Author: Varosian Antranik

CLINTON DISTANCES STATE DEPARTMENT FROM TRADITIONAL STAND AGAINST GENOCIDE RESOLUTION

26/clinton-distances-state-department-from-traditi onal-stand-against-genocide-resolution/
February 26, 2010

WASHINGTON-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, in response earlier
today to a series of questions during her testimony before Congress,
broke with the Department of State’s long-standing pattern of
aggressively opposing legislation recognizing the Armenian Genocide,
reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).

During her testimony before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on
Foreign Operations, Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Mark Kirk
(R-Ill.) noted Secretary Clinton’s previous support for Armenian
Genocide legislation in the Senate. Referring to the impending
Committee vote on a similar resolution, H.Res.252, Rep. Kirk stated:
"I hope we do that; and I hope the House of Representatives does that,
and I hope you let that happen."

Secretary Clinton responded, citing the ongoing Turkey-Armenia
Protocols discussion and continued efforts by the Administration to
urge their ratification, but remained silent on the resolution. In
past years, previous administration’s, both Democratic and Republican,
have used every opportunity to seek to defeat such legislation.

Armenian Genocide Resolution lead sponsor Adam Schiff (D-Calif.),
during his questioning, stated, "I don’t think the prospect of
reconciliation, as much as I would like it to happen, should be used
as a reason not to recognize the undeniable fact of the Armenian
Genocide." He urged "the Administration’s support on the legislation
and at a minimum certainly not to get involved in opposing the
legislation."

Secretary Clinton offered her support for the Turkey-Armenia Protocols,
but, once again, did not attack the Armenian Genocide Resolution
in response to questions during an earlier hearing before the House
Foreign Affairs Committee.

"Secretary Clinton’s remarks represent the third time in just the past
few weeks that a senior Obama Administration official-in response to
pointed questions about the Armenian Genocide Resolution-has chosen not
to voice any opposition to the adoption of this genocide-prevention
measure," said ANCA executive director Aram Hamparian. "The current
Administration’s conduct, at least to date, stands in stark contrast
to past Administrations-both Democratic and Republican-that used
every opportunity to score points with Ankara by attacking the broad,
bipartisan Congressional majority that has long existed in support
of U.S. condemnation and commemoration of the Armenian Genocide."

Secretary Clinton appeared before both Committees to outline the
fiscal year 2011 State Department foreign aid priorities. Foreign
Affairs Committee member Brad Sherman (D-Calif.) praised the Obama
Administration for increasing its assistance request for Armenia
in 2011, but argued that "Congress should enhance that." He noted
that while the Obama Administration had maintained parity in Foreign
Military Financing assistance between Armenia and Azerbaijan, military
training assistance was not balanced. He also called for a "specific
aid request for Nagorno Karabagh."

Secretary Clinton will have an opportunity to respond to his questions
in writing.

"We would like to thank Representatives Kirk, Schiff and Sherman
for speaking out about Armenia foreign aid priorities and once again
urging passage of the Armenian Genocide Resolution," stated Hamparian.

"With the Foreign Affairs Committee set to vote on

H.Res.252 and the foreign aid process in full gear, we are actively
reaching out to our community expand our engagement with legislators
from across the country."

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Howard Berman (D-Calif.) has
scheduled a vote on the Armenian Genocide Resolution (H.Res.252)
on March 4. Over 137 House Members have cosponsored this measure,
spearheaded by Representatives Schiff, George Radanovich (R-Calif.),
and Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) and
Mark Kirk (R-Ill.). A similar measure in the Senate (S.Res.316),
led by Senators Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) and John Ensign (R-Nev.) has
13 cosponsors

THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC GOT ACQUAINTED WITH CONSTRUCTION OF THE
Laura Grigoryan

26 -02-2010

For the purpose of getting acquainted with building works of the
airport of Stepanakert, on February 14th the NKR President Bako
Sahakyan was in building site of passenger complex of the airport,
talked with the architect and executives of building organization,
gave corresponding assignments. The Prime Minister Ara Harutyunyan,
minister of Urban Planning Anahit Vardanyan and other officials
accompanied the head of the country.

It couldn’t be two opinions, that works of construction of the
airport were developing with all strength. The construction begun
at the beginning of July of 2009, we may say, has already entered a
final stage. Builders work day and night, without rest-days.

By information of the chief engineer of "Horizon trade" Artsrun
Sergoyan, concrete works have already finished, works of monolithic
structures – too. They prepare for works of inner adorning.

The project of passenger complex of the airport has been prepared
by design studio of Erevan State University of Architecture and
Construction. In the complex of the airport there will be all
conveniences: rest-room, cafe, rooms of doctor, mother and babies and
so on. The executive director of "Horizon trade" has assured, that
either using materials or realized works correspond to modern demands.

THE NUMBER OF DIVORCES HAS DECREASED IN THE REPUBLIC

1580/lang/en
2010-02-24

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 24, ARMENPRESS: The number of divorces has decreased
in the republic in January of the running year compared with the same
month of 2009. Press Secretary to the Armenian Justice Minister Lana
Mshetsyan told Armenpress that 196 cases of divorce were registered
in January in Armenia, which has decreased by 26 against the same
period of 2009.

One thousand 102 marriages have been registered in January, 2010
against the 1 210 of the last year.

DISCUSSIONS ON 2010-2020 STABLE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY AND THE PROGRAM OF EVENTS LAUNCH

86/lang/en
2010-02-23

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 23, ARMENPRESS: Armenian Prime Minister Tigran
Sargsyan conducted today a consultation dedicated to the 2010-2020
stable development strategy and the program of events on its
implementation. Representatives of Public Council and experts
participated in the consultation.

Governmental press service told Armenpress that before passing to the
agenda Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan noted that today they
start discussions of the 2010-2020 agricultural stable development
strategy, saying that this sphere is under direct limelight of the
president of the republic. The agriculture will be a prior sphere
for the Armenian government for 2010.

Agriculture Minister Gerasim Alaverdyan presented a report on the
development of the draft strategy after which the deputy agriculture
minister Samvel Avetisyan presented to the participants of the
consultation detailed information about the strategy.

Gerasim Alaverdyan assured the prime minister that the strategy
corresponds to the government-designed Stable development program,
ensures continuation of the policy of extensive agrarian reforms and
is directed toward overcoming rural poverty.

During the discussions suggestions and remarks have been voiced in
connection with the strategy and program of events, which will be
summed up at another meeting and in future will be registered in
a document.

ARMENIAN PRESIDENT SIGNS DECREE ON MAKING AMENDMENTS IN THE LAW "ABOUT FOREIGNERS"

re/id/591473/lang/en
2010-02-23

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 23, ARMENPRESS: Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan
signed February 22 a decree on making changes and amendments in the
law adopted by the National Assembly "About Foreigners", Presidential
Press service reported.

PETER SEMNEBY: TIME IS RUNNING OUT

armradio.am
24.02.2010 10:58

"It is possible to hope for progress in the Karabakh conflict
settlement, but time is running out," European Union Special
Representative for South Caucasus Peter Semneby told reporters in Baku.

"The situation in the region is changing, the status quo can not last
forever. I hope very much that the momentum which was achieved last
year will bring to concrete results. In any case, we will contribute
in this regard," said EU Special Representative.

Within the framework of the visit to Azerbaijan Peter Semneby will
discuss Azerbaijan’s rapprochement with the European Union, the
possibility of starting negotiations on the association agreement,
the energy security, energy supply to Europe, regional security,
as well as Nagorno-Karabakh conflict solution and normalization of
Armenian-Turkish relations, Trend News reports.

ACCORDING TO RICHARD GIRAGOSIAN, U.S, RUSSIA AND EUROPE STAND NEAR ARMENIA AND WAIT FOR TURKEY’S STEP

Noyan Tapan
Feb 24, 2010

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 24, NOYAN TAPAN. The issue of Armenian Genocide has
become more important on the international arena today connected with
Turkey’s position in the Armenia-Turkey conciliation process. Richard
Giragosian, the head of the Armenian Center for National and
International Studies, made such an observation at a February 24 press
conference. In his words, after the signing of the protocols Turkey
"plays games" by leading into temptation Armenia and the international
community. All countries, as R. Giragosian stressed, have claims and
expectations from Turkey: today the U.S., Russia and Europe stand
near Armenia and wait for Turkey’s step.

"If Turkey misses this opportunity (of establishing relations with
Armenia: NT) it should pay a price. It is a different issue what
price," he said. And if the Turks open the border and send a diplomat
to Armenia, according to R. Giragosian, it should be considered a
normal, minimum step, for which Turkey should not be awarded.

Expert Manvel Sargsian, in his turn, reminded the statements of
Turkey’s high-ranking officials that they move towards improvement
of relations with Armenians for the purpose of solving the Nagorno
Karabakh problem. "However the U.S. made the issue of Genocide a
problem for Turkey," he said. According to M. Sargsian, now the Turks
understand that from the very start they should not have put their
claims on the table. He mentioned that he has an impression that the
U.S. wants to break Turkey’s claims.

PARLIAMENT ADDRESSES ARMENIAN PULLOUT FROM TURKEY ACCORD
Sargis Harutyunyan, Karine Kalantarian

23.02.2010
ntent/article/1966347.html

The National Assembly began debating on Tuesday a government bill
that would make it easier for Armenia to annul its normalization
agreements with Turkey if Ankara continues to delay their ratification.

The proposed amendments to an Armenian law on international treaties
envisage the suspension or termination of agreements signed by Yerevan
before their entry into force.

President Serzh Sarkisian announced his intention to enact such
amendments in December in response to Turkish leaders’ continuing
statements making the ratification of the Turkish-Armenian "protocols"
conditional on the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh. He made clear
that Yerevan will walk away from the deal if Ankara fails to implement
it within a "reasonable" time frame.

Addressing the parliament, Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian
effectively admitted that the amendments were drafted on Sarkisian’s
orders. "The president of the republic made a statement on and I have
nothing to add to it," he said.

Opposition and independent lawmakers criticized the initiative,
saying that Armenian law and international conventions signed by
Yerevan already allow for the abrogation of international treaties.

"I am sure that our legislation in no way restricts the president’s
authority to suspend the process of terminating the ratification of
any treaty," said former parliament speaker Tigran Torosian. "I am
more than convinced that there is absolutely no need to pass this
bill," he added.

The bill was included on the parliament agenda just days after
Sarkisian formally sent the two protocols to the parliament for
ratification. But the National Assembly and its committee on foreign
relations are in no rush to debate the documents envisaging the
establishment of diplomatic relations between Armenia and Turkey and
opening of their border.

A spokesman for Sarkisian’s Republican Party of Armenia (HHK), which
has a clear majority in the assembly, on Tuesday again made clear that
it will not vote on the protocols before their ratification by the
Turkish parliament. Like other Armenian officials, Eduard Sharmazanov
again avoided setting any deadlines for Turkish ratification.

David Harutiunian, the chairman of the parliament committee on legal
affairs, said Yerevan may wait for "one or two or several months"
before deciding whether to discontinue the normalization process.

"It’s not possible to give a definite answer at this point. It depends
on many processes," Harutiunian told journalists when asked what the
Armenian side means by a "reasonable timeframe."

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan reportedly reiterated on
Monday that Turkey will not implement the protocols unless there is a
breakthrough in international efforts to settle the Karabakh conflict.

WASHINGTON BLAMES ANKARA FOR TROUBLE IN ARMENIAN ISSUE

Hurriyet
.php?n=washington-blames-ankara-for-trouble-in-arm enian-issue-2010-02-22
Feb 22 2010
Turkey

The signed historical protocols with Armenia are losing their
attractiveness with each passing day. General evaluation by Washington
shows that Ankara is to be blamed for the point we arrived at. The
Obama administration is very negative about the future of this protocol
and the "genocide" resolution.

If we gather evaluations and statements made by those monitoring
upper-level authorities in Washington closely in this regard, then
a totally different scenario from what we assumed emerges.

One of the very first steps taken by the Obama administration in order
to get rid of this genocide dilemma was to bring Turkey and Armenia
together for a long process of discussion. Those who characterized
this as a "step taken deliberately" complain, "We spent a lot of
effort and time."

The same circles that draw attention to the process that started
with a visit by the president and continued with Secretary of State
Hillary Clinton focusing on this issue say that Turkey is responsible
for what happened later on.

According to the Americans, Turkey was not able to effectively convince
Azerbaijan in time. People believe that after the signing the protocols
it surrendered to Baku’s brisk reaction too soon.

The prime minister linking the condition of signing the protocols
in Parliament to the Karabakh issue is perceived by them as a
"fatal stroke."

And the decision of the Armenian Constitutional Court they perceive
as an "intelligible reaction" that does not hinder the protocol in
harmony with the country’s general atmosphere.

‘Genocide’ resolution may pass this time

It is being called attention to how the Obama administration will
react when this now in Washington prioritized issue of "genocide"
resolution in respect to Turkey comes up in Congress.

During Obama’s election campaign he attracted attention saying that
he would acknowledge the Armenian genocide and if there was no further
development he’d be forced to continue his attitude.

The same authority says "the shortest and most effective way to change
this situation is for Turkey to separate the Armenian protocols from
a solution in Karabakh," knowing how difficult this is. But he can’t
restrain himself from saying, "There is no other way out."

You see there are again black clouds gathering in Washington, as
typical each year. The same scenarios will be played. Mutual threats,
unnecessary tension and relations harmed.

Will Washington just observe this situation?

The following is the answer we get:

"Can you tell us what Turkey does to make Obama not lose his bonus
by taking back his promise? Why should we put the president into a
difficult situation only to please an Ankara that constantly beats
Israel or is at adverse terms with us regarding Iran?"

Recently opponents of the AKP in Washington are able to more
effectively make their views public. In the beginning the Obama
administration did not pay much attention and continued supporting
Erdogan. But this support has slowly eroded. They say, "We no longer
can pretend not hear their voices. We have started to feel that
something is fishy about Turkish foreign politics."

This is the latest situation in the Armenian "genocide" resolution,
to the attention of all those who are related to the subject.

TIME RUNNING OUT FOR KARABAKH STATUS QUO, SAYS EU ENVOY

Asbarez
-karabakh-status-quo-says-eu-envoy/
Feb 23rd, 2010

BAKU -The European Union’s Special Representative to the South Caucasus
arrived in Azerbaijan Tuesday where he said time was running out for
Armenia and Azerbaijan to hammer out a final peace accord on Karabakh.

Speaking to reporters at a press briefing in Baku, Peter Semneby said
it was possible to hope for progress in reaching a peaceful settlement
between Armenian and Azerbaijan in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict,
"but time is running out."

"The situation in the region is changing; the status quo can not last
forever. I hope very much that the momentum which was achieved last
year will bring to concrete results. In any case, we will contribute
in this regard,"

During his three-day official visit, Semneby will hold meetings
both with Azeri officials and representatives of non-governmental
organizations and political circles in Azerbaijan.

Semneby said he would also be discussing with Azerbaijan’s leaders the
possibility of starting negotiations on energy agreements, regional
security, the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and Armenia-Turkey relations.

"The current visit will be an important factor in the development
of relations between Azerbaijan and EU," Semneby said. "Partly the
purpose of my visit is to make contacts and prepare visits of a number
of new senior officials of the European Union."