Month: December 2008

GRIGOR AYVAZYAN: REFERENDUM ON KARABAKH IN AZERBAIJAN CANNOT BE LEGAL
Gita Elibekyan

"Radiolur"
04.12.2008 16:26

More than 418 thousand Armenians have emigrated from Azerbaijan to
Armenia since 1988. Today the number of refugees in Armenia reaches
300 thousand in Armenia and 35 thousand in Nagorno Karabakh. President
of the "Assembly of Azerbaijani Armenians" Grigor Ayvazyan says that
they spread all over the world because of the genocide organized
by Azerbaijan.

Besides, according to Azerbaijani Constitution, the person born in
Azerbaijan is considered the citizen of the country. Therefore, as
Grigor Ayvazyan notes, if a referendum on Nagorno Karabakh is held
in Azerbaijan, it cannot be considered legal.

Azerbaijani Armenians view Ilham Aliyev as the head of the Muslim
community of Azerbaijan and note that he does not have the right
to speak on behalf of the whole people of Azerbaijan. Azerbaijani
Armenians demand to include a provision in the negotiation process,
according to which Azerbaijan will have to receive back its half a
million Armenian citizens and guarantee their security.

If Azerbaijan is not ready to do that, it should ensure a moral
and material reimbursement, which, according to Ayvazyan, makes
$100 million.

Are Azerbaijani Armenians ready to return to their previous places
of residence? Ayvazyan assures that most of them have expressed
willingness to return to their main places of re sidence.

DEPUTY-MAYOR OF ALFORTVILLE TOWN URGED FRENCH GOVERNMENT TO ADOPT BILL ON CRIMINAL PUNISHMENT OF NEGATIONNISTS OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

De Facto
Dec 3, 2008

YEREVAN, 03.12.08. DE FACTO. On Tuesday, December 2, Mr. Rene Rouquet,
Deputy-Mayor of Alfortville town (area of Paris), with a strong
concentration of citizens of Armenian origin, challenged the French
government so that the Senate achieves a legislative evolution, in
order to punish the negationnists of the Armenian genocide of 1915,
an independent French journalist Jean Eckian told DE FACTO.

"This concern is not only that of Armenian Diaspora of France: it
is that of all those which are attached to justice and the right,
for which France, fatherland of the Rights of Man and cradle of the
lights, would be honored to adapt its legislation to condemn, penally,
the negation or the dispute of this genocide", he said.

In his answer to the deputy, Mr. Alain Marleix, Secretary of State
for interior and to the territorial collectivities, said: "concerning
the bill of which you speak, the position of the Government is clear
and known: it is not favorable to its inscription with day order of
the Senate. As I have just evoked it, the legislative device already
exists. Moreover, the Government considers that it does not belong to
the Parliament to legislate on history and that it is to the historians
for whom it returns to write and to interpret this one". Secretary of
State justified the current location of the French government by the
evolution of the Turkish Armenian dialogue that "we must encourage",
he said.

To note, on this question, the French government is in total
contradiction with position of President Sarkozy, favorable to the
penalization of the negation of Armenian Genocide.

In reaction to the decision of the French government, Council of
Coordination of the Armenian Organizations of France, Calls to
demonstrate on December 10 in front of the Senate.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

NKR PRESIDENT BAKO SAHAKIAN HELD MEETING IN MOSCOW

De Facto
Dec 3, 2008

STEPANAKERT, 03.12.08. DE FACTO. On December 1 President of the
Nagorno- Karabagh Republic Bako Sahakian arrived in Moscow. On
December 2 the Head of the State held a meeting with entrepreneur
and philanthropist Vitaly Grigoriants.

According to the information DE DACTO received at the Central
Department of Information of the Office of the NKR President, the
issues related to the realization of different investment projects
in Artsakh had been discussed at the meeting. Special attention was
paid to the issue of water supply and a new impetus will be given to
the activities in this sphere.

NKR finance minister Spartak Tevosian partook at the meeting.

RA MINISTER OF DIASPORA AFFAIRS ANXIOUS ABOUT ENCROACHMENTS ON ARMENIAN CHURCHES IN GEORGIA

De Facto
Dec 3, 2008

YEREVAN, 03.12.08. DE FACTO. The RA Minister of Diaspora Affairs
Hranoush Hakobian is anxious about encroachments committed against
Armenian churches in Georgia. Hakobian stated it on December 2 in the
course of a meeting with the representatives of Georgia’s clergy –
the leader of the Eparchy of the Armenian Apostolic Church in Georgia,
episcope Vazgen Mirzakhanian and father Babken Salbiyan.

According to the information DE FACTO received at the Press Office
of the RA Ministry of Diaspora Affairs, during the meeting Hranoush
Hakobian had expressed hope that the Georgian leadership would
undertake measures to prevent from such encroachments in future.

The issues referring to the preservation of cultural-historical
monuments, repairing a school in Javakhq, studying the history of
Armenian Church in schools were discussed at the meeting.

SITTING OF THE COUNCIL OF DEFENSE MINISTERS TOOK PLACE IN MOD ARMENIA

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28.1 1.08

On November 28, 2008 the sitting of the Council of Defense Ministers of
the member states of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO)
took place in the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Armenia.

The participants signed an agreement on bilateral cooperation. RA
Defense Minsiter Seyran Ohanyan informed that during the session
the issue of creating a "Common anti-aircraft defense system"
was discussed. It has been raised many times, but has remained
unsettled. The question has long been on the CSTO agenda.

During the meeting of the OSCE Foreign Ministers in Helsinki on
December 4 the participants will discuss Russia’s new initiative of
preparing a new security agreement of Europe.

Secretary General of the Collective Security Treaty Organization
Nikolay Bordyuzha said that the CSTO member states have approved this
initiation of the Russian President: "High level consultations were
held recently on the initiative of preparing a new security agreement
in Europe.

All he partners of Russia and CSTO member states approved the idea
and agreed to develop it together.

ARMENIA, ITALY WILLING TO DEVELOP INTERPARLIAMENTARY TIES

armradio.am
03.12.2008 16:12

On December 3 the President of the National Assembly of Armenia,
Hovik Abrahamyan, received the Ambassador of the Republic of Italy
to Armenia, Massimo Lavezzo Cassinelli.

Stressing the importance of interparliamentary relations with
friendly Italy, Hovik Abrahamyan noted that the ties between the two
parliaments have a great potential of development. Mr. Abrahamyan
noted that the reciprocal visits of Deputies are also important. He
asked to convey his invitation to the Chairmen of both chambers of
the Italian Parliament, expressing confidence that the development
of interparliamentary ties will promote the reinforcement of
trade-economic and scientific-cultural ties between the two countries.

The Armenian Parliament Speaker emphasized the importance of
cooperation between the parliamentary delegations of the two countries
within international organizations. It was noted also that as an EU
member state, Italy can greatly contribute to the process of Armenia’s
European integration. Turning to the successful activity of the Italian
"Renco" Company in Armenia, Mr. Abrahamyan noted the Armenian tax
field provides favorable conditions to foreigners to launch business.

The Ambassador of Italy noted that Italians and Armenians are linked
not only with spiritual and cultural similarities, but also the
likeness of the two peoples. Mr. Cassinelli agreed tha t reciprocal
visits contribute to the development of relations and noted that
the Deputy Foreign Minister of Italy, Senator Mandini is expected to
visit Armenia in 2009. Mr. Cassinelli attached importance to the joint
work of deputy friendship groups in the direction of development of
interparliamentary relations.

During the meeting the interlocutors dwelt on domestic political and
regional issues. The parties attached importance to the resolution
of conflicts existing in the region through negotiations.

ANOTHER TRANSPORT LINK PUT INTO COMMISSION IN YEREVAN
Alisa Gevorgyan

"Radiolur"
03.12.2008 16:32

A long-expected transport link was opened in Yerevan today, which,
specialists say, will completely change the face of the city center and
will considerably improve the state of transport communication. The
red ribbon of the newly constructed high-speed highway was cut by
President Serzh Sargsyan and ex-President Robert Kocharyan.

The last sector of the high-speed highway linking the southeastern and
northwestern parts of the city is 2.6 km long. The new highway will
considerably lighten the traffic on Mashtots and Tigran Mets Avenues,
as well as Khanjyan, Alex manoogian, Isahakyan, Abovyan, Nalbandyan,
Koryun and Charents Streets and will reduce the time spent on roads.

The Mayor of Yerevan, Yervand Zakharyan, said over the past two years
unprecedented construction works have been done in the very heavy part
of the city. According to him, five new multilevel transport links
have been constructed, six pedestrian overpasses have been built,
all three bridges on Getar have been replaced. All in all, $8.5
million was allocated from State Budget for the construction works.

The Mayor of Yerevan assures that the expectations and the difficulties
the citizens of Yerevan faced during the construction works will be
fully reimbursed by the exploitation of the highway.

OSCE SECRETARY GENERAL TO VISIT ARMENIA LATER IN DECEMBER

armradio.am
03.12.2008 17:17

Within the framework of the visit the Foreign Minister of Armenia
had a meeting with OSCE Secretary General Marc Perrin de Brichambaut.

Head of Media Relations Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
of Armenia Tigran Balayan told "Radiolur" that Edward Nalbandian
and Marc Perrin de Brichambaut discussed issues connected with the
OSCE activity and its reformation. It was noted that the OSCE plays
an important role, but needs to be reformed. And the member states
should work together to work out mechanisms for effectively reacting
today’s challenges.

Later the interlocutors discussed the ways of improving the security
system in Europe. They referred to issues of activity of the OSCE
Yerevan Office.

Mr. Brichambaut said he intends to visit Armenia later in December.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

THE EASTERN PARTNERSHIP – AN AMBITIOUS NEW CHAPTER IN THE EU’S RELATIONS WITH ITS EASTERN NEIGHBOURS

armradio.am
03.12.2008 17:29

The Commission’s proposal for a new Eastern Partnership represents
a step change in the EU’s relations with Armenia, Azerbaijan,
Belarus , Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine. This ambitious Partnership
foresees a substantial upgrading of the level of political engagement,
including the prospect of a new generation of Association Agreements,
far-reaching integration into the EU economy, easier travel to
the EU for citizens providing that security requirements are met,
enhanced energy security arrangements benefitting all concerned,
and increased financial assistance.

The EU proposes much more intensive day to day support for partners’
reform efforts through a new Comprehensive Institution Building
programme, and a new multilateral dimension which will bring partners
together to address common challenges. The new Partnership includes
new measures to support the social and economic development of the 6
countries, and five flagship initiatives that will give very concrete
evidence of the EU’s support.

President José Manuel Barroso stated: "Only with strong political
will and commitment on both sides will the Eastern Partnership achieve
its objective of political association and economic integration. We
need to make an even greater investment in mutual stability and
prosperity. This will be quickly compensated by important political
and economic benefits and will lead to more stability and security
both for the EU and for our Eastern partners."

"The time is ripe to open a new chapter in relations with our Eastern
neighbours" -Commissioner for External Relations and European
Neighbourhood Policy Benita Ferrero-Waldner added. "Building on
the progress of the last years we have prepared an ambitious and
at the same time well-balanced offer. The security and stability of
the EU is affected by events taking place in Eastern Europe and in
the Southern Caucasus. Our policy towards these countries should be
strong, proactive and unequivocal.

The EU will continue with the successful approach of tailor-made
programmes on a new scale and add a strong multilateral dimension. It
remains our principle though that progress must go hand in hand with
reform efforts by our partners, but this new package also offers more
intensive assistance to help them meet their goals."

The Eastern Partnership responds to the desire of the EU’s Eastern
neighbours to move closer to the European Union. Yet, it is also in
the EU’s vital interest to contribute to the development of stability,
better governance and economic development at its Eastern borders.

Since 1989 sweeping changes have occurred on the EU’s eastern flank.

Successive enlargements have brought greater geographic proximity
with our Eastern neighbours, while refor ms supported by the European
Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) have brought these countries politically and
economically closer to the EU. The EU has a growing responsibility
to the partners to help them address the political and economic
challenges they face and support their aspirations for closer ties,
not least in the light of the conflict in Georgia last summer.

Following the conflict in the Caucasus the European Council of the
1st September requested the Commission to present its proposal earlier
than previously foreseen.

Following consultations with the Eastern Partners the Commission
proposes to engage more deeply bilateral relations with the
Eastern Partners and to launch a new multilateral framework for
cooperation. The main new points of the initiative are:

New association agreements including deep and comprehensive free trade
agreements for those willing and ready to take on the far-reaching
commitments with the EU that these entail; Comprehensive programmes
funded by the EU to improve partners’ administrative capacity; Gradual
integration into the EU economy (with the asymmetry appropriate to
the partners’ economies) including legally binding commitments on
regulatory approximation; Encourage partners to develop a free trade
network between themselves which could in the longer term join up
into a Neighbourhood Economic Community The conclusion of "mobility
and security pacts", allowing for easier legitimate travel to the
EU while at the same time stepping up efforts to combat corruption,
organized crime and illegal migration. These pacts would also cover
the upgrading asylum systems to EU standards and the establishment
of integrated border management structures, etc. the ultimate goal
being visa-free travel with all cooperating partners; The Commission
will study possibilities for labour mobility with the aim of opening
the EU labour market further; Enhanced energy security for the EU
and its Eastern Partners; Programmes addressing economic and social
development in the partner countries, particularly addressing sharp
economic and social disparities in their countries Creation of four
multilateral policy platforms: on Democracy, good governance and
stability; Economic integration and convergence with EU policies,
Energy security; and Contacts between people to further support
partners’ individual reform efforts Flagship initiatives: Integrated
Border Management Programme; SME facility; promotion of Regional
electiricity markets, energy efficiency and renewable energy sources;
development of the Southern energy corridor; and co operation on
Prevention, preparedness for and response to natural and man-made
disasters More people-to-people contacts and greater involvement
of civil society and other stakeholders, including the European
Parliament; Additional financial assistance – 350mln.

The Commission proposes to launch this initiative in spring 2009 at
a special "Eastern Partnership Summit".

–Boundary_(ID_kTO1WNH0M8D1q9LGoo9L Zw)–

IN SUPPORT OF BISHOP AJAPAHYAN, PRIMATE OF SHIRAK DIOCESE

Lragir.am
12:32:29 – 03/12/2008

The Miatsum national initiative released a statement on December 3
which holds: "The Miatsum national initiative condemns with strong
determination the illegal and defiling action of the mayor of Gyumri
Vardan Ghukasyan against the primate of the Diocese of Shirak Bishop
Michael Ajapahyan and asserts its support to the primate to protect
the authority of the Armenian Church from the criminal aspirations
of the mayor.

The Miatsum national initiative reminds the Armenian government
that supporting the criminal encroachments by people like Vardan
Ghukasyan who are widely-known criminals and denigrate the Armenian
state upon the primate of the Diocese of Shirak transgress morality
and good sense.

… Stating that the necessity for protecting the native land
would not occur if the Armenian political and spiritual elite of
Armenia realized its role and responsibility before the Armenians,
the Miatsum national initiative underscores our civil duty to support
Bishop Michael Ajapahyan for the sake of strong will to build a fair,
strong Armenian state based on the spiritual values of the Armenian
civilization and the rule of constitutional law."