Author: Chatinian Lara

NKR: MOSCOW DECLARATION IS A PROTOCOL ON INTENTIONS

PanARMENIAN.Net
05.11.2008 15:45 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Adoption of a joint declaration by the president of
Armenia and Azerbaijan in Moscow is, undoubtedly, a positive fact,
although it’s just a protocol on intentions, said Vahram Atanesyan,
head of the NKR parliamentary committee on foreign relations.

"The sides expressed willingness to search for a solution in the
framework of the international law. This means that the right of
Karabakh people to self-determination is legally grounded," he said,
adding that contacts between NGOs are essential.

"Azerbaijani leadership should change its policy and aloe
representatives of Azeri NGOs to visit Nagorno Karabakh to form an
opinion about the Nagorno Karabakh Republic," Atanesyan said.

During the November 2 meeting, the Presidents Dmitry Medvedev of
Russia, Serzh Sargsyan of Armenia and Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan
pledged to intensify negotiations to end the Nagorno Karabakh conflict.

The declaration envisages resolution of the conflict on the basis of
principles and norms of the international law as well as agreements
and documents concluded in this framework.

"The presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia decided to continue their
work – including at further high-profile talks – to agree on a
political settlement to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict," Medvedev
said. "They instructed their foreign ministers to activate the
negotiation process, in collaboration with the co-chairs of the OSCE’s
Minsk Group."

SARGSYAN CONGRATULATED OBAMA ON U.S. PRESIDENT ELECTION

PanARMENIAN.Net
05.11.2008 15:56 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan sent a
congratulatory message to U.S. President-elect, Democrat Barack Obama,
the RA leader’s press office reported.

The message states:

"Honorable Mr. Obama,

I warmly congratulate you on the occasion of your election as the
44th President of the United States of America.

I am confident that the relations between Armenia and the U.S. will
attain a new quality during your term of office and the economic and
political cooperation between our countries will enhance for the sake
of our friendly peoples.

The prominent organizations of the Armenian Community in America
have repeatedly conveyed to me their enthusiasm about the changes you
have promised the American people. I highly appreciate your insight
into and approaches towards issues related to the Armenian people. I
believe that the Armenian Americans will become a strong link bridging
our countries.

The Armenian people are grateful to the United States for the
comprehensive assistance it has shown since our independence and up
to this day. We are committed to continue joint efforts so that the
assistance contributes to economic increase and strong democracy
in Armenia.

The role of the United States as a co-chair of the Minsk Group is
also important in the peaceful resolution of Karabakh issue.

Unce again accept my congratulations on your election as the President
of the United States, wishing you strong health and fruitful activities
for the glory of the United States of America and for the prosperity
of its people."

NICOLAS SARKOZY EXPRESSES SUPPORT TO DIPLOMATIC EFFORTS OF NAGORNO KARABAKH SETTLEMENT AND ARMENIAN-TURKISH POLITICAL DIALOGUE

Noyan Tapan

Nov 5, 2008

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 5, NOYAN TAPAN. Within the framework of his working
visit to France, RA President Serzh Sargsyan, in the morning of
November 4, had meetings with French Prime Minister Francois Fillon
and Senate Chairman Gerard Larcher. A wide range of issues regarding
further development of Armenian-French friendly relations, deepening
of economic cooperation, activization of interparliamentary cooperation
and contacts, regional developments, as well as Armenia-EU cooperation
were discussed during the meetings. In the Senate S. Sargsyan made
notes in the register of guests of honor.

According to the report provided to Noyan Tapan by the RA President’s
Press Office, S. Sargsyan also met with world-famous chansonier,
RA National Hero Charles Aznavour.

In the second half of the day S. Sargsyan met with French President
Nicolas Sarkozy. A wide range of issues related to further deepening of
Armenian-French friendly relations, current stage of Nagorno Karabakh
settlement negotiations, Armenian-Turkish dialogue, latest regional
events, Armenia-European Union cooperation were on the agenda of
negotiations of leaders of Armenia and France.

The Presidents of the two countries expressed satisfaction with
continuation of traditional warm and friendly relations and reached
an agreement to continue high-level contacts, which will contribute
to further deepening of Armenian-French friendship. They positively
estimated the recorded growth of commodity circulation between the
two countries expressing readiness to undertake proper steps to deepen
bilateral economic cooperation.

S. Sargsyan emphasized the important role of France as OSCE Minsk
Group co-chairing country in the issue of Nagorno Karabakh peaceful
settlement. N. Sarkozy expressed support to the diplomatic efforts
of Nagorno Karabakh settlement and Armenian-Turkish current dialogue.

The heads of the two countries emphasized the invaluable role of
Armenian community of France in strengthening of Armenian-French
friendship.

At the end of his working visit to France S. Sargsyan gave an interview
to several French leading media.

OFFICIAL BAKU CONSIDERS SIGNING OF MOSCOW STATEMENT NEW STAGE IN CONFLICT SETTLEMENT

Trend News Agency
Nov 3 2008
Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan, Baku, 03 November / TrendNews, corr. I.Alizade / Official
Baku considers that signing joint statement on the Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict settlement between the Presidents of Azerbaijan, Armenia and
Russia in Moscow will accelerate the process of the conflict solution.

"Signing the statement is an historical event for the conflict
settlement and is the beginning of a new process," Novruz Mammadov,
Head of Azerbaijan Presidential Administration’s Foreign Relations
Department, told TrendNews on 3 November.

On 2 November at Mayn Dorf Palace in Moscow, the Presidents of
Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Armenia Serj Sarkisyan and Russia Dmitry
Medvedev passed a statement as a result of their meeting. The statement
highlights solution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in accordance
with the international law.

During his visit to Armenia last month, the President of Russia
suggested the heads of the two states to meet in Moscow.

"If the Armenian side thinks that the conflict solution is very
necessary for its people, state and there is not other way of
conflict settlement, undoubtedly the joint statement signed in Moscow
must accelerate the process. If to take into consideration that the
Russian side, as a guarantee, signed the document, then there is no
doubt that the statement will accelerate the conflict settlement,"
official of the Presidential Administration said.

He said that the document signed in Moscow is the result of 14
years difficult talks with regards to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
settlement. Mammadov stated that this is the first document being
signed between the Presidents regarding the settlement of this
conflict. The official of the Presidential Administration said that
up to now, difficult moments have always existed and it was impossible
to reach a mutual understanding. "Now signing such a document at least
is an unique event in the process of the conflict settlement," he said.

He thinks that the document makes clear many moments with the conflict
settlement and determines and concretizes certain duties facing the
Presidents, the sides.

"The document shows that the conflict exists between the two
countries and must be solved based on the principles and norms of
the international law, in a step-by-step manner. In addition, the
document says that the OSCE Minsk Group must actively work in the
settlement of the conflict and the co-chairmen should strengthen their
mediation. The statement may be compass in the conflict settlement. The
document reflects the base principles and the OSCE Minsk Group member
countries support this," Mammadov said.

Mammadov said that the Presidents of the three countries have not
discussed the placement of peaceful forces in the region after the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement.

"If this issue would be discussed, this would be reflected in the
document. There is such an opinion that there will be no need to place
peaceful forces in the region after the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
settlement. I consider that we have passed the most difficult years,
stage. The signed document may reduce the tension. If there was not
need for peaceful forces in the difficult situation which existed up
to now, we ourselves have ensured peace, is it necessary to bring
peaceful forces under the condition where reduction is observed in
tension? Maybe for this reason, the agenda does not include the issue
of peaceful forces and maybe will not include," the official of the
Presidential Administration said.

He said that already the USA has also approved the document signed in
Moscow. "The USA also considers that the document was established based
on the base principles and the work must be continued in this regard
and the document will accelerate the settlement process," he said.

The conflict between the two countries of South Caucasus began in 1988
due to territorial claims by Armenia against Azerbaijan. Armenia has
occupied 20% of the Azerbaijani land including the Nagorno-Karabakh
region and its seven surrounding Districts. Since 1992, these
territories have been under the occupation of the Armenian Forces. 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 USA) are currently holding peaceful negotiations.

PanARMENIAN.Net

Nicaraguan FM: Abkhazia and S. Ossetia independence recognition will
help stop Caucasus conflict
01.11.2008 14:29 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Nicaraguan Foreign Minister Samuel Santos Lopez is
hopeful that his country’s recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia’s
independence will help put an end to conflicts in the region.

`We are glad to see that relations between Russia and Nicaragua are
developing in various fields. We supported Russia in its recognition
of independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia and are hopeful that it
can help put an end to conflicts in the region,’ he said during a
joint news conference with Russian FM Sergei Lavrov in Moscow, RIA
Novosti reports.

President of Nicaragua Daniel Ortega declared recognition of South
Ossetia and Abkhazia in September 2008, marking Nicaragua as the
second [after Russia] state to recognize independence of the breakaway
republics.

Obama reaffirms pledge to recognize Armenian Genocide

armradio.am
01.11.2008 11:31

With just days left to the crucial November 4th presidential elections,
the Obama-Biden campaign reaffirmed its commitment to Armenian Genocide
recognition and a strong U.S.- Armenia relationship, reported the
Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).

A statement titled "Barack Obama: Supporting U.S.-Armenia Relations,"
relayed to Armenians for Obama Chairman Areen Ibranossian earlier today
as well as the ANCA, affirms that "The
Armenian Genocide, carried out by the Ottoman Empire from 1915 to 1923,
resulted in the deportation of nearly 2 million Armenians, and
approximately 1.5 million of those deported were killed. Barack Obama
believes we must recognize this tragic reality and strongly supports a
U.S.-Armenian relationship that advances our common security and
strengthens Armenian democracy." The statement goes on to note "Barack
Obama strongly supports passage of the Armenian Genocide Resolution
(H.Res.106 and S.Res.106) and will recognize the Armenian Genocide."

"The ANCA welcomes further reaffirmation of Barack Obama’s strong
commitment to issues of concern to the Armenian American community,
including proper recognition of the Armenian Genocide and fostering a
strong U.S.-Armenia relationship," stated ANCA Executive Director Aram
Hamparian. "ANCA chapters and activists across the U.S. will continue,
in these last days, to work hard for the Obama-Biden ticket and the
candidacies of the large number of Senators and Representatives who
have supported Armenian American concerns."

The Obama-Biden statement comes amid a flurry of reports in the Turkish
press regarding a meeting that supposedly took place over the last
several days between a senior Turkish official, Ahmet Davutoglu, and a
representative of the Obama-Biden Campaign, after which Davutoglu
called into question Obama’s commitment to this core human rights
issue.

RA PRESIDENT TO DEPART FOR PARIS AND BRUSSELS AFTER MOSCOW MEETING

PanARMENIAN.Net
30.10.2008 15:24 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ After a meeting with Russian and Azerbaijani
Presidents in Moscow, Armenian leader Serzh Sargsyan will head for
Paris to meet with his French counterpart Nicolas Sarkozy.

Afterwards, the President is scheduled to visit Brussels to hold
bilateral talks with high-ranking Belgian officials. The talks will
focus on Armenia-EU cooperation, Armenian Foreign Minister Edward
Nalbandian told a news conference today.

The President will be accompanied by the Foreign Minister, who will
then pay a formal visit to Sweden.

Minister Nalbandian is also expected to visit Lithuania, Latvia
and Estonia.

ANC AND AYF TEAM UP TO HELP VOTERS GET TO THE POLLS ON NOVEMBER 4TH

armradio.am
29.10.2008 11:25

The Armenian National Committee of the West San Fernando Valley
(ANC-WSFV) and the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) Sardarabad
Chapter are working together to urge all registered Armenians to
vote in the upcoming general election. Dozens of young activists in
the San Fernando Valley are working together through the ANC and AYF
to contact thousands of Armenian Americans, by phone, flyers and by
going door to door urging them to head to the polls on November 4th.

"This election cycle presents tremendous opportunities for Armenian
Americans to express themselves through voting," said Nichan Kulukian,
chairman of the ANC-WSFV. "Whether it is on the foreign or domestic
policy front, we cannot allow ourselves to remain on the sidelines
this election."

As part of the "get out the vote" campaign and in order to better
serve the elderly or disabled community, the ANC-WSFV and the AYF
Sardarabad Chapter is providing transportation to polling sites for
residents of the San Fernando Valley on November 4th. Individuals or
those who know of individuals who need a ride to and from the polls
are encouraged to call the ANC office at 818-500-1918 by November 3rd.

"We just want to do our part to help ensure that everyone has the
opportunity to vote in this crucial election," said Sam Bebekian,
chairman of the AYF Sardarabad Chapter. "For many of our members, this
is their first election in which they can vote so they are inspired
to help others also participate in this fundamental civic privilege."

WHAT HAPPENED IN MARTAKERT IN REALITY

Lragir.am
14:46:59 – 29/10/2008

The former freedom fighter Jirair Sefilyan stated October 29 at the
De facto press club that solidarity is the main guarantee of security
of Armenia. In this connection, as an instance of danger posed by the
absence of solidarity, Jirair Sefilyan told about the information
that came in early March from the positions of Martakert that the
Azerbaijanis attacked and took some of our positions, and afterwards
the Armenian force returned them.

Jirair Sefilyan says the government presented it as an instance when
Azerbaijan made use of the home political tensions, demanding to
abstain from internal tensions, and the opposition alleged that the
government had provoked this incident to deter the attention of the
society from the strategy of March.

Jirair Sefilyan says maybe both were right but in reality the problem
was other. He says the soldiers who have mobile phones learned that
the government shot at people in Yerevan on March 1, and the soldiers
of those installations in Martakert returned to Yerevan. Sefilyan
says they could not remain quietly in the trenches when in Yerevan
someone shot at their brothers or mothers. The former freedom fighter
says one may imagine the consequences if this chain continued along
the front line.

Jirair Sefilyan says this is a vivid example of danger posed by the
absence of solidarity when the government shoots at the citizens who
go on protest.

Is shooting the only way of responding to protest, Jirair Sefilyan
asks?

ARMENIAN SCHOOL GRADUATES TO TAKE UNIFIED FINAL EXAMINATION ON ALL SUBJECTS

ARKA
Oct 28, 2008

YEREVAN, October 28. /ARKA/. Graduates of Armenia’s secondary schools
will take unified final examinations practically on all subjects,
said the RA Minister of Education and Science Spartak Setranyan
at Parliament Committees’ discussions of the state budget project
for 2009.

The graduates of Armenia’s secondary schools took a unified entrance
and final examination on Armenian Language during 2006-2007 school year
and on Armenian Language and Literature, Math and Foreign Languages
during 2007-2008.

According to Seyranyan unified examinations will be held on some
new subjects next year as well, with the exception of oral exams,
competitions on creativity, specifically in the faculty of journalism,
and World History exam.

Some 14,000 took unified exams in 2008. Exams were on Armenian Language
and Literature (with 13.02 average grade), math (15), Russian Language
(16.2), Foreign Languages (15).