Author: Badalian Vardan

Germany Should Bring Azerbaijan Down to Earth

AUGUST 30, 2014
Author(s):
Hugh Williamson
Published in:
Die Zeit (in German)

RELATED MATERIALS:

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AUGUST 27, 2014
Press release
While the World is Distracted, Azerbaijan Cracks Down on Human Rights Activists
AUGUST 29, 2014
Commentary

Germany has spoken out about Azerbaijan’s human rights abuses in the
past, such as ahead of Eurovision, and it should speak out again now.
Ukraine, Iraq and other crises demand attention in Berlin, but Germany
cannot risk ignoring events in Azerbaijan.

The government of Azerbaijan appears intent on convincing the world
that the oil-rich country is a prosperous and important player on the
international stage.

European television viewers may recall that Azerbaijan hosted the
European Song Contest in May 2012. The glitzy show was marred by
widely publicized forced evictions to make way for the contest venue,
and other human rights abuses that preceded the event.

Now Azerbaijan has reached another, more serious moment when its
vision for the international prestige it craves is clashing with
realities on the ground. In the last few weeks two contrasting
developments have shocked even the most hardened Azerbaijan watchers,
who are used to the parallel world the Baku government projects.

On the one hand, the government intensified its already authoritarian
crackdown on independent political and other public voices in
Azerbaijan. In the last two years the authorities have imprisoned at
least 40 political activists, human rights defenders, journalists and
others on various trumped-up charges, including drug possession, tax
evasion, and even treason.

And in a dramatic escalation since late July, the government rounded
up the country’s most senior human rights and other public figures,
imprisoning them on politically motivated charges. These include
Leyla Yunus, the well-known director of the Institute for Peace and
Democracy, and her husband, the historian Arif Yunus; Rasul Jafarov,
chair of Azerbaijan’s Human Rights Club; and Intigam Aliyev, the
highly respected chair of the Legal Education Society. All were part
of a group compiling a comprehensive list of victims of politically
motivated arrests in Azerbaijan. Now they are on the list.

In addition, the government’s already tough restrictions on the
activities of non-governmental organizations have been further
tightened. Many groups have been effectively forced to shut down after
their bank accounts were frozen or their sources of funding blocked.

On the other hand, Azerbaijan is making the most of new opportunities
to boost its international profile. In a perverse twist, Azerbaijan in
May assumed a prestigious position in Europe’s leading human rights
body – the rotating chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the
Council of Europe. On June 24 President Ilham Aliev used his speech
before the council’s Parliamentary Assembly in Strasbourg to deny any
human rights problems and to call his critics liars. “We have freedom
of political activity (and) freedom of assembly and association… in
Azerbaijan” he said.

Moreover, Baku is preparing for the first European Olympic Games next
June. Baku was the only bidder for the Games, which will provide new
opportunities to showcase at least some sanitized aspects of life in
Azerbaijan.

Germany has spoken out about Azerbaijan’s human rights abuses in the
past, such as ahead of Eurovision, and it should speak out again now.
Ukraine, Iraq and other crises demand attention in Berlin, but Germany
cannot risk ignoring events in Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan’s oil wealth and geo-political role in the sensitive
Caspian Sea region make it a potentially important partner for Berlin.
Azerbaijan is Germany’s seventh-most-important oil supplier, while
Germany is Azerbaijan’s most important European source of imports.
Berlin also supports peace initiatives on the conflict with Armenia
over Nagorno-Karabakh, the autonomous enclave in Azerbaijan primarily
populated by ethnic Armenians.

Yet partnership cannot work unless brazen human rights violations are
addressed. Germany could take three immediate steps to show Baku that
there will be no business as usual in diplomatic relations until those
imprisoned on bogus, politically motivated charges are released, and
the clampdown on civil society is lifted.

First, Berlin should raise its voice, bilaterally, through the EU, and
in the Council of Europe over the crackdown in Azerbaijan. The EU in
recent days expressed its “deep concern” about the “deterioration of.
..human rights” but Azerbaijan must grasp that consequences will
follow unless it ends its rights abuses.

Second, Berlin needs to identify those consequences and if necessary
apply them. These could include, as a start, insisting that the
European Commission freeze negotiations over a new EU “strategic
modernization partnership” with Azerbaijan, and suspend co-operation
with Baku in the Council of Europe.

Third, Germany should target Azerbaijan’s efforts to polish its
international image. For example, Baku boasts about its membership of
the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), an
international coalition promoting government openness in natural
resource management, even though it violates the coalition’s rules on
ensuring the right for independent groups to operate and be heard.
Germany, which supports EITI, should add its voice to calls to suspend
Azerbaijan’s EITI membership until its human rights record improves.

Such steps would show Azerbaijan that it cannot be an important
international player without respecting the fundamental human rights
of its own citizens.

Hugh Williamson is the Berlin-based director, Europe & Central Asia
division, Human Rights Watch.

Russian-Armenian businessman is transferred back to prison

16:54, 02.09.2014

Russian-Armenian businessman and benefactor Levon Hayrapetyan, who is
under detention in Moscow, was transferred to a civic hospital for a
one-day medical examination.

Armenian News-NEWS.am has learned from the “In support of Levon
Hayrapetyan” joint headquarters that, subsequently, Hayrapetyan was
again taken back to Matrosskaya Tishina prison in Moscow.

The Russian-Armenian businessman was transferred to a civic hospital
on Monday evening.

Levon Hayrapetyan, 65, was detained in a Moscow airport on July 15 and
subsequently arrested. On July 24, the Russian Federation
Investigation Committee brought two criminal charges against him:
embezzlement or misuse, and money laundering. To note, even though
Hayrapetyan has health problems, he is still kept in prison.

Kyrgyzstan buys Russian gas at lower prices than Armenia: Why? – opinions

17:09 * 02.09.14

Russia’s move to sell Kyrgyzstan natural gas at $165 instead of $224
is an attempt to boost the country’s economy, says Vazgen Safaryan,
the president of the Union of Native Commodity Producers.

“The calculations for every year are based on the given country’s
economic development trends. Kyrgyzstan is economically more
disadvantaged than Armenia. So perhaps they are boosting their
economy, having that in mind,” he told Tert.am, when asked to comment
on the higher tariffs imposed on Armenia.

Safaryan noted that Russia had earlier granted privileges to Armenia
by offering 30% subsidies. “The price for gas is 270 Dollars here, but
they subsidized it by 30% by reducing it to 189 Dollars. So we already
have that privilege,” he said, considering further subsidies
unnecessary.

Safaryan stressed the need of adopting a selective approach to
Russia-owned Armenian companies. “The gas price for those companies
should be in line with the domestic prices in Russia,” he added.

Noting that the Russian Gazprom has plans to offer a $20 million worth
loan to Kyrgyzstan, Safaryan said he thinks that it is yet another
measure to assist in the country’s development.

Commenting on the problem, a deputy leader of the opposition Heritage
party, Armen Martirosyan, said he doesn’t find privileges for
economically more dependent partners the right approach.

The politician said he is under the impression that the Armenian
authorities are ready to absolutely any step in order to please
Russia. “The Armenian authorities cannot express any position, so they
have to applaud and accept anything that the Russian authorities say.
They have no other way,” he told our correspondent.

Addressing the issue, the political analyst Levon Shirinyan said he
expects Russia to do everything possible to maintain leverages over
Kyrgyzstan in an attempt to pave way to a further control over
Afghanistan and India. “Russia’s steps over the recent period are
based on more strategic rather than an economic merits, so whatever it
gives [to other countries] is commensurate to the extent it evaluates
them. And the estimates of their relations with us are based on the
fact that we have the Turkish problem, so they are aware that we will
agree to concessions in face of the Turkish hazard and will always be
in need of their arms and ammunition,” he said.

Evaluating the advantages and disadvantages for Armenia, Shirinyan
said he thinks that the country’s gains are based on its merits in
terms of the Russian interests. “The Armenian authorities have to
first of all focus their efforts on their own dignity and build the
relations with Russia and others from that perspective. The lack of
dignity lowers the cost for the country,” he added.

Re-unification with Armenia is Karabakh’s ultimate goal, says parliament member

12:08 * 02.09.14

On the occasion of the 23rd anniversary of Nagorno-Karabakh’s
independence, Tert.am has interviewed Hakob Baghryan, a journalist and
a member of the country’s National Assembly, who remembered the
chronology of the independence process.

He said Karabakh’s only choice was to proclaim itself independent
under the circumstances then, instead of meeting the popular demand
(also backed by the political elite) for re-uniting with Armenia.

“When the Karabakh movement began in 1988, the historic session was
held on February 20 to adopt a corresponding decision on
re-unification with Mother Armenia. But the turn of the events led to
the “parade” of the Soviet Union’s disintegration, so Azerbaijan quit
the USSR on August 30. A new process began, which saw Azerbaijan
declare itself a republic and gain independence. But it sought to do
that hand in hand with Karabakh, so to say. And we did not delay our
response to proclaim Artsakh a republic. In my deepest conviction, it
was a right step at the time, as the re-unification with Mother
Armenia was not somewhat perceived by the international community.

“On September 2, the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region and the region
of Shahumyan held a joint session; so September 2 marks the birthday
of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. An independence referendum was held
on December 10 1991, and on January 6 1992, the Declaration of
Independence was adopted, leading to a war,” the journalist
remembered.

Baghryan said that he maintains the video records of all the historic
moments which later served basis for the documentary entitled
Self-Assertion, as well as his latest book, Field of Vision.

Considering the 1991 decision a temporary move, the journalist said he
believes that Karabakh’s re-unification with Armenia should be the
end-goal of all efforts.

“Artsakh independence has never been internationally recognized for 23
years on, but in my deepest conviction, this is a path and a tool to
make Artsakh part of Armenia, as my people desired and as was
historically predetermined. I think it was an intermediary step to
reach the end-goal. That state exists today, and it is vying for
independence. And you know that we have specific results; the State of
California has acknowledged Artsakh’s independence, so once the
country is internationally recognized, we will have, at least in my
opinion, a united Armenia,” he added.

Asked to comment on the country’s achievements over the past period
and its future efforts towards proving the irreversibility of
independence, Baghryan said he sees that the country’s proven record
of democracy clearly shows that a democratic state like Artsakh cannot
be part of a totalitarian regime (i.e – Azerbaijan).

“The only right path is to build a democratic state, so my belief is
that it will eventually take place, and the world will recognize the
independence of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. There’s no other
alternative,” he noted.

Karabakh celebrates 23rd anniversary of independence

YEREVAN, September 2. /ARKA/. Artsakh is celebrating today the 23rd
anniversary of declaration of independence of the Nagorno-Karabakh
Republic.

Various events, including official receptions and awarding ceremonies
are to be held in the capital and the provinces of the country. The
first lessons of 2014/2015 academic year were about NKR’s Independence
Day. Members of the parliament, the cabinet members and veterans of
the Karabakh war have participated in ‘courage classes’ in schools.

‘Fire Ring’ opera by Avet Terteryan will be performed in Shushi.
Concerts, sports events and folk festivals are scheduled in
Stepanakert and regional centers of the country, to be followed by a
firework at Revival Square in the capital.

Armenia’s president Serzh Sargsyan is currently in Karabakh to
participate in the festivities.

On September 2, 1991, a joint session of Nagorno-Karabakh local
government and Shahumyan regional council declared independence of
Nagorno-Karabakh Republic as per the USSR Law provision enabling
ethnic autonomies making independent decisions about their status.
NKR’s sovereignty was confirmed in a referendum of December 10, 1991,
where 99.89% of the population voted for independence.

Today Nagorno-Karabakh Republic is an accomplished statehood with all
modern attributes, including democratic traditions, independent
foreign policy, dynamic economic development, a capable army enjoying
public confidence. -0–

“TaTever” aerial tramway to operate by autumn schedule

Monday 1 September 2014 11:24
Photo: Photolure

Yerevan /Mediamax/. Starting today, “TaTever” aerial tramway will
operate by autumn schedule.

On Thursday-Friday, the ropeway will be open at 10:00- 19:00 (the last
transportation – at 18:45).

At the weekend, the ropeway will operate at 10:00- 20:00 (the last
transportation- at 19:45)

As before, Monday is a prophylactic day for “TaTever” aerial tramway.

Hurriyet Daily News, Turkey
Sept 1 2014

ErdoÄ?an ready for first international appearance as president

ANKARA

President ErdoÄ?an is set for his first international appearance after
taking office, including participation at the key NATO Summit in Wales
and bilateral visits to Northern Cyprus and Azerbaijan. AA Photo

President Recep Tayyip ErdoÄ?an is set for his first international
appearances after taking office on Aug. 28, including participation at
the key NATO Summit and bilateral visits to Northern Cyprus and
Azerbaijan.

ErdoÄ?an’s itinerary this week begins with a one-day trip to Northern
Cyprus, in line with the tradition followed by Turkish statesmen who
come to office. He will meet Turkish Cypriot President DerviÅ? EroÄ?lu
and other high ranking officials today, where he will reiterate
Turkey’s support to the ongoing reunification talks between Turkish
and Greek Cypriots and will urge Greek Cypriots not to further delay
the process.

ErdoÄ?an’s second trip abroad will be to Azerbaijan. He is expected to
depart to Baku tomorrow and will meet with Azerbaijani President Ä°lham
Aliyev the following day. Turkey and Azerbaijan have recently
intensified economy and energy relations after Azerbaijan’s state
company SOCAR put billions of dollars of investments into Turkey. The
two countries are currently working on the realization of a major
pipeline project, the TANAP, to transport Azerbaijani natural gas to
Europe via Turkey.

The new president’s visit to Baku will also touch on the
Nagorno-Karabakh issue between Azerbaijan and Armenia, which also
affects Ankara-Yerevan relations. Armenian Foreign Minister Edward
Nalbandian was in Turkey last week to attend ErdoÄ?an’s inauguration as
president and used the venue as an opportunity to submit a letter of
invitation to ErdoÄ?an for the next year’s centennial anniversary of
the mass killings of Armenians at the hands of the Ottoman Empire.
Turkey has not yet responded to the invitation.

ErdoÄ?an will then directly go to Wales from Baku to attend the NATO
Summit on Sept. 4 and 5. ErdoÄ?an’s team and the Foreign Ministry are
still working on his program in Wales, especially on his possible
bilateral meetings, including with U.S. President Barack Obama.

In a recent televised interview, ErdoÄ?an said he would bring Israel’s
blockade on Gaza to the attention of the NATO Summit, while the
ongoing NATO deployment of Patriot missiles in Turkish territories and
the growing threat of the extremist jihadists will also be on the
agenda of the Turkish delegation. The summit, however, is expected to
prioritize the ongoing crisis between the alliance and Russia over
Ukraine.

September/01/2014

“Yerevan-Aleppo” concert supports Syrian-Armenians

September 1, 2014

Armenianow – A charity music event dedicated to ’70s of Yerevan and
Aleppo took place in Yerevan organized with the support of Ministries
of Diaspora and Culture of Armenia and funded by AGBU Yerevan. All
profits of the concert will be directed to meet the needs of
Syrian-Armenians.

Popular artists from Yerevan and Aleppo participated in the concerts
on August 29 and 30 in Aram Khachaturyan Concert Hall.

Concert presenter Zhan Vardan recalled the 40-plus year cultural bond
between Aleppo-Armenians and Yerevan, dating back to a 1971 concert in
Aleppo by composer Konstantin Orbelyan. These decades later the
cultural exchange continues Vardan said.

The main musicians of the concert were Konstantin Orbelyan’s Armenian
State Pop Orchestra singers. Four Aleppo-Armenian singers and three
guitar players also took part.

Songs of the 70s were presented by Aramo, Emmy, Gayane Hovhannisyan,
Radik Gabrielyan. Jazz music collection was presented by
Syrian-Armenian artists Rena Tin, Zhan Vardan, Lila
Vardanyan-Poghosian, Karo Taghtevirenian.

Singer Taghtevirenian was brought to Armenia by the ongoing war in
Syria. Before that he had been in the motherland in 1966 and had 10
concerts. In Armenia he continues his career singing in a restaurant.
At the concert he sang together with Armenian singer Emmy. He says he
will remain in Armenia.

“It is a great pleasure for me to sing in my motherland. It is with
excitement that I remember singing in this same concert hall decades
ago. In 1966 in this same hall I had six concerts. I was a young boy
then – 18-20 years old,” he said.

This concert with participation of Armenian and Syrian-Armenian
artists is another step towards Syrian Armenians’ integration and
proof that culture serves an important role in unifying a nation.

Expressing her gratitude Minister of Diaspora, Hranush Hakobyan said
that Syrian-Armenians express their compassion and support through
this concert.

“They can feel that their motherland is by their side, and will not
leave them alone in difficulties. We are powerful together, and
together we must win and become stronger,” Hakobyan said.

Foreign Minister: Armenia is a friendly state for Iraq

19:46, 01.09.2014

YEREVAN. – Armenia’s Ambassador to Iraq Karen Grigoryan extended the
copies of his credentials to Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari.

Minister Zebari wished Ambassador success in his mission and expressed
readiness to contribute to the development of bilateral relations.
Zebari said Iraq considers Armenia a friendly state and hailed the
level of political relations noting potential for development of
economic ties.

Ambassador Grigoryan, for his part, said Armenia is attentively
following tragic events in the Middle East and Iraq in particular.
Violence against civilian population is unacceptable, and the
situation with ethnic and religious minorities is alarming.

Armenia welcomes Iraqi leadership’s efforts to establish security and
stability in the country, Grigoryan added.

Ambassador and Minister noted importance of holding a regular meeting
of Armenia-Iraq inter-department commission planned for November in
Baghdad.

Armenia News – NEWS.am

VTB Bank (Armenia) renovates classroom for Russian school in Armenia

YEREVAN, September 1. / ARKA /. Ahead of the new schooling year that
begins in Armenia on September 1 the Russian-owned VTB Bank (Armenia)
has renovated the mathematics classroom of a secondary school N21 in
Yerevan which is run by the Russian defense ministry. The bank donated
it also computer equipment and a multimedia projector.

The opening ceremony was attended by Russian ambassador to Armenia,
Ivan Volynkin who thanked the bank and expressed hope that learning
mathematics in the renovated classroom would be a pleasure.

VTB Bank (Armenia) CEO Yuri Gusev said that the bank had earlier
donated computers and other equipment to computer science classroom
and renovated Russian language classroom.

The secondary school N21 opened in Yerevan on September 1, 1994 by the
Russian ministry of defense for children of Russian army officers
stationed in Armenia.

VTB Bank (Armenia) is fully owned by Russian VTB Bank. It has the
largest branch network in the country running 67 offices.

The bank’s assets as of July 1, 2014 stood at 312.5 billion drams,
liabilities – at 268.5 billion drams, credit investments – at 230.3
billion drams and its capital was worth about 44 billion drams. ($ 1
411.23 drams). -0