Author: nina hovnanian

RUSSIA SEEKS KARABAKH SOLUTION TO RESCUE ARMENIAN STATEHOOD

news.az
June 2 2011
Azerbaijan

News.Az interviews deputy chairman of the parliamentary committee
for defense and security of Milli Majlis, political scientist Aydin
Mirzazade.

What has been the cause of appeals of the Minsk Group co-chairing
presidents in their latest statement to the Karabakh conflict parties?

It is worthy to note that over the past two years the similar
statements have come not only from the representatives of the Minsk
Group co-chairing states but also from the heads of those states.

Additionally, it has already been over two years that the head of one
of the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, namely the Russian president,
is taking a direct part in the meetings of the presidents of Azerbaijan
and Armenia. These facts prove that the meetings between the heads of
Azerbaijan and Armenia have moved to a qualitatively new format. All
the same, the joint statement of the Minsk Group co-chairing presidents
prior to the meeting of the presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia in
June of this year in Kazan shows that the organization of discussions
between the leaders of the conflict parties should not be viewed as
an initiative of only the Russian party. In other words, this fact
demonstrates the attention paid to Karabakh conflict by the United
States and France.

Also earlier the co-chairs were voicing diplomatic appeals to the
parties, while now they recommend to the parties to prepare main
resolution principles for the Karabakh conflict. For this reason, the
conflict parties will have to come up with a definite stance. In this
view, I believe that this position must be clarified by the parties in
the meeting in Kazan. It all suggests that the parties can reconcile
their positions in the problem settlement while meeting in Kazan.

Were the appeals contained in the declarations of the Minsk Group
co-chairs addressed mostly to Azerbaijan or Armenia?

Naturally, this declaration is made in a diplomatic tone and it does
not specify names. But it is clear that when the liberation of lands
is at issue, every appeal in statements is addressed to Armenia. On
the other hand, For Armenia is a strategic ally for Russia, unlike the
United States and France. For this reason, considering this factor, it
is necessary to take into account that Russia urges its ally to avoid
future mistakes by signing the joint declaration of the presidents.

The occupation of Azerbaijani lands brought nothing positive to
Armenia. It is left out of all regional projects, this country
cannot take part in events and projects, implemented in the region
by Azerbaijan, the main state in the South Caucasus.

The state inside Armenia is worsening over this as well as due to other
reasons. The recent estimates show that in the event of prolongation
of the status quo around Karabakh conflict, the Armenian population
will drop to just 1m people by 2010. It will lead to the collapse
of the Armenian state. Considering all these factors, the co-chairs
diplomatically urge Armenia to think seriously of the future of
the country.

Can the activeness of the Russian party in Karabakh settlement change
the status quo in this conflict?

While earlier Moscow was just trying to show its presence in
international and regional affairs despite its presence in Karabakh
process, now it is interested in the meetings between Azerbaijan
and Armenia. For this reason, on the one hand, Azerbaijan is growing
into one of the closest allies of Russia in the region. Therefore,
Moscow does not want to lose its contacts with Baku and is showing
a greater interest in Azerbaijan’s strengthening year by year.

As for relations with Yerevan, given the historical ties between
Russian and Armenian peoples, Armenia’s weakening causes the weakening
of Russia’s positions in the South Caucasus. Therefore, Russia seeks
to obtain guarantees to the further existence of Armenia through the
soonest solution to the Karabakh conflict and on the other hand it
tries not to spoil relations with Azerbaijan. However, it should be
noted that undoubtedly, the equal approach to conflict parties is
not helpful to the problem settlement, but Russia is interested in
solving it. Thus, the resolution of the Karabakh conflict for Russia
means reduced tensions in its southern borders and protection of its
interests in this region.

How can Russia influence Azerbaijan and Armenia to reach a compromise
in Karabakh settlement?

Russia’s potential to influence Azerbaijan lies in creation of ally
relations with Baku. This influence can be made within the framework
of friendship, ally relations and presence of mutual interests. As
for possible influence on Azerbaijan, it is out of the question.

As for Armenia, one of the Russian leaders described this country
as Russia’s outpost. For this reason, Russia can put pressure and
influence Armenia in many cases.

GEORGIAN AMBASSADOR IN ARMENIA ASTONISHED AT INTERPRETATION OF HIS WORDS

news.az
June 2 2011
Azerbaijan

Georgian ambassador in Armenia dismissed reports that Yerevan was
implied Azerbaijan by saying ‘a third country’.

Georgia’s ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary in Armenia
Tengiz Sharmanashvili dismissed reports in mass media that at a
briefing in Yerevan was implied Azerbaijan by saying ‘a third country’.

According to several mass media, during the news conference in
Yerevan on 31 May, the Georgian ambassador made several statements
addressed to Azerbaijan. Some mass media believed that the words
‘Armenia and Georgia have never conditioned their bilateral relations
with relations with the third country’ were addressed to Azerbaijan.

“The question was: you, Georgia, is seeking NATO membership, while
Armenia and Russia are strategic partners and how we, Georgia and
Armenia, can be closer in this situation”, Tengiz Sharmanashvili said.

“I said that the Russian factors cannot influence the relations between
our two countries (Armenia and Georgia) and Russia cannot interfere
with our ties… I said that our friendship covers the centuries
when this country (Russia) did not exist at all and that no one can
interfere with our relations… The issue referred to Russia and had
nothing to do with Azerbaijan?”, he said.

He said he was ‘astonished at the interpretation of his words in
mass media”.

Source: News-Georgia

HOLY LANCE TRANSFERRED FROM HOLY ECHMIADZIN TO GEGHARD FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 200 YEARS

PanARMENIAN.Net
June 2, 2011 – 18:39 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Today, Armenian Apostolic Church is celebrating
the Ascension Day to be marked 50 days after the Holy Easter. For the
first time in 200 years, the Holy Lance that pierced Jesus’ side as
he hung on the cross was transferred from Holy Echmiadzin’s treasury
to Geghard Monastery.

Upon completion of liturgy at Geghard, the lance was set in the church,
with a free entrance to all faithful allowed. After the evening liturgy
the Lance was returned to Echmiadzin. Further, a sacrificial offering
was held in Geghard Monastery.

The Holy Lance (also known as the Spear of Destiny, Holy Spear, Lance
of Longinus, Spear of Longinus or Spear of Christ) is the name given
to the lance that pierced Jesus’s side as he hung on the cross in
John’s account of the Crucifixion.

Geghard, Armenian for a Holy Lance is now conserved in Echmiadzin,
the religious capital of Armenia. The first source that mentions
it is a text Holy Relics of Our Lord Jesus Christ, in a thirteenth
century Armenian manuscript. According to this text, the spear which
pierced Jesus was to have been brought to Armenia by the apostle
Thaddeus. The manuscript does not specify precisely where it is kept,
but the Holy Lance gives a description that exactly matches the lance,
the monastery gate, since the thirteenth century precisely, the name
of Geghardavank (Monastery of the Holy Lance).

NO LIFE SENTENCE REVIEWED IN ARMENIA OVER PAST 20 YEARS

PanARMENIAN.Net
June 2, 2011 – 15:35 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Head of Helsinki Committee of Armenia Avetik
Ishkhanyan thinks that Armenia’s judicial system is still defective.

“No life sentence has been reviewed in Armenia since 1991,” Ishkhanyan
told a discussion on problems of life-term prisoners in Armenia.

According to him, lawyers refrain from voicing problems of these
people, while the public considers their rights should not be
protected.

He went on saying: “The situation suggests that a court may pass
a wrong judgment with respect to a political prisoner, but not a
life-term prisoner. Does it mean that our judicial system is so
perfect that there is no need to review verdicts?”

Ishkhanyan noted that life sentences are usually reviewed in all
developed countries, as a result of which many people are released.

MOU ON CONVENTIONAL AND UNCONVENTIONAL ENERGY RESOURCES SIGNED

armradio.am
02.06.2011 15:33

On June 2, US Ambassador to Armenia ie L. Yovanovitch and Minister
of Energy and Natural Resources Armen Movsisian signed a Memorandum
of Understanding on conventional and unconventional energy resources.

This Memorandum provides a framework for the exchange of knowledge
and expertise between the U.S. Government and the Government of
Armenia in the characterization and assessment of unconventional and
conventional energy resources in Armenia, as well as in the responsible
and sustainable development and exploitation of these resources.

This Memorandum of Uderstanding also provides for a cooperative
assessment and technical studies of Armenia’s energy resources,
including any potential shale gas resources, by the U.S. Geological
Survey and the Armenian Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources.

Ambassador Yovanovitch noted that she “was pleased to be here today
with Minister Movsisian to launch additional cooperation between
the U.S. Government and the Armenian Government to help explore and
develop Armenia’s energy resources.”

SPENDIARYAN HOUSE-MUSEUM RECONSTRUCTION TO KICK OFF SOON

ARMENPRESS
JUNE 2, 2011
YEREVAN

The reconstruction works of Alexander Spendiaryan house-museum will
launch in the first decade of June, director of the house-museum
Marine Otaryan said speaking to Armenpress. She informed that the
project-calculation works have already been completed, and now it has
just remained to decide which construction organization will carry
out the works.

The reconstruction is planned to be wrapped up in late 2011. “After
it the museum will be closed for another while, to get prepared for
the exposition”, she said. The museum was not reconstructed for over
25 years.

MERE DECLARATION OF STATEMENT ‘NOT ENOUGH’ FOR AZERBAIJAN

news.az
June 1 2011
Azerbaijan

Statements prove that the Minsk Group co-chairing states keep the
problem of Karabakh conflict a focus of attention.

Deputy chairman and executive secretary of the ruling New Azerbaijan
Party, deputy Ali Ahmadov praises the joint statement of the presidents
of the Minsk Group co-chairing states to settle the Nagorno Karabakh
conflict.

According to Ahmadov, such statements prove that the Minsk Group
co-chairing states keep the problem of Karabakh conflict a focus of
attention, the New Azerbaijan newspaper reports.

“Another important reason is that the co-chairs have voiced their
stance that the situation in the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict over
Nagorno Karabakh cannot continue further. This implied that they see
it impossible to preserve the status quo in the future. It proves that
the co-chairs see the need for demonstrating more efforts. In this
view, I believe that this statement deserves high appraisal”, he said.

All the same, the deputy chairman of the ruling party noted that
official Baku is not completely satisfied with the voiced statement
since Nagorno Karabakh conflict remains unsettled.

“However, I have to note that though important, the mere declaration
of statement is not enough for Azerbaijan. Very many statements have
been voiced and decisions taken in over 20 years. Unfortunately, the
conflict settlement was not ensured in the reporting period. However
important the statements may seem to us, the most important is to
make sure that the conflict finds its solution”, Ahmadov said.

TIGRAN KHZMALYAN CALLS ON ARMENIANS WORLDWIDE TO HELP REGAIN ARMENIA’S TRUE INDEPENDENCE

hetq
19:36, June 1, 2011

On May 28 Policy Forum Armenia held a reception on the occasion of
the Independence of the First Armenian Republic (1918-20). Held at
the historic University Club of Washington, the reception was well
attended by community members and friends of PFA from in- and outside
of the Washington metropolitan area. The event also served as the first
in a series of introductions of members of the Sardarapat Movement’s
Initiating Group, film director Tigran Khzmalyan and informational
technology expert Garegin Chugaszyan – who are visiting Washington at
the invitation of PFA – to the Armenian community and policy circles
in the nation’s capital.

In his keynote address, Dr. Rouben Adalian, Director of the Armenian
National Institute, stressed the importance of the battle of Sardarapat
for preserving culture and identity as well as regaining statehood
in those darkest of times for the history of Armenia. As improbable
as it seemed at the time, he noted that the success in Sardarapat
became an important milestone for measuring successes of the future.

Tigran Khzmalyan emphasized the need for continued fight for
independence in the present context, amid worsening governance and
external dependence of Armenia. Stressing that independence should not
taken for granted, he called on Armenians worldwide – irrespective
of party affiliations and geography – to help regain Armenia’s true
independence, one that will guarantee dignity, freedom, and prosperity.

Recalling Yeghishe Charents’ poems written at the dawn of the
First Republic, Garegin Chugaszyan reminded participants that the
foundations of a strong statehood lie in people’s unconventional love
towards country in the most desperate of times. He referred to the
dark winter of the Third Armenian republic, which will undoubtedly
end soon and be followed by the spring of the Forth Republic to come.

In his closing remarks, PFA’s co-founder David Grigorian called on the
community members to intensify their search for new ways of engagement
with Armenia by focusing on civil society groups, such as Sardarapat.

He stressed that the existing mechanisms have offered little, if any,
incentives for the successive ruling regimes in Armenia to reform
and do better, emphasizing the need to scrap them in exchange for new
models of engagement that will have allegiances to people of Armenia
(as opposed to their rulers) in their core.

9% YEAR-ON-YEAR INFLATION RECORDED IN ARMENIA IN EARLY MAY

/ARKA/
June 1, 2011
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, June 1. /ARKA/. On Wednesday, Gurgen Martirosyan, chief of
National Statistical Service’s price division, speaking at a news
conference, said 9% year-on-year inflation was recorded in Armenia
in early May, 2011.

“Prices for foods rose 16.2%, for nonfoods 2.4% and for services 2.5%,”
he said.

The highest price rise was seen in bread-producing area – 16.9%,
dairy 22.4%, vegetables and potatoes 35.4%, fruits 19.9%, eggs 20.5%
and meat 9%. Other products became 0.4-0.6% cheaper in early May.

Martirosyan said that 0.04% inflation was reported this May, compared
with the previous month.

“Food prices remained unchanged, while prices for nonfoods went 0.5%
up over one month,” he said.

Services became 0.1% cheaper in May, compared to April. Martirosyan
said 0.1 to 1.3% inflation was seen in seven of 13 kinds of foods
under review. In three groups of products, prices went 2.1-0.2% down,
and in the remaining groups they remained pegged.

Meat prices rose 0.5%, vegetable oil and butter prices went 1.1% up,
sugar prices climbed 1.3% and coffee, tea and cocoa prices 0.1%.

Prices for dairy products rose 0.5% and confectionery 0.2%. Instead,
fishes became 0.2% cheaper, vegetables and potatoes 2.1% and salt
and pepper 0.2%.

ARMENIAN PARLIAMENTARIAN: DIALOGUE BETWEEN AUTHORITIES AND ANC WAS NOT A SURPRISE GIVEN COMMONNESS OF THEIR APPROACHES

arminfo
Wednesday, June 1, 17:24

Levon Ter-Petrosyan and Serzh Sargsyan were once in a single team
and there is nothing surprising in the fact their political forces
are going on a dialogue now, Larisa Alaverdyan, parliamentarian from
oppositional Heritage Party faction, told media, Wednesday.

She said that commonness of approaches of the ANC and authorities is
reflected in the social, economy, foreign policy, and in the Karabakh
issue. “One should be very attentive to find any differences. If
there are such differences, they are quite insignificant,” she said.

“I am not against that dialogue if it aims to settle public tasks. A
consensus between political forces must be welcomed always,”
Alaverdyan said.

However, she opposed the existing opinion that overcoming of the
current challenges Armenia has faced is connected with the triumvirate
“Ter-Petrosyan-Kocharyan-Sargyan”. “It is a vicious cycle of the last
20 years. It is high time to get out of it. The public needs a new
stage of development where not persons but system changes prevail,”
she said.