Author: admin

Regnum, Russia
Jan 18 2008

US embassy refused to conduct exit polls at presidential election in
Armenia

The US embassy to Armenia and the USAID has decided not to conduct
exit polls at the presidential election in Armenia.

As REGNUM was told at the US embassy press office, the decision was
stipulated by the fact that the International Republican Institute
and Baltic Surveys Ltd/Gallup failed to agree on all procedural
issues after intensive and detailed discussions and to find a
solution that would suit all parties.

`We will continue sticking to the idea that exit polls can be a
useful means regarding raising transparency and confidence in the
election. Taking into account limited time for organization process
and questions raised by various political figures, we have made a
decision that it would have more sense that we do not conduct such
poll as there are problems in conducting it that can result in
negative processes in the political dispute,’ says a statement of the
US embassy.

Dink murder still divides Turks

Story from BBC NEWS:
europe/7196308.stm

Published: 2008/01/19 05:36:17 GMT

A year after the killing of Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink, the
BBC’s Sarah Rainsford in Istanbul finds that the Turkish nationalism he
challenged remains a potent force.
"Why was I chosen as a target?"

That is the now prophetic-sounding title of an article written by Hrant
Dink some time before his murder.
The Turkish-Armenian writer was referring to his trial and conviction
for "insulting Turkishness".

A year later Hrant Dink became a physical target, when he was shot and
killed in the street. A teenage nationalist, now on trial, has admitted
killing him.

To mark the first anniversary of his murder on 19 January, 19 Turkish
celebrities have recorded a selection of his articles onto tape.

They are now part of an audio exhibition in an Istanbul side-street,
where photos of Hrant Dink gaze down from all the walls.

"The best way to make people know about Hrant Dink is to let him talk
himself, with his articles," explains Sibil Cekmen.

She is one of a group of young Turkish Armenians who organised the
event.

"I think what’s most important is that we remember Hrant Dink not only
by crying every 19 January, but by remembering why he was killed and
what he was saying. By taking his legacy and carrying it to the
future," she says.

‘We’re all Hrant Dink’

It was Hrant Dink’s stance on the mass killing of Ottoman Armenians by
Turks in 1915 that led to his murder.

Armenia and more than 20 other countries say it was genocide; Turkey –
equally adamant – denies that.

Hrant Dink believed – and wrote – that Turkey must confront and examine
that chapter of its past for the sake of all its citizens, including
the Armenians.

We have to go on, but I have no reason to be hopeful
Karin
Friend of Hrant Dink

To some Turks, that was intolerable.
Hrant Dink was shot from behind in broad daylight, just a few metres
from the office of his Turkish and Armenian language newspaper, Agos.

A teenage boy from northern Turkey is on trial for murder.

The writer’s killing provoked a mass protest in Istanbul.

Tens of thousands of Turks took to the streets. As the coffin passed
they shouted "We’re all Hrant Dink, we’re all Armenian!"

It was an unprecedented act of solidarity with Istanbul’s tiny Armenian
community.

Hrant Dink’s close friend, Karin, calls that a miracle in the current
nationalistic climate in Turkey.

But she does not feel that spirit has since spread.

"Let’s look. There are more trials; there was a song praising the
murder. There are all these attacks against Christian clergy. Do we
have anything to be positive about?" Karin asks.

"It was one of the darkest years, but what can we do? We have to go on.
But I have no reason to be hopeful."

Like many, Karin believes Hrant Dink was singled out for murder after
his trial for "insulting Turkishness", under the now notorious Article
301 of the penal code.

"It was the beginning of the end," she says. "It was a sign – this man
is a target, do what you want. That was the message, and the message
was understood."

Scars of history

Under pressure from the EU to guarantee free speech, the government has
pledged repeatedly to amend the law.

So far it is just talk.

Article 301 was used against at least 55 more people in 2007, according
to a new report from the organisation Bianet, which monitors press
freedoms.
"In Turkey everyone knows they can talk about sensitive issues, but
they also know they will probably end up in court," says Bianet editor
Erol Onderoglu. "It’s a high price to pay."

"We want just to speak and write freely. If people like Hrant Dink want
to say what happened in 1915 was genocide, then it’s not necessary to
stop the debate with a stupid article of law," he adds.

But Hrant Dink has not been silenced.

At the exhibition where his articles are displayed this week there is a
notebook in one corner.

Inside, visitors have written him messages.

An Armenian man describes how he was taught to keep quiet about the
events of 1915.

"Now I am clear in my thoughts, but I can’t voice them," he writes.
"When will I be able to speak out?"

And a couple of pages on, there is a message from a Turk.

It is addressed to "Brother Hrant".

"They can kill you, but they cannot kill your ideas – your thoughts,"
Onur writes. "They can’t stop those of us who agree with you expressing
your views, unless they kill each and every one of us.

"We miss you. Sleep in peace."

European Parliament called for differentiated approach to Armenia,
Azerbaijan and Georgia

2008-01-18 18:17:00

ArmInfo. The European Parliament called for a differential approach to
Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, the report adopted by a large majority
of votes in the European Parliament on January 16, reads.

As the European Parliament’s press-service told ArmInfo, the report on
the South Caucasus was presented by Luxemburg parliamentarian Lydie
Polfer and urged the European Commission to carry out a feasibility
study to evaluate the possibility of concluding free trade agreements
with Georgia and Armenia. Moreover, the European Parliament called for
more cooperation in the Black Sea and South Caucasus regions and urged
the European Commission to come up with new "concrete proposals for
fostering regional cooperation" in this part of the EU’s neighbourhood.
Referring to frozen conflicts in both regions, the MEPs noted that they
reject "all attempts by foreign powers aimed at creating exclusive
spheres of influence" and urged the states in the region to "stop the
increase in their military spending".

Yashar Jafarli: statements by both countries’ leaderships on possible
war just statements

2008-01-18 17:52:00

ArmInfo. Chairman of the Azerbaijani Public Union ‘Reserve and Retired
Officers’ Yashar Jafarli told Day.az he believes that the military
actions in Nagorny Karabakh will not be resumed within the coming 2-3
years.

Y. Jafarli said neither Azerbaijani nor Armenian party is interested in
war, first of all, for elections. Moreover, neither of the parties is
ready for war. Armed forces may be ready to fulfill their tasks.
However, it is the countries that wage war and all the state structures
must be ready to start military actions and public awareness of the
problem must be actively raised. In addition he believes the statements
by both countries’ leaderships on the possible war are just statements
and there are no real preparations for it. After all, none of the
parties have refused from commitments to peaceful settlement of the
conflict so far. At the same time, each party must be ready to any
extraordinary situation and possible resumption of war, Y. Jafarli
said.

Today, Azerbaijan
Jan 18 2008

OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmen: "Armenian press has distorted
information, spread in our name" – UPDATED

18 January 2008 [13:18] – Today.Az

The co-chairmen of the OSCE Minsk group have arrived in Baku today.
13:48

"The parties of Nagorno Garabagh conflict need time to think over",
OSCE Minsk Group co-chairman Bernard Fassier told reporters in Baku,
commenting on the negotiation process.

"Time is necessary to assess the details, problems and proposals.
Therefore, we do not have any calendar, especially for this year,
considering presidential elections both in Azerbaijan and in
Armenia", he said.

According to him, the proposals must be negotiated. "Perhaps, they
should be improved. Anyway, it would be better if the Presidents
approve these proposals after presidential elections, if not now".

Speaking about the positions of the sides, Fassier noted that each
party prefers to express attitude to the problems, which do not suit
it and does not say what suits it. "Therefore, we want time for
assessment", the co-chairman concluded.

US co-chairman of the OSCE Minsk Group Matthew Bryza opposed the
information of the Armenian press, according to which he criticized
the slogan "Two states-one nation" and the policy in this direction,
noting that misunderstanding occured.

"I have never said that. This is Turkey’s policy and, perhaps,
Azerbaijan’s and I do not have a right to demand to change it. I have
just mentioned the fact of such policy in Ankara and someone
misinterpreted my words", M.Bryza said.

————
13:23

US mediator Matthew Bryza told reporters that they held discussions
with President of Armenia Robert Kocharyan and Minister of Foreign
Affairs Vardan Oskanyan.

He regarded the talks in Armenia as constructive, however, according
to him much is left to be done.

"It is difficult to speak about achieving any agreement before
presidential elections in Armenia to be held in February. The meeting
of the Foreign Ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia is planned. It is
important that the co-chairmen and sides have time to continue
discussions", the US diplomat said.

Commenting on his statements regarding the relations between
Azerbaijan and Turkey, M.Bryza said that his words had been
distorted.

Commenting on the fact that the mediators went to Khankendi from
Armenia, but not from Azerbaijan, Bryza announced that this route is
more comfortable: "It is a bit difficult to pass there from
Azerbaijan. We are always asking for Azerbaijan’s permission, when
passing to Khankendi from Armenia.

Matthew Bryza noted that the presidents and foreign ministers of
Azerbaijan and Armenia are informed about the details of the talks:
"However, the sides have a right to share this information. Perhaps,
Armenia will inform the representatives of Nagorno Garabagh".

French co-chairman Bernard Fassier noted that the discussions held
both in Yerevan and Khankendi were constructive and interesting: "I
hope that we will be able to continue our work. This work will base
on proposals, introduced to the sides in Madrid. These proposals have
been explained to the sides and we have familiarized with the
position of the sides on this issue. We have mentioned that it will
take time to consider the positions of the sides".

The co-chairman compared this issue with looking at a picture at a
distance and closer: "For example, when looking at the picture from a
close distance, it is possible to see only one detail, while when it
is far away, more details are seen. We would like to see the results
of the talks from such point of view".

In turn, Russian co-chairman Yuri Merzlyakov commented on information
on basic principles, published in Armenian press in his name: "I have
never said that. If it had been like that, we would not have returned
here. Positions of Azerbaijan and Armenia do not coincide on a number
of points. We have proposed to hold a meeting of the Foreign
Ministers of the two countries so far".

Commenting on the proposals of the co-chairmen on the involvement of
Nagorno Garabagh to the negotiation process, Y.Merzlyakov said that
these statements had also been distorted: "We have mentioned
repeatedly that all the parties must take part in the discussions
only after basic principles are coordinated".

Speaking about the participation of the Azerbaijani community of
Nagorno Garabagh in the discussions, the Russian diplomat said that
this is an internal matter of Azerbaijan. If Azerbaijan wants, the
Azerbaijani community may take part in the discussions.

/APA/

URL:

KOCHARYAN DISMISSED KARABAKH

A1+
[08:33 pm] 17 January, 2008

"Before Robert Kocharyan became president in 1998, Nagorno-Karabakh
was one of the negotiating parties, but after becoming the President,
Robert Kocharyan decided that Armenia would better present Karabakh. We
have not dismissed Karabakh from the negotiating process", today the
OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairman Bernard Fassier explained NKR’s dismissal
from the negotiations. He ensured that involvement of the NKR in the
negotiation process was Armenia’s decision.

To the question of "A1+", that if Karabakh extraction from negotiations
is agreed with Robert Kocharyan’s personality, then on 19 February
Kocharyan will not be the president, will the next RA President involve
Karabakh in the negotiation process, Bernard Fassier responded:
"Please, forward that question to the RA authorities, it is up to
them to decide".

Does it mean that Azerbaijan contents to Karabakh’s participation
in the negotiations and the final decision depends on the Armenian
part? To this question Mr Fassier answered: "In regard with Karabakh’s
participation, the situation is rather complicated; many other problems
should be solved for the solution of that problem".

"Judging from Karabakh’s position in regard with the current process
of negotiations, we may say that there is not urgent necessity to
change the present format", said Yuri Merzlakov. The OSCE Minsk
Group Co-Chairmen mentioned that any decision referring Karabakh
nation’s destiny should be settled with the support of Karabakh
people. Journalists tried to find out from the Co-Chairmen, who had
returned Stepanakert, why they did not present the document which
was negotiated to the NKR authorities. The Co-Chairmen only informed
that in Stepanakert they were aware of the details of negotiation
process. The French Co-Chairman informed that the NKR authorities told
the Co-Chairmen: "The sooner Karabakh is involved in the negotiation
process, the better for them". Mr Fassier underlined once again,
that the Co-Chairmen were not responsible for it.

The Armenian journalists also pointed out that the more often the
Co-Chairmen talked about the peaceful settlement of the conflict,
the more often Ilham Aliev made war-like appeals. In this regard Yuri
Merzlakov ensured, that when meeting Ilham Aliev in Baku, he said: "We
said to the Azerbaijani President that besides political settlement of
the conflict, they have no other alternative. We have announced 2008
decisive year for the settlement of Karabakh conflict". According to
Merzlyakov, Aliev agreed with him.

"ARMENIAN RAILWAY" PASSED TO "RUSSIAN RAILWAYS" COMPANY FOR CONCESSION MANAGEMENT

Noyan Tapan
Jan 16 2007

YEREVAN, JANUARY 16, NOYAN TAPAN. Armenian Railway has been passed
to Russian Railways company for concession management. The Russian
company intends to invest about 570 million dollars over 30 years. The
Armenian minister of transport and communication Andranik Manukian
and the president of Russian Railways Vladimir Yakunin on January
16 signed a memorandum of mutual understanding, according to which
a concession agreement has to be developed in one-month period.

V. Yakunin said that last year Armenian Railway operated at a profit,
the commodity transportation increased, which means that the country’s
economy is developing. According to him, the assumption of Armenian
Railway’s management by the Russian company is natural because the
railways of CIS countries are linked to each other and operate based
on the same norms. V. Yakunin said that the concession agreement
allows to change tariffs, which is envisaged. It was stated that a
closed joint-stock company will be set up in order to implement an
investment program at Armenian Railway.

Speaking about the project of constructing Iran-Armenia railway,
V. Yakunin said that the Russian side is prepared to make additional
investment for the project’s implementation. As for restoration of
railway communication with Azerbaijan and Turkey, V. Yakunin stated
that it is a political issue, while they are businessmen and not
political scientists.

LIBRARY OF NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION OF RA MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND SCIENCE TO BE INCLUDED IN NETWORK OF IIEP DEPOSITORY LIBRARIES

Noyan Tapan
Jan 16 2007

YEREVAN, JANUARY 16, NOYAN TAPAN. The library of the National Institute
of Education of the RA Ministry of Education and Science will be
included in the network of depository libraries of the International
Institute for Education Planning (IIEP). NT correspondent was informed
by the PR department of the ministry that starting from this year,
the library will regularly receive IIEP’s publications. The National
Institute of Education has already received nearly 50 titles of
professional literature.

The IIEP was established in 1963 with the aim of developing the
planning and management capacities of the educational systems of
UNESCO member states.

Taking into account difficulties with obtaining professional literature
on education, the Paris-based IIEP created a network of depository
libraries in various countries in 1990. About 180 libraries in 80
countries currently receive a free copy of IIEP’s publications which
are released in English, French, Russian, Spanish, etc.

The institute offers annual courses, effective training, extension
programs and other courses on planning and management of education and
development of efficient educational policy. Since its establishment,
the IIEP has prepared about 6,000 education experts and executives.

YOUTH DISCUSSES ALTERNATIVES TO PEACE SETTLEMENT OF THE CONFLICT

Karabakhopen
17-01-2008 13:19:22

On January 16 Helsinki Initiative 92, a Karabakh-based NGO, the
Helsinki Civil Assembly and IKV Pax Christy held a round-table meeting
in Stepanakert to which the young representatives of the parties of
Karabakh were invited.

The topics of the discussion were: Is there an alternative to a peace
settlement and what will the region be like in 15 years? The purpose
was to find out the opinion of young political activists on the ways
of settlement of the Karabakh conflict.

The representatives of the youth wings of the ARF Dashnaktsutyun,
the Democratic Party, Helsinki Initiative 92, as well as the youth
organization Birthright Armenia were invited to the discussion.

The organizers say the results of surveys suggest indifference among
the Karabakh youth. Evidence to this is the fact that of 20 young
people invited to the meeting only 4 answered yes to the question
"Are you aware of the Karabakh conflict and what is the official
stance on this issue?"

Opinions on the proposals of the mediators (namely the return of
territories and refugees) varied. All the young people are for peace
but not just at any price.

The representative of the youth wing of the ARF Dashnaktsutyun said
since we have been foes for over a century, it is pointless to try
to find points in common, especially that the current situation
satisfies everyone.

Most young people said against the return of territories and refugees.

Sergey Melkumyan, the representative of the youth wing of the
Democratic Party, says: "As soon as Azerbaijan feels its strength,
it will declare a war."

An optimistic opinion was voiced that as soon as the volume of
production of oil in Baku starts falling in 2012, Baku will stops
threats of war.

There is also an opinion that in case a democratic image of NKR
is shaped, the international community will focus on the regional
problems and the Karabakh issue may be settled then.

BERNAR FASSIER: MEDIATORS WANT KARABAKH TO BE INVOLVED IN NEGOTIATIONS SOON

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
Jan 17 2008

OSCE Minsk Group mediators want Karabakh to be involved in the solution
of the conflict as full participant of negotiations process.

It would be better in Karabakh joins to negotiations process as one
of the sides, French co-chair Bernard Fassier said in press conference
in Yerevan, APA reports quoting Novosti-Armenia.

"There is no necessity in bringing the Karabakhi side back to the
talks. In 1998 when Robert Kocharian was elected President, we decided
that Armenia will represent Karabakh at the negotiations.

Presently, change of format is inexpedient. Any change will take lots
of time," the French diplomat said.

He said that it is difficult to join Nagorno Karabakh to the
negotiations as one of the sides and everything needs time.

"We already focused on all sides’ familiarizing at basic principles and
if agreement is achieved on these principles, Karabakh can participate
in the negotiations after the consent of Armenia," he said.