Author: Yeghisabet Arthur

LEVON ZURABYAN: ROBERT KOCHARYAN REMAINS A GASBAG

news.am
Nov 17 2009
Armenia

Levon Zurabyan, member of the Armenian National Congress (ANC) would
with pleasure comment on the statement made by Armenia’s ex-president
Robert Kocharyan "if it were a political one".

"But they were a hunter’s words, we, in politics, do not understand,
as we are not in the habit of going on safaris," Zurabyan said. "I am
sorry, but this person remains a gasbag. Concrete, factual accusations
were brought against him, and he should have responded if he had
something to say," Zurabyan said.

NEWS.am reminds readers that, speaking at meeting of the ANC active
members on November 11, Ter-Petrosyan accused Robert Kocharyan and the
then Minister of Foreign Affairs Vartan Oskanian of having implemented
an ineffective foreign policy which weakened Armenia’s positions on
the Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia-Turkey normalization processes. He
also called for not laying the "sins" of Kocharyan’s presidency on
the incumbent President Serzh Sargsyan.

Robert Kocharyan, in turn, called the accusations absurd. He told about
an experience he had in Africa: one of the hunters was constantly
remembering the bear as the strongest of the animals. "May be I am
a source of inspiration for Ter-Petrosyan, and it is the reason why
he remembers me so often," Robert Kocharyan said.

ABOUT 5650 CITIZENS APPLIED TO THE US EMBASSY IN ARMENIA TO GET US NOT-MIGRATION ENTRANCE VISA

ARMENPRESS
NOVEMBER 17, 2009
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 17, ARMENPRESS: About 5650 citizens applied during
the ten months of this year to the US embassy in Armenia to get US
not-migration entrance visa.

An official from the embassy’s consulate department told Armenpress
that about 2400 people applied to get tourism or business visas, 100
applications have been presented for getting students’ "F" type visa.

Applications for getting "J" type students’ visas have also been
received which is given for studying in USA or to those leaving for
USA within the framework of cultural exchange program.

In the first nine months of 2008 the number of applicants for US
not-migration entrance visa was 7654. Last year the 53,3% of applicants
for US not-migration entrance visa were rejected.

The embassy charges 131 USD for US not-migration entrance visa.

Once in few years the State Secretariat is carrying out studies during
which the direct and indirect expenses of issuing visas are examined.

The last increase of price was registered in 2007.

This year no changes are expected in the procedure of applying
for visas.

PURCHASE AND SALE TRANSACTIONS OF 6 MILLION 675 THOUSAND DOLLARS CARRIED OUT AT NASDAQ OEMEX ARMENIA OJSC ON NOVEMBER 16

Noyan Tapan
Nov 16, 2009

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 16, NOYAN TAPAN. Purchase and sale transactions of
6 million 675 thousand dollars at the weighted average exchange rate
of 387.33 drams per dollar carried out at Nasdaq Oemex Armenia OJSC
on November 16. The closing price made 387 drams, the press service
of the Central Bank of Armenia reported.

ADMINISTRATIVE COURT TO EXAMINE NIKOL PASHINIAN’S LAWSUIT AGAINST PASSPORT UNIT OF IJEVAN POLICE

Noyan Tapan
Nov 16, 2009

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 16, NOYAN TAPAN. The RA Administrative Court
will examine on November 18 a lawsuit filed by editor-in-chief of
Haykakan Zhamanak daily Nikol Pashinian, who is accused of organizing
mass disorder on 1 March 2008, against the passport unit of Ijevan
region’s police, NT was informed by spokeswoman for the RA Cassation
Court Alina Yengoyan.

To recap, based on a decision of Medora Chapukhian, head of the Ijevan
unit of the RA Police Passport and Visa Department, no reference
(required for a candidate’s registration) about residing in Armenia
in the past 5 years was given to Nikol Pashinian nominated to run in
a by-election to the National Assembly by the majoritarian electoral
system. The by-election will be held at electoral district No 10 in
Yerevan on January 10, 2010. M. Chapukhian’s official letter says that
a reference "is not given because, according to the RA Police Criminal
Investigation Department’s letter No 3/3-3671 of November 3, Nikol
Pashinian was wanted by the police in the period of February 26, 2008
to July 7, 2009 and during that period he did not reside in Armenia".

PRESS RELEASE

ARMENIAN RELIEF SOCIETY OF WESTERN U.S.A., INC.
REGIONAL EXECUTIVE
517 W. Glenoaks Blvd.
Glendale, CA 91202-2812
Contact: Rita Hintlian
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: (818) 500-1343
Fax: (818) 242-3732
Web Site:

100 YEARS OF DEVOTED SERVICE
The ARS Centennial Logo Unveiled In Glendale

GLENDALE, CA.- The Armenian Relief Society of Western USA was the host
of the event during which the Central Executive of the ARS unveiled
the ARS Centennial logo on November 12, 2009 at the ARS-WUSA
headquarters in Glendale. Over 200 people were present, while ARS
members and supporters from California, the East Coast and 26
countries followed the event on a live web-stream.

The festive environment was appreciated as the clergy, public
officials, representative from Armenian organizations and media, board
of trustee members, school principals, ARS supporters and ARS members
reached the center and walked over the red carpet. Three members of
the ARS Central Executive Board, who reside in California, were
present: Vicky Marashlian (Chair), and Rosie Bedrossian and Nova
Hindoyan (Advisors).

Arous Melkonian, Vice-Chair of the ARS-WUSA Regional Executive Board
made the welcoming remarks to this historic day and invited Mary
Melkonian to sing the anthems.

Sossie Poladian, Chair of the ARS-WUSA Regional Executive Board, noted
the significance of hosting the logo-unveiling event saying, `We
ponder on how the logo is with us when our members give their oath,
when our members work for decades with tireless conviction and
determination, and when our members leave this world. In effect, our
logo signifies our life in service of others.’

Vicky Marashlian, Chair of the ARS Central Executive Board, explained
that, `cognizant of the historic importance of this first Centenary,
the Central Executive Board felt the need of a special Centennial
logo.’ She added, that the ARS `stands with the same faith as its
legendary founders exhibited a century ago. It stands with the same
commitment and devotion, and its worldwide entities exhibited during
their countless humanitarian endeavors…’

Arch. Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, accompanied by Rev. Father Ardag
Demirdjian, started blessing of the logo with `Oorakh Ler’
(Rejoice). The three ARS Central Executive Board members and the
ARS-WUSA Regional Executive Chair participated in the ceremony and the
new logo was revealed, followed by a video animation, which had the
following slogan, `100 YEARS OF DEVOTED SERVICE’.

Central Executive member Nova Hindoyan announced that Ara Ter
Harutiunian of Toronto, Canada submitted the winning logo entry and
the animation was created by a Florida-based Producer, Bared
Maronian. She added that, `the most symbolic feature of the logo is
the rising flow of the 100-year service of the ARS, flowing like a
life-giving river springing from the slopes of Ararat and flowing
towards our countless communities linking the two segments of our
nation – Homeland to Diaspora, and Diaspora to Homeland.’

Sossie Poladian accompanied by Vicky Marashlian accepted Certificates
of Recognition from Talin Mangioglu, Field Representative for
California State Senator Carol Liu (21st District), and Suzy Jacobs,
Field Representative for Assistant Majority Leader, California
Assemblyman Paul Krekorian (43rd District). Jacobs also delivered a
California Assembly Resolution by Krekorian for the 25th anniversary
of the ARS of Western USA.

ARF Central Committee representative, Hovan Tashjian, congratulated
the ARS Centennial logo and praised the ARS for being a source of
inspiration and strength, and for being wherever the Armenian people
have endured hardships, as well as, won victories.

The ceremony ended with the blessings and congratulatory message by
His Eminence Arch. Moushegh Mardirossian. The Prelate noted that this
was a historic day and added, `I join you in the unveiling
ceremony. Service and relentless work, dedication and devotion, virtue
and mission, care and love characterize the ARS. This logo symbolizes
the centennial legacy and service of the ARS.’

Additional information about the ARS of Western USA is available on
.

INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY CONDEMNS AZERBAIJAN FOR SUBJECTING PRO-OPPOSITION FIGURES TO VIOLENCE

PanARMENIAN.Net
14.11.2009 10:57 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ International human rights organizations and several
governments, including US Administration, have condemned Azerbaijani
authorities’ decision to arrest two bloggers – opposition activists
– accused of committing hooliganism in public place and inflicting
trivial bodily injuries on people.

This Wednesday, Azerbaijani court sentenced Emin Abdulaev and Adnan
Gadjiadze to 2 and 2.5 years in prison respectively, on charges of
organizing a bicker in one of Baku’s restaurants last July.

Both defendants said they were attacked by policemen dressed in
civilian clothes and characterized accusation them as pretext for
punishing their political dissidence. They criticized Azerbaijani
authorities on popular Azerbaijani Web sites. Bloggers’ arrest was
followed by display of satiric posting on alleged press-conference
by President Ilham Aliyev.

OSCE MUST KEEP ITS KEY ROLE IN RESOLUTION OF NAGORNO-KARABAKH CONFLICT: UN UNDER-SECRETARY-GENERAL

Trend
Nov 13 2009
Azerbaijan

The OSCE must remain in its key role in South Caucasus,
especially when it comes to the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process,
UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency
Relief Coordinator John Holmes believes.

"I think that the defrosting of any protracted negotiations is not
easy, but some revival concerning the Nagorno-Karabakh was noticed
recently and this is making us optimistic," he added.

Holmes expressed support to all the tactics and principles proposed
by OSCE Minsk Group. According to the top UN official, OSCE Minsk
process should come to some fruitarian. "Though this process will
be difficult for both Azerbaijan and Armenia, settlement of the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is in the interests of both sides," he said.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988
when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Armenian
armed forces have occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan since 1992,
including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and 7 surrounding districts.

Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a ceasefire agreement in 1994. The
co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group – Russia, France, and the U.S. –
are currently holding the peace negotiations.

TURKISH-ISRAELI TENSIONS DON’T ALARM EX-AMBASSADOR

Jewish Tribune
Nov 12 2009

Jerusalem – Is Turkey’s souring relationship with Israel a worrisome
trend? Eli Shaked, a former Israeli ambassador in Turkey, isn’t
alarmed. In a Jerusalem press briefing held last week, Shaked said
that Turkey’s anger at Israel and its embracing Syria and Iran is a
tactical, not a strategic, move.

Nonetheless, on the very day that Shaked made his observations, a
Turkish mob threw eggs at the present ambassador, Gabi Levy. A few
days before, Turkey signed a US $10 million oil refinement deal with
Iran, in defiance of the US call for sanctions.

Shaked explained that Prof. Ahmet Davutoglu, Turkey’s foreign minister,
supports neo-Ottomanism, a tactic that favours a common market with
its Muslim neighbours.

Davutoglu aspires to transform Turkey into a superpower and enhance
its military and economic strengths while avoiding conflict with
its neighbours.

"It’s a nice idea and vision. How to do it is something else,"
Shaked said. Turkey must walk a diplomatic tight rope as it attempts
to resolve old conflicts with its neighbours. For example, Turkey
recently restored diplomatic ties with Armenia, its eastern neighbour
and century-old enemy. This in turn upset Turkey’s cordial relationship
with Azerbaijan, which disputes territory occupied by its Armenian
neighbour.

In the past, Turkey performed joint military exercises with the Jewish
state. However, Turkey’s Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused
Israel of war crimes during its Cast Lead operations in Gaza. Yet
Ankara never condemned Hamas for firing rockets into Israel’s south.

According to Shaked, Turkey’s tongue-lashing at Israel is merely a way
of expressing its frustration at not being admitted to the European
Union. Turkey’s latest oil deal with Iran is another way of flexing
its muscles and provoking the United States, which calls for sanctions
against Iran. However, Shaked assessed that Turkey will never break
ties with Israel and western countries.

Whether the Turkish premier is an antisemite is less significant,
Shaked said. What is more important is whether Erdogan will restore
its economic and military ties with Israel.

"Other Turkish leaders were antisemitic but knew how to hide it,"
Shaked said.

During the first five years of the Erdogan administration, Israel
and Turkey participated three times a year in joint military maneuvers.

Erdogan cancelled an air manoeuvre two months ago, ostensibly due to
Israel’s human rights violations during Operation Cast Lead.

Despite Turkey’s dampened relations with Israel, Shaked feels that
Europe’s castigating Turkey for its human rights violations, along
with a strong Armenian lobby in Washington, will keep Turkey in line.

AZERBAIJANI AND ARMENIAN PRESIDENTS TO MEET IN ONE OF EUROPEAN CITIES BEFORE END OF NOVEMBER

Azerbaijan Business Center
Nov 11 2009

An agreement on another meeting between presidents of Azerbaijan and
Armenia, Ilham Aliyev and Serzh Sargsyan respectively, at the end of
this month has been reached.

The minister of foreign affairs of Azerbaijan, Elmar Mammadyarov, says
that both leaders’ consent on their meeting in one of the European
cities has been already received.

"The precise venue of the upcoming meeting will be known only in
several days. The OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs are working over that,"
the FM said.

In addition, there were made no new proposals within the framework
of the Madrid principles of Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno Garabagh
conflict.

"There are not any fresh proposals. We have been discussing these
issues for the last five years. Conflict settlement is hampered as
the Armenian party started returning again to discussion of earlier
achieved arrangements.

Under such conditions it is difficult to conduct negotiations,
and that is why when the MG co-chairs were visiting the region,
Baku in particular, we informed them again that official Baku does
not intend to continue high-level meetings for the sake of imitation
of the negotiation process," the minister said.

Since 1994 the parties have been applying ceasefire regime. Following
the conflict Armenia has occupied 20% of Azerbaijani territory and
evicted 1 million people from their residence sites.

BELARUS READY TO CONTRIBUTE TO POSITIVE SETTLEMENT OF NAGORNO-KARABAKH CONFLICT

National Legal Internet Portal
Nov 11 2009
Belarus

MINSK, 11 November (BelTA) – Belarus is ready to facilitate the
positive settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, President of
Belarus Alexander Lukashenko told Azerbaijan’s Trend News Agency on
9 November, BelTA learnt from the presidential press service.

"If we (the OSCE Office in Minsk, Belarus, Belarusian people) can do
something, if we can bring something positive to the settlement of
this dispute, we will be happy to do it," said Alexander Lukashenko.

But this problem can be solved only by the presidents of Armenia
and Azerbaijan, the Belarusian President stressed. "Only presidents
of these states can settle this problem. In what way? Only to the
benefit of those people who have stayed there. These people cannot
live in such conditions and such situation," Alexander Lukashenko
thinks. "We believe the problem should be solved by the two states,
two presidents and two nations."

The Belarusian President said that Belarus cannot distance itself
from the problems of regional conflicts in the CIS, whether it is
Transdniestria, Crimea or Nagorno-Karabakh, because once we all lived
in a single state.

"We have discussed this theme with the presidents of Armenia and
Azerbaijan, without interfering with the nuances and problems. And we
have never used this problem in politics. We have never been friends
against anybody," said Alexander Lukashenko.

"It is a sore point for both nations. We understand how painful it is
for the Azeris and the Armenians," stressed the Belarusian President.

"This Gordian knot should be cut. It should be cut by the two
presidents. They should not rely on any mediators. The involvement
of others can do some good, but it envisages various obligations and
taking into account the third, fourth and fifth side. And everybody
will try to gain from this problem," said Alexander Lukashenko.