Author: Andres-Papazian

HEARINGS ON NEW GEOPOLITICAL REALITIES IN THE SOUTH CAUCASUS HELD AT THE NKR PARLIAMENT
Lusine Avanesyan

“Radiolur”
10.09.2010 17:49

Discussions on “The new geopolitical realities in the South Caucasus
and the possible developments of the Karabakh conflict settlement”
were held at the NKR National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Foreign
Relations today. Representatives of the executive body, parliamentary
and non-parliamentary forces, analysts and experts were invited to
participate in the discussion.

Most of the speakers at the event emphasized that as a real party
to the Karabakhi-Azerbaijani conflict, NKR should become a full
participant off the negotiation process under way under the auspices
of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs. They noted that it will hardly be
possible to reach a final and fair solution without taking account
of the will of the people and the stance of the NKR authorities.

Chairman of the Standing Committee on Foreign Relations Vahram
Atanesyan said “the organization of the hearings connected with new
nuances apparent in Russia-Azerbaijan relations.

From: A. Papazian

FAILED DIPLOMACY?: AZERBAIJAN RECALLS ANTI-ARMENIAN RESOLUTION FROM UN
Naira Hayrumyan

ArmeniaNow
Analysis | 10.09.10 | 13:10

The 65th session of UN General Assembly has started.

Baku has withdrawn from the agenda of the 65th session of the United
Nations General Assembly a resolution dealing with what it describes as
“occupied territories of Azerbaijan”, it transpired Thursday evening
when the draft was to have been discussed.

The resolution, in fact, condemned the “occupation” by Armenia of
parts of Azerbaijan and raised humanitarian issues, in particular
relating to refugees.

Armenian and Russian diplomacies may have played a role in this
development, but the earlier events show that Azerbaijan had been
under pressure from all sides, including from the West. Experts say
this pressure is connected with the current reluctance of authorities
in Baku to join Western energy projects and sanctions against Iran.

Azerbaijan is heading for parliamentary elections due in November. The
oil-rich country’s authorities, and its president Ilham Aliyev, in
particular, try to take steps to prove their unlimited and uncontested
power in the country. They are taking the initiative at the UN Security
Council, trying to prove their advantage in the Karabakh settlement.

A huge flag (35 meters wide and 70 meters long, weighing 350 kg) was
raised in Baku on a 162-meter-tall flagstaff at Aliyev’s initiative on
September 1. At the ceremony the Azeri leader pledged that a similar
flag would be raised over Karabakh in the near future. His statement
came amid intensified incursions along the line of contact between
Karabakh and Azeri armed forces.

The flag and its replacement were torn shortly by the wind (with
footage of a torn Azeri flag spreading quickly throughout video
sharing websites) and, now, the initiative at the UN has also failed.

Meanwhile, attempts to infiltrate Armenian-held points along the line
of contact led to deaths of Azeri combatants and to condemnation by
international officials.

Aliyev’s position is indeed unenviable. Two months before the election,
the International Crisis Group (ICG), an influential international
organization analyzing conflicts around the world, published a report
titled “Azerbaijan – Vulnerable Stability”.

“Ilham Aliyev’s presidency has been marked by stabilization of the
political life of the country and economic growth driven by oil
exports. This stability, however, has come with the consolidation of
authoritarian rule, greater suppression of freedoms and an increased
reliance by elites on corruption and patronage networks to dominate
virtually all aspects of public life,” the ICG report reads.

Then European Union Special Representative for the South Caucasus
Peter Semneby visited Baku. He stated: “I think that the Azerbaijani
leadership is aware of the enormous risks and potential losses
connected with attempts to resolve the Karabakh conflict militarily.

Clashes may get out of control.”

Azerbaijan should not rely on its vast hydrocarbon resources, said
head of the EU Mission in Georgia Roland Kobia at the First Caucasus
Forum on Renewable Energy in Baku on September 7.

Experts do not rule out that in order to redress his situation Aliyev
may resort to fresh military adventure in Karabakh.

From: A. Papazian

“THE FIELD-ASSESSMENT MISSION IN THE TERRITORIES SURROUNDING NK IS IN NO WAY CONNECTED TO THE DRAFT RESOLUTION PROPOSED BY AZERBAIJAN”

[ 2010/09/10 | 11:40 ]

The Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of RoA on the Draft
Resolution Proposed by Azerbaijan to UNGA

On September 9 Azerbaijan withdrew its proposed draft resolution
A/64/L.57 from consideration and voting at the UN General Assembly,
requesting to move the relevant agenda item to the agenda of the 65th
Session of the GA.

We are thankful to all those UN member states and in particular to
the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair countries, which through their stance
prevented Azerbaijan from deviating and damaging the negotiation
process of the settlement of Nagorno-Karabakh problem and not allowing
the adoption of an unconstructive draft resolution presented by
Azerbaijan in the UNGA.

The OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs’ field-assessment mission in the
territories surrounding Nagorno-Karabakh is in no way connected to the
draft resolution proposed by Azerbaijan at the UNGA. In their statement
of September 6, 2010, the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs noted that an
agreement had been reached with the sides about the field-assessment
mission already before summer, that is, weeks ahead of Azerbaijan’s
submission of the draft resolution to the UNGA.

Azerbaijan should refrain from its continuous attempts to shift
the settlement process, currently underway within the Minsk Group
framework, to other formats and it should refrain from provocative
and bellicose statements and actions so that the negotiation process
could proceed in a more constructive and effective course.

From: A. Papazian

NEW HEAD OF MARTAKERT REGIONAL ADMINISTRATION

NKR Government Information and
Public Relations Department
September 08, 2010

Under the NKR Government resolution the Head of Martakert regional
administration was substituted by Jirayr Gabrielyan. Today, the NKR
Prime Minister Ara Haroutyunyan has introduced the new appointed
administration head and wished him fruitful activity.

From: A. Papazian

MAIN DEMOGRAPHIC INDICES IN AUGUST 2010

NKR Government Information and
Public Relations Department
September 09, 2010

In August of the current year, 279 birth and 108 death cases were
recorded in the Republic against 266 and 95 correspondingly, in the
same period in of the previous year. In the result, the natality
during the accounting month both in the same month of the previous
year formed 171 persons.

During the accounting period 148 marriages and 10 divorces, against
128 marriages and 6 divorces in 2009, were recorded in the Republic.

According to counterfoils rendered to the NKR Government adjunct
Police Service, in August 2010, the number of persons arrived in the
Republic formed 82 persons and departed from the country – 62 persons.

From: A. Papazian

CONSUMER PRICE INDEX IN NKR IN JANUARY-AUGUST, 2010

NKR Government Information and
Public Relations Department
September 09, 2010

In August, 2010, in the NKR, consumer market price increase by 1.2%
was recorded, including prices of foodstuffs (alcohol and cigarette
inclusive) which increased by 1.9%, nonfoods prices increased by 0.3%,
and prices of services – by 0.4%.

The index of consumer prices in the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, in
August 2010, in comparison with December 2009, formed 106.1 percent,
including foodstuffs (alcohol and cigarette inclusive) 106.3 percent,
nonfoods 10 2.5 percent and tariffs for services 107.5 percent.

According to monitored tow ns, consumer prices index in August, 2010 in
comparison with December, 2009 formed: in Stepanakert- 104.9 percent,
in Askeran – 111.0 percent, in Hadrout- 106.5 percent, in Martakert-
105.7 percent, in Martuni – 106.6 percent, in Shoushi- 105.1 percent
and in Berdzor – 107.1 percent.

In August, 2010, the consumer prices index formed 109.1 percent(as
compared with August 2009), including foodstuffs (alcohol and cigarette
inclusive) 109.7 percent, nonfoods – 105.8 percent, tariffs for
services- 109.8 percent.

Consumer prices index in August, 2010, formed 130.1 percent as compared
with 2006.

From: A. Papazian

THE EXECUTIVE PROPOSES CHANGES IN THE STATE BUDGET

NKR Government Information and
Public Relations Department
September 08, 2010

Today, a special session of the NKR Government conducted by the Prime
Minister Ara Haroutyunyan has taken place.

The Executive has discussed one agenda issue, the project of changes
in the law “On NKR State Budget 2010”. By the Vice Prime Minister,
Minister of Finance Spartak Tevosyan’s clarification its adoption is
preconditioned by the necessity of solution of some issues standing
before the NKR Government. In particular, it was noted that from
November 1, 2010, the retirees pension will be increased by 2500 drams
and the size of monthly pecuniary aid rendered to some privileged
groups of citizens was increased by 30 percent from May 1, 2010.

In 2010, in Artsakh, an increase of birthrate was recorded, for
spurring of which the sums anticipated by the state budget are
henceforth insufficient.

By the Vice Prime Minister’s clarification, changes in the State Budget
are also preconditioned by increase of expenses foreseen in capital
investment programme, which have derived in the result of construction
and restoration of some units of strategic and paramount importance.

One more financial amendment: sums of expenses for involved borrowed
means will increase by 150 mln drams.

For financing of the mentioned programme the Executive proposes to
increase the supply by 4 mlrd 590 mln drams. The budgeted deficit
will increase by the same size correspondingly.

In concern with the project of the NKR State Budget changes the Prime
Minister A.Haroutyunyan has given additional clarifications. He has
noted that at 2009 year-end, when State Budget 2010 was affirmed,
financial sources of some under implementation programmes were not
justified that’s why these expenses were not considered and included
into the State Budget. Today, these sources are known, the Premier
explained, and consequently there is a chance to make some budgetary
changes. It was emphasized that for construction of Stepanakert airport
(its construction is foreseen to be accomplished by the end of the
year) some additional sums are needed. The same is in concern with
twenty-four-hour water supply of the capital. According to the Premier
for complete solution of these issues 6.5 mlrd drams are needed. It
is foreseen to accomplish water supply of the city in forthcoming
2-3 years.

The Executive has approved the project, which will be submitted to
the discussion of the NKR NA.

Beyond the agenda of the special session, a problem of working out
of governmental medium-term programmes was touched upon. The Prime
Minister has recommended the ministers to be guided by the affirmed
figures and to present realistic programmes.

From: A. Papazian

PRIME MINISTER HAS PARTICIPATED AT THE SITTING OF MARTAKERT REGIONAL COUNCIL

NKR Government Information and
Public Relations Department
September 07, 2010

This year figures recorded in the sphere of agriculture are not
satisfying. In order to provide progress in this brunch of the economy
the government is obliged to undertake unprecedented steps. In order
not to hurt the forthcoming autumn sowing by damages resulted by
natural disasters and a resolution was adopted to prolong the terms
of the land tax, pay-offs, borrowings and credits clearance by three
year. In order to bring the essence and order of these measures to
the villagers’ notice the head of Artsakh Government A.Haroutyunyan
participates at sittings of regional councils. The next one was
conducted yesterday in Martakert.

For provision of harvest in 2010 in Martakert from state budget and
banks 106 mln drams for seed credits, 57 tones mineral fertilizers,
and 16 tones potato seeds were allotted. For a villager who had
gathered harvest at average 6-7 centners per a hectare exemption of
debts and obligations this year was after people’s heart.

The anxiety was about community budget performance. The Prime Minister
Ara Haroutyunyan demands serious job and responsible attitude from
heads of communities. They were explained that the villager’s debts
are not remitted but the terms are extended and even more, he is given
a chance to receive new credits for execution of ploughing and sowing
this year.

By today 2015 hectare tillage, in tote was carried out in
Martakert. According to the head of the Government the index is
very low.

Some objective reasons don’t allow a villager to conduct tillage in
time. For the lack of technics villagers are dependent on one-of-a-kind
mechanics’ whim. The utmost problem of the sphere is shortage of
specialists. Despite of created possibilities, the young people are
not interested in agricultural professions, though many of them are
occupied in agriculture. The situation is as following – we have
engineering, but do not have operators. This is a problem for all of
us both for families and the Government.

Ara Haroutyunyan has visited the state kindergarten, the area of
hospital being under construction and the agricultural service centre
of Martakert.

From: A. Papazian

REPUBLIC DAY WAS CELEBRATED IN ARTSAKH

NKR Government Information and
Public Relations Department
September 03, 2010

On September 2, the Republic Day was celebrated in Artsakh. Main
arrangements dedicated to the 19 th anniversary of proclamation
of Artsakh took place in the capital of Stepanakert. Together with
representatives of authorities and the public the RA governmental
delegation with the Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan at the head was
present at celebration.

In the network of festive measures a visit to the Memorial Complex of
Stepanakert was carried out, where flowers and wreaths were laid on
graves of soldiers perished during the Artsakh War. During the day
ceremonies of unveiling of Nelson Stephanyan’s sculpture, opening
of Gregory Patotsky’s “Dandelion” monument in the yard of musical
school and ceremonial commissioning of newly constructed Stepanakert
high school N11 named after V.Jhangiryan took place. Numerous of
visitors attended an exhibition – sale of works of art, organized
along the stairs leading from the Rebirth Square to the stadium,
which was participated by both professionals and dozens of amateur
groups and individuals.

The celebration was concluded with grand concert in the city stadium
and festive firework.

From: A. Papazian

THE SERVICEMEN OF ARMENIAN ARMED FORCES ARE PARTICIPATING IN THE EXERCISES IN THE FRAMEWORK OF “PARTNERSHIP FOR PEACE”.

08.09.10

On the 8th of September, 2010 the ARM AF military medical 10-person
unit will leave for Budva, Montenegro, to take part in the exercise
“Medceur-2010” organized by the US European Command in the frameworks
of the PfP.

Representatives from the ARM AF have been participating in this annual
exercises since 2004. The main purpose of the training is to develop
the action skills of the military medical practitioners and medical
units of NATO member and partner states during the multinational
rescue missions in case of Emergency situations or during international
peacekeeping operations.

Since the 1st of September, 2010 the ARM AF signal troops’ unit
consisting of 20 members is participating in the Communications
and Information Systems “Combined Endeavour – 2010” annual exercise
simultaneously in Germany and Romania. The exercise is conducted in
the framework of the PfP under the sponsorship of the US European
Command. The initial planning conference of the exercise was held in
Yerevan in January, 2010.

The USA-Ukraine combined peacekeeping exercise “Rapid Trident – 2010”
is taking place form the 4th to 17th of September, 2010 in Yavoriv
training center in Lvov, Ukraine. Armenia is participating in the
CPX portion of the exercise with two Armenian staff officers together
with other partner nations.

RA MoD Department of Information and Public Affairs

From: A. Papazian