Author: Badalian Vardan

CO-CHAIRS OF OSCE MG TO VISIT YEREVAN AND BAKU IN EARLY MARCH

Vestnik Kavkaza
Feb 27 2012
Russia

The co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group for a settlement of the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict – Robert Bradtke (USA), Igor Popov (Russia)
and Jacques Faure (France) – will visit Armenia on March 2, News.am
reports.

The officials will meet Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan and Foreign
Minister Edward Nalbandian.

The latest visit of the co-chairs to Armenia was held in December 2011.

Azerbaijani media reported that the OSCE MG officials will arrive in
Baku On the morning of March 5.

ISRAELI ARMS FOR BAKU LIKELY TO SPOOK IRAN

Outcome Magazine / United Press International

Feb 27 2012

TEL AVIV, Israel, Feb. 27 (UPI) – Israel’s new $1.6 billion arms deal
with Azerbaijan will transfer sophisticated military technology up
to Iran’s uneasy northern border and is likely to intensify Tehran’s
concerns about threatened attacks by the West amid rising tension in
the Persian Gulf.

Israel’s relations, particularly in the intelligence and military
fields, with the Muslim-majority Caspian state have been growing for
several years.

The Tehran regime increasingly views Azerbaijan, with which it has
been at odds for years, as a potential launch pad for an Israeli
attack on Iran.

Oil-rich Azerbaijan, a major energy supplier to Israel, has become a
front line in the covert intelligence war between the Jewish state’s
foreign intelligence service, the Mossad, and Iran.

Authorities in Baku, Azerbaijan’s capital, said this month they had
foiled Tehran-inspired attacks by Iranian agents and their allies from
Lebanon’s Hezbollah against Jewish targets in and around the capital.

These included an alleged plot to assassinate the Israeli ambassador.

A conspiracy to blow up the Israeli embassy in Baku, also allegedly
involving Iranian and Hezbollah agents, was foiled in 2008.

The Times in London reported this month that Israel uses Azerbaijan
as a base for covert operation against Iran. Tehran says this includes
assassinating its nuclear scientists.

The smoldering confrontation between Iran and the West over Tehran’s
nuclear program, with both sides flexing military muscle in the
strategic region that supplies much of the world’s oil, has sharply
heightened Tehran’s concerns over Azerbaijan.

The disclosure in Israel of the $1.6 billion weapons deal with Baku,
the Jewish state’s biggest weapons sale to Azerbaijan, can only
magnify Tehran’s alarm.

Israel Aerospace Industries announced in early January it had secured
a big arms deal but didn’t identify the government involved because of
military censorship. On Sunday, military sources in Tel Aviv confirmed
that the recipient is Azerbaijan and that state-owned IAI will provide
its military with unmanned aerial vehicles and missile defense systems.

Israel has provided Azerbaijan with UAVs since 2008 and on Sept. 12,
2011, one of the surveillance drones was reportedly shot down over
the disputed Armenian-held enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh.

Christian Armenians, supported by Iran, seized the territory in
a war with Azerbaijan in the 1990s following the collapse of the
Soviet Union.

Israel sought to build military, economic and political links with
pro-Western Azerbaijan soon after the Soviet collapse, a process
accelerated after the 2010 rupture of the Jewish state’s key alliance
with Turkey, lynchpin of Israel’s strategic policy in the region.

Israel recently concluded a military pact with Baku, and says the
Intelligence Online Web site, “in exchange for arms and investment,
Baku has become the beachhead of Israel’s operations against Iran.”

It reports that “many Israeli advisers, trainers and technicians”
will go to Azerbaijan with the defense systems IAI is providing.

“This increased Israeli presence in a country that has a long
border with Iran could facilitate the Israeli intelligence services’
clandestine operations in the country.”

Intelligence Online added: “For many years, the Mossad recruited and
infiltrated agents into Iran from southern Turkey and Iraqi Kurdistan
but these operations halted following the break in relations with
Ankara.

“The new pact sealed with Azerbaijan will allow the Mossad to regain
lost ground in Iran at a time when the Israeli authorities are stepping
up their covert activities against Iran.”

Tehran hasn’t been slow to voice its anger at Israel’s incursion into
the region.

On Feb. 12, Iran’s official news agency reported that the Foreign
Ministry had summoned the Azeri ambassador and demanded Baku “stop
the activities of the Mossad intelligence service in that country
against Iran.”

U.S. analyst and Iran specialist Kaveh L. Afrasiabi observed in a Feb.

15 analysis that “it is fair to say that we are witnessing an extension
of the Iran-Israel conflict into the Caspian-South Caucasus …

“In mortgaging its national security to the United States and
Israel, two out-of-area powers that have no intrinsic commitments to
Azerbaijan’s well-being … Azerbaijan has entered into a Faustian
bargain that may well backfire.”

An Iranian assault on Azerbaijan could have grave strategic
consequences for Europe’s energy security by cutting off oil and gas
pipelines to the West, on top of a possible Iranian closure of the
Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil artery.

EU WILL CLOSELY MONITOR DEVELOPMENTS IN ARMENIA LEADING UP TO ELECTIONS

NEWS.AM
February 27, 2012 | 19:50

The EU welcomes the progress made in the negotiations with Armenia,
in particular the Association Agreement, the start for talks on free
trade area agreement and visa facilitation agreement.

In the conclusions on South Caucasus, the Council of the European
Union encouraged Armenia to “pursue further reforms in strengthening
democratic institutions, enhancing the independence of judiciary,
encouraging political pluralism, freedom of and equal access to media
as well as ensuring protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms
and the EU will continue to support these reform efforts.”

“The EU underlines the importance of effectively fighting corruption
and welcomes Armenia’s

declared commitment to address corruption. Real progress in this area
remains fundamental

for economic growth and development,” reads the report.

The Council also stressed importance of ensuring that the Parliamentary
elections in May

2012 and the Presidential elections in 2013 meet internationally
recognized democratic standards and will closely monitor developments
in Armenia leading up to the elections.

U.S. CONGRESSMAN: SUMGAIT POGROMS WERE MASTERMINDED WITH SPECIAL BRUTALITY

PanARMENIAN.Net
February 27, 2012 – 18:55 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – U.S. congressman, Democratic Party member David
Cicilline issued a statement honoring the memory of the victims of
Sumgait pogroms.

“Armenians in Sumgait became victims of systematic massacre in 1988.

Sumgait pogroms were masterminded with special brutality,” he said.

According to him, the day honors the memory “not only of the victims
of Sumgait pogroms, but also the victims of massacres in Baku and
Kirovabad.

The congressman further stressed the necessity of struggle against
discrimination, “regardless of the place it broke out.”

“I DON’T WISH TO LEAD PROPORTIONAL LIST,” ARF-D BUREAU REPRESENTATIVE HRANT MARGARYAN SAYS

16:24 . 27/02

The parliament must be for political forces, political figures, who
don’t use the parliamentary tribune for other purposes but promote to
the development process of this country by the parliamentary activity,
ARF-D Bureau representative Hrant Margaryan stated during a briefing
with journalists today touching upon the issue of businessmen MPs’
inclusion in the National Assembly.

As informed by yerkir.am, the ARF-D politician also touched upon
ARF-D’s proportional list stating there are many people in the party
who may lead the list. He has no such a wish. Asked if it is possible
that he leads the list, H. Margaryan answered: “I don’t think so. No.

I don’t wish to participate and my wish is real. I have so much to do.

Let others go to the parliament: shall I do everything?”

He also added that the party’s proportional list will be published
when the time schedule demands it. And they haven’t still decided on
what principle it will be formed: “According to the law, it must be
decided by the body or the congress: we’ll convene a meeting for two
hours and decide”.

Asked by journalists if it is possible that ARF-D again forms a
coalition with RPA in the future parliament, H. Margaryan answered that
ARF-D has no reason to form a coalition with the ruling party, while
the reasons not to form are many: – “I rather consider it possible
that others try to form a coalition around our axis. I don’t think
that we’ll form a coalition. But nothing is excluded in this world: if,
God forbid, a war starts, I think that all of us must consolidate. But
proceeding from today’s conditions, there is no reason for it, while
there are many reasons for the opposite.”

Asked how advantageous ARF-D’s situation is today, the ARF-D bureau
representative said that the situation today is favorable for no
political force. “We have appeared in a false situation, where the
parties with rare exceptions or comparative differences, don’t enjoy
the people’s real sympathy, a sympathy, which will be directed to
their ideology, their programme, their political direction. Perhaps,
we are different, that people recognize us in some respect; at least
they know what ARF-D is in national issues; but in the case of others,
it is not the party’s ideology that has a popular support, it is
rather separate figures, separate individuals that have it, which I
think is not a good thing, it is even dangerous,” Hrant Margaryan said.

SLOVAK POLITICIAN FAVORS KARABAKH’S DEMOCRATIC DEVELOPMENT

PanARMENIAN.Net
February 28, 2012 – 17:24 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – It is surprising to see how the Nagorno Karabakh
Republic, the population of which totals only 140 thousand, follows
the path of democratic development, according to Slovak politician.

“Capital of Nagorno Karabakh, Stepanakert more and more reminds of
Western countries’ metropolises. Thanks to its President Bako Sahakyan,
corruption is not a core problem in the country. People acknowledge
that interior demoralization poses a major threat to their existence,”
an article published by František Mikloško says.

The author further voiced confidence that “Armenians in Artsakh are
ready to defend their ancient culture, religion and civilization at
any cost.”

“Armenians are a special nation that have undergone various
tribulations. But I have an impression that an invisible hand protests
them. That’s inspires optimism,” he writes.

ARMENIAN FM: OTHER STATES WILL FOLLOW FRANCE’S EXAMPLE

Tert.am
28.02.12

As long as Turkey keeps on denying the Armenian Genocide, other
countries will follow France’s example to outlaw that crime against
humanity, the Armenian Foreign Minister has said.

Edward Nalbandyan made the statement in an interview with the Austrian
publication Der Standard when asked to comment on whether the bill
French parliament’s bill criminalizing the denial of genocides could
serve as a model for other states.

“Whether or not a model, I’m sure that other countries will take such
decisions as long as the denial of the Armenian Genocide remains
Turkey’s state policy. That Genocide is a crime against humanity
and has been recognized as such by many countries and international
organizations. The denial of a crime of genocide entails a relevant
response. The French law reflects the feelings and opinions of
the French people. I have known that since the time I served as an
ambassador to France,” he said.

The minister disagreed to the remark that the critics of the bill link
the French lawmakers’ move with the coming presidential election in
the country.

“That’s not true. The law enjoys full support by the French president,
government and main political forces, both right- and left-wing. It
was put to vote and passed both by the National Assembly and Senate.

Hence the adoption of the law reflects the opinion of the French
people. The same was the case with the 2001 law on recognizing the
Armenian Genocide,” he said.

Commenting on Turkey’s threats to cut ties with France in case the
bill is signed into law, Nalbandyan noted: “The law could be first of
all useful in terms of the normalization of the Armenian-Turkish ties.

If something prevents the Armenia-Turkey reconciliation, it’s Turkey’s
approach. After the signing of the protocols in Zurich, Turkey made
a step backwards, refusing to enforce the agreements reached. The
world community finds that the ball is in Turkey’s half field.”

LAND TAXES: AHEAD OF ELECTIONS GOVERNMENT OFFERS TAX BREAKS TO FARMERS
By Gayane Lazarian

ArmeniaNow
28.02.12 | 15:56

Photo:

The National Assembly of Armenia in the first reading has adopted
a draft law ‘On Property Tax and Land Tax Arrears’, under which
all the taxpayers who had less than 2 million drams (about $5,170)
debt within the period of 2008-2011, when paying the basic amount,
will be freed from all interests; and the time frame for paying the
basic amount is from three months to one year.

Prime Minister of Armenia Tigran Sargsyan stated that by this
initiative the Government forgives tax arrears of about 43 billion
drams (about $111 million) in the agricultural sector. According to
him, the bill will also promote the economic growth, because the tax
burden on agriculture will be essentially reduced.

Vahan Hovhannisyan, head of the opposition Armenian Revolutionary
Federation (ARF, Dashnaktsutyun), says it is suspicious why the
Government has submitted the bill ahead of the upcoming parliamentary
elections.

“What is this? Is this an election bribe ahead of the elections? Why
is this bill brought to the vote in a special way just now? Why do
diligent taxpayers, not being aware of anything, end up in unequal
conditions?” he says. “Out of nothing they suddenly forgive a debt
ahead of the elections appearing in the role of someone who does
a favor.”

Head of the ruling Republican Party of Armenia parliamentary faction
Gagik Melikyan, not agreeing with his opponents, says that the
submission of the bill right now is not connected with the upcoming
Parliamentary elections.

“Had it [the bill] been submitted after the [Parliamentary] elections
they [the opposition] would have said that we submitted it ahead of the
Presidential elections. And had we submitted it after it, they would
have said that we did it ahead of local elections,” Melikyan says.

The Union of Communities of Armenia, being concerned about the bill,
made a statement, saying that the suggested methods are disputable,
and that they may have an essential impact upon the activities of
the communities, their budgeting processes, and financial capacities
of communities.

“Besides, the diligent and unscrupulous taxpayers will be put on unfair
and unequal scales of a balance under the bill,” the statement reads.

BHP MP THINKS EUROPEANS DON’T UNDERSTAND THE LOOPHOLES

Story from Lragir.am News:

Published: 16:09:04 – 28/02/2012

Member of the Bargavach Hayastan parliamentary group Naira Zohrabyan,
dwelling on the law draft proposing to pass to 100% proportional
representation, stated that it is necessary to come to a consensus.

She proposed to hold either a parliamentary referendum to learn the
opinion of the society, or to reduce the majoritarian seats up to 21.

“Even if there are worries that the regional representation will be
violated, let them do it anyway”, said Zohrabyan.

As for the position of the European structures on this issue, Zohrabyan
noted: “Europeans don’t understand the value of the issue.

They accept both modes, they don’t understand the loopholes”.

ARMENIAN SOLDIER WOUNDED BY ADVERSARY’S BULLET

news.am
February 28, 2012 | 15:12

YEREVAN. – According to preliminary data, Armenian MOD recruit,
Private Arman Sedrakyan, who is serving in a military unit, received a
gunshot wound from the bullet fired by the adversary on February 25,
MOD Investigation Department Public Relations Senior Officer Meri
Sargsyan told Armenian News-NEWS.am.

Sedrakyan was initially taken to Noyemberyan Hospital, but he was
subsequently transferred to Yerevan Military Hospital. At present,
he is in satisfactory condition.

Meri Sargsyan also informed that MOD Investigation Department has
launched a criminal case, in this connection, and on charges of
murder attempt.

Arman Sedrakyan was recruited from Etchmiadzin city in 2010.