Month: November 2009

AZERBAIJAN’S EMBASSY IN RUSSIA INVESTIGATES INFORMATION ABOUT MOSCOW’S COOPERATION WITH ARMENIAN SEPARATISTS

news.az
Nov 16 2009
Azerbaijan

Elkhan Polukhov FM has instructed the Azerbaijani embassy in Russia
to investigate information about cooperation of separatist Karabakh
regime with Moscow mayor’s office.

The Foreign Ministry has instructed the Azerbaijani embassy in
Russia to investigate information in Moscow press about cooperation
of separatist Karabakh regime with Moscow mayor’s office, spokesman
for the Foreign Ministry Elkhan Polukhov told.

It was reported today that Narine Agabalyan, a representative of
the leadership of separatist regime in Nagorno Karabakh, dealing
with issues of culture and youth, met in Moscow with chief of
department of foreign economic ties and international relations
of Moscow Georgy Muradov who told her that Moscow is ready to
establish the same cooperation with Nagorno Karabakh like it has
with Abkhazia. According to Agabalyan, they with the Muscovites are
preparing definite projects that will be discussed. She has had the
same meetings with representatives of the Moscow State University and
the Russian Educational Academy with whom they have "reached definite
agreements on cooperation".

ARMENIA, NAGORNO-KARABAKH REPUBLIC TO COOPERATE IN EDUCATION

Aysor
Nov 16 2009
Armenia

Official agreement on cooperation in the field of education is signed
on November 15 between the State Committee for education of Armenia’s
Ministry of Education and Science and Ministry of Education and
Science of Nagorno-Karabakh Republic.

Armenian delegation headed by Minister of Education and Science,
Armen Ashoyan, paid a visit to Stepanakert in connection with the
40th anniversary of Artsakh State University. The chief objective
of the visit was to develop a cooperation plan between research and
educational institutions of Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. The
delegation involved the President of the Armenian National Academy
of Sciences, Radik Martirosyan, academics, and other officials. On
November 13, the delegates met with President of the Nagorno-Karabakh
Republic, Mr. Bako Sahakyan.

In the framework of the cooperation plan, the parties will realize
joint works in the field of natural sciences, engineering, humanitarian
programs; will finance research projects selected after an independent
examination and on the basis of competition; will support young
scientists; organize conferences, training courses, seminars and
other educational developments.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PREPARING FOR TELETHON

NKR Government Information and
Public Relations Department
November 14, 2009

On November 13, the NKR President Bako Sahakyan convoked a working
consultation on the "Hayastan" All-Armenian Fund’s annual telethon,
which will take place in the USA.

Noting that this year the telethon is dedicated to the restoration
and development of Shoushi, which is of a special importance to us,
the Head of the State encouraged all those present to conduct the
preparatory work at proper level and regularly report on the undertaken
measures. At the same time, Bako Sahakyan underlined the importance
of more active participation of the republic’s population.

The President emphasized, that this year all preparatory works were
conducted in some different format: the NKR President was present
at the meeting with our compatriots in Moscow, the National Assembly
Chairman visited France, the Prime Minister will leave for the USA.

Taking it into consideration, the Head of the State gave instructions
to the Vice Premier, Minister of Finance Spartak Tevosyan to coordinate
this process in the NKR.

Then President touched upon the issues, concerning the works carried
out in the spheres of water supply and telecommunications, as well
as the results of this year’s harvesting, evaluating it as successful
despite of numerous natural disasters. Heads of the appropriate bodies
delivered reports on these issues.

The NKR National Assembly Chairman Ashot Ghoulyan, the Prime Minister
Ara Harotyunyan and other officials partook at the consultation.

PETER SEMNEBY: I HOPE THE IMPROVEMENTS OBSERVED IN THE SETTLEMENT OF NAGORNO KARABAKH CONFLICT WILL CONTINUE

APA
Nov 16 2009
Azerbaijan

Baku. Viktoria Dementieva – APA. "I hope the improvements observed
in the settlement of Nagorno Karabakh conflict will continue. Much
has been achieved up to now. The sides are close to each other and
it can not be lost," special representative of the European Union for
the South Caucasus Peter Semneby told journalists in Baku, APA reports.

Avoiding assessment of the present stage of the negotiations,
Peter Semneby said he does not want to comment on the essence of the
process of negotiations in the sensitive moment when the presidents
are expected to hold the next meeting.

"The fact that the presidents and foreign ministers continue meeting
is in itself a positive sign," he said.

Touching on the normalization of Armenia-Turkey relations, Semneby
said the European Union assesses this process positively.

"We want to see this region as the one with open borders, where people
can travel easily. Commercial relations will bring the countries
of the region closer. The present situation in the Caucasus is not
normal at all – Armenia-Turkey, Armenia-Azerbaijan and Georgia-Russia
borders are closed. There should be a beginning. Much enough has been
achieved in this complex process of negotiations. We hope that serious
improvements will be made in the other open issues, including Nagorno
Karabakh conflict," he said.

Peter Semneby underlined that at the meeting with Azerbaijani Foreign
Minister Elmar Mammadyarov they discussed Nagorno Karabakh conflict,
court judgment on bloggers Emin Milli and Adnan Hajizadeh.

IGOR MURADIAN: NAGORNO KARABAKH PROBLEM IS JUST AN OCCASION FOR TURKEY TO DELAY RATIFICATION OF PROTOCOLS

Noyan Tapan
Nov 16, 2009

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 16, NOYAN TAPAN. The Nagorno Karabakh problem
is just an occasion for Turkey to delay the ratification of the
protocols. Political scientist Igor Muradian expressed such an opinion
at a November 16 press conference. In his words, Turkey has understood
that the protocols is a plot against it, planned by the U.S. and
coordinated with Europe. According to the political scientist, its
goal it to suppress Turkey.

"To all appearances, Turkey is not interested in the Nagorno Karabakh
problem. Now Turkey needs to stop the process with Armenia," I.

Muradian said. According to him, neither Armenia nor Turkey are ready
for the continuation of that process on their own. One of the most
important issues is whether the U.S. will be able to be a guarantor in
the process of normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations till the
end. However, in his opinion, the U.S. is no longer able to support
that process, thanks to which Russia gains dividends.

I. Muradian also said that in all probability, a long pause is expected
in the normalization process of Armenian-Turkish relations.

RA NSC SECRETARY ARTUR BAGHDASARIAN RECEIVES NEWLY APPOINTED AMBASSADOR OF GERMANY HANS-JOCHEN SCHMIDT

Noyan Tapan
Nov 16, 2009

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 16, NOYAN TAPAN. RA National Security Council
Secretary Artur Baghdasarian met with newly appointed Ambassador of
Germany to RA Hans-Jochen Schmidt on November 16. The interlocutors
discussed issues related to Armenian-German bilateral relations.

A. Baghdasarian highly evaluated Germany’s involvement in
implementation of various programs in Armenia and expressed the hope
that Hans-Jochen Schmidt during his tenure will have an important
contribution to further development of Armenian-German partnership in
various spheres. Problems of Armenia’s cooperation with international
structures, in particular, Armenia-EU partnership were also touched
upon.

According to the Press Service of the NSC Secretary, at Ambassador’s
request A. Baghdasarian presented the normalization process of
Armenian-Turkish relations.

EU HAILS NEGOTIATIONS ON NAGORNO-KARABAKH CONFLICT: SPECIAL ENVOY

Trend
Nov 16 2009
Azerbaijan

"The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and Armenian-Turkish relations,
as well as energy issues, are the main topics we discussed at our
meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Foreign Minister
Elmar Mamedyarov," EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus
Peter Semneby said in Baku.

He did not comment specifically on his talks with the Azerbaijani
leadership.

Semneby said the frequent meetings between the Armenian and Azerbaijani
foreign ministers to resolve the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict is a
positive factor in settling the conflict.

"There have been a great deal of meeting and these cannot result in
a loss," he added.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988
when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Armenian
armed forces have occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan since 1992,
including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and 7 surrounding districts.

Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a ceasefire agreement in 1994. The
co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group – Russia, France, and the U.S. –
are currently holding the peace negotiations.

According to Semneby, the EU see the opening of the Turkish-Armenian
border as a positive sign, "as it is in line with our vision of a
region where all borders will be open in the future, where people
can safely travel and trade flows."

He said the situation in the South Caucasus is complex. Three
important borders are closed, including the Turkish-Armenian,
Azerbaijanii-Armenian and Georgian-Russian.

It is necessary to start somewhere, Semneby said.

"We hope and insist on serious progress on this issue," the EU special
representative said.

VISIT OF CATHOLICOS OF ALL ARMENIANS KAREKIN II TO SYRIAN ARAB REPUBLIC FINISHES

Noyan Tapan
Nov 16, 2009

DAMASCUS, NOVEMBER 16, NOYAN TAPAN. President of the Syrian Arab
Republic Doctor Bashar al-Assad received Catholicos of All Armenians
Karekin II and the delegation accompanying him being in Syria on an
official-pastorial visit on November 15.

During the meeting the sides touched upon centuries-old Armenian-Syrian
historic-cultural contacts and deepening of relations in various
spheres developing progressively. B. al-Assad attached special
importance to Syrian Armenian community’s role and significance and
efforts made by the Armenians in development of country’s economy
and public life.

His Holiness the Patriarch expressed gratitude to the President of
Syria for care and kind attitude to the Armenian community. Meanwhile
he evaluated very highly the position of Syria’s political leadership,
in particular, of President Assad towards national religious minorities
mentioning that Syria as a country and state can serve as an example
for religious tolerance and public solidarity.

Regional problems were also touched upon at the meeting. The
normalization process of Armenian-Turkish relations was specially
discussed.

According to the RA Foreign Ministry Press and Information Department,
the same day Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II met with Prime
Minister of Syria Mohammad Naji Otri. Issues related to further
expansion of Armenian-Syrian bilateral economic relations and
development of partnership in all spheres were discussed at the
meeting.

Then a patriarchal solemn saint liturgy was served in Damascus Saint
Sargis Church, conducted by Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II.

A reception in honor of Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II was
organized on November 15 at Damascus Kasr an-Nubala hall. General Mufti
of the Syrian Arab Republic, Minister of Industry, Deputy Foreign
Minister, heads of diplomatic representations accredited in Syria,
diplomats, journalists, public-political figures, representatives of
the Armenian community were present at the reception.

The visit of Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II to the Syrian
Arab Republic finished on the November 16 morning.

MINE SPOTTED NEAR ARMENIAN NPP

news.am
Nov 16 2009
Armenia

14:12 / 11/16/2009Three days ago, a mine was spotted in Arshaluys
village of Armavir marz, about 300 meters off the Armenian nuclear
power plant. The Armavir region rescue service and NPP management
arrived on the scene. RA Defense Ministry and National Security
Council were informed of the incident.

The mine cleaning officers took the mine to a safe place.

ARMENIAN DIPLOMAT APPOINTED AMBASSADOR OF FRANCE TO ARGENTINA

Noyan Tapan
Nov 16, 2009

PARIS, NOVEMBER 16, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. Under French
President Nicolas Sarkozy’s decree, French Armenian diplomat, Head
of Elysee Palace Protocol Jean-Pierre Astvatsaturian was appointed
Ambassador of France to Argentina. According to the Zartonk newspaper,
the newly appointed Ambassador will arrive in Buenos Aires soon.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress