Author: Chakrian Hovsep

UP AND ABOUT: OPPOSITION REACHES GYUMRI FOR ITS FIRST ‘AUTHORIZED’ RALLY AFTER POST-ELECTION VIOLENCE
Ani Hakobyan

Armenia Now
30 June, 2008

Thousands of Levon Ter-Petrosyan supporters braved rainy weather
and government-imposed "working day" conditions to stage a rally in
Armenia’s second largest city last weekend in what proved to be the
first major gathering of the opposition outside Yerevan and its first
major arrangement to be formally allowed by the authorities in months.

The rally in Theater Square in Gyumri, which had been allowed by the
city’s authorities to be held on June 28 and last for three hours,
came only two days after the enactment of amendments to the law on
public assembly lifting some of the severe restrictions on street
protests and marches imposed in the wake of the March 1 melee. It
also came at the end of a week during which Armenia was a focus of
debate at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE)
that reiterated its demand for "freedom of assembly to be guaranteed
in practice" and urged the Armenian authorities "to allow rallies
to be organized by the opposition without placing undue restrictions
on them."

The rally started with an hour’s delay as only a few days before,
that Saturday was declared a workday by the government. The decision
was described by the opposition as a deliberate step to prevent
the opposition from rallying on a non-working day. Besides, the
opposition said first president Ter-Petrosyan’s travel was delayed
by an outpouring of popular support that he met on his way to Gyumri,
which is some 120 kilometers to the north-west of capital Yerevan.

"After the elections, you proved that Gyumri is Armenia’s most
politically active city," the opposition leader said in addressing
the rally.

And prominent opposition member Suren Surenyants also commended the
city: "During these months Gyumri has been special not only due to
its freedom-loving people, but also as home of the republic’s only
independent TV, Gala, and a club of journalists, Asparez, that is
distinguished by its outstanding position."

The rally that had also brought together people from Yerevan, Talin,
Vanatur and other towns lasted for an hour and a half and went on in
a peaceful atmosphere with no tensions or incidents reproted.

"As long as there is even one political prisoner in jail, we will not
leave the streets and go home," Ter-Petrosyan assured the families
of detained opposition members that had turned out for the rally in
large numbers.

The opposition leader also extended his debate with the authorities
over the March 1 clashes between security forces and protesters that
led to at least ten deaths and hundreds of injuries.

Ter-Petrosyan, in particular, said that neither police nor military
had fired shots at the people.

"Criminal elements and hired assassins have always been employed for
such mean acts. Those elements were from different areas. And yes,
some of them were from Karabakh, others were thuggish bodyguards of
prominent oligarchs."

Ter-Petrosyan also said that ahead of its next rally in Yerevan
on July 4 the opposition was completing organizational work on the
establishment of the National Congress, an umbrella structure that
would unite more than two dozen pro-opposition political parties and
organizations. But before rallying in the capital, Ter-Petrosyan’s
popular movement planned to visit Talin and Vanatur where it enjoys
a high level of support among the local population.

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RUSSIAN, EU APPROACHES TO CRISIS SETTLEMENT NOT ALWAYS IDENTICAL …

Interfax News Agency
June 26, 2008
Russia

The upcoming Russia-EU summit in Khanty-Mansiisk will see a traditional
exchange of opinions about security problems on the European continent,
including the so-called "frozen conflicts," among them Kosovo, northern
Cyprus, Abkhazia, South Ossetia, Transdniestria and Nagorno-Karabakh,
Russian presidential aide Sergei Prikhodko told reporters on Thursday.

Russia and the European Union are equally interested in reducing the
number of "hot points," but often their "practical approaches in this
sphere are not identical," Prikhodko said, referring to Kosovo and
conflicts in the post-Soviet space.

He reiterated Moscow’s position that the use of force in the resolution
of these conflicts was inadmissible.

A settlement should be carried out only through the signing of
agreements between the conflicting parties on a voluntary basis and
with due respect for their positions, Prikhodko said.

He called for safeguarding the existing negotiating and peacekeeping
format and for handling the existing problems in stages.

Russia should take care of the people who found themselves in so-
called uncontrolled territories in conflict zones to prevent them
from feeling isolated from the international community, the aide
said, adding that these people should have access to all mechanisms
of social, economic and other provision.

At the same time, he said that Russia and the EU were discussing
these problems on a regular basis in search for mutually acceptable
solutions that would suit the conflicting parties and serve the
interests of European security.

The summit’s international agenda will include the situation around
the Iranian nuclear problem, the Middle East settlement and the
developments in Afghanistan, Prikhodko said.

AZERBAIJAN DEMOCRATIC PARTY ACCUSES THE OSCE MINSK GROUP CO-CHAIRS OF TAKING ARMENIA’S SIDE

Today.Az
June 30 2008
Azerbaijan

The Democratic Party of Azerbaijan held its regular session today,
reports Day.Az with reference to the press service for the party.

As is reported during the session the party discussed the
sociopolitical situation in the country before presidential elections.

The session considered situation, which established in the country
after the President adopted the recent amendments to the Electoral
Code and the draft law "On freedom of Assembly".

The party considers that the recent PACE resolution, which states
deterioration of situation in the sphere of human rights in Azerbaijan
before presidential elections, as well as pressure on media, evidences
that national interests of our countries have been violated. In order
to avert such negative consequences, Azerbaijani government should
display political tolerance.

The session also discussed situation around Nagorno Karabakh. The
party activists consider that the recent visit of the Minsk Group
co-chairs to the region prove that they support the Armenian side. In
this connection it is necessary to consider issue of replacement of
the representatives of the said organization.

To restore balance in the party it is proposed to select a co-chair
from Turkey.

It was also decided to hold the session of Supreme Medjlis on August
1. During it the party will reconsider the decision about participation
in the presidential elections.

SPECULATIONS THROUGH EVIDENT FALSIFICATIONS
ARMEN TSATURYAN

Hayots Ashkhar Daily
Published on June 28, 2008
Armenia

The assessments and proposals given to Armenian-Turkish relations by
President Serge Sarsgyan during his meeting with Armenian community in
Moscow and Russian experts have turned into a matter of discussion not
only for different international frameworks but also Armenian political
figures and the press.

Beyond a shadow of a doubt the word of the leaders of Armenia and
Turkey that have no diplomatic relations between each other, is
extremely interesting both inside and outside our country. But
regrettably some use these announcements as a tool for their new
political speculations.

If we compare Serge Sargsyan’s announcement made in Moscow regarding
Armenian Turkish relations with the previous ten years’ foreign policy
of Armenia, we will see that nothing has been changed in the country’s
stance towards Armenian-Turkish relations.

We should remind you that for many years Turkey proclaims that Armenia
refuses their proposal to set up a committee of historians to study the
`painful issue of the past’.

Armenia in its turn announces what we really need for the normalization
of the bilateral relations is to set up an inter-governmental committee
to discuss all the issues regarding Armenian Turkish relations
including the one put forward by Turkey, in the framework of that
committee.

The proposals made by Turkey to set up the committee of historians
without any diplomatic relations between the two countries and without
opening the borders is simply aimed at pushing back the whole agenda of
Armenian Turkish relations, let alone the harm given to the process of
the international recognition of Armenian Genocide. Which means a
simple trap, by the way for many international diplomats who have
little knowledge about the issue, and insist that Armenia accepts the
proposal made by Turkey.

To avoid this trap Armenia proposes to set up an inter-governmental
committee, to discuss all the issues of dispute, firstly to achieve the
establishment of diplomatic relations and opening of the border. Which
means our country has never avoided the discussion of the before
mentioned issues, in case it doesn’t turn into means to postpone the
settlement of urgent-political issues.

That is why touching upon the proposals made by official Ankara to set
up a committee of historians Armenian President Serge Sargsyan
underscored during his meetings in Moscow: `we can touch upon this
issue only after opening Armenian-Turkish border.’ Which mean Serge
Sargsyan didn’t say `yes’ or `no’ to the proposal made by Turkey. He
simply promised to discuss this issue after the opening of the border.

A question arises here: `What is the difference between this stance and
the proposal to set up an inter-governmental committee, previously made
by official Yerevan?’ The answer is evident: it is clearer and harsher,
because it also points out the concrete demand of Armenian side. And
only after that is it possible to set up the committee of historians.

Moreover RA President spoke about `touching upon’ the before mentioned
proposal, which, by the way, doesn’t imply complete agreement.

So where is `the serious jeopardy’ in the announcement made by Serge
Sargsyan, which forced the center of the `pan-national’ movement the
assess the announcement made by the President as a `heavy blow’ on the
process of the international recognition of Armenian Genocide. It is a
simple manifestation of a cheap falsification. The part of the
announcement saying `we can touch upon that topic only after opening
Armenian -Turkish border’ has been internationally cut from the bases
of `opening the border and the normalization of the relations’.

Which means Armenian authorities allegedly agreed to the proposal made
by Turkey to set up a committee of historians, thus giving a `heavy
blow’ to the process of the recognition of Armenian Genocide.

In our opinion the `pan-national’ movement committed a criminally
punishable crime by falsifying the essence and the contents of the
announcement made by RA President.

OSCE MINSK GROUP CO-CHAIRS DISCUSS ARMENIAN-AZERBAIJANI CONFLICT IN BAKU (VIDEO)

Trend News Agency
June 27 2008
Azerbaijan

The co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group discussed the
Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict in Baku.

The negotiations of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs Yuri Merzlakov –
from Russian, Bernard Fassier from France and Matthew Bryza from the
United States were held with Elmar Mammadyarov, Azerbaijani Foreign
Minister in Baku on 27 June.

The result of the meeting was not detailed to journalists

The conflict between the two countries of the South Caucasus began
in 1988 due to Armenian territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Since
1992, Armenian Armed Forces have occupied 20% of Azerbaijan including
the Nagorno-Karabakh region and its seven surrounding districts. In
1994, Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a ceasefire agreement at which
time the active hostilities ended. The Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk
Group (Russia, France, and the US) are currently holding peaceful
negotiations.

PACE CALLS ON TURKEY’S INSTITUTIONS "TO RESPECT EACH OTHER’S COMPETENCES"

PanARMENIAN.Net
27.06.2008 14:07 GMT+04:00

Underlying the importance of "effective separation of powers", the
Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) called on Turkey’s
institutions "to respect each other’s competences" and join efforts
to pursue political reforms that will turn the country into a modern
democracy.

Following the proposals by the rapporteur, Luc Van den Brande (Belgium,
EPP/CD), the parliamentarians said that, regardless of its outcome, the
lawsuit against the ruling party, as well as the Prime Minister and the
President of the Republic, "is seriously affecting political stability
in the country" and the functioning of democratic institutions. The
dissolution of political parties, they said, "should be regarded as
an exceptional measure to be applied only in cases where the party
concerned uses violence or threatens civil peace and the democratic
constitutional order."

According to the Assembly, "a comprehensive review of the law on
political parties is required in order to bring this text fully
into line with European standards", and the need for a new, civilian
constitution altogether "has now become more evident than ever". In
this regard, the government’s initiative to draft a new constitution
opens "a window of opportunity for a broad national debate involving
all actors of society".

The Assembly asked its Monitoring Committee to intensify its
post-monitoring dialogue with Turkey, closely follow the development
of the democratic functioning of its state institutions and, in
particular, the constitutional drafting process, and if need be
"seriously consider the possibility of re-opening the monitoring
procedure," PACE Communication Unit reports

YEREVAN TO HOST CONFERENCE ON CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

ARMENPRESS
June 26

On June 30 Yerevan will host a conference on Corporate Social
Responsibility topic which is a joint initiative of the British
Council, Eurasia Partnership Foundation, UNDP Global Agreement and
the American Commerce Chamber in Armenia.

KPGM company is providing extra assistance to help organize the event.

The Eurasia Partnership Foundation told Armenpress that the goal of
the conference is to give a boost to corporate social responsibility
development in Armenia and enhance cooperation between private and
non-profit sectors, which in its turn will consolidate Armenia’s’
role on its road to European integration.

Among the participants are Economy Minister Nerses Yeritsian, British
experts Malen Baker and Brigitte Erat. The experts will participate
in similar events in Tbilisi, Georgia, on July 2 and Baku, Azerbaijan,
July 4.

Some 100 representatives of 50 companies from banking, airlines,
communications, hotel and other sectors are to take part in the
seminar.

RASIM AGHAYEV: "PROSPECTS OF ARMENIAN-TURKISH RELATIONS CURRENTLY SEEM OBSCURE"

Today.Az
June 25 2008
Azerbaijan

Day.Az interview with famous political scientist Rasim Aghayev.

– How would you comment on the current state of Armenian-Turkish
relations?

– Undoubtedly, the current state of Armenian-Turkish relations
cannot be compared with the level of Azerbaijani-Turkish relations,
though once the relations between these two countries were growing,
particularly, frontier trade between the countries was widely
developed, businessmen of the two countries were actively cooperating
and Europe imposed pressure on Turkey for it to open borders with
Armenia before the resolution of Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict over
Nagorno Karabakh.

Thus, Europe tried to take Armenia out of the deadlock, in which it
led itself by its non-constructive policy, open territorial claims to
neighbor countries of the region. Time passed and the world society
realized that the incumbent leadership of Armenia, in which only
personalities were replaced, but not the court and outlook, creates
great problems for establishment of reliable peace in the entire
South Caucasus region.

Therefore, pressure on Turkey related to the need to open borders with
Armenia has declined and a poor country with lots of both internal
and external problems, will not attract too many people. It is not
attractive for Turkey as well. Therefore, prospects of Armenian-Turkish
relations currently seem obscure to me. Even so more Armenia does
not want to reject its main problem-openly declared expansion policy.

– But Armenia has another problem, which is a pathological striving
to prove to the world the fact that mythical genocide of Armenians
really occurred in the Osman Turkey. How do you assess announcement
of President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan that Armenia is not against
Turkey’s offer about formaiton of a commission which will study
historical facts, but Armenians are ready to start the work only
after the borders are open?

– Such announcement demonstrates not only the deadlocked external
policy concept of Armenia, which turned not to be able to restore
friendly relations with all the South Caucasus countries but also
that the leadership of Armenia is already aware of this sad fact for
Armenia. In this connection i would like to stress the correctness of
Turkey’s offer, which proposed to open all its historical archives to
make the issue of "genocide of Armenians" clear stating that history
should be death with by historians and not politicians.

As you remember, Armenia’s first reaction was the rejection of such
initiative. Some time passed, during which Armenia’s position has
worsened, while Azerbaijan’s image and its status in the world
is growing, increasing the economic gap between Azerbaijan and
Armenia. It all obliges the current leadership of Armenia to make
cunny announcements, trying to attain opening of borders from Turkey
before making such all-Armenian myth as "genocide of Armenians"
in the Osman Turkey, clear.

Though, I think it would be more correct for the future of Armenia to
open national discussion, through which the powers of the country could
try to explain to their population that at the current stage Armenia
needs to disavow the openly declared policy of territorial claims to
the neighbor countries and the attempt to persuade the world that
"genocide of Armenians" really occurred in 1915 and restore really
good neighbor relations with all states of the South Caucasus region.

– Isn’t there a risk for incumbent authorities of Armenia that
conduction of such a national discussion will lead to sharp criticism
of their actions and would result in national upheaval, resulting in
the overthrow of political regime in the country?

– I think conduction of such discussions is needed regardless of
whether Armenian authorities want it or no. Here Armenian people should
say their word and I am sure that there is such potential for it, as
majority of ordinary Armenians are far from such ideas as the myth of
"genocide" or myth on creation of Great Armenia, which are used by
definite politicians in this country to come to power. This is proven
by the fact that most Armenians leave their historical motherland in a
search of better life and the events, which occurred in Armenia during
the recent presidential elections, when Levon Ter-Petrosyan, speaking
of the need to establish good neighbor relations with Azerbaijan and
Turkey, was supported by the majority of Armenians.

At that time, "Karabakh clan" managed to escape the most frustrating
results only owing to brutal repressions. But I think that it wasn’t
Serzh Sargsyan’s real victory over his people, as life proves the
erroneousness of the way, chosen by the working Armenian authorities.

– And the last question: what should Azerbaijan do in such conditions?

– Azerbaijan should raise its economic and diplomatic superiority
over Armenia, establish good neighbor relations with all South
Caucasus countries.

But at the same time, our country should restore a dialogue with
its own citizens-Nagorno Karabakh Armenians. We should invite them
to Baku, demonstrate all advantages they will have within the high
status autonomy as part of Azerbaijan, as the worse economic and
political situation in Armenia is and the better it is in Azerbaijan,
the higher are chances that Nagorno Karabakh Armenians will become
aware of the lack of prospects of their policy on self-isolation from
Azerbaijan. It is necessary to stop putting fate of the Karabakh
conflict to dependance from the next proposals of the OSCE Minsk
Group and engage in its just resolution.

UN MARKS THE INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST DRUG ABUSE AND ILLICIT TRAFFICKING

armradio.am
26.06.2008 13:06

Today the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Armenia marks
the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The
slogan launched by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)
anti-drugs campaign is "Do drugs control your life? Your life. Your
community. No place for drugs." It will be used for three years
and focus on different aspects of drug control: drug abuse in 2007,
drug cultivation and production in 2008, and illicit drug trafficking
in 2009.

UNODC 2007 World Drug Report estimates that nearly 200 million people
are using illicit drugs worldwide. Cannabis leads by far with 162
million users, followed by 35 million users of amphetamine-type
substances. An estimated 16 million people use opium, morphine,
heroin, and some 13 million people use cocaine.

"Drug abuse has become a pervasive issue and cuts across social,
racial, cultural, religious, language and gender barriers. It may
also result into people engaging in various social ills such as
theft, assault and domestic violence, which manifests into family
dysfunction. It, therefore, needs to be confronted with a sense of
urgency and decisiveness by all members of our society, if we are to
protect our future and build a people’s contract to create a healthy
future," said Mr. Grigori Malintsyan, Coordinator of the South Caucasus
Anti-Drug (SCAD) Programme in Armenia.

The United Nations, having a key role in the fight against drugs,
has produced 3 international conventions on trans-national control
of illicit drugs and psychotropic substances. Armenia joined these
three major UN drug control treaties back in 1993.

Nonetheless, realizing that drug abuse and trafficking is still a
challenge to national authorities in South Caucasus, UNDP, EU and
national governments of the region have initiated the South Caucasus
Anti-Drug (SCAD-5) Programme on gradual reinforcement of EU good
practices on drugs policy, which includes also provision of continuum
care to drug addicts. This, in addition to other activities, includes
legal assistance in harmonizing national strategies and legislation,
trainings for the law-enforcement bodies in the region and public
awareness campaigns on drug prevention. SCAD will facilitate the
implementation of the drug-related components of the action plans of
the European Neighborhood Policy.

Mr. Malintsyan called on all relevant stakeholders to create an
ongoing awareness and consciousness about the dangers of drug abuse
amongst the people of this country.

Within the framework of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and
Illicit Trafficking, SCAD-5 initiated an exhibition, where the art
works of 20 school children from city of Gyumri were presented. This
exhibition is a unique call to youngsters to stay away from drugs and
towards the adults to prevent the youngsters from drug abuse. Based
on the votes of the visitors, the authors of three best art works will
be awarded with illustrated books, while the rest of the participants
will get other gifts.

AZERBAIJANI SECURITY MINISTRY DETAINS 13 PEOPLE SPYING FOR ARMENIA: DEPUTY MINISTER

Trend News Agency
June 25 2008
Azerbaijan

Trend News interview with Deputy Minister of National Security of
Azerbaijan Republic, Major General Ali Shafiyev.

The 21st century was characterized with changeability of the worldwide
geo-strategic areals, acceleration of integration processes, as well
as appearance of new international security challenges. Manifestations
such as armed separatism, terrorism, religious and political extremism,
illegal turnover of drugs, radioactive substances and arms, human
trafficking are dangerous for Azerbaijan, as well. However, today there
are all premises and conditions in Azerbaijan, which confidently moves
through the way of establishing legal democratic State where steadfast
public and political stability has been created, to protect national
interests and take effective measures to combat above-mentioned
threats. The public displays a permanent interest in the special
service organizations of Azerbaijan, which play a specific role in
ensuring national security in a reliable manner. With this respect,
we appealed Deputy Minister of National Security of Azerbaijan
Republic, Major General Ali Shafiyev, to get detailed responses to
some questions.

Question: Today, Azerbaijan is one of the rapidly developing countries
due to its economic indicators. It is not secret that certain forces,
including international terrorist network, try to use Azerbaijan’s
openness for political and economic and cultural relations. Could
you speak about activities of the security organizations in combating
terrorism while it has become into a global problem…

Answer: Your question is very interesting and covers a wide spectrum. I
begin, answering the first part of it. The undeniable fact is
that today Azerbaijan is amongst the countries demonstrating high
growth pace due to political-legal and socio-economic reforms. Under
leadership of Ilham Aliyev, worthy continuer of the policy of the
Nationwide Leader Heydar Aliyev, our country became a leading country
in the region and is in process of rapid economic development improving
welfare of population.

Every year of Ilham Aliyev’s presidency in Azerbaijan is characterized
with considerable achievements. This period was also remembered
with rapid integration into the world community, realization of
reforms, regional and international projects, high economic progress
and Azerbaijan’s becoming a country with an influential opinion
worldwide. I should note with proud that the National Security
Ministry plays considerable role in the consolidation of statehood
and defense of national interests of the nation, as the head of state
has numerously stated in his speeches.

As to the second part of your question, it not secret that Azerbaijan
is a very attractive country with its rich history, cultural and
spiritual and material wealth, natural resources and geostrategic
position. The attitude towards a country rich in every respect is
always different. This is an axiom. There are countries, which are
eager to see Azerbaijan as a reliable partner, political and economic
ally in their bilateral cooperation with our country and they are in
majority. However, forces which cannot reconcile with Azerbaijan’s
successes, cannot admit them and attempt to impede the country’s
progress, are also not less in number.

All these factors, including the possible threats, are constantly
studied and analyzed, adequate decisions are taken for dynamic
development of the national security system of the country, a range
of preventive measures are carried out for more reliable protection
of Azerbaijan’s interests. In its turn, it requires battle readiness,
vigilance and professionalism from the security organizations.

Our key task is to offer facilities for successful implementation of
internal and foreign policy of the country. Virtually, there is not
any sphere in our life, where national interests do not exist. Within
the framework of its authorities and jointly with relevant state
bodies, the National Security Ministry carries out work to defend
national interests in economic, public and political, social, cultural,
ecological and other spheres. In many spheres we play a leading role,
but in some other fields we take a close part. The Ministry regularly
informs the public about results of its activities.

It is possible to state confidently that national security strategy of
modern Azerbaijan contributes in ensuring international stability and
security. Our country’s contribution in maintenance of stability and
security in the hottest point of the planet within the anti-terror
coalition, shoulder-by-shoulder with the world leading countries,
is a bright example for it.

Last year, the national security agencies, which play an important
role in recognition of Azerbaijan as one of the most active members
of the anti-terror coalition, obtained considerable results. As a
result of measures being taken, there were detained three radical
armed extremist groups, connected with the international terrorist
organizations Al-Qaeda and Al-Jihad, which showed signs of crimes
such as high treason, efforts of forcible seizure of power and other
law breakings in their activities. Some 40 people, who were part of
these groups, were arrested and one terrorist putting up resistance
was annihilated. Of them, 16 people are members of the armed group
calling themselves as ‘Forestry brothers’, which is responsible
for several armed attacks on the territory of Russia. Furthermore,
9 members of the religious extremist groups committing armed attacks
in Baku, using arms and ammunitions being stolen from military unit
N of the Defense Ministry, and planning acts of terrorism against
the embassies of the United States and other western countries were
detained and made criminally responsible.

As a result of operative search measures being taken by the
Ministry of National Security to reveal intelligence-demolition
and subversive-terrorist activities against national interests of
Azerbaijan, it was possible to divest and detain 15 people, who
established a criminal union entitled ‘Northern army of Imam Mehti
– NIMA’ to forcibly change the constitutional establishment and
committed a number of heinous crimes and high treason by assisting
other States in carrying out hostile activities against the Azerbaijan
Republic. Facts were revealed on co-operation of several members of
this organization with the special services of the Islamic Republic
of Iran on the basis of material reward and military exercises in the
training camps. And finally, one of the key goals of this organization
was to impede Azerbaijan’s integration to the West and to create a
regime of governance in Azerbaijan on the basis of Shariah regulations.

Furthermore, last year the Ministry neutralized twenty people
involved in intelligence and blasting activities against Azerbaijan,
and thirteen of them were engaged in espionage in favor of Armenia,
which occupied the territory of our country.

Generally, operative activities of the National Security Ministry
in the above mentioned directions has never stopped and the
new achievements have been made in preventing intelligence
activities of the foreign special service organizations, as
well as neutralizing people related to international terrorist
infrastructure. Unfortunately, relevant information will be publicized
a bit later as the operative investigation measures on these facts
are still underway.

Azerbaijan is our Motherland. Work for ensuring security of our
Motherland is a sacred service and we urge the Azerbaijani society to
regard seriously this issue, assist the national security organizations
in fighting against such manifestations and demonstrate real civil
position.

IT WAS POSSIBLE TO NEUTRALIZE ESPECIALLY DANGEROUS TERROR GROUPS,
SUCH AS ‘MUNIRA GROUP’, AL-QAEDA CAUCASUS’, ‘JAMAAT-AL-MUVAHHIDUN’

Question: Some recent media reports urge on the aggravation of
the religious situation in Azerbaijan and tendencies of strong
politicization of the religious factor. How do you view the situation
in the country in this sphere?

Answer: The Azerbaijani people and society have always differed for
their patience and tolerance. Fortunately, there is no ground for
conflict between religious or other kinds of trends in Azerbaijan and
we can be proud of this fact. At present general stability reigns in
Azerbaijan and building of democratic state and economic reforms yield
results. Azerbaijan is a leader in the region. As I mentioned at the
beginning, the various interests towards our country are growing more
and more alongside with country’s development.

The latest developments on the international scene leave traces in our
society as well. For instance, there are various manifestations of the
international organized crime and some foreign extremist groupings
take attempts to pressure for changing the secular and democratic
government of our country and even to prevent Azerbaijan from becoming
part of the international anti-terrorism coalition. Some of these
attempts obviously make use of the religious factor. Undoubtedly, the
respective agencies of Azerbaijan take a set of adequate, consistent
and effective measures to combat these threats. Unfortunately, I should
mention that we witness attempts of some forces instigated by certain
foreign circles to aggravate religious situation and achieve their
goals. However, any critical situation originated from the religious
sources is out the question.

I think it is not expedient to go into the details of what measures
are carried out by the Ministry of National Security to secure the
efficient security of our country. However, at the same time I want to
mention that we have informed the people in detail about the detention
of especially dangerous terrorist groupings such as Group of Munir,
Al Qaeda Caucasus and Jammat al-Muvahhidun which tried to use the
religious factor to achieve their criminal aims.

Furthermore, the Ministry of National Security is carrying out
preventive measures to reverse radicalism processes. For instance,
conversations with local people, particularly with the young who
are subject to a certain religious radicalization, helping them from
being misled, legal education and other measures are priorities of our
activities with this regard and I would say, these measures yield very
good results. The analysis of the situation in this sphere enables
us to conclude that the majority of those who are subject to the
religious radicalization are caught in a net of fanaticism because of
the lack of knowledge of the core and content of religion, ignorance
and lack of education. People without knowledge in this sphere are
easily influenced and they become followers of alien religious trends.

As to taking administrative and legal measures, I state once again
that we consider them extreme measures. As a conclusion I would say
that not only National Security Ministry, but also other responsible
agencies including educational, public and youth organizations should
deal with this issue. Generally, relevant work is currently realized.

OCCUPIED LANDS OF AZERBAIJAN ARE USED FOR DRUGS TRAFICKING TO EUROPE
VIA THE ROUTES OF ‘IRAN-AZERBAIJAN-RUSSIA’ AND ‘ARMENIA-GEORGIA’

Question: The National Security Ministry realizes successful actions
against drugs trafficking. Territories of what countries are more
frequently used for drugs trafficking from Azerbaijan?

Answer: The drugs trafficking is one of major forms of transnational
organized crimes, threatening the future of mankind. Use of income
from drugs business, which is supposed to be one of the most profitable
types of crime, for financing other transnational crimes and terrorism
actually increases the level of its dangerousness. Over the past
period serious achievements have been made in combating transnational
organized crime, including drugs trafficking.

With respect to combating drugs trafficking we carry out goal-directed
work to detect cases of transportation and withdrawal of this ‘white
death’ of Afghan origin, in the routes of ‘Iran-Azerbaijan’, ‘Occupied
Nagorno-Karabakh-Iran-Azerbaijan’, ‘Iran-Azerbaijan-Russia-Japan’,
‘Iran-Azerbaijan-G eorgia-Europe’ which are very often used
transnational organized criminal group

I also want to inform you about certain data on the measures being
held with regards to drugs trafficking. Damage which criminal groups
and persons may inflict to gene pool of Azerbaijan ought to concern all
of us. Generally, over the past three years (2005-2008), the employees
of the National Security Ministry revealed and withdrew more than 1.1
tons of various kinds of drugs (heroin, hashish, opium), which were
to be transited via the territory of Azerbaijan. During this period,
70 criminal cases were filed and 240 people, including 25 foreign
citizens were instituted to investigation.

Last year the National Security Ministry had a brightest achievement
in fighting drugs trafficking, when it succeeded to detect and withdraw
142kg of high quality heroin from illegal turnover.

For the first time in their history, the law-enforcement agencies of
Azerbaijan detained such volume of heroin, and the matter is that
the destination of these drugs was one of the countries of Western
Europe. I would like to mention one more new fact on this theme. As
a result of measures taken over the past few days, more than 40kg
of heroin was withdrawn and several people were detained. Currently
operative-search measures on the case are underway and additional
commentary will be provided later.

The analysis shows that Azerbaijan still remains a transit country in
the list of narco-syndicates’ routes. This is short and profitable
route. At the same time, I would like to stress that such attempts
are prevented more decisively year by year. I think, not only the
law-enforcement agencies, but all citizens should take a direct part
in preventing drugs-related threats to our society and state.

Question: What can you say about the threats posed by the drugs
trafficking in the Azerbaijani territory which was de-facto occupied
by Armenia and out of control of the international institutes?

Answer: In fact, it is not only Azerbaijan who faces these threats. The
occupation of the Azerbaijani territory by Armenia and misuse of these
lands for the purposes of the organized crime pose threat not only
for the security of our country, but also for Europe in whole. The
governmental agencies of Azerbaijan has repeatedly stated that there
is a need to intensify the efforts of the international community
to combat planting, production and transportation of drugs in the
Armenian-occupied territory of Azerbaijan – Nagorno-Karabakh and
seven adjacent regions, the ‘grey zone’ which is out of the national
and international control. The criminal cases investigated earlier
revealed the facts of use of the Armenian-occupied Azerbaijani lands
for criminal purposes. This territory is used not only for transit,
but also for the production of drugs which are later transported to
Europe through Iran-Azerbaijan-Russia and Armenia-Georgia routes. For
instance, the National Security Ministry neutralized a transnational
organized criminal grouping in drugs smuggling from Iran to Azerbaijan,
withdrawing some 4kg of heroine produced in the laboratories located
in this territory. The Iranian citizen who was one of the members of
this criminal grouping confirmed the above-mentioned facts. He said
that drugs are produced in the special laboratories in the Armenian
occupied Azerbaijani territory and they are transported to Europe
through the neighboring countries.

Question: Could you please mention, unless it is secret, the questions
which you regard as priority in the activities of the National Security
Ministry in the sphere of international cooperation?

Answer: Quite interesting question. Today the world has become so
global that the national security is admitted not a separate element,
but a major constituent of regional and international security. Now
no country irrespective whether it is developed or developing,
small or big, cannot flatly state on its ability to ensure its
security by itself. At present the security of any country depends
on allied relations with partner countries. The National Security
Ministry, giving a priority to maximal use of opportunities of
the international cooperation to ensure national interests, tries
to expand real and rational use of cooperation with the relevant
organizations of partner countries. On the other hand, the similarity
and identity of danger in their turn increase the importance of
cooperation between the Ministry of National Security and special
service organizations of other countries. With this respect, the
Ministry efficiently cooperates with the security institutes and
special service organizations of more than 50 partner countries,
as well as international organizations in combating terrorism and
different manifestations of transnational crime.

The cooperation is not restricted to technical assistance, training,
exchange of experience, but also contributes in the establishment
of favorable conditions for the country’s policy on the solution of
strategic tasks, including the security issues, consolidation of our
positions using the opportunities of international juridical acts
and exchange of information.