Author: Dabaghian Diana

AZERBAIJANI OFFICIAL: OSCE CO-CHAIR COUNTRIES SHOULD DEMAND FROM ARMENIA FAIR SOLUTION TO NAGORNO-KARABAKH CONFLICT

Today
60770.html
Feb 3 2010
Azerbaijan

Interview with the Head of the Azerbaijani Presidential
Administration’s International Relations Department Novruz Mammadov.

How do you assess the outcome of the Sochi talks on the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict? Is there any progress in this process?

The Sochi talks have become one of the important milestones in the
current stage of the negotiation to solve the Armenian-Azerbaijani
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. For several years Azerbaijani President
Ilham Aliyev has been displaying a strong will to make every possible
effort to peacefully resolve the conflict through negotiations and
important steps were taken in this direction.

Only in 2009, there were six meetings between the presidents of Armenia
and Azerbaijan in various formats and, indeed, the attention of the
international community and the OSCE Minsk Group co-chair countries’
leaders was focused on solution of this conflict. At the same time
these are affected by other factors. Development of the processes
in this direction allows us to hope for a successful solution to the
conflict. Of course, the OSCE Minsk co-chairs play an important role
in it.

Today, the superpowers’ position is of great importance to establish
world order, security and stability. Countries such as USA, Russia
and France play important role in resolving this conflict. Their
specific and just position may play an important role in resolving
the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. I think, the countries yet lack of
such position in this direction and therefore we can not go on a
serious step.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev’s participation in the Sochi meeting
of the Azerbaijani and Armenian leaders gave hope for a positive
outcome of the negotiations. Although the expected progress was not
reached, the process should be continued, and I regard that convergence
is possible through the declared preamble and this fact encourages it.

My position is that the IMF, Russia, the U.S. and the EU should
increase pressure on Armenia at the final stage (the current
negotiations may be regarded as concluding). All possible measures
must be used to achieve an equitable solution and co-chair countries
should also increase pressure on Armenia to make progress.

Armenia periodically changes its position. Such behavior is
unacceptable in diplomacy and politics.

Let me give two examples. Armenia signed protocols with Turkey with
the participation of six countries’ foreign ministers, but a few
months later filed certain conditions to the signed documents through
another structure.

In 2007- 2009, Armenia supported the Madrid principles, while we
disagreed. Following some amendments to the document in the light of
our proposals, we supported the Madrid principles. In turn, Yerevan
spoke against them. In 2009, the Armenian president himself signed
an agreement on these principles, together with the presidents of
Azerbaijan and Russia, but again rejected them.

To prevent this kind of political speculation, the world public,
co-chairman countries should exert adequate pressure on Armenia.

How do you assess the activity of Russia in the negotiation
process, and how Moscow’s role could accelerate the solution of the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict? What pressure can Russia exert on Armenia?

Today it is wrong to say that Russia has not definite pressure on
Armenia, Russian President’s participation to the last two meetings
of heads of Azerbaijan and Armenia testifies this.

But I think that it is necessary to increase pressure on Armenia. If
Russia wants long-term stability and security in the region, if wants
to build relations with countries in a trustful base, it should exert
more pressure. Here even the word "pressure" is inappropriate. It is
necessary to demonstrate a fair position on the basis of international
law and to demand Armenia to liberate the occupied territories of
Azerbaijan. This is a violation of international law and it must
be corrected.

Not only Russia, but also the United States and France, which play an
important role in global processes, must participate in this process.

I think that these three countries can make great efforts in this
regard, thus taking a fair position.

What are the uncoordinated elements of the preamble of the Madrid
principles? How is Azerbaijan ready to make concessions on these
points?

The Meiendorf agreement signed by the President of Azerbaijan pointed
out that the solution to the conflict is possible only within the
territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, through peaceful negotiations and
without war. We accepted it, if there are any new proposals, we do not
know about them, co-chairmen should establish a position and submit
to us. Prolonging the time, Armenia impedes the solution. Yerevan
has transformed this process into a political game. Armenia should
be put before a fair and concrete position.

For more than 20 years, 750,000 Azerbaijani citizens from seven regions
around Nagorno-Karabakh have been internally displaced persons, we
are talking about the fate of these people. The occupied territories
of Azerbaijan must be returned so that the IDPs return to their homes.

When we can expect next talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement?

All depends on specification of Armenia’s positions. Our patience is
not unlimited. During their next visit to the region co-chairs should
identify Armenia’s definitive position on settlement of the conflict
and inform us.

DIVORCE RATE IN ARMENIA RECORDED AT 1.0 PER 1000

Aysor
Feb 3 2010
Armenia

Since 1990s Armenia has been facing not only demographic changes,
but also changes in number of registered marriages and divorces, said
at today’s press conference Chief of the Department of Population
Census and Demography of Armenia’s National Statistics Center,
Karine Kuyumjian.

There were 18 773 marriages registered in 2009, in comparison with
28 000 marriages in 1990s, according to Karine Kuyumjian. However,
the least number of marriages was in 2000 – only 11 000 couples
got married.

Referring to divorces in Armenia, Mrs. Kuyumjian said that
statistically 4000 out of 20 000 couples get divorced. Number of
divorces declined by 6% in 2009 (in comparison with 2008) – only 2
929 couples divorced.

Besides, she said that out of every 1000 people in Armenia, 1 of
them divorced.

The divorce rate hit its highest level in following regions: Kapan,
Armavir, Gegharkunik, while the least number of divorces comes in
Syunik region of Armenia where statistically 4,7% out of 1000 people
get divorced.

The highest divorce rate was found among people in Lori region,
where 330 couples of 1000 divorced.

START BALANCE IN ARMENTEL’S TARIFF ‘FOR YOU – EXCLUSIVE’ INCREASES FROM 200 TO 400 DRAMS

ArmInfo
2010-02-04 10:16:00

ArmInfo. The start balance in the tariff of ArmenTel "For You –
Exclusive" increased from 200 to 400 drams, the Company press service
reports. "Guiding by the wishes of our clients, we have doubled
the base balance of the tariff plan "For You Exclusive", that will
allow our subscribers to communicate twice more prior to the first
replenishment", Director General of ArmenTel CJSC (Beeline brand)
Igor Klimko. One minute of the outgoing call for subscribers of the
TP "For You – Exclusive" inside Beeline costs 19 AMD, while to the
numbers of other mobile operators and to those of the fixed network –
29,99 AMD in all.

SMS-messages inside Beeline cost 9 AMD, and MMS-messages – 19 AMD,
SMS to the numbers of other operators, including the international,
cost 20 AMD, and MMS – 50 AMD. Available tariffs in the TP "For You –
Exclusive" are also envisaged fort the mobile Internet (GPRS-Internet):
1 MB of the transferred/received data cost 29 AMD.

SIM-cards of the TP "For You – Exclusive" with a start balance of 200
and 400 drams may be acquired in all the sales and service offices
of Beeline, as well as in the dealer points. One may order delivery
of a SIM-card of the TP "For You – Exclusive" with a start balance
of 1000 AMD through MegaPay payment terminals.

ARMENIA RECORDS A/H1N1 DECLINE

AZG DAILY
03-02-2010

Health

Armenia recorded no new A/H1N1 cases following January 13: the virus
has withdrawn. According to the Assistant to Healthcare Minister
Shushan Hunanyan, the rate of respiratory diseases has fallen as well.

As she said, the kindergartens have reopened in the republic since
February 1.

Panorama.am recalls that taking into account Healthcare Minister’s
proposal, the Education and Science Minister Armen Ashotyan signed an
order over closing schools and kindergartens in the republic December
8-19. Later, the term was suspended by December 28.

Laboratory has confirmed 119 swine flu cases by December 13, 3 out
of which had death outcome. All patients have recovered and were
discharged. Despite the virus decline, preventive measures are still
underway in the republic, the source reports.

ARMENIAN BRANDY PRODUCTION DROPPED IN 2009

Tert.am
15:00 ~U 02.02.10

Last year, 9.97 million litres of brandy was produced in the country –
38.4% less than in 2008, according to Armenia’s National Statistical
Service.

Instead, wine production increased during the same period by 30.8%,
constituting a total of 4.4 million litres per year. In 2009,
local vodka and vodka-liqueur production rose by 7.7% to about 13.15
million litres. Also, beer production saw a 2.8% increase – to 10.8
million litres.

Experts say the reduction in Armenian brandy production last year
is due to a significant drop in demand in the Armenian brandy’s
main markets – Russia and Ukraine – and was caused by the global
financial crisis.

In 2009, Armenian mineral water sector also saw a reduction due to
lack of demand in foreign markets. Last year, mineral water production
dropped 29.1% to 25.4 million litres.

KARAMYAN BROTHERS TRANSFERED TO FC STEAUA

Tert.am
12:07 * 01.02.10

Artavazd Karamyan, who, together with his brother, recently completed
the documents on their transfer from Romanian FC Timiºoara to FC
Steaua, elaborated on the transfer in an interview with a Romanian
website.

"The transfer was delayed a little; the details were being discussed.

We will stay with Steaua for two years, but the contract may be
reviewed six moths later. So we will certainly be with Steaua at
least for six months. That offer was beneficial in all senses.

"Naturally enough, the fact that Mihai Stoichiþã, the former chief
trainer of the Armenian national team, works with the club, played
a big role in our transfer. But it does not mean we will have a
privileged position in the team. We must prove that we deserve to be
playing with this team.

"I want to add the title of Romanian champion to the titles of the
winner of Armenian championship and the winner of Armenian cup.

"I would like to end my career in Romania. I hope that Steaua will
be willing to extend the contract in six months time…"

The owner of Steaua, Gigi Becali, elaborated on the financial details
of the transfer. "I will pay each of them 120,000 EUR annually and
also 100,000 EUR if Steaua wins the champion title," he said.

TOURISM IN ARMENIA UP BY 3%

Tert.am
14:44 ~U 01.02.10

According to a statement by the National Statistical Service, 575,281
tourists came to Armenia during the months of January-December 2009,
as compared to 558,443 tourists for the same period in 2008. This
indicates that the number of tourists to Armenia is up by 3%.

For the same period in 2009, 526,193 individuals left the Republic of
Armenia for vacations. As compared to 2008, this number is up by 2.1%.

OZDEMIR: EUROPE SHOULD BUILD ITS OWN ISLAMIC CULTURE MAHINUR OZDEMIR

Today’s Zaman
30 January 2010, Saturday

A Belgian deputy of Turkish origin in the Brussels Regional
Parliament has defined the absence of an Islamic culture containing
European elements as one of the main causes triggering xenophobia and
Islamophobia, especially against the Muslim minority living in Europe,
and has urged European authorities to take steps towards building up
a European Islam which she thinks will accelerate the integration of
Muslim immigrants in Europe.

According to Mahinur Ozdemir, the most effective way to tackle
religious radicalism in Europe and to fight extremism is to create
a European Islam.

"That would also pave the way for non-Muslim Europeans to have
a closer look at Islam and get to know European Muslims better,"
Ozdemir told Today’s Zaman in an exclusive interview.

She also expressed her hope that such an initiative accompanied by the
expansion of tolerance in Europe would decrease the risk of religious
confrontation "because it would result in providing people who have
prejudices against Islam with a greater knowledge of the subject,"
she emphasized.

Ozdemir underlined that just as Islamic principles have been introduced
into different societies, some cultural aspects of these societies
which do not contradict the basic pillars of the religion have also
had an effect on how Muslims interpret Islam.

The Turkish-Belgian deputy maintained that a European Islam would
definitely help European decision-makers and facilitate the integration
process of immigrants, most of whom are Muslim, into European society.

"It will be more beneficial for Europe to have an Islam with
a European approach rather than a Moroccan or Algerian-oriented
Islam or an extremist view of Islam that creates the opportunity for
radical organizations to attract more interest," she said. A Belgian
Muslim of Turkish origin, Ozdemir said that she has encountered many
Christian deputies in parliament who are keen to find answers to
their questions on Islam and has had several conversations with her
non-Muslim colleagues on the matter. "As a devout Muslim, which is
visible because of my headscarf, they ask me questions about Islam,"
she said, defining these conversations as a humble platform for
cultural and religious dialog.

Ozdemir was the first headscarved deputy of any of the parliaments in
Europe and was elected to the Brussels regional capital parliament
in June 2009, an event which kicked off a controversial debate on
secularism, the Muslim minority’s political rights and the political
engagement of European Turks.

Ozdemir, the youngest member of the Brussels Regional Parliament,
complained about the Turkish media’s increased interest in her after
the election and said she does not want to appear in the news just
because she wears a headscarf. "The media showed great interest in my
election. It was unprecedented that at the opening of parliament, there
were more reporters than deputies. This was because of my headscarf,
and it is disturbing because I want to be mentioned for my work in
parliament," she said.

The young politician voiced her criticism to Belgian reporters for
not accepting her as a Belgian citizen. "At my inaugural ceremony,
some of the local reporters in attendance told me that the headscarf
is banned in ‘your country,’ referring to the headscarf ban in Turkish
universities and Parliament. They were surprised when I told them
my country is Belgium. This is my country." She highlighted the
inconsistency of European attitudes towards Turkey, arguing that
most of the European secularists applauded the country’s critical
stance on the headscarf; however, they also accuse Turkey of not
being a democratic country, although secularism and democracy are
not separate things.

Commenting on the headscarf ban in Turkey’s universities she noted
that for her the ban is not ethical. "The headscarf cannot prevent
people from enjoying a human right — access to education. I hope
this problem will be resolved as soon as possible," she said.

SWING ALONG AGAIN
Addis Ababa

The Economist
Jan 28th 2010

A jazz revival in Ethiopia

An old tradition may be coming back

AFICIONADOS are hoping for a revival of the golden age of Ethiopian
jazz, as players who emigrated westward a generation ago, especially
to America, come home amid the global recession.

Tafari Assefa now plays his drums in a band at the bar of the Jupiter
Hotel, one of the fancier newer establishments in Addis Ababa, the
capital. Born in 1974, he studied music in Poland before emigrating to
America. Life as a jazz man there was hard. "You had to beg for gigs,"
he says. "Here, they call you." He earned $70 a gig in America. Now,
back home, he gets only $40. But the monthly rent, at $180, is several
times less. He can get along. A cup of Ethiopian coffee, he notes,
costs only 25 cents.

Ethiopia’s jazz tradition goes back to the 1920s, when Armenian orphans
from the massacres in Turkey were adopted by Ethiopia’s imperial court
and formed a band called Arba Lijoch, meaning Forty Children. Other
big bands followed suit. "The Addis swing" caught on.

By the dying days of Haile Selassie’s reign, in the early 1970s,
musicians were fusing jazz and funk with more traditional Ethiopian
tunes to create a distinctive Ethio-jazz.

After the grim Marxist regime of Mengistu Haile Mariam took over
in 1974, Ethio-jazz soon died, along with much else. The communists
were suspicious of free-form jazz. Many players and fans were killed
or fled, mostly to America. Hotel bands were replaced with drab
synthesisers.

The doyen of Ethiopian jazz men is Mulatu Astatke, now 66, who used
to divide his time between Britain, America and his home country,
drawing inspiration from all three. When Duke Ellington visited Addis,
Mr Astatke transposed some of the American bandleader’s numbers from
the West’s eight-note scale into Ethiopia’s five-note scale. The
revivalists reckon that cross-fertilisation of this kind can now
start up all over again.

FIRST MINISTER OF WALES RECOGNIZES THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

Panorama.am
18:14 28/01/2010

Yesterday, exactly three years after the desecration of our Armenian
Genocide Monument , was a historic day for the Welsh and Armenian
nations. The road to Genocide recognition, which began on 24th April
2001, when Rhodri Morgan, (then First Minister), laid flowers in memory
of the 1915 Genocide Victims, was completed in Cardiff with an explicit
recognition of the Armenian Genocide by the new First Minister.

The National Holocaust Day event was supported by the government
of Wales (Welsh Assembly Government) and Cardiff City Council, the
municipality of Wales’ capital. The Genocide was also recognized at
the event by guest speaker Rabbi Aron Hier from the Simon Wiesenthal
Centre, Los Angeles. The sharp diplomacy of Mr. John Torosyan, the
moving spirit of the Welsh Armenian community was an important factor
in this historic achievement.

Later Armenians, Welsh people and Assyrian-Chaldean-Syriacs
from the Iraqi Christian Association of Wales laid flowers
at the beautifully-restored Armenian Genocide Monument behind
the Temple of Peace. One of the bouqes read "In memory of the
Assyrian-Chaldean-Syriac Victims of the 1915 Genocide, of the 1933
Simel Massacres and of the 2003-2010 ethnic cleansing in Iraq". Fr
Shnork Baghdassaryan preyed at the Khachkar, and also took part at
the Holocaust ceremony earlier.

Carwyn Jones belongs to the Labour Party , as does Gordon Brown,
Prime Minister of the UK who will now be under huge pressure following
this crack in the UK Labour ranks. This recognition will also send
shock waves through the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London,
which has been the architect of the Labour Party policy of supporting
the Turkish denialist position at all costs

It is noticeable that while parliaments throughout the World have
passed resolutions recognizing the Genocide, this recognition is
of more significance as it comes from the government of Wales (in
addition to the past recognition by the National Assembly of Wales
(2002) and the Presiding Officer of the National Assembly (2007)

This is the first policy on an international issue created by the 10
year old Welsh government. It is supported by the quasi-totality of
Welsh Members of the UK parliament. This issue has been resolved even
though the size of the Welsh-Armenian community is under 40 people.

There is a history of pro-Armenian sentiment in Wales since the
1894-96 Massacres, when there was widespread outrage, public meetings
and collections for the Victims across Wales.

It is regrettable, though, that the Armenian government has still not
recognized Wales’ national status by the appointment of an Honorary
Council, or in some other way. It is also noted that Armenians in
England could play a more active role in the cause of UK Genocide
recognition, and are warmly invited to contact us. We also thank all
those Armenians world-wide for their expressions of solidarity when
the monument was desecrated in 2007.