Author: Babajanian Karo

NEW DINK TRIAL TO BEGIN AFTER COURT OF APPEALS RULING

Today’s Zaman, Turkey
Sept 16 2013

16 September 2013 /TODAY’S ZAMAN, Ä°STANBUL

Today, the Ä°stanbul 14th High Criminal Court will begin reviewing
a trial into the 2007 killing of Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant
Dink after a decision by the Supreme Court of Appeals overturned the
Ä°stanbul court’s first ruling on the murder.

Dink, the late editor-in-chief of the Turkish-Armenian weekly Agos,
was shot dead on Jan. 19, 2007, by ultranationalist teenager Ogun
Samast outside the newspaper’s offices in Ä°stanbul in broad daylight.

Samast, tried in a juvenile court because he was a minor at the time
of the crime, was sentenced to nearly 23 years in prison. On Jan. 17,
2012, the Ä°stanbul 14th High Criminal Court gave another suspect in
the case, Yasin Hayal, a life sentence for inciting Samast to commit
murder. Erhan Tuncel, who worked as an informant for the Trabzon
Police Department, was found not guilty of the murder and acquitted.

The prosecutor of the first trial said that the murder was planned
and carried out by the Ergenekon terrorist organization, but the court
denied the existence of organized criminal activity in the murder.

The prosecutor of the Supreme Court of Appeals later said that there
was a terrorist organization involved and that the state should
investigate it.

The 9th Chamber of the Supreme Court of Appeals in May ruled that there
was an organization involved, but said that it was a simple crime ring,
effectively denying that Ergenekon played any role in the murder.

Dink’s lawyers had submitted a petition to the Supreme Court of
Appeals, arguing that the lower court’s ruling violated the TCK by
acknowledging the existence of a criminal organization but declining
to investigate it, and that the court ignored evidence of a terrorist
organization.

As the verdict of the lower court was met with outrage by civil
society groups, politicians and others, tens of thousands of people
marched in protest in Ä°stanbul.

CHEESE PRODUCED BY 2 ARMENIAN COMPANIES BANNED IN US

September 18, 2013 | 19:20

Cheese produced by two Armenian companies is one of the items
mentioned in the Import Alert list issued by the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration. The list contains 100 products from 28 countries.

Lori Cheese produced by AMM LLC and cheese produced by Duster
Melanya Llc are banned because the first contains Coli typical and
the second E-coli

AMM LLC company is located in Gyumri, while the second in Yerevan.

News from Armenia – NEWS.am

POLICE SOLVE 50 OUT OF 83 THEFTS COMMITTED IN PAST WEEK

One murder was recorded in Armenia in the period of September 13-18.

The murder was solved, the press service of the Armenian police said.

In the same period, 48 out of the 57 injury infliction cases were
solved. The police also detected 50 out of 83 thefts committed,
17 out of 18 frauds, and 3 out of the 4 recorded acts of hooliganism.

40 road accidents were recorded in Armenia in the past five days,
as a result of which one person was killed, 62 received injuries.

MOD OHANYAN: SNIPERS MUST BE REMOVED FROM LINE OF CONTACT TO ESTABLISH “MUTUAL TRUST” IN NKR PEACE PROCESS

News | 18.09.13 | 21:01

Photolure

By Gohar Abrahamyan
ArmeniaNow reporter

While Azerbaijan refuses to meet international organizations’ demand to
remove snipers from the frontline, the defense minister of Armenia has
confirmed once again its readiness to withdraw its snipers together
with Azerbaijan, which, he believes, would bring an atmosphere of
mutual trust into the negotiation process and help build a dialogue.

Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan said on Wednesday during his meeting
with Yerevan State University professors and students that reaching
a peaceful settlement of the Karabakh issue is the priority of the
military-strategic administration of Armenia and there cannot be
any alternative.

Azeri APA agency reported on Tuesday that in reference to the
border-related incidents Azeri defense ministry spokesman Eldar
Sabiroglu said at the briefing during his visit to the military units
next to the line of contact that “although Azeri soldiers get killed
because of them, Armenia has suffered twice as many losses and snipers
will not be removed until the war is over”.

“As for withdrawing our snipers we say we are willing to create lines
of trust, ready to remove them. This is not a one-sided obligation,
we can see that it is the most basic step to be taken, otherwise
there cannot be mutual trust and dialogue in the negotiation process,”
says Ohanyan.

Reflecting on joining the Customs Union, the Armenian defense minister
says the decision was made out of national security concerns.

“We are strategic partners with CSTO and Russia and implement
military-technical security,” he says.

As for conscript Hakop Injighulyan, serving in the army since August,
2012, who accidentally crossed the Armenian-Azeri border when he got
lost at night and found himself on the other side, the minister says
respective measures have been taken to bring him back. The minister
says the soldier will not be prosecuted for his mistake.

“I would not wish anyone to be in Hakob’s place. We don’t even
know under what kind of pressure he is today, although we have an
approximate idea of what might be happening. Today we are not sparing
efforts to bring him back to Armenia,” promised the minister.

WE NEED EXTRA EFFORTS FOR STIMULATING ARMENIAN-INDIAN ECONOMIC TIES: ARMENIA’S DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER

18:49, 18 September, 2013

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 18, ARMENPRESS: Deputy foreign affairs minister of
the Republic of Armenia Sergey Manaseryan’s interview to “Armenpress”
news agency.

– We are informed that the next 6th session of ArmenianIndian
inter-governmental committee will be held in Delhi.

How will you estimate current level of Armenian-Indian relations?

– When describing Armenian-Indian relations it is necessary to mention
at first that they have rich historical past. About historical and
cultural relations has been spoken and written a lot and I think
that these themes still need to be studied. One thing is obvious:
on this favorable ground have been built relations between Republics
of Armenia and India.

During past periods several high-level visits and meetings took place,
close cooperation was held between foreign ministries of two countries,
diplomatic representations of Armenia and India function actively in
Delhi and Yerevan. By the way, in parallel with intergovernmental
committee’s session in Delhi will be held political consultations
between foreign ministries which have the aim to summarize results of
political contacts and outline the future joint steps. I would like
to mention that visits of chairman of Armenian National Assembly
and minister of education and science to India are planned during
this year.

As it is known in several leading Armenian universities learn students
from India and official contacts of educational sphere responsible
persons greatly help to raise the efficiency of exchanges. In framework
of Indian Technical & Economic Cooperation Programme (ITEC)

during these years state officials and specialists from Armenian
various ministries and organizations passed trainings in India.

– To development of which sphere is directed Indian technical support?

It is known that in 2011 in support of Indian side in Yerevan was
opened Armenian-Indian center for Excellence in Information and
Communication Technologies.

– During past years India provided humanitarian and technical
support to our country among which specially should be mentioned
the agricultural techniques provided to Armenian agricultural
sphere in 2005-2006 as well as the program of creation of computer
halls in Armenian regions implemented under joint efforts of Indian
embassy in Armenia and “Hayastan” All Armenian Fund. By the end of
2012 such halls have been opened in 72 schools of Tavush region. At
present implementation if such program is prepared in Lori region. Of
course the implementation of these programs is greatly supported by
Armenian-Indian center for Excellence in Information and Communication
Technologies which was officially opened in November of 2011 in
framework of India’s minister of Communication and Information
Technology Sachin Pilot’s visit to the Republic of Armenia.

I should inform with satisfaction that during this short period the
Center has implemented large-scale work. Among functions of the Center
is the development of high-speed computer technologies, implementation
of joint research programs, organization of educational lessons and
exchange of specialists, business meetings, seminars and contests.

It is the only organization in the region which has super-computer
“Param” produced in India (Param Super-Computer). With the help of
that computer are implemented 15 scientific-research programs, in the
center teach 8 Armenian specialists which were trained in India and
around 300 seminars have been organized. There was made arrangement
with Indian side on organizing visits of Armenian specialist to
India. The support given by Indian side is greatly favorable for
development of above-mentioned spheres and we are grateful to our
Indian friends for that.

– What prospects has Armenian-Indian cooperation in other fields?

– Before reverberating to practical spheres I would like to mention
that between our countries close contacts are held in humanitarian
spheres. Lately “Sugar and Spice” dance ensemble arrived from Mumbai
and performed in Armenia. Cultural events make our nations more
perceptible for each other both by introducing modern folk arts and
creating friendship ties between our youth. I would also like to
reverberate to one more moment: in august of current year Ministry
of healthcare of the Republic of Armenia applied to embassy of India
in Yerevan asking to find medicine for children who were ill with
Thalassemia and due to active support of the embassy the medicine
was brought to Armenia in a short period.

Speaking about prospects of trade-economic cooperation I should
mention that we have yet many things to do. During last years the
volume of turnover between Armenia and India was 70 million USD
and goods imported from India form the major part of it. We need
extra efforts for involvement of investments from India to Armenia
and stimulation of export of Armenian goods to India. At present in
participation of all interested Armenian departments are held active
works for making the coming session of inter-governmental committee
more practical and efficient.

ARMENIA TO REMAIN UNDER RUSSIAN TANKS AS LONG AS RUSSIAN TROOPS STATIONED IN ARMENIA – EX-PREMIER

17:17 18.09.13

Armenia’s ex-premier, Armenian National Congress (ANC) parliamentary
group member Hrant Bagratyan warned Armenia’s ruling circles back in
February that Armenia will remain “under Russian tanks” as long as
Russian troops are stationed in Armenia, while the country is moving
toward Europe.

At his meeting with journalists on Wednesday, Bagratyan noted that
he was the only presidential candidate to state that the issue was
to be settled by means of a referendum.

“I did not play compliments to either Europe or Russia. I know what
Armenia’s interest is. And you will go on placing the country under
Russian tanks unless you settle issues with Europe, Russia and the
United States,” he said.

“And after that, in a disgraceful manner, we tell Europe on September 3
that we do not sign? Mr Fule said that confidence is the most serious
problem, and we cannot imagine how we can regain it. As a result,
we did not go along with Russians, but they took us along with them.”

As a presidential candidate, Bagratyan sent out invitations to debates
to his rivals by means of RFE/RL.

According to him, even if Armenia moves toward Europe, it will be
forced into joining the Customs Union.

Russian President Vladimir Putin reminded Armenia’s leaders of Russian
troops stationed in Armenia, Bagratyan said.

Armenia’s president may raise the issue of referendum on Armenia’s
accession to the Customs Union, he said.

Armenian News – Tert.am

SEYRAN OHANIAN: WE ARE READY TO WITHDRAW SNIPERS

Wednesday,
September
18

Armenia is ready to withdraw its snipers from the line of contact
with the Azerbaijani armed forces, Armenian Defense Minister Seyran
Ohanian stated at the meeting with the faculty and students of Yerevan
State University today.

“We are ready to withdraw snipers and we are not afraid of that. In
case of any shot fired from the opposite side, we will again deploy
our snipers on frontline positions within a matter of minutes for
retaliatory strikes,” the minister said.

He at the same time stressed that the withdrawal of snipers cannot be a
result of unilateral pressure. “This step should be taken by both sides
and be aimed at creating an atmosphere of trust,” Seyran Ohanian said.

TODAY, 16:57

Aysor.am

TURKEY’S INTRUSION TO SYRIA WILL ENDANGER ALEPPO-ARMENIAN COMMUNITY: R. SAFRASTYAN

15:11, 18 September, 2013

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 18, ARMENPRESS. Turkey supported the armed rebels
from the very beginning of the Syrian conflict and Turkey’s intrusion
to Syria is not excluded, while there is a large number of attacking
troops on the Turkish-Syrian border. As reports “Armenpress” the
Director of Institute of Oriental Sciences of the National Academy
of the Republic of Armenia, turkologist Ruben Safrastyan stated this
at the course of Moscow-YerevanTbilisi space bridge. Also, Ruben
Safrastyan touched upon the current situation in the Near East and
Syria and underscored that Turkey’s invasion to Syria will endanger
the Armenian community of Aleppo. Among other things the Director of
Institute of Oriental Sciences of the National Academy of the Republic
of Armenia, turkologist Ruben Safrastyan emphasized: “Many people
will have to leave their homes and depart from the city. Intruding
Aleppo the Turks will try to create unbearable conditions for the
Armenian community.”

EU BUS ON THE ROAD AGAIN IN ARMENIA

September 18, 2013 | 14:18

YEREVAN. – The second EU Bus tour in Armenia begins on Wednesday.

This time the EU Bus visits the towns and villages of the Gegharkunik
and Ararat Regions. The Bus tour is organized by the EU Centre
in Yerevan.

The Head of the EU Delegation to Armenia, HE Ambassador Traian Hristea
noted that EU Bus tours are becoming a tradition. “This is already
the second time in a few months when our mobile EU Centre is visiting
regions in Armenia,” Ambassador noted. “We would like to inform people
everywhere in the country about the EU’s cooperation in Armenia and
the results of our assistance here,” he added.

The EU Bus will visit the towns of Sevan, Chambarak, Vardenis, Martuni
and Gavar and their surrounding villages in Gegharkunik Region from
Wednesday to Friday.

The Head of the Political, Economic, Press and Information Section of
the EU Delegation Dirk Lorenz will officially launch the EU course for
Armenian high schools in the High School No 3 in Vardenik on Friday.

The course was developed by the EU Centre in cooperation with the
Ministry of Education and Science to increase the knowledge and
understanding of the EU – Armenia cooperation among the youth. Mr.

Lorenz will also deliver a lecture on EU – Armenia relations in Gavar
State University earlier the same day.

The EU Bus will continue its tour in the towns of Vedi, Ararat and
Artashat and the surrounding villages in Ararat Region on September
23 and 24. Ambassador Traian Hristea will deliver a lecture at the
Cultural Centre of Vedi on September 24.

The EU Bus offers a possibility to learn more about European Union
through information materials, project presentations, quizzes,
games and mini-plays performed by the students of the Yerevan State
Institute of Theatre and Cinematography. Everybody can take part in
a lottery and win attractive prizes. The first ever EU Bus tour in
Armenia took place at the end of May this year and the Bus visited
towns and villages of Shirak, Lori and Tavush Regions.

The EU Centre is the main feature of the EU funded project “Support
to the EU communication on reforms in Armenia”. Its goal is to
raise awareness on EU development cooperation in Armenia and support
education on the European Union. The Centre’s website is a gateway to
EU cooperation with Armenia. The duration of the project is two years.

SECURITY CONSIDERED IN ANY STRATEGIC DECISION: SEYRAN OHANYAN

14:10, 18 September, 2013

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 18, ARMENPRESS: The decision of Armenia to join
the Customs Union has a strategic character and in the base of
such decisions the security issue is considered. This was stated on
September 18 by the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Armenia
Seyran Ohanyan. “The decision was made, taking into account the
current situation around Armenia, the conflicts available in the
region and the Nagorno Karabakh issue”, – said Seyran Ohanyan, as
reported by Armenpress.

The Minister of Defense of the Republic of Armenia noted that in the
framework of the Collective Security Treaty Organization, Armenia
develops serious cooperation with the Russian Federation. “Our
strategic partner assists us in provision of the up-to-date military
equipment”, – said Seyran Ohanyan, emphasizing that the membership
in the Customs Union will provide with the opportunity to deepen the
cooperation with Russia.

In the result of the negotiations on September 3, 2013 in Moscow the
Presidents Serzh Sargsyan and Vladimir Putin confirmed the aim of
the Republic of Armenia and the Russian Federation in the direction
of further development of economic integration processes in the
Eurasian territory. In that context the President of the Republic of
Armenia Serzh Sargsyan announced about the Armenia’s decision to join
the Customs Union and the necessity of implementation corresponding
steps for that aim and in future about participating in formation of
the Eurasian economic union. The President of the Russian Federation
Vladimir Putin expressed his support to the abovementioned decision
of Armenia and informed about the readiness of the Russian side to
support the process.

Earlier Armenpress published the speech of the Armenian President
Serzh Sargsyan during the press conference on the results of the
negotiations with the Russian President Vladimir Putin:

“Honorable Mister President, respectable representatives of media,

I want to begin with gratitude word directed to Mister Putin for just
ended open negotiations, atmosphere of confidence and arrangements
directed to further development of Armenian-Russian relations. As it
was said in constructive atmosphere together with Russian President we
discussed the main issues of strategic partnership of our countries –
in political, trade-economic, energy, humanitarian and other fields.

Naturally we spoke about regional issues and settlement of
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. I confirmed once more Armenia’s readiness to
settle the conflict exclusively peacefully on the base of principles
of self-determination of people, retraining from threat or use of
force, territorial integrity of states. I reconfirmed our readiness
to continue looking for solutions for the crisis on the base of
settlement principles and elements reflected in joint statements of
Russian, American and French Presidents. One of main topics of our
negotiations was the necessity of infrastructure reforms in Armenia,
securing modernization and diversification of economy where Russia
is represented with many enterprises. We discussed in details the
prospective directions of our cooperation. We also discussed issues
relating Eurasian integration and I confirmed Armenia’s wish to join
Customs Union and be involved in the process of formation of Eurasian
economic union. 20 years ago Armenia together with Russia and other
CIS member states formed its military security system in format of
Collective security treaty. During these decades the system approved
its vitality and efficiency. Today our CSTO partners form new platform
of economic cooperation. I have said many times that being in the same
system of military security it is impossible to isolate yourself from
corresponding geo-economic territory. This is a rational decision and
it comes from interests of the Republic of Armenia. This decision
is not refusal from dialogue with European organizations. During
these years Armenia in support of its European partners held serious
institutional reforms. Nowadays Armenia in this sense is much more
efficient and competitive country as it was several years ago.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The results of our negotiations are reflected in our joint statements
signed with Vladimir Putin several minutes ago. I am sure that
realization of all arrangements will give new impetus to strategic
allied partnership.

Mister President, I am grateful for warm reception and made
arrangements”.

© 2009 ARMENPRESS.am