Month: August 2008

ARMENIA-AZERBAIJAN TALKS DO NOT RESOLVE ENCLAVE DISPUTE: REPORT

Agence France Presse
August 1, 2008 Friday 4:33 PM GMT

Foreign ministers from Azerbaijan and Armenia said they held
constructive talks Friday in Moscow, but failed to reach an agreement
over the disputed enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh, Interfax reported.

"The meeting was useful, we agreed to continue negotiations, but we
are still far from making a breakthrough," said Azerbaijani minister
Elmar Mamediarov, as cited by Interfax.

His Armenian counterpart Edvard Nalbandian said they discussed
proposals to resolve the dispute made by the Minsk group of the
Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), which
includes the United States, Russia and France.

Armenia and Azerbaijan remain locked in a tense stand-off over the
enclave, which ethnic Armenian forces seized during a war in the early
1990s that killed nearly 30,000 people and forced another million on
both sides to flee their homes.

A ceasefire was signed between the two former Soviet republics in
1994 but the dispute remains unresolved after more than a decade of
negotiations, and shootings are common. Up to 16 soldiers were killed
in a clash in June.

Nagorno-Karabakh is a 4,400-square-kilometre (1,700-square-mile)
enclave surrounded by Azerbaijan.

FAMILY MEMBERS OF JAILED OPPOSITION MEMBERS PROTEST IN ARMENIAN

A1+ (in Russian)
Aug 1 2008
Armenia

01 August: Today wives and children of several dozens of political
prisoners organized another protest outside of the Prosecutor
General’s office of the Republic of Armenia. They demanded the
prosecutor-general’s resignation and the release of political
prisoners. They held photos of political prisoners.

"We protest against lawlessness, demand to stop the incessant political
persecution and release all the political prisoners," they demanded
from the prosecutor-general.

A member of the Pan-National Movement, Norik Norikyan, told A1+
website that every Friday wives of the political prisoners will
organize protests outside the prosecutor-general’s office. And the
result of their struggle is that some of the political prisoners have
been set free.

"However, essentially, they remain hostages, since only their
restraining measure has been changed" he added.

"As long as there is even one political prisoner in Armenia, not
only their wives, but their friends, colleagues, relatives, friends
and ordinary citizens who do not want the existence of this regime,
will do everything to establish a legitimate power," he said.

A correspondent of A1+ website has spoken to a member of the
Pan-National Movement, Karapet Rubinyan.

"In fact, our authorities cannot determine and have no courage
to say that they are an authoritarian regime and have no courage
to issue a political decision to stop political persecution. They
stand on crossroads and do not move and we must move them with our
civic activity".

ARMENIAN DEFENCE MINISTRY MULLS INCREASING NUMBER OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICEMEN

ArmInfo News Agency (in Russian)
Aug 1 2008
Armenia

Col Seyran Shahsuvaryan, the Defence Ministry’s press secretary,
told Arminfo that issues related to increasing the number of
contract-based servicemen were discussed at the meeting. The meeting
that was attended by all the top officials of the Defence Ministry
and the General Staff of the armed forces was held at the newly built
Defence Ministry building, the construction of which is getting to
an end. The heads of the departments, services and divisions had
a chance to see their new offices. Ohanyan gave some instructions
regarding the construction process of the building.

"LE FOND DU PROBLEME ENTRE AKP ET KEMALISTES N’EST PAS TRANCHE"
par Caroline Stevan

Le Temps
Samedi 02 Août 2008
Suisse

TURQUIE. Le parti au pouvoir sanctionne par la Cour constitutionnelle.

Dorothee Schmid, directrice de recherche a l’Institut francais des
relations internationales (IFRI), analyse la situation en Turquie
apres la decision mercredi de la Cour constitutionnelle de ne
pas dissoudre le Parti de la justice et du developpement (AKP, au
pouvoir depuis 2002) accuse d’activites anti-laïques. La formation
du premier ministre, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a cependant ecope de
sanctions financieres. Un avertissement qui risque d’influer sur la
vie politique du pays.

Le Temps: A quels genres de compromis sera pousse l’AKP apres la
decision de la Cour constitutionnelle?

Dorothee Schmid: Le president de la Cour constitutionnelle a souligne
que l’objectif des juges etait d’envoyer un message clair a l’AKP,
qu’il esperait que les acteurs politiques en tiendraient compte et
regleraient a l’avenir leurs problemes entre eux. Les kemalistes sont
d’assez mauvaise foi en affirmant que la crise politique n’est ainsi
pas resolue mais confirmee. Ce genre de declaration montre qu’ils ne
sont pas prets au compromis. La question aujourd’hui est donc: "Qui
doit donner du mou?" L’AKP a certes provoque la crise en autorisant
le foulard islamique a l’universite, mais ce sont les autres qui
l’ont nourrie. La decision des juges implique cependant pour le
parti au pouvoir d’aller plus doucement sur les sujets lies a la
laecite. Personne ne dispose d’elements precis concernant un agenda
islamiste de l’AKP, mais ce qui est ser, c’est que le gouvernement
ne doit pas revenir en fanfare avec la question du voile.

– Laïcite et paix sociale sont-elles preservees pour un moment?

– C’est difficile a dire. La crise a polarise la societe, entre
ceux qui soutiennent l’AKP et les autres. La reponse de la Cour
constitutionnelle n’est pas motivee, mais seulement destinee a calmer
le jeu. Six juges sur 11 se sont prononces pour la dissolution, mais
10 etaient pour des sanctions. Tout cela n’est pas très clair. Le
fond du probleme, des lors, n’est pas tranche.

– On a l’impression d’un debat pris en otage entre ceux qui se veulent
garants de la Constitution, et donc de la laïcite, et les religieux
de l’AKP. Qu’en est-il de la population?

– Les derniers sondages affirment que, en cas d’elections anticipees,
plus de 40% des votants se prononceraient pour l’AKP. Cela dit,
c’est aussi parce qu’il n’y a pas d’opposition credible pour l’instant.

– L’autorisation du foulard islamique a l’universite avait ete l’une
des causes de la crise. Quelle est la ligne rouge a ne pas franchir?

– Le voile est une ligne symbolique très importante. L’AKP devra y
aller prudemment sur ce sujet. Les autres lignes rouges sont plutôt
liees aux exigences europeennes. La Turquie doit faire des efforts
concernant la liberte d’expression et les "atteintes a l’interet
national". Chypre est egalement une question sensible. D’une maniere
generale, le pays est plutet mieux au niveau diplomatique; il y a la
mediation Syrie-Israel, les efforts avec l’Armenie, le positionnement
face a l’Iran. Tout semble en meilleure voie, sauf les dossiers sur
lesquels l’armee conserve la main, comme l’Irak.

– Le kemalisme est-il vraiment menace a court terme?

– Juste apres la decision de la Cour, Recep Tayyip Erdogan a affirme
que l’AKP suivait la voie de la modernisation d’Ataturk et que cette
voie menait a l’Europe. Il a compris que le moment n’etait pas a
deboulonner les symboles, et essaie plutôt de ne pas laisser ce
patrimoine aux seules mains des kemalistes.

–Boundary_(ID_RIr4dEPFGUwehznRDt5STQ )–

CONDOLENCES IN CONNECTION WITH THE DEATH OF LORD RUSSELL-JOHNSTON

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
2008-07-30 16:21
Nagorno-Karabakh Republic

The NKR NA Speaker Ashot Ghoulyan sent a condolence telegram to
President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe Lluis
Maria de Puig in connection with the death of Lord Russell-Johnston.

The telegram particularly runs as follows:

"It is with great sadness and sorrow that we learned about the death
of Lord Russell-Johnston. On behalf of the Parliament of the Nagorno
Karabakh Republic and myself, please, accept our deepest condolences
for this great loss. Lord Russell-Johnston will always remain in our
memory as a champion of human rights and democracy, a man of conviction
and courage. As an eminent Parliamentarian, Chairman of PACE Ad Hoc
Committee on Nagorno Karabakh his contribution to bringing peace and
stability into the region has been extremely valuable and set a good
example for present and future generations".

THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE VISITING THE NKR IS INCREASING

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
2008-07-30 11:29
Nagorno-Karabakh Republic

According to the data of the NKR Consular Service, tourists from
Russia, the USA, France, Germany, Iran, Poland, Japan, Belgium,
Greece, Canada, etc.

visited the NKR in the first 6 month of 2008. The number of tourists
has increased by 10% as compared with the same period of 2007.

Besides ethnic Armenians, representatives of various nationalities,
especially young people visited the NKR. The geography of those
visiting the Nagorno Karabakh Republic is expanding. Citizens of Chile,
Uruguay, Singapore, South Korea, India, etc. have visited the NKR
in the current year. Maximum inrush of tourists is observed between
May and October. The historical-architectural monuments and monastic
complexes, such as Amaras (4-19 c.), Dadivank (4-13 c.) Gandzasar (13
c.), as well as the ancient cave of Azokh, etc. are the most-frequently
visited places.

Tourism is supposed to be one of the higher-priority spheres of the
NKR economy. Good hotel service promotes the influx of tourists. It
should also be mentioned that hotel business is considered to be
one of the most perspective fields of the region. Currently, several
dozens of modern hotels operate in Nagorno Karabakh.

IMITATION OF NEGOTIATIONS ON NAGORNO-KARABAKH CONFLICT PEACE SETTLEMENT NOT ADVANTAGEOUS TO ANYONE: AZERBAIJAN’S FOREIGN MINISTER

Trend News Agency
Aug 1 2008
Azerbaijan

Russia, Moscow, 1 August /Trend News corr. R.Agayev/ Azerbaijan’s
Foreign Minister believes imitation of negotiation process
on peace settlement of Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict is advantageous neither to the sides of negotiations, nor
intermediaries. "Imitation of negotiations does not suit anybody –
neither to participants, nor to intermediaries of the settlement,"
Azerbaijan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Elmar Mammadyarov said at a
briefing in Moscow on 1 August, commenting on the consultations with
his Armenian counterpart Edward Nalbandyan.

According to Mammadyarov, OSCE Minsk Group’s co-chairs, engaged in
settlement, try to move as soon as possible the negotiation process
from the dead point.

Should the negotiations be imitation, the sides would not seek an
opportunity to meet neither on the level of presidents nor at the
level of foreign ministers, said Nalbandyan. "There is a need in the
meetings. Armenia and Azerbaijan must solve the problem. I think the
problems are solvable, should both sides show the political will,"
he said.

EU PRAISES CONTINUATION OF TALKS ON NAGORNO-KARABAKH CONFLICT: SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE

Trend News Agency
Aug 1 2008
Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan, Baku, 1 August /Trend News corr. I.Alizade/ The European
Union positively estimate continuation of negotiations between
Azerbaijan and Armenia on settling of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
and support them. "We are glad to see the negotiations going on
after a break," EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus
Peter Semneby said at a press conference on 1 August dedicated to
the results of his visit to Azerbaijan.

The conflict between the two countries of the South Caucasus began in
1988 due to Armenian territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan
lost the Nagorno-Karabakh, except of Shusha and Khojali, in December
1991. In 1992-93, Armenian Armed Forces occupied Shusha, Khojali and
Nagorno-Karabakh’s seven surrounding regions. In 1994, Azerbaijan
and Armenia signed a ceasefire agreement at which time the active
hostilities ended. The Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group (Russia,
France, and the U.S.) are currently holding peaceful, but fruitless
negotiations.

For peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in 1992
about 10 OSCE countries established Minsk Group. Since 1997, Minks
Group includes co-chairmen from three countries – USA, Russia, France.

Semneby said he supports operation of the OSCE Minsk Group.

Special Representative said the sides try to achieve an agreement
enabling continuation of negotiations and relevant steps. "Possibly,
the agreement will not settle the conflict completely but will enable
a step forward," said Semneby.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

KNOCKOUT OPPORTUNITY FOR VIC DARCHINYAN
Barry Michael

Melbourne Herald Sun
Aug 2 2008
Australia

SYDNEY’s Armenian-born powerhouse Vic Darchinyan gets his keenly
awaited shot at another world title tomorrow when he steps into the
ring in Tacoma, Washington, to face IBF super flyweight champion
Dimitri Kirilov.

Darchinyan, a former IBF and IBO world flyweight champion, lost his
undefeated record and title belts last year when he was sensationally
KO’d with one punch by Filipino contender Nonito Donaire in the fifth
round of a world title defence.

Until then, "Raging Bull" Darchinyan had exuded an aura of
invincibility, destroying his opponents with his unusual southpaw
style, incredible strength and power.

He had scored 22 KOs in 26 wins, was undefeated and had disposed of
Donaire’s brother Glenn in six rounds in 2006.

Since the devastating loss, Darchinyan has moved up to super flyweight
and has had two fights, both against Filipinos – a 12th-round KO of
Federico Catubay in October 2007 and a draw with Z. Gorres over 12
rounds in February, after having him down in Rounds 7 and 11.

It was evidently a very controversial verdict and thus Darchinyan
was offered this opportunity against Kirilov.

Russian-born Kirilov is no slouch, having won 29 of 33 fights but
only scoring nine KOs and losing three by decision.

He won the vacant IBF title in October last year by unanimous decision
from American Jose Navarro in Moscow.

Before Vic’s loss of the title last year, it is possible that he was
getting to the stage where he thought he was unbeatable and it appeared
that he was too powerful for everybody in the flyweight division.

His loss to Donaire has been a huge wake-up call, and the inside
information I have received is that he has been training superbly
and realises this is an opportunity he cannot lose.

This is a must-win fight for the "Raging Bull", who has always said
he would win multiple world titles.

Kirilov is undoubtedly a very well-schooled warrior but I believe,
looking at his record, he will not have the power to hold off the
strong and well-prepared Darchinyan for 12 rounds.

Darchinyan will win his second world title in this super flyweight
division by finally wearing down his skilful opponent to force a
stoppage within the 12-round distance, and bring back the belt to
his adopted homeland.

VIC DARCHINYAN GOES FOR GOLD THIS SATURDAY NIGHT ON SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING AGAINST DIMITRI KIRILOV
By Eileen Teran

ringsidereport.com
Aug 1 2008
VA

Get ready for a clash of the titans as two of the best super flyweights
meet to see who will be going home with the IBF World Title this
Saturday night. Defending Champion, Dimitri "The Baby" Kirilov, 29-3-1,
9 KO’s, will square off against Vic "Raging Bull" Darchinyan, 29-1-1,
23 KO’s, at the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Washington.

Kirilov is the more calculating and controlled fighter. He is very
fast, disciplined, always in great shape, works hard, and he’s a
world class boxer. He will be looking to utilize these gifts as he
tries to methodically wear out the knock out obsessed Darchinyan.

Kirilov doesn’t have superior knockout power, so he’s going to have
to try to be crafty and make it go the distance. He is Russian, and
he is currently trained by the brilliant Freddie Roach. This will be
Kirilov’s third time fighting in the U.S. and it will be Kirilov’s
second title defense.

Making this bout very interesting is the fact that Kirilov has never
been knocked out in his career and possesses a solid chin. Darchinyan
is no stranger to title fights, having defending his IBF title
six times in the lower weight division of flyweights. He’s from
Armenia, but makes his home in Australia now. He had a perfect record
before suffering a huge knockout loss against Nonito Donaire in July
2007. Since then, he’s moved up a weight class, and has defeated the
two guys he met in the ring. He does have knockout power, so it will
be great to see who wins this chess match of strength versus control.

The undercard will feature a fight between undefeated Middleweights,
25 year old southpaw from Michigan, Andre Dirrell, 25-0, 15 KO’s, and
28 year old Mike Paschall, 17-0-1, 4 KO’s, from Baltimore, Maryland.

Dirrell is pretty well known from his fights on ESPN. Paschall is
not as easily recognized or known as this will be his first fight out
of the state of Maryland. The odds are heavily in Dirrell’s favor as
fight night approaches.

Dirrell’s most recent win, was a very respectable TKO win over Anthony
Hanshaw. Paschall is looking to start his career rise with an upset
victory over Dirrell, and has already scheduled his next fight in
early September. This fight is scheduled for 10 rounds.