Month: March 2007

TURKEY SHOULD NOT OPEN BORDERS WITH ARMENIA

AZG Armenian Daily
28/03/2007

"Hrant Dink was Turkish citizen of Armenian origin.

Though we were against his ideas we would like him to live, we do
not want people to die because of their thoughts", Day.az reports the
words of Muhsin Yazicioglu, leader of the Turkish "Grand Unity" party.

He underlined that the political forces opposing the Turkish
nationalists take advantage of Hrant Dink’s assassination.

"We can not allow using this crime for insult, slander or pressure
against Turkish nationalists. Moreover, this campaign is not restricted
to us. These forces suggest that Azerbaijan might stand behind this
assassination. "Armenians try to disguise their crimes. Nobody speaks
of the genocide committed in Khojaly 15 years ago. Armenians have not
withdrawn their forces from the occupied Azerbaijani territories. The
world community is indifferent towards these events – nobody speaks
about one million people, who have become displaced as a result of
the Nagorno Karabakh conflict," Yazicioglu told the APA Turkey bureau.

Muhsin Yazicioglu said that Armenia does not observe international
legal norms. "Armenians do not show any sign of withdrawal from these
territories. If Turkey and Azerbaijan show their will, Armenians will
withdraw. Armenia cannot survive without opening borders with Turkey
and establishing neighborly relations with Azerbaijan. Turkey should
not open borders with Armenia and should not have any relations with
Yerevan," he said.

TURKISH-AZERI DISCUSSION OF THE GENOCIDE OF AZERBAIJANI TURKS PERPETRATED BY ARMENIANS?
By H. Chaqrian

AZG Armenian Daily
28/03/2007

There are countries in this world, where violence has become an
idol. Turkey and Azerbaijan are two of those states. When they cannot
realize their vicious through violence, they start acting with lies,
intrigues and provocations, making a lot of noise around it.

Thus, the Turkish society welcomed the murder of Hrant Dink with
"We’re All Ogun Samast" slogans, and the Azerbaijani authorities
proclaimed a national hero Ramil Safarov, the villain assassin.

In Turkey, and especially in Azerbaijan, women do note take any
essential part in the political life. But that does not mean that
women stay far from the governmental intrigues. The latest example
of such kind of women’s activity is the "scientific" discussion
organized by the Turkish-Azerbaijani Womens’ Union on March 27 in
Baku and dedicated to the "Genocide of Azerbaijani Turks Perpetrated
by Armenians" (allegedly on March 31, 1918).

According to Turkish television, politicians and scientists from
Turkey, Azerbaijan, the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" and Iraq
took part in the conference. Most probably, the Iraqi participants
were Turkmens, who have pro-Turkish political orientation.

Participant of the conference Huseyn Avni Karsioglu, Turkish Ambassador
to Azerbaijan, demanded the historical events be studied and the
truth revealed to the world society. Others stated also referred
to the so-called Genocide of Khojalu and stated that this fact "is
neglected as well as other massacres committed by Armenians". The
conference participants came to conclusion that they must draw the
world’s attention to those events, as the West does.

The results of the conference ended up in a joint declaration. "The
present Republic of Azerbaijan, as a lawful successor of the
People’s Republic of Azerbaijan, formed in 1918-1920, shall punish
the perpetrators of the genocides and massacres of those years
and of the period after 1988. Armenia is a terrorist state, and
threatens the peace with its violent policy against Turks in eth
region and in the world. Without destroying that hotbed of terrorism,
without liberating the occupied territories of Azerbaijan and without
neutralizing Armenia’s territorial claims of Turkey and Azerbaijan,
peace cannot be established in the region," says the declaration.

ARMENIA ON THE 96-TH PLACE BY WEB DEVELOPMENT
By Ara Martirosian

AZG Armenian Daily
28/03/2007

According to the World Economy Forum’s "2006-2007 Information
Technology World Competitiveness Report", provided by the Armenian
"Economy and Values" research center, Armenia is the 96-th of 122
countries under review by web development. This rating indicates a
country’s ability to take part in world information and communication
technologies process and preparedness for their exploitation.

Armenia has advantage in ability of application of new technologies on
the level of commercial companies, in ‘per head’ ratio of innovations
and inventions patented in US and in large number of scientists
and engineers.

Armenia’s disadvantage is high prices for high-speed Internet
communications, low number of Internet subscribers, low level of
online services and of Internet accessibility in schools and other
educational institutions.

WHAT WAS GOING ON IN FREEDOM SQUARE?

A1+
[06:20 pm] 28 March, 2007

Freedom Square was full of people; many came to express their respect
towards RA Prime Minster Andranik Margaryan, others – out of curiosity.

"Andranik Margaryan was my compatriot; he comes from Talin. He was
a good person," says Karen.

"Our country lost a great statesman. He had his great share in the
country’s future well-being and statehood. He is an excellent sample of
a real patriot as he has been capable of uniting conflicting political
forces", Serob Antinyan says.

Ararat Hairapetyan maintains that Andranik Margaryan is the embodiment
of political morality. "He is a traditional Armenian. One can hardly
find suchlike people among the RA high-ranking officials today. "

Mr. Siranush claims, "I have come to look at the eyes of those who
wished death to the prime minister."

Martin Zohrabyan also agrees that everything was planned under a
perfect scenario.

Mrs. Anik stood at the entrance and shouted, "Andranik Margaryan was
murdered; let them sent me to the National Security Service for this
announcement. There are so many people who suffer heart problems but
live for a long time."

It is noteworthy that the Republicans, Tigran Torosyan and Serge
Sargsyan didn’t go aside during the whole funeral.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

WILL SERGE SARGSYAN REMAIN IN THE TICKET OR GO ON HOLIDAY?

A1+
[06:42 pm] 28 March, 2007

"RA Prime Minister Andranik Margaryan was capable of finding solutions
to complicated issues. He mastered certain skills and was aware of
political secrets otherwise he couldn’t have held the post for such
a long period," says Aram Sargsyan, leader of the Democratic Party
of Armenia.

In his words, Andranik Margaryan was a wise political figure, capable
of securing the country’s safety; the prime minister’s absence will
be felt during the pre- and post-election periods.

As for Serge Sargsyan’s nomination in the post of the prime minister,
the leader of the Democratic Party maintains that the RA Defense
Minister will face a dilemma during the elections; "He must either
go on holiday or quit the ticket. It is upon them to decide,"
Mr. Sargsyan adds.

Aram Isabekyan, Rector of the National Academy of Fine Arts and a
candidate of the proportional ticket of Prosperous Armenia describes
Andranik Margaryan as a kind-hearted and tolerant person. "If anyone
turned to the prime minister with request he did his utmost to
help. All mighty forces must continue the prime minister’s work."

MEETING OF FMs

A1+
[07:01 pm] 28 March, 2007

On March 28, Foreign Minister Oskanian received Arseniy Yatsenyuk,
the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. Minister came to Armenia
to take part in the funeral ceremony of Andranik Margaryan, the Prime
Minister of Armenia.

On behalf of Ukraine’s President and Government, Mr. Yatsenyuk
presented his condolences to the Armenian people. Minister Oskanian
thanked him for visit and the sympathy expressed. He noted the
importance of the continuing historical relationship between Armenia
and Ukraine, stressing the progressive cooperation in trade and
economy.

During the meeting, the two discussed the prospects of cooperation
within international organizations. The two also spoke of GUAM’s
initiative to introduce a resolution on frozen conflicts into the UN
General Assembly. To this end, Minister Oskanian briefed his colleague
on the latest developments in the Nagorno Karabagh peace process.

Minister Oskanian and Minister Yatsenyuk also exchanged views on
regional issues as well as on the Kosovo issue, recently presented
at the UN Security Council.

TO WHO IT MAY CONCERN

A1+
[07:31 pm] 28 March, 2007

We invite everyone who highlights the importance of freedom of
expression, to French Square, opposite the statue of Aram Khachatryan,
to participate in the formation of "Path of Speech Freedom" at 5:00
p.m., April 2.

Five years ago the National Commission for Television and Radio
deprived A1+ of airtime broadcast during the "free and fair tender."

A1+ has participated in 14 Television and Radio tenders since April 2,
2002. But so far, the company has been unable to resume broadcasting.

We invite you to participate in the march to have your share in the
protection of expression of freedom in Armenia.

Your presence is your claim to secure and enhance freedom of expression
in the Republic of Armenia.

"PRIME MINISTER – MEMBER OF NUP"

A1+
[07:51 pm] 28 March, 2007

"Unlike other political figures of our reality, Andranik Margaryan
reached the age of political maturity in the soviet period. He actively
participated in the national revival. The existence of such people
is a must in our reality as future generations are inspired by such
people," says Hrant Khachatryan, leader of the CRU.

He assumes that Andranik Margaryan’s untimely decease will affect
on the NKR conflict settlement as well as the collaboration of RA
conflicting political forces.

"We were able to find a common language despite our discords and
disputes. In my opinion, the Republican Party suffers the greatest
loss. It is not strange that people speak of the prime minister’s
merits today. Andranik Margaryan was able to reconcile various forces,"
Hrant Khachatryan adds.

Paruyr Hairikyan, leader of the Union for Self-Determination, assumes
that Andranik Margaryan’s greatest merit was that he was a member of
the board of the National United Party (NUP).

The party had five members and was criticized for the practical goals
it pursued. Prime Ministers are still to come; I don’t want to refer
to Andranik Margaryan’s qualities as a prime minister. Member of NUP’s
board is more significant than all the prime ministers taken together.

3 PARTIES AND 33 CANDIDATES PRESENTED REFUSALS OF NOMINATION

A1+
[09:05 pm] 28 March, 2007

On March 28 Central Electoral Commission made public the final tickets
of the parties and candidates running for the parliament.

Reminder; the deadline of the submission of necessary documents was
March 12, 6 o’clock.

3 out of the primary 27 parties and 1 alliance announced rejection
of nomination; the Liberal Progressive Party of Armenia, the
Armenian Homeland Party and the Progressive United Communist Party
of Armenia. It is noteworthy that the CEC worked very hard today as
only 17 parties were registered by afternoon.

33 out of 174 candidates running under majority system introduced
refusals.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

RESTORATION OF ST. CROSS CHURCH AIMS TO NEUTRALIZE RECOGNITION OF GENOCIDE, MUSEUM HEAD SAYS

Panorama.am
18:26 28/03/2007

"The Turkish initiative of restoring St. Cross Church of Aghtamar
aims to affect the international public opinion and neutralize the
international recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide,"
Haik Demoyan, Genocide museum head, released a statement today.

In his opinion, it is doubtful that one of the Armenian temples is
restored whereas the other, Arakelots church of Kars, has turned into
a mosque.

"I hope that the Turkish government will express a more serious
attitude to the Armenian cultural heritage in the areas which were
abandoned by Armenians because of the genocide and will not turn such
events into an obvious propaganda acts," Demoyan says.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress