Author: Dabaghian Diana

DEFEATING THE GEOPOLITICAL MINDSET
Sally Bland

The Jordan Times, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
February 1, 2010 Monday

Through the Wall of Fire: Armenia-Iraq-Palestine – From Wrath to
Reconciliation Muriel Mirak-Weissbach Frankfurt/Main: edition fischer,
2009 Pp. 380

The parents of Muriel Mirak-Weissbach were both orphaned in the
Armenian genocide of 1915. This set her on a path of discovering how
to survive war and genocide, and go beyond to work for a better world
where peace and social justice would preclude such atrocities. Her
book is the culmination of insight gained from years of journalistic
work and organising support for war victims.

The title, "Through the Wall of Fire", refers to an episode in Dante’s
"Divine Comedy". Only by putting aside his fears and self-obsession,
and reaching out to the other, can the pilgrim pass through the
"Wall of Fire" to enter Paradise. It is Mirak-Weissbach’s belief
that a similar process is required to solve the conflicts of Armenia,
Iraq, Palestine and elsewhere. The fact that her own parents, along
with thousands of Armenian children, were saved by ordinary Turkish
citizens led her to reject the concept of collective guilt, and seek
the real causes of war and genocide in "the geopolitical mind, a mode
of thinking which disposes of peoples and nations as mere objects",
in its pursuit of wealth and power. (p. 15)

Mirak-Weissbach writes extremely well and her account of events
leading up to the Armenian genocide is fascinating. She combines
the machinations of the Great Powers on the eve of World War I,
the rise of the Young Turks and their relations with some Zionist
leaders, such as Vladimir Jabotinsky, with a focus on how these events
impacted on ordinary people, especially children. She also focuses
on children in the sections on Iraq and Palestine, for as she says:
"It is only by grasping the deep psychological impact on the children
that others may understand how prejudices, hatred, and the thirst for
revenge can be passed on from generation to generation, until it may
appear that no solution is in sight." (pp. 9-10)

This vantage point seems relevant to the Armenian-Turkish conflict
where the author sees hope for reconciliation due to the regional
shift that occurred after Georgia’s 2008 move into South Ossetia,
and Ankara’s subsequent initiative to encourage cooperation between
Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey and Russia. "But this will
require that both sides go through the Wall of Fire", and "strive to
overcome the bitterness, fears, and, yes, deeply engrained hatred,
that the events of 1915 engendered". (pp. 90-91)

Despite its desirability, Mirak-Weissbach’s concept of reconciliation
seems less applicable in Iraq and Palestine where war and ethnic
cleansing are not historical events but ongoing. For the Palestinians,
it is not a question of hatred being passed on from generation to
generation, but of daily siege and attacks that keep the conflict
boiling, as the book describes very accurately.

Nonetheless, the sections on Iraq and Palestine are very informative.

The author is merciless in exposing the US and Israeli governments’
false justifications for their genocidal policies. Particularly
interesting is the account of how massive airlifts of humanitarian aid
to Iraq were organised in the wake of the 1991 war, and how injured
Iraqi children were sent to receive medical aid abroad. This was no
small feat for the citizens’ movement initiated by the author that
managed to overcome numerous restrictions imposed by the US, UK and UN
sanctions regime, as well as a host of unexpected logistical problems.

The author’s narration of the suffering of individual Iraqi families
restores humanity to the statistics, while the Iraqi children sent
abroad for medical treatment "turned out to be the most effective
ambassadors for their nation", charming hospital staff in Germany and
America alike. (p. 144) Moreover, this is one of few books published
in English that evaluates Iraqi officials according to their actual
performance instead of dismissing them out-of-hand with stereotyped
labels.

The strength of the section on Palestine lies in its economic
analysis. According to Mirak-Weissman, the Oslo process failed because
"it did not suit the tastes of powerful financial and political
interests situated in the US, UK and Israel, who militantly opposed
the birth of a sovereign Palestinian state with a thriving, advanced
industrial economy". She shows in detail how funding was engineered
via the World Bank so as to make Palestinians "agree to work as slave
labour in South African-style Bantustans". (p. 219) In the ensuing
situation, new outbreaks of violence were inevitable.

This is an outstanding book for the author’s ability to combine
personal narrative with political analysis, to bring out previously
unnoticed historical facts, and show the way forward to a better
future.

TURKO-ARMENIAN TRADE VOLUMES SOAR DESPITE DIPLOMATIC STALEMATE

World Markets Research Center
Global Insight
February 3, 2010

BYLINE: Grace Annan

The Armenian Chamber of Commerce has issued surprisingly high
figures on the trade volume between Armenia and Turkey in 2009. The
volume reached US$300 million, US$200 million higher than what the
Turkish-Armenian Business Development Council (TABDC) had expected, and
still US$100 million above World Bank estimates. On the Turkish side,
this volume was particularly fuelled by activities of businessmen
from Eastern and South-Eastern Anatolia, according to the co-chair
of the TABDC, Kaan Soyak. The figures were not confirmed by either
country’s government officials, as they do not officially record
bilateral trade volumes between Armenia and Turkey, due to the
still-difficult relations between the two countries.

Significance:Turko-Armenian trade volume is seemingly going the
opposite way to Turko-Armenian diplomatic ties. Although the latter
was hailed as having a potential to soar over the coming years,
paving the way for more business ties, it seems like business,
rather than politics, will facilitate the initial dialogue between
Armenians and Turks on medium and lower levels (seeTurkey – Armenia:
12 October 2009:). Arguably, the economic crisis in both countries
may have something to do with the increased interest in forging ties,
but this should not lower the surprising achievement. Yet the stalemate
is a predominantly socio-political one, and it will continue to hamper
business ties between the two countries until it is fully resolved.

SHAKHNAZAROV’S ‘WARD N6’ WINS AGAIN

Tert.am
12:22 ~U 05.02.10

Russian filmmaker of Armenian descent Karen Shakhnazarov’s "Ward N6,"
based on a story of the same name by Anton Chekhov, has been awarded
best foreign film and best actor (Vladimir Ilyin) in Tehran’s 28th
Fajr International Film Festival, reports Vedomosti.

This year, there were more than 80 films vying for the much-coveted
Crystal Simorgh prizes in Tehran’s film fest.

AZERBAIJANI OFFICIAL: OSCE CO-CHAIR COUNTRIES SHOULD DEMAND FROM ARMENIA FAIR SOLUTION TO NAGORNO-KARABAKH CONFLICT

Today
60770.html
Feb 3 2010
Azerbaijan

Interview with the Head of the Azerbaijani Presidential
Administration’s International Relations Department Novruz Mammadov.

How do you assess the outcome of the Sochi talks on the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict? Is there any progress in this process?

The Sochi talks have become one of the important milestones in the
current stage of the negotiation to solve the Armenian-Azerbaijani
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. For several years Azerbaijani President
Ilham Aliyev has been displaying a strong will to make every possible
effort to peacefully resolve the conflict through negotiations and
important steps were taken in this direction.

Only in 2009, there were six meetings between the presidents of Armenia
and Azerbaijan in various formats and, indeed, the attention of the
international community and the OSCE Minsk Group co-chair countries’
leaders was focused on solution of this conflict. At the same time
these are affected by other factors. Development of the processes
in this direction allows us to hope for a successful solution to the
conflict. Of course, the OSCE Minsk co-chairs play an important role
in it.

Today, the superpowers’ position is of great importance to establish
world order, security and stability. Countries such as USA, Russia
and France play important role in resolving this conflict. Their
specific and just position may play an important role in resolving
the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. I think, the countries yet lack of
such position in this direction and therefore we can not go on a
serious step.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev’s participation in the Sochi meeting
of the Azerbaijani and Armenian leaders gave hope for a positive
outcome of the negotiations. Although the expected progress was not
reached, the process should be continued, and I regard that convergence
is possible through the declared preamble and this fact encourages it.

My position is that the IMF, Russia, the U.S. and the EU should
increase pressure on Armenia at the final stage (the current
negotiations may be regarded as concluding). All possible measures
must be used to achieve an equitable solution and co-chair countries
should also increase pressure on Armenia to make progress.

Armenia periodically changes its position. Such behavior is
unacceptable in diplomacy and politics.

Let me give two examples. Armenia signed protocols with Turkey with
the participation of six countries’ foreign ministers, but a few
months later filed certain conditions to the signed documents through
another structure.

In 2007- 2009, Armenia supported the Madrid principles, while we
disagreed. Following some amendments to the document in the light of
our proposals, we supported the Madrid principles. In turn, Yerevan
spoke against them. In 2009, the Armenian president himself signed
an agreement on these principles, together with the presidents of
Azerbaijan and Russia, but again rejected them.

To prevent this kind of political speculation, the world public,
co-chairman countries should exert adequate pressure on Armenia.

How do you assess the activity of Russia in the negotiation
process, and how Moscow’s role could accelerate the solution of the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict? What pressure can Russia exert on Armenia?

Today it is wrong to say that Russia has not definite pressure on
Armenia, Russian President’s participation to the last two meetings
of heads of Azerbaijan and Armenia testifies this.

But I think that it is necessary to increase pressure on Armenia. If
Russia wants long-term stability and security in the region, if wants
to build relations with countries in a trustful base, it should exert
more pressure. Here even the word "pressure" is inappropriate. It is
necessary to demonstrate a fair position on the basis of international
law and to demand Armenia to liberate the occupied territories of
Azerbaijan. This is a violation of international law and it must
be corrected.

Not only Russia, but also the United States and France, which play an
important role in global processes, must participate in this process.

I think that these three countries can make great efforts in this
regard, thus taking a fair position.

What are the uncoordinated elements of the preamble of the Madrid
principles? How is Azerbaijan ready to make concessions on these
points?

The Meiendorf agreement signed by the President of Azerbaijan pointed
out that the solution to the conflict is possible only within the
territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, through peaceful negotiations and
without war. We accepted it, if there are any new proposals, we do not
know about them, co-chairmen should establish a position and submit
to us. Prolonging the time, Armenia impedes the solution. Yerevan
has transformed this process into a political game. Armenia should
be put before a fair and concrete position.

For more than 20 years, 750,000 Azerbaijani citizens from seven regions
around Nagorno-Karabakh have been internally displaced persons, we
are talking about the fate of these people. The occupied territories
of Azerbaijan must be returned so that the IDPs return to their homes.

When we can expect next talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement?

All depends on specification of Armenia’s positions. Our patience is
not unlimited. During their next visit to the region co-chairs should
identify Armenia’s definitive position on settlement of the conflict
and inform us.

DIVORCE RATE IN ARMENIA RECORDED AT 1.0 PER 1000

Aysor
Feb 3 2010
Armenia

Since 1990s Armenia has been facing not only demographic changes,
but also changes in number of registered marriages and divorces, said
at today’s press conference Chief of the Department of Population
Census and Demography of Armenia’s National Statistics Center,
Karine Kuyumjian.

There were 18 773 marriages registered in 2009, in comparison with
28 000 marriages in 1990s, according to Karine Kuyumjian. However,
the least number of marriages was in 2000 – only 11 000 couples
got married.

Referring to divorces in Armenia, Mrs. Kuyumjian said that
statistically 4000 out of 20 000 couples get divorced. Number of
divorces declined by 6% in 2009 (in comparison with 2008) – only 2
929 couples divorced.

Besides, she said that out of every 1000 people in Armenia, 1 of
them divorced.

The divorce rate hit its highest level in following regions: Kapan,
Armavir, Gegharkunik, while the least number of divorces comes in
Syunik region of Armenia where statistically 4,7% out of 1000 people
get divorced.

The highest divorce rate was found among people in Lori region,
where 330 couples of 1000 divorced.

START BALANCE IN ARMENTEL’S TARIFF ‘FOR YOU – EXCLUSIVE’ INCREASES FROM 200 TO 400 DRAMS

ArmInfo
2010-02-04 10:16:00

ArmInfo. The start balance in the tariff of ArmenTel "For You –
Exclusive" increased from 200 to 400 drams, the Company press service
reports. "Guiding by the wishes of our clients, we have doubled
the base balance of the tariff plan "For You Exclusive", that will
allow our subscribers to communicate twice more prior to the first
replenishment", Director General of ArmenTel CJSC (Beeline brand)
Igor Klimko. One minute of the outgoing call for subscribers of the
TP "For You – Exclusive" inside Beeline costs 19 AMD, while to the
numbers of other mobile operators and to those of the fixed network –
29,99 AMD in all.

SMS-messages inside Beeline cost 9 AMD, and MMS-messages – 19 AMD,
SMS to the numbers of other operators, including the international,
cost 20 AMD, and MMS – 50 AMD. Available tariffs in the TP "For You –
Exclusive" are also envisaged fort the mobile Internet (GPRS-Internet):
1 MB of the transferred/received data cost 29 AMD.

SIM-cards of the TP "For You – Exclusive" with a start balance of 200
and 400 drams may be acquired in all the sales and service offices
of Beeline, as well as in the dealer points. One may order delivery
of a SIM-card of the TP "For You – Exclusive" with a start balance
of 1000 AMD through MegaPay payment terminals.

ARMENIA RECORDS A/H1N1 DECLINE

AZG DAILY
03-02-2010

Health

Armenia recorded no new A/H1N1 cases following January 13: the virus
has withdrawn. According to the Assistant to Healthcare Minister
Shushan Hunanyan, the rate of respiratory diseases has fallen as well.

As she said, the kindergartens have reopened in the republic since
February 1.

Panorama.am recalls that taking into account Healthcare Minister’s
proposal, the Education and Science Minister Armen Ashotyan signed an
order over closing schools and kindergartens in the republic December
8-19. Later, the term was suspended by December 28.

Laboratory has confirmed 119 swine flu cases by December 13, 3 out
of which had death outcome. All patients have recovered and were
discharged. Despite the virus decline, preventive measures are still
underway in the republic, the source reports.

ARMENIAN BRANDY PRODUCTION DROPPED IN 2009

Tert.am
15:00 ~U 02.02.10

Last year, 9.97 million litres of brandy was produced in the country –
38.4% less than in 2008, according to Armenia’s National Statistical
Service.

Instead, wine production increased during the same period by 30.8%,
constituting a total of 4.4 million litres per year. In 2009,
local vodka and vodka-liqueur production rose by 7.7% to about 13.15
million litres. Also, beer production saw a 2.8% increase – to 10.8
million litres.

Experts say the reduction in Armenian brandy production last year
is due to a significant drop in demand in the Armenian brandy’s
main markets – Russia and Ukraine – and was caused by the global
financial crisis.

In 2009, Armenian mineral water sector also saw a reduction due to
lack of demand in foreign markets. Last year, mineral water production
dropped 29.1% to 25.4 million litres.

KARAMYAN BROTHERS TRANSFERED TO FC STEAUA

Tert.am
12:07 * 01.02.10

Artavazd Karamyan, who, together with his brother, recently completed
the documents on their transfer from Romanian FC Timiºoara to FC
Steaua, elaborated on the transfer in an interview with a Romanian
website.

"The transfer was delayed a little; the details were being discussed.

We will stay with Steaua for two years, but the contract may be
reviewed six moths later. So we will certainly be with Steaua at
least for six months. That offer was beneficial in all senses.

"Naturally enough, the fact that Mihai Stoichiþã, the former chief
trainer of the Armenian national team, works with the club, played
a big role in our transfer. But it does not mean we will have a
privileged position in the team. We must prove that we deserve to be
playing with this team.

"I want to add the title of Romanian champion to the titles of the
winner of Armenian championship and the winner of Armenian cup.

"I would like to end my career in Romania. I hope that Steaua will
be willing to extend the contract in six months time…"

The owner of Steaua, Gigi Becali, elaborated on the financial details
of the transfer. "I will pay each of them 120,000 EUR annually and
also 100,000 EUR if Steaua wins the champion title," he said.

TOURISM IN ARMENIA UP BY 3%

Tert.am
14:44 ~U 01.02.10

According to a statement by the National Statistical Service, 575,281
tourists came to Armenia during the months of January-December 2009,
as compared to 558,443 tourists for the same period in 2008. This
indicates that the number of tourists to Armenia is up by 3%.

For the same period in 2009, 526,193 individuals left the Republic of
Armenia for vacations. As compared to 2008, this number is up by 2.1%.