Author: Frangulian Shushan

ARP REPRESENTATIVE: "ANC’S SILENCE IS CORRECT"

Aysor
Nov 9 2009
Armenia

Armenia is disgraced by the delay of the ratification of the protocols,
said Tigran Karapetyan the head of the People’s Party insisting that
Yerevan shouldn’t wait for the steps undertaken by Ankara, and should
appear with its own initiations.

Underlining that his party is against the present process of the
Armenian – Turkish relations the speaker said that he is concerned with
the idea that the road map created during the negotiation processes
will include not only Armenia – Turkey relations but also will outline
new situation in the region.

The head of the People’s Party thinks that today in Armenia exist
only patriotic forces that speak against the ratification processes
of the protocols.

"The opposition is not against, he is silent",- mentioned
T. Karapetyan.

The member of the Armenian Republican Party Lernik Aleksanyan said
on his turn that the ratification process of the protocols goes on
and will not be failed.

"We shouldn’t hurry. The process of waiting is not a negative thing
as we have started all this process", – he said and assured that in
case of failing the whole process started because of the Turkish side
Armenia is not losing anything.

"In case of negative developments the negative results will occur
only for the Turkish side", – assured the representative of the
Republican Party.

Coming up to the position of Turkey L. Aleqsanyan mentioned that
the all political parties should stand with the authorities in the
started process.

"ANC is right in keeping silence. Today everyone should stand with
the authorities", – said the representative of the Republican Party.

L. Aleksanyan also assured that the Armenian – Turkish border will
be open soon.

Aysor, Armenia
Nov 7 2009

`The Armenian football team needs a good trainer’

Armen Grigoryan, the RA Sport and Youth Affairs Minister, thinks that
one of the most important issues of the Armenian Football is the lack
of a good trainer. According to him the Armenian team should be headed
by such a trainer who will be able to develop the football in our
country.

`I understand that football today is in the center of everyone’s
attention. But for having a good football we should have a good
trainer. We probably do not have such a trainer today. The football
players, on their turn, should realize that they should work hard for
getting a good result. Success in a sport needs a sacrifice. You
should forget about all the pleasures and dedicate yourself to the big
sport. Surly the highly qualified trainers can’t be found on the
street today. You should look for them, find them, then negotiate with
them and come to a conclusion. I know that the federation implements
different activities. Probably the Football federation will put
distinctions in that issue’, – Armen Grigoryan assured.

news.az, Azerbaijan
Nov 7 2009

Israeli expert: Recognition of 1915 events as genocide in Knesset may
severe diplomatic relations between Turkey and Israel
Sat 07 November 2009 | 08:45 GMT Text size:

Amikam Nakhmani Turkish and Israeli press continues to devote articles
to the current state and prospects of the Turkish-Israeli relations.

The main reason for the cooling of relations in the early 21st century
is the change in Ankara’s foreign policy after Justice and Development
Party, whose leader, Recep Tayyip Erdogan led the Turkish government,
came to power in 2002. Although the ruling party is positioning itself
as a moderate Islamist, Erdogan’s foreign policy is aimed at country’s
active rapprochement with the remaining Islam world, which in turn
determined the change of the policy toward Israel, especially in light
of the recent events in the Middle East.

Famous Israeli specialist on Turkey and professor of the Bar Ilan
University Amikam Nakhmani has been interviewed in this regard.

In his interview, professor Nakhmani stressed concerns over the
strained situation and relations between Ankara and Jerusalem. He
considers that the conflict was caused by the Israeli Cast Lead
anti-terror offensive, aimed to prevent rocket attacks on Israel from
Gaza strip.

The Israeli professor considers that the Israeli-Turkish relations
cannot end under pressure of sharp statements of the leader of Turkish
Islamists. Professor Nakhmani notes that the economic relations
between Israel and Turkey are quite strong to guarantee their
continuation.

Nakhmani explains his optimism about the future of the Turkish-Israeli
relations comparing them with special relations of Israel with other
countries. According to Nakhmani, Israel had five special relations
with other countries. `Four of them failed disastrously. Our relations
with France, Iran, Ethiopia and South Africa were cut as these
relations were supported by the interests of the governments and war
interests. People had not been part of these relations for centuries’,
the Israeli analyst said.

According to Nakhmani, the special relations with Turkey can hardly be
spoiled or severed. `The basis for Turkish-Israeli relations is
primary a human factor and cordial and respectful attitude of both
nations towards each other’, Nakhmani said.

He noted that in 2008 the mutual trade turnover between the countries
neared $4 bn with only a third part falling on military cooperation.
`It would not be an exaggeration if I say that over 700,000 people
make serious business within the framework of economic cooperation. I
think we should expect improvement of relations in the future’, the
Israeli professor said.

As for possible recognition of the `Armenian genocide’ by Israeli
Knesset, professor noted that `this initiative is very doubtful and
dangerous. I think the political elite of Israel is aware that the
recognition of 1915 as a genocide may severe diplomatic ties between
the countries, as this issue is too emotional and sensitive’,
professor Nakhmani said.

`The Turkish-Israeli relations have good prospects and I think they
will normalize, while the leaders of the countries should try not to
harm the interests of both countries and throw out all emotions’,
concluded the Israeli expert.

1news.az

UN MULLS SITUATION IN AZERBAIJAN’S OCCUPIED TERRITORIES

Trend
Nov 5 2009
Azerbaijan

The situation in Azerbaijan’s occupied territories was discussed at
a round-table in New York at the UN headquarters.

The discussions were organized by the Azerbaijani Permanent Mission to
the U.N. They were attended by about 50 representatives of U.N. member
states and representatives of the organization’s secretariat and
structures, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry reported with reference
to the country’s permanent representation to the U.N.

Azerbaijani Permanent Representative to the U.N. Agshin Mehdiyev
informed the participants of the round-table on the issue’s history
and legal aspects.

Azerbaijan’s Legal Adviser Professor Malcolm Shaw made a report on
the current legal situation.

Representatives of U.N. member states noted the need to resolve the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict while respecting the territorial integrity
of Azerbaijan and international law, and lauded the country’s efforts
in this respect.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988
when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Armenian
armed forces have occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan since 1992,
including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and 7 surrounding districts.

Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a ceasefire agreement in 1994. The
co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group – Russia, France, and the U.S. –
are currently holding the peace negotiations.

EXPERTS URGE AZERI GOVERNMENT TO AVOID STATIONING OF PEACEKEEPERS IN KARABAKH

Baki Xabar
Oct 26, 2009
Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan is said to make changes to its law on involvement in
peacekeeping missions which would, as some local experts think, be
tantamount to the loss of Karabakh. Baki Xabar daily reports that
changes to the law would mean stationing of peacekeeping forces
inside the country as stipulated in the Madrid Principles document
on a resolution of the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over
Nagornyy Karabakh. In comments on a possible move of the Azerbaijani
authorities to have those changes endorsed by parliament under pressure
of superpowers, two experts on the conflict expressed almost identical
views that the possible stationing of peacekeepers would be tantamount
to loss of Karabakh. The following is the text of Musviq Abdulla
report by Azerbaijani newspaper Baki Xabar on 26 October headlined
"Some experts consider the law on peacekeepers as an integral part of
the Madrid Principles" and subheaded "Akif Nagi and Arif Yunus stick to
this opinion, moreover…" subheadings have been inserted editorially:

The Milli Maclis [parliament] is about to make amendments and addenda
to the law "On involvement in peacekeeping missions". A new draft
bill will soon be submitted to the discussions in parliament, the
security and defence issues committee of the parliament has reported.

Green light for peacekeeping inside country?

According to the proposed amendments, the deployment of international
peacekeeping forces on the territory of Azerbaijan would be added to
the law. Although the existing legislation envisages the involvement
of the Azerbaijani forces in international peacekeeping forces in
conflict zones, under the new option, Azerbaijan would allow such a
mission to take place on its territories. Political experts do not
consider it by chance for official Baku to adopt such a law when
efforts of international power centres have been stepped up for
the resolution of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict. Ahead of the
opening of the Turkish-Armenian borders, this process is coinciding
with reports that in line with the Madrid Principles, five or seven
districts around Nagornyy Karabakh would be returned to Azerbaijan.

Superpowers see eye to eye on a Karabakh accord

Despite a campaign of propaganda that Armenia will not agree to
any compromise once the borders with Turkey are opened, we can see
emerging understanding between the USA and Russia over a stage-by-stage
resolution of the problem. From this standpoint, it would be wrong
to think that the situation depends on the will of Armenia. It is
another issue whether or not the proposed model of solution favours
Azerbaijan. However, the superpowers have agreed to cooperate over
the resolution of the problem on the Madrid principles instead
of creating obstacles to one another. The [recent] joint visit of
Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan and Bako Sahakyan, the leader of
the Nagornyy Karabakh separatists, to Russia is highly likely to be
part of this process.

Political experts believe that Russia, which is taking steps back
under pressure of the West, can maintain the resolution of the problem
as proposed by the USA. We should recall that the Madrid Principles
stipulate the return of five districts in the first phase, granting of
a temporary status to Nagornyy Karabakh and then the determination of
Nagornyy Karabakh’s status through a referendum with the liberation of
Lacin and Kalbacar district at the final stage. If the five districts
are liberated, international peacekeeping forces must be stationed
in the zone of the conflict until a status of Karabakh is obtained.

Addressing the latest session of the Cabinet of Ministers, President
Ilham Aliyev said that Azerbaijan suggested that the districts around
[Karabakh] be returned and peacekeeping forces be stationed in between
these territories. It is likelihood that the expected amendments and
addenda to the law "On involvement in peacekeeping missions" serve
to this end. It is possible that in return for the return of five or
seven districts, an agreement would be signed between Azerbaijan and
Armenia on the non-use of forces for the resolution of the conflict.

Following this, peacekeeping forces are to be stationed in districts
liberated from Armenian troops as well as on state borders between
Azerbaijan and Armenia. Legal basis are now being prepared.

Peacekeepers in Karabakh is equal to loss of it, experts

Nevertheless, the news of possible deployment of peacekeepers is
causing concern. Akif Nagi of the Karabakh Liberation Organization
believes the approval of such a bill should not be allowed: "The
possible deployment of peacekeeping forces in Azerbaijan totally
runs against our state interests. We have been saying for a long time
that the stationing of international peacekeeping forces in Nagornyy
Karabakh will be tantamount to the loss of Karabakh. Regrettably,
official Baku consents to this under pressure of international
organizations. In their turn, international organizations want
Nagornyy Karabakh be handed over to Armenians. I think the Azerbaijani
authorities should not allow the deployment of peacekeeping forces
in Nagornyy Karabakh.

"If processes develop in line with this scenario, a proposal may
appear on the agenda under international pressure to grant the right
to the Armenian community of Karabakh through making changes to the
Constitution of Azerbaijan to hold a separate referendum there.

Therefore, I think Azerbaijan should demonstrate to the world that it
is inadmissible for international peacekeeping forces to be stationed
on its territory.

"Peacekeeping forces may only be stationed on the border between
Armenia and Azerbaijan. Because the latter has been subjected to the
Armenian aggression. I recall some members of parliament backing this
position a year ago. However, they have made up their minds under
international pressure now, trying to have peacekeepers stationed
here."

The leader of the Karabakh Liberation Organization thinks that without
involvement of a military peacekeeping contingent, Azerbaijan can
guarantee security of the Nagornyy Karabakh Armenians. This security
guarantee is possible to be determined through international legal
commitments. The amendments and addenda to the law "On involvement in
peacekeeping missions" must be removed from the agenda [of the Milli
Maclis]. This issue can be resolved between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Expert on conflicts Arif Yunus [of the Institute for Peace and
Democracy] considers that the changes expected to be made to the law
are harbingers of preparations for the stationing of peacekeepers
around Nagornyy Karabakh. The expert also suggests that Azerbaijan
should make efforts to prevent it: "There is no doubt that the new
bill aims to make the deployment of peacekeeping forces around Nagornyy
Karabakh a law proceeding from the Madrid Principles.

The stationing of peacekeepers stipulates the cession of Nagornyy
Karabakh from Azerbaijan in return for surrounding districts.

Armenians have repeatedly said that they will return the surrounding
districts. [You should] simply agree to the annexion of Nagornyy
Karabakh. That is to say, surrounding districts will be returned, and
Nagornyy Karabakh would be given a status close to independence. With
such a move, Azerbaijan may lose Nagornyy Karabakh.

And peacekeepers should be stationed around Karabakh to prevent a
war to break out. I have also to stress that the composition of the
peacekeeping forces mean a lot. If a contingent is made up of the
Russian armed forces, it would never be possible to pull it out from
there. Forget about the peacekeepers if they are stationed there. If
there still remains faint hope for the return of Karabakh, one should
get rid of it once peacekeepers are there."

PRESIDENT SARGSYAN MEETS THE MINSK GROUP CO-CHAIRS

armradio.am
06.11.2009 13:43

President Serzh Sargsyan today received the Co-Chairs of the OSCE
Minsk Group, Yuri Merzlyakov (Russia), Bernard Fassier (France),
Robert Bradtke (USA), as well as the Personal Representative of the
OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Andrzej Kasprzyk.

Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian was present at the meeting.

The interlocutors discussed a number of issues related to the
settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict.

The mediators presented the results of their meetings in Baku.

ARMENIAN EXPERT: CHANGE IN RUSSIA’S POLICY MAY LEAD TO RADICAL CHANGES IN KARABAKH PROCESS

ArmInfo
2009-11-05 15:54:00

ArmInfo. Change in Russia’s policy may lead to radical changes in
Karabakh process, Richard Giragosian, director of the Armenian Center
for National and International Studies (ACNIS), said at a seminar in
Yerevan. He said breakthrough in settlement of the Karabakh conflict
may not depend on Yerevan or Baku, OSCE Mink Group or Stepanakert.

Possible change in Russia’s policy from pro-Armenia to neutral
position may influence the process. This will promote relations of
Russia and Azerbaijan. In addition, Russia will hereby demonstrate
to America and Europe that it can cooperate more constructively,
the expert said. He believes that such possible change in Russia’s
policy is the only factor Armenia is not ready for and in such case
Armenia will not have a response or lever of counterbalance.

NEARLY 65,000 NUMBERS HAVE ALREADY BEEN RESERVED IN NETWORK OF NEW MOBILE OPERATOR IN ARMENIA – ORANGE ARMENIA

ArmInfo
2009-11-05 15:48:00

ArmInfo. Nearly 65,000 numbers have already been reserved in the
network of the new mobile operator in Armenia – Orange Armenia. Olaf
Swantee, Vice President of France Telecom, which Orange Armenia belongs
to, said in a press conference devoted to launch of services of Orange
Armenia in Yerevan. Since mid-October preliminary registration of
numbers of the new operator has been available at the website of the
company:

Olaf Swantee says 83% of the population of Armenia in 500
populated areas can use the company’s services. The company has 38
service-centers so far, including 13 in Yerevan. He highlights that
half of the service centers are served not by Orange Armenia, but by
private businessmen on the basis of franchising. The sales network
of the company comprises 1.5 thousand sales points for prepayment
services and 3,000 sales points of scratch cards. President of France
Telecom says the company pledges to provides its clients with all
the possible payment versions, including on-line, via bank transfers
or credit cards, as well as service at the company’s offices. Free
subscriber support number 555 is available 24 hours. Orange Armenia
is the Armenian subsidiary of France Telecom. In November 2008 the
company received a license to provide mobile communication in Armenia
for 15 years.

EX-US STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: SELF-DETERMINATION DOES NOT JUSTIFY SEPARATISM AND USE OF FORCE

news.AZ
Nov 5 2009
Azerbaijan

Richard Armitage News.Az interviews Richard Armitage, former US deputy
secretary of state.

Do you expect any changes in the present US leaders’ approach to
Azerbaijan?

I don’t expect a major change in the relationship between the US
and Azerbaijan.

Is it possible to make progress on the Karabakh settlement in the
near future?

Although progress is possible, I don’t see a rapid resolution.

Do you think that the right to self-determination can justify
separatism and occupation by use of force, as was the case in Karabakh?

No

There is an opinion that Moscow has more power than the US as mediator
in the Karabakh process, because it is closer to Azerbaijan and
Armenia geographically and economically, and has influence over them.

Do you agree?

Moscow may have more influence than the US for the reasons you state
but the question is whether they truly intend to seek a resolution.

What could the great powers (the US, Russia, the EU) do if Azerbaijan
decides to liberate Karabakh by war?

War would not be in the interest of Azerbaijan, as it would inhibit
the economic growth of the country and limit the government’s ability
to develop human capital.

Are you sure that Azerbaijan can play its role in Europe’s energy
security by seeing through Nabucco and other energy projects?

Azerbaijan (and Turkey) have long been at the crossroads of East and
West. I believe that Azerbaijan can play this role with energy… but
also as a transportation hub. The future should be bright.

ARMENIA AND KUWAIT AGREE TO OPEN EMBASSIES

Tert
Nov 5 2009
Armenia

Yesterday, Kuwaiti National Assembly Speaker Jassem Mohammad al-Kharafi
and Kuwaiti Prime Minister Nasser al-Mohammad al-Ahmad al-Sabah
welcomed Armenian President Serzh Sargysan.

During the meeting with the Kuwaiti Prime Minister, issues related
to prospects of economic cooperation between the two countries were
discussed. The parties emphasized that Armenian and Arab people’s
mutual respect and positive feelings are a favourable basis allowing
for cooperation in various sectors and realization of economic and
cultural cooperation in their entirety. Sargsyan emphasized that
Armenia has a positive experience of economic cooperation with Persian
Gulf countries, and if adequate measures are taken and in sequence,
it’s possible to reach the desired results in Armenian-Kuwaiti
economic cooperation.

President Sargsyan proposed to create an intergovernmental commission
in order to implement the agreements reached and develop bilateral
relations on an institutional level. The Armenian president and Kuwaiti
prime minister were of the same opinion that opening embassies in
Armenia and Kuwait will promote further development of relations
and ongoing political dialogue, emphasizing that the small volume
of trade currently between the two countries doesn’t correspond to
its actual potential. The two countries’ foreign ministries were
then assigned to propel consultations on opening embassies in the
two capitals. The parties also arranged to accelerate steps towards
encouraging investments between the two countries and to sign an
agreement on mutual protection.

At the end of the first day of the official visit, Sargsyan also
held negotiations with Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber
al-Sabah.

After the end of the negotiations, President Sargsyan and the Kuwaiti
leader attended the official signing ceremony of the intergovernmental
agreements on cooperation in agriculture, education, culture and
tourism, as well as on exclusion of double taxation and prevention of
tax evasion. Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan and Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh
Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah evaluated the signing of the five
intergovernmental agreements as "a significant result of the Republic
of Armenia president’s official visit and an important step to move
the cooperation between the two countries forward in many directions."