Author: Yeghisabet Arthur

STUDENTS GET PRACTICAL KNOWLEDGE AT VIVACELL-MTS

15:29 07/08/2009
Panorama.am

`99% of VivaCell-MTS company staff is our compatriots. The company has
got much experience during four years of activities and it is high
time to speak about it,’ General Manager Ralf Yirikyan told at news
conference.

He said that the students study theories at universities, hence they
have decided to give them opportunity to get experienced.

R. Yirikyan says they will continue visiting other communities in
Armenia to involve more students to get practical knowledge.

The rector of Kavendish University Husein Tajbashk said that in the
aftermath of the cooperation with Vivacell-MTS they have added quite a
new subject in their educational agenda on corporative society.

COUP DEBATE RESURFACES IN TURKEY FOLLOWING THE THIRD ERGENEKON INDICTMENT
Emrullah Uslu

Jamestown Foundation
Aug 6 2009

The prosecutors investigating the Ergenekon criminal network that
allegedly aimed at overthrowing the Turkish government by organizing
a military coup, has finalized the third indictment, consisting of
1,454 pages and indicting 52 high profile individuals. The judges
hearing the Ergenekon trial accepted the indictment and announced
that the trial will begin on September 7.

The evidence collected for the third indictment indicates a conspiracy
to organize a military coup against the Justice and Development Party’s
(AKP) government. Prosecutors accused the Ergenekon network of planning
at least 10 assassinations against leading figures in society in order
to create chaos as a first step toward staging a military coup. The
Turkish press highlighted these assassination plans as one of the
main pillars of the indictment. According to the indictment the
targets included Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan, supreme court judges
in Ankara, NATO facilities in Izmir, the former Chief of the General
Staff General Yasar Buyukanit, the journalist Fehmi Koru and a Nobel
Prize winning author Orhan Pamuk, as well as Kurdish nationalist
politicians including the Chairman of the Democratic Society Party
(DTP), Ahmet Turk, the Mayor of Diyarbakir, Ocman Baydemir, and
DTP deputy Sebahat Tuncel, Armenian businessman Minas Durmaz Guler,
Armenian Orthodox Church patriarch Mesrob Mutafyan, and the leaders of
the Alevi communities Ali Balkiz and Kazim Genc (Milliyet, August 6).

Since the start of the Ergenekon investigation the Alevi communities,
who oppose the AKP government, argued that the government is
using the case as a tool to suppress opposition groups. The
Alevi communities were also the most vocal opposition against the
Ergenekon investigation. However, as the evidence provided in the
third indictment appears to involve the Alevi leaders, Ali Balkiz and
Kazim Genc, they have applied to the court as victims of the Ergenekon
network (Radikal, August 6). In one of his earlier statements Balkiz
revealed that the prosecutors invited him to reveal evidence about the
assassination plot against him. Balkiz stated that this including a
sketch showing his home and the daily routes that he uses to travel
to work, and the place where the assassination might occur. He is
also convinced that the Ergenekon investigation is not a political
tool to suppress the opposition (Zaman, March 10).

In addition to these documents and witness testimony the third
indictment included reference to weapons and ammunition found in
Ergenekon hideouts as proof of the alleged plot. The weapons that were
listed in the indictment included 43 light anti-tank weapons, 12 light
weight rockets, 19 emergency flares, 424 hand grenades, 800 G3 bullets,
20 incendiary devices, three other explosives including 250 grams of
C4 explosive, and a large quantity of bullets and other weapons were
also listed in the indictment (Third Ergenekon Indictment, August 5).

Furthermore, the indictment included the former Chief of the General
Staff General Hilmi Ozkok’s testimony to prove that there were generals
and other high ranking officers involved. Ozkok in his testimony
told the prosecutors: "I knew of the Ayisigi [moonlight] and Yakamoz
[phosphorescence in sea-water] issues [coup plots]. I had received
some information but could not take action for lack of evidence,"
(Taraf, August 6). In regard to the question as to whether the National
Intelligence Service (MIT) informed him about the Ergenekon network,
Ozkok said that he was briefed informally, but never given any official
documentation from the MIT during his term in office. However, the
MIT earlier said that it had sent a booklet on Ergenekon twice to
the General Staff in 2003 and 2006. Ozkok’s statements have raised
numerous unanswered questions (Milliyet, August 6).

The coup diaries allegedly belonging to the former commander of
the Turkish navy Admiral Ozden Ornek, which were published by Nokta
magazine in 2008, also featured in the indictment. The controversial
Ergenekon case is therefore portrayed as an investigation seeking to
crack down on the alleged Ergenekon network, which aimed to topple
the government (Third Ergenekon Indictment, August 5).

The opposition groups did not take the earlier two indictments
as seriously, since in their view the documents appeared to be
geared toward suppressing the opposition. However, with this latest
indictment it seems that at least some of the opposition (notably
the Alevi’s) now regard the Ergenekon network as a real organization
able to create chaos within the country. The testimony of General
Ozkok and the weapons listed in the third indictment appeared to be
convincing evidence, and at least suggested that the investigation
must be taken seriously. Given that the former Chief of the General
Staff General Hilmi Ozkok admitted that there were attempts to
overthrow the government, it still remains to be seen as to whether
the Ergenekon prosecutors will conduct a separate investigation on
the attempted coup, or if they will include it in future indictments
in the Ergenekon trail.

COLORADO MARKS ‘GENOCIDE AWARENESS DAY’

Asbarez
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Aug 6, 2009

WASHINGTON–Colorado Governor Bill Ritter Jr. joined with the Colorado
Coalition for Genocide Awareness and Action (CCGAA), Wednesday, at a
press conference proclaiming August 5 as "Genocide Awareness Day" in
the state, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).

"We’re here today to raise awareness that Genocide is a real thing
where real people are affected in traumatic ways and because as part
of the fraternity of man or in solidarity with our fellow human beings
around the globe, we say we can’t tolerate it, that it should not be
part of our world in the twenty first century," said Gov. Ritter. "The
first recognized genocide of the twentieth century took place in
Armenia, with the slaughter of more than a million Armenians, and we
have seen it again and again since. It is imperative that we recognize
what has happened, so we can ensure it will not happen again."

The genocide awareness event was organized by the Colorado Coalition
for Genocide Awareness and Action, a group founded by local activist
Roz Duman and committed to bringing together anti- genocide groups to
educate Colorado residents about the ravages of this crime against
humanity – from the Armenian Genocide to Darfur. Commenting on the
ongoing efforts to secure U.S. reaffirmation of the Armenian Genocide,
Duman explained "The CCGAA has, from its inception, worked within
Colorado to affirm the Armenian Genocide and to promote public
awareness of the facts of that event. Historians have repeatedly
documented a Turkish government orchestrated genocide perpetrated
against its Armenian citizens. Three quarters of the entire population
of Armenians perished in waves of killing from 1895 to 1923 in their
historic homeland. The consequence to the world was the decimation
of a rich and ancient Christian culture."

We salute the efforts of Governor Ritter, the Colorado Coalition for
Genocide Awareness and Action and Colorado’s exceptionally vibrant
Armenian community for their ongoing commitment to ending the cycle
of genocide – through education and action," said ANCA Executive
Director Aram Hamparian. "From standing up against the denial of the
Armenian Genocide to divestment from the genocidal regime in Sudan –
Colorado leaders have proven that each state can play a vital role
in stopping genocide."

Colorado has been at the forefront of the state-level battle in
ending the cycle of genocide, with a strong record of commemorating
past genocides and taking action to end the ongoing atrocities in
Darfur. In 2007, Gov. Ritter signed legislation sponsored by former
House Speaker Andrew Romanoff calling for state and local governments
to completely divest themselves from companies that were financially
involved with the Sudanese government. "Today, two years later,"
Gov. Ritter said, "I’m happy to report that no public dollars from
Colorado state government are invested in companies doing business
with the Sudanese government."

Colorado recognized the Armenian Genocide through gubernatorial
proclamation in 1981 and has adopted Armenian Genocide legislation
consistently over the past decade, thanks to the grassroots efforts
of the Colorado Armenian community. Colorado Armenian Genocide
Commemoration Committee Co-Chair Ken Allikian praised Gov.

Ritter’s latest effort to stop genocide. "I am very pleased that
Armenians of Colorado and the Armenian Genocide Commemoration Committee
have become partners with the Coalition, as they are doing fantastic
work to raise public awareness of the insanity of genocide," explained
Allikian. "I am also proud of the State of Colorado for being the
first in the nation to have such a ceremony, but they have always
proven themselves as a leader in this area, having donated space for
an Armenian Genocide memorial garden on the grounds of the capitol
in 1982 and for eight years running having passed a joint house and
senate resolution proclaiming April 24 as "Colorado Day of Remembrance
of the Armenian Genocide."

Allikian spoke with the ANCA’s Paul Chaderjian and National Board
Member Vicken Sonentz Papazian on the "Horizon 180â~@³ television
news program regarding the Colorado Governor’s press conference and
Armenian Genocide recognition efforts in the state. To watch the
interview, visit:

eleases.php?prid=1746
Over the years, the ANCA has worked closely with Armenian American
activists throughout Colorado to educate elected officials and
the media on a range of community concerns from Armenian Genocide
recognition to self-determination for the people of Nagorno Karabakh
and building a stronger U.S.-Armenia relationship. Local initiatives,
including the highly regarded "The Rocky Mountain Hye Advocates"
political e-newsletter, founded by state-wide community activist
Pamela Barsam Brown, have played a key role in the ongoing effort
to inform the community and the Colorado Congressional delegation,
alike. Barsam Brown was instrumental in coordinating press commentary
from Governor Ritter’s office, the CCGAA and the Colorado Armenian
Genocide Commemoration Committee in support of the "Genocide Awareness
Day" initiative.

CENTRAL BANK OF ARMENIA REGISTERS REGIONAL BRANCH OF AMERIABANK – ‘KAJARAN’

ArmInfo
2009-08-06 13:32:00

ArmInfo. Chairman of the Armenian Central Bank registered a regional
branch of Ameriabank – "Kajaran" on Wednesday, the CB press-service
told ArmInfo.

The new branch will operate in the Lernagorsneri Street 16/31 in the
town of Kajaran, Syunik region.

Analysts say the bank’s entering the "metallurgical" region of the
country where one of the largest employers in the country, Zangezour
copper and molybdenum plant, is located, is an important step towards
further development and strengthening of market positions. By present
Ameriabank had just one branch in the NKR.

Ameriabank CJSC is focusing on investment banking and providing a
full spectrum of universal banking services. The strategic partner
of the Bank is the Russian Troika Dialog. The majority shareholder
of Amerabank is TDA Holdings Limited, an affiliated company of Troika
Dialog, with 99.7% stake.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SEPARATED NKR OUT OF AZERBAIJAN TERRITORY

/PanARMENIAN.Net/
05.08.2009 16:01 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ National Geographic website featured South Caucasus
map, indicating actual borders of Nagorno Karabakh Republic.

NKR map, yet, is marked with a "questionable territory" sign and NKR
capital named Hankendi instead of Stepanakert

PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Chris Zakian
Tel: (212) 686-0710; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:

August 3, 2009
___________________

His Holiness Karekin I (1932-1999)
131st Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians

In Armenia this fall, memorial events will honor the 10th anniversary
of his passing

Ten years have elapsed since the untimely death of His Holiness
Karekin I Sarkissian, of blessed memory, the 131st Catholicos of All
Armenians. The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin is organizing a special
memorial in the Republic of Armenia this autumn.

Presiding over the memorial events will be His Holiness Karekin II,
Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, the 132nd successor
to the Throne of St. Gregory the Illuminator.

The 10-year memorial will begin on Saturday, September 19, 2009, at
the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin – the pre-eminent shrine of the
worldwide Armenian Church. A ground-breaking ceremony will take place
at 12:00 noon, to inaugurate the construction of `His Holiness Karekin
I Religious Missionary Educational Center.’

When completed, His Holiness Karekin I Center will be primarily
directed at the ordained clergy, providing advanced training to
reinforce and build upon their theological
< definition/acquired-knowledge.html>
knowledge and spiritual leadership
< efinition/skill.html> skills. The
center will also be open to Christian education teachers, who would be
eligible for seminars and workshops on theological, spiritual,
pastoral, and church-related matters.

His Holiness Karekin I Religious Missionary Educational Center is
being built thanks to the generous support of Haig and Elza Didizian,
lifelong friends of the late Catholicos, who have devoted their
efforts to perpetuating Karekin I’s intellectual and spiritual legacy.
Among the fruits of this generous effort is the multi-volume Karekin I
Theological and Armenological Studies Series (see below).

On the evening of September 19, at 7:00 p.m., the curtain will rise on
a Concert of Remembrance at Yerevan’s grand Aram Khachaturian Concert
Hall. Called `A Night to Remember Karekin I,’ the concert will
feature both an orchestra and full choir.

Catholicos Karekin II will graciously preside over the concert, and
address the audience on the occasion.

The memorial events will continue on Sunday, September 20, at 11:00
a.m., at the Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin with a special celebration
of the Divine Liturgy, and a requiem service (hokehankisd) for the
departed Catholicos, on the 10th anniversary of his passing.

Catholicos Karekin II will preside over these services, where
dignitaries from around the world will be in attendance.

A theologian of great learning

His Holiness Karekin I (1932-1999) – a key figure in the worldwide
ecumenical movement, an intellectual of international stature and
reputation, and a fiercely dedicated leader of the Armenian Church and
nation – was born in Kessab, Syria, with the baptismal name Neshan
Sarkissian. He studied in Lebanon and then at Oxford, and was an
official observer to the Second Vatican Council. After serving as a
bishop in Iran, New York, and Lebanon, he was consecrated as
Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, in Antelias, Lebanon
(1977-1995).

In 1995 he was elected the 131st Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of
All Armenians. As leader of the entire Armenian Church – and the
first catholicos to be elected in the free Republic of Armenia –
Karekin I resided at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin until his
untimely death in 1999. A theologian of enormous breadth, his
numerous books and essays have appeared in Armenian, English, French,
Spanish, Italian and Russian.

Catholicos Karekin I above all considered himself a pastor – an aspect
of his ministry evident in a long interview published in English as
Between Heaven and Earth: A Conversation with His Holiness Karekin I
(New York: St. Vartan Press, 2000). Speaking with journalist and
religion scholar Giovanni Guaïta, the late Catholicos addressed some
of the most pressing issues of the day: happiness, faith and beauty;
authority and power; the laity, young people, women in the church;
love, the family and sexuality; justice, ecology and bioethics. The
book remains the best introduction to Karekin I’s spirituality and
thought.

His writings are being systematically issued as the Karekin I
Theological and Armenological Studies Series. Eight volumes in the
series have already been published, and seven more are forthcoming.
They are available at Armenian Church centers on the east and west
coasts of the United States, and through Armenian institutions around
the world.

###

PHOTO CAPTION

His Holiness Karekin I Sarkissian, the late 131st Supreme Patriarch
and Catholicos of All Armenians, will be memorialized on the 10th
anniversary of his passing, through a schedule of special events in
Armenia. The memorial on September 19-20 will include a concert and
requiem service, as well as the official groundbreaking for the new
`His Holiness Karekin I Religious Missionary Educational Center,’
which will be built at Holy Etchmiadzin. His Holiness Karekin II, the
132nd Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, will preside
over the ceremonies.

AGBU Press Office
55 East 59th Street
New York, NY 10022-1112
Phone: 212.319.6383, x118
Fax: 212.319.6507
Email: [email protected]
Website:

PRESS RELEASE

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

AGBU & Hamazkayin’s "Hantiboum" Artistic Evening Attracts 500 to a
Celebration of Armenian Culture in the Bay Area

On April 19, 2009, 500 people from the Armenian community of San
Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area attended a grand cultural
celebration called "Hantiboum" at the Bayside Performing Arts Center in
San Mateo, California. Jointly organized by AGBU Silicon Valley and the
Nigol Aghpalian Chapter of Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural
Association, the artistic program "Hantiboum" was crafted by Avetis
Berberyan and Noushig Mikayelian.

Avetis Berberyan is a graduate of Yerevan’s Tchaikovsky Musical Academy
and Komitas Conservatory. From 1993 to 2000, he was director of the
concert tour division of the AGBU-sponsored Armenian Philharmonic
Orchestra. Noushig Mikayelian is an accomplished poet and singer, who
has studied at the Komitas Conservatory and currently teaches Armenian
language and music at Krouzian-Zekarian-Vasbouragan Armenian School in
San Francisco.

The concert began with Komitas’s "Hov arek," followed by the resonant
poem "Karnanayin" (Vernal) of Noushig Mikayelian. Other featured
compositions included works, performances, music and artistic
contributions by Alexander Ajemian, Khachatur Avetisian, Arno
Babajanian, Armen Babakhanian, Edward Baghdasarian, Avetis Berberyan,
Lutfig Dourian, Gevorg Emin, Nune Esayian, Alexander Harutiunian, Hovig
Hoveyian, Yeghishe Manucharian, Kate Fox Marcom, Greg Mazmanian, Natasha
Middleton, Sarkis Najarian, Garig Pantourian, Shushan Petrosian,
Aramayis Sahakian, Arsen Seropian, and Arsen Seropian.

Pupils of the Krouzian-Zekarian-Vasbouragan Armenian School participated
in the concert with an emotional rendition of "Hayrenikis hed" (With My
Fatherland) by Hovhannes Toumanian and a poem by their teacher Noushig
Mikayelian, which was accompanied by music prepared by Avetis Berberyan.

Proceeds from the performance went to support the ongoing educational
and cultural efforts of AGBU and Hamazkayin.

Established in 1906, AGBU () is the world’s largest
non-profit Armenian organization. Headquartered in New York City, AGBU
preserves and promotes the Armenian identity and heritage through
educational, cultural and humanitarian program, annually touching the
lives of some 400,000 Armenians around the world.

IT IS ENOUGH TO COMPARE AZERBAIJANI, ARMENIAN CAPITALS: AMERICAN POLITICAL COMMENTATOR

Today.Az

Aug 3 2009
Azerbaijan

American political commentator and representative of the
California-based analytical center The Tool Shed Group Jameson Katz
spoke in an interview with Day.Az.

Day.Az: President Obama says that the U.S. supports Georgia’s
territorial integrity, but against a new war in the Caucasus. Do not
you think that this indicates a change in American approach to the
resolution of Georgia’s territorial problems?

Jameson Katz: No, I do not think so. I am convinced that the United
States have always to say something in defense of the territorial
integrity of Georgia. I do not think that Obama has an intention to
change these approaches.

Q: Missile shield is still one of the most complicated issues in the
U.S.-Russia relations. Are you sure that the missile system which
may be deployed in Eastern Europe, in fact, directed against Iran,
but not Russia, it as suggested in Moscow?

A: No, I do not think that missiles will be directed against Russia,
at least in the predictable future. In the short term target of these
systems will involve the threat posed by Iran. I think this threat
today is one of the major challenges facing U.S. foreign policy and
security interests. So, I think fears of Russia about these systems
are not reasonable.

Q: What is it? United States and Russia are the main mediators in
the Karabakh settlement. After all, improving mutual understanding
between Moscow and Washington should be only for the benefit of
solving the conflict?

A: Yes, I think it would be useful for the resolution. Bilateral
relations between the United States and Russia are important in many
aspects including diversification of energy supply, security and
other issues. At the same time, as I already mentioned, Washington
is not fully aware of the essence of Moscow’s foreign policy.

Either way, reverting to the question of understanding, I would say
that yes, constructive relations between the United States and Russia
can help solve the conflict. In any case, the close relationship
between the two countries is better than confrontation. It is another
thing – whether Russians want the conflict to be resolved. For
instance, I am not sure they want it.

Q: Karabakh separatists did not abandon attempts to achieve
international recognition. Is there any possibility of separation of
Nagorno Karabakh from Azerbaijan and recognition of its independence?

A: Frankly speaking, I do not understand on what grounds the Armenians
of Nagorno-Karabakh expect that they could gain independence. I do
not think that this recognition will ever happen. I do not think that
anyone in the United States, with exception of the Armenian lobby,
would argue for the independence of Nagorno-Karabakh. The opposite
would be a big geopolitical mistake by the U.S. and I do not think
it will happen. The fact remains: the international community, UN,
EU and the United States does not intend to recognize independence
of Nagorno-Karabakh. This is an integral part of Azerbaijan and it
should remain so.

Frankly, if the Armenians had been wiser, they would not have engaged
in self-imposed isolation from the regional integration, but returned
the occupied territories and restored good relations with surrounding
countries. This is a very promising region with great political and
geopolitical importance.

To make sure that what policy by Azerbaijan and Armenia have brought
for these countries it is enough to look at capitals of these
countries. Today, Baku and Yerevan are simply not comparable for the
level of development. Armenia is a country that faces deep economic
crisis while Azerbaijan occupies a leading position in the world for
pace of economic development. Because Azerbaijan has good-neighborly
policy, builds constructive relationship with neighbors, is a reliable
trade partner and pursues pragmatic policy unlike Armenia.

AZERBAIJAN PURCHASED 32 APC-70 FROM UKRAINE

/PanARMENIAN.Net/
04.08.2009 10:49 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Ukraine sold 34 tanks (33 to Kenya and 1 to Georgia)
in 2008, Kyiv said in a report issued for the United Nations Register
of Conventional Arms.

Georgia purchased 15 infantry fighting vehicles and 25 armored
personnel carriers. U.S. bought 1 IFV-3. Azerbaijan bought 32 APC-70.

Ukraine made some $800 million by exporting arms last year,
replenishing the national budget with 1.185 billion hryvnas,
telegraf.by reported.

TurkishNY
Aug 1 2009

Turkey backpedaling on Armenia ties, US lawmakers say

Saturday, 01 August 2009 08:26

Pro-Armenian members of the US House of Representatives step up their
efforts on normalization talks between Ankara and Yerevan, slamming
Turkey over what they call a reversal on the proposed ‘road map.’
Turkey’s position is in conflict with the US policy that normalization
should take place without preconditions, they say

More than 80 pro-Armenian members of the U.S. House of Representatives
sent a letter Thursday to President Barack Obama, complaining that
Turkey is failing to keep its pledge to move to normalize relations
with Armenia.
The letter said Turkey was in violation of an April deal with Yerevan.

`While the government of Armenia remains committed to this road map
and has long offered to establish ties with Turkey without
preconditions, Turkey’s public statements and actions since April 24
stand in sharp contrast to this agreement and undermine U.S. policy
that normalization take place without preconditions,’ the lawmakers
said in the letter.

According to the representatives, Turkey’s position is in conflict
with the U.S. policy `that normalization should take place without
preconditions and within a reasonable timeframe.’

Eighty-one lawmakers out the 435 members of the House of
Representatives signed the letter sent to Obama one day before the
House went on a one-month summer recess.

Reps. Frank Pallone, Mark Kirk, Adam Schiff and George Radanovich
initiated the letter July 10. The four are also the lead co-sponsors
of a House resolution affirming the U.S. record on Armenian claims of
genocide. The text of the letter was circulated to secure additional
congressional co-signers. Signatories to the letter included
Democratic Congressman Howard Berman from California, who is the
chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

The genocide issue

Pro-Armenian lawmakers are planning to step up efforts to ensure the
passage of an `Armenian genocide resolution’ pending in the House
after Congress reopens in September, analysts said.

Turkey and Armenia signed a document April 22, pledging to work to
normalize their relations. Although their road map has not been made
public, sources said it includes the setting up of full diplomatic
relations, and, more importantly, the reopening of the two neighbors’
land border, which has been closed for 16 years.

In the wake of the April document’s signing, President Obama declined
to describe the World War I-era killings of Armenians in the Ottoman
empire as `genocide’ in his annual statement on April 24, the day of
commemoration of the Armenian deaths.

Obama said he fully supported the Turkish-Armenian reconciliation
process.

The president’s decision not to say the word `genocide’ disappointed
members of the Armenian diaspora in the United States.

Though separate from other matters in principle, the normalization
process is indirectly related to an international effort to resolve
the long-standing Nagorno-Karabakh problem between Armenia and
Azerbaijan, a close ally and friend of Turkey.

Armenia has occupied the enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh and part of
Azerbaijan proper since a war in the early 1990s. Though an uneasy
cease-fire is in place, a peace agreement has never been
signed. Diplomats privately admit that no major progress has been made
on either front since April.

2657-turkey-backpedaling-on-armenia-ties-us-lawmak ers-say.html