Armenpress News Agency , Armenia December 21, 2017 Thursday Armenian Genocide is historical fact destroying identity structure of Turkish society – Taner Akcam YEREVAN, DECEMBER 21, ARMENPRESS. The Turkish authorities are obliged to face their own history if they want to establish a democratic and human rights respecting system. Without facing the history public peace and democratic system are impossible to establish, Turkish historian Taner Akcam, who recognized the Armenian Genocide, says in his new article in T24.com, reports Armenpress. In the article titled ‘Obligation to face history and barriers for it’, the historian says at present it is an authoritarian and dictatorial regime in Turkey, fundamental human rights and freedoms, and especially the freedom of thought are being violated. “Hundreds of intellectuals, writers, journalists are jailed, the main democratic structures and laws do not operate, the judiciary is completely under the control of one person, the principle of the rule of law has been eliminated. The ethnic-religious issues, in particular, the Kurdish issue, the issues of Alevi, Christian and Jewish minorities are in poor situation”, the historian writes. He highlighted four means reasons to face the history. “The first one is that if you want to have a democratic regime respecting the human rights, you have to face the human rights violations committed during the history. If you are unable to face the violations of the past, today you will not be able to establish a society that will respect the human rights. You will build the future the way you look at the past. If you discuss the issues existing in the history, stating that “Armenians betrayed”, “Greeks deserved it”, “Kurds play an imperialists game”, “Those are traitors who want to divide the country and are a serious threat to our country”, now as well such issues will be perceived from this perspective. As you previously violated the fundamental rights, you will do the same today”, Akcam said. As a second reason the historian stated that the societies, who had bad and painful relations within the course of the history, will be able to live jointly only in case of talking to each other. According to the third reason, it’s necessary to return the human dignity of people killed in the past. And finally, as a fourth reason the Turkish historian mentions that refusal from facing the history can lead to bad consequences. Denial of facing the history means to have a potential to repeat the same crime. Talking about the Armenian Genocide, Taner Akcam writes: “We have established a nation-state in 1923 and created an identity in accordance with it. And today this identity turned into a reality determining our thinking, feelings, in other words, the whole social-cultural relations of the society. But if we, for example, start talking about the Armenian Genocide, we will see how this reality begins to collapse. The Armenian Genocide is a historical fact totally destroying the identity structure of the Turkish society. This is the reason that we avoid facing the history”.
Category: 2017
Final Statement and Recommendations Adopted at 17th Meeting of the EU-Armenia Parliamentary Cooperation Committee reaffirm EU’s special position on NK conflict
Armenpress News Agency , Armenia December 21, 2017 Thursday Final Statement and Recommendations Adopted at the Seventeenth Meeting of the EU-Armenia Parliamentary Cooperation Committee reaffirm EU's special position on NK conflict YEREVAN, DECEMBER 21, ARMENPRESS. On December 19-20 the Seventeenth meeting of the EU-Armenia Parliamentary Cooperation Committee (PCC) was held in Yerevan. At the end of the meeting Final Statement and Recommendations were adopted which are based on Article 83 of the EU-Armenia Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA), ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the parliament of Armenia. The adopted document reflects the procedure of the RA-EU relations, in the bilateral, as well as multi-lateral planes, the spheres of cooperation and the further works in the context of signature of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership. The document once again reaffirms the EU distinct position in the NK conflict issue directed to the support of the OSCE Minsk Group mediatory efforts. Below we present the English version. FINAL STATEMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS Pursuant to Article 83 of the EU-Armenia Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) The Seventeenth meeting of the EU-Armenia Parliamentary Cooperation Committee (PCC) was held in Yerevan on 19-20 December 2017, under the co-chairmanship of Mr Armen Ashotyan on behalf of the National Assembly of Armenia and of Mr. Sajjad Karim on behalf of the European Parliament. The Committee heard Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Garen Nazarian on behalf of the Government of Armenia, and Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Armenia H.E. Piotr Antoni Świtalski. Having thus considered the state of play of EU-Armenia relations, the Parliamentary Cooperation Committee agreed upon the following final statement and recommendations. The Parliamentary Cooperation Committee: 1.Recallsthe crucial role of the European Parliament and of the National Assembly of Armenia, on the basis of their democratic legitimacy, in the development of the Eastern Partnership dynamics; 2.Welcomesthe signature of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement between the EU and Armenia, in the fringes of the Eastern Partnership Summit that was held in Brussels on 24 November 2017; 3.Stressesthat this historical Agreement is based on the EU’s and Armenia’s common commitment to democracy, the rule of law, good governance and the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms; notes with deep satisfaction that it sets a solid legal basis to invigorate the political dialogue and broaden the scope of economic cooperation as well as cooperation in sectors such as energy, transport, environment and climate change, creates a framework for new opportunities in trade and investments, and paves the way for increased mobility for the benefit of the citizens; underlines that elements of paramount importance for the strengthening of democracy, such as the rule of law, consolidation of the judiciary, development of public and social institutes, and good governance, are at the core of the new Agreement; 4.Urgesboth the EU and Armenia to stay committed to a thorough and lasting implementation of this Agreement; 5.Emphasisesthe role of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Agreement between the EU and Armenia, which gives new impetus to the strengthening of the parliamentary cooperation between the EU Parliament and the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia; stresses the importance of launching the new parliamentary partnership cooperation format aimed at enhancing the parliamentary dimension of the cooperation between the EU and Armenia; 6.Stressesthat both the European Parliament and the National Assembly of Armenia should provide appropriate mechanisms for the strengthening of the parliamentary oversight, fostering public awareness and building up the appropriate tools for the inclusion of society; 7.Urgesthe National Parliaments of the EU Member States to ratify the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement without undue delay; 8.Emphasisesthat the Eastern Partnership dynamics should not be considered as a tool aimed at forcing the EU’s Eastern Partners to choose between the European path and other partnerships; notes that Armenia has signed a far-reaching Agreement with the EU whilst being at the same time a member of the Eurasian Economic Union; 9.Recallsthat, following the principle of differentiation that guides the Eastern Partnership, every Eastern Partner should be given the possibility to deepen its cooperation with the EU, in coherence with its ambitions, and with the pace and quality of its reforms; 10.Welcomesthe steady progress that has been made in Armenia’s reform agenda; highlightsnevertheless the need to further work on the top priorities consistently identified over the last years, i.a. giving greater momentum to the reforms process, fighting corruption, ensuring media plurality and freedom and protecting minorities; 11.Recallsthat the EU has already planned to provide, under the Single Support Framework 2017-2020, a bilateral financial support totalling around €160 million (to be compared to €118.5 million in grants for the period 2014-2017), focusing on areas such as economic development and innovation, improving the rule of law and the business environment, electoral assistance, connectivity, energy efficiency, environment and climate change; 12.Calls oncloser cooperation to improve energy security and efficiency through investments in interconnectivity and infrastructure and the diversification of energy sources, in particular by increasing renewable energy and reducing dependence on fossil fuels; underlines the importance of ensuring full respect for international nuclear safety and environmental protection agreements and obligations; 13.Reckonsthat the EU assistance should reflect the growingly ambitious goals of the EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement, provided that Armenia meets the required conditions as far as the reforms jointly agreed with the EU are concerned, in line with the principles of differentiation and “more for more” encourages the European Commission to further enhance its assistance and to align its budgetary instruments, such as the European Neighbourhood Instrument and the European Fund for Sustainable Development, to match the ambitions of the new EU-Armenia partnership; 14.Stressesthat the EU financial support will be strictly conditional on concrete reforms steps and their effective implementation, notably in terms of upholding the rule of law, ensuring good governance, and defending human rights as well as the plurality and freedom of media; recalls and that the EU’s incentive-based approach aims at benefiting those Eastern Partners most engaged in genuine, ambitious reforms; 15.EncouragesArmenia’s active participation in the COSME and Horizon 2020 programmes, in regional programmes funded under the European Neighbourhood Instrument in the fields of environment, energy, transport, culture and youth, in cross-border cooperation actions, and in the initiatives open to all the Eastern Partners such asErasmus+, Erasmus Mundus, eTwinning Plus, TAIEX, SIGMA, and the Neighbourhood Investment Facility; 16.Recommendsto the European Commission to allow for a more intensive participation of Armenia in EU-supported programmes that are open to non-EU countries and to open the way for the participation of Armenia, when the conditions are met and under a legally appropriate framework, in EU agencies; 17.Welcomesthe achievements in strengthening people-to-people contacts, including through education, youth, cultural and scientific exchanges between Armenia and the EU; calls for reinforced engagement in modernising education, research and innovation systems, increased investment in young people’s skills, entrepreneurship and employability, and welcomes in this regard the strengthened “Youth Package” presented by the EU under the EU4Youth initiative; 18.Calls onthe European Commission to focus on tangible deliverables for the citizens; underlines, in this respect, that the EU-Armenia Visa Facilitation and Readmission Agreement that entered into force in January 2014 is already up-and-running; looks forward to strengthening cooperation and further progressing in the area of mobility in a secure and well-managed environment and to considering in due course the opening of a visa liberalisation dialogue with Armenia, provided that the conditions for well-managed and secure mobility are in place, including the effective implementation of the visa facilitation and readmission agreement between the parties mentioned hereinabove; 19.Notespositivelythe initiation of reforms in the area of territorial management and local self-government, seeking to enhance the role of municipal authorities and shape stronger links with the local communities in the decision-making processes; 20.Welcomesthe Council of Europe’s Venice Commission’s and OSCE/ODIHR’s generally positive assessment of Armenia’s ongoing reforms towards ensuring the rule of law and notes measures enacted with a view to enhancing the efficiency of the Prosecutor’s office; notes positively, as far as the reform of the Electoral Code is concerned, that a number of previous recommendations from the OSCE/ODIHR and the Council of Europe’s Venice Commission have been addressed; regrets, however, that many factors, specifically identified by them, as yet need to be addressed; calls on the Armenian authorities to take all the necessary steps- legislative measures and others – to tackle these issues, seeking in so far as necessary the technical assistance of the international community, e.g. of the European Union and in particular of the European Parliament; 21.Notes positively, as far as the April 2017 elections are concerned, that the observation mission led by the OSCE/ODIHR, to which the European Parliament contributed, found that the public media channel gave an equitable coverage to each contestant during the campaign period, that the elections were generally well administered and that fundamental freedoms were generally respected; stresses, nevertheless, the shortcomings also identified by the OSCE/ODIHR-led mission, such as the persistence of pressure and vote-buying practices, and the illegitimate interference of party representatives or police officers at the voting stations; 22.Recallsthe importance of the gender dimension in the EU-Armenia relations and, as a whole, within the Eastern Partnership framework; recalls that gender equality, non-discrimination and women’s empowerment are among the 2020 deliverables, as it was stressed during the Eastern Partnership Summit of 24 November 2017; calls on the authorities of Armenia to continue paying attention to this issue, i.a. by fighting negative gender stereotypes, bridging the pay gap between women and men, and declaring zero tolerance for any form of gender-based harassment, intimidation or violence; 23.Recallsthat international human rights bodies, such as the UN CEDAW Committee, have underlined the necessity to eradicate harmful gender norms and practices on numerous accounts, and have called on the authorities of Armenia to ensure that traditions do not hamper the realisation of women’s rights and potentials; 24.Welcomesthe commitment of Armenian authorities to sign, ratify and thoroughly implement the Council of Europe’s Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (the “Istanbul Convention”); encourages them to do so without undue delay; 25.Welcomesthe adoption of the law for the prevention of violence in the family, the protection of the victims of violence in the family and the restoration of the harmony in the family that was first proposed for public debate in October 2017, as a major, positive step forward; stresses that the EU stands ready to offer all support and expertise to help Armenian authorities to best deal with all matters of domestic violence and all related issues; underlines that there must be follow-up in order to deliver effective implementation and enforcement, and that the victims’ needs must be priority at all times; 26.Stressesthe need to tackle all forms of discrimination, as defined by the United Nations’ Conventions and Resolutions, and put in place the appropriate mechanisms to address all forms of discrimination; 27.Commendsthe Armenian authorities for their endeavours to accept and integrate Syrian refugees of Armenian descent; calls on the European Commission and the EU Member States to respond positively to any request for assistance from the Armenian authorities aimed at facilitating this integration; 28.Deploresthe continued human losses caused by the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict; deeply regrets the regular violations of the cease-fire agreement, which repeatedly claim the lives of both military personnel and civilians, whilst hampering the socioeconomic development of the entire region; acknowledges that the current status quo is neither acceptable nor sustainable, and that there can be no military solution to the conflict; 29.Reiteratesits unwavering support to the efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs and to their 2009 Basic Principles as noted in the CEPA Preamble – refrain from the threat or use of force, territorial integrity of States, and equal rights and self-determination of peoples - as well as its appreciation of its endeavours to advance towards a peaceful settlement of the conflict; stresses that efforts shall follow commonly shared principles of maintaining international peace and security as enshrined in the UN Charter, the OSCE Helsinki Final Act and other relevant multilateral documents, underlining the importance of existing agreed formats for the peaceful settlement of the conflict; stresses that arms control and confidence- and security-building measures are of great importance for security, predictability and stability; 30.Welcomesthe joint statement made by the Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan on the fringes of the Geneva Summit of 16 October 2017, organised by the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs; calls on the authorities of both countries to hold high-level talks in good faith and commit to genuine confidence-building measures and renewed dialogue, in order to ease tensions on the line of contact, stabilise the security situation and promote a more constructive atmosphere for future negotiations aimed to the peaceful resolution of the conflict; reiterates its full adherence to the exclusively peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, as proposed by the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs and supported by the European Union and the European Parliament; 31.Welcomesthe efforts and the EU’s strengthened role in conflict resolution and confidence-building in the framework of existing agreed negotiating formats and processes; welcomes in this regard its new initiatives aimed at supporting and completing the aforementioned efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs, by promoting confidence- and peace-building activities across the conflict divide and bringing the civil societies closer; 32.Regretsdeeply that the Armenian initiative of normalisation of relations with Turkey without any preconditions fully supported by the international community and reflected in the Zurich Protocols of 2009 were not ratified by the Turkish side putting forward preconditions for this ratification, thus continuing to keep the border with Armenia unilaterally closed; recalls the approaching of the 70th anniversary of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; calls on all the EU Member States to acknowledge the Armenian Genocide; notes that the issue has become in recent years a topic of open and public debate in Turkey itself.
‘Both … and’ does not work and will never work. Yet another favour to Russia by Armenian gov’t, this time at the expense of Iran
Aravot website, Armenia
December 18 2017
'Both … and' does not work and will never work. Yet another favour to Russia by the Armenian government, this time at the expense of Iran
by Ruben Mehrabyan
[Armenian News note: the below is translated from the Russian edition of Aravot]
It has been clear since the very beginning that the so-called "both … and" policy ["both Russia and the EU"] Armenia has announced would be confined to exceptionally hollow rhetoric and that sooner or later, it would become obvious that it is impossible, as it has been clear that despite the legal "purity" of the Armenia-EU agreement, Moscow will simply not tolerate the existence of this agreement.
Armenia-EU agreement unacceptable to Moscow's 'imperial spirit'
You can explain a thousand times, even in hand-waving terms, swear an oath of loyalty, show references, dab with you finger on a relevant line in the text, "set an example", but that is going to be senseless, as the very fact of this kind of agreement is unacceptable to Moscow's imperial spirit.
The problem lies not in who various circles in Armenia sympathising with or who represents Armenia's interests in terms of tactic or strategy and how. The problem is much simpler: Is Armenia able to use opportunities on its own territory to serve its own interests? And the question is far from being rhetorical. It is not even a question of the agreement with the EU.
With one stroke of the pen, Armenia presented last week the gas distribution system in Meghri and Agarak restored at the expense of funds allocated by Iran to the Russian monopolist Gazprom. Before that, the system was on the balance sheet of the Ministry of Energy Infrastructure and Natural Resources and was regarded as state-owned. There was an opportunity to diversify gas distribution and to finally start importing gas not only from remote Siberia, but also from neighbouring Iran. However, Gazprom would not be Gazprom if it could tolerate something like that. And the government approved this, trying to "explain" to us later, why this was in the state interests of Armenia.
That means that the vicious policy adopted at the beginning of the 2000s is continuing and there is no end to it despite numerous statements about the importance of our relations with Europe, the USA, and Iran, our aspiration to develop our relations not only with the Russian Federation, our policy being based on "various vectors" and on the "both … and" approach, and our acting thus and otherwise… [ellipsis as published] Life has shown that all this is nothing other than declarations that are very quickly forgotten, when they encounter Gazprom's interests, Rosneft's pocket, or whims of the Russian military and when an Armenian company may very simply be prohibited from repairing roads on the territory of a border post. You cannot imagine, but it was with this shameful wording that the problem was put on the agenda of the government meeting held last Thursday [14 December] and approved.
Armenia needs no assistance from Russia in relations with Iran
Of course, they can object, pointing to the opening of the Meghri free economic zone [in an area adjacent to Iran], which is still just an office and saying that Iranians will open a trade office in Kapan and a bus route will be opened between Kapan [in Armenia] and Jolfa [in Iran], but it should be clear that if all this happens to be of more than local importance, Russians will not allow it. If Yerevan does not finally make some other decision, there will be no highway, no railway, and no large-scale cargo transportation and goods turnover.
And it is clear why: This will contradict the philosophy, logic, and content of our current normal relations with Russia and this will undermine Russia's abnormal presence in Armenia. Yerevan does not even dare to ask the following question: Who and what is Russia "defending" us from in Meghri? Are any threats emanating from Iran? And are they so great that we are unable to cope with them? They will respond: Terrorism, narcotics, illegal migration, and so forth. But who said that it is Russians, who are to protect us from all this on the Araks river [dividing Armenia from Iran]?
It is a fact that Armenia's and Iran's approaches to these problems are identical, which has been set forth in intergovernmental documents on many occasions and the intergovernmental format is quite sufficient to need no "assistance" from Russian border guards. After all, if the aforementioned arguments are insufficient, they should also be invited to the border with Georgia to put things through.
Armenia using 'both … and' policy as 'camouflage'
And this is called a bridge! This is a bridge hanging in the air with its one end slightly resting on land. This simply catches your eye at least in matters linked to Iran. Answering journalists' questions at the opening ceremony of the Meghri free economic zone, the governor of [Armenia's] Syunik [Region] said that businessmen and companies from Georgia, Ukraine, and Belarus had expressed interest in it. It is quite noteworthy that he did not even mention Russia and this is not surprising, as Moscow does not need this. The maritime Astrakhan-Anzali route [connecting Russia and Iran] is open and Armenia has nothing to do with it. Moreover, "our strategic ally" is intensively pushing through the idea of the Tehran-Baku-Moscow route that is to bypass Armenia and Georgia and to provide Iran with access to the Black Sea and Europe by its own grace, i.e. Moscow's intention contradicts the interests of everyone except Baku.
A simple question arises here: On whose side is the Armenian government playing in all this? And also: Where has the "both … and" [policy] disappeared?
Yerevan explains that we are ready to develop relations with others if "this is not contrary to our commitments" to the [Russian-led] EEU [Eurasian Economic Union], CSTO [Collective Security Treaty Organisation], and other organisations that Russia has lumbered us with. However, we have never heard up to now at least one proposal from Russia rejected with the wording saying that this is contrary to our commitments to, say, the EU, Iran, or the United States. The impression is that we "feel relieved" of any commitments and when they point to the rare commitments that we have really assumed, we start accusing, say, [EU Ambassador to Armenia] Mr [Piotr] Switalski of "interfering" in our "domestic affairs", [saying that] "we are a sovereign [country]" and things like that.
There is no sense in preaching sermons or saying for a thousandth time that the inability of the government to serve state and public interests has turned into threat number one to the statehood. In addition to this, the government has turned into a threat to themselves, as they will not be able to say anything to Tehran, Brussels, or Washington, when it becomes clear that Armenia's policy is the main obstacle for the communications connecting the Persian Gulf with the Black Sea, to be more precise, the lack of policy, when "insiders" serving the interests of Gazprom are ready to undermine anything, using the "both … and" rhetoric as camouflage.
It must be clear for the future that if there is anyone the Armenia-Iran border needs to be protected from, it is its current "defenders" and this road should first be cleaned of garbage with bulldozers in the broad sense [of the _expression_].
Azeri FM: Tehran, Baku cooperation on energy to expand
Iranian Government News December 21, 2017 Thursday Azeri FM: Tehran, Baku cooperation on energy to expand Tehran: The official news agency of Iran (IRNA) has issued following news: Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Republic Elmar Mammadyarov said on Wednesday cooperation between Tehran and Baku in the field of energy is to be expanded. He added that the two sides intend to make optimum use of the existing capacities in the fields of energy, transport and tourism. In a joint press conference with his Turkish and Iranian counterparts, Mammadyarov said at the 5th ministerial meeting a joint statement was signed, which was common political stances on Quds City, and expansion of trilateral cooperation in the fields of economy and culture. 'We considered the issue of Palestine and Quds in the trilateral meeting,' he continued that the three countries cannot accept the recent US decision to this form and in this connection a draft resolution was submitted to the UN General Assembly and the three countries are to vote positive to the resolution. He added that President Aliyev stated Azerbaijan Republic stance on Quds in Istanbul meeting and called for revision of US president Trump decision. Concerning Karabakh dispute, Mammadyarov said that in the mid-January the new round of talks between foreign ministers of Azerbaijan Republic and Armenia will be held. 'Our former negotiation in Vienna took eight hours', he said. The 5th trilateral foreign ministers meeting of Iran, Turkey and Azerbaijan Republic was held in Baku on Wednesday and by issuing a statement wrapped up its work. The next meeting will be held in Turkey.
Iran, Turkey, Azerbaijan underline joint interests
Iranian Government News December 21, 2017 Thursday Iran, Turkey, Azerbaijan underline joint interests Tehran: The official news agency of Iran (IRNA) has issued following news: Foreign ministers of Iran, Azerbaijan and Turkey issued the final statement of the 5th Trilateral Meeting in Baku on Wednesday, stressing upholding of their common interests. At the invitation of Elmar Mammadyarov, minister of foreign affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan and with participation of Mohammad Javad Zarif, minister of foreign affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Mevlut Cavusoglu, minister of foreign affairs of the Republic of Turkey, the Fifth Trilateral Meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs convened in Baku. The full text of the statement follows: The Ministers, Emphasized their commitment to the Urumieh, Nakhchivan, Van and Ramsar Statements adopted in the previous Trilateral Meetings of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs; Reaffirmed commitment to further enhance solidarity and cooperation among the peoples of the three countries based on deep-rooted historical, religious and cultural commonalities and shared values that will serve to strengthen peace, stability, prosperity and cooperation in the region; Underlined their commitment to the further expand cooperation particularly in the areas that would contribute to economic progress and sustainable development; Emphasized their common interest to strengthen peace and stability in the region and stressed in the context their commitment to principles of international law, including in particular, respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and inviolability of internationally recognized borders and peaceful settlement of all disputes; Reiterated, in this regard, the importance of the earliest resolution of Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict on the basis of the above-mentioned principles; Agreed to continue close consultations on regional and global issues of common interest at different levels and platforms and within the framework of international and regional organizations, such as United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia, and the Economic Cooperation Organization, with a view to enhancing regional and international peace, security and stability; Welcomed the declaration and final communiqué adopted at the OIC Extraordinary Summit on 13 December 2017 in Istanbul, with regard to Al-Quds Al- Sharif; Agreed to strengthen economic-trade cooperation, to use the existing potential for promotion of investments and trade, as well as to support promotion of cooperation by implementing of the joint projects and programs in the field of energy, transport, banking, telecommunication, industry, agriculture, tourism and environment; Underlining the significant steps taken to increase the transit potential of the three countries situated on the international transit corridors and geographically favorably located as well as to integrate to the international transit system, stressed upon the importance of further enhancement of cooperation for implementation of the new projects for development of transport infrastructure and increase of transit potential; Underlining the significance of participation of the three countries in large-scale international transport projects, which are strategically important for increase of the quantity and quality of the competitive transit transportation between the Asia and Europe, for socio-economic development, welcomed the launching of Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway which creates favorable conditions to use the transit potential of the three countries on 'Eat-West', 'South-West', 'North-South' routes, stressed the importance to take necessary steps for earliest completion of Rasht-Astara railway; Underlined the importance of strengthening cooperation in the field of civil aviation to reach the high potential as well as to further benefit from the geographical advantages of the three countries; Expressed their willingness to enhance commercial collaborations in the petroleum, gas and petrochemical fields; Agreed to develop and enhance relations among the banking networks of the three countries and to share experience and information on international banking procedures as well as on combating money-laundering and financing terrorism; Stressed the importance of continued cooperation among three countries to build and run information infrastructures in order to bridge the digital divide in the region; Underlined the importance to cooperate within the framework of global and regional economic organizations, to attract the attention of these organizations to the priority spheres, such as trade, transport, tourism, agriculture, communication, and energy as well as to promote and support implementation of the projects in the common interest of the three countries by these institutions; Emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation to mitigate and prevent environmental degradation, with a view to attaining the relevant goals of 2030 sustainable development agenda adopted by the United Nations in September 2015; Agreed to positively evaluate the candidatures of three countries in the international or regional organizations and in this vein, welcomed the candidature of Baku for hosting Word EXPO-2025 in the Republic of Azerbaijan; Condemning all forms of intolerance and discrimination based on ethnicity, race, religion and belief and underlining the importance of nurturing tolerance, respect, dialogue and cooperation among different cultures, civilizations and peoples and emphasized the significance of the 7th Global Forum of the Alliance of Civilizations of the United Nations held in Baku, Azerbaijan, on 20-25 April 2016; Underlined the importance to further strengthen cooperation in the fight against terrorism, separatism and violent extremism in all their forms and manifestations, transnational organized crimes and elicit trafficking in narcotic drugs and their precursors, and arms, human trafficking, crimes against cultural and historical heritage, cyber crimes, and illegal migration; took note of the UN GA Resolution A/RES/68/127 entitled 'A Word Against Violence and Violent Extremism (WAVE)' initiated by the Islamic Republic of Iran; Stressed their determination not to allow their territories to be used by any people or group of individuals, under any threat and activity against each other strongly condemned foreign support to separatism. Emphasized their commitment to promote and protect human rights at the national and international level, and declared that the promotion and protection of the rights of all human begins in the world can better be achieved through cooperation and dialogue. Underscored the significance of Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) which reflects the success of the multilateral negotiations and diplomacy; acknowledged that the successful implementation of JCPOA requires the complete fulfillment of the stipulated obligations by all the parties for allowing them to fully enjoy benefits provided in JCPOA; taking into account the Islamic Republic of Iran’s adherence to its obligations under JCPOA as confirmed by the International Atomic Energy Agency which is a part of the Resolution 2231 (2015) of the UN Security Council recalled the commitment of all the UN members to contribute the implementation of JCPOA. Underlined the significant importance of promoting Islamic solidarity to confront challenges facing the Islamic World and stressed intension for more active and effective cooperation to strengthen Islamic fraternity, understanding and tolerance. In this respect noted the significance of the 4th Islamic Solidarity Games for promotion of Islamic culture and moral values around the world held in high level in Baku on 12-22 May 2017. Stressed on importance to follow up of the decisions taken during the previous meetings as well as the Trilateral Sectoral Cooperation Action Plan for 2016-2018. Reiterated the importance of holding regular meetings in the trilateral format to continue coordination and cooperation on regional and global issues agreed to hold the next meeting in Turkey.
Western Prelacy News – 12/22/17
December 22, 2017 Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate 6252 Honolulu Avenue La Crescenta, CA 91214 Tel: (818) 248-7737 Fax: (818) 248-7745 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.westernprelacy.org PRELATE TO PRESIDE OVER DIVINE LITURGY AT ST. SARKIS CHURCH IN PASADENA - COMMEMORATING THE FEAST OF ST. STEPHEN THE PROTOMARTYR Monday, is the commemoration of the Feast of St. Stephen the Proto-deacon and proto-martyr. On Sunday, December 24, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, will preside over Divine Liturgy at St. Sarkis Church in Pasadena, where he will deliver the sermon on the life, service, and martyrdom of St. Stephen. Given that the feast is a celebration of deacons, the Prelate will also commend and bless deacons and altar servers on this day. By the ordinance of the Prelate, H.E. Archbishop Gomidas Ohanian, a senior member of the Holy See of Cilicia Brotherhood, will celebrate Divine Liturgy and deliver the sermon at Holy Cross Cathedral in Montebello. *** ANAHID BAGHDADLIAN OHANESIAN TO HOST PRELATE?S NEW YEAR AND CHRISTMAS DINNER H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, the Religious and Executive Councils, and Ladies Auxiliary are pleased to announce that Mrs. Anahid Baghdadlian Ohanesian will host the Prelate?s New Year and Christmas Dinner, which will take place on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at Holy Cross Cathedral?s ?Bagramian? Hall in Montebello. The highly anticipated and beloved event, which has been held annually for over twenty years, unites the Prelacy family and community under one roof to collectively celebrate the Birth and Theophany of our Lord Jesus Christ and exchange well wishes for the New Year. The Prelate blessed and commended Mrs. Ohanesian for her continued generosity and most valuable support. Mrs. Ohanesian, along with her late husband Gaidzag, has previously hosted the dinner, and has contributed greatly to the various endeavors of the Prelacy and the Catholicosate of the Holy See of Cilicia. In appreciation for their support and solidarity, Gaidzag was honored with the Western Prelacy ?St. Dertad? medal and Mrs. Anahid with the ?St. Ashkhen? medal *** WESTERN PRELACY REPUBLISHES THE RITUALS OF THE ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC CHURCH The Western Prelacy is pleased to announce the republication of The Rituals of the Armenian Apostolic Church, a bilingual compilation of various canons and rites, including Holy Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Matrimony, funeral service, blessing of homes, and more, as well as prayers for healing. The book was originally published twenty years ago and had since run out. The republication is a revised and edited version of the original. It opens with the preface by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and is dedicated to the memory of Anahid Bartoumian, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt. Copies are available at the Prelacy bookstore. *** CHAMLIAN FIRST GRADE STUDENTS BRING CHRISTMAS CHEER TO THE PRELACY On Thursday, December 21, 2017, the first grade class of Vahan and Anoush Chamlian School visited the Prelacy where they spread New Year and Christmas cheer with their festive program of songs and recitations. The students were joyfully greeted by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, who was joined by Very Rev. Fr. Torkom Donoyan and Archpriest Fr. Nareg Pehlivanian. The students were accompanied by Principal Dr. Talin Kargodorian, Vice-Principal Mrs. Rita Kaprielian, Armenian teachers, and a group of parents. The students first gathered at ?St. Dertad and St. Ashkhen? Chapel where they joined the Prelate and clergy in reciting the Lord?s Prayer and participated in the singing of the Christmas hymn ?Great and Marvelous Mystery.? Next, decorative candles in hand, the students gathered at ?Dikran and Zarouhie Der Ghazarian? Hall where their program began with welcoming remarks by a few of their peers. The students expressed joy and thanks for their visit to the Prelacy, asked for the Prelate?s blessings, and stated that they would like to hear his message. The students also stated that they had learned the story of Jesus? birth, that they are provided with Christian and Armenian education in school, and promised to be faithful to the legacy of St. Mesrob Mashdots and to our national heritage. Afterward they sang Christmas hymns and songs and recited poetry. It was a touching moment when through the mouths of the children came to life the words of the immortal Moushegh Ishkhan who in a letter to Santa Claus had asked for the return of Masis. The Prelate expressed utmost joy at the students? visit and commended their knowledge of Christ?s birth. He urged them to keep the legacy of St. Mesrob Mashdots alive, to speak Armenian and to pray, and let them know how much love and good cheer they had brought to the Prelacy with heir visit. His Eminence wished for their child-like goodness and innocence to permeate throughout mankind, and concluded by blessing them, their parents, administrators, and teachers. The students presented gifts to the Prelate, while His Eminence gifted ornamental crosses and icon cards to the children and prayer books for the parents. *** PRELATE OF ALEPPO REPORTS ON RECOVERY AND REBUILDING EFFORTS DURING SARF?S PUBLIC GATHERING On the evening of Friday, December 15, 2017, a public gathering organized by the Syrian Armenian Relief Fund (SARF) was held at the Armenian Society of Los Angeles Center in Glendale. The event was held under the auspices of the heads of the Armenian Apostolic, Catholic, and Evangelical Churches, and featured H.E. Archbishop Shahan Sarkissian, Prelate, as the keynote speaker. H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, accompanied by Very Rev. Fr. Torkom Donoyan and Rev. Fr. Ardak Demirjian, attended and delivered his message. The program began with a moment of silence for the Armenian martyrs of Syria. SARF Executive Committee Secretary Mrs. Sona Madarian welcomed the guests. In his remarks, SARF Executive Committee Chairman Mr. Raffi Kendirjian noted that the situation in Syria is relatively better than it was during the establishment of SARF six years ago, but that does not mean the work is done, and urged for continued support and assistance, this time for rebuilding efforts. Guests then viewed a video chronicling the destruction in Aleppo and recovery efforts underway. The Prelate greeted Archbishop Sarkissian and guests and gave an overview of the visiting Prelate?s endeavors in Los Angeles over the past week, which included various meetings, participation in SARF?s benefit dinner, and visits to Prelacy Schools. The Prelate noted that during his previous visits, Archbishop Sarkissian had come for emergency relief. We are pleased that he is here this time for recovery and rebuilding efforts, stated His Eminence, and lauded Archbishop Sarkissian?s leadership as Prelate of Aleppo during the past fourteen years, seven of which in crisis times. He concluded by commending the community for its generous support of its brethren in Syria through SARF and calling for continued support with renewed drive and vision, and prayed for the revival of the Syrian-Armenian community by the faith, strong will, and resolved of the people. Archbishop Sarkissian began his message by thanking God that his visit this time is for a hopeful purpose. He stated that optimism is half the battle, and that the community in Syria has remained optimistic throughout the war and especially since the liberation of Aleppo last December as the community began to rise from the ashes. He reported that the community is slowly returning to normalcy and that concrete steps for rebuilding are already underway, which are inspiring hope in the people. He expressed gratitude to all Armenians who stood by the side of their compatriots, especially the Armenians of the Western United States, who through their generous aid helped their brethren during critical times and in particular allowed for Armenian Schools to remain open. Archbishop Sarkissian stated that the New Year and Christmas visit of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I to Aleppo at the start of the year inspired and strengthened the community and set the framework for the reorganization and rebuilding. Priorities were set and the work began with the united efforts of all national institutions. He concluded by asking all to keep their brothers and sisters in Aleppo in their thoughts and prayers and to continue to lend their valuable support and solidarity. ARF Western Region Central Committee Chairman Mr. Daron Der Khachadourian shared some thoughts as he had just returned from Antelias where he had participated in a panel discussion on the reorganization of the Diaspora at the Catholicosate of Cilicia General Assembly. He stressed that we are one people and one nation, and the importance of helping our fellow man to strengthen and empower one another. A question and answer session followed, and the program concluded with the benediction delivered by the clergy. *** PRELATE REPRESENTED AT EPISCOPAL ORDINATION AT THE DIOCESE OF ORANGE On Tuesday, December 19, 2017 in the presence of His Excellency The Most Reverend Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, The Most Reverend Thomas Thanh Thai Nguyen was ordained Auxiliary Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange by His Excellency The Most Reverend Kevin Vann, Bishop of Orange, with Co-Consecrators The Most Reverend Felipe De Jesus Estevez, Bishop of the Diocese of St. Augustine, and The Most Reverend Dominic Luong, Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of Orange. Very Rev. Fr. Torkom Donoyan, accompanied by Rev. Fr. Karekin Bedourian, attended the Episcopal Ordination, which took place at Saint Columban Church in Orange County, and conveyed the Prelate?s congratulations to the new Auxiliary Bishop. ***
Ozdemir: Turkish state played a role in Dink’s murder
News.am, Armenia
Dec 24 2017
Ozdemir: Turkish state played a role in Dink’s murder Ozdemir: Turkish state played a role in Dink’s murder
20:01, 24.12.2017
It is known that the Turkish state played a role in the murder of Istanbul Armenian journalist Hrant Dink, Bundestag member Cem Ozdemir said in an interview with DW.
Asked to comment on the recent claims by Turkish parliament MP Garo Paylan, that that Turkish academics, journalists and literary figures who have fled the governing Justice and Development Party are in grave danger, Ozdemir said he had now information about this, but it “wouldn't be surprising”.
“But it wouldn't surprise me given that Hrant Dink, a Turkish-Armenian journalist and a good friend of mine, was killed by a 16-year-old [in Istanbul] — and it's known that the Turkish state played a role in this murder. Then you also see how Turkish dissidents are not only jailed, silenced or expelled but also intimidated and subjected to physical violence. Germany should be aware of this and above all else prevent the growth of separate societal structures. Some examples of this already exist, such as Osmanen Germania, a Turkish-nationalist boxing gang, or the Union of European Turkish Democrats (UETD),” he said.
Ozdemier said he had recently visited an event organized by Turkish-Armenian journalist and blogger Hayko Bagdat, was wearing a bullet-proof vest because he'd received credible death threats a day earlier.
“I think we must make it clear that Germany will not tolerate such a climate of fear. It's bad enough that such fear already pervades Turkish society,” he added.
Bekchyan: 11 priests were invited to participate in elections of Patriarch of Constantinople
News.am, Armenia
Dec 24 2017
Bekchyan: 11 priests were invited to participate in elections of Patriarch of Constantinople Bekchyan: 11 priests were invited to participate in elections of Patriarch of Constantinople
13:01, 24.12.2017
Eleven priests were sent proposals regarding the participation in the election of the Patriarch of Constantinople, but not all responded, Archbishop Garegin Bekchyan, the patriarchal locum tenens of the Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople, told Armenian News-NEWS.am.
“The head of the Shirak Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Bishop Mikael Ajapakhyan, Bishop Sahak Mashalyan, the Primate of the Gagark Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Bishop Sepuh Chuljyan, Archbishop Aram Ateshyan and several others have already responded that they are going to participate in the elections. There are still no response from the rest,” Bekchyan said.
The elections were first set for December 13, but they did not take place, since there is no written permission from the Turkish authorities.
Asked how Bechchyan himself assesses his capabilities, the locum tenens replied: “You should ask people what they think about me”.
From March 1, drivers from Armenia will have to pay for entry to the territory of Georgia
ARMINFO News Agency Saturday From March 1, drivers from Armenia will have to pay for entry to the territory of Georgia Yerevan December 23 Ani Mshetsyan. Drivers of cars with foreign numbers will be forced to insure the vehicle from March 1 when they enter the territory of Georgia in the event that they intend to remain in the territory of the republic for a period of not less than 15 days. The Parliament of Georgia approved the draft law "On compulsory insurance of civil liability of a motor vehicle owner traveling in Georgia registered in a foreign country", he also must be signed by the country's president, "Sputnik Georgia" informs. Insurance can be purchased at a checkpoint. Depending on the type of vehicle and the term of the insurance period, the cost of the insurance package will depend. The vehicle can be insured for 15, 30 or 90 days, as well as for a year. It is assumed that this insurance will cover both the physical and material damage caused to victims during an accident. Thus, in case of causing serious harm to health, the damage will be covered completely, and in case of less serious injuries the damage will be covered by approximately 60% and 30%. At the same time, this insurance will not cover the damage if it is caused by the deliberate actions of the insured, as well as damage from transportation of dangerous substances, damage from terrorist acts, military operations and military maneuvers, as well as damage during competitions, exercises or tests . Cars weighing up to 3.5 tons, irrespective of the volume of the engine on the Georgian border, will be obliged to pay 30 lari for 30 days of 50 lari for 15 days in Georgia, and the annual insurance is 295 lari.
Ashot Tavadyan: The key goal for Armenia is to achieve a ratio of exports to GDP to 30% …
ARMINFO News Agency, Armenia Saturday Ashot Tavadyan: The key goal for Armenia is to achieve a ratio of exports to GDP to 30% with the prevalence of the share of finished products Yerevan December 22 Tatevik Shagunyan. At present, the key task for Armenia is to achieve a ratio of exports to GDP of 30%, with the prevalence of the share of finished products. This was announced at the conference "Three years of the EAEU: achievements and prospects" in the frame of the annual meeting of the Eurasian Expert Club, Ashot Tavadyan, Doctor of Economics, Professor, Head of the Center for Economic Studies, said that in 2017 exports will exceed 2 billion USD. In fact, he stressed, Armenia has a significant growth in exports - about 17%. According to him, the priority task is to bring the ratio of exports of products to GDP to 30%, and in this direction, all the capabilities of the EAEU should be used to overcome the export figure of $ 3 billion. He noted that in 2017 the GDP growth of the RA will be about 5%, which is much higher than the planned growth of 3.2%, in this case a significant growth is accounted for by exports, especially exports of finished goods. The growth of exports to Russia is advancing. "Its structure plays a key role in the growth of exports. The main prospect for the growth in exports of finished goods, which has a high percentage of added value, is Russia, while Armenia mainly exports raw materials to the European Union," he said. The expert on this background noted that the level of exports to the EU has also grown, which is primarily due to a significant increase in prices for non-ferrous metals. "The export of non-ferrous metals, aluminum sheets, ferroalloys is the absolute majority of our exports to the EU." The copper price in 2016-2017 increased from 4,400 to 6,800 dollars per 1 ton, according to the EU experts on the GSP + system, Armenia saved $ 8.7 million US in 2016. In export to the same EAEU, taking into account preferential prices for energy resources, exporters saved about $ 60 million," he explained. Tavadyan noted that the opponents of Armenia's accession to the EAEU mainly point out that the GDP of the republic in dollars decreased by 8%. And the public debt grew by 10%. "Firstly, according to the data of international organizations, GDP growth in Armenia was recorded in 2015-2016, and secondly, the calculation of GDP according to the change in the exchange rate of the national currency against the dollar does not hold water. "The GDP calculation associated with a change in the dollar rate is not correct and is not a result of the signing of an integration agreement," the expert said, adding that in Armenia, the slowdown in GDP growth in 2015 is primarily due to a decrease in the price of copper from $ 5,190 per ton to $ 4,400. The exchange rate of the Russian ruble against the dollar fell from 56 doubles to 77 rubles, he noted. Of course, Tavadyan stressed, if Armenia were not a member of the EAEU, then a 30% rise in the price of gas, customs duties, sanitary and hygienic restrictions, an even greater reduction in transfers would only aggravate the situation. As for the growth of external debt, firstly, it is within the limits determined by law, secondly, we received strictly targeted loans from Russia, two concessional loans of $ 300 million directly aimed at strengthening the defense capacity of our country. Armenia also received a special loan from Russia for 270 million and 30 million dollars as a grant to extend the life of the nuclear power plant," the expert concluded. The conference is organized by the research and analytical public organization "Integration and Development" and the scientific and educational fund "Noravank".