Author: Andres-Papazian

Pre-election campaign in Turkey checks `blood purity’ of politicians

Nothing good will come out of this pre-election campaign, as the
Turkish population consider themselves pure Turks, Ottomans by origin.
Any other origin is considered `unclean’.

This week the Turkish press publicized two news items worthy of close
attention. The first was about the decision on Leo Suren Halepli,
Turkish citizen of Armenian descent,to be employed by the Turkish
government. Tthe second item referred to publication of the names of
Armenian journalists killed in the years of the Armenian Genocide of
1915. It is unlikely that we would be interested in these posts, but
for the gaining momentum campaign for parliamentary elections.

March 4, 2011
PanARMENIAN.Net –

Any statement given by the main contenders for the majority should be
treated in this context. As for Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan,
he, as always, does his usual, playing to the gallery on the brink of
a scandal, accusing every possible and impossible one. Once more he
swears fidelity to the Turkic Union, EU, Arabs and anyone, except the
recent strategic partner and ally – Israel. But there is an
explanation to everything: it is impossible to enlist the support of
the Arab world, meanwhile maintaining good relations with Israel. Only
Hosni Mubarak and to some extent, the League of Arab States (LAS)
headed by Egyptian diplomat Amr Moussa have so far managed to do so.
But alas, all is gone, and now Turkey is trying to play a major role
in the Arab East, completely forgetting both about Saudi Arabia and
yet quite competent Gaddafi. However, Turkey is well aware that the
path to Arab states that have experienced a `revolution’ lies through
Egypt. Especially to that end did President Gul leave for Cairo.
`We’ll share our mutual experiences and will describe how we
implemented reforms in our country. The transition period must be
open, transparent and satisfying; it must meet people’s expectations,
and must involve people in this process,’ Gul said. He also stressed
in this issue the sincerity of Turkey, which forms part of the region.
`We have gained a high reputation and our opinion counts. What
happened is a people’s revolution. What needs to be done today is to
act rationally and decisively. It is necessary to ensure democracy and
supremacy of law,’ the Turkish president said.

As always, words and actions of Turkish officials are diametrically
opposite. Democracy is good, of course, but how to deal with
dissatisfaction of the OSCE, regarding the harassment of journalists.
The ability of Turkey to fog the truth is known for long, since the
times of the Ottoman Empire. One may even say that nothing has changed
for over 600 years, except the look of Turkey – from a gown with a
hookah to a business suit from the best designers.

Within the same pre-election campaign there also began the process of
`defaming’ the leaders of major political parties. At least so Turkish
politicians interpret the mention of their non-Turkic roots. It all
started a couple of years ago, when MP Canan Aritman `accused’
President Gul of the Armenian descent of his mother. Now Armenian
roots are attributed to Kemal Kılıcdaroglu, leader of the Republican
People’s Party (CHP), and the other day they started to talk about the
Jewish origin of Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Nothing good will come out of
this campaign, as the Turkish population consider themselves pure
Turks, who were Ottomans by origin. Any other origin is considered
`unclean’. We will not mention that the Young Turks and Mustafa Kemal
Ataturk were Donmeh (Jews who converted to Islam). Neither shall we
mention about their Armenian grandmothers. But the most interesting
point is that among the ancestors of Turkish politicians no
Azerbaijanis are found. This fact alone means nothing, unless you take
into account that they did not exist at the time of the Ottoman
Empire, when Circassians, Albanians, Slavs, and anyone but the
Caucasian Tatars were captured or taken into harem … And the fact
that the Turkish Premier is a Laz by nationality is not news.

However, it’s strange enough that a country avid for getting into
Europe, should care about `purity of blood’. Europe once experienced
this in 1930s. The good news is that everything that’s happening now
in Turkey is merely a campaign.

Karine Ter-Sahakyan / PanARMENIAN News

From: A. Papazian

Aronian to use Amber as springboard for 2011 Candidates Matches

March 5, 2011 – 14:49 AMT 10:49 GMT
PanARMENIAN.Net –

On March 11-25, Armenia’s Levon Aronian will participate in the 20th
Amber Blindfold and Rapid Tournament, which will bring together the
world’s best chess players.

Prior to the tournament, the Armenian GM held joint trainings at
Tsaghkadzor resort of Armenia. According to Aronian, huge and
efficient work was done during this period.

`Naturally, Amber tournament is an important, but not decisive one for
me. I will try to get prepared for the Candidates Matches to the best
advantage,’ Aronian told journalists in Yerevan on March 5.

Kazan will host the Candidates Matches, in which Aronian will play in
four matches with Alexander Grischuk (Russia).

`We have numerously rivaled in various tournaments. I like his style,’
Aronian said.

From: A. Papazian

Sherman: we need to acknowledge horrific acts of the past

March 5, 2011 – 11:13 AMT 07:13 GMT
PanARMENIAN.Net –

U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee member Brad Sherman (D-CA) made
an address in commemoration of Armenian massacre in Sumgait.

`I speak today in solemn remembrance of a dark chapter in modern
history. This past weekend marked the 23rd anniversary of the massacre
of Armenian civilians in Azerbaijan. On the evening of February 27,
1988, a three-day rampage against Armenian civilians living in
Sumgait, in Soviet Azerbaijan, began,’ he said.

`Armenian civilians were maimed, raped, beaten, and burned alive at
the hands of rioters. International media outlets reported that
Armenians were “hunted” down and killed in their homes.

The calls for help for those innocent Armenians were ignored by the
local police, and the victims’ fate was left to those who ruthlessly
and senselessly ended their lives.

The official figure from Soviet authorities, who had prohibited
journalists from entering the area, was just over 30 people dead and
over 200 injured. However, many believe that in fact hundreds were
murdered.

Sadly, Sumgait was not the end to the tragedies. Anti-Armenian pogroms
followed in Kirovabad on November 21, 1988 and in Baku on January 13,
1990. During the Nagorno Karabakh War of 1988 to 1994, Armenian
civilian population centers were indiscriminately attacked.

If we hope to stop future massacres, and conflicts, we need to
acknowledge those horrific acts of the past, make sure they do not
happen again, and make sure that we do not have renewed war between
Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Nagorno Karabakh. That is why I would like to
commemorate the victims of the Sumgait massacre,’ Sherman said.

From: A. Papazian

Liberal Democrat Union of Armenia calls for investigation into MP-police clash

March 5, 2011 – 13:00 AMT 09:00 GMT
PanARMENIAN.Net –

The Liberal Democrat Union of Armenia has condemned the violence
against Heritage party members as well as civilians who held a peace
protest on March 3.

`Freedom of speech is one of the pillars of democracy. Violation of
constitutional rights by the police not only goes contrary to our
country’s laws but also hampers development of civil society and rule
of democracy,’ the Union said in a statement.

Street traders, who have been protesting against the decision of
Yerevan Mayor’s Office to ban street trade for several weeks already,
planned to hold a protest action on March 3 in front of the Armenian
government building. However, the site was cordoned by police officers
who prevented the demonstrators from approaching the building, what
resulting in a clash between the protesters, Heritage party members
and police.

From: A. Papazian

Armenian, Russian, Azerbaijani Presidents discussing Karabakh process

March 5, 2011 – 14:20 AMT 10:20 GMT
PanARMENIAN.Net –

Presidents Serzh Sargsyan of Armenia, Dmitry Medvedev of Russia and
Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan have started their meeting in Sochi to
discuss the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement process.

The meeting began with traditional photo session and continued with
talks behind closed doors that will be held after a working dinner as
well.

According to preliminary information, Co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk
Group are also attending the meeting.

From: A. Papazian

Azerbaijan launches arrests of possible revolt leaders

March 5, 2011 – 16:23 AMT 12:23 GMT
PanARMENIAN.Net –

An Azerbaijani youth activist involved in organizing an antigovernment
campaign on the Internet has been ordered detained for one month after
being questioned about his Facebook activity.

Seadet Seyidli, a lawyer for Bakhtiyar Hajiyev, that a court in the
city of Ganja made the ruling today. He said Hajiyev stated in court
he was tortured in police custody.

Fellow youth activist Gunel Yusifli says Hajiyev met his friends
earlier in the day in Ganja. Hajiyev told them he was summoned by
local police in the morning and was questioned about the views he had
posted on Facebook. Yusifli said Hajiyev contacted her this afternoon
saying he was again called to the police.

Hajiyev, 29, a Harvard graduate and a former parliament candidate, is
one of the organizers of the March 11 Facebook campaign calling for a
day of protest against the government. Hajiyev posted on his Facebook
page the following appeal to police on behalf of “a group of
Azerbaijani youth:”

“We learned from the developments in the Arab world that when people
demand freedom, they achieve it. We call on you to stand on the right
side of history, not to resort to force against your own citizens, to
build a fair, happy, and free society in Azerbaijan together with
ordinary people.”

Hajiyev was detained earlier this year and charged with evading
military service. He and other activists say the criminal case against
him is politically motivated, RFE/RL reports.

Earlier, Yeni Musavat newspaper reported that Azerbaijani forces are
gathering in Baku, which is explained by the local authorities’
serious concern over the possibility of riots. Besides, Baku
servicemen are not allowed leaves of absence. The authorities have
been alarmed with the creation of a Facebook group of March 11, Great
National Day. The message posted on the webpage urges Baku residents
to participate in protest rally planned for March 11. The group
already list over 20 000 users. Musavat oppositional party rally has
been scheduled for March 12 in Baku. In the Azerbaijani capital, the
authorities’ actions are construed as preparations for suppressing the
riots. Although some experts believe the concerns to be groundless,
the ongoing events prove that Azerbaijan is getting ready for serious
events.

From: A. Papazian

Avraam Russo: let them ban my entry to Baku, I will go to Artsakh anyway

March 5, 2011 – 16:07 AMT 12:07 GMT
PanARMENIAN.Net –

Popular singer of Armenian origin Avraam Russo said that he will go to
Artsakh, even if he is denied entry to Azerbaijan or any country for
thousands of times.

I would be happy to give a concert in Artsakh, Russo told a press
conference in Yerevan, commenting on the fact that those artists who
visit Artsakh are declared persona-non-grata in Baku.

He went on saying: `It is my nation, how can I reject a concert for them?’

However, according to Russo, he has not received similar offers yet.

`I am proud to be an Armenian. Possibly, I am the only famous singer
of those living abroad, who freely speaks Armenian,’ he said.

Commenting on the fact that Turkey does not recognize the Armenian
Genocide, the singer said Ankara reacts badly to the matter, as the
Armenian Genocide demonstrates the barbaric nature of Turks.

However, Russo added that everything will change in Ankara, as soon as
the U.S. loses its interest in Turkey.

`Everyone should accept the reality,’ he concluded.

From: A. Papazian

Armenian, Azerbaijani presidents held Russia-mediated talks in Sochi

14:43 – 05.03.11

Armenian, Russian and Azerbaijani presidents held talks in the Russian
resort town of Sochi on Saturday and conducted a round table
discussion in Krasnaya Polyana resort at a tea table, the Russian news
agency RIA Novosti reported.

The main topic of the meeting is said to be the resolution of the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

The official part of this meeting is reported to be over, with the
presidetns Serzh Sargsyan, Ilham Aliyev and Dmitry Medvedev continuing
the meeting at an informal format.

According to RIA Novosti, the presidents went to the Psekhako mountain
chain where Serzh Sargsyan rode a snowmobile, while the Dmitry
Medvedev and Ilham Aliyev skied.

The presidents later continued their discussions at a dinner table.

The meeting was marred by a violation of the ceasefire accord by Azeri
front troops on the Line of Contact between Karabakh and Azerbaijan on
Friday just a day before the trilateral meeting.

The ceasefire violation that took place in the vicinities of a
settlement called Upper Chailu left one Armenian conscript killed.

The incident has been largely criticized by Armenian officials.

Armenia’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Tigran Balayan said in a
statement released late on Friday that Azerbaijan is trying to add
some tension to the atmosphere ahead of the presidential meeting in
Sochi.

`Instead of agreeing to the continuous calls by the OSCE Minsk Group
co-chairs to withdraw the snipers from the Line of Contact and
implementing them Azerbaijan is resorting to the usual provocation,
trying to bring tension into the atmosphere before the presidential
meeting to take place in Sochi,’ Balayan said.

He also said that Azerbaijan’s conduct should receive due response by
the international community.

Opposition Armenian National Congress (ANC) activist David
Shahnazaryan, in turn, said that by launching aggression on the line
of contact, Azerbaijan is attempting to return to the prewar situation
in the region.

“By provoking such tensions, Azerbaijan is attempting to exacerbate
the situation,” said Shahnazaryan. “I have stated numerously that
Armenia fails to take advantage of Azerbaijan’s mistakes. Moreover, it
seems to be taking sides with Azerbaijan, reiterating its belligerent
statements, instead of profiting by the occasion.”

Tert.am

From: A. Papazian

Heritage attempts to build new format of relations with Armenian
National Congress – MP

14:39 – 05.03.11

Heritage party’s recent demarche not to attend the parliament sessions
leads to the assumption that the party’s further plans will be
dependent upon the opposition Armenian National Congress (ANC), says
an MP of the ruling Republican Party.

“Heritage is attempting to build a new format of relations with the
ANC,” Lernik Aleksanyan told Tert.am.

He spoke of the recent clash between the police and the Heritage party
representatives who supported a crowd of street vendors protesting the
municipality’s ban on street trade. The MP condemned the police use of
force, saying that those guilty will be held accountable. He also said
that while the police officers were wrong, the Heritage MPs had
contributed to the brawl by their behavior.

The incident wouldn’t have occurred if both sides treated each other
appropriately, he said, adding that the internal investigation will
provide answers to the questions.

As to the Saturday meeting of the Armenian, Russian and Azerbaijani
presidents, Aleksanyan said he had positive expectations.

“I think if the negotiations are held based on the Astana document,
there could be a progress,” he said.

Tert.am

From: A. Papazian

Azerbaijan seeks to maintain pre-war situation in Karabakh – oppositionist

13:47 – 05.03.11

By launching aggression on the line of contact, Azerbaijan is
attempting to return to the prewar situation in the region, David
Shahnazaryan of the opposition Armenian National Congress (ANC) has
told Tert.am.

It came after the Azerbaijani troops breached the ceasefire accord on
the contact line yesterday, killing an Armenian soldier.

“By provoking such tensions, Azerbaijan is attempting to exacerbate
the situation.”

“I have stated numerously that Armenia fails to take advantage of
Azerbaijan’s mistakes. Moreover, it seems to be taking sides with
Azerbaijan, reiterating its belligerent statements, instead of
profiting by the occasion,” he said.

Shahnazaryan added that Azerbaijan ignores the United Nations four
resolutions on the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, as well as the 1994
ceasefire agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Tert.am

From: A. Papazian