Author: Badalian Vardan

TURKISH PARLIAMENTARIAN: IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO REOPEN TURKEY-ARMENIA BORDER UNTIL ARMENIA ENDS KARABAKH’S OCCUPATION

Today
Jan 22 2010
Azerbaijan

Day.Az interview with member of Turkey’s Grand National Assembly
(parliament) and Deputy Chairman of Nationalist Movement Party (MHP)
Ismet Buyukataman.

Armenian Constitutional Court has announced the Armenia-Turkey
protocols consistent with country’s laws with preconditions which
has caused Turkey’s discontent. In your opinion, will the protocols
be ratified finally?

Turkey’s PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan has stated that it is impossible to
normalize relations between Turkey and Armenia until Azerbaijan’s seven
Armenia-occupied lands are liberated. The Prime Minister recalled the
UN resolutions on Nagorno-Karabakh asking the rhetorical question,
"who now must make the first move?". He replied to this question
himself: "Armenia should take the first step. Azerbaijan’s seven
regions should be liberated. Without solving this problem, Turkey
will do nothing to normalize relations with Armenia."

We want to believe in Turkish Prime Minister’s promise. Armenia
should resolve its problems with Azerbaijan and, first and foremost,
the Karabakh issue.

Armenians usually step up "genocide" propaganda before April 24. This
year ratification of the protocols by Turkey will also be highlighted.

Can Turkey reopen its border with Armenia as a result of outside
pressure before April 24?

It is impossible to reopen borders with Armenia until Armenia
rescind its decision on invalidity of the Kars Treaty of 1921 and
Gumri Treaty of 1920, which defines the border between Turkey and
Armenia, abolishes the item declaring Anatolia "Western Armenia" in
the Act of Independence, removes Mount Agrı from its coat of arms and
changes the related article in its Constitution, renounces its false
"Armenian genocide" claims, stops smear campaign against Turkey and
Turkish people in the international arena, eliminates causes that
led to the closure of borders between the two countries in 1993 and
takes steps to return nearly one million Azerbaijani refugees to
their homes and puts an end to Karabakh’s occupation.

Pressure from Armenians and international community can not change
this reality.

May Erdogan’s recent Russia trip change anything in terms of resolving
the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict?

In May 2009, Turkish PM Erdogan called on to take active steps to
settle the Karabakh conflict. At that time Russia announced that "the
problem should be resolved by the sides to the conflict." During a
recent visit to Moscow, Erdogan again raised the issue, and Russian
officials said they were ready to do utmost in this regard, but
believe that the Armenian-Azerbaijani and Armenian-Turkish problems
should be resolved in a package version.

This means that Russia takes the issue from a political standpoint,
and it has no initiatives in this respect. So, it is wrong to expect
something from Russia and hope that it will contribute to solving the
problem. Russia has shown its attitude to this issue many times over
the past 20 years.

Will the MHP change position on protection of Azerbaijan’s interests
in settlement of the Karabakh conflict and Armenian-Turkish relations?

Late national leader Heydar Aliyev once said "We are two states, but
one nation." Our Nationalist Movement Party has always approached
such issues from this point of view, and we will continue to treat
them the same way. Azerbaijan is our brotherly country. There can
be no other opinion. Your pain is our pain, and the MHP will always
protect Azerbaijan’s interest and will do everything possible to
address the problems of the fraternal country.

Day.Az

URL:

FIRST ARAB UNIVERSITY TO BE ESTABLISHED IN ARMENIA

PanARMENIAN.Net
19.01.2010 18:45 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Possibilities of cooperation in education and
science were discussed during the meeting of RA Deputy Prime Minister,
Minister of Territorial Administration Armen Gevorgyan with the
Vice-Chancellor of Higher College of Technology of Abu Dhabi Taid
Kamali during the visit of the Armenian deputy prime minister in the
United Arab Emirates, press office of the Ministry of Territorial
Administration reported.

Tayid Kamali will visit Armenia in February 2010. Armen Gevorgyan
expressed the readiness of the Armenian side to establish the Arab
university in Armenia, which will be the first in the region.

At the invitation of the Minister of Education and Scientific Research
of United Arab Emirates Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyani RA
Minister of Territorial Administration, met with members of "Young
Leaders" organization. Armenia has also been invited to become a
member of this organization, and this issue will be discussed during
the visit Tayid Kamali in Yerevan.

NATIONAL PRESS CLUB EXPRESSES INDIGNATION OVER SENTENCING NIKOL PASHINIAN TO IMPRISONMENT

Noyan Tapan
Jan 20, 2010

YEREVAN, JANUARY 20, NOYAN TAPAN. The National Press Club on January
20 made a statement expressing deep indignation over the judgement
sentencing editor-in-chief of the Haykakan Zhamanak daily Nikol
Pashinian to imprisonment.

The charge of "instigating mass disorders," according to NPC, indeed
is nothing else than exercising the right of having convictions,
staying loyal to them, receiving and spreading ideas reserved by the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights, "for which Nikol Pashinian
will pay by 7 years’ imprisonment," NPC’s statement read.

According to NPC, such a judgement of the court has a goal of
sowing fear of professional activity among journalists and deepening
self-censorship.

ARMENIAN MINISTER OF FINANCE TO PARTICIPATE IN SECOND EURASEC COUNCIL CONFERENCE

PanARMENIAN.Net
20.01.2010 15:45 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenian Minister of Finance Tigran Davtyan left
for Moscow to participate in second conference of Eurasian Economic
Community Anti Crisis Council, ministerial press service reported.

Financial credits’ provision order will be confirmed at the conference,
investment programs’ funding as well as other current issues discussed.

The Eurasian Economic Community (EAEC or EurAsEC) originated
from the Commonwealth of Independent States customs union between
Belarus, Russia and Kazakhstan on 29 March 1996. The Treaty on the
establishment of the Eurasian Economic Community was signed on 10
October 2000, c_Community
– cite_note-1 in Kazakhstan’s capital Astana by Presidents Alexander
Lukashenko of Belarus, Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan, Askar
Akayev of Kyrgyzstan, Vladimir Putin of Russia, and Emomali Rakhmonov
of Tajikistan. On 7 October 2005 it was decided between the member
states that Uzbekistan would join. Freedom of movement is implemented
among the members (no visa requirements).

ASSYRIAN MEMORIAL ISSUE REFERRED TO STATE OMBUDSMAN IN AUSTRALIA

Today’s Zaman
Jan 19 2010
Turkey

A decision by a council in western Sydney to approve a monument
commemorating an alleged Assyrian genocide despite opposition from
the Turkish community and Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith
has been referred to the state of New South Wales’ ombudsman, news
reports said.

The erection of the monument, proposed by the Assyrian Universal
Alliance to commemorate the alleged Assyrian genocide, was approved by
the Fairfield Council in Sydney’s western suburbs in December. Denying
the Assyrians’ genocide claims, Turkey’s ambassador to Australia,
Oguz Ozge, called the council’s decision "very offensive," noting
that the Turkish government was considering legal action against the
council decision.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry had already condemned the council’s
decision while reiterating Ankara’s stance on controversial disputes
about history, saying the issue should only be discussed by historians
through objective analysis.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported on Monday that a complaint was
sent to the ombudsman last week alleging that conflicts of interest
should have prevented at least two councilors from voting.

Adem Cetinay, who is of Turkish origin and who organized a petition
opposing the monument, wrote a 14-page complaint highlighting links
between Assyrian community groups and several councilors who voted
for the monument.

The monument will commemorate the Assyrian victims of an alleged
genocide that supposedly took place between 1915 and 1918. According
to the allegations, approximately 750,000 Assyrians, or approximately
75 percent of the Assyrian population in the former Ottoman Empire,
were killed.

ARMENIA PARTICIPATES FOR THIRD TIME IN INTERNATIONAL GREEN WEEK FAIR

Noyan Tapan
Jan 18, 2010

BERLIN, JANUARY 18, NOYAN TAPAN. With the assistance of the Germany’s
Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, Armenia
is participating for the third time in the 75th International Green
Week fair for food, agriculture and horticulture. Ararat brandy,
wine and vodka plant (Yerevan), Yerevan Champagne and Wine Plant,
the Yerevan Brandy Company, Sis, MAP, Multi Agro, and Tamar Tatik
enterprises are presenting their products at the fair which opened
in Berlin on January 15.

The RA MFA Press and Information Department reported that enterprises
producing agricultural food, particularly foodstuffs and beverages,
from more than 70 countries, are taking part in this annual
exhibition. In addition to displaying their products and art of
cookery, they will also discuss the prospects of cooperation and
establish practical links with each other.

AZERBAIJAN’S MPS PROTEST US CONGRESS DECISION TO FINANCE NAGORNO-KARABAKH

Tert.am
17:29 ~U 18.01.10

Azerbaijani MPs will visit the U.S to protests the U.S Congress’s
decision to send financial aid to the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh.

"During our U.S visit, which begins January 21, we intend to conduct
serious discussions over the U.S Congress’s decision to finance
Nagorno-Karabakh separatists," Parliamentary Security and Defense
Committee member Zahid Oruj told Azerbaijani news agency Trend
News today.

According to him, meetings will be held in Washington and Colorado.

"During the visit, the Azerbaijani delegation composing will meet
with senators and discuss US-Azerbaijani relations and the situation
in South Caucasus," he added.

He said meetings with representatives of Azerbaijani and Turkish
Diaspora organizations in the United States were not ruled out.

"The U.S. is one of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs. During the
meetings, we will stress the need to increase U.S. efforts in the
process of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement under the framework
of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity," he said.

Charles Aznavour to record music video to raise funds for quake-stricken Haiti
16.01.2010 11:51 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Dozens of French rappers and pop stars are joining
renowned singers Charles Aznavour and Youssou N’Dour to record a music
video Friday to raise funds for quake-stricken Haiti.

"A Gesture for Dear Haiti" (Un geste pour Haiti cherie) will be widely
distributed to French television stations, appealing to viewers to
make a donation for quake relief.

Hip hop duo Neg’Marrons wrote the music and each of the 40 odd artists
would contribute a line to the lyrics of the song that would be
recorded in a Paris studio, said a spokesman for Trace TV music
channel.

Slam poet Grand Corps Malade, rappers Passi and Stomy Bugsy were among
the big names taking part along with 85-year-old Aznavour, who is
French-Armenian, and N’Dour, of Senegalese origin.

Haitian-born stand-up comic Anthony Kavanagh, who lives in Canada,
separately called on French artists to organise a fundraising telethon
for Haiti, where tens of thousands are feared dead from Tuesday’s
quake.

"We have to do something. We have to send money. There is nothing left
there, but abysmal misery," said Kavanagh.

Rapper Kery James, whose parents are of Haitian origin, will be giving
a charity concert while leading French playwright Robert Hossein said
all proceeds from a theatre performance next week will go toward
medical relief, AFP reported.

Charles Aznavour (born May 22, 1924, Paris) is a French singer,
songwriter, actor, public activist and diplomat of Armenian descent.
Besides being one of France’s most popular and enduring singers, he is
also one of the most well-known singers in the world. He is known for
his characteristic short figure and unique tenor voice; clear and
ringing in its upper reaches, with gravely and profound low notes. He
has appeared in more than 60 movies, composed about 1,000 songs
(including at least 150 in English, 100 in Italian, 70 in Spanish, and
50 in German), and sold well over 100 million records.

In 1998, Charles Aznavour was chosen as Entertainer of the Century by
CNN and users of Time Online from around the globe. He was recognized
as the century’s outstanding performer, with nearly 18% of the total
vote, edging out Elvis Presley and Bob Dylan. He has sung for
presidents, popes, and royalty, as well as at humanitarian events, and
is the founder of the charitable organization Aznavour for Armenia
along with his long-time friend and impresario Levon Sayan.

Aznavour started his global farewell tour in late 2006, which
continues through this day. In 2009 he was appointed as Ambassador of
Armenia to Switzerland, as well as Armenia’s permanent delegate to the
United Nations at Geneva.

The 2010 Haiti Earthquake was a catastrophic magnitude 7.0 Mw
earthquake centered approximately 25 kilometres (16 mi) from
Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti, striking at 16:53:09 local time
(21:53:09 UTC) on Tuesday, 12 January 2010. The earthquake occurred at
a depth of 13 kilometres (8.1 mi). The United States Geological Survey
recorded a series of aftershocks, fourteen of them between magnitudes
5.0 and 5.9. The International Red Cross estimated that about three
million people were affected by the quake, and Haitian authorities
believe that up to 200,000 could be dead, exceeding earlier Red Cross
estimates of 45,000-50,000 people killed.

The earthquake caused major damage to Port-au-Prince. Most major
landmarks were significantly damaged or destroyed, including the
Presidential Palace (the President survived), the National Assembly
building, the Port-au-Prince Cathedral, and the main jail. Most
hospitals were destroyed. The United Nations reported that the
headquarters of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti
(MINUSTAH), located in the capital, had collapsed and that many UN
personnel were unaccounted for. The Mission’s Chief, Hédi Annabi, was
confirmed dead on 13 January by President René Préval, although
officially unaccounted for.

RA President, OSCE MG US Co-Chair discuss Karabakh problem
16.01.2010 16:33 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenians President Serzh Sargsyan met Saturday with
US Co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, Ambassador Robert Bradtke to
discuss the current stage of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement
process, the RA leader’s press office reported.

The Nagorno Karabakh conflict broke out in 1988 as result of the
ethnic cleansing launched by Azerbaijan in the final years of the
Soviet Union. The Karabakh War was fought from 1991 to 1994. Since the
ceasefire in 1994, most of Nagorno Karabakh and several regions of
Azerbaijan around it (the security zone) remain under the control of
Nagorno Karabakh defense army. Armenia and Azerbaijan have since been
holding peace talks mediated by the OSCE Minsk Group.

The OSCE Minsk Group was created in 1992 by the Conference on Security
and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE, now Organization for Security and
Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)) to encourage a peaceful, negotiated
resolution to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict.

The Helsinki Additional Meeting of the CSCE Council on 24 March 1992,
requested the Chairman-in-Office to convene as soon as possible a
conference on Nagorno Karabakh under the auspices of the CSCE to
provide an ongoing forum for negotiations towards a peaceful
settlement of the crisis on the basis of the principles, commitments
and provisions of the CSCE. The Conference is to take place in Minsk.
Although it has not to this date been possible to hold the conference,
the so-called Minsk Group spearheads the OSCE effort to find a
political solution to this conflict.

On December 6 , 1994, the Budapest Summit decided to establish a
co-chairmanship for the process.

Implementing the Budapest decision, the Chairman-in-Office issued on
23 March 1995, the mandate for the Co-Chairmen of the Minsk Process.

The main objectives of the Minsk Process are as follows: Providing an
appropriate framework for conflict resolution in the way of assuring
the negotiation process supported by the Minsk Group; Obtaining
conclusion by the Parties of an agreement on the cessation of the
armed conflict in order to permit the convening of the Minsk
Conference; Promoting the peace process by deploying OSCE
multinational peacekeeping forces.

The Minsk Process can be considered to be successfully concluded if
the objectives referred to above are fully met.

The Minsk Group is headed by a Co-Chairmanship consisting of France,
Russia and the United States. Furthermore, the Minsk Group also
includes the following participating States: Belarus, Germany, Italy,
Portugal, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Turkey as well as Armenia
and Azerbaijan. Current Co-chairmen of the Minsk Group are: Ambassador
Bernard Fassier of France, Ambassador Yuri Merzlyakov of the Russian
Federation and Ambassador Robert Bradtke of the United States.

Broadcast about Nagorno Karabakh mounted hysteria in Baku
17.01.2010 16:25 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ In its recent Vesti-Povolzhye news program, Nizhny
Novgorod State TV and Radio company broadcast a report on how the
local Armenians of the town were providing assistance to Nagorno
Karabakh Republic. The author of the report used the word Artsakh to
refer to Karabakh, saying that it was the ancient name of the
territory.

This mounted hysteria in Azerbaijan. Particularly, the country’s
Foreign Ministry Spokesman Elhan Polukhov said the statement will
receive a relevant reaction.

In response to Azeris’ anti-Armenian attack, Miasin Armenian
Internet-community has launched an online campaign calling on
Armenians to send their acknowledgement letters the TV Channel
Director Zeleniy Nazariy by the following addresses: [email protected];
[email protected]; [email protected].

The Nagorno Karabakh Republic (NKR) is a de facto independent republic
located in the South Caucasus, bordering by Azerbaijan to the north
and east, Iran to the south, and Armenia to the west.

After the Soviet Union established control over the area, in 1923 it
formed the Nagorno Karabakh Autonomous Oblast (NKAO) within the
Azerbaijan SSR. In the final years of the Soviet Union, Azerbaijan
launched an ethnic cleansing which resulted in the Karabakh War that
was fought from 1991 to 1994.

Since the ceasefire in 1994, most of Nagorno Karabakh and several
regions of Azerbaijan around it (the security zone) remain under the
control of Nagorno Karabakh defense army.

Armenia and Azerbaijan have since been holding peace talks mediated by
the OSCE Minsk Group.

Nizhny Novgorod State TV and Radio company is the successor of Gorki
State TV channel whose 50th anniversary was marked on September 29,
2007. This is the only TV and radio company in Nizhny Novgorod region
possessing exclusive technical equipment, including a movable
satellite station, TV studios with a total area of 150, 230 and 450
sq.m., as well as a portable TV studio and a unique sound studio.