Author: Karabekian Emil

FORUM 18 NEWS SERVICE, Oslo, Norway

The right to believe, to worship and witness
The right to change one’s belief or religion
The right to join together and express one’s belief

===============================================Tuesday 22 February 2005
NAGORNO-KARABAKH: “INHUMAN” SENTENCE ON RELIGIOUS CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTOR

Jehovah’s Witness Areg Hovhanesyan, has been jailed for four years by a
court in the unrecognised Nagorno-Karabakh republic, for refusing to do
military service – even though he stated that he would do
alternative, non-military, service. Lieutenant-General Seyran Ohanyan, the
Defence Minister, insisted to Forum 18 News Service that “it doesn’t
depend on me – according to our law of Nagorno-Karabakh there is no
alternative service, so they are sentenced in line with the law.” But
General Ohanyan noted that, in individual cases, provision has been made
for religious conscientious objectors to do military service in non-combat
roles. He quoted the case of a Baptist, Gagik Mirzoyan, who refused to
fight in the army despite pressure from the Armenian Apostolic Church’s
military chaplain. “He is now serving (…) without arms and without
swearing the military oath. Otherwise he’s doing everything the other
conscripts do. He’s now content.” Baptist sources, who preferred not
to be identified, confirmed to Forum 18 that Mirzoyan was happy with his
terms of service.

NAGORNO-KARABAKH: “INHUMAN” SENTENCE ON RELIGIOUS CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTOR

By Felix Corley, Forum 18 News Service

Rustam Khachatryan, the lawyer for Jehovah’s Witness Areg Hovhanesyan, has
condemned as “inhuman” the four year sentence handed down on his
client on 16 February by a court in Stepanakert, the capital of the
unrecognised Nagorno-Karabakh republic, for refusing military service on
grounds of his religious faith. “Areg’s family lives very modestly and
to lose their eldest surviving son to prison for such a long time is very
harsh,” Khachatryan told Forum 18 News Service from the Armenian
capital Yerevan on 21 February. “Areg was one of five children, but
one sister and brother were killed during the war over Nagorno-Karabakh in
1992 when a bomb landed on them as they played in the street.” He said
he and Hovhanesyan have not yet decided whether to lodge an appeal.

Hovhanesyan, who is 18 and from a Jehovah’s Witness family in Stepanakert,
told the court he was prepared to do an alternative, non-military service.
But, in the absence of such alternative service in Nagorno-Karabakh, he was
sentenced on 16 February under Article 327 Part 3 of the Nagorno-Karabakh
Criminal Code, which punishes evasion of military service “in
conditions of martial law, in war conditions or during military
actions” with a sentence of between four and eight years.
(Nagorno-Karabakh has adopted the criminal code introduced in Armenia in
2003.) Hovhanesyan was detained after the verdict was announced.

Khachatryan described Judge Stepanyan, who heard the case, as a “good
man”. “He said during the trial that he didn’t want to sentence
Hovhanesyan but had to because of the law.” He also praised the
prosecutor. But Khachatryan insists his client “should never have been
tried on the basis of his faith”. He blames the recent presidential
decree extending the military state in Karabakh until 1 January 2006 which
allowed the heavy sentence to be imposed. Although a ceasefire with
Azerbaijan has been in place since 1994, the conflict over the territory
remains unresolved.

Lieutenant-General Seyran Ohanyan, Defence Minister of the unrecognised
republic, insisted that those who cannot serve in the armed forces on
grounds of conscience have to be dealt with under the law. “It doesn’t
depend on me – according to our law of Nagorno-Karabakh there is no
alternative service, so they are sentenced in line with the law,” he
told Forum 18 from Stepanakert on 21 February. “Those who refuse to
serve in the defence of our homeland are putting our republic at
risk.”

Asked why – given that Nagorno-Karabakh claims to abide by
international human rights norms – Jehovah’s Witnesses and others who
cannot serve in the armed forces could not do alternative civilian service,
for example in hospitals, he responded: “According to international
norms, citizens should have this right, but we’re in a military situation
so we can’t afford to do this. Besides, hospitals here are also considered
military.”

General Ohanyan said that, were Nagorno-Karabakh to allow an alternative
non-military service, the numbers of those wanting to do it would rise. But
he promised to consider the possibility.

He noted that in individual cases, his armed forces have made provision for
believers who cannot fight on grounds of conscience to work within the
military in non-combat roles. He pointed to the case of the young Baptist
Gagik Mirzoyan, who refused to fight after conscription into the army
despite pressure from his commander and the Armenian Apostolic Church’s
military chaplain (see F18News 6 January 2005
). “He is now serving
in Hadrut region without arms and without swearing the military oath,”
Ohanyan told Forum 18. “Otherwise he’s doing everything the other
conscripts do. He’s now content.”

General Ohanyan’s assertion that Mirzoyan was happy with his terms of
service was confirmed by Baptist sources. “He’s serving without
weapons and without the oath – that’s how a Christian should
serve,” one Baptist who preferred not to be identified told Forum 18
on 21 February.

Ohanyan insisted that Mirzoyan – who was called up on 6 December 2004
– had never been beaten while in the hands of the army, despite Baptist
insistence that his unit commander and the chaplain, Fr Petros Yezegyan,
had beaten him on separate occasions in December. “We conducted an
investigation into these allegations and I want to assure you he was never
beaten,” Ohanyan told Forum 18.

Although in earlier years the terms of martial law – renewed annually
since 1992 – included the banning of the activity of “religious sects
and unregistered organisations”, Khachatryan told Forum 18 that the
current martial law decree contains no such ban. Although in recent years
activity by Protestant Christians and Jehovah’s Witnesses has on occasion
been obstructed (see eg. F18News 27 September 2004
), both the Baptists and
the Jehovah’s Witnesses say they can currently meet for worship without
obstruction. “The authorities keep a watch on our activity, but that’s
OK – let them know what we’re up to,” Khachatryan told Forum
18.

A printer-friendly map of the disputed enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh is
available at
;Rootmap=azerba
within the map titled ‘Azerbaijan’.
(END)

© Forum 18 News Service. All rights reserved.

You may reproduce or quote this article provided that credit is given to
F18News

Past and current Forum 18 information can be found at

An interview on Yerkir website

Yerkir/arm
February 18, 2005

The Yerkir weekly website has initiated a series of interviews with
politicians, statesmen, and public leaders. You can ask your
questions, by visiting

On February 5-14, the readers passed their questions to the director
of the Noravank foundation, editor of the XXI Century Journal and
political scientist Gagik Harutiunian. Below you can find an excerpt
from the interview. The full text will be installed on the website on
February 21.

Karakhanian: Do you think the permanent revolutions that seem to
impulse the activities not only in the post-Soviet countries but also
in many other `hot spots’ of the planet, may influence our region, and
namely the upcoming developments in Armenia?

Harutiunian: As you know, the concept of permanent revolutions was
well-implemented in Georgia and Ukraine and by that it already has
influenced Armenia. Note that the notion of `revolution’ has recently
assumed anew, non-traditional implication. The modern permanent
revolutions are quite artificial and their link to wide public support
is quite conventional. And in this respect it is more proper to use
the term of `overthrow.’ This kind of an`overthrow’ is a political
technology, which follows certain geopolitical and geo-ideological
goals. It is noteworthy that being just an overthrow, which results
in change of the non-principal upper elite and re-shuffle of property,
these developments do not positively tell upon the living level of the
bulk population or the prospect of the country’s development. In
addition, such abrupt developments `import in dark colors’ the recent
past, break the succession of development, which is very dangerous
from spiritual and national security prospects. It is characteristic
that a big part of the youth that carried out the `revolution’ in
Georgia has beenleft out of the game. As to Armenia, we must note
that here the situation is very different from Georgia in 2002. I
believe the main difference is that our nation has a rich political
culture, somehow different mentality, which will not let us be take up
non-constructive activities. Of course, there is a number of unsolved
social and economic issues, however, the tendencies and changes are
inspiring. Thus, we can positively say the core social-economic
tension is behind. The authority factor is important. Unlike Armenia,
Kuchma’s and Shevarnadze’ s regimes were demobilized and could not
expose a political will to defend themselves. The lists of comparisons
in favor of Armenia can be continued. The above-mentioned factors are
due but not sufficient to exclude the chance ofa permanent revolution
in Armenia, especially taking into account the huge financial
infusions provided for that event. The public psychological situation
is very important, as well as the factor of skills and abilities of
the youth being employed (which is today a real issue), ideological
unity, etc. There is still much work to be done in thisfield and this
issue deals with the point we laid about informational, psychological
and spiritual security.

Shamil Rashidov, Istanbul, professor on Eastern studies: After the
collapse of the USSR, huge geopolitical changes covered not only the
post-Soviet territory but the whole world. Last century, your country,
like many other not big countries, was sacrifices to the benefits of
bigger states. Do you think this tendency can be repeated, given that
the abilities of small countries are quite limited? Thank you in
advance for an answer.

Harutiunian: Mr. Rashidov, being a professional, You have very
accurately noticed the strong states carry out the geopolitics and
small (sometimes the big ones, too, like it happened to
Austria-Hungary and Ottoman Empires at the beginning of the 20th
century) countries are often sacrificed to their benefits.

In this respect, certain processes still take place. In terms of
complying states to modern geopolitics, (which is also contributed by
your Western colleagues from the USA, like Bertrand Lewis) the Middle
East is undergoingan attempt of re-modification: autonomies are being
set up for all kinds of ethnic and religious groups.

On the example of Iraq, we see that Kurds have gained an autonomy akin
to independence, Shiites and Sunnis are being divided. There are
projects, designed for the whole region. I believe, all this does not
need special comments. I dare express the opinion that these new
geopolitical and geo-ideological challenges increase risks also for
You and do not add to optimism.

At the same time, I have an impression that the Eurasian countries
have recently started more reaching for each other. I see the
aspiration of these countries to rely on their own resources and
finding common benefits with their neighbors. Possibly, this tendency
will help all of us avoid negative scenarios of the future.

MANY FRENCH ARE SCEPTICAL ABOUT TURKEY’S EU BID ACCORDING TO A
POLL BY CSA PUBLISHED

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 18. ARMINFO. Influential Armenian lobby of France
is against Turkey’s accession to the European Union.

French journal Valeurs Actuelles reports, in December, the EU agreed
to begin accession talks with Turkey on Oct. 3, 2005. The EU with this
decision confirmed that Turkey has fulfilled all the requirements
for full-membership including democratization, human rights and
economy. Similarly the racist and anti-Muslim French groups claim
that Turkey is a Muslim country and there is no place in the EU for
the Muslims. Religionist groups in many European countries defend
that the EU is a civilazation project and Christianity is one of the
most important columns.

ARMENIA INTENDS TO START TALKS ON ESTABLISHMENT OF FREE TRADE REGIME
WITH IRAN AND LEBANON IN 2005

PanArmenian News
Feb 19 2005

19.02.2005 15:22

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ In 2005 Armenia intends to start talks over
establishment of a free trade regime with Iran and Lebanon, stated
chief of the Department of Foreign Economic Policy of the Ministry
of Trade and Economic Development of Armenia Garegin Melkonian. In
his words, Armenia has already established such a regime with all
CIS countries, except Azerbaijan. The establishment of a free trade
regime with Iran can facilitate export of jewelry, chemical and
mining production.

Russian FM Discusses Bilateral Ties, Karabakh In Armenia

Radio Free Europe, Czech Rep.
Feb 18 2005

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met with President Robert
Kocharian and other Armenian leaders in Yerevan Thursday on an
official visit which focused on bilateral relations and the unresolved
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

The talks were also aimed at preparing for Russian President Vladimir
Putin’s upcoming visit to Armenia, his country’s main regional ally.

“We expect a very busy year for our partnership and allied
relationship,” Lavrov said at the end of the one-day trip. “We
have to implement agreements reached by the [Russian-Armenian]
inter-governmental commission on economic cooperation last December.
We agreed to accelerate implementation of all issues agreed by the
parties so that our presidents can see … that their decisions are
put into practice.”

“There are no problems in our relations. But because those relations
are constantly developing they need constant attention,” he added.

“We are happy with the results of the visit. I believe that it will
give an additional impetus to our relations,” Oskanian said for
his part.

Kocharian was quoted by his press office as telling Lavrov that
he is satisfied with the current state of bilateral ties and hopes
that Russia will help to lift transport blockades resulting from the
unresolved ethnic conflicts in the South Caucasus.

The most intractable of those conflicts was a major theme of the
talks. “We hope that the so-called Prague process of regular meetings
between the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan will bear
fruit,” Lavrov said. “The co-chairs of the OSCE’s Minsk Group are
ready to foster that. We will do our best to make sure that the
process progresses successfully.”

“Sergei Lavrov is a minister who probably knows more [about the
Karabakh peace process] than I,” Oskanian joked at their joint
news conference, underlining Moscow’s role as a key international
mediator. He announced that his next meeting with Azerbaijani Foreign
Minister Elmar Mammadyarov in Prague will take place on March 2.

Economic issues were another subject of discussions, with Kocharian
and Prime Minister Andranik Markarian again calling on the Russians
to speed up work on reactivating four of five moribund Armenian
enterprises which were handed over to them two years ago in payment
for Armenia’s $100 million debt. Markarian also expressed concern
at Russia’s plans to finance a new railway to Iran that would bypass
Armenia and run through its arch-rival Azerbaijan

Lavrov, who revealed to reporters last year that his father was a
Tbilisi-born Armenian, assured Markarian that “Russia will take into
account Armenia’s interests and will not take any steps that would
damage them,” according to an Armenian government statement.

–Boundary_(ID_1iM+wtAgeYs6DkqCGz1gqg)–

ARMENIA TO APPOINT TRADE REPRESENTATIVES TO USA, EUROPE AND WTO

ArmenPress
Feb 18 2005

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 18, ARMENPRESS: A senior official of the
Armenian trade and economic development said today Armenia will open
this year trade representations in the USA and Europe. Garegin
Melkonian, head of a department for external policy, said the
representations will be attached to Armenian embassies in Washington
and Brussels. He said Armenia will also have a representative in the
World Trade Organizations (WTO).
Melkonian said a great deal of work was done to introduce the
institution of economic attaches with Armenian embassies abroad. The
Armenian law on Diplomatic Service has specified their status and
this was followed by a government decision to establish trade
representations in a number of countries.
Armenia has so far a trade representation in Russia. The 2005
budget has earmarked some $105,000 for creation and maintenance of
trade representations.

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA
—————————————— —-

PRESS AND INFORMATION DEPARTMENT
375010 Telephone: +3741. 544041 ext 202
Fax: +3741. .562543
Email: [email protected]:

PRESS RELEASE

February 16, 2005

Armenia Mourns Lebanon’s Al-Hariri and Other Victims of Beirut Explosion

On 16 February, Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian visited Lebanon’s
Embassy in Yerevan and left a condolence message on the occasion
of tragic demise of former Prime Minister Rafiq Al Hariri in the
Embassy’s condolence book.

On the same day, following the funeral ceremony in Beirut, Armenia’s
Ambassador Areg Hovhanissyan visited the house of the assassinated
Prime Minister Al Hariri and conveyed to his family Armenian
government’s and his personal condolences and sympathies.

PRESS RELEASE

Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V. Rev. Fr. Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
Web:

PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon

Armenian version:

GREAT LENT SEASON SERVICES INITIATED IN ANTELIAS

Antelias, Lebanon – The services to be held during the forty days
of the Great Lent season were initiated by a sunrise service held
on Wednesday, the 9th of February in St. Gregory the Illuminator
Cathedral. The sermons of the coming days will concern issues related
to spiritual and moral reawakening.

In order to further involve the people in the church services, the
Christian Education Department of the Catholicosate of Cilicia had
in the last few years published a book containing the hymns of the
Sunrise and Lenten Vespers services. Two years ago the Catholicosate
also published a book of the Sunrise and Lenten Vespers services
in both archaic and modern Armenian. Thanks to these initiatives,
church attendants have started to participate in the services held
during the Great Lent season.

##

The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates
of the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about
the jurisdiction and the Christian Education activities in both the
Catholicosate and the dioceses, you may refer to the web page of the
Catholicosate, The Cilician Catholicosate, the
administrative center of the church is located in Antelias, Lebanon.

CIS envisions regional inter-state air defense systems

ITAR-TASS News Agency
February 10, 2005 Thursday 4:54 AM Eastern Time

MOSCOW, February 10 — Russia’s Deputy Air Force commander Lt-Gen
Aitech Bizhev said the setting up of regional inter-state air defense
systems is one of the most important directions of the development
of the unified air defense system of the Commonwealth of Independent
States.

Such systems are envisioned for the east European, Central Asian and
Caucasian regions, Bizhev told Itar-Tass on Thursday.

At present, a package of documents to create a unified air defense
system with Belarus has already been coordinated. “It has an important
strategic significance, because such a system will become not only
a factor of deterrence to outside pressure of force, but also help
expand and intensify the mutually beneficial cooperation between the
two friendly states,” he noted.

Speaking about joint combat duty by CIS air defense units, the
General said Russia had organized joint watches with Armenia, Belarus,
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.

“The established system of combat duties allows for boosting the
control and reliability of protection of the air borders, decrease
tensions in the operation of the units on duty, and cut the number
of the radar units of the Russian Air Force involved in combat duty
with the radars on line.

Two billion roubles have been allocated for the development of the
unified CIS air defense system this year, per decision by the prime
ministers of the member-states. The funding for the same purpose only
amounted to 800 million roubles last year, Bizhev said.

Bizhev is taking part in the meeting in the Russian capital marking
the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the unified air defense
system. The meeting is attended by the air defense and air force chiefs
of Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.

“ONE MILLION ARMENIANS WERE KILLED IN TURKEY”

Azg/arm
11 Feb 05

Orhan Pamuk is perhaps the most famous novelist in Turkey today. His
works were translated into various languages. The German publication
of his new book, “The Snow”, caught both German and other foreign
newspapersâ~@~Y attention.

The hubbub around Pamukâ~@~Ys name these days had other reasons as
well besides the books publication. Turkish Hyuriet newspaper touches
on Pamukâ~@~Ys interview to Swiss Tagesanzeiger magazine during which
he underscored the necessity of public discussions over the tragic
events, then added: “30 thousand Kurds and 1 million Armenians were
killed in Turkey. Almost know no one dares speak out of this, and
the nationalists hate me for this”.

By Hakob Chakrian

–Boundary_(ID_SrUW0YYw/BxLWyLAgfP3pg)–