Author: Andres-Papazian

BRYZA ‘BURIES’ ALL-ARMENIAN PATRIARCH

news.az
July 28 2010
Azerbaijan

Matthew Bryza Armenians continue showing resentment over nomination of
Bryza’s candidate for position of US envoy in Azerbaijan, attributing
new ‘mistakes’ to him.

This time it was the publisher and editor of the Californian courier
Arut Sasunyan who made a resented speech. In his article he again
quotes the ANCA statement, in which the committee of American Armenians
urge the Senate to pay attention to some ‘dubious’ moments in the US
diplomat’s biography.

Though Matthew Bryza refuted almost all accusing statements during
the hearing in the Senate, Sasunyan is not satisfied with such a
state of affairs.

Now the diplomat is accused of “having buried” all Armenian patriarch
sclerosis-patient Mesrop in his speech.

‘Bryza said with pride that for his wedding he invited people whom
he met during his activity including state officials, diplomats,
heads of public and religious organizations from Turkey, Azerbaijan,
Armenia, Cyprus and Greece. Among guests, he mentioned ‘late Armenian
patriarch Mesrop. The Armenian patriarch is alive though suffers from
sclerosis’, Sasunyan said with regret.

He is surprised at the fact that Bryza who invited Mesrop for the
wedding party did not show any interest in his health.

Has Sasunyan himself showed any interest in the health of all those
who were present at his wedding?

Nonetheless, it should be noted that the campaign of the US Armenians
to ‘blacken’ Bryza’s image for which several millions of dollars
were spent has failed. Bryza has responded to all accusations,
President Obama has not rejected his position, while the Senate
acts under the procedures without paying attention to the “weeping”
of the Armenian lobby.

It is also noteworthy that despite failing in black PR, Sasunyans
and other ANCA members are trying to change the situation and present
Bryza’s appointment as an unsuccessful adventure and an obstacle in
improvement of relations between the United States and Azerbaijan.

‘Bryza is a rudiment of Bush’s administration with an arguable past.

He is rather an obstacle for Obama and the United States. Bryza has
been in Washington for long months hinting that he will soon become the
ambassador in Azerbaijan. A year has passed since he was nominated,
which means serious problems including those related to Bryza’s role
in the Russian-Georgia war, Azerbaijan’s protests in connection with
his support to the Armenian-Turkish process, accusations of abuse of
powers at his wife’s office, as well as wedding costs. Considering
all these circumstances, Bryza’s candidacy cannot be nominated for
the ambassador’, Sasunyan said probably considering that the black
PR campaign must continue.

Well, let’s wait for the new statement of the congress of American
Armenians in which this time the minuses of Bryza’s appointment for
position of ambassador in Baku will be “analyzed” through the prism
of US and Azerbaijani geopolitical interests.

Well, this time we will not be surprised if anyone who states
Azerbaijan’s importance as the US ally will be accused of betrayal
in terms of geopolitical interests.

We have already faced these statements by Armenians on the example
of George Friedman, who was accused of all sins for his article.

From: A. Papazian

NAGORNO-KARABAKH CASE VERY DIFFERENT FROM THAT OF KOSOVO, CORNELL

AzerTac
July 28 2010
Azerbaijan

Svante Cornell, director of the Washington-based Central Asia-Caucasus
Institute of the John Hopkins University, has said the case of
Nagorno-Karabakh was very different from that of Kosovo.

“One difference is the extent of human rights violations and the
changes in population structure. In the case of Kosovo, there was
ethnic cleansing committed against Kosovars by Serbia, which is what
triggered multilateral international intervention under the NATO
umbrella. Thus, international intervention restored the demographic
status before the war.â~@~]

Cornell said in the case of Nagorno-Karabakh â~@~the situation is
very differentâ~@¦â~@~]

He noted there was massive ethnic cleansing committed by the separatist
side, especially in the case of Karabakh in 1992-93.

â~@~These are, therefore, in many ways mirror images of the Kosovo
situation, strongly weakening the case for independence made by the
separatists. It is a long-standing principle of international law
that it is unacceptable to first alter the demographic situation and
then make political declarations of independence.”

From: A. Papazian

G. SAHAKYAN: CHANGES WILL BE MADE IN DIPLOMATIC CORPS

Aysor
July 28 2010
Armenia

We should not overestimate the International Court of Justice ruling
on Kosovo, RPA Faction Head Galust Sahakyan told a press conference
adding that the U.S. declares that “the world uses dual standards to
resolve similar issues: Kosovo can do it while other countries cannot.”

First he mentioned that we should appreciate Hague Court ruling as
a positive event for regions with similar problems, meanwhile he
stressed that the “ruling cannot have much influence on the Nagorno
Karabakh conflict resolution.”

“Some changes will be made in our diplomat corps. The ruling
enables our diplomatic corps to think of launching a process of
accepting Artsakh independence or recognizing Karabakh as a subject
of international law when negotiating with other countries, what would
mean that Karabakh can have representative offices in all countries,”
the speaker said reminding that Armenia will keep looking for ways
of conflict resolution within the framework of OSCE and upholding
all opinions coming from this ideology.

From: A. Papazian

MANOIAN: “NK INDEPENDENCE DOESN’T OPPOSE TO INTERNATIONAL RIGHTS AND DOESN’T DEMAND AZERBAIJAN’S AGREEMENT”

Panorama
July 28 2010
Armenia

“The opinion that the court’s decision implies Kosovo only, isn’t
true,” Giro Manoian, the head of ARF Armenian Cause Office told
reporters referring to Hague Court decision declared July 22.

For Armenia it’s important since recognizing the independence of
Nagorno-Karabakh isn’t an act against the international laws; NKR
declared its independence opposing neither the international standards
nor Soviet Union laws. The expert says the chance should be used to
raise that question.

“This is a chance to say NK independence doesn’t counteract any
international norm and doesn’t demand Azerbaijan’s agreement,”
expert said.

Manoian stated U.S. Assistant Secretary of State was wrong to say
the court decision referred to Kosovo only.

From: A. Papazian

ISAF COMMANDER THANKS DEFENSE MINISTER FOR EXCELLENT SERVICE OF ARMENIAN PEACEKEEPERS IN AFGHANISTAN

Panorama
July 27 2010
Armenia

The Armenian delegation headed by Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan
visited Afghanistan July 24-26, press service of defense ministry
reported. On July 24 the Armenian Defense Minister visited the region
of Kunduz, where the Armenian peacekeeping contingent ensures the
security of the airport. Spiritual leader of the ARMED Forces of the
Republic of Armenia, Vrtanes Archbishop Abrahamyan, blessed an the
temple built by Armenian peacekeepers.

Within the framework of the visit the Armenian delegation had meetings
with meet David Howell Petraeus, Commander of the International
Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and Commander of the U.S. Forces
Afghanistan (USFOR-A). During the meeting the parties discussed the
security environment in Afghanistan and the region, the results of
the Kabul summit. The ISAF Commander expressed gratitude to Seyran
Ohanayn for the excellent and exemplary service of the Armenian
peacekeepers and the important contribution Armenian peacekeepers
make to ensure the security of the northern regions of Afghanistan,
which are of strategic importance.

On July 25 the Armenian delegation was welcomed by Afghanistan’s
Defense Minister Abdul Rahim Vardak and the chief of the General Staff
of the Armed Forces of Afghanistan, Lieutenant General Sher Muhammad
Karimi. They hailed the activity of the Armenian peacekeepers and
presented the general situation in Afghanistan.

On his way back from Afghanistan Armenian Defense Minister met with
Deputy Defense Minister of Uzbekistan Tursun Normatov. The sides
discussed the current situation and the development perspectives of
bilateral and multilateral military cooperation.

On July 26 the delegation headed by Seyran Ohanyan arrived in Armenia.

From: A. Papazian

GERMAN DIPLOMAT: INTERNATIONAL LAW IS IN FAVOR OF AZERBAIJAN IN THE NAGORNO KARABAKH ISSUE

Today
July 27 2010
Azerbaijan

“International law is in favor of Azerbaijan in the Nagorno Karabakh
issue”, said Florian Peters, counselor for political affairs, German
embassy in Azerbaijan.

Addressing the presentation ceremony of the Azerbaijan Youth
Euro-Atlantic Organization’s project “Peace vs. Victory: where do we
stand?”, the diplomat said long-term solution to the conflict would
be based on compromises.

OSCE senior police advisor in Baku Marco Kubny said he welcomed such
confidence-building projects. “Both sides need to show political will
for solution to the conflict”.

The project sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Germany
aims to organize discussions among the Azerbaijani citizens, to learn
their positions and their ability to compromise.

From: A. Papazian

SVANTE E. CORNELL: SITUATION IN NAGORNO-KARABAKH IS IN MANY WAYS SIMILAR TO THE ONE IN KOSOVO

Today
July 27 2010
Azerbaijan

Svante E. Cornell, Research Director of the Central Asia-Caucasus
Institute in Washington DC believes it might be that the International
Court of Justice ruling about Kosovo’s breakaway declaration of
independence from Serbia has been somewhat misunderstood.

“There may not be anything illegal in terms of international law in a
declaration of independence; that would violate the law of the mother
country, in this case Serbia. But that a declaration of independence
is not illegal does not mean that it is recognized by the rest of
the world”, Cornell said.

He mentioned that, judging these issues, one has to take a number of
things into account. But in case of Nagorno-Karabakh, the situation
is much different.

“One is the extent of human rights violations and the changes in
population structure. In the case of Kosovo, there was ethnic
cleansing committed against Kosovars by Serbia, which is what
triggered a multilateral international intervention under NATO. Thus,
international intervention restored the demographic status before the
war. In the cases of Abkhazia, South Ossetia, and Nagorno-Karabakh,
the situation is much different. …There was massive ethnic cleansing
committed by the separatist side, especially in the cases of Karabakh
in 1992-93 and Abkhazia in 1993, as well as in South Ossetia in 2008.

Thus, these in many ways mirror images of the Kosovo situation,
strongly weakening the case for independence made by the separatists.

It is a long-standing principle of international law that it is
unacceptable to first alter the demographic situation and then make
political declarations of independence,” the expert noted.

From: A. Papazian

AZERBAIJANI MP ACCUSES ARMENIAN AUTHORITIES OF SABOTAGE

Today

July 27 2010
Azerbaijan

“Yerevan, as always, makes false statements in an effort to mislead
world community,” member of Azerbaijani parliament Musa Guliyev said
commenting on Armenian FM Edward Nalbandian’s statement that Azerbaijan
undermines peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

The MP says making such statements Nalbandian seeks to justify the
destructive policy it pursues in talks in eyes of the OSCE Minsk
Group co-chairs.

“In fact, it was Armenia who sabotaged adoption of updated Madrid
principles since they were announced by the OSCE Minsk Group
co-chairs. In its turn, Azerbaijan adopted these principles with
minor reservations. This stance is quite acceptable in terms of
international law. Azerbaijan’s move was met with understanding by
the OSCE Minsk Group.”

“Terms of settlement of this longstanding and difficult problem cannot
be accepted at one hundred percent. Naturally, the parties to the
conflict make some minor adjustments to these terms,” the MP added.

“At first, the Armenian side rejected these principles. But after the
St. Petersburg meeting, it accused Azerbaijan of failure to support
Madrid principles,” the MP noted.

The MP says the problem is that Armenia is in no condition to make
decision on the conflict resolution independently.

“Yerevan is obliged to consult with third countries, especially with
one for which it stands as an outpost. In this sense, it is possible
that the ideas expressed by Nalbandian belong to the political forces
outside Armenia,” Guliyev said.

“Message of the Armenian ministers is addressed neither to Azerbaijan
nor Armenian community. Azerbaijan is well aware of Armenian
authorities’ habit to lie and turn the facts upside down. Indeed,
Armenian society has repeatedly expressed its protest against the
illegal way the current Armenian leadership came to power and against
their policies,” MP said.

“Another ridiculous statement by Nalbandian is that Azerbaijan uses
ceasefire violation for propaganda purposes.”

“The solution of the Karabakh problem cannot be limited to OSCE or the
UN. This is the problem of entire Azerbaijani people. Baku seeks to
ensure transparency in the process of Karabakh conflict settlement. If
Armenia is so concerned that violations of the ceasefire are made
public, let its army stop firing at Azerbaijan’s positions. In all
cases, the truce is violated from the Armenian side and the Azerbaijani
army gives an adequate response,” Guliyev underscored.

From: A. Papazian

ARMENIAN EMBASSY SENDS NOTE TO RF FOREIGN OFFICE

news.am
July 27 2010
Armenia

RA Ambassador to Russia Oleg Yesayan keeps track of the developments
following the desecration of Armenian gravestones in Novorossiysk,
Tigran Balayan, Spokesman for the RA foreign office, told NEWS.am.

“The Armenian Ambassador held a meeting with Novorossiysk Vladimir
Sinyagovsky and Governor of the Krasnodar region Alexander Tkachev.

The Armenian Embassy also sent a note to the Russian foreign office.

Oleg Yesayan sent an official letter to the Krasnodar Governor,”
Balayan said.

According to specified information, 25 graves were desecrated, 19 of
them being Armenian ones. Criminal proceedings were initiated.

NEWS.am reminds readers that gravestones were destroyed at three
cemeteries. On July 24 morning policemen arrived at the scenes.

Unknown persons destroyed the graves, without leaving any nationalist
or religious inscriptions.

From: A. Papazian

GTZ TO IMPROVE BUDGET PLANNING IN ARMENIA

news.am
July 27 2010
Armenia

The RA Ministry of Finance and the German Association for Technical
Cooperation (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit –
GTZ) signed a memorandum of understanding on July 27. The memorandum
will serve as a basis for further reforms in budget planning in
Armeniaâ~@~Ys financial management system. The program is to be
completed on July 1, 2011.

The press service of the RA Ministry of Finance informed NEWS.am
that the memorandum was signed by RA First Deputy Minister of Finance
Pavel Safaryan and GTZ Regional Director James Macbeth.

The budget planning reforms are supposed to enhance the efficiency
of public expenditure. In drafting the 2011-2012 budgets, all the
government agencies are expected to intensify the relevant work. The
memorandum allows the government agencies to present improved budget
plans, which will meet the relevant requirements.

From: A. Papazian