Author: Chatinian Lara

WHAT SERGE SARGSYAN MEANS BY SAYING PUBIC DEBATES

Lragir.am
12:54:23 – 07/11/2008

In a news conference with the president of the European Commission in
Brussels Serge Sargsyan said in answer to the question of the reporter
about the November 2 meeting in Moscow he does not know what steps
will follow that meeting. Besides, Serge Sargsyan stated that the
Armenian public should hold debates about the negotiations.

Both statements by Serge Sargsyan are important. First, the idea was
confirmed that actually both Aliyev and Sargsyan had had to go to
Moscow and sign a declaration. It becomes clear from Serge Sargsyan’s
statement that he does not know anything about the further steps. Most
probably, Aliyev does not know about those steps either. It means
that both Aliyev and Sargsyan must try to "escape". And the previous
political moves will not work any more. The previous documents, are
meant, Prague, Paris, Key West, which were cancelled for different
reasons, including "leakage". Perhaps this was what Serge Sargsyan
hoped for when he told the reporters that the principles of Madrid
are available on the web.

However, nobody listened to Serge Sargsyan and posted the document
of Madrid on the web.

Hence, the only hope is public debates. It is difficult to say what he
means by saying public debates. If he means the pile of pro-government
and "centrist" party activists, experts and political scientists
who are permanent guests of talk shows and press clubs, it will
not surprise anyone, including the international community. This
unprincipled mass behaved "excellently" both in the presidential
election and the post-election period and several foreign political
events. For instance, when Gul was coming, they became devout
supporters of Armenian and Turkish relations, and when Gul "let down"
the Armenian government, they started proselytizing the contrary. And
so on.

If we assume that Serge Sargsyan realized the importance of
public opinion and is ready to listen to it, this opinion is so
unambiguous that Serge Sargsyan will hardly have the courage to
listen to it. However, it would be better if he listened, for him,
for Armenia and for Karabakh. Especially that the public debates
which will reveal the opinion of the public on the principles that
were set forward may become his only salvation. And it is not ruled
out that he stated about it because he did not find other "saviors".

SERZH SARGSYAN: IF WE ACHIEVE COMMON CONTACT POINTS WITH AZERBAIJAN, I THINK AGREEMENT ON SETTLEMENT PRINCIPLES MUST BE SIGNED TO BE FOLLOWED BY MAJOR CONTRACT

ArmInfo
2008-11-07 11:06:00

ArmInfo. "If we achieve common contact points with Azerbaijan, I
think an Agreement on the settlement principles must be signed to be
followed by a major Contract", President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan said
at a joint press-conference in Brussels with Chairman of the European
Commission Jose Manuel Barroso. He emphasized that during the Moscow
meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev they agreed to charge
the foreign ministers to continue the negotiations on the basis of
‘Madrid principles’.

‘However, I think a necessity of public discussions will appear over
this period. At least, I see the necessity of such discussions for
Armenia and the Armenian society’, the president of Armenia said.

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.

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?