Author: Badalian Vardan

ISRAELI PARLIAMENT COMMISSION ON EDUCATION TO DISCUSS RECOGNITION OF GENOCIDE

Story from Lragir.am News:

Published: 20:05:14 – 18/05/2011

The Armenian National Committee of Jerusalem informs that the
parliament of Israel discussed the proposal of Member of Parliament
Zahava, Meretz Party, to discuss the issue of recognition of the
Armenian genocide within the committee of education.

Earlier the committee of defense and external relations of the Israeli
parliament discussed the issue which holds its sessions behind closed
doors. There were concerns that the commission might express a negative
opinion on the recognition of the genocide.

COOPERATION WITH THE EU ONE OF THE PRIORITIES OF ARMENIA’S FOREIGN POLICY

armradio.am
18.05.2011 19:23

President Serzh Sargsyan received the President of the European
Parliament, Jerzy Buzek.

Serzh Sargsyan noted that the frequent meetings and the active
dialogue with representatives of the European community give positive
impulses to Armenia’s policy of European integration. According
to the President, the Armenia-EU relations have been dynamically
developing over the past years, embracing not only the fields of
foreign policy and trade, but also domestic reforms targeted at
ensuring the prosperity of the people.

“Armenia is willing to continue the path of reforms on the basis of
the European experience and with the EU support,” the President stated.

According to Jerzy Buzek, Europe believes in the success of reforms
in Armenia, which can serve as a good example for other countries
that have chosen the same path.

Serzh Sargsyan noted that the cooperation with the EU is one of the
priorities of Armenia’s foreign policy.

The EP President said it was natural, since Armenia’s history had
always been tied with Europe. “You have always been part of Europe
throughout your history,” Jerzy Buzek noted.

R. KIRAKOSYAN: TURKEY HAS BETRAYED AZERBAIJAN

Panorama.am
18/05/2011

“Now the situation in the line of contact is more dangerous than
in previous time, which has its reasons,” Richard Kirakosyan, the
director of Armenian Center for National and International Studies
(ACNIS) told Panorama.am.

“The first reason is that Azerbaijan has bought really powerful
weapons which are more aggressive,” Richard Kirakosyan said.

Expert says those are weapons of Israeli, Pakistani, South African
and Turkish production.

According to the expert the second reason is that Azerbaijan is
discontent with Minsk Group activities, and according to Azerbaijani
side there is no advancement in NK issue.

“And another reason is that Turkey has betrayed Azerbaijan because
of the Armenian-Turkish protocols,” R. Kirakosyan said.

According to him, Azerbaijan exercises military rhetoric in NK issue
against the Minsk Group.

R. Kirakosyan says Armenia must react to the Azerbaijani provocations
and exercise more powerful counterattack against Azerbaijan, like
Israel counterattacks Arabs.

Expert says Azerbaijan is well aware they will be defeated if they
resume war, since they are weak and not ready.

R. Kirakosyan has highly assessed Seyran Ohanyan as a Minister of
Defense and has noticed that Armenia has high military skills.

NKR PRESIDENT ATTENDS EVENT DEDICATED TO LIBERATION OF BERDZOR

news.am
May 18, 2011 | 19:10

STEPANAKERT. – President of Nagorno-Karabakh Bako Sahakyan visited
the town of Berdzor to attend solemn events dedicated to the 19th
anniversary of the town’s liberation.

President Sahakyan said that liberation of Berdzor has become a
significant military, political and psychological victory for all
Armenians adding it would be impossible to defend our country’s
independence and freedom without this victory.

The NKR President underlined that existence of Nagorno-Karabakh as
an independent state is impossible without Kashtag region.

Primate of the Artsakh Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church
Archbishop Pargev Martirosyan, members of parliament, as well as
guests from Armenia participated in the event.

19TH ANNIVERSARY OF BERDZOR LIBERATION CELEBRATED IN NKR

armradio.am
18.05.2011 17:34

On May 18 President of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic Bako Sahakyan
visited the city of Berdzor and partook in the festive events dedicated
to the 19th anniversary of the city~Rs liberation.

The President noted in his speech that the liberation of Berdzor became
a significant military, political and psychological victory for the
whole Armenian nation and added that without this victory it would
have been impossible to defend the country’s independence and freedom.

The President underlined that without the Kashatagh region the
existence of Nagorno Karabakh as an independent state was impossible.

Bako Sahakyan said the development of Kashatagh was strategic issue of
pan-Armenian importance, underlining that the state would do everything
possible for its prosperity, Central Information Department of the
Office of the NKR President reported.

AZERBAIJAN LAUNDERS MONEY THROUGH PURCHASE OF WEAPONS

PanARMENIAN.Net
May 18, 2011 – 12:55 AMT

The extent of arming and the fighting efficiency of the army are
totally different things, similarly to an expert army in peaceful
and war times, according to Artsakh-based military expert.

In a conversation with a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter, the expert, speaking
on condition of anonymity, cited different reasons for Azerbaijan’s
purchasing enormous number of munitions.

“One reason is, Baku believes, that spending exorbitant sums on weapons
will induce Armenia follow the suit. Another reason is money laundering
through purchase if weapons. Still, whatever the true reason, it won’t
prove effective, with Baku failing to train expert military personnel,”
the expert stressed.

He characterized Armenia’s situation as more advantageous, with the
army’s command staff having been through a war.

The expert was deeply sceptical over t he possibility of a new war in
Karabakh. “The matter is not for Armenia or Azerbaijan to decide. It
is to be determined by more serious players, who won’t let Aliyev
fire a single shot, much as he tries. ”

BRAZIL DONATES $50, 000 FOR SETTLEMENT OF ARMENIAN REFUGEES IN KARABAKH

news.am
May 17 211
Armenia

YEREVAN.- An international conference on “Housing Providing Issues
to Needy Refuges Deported from Azerbaijan in 1988-1992” was held in
Yerevan on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan, the United Nations High Commissioner
for Refugees, Antonio Guterres, representatives from the Armenian
government and foreign missions accredited to Armenia participated
in the event.

The Government of Brazil, through its Embassy in Yerevan, announced
the donation of $50.000 to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees
for the settlement of the families displaced from their homes by the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. It should be noted that Brazil was the only
country which presented a pledge in the context of the Conference,
Brazil’s Embassy in informed Armenian News-NEWS.am.

SNIPER WAR TO GO ON IN KARABAKH CONFLICT ZONE-ARMENIAN EXPERT

news.am
May 17 2011
Armenia

YEREVAN. “The Azerbaijani side has a motive for a “sniper war”. It is
some kind of blackmail in an attempt to exert pressure on the Armenian
side,” Director of the Caucasus Institute Alexander Iskandaryan stated
at “Caucasus-2010” international conference in Yerevan.

“Everything goes according to plan, by order of Baku. This is not
actions by Lieutenant Mamedov or warrant officer Hovhannisyan, it is
more serious,” Iskandaryan said, adding under such circumstances the
“sniper war” will go on. The expert also pointed out the Armenian
side’s determination to prevent the Azerbaijani armed forces’
provocations. According to him, there are no significant changes in
the Karabakh peace process. “The negotiations are underway within
Minsk Group format, approved by the U.S. and EU, as well as Russian
President Dmitry Medvedev. Last year a series of meetings between
Armenian, Azerbaijani and Russian Presidents were held, aimed at
controlling the situation and maintaining Karabakh’s status quo.

Efforts are made for the conflicting parties to come to a decision,
however the opposition is stronger than the external pressure,”
he noted, adding the situation will remain unchanged in the next
few years.

The analyst also indicated changes in Armenian politicians’ rhetoric.

“If a categorical statement like “not an inch of land” could be
heard infrequently, in particular, from radical parties several years
ago, now it is voiced more often, even the President sometimes says
something like that,” he said.

INTERVIEW WITH FETHIYE CETIN: TURKISH OFFICIAL HISTORIOGRAPHY IS BASED ON A BIG LIE

Panorama
May 17 2011
Armenia

Recently, Fethiye Cetin, renowned Turkish writer and lawyer of Armenian
origin has arrived in Yerevan. This time she had her second book,
titled “My Grandchildren” to present to the Armenian readers.

Her first book titled “My Grandmother” tells the story of her Grandma.

For years, Seher grandma, whose real name was Heranush Kataryan, had
been keeping her origin secret and only at the ebb of her life she
told her granddaughter she was Armenian and used to be a Christian
until 1915.

In Yerevan, Fethiye Cetin has had an exclusive interview with
“Ermenihaber.am”.

– What were your feelings when you heard you’re a granddaughter of
Moslem Armenian?

– The first thing I could feel was “inner rebellion.” Rebellion against
the lie we were taught to hide the reality. I felt furious. I wanted
to run and scream “we were cheated, kept far from the truth.”

My pain was inexplicable. At the same time I could feel shame. I
could feel shame for my changed identity.

– The presentation of your second book – “My Grandchildren” took
place in Yerevan. What is it about?

– In 2004 my first book – “Grandmother” was released in Turkey. After
the release of the book many contacted me to tell their stories
of grandparents. Each of those stories proved that the official
historiography of Turkey is based on a big lie. “Grandmother” made many
interested. They wanted to know what had happened in 1915. With Ayshe
Gul Altinay we decided to publish a book, we accumulated the stories
of those who agreed. Many felt scared because of taboos and dangers.

– You are both a writer and a lawyer. Now you deal with the trial of
Hrant Dink. What expectations do you have?

-Besides Hrant Dink’s trial, I’m the lawyer of “Agos” weekly and Hrant
Dink fund. Though 4 years have passed since the assassination of Hrant
Dink, there is a great demand of public to punish the criminals, and,
unfortunately, those who are guilty are not revealed. To be short –
we have evidence, we have documents, we have a witness, but still
we don’t have wish to investigate it. Certain limits are drawn and
the judges cannot pass them. While people demand punishment for the
murderers. The “clues” of Dink’s assassination are let to statesmen,
and everybody can see it. This trial contributed to bring into agenda
unrevealed assassinations, discussions, investigations.

-Is there a public demand for the normalization of Armenian-Turkish
relations in Turkey?

– I cannot say there is a great demand, but at the same time there
isn’t a great opposition. The state diplomacy and public demand have
nothing in common. The normalization of the relations demands genuine
will and courage.

Source: Panorama.am

Author: Interview – Astghik Igityan, Translation – Panorama.am

KARABAKH PEACE REQUIRES ‘REAL EFFORT’

news.az
May 17 2011
Azerbaijan

News.Az reprints an exclusive interview by Mediamax news agency with
European Parliament President Jerzy Buzek.

Mr Buzek, what is your assessment of the democratization process in
Armenia and will you raise the dialogue between the authorities and
the opposition during your meetings in Armenia?

Armenia is an important neighbour to the European Union and also a
key actor in the South Caucasus region. We try to develop a special
relationship with neighbouring countries, aiming to establish an
area of prosperity and neighbourliness. Relations are founded on the
values of the Union and characterized by close and peaceful relations
based on cooperation. This is why it is important to have dialogue
and to support the establishment of true, real democracy in your
country. The European Parliament has repeatedly encouraged Armenia to
pursue the necessary reforms to improve transparency, democracy, the
judiciary and respect for human rights. I’ll address all these subjects
during my visit to your country. I know that this is not easy. My own
country [Poland – Mediamax] experienced this 20 years ago. But we have
succeeded so I know it is possible. This exchange of views will help
better understand the ongoing processes and the problems existing in
the region and will contribute to strengthening political relations.

At the joint news conference with Armenian Prime Minister Tigran
Sargsyan on 16 March in Brussels, you said: “We are worried about the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and will do everything possible so that peace
is secured in this region.” In this context, what is your assessment
of the militaristic rhetoric, which is voiced in Azerbaijan every day?

I am concerned that the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan
is the main threat to regional security and stability. All parties
should seek a peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict as
soon as possible on the basis of international law. Real efforts are
needed to pave the way for a lasting peace and provocative policies
and rhetoric, inflammatory statements and manipulation of history
should be avoided by both sides. I encourage a mutually satisfactory
solution which serves the interests of all.

How would you comment on the European Neighbourhood Policy Review
resolution as whole, approved by the European Parliament on 7 April
2011, and on Item 49 of that document in particular, which calls for
the development of confidence-building measures and programs and
of “informal contacts and consultations with the societies of the
breakaway territories”? How is it planned to implement this initiative?

We should never forget the basic needs of the common people, wherever
they are living. Promoting people-to-people contacts, easing trade and
travel conditions, extending a helping hand rather than creating new
walls has always been the policy of the European Parliament We recently
called the high representative and the European External Action Service
to develop more confidence-building measures and programmes for the
area. I trust she [High Representative Catherine Ashton – Mediamax]
will take the most appropriates measure to implement our demands. We
would like to prepare public opinion to accept and fully understand the
benefits of a comprehensive settlement. It is important to bring people
together and to make them re-learn their history together. Hopefully
then the breakaway territories will transform from being a place
symbolizing division to a place of cooperation and dialogue.

European Commissioner Å tefan Fule expressed hope in a recent
interview to our agency that “after upcoming elections in Turkey,
new opportunities may appear to continue the process of normalization
of relations between Armenia and Turkey”. Do you believe that such
prospects really exist and can the European Parliament help the
sides anyway?

Armenian-Turkish rapprochement is crucial for regional stability
and security. We regret the stalling of the ratification of the
Armenian-Turkish protocols on normalization of bilateral relations.

The ratification should be pursued by both sides without
preconditions. EURONEST can help in establishing dialogue between the
parties to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The European Parliament’s
main tool to achieve mutually satisfactory solutions is dialogue. We
want to bring together parliamentarians from both countries, and
establish dialogue.

The first session of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly took place
on 3 May in Brussels. What is your assessment of the prospects for
cooperation in this format, and what can the sides gain from this
cooperation?

Firstly, we are very grateful for Armenia’s constructive approach to
the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly. Our aim is to help build vibrant
democracies, free market economies and foster the rule of law. This
is a forum of the people, by the people and for the people. Closer
ties among our parliaments will give additional legitimacy to actions
taken by governments in the framework of the Eastern Partnership. I
would like to thank my colleagues from the parliaments of the partner
countries for expressing their determination for this new project to
bear fruit. EURONEST must bring tangible results for the citizens. Its
success is in our hands.

Source: Mediamax