Month: December 2008

CSTO NATIONAL SECURITY SECRETARIES ADOPT JOINT STATEMENT

ArmInfo
2008-12-10 13:36:00

ArmInfo. The Committee of Secretaries of National Security Councils
of Member-States of Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO)
have adopted a joint statement.

The statement says that the Committee, based on the provisions of the
declaration of the session of the Collective Security Council of the
CSTO (Moscow Sept 5 2008), confirms its support for Russia’s initiative
to conclude a treaty on European security envisaging formation of
a single efficient system of collective security in Euro-Atlantic
region. The CSTO member-states welcome the Russian-French initiative
to organize a pan-European summit at the OSCE involving the CIS, the
CSTO, the EU and NATO and concerning the future security architecture.

VLADIMIR KAZIMIROV: AZERBAIJANIS AND ARMENIANS NEED TERMINATION OF CENTURY-LONG ANTAGONISM AND CONFRONTATION AND NOT NEW BLOODSHED

ArmInfo
2008-12-10 13:22:00

ArmInfo. ‘Azerbaijanis and Armenians need termination of a century-long
antagonism and confrontation and not a new and more tragic bloodshed’,
deputy Chairman of the Association of Russian Diplomats, Head of
the mediatory mission in 1992-1996, authorized representative of
the Russian president for Nagorno Karabakh, OSCE MG participant and
co-chairman from Russia Vladimir Kazimirov writes, in the article
"Signature is high and the bottom is double. Who is ready to set
aside peaceful solution in Karabakh?"

published in "Vremya Novostey" newspaper yesterday.

‘At OSCE member-states’ foreign ministerial meeting, which finished on
December 5 in Helsinki, OSCE MG cochairmen (Russia, USA and France)
called on the Karabakh conflict parties to confirm adherence to
its peaceful settlement. I would seem why to be repeated? In fact,
the presidents of Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia have already signed
November 2 Moscow Declaration penetrated with an unambiguous adjustment
for recovery of the situation, security and stability in South Caucasus
and peaceful settlement of Nagorno Karabakh conflict. There is no
high signature than the presidential one. What forced the ministers
to repeat the call as if responded by the presidents? The August
events in Caucasus made to think those why rather often came out
with threats to settle this conflict by force. The signature under
the Moscow Declaration hindered Baku to resume a militant rhetoric,
however, not for long.

In an interview with the Italian TV company at late November, President
of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev tried to prove that the Declaration ‘does
not deprive Baku of the right to settle this conflict in a military
way’. This is a very interesting interpretation of the international
document and the own signature under it! Whether peaceful settlement of
the conflict rules out the military way? Is it possible to contribute
to recovery of the situation, security and stability in the region
by such kind of ‘explanations’? The real price of each signature is
cognized, especially as many arguments of Baku in this conflict are
far not indisputable.

It is impossible to hide that Nagorno Karabakh had become a subject
of dispute long ago. However, it is not so easy to reduce everything
to the ‘Armenian aggression’ at late 20th century as the background
and dynamics of the conflict is much more difficult. Azerbaijanis
and Armenians need termination of a century-long antagonism and
confrontation and not a new and more tragic bloodshed. The Moscow
Declaration marks a way to liquidation of wars between them it requires
more serious approach (and not signatures with a double bottom), that
is, non-alternative political settlement of the conflict in Karabakh’,
the article of V. Kazimirov says.

PRIME MINISTER OF ARMENIA: ARMENIA INTENDS TO IMPORT 15 MILLION C/M OF RUSSIAN GAS DAILY VIA TERRITORY OF GEORGIA IN WINTERS

ArmInfo
2008-12-10 13:20:00

ArmInfo. Armenia intends to import 15 million c/m of Russian gas daily
via territory of Georgia in winters, Tigran Sargsyan, Prime Minister
of Armenia, said in Tbilisi Tuesday.

He said gas transportation network in the territory of Georgia was
intensively reconstructed within the year jointly with Georgia. ‘This
work has been successfully fulfilled and we thank our Georgian
colleagues for operative activity’, T. Sargsyan said. In summers,
Armenia is supplied 3-5 million c/m of gas daily in average. Asked
if Georgia is interested in joining Iran-Armenia gas pipeline and
constructing a second line extending to the Georgian border, the
premier said additional line will be necessary only if additional
agreements are reached on increase of gas supply. It is noteworthy
that CJSC ArmRusgasprom will have a monopoly right to supply and
distribution of Russian natural gas in the local market.

Recently ArmRusgasprom Board Chairman, Director, had been in Tbilisi
where he awarded Georgian gas workers for modernization of Georgian
gas supply network. Georgia receives 10% of total natural gas supplied
to Armenia for transit.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

SECOND CUSTOMS BRIDGE TO BE BUILT ON ARMENIAN-GEORGIAN BORDER

ArmInfo
2008-12-10 13:17:00

ArmInfo. The second customs bridge will be built on the
Armenian-Georgian border.

As Prime Minister of Armenia Tigran Sarkisyan told journalists, the
relevant agreement was reached yesterday within the frames of the
7th session of the Armenian-Georgian intergovernmental commission on
economic cooperation.

‘This is an extremely important decision that will allow to simplify
the process of import and export of goods. It is also envisaged to
establish joint regimes by tax and customs agencies, that will also
create more favourable conditions for border-crossing’, the prime
minister said. He added that this issue is of extreme importance
as Armenia is interested in establishment of the regimes that will
allow to reduce loss of time for custom formalities and avoid great
expenses. Moreoer, they will create more favourable conditions for
the Armenian and Georgian exporters and importers.

Talking of delimitation of the Armenian-Georgian border, T. Sarkisyan
said that the relevant structures of the two states continue
a joint work in this direction. ‘Currently, the problem of the
Armenian-Georgian state border has been solved by 70%, and the rest
30% will be solved in the future’, the Armenian PM emphasized.

To note, according to the data of the National Statistical Service of
Armenia, the goods turnover between Armenia and Georgia in Jan-Oct,
2008, made up $107 mln with 3,8% annual growth. Moreover, the export
from Georgia to Armenia made up $71 mln and import – $36 mln.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

AZERBAIJANI AND ARMENIAN FOREIGN MINISTERS AGREE ‘TO LEAVE ALL BAD HERITAGE BEHIND’

ArmInfo
2008-12-09 19:24:00

ArmInfo. The Azerbaijani and Armenian foreign ministers agreed "to
leave all bad heritage behind", Azerbaijan’s Minister of Foreign
Affairs Elmar Mammadyarov said after bilateral and multilateral talks
between the EU and South Caucasus countries on Tuesday.

According to Trend agency, Mammadyarov said it was pointed out at
the meeting with his Armenian counterpart that the conflict delays
promotion of cooperation with EU and the parties will intensify their
efforts in accordance with the Moscow Declaration which stipulates
the parties’ activation to gain peace in the region.

GEORGIAN PRESIDENT TO PERSONALLY TACKLE THE ISSUE OF ARMENIAN CHURCH NORASHEN

ArmInfo
2008-12-09 19:21:00

ArmInfo. Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan and Georgian President
Mikheil Saakashvili met in Tbilisi.

ArmInfo special correspondent reported that the meeting covered a
wide range of issues including the one about the Armenian church
Norashen. The Georgian president said that he intends to personally
tackle this issue. To recall, the Armenian prime minister is in
Georgia on a one-day visit.

On November 16 an attempt was made in the Georgian capital to
desecrate two graves of famous Armenian philanthropists of Tbilisi,
representatives of the Tamamshyan family, buried over a hundred years
ago near the local Armenian church Norashen. Georgian workers moved
aside the stones by means of excavators "to clear the ground under the
tombstones and around them". The work was headed by a representative
of Georgian patriarchy, Father Tariel Sikinchelashvili, who took
this step, as he said, "under his personal program on improving the
territory adjoining the Armenian church".

Armenian National Committee – Western Region
104 North Belmont Street, Suite 200
Glendale, California 91206
Phone: 818.500.1918
Fax: 818.246.7353
[email protected]

PRESS RELEASE

December 10, 2008
Contact: Ani Garabedian

ANC-WR Congratulates Assembly Member Paul Krekorian

– Krekorian Appointed Assistant Majority Floor Leader of the
California State Assembly

Sacramento, CA – The Armenian National Committee – Western Region
(ANC-WR) is pleased to welcome Assemblymember Paul Krekorian
(D-Burbank) to his new post as Assistant Majority Floor Leader of the
California State Assembly. The post is the third-ranking leadership
position in the Assembly after Speaker of the Assembly Karen Bass
(D-Los Angeles) who appointed Krekorian on December 2, 2008.

"We would like to offer our congratulations to Assemblymember
Krekorian on his newly appointed position in the California State
Assembly," said ANC-WR Executive Director Andrew Kzirian. "As an
Armenian-American, the Assemblymember has been a strong activist and
voice for the community within the State Assembly and we look forward
to continue working with him in his new post," he added.

Krekorian, together with Majority Leader Alberto Torrico, will be the
Speaker’s principal representatives on the Assembly Floor. As
Assistant Majority Floor Leader, Krekorian will help to lead all floor
debates in the Assembly on behalf of the Democratic Caucus, and he
will provide policy and political guidance to the Speaker.

"Assemblymember Krekorian is a strong advocate for the Armenian
American community," stated ANC-WR Chairman Vicken Sonentz-Papazian.
"I am confident that his creativity, energy and leadership will set
the standard for the incoming Assembly in 2009," he remarked.

During his first year in office, Assistant Majority Floor Leader Paul
Krekorian introduced AJR 15 (Assembly Joint Resolution), which
designated April 24, 2007 as California Day of Remembrance for the
Armenian Genocide of 1915 through 1923. Krekorian’s AJR 15 urged
Congress and the President of the United States "to formally recognize
and reaffirm the historical truth that the atrocities committed
against the Armenian people constituted genocide," and called upon the
Republic of Turkey to "acknowledge the facts of the Armenian Genocide
and to work toward a just resolution."

In 2008, Krekorian was the co-author of SJR 24 (Senate Joint
Resolution), a similar resolution, which noted that "by consistently
remembering and openly condemning the atrocities committed against the
Armenians, California residents demonstrate their sensitivity to a
need for constant vigilance to prevent similar atrocities in the
future."

To help highlight the enduring legacy of legendary Armenian-American
playwright and author William Saroyan, Assemblymember Krekorian
co-authored SCR 9, which designated the year 2008 as the William
Saroyan Year for enriching the cultural diversity of the state, and in
particular, for celebrating over 100 years of the cultural
contribution of Armenian-Americans to the people of the state.

Assemblymember Paul Krekorian (D-Burbank) represents the 43rd Assembly
District, including the cities of Burbank and Glendale, and the Los
Angeles communities of Atwater Village, Los Feliz, North Hollywood,
Silver Lake, Toluca Lake, Valley Glen, Valley Village and Van Nuys.

The Armenian National Committee – Western Region is the largest and
most influential Armenian American grassroots advocacy organization in
the Western United States. Working in coordination with a network of
offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the Western United States
and affiliated organizations around the country, the ANC-WR advances
the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of
issues.

ARMENIAN, AZERI FMS AGREE TO "LEAVE BAD HERITAGE IN PAST"?

PanARMENIAN.Net
09.12.2008 19:08 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The Armenian and Azerbaijani Foreign Ministers agreed
"to leave bad heritage in the past."

"We coincided that the bad experience should be left behind," Elmar
Mammadyarov said Tuesday after EU-South Caucasus talks.

"The Nagorno Karabakh conflict hampers development of cooperation
with the European Union and the sides in the conflict will double
efforts in the framework of the Moscow declaration to achieve peace
in the region," he said, Trend Azeri news agency reports.

"LINCY" FOUNDATION TO CONTINUE "SCHOOL BUILDING" PROGRAM

ARMENPRESS
Dec 9, 2008

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 9, ARMENPRESS: "Lincy" foundation is planning to
continue the "School Building" program in Armenia. The senior vice
president of the Foundation Harout Sassounian told Armenpress that the
government must soon study how many schools need urgent repair. "If the
financial crisis will soon smoothen the program may be expanded but
now it is impossible to speak about the details. It will be possible
to speak about the financial means only in spring," he said.

According to H. Sassounian, with the funds of the Foundation a
brilliant work has been done within the framework of school building
program which ended in September. He said in Armenia still hundreds
of schools need renovation and some of them are not even seismically
secure. "The government may reconstruct roads and we wish to continue
ensuring good school conditions for children," Sassounian noted.

Within the frameworks of "School Building" program "Lincy" Foundation
provided 19 million 993,538 USD within which during the last two
years in one school of five provinces and in 5 schools in Yerevan
reconstruction and renovation works were carried out. The Foundation
also carried out "Road Building" program.

GROUP OF ARMENIAN INTELLECTUALS SEND OPEN LETTER TO TURKISH PRESIDENT URGING HIM TO RECOGNIZE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

ArmInfo
2008-12-09 13:17:00

ArmInfo. A large group of Armenian intellectuals have sent an open
letter to President of Turkey Abdullah Gul urging him to recognize
the Armenian Genocide.

‘Dear Mr. President! The new state of affairs after the last incidents
in the South Caucasus, the decisive step by Armenian President Serzh
Sargsyan to invite you to Armenia and the meeting that took place
have once again confirmed that settlement of the good-neighbored
relations between Armenia and Turkey require brave and realistic
decisions. First of all, we face a painful issue of Genocide of
Armenians. Let’s sincerely admit that this problem has separated the
two peoples since 1915. It confused the collective consciousness of
Armenians and Turks and became the reason of our actions irrespective
of the requirements of the everyday politics. Mr. President, it is a
horrifying crime against humanity that has no period of limitation. It
is not just a demand by the Armenian people but a fair expectation
of the international community. Armenian Genocide is a crime against
humanity and civilization values and no one, no single organization or
even a state power can cast doubt on this fact. All of us should admit
that Ottoman Turkey was guilty in the massacre of Armenians and the
present-day Turkey has inherited the responsibility for that. Modern
Turkish diplomacy and propaganda machine cannot conceal this black
page of our history. Historical memory of our two peoples is deep
and uneasy where no easy decisions are possible. Your generation of
Turkish leadership should admit this undisputable truth and recognize
the fact of Armenian Genocide.

We think that it is necessary, first of all, to the Turkish
people. Hereby, they will get rid of the burden of history and join
other states fair-faced.

It is the only way to turn this page and step forward to future. It
is the only way towards an open dialogue of the two nations and the
desired process of real reconciliation. Your visit to Armenia and
Turkey’s initiative of Caucasian Stability and Cooperation Platform
inspires us with hope that a realistic political flow is gradually
formed in Turkey. However, these efforts may easily fail if the
government takes no real measures to put an end to its present policy
of Genocide denial>, the letter says.

About 300 Armenian intellectuals, public workers, academicians, doctors
of science, heads of local mass media signed the letter. Among them
are the writer Perch Zeytuntsyan, People’s Artist of the USSR Sos
Sargsyan, the writer and publicist Zory Balayan and Chairman of the
Union of Armenian Writers Levon Ananyan.