Author: Kharatian Ani

THE QUESTION IS WHETHER TURKEY WILL IMPLEMENT AGREEMENT WITH FUTURE FREE OR CURRENT NAZI ARMENIA: POLITICAL EXPERT

Today.az
/57546.html
Nov 17 2009
Azerbaijan

Day.Az interview with political expert, Azerbaijan-based Social
Research Fund Director Rashad Rzaguliyev.

Day.Az: Talks around the Turkish-Armenian protocols seem to subside.

Do you think parliaments of these countries will ratify them in
scheduled term?

Rashad Rzaguliyev: Most likely, this is not the most important issue
today. These documents are also likely to be prolonged. It is also
realistic that these documents will be ratified sooner or later. One
can be fully confident of that.

The question is whether the agreement will be implemented between
Turkey and the future Armenia which will be free, purified from false
mythology and engaged in building a honest good-neighborly relations
in the region or current Nazi Armenia.

Q: What was Turkey’s goal while forming a policy of rapprochement with
Armenia? There have been many verisimilar versions in recent months.

What is behind this rapprochement?

A: I agree that there were to many options by foreign and local
political experts. But, I will not dwell on any specific version for
one simple reason.

Any global solution of this kind is always made in secret behind
closed doors. Their real motivation is always hidden. The tenth cause
behind what happens is introduced as the main while principal cause
often remains a mystery.

The world will never know what was the true aim of a historical figure
and his team while taking a decision or will learn about it only after
many decades. Past, present and future key players had and will have a
conceivable reason to hide true motivation of their decisions in a bid
to increase their legitimacy. Today our version of what is happening
is only review of founding mechanisms of the process. No more.

It should be noted that discussions on the Armenian issue in Turkish
society run along with the attempt to solve the Kurdish problem. We
hope very much that the current Turkish government is aware of
tremendous historical responsibility which rests on its shoulders to
future generations.

Q: Are Azerbaijan-Turkey relations likely to deteriorate once the
Turkish parliament ratifies these protocols?

A: At least one should proceed from the fact Turkey’s senior officials
have publicly promised not to give up the problem of Azerbaijan’s
Armenian-occupied territories and not to ratify the document till this
problem is solved. But the brotherhood of the peoples of our states is
inviolable. I am absolutely sure about it. Brothers, unlike friends,
are not chosen.

Q: The Armenian media reported about possible wave of "orange"
revolution and possible overthrow of the current regime in the
country. How real is this forecast?

A: There has been conditions for such a development of events long
ago. There is a real instrument to make "pro-Russian" Armenia a
"pro-Western." However, the matter is quite different.

The history showed that the three countries and three people of the
region can live in peace and harmony in the context of a specific
algorithm given by some third force from outside. There was a single
algorithm during the times of the Russia Empire and the USSR.

Collapse of the union led to destruction of balancing mechanisms in
the region and a war. The mechanisms can be recovered only after a
new system of matrix of coexistence is formed which will be dictated
by force which would take the region under its supervision, to put
it mildly.

Unfortunately, it is truth. Because of inadequate policies carried
out by the current Armenian leadership makes it impossible for our
countries to develop self-balance mechanism.

We are not aware of formats of a global agreement between Russia and
the United States while it is clear that such an agreement exists. It
is enough to draw attention to a significant softening of rhetoric
of the official press of these countries against each other. One can
grasp reality only through some hidden meaning. In this perspective,
it think threat of "color revolution" in Armenia is a powerful resource
of pressure on the leaders of this state.

One thing is clear that existence of pro-Western Georgia, pro-Russian
Armenia and neutral Azerbaijan in the South Caucasus is rather
difficult.

Q: How Azerbaijan’s reaction to ongoing events in the region can
be assessed?

A: Azerbaijan’s stance voiced by President Ilham Aliyev and country’s
foreign office is adequate to the current situation and is largely
based on preventive action. Azerbaijan has a fairly wide space to
manoeuvre in the context of its own national interests. Azerbaijan’s
strategy is designed to maximize the effectiveness of region’s
conclusions from a geopolitical crisis.

SWISS FEDERAL COUNCILOR MICHELINE CALMY-REY: WE VERY MUCH HOPE THAT AZERBAIJANI AND ARMENIAN PRESIDENTS WILL ACHIEVE AN AGREEMENT ON THE KEY PRINCIPLES

APA
Nov 17 2009
Azerbaijan

Helsinki. Kamala Ramazanova – APA. APA’s interview with Swiss Federal
Councilor Micheline Calmy-Rey

– Lady Calmy-Rey, Azerbaijan is holding culture days in Switzerland
right now. Could you get acquainted with Azerbaijan culture, do you
think the development of the relations can influence the expansion
of the cooperation between the two countries?

-The festival culturescape shows an impressing variety of Azerbaijani
culture. I am glad, that there is a possibility for a large public to
get acquainted with your culture now. Myself, I already traveled to
Azerbaijan and had the chance to see Baku personally. Our two cultures
have much in common: Switzerland has traditionally linked the Germanic
North and the Latin South of Europe. Azerbaijan, however, has been a
proverbial bridge between East and West. This is something which is
felt in the work of the artists of both our countries. I am sure, that
the festival culturescape will bring artists of our countries together
and will foster collaboration between Switzerland and Azerbaijan.

– A number of documents, including memorandum of collaboration in the
energy area, have been signed between Azerbaijan and Switzerland. Do
these documents implement the intended collaboration?

– Yes, All the elements of cooperation in the energy field which are
mentioned in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Azerbaijan
and Switzerland in the energy field are supposed to be implemented.

However, I cannot at the moment indicate an exact timeframe for this to
happen. The implementation of the MoU is a dynamic and multi-layered
process. It is currently still in its early stages but Switzerland
is committed to advance it step by step in close cooperation with
our partners from Azerbaijan.

– Switzerland shows interest in importing and delivering Azerbaijan’s
gas to Europe, is it possible to sign any new document in the area?

-In the MoU in the energy field our two countries both expressed
their interest in developing a cooperation and partnership in the
field of the transportation and delivery of natural gas and oil from
the Caspian region to Europe. Again, the operationalization of this
mutual expression of interests is still ongoing. For the time being,
there are no concrete plans with regard to signing a new document
concerning this.

– Neutral Switzerland mediates in the normalization of Turkey
and Armenia relations, is it appropriate mediation to neutrality
principle? In which form mediation will continue in future? Why has
Switzerland been chosen as a mediator in Turkey-Armenia negotiations?

-Neutrality does not mean that we should just stand aside and not care
about what is happening in the world ! It does not mean that we should
abstain from assisting our friends and partners when they ask us to do
so ! To the contrary, our neutrality allows us to be active in such
sensitive situations, where the parties involved know that we are
going to do our best no matter what, in a fair and impartial manner,
without any ulterior motive but to contribute to peace, stability and
human security and development. This is what our humanitarian tradition
and our policy of good offices are all about. And this is exactly why
Turkey and Armenia asked us to mediate their process – because they
knew that they could fully trust us. We are grateful for that trust,
and very happy that we could contribute to this historic process.

– Do you think the normalization of the Turkey -Armenia relations
will contribute to the solution to Nagorno Karabakh conflict?

-The two processes are running in parallel and they should both go
forward as rapidly as their own respective dynamics make it possible.

We support the Minsk Group process, and we are pleased to note that
the negotiations in this framework have been going on intensively
during the last year or so. We very much hope that the forthcoming
meeting between President Aliev and President Sargsyan will again
contribute to further strengthen this positive momentum, and that an
agreement on the key principles will soon be achieved. If anything,
the normalization process between Turkey and Armenia showed that
political courage, genuine commitment and the wisdom to compromise
can bring about remarkable results. The situation in the region is
complex and delicate, but I am convinced that the positive developments
between Turkey and Armenia can and will have a positive influence.

– What will Switzerland do as the mediator if the protocols are not
ratified by the parliaments of the two countries? Is Switzerland
working with the sides for the ratification of the protocols at
present, or the mission of your country has ended with signing of
the protocols?

-The mandate that we received from the parties was to assist them
in coming to an agreement which would allow them to normalize their
relations. This was achieved with the conclusion and then the signing
of the two protocols. Beyond that, Switzerland remains of course in
contact with the parties. We encourage them not to lose the momentum
and to proceed diligently with the ratification process, so that the
implementation of what was agreed can rapidly start. Needless to say,
we fully support this process which, we are convinced, will greatly
benefit both countries, both peoples and eventually the whole region.

We are of course ready, if so requested by the parties, to continue
to be of assistance in this context. All along the "Berne process",
we witnessed a remarkable and unyielding political commitment to move
forward, in spite of all tensions and difficulties. I know that this
commitment is still there, and I very much hope that it will very
soon bear fruits.

ARMENIAN DEFENCE MINISTER: THE PEOPLE OF ARMENIA HAVE NEVER SUFFERED FROM THE SUPERIORITY COMPLEX TO OCCUPY ALIEN SOILS

ArmInfo
2009-11-17 13:35:00

ArmInfo. For thousands of years of their existence the people
of Armenia have never suffered from the superiority complex to
occupy alien soils, Armenian Defence Minister Seyran Ohanyan said
at presentation of the book telling about the military art of the
Armenian army at the bronze century.

‘Perhaps, no country of the world was attacked so may times like
Armenia. At different stages of existence of the Armenian state our
armed forces used to gain bright victories over the enemy, which
was often armed better and its number was bigger. But fighting for
their independence the people of Armenia have never suffered from the
superiority complex to occupy alien soils and oppress other peoples’,
– the minister said.

ELECTIONS OF CHURCH COUNCIL OF THE ARMENIAN CHURCH OF HOLY NAZARETH HELD IN CALCUTTA NOV. 15

/PanARMENIAN.Net/
16.11.2009 14:47 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ November 15 in the office of the Armenian Church of
Holy Nazareth in Calcutta the under the chairmanship of father Khoren
Hovhannisyan, head of the Armenian Humanitarian Seminary elections
of the Church Council passed. Before elections work of Church Council
over the past 4 years was highlighted, as well as financial report.

Election of the Church Council are held every 4 years. 7 members of
church administration were elected. November 16, the first meeting
of the newly elected church council was held.

U.S. EMBASSY DENIES AZERBAIJANI DISINFORMATION

Aysor
Nov 16 2009
Armenia

Some Azerbaijani media outlets spread disinformation that Assistant
Secretary for Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, Philip H.

Gordon, linked process of ratification of Armenian-Turkish protocols
and Karabakh conflict. Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in Armenia denied
these statements that ‘Philip H. Gordon conditioned Armenian-Turkish
protocols’ ratification by regulating process of Karabakh conflict.’

"In fact, Gordon was misunderstood. When asked by journalist in
Turkey, he said: ‘Regarding to Karabakh conflict, you are right –
the Turkish leaders said do not see the ratification without progress
in issue of Karabakh. However, we do not link these processes. These
processes shouldn’t be linked’," told Aysor’s correspondent, U.S.

Embassy’s spokeswoman Taguhi Dzhaukyan.

Fars News Agency, Iran
Nov 15 2009

Iran’s Gas Exports to Armenia Resumed

TEHRAN (FNA)- An Iranian gas official announced that the country has
resumed its gas exports to Armenia after technical problems were
resolved.

"After removal of technical and facility-related problems and also
after Armenia announced its readiness, the exports of gas to the
country were resumed today," Manager of Operation for Transferring
Iran’s Gas in the 8th Zone Valiollah Dini told FNA on Saturday.

He underlined that 1 million cubic meters of natural gas has been
supplied to Armenia from Nourdooz station during the last 24 hours.

The official added that the four gas stations have been prepared for
exporting gas to Armenia.

The eighth zone which launched operation 30 years ago in west of Iran
is dedicated to gas exports.

The Iran-Armenia gas pipeline was inaugurated three years ago by
President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Tert, Armenia
Nov 13 2009

Ter-Petrossian’s Last Speech Bargain Offer to Governing Leadership:
Minasyan
15:31 ¢ 13.11.09

Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF-D) member, MP Artsvik Minasyan,
at a press conference today, referred to first president Levon
Ter-Petrossian’s latest rally, where Ter-Petrossian spoke about the
ARF-D. Minasyan first said that there will probably be a more serious
and more inclusive response to Ter-Petrossian’s rally, after which she
provided her perspective.

`The first president’s last expressed thought is merely a suggestion
for a simple bargain with the governing authorities. I was able to
commend [this] in this way, and it pains me that policy moves toward
weakening, and not strengthening, the opposition. Put in another way,
this is a blow to the opposition, and the opposition is going to
suffer from that blow, and the leadership’s hands are going to be
freer to continue this issue of the Armenian-Turkish process,’ said
the MP.

In Minasyan’s opinion, with his rally, Ter-Petrossian, as always,
declared the Armenian Revolutionary Federation and supporters of the
Armenian Cause (`Hay Dat’), in general, a fundamental target. `That’s
his problem and the problem of those individuals who have welcomed
this denationalized policy. Evident here is one thing: Hay Dat’s
ideology doesn’t have another option,’ noted the ARF-D member.

Referring to Armenia-Turkey relations, Minasyan noticed that these
relations aren’t taking a break, they’re just simply experiencing a
certain sluggish period. The MP stated that they’re `not passive,’ and
that, during this time, they are activating the provinces’ (marzer)
population, who receive exclusive one-sided news from official
`preachers.’

ARMENIA GETTING READY TO OPEN TURKISH-ARMENIAN RAILWAYS

The Messenger
Nov 13 2009
Georgia

Minister of Transport of Armenia Gurgen Sarkisian stated on November
11 that Armenia is ready to begin cross-border railway transport as
soon as the border with Turkey is opened. Rehabilitation of motorways
is also being undertaken.

The main problem in connecting the two railways is the width of the
track. Armenia uses Russian standard gauge but Turkey’s track is
European standard gauge. Russian gauge is a bit wider, so there are
two solutions: either the trains’ wheel axles should be changed in
Armenia or transported cargo should be reloaded into Turkish carriages.

It is also being suggested that Armenia will buy 120 railway carriages.

COLUMNIST WRITES HUMANISTIC ADAPTATION OF ATATURK ADDRESS, RECEIVES HATE MAIL

Tert
Nov 12 2009
Armenia

Columnist of Turkish daily Taraf Sevan Nshanyan (NiÅ~_anyan), who
wrote a humanistic adaptation of Ataturk’s "Address to Turkish Youth,"
a patriotic speech calling on young people to protect their country
at all costs, published e-mails received from irate nationalists
and filled with threats and vulgar language in his column yesterday,
Today Zaman’s reports.

In his adaptation, Nshanyan replaced the first sentence of the address,
"Your first duty is to preserve and to defend Turkish Independence
and the Turkish Republic forever," with "Your first duty is to be a
human being."

"This is the very foundation of your existence and your future. This
foundation is your most precious treasure. In the future, too,
there may be malevolent people at home and abroad, who will wish to
deprive you of this treasure" in the original was changed to "The
very foundation of being human is love toward other human beings. All
through your life, you shall consider it a duty for yourself to teach
beauty, reason and justice to people. If you have knowledge, you will
share it without expecting anything in return." The rest of Nshanyan’s
adaptation was a treatise on the equality of all human beings.

However, the backlash from some among Turkish youth was
spine-chilling. "We will make you write the correct version of the
‘Address to Youth’ with your own blood. … I’ll kill you like that
Hrant Dink dog," said one of the messages, most of which is not
suitable for reproduction here.

One such message was the sender’s own adaptation, "Turkish Youth! Your
primary duty is to adopt as a principle to wipe from the earth for the
sake of Turkishness and humanity the Armenians and Kurds, that champion
enmity against Turks and which are the most debased nations on earth."

INTERPOL PREPARING FOR OPENING OF ARMENIAN-TURKISH BORDER

PanARMENIAN.Net
12.11.2009 13:54 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ National Central Bureau of Interpol in Armenia
is preparing for opening of the Armenian-Turkish border, fearing of
possible intensification of drug traffic and terrorism.

"The priority task is close cooperation with all Armenian customs
points and their access to Interpol database," said police colonel
Vardan Eghiazaryan, head of National Central Bureau of Interpol in
Armenia. "As far as I know, the Armenian government is developing a
program, with our action plan as a part of it."