Author: Frangulian Shushan

THE ARMENIAN OPENING

Hurriyet Daily News
armenian-opening-2009-09-15
Sept 15 2009
Turkey

Obviously, there are objectionable and perhaps deplorable elements
in the Turkish-Armenian protocols but a careful reconsideration
might vividly demonstrate that they are products of a successful
and diligent diplomacy that caters to most of Turkey’s outstanding
interests. Most important of all, though tacit, with these protocols
Armenia has delivered Ankara two crucial concessions.

What are they?

First of all Armenia has accepted for the first time ever the
creation of a history commission that might feature historians from
interested third parties in examining the genocide claims. That is,
without saying so the Serge Sarkisian administration of Armenian has
conceded from the "Genocide is a fact, there is no need to verify it
through scientific research or to discuss it" position. Secondly,
for the first time ever in the post-Soviet era, Armenia has agreed
to recognize the joint border with Turkey as was defined in the Kars
treaty, though there is no reference in the protocols to the Kars
treaty. Such recognition by Armenia is no less than declaring it has
no territorial claims from Turkey or it has turned a cold shoulder
to diaspora’s land claims from Turkey.

Because of those concessions Sarkisian is now having a tough ride with
the Armenian opposition, while many Turkish diplomats who devoted a
life to battle Armenian claims against Turkey are expressing with
satisfaction appreciation for the Turkish "diplomatic victory" in
Armenia relations.

Yet, the opposition parties are fuming over the protocols and
delivering tough statements as if the ruling Justice and Development
Party, or AKP, government has betrayed Turkey’s national interests.

All the issues on the table in Turkish-Armenian negotiations,
excluding one, are problems between the two countries. Recognition of
the Kars treaty or the joint border defined by that treaty and Armenia
declaring it has no territorial claims from Turkey, resolution of the
genocide claims through studies of a joint historical commission,
normalization of relations including establishment of diplomatic
relations and opening of the border gates are the most prominent
issues the Swiss-mediated silent diplomacy between Turkey and Armenia
has been aiming to achieve. Of these topics, only normalization of
relations and opening of the border gates heading was not a purely
bilateral subject as suspension of the plans to open a Turkish embassy
in Yerevan and closure of the border were decided by Ankara as a
reaction to the invasion and subsequent occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh,
a predominantly Armenian dominated enclave in Azerbaijan, and several
Azerbaijani-population regions around the mountainous enclave.

Indeed, without abandoning Azerbaijan and landing Turkish-Azerbaijani
relations in an unprecedented crisis and risking his own political
future very seriously no Turkish leader can open the border without a
resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh occupation or at least declaration
of a withdrawal timetable by Armenia. Can Armenia undertake such a
move now? What if, as was suggested earlier, Armenia withdraws from
Nagorno-Karabakh and the Azeri regions around and Russian peacekeepers
are deployed in the mountainous region? Even if with Azerbaijani
demands Turkish troops join Russians as peacekeepers in the disputed
territory, such a development might still be acceptable for Yerevan
as an "interim formula." After all, were not Russian military elements
together with Armenian troops in the occupation of the region?

Such a development may as well help Erdogan escape "treason"
accusation in the 2010 or 2011 early polls while convert him into a
"national hero" in Azerbaijan as he would have secured "liberation"
of occupied Azerbaijani land.

The outcome would serve to Turkish-Russian relations, as well as
the U.S. interests in this geography. Furthermore, such a resolution
would be a great contribution to Western energy security, and thus
would be applauded by the EU, too.

Can Armenia declare a withdrawal timetable? That might make Erdogan a
hero, otherwise, he will find himself in some very serious reputation
problems in domestic politics. Would he care? So far he proved that
he has no such worries.

ARMENIAN COMMUNITY OF INDIA MARKS 12TH DEATH ANNIVERSARY OF MOTHER TERESA

PanARMENIAN.Net
15.09.2009 11:39 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ On 13th September 2009, an inter-faith prayer
service for PEACE was held at Mother House in honor of the 12th Death
Anniversary of Mother Teresa.

Father Khoren Hovhannisyan, pastor of Indian Armenians and manager
of Armenian College & Philanthropic Academy attended the service. He
was accompanied by Father Avetis Hambardzumyan, the administrator of
Armenian College.

Father Khoren offered his prayer and his respect to Blessed Teresa of
Kolkata. He said, "Mother Teresa symbolizes love for humanity, world
peace and enlistment of the downtrodden. I am sure she is watching
us from heaven and for the sake of peace she would like the people
of the world to love and respect each other."

CHAIRMAN OF THE ORGANIZING COMMITTEE FOR THE EUROPEAN JUDO CUP U-20, RA PRIME MINISTER TIGRAN SARGSYAN ATTENDED THE OPENING CEREMONY FOR THE EUROPEAN CUP

Saturday , 12 September 2009

Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the European Judo Cup U-20,
RA Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan attended the opening ceremony
for the European Cup, scheduled for September 11-13 at Yerevan’s
Sport and Concert Complex after K. Demirchyan. The European Judo
Federation’s commemorative gold medal was handed to Tigran Sargsyan
by EJF President Sergey Soloveychik.

National male and female teams from 38 countries will participate in
the tournament.

PRESS RELEASE
Office of Assemblyman Paul Krekorian
Jeremy Oberstein | Press Secretary
300 E. Magnolia Blvd., Suite 504
Burbank, CA 91502-1145
Tel: 818-558-3043
Cell: 323-632-2492

Event Date: September 16, 2009, 11 a.m.

Assemblyman Paul Krekorian to Challenge Governor
Will call into question Schwarzenegger’s move to override renewable
energy package

BURBANK – A day after the governor signs his Executive Order, Assistant
Majority Leader Paul Krekorian (D-Burbank) – author of the historic AB
64 that ensures California will be powered by 33% renewable sources by
2020 – will challenge Schwarzenegger Tuesday on his authority to
override the tenets of the renewable energy package. The package of
bills passed both state houses early Saturday morning as the Legislature
wrapped up its session. The press conference will take place at 11 a.m.
at CSUN’s solar panel-filled parking lot.

Krekorian will be joined by environmentalists, legislators and students
at one of the largest solar electric installations at a public
university in California: Cal State Northridge’s photovoltaic project of
more than 3,000 solar panels.

Who: Krekorian to be joined by the deputy director of the California
Wind and Energy Association, and other members of the environmental
community, students and area legislators.
What: Krekorian and guests will challenge the governor’s authority in
issuing the executive order that essentially gutted a year’s worth of
bicameral, bipartisan meetings with business, environmental and
governmental organizations throughout the state.
Where: CSUN’s photovoltaic parking lot, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge,
91330.
When: Sept. 16, 2009 at 11 a.m.
Note: Parking is located at the lot and visuals include thousands of
solar panels with green groups from throughout California.

Assemblymember Paul Krekorian represents the cities of Burbank and
Glendale, and the Los Angeles communities of Atwater Village, Los Feliz,
North Hollywood, Silver Lake, Toluca Lake, Valley Glen and Van Nuys. His
website is Follow him on Twitter
<; (@PaulKrekorian) and Facebook.

###

YEREVAN IS LAUNCHING TALKS OVER ARMENIAN-TURKISH PROTOCOLS

Aysor
Sept 15 2009
Armenia

Armenia’s President Serzh Sargsyan will discuss normalization of
Armenian-Turkish relations with leaders of political parties.

"Armenia’s President invites the chairmen of political parties in the
discussions aimed at the running stage of Armenian-Turkish relations,"
told "Armenpress" agency President’s spokesman, Samvel Farmanyan.

He also reminded that this would be the third meeting between President
and chairmen of political parties in such format.

YEREVAN MAYOR EXPRESSES CONDOLENCES ON DEATH OF NOR-NORK PREFECT DAVID PETROSYAN

ArmInfo
2009-09-15 12:47:00

ArmInfo. Yerevan Mayor Gagik Beglaryan expressed his condolences
on death of Prefect of Nor Nork Yerevan community David Petrosyan,
Yerevan City Hall press service told ArmInfo.

continued in commemoration of him>, the condolence forwarded to the
family and relatives of the deceased says.

Nor Nork Prefect David Petrosyan died on September 14, 2009, from
myocardial infarction.

SARKISIAN INVITES PARTY LEADERS TO DISCUSS PROTOCOLS

Asbarez
14/sarkisian-to-consult-armenian-party-leaders-on- turkey/
Sep 14, 2009

YEREVAN (Combined Sources)-President Serzh Sarksian extended an
invitation Monday to leaders of political parties in Armenia to
discuss the protocols on Armenia-Turkey relations, announced his
press secretary Samvel Fermanian.

The meeting will be part of the protocol-mandated domestic discussion
of the documents. A similar effort was kicked off in Turkey Friday,
when Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu met with pro-government and
opposition parties to discuss the matter.

Farmanian said that the meeting would be the third of its kind to
bring together political forces in Armenia. The previous two, held
in November and March, focused on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and
the global financial crisis respectively and were attended by 50
party leaders.

Farmanian told RFE/RL that the presidential administration has again
sent out invitations only to the leaders of the parties making up
the alliance.

Immediately after the announcement of the protocols on Aug. 31 the
Armenian Revolutionary Federation expressed its opposition to specific
provisions in the document that threaten Armenia’s national security
and call into question the veracity of the Armenian Genocide.

Earlier Monday, before the presidential announcement of the Thursday
meeting, ARF parliamentary bloc chairman and Bureau member Vahan
Hovannesian told a press briefing that the public was dissatisfied
with discussions under way to address the protocols.

He revealed his party’s intentions to meet with all members of
parliament to address the ARF’s concerns regarding the protocols.

Hovannesian also said that the party will unveil a series of events
and programs aimed at revealing the dangers inherent in the protocols
and has proposed parliamentary hearings with the participation of
experts and non-parliamentary party representatives.

He added that while the Heritage Party has agreed to such hearings,
there has been no response from the other parties represented in
Parliament that make up the ruling coalition.

"A protocol is not a treaty, but we are seeing elements resembling
a treaty have found their way into the protocols," said Hovannesian
adding that there were no mechanisms in place to amend the protocols.

AGBU CENTRAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS ISSUES STATEMENT ON ARMENIA-TURKEY PROTOCOLS

Asbarez
14/agbu-central-board-of-directors-issues-statemen t-on-armenia-turkey-protocols/
Sep 14, 2009

YEREVAN (ArmRadio)-The Armenian General Benevolent Union’s Central
Board of Directors issued an announcement Monday on the protocols
for the establishment and development of relations between Armenia
and Turkey.

Below is the text of the statement:

On August 31, 2009 the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic
of Armenia, together with the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign
Affairs and the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, jointly produced
two documents of protocol concerning the establishment of diplomatic
relations between Armenia and Turkey and the development of bilateral
relations. These documents provide details on the initial steps
to be taken for the normalization of relations, the establishment
of consular representation, and the opening of the current border
between the two countries.

This marks a significant moment in the history of relations between
the Armenian and Turkish peoples. It presents major ramifications
for both the government of the newly independent Republic of Armenia
and the Armenian nation worldwide. The Armenian people in both the
homeland and the Diaspora have followed these negotiations with great
interest and concern.

We recognize the great geopolitical challenges faced by Armenia
– its concern for its national security, the need to improve
its accessibility and communication links vital to its economic
development, the desire to participate in regional programs of
political and economic cooperation. All of these objectives motivate
the Armenian government to be positive and sincere in its approach
to these negotiations and to adopt a pragmatic policy with regard
to Turkey. However, as practical as such a policy may be, it should
not be implemented at the expense of the fundamental and historic
rights of the Armenian people. We believe the official governmental
authorities in Armenia are both the administrators of the state and
the guardians of its future.

Therefore, they must be guided by pan-national goals and aspirations
in making these difficult and far-reaching decisions.

The documents establishing diplomatic relations between Armenia and
Turkey touch directly or indirectly upon the enduring issues of the
Armenian Genocide and our territorial demands. We understand the
importance for the Republic of Armenia to have normal diplomatic
relations with neighboring states, including Turkey. We also believe
that justice for the sacred Armenian Case and the international
recognition of the Armenian Genocide should transcend and not be
sacrificed for any immediate diplomatic consideration.

The start of negotiations between Armenia and Turkey has been favorably
encouraged by the international community. The sole opponent to
this dialogue between Armenia and Turkey has been the country of
Azerbaijan. For almost two decades, Turkey has joined with Azerbaijan
in the blockade of Armenia due to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

In the past, Turkey has used the unresolved Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
as justification for its refusal to pursue a separate rapprochement
with Armenia. This current effort to normalize relations between
Armenia and Turkey should not be pre-conditioned by any terms of
concession involving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The people of
Nagorno-Karabakh have already clearly expressed their will to live
freely through their exercise of the sacred right of peoples for
self-determination.

This is a rare moment of opportunity for Turkey. It must show that
it is ready to move forward in earnest. If it falters, hesitates or
withdraws, it will expose itself to the reproach of the international
major powers and those regional nations which are fostering this
rapprochement between Armenia and Turkey.

As this bold diplomatic initiative moves toward normalized relations
between the two countries, Turkey will find itself subjected to
even greater international scrutiny. To justify its membership in
the European Union, Turkey will be under pressure to fulfill its
international commitments. It will become more exposed and accountable
to world public opinion. It will be forced to adhere to principles of
human rights and democratic rule and to cooperate with its neighboring
countries.

We know the authorities in Armenia face a difficult path as
they endeavor to build new relations with Turkey without imposed
preconditions. We also believe the government of Armenia shares our
serious concerns about the sincerity of Turkey, given its historic
anti-Armenian policy that has continued to the present time. We commend
their initiative and lend our support in their efforts to find a just
and fair outcome in the building of good neighborly relations between
Armenia and Turkey, while safeguarding the historic claims and rights
of the Armenian People.

The Armenian General Benevolent Union has been steadfast in serving the
Armenian people for more than a century. It has been a leading voice
for the desires and aspirations of the Diaspora. AGBU unwaveringly
adheres to its time-honored policy of supporting the homeland,
safeguarding the rights of the Armenian nation, and promoting the
historic and cultural legacy of our people.

On this occasion, we appeal to all Armenians to face the challenges
of this historical moment, in collaboration with the government of
the Republic of Armenia, with wisdom, national unity and the spirit
of cooperation among our people.

"Armenian will become a token coin"

1/vardan-khachatryan
07:47 pm | September 11, 2009 | Politics

"Whenever we speak of Armenian-Turkish relations and frontier
reopening we should bear in mind that Turkey considers Armenia its
number one enemy," advises Armenian MP Vardan Khachatrian.

After the frontier opening both Turkey and the West will double
pressure on Armenia. Armenia will be unable to yield to foreign
pressure and will lower its role in the Karabakh conflict
resolution. As a result, Armenia will become a token coin within the
realms of geopolitical interest for this or that country to fill its
scanty liabilities."

The Armenian MP sees serious threats under the lines of the recently
announced Protocols on Armenian-Turkish relations. "The devil is
hiding in deflections and ambiguity."

After a mutual recognition of the countries’ borders Karabakh will
become an enclave in the territory of Azerbaijan, adds Vardan
Khachatrian.
Besides, formation of a historical sub-commission will lead Armenia
and other countries recognizing the Armenian Genocide to an "idiot
situation."
Vardan Khachatrian is convinced that Turkey will destroy Armenian
agriculture which is of great strategic importance for the country. He
fears lest the frontier reopening should lead to the "loss of Armenian
immunity."
Karabakh war veteran Vardan Malkhasian thinks the recent attempts
towards Armenian-Turkish rapprochement speak of Turkey’s perfidious
policy. "We must annihilate Armenians with love," Mr. Malkhasian
cited a Turkish official.

Yerevan brandy company completing construction of distillation workshop
in Tavush

YEREVAN, September 11, /ARKA/. The Yerevan Brandy Company (YBC) is
completing construction of a distillation workshop in Tavush province,
YBC chief executive director Ara Grigorian said Thursday, adding that
the company had spent 50 million Drams on it.

â?`The distillation workshop in Tavush will be the best in the country
allowing us to distill the procured grape on the ground and make use of
all positive factors of the region’s microclimate,’ he said.

Speaking about the company’s long-term projects in this northeastern
province he said in future part of the spirit will be stored in the
region for aging. The new workshop is expected also to boost grape
growing in the region.

The Yerevan Brandy Company was founded in 1887. In 1988 it was acquired
by French Pernod Ricard, the second largest world producer of alcoholic
drinks, at $30 million. ($1 ` 377.11 Drams. M.M. –0–