Author: Karabekian Emil

fisk/robert-fisk-will-obama-honour-pledge-on-genoc ide-of-armenians-1663403.html

Robert Fisk: Will Obama honour pledge on genocide of Armenians?

The Independent & The Independent on Sunday

World Focus

Monday, 6 April 2009

It’s all supposed to be about campaign promises. Didn’t Barack Obama
promise to deliver an address from a "Muslim capital" in his first 100
days? It’s got to be in a safe, moderate country, of course, but where
better than Mustafa Kemal Ataturk’s secular/Islamist nation of Turkey,
whose rulers talk to Syria as well as Israel, Iran as well as Iraq?
But when the Obama cavalcade turned up in the heart of the old Ottoman
Empire last night, he and all his panjandrums were praying that he did
not have to use the "G" word.

The "G" word? Well, if it doesn’t trip him up in Turkey today, Mr
Obama is going to have to walk into a far worse minefield on 24 April
when he has to honour another campaign promise: to call the 1915
massacre of 1,500,000 Armenian Christians by Ottoman Turkey a
"genocide". Presidents Clinton and Bush jnr made the same pledge in
return for Armenian votes, then broke their solemn promise when
Turkish generals threatened to cut access to their airbases and major
US-Turkish business deals after they were in office.

This is no mere academic backwater into which Mr Obama must step but a
dangerous confrontation with the truth of history, an explosive swamp
of bones and old photographs – along with a few still-living survivors
– through which he must either walk with dignity or retreat with
shame; and the entire Middle East will be watching the results. For
the Palestinians – most of whom, ironically, are Sunni Muslims, the
same religion as the Ottoman Turkish murderers – it is a crucial
issue. For if Mr Obama cannot risk offending America’s Turkish allies
about a 94-year-old persecution, what chance is there that he will
risk offending America’s even more powerful ally, Israel, by
condemning the Israeli occupation of Palestinian land, the
ever-growing illegal Jewish settlements on the West Bank and the
constant destruction by Israel of Palestinian homes that prevent the
creation of a Palestinian state?

Starting on 24 April 1915, Enver Pasha’s Turkish army and militias
rounded up almost the entire Armenian community, massacred hundreds of
thousands of men and sent vast death marches of women and children
into the deserts of Anatolia and what is now northern Syria. Expert
historians, including Israel’s own top genocide academic, insist that
the shooting-pits, the organised throat-cutting, the mass rapes and
kidnappings – even the use of primitive suffocation chambers – all
constituted a systematic genocide.

And it is important to record exactly what Mr Obama said on his
campaign website in January 2008. "The Armenian genocide is not an
allegation, a personal opinion, or a point of view, but rather a
widely documented fact supported by an overwhelming body of historical
evidence. America deserves a leader who speaks truthfully about the
Armenian genocide and responds forcefully to all genocides. I intend
to be that president." Which pretty much locks up any attempt to
wriggle out of the promise. Or so you would think.

But already the administration’s soft shoes have been trying to
finesse away the pledge. "At this moment," Mike Hammer, a White House
National Security Council spokesman, said last month, "our focus is on
how, moving forward, the US can help Turkey and Armenia work together
to come to terms with the past". That Mr Obama should allow such a
statement to be made, along with the usual weasel clichés about
"moving forward" and "coming to terms", speaks volumes.

Neither the Palestinians nor the Arabs in general have tried to – or
should – compare the 1915 slaughter with Israel’s treatment of the
Palestinians, but there are some faint historical mirrors which
rightly worry them. The Turks allege that they began killing Armenians
in the city of Van because Armenian insurgents, backed by a regional
superpower, in this case, Tsarist Russia, attacked the Turks of
eastern Anatolia. Israel claims it bombarded Gaza last December and
January because Palestinian "terrorists", backed by a regional
superpower – Iran – fired rockets at Israelis.

The political parallels are not exact, of course, but Israel can in
any case scarcely debate them when it officially refuses to
acknowledge the Armenian genocide in the first place.

But for Mr Obama, there are more pressing points. US and Turkish
officials are already discussing how Ankara can help in a US military
withdrawal from Iraq, and Mr Obama desperately wants Turkey to help
open up the Muslim world to his government to staunch the massive
wounds the Bush administration inflicted.

NUMBER OF GAS CONSUMERS INCREASED IN ARMENIA

PanARMENIAN.Net
03.04.2009 16:51 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ As of Apr. 1, 2009, 578553 subscribers are connected
to RA gas network.

Gas consumers’ number increased by 1178, ArmRosgazprom Press Service
reported.

ArmRosGazprom CJSC has monopoly rights for supply and distribution
of Russian natural gas on the Armenian market.

The company was founded in 1997. Gazprom Public Corporation authorized
capital share comprises 80%. Armenian Government holds 20% of capital
share.

ACHIEVEMENT OF THE FINAL SETTLEMENT OF THE CONFLICT AND STABLE PEACE IS IMPOSSIBLE WITHOUT TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE POSITION OF NAGORNO KARABAKH

conflict-12/
2009/04/02|16:36

Politics

NKR Foreign Minister Georgy Petrossian’s answers to the mass media
questions

These days, in a conversation with a BBC correspondent, a
representative of the Azerbaijani MFA stated that the status of
Nagorno Karabakh can be discussed only after the liberation of some
territories and return of the Azerbaijanis to Nagorno Karabakh. What
is the NKR position on this issue?

This discourse reflects the traditional approach of the Azerbaijani
policy on misinterpretation of the grounds, core, and consequences
of the Azerbaijani-Karabakh conflict.

We believe that for creating a basis for the final settlement of the
Azerbaijani-Karabakh conflict and establishing stable peace in the
region, first of all, achievement of mutual recognition of the Nagorno
Karabakh Republic and the Azerbaijani Republic, as well as mutual
rejection of any attempts of a military solution to the conflict
is needed. Mutual recognition of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic and
Azerbaijan and rejection of any war gamble should become the start
point of the negotiations and not the final.

This approach will allow to create favorable conditions for solving
the most complicated issues: territories, refugees, and borders. They
must be mutual and brought into step with the course of the peace
process. The key issue among the noted ones is the issue of the
Armenian refugees from the former Azerbaijani Soviet Socialist
Republic. Exclusion of the Armenian refugees from the context of the
Azerbaijani-Karabakh conflict settlement, suppression of their legal
rights is a way to nowhere. Without solving the issue of the Armenian
refugees from the Azerbaijani SSR, solution of the issue of any other
refugees or some other issues is impossible.

At a public meeting in Vienna on supporting the peaceful settlement
of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, with the participation of public
representatives from Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Nagorno Karabakh, OSCE
Minsk Group Co-Chairman from France Bernard Fassier stated that "a new
war can be initiated both by the recognition of Nagorno Karabakh as an
independent state, which isn’t done even by Armenia, and any attempt
of unconditional return of this territory to Azerbaijan". What is your
assessment of the discourse of the OSCE MG Co-Chairman from France?

We flatly reject the statement that a new war can be initiated also
by the recognition of Nagorno Karabakh as an independent state. A
new war can be initiated by the tolerance of the world policy centers
towards the warmonger, leading to an ironic situation that the direct
threats to peace by official Baku, in fact, don’t result in tangible
political or legal responsibility. This policy will only strengthen
the Azerbaijani elite’s conviction of its own impunity, which is just
the basic threat to the regional peace.

In due time, Azerbaijan’s aggression against the Nagorno Karabakh
Republic became, in a greater extend, possible due to the international
community’s recognition in 1991-1992 the right of Azerbaijan to
independence and non-recognition of the similar right of Nagorno
Karabakh, although the Nagorno Karabakh Republic and the Azerbaijani
Republic were formed from the former Azerbaijani SSR, basing on
general principles of law.

Continuation of this policy and especially any opposition to the
recognition of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic represent a serious
threat to peace and stability in the region, as they encourage the
Azerbaijani party for false imagination that they can get away with
a new war gamble.

In this regard, we consider it important to emphasize that the world
policy centers’ refusal of the formula of "parity approach" to the
parties’ actions will not only allow strengthening our confidence
of their ability to fairly and impartially assess the situation, but
will also become a guarantee for progress in the negotiation process.

The OSCE MG Co-Chairman also stated that "the most real option now
is to return the Azerbaijani territories under the current control
of the Armenian armed forces, to specify a medium status for Nagorno
Karabakh, with consideration of its security guarantees, which would
be acceptable both for Baku and Yerevan. The second part of the issue
is not solvable now, and the self-determination of the people of
Nagorno Karabakh is possible only in 5 or 10 or 15 years, after the
Azerbaijani community’s return to the region". How will you comment
on this position?

Mr. Fassier voiced the elements of the so-called "basic principles",
which the OSCE MG proposes for consideration of the Armenian and
Azerbaijani Presidents. The consultations between Armenia and
Azerbaijan on these principles take place on the formula "nothing
is agreed and solved until everything is agreed and solved". Due to
this, it seems untimely to comment now on the functional elements of
these consultations, which may not get their final shape introduced
by the mediators. Consequently, when the consultations give specific
results, then we’ll assess if they are acceptable for our people or
if they are generally realizable, because achievement of the final
settlement of the conflict and stable peace is impossible without
taking into consideration the position of Nagorno Karabakh.

AFTER AUGUST WAR IN GEORGIA AZERBAIJAN UNLIKELY TO UNLEASH NEW WAR AGAINST NAGORNY KARABAKH: LOCAL EXPERT

ArmInfo
2009-04-01 16:52:00

ArmInfo. ‘After August War in Georgia Azerbaijan is unlikely to
unleash new war against Nagorny Karabakh Republic without consent of
the super powers having interests in the South Caucasus: the USA,
Turkey, France, Great Britain’, Karapet Kalenchyan, Administrative
Officer of the Armenian Center for National and International Studies
(ACNIS) told media Wednesday.

‘In this context, Iran should not be ignored. Even if Azerbaijan
enlists the support of the above states, which is practically
impossible, Baku will have to think well before attacking the Armenian
republics reckoning with the grave experience of Georgia’, he said.

Kalenchyan said that once Saakashvili enlisted the US support to
launch military actions against South Ossetia. Developments in the
region show that both the USA and Russia sacrificed Georgia like a
passed pawn to strengthen their positions in the region.

‘These states may easily sacrifice also the interests of Armenia
in future.

So, Armenia should wage more competent, clear and unambiguous policy
asserting national interests. It is possible only when the country’s
leadership relies on own people not seeking support from outside,
which is never disinterested’, Kalenchyan said.

ARS CENTENNIAL BECOMES A GALA EXTRAVAGANZA
By Tom Vartabedian

4/01/ars-centennial-becomes-a-gala-extravaganza
Ap ril 1, 2009

In what was a memorable night to a century of service, the Armenian
Relief Society’s Eastern Region kicked off the first of what is
expected to become many testimonies across the country and throughout
the world leading into 2010.

Even founder Khatchadoor Maloomian (Agnouni) would have been proud
to see where his organization has transgressed over these 10 decades
to one which envelopes 223 chapters in 26 countries.

But this evening-March 28-belonged to the Eastern Region and its
33 chapters representing some 1,200 members. Of these, 113 hold
venerable status with 50 or more years service. A dozen of them were
in attendance, despite their advanced ages, including Helen Parnagian
from the California "Anahid" Chapter.

Herand Markarian, serving as master of ceremonies, called them "the
torchbearers of this organization."

"It is you who have given your blood, sweat and tears to the ARS,"
he said emphatically. "You have given credibility to this wonderful
organization. We commend you all."

Of the 180 guests attending, more than half represented
membership. Many of their stories were included in a striking
centennial book that was the size of a telephone directory.

Also distributed to guests were wooden bookmarks containing the
Armenian alphabet with a painting of Mount Ararat and the H.O.M. (ARS)
seal.

Eighty-year-old Lousin Der Ohanesian Sarian stood proud as a member of
the New Jersey "Agnouni" Chapter for six decades. When a tear rolled
down her cheek, it was one of joy, not sadness.

"This is for all the predecessors who came before me," she said. "No
organization can succeed without sacrifice and loyalty. What I’ve
done for this organization has repaid me with my proud heritage. The
ARS has been my life, my heart, and my soul."

She was 19 when her mother Yepros showed her the way. Four daughters
and six grandchildren all proceeded to the Hovnanian School in
New Jersey.

This octogenarian still attends meetings regularly.

"I’m very thankful to see this day," she brought out. "To those who
come after me, may the future remain bright."

The centennial was a testament to a small group of committee members
who began work on this milestone two years ago under the leadership
of Angele Manoogian.

Most all of it was done by phone with conference calls. Fifteen voices
ringing simultaneously was mind-boggling at times but decisions were
made and tasks implemented. For them, it became just another mission.

"The ARS gave many of us a new life in the new world," said Manoogian,
who was instrumental in making the event a success. "It’s kept our
generations Armenian, survived turbulence and change, and managed to
perpetuate itself with a vitality and spirit that can only be admired."

Manoogian applauded the fundraising efforts behind this-a healthy
$250,000-which will serve as a base toward a $1 million goal. Over
the next year, other chapters will be encouraged to hold centennial
galas to help finance many of these ARS charities both here and abroad.

The Mid-Atlantic celebration can thank Sonia Bezdikian and her
committee for making it possible. Most were from the New York-New
Jersey area who gathered on the 20th floor of the posh Yale Club in
downtown Manhattan under the stars.

Why New York?

It’s where the ARS official launched its mission. New York represents
the birthplace of the ARS.

"We’ve worked diligently, not only to assure a memorable evening
but to assist the ARS international body in its quest to establish a
strong financial foundation through its Centennial Endowment Fund,"
Bezdikian brought out.

"Our efforts are in honor and memory of the strong and talented
Armenian women who blazed the path for us to follow."

The evening opened with His Grace Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan offering
invocation, along with appropriate words of commendation. The prelate
had a most busy day, presiding over the conference of trustees and
NRA delegates in Worcester before heading to New York.

Thanks to the ARS, Archbishop Choloyan was able to pursue his
theological studies. He wasted no time in divulging that fact and
expressing his gratitude.

"The Armenian Relief Society must be commended for fostering a spirit
of good fellowship and high ethical standards over these 100 years,"
he said. "We must build upon the strengths of the past to promote
an equally viable future. The ARS has represented the golden chain
which has tied us together as a single family."

With that, a litany of speakers approached the podium with messages
of their own, all appropriate, reflective, and motivational in content.

Markarian lifted his glass and called for a collective toast.

"In the midst of turmoil, we need the ARS to continue bonding
collectivity. Long live longevity," he rejoiced.

Soloist Hooshere Bezdikian Kaligian stirred the gathering with the
national anthems of America, Armenia, and the ARS.

In representing the ARS Central Executive as its chairwoman, Vicky
Marashlian called for a renewed commitment, a continued standard of
excellence, and the ability to keep pace with the modern world.

"By modernizing our structures, our activities as a consultative member
of the United Nations Economic and Social Committee will become more
effective in international circles," she noted.

"The ARS is an organization that was born of the many tragedies and
countless needs of our nation, sustained by our people’s solid moral
and material support."

Marashlian said during the coming months, scattered communities
throughout the Americas, Europe, Australia, Armenia, and elsewhere will
assemble in halls like these to honor 10 decades of continuous service.

"The ARS mission is not a temporary phenomenon," she emphasized,
"but a movement that keeps pace with the destiny of our nation."

The mission she describes is one bred from indulgence. It’s
survived depression and repression, changing habits of members, and
evolution. And it involves everything from a new birthing center
in Akhurian, Armenia, orphanages, schools, and child sponsorships
to scholarships, internships, stewardships, immigrant support and a
number of other humanitarian deeds.

Knarik Kiledjian, chairwoman of the ARS Eastern Regional, was equally
as emphatic in her message. She began by commending the mothers and
grandmothers who paved the way for generations that followed.

"Carry the torch and continue the challenge," she said. "We’ve remained
true to our name, our mission, and our nation. Our milestones have
been a source of inspiration for others to follow. As we stand on
the verge of a second century, we can be proud of our achievements
while acknowledging our challenges. The ARS will always serve the
humanitarian deeds of the Armenian people."

Eastern Region treasurer Ani Attar, in representing the Board of
Directors, gave a personal reflection highlighting her 23 years as a
member, what it did for herself, her family, and the ungerouhis she
so diligently served.

"We honor those who worked tirelessly under the most difficult
circumstances to make sure the Armenian people were nurtured and
educated properly," she maintained. "And we thank all the benefactors
who have stepped to the forefront in support of our missions. Most
of all, we extend our gratitude to the predecessors who built and
shaped the ARS into a solid institution."

"For those willing to join, there is nothing more rewarding than to
help your community through the ARS," she resumed.

A 15-minute video on ARS history provided a hiatus from the speakers,
after which Armen Martirossian, ambassador and permanent representative
of Armenia to the United Nations, was introduced.

"The work being done both here and in Armenia has been a model of
inspiration for all to acknowledge," he said. "It’s allowed us to live
in peace and security, given our people a destination, and stimulated
our very existence. Crisis has been met and basic services must be
continued and strengthened."

The keynote speaker was U.S. Congresswoman Anna G. Eshoo, who made
the trip cross-country from California to attend. The noted legislator
has long been a supporter of Armenian issues, more notably a genocide
resolution, and pledged her support to get America aboard. Being of
Armenian descent makes her a worthy candidate.

Eshoo said the time is ripe for President Barack Obama to sign a bill
that will bring recognition to the genocide and promote the wellbeing
of people everywhere.

"Deny the truth and you sanction a lie, you strengthen barbarism,
you give aid and comfort, even encouragement to the most evil among
us," she said. "Face up to the truth and you heal the wounds and you
unleash that most powerful of human qualities-the power of forgiveness
and the freedom to move forward together."

ANY CHANCE OF NAGORNO-KARABAKH CONFLICT"S RESOLUTION BY MILITARY WAYS MUST BE EXCLUDED: GERMAN MINISTER OF STATE

Journal of Turkish Weekly
March 30 2009

Any chance of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict’s resolution by military
ways must be excluded, Minister of State at the Federal Foreign Office
Gernot Erler said.

"German government is assisting with the resolution of the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Our efforts are focused on assisting with
[conflict’s] resolution," Novosti-Armenia quoted Erler as saying at
a press conference in Yerevan.

Minister of State at the Federal Foreign Office of Germany Gernot
Erler’s visit to Armenia will last from March 29 to 31. Erler is
expected to meet with Armenian President Serzh Sarkisyan, Speaker
Ovik Abramyan and Vice Speaker and Armenia-Germany MP Group chair
Arevik Petrosyan.

He said the efforts based on international law such as territorial
integrity and right to self-determination have not yielded results
yet. The talks need "more practical approaches" aiming to eliminate
differences and reaching agreement.

Compromise must be reached in the talks to resolve the conflict,
Erler said. He said he will make his proposals regarding conflict’s
resolution during his visit.

"Though we say talks between presidents are effective, the public must
be ready for compromise. Populism and propaganda is out of question
here. One should think about peace in the region, its future and
possess political will to assume this responsibility," he said.

ALL ISSUES WILL BE DECIDED IN THE NEAR FUTURE

A1+
06:02 pm | March 30, 2009

Politics

The Armenian National Congress today convened a sitting to discuss
issues related to the upcoming election of the Elders’ quorum. During
the sitting HAK’s regional structures received definite assignments
and got acquainted with the preparatory work.

In reply to A1+’s question whether it is already decided who will head
the central pre-election office, HAK’s Spokesman Arman Musinyan said:
"All issues will be clarified during a forthcoming sitting."

Asked whether anyone was displeased with HAK’s electoral list,
Musinyan answered in the negative. Out of 167 members only three
sounded displeased with the list among them Leader of the Marxist
Party David Hakobyan and Norik Norikyan.

SteelGuru, India
March 28 2009

Iran to Armenia oil pipeline construction work begins

IRNA cited Mr Armen Movsisyan minister of energy and Natural Resources
of Armenian as saying that Iran to Armenia oil pipeline construction
work has begun.

Mr Movsisyan in a press conference in Yerevan declared beginning of
construction work of the pipeline and said that the pipeline will
transfer oil products such as gasoline and gas from Tabriz refinery to
Armenia.

Iran and Armenia reached a primary agreement on construction of a 300
kilometer pipeline from Iranian northwestern city of Tabriz to the
border city of Mughri, in Armenia in 2007.

Mr Movsisyan estimated the construction expenditure about USD 240
million which will be paid by Iran in the form of a loan.

YEREVAN WILL HOST "ARMENIA THROUGH THE EYES OF HENRIK SIRAVYAN" EXHIBITION

PanARMENIAN.Net
26.03.2009 22:02 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Drawings of RA Honored Artist Henrik Siravyan
portrayed the rich and colorful nature of Armenia. His works can he
found in museums of Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kiev, Yerevan and many
foreign private collections. "Armenia through the eyes of Henrik
Siravyan" exhibition to commemorate the 80th jubilee of the artist
will launch in Armenian Artists’ Union.

The exhibition will feature over 100 watercolor and oil paintings
and graphical works.

Henrik Siravyan (1928-2001) graduated from Yerevan State Institute
of Fine Arts, Department of Painting. Siravyan worked in Martiros
Saryan’s studio from 1958 to 1966. Together they worked on picture
"Armenia" in Sundukyan Theater and on triptych stained-glass window
"Armenia" in Small Philharmonic Hall. Since 1956 he has been member
of Armenian Artists’ Union. From 1974 to 1986 his works adorned
national exhibitions in Lagos, Buenos Aires, Los Angeles, Zagreb,
Delhi, Barcelona, Paris and Montreal.

RUSSIA TO CONTRIBUTE $7.5 BLN TO EURASEC ANTI-CRISIS FUND

RIA Novosti
22:01 | 25/ 03/ 2009
UN

Russia will contribute $7.5 billion to the anti-crisis fund of the
Eurasian Economic Community (Eurasec), a senior diplomat said on
Wednesday.

"Despite the ongoing financial and economic crisis, which has also
affected Russia, we confirm our commitment to provide assistance to
developing nations," First Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Denisov said.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said in early February that Moscow
would run the anti-crisis fund that Eurasec member states agreed to
set up at a recent summit in Moscow.

The $10 billion fund is being established to counter problems in
economies and financial markets of Eurasec member states.

The Eurasian Economic Community, established in 2000, comprises
Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan. Three other
former Soviet republics – Armenia, Moldova and Ukraine – have observer
status.