Author: Badalian Vardan

STATE DEPT. REGULAR BRIEFING ON FEB 27, 2014

Federal News Service
February 27, 2014 Thursday

State Department Regular Briefing Briefer: Jennifer Psaki,
Spokesperson, Department of State Location:

State Department Briefing Room, State Department, Washington, D.C.

Time: 2:44 p.m. EST Date: Thursday, February 27, 2014

[parts omitted]

Q: On Azerbaijan. Speaking of territorial integrity, 23 years ago
Armenian troops violated the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. They
committed a massacre in the Azerbaijani town of Khojaly. Six hundred
thirteen people died, all of them civilians. Do you have a statement
on that?

MS. PSAKI: I do. The tragic loss of life in the war between Azerbaijan
and Armenia reminds us that there cannot be a military solution to the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Only a lasting and peaceful settlement can
bring stability and prosperity and reconciliation to the region. As a
co-chair of the Minsk Group, the United States remains firmly committed
to working with the sides, both side, to achieve peace.

Q: Jen, but it’s a general statement. Do you have anything on the
specific event? Because there are two parties. One party is a guilty
party; the other one is the civilian party. One exterminated the other.

MS. PSAKI: I don’t have any further statement than what I’ve just
provided.

Q: Thank you.

POLITICAL EXPERT: UKRAINE IS EXPERIENCING COLLAPSE, ALMOST ALL POWER INSTITUTIONS HAVE LOST LEGITIMACY

by Marianna Lazarian

Friday, February 28, 16:36

Ukraine is experiencing collapse, almost all power institutions have
lost legitimacy, Alexander Iskandaryan, Director of the Caucasus
Institute, said at a press conference in Yerevan on Friday.

“The ongoing developments in the Crimea vividly demonstrate what is
going on in all the regions of the country”, he said. He added that
the only positive element is the violence reduction.

Iskandaryan thinks that it is wrong to speak of a possible split of
Ukraine, because it has already collapsed. In this context, the expert
pointed out that if Ukraine manages to hold legitimate elections in
the country, it will be a big achievement.

He believes that Russia has not yet made a choice regarding Ukraine,
but its rhetoric is becoming more and more radical. “The Crimea is a
bad pain in the neck of Ukraine, Russia and the West. All the parties
would benefit from sooner settlement of the problem”, he said.

Iskandaryan thinks that violence may flare up again because the
population has plenty of weapons.

ARTUR SAKUNTS ABOUT ESTABLISHMENT OF “MARCH 1” COMMITTEE. “THE RPA IS MAKING A FALLACY.”

February 28 2014

At the four-day sitting of the National Assembly, as a special
procedure, the draft resolution authored by the National Congress on
establishment of ad-hoc committee to examine the events of March 1
is under discussion. The draft proceeds under heated discussions, the
passions are inflamed to the point that mutual accusations and insults
are heard. Republican MPs, when discussing the issue, reminded the
former military prosecutor Gagik Jhangiryan about the October 27 case,
on the other hand, urged if there are facts or evidences on March 1,
to present them to relevant authorities. Mutual accusations from the
opposition are heard addressed to the authorities. In the conversation
with Aravot.am, Head of HCA Vanadzor office, Artur Sakunts, assured
that “he has no doubt that the draft will not pass, because the
political majority bears the responsibility of March 1st, which, on
March 5, granted the prosecutor’s motion at the National Assembly and
deprived four deputies from immunity without evidences.” Mr. Sakunts
believes that he does not have expectations that even if the committee
is established, it will give the answers to all concerned questions.

On the other hand, he emphasized, “First and foremost, the issue and
necessity of giving legal assessment to March 1 crime is kept on the
agenda. It would be desirable that it was not associated with the
calendar March 1, but to be a primary task with all possible ways
over the six years. It is also an indicator that the Republican
Party is a political majority, which at that time was also also
a political majority and responsible for the authorities and bears
direct responsible for this crime.” Artur Sakunts considers fallacy
the fact that the Republicans are voicing opinions that they are also
in favor of establishment of such a committee and note, “Should they be
in favor of like they are stating now that they are also worried about
the March 1 crime, they would have come up with an offer to establish
this Committee.” As an evidence of “idleness” of the authorities,
Artur Sakunts noted the fact that their letter-offer was left out
of attention that SIS are invited all the officials who are directly
responsible for this crime. Artur Sakunts noted that the authorities
are not interested in it and said, “They are not interest, because the
executive power heads their political majority and they can submit a
claim to law enforcement that these officials are interrogated by SIS,
as well as the officials and oligarchs, whose bodyguards, according to
the report submitted by the fact-finding group, military uniforms were
distributed and have been involved in violence against civilians. The
political majority, if wishes that March 1 crime is revealed, it more
than had the opportunities to provide legal assessment and reveal
the crime.”

Tatev HARUTYUNYAN

Read more at:

PRESSE AZERBAIDJANAISE : REVUE DU 15 AU 21 FEVRIER 2014

Publie le : 28-02-2014

Info Collectif VAN – – Le Collectif VAN vous
presente cette Revue de Presse parue sur le site de l’Ambassade de
France en Azerbaïdjan le 27 fevrier 2014.

Ambassade de France en Azerbaïdjan

Revue de la presse azerbaïdjanaise du 15 au 21 fevrier 2014

Politique interieure

La presse du 19 fevrier couvre la rencontre du vice Premier ministre,
Abid Sharivof, et du maire de Bakou, Hajibala Abutalibov avec les
habitants de Sovetski, l’un des plus vieux quartiers de la capitale.

Selon les representants des autorites, aucun habitant de la zone ne
se verra contraint de demenager. Une indemnite compensatoire de 1.500
AZN/m2 (1500 euros/m2 environ) a ete offerte aux habitants. La presse
d’opposition du 20 fevrier couvre la reunion du Conseil national des
forces democratiques consacree au mecontentement des habitants ce
quartier ainsi qu’a la situation en Ukraine.

Les journaux d’opposition et independants rapportent qu’une instruction
penale a ete ouverte a l’encontre de Khadidja Ismayilova, journaliste
d’investigation de Radio Liberte, a la suite de la publication sur
sa page Facebook d’un document presente comme classifie. Elle est
accusee de diffusion de secrets d’Etat. La journaliste est connue
pour ses enquetes sur des affaires de corruption impliquant de hauts
fonctionnaires et pour ses investigations sur le business de la famille
Aliyev. En outre, un depute et chef du mouvement des jeunes proche au
gouvernement “Ireli”, Jeyhun Osmanli a presente au Parquet general un
enregistrement audio presente comme la transcription d’une conversation
de la journaliste avec des representants du Senat americain, a qui
elle aurait remis une liste de membres de l’opposition collaborant
avec les autorites.

L’Institut pour la Liberte et la Securite des Reporters appelle a
mettre un terme aux persecutions contre la journaliste.

La presse d’opposition et independante fait part du debut des
audiences dans le procès du journaliste Parviz Hashimli. Les journaux
rappellent qu’il a ete arrete par les services du Ministère de la
securite nationale le 17 septembre dernier pour detention d’armes et
participation a des activites de contrebande.

Relations internationales

L’ensemble de la presse rend compte de la rencontre tripartite des
Ministres des Affaires etrangères d’Azerbaïdjan, de Turquie et
de Georgie le 19 fevrier a Ganja. Les relations entre les trois
pays, la cooperation regionale, les conflits non regles sur les
territoires azerbaïdjanais et georgien, les projets energetiques et
d’infrastructures ainsi que les questions liees a la construction
de la voie ferree Bakou-Tbilissi-Kars ont ete abordes lors de la
rencontre. La preparation de la rencontre des Presidents de trois
pays a ete annoncee.

Quant a la situation en Ukraine, la presse officielle du 20 fevrier
rapporte les commentaires du Ministre azerbaïdjanais des Affaires
etrangères, Elmar Mammadyarov, selon lesquels l’Azerbaïdjan appelle
a la stabilisation de la situation en Ukraine le plus rapidement
possible ainsi qu’au dialogue des autorites et de l’opposition
de ce pays pour resoudre le problème. Toute la presse couvre les
developpements en Ukraine, les experts independants appellent le
gouvernement azerbaïdjanais a realiser des reformes politiques,
economiques et sociales, afin d’eviter que la situation en Ukraine
ne se produise en Azerbaïdjan.

La visite officielle a Bakou du Premier ministre bulgare est rapportee
par la presse officielle. 20.02.2014

Relations armeno – azerbaïdjanaises

Selon Mubariz Ahmedoglu, directeur du Centre des innovations politiques
et technologies, il ne faut pas attendre la tenue de la rencontre des
Presidents d’Azerbaïdjan et d’Armenie. L’Armenie n’a pas accepte les
propositions d’Azerbaïdjan. Selon lui, la situation militaire est
avantageuse pour le pouvoir armenien.

Image de la France

Le President Hollande menace de sanctions les fonctionnaires
ukrainiens. > 20.02.2014

publie le 27 fevrier 2014

Retour a la rubrique

Source/Lien : Ambassade de France en Azerbaïdjan

ARMROSGAZPROM VA INVESTIR 37,3 MILLIARDS DE DRAMS DANS LA MODERNISATION DE SON SYSTEME

ARMENIE

ArmRosGazprom (ARG) investira 37,3 milliards de drams dans la
modernisation de son système de distribution entre 2014 et 2016,
selon un communique publie sur le site officiel de l’etablissement.

La societe a presente son programme d’investissement a la Commission
de regulation des services publics afin de demander son approbation.

En 2014-2016, la societe prevoit d’investir 13,4 milliards de drams
dans la reconstruction et l’agrandissement de l’installation de
stockage souterrain de gaz a Abovyan et 10,4 milliards de drams dans
la reconstruction du système de transport de gaz. 1,4 milliards de
drams seront utilises pour d’autres fins.

En outre, ARG veut investir 7,3 milliards de drams dans la
reconstruction et l’extension du système de distribution du gaz et
utiliser 4,7 milliards a d’autres fins.

La societe a declare son programme d’investissement vise a la
restauration, la reconstruction et la modernisation des reseaux et
l’amelioration de la fiabilite et de la securite du transport et de
distribution de gaz.

vendredi 28 fevrier 2014, Stephane (c)armenews.com

ARMENIAN ENGINEERS & SCIENTISTS OF AMERICA
117 S Louise St. Glendale, CA 91205
E-mail: [email protected]
Tel: 818-547-3372
Web:

February 26, 2014
Contact: Vazgen Ghoogassian
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
AESA Office: (818) 547-3372

The Armenian Engineers and Scientists of America
install the New Council for Year 2014

(Glendale, California) – At its general membership meeting, the
Armenian Engineers and Scientists of America (AESA) introduced its new
council for the year 2014. The new executive council consists of the
following: Vasken Yardemian, President, Marina Guevrekian Ph.D., Vice
President, Mark Abajian, Executive Secretary and Armineh Khachatoorian
as Treasurer. The Councilors in large are: Aram Setian, Arin Abed,
Asbed Pogarian, Stepan Joulfayan, Argineh Shabandari, Talin Petrosian,
and Vazgen Ghoogassian.

The outgoing President, Mardy Kazarians, Ph.D., reported last year’s
activities and achievements of the organization. AESA organized formal
scientific lectures and workshop as well as the annual Science
Olympiad competition which was held at Woodbury University. The
competition, involving school-age children, was considered a great
success. These activities were well organized and attended by the
Armenian community. Kazarians mentioned that AESA had planning to
offer both mentorship services and scholarship to Armenian college
students. In addition, social activities such as mixers for the young
professionals were held in conjunction with other organizations.
Furthermore, AESA celebrated its 30th anniversary with an annual gala
banquet where it honored all AESA past presidents for their services
to the organization.

The incoming President Vasken Yardemian shared his plan and goals for
the upcoming year. `We look forward for a successful year leading AESA
to new levels of success’ stated Yardemian. `The AESA continues to
grow in strength and numbers. Our new governance and volunteer
leadership structure will continue this path as we invite all
engineers and scientists of Armenian descent to join AESA specially
the younger generation’. The AESA continues to build and develop
partnerships with other Armenian organizations to serve the Armenian
community. In addition, the AESA is investing in new programs that
will allow working with college and high school students as well as
the American University of Armenia. Yardemian mentioned that the
organization will implement the new scholarship program as well as
mentoring activities for Armenian college students both undergraduate
and graduate levels majoring in engineering and science. As a new
project, the AESA has proposed to collaborate with the College of
Science and Engineering of the American University of Armenia (AUA) by
offering workshops, seminars and short term courses related to
engineering and science. `Let’s make 2014 about creating a stronger
and better organization. We look forward to working together so that
each one of us feels proud to be part of the AESA’ concluded
Yardemian. By the end of the meeting, there was a long discussion
among its membership about the future of AESA.

Established in 1983 in Glendale, California, AESA is a non-partisan
and non-sectarian philanthropic organization focused primarily on
addressing the professional, technical and scientific needs of fellow
Armenian engineers, scientists, industrialists and architects
throughout the world. For more information, check AESA’s website at
, or contact (818)547-3372, e-mail: [email protected] >From
left to right: Talin Petrosian, Marina Guevrekian, Vasken Yardemian,
Mardy Kazarians, Armineh Khachatoorian, Argineh Shabandari. Back,
from left to right: Asbed Pogarian, Razmik Gharakhanian, Mark Abajian,
Vazgen Ghoogassian, Areg Gharabegian. Missing are Arin Abed and
Stepan Joulfayan.
()

Vazgen Ghoogassian pinning Vasken Yardemian as AESA President

TURKEY’S ARMENIANS IN CRISIS OVER PATRIARCH

Al-Monitor
Feb 27 2014

Author: Orhan Kemal CengizPosted February 27, 2014

Turkey’s Armenian community is eagerly awaiting the outcome of a
lawsuit at the Council of State, the country’s top administrative
court, that is likely to have a major impact on how the Armenian
patriarchate of Constantinope functions in the future. The legal
battle concerns who should elect the Armenian patriarch — a small
group of clergy or the broader community.

The case has pitted one segment of the Armenian community against
the Interior Ministry and other community members. It has also
exposed a serious rift that sheds light on the Armenian minority’s
reality in Turkey and the government’s strategies for controlling
the patriarchate.

The Istanbul-based Armenian patriarchate is a 553-year-old institution
that holds spiritual authority over 42 churches. Its patriarchs have
long been elected by the community.

The Turkish state’s attempts to control the patriarchate became more
systematic after the 1960 military coup. In 1961, the council of
ministers issued a decree stipulating that elections for a patriarch
must be held on a date and at a venue selected by the Istanbul
governor’s office. Every government since has sought to control
these elections.

In 2007, a tragic incident paved the way for the governing Justice and
Development Party to make one of the boldest-ever interventions in the
Armenian elections. That year, Patriarch Mesrob II, elected in 1998,
fell ill. His memory and cognitive abilities were severely damaged,
so he was unable to perform his duties.

With Mesrob disabled, two opposing views emerged in the patriarchate
on how to resolve the situation. Rather than seeking a compromise,
however, both sides submitted their requests to the Interior Ministry.

The Entrepreneur Council, considered the patriarchate’s “civilian
wing,” requested permission to elect a new patriarch. The Spiritual
Council, a group of clerics, asked the ministry to approve the election
of a “co-patriarch.”

The ministry’s decision caught both sides off-guard. Since the
incumbent patriarch was still alive, neither a new patriarch nor a
co-patriarch could be elected, it decided. Instead, an acting patriarch
should be elected. Thus, the post of “patriarchal deputy-general”
was established, a position without precedence in the history and
traditions of the Armenian Church.

Heeding the Interior Ministry’s decision, the Spiritual Council
elected its own head, Archbishop Aram Atesyan, as acting patriarch
in July 2010. The move led to serious rifts and heightened tensions
within the Armenian community.

Both applications to the Interior Ministry had sought an electoral
process — be it for a new patriarch or a co-patriarch — in which all
community members were to have voted. Instead, the “deputy-general”
was elected by a small group of clergymen.

For the Armenians, the Interior Ministry’s intervention was unjust
and contrary to their traditions. Their first reaction was to launch
a petition drive. Those arguing that the entire community should
elect the patriarch collected 5,350 signatures and submitted it to
the ministry in 2010, but to no avail.

Next, they filed a lawsuit at the administrative court, seeking
nullification of the Interior Ministry’s decision. The community’s
lawyers argued that by appointing Archbishop Aram as patriarch
deputy-general, the ministry had interfered in the Armenian community’s
internal affairs and thus violated the principle of secularism. This
is the case the Council of State is currently hearing.

The intensity of the intracommunal rift is reflected in the language
that the much-respected Armenian weekly Agos uses in reference to
Atesyan. In one headline, for instance, it depicts him as patronizing
and calls him “archbishop” to make clear it does not recognize him
as acting patriarch. The article further underscores the paper’s
rejectionist position: “In an interview with the Jamanak newspaper,
Archbishop Aram Atesyan has yet again made very controversial remarks.

His comments on various issues, such as his bid for central civilian
management, the irregularities in the foundation elections, the home
he purchased in the [resort town of] Bodrum, and the patriarchate’s
financial accounts are the latest example of his self-righteous
attitude.”

The newspaper Taraf has also reported on the community’s objections to
Atesyan. In a Feb. 15 article, “Crisis in Patriarch’s Election,” Sebu
Aslangil, one of the lawyers in charge of the lawsuit at the Council
of State, is quoted as saying, “The Interior Ministry imposed on us a
deputyship office and the patriarchate went along … Atesyan erred
in not resisting the election of a deputy, something nonexistent in
our traditions, and for having himself elected to the post.” Another
community member, Sahin Gezer, was reported as noting, “Aram Atesyan
well could have rejected the post in the face of election demands.”

So, the tragic illness of the elected patriarch, the ensuing failure
of the Armenian community to reach a compromise and their decision to
seek the state’s arbitration — in addition to the government seeing
the situation as a golden opportunity to control the patriarchate —
have together created an acute crisis that may drag on for years.

The crisis demonstrates not only the Armenian community’s problematic
relationship with the state, but also the Turkish state’s unchanging
policy of meddling and manipulation vis-a-vis its minorities despite
changing governments. It is a typical divide-and-rule tactic,
which constitutes a fragrant breach of religious freedom and serves
neither the Armenian community nor Turkish democracy. The Turkish
state’s hostility toward minorities precludes any win-win policies
in this realm.

VERHEIJEN: MKHITARYAN IS ONE OF THE BEST

14:46 27.02.2014

Armenian national team, Football, Henrikh Mkhitaryan

Armenia’s recent rise on the FIFA World Ranking was indebted to their
late surge in FIFA World Cup(tm) qualifying, which saw them finish just
three points adrift of second-place Denmark in European Zone Group B.

In May 2013, the Havakakan (national team) were down in 90th on the
global ladder, but have since risen to their highest-ever position
of 30th.

Raymond Verheijen, who helped prepare the side for the Brazil 2014
preliminaries in an assistant coach role in 2012, spoke exclusively
to FIFA.com about the country’s rise and the future prospects for
the Eastern European side.

Verheijen is renowned as an esteemed coach, having worked with
Barcelona, Chelsea and Manchester City as well as the Russia,
Netherlands and Wales national sides. He departed Armenia in September
2012, but kept a watchful eye out as the team impressed.

“When I joined they had a relatively young coach (Vardan Minasyan was
35 when appointed in 2009) and there were some similarities with Wales
and Gary Speed,” Verheijen said. “Young coaches are often open-minded.

Because of this and the whole environment I thought it would be good.

The other reason was that they have a very talented young squad.”

One member of that talented squad caught Verheijen’s eye and, given
the Dutchman’s pedigree, he paid Borussia Dortmund’s No10 quite
a compliment.

“Their top player is undoubtedly Henrikh Mkhitaryan,” he said. “He
is one of the best midfield players I have ever worked with. I have
worked with some very good midfield players, but the speed of his
actions is very good.”

The percentage of your potential that will be used in the game is
determined by your brain. If you can control your thoughts then you
will use much more of your potential.

Raymond Verheijen

Mkhitaryan scored three goals in Armenia’s qualifying campaign and
became his young country’s leading all-time marksman in the process.

Their group was incredibly tight, with three points separating four
teams behind winners Italy. Verheijen saw several positive factors
in the side’s efforts.

“In general I was not very surprised they came very close to
qualifying for the World Cup play-offs,” he said. “Their young
squad was definitely behind that but they also had a very equal
group. There were a lot of draws and one of the strengths of Armenia
is the counter-attack, which is good away from home. They beat Denmark
4-0 away and also did really well to draw 2-2 in Italy.”

Minasyan vacated the reins following the campaign, and Verheijen saw
a lot of potential in the former Armenia international, whose spell
at the helm was the longest of any Havakakan coach.

He said: “I think as a first step it would be good to broaden his
horizon in the eastern part of Europe. Maybe Russia, Ukraine or
Belarus, somewhere there before he makes the final step to Western
Europe. I think it would be good to do that gradual development.”

“Although he’s very young, he’s calm and stable which is beneficial
for decision-making, and obviously he was a good player so he has
knowledge and experience of the highest level. I predict a bright
future for him as long as he gets the opportunity. I wasn’t surprised
he left though – I think it was time for him to move on.”

Armenia eye breakthrough qualification

Verheijen has worked at major tournaments himself, as part of Korea
Republic’s backroom staff at three successive World Cups (2002, 2006
and 2010) as well as assisting the Netherlands (2000 and 2004) and
Russia (2008 and 2012) at the UEFA EUROs. With Armenia pitted against
Portugal, Denmark, Serbia and Albania in qualifying for EURO 2016,
will the side be lining up in France in two years’ time?

“I think they could make the finals,” said Verheijen. “While Portugal
will be number one, Armenia have already proven that they can get
close to Denmark. Serbia were in the same group as Wales in the last
qualifying group, and I’ve seen them play a few times and I don’t
think that Serbia are a lot better than Armenia.

“So I definitely think they will be in third position, to qualify for
the play-offs, and maybe even reach the second place. A lot depends
on the new national team coach.”

While the new Armenia coach is yet to be determined, Verheijen is
adamant that his focus lies on other projects for the foreseeable
future.

“One day I will go back into coaching again, maybe in five or ten
years – my advantage is that I’m only 42. Although I did all the
World Cups and the EUROs, I’m still very young.

“In the meantime my priority is to develop the WorldFootballAcademy,
working together with our ambassador Guus Hiddink. It’s very satisfying
to work with the next generation of coaches and coaches in smaller
countries, to share my experience with them.”

Despite his lack of desire to go back into club or international
coaching, the former Wales caretaker and Barcelona coach revealed some
of the techniques that he implemented during his time as assistant
with Armenia and continues to teach around the world today – one of
which he labels ‘football braining’.

He explained: “It is football brain training – training your brain
in a football context. The percentage of your potential that will
be used in the game is determined by your brain. If you can control
your thoughts then you will use much more of your potential than
when your thoughts are distracted by external factors. It’s all about
controlling your thoughts.”

If Armenia can keep their minds focused on the task in hand during
the upcoming EURO 2016 qualifying campaign, under the tutelage of
a new coach and with star man Mkhitaryan pulling the strings, then
they could reach greater heights on the FIFA World Ranking.

EDUARD SHARMAZANOV: HELLENIC PARLIAMENT TO HOST AN EXHIBITION DEDICATED TO ARMENIAN GENOCIDE CENTENARY

by Nana Martirosyan

ARMINFO
Thursday, February 27, 18:33

In 2015 the Hellenic Parliament will host an exhibition dedicated to
the Armenian Genocide centenary, Eduard Sharmazanov, Vice Speaker of
Armenian Parliament, Head of the Armenia-Greece Friendship Group in
Armenian Parliament, told journalists on Thursday.

He summed up the results of the visit of Hellenic Parliament Speaker
Vangelis Meimarakis to Armenia and pointed out that the visit will
have a positive effect on cooperation between the two countries. “It
is noteworthy that we have come to an agreement to hold such an
exhibition in the Hellenic Parliament”, he said.

To note, during his three-day working visit to Armenia, Vangelis
Meimarakis met with President Serzh Sargsyan and a number of
high-ranking officials. The meetings covered regional problems and
the Armenian-Greek cooperation.

UE-TURQUIE : L’ACCORD SUR LA RECONDUCTION DE MIGRANTS CLANDESTINS

Publie le : 27-02-2014

Info Collectif VAN – Le Collectif VAN vous
invite a lire ce communique de presse publie sur le site du Parlement
europeen.

Parlement europeen

26-02-2014 – 12:02

Les deputes pour l’accord UE-Turquie sur la reconduction de migrants
clandestins

Les clandestins qui migrent de l’UE vers la Turquie, ou de la Turquie
vers l’UE, devraient etre reconduits, selon l’accord de “readmission”
signe par les deux parties en decembre et adopte par le Parlement ce
mercredi. Les règles sur le retour des migrants s’appliqueraient non
seulement aux citoyens europeens et turcs mais aussi aux ressortissants
de pays tiers qui entrent dans l’UE ou en Turquie via le territoire
de l’autre partie.

“L’accord de readmission sera avantageux tant pour la Turquie que
pour l’Union europeenne. C’est desormais a la Turquie de remplir ses
obligations pour mettre pleinement en oeuvre cet accord”, a affirme
le rapporteur Renate Sommer (PPE, DE).

L’accord, adopte a main levee, fixe les obligations et procedures
pour la readmission de migrants “irreguliers” qui entrent ou vivent
clandestinement en Turquie ou dans l’UE. Il contraindrait les deux
parties a readmettre sur leur territoire des ressortissants de pays
tiers qui n’ont pas de document de sejour ou des apatrides qui sont
entres dans l’UE via le territoire turc ou inversement.

Mme Sommer a ajoute que l’accord de readmission “contribuerait
fortement a reduire l’immigration illegale dans l’UE via le territoire
turc, a lutter contre la criminalite transfrontalière, en particulier
la traite des etres humains, ainsi qu’a alleger la pression pesant
sur la Grèce et, donc, sur l’Union europeenne dans son ensemble”.

Des fonds europeens pour la surveillance des frontières

Conformement a l’accord, la Turquie recevra un soutien financier
et technique de l’UE afin de renforcer ses services de police
transfrontaliers et d’installer des equipements de surveillance aux
frontières. Cela devrait aider la Turquie a securiser ses frontières
avec les pays voisins, tels que la Syrie, l’Iran et l’Irak.

Prochaines etapes

Pour entrer en vigueur, l’accord de readmission doit encore etre
formellement ratifie par l’UE et la Turquie. Les dispositions sur les
ressortissants europeens et turcs entreraient en vigueur deux mois
après la ratification de l’accord, mais celles sur les ressortissants
de pays tiers avec lesquels la Turquie n’a pas conclu d’arrangements
bilateraux s’appliqueraient seulement trois ans plus tard.

Retour a la rubrique

Source/Lien : Parlement europeen