Author: Baghdasarian Karlen

L’OSCE CONTRELERA LE DEROULEMENT DES ELECTIONS LEGISLATIVES
Laetitia

armenews.com
jeudi 23 fevrier 2012

Selon des responsables de l’Organisation et de la securite et
la cooperation en Europe (OSCE), l’opposition et des groupes de
la societe civile en Armenie ne font pas confiance aux promesses
du gouvernement qui prevoit de faire des elections parlementaires
democratiques. Nicola Schmidt, directeur adjoint d’un departement
des elections au Bureau de l’OSCE pour les Institutions democratiques
et des droits de l’homme (BIDDH), et Raul Lucian Muresan, un expert
des elections au BIDDH, se sont rendus a Erevan pour une ” mission
d’evaluation ” il y a trois semaines. Ils ont rencontre des hauts
fonctionnaires, dirigeants de partis politiques et des militants
civiques pour discuter des preparatifs pour les elections prevues en
mai et les modalites pratiques de leur observation par l’OSCE.

Dans un rapport publie cette semaine, Schmidt et Muresan ont
recommande le deploiement de 300 observateurs pour le scrutin après
avoir recu une invitation officielle du gouvernement armenien. Un
nombre similaire de surveillants des Etats membres de l’OSCE ont ete
deployes en Armenie lors des precedentes elections presidentielles
et parlementaires. Schmidt et Muresan ont affirme que tous leurs
interlocuteurs a Erevan sont favorables pour une mission d’observation
pendant les elections de mai. ” La presence du BIDDH a ete consideree
comme essentielle pour un bon deroulement du processus electoral. ”
” Les partis politiques du gouvernement et l’opposition ont exprime
leur manque de confiance les uns envers les autres “. Les representants
de l’OSCE ont egalement fait l’eloge du Code electoral de l’Armenie
qui a ete modifie l’annee dernière, affirmant ” qu’il est une bonne
base pour la conduite d’elections democratiques “.

Le HAK estime que les observateurs occidentaux devraient etre presents
dans tous les endroits de vote de l’Armenie. Il a affirme que si les
institutions de l’OSCE et des autres pays europeens sont incapables
d’envoyer des observateurs dans tous les endroits, ils devraient au
moins faire en sorte que leurs observateurs restent dans les memes
bureaux de vote pendant le processus de depouillement du scrutin,
plutôt que de faire des navettes entre les differents bureaux de vote.

” Si cela n’est pas fait, cela signifie qu’ils sont prets a fermer
les yeux sur les falsifications de vote “, a averti Levon Zurabian,
un chef de file du HAK.
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From: Mihran Keheyian
Subject: =?windows-1252?Q?L=92OSCE_contr=F4lera_le_d=E9roulement_des_=E9lections_?=
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ARMENIE
L?OSCE contrôlera le déroulement des élections législatives

Selon des responsables de l?Organisation et de la sécurité et la
coopération en Europe (OSCE), l?opposition et des groupes de la
société civile en Arménie ne font pas confiance aux promesses du
gouvernement qui prévoit de faire des élections parlementaires
démocratiques. Nicola Schmidt, directeur adjoint d?un département des
élections au Bureau de l?OSCE pour les Institutions démocratiques et
des droits de l?homme (BIDDH), et Raul Lucian Muresan, un expert des
élections au BIDDH, se sont rendus à Erevan pour une « mission
d?évaluation » il y a trois semaines. Ils ont rencontré des hauts
fonctionnaires, dirigeants de partis politiques et des militants
civiques pour discuter des préparatifs pour les élections prévues en
mai et les modalités pratiques de leur observation par l?OSCE.

Dans un rapport publié cette semaine, Schmidt et Muresan ont
recommandé le déploiement de 300 observateurs pour le scrutin après
avoir reçu une invitation officielle du gouvernement arménien. Un
nombre similaire de surveillants des Etats membres de l?OSCE ont été
déployés en Arménie lors des précédentes élections présidentielles et
parlementaires. Schmidt et Muresan ont affirmé que tous leurs
interlocuteurs à Erevan sont favorables pour une mission d?observation
pendant les élections de mai. « La présence du BIDDH a été considérée
comme essentielle pour un bon déroulement du processus électoral. » «
Les partis politiques du gouvernement et l?opposition ont exprimé leur
manque de confiance les uns envers les autres ». Les représentants de
l?OSCE ont également fait l?éloge du Code électoral de l?Arménie qui a
été modifié l?année dernière, affirmant « qu?il est une bonne base
pour la conduite d?élections démocratiques ».

Le HAK estime que les observateurs occidentaux devraient être présents
dans tous les endroits de vote de l?Arménie. Il a affirmé que si les
institutions de l?OSCE et des autres pays européens sont incapables
d?envoyer des observateurs dans tous les endroits, ils devraient au
moins faire en sorte que leurs observateurs restent dans les mêmes
bureaux de vote pendant le processus de dépouillement du scrutin,
plutôt que de faire des navettes entre les différents bureaux de vote.

« Si cela n?est pas fait, cela signifie qu?ils sont prêts à fermer les
yeux sur les falsifications de vote », a averti Levon Zurabian, un
chef de file du HAK.

jeudi 23 février 2012,
Laetitia ©armenews.com

From: Baghdasarian

FRANCOIS HOLLANDE A CONFIRME SON ENGAGEMENT DEVANT LES REPRESENTANTS DE LA FRA
Stephane

armenews.com
jeudi 23 fevrier 2012

Richard Ananian et Mourad Papazian, les co-Presidents de la FRA
Dachnaktsoutioun ont rencontre Francois Hollande le lundi 20 fevrier.

Au cours de l’entretien, Francois Hollande a reitere son soutien a
la cause armenienne. Les representants de la FRA ont aborde avec le
candidat a la presidentielle les sujets les plus brûlants du moment.

Concernant le passage de la loi anti-negationniste devant le Conseil
constitutionnel, Francois Hollande a regrette qu’un nombre suffisant
de parlementaires ait pu etre reuni pour la saisine des Sages. Les
representants de la FRA ont insiste sur la formidable operation
d’ingerence politique organisee par l’Etat turc pendant la periode
de l’examen parlementaire de la proposition de loi.

Francois Hollande a confirme son attachement au combat contre le
negationnisme du genocide armenien et s’est engage a en relancer le
processus, en tant que President de la Republique, dans l’hypothèse ou
le Conseil constitutionnel devait invalider la loi. Francois Hollande
a accepte l’idee de legiferer au debut de son mandat pour deconnecter
cette question de tout enjeu electoral. Il a insiste sur le fait que
sa position n’avait pas change depuis 2006.

Au terme de l’entretien, Mourad Papazian a declare “qu’il n’avait
“jamais ete inquiet de la position de celui qui sera probablement le
prochain President de la Republique. Notre proximite politique avec
Francois Hollande et le fait que nous l’avons soutenu très tôt, avant
meme le debut de la campagne des primaires a renforce le sentiment
de confiance mutuelle qui anime notre relation.”

Le co-President de la FRA Dachnaktsoutioun a ajoute que “Francois
Hollande mesure notre engagement en tant que partenaire politique et
nous, nous constatons que de 2006 a 2012, il a demontre concrètement
son attachement a notre cause, notamment par la constance de sa
position concernant la loi sanctionnant la negation du genocide
armenien. Nous savons qu’il s’est personnellement engage pour que les
groupes socialistes a l’Assemblee nationale et au Senat s’expriment
en tant que tel en faveur d’une proposition de loi issue d’une deputee
UMP. Et nous savons qu’en cas d’invalidation de la loi par le Conseil
constitutionnel, Francois Hollande tiendra sa parole s’il est elu a
la Presidence de la Republique.”

Et pour conclure, Mourad Papazian a declare que “si le Conseil
constitutionnel devait invalider la loi, alors il aurait interet a
motiver son argumentation car nous ne nous laisserons pas faire”. Si
nous devions constater que la decision revetait plus un caractère
politique que juridique, nous nous engagerions dans une denonciation
publique sans precedent du Conseil constitutionnel”.

From: Baghdasarian

AZERBAIJANI AND ARMENIAN INTELLECTUALS DECIDE TO MEET IN MAY

APA
Feb 22 2012
Azerbaijan

Mikhail Shvidkoy: “Today’s meeting in Moscow was held in very positive
atmosphere”

Moscow. Farid Akberov- APA. Azerbaijani and Armenian intellectuals will
hold their next meeting in May, Special Representative of the Russian
President for international cultural cooperation Mikhail Svidkoy told
APA correspondent. He said the meeting between the intellectuals of
both countries at the editorial office of Rossiyskaya Gazeta today was
positive. “The meeting was held in very positive atmosphere. I can’t
say what issues were discussed at the meeting, but it was decided to
hold such meetings frequently. The sides decided to hold next meeting
in this format in May”. Shvidkoy didn’t say where the next meeting
will be held.

From: Baghdasarian

GOLD EXPORTS FROM ARMENIA UP 48% IN 2011

Interfax
Feb 21 2012
Russia

Gold exports from Armenia in 2011 increased by 48% to 2,399 kilograms
(including galvanized dust), the country’s Customs Service said in
a report.

The customs value for the gold exported increased to $67.3 million
last year from $28.6 million for 2010.

Armenia’s Economic Ministry told Interfax that the high rates of
export growth have been driven by rising world prices for the metal.

Total imports of gold to Armenia in 2011 came to 1,520 kilograms
worth $78.3 million compared to 1,505 kilograms worth $60 million in
the previous year.

Armenia exports gold dore with up to 92% gold content. Banking gold
is not produced in the country.

From: Baghdasarian

KUWAIT CONGRATULATES ARMENIA FOR SELECTION OF YEREVAN AS WORLD BOOK CAPITAL

Kuwait News Agency

Feb 22 2012

BRUSSELS, Feb 22 (KUNA) — Kuwait’s Ambassador to Armenia Bassam
Mohammed Al-Qabandi met here Wednesday Armenian Minister of Culture
Hasmik Poghosyan and congratulated her the selection of Yerevan as
the World Book Capital by UNESCO.

Al-Qabandi conveyed the greetings of Kuwait Minister of Information
Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah Mubarak Al-Sabah to Poghosyan.

During the meeting both sides stressed the need to promote cultural
relations between the two countries, according to a statement released
by the Kuwait embassy.

The two sides also discussed cooperation frameworks in participating
in the celebration to be held during the period 20-23 of April in
Armenia under the auspices of President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan to
bring the dialogue of cultures and civilizations closer.

The first book in Armenia was printed in the year 1512, a fact that
contributed to the selection of Yerevan as the world book capital.

Ambassador Al-Qabandi presented a commemorative gift to the minister
and wished her all success.

The meeting was also attended by the third secretary at the Kuwait
embassy in Armenia Khalid Walid Al-Zeer. (end) nk.ajs KUNA 221835
Feb 12NNNN

From: Baghdasarian

TURKISH BUSINESSMEN PLAN TO EXPORT CHEESE TO ARMENIA

news.am
February 23, 2012 | 00:04

Turkish VOTAS company, meat and dairy producer, which is located in
Van, has decided to export its products to neighbor countries.

As the Turkish Zaman informs, the president of VOTAS Munur Karam
mentioned that currently they have 546 cattle but they are planning
to increase that number up to 2,500.

The president of the company also mentioned that they are planning
to export cheese to Iraq and Armenia.

From: Baghdasarian

PRESS RELEASE
Armenian Studies Program
University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, CA 94720-2550
Contact: Prof. Stephan Astourian
Tel: 510-642-3230
Email: [email protected]

The Armenian Studies Program at UC Berkeley is hosting a symposium on
Eghishe Charents on February 26, 2012. This symposium will address central
aspects of his life and oeuvre. Part of the program will include a screening
of Charents: In Search Of My Armenian Poem, which takes place at 10:30am. At
2:00pm, Dr. Azat Yeghiazaryan, Vartan Matiossian, and James Russell will
give lectures on Charents¹ works.

Venue: 370 Dwinelle Hall
UC Berkeley,
Berkeley, California
Date: February 26, 2012
Time: 10:30am to 5:30pm

For more information, please contact the Institute of Slavic, East European,
and Eurasian Studies at (510) 642-3230 or email Stephan Astourian at
[email protected].

From: Baghdasarian

FRANCE TO INCREASE PRESSURE ON ARMENIA IN NAGORNO-KARABAKH ISSUE

Trend
Feb 21 2012
Azerbaijan

France will increase the pressure on Armenia in the Nagorno-Karabakh
issue, head of the Center of Political Innovations and Technologies,
political scientist Mubariz Ahmedoglu said a briefing on Tuesday.

He noted de facto head of Nagorno Karabakh Bako Sahakyan makes
unintelligible and hard-to-explain steps.

“While important people were in Nagorno-Karabakh, Sahakyan made a
surprise visit to Greece and met there with leaders of the Armenian
community, the Armenian Church in Greece and the Armenian Revolutionary
Federation party. Despite the fact that the Armenian media has always
covered widely few meetings of Sahakyan, this time they distributed
only short information,” the political scientist said.

Sahakyan, in his interview with “Hayastan” newspaper after a meeting
in Greece, made two sensational statements.

“First, Sahakyan noted the possibility of returning some land to
Azerbaijan before determining the status of Nagorno-Karabakh.

Secondly, he noted the existence of settlement option. Despite the
fact that the first statement attracted attention of the Armenians
and caused their dissatisfaction, they didn’t not pay attention to
the second statement,” Mr Ahmedoglu said.

He said formerly such statements of Armenian leaders were perceived
as having no real grounds, spoken for the sake of politics or
negotiations.

“But the fact that these statements were made in presence of
the Armenian lobby in Greece, which faced a very serious crisis,
significantly affected Sahakyan’s opportunities for maneuver. Until
that time, the maneuver of Armenia in the Nagorno-Karabakh issue
was as follows: the Armenian leaders had a manner to speak freely,
but they linked everything to Nagorno-Karabakh: “Without the consent
of the Nagorno-Karabakh no document will be accepted”. But today
Sahakyan has to repeat what President Sargsyan said two years ago
for the maneuver,” Mr Ahmedoglu said.

He said one of the countries which has been most affected by the
sanctions of the European Union on Iran’s oil is Greece. Greece buys
daily 100,000 barrels of oil from Iran.

“The termination of oil supplies for unknown for Greece reasons could
further complicate the hopeless situation in this country. The French
President may ask the President of Azerbaijan to supply oil to Greece,
and on compromise terms,” Mr Ahmedoglu said.

Statements Sahakyan made after his visit to Greece, lead to the
conclusion that in the case of improving the position of Azerbaijan
towards Greece at the request of French President Nicolas Sarkozy,
in return Sarkozy will increase the pressure on Armenia in the
Nagorno-Karabakh issue, the political analyst added.

“It can be assumed that Sahakyan’s statements are based on the
principle “Consent to return the seven regions of Azerbaijan before
determining the status of Nagorno-Karabakh”. Greece and France should
not rely on statements of Sahakyan in an interview with “Hayastan”
concerning his willingness to compromise. Making promises and not
fulfilling them is the national trait of Armenians,” Mr Ahmedoglu said.

From: Baghdasarian

ICRC REPRESENTATIVES VISIT THREE ARMENIAN PRISONERS OF WAR AND FIVE MEMBERS OF A FAMILY HELD IN CUSTODY IN AZERBAIJAN

APA
Feb 21 2012
Azerbaijan

Baku. Kamala Guliyeva – APA. On February 17, the representatives of
the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) visited three
Armenian prisoners of war and five members of a family held in
custody in Azerbaijan, media contact person for the ICRC Delegation
to Azerbaijan Ilaha Huseynova told APA.

ICRC representatives delivered seven “Red Cross” letters to the
persons held in custody in Azerbaijan and received three “Red Cross”
letters from the Armenian family.

Currently there are three Armenian prisoners of war and five civilians
in Azerbaijan.

The civilians are the members of one family – Yegishe, Ruzanna, Alfred,
Gayane and Petros Gevorkian. They crossed the Azerbaijani borders in
January, 2010.

Two the captives – Ohan Arutunyan and Gevorg Tovmasyan passed into
Azerbaijani side in May, 2009, another one – Karen Arutunyan passed
into Azerbaijani side in July, 2009. All of three soldiers wish to
be sent to a third country.

An Azerbaijani serviceman is held captive in Armenia. The person,
who is held in Nagorno Karabakh, is corporal of the Azerbaijani Army,
Akhundzadeh Mammadbagir Talib, 22. He was captured by Armenians near
Yukhari Chayli village of Terter region on January 23, 2012.

From: Baghdasarian

“IRAN’S POLICY ON AZERBAIJAN IS NOT A POLICY OF FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD”

MilAz.info
Feb 21 2012
Azerbaijan

Gudrat Hasanguliyev: “I am against the political coloring of Taksim
action”

APA’s interview with chairman of All Azerbaijan Popular Front Party,
MP Gudrat Hasanguliyev

– 20 years have passed since the Khojaly genocide. How do you assess
the work done on the eve of its commemoration?

– The government, NGOs and political parties have done a great work
toward the recognition of the tragedy in the world. I think we should
acknowledge it. This issue began to attract more attention when Heydar
Aliyev Foundation started “Justice for Khojaly” campaign led by Leyla
Aliyeva. This campaign plays an important role in recognition of
the genocide in the world. Our Diaspora organizations in the world,
as well as societies in Europe joined this action. UK-based The
European Azerbaijan Society has done much work and campaigned for
recognition of the genocide in the world. Milli Mejlis also focused
attention on this issue and established working groups. It brought
results. The parliaments of several countries officially recognized
Khojaly genocide and several countries adopted official documents. I
hope the work will continue and the number of countries recognizing
the genocide will increase. I would like to underline the role of
the press in this field. Azerbaijani press was very active to keep
the issue on the agenda.

– What do you think about the action to be held in Istanbul’s Taksim
Square on the day of genocide – February 26?

– I would like all political circles of Turkey, both government and
opposition to support this action that it will be a grandiose event
echoing throughout the world and involving hundreds of thousands of
people. It will depend on heartily support giving by all political
parties of Turkey. Azerbaijani state, people and society set great
hopes on Turkey. Every time, when Azerbaijan says “it will liberate
territories by all means, including military way”, there is a Russian
general who responds that “if ceasefire is breached in the region,
Russia will take measures to reach forcible peace”. Privately, I
expect from Turkish officials to say that “if ceasefire is breached
and Armenia continues its destructive activity, Turkey will not remain
indifferent to the interference of a third country when Azerbaijan
has to liberate its territories”. Such response of Turkey will force
Armenians to think seriously about the peace. Taking all of these
issues into account, I consider the Taksim action very important and
wish to continue.

By the way, I do not accept the authorities-opposition approach to
this action. Regrettably some forces attempt to cast shadow upon this
action, or take advantage of it for the political purposes. I think
that we should call on the Azerbaijani authorities, opposition, the
Azerbaijanis living in Turkey to support this action. We should address
the political circles of Turkey and say that this is the nationwide
issue. This is the tragedy of the Turkic people. All efforts should
be mobilized in order to inform the world about this tragedy. They
should invite their supporters to Taksim square. We have the right to
ask this. If thousands of people gather in the squares with the slogan
“We all are Armenians”, hundreds of thousands of people should gather
in this square. On February 26, Taksim square will be the test of
our unity.

-How right is it to politicize it?

-This is a protest against a humanity crime. It would not be right to
approach this problem in the context of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations.

Irrespective of nationality everyone must condemn this act of
genocide. The action that will be held in Taksim is not a political
one, it serves the protection of human values.

-Iran is one of the most discussed issues. The number of Iran’s
threats has increased. This country openly accuses Azerbaijan of
hiding terrorists. Ordinary citizens face problems on Azerbaijani
border. We would like to know your opinion.

-First of all I must say that the problems created by the Iranian
side for the ordinary citizens are not new. Simply, they have been
complicated. I have repeatedly said at the Azerbaijani Parliament
that the documents of the Azerbaijani citizens traveling to Nakhchivan
through Iran or in the opposite direction are taken away and held there
without showing any reasons. Our citizens undergo oppression. As we do
not have other way, our citizens are obliged to use it. The problem
has recently become more complicated. Iran’s policy on Azerbaijan
is not the policy of friendly neighborhood. One should speak openly
about it. Iran’s policy with respect to Azerbaijan is against the
Islamic community and tramples down the Islamic values. If Islam
suggests that Muslims are brothers, how it can be that your brother’s
lands are occupied and you support the state that has done it. For
example, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan has no embassy in Armenia,
it has recognized Khojaly genocide. Iranian officials use groundless
articles as a pretext. According to the article published in The Times,
Israeli intelligence services carry out some activities against Iran
in the territory of Azerbaijan and Azerbaijan has allowed this. I read
this article attentively. Even a person, who is not a politician,
knows that a secret-service agent would not publicize his identity
or intention. The whole world, including Iran knows that the British
media publishes articles against Azerbaijan. The boxing scandal,
the articles against The European Azerbaijan Society and the campaign
against Eurovision show that the country’s media has biased approach
to Azerbaijan. I am sure that Iranian intelligence services are also
observing this process. The campaign against Azerbaijan started by
Iran due to the article published in the British media is nothing
but pressure. 30 million Azerbaijanis live in Iran. There are people
among the Persians, who also want normal relations because we have
historical relations and share the same tradition. I regret that
the Iranian president’s brother expresses opinion on this issue and
accuses Azerbaijan. The purpose is to pursue hostile policy against
Azerbaijan. They want to establish theocratic regime under Islamic
state governing by Iran in Azerbaijan. Azerbaijani society rejects
it and will never receive. Ministry of National Security prevented
terrorist act. To pursue such policy against Azerbaijan is wrong. Iran
must change its policy against Azerbaijan, because more than 30
million Azerbaijanis live in this country and the hostile policy
against Azerbaijan will cause a protest by 30 million people. It will
create serious decomposition and national confrontation in Iran.

That’s why Iranian officials must think seriously about this. They
also must consider that Azerbaijan told powerful countries that it is
neighbor of Iran and Azerbaijan will never allow using of its lands
against Iran. Iran must estimate Azerbaijan’s position.

– You put forward a proposal in the parliament to rename our country
as North Azerbaijan. You make this proposal when the tensions were
escalated.

A group of Iranian MPs raised an issue to reconsider Turkmenchay
agreement. They even said that Azerbaijan was ancient Iranian lands.

But my proposal wasn’t a response to this statement. Thus issue
was reflected in my election platform during presidential election
campaign in 2008. Azerbaijan’s territory was occupied by Iran and
Russia when its territory was in the form of khanates. It became
official with Gulustan and Turkmenchay agreements. Today Western and
Eastern Azerbaijan provinces were kept as an administrative territory
in Iran. Iran confessed that this territory is Azerbaijan. If a
place has a south, it also has a north. It is an undeniable and
unavoidable reality. Iran officially recognizes the Republic of
Azerbaijan. The Republic of Azerbaijan forms one third of entire
Azerbaijan’s territory, one third of its population. In this case,
it will not be right to be named as Azerbaijan only. Every nation
has a chance to change the name of its country. The recognition of
our country under the name of North Azerbaijan will be approval by
UN and the world that our nation was divided. Those who oppose my
statement couldn’t find serious argument. There were narrow-minded
opinions as well. A scientist, whom I respect, said that the founders
of Azerbaijan Democratic Republic were not uneducated than the authors
of this idea…

That’s why it is impossible to change the country’s name. You know, the
unpleasant situation is that he assesses the issues not as historian,
but as politician. In addition, every period has its political
realities and according to the political realities, education
and patriotism are not on the agenda during the decision-making
processes. Approaching with this logic, were the persons leading
the country in that period careless that they agreed to give Iravan
to Armenia as a capital? There are documents. Of course no, but the
political realities of that period demanded it. But the political
realities of present period is that today divided nations unite and
declared that they were divided. We must work in order to inform
the world that we are divided nation. Some assess it as a political
conjuncture. It proceeds from the national interests.

Irrespective of the way of approach, we must include this issue in
the agenda.

– Speaking about South Azerbaijan, there was a serious polemics in the
press about Babek and Shah Ismayil. What is your opinion on this issue?

– I condemn the attack on Babek. If you investigate the life of any
historical figure, you can find there something private. But one
needs to consider that Babek turned into the symbol of unity of our
people in the South Azerbaijan. Millions people march to fortress of
Bazz every year. I also condemn such approach against Shah Ismayil
Khatai who established a state in Azerbaijani lands.

From: Baghdasarian