Author: Andres-Papazian

KARABAKH PARTICIPATES IN NEGOTIATIONS – ARMENIA’S FORMER PRESIDENT

news.am
Aug 31 2011
Armenia

YEREVAN. – Former President of Armenia Robert Kocharyan disagrees with
the opinion that Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) does not participate in
negotiation process. In his interview to Artsakh public television
Kocharyan stated that Karabakh has its say in the negotiations.

”Karabakh is not involved only in one part of the negotiations,
that of meetings between presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan. The
negotiation agenda is much broader and Karabakh fully participates in
talks with OSCE Minsk Group, while pPresident of Armenia represents
the interests of Karabakh at the meetings of presidents. For example,
under my administration, I exhaustively discussed and coordinated all
points with then President of Karabakh Arkady Ghukasyan,” Kocharyan
said. “I have no doubt that Karabakh will fully participate in the
negotiations. How long it will take is hard to predict. You know,
at some point we were pretty close. One thing is clear – in modern
history all conflicts of the kind have been resolved in favor of
people’s self-determination. All of them, without any exception.”

According to ex-president, time is working in favor of Armenia.

“But do not think that after the recognition of Karabakh life will
change dramatically. We do not need someone’s seal for the recognition
of our independence. We must live a full life, work and strengthen
Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. All this will come, our turn will come as
well,” he said.

Kocharyan noted that he follows the life of Artsakh and sees
significant progress from year to year.

“But today Artsakh faces such challenges that we have no right to say
that we are happy with the situation. The moment when we sit down and
say we are satisfied with the situation seems the most dangerous to
me,” summed up Kocharyan.

From: A. Papazian

TURKEY TO RETURN SEIZED ASSETS TO NON-MUSLIMS

Peninsula On-line
Aug 31 2011
Qatar

ANKARA: Turkey is preparing to return the confiscated property of
non-Muslim minorities, in an effort to reassure the European Union
over its fair treatment of all religions, a government source said
yesterday.

A governmental decree was published in the official journal over
the weekend stating that property seized from minority religious
groups, under a 1936 declaration, would be returned within months or
restitution made where this is impossible .

The decision notably concerns several hospitals, schools, cemeteries
and orphanages listed in a 1936 census as belonging to the Armenian
and Greek Orthodox minorities in Turkey.

The decision also includes the return of some properties to Jews
in Turkey.

Today the Greek Orthodox population numbers little more than 2,500
people in Istanbul. There are also some 60,000 Armenians and 15,000
Orthodox Syrians among the minority religious groups.

A treaty signed with the Western powers in 1923, after the creation
of the Republic of Turkey from the ruins of the Ottoman empire,
allowed non-Muslim groups to retain their own education systems and
property rights.

As a result of the new ruling, hundreds of properties will have to
be handed back, according to the local press.

The EU has been critical of Ankara~Rs attitude towards minorities in
the country, and this restitution exercise is one of the conditions
of eventual membership in the European bloc.

The European court of human rights has also pronounced that the
confiscations are illegal.

Turkey is an official EU candidate nation but faces several hurdles
to eventual membership.

From: A. Papazian

THE PRIME MINISTER PRESENTED THE ECONOMIC SITUATION OF ARMENIA AND THE GOVERNMENT’S FUTURE PLANS TO THE DIPLOMATS

Office of the Prime Minister

Aug 30 2011
Armenia

Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan participated in the consultation of the
Central Apparatus of the RA Ministry of Foreign Affairs and head of
diplomatic representations held August 30-31 at the Karen Demirchyan
sport-concert complex. Tigran Sargsyan presented the current state
of the economy, the Government’s future programs and activities. The
Prime Minister summed up the economic results of the first half of
2011 and noted, that in 2011 4, 6% of inflation is expected in the
gross domestic product. Referring to the inflation observed in our
country, the Prime Minister said, that Armenia has already reduced
the 10% inflation level to 5%, which will create even more favorable
conditions to restrain inflation in 2012.

Speaking about the Government’s future plans, the Prime Minister noted
that they include the improvement process of business environment in
Armenia. Important events in that direction, particularly in taxation,
customs service development, introduction of an electronic filing
system have been implemented this year, which should significantly
reduce the contact between tax inspectors and representatives of the
business sector. “Today in Armenia it is possible to register a company
electronically within 15 minutes. This is one of the most important
factors in improving the business environment,” the Prime Minister
noted. The next steps of the reform, within the framework of deep
and comprehensive free trade agreement with the EU, are directed to
putting our country’s customs procedures in line with the best European
Standards, registering intellectual property protection system, etc.

According to the Head of the Government, the reform program increases
the effectiveness of the management system, which also includes
comprehensive anti-corruption action plan. “It is a long-term plan
and implies, first of all, to the specification of functions and
defining responsibilities of ministries, inspectorates, state agencies,
non-profit organizations. Program policy development, implementation
and monitoring should be the main function of the ministries; the
remaining functions should be carried out by inspections, non-profit
organizations and state agencies.”

The Prime Minister informed the diplomats that for the first time
in our country an industrial policy concept and its implementation
plans are being carried out. The economic structure of Armenia of
coming 10 years will be presented in it, revealing the potential,
relative advantages, as well as the limiting factors. Referring to
the north-south road corridor construction, the Prime Minister noted
that it will comply with the highest international standards. “Such
program has never been implemented in Armenia before. Its total volume
is estimated to be worth USD 1, 5 billion. A contract about USD 500
million has already been signed; a road construction contest has been
announced and 15 foreign companies have already filled participation
applications. The construction works are planned to begin this year.”

According to the Prime Minister, Iran-Armenia railways construction
activities are also in the process. Works about the railways’
development, construction schedule and financing are being carried
out with corresponding Russian and Iranian departments.

From: A. Papazian

OSTRICH FARMING IN ARTSAKH: FEASIBLE OR FOLLY?
Knar Babayan

hetq
11:46, August 31, 2011

Believe it or not, ostrich farming may be the next big business
in Artsakh.

With a 25 million AMD loan from the Artsakh government and his
own money, Ararat Baghryan is currently raising 50 three month old
ostriches in the Gishi village in the Martouni District.

After extensively researching the market, Baghryan says that there
is great potential in raising the flightless birds that can run up to
97.5 kilometres per hour and lays the largest egg of any living bird.

The ostrich farmer says that only 20% of the international market is
currently being supplied

It cost 39 million AMD to buy the birds, transport them to Artsakh and
purchase feed. The loan wasn’t enough. Friends and relatives kicked
in the rest. My partners from Yerevan instructed me about building
the farm which guarantees all the needs of the birds,” says Baghryan.

The birds were imported from Kenya along with special food for the
first couple of months. Later on, Baghryan will give them corn,
rye and wheat to eat.

The farmer says that it’s even possible to obtain most of the eleven
plants and grasses in Artsakh that comprise the special ostrich feed.

Baghryan says that despite some preliminary concerns, the birds took
to their new surroundings quite well.

He said the birds can also adapt to the colder climes of Artsakh.

Ostriches can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. In much of their
habitat, temperatures vary as much as 40 °C (72 °F) between night and
day. Their temperature control mechanism relies on action by the bird,
which uses its wings to cover the naked skin of the upper legs and
flanks to conserve heat, or leaves these areas bare to release heat.

When threatened, Ostriches run away, but they can cause serious injury
and death with kicks from their powerful legs. Their legs can only
kick forward

Contrary to popular belief, Ostriches do not bury their heads in sand.

This myth likely began with Pliny the Elder (AD 23-79), who wrote
that Ostriches “imagine when they have thrust their head and neck
into a bush, that the whole of their body is concealed.

The Ostrich is farmed around the world, particularly for its feathers,
which are decorative and are also used as feather dusters. Its skin
is used for leather products and its meat marketed commercially.

Baghryan says that he hasn’t yet decided how he will market the birds
but that his endeavor will be profitable.

Ostrich meat, an unknown item in Armenia, tastes similar to lean
beef and is low in fat and cholesterol, as well as high in calcium,
protein and iron. Uncooked, it is dark red or cherry red, a little
darker than beef.

One kilo goes for 15,000 AMD.

“The meat has a distinct flavor and, if produced in quantity,
could compete with beef or pork in terms of price,” Baghryan says
confidently.

His ostrich farm, the only one in Artsakh, just started to operate
two weeks ago.

As to the future of ostrich farming in Artsakh, Baghryan said it was
too soon to make any predictions.

But he seems intent on giving it his best shot.

“Sure it’s difficult and demanding, but the demand in the Armenian
market alone would seem to justify the effort,” says the only ostrich
farmer in Artsakh.

From: A. Papazian

WIKILEAKS DENIES EXPOSURE OF U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT INFORMANTS

PanARMENIAN.Net
August 31, 2011 – 11:55 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – WikiLeaks denies exposure of U.S. State Department
informants through the classified documents released by the
whistleblower website.

“Totally false that any WikiLeaks sources have been exposed or will
be exposed. NYT drooling, senile, and evil,” WikiLeaks tweeted.

State Department officials and human rights activists have been
concerned that such diplomatic sources, including activists,
journalists and academics in authoritarian countries, could face
reprisals, including dismissal from their jobs, prosecution or violence

In a shift of tactics that has alarmed American officials, WikiLeaks
has published on the Web nearly 134,000 leaked diplomatic cables in
recent days.

From: A. Papazian

ARMENIAN PRESIDENT: ARMENIA AND INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY HAVE CONSISTENT APPROACHES OVER NK ISSUE

Panorama
Aug 30 2011
Armenia

Armenia and the international community have consistent approaches
over the conflict of Nagorno-Karabakh, President of Armenia Serzh
Sargsyan said during the summit of MFA central administration and
the heads of diplomatic missions.

“When we say that Armenia and the international community have
consistent approaches, this isn’t a propaganda tool. Due to our
position and credible behavior, justified concerns and commitment
to assume necessary duties, we see that the international community
supports our position as contributing to peace and being realistic,”
President Sargsyan said.

From: A. Papazian

ANKVAB’S PRO-ARMENIAN SPEECHES ARE TOOLS TO GAIN ARMENIAN COMMUNITY – EXPERT

PanARMENIAN.Net
August 29, 2011 – 17:45 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – EU and NATO’s harsh statements on recent presidential
elections in Abkhazia are in line with the traditional policy of the
West in the region, Caucasus Institute expert said.

“The West has always recognized the territorial integrity of Georgia,
and one should not expect any changes”, Sergey Minasyan told a
PanARMENIAN.Net reporter.

Commenting on newly elected president Alexander Ankvab’s pro-Armenian
speeches during the election campaign regarding activating railway
communication with other countries in the region and promoting
relationships with Armenia, Minasyan said: “Ankvab’s pro-Armenian
election speeches are tools to gain the Armenian community. It is
natural that the candidate should have sounded nice to Armenians but
no significant changes should be expected.”

Minasyan also noted that after the 2008 Georgian-Ossetian war the
situation in Abkhazia and South Ossetia will remain stable for a
long time.

Earlier, Alexander Ankvab expressed willingness to open railway
transit with Armenia.

Ankvab got 54,86% of votes at the August 26 presidential elections
that account for the passing away of President Sergey Bagapsh on
May 29. Prime Minister Sergey Shamba and Forum of National Unity of
Abkhazia opposition party leader Raul Khadjimba also ran for the post.

From: A. Papazian

GEORGIA PLANS IMPORT GRAIN TO ARMENIA

ARMENPRESS
17:51, 30 August, 2011
Yerevan

Minister of Agriculture Sergo Karapetyan received today Georgian
ambassador to Armenia Tengiz Sharmanashvili. The latter expressed
interest in the agricultural programs carried out in Armenia, possible
cooperation between the two countries in the sphere. Press service
of the ministry reported that the minister spoke about the current
situation in the sphere, informed that as a result of the efforts
of the government and comparably favorable climate conditions the
agricultural year may be considered successful. The harvest figures
gave an opportunity to export it.

“Armenia has an opportunity to export fruits, vegetables and other
agricultural products to Georgia. We may cooperate in all the spheres,
like cattle breeding, seed breeding, reprocessing. We have good
factories of canned food and reprocessing enterprises. In Georgia’s
case we may also speak about cooperation in wine making sphere. We have
cooperated in this sphere for a long time. During the past two years
we faced problems while exporting some agricultural products, and we
hope this year no such issues will raise”, Sergo Karapetyan said.

The Georgian ambassador said his country is planning to import grain
to Armenia.

“I see many branches for cooperation, Armenia’s progress in a number
of spheres may be a model for Georgia. It should be registered that as
compared with Georgia, Armenia has a quite developed agriculture and
dynamic progress is being noticed in all the branches”, the Georgian
ambassador said.

As to the expansion of cooperation, Tengiz Sharmanashvili expressed
readiness to organize meeting of ministers of agriculture of the
two countries.

From: A. Papazian

LEVON SHIRINYAN: TURKEY’S DECISION ON RETURNING THE PROPERTY EXPROPRIATED FROM CHRISTIANS IS AN ATTEMPT OF DISTRACTING THE SOLUTION TO ARMENIAN ISSUE

ARMENPRESS
15:24, 30 August, 2011
YEREVAN

The decision adopted by the Turkish government on returning the
property expropriated from Christian and Jewish holy sites is an
attempt of distracting the solution to the Armenian issue, political
specialist Levon Shirinyan told today a press conference, adding that
one should not get encouraged by this step of Turkey.

“We should not give way to illusions: Turkey goes on with the
principle of Khemalism – no concession to Armenia. Turkey goes to
such a step for deserving international sympathy and coming forth
as a civilized country,” the political specialist said. According
to him, this is conditioned by the circumstance that the 306
resolution has began circulating in the US Congress, which intends
to call on Turkey to return the churches expropriated from Christian
minorities. Levon Shirinyan is of the opinion that this noise will
undergo a development. Turkey will try to make the best use of this
step, which does not have any value. “We should undertake serious
steps activating the activity of Armenian lobby organizations,”
the political specialist said.

According to Turkologist Anush Hovhannisyan, such step of Turkey is
a successful PR, peculiar to the person of the Turkish Prime Minister.

She said that it is also an attempt to cut the Istanbul-Armenian
community from the Armenian Diaspora by winning their sympathy.

“Turkey makes a very small step, which cannot be defined unequivocally
negative, but taking into account the enormous loss caused to
Armenians, this is a very trivial step,” Mrs. Hovhannisyan noted.

On August 28, the Turkish government adopted a decision on returning
the property expropriated from Christian and Jewish holy sites in
1936. The latter include former hospitals, orphanages, schools and
graveyards.

From: A. Papazian

SEYRAN OHANYAN: NO CRIME REMAINS UNPUNISHED IN THE ARMY

ARMENPRESS
15:51, 30 August, 2011
YEREVAN

Armenian Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan visited today the front line
of the north-southern border with Azerbaijan. Speaking to reporters
there, the minister referred to the recent incidents in the army.

“Neither a crime, nor an extraordinary incident remains unpunished”,
the minister said, adding that the army, of course, is not deprived
of incidents, crimes but the reasons are being revealed and the guilty
are subjected either to administrative or criminal responsibility.

Seyran Ohanyan noted that each case raises concern in the leadership
of the Armed Forces and is unacceptable.

“Each loss is a tragedy both for relatives and leadership of the AF”,
the minister said, pointing out that each extraordinary incident is
being investigated by the Military prosecutor’s office and RA Special
Investigation Service. All the efforts are directed to reveal and
punish the guilty.

The minister informed that less number of incidents in the history
of the RA AF was registered in 2007, the raise was registered in the
first half of 2010 when the tension on the border line increased.

Seyran Ohanyan said the ministry seeks to bring to minimum the number
of incidents. “No incident will remain without consequences. Service
examination is being conducted and all the guilty get their
punishment”, he said.

From: A. Papazian