Author: Badalian Vardan

INFORMATION ON THE OWNERSHIP OF PRIVATE COMPANIES IN AZERBAIJAN CLASSIFIED!

Azerireport

President Ilham Aliyev’s daughters Arzu and Leyla Aliyeva

BAKU. June 12, 2012: Today’s session of Milli Mejlis (Parliament of
Azerbaijan) adopted the amendments to the laws “On commercial secret”
and “On State Registration of Legal Persons and State Registry” with 97
votes for, 4 against, and two abstentions. The new amendments prohibit
the disclosure the ownership of legal persons. The initiative to adopt
these new amendments followed the sensational journalist investigations
of Khadija Ismayilova which brought the corruption of the Azerbaijani
government to public attention. The journalist investigations showed
that that the daughters of the Azerbaijani president Ilham Aliyev
had control over the ownership of a number of offshore companies
engaged in broad range of activities, including the telecommunications
business, gold mining, construction business which received significant
business from the orders of the Azerbaijani government. Apparently,
the government’s response to those investigations was to classify
the information who owns which corporation.

According to the new amendments to the Azerbaijani laws, from now on
the information on the ownership of legal persons can be disclosed
only upon the court order to that effect or the order of the law
enforcement agencies.

The executive secretary of the ruling party YAP and the member of the
Azerbaijani parliament Mubariz Gurbanli responded to the criticisms
that this law was unprecedented in Europe saying the following:
“We don’t receive our orders from Europe. The country should take
into account its own national interests.”

Of course, the YAP official did not provide an explanation as to why
the private shares in the charter capital of a business enterprise
is an issue of national interest. “In the Canadian parliament, the
speaker refused to publish the price of fighters bought in a western
country,” said Mubariz Gurbanli.

Turan News Agency reports that Igbal Aghazade, member of the
Azerbaijani parliament said the following about the new amendments:
“The amendments are aimed at taking the information on the stolen
public funds out of the control of the public eye. If the employer
pays the taxes, why would he hide information about himself?” he said.

“It is illegal discussion, and I invite the interested committees to
abandon short-sighted initiative,” he said.

Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Economic Policy Ziyad
Samadzade referred to the legislation of Kazakhstan, where the
information regarding the ownership of private companies also
classified. He further said that Europe and America have been existing
for hundreds of years, but they live in an open society only since
the 1950s. According to him, Azerbaijan will once come to openness.

After a brief debate, the parliamentarians adopted the proposed
amendments by 97 votes “for”, four “against”, and two abstentions
(Azerireport).

KNESSET DEBATES RECOGNITION OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
Hillary Zaken

Discussion takes place as relations with Turkey are tenser than ever

June 12, 2012, 2:49 pm

Armenians mark the anniversary of the Armenian genocide in 2007 in
Jerusalem (photo credit: Yossi Zamir/Flash 90)

On Tuesday, the Knesset marked the Armenian genocide with a special
session to debate recognition of the genocide, as Israeli relations
with Turkey continue to deteriorate.

The Israeli parliament has in the past refrained from public debates
on the subject for fear of alienating the Turkish government, one of
the Jewish state’s few allies in a hostile Middle East.

However, the timing of the discussion about the Armenian genocide,
perpetrated by the Ottomans about a century ago, coincides with the
release of the state comptroller’s report about the 2010 raid on
the Mavi Marmara, a Turkish ship attempting to break the blockade
of the Gaza Strip, in which the IDF killed nine Turkish nationals,
as well as the Turkish decision to indict senior IDF officials in
absentia over the incident.

Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin said that the discussion of the genocide,
promoted by MK Zahava Gal-On (Meretz), was not connected to the
current strained relations between Israel and Turkey.

Rivlin also told Globes: “As Jews, and as human beings, we cannot
ignore this issue and we must not turn away from our commitment to
morality… As [a country] struggling in the international arena with
Holocaust denial, we cannot deny the tragedy of another people.”

In December 2011, the Knesset Education Committee discussed the
Armenian genocide for the first time. Gal-On, who also initiated that
discussion, said then: “For years, Israel always took into account
its relations with Turkey. That is the central issue in terms of
recognition of the murder of the Armenian people, which has yet to
take place in Israel’s Knesset,” according to Haaretz.

The Armenian genocide was the murder of between 1 million and 1.5
million Armenians living in the Ottoman Empire during and following
World War I. Although the Turkish government denies that a genocide
was committed, many international bodies recognize that it did in
fact occur.

CLARINET PLAYER NAREK ARUTYUNIAN PERFORMS WITH BOSTON POPS ORCHESTRA

PanARMENIAN.Net
June 12, 2012 – 16:02 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Armenian clarinet prodigy Narek Arutyunian refused to
become daunted by one of the world’s leading orchestras, The Armenian
Weekly reports.

The 19-year-old stood firm and tall at Boston’s Symphony Hall and was
embraced by a crowd attending the 61st annual rendition of Armenian
Night at the Pops June 8.

Of the 2,400 in attendance this evening, some 450 were Armenians, bent
on getting their first look at the rising star. He didn’t disappoint,
the report says.

“Best 18 minutes I could have ever performed,” he told observers at
a post-reception. “Playing next to conductor Keith Lockhart was the
ultimate experience. I shall treasure this moment forever.”

He opened the performance with a rather spirited number called
“Czardas” written by Monti, then presented a somber rendition of
“Krounk” (The Crane) by Komitas for solo clarinet.

The finale was a jazzy “Concerto for Clarinet” written by the
inimitable Artie Shaw, which had the crowd swaying in their seats.

When it came to the Armenian piece, Lockhart silenced his ensemble,
stepped to one side, and gave his guest artist complete autonomy. The
two often made eye contact and exchanged pleasing smiles.

Lockhart lauded Arutyunian as “an Armenian musician of considerable
talent,” probably wishing his presence upon the Pops ensemble. The
maestro had just returned from London where he participated in the
Queen’s Jubilee.

“It’s a tribute to both the immigrants and martyrs who overcame
tremendous obstacles,” Lockhart noted. “Armenians are a people to
be admired.”

DAVUTOGLU’S STATEMENT ON AZERI ATTACKS AT NKR BORDER RACIST – FM

PanARMENIAN.Net
June 12, 2012 – 15:40 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian deemed Armenia’s
decision to ban Turkey from OSCE Minsk Group format correct.

“Past 20 years showed that Turkey is biased and hampers Nagorno
Karabakh conflict settlement,” Minister Nalbandian said, stressing
Turkey’s reaction to recent Azeri attacks at the contact line.

“Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu’s statement, voicing concerns
over Azeri soldiers’ deaths on border with Armenia and Artsakh,
demonstrate his racist approach to the issue. He never expressed
concern when Armenian servicemen were killed by Azeris,” he said.

“While international community condemns the recent violent incidents,
urging to refrain from use of force, Turkish statement provokes new
Azeri attacks. Turkey tries to pin Azerbaijan’s blame on other parties,
wondering why the progress in Karabakh settlement basic principles
was not achieved during Kazan meeting,” Armenian Minister said.

The summit between Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia in Kazan on June 24,
2011 completed without an agreement on basic principles of Nagorno
Karabakh conflict settlement. “The countries’ leaders registered mutual
understanding on a range of problems, the resolution of which boosts
creation of conditions for approving main principles. The meeting
participants considered the course of works carried out with the aim
of coordination of the project with basic principles,” according to
the statement. The Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan expressed
gratitude to the Russian, French and U.S. leaders, the OSCE Minsk
group co-chairs, for ‘their constant attention to Nagorno-Karabakh
problem’ and highly praised personal efforts of the Russian President
in support of agreements.

Later on Minister of Foreign Affairs Edward Nalbanian noted that the
meeting was not a breakthrough, as Azerbaijan proved unready to accept
the final version of the basic principles suggested by the OSCE Minsk
Group Co-chairs. Instead, the Azerbaijani leader attempted to impose
10 new proposals, thus precluding the possibility of any agreement
on the issue,” he added.

ARMENIAN MP: THERE SHOULD BE NO GOVERNMENT AND OPPOSITION WHEN IT COMES TO AZERI SABOTAGE ATTACKS ON THE BORDER

arminfo
Monday, June 11, 20:31

There should be no government and opposition when it comes to Azeri
sabotage attacks on the border. We must be united in the face of the
enemy, member of the Republican Party of Armenia Vardan Ayvazyan said
during a joint press-conference with the deputy leader of the Free
Democrats party Anush Sedrakyan on Monday.

He said that the last sabotage attacks were the Azeris’ signal to the
world community that they are not satisfied with the current status
quo. But their motive was not only the Nagorno-Karabakh problem,
but also their conflict with Iran as well as the growing controversy
over the Caspian Sea oil shelf.

Sedrakyan said that deaths in the Armenian army are caused not only
by the enemy’s attacks but also by internal conflicts. So, she urged
the authorities to do something to solve this problem.

EAMON GILMORE PLANS TO PAY BILATERAL VISIT TO ARMENIA

ARMENPRESS
11 June, 2012
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, JUNE 12, ARMENPRESS: OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Ireland’s
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Eamon Gilmore, who is in
Yerevan on a regional visit, and Foreign Minister of Armenia Edward
Nalbandyan met June 12.

Welcoming the guest, Edward Nalbandyan said: “Despite the geographical
distance, our people have a relationship dating back to centuries.

This time you have arrived as OSCE chairman-in-office and I hope to
host you soon in Yerevan as deputy PM and FM of friend Ireland too.”

Foreign Affairs Ministry’s press service told Armenpress.

“Armenia has backed Ireland’s candidacy in the elections for OSCE
chairing country, and we, being an active OSCE member state, during
the Irish chairmanship will promote the steps directed toward
enhancement of productivity and viability of the organization,”
added Mr Nalbandyan.

Thanking for warm reception, Eamon Gilmore said he is glad to visit
Yerevan and plans to arrive in Armenia on a bilateral visit as well.

During the meeting a thorough discussion was extended over ensuring
of peace and security in South Caucasus, which is an important issue
of the agenda of the Irish presidency.

Armenia’s FM presented to OSCE Chairperson-in-Office the latest
developments over the process of Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement
and the Azerbaijani steps directed toward straining the situation in
the region.

“Armenia has always stood up for peaceful settlement of the Karabakh
conflict and in this regard our position is in compliance with that
of international community, manifested in the statements of OSCE
Minsk Group co-chair countries made in L’Aquila in 2009, in Muskoka
in 2010 and in Deauville in 2011,” said the FM.

In that context OSCE Chairperson-in-Office stressed that the Irish
chairmanship is concerned about the tension of the situation and aims
to take steps in the direction of strengthening trust, removing snipers
from the line of contact, agreeing on a mechanism for investigating
incidents on the frontlines. He added that OSCE absolutely supports
peaceful settlement of the conflict in the format of Minsk Group.

Eamon Gilmore also positively assessed the democratic reforms
conducted in Armenia, and reconfirmed OSCE’s multifaceted support to
that process.

The ministers referred to agenda issues of the OSCE activity and
reforms of the organization.

ARTSAKH WAR LEGEND, MONTE MELKONYAN, DIED 19 YEARS AGO TODAY (VIDEO)

12.06.12

Famed Armenian commander Monte Melkonyan (aka Avo), who fought for
the liberation of Nagorno-Karabakh in the 1990s, died his hero’s
death in the fierce battle 19 years ago on this today.

Monte was awarded the national hero’s title posthumously.

He moved to Karabakh from the early periods of the struggle; before
that, at the beginning of 1991, he founded a detachment called
Patriotic.

Simple and straightforward, absolutely contemptuous of material values,
a lover of nature and a man constantly yearning to learn – this is
how one of Monte’s friends, Alec Yenigmoshyan, characterizes the hero.

“He had made up his mind to come to the Soviet Armenia then,
and because he was not issued a visa, he decided to settle in an
Armenian-populated community in the Middle East; he was already
determined to tie his future to the Armenian nation’s fate,” he told
Tert.am, sharing his recollections about the war legend.

Melkonian was born on November 25, 1957 to the family of Charles and
Zabel Melkonians. His interest in his background only sparked at the
age of eleven, when his family went on a year-long trip to Europe in
1969. After taking Spanish courses in Spain, he travelled to Turkey
to visit Merzifon, the native town of his maternal grandparents.

Returning to the United States, he graduated from high school and
entered the University of California, Berkeley, majoring in ancient
Asian history and Archeology. In 1978 he helped to organize an
exhibition of Armenian cultural artifacts at one of the university’s
libraries. The section of the exhibit dealing with the 1915-23 genocide
was removed by university authorities, at the request of the Turkish
consul general in San Francisco. The display that was removed was
eventually reinstalled following a campus protest movement. After
graduating from U.C. Berkeley in the spring of 1978, Monte traveled
to Iran, where he taught English and participated in the movement to
overthrow the Shah. Years later, in southern Lebanon, he occasionally
wore the uniform of the Kurdish peshmerga which he was given in
Iranian Kurdistan. In the fall of 1978, Monte made his way to Beirut,
the capital of Lebanon, in time to participate in the defense of the
Armenian quarter against by the right-wing Phalange forces. At this
time, he met his long-time confidante and future wife, Seta Kbranian.

onte was affiliated with the Armenian Revolutionary Federation and
was a permanent member of the militia’s bases in Bourj Hamoud,Western
Beirut, Antelias and other regions for almost two years, during
which time he participated in several street battles against rightist
forces. He also began working behind the lines in Phalangist controlled
territory, on behalf of the “Leftist and Muslim” Lebanese National
Movement. By this time, he was speaking Armenian, which became his
fourth or fifth language as he had not learned it until adulthood.

In the spring of 1980, Monte was inducted into the Armenian Secret
Army for the Liberation of Armenia, ASALA, and secretly relocated
to West Beirut. Hpent over three years in France’s prisons. He was
released in early 1989 and after traveling to several countries,
he finally arrived in what was then still Soviet Armenia. With the
Artsakh liberation war already in its early stages, he decided to
join the battle in September 1991. In 1992, by the proposal of the
then defense minister, Vazgen Sargsyan, he assumed the duties of a
military headquarters chief of in Martuni region.

Later that year he was already a commander. His role in the liberation
of Karvachar, a town in the north-east of Nagorno-Karabakh Karabakh,
was invaluable.

“Monte was very knowledgeable, both in terms of education and life
experience. I endlessly remember him saying, ‘I want to learn’,”
Yenigmosyan said, remembering the hero.

WATER PIPE THREATENS 150 ODZOUN PINE TREES
Larisa Paremuzyan

hetq
11:44, June 12, 2012

The planned construction of a water pipe in the village of Odzoun
in Armenia’s northern Lori Marz might well kill more than 150 pine
trees towering alongside a 200 meter stretch of road.

Construction is set to begin in a few days by the utility, Armenia
Water and Sewer.

Tezek Aghvanyan, a village resident who’s a rural economist by
profession, told Hetq that plans to dig a trench down the road will
surely harm the trees since they have shallow roots.

Aghvanyan argues that the utility has other options as to where to
install the water pipe.

The pine trees were planted in 1948 by the Odzoun collective farm as
a barrier from mountain rains flooding the fields below.

Artour Kololyan, who heads the utility’s Alaverdi Branch, told Hetq
that the pipe was necessary to supply water to 15 homes along the
roadway.

Kololyan says he will personally inspect the installation of the pipe
to ensure that no trees are damaged in the process.

Aghvanyan says such assurances are not realistic.

“For this reason, residents of the village will not permit construction
of the pipeline to begin,” Aghvanyan warned.

INGO ARMENIA EMPLOYEE WINS YEREVAN BUSINESS RUN 2012

/ARKA/
11 June, 2012
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, June 11. /ARKA/. An employee of Ingo Armenia insurance
company won the Yerevan Business Run-2012, the press service of the
Yerevan municipality said. The event attracted 111 representatives of
37 Armenian companies. Representatives of Reso insurance company and
Ideal Systems chain of stores came in second and third respectively.

The marathon started and ended in a downtown Abovian Street. The
participants had to run 2.6 kilometers along Republican Square,
Amiryan Street, Mashtots Avenue and Sayat Nova Street.

The winners were awarded prizes and special certificates at an evening
ceremony. The winning team received the right to go to Vienna to
participate in the Vienna Business Run.

The event was organized by Best Western Congress Hotel and the Austrian
Airlines to raise awareness about the problems of corporate companies
and public involvement to address these problems.

The proceeds will be directed to the solution of environmental problems
of the capital, in particular, to the restoration of a public park
in the administrative district Achapnyak.

BAKO SAHAKYAN MET WITH OSCE CHAIRMAN-IN-OFFICE

ARMENPRESS
11 June, 2012
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, JUNE 12, ARMENPRESS: President of the Artsakh Republic Bako
Sahakyan met in Yerevan OSCE chairman-in-office, deputy premier,
minister for foreign affairs and trade of the Republic of Ireland
Eamon Gilmore on June 12.

As Central Information Department of the Office of the Artsakh Republic
President informed Armenpress , issues related to the settlement of
the Azerbaijani-Karabagh conflict were discussed during the meeting.

High estimating efforts of the OSCE in Azerbaijani-Karabakh conflict
settlement President Sahakyan underlined the necessity of restoring
the negotiation format approved by the OSCE Budapest summit, noting
that it would be impossible to reach the comprehensive settlement
of the conflict without the direct participation of the Nagorno
Karabakh Republic.

The Head of the State once again reiterated the adherence of
official Stepanakert to peaceful settlement of the conflict within the
frameworks of the Minsk Group adding at the same time that militaristic
and anti-Armenian policy of Azerbaijan, which has recently assumed
radical forms, is one of the most important hindrances on the way of
solving the issue and should receive a corresponding reaction of the
international community.

The President of the Artsakh Republic noted the importance of
visiting Artsakh and acquaintance with the country by the OSCE
chairman-in-office.Artsakh Republic acting foreign minister Vassily
Atajanyan, personal representative of the OSCE chairman-in-office
Andrzej Kasprzyk and other officials were present at the meeting.