Author: Yeghisabet Arthur

CE COMMITTEE OF MINISTERS CONSIDERS KARABAKH REFERENDUM UNRECOGNIZABLE

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
Dec 13 2006

The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe expressed its
concern over the so-called "constitutional referendum" held in Dec.10,
2006, in the Nagorno-Karabakh region of the Republic of Azerbaijan,
APA reports.

The Committee stressed that this act violates the relevant norms and
principlaes of international law, and interferes with an ongoing
peace process, The so-called "referendum" and its results shall
have no legal effect and any constitutional document envisaging a
self-rule for the population of the Nagorno Karabakh region can only
be elaborated through a legal, democratic and peaceful process with
full, equal and direct participation of the entire population of the
region consisting of the Armenian and Azerbaijani communities.

The statement points out that "constitutional referendum", organized
in Nagorno Karabakh will not be recognized by the Council of Europe.

NAGORNO-KARABAKH ADOPTS 1ST CONTROVERSIAL CONSTITUTION
TNA with RIA Novosti / Ankara

The New Anatolian, Turkey
Dec 12 2006

Azerbaijan’s disputed enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh overwhelmingly
voted in favor of its first controversial constitution to reaffirm
the predominantly Armenian region’s independence from Azerbaijan,
the central election commission said Monday.

Nagorno-Karabakh residents voted Sunday in a referendum on the
republic’s constitution, which was rejected by Azerbaijan as having no
legal meaning. More than 100 international observers and journalists
from Russia, France, the United States, Italy, Israel, Serbia and
other countries monitored the referendum.

Nagorno-Karabakh’s leader Arkady Gukasian hailed the vote as a landmark
move that would "determine the Nagorno-Karabakh’s people destiny." He
insisted the vote would not jeopardize peace talks. "The passage of the
constitution will have a positive impact on talks," he told reporters.

According to preliminary results, "A total of 78,389 voters (87
percent) out of 89,044 eligible voters participated in the poll,
with 77,279 people, or 98.58 percent of the electorate, casting their
ballots in favor of the constitution, while 549 people or 0.7 percent
voted against it," said Sergei Nasibyan, the chairman of the Central
Election Commission.

Nasibyan said there was no voter turnout threshold at the referendum,
but according to the unrecognized republic’s legislation, at least
one-third of registered voters were required to vote in favor of the
constitution for it to be adopted.

"Dec. 10 can be regarded as Nagorno-Karabakh constitution day,"
Nasibyan said, adding that the commission will announce the
referendum’s final results tomorrow.

Nagorno-Karabakh is a region in Azerbaijan that has been under the
control of Armenian and ethnic-Armenian Karabakh forces since a 1994
cease-fire ended a six-year separatist war that killed about 30,000
people and drove about 1 million from their homes.

The region’s final status remains unresolved, and years of talks
under the auspices of international mediators have brought few
visible results.

Nagorno-Karabakh’s ethnic Azeri population fled the conflict more
than a decade ago, and large numbers of them have lived as internally
displaced people since then.

In December 1991, Nagorno-Karabakh held a referendum in which ethnic
Armenian residents voted overwhelmingly for independence.

Masis Mailian, deputy foreign minister in the Nagorno-Karabakh
administration, said the constitution was essential to codify the
structure of its administration and citizens’ rights.

"It’s necessary to formalize the already existing foundations of
state system and relations between the state and its citizens,"
Mailian told The Associated Press.

STANDARDS MUST BE EQUAL FOR ALL PEOPLES IRRESPECTIVE OF WHERE THEY LIVE: FRENCH OBSERVER

Stepanakert, December 11. ArmInfo. "The Constitutional Referendum
of Nagorno Karabakh was held in line with international standards
and highly-organized. You are going to your aim step by step", an
independent observer from France, Alen Fresnel, said, ArmInfo special
correspondent in Stepanakert reports. Another international observer
from France, Ives Batai, who has a rich experience in elections in
different countries of the world, noted that the "voting process was
very correct" and expressed hope that the "people of Nagorno Karabakh
will achieve its right for independence". "Why it is possible for one
peoples (meaning the Kosovo precedent, ed. note) and not for others".

The standards must be equal for all the peoples irrespective of where
they live", Ives Batai.

RECORD HIGH RESULT

Azat Artsakh, Republic of Nagorno Karabakh [NKR]
11 Dec 2006

Telethon 2006 of Armenia Foundation had a record high amount of
donations and pledges – 13.7 million dollars. The highest result of
all the previous eight telethons was 12 million. The 9th telethon of
Armenia Foundation was held to raise funds for the Rebirth of Artsakh
Project. The result of the telethon was predictable because before
November 23 the foundation had got a great number of donations from
individuals and companies and the phonethons held in Armenia and
Europe had significant results. On November 23 it was stated at the
beginning of the telethon that it starts with already 2.4 million
dollars of donations and pledges, including 1.2 million from Armenia
and Artsakh and 1.4 million from Europe. The Armenians worldwide were
not indifferent towards the Rebirth of Artsakh Project. The donations
gathered momentum within the first hour, and philanthropists and
"ordinary" donators sustained the high rates of growth of the result
of the telethon. Sargis Hakobyan pledged the first large donation – 550
thousand dollars – for the development of the region of Hadrut. Louise
Manoogian Simon pledged 500 thousand dollars for the development of
the region of Hadrut. During the telethon Albert Boyajian, member of
the board of trustees, announced about his friend Gerry Turpanjian’s
donation of 1 million 250 thousand dollars. This money will be spent on
the construction of a school in Stepanakert. Vahe Karapetian donated
1.5 million dollars for the road to Amaras Monastery. Deputy CEO
Harut Sasunian announced about a 2 million dollar donation by Kirk
Kirkorian through Lincy Foundation. The money will be spent on the
construction and reconstruction of educational institutions in NKR. Ara
Abrahamian, president of the Union of Armenians of Russia, pledged
1 million dollars. The money will be spent on the construction of a
new school in Stepanakert. The American Project C.U.R.E. organization
also pledged 2 million dollars. The regional hospital of Hadrut will
be provided with medical equipment, which is included in the project
of reconstruction. The same organization will give medical equipment
costing 1.5 million dollars to the regional hospital of Martakert. The
Los Angeles branch of the foundation donated 1.5 million dollars
and the New York Branch donated 900 thousand dollars. The Armenian
businessmen and companies also made donations. Michael Baghdasarov
pledged 100 million dollars, Member of Parliament Ruben Hayrapetian,
the president of the Football Federation of Armenia, and Member of
Parliament Samvel Alexanian donated 50 thousand dollars each. Vivacell
donated 70 thousand dollars, ASHIB invested 41 thousand dollars, and
ACBA Credit Agricole Bank donated 25 thousand dollars. The foundation
will release detailed information on donations by individuals and
organizations of Armenia. The success of Telethon 2006 was determined
by the fact that philanthropists and "ordinary" donators participated
equally actively. The Rebirth of Artsakh Project got donations not
only for the reconstruction of Hadrut but also other entitlement
programs. Therefore, the Foundation is grateful to everyone who
contributed. On November 23 the executive board of the foundation
received hundreds of phone calls and donations from Armenia, Artsakh,
Germany, Iran, Turkey, Russia, Belgium, France, Holland, Ukraine,
Greece and other countries. The foundation will publish the names of
donators in the annual book of the foundation in May 2007.

CO-CHAIRS: REFERENDUM WHICH IS NOT INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNIZED WILL HAVE NO NEGATIVE EFFECT ON NEGOTIATIONS

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
Dec 11 2006

The Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, Ambassadors Bernard Fassier of
France, Yury Merzlyakov of Russia, and Matthew Bryza of the United
States, have issued a statement on the referendum held in Nagorno
Karabakh on December 10, APA reports quoting to OSCE.

The statement says: "The authorities of Nagorno Karabakh held
a referendum on December 10 on a draft ‘constitution’ of the
so-called ‘Nagorno Karabakh republic,’ which no member of the
international community – including the co-chair countries –
recognizes as an independent state. The co-chairs do not believe
that such a ‘referendum’ will contribute to a negotiated settlement
of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. Any future legal status of Nagorno
Karabakh should be determined without the threat or use of force and
only as the result of political negotiations between all parties in
the framework of the Minsk Group.

Conducting such a referendum now is particularly unhelpful at a moment
when the OSCE Minsk group-mediated negotiations between Armenia and
Azerbaijan appear to be on a constructive path. The results of this
referendum, which are not internationally recognized, will have no
negative effect on continuing prospects for an agreement between the
sides on basic principles for the settlement of the conflict.’

OMBUDSMAN OF ARMENIA ASSESSED ACTIVITY OF YEREVAN MUNICIPALITY NEGATIVE

Yerevan, December 9. ArmInfo. During the past three months the
Armenian Ombudsman’s Office has received 714 complaints, 304 of them
in the written form. 33 applications were collective – with 1612
citizens’ signatures. On the whole, positive judgement was passed
on 34 applications, Ombudsman of Armenia Armen Harutyunyan said at
today’s press-conference.

A.Harutyunyan noted that most of the claims concerned the activity
of judicial bodies (39), the Municipality of Yerevan (23), the Police
(36), the Ministry of Justice (21) and Prosecutor’s office (15). The
citizens mainly complained about infringement of their rights to
legal protection (96), to satisfactory conditions of life (63), to
timely answer from state bodies, as well as infringement of their
social security and property rights. According to the statistics,
189 people who appealed to the Ombudsman’s Office were from Yerevan,
38 from Shirak, 16 from Lori, 14 from Kotayk and 10 from Gegharkunik.

A.Harutyunyan assessed the work of the Yerevan Municipality negative.

It doesn’t pay proper attention to the complaints of the citizens
and fails to cooperate with the Yerevan office of human rights. He
emphasized that the Municipality prefers to give formal answers without
taking specific steps for constructive settlement of vexed situations,
even after the court adjudges in favor of the aggrieved party. So,
about 90% of judicial decisions are not carried out.

THE GUIDE: EXHIBITIONS: MELIK OHANIAN, LONDON
by Jessica Lack

The Guardian (London)
December 9, 2006 Saturday

Melik Ohanian’s epic video installation Seven Minutes Before is a
thrilling, dream-like narrative offering seven different perspectives
of a cataclysmic event. Set in southern France, the audience are
pitched into a world of biblical proportions in which a nomadic
preacher, a caged wolf and a speeding car are united as symbols of the
tragedy to come. Born in Lyon in 1969, Ohanian is of Armenian descent,
and this 21-minute film, part of his first UK solo exhibition, reveals
an artist who can weave complex ideas into an engaging narrative.

South London Gallery, SE5, to Dec 22

NIP AND TUCK TO MEET MILLENNIUM
Haik Aramyan

Lragir, Armenia
Dec 8 2006

On December 6 the Armenian minister of finance and economy
distinguished himself at the National Assembly. When Member of
Parliament Hovanes Margaryan asked a question, the minister retorted
with rather rude and inappropriate words. It is not clear whether
he was sober or not, however, the Republican officials are recently
more often noticed behaving nervously. Of course, it is hard times,
the native oligarchic corps have captured the political party, and
harmed the already low reputation of the party among the public. On
the other hand, the same corps have also "let down" the so-called
political sector of this party. The society has stopped believing that
the political party is almighty; this was the only thing the political
party relied on to hold on to the political sphere. When the chair of
the new political council of the party spoke about 20-22 percent in
the parliamentary election, the defiant spirit of the Republican Party
rose in Armen Ashotyan; I want 40 percent, he demanded. Afterwards the
local election in Ajapniak community took place, and the so-called
political sector of the Republican Party realized what was going
on. First Galust Sahakyan stated the reality, mocking at Serge
Sargsyan in his fruitological theory. Then the prime minister spoke
up, questioning the fact that they may name Serge Sargsyan.

This was a heavy blow for the chair of the enlarged council of the
Republican Party and the "notorious forces" who had come with him.

However, it is too late. The propagandist devices used to forge an
image of an undefeatable force do not work any more. Now they are not
even saying, "prove that we are criminals." There is one thing they can
do – reassure one another that nothing compares with them, although
they have already stopped believing this. Besides, someone else has
appeared, whose words, unlike them, do not differ from the actions.

So, they are losing their nerve, and they have stopped caring for
anything – state, parliament, members of parliament, state symbols.

And they have left the country without an anthem on top of all. And
Vardan Khachatryan, who once had an adventure at a night club by
hindering, to put it mildly, the work of the dancers, descended from
the rostrum of the parliament and before taking his seat he came up
to Serge Sargsyan. Serge Sargsyan tapped at the shoulder of the brave
minister with an approving smile on his face.

UK’S TOP RELIGIOUS LEADERS UNITE FOR PRE-CHRISTMAS PILGRIMAGE TO BETHLEHEM
by Gretta Curtis

Christian Today, UK
Dec 6 2006

Ahead of Christmas, a coalition of religious leaders are set to
embark on a pilgrimage to Bethlehem, spearheaded by the Archbishop
of Canterbury, Rev Dr Rowan Williams.

Archbishop Williams and Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor say the
trip is in solidarity with Christians because of Israeli security
measures there.

The town is "blocked in" by the Israeli security wall and checkpoints,
according to Cardinal Murphy-O’Connor.

Dr Williams has also warned of an exodus of Christians from
Bethlehem. Both have urged other Christians to visit Bethlehem.

The two archbishops will travel to Bethlehem with Bishop Nathan
Hovhannisian, of the Armenian Church of Great Britain, and Rev David
Coffey, of the Free Churches.

The group will arrive in the Holy Land and travel to Jerusalem on 20
December, returning to the UK on 23 December.

POET SARO GYUMRETSI ANNOUNCED "MAN OF YEAR OF GYUMRI"

Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
Dec 06 2006

GYUMRI, DECEMBER 6, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. Saro Gyumretsi
(Gyodakian), the editor-in-chief of the "Hamaynapatker" (panorama)
literary-cultural magazine, a poet, publicist was announced "Man of
Year of Gyumri" of 2006. Such a decision was made as a result of
the sitting-vote of the commission conferring the above-mentioned
title. The sitting-vote took place on November 30 in the hall of the
Gyumri Arts’ Institute. The solemn ceremony of giving the corresponding
medal and certificate will take place in April, 2007, in Gyumri.

Noyan Tapan whole-heartedly congratulates Saro Gyumretsi on the
occasion of being conferred the "Man of Year of Gyumri" title.