Month: December 2008

TURKEY TO BRING AZERBAIJAN AND ARMENIA TOGETHER IN EARLY 2009

Hurriyet
Dec 26 2008
Turkey

Turkish, Azerbaijani, and Armenian foreign ministers will meet
to discuss the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in early 2009, while the
agreement on the proposed Caucasus platform could also be signed in
the coming year, news reports said.

Hulusi Kilic, Turkey’ Ambassador to Azerbaijan, told at a press
conference in Baku late on Thursday that the diplomats from countries
in the region have been holding talks to draw the draft agreement on
the Caucasus Security and Cooperation Platform.

The agreement could be signed in 2009, he added, Azerbaijani news
agency Day.Az reported on Friday.

Turkey proposed to format a platform in the Caucasus to boost dialogue
and to seek peaceful solutions to the conflicts in the region after a
war between Russia and Georgia erupted in August. Turkey has increased
its diplomatic campaign towards countries in the region. Russia,
Georgia, Turkey, Armenia, as well as Azerbaijan, are expected to join
the platform.

Turkey wants the Nagorno-Karabakh issue to be solved through peaceful
means under international law, Kilic added. "Turkey has been waiting
for the problem to be solved for 15 years. It does not have the
patience to wait another 15 years," he was quoted as saying by
state-run Anatolian Agency.

Nagorno-Karabakh, a frozen conflict legacy of the Soviet Union, has
been standing at the center of Azerbaijan-Armenia and Turkey-Armenia
relations. Turkey has closed its borders with Armenia due to Yerevan’s
aggression against Azerbaijan.

The conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia began in 1988 on Armenian
territorial claims over Azerbaijan. Since 1992 Armenian Armed Forces
have occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan including the Nagorno-Karabakh
region and its seven surrounding districts.

Both countries continue with fruitless peace negotiations. The OSCE
Minsk Group, co-chaired by the United States, Russia, and France,
is engaged in peace settling of the conflict.

Kilic said Turkey advocated Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and
rightful stance of Azerbaijan on the matter, noting, "The Upper
Karabakh problem should be solved soon and the occupation should end."

The issue would dominate the agenda of the meeting between Turkish,
Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers planned to be held in
January or February, Azerbaijani TrendNews reported Kilic as saying.

Ali Babacan of Turkey, Elmar Mammadyarov of Azerbaijan and Edward
Nalbandian of Armenia will also discuss the Caucasus Platform which
was initiated by Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan, he said.

PARLIAMENT DISCUSSES DRAFT REFERENDUM ACT ON ANNEXES AND AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN

Azeri Press Agency
Dec 26 2008
Azerbaijan

Baku. Elbrus Seyfullayev-APA. Today’s sitting of the Parliament
conducted discussions on current issues, APA reports.

MPs spoke about problems related to gas and energy supply. MP Igbal
Agazadeh noted that measures should be taken to eliminate problems
on gas, energy supply. MPs Iltizam Akbarli, Fazil Mustafa stated
importance of these issues. Mustafa touched upon headquarters
of political parties and noted that several parties were without
headquarters in Azerbaijan. MP proposed the government to allocate
a land plot to construct headquarters.

MP Gudrat Hasanguliyev noted that 450 people appealed him about
swindling them by GEN Ltd. Hasanguliyev added that though swindlers
were arrested, injured people were left without houses. MP proposed
to share plot of lands to injured people.

MP Gular Ahmadova made a keynote speech about Azerbaijani TV
Channels. Except AzTV Channel, other Channels have negative impact
on psychology and morality of people.

MP Asim Mollazadeh told about campaign apologizing to
Armenians. Mollazadeh stated that whole Turkic World should demand
Armenians to apologize for Khojali massacre. He added that Azerbaijan’s
Military Prosecutor’s Office has not yet concluded a criminal case on
Khojali massacre by now. Mollazadeh proposed Azerbaijani Parliament
to be a member of European criminal court and protect citizens’
rights violated by Armenians.

MP Zahid Oruj provided information about smuggling of several
Armenian-made products to Azerbaijan and stressed that serious measures
should be taken on such kind of cases.

After the discussion of the current issues, the Parliament conducted
discussions on draft referendum act on annexes and amendments to the
Constitution. MPs presented their proposals on the issue. Speaker
of the Parliament Ogtay Asadov underlined that 46 MPs would address
the Parliament related to the issue. The Speaker urged MPs to be
attentive. Asadov noted that, the issue was linked with proposed
annexes and amendments to the Article 29 of the Constitution but not
the prolongation of the presidential term.

SERGEY RYABKOV: "RUSSIA AND THE US COOPERATE ON THE SETTLEMENT OF NAGORNO KARABAKH WELL"

Azeri Press Agency
Dec 26 2008
Azerbaijan

Baku. Lachin Sultanova-APA. Russia and the US cooperate on the
settlement of Nagorno Karabakh well, "Russian Deputy Foreign Minister
Sergey Ryabkov said, APA reports.

The diplomat spoke about 2009 prospects of Russia- US relations and
noted that both of countries had divergence of opinion on regional
crisis and conflicts.

"But several situations caused to productive cooperation. We cooperate
on the settlement of Nagorno Karabakh conflict productively. The
US-Russia cooperation is of importance for Near East. The two countries
have difference of opinion on South Ossetia and Abkhazia," he added.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

CHARLES AZNAVOUR CITIZEN OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA

armradio.am
26.12.2008 11:14

On December 25 the President of Armenia, Serzh Sargsyan, signed a
decree on granting Armenian citizenship to renowned singer, public
figure, National Hero of the Republic of Armenia Charles Aznavour
and his impresario, Movses Khorenatsi Medal holder Levon Sayan,
President’s Press Office reported.

ARMENIA FUND DONATES FACILITIES TO PUBLIC TELEVISION AND HOSPITALS IN NAGORNO KARABAKH

armradio.am
26.12.2008 13:23

The Artsakh Public TV Company located in Stepanakert will start the
New Year equipped with facilities donated by the Hayastan Fund USA
West Coast affiliate.

The Director of the Artsakh TV Company pointed out that the existing
technical equipment, also donated years ago by the Hayastan Fund,
is now obsolete and frequently causes problems in broadcasting timing
and quality.

The US $100 000 worth equipment will enhance technical capacity of
the company; digital cameras, video and graphic server, audio mixers
and meter crane will improve service quality, which in its turn will
enable attract more audience.

The Public TV project is not the only initiative launched by
the Hayastan Fund within the infrastructure technology upgrade
project. Three ambulances funded by the Fund USA West Coast and French
affiliates have been donated to Askeran, Shushi and Martuni hospitals.

"Our goal is to support comprehensive development of communities, and
hence almost no sphere is left out of the attention of the Hayastan
Fund," says the Hayastan Fund Acting Executive Director Ara Vardanyan.

SERZH SARGSYAN: SEVAN IS ONE OF THE MOST VALUABLE RESOURCES OF ARMENIA

armradio.am
26.12.2008 15:07

On December 25 President Serzh Sargsyan signed an order on
establishment of a Commission on issues of Lake Sevan. The order sets
the structure of the Commission.

Vladimir Movsisyan, Executive Director of the Forest Reforestation and
Development Fund has been appointed President of the Commission. Yuri
Javadyan, Director of the Hayjrnakhagits Institute is the Vice
President.

Today the President of the Republic held working consultations with
members of the Commission.

Noting that the consultations are aimed at launching the activity of
the Commission and coordinating its principles, President Sargsyan
said: "I do not consider it necessary to dwell on the issue of
importance of Lake Sevan for Armenia. The issues connected with Sevan
are of vital importance for us. It is directly or indirectly linked to
a number of spheres – environmental protection, agriculture, energy,
fish breeding, drinking water, etc. It’s easier to say what it is
not connected with.

Without any exaggeration, Sevan is one of the most valuable resources
of Armenia, and its importance will only be growing during the years
to come.

We must be able to properly preserve and develop this gift of
nature. On the other hand, we should be able to make a reasonable
and full use of it. It is our duty.

I should note with20appreciation that a great work has been done in
the direction of protecting Sevan over the past ten years. Today we
must make greater efforts to solve the issues Sevan faces. I think
the Commission is going to become a powerful engine of it. These are
my expectations. We must be able to achieve essential results in this
direction in 2009."

The President of the Republic pointed to several issues that should
be the main task of the Commission. He said it’s necessary to control
all kinds of economic activity that can have a negative influence on
the ecosystem of the lake.

President of the Commission, Executive Director of the Forest
Reforestation and Development Fund Vladimir Movsisyan said the
establishment of such commission speaks about the resoluteness of
the Armenian authorities to solve the existing problems. According
to Vladimir Movsisyan, members of the Commission are professionals,
who have the experience and ability to solve the issues.

YEAR-END NEWS CONFERENCE AT THE DIASPORA MINISTRY
Gita Elibekyan

"Radiolur"
26.12.2008 15:59

Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan gave a year-end press conference
today. Diaspora journalist participated in the conference via Internet.

Speaking about the programs envisaged for 2009, the Minister said
those will further strengthen the Armenia-Diaspora ties. Next year
the Ministry will organize events honoring Charles Aznavour, Kirk
Kirkorian and Alex Manoogian.

The Ministry of Diaspora has a history of three months already. During
the period the staff has almost been shaped, the programs for 2009
have been determined.

"Next year the Ministry will submit two doctrines to the Government,
which are related to the development of the Armenian communities
in Georgia and Latin American states. The process of assimilation
in Latin American States and many regions of Georgia is very speedy,
the Minister of Diaspora notes, adding that five main questions should
be solved for world-spread Armenians. These include preservation of
the Armenian national identity, purity of language, support to the
investments of Diaspora Armenians.

Besides, every Armenian should certainly come to Armenia, even if as
a tourist, the Minster said.

As for the repatriation program of the Ministry, Hranush Hakobyan said
that proper conditions will be created for those who wish to return to
Armenia, noting that it will not be imposed like in 1946-1948. Beside
s, According to Mrs. Hakobyan, saying repatriation we should first of
all understand return of Armenians. "We want the Armenian separated
from his roots and identity, to be inspired with his Armenia, his
community and church."

Wishing Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, Minister Hakobyan called
on world-spread Armenians to assemble around the Motherland and make
it more powerful.

ARMENIA PM TIGRAN SARGSYAN MEETS REPRESENTATIVES OF ETHNIC MINORITIES

armradio.am
26.12.2008 16:54

The Prime Minister of Armenia, Tigran Sargsyan, received today
representatives of Armenia’s ethnic minorities. Issues related to
social, educational, cultural and other problems ethnic minorities
are concerned about were discussed.

Tigran Sargsyan noted that on the threshold of the New Year, this
meeting with national minorities is a good opportunity to discuss the
issues they are concerned about and reaching agreements on programs
for the coming years. "We are inclined to solve the existing urgent
issues through cooperation with you," the Prime Minister assured.

Discussed were issues related to the socio-economic condition of
the communities of ethnic minorities, improvement of community roads
and other infrastructures, establishment of preschool institutions,
publishing textbooks for national minorities, training of teachers,
reconstruction of schools, etc.

At the end of the meeting Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan noted that
all the questions raised by representatives of national minorities
and their suggestions will be discussed and certain information on
their solution will be presented during the next meeting. "I’m sure
that you share with us all the economic, social and other difficulties,
and the development of our country should certainly improve your life,"
Tigran Sargsyan said.

Wishing a Merry Christ mas and a Happy New Year, the Prime Minister
wished success to all the communities of ethnic minorities.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PARLIAMENTARY SPEAKER: I THINK PRESIDENT WILL DECLARE AMNESTY AFTER TRIAL IN ‘THE CASE OF THE SEVEN’

ArmInfo
2008-12-26 15:05:00

ArmInfo. ‘I am sure that in 2009 the Armenian authorities will
settle the country’s problems by the combined efforts’, Parliamentary
Speaker Hovik Abrahamyan told media at the New Year reception in the
Parliament Friday.

Asked if the new speaker has managed to increase the role of the
Armenian National Assembly within the three months of his appointment,
H. Abrahamyan replied: ‘It is impossible to increase the role of the
parliament within few months or a year. It is a long process. In 2009
we intend to regularly visit Armenian regions to meet electors’. The
speaker mentioned that an analysis was carried out that revealed that
the initiator of 92% of the laws adopted by the parliament is the
government and only 7.5% were initiated by the parliament. ‘We should
do our best in order parliamentarians make legislative initiatives
more frequently. In addition, the speaker said that the Constitutional
Court recognized 21 laws contradicting to the Constitution. ‘However,
a special working group has already brought these laws in conformity
with the Constitution’, he said.

As regards PACE recommendations to Armenia, Abrahamyan said: ‘We
should do our best to fulfill CE requirements. It is in favor of our
country. If there are any requirements contradicting our interests,
we will not fulfill them.

As regards the possible amnesty by Armenian President to the defendants
under the ‘Case of the Seven’, Hovik Abrahamyan said: ‘Certainly,
it is my personal opinion, but I think the president will sign a
decree on amnesty after the trial in ‘the case of the seven", he said.

ARMENIAN COMMERCIAL ORGANIZATIONS GRANTED A RIGHT TO DETERMINE THEIR AUTHORIZED CAPITAL

ArmInfo
2008-12-26 12:18:00

ArmInfo. Armenian Parliament adopted a Bill ‘On Amendments to the Civil
Code’ in the first reading, Friday. In addition, parliamentarians
made alterations and amendments to the laws ‘On State Registration
of Legal Entities’, ‘On Joint Stock Companies’, ‘On Limited Liability
Companies’.

Deputy Minister of Justice Gagik Malkhasyan said the package
of bills that has been submitted by the Government aims to boost
ntrepreneurship. At present, the minimal size of authorized capital
for LLCs is 50,000 drams, for CJSCs – 100,000 drams and for OJSCs –
1 million drams. The government proposes exempted these companies of
compulsory standards of authorized and allowing them to determine
their authorized capitals. The bill liquidates another provision
pursuant to which the whole authorized capital is to be invested in
these companies. In addition, the present law stipulates that the
state register audits the documents of an enterprise to reveal the
compliance of the regulations of commercial organizations to the
effective legislation. This provision is liquidated as well. An
organization from now and on will be reorganized in a facilitated
regime. Liquidation of an organization requires just a reference on
social and tax payments.

Registration of liquidated organizations takes a day. The provision
on compulsory seals on documents is liquidated as well.