Author: Nahapetian Lilit

RIGHT-WING PARTY DEFIANT ON THORNY ISSUES

Hurriyet Daily News
Sept 10 2009
Turkey

Thursday, September 10, 2009 Vercihan Ziflioglu YEREVAN – Hurriyet
Daily News

Turkey wants Armenia to change its stance on thorny issues, such as
the long-standing Nagorno-Karabakh dispute and ‘genocide’ issues,
says a top official from a right wing Armenian party, adding they will
not make concessions on these topics. Without progress on Karabakh,
borders will not be opened, he adds

While giving tacit support to normalization talks between Turkey and
Armenia, a senior Armenian right wing official said his party would
not make concessions on the long-standing territorial dispute over
self-proclaimed Nagorno-Karabakh region or the alleged "genocide"
issue.

"Despite the fact that no Turkish preconditions were mentioned in
the protocols, Turkey still has them. The Turkish government wants
Armenia to backpedal on the Nagorno-Karabakh dispute and the genocide
issue," said Levon Lazarian, member of the Armenian Revolutionary
Federation, or Dashnaktsutyun, and former deputy foreign minister
during the administration of Armenia’s second President Robert
Kocharyan. Dashnaktsutyun left Armenia’s governing coalition in April
in protest over the talks with Ankara.

Turkey and Armenia agreed on steps toward establishing full diplomatic
ties for the first time between the neighbors last month. The countries
will hold six weeks of domestic debate over the protocols, drawn up
under Swiss mediation, before they are submitted for ratification by
their parliaments, the Turkish Foreign Ministry in Ankara said in a
statement on its Web site on Sept. 1. Armenia’s ministry issued an
identical announcement.

The first sign of rapprochement came in September last year, when
Turkish President Abdullah Gul went to the Armenian capital of Yerevan
to visit President Serge Sarkisian and watch a World Cup soccer
qualifying match between the two countries. Sarkisian is expected to
visit Turkey for a return match on Oct. 14.

The two neighbors have no diplomatic relations and their border was
closed in 1993 in response to Armenia’s invasion of 20 percent of
Azerbaijani territory and Armenia’s pressure on the international
community with the backing of its diaspora to support the genocide
claims, instead of accepting Turkey’s call to investigate the
allegations. U.S. President Barack Obama visited Ankara in April and
said he hoped efforts to normalize relations between the two would
"bear fruit."

Karabakh, border link

Lazarian, who also served as education minister between 1998 and
2001, said he believes that the border between Armenia and Turkey
would not be opened without progress in the Karabakh issue. "Turkey
places its loyalties with Azerbaijan. Without progress on Karabakh,
borders will not be opened and the Turkish Parliament will fail to
ratify the protocols," he said.

Turkey suggested that a committee of Turkish and Armenian historians
re-examine the events of 1915, which could open ways for Turks and
Armenians to come together by using archives in Turkey, Armenia and
other countries. Ankara has said the Turkish authorities would respect
the conclusions of such a task force, but the Armenian leadership has
rejected the overture, dismissing it as merely a political maneuver.

Commenting on the offer of a committee of historians, Lazarian said:
"Genocide is a fact and we, the Armenians spread all over the world,
are the living proof of that. The foundation of a committee would
mean Armenian suffering for a second time."

The stance among the Armenian politicians over the events of 1915 is
clear, no matter whether they are in the ranks of the ruling party
or the opposition, said Lazarian. "There is only one way for Turkey
regarding the solution of the problem: recognizing the genocide and
take its historic responsibility. Progress could be made, if Turkey
fulfills its responsibilities."

Settling a century of animosity between Turkey and Armenia would help
foster stability in the southern Caucasus, through which Caspian oil
flows to European markets, experts say. It may also boost Turkish
chances of achieving European Union membership and, predominantly,
improve the country’s relationship with the United States, where
congress has been pressed to push for Turkish recognition of the
1915 events.

Lazarian also criticized Western nations for their mediation role in
Armenian-Turkish negotiations, saying: "The West do have their own
political agenda for the Caucasus region. So, they have made swift
decisions on the Karabakh dispute. However, Karabakh has historical
links with Armenia and we don’t have any interest in abandoning
the region."

MEETING AT THE INSTITUTE OF NATIONAL STRATEGIC RESEARCH

mp;p=0&id=957&y=2009&m=09&d=10
09. 09.09

On the 8th of September the representatives of the Near East South
Asia Center for Strategic Studies, NDU, USA – former US Ambassador to
Armenia Michael Lemmon, Dr. Roger Kangas, Col, Professor/Sr. Analyst
Anne M. Moisan, accompanied by the US Defense Attache’ in Armenia,
Lieutenant-colonel Robert Webster – as well as the principal of
the Institute for Geological Sciences of the RA National Academy of
Science Doctor of geo-psychological sciences Arkadi Karakhanyan and
the executive director of the "Seismic Defense Northern Service" State
Non-Trade Organization Doctor of geo-psychological sciences, Professor
Sergey Nazaretyan visited the RA MoD Institute of National Strategic
Research. This visit to the Institute was professional-cognitive for
the prestigious specialists in the sphere of strategic security. It
had a goal of expanding the bilateral cooperation.

In the beginning of the visit the Chief of the Institute of National
Strategic Research, Councilor of the RA Minister of Defence, Doctor of
Political Sciences Major-General Hayk Kotanjian organized a mini tour
for the guests, introducing them the structure of the Institute. Then,
in the conference hall, Doctor Kotanjian thoroughly introduced the
process of the development of the national security strategy, the
history of the structure he has created, its=2 0complex of outcomes of
practical use, as well as the Institute’s prospects of development. He
particularly underlined that the Institute, as one of the mental
political-security centers of the region, has stimulated active process
of reforming the National Defence University. The process is phased,
and now the Institute has moved to the second phase of development,
where the questions of the realization of the substructures of the
future university were presented in a form of a project, included the
ones concerning the creation of the National Security School. In this
context Doctor Kotanjian stated the importance of the experience of
his American colleagues as an example. He also stated that the close
cooperation of the recent years with the Centre of International
Security and Defensive Research of "Jan Molin" University of Lion
and with the Russian State Service Academy adjoining to the RF
president continues in the frames of the US National Defence and
Harvard Universities, as well as in the frames of the OSCE Minsk
group. The parties hoped that the full realization of the mentioned
projects will be possible due to the cooperation. The parties also
showed readiness to continue practical-examining discussions.

HEAD OF HERITAGE PARTY FACTION: CONSOLIDATION OF ARFD, HERITAGE AND ANC TO BE A CORRECT STEP

ArmInfo
2009-09-08 18:16:00

ArmInfo. ‘We shall be able to find a right way out of the developed
situation on normalization of the Armenian-Turkish relations if
Heritage, ARF Dashnaktsutyun and the Armenian National Congress appear
with joint forces, Head of Heritage oppositional party faction Armen
Martirosyan told ArmInfo.

‘We should fight against the regular violation of the state interests
with consolidated forces’, Martirosyan emphasized. When asked
whether negotiations are held to unite these three political forces,
Martirosyan replied: ‘Unfortunately, now I cannot gladden you>.

However, he expressed hope that these forces will work together without
fail, otherwise it will be difficult to solve the indicated problem.

ARMAVIA AND AIR FRANCE SIGN AGREEMENT ON COOPERATION

NOYAN TAPAN
SEPTEMBER 8, 2009
YEREVAN

Armavia airline, Armenia’s national carrier, and Air France have
signed an agreement on cooperation. Armavia’s Commercial Director
Tereza Ghazarian announced at the September 8 press conference that
thanks to this agreement, the number of weekly flights operated from
Yerevan to Paris and in the opposite direction has increased from 2 to
5. Besides, henceforth Armavia planes will land at Charles de Gaulle
Airport Terminal 2, which is more modern as compared to Terminal 1.

"The cooperation of two airlines will promote cooperation in economy
and tourism between Armenia and France," T. Ghazarian said.

In the words of Deputy Director of Armavia’s Flight Service Sergey
Kharatian, Armavia will continue signing cooperation agreements with
other famous airlines. Armavia plans to launch a Yerevan-Los Angeles
direct flight soon and purchase an Airbus 380 for this purpose. In
addition, Armavia envisages operating flights to some Latin American
countries.

It is noteworthy that two Sukhoy Superjet 100 planes (made in Russia)
will be added to Armavia’s fleet in December.

HEAD OF ROBERT KOCHARYAN’S SECURITY DIES OF CARDIAC INFARCTION

armradio.am
07.09.2009 14:53

Major-General Grisha Sarkisyan died of cardiac infarction this night.

During Robert Kocharyan’s presidency Grisha Sarkisyan was the head
of the President’s security and the State Protection Service.

Several emergency brigades arrived in Sarkisyan’s apartment to provide
first aid, but doctors failed to save his life.

EUROPEAN POLICYMAKERS TO RELEASE A REPORT "TURKEY IN EUROPE: BREAKING THE VICIOUS CIRCLE"

PanARMENIAN.Net
08.09.2009 01:31 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ A group of distinguished European policymakers have
pointed to both domestic circles aiming to topple the government and
certain European Union member nations that object to Turkey’s full EU
membership as being responsible for a "vicious circle" in relations
between the EU and EU-candidate Turkey, TurrkishNY reports.

The Independent Commission on Turkey is made up of former heads of
state and government, foreign ministers and European commissioners
and other Europeans who have previously held high positions in public
office. The commission aims to examine the challenges and opportunities
presented by Turkey’s possible membership in the EU. Martti Ahtisaari,
former president of Finland, is the chairman of the commission, and
Albert Rohan, Austria’s former secretary-general of foreign affairs,
is rapporteur. The group is scheduled to release a report titled
"Turkey in Europe: Breaking the Vicious Circle" in Brussels today. The
commission calls on European governments to stand behind promises made
to Turkey by acting fairly vis-a-vis Turkey’s membership process,
while urging the Turkish government to revive the reform process,
including the prospect of drafting a new constitution that would
expand freedoms and rights.

"Plans for toppling the government, the court case opened for closing
down the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) and the
military’s open threat to intervene in politics," are listed in the
report as internal reasons leading to a slowdown in the reform process
related to the EU membership drive.

The Independent Commission on Turkey refutes claims that Turkey faces
a threat against its secular system, noting that no political elements
argue for the establishment of a state based on Islamic principles. A
strong connection with the EU would be the best protection for the
secular system in Turkey, it adds.

Political scientist Levon Melik-Shahnazarian: Armenian-Turkish
protocols are unacceptable to Armenian side

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 4, NOYAN TAPAN. The provisions stipulated in the
intiated protocols between Armenia and Turkey are unacceptable to the
Armenian side, political scientist Levon Melik-Shahnazarian expressed
an opinion at the September 4 press conference. According to him,
either side can construe these documents in its own way. In his
opinion, Turkey’s preconditions are indirectly present in the
protocols. The political scientist forecast that the Karabakh conflict
settlement process will become much more active in the near future.
"Turkey is using these protocols as leverage to put pressure on the
co-chair countries. Pressure on the Armenian side is also expected –
with the aim of reaching some agreements," he noted.

Political scientist Alexander Manasian said that by using the indicated
protocols, Turkey will try to become an active participant in the
Karabakh conflict settlement process. "The Armenian side must declare
that this document has no relation to Nagorno Karabakh," he said. That
is, according to A. Manasian, whether the protocols are pro-Armenian or
not depends on the diplomatic and political skills of the Armenian
side. He reminded that there is no legal argument, by which Baku can
substantiate its claims to the Nagorno Karabakh Republic.

Armenian boxers presenting Russia at Milan World Championship are yet
undefeated
07.09.2009 09:53 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Aloyan, having defeated Jaja Runang from Burundi and
later, his compatriot Derenik Gijlaryan, made it to 1/8 finals where
he’ll compete against Eddie Valenzuela Barillas of
Guatemala. Hayrapetyan started his ascent to victory, having beaten
Colombian Selber Avilu Segura, and later, Ferhat Pehlivan of Turkey..

9 out of 11 Russian boxers made it to finals. Maxim Ignatyev (weigh
category under 64 kg) and Artyom Chebotaryov (weight category under 75
kg) were eliminated from competition.

Only Cuban boxing team remains undefeated up to now.

"We shall take a direct route to the sea"

sepyan
04:51 pm | September 04, 2009 | Politics

"Reopening of the Armenian-Turkish frontier will help overcome
economic crisis in Armenia," says Advisor to Armenian Prime Minister
on legal affairs Hamlet Hovsepyan.

"The frontier reopening is first of all advantageous to
entrepreneurs. We shall have a direct route to the sea and will no
longer have to pay great sums to Georgians," Mr. Hovsepyan told a
press conference on September 4.

In reply to a journalist’s remark that Armenians will fill the pockets
of Turks instead, Mr. Hovsepyan reminded that today Turkish good are
imported to Armenia even with closed borders.

"As soon as the border is reopened the same goods will be imported at
lower prices. This is good news for us, isn’t it?" added M. Hovsepyan.

He doesn’t think that the frontier reopening will create extra
obstacles for local manufacturers. "Legislative levers, mechanisms and
tools will be put to work in that case."

Aysor, Armenia
Sept 5 2009

The RA President to visit Croatia

On September 7-8, the RA President Serzh Sargsyan, by the invitation
of Stjepan Mesic, the President of the Republic of Croatia, is to be
on an official visit to Croatia.

The first day, the official reception ceremony on Veliki Brijun Island
will be followed by a private meeting between the Armenian and
Croatian leaders, which will be followed by an enlarged meeting
between the two delegations.

After the talks the Armenian and Croatian Presidents will hold a joint
news conference.

On September 7 evening the President-led Armenian delegation is to
leave Pula for Zagreb.

The Armenian and Croatian Presidents will participate in the opening
of an Armenian-Croatian business forum and will deliver speeches.

In Zagreb the RA President is scheduled to hold meetings with Speaker
of the Croatian Parliament Luka Bebi?Ä?, and Prime Minister Jadranka
Kosor.

The Armenian President will also visit the sights of interest.

The Armenian delegation is to return to Yerevan on September 8,
reports the press office of the RA President.