Author: Frangulian Shushan

AZERBAIJAN DRAWN ALONGSIDE ARMENIA, GEORGIA IN EUROVISION SEMIS

news.az
Feb 8 2010
Azerbaijan

Eurovision 2010 Azerbaijan will take part in the second semi-final
of the international music contest.

The draw for the semi-finals was made in Oslo yesterday, according
to the Eurovision website,

The first semi-final to be held on 25 May involves Serbia, Finland,
Russia, Greece, Slovakia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Moldova,
Malta, Portugal, Macedonia, Latvia, Belarus, Belgium, Poland, Albania
and Estonia.

Azerbaijan will take part in the second semi-final on 27 May. The
second semi-final will also involve Switzerland, Lithuania, Georgia,
Turkey, Ireland, Slovenia, Sweden, Ukraine, Netherlands, Bulgaria,
Croatia, Denmark, Cyprus, Romania, Israel and Armenia.

Azerbaijan is still selecting its representative in Eurovision. A
decision will be made by 1 March.

Norway, Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain and France are guaranteed
places in the final.

/PanARMENIAN.Net/

Does England engage in game in South Caucasus?

Most likely Ankara will ratify Protocols to prevent adoption of the
Resolution on the Armenian Genocide in the U.S. Congress.
05.02.2010 GMT+04:00

The process of normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations has
entered, so to speak, homestretch, the most interesting fact being
Armenia’s (for the first time) more advantageous situation in
comparison with Turkey. In this regard, the visit of U.S. Deputy
Secretary of State James Steinberg to Yerevan was a landmark event
that almost clashed with the arrival of first Deputy Prime Minister
Igor Shuvalov. U.S. and Russia have obviously decided not to interfere
with each other in forcing Turkey to ratify the Protocols, meanwhile
clearly adhering to their own interests.

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ In this confrontation Armenia can acquire some
political dividends, without openly taking anyone’s side. But UK’s
engagement in the process was somewhat unexpected. The invitation
extended to the Armenian President for delivering a speech at Chatham
House is very serious, especially taking into account the fact that
Serzh Sargsyan is to speak of the Armenian-Turkish relations there.
Apparently, in 2010 Britain is really determined to intensify its
policy in the region, and the Armenian-Turkish process is almost a
unique opportunity. Britain supports Turkey’s integration into Europe
and is well aware that Ankara’s path to Europe lies through Armenia.
Thus, we have a very interesting configuration: USA and UK with EU
against Russia. By the way, history is aware of such confrontation. It
was during the Crimean War of 1854-1855, when Russia was defeated. And
though the USA was not involved then, key players were almost the
same. Also the Armenian issue was rather sharp then, ending with the
Berlin Treaty of 1861, which led to pogroms and massacres in the
Ottoman Empire.

It should be noted that for a long time Turkey had not experienced
such pressure from the world powers. Statements about the importance
of a `bridge between East and West’ are gradually yielding to
pragmatism: how important the role of Turkey is in this new,
`post-American’ world, as Fareed Zakaria calls it. The fine
geo-strategic position, which Turkey has always used to its advantage
winkling out the maximum benefit possible, could one day turn to be
`inconvenient’ for border states and interested countries. The thing
is the excessive ambitions of the country, pressing towards the
establishment of the Great Turan, which we have already explored in
our earlier analyses.

In all of this `chess game’ Azerbaijan is hardly noticeable. The
position of Baku should be viewed in the light of American military
intelligence, which has already warned Azerbaijan against the
impendent war which, even if starts, will end in a defeat for
Azerbaijan.

Russia, as always, is doing its best not to yield `a single inch’ in
the vitally important for her region, realizing perfectly well that
return is impossible. Moscow now has to put forth every effort in the
`catch-up’ game with the U.S., trying to enlist the support of Yerevan
and not that of Baku, which has nothing but oil and gas.

Reverting to the beginning, let us repeat that London’s claim for the
role of another player in the region is rather serious. Britain has
always been experienced in Eastern issues, especially if it comes to
the British influence that somewhat declined after the World War II,
or rather after Winston Churchill’s defeat in the parliamentary
elections of 1945.

In short, the closer April 24 is, the higher the rates are. Turkey’s
position is rather complicated, as she may be left with only one ally
against ratification of the Armenian-Turkish Protocols, namely
Azerbaijan, an unreliable ally, ready for blackmail and betrayal. The
case of the Azeri gas tariff should have served as a lesson to Ankara.
And maybe it did, who knows? Everything will be settled or unsettled
by April. Most likely Ankara will ratify the Protocols to prevent
adoption of the Resolution on the Armenian Genocide in the U.S.
Congress.

Karine Ter-Sahakyan

Turkey’s FM Davutoglu sends message to Yerevan

Panorama.am
14:57 06/02/2010

Turkish FM Ahmet Davutoglu forecasted hot developments in the region
of the Middle East in an interview with Hurriyet Daily he had on plane
as leaving for the Security Conference due in Munich, Germany.

Israel’s PM Netanyahu announced Israel is ready for talks with Syria
providing there is a mediator. Turkish FM recalled that France has
rejected mediation and noted Turkey to be the `only mediator’.

Davutoglu also told Hurriyet he had met with Armenia’s FM Edward
Nalbandian in London and presented Ankara’s concerns over the process.

According to the source, Davutoglu slammed the Armenian party over
Court ruling. Turkish FM reminded April 24 is close and sent a
"message" to Yerevan: `Providing we demonstrate a good will, the
current hindrances will vanish.’

55 PER CENT OF TURKS BELIEVE IN POSSIBILITY OF MILITARY COUP

PanARMENIAN.Net
04.02.2010 16:30 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ According to a recent poll implemented by Metropoll
Institute in Ankara, 55 per cent of Turks believe in the possibility
of a military coup. In July, 2009, 48 per cent of respondents believed
it, French journalist Jean Eckian reported from Paris.

According to the poll 69 per cent of Turks, who are supporting the
ruling AKP party said, they believe that some members of the army are
preparing a coup. 37 per cent of Turks, supporters of the opposition
CHP party, are convinced that a military coup is under preparation.

In January the Turkish Taraf newspaper published a story alleging that
country’s influential army, previousely implemented three coups since
1960, projected another coup in 2003. In particular, the Sledgehammer
( "sledgehammer") plan envisaged bombings in two mosques in Istanbul
during Friday prayers and introduction of emergency. Responsibility
for the bombings was planned to put on the Kurdistan Workers Party
(PKK) and "Al-Qaeda. The explosions had to be organized also in the
Fenerbahce stadium and Burhan Felek sports complex.

AZERBAIJAN VS. ARMENIA: WHICH ONE IS TO BE CUT DOWN TO SIZE?
By Ivan Gharibyan

news.am
Feb 3 2010
Armenia

Head of the Foreign Relations Department, Azerbaijani Presidential
Administration, Novruz Mamedov’s latest interview with Trend
News proved to be one more proof of the Azerbaijani authorities’
destructive position on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. It is noteworthy
that Mr. Mamedov, who normally coordinates all his statements with
President Ilham Aliyev, did not say anything special.

He once again appealed to the international mediators for their
support for Azerbaijan’s completely unrealistic position on the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Without citing any concrete examples, the high-ranking Baku official
began accusing Armenia of the "sins" that are actually standard
practice in Azerbaijan. Specifically, he accused the Armenian
authorities of constantly changing their position. And this claim was
made by an official of Azerbaijan, whose leader now calls for peace
"because no one will ever go anywhere from the region" now delivers a
militant speech, which is not typical of a civilized state leader in
the 21st century. We do not have to mention lower-ranking officials,
who savagely attack now Russia now the United States – taking advantage
of the political situation.

What stands out in Mamedov’s interview is his appeal to the world
leaders and international mediators for "pressuring Armenia and
cutting it down to size." At this point, however, the Azerbaijani
official fell into a trap. What is the point of pressuring Armenia if
the Armenian authorities clearly outlined the limits of concessions
— including territorial ones — they are ready for in exchange for
a status of Nagorno-Karabakh. Running serious political risks, the
Armenian authorities actually do not rule out the return of seven
regions forming a security zone around Nagorno-Karabakh, except for
the Lachin corridor, to Azerbaijan. Well, it is no secret for anyone.

The result is a situation when Azerbaijan is not proposing anything
in response to Yerevan’s readiness for painful concessions. The
international community, however, has repeatedly stressed the
inevitability of mutual and painful concessions.

This is, in fact, the answer to the question Mr. Mamedov is so vexed
at! The answer, however, is clear to everybody: it is Azerbaijan that
has to be "cut down to size" as the only stumbling block to peace
and stability in the region because of its unwillingness to make any
concessions on the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process. It is important
that the world powers act promptly, before the threat issued by the
"Baku khanate" gets out of control.

JAILED AZERBAIJANI JOURNALIST HIRES SECOND LAWYER

news.az
Feb 3 2010
Azerbaijan

Eynulla Fatullayev Eynulla Fatullayev hired a second lawyer yesterday,
Rashid Hajili, chairman of the Institute of Mass Media Rights.

Hajili said he would defend Fatullayev’s interests in court alongside
his other lawyer, Isakhan Ashurov.

"After concluding a contract with my defendant, the documents have
been transferred to the investigative bodies. I was planning to meet
Fatullayev today but this meeting fell through. We may discuss these
issues tomorrow," Hajili said.

He also said that the investigation into the journalist’s case is
nearing completion.

Eynulla Fatullayev, editor-in-chief of Gundalik Azerbaijan and Realny
Azerbaijan newspapers, was arrested by decision of Yasamal district
court on 20 April 2007. He was accused of insulting the people of
Khojaly in a series of articles "Karabakh Diary" and sentenced to
two-and-a-half-years imprisonment. Later, he faced additional charges
and was sentenced to eight-and-a-half-years on 30 October 2007.

The European Court for Human Rights is expected to hear Fatullayev’s
case early in 2010.

The prison service reported that 0.223g heroin had been found
on Eynulla Fatullayev in jail No 12 on 30 December 2009. He has
been charged under Article 234 of the Criminal Code (the illegal
manufacture, purchase, storage, transportation, transfer or sale of
narcotics or psychotropic substances).

One of two batches of tests found insignificant traces of heroin in
Eynulla Fatullayev’s blood, but lawyer Isakhan Ashurov said yesterday
that does not accept the results.

‘TURKEY TRYING TO SOLVE PROBLEMS BETWEEN ARMENIA AND AZERBAIJAN’: ERDOGAN

Tert.am
10:48 ~U 04.02.10

Speaking at an International Strategic Research Organization (USAK)
conference, Turkey’s Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan pointed to
Turkey’s efforts to initiate a process of cooperation in the Caucasus,
reports Anadolu Ajansi.

"We are trying hard to solve the problems between Armenia and
Azerbaijan, which we consider a key country in the region," said
Erdogan.

Erdogan also called on the OSCE Minsk Group to fulfill its duties
toward resolving the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

ARMENIA NOT AN OBSTACLE FOR TURKEY-AZERBAIJAN GAS TALKS

Tert.am
12:15 ~U 04.02.10

Political matters, among them Turkey’s normalization process with
Armenia, will not be an obstacle for Turkey-Azerbaijan gas talks and
these talks will succeed, Turkish Energy Minister Taner Yildiz said,
according to Sabah.

"I think that nothing will hamper a gas agreement to be reached
between us and our brother, Azerbaijan. We made a reasonable offer on
[purchasing] the Shah Deniz gas field," Yildiz said, speaking about
current talks over the second stage of developing the Azerbaijani
gas field.

TURKEY’S 18 YEARS’ STANCE TOWARDS ARMENIA REMAINS UNCHANGED

PanARMENIAN.Net
02.02.2010 17:36 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Just as a number of political observers predicted,
stance towards Armenia taken by Turkey since 1992 remained unchanged,
Prosperous Armenia parliamentary group secretary Aram Safaryan said.

"Still, given regional developments, Armenia thought establishment
of constructive dialogue with Turkey possible, to which end RA-Turkey
Protocols were signed," he told a news conference.

As Safaryan pointed out, there is a chance to establish Armenia-Turkey
dialogue in case parliaments of both countries agree to ratify
Protocols without preconditions.

"Yet, Ankara will take no steps to contradict Baku’s interests, the
latter being a decisive factor in Turkey’s decision making process,"
Aram Safaryan stressed, adding that international community should
be kept aware of true reasons hampering Armenia-Turkey reconciliation
process.

ARMENIA’S DELEGATION CALLS COUNCIL OF EUROPE FOR NOT IGNORING FORTHCOMING PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS TO BE HELD IN NKR IN SUMMER

Noyan Tapan
Feb 2, 2010

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 2, NOYAN TAPAN. One of the most important issues
discussed within the framework of PACE was the report on corruption
in the judicial system, and Armenia’s delegation shares its main
questions. David Haroutiunian, the head of Armenia’s delegation in
PACE, the Chairman of the NA Committee on State and Legal Issues,
mentioned at a February 1 press conference. The report, in particular,
mentioned that some countries replace fighting corruption by adoption
of better laws or beautiful speeches and not practical steps. D.

Haroutiunian also said that the Assembly has instructed the Monitoring
Committee for the latter to give a separate department to corruption in
the judicial system and efficiency of fighting it, current mechanisms
in the countries’ reports on the latter.

Naira Zohrabian, a member of Armenia’s delegation in PACE, the
Chairwoman of the NA Standing Committee on European Integration
Affairs, a member of the Bargavach Hayastan (Prosperous Armenia)
faction, attached importance to the reports under the title Respect
for Media Freedom and On Ownership Right of Displaced Persons. An
Azeri delegate attached a special opinion about the latter, according
to N. Zohrabian’s characterization, by misrepresenting the facts.

Armenia’s delegation responded to it emphasizing that the considerable
part of displaced Azeris received a compensation from Armenia’s
government, while Armenians displaced from Azerbaijan "just ran away as
a result of the slaughter committed by Azeris leaving their property"
and have received no compensation so far. N. Zohrabian also said
that Armenia’s delegation provided to PACE a 40-minute film under
the title The Vandals of the 21st Century, which shows how Azeri
servicemen destroy cross-stones on Jugha’s Armenian cemeteries.

During the presentation of the two reports on the electoral system
Armenia’s delegation spoke about the seven state elections held in NKR,
which have always proceeded in line with the international standards
and called the Council of Europe for not ignorng the forthcoming
parliamentary elections to be held in summer in NKR.