Month: April 2007

ARMENIAN FAMILY MURDERED IN STAVROPOL

Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
Apr 06 2007

STAVROPOL, APRIL 6, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. A triple murder
took place in a private house along the street of Lermontov, the city
of Stavropol where Armenians, natives of Baku, have lived already
for a long time. The "Yerkramas" (country) newspaper quotes words
of Prosecutor of the Stavropol region of Leninskiy Andrey Vlasov, in
the words of who the murder took place on late April 1. An Armenian
businessman (whose name is not stated), his wife and mother were
killed with a knife. Their bodies were found by the daughter of the
killed people who returned from a walk in that Sunday evening. As the
investigation established then, jewels and technical equipment were
stolen from the house. Besides the murder with a goal of robbery,
the investigation did not exclude other motives, either.

ARMENIA SIGNS UN CONVENTION FOR PROTECTION OF RIGHTS OF DISABLED PEOPLE

ARMENPRESS
Apr 06 2007

YEREVAN, APRIL 6, ARMENPRESS: Armenia’s Permanent Representative to
the UN Armen Martirosian on behalf of the Republic of Armenia signed
the UN Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights
and Dignity of Persons with Disabilities, Armenian labor and social
affairs ministry said.

Armenia has become the 81st nation to sign this Convention and the
third former Soviet nation, after Moldova and Lithuania, to do so.

The purpose of this Convention is to promote, protect and ensure the
full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms
by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their
inherent dignity.

Two Armenian girls with disabilities, Zara Batoyan and Ani Hovhanesian,
representing the Bridge of Hope non-governmental organization,
traveled to New York to participate in the ceremony.

LIFE BAN SLAPPED ON WEIGHTLIFTER CHAKHOYAN

Reuters
Gulf Times, Qatar
April 6 2007

SYDNEY: Former world champion weightlifter Sergo Chakhoyan has been
banned for life after a second doping offence, the Australian Sports
Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) announced yesterday.

ASADA said Chakhoyan had tested positive for the banned stimulant
benzylpiperazine (BZP) during the Commonwealth, Oceania and South
Pacific championships at Melbourne in October 2005.

Chakhoyan, 37, had previously been suspended for two years after
testing positive for the anabolic steroid stanozolol at the 2001
Goodwill Games in Brisbane.

Under world anti-doping rules, a second offence incurs an automatic
life ban.

"This was a case where the athlete took a prohibited substance
immediately prior to or during a competition without any apparent
regard as to whether the substance was prohibited in competition,"
the Court for Arbitration in Sport (CAS) said in a statement released
by ASADA.

"When viewed in the totality of the circumstances and taking into
account the criteria for no fault or negligence the respondent’s
fault or negligence was significant." Chakhoyan was born in Armenia
but moved to Australia in 1997 and competed for his adopted country at
the 2000 and 2004 Olympics. He won the 85 kilogram world title in 2003.

Chakhoyan is one of four Australian weightlifters to test positive
for benzylpiperazine in the last 18 months, prompting ASADA to launch
an investigation into weightlifting in Australia.

NUMBER OF CRIMES DESCENDED IN NAGORNO-KARABAGH

DeFacto Agency, Armenia
April 6 2007

513 crimes were registered in the Nagorno-Karabagh Republic in 2006
versus 538 crimes committed in 2005, NKR General Procurator Armen
Zalinian stated at a press conference held in Stepanakert, DE FACTO
own correspondent in Stepanakert reports.

In is words, the number of grave and very grave crimes was 161 and 9
correspondingly. As a result of activity of the NKR Public Prosecutor’s
Office 133 millions 635 thousands drams were returned to the Republic
state fund, which is almost three times more than the index of 2005.

Answering the journalists’ questions, Armen Zalinian said the NKR
penitentiary system should be withdrawn from the jurisdiction of the
Republic Police to the Ministry of Justice. He spoke against blind
copying Armenia’s experience, stating one should carefully get ready to
the process in avoidance of the problems. In his words, RA undertook
the measure within the frames of obligations, entering the Council
of Europe, "while NKR has no obligations". Armen Zalinian noted in
connection with the NKR Constitution’s adoption status and structure
of the Republic Public Prosecutor’s Office would not be changed. At the
same time he said a new draft law on the Prosecutor’s Office was being
elaborated in line with the Constitution’s requirements. According to
the document, National Assembly will appoint the General Procurator
by the NKR President’s suggestion.

OVER 20 ORGANIZATIONS AND PRIVATE PERSONS FROM VARIOUS COUNTRIES IMPLEMENT BENEVOLENT AND HUMANITARIAN PROGRAMS IN NKR

DeFacto Agency, Armenia
April 6 2007

In 2006 benevolent programs for about 4 milliards 238 millions drams
were implemented in the Nagorno-Karabagh Republic.

As compared with 2005 the growth of the amount of benevolent means
targeted at the realization of social and economic programs in the
Republic made 9, 5%, vice Premier of NKR government, head of NKR
Central Commission for Humanitarian Assistance Ararat Danielian told
DE FACTO.

According to Ararat Danielian, 66 millions 85 thousands drams were
granted to the Nagorno-Karabagh as humanitarian assistance in 2006.

The head of the Commission stated over 20 organizations and private
persons from Nagorno-Karabagh, Armenia, the U.S., France, Germany,
Russia and other countries implemented benevolent and humanitarian
programs in NKR. In Ararat Danielian’s words, by the Commission’s
decision organizations and private persons, who realize humanitarian
and benevolent programs, are exempted from VAT.

"The implementation of benevolent and humanitarian programs is of
great importance both for the solution of social issues and the
establishment and development of NKR infrastructure. As a result
of it considerable budget funds are released, which contributes
to the accelerated realization of the Republic social and economic
development’s perspective programs", Ararat Danielian said.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ARMENIAN PRESIDENT INTRODUCES NEW PM TO GOVERNMENT

ARKA news Agency, Armenia
April 6 2007

YEREVAN, April 5. /ARKA/. Armenia’s President Robert Kocharyan during
the Government’s meeting introduced new Prime Minister – ex-Minister
of Defense – Serge Sargsyan to the government members, said the RA
President’s Public Relations’ Department.

"I think there is no need to introduce Serge Sargsyan, I will just
remind that he has been a government member since 1993 and worked
in the President’s administration only 6 months. Over 8 years Serge
Sargsyan was the Defense Minister and headed the army that we all are
proud of, and, of course, it is difficult to estimate his contribution
to army’s formation," Kocharyan said.

He said that he knows Sargsyan as a diligent, worthy and consistent
person. The President expressed confidence that during the pre-election
period new premier will be able to head the government.

At the same time he called upon the ministers during the pre-election
stage to organize the government’s activity in a way not to derange
the Ministries’ natural work.

Armenian previous Prime Minister, Chairman of the Republican Party
Andranik Margaryan died from heart attack at the age of 56 on March
25. Margaryan has led the Government since 2000.

On Monday, March 26, Armenia’s President Robert Kocharyan resigned
after the Prime Minister’s sudden death. According to the result of
President’s consultations with the representatives of parliament’s
majority it was agreed that the PM’s post is reserved to the RPA.

On April 2, Council of the Republican Party of Armenia unanimously
approved Sargsyan’s candidacy to PM’s office.

IMPOSSIBLE TO CONVINCE US CONGRESS THAT ARMENIAN ALLEGATIONS OF GENOCIDE ARE GROUNDLESS
By H. Chaqrian

AZG Armenian Daily
06/04/2007

On February 22 "Azg" reported that Ankara had an intention to send
3 Meclis delegations to Washington in order to start lobbying
activity against the Resolution on the Armenian Genocide. The
first two delegations paid their visits on February 25-March 4 and
March 11-18. The visit of the second delegation is appointed on
April 14-21. very little was reported in the Turkish press about
the mission of the two delegations. On April 2 "Turkiye" newspaper
published an article about the third delegation’s mission, based upon
the information received from the Armenian Studies Institute, Ankara.

Seemingly the most important of the three Turkish parliamentary
delegations is the last one, which is to be lead by the head of Foreign
Relations Commission Dulger. The delegation is to take with it a large
number of materials on the Armenian issue – the video recording of the
Akhtamar’s Surb Khach church inauguration ceremony, audio CDs with the
works of Greek, Armenian and Jewish composers, general Mayevsky’s notes
and the following books: "The Armenian Folder" by Kyamuran Gurun,
"The Armenian Question in 1000 Documents" by Mehmed Perincek and
"The Armenian Question" by Bilal Simsir.

"Turkiye" says that the materials are to be presented to the
Congressmen with the words "If we hated the Armenians so much
we wouldn’t spend 3 millions of our taxpayers’ money top restore
Akdamar church. The Turkish Music Fund issued one audio CD with
works of Jewish and another of Greek composers, and two CDs with
the works of the Armenian ones. Our music has much in common. So,
it was impossible to commit genocide against the Armenians".

What will all this avail in persuading the US Congressmen that the
Armenian Genocide is a fiction, none can say yet. Nevertheless Ilter
Turkmen, former Foreign Minister of Turkey, whose diplomatic skills
were highly estimated in the West, is obviously rather pessimistic
on this point.

Turkmen in an article published on April 2 in "Huriet" says, "Now its
impossible to be sure that the Representatives’ Chamber will adopt
the Armenian Resolution before April 24. Nonetheless, in case the
Resolution is voted on a plenary session of the Chamber, surely it
shall gain the majority of votes.

Although the White House and the office of the Secretary of State
are doing the best to fail the Resolution, even in case the voting
is postponed due to pressure of President Bush’s board, it will be
considered again next year. The annual speech of the US President on
April 24 is also not to be neglected.

Although the word ‘genocide’ is never used in the speech, extremely
exaggerated statements are made, which are not acceptable for us."

Taner Akcam, professor of the Minnesota University, indirectly affirmed
Ilter Turkmen’s words. Inan inerview to "Zaman" newspaper, published
on March 31, he said "I’m not strongly interested in eth Resolution
itself. I wish the Congress pass it. This torture must end. Turkey
has been doubting for long years, whether it shall be adopted or
no. The same has doubted Armenia. Let it pass and let us get rid
of it. The resolution will give considerable moral advantage to the
Armenians. They will be very excited that one more state has accepted
the Genocide. There is no one in the Congress to say that Turkey’s
actions weren’t genocide. They are just unwilling to disappoint
Turkey. The matter is not about 1915, but about Incirlik. In case the
Resolution is adopted, Turkey shall close the Incirlik military base
for the United States. "

Akcam also commented on Prime Minister Erdogan’s recent initiatives
on the Armenian issue. "I hope the Government will be more intended
in this question. As for now it is not intended enough. Turkey’s
problems with Armenia will be settled only after getting rid of such
politicians as Yusuf Halacoglu, Gunduz Aktan, Sukru Elektag, who at
present determine the governmental policy."

ARMENIAN GENOCIDE DISPUTE BLOCKS TALKS OVER THE NABUCCO PIPELINE
Author: Olga Yoncheva

international.news.bg, Bulgaria
April 6 2007

Turkey has suspended talks with Gaz de France over a pipeline project
that would bring Caspian natural gas to Europe in reaction to a French
resolution on so-called Armenian genocide, reports The New Anatolian
daily newspaper.

The Nabucco pipeline will transport gas from Central Asia, through
Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary to Austria.

Start of the pipeline construction is scheduled for 2008. The first
gas shipments have to be made by 2012. The planned pipeline would
reduce Europe’s dependency on Russian gas.

Turkey strongly opposes the claims that its predecessor state, the
Ottoman government, caused the Armenian deaths in a planned genocide.

After French lawmakers voted last October to make it a crime to deny
that the claims were genocide, Turkey said it would suspend military
relations with France.

A top energy minister official told The New Anatolian that Ankara
would suspend partnership with all French corporations including Gaz
de France. "This move covers all public tenders.

This move also should be understood by other countries which are
planning to recognize so-called Armenian claims as genocide," the
source added.

Reports said that Ankara would suspend partnership with Gaz de France
until the French presidential elections. "We will decide according
to policies to be followed after the elections," reports quoted a
senior energy ministry official.

According to the source, BOTAS, Turkey’s official energy agency,
does not want to see French corporations including Gas de France as
partner in all energy sectors.

Energy Minister Hilmi Guler declined to comment on the issue of Gaz
de France. He stated that Ankara attaches great importance to the
Nabucco project, adding that they realized the first phase of this
project. Turkey is in an important position in meeting Europe’s gas
need and we are aware of this," he added.

Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary have already approved the partnership
with GdF.

Austrian oil and gas group OMV heads the consortium planning to build
the pipeline. Bulgargaz, Transgaz from Romania, MOL of Hungary and
and Turkey’s BOTAS are also partners in the project.

French Foreign Ministry stated yesterday that Turkish counterparts
had not yet confirmed on suspension of talks with Gaz de France.

Spokesman of the French Foreign Ministry Jean-Baptiste Mattei has
declined to give further information.

NAKHIJEVAN AS A PART OF ARMENIA – A MISTAKE OR…?

AZG Armenian Daily
06/04/2007

On the front cover of an audio CD with the national anthems of
Turkish republics, published by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism
of Turkey, Nakhijevan, Nagorno-Karabakh and the security area are
drawn as a part of the Republic of Armenia. Azerbaijani mass media
report that the first to notice the mistake was the Turkish Embassy
in Azerbaijan. "Such a rough mistake can cause serious diplomatic
misunderstanding," says the Embassy’s message. The Culture Ministry of
Turkey replied that it is a mere misprint and promised to correct it.

TIME TO SHIFT FROM COMPLIMENTARY TO BALANCE POLICY
By Ruzan Pogosian

AZG Armenian Daily
06/04/2007

The policy of the Armenian authorities, which is accepted as a
policy of complimentarism, is reaching the point where it cannot
be applied any longer. New processes in the world policy bring
forth new geopolitical circumstances as split of South Caucasus
and American-Iranian difficulties, which are forcing to revise
the complimentary policy of Armenia. Ruben Safrastian, head of
the Oriental Studies Institute of the Armenian National Science
Academy, during a discussion at the "Pastark" politics club said that
the new policy of Armenia must be based upon balance rather than
complimetarism. He is sure that such shift in foreign policy will
strengthen the positions of Armenia in the relations with both its
allies and rivals. Mr. Safrastian considers that proceeding with the
policy of complimentary will sooner or later result in sheer isolation
of Armenia and difficulties with its partners.

Safrastian noted that Azerbaijan will benefit from the possible war
against Iran and that Armenia must be ready for rapid actions. The
policy of the United States diminished the influence of Iran, which
provided balance of forces in South Caucasus, and strengthened the
positions of Turkey. Nevertheless he assured that the actions of the
USA will never be aimed against Armenia directly. He also said that
it is inconsistent to draw parallels between Iraq and Iran, as Europe
and Russia are not inclined to perceiving Iran as a nest of Islamism
as it was the case of Iraq. Safrastian assured that military actions
against Iran in any case wont’ be started earlier than May 2007.

To the opinion of Ruben Safrastian the run for world recognition of
the Armenian Genocide must be continued by all means. Giving it up
would mean offending the national dignity of the Armenian people,
threatening the influence of the Armenian lobbies worldwide and the
integrity of Armenia and Diaspora. He stated that the recognition of
the Genocide is not only a national interest of Armenia, but is also
associated with the modern global processes.