Author: Hakobian Adrine

DM SEYRAN OHANYAN VISITS GEORGIA

armradio.am
11.11.2008 14:34

The delegation headed by the Defense Minister of Armenia Seyran
Ohanyan left for Georgia today for a two-day official visit at the
invitation of the Defense Minister of Georgia David Kezerashvili.

During the visit the Minister is scheduled to have meetings with the
Prime Minister of Georgia Grigol Mgaloblishvili, Defense Minister
David Kezerashvili, Foreign Minister Ekaterina Tkeshelashvili,
Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defense and
Security Georgy Targamadze.

The delegation headed by Seyran Ohanyan will visit the Heroes’ Square
to lay a wreath at the memorial to the heroes that fell for the sake
of Georgia’s independence, territorial integrity and unity.

At the Armenian Embassy in Georgia the Armenian delegation will meet
with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Armenia to
Georgia Hrach Silvanyan.

The delegation headed by Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan will return
to Yerevan on November 13.

FORMER SENIOR OSCE OFFICIALS SAY GEORGIA STARTED BLOODY WAR IN SOUTH OSSETIA

PanARMENIAN.Net
10.11.2008 15:30 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Two former British military officers are expected to
give crucial evidence against Georgia when an international inquiry
is convened to establish who started the country’s bloody five-day
war with Russia in August, The Sunday Times reports.

Ryan Grist, a former British Army captain, and Stephen Young, a former
RAF wing commander, are said to have concluded that, before the Russian
bombardment began, Georgian rockets and artillery were hitting civilian
areas in the breakaway region of South Ossetia every 15 or 20 seconds.

Their accounts seem likely to undermine the American-backed claims
of President Mikhail Saakashvili of Georgia that his little country
was the innocent victim of Russian aggression and acted solely in
self-defense.

During the war both Grist and Young were senior figures in the
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). The
organization had deployed teams of unarmed monitors to try to reduce
tension over South Ossetia, which had split from Georgia in the
early 1990s.

On the night war broke out, Grist was the senior OSCE official in
Georgia. He was in charge of unarmed monitors who became trapped by
the fighting. Based on their observations, Grist briefed European
Union diplomats in Tbilisi, the Georgian capital, with his assessment
of the conflict.

Grist, who resigned from the OSCE shortly afterwards, has told The
New York Times it was Georgia that launched the first military strikes
against Tskhinvali, the South Ossetian capital.

"It was clear to me that the [Georgian] attack was completely
indiscriminate and disproportionate to any, if indeed there had been
any, provocation," he said. "The attack was clearly, in my mind,
an indiscriminate attack on the town, as a town."

He said he had made it "very clear" at a briefing to ambassadors
there was a "severe escalation".

"It would give the Russian Federation any excuse it needed in terms
of trying to support its own troops," Grist said.

Bernard Kouchner, the French foreign minister who helped broker the
ceasefire that ended the war and has been a fierce critic of the
Russian invasion of Georgia, is tomorrow due to announce a commission
of inquiry into the conflict at a meeting of EU foreign ministers
in Brussels.

The inquiry will be chaired by a Swiss expert as a mark of independence
and will try to establish who was to blame for the conflict. European
and OSCE sources say it is likely to seek evidence from the two former
British officers.

The inquiry comes as the EU softens its hardline position towards
Russia amid mounting European skepticism about Saakashvili’s judgment.

IT IS ENVISAGED THAT FROM JANUARY 1, 2009 EACH DEPUTY OF NATIONAL ASSEMBLY TO HAVE TWO ASSISTANTS: ONE PAID ASSISTANT AND OTHER ON VOLUNARY BASIS

Noyan Tapan

Nov 10, 2008

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 10, NOYAN TAPAN. On November 10 the RA National
Assembly discussed in the first reading a package of bills submitted by
"Heritage" faction, by which amendments and additions are envisaged in
the NA Rules of Procedure and the Law on State Service in the Staff
of the RA National Assembly. By the package, in order to make the
activities of NA deputies most efficient, it is proposed that starting
from January 1, 2009, each deputy shall have one paid assistant and
one working on a voluntary basis.

The paid assistant will be on the list of the NA staff and receive
job based by a fixed-period contract on the recommendation of the
respective deputy.

In the words of the keynote speaker, chairwoman of "Heritage" party’s
board, member of "Heritage" faction Anahit Bakhshian, the bill’s
provision, according to which assistants of deputies shall have
furnished offices equipped with technical and communication devices
in the NA building, may be put into practice after construction of
a new subsidiary building as the present building of the NA does not
even ensure proper conditions for deputies themselves.

By the current Rules of Procedure of the NA, each deputy may have 2
assistants on a voluntary basis.

The NA Standing Committee of State and Legal Issues and the political
coalition gave positive conclusions about the bill.

BUSH’S LEGACY: AUTOCRACY IN AZERBAIJAN
Sinead Walsh

Trinity News
orld-review/350-bushs-legacy-autocracy-in-azerbaij an
Nov 10 2008
Ireland

The US presidential race is run and the question on most people’s
lips is whether or not George W. Bush intends to go out with a bang;
with the recent raid on Syria having fuelled much speculation on
the subject. Well, here’s one of his plans, revealed in a letter
written to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev which was published
on the Today.az website on October 28: "In the coming few months
we will strive for deepening the bilateral partnership and friendly
relations between our countries. In particular, we hope for further
advancement towards our goals in the sphere of global energy security
and attainment of agreements on basic principles of the resolution
of Nagorno Karabakh conflict."

Given that Russian President Dmitri Medvedev beat Mr. Bush in the
race to host Mr. Aliyev and his Armenian counterpart in talks aimed
at preventing the frozen Karabakh conflict from escalating into a
South Ossetia-style crisis, Bush is left with one priority – draining
Azerbaijan of all the oil he can get and shoring up NATO influence
in the region, while turning a blind eye to political realities in
the Caucasian country sandwiched between Russia, Turkey and Iran;
and faced with a staggering refugee and IDP (internally displaced
persons) problem.

The occasion of Bush’s foray into the sophisticated world of
letter-writing was Mr. Aliyev’s re-inauguration as president following
elections on October 15. According to official statistics, 3,232,259
people – that is to say, over 87% of the 75% of the electorate who
showed up at polling stations – voted for Mr. Aliyev. Not one of
his six rivals received even three percent of the vote. The main
opposition parties all boycotted the elections in protest against what
the the Organisation for Security and Co-Operation in Europe(OSCE)
called a "lack of robust competition and vibrant political discourse
facilitated by the media". All in all, a pretty poor return on attempts
to democratize the post-Communist country. But nonetheless, Mr. Bush
saw fit to congratulate Mr. Aliyev on the results and even express
his support for efforts at "strengthening democratic institutions".

It’s hard to imagine any of Mr. Bush’s Cold War predecessors
sending a similar letter to Mr. Aliyev’s father, Heydar, a man
who ruled Azerbaijan for over thirty years in both its Soviet and
post-Soviet form. In 2003, the dying Mr. Heydar transferred power to
his son in an election which was characterized by violence and other
violations of democratic norms. Since then, Mr. Ilham has cashed in
on his father’s legacy, sponsoring a cult known to its critics as
Heydarism. Everywhere one goes in Azerbaijan – after one’s arrival at
the Heydar Aliyev airport – one finds Heydar Aliyev streets, Heydar
Aliyev squares, Heydar Aliyev monuments, Heydar Aliyev schools,
libraries and cultural centres. Along the roadsides, Heydar smiles
down from enormous billboards, occasionally accompanied by his son in
pictures of the two of them gazing out over building sites in Baku
and oil rigs in the Caspian, or enjoying a talk in an impressive
looking office. I was lucky enough to be in Baku to celebrate what
would have been Heydar’s 85th birthday – had he lived. The cult of
personality surrounding Mr. Heydar – and, by extension, his son –
reminded me irresistibly of the traces of the cult to Lenin that
remain indelibly marked on Russian towns. The difference being that
the Lenin cult is so old it has become a quaint sort of novelty,
whereas Heydarism is terrifyingly current.

A few stories from the past twelve months serve to demonstrate the
limited reach of efforts to democratize the Azerbaijani media. This
time last year, members of the Azadliq (Freedom) opposition block and
independent media representatives were on hunger strike, protesting
their lack of a free press. At the time, journalist Eynulla Fatullayev
had just been sentenced to eight and a half years in prison on
charges of threatening terrorism, inciting racial hatred, and tax
evasion. This followed an article he had written suggesting that
Azerbaijan would be at risk in the event of U.S. military strikes
in Iran, and implying that the authorities were obstructing the
investigation into the murder of Elmar Husseynov, the editor of the
Russian language newspaper Monitor who was assassinated in 2005. Part
of the evidence against Fatullayev was an article posted online in
his name, but which he denies having written, accusing Azerbaijani
troops of participating in the 1992 killings of inhabitants of the
Nagorno-Karabakh town of Khojali.

In December 2007 Mr. Aliyev pardoned five out of the eight journalists
then facing jail (Mr. Fatullayev wasn’t one of them). However, the
following March, courts went on to sentence Ganimat Zahidov, editor
of the Azadliq newspaper, to four years in prison for "deliberately
causing light injuries" and "hooliganism". Key witnesses were
prevented from testifying at his trial. In his final speech, he made
the following statement: "The mind of the 21st century calls on the
state to be the locomotive of progress and direct the community
towards the most progressive ideas. We live in Azerbaijan and we
are engaged in media activities. We do our best to establish the
traditions of media in our country in a way which will correspond to
international standards. But we have to do that taking the risk of
death, being beaten half-dead, or arrested because of the articles
we wrote. Why? Why does the logic of the 17th century shows up to
this degree in the present governance of Azerbaijan?"

The run-up to October’s election was notable for Ilham Aliyev’s –
and the late Heydar’s – dominance of the media, and a general sense of
fatigue amongst the opposition. Following the election, the opposition
also cancelled protest rallies after being denied permission to
assemble by authorities in Baku, no doubt remembering the widespread
arrests and beatings that followed the fraudulent 2003 election. Then
on November 1st it was announced that the State Council for Television
and Radio Broadcasting intended to put a stop to local broadcasts by
Radio Liberty, Voice of America and the BBC. The body’s chairman said
that it was now policy to broadcast only programs of national origin,
adding that these stations would remain accessible by satellite,
cable and Internet. Bearing in mind that in their 2007 report,
which classified Azerbaijan as not free, Freedom House estimated that
only 10% of the population has Internet access, this will be another
significant strike against the media in Azerbaijan if it comes to pass.

Through all of this, Elmar Husseynov’s murder has remained unsolved.

Along with the bigger headaches inherited from the Bush administration,
Mr. Obama will also have to deal with the problems posed by states such
as the overlooked, oil-rich, illiberal and uncompromisingly nationalist
Azerbaijan. It may be that Azerbaijan will remain an overlooked ally
of the oil-hungry superpower, just as it was in Clinton’s day. Or
it may be that Mr. Obama will push Mr. Aliyev closer to Moscow,
sacrificing a strategic foothold in the Caucasus to criticize the
increasingly repressive Aliyev dynasty.

It should prove interesting. After all, they say you should judge a
man by how he treats his servants, not his equals.

TURKEY-EU COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, RAPPORTEUR SAY REFORMS TOO SLOW

Anatolia News Agency
Nov 5 2008
Turkey

"TURKEY HAS BEEN TOO SLOW IN ITS REFORMS, TURKEY-EU DELEGATION
CHAIRMAN"

BRUSSELS (A.A) – 05.11.2008 – The Chairman of the Turkey-EU Joint
Parliamentary Committee Joost Lagendijk and European Parliament’s
Rapporteur on Turkey Ria Oomen-Ruijten said Wednesday that Turkey
has been too slow in its reforms last year.

"Turkey has been too slow in its reforms and I regret that the European
Commission has not made this lack of progress clear enough in its
report. The European Commission should have given Turkey a clear
warning. Turkey’s lack of reform could jeopardize their chances of
EU membership," Lagendijk said.

"The European Commission report focuses on Turkey’s strategic
importance to the region. The EU welcomes the progress recently made by
Turkey with its neighbour Armenia. This is a positive development. But
the European Commission and the Turkish government risk placing too
much emphasis on Turkey’s strategic importance. The EU must make clear
that progress made in foreign policy is no excuse for Turkey to drag
its feet on internal reforms, especially where freedom of expression
and human rights are concerned," Lagendijk said.

"One of the inadequate internal reforms is this year’s modification
of Article 301 regarding "insulting the Turkish nation". The EU
anticipated that this would lead to fewer charges, but this was
unfortunately not the case," Lagendijk said.

Ria Oomen-Ruijten is uncertain if the Turkish Government still intends
to continue with its reform process.

"As the Commission concludes in its report, progress in the last
year has been very limited. Very few of the issues highlighted in
the European Parliament’s Resolutions have been addressed. Looking
back at the developments in Turkey in the last year, I wonder whether
the Turkish Government is still willing to continue with the reform
process. There has been no update of the national reform plan which
was adopted several years ago," Oomen-Ruijten said.

"I am concerned by the ongoing polarization of the Turkish society. I
urge the leaders of the political parties to seriously seek dialogue
and to agree, in the spirit of compromise, on a reform agenda for
the modernization of Turkey," Oomen-Ruijten said.

"Impatience in the European Parliament is growing. We need a clear
signal from Turkey that it wishes to continue with the integration
process to which it committed itself in 2005," Oomen-Ruijten also said.

EUROPEAN COMMISSION DISCUSSES THE PROBLEM OF COMPENSATION FOR DAMAGE TO ARMENIA BECAUSE OF MILITARY ACTIONS IN GEORGIA

ArmInfo
2008-11-07 11:07:00

ArmInfo. European Commission is discussing the problem of compensation
for damage to Armenia because of the military actions in Georgia in
August 2008, European Union Commission Chairman Jose Manuel Barozo
said at the joint press-conference with Armenian President Serzh
Sargsyan in Brussels.

He also added the issue was discussed with Armenian president. They
submitted conclusion of donors, he said and added that European
Commission positively assesses proposals on establishment and
development of transport communications in the region, since it is
very important for stability in the whole region as well as for
trade and economy development. (Editorial. According to experts’
assessment, Armenia had $500-600 mln damage because of the battle
actions in Georgia).

Asked about simplification of the visa regime for Armenia, Jose Manuel
Barozo replied such opportunity is being discussed in the context of
regional programmes.

ARMENIAN PATRIARCH AT MALANKARA

UNI (United News of India)
November 5, 2008 Wednesday 6:24 PM EST

Kottayam, Nov 5 (UN) A hearty reception was given to Patriarch Karekin
II, Supreme Catholicos of all Armenians, at Devalokam, headquarters
of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, this evening. Earlier,
when he reached Nedumbaserry Airport accompanied by a delegation
of 12 members, Catholicos Designate Paulose Mar Milithios. Kochi
Metropolitan and other leaders of the Church received him. The
patriarchal visit is on an invitation by Catholicos Baselios Didymus I,
Supreme Head of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. The Malankara
Orthodox Church would honour the Patriarch by conferring the ‘Order
of St Thomas’, the highest Honour of the Church tomorrow. Heads of
other churches, people?(EURO)TMs representatives and other leaders
would participate. The patriarch would lay the foundation stone of
St Gregorios Mental Hospital at Parumala on November seven. Later,
the Patriarch would visit the Niranam Church founded by St Thomas.

SERZH SARGSYAN MEETS THE PRESIDENT OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

armradio.am
06.11.2008 17:50

Within the framework of his working visit to Brussels the President
of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan had a meeting with the President of the
European Parliament Hans Gert-Pottering. During the meeting the
parties referred to the process of Armenia’s European integration,
the latest developments in the region, as well as the current trends
in Armenian-Turkish relations.

The parties emphasized that the recent events in the region once again
confirmed that negotiations are the only way of solving the existing
problems and underlined the impermissibility of military actions.

The interlocutors attached importance to Armenia’s achievements in
implementing the Action Plan within the framework of the European
Neighborhood Policy. Serzh Sargsyan and Hans Gert-Pottering dwelt
on the process of settlement of the Karabakh conflict. The parties
emphasized the necessity of solving the issue exceptionally in a
peaceful way.

RPA COUNCIL MEMBER: ARMENIAN-AMERICAN RELATIONS MAY GET NEW QUALITY

ArmInfo
2008-11-05 12:56:00

ArmInfo. ‘I am more than sure that America’s foreign policy little
depends on the party affiliation of U.S. president’, Armen Ashotyan,
a member of the Republican Party of Armenia Council, told ArmInfo.

He said the administration will probably revise the instruments it used
in our regions. Maybe softer methods of influence will be applied:
‘However, the strategic interests of the USA do not change with the
replaced administration. Nevertheless, I think that Armenian-American
relations have a change to get new quality’, he said.

‘As regards the recognition of Armenian Genocide by the USA, I will be
more restrained here. Unfortunately, the Armenian Diaspora has enough
negative experience of lobbying candidates for president who promised
to recognize the Genocide but did not fulfill their promise. I hope
Barack Obama is an exception>, A. Ashotyan said.

CYPRUS AND ARMENIA TO PROMOTE CLOSER COOPERATION

yprus_and_World_News/12461
November 04, 2008

Cyprus and Armenia are determined to enhance their cooperation in
the future, Justice and Public Order Minister Kypros Chrysostomides
and Armenian Minister of Justice Gevorg Danielyan have said.

Chrysostomides said during the official talks, earlier today, they
exchanged views and experiences, noting that relations between the
two countries are traditionally excellent.

He explained to Danielyan the responsibilities of his ministry and
they talked about the Police, the Central Prisons, the Fire Service,
the State Archives, the Courts and equality between men and women.

Chrysostomides said they reiterated the intention and determination
of the two governments for closer cooperation in the future. Already,
he said, there are cooperation agreements to fight organised crime
and there is also an agreement to avoid double taxation.

The Cypriot Minister said House Speaker Marios Garoyian will visit
Armenia next week while President of the Republic Demetris Christofias
will visit in the spring.

"We will remain in touch to promote the agreement and handle common
issues which the two countries are facing. Cooperation at international
organisations is a fact and respect of international law defines the
wider policy", he added.

Speaking through an interpreter, Danielyan said their meeting signaled
the start of cooperation and we hope that we will have continued
contact to work on many levels.

He said that Armenia is undergoing a restructuring of its judiciary
and legal system and in this effort, Cyprus is a valuable example.

Noting that Cyprus is facing a difficult and complex situation as far
as the application of international law on the island is concerned,
Danielyan said the authorities are making every effort to uphold
democracy throughout the country.

Cyprus has been divided since the 1974 Turkish invasion. UN-led
efforts to reunite the country have so far failed, due to Turkey’s
intransigent stance. The legal government of the Republic of Cyprus
has been prevented from exercising its jurisdiction in the northern
Turkish occupied part of the country.

Danielyan said there is an agreement to fight organised crime but
"we are ready to promote more agreements to combat other forms of
crime and have cooperation at all levels".

He also stressed the need to further promote the agreement to
avoid double taxation, something, which he said "will help economic
cooperation between the two countries and will give Cypriot business
people the opportunity to invest in Armenia and avoid double taxation."