Author: Badalian Vardan

Glendale City Council Candidates Appeal to Armenian-American Voters for Support

Friday, February 15th, 2013

Glendale City Council candidates during the ANCA-organized forum

GLENDALE – Candidates competing for the three open seats on the Glendale
City Council described to the more than 100 attendees at the Armenian
National Committee of America-Glendale (ANCA-Glendale) Candidate Forum
why they deserved to be elected on April 2.

Zareh Sinanyan, a community organizer and current chair of the
Glendale Community Development Block Grant Advisory Committee, touted
his suggestions for increasing affordable housing and making City Hall
more accountable to the voters. He urged voters to choose him to be
one of the three individuals they elect to the City Council.

Councilman Ara Najarian explained that during his tenure in office he
championed suggestions to improve living conditions in South Glendale
and increase job opportunities for the city’s residents while keeping
Glendale a safe place to live.

The desire to improve living conditions in South Glendale and maintain
Glendale a safe place to live was also echoed by Chahe Keuroghelian.
Keuroghelian, who ran for City Council in 2011 and 2009, would like to
remove barriers that prevent residents of modest income from `full
participation in civic life as concerned stakeholders and rate-and-tax
payers.’

Councilmember Laura Friedman urged Armenian-American voters to
re-elect her because her efforts have improved economic development
throughout the City. She added that she has encouraged all residents
to be included in the decision making process and have a voice at City
Hall.

Rick Barnes, a Realtor, wants the City to stop the practice of
providing financial incentives to businesses that will not increase
sales tax revenue for the City. Barnes also wants to stop the attacks
on Fair Housing.

Other candidates vying for the three seats on the 5 member City
Council were critical of the incumbents’ record. Candidates Mike
Mohill, Aram Kazazian, Herbert Molano, and Roland Kedikian pointed out
that the utility rates are increasing because of the City Council’s
decisions.

Sam Engel, who served as the City’s Neighborhood Services
Administrator until 2012, stated that he would place primary emphasis
on maintaining fiscal prudency in managing the City’s finances.

The ANCA-Glendale in association with several other community
organizations will host a Forum with candidates for the Glendale
Unified School District Governing Board on February 20, 2013 at the
K&M Karamanoukian Glendale Youth Center located at 211 W. Chestnut St.
in Glendale. The public is invited to attend the candidate forum
starting 7:00 pm.

ANCA-Glendale advocates for the social, economic, cultural, and
political rights of the city’s Armenian American community and
promotes increased civic participation at the grassroots and public
policy levels.

Ara Papyan: Georgia has to give up its illusions regarding Abkhazia
and South Ossetia not to find itself under the Turkish boot
ArmInfo’s interview with Ara Papyan, Head of Modus Vivendi Center for
Social Studies, Ambassador of Armenia to Canada in 2000-2006

by David Stepanyan

Friday, February 15, 18:36

Would you characterize the state of the Armenian-Turkish relations
over the period following the signing of the Zurich Protocols?

Obviously, today Turkey is more involved in the processes in the South
Caucasus and, particularly, in the Karabakh process, than it was
before 2009. The statements made from the viewpoint of Ankara have
become possible after the Armenian-Turkish protocols were signed in
Zurich. Although the provisions in the protocols have remained on
paper, the relations of the two peoples have actually grown tense,
especially after recent attacks and murders of elderly ethnic Armenian
women in Istanbul. Generally, this is a result of the growing
nationalism in the Turkish public. Turkey’s economic growth, Erdogan’s
hot speeches, threats addressed to the West inevitably boost
nationalism in the Turkish public. Turkey has not behaved in such a
style for a long time already. The policy of Ankara has a geopolitical
explanation, because the USSR collapsed long ago, and Russia no longer
constitutes threat to Turkey. Quite to the contrary, Turkey is
troubling the South Caucasus from time to time.

Do you advocate opening the border with Turkey?

Certainly, I do. However, coming out for opening of the border, I have
always been against signing of the protocols. These are two different
ideas, as the price for opening the border fixed in the protocols is
too high for Armenia. The devil is in the details. When joining the
WTO, Armenia presented a strict customs and tax system regarding all
the goods imported to the republic. In other words, low taxes will be
imposed on the Turkish goods imported to Armenia. At the same time,
rather high taxes will be imposed on the Armenian goods. For this
reason, it is simply senseless to speak about competition between
Armenian and Turkish goods in such unequal conditions. Any foreign
citizen may buy land and real estate in Armenia, whereas in Turkey,
especially in its eastern regions, the permission of the regional
military prefect is needed for that. So, Turkey may implement an
economic expansion in Armenia spending just several billion of
dollars, if it wants. The Protocols give no guarantee that Turkey will
not close the border to Armenia at any moment. This also contains
threats for us. For this reason, opening of the border on the
conditions which are similar to those fixed in the Protocols, is
impossible for Armenia. These conditions should be revised, detailed
and specified.

Valerie Boyer, a French lawmaker, has made a fresh attempt to bring a
bill penalizing the denial of Armenian Genocide to the forefront. Have
the prospects for its adoption changed since the new President of
France came to power?

Unlike a year ago, now there are fewer chances that France will pass
the bill criminalizing the Armenian genocide denial. I don’t think
that the bill will be passed. Unfortunately, foreign countries
traditionally use the problem of recognition of the Armenian Genocide
for domestic political purposes. However, one should not blame them
for that. Initiating the bill once again Valerie Boyer just fulfills
her promises to her Armenian voters who funded her campaign in
exchange for that in line with the French laws. Unlike Azerbaijan and
Turkey that have billions but fail to fund election campaigns in the
West in the legal way, the Armenian lobby has such an opportunity.
That is why the Armenian Diaspora is so influential in Europe and the
USA.

At the same time, I think the time for the demand on recognition of
the Armenian genocide and criminalization for its denial has ended.
The time has come for withdrawal of its consequences. The Armenians
killed in Ottoman Turkey had a big property which should be returned
to the offsprings of the victims of the Genocide. There were 2230
Armenian churches and monasteries functioning in the Western Armenia
in 1913. Nobody knows their true cost, but they cost billions.
Incidentally, they have already returned a certain sum to the Armenian
Church, but only in Istanbul. This process did not touch on the
territories of the Western Armenia. In this context, recognition of
the Armenian genocide and criminalization of its denial in several
countries, in fact, will change nothing. The core of the Armenian
Cause should be cardinally changed. A heavy crime was committed in
1915, and not having an opportunity to punish those who committed it,
it is quite logical to demand returning the property which was stolen
from the victims of this crime. We and nobody else should gain it.

How?

We should do it via the UN International Court. According to the
arbitral decision of US President Woodrow Wilson, Armenia has certain
rights. This decision is still valid. Somebody may object and just the
UN International Court may decide who is right. Meanwhile, Wilson’s
arbitral decision was forgotten long ago in Armenia, and was published
last year. He thinks that the Armenian authorities feel comfortable in
the situation of standstill, they are satisfied with the present
situation and they are not ready to make sharp steps and change
something. Meanwhile, 1-2 billion of dollars are not enough for
Armenia to go ahead, dozens of billions are necessary for that. It is
impossible to raise economy by means of credits and the only way for
that is returning the property taken from the Armenians in 1915.

You have mentioned Ankara’s active steps towards the South Caucasus,
but there is also an opposite opinion saying that today Turkey is
locked up in its southern borders…

After the sharp worsening of the situation in Syria for the last year,
today Turkey is locked up in its southern borders. But this does not
at all hinder Turkey to be active in the Caucasus as well. Finally,
the Syrian problem is not everlasting. It will be resolved in a year
or two but not by Turkey, as the latter does not have the needed
potential. In this sense, the Karabakh conflict is a long lasting one
and is like the Israeli-Palestine conflict that has been lasting for
dozens of years. I think that today Azerbaijan and Turkey do not have
the military scenario for resolving the problems of Armenia and the
NKR. They are trying to involve Armenia in the arms race and rivalry,
just the same way as the USA did regarding the USSR when unleashed the
“cold war”. So, Baku and Ankara link the settlement of the Karabakh
conflict with a long lasting prospect, for dozens of years. They
understand very well that Azerbaijan will not be able to gain a
victory over Armenia, as experience shows that nothing consolidates
Armenians so much than war. Turkey’s ex-president Turgut Ozal
understood that very well and called on Baku to return Karabakh to the
Armenians, to wait for 50 years and take it back without bloodshed.
For this reason, we should look for the new better ways out of this
long-lasting “cold war”.

After the change of power in Georgia, new ways seem to have appeared.
Today Armenia, together with Russia, Georgia and Iran, can break the
situation in the region via formation of a new axis from north to
south…

If Georgia is really interested in it, very much will really change in
our region. Unfortunately, I am not optimistic in the matter of
Georgia’s position. I am very much surprised at the anti-Armenian mood
in that country, taking into consideration the fact how much Armenians
did for establishment of that country. Even Istanbul has no such an
attitude to Armenians. Georgia’s attitude to Russia is similar. Yes,
the bolsheviks used to take not the best steps regarding Georgia and
Armenia. But one should say that the Russian imperialism often met
interests of both Armenians and Georgians. As a result, the Armenians
preferred the Russian boot instead of the Turkish yatagan. As for
Georgians, they never had a problem of physical destruction by the
Turks, and quickly forgot the years of staying under the Turkish boot,
which was heavier than the Russian one. Over all the years of
Gamsakhurdia’s and Saakashvili’s tenure the Georgian society was under
the influence of the anti-Russian and anti-Armenian propaganda.

But now there is a common interest, which is more important than the
false stereotypes. And today’s Europe is the best example of that…

Yes, but the psychology of the society is very much important and the
pragmatism of businessman Ivanishvili will be not enough to break this
psychology. Anyway, Ivanishvili’s pragmatism is our only hope in
functioning of the axis you have mentioned, as he has obviously
calculated the benefits this axis will bring to Georgia and personally
to him. These benefits exceed much the benefits from exploiting of the
corridor between the Caspian and Black Seas, taking into consideration
the fact that Iran refused to have communication with Russia through
Azerbaijan. Iran is a very serious geo-political player, and unlike
Russia, it puts its geo-political interests higher that the economic
ones. For instance, Moscow has recently sold modern weapon to the
enemy of its only strategic partner in the region Azerbaijan. If such
a scenario is realized, in that case the transit role of Georgia will
grow much for Russia, which will get direct access to the Middle East,
and for Armenia, which will finally get out of blockade. As for
Azerbaijan and Turkey, they will lose much first of all in Georgia,
which the Turks will finally buy in 50 years. For this reason, so that
not to find themselves under the Turkish boot once again, the
Georgians have to break illusions regarding Abkhazia and South Ossetia
and be pragmatic. I hope very much that businessman Ivanishvili will
manage to inspire this to the Georgian society.

Business sphere progress of Armenia highly evaluated in Euronest
Parliamentary Assembly

18:20, 15 February, 2013

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 15, ARMENPRESS: Suggestion of the delegation of
Armenian national Assembly concerning the development of transport and
communication received a great feedback in Euronest Parliamentary
Assembly. Armenian suggestion received the endorsement of
representatives of different countries during economic, legal session
of Parliamentary Assembly. `We have referred to issues of civil
aviation. Suggestion has been formulated this way: it will refer to
communications and transports. Several directions are noted in the
suggestion, concerning all types of transport including water
transport, which interests European countries,’ member of delegation
Mher Shahgeldyan said, Armenpress reports. According to him,
involvement of all spheres is important for economic development.
`Progress, approaches and achievements of Armenia were highly
evaluated and differed from Azerbaijan. Progress of business sphere
was also highly estimated,’ Mher Shahgeldyan said.

On February 15 Mher Shahgeldyan, the member of Armenian NA Delegation
to the Eastern Partnership Euronest Parliamentary Assembly summed up
the results of the meeting of the Euronest PA Committee on Economic
Integration, Legal Approximation and Convergence with EU Policies,
which was held in Chisinau on February 11-13.

Atmosphere of distrust and fear to elections hit Armenian society:
Heritage secretary general

YEREVAN, February 15. /ARKA/. Atmosphere of distrust and fear around
the elections hit Armenian society, Secretary General of Heritage
party Stepa Safaryan said on Friday in Yerevan.

`The election campaign showed the trust of the population to the
presidential elections has shrunk. Many people don’t believe the
leading forces can change in the country after the elections, and it
is not a secret, there are rumors that it makes no sense to
participate in the elections as everything has already been
predetermined,’ Safaryan said summing up the campaign outcomes.

According to him, a number of political forces, including the Armenian
National Congress, Prosperous Armenia party and ARF Dashnaktsutyun
just proved the situation of distrust existed when they refused
nominating anyone to run the election race.

Besides distrust, something else was gradually brought-up in the
Armenian society – fear. Particularly, it became vivid after an
assassination attempt was made on Paruyr Hayrikyan, a presidential
candidate and a leader of Union for National Self-Determination party.

Hayrikyan was shot to shoulder in Yerevan on January 31 and had a
successful surgery on the same day.

`After that, at least everyone started thinking it is dangerous for
life to conduct political activity in our country,’ he noted.

Presidential elections of Armenia are scheduled for February 18.

The following candidates will be leading the race: current president
Serzh Sargsyan, former prime minister and leader of Freedom party
Hrant Bagratyan, former foreign minister and head of Heritage party
Raffi Hovannisian, famous Soviet dissident and leader of National
Self-Determination party Paruyr Hayrikyan, former foreign minister of
Nagorno-Karabakh Arman Melikyan, political scientist and head of Radio
Hay Andrias Ghukasyan, philologist Vardan Sedrakyan. -0-

Vice President of the National Assembly Meets With the Ambassador
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Estonia to Armenia

15.02.2013

On February 15 Eduard Sharmazanov, Vice President of the National
Assembly, Head of Armenia-Estonia Parliamentary Friendship Group met
with Priit Turk, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the
Republic of Estonia to the Republic of Armenia (residence in Tbilisi).

Welcoming the Ambassador Eduard Sharmazanov has expressed satisfaction
that the Armenian-Estonian relations are going on positively, and in
terms of activation of that cooperation he has highlighted the mutual
visits of the MPs of the two countries. He has informed him that in
the National Assembly Armenian-Estonian Friendship Group has already
been formed. At the same time he has noted that he has invited his
Estonian colleagues to visit Armenia and jointly discuss the
perspectives of cooperation of the two parliaments. The NA Vice
President has said that this year the NA President’s visit to Latvia
and Estonia is scheduled, which will create good bases for the
development of the Armenian-Estonian relations, particularly, the
inter-parliamentary relations.

The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of
Estonia to the RA noted that during the meetings with the President of
Armenia and the Foreign Minister the development of cooperation in
different spheres, particularly, the inter-parliamentary relations of
the two countries was highlighted. He said that on May 1-5 the visit
of the members of Estonia-Armenia Friendship Group to Yerevan was
envisaged. In spring the delegation led by the Committee on Foreign
Relations of the Estonian Parliament will also visit Armenia.

Touching upon the steps taken by Armenia directed to the EU
integration the Ambassador has recorded that during those negotiations
Armenia together with Georgia and Moldova are the forerunners, which
the Estonian authorities welcome and express readiness to more support
the development of those processes. He has proposed to make use of the
opportunity given by the Eastern Partnership Centre functioning in
Estonia. The Centre will be useful for the Armenian colleagues in the
fields of exchange of experience, the specialists’ training and
education.

The NA Vice President has assured that the steps taken by Armenia
towards systemized democratic reforms are not purposeless. `It
absolutely stems from our people’s interests and the perspective of
our country’s development,’ said Eduard Sharmazanov.

In the course of the meeting issues concerning the Armenian-Turkish
relations and peaceful settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh problem were
also discussed. The NA Vice President positively appreciated the
Estonian authorities balanced position on the NK problem and
supporting the solution of the problem through peaceful negotiations
within the Minsk Group framework, noting that the people of Artsakh
should make decision for the future of the NKR.

The Ambassador in his turn has reaffirmed that there is no alternative
for the peaceful settlement of the NK conflict.

Eduard Sharmazanov also has touched upon the upcoming presidential
elections, assuring that the authorities of the country do their
utmost for organizing free, fair elections in accordance with
democratic standards, being well aware taht it will be one of the most
important conditions of the invariable democracy in the country.

The sides emphasized the development of cooperation with bilateral
format and within the EU Eastern Partnership and the implementation of
joint programmes directed to it in political, economic and cultural
spheres.

Chairman Levin Questions Hagel On U.S.-Armenia Defense Relations

Tuesday, February 12th, 2013

Chairman of Senate Armed Services Committee Carl Levon questions Hagel

Secretary of Defense Nominee Hagel Calls for Growth in Bilateral Defense Ties

WASHINGTON – In response to a direct inquiry by Senate Armed Services
Committee Chairman Carl Levin (D-MI), President Obama’s nominee to
serve as Secretary of Defense, former Senator Chuck Hagel, called for
the expansion of U.S.-Armenia defense relations, reported the Armenian
National Committee of America.

Defense Secretary nominee Chuck Hagel during confirmation hearing

`We would like to thank Chairman Levin for drawing attention, during
this especially closely watched Senate confirmation process, to the
importance of growth in the U.S.-Armenia defense relationship,’ said
ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. `We share Senator Hagel’s
view that there is much room for the development of these ties, and
look forward, should he be confirmed, to engaging with the Department
of Defense on this matter.’

In response to a written inquiry by Chairman Levin, Senator Hagel
explained `The U.S.-Armenia defense relationship is sound. As with all
relationships, there is room to grow and areas where we can strengthen
our cooperation and partnership.’ He went on to note that, if
confirmed, `I would continue to engage Armenian leaders to strengthen
existing areas of engagement and identify new areas of cooperation
that support Armenia’s defense reforms, especially its peacekeeping
brigade, and continue its ability to deploy in coalition operations.’

In the days leading up to the Hagel confirmation hearing, ANCA
activists across America, including those in Chairman Levin’s state of
Michigan, urged their legislators to engage the nominee on a range of
issues of concern to the Armenian American community. Of special
concern were statements by Hagel opposing official U.S. affirmation of
the Armenian Genocide. `What happened in 1915 happened in 1915. As one
United States Senator, I think the better way to deal with this is to
leave it open to historians and others to decide what happened and
why,’ then-Senator Hagel told a group of Armenian reporters during a
trip to Armenia in 2005. `The fact is that this region needs to move
forward,’ Hagel added. `We need to find a lasting, just peace between
Turkey and Armenia and the other nations of this region. I am not sure
that by going back and dealing with that in some way that causes one
side or the other to be put in difficult spot, helps move the peace
process forward.’

Hamparian told Commentary magazine in December, that the ANCA objected
to the argument that official U.S. recognition of the genocide would
hinder peace between Turkey and Armenia. `As much as Erdogan and his
allies might like, the `lasting, just peace between Turkey and
Armenia’ that Chuck Hagel seeks cannot be built on Genocide denial.
The U.S. and the international community must set an example by
condemning the Armenian Genocide – and speaking out against all
genocides, wherever and whenever they occur,’ said Hamparian.

Chairman Hagel announced today his intention to bring Hagel’s
nomination for a committee vote on Tuesday, February 12th, opening the
door for a full Senate vote later this week.

Chairman Levin’s question and Hagel’s complete response are both provided below.

Chairman Carl Levin: Mr. Hagel, what is your assessment of the
U.S.-Armenia defense relationship, and what steps, if any, would you
take to strengthen that relationship?

Former Senator Hagel: `The U.S.-Armenia defense relationship is sound.
As with all relationships, there is room to grow and areas where we
can strengthen our cooperation and partnership. That growth will be
based on shared interests and willingness to cooperate, available
resources, and capacity to absorb new capabilities and missions.’

`If confirmed, I would continue to engage Armenian leaders to
strengthen existing areas of engagement and identify new areas of
cooperation that support Armenia’s defense reforms, especially its
peacekeeping brigade, and continue its ability to deploy in coalition
operations. I would look for the United States to be Armenia’s
partner of choice and help Armenia’s defense establishment contribute
to regional security and stability.’

Deky hackers broke Azerbaijani Embassy web site with a demand to
recognize NKR independence and Armenian Genocide

10:05, 15 February, 2013

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 15, ARMENPRESS:”Deky” hackers group has broken the
web site of Azerbaijani Embassy in Poland and posted a note
representing Armenian Genocide historical reality. ” It is time of
retribution and time to declare justice. It is high time to recognize
Nagorno Karabkh independence and Armenian Genocide” was posted in
Azerbaijani diplomatic representation web site.

Besides ”Deky” hackers paid a hint about Nakhigevan return.”
Nakhichevan: wait for us” note ran. As Armenpress reports, the
letter also contained a historical overview on Nagorno Karabakh
Republic area and population. They stated they have broken the web
site to restore the justice.

ARMENIE
Le président Sarkissian admet avoir commis des erreurs

A l’approche des elections du 18 février, dont il est le grand favori,
le président arménien Serge Sarkissian semble disposé à porter un
regard un peu plus critique sur le bilan de ses cinq années de mandat.
Jeudi 14 février, dans un discours prononcé dans la ville d’Achatark,
à une trentaine de km au nord-ouest de Erevan, où il organisait un
meeting, il a admis avoir commis des erreurs, mais en se disant
convaincu que cela n’empêchera pas les électeurs de le réélire, s’ils
souhaitent la prospérité et la justice dans le pays. `Je regrette les
erreurs que j’ai commises, qui sont nombreuses et dont je suis mieux
que quiconque informé’, a-t-il déclaré dans un exercice inhabituel
d’autocritique, en ajoutant, en reprenant à son compte « les mots de
[l’essayiste américain Ralph] Emerson : `Le plus grand courage n’est
pas de ne jamais tomber mais de se relever après chaque chute.”. M.
Sarkissian, qui a présidé aux destinées de l’Arménie durant les cinq
dernières années, n’a toutefois pas précisé la nature de ces erreurs.

`Si vous récusez l’idée selon laquelle la richesse de notre peuple est
détenue par une poignée d’individus, faites entendre votre voix lors
de ces élections’, a déclaré M. Sarkissian devant une foule dense
rassemblée sur la place centrale d’Ashtarak en poursuivant : `Si vous
rejetez l’idée que notre gouvernement est l’otage d’une poignée
d’individus fortunés, vous devez absolument participr à ces élections
». Des appels d’autant plus surprenant de la bouche d’un président
régulièrement accusé de diriger le pays avec une oligarchie et d’avoir
mis à profit son mandat pour s’enrichir. `Si vous êtes d’accord avec
l’idée que notre pays a besoin d’une nouvelle’ politique économique et
d’emplois bien rémunérés, si vous pensez que vous devez vivre dans un
pays de justice, ne restez pas chez vous’ le jour de l’élection, a
poursuivi le president candidat à sa reelection.

Lors de sa campagne en janvier dans la province méridionale du
Syounik, avait là encore reconnu certaines erreurs, et avait admis ne
pas avoir tenu certaines des promesses qu’il avait faites lors de la
campagne pour les élections de 2008. Il avait ajouté qu’il avait voulu
privilégier durant son mandat les réformes socioéconomiques et
d’autres changements qui ont été opérés, dans cette courte période, au
détriment de certaines autres mesures promises.

La veille, M. Sarkissian avait aussi révélé que les services de
sécurité chargés de l’enquête sur l’attentat du 31 janvier contre l’un
des candidats rivaux, Parouyr Hayrikian, avait résolu l’affaire. Deux
suspects ont été arêtes et ils auraient avoué leur responsabilité dans
cette aggression. M. Hayrikian, hospitalisé, a renoncé d’user de son
droit constitutionnel à repousser de deux semaines la date du scrutin,
au prétexte qu’il ne souhaite pas que cette affaire prête à
spéculations politiques. Les autres candidats en lice le lui ont
reproché, estimant qu’il avait fait l’objet de pressions de la
présidence. Si l’affaire semble close aux yeux de M. Sarkissian, qui
en a profité pour se féliciter de l’efficacité des services de
sécurité, M. Hayrikian semble toutefois penser que les véritables
commanditaires de l’attentat dont il a été victimes doivent encore
être arrêtés.

vendredi 15 février 2013,
Gari ©armenews.com

Vestnik Kavkaza, Russia
Feb 14 2013

Group of CIS Interparliamentary Assembly observers to arrive in
Armenia this week

14 February 2013 – 4:19pm

A team of international observers of the CIS Interparliamentary
Assembly (IPA) headed by Coordinator of the Committee, the Chairman of
the Moldovan Parliament on national security, defense and public order
Alexander Stoianoglo will arrive in Yerevan on Saturday, News.am
reports.

Head of Secretariat of the IPA CIS Council Aleksey Sergeyev will
participate in the work of international observers.

During the visit, meetings with the leadership of the National
Assembly of Armenia, Central Electoral Commission, the Prosecutor’s
Office and the Armenian Police will be held.

On Sunday, the delegation will visit Memorial to Armenian Genocide victims.

The group includes 28 MPs from the member states of IPA CIS. On the
Election Day they will visit precincts in Yerevan, Ararat, Artashat,
Etchmiadzin, Armavir, Ashtarak, Hrazdan and Charentsavan.

New York Times
Feb 14 2013

Could the Kardashians Enter Baku Even If They Really Wanted to?

By PETER SAVODNIK

Last weekend, the magazine published my article with the print
headline, `If They Build It, Will the Kardashians Come?’ The story,
about Baku’s ambition to become a new hub for the global 1 percent,
focuses on Khazar Islands, a $100 billion megadevelopment being built
on the Caspian, and the headline flicks at the development’s target
audience – celebrities and, mainly, people who want to be celebrities
– while touching on the unavoidable globalizing and liberalizing
effect this sort of project will have.

Some readers, however, took issue with the headline. After all, Kim
Kardashian claims Armenian heritage, and the Azeris and Armenians have
a particularly complicated relationship. (It has been barely 20 years
since they were killing each other over Nagorno-Karabakh.) The
question was raised, quite literally: even if she wanted to, could Kim
Kardashian actually come to Baku?

One one level, if Baku has any shot at becoming the city it wants to
be, there are going to be Armenians there. Anyway, Armenians are
scheduled to compete in the 2015 European Games, which Baku is
hosting. If Baku’s bid for the 2024 Olympic Games prevails, there will
probably be Armenians there, too. There will be Armenian race-car
drivers who compete at the Formula One race track planned for Khazar
Islands, and there will be Armenian musicians who play at its symphony
hall, and there will probably be Armenian investors who see the value
in building a big, flashy development on the Caspian. Kim Kardashian
may even swing through to promote her new line of pumps or clutches or
skin scents or whatever. This is on top of the 30,000 Armenians,
according to Kenan Guluzade, the former head of marketing for Khazar
Islands, who live in Baku.

But these assumptions shouldn’t belittle the tensions that still exist
between Azeris and Amernians. The first time I asked Ibrahimov about
the Armenian question, we were in the back of his Rolls, and he said:
`Armenian people cannot buy here. I will never sell to Armenian
people. My generation will never forget.’ That’s what he’s supposed to
say – it’s what the state wants him to say, because it distracts
Azeris from the problems facing Azerbaijan like poverty and a lack of
potable drinking water by focusing on the shared enemy that is
Armenia. But as he spoke, it was unclear if Ibrahimov really cared.

On Saturday, two days after the story was posted online, I circled
back to the question of Armenia. I asked Ibrahimov whether he would
ever welcome the Kardashians or any other wealthy Armenians who wanted
to visit his megadevelopment. This time, I had to communicate with him
through his assistant, Nigar Huseynli, who’s 23 and always nervous.
Huseynli told me that this would require some discussion and that her
boss would reply as soon as possible. She also asked if I wanted a
photo. Twenty-four hours later, Ibrahimov had still not gotten back to
me, and I e-mailed and then called Nigar in Baku, and she said he
would reply very soon. She seemed put off by the question, and I asked
her what she thought. `Azerbaijani nation has always been peace loving
and has been in peaceful relations with its neighbors,’ she said. `I
hope that in the near future our lands’ – Nagorno-Karabakh, now
controlled by Armenia – `will be returned by peace negotiations.’
Perfect Soviet-propaganda-speak – a sign that Azerbaijan may not look
like it used to but, underneath all the glass and steel and neon
lights, it is still an authoritarian state. But one that’s now open
for big business.

Kim Kardashian’s spokesmen, in New York and Los Angeles, did not
respond to requests for comment.

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