Author: Andres-Papazian

UKRAINE’S FOREIGN MINISTER TO VISIT ARMENIA IN AUGUST
Anna Balyan

“Radiolur”
27.07.2010 16:39

Alexander Bozhko believes that Armenian-Ukrainian relations will
continue developing.

“First of all, we attach importance to economic ties in our relations
with Armenia. In 2005, the trade turnover between our countries
totaled $118mln, while in 2008 it reached $130mln. Unfortunately,
30-40% drop was recorded as a result of the crisis. Currently, we
are trying to eliminate its consequences,” the Ukrainian Ambassador
to Armenia told a press conference in Yerevan today.

Referring to Ukraine’s participation in GUAM, Alexander Bozhko stressed
that the country’s membership in the organization does not prevent
it from building equal relations with Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Konstyantyn Gryshchenko will visit Armenia
in August to hold talks on regional and international issues, Alexander
Bozhko informed.

Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan also intends to visit Ukraine that
testifies to warm relationship between the two countries, he said.

According to recent data, over 300, 000 Armenians reside in Ukraine,
as compared with 30,000 in the beginning of 1990s, the Ambassador
noted, adding that the number of Armenian residents is increasing.

He also stressed that he will spare no efforts for Ukrainians to get
direct information about Armenia and its history.

From: A. Papazian

KAREN BEKARYAN: NKR MFA SHOULD TAKE STEPS TOWARDS RECOGNITION OF ARTSAKH
Anna Nazaryan

“Radiolur”
27.07.2010 15:55

“After the ruling of the Hague Court, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
of Nagorno Karabakh had to take steps towards recognition of Artsakh’s
independence, involving civil society representatives in the process.

The Parliaments of Armenia and Artsakh also have to do something,”
analyst Karen Bekaryan told a press conference today.

The decision of the International Court of Justice is not legally
binding, but it creates a certain political background. It will have
an active and positive influence on the negotiation process on the
Karabakh conflict settlement, Karen Bekaryan is assured. According
to him, Azerbaijan is also aware of this influence.

“We should not rush to the Hague Court inspired by its ruling on
Kosovo,” Karen Bekaryan said, adding that “it will harm the negotiation
process under way within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group. He
does believe, however, that certain steps need to be taken.

“First of all, it’s Artsakh that should take steps. It’s necessary
to start the process of recognition of Artsakh through executive,
legislative and civil society circles, establish parliamentary
contacts, create parliamentary friendship groups, interparliamentary
commissions, etc,” Karen Bekaryan said.

“Let’s view the negotiations and recognition as separate processes.

Not being a party to the talks, Artsakh is not constrained and is
free to act,” he added.

The analyst says one should not be pessimistic, recalling how much
pessimism was there at the beginning of the process of recognition of
the Armenian Genocide. “Imagine what will happen if eight countries
recognize Artsakh’s independence.”

Karen Bekaryan stated, however, that it’s not expedient to recognize
the independence of Artsakh today. “Nevertheless, this is a proper
opportunity to launch the process and convene consultations.”

From: A. Papazian

ARMENIA’S DEFENSE MINISTER VISITED AFGHANISTAN

armradio.am
27.07.2010 13:26

The delegation headed by Armenian Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan
visited Afghanistan July 24-26.

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.

From: A. Papazian

LESS POSSIBILITY FOR GEORGIA OR AZERBAIJAN TO JOIN NATO, ANALYST

Tert.am
27.07.10

There is less possibility that Azerbaijan and Georgia will join NATO
anytime soon, US analyst on Russia and South Caucasus and Director
of Eisenberg Institute for Historical Studies at the University of
Michigan Ronald Grigor Suny told Azerbaijani news agency APA.

“Since the Russian-Georgian war there is much less possibility of
Georgia or Azerbaijan joining NATO. With Russia prepared to move
across the Caucasus, and the South Caucasian states being relatively
weaker than Russia, it is unlikely that NATO would have a meaningful
presence in the region. If NATO was imaginative, it would expand in
one particular way – make Russia a member! This way an alliance that
was formed against the Soviet Union would turn into a collective
security pact to deal with conflicts among its members,” said he.

Asked what Russia and US could do in order to cooperate in the
region of South Caucasus, Mr Suny said: “Both Russia and the US want
to cooperate. South Caucasia is an area of considerable conflicting
interests between these two powers. The United States has pulled back
a bit from its fairly expansionist policy of global hegemony during the
Bush administration, so the door has opened a bit for better relations
with Russia. Together the US and Russia could show their good will and
the advantages of cooperation by solving one of the regional conflicts,
perhaps the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict over Karabakh. It is time
for some creative thinking… and compromise from all sides.”

From: A. Papazian

NKR PRESIDENT BAKO SAHAKYAN MAKES APPOINTMENTS

Tert.am
27.07.10

On 27 July President Bako Sahakyan signed a decree according to
which NKR Deputy Minister of Healthcare Alen Poghosyan was appointed
member of the independent committee on the issues of grant of parole
and substitution of the remanent with milder punishment instead of
Aram Grigoryan.

According to another Presidential decree David Ishkhanyan, oncologist,
head of the medical service department of the Police under the Artsakh
Republic Cabinet of Ministers and Gagik Petrosyan (by consent), head
of the Artsakh Republic National Assembly’s standing commission on
state-legal issues were appointed members of the commission on Amnesty
under the Artsakh Republic President replacing Sergey Movsisyan and
Garik Grigoryan.

From: A. Papazian

COURT HEARING MARRED BY SKIRMISH: KHALAFYAN’S CASE DELAYED AGAIN

Tert.am
27.07.10

Court of First Instance in Kodak marz (province) of Armenia has again
delayed the court hearing of Vahan Khalafyan’s case pointing to the
absence of one of the witnesses.

Norayr Eboyan, Police Chief of Charentsavan city, had in written form
notified the court that he would for an indefinite period be in abroad
for medical treatment and therefore could not show up in the court.

But the court hearing was also marred by a clash between the relatives
of Vahan Khalafyan and those of Ashot Harutyunyan, the main suspect and
the Head of Criminal Investigation Department of Charentsavan Police.

The next court hearing will take place on August 18.

Vahan Khalafyan, 24, was brought to Charentsavan Police Station
on April 13 on theft charges and passed away a few hours later the
same day.

According to the official version Khalafyan, having been subjected to
torture in the police station, committed a suicide using a knife. But
human rights organizations and Khalafyan’s relatives say he was killed
by police officers.

Four police officers are involved in the case who are charged with
torturing Khalafyan which. Of all the four only Ashot Harutyunyan is
arrested. The rest have been released on parole.

From: A. Papazian

ERNEST VARDANYAN’S HEALTH IN SHARPLY DECLINE: MOTHER SENDS ANOTHER LETTER TO INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY

Tert.am
27.07.10

The mother of an outstanding Transnistrian-Armenian journalist Ernest
Vardanyan, currently arrested over treason charges, has one more
time sent a letter to international community asking to back her
in restoring justice pertaining to the arrest of Vardanyan and his
immediate release from detention.

Tamara Shaghoyan has addressed her letter to the presidents of
different countries, as well as to international human rights
organizations, news media outlets and diplomatic structure, drawing
attention to a sharp decline in her son’s health.

“Ernest refused to see us any more during the July 23 visit [to
prison], saying that he is depressed and cannot see his children in
that state. During the visit Ernest was coughing heavily, he had
high fever, numerous spots of bug stings on his skin, a strangely
long scar on his neck reminding a wound caused by a knife. All this
attests to the fact that Ernest does not get necessary medical help,”
reads the letter.

Further she mentions that Ernest’s physical and mental state have
sharply declined now after four months detention. The reason, according
to Mrs. Shaghoyan, is the threats he receives and the psychotropic
drugs he is injected, as well as the forced self-confession under
pressure.

“I want to inform you that his latest interrogation took places half a
month ago. This proves that Ernest Vardanyan is being kept in prison
on baseless charges and the charges are groundless. Depriving Ernest
of freedom is just part of the chain of a political game in which
Ernest has not had any participation,” says the letter.

Tamara Shaghoyan, the mother of the Armenian-national journalist Ernest
Vardanyan working in the Moldovan breakaway region of Transnistria,
has sent a letter to the leader of G8 states, asking to take steps
for his release.

Earlier Mrs. Tamara Shaghoyan had sent a letter to the leaders of
G8 countries.

Ernest Vardanyan was arrested near his home in Tiraspol on April
7. He is accused of high treason and according to Article 271 of
the Transnistrian Criminal Code he may face 12-20 years in prison if
found guilty.

From: A. Papazian

GOOD CHANCE FOR KARABAKH TO START CONSULTATIONS OVER RECOGNITION OF ITS INDEPENDENCE: KAREN BEKARYAN

Tert.am
27.07.10

Nagorno Karabakh should do its best to have the process of its
recognition started; President of European Integration NGO Karen
Bekaryan told a press conference today as he referred to the recent
ruling by the International Court of Justice over the legality of
the declaration of Kosovo’s independence.

According to Mr Bekaryan that ruling is just an advisory one,
i.e. it is not legally binding, which means that Nagorno Karabakh
should not expect some structures to take some steps aimed towards its
recognition. But on the other hand, the ruling, according to Bekaryan,
is rather active and powerful act from a political viewpoint.

Further Mr Bekaryan said he thought that it was high time to consider
the talks over Nagorno Karabakh and its recognition as two parallel
processes.

According to him NKR Foreign Ministry should initiate consultations
aimed at its recognition.

“The ruling by the Hague court is more than a good chance for NKR
Foreign Ministry to initiate some kind of actions,” said he, adding
that the main function of NKR’s Foreign Ministry would be strengthening
Karabakh’s position as negotiating party and try and initiate a
process aimed at the possible recognition of Nagorno Karabakh.

From: A. Papazian

SAFRASTYAN SHARES TER-PETROSYAN’S OPINION

Orientalist Ruben Safrastyan excludes any breakthrough in
Armenian-Turkish relations in the nearest future. He thinks that
Turkey displays less interest towards South Caucasus.

“Today Turkey has activated its diplomacy in the Near East. British
Prime Minister David Cameron’s visit to Turkey is not accidental in
this context. Cameron voiced strong support for Turkey’s membership
in the European Union and vowed to fight passionately to make the
country’s case,” Safrastyan said.

“Great Britain and America want Turkey to side with the EU. Meanwhile,
the West fears lest Turkey should enter into a close cooperation with
the Islamic world. There is no point in pressurizing Turkey in issues
where the country pursues its interests. Turkey has a great experience
in resisting pressure and shrinking responsibility. Turkey tends to
play fast and loose.”

The orientalist thinks that Turkey displays a formal stance in the
talks on the Karabakh conflict and fully supports Azerbaijan. But it
weakens Turkey’s position and lessens the country’s influence beyond
its boundaries.

Regarding Mattyew Bryza’s appointment as U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan,
Mr. Safrastyan said, “I do not pay great importance to Bryza’s
appointment. The USA could have nominated a more serious diplomat
for the post.”

Ruben Safrastyan shares Levon Ter-Petrosyan’s statement that the key
to the Karabakh conflict lies in the hands of Russia.

“The USA does not focus on South Caucasus. I have already said that
the Russian-Georgian conflict which ended with Georgia’s crushing
defeat radically changed the situation in South Caucasus and created
a new status quo, thus strengthening Russia’s position.”

From: A. Papazian

MARIE YOVANOVITCH -“DOVE OF PEACE”

Coordinator of the Armenian National Congress (HAK) Levon Zurabyan
today confirmed the rumours on the upcoming meeting of Armenia’s first
President Levon Ter-Petrosyan and U.S. Ambassador to Armenia Marie
Yovanovitch. At the same time, Mr. Zurabyan refuted the allegations
that Marie Yovanovitch has become a “dove of peace” and is going to
reconcile Levon Ter-Petrosyan and Serzh Sargsyan.

“The recent reports on the alleged election bloc between Ter-Petrosyan
and Serzh Sargsyan are an absolute lie. We cannot cooperate with
authorities who perpetrated the carnage of March 1, keep political
prisoners, robe the country and boost corruption. We can only demand
the acting regime to resign office,” the HAK Coordinator said.

HAK has a message to convey to public and we think that the best way
to communicate with people is resuming rallies. In its sitting of
July 28 HAK will decide the date of the next rally.

“During the rally we shall cover all issues that interest our citizens,
including the Karabakh conflict settlement, Armenian-Turkish relations,
improvement of political system, corruption, dismissal of this bandit
regime,” Levon Zurabyan said.

“Today, the authorities attempt to distort Levon Ter-Petrosyan’s
speech delivered at the HAK recent congress. They attempt to smear
Ter-Petrosyan and misinterpret his statement that Armenia’s development
is impossible without the Armenian-Turkish normalization and Karabakh
conflict settlement. I am glad that Ter-Petrosyan’s speeches give
rise to heated debates. It means that Ter-Petrosyan expresses weighty
thoughts causing serious concerns and contemplations.”

Ter-Petrosyan’s speech disappointed many officials including
Vice-Chairman of the RA National Assembly Samvel Nikoyan who said
yesterday that Ter-Petrosyan’s statement was a message for his allies
and hinted at his retirement. No one has caused so much trouble for
the authorities as Ter-Petrosyan. That is why they want to get rid
of Ter-Petrosyan as soon as possible,” Zurabyan concluded.

From: A. Papazian