Yeni Safak , Turkey Friday Turkish, German leaders discuss Incirlik airbase in Brussels German Chancellor Angela Merkel urged Ankara on Thursday to allow German lawmakers to visit the troops stationed in Turkey's Incirlik Air Base. Merkel met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Brussels on the sidelines of NATO leaders' summit, and the two leaders discussed current problems in bilateral relations, German government spokesman, Steffen Seibert said in a statement. "German Chancellor once again pointed out that it is indispensable that German lawmakers can visit our troops stationed abroad," he said. Seibert did not give any further details about the discussions between the two leaders on Incirlik. Earlier in the day, Merkel had told reporters that she would raise the issue at a meeting with Erdogan. "I will tell him that this is something indispensable for us," Merkel stressed. "Because our army is a parliamentary army. Our lawmakers should be able to visit our troops. Otherwise we will have to leave Incirlik," she added. Since 2015, Germany has stationed six Tornado surveillance jets and a tanker aircraft at Incirlik, along with around 260 personnel, providing intelligence and logistics support for anti-Daesh operations. Situated in southern Turkey, the base is the main site for launching airstrikes against Daesh in Syria. Turkey has been reluctant to give permission for German lawmakers to visit the base amid ongoing political tensions between Berlin and Ankara. Last June, the German parliament approved a controversial motion which described the deaths of Ottoman Armenians in 1915 as "genocide", sparking outrage in Turkey. Most recently, earlier in May, Germany granted political asylum to a number of Turkish ex-soldiers suspected of involvement in last year's coup attempt, further straining relations. Berlin has repeatedly underlined the importance of visit of German lawmakers with troops stationed abroad, saying the German army was not under the control of the government, but the parliament.
Month: May 2017
BAKU: Will Armenia sign an agreement with the European Union?
Turan Information Agency, Azerbaijan Friday Will Armenia sign an agreement with the European Union? Yerevan / 26.05.17 / Turan: The European Union is full of hopes that this time Armenia will sign a new comprehensive and expanded partnership agreement. David McAllister, head of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the European Parliament, said this at a press conference in Yerevan. Answering the question of Radio Liberty, he said that he came to this conviction after discussions with Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan. "Yes, Armenia is a member of the Eurasian Economic Union, we know what happened in 2013. But now President Sargsyan is ready to sign an ambitious agreement with the European Union, which is important for us, for the European Union," McAllister said. It should be reminded that the European Union negotiated with Armenia about the Association Agreement. However, in September 2013, after almost 3.5 years of negotiations, unexpectedly, Serzh Sargsyan stated that Armenia prefers to join the Eurasian Economic Union headed by Russia. At the same time, Armenian politicians admitted that in case of refusal from the union with Russia, Moscow threatened Yerevan with the loss of Karabakh.-02D-
BD, bande dessinée. A table !Un duo sympathique nous propose des portraits et des recettes qui nous emportent vers l’Italie, l’Arménie ou encore le Japon.
France Info
27 mai 2017
Mis à jour le 27/05/2017 | 17:49
publié le 27/05/2017 | 17:49
Dans la BD, ils forment un duo sympathique. Elle, sérieuse, compétente, est la pro du piano, qui maîtrise les cuissons et les assaisonnements. Lui, maladroit, vite fatigué, toujours en retard, est l’innocent apprenti à qui il faut tout expliquer avec insistance.
Dans la vie… Eh bien, dans la vie, c’est presque pareil. Il n’est qu’à entrer en cuisine à Lyon, où ils résident tous deux, pour voir Sonia Ezgulian, ex-journaliste gastronomique à Paris-Match qui avait fini par ouvrir son propre restaurant, et le dessinateur Guillaume Long, jouer en direct leur partition comme s’ils venaient de sortir des pages du quatrième volume d’A boire et à manger, le recueil de portraits et de recettes qui nous emportent en Arménie, en Italie, au Japon pour mieux nous ramener sur les bords du Rhône et de la Saône.
Avant tout, Guillaume, il faut que je te parle de gens très importants. Car derrière ces recettes, il y a un philosophie de la vie.
Sonia Ezgulian
La chef italienne Donna Muratore, les arrières grands-mères arméniennes Louïcia et Ossana, l’idole américaine Bill Buford ou encore le complice Damien Gateau nous invitent à déjeuner sur l’herbe ou à passer à table.
Miracle, même les lecteurs qui n’y connaissent rien et qui ne trouveraient pas le courage de se lancer -on a le droit- peuvent déguster avec plaisir ses pages de BD pleines d’anchois, de gnocchis et d’aubergines à l’ail.
A boire et à manger avec Sonia Ezgulian, Guillaume Long, chez Gallimard BD.
Direction Amiens pour les 22e Rendez-vous de la Bande dessinée le week-end prochain. Quelque 80 auteurs en dédicace, une rétrospective du travail du dessinateur Brüno, la venue de celui de Walking Dead, Charlie Adlard… Amiens, les 2, 3 et 4 juin.
Tous les 15 jours, Jean-Christophe Ogier accueille ici la chronique "Info manga" de Laetitia de Germon. Pour vous guider parmi les nombreuses parutions, Laetitia vous livre sa sélection et ses coups de cœur.
A Marseille, en 1815, le jour de son mariage, Edmond Dantès, capitaine de vaisseau promis à un bel avenir, est emprisonné injustement au Château d'If, une prison pour criminel politiques. Pendant cette longue incarcération, il va découvrir qu'il a été victime d'une trahison. C'est ainsi que débute sa vengeance qui va durer le reste de ses années de prison et celles qu'il lui reste à vivre en liberté.
Bien que ce soit une adaptation du roman d'Alexandre Dumas, condensée en 12 chapitres, on y retrouve tous les ingrédients qui ont fait son succès. On est porté par la vengeance d'Edmond Dantès et on vit avec lui les trahisons amicales et sentimentales, le tout sur fond de crises politiques et de misère sociale. Malgré quelques raccourcis, la version d'Ena Moriyama nous tient en haleine, d'autant plus que les planches sont très détaillées et les personnages très expressifs.
Laval : sans logement, une famille arménienne appelle à la solidarité
Le Courrier De La Mayenne, France
27 mai 2017
Alors qu'elle vivait depuis quatre ans dans le quartier d'Hilard, la famille Grigoryan a dû quitter son appartement mercredi 24 mai. Ce couple arménien et deux de ses enfants recherchent un logement.
Voilà quatre ans, la famille Grigoryan, Harutyun, Gayane, et leurs quatre enfants, Vandoui, Siranoush, Samat et Lia, quittaient leur Arménie natale pour la France. En situation irrégulière, la famille était à la recherche de soins pour le père, atteint d'une cirrhose. Aujourd'hui, c'est son appartement d'Hilard qu'elle doit quitter, après y avoir vécu quatre ans.
Cet appartement était mis à disposition par France Terre d'asile. Les Grigoryan ayant été déboutés de leur demande de droit d'asile, « car l'Arménie n'est pas un pays en guerre », explique Sylvie Rouanne, l'un de leurs soutiens, ils ne peuvent plus bénéficier de ce toit.« C'est la loi », regrette Vandaoui, philosophe. La famille arménienne a pour l'instant une solution temporaire chez un particulier. Mais les problèmes de santé de Harutyun conduisent son épouse et ses enfants à lancer un appel pour un autre logement : « Il doit rester allongé et a des soins réguliers à l'hôpital de Laval. »
Plus d'informations dans Le Courrier de la Mayenne du 24 mai.
Montreal: Hundreds gather in Montreal for 3rd annual March for Humanity
Global News, Canada
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Dozens of flags from different countries and diverse ethnic groups and religions gathered on the streets of downtown Montreal to take part in the March for Humanity and Genocide Prevention.
Marchers started at The Michal and Renata Hornstein Pavilion for Peace and made their way to Place du Canada.
The focus for Saturday’s event was to display the strong ties and peace within different communities.
Montreal’s diversity and multiculturalism was also at the forefront.
“Montreal is an international city,” Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre said. “[We’re] one of the eight United Nations cities. We have over 63 international organizations.”
For those who have been impacted by genocide, the march aims to demonstrate just how safe the city is.
“We are not relatively, we are safe,” Roméo Dallaire, former lieutenant-general, said. “This is safety, a million times better than many, many countries.”
Dallaire also said having gatherings where different groups come together can help with cohesiveness.
“The parade brings us visually and physically together,” Dallaire said. “In doing so, it builds enormous momentum in us.”
“OSCE should not be instrumentalized in the conflict between Yerevan and Baku”
168 Hours, Armenia
Yerevan Office of Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) will suspend its activity on August 31, 2017. It was founded in 2000 to assist Armenia develop democratic institutions and strengthen civil society. To prevent closure of the Office extensive negotiations have been launched in 2016 by Germany’s presidency and in 2017 by Austria’s presidency. However, through Baku’s efforts consensus wasn’t reached on mandate of the Office.
“The EU supports the substantial presence of the OSCE in all the countries of the South Caucasus. The Yerevan Office plays an important role in terms of meeting the needs of its host country, Armenia. The concerns raised by Azerbaijan that the Yerevan Office should not be involved in the processes over the conflict have been reflected in the formulations of the Austrian chairmanship, while the host country has accepted that solution. The fact that even that gave no results is disappointing.
The issue of the formulations that has led to the stalemate situation should not become an obstacle for the prolongation of the mandate of Yerevan Office. We call on the sides to demonstrate extra will for finding a solution to the issue as soon as possible,” Head of the European diplomacy Federica Mogherini announced early this month.
“168 Hour” interviewed Emmanuel Dupuy, advisor to the Defense Minister of France, President of the Institute for Prospective and Security in Europe, covering closure of OSCE Yerevan Office.
OSCE Yerevan Office is being closed by Baku’s demand, as decisions in that organization are adopted through consensus. Earlier, in 2014 OSCE Office in Baku was closed due to issues between the West and Azerbaijan linked to the democratic condition in the country. How would you comment on this situation? What after-effects it may have?
The decision to close OSCE Yerevan Office is, of course, bad news for everyone. After the closure of Baku’s Office in 2014 and the Tbilisi Office in 2009, after 17 years of presence, the last office to be maintained in South Caucasus was the Yerevan Office. Therefore, the impossibility to find a consensual agreement concerning the extension of the mandate of the Vienna-based eurasian organisation is to be addressed urgently.
Federica Mogherini, European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security, has taken the right stance concerning this vital issue, a few days ago, addressing full support to Austrian Chairmanship of OSCE, and advocating for solutions acceptable for each parties. The first and essential is that OSCE should not be instrumentalized in the conflict between Yerevan and Baku, but, on the contrary, used as a “mediator” and “facilitator” not to mention a “mentor” towards confidence building measures and long lasting peace and stability process, the will also benefit neighboring countries, such as Georgia, Russia, Iran, Turkey.
Some Armenian political scientists consider Russia instigated Azerbaijan to this step, which is generally discontent with the work of both MG and the entire organization, although it’s a MG member. Is that possible?
I would rather stress that Moscow is willing to push it’s own ownership and vision of Eurasian cooperation, and that OSCE is not the essential actor in that regard. The recent Eurasian Economic Community (EEC) Council, held on April 28, confirmed that Moscow is willing to strengthen the links between EEC and Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) in order to create the conditions of more effective, both bilateral agreements as well as a 5-state multilateral approach.
Russia is thus pushing for more integration from observing states, such as Moldova and Tajikistan, in order to forster a more inclusive vision to regional dispute resolutions…The will of Moscow to promote a trilateral canal of discussion concerning the Karabakh issue, such as the St. Petersburg format, bringing president Aliyev and Sargsyan to discuss under the direct auspices of Vladimir Putin confirms this new diplomatic strategy.
Azerbaijan prevents the activity of OSCE Yerevan Office also for the reason that it doesn’t intend to implement agreements reached in Vienna, in particular, installation of investigative mechanisms on the contact line and in that issue Russia influences on Azerbaijan in a shadowed manner. And although Russia doesn’t speak of it, that issue was eliminated from the negotiation agenda in St. Petersburg. Why is Russia against installation of those mechanisms?
I should start by reminding that the observatory mechanism on the contact line is not completely shut down. It’s still in effect, the common objective that the two parties (Yerevan and Baku) accept common procedures of planned monitoring and observation of the Line of Contact. Baku proposed to use a surveillance aerostat, on the area to be observed (west of Seysulan and Martakert district).
Since obviously these OSCE mechanisms seem irrelevant, or not commonly accepted, the logical solution would be to address the situation on another basis. Thus, the idea to use the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) framework to advance towards more inclusive stability and resolution of a too long lasting conflict. But, for that to be relevant, Baku needs to integrate the Collective Security Alliance…Let’s hope that decision will come soon.
The EU Ambassador to Armenia Piotr Switalski said Yerevan Office closure is a bigger blow for OSCE , than for Armenia. What do you think of this? Is there any way to keep presence in Armenia and in the South Caucasus?
As already mentioned, the EU statement (dated May 4) is very clear about the strong will of both organisations (the EU and OSCE) to keep a high-profile position not only in Armenia but in all South Caucasus, addressing border disputes, sovereignty claims, as well as to keep concrete presence and action, in three South Caucasus countries, belonging to the Eastern Partnership (EaP), in regards to implementation of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) with the three countries, amongst which: the one signed between Brussels and Yerevan in July 2013.
In parallel with Nalbandian-Lavrov-Mammadyarov meeting, organizational work on new batch of Russian armaments and contemporary military equipment was provided to Azerbaijan on April 26, which Russia supplied in the framework of the agreements on military cooperation signed in 2003. Please, comment on this situation. Why Russia contributes to strengthening of Azerbaijan’s military privilege?
The military cooperation between Russia and Azerbaijan, is, as you have rightly mentioned, growing since it was signed between the two states in 2003. This “privilege” as you mention, should also be put in comparaison with the defense agreement linking Yerevan and Moscow, since it was signed in February 2016 and is, on the same basis of your question, as what you have focused one, another “pillar” of Russia geopolitical proxy strategy.
I should add that increase of UAV’s (coming from Israel for Azerbaidjan / from Turkey on the Armenian side) as well as installation of Iskander-M in Armenia and the will of Baku to counter this strategic new reality by purchasing equivalent ballistic missiles, is a complex burden for implementation of peace and diplomatic solution to the 25 years conflict between the two neighbors, yet enemy, countries.
I am confident, nevertheless, that “enlargement” to Iran and Turkey, as geopolitical, geocultural and geoeconomic regional and global actors, offers a new diplomatic track, on which to “elaborate” new confidence building and “step by step” approach the conflict.
Gayane Khachatryan
The status-quo is no longer maintainable: Piotr Switalski
168 Hours, Armenia
Ambassador Piotr Switalski, head of the EU delegation to Armenia, reflected to Artsakh issue and the recent statement issued by OSCE MG Co-Chairs.
The Ambassador stated that the developments in Artsakh and around it and the situation were discussed at length during the cooperation council between Armenian FM Edward Nalbandian and Federica Mogherini.
The Ambassador stated that the EU greatly supports the activities of MG Co-Chairs,
“We greatly support the activities of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs and their latest statement. We believe that there is no military solution for this conflict, and that the status-quo is no longer maintainable. We believe that the ceasefire agreement should be respected, we believe there is no military solution to this conflict and we believe that investigative mechanisms, also confidence building mechanisms should be implemented.”
Switalski mentioned that the EU is ready to provide financial support to the population after the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement,
“When this conflict is settled, and when peace returns to Artsakh, the European Union is ready to support the population of this area with significant resources.”
By Razmik Martirosyan
Toronto men involved in violent clash at Turkish ambassador’s residence in Washington
Toronto Star, Canada
Alpkenan Dereci said he and other Erdogan supporters were the “real victims,” though they were seen striking protesters.
Toronto residents Alpkenan Dereci and Ahmet Dereci, enthusiastic supporters of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, are seen on video joining Erdogan’s security team in striking protesters near the residence of Turkey’s U.S. ambassador.
Videos published by the New York Times and other media show that Alpkenan Dereci punched and shoved a protester. They show that the man identified by the Times as Ahmet Dereci punched a protester and then kicked him twice when he was lying defenceless on the ground.
The Derecis have not been arrested or charged with any offence. Alpkenan Dereci told a Turkish news agency that they were victims of assault, not perpetrators.
Alpkenan Dereci was also on the receiving end of violence during the melee; videos show he was struck in the face by a bullhorn tossed at him after he landed a punch near the head of a protester. His face and shirt were bloodied, and he told a Turkish news agency that he required 17 stitches.
Article Continued Below
People on the pro-Erdogan side were the “real victims” and were “openly assaulted,” Alpkenan Dereci said in a video published by the Andalou Agency. The media, he said, had failed to show that Erdogan’s supporters were themselves attacked.
“We cannot understand this,” he said.
The melee quickly turned into an international incident. Critics and even supporters of President Donald Trump, who had met with Erdogan earlier in the day, have demanded a forceful diplomatic response from his administration.
A spokesperson for the Washington police said Friday that “the investigation remains active.” The probe is being conducted by the police, the State Department and Secret Service.
Though Erdogan’s security team committed much of the violence, the civilians not employed by his government are more vulnerable to legal consequences: Erdogan bodyguards are likely protected by diplomatic immunity.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser called the confrontation a “violent attack on a peaceful demonstration.” Republican Sen. John McCain said there is “no excuse for this kind of thuggish behaviour” and called for the expulsion of the Turkish ambassador. A bipartisan group of senators called on the State Department to revoke the ambassador’s credentials if Turkey did not waive immunity for the people involved.
The Turkish government, meanwhile, summoned the U.S. ambassador to complain about the actions of Washington police officers.
Turkey said its side acted in “self-defence,” but multiple videos contradict this claim at least in part. They show Erdogan’s security team pushing past police officers to punch, kick and, in one case, choke protesters who were not posing a threat.
The Derecis were described by the Times as cousins; the Star could not confirm this. They are highly visible in videos of the clash on account of their T-shirts: Alpkenan in yellow and Ahmet in purple. At one point, Alpkenan, his face and shirt bloody, holds back Ahmet, who is shouting at a police officer.
Two people were arrested at the scene, one for aggravated assault and one for assault on a police officer. At least 10 people were injured.
Alpkenan Dereci could not be reached for comment through Facebook and Twitter. Ahmet Dereci, whose Facebook and LinkedIn pages say he owns an electrical contracting company in North York, declined to respond to a request for comment.
“I don’t believe he’s able to talk, or he’s not going to return any calls or emails at the moment,” said a man who answered the phone at the company.
The Derecis are vocal supporters of Erdogan on their Facebook pages and in Toronto, where they have attended pro-Erdogan events. The Turkish media reported that they were part of a group that travelled from Canada to greet Erdogan in Washington; Alpkenan Dereci said he had previously travelled to Cuba for an Erdogan trip there.
“We love him very much and we would like to visit him and talk to him during his visits,” he said.
The Washington incident occurred after Erdogan met with Trump at the White House. Erdogan, who has been criticized in Turkey and abroad for his crackdown on dissenters at home, was sitting in his car in front of the residence when his security team began chasing after the protesters standing across the street.
https://www.thestar.com/news/world/2017/05/26/toronto-men-involved-in-violent-clash-at-turkish-ambassadors-residence-in-washington.html
Unexpected Visit to MoD: What’s Happening in Army?
Lragir, Armenia
Unexpected Visit to MoD: What's Happening in Army?
- Country – , 00:00
Serzh Sargsyan has visited the Ministry of Defense unexpectedly and had a meeting with the leadership of the Ministry. The official website of the president published only scarce information without a single photo. After Serzh Sargsyan’s visit the head of the Military Police and the Head of Artillery were discharged. The mass media informed that more terminations will come. Serzh Sargsyan is “reorganizing” the army. He started with the top command. The minister, the first deputy minister and the chief of general staff were discharged. Now the middle command is replaced. These changes are related to Serzh Sargsyan’s domestic plans. He is forming loyal agencies in government, including the ministry of defense. On the other hand, a new political-military situation has occurred in Karabakh, the “quality” of war and the level of arms has changed. Recently Armenia has acquired modern weapons and systems which make Azerbaijan’s traditional methods, i.e. reconnaissance-in-force and air attacks, obsolete. In addition, weapons were received not only from Russia because Russia does not have some systems that have been used at the line of contact. In addition, Armenia and Azerbaijan have made their positions clearer and tougher, at least in the current stage, which makes negotiations meaningless. This means that the confrontation may enter a new stage. There are two problems in the Armenian army – discipline and proper training to be able to use the new weapons. In addition, the stakeholders have announced that they will not impose anything on the sides, hinting that the sides are “alone” with their problem. This means that reaching a new political-military haven may take a new stage of escalation, and the positions of the conflict sides at this new heaven will be determined by the results of the escalation. What is the aim of the ongoing changes in the Armenian army? In the new situation, the Armenian army has received the possibility and legitimate right to deep strikes.
Pro-Erdogan muscle against D.C. protesters came from Canada
MacLean's Magazine, Canada