Month: October 2006

ARKADY GHUKASIAN NOT GOING TO RUN FOR PRESIDENT AGAIN

PanARMENIAN.Net
11.10.2006 18:23 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ October 11 Nagorno Karabakh President Arkady
Ghukasian gave a briefing for local and accredited reporters, said
NKR MFA press office.

The NKR President said in part, "I have found it necessary to meet
with you an issue that aroused my concern lately. Rumors are being
spread about my intention to run for President for the third time.

Especially, the initiators of such rumors say that the NKR Constitution
is being adopted for this very purpose. I would never react to such
insinuations but for two reasons – the image of the Nagorno Karabakh
Republic as a democratic state and the fundamental importance of
Constitution for the existence out our state.

As a politician and civilian I have no more important goal than
the international recognition of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic and
building of a legal state.

During the years of my office I have been trying to speed up this
processes. You witnessed the difficulties we gave experienced on the
way to civic society formation. I do not conceal my consent with
the fact that many challenges were overcome thanks to our people,
who supported the President’s line. I have not turned off the way
and think it’s the only right way that exists.

Constitution is one of the most important conditions for a legal state
building and all the political forces in our state are unanimous on the
issue. During my election campaign I promised to render the essential
assistance in the elaboration and adoption of the Organic Law of the
country but unfortunately a number of circumstances conditioned by
the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement didn’t allow us to adopt the
Constitution earlier. I must say that despite the efforts exerted by
the evil-wishers I feel obliged to keep my promise to people.

I deeply regret that my position is being distorted. I assure you
I have no intention to run for President for the third time. Even
is the Constitution provides for this right it does not mean that I
will exercise it. I highlight the norms of morals like the norms of
laws. As an individual and as President I did my utmost to make the
process of democratization of our republic irreversible.

I am convinced that Nagorno Karabakh will once more demonstrate
the high level of democracy and will use the chance to exercise a
civilized chance of power. In this view my major task is to secure
a fair election next year.

In conclusion I would like to voice hope that my today’s statement will
put an end to any fabrications that can damage the international image
of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic and disorient public opinion on the
true aims of adoption of the NKR Constitution," the NKR leader said.

SERGE SARGSIAN: MUTUAL CONCESSION AT GIVEN MOMENT MEANS RECOGNIZING THE RIGHT TO SELF-DETERMINATION OF KARABAKH PEOPLE
By Aghavni Harutyunian

AZG Armenian Daily
12/10/2006

"We are not afraid of war but we do not want it either," Serge
Sargsian, Armenian defense minister, stated in an interview with
Regnum agency and El Pais Spanish newspaper. In minister’s words,
the Azerbaijani economy shows tendencies of activation though Armenia
was ahead of its neighbor by economic growth indices in 2005.

Serge Sargsian believes that a battle-worthy army cannot be built
only on money, and he suggested not to rely on petrodollars and to
reconsider the lessons of an unsuccessful war against the people
of Nagorno Karabakh. The minister firmly believes that a peaceful
regulation can still be achieved. "Every peace agreement presupposes
accord of the sides. It’s like wedlock: if one side agrees and the
other does not then the alliance will fail. Therefore, if we strive
for a regulation of the dispute and Azerbaijan does not then what can
we do? We find the issue can be settled solely peacefully and based
on mutual concessions."

The minister explains that as soon as stable peace will be achieved the
Azeri refuges can return to Nagorno Karabakh. Though there were many
clashes and wars during history, relations with Azerbaijan continued,
and the Armenians and Azeris lived side by side. But at present,
when the wounds are still fresh, Serge Sargsian thinks that the
return of refugees is impossible. And saying mutual concession one
should understand recognition of the right of the people of Nagorno
Karabakh to self-determination by Azerbaijan.

There are other elements of mutual concession too, but the minister
did not go into them.

The minister once again confirmed Armenia’s stance on taking the
Karabakh issue out of the OSCE Minsk Group format. Serge Sargsian also
thinks that Karabakh’s participation in the talks process is useful
at any stage; until now Azerbaijan refuses Karabakh’s participation
threatening to leave the talks if the later joins the negations.

Serge Sargsian assures that Armenia is ready for military actions if
they burst out even tomorrow. Yet, he thinks that there will be no
war in foreseeable future for several reasons: firstly, Azerbaijani
army is unable to start hostilities of that scale, secondly, the
world community will express its position on these actions. Reopening
of hostilities in Karabakh will mean renewing old conflicts in many
places. The defense minister finds that absence of military actions
is a positive thing in itself, and that is also the result of the
Minsk Group’s work.

As to the impact of sanctions against Iran, tension in Abkhazian and
South Ossetian issues on Armenia, Mr. Sargsian thinks the impact can
be only negative as they pose a threat to Armenia’s stability. As
stability is a key factor in the region, Serge Sargsian thinks
integration with Azerbaijan and Georgia possible. Yet, it will be
possible to discuss with Azerbaijan this issue after regulation of
Nagorno Karabakh issue.

PATRICK DEVEJIAN PROPOSES AMENDMENT IN THE LAW CRIMINALIZING THE DENIAL OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

Public Radio, Armenia
Oct 10 2006

Representative of the Democratic Movement Union of France, Armenian
in origin, Patrick Devejian has proposed an amendment in the law
criminalizing the denial of the Armenian Genocide, insisting that it
should not apply to researchers and historians.

The proposed amendment consists of only one clause, "These measures
do not apply to academic and scientific research."

The European Armenian Federation calls on Parliamentarians to adopt
the law for the sake of "human dignity."

In a statement attached to the proposed amendment Devejian noted
that the draft will prevent the political disputes by any country,
first of all meaning Turkey.

‘FRENCH BILL IS IDIOCY’ – AGOS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF HRANT DINK SAID TO REUTERS
By Hakob Chakrian

AZG Armenian Daily
12/10/2006

In an interview with the Reuters, Hrant Dink, editor-in-chief of
Agos newspaper again labeled the French bill penalizing denial of the
Armenian Genocide "idiocy". "You are citizens and your state uses this
(genocide issue) as a trump for the other party. The other party is
trying to make an attempt out of this and judge other people. This
is what I call idiocy. We are not obliged to be a pawn for these
irrational behaviors of the states toward one another. In order to
object to this kind of diplomatic nonsense, I will go to France,
oppose that law and commit the crime set by that law if necessary. I
want this irrational mentality to compete against one another to put
me in prison," Dink was quotes as saying by Turkish Zaman daily.

ARMENIAN PATRIARCH OF CONSTANTINOPLE ALSO CONDEMNS FRENCH DRAFT BILL
By Hakob Chakrian

AZG Armenian Daily
12/10/2006

According to a press release received yesterday, Mesrop II Moutafian,
Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople, also condemned the French draft
bill that envisages punishment for a denial of the Armenian Genocide,
the CNN-Turk website and Turkish newspapers reported.

The message says that the Patriarch stated that one should be led
by the initiatives directed to unfolding dialogues and to mutual
understanding. He said that they couldn’t accept any initiative
that doesn’t attain this goal. Moutafian added that whatever are
their grounds, all the initiatives that limit the freedom of speech
will make harm to the dialogue between the Armenian and the Turkish
societies. As a result, both sides, will contribute to strengthening
of nationalistic forces, he said.

SOUTH KOREAN FOREIGN MINISTER BAN KI-MOON IS ELECTED NEW UN SECRETARY GENERAL
By Petros Keshishian

AZG Armenian Daily
12/10/2006

South Korean foreign minister Ban Ki-Moon has been elected new UN
Secretary General. He is to replace Mr. Koffi Annan in his office
from January 1, 2007.

The representatives of 15 member states of the UN Security Council
voted for Ban Ki-Moon who is 62.

According to the UN regulation, in the course of the coming few
days the representatives of 192 UN member states should approve the
candidacy of Ban Ki-Moon and the decision of the UN Security Council.

As for his appointment, Ban Ki-Moon stated that the first goal he
attains is to settle the crisis with the nuclear program of North
Korea.

France-Presse informed that Ban Ki-Moon’s candidacy was predictable
already last week, as 5 members of the UN Security Council had given
their consent for his appointment in the course of the preliminary
voting.

This is the first time in the UN History that common agreement was
secured so briefly.

GEORGIA CUTS TSKHINVALI FROM RUSSIA
By Aghavni Harutyunian

AZG Armenian Daily
12/10/2006

Yesterday, the Georgian side has blocked Tskhinvali-Gory transportation
road near Ergneti settlement. Regnum agency informed that this step
completes the isolation of the South Ossetia from the South to the
North. The South Ossetia is connected with Russia only through Zarsi
road. At the same time, the Georgian authorities have arrested some
of the South Ossetian officials in Ergneti and released them after
a while. But, as the road was already blocked yesterday, one can’t
say how the South Ossetian officials returned home.

170 TOUR OPERATORS TO VISIT ARMENIA TODAY
By Karine Danielian

AZG Armenian Daily
12/10/2006

Within the framework of the Year of Armenia in France, today 170
tour operators will arrive in Yerevan. The aim of the one-day visit
is to get acquainted with Armenia’s potential in tourism, drawing up
projects and organizing a new influx of tourist to Armenia.

Agents who organize international tourism will visit Garni, Geghard,
Zvartnots, Tsitsernakaberd and other sites of interest in proximity
to the capital. The visit program is so condensed and limited that
the guests will not have time to know Armenia as it is.

HAKOB HAKOBYAN WILL BE SET FREE FOR TWO DAYS

A1+
[06:33 pm] 11 October, 2006

Tomorrow the Government session will make a decision about convening
a special NA session on October 13 at midday. The session will discuss
the issue of depriving NA deputy Hakob Hakobyan of immunity.

Factually, Hakobyan will be set free tonight, until the Parliament
decides what to do.

According to our sources, Robert Kocharyan has held a consultation with
the participation of the main political powers and demanded to vote
for depriving Hakobyan of immunity. Leader of the Republican faction
Galoust Sahakyan confirmed the information about the consultation
but refuted that about the demand to vote. Let us inform you that
the voting will take place with ballots; 66 deputies are needed in
order to secure quorum, and the deputy can be deprived of immunity
in case 50%+1 deputies vote for it.

Galoust Sahakyan also refrained from giving assessment, "We will be
able to answer all the questions when the investigation is over and
the case is in the court". Asked the question if the Republican party
is being compromised on purpose, Galoust Sahakyan said, "For years
the members of our party preserved their reputation, and in this
pre-election year attempts are made to stain our name". According to
Galoust Sahakyan, it is the opposition which is trying to compromise
the Republican Party.

The opposition has not yet decided how to vote. Member of the
Justice faction Stepan Zaqaryan informed that the issue has not
yet been discussed in the faction, but they have questions to the
Public Prosecutor and to Hakobyan himself as they need to know
what has happened. He said that according to several sources, the
representatives of the Full Contact Karate federation were sent to
the site on purpose, "We do not exclude the possibility that Hakob
Hakobyan may have attempted to defend himself", Zaqaryan said.

Member of the Orinats Yerkir Hovhannes Margaryan learned from the
Friday special session from us and said that the party has not
discussed the issue yet.

"National Unity" has not discussed it yet, but according to Alexan
Karapetyan, "the decision will not be in favor of the authorities".

Member of the ARF Dashnaktsutyun Gegham Manoukyan said he has always
been against the immunity of the deputies. "The deputies, like all
the other citizens of the RA, have equal rights and responsibilities
and must equally be protected by the law".

As for People’s Deputy faction, we learned from Karen Karapetyan that
the faction is not going to vote unanimously and each deputy is free
to vote as they wish.

"LEADER OF APNM IS ON THE RUN, AND NOT LEADER OF ARF"

A1+
[07:01 pm] 11 October, 2006

"I have no doubt that the leaders of the Armenian Pan-National
Movement are very competent about political murders as their head
is on the run due accusations of political murder", said member of
the ARF Dashnaktsutyun bureau Vahan Hovhannisyan in answer to the
accusations of Yerjanik Abgaryan.

Member of the APNM administration Yerjanik Abgaryan said in an
interview to "A1+" yesterday that when the APNM came to power, the ARF
which was opposition used to organize political murders. He reminded
that the murders stopped once the activity of the party was stopped,
and restarted as soon as the representatives of the ARF were released
from prison. "If the APNM organized murders in order to accuse the
ARF of them which they never managed to do, it is natural that they
would stop it when we were in prison and restart their activity as
soon as we were set free. But even the court was unable to prove
that the ARF had a finger in the murders. I think the decision of
the court is enough for those who speak about law and lawfulness",
Vahan Hovhannisyan commented.