Author: Baghdasarian Karlen

LES PRODUCTEURS D’ABRICOTS MANIFESTENT

Environ deux mille producteurs d’abricots ont bloque une autoroute
dans la province du sud de l’Armenie, mardi 17 juin 2013. Ils exigent
l’augmentation du prix de leurs produits qu’une des entreprises
privees exportatrices de fruits refuse de payer plus de 280 drams
(67 cents americains) par kilogramme. Selon eux, ce tarif est trop
bas pour couvrir leurs depenses d’exploitation et devrait etre a
hauteur de 500 drams.

Sergo Karapetian, ministre de l’Agriculture, a declare que les plaintes
des agriculteurs ne sont pas sans fondement alors qu’il visitait le
nord-ouest la province de Shirak. ” Leurs revendications sont justes
et nous abordons ce problème “, a declare Karapetian.

Samvel Galtsian, a declare aux manifestants que l’autre exportateur de
fruits a propose de payer 500 drams par kilogramme. Les agriculteurs
etaient cependant sceptiques. ” Nous le croirons lorsque nous le
verrons “, ont-ils affirme.

Un autre agriculteur s’est plaint que la societe Spayka n’achète
que des abricots qui n’ont pas ete touches par la grele et qui ont
un aspect correct. Cependant, la grele de ces dernières semaines a
endommage pratiquement tous les vergers de la region.

mercredi 19 juin 2013, Laetitia ©armenews.com

From: Baghdasarian

CODENAME ISTANBUL REBELLION PLAN

Anadolu Agency, Turkey
June 16 2013

Assistant Prime Minister Bozdag: “It insults a person’s intelligence
to say the simultaneous spread of this business is spontaneous”

AKP [Justice and Development Party] Assistant Chairman and Party
Spokesman Celik: “All the pieces are falling into place. The selected
place was Istanbul. The selected spot was Taksim. Politicizing an
apolitical youth and driving them into the streets.”

EU Minister and Chief Negotiator Bagis: “Foreign forces held a number
of meetings before to create chaos in Turkey. Is this the first? Is
this the first time such a scenario is being played out? You can find
them all in the archives.”

AKP Assistant Chairman Soylu: “Turkey is being faced with lies, slander
and intrigue exactly as in scenarios that took place in the past.”

Ankara 16 Jun 13 (Anatolian) – News saying that the Taksim Gezi Park
riots had been discussed at the American Enterprise Institute under
the name “possible Istanbul rebellion” in February has taken its
place on the politicians’ agenda now.

It has emerged that the scenario carried in Yeni Safak’s banner
headline today reading “Code Name Istanbul Rebellion” was discussed
in the United States in February. It is noted that comments were
made at the Washington-based Israeli institution American Enterprise
Institute saying: “If there is a major demonstration it can take on
Tahrir’s identity. The Turkish youth is apolitical but if they come
into the town squares they will become politicized over time. The
streets must be kept alive. As the national left-wing movements have
been unable to come up with progressive goals it may be hard to turn
the squares into a popular movement.”

Reportedly, the meeting was attended by Donald Rumsfeld, who was
on former President George W Bush’s team and who is known for his
antipathy towards Turkey, as well as by such names as Paul Wolfowitz,
Richard perle, Bernard Lewis, Alliot Abrams, John Bolton, William
Kristol and Douglas Feith. These “Neo-Con” names, known for the
anti-Turkey rhetoric and policies, made the news in 2007 too with the
“Hudson Plan” to agitate Turkey.

Bekir Bozdag

Assistant Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag had this to say about the
incidents focused on Taksim Gezi Park and this news report: “To say
that the simultaneous spread of this business was simply spontaneous
is to insult a person’s intelligence.”

Bozdag stated that the attitude of the international broadcasting
agencies since the incidents began was worthy of attention and
that several circles were unhappy with Turkey becoming powerful. He
noted that the social media and other environments were awash with
disinformation about the incident.

Bozdag stressed that similar incidents take place from time to time
in many democratic countries and that the press’ approach to them was
very different from its approach to the incidents in Turkey. Bozdag
said: “CNN, the BBC, the newspapers and TV channels that everybody
follows; they all present a very different picture of what is going
on in Turkey.”

Noting that there were also media organs, people, groups and
politicians at home that were fueling this approach, Bozdag said:
“It is abundantly clear that they all have a plan to disrupt the
democratic climate in Turkey and move our people into a different
position that opposes the government using Gezi Park as an excuse.”

Stating that some columnists were seen to have touched on these topics
in the past, Bozdag said: “To say that the simultaneous spread of this
business was simply spontaneous is to insult a person’s intelligence.”

Huseyin Celik

AKP Assistant Chairman and Party Spokesman Huseyin Celik had this to
say about the news story: “All the pieces are falling into place. The
selected place was Istanbul. The selected spot was Taksim. The
apolitical youth is being politicized and driven into the streets. All
of this shows that a scenario has been written and that this scenario
is being played out by certain people.”

Noting that the points discussed in the scenario in the news had
parallels with what was going on in Turkey Celik said, “Everything
that has been taking place in recent days is a play.”

Stating that Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan had a different
makeup than previous prime ministers and that this fact was making
some people uncomfortable, Celik said: “Therefore, we are seeing this
as well in this scenario, unfortunately. We know what the Neo-Cons
in the United States think about us, how they fell about us. We know
how the various lobbies there think. We know about the preparations
being made concerning the incidents of 1915.”

“Our coming up with an active foreign policy and adopting a position
of honor and dignity, and standing tall, is making some people
uncomfortable,” said Celik continuing:

“All the pieces are falling into place. The selected place was
Istanbul. The selected spot was Taksim. The apolitical youth is being
politicized and driven into the streets. All of this shows that a
scenario has been written and that this scenario is being played
out by certain people. When a business kicks off it can take on a
different shape. It takes point from which to move. Later, that point
is expanded. Gezi Park began as an innocent green and environmental
protest, but it was hijacked. It is right here that the plot known as
‘Code Name Istanbul Rebellion’ within this plan was brought precisely
to the desired point.”

Egemen Bagis

EU Minister and Chief Negotiator Egemen Bagis said this about the news:
“Foreign forces held a number of meetings before to create chaos in
Turkey. Is this the first time? Is this the first time such a scenario
is being played out? You can find them all in the archives.”

Minister Bagis noted:

“Months before these incidents began in Turkey, back in February,
there was a meeting at the Neo-Con institution called the American
Enterprise Institute. There were even people there from Turkey. ‘What
if something were to take place similar to what we are experiencing
today?’ Now, when you place these things side by side you can see
that this was done at a time when Turkey was starting to rise. This
interest [‘faiz’ meaning financial interest, as opposed to ‘menfaat’
or ‘cikar’ meaning a nation’s interest or self-interest] lobby’s…

The US government is not a part of this. Obama is not a part of this.

There is an interest [cikar this time] group within America. This is
a group safeguarding whose interests? An international bunch of power
centers. They have economic power. They are able to stage a number of
plots. They are able to set up an advertizing agency. They are able to
open bogus accounts. They are even able to finance a few journalists.

They can even direct provocateurs.”

Pointing out that these plots had been staged before, Bagis said there
were only two leaders in the world that US President Obama trusts:
Britain’s Prime Minister David Cameron and Turkey’s Prime Minister
Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Bagis said, “What is happening in the United
States, in Turkey and in the United Kingdom today is all happening
at the same time; it is no coincidence.”

Suleyman Soylu

AKP Assistant Party Chairman Suleyman Soylu had this to say about the
news: “Turkey is faced with the exact same lies, slander and intrigue
that it faced in past scenarios.”

Stating that Turkey had faced similar organizations to this from time
to time Soylu said:

“More democracy is our pledge, our boast, our ideal and our will.

Turkey is faced with the exact same lies, slander and intrigue that it
faced in scenarios in the past. An way of thinking that is rebelling
and trying to agitate the people around it by using the social
media yesterday evening to show our people pictures taken in Gaza,
in Palestine and in Spain, by throwing themselves under a TOMA [Riot
Control Vehicle] and saying, ‘Look what they did to me’ was clearly
at work last night to a significant degree. The lies are trying to
envelop almost all of Turkey. Let nobody be deceived by the silence
of the silent majority. The nation has presence of mind, common sense
and patience plus the sagacity to expose all those lies like a huge
clap of thunder. Let nobody be fooled by our nation’s patience.”

[Translated from Turkish]

From: Baghdasarian

ARMENIA STAR HENRIKH MKHITARYAN SET FOR LIVERPOOL MEDICAL

Daily Star, UK
June 18 2013

Photo: Henrikh Mkhitaryan is due to fly in for a medical at Liverpool
Juventus and Borussia Dortmund were also interested in his services

18th June 2013 By Jack Wilson

LIVERPOOL are on the verge of finalising a £20m deal for Shakhtar
Donetsk midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

The Armenia international has a £20m release clause in his contract
that Liverpool are willing to meet.

Mkhitaryan, 24, is due to travel to England in the next two days for
a medical, according to Russian media reports.

Liverpool will then unveil their new signing by the end of the week.

Mkhitaryan netted 25 league goals last season and has been named
Armenian footballer of the year in three of the last four years.

Juventus and Borussia Dortmund were also interested in his services –
but Liverpool appear to have won the race to sign him.

Liverpool are planning on selling Andy Carroll to West Ham for £15m
to help fund the move.

From: Baghdasarian

ARMENIA WANTS RUSSIA TO COMPENSATE 30% OF CUSTOMS FEES FOR GAS

Vestnik Kavkaza, Russia
June 18 2013

Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan said that presidents of
Armenia and Russia had discussed gas problems and formed a working
group to formulate gas prices. He noted that the minimal prices of
gas totaled $189, but 30% of custom fees increased the sum to $270.

Armenia wants its strategic partner Russia to help compensate the
custom fees, Radio Svoboda reports.

The prime minister stated that Russia approved the idea which may be
realized in form of a grant.

Sargsyan reminded that Armenia was a member of the EurAsEC and the
Customs Union and that signing of an association agreement with the
EU would not disharmonize its membership. Armenia wants to cooperate
both with the EU and the EurAsEC.

The official added that Armenia did not want the Russian Federal
Migration Service to open offices in the republic and was opposed to
the So’otechestvenniki program. The program encourages migration from
Armenia to Russia. Migration offices would help realize the program.

Armenia has own program realized with the World Bank to open additional
workplaces in 55 communities and improve standards of living. $23
million were granted for the state program and $31 million more will
be available later. The number of communities increased by 17. $30
million will allow communities to double.

The Russian program encouraging compatriots to migrate was approved
by the president in June 2006 to stimulate migration to Russia and
compensate demographic losses.

From: Baghdasarian

TURKISH COMMUNITIES IN AUSTRALIA PROTEST GENOCIDE RECOGNITION

Assyrian International News Agency AINA
June 18 2013

Australian Turkish communities including those of Azerbaijan, Turkey,
Northern Cyprus and Central Asian republics have staged a rally in
front of the NSW Parliament building in Sydney in a protest against the
parliament’s official recognition of the Assyrian, Armenian and Greek
genocide allegations, Azertac state news agency reported on June 18.

The motion claimed Armenians, Assyrians and Greek communities were
subject to “qualitatively similar” genocides at the hands of the
Ottoman Government between 1914 and 1922.

Involving more than 2,000 people, the rally started with a short
visit to lay a wreath at the ANZAC Cenotaph in Martin Place.

Chanting slogans “Leave history to historians!”, “Parliament is
not a court to judge!”, “Stop spread of hatred and lies”, “Protect
your multiculturalism”, the participants called on the Parliament
to promote peace and friendship, not the spread of hatred and lies
among the multicultural Australian society.

Australian-Azerbaijani-Turkish Friendship President Imametdin Kassoumov
said the main purpose of the rally was to raise awareness among the
local communities and prevent the parliament from similar actions in
the future.

“What we want is that all communities with different origin and
ethnicity live in friendship and peace in Australia. We don’t want
a decision made by the parliament based on false allegations to be
presented to the future generations as historical facts to promote
hatred. These things should be investigated by historians, taking
into account the realities existed that time. We want the parliament
to promote peace and friendship, not the spread of hatred,” he said.

The rally was organized by Australian Turkic Alliance in
association with other partner organizations including
Australian-Azerbaijani-Turkish Friendship Unity.

From: Baghdasarian

GHARIBIAN: MOST SERIOUS VIOLATIONS RECORDED IN ARARAT PROVINCE

Tuesday,June 18

15 families in Mkhchian village of Ararat province received over 70,000
liters of diesel fuel and about as much fertilizers subsidized by the
state. 35,000 liters of subsidized diesel fuel was given to one person
– Hovhannes Abrahamian, the head of the Financial Control Department
of the Ministry of Finance Ms. Sona Gharibian told reporters today.

According to her, no checks were conducted in Mkhchian because all
the 15 persons on the list received fuel and fertilizers.

Sona Gharibian did not deny that Hovhannes Abrahamian is a relative
of the parliamentary speaker Hovik Abrahamian. She noted that he
is a resident of the village and had the right to be the program’s
beneficiary.

The Financial Control Department of the RA Finance Ministry conducted
checks of fuel and fertilizer distribution in four provinces –
Ararat, Gegharkunik, Kotayk and Shirak. The most serious violations
were revealed in Ararat province where damage of 83 million AMD was
done to the state.

TODAY, 20:42

Aysor.am

From: Baghdasarian

Armenian Foreign Affairs Minister Commented On The Joint Statement Of Osce Minsk Group Co-Chair Countries’ Leaders

18:08, 18 June, 2013

YEREVAN, JUNE 18, ARMENPRESS: Foreign affairs minister of Armenia
Edward Nalbandian commented on the joint statement of OSCE Minsk
Group Co-Chair countries’ leaders.

“Armenpress” reports that in the comment is mentioned: “The joint
statement on the Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict made today in Enniskillen
by the heads of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair countries is the fifth
one. We highly appreciate the continuous efforts of the heads of
the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair countries – Russia, USA and France,
aimed at the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Armenia is unanimous with the Co-Chair states and is determined to
achieve an exclusively peaceful settlement of the conflict.

As the United States, Russia and France, we also regret that rather
than finding a solution, because of Baku’s attempts to snatch
onesided advantage, progress was not achieved in the Summits of
Kazan in June, 2011, Sochi in March, 2011, Astrakhan in October,
2010, Saint-Petersburg in June, 2010. Armenia shares the Co-Chairs’
approach that further delay in reaching a balanced framework agreement
on the main principles for a comprehensive peace is unacceptable.

As the Co-Chairs, we continue to believe that the elements outlined
in the statements of the heads of the Co-Chair countries over the
last four years can be the foundation of reaching a fair and lasting
settlement of the conflict, and that those elements should be seen
as an integrated whole and that any attempt to select some elements
over others would make it impossible to achieve a solution.

We absolutely agree that peoples should be prepared for peace, not
war. Unfortunately until now the Azerbaijani leadership is doing
just the reverse. We absolutely agree with the heads of the Co-Chair
states-France, the United States and Russia, that the use of force
will not resolve the conflict, and that only a negotiated settlement
can lead to stability and peace, which will open new opportunities
for regional cooperation and development.

Unlike Azerbaijan, which on the occasion and without makes references
to only one principle of international law, Armenia has on several
occasions reiterated and in response to the Enniskillen appeal of
Presidents Vladimir Putin, Barack Obama and Francois Holland, once
again re-affirms its commitment to the principles of international
law, particularly the non-use of force or the threat of force, equal
rights and self-determination of peoples, and territorial integrity.

In spite of the several appeals of the international community to
refrain from provocative rhetoric and actions, Azerbaijan continues
its bellicose rhetoric and provocations on the line of contact with
Nagorno-Karabakh and on the border with Armenia, the glorification
of murderers and persecution of peace advocates, the propaganda of
xenophobia, intolerance and hatred, which leads to raising tension
and escalation of the situation in the region.

The joint statement of Enniskillen on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
by the heads of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs may become an impetus
for achieving progress in the negotiation process would Azerbaijan
correctly perceives the messages of the three Co-Chair countries”.

From: Baghdasarian

PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Vasken Yardemian
117 S. Louise Street
Glendale, CA 91205
818-469-0262

June 19, 2013
[email protected]

[email protected]

Dr. Hagop Injeyan to Speak on Laser Technology

(Glendale, CA) – `Lasers, From Science Fiction to Reality’ is the topic
of the lecture hosted by the Armenian Engineers and Scientists of America
(AESA). The presenter is Dr. Hagop Injeyan , a retired scientist from
Hughes Aircraft and Northrop Grumman and an Adjunct Professor at PCC and
CSULA. The lecture will be held on Thursday, July 11, 2013 at 7:30 pm in
the library of the Armenian Society of Los Angeles, 117 South Louise
Street, Glendale, CA 91205. The public is invited.

A fixture in just about any science fiction movie or TV series since the
early 20th century, lasers have become an integral part of everyday life
from the CD/DVD players in our homes to entertainment, automobile warning
devices and numerous sophisticated medical and industrial tools. This
lecture will provide an overview of lasers through a brief discussion of
the science behind lasers, the various types of lasers developed to date
and an introduction to some of the more advanced applications of high power
lasers focusing on laser fusion and laser weapon systems of the future. Laser
fusion is widely (and sometimes wildly) thought of as the clean energy
source of the future with an unlimited supply of fuel, while advanced laser
weapons are anticipated to be game changers in the battlefield by providing
an effective deterrent against highly destructive projectile based weapons
such as missiles, artillery shells and mortars.

Hagop Injeyan, during his 32 year career at Hughes Aircraft and Northrop
Grumman, has worked on research and development of high power lasers for
military and industrial applications. He is considered a leading expert in
solid state lasers and while at Northrop Grumman was a key contributor to
the development of the highest power solid state laser built to date. Dr.
Injeyan earned B.S., M.S., in Physics and a PhD in Electrical Sciences and
Engineering from University of California Los Angeles specializing in the
field of Quantum Electronics. He has 26 patents in the field of lasers and
non-linear optics, has authored numerous publications and conference
presentations and is twice the recipient of NG’s Chairman’s Award for
Innovation. He is also the co-editor and a co-author of a recently
published Book by McGraw-Hill titled “High Power Laser Handbook”.

`We are very excited to have Dr. Injeyan a leading expert in laser
technology field to talk about this technology which over the last five
decades has become an integral part in nearly every aspect of our everyday
life and can be found everywhere from high-tech research applications to
scanners at the grocery store’ said AESA Vice-President Vasken
Yardemian.

Established in 1983 in Glendale, California, AESA is a non-partisan and
non-sectarian philanthropic organization focused primarily on addressing
the professional, technical and scientific needs of fellow Armenian
engineers, scientists, industrialists and architects throughout the world.
For more information, check AESA’s website at

From: Baghdasarian

SYRIAN ARMY SEIZES ISRAELI WEAPONS FROM ARMED REBELS NEAR BORDER WITH LEBANON

News number: 9203184486
12:41 | 2013-06-19

TEHRAN (FNA)- The Syrian army discovered and seized a large cache
of Israeli-made weapons and ammunition in Banias city of the Tartous
governorate near the Lebanese borders.

The Syrian troops discovered the arms depot in al-Maydan district of
Banias city arresting several armed rebels during the operations.

The security forces also confiscated several sniper rifles, thousands
of bullets and forged documents as well as maps of Banias city from
the armed rebels.

Last week, Syrian Special Forces seized weapons and ammunition in
farmlands in Banias city and arrested an armed group in the countryside
trying to flee to the Lebanese territories.

Earlier this year, the Syrian army discovered and seized Israeli-made
missiles and weapons from armed rebels in Reef (outskirts of)
al-Qusseir in Northwestern Syria.

“In army’s military operations and advancements in Reef al-Qusseir
a large cache of weapons and missile ammunition, some of which are
Israeli made, were seized (from the armed rebels),” the Arabic-language
al-Ahad news website quoted an informed local source as saying today.

The source said that confiscation of such weapons shows the involvement
of the Zionist regime in incidents which are happening in Syria
and reveals the ties between the regime and opponents of the Syrian
government.

In a similar development in December, the Syrian army seized
Israeli-made missiles and weapons from the armed rebels near the
border with Jordan.

The army confiscated (from terrorists) Israeli-made LAV anti-tank
missiles and several wireless equipment which were also made in Israel,
Jahineh news website reported at the time.

The Syrian army also prevented the armed rebels from crossing into
Syria via neighboring Jordan.

Syria has been experiencing unrest since March 2011 with organized
attacks by well-armed gangs against Syrian police forces and border
guards being reported across the country.

The US and its western and regional allies have long sought to
topple Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his ruling system. Media
reports said that the Syrian rebels and terrorist groups have received
significantly more and better weapons in recent weeks, a crime paid for
by the Persian Gulf Arab states and coordinated by the United States.

The US daily, Washington Post, reported in May that the Syrian
rebels and terrorist groups battling Assad’s government have received
significantly more and better weapons in recent weeks, a crime paid for
by the Persian Gulf Arab states and coordinated by the United States.

The newspaper, quoting opposition activists and US and foreign
officials, reported that Obama administration officials emphasized
the administration has expanded contacts with opposition military
forces to provide the Persian Gulf nations with assessments of rebel
credibility and command-and-control infrastructure.

Opposition activists who several months ago said the rebels were
running out of ammunition said in May that the flow of weapons – most
bought on the black market in neighboring countries or from elements
of the Syrian military in the past – has significantly increased after
a decision by Saudi Arabia, Qatar and other Persian Gulf states to
provide millions of dollars in funding each month.

From: Baghdasarian

ARF-D IN SOCIALIST INTERNATIONAL’S CIS, CAUCASUS AND BLACK SEA COMMITTEE MEETING IN TBILISI

June 4, 2013

On June 3-4, 2013, the Social Democrats for Development (SDD) party
of Georgia hosted the Socialist International’s Committee for the CIS,
Caucasus and Black Sea meeting in Tblisi.

The meeting was co-chaired by Vahan Hovhannesyan from the ARF-D
and Alexandra Dobolyi from the MSzP of Hungary, co-chairs of the
committee, and vice-chair Oleg Tulea, of the PDM, Moldova. The ARF-D
International Secretariat Director, Giro Manoyan was also part of
the Armenian delegation.

The committee discussions were focused on the following agenda: a)
Defining current priorities and tasks for social democracy in the CIS,
Caucasus and Black Sea region, b) Challenges to succeed in winning the
battle for democratic states in the region, c) Overcoming conflict –
a fundamental need on the road to a fair and prosperous society, d)
Brief reports on the national situation in countries of the region,
e) Programme of work of the committee for the current period, f)
Conclusions and adoption of a Declaration of the meeting.

DECLARATION

The Socialist International member parties from the CIS, Caucasus and
Black Sea, gathering in Tbilisi on 3-4 June 2013 to define priorities
and challenges to social democracy in the region, reaffirmed,
in the first instance, their unwavering commitment to preserving
the unity and integrity of this global political family following
recent initiatives by our members in Germany and their statements
which appeared in the press. The members of the Committee take this
opportunity to declare themselves fully represented by the contents
of the Open Letter issued by the President and Secretary General of
the Socialist International in response to those developments.

We underline that international Solidarity, the core of our social
democratic identity, must be preserved and strengthened. The countries
of this region, although different socially and culturally, and which
are presently at varying stages on the road to securing, improving
or consolidating democracy, nevertheless share many common problems.

Coordinated action at regional level is crucial, and we are committed
to redoubling efforts in pursuit of democratic governance, solidarity
and equal rights for all.

The Committee noted, in the case of Georgia, that there is a sensitive
process of transformation underway after the changing of government
by elections, and it is hoped that the process of the restoration of
justice will be transparent and effective. We hope that the political
system will become more representative and democratic. Steps taken
towards the achievement of universal education and healthcare, for
poverty reduction, for the development of the village and labour
relations in Georgia are welcome.

We also welcome the politics of the Georgian government devoted to
peaceful and democratic development in the region, and its efforts for
the advancement of Georgia-Russian relations in a civilised framework.

Peaceful politics in the region and among the neighbours is of
paramount importance, and only the peaceful resolution of conflicts
in the region must prevail.

The Committee fully supports the peaceful resolution of the regional
conflicts based on the principles of international law.

The Committee expresses deep concern over disproportionate and
excessive use of force by the police against citizens exercising their
right to free assembly in Turkey. We would like to remind the Turkish
government that freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, and the
right to have peaceful protests are fundamentals of a democratic
regime. We observe with great concern the rise of authoritarian
inclinations in Turkey, and the ensuing apathy towards citizens’
legitimate grievances. We call upon the Government to show constraint
and respect human rights and freedoms. The Committee offers condolences
for those who lost their lives during the protests and wishes a speedy
recovery for the injured. The SI will continue to be in solidarity
with the Turkish people and the Republican Peoples’ Party, CHP, in
their struggle for rights and freedoms, democracy, and social justice.

In Ukraine, the political process has shown that attempts by Victor
Yanukovich to return to authoritarianism have no place and no support
in society. At the same time, right-wing opposition is unable to
propose a credible alternative to his course and is increasingly losing
popularity among the people. Because the main forces both in power and
opposition in fact are isolated not only from the reality of the people
but also from the fight for democracy and fairness, they are becoming
isolated in politics. Just as the SI was the first organisation to
support the struggle of the Ukrainian people for freedom in 2004, it
now supports the efforts of Ukrainian citizens fighting for justice
against oligarchic groups from both ruling political sides.

The Committee reiterated its full solidarity with the people of
Belarus in their struggle for freedom, democracy, independence, and
the preservation of their national identity. The continuing serious
violations of human rights by the ruling regime is deplorable and this
Committee calls for an end to the persecution of opposition leaders
and for the liberation and rehabilitation of political prisoners,
among them Mikalai Statkevich, leader of the BSDP (NH), a member
party of the Socialist International.

The Committee supports the activities of its member party in
Kazakhstan, the Nationwide Social Democratic Party, OSDP, in its
efforts to promote social democratic values in the region. It welcomes
the adoption by the OSDP of a new programme, “Social Democracy – the
way of the XXI Century”, and the strategy of the party with regard
to the expansion of its social base. The Committee also expresses
its full solidarity with the party in its struggle for the country’s
political modernisation, and for making this irreversible.

The SI Committee for the CIS, Caucasus and Black Sea considers that
it is necessary to remove all outstanding questions regarding the
status of the Social Democratic Party of Azerbaijan, following the
decisions of the 12th Congress of the SDPA. This is the only social
democratic party in Azerbaijan and is a true social democratic party,
with a strong belief in our common values. The SDPA abides by the
Statutes of the Socialist International and is guided by its programme
and principles. The social democratic parties of this region declare
their solidarity with the Social Democratic Party of Azerbaijan and
ask the SI Ethics Committee to re-establish its status in the SI.

From: Baghdasarian