Author: Andres-Papazian

AZERBAIJANI FOREIGN MINISTRY: ARMENIA’S RENAMING AZERBAIJANI CITIES HINDERS CONSTRUCTIVE NEGOTIATION PROCESS

Today

Nov 2 2010
Azerbaijan

The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry considers a decision of
self-proclaimed “Nagorno-Karabakh Republic” to rename the Azerbaijani
Agdam region by giving it an Armenian name “Akna” ridiculous.

“This decision of self-proclaimed “Nagorno Karabakh Republic” causes
laugh,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Elkhan Polukhov told Trend.

By the decision of the government of self-proclaimed “Nagorno Karabakh
Republic”, the Agdam region was renamed as “Akna” and became one of
the quarters of the Askeran city, Armenia Today reports.

According to the Armenian Territorial Administration and Local
Self-Government Department head Sergei Nasibyan, this decision aims at
settling the process of allocating land plots to villagers residing
in Agdam, as well as other living issues. “As Agdam does not hold
any status yet, it is included in the Askeran urban commune as the
Akna quarter,” Nasibian told the Azatutun Radio.

“The value of this decision is only paper and ink that were used to
prepare this document,” Polukhov said. “But at the same time Armenia’s
attempts to introduce separatist formation as an independent state
by taking such steps and inviting various foreign visitors to the
occupied territories are surprising,” he added.

Polukhov said apparently still there are forces in the political
establishment of Armenia that are trying to destabilize the situation
instead of continuing the constructive dialogue by seeking to reach
a comprehensive peace in the region.

The Armenian political elite must understand that this kind of
ridiculous steps can lead to serious consequences, Polukhov stressed.

“Experience shows that foreigners, invited by the Armenian side to the
Nagorno-Karabakh, usually refuse if they learn about the situation
before the trip. The fact on the French actor Gerard Depardieu and
Russian singer Katya Lel, who acknowledged that were brought to
the Nagorno-Karabakh by fraud, can serve as a striking example,”
Polukhov said.

The Armenian side must realize that such attempts can in no way
promote a lasting peace in the region and hampers the constructive
negotiation process.

From: A. Papazian

MIDDLE EAST ANC CONFERENCE ADDRESSES TURKEY’S GROWING INFLUENCE IN REGION

Asbarez
Tuesday, November 2nd, 2010

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan (left) seems intent on
increasing Turkey’s influence with such neighbors as Syria’s President
Bashar Assad (2nd right).

BEIRUT (Aztag)-Leaders and members of Armenian National Committee
chapters of Middle East gathered in Bourdj Hammoud, Lebanon Sunday
for a one-day conference, which addressed the current challenges
facing Armenians in the Middle East given Turkey’s efforts to exert
political influence in the region.

“At this juncture, taking into consideration the political development
in the region and given Turkey’s growing penetration in the region,
we decided to organize this conference in order to consult one another
and discuss this issue,” said Middle East ANC director Vera Yacoubian.

Yacoubian explained that the conference’s goal was to develop a new
strategy in light of Turkey’s increasing presence in the region and
how that reality can impact ANC activities in the Middle East.

The ANC leader emphasized that even in Lebanon, where the Armenian
community is an integral part of Lebanese society, Turkey’s recent
overtures foreshadow growing challenges and obstacles for Armenian
communities and ANC efforts, similar to other Middle Eastern countries.

The conference participants, which included representatives from
Syria, Iran, Egypt, Kuwait and the Persian Gulf regions, discussed
the pursuit of the Armenian Cause in the Arab World, where there are
varying approaches and challenges. The imperative for the pursuit of
Armenian issues was emphasized by all participants of the conference.

Armenian Revolutionary Federation Bureau member Levon Lazarian was on
hand to address the importance of the conference given the increasing
level of Turkey’s anti-Armenian posturing and its manifestations in
Turkey’s dealings with its neighboring states.

Lazarian pointed to the so-called Neo-Ottomanism, which has become a
driving point for Turkey’s foreign policy and the importance of that
approach within the Arab World. He emphasized that, more than ever,
there is a need for concrete approaches when working in the countries
that have played host to Genocide survivors.

He said the Armenians of the Middle East must be able to defend its
historic rights, but take into consideration the sensitivities and
approaches within each country.

Turkey’s growing role, as well as its close relations with the
Arab World, poses new challenges for the Armenian people. This, the
conference concluded, requires a focused and committed approach to
the pursuit of the Armenian Cause in this area of the world.

From: A. Papazian

INVESTIGATIONS OF ARMY CRIMES UNDER ARMENIAN DEFENSE MINISTER’S CONTROL

news.am
Nov 2 2010
Armenia

November 2, Armenian Minister of Defense Seyran Ohanyan received the
relatives of Artak Nazaryan and Samvel Khachatryan.

The press service of the RA Ministry of Defense informed NEWS.am that
Minister Ohanyan assured the soldiers’ relatives that the investigation
into the soldiers’ death is under his personal control.

All the measures are being taken to find out all the consequences
and punish those guilty with all the rigors of the law.

Minister Ohanyan also received the relatives of Manvel Saribekyan, who
was killed in Azerbaijani captivity. He expressed his deep condolences
to them. The RA Minister of Defense also received 47 other citizens,
parents of soldiers, relatives of freedom fighters, as well as retired
officers, and discussed social and legal problems with them.

NEWS.am reminds readers that Artak Nazaryan was killed in one of the
military units in Tavush, Armenia, under uncertain circumstances. The
official version, a suicide, is dubious. Numerous marks of beatings
were found on the body.

Samvel Khachatryan (born in 1992) was found hanged in the basement
in his military unit on October 3. He had been brutally beaten up,
strangled and then hanged so as it might look as suicide.

From: A. Papazian

SENATE NEEDS TO CONFIRM AMBASSADORS TO TURKEY AND AZERBAIJAN
By G. Lincoln McCurdy

The Hill

Nov 2 2010
DC

Turkey is a significant political and economic actor that has played
a crucial role in the Middle East, the Caucasus, Central Asia and
Europe in the last decade. The country is a valuable ally to the US and
NATO in maintaining peace and stability as we deal with wars in Iraq
and Afghanistan, aggressive rhetoric from Iran, and the omnipresent
threat of international terrorism. It is also home to an incredibly
rich culture, a thriving economy, and a dynamic, young population.

Yet the U.S. Embassy in Ankara has been without a leader since July,
when Ambassador James Jeffrey departed the country to become the new
Ambassador to Iraq. Four months later, there is still no Ambassador
to Turkey, and if recent Senate machinations continue, we may have
no leadership in Ankara until 2011. When Congress returns for the
lame duck session in November, the Senate must resolve this impasse.

This absence comes at a particularly unfortunate time as we deal with
pressing issues that affect not only the US-Turkey partnership, but
also regional peace and stability. The presence of a US Ambassador in
a critical allied country like Turkey, which is undergoing significant
internal changes this year, is indispensable to maintaining a close
dialogue and a strong and mutually beneficial relationship. Leaving
this position unfilled is sending the wrong message to Turkey.

The Administration put forth a strong and qualified candidate in
Ambassador Francis Joseph Ricciardone Jr., who has a resume that
includes service in Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan and Turkey, as well
as serving as head of an anti-terrorism international taskforce at
the State Department. He was nominated on July 1, 2010 and confirmed
by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on August 3.

Ambassador Ricciardone’s intimate knowledge of the region and the most
vital foreign and security policy challenges the US faces today, plus
his prior experience as Deputy Chief of Mission in Ankara, would make
him a highly effective US emissary. Yet, while his detractors have
never presented a strong case against his qualifications, Senator
Sam Brownback (R-KS) has held up his nomination since August, with
no sign of change on the horizon.

Similar Senate action leaves us also dangerously underrepresented
in Azerbaijan, where we have not had an ambassador for more than
15 months. A major energy producer and friend of the United States
in a strategic neighborhood, this Muslim-majority Turkic nation was
recently praised by President Obama for its support for the US mission
in Afghanistan and the fight against international terrorism. However
the President’s nomination of Deputy Assistant Secretary of State
Matthew Bryza for the ambassadorial post is stalled in the Senate,
although the Senate Foreign Relations Committee confirmed Bryza on
September 21.

Two Senators, Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ), blocked
this highly qualified diplomat by echoing the contrived objections of
the Armenian National Committee of America, which the Washington Post
called a “particularly noxious lobby” that opposes the nominations of
Bryza and Ambassador Ricciardone. The Post called out both senators for
pursuing “craven election-year pandering at the expense of the national
interest,” and warned that their actions “risked US interests.”

When the Senate reconvenes for the post-election lame duck session in
early November, it should heed the words of the Wall Street Journal,
which declared that “Mr. Ricciardone deserves an up-or-down vote on
the floor, as do other nominees . the Senate’s confirmation powers
aren’t supposed to be an excuse to indulge the pet causes of individual
members.” I believe that, given the chance, a large majority of the
Senate will support these qualified public servants.

Unless the Senate acts, or at the minimum demand that the
Administration nominate new candidates immediately, it will be months
before the US is properly represented in the capitals of Turkey and
Azerbaijan. The Wall Street Journal is correct when it notes that,
“Azerbaijan and Turkey are important American allies in a tough
neighborhood, and the U.S. needs good ambassadors there.”

We cannot afford to squander the lame duck session in November. Our
foreign policy in a critical region is hobbled so long as the Senate
sits on its hands and leaves vacant ambassadors’ offices at the US
Embassies in Ankara and Baku.

G. Lincoln McCurdy is the president of the Turkish Coalition of America
(TCA), an educational charitable organization based in Washington, DC.

TCA’s primary objective is to educate the general public and other
interested parties. McCurdy is a former diplomat who served as
U.S. commercial attache in Turkey.

From: A. Papazian

EX-ARMENIAN COMMUNITY LEADER AMONG “RUSSIAN SPIES” IN GEORGIA

CRIENGLISH.com
Nov 2 2001
China

One of the detainees rounded up for allegedly spying for Russia in
Georgia was the former leader of the Armenian community in Adjara,
the southwestern autonomous republic in the South Caucasus country,
an Armenian wire service reported on Tuesday.

The ArmInfo-RBK service quoted Edward Musaelyan as identifying Armen
Gevorkyan as his predecessor as the leader of the Armenian community
in Adjara.

Gevorkyan’s identification was already brought forth on Monday by
his defense attorney, Nana Tsuladze.

Three of the four detainees whose identifications had so far been
disclosed are of the Armenian ethnicity and had been living in Adjara.

The two other detainees of Armenian ethnicity are Ruben Shikoyan and
Ruslan Galogre.

The Armenian community of Adjara is reportedly going to appeal to
the Georgian Prosecutor General’s Office for explanation.

On Tuesday, local Georgian press identified a fourth detainee,
Petre Devrishaddze.

The news that first broke out on Oct. 29 reported the detention of
20 Georgian citizens charged with spying for Russia.

The ArmInfo-RBK also reported that some of the detained in the 20-spy
group belonged to an Armenian organization “Javahkh” and that the
organization had recently expressed displeasure with the attitude
of Georgian authorities toward the local Armenian community and
its interests.

Web Editor: Han Yueling

From: A. Papazian

HEZBOLLAH THREATENS ARMENIAN COMMUNITY IN BEIRUT?

news.am

Nov 2 2010
Armenia

Hezbollah is preparing to seize power in Beirut if UN Hariri tribunal
implicates the group in former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafic Hariri’s
assassination, MIGnews.com reports referring to its sources in Lebanon.

According to Ash-Shark Al-Ausat newspaper, the group is preparing
for a “zero hour scenario” conducting security simulations in the
capital city.

Hezbollah, Amal and other pro-Syrian groups are on close terms and
coordination relating to a plan to take control of Beirut, the road
to the south of the city and neutralizing Christian and Sunni areas.

According to sources, the groups already plotted zones of who would
control areas, in a day-after scenario.

There is a large Armenian community in Beirut. Earlier, Beirut was
called “capital of Armenian Diaspora.” According to latest reports,
150.000 Armenians reside in Lebanon, most of them in Beirut.

From: A. Papazian

TAX PREFERENCES NEEDED FOR DEVELOPMENT OF IT SECTOR

news.am
Nov 2 2010
Armenia

Information technologies have been declared a priority sector in
Armenia for already 10 years but we are still far behind our neighbors
on development rate, Hovik Musayelyan, Executive Director of Synopsys
Armenia told the journalists today. According to him, there is positive
movement in IT field but less tangible than in neighboring states.

Neighboring states spend large amounts on development of IT sector,
whereas only strategy and doctrine is being discussed in Armenia.

Musayelyan considers that the government should give preferences
to the sector, thus amendments should be introduced. For instance,
foreign companies are exempt from taxes in Turkey, he added. That is
the reason, Microsoft company has invested 4 billions in country’s
educational system.

Issues on tax preferences and custom facilities for IT companies are
being discussed in the Russian State Duma as well.

Musayelyan wonders why tax preferences are not granted to companies
making investments in Armenian educational system. “We have been
raising the issue for 10 years. We are told the government does not
want to create “greenhouse conditions” for a certain field. Why
do they make statements if do not want to create such climate?”

he wonders.

From: A. Papazian

ANC SUPPORTERS GREAT ARMY, ANC LEADER SAYS

news.am
Nov 2 2010
Armenia

If it goes on like this, the Armenian authorities will yield
Nagorno-Karabakh, Levon Ter-Petrosyan, leader of the opposition
Armenian National Congress (ANC), told RFE/Radio Liberty in Vanadzor,
Armenia.

According to him, the Armenia people and state, as well as
Nagorno-Karabakh, are on the way to destruction. “Our only task is to
prevent it. We are doing our best to accomplish this task. If anyone
wants to help, let they come and help. We are grateful to them,”
Ter-Petrosyan said.

He agreed with a remark that fewer people are now attending the ANC
rallies. “Let it be so. Our task, I am sure, is to keep this torch
alight – the active members not to be broken down. What is going on in
Armenia is a real miracle. In no country people – even if they are few
– gather to defend their demands just two years after the elections,”
the ANC leader said. He assured the journalists that the ANC supporters
will, when needed, rise – many more of them than in 2008.

In his recent interview with RFE/Radio Liberty Ter-Petrosyan
expressed confidence that a dozen Opposition members now in jail
would be released soon. According to him, the Council of Europe
(CE) was to increase its pressure on Armenia. A few days after the
Ter-Petrosyan’s statement, Ashot Manucharyan, head of the Lori
chapter of the Armenian National movement (ANM) was released.

From: A. Papazian

NKR DEFENSE MINISTER MET WITH RED CROSS REPRESENTATIVE

news.am
Nov 2 2010
Armenia

On November 2, NKR Defense Minister Lieutenant General Movses Hakobyan
received head of International Committee of the Red Cross Karabakh
office. The sides discussed issues related to POWs, hostages, as well
as return of two bodies of Azerbaijani soldiers killed as a result
of provocation by the opponent.

The sides also touched upon the issues of mutual interest and stressed
importance of deepening further cooperation, NKR defense army press
service informed NEWS.am.

From: A. Papazian

PRIMETIME CONFIRMS EXCLUSIVE LIVE BROADCAST OF FROCH VS ABRAHAM – 27TH NOVEMBER

Boxing News

Nov 2 2010

Carl Froch, former WBC Super Middleweight title holder, goes head to
head with previous IBF World Middleweight Champion Arthur Abraham in
the semi final of the ‘Super Six Tournament’.

The fight takes place in Helsinki on November 27th and is broadcast
exclusively in the UK on Primetime (Sky Channel 480).

Froch, having got off to a winning start in the Super Six Tournament
claiming victory over previously undefeated Andre Dirrell in his
hometown of Nottingham is entering this contest with something to
prove having suffered his first defeat in professional career in
his second round fight against Mikkel Kessler back in April. Froch,
who’s in it to win it, isn’t lacking for confidence as he goes into
this fight next month, maintaining it was a minor blip. With full
intention to get back on track, Froch explained: “You know Arthur
Abraham can’t beat me. Really, he can’t beat me.”

Armenian-German fighter Abraham is also stepping into the ring
desperate for victory. A similar story to Froch, Abraham got off to
a winning start defeating Jermain Taylor in a tense twelfth round
knock out in his first fight then going onto suffer defeat against
Andre Dirrell after being disqualified for hitting him whilst he
was down in the eleventh round. The favourite to win this fight,
Abraham is currently ranked 14th ‘Best Boxer in the World’ according
to Ring magazine.

Taking place at the Hartwall Areena, Helsinki, the fight is part of
the established and acclaimed ‘Super Six Tournament’ the winner of
this fight goes onto fight either Andre Ward or Andre Dirrell in the
final in summer 2011.

To watch this fight LIVE tune into Primetime (Sky channel 480) and
on

From: A. Papazian