MEETING OF ARMENIAN AND AZERI PRESIDENTS TO TAKE PLACE ON NOVEMBER 2
Noyan Tapan
Oct 29, 2008
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 29, NOYAN TAPAN. A meeting between RA President Serzh
Sargsyan and Azeri President Ilham Aliyev with the participation
of RF President Dmitry Medvedev will take place on November 2
in Moscow. Issues regarding Nagorno Karabakh settlement will be
on meeting’s agenda. Noyan Tapan was informed about it by the RA
President’s Press Office.
ARMENIA HAS NEVER APPEALED TO ANY COUNTRY
Hayots Ashkhar Daily
28 Oct 2008
Armenia
To Realize Mediation Mission
President Serge Sargsyan’s interview given to the Public TV.
"Mr. President the discussions on the settlement of Karabakh
conflict have become very active – different assessments, different
predictions. At what stage is the settlement of the conflict?"
"The thing is, after a long-term passiveness the process of the
settlement of Karabakh conflict has entered an active stage. This
fact is conditioned by at least two important circumstances: firstly
– presidential elections were held both in Armenia and in Azerbaijan
and secondly – the famous events that took place in the region over
again proved that there is no military option for the settlement of
the conflict.
The settlement of Karabakh conflict is possible only in case
Azerbaijan recognizes the right of the people of Nagorno Karabakh
to self-determination, if Nagorno Karabakh has a land border with
the Republic of Armenia and if the international organizations and
the progressive countries guarantee the security of the people of
Nagorno Karabakh.
In my view that activeness, public discussions are really helpful and
I strongly believe that we will enter a period of much more active
public discussions. The discussions are always helpful, but they must
be based on only one interest, the interest of Armenian people.
We have sacrificed a lot for the settlement of Karabakh conflict
and can’t afford closing our eyes on the speculations of certain
facts. We are solving a precious issue. We are solving a very important
historical issue and those who seek a benefit from this historical
issue are simply immoral."
"Mr. President, judging from the recent developments the activeness
of the other players in the region becomes perceptible. Particularly
the initiative of the Russian President, D. Medvedev, of the meeting
between the three Presidents and the announcement made by A. Gyul
saying that you were the first to ask for his help in the settlement
process. How would you comment on this?"
"I must say that the process of the settlement of Karabakh conflict
passes in the framework of OSCE Minsk Group, based on "Madrid
principles". I have said many times and I would like to repeat that
there are no other mediators, other than OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmen
and the confusion that some people are trying to create doesn’t
support us.
I must repeat OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmen are the only mediators,
Armenia has never appealed to any country to realize mediation mission.
Russia is one of OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmen countries and the
invitation made by D. Medvedev and his activeness in this issue is
quite normal.
As regards the commentary on the announcement made by Abdullah Gyul,
I must firstly say that, maybe you have noticed that I don’t like
commenting on the announcements made by other political figures,
especially because our press usually publishes sections cut from the
whole context.
In reality OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmen are the only mediators,
but we still don’t refuse any assistance. I believe Turkey can lend
a hand in the process of the settlement of Karabakh conflict and
they do so. President Gyul’s visit to Armenia, the negotiations
between Armenia and Turkey are good examples for the settlement of
tough issues. I believe if Turkey opens its borders with Armenia and
establishes diplomatic relations with us, it will greatly help the
settlement of Karabakh conflict.
MINSK GROUP CO-CHAIRS ARRIVED IN BAKU
armradio.am
29.10.2008 13:50
Minsk Group Co-Chairs Matthew Bryza (USA) and Yuri Merzlyakov (Russia),
and the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office Andrzej
Kasprzyk arrived in Baku.
The Co-Chair’ visit is targeted at activating the negotiation process
on the Karabakh conflict settlement.
French Co-Chair Bernard Fassier told Trend News earlier that this is
the first visit of the Co-Chairs after the presidential elections in
Azerbaijan and "the Co-Chairs currently intend to restart their work
more actively."
From: Baghdasarian
NOT TO FINANCE
Hayots Ashkhar Daily
29 Oct 2008
Armenia
The company "Russian Railways" can participate in the construction
of Iran-Armenia railway but it is not ready to finance this project,
neither by the financial means of its investment projects nor by
the financial means promised when taking "Armenian Railways" under
concessionary management. "Armenia considers it important to build
a new railway linking the country with Iran. The construction will
be realized not with concession money, or the investments made by
"Russian Railways" OJSC, but other resources," the President of the
company Vladimir Yakunin said.
From: Baghdasarian
TURKEY’S PRESIDENT INVITES AGOS AND JAMANAK EDITORS TO A RECEPTION
armradio.am
29.10.2008 15:15
Turkey’s President Abdullah Gul has invited the editor-in-chief of the
Istanbul based "Jamanak" daily Ara Gochunyan and the editor-in-chief of
the "Agos" weekly Etienne Mahchupian to participate in the reception
to be organized at the President’s Office on the occasion of the 85th
anniversary of establishment of the Republic of Turkey.
A few days ago, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of "Jamanak"
daily Abdullah Gul received editor-in-chief of the newspaper Ara
Gochunyan. The interlocutors discussed Armenia-Turkey relations and
the problems facing the Armenian community of Turkey.
TRILATERAL TALKS TO BE RESUMED
Hayots Ashkhar Daily
29 Oct 2008
Armenia
Yesterday Khoulusi Kylydj, Ambassador of Turkey in Azerbaijan,
announced that the trilateral talks with the participation of the
Armenian, Azerbaijani and Turkish sides are going to be resumed in
the near future.
Mr. Kylydj also mentioned that the place and time of the next
trilateral meeting of the Foreign Ministers is being specified through
diplomatic channels.
"Turkey has recently become a non-permanent member of the UN Security
Council. Having assumed new duties, Turkey will strive for and direct
all its efforts to the settlement of the ‘frozen conflicts’, including
the conflict of Karabakh," the Ambassador added.
One of the sources of the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry has announced
in its turn that the trilateral meeting of the Foreign Ministers will
probably take place in Helsinki, within the frameworks of the annual
session of the Council of Ministers of the Organization for Security
and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).
This year, the session of the OSCE Council of Ministers is to take
place in the capital city of Finland on December 4-5.
ARMENIAN PREMIER, EBRD REPS DISCUSS COOPERATION
ARKA
Oct 30, 2008
YEREVAN, October 30. /ARKA/. RA Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan held a
meeting yesterday with Mike Davey, Director for South Caucasus, Moldova
and Belarus, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
The sides made a high appraisal of the EBRD’s activities in Armenia
and dynamically developing cooperation in implementing the programs
The RA Premier pointed out the EBRD’s purchase of Araratbank shares
as an example of developing cooperation. He welcomed the fact and
stressed that the RA Government is ready to render possible assistance
to the EBRD’s activities in Armenia.
A contract for the EBRD’s purchasing 25% plus one share of Araratbank
for $7mln was signed in Yerevan. The transaction is to be completed
within a month, to be followed by placement of shares. As a result,
Araratbank’s authorized capital will reach $24mln against the current
$13mln. During the next three years the bank’s capital is to be
brought up to $50mln.
Mr. Davey pointed out that the transaction is evidence of the EBRD’s
confidence in Armenia’s banking system. He said that the EBRD has
made investment in the capital of four Armenian banks and is now
cooperating with eight banks.
Davey also said that the EBRD is currently elaborating a strategy of
cooperation with Armenia for the next three years. The document is
to be discussed next January by the EBRD Board of Directors.
The sides also discussed measures to prevent the influence of the
international financial crisis on Armenia. Davey pointed out that the
EBRD Board of Directors is concerned over the possible influence of
the crisis on the countries the EBRD cooperates with.
In the context, the RA Premier stressed the importance of additional
funding for small and medium-sized enterprises. He pointed out that
Armenia’s market has been thoroughly studied from this aspect and
the amount of funds it is able to consume during at least three years
has been determined.
Davey stated the EBRD’s readiness to work in the fields of interest
to the Ra Government and stressed the importance of laying emphasis on
SME. He said that the EBRD’s draft project of cooperation with Armenia
indicates the importance of further cooperation with the country’s SME.
Davey also informed the RA Premier that an EBRD delegation is expected
to visit Armenia this December to discuss the strategy. He expressed
hope that joint discussions will guarantee the EBRD’s successful
cooperation with Armenia and efficiency of programs.
From: Baghdasarian
FETHIYE CETIN’S BOOK "MY GRANDMOTHER"
AZG Armenian Daily
28/10/2008
Armenian Genocide
Fethie Cetin, Turkish publicist, lawyer and writer, visited Armenia.
During a meeting with the students of Yerevan State University,
her first book "My grandmother" was presented.
The author portrays episodes of Armenians’ evictions, exile and
massacres by the testimony of her grandmother Hranush Katarian.
Hranush Katarian that was known by the name Sher only several
years before her death confessed to her granddaughter that she was
Armenian. She told how Kurds and Turks had kidnapped the Armenian
children and she had been among them.
Cetin told that she was shocked because of her grandmother’s story.
The book embraces also the author’s assessment of the denial of the
Armenian Genocide by Turkey.
Cetin told that after publication of the book many Armenians called her
telling similar stories of their own. According to her, the responses
were not only from Armenians but also from Turks.
She spoke of the letters of Turkish readers where they express great
regret and disappointment.
The author is sure that the book is a call to eliminate the 93-year
unfairness. Besides Turkey and Armenia, the book is published also
in the USA, France and Italy.
Fethiye Cetin, a lawyer by profession, is the defender of the interests
of "Akos" newspaper’s Editor-in-chief Hrant Dink’s family.
AZERBAIJAN: DEFENCE SECTOR MANAGEMENT AND REFORM
International Crisis Group
=5751&l=1
Oct 29 2008
Belgium
Azerbaijan wants to create a strong army to regain Nagorno-Karabakh
and seven adjacent districts, either by improving its negotiating
leverage with Armenia or going back to war. It has exponentially
increased its military budget, though it has not so far gained clear
superiority over Armenian forces. If the new military is to be not
only stronger but also better governed, however, it needs deep reforms
to make it less corrupt and personality driven, more transparent and
better directed. So far there has been insufficient political will
either to do the part that should involve increasing democratic and
civilian control or to break the habit of treating the army as above
all an instrument with which to protect elite interests.
A war in Nagorno-Karabakh is unlikely in the immediate
term. But in the longer term fragmented, divided,
accountable-to-no-one-but-the-president, un-transÂparÂent,
corrupt and internally feuding armed forces could all too easily be
sent off to fight to satisfy internal power struggles. A modern and
efficient army, even if subject to democratic, civilian control, is
not unproblematic while the Nagorno-Karabakh situation remains deeply
resented in the polity. However, the ability to hold the leadership
responsible for expenditures and policy priorities at least has the
potential to make the system more responsible and predictable. NATO,
which is helping with military reform, should enhance Azerbaijani
knowledge of peacekeeping and laws of war, and when possible facilitate
dialogue and contacts between the militaries of the two sides. The EU,
U.S. and Russia should also reinvigorate efforts to push the parties
to reach a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
The government’s pledge to significantly reform the military is part of
a stated goal of national modernisation and democratisation. Though the
presidential election on 15 October 2008 was technically improved, it
offered no genuine alternative to the incumbent. As democratisation has
stalled, so too have crucial parts of military reform. Thus, parliament
has failed to oversee military expenditure and has no authority to
summon power ministers, including the defence minister, to report on
their activities, but it is itself the product of flawed elections and
far from a truly democratic institution. Democratic improvements in
the military can contribute to national democratisation, but they are
unlikely to drive that process or advance in isolation. If Azerbaijan
is committed to thorough reform of the military, it will need to change
substantially in many other areas of government and society as well.
The defence reforms that have occurred have often been stimulated
by cooperation with NATO. Azerbaijan was one of the first former
Soviet countries to join the Partnership for Peace (PfP) program
in 1994. Especially the 2005 and 2008 Individual Partnership Action
Plans (IPAP) provide a blueprint for democratic control of the armed
forces, defence planning and budgeting, interoperability with NATO and
structural reorganisation according to NATO standards. Baku has often
dragged its feet in implementing IPAP-recommended reforms, however,
in part at least because it has no clear membership aspirations,
due to a foreign policy which seeks to balance interests with the
U.S., EU, Russia and Iran. Moscow’s August military intervention in
Georgia has further convinced it of the advantages of an ambiguous
policy and made it less ready to push forward with NATO integration.
Defence sector reform in Azerbaijan is an understudied subject, about
which little comprehensive analysis has been attempted. The bulk of
research has been carried out by a handful of journalists. The defence
sector remains one of the most secretive and non-transparent segments
of the government. Crisis Group was restricted in its own field work
by limited access to government sources, military personnel and
installations. By improving the dissemination of information, the
government could do more to dispel the doubts that arise regarding
the impact of its increased military spending.
If it indeed wishes to pursue a more efficient, NATO-standard military,
subject to more democratic civilian control and greater transparency
and accountability, the government should:
enhance the oversight capacities of the parliament, especially its
standing committee for defence and security and the audit chamber and
encourage parliamentarians to increase their knowledge about military
reform by organising regular training, workÂshops and conferences;
improve public information on and participation in security sector
management by publishing the NATO IPAP documents, making it easier to
access information on military matters, and setting up a regularly
updated defence ministry website; increase civilian control in the
defence ministry; complete elaboration of a military doctrine and
conduct a strategic defence review; amend legislation and military
regulations in line with its international human rights commitments,
in particular by disallowing detention of service personnel without
proper trial, adopting a new law on alternative service and creating a
military ombudsman; and improve personnel management and training by
establishing efficient systems for payment and compensation, officer
rotation, reservist training and call-up systems, military education
and merit-based promotion.
In the meantime, NATO should carefully review its strategic purpose
in working with the militaries of Caucasus states, particularly
with respect to unresolved conflicts. It should focus its military
cooperation with Azerbaijan strictly on efforts to improve democratic,
civilian control of the armed forces and not move beyond the IPAP
while Nagorno-Karabakh remains unresolved. Especially the U.S. and the
EU should at the same time move resolution of that simmering conflict
much higher up their agendas and seek, in cooperation with Russia, to
put pressure on both AzerÂbaijan and Armenia to compromise in line
with the principles proposed by the Minsk Group of the Organization
for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).
–Boundary_(ID_EhCYWA2ZUrsGSfZ29snQyw)–
EU IS OFFERED TO ORGANIZE BUDGET ENVISAGING ASSISTANCE TO UKRAINE, MOLDOVA, BELARUS AND SOUTH CAUCASUS
PanARMENIAN.Net
29.10.2008 18:21 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ In the framework of the Eastern Partnership
initiative, Ukraine should have the same status as the other EU
aspirant states, according to the Ukrainian public council at the
Ukraine-EU cooperation committee.
The European Union is expected to draw a decision on the Eastern
Partnership initiative in December 2008.
While Brussels is thinking what it can offer the six Eastern
Partnership aspirant countries, Ukrainian experts have already worked
out new ways for cooperation with the EU.
They suggest the European Union should coordinate its finance plans
with a glance to assistance to Ukraine, Moldova, Belarus and South
Caucasus countries, Deutsche Welle reports.