Author: Tamamian Anna

EUROPE ONCE AGAIN WELCOMES STEPS TOWARD ESTABLISHMENT OF ARMENIAN-TURKISH RELATIONS

Tert
Oct 27 2009
Armenia

The Armenia-European Union Cooperation Council’s 10th annual session
took place on October 26 in Luxembourg.

The Armenian delegation, headed by Republic of Armenia Foreign Minister
Edward Nalbandian, are in Luxembourg to take part in the session,
informs the Armenian Foreign Ministry press office.

The European delegation was lead by the Foreign Minister of EU chair
country Sweden, Carl Bildt.

Armenia-European Union cooperation, prospects for deepening this
cooperation, as well as regional issues were discussed during the
session presided over by the Armenian foreign minister.

Presenting the steps undertaken by Armenia and directed to the
implementation of European Neighbourhood Policy Action Plan, Nalbandian
said the effective implementation of the Action Plan is the priority
of Armenia-EU cooperation and Yerevan officially will continue to
undertake active steps aimed at strengthening the relations even more.

During the session, meeting participants thoroughly referred to the
process of implementing European Neighbourhood Policy Armenia-EU
Action Plan. Both sides expressed satisfaction with its effective
implementation. At the same time, it was mentioned that there exists
significant prospects in broadening the plan’s possibilities.

The sides also exchanged ideas on the Eastern Partnership Program,
placing importance on the full use of the plan’s potential: creating an
[EU] Asociation Agreement, sealing a deep and comprehensive agreement
on free trade, and simplifying the process of providing entrance visas.

The European side welcomed the brave steps directed to the
establishment of Armenian-Turkish relations, placing importance on
the quick ratification of the Protocols signed on October 10 and
their implementation without preconditions.

At the request of the European side, Minister Nalbandian presented
the latest developments in the Nagorno-Karabakh negotiation process.

‘CURRENT CIVILIAN-MILITARY COOPERATION IS NOT EPHEMERAL’

Today’s Zaman
Oct 27 2009
Turkey

The dominant trend shows that the militaries in Turkey and the European
Union are converging, as Turkish security culture has been evolving
to be more civilian oriented, and the EU is likely to seek a closer
strategic partnership with Turkey, according to observers.

Ali Karaosmanoglu, a professor of international relations at
Bilkent University in Ankara, said it is evident through the current
developments regarding the Kurdish initiative of the government that
the military is in agreement with the ruling Justice and Development
Party (AK Party).

Giving examples of past experiences regarding civilian-military
cooperation in Turkey, Karaosmanoglu said they proved to be fleeting.

"There is reason to have faith in the process," he told Today’s
Zaman, answering questions at a conference yesterday organized by the
Center for European Security Studies (CESS) based in the Netherlands
and İstanbul Policy Center (IPC) at Sabancı University based in
Ä°stanbul.

The current civilian-military cooperation will not be "ephemeral,"
he said, because the international context is radically transforming
and the security culture in Turkey is changing.

The military’s subordination to civilians is given in a consolidated
democracy, but in Turkey he said it needs to be constructed.

"The military should believe that subordination to the civilian
government is a virtue. On the other hand, responsibility for a change
of mindset lies not just with soldiers but politicians since they
should be able to demonstrate that they can lead," he added. "The
present government effectively demonstrates that it can lead."

In order to accelerate this process of change in Turkey, Karaosmanoglu
stated that the EU has many important structures in addition to civil
society institutions, media and universities.

Graeme Herd from the Geneva Center for Security Policy said at the
same panel that one misperception regarding Turkey-EU relations is
that their strategic cultures do not converge and that the EU does
not have a strategic culture.

"The EU has a strategic culture, and it converges with Turkey’s,"
Herd said. "If the EU wants to be global power partner, Turkey will
be a political, economic and strategic asset."

The rejection of Turkish membership on the grounds of clashing
strategic cultures will only highlight the dependence of the EU on
non-EU partners, Herd added.

"Turkish rapprochement with Armenia and its constructive role in
Nagorno-Karabakh underlines Turkey’s pivotal role in this part of
the EU’s near neighborhood," he stated.

At the CESS-IPC conference "Changing Relations between the Civilian
Authorities and the Military," which was opened by the senior advisor
to the IPC, Joost Lagendijk, Consulate General of the Netherlands
Onno Kervers presented the first copy of the CESS publication titled
"Perceptions and Misperceptions in the EU and Turkey: Stumbling Blocks
on the Road to Accession" to Alp Ay, who represented Turkey’s chief
EU negotiator Egemen BagıÅ~_ at the event. Ay is the director of
the Directorate of Political Affairs at the Secretariat General for
the EU Affairs.

Armenian National Committee of America
1711 N Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036
Tel. (202) 775-1918
Fax. (202) 775-5648
Email. [email protected]
Internet

PRESS RELEASE
October 27, 2009
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918

LAWMAKERS REINFORCE REQUEST TO FOREIGN AID CONFEREES TO ALLOCATE $48
MILLION FOR ARMENIA; $10 MILLION FOR NAGORNO KARABAGH

— Reps. Pallone and LoBiondo Lead Bipartisan Congressional Effort

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Frank Pallone
(D-NJ) and New Jersey Republican Frank LoBiondo were joined by dozens
of their House Colleagues in urging Senate and House Appropriations
Committee leaders to maintain $48 million in U.S. assistance to
Armenia, increased aid to Nagorno Karabagh, and continued military
assistance parity to Armenia and Azerbaijan in the fiscal year (FY)
2010 foreign aid bill, reported the Armenian National Committee of
America (ANCA).

"We want to thank Congressmen Pallone and Lobiondo for leading this
bipartisan outreach to members of the State- Foreign Operations
Subcommittee – and also to express our appreciation to our friends
serving on this panel, including Nita Lowey, Adam Schiff, Mark Kirk,
Steve Rothman, and Jesse Jackson – for their work in support of the
pro-Armenia provisions in the FY2010 foreign aid bill," said Aram
Hamparian, Executive Director of the ANCA. "We are hopeful that the
conference committee, which will be called to reconcile the Senate and
House versions of this legislation, will approve the higher House
figures for aid to Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh, endorse the House’s
decision to maintain military aid parity between Armenia and
Azerbaijan, and support the House language reaffirming Section 907 of
the Freedom Support Act."

Earlier this year, both the House and Senate adopted their versions of
the FY 2010 foreign aid bill, with the House adopting higher figures
for Armenia and Nagorno Karabagh and including new language
reaffirming Section 907 restriction on U.S. assistance to Azerbaijan,
due to that country’s ongoing blockade of Armenia.

In an October 26th letter to the Chairs and Ranking Republicans of the
Senate and House foreign aid subcommittees, the House Members cited
the "approximately $680 million loss resulting from the Russia-Georgia
conflict. We are reminded that Armenia provided humanitarian,
diplomatic and economic assistance to Georgia, facilitated the safe
transit for U.S. and international officials, and helped rebuild
damaged Georgian infrastructure."

In expressing its support for $3.45 million in military assistance to
Armenia, the Congressional letter stated: "Armenia’s cooperation in
anti-terrorism efforts and its deployment of forces to both Iraq and
Kosovo are pivotal to U.S. interests. Armenia has entered into a NATO
Individual Partnership Action Plan (IPAP) and has worked closely with
both NATO and the Defense Department on a range of bilateral and
multilateral agreements, joint training programs, and military
exercises."

Joining Reps. Pallone and LoBiondo in signing the Congressional letter
were: Bruce Braley (D-IA), Dennis Cardoza (D-CA), Barney Frank (D-MA),
Jim Costa (D-CA), Jerry Costello (D-IL), Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Chakah
Fattah (D- PA), Elton Gallegly (R-CA), Scott Garrett (R-NJ), Rush Holt
(D-NJ), James Langevin (D-RI), Daniel Lipinski (D-IL), Stephen Lynch
(D-MA), Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Ed Markey (D- MA), James McGovern
(D-MA), Candice Miller (R-MI), Grace Napolitano (D-CA), Collin
Peterson (D-MN), Garry Peters (D- MI), John Sarbanes (D-MD), Jan
Schakowsky (D-IL), Brad Sherman (D-CA), Mark Souder (R-IN), Jackie
Speier (D-CA), Tim Walz (D-MN), Henry Waxman (D-CA), Anthony Weiner
(D- NY), and Frank Wolf (R-VA).

#####

Text of Congressional letter on Foreign Aid to Armenia

October 26, 2009

Representative Nita Lowey
Chair
House Appropriations Subcommittee on the Department of
State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs
US Capitol, HB-26
Washington, DC 20515

Representative Kay Granger
Ranking Member
House Appropriations Subcommittee on the Department of
State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs
1016 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

Senator Patrick Leahy
Chair
Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on the Department of
State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs
127 Dirksen Senate Office Building,
Washington, DC 20510

Senator Judd Gregg
Ranking Member
Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on the Department of
State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs
125 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510

We believe it is important that Congress demonstrates
bipartisan support for Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh in the
Subcommittee on the Department of State, Foreign Operations
and Related Programs. We are writing to urge you to support
the House version of the fiscal year (FY) 2010 Department
of State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs bill
concerning critical funding for Armenia and Nagorno
Karabakh.

The House version allocates $48 million to Armenia in
economic assistance (ESF) that provides important support
for Armenia in the face of Turkey and Azerbaijan’s dual
blockades. Additionally, this aid will help Armenia recover
from the approximately $680 million loss resulting from the
Russia-Georgia conflict. We are reminded that Armenia
provided humanitarian, diplomatic and economic assistance
to Georgia, facilitated the safe transit for U.S. and
international officials, and helped rebuild damaged
Georgian infrastructure.

The House version also provides $3 million in Foreign
Military Financing (FMF) and $450,000 in International
Military Education and Training (IMET) that will allow the
U.S.-Armenia military relationship continue to expand in
scope and depth. Armenia’s cooperation in anti-terrorism
efforts and its deployment of forces to both Iraq and
Kosovo are pivotal to U.S. interests. Armenia has entered
into a NATO Individual Partnership Action Plan (IPAP) and
has worked closely with both NATO and the Defense
Department on a range of bilateral and multilateral
agreements, joint training programs, and military
exercises.

We also commend the House for inserting language regarding
Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act in opposition to
Azerbaijan’s blockade and support for Congressional
authority over aid to Azerbaijan. Finally, we strongly back
the House’s concern for the plight of the victims of the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the direction of $10 million
to address ongoing humanitarian needs in that troubled
region.

We thank you for your support of Armenia and
the US-Armenia strategic relationship. Thank you for your
attention to this letter.

Sincerely,

Serzh Sargsyan and Sergey Kiriyenko discussed atomic energetics
development programs in Armenia
24.10.2009 15:45 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ On October 24, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan met
Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation Director General Sergey
Kiriyenko.

Serzh Sargsyan and Sergey Kiriyenko discussed atomic energetics
development programs in Armenia, giving high assessment to RA-RF
collaboration in the sphere indicated.

The parties expressed confidence that Armenia’s participation in
atomic energy programs will allow to enhance its presence at electric
power export market.

Dwelling on Armenian nuclear power station activities, Rosatom
Director General noted the station is in good working order, with
necessary safety conditions observed.

Today’s Zaman, Turkey
Oct 25 2009

Long road ahead for Armenian protocols

Uncertainty remains over when the protocols signed between Turkey and
Armenia in Zurich on Oct. 10 will reach the Turkish Parliament.

The protocols, which were expected to be discussed in Parliament on
Oct. 21, will remain on the shelf for some more time due to an
increase in tensions between Turkey and Azerbaijan. Turkey plans to
simultaneously submit the protocols to Parliament with Armenia. The
decision to ban Azerbaijani flags at the stadium during the
Turkey-Armenia soccer game held in Bursa on Oct. 14 drew reaction from
Azerbaijan. Turkish flags at a cemetery of Turkish soldiers were taken
down in Baku, forcing Turkish authorities to deliver a note to
Azerbaijan for the first time.

The tension between the two countries has resulted in the delay of the
Turkish Parliament discussing the protocols. As a result of the delay
in Turkey, Armenia has started to act slowly on ratifying the
protocols as well. The current situation suggests it will take some
time before the protocols are approved in Parliament.

Even if the protocols are referred to Parliament next month, it seems
unlikely that they will be approved quickly unless the government
exerts extraordinary effort to ensure that they are passed. It is for
this reason that the submission and ratification of the protocols will
take a long time. Once the protocols reach Parliament, the speaker
will send them to the Foreign Affairs Commission. Whether the
commission will be able to immediately evaluate the protocols and
agreements depends on the determination of the government, which holds
the majority of seats on the commission. Examination of previous work
schedules reveals that there are no examples of a protocol or
agreement being sent to the commission within a month or two after
reaching Parliament. Once the protocols are approved by the Foreign
Affairs Commission, they will be discussed by the General Assembly.
Protocols that are approved by the General Assembly go into effect
upon being published in the Official Gazette.

A closer look at the Foreign Affairs Commission’s agenda reveals that
there are bilateral agreements and protocols that have been waiting
for approval for 26 years. The oldest draft bill and agreement waiting
at the commission is a law dated Dec. 14, 1983 on the overseas
organization of public agencies and institutions and an agreement
between Turkey and Iraq on building mutual consulates.

Although the agreement has been pushed aside after every election
period over the last 26 years, each government resubmits it to the
commission for consideration. There are currently 148 drafts and
proposals waiting to be approved by the commission.

A social security agreement with Sweden, a law on scientific and
technical cooperation in agriculture with Libya and a plant protection
cooperation agreement with Argentina have been waiting at the
commission for debate since 2004.

In addition to these, various agreements signed with 95 countries
including Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Slovenia, Malawi and Burkina Faso
are also waiting to be discussed by the commission. Azerbaijan and
Syria top the list of countries with which Turkey has signed the most
agreements. The Foreign Affairs Commission has yet to address more
than 20 agreements signed with these two countries. While 95 of the
148 items on the commission’s agenda are agreements signed with
different countries, 42 are agreements signed with international
agencies and institutions.

Among the international agreements that have been awaiting approval
since 2005 is a draft bill on ratifying a 2005 protocol related to
another protocol on preventing illegal actions threatening the safety
of fixed platforms on the continental shelf, a law approving an
agreement on building a high-performance railway network in
southeastern Europe and a draft bill on approving a supplementary
protocol of a bio-medicine agreement.

25 October 2009, Sunday
ERCAN YAVUZ ANKARA

News.am, Armenia
Oct 24 2009

Russia’s support to Protocols is intriguing: Ian Lesser

15:10 / 10/24/2009

Russia’s support to Armenia-Turkey rapprochement sets German Marshal
Fund expert Ian Lesser’s wondering. `Russia hinders Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict resolution for a great while,’ the expert considers.

Commenting on Armenia-Turkey reconciliation, Lesser outlined that
Kremlin’s support to the process puzzled even the U.S. `Russia’s
response is quite intriguing. U.S. expected Russia to respond
negatively to Armenia-Turkey rapprochement, but it did not happen. In
any case we are pleased that Russia does not thwart it,’ Lesser said.

Oct. 10 signed Armenia-Turkey Protocols are of great significance in
the establishment of security and stability in the region. According
to him, despite the complexity of the process for both states, these
steps will entail drastic changes.

OCTOBER 24 UNITED NATIONS DAY

/PanARMENIAN.Net/
22.10.2009 14:52 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ United Nations Day (UN Day) is observed annually
worldwide on 24 October to commemorate the founding of the United
Nations in 1945.

On October 24, 1945, the United Nations (UN) came into force when the
five permanent members of the security council ratified the charter
that had been drawn up earlier that year. These members were: France,
the Republic of China, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom and the
United States.

Since 1948, the event’s anniversary has been known as United Nations
Day. It is an occasion to highlight, celebrate and reflect on the
work of the United Nations and its family of specialized agencies.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was one of the first
documents adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 10, 1948.

Today, with 192 member states, the United Nations is the principle
forum for all nations, large and small, to work in concert to meet
the global challenges no nation can confront alone.

The work of the United Nations reaches every corner of the globe.

Although best known for peacekeeping, peacebuilding, conflict
prevention and humanitarian assistance, there are many other
ways the United Nations and its System (specialized agencies,
funds and program) affect our lives and make the world a better
place. The Organization works on a broad range of fundamental issues,
from sustainable development, environment and refugees protection,
disaster relief, counter terrorism, disarmament and non-proliferation,
to promoting democracy, human rights, governance, economic and social
development and international health, clearing landmines, expanding
food production, and more, in order to achieve its goals and coordinate
efforts for a safer world for this and future generations.

PURPOSE OF THE PRESENT VISIT OF ARMENIAN PRESIDENT TO STEPANAKERT IS HOLDING CONSULTATIONS WITH NKR LEADERSHIP, REPRESENTATIVE OF ARMENIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS THINKS

ArmInfo
2009-10-22 13:59:00

ArmInfo. The purpose of the present visit of Armenian President
Serzh Sargsyan to Stepanakert is holding consultations with the
NKR leadership, representative of the opposition Armenian National
Congress, Vladimir Karapetyan, said at today’s press-conference.

He also added taking into consideration seriousness of the created
situation, that occurred because of the Armenian-Turkish normalization
process, and the fact that the leadership of Armenia headed by the
president continue keeping silence whereas the Turkish party is making
different statements, one may suppose that Sargsyan’s departure
to Stepanakert was initiated for holding consultations with the
NKR leaders. Karapetyan also recalled, that over their last visit
to the region the OSCE MG co-chairs visited Stepanakert and had a
long-lasting meeting with the Karabakh leaders. Karapetyan thinks
that in this context there is a necessity of holding consultations
and Sargsyan’s visit to Stepanakert is logical.

To recall, yesterday president of Armenia left for the NKR with a
two-day working visit.

ARMENIAN-TURKISH RELATIONS TOPPED THE AGENDA OF TURKEY’S NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL SESSION

ArmInfo
2009-10-21 14:56:00

ArmInfo. The process of normalization of the Armenian-Turkish relations
topped the agenda of October 20 session of Turkey’s National Security
Council chaired by Turkish President Abdullah Gul.

As Zaman reports, "developments in southern Caucasus were also high
on agenda of the meeting. Efforts to resolve disputes in southern
Caucasus, especially the Karabakh dispute between Azerbaijan and
Armenia, were discussed in the light of protocols signed by Turkey
and Armenia on October 10, 2009. Turkey will maintain its efforts to
ensure regional peace, stability, cooperation and confidence".

The situation in the north of Iraq and in Afghanistan was also
discussed at the session, and it was decided ‘to continue the
terrorism-fight’.

THE PROTOCOLS ARE PRESENTED TO THE TURKISH PARLIAMENT

Aysor
Oct 21 2009
Armenia

The project of the law the name of which is "About the appropriateness
of ratification of the protocols on establishing diplomatic relations
between Turkey and Armenia and developing the Armenian – Turkish
relations" was presented on the National Assembly of Turkey.

According to the "CNN Turk" news agency the project of the ratification
of the Armenian – Turkish protocols will be handed to the commission
of the foreign relations by the head of the parliament.

After the recognition of the project the General Council will
discuss them.

After that the parties of the great Turkish National Assembly will
present its opinion.