Month: March 2007

YEREVAN-MOSCOW RELATIONS CAN BE DESCRIBED AS STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP

PanARMENIAN.Net
14.03.2007 19:30 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenia and Russia have enjoyed friendly and
strategic relations during 15 years that passed since the establishment
of diplomatic relations between the two states, Russian Ambassador
to RA Nikolay Pavlov told a news conference in Yerevan.

Relations are dynamically developing in political and economic fields,
he said. "Bilateral visits of leaders of the states and governments
are very important since they suppose discussion of regional problems,
bilateral relations and cooperation on the international arena,"
Pavlov said.

"However, there are some difficulties in economic cooperation,
specifically absence of transport communications between Armenia
and Russia.

Nevertheless the commodity turnover between our states reached $426
million against $350 million in 2005. The amount of Russian investments
in the Armenian economy is growing. The activities of Gazprom, Armenal
and VTB (Vneshtorgbank) as well as Vympelcom’s coming to the Armenian
telecommunication market can serve as an example. As to starting of
5 Armenian enterprises conveyed to Russia within "Property for Debt"
treaty, this is an issue of concern not only for Armenia but also for
Russia. The work of the Armenian-Russian intergovernmental commission
on economic cooperation in aimed at resolution of these problems,"
the Russian diplomat said.

The Russian Ambassador also pointed out to the efficient
Armenian-Russian cooperation in military field. "Russia guards
Armenia’s state borders with Iran and Turkey, Armenian servicemen
study in Russian institutions. Furthermore, Russia supplies Armenia
with technical equipment at reduced prices," Pavlov underscored.

PRIVATE LINE TO AKDAMAR

Turkish Press, MI
Milliyet (Liberal)
March 14 2007

For the first time, government has allowed direct charter flights from
Yerevan to Van for guests from Armenia who will attend inauguration
of restored Akdamar Church.

Prior to inauguration a meeting was held at Turkish MFA with the
participation of representatives of Interior Ministry, Culture &
Tourism Ministry, General Staff, MIT and Gendarmerie General Command.

Representative of Turkish General Staff proposed routine route
Yerevan-Istanbul-Van.

TALKS SLOW TO MOVE, DESPITE EXISTING GROUNDWORK

PanARMENIAN.Net
14.03.2007 19:53 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenia’s Foreign Minister, Vartan Oskanian,
concluded a regular meeting of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs,
together with the Azerbaijani FM, in Geneva, reports the RA MFA
press office. This meeting followed a recent visit to the region
by French co-chair Bernard Fassier, who, on behalf of the other two
co-chairs Yuri Merzlyakov of Russia, and Matthew Bryza of the U.S.,
attempted to ascertain the positions of the two presidents, in the
run-up to this meeting of foreign ministers. Minister Oskanian said,
"The talks were slow to move, despite the existing groundwork, as
attempt was made to discuss second-layer details pertaining to the
principles in the document. Although there is clearer understanding
of each other’s positions, one thing is evident that there are deep
differences. We believe that there can still be enough progress to
warrant a meeting of the presidents, and for that reason we agreed
to another meeting in April."

The Minister explained that Armenia remains committed to the principles
in the document that is being negotiated. Although there are many
secondary issues outstanding still, the principles contained in the
document address the fundamental issues with the right trade-offs,
that could lead to a lasting resolution.

VARTAN OSKANIAN: "TALKS WERE SLOW TO MOVE DESPITE EXISTING GROUNDWORK:" NEXT MEETING OF ARMENIAN AND AZERBAIJANI FOREIGN MINISTERS TO BE HELD IN APRIL

Noyan Tapan
Mar 14 2007

GENEVA, MARCH 14, NOYAN TAPAN. Armenia’s Foreign Minister, Vartan
Oskanian, concluded a regular meeting of the OSCE Minsk Group
co-chairs, together with the Azerbaijani FM, in Geneva on March 14.

As NT was informed from RA Foreign Ministry Press and Information
Department, the Minister explained that Armenia remains committed
to the principles in the document that is being negotiated. In his
words, although there are many secondary issues outstanding still,
the principles contained in the document address the fundamental issues
with the right trade-offs, that could lead to a lasting resolution.

In Oskanian’s words, "the talks were slow to move, despite the
existing groundwork, as attempt was made to discuss second-layer
details pertaining to the principles in the document. Although there
is clearer understanding of each other’s positions, one thing is
evident that there are deep differences. We believe that there can
still be enough progress to warrant a meeting of the presidents,
and for that reason we agreed to another meeting in April."

This meeting followed a recent visit to the region by French co-chair
Bernard Fassier, who, on behalf of the other two co-chairs Yuri
Merzlyakov of Russia, and Matthew Bryza of the US, attempted to
ascertain the positions of the two presidents, in the run-up to this
meeting of foreign ministers.

BIRAND: WHY TURKEY INVITES ARMENIAN HISTORIAN IF IT’S NOT READY TO OPEN ALL ARCHIVES?

PanARMENIAN.Net
14.03.2007 20:25 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ "Turkish History Institute (TTK) President Yusuf
Halacoglu was supposed to meet with Ara Sarafyan, the author of Blue
Book, which is seen as one of the most important documents backing
Armenian claims. Both sides were supposed to produce various documents
to argue their case, the first such meeting," observer Mehmet Ali
Birand writes in Turkish Daily News.

"Armenians usually don’t participate in such meetings.

Sarafyan was very important in this respect. His visit was supposed
to provide a huge boost to Turkey’s call for historians focusing on
the matter, discussing and debating it," he continues.

"Suddenly, we were all told the meeting was cancelled.

Professor Halacoglu held a press conference and said Sarafyan had
cancelled the trip, presenting an article in weekly Agos that said
the Armenian Diaspora was furious about Sarafyan’s trip. That was
the reason of cancellation, he said. Now we learn that the real
reason why the meeting was cancelled was very different. It appears
Halacoglu refused to open the archives without limits and objected
to presenting certain documents. What was this all about? If you were
not going to show the documents, why would you ask for a meeting? Why
do you organize such a meeting before agreeing on the conditions of
opening of the archives? Why do you initiate a process you cannot go
take to the finish? No one will ever believe Turkey when it proposes
to open the archives and share all the documents so that historians
can discuss the matter. Turkey will sail alone in the stormy European
waters. There is no one to offer us a shelter in his or her harbor
anymore. Our job will become more difficult from now on," Mehmet Ali
Birand writes.

TURKISH MFA DENIES STORIES ON YEREVAN – VAN DIRECT FLIGHTS

Turkish Press, MI
March 14 2007

ANKARA – Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) denied today the
news stories that directs flights would be allowed from Armenia to
eastern Turkish city of Van for the inaugural ceremony of the Akdamar
Armenian Church.

Technical preparations are underway, said MFA spokesman Levent Bilman
when commenting on the inauguration of the church.

On the other hand, the Armenian Church on Akdamar Island on Van Lake
will be opened on March 29th.

Akdamar Church was constructed by architect bishop Manuel between
915 and 921 A.D. under the supervision of King Gagik I.

Among the important pieces of Armenian architecture, the church draws
attraction with its stone workmanship and reliefs on its walls.

Turkish company Kartalkaya started renovation of the church in 2006.

Van Governor Niyazi Tanilir earlier said that an international
inauguration ceremony would be held.

"Culture ministers of several countries, members of national and
international media organizations, representatives of Armenian
community around the world, the head of Turkish Religious Affairs DG,
and head of several religious communities are expected to participate
in the ceremony," he added.

IN WORDS OF CEC CHAIRMAN, TOTAL EXPENDITURES OF PREPARING AND HOLDING MAY 12 ELECTIONS TO MAKE NEARLY 875.5 MLN DRAMS

Noyan Tapan
Mar 14 2007

YEREVAN, MARCH 14, NOYAN TAPAN. At the May 14 sitting RA CEC made
changes in a number of decisions made earlier, as well as invalidated
some decisions.

In particular, due to amendments made to the Electoral Code, the
points of the schedule of main events of preparation and holding
RA elections regarding formation of district centers and holding of
votings at RA diplomatic or consular representations were recognized
as invalid. This is conditioned by the circumstance that according
to the amendments made to the Electoral Code, henceforth votings will
be held only in RA territory.

The Commission unanimously established the order of assisting citizens
not able to fill in the ballot-paper on their own in connection with
their poor eyesight. According to that order, another citizen can
help such citizens at their request, but he must not be CEC member or
empowered body. For the first time is is planned to give electoral
commissions a cardboard patterns corresponding to the ballot-paper
with holes instead of the tetragon intended for marking. A voter can
do another actions connected with voting on his own or with the help
of a commission member or citizen accompanying him.

CEC also approved the estimate of expenditures connected with
preparation and holding of 2007 parliamentary elections. According
to the estimate, over 678.4 mln drams (nearly 1.9 mln USD) will be
allocated from the state budget for this purpose. In the words of
CEC Chairman Garegin Azarian, in consideration of the expenditures
of making ballot-boxes and training commission members, in total,
the expenditures will make 875.5 mln drams, which is 1.04 USD per
one voter. 255.4 mln drams or 0.19 USD per one voter was spent in 2003.

TURKISH MPS MEET U.S. UNDERSECRETARY OF STATE

Turkish Press, MI
March 14 2007

WASHINGTON D.C. – Turkish MPs had a meeting with Nick Burns, the U.S.
Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs, yesterday in order
to lobby against the resolution on the so-called Armenian genocide,
presented to the U.S. House of Representatives.

During the 90-minute meeting, Burns told Turkish parliamentarians that
the Bush administration will do everything in its power to prevent
the resolution from being enacted.

The third-ranking official of the Department of State also noted that
steps will be taken to fight against the terrorist organization PKK.

On Cyprus problem, Burns said that the USA will support resumption
of negotiations between the two parties.

Turkish parliamentary delegation consists of Justice & Development
Party (AKP) MPs Egemen Bagis, Vahit Erdem and Reha Denemec; and
Republican People`s Party (CHP) MPs Bihlun Tamayligil and Ersin
Arioglu.

The group also met U.S. media and representatives of Jewish
organizations, and participated in a meeting of Turkish American
Council yesterday.

Turkish parliamentarians will hold talks at the U.S. Congress today
and tomorrow.

ARMENIA APPEALED FOR RELEASE OF CAPTURED AZERBAIJANI SOLDIER

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
March 14 2007

The State Commission for Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing Persons
is taking steps to release captured soldier of Azerbaijani Armed Forces
Samir Mammadov, the commission secretary Shahin Sayilov told the APA.

He said that they have appealed to the Armenian side for release of
the soldier.

The commission continues to work with the ICRC, OSCE and other
international organizations.

"We have not yet been replied concretely regarding the release of
the soldier. But, we hope Samir will be released soon," Sayilov said.

The International Working Group for Prisoners of War and Hostages
coordinator for Azerbaijan Avaz Hasanov told the APA that the co-chair
of the working group has appealed to the Armenian side.

"The representative of the organization in Armenia Karene Minasyan
is dealing with this matter. Armenian side has not responded to the
appeal yet. We are waiting for their answer," he said.

Samir Mammadov was captured on December 24 last year.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

AZERBAIJANI AND ARMENIAN FOREIGN MINISTERS MEET

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
March 14 2007

The next round of negotiations for the settlement of the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict was held between Azerbaijani and Armenian
Foreign Ministers Elmar Mammadyarov and Vardan Oskanyan in Geneva,
Foreign Ministry spokesman Khazar Ibrahim told the APA.

The OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs Yuri Merzlyakov (Russia), Bernard
Fassier (France), Matthew Bryza (US) and personal representative of
OSCE Chairman-in-Office Andrzej Kasprzyk participated at the meeting
of the ministers.

Taking into account the ministers’ schedule the co-chairs will work
on arranging next meeting of the ministers in April.

It is not ruled out that Azerbaijani and Armenian Foreign Ministers
will meet during the meeting of the CIS Foreign Ministers in Astana
on April 25, this year.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress