The Azeri side again fails the OSCE monitoring
armradio.am
10.07.2008 17:52
Press Service of RA Ministry of Defense informs that the Azeri side
failed the monitoring planned to be held on July 10, at 11 p.m. near
the village of Chinar (Tavoush marz) within the framework of the
Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office Andrzej
Kasprzyk.
The Azerbaijani side did not appear at the meeting, saying the ministry
of Foreign affairs has not provided security guarantees.
PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF ARMENIA TO OSCE HANDED IN LETTER OF RA FM TO OSCE SECRETARY GENERAL
ArmInfo
2008-07-08 11:41:00
OSCE Secretariat is ready to assist in development of a mutually
beneficial cooperation within the frames of OSCE, OSCE Secretary
General Marc Perrin de Brichambaut said during the meeting with RA
Ambassador to Austria, a newly appointed representative of Armenia to
OSCE Ashot Hovakimyan, Information and Press Department of RA Foreign
Ministry told ArmInfo.
According to the message, Marc Perrin de Brichambaut received the
message of RA Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandyan from the Armenian
diplomat about appointment of Hovakimyan as permanent representative
of Armenia to OSCE.
For his part, A. Hovakimyan said that OSCE plays in indispensable
role for Armenia from the viewpoint of security in the region and
cooperation development, as well as assurance and strengthening
of stability. In view of this, he said, Armenia welcomes the works
performed by he organization’s secretary general. During the meeting,
the parties also discussed the issues of mutual interest.
THE ARMENIAN MONASTIC ENSEMBLES IN IRAN
armradio.am
08.07.2008 13:14
Fortified Armenian monasteries in Iran were added to the new sites
inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
The Armenian Monastic Ensembles in Iran, in the north-east of the
country, consists of three monastic ensembles of the Armenian Christian
faith: St Thaddeus and St Stepanos and the Chapel of Dzordzor. These
edifices – the oldest of which, St Thaddeus, dates back to the 7th
century – are examples of outstanding universal value of the Armenian
architectural and decorative traditions, the Cultural Heritage News
Agency reported.
They bear testimony to very important interchanges with the
other regional cultures, in particular the Byzantine, Orthodox and
Persian. Situated on the south-eastern fringe of the main zone of the
Armenian cultural space, the monasteries constituted a major centre
for the dissemination of that culture into Azerbaijan and Persia. They
are the last regional remains of this culture that are still in a
satisfactory state of integrity and authenticity. Furthermore, as
places of pilgrimage, the monastic ensembles are living witnesses of
Armenian religious traditions through the centuries.
BAKU’S STATEMENTS ON KARABAKH DO NOT PROMOTE SETTLEMENT – FRENCH AMBASSADOR TO ARMENIA
istockAnalyst.com
July 8 2008
OR
YEREVAN. July 8 (Interfax) – The statements form Baku that it was
possible that the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict would have to be resolved
by military means do not contribute to the resolution of the issue,
French Ambassador to Armenia Serzh Smessov said.
"Such statements cannot contribute to the search for a compromise
in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict," Smessov told a news conference in
Yerevan on Tuesday.
"This is not only France’s position, this is [the position] of all
the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group [France, Russia and the United
States]," the ambassador said.
The efforts of the Minsk Group co-chairmen is aimed at a peaceful
resolution of the Karabakh conflict, the diplomat said.
Azerbaijan has repeatedly stated that the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
might have to be resolved by force if the Armenian side refuses to
liberate what it calls its occupied territories.
RA PRESIDENT RECEIVES FOREIGN MINISTER OF CZECH REPUBLIC
NOYAN TAPAN
Ju ly 7
Armenia attaches much importance to
development of relations with Czech Republic in both bilateral and
many-sided formats and partnership with Czech Republic within the
framework of European structures. RA President Serzh Sargsyan said
on July 7, receiving Karel Schwarzenberg, the Foreign Minister of
Czech Republic, who is in Armenia on an official visit.
Mentioning that Czech Republic will assume chairmanship in EU from
January 2009 and wishes to further deepen cooperation with countries
involved in the New Neighborhood Policy, K. Schwarzenberg said that
he considered it important to visit the region in advance and to have
discussions in the direction of cooperation directions.
According to the report provided to Noyan Tapan by the RA President’s
Press Office, at the guest’s request S. Sargsyan in detail presented
the current stage of Nagorno Karabakh settlement negotiations process,
gave explanations on a number of problems.
The Foreign Minister of Czech Republic expressed the hope that the
sides will succeed in finding a solution having a positive result
for the Nagorno Karabakh people by confronting the basic principles
of international law.
PanARMENIAN.Net
URL:
Date: 07.07.2008 17:12 GMT+04:00
ANCC calls to put an end to Turkish lies and misinformation
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Turkish politicians and some Turkish media outlets
are once again trying to mislead the international community with
false news stories and by distorting facts on the Armenian Genocide,
says a statement issued by the Armenian National Committee of Canada
(ANCC).
Hurriyet, a leading Turkish daily, published (July 2) a news story
under the `Turkish Thesis Regarding 1915 Events Adopted by OSCE’
headline, which quoted Alaattin Buyukkaya, head of the Turkish group
at the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)
Parliamentary Assembly in Astana, Kazakhstan. According, to
Buyukkaya, the OSCE adopted the `motion submitted by the Turkish
delegation. He also said: "The motion underlines that past events like
genocide should be recognized only after historians carried out a
detailed research in all kinds of archives.’ The news item tried to
link the so-called motion to the Turkish government proposal `to the
Armenian government’ for `the establishment of a joint historical
commission composed of historians and other experts from both sides to
study together the events of 1915 and to open the archives of Turkey
and Armenia, as well as the archives of all relevant third-party
countries and share their findings publicly.’
`The Hurriyet "news" couldn’t be farther from the truth. The OSCE did
not adopt any motion on the Armenian Genocide during its meeting. In
its final declaration, under Chapter Three (page 8), the OSCE adopted
a series of measures and recommendations regarding the `collapse of
communism in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Republics and
particularly the profound psychological effects of these changes.’ In
Article 61 the organization clearly parallels the above events to the
`psychological and societal’ effects to the `end of the Second World
War.’
`In contrast to the Turkish claims, Article 60 of OSCE communique
stressed the importance of `reconciliation’ of each nation with its
`past in an open and public process,’ meaning Turkey should come to
terms with its crimes against humanity (the mass killing of Armenians,
Greeks, Jews, Assyrians, Pontians, Arabs, and Kurds).’
In a further blow to Turkish government’s `historians commission’
proposal `to study the Armenian Genocide,’ the OSCE (page 45, article
12) said the organization `strongly encourages all parliaments to
adopt acts regarding recognition of the [Ukrainian Famine] Holodomor,’
thus coming to the conclusion that history should not be left only to
historians, and that parliaments should adopt resolutions/acts
recognizing such crimes against humanity.
`Once again the Turkish government is stretching the truth and is
distributing false news in its desperate and futile denial policy of
the Armenian Genocide,’ stated Aris Babikian, ANCC executive
director. He called on the international community and media to put an
end to the Turkish government’s misrepresentations, lies, and PR
spin."
The ANCC leader said: "If the Turkish government has the chutzpah to
twist current events and the deliberations of international
organizations, it is no wonder that it would be engaged in the denial
of the Armenian Genocide which took place 92 years ago."
Babikian called on the Turkish government to heed the OSCE advice and
come to terms with its dark chapter of history and recognize the
Armenian Genocide. He said: "Turkey should put an end to this deceit
and charade which it has been involved in for the past 92 years.
?nid=26546
DOCUMENT DEVELOPED IN AZERBAIJAN TO CEASE PEACE TALKS ON NAGORNO-KARABAKH CONFLICT
Trend News Agency
07.07.08 15:40
Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan, Baku, 7 July / TrendNews, corr E. Babayev/ Karabakh
Liberation Organization (KLO) has approved the last draft of document
entitled Unified Position to Eliminate Consequences of Armenian
Aggression toward Azerbaijan. â~@~We think there is a need in
Azerbaijan for this document. That is, peace talks should end and
military operations should be launched,â~@~] Akif Nagi, chairman of
KLO said to TrendNews on 7 July.
The last draft of document entitled Unified Position to Eliminate
Consequences of Armenian Aggression toward Azerbaijan was approved in
the meeting of the Supreme Majlis of KLA on 7 July and the meeting
resolved to begin collecting signatures for the document within the
next few days.
According to Nagi, the document will be introduced to the Azerbaijani
intelligentsia, political and public figures and political
parties. â~@~The public will be informed of the content of the
document after collection of signatures end. The document will be
presented to the international organizations as well so that they
can get familiar with it,â~@~] Nagi said. According to Nagi, Supreme
Majlis has also passed a document indicating the atrocities of the
Armenians towards the Azerbaijani women in captivity. This document
is expected to be disseminated in Baku, Azerbaijani regions, posted
on websites and to be sent to the electronic mails. â~@~The document
is provided for the Azerbaijani public. The chief aim is not to let
Azerbaijani people forget Armenian atrocities,â~@~] he added.
KLO was founded in Baku in 2000 to organize the fight to liberate
Karabakh from the occupier Armenians. The organization is led by
Akif Nagi, candidate of historical sciences and docent. The 10,000
people membership of the organization includes the renowned figures
of Azerbaijan, refugees and internally displaced persons, youth,
former fighters and retired high rank officers. KLO has 74 local
branches in Azerbaijan and representatives in various countries.
The conflict between the two countries of the South Caucasus began in
1988 due to Armenian territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan
lost the Nagorno-Karabakh, except of Shusha and Khojali, in December
1991. In 1992-93, Armenian Armed Forces occupied Shusha, Khojali
and Nagorno-Karabakhâ~@~Ys seven surrounding regions. 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 the US) are currently holding peaceful, but
fruitless negotiations.
In 1992, Minsk Group was founded within OSCE by 10 states to settle the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict by peaceful means. Three states including
US, Russia and France has been acting as co-chairmen of Minsk Group
since 1997.
–Boundary_(ID_WFWUszLu9SIIUvoJk6bMHg)–
TURKEY NOT READY TO RECOGNIZE THE GENOCIDE OF ARMENIANS
Gevorg Harutyunyan
Hayots Ashkhar Daily
Published on July 04, 2008
Armenia
Director of the Institute of Oriental Studies of the National Academy
of Sciences, Turkologist Ruben Safrastyan is the interlocutor of
"Hayots Ashkharh" daily.
"Mr. Safrastyan at this stage of the geo-political developments what
peculiarities do Armenian-Turkish relations have?"
"We must record that Turkey’s attitude towards Armenia is at
clarification stage in the condition of the aggravation of the
country’s internal-political situation. As we know the ruling party
"Justice and Development" is facing different charges.
Besides that, recently the sector of the Turkish secret organization
named "Ergenekon" was revealed. The goal of the organization is to
stage a military coup d’état in Turkey.
Ex-military-men, influential figures, Generals and representatives of
Turkish elite are the members of the before mentioned organization,
by the name of a Turkish epos.
In fact it is the regular attempt of the traditional Turkish kemaly
elite to maintain power. The thing is there is a struggle between
two pro-governmental groupings in Turkey. The newly formed elite
united with the pro-governmental "Justice and Development" party is
struggling against the kemaly elite that has been in power for decades.
This struggle has created great tension in Turkey’s internal political
life. In such conditions the government in power did certain steps
regarding Armenian Turkish relations, aimed at gaining the support
of the West, especially the USA. It is not a secret that for many
years the USA puts pressure on Turkey to open the borders with Armenia.
In this context, it’s worth mentioning that the victory of Democratic
Presidential Candidate Barrack Obama is becoming quite possible.
Turkish analysts preview that in this case it will be impossible to
avert the adoption of resolution 106 in the Congress.
It is not accidental that the representatives of Turkish Foreign
Ministry met with Obama’s counselors, during which according to
our information the Americans recommended their Turkish partners to
elaborate another program of Armenian-Turkish relations. The Turks
will most probably try to create delusion among American democracy
as if they are doing their best to improve relations with Armenia."
"Why delusion? Doesn’t Turkish people, society, or the authorities
want to have regular relations with Armenia?"
"In my view Turkey is not ready for principled changed in their policy
regarding Armenia. According to Turkey Armenia must announce that
it doesn’t have any territorial demands towards Turkey and that it
recognizes Kars agreement, that it is ready for unilateral concessions
regarding Karabakh, refuses the goal of the recognition of the Genocide
of Armenians and will remove this issue from its foreign policy.
Of course the latter is the most important issue for Turkey. But we
must also record that Armenian historians and the specialists have
already recognized the fact of the Genocide. American scientist’s
society doesn’t accept Turkish stance saying that the fact of the
Genocide is disputable.
The US leadership also accepts the fact of the Genocide, but not
officially, taking into account their state interests. But in
the very near future the USA will have to officially recognize the
Genocide of Armenians. In this regard Turkey intimidates that it will
break off with the USA and will use sanctions, but it is of course
ridiculous. And the USA in its turn recommends Turkey not to lose
face and to find serious solutions."
"Recently OSCE Parliamentary Assembly adopted Turkey’s proposal,
according to which the Parliaments of the member countries must
encourage the idea of the formation of the joint committees
of the countries with disputable issues, to conduct historical
investigations. Thus many issues will be solved."
"Still in 2005, when Erdoghan sent a letter to our President to set
up a committee of historians, Armenia officially responded that we
are ready to set up a committee to study all the spheres. In my view
this is the only way to bilaterally discuss, all the existing problems
and achieve results.
In case of setting up a committee of historians, believe me, Armenia
will never agree to making the issue of the Genocide of Armenians
a matter of discussion. We are ready to discuss the reasons and
consequences of the Genocide in the framework of historical facts. But
before the discussion there should be a certain consensus. For
scientific dispute there are certain principles that must be mutually
agreed upon. Otherwise the discussion is senseless."
–Boundary_(ID_iY6MBf9ai0WpR/6JI wEuKA)–
SULEIMAN HAILS SWAP DEAL AS INCENTIVE TO FORM CABINET
Aljazeera.com
02/07/2008 08:53:16 AM GMT
UK
Lebanon prepares to receive liberated Lebanese citizens within two
weeks as the new government of national unity seems unachievable at
least at …
Lebanon prepares to receive liberated Lebanese citizens within two
weeks as the new government of national unity seems unachievable at
least at the time being.
While consultations between rival political parties are still ongoing
in a bid to reach a breakthrough that would end the cabinet crisis,
no progress seems to have been made. Instead, the focus has shifted
to the swap deal between Hezbollah and the Zionist entity through
a German mediator, a deal that was welcomed by different political
parties that hoped it would constitute an entry to real national unity.
In this context, Lebanese President Michel Suleiman hailed the
resistance, saying that it has fulfilled a big national achievement
that guarantees the return of Lebanese detainees, one of whom has
spent decades in Israeli prisons, in a signal to Samir Kintar.
Suleiman stressed this achievement confirms the Lebanese
unified national will of defending their land, sovereignty and
independence. "It also proves that undermining the Lebanese humane
issue, particularly those who fell martyrs while defending the
territory and whose families are still waiting for their bodies until
this moment, is unacceptable."
Suleiman expressed hope that the detainees’ issue should constitute
the incentive to accelerate the cabinet formation in order to consider
other outstanding issues in the country.
For his part, the head of the Democratic Gathering MP Walid Jumblatt
said that the return of Lebanese detainees from Israel is a national
occasion that should bring people together. "I hope it will have a
similar effect on other issues," he told Lebanese daily As-Safir.
On Monday, the head of the Change and Reform parliamentary bloc MP
Michel Aoun also hailed the deal, congratulating the resistance on
the imminent release of Samir Kintar and other detainees. "(Hezbollah
Secretary General) Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah told me in July 2006 that
the ultimate end of the resistance operation was the liberation of
detainees in Israel," he said.
MP Saad Hariri also welcomed the deal and called for the event to be
"an occasion for national unity." He issued a statement on Monday
praising the move to end "long years of injustice, suffering and
oppression in the prisons of the Israeli enemy," adding that it was an
"important achievement for Lebanon and its international friends."
SOURCES REVEAL NEW PROPOSALS OVER GOV’T FORMATION Meanwhile,
new proposals concerning the government formation were reportedly
circulated in the last few hours.
The pan-Arab daily Al-Hayat quoted official sources as saying that
Suleiman has demanded the intervention of the head of Marada Movement
former minister Suleiman Franjieh and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri
in an effort to break the deadlock over the cabinet make-up.
The daily said an offer was made by Franjieh followed by another
one made by Berri’s political aide MP Ali Hasan Khalil suggesting
that General Aoun gets three portfolios instead of fourâÂ~@Â"
telecommunica tions, public works and industry âÂ~@Â" plus a state
minister.
The offer suggests that an Armenian minister affiliated with Aoun’s
parliamentary bloc would be given a state minister post and Issam
Abu Jamra (from Aoun’s bloc) would make a grab for deputy premier.
Al Hayat said the offer was conveyed to Aoun through Suleiman’s circles
and not via Prime Minister-designate Fouad Saniora who was said to have
"frozen" contacts with Aoun, leaving the President to pursue the issue.
But Suleiman, backed by some key loyalty figures, is pressuring to
approve Aoun demands, Lebanese daily Al-Akhbar reported. The paper said
there seems to be a tendency to meet Aoun’s demands despite objection
by some loyalty Christians, namely Lebanese Forces chief Samir Geagea.
It added the deal, if accepted, would give Aoun’s bloc the deputy
premier post plus the ministries of telecommunications and public
works, while stripping him of the social affairs portfolio which will
likely go to a Christian from the loyalty bloc. According to Al-Akhbar,
there is a possibility that the government be announced in 24 hours
if this deal was approved.
–Boundary_(ID_lVVmB6fp2dw23vqHjzXFKw)- –
PRIME MINISTER MET WITH ENVIRONMENTALISTS
Panorama.am
14:42 02/07/2008
Today the Prime Minister of Armenia Tigran Sargsyan had a meeting
with the representatives of Social Ecological Union who deal with
various environmental issues reported the press service of the
Government. According to the source the mission of the meeting is
to discuss the perspectives of sustainable development of Armenia,
the construction and ecological conditions in Yerevan, the main
problems of Lake Sevan, the protection of special territories and
fields in Armenia.
According to the source the representatives of NGO-s recommended
to regard the issue from point of view of sustainable development
principles, strategy adopted by Government. They have signified
the activities of RA National Committee on Sustainable Development
established by Government in 2002. After enumerating the problems the
representatives of the Union thanked the Prime Minister for providing
attention on environmental issues and for discussing them with NGO-s.
Concluding the meeting the Prime Minister said that he is also
concerned with the environmental issues in Armenia and that he
considers himself as a part of those NGO-s. In order the issue is
effectively met, the Prime Minister signified the active working
strategy of National Committee on Sustainable Development and has
promised that such meetings and discussions will be organized more
often.