Month: October 2008

CORRECTION OF "MISTAKE" OR WHAT AZERBAIJAN SHOULD DO TO MAIL.RU

Today.Az
s/48584.html
Oct 29 2008
Azerbaijan

Russian portal MAIL.Ru corrected its "mistake" only after interference
of the Azerbaijani embassy to Russia.

Day.Az has received a letter from the adviser of the Azerbaijani
embassy to Russia B.Zeynalov, which says:

"In the result of efforts of the Azerbaijani embassy to Russia the
link to Armenia-Nagorno Karabakh was removed from MAIL.Ru on October
27 and Nagorno Karabakh was fixed as part of Azerbaijan.

But at the same time the section on Armenia again included the link
"Armenia-Artsakh".

Due to this fact the embassy again contacted the website administrators
and demanded to remove this link, which was attained by 17:00 Moscow
time.

The embassy will watch the situation and spare no efforts for aversion
of such facts in the future…"

It should be noted that by removing "Artsakh" from the division
"Armenia", MAIL.RU also removed the section Nagorno Karabakh from
the section on Azerbaijan.

What has caused the impunity of the Armenian employees of the Russian
portal?

Let’s take a small trip to history. The events started to develop
just six months ago.

First of all, Azerbaijani websites, including Day.Az, APA and
Trend were removed from the rating of new agencies of MAIL.RU
by different trumped-up reasons.

After the news services of MAIL.RU was launched, it started to export
openly anti-Azerbaijani materials, mostly using the pro-Armenian
source Regnum.

Thus, the precise and consistent work of the Armenian officials of
MAIL.RU is obvious both in neutralization of Azerbaijani mass medias
and introducing Armenian interpretation of history to Russian readers.

It is now necessary to consolidate actions of the Foreign Ministry,
State Committee for work with Azerbaijanis, residing abroad,
Azerbaijani embassy to Russia, famous Azerbaijanis, playing an
important role in the sociopolitical life of Russia. It is our duty
to avert the actions of MAILRU aimed at distortion of history of
Azerbaijan, "Armenization" of Nagorno Karabakh in the eyes of wide
public of Russia.

Two months ago Azerbaijan gave a good lesson to the systems of
international monetary transfers – Western Union and MoneyGram.

After the facts of cooperation with Nagorno Karabakh separatists
were revealed in the work of these companies, it was decided to stop
business ties with them on July 30.

The managements of the companies were informed about the claims of the
national bank, inadmissibility of cooperation with Armenian separatists
of Nagorno Karabakh and they were demanded to stop such events.

The companies accepted all provisions of the National Bank and
on August 7 they cut all contacts with the occupied lands of
Azerbaijan. They announced that they will not accept such facts in
the future.

This issue was settled within 7 days.

And if today Armenian officials of MAIL.RU are openly mocking at us,
why not close MAIL.RU from Azerbaijan? We should close delivery
of messages from the emails at @mail.ru network to the emails of
Azerbaijani users, in other words, to response adequately. After it
other Russian sites will assess the degree of the adequate response,
before posting anti-Azerbaijani materials.

In other words, we must not stay idle. Otherwise, considering the
great number of ethnic Armenians, occupying not the lowest positions
in the Russia media area, this process may further develop and then
within a short period of time no one in Russia will believe that
Nagorno Karabakh is an Azerbaijani land.

TURKISH OFFICIAL: COURAGE AND CREATIVITY NEEDED TO RESOLVE KARABAKH CONFLICT

PanARMENIAN.Net
29.10.2008 16:21 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Ahmet Davutoglu, the chief foreign policy adviser to
Turkey’s Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, said that the new era
with the United States will be a success story whoever was elected
the new president of that country.

"The new president of the United States will be Turkey’s best friend,"
Davutoglu said during a meeting on "Turkey, the region and U.S.-Turkey
relations: Assessing the challenges and prospects" at the Brookings
Institution in Washington D.C.

As to Turkey’s relations with Armenia, Davutoglu said that his country
is willing to discuss problems and two countries should seize every
opportunity to normalize relations.

Davutoglu voiced hope that the Armenian Diaspora will support the
process between Turkey and Armenia, and that it will not arouse
concerns in Azerbaijan.

The adviser said that courage and creativity is needed to resolve the
Nagorno Karabakh dispute. "We shouldn’t wait for 20-30 more years,"
Davutoglu said.

Commenting on Turkey’s relations with its neighbors, Davutoglu that
Turkey established a strong relationship with Iran and fixed progress
in its relations with Armenia and in settlement of the Cyprus issue,
worldbulletin.net reports.

EU: TURKEY’S REGIONAL IMPORTANCE GREW

PanARMENIAN.Net
29.10.2008 18:01 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Turkey’s importance to the EU has increased in the
areas of energy, and regional security and conflict prevention in the
Caucasus, says the EU annual progress report on Turkey to be released
on November 5.

The EU reforms, it says, makes Turkey "a stronger force for stability"
in the volatile region, which witnessed a Russian-Georgian war over
the breakaway region of South Ossetia in August.

It said Turkey played a "constructive role" in the Caucasus and the
Middle East by proposing a Caucasus cooperation platform after the
August crisis; by mediating peace talks between Israel and Syria;
and by starting dialogue with Armenia with President Gul’s visit
in September.

The report noted changes to the Article 301 of the Turkish Penal
Code (TCK), which the EU said restricts freedom of expression, but
complained that the wording still remains largely the same and that
the revised form, which requires prior authorization from the justice
minister to open cases on the basis of Article 301, raises concerns
that the article will be subject to political considerations.

On the government, however, the report’s tone was tougher, complaining
that, although it expressed commitment to the reforms, it has not put
forward "a consistent and comprehensive program of reforms" to bring
Turkey closer to the EU, Today’s Zaman reports.

TURKEY AND THE SECULAR CARD, MYTH OR REALITY?
By Lee Jay Walker

The Seoul Times
.php?idx=7483
Oct 29 2008
South Korea

Turkey is often praised for being secular and a future role model
for other mainly Islamic societies because of its rich history
of secularism. America and the United Kingdom, and other nations,
often claim that Turkey is a beacon of hope and that it is evidence
that democracy and secularism can exist within a mainly Muslim nation
state. However, during this so-called "golden age" of secularism it
is clear that religious and ethnic minorities have suffered greatly
in modern day Turkey. So how true is it that Turkey is secular?

If we look at the founding father of modern day Turkey, Ataturk, then
it is clear that he himself supported the destruction of Christianity
via the Armenian and Assyrian Christian genocide of 1915. Therefore,
it is clear that Turkish nationalism and secularism is tainted by its
anti-Christian nature and also its anti-Kurdish nature. After all, the
nation state of Turkey was about Turkish nationalism and secularism did
not protect the religious or ethnic minorities of this diverse nation.

In spite of this, the myth of modernity and secularism based on the
founding father prevails and Western nations are very optimistic about
Turkey. Yes, Ataturk faced many difficulties and from a Turkish point
of view he was very astute because he preserved a Turkish state when
it was threatened by others. Yet in order to do this he crushed others
and therefore the "bedrock" from the start was frail because it was
based on Turkish nationalism.

Ataturk did implement many reforms in order to modernize Turkey and
he did lay the foundation stone for a secular based state. In this
sense he crushed Islamist hopes of a Sharia Islamic state and he
gave more rights to females which did not exist in the old Ottoman
Empire. But his legacy of modernity and secularism is tainted by the
overt nationalism of old Turkey and this nationalism is still strong
in modern day Turkey.

So if secularism means having the right to crush Christian minorities,
moderate Muslim minorities like the Alevi, and ethnic minorities
like the Assyrians, Syriacs, Armenians, and, most notably, the
Kurds in modern day Turkey; then it is not the secularism which I
support. So surely modernization and secularism is tainted by this
overtly nationalist state and of course the Sunni orthodox mindset
means that religious inequality is the norm?

In the 1990s the Alevi Muslims witnessed an upsurge in attacks
against them. For example, David Zieden, who wrote an article called
The Alevi of Anatolia, states that "Renewed inter-communal violence
is sadly on the rise. In July 1993, at an Alevi cultural festival
in Sivas, a Sunni fundamentalist mob set fire to a hotel where
many Alevi participants had taken refuge, killing 35 of them. State
security services did not interfere and prosecution against leaders
of the riot was not energetically pursued. (41) In 1994, Istanbul
municipal leaders from the Refah Islamic political party tried to
raze an Alevi tekke (monastery) and close the Ezgi cafe where young
Alevis frequently gathered."

Meanwhile, if we focus on recent times then it is clear that
persecution is still continuing. After all, in 2007 three Christians
had their throats slit. Two of the victims had converted from Islam
to Christianity, therefore, Necati Aydia, 36, and Ugur Yuksel, 32,
were killed by Islamic fanatics on the grounds of merely leaving
Islam. While the other murdered Christian, Tilmann Geske, 46, was a
German citizen. One of the killers stated in the Hurriyet newspaper,
that "We didn’t do this for ourselves. We did it for our religion. May
this be a lesson to the enemies of religion."

Before concluding it is important to state that you have many positive
elements within Turkish society who desire change and who support a
genuine democratic Turkey, which is inclusive. Also, if we view this
nation from its past history and from a Turkish point of view, then
clearly this nation faced many obstacles. For Ataturk, the infancy of
Turkey was about survival and many Turks also suffered greatly. Given
this, it is apparent that you have many positive elements within
modern day Turkey and this nation does desire to join the European
Union. Also, for America, Turkey is a vital strategic ally and a
valued member of NATO.

Despite this, if we look at the rights of Alevi Muslims and Christians
in modern day Turkey, and the persecution of Kurds; it is clear
that orthodox Sunni Islam and nationalism is still being used by
conservative elites. These elites still desire to crush both religious
minorities and ethnic minorities. So are minorities equal in modern
day Turkey? I think their treatment is the answer to this question and
in recent times we have heard about several Christian murders. Also,
for the more numerous Alevi Muslims and Kurds, then it is also clear
that they face huge discrimination. Therefore, I believe that secular
Turkey is a myth because in reality this nation state is focused on
nationalism and clamping down on all minority faiths.

Lee Jay Walker serves as Tokyo Corrsepondent of The Seoul Times. He
specializes in int’l relations and geopolitics. He is also involved
in analyst work and research on business. After finishing BA degree
in East European Studies at the University of London, He earned MA
degree in Asia Pacific Studies in Nottingham Trent University. He
also studied business at London Institute.

TRANSFERS TO ARMENIA TO DECREASE BY $1-1,5 BLN, AN EXPERT THINKS

ArmInfo
2008-10-28 19:12:00

ArmInfo. The volume of foreign exchange sent to Armenia will decline
by $1- 1,5 bln, Pro-rector for development of university education
at Russian-Armenian (Slavonic) University, Doctor of Economics Edvard
Sandoyan said, Tuesday.

"Volumes of transfers and foreign investment in Armenia’s economy
may abruptly decline due to the financial crisis, the inflow of
foreign investment in mortgage business may also be suspended in
the short-term outlook. On the whole, Armenia’s economy will undergo
a certain downturn as a result of the financial crisis, but at the
same time, the potential of the republic’s economic system will be
consolidated due to export opportunities of the republic", he noted. He
also stressed that problems may arise in Armenian export due to drop
in international prices of copper and other mineral resources.

Meanwhile, the level of population’s solvency may fall as the state
of about 35% of Armenian citizens depends on transfers. "All these
factors together may lead to considerable slowdown of economic growth
in the country which has been a two-digit index since 2002 and made
up 13.7% in 2007, and for 2008 the GDP growth is targeted at 10%
", Sandoyan said in conclusion.

To note, according to the Central Bank of Armenia, $1035,3 mln funds
of non-commercial character were transferred for individuals through
the banking system of Armenia in Jan-Aug 2008.

DARCHINYAN IS SUPER CONFIDENT

SecondsOut
p;cs=35715
Oct 29 2008

WBC/WBA super-flyweight champion Cristian Mijares is arguably fast
emerging as a top 10 pound for pound fighter in all respected boxing
publications ratings-and with justifiable reason. But his opponent
at The Home Depot Center in Carson, California on Saturday(Nov 1)
night Vic Darchinyan definitely has other ideas.

The Australian based Armenian is a massive puncher and is very
confident he will be the one claiming the exciting Mexican’s world
title belts come Saturday night.

Speaking at the last public workout before Saturday’s clash the IBF
super-flyweight king said: "He(Mijares) is a very good fighter, but
when he feels my punches he will feel different. He’s fought some
tough guys, but no one like me.

"I know when I’m talking that I will deliver, added Darchinyan,
30-1-1-(24). I’m going to be too much for him. He’s overrated.

"I’ve fought southpaws before. It’s no different for me.

"I’m going to do some boxing. You’re going to see how fast and smart
I am on Saturday.

"I’m going to put on a show for my Armenian fans at The Home Depot
Center.

"I’m very confident and ready for this fight. I’m ready to fight
anyone.

"I think I am the best fighter he has ever, and will ever, fight. His
style is an amateur style. I will deliver.

"I want to become the undisputed world champion after this fight.

"On Saturday, you’re going to see a different Vic Darchinyan. I won’t
try to take him out with just one punch. You’re going to see a much
smarter Vic on Saturday night.

"Mijares is a very good fighter, but that’s OK when you fight someone
that doesn’t have the power that I have. He’s fought guys that don’t
have my power.

"The Mexican fans are going to support me because they are going to
see a warrior. They like to see warriors and they will see it in me
on Saturday.

"People pay the money and they want to see exciting fights. I’ll give
it to them on Saturday.

"In my one loss my opponent didn’t beat me, I beat myself. You won’t
see any of that against Mijares. I’m going to prove that I am focused
to be the undisputed world champion.

"All I’m thinking about is this fight. I haven’t been this excited
and dedicated since my first world title fight.

CONFERENCE ON CAUCASUS PLATFORM DUE IN ANKARA

PanARMENIAN.Net
29.10.2008 16:59 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ An international conference on the Caucasus Stability
and Cooperation Platform will be held in Ankara on October 31, on
initiative of Turkish and Russian Foreign Ministries.

The conference will bring together officials, political scientists
and experts from Russia, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia,
1news.az reported with reference to the Turkish MFA.

DATE OF AZERBAIJAN, ARMENIAN, RUSSIAN PRESIDENT’S MEETING DETERMINED

Trend News Agency
Oct 29 2008
Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan, Baku, 29 October / corr Trend News A.Gasimova /
Presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia will hold a meeting on the
solution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in Moscow on 2 November
with the participation of Russian President Dmitriy Medvedev, the
Kremlin said on 29 October.

"In accordance with the agreement achieved among the sides, a meeting
between the Presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia, Ilham Aliyev
and Serzh Sarkisyan, with the participation of Russian President
Dmitriy Medvedev, on the solution of the [Armenian-Azerbaijani]
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict will be held in Moscow on 2 November 2008,
Interfax reports..

The conflict between the two countries of the South Caucasus began
in 1988 due to Armenian territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Since
1992, Armenian Armed Forces have occupied 20% of Azerbaijan including
the Nagorno-Karabakh region and its seven surrounding districts. 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 US) are currently holding peaceful
negotiations.

ARMENIAN AMERIABANK JOINS ARMEX

ARKA
oct 28, 2008

YEREVAN, October 28. /ARKA/. Ameriabank CJSC joined Armenian Stock
Exchange (Armex) this October 24. Armex membership will enable
Ameriabank to carry out exchange transactions in all corporate
securities listed on Armex, as well as in Government bonds and
foreign currency.

The Ameriabank CJSC (former Armimpexbank) was established in July,
1992, as the Armenian branch of the USSR Vnesheconombank. On September
8, 1992, the Central Bank of Armenia licensed Armimpexbank.

Last August the TDA Holding Limited, affiliate of the Russian Troika
Dialog, became the bank’s shareholder. The bank was renamed Ameriabank
this May.

The capital of Ameriabnak reached 18.8bln AMD on September 30, with
total assets being 41.8bln AMD, liabilities 23bln AMD and profit
429.4mln AMD in January-September.

According to ARKA News Agency, Ameriabank is the eighth out of
22 Armenia’s commercial banks in terms of assets, 12th in terms
of liabilities and fourth in terms of capita. It has the largest
authorized capital amounting to 17bln AMD.

Armenian Stock Exchange (Armex) was established in 2001 as a
self-regulatory organization when 21 brokerage firms voluntarily
merged. Armex was reorganized into a joint-stock company last November.

OMX Group (currently NASDAQ OMX) acquired 100% of shares of the
Armenian Stock Exchange (Armex) and the Central Depository of Armenia
(CDA) this January 7.

Armex currently has 15 member-companies, with six of them being
commercial banks. ($1 – 308.63AMD).

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

THE SITUATION ALONG THE CONTACT LINE DISCUSSED AT NKR PRESIDENT’S OFFICE

armradio.am
29.10.2008 11:42

On 27 October President of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic Bako Sahakyan
met personal representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Ambassador
Andrzej Kasprzyk, Central Information Department of the Office of
the NKR President informed.

Issues related to the current situation along the line of contact
between NKR and Azerbaijan armed forces were discussed during the
meeting.