Month: February 2012

SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE IN STEPANAKERT DEDICATED TO THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF NKR PROCLAMATION

armradio.am
17.02.2012 13:31

An international scientific conference dedicated to the 20th
anniversary of proclamation of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic kicked
off in Stepanakert. The two-day event has brought together political
scientists, representatives of scientific and political structures
from Armenia and NKR, as well as experts from Great Britain, Greece
and the Netherlands.

The Armenian delegation headed by Deputy Speaker of eth National
Assembly Edward Sharmazanov has left for Karabakh to participate in
the conference.

The participants will discuss issues related to the legal bases
of proclamation of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, the historic and
political components.

On February 19 NKR President Bako Sahakayn is expected to meet the
participants of the conference.

ARMENIA DETERMINED TO CONTRIBUTE TO INTERNATIONAL EFFORTS AIMED AT ERADICATING THE ILLICIT DRUG PRODUCTION

armradio.am
17.02.2012 10:58

On February 16, Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian
participated in the Third Ministerial Conference of the Paris Pact
Partners dedicated to the fight against opiates trafficking from
Afghanistan. The United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon and
the high-ranking delegations of about fifty countries attended the
conference and delivered speeches.

Speaking at the conference, Minister Nalbandian stated, in part:

“Although a decade has passed since the Paris Conference on Drug
Routes from Central Asia to Europe and international efforts in this
respect have increased, the risks posed by the illicit production of
opium in Afghanistan have not been reduced.

We have come together to express our support for the continuation,
further enhancement and broadening of the scope of this initiative,
to identify and recommend targeted interventions for mitigating the
trafficking and consumption of Afghan opiates, to enhance further the
coordination of technical assistance and cross reference of Paris
Pact activities with those of the UNODC Rainbow Strategy and other
related initiatives.

The successful implementation of the adopted strategic decisions cannot
be insured without coordinated action and support of other regional and
international organizations dealing with transnational crime, and most
importantly, the extensive bilateral cooperation between all countries
along the main trafficking routes. Regional initiatives and cooperation
in the fight against opium and heroin trafficking from Afghanistan
is gaining more importance as it allows to better synchronize the
efforts of different countries and amplify their efficiency and impact.

Since the launch of the Paris Pact Initiative, Armenia has fully
aligned itself with the priority goals set by the Paris Statement
and Moscow Declaration. We fully acknowledge the social and human
impact of illicit drug trade and drug abuse which increase the
human insecurity and create further impediments to the stable and
sustainable development.

While the cases of drug trafficking through Armenia are insignificant
in comparison to those countries on the main routes of Afghan opiate,
the Government of Armenia has adopted strategies and implemented
policies aimed at increasing its capacity to stop the illicit drugs
from crossing through the country. Despite the two decade-long blockade
of Armenia by its neighbors to the west and east, has at the same time
blocked the drug trafficking from those countries, the borders in the
north and south can still be attempted to be used by drug traffickers,
and Armenia has spared no effort to apply preventive measures against
it in cooperation with our partners.

The Armenian National Programme on Combating Drug Addiction and
Trafficking of Narcotic Drugs for 2009-2012 identifies all those
necessary measures to address the illegal trade and the consumption
aspects of the problem. Twice a year an assessment of the measures
undertaken under the Strategy is carried out and the results are
made public.

The fight against transnational crimes requires effective
international cooperation. As a member of the Collective Security
Treaty Organisation, Armenia actively participates in its anti-drug
operations. The multinational operation “Kanal” brings together not
only member states, but also representatives from around two dozens
of states and international organizations. As a result of these
operations carried out since 2003 several tons of drugs in the area
of CSTO member states have been confiscated. In 2008 this operation
was given the status of a standing regional antidrug operation.

In conclusion, I would like to reaffirm Armenia’s determination
to continue to bring its active contribution to the international
efforts, including the Paris Pact and other international initiatives,
which aim at reducing and eradicating the illicit drug production,
trade and trafficking.”

KARABAKH’S DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE IS CONSISTENT WITH INTERNATIONAL LAW – GERMAN PROFESSOR

news.am
February 17, 2012 | 13:05

STEPANAKERT. – The Nagorno-Karabakh Republic’s (NKR) Declaration of
Independence is not contrary to the provisions of International Law,
stated University of Hamburg Professor, Doctor of Law Otto Luchterhand,
during the international symposium, entitled “20th Anniversary of
NKR Independence: Realities and Prospects,” which is underway in NKR
capital Stepanakert.

Presenting a comparative and legal analysis of NKR’s independence,
the Professor noted that the situation of Karabakh is more similar
to that of Kosovo, as Karabakh, just like Kosovo, is in Europe. Otto
Luchterhand also compared the two cases.

As per the German professor, the UN Court had decided that Kosovo
was not breaching International Law by adopting its declaration of
independence, and based on this, Otto Luchterhand pointed to the
similarities and he also gave precedents whereby in Karabakh’s case
the right for the self-determination of nations does not conflict with,
and is sometimes preeminent to, the principle of territorial integrity.

“NKR’s Declaration of Independence is not contrary to the provisions
of International Law. If UN Security Council recognizes Kosovo, it
is obligated to also recognize Nagorno Karabakh,” Otto Luchterhand
stated, and he called upon NKR’s officials to propagate this fact
more actively.

RIDICULOUS TO SPEAK ABOUT KARABAKH AS POSSIBLE PART OF AZERBAIJAN-HEAD OF PUBLIC COUNCIL

news.am
February 17, 2012 | 12:40

STEPANAKERT. – It is ridiculous to speak about Karabakh’s possible
becoming a part of Azerbaijan, head of Armenia’s Public Council Vazgen
Manukyan said on Friday at the conference in Stepanakert.

He stressed that it was difficult to think of holding such a conference
back in 1988 when the Karabakh movement was launched.

“There were other objectives, as Karabakh was within Azerbaijan
and Azerbaijani administration was ruling it. Besides, Azerbaijan
attempted to characterize the issue as an ethnic problem, but failed.

“Twenty years have passed since then, and Nagorno-Karabakh is an
independent state, while discussions over other status are ridiculous,”
Manukyan stressed adding people of the state decide on their destiny
regardless of any documents.

Moreover, Nagorno-Karabakh should become a party to the negotiations.

Manukyan said here is a threat that Azerbaijan will decide to use
military means to seize Karabakh if it finds no legal way.

RUSSIAN ASTRAVEL RESUMES TOURS TO NAGORNO KARABAKH

PanARMENIAN.Net
February 17, 2012 – 12:45 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Russian Astravel company resumed tours to Nagorno
Karabakh. This is not the first time this company organizes trips to
Artsakh, what naturally sparked another wave of “discontent” in Baku
which thinks it can interfere with Artsakh’s domestic issues.

“Information about organization of trips to Nagorno Karabakh by the
Russian Astravel company is provocative. This is not the first time
this company organizes such tours. Last time trips were cancelled
due to efforts of relevant bodies. Most likely, similar measures
will be taken this time as well. The Foreign Ministry will address
Azerbaijan’s embassy in Russia to contact the management of Astravel
company. In a word, we are launching our investigation,” Azerbaijan’s
Foreign Ministry spokesman Elman Abdullayev told Echo paper.

The Russian Astravel travel company organizes historic and culture
trips both to Armenia and Artsakh. The company announced the trips on
its website saying during the 7-day and 6-night long trips tourists
can visit Armenian cities and also Nagorno Karabakh, in particular
Shushi and see their cultural and historic monuments.

Astravel has been established in 1992 as a commercial enterprise.

Founders of the company were activists of the Travelers’ Association
bringing together professional tourists.

DISCUSSING SMALLER ISSUES ON KARABAKH IS MORE DIFFICULT – EXPERT

news.am
February 17, 2012 | 12:34

Azerbaijan has called on the EU to help find solution to the Karabakh
conflict, Radio Vatican reports.

Armenian and Azerbaijani Presidents expressed readiness to accelerate
the process of reaching agreement during their recent meeting with
Russian President’s participation.

“The two have basically agreed at various times what the basic
outline of the resolution of the conflict would be,” radio quotes
Lawrence Sheets, an analyst and expert on the Caucasus region for
the International Crisis Group.

According to him, the basic things that the two sides seem to agree
are in relative commonality.

“But when you start discussing these smaller issues, which are
politically potentially explosive or dangerous to the administrations
in control…it becomes very difficult,” he added.

INDEPENDENCE OF NAGORNO-KARABAKH IMPORTANT FOR ALL ARMENIANS – DEPUTY SPEAKER

news.am
February 17, 2012 | 12:15

STEPANAKERT. – Proclamation of independence Nagorno-Karabakh has a
major significance for all the Armenians, Armenian Deputy Speaker
Edwards Sharmazanov said on Friday at the international scientific
conference in Stepanakert.

The conference devoted to the 20th anniversary of Nagorno-Karabakh
independence.

“Establishment of Nagorno-Karabakh Republic had historical and legal
background,” he said.

“Azerbaijan responded with aggression and occupation to Karabakh’s
proclamation of its right to self-determination. However, despite
the war launched by Azerbaijan, the Karabakh people managed to decide
their own destiny and hold a referendum,” Sharmazanov said.

He stressed that Karabakh is developing its way to democracy. “The
only solution is international recognition,” he added.

The information partner of the conference is Armenian News-NEWS.am
Agency

On January 6, 1992 the Karabakh parliament adopted a declaration
proclaiming independence of Nagorno-Karabakh Republic.

NAGORNO-KARABAKH CONTINUES ITS WAY TO DEMOCRACY – KARABAKH SPEAKER

news.am
February 17, 2012 | 12:12

STEPANAKERT. – Nagorno-Karabakh has been developing on the way to
democracy since its proclaimed independence 20 years ago and plans
to do the same in the future.

Speaker of Nagorno-Karabakh National Assembly Ashot Ghulyan welcomed
the participants of the international scientific conference held in
Stepanakert stressing the state did not go astray continues its way
of establishing civil society and building an independent state.

He said the objective of the conference is to reconsider achievements
over past years in the context of regional and international processes,
to compare and consolidate opinions, and to plan further work.

“I believe the conference will promote realization of the right of
Karabakh people,” he said.

In his turn, head of the Constitutional Court of Armenia Gagik
Harutyunyan welcomed the conference organizers and participants,
stating its importance for accumulation of expert opinions.

The volume featuring conference results will be published in late
April. Armenian News-NEWS.am agency is the information partner of
the conference.

AYF THANKED GREAT BRITAIN FOR SAVING ARMENIAN CULTURE FROM TURK VANDALS

17.02.12, 13:20

Armenian youth foundation (AYF) launched an initiative to bring the
relics of the cult of Goddess Anahit back to Armenia. Armenian youth
foundation starts gathering signatures for the aim. Press service of
the foundation informs about this.

The young initiators sent a letter to British Ambassadors in Armenia
Jonathan Aves and Katherine Leach, which especially says:

“We have an initiative to bring Armenian cultural and historical
values back to the Motherland. Many examples of Armenian culture are
kept and exhibited in various museums in the whole world. Bronze head
and hands of the cult of goddess Anahit are among those examples. We
call on Armenia to take back those cultural relics as the art must
be kept and exhibited in the country where it was created”.

The letter also thanks Great Britain for saving and protecting Armenian
culture from Turk vandals. “But the historical justice claims to bring
back the relics of Anahit goddess and keep them in the country where
they were created. We are sure that Great Britain will respect our
initiative and will return the relics to us”, the letter says.

Remind that Armenian Minister of Education and Science Armen Ashotyan
offered to apply to British Ambassadors in Armenia for the issue. He
considers that it is possible to bring the relics of the cult to
Armenia.

“It will not be easy, but it demands on British will and Armenian
consistent attitude”, Ashotyan said during the conversation with
Tert.am and added that in this initiative he presents himself not as
a Minister, but as a citizen and an Armenian.

“The initiative is civil and Armenian”, the Minister noted and said
that the reaction and promise by the British Ambassador is not a bad
result. Note that the Ambassador promised that cult of Anahit Goddess
may be brought and presented in Armenia in the exchanging program.

“Armenian relics have never been brought from the British museum”, A.
Ashotyan commented.

The issue is also discussed in the social networks and the opinions are
different. A group is sure that the cult must remain in British museum
as Armenian culture must be presented in world most known museums.

Goddess Anahit is worshiped in Armenia since ancient times. On the
earliest times she also was military Goddess for Armenians. Anahit
was a symbol of motherhood.

34 BC Romanian commander Marcos Antonio robbed the cathedral of Goddess
and broke the great cult. They divided the parts of the cult and took
to Rome.

Note that now the relics of Armenian Goddess Anahit are in British
Museum, in the 22th exhibition hall. The following note tells about
the cult in the museum:

“Head from a bronze cult statue of Anahit, a local goddess shown here
in the guise of Aphrodite, 200-100 BC

Found at Satala in NE Asia Minor (Armenia Minor)

A left hand holding drapery was found with the head, showing that it
belongs to a full-length figure”.

AUTHORITIES SEEK TO ALIENATE ARMY – ACTIVIST

Tert.am
17.02.12

The Armenia based Sardarapat Movement has protested against parliament
approved law on the Legal Regime of State of Emergency.

An activist of the group, Zhirayr Sefilyan, believes that such
legislation is aimed at alienating the people from the army.

“Over the past 20 years, we managed to get rid of the totalitarian
regime. If our present-day government system has at least one
institution our people respect, that’s our army, because it came into
existence as a result of the Artsakh liberation war,” he told a news
conference on Friday.

Sefilyan said that any attempt aimed at bringing the army into a clash
with the people will cause the military to take sides with the crowd.

“A son cannot lift his hand against a parent,” Sefilyan said.

Garegin Chugaszyan, another activist of the group, characterized the
move as an attempt to suppress public gatherings with the help of
the army’s military equipment and armament.

“The authorities are in this way giving themselves away, demonstrating
the lack of self-confidence,” he said, adding that the move will
cause the dissatisfaction of those army officials who haven’t lost
their sense of dignity.

Both activists agreed that the existing concerns will unlikely result
in any clashes, noting that the repetition of an ‘Arab Spring-like’
scenario is ruled out in Armenia.

“This is not a classical boycott, but rather contempt against the
regime-proposed games,” Sefilyan added.