Month: November 2009

UN GA POSTPONES DISCUSSION OF DOCUMENT ON AZERBAIJAN’S OCCUPIED TERRITORIES

Trend
Nov 24 2009
Azerbaijan

The discussion of the draft resolution "The situation in the occupied
territories of Azerbaijan" at the United Nations’ General Assembly has
been postponed, UN Information Center told Trend News correspondent
in Washington DC.

The discussions on the resolution, which numbers 18 on UN GA’s
preliminary agenda, were originally scheduled for Dec 3, 2009.

The UN Information office couldn’t exactly explain the reasons of
delay, only saying that this decision is more likely related to the
negotiation process.

Another draft resolution on "Protracted conflicts in the GUAM area and
their implications for international peace, security and development",
which was to be discussed on Dec. 3, was also postponed.

The UN Information office said new date for discussion will be
announced.

They don’t exclude that both resolution projects can be left for 65th
UN General Assembly session.

"It depends on member-countries," the UN Information office said.

CYPRUS WAS ALWAYS NEXT TO ARMENIA: CYPRUS PRESIDENT

news.am
Nov 24 2009
Armenia

President of the Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias has underlined
that efforts to reunify Cyprus and its people will continue with
persistence and good will," the Cypriote Famagusta Gazette reports.

The statement of the President voiced by one of the officials at
the Armenian Church of Nicosia reads, "We remain committed to our
goals for the creation of a peaceful, united and prosperous homeland
for all its citizens, Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Maronites,
Armenians and Latins. These efforts to reunify Cyprus and its people
will continue with persistence and good will, asserting our rights
based on principles. We pursue a bizonal, bicommunal federation with
a single sovereignty, citizenship and international personality as
well as unified economic institutions.

Speaking about the Armenian Diaspora of Cyprus, President underlined
that "tight bonds of friendship and common struggles describe the
historic paths of Greek Cypriots and Armenians in our country. Cyprus
and its people have always been present to the important historic
times of the Armenian people."

The President also recalled that Cyprus was the first European state
that officially recognized Genocide in Ottoman Empire.

TURKEY NOT LOOKING TO RESTORE EMPIRE – AZERBAIJANI MP

news.az
Nov 24 2009
Azerbaijan

Fazil Mustafa The Turkish foreign minister is not talking about the
restoration of the empire when he speaks about the government’s policy
of neo-Ottomanism, Azerbaijani MP Fazil Mustafa said on Tuesday.

"I do not think Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu implied
the restoration of the empire, wars of occupation and the other
characteristics of an empire when he said the government conducts a
policy of neo-Ottomanism," Mustafa told 1news.az, commenting on remarks
by Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu quoted in Takvim newspaper.

"Even if Turkey wants to restore the empire, neither the West nor
Russia will allow this. Therefore, the minister’s statements should
be viewed as a message to the country’s public that they want to go
back to Ottoman traditions in culture, the economy and foreign policy.

Turkey’s government thinks it can win voters with these slogans,"
Mustafa, leader of the Great Creation Party, said.

As for the impact of this policy on Azerbaijan, Fazil Mustafa
Gazanfaroglu said Azerbaijan had had great importance for Turkey
since the Ottoman period.

"Therefore, we should not be concerned at such statements. Turkey
views us as a fraternal state, therefore, it is cautious on opening
borders with Armenia. If there were another country, even Muslim,
in our place, Turkey would have long since normalized relations with
Yerevan. But Azerbaijan is a special case, it has a common language,
religion, culture and history with Turkey and this has made Ankara
review its relations with Armenia. Therefore, I can say that today
the opening of borders with Armenia has become a secondary issue for
Turkey," the MP said.

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT URGES TURKEY, ARMENIA SIGN PROTOCOLS

news.am
Nov 24 2009
Armenia

The candidates for EU membership, as well as applicants, must
continue reforms in such fields as legislation, freedom of speech,
treatment of ethnic minorities, corruption and organized crime
control, says a resolution adopted by the Foreign Affairs Committee,
European Parliament. The resolution has been put to the November 26
vote. The European Parliament reaffirmed its commitment to the EU
expansion policy.

As regards legal norms, the European Parliament welcomes the dynamics
in the region though some of the countries still face such problems as
corruption and organized crime. By "freedom of speech" the European
Parliament understands freedom of the press and independence of
regulatory bodies. This particularly concerns Turkey and the West
Balkan states.

The resolution indicates the necessary for immediate legislative
reforms in Turkey for the improvement of state and society. The
European Parliament regrets the slow progress in religious
freedom (Alevi and non-Islamic religions) and in freedom of speech
(unprecedented fines imposed on media groups). The European Parliament
is also critical of Turkey for failing to fulfill its commitments
under the protocol to the Turkey-EU association agreement.

The European Parliament urges Turkey to sign the agreement in the
context of the Nabucco project and calls for the opening of an "energy
chapter" in the negotiations for the accession to the agreement. The
European Parliament stresses the importance of diplomatic efforts
to normalize the Armenian-Turkish relations. The resolution urges
the Armenian and Turkish Parliaments to ratify the Armenian-Turkish
protocols.

PRESIDENT RECEIVES CABLES FROM TUNISIA, ARMENIA

WAM – Emirates News Agency
amLocEnews&cid=1258110721653&p=11350994001 24&pagename=WAM%2FWamLocEnews%2FW-T-LEN-FullNe ws
Nov 24 2009
UAE

WAM Abu Dhabi, Nov 24th, 2009 (WAM): President HH Sheikh Khalifa
bin Zayed Al Nahyan received today a cable of thanks from Tunisian
President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in reply to a cable sent to him
earlier congratulating him on his re-election as the President
of Tunisia.

Sheikh Khalifa also received a cable from Armenian President Serzh
Sargsian thanking him for a congratulatory cable His Highness had
sent on the occasion of the National Day of Armenia.

NEW RA MINISTER OF LABOR AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS APPOINTED

news.am
Nov 24 2009
Armenia

The RA President Serzh Sargsyan signed a decree to release
Gevorg Petrosyan from the position of Minister of Labor and Social
Affairs. Under another decree, Mkhitar Mnatsakanyan is appointed to
this post, Presidential Press Service informs NEWS.am.

Meanwhile, Mnatsakanyan holds the post of the Chairman of the NA
Standing Committee on Protection of Human Rights and Public Affairs
and is a member of Prosperous Armenia Party. Since 2001 was the head
of the Red Cross Society in Armenia.

Former Minister of Labor and Social Welfare Gevorg Petrosyan
resigned, reasoning his health problems. Khachik Galstyan, spokesman
of Prosperous Armenia leader Gagik Tsarukyan told NEWS.am, that the
reason for resignation was lack of experience.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

AZERBAIJANI CULTURAL WEEKEND HELD IN LONDON

APA
Nov 24 2009
Azerbaijan

Baku. Ulkar Gasimova – APA. The Azerbaijani Cultural Weekend was
organized by the European Azerbaijan Society (TEAS) in Cadogan Hall in
London, November 21-22, APA reports. The main aim of the event was to
promote Azerbaijan’s rich culture, tourism potential. The people of
London took great interest in the concerts and exhibitions organized
within the framework the Azerbaijani Cultural Weekend.

On the first day of the event gala concert was held with participation
of Azerbaijan State Dance Ensemble, Bakustic Jazz group, famous mugham
singers, Azerbaijani people’s artists Mansum Ibrahimov, Aygun Bayramova
and winner of the first mugham television competition Elmaddin
Ibrahimov. The visitors watched Azerbaijan’s national dances "Jengi",
"Incelik", "Nalbaki", "Igidler", "Mezeli" performed by Azerbaijan
State Dance Ensemble (art director Afag Malikova). The jazz group led
by famous pianist and composer Salman Gambarov performed synthesis
of mugham and jazz, world-famous saxophone player Rain Sultanov also
performs with this group.

On the second day of the event the concert of London’s Orion Symphony
Orchestra was conducted by one of the famous representatives of
the modern Azerbaijani classic music, honored art figure Yalchin
Adigezalov. "Azerbaijan Capriccio" by Fikrat Amirov, suites from
ballets "Seven beauties" and "Path of thunder" by Gara Garayev,
"Caravan" symphonic mugham by Soltan Hajibayov, "A Queen’s Fanfare",
"Crown Imperial" by Walton, "Fantasia on Greensleeves" by Vaughan
Williams were performed in the concert.

Art exhibition of young Azerbaijani painter Kabira Aliyeva was
organized within the framework of Cultural Weekend.

Photo exhibition devoted to Azerbaijan was also held in the foyer of
Cadogan Hall during the first day of the events. More than 100 photos
reflecting nature, history, culture and traditions were demonstrated
in the exhibition. Photos reflecting Armenia – Azerbaijan conflict
over Nagorno Karabakh as well as information board for foreigners
were demonstrated as well.

Participants of the Cultural Weekend also enjoyed national cuisine
and acquainted themselves with the national carpets of Azerbaijan.

Presentation of the book "The People the World Forgot: Visions of the
Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict" prepared by the European Azerbaijan Society
(TEAS) in English was held within the framework of Cultural Weekend.

TEAS Chairman Taleh Heydarov provided detailed information about the
book and added that every reader could find comprehensive information
about history and reasons of Nagorno Karabakh conflict in this book.

MAN DIED PRESUMABLY OF SWINE FLU

news.am
Nov 24 2009
Armenia

The first swine flu death is possibly registered in Armenia. A man
of fifties died in Nork infectious diseases hospital.

It is hard to say unambiguously what was the cause of his death, RA
chief infectiologist Ara Asoyan told NEWS.am. "He was admitted to the
hospital, complaining of cardiovascular insufficiency," said Asoyan,
adding that as soon as the results of microbiological examination
are received, the cause of death will be determined.

To date, 25 swine flu cases are registered in Armenia.

MUNICH TALKS WERE NOT "SMOOTH AND EASY": RA MFA

news.am
Nov 24 2009
Armenia

Armenian and Azerbaijani Presidents’ Munich talks were not "smooth
and easy", said RA Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandyan in the course
of his visit to Italy.

According to him, the sides managed to retain "positive tendency
established in the course of last eight meetings of Presidents within
recent year and a half."

Asked why the statements of Baku and Yerevan after each meeting differ,
Nalbandyan replied, "The statements of Armenia after presidential
meetings are concordant with those of OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs,
that is they are true to fact."

Armenian and Azerbaijani Presidents Serzh Sargsyan and Ilham Aliyev
met in Munich, Nov. 22. OSCE MG Co-Chairs noted progress in the
negotiation process, however underlining certain difficulties. The
agreement to continue negotiations was achieved and preparation for
the next meeting started.

NAGORNO-KARABAKH PEACE PROCESS OUSTS AZERBAIJAN-SUBMITTED RESOLUTION

news.am
Nov 24 2009
Armenia

The UN General Assembly has postponed the discussion of the resolution
on situation on Azerbaijan’s occupied territories introduced by
Azerbaijan. Referring to the UN Information Center, Trend News reported
that the reason for the postponement hаs not yet been stated, but
"it is most likely connected with the negotiation process."

The discussion was initially scheduled for December 3, 2009. The
UN General Assembly was to discuss a draft resolution on protracted
conflicts in GUAM territory and their consequences for international
peace, security and development. The new dates for discussions will
soon be announced. The discussions may be postponed until the 65th
session of the UN General Assembly. The member-states will make
a decision.