Author: Chmshkian Vicken

Americans for Artsakh
c/o NKR Office
1334 G St., NW
Suite 200
Washington DC, 20005
[email protected]

Americans for Artsakh
c/o NKR Office
1334 G St, NW
Suite 200
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 223-3440

Americans for Artsakh Holds Awareness-raising Event at Armenian
Embassy in Washington

On November 12, Americans for Artsakh (AFA) hosted "A Celebration of
Artsakh" at the Armenian Embassy in Washington. The purpose of the
event was to raise awareness among the Washington community about
Artsakh in general, as well as AFA’s activities. It came at a crucial
period in the growth of the republic. As the Caucasus becomes
increasingly prominent on the international political scene, it is all
the more vital that people be properly informed about Artsakh and what
can be done to help it maintain its strength and identity.

The evening began with opening remarks by the Deputy Chief of Mission
at the Armenian Embassy, Varuzhan Nersessian. He was followed by NKR
Representative Robert Avetissian, who commented on the struggles that
Artsakh has overcome, and provided an overview of its present
situation. AFA Executive Director Sarah Ludwig then gave a
presentation about AFA and informed the audience about its completed
and future activities, which include educational training courses for
government employees and other groups in Artsakh. AFA is in the
process of expanding its scope of activities and is currently planning
career-enhancing educational opportunities for students and young
professionals.

The presentation portion of the evening was followed by outstanding
entertainment selections from well-known, highly respected performers.
AFA was honored to have pianist Naira Babayan, who played three pieces
of Armenian origin – one from Sayat Nova, and two by Aram
Khachaturian. Finally, professional actress and singer Norik Chekosky
recited poetry excerpts from Siamanto’s Ode to Fallen Heroes. Both
gave moving performances, and served to remind the primarily Armenian
audience about their rich cultural heritage.

Additionally, the guests were treated to dinner that was
professionally catered by Sabrina Mavian of the catering service
Dinner, Then Dessert. Local Armenian businesses contributed to the
evening, as well.

Americans for Artsakh is currently seeking funding for a youth
leadership course that will be held in Stepanakert in
January. Donations can be sent to:

Americans for Artsakh
c/o NKR Office
1334 G St., NW
Suite 200
Washington DC, 20005
[email protected]

Americans for Artsakh
c/o NKR Office
1334 G St, NW
Suite 200
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 223-3440

Treaty of Lisbon ratified in Rome
14.11.2009 16:30 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The ratification process of the Treaty of Lisbon
officially ended in Rome on Friday. Czech Prime Minister Jan Fischer
brought to the Italian Foreign Ministry the text of the document that
Czech President Vaclav Klaus signed on November 3.

The ceremony of giving the ratified documents took place in the
presence of Fischer and Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini. The
protocol was signed by the Head of Diplomatic Disputes Unit of the
Italian Foreign Ministry Paolo Guido Spinelli and Czech ambassador in
Rome Vladimir Zaval. RIA Novosti reported.

The Treaty of Lisbon (initially known as the Reform Treaty) is an
international agreement signed in Lisbon on 13 December 2007 designed
to change the workings of the European Union (EU). Having been
ratified by all EU member states, the treaty will enter into force on
December 1, 2009.

‘ARMENIA’S BUSINESS PLANNING PROJECTS ARE MODERATE’

Aysor
Nov 13 2009
Armenia

"Armenia’s businessmen have very moderate number of business planning
projects. They do not view plans for future. It is necessary to
study opportunities to be able to put them in practice with new
business planning cycle to enter the higher level of cooperation
with the European Union," said at today’s press conference Director
of Armenian-European Policy and Legal Advice Centre, Alexey Sekarev.

He pointed out that Armenian businessman have to know which trade
agreements are involved in framework of the Eastern Partnership to
be able to export own products to European markets. "There are lots
of requirements, technical standards related to the agreements and
other factors. Of this, short-term and long-term versions will be
presented at seminar," said Alexey Sekarev.

AEPLAC’s Director also pointed out that there are some new areas,
in particularly, those of innovation and of sphere which doesn’t
demand on high transport costs.

"This has already entered into force in EU and has been involving
EU candidate-states. Some of these resources entered into force in
Armenia, while Armenia is moving towards free trade agreements in the
framework of Eastern Partnership. Armenia’s businessmen can make use
of these resources," he added.

ARMENIAN-BELARUSIAN COOPERATION IN MILITARY-INDUSTRIAL SPHERE TO DEVELOP

Noyan Tapan
Nov 12, 2009

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 12, NOYAN TAPAN. A delegation led by Deputy State
Secretary of Belarusian Security Council Stanislav Zas is in Armenia
on a three-day working visit. A private talk between RA National
Security Council Secretary Artur Baghdasarian and Stanislav Zas took
place on November 12, after which working discussions in an enlarged
staff took place.

The sides discussed issues related to cooperation within the framework
of CSTO, cooperation between Armenian and Belarusian Security Councils.

A. Baghdasarian expressed satisfaction that cooperation within
the framework of CSTO develops actively, joint efforts are made to
activize military-technical cooperation, to exchange information in the
security sphere, to train specialists of law enforcement structures,
Ministry of Emergency Situations, to deepen cooperation between the
special services and law enforcement structures.

S. Zas attached importance to the tradition existing in CSTO, that is,
initiatives are formed at the interstate level, then one of the sides
presents them during discussions by the format of CSTO.

The sides mentioned that Armenian-Belarusian cooperation develops
rather efficiently within the framework of the Memorandum On
Cooperation signed between the Security Councils, practical steps
are undertaken to deepen cooperation in the military-industrial sphere.

Possibilities of creation of joint ventures in this sphere, issues
related to implementation of joint programs and mutual assistance
were discussed.

According to the agreement reached between the Armenian and Belarusian
Security Councils in September in Brest, the Committee of CSTO Security
Councils’ Secretaries made a decision within the framework of CSTO
to work out an interstate target program of technical reequipment
of rapid reaction special subdivisions. An agreement to undertake
concrete steps to fulfill the decision was reached during the meeting.

Responsible persons from Armenian and Belarusian sides were appointed
to follow fulfillment of the agreements reached.

According to the RA National Security Council Secretary Press
Office, the Belarusian delegation, which also included heads of
big military-industrial enterprises, got acquainted with their
possibilities on the spot and reached concrete agreements of
cooperation.

ARMENIA, SWITZERLAND SIGN AGREEMENT ON ENTRY VISA ABOLITION FOR DIPLOMATS

PanARMENIAN.Net
11.11.2009 12:42 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian paid a
working visit to Switzerland, where he met with his Swiss counterpart
Micheline Calmy-Rey to discuss bilateral cooperation and a number of
regional and international issues.

The Ministers agreed to hold ministerial consultations and strengthen
trade and industrial ties. They also signed an agreement on entry
visa abolition for diplomats.

AZERBAIJAN OPENS FIRST EMBASSY IN LATIN AMERICA

news.az
Nov 10 2009
Azerbaijan

Araz Azimov Deputy Foreign Minister Araz Azimov has attended the
opening of the Azerbaijani embassy in Mexico.

It is the first Azerbaijani embassy in Latin America.

Mexican Deputy Foreign Minister Maria de Lourdes Aranda, other Mexican
officials, diplomats, and representatives of the Azerbaijani, Turkish,
Ukrainian and Russian diaspora attended the ceremony, the embassy’s
press service reported.

As part of his working visit to Moscow, Araz Azimov had meetings
with Lourdes Aranda and Pablo Macedo, director general of the Foreign
Ministry’s United Nations department.

The sides discussed bilateral relations, regional security,
transnational crimes, combating the drugs trade and human trafficking,
exchange of information and cooperation on energy and the non-oil
sector and within the framework of the UN and other international
organizations. They noted that political relations are developing
successfully and referred to the importance of extending cooperation
in the economy, trade, information technology, science and education.

Azimov gave a detailed briefing on the history of the
Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh and
the negotiations on a conflict settlement. He said Armenia’s
non-constructive position contradicts the norms and principles of
international law and impedes the resolution of the conflict and the
establishment of a durable peace in the region.

He said that support for Azerbaijan’s position during discussions on
the issue at the next meeting of the UN General Assembly would be of
great importance for Azerbaijan.

Araz Azimov later gave a speech on "Azerbaijan and Regional Security"
in the Mexican Foreign Ministry’s conference hall.

Season review: ArmeniaTuesday 10 November 2009
uefa.com

FC Pyunik’s dominance appears to know no bounds after they added the
Armenian Cup to their ninth successive Bardzraguyn khumb title, while
FC Ulis Yerevan raised eyebrows with a third-placed finish.
Champions: FC Pyunik
Pyunik remain top of the pile after landing their 12th title in 18
years. Pushed hard by eventual runners-up FC Mika for much of the
campaign, they finally asserted themselves by clinching the league on
the penultimate day before seeing off their nearest challengers 4-0 in
the final round of matches.
Cup final: FC Pyunik 1-0 FC Banants
The 20-year-old Genrikh Mkhitaryan became an instant hero with an
added-time winner that secured Pyunik’s double triumph with their
fourth Armenian Cup victory.
Player of the Year: Hrayr Mkoyan (FC Ulis Yerevan)
The central defender was an inspired leader in helping his side to a
third-place finish. Ulis were breached 25 times in the 28-game season
– a defensive record second only to Pyunik – with Mkoyan a towering
figure throughout. The 23-year-old made his international debut
against Belgium in September and already looks to be a mainstay of the
national team.
One to watch: David Manoyan (FC Pyunik)
The Pyunik youngster made his bow in May 2008 at just 17 but this
season came to age, making 23 league appearances and contributing two
goals. However, it is his vision and creative flair which has stood out.
Surprise package: FC Ararat Yerevan
Second in 2008, they were once again among the favourites this
year. However, after collecting a meagre 14 points, they now find
themselves in the second tier.
Leading scorer: Arthur Kocharyan, FC Ulis Yerevan (15)
Number: 9
Pyunik won the league for a ninth successive year.
Quote
"It is very important to have the winning psychology in my team. The
opponents played against my young footballers with double energy and
I’m happy that my team progressed and showed itself as a united group
of players."
Pyunik coach Vardan Minasyan

MULTI-LINGUAL INFORMATION PANELS AND ROAD DIRECTION SIGNS INSTALLED ON THE TERRITORY OF ARENI – TRCHUNNERI CAVERN, ST ASTVATSATSIN CHURCH

ArmInfo
2009-11-09 11:49:00

ArmInfo. VivaCell-MTS, a subsidiary of Mobile TeleSystems OJSC and
the Armenian Monuments Awareness Project (AMAP) announced today the
installation of multi-language information panels on the territory
of Areni – Trchunneri Cavern, St Astvatsatsin church (Noravank Canyon
entrance), the company’s press release says.

Areni is on the Arpa River, where it begins its descent into the
Nakhichevan Plains. Some believe Areni was founded in the time of
Genesis by Noah and his sons, who tilled the first grape vines.

Excavations have found a number of Bronze, Iron and Hellenistic
artifacts, including several large clay pots used in the production
of wine.

In 1321 the St Astvatsatsin church was commissioned by Archbishop
Hovhannes Orbel. It was designed by the architect, sculptor and
miniaturist Momik (1250?-1333/9), who, brought from Kilikia (Cilicia)
to Gladzor, had immediate impact with his exquisite 1302- 1304
miniatures, "Entombment" and "Angel Appearing to Holy Women" ("the
Gospel of War"). The monument is located on a slope on the Arpa River.

This Karst Cavern (Karst Caverns are made from tens of thousands
of years of dripping mineral water into limestone crevices)
consists of three halls (rooms, galleries), the first two of which
are interconnected through passageways. The total area of the cave
surface is close to 500 square meters.

The information contained on the panels was prepared by the staff
of the AMAP, and approved by the Ministry of Culture, International
Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS)-Armenia, and the Armenian
Apostolic Church.

AMAP receives major sponsorship from VivaCell-MTS and is also supported
by the Honorary Consul of Italy and by the United States Agency for
International Development (USAID) through its Competitive Armenia
Private Sector (CAPS) program.

The protection of cultural values and culture itself is everyone’s
duty – this is the main principle of the organizers.

news.az, Azerbaijan
Nov 8 2009

The status quo in the Karabakh conflict is suitable for most
countries, German expert
Sun 08 November 2009 | 11:08 GMT Text size:

Interview News.Az with Alexander Rahr, Program Director (Russia /
Eurasia), The German Council on Foreign Relations.

Is the soonest settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict over
Nagorno-Karabakh possible?

I do not think that the solution to this conflict will happen soon.
The main problem lies in the unwillingness of the superpowers to
settle the conflict. I do not see any country declaring the conflict
resolution a top priority for them. Each of them considers other
problems to be a priority.

But it’s no secret that the Karabakh problem is already being
discussed at the highest level. For the first time this year the G-8
leaders adopted a special statement on Nagorno Karabakh, the issue was
discussed at the meetings of not only the leaders of Armenia and
Azerbaijan during their visits abroad, but also between the leaders of
Turkey, Russia and the United States. Does it mean that the statements
of leaders of foreign states about their extreme interest in the
conflict settlement are insincere?

I think, in fact, this issue is not so important for superpowers. The
status quo is suitable for most countries. No solution to the problem
is seen. There are solutions offered by Azerbaijan, there is a
solution, which is suitable for Armenia. And we all know that Armenia
has its supporters in the West, like Azerbaijan has them in the West,
Asia and Turkey.

A lot of developments have lately been observed around Karabakh that
affects the solution of the conflict either directly or indirectly. Is
there any among them that can prevent the escalation of the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict?

Indeed, there are such events and new developments that really affect
the current situation. One of them is last year’s war in Georgia,
which scared most people, especially in the West. The war showed that
the so-called â??frozenâ?? conflicts can be easily escalated and led to
military action anytime. The fear of the European Union about what
they saw in Georgia is obvious. This is a real feeling, therefore,
there is some interest in studying possibilities of solving the
problem of Nagorno-Karabakh once again.

And how do processes around the Armenian-Turkish reconciliation
affect Karabakh?

The processes of opening the Turkish-Armenian border are the second
factors influencing Karabakh conflict, and it is also directly
connected with EUâ??s Eastern Partnership policy, aimed at the Western
CIS and South Caucasus countries.

Do you believe the border between Turkey and Armenia will open?

This issue is unclear and it is unknown whether it will happen at all,
because there are so many questions. In any case, this is an
achievement of European policy, which aims to persuade Turkey to play
a stabilizing role between the EU and the Caucasus.

I would call energy policy another factor influencing the Karabakh
settlement. The Nabucco gas pipeline is likely to be built though few
believed in it a couple of months ago. It is necessary to create
conditions for this purpose. Nabucco is now said to be likely built
not from Central Asia but from Iraq. That is, the pipeline will pump
an Iraqi or later Iranian gas via Azerbaijan and Turkey and to the
West. In this case, the problem of â??frozen conflictsâ?? in this region,
including Kurdish, Nagorno Karabakh and Abkhazian and South Osetian
conflicts will again become important for the countries that are
willing to ensure energy security of Europe in the coming 20-30 years.

As for the beginning of our conversation, I agree that the Karabakh
problem is perceived, and discussed, but frankly speaking I do not
believe in the prospects of its early settlement. I know that this
issue is somehow mentioned at the diplomatic level or even by G-8. But
the fact is that this conflict has not been settled yet.

Edi Black
News.Az

RUSSIA, GEORGIA "IN SECRET TALKS" ON BORDER REOPENING – REPORT

Russia Today
06/russia-georgia-border-reopening.html?fullstory
Nov 6 2009

Russia and Georgia are in secret negotiations to reopen the only
checkpoint on their land border, according to Kommersant newspaper.

The Upper Lars checkpoint was closed by Russia back in 2006. While
officially it was explained by a need for reconstruction, the move
came soon after a spy scandal between Moscow and Tbilisi.

Several Russian officers were arrested in Georgia in late September of
that year and accused of espionage. The Russian military and diplomats
said that the charges were ungrounded, but in just a few days Russia
stopped issuing visas to Georgians and started evacuating its citizens
from Georgian territory. Also, the Russian consumer watchdog banned
the imports of some Georgian goods, including wine and mineral water.

The closure of Upper Lars – the only legal crossing of the land border
– was viewed by many as another episode in the confrontation.

In late 2008, Moscow reported that the construction work at the
checkpoint was over, but it was not re-opened due to Tbilisi’s
reluctance. In addition, the two countries have completely severed
diplomatic relations after the war in South Ossetia. Now the issue
is close to a resolution, the Kommersant daily reports.

The newspaper writes that Russia and Georgia have been negotiating
the opening of Upper Lars with Armenia as an intermediary. Yerevan is
another party interested in the border re-opening as it needs a land
route for exporting goods to Russia. Before the checkpoint was closed,
almost one third of Armenia’s exports traveled this way.

Apparently Armenia managed to rally Washington’s support on the
issue, convincing the US Administration to put pressure on Tbilisi,
Kommersant writes. The United States sponsored the construction of the
$2.5 million Kazbegi checkpoint on the Georgian side of the border,
and convinced the Georgian government to hold negotiations in Yerevan,
the newspaper writes.

Reports of the talks surfaced when former Georgian Prime Minister Zurab
Nogaideli mentioned that the government was "in secret negotiations
with Russia." The remark was a response to criticism over his resent
visit to Moscow, where he met a senior official in the Russian
Foreign Ministry.

The exact date for reopening of Russian-Georgian border has not been
set yet, but diplomatic sources in both countries confirm good progress
in the talks.

"Almost all questions concerning reopening of the checkpoint have
been settled. Now a decision to do it must follow. We are waiting
for a signal from Tbilisi," a source in the Russian Foreign Ministry
told Kommersant.

Georgian Foreign Minister Grigol Vashadze confirmed on Thursday
that Georgia in principle is prepared for a reopening of the border,
"taking into consideration the interests of friendly Armenia."

The only obstacle may be Georgia’s demand to lift the ban on its
goods. A source in the Georgian Foreign Ministry said this was a
condition for the checkpoint to be opened. Russian sources however
haven’t confirmed this information.