Author: admin

FOR THE FIRST TIME A BRITISH MINISTER USES THE WORDS ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

armradio.am
13.05.2008 14:59

The U.K. government has strongly condemned the desecration of the
Armenian Genocide Monument in Cardiff, Wales which occurred on
Holocaust Memorial Day on January 27, 2008.

In a reply to Mr. David Burrowes, MP who had taken up a complaint by
B. Nazarian of Armenia Solidarity about the desecration of the Armenian
Genocide Monument, the Secretary of State for Wales, the Rt Hon. Paul
Murphy, replying for the UK government specifically referred to "the
desecration of The Armenian Genocide Memorial in Cardiff in January
2008," independent French correspondent Jean Eckian informed Radiolur.

He continued: "I wholeheartedly condemn this violent act of
desecration. It is distressing that this is yet another example of
how we must all continue to be vigilant against such acts of racism,
violence and hatred; and that we all need to stand united against
them. This attack, like many similar crimes, is often unprovoked and
undertaken under the cover of darkness. I hope that when the persons
are caught and prosecuted for this crime, this will go some way to
easing the pain and distress that has been caused by this terrible
act," he said.

"This is a most significant development," said a spokesman for Armenia
Solidarity. "In the past government ministers have made strenuous
efforts to avoid using the phrase Armenian Genocide."

30th ANNIVERSARY OF FOUNDATION OF A. KHACHATRIAN HOUSE-MUSEUM TO BE MARKED IN JUNE

Noyan Tapan

Ma y 12, 2008

YEREVAN, MAY 12, NOYAN TAPAN. Aram Khachatrian House-Museum will mark
the 30th anniversary of its foundation on June 6, the birthday of
the world-famous composer. As Noyan Tapan correspondent was informed
by museum Director Armine Grigorian, the museum is preparing a new
permanent display in this connection, which will be opened on the
first day of the events organized on this occasion.

A. Grigorian said that a festival of classical music will be also
organized, where works of prominent Armenian composers, as well as
premieres of new works will be performed. Vocal solo and orchestra
performances will be also presented.

The museum is also preparing with much responsibility for the Aram
Khachatrian International Contest of Pianists, which will be held
with state financing.

AZERBAIJAN HAS TO TAKE REACT OVER STRENGTHENING RUSSIAN-ARMENIA MILITARY COOPERATION – MINISTER

Interfax News Agency
May 11 2008
Russia

There is no unity among CIS member countries, while strengthening
military cooperation between Russia and Armenia forces Baku to react,
Azeri Defense Minister Safar Abiyev said.

"Today, one can say that there is no unity among CIS member states,"
Abiyev said in an interview with Azerbaijan’s ANS TV company.

"That is right, the main country that forms the policy in the CIS
space is Russia. You know well what relations Russian has with Armenia.

This undoubtedly forces us to make certain measures as to this tandem,"
the minister said.

The Azeri Armed Forces cooperate with 50 countries of the world,
primarily Turkey, the United States, Pakistan, the United Kingdom,
and Germany, while bilateral military cooperation agreements, which
provide for mutual assistance on a number of issues, have been signed
with 24 countries of the world," Abiyev said.

L. MELIK-SHAHNAZARYAN: "THERE IS NO SELF GOVERNED AZERBAIJAN"

Panorama.am
18:28 12/05/2008

"The conflict between Azerbaijan and Nagorno Karabakh will be solved
after another war," said politician Levon Melik-Shahnazaryan in a
press conference, today.

He said that unless the oil and gas of Caspian Sea are in the center
of world’s interest there will be no war. "When the resources are over
or when Azerbaijan loses its power the interest towards the region
will be decreased and then we’ll solve our problems ourselves," he
said. He has notified that today there is no self governed Azerbaijan.

As for the Bishkeq agreement signed 14 years ago, the politician said
that there is no need to revise it.

"Today it is used as armistice agreement, but there are more points
there. The current agreement is signed by the NKR as a direct side
of the conflict," said Shahnazaryan. According to him any attempt to
solve the conflict without NKr participation will be unsuccessful.

Office of Assemblymember Paul Krekorian
Adrin Nazarian Chief of Staff
620 N. Brand Blvd. Suite 403
Glendale, CA 91203
(818) 240-6330
(818) 240-4632 fax
[email protected]

May 12, 2008

Assemblymember Krekorian Announces:
Judges Select 24 Finalists in FILMFEST 43

Glendale, CA – Following an "arduous, but very exciting winnowing
process," Assemblymember Paul Krekorian (D-Burbank) announced that
judges of the first FILMFEST 43 have selected 24 finalists in four
categories: Animation; Documentary/PSA; Experimental/Music Video, and
Narrative.

Hailing an "unprecedented outpouring of interest and local talent,"
Assemblymember Krekorian said the judges-visual-arts professionals-have
chosen 11 narrative films, five documentaries, five experimental/music
video projects, and three animation entrees as finalists in FILMFEST 43,
an artistic and creative event set for 6:30 p.m., Friday, May 16, at
Glendale’s historic Alex Theatre.

"I am absolutely thrilled that, in the entertainment capitol of the
world, in the flagship city of California’s signature industry, over 100
aspiring filmmakers have submitted their short films to our Festival,"
Assemblymember Krekorian said. "Not only are these artists part of the
next wave of local movie talent," he said, "but for some of them, the
next step in their careers is here."

The finalists represent 11 public and private schools, Assemblymember
Krekorian said. They include Burbank High School, Burbank ROP Program,
Clark Magnet High School, Crescenta Valley High School, Flintridge
Sacred Heart Academy, Grant High School, John Burroughs High School,
Marshall High School, Oakwood High School, Providence High School, and
Toll Middle School. "This is an amazing and very satisfying turnout of
talent and ambition from throughout my district," Assemblymember
Krekorian said. "I thank the judges who took the time to carefully
review and consider every entry."

As chair of the Assembly Select Committee on the Preservation of
California’s Entertainment Industry, Assemblymember Krekorian has
conducted hearings aimed at keeping filmmaking jobs and projects in
California. "These young movie makers have displayed great imagination
and talent in producing their films," he noted. "This bodes well for
the future of California’s film industry and the tens of thousands of
jobs that it creates and supports."

FILMFEST 43 is open to the public and admission is free. To RSVP for
free tickets or for additional information, contact Assemblymember
Krekorian’s District Office at (818) 240-6330.

# # #

Karabakh starts celebrating May 9

08-05-2008 14:42:08 – KarabakhOpen

The Armenian delegation led by President Serge Sargsyan will take part
in the celebration of the Day of Victory, the liberation of Shushi and
the Defense Army. The delegation is already in Stepanakert.

Today a solemn meeting will be held in Stepanakert which will be
followed by a concert.

Tomorrow on May 9 celebrations will take place in Shushi and
Stepanakert. In the evening there will be another concert and fireworks
in Stepanakert.

Cultural and sports events and parading will take place all through the
day.

Today.Az, Azerbaijan
May 8 2008

Arif Yunusov: "There is a split in the Armenian society, but not on
the Karabakh issue"

08 May 2008 [12:47] – Today.Az

Day.Az interview with famous conflict expert Asif Yunusov.

-How would you comment on the announcement of Armenian Foreign
Minister Edward Nalbandyan, who said that the discussed document on
the resolution of Nagorno Karabakh conflict envisions plebiscite on
the definition of Nagorno Karabakh status?

-The definition of the most important and painful issue-the status of
Nagorno Karabakh-by way of a referendum, is really a basis of the
current stage of talks, best known as a Prague process.

This announcement was not a surprise or a sensation. The due
information was spread in early June of 2005, when Azerbaijan and
Armenian medias declared the details of a new plan, the called
"phased-packeted".

Its essence is the following: Armenians shall return five occupied
regions around Nagorno Karabakh to Azerbaijan, and Azerbaijani
citizens shall return there under protection of the peacekeeping
forces; all communications and borders shall open between Armenia and
Azerbaijan. as well as between Armenia and Turkey;after it within
10-15 years, a referendum to define the status of this area:whether to
be annexed to Armenia, become an independent state or remain a part of
Azerbaijan- shall be held in Nagorno Karanakh.

AS the idea of a referendum was negatively assessed in Azerbaijan, a
month later, in August of 2005, deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan
Araz Azimov, confirming the fact of conduction of a referendum in the
framework of the conflict resolution, at a press conference in Baku,
tried to soften the reaction, saying that it is not known what will be
there in 15-20 years.

Whoever has stated it, including the Minsk Group co-chairs. Let’s
recall their joint statement of June 22 of 2006, in which everything
was repeated, including the idea of referendum. Thus, I would repeat
that there is nothing new and sensational about the announcement of
Nalbandyan. He just repeated the facts that are well known to all of
us. The co-chairs have replaced the term "referendum", which bothers
most people in Azerbaijan, with "plebiscite", but the essence of the
case has not changed in the result. This is just a word tightrope
walking.

-At the same time, the leader of Democratic Party of Armenia Aram
Sarkissyan states that holding a plebiscite on the status of Nagorno
Karabakh is the most unlucky variant for Armenia and conduction of a
plebiscite is an anti-Armenian step, affecting Armenia and that thus,
in fact, the Armenian side recognizes incompetence of the creation of
"Nagorno Karabakh Republic". Why are there so many differences between
the Armenian politicians in this issue?

-Armenian politicians, especially those close to the ruling powers,
can be divided into to groups on the issues of the Nagorno Karabakh
status: radicals, which propose that the referendum on the status of
Nagorno Karabakh was already held in 1991 and resulted in declaration
of its independence by Armenians and therefore, considering that there
is no need for a new referendum. But most Armenian politicians,
especially among the ruling elite consider that referendum can be held
if only by this means it is possible to gain independence of Nagorno
Karabakh. It is important that Azerbaijan agree with the results of
referendum.

No one in Nagorno Karabakh has officially agreed for the resolution of
the problem in the framework of the Mardid principles-this
announcement was made by head of Democracy fraction, "chairman of the
parliamentary commission on external relations" of "Nagorno Karabakh
Republic" Vagram Atanesyan.

At the same time, active spokesman for Armenian Foreign Minister
Tigran Balayan said recently tyhat Madrid document is a basis for
talks on the resolution of Nagorno Karabakh conflict. How can you
explain the polarization in this issue?

-I have already answered this question. To certain extend, this is an
element of a political game or a maneuver. It means, that Armenian
authorities can reject their commitments, referring to the actions of
radicals, anytime, in case situation, favorable for them,
establishes. There are numerous political forces in the Armenian
society, which speak against the return of 7 regions, occupied along
with former Nagorno Karabakh Autonomous Oblast. Moreover, they even
reject the term "occupied", preferring to say "released".

But the main role in the adoption of the decision is played not by
these powers but by those who are ready for a referendum with outcomes
predicted in advance, which is favorable for Armenians. But they are
not sure that Azerbaijan will gradually agree and sign the document on
the need to hold a referendum (or a plebiscite) to define the status
of Nagorno Karabakh. Thus, it is worthy to speak of the strong
polarization on the issue of Nagorno Karabakh among Armenian
politicians, especially, taking into account that the ruling forces in
Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh is the same clan and they define today
the political weather for Armenians.

-Thus, it can not be said that there is a split in the Armenian
society?

-The split in the Armenian society does exist, but it does not refer
to the Karabakh issue. In this issue unity is dominating with small
private and insignificant differences.But the split refers to other
issues, especially in the social life, after the events of March 1 of
2008 and it has not been overcome yet and will further play a
significant role, considering the painful reaction of Armenians to the
death of their compatriots.

-How can Azerbaijan use the current unstable situation in Armenia?

-Former Minister Vardan Oskanyan said not by accident that the March 1
events affected the image of Armenia. Previously they stated that
unlike Azerbaijan Armenia is better represented and listed as a more
democratic state in all the documents of international organizations,
especially human rights organizations. This was their advantage in the
negotiation process and during propaganda. Now they lack it.

And Azerbaijan in the light of the upcoming presidential elections
will have a chance to change the situation in its favor. For this
purpose, it should consider the mistakes of powers in Georgia and
Armenia and hold democratic process, settle the issue of political
prisoners, release reporters and on the whole change the situation in
the country.

This will immediately influence the attitude of the leading world
states and international organizations to Azerbaijan and, certainly,
to Karabakh.

/Day.Az/

URL:

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
May 8 2008

Peter Semneby: `European Union will continue to focus the situation in
Armenia’

[ 08 May 2008 12:40 ]

Yerevan `APA. `European Union will continue to focus the elections and
post-election period in Armenia’, said Peter Semneby, EU special
representative for the South Caucasus and Central Asia, APA reports.

He said European Union gave a great importance to releasing of
arrested political figures and lifting of restrictions on the
meetings. `It is important to launch a dialogue between the different
layers of the society to eliminate tensions. It needs in the
appropriate basis and independent investigation of the March 1 events
can be used for such basis’.

CATHOLICOS OF ALL ARMENIANS CALLS ON THE WORLD’S COUNTRIES TO RECOGNIZE
THE GENOCIDE

Hayots Ashkhar Daily
Published on May 08, 2008
Armenia

In his yesterday’s speech delivered in Vatican, Catholicos of All
Armenians Karekin II appealed to all the countries of the world to
recognize the Armenian Genocide.

Addressing the thousands of believers who were present at the meeting
with Pope Benedict XVI, the Supreme Patriarch called on `all the
nations and countries to join their efforts to condemn all the
genocides that have occurred in the course of history.’

`The renunciation of such heinous crimes is as unfair as committing
them. Many countries of the world have recognized and condemned the
Genocide of the Armenians in the Ottoman Empire,’ the Catholicos of All
Armenians mentioned.

At yesterday’s meeting with the believers, Benedict XVI spoke about the
ordeals of the Armenian Christians, `especially those that occurred in
the course of the past century.’

PanARMENIAN.Net

Armenia against any distortion of Karabakh talks essence
08.05.2008 18:36 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenia’s Foreign Minister Edward
Nalbandian met Wednesday with OSCE Secretary General
Marc Perrin de Brichambaut to discuss the ways of the
Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement, cooperation with
the OSCE Yerevan Office and a number of issues
referring to the OSCE/ODIHR reports on the Armenian
presidential election, the RA MFA press office said.

The Armenian Minister briefed on the meetings held
with the OSCE Minsk Group and Azerbaijani FM Elmar
Mammadyarov. `Yerevan appreciates highly the OSCE
Minsk Group’s efforts for resolution of the Nagorno
Karabakh conflict and is willing to continue talks on
the basis of Madrid proposals,’ he said, adding that
Armenia stands against any moves distorting the
essence of the talks.

Minister Nalbandian expressed satisfaction with the
level of cooperation with the OSCE Yerevan Office and
presented the activities of the Armenian government
aimed for establishment of public confidence and
dialog between various political forces.