Month: September 2009

OSCE CHAIRPERSON WELCOMES PROGRESS IN TALKS BETWEEN ARMENIA AND TURKEY

armradio.am
01.09.2009 18:05

The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis,
today welcomed Turkey and Armenia’s joint statement announcing that
they plan to start talks aiming to normalize bilateral relations,
saying such a development would contribute to regional stability.

"The establishment of diplomatic ties between Turkey and Armenia
would be a positive step not just for the South Caucasus region, but
also beyond," Bakoyannis said. "I warmly welcome this positive step
toward normalization of ties between two OSCE participating States."

Bakoyannis called on both sides to build on the positive momentum
achieved in the Swiss-led talks.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

NKR PRESIDENT HANDS IN STATE AWARDS

armradio.am
01.09.2009 18:08

In connection with the 18th anniversary of the proclamation of the
Nagorno Karabakh Republic, a solemn awarding ceremony took place at
the office of NKR President Bako Sahakyan on September 1, Central
Information Department of the Office of the NKR President reported.

The President handed in state awards to a group of officers and
privates of the NKR Defense Army, freedom fighters, well-known
specialists representing different spheres

Congratulating the attendees on the holiday, the Head of the State
rated high their input in defending, strengthening, building, and
developing Artsakh’s independent statehood.

AN ACHIEVEMENT OF ARMENIAN DIPLOMACY
Shakeh Avoyan

"Radiolur"
01.09.2009 18:18

This is an achievement of our diplomacy, Turkologist Ruben Safrastyan
said, commenting on the agreement between Armenia and Turkey to start
internal political consultations on the two protocols – the "Protocol
on the establishment of diplomatic relations" and the "Protocol on
the development of bilateral relations." However, he refrains from
calling it victory, because there can be no victories in diplomacy,
there are agreements that can be profitable or not for us.

According to the Director of the Oriental Studies Institute, the
documents are of great importance to Armenia. Why are they positive
and why are they important? Ruben Safrastyan emphasized two main
points. "First, the most important achievement is that the Turkish
diplomacy actually refused from its longstanding policy of linking
the normalization of relations to the Karabakh issue. The documents
make no reference to the Karabakh issue. The second important issue
is that they includes no reference to preventing Armenia’s efforts
targeted at the recognition of the Armenian Genocide."

"Our diplomacy should keep to this style. In that case we’ll manage
to develop our relations with Turkey without preconditions," Ruben
Safrastyan said.

TURKEY AGREES TO OPEN ARMENIAN BORDER IN 2 MONTH AFTER PROTOCOL ON DEVELOPMENT OF BILATERAL RELATIONS COMES INTO EFFECT

ArmInfo
2009-09-01 01:11:00

ArmInfo. Turkey and Armenia have agreed on opening of the Armenian
border in 2 month after the Protocol On Development of Bilateral
Relations comes into effect, says the document "Measures of
Fulfillment" of the Protocol on Development of Bilateral Relations
between Armenia and Turkey. The document says that the parties have
agreed also to conduct regular political consultations of foreign
political departments of the two states. In addition, Armenia and
Turkey have pledged to launch a dialogue to settle historical disputes
and restore mutual confidence. The parties have agreed to set up an
impartial group to study the archived documents to define the existing
problems and develop recommendations, the document says.

THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA AND THE REPUBLIC OF TURKEY HAVE AGREED TO START THEIR INTERNAL POLITICAL CONSULTATIONS ON THE TWO PROTOCOLS

ArmInfo
2009-09-01 00:35:00

ArmInfo. The Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey have agreed
to start their internal political consultations on the two protocols –
the "Protocol on the establishment of diplomatic relations" and the
"Protocol on the development of bilateral relations" – which have
been initiated in the course of their efforts under Swiss mediation,
says the press release by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign
Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia
and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey.

The two Protocols provide for a framework for the normalization of
their bilateral relations within a reasonable timeframe. The political
consultations will be completed within six weeks, following which
the two Protocols will be signed and submitted to the respective
Parliaments for the ratification on each side. Both sides will make
their best efforts for the timely progression of the ratification in
line with their constitutional and legal procedures.

The normalization of bilateral relations will contribute to the
regional peace and stability. The Republic of Armenia and the Republic
of Turkey are committed are pursuing their joint efforts with the
assistance of Switzerland.

TURKEY AND ARMENIA SHOULD DEVELOP THEIR BILATERAL RELATIONS BASING ON CONFIDENCE AND RESPECT TO THEIR MUTUAL INTERESTS: SAYS PROTOCOL ON DEVELOPMENT OF RELATIONS BETWEEN ARMENIA AND TURKEY

ArmInfo
2009-09-01 14:58:00

ArmInfo. The Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey have agreed
to start their internal political consultations on the two protocols –
the "Protocol on the establishment of diplomatic relations" and the
"Protocol on the development of bilateral relations" – which have been
initiated in the course of their efforts under Swiss mediation says
the press release by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs,
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia and the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey.

Protocol on Development of Relations Between the Republic of Armenia
and the Republic of Turkey says:

"Guided by the Protocol on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations
between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey signed on
the same day,

Considering the perspectives of developing their bilateral relations,
based on confidence and respect to their mutual interests,Determining
to develop and enhance their bilateral relations, in the political,
economic, energy, transport, scientific, cultural issues and other
fields, based on common interests of both countries,

Supporting the promotion of the cooperation between the two countries
in the international and regional organizations, especially within the
framework of the UN, the OSCE, the Council of Europe, the Euro-Atlantic
Partnership Council and the BSEC,

Taking into account the common purpose of both States to cooperate
for enhancing regional stability and security for ensuring democratic
and sustainable development of the region,

Reiterating their commitment to the peaceful settlement of regional
and international disputes and conflicts on the basis of the norms
and principles of international law,

Reaffirming their readiness to actively support the actions of the
international community in addressing common security threats to
the region and world security and stability, such as terrorism,
transnational organized crimes, illicit trafficking of drugs and arms,

1. Agree to open the common border within 2 months after entry into
force of this Protocol,

2. Agree to Conduct regular political consultation between the
Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the two countries;

Implement a dialogue on the historical dimension with the aim to
restore mutual confidence between the two nations, including an
impartial and scientific examination of the historical records and
archives to define existing problems and formulate recommendations;

Make the best possible use of existing transport, communications and
energy infrastructure and networks between the two countries and to
undertake measures in this regard;

Develop the bilateral legal framework in order to foster cooperation
between the two countries; Cooperate in the fields of science and
education by encouraging relations between the appropriate institutions
as well as promoting the exchange of specialists and students, and
act with the aim of preserving the cultural heritage of both sides
and launching common cultural projects;

Establish consular cooperation in accordance with the Vienna Convention
on Consular Relations of 1963 in order to provide necessary assistance
and protection to the citizens of the two countries;

Take concrete measures in order to develop trade, tourism and economic
cooperation between the two countries; Engage in a dialogue and
reinforce their cooperation on environmental issues.

3. Agree on the establishment of an intergovernmental bilateral
commission which shall comprise separate sub-commissions for the
prompt implementation of the commitments mentioned in operation
paragraph 2 above in this Protocol.

To prepare the working modalities of the intergovernmental commission
and its sub- commissions, a working group headed by the two Ministers
of Foreign Affairs shall be created 2 months after the day following
the entry into force of this Protocol. Within 3 months after the entry
into force of this Protocol, these modalities shall be approved at
ministerial level. The intergovernmental commission shall meet for
the first time immediately after the adoption of the said modalities.

The sub-commissions shall start their work at the latest 1 month
thereafter and they shall work continuously until the completion of
their mandates.

Where appropriate, international experts shall take part in the
sub-commissions.

The timetable and elements agreed by both sides for the implementation
of this Protocol are mentioned in the annexed document (See below),
which is an integral part of this Protocol.

This Protocol and the Protocol on the Estblishment of Diplomatic
Relation between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Turkey
shall enter into force on the same day, i.e. on the fist day of the
first month following the exchanges of instruments of ratification.

Signed …………., with copies in Armenian, Turkish and English. In
case of disagreements supremacy will be given to the English text.

Republic of Armenia Republic of Turkey

Annexed Document:

Timetable and elements for the implementation of the Protocol on
development of relations between the Republic of Armenia and the
Republic of Turkey."

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

US WARMLY WELCOMES TURKEY-ARMENIA NORMALIZATION

ArmInfo
2009-09-01 14:57:00

Arminfo. US warmly welcomes Turkey-Armenia normalization:
U.S. Department Spokesman Ian Kelly’s official statement released on
August 31, 2009 reads.

According to Kelly the United States warmly welcomes the joint
statement made by Turkey and Armenia, with Swiss participation,
outlining further steps in the normalization of their bilateral
relations. "It has long been and remains the position of the United
States that normalization should take place without preconditions
and within a reasonable timeframe," statement says.

U.S. urges Armenia and Turkey to proceed expeditiously, according
to the agreed framework as described in today’s statement. "We
remain ready to work closely with both governments in support of
normalization, a historic process that will contribute to peace,
security and stability throughout the region," the statement goes on.

LEADER OF HERITAGE PARTY PARLIAMENTARY FACTION: THE TURKISH PARTY HAS MANAGED TO PUT THEIR PRE-CONDITIONS FORWARD

ArmInfo
2009-09-01 14:55:00

ArmInfo. Nevertheless the Turkish party has managed to put their
pre-conditions forward for normalization of relations with Armenia,
the leader of the Heritage party parliamentary faction, Armen
Martirosyan, told ArmInfo correspondent when commenting on signing
of the two protocols between Armenia and Turkey: "Protocol on the
establishment of diplomatic relations" and "Protocol on development
of bilateral relations".

‘Armenian authorities could not protect its national and state
interests.

But the leadership of Turkey managed to gain the situation when 2
pre-conditions put forward by Turkey were accepted by the Armenian
party: recognition of the state borders of Turkey and agreement to
create the joint commission of historians to study the fact of the
Armenian genocide’, – Martirosyan said and added he wonders why 6
weeks timeframe was fixed for establishment of diplomatic relations. ‘I
think this is directly connected with the Karabakh conflict settlement
process, i.e. the Turkish party thinks there will be certain progress
over that period of time, naturally not in favor of Armenia’, –
he said and added that only Turkey won as a result of all this process.

To recall, Armenia and Turkey have agreed to complete political
consultations within six weeks, following which the two Protocols:
the "Protocol on the establishment of diplomatic relations" and the
"Protocol on the development of bilateral relations" – which have been
initiated in the course of their efforts under Swiss mediation, will be
signed and submitted to the respective Parliaments for the ratification
on each side. The parties have agreed to set up an impartial group
to study the archived documents to define the existing problems and
develop recommendations.

SEYRAN OHANYAN: AZERBAIJAN SUFFERS FROM THE BUDGET HYSTERIA

ArmInfo
2009-09-01 14:35:00

Arminfo. I call the statements of the Azerbaijani authorities about
direction of big funds for financing of the military budget, that the
military budget of Azerbaijan exceeds the whole budget of Armenia,
the military and budgetary hysteria, Armenian Defence Minister Seyran
Ohanyan said today at the lesson of courage held at the Yerevan
secondary school No 125 after Smbat Buyrat.

‘In 1988 Azerbaijan used to leave us behind because of its military
equipment. But the freedom loving spirit of the Armenian soldier,
his courage led to the fact that despite the paucity of the troops
we managed to bring them to their knees and get the victory’, –
Ohanyan said.

He specially mentioned liberation of Shushi thanks to which the
Armenian party managed not only to return an old Armenian town but
also to ensure security of the capital city of Karabakh, Stepanakert.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

OPENING OF ARMENIA-TURKEY BORDER WITHOUT RESOLUTION OF NAGORNO-KARABAKH CONFLICT CONTRADICTS AZERBAIJAN’S NATIONAL INTERESTS: FOREIGN MINISTRY

ArmInfo
2009-09-01 14:25:00

ArmInfo. "Azerbaijan’s position on opening of Armenia-Turkey border is
based on numerous statements by Turkey’s senior officials," Azerbaijani
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Elkhan Polukhov said. "However,
given that this issue directly affects Azerbaijan’s national
interests, opening of Armenia-Turkey border without resolution of
the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict contradicts national
interests of Azerbaijan," Polukhov said, Day.az reported.

"Meanwhile, Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry once again states that
determining relations with other states is a sovereign right of every
state," the source reported.

On August 31 Turkey and Armenia agreed on opening of the Armenian
border in 2 month after the Protocol On Development of Bilateral
Relations comes into effect, says the document "Measures of
Fulfillment" of the Protocol on Development of Bilateral Relations
between Armenia and Turkey. The document says that the parties have
agreed also to conduct regular political consultations of foreign
political departments of the two states. In addition, Armenia and
Turkey have pledged to launch a dialogue to settle historical disputes
and restore mutual confidence. The parties have agreed to set up an
impartial group to study the archived documents to define the existing
problems and develop recommendations, the document says.