Author: Badalian Vardan

FRENCH AMBASSADOR: CURRENT SITUATION IN NAGORNO-KARABAKH CONFLICT CAN’T LAST FOR A LONG TIME

APA, Azerbaijan
Nov 12 2014

[ 12 November 2014 15:59 ]

Baku – APA. The current situation in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
can not last for a long time, newly appointed Ambassador of France
to Armenia Jean-Francois Charpentier told reporters, APA reports
quoting panorama.am.

“We want Armenia and Azerbaijan to find a mutually acceptable solution
as soon as possible, which will comply with the wishes of the peoples
of conflicting countries,” said Mr Charpentier. The envoy noted that
this is not his position, but the position of his country. Being
committed to this approach, the French president organized an
Armenian-Azerbaijani presidential meeting in Paris.

ARMENIAN HELICOPTER SHOT DOWN ON FRONT LINE – DEFENSE MINISTRY

APA, Azerbaijan
Nov 12 2014

[ 12 November 2014 16:53 ]

Baku. Hafiz Heydarov – APA. An Armenian helicopter has been shot down
on the front line.

During the recent exercises conducted by the Armenian Armed Forces,
Armenia’s military aircraft have been implementing provocative flights
over the frontal area for three days, Azerbaijani Defense Ministry
told APA.

The enemy military aircraft, performing combat maneuvers over the
Azerbaijani positions, today attempted to open fire at our positions.

On November 12 at about 1:45 pm, the Mi-24 helicopter of the Armenian
Armed Forces flying 1700 meters north-east of Kangarli village of
Aghdam region attacked the Azerbaijani positions. The enemy helicopter
was shot down with return fire.

The remains of the downed helicopter fell on the opposite territory
500 meters away from the front line.

OSCE SAYS IT IS CONCERNED OVER INCIDENT INVOLVING ARMENIAN HELICOPTER

Trend, Azerbaijan
Nov 12 2014

12 November 2014, 19:51 (GMT+04:00)

Trend:

The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe is concerned
over the developments around the helicopter crash on the contact line
of Armenian and Azerbaijani troops, and believes that such incidents
can expand the scope of the crisis, the OSCE Secretary General Lamberto
Zannier said Nov. 12, RIA Novosti news agency reported.

Such catastrophes can lead to a broader crisis in the context of a
situation that is increasingly unstable, Zannier said at a hearing
at the European Parliament.

On Nov. 12, at 13:45 (UTC/GMT +4 hours) a Mi-24 helicopter flying 1700
meters northeast of the Kengerli village of Aghdam district attacked
the positions of the Azerbaijani army. The helicopter was shot down
by the Azerbaijani side.

The debris of the downed helicopter fell on an area, located 500
meters away from the frontline.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988
when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan.

As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied
20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and
seven surrounding districts.

The two countries signed a ceasefire agreement in 1994. The co-chairs
of the OSCE Minsk Group, Russia, France and the US are currently
holding peace negotiations.

Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions
on the liberation of the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding regions.

CHURCH DEDICATED TO MEMORY OF 1.5 MILLION CHRISTIAN GENOCIDE VICTIMS DEMOLISHED BY ISLAMISTS

Breitbart
Nov 12 2014

by Oliver Lane 11 Nov 2014

Islamist forces have blown up a church dedicated to the memory of the
Armenian Genocide at the hands of the last Islamic Caliphate in 1915,
burning the extensive library of manuscripts kept there and exhuming
the bones of hundreds of victims interred there.

The priest responsible for the Der Zor memorial church, which stands on
the site of a former concentration camp and burial ground for hundreds
of thousands of dead, was given the opportunity to recognise Islamist
forces as the legitimate government of northern Syria, or to have the
church destroyed. After his principled refusal, the church was bombed
by Islamist forces – first reported to be the Islamic State, but now
thought to be al-Nusra, a cadet-branch of Al-Qaeda operating in Syria.

To complete the destruction of the site, the extensive archive of
manuscripts and documents dating back to 1841 were burnt, and the
bones of victims of the Armenian genocide were removed from the crypt
and dumped by the side of the road, according to local reports. The
church had already been bombed and damaged in 2012, but had gone some
way toward recovery. The Foreign Minister of the Armenian state has
called the September demolition a “horrible barbarity”.

The Independent newspaper reports the remarks of the local area
priest who oversaw the memorial church, who said of the genocide in
1915: “During the Armenian genocide, the Turks entered the church
and killed its priest, Father Petrus Terzibashian, in front of the
congregation… Then they threw his body into the Euphrates. This
time when the Islamists came, our priest there fled for his life”.

Burning Christian books is not uncommon in areas controlled by
Islamists, and the priest recalls when Islamists sacked his own Church
and home earlier in the year. Graffiti scrawled on the desecrated
altar read “Thanks be to God for al-Qaeda, the Nusra Front and Bilal
al-Sham”, and they didn’t spare his personal library either. He said:
“They burned all my books and documents, many of them very old,
and left my library with nothing but 60cm of ash on the floor”.

The Armenian Genocide of 1915 was part of a campaign of oppression by
the last Islamic Caliphate, which led to the deaths of 1.5 million
largely Christian Armenians. The beginning of the genocide was
marked with a service at the Der Zor church, to mark the anniversary
on April 25th of the first arrests of Armenian intellectuals around
what is today the city of Istanbul, in modern Turkey. As the massacre
intensified, scenes that would not be out of place among the worst
atrocities of the Islamic State today unfolded, including beheadings,
crucifixions and hangings.

To have utterly destroyed this memorial just six months shy of the
centenary commemorations of the genocide may have been a calculated
move. Events will still take place in modern day Armenia next year,
but this church, which has been the centre of worship and memory for
the dead of the genocide at the hands of the Ottoman Empire will no
longer be there.

MOSCOW TRIES TO INCREASE ITS INFLUENCE IN GEORGIA

GHN News Agency, Georgia
November 11, 2014 Tuesday

Alik Eroiants: Moscow tries to increase its influence in Georgia

Armenian edition “Lragiri” published interview with Armenian Alik
Eroiants who talks about relations between Georgia and Armenia and
about geopolitical threats.

GHN offers short version of interview.

Question: According to materials published in Russian media in the
project of Russia-Abkhazia and Russia-South Ossetia is considered that
in case of destabilization in Georgia Russia can reach the border
of Armenia with the motive to protect population of Georgia. Is it
possible and is it directed against relations of Armenia and Georgia?

Alik Eroiants: “Such kind of picture is exaggerated. If even Russia has
such kind of task it is very tough to realize it, because it touches
not only Moscow, Tbilisi and Yerevan but whole region. Of course the
situation can be changed in the future – considering Euro Atlantic
integration of Georgia Russia can increase pressure but capturing
Georgian territories is not real. It is not depended only on the
wish of Russia because there are factors of US and European Union
that play role in this issue.

Some people can remind about August 2008 and say that Russia invaded
Georgia, but today it is not real. It is different case that Moscow
tries to increase its influence in Georgia. While the Presidency
of Mikheil Saakashvili Tbilisi was against Vladimer Putin, but new
government has multi vector and balanced politics: on one hand it
continues the course of Saakashvili to the west and on other hand
it tries to make relations with Russia better. Such kind of politics
serves interests of Georgia because the west advices Tbilisi to solve
relations with Russia too.”

Question: Georgia is striving to join European Union, Armenia agreed
to join Eurasian Union. Will it create problems in relations between
Georgia and Armenia?

Alik Eroiants: European Union and also Eurasian Union in relations
with Georgia is not connected with Armenia issue. There can be
problems in economic relations but high level ties between Tbilisi
and Yerevan will make these risks neutral. I don’t think that Russia
wants to make tensed relations between Georgia and Armenia; it can
be only beneficial for Turkey and Azerbaijan. I want to say that
while implementing balanced politics by the government of Georgia
Tbilisi also notices that influence of Turkey and Azerbaijan grows
in Georgia, however they understand also that such kind of situation
will create problems. That’s why Georgia will maintain good relations
with Armenia. Question: There is political crisis in Georgia: those
who left ruling coalition say that the government puts European way
under the question. Brussels and Washington also agrees with. Do you
think the same?

Alik Eroiants: The impression that Georgia seems changed its European
course and turned to Eurasian is exaggerated, however the political
processes in Georgia confirms that the processes will be more
slow. It is underlined not only by Washington and Brussels but also
by Tbilisian officials including the President. This is result of the
politics of Bidzina Ivanishvili who stated that this is necessity to
solve relations with Russia. This thesis is confirmed with the fact
that Irakli Alasania was dismissed exactly with this context. He was
with official visit in Europe and without agreement with the Premier
was negotiating about purchase of arms with France and Germany. May
be it was the reason of dismissal of Irakli Alasania. The leader of
“Free Democrats” was leading independent politics without agreement
with the Prime Minister. The same we can say about the former Minister
of Foreign Affairs Maia Panjikidze. It is clear that the situation is
tough, there is intergovernmental disagreement. But I can’t say that
in Georgia there is political crisis. Yes, some Ministers resign but
others will be appointed and it means that the government controls
the situation.

Question: The party of Mikheil Saakshvili expressed readiness to
relate with Irakli Alasania under the “name of European course,”
however “Free Democrats” are not hurry to make agreement on. Is it
possible to strengthen the opposition and to hold early elections?

Alik Eroiants: “After dismissal of the Ministers in the government
there raised issue to maintain Parliamentarian majority, however soon
it became clear that majority will not turn into minority – there
are other parties in coalition. If Republicans and “Free Democrats”
will join National Movement crisis will be more complicated. Many
things are depended on “Georgian Dream” – what kind of steps it will
make in the future.”

Armenian National Committee of Canada
130 Albert St., Suite 1007
Ottawa, ON KIP 5G4
Tel: 613-235-2622
Fax: 613-238-2622
E-mail: [email protected]

Nov. 11, 2014

REMEMBERING TODAY?

The ultimate sacrifice, of one?s life, in defense of a nation, of
peace, of freedom, is a sacrifice we must always remember and honour.

Armenians who survived the Genocide and deportations from their
ancestral lands early in the 20th century spread around the world in
search of freedom and dignity. The sons and daughters of those who
landed in Canada have proudly served Canada, dating back to the First
World War. Learning from the lessons of our own history, Armenian
Canadians also have a moral obligation to remember and to pay tribute
to the many unknown victims of war, of war crimes and of crimes
against humanity. They, too, are amongst those brave men and women who
have sacrificed their lives for our wellbeing today.

The Armenian National Committee of Canada, on behalf of the Canadian
Armenian community, would like to thank the Canadian Government and
its armed forces for the security and safety they bring to our
community and our country from coast to coast. We remember and are
grateful for the ultimate sacrifices of all those who have fallen on
and off the battlefields to protect our welfare.

This year, 100 years after the start of the Great War, we especially
remember Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent and Corporal Nathan Cirillo,
who were killed during attacks on Canadian soil. It reminds us all
that there is a high price to be paid for the freedom that we all
enjoy, and that Canada must always stand on guard.

-30-

******
The ANCC is the largest and the most influential Canadian-Armenian
grassroots human rights organization. Working in coordination with a
network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout Canada and
affiliated organizations around the world, the ANCC actively advances
the concerns of the Canadian-Armenian community on a broad range of
issues.
——
Le CNAC est l’organisation canado-arménienne des droits humains la
plus large et influentielle. Collaborant avec une série de bureaux,
chapitres et souteneurs à travers le Canada et des organisations
affiliées à travers le monde, le CNAC s’occupe activement des
inquiétudes de la communauté canadienne-arménienne.

Contact: R. Roupen Kouyoumdjian
(514) 265-4602

DES AZERIS BLOQUENT L’ENTREE DU PAVILLON DE L’ARTSAKH AU SALON MONDIAL DU TOURISME DE LONDRES

KARABAGH

Brandissant des drapeaux de l’Azerbaïdjan, des representants de
l’embassade azerie, accompagnes par des membres de la communaute azerie
de Grande-Bretagne, ont bloque l’entree du pavillon de l’Artsakh au
Salon mondial du Tourisme a Londres, le vendredi 7 novembre, a deplore
un responsable de la presse du gouvernement du Haut Karabagh cite par
ArmInfo. Les gardes charges de la securite du salon n’ont toutefois
guère laisse le temps aux perturbateurs azeris de provoquer plus de
troubles et les ont escortes jusqu’a la sortie.

L’esclandre des representants de Bakou aura donc surtout eu pour
effet d’attirer davantage l’attention des visiteurs sur le pavillon
de l’Artsakh, qui s’emploie a faire connaître le territoire armenien
et a y developper le tourisme.

C’est la deuxième operation de ce genre menee par les Azeris dans un
Salon international dedie au voyage. Mais des incidents similaires
se sont produits dans different salon ou foires internationaux où
l’Artsakh etait represente. Le pavillon de l’Artsakh exposait des
specialites du terroir, et notamment les crus locaux, ainsi que
differents ouvrages dedies au Karabagh et mettant en valeur son
riche patrimoine naturel et culturel. Le Salon mondial du tourisme
avait ouvert ses portes le 3 novembre et se terminait le 7 novembre,
sur ce bien piètre coup d’eclat donc, des propagandistes de Bakou. La
Fondation nationale pour la competitivite de l’Armenie (NCFA), avec
cinq agences de voyage armeniennes, representaient l’Armenie a ce
salon cette annee, où elle partageit son pavillon avec l’Artsakh.

Les diplomates azerbaïdjanais en poste a Londres avaient tente en
vain d’exclure l’Artsakh de la liste des participants a ce salon,
et c’est donc en desespoir de cause qu’ils ont recouru a un procede
moins diplomatique pour perturber la presence armenienne, sans plus de
succès d’ailleurs. Le Salon de Londres est l’un des grands rendez-vous
du tourisme mondial ; quelque 5 000 exposants representant 186 pays
et regions et plus de 50 000 professionnels du voyage y prennent part.

mardi 11 novembre 2014, Gari (c)armenews.com

REVUE DE LA PRESSE AZERBAIDJANAISE DU 17 AU 24 OCTOBRE 2014

AZERBAIDJAN

Relations internationales

Les journaux couvrent le deplacement du president Ilham Aliyev au
Tadjikistan ainsi que l’entretien avec son homologue tadjik, Emomalii
Rahmon. > a declare le president
azerbaïdjanais lors de sa rencontre avec le president Rahmon. Khalq
qazeti, Bakinski rabotchi Ekho, Bizim Yol. 18.10.2014

L’ensemble de la presse azerbaïdjanaise du 24 octobre couvre la
visite de Frank-Walter Steinmeier, ministre des Affaires etrangères
d’Allemagne et son entretien avec le Chef de l’Etat azerbaïdjanais,
Ilham Aliyev. >.

Nils Mujniyeks, commissaire europeen aux droits de l’homme a rencontre
a Bakou des activistes de la societe civile : Samir Kazimli, Gunay
Ismayilova, Khadidja Ismayilova, Turgut Gambar, membre de NIDA et des
avocats Khalid Baguirov et Javad Javadli. La question des prisonniers
politiques a ete abordee lors de cette rencontre. Azadlig 24.10.2014

Azadlig consacre sa Une a la declaration du departement d’Etat
americain qui demande au president Aliyev la liberation immediate des
prisonniers politiques en Azerbaïdjan. Le porte-parole du ministère
des Affaires etrangères d’Azerbaïdjan a declare que les tentatives
permanentes des Etats-Unis de se meler durablement des affaires
internes de l’Azerbaïdjan est totalement inacceptable. Bizim yol,
a son tour, reprend en titre : > 17.10.2014

Rasoul Jafarov, defenseur des droits de l’homme, actuellement en
detention provisoire, s’est adresse au president Ilham Aliyev et au
procureur general, Zakir Garalov demandant sa liberation. > Leyla Yunus a ete transferee au ministère de
la Securite national et mise a l’isolement, disent Azadlig, Bizim yol.

23.10.2014

Relations armeno-azerbaidjanaises

Dans le cadre du règlement du conflit du Haut-Karabakh les presidents
d’Azerbaïdjan et d’Armenie en presence du president francais Francois
Hollande se rencontreront a Paris le 27 octobre, annonce Azadlig. Les
copresidents du groupe de Minsk y participeront egalement. Le journal
mentionne les propos d’un politologue Vafa Goulouzadeh, selon lesquels
cette rencontre n’a rien d’inedit. > a commente M. Goulouzadeh. 20.10.2014

Yeni Musavat du 21 octobre rapporte que les copresidents du groupe
de Minsk ont fait une declaration a la veille de la rencontre des
presidents a Paris.

L’AMBASSADEUR DE TURQUIE EN FRANCE APPELLE À UNE COMMISSION D’HISTORIENS

Genocide des Armeniens

On ne sait pas ce qui s’est dit entre Charles Aznavour et l’ambassadeur
de Turquie en France, Hakki Akil, lors de leur fameux dejeuner parisien
; toujours est-il que le shmilblik n’a pas avance d’un pouce dans les
esprits turcs qui maintiennent la fameuse posture de la creation d’une
commission d’enquete alors que plus d’une vingtaine de democraties
de par le monde ont reconnu la realite du genocide des Armeniens.

Il est evident que la creation d’une telle commission, le temps de
decrypter les documents de tous les pays concernes ; d’en arriver a une
conclusion et de presenter les preuves a un tribunal international,
ne pourrait qu’arranger la Turquie qui se verra la gagner plus de 15
ans avant qu’une decision officielle ne soit prise.

Peut-etre pour elle, le temps de reunir les milliards de dollars de
compensation pour les crimes commis par le gouvernement ottoman sur
le peuple armenien.

UN DEUXIEME AVOCAT EMPECHE DE DEFENDRE LEYLA YUNUS EN AZERBAIDJAN

AZERBAIDJAN

Un deuxième avocat a ete empeche de defendre la militante des droits
humains Leyla Yunus emprisonnee en Azerbaïdjan.

Xalid Bagirov a declare a RFE / RL qu’il n’a pas ete autorise a
rencontrer son client dans un centre de detention provisoire a Bakou
le 5 Novembre.

Il a precise qu’on lui a dit qu’il ne pouvait pas defendre Leyla
Yunus par le procureur general de l’Azerbaïdjan, mais aucune raison
n’a ete donnee.

La semaine dernière, Leyla Yunus a dit qu’un autre avocat, Cavad
Cavadov, avait ete interdit de la representer devant la cour.

Leyla Yunus, 58 ans, est une critique feroce du bila ndes droits de
l’homme en Azerbaïdjan.

Elle et son mari, Arif Yunus, 59 ans, ont ete arretes en Juillet et
Août, respectivement, et accuse de haute trahison et d’autres crimes.

Le couple affirme que les accusations sont motivees politiquement.

Les gouvernements occidentaux et les groupes des droits de l’homme
ont appele a la liberation immediate du couple.

lundi 10 novembre 2014, Stephane (c)armenews.com