Author: Andres-Papazian

FOREIGN MINISTERS OF UKRAINE AND ARMENIA SIGNED PROGRAM OF UKRAINIAN – ARMENIAN COOPERATION FOR 2011-2012

Unian.net

Feb 11 2011
Ukraine

Foreign Minister of Ukraine Konstyantyn Hryshchenko and Foreign
Minister of Armenia Edward Nalbandian signed the Program of Ukrainian –
Armenian cooperation for 2011-2012.

The Information Policy Department of the Foreign Ministry of Ukraine
disclosed to UNIAN that the program was signed today within the
framework of the official visit of the Ukrainian Foreign Minister
to Armenia.

K. Hryshchenko and E. Nalbandian held negotiations during which they
discussed a wide range of issues of bilateral interaction and also
urgent issues of international agenda. They noted a necessity to stir
up a bilateral cooperation in all areas.

As a result of negotiations the Program of Ukrainian – Armenian
cooperation for 2011-2012 was signed.

From: A. Papazian

SERZH SARGSYAN MEETS WITH KONSTANTIN GRISHCHENKO

ARMENPRESS
FEBRUARY 11, 2011
YEREVAN

RA President Serzh Sargsyan met today with Foreign Minister of Ukraine
Konstantin Grishchenko, who is on an official visit to Yerevan.

The Presidential press service told Armenpress that the Ukrainian
Foreign Minister presented to the RA President the results of the
meeting with the RA Foreign Minister and the talks, held within the
framework of the visit and directed to the development of cooperation
between the two states in various spheres.

‘We are sure that the dialogue between Armenia and Ukraine will be
developed in all the levels, starting from the highest one. We reached
an agreement with the RA Foreign Minister to have frequent meetings,
as it is necessary to understand the way the situation in our region
is being developed. And because everything is interconnected in this
global world, consultations must be held on themes, which are urgent,’
Konstantin Grishchenko said.

During the meeting with the RA President, the progress, registered
during the recent year in the development of the Armenian-Ukrainian
cooperation in the bilateral political relations in parallel with
economy, culture and other spheres, as well as within the framework
of the international organizations, was touched upon as well.

Konstantin Grishchenko handed to Serzh Sargsyan the greetings of the
Ukrainian President and mentioned that President Victor Yanukovich
expects a visit to Ukraine by President Serzh Sargsyan.

From: A. Papazian

YEREVAN CLARIFIED UKRAINE’S POSITION ON KARABAKH DURING CHAIRMANSHIP IN OSCE

news.am
Feb 11 2011
Armenia

Armenian-Ukrainian 2011-2012 cooperation program, memorandum on
cooperation between diplomatic schools of both countries were signed
in Yerevan during Ukrainian FM Kostyantyn Gryshchenko’s visit.

Talking to the journalists, Gryshchenko said cooperation program
envisages the main events to be realized in 2011-2012.

Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian said cooperation within the
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), chaired by
Ukraine in 2013, was the focus of the talks. “The important point is
interaction concordant with consistent position on Nagorno-Karabakh,
which is expressed both by the OSCE Minsk Group and the OSCE on the
whole during ministerial meetings in Helsinki, Athens and Alma-Ata,
as well as at the OSCE summit in Astana,” Armenian FM stated.

Gryshchenko stressed Kiev will assist the OSCE Minsk Group during
its chairmanship in the organization. According to him, Ukraine is
working to use preparation period and the chairmanship in organization
to resolve so-called frozen conflicts. “We should spare no effort
to resolve the conflicts. We will first focus on the conflict in
Transnistria. The Minsk Group will definitely get our support as well,”
he said.

The sides also discussed collaboration within the UN, OSCE,
Commonwealth of Independent States(CIS), Organization of the Black Sea
Economic Cooperation (BSEC), Council of Europe, Eastern Partnership
project.

From: A. Papazian

ARMENIAN AND UKRAINIAN FMS HAD A MEETING

Panorama
Feb 11 2011
Armenia

Armenian FM Edward Nalbandyan had a meeting on February 11 with his
Ukrainian counterpart Constantine Grishchenko.

Welcoming his Ukrainian counterpart, Minister Nalbandyan stated that
the positive dynamic recorded in the Armenian-Ukrainian relations
previous year creates good basis for the reinforcement of the
cooperation among the two relative nations and countries.

Constantine Grishchenko thanked for the invitation and cordial welcome
and expressed conviction that his visit to Armenia would contribute
to the comprehensive development of bilateral cooperation.

MFA press, information and PR department reports that the parties have
underscored the decisiveness and possibilities which could improve
Armenian-Ukrainian relations.

Armenian and Ukrainian FMs have focused the preparatory activities
to arrange Armenian President’s visit to Ukraine.

The officials discussed cooperation in frames of the international
organizations, Armenian-Ukrainian economic cooperation, regional
issues, Artsakh conflict, etc.

From: A. Papazian

ABOUT IRAN-ARMENIAN OIL PIPELINE ISSUE

The Messenger
Feb 11 2011
Georgia

The beginning of construction of the Iran-Armenian oil pipeline is
currently the most important project in the two countries’ economic
cooperation. The two countries are continuing intensive diplomatic and
economic contact with the aim of implementing this program. Part of
the pipeline already exists, the negotiations concerning the pipeline
of Tabriz, Iran to the Armenian border and from there up to Yerevan.

From: A. Papazian

INTERNATIONAL CRISIS GROUP ABOUT KARABAKH ISSUE

The Messenger
Feb 11 2011
Georgia

ICG prepared a report according to which the situation in Karabakh is
tense. It portrays a background of military build up and often military
assaults, mutual accusations and threats as well as frustration of
negotiation process. The group predicts that if military confrontation
starts it will be much more fierce and dramatic than in the 1992-94
war. The report states that Russia, Turkey and Iran might become
involved in the conflict and that would threaten the oil and gas
pipelines passing near the frontline. So the report calls for
the prevention of war. It suggests signing an appropriate document
regulating certain essential principles, creating a situation of the
mutual trust and other peaceful initiatives. So far, Armenia controls
16% of Azeri territory. There are up to 600 000 IDPs in Azerbaijan.

Meanwhile Baku increases its military budget which is already USD 3.1
bln. This could provoke Armenia to carry out a preventative assault.

The Azeri army consists of 95 000 militaries, Armenia and Karabakh
forces are altogether 70 000. In 2010, both sides lost 30 soldiers.

Both sides possess missiles, Armenians – 32 which could reach Baku
whereas Azeri forces possess 129 tactical ballistic missiles that
could damage major Armenian cities. The report considers possible
confrontation realistic and warns the international community to
interfere and take appropriate measures.

From: A. Papazian

CREATION OF BICAMERAL PARLIAMENT MERE POPULIST STEP, KARAPETYAN SAYS

news.am
Feb 11 2011
Armenia

“Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan lost the confidence of a greater
part of the Armenian Diaspora due to failure of Armenia-Turkey
rapprochement. He is making an attempt to make good terms
with representatives of the Armenian Diaspora by adopting a
bicameral parliamentary system. He is even ready to allow diaspora
representatives to participate in the state governance of Armenia,”
Chairman of New Times Party Aram Karapetyan told reporters on Friday.

“This is in fact a populist step. I strongly oppose this populism,
if domestic issues are on the agenda,” Karapetyan said.

As Armenian News-NEWS.am reported earlier, during a recent meeting
with representatives of the Armenian community in California, Armenian
Diaspora Minister Hranush Hakobyan spoke of Armenian President Serzh
Sargsyan’s intention to make amendments to the Constitution and turn
the country’s national assembly into a bicameral parliament. It will
grant Diaspora representatives an opportunity to become members of
the Upper Chamber and participate in state governance in Armenia.

From: A. Papazian

A STORY ON EGYPTIAN EVENTS BY AN ARMENIAN EYE-WITNESS

Times.am
Feb 11 2011
Armenia

An Armenian student, David Sargyan was in Egypt on the last days. On
February 8 he and and his fellow-students returned to Armenia and
now David tells about his impression in his blog.

So, this information is just the story of eye-witness. Times.am
presents the text completely.

For us, former students of the Cairo University, February the 8th
2011 became the first day of snowy winter, as we smoothly landed
in Zvartnots International Airport of Yerevan. We were back to
Armenia, our homeland, which we have left in October 2010 to pursue
our education in Arabic language and Oriental studies in the Cairo
University. Full scholars under the Governmental program between
Armenia and Egypt, we were least expecting to find ourselves in the
middle of developments of historical changes in Egypt, in the middle
of unrest, which will interrupt our studying program too.

Recalling the events in Cairo, which starts on 25th January, at first
it seemed to be just another strike action of several frustrated
workers. However, soon it was clear, that situation is much more
serious. When the first actions of violence and looting took place,
my friends and me were moved to the Armenian Embassy in Egypt,
desperately trying to get message to our relatives in Armenia to
ensure, that we are safe and well.

But before that, we had to protect our building in team with our
neighbors, from the looters and criminals of every kind. We stand
ready to fight with anyone, who will try to break into the building,
and the whole night passed in tense. As oriental studies students, we
had an opportunity, to see the deep respect of Egyptians to the army,
which was amazing. Egyptians admires the army, and that admiration
saved them from the real chaos.

The unprecedented cut off of the communications left us disconnected
for the whole day. Thanks to Embassy’s location in the fabulous
neighborhood of Zamalek, which was perhaps the calmest area in the
entire country, we were safely accommodated and had an opportunity
to follow-up the unfolding of events.

Perhaps, the most intriguing was the fact ordinary people were smiling
and were full of joy over the situation. I can imagine how shocking it
can be for dozens of foreigners and tourists, who understand little
of the local mindset, to see, that there are more than 150 deaths,
(according to February 2), thousands are injured, but nobody is really
sad about it. People are simply happy(!).

There are plenty of reasons to be so; President Mubarak, who was a
firm leader since 1981, has promised to adjust 4 chapters of the
National Constitution, and even promised to peacefully step down
in September. It was a victory for Egyptians, and more than half
of protestors wanted exactly that, they did not and do not believe,
that it is possible to step down the President, because for them the
president is as a king, a lot of Egyptians do not think, that the
president has to serve and go, and that the president is just a man,
that has to do his job for a few years.

Soon after the speech, many protesters have turned to be fans of
the President and here is when confrontation between pro and anti
Mubarak crowds took place. I personally know a guy, who was among
the protesters on Tahrir square on 25th and 26th January, and later,
after Mubarak’s speech, was fighting on a side of Mubarak’s supporters.

Soon, I gave up the idea to find some logic in that guy’s thoughts.

In the morning of 2nd February, internet access had been
partially restored and night-time curfew was eased. That day,
Mubarak’s supporters performed a remarkable show. They appeared
riding on horses and camels armed with swords, whips, stones,
rocks, and pocket knives, and attacked anti-government protesters
in Tahrir square. Later, regardless of side they were battling for,
Egyptians showed truth care for each other. Pro-Mubarak supporters
took advantage of anti-government protesters crowd on that day, and
were seen to help injured people in the opposite side. The help was
received with understanding and … a broad smile.

That was a strange revolution. If, in our way, it was unsuccessful,
because the main goal of protesters, President’s resignation didn’t
eventually happen, but in the views of a lot of Egyptians it was a
great success, simply because the President has delivered a speech
and gave some promises.

From: A. Papazian

DASHNAKTSUTYUN PRESENTS NEW MOVEMENT FOR FAIR ELECTIONS IN ARMENIA

news.am
Feb 11 2011
Armenia

The ARF Dashnaktsutyun (ARFD) intends to present on February 18 a
new social movement for free and fair elections in Armenia, party’s
MPs told a briefing today.

Commenting on the recent tension within the ruling coalition, ARFD
members stated they are unbiased towards all the processes. The MPs
refuted rumors about party’s return to pro-governmental camp. “ARFD’s
cooperation with present authorities is ruled out,” said parliamentary
group’s secretary Artyusha Shahbazyan.

He considers ongoing processes are natural for pre-election year when
ruling forces want to preserve their positions.

Talking to Armenian News-NEWS.am earlier, Shahbazyan noted
Dashnaktsutyun’s candidate will run for 2013 presidential elections.

From: A. Papazian

ARMENIA: YEREVAN CRIMINAL CASE PUTS JUSTICE SYSTEM ON TRIAL
by Gayane Abrahamyan

EurasiaNet.org

Feb 10 2011
NY

A criminal case involving an Armenian-American entrepreneur accused
of sexual solicitation is raising fresh questions about whether
Armenian justice is designed to uphold the rights of citizens, or
serve special interests.

Serob Der-Boghossian, the 68-year-old owner of the mining company
Metal Prince Ltd. Corporation, was taken into custody on February 9.

Authorities suspect him of offering to pay socially vulnerable teenage
boys to engage in illicit activities, or, as they put it, to coerce
“them into homosexuality.” If found guilty, Der-Boghossian could
face a possible prison term of up to three years and/or a fine of 9
million dram (about $25,000).

The General Prosecutor’s Office said Der-Boghossian was taken into
custody in Yerevan, based on unspecified information provided by a
25-year-old employee of Metal Prince, Vahram Parsadanian, who appears
to have approached authorities after allegedly trying to blackmail
Der-Boghossian.

Der-Boghossian is adamantly denying the charges, saying they are
economically motivated. In a statement, he asserted the accusations
amount to “evil slander,” intended “to seize the result of [my]
many years’ hard work” at Metal Prince.

Metal Prince, which includes an ore-processing combine with 500
employees in Akhtala, ranks among Armenia’s 300 biggest corporate
taxpayers, even though its mining operations are relatively small in
comparison with mines in southern Armenia. Registered in 2000 in the
British Caribbean island of Nevis, Metal Prince paid 380 million dram
(about $1.04 million) in taxes in 2010, according to official records.

Prices for metals on international markets have nearly doubled over the
past year – a trend that has increased revenues for Armenia’s mining
companies. The mining sector is seen as an engine of Armenia’s economy.

Without specifying the individuals suspected of carrying out what
he described as a smear campaign, Der-Boghossian asserted that the
charges against him were designed to destroy his reputation and force
him out as the head of his business. Those behind the accusations
are well aware that “the majority of people, after having heard the
things I am accused of, would be guided merely by emotions.”

An official at the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources’
Inspectorate for Mineral Resources also voiced suspicion that the
criminal case against the Armenian-American amounted to a business
power play. “Of course, I cannot say whether the crime … has been
committed or not,” said the official, who asked not to be named.

“However, one thing is obvious — the purpose of revealing all this
is to take away his business.”

The official deemed it “quite surprising” that Der-Boghossian had
managed to remain the sole owner of Metal Prince. “[T]he mining
industry, the most profitable business in our country, is only open
to those in the higher echelons of power,” he alleged.

Up until this year, Der-Boghossian appeared to have some level of
protection. In 2009-10, Der-Boghossian reportedly served as an advisor
to Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sarkisian.

Investigators have declined to discuss the case against
Der-Boghossian. National Security Service spokesperson Artsvin
Baghramian would not provide details about the evidence that served
as the basis for the entrepreneur’s arrest so as “not to hinder the
preliminary investigation.”

A January 31 article published by the investigative news website
Hetq.am claimed that Parsadanian, the Metal Prince employee and Akhtala
resident, had threatened to give police video footage allegedly
documenting Der-Boghossian’s sexual activities with underage boys,
if the businessman did not pay him $30,000 for his silence.

On February 9, Hetq.am Editor-in-Chief Edik Bakhdasarian stated that
he would post video and audio materials on the YouTube video-sharing
website related to the accusations against Der-Boghossian, if the
government failed to file a criminal case against him.

Bakhdasarian claimed that the chief of the Alaverdi police department,
which oversees Akhtala, had warned him not to publish any story about
Der-Boghossian, adding “that really big people were backing Serob
and that we would find ourselves in big trouble.”

Bakhdasarian went on to allege that the Alaverdi police were protecting
Der-Boghossian out of recognition for a $15,000 payment the journalist
claimed he made for renovations and computers provided to the Alaverdi
police station. In exchange, he continued, Der-Boghossian became a
member of Armenia’s Police Public Council, an advisory group.

A spokesperson for the Alaverdi police department declined to comment
on the allegation, but national police spokesperson Sayat Shirinian
refuted the account. “I don’t think that any police officer would
give such advice,” Shirinian asserted. Members of the Police Public
Council declined to comment on the Hetq.am report.

Metal Prince employees declined to discuss the charges against
Der-Boghossian with EurasiaNet.org, but some parents in Akhtala have
spoken out against the mine owner’s arrest. Forty-six parents of boys
playing in the Akhtala-93 soccer club, financed by Der-Boghossian,
have signed a petition demanding that Hetq.am retract its story,
saying the “absurd and insulting information” had brought “dishonor”
and a “black stigma” on the parents’ families and their sons.

Meanwhile, some observers are keeping a close eye on the government
concerning the next move. In a statement published on his blog shortly
after Hetq.am’s story appeared, Prime Minister Sarkisian promised
that he would make sure that “the investigation” into Der-Boghossian’s
alleged activities is “quick, comprehensive and transparent” and that
“all those who are guilty are punished under the law.”

Editor’s note: Gayane Abrahamyan is a reporter for ArmeniaNow.com
in Yerevan.

From: A. Papazian