Author: Karagyozian Lena

SOLUTION OF KARABAKH PROBLEM THROUGH PEACE NEGOTIATIONS IS THE ONLY ACCEPTABLE VERSION, OSCE CHAIRMAN-IN-OFFICE SAYS

NOYAN TAPAN
FEBRUARY 17, 2010
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 17, NOYAN TAPAN. Vice Speaker of the RA National
Assembly Arevik Petrosian and representatives of the parliamentary
factions met on February 16 with the delegation headed by OSCE
Chairman-in-Office, State Secretary and Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan
Kanat Saudabayev.

A. Petrosian said that K. Saudabayev’s visit will provide an
opportunity to become acquainted with regional problems on the spot
and discuss numerous issues, which are of mutual interest and are
related to Armenia-OSCE relations. In her words, Armenia attaches
special importance to cooperation with OSCE which assumed an important
role in the Karabakh conflict settlement. She expressed a hope that
during Kazakhstan’s OSCE Chairmanship, steps on peaceful coexistence
and peaceful resolution of the conflicts in the region will be taken.

A. Petrosian expressed a high opinion about the efforts that the OSCE
Minsk Group Co-Chairs make for the peaceful settlement of the Karabakh
conflict. She underlined the Karabakh people’s legitimate demand for
the internationally recognized right of self-determination to form
the basis for the Karabakh conflict settlement.

K. Saudabayev said that the purpose of his visit is to learn the
opinions of Armenian political forces about the Karabakh conflict
settlement because in case of good will and compromise of the conflict
parties, a final solution of the problem is possible, while the
international organizations and the countries concerned about this
problem can only assist with its solution.

According to the press service of the RA National Assembly,
representatives of the NA factions inmformed the OSCE
Chairman-in-Office about opinions regarding the Karabakh conflict
settlement.

In the words of Aram Safarian, Secretary of the Prosperous Armenia
Party (PAP) faction, the Karabakh problem should be solved based on
three internationally recognized principles, with special importance
attached to the right of self-determination.

Head of the ARF faction Vahan Hovhannisian expressed an opinion that
the principle of territorial integrity should be applied in the event
that a country interferes in affairs of another country. However,
if a national and territorial formation within a country seeks a way
to live independently – as in the case of Nagorno Karabakh, then the
principle of self-determination should be applied. V. Hovhannisian
also proposed that the OSCE Chairman-in-Office organize monitoring
of democractic institutions in Nagorno Karabakh which would be the
best step to solve the problem.

Head of Heritage faction Stepan Safarian said that their faction
has a definite viewpoint on conflict resolution: the declaration
of Nagorno Karabakh’s independence is inevitable, which should be
accepted by international subjects. At the current stage, it is
necessary to involve Nagorno Karabakh in the negotiations, otherwise
it is impossible reach the problem’s final solution.

Member of RPA faction Artak Davtian underlined the importance of the
role of Russia and Kazakhstan in the peaceful settlement, expressing
a hope that Kazakhstan will continue to take the same approach during
its chairmanship of the OSCE.

K. Saudabayev stated that the solution of the Karabakh problem
through peace negotiations is the only acceptable version, while the
manifestation of good will by the conflict parties and their readiness
to make a compromise are primary for a successful outcome.

SCR TAKES PART IN TRACECA SESSION

ArmInfo
2010-02-17 11:54:00

ArmInfo. South Caucasus Railway CJSC took part in the session of
TRACECA (Transport Corridor Europe-Caucasus-Asia) held on February
11-14 in Istanbul, Turkey.

Within the frames of the Session, Head of the press service
Vahe Davtyan held a presentation of SCR CJSC in the context of
transformations of the regional and international geopolitical
architecture with introduction of the Company’s missions, its strategic
aims and goals, investment policy for 2010 and key indicators of
activity for 2008-2009. SCR representative introduced the priority
projects being currently implemented by the Company. In particular,
special attention was paid to the project of construction of the
international Logistic Center on the Armenian-Turkish border (Akhuryan
station). V. Davtyan presented the Logistic Center’s business-model to
the audience consisting of representatives of transport agencies and
companies of TRACECA member-states. The model comes to creation of a
subsidiary with the interested party’s share interest. In view of this,
SCR representative offered foreign counterparts to visit Armenia to
discuss the possibility of their participation in the Company projects.

"SCR has formed its financial model till 2038, that indicated
stability and healthy investment climate in the company. We are open
for cooperation and ready to discuss any proposals on participation
of international banks, corporations and other organizations in
implementation of our projects", V. Davtyan said.

To recall, TRACECA is a programme of restoration of the Great Silk
Road. TRACECA was set up at Brussels Conference on May 3, 1993, with
participation of ministers of transport and trade from 8 states:
5 states from Central Asia: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan,
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, and 3 states of the Caucasus region:
Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia.

SCR CJSC is the 100 percent subsidiary of Russian Railways CJSC. In
February 2008 SCR obtained a concession of the state CJSC Armenian
Railway. The agreement of concession of the Armenian Railroad CJSC
for 30 years with a 10-year renewable period was signed in Yerevan
in February 2008.

ARMENIA-TURKEY RELATIONS HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH KARABAKH

Aysor
Feb 16 2010
Armenia

The process of reconciliation and establishment of relations between
Armenia and Turkey have nothing to do with the settlement to the
Karabakh conflict, said at today’s conference President of the
Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, Bako Sahakian.

He said despite the fact that Turkey continues linking the two
processes, "this kind of approach can be justified neither now,
nor in the future."

"Armenia-Turkey relations have no links to the Karabakh conflict. Both
Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh Republic’s governments and leaders
of the international organisations have been declaring this," said
Bako Sahakian.

AZERBAIJAN VOWS TO ACT IF ARMENIAN-FRENCH MILITARY TIES POSE THREAT

APA
Feb 15 2010
Azerbaijan

Baku, 15 February: "If Armenian-French military cooperation poses a
threat to Azerbaijan’s national interests and continues further to
lead to the occupation of our territories, then Azerbaijan will take
relevant measures," Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov
told journalists, according to APA news agency.

He said that any country can establish any ties with another country,
including military ties: "Azerbaijan does not intervene in bilateral
ties between the two countries. However, these ties should not run
counter to Azerbaijan’s national interests."

Armenia and France signed a military cooperation accord during Armenian
Defence Minister Seyran Ohanyan’s visit to France (last week).

ARMENIAN CO-PATRIARCHATE CANDIDATE CULCIYAN IN ISTANBUL

BIA Net
Feb 15 2010
Turkey

Co-patriarchate candidate Sebuy Culciyan visited Istanbul in the
run-up to the elections. Culciyan called for brotherhood and said that
murdered journalist Hrant Dink’s message of dialogue and communication
is being conveyed beyond his death.

15 February 2010, Monday Armenian Apostolic Church Bishop of Gougark
Sebuh Culciyan visited Istanbul in the run-up to the election for
co-patriarchate in coming May. Culciyan said, "The way which was
opened by Hrant Dink is a bridge for communication between our two
countries. We should support this approach and strengthen it".

Culiyan, who came to Turkey for talks with the Armenian community,
mentioned that as a religious person he did not want to meddle with
politics at all. "I want to set up a warm and fruitful dialogue. I
see that there is no trust between upper level politicians of Turkey
and Armenia, but there is trust between the people. People of both
countries come together frequently anyways", Culciyan said.

"They killed Hrant, but could they silence him?"

Culciyan conveyed the prevailing opinion in Armenia that the murder of
Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink was related to the deep state.

"Who can deceive anybody? Let’s wish that Hrant Dink was the last
loss on behalf of democracy and an open society. Nobody can silence
his message because others continue spreading his message".

Hrant’s dream came true Culciyan, who did not have the opportunity
to visit journalist Dink’s grave before, considered it important that
"Hrant Dink’s dream has come true".

During the journalist’s visit to Armenia in 1999, Culciyan took him
to a summer camp built for children at Vanadzor in the county of Lori.

Dink said to him "This was what I dreamt of. You have made my dream
come true".

Both men grew up in the same neighbourhood of Malatya Up to 200
children enjoy education and entertainment in the summer camp every
season. Dink and Culciyan shared more than the camp project: they both
grew up in the same neighbourhood of the south-eastern city of Malatya.

"Let the children love each other. Tomorrow’s youth will have a better
understanding of brotherhood. It was Hrant’s and my dream to invite
50 children from Turkey to the camp and make 50 Armenian children
meet other children in Istanbul".

Culciyan pointed out that there are problems not having been dealt
with or overcome for centuries. He said that the Armenian governments
did not really understand the Armenians’ problems in Turkey before:
"They did not understand the lives we are leading here. They thought
that everything would be finished once the was closed. Meanwhile,
Armenian media can convey a more open approach".

Replying to a question related to a protocol that is pending to
be signed between the two countries Culciayan said, "It seems as
if both countries do not believe what they have achieved till the
present. The problem will be solved more easily if the governments
make a move for the people".

IAN GILLAN, TONY IOMMI GIFT MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS TO GYUMRI SCHOOL

PanARMENIAN.Net
16.02.2010 11:30 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Professional musical instruments from Fender
Musical Instruments Corporation – 4 acoustic guitars of Japanese
Takamine Company and Blackhawk drum kit of American Gretsch Drums
Company were delivered to Yerevan. The musicians also gifted Paiste
Óymbals and Vic Firth drumsticks, provided by John Henrys Ltd. Company.

On October 1, 2009, Ian Gillan and Toni Iommi visited N6 music
school in Gyumri in the framework of Armenia Grateful 2 Rock project,
implemented by Mediamax and Australian Do Something organization.

Harutyun Asatryan, director of the school, which was destroyed during
1988 earthquake and is still hosted in temporary shelters, said in
a talk with the rock stars that the pupils would very much like to
have good guitars and a drum kit.

"We express profound gratitude to these great musicians for their
attention towards Armenian children, who study music in poor
conditions. Almost 5 months have passed since Gillan and Iommi’s
visit to Armenia, but this gift is the evidence of their sincere wish
to help the Armenian school. I also want to thank the musicians’
executive producers Ralph Baker and Phil Banfield, who directly
dealt with acquisition of the instruments," Mediamax Director Ara
Tadevosyan stated.

Ian Gillan’s concerts with the State Philharmonic Orchestra of Armenia
will take place on March 26 and 27. The proceeds from them will be
directed at rebuilding of N6 musical school in Gyumri.

"This is another evidence that these outstanding musicians are friends
of Armenia," Mr. Tadevosyan stated.

He also expressed gratitude to Deputy Head of the Armenian President’s
Staff Vigen Sargsyan for assistance, rendered in transportation of the
musical instruments to Yerevan. Ian Gillan and Tony Iommi’s gift was
conveyed by the aircraft of Armenian President, who visited London
last week. "This is very symbolic, since Rock Aid Armenia/Armenia
Grateful 2 Rock takes place under the patronage of the President," Mr.

Tadevosyan emphasized.

The musical instruments are supposed to be handed over to the school
administration in March, during Ian Gillan’s visit to Yerevan.

VivaCell-MTS is the general sponsor of Ian Gillan’s concerts due
on March 26 and 27 in Yerevan. bmi Airlines is the partner of the
concerts.

THE MAJORITY OF ELIGIBLE MEMBERS OF THE UK PARLIAMENT HAVE RECOGNIZED THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

armradio.am
15.02.2010 14:03

The number of MPs in the House of Commons who have signed motions
(called Early Day Motions) recognizing the 1915 Genocide of Armenians
and Assyrians has passed 250 this week, representing the majority of
all eligible MPs. Of the 646 MPs, only 495 are eligible to express
their own views on these motions, because the other 151 are part of
the government or have other roles which preclude their signatures.

The current Early Day Motion (#287) contains a clause which states::
"This House….condemns unreservedly denial and denigration of the
memory of the Holocaust, as well as of the 1915 Genocide of Armenians
and Assyrians in Turkey, and the politics of hatred and division
which led to these events" and also "….. and calls on hon. Members
to respect Holocaust Memorial Day and to ensure that the Holocaust,
the 1915 Genocide and modern atrocities such as the 1988 Anfal Genocide
are never forgotten"

This UK-wide Recognition of Genocide follows the example of Welsh MPs
in 2006, and 2007, and Scottish and Irish MPs a few weeks ago. Of
the 349 Labour MPs (the ruling party), 225 are eligible and 150
(two third) have signed. The majority of all non-Conservative MPs
have also signed the motion.

Armenia Solidarity Spokesman Eilian Williams said: ". The UK, and the
other countries of the European Union must now accept that Turkey’s
present borders are based on its succesful Genocide of its Armenian
and Assyrian population. The issue of Armenian and Assyrian Churches
and lands which were confiscated by the Turkish State in the 1923
"Law of Abandoned Properties" should be given a high priority, before
any progress is made on Turkey’s accession to the E.U."

Dereyan: Get Ready for the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver

0/dereyan-get-ready-for-the-2010-olympics-in-vanco uver/
By Antranig Dereyan – on February 10, 2010

The clock has been running ever since the end of the 2006 Olympics in
Torino, Italy, but the time is finally here.

On Feb. 12, the world’s athletes will embark on Vancouver, British
Columbia, Canada, for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.

Many nations, mostly those with cold climates, will be participating,
but even nations with warmer weather will be present to do their
collective best and show their skills. Jamaica, Brazil, Uzbekistan,
Ghana, and even Lebanon are sending athletes to compete in numerous
events.

The Republic of Armenia will also be a part of this
once-every-four-years spectacular event, with four athletes competing
in alpine skiing and cross-country skiing in three different
disciplines: sprit, slalom, and giant slalom.

And the athletes’ goals are the same as any other nation’s: make their
country proud, show the world the power of their nation, and win some
medals in the process.

Armenian has experience from 2006, but will look to gain more in 2010.

Kristine Khachatryan, 20, from Gyumri, will be competing in the
cross-country/sprit and 10 km. events.

Ani Matilda Serebrakian, 20, holds residency in Novato, Calif., but is
an Armenian national. She will be competing in the alpine
skiing/slalom and giant slalom events.

Arsen Nersisyan, 22, the most experienced of the four, is from
Tsaghkadzor and will be in the alpine skiing/slalom and giant slalom
events.

Sergey Mikayelyan, 17, the youngest of the group, is from Ashotsk and
will be competing in the cross-country/sprit and 15 km. events.

These four, who finished their qualifications on Jan. 25, won the
right to represent Armenia and will do so with the backing of not just
Armenia, but the world-wide Armenian community.

Aysor, Armenia
Feb 13 2010

Ceremony in honor of Mesrop Mashtots to be held in Armenia

Armenia’s Ministry of Diaspora has declared this year as Year of
Mother Language.

In the framework of the `Our Mother Language, Our Motherland’ program,
aimed at preserving and developing Armenia’s tangible and intangible
heritage, Armenian language, and national identity, the Ministry of
Diaspora will hold a series of special activities involving
representatives of both the state structures and organisations in
Diaspora.

The `Our Mother Language, Our Motherland’ program will launch on
February 15 with opening the `Ceremony of Honor and Oath’. Minister of
Diaspora, Mrs. Hranush Hakobian and other officials and guests will
lay a wreath at the grave of Mesrop Mashtots in Oshakan.

ARMENIAN AND SYRIAN MFA HELD POLITICAL CONSULTATIONS

Foreign Ministry of RA
Feb 9 2010
Armenia

On February 9, the delegation headed by Deputy Foreign Minister of
Armenia Arman Kirakossian was received by Foreign Minister of Syria
Walid Al-Muallem. The Armenian delegation arrived in the Syrian Arab
Republic to hold political consultations between Foreign Ministries of
Armenia and Syria and to participate in the official opening ceremony
of the Office of the Honorary Consul of Armenia in Der-Dzor.

In the course of the meeting the parties discussed a wide range of
issues on Armenian-Syrian bilateral cooperation in political, economic,
educational and cultural areas. Foreign Minister of Syria stressed that
continuous high-level visits would give a new impetus and quality to
the mutually beneficial cooperation between the two friendly countries.

In his turn Deputy Foreign Minister Kirakossian emphasized that
Armenia attaches great importance to the development of comprehensive
relations with Syria and the opening of the Office of Honorary Consul
of Armenia in Der-Dzor is the evidence of that, adding that it will
stimulate the deepening of cooperation in different areas between
Armenia and Syria, particularly with its eastern regions.

On the same day, political consultations between Foreign Ministries
of Armenia and Syria took place at the Syrian MFA.