Author: Andres-Papazian

ARMENIANS OF MALATYA ASSOCIATION
by ORHAN KEMAL CENGIZ

Today’s Zaman
Nov 3 2010
Turkey

There is certainly a huge difference between knowing and feeling
something. I had known for a long time that there was a huge population
of Armenians in Anatolia and that they had been scattered to every
corner of the world.

But seeing and feeling it is a completely different experience.

Watching the presentation of an Armenian friend on the 1915
commemorations in Mexico was such an interesting experience for me
when I was taking a course in Canada on genocide. I saw the pictures
of Mexican Armenians, mourning for their losses in Anatolia. It was
really hard to believe these men wearing these huge Mexican hats were
possibly my old neighbors. On the other side of the world, they were
still living with old and painful memories from my country. During such
moments words are not sufficient to describe what one feels. Only art,
a picture, a poem or a sculpture could possibly express what you feel.

I felt the same unexplainable feelings when I visited Yerevan. It was
so interesting to hear how these people were referring to their roots.

They were from Kars, from Aðrý, Van and so on. They were still
identifying themselves like this.

I remembered all these things as I was reading an interesting piece
of news in the Turkish-Armenian weekly Agos. The title was “Armenians
of Malatya Association has been established.” Two photos accompanied
the news coverage. In one of them an elderly woman crying, out of
happiness and nostalgia, I guess.

While I read it many other things came to mind. But first let’s read
this interesting news piece together: “A new organizational model has
been adopted by Armenian society in recent years. They have begun to
establish organizations to keep alive the memory of the battle wounds
of 1915, and the cultures and traditions that were torn from their
roots in Anatolia in order to pass them on to future generations. …

MalatyaHAYDer, the foundation of which was officially announced with
a press statement last week, organized their first ever event at the
Kumkapý Sýrp Harutyun Church on Oct. 23, Saturday. About 400 Armenians
from Malatya attended the dinner to support the management board. …

That evening after the stuffed cherry leaves of Malatya were served,
Ankine Evyapan spoke about Malatya poet Rupen Voperyan and presented
examples of his poetry.”

The news story continues with an interview with Hosrot Kolevitoðlu,
one of the founders of the association. Mr. Kolevitoðlu also tells
us a lot of interesting things about Turkey and Malatya, a city
in eastern Anatolia. Let’s lend an ear to his words: “In Malatya,
which was once called ‘Little Armenia’ along with Sivas and Erzincan,
there were 33 churches until the 1990s.”

As I was reading this sentence I remembered the words of the murderers
in the Malatya massacre in 2007. The suspects claimed that there were
40 house churches in Malatya run by Christian missionaries, but the
truth was there was only one church and a tiny group of Christians. I
can’t help but wonder whether the history of Malatya had anything
to do with the creation of this hysteria about Christians. Anyways,
let’s continue to read this interesting interview:

“Armenians used to work as tailors, coppersmiths, tin makers,
milliners, watch producers, potters and in construction and they
used to be involved in artisanship as well as agriculture and animal
breeding. … Still in many places, they continue living in their homes
by concealing their identities or disguising their religious beliefs.

… In our childhood, they spoke about ‘sovketten’ [deportation]
when we were away, but they would immediately stop speaking when
we approached.”

I also learned from this interview that there are 4,000 Armenians
from Malatya living in Ýstanbul now. Mr. Kolevitoðlu added that they
have received positive feedback from the local press in Malatya.

Turkey needs to hear the stories of Armenians. Their stories are the
lost piece of our history. Five or 10 years ago, these associations
could not have been established in Turkey. They would have been met
with millions of legal and bureaucratic obstacles. I am glad we have
come so far. But I also hope that one day Turkey and Turkish people
will have enough self-confidence to confront our past. In this sense,
the establishment of these kinds of organizations is very important.

They encourage us to open the eyes of our hearts. I welcome the
Armenians of Malatya Association and wish them all success.

From: A. Papazian

PRODUCTS OF 15 BILLION 100 MILLION AMD EXPORTED FROM NKR IN THE 9 MONTHS OF 2010

ARMENPRESS
NOVEMBER 3, 2010
STEPANAKERT

The volume of the products exported in 2010 from the Nagorno Karabakh
Republic has made 15 billion 100 million AMD, which has grown by 3
billion AMD (25%) compared with the same period of the last year.

Marat Hayrapetyan, representative of the State Tax Service of the NKR
government, told Armenpress that precious metals, stones, construction
material and spirits make the main part of the exported products.

In the same period of 2007 the export index was 16 billion 435 million
AMD, which decreased in 2008, amounting 14 billion 520 million,
and in 200 again increased, making 16 billion 694 million AMD. It is
expected that this year’s overall volume of the exported good will
exceed the index of 2009.

According to the 3 quarters of 2010, the volume of the imported
products has grown as well, making 55 billion 300 million and exceeded
the index of the same period of the last year by 26.8%.

Construction material, oil product, industrial, economic products,
architectural product have been mainly impoerted.

From: A. Papazian

SERZH SARGSYAN VISITS AYRUM-JILIZA CHECK POINT

ARMENPRESS
NOVEMBER 3, 2010
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 3, ARMENPRESS: Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan
visited today Ayrum-Jiliza check point and Bagratashen state border
check point. Accompanied by the chairman of the RA Revenue Committee
Gagik Khachatryan, the leader of the country walked across the check
point and the territories of the border check point, got acquainted
with the carried out work and usage of new technical means.

Starting from today, a new, capitally reconstructed building is
functioning in the check point. Head of the check point of Gugark
region Hovik Abovyan said now the officials of the check point have
opportunity to work effectively, ensure high-level service.

Mr Abovyan said currently the check point serves 70 wagons,
the duration of examinations has notably reduced, as a result 400
thousand cargos pass daily through the check point. The state budget
allocated totally 125 million AMD for reconstruction and equipment
of the building.

A consultation has been conducted headed by the president during
which the issues on border security were discussed.

It was noted that the issues on ensuring border security are always
under the limelight of the Armenian President. The works on analyzing
the international experience and upgrading of border infrastructures
have been highlighted.

From: A. Papazian

FINANCIAL AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROVIDED FOR IMPROVEMENT OF AGRICULTURAL FARMING TECHNOLOGIES AND PRACTICES

ARMENPRESS
NOVEMBER 3, 2010
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 3, ARMENPRESS: CARD in cooperation with UMCOR is
implementing Sustainable Cooperative Extension and Agricultural
Development program (SCEAD). Within the scope of the program 21
agricultural cooperatives received and continue to receive financial
and technical assistance for the improvement of agricultural farming
technologies and practices, as well as for the introduction of new
seed varieties and planting techniques, an official from the CARD
company reported.

Owners of small plots, orchards and greenhouses face the problem of
utilizing machinery for cultivation, furrowing and harvesting hay. The
existing machinery in Armenia is outdated and not suitable for small
scale farming.

The small scale hay mowing machinery imported more than 20 years ago
from the former Czechoslovakia is currently very old, has limited
capacity to serve effectively, and there is a limited supply of spare
parts and service support. Because of this situation hand work is
still common in rural Armenia when farmers cultivate small plots.

Under the SCEAD program CARD has imported different small machinery
for demonstration use in cooperatives. Small scale, 5-7hp mobile
motor-cultivator devices conduct mowing, cultivation and chemical
application operations. The equipment will decrease the mowing and
spraying costs and increase efficiency of production.

Within the framework of the SCEAD program handing over of high
quality vineyard management equipment, 30 hay mowers/cultivators and
50 sprayers to 21 beneficiary cooperatives in 15 villages throughout
Ararat, Armavir and Vayots Dzor marzes will be organized.

The event will also serve for disseminating the information amongst
other farmers to increase their awareness in advanced machinery
application.

The initiative is implemented through USDA monetization fund generated
through UMCOR project.

From: A. Papazian

TURKEY’S NEW THREAT ASSESSMENT: A CHALLENGE FOR WASHINGTON

Ammon News

Nov 3 2010
Jordan

Turkey’s dramatic announcement that it revised the list of countries
which it believes threatens its national security (a list alternatively
known as the “Red Book”) confirms Ankara’s strategic drift away from
the West and greater embrace of Iran and other states hostile to
the U.S.

Turkey’s top-secret national security policy document (known by its
Turkish abbreviation MGSB), or the Red Book, lists Turkey’s perceived
domestic and external threats. It is regularly updated by the National
Security Council, formerly chaired by a general, but as of recently
under the control of the ruling Islamist AK Party (AKP).

Under the AKP, the “Red Book” just underwent its most drastic changes
since the document was first issued in 1980. These alterations,
which are established behind closed doors, prove the ascent of Turkish
Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu’s “neo-Ottoman” geopolitical approach
and the continuation of a staunchly anti-Israeli foreign policy.

The newest version, leaked to the pro-government media, is
revolutionary. Turkey has removed Russia, which in 2008 occupied
one-quarter of its neighbor and friend Georgia’s territory, from
its list of critical threats. Earlier, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip
Erdogan offered his counterpart Vladimir Putin a “Caucasus Stability
and Cooperation Platform”, a condominium that would include Russia
and the three South Caucasus states, but not the U.S., EU member
states, or Iran-without consulting or even warning Washington or
European capitals.

Instead, over the least eight years, Turkey and Russia developed a
strategic and energy partnerships, which provide Turkey with over 60
percent of its energy, and extensive trade ties. Turkey also removed
its neighbor Armenia from the list of adversaries, despite the ongoing
blockade of Armenia’s border.

Along with Russia, Turkey removed Iraq and Syria from the list. Iraq
is unstable and is a base for Kurdish irredentism and PKK, al-Qaeda
and Shiite Hezbollah terrorism, while Syria is a long-time state
sponsor of terrorism, including Lebanese Hezbollah and Hamas.

Iran, with its highly suspicious nuclear program, a ballistic missile
arsenal, vitriolic rhetoric denying Israel’s right to exist, and
propaganda aimed against the United States, has allegedly been
removed from Turkey’s list of critical threats. his new list,
combined with Turkey’s proposed partnership with Iran and Brazil
to facilitate Iran’s uranium enrichment, and Turkey’s vote against
U.N. anti-Iranian sanctions indicate Ankara choice of Iran as a
preferred partner and ally, Finally, Turkey has put the former
strategic and trade partner Israel at the forefront of the list as
a “severe threat.” Turkish-Israeli relations have been in a steep
decline since Prime Minister Erdogan’s verbal assault on the dovish
Israeli elder statesman, President Shimon Peres at the Davos World
Economic Summit in January 2009.

Unfortunately, in May, 2010, the AKP government supported the
Islamist IHH organization’s flotilla in support of Hamas in Gaza. A
botched Israeli action against the MEVI MARMARA, the lead ship of the
flotilla, in which nine Turkish pro-Palestinian Islamists were killed
after attacking the Israeli force, gave Turkey a pretext to quickly
unravel the carefully weaved ties with Israel. Recently, according
to Turkish and Israeli media reports, Hakan Fidan, Director of MIT,
Turkey’s intelligence service, ordered to cease cooperation with
Mossad, Israeli foreign intelligence. There are indications Turkey
is expanding cooperation with Iran.

The addition of Israel to the “Red Book,” coupled with Turkey’s
allegation that Israel’s actions may prompt a Middle Eastern arms
race, delivered a decisive blow to what remained of Turkish-Israeli
relations. Turkey showed its hostility to staunch US ally Israel with
other measures as well – a “strategic partnership” between Turkey and
Syria, and Ankara’s alleged military supply agreement with Hezbollah.

During last week’s discussions over a new NATO missile defense shield,
Ankara demanded that non-NATO members (primarily Israel) could have
no access to intelligence gained through the missile shield’s radar
system, to which the U.S. reportedly agreed.

Turkey’s contributions to the Afghanistan and Iraq campaigns and
desire to be a part of NATO missile defense program are laudable, but
many questions have been raised about Turkey foreign policy since the
AKP has taken over. Regardless of Davutoglu’s stated goals, such as
“zero problems with neighbors,” the new Turkish foreign policy is
distancing Turkey’s long time friends and creating a challenge and
a headache for the U.S.

The Obama Administration should express a grave concern over Turkey’s
foreign policy trajectory, as relations with Iran and Israeli have
become a litmus test for Turkish foreign policy course. The U.S.

Government should offer incentives, but should also apply more pressure
to deter Turkey from growing closer to Iran.

Washington should insist on a Turkish-Israeli rapprochement-including
the vital intelligence sharing regarding the Iranian threat. This is
a strategic priority the White House cannot ignore.

From: A. Papazian

ARMENIAN FM: OPENING OF THE EMBASSY OF THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES IN ARMENIA TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE REINFORCEMENT OF BILATERAL TIES

ARMENPRESS
NOVEMBER 3, 2010
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 3, ARMENPRESS: Armenian Foreign Minister Edward
Nalbandian received today Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, the Minister for
Foreign Trade of the United Arab Emirates.

Greeting the guest, Minister Nalbandian noted that Armenia attaches
importance to the further deepening of multifaceted cooperation with
UAE and voiced hope that the periodic visits of the Minister for
Foreign Trade to Armenia and today’s Armenia-UAE business forum will
give new impetus to the development of cooperation and expansion of
the investment field, Press and Information Department of the Foreign
Ministry reported.

Edward Nalbandian said that the opening of the Embassy of the United
Arab Emirates in Armenia will contribute to the reinforcement of
bilateral ties.

Minister Nalbandian said that Armenia attaches special significance
to the development of partnership in the high-tech, tourism, real
estate, agriculture, pharmaceutics, recovering energy, education,
science and other spheres and is ready to create necessary conditions
for UAE investors.

Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, presenting the discussions during the forum,
said the UAE businessmen are interested in establishing ties with
their Armenian partners, which will have positive impact on the
development of trade-economic cooperation.

From: A. Papazian

PRESIDENT OF POLAND TO VISIT ARMENIA IN 2011

ARMENPRESS
NOVEMBER 3, 2010
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 3, ARMENPRESS: The meetings of the delegation headed
by the Secretary General of the National Security Council Arthur
Baghdasaryan continue in Poland. Today Baghdasaryan was received by
the Polish President Bronislav Komarovski. The secretary general
conveyed the warm wishes of the RA President Serzh Sargsyan and
the invitation to pay official visit, NSC press office reported. Mr
Komarovski accepted the invitation and said he will visit Armenia in
2011. Arthur Baghdasaryan thanked the Polish President for recognition
of the Armenian Genocide and for displaying balanced position in the
NK issue.

Noting that for centuries Armenians are having great contribution
to the cultural, economic live of Poland, Bronislav Komarovski said
that the condemnation of genocides is necessary for preventing their
future repetition.

During the meeting they also touched upon the issues on Armenia-Poland
political cooperation. The Polish president expressed readiness to
assist the process of reforms within the framework of the EU-Armenia
cooperation, highlighted the ~SEastern Partnership~T program which
involves Armenia as well.

Arthur Baghdasaryan also met with the Home Affairs and Administration
Minister of Poland Adam Rapacki. An arrangement has been reached on
cooperation between the law enforcement bodies of the two countries
in a number of directions. In near future an agreement will be signed
between the Polish minister and chief of the Armenian police.

Delegation headed by the Home Affairs and Administration Minister will
visit Armenia to get acquainted with the wide-scale of reforms in the
police system on site and discuss the opportunities of implementation
of joint programs.

The Secretary general also met with the Polish Defense Minister
Bogdan Klich discussed a number of bilateral cooperation issues
in the defense sphere. According to the reached arrangement, the
Polish side will assist the defensive reforms carried out in Armenia
within the framework of cooperation with NATO and EU. The other
concrete arrangement relates to the development of cooperation in
the military-industrial sphere.

From: A. Papazian

RUSSIA HOLDS KARABAKH TALKS ‘TO SHOW WHO’S IN CHARGE’

news.az
Nov 3 2010
Azerbaijan

Hikmat Hajizade News.Az interviews Azerbaijan’s former ambassador
to Russia, political scientist Hikmat Hajizade. How realistic is it
that the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan, Armenia and Russia will be
able to draw up an agreed version of the basic principles for talks
on a Karabakh settlement in time for the OSCE summit in Astana?

The only difficult and problematic issue in the basic principles
is the referendum on the status of Karabakh. Each of the conflict
parties does not only interpret the referendum in its favour, but also
strives to have provisions in their favour included in the adopted
documents. In other words, it’s this apparently technical issue that
is the most difficult. Therefore, even if a document is prepared and
adopted at the OSCE summit in Astana, it will remain unfulfilled.

The meeting in Astrakhan was the seventh meeting of the presidents of
Azerbaijan and Armenia held at the initiative of Russian President
Dmitriy Medvedev. How do you explain Russia’s increasing role in
the Karabakh conflict settlement?

Russia has the sole aim of showing the world, including Azerbaijan
and Armenia, that it is the arbiter in this region. Russia shows that
it settles issues in this region, not the OSCE Minsk Group. As someone
involved in the Karabakh conflict settlement since the 1990s, I can say
that the policy Russia has followed since the start of the conflict
is designed to show that it is in charge of the region. Russia has
always said openly to the Azerbaijani party that the Karabakh conflict
will be settled when it wants. This is how Russia shows its interest
in the Karabakh conflict, including in such apparently senseless
organized by Moscow between the presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia.

How will the humanitarian statement on an exchange of prisoners of
war and human remains influence the negotiating process on Karabakh?

Of course, this is a positive step. It is positive primarily for
those who suffered as a result of this war, in particular, soldiers
and their parents.

As for the political aspect to this, the very fact of the statement
shows a softening in the strained situation between the conflict
parties. This issue should be perceived only positively.

The Armenian side has already announced that, depending on the
resolutions on Karabakh adopted at the OSCE summit in Astana, it will
consider recognition of the independence of Karabakh. How will the
international community react to this?

If the “independence” of Karabakh is recognized, Armenia will again
be criticized by the international community. Since Kosovo gained
independence, the world has been closely watching such precedents. The
international community has already indicated that the independence
of Kosovo was a special case. However, we should admit that when the
international community says “we will never allow other formations
to recognize ourselves as independent”, it should be understood that
they are being two-faced as a result of a policy of double standards.

Nevertheless, even if Armenia recognizes the “independence” of
Karabakh, all the superpowers will criticize it, reject this decision
and not recognize it. Armenia will remain on its own with its piece
of paper, recognizing Karabakh’s independence.

What effective decisions may the international mediators take on
the basis of the report being drawn up on the OSCE field assessment
mission to the occupied regions of Azerbaijan?

It is impossible to take any effective steps on the basis of OSCE
solutions since the international community takes effective action
only after the relevant resolutions have been passed by the UN
Security Council. At the same time it should be taken into account
that Russia, which directly assisted Armenia in the Karabakh war,
is a member of the UN Security Council. Whenever the UN raises the
issue of a Karabakh solution and action to force the aggressor to
peace, Russia will block it. Nevertheless, the document will be
important for Azerbaijan to show to the international community what
is happening about its occupied lands. The saying that “water wears
away stone” is apposite. Submitting the Karabakh settlement to the UN
agenda should not be ignored. I think this will swing public opinion
in favour of Azerbaijan. Documents discussed and adopted at the UN
can be of use to the Azerbaijani side if war resumes.

From: A. Papazian

UAE BUSINESSMEN READY TO MAKE INVESTMENTS IN VARIOUS SPHERES OF ARMENIA’S ECONOMY

ARMENPRESS
NOVEMBER 2, 2010
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 2, ARMENPRESS: RA Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan
received today the delegation, headed by Shaikha Lubna Al Qassimi,
foreign trade minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The UAE
delegation arrived in Armenia to partake in the first UAE-Armenia
business conference.

An official from the information and PR department of RA Government
told Armenpress that Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan greeted the guests
and expressed hope that the representative visit of the delegation,
headed by Foreign Trade Minister of UAE, will promote the development
of the UAE-Armenia trade-economic relations.

The two sides underscored the importance of implementation of
joint projects and stressed the necessity of the UAE-Armenia
intergovernmental committee’s session, expected to be held
early 2011 in Yerevan. Armen Gevorgyan, RA vice prime minister,
territorial administration minister, is the Armenian co-chairman of
the intergovernmental committee.

During the meeting Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan expressed condolences
on the death of Sheikh Sakr bin Mohammad Al Kasim, governor of Ras
Al Kaima.

The Foreign Trade Minister of UAE expressed gratitude to the RA Prime
Minister for the warm reception and mentioned about the warm greetings
of Dubai Governor Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Shaikha Lubna Al Qassimi informed that the delegation is comprised
of 40 businessmen, who are interested in the economic development
capacity of Armenia and are ready to study and make investments in
various spheres of Armenia’s economy.

The sides mentioned about the sectors of IT, agriculture and tourism as
more prospective spheres of the bilateral economic cooperation. The
sides emphasized the importance of participation of Armenian
businessmen in various expositions, organized in the UAE.

The two sides stressed that every effort will be exerted to ensure
development and strengthening of the bilateral relations. Prime
Minister Tigran Sargsyan said he welcomes the fact that the Fly Dubai
Airline entered into Armenia and said it will help to increase the
number of the flights between the two countries and will promote the
deepening of the UAE-Armenia trade-economic relations.

From: A. Papazian

RA NA CHAIRMAN HOVIK ABRAHAMYAN RECEIVES UAE FOREIGN TRADE MINISTER

ARMENPRESS
NOVEMBER 3, 2010
YEREVAN

RA National Assembly Chairman Hovik Abrahamyan received today the
delegation, headed by Shaikha Lubna Al Qassimi, foreign trade minister
of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

An official from the NA Public Relations and Media Department told
Armenpress that at the beginning of the meeting NA Speaker Hovik
Abrahamyan expressed condolences on the death of Sheikh Sakr bin
Mohammad Al Kasim, governor of Ras Al Kkaima.

The NA Speaker said he is sure that the UAE Foreign Trade Minister’s
visit to Armenia will promote the development and deepening of the
UAE-Armenia relations. He said he appreciates the current level of
political and economic cooperation and noted that the UAE-Armenia
relations have a stable progress in various directions.

The sides underscored the importance of making the cooperation in
the spheres of agriculture, tourism, drug industry, education and
science more active. Hovik Abrahamyan also stressed the importance
of development of the inter-parliamentary cooperation.

Hovik Abrahamyan also mentioned about the first business forum in the
history of the UAE-Armenia relations. He said that the forum, which
is being held in Yerevan, will promote the further deepening of the
UAE-Armenia trade-economic relations and extension of investment field.

Foreign Trade Minister Shaikha Lubna Al Qassimi expressed gratitude
for the warm reception and said she underscores the importance of the
further development of the UAE-Armenia cooperation, deepening of the
trade-economic relations and increase of the number of investments.

She expressed satisfaction about the fact that the cooperation of the
two states in various spheres has been quite active in the recent
two years. She said she is happy that the two states entered a new
important stage and implement arrangements and concrete projects.

From: A. Papazian