Author: Nahapetian Samvel

TURKEY ‘NOT TO BE’ OSCE MEDIATOR ON KARABAKH

news.az
April 22 2010
Azerbaijan

Fikret Sadikhov News.Az interviews political scientist and diplomat
Fikret Sadikhov, professor at the Western University in Baku.

Would you comment on remarks by presidential administration official
Ali Hasanov that mediation by Turkey is on the agenda for the OSCE
Minsk Group?

First of all, Turkey is a member of the Minsk conference that created
the OSCE Minsk Group in the early 90’s to mediate a Karabakh conflict
settlement. Yes, Azerbaijan was interested in Turkey’s co-chairing
the OSCE Minsk Group, but this requires the agreement of the existing
co-chairs as well as Armenia. This being the case, I think Turkey will
not become an OSCE Minsk Group co-chair. The composition of this group
will remain the same – the United States, Russia and France. But at
the same time, Turkey, without being an OSCE Minsk Group co-chair,
has a great influence on the situation throughout our region and on
the Karabakh conflict settlement.

Do you agree that despite its influence on the Karabakh settlement
process, Turkey, unlike the OSCE Minsk Group, will not be able to
set a formula for its settlement?

You are right, unlike the OSCE Minsk Group, Turkey has no legal powers
to set the principles that may form the basis for the resolution of
the Karabakh conflict. But as a leading regional player, Turkey can
put forward its own vision for the establishment of stability in our
region which is impossible without the resolution of the Karabakh
conflict. And I do not think that the fate of this conflict and the
essence of Turkey’s position, which spares no effort to liberate our
occupied land, will change if Ankara makes these proposals during
negotiations with the leaders of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairing
countries or as a co-chair of this group.

How sincere are the current OSCE Minsk Group co-chairing states
in their recognition of and support for Azerbaijan’s territorial
integrity?

Naturally, all the three Minsk Group co-chairing countries behave as
double-dealers and provide open financial, political and moral support
to the aggressor, that is to Armenia. And for this reason it would
be good to include Turkey in the Minsk Group. But the mechanism of
decision making on the issue is that Armenia’s agreement is necessary
for a positive decision.

Would Armenia be able to oppose the decision if the OSCE Minsk Group
co-chairs agreed to involve Turkey?

Certainly, if the countries co-chairing the Minsk Group agree to
include Turkey into the organization, Armenia will have no opportunity
to oppose the decision. Unfortunately, I do not see any conditions for
this decision to be adopted by the United States, Russia and France –
the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs. All three countries continue to take a
pro-Armenian position on the resolution of the Karabakh conflict, which
means they won’t agree to involve Turkey as a Minsk Group co-chair
because its presence in the organization might hamper their plans.

BUILDING RELATIONS WITHOUT MEDIATORS MORE CORRECT, ARMAN MELIKAYN SAYS
Siranus Muradyan

"Radiolur"
22.04.2010 16:30

Iran has its own problems, and Armenia is not prepared to think about
Iran’s problems, ex-Foreign Minister of Nagorno Karabakh Aramn Melikyan
told a press conference today.

"This is not the first time Iran offers its mediation. This was the
case during the war: Iranian delegations visited Artsakh, meetings
between Armenian and Azerbaijani Presidents were organized in Tehran.

The fact that Iran wants to play a more active role is natural, but
it’s surprising that Armenia has not responded to Iran’s suggestion,"
Arman Melikyan said.

Speaking about mediation, in general, Arman Melikyan said to be assured
that "relations without mediators are better." "Any process will not
achieve anything with mediators," he added.

Speaking about the possibility of resumption of war, Arman Melikyan
said "large-scale military actions are unlikely, but local clashes
are possible."

"New war proceeds from Azerbaijan’s interests, because it blackmails
the international community with its threats of war," he stated.

FISH IMPORT PROCEDURES IN RUSSIA PROVE TOO COMPLICATED FOR ARMENIAN EXPORTERS

ArmInfo
2010-04-21 18:22:00

ArmInfo. The fish import procedures applied in Russia have
proved too complicated for Armenian exporters, President of the
Association of Fish Breeders of Armenia Arkady Gevorgyan said during a
press-conference today when asked to comment on the recent confiscation
of a batch of Armenian fish at the Russian port of Novorossiysk.

To remind, 19 tons of Siberian sturgeon from Armenia were seized in
Novorossiysk Apr 19 because of lack of necessary veterinary documents
and Rosselkhoznadzor’s permission. In Armenia the cargo was certified
but, so as to be able to import it into Russia the Armenian exporters
needed permission by local authorities. "They were not aware of this,"
Gevorgyan said.

Before the embargo imposted on the import of Armenian fish in 2007 the
annual export of Armenian fish to Russia amounted to $1mln. In Nov 2009
the embargo was lifted for almost 20 Armenian companies. In Jan-Mar
2010 the export of Armenian fish to Russia totalled $80,000-100,000.

NANCY PELOSI CALLS ON CONGRESSMEN NOT TO REST UNTIL THE ENTIRE U.S. GOVERNMENT PROPERLY RECOGNIZES THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

Panorama.am
22/04/2010

The US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), a longtime
supporter of Armenian Genocide recognition, stressed the remaining
survivors of this crime challenge the conscience of America during the
annual Armenian Genocide Observance, organized by the Congressional
Armenian Caucus with the support of Armenian American organizations.

According to ANCA, Pelosi welcomed the passage of H.Res.252 by the
Foreign Affairs Committee and called on her colleagues not to rest
until the entire U.S. government properly recognizes this crime
as genocide.

The lead author of H.Res.252, Adam Schiff (D-CA), spoke of his
commitment to secure final adoption of the Armenian Genocide Resolution
by both houses of Congress and the full recognition of this crime by
both the U.S. government and, ultimately, the government of Turkey
as well.

House Majority Leader, Steny Hoyer (D-MD) offered moving comments
about the core issues of conscience at stake in U.S. recognition of
the Armenian Genocide, and called on his colleagues and all Americans
to never stand as mere witnesses to genocide.

Many Congressmen supported the endorsement of the Armenian Genocide
Resolution in their speeches and condemned Turkey’s rejecting policy
over the offense against humanity, carried out by the Ottoman Turkey.

Among the many other notable speeches delivered at the program was
the one given by New Jersey Congressman Steve Rothman (d), who,
in powerful remarks warmly welcomed by the hundreds in attendance,
noted that he has consistently told Turkish leaders that Turkey-U.S.
relations will suffer "until and unless they recognize the genocide
and discuss compensation and reparations with Armenians."

Armenian Ambassador to the US Tatul Margaryan, Nagorno-Karabakh
representative in Washington Robert Avetisyan were attending the
meeting.

COMMEMORATION DES VICTIMES DU 24 AVRIL 1915 A ISTANBUL
Stephane

armenews
22 avril 2010
TURQUIE

Commemoration des victimes du 24 avril 1915 par l’organisation des
Droits de l’homme de la Turquie

Branche Istanbul

Comite Contre le Racisme et la Discrimination

Le 24 avril 1915 les representants les plus brillants de la
culture armenienne, des intellectuels, des membres du Parlement,
des ecrivains, des poètes, des musicologues, des avocats, autour de
220 personnes ont ete arretes en une nuit a Istanbul et envoyes a
l’interieur de l’Anatolie de la Station Haydarpasha. Parmi eux très
peu ont rechappe. Les arrestations d’Istanbul ont ete le signal de
la prochaine extermination de l’existence armenienne dans l’Empire
Ottoman entre 1915-16.

La branche Istanbul de l’Association de Droits de l’homme, Turquie,
invite chacun qui sent la honte de 1915 dans leurs coeurs aussi
bien que la presse a se reunir a l’entree de Station Haydarpasha
pour commemorer les victimes des arrestations du 24 avril et dire
JAMAIS PLUS.

Nous attendrons les participants a 13h30 samedi 24 avril 2010 pour
honorer la memoire des victimes.

JAMAIS PLUS !

Association de Droits de l’homme, Branche Istanbul

Comite Contre le Racisme et la Discrimination

ARMENIAN REGION, GRODNO OBLAST INTEND TO COOPERATE

National Legal Internet Portal
April 20 2010
Belarus

GRODNO, 19 April (BelTA) – The development of trade, economic,
sci-tech and cultural cooperation between the Grodno Oblast and the
Shirak Region of Armenia was discussed during the talks between the
leadership of the Grodno Oblast and the Shirak Region of Armenia on
19 April, BelTA has learnt.

On 19 April, the Armenian delegation led by Shirak Region Governor
Lydia Nanyan met with the leadership of the Grodno Oblast led by
Acting Governor Ivan Zhuk. During the meeting, the sides discussed
the possible avenues of the bilateral cooperation. The regions have
already signed the framework agreement on trade, economic, sci-tech
and cultural cooperation.

According to Lydia Nanyan, in 2009 the Shirak Region purchased
$1 million worth of dried milk. In this regard, the Grodno Oblast
intends to boost the export of dried milk and dairy products to Armenia
including the Shirak Region. In 2010, the Grodno Oblast exported $4.3
million worth of dairy products to Armenia. The total export of the
Belarusian region to Armenia made up $5.6 million. For the past two
months 2010, the Grodno Oblast supplied $80 thousand worth of dairy
products (milk and cream) to Armenia. The Lida-based Dairy Plant is
the main supplier of dairy products to Armenia in the region.

Lydia Nanyan proposed the leadership of the Grodno Oblast to set up
an affiliate of the Grodno dairy and meat processing companies in her
region. She also proposed to set up a Belarusian company to produce
baby food in Armenia. According to Deputy Chairman of the Grodno
Oblast Executive Committee Alexander Rusanov, "it is profitable to
invest not only in its own companies but to set up remote production
facilities". "In such a way we win markets," he noted.

During the talks the sides noted other avenues of the promising
cooperation including agriculture and farm machine building, seed
farming, medical area, sport and tourism. According to Lydia Nanyan,
the Armenians may show their interest in the furniture produced by
the Grodno companies.

The Armenian delegation is in the Grodno Oblast on a three-day visit.

Lydia Nanyan has got familiar with the work of some Lida-based
companies including the Lida Dairy Plant, Lidagroprommash, Lidselmash.

On 20 April, the Armenian delegation will visit the Grodno-based
Molochny Mir, the Grodno Meat Packing Plant, ZovLenMebel, KvinFood,
Grodnobioproduct, the Grodno Free Economic Zone. The guests also
would like to visit the Augustow Canal.

On 21 April, Lydia Nanyan is expected to meet with Belarusian Foreign
Minister Sergei Martynov.

CHIEF OF ARMENIAN ARMED FORCES GENERAL STAFF: WE WILL FACE SERIOUS PROBLEMS IN RECRUITMENT IN 2010-2016

APA
April 20 2010
Azerbaijan

Armenian Defense Ministry is going to make proposals to the government
to reduce the number of the draftees deferred from military service
for education

Yerevan – APA. Armenian Defense Ministry is going to appeal to the
government to reduce the number of the draftees deferred from military
service for education, APA reports quoting Novosti-Armenia. Chief of
the General Staff of the Armenian Armed Forces Colonel General Yuri
Khachaturov attributed this step to the problems in recruitment.

"In 2004-2009 the number of the draftees was stable, but we will face
problems in 2010-2016. The number of the draftees will be reduced,"
he said.

There is serious demographic crisis in Armenia. As the majority of
draft age men left the country, official Yerevan faces difficulties
in recruitment.

ARMENIAN COMPANY SYMOTEC LAUNCHES PILOT TELE-ULTRASOUND SYSTEM

ArmInfo
2010-04-21 12:05:00

ArmInfo. Armenian Company Symotec has launches a pilot telesonography
system: remote ultrasound diagnostics. Hrachya Khachatryan, Director
General of Symotec LLC says the system undergoes pilot testing in the
village of Jrashen, not far from the town of Spitak. The Association
of Telemedicine of Armenia, Symotec is a part of, has established
also tele-medical electrocardiographic system and other telemedical
systems in the given village. The program was launched in early
April and will be implemented within two months with the support of
USAID. "We are currently testing connection of ultrasound system to
computer and relevant software that will transfer ultrasound image
and medical documents in real time. For this purpose we have combined
several existing devices. As regards relevant software, we developed
it in 2009 as part of the state program of support to technological
companies in Gyumri," Khachatryan said.

After successful implementation of the pilot project, Symotec will
promote the system in the market, negotiate with medical establishments
and attract investors. "We are sure that our tele-ultrasound does not
yield to the Chinese and East European ones we had seen in Armenia
during various programs," he said.

Khachatryan said that the new system is several times cheaper than
its foreign analogues considering fewer expenses on technical services.

BAKU ACCUSED WASHINGTON OF INDIFFERENCE TO THE PROBLEM OF NAGORNO-KARABAKH

WPS Agency
DEFENSE and SECURITY (Russia)
April 19, 2010 Monday
Russia

Ali Gasanov, director of the public political sector of the
administration of the President of Azerbaijan, says that Baku is
discontent with the role that Washington plays in the Minsk OSCE group
for Nagorno-Karabakh regulation. According to Gasanov, this discontent
is explained the indifferent position of Washington with regard to this
issue, although Azerbaijan raises the matter of immediate assistance
to solving of the problem on various levels permanently.

Gasanov also says that Baku is content with the stance of Baku with
regard to normalization of the Turkish-Armenian relations.

ATMOSPHERIC AIR POLLUTION PROBLEM: FOCUS OF ATTENTION TO RA MINISTRY OF NATURE PROTECTION

PanARMENIAN.Net
April 19, 2010 – 18:35 AMT 13:35 GMT

RA Ministry of Nature Protection is conducting atmosphere monitoring to
establish control over ozone and dust concentration levels, Armenian
Minister of Nature Protection stated.

As he told a news conference in Yerevan, a number of programs aimed
at reduction of atmospheric pollution were developed; specifically,
automatic stations to gauge atmospheric air pollution will be set in
Yerevan to assess the level of vehicle-caused pollution.

Besides, as Aram Harutyunyan noted, demands imposed on CIS imported
cars without cleansing filters were hardened, with usage of pollution
controlling filters in cars made obligatory.