Author: Andres-Papazian

ACCORD SPOT (AIRBUS DEFENCE & SPACE) AVEC L’AZERBAIDJAN

FRANCE/AZERBAÏDJAN

Dans le cadre de la cooperation strategique dans le domaine
spatial entre l’Azerbaïdjan et la France, l’operateur de satellite
d’Azerbaïdjan Azercosmos OJC, a signe avec Airbus Defence & Space
un accord de cooperation pour l’acquisition des droits d’exploiter
et commercialiser le satellite SPOT 7 d’Observation Terrestre (OT)
optique a haute resolution (dispositifs d’imagerie de 1,5 mètre),
lance avec succès le 30 juin 2014, et qui sera rebaptise Azersky
[ciel azeri].

Cet accord, qui constitue une importante etape dans les relations
entre l’Azerbaïdjan et la France, a ete signe lors de l’Exposition
sur les Technologies de Telecommunications et de l’Information
Bakutel 2014. La cooperation strategique a long terme entre les deux
parties porte sur l’exploitation en commun d’Azersky d’Azercosmos
et du satellite SPOT 6 d’Observation Terrestre (OT) optique a haute
resolution (dispositifs d’imagerie de 1,5 mètre) d’Airbus Defence &
Space, dans une constellation [de satellites] pour parvenir au niveau
de prestations le plus eleve. Qui plus est, le segment terrestre a
construire permettra a l’Azercosmos d’acceder a des images acquises
par les satellites optiques OT, commercialises par Airbus Defence &
Space Pleiades 1A et 1B, a très haute resolution (produits d’imagerie a
0,5 mètres). Cette constellation de satellites ouvre des possibilites
nouvelles pour de nombreuses applications, procurant de nouvelles
images dans un laps de temps sans precedent. Les capacites combinees
d’acquisition d’Azersky et de SPOT 6 s’elèvent a six millions de
kilom̬tres carres par 24 heures Рune etendue dix fois superieure a
celle du territoire de la France. En d’autres termes, chaque jour,
chaque point du globe pourra etre vu en haute resolution par les
satellites Azesky et SPOT 6.

Azersky a ete lance avec succès le 30 juin 2014 par un lanceur indien
PSLV ; il a ete concu pour survivre a des conditions spatiales nocives
pendant un minimum de douze annees. Azersky dispose d’une gamme
etendue d’applications, dans les domaines en particulier concernant
la defense et la securite, la reponse aux situations d’urgence,
l’exploitation de ressources naturelles, la surveillance maritime,
la marine, la protection de l’environnement, le plan d’occupation
du sol, la cartographie, l’agriculture et le tourisme. Au cours de
la prochaine annee et demi, plus de 25 professionnels azerbaïdjanais
seront formes en France sur les methodes d’exploitation de satellites
optiques, le developpement de produits, la vente et le marketing dans
les affaires des domaines de l’observation de la Terre et des services
de la Geo-information. La position de l’Azerbaïdjan au sein du nombre
reduit de pays offrant les services de satellites en sortira renforcee.

Satnews Daily

2 decembre 2014

Pour plus d’informations relatives a Azercosmos, voyez

Ou sur le lien plus bas
?number=1359312030

mardi 9 decembre 2014, Ara (c)armenews.com

From: A. Papazian

COUNTRIES JOINING EEU ARE IN BETTER NEGOTIATING POSITION – NIKOLAI SILAYEV

11:49 09/12/2014 >> POLITICS

Armenian-Russian relations are traditionally important in terms
of security, both for Russia and Armenia, Nikolai Silayev, senior
researcher at the Center for Caucasian Studies at Moscow State
Institute of International Relations, director of the Caucasus
Cooperation NGO, told reporters on Tuesday.

The Russian military base in Armenia’s Gyumri is of much significance
to Moscow, said the expert, adding that Armenia and Russia should
also develop humanitarian cooperation.

Speaking about the future of Armenian-Russian relations, Mr
Silayev said that the relations between the two countries should
be comprehensive.

“Integration processes in the post-Soviet space will be implemented
for decades, while the current economic situation in Russia is a
result of the sanctions and domestic economic problems.

“In his address to the State Duma, Putin said that Moscow must carry
out more active and dynamic foreign policy,” said the expert.

Armenia has joined the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) and it is normal
that political debates take place in the country, Silayev said.

He noted that the EEU is smaller than the EU and those countries which
are currently joining the EEU are in better negotiating position than
the countries which have signed the Association Agreement with the
European Union.

Source: Panorama.am

From: A. Papazian

KFW ALLOCATES EUR 85.2 MILLION TOWARDS EXPANDING ELECTRICITY TRANSMISSION GRIDS BETWEEN ARMENIA AND GEORGIA

14:12, 09 Dec 2014

On behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and
Development (BMZ), KfW Development Bank today concluded two loan
agreements for EUR 85.2 million with the High Voltage Electricity
Network (HVEN), the company that operates Armenia’s transmission grid.

The project is laying the foundations for reliable and flexible
exchange of electricity – not just between Armenia and Georgia,
but the other countries in the region too (thereby creating a
regional network system). The project, which has a total volume of
EUR 132.5 million, is co-financed by the European Investment Bank
(EIB) and funds provided by the EU’s Neighbourhood Investment Facility
(NIF). It complements the finished “Black Sea Energy Alliance” project
(with an overall investment of EUR 270 million, EUR 100 million of
which was earmarked for FC financing), which contributed to regional
integration of the energy supply by means of connecting the Georgian
and the Turkish electricity grid.

“As a result of electricity being reliably and flexibly exchanged
between Armenia and Georgia, and power plants therefore being put to
better use, the electricity supply in the two Caucasian states and
in the region is becoming more stable. This is hugely significant in
both countries with regard to economic growth and thus alleviating
poverty among the population. The project also represents a major
step towards connecting the Caucasian electricity grid to the EU’s
electricity alliance in the future,” explained Dr Norbert Kloppenburg,
Member of the Executive Board of KfW Group.

As part of the project, the Armenian electricity transmission grid
is being expanded and connected to the Georgian electricity grid
by building a high-voltage line between both countries as well as a
transformer substation at Armenia’s system gateway to Georgia.

From: A. Papazian

“ARMENIA’S DECISION WAS A SHOCK FOR BRUSSELS”

December 8 2014

Representatives of the EU member countries cannot hide their surprise
of Armenia’s decision on EaEU accession. “Armenia’s decision was
a shock for Brussels, because Armenia decided to join the Eurasian
Economic Union in an overnight”, such opinion was expressed by Jan
PiekÃ…~Bo, Director of Polish-Ukrainian Partnership Foundation, in the
conversation with “Aravot” newspaper, referring to the last year’s
fundamental changes in foreign policy of Armenia. Mr. PiekÃ…~Bo was
also surprised to find out how it happened that the leader of the
Republic of Armenia decided in such a hurry to leave signing of the
Association Agreement already on the table aside. Ian PiekÃ…~Bo has
reached a similar conclusion on this issue. “It was the result of
Russia’s blackmail.

Using Artsakh as a tool, Russia persuaded Armenia to enter into the
Eurasian Economic Union”. Ian PiekÃ…~Bo mentioned that he had visited
Armenia and got the impression that the civil society mainly is not
happy with this accession. Our interlocutor added, “The civil society
representatives in Armenia have their own orientation and the right to
vote. But they are not happy with this decision.” Polish politician
thinks that leaving Armenia in this situation alone would be the
worst approach, on the contrary, it is necessary to seek for new
fields and formats of partnership. Ian PiekÃ…~Bo drew parallels with
the situation in Ukraine, as well. To our question of whether the path
chosen by Ukraine was the best, Mr. PiekÃ…~Bo replied, “Ukraine is now
in an open conflict with Russia, and now, the most important thing
for the country is the defense of borders to preserve the country’s
sovereignty.” Polish politician reminded that all started when the
then President of Ukraine, Viktor Yanukovych, refused to sign the
Association Agreement, which was opposed by people and the students
began to fight. According to Ian PiekÃ…~Bo, Ukraine is the best example
to show exactly what steps people can turn to when the leaders refuse
to consider the public opinion. Poland is also facing some problems.

Some of them, as conveyed by Ian PiekÃ…~Bo are associated with the EU’s
political and economic crisis. There is also a risk in the country
about the Russian intervention. Mr. PiekÃ…~Bo said, “In the event of
European Union’s political and economic crisis, there is a security
problem with the Baltic countries. Especially since Russia’s ambitions
to destabilize the situation in the Baltic countries are observed.”

TATEV HARUTYUNYAN

Read more at:

From: A. Papazian

MFA: TRUE RECONCILIATION POSSIBLE ONLY IN CASE OF GENOCIDE RECOGNITION

Ahead of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, Turkey is
making new efforts to deny the Genocide, thus paving the way for
perpetration of such crimes, Deputy Foreign Minister of Armenia
Shavarsh Kocharyan said at parliamentary hearings “A World without
Genocide”.

Noting that Turkey continues its policy of denial, he asked whether
Turkey forgot the military tribunal’s verdict, by which the organizers
of the Armenian Genocide were sentenced to death.

“The Armenian Genocide was a well-organized and planned crime, and
all attempts of Ankara to present it in the light of World War I
are ineffective. The four generations of the Armenians have awaited
recognition, and a true reconciliation between the peoples is possible
only in this case,” S. Kocharyan said.

08.12.14, 16:50

From: A. Papazian

WILL URUGUAY BECOME THE FIRST TO RECOGNIZE THE NAGORNO KARABAKH REPUBLIC?

18:42, 08 Dec 2014

Lusine Vasilyan
Public Radio of Armenia

Will Uruguay become the first state to recognize the Nagorno Karabakh
Republic just like it became the pioneer in recognizing the Armenian
Genocide?

“My country is working in that direction,” Vice-President of Uruguay
Danilo Astori said at a joint press conference with the Speaker of
the Armenian National Assembly Galust Sahakyan.

Mr. Astori added, however, that his government is aspiring to
maintain good relations with all countries, including those involved
in conflict.

As for the relations between Armenia and Uruguay, the Vice-President
said there are no discrepancies between the two countries and this
is reflected in the voting within the framework of international
organizations, particularly the UN.

Uruguay’s Vice-President refrained from responding to a question about
the probability of recognition of the Armenian Genocide by Israel
before the 100th anniversary. “I’m sorry I can’t speak for others,”
he said.

Speaking about the issue, Armenian Parliament Speaker Galust Sahakyan
said “there have been serious discussions in Israel on the Armenian
Genocide recognition over the past years.” He informed that an Armenian
parliamentary delegation will visit Israel in January 2015.

As for the process of international recognition of the Armenian
Genocide, in general, Danilo Astori said “the world has already
recognized it, but does not confess it, taking into consideration
the economic and other realities.”

From: A. Papazian

ARMENIAN BUSINESSMEN CAN HAVE GOOD INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN URUGUAY

18:30, 8 December, 2014

YEREVAN, 8 DECEMBER, ARMENPRESS. Armenian businessmen can have
good opportunities to make investments in Uruguay. This is what
Vice-President of Uruguay, President of the Senate of Uruguay Danilo
Astori said during a press conference at the National Assembly.

“Uruguay provides wide opportunities for investments in the
infrastructure sector. We are certain that Armenia’s businessmen can
also have good opportunities to make investments in Uruguay. This
refers to investments in transport, communication, as well as in
harbor services and in the energy sector,” he mentioned, according to
“ArmenPress”.

Astori brought up the example of famous Argentinean-Armenian
businessman Eduardo Eurnekian, who is a large investor in Uruguay.

“Eurnekian built Uruguay’s major airport. This is a brilliant example
of how to make investments in the infrastructure sector in Uruguay,”
Uruguay’s Vice-President said.

From: A. Papazian

WE MUST BE UNITED UNTIL TURKEY ADMITS ARMENIAN GENOCIDE – NA VICE-SPEAKER

14:59 * 08.12.14

Regrettably, Turkey’s authorities cannot put up with history and are
setting new preconditions, Vice-Speaker of Armenia’s Parliament Eduard
Sharmazanov stated at a hearing ‘World free of genocides.’

The hearing was organized by the Committee on Foreign Relations,
Parliament of Armenia.

“But our partners were right when they said that time would come when
not only intellectuals will go down on their knees before the Armenian
Genocide victims, but fine days would also come in the neighboring
state, when their leaders are so wise to realize their fathers not
only caused harm, but also committed genocide,” Mr Sharmazanov said.

And not only Armenians, but also Greeks and Assyrians were victims
of genocide, he added.

The Armenian Parliament is drafting a statement that would condemn not
only the Armenian Genocides, but also the Greek and Assyrian genocides.

“And as long as Turkey remains unwilling to admit the Armenian
Genocide, we must forget our domestic political disagreements –
authorities-opposition – and must be united. We need a union of four
sides – the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, Armenia, Armenians throughout
the world and friendly nations.”

From: A. Papazian

LE SOMMET DE LA FRANCOPHONIE A EXPRIME SON SOUTIEN POUR LA RESOLUTION PACIFIQUE DU CONFLIT DU KARABAGH

KARABAGH

La resolution finale adoptee par l’Organisation internationale de la
Francophonie, a la fin de son dernier sommet comprend egalement une
reference au Haut-Karabagh, en indiquant le plein soutien des Etats
membres pour les efforts deployes par les copresidents du Groupe
de Minsk de l’OSCE en vue d’une resolution pacifique du conflit a
annonce le ministère armenien des Affaires etrangères.

Selon le site Web du ministère, le point dans le document adopte
par 15e sommet de l’organisation qui s’est tenu a Dakar, au Senegal,
a ete fait sur recommandation de l’Armenie.

“Nous appelons toutes les parties au conflit de s’abstenir de l’usage
de la force et de la menace de la force, qui pourrait mettre en danger
le processus de paix, de poursuivre les negociations sur la base
commune et indivisible des propositions des copresidents du Groupe de
Minsk, a savoir le non-usage de la force ou de la menace de la force,
l’integrite territoriale, l’egalite des peuples et de leur droit a
l’autodetermination ” declare la resolution.

lundi 8 decembre 2014, Stephane (c)armenews.com

From: A. Papazian

HEAD OF UNION OF DOMESTIC COMMODITY PRODUCERS REITERATES SUPPORT FOR ARMENIA’S ACCESSION TO EURASIAN ECONOMIC UNION

YEREVAN, December 8. / ARKA /. Vazgen Safaryan, the chairman of the
Union of Domestic Commodity Producers, has reiterated today his support
for Armenia’s accession to the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union
(EEU) saying the membership opens up for Armenia new opportunities
to increase its industrial output given that Armenia uses this new
potential properly.

“The membership will give us nothing, if we do nothing to restore
Armenia’s Soviet-time ties with industrial enterprises in Russia. We
should also encourage Armenian and Russian businessmen to establish
industrial production in Armenia’s border communities,” Safaryan said
at a press conference on Monday.

According to Armenia’s National Statistical Service, the national
industrial output in January-October 2014 increased by 2.2 percent
from the same time span of 2013 to 1.040 trillion drams.

However, according to Safaryan, this growth rate is not satisfactory
to ensure an adequate level of social and economic development of
the country, as well as to reduce out-emigration and unemployment.

He also called on the government to revise the economic policy by
promoting exports of finished products, saying this will help increase
the GDP.

On December 4 by a vote of 103 to 7 and one abstention the National
Assembly of Armenia ratified the agreement that made the country
a member of the Eurasian Economic Union. The other members of the
Russia-led trade bloc are Kazakhstan and Belarus.

The agreement was endorsed by 5 of the six factions in the Armenian
parliament. The only party that voted against was Zharangutyun
(Heritage) of former foreign minister Raffi Hovhanisyan. The agreement
comes into force on January 1, 2015. ($ 1 – 447.86 drams) -0-

From: A. Papazian