Author: Hambardsumian Paul

KUSTURICA ARRIVES IN ARMENIA BY HIS OWN PLANE

Aysor
feb 22 2010
Armenia

The tickets for Serbian musician, director, Emir Nemanja Kusturica
and his band "No Smoking Orchestra" are being sold. As the concert
organizer Ervand Tonoyan, the "Avangard" Folk-club manager told to
Aysor.am the tickets cost 7 – 50 thousand AMD.

"There are also VIP tickets which cost 100 thousand AMD. Those who have
VIP tickets will have the opportunity to partake in the meeting which
will take place in the foyer of the music hall", – E. Tonoyan informed.

The organization of the concert is supported by the RA Culture
Ministry and the producers are "VivaCell-MTS" Company and the The
Yerevan Brandy Distillery. The concert will take place in the Opera
and Ballet house after Alexander Spendaryan on March 5.

"Besides the concert there will also be a master class for the
musicians which will be organized in "Avangard" Folk-Club", –
E. Tonoyan informed and added that the band of Kusturica is arriving by
his personal airplane and one of the pilots will be Kusturica himself.

SUDUKHYAN CASE IS NOT QUASHED

os16902.html
17:05:21 – 19/02/2010

Yesterday, the member of the Teghut group Mariam Sudukhyan gave a
testimony at the Yerevan investigatory department and said all she
knows about the teacher of the Nubarashen special school Levon
Avagyan. As a result, a case was brought against Levon Avagyan charged
with `committing perverse acts of violence’.

Recall that in the past, Mariam was involved in the same case as the
accused – first on charges of false accusation, then – libel. She has
presented data on sexual assaults against inmates.

As Sudukhyan’s lawyer Nona Galstyan noted, she and Mariam have never
been invited to the court during the trial. At the same time, in an
interview with Radio Liberty, she said: `Although a criminal case is
brought against Levon Avagyan, the case of Mariam Sudukhyan for
defamation is not quashed’.

news.am, Armenia
Feb 20 2010

Armenia may become pipe corridor in Caucasus: EU rep

11:04 / 02/20/2010Armenia may become a pipe corridor in Caucasus, EU
Special Representative for Central Asia Pierre Morel told Turkish
reporters Feb. 19.

According to him, the Armenia-Turkey reconciliation and reopening of
the common will have a positive impact on the two countries’ energy
sectors.

There are many options for the Caspian-Turkish energy pipeline, due to
its `mobile energy landscape’. In this context Armenia could be a
route for future pipelines, he said.

`However, things have not been fixed up so far. The main thing to say
is, why not use Armenia as a way for other pipelines in the future,’
the official emphasized.

According to him, Caucasus should be used for the transportation of
energy resources. The South corridor is a wider concept than Nabucco,
Morel said.

`A corridor is not one pipeline, but a system of pipelines. The
southern corridor can be talked about only if you have a system of
pipelines,’ the diplomat noted.

L.A.

AssA-Irada, Azerbaijan
February 18, 2010 Thursday

EU ENVOY SAYS EASTERN PARTNERSHIP TO AID CONFLICT RESOLUTION

EU Ambassador to Azerbaijan Roland Kobia believes that the Eastern
Partnership Program will bring to Azerbaijan not only economic
benefits, but also will help start a dialogue with its neighbors,
which is a key aspect of solving any conflict. "The best way of
solving any conflict is the willingness to negotiate with opponents.
The Eastern Partnership contributes to this dialogue," Kobia said at
the debates organized at the Center for Strategic Studies in Baku on
Thursday.

The Eastern Partnership Program is a Polish-Swedish initiative under
the EU Neighborhood Policy aimed at improving EU relations with former
Soviet states. The program was approved at an EU meeting March 20 last
year. The founding summit of the Eastern Partnership Program was held
May 7. The program will include six countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan,
Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine and Belarus. Under the program, the EU will
provide neighbor countries with 600 million euros in 2009-2013. The EU
is not directly involved in the process of resolving the
Armenia-Azerbaijan Upper (Nagorno) Garabagh conflict, but the EU is
ready to promote peace in the region in order to help people, the
ambassador said. France co-chairs the OSCEs Minsk Group, which is
working to reach a peaceful resolution to the Garabagh conflict.
According to the ambassador, the Minsk Group is doing everything
possible for the successful outcome of the conflict. "The EU has not
had enough opportunities to interfere in the negotiations process. But
we are ready to do more if we are asked," the ambassador said.
Concerning Eastern Partnership Program prospects, Kobia said the
program is an ambitious initiative for both the EU and Azerbaijan.
This cooperation will bring tremendous benefits to Azerbaijan. The
program is planned to allocate 400-600 million manats to Azerbaijan,
the ambassador added. This amount may be increased after 2013. At
bilateral level, Eastern Partnership envisages: – Signing of an
association agreement with each country. The procedure with Azerbaijan
is scheduled to begin in 2010. – Creating a free trade zone.
-Simplifying of visa regime between the program’s countries and the
EU. It is planned to ultimately achieve full abolition of the visa
regime and pass to the free movement of citizens between the Eastern
Partnership countries and the EU. – Comprehensive institutional
development.

‘NO MORE ROOM FOR EUROPE AT THE SETTLEMENT TO KARABAKH CONFLICT’

Aysor
Feb 19 2010
Armenia

Europe doesn’t play the same role that the United States and Russia
do in the process of settlement to the Karabakh conflict, said in an
exclusive interview with Trend News agency ex French Foreign Minister
Roland Dumas.

"It would be important to hear Europe’s voice, if Europe could be
louder and act from a single position. Europe doesn’t have a voice
at the moment, as the key parties in negotiations are the U.S. and
Russia. There is no more room for Europe at the settlement to Karabakh
conflict. The only exception is French President Nicolas Sarkozy’s
initiative over the ongoing conflict that he proposed some months ago.

However, this is not a fundamental force. If we don’t have an
institutional force, then no one will hear Europe’s voice," said
Roland Dumas.

According to Roland Dumas, the issue of Turkey’s joining the EU has
some "perseverance of Americans": "The U.S. presidents have several
times visited Europe to talk over Turkey’s accession to the EU. This
raises some suspicions. As long as Turkey is a member of the North
Atlantic Alliance, it would be difficult to let Turkey join the
European structure," he said.

"We’ve already solved many issues with Turkey over its accession to
the EU. But it’s too early to talk about joining the EU.

"As for me, I do not oppose Turkey to become the EU member; however,
it’s necessary to identify all the problems and solve these problems
together with the Turkish side," said Roland Dumas.

CHAIRMAN OF LOCAL ELECTION COMMISSION N12/10 ACCUSED OF RIGGING ELECTIONS

PanARMENIAN.Net
17.02.2010 20:47 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Special Investigation Service of Armenia finished the
preliminary investigation of the criminal case against the chairman of
the local election commission of N 10/12 polling station in Yerevan in
connection with falsification of the election results to the National
Assembly of Armenia.

RA Special Investigation Service found that the commission chairman
of N10/12 polling station G. Galoyan falsified the results of the
elections by making entries in the electoral lists.

Galoyan is charged under Article 150 of the Criminal Code of Armenia.

The case was sent to the Court of First Instance of Kentron and Nork
Marash communities of Yerevan, press office of the General Prosecutor’s
office reported.

On January 10 the candidate of National Unity Party Ara Simonyan,
who collected 7,622 votes in the elections to the National Assembly
at the 10th electoral district of Yerevan. Three candidates run for
MP: Ara Simonyan (7,622 votes), leader of Marxist Party of Armenia
David Hakobyan (299 votes), being under arrest the chief editor of an
opposition newspaper "Haykakan Zhamanak " Nikol Pashinyan (5023 votes).

AZERBAIJANI MP: RENEWED MILITARY ACTION WOULD BE ONLY CORRECT SOLUTION FOR AZERBAIJAN
Z. Ahmadov

Today
1946.html
Feb 18 2010
Azerbaijan

Member of the Azerbaijani Milli Majlis (parliament) Gudrat Hasanguliyev
says the Madrid principles imply phased resolution to the Karabakh
conflict.

"The Madrid principles have never been officially published. But,
based on media reports, as well as statements by Azerbaijan, this
document implies gradual resolution of the conflict, for which we
have always hoped. That is, the occupied territories will be freed,
later refugees will return there and only after status of Karabakh
will be decided within Azerbaijan," the MP said.

"If this document really implies these conditions, it is advantageous
for Azerbaijan. In this case, we should not agree to the referendum
in Karabakh in no event. This should be one of the important and
fundamental conditions of the Azerbaijani side. If Armenia does not
accept these conditions, Azerbaijan will have no other option but to
take military action," the deputy noted.

"I have previously said that Azerbaijan could consider conditions for
the CSTO accession if there is a chance to change Russia’s position.

But if it sees that it is not realistic and Armenia does not agree
to the highest status of autonomy for Karabakh within Azerbaijan,
a renewal of hostilities would be the only correct solution for
Azerbaijan since it does not make sense to negotiate for decades."

"I believe that Azerbaijan has a good economic and military potential
to solve the Karabakh conflict by military means," MP Hasanguliyev
added.

WEST SPOILS ARMENIA

news.az
Feb 16 2010
Azerbaijan

Reshat Dogru The member of the Turkish Parliament has commented on
the issue of the Turkish-Armenian protocols and the Karabakh issue.

"The West’s actions on Turkey and Azerbaijan are unjust. We strongly
condemn such an approach of the West to our problems. Why does the
European Parliament protect Greeks and Armenians in its report at the
same time ignoring a million of Azerbaijani refugees who were forced
to flee their homes? Is this called Democracy? Is this called the
protection of human rights? West does not want to see the obvious
crimes of Armenians against Azerbaijanis, Turkish MP Reshat Dogru
has said.

"There will be no ratification of the protocols in the parliament
unless Armenia withdraws from the occupied territories of Azerbaijan
and changes the decision of the Constitutional Court, where Armenia
is clearly setting territorial claims to Turkey. West has spoiled
Armenia and it thinks that Turkey will indulge its whims. Armenians
should know that Turkey is a great country and it is not susceptible
to blackmail and threats ", said R. Dogru.

"A tragic date for the entire Turkic world – the anniversary of the
Khojaly genocide, is nearing. Where are the U.S. Congress and the
European Parliament, why they are silent, why they are blind? It is
not an ancient tragedy, its witnesses are still alive. If they are
fighting for justice, let them come to Azerbaija and ask about this
tragedy and take interest in the life of refugees. Turkey will always
be close to good and justice, unlike the West. Azerbaijani brothers
should always be confident that Turkey will be next to them", he said.

AZERBAIJANI LEADER WELCOMES KAZAKH ROLE ON KARABAKH

news.az
Feb 16 2010
Azerbaijan

Ilham Aliyev receives Kanat Saudabayev Azerbaijani President Ilham
Aliyev received the OSCE chairman-in-office, Kazakh Foreign Minister
Kanat Saudabayev, yesterday.

Aliyev described Kazakhstan’s chairmanship of the OSCE as a landmark
event, according to state news agency AzerTAj.

He expressed confidence that Kazakhstan’s chairmanship in 2010
would bring positive change and make a significant contribution to
strengthening security in Europe.

He was sure that Kazakhstan would take an active part in resolution of
the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and hoped that 2010 would see serious
progress in a settlement. He said that strong political will was
important for the establishment of peace in the Caucasus.

Kanat Saudabayev thanked Aliyev for Azerbaijan’s support for Kazakhstan
as OSCE chair. He briefed President Aliyev on his meetings in Baku.

Saudabayev said that resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
would be a priority for Kazakhstan’s chairmanship of the OSCE. He
said Kazakhstan was going to kick-start all parties’ efforts to solve
the conflict.

Saudabayev presented to Ilham Aliyev proposals from Kazakh President
Nursultan Nazarbayev on ways to settle the conflict, Kazakhstan Today
news agency reported, citing the interstate broadcasting company Mir.

Earlier in the day, Saudabayev held talks with Azerbaijani Foreign
Minister Elmar Mammadyarov, after which the ministers gave a joint
press conference.

Saudabayev described his talks with Mammadyarov as very constructive.

He said that the purpose of his visit to the region was to discuss
the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

He said that Kazakhstan hoped 2010 would be a decisive year for
settlement of the conflict.

He also said that in 1991 Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev had
been involved in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process.

President Nazarbayev maintains his interest in the conflict,
Saudabayev said.

The Azerbaijani foreign minister told the press conference that Baku
accepted "in general" the updated basic principles of a Karabakh
settlement.

"We consider the updated basic principles proposed by the OSCE Minsk
Group in Athens to be acceptable", Mammadyarov told the briefing,
according to Interfax-Azerbaijan.

This does not mean, however, that Azerbaijan agrees with all the
points set out in the basic principles.

"Our position is that that the updated principles are accepted in
general, but there are elements that do not suit us and require
coordination and the continuation of negotiations," Mammadyarov said.

BAKO SAHAKYAN: DEVELOPMENT OF ANY DOCUMENT ON KARABAKH SETTLEMENT IMPOSSIBLE WITHOUT PARTICIPATION OF NKR

ArmInfo
2010-02-16 14:06:00

ArmInfo. Development and discussion of any document on the Karabakh
settlement is impossible without participation of the Nagorno Karabakh
Republic, NKR President Bako Sahakyan said in Yerevan after the meeting
with OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan Kanat
Saudabayev. According to him, it is natural that OSCE MG cochairman
present no official document to the Karabakh party since the latter
does not take part in the negotiation process. "However, it does not
mean that we are not acquainted with the content of one or another
document. We are also acquainted with the provisions of the updated
document. However, we think that development and further discussion of
any document, as well as achievement of any consent on the documents
is impossible without participation of the NKR.