PRESIDENT KOCHARYAN VISITS BATUMI
armradio.am
15.09.2007 13:26
Mr. Robert Kocharyan, the President of the Republic of Armenia,
left for Batumi for a one-day non-official visit. The President is
accompanied by Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian.
The state of the Armenian population of Samtskhe Javakhk, as well as
the issue of detainment of Armenian citizens at the Georgian border
will be discussed during the Armenian-Georgian negotiations.
No Place For progress
BRET SILVERBERG, Needham Hometown Weekly Staff
13.SEP.07
The tension built up once again last week at the second impromptu
meeting of the Human Rights Committee with regard to a local
affiliation with the Anti Defamation League based on their refusal to
recognize the Armenian massacres of 1915-1918 as genocide.
Many who attended the meeting, a mix of concerned Needham residents
and interested parties from towns surrounding Needham, rose in support
of backing away from the town’s connection with the ADL, most notably,
their No Place For Hate educational program.
A local representative for the ADL, Needham resident Michael Sheetz,
was present at the meeting to dispel concerns that the public had and
to relay the regional ADL board’s position on the Armenian atrocities.
"The regional board took a stand against the national position," said
Sheetz. "And now we find ourselves under assault for all of the good
things the ADL has been doing."
Sheetz said that the ADL’s national board meets in November where
policy change will be discussed and decided upon.
The controversy that made international news began on Aug. 14 in
Watertown, home of the third largest Armenian population in the United
States, when the town council decided to back out of the ADL’s No
Place For Hate program, based on the ADL’s position with regard to the
Armenian massacres perpetrated by the Ottoman Empire.
Leading the public comment portion of the meeting was Newton resident
Jack Nusan Porter, treasurer of the International Association of
Genocide Scholars, who spoke in favor of cutting ties with both the
regional and national boards of the ADL.
"My question is if the national does not separate, will you break
off?" he asked, directing his question towards Sheetz as a member of
the regional ADL board. "The regional and national is of one hand and
one heart."
Many advocates for the removal of ADL presence in Needham spoke highly
of the No Place For Hate program, a student-run program that
emphasizes racial tolerance.
"It is commendable what the ADL has done in the past," said Belmont
resident Jorair Hovsepian. "They should have known what was going on
in the Ottoman Empire.
"This is not politics, this is human rights."
Outspoken Watertown Councilor Marilyn Petitto Devaney attended the
meeting to represent the viewpoint that started all of the controversy
almost four weeks ago.
"[The ADL is] depriving the Armenian people of their history," she
said. This is "No place for denial. That’s what this is about."
Devaney also announced a public meeting to take place at Watertown
Middle School on Sept. 26 at 7:30p.m. in which a discussion of how to
move forward as a community will take place.
Only one member of the Needham community, Jay Perlman, rabbi of Temple
Beth Shalom in Needham, asked the board and public to allow the ADL
time to make a decision before Needham takes any action.
"Our community is very much saddened by what has happened," he said
with regard to the recent ADL backlash. "Everyone wants to do the
right thing here."
Perlman offered the solution of a 90-day waiting period to allow the
national board of the ADL to meet and discuss how they will proceed.
Several raised the point that programs akin to No Place Could Hate
could continue without ADL presence.
At the beginning of the meeting, Human Rights Committee Chair Debbie
Walters announced that the community does not receive money from the
ADL for such programs but instead pays a fee for the right to be
considered a "No Place For Hate" community.
Excerpts from a letter, drafted by Walters, expressing disappointment
with the ADL and their standpoint, was read aloud. Walters suggested
the letter be sent to the national ADL board.
Human Rights Committee board members ranged with regard to their
opinions on how to proceed.
"I would have a really difficult time continuing our relationship with
the ADL at this point," said committee member Mark Smith.
Committee member John Buehrens, reverend of First Parish Unitarian
Universalist Church of Needham, took a more conservative approach.
"I support the letter," he said. He mentioned, however, that he is not
typically an advocate of severing ties, and possibly burning bridges,
with international organizations such as the ADL.
Walters remained diplomatic while siding with the feeling of the
public in attendance, as the board unanimously moved to submit the
letter.
"I do believe the national ADL board could make this go away quickly
by changing their policy," she said.
Source: =&smenu=1&twindow=&mad=&sdetail=89 1&wpage=1&skeyword=&sidate=&ccat=& amp;ccatm=&restate=&restatus=&reoption =&retype=&repmin=&repmax=&rebed=&a mp;rebath=&subname=&pform=&sc=1744& ;hn=hometownweekly&he=.net
PRESS RELEASE
Office of Assemblymember Paul Krekorian
Adrin Nazarian Chief of Staff
620 N. Brand Blvd. Suite 403
Glendale, CA 91203
(818) 240-6330
(818) 240-4632 fax
[email protected]
September 14, 2007
(818) 240-6330
Assemblymember Paul Krekorian Appointed to
Assembly’s Working Group on Water Issues
Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez named Assemblymember Paul Krekorian
(D-Burbank) to the "Water Working Group" that will be developing
strategies to address California’s critical needs regarding water
storage and conveyance.
Immediately upon adjournment of its regular legislative session on
Tuesday, the State Legislature convened a Special Session devoted to
water issues. California is facing an immediate water crisis due to a
combination of factors including drought conditions, aging
infrastructure and environmental concerns. The Water Working Group will
take the lead in developing legislation to address this crisis that will
then be presented to the full Assembly for its consideration.
Krekorian joins Water Working Group chair, Assemblymember John Laird
(D-Santa Cruz), as well as Assemblymembers Juan Arambula (D-Fresno),
Mike Eng (D-Monterey Park), Mike Feuer (D-Los Angeles), Jared Huffman
(D-San Rafael), Mary Salas (D-Chula Vista), and Lois Wolk (D-Davis) on
this assignment. The Assemblymembers will work in concert with the
Speaker on legislation to address both immediate and long-term needs of
the state arising from growing demands on water supply and the
inadequacy of California’s existing water infrastructure to meet them.
"I’m honored that the Speaker has entrusted me with this challenging
responsibility to develop a consensus vision for meeting California’s
water needs," said Krekorian. "Water issues have always shaped our
state’s history, and we now face a critical juncture in shaping our
state’s future. I’m looking forward to working with the Speaker and my
colleagues in addressing the critical need for more water supply and
storage and improved conveyance while also always fighting to protect
the state’s environment."
Assemblymember Paul Krekorian (D-Burbank) represents the cities of
Burbank and Glendale, and the Los Angeles communities of Atwater
Village, Los Feliz, North Hollywood, Silver Lake, Toluca Lake, Valley
Glen, Valley Village and Van Nuys.
# # #
ARMENIA HOPES TO BE AN ENERGY EXPORTER
RussiaToday
September 14, 2007, 12:17
Russia
Armenia is becoming a regional leader in the gas distribution and
storage market, as it brings its economy into the 21st century.
Armenia’s economy has changed significantly over the last decade
and it’s now becoming an increasingly attractive location for
foreign investment. Its capital, Yerevan, is currently undergoing
a construction boom with new shopping centres and housing complexes
springing up across the city.
The spotlight is currently on ArmRusGasprom, the gas monopoly, a
company with close ties to Russia’s Gazprom, which has been operating
Armenia’s gas sector since 1997. It receives gas from Russia, delivered
via Georgia, and is investing in new technology and capacity.
ArmRusGasprom headquarters "Over the last five years gas consumption
in Armenia has risen fivefold. We are planning to invest about $US 650
million in new gas projects, with the most promising projects being
the modernization of gas storage and the construction of an alternative
pipeline," said Karen Karapetyan, the Chairman of ArmRusGasprom.
Currently Russia is the only supplier of natural gas to the country,
but it will soon have access to Iranian supplies through the recently
opened Armenia-Iran pipeline, which is owned by Gazprom. With the
additional capacity coming in, attention is turning to the country’s
storage facilities.
Nelson Sarkisian, the head of Armenia’s Abuvianskaya gas storage
facility is looking forward to a major modernization programme, with
ArmRusGasprom planning to invest up to $US 2.5 million and to boost
capacity to 120 million cubic meters in the near future.
He has been working there since 1983 and says that since that time
the facility has not been modernized.
This gas storage facility is unique for Armenia as it can store gas
in the salt in the earth. However it is expected to be modernized
soon using the latest European technology. Gaz du France is providing
technical support to its Armenian counterparts on this project.
Armenia is still receiving gas from Russia for $US 110 per thousand
cubic meters, and the new capacity from Iran should ensure continued
low prices.
ArmRusGasprom is looking to diversify its activities with projects
in oil refining and the electricity sector.
"With the construction of the oil pipeline being built from Iran to
the south of Armenia and of the oil refinery in the south of Armenia,
ArmRusGasprom can become a very important player on the oil market,"
pointed out Sevak Sarukhanyan, Deputy Director of Noravank in Yerevan.
The company also plans to invest up to $US 170 million in electricity
production with an eye to exporting energy to its regional neighbours.
THE LATIN MASS AND THE ORTHODOX
By Brother Andre Marie, M.I.C.M, Saint Benedict Center
Spero News
Friday, September 14, 2007
These words of the Russian Orthodox prelate, which are a tribute
to tradition, are certainly welcome to traditional Latin Rite
Catholics. The Orthodox are well-known for their liturgical
traditionalism.
Under the headline "Russian Orthodox prelate welcomes return of Latin
Mass," Catholic World News ran a report on Patriarch Alexei II’s
positive reception on Pope Benedict’s motu proprio giving more freedom
to the ceremonies of the Classical Roman Rite. Summorum Pontificum
goes into effect as law on September 14, the Feast of the Exaltation
of the Holy Cross.
The Patriarch’s statement is of major moment, coming as it does from
the head of an ecclesiastical body known to be sparing in favorable
comments concerning the Holy See and the papacy.
Notably, the feast chosen for the law to go into effect is kept
alike by Latin Rite Catholics, their Uniate Byzantine brethren,
and the Orthodox. The feast is celebrated by all on the same date
(though the actual day varies because some from the above groups use
the Gregorian Calendar, while others use the Julian). The triumphal
theme of the liturgy seems apt for the occasion.
"We strongly adhere to tradition," Patriarch Alexei said in an
interview with the Italian newspaper Il Giornale. "The recovery and
honoring of an ancient liturgical tradition is a development that we
can welcome."
These words of the Russian Orthodox prelate, which are a tribute
to tradition, are certainly welcome to traditional Latin Rite
Catholics. The Orthodox are well-known for their liturgical
traditionalism. Though the dialect may be different, Alexei speaks the
same language of liturgical tradition as his occidental counterparts,
the Roman Rite traditionalists.
The Patriarch’s comments serve as a refutation of what is passing
lately for reasoned argumentation against a return to our Latin
Catholic traditions. I would like to consider some of these in light
of the Patriarch’s statement.
Recently, I have reviewed a couple of smug writeups from Roman clergy
of the liberal sort. They did not want to criticize the traditional
rite itself, or the Holy Father’s generosity in liberating its use.
Rather, they chose to dismiss the real significance of the development,
to assert that it is a pastoral accommodation to a few eccentrics and
aesthetes, and to emphasize that it will certainly not generate much
of an interest. What they do mount by way of actual objections are
criticisms of the way the Mass was offered "in the old days," i.e.,
the childhood years of the author of the argument.
The inadequate participation of the faithful at the Mass, and
the often sloppy way the priests celebrated the rite, were cited,
apparently in the hope that this information would put a wet blanket
on any enthusiasm surrounding the revival of the traditional rite.
The problems cited with the traditional rite included these: The
faithful said their Rosaries or wandered around the Church praying
the Stations during Mass.
For their part, the priests often mumbled the Latin quickly, said the
much shorter Requiem Mass when the ordo allowed it, and assisting
priests would often say their breviaries (rather than focus on the
altar) on those rare occasions that clergy assisted in choir, e.g.,
at a funeral.
These objections are not new. Assuming for a moment their complete
validity as objections (a debatable point), I note that, because
they are not objections to the traditional Rite as such, they are not
relevant. As St. Augustine would say, abusus non tollit usus, that is,
the abuse of a thing does not take away its rightful use. Otherwise,
corrupt government would prove the validity of anarchy, or a single
car accident would make us want to outlaw cars altogether (pace Al
Gore). This is very basic logic.
But let us not forget the Muscovite Patriarch. What might he think
of the following liberal occidental’s argument against tradition? A
priest-commentator I read objected to the fact that, in the old days,
the altar rail divided the lay people from the celebrant of the Mass,
thus implying that what was on the sanctuary side was somehow holier
than what was on the other side. This constitutes, so the argument
went, an offense against the holiness of the laity. After Vatican II,
we learned that we are all holy; the distinction between the priest’s
role and the people’s was deliberately blurred (though not done away
with), so that we could all function as a holy people.
Without going into the numerous errors of fact or doctrine in
the argument, for my present purposes, I note that there are some
very bad "ecumenical" dimensions to this objection. If we consider
ecclesiastical union with the Orthodox as a goal of real ecumenism, we
need to acknowledge that such arguments are not only bad theology and
untrue to our own tradition, but are also offensive to our separated
Byzantine brethren.
Like their Uniate Catholic counterparts, the Orthodox to this day
retain their beloved and traditional iconostasis. This marvelously
decorated icon screen, separates the sanctuary, where most of the
Divine Liturgy actually takes place, from the nave of the church,
where the laity assist at the divine mysteries. The priest goes in
and out of the "Royal Doors" at various points of the Divine Liturgy
(e.g., to communicate the faithful), but most of the sacred actions
he performs are concealed. Despite that, the Church is filled with
beautiful chant and incense, the overflow, as it were, of the holy
action taking place at the altar.
In other words, as the altar rail separates sanctuary from nave
in a Latin Rite church, so the icon screen separates the two in a
Byzantine church.
The Byzantine Catholics and the Byzantine Orthodox are not the only
ones, in addition to the traditionalist Latins, who partition their
sacred space. All of the traditional rites of the Catholic Church –
East and West – have some sort of separation of this nature, either an
altar rail, an iconostasis, or something similar. The Armenians, for
instance, use a curtain at certain times in their Holy Sacrifice. All
of them have also retained liturgical orientation, that is, the
priest’s facing the altar (east), not the people.
The non-Catholic Christians of the East have retained these beautiful
customs, and so many others. Why offend them by jettisoning our
common tradition?
This same writer who made the above objection regarding the the altar
rail also took exception to those who ignored the sacred action
taking place on the altar while they focused on their private
devotions. (The lay people didn’t know what was going on. They
prayed their Rosaries….) That objection struck me as a serious
contradiction. If what happens on the altar – inside the sanctuary –
is not the holiest thing going on in the Church, what’s wrong with
focusing on one’s private devotions? But if what is going on in the
sanctuary is – as the word sanctuary implies – more holy than what
is outside, then the sanctuary should be regarded as holier than the
rest of the Church. The liberal polemicist can’t have it both ways.
There are more distant roots to these traditions than even the Roman
and Byzantine liturgy. If we go back to the Old Testament to consider
the Temple of Solomon, we see that there is the "Holy Place" where
only the priests could go, and the "Holy of Holies" where only the
High Priest could go, and only on Yom Kippur. The Temple was built
in such a way that concentric rings separated one "more holy" region
from the one before it, the outermost being the court of the gentiles,
where anyone could go. In short, the Temple was holy, but the temple
itself had "more holy" and "less holy" places. This was a powerful
architectural catechesis that taught the people something of the
mystery of God’s holiness in relation to the created universe.
St. Paul would use the formation that the Jews had in this sacred
cosmology as the basis of his Epistle to the Hebrews, explaining how
Christ fulfilled all these things.
Amid their diabolical errors, even the pagans of Rome preserved
similar notions concerning holy places. This has even come into
our language. The space outside the temple was literally "profane"
(pro-fanum – "before the temple"). Profane originally meant "secular,"
or "non-sacred." So, for instance, J.S. Bach wrote "sacred" and
"profane" music.
The liberal argument against tradition is that, after the changes,
we learned that the sacred is to enter into the profane and make it
holy. This sounds good, but the evidence suggests that the distinction
between the two has been lost. What was sacred – the sanctuary –
has been profaned with all manner of silliness, banality, scandal,
and sacrilege, with dancing girls to boot. Tearing out partitions has
produced a leveling along the lines of the least common denominator,
not the highest.
Yes, we must strive to sanctify all aspects of life – absolutely! But
to do that – to make everything and everyone holy – we have to separate
ourselves from the world, approach the divine Mysteries with fear and
trembling, receive Them in faith, love, and gratitude, and carry the
precious treasure of grace wherever we go. Ignorant peasants in the
Middle Ages knew this implicitly; it was their world. Just as the Jews
of the Old Law learned their religious cosmology from the Temple’s
architecture, so the Faithful of the New Law learned the sacred order
in the universe from their churches. The medieval cathedral wasn’t only
beautiful, it was also an elaborate catechesis in stone and glass. This
is to touch upon what we commonly call the "sense of the sacred."
It is this sense, this awe in the divine presence, that the Orthodox
have retained in their worship. If we hope and pray for their reunion
with Rome, we cannot unreasonably hope for them to embrace our own
jettisoning of sacred tradition. Like Saint Josaphat of Polotsk (who
shed his blood for the cause of unity), Blessed Clement Sheptytsky,
Blessed Gomidas Keumurjian, Venerable Mekhitar of Sivas and so many
other saints of the Christian Orient, they ought to retain their
beautiful, Catholic Eastern traditions, which are safeguards, not
only of liturgical sanity, but also of doctrinal orthodoxy.
For our part we ought to retain our beautiful and Catholic Western
traditions, which also safeguard the faith. We can and must respect
each other’s authentic traditions, which provide a platform for
any purposeful "dialogue" that transcends the merely superficial
and political.
I by no means want to relegate the causes of division to secondary
importance. We must hold our ground on such doctrinal questions as
the papacy, the Filioque, and other areas of disagreement. That said,
we cannot reasonably expect to get a hearing from the Orthodox if we
appear to have cast off our own traditions. In short, if the priest who
comes to the table to discuss theology with the Orthodox is "smilin’
Father Bob," who just "did liturgy" with guitars, lay Eucharistic
ministers, and a troupe of minstrels dancing around the altar, the
talks will probably, as they say, break down.
According to Il Giornale, the patriarch opined that the pope’s decision
to revive the traditional Mass might contribute to establishing
closer links with the Orthodox Churches. Will the patriarch himself
ever embrace Roman unity? Let us pray to Our Lady of Fatima for
him. She promised that Russia would convert. And let us beseech the
divine clemency for all Russia: "Savior of the world, save Russia"
(An indulgence of 300 days, S.P. Ap., Nov. 24, 1924).
Meanwhile, the Russians themselves will take us a bit more seriously
as we pray according to our revived traditions.
"Send forth thy light and thy truth: they have conducted me,
and brought me unto thy holy hill, and into thy tabernacles. And
I will go in to the altar of God: to God who giveth joy to my
youth." (Ps. 42:3-4, used in the prayers at the foot of the altar.)
"ARMENIA WAS SELECTED ACCORDING TO HIGH LEVEL OF SCIENCE AND SPECIALISTS"
By Ara Martirosian
AZG Armenian Daily
13/09/2007
Mentioned the representative of "National Instruments" company
According to the Memorandum signed by the "National Instruments"
company and Foundation of Incubator Enterprises on September 11,
the "National Instruments" will carry out educational and scientific
programs in Armenia. The programs aim to strengthen the connection
between theoretical knowledge and engineering projects.
"We have high theoretical knowledge in this sphere, but low level of
engineering laboratories", mentioned Minister of Trade and Economic
Development, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Foundation of
Incubator Enterprises Nerses Eritsian at a press conference after
the signature of the Memorandum.
Nerses Eritsian attached great importance to the decision of "National
Instruments" on starting their activities in the region and first
in Armenia.
Speaking about the positive sides of starting the activities in
Armenia. Deputy Chairman on Asian sales of National Instruments Victor
Myers told that not only theoretical but also practical knowledge
would be available in the education center.
He also underlined that the company attached importance to the
fact that Armenia would be their center in the region. "Armenia
was selected according to high level of science and specialists",
mentioned Victor Myers.
The main work will involve the investment of measurement, automation
and management systems and reconstruction of the laboratories of
Institutions.
OSCE SEC. GEN. ON KOSOVO: NO ONE CAN BE PERFECTLY HAPPY WITH EVERY ASPECT OF FUTURE STATUS
PanARMENIAN.Net
11.09.2007 18:43 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ "The situation in Kosovo is in the center of OSCE’s
attention as well. Let me recall that we operate the biggest OSCE
field presence in Kosovo," OSCE Secretary General Marc Perrin de
Brichambaut said.
"It is actively involved in institution and capacity building,
monitoring of human and minority rights, democratization, rule of law
and elections. We are approaching the time for a major decision on the
future status of Kosovo. The OSCE is a status-neutral organization;
we have managed over the years to maintain an unbiased position,
and we are regarded by all Kosovo communities as such. However,
being unbiased does not mean a lack of commitment. On the contrary,
while the OSCE is not directly involved in status negotiations we are
contributing to the process creating conditions on the ground for the
implementation of the status settlement, whatever this might be. In
addition, we are ready to stay in Kosovo regardless of its future
status," he said.
"The question of the future status of Kosovo has no simple
solution. That is why we support efforts to find a just and lasting
formula which will contribute to the stability of the region. No
one can be perfectly happy with every aspect of the future status
settlement – that is the nature of compromise. One should also not
exclude that separatist regimes might try to use the Kosovo situation
as a precedent to serve their purposes, even though each conflict has
its own dynamic, history and specific features and therefore would
require a different approach and solution. It is hoped that a solution
(a compromise solution if at all possible) to the Kosovo future status
settlement will in the end be sanctioned by a new Resolution of the
UN Security Council," he said, Trend news agency reports.
ARMENIAN WEIGHTLIFTERS TO PARTAKE IN THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
armradio.am
11.09.2007 12:12
Eight Armenian weightlifters will participate in the World
Weightlifting Championship to start in the Chiang Mai city of Thailand
on September 16.
Secretary General of the Armenian Weightlifting Federation Pashik
Alaverdyan told Armenpress that the Armenian team comprises Tigran
Martirosyan (69kg), Hovhannes Davtyan (77kg), Gevorg Poghosyan (85kg),
Tigran Martirosyan (85kg), Edgar Gevorgyan (94kg), Sevak Sahakyan
(94kg), Arthur Babayan (105kg) and Ruben Alexanyan (over 105kg).
EU Attaches Great Importance to Azerbaijan’s Energy Field
TREND
10.09.2007 19:35:45
France, Strasbourg / Тrend corr A. Maharramli / Trend’s exclusive
interview with the head of the European Inter-parliamentary Delegations
Department of the Secretariat of the European Parliament (EP), Thomas
Gruner, on the threshold of EP delegation’s visit to Azerbaijan on
11-15 September.
Question: The delegation of the European Parliament begins its visit
to Baku on 11 September and you are a member of the delegation. Which
issues will be discussed during the visit?
Answer: First of all, we will discuss the Action Plan of the European
Neighbourhood Policy and the mechanisms of its implementation. That is
a very important point. The Action Plan was signed with Azerbaijan with
some delay and there are a lot of issues waiting for discussion. At
the same time within the framework of the Action Plan we will discuss
the political situation in Azerbaijan, constitutional reforms,
prospects of the presidential elections of 2008, democratic reforms,
the situation in protection of human rights and fundamental freedom,
including media freedom-related issues. Consequently, we requested
to organize a meeting with several jailed journalists. Journalists
are jailed in Azerbaijan.
That attracts the attention of the European Parliament. Jural state,
the current judicial system situation is among the key issues to
be discussed.
I would like to note that the content of the visit program resembles
the issues under discussion in other countries. Certainly, other
aspects of the visit cover regional conflicts. We understand that a
part of Azerbaijan’s territory is occupied by Armenia.
Settlement of this conflict is under the attention of the European
Parliament. Furthermore, we will hold an exchange of views on
energy-related issues. This field is of special importance for EU. We
are familiar with historical context and intend to diversify energy
supplies. Azerbaijan has a great potential in this field which is
important for the EU. We search diverse energy strategy. European
Parliament pays great attention to the re-distribution of oil
incomes. The major part of these incomes cannot be used for defence. We
do not want the conflict to break out again. EU pays great attention to
the direction of oil income to the fields indicated in the Action Plan,
as well as to the improvement of the social state and living conditions
in Azerbaijan. Thus, the Azerbaijani population will be able to use
this wealth as much as possible. Continuous development, reduction
of poverty, as well as international and regional cooperation, will
be discussed within the framework of the visit.
Question: How do you assess the fulfilment of the obligations
proceeding from the Action Plan?
Answer: This process requires time. We see advances.
In this stage it is very difficult to give an assessment, for the
Action Plan is new, its implementation requires time. Certainly, we
would like to see Azerbaijan fulfilling the obligations proceeding
from the plan. It is very difficult to achieve any results at this
stage. The European Parliament has asked Azerbaijan to precipitate
individual elements of the Action Plan as much as it can. It is much
easier to do it for Azerbaijan than for other countries as Azerbaijan’s
financial opportunities enables that.
Question: How do you assess the general situation in Azerbaijan?
Answer: Everything I have said is my personal opinion resting upon
my observations within the framework of the scientific conference
on political rights and European policy jointly organized with
Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy which has recently taken place in
Baku. There are environmental problems. Oil production poses risks
for the environment. We would like investments to be put into this
field. There is criticism regarding human rights and freedom of
speech. The jailing of journalists is a shock for the EU and that
negatively affects Azerbaijan’s image. I do not know the reasons for
the detention of the journalists, but we want the press to be free.
Situation in human rights, freedom of speech can affect Azerbaijan’s
integration to Europe. Within the framework of Copenhagen criteria EU
attaches great importance to these issues in the candidate countries.
Our reply is clear: human rights, freedom of speech make up the key
criteria of the strategy on coming close to the EU.
Question: How do you see cooperation between Azerbaijan and EU in
the energy field?
Answer: Firstly I will note that there is a large potential and
the EU has defined that. EU wants to diverse sources of energy
supplies. Cooperation has already commenced. A lot of discussions
are being held in this field with Azerbaijan and Central Asia. This
cooperation requires further development. I optimistically see the
future of this cooperation.
Question: How can EU contribute to the settlement of the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict?
Answer: That is a very important issue. I think EU can do more. In
current situation EU has neither adequate foreign policy nor
security policy. I believe EU’s diplomatic efforts will be better
for the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. There is the
OSCE Minsk Group. In my personal opinion, EU should be a side to the
negotiations. Most EU countries have political will to take part in the
process and they want to do more for the settlement of the conflict. I
hope EU will develop a joint strategy and will suggest its mediation
in the issue. We act in several crisis regions, for instance, there
is a mission on protection of the Trans-Dniester Region’s borders. We
also cooperate in police and customs systems. This can be applied
also to Nagorno-Karabakh. The key point is that EU was acting as a
direct mediator. I believe EU’s potential is larger than that of the
Minsk Group.
The conflict area is much closer to Europe than to the United
States. EU has a potential to be an objective mediator.
The Action Plan with Azerbaijan also reflected territorial integrity
and this principle should be respected. The Action Plan with
Armenia has other elements. It reflects the principle of people’s
self-determination. Do not accuse EU of double standards. The Action
Plans were agreed with the partner countries and have a different
content. EU’s political will is to really help in the settlement of
the conflict on the basis of the documents adopted by the international
community.
We back the settlement of the conflict on the basis of documents
adopted by the UN and satisfying the conflicting sides. The conflict
should be settled via talks and the sides should be ready for
concessions.
Question: Is membership in the EU envisaged in the Action Plan for
Azerbaijan as well as other South Caucasus countries’,
Answer: I cannot give a positive answer to this question. At present
EU is in the digesting stage.
Europe’s borders should be clear. For the time being we speak on South
Caucasus countries’ obligations regarding approaching Europe. They
have to wait for full membership in the EU. The EU has become tired
of extending. It has to digest the admission of ten countries. At the
same time, political persons should respect the public’s opinion. The
situation can change. In my personal opinion, future entrance to EU of
Moldova, Ukraine and South Caucasus countries should be envisaged. We
are too far into this. The Copenhagen criteria should be followed by
these countries within the framework of the approaching policy.
OSCE MINSK GROUP CO-CHAIRS DUE IN THE REGION LATER THIS WEEK
armradio.am
10.09.2007 13:02
The OSCE Minsk group Co-Chairs will visit the region later this week,
Press Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Karapetyan
told ArmInfo.
At the same time he added that there is still no official information
about the route of their visit. Let us remind that last week Foreign
Minister Vartan Oskanian informed that the Co-Chairs intend to visit
Nagorno Karabakh to meet with the leadership of NKR and newly elected
President Bako Sahakyan.