Author: Andres-Papazian

RULING OF INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE ON KOSOVO TO HAVE POSITIVE IMPACT ON RECOGNITION OF NKR’S INDEPENDENCE

PanARMENIAN.Net
July 22, 2010 – 20:26 AMT 15:26 GMT

Secretary of Republican Party of Armenia parliamentary group Eduard
Sharmazanov said that the ruling of the International Court of Justice
on lawfulness of Kosovo’s secession from Serbia will have a positive
impact on international recognition of NKR’s independence.

The ruling indicates that the people’s right to self-determination
gradually prevails over the principle of territorial integrity,
Sharmazanov told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter.

“Of course, Karabakh and Kosovo are different issues, but the ruling
will have a positive impact on recognition of Artsakh’s independence.

Every nation has the right to manage its destiny independently,”
noted Sharmazanov, adding that the ruling may serve as another reason
for hysteria in Azerbaijan.

On July 22, the International Court of Justice said that Kosovo’s
unilateral secession from Serbia in 2008 did not violate international
law.

From: A. Papazian

STEPAN SAFARYAN: ARMENIA SHOULD APPLY TO INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE TO SOLVE NKR CONFLICT

PanARMENIAN.Net
July 22, 2010 – 21:00 AMT 16:00 GMT

Head of Heritage parliamentary group Stepan Safaryan said that the
ruling of the International Court of Justice may have a positive
impact on recognition of NKR’s independence. Nobody will be able to
explain why such decision is applicable to Kosovo, but not to Karabakh,
Safaryan told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter.

According to him, Armenia should apply to the International Court
of Justice to solve the NKR conflict. “The Hague court is among
instances for the Karabakh conflict resolution, and it cannot adopt
another decision on Karabakh, as it ratified Kosovo’s independence,”
noted Safaryan.

On July 22, the International Court of Justice said that Kosovo’s
unilateral secession from Serbia in 2008 did not violate international
law.

From: A. Papazian

ARA PAPIAN: INTERNATIONAL LAW IS NOT UP FOR AUCTION IN 21ST CENTURY

PanARMENIAN.Net
July 23, 2010 – 12:16 AMT 07:16 GMT

Head of the Modus Vivendi Centre Ara Papian said that it was absolutely
within the law for the highest tribunal of the United Nations –
the International Court of Justice (ICJ) – to conclude on the 22nd
of July, 2010, that “the unilateral declaration of independence of
Kosovo does not violate international law.

It was within the law first of all because the right to direct one’s
own political affairs, through the establishment of self-determination,
is included in the UN Charter [Article 1(2)] as one of the main goals
of the organization, Papian told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter.

It is also within the law as there is no limitation set on declaring
independence in international law. That is to say, international law
does not consist of any criterion by which the right to independence
is reserved for, say, Serbs, Georgians or Caucasian Tatars, but that
very right is denied to Albanians, Megrelians or the Talysh.

“Naturally, declarations of independence are always unilateral. When,
for example, the United States and the Russian Federation
declared their independence from the British Empire and the USSR
respectively, they did so without, as it were, approval by “the central
authorities”. It is another matter whether “the central authorities”
calmly come to terms with the fact, without unnecessary military
frustrations, or whether they try to drown the will of others in
blood,” said Papian.

He added that this decision by the International Court of Justice of
the UN is encouraging in terms of the developments of democratization
of international law. The decision demonstrated that the segregation
of peoples as accepted and rejected is inconsistent with the thinking
of the twenty first century.

The decision is encouraging when it comes to a democratic solution to
the Karabakh conflict as well. That is, just as no one has the right
to make decisions in place of an individual in a democratic society,
similarly in current international relations, no one has the right
to make decisions in place of the organized public of such individuals.

“International law is not up for auction in the 21st century.

International law is not for sale as an oil derrick,” concluded Papian.

On July 22, the International Court of Justice said that Kosovo’s
unilateral secession from Serbia in 2008 did not violate international
law.

From: A. Papazian

RA DEFENSE MINISTRY ADVISES PRESS SERVICE OF AZERBAIJANI DEFENSE MINISTRY NOT TO PRESENT DESIRABLE FOR REALITY

PanARMENIAN.Net
July 22, 2010 – 20:21 AMT 15:21 GMT

The RA Defense Ministry disseminated a statement, which reads that
Spokesman of the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry Eldar Sabiroglu willfully
commented on the interview of RA Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan to
Interfax news agency.

Specifically, Sabiroglu spoke about allegedly ~Soccupied~T territories
of Azerbaijan and noted that the Karabakh conflict settlement is
delayed through the fault of Armenia.

The RA Defense Ministry’s press service advises Sabiroglu not to give
way to the temptation of presenting own desires for reality and not to
aggravate the situation through bellicose statements and dissemination
of disinformation. Such behavior not only contradicts the spirit of
talks, but also serves a reason for worsening the situation on the
contact line of the NKR and Azerbaijani armed forces.

If Sabiroglu aims to have an impact on Armenia and increase the
Azerbaijani armed forces’ combat fervor, let him pay attention to the
following part of the Armenian Minister’s interview: ~SThe Azerbaijani
armed forces will never be able to exceed the Armenian and NKR Armed
forces by efficiency. Hopefully, this fact will eventually convince
the Azerbaijani leadership that there is no alternative to a peace
resolution of the conflict.~T

~SThus, we advise the Spokesman of the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry
to exert efforts to conceive this reality,~T reads the statement of
the RA Defense Ministry.

Besides, information disseminated by Azerbaijani media that the full
text of the interview of the Armenian Defense Minister has been
withdrawn from Interfax website does not correspond to reality.
Ohanyan~Rs interview was placed on Interfax new agency~Rs site of
military news:

In his July 20 interview to Interfax news agency, Armenia~Rs Defense
Minister referred to Armenia-CSTO, Armenia-NATO, Armenia-Russia
military and technical, as well as military and political cooperation,
what has caused violent reaction of Azerbaijani media.

Besides, the Minister presented Armenia~Rs privileges in the
development of defense industry and purchase of armaments within CSTO.
Seyran Ohanyan also criticized Azerbaijan’s militarist policy aimed
at violation of the military balance in the region. He noted that
Azerbaijan’s militarist policy is a real threat to regional peace
and stability.

From: A. Papazian

ORANGE OFFERS ATTRACTIVE ROAMING TARIFFS IN GEORGIA

Tert.am
23.07.10

As many Armenians pass their holidays in Georgia, Orange offers
attractive tariffs for its customers who travel to this country.

On the Georgian territory Orange customers will make calls to customers
of all local operators for only 90 AMD/minute, to customers in Armenia
for 240 AMD/minute, and send short messages for only 70 AMD.

The price of all incoming calls is 90 AMD/minute.

Today Orange offers roaming service to its customers in more than 85
countries of the world.

From: A. Papazian

ARMENIAN DEFENSE MINISTER OHANYAN INVITES HIS GERMAN COUNTERPART TO ARMENIA

Tert.am
23.07.10

Within the framework of bilateral military cooperation between the
Republic of Armenia and the Federal Republic of Germany and upon
the invitation of the Federal Minister of Defense Dr. Karl-Theodor
Freiherr zu Guttenberg, from the July 21-22 a delegation headed by
the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Armenia paid a first-ever
official visit in Germany, according to a release issued by Armenia’s
Defense Ministry.

Minister Ohanyan started his visit with the meeting with the Armenian
community in Cologne and had official talks in the Bonn headquarters
of the Federal Ministry of Defense; together with Dr zu Guttenberg
visited General-Hans-Graf-Sponeck-Barracks in Germersheim, where
the Armenian peacekeeping contingent was undertaking pre-deployment
training for the mission in Afghanistan. Mr Ohanyan held discussions
with the members of Bundestag (Federal Parliament) and the Governor
of Germersheim Dr Fritz Brechtel.

On the 21st of July DM Ohanyan visited the Diocese of the Armenian
Apostolic Church in Cologne where he met with the representatives
of Armenian community in Germany. Armenian delegation was greeted
by the Archbishop Garegin Bekchyan and parishioners. Mr. Ohanyan
presented to the Armenian community the history of the formation of
the Armenian Army, talked about the challenges Armenia is facing and
the accomplishments that Armenian Armed Forces have had during war and
peace periods. Members of the community presented to the minister the
history of the Armenian community in Germany, asked questions about
the security and political situation in Armenia and shared with him
the challenges that they have as a community.

On the 22nd of July, the Armenian delegation headed to the Federal
Ministry of Defense in Bonn. After the official honoring ceremony,
the delegations proceeded to a meeting where the negotiations took
place between the Armenian Delegation, headed by the DM Mr Ohanyan,
and German delegation headed by the Christian Schmidt, Parliamentary
State Secretary to the Federal Ministry of Defense. The main questions
on the agenda were the matters of bilateral defense cooperation,
cooperation in the framework of the NATO-led International Security
Assistance Force in Afghanistan, cooperation with the framework of
the European Union and the regional security challenges.

The sides valued the high level of defense cooperation between
the two defense agencies, emphasized the importance that the sides
attached to the joint mission in Afghanistan and agreed upon exploring
possibilities to enlarge the bilateral cooperation plan, which is
already very inclusive. The main fields of cooperation between the
two militaries are military education, military medicine, military
justice, military administration and the development of peacekeeping
and command and control capabilities.

After constructive discussions Armenian delegation flew to the
Germersheim, where the delegation was met by the Federal Minister
of Defense Dr. Karl-Theodor Freiherr zu Guttenberg. Together, the
ministers visited General-Hans-Graf-Sponeck-Barracks training centre,
where the second Armenian peacekeeping contingent was being trained
for their upcoming mission in Afghanistan.

During the visit, delegations were briefed about the training centre
and the pre-deployment training program of Armenian peacekeepers. They
toured around the training facilities, observing Armenian and Germans
during training. After that each minister met with his troops. During
the meeting with the Armenian contingent, Minister Ohanyan shared his
views on Armenian participation in international peacekeeping missions
and discussed about the conditions of their service. After that the
ministers gave a press joint conference to a national and international
media representatives, where both ministers conveyed their positive
impressions of the constructive talks, of the high standard of training
facilities and positive assessment of the development of bilateral
relations. In the end Minister Ohanyan invited Minister zu Guttenberg
to visit Armenia with on an official visit.

From: A. Papazian

OSCE CONDUCTED MONITORING IN KARABAKH

Tert.am
23.07.10

On July 23, in accordance with the earlier achieved agreement with the
NKR authorities the OSCE mission conducted ? regular monitoring of the
line of contact of Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijani Armed Forces in
the eastern direction of Seysulan settlement of Martakert region, NKR.

According to release issued by the Foreign Ministry of the Artsakh
Republic from the positions of the NKR Defense Army the monitoring
was conducted by Field Assistants of the Personal Representative of
the OSCE Chairman-in-Office Antal Herdich (Hungary), Zhaslan Nurtazin
(Kazakhstan) and Hristo Hristov (Bulgaria).

The monitoring was conducted in accordance with the planned schedule.

No violation of cease-fire regime was registered.

The monitoring mission from the Karabakhi side was accompanied by
representatives of the NKR Ministries of Defense and Foreign Affairs.

From: A. Papazian

ARMENIAN SIDES SHOULD TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE HAGUE COURT RULING: ARMAN MELIKYAN

Tert.am
23.07.10

“The ruling by the Hague court was not surprising. It is still hard
to foresee what consequences it will have over the Nagorno Karabakh
conflict as world powers insist on Kosovo not being a precedent for
other unresolved conflicts. But this does not mean that the Armenian
sides cannot take advantage of this ruling. This is a vivid example
of how an autonomy can obtain full independence due to international
recognition,” Former Artsakh Foreign Minister Arman Melikyan told
Tert.am asked to comment on the recent ruling by the International
Court of Justice (ICJ).

By a much-anticipated ruling the ICJ decided on July 22 that the
declaration of independence of Kosovo does not break international law.

Saying that though Serbia still does not agree with that ruling, which
might well prompt further tension in the region, Melikyan mentioned
that the fact remains unquestionable that more than 60 states have
recognized Kosovo’s independence.

Armenia, according to him, can launch a relevant process aimed at
Karabakh’s international recognition also given this ICJ ruling.

Though it is another thing that Kosovo’s independence and its
recognition by dozens of states in fact took place in quite a different
geopolitical interests, and that is why several states have recognized
Kosovo, while Karabakh has not been recognized, even by Armenia,
which is also due to the fact that Armenia’s political elite neglects
its duties.

Today Armenia and Karabakh are ready to continue the talks based on the
Madrid Principles which clearly mention that Armenia must withdraw its
troops from Nagorno Karabakh. This according, to Melikyan, leaves no
room for Armenia to speak about other issues, as it has not recognized
Karabakh’s independence.

“Generally the continuation of talks with this logics is not beneficial
for Armenia, not to speak about Karabakh, and the Armenian diplomacy,
especially, the political elite must try and find ways to change this
logics of the talks,” said Melikyan.

From: A. Papazian

INTERNATIONAL LAW IS NOT UP FOR SALE AS AN OIL DERRICK: ARA PAPIAN

Tert.am
23.07.10

International law is not up for auction in the twenty first century.

It is not for sale as an oil derrick, Head of the Modus Vivendi
Centre Ara Papian told Tert.am asked to comment on the recent ruling
by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over the legality of the
declaration of independence of Kosovo.

“It was absolutely within the law for the highest tribunal of the
United Nations to conclude on the 22nd of July, 2010, that “the
unilateral declaration of independence of Kosovo does not violate
international law. It was within the law first of all because the
right to direct one’s own political affairs, through the establishment
of self-determination, is included in the UN Charter [Article 1(2)]
as one of the main goals of the organization. It is also within
the law as there is no limitation set on declaring independence in
international law. That is to say, international law does not consist
of any criterion by which the right to independence is reserved for,
say, Serbs, Georgians or Caucasian Tatars, but that very right is
denied to Albanians, Mingrelians or the Talysh,” said Mr Papyan.

Further he said that declarations of independence are always
unilateral.

“When, for example, the US and Russia declared their independence from
the British Empire and the USSR respectively, they did so without,
as it were, approval by “the central authorities.” It is another
matter whether “the central authorities” calmly come to terms with
the fact, without unnecessary military frustrations, or whether they
try to drown the will of others in blood.”

According him this ICJ decision is encouraging in terms of
the developments of democratization of international law as it
demonstrated that the segregation of peoples as accepted and rejected
is inconsistent with the thinking of the twenty first century.

“The decision is encouraging when it comes to a democratic solution
to the Artsakh conflict as well (the issue of Nagorno-Karabakh). That
is, just as no one has the right to make decisions in place of an
individual in a democratic society, similarly in current international
relations, no one has the right to make decisions in place of the
organized public of such individuals,” explained Mr Papyan.

From: A. Papazian

US SENATORS MAKE BRYZA ANSWER A FEW UNPLEASANT QUESTIONS

Tert.am
23.07.10

US Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Robert
Menendez (D-NJ) raised key policy issues during Senate Foreign
Relations Committee’s July 22 hearing of Ambassador-Designate Matthew
Bryza reported the Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly).

During the hearing, most if not all of the concerns raised in the
Assembly’s May 27th letter to Committee Members were raised. Presiding
over the hearing, Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) began her round of
questions by asking nominee Bryza to respond to her constituents’
concerns, including accusations regarding his close ties to senior
Azerbaijani officials. Bryza indicated that he maintains professional
relationships with not only Azeri officials, but also with those in
Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh. Bryza also assured the Committee that
his wedding was not funded by outside sources. Senator Shaheen then
raised concerns regarding freedom of the press in Azerbaijan and the
case of the two jailed bloggers. Bryza indicated that if confirmed,
civil liberties, especially media freedom, would be a top priority.

Senator Boxer lead the charge on a series of key issues, which were
included in the Assembly’s Fact Sheet on Azerbaijan that was provided
to Committee Members prior to the hearing, including: Azerbaijan’s war
rhetoric and military escalation; the June 18th Azeri attack resulting
in the death of four Armenian soldiers; the importance of Section 907
of the Freedom Support Act; and the destruction of a centuries-old
Armenian cemetery in Julfa by Azerbaijani soldiers. Boxer pressed
Bryza for answers and in several instances did not feel that Bryza
answered her questions directly, including her questions regarding
the need for Section 907. Senator Boxer also urged condemnation of
Azerbaijan ‘s war mongering in the strongest of terms.

Bryza stated that “there is no military solution” to the Nagorno
Karabakh conflict and reaffirmed US policy in support of the three
equal pillars of the Helsinki Final Act: non-use of force or the
threat of force, the principle of territorial integrity, and equal
rights and self determination of peoples.

Senator Menendez asked nominee Bryza if he had played any role in
the firing of former Ambassador to Armenia , John Evans, of which
Bryza indicated that he played “absolutely no role.” Menendez also
raised concerns about Azerbaijan ‘s desecration of an ancient Armenian
cemetery in Julfa. Bryza reiterated the points he made in response to
Senator Boxer in that he immediately contacted the Foreign Minister
of Azerbaijan and also publicly condemned the act. However, Menendez
pressed Bryza on why it took three months to issue a statement,
and asked Bryza to provide all public statements made for the record.

Menendez also took on Azerbaijan ‘s continued threats of war and actual
provocation in June and pointed out that this is contrary to seeking
peace and reconciliation. In responding to Senator Menendez’ questions
in this regard, Bryza indicated that he “couldn’t agree more.”

Senator Menendez also asked the nominee to clarify his comments with
respect to the principles of self-determination and territorial
integrity. Bryza again emphasized that all 3 principles of the
Helsinki Final Act are given equal weight and that the US seeks to
facilitate a mutually negotiated settlement among the parties to
the Nagorno Karabakh conflict based on these principles. Bryza also
indicated, in response to Senator Menendez’ questions, that any final
solution must involve the people of Nagorno Karabakh. In fact, Bryza
specifically stated that “it’s impossible to reach a mutually agreed
settlement that includes the views of the people who are the subject
of the settlement, the residents of Nagorno Karabakh, if their views
are not taken into account.”

“I also look forward, if confirmed, to helping advance a peaceful
Nagorno Karabakh settlement. There can be no military solution to
this long-standing conflict; rather, negotiation and dialogue hold
the key to resolving this issue and bringing peace and stability to
the Caucasus region. I am proud of the vibrant partnership my Russian
and French counterparts and I developed as Co-Chairs of the OSCE’s
Minsk Group and the work we did together to try and bring Azerbaijan
and Armenia closer to a negotiated solution based on the principles
contained in the Helsinki Final Act, specifically those related to
refraining from the threat or use of force, the territorial integrity
of States, and the equal rights and self-determination of peoples,”
said Bryza.

From: A. Papazian