Author: Karabekian Emil

HADISE’S CONCERT WILL NOT BE ORGANIZED IN AZERBAIJAN ANY MORE

APA
Sept 4 2009
Azerbaijan

Baku. Ulkar Gasimova – APA. Azerbaijani public was shocked by
the recent interview of Hadise Acikgoz, Turkey’s representative
in Eurovision-2009, who gave a concert in Baku two months ago,
APA reports.

Hadise said in her interview to Show TV that she supports reopening of
Turkey-Armenia borders and wants to be a "Truce angel" to realize it.

"Armenia and Turkey are brotherly countries, the borders between
the two countries should reopen. I am ready to be a "truce angel"
for this. I have talked to Inga and Anush, they also want to come to
Turkey and give a concert here. Their wish should be realized. Let
the initiator of this truce be music. If Inga and Anush agree, we
will give a concert on October 14," she said.

In Eurovision-2009 in Moscow Hadise said she loved Inga and Anush
and introduced them to the journalists as the "most beautiful girls"
of the contest.

It seems Hadise forgot that Armenia occupied Azerbaijani territories,
committed the most terrible genocide of the century in Khojaly,
killed thousands of civilians, killed 34 Turkish diplomats abroad in
1973-1984, raised the so-called genocide and territorial claims against
Turkey. It seems she also forgot Azerbaijan’s support in Eurovision
and 12 points. With this interview she also demonstrated her "respect"
to Azerbaijani people. Two months ago in Baku Hadise said she loves
Azerbaijani people and is grateful to the Azerbaijanis for her success
in Eurovision. So, these were only words.

Nahid Emiloglu, who organized Hadise’s concert in Azerbaijan, told
APA that he will not organize Hadise’s concert in Baku any more.

"Hadise promised to give a concert, but we refuse to organize this
concert. On my behalf I state that we will not organize Hadise’s
concert in Baku any more," he said.

Hadise appealed to Turkish government and the country’s Football
Federation. She said she wants to give a concert with Inga and Anush
before the football match between Turkey and Armenia in Bursa on
October 14.

TO MAKE TURKEY SAY "NO"

Aysor
Sept 4 2009
Armenia

The records about the development of bilateral relations between the
Armenian and Turkish Republics allow everyone to comment on it in
their way; today said the political scientist Levon Meliq-Shahnazaryan.

"The protocol is unacceptable for us, those imperative verbs "you must,
you have to", starting by them ending with the issue concerning the
boarders are unacceptable. The name of Kars treaty is not mentioned
there but one can see the continuation of the treaty consequences, and
the Kars treaty is an illegal treaty", – mentioned Meliq-Shahnazaryan.

The political scientist Alexander Manasyan mentioned that there is
mentioned indirectly about the Kars treaty when they speak about the
internationally recognized treaties. In the same time he said that
the Karabakh issue is distorted just as the name of Kars treaty is
not mentioned.

"Turkey should think that it is in his interests and Armenia that it
is in its. The document has no relation with the NKR, that’s true,
but I do not exclude that Turkey in the future will use it as a means
of discussing also the NKR issue",- said Manasyan.

Meliq Shahnazaryan is waiting for an activation in the progress of
Karabakh issue and is also sure that Turkey will blackmail and will
make it a lever of depression as a result of which will make depression
over Armenia and Artsakh.

"The one who is gaining a profit should be an expert too, we should
do everything possible for Turkey not to verify this document. The one
who will first say no will lose", – assured the political scientist.

"These type of documents are being written and then the process starts,
we should be flexible. It’s a fight of thoughts", – announced Manasyan.

ABOUT FIFTY ARMENIAN REFUGEE FAMILIES FROM AZERBAIJAN TO BE PROVIDED WITH HOUSING THIS YEAR

ARKA
Sep 3, 2009

YEREVAN, September 3, /ARKA/. About fifty Armenian refugee families
from Azerbaijan will be provided with housing before the end of this
year, Gagik Yeganian, chief of the Migration and Refugees Department
of the Territorial Ministry, said Wednesday.

Speaking at a news conference he said the government has
revised its approach to solution of Azerbaijani refugees’ housing
problem. According to him, no more housing certificates will be given
to them to buy houses.

Now, under a new government decision, this problem will be solved
by allowing refugees living in hostels to privatize the space. This
year this will be allowed to refugees living in hostels on Teryan
and Moldovakan streets in Yerevan.

Gagik Yeganian said the government has allocated this year to this
end 815 million Drams, but added that about 1000 refugee families
need to improve their housing conditions.

According to official figures, over 360,000 Armenian refugees arrived
in Armenia from Azerbaijan in 1988-1992; another 140,000 ethnic
Armenians living in Azerbaijan found refuge in other former Soviet
republics. As of now 80,000 refugees have received Armenian citizenship
upon reaching legal age. According to international organizations’
data, another 120,000 ethnic Armenian refugees from Azerbaijan were
granted other countries’ citizenship.

AZERBAIJANI, ARMENIAN YOUTH AND SPORTS MINISTRIES SIGN AGREEMENT

Today.Az
ty/55219.html
Sept 2 2009
Azerbaijan

Armenia will ensure safety of Azerbaijani judokas in the Youth European
Championship to be held in Yerevan on September 9 to 14.

The agreement was signed between Azerbaijani and Armenian Ministers
of Youth and Sports Azad Rahimov and Armen Grigoryan, Presidents
Azerbaijani and Armenian judo federations Fizuli Alakbarov and Alexan
Avetisyan, as well as members of the European Judo Federation and the
Executive Committee of the European Olympic Committee, the Azerbaijani
Ministry of Youth and Sport said.

The agreement stipulates that Armenia must take serious responsibility
to provide security of Azerbaijani sportsmen since arrival in the
country until departure and to ensure conditions for dissemination
of information and training. The paper said that the Azerbaijani
flag should be present among the flags of other states during the
championship and in case of victory of Azerbaijani sportsmen,
Azerbaijani state flag will be raised and national anthem will
be played.

All participants of the championship will have to listen to the
anthem while standing. Armenia also should ensure free participation
of journalists in the championship accredited with the International
Olympic Committee and provide free access to internet.

PROTOCOL ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA AND THE REPUBLIC OF TURKEY

AZG DAILY
02-09-2009

Armenia-Turkey

The Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey,

Desiring to establish good neighbourly 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 at the same day,

Referring to the obligations 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 of
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 well 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 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 neighbourly 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 the willingness to chart a new pattern and course for their
relations on the basis of common interest, goodwill and in pursuit
of peace, mutual understanding and harmony,

Agree to establish diplomatic relatio nce with the Vienna Convention on
Diplomatic Relations of 1961 and to exchange Diplomatic Missions. This
Protocol and the Protocol on the Development of Bilateral Relations
between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey shall enter
into force on the same day, i.e. on the first day of the first month
following the exchange of the instruments of ratification.

PROTOCOL ON DEVELOPMENT OF RELATIONS BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA AND THE REPUBLIC OF TURKEY

AZG DAILY
02-09-2009

Armenia-Turkey

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, technical, 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 and the BSEC,

Taking into account the common purpose of both States to cooperate for
enhancing regional stability and security for ensuring the 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 the entry
into force of this Protocol,

2. Agree to conduct regular political consultations 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 scientific
examination of the historical records and archives to define existing
problems and formul e 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 compromise separate sub-commissions for the
prompt implementation of the commitments mentioned in operational
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 and elements agreed by both sides for the implementation
of this Protocol are mentioned in the annexed document, which is an
integral part of this Protocol.

This Protocol and the Protocol on the Establishment of Diplomatic
Relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of
Turkey shall enter into force on the same day, i.e. on the first
day of the first month following the exchange of instruments of
ratification. Signed in (place) on (date) in Armenian, Turkish and
English authentic copies in duplicate. In case of divergence of
interpretation, the English text shall prevail. For the Republic of
Armenia For 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 2 month 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 subcommisions, 2 month after the day following
the entry into force of the Protocol on the 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 subcommissions at the ministerial level Within three
month after the entry into force of the Protocol on the 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 subcommissions at the ministerial
level

5. to operate the following subcommissions:

– the subcommission on political consultations

– the subcommission on transport, communications and energy
infrastructure and networks,

– the subcommission on legal matters, t ssion on science and education,

– the subcommission on trade, tourism and economic cooperation,

– the subcommission on environmental issues,

– the subcommission on the historical dimension to implement 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

ARMENIA, TURKEY PREPARE TO OPEN BORDER

Eurasia Insight
ticles/eav090109b.shtml
9/01/09

After 16 years of severed ties, Armenia and Turkey appear to be on
the cusp of re-opening their border and re-establishing diplomatic
relations.

Late on August 31, Turkey, Armenia and mediator Switzerland released
a protocol on Î"×~P£The Establishment of Diplomatic RelationsÎ"×~PÂ¥
that acts as a guideline for Ankara and Yerevan to sign an agreement on
diplomatic recognition. But before pen meets paper, the two countries
must hold internal consultations, according to their respective foreign
ministries. The process is expected to take up to six months. Once
signed, the document will then be subject to legislative approval.

According to a copy of the protocol posted on the Armenian foreign
affairs ministry website, the two countries promise to open their
border within two months of the protocol entering into force.

The document’s bland language glosses over the most contentious issues
between the uneasy neighbors: Turkish recognition of the 1915 Ottoman
Turk slaughter of ethnic Armenians as genocide and disagreement over
the disputed territory of Nagorno Karabakh.

The protocol, however, compels both sides to "implement a discussion
on the historical dimension" and to undertake "an impartial scientific
examination of the historical records and archives to define existing
problems and formulate recommendations."

The document also obliges Ankara and Yerevan to set up an
intergovernmental sub-commissions to advance cooperation on political,
energy, environmental and education issues. A separate sub-commission
will advise on "the historical dimension" with the participation of
"Swiss and other international experts."

Three birds with one stone

02:34 pm | August 28, 2009 | Economy
ran-davtyan

"Generally speaking, tendencies to stability are outlined in the
economy," RA Minister of Finance Tigran Davtyan told a press
conference on August 28.

The Minister of Finance says the country’s economy reacts adequately
to the global economic crisis. The economies of the USA and EU member
states are said to be recovering. This is good news for Armenia as our
economies are interrelated.

Tigran Davtyan anticipates lower economic decline for 2010 (18.5 %
during the first seven months).
The Minister also noted that today the budget deficit mounts to 67 mln
drams forming 4, 7 % of the GDP.

"With the given figures we do not aim to exceed the 7-percent deficit
set by the National Assembly. At the most, the deficit will reach
6-6.5%. Next year the deficit will fall to 5.5%. The figures will keep
dropping year by year reaching 3%," said the Minister.

During the press conference one got the impression that everything is
brilliant in Armenia and "pensions and salaries have been increased by
18% having 18% economic decline in the country."

The crisis has caused social cataclysms throughout the world. The
aftermaths of the global crisis were felt in CIS countries stronger
than in Armenia. "Thanks to our government Armenia didn’t feel the
crisis too strongly. The government took loans in due time and
invested the money in economy with privileged conditions for
businesspeople and manufacturers."

A1+ wondered how Armenia would redeem the loans and when the process
would start. "The government has killed two birds with one stone,"
Mr. Davtyan said in reply. "On the one hand, our government took loans
from financial organizations and invested it in economy. On the other
hand, the executive body gave the loans to economic entities who have
to pay it back to the state."

A journalist observed that the burden of debt repayment lies on
consumers as businesspeople might raise the prices on goods to settle
the debt.

"Here we kill the third bird," said the Minister and added that the
interests on loans are too low to affect the consumer’s budget.

Remind that Armenia’s foreign debt is 3 milliard drams.

Information-Analytic Agency NEWS.am, Armenia
Aug 29 2009

Azerbaijani issue at EBU meeting

13:20 / 08/29/2009At the September 11 meeting in Oslo (Norway),
European Broadcasting Union (EBU) will consider the issue on summoning
Azerbaijani citizens voted for Armenian contestants at
Eurovision-2009, the official website of the contest reads.

Commenting on the matter, EBU Director General Jean Reveillon said
that organization will take into account Azerbaijani side
response. â??However the freedom to vote for any song except
the one of the country where you are watching is one of the
cornerstones of the contest.â?? â??Any breach of
privacy regarding voting, or interrogation of individuals, is totally
unacceptable,â?? DG added.

NEWS.am has already reported that Ministry of National Security of
Azerbaijan (MNS) detects Azerbaijani citizens who voted for Armenia at
Eurovision-2009. 43 Azerbaijani citizens voted for Arshakyan sisters
(Armenian contestants). MNS summoned all the mentioned and had a short
talk of their â?`political correctnessâ??,
â?`ethics’ and other paramount issues Azerbaijani should not
neglect. But all this is done in the light of `national idea and
pride.’

The Armenian Mirror-Spectator, MA
Aug 29 2009

Knights and Daughters of Vartan Hold Grand Convocation in Boston

BOSTON ‘ `Boston Knights Light the Way’ was the theme for the 91st
Knights of Vartan and 69th Daughters of Vartan Grand Convocation held
at the Westin Copley Place Hotel, during the week of June 30 ` July 5,
hosted by Ararat #1 Knights Lodge, Commander Nelson Stepanian, and
Arpie #9 Daughters Otyag (chapter) of Boston and Donna Deranian,
matron.

The Convocation Committee was headed by Robert M. Avakian and a team
of Ararat Lodge and Arpie Otyag members.

Two days of intense business meetings were held separately by the
Knights and Daughters, during which delegates deliberated on various
current issues and election of the officers for the ensuing year. The
Knights reelected Haig K. Deranian as grand commander, Charles
S. Guleserian as vice commander, Jack Medzorian as grand chaplain, Ara
Balikian Esq. as grand secretary, Edward Juskalian as grand treasurer
(new candidate), Sarkis Gennetian as grand master of ceremonies and
Arto Kurkjian as grand sentinel. The Daughters elected a new Grand
Council, replacing the outgoing Grand Council headed by Grand Matron
Anita Arslanian. The new council is headed by Grand Matron Melene
Ouzounian and includes Geraldine Tahajian, Peggy Kalemkarian, Salpy
Adams, Betty Farsakian, Kathy Bedrosian and Rozine Bedoyan.

Awards

The Knights made special recognition awards during its meetings to
honor individual members who demonstrated exemplary service during the
year. These included Antranik Cingoz from San Francisco, who
personally raised over $100,000 from friends and associates all over
the world for the Knights of Vartan Armenia School Support
Project. Also recognized were the efforts of Michael Gulbankian for
his past service on the Armenia Adopt a School Project, James
Kalustian and state Rep. Peter Koutoujian for their efforts in
spearheading the Armenian Heritage Park and Genocide Memorial on
Boston’s Rose Kennedy Greenway.

During the meetings, donations made during the year 2008-09 by the
Knights and Daughters to various Armenian charitable and humanitarian
causes in their local communities and Armenia were reported, totaling
$543,341. The various lodges of the Knights made donations which
totaled $477,094, including $133,916 for the Armenia School Support
Project (matched nine for one by the World Bank) and a container of
medical equipment and supplies for Karabagh valued at $296,500 (this
was the sixth container shipped for a grand total value of $2,500,000
in this effort). The Daughters reported donations of $66,255,
including support of the Fuller program for housing in Armenia.

Armenia School Support Project

In his annual report, the Armenia School Support Committee Chairman
Levon Karakashian pointed out that since its inception in the year
2000, the project has raised $1,937,558, which has been matched by the
World Bank to total $19,375,576 of construction work performed for 187
needy school projects in Armenia. The funds raised by the Knights of
Vartan came from individual lodges, members, non-members and
charitable foundations in the USA and abroad. The members applauded
the work of the committee for their efforts in this flagship program
of the Knights and Daughters of Vartan in serving critical needs of
schools in Armenia.

Reports were also made by committee chairpersons of other programs,
which included the Knights of Vartan Fund for Armenian Studies, the
Knights of Vartan Armenian Research Center at the University of
Michigan and the annual Times Square Armenian Genocide Commemoration
Committee. Also reported was the outstanding progress of the Armenian
Heritage Park and Genocide Memorial on Boston’s Rose Kennedy Greenway,
spearheaded by Knights of Vartan members of the Ararat Lodge #1 in
Boston who initiated the project and united all of the Armenian
organizations in Massachusetts to participate. It was reported that
all approvals are now in hand, final fund raising is in progress and
ground breaking is expected shortly.
LobsterFest

The week was kicked off by various Boston tours and a cocktail
reception hosted by Grand Commander Haig Deranian and outgoing Grand
Matron Anita Arslanian but the first official event was the
LobsterFest, which was held Thursday, June 2, at the site of the USS
Constitution Museum in Charlestown. After music, hors d’oeuvres, tours
of Old Ironsides and a lobster meal, Koutoujian, the evening’s master
of ceremonies, informed the group of the Armenian connection with the
Constitution, based on extensive research done by Dr. Martin
Deranian. In 1905, the Navy proposed using the ship for target
practice, but Armenian immigrant and Boston businessman Moses Gulesian
offered $10,000 to preserve her. Gulesian’s gesture made headlines,
aroused interest, and eventually Congress appropriated funds for
repairs.

The Friday, June 3 event began with an unusual exhibition. The host
lodge Ararat #1 arranged for a special statue display of St. Vartan
Mamigonian. Many photos were taken with the statue and more than a few
were startled when the statue changed position. After the visit with
the living statue, the group moved into the Armenian Cultural and
Educational Center in Watertown, for an evening of Armenian mezza and
dancing to the music of the Johnny Berberian Ensemble.
Grand Banquet

The week of activities was capped by the July 4 Grand Banquet attended
by nearly 300 Knights, Daughters and guests to see presentations to
Man of the Year Hirant Gulian, recognition of the humanitarian work of
Baroness Caroline Cox and scholarship recipient Garine Ashjian, one of
six college student winners throughout the United States and Canada
that the Knights award annually. Deranian addressed the gathering and
underscored the Knights of Vartan New Vision, which was the subject of
workshops and meeting sessions. Deranian stated that `¦the Knights
respect the traditions and beliefs inherent in our heritage, but also
endeavor to pave the way for new ideas in the coming years.’ The
banquet ended just in time for the group to be able to witness the
fireworks after the Boston Pops annual concert.

Grand Commander Haig K. Deranian and seven past grand commanders of
the Knights of Vartan.

Convocation Committee

Upon the conclusion of a busy week, Convocation Chairman Robert
M. Avakian stated, `We take pride in the fact that we just hosted a
huge endeavor for our comrades from across the nation and they had a
great time and went home with fond memories of Boston.’ He added, `We
are especially indebted to the untiring efforts of our convocation
committee members who took responsibility, most for the first time,
for the endless details of the convocation.’ These were Alice
Sahakian, Aram Deirmendjian, Artak Kalenjian, Dr. Charles Nargozian,
David Barber, Donna Deranian, George Elanjian, George Haroutunian,
Gladys and Harold Partamian, Jirair Demirchian, John Peterson, Michael
Guleserian, Nelson Stepanian, Paul Boghosian, Paul Ketchoyian, Helen
and Richard Cherkerzian, Roset Atinizian and Walter Nahabedian.

The 2010 Grand Convocation will be held July 7`10 in Irvine, Calif.

The Knights of Vartan, founded in 1916, is an Armenian fraternal
organization dedicated to the preservation of the rich cultural
heritage of the Armenian people, and encourages its members to assume
leadership roles in cultural, educational, religious and charitable
organizations and activities. The Daughters of Vartan, an affiliated
organization, was formed in 1933. For more information on the Knights
and Daughters of Vartan, visit

http://www.mirrorspectat or.com/2009/08/29/knights-and-daughters-of-vartan- hold-grand-convocation-in-boston/