Author: Babajanian Karo

A call to the President of International European Movement to demand
from the CoE to suspend Azerbaijan’s membership

ARMRADIO.AM
01.09.2012 14:51

The European Movement in Armenia addressed an open letter to the
President of International European Movement Jo Leinen, Chairman of
working group of International European Movement on Enlargement and
Neighborhood Ksenija Milenkovic, President of European Movement in
Hungary Norbert Kroo and President of European Movement in Azerbaijan,
Ramin Hajili.

`Dear Presidents,
It was a huge disappointment to receive the information about the
extradition of Ramil Safarov by Hungarian authorities. As we
predicted, the president of Azerbaijan pardoned the killer immediately
and the Azerbaijani society honored the killer as a hero.

All of us, as the members of European Movement, are honored to follow
and spread the European values. During our mission we appreciate our
role in our societies and nations being the locomotive of European
integration process. While being a member of EU and NATO, Hungary, by
extraditing Ramil Safarov, betrayed all these values, discredited the
European reputation and changed the justice with caviar.

Not aiming to comment further, European Movement of Armenia rejects to
send a delegation to Baku, Azerbaijan for a meeting planned for
November 2012. We have nothing to do in a country where the killers
become heroes even by the society.

European Movement in Armenia supports the decision of the President of
the Republic of Armenia on cutting diplomatic ties with Hungary.

We call the President of International European Movement to make an
immediate statement, to assess the actions of Hungarian authorities,
to demand from the Council of Europe to suspend the membership of
Azerbaijan and to demand from EU to drop the assistance provided to
Azerbaijan. We expect the same from our colleagues in European
Movements in Hungary and Azerbaijan.’

Where is Armenia’s Chance?

HAKOB BADALYAN

Story from Lragir.am News:

Published: 14:42:21 – 31/08/2012

When Armenian Syrian refugees started to come, discussion of issues
relating to repatriation was revived.

It is beyond disputes that this issue is extremely important for
Armenia which has serious demographic issues. But, it is not important
only in terms of the number of population but also its quality and
culture. In other words, Armenia needs not just population but
high-quality population which would be competitive and would believe
in competition, modern ideas and creativity.

>From the demographic point of view, Armenia is not competitive in the
region due to subjective and objective reasons.

The main issue of Armenia is the improvement of the qualitative index
of demography. This needs to be the top priority in addressing
demographic issues. Instead of competition for the number of the
population Armenia needs to dictate to the region a qualitative,
cultural and creative demographic competition.

This is Armenia’s chance and this needs to be the priority and mission
of repatriation.

There is no need to prove the fact that the modern world competition
is based on the creative potential, cultural and intellectual
potential of the population.

There is no need to reckon on competitiveness, vitality, protection,
sovereignty of the country unless Armenia brings up this issue and
sets to solve it.

In addition, the Armenian Syrians’ issue is not a chance for Armenia
to start this process, the word `chance’ may seem strange here but an
opportunity because even if this issue was not up, sooner or later
Armenia would have to bring up the issue of competitiveness in terms
of quality, culture and creative potential of the people, viewing this
issue as pivotal to repatriation for which, fortunately, Armenia has
human resources across the whole world.

In this sense, the `world’ is Armenia’s chance. Armenia needs to see
the world as a `chance’ since so far Armenia has considered the world
as danger and enemy believing in stereotypes created for personal and
group interests.

Ministry of Diaspora: ”The Time has Come for the Nation to Unite as One”

10:18, September 1, 2012

Dear compatriots,

Leaders of the traditional Armenian political parties, pan-Armenian
structures, youth and women’s organizations, humanitarian, athletic,
cultural and educational institutions, editors of Armenian presses,

The time has come for the nation to unite as one. It is an
extraordinary occasion because once again, the Armenian state and
nation have been intrigued, especially in the 21st century, and the
Azerbaijani who brutally hacked Armenian officer Gurgen Margaryan in
Hungary has been released.

We emphasize with pain and disappointment that Hungary, which is a
member country of the European family and considers itself developed
and democratic, formed a part of that intrigue by making a deal with
Azerbaijan and violating European values and laws.

With this Hungary inspired cannibal-monsters, encouraged criminals,
paved the way for assassinations on the ethnic and religious grounds
and proved that today’s Hungarian authorities do not deserve to be
part of Europe and be considered a member of the European family, and
all this is taking place in the heart of Europe and in front of the
eyes of all mankind.

As for the President of Azerbaijan, he took Europe’s side with his
psychology of feudalism and, staying true to his essence of being a
totalitarian sultan, committed another illegal act and released the
criminal by signing an `edict’.

We are certain that Armenian communities around the world will raise
their voice, will take advantage of their contacts and will do
everything possible to

1. organize massive protests in front of Hungary’s diplomatic
representations in the given countries,

2. demand that the government and the parliamentarians of their
respective countries of residence

a) influence Azerbaijan to annul such a humiliating decree on pardon
and return the criminal back to the prison cell in which he belongs,

b) condemn the Hungarian government’s actions and demand that European
organizations apply sanctions against Hungary,

c) turn the issue of Azerbaijan’s future European integration into a
topic of discussion through parliamentarians within the Council of
Europe since the illegal act committed by the leader of that country
does not fall in line with European laws, the system of values and the
spirit of humanitarianism,

3. condemn the illegal deal and actions of the Hungarian government
and the President of Azerbaijan through the mass media,

4. appeal to worthy citizens of Hungary to express their
disagreement with the Hungarian government’s decision and condemn it
through demonstrations, speeches, letters and other actions.

It is offensive that, when handing the criminal over to Azerbaijan,
the Hungarian government did not even recall the thousands of
Armenians who had sacrificed their lives and become heroes in the
fight for Hungary’s independence and freedom along with the people of
Hungary, or hasn’t the Armenian community made its worthy contribution
to Hungary’s development in the past and isn’t it making that
contribution today?

The time has come for us to unite. The 10 million Armenians around the
world will express their protest and anger against this flagrant
injustice. Whoever shuts an eye to illegitimacy and monstrous
brutalities will find himself as the victim someday as well.

We believe in our communities. We trust you and know that you will not
keep silent and will fight as one since our fight is just, and as the
President of the Republic of Armenia has mentioned: `I CANNOT TOLERATE
THAT. THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA CANNOT TOLERATE THAT. THE ARMENIAN
NATION WILL NOT FORGIVE THAT.’

Ministry of Diaspora of the Republic of Armenia

Schiff: Azerbaijan, Hungary owe explanation for terrible subversion of justice

September 1, 2012 – 11:23 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) released a statement on
Azerbaijan’s decision to pardon assassin Ramil Safarov.

“I was deeply disturbed to learn of the repatriation and subsequent
pardoning of Ramil Safarov, who was convicted of killing Armenian army
officer Gurgen Margaryan. Hungary, where Safarov was supposed to be
serving a life sentence, and Azerbaijan owe the international
community an explanation for this terrible subversion of justice. This
is an appalling result in the case of a confessed killer,” Rep. Schiff
said.

Safarov extradited to Azerbaijan due to Armenian authorities
negligence – opposition

news.am
August 31, 2012 | 20:16

YEREVAN. – Armenia received shocking news on Friday, as the
Azerbaijani serviceman Ramil Safarov having axed the Armenian
serviceman Gurgen Margaryan in the latter’s sleep in 2004 in Budapest,
Romania, was extradited to Azerbaijan and immediately set free by the
Azerbaijani President violating all international norms, opposition
Armenian National Congress statement reads.

`Despite the fact that the murderer must have been imprisoned, he is
justified and made a turned into a hero. However, Armenian incumbent
authorities carry not less responsibility in his release. First, the
corresponding bodies should have always focused on the developments of
the case and taken preventive measures. Moreover, their negligence,
due to which the criminal is set free, testify once again that we deal
with an authority which makes all efforts to become richer and
preserve the authority,’ the statement reads.

President has harsh conversation with Prosperous Armenia Party leader
– newspaper

news.am
September 01, 2012 | 06:55

YEREVAN. – Rumors are being spread, following Prosperous Armenia Party
(PAP) Chairman Gagik Tsarukyan’s statements made during his meeting
with PAP’s Masis city chapter, that President Serzh Sargsyan summoned
Tsarukyan and had a harsh conversation with him to the fact that
Tsarukyan had made statements before his party members, and without
exchanging a word with Sargsyan, with respect to the forthcoming
presidential elections, Hraparak daily reports.

`To note, speaking about the presidential elections in the presence of
6-7 PAP members on Sunday [August 26], Tsarukyan had stated that he
had put two conditions before Serzh Sargsyan for supporting him
[Sargsyan] in the presidential elections: giving thirty percent of the
Government to PAP, and changing the Premier.

`If he agrees to my terms, we will support him, if not, I myself will
run as a presidential candidate,’ he had said,’ Hraparak writes.

ANCA and congressmen welcome Obama’s disappointment over Azerbaijani
murderer release

news.am
September 01, 2012 | 03:09

WASHINGTON, DC – The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA)
welcomes President Barack Obama’s expression of concern over Hungary’s
extradition and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s subsequent
decision to pardon Ramil Safarov, who was convicted for brutally
murdering Armenian soldier Gurgen Margaryan, in his sleep, during a
2004 NATO exercise in Hungary, reads ANCA statement.

The White House statement, issued in the name of National Security
Council Spokesman Tommy Vietor, underscores the President’s view that,
“This action is contrary to ongoing efforts to reduce regional
tensions and promote reconciliation.” Vietor goes on to note that “The
United States is also requesting an explanation from Hungary regarding
its decision to transfer Safarov to Azerbaijan.”

Members of Congress have also begun expressing their concern about the
Hungarian and Azerbaijani decisions to release Safarov, with
Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Frank Pallone (D-NJ) stating,
“I am outraged by the reckless actions taken by the government of
Azerbaijan in freeing Ramil Safarov, an Azerbaijani soldier who
brutally murdered an unarmed Armenian soldier during a NATO-sponsored
training program in Hungary. It is extremely egregious that the
President of Azerbaijan has issued a decree granting pardon to a
convicted murderer and has allowed him to walk free despite his
conviction. These are not the actions of a government that is
dedicated to justice and peace. Unfortunately, the actions taken by
Azerbaijan only further confirm their desire to facilitate and condone
violence against Armenia and its people.”

House Foreign Affairs Committee senior member Brad Sherman (D-CA)
noted, “I am deeply dismayed by the Hungarian government’s decision to
release an Azeri military officer who was sentenced to life
imprisonment for murdering an Armenian officer in cold blood in
Budapest in 2004. . . I stand by our friend and ally Armenia in her
ongoing quest for peace and security for her citizens. I call on the
Azeri government to bring this individual to justice instead of
freeing a convicted criminal.’

PETITION A L’ADRESSE DU GOUVERNEMENT HONGROIS

armenews.com

samedi 1er septembre 2012

Une petition vient d’apparaître sur le Net demandant des excuses de la
part du gouvernement Hongrois pour avoir libere un assassin condamne a
vie, livre a l’Azerbaïdjan sous son insistance et faisant valoir que
Ramil Safarov purgerait sa peine dans son pays.

Il n’en a rien ete, comme on pouvait le subodorer par avance. Pire, le
boucher Safarov a ete accueilli tel un heros a Bakou.

Cette insulte a la justice et a la memoire du soldat armenien Gourgen
Markarian appelle chacun a signer la petition americaine Change.org

AZERI TROOPS REPORTEDLY KILL TWO ARMENIAN SERVICEMEN

APA
Aug 30 2012
Azerbaijan

Two servicemen of the Armenian army have been killed and several
have been wounded by Azerbaijani troops as they tried to attack an
Azerbaijani army position in Fuzuli District, Baku-based APA news
agency reported on 30 August.

A soldier of the Azerbaijani army, Ilkin Pasayev, was wounded in the
shoot-out, APA said.

note: Warrant officer of the Azerbaijani army, Musfiq Bayramov,
was reportedly shot dead by Armenian troops in Azerbaijan’s Tartar
District on 29 August.

[Translated from Azeri]

ROMNEY-RYAN AT THE HELM OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY

Hurriyet
Sept 1 2012
Turkey

The best thing that happened about Hurricane Isaac is that it did
not hit places near Tampa, Florida, where the Republican convention
was being held. But despite being downgraded, the slow-moving storm
brought seemingly unending rain to parts of the Gulf Coast region.

Mitt Romney made his case to the nation about why this Republican
contender should be elected president, and why he thinks Democratic
President Barack Obama should be sent packing. The speech will set
the tone for Romney’s campaign for the final two months.

Having seized the nomination on his second try to run for the
presidency after years spent preparing for the moment, Romney will
use his speech Thursday night to introduce himself to a large portion
of voters and claw for an advantage in a race that could scarcely be
any closer.

“We believe in America, even though the last four years have been
full of difficulties and disappointments, doubt and despair,” Romney
said when tackling the economy, this election’s top subject. “We
believe in America, even though President Obama’s failed policies
have left us with record-high unemployment, lower take-home pay,
and the weakest economy since the Great Depression.”

Romney also discussed his Mormon faith in more direct terms than
usual, a direction signaled by running mate Paul Ryan on Wednesday
night in several allusions to the duo’s differing religions but
“same moral creed.” Ryan, a deficit hawk who’s become the party’s
darling since joining the ticket, offered a prime-time testimonial
setting up Romney’s turn on the stage in the Republican National
Convention’s finale.

But the convention really belonged to conservatives of all sorts,
including Tea Party activists and gun owners after mass shooting at
a Colorado cinema.

“It may not be a particularly pleasant place to be for a regular
person, but most Americans are pretty conservative,” commented a
Turkish resident of the capital Washington. “In addition, Romney has
pretty good chances to grab the presidency.”

After the Republican gathering, all eyes will turn to President
Obama and his running mate Joe Biden at the 2012 Democratic National
Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, between Sept. 4 and 6.

Obama and Biden could be considered as foreign policy gurus if compared
to the conservative Romney-Ryan duo, but the 2012 election is mostly
about the economy. Romney could be considered not “well-established”
on foreign policy whereas Ryan is totally unclear about his foreign
policy choices, apart from his quite close ties with the congressional
pro-Armenian groups.

But Republican insiders believe Obama and Biden are “not willing to
take any risks” on Syria, no matter what happens there.

On Iran, Obama and Biden will likely look to control Israeli policies,
while Romney and Ryan, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s
obvious favorites in the Nov. 6 election, will wait until then.