Author: Baghdasarian Karlen

U.S. AID TO ARMENIA UNCHANGED FOR 2012
Emil Danielyan

Armenialiberty.org
Dec 20 2011

The U.S. Congress has kept the volume of U.S. economic assistance to
Armenia next year unchanged at $40 million and urged the administration
of President Barack Obama to continue financing humanitarian projects
in Nagorno-Karabakh.

According to the Armenian Assembly of America (AAA), the sum is
set in an ~Somnibus appropriations bill~T approved by the House
of Representatives and the Senate over the weekend. The Obama
administration requested earlier this year the same aid allocation
for Armenia in the fiscal year 2012.

The funding, though unchanged from the 2011 level, falls short of at
least $60 million demanded by about 30 pro-Armenian members of the
House last May. Nevertheless, the leading Armenian lobby groups in
the United States seem largely satisfied with it.

~SThroughout the appropriations process, the Assembly worked with
the House and Senate, and in particular our friends on the House
and Senate Appropriations Committees to make sure that funding for
Armenia was maintained,~T Bryan Ardouny, the AAA executive director,
said in a statement.

The statement noted that overall U.S. assistance to countries in
Europe, Eurasia and Central Asia will fall by 10 percent to $626.7
million in 2012.

The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) similarly cited in
July “serious financial pressures upon legislators of both parties”
after a House subcommittee approved the $40 million requested by the
U.S. administration. The ANCA director, Aram Hamparian, praised the
panel for “maintaining the assistance level for Armenia in the face
of deep spending cuts across the foreign aid bill.”

The U.S. Congress has allocated a total of more than $1.7 billion to
Armenia since 1992. The money has been spent on humanitarian aid,
infrastructure upgrades, equipment supplies, counseling and other
projects administered by the U.S. Agency for International Development.

The Armenian government also received $177 million in separate
assistance from the U.S. Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC)
to refurbish the country’s rural irrigation networks. The four-year
project was completed in September.

Prime Minister Tigran Sarkisian said afterwards that his government
“will do everything” to address U.S. concerns over human rights and
governance in Armenia and thus again become eligible for MCC funding.

The congressional bill also commits the Obama administration
to maintaining parity in providing military aid to Armenia and
Azerbaijan. But it does not specify any aid figures. The Armenian
military is to receive about $4 million in U.S. finding this year.

U.S. lawmakers further recommended continued American “assistance
for victims of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict at levels consistent
with prior years, and for ongoing needs related to the conflict.”

Previous appropriation bills specified the amount of such direct aid
to Karabakh, resented by Azerbaijan, and made its provision mandatory.

The Armenian-controlled disputed territory is due to receive $8
million in the current fiscal year. It is not clear if the Obama
administration plans to continue financing reconstruction and
development projects there.

“We will continue to press forward to ensure robust assistance in
that regard,” said the AAA’s Ardouny.

From: Baghdasarian

ARMENIA TO FACE “DEFICIT” OF WOMEN

EurasiaNet.org
Dec 20 2011
NY

In a less than promising finding for a country with longtime population
woes, Armenia is running short on females, and the rampant practice
of selective abortions is to blame, the United Nations Population
Fund has announced.

Selective birth control, a practice sometimes termed gendricide, is
widespread in the South Caucasus for a mix of economic and cultural
reasons. Armenia is believed to have the region’s highest rate of
female foeticide. The gender ratio at birth is as high as 120 boys to
110 girls, 20 percent above the accepted norm, according to UNFPA’s
Armenia office. The ratio is lower, but also skewed in neighboring
Azerbaijan and Georgia.

“Every year, Armenia is losing about 1,400 potential mothers [because
of prenatal sex selection],” said the country’s gynecologist-in-chief
Razmik Abramian. “In 10 to 20 years from now, we will face a deficit
of women,” UNFPA Armenia official Gagik Hairapetian told a Yerevan
press-conference, AFP reported.

The Global Gender Gap report put Armenia in second place after China
in terms of the most distorted gender ratios. Azerbaijan and Georgia
came only three countries away from Armenia on that list.

From: Baghdasarian

ON DECEMBER 24 AT 1 P.M. WE INVITE YOU TO THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY PARK

National Assembly of RA

Dec 20 2011
Armenia

On December 24 within the framework of the NA ~SOpen Doors~T Policy
under the auspice of the RA NA Speaker Samvel Nikoyan a festive event
dedicated to New Year will take place in the Parliament Park. The
beloved heroes of famous fairy tales and cartoons will meet the
children in the yard of the National Assembly. Surprises are also
expected.

On December 24, at 1 p.m. we gladly invite kids and adults to the
National Assembly Park.

From: Baghdasarian

AT THE NA STANDING COMMITTEE ON EUROPEAN INTEGRATION

National Assembly of RA

Dec 20 2011
Armenia

On December 20 the NA Standing Committee on European Integration
presided over by Naira Zohrabyan debated the draft law “On Women’s and
Men’s Equal Rights and Equal Opportunities” submitted by the Government
and the NA deputies Heghine Bisharyan and Hovhannes Margaryan.

Emphasizing the adoption of the bill, the Committee Chair Naira
Zohrabyan finds that it needs to pass the second reading. According to
her assessment, a whole section of the package of social guarantees
is absent in the draft law, there are some inaccuracies connected
with the mechanisms of its feasibility.

The co-author of the legislative initiative Heghine Bisharyna has
noted that not only the authors have worked on the bill for a prolong
period, but also a number of NGOs on gender issues. She has touched
upon some articles which need edition.

In their speeches the NA deputies highlighted the adoption of the bill
and the organization of parliamentary hearings, presented proposals.

The Committee decided to organize parliamentary hearings jointly with
the NA Standing Committee on Protection of Human Rights and Public
Affairs on January 19. Heghine Bisharyan was appointed a key speaker
by the NA Standing Committee on European Integration.

From: Baghdasarian

FRENCH PARLIAMENT TO DISCUSS BILL CRIMINALIZING DENIAL OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE ON DECEMBER 22

Panorama
Dec 20 2011
Armenia

The information that on December 19 the lower chamber of the French
parliament passed the bill criminalizing the denial of Armenian
Genocide does not correspond to reality, Ermenihaber.am news website
reported, quoting freelance French journalist Jean Eckian. The bill
will be discussed and voted on at the French Parliament on December
22, the source said.

We will remind that the French Parliament will discuss the bill
authored by MP Valerie Boyer which envisages one year prison term
and a fine of 45,000 euros for anyone who denies the fact of Armenian
Genocide.

From: Baghdasarian

FRENCH BILL STEMS FROM ‘CONCERN’ AT STRENGTH OF TURKEY, AZERBAIJAN

news.az
Dec 19 2011
Azerbaijan

On 22 December, the French Senate is to discuss a bill criminalizing
denial of genocide recognized by France, which will include denial
that the killings of Armenians in Ottoman Turkey were genocide. What
negative consequences can this bill have for Turkish-French relations,
if it is adopted?

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has sent a letter
to President Nicolas Sarkozy, calling on him to block the bill
criminalizing denial of genocide. In his letter, the PM said that,
if adopted, the bill would cause irreparable damage to Turkish-French
relations. Of course, the ruling Justice and Development Party, as
well as the Turkish Grand National Assembly believe that the possible
decision of the French Senate would create major problems in relations
between Ankara and Paris.

What may the Turkish side do in response if the bill is passed?

Time will tell. Of course, the strengthening of Turkey’s position in
the region began to worry a number of European countries, including
Paris. France is concerned about the strengthening of Turkey and
Azerbaijan, the increase in the economic participation of the two
countries in Europe and is, therefore, using the Armenian issue in
an attempt to harm the image of our states. European countries raise
the “Armenian” question from time to time when they feel the “need”
to put pressure on Turkey.

Will the Turkish prime minister’s letter and the planned visit by
a group of Turkish parliamentarians to France to explain to their
French counterparts the inadmissibility of the bill be enough to
prevent adoption of the law?

We hope that these measures will suffice and will prevent the adoption
of the bill. If adopted, it will harm the interests of France itself.

Can the possible decision of the French Senate influence further the
normalization process of Turkish-Armenian relations?

As you know, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in his speech at
the Azerbaijani parliament, put an end to this matter, noting that
the normalization of Turkish-Armenian relations should be expected
only when the occupied territories of Azerbaijan are liberated. Turkey
remains committed to these assurances. This is the only true condition
for the normalization of relations with Armenia. Therefore, any steps
taken by European and other forces to change this position will not
bring results.

What joint measures, in your opinion, can Azerbaijan and Turkey take
to counter the aspirations of the Armenian diaspora to achieve the
recognition of the “Armenian genocide” by parliaments in Europe?

Of course, with the increasing political influence of Turkey and
Azerbaijan in the region, strengthening the economies of these
countries, Armenia will be forced to move away from its destructive
activities. Accordingly, Armenia, faced with the joint resistance
of Turkey and Azerbaijan, will not be able to put the “genocide”
on the agenda.

I think that Armenia will stop attempts to have the “genocide”
recognized by parliaments worldwide when it sees strong Turkey and
strong Azerbaijan and will then admit that such actions harm its
own interests.

Similarly, it should be noted that Turkey and Azerbaijan, besides
direct inter-state relations, also cooperate within international
organizations including the UN, OSCE and Council of Europe. But I think
that the level of these relations is not sufficient. Therefore, our
two countries should link their actions in international organizations
to a greater extent.

Moreover, our diaspora organizations should step up their work, since,
as you know, the activity of the Azerbaijani and Turkish diasporas is
not so visible as that of the Armenian dispora. The activity of the
Armenian diaspora is directed against Turkey and Azerbaijan. In this
connection, our diasporas should step up their work and coordinate
to a greater extent.

From: Baghdasarian

TURKISH DIPLOMAT: ITS IMPOSSIBLE TO ESTABLISH A JOINT COMMITTEE BETWEEN TURKEY AND ARMENIA

Trend
Dec 19 2011
Azerbaijan

Member of Turkish Nationalist Movement Party (NMP) Yusuf Halacoglu
finds it impossible to create a joint Turkish-Armenian commission of
inquiry into the events of 1915, Turkish TV channel TRT Haber reported
on Monday.

“Throughout history, great nations, especially France and England,
used Armenia in its own interests,” Halacoglu said.

Member of French President party Union for a Popular Movement (UMP)
which have the parliamentary majority, early in December presented
a bill aimed to introduce criminal punishment for denial of the
so-called “Armenian genocide” to the legislative committee of the
National Assembly.

The bill was signed by 40 members of the UMP party and the New center
party, it provides up to one year imprisonment and a fine of 45,000
euros for those who deny the “Armenian genocide”.

The Armenians and the Armenian lobby claim that the predecessor of
Turkey – Ottoman Empire has carried out “genocide” against Armenians
living in Anatolia in 1915, and achieved recognition of these events
as genocide in the parliaments of several countries.

From: Baghdasarian

AZERBAIJANI AND ARMENIAN PRESIDENTS MAY MEET IN EARLY 2012

Trend
Dec 19 2011
Azerbaijan

Presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia, Ilham Aliyev and Serzh Sargsyan
may meet to negotiate a peaceful settlement of Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict at the beginning of 2012, the French co-chair of OSCE Minsk
Group Bernard Fassier said at the final press conference at the
conclusion of his work as co-chair.

Fassier noted that, the mediators and the head of the co-chair of
OSCE Minsk Group called for the meeting at the Council of foreign
ministers in Vilnius.

“We urge the parties to continue negotiations in order to achieve
results,” Fassier noted.

The presidents of Azerbaijan, Armenia and Russia – Ilham Aliyev,
Dmitry Medvedev and Serzh Sargsyan discussed the basic principles of
the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict on June 24 in Kazan. Kazan meeting of the
presidents of Azerbaijan, Russia and Armenia on the Nagorno-Karabakh,
the ninth in the last three years, ended without agreement on basic
principles. The sides noted the progress toward the goal in the
joint statement.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988
when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Armenian
armed forces have occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan since 1992,
including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and 7 surrounding districts.

Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a ceasefire agreement in 1994. The
co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group – Russia, France, and the U.S. –
are currently holding the peace negotiations.

Armenia has not yet implemented the U.N. Security Council’s four
resolutions on the liberation of the Nagorno-Karabakh and the
surrounding regions.

From: Baghdasarian

WORLD WOMEN’S TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP: ARMENIAN TEAM RECORDS A SUCCESSFUL GAME

Panorama
Dec 19 2011
Armenia

Armenian women team recorded its first success in Turkish city Mardin
hosted World Women’s Team Championship. In the first round Armenian
team defeated the team of Greece, Armenian chess federation’s news
site informs.

The other sets were hard for the favorites of the championship. The
Chinese team tries hard to defeat the Turkish team, and the Russian
team defeated its Vietnamese rivals.

After the first round Armenia, Georgia, Russia and China lead the
championship. Today Armenia will meet with Georgia.

From: Baghdasarian

H. DEMOYAN: RECOGNITION PROCESS OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE CONDEMNED BEING NONSTOP

Panorama
Dec 19 2011
Armenia

All those process round the Armenian Genocide issue are evident that
the process of international recognition of Armenian Genocide cannot
simply stop.

“The recognition process of Armenian Genocide, having owned its own
logic, will be continuous. No matter how powerful Turkey is, how
big its role is in the region, the recognition process of Genocide
is condemned to be continuous,” Hayk Demoyan, director of Armenian
Genocide Museum-Institute, told a news conference.

According to him any withdrawal from the Turkish party will be in
vain, while the Armenian party can perform successfully if is backed
by experts from Armenia, Diaspora and foreign states.

From: Baghdasarian