Author: Badalian Vardan

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

NCCA JOINS PRODUCTION OF “PARADJANOV: LOVER OF BEAUTY” FILM

PanARMENIAN.Net
May 17, 2011 – 18:42 AMT

As part of an agreement reached in 2010, the National Cinema Center
of Armenia (NCCA) joined Interfilm Production studio to create
“Paradjanov: Lover of Beauty” feature film.

During the May 17 meeting held in the Ukrainian Pavilion as part
of the Cannes film market, Director of NCCA Gevorg Gevorgyan and
producer of the film project Olena Fetisova agreed to sign a contract
for joint production.

According to preliminary agreement, NCCA will allocate the sum required
for shooting the film in Armenia. Fetisova noted that the film budget
makes 1.9mln euros, 50% of which will be covered by the Ukrainian
side. Besides, French, Swedish and Georgian sides will contribute to
the film production.

2010 Palm d’Or Winner, Armenian French actor Serge Avedikian will
play the lead role of Sergei Paradjanov in the film, NCCA press
service reported.

TURKISH POLITICAL SCIENTIST SAYS NORMALIZATION OF RELATIONS WITH ARMENIA NOT A POLITICAL PRIORITY FOR TURKEY

ARMENPRESS
YEREVAN
MAY 17, 2011

Even after the parliamentary elections of Turkey strict changes are
not expected in the process of normalization of the relations with
Armenia, Aybars Gyorgulu, political scientist, project coordinator of
the TESEV organization, said today at the “Caucasus-2010” international
conference in Yerevan.

He added that the normalization of the relations with Armenia is not
among the political priorities of Turkey. He says Turkey has more
serious issues. “The process of normalization of the Armenian-Turkish
relations is frozen and it seems this situation is advantageous for
the two parties,” the Turkish political scientist said.

He said the two countries expect parliamentary elections in the
near future. “We have several months to resume the process, but I do
not know what format the authorities of the countries will chose,”
Aybars Gyorgulu said.

SARKOZY EN ARMENIE AVANT LA FIN DE L’ANNEE
Jean Eckian

armenews.com
mercredi 18 mai 2011

Le ministre des Affaires etrangères armenien Edouard Nalbandian a
rencontre hier son homologue Alain Juppe.

Au cours de la reunion, les ministres ont discute de
l’approfondissement des relations bilaterales et des questions
regionales et internationales, notamment de la cooperation.

Concernant la question du Haut-Karabakh, les parties ont convenus
l’absence d’alternative a un règlement pacifique.

A l’issue de la rencontre, Edouard Nalbandian a invite son homologue
a venir a Erevan.

Le chef de la diplomatie armenienne a egalement rencontre le conseiller
diplomatique de l’Elysee, David Levitte, avec lequel il a ete discute
des preparatifs de la future visite du chef de l’Etat francais en
Armenie cette annee.

ARMENIAN CATHOLICOS DECLARED HONORABLE BUENOS AIRES CITIZEN

news.am
May 16 2011
Armenia

Buenos Aires Mayor Mauricio Macri declared Armenian Catholicos Garegin
II an honorable citizen of Buenos Aires.

Catholicos thanked the city authorities for showing a care for the
Armenian community. Garegin II participated in AGBU dinner devoted to
the hundredth anniversary of local AGBU branch. He stressed that 80%
of Armenian Church’s budget is composed of funds allocated by AGBU.

SASHIK SARGSYAN INSULTS AND ABUSES JOURNALIST

A1Plus.am
16 May 2011

Armenian parliamentarian Alexander (Sashik) Sargsyan, the brother
of President Serzh Sargsyan, has sworn “Hraparak” daily journalist
Marine Kharatyan, using abusive language against her.

The newspaper is going to send the recording to the presidential
residence.

Marine Kharatyan came up to the MP in the corridor of the National
Assembly to ask whether he is going to run for Parliament during the
next elections. The furious MP seized the recorder and pressed all
the buttons to erase the recording.

“You do not have a right to ask me questions,” said Sargsyan.

“After I tried to explain that journalists have a right to address
questions to parliamentarians in the parliament premises, Sashik
Sargsyan started to insult me,” said the journalist.

Head of the Republican faction Galust Sahakyan was present at the
incident but did nothing to help the desperate journalist. Seeing
Marine’s confusion, he said indifferently, “Don’t you see that the
man does not want to answer your questions?”

The journalist says Sashik Sargsyan even called her “brazen-faced”

“I am only asking you about your future activities, while you insult
me. You do not have any right to talk to journalists in such a way,”
said Marine.

“Go away! This dog has probably been seen…,” said Sargsyan.

“I am not a dog,” said the journalist.

CITIZEN OF ARMENIA KILLED IN RUSSIA

Story from Lragir.am News:

Published: 18:46:09 – 16/05/2011

The Union of Armenians of Russia informed about cruel beating of
Armenian citizens in Russia. The incident was reported on May 8
in the village of Novi Bit, in Moscow region. The three Armenians
were attacked by several tens of nationalists. Grigor Usnyan, 22,
got severe head injuries and was taken to the intensive care unit of
the local hospital. Usnyan died in hospital on May 15. The other two
were also injured.

Grigor Usnyan worked in Moscow region as a builder and was the only
earner of his family. He supported his sister who had lost her leg
in the earthquake in 1988 and his old mother.

SEYRAN OHANYAN: “THE WAR OF SNIPERS DOESN’T GIVE PREFERENCE TO ANY OF THE SIDES”

Noyan Tapan

16.05.2011

(Noyan Tapan – 16.05.2011) On May 15, the Armenian Defense Minister
Seyran Ohanyan, during an interview to Public Television, referred to
the cases of violation of cease-fire regime by Azerbaijan, activation
of snipers as well as organizational works for the spring draft.

Answering to the question whether the opinion that the establishment
of cease-fire regime allowed Azerbaijan to avoid serious losses,
to win time and to get prepared for further military adventures
while if the ceasefire regime didn’t take place, the Armenian side
could have registered greater achievements, Seyran Ohanyan said,”In
order to give professionally right assessment, first of all it is
necessary to realize what issues the Artsakhi armed forces faced and
how the issue was solved. The Artsakh war wasn’t aimed at invading
the whole Azerbaijan, the goal of the war was to liberate Artsakh,
ensure the security of its people. I think it is obvious that the
issue was completely solved. Artsakh people, as a model character of
democratic society progress today. I think it would be a naivety to
think that only Azerbaijan used the opportunity of winning time”.

Speaking about the violation of ceasefire regime and provocative
acts by Azerbaijan, S. Ohanyan said, “To my mind, Azerbaijani
military-political leaders try to break among his soldiers the
stereotype of being defeated, surely also trying to have impact on
the Armenian public. On the contrary, those activities give to the
Armenian public and the army a chance to unite. Of course, those
activities also have inner and outer political motive”.

Referring to the activation of Azerbaijani snipers as a result of which
Armenian soldiers and peaceful population are killed, Seyran Ohanyan
noted, “The so-called war of snipers does not give any preferences to
any of the sides. A response is given to the activities of snipers,
but as these actions have become widely discussed by our public,
I would like again to repeat that unequal response is given to these
actions by using disproportionate punishment. It means that they are
punished with more losses, another thing is that the Azerbaijani mass
media present it in their way. Nevertheless, the activity of enemy’s
snipers is open violation of arrangements reached during negotiations
and the international community should give corresponding assessment
to it.

The Minister of Defense also referred to the conduction of spring
draft. “Corresponding mechanisms are created for the implementation
of inner and outer control over the draft process. Today this process
is controlled not only by the Ministry of Defense, but by the Security
Council, law enforcement bodies and civil society structures”.