NKR SPEAKER MET WITH ROBERT BRADTKE
NEWS.am
September 30, 2010 | 22:30
The NKR parliamentary delegation headed by Speaker Ashot Ghulyan met
with the U.S. OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair Robert Bradtke within the
framework of the visit to U.S.
The sides exchanged views on current stage of the Karabakh peace
process, mediators’ activities and opportunities of parliamentary
diplomacy in strengthening peace in the region, NKR parliamentary
press service informed NEWS.am.
From: A. Papazian
PRESIDENT OF THE ARTSAKH REPUBLIC RECEIVED CHAIRMAN
Azat Artsakh Daily
30 Sept 2010
Republic of Nagorno Karabakh [NKR]
On 29 September President of the Artsakh Republic Bako Sahakyan
received chairman of the state commission on the Issues of Lake Sevan
under the President of the Republic of Armenia, member of the Public
Council Vladimir Movsesyan. Issues related to agriculture, ecology,
effective use of water resources were discussed during the meeting.
The Head of the State underlined the importance of enlarging
cooperation with the Republic of Armenia in the above mentioned
spheres, adding that it would contribute to the development and
strengthening of the two Armenian states.
From: A. Papazian
PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE REPORT
Azat Artsakh Daily
30 Sept 2010
Republic of Nagorno Karabakh [NKR]
On The Visit To Nkr Taken Place In France On September 29, A
Press conference on the report on the June 2010 visit of French
parliamentarians to the Nagorno Karabakh Republic took place at
the National Assembly of France. According to the NKR Permanent
Representative to France, the report’s author is Francois Roshbluan –
Deputy from the Loire Department and Chairman of the France-Armenia
Friendship Parliamentary Group. Pascal Crozon and Rene Ruke, who
had visited Artsakh, also attended the press conference. Francois
Roshbluan introduced the goals of the French Deputies’ visit,
expressing his gratitude to the NKR authorities for the organization
of the visit and for their cordial reception. The Deputy noted the
visit’s usefulness. “The delegation saw in place how the Karabakh
people built their democratic institutes and civil society”, said Mr.
Roshbluan, noting that the French parliamentarians had attended the
first session of the NKR newly elected National Assembly. According
to the Deputy, the basic issue of Nagorno Karabakh’s concern today is
the international recognition of Karabakh people’s independence. The
role of France and its Parliament in the Karabakh conflict settlement
was also discussed at the press conference.
From: A. Papazian
ALIYEV HAS REPLACED ANGER WITH “MERCY”
Leonid Martirosyan
Azat Artsakh Daily
Republic of Nagorno Karabakh [NKR]
30 Sept 2010
Azerbaijan makes another attempt to mislead the international
community Lately, some softening of the public speeches of Azerbaijani
President Ilham Aliyev is noticed, while earlier they comprised
extremely tough statements. In particular, he has recently stated that
Armenian refugees can also return to their former residence places
in Azerbaijan, while earlier he noted only the return of Azerbaijani
forcedly displaced persons to Nagorno Karabakh. To be frank, such
major-constructive notes in the Azerbaijani leader’s speeches are
rare, and that’s why they cause some doubt and even distrust. Our
reaction is natural, as we stopped believing the Azerbaijani leaders
long ago, which is quite fair, since they have never displayed
sincerity, if not more… And what has encouraged Ilham Aliyev
for such revelations? It may seem paradoxical, but first, it is the
unreality and ephemerality of his proposal, as Aliyev himself realizes
quite well the unrealizability of such an idea and, consequently,
the lack of any risk for himself. It isn’t excluded that he decided
to speak of the possibility of the Armenian refugees’ return on the
advice of Ankara, which feels the political situation better and
realizes WHAT the world would like to hear from Azerbaijan, as it is
too bothered with Baku’s endless militant threats. Probably, Ankara
recommended Aliyev to be more compliant and tractable. In other words,
with his non-binding statements Aliyev decided to clothe himself in
the mantle of “peacemaker” and so to gain propagandistic dividends,
which, as he guesses, can be converted into full-fledged currency
for “buying” international structures, and first of all the UN,
to the format of which he has dreamed to transfer the discussion of
the Karabakh conflict for a long period. Aliyev’s hypocrisy is more
than understandable, but the international mediators’ behavior is
incomprehensible, as in the context of the conflict settlement they
persistently speak of the refugees’ return and only then – of the
determination of Nagorno Karabakh’s political status. Let’s imagine
hypothetically that “the process has started”. But, it is obviously
fraught with bloodshed. The society of any party of the conflict
isn’t ready for the refugees’ “reception”, which is fully the “merit”
of Azerbaijan, the propagandistic machine of which has sowed the seeds
of hostility between the two nations for many years. Can we currently
speak of the Armenian refugees’ safe return to present-day Azerbaijan
where a cruel totalitarian regime and violent xenophobia are ruling?
This is a rhetorical question. International law definitely prohibits
exposing conflicts’ victims to recurrent danger before the final
resolution of the issue. Let’s recall the beginning of the Karabakh
Movement when the then leadership of Azerbaijan, aiming at the radical
change of the demographic situation in Armenian Nagorno Karabakh in
favor of the Azerbaijani population, took an inhumane and adventurous
step, populating the region with Turks-Meskhets from a conflict area
in Uzbekistan, actually making them hostages, or rather victims of
its nationalistic policy. As a result, these people found themselves
in another center of interethnic discord, and only Baku is responsible
for this political irresponsibility. The OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmen
and the UN leadership are supposed to realize that in case of the
refugees’ return before the conflict’s final resolution the South
Caucasus is threatened with “Balkanization” or even “Palestinization”.
Because the Balkan conflicts continued smoldering, while they haven’t
diminished in Middle East for decades just because there wasn’t
any ethno-territorial demarcation; instead, ethnic dissemination
and enclaves within alien state formations existed there. In this
context, the firm position of Israel is quite clear – to prevent
the Palestinians’ return to Jerusalem, despite the international
community’s pressure, as it considers such a situation extremely
dangerous. Is it good or bad, but in case of the Karabakh conflict
ethnic, political, and territorial demarcation of the Armenian
and Azerbaijani people took place. And the international community
shouldn’t, at the instigation of Baku, make an experiment with the
refugees’ return, the consequences of which are more than obvious. By
the way, the recent research of Sigma Analytical Center has disclosed
the negative attitude of the Azerbaijani forced migrants to the
prospect of their return to their former residence places in Nagorno
Karabakh – only 10% of them expressed their wish to return. The NKR
is successively building and consolidating its independent statehood
and sees no alternative to its international recognition. The issue of
the Azerbaijanis’ return to Nagorno Karabakh can be resolved only at
the negotiations between Stepanakert and Baku, under the compulsory
consent of the abovementioned 10% to accept the jurisdiction of the
independent Nagorno Karabakh Republic. Though, this issue is the
matter of the future, which isn’t quite definite yet.
From: A. Papazian
WITHOUT ARMENIA RUSSIA MAY LOSE SOUTH CAUCASUS: ANALYST
/ARKA/
September 30, 2010
YEREVAN
An Armenian political analyst warned today that without Armenia Russia
may lose the South Caucasus.
Speaking at the fifth Conference on Problems of Security and
Information Cooperation in South Caucasus , Alexander Iskanderian,
director of the Yerevan -based Caucasian Media Institute (CMI) said
if Russia loses Armenia or revises radically its Armenian policy it
will have to depart from the South Caucasus.
He said Armenia is interested in Russia because it is a crucial
partner, a guarantor of its security. “It is not Russia’s physical
presence in Armenia that matters most, it is the fact that Russia
plays a special role in ensuring Armenia’s military security, in
political risks and economy,’ he said, reminding that Russia is one
of the largest investors in Armenian economy and many projects here
requiring huge investments depend on Moscow.
‘If Russia did not exit Armenia would have quite a different position
in the region, but in the current conditions there is nothing to
replace their partnership,’ he said, adding that neither Georgia nor
Russia would ever replace Armenia. He said if Russia wants to maintain
its presence in the Caucuses that embraces also Iran and Turkey and
stay in the format that is in place now it will have to follow its
current policy for several years to come.’
The three-day conference is organized by the Russia RIA Noviosti news
agency and the administration of Armenian president.
From: A. Papazian
HOWARD BERMAN TO CONTINUE KEEPING PROBLEMS OF ARTSAKH IN FOCUS OF ATTENTION OF U.S.
PanARMENIAN.Net
September 30, 2010 – 19:35 AMT 14:35 GMT
A working visit of the NKR parliamentary delegation to the U.S. kicked
off on September 26.
In New York, Speaker of the NKR parliament Ashot Ghulyan and Vice
Chairman of the NKR NA Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs Sergey
Karazyan were joined by NKR Permanent Representative to the U.S.
Robert Avetisyan.
The delegation met in Washington DC with U.S. Co-Chair of the OSCE
Minsk Group Robert Bradtke. The parties exchanged opinions over recent
processes in the Karabakh conflict settlement, as well as opportunities
of a parliamentary diplomacy for strengthening peace in the region.
The NKR parliamentary delegation also visited the U.S. Congress to
meet with U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Howard Berman.
During the meeting, Howard Berman expressed readiness to continue
keeping problems of Artsakh in the focus of attention.
Besides, an event dedicated to the 19th anniversary of Artsakh~Rs
independence was held due to efforts of Congressional Armenian
Caucus Co-Chairs Frank Pallone and Mark Kirk, Armenia~Rs Ambassador
to the U.S., NKR~Rs Permanent Representatives to the U.S., as well
as Armenian-American organizations. Speakers at the event were the
NKR National Assembly Ashot Ghulyan, Armenia~Rs Ambassador to the
U.S. and congressmen, the NKR NA press service reported.
From: A. Papazian
ALEXANDER GURNOV: EXTENSION OF RUSSIAN MILITARY BASE DEPLOYMENT -REASONABLE STEP
PanARMENIAN.Net
September 30, 2010 – 18:52 AMT 13:52 GMT
Over the last 20years, Russia’s policy on CIS states has been rather
ambiguous, according to Russia Today’s TV commentator Alexander Gurnov.
“Russia feels responsible for the region; however, to bear a
responsibility, the country has to regain its influence. This is
why, I believe the extension of Russian military base deployment in
Armenia to be a reasonable step, benefiting both sides,” Russian TV
commentator told PanARMENIAN.Net
From: A. Papazian
ZHIRAYR SEFILYAN: RUSSIAN IMMIGRANT PROGRAM CAN TRIGGER DEMOGRAPHIC CATASTROPHE IN ARMENIA
PanARMENIAN.Net
September 30, 2010 – 18:16 AMT 13:16 GMT
Recently, Russian Duma introduced amendments to immigrant legislation,
stipulating for provision of hosing, job and citizenship to immigrants,
Sardarapat initiative movement member, Zhirayr Sefilyan stated.
At news conference in Yerevan, Sefilyan characterized Russian
immigrant program as a serious threat to Armenia, with a great number
of Armenian citizens wishing to leave the country in view of current
conditions. “As of September 15, 2010, 4808 Armenians were included
in the program, which suggests a demographic catastrophe for the
country with 2 -million population,” Sefilyan stressed, urging for
system alterations to prevent the breakout of the catastrophe.
Another member of Sardarapat initiative movement, Tigran Khzmalyan
condemned the government for inducing one third of Armenian population
to leave the country over the 20years of independence. “According to
international organizations’ surveys, 40% of current population is
ready to leave the country,” he stressed.
Conference participants slammed the inactivity of Diaspora Ministry,
calling on the government to develop a program on immigration and
reproduction to repair current situation.
From: A. Papazian
ANCA-WR ENDORSES JERRY BROWN FOR CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR
Asbarez
Thursday, September 30th, 2010
Mobilizes Armenian-Americans for Elections for Nov. 2 Elections
GLENDALE, CA ~W The Armenian National Committee of America ~V Western
Region (ANCA-WR) today announced its endorsement of longtime public
servant Jerry Brown for Governor of California. The coveted endorsement
represents an unprecedented commitment to dedicate ANCA-WR resources
and activists to elect Jerry Brown in the November 2 gubernatorial
vote.
~SWe urge all Armenian-Americans to cast their vote for Jerry Brown,
a proven ally whose contributions to our issues have spanned the course
of almost 40 years,~T said Aida Dimejian, Chair of the ANCA-WR Board
of Directors.
For many generations, Jerry Brown has been a good friend of the
Armenian-American community in the State of California. Just last year,
serving in his capacity as Attorney General, Brown submitted an Amicus
Curaie brief, also known as a ~Sfriend of the court~T brief~T on behalf
of the people of California against a 9th Circuit Court of Appeals
ruling. Members of the Court argued that the mere use of the phrase
~SArmenian Genocide~T conflicts with United States foreign policy and
struck down a California law which could have provided an opportunity
for Armenian Genocide victims to obtain assets wrongfully withheld
by insurance companies which served the Ottoman Armenian community.
Jerry Brown stood up where the Court failed to act. In his Amicus
brief, Brown argued that he is ~Sunaware of any precedent for the
proposition that the President may implicitly- or, indeed, even
explicitly-dictate the terminology that States may use in describing
an historic event.~T
Jerry Brown has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to Armenian
Genocide recognition and pledges to support the inclusion and expansion
of the subject in the history curriculum of state schools.
As Governor of California (1975~V1983), he appointed a high number of
Armenian-Americans to government positions, commissions, and judicial
posts. For his years of service to California and its Armenian-American
constituents, Jerry Brown was awarded the prestigious ~SFreedom
Award~T, one of the highest honors bestowed by the ANCA-WR.
~SJerry Brown is the right choice for Governor because he has
a proven record of advancing interests of great concern to our
community,~T stated Leon Kirakosian, former member of the ANCA-WR
Board of Directors.
The ANCA-WR has partnered with California Armenians for Jerry Brown to
mobilize supporters, spread awareness, and engage Armenian-Americans
throughout the state to make the difference in the highly contested
election. This grassroots movement has already tapped into volunteers
in the Golden State who will reach out to their neighbors through
coordinated canvassing and phone-banking to advocate on behalf of Jerry
Brown. For more information, please contact ANCA-WR at 818/500-1918.
The ANCA-WR is the largest and most influential Armenian American
grassroots advocacy organization in the Western United States. Working
in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters
throughout the Western United States and affiliated organizations
around the country, the ANCA-WR advances the concerns of the Armenian
American community on a broad range of issues.
From: A. Papazian
WEC 51 TITLE CHALLENGER MANNY GAMBURYAN READY TO PROVE UNDERDOG STATUS WRONG
John Morgan and Steven Marrocco
Sep 30, 2010 at 4:30 pm ET
Manny Gamburyan is not happy about his underdog status.
The former UFC lightweight and newly revitalized featherweight
tonight meets reigning champ Jose Aldo (17-1 MMA, 7-0 WEC) at WEC 51
in Broomfield, Colo.
And he’s out to prove the world made a mistake in pegging him to lose.
“Anybody can lose any given day,” Gamburyan (11-4 MMA, 3-0 WEC) told
MMAjunkie.com (). “I believe in myself that I can
do it. I’ve got the power. I’ve got the technique. So that’s all that
matters. I don’t care if he’s Anderson Silva or Jose Aldo. We’ll see.”
That’s not to say Gamburyan lacks respect for Aldo’s achievements. The
Brazilian has torn through the WEC featherweight division with seven
consecutive wins, including a title grab against former champion Mike
Brown and a beatdown of promotional posterboy Urijah Faber.
And though many pundits see Aldo’s hands and knees as his primary
weapons, Gamburyan knows there’s more than that to keep him on
his toes.
“He’s a big puzzle,” Gamburyan said. “The guy’s a phenomenal fighter.
I can see his jiu-jitsu game is there. I mean, we haven’t seen it,
but he’s a black belt under (Antonio Rodrigo and Antonio Rogerio)
Nogueira, so that’s no joke.”
Still, the Armenian-American fighter is supremely confident he has
the tools to defeat the champion.
“I don’t care what [Aldo] does,” Gamburyan said. “He brings to the
table a big puzzle. We solved it. I passed my homework, and everything
is done. Now, it’s test time. Let’s see if I’m going to pass the test.”
Aldo has said he’s most concerned about Gamburyan’s wrestling and
Judo background and has devised a specific strategy to keep himself
off the mat.
Gamburyan, meanwhile, said he’s brought in additional fighters to
assist with his standup skills, particularly ones who are adept at
throwing leg kicks.
In his most recent fight, Aldo hobbled Faber’s left leg with kick
after brutal kick in the WEC’s first pay-per-view event, WEC 48. Faber
documented the damage to the limb on his official Twitter account
and showed a vast purple bruise that seemed to get a whole lot worse
before it got better.
It’s not hard to imagine Aldo will try to take the spring out of
Gamburyan’s step with the same attacks. That might give many fighters
pause, but “The Pitbull” said he’s charging forward.
“I know Jose Aldo’s a phenom,” Gamburyan said. “I can say he’s one of
the pound-for-pound best fighters in the world, but I’m ready. If I
have to go 25 minutes, I guarantee you I’ll go 25 minutes in his face.”
He hopes that a victory over Aldo, who’s a huge favorite in the fight,
will open some eyes in the MMA community.
“I’ve got to go out there and prove everyone wrong,” he said. “I
should get more respect.”
From: A. Papazian