Month: December 2008

ARMENIAN PRESIDENT IS GRATEFUL TO TURKISH NATION FOR THEIR ASSISTANCE RENDERED AFTER SPITAK EARTHQUAKE

Trend News Agency
Dec 25 2008
Azerbaijan

Turkey, Ankara, Dec. 25 /TrendNews, A.Alasgarov/ Armenian President
Serzh Sargsyan sent a letter of gratitude to his Turkish counterpart
Abdullah Gul and thanked for Turkey’s held rendered after earthquake
in Spitak city of Armenia.

In the letter, Sargsyan expresses his gratitude for assistance and
mentions that the rendered humanitarian aid will always remain in
memory and illuminate peace, as well as strengthen good will," Star
newspaper said.

Earthquake in Spitak city of Armenian took place in Dec. 1988. At
that time, a great group of Azerbaijanis, who have been sent to render
assistance injured people, died in air accident.

So far, reasons of air accident of the Azerbaijani plane in the
Armenian air space have not been yet determined.

MESUD YILMAZ: "CAMPAIGN OF APOLOGY CREATES PSYCHOLOGICAL GROUND FOR THE DECISION OF US CONGRESS"

Azeri Press Agency
Dec 25 2008
Azerbaijan

Ankara-APA. "So far lawmaking bodies of sixteen countries and 25 states
of the Unites States adopted a special law to recognizeso-called
"Armenian genocide", but now more serious step is on the agenda. US
Congress is expected to recognize so-called "Armenian genocide"
before the next April. The campaign of apology in Turkey aims to create
psychological ground for this decision", former Turkish Prime Minister
and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mesud Yilmaz said in his address to
the Parliament, APA reports, citing the Turkish online resources. He
called on all people from the president to the ordinary citizens to
seriously protest this campaign and to defend the country’s official
position. Yilmaz said 1915 events were not genocide. "Unfortunately
there were some painful events during movement of Armenians, but
objective historians said that these events couldn’t be evaluated
as genocide. These processes can be named technically as reciprocal
murders. Unfortunately many Turkish, Kurdish and Armenian citizens
of our country were killed in those events".

Yilmaz added that Turkey didn’t mention this problem for long years,
but after the Armenian terrorist organization ASALA’s terrorist actions
the historians were allowed to open the archives of 1914-1915 of
Ottoman Empire. "Turkey demands the neutral international scientific
team to investigate this issue. It is a position understandable for
the cultural countries. Everyone in Turkey must support this position".

EU WELCOMES MOSCOW, HELSINKI DECLARATIONS ON NAGORNO-KARABAKH

Hurriyet
Dec 25 2008
Turkey

The European Union has welcomed the Nov.2 Moscow declaration and the
Dec.4 Helsinki declaration on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, EU foreign
policy chief Javier Solana told an Azeri news agency on Thursday.

It has become even clearer that a military solution to the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is not an option after the Russia-Georgia
conflict in August, Solana told the Trend News Agency.

"In this spirit, we welcomed the Moscow declaration of 2 November and
the declaration of Helsinki of 4 December, as they confirmed that all
sides sign up to the need for a peaceful solution. We fully support
the Minsk Group and we ready to help in any way we can, for instance
through confidence-building measures and people-to-people contacts,"
he said.

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.

Some 10 percent of the Azeri population was displaced due to a
series of bloody clashes both between and within the two neighboring
countries.

In 1994, Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a ceasefire agreement at which
time the active hostilities ended. The Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk
Group are currently holding peaceful negotiations.

The conflict in Georgia has demonstrated the vulnerability of the
region as well as the complexity of the conflicts and the high risks
related to them, he added.

Regional cooperation and constructive dialogue are hence more essential
than ever for the region’s stability, prosperity and progress, he said.

"In this context, we welcomed the recent signs of rapprochement
between Armenia and Turkey as a basis for the normalization of
bilateral relations. We strongly encourage both parties to continue
this path and pursue constructive dialogue", Solana said.

Progress in resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict will also
facilitate the normalization of relations between Azerbaijan and
Armenia, he said adding there is now a momentum that should not
be lost.

"We actively encourage any form of regional cooperation and
constructive dialogue leading to stronger ties between the countries
in the region as the best way to create prosperity and stability
for all. Don’t forget that the European Union is itself a very good
example of regional co-operation and of how conflicts can be overcome,"
he added.

Helsinki and Moscow declarations, signed by Armenian and Azerbaijani
officials, called for a "peaceful resolution" to the countries’
dispute over the province of Nagorno-Karabakh on the basis of "binding
international guarantees", taking a step further towards resolution
of the conflict.

"MERRY CHRISTMAS" IN IRAN

MidEastYouth.com
/2008/12/25/merry-christmas-in-iran/
Dec 25 2008

On December 25, when all Radio and TV channels have special programs
for new year, I’d never call my Iranian Christian friends to say them
a warm "Merry Christmas". Since in this day there is no celebration in
their house. Christmas for Iranian Christians is started since January
6 and of course there are many stories behind this different time.

I don’t really know much of details, though. Catholic, Protestant
and the mainstream of Orthodox churches usually introduce the Jesus’s
birth on December 25. But Iranian Armenian church -which is part of
Armenian churches- is completely an independent sect in christianity
and with some other Christian sects believe the birthday of Jesus to
be on 6th January. So instead of starting celebrations 5 days before
new year, they start them 5 days after new year.

All this story is for Armenians which are mainstream christians in
Iran. But for Assyrian Christians the story is somehow same as all
over the world. Assyrian Christians follow catholic church so their
holiday is started since 5 days before new year.

However there is no relation between 1st January as first day of
new year and Jesus’s birth. The Georgian calendar and the new year
comes from Pagan-mostly mithraism- traditions before foundation
of christianity.Even though the start of counting is from Jesus’s
birth year.

That’s all about the date. And now about turkey. Maybe you think
Iranian Christians also eat turkey in new year. So you’re wrong. There
is no such a tradition between Christians here. At least among
Armenians, turkey is not a usual meal of the Christmas. Most of the
time, Iranian Christians cook some meals which are mostly common
within the Persian new year too; Vegetable Rice with fish. They used
to think that’s a christian trasition which got to be a persian habit
for all Iranians too. But later they realised there is not such foods
in Armenia. They’re only Iranian Armenians who love to make Iranian
food for new year.

By the way, Iranian Christians are divided in two groups. The first
group like to celebrate Christmas. And the second group are those who
don’t celebrate Christmas. The first group usually like any kind of
celebrations and parties. So they even celebrate Persian New Year
which is at the first day of spring on March 21. The second group
neither celebrate the Georgian New year nor goes to parties. There’s
just no especial reason for that, maybe they’ve got so mixed with
the Iranian culture and persian feasts.

Well, anyhow, some of Iranian Christians celebrate Christmas with
all over the world. They decorate pine trees and all walls of house
with beautiful little colorful bulbs and papers. Nowadays some of
them use artificial trees and invite all relatives and friends for
a big party and a delicious Iranian dinner.

Some of them also don’t celebrate it as such. They have a dinner for
Jesus’s birthday and let their New year be only Persian New Year in
spring. They think cutting pine trees will destroy the nature.

Along with Iranian Christians, some Iranians from other faiths i.e
Muslims love to celebrate Christmas. Whether they want to celebrate an
international event and be part of the big world or It happens they
have Christian friends and they claim to invite them for a delicious
dinner. Regarding the fact that saying a warm Merry Christmas to
Christian friends can be joyful very often.

My Christian friends like a snowy Christmas. Indead Christmas without
snow has a missing part. Most of the time, during Christmas it’s
snowing here. Specially in north of Tehran there is usually good
snowing in winters.

With snow, i remember Papa Noel walking in the streets with his
gifts. Like those childhood cartoons that i used to watch. Maybe
there is no harm for nature that people use artificial trees instead
of having fragrance of fresh pine at home.

I don’t know how many little match-sellers in Hans Christian Andersen’s
stories stay alive under snow. When there’s snowing, I always remember
those homless poor people too..

Let’s hope for good. Let’s hope that every kind of new years, Persian,
Islamic, jewish and Georgian bring us the good news of a union
against injustice. Let’s hope for a world without poverty, ignorance
and fanatism. Let’s wish our best wishes for our generation and the
coming generations after us that they identify their purpose of being
and help make this world a more tolerable one in which to breathe.

Christmas is coming again. I’m getting ready to call my Christian
friends 5 days after new year. Let me tell you right now, from an
Iranian Muslim woman to Iranians and all people around the world
who will be light-hearted, at least for some days, for some hours,
for a moment or as long as a smile: "Merry Christmas to You all.."

NO MILITARY SOLUTION FOR NAGORNO-KARABAKH CONFLICT: OSCE MINSK GROUP CO-CHAIRMAN

Trend
Dec 25 2008
Azerbaijan

The non-use of force must be the basic component in solution of the
Nagorno- Karabakh conflict, OSCE Minsk Group co- chairman Matthew
Bryza, said.

"It is obvious to me that no military solution of the Nagorno- Karabakh
conflict do exists", Bryza, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State,
said in the interview for Mediamax.

Both the Presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia do not desire new war,
which will become tragedy for both sides. Sides attained an essential
progress in settlement of conflict, he believes."I think that the
main achievement in the settlement process in 2008 became rising
of constructive relations between Presidents Sargsyan and Aliyev",
Bryza said.

A Moscow declaration was signed as a result of the last meeting of
Presidents of Azerbaijan, Armenia ad Russia -Ilham Aliyev, Serzh
Sargysyan and Dmitri Medvedev on Nov. 2. This document envisages
settlement of the conflict on the basis of international law and made
decisions and documents. This creates favorable terms for economic
development and comprehensive cooperation in the region.

Presidents Sargsyan and Aliyev noted in the Moscow declaration that
the sides must intensify efforts to approve main principles in close
cooperation with Minsk Group co-chairs.

According to Bryza, Presidents should prepare their community to make
compromise, resulted in peace, stability and prospecting.

The states-co-chairs ( Russia, France, and the US) and all OSCE Minsk
Group participating states recognize the territorial integrity of
Azerbaijan, Bryza said.

At the early 2009 co-chairs will visit the region with an aim to make
preparation for Presidents’ meeting.

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.

WHY AZERBAIJAN HAS NO FULL DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS WITH ISRAEL

Journal of Turkish Weekly
-azerbaijan-has-no-full-diplomatic-relations-with- israel.html
Dec 25 2008
Turkey

Azerbaijan and Israel has a developed relationship on the economical
and political spheres and Israel consider Azerbaijan as its important
strategic partner in the region. But despite of the developed
relationship between these states Azerbaijan has no full diplomatic
relation with Israel. This factor has a great impact on the relations
between two states. During her interview with the Azerbaijani news
agency Today.Az, Israeli Foreign Minister Tsipi Livni also addressed a
statement to the Azerbaijani government that why Azerbaijani embassy
has not been opened in Israel. For answering this question we have
to look at the historical development of the relations between these
two countries and analyze the reason why Azerbaijan has not opened
its embassy in Israel.

Azerbaijan is the third Muslim country after Turkey and Egypt to
develop bilateral strategic and economic relations with Israel. It
established relations with Israel after gaining its independence in
1991. Azerbaijan is a secular state with eight million predominantly
Shiite and ethnically Turkic population. But despite it is religious
view, Azerbaijan has no anti-Semitic tradition in its history. Even
from the late 19th century, Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan,
became one of the centres of the Zionist movement in the Russian empire
and the first Havevei Zion (Lovers of Zion) was created here in 1891,
followed by the first Zionist organization in 1899.

The movement remained strong in the short-lived Democratic Republic
of Azerbaijan (1918-1920) marked with the establishment of the Jewish
Popular University in 1919, and a number of schools, social clubs,
benevolent societies and cultural organizations. Even the Minister of
Health, Dr. Yevsei Gindes, of the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan
was an Ashkenazi Jew.

Following history we know that, Russia was one of the birth places
of the anti-Semitism in Europe. Because of that reason, with the
occupation of Azerbaijan by the Soviet Union in 1920, all Jews
organizations in Azerbaijan were closed. Beginning in the 1960s,
Azerbaijani Jewish community has experienced cultural revival. Jewish
samizdat (Samostoyatelnoe Izdatelstvo-independent publication,
during the Soviet Union there was such a publication, which had no
connection to the state) publication began. Many cultural and Zionist
organizations were re-established in Baku and Sumgait since 1987,
and the first legal Hebrew courses and the first Jews Sochnut School
in the Soviet Union was opened in Baku, in 1982.

Today the country has prided itself on its good relations with
Israel and Jewish minority in the country. Azerbaijan is a home to
some 11,000 Mountain Jews, residing primarily in Baku and Krasnaya
Sloboda settlement in the Quba district of Azerbaijan. There are also
nearly 5000 Ashkenazi Jews living mostly in Baku.

While looking at the relations of Israel with the Azerbaijan Republic,
since its independence in 1991, Azerbaijan has a good relation on
the field of strategic matters, security, and trade, cultural and
educational exchange with Israel. After independence of Azerbaijan,
there were diplomatic negotiations over the exchange ambassadors
between the two states. Eliezer Yotvat appointed as a first ambassador
of Israel to Azerbaijan. But the embassy of Azerbaijan has not been
open in Israel.

In October 2001, President of Azerbaijan, Haydar Aliyev pledged
to open an embassy in Israel and sent his Foreign Minister to
visit Israeli government. But until today Azerbaijan has not
fulfilled its responsibility to open an embassy in Israel, because
of some political events. Azerbaijan has said that, its complicated
geopolitical situation, particularly its proximity to Iran, as well
as its membership in international Islamic organizations, prevented
it from opening a mission in Israel.

But despite all these, Azerbaijan-Israel strategic cooperation
grows step by step; even Azerbaijani government has an unofficial
representative, AZAL (Azerbaijan National Airline), in Israel.

Iran Islamic Republic was worry about the development of the relation
between Azerbaijan and Israel. For that reason after Ilham Aliyev
became the president of Azerbaijan in October 2003, Iran, the biggest
threat for Israel in the Middle East, tried to improve the diplomatic
relations with Azerbaijan in favour of cutting relations with
Israel. Even several high-level Iranian military officers visited Baku
in August 2004, intended Azerbaijan to cease security cooperation with
Israel and stop receiving Israeli military and intelligence officers.

But for Azerbaijan to have relationship with Israel is much more
important than Iran, because Israel was one of the strategic partners
and supporters of Azerbaijan in Karabakh War with Armenia. As a
result of Nagorno-Karabakh War, nearly 20% of Azerbaijan territory
was occupied by Armenian troops and till today it has been under
the control of Armenia. The war caused almost one million Azeris to
flee from Armenia and the occupied territories. In this war Iran and
Russia traditionally supported Armenia. When war broke out, Iran just
remained largely neutral despite the fact that a large Shiite majority
inhabited Azerbaijan. Iran, a country ruled by Muslim Shiites, has an
Azeri ethnic minority population living in the northwest corner of the
country, known as "southern Azerbaijan", totaling more than 25 million
people, compared with a population in Azerbaijan of 8 million. During
the Nagorno-Garabagh conflict, Iran was suspicious that, support for
Azerbaijan against Armenia would encourage for unification between
the two "divided" Azerbaijan that had been separated by the Persian
and Russian Empires since the 19th century. Because of these Iran
supported Armenia against Azerbaijan. Even in April 1992, for example,
Iran supplied natural gas and fuel to Armenia, which helped sustain
Armenian action. Iranian-Armenian cooperation seems to be developed in
future, and currently there are negotiations over the construction of
Armenia-Iran railway and building a new gas pipeline. Iran is using
Armenia as a potential buffer to insulate against the future rise of
power of Azerbaijan.

But looking at the other side of the coin, in April 1993, in
response to the Armenian occupation of Azeri lands, Turkey closed its
border with Armenia. Throughout the conflict Israel also supported
the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. According to London based
Arabic language weekly al-Wassat, during Nagorno-Karabakh War Israel
and Turkey have provided Stinger missiles to Azerbaijan. Even many
Azerbaijanis expressed the hope that friendship with Israel may
help resolve the continued Nagorno-Karabakh dispute and expatiate
Azerbaijan’s integration with the West.

Israel also provides training for Azerbaijani security and intelligence
services, as well as security for the Azerbaijani president during his
foreign visits. Israel might have also set up electronic listening
stations along the Caspian Sea and Iranian border. In sum, Iran and
Armenia see that, cooperation between Azerbaijan and Israel is a big
threat for Iranian-Armenian relations, and also see Azerbaijan as
a part of a geostrategic axis that also includes Turkey, historical
"enemy" of Armenia, Israel, and Georgia. For that reason they want
to disrupt that axis.

Another aspect of warm relations between Israel and Azerbaijan is
currently evolving strategic partnership of both countries with Turkey
and United States. By this cooperation, Azerbaijan and Turkey try to
ensure the support of the Israel-American lobby for preventing the
attempt of a small but powerful Armenian-American lobby to influence
over the US foreign policy toward these countries.

During the visit of Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, in
1997 to Baku, the relations entered a new phase. Since that time
Israel has been developing closer relations with Azerbaijan for
modernizing the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan. Israeli military have
been a major provider of battlefield aviation, artillery, antitank,
and anti-infantry weapon to Azerbaijan.

After 9/11 terror attacks Azerbaijan took side with America as an ally
against world terrorism. Since that event a new sphere of cooperation
has emerged in security with the US. Azerbaijan has provided an air
corridor for American military efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq and
has joined the US led coalition in Iraq. These events also improved
the Azerbaijan-Israel relations strategically, because Israel is one
of the major partners of the US in the Middle East.

The Azerbaijan-Israel Friendship Society facilitates and promotes
bilateral diplomatic and business links. After the creation of the
relations, economic cooperation between Israel and Azerbaijan has
been growing significantly. Attempting to deregulate industry and to
create free market and liberal economy, attracted Israeli companies
to Azerbaijani markets. Many companies have invested in the service
sector. Bakcell, which was started as a joint venture between Ministry
of Communication of Azerbaijan and GTIB (Israel) in early 1994 as a
first cellular telephone operator in the country, can be good example.

According to the President of the Azerbaijan-Israel Business Forum,
many Israeli companies also operate in energy sector of Azerbaijan. For
instance, an Israeli based supplier of high technology to the energy
industry, mainly oil and gas field, Modcom System Ltd. opened an
office in Azerbaijan in 2000. According to UN statistical analyses,
the exports of Azerbaijan have increased from US$2 million to $323
million between 1997 and 2004. Israel was the largest importer
of Azerbaijani oil after Italy in 2002. There is a growing covert
collaboration in the energy sector between Azerbaijan and Israel.

On June 5, 2005, the 14th Caspian Oil and Gas Exhibition were opened
in Baku. In his speech during the exhibition Arthur Lenk, Ambassador
of Israel to Azerbaijan since April, 2005, talked about continuous
trade between Azerbaijan and Israel in energy sector. "-Israel and
Azerbaijan have close political and economical relations. The main
thing is that Israel buys Azerbaijan’s oil through Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan
pipeline. Interstate relations are also strengthening and the
ministries of the two countries pay mutual visits. Azerbaijani Economic
Development Minister Heydar Babayev visited Israel in February, chief
of State Committee for Azerbaijanis Living Abroad Nazim Ibrahimov in
April and Transport Minister Ziya Mammadov visited Israel two weeks
ago. Israeli Foreign Ministry official Joseph Gal has also visited
Azerbaijan recently. Deputies Prime Minister – Minister of Strategic
Planning Avigdor Liberman and Transport Minister Shaul Mofaz will visit
Azerbaijan in the second half of this year. Our positions coincide in
most strategic issues. I think that the relations between Azerbaijan
and Israel are of strategic character".

The Ambassador also mentioned that, Israel could be strategic partner
for selling Caspian oil to Asia through Ashkelon-Eilat pipeline. "-Over
the past year, discussions have begun examining the feasibility of
a pipeline corridor-with the possibility of carrying oil and natural
gas from Turkey to Israel. Such a plan, if carried out, would extend
the position of Azerbaijan crude oil to the edge of the Indian Ocean",
he said.

All these statement show that, Israel is seeking for possibilities of
importing gas from the Caspian Sea region, because it is surrendered
with oil reach countries, but has no chance to get it. Due to
partnership with Azerbaijan is significant for Israel.

Coming to the future of the relations between Azerbaijan and Israel,
it is quite unclear. Because as I mentioned above Azerbaijan is
a member of the OIC (Organization of the Islamic Conference),
which created in 1969 in response to the defeat of Arab coalition
in 1967 War (Six Day War) and one of main targetof the Organization
was regaining of the holy lands, which was occupied by Israel after
gaining its independence in 1947, with the UN Partition Plan (United
Nation General Assembly Resolution 181).

Today, Arab World demanded withdrawing of Israel from the sacred
places according to the United Nation Resolution 242 and 339
(According to these Resolution Israel has to withdraw till the 1947
borders). Azerbaijan also supports this plan in the favour of Arab
World. Even in resent Israel Lebanon War Azerbaijan was one of the
eight OIC states, which sent an ultimatum to Israel for stopping
violent action in Lebanon. Azerbaijan also agreed to send peacekeeping
forces to Lebanon.

Developing diplomatic relation with Israel will provoke Iran against
Azerbaijan, in a period of escalation of Iran-America-Israel
relation. That is a great threat for the security of
Azerbaijan. Because Iran several times declared that, if the US
declares war against us, the first target will be the US allies in the
Middle East. Today the tension between America and Iran is very high,
and Israel is one of the big supporters of America in this issue
and the first target of Iran. Developing full diplomatic relations
with Israel can damage the relations with one of the most important
neighbours of Azerbaijan. For that reason balancing policy can be
good diplomacy during this period.

But following all of these factors Azerbaijan has good economic
and cultural relations with Israel. Even, according to Azerbaijani
officials, Azerbaijan plans to open a trade office in Israel, which
will represent the Azerbaijani government in Israel. In an interview
with The Jerusalem Post, Foreign Minister Elmar Memmedyarov also
added that "having full diplomatic relations will happen for sure".

Israel investors are interested not only in the energy sector,
but also in agriculture, Azerbaijan’s largest employer and second
largest sector after oil. And Azerbaijan is a tolerant state, and
ready to develop good relations with any country, as long as, these
relations will not damage its security, national interests and also
international prestige.

REFERENCE:

1. Hilary Leila Krieger: May 17, 2006,"Azerbaijan to open trade office
in Israel", Jerusalem Post

2. Ilya Bourtman: Summer 2006, "Israel and Azerbaijan’s Furtive
Embrace", Middle East Quarterly, pp.47-57

3. Israeli Ambassador: 27 June 2007 "Azerbaijan and Israel have
strategic relations",

html

4. Joanna Sloame: July 10, 2006 "The Virtual Jewish History Tour
Azerbaijan"

http://www.jewishvirtuallib rary.org/jsource/vjw/Azerbaijan.html

5. Lev Krichevsky: February 9-13, 2006, "In meeting with
Jews, Azeri leader hints at stronger relations with Israel,
jan.shtml

6. Soner Cagaptay and Alexandr Murinson: March30, 2005, "Good Relation
between Azerbaijan and Israel: A Model for Other Muslim States in
Eurasia?" The Washington Institute for Near East Policy

7. Shamkhal Abilov, 25 July, 2007, Interview with Dr. Rovshan Ibrahimov
8. Day.Az interview with Israeli Foreign Minister Tsipi Livni, 10
November 2008,

COUNCIL ON FOREIGN POLICY AND SECURITY ISSUES FORMED IN NKR

PanARMENIAN.Net
25.12.2008 14:30 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ A group of public figures of the Nagorno Karabakh
Republic have come together to establish the Council on Foreign
Policy and Security Issues. The Council seeks to mobilize the
intellectual potential to help address issues facing Artsakh in
the realms of foreign policy and security. The Council will work to
develop recommendations for interested government and non-government
entities. To develop these recommendations Council will reach out to
the public and the expert community to discuss national issues, prepare
and publish analytical briefs, commentaries and expert assessments.

Council members commit themselves to work on the basis of principles
of national interests, non-partisanship and professional competence,
the Council head, former NKR Deputy Foreign Minister Masis Mayilyan
told PanARMENIAN.Net.

"The Council will bring together local experts as well friends of
Artsakh working abroad," Mr. Mayilian said. He expressed confidence
that Council’s work will benefit state agencies involved in foreign
policy-making.

Council members believe that work of the newly-established
non-government entity that is unique to NKR will enrich the republic’s
foreign policy agenda with sound ideas and initiatives. Civil
society’s role in formulation of the foreign policy strategy will
help the republic as it seeks to adopt decisions intended for the
defense of national interests of NKR.

TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY, RIGHT OF NATIONS TO SELF-DETERMINATION EQUAL PRINCIPLES FOR KAZAKHSTAN

PanARMENIAN.Net
25.12.2008 14:48 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Kazakhstan’s presence in OSCE Troika in 2009 and
its chairmanship in the Organization should be a manifestation of
the country’s amicable and balanced policy, a Kazakh diplomat said.

"We are willing to facilitate resolution of frozen conflicts in the
CIS. Our country fully supports the activities of the OSCE Minsk
Group," Kazakhstan’s Charge d’Affaires in Armenia Nurbolat Alimbayev
told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter.

"The principle of territorial integrity and the right of nations to
self-determination are equal for us. Any decision taken by parties
to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict with the mediation of the OSCE Minsk
Group will be admissible for Astana," he said.

YOSEF SHAGAL: KNESSET MAY RECOGNIZE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

PanARMENIAN.Net
25.12.2008 14:55 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Recognition of the Armenian Genocide by the Knesset
is possible, according to the head of Israel-Azerbaijan association.

"The calls of Turkish intellectuals to recognize the 1915 events
as Genocide received a logical response in Israel. If Turks are
discussing this issue, we can do it too, Israeli politicians suppose,"
Yosef Shagal said.

"All depends on how persistent Israel Our Home party will be in
strengthening the Baku-Ankara-Jerusalem strategic axis. At that,
other countries can play the ‘Armenian card’ and iterate Oron and
Elkin’s attempt," he said.

"As to my position, it’s unchangeable: ongoing discussion of the
subject can damage Israel’s state interests," Shagal added, Day.az
reports.

Yosef Shagal, Russian-speaking lobbyist of the Israeli-Turkic
strategic alliance announced his intention to give up politics in
the near future and return to journalism.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

LEVEL OF ARMENIAN-KAZAKH POLITICAL RELATIONS HIGH

PanARMENIAN.Net
25.12.2008 15:20 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Absence of direct communication is the main obstacle
for trade relations between Armenia and Kazakhstan, according to
Kazakhstan’s Charge d’Affaires in Armenia.

"The level of Armenian-Kazakh political relations is high, what is
proved by regular presidential meetings and consultations between
Foreign Ministries," Nurbolat Alimbayev told a news conference
in Yerevan.

"Kazakhstan’s foreign policy bases on pragmatism and balance. We enjoy
good relations with neighboring superpowers – Russia and China. Like
Armenia, Kazakhstan is a member of the Collective Security Treaty
Organization," he said.

"According to official data, the Armenian community of Kazakhstan
numbers 25 thousand. Actually, there are much more Armenians living
in our country, along with people of over 100 nationalities. At that,
our government managed to avoid inter-ethnic and religious conflicts,"
Alimbayev added.