Author: admin

NEW ATMOSPHERE

Hayots Ashkhar Daily
31 Oct 08
Armenia

Turkish President Abdullah Gyul said he believes the visit he paid
to Armenia on September 6 created a new atmosphere between the two
countries.

During the reception on the occasion of the day of the Turkish Republic
Gyul told the journalists: "the new atmosphere will annihilate all
the problems in the relations between the two countries. Each of us
must try to maintain this atmosphere. I’m hopeful and I expect good
developments," he announced.

RUSSIA TO OPEN CULTURAL CENTERS IN AZERBAIJAN, ARMENIA AND MOLDOVA

ARMENPRESS
Oct 31, 2008

MOSCOW, OCTOBER 31, ARMENPRESS: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov
stated that Russia plans to open cultural centers by the end of the
year in Azerbaijan, Armenia and Moldova.

"This year we are planning to open new centers in Azerbaijan, Armenia
and Moldova," Lavrov said today in Moscow at the World Conference
of Compatriots.

OUR GOAL IS TO TURN AZERBAIJAN INTO DEVELOPED COUNTRY IN A SHORT-TERM PERIOD: FOUNDER OF IRALI MOVEMENT

Trend News Agency
Oct 29 2008
Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan, Baku, 29 October /Trend News/Interview of Trend News with
the founder of the republic youth movement ‘Irali’ and graduator of
the Program for Leadership Development of the Harvard University,
Jeyhun Osmanli.

Question: What do you think of the recent past and current development
way of the Independent Azerbaijani Government?

Answer: Probably, each of us, visiting one of the developed countries,
for example Norway, gets into a deep thought. The thought about whether
his country would develop in this way or would the consciousness of
people in ongoing process in the public reach the same level. We
think how we can make our country, community and level of our
individuals to meet high world standards. I think over the issues
very much. Perhaps, the thought on this issue looked like Utopia
twenty years ago. In general, there was not an independent state
under the name of Azerbaijan in the world map. Now we have a state
with 17 years independence experience. However, the independence
does not mean a political stability, state building and economic
development. Therefore our national Leader Heydar Aliyev needed ten
years to maintain the independence of Azerbaijan; to restore all
national signs related to restoration of our state; create priorities
in our policy and form the Independent Azerbaijan. So, while 17 years
ago Azerbaijan was recognized an independent state constitutionally,
now it won the political and economic independence thanks to the
efforts by the Great Leader of Azerbaijan. The very complicated
process of establishment of independent country, which took several
years in many other countries, was carried out in short period of
time in Azerbaijan. Besides aforesaid achievements, the half of
the population was poor five years ago, and Azerbaijan was amongst
non-developed countries. Though five years have passed since then,
Azerbaijan is a developing country. At present, Azerbaijan is not
a non-developed African country, but it is compared with developing
countries in the east Europe and American contingent. This factor is
proved with comprehensive development way, which Azerbaijan has passed
through for last five years. This means the incumbent President Ilham
Aliyev has carried out his mission with success.

This success increased confidence of the population to its leader
and resulted in Aliyev’s winning in the presidential election with
majority. As to my previous idea about the wish to see Azerbaijan as
the all-round developed country, I want to say that as a young man I
believe that Azerbaijan will turn into developed country. I believed
in the further development of our country most after listening to
the speech delivered by the President at the inauguration ceremony.

Question: You touched upon the very interesting topic. What statements
Ilham Aliyev made at the inauguration ceremony attracted your
attention most?

Answer: The inauguration ceremony, which lasted an hour, was enough
for the President to deliver his statements related the further
development in Azerbaijan. The opinion made at the ceremony depicted
Azerbaijan into the next five years. One of the main moments that
attracted my attention was the President’s goal to turn Azerbaijan into
developed country. President said that Azerbaijan has all necessary
conditions – human resources, economic and political stability. He
said modernization and reforms are needed to be carried out in many
spheres. In particular, Mr. President stressed for three times the
need for innovations in the political sphere.

Question: What do you mean by "innovations in the political sphere"?

Answer: By political reforms I mean, mainly, institutional reforms
and creating strong human capital as every stage of development
requires respective management and structuring. If we have set a
task to turn into a developed country, it should be conditioned on
by the presence of relevant bodies and personnel the level of which
should meet development. Human capital is especially important as
human beings are the key factor of a development. Today’s economic
miracles in Germany and Japan are implemented not by aliens, but
their people. If Azerbaijani President makes an historical call to
the citizens to turn Azerbaijan to developed country, everybody,
officials, teachers and others should possess a potential meeting
this call. People should consider their duty to serve their country
and people, but not strive for money and prestige.

Question: What is your view of President’s position on human capital?

Answer: Mr. President’s statement he made in the inauguration ceremony
"Azerbaijan needs professionals loving their country" points to human
capital. This issue stands on the agenda and President signed a decree
to educate 5,000 young people abroad due to public funds. However,
if our aim is to make Azerbaijan a developed country in a short-
term period, policy of human capital should officially enter to the
country’s life and all human resources in Azerbaijan and abroad must
be analyzed for strategic purposes. At present, there is already public
request to set up Human Capital Fund engaged in these issues. In think,
besides educational programs, there is a need to open improvement
programs abroad. For example, German Invekt holds improvement programs
for 2,000 managers from Russia annually. I think we should use this
practice. In addition, higher schools of Azerbaijan should act under
modern education standards which will contribute to stronger human
resources on the local level.

Question: During the inauguration ceremony, President put a special
emphasis on Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity. What can you say
about it?

Answer: Statement of Mr. President "regardless of how many years will
go by from now on, Nagorno-Karabakh will never be independent" is an
open and clear message to the entire world in form of rejection. By
this message, President shattered hopes of all forces who wished
solution of the conflict in favor of Armenia. I support this resolute
statement and the reason behind it. Our youth realizing the core of
this statement, say "Be prepared for a war, if you wish a peace". It
is high time the opposite side made its choice.

MEETING OF ARMENIAN AND AZERI PRESIDENTS TO TAKE PLACE ON NOVEMBER 2

Noyan Tapan
Oct 29, 2008

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 29, NOYAN TAPAN. A meeting between RA President Serzh
Sargsyan and Azeri President Ilham Aliyev with the participation
of RF President Dmitry Medvedev will take place on November 2
in Moscow. Issues regarding Nagorno Karabakh settlement will be
on meeting’s agenda. Noyan Tapan was informed about it by the RA
President’s Press Office.

ARMENIA HAS NEVER APPEALED TO ANY COUNTRY

Hayots Ashkhar Daily
28 Oct 2008
Armenia

To Realize Mediation Mission

President Serge Sargsyan’s interview given to the Public TV.

"Mr. President the discussions on the settlement of Karabakh
conflict have become very active – different assessments, different
predictions. At what stage is the settlement of the conflict?"

"The thing is, after a long-term passiveness the process of the
settlement of Karabakh conflict has entered an active stage. This
fact is conditioned by at least two important circumstances: firstly
– presidential elections were held both in Armenia and in Azerbaijan
and secondly – the famous events that took place in the region over
again proved that there is no military option for the settlement of
the conflict.

The settlement of Karabakh conflict is possible only in case
Azerbaijan recognizes the right of the people of Nagorno Karabakh
to self-determination, if Nagorno Karabakh has a land border with
the Republic of Armenia and if the international organizations and
the progressive countries guarantee the security of the people of
Nagorno Karabakh.

In my view that activeness, public discussions are really helpful and
I strongly believe that we will enter a period of much more active
public discussions. The discussions are always helpful, but they must
be based on only one interest, the interest of Armenian people.

We have sacrificed a lot for the settlement of Karabakh conflict
and can’t afford closing our eyes on the speculations of certain
facts. We are solving a precious issue. We are solving a very important
historical issue and those who seek a benefit from this historical
issue are simply immoral."

"Mr. President, judging from the recent developments the activeness
of the other players in the region becomes perceptible. Particularly
the initiative of the Russian President, D. Medvedev, of the meeting
between the three Presidents and the announcement made by A. Gyul
saying that you were the first to ask for his help in the settlement
process. How would you comment on this?"

"I must say that the process of the settlement of Karabakh conflict
passes in the framework of OSCE Minsk Group, based on "Madrid
principles". I have said many times and I would like to repeat that
there are no other mediators, other than OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmen
and the confusion that some people are trying to create doesn’t
support us.

I must repeat OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmen are the only mediators,
Armenia has never appealed to any country to realize mediation mission.

Russia is one of OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmen countries and the
invitation made by D. Medvedev and his activeness in this issue is
quite normal.

As regards the commentary on the announcement made by Abdullah Gyul,
I must firstly say that, maybe you have noticed that I don’t like
commenting on the announcements made by other political figures,
especially because our press usually publishes sections cut from the
whole context.

In reality OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmen are the only mediators,
but we still don’t refuse any assistance. I believe Turkey can lend
a hand in the process of the settlement of Karabakh conflict and
they do so. President Gyul’s visit to Armenia, the negotiations
between Armenia and Turkey are good examples for the settlement of
tough issues. I believe if Turkey opens its borders with Armenia and
establishes diplomatic relations with us, it will greatly help the
settlement of Karabakh conflict.

TURKEY ADDRESSES MESSAGES

Hayots Ashkhar Daily
29 Oct 2008
Armenia

Turkish President Rejap Tayip Erdoghan has sent two special
representatives to Barrack O’bama and John McCain, the Democratic and
Republican contenders participating in the US Presidential elections
which are going to be held on the 4th of November.

The two special representatives, i.e. Ahmed Davoudohghlu,
Mr. Erdoghan’s Chief Advisor on Political Issues, and Suat Kynkyloghlu,
Vice Chair of the Committee on Foreign Relations, are going to meet
with the Advisors of candidates O’bama and McCain. They are going to
introduce to the two US presidential candidates "Turkey’s views" on the
allegations of the Armenian Genocide, the "terrorism" of the Kurdish
Labor Party and the problem of Cyprus and other regional issues.

The message which is going to be addressed to candidates O’bama and
McCain contains the following statement, "It is necessary to have
a proper understanding of the tendencies addressed to Turkey by
Armenia. It is important for the US Presidential candidates to hear
Turkey’s views at first hand, along with the views expressed by the
Armenian Diaspora" and "for the desirable exhortations which Washington
is going to address to the Armenian Diaspora to contribute to the
establishment of peace in the Caucasus." Mr. Erdoghan’s "personal"
representatives would ask the US Presidential candidates to assist
them in the implementation of the Turkish proposal on the establishment
of a platform of stability and cooperation in the Caucasus.

In its message, Turkey has called on the US Presidential candidates
to continue the Turkey-US military cooperation in case one of them
is elected to the post of President.

HOW TO CHEAT THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE
Kima Yeghiazaryan

Hayots Ashkhar Daily
29 Oct 2008
Armenia

To Participate And To Flee

After the decree, on setting up a fact-finding group, signed by Serge
Sargsyan on October 23, for the last five days the representatives
of Armenian National Congress have been waiting for the decision of
their leader, with bated breath and dumbly.

Strange as it may seem "heritage" party, which is not considered
the member of the congress, is also waiting for Levon Ter-Petrosyan’s
decision, because they don’t seem to hurry in expressing their position
on whether or not they are planning to participate in the works of
the fact-finding group.

Of course they reason it by saying that it is up to the administration
to take a decision on this issue, but it is evident that "Heritage"
is hanging back, waiting for Levon’s decision. And only after his
decision will "Heritage" express its final stance.

Before that of course the representatives of both the congress and
"Heritage" party have already managed to express their objections
regarding certain points of the decree, not daring to utter a word
regarding their final decision.

But hardly will Ter-Petrosyan come to a decision so swiftly. Though
the terms mentioned in the decree will most probably make him take
a decision before November 4.

So, Levon Ter-Petrosyan didn’t find a better place to discuss this
and many other issues, than "Yerablur", where he visited on "October
27". On his third visit to Panteon and Yerablur, from 1999, he managed
both to "mourn" the deaths of the victims and to spontaneously convene
an open-air press conference.

Whereas not only did he answer the various questions (beginning from
the establishment of the fact-finding group up to the possibility of
holding extraordinary demonstrations) of the journalists just near
the gravestones, but he also hold a spontaneous consultation with
the members of "Heritage" party. Such is their habit – to hold civil
functions on the day of the Genocide, to convene a press conference
in Yerablur, etc…

We thought the fact of convening this urgent press conference was
conditioned by publicizing his decision. But it turned out that there
was no decision. The leader of the revolutionaries was hesitating. The
fact that COE Commissioner for Human Rights Tomas Hammarberg
immediately responded to the initiative to set up a fact-finding group
and welcomed and appreciated the President’s decision couldn’t help
"sobering" Ter-Petrosyan. Especially because it was at his and his
companions’ demand that the issue was included in the PACE resolution.

This time Ter-Petrosyan will have to take such a decision, which won’t
be difficult to digest for the Council of Europe, because the latter
expects, only and only a positive answer from the revolutionary leader.

After boycotting the works of the NA Interim Committee, after ignoring
the demand-proposals made by the Council of Europe to start a dialogue
with the ruling power, if he behaves the same way this time he will
really appear in a very ridiculous situation. But still what pretext
can he find to justify his refusal to send his own representatives
to work in the fact-finding group? The day before Ter-Petrosyan
announced that two of their demands "have not been satisfied by the
ruling power". According to the decree the group subordinates to the
working interim committee, which means it is not independent. It is
not "transparent" as well, because the elucidation of the works is
strictly banned. Not considering the Human Rights Defender as a third
party, he complained that international experts are not involved
in the works of the group, because in his view the latter must be
the "third party". Whereas it is twice mentioned in the decree: "To
involve specialists in the fact-finding group, including international
experts."

As to the fact of the "subordination" – what else could they do?

Should they ignore the works implemented by the interim committee by
now, only to satisfy the revolutionaries? Or what "transparency" do
they speak about? Everyday overflow of the information? To give the
revolutionaries the chance to make a concert from this information
and reach the dissolution of the group?

With all this Levon Ter-Petrosyan has many times mentioned: "It’s
ok. We can make use of the small chances that we possess, if we
participate in the works of the group." He has appeared between the
devil and the deep sea.

Not to appear in a shameful situation in front of the Council of
Europe, most probably he is looking for an "optimal" solution. It is
really illogical to oppose the proposal made by himself. Most probably
this time he will take a positive decision to show the Europeans that
they also want "to be helpful". This is the delusion that they are
going to create.

But it is not excluded that after some time he will call back his
representatives from the fact-finding group, with the whole "luggage"
of information, which the revolutionaries will swiftly spread all
over the country, thus trying to discredit the activity of the group.

Meanwhile by using the information at hand as a subject for
the demonstrations, they will try to liven up their dead
movement. Everything is possible from those who provoked "March 1".

RECONSTRUCTED "EMPLOYMENT REGIONAL CENTER" OPENS IN GAVAR

ARMENPRESS
Oct 28, 2008

GAVAR, OCTOBER 28, ARMENPRESS: "Employment Regional Center" of Gavar
town reconstructed with the funds of USAID re-opened today.

Armenian Labor and Social Affairs Minister Arsen Hambartsumian,
U.S. ambassador to Armenia Marie Yovanovitch, accompanied by
Gegharkunik Governor Nver Poghosian, representatives of USAID and
Gegharkunik governor’s office participated in the opening of the
center.

The U.S. ambassador who visited Gegharkunik province for the first
time said that U.S. government will hence also exert its efforts
towards the decrease of unemployment rate in Armenia and loosening
of social tension.

Minister Arsen Hambartsumian, underscoring the creation of model
center of employment in Gavar, said that with this the problems do
not end but need more developed and flexible approaches, so that the
unemployment in Gegharkunik be reduced and a stable system accommodated
to demands of labor market be established.

Governor of Gegharkunik Nver Poghosian highly underscored the
initiative of the U.S. government, noting that it would have been
good if the opening of the center be followed with the works directed
towards creation of jobs.

COMAPRED TO NANCY PELOSI, GOVERNOR PALIN A "ROADS" SCHOLAR!
By John Lillpop

NewsBlaze
1028133542lill.nb/topstory.html
Oct 28 2008
CA

Liberals and their humble servants in the mainstream media have waged
all out war against Governor Palin by arguing that the governor does
not possess the requisite intellect to be president should disaster
befall her 72-year old boss, John McCain.

Mind you, the angst on the left is not (they say) driven by the
governor’s conservative politics and or her Republican heritage. Rather
it is a simple matter of wanting what is best for America, and
questioning whether or not Sarah Palin has sufficient gray matter to
take over the Oval Office should worse come to worse.

As with most liberal arguments, this one is a hypocritical hoot,
a real belly gusher in fact!

Think about it. Nancy Pelosi, a liberal Democrat, is third in line
for succession to the presidency!

Has there ever been a more frightening prospect in U.S. history? Nancy
Pelosi in the White House! She is the only living politician who
would confuse "Roads" with Rhodes.

We are talking about the diminished capacity Pelosi who claims to be
unaware of the fact that abortion is a no-no in the Catholic Church.

At sixty-six years of age and after a lifetime of being an active
Catholic all of her life, this air head contends that the doctors of
the Church have not yet decided whether or not killing an innocent
fetus is a sin?

That would also be the same Pelosi who favored a House resolution,
the Armenian Genocide bill that would have condemned Turkey for acts
that took place 90 years ago, from 1915 to 1917.

Pelosi’s mindless meddling in the Middle East threatened U.S. access
to a military base in Turkey that was a crucial staging ground for
supplies headed to Iraq and Afghanistan.

That would also be the same Pelosi who actually said the following,
in part, recently:

"If the Democrats win, and have substantial majorities, Congress of
the United States will be more bipartisan," said Pelosi

That "logic" makes about as much sense as telling a smoker to light
up more often, and inhale more deeply, to ward off lung cancer and
heart disease.

Or as intelligent as telling a morbidly obese person to triple his
or her fat intake while eliminating all physical exercise in order
to get rid of that protruding mid section and multiple chins.

ews/politics&id=6473426

Of course, Governor Palin has never done or said anything even remotely
as stupid as Nancy Pelosi!

To all those liberals who are worried about the White House falling
into the hands of a complete moron: Vote against Nancy Pelosi!

TURKISH OFFICIALS TO MEET ADVISORS OF U.S. PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES

Huriyet
28 oct 08

Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan sent two foreign policy officials
to meet the advisors of both U.S. presidential candidates Democrat
Barack Obama and Republican John McCain in the United States, Hurriyet
daily reported on Tuesday. (UPDATED)

Ahmet Davutoglu, chief foreign policy advisor to Erdogan and Suat
Kiniklioglu, deputy chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the
Turkish parliament would convey Turkey’s stance on a number of crucial
issues, including PKK terrorism, the so-called Armenian "genocide"
claims, Cyprus and other regional problems, to the advisors of both
candidates, Hurriyet wrote.

The officials are also expected to reiterate Turkey’s desire to
continue cooperation against the terror organization, PKK, and
reaffirm that their country looks favorably on the territorial
integrity of Iraq.

Davutoglu and Kinikoglu would also seek U.S. support to Turkey’s
proposal for the "Caucasus Cooperation Platform".

Turkey would also urge the U.S. presidential candidates to listen to
Turkish views on the so-called Armenian "genocide" claims, aside from
focusing solely on the Armenian claims.

Armenia, with the backing of the diaspora, claims up to 1.5 million
of their kin were slaughtered in orchestrated killings in 1915. Turkey
rejects the claims, saying that 300,000 Armenians along with at least
as many Turks died in civil strife that emerged when Armenians took
up arms, backed by Russia, for independence in eastern Anatolia.

In 2005, Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan took a first step
towards resolving the issue by proposing a joint commission of
historians launch an investigation and publish their conclusions,
but the proposal was rejected by Yerevan.

Turkey believes that the opinions Washington imparts to the Armenian
diaspora in the United States would also contribute to the stability
in the Caucasus, Hurriyet wrote.

A warmer period began between Turkey and Armenia, who for more
than a decade have not had any diplomatic relations over Armenia’s
aggression against Azerbaijan, after Turkish President Abdullah Gul
paid a landmark visit to Armenia early September.