U.S.-Azerbaijan military consultations may be held late May
PanARMENIAN.Net
28.04.2007 14:36 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The Azeri Embassy in the U.S. has resumed talks
with the local officials to exact the terms of arrival of the Azeri
delegation to be led by Deputy Foreign Minister Araz Azimov, Azeri
Ambassador to U.S. Yashar Aliyev said. The exact date of the military
consultations will be known in the near future, most likely they will
be held late May, according to him, APA reports.
No progress in Armenia-Turkey relations recently, Oskanian says
PanARMENIAN.Net
28.04.2007 15:05 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian met in
Brussels with EU Commissioner for Enlargement Olli Rehn, the RA MFA
press office reports. When touching upon the Armenia-Turkey relations
Vartan Oskanian stressed the necessity of opening the border and
repeal of article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code. He also said that
no progress was fixed the Armenian-Turkish relations recently. For
his part Mr. Rehn briefed on the process of Turkey’s accession to
the EU and the stance of the European Commission on the issue.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
PRESS RELEASE
The Heritage Party
31 Moscovian Street
Yerevan, Armenia
Tel.: (+374 – 10) 53.69.13
Fax: (+374 – 10) 53.26.97
Email: [email protected]; [email protected]
Website:
April 28, 2007
Raffi Hovannisian Addresses Transatlantic Forum
Meets with Verhofstadt, Scheffer, Breyer, Rehn, Yavlinskiy
Brussels — Raffi K. Hovannisian, who is participating in the
Brussels Forum for the second consecutive year, offered comments at
the Forum’s opening session, asserting that in direct furtherance of
the European-Atlantic community’s pursuit of universal benchmarks
of human rights and the rule of law, as well as common foreign and
security policies, the Western world must also practice its own
values by ensuring equal application in Europe and its neighborhood
of its policies, precedents, and standards of accountability to all
instances of conflict resolution–from Kosovo to Karabagh–and of
genocide past and present.
He also intervened in specialized sessions on Iran, Russia, and
Turkey. He urged his colleagues to meet the challenge of European
values and membership by bravely facing their past and the collective
legacy of the great Armenian dispossession, and to ask themselves
whether Turkey will not lose Europe if the current mindset remains
in power.
In the margins of this world conclave of movers and shakers,
Hovannisian discussed both domestic and international developments
with Secretary General Javier Solana of the European Union; Belgian
Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt; Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt;
U.S. Senator Bob Bennett; U.S. Congressman Jim Costa of Fresno; NATO
Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer; Canadian Foreign Minister
Peter MacKay; European Commissioner for Enlargement Dr. Olli Rehn;
Justice Stephen Breyer of the U.S. Supreme Court; and Grigoriy
Yavlinskiy, member of the Russian State Duma and chairman of the
Democratic Party YABLOKO.
The Brussels Forum is also being attended by Armenian Foreign Minister
Vardan Oskanyan.
Founded in 2002, Heritage has regional divisions throughout the
land. Its central office is located at 31 Moscovian Street, Yerevan
0002, Armenia, with telephone contact at (374-10) 536.913, fax at
(374-10) 532.697, email at [email protected] or [email protected],
and website at
Robert Kocharyan: Armenia interested in having constructive relations with Georgia and Iran
ArmRadio.am
28.04.2007 12:59
"Armenia has four neighbors, with two of which it has no diplomatic
ties, and is in "no war, no peace" situation with one of these. Under
these circumstances we are interested in having constructive and
dynamically developing relations with Georgia and Iran," RA President
Robert Kocharyan said, speaking at the meeting with the students and
faculty of the Yerevan State University. Armenia implements serious
programs of strategic importance with Iran.
"As for the nuclear programs of Iran, one thing is obvious: both the
authorities and people think that it is their right, the act within
the bounds of their responsibilities and perceive the refusal from the
program as a matter of national dignity. Under these circumstances
resolutions and sanctions cannot have considerable impact. These
developments are dangerous and unwanted for us. Our position is
distinct: the issue should be resolved via peace talks," Robert
Kocharyan mentioned.
With the example of Armenian-Turkish relations, the President
explained that by keeping the border closed, Turkey will not have
Armenia refuse from demands to recognize the Armenian Genocide. In
his words, Armenia has assumed an honest position on the issue with
both conflicting sides – the US and Iran. " We honestly tell the
American party how important the relations with Iran are for us and
say that complexities are unwanted," the President clarified. Mr.
Kocharyan noted that during his meeting with the President of Iran
it has been noted that Iran possesses no nuclear weapons.
Minister Oskanian’s meetings in Brussels
ArmRadio.am
28.04.2007 13:15
During the stay in Brussels RA Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian met
with the EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security
Policy Javier Solana, the European Commissioner for External Relations
and Neighborhood Policy Benita Ferrero-Waldner and EU Commissioner
on Enlargement Olli Rehn.
During the meeting with Javier Solana, the interlocutors assessed
the Armenia-EU cooperation. Minister Oskanian voiced the wish of
the Armenian side to deepen the political dialogue with the European
Union. The interlocutors touched upon the peaceful settlement of the
Karabakh issue, discussing the results of the talks between the Foreign
Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan in Belgrade. Minister Oskanian
mentioned that in case of political will on the part of Azerbaijan,
it will be possible to register progress in the future.
During the meeting with Olli Rehn, the parties dwelt on regional
questions. Speaking about the current state of Armenian-Turkish
relations, Mr. Oskanian stressed the importance of opening the
Armenian-Turkish border and expelling Article 301 of the Turkish
Penal Code. In his turn, Olli Rehn presented the process of Turkey’s
progress towards the European Union, and position of the European
Commission on the issue.
Minister Oskanian will participate in the "Brussels Forum 2007"
and will and will participate in the discussion entitled "From the
Baltic Sea to larger Black Sea: New Euro-Atlantic Challenges."
Minsk Group Co-Chairs to visit the region after the parliamentary elections in Armenia
ArmRadio.am
28.04.2007 13:35
The OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs will visit the region after the
parliamentary elections in Armenia, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister
Elmar Mammadyarov told the journalists. Before visiting the region,
the Co-Chairs will hold a meeting in one of the European cities,
where they will decide their working schedule.
Mammadyarov did not comment on RA President Robert Kocharyan’s
statement that the recurrent meeting between the Presidents of the two
countries will take place in Saint Petersburg on June 10. At the same
time Mammadyarov confirmed that President Aliyev will participate
in the economic forum in Saint Petersburg. He said that the last
meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan had a "good
result." Mammadyarov clarified that the document on the bargaining
table is not the final solution, but the basic principles. After
agreeing upon all the principles the parties will start working on
the final document.
By denying Armenian Genocide, the Turkish Government continues to perpetrate
genocide or oppression of its minorities: US Congressman
Arminfo
2007-04-28 13:25:00
Senators and Representatives joined Armenians around the world this
week in commemorating the 92nd anniversary of the Armenian Genocide
in statements on the floors of their respective chambers of Congress,
reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA)
Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) – "Mr. Speaker, if America is going to
live up to the standards we set for ourselves, and continue to lead
the world in affirming human rights everywhere, we need to finally
stand up and recognize the tragic events that began in 1915 for what
they were: the systematic elimination of a people… And the fact
of the matter is that when some of my colleagues say to me, ‘Well,
why do you need to bring up something that occurred 92 years ago,’
I say, ‘Because by denying this, the Turkish Government continues to
perpetrate genocide or oppression of its minorities.’"
Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA): "Opponents take issue with the timing of the
[Genocide] resolution and argue that Turkey is making progress with
recognizing the dark chapters of its history. This claim lost all
credibility when Orhan Pamuk, Turkey’s Nobel Prize winning author
was brought up on charges for ‘insulting Turkishness’ for alluding
to the genocide, and Turkish Armenian publisher Hrant Dink was gunned
down outside his office in Istanbul earlier this year.
Yet some opponents go even further, such as a former Ambassador to
Turkey who argued that the time may never be right for America to
comment "on another’s history or morality." Such a ludicrous policy
would condemn Congress to silence on a host of human rights abuses
around the world. After more than ninety years and with only a few
survivors left, if the time is not right now to recognize the Armenian
Genocide, when will it be?"
Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA) – "On April 24, 1915, 300 Armenian leaders were
rounded up and deported and killed under the orders from the young
Turk Government.
And so began the genocide that lasted for 7 years, resulting in an
estimated over 1.5 million Armenian deaths. To this day, unfortunately,
the Turkish Government denies that this occurred…Ladies and
gentlemen, Members of the House, I just returned from Darfur with a
group of our colleagues 2 weeks ago.
Over 450,000 people have been killed and millions displaced in Darfur;
yet government officials claim there in Darfur and Sudan that there
is no genocide, that the situation is overblown. Yesterday Rwanda,
today Darfur. And we can remember the Holocaust. Clearly, silence is
genocide’s best ally. It is time that the Congress end this silence
and pass the Armenian genocide resolution."
Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) – "As the first genocide of the 21st
century–this time in Darfur–began to take shape, the world again
hesitated, this time to debate for months the definition of genocide,
as thousands died and thousands more were displaced. Today, 200,000
people have been killed in Darfur and 2.5 million driven from their
homes. And so, I rise Mr. Speaker not only to acknowledge and remember
the horrific events that befell the Armenian people at the dawn of the
last century, but also to highlight the horrific events occurring one
hundred years later in Darfur at the dawn of this century… For the
past few years, as the anniversary of the Armenian Genocide approached,
I hoped that year would be the year a solution to the crisis would
come. But, this year, instead of speaking of how the lessons of the
Armenian Genocide helped unite the world around a solution for Darfur,
I can only report of ongoing suffering and continued killings."
Members of Congress mark 92nd anniversary of Armenian Genocide in floor
speeches
Arminfo
2007-04-28 13:19:00
Senators and Representatives joined Armenians around the world this
week in commemorating the 92nd anniversary of the Armenian Genocide
in statements on the floors of their respective chambers of Congress,
reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA)
A major theme in their remarks was the importance of helping to
end U.S. complicity in Turkey’s continued campaign of Genocide
denial by passing the Armenian Genocide Resolution (S.Res.106
and H.Res.106). Several called specifically for decisive U.S. and
international action to end the genocide currently taking place in
Darfur, noting that Turkey’s ability to commit genocide with impunity
has set a dangerous precedent that has encouraged other genocides.
Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) "In order for democracy and human rights to
flourish, we must not support efforts to rewrite and deny history. In
the United States, we strive to make human rights a fundamental
component of our democracy. It is long overdue for our nation to demand
that the truth be told. We must recognize the Armenian genocide in
the name of democracy, fairness and human rights … It is important
that we recognize the Armenian genocide while its survivors are still
with us to tell their stories. We must recognize the genocide for the
survivors. We must recognize the genocide because it is the right
thing to do. We must recognize the Armenian genocide to help shed
light on the darkness and move toward a more humane world."
Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) "California is home to many of the
descendants of the genocide’s survivors, who immigrated to the United
States and, over the course of a few decades, built strong and vibrant
communities. Working closely with the Armenian – American community
over my many years in public service, I know how alive and painful this
issue continues to be for many Armenian Americans… Let there be no
mistake. The ongoing genocide in Darfur, carried out by the Government
of Sudan and its Janjaweed militias, traces its roots to the silence
and quiescence of the international community during previous episodes
of genocide and ethnic cleansing, including the Armenian genocide."
Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) "Because I believe we cannot prevent
future genocide unless we recognize past genocide, I am a sponsor of
Senate Resolution 106, which calls upon the President to ensure that
this Nation’s foreign policy reflects appropriate understanding and
sensitivity concerning human rights, ethnic cleansing, and genocide
documented in the U.S. record relating to the Armenian genocide… As
many as one and a half million Armenians lost their lives during this
systematic campaign of ethnic cleansing conducted in Turkey while the
world was preoccupied by the First World War and its aftermath. That
the major powers, including the United States, did not prevent
or intervene at any point to stop this killing represents one of
twentieth century’s ugliest stains on humanity." Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI)
"Today, as a proud supporter of S. Res 106, legislation officially
recognizing the Armenian genocide , I urge the President to ensure
that the foreign policy of the United States reflects appropriate
understanding and sensitivity concerning issues related to human
rights, ethnic cleansing, and genocide documented in the U.S. record
relating to the Armenian genocide . Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., stated
over 50 years after the Armenian genocide that: ‘Injustice anywhere
is a threat to justice everywhere… Whatever affects one directly,
affects all indirectly.’ The time has come to officially recognize the
Armenian genocide… Menk panav chenk mornar. We will never forget."
If Azerbaijan shows political will progress in Nagorno-Karabakh peace talks
is possible: Armenian FM
Arminfo
2007-04-28 10:07:00
Armenian FM Vardan Oskanyan who is visiting Brussels has met with
EU High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier
Solana.
The Information and Press Department of the Foreign Ministry of
Armenia reports the sides to discuss the prospects of Armenia-EU
relations. Oskanyan said that Armenia wants to deepen its political
dialogue with the EU. The sides discussed the Nagorno-Karabakh
problem and the Belgian stage of the peace talks. Oskanyan said
that if Azerbaijan shows political will, early progress in the
talks is quite possible. Oskanyan reconfirmed Armenia’s negative
attitude towards GUAM’s initiative. Oskanyan and Solana exchanged
views concerning Armenian-Turkish relations, nuclear problems and
the recent developments over Iran.
Armenia needs to have strong relations with Russia, US and all its
neighbors: Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and
European Affairs
Arminfo
2007-04-27 22:56:00
Armenia needs to have strong relations with Russia, with the United
States and with all its neighbors, Deputy Assistant Secretary of
State for European and Eurasian Affairs David Kramer said in a brief
interview with ArmInfo’s correspondent in New York when asked to
comment on the criticism of the complementary policy of the Armenian
authorities by the Armenian opposition.
Armenia has a very long and proud tradition in history and we
respect it.
And we look forward to deepening our relations with Armenia as we have
been trying to do since Armenia’s independence. But given Armenia its
geographical position, it is in common sense to have good relations
with Russia and with the countries in the region. That’s all in
common sense. The good relations with us should not be in conflict
with relations with Russia and vice versa: the good relations with
Russia should not contradict to us.
Speaking of Russia’s energy policy in the South Caucasus, Kramer said
that Armenia has been affected by higher prices Russia gives the power
energy to Georgia. And it is difficult. We understand it has become
difficult and we have do some concerns about the use of energy for
economic purposes by Russia. We want Russia to be a reliable energy
supplier to your country and to all the countries in the region. We
also do not support the subsidies from Russia.
That not a help for anyone. It reduces the energy efficiency. We are
concerned about not going from subsidies prices that may risk the
stabilization in the region.
Asked about the diversification of the energy supplier and about the
intention of Russia to also become the owner, Kramer said that is a
complicated issue. Diversification is important. One just needs to
be careful where you look.
Asked about his vision of the Karabakh conflict and the possible
solution, he said: "I know that my colleague Mathew Bryza is working
very hard as the other members of the Minsk Group and we continue to
try to accomplish your purpose", he concluded.