingness to chart a new pattern and course for
their relations on the basis of common interests, goodwill and in
pursuit of peace, mutual understanding and harmony,

Agree to establish diplomatic relations as of the date of the entry
into force of this Protocol in accordance with the Vienna Convention
on Diplomatic Relations of 1961 and to exchange Diplomatic Missions.

Protocol on Development of Relations Between the Republic of Armenia
and the Republic of Turkey Guided by the Protocol on the Establishment
of Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of Armenia and the
Republic of Turkey signed on the same day,

Considering the perspectives of developing their bilateral relations,
based on confidence and respect to their mutual interests,

Determining to develop and enhance their bilateral relations, in the
political, economic, energy, transport, scientific, cultural issues
and other fields, based on common interests of both countries,

Supporting the promotion of the cooperation between the two countries
in the international and regional organizations, especially within the
framework of the UN, the OSCE, the Council of Europe, the Euro-Atlantic
Partnership Council and the BSEC,

Taking into account the common purpose of both States to cooperate
for enhancing regional stability and security for ensuring democratic
and sustainable development of the region,

Reiterating their commitment to the peaceful settlement of regional
and international disputes and conflicts on the basis of the norms
and principles of international law,

Reaffirming their readiness to actively support the actions of the
international community in addressing common security threats to
the region and world security and stability, such as terrorism,
transnational organized crimes, illicit trafficking of drugs and arms,+

1. Agree to open the common border within 2 months after entry into
force of this Protocol,

2. Agree to

Conduct regular political consultation between the Ministries of
Foreign Affairs of the two countries; Implement a dialogue on the
historical dimension with the aim to restore mutual confidence between
the two nations, including an impartial and scientific examination
of the historical records and archives to define existing problems
and formulate recommendations;

Make the best possible use of existing transport, communications and
energy infrastructure and networks between the two countries and to
undertake measures in this regard;

Develop the bilateral legal framework in order to foster cooperation
between the two countries;

Cooperate in the fields of science and education by encouraging
relations between the appropriate institutions as well as promoting
the exchange of specialists and students, and act with the aim of
preserving the cultural heritage of both sides and launching common
cultural projects;

Establish consular cooperation in accordance with the Vienna Convention
on Consular Relations of 1963 in order to provide necessary assistance
and protection to the citizens of the two countries;

Take concrete measures in order to develop trade, tourism and economic
cooperation between the two countries; Engage in a dialogue and
reinforce their cooperation on environmental issues.

3. Agree on the establishment of an intergovernmental bilateral
commission which shall comprise separate sub-commissions for the prompt
implementation of the commitments mentioned in operation paragraph
2 above in this Protocol. To prepare the working modalities of the
intergovernmental commission and its sub-commissions, a working
group headed by the two Ministers of Foreign Affairs shall be
created 2 months after the day following the entry into force of
this Protocol. Within 3 months after the entry into force of this
Protocol, these modalities shall be approved at ministerial level. The
intergovernmental commission shall meet for the first time immediately
after the adoption of the said modalities. The sub-commissions shall
start their work at the latest 1 month thereafter and they shall work
continuously until the completion of their mandates. Where appropriate,
international experts shall take part in the sub-commissions.

The timetable ans elements agreed by both sides for the implementation
of this Protocol are mentioned in the annexed document (See below),
which is an integral part of this Protocol.

This Protocol and the Protocol on the Estblishment of Diplomatic
Relation between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey
shall enter into force on the same day, i.e. on the fist day of the
first month following the exchanges of instruments of ratification.

Annexed Document: Timetable and elements for the implementation of
the Protocol on development of relations between the Republic of
Armenia and the Republic of Turkey

Timetable and elements for the implementation of the Protocol on
development of relations between the Republic of Armenia and the
Republic of Turkey

Steps to be undertaken Timing

1. to open the common border Within two months after the entry into
force of the Protocol on the development of relations between the
Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey

2. to establish a working group headed by the two Ministers of Foreign
Affairs to prepare the working modalities of the intergovernmental
commission and its sub-committees 2 months after the day following
entry into force of the Protocol on development of relations between
the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey

3. to approve the working modalities of the intergovernmental
commission and its sub-commissions and ministerial level Within
3 months after entry into force of the Protocol on development of
relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey

4. to organize the first meeting of the intergovernmental commission
Immediately after the adoption of the working modalities of the
intergovernmental commission and its sub-commissions at ministerial
level

5. to operate the following sub-commissions:

– the sub-commission on political consultations; – the sub- commission
on transport, communications, and energy infrastructure and networks,
– the sub-commission on legal matters – the sub-commission on science
and education – the sub-commission on trade, tourism, and economic
cooperation; – the sub-commission on the historical dimension to
implement a dialogue with the aim to restore mutual

confidence between the two nations, including an impartial scientific
examination of the historical records and archives to define existing
problems and formulate recommendations, in which Armenian, Turkish
as well as Swiss and other international experts shall take part.

At the latest 1 month after the first meeting of the intergovernmental
commission

For the Republic of Armenia

For the Republic of Turkey

ARMENIAN UNEMPLOYMENT LEVEL RISES TO 6.8% IN JANUARY-JULY

ARKA
Sep 1, 2009

YEREVAN, September 1, /ARKA/. Armenia’s unemployment rate in
January-July, 2009 rose to 6.8% from 6.3% in the same time span
of 2008, the country’s National Statistical Service (NSS) told
ARKA. It said some 101,000 people looking for jobs were registered
by employment centers across the country-86,500 of them were jobless;
84,700 people were registered officially as unemployed. According to
official numbers, women again made the bulk of all jobless people-71.1%
(60,200).

The overall number of economically active population was 1,179,300;
1,099,400 had jobs, the rest were unemployed. The overall number of
jobless people entitled to unemployment allowances rose from 17,400
in Jan.-July, 2008 to 25,000. The average amount of the allowance
rose from 14,052 Drams to 16,875 Drams.

According to official figures, there were 866 vacancies by the end
of July.

ARMENIA TO LOOK TO FUTURE WITHOUT FORGETTING PAST

PanARMENIAN.Net
31.08.2009 13:01 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Yerevan does not view Armenian Genocide recognition
as precondition for establishing mutual ties with Turkey, RA Peresident
Serzh Sargsyan said in an interview with BBC. "Of course. it’s very
important for all – for our nation, Turkey and the entire world. It is
important to restore historical justice, and enable our two peoples
to re-establish normal ties to prevent all that from happening in
future. In the meantime, President stressed that it was not a proper
case for discussing possibilities of compromise."

"We say yes, a Genocide did really occur, no matter whether Turkey
recognizes it. There’s a fact acknowledged by all Genocide experts
and many countries worldwide. But presently, we do not view it as a
precondition for establishing ties with Turks," RA President said,
adding that Armenia must look to the future, without forgetting
the past.

SERZH SARGSYAN: WE HAVE NO RIGHT TO FORGET THE PAST

armradio.am
31.08.2009 12:00

The term "football diplomacy" was put into circulation a year
ago, when Turkish President Abdullah Gul arrived in Yerevan at the
invitation of the President of Armenia, Serzh Sargsyan, to watch the
match between the national football teams of the two countries. It
raised hopes that the Armenian-Turkish border could be opened and
the two countries would start the process of reconciliation. However,
official Yerevan accuses Turkey of freezing the process.

BBC correspondent Gabriel Gatehouse visited Yerevan one of these days
to figure out whether President Serzh Sargsyan of Armenia was going
to attend the return match in Turkey.

"The question has two answers," said President Sargsyan and added:
"The fist answer is as follows. It’s not important whether I’ll visit
Turkey or not." "I’d like to say that my visit to Turkey should not
be linked to the relations between the two countries. Let’s assume
that Armenia freezes the negotiation process with Turkey and I leave
for that country to watch the football match. The second option is as
follows: the two countries continue negotiating, but I don’t attend
the match. Which is more important? This is my answer if you ask the
question in the context of our talks with Turkey."

Asked what signals Armenia is expe cting from Turkey in order to
defreeze the talks, Serzh Sargsyan stressed once again that he
would leave for Turkey only in case of opening of the border or at
the threshold of the event. "We have an agreement. I think that it’s
normal and correct for the parties to implement the agreement reached
earlier," President Sargsyan said, noting that so far he has not seen a
great desire and aspiration to implement those agreements. "Our wish
remains the same – to establish relations without preconditions,"
the President stressed.

Asked whether Armenia is ready to make concessions as regards the
events of 1915 and whether he believes Turkey will call them genocide,
President Serzh Sargsyan stated: "Of course, it’s very important
for our people, for Turkey and the whole world. It’s important to
restore historical justice. It’s important for our nations to be able
to establish normal relations. At last, it’s important that it never
reoccurs in the future.

But we do not see the recognition of genocide as a precondition for
the establishment of relations."

Is there an opportunity of compromise? "It cannot be called compromise.

This is not the case to speak about compromises. We say, yes, there
was genocide, and irrespective of the fact whether Turkey recognizes
it or not, there is a fact established by all genocide scholars in the
world and recognized by many countries of the world. However, today
we do not view it as a precondition for normalization of relations,"
President Sargsyan stated.

"We should look into future, but we do not have the right to forget
the past," Serzh Sargsyan concluded.

USA ANTICIPATES ADVANCEMENT IN ARMENIAN-TURKISH TIES

Panorama.am
17:21 31/08/2009

The United States supposes to witness advancement in Armenian-Turkish
relations, Ambassador of U.S. Marie Yovanovitch stated. "The
advancement of Armenian-Turkish ties is under the interests of not
only Armenia and Turkey but the region also," Mrs. Ambassador said
adding that the United States supports regulation of ties and opening
of border between the two states.

It’s worth noting that Mrs. Ambassador’s statement followed Armenian
President Serzh Sargsyan’s interview to BBC, where the President
stressed that he would travel to Turkey only if visible advancement
is made in bilateral dialogue.

Mrs. Marie Yovanovitch’s statement is not made by chance; it is
a signal addressed to Ankara that the U.S. will do correspondent
conclusions if the dialogue is messed up.

AAA: U.S. Senator Edward Kennedy rendered invaluable help to Armenian people
28.08.2009 19:28 GMT+04:00 Print version Send to mail

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The Armenian Assembly of America (AAA) mourns the
loss of U.S. Senator Edward M. Kennedy. "Our thoughts and prayers are
with the Kennedy family," said Assembly Board President Carolyn
Mugar. "Throughout his career, Senator Kennedy embodied the principles
we hold dear – promoting democracy, championing civil rights and human
rights, and standing up for those in need. His support of the Armenian
people and contributions to reaffirm the U.S. record on the Armenian
Genocide are invaluable. We thank him for his extraordinary service to
this great nation and the cause of freedom and democracy around the
world. Senator Kennedy will be greatly missed, " Assembly Board of
Trustees President Carolyn Mugar.

For decades, Senator Kennedy led by example when it came to support
for the Armenian people. Just after the devastating 1988 earthquake,
Senator Kennedy appealed to many private companies for donations to
assist Armenia in its time of need. In early 1990, he initiated a
letter urging then Secretary of Defense Richard Cheney to authorize
airlifts to Armenia. These airlifts provided bedding, electric
heaters, winter clothing and other desperately needed items for the
influx of refugees coming from Azerbaijan and to those still suffering
as a result of the earthquake. Senator Kennedy’s leadership was
instrumental and helped save lives during a critical time.

Senator Kennedy pressed for a variety of programs to help Armenian
refugee communities across the globe, including those who fled from
Iran after the fall of the Shah and those who rebuilt their
communities after being caught in the civil war in Lebanon. He also
worked to facilitate the exit of Armenian refugees from the Soviet
Union in the 1980s. His long-standing support of the Armenian cause
has earned Senator Kennedy accolades from the Armenian-American
community, including the "Friends of the Armenians" Award from t
merica.

In addition, Senator Kennedy was a staunch supporter of Karabakh’s
right to self-determination and supported Section 907 of the FREEDOM
Support Act, which restricts U.S. aid to Azerbaijan because of its
hostile actions and blockade of Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh. Senator
Kennedy helped champion the Humanitarian Aid Corridor Act, prohibiting
U.S. assistance to any country which restricts the transport or
delivery of U.S. humanitarian aid to other countries. As an original
cosponsor of that bill, Senator Kennedy remarked, "The efforts by any
nation to block U.S. humanitarian aid are unconscionable. The
Humanitarian Aid Corridor Act is a responsible measure that is
designed to ensure that individuals in great need will receive
U.S. assistance." Kennedy also cosponsored S.1557, a bill to authorize
the extension of nondiscriminatory treatment (normal trade relations
treatment) to the products of Armenia.

In regard to the Armenian Genocide, Senator Kennedy was a relentless
advocate for affirming this historical fact and the proud chapter in
U.S. humanitarianism. During the 85th Commemoration in Boston,
Assembly President Mugar had the distinct honor of introducing the
senator at Copley Square’s Trinity Church the day after Easter with
two thousand in attendance. When His Holiness Karekin I, Supreme
Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians and the first President of
Armenia Levon Ter Petrosian, both visited the U.S., Senator Kennedy
hosted them together with the New England Armenian American Community
at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston.

Throughout his tenure, he was an ardent supporter of resolutions
affirming the Armenian Genocide and vigorously defended the truth in
the face of Turkish denial. In his numerous speeches, Kennedy made it
clear that "It is time for all governments, political leaders and
peoples everywhere to recognize the Armenian Genocide. These annual
commemorations are an effective way to pay tribute to the courage and
suffering and triumph of the Armenian peop l never happen again to any
people on earth."

ARF MEMBER SAYS TURKEY SUSPENDED ARMENIAN-TURKISH NEGOTIATIONS

Panorama.am
17:13 27/08/2009

"Turkey has suspended Armenian-Turkish negotiations. Armenia
should record this fact and make announcement to the world that the
negotiations are hindered because of the Turkish side," Giro Manoyan,
the director of Armenian Cause Office Yerevan told at news conference.

"Those negotiations are not only stopped, but the OSCE Minsk Group
co-chairing countries make pressure on Armenia to assume the up-dated
document of principles on Karabakh conflict settlement. We should
wait for 14 October," G. Manoyan said.

It’s worth reminding that Armenia-Turkey football match is scheduled
in October and Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan announced that
he would travel to Turkey to be present at the match only if the
Armenian-Turkish border is open, or if we are on the threshold of
Armenia’s deblockading.

AAA CARRIES OUT CONSISTENT WORK TO ACHIEVE ADOPTION OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE RESOLUTION BY CONGRESS

PanARMENIAN.Net
28.08.2009 15:23 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenian Assembly of America (AAA) is carrying
out consistent work towards having Congress pass a Resolution on
Armenian Genocide, said Arpi Vardanyan, AAA Regional Director for
Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh. "The number of congressmen supporting
Resolution remains unchanged. But we hope for more active processes
after congressmen return from holiday," Regional Director noted.

"YEREVAN PRINCIPLES" ON NAGORNO KARABAKH PEACE

armradio.am
28.08.2009 14:11

Democratic Party of Armenia (DPA) developed so-called "Yerevan
Principles" on Karabakh peace process and presented the package
of proposals to RA President Serzh Sargsyan. The document offers a
conceptually new approach to settlement of the conflict, DPA Chairman
Aram Sargsyan told journalists.

"DPA has repeatedly declared its disagreement with some provisions
of Madrid document. Thus, the board of the party decided to present
RA President its own official position on the issue," Sargsyan stated.

The "Yerevan Principles" has three provisions that may foster the
sides to reach consensus.

Under the first provision, the sides should sign a peace agreement
(to be valid till the end of the negotiation process) that will
hold back the parties from use of propaganda – as it provokes enmity
in societies.

The second provides for set up of trust-and-understanding stimulating
programs for societies of the two states.

DPA draws special attention to economic outlook between Armenia
and Azerbaijan, under the third provision, the sides should realize
economic cooperation programs.

Within framework of such programs, Nagorno-Karabakh Republic will be
able to participate in the regional programs and to have an opportunity
of direct contact with Azerbaijan.

ARARATBANK OF ARMENIA BUYS SHARES OF ISMIRLIAN-EURASIA FOR $6M

/ARKA/
August 25, 2009
Yerevan

Araratbank of Armenia bought 100% of the shares of Ismirlian-Eurasia
universal credit organization for almost $6 million.

The respective agreement was signed in Yerevan Tuesday by Chairman of
Board and Executive Director of the bank Ashot Osipyan and Director
of the Yerevan branch of Swiss Ismirlian Foundation Ara Hamazaspyan.

The credit organization will maintain its small and medium business
crediting portfolio in agriculture and services sector in particular,
Osipyan told journalists after the signing of the agreement.

It is the first step on the way of purchases by the bank, Osipyan said.

He reported that the loan agreement signed between the bank and the
Foundation two years ago was quite successfully implemented using
the funds provided by the Foundation.

Loan programs will be continued – in a large-scale mode and with more
substantial resources, Osipyan said. Yet, no changes are expected in
the activities in the near future, he added.

Merger of the credit organization with Araratbank may be considered
later as the bank is aiming at expansion and consolidation, Osipyan
said.

Head of Yerevan office of Swiss Ismirlian Foundation Ara Hamazaspyan,
in his turn, said that the Foundation has been carrying out charity
work using the money of Ismirlian family since 1997.

In 1999 the Foundation started various programs on loans to small and
medium enterprises (SME) in Armenia, since 2004 it has continued its
lending activities as Ismirlian-Eurasia universal credit organization.

Araratbank is an accomplished partner, and Ismirlian-Eurasia considered
it worth to continue the cooperation bearing in mind well-developed
Armenian banking market and the efficiency of the system, Hamazaspyan
said.

Araratbank will continue the SME credit program in an aggressive and
efficient manner, he added.

Total assets of Ismirlian-Eurasia are about 2,103.6 million drams
with credit investments at 891.5 million drams and total capital at
2,097.1 million drams.

Araratbank open joint stock company (assignee of "Haykap Bank")
was founded on 02.09.1991. On October 31 1996 the bank received a
banking license N4. Among the bank stockholders is the EBRD holding
25%. 74.1% of the authorized stock belongs to principle stockholder
and owner of Flash company Barsegh Beglaryan.

Accumulated profit of Araratbank amounted to 1,287 million drams
by August 24. The bank’s total capital amounted to 7,786 million
drams by the same date. The bank has 27 branches throughout
Armenia. ($1=375.28drams). N.V.