Author: Harutyunian Christine

PanARMENIAN.Net

Torosian: we spent 17 years to prove applicability of right of nations
to self-determination to Karabakh
15.02.2008 17:31 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ All UN resolutions fix the right of nations to
self-determination, RA National Assembly Speaker Tigran Torosian said
during a meeting with Iranian Ambassador to Armenia Ali Saqayian, the
RA NA press office reported.

`It took us 17 years to prove that the principle of the right of
nations to self-determination can be applied to Nagorno Karabakh like
it was in case with Eastern Timor and Eritrea,’ the Speaker
said. `Armenia always respected the norms of international law,
including the above-mentioned principle.’

"RUSSIA WILL BE INSTRUMENTAL IN SETTLEMENT OF CONFLICTS IN THE SOUTH CAUCASUS"
by Ivan Sukhov

What the Papers Say
Vremya Novostei
February 14, 2008 Thursday
Russia

PETER SEMNEBY: KOSOVO WILL FOMENT APPREHENSION AND STIR EXPECTATIONS
IN THE CAUCASUS; An interview with Peter Semneby, EU Representative
in the Caucasus.

Kosovo may proclaim independence this week. Self-proclaimed
republics of the post-Soviet zone – Nagorno-Karabakh, South Ossetia,
Abkhazia, and Trans-Dniester – believe that they are next in line
for international recognition. Europe in the meantime refuses to draw
parallels between the Balkans and the Caucasus. Here is an interview
with EU Representative in the South Caucasus Peter Semneby.

Question: What effect will recognition of Kosovo’s sovereignty have
on the situation in the South Caucasus?

Peter Semneby: Kosovo will foment apprehension and stir expectations
and hopes in the Caucasus, and that’s a fact. In the meantime, Kosovo
is not a precedent for settlement of conflicts in the South Caucasus.

Differences between these conflicts (in the Balkans and in the
Caucasus) outnumber similarities, you know. Specifics – political
and otherwise – must be taken into consideration. It is a mistake to
think that all conflicts have an identical solution.

Question: And yet, self-proclaimed states in the Caucasus are convinced
that they are entitled to sovereignty even more than Kosovo does. As
a matter of fact, they have been independent de facto much longer
than Kosovo…

Peter Semneby: I’m not going to compare these conflicts.

Question: What do you think will happen in the Caucasus when Kosovo is
recognized as a sovereign state? What may these fears and expectations
you’ve mentioned result in?

Peter Semneby: It’s hard to say… I can only say what the European
Union believes is necessary. More energetic measures to restore
mutual trust and to revive contacts. Promotion of all sorts of
projects beneficial to all involved parties. Steps to open the
regions and withdraw them from isolation they live in nowadays, the
isolation that results in the besieged-fortress complex which does
not exactly facilitates solutions to the existing problems. Actively
developing cooperation and interaction with all countries of the
region including Russia, the European Union may play an important part
there. Development of relations with only one part of the territories,
however, will throw things out of whack. Hence the necessity of EU’s
presence in conflict areas.

Question: Exactly what has the European Union been doing for settlement
of conflicts in the South Caucasus?

Peter Semneby: The European Union spent 25 million euros on projects
in Abkhazia and 10 million euros in South Ossetia since 1997. The
matter concerns restoration of infrastructure, say, within the
framework of the OSCE’s South Ossetian program. In Abkhazia, the
European Union sponsored restoration of the hydroelectric power plant
on the Inguri. Other projects were focused on civil society and its
development… I hope we will establish permanent presence in Abkhazia
and South Ossetia soon. We plan to open regular offices there.

As for Nagorno-Karabakh, the European Union is less involved there.

The situation in this region is more complicated from the standpoint
of international presence and its involvement in the process of
settlement. All the same, I’m convinced that we are needed there to
facilitate restoration of mutual understanding.

Question: What about the authorities of these self-proclaimed
republics? Do they interfere with the European Union and its efforts
in conflict areas?

Peter Semneby: Where South Ossetia and Abkhazia are concerned, it is
necessary to persuade all involved parties – meaning the government
of Georgia and the de facto authorities of these regions – that the
European Union means to help them.

Question: Which of them are easier to persuade?

Peter Semneby: It depends. Sometimes, it is Georgia that proves
more difficult.

Question: Russia has been the mediator in these conflicts since the
early 1990s. Needless to say, it is somewhat jealous of the European
Union and its projects. Would you say Russian claims have merit?

Peter Semneby: Russia has always played an instrumental part in
settlement of these conflicts and I’d say will continue doing so. The
European Union is not trying to elbow it out. We only mean to help
without elbowing anyone out. I hope that our interests in the matter
coincide and that we will be able to poll efforts to accomplish the
measures I’ve outlined.

Question: What does European Union suggest for ultimate settlement
of conflicts in the South Caucasus?

Peter Semneby: Too early to suggest any specific plans, you know. We
aim to help the involved parties with mutual understanding.

Question: How close are the involved parties to this mutual
understanding?

Peter Semneby: As I said, all three conflicts in the region are
different, and these differences are quite striking. It’s impossible
to say which conflict is more complicated. I only wish we did
better in restoration of trust between the countries at odds over
Nagorno-Karabakh.

Question: Do you think Russia will respond to recognition of Kosovo
with unilateral recognition of the self-proclaimed republics in the
South Caucasus?

Peter Semneby: You’d better ask Russian politicians. Foreign Minister
Sergei Lavrov recently said Russia did not plan to recognize these
republics. Lavrov attended inauguration of the president of Georgia
this January and that may mean at least beginning of normalization
of the Russian-Georgian relations. I do not expect any dramatic
gestures from Moscow, you know. I hope diplomatic efforts to settle
the conflicts will continue. Russia knows – as we do, by the way –
that the matter warrants caution.

Question: But what about recognition of sovereignty of Kosovo by the
international community? Will it not constitute a "dramatic gesture"?

Peter Semneby: As I said, it will stir hopes and foment fears it is
necessary to allay.

Question: What’s your opinion of the snap presidential election
in Georgia?

Peter Semneby: I was in Georgia when it was electing the president and
I had visited it more than once in the months before the election. It
was a difficult period for the country. I think nevertheless that the
presidential election stabilized the situation and imbued Georgia
with the feeling of security. What counts is that it was election
where political alternative was present. Performance of the Georgian
opposition in the presidential election – I mean the votes it polled
– gives it a chance in the forthcoming parliamentary election. This
election in May will become another important event in the process
of establishment of democracy in Georgia.

Question: Has the European Union been keeping an eye on the
presidential campaign in Armenia?

Peter Semneby: There are political alternatives in Armenia too. It
stirs in voters interest in politics. In the meantime, both Georgia
and Armenia have some serious problems that have to be addressed yet.

I mean freedom of the media and the manner elections are covered in
media outlets. Anyway, what counts is that political life in these
countries becomes more animated.

Question: What about Azerbaijan?

Peter Semneby: Election in Azerbaijan will be taking place eight
months from now. Too long to venture forecasts.

Question: Government buildings in Tbilisi feature the Georgian flag
and that of the European Union…

Peter Semneby: We do not mind. I’d say it merely reflects Georgia’s
eagerness to advance relations with the European Union and we certainly
have no objections to that. The European Union wants stability for the
South Caucasus, prosperity for its countries, and neighborly relations
between them. If countries of the region want active relations with
the European Union, it’s fine by us.

Question: But EU flags are usually hoisted side by side with national
flags in member countries or candidates for membership.

Peter Semneby: Membership in the European Union is not on the agenda.

Question: Russia is afraid that the European vector of some countries’
foreign policy may split the South Caucasus the way East Europe was
divided in the Cold War era. Are these fears well-grounded?

Peter Semneby: I’m not going to discuss membership in NATO. As for the
European Union, I do not see how it could foment a split or something.

MOSCOW REACTED TO TER-PETROSYAN’S RALLY

Lragir
Feb 13 2008
Armenia

Why did the presidential candidate Levon Ter-Petrosyan visit Moscow
in the last week of the presidential campaign? On February 13 the
reporters asked Stepan Safaryan, expert, secretary of the parliamentary
faction of the Heritage Party, to comment on this visit. He underlined
that what he was going to say was his personal opinion, the opinion
of an expert.

According to Stepan Safaryan, Levon Ter-Petrosyan’s invitation to
Moscow was a reaction to the breakthrough in the political life of the
Armenian society caused by the huge rally held by Levon Ter-Petrosyan
on February 9. Stepan Safaryan thinks Russia’s interest might stem
from the immense Russian capital investments in Armenia and problems
that may occur. Besides, the expert Stepan Safaryan thinks by inviting
Levon Ter-Petrosyan to Moscow Russia in fact reacted to the information
revealed during the rally on February 9 relating to the history of
settlement of the Karabakh conflict.

The expert says perhaps necessity for consultation and precision has
occurred, which might be the reason for Levon Ter-Petrosyan’s visit
to Moscow.

LEVON TER-PETROSIAN’S INTERVIEW TO RIA-NOVOSTI

AZG Armenian Daily
14/02/2008

Presidential elections

To the question "Why has the former president returned to
politics?" Levon Ter-Petrosian mentioned, "for all the values that we
were struggling in 1990s today are distorted and the country is on
the wrong way. I mean the geopolitical situation that didn’t become
better, and Armenia’s economic and political isolation has deepened
during the last 10 years".

Touching upon the Karabakh issue the former RA president mentioned,
"…Status quo is a correlation of forces for me. The situation is
not the same as it was 10 years ago. Today Azerbaijan develops due
to oil-dollars, and consequently it has both political consequences
and strengthening of armed forces".

Though Levon Ter-Petrosian carries conviction that today Azerbaijani
armed forces cannot solve the problem, he insists, "Azerbaijani future
progress and Armenia’s slow development is a fact".

At the end of the interview he mentioned, "If the authorities declare
their results of elections, we will protest it by every legal means:
permanent demonstrations, rallies, court cases and pressure on
international observers".

KHASHTARAK SCHOOL TO BE FUNDAMENTALLY REPAIRED ON INITIATIVE OF HAYASTAN ALL ARMENIAN FUND

Noyan Tapan
Feb 13, 2008

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 13, NOYAN TAPAN. The German local body of
the Hayastan All Armenian fund and the Association of Armenian
Entrepreneurs of Germany will jointly implement a program of major
repairs of the Khashtarak community’s school (Tavush region). According
to the report provided to Noyan Tapan by the Hayastan All Armenian
Fund, within the framework of the program amounting to nearly half
a million dollars, the school building functioning since the Soviet
period will be completely repaired.

International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH)

FIDH mission in Turkey – Summary report
« Turkey must end the impunity of political violence »
Paris, February 13th 2008 – The International Federation for Human
Rights (FIDH) undertook a mission in Istanbul, Turkey, from February 9
to 11, 2008, on the occasion of the third hearing of the Hrant Dink
murder trial, the founder and editor-in-chief of the Turkish-Armenian
weekly Agos newspaper, who was shot dead in front of his office on 19
January 2007. This mission was deployed in follow-up to FIDH’s
mobilisation alongside Hrant Dink’s family and lawyers, and in support
of their struggle for Justice.
Following the third hearing, FIDH welcomes the filming of the
proceedings, as transparency is an essential element to guarantee the
fairness of the procedure. Nevertheless, FIDH Secretary General Florence
Bellivier calls the Turkish authorities « to ensure full access to the
documents related to the case to the lawyers of Dink’s family, in
particular the results of the investigation into the behaviour of State
security agents ».
In parallel to this case, FIDH wishes to express its satisfaction
following the arrest, on January 22nd, and the opening of a judicial
investigation against a group of ultra-nationalist individuals who would
belong to the illegal paramilitary group Ergenekon. Among them is Mr.
Veli Küçük, a retired general of the Turkish army.
Without prejudice to the results of the investigation, FIDH welcomes the
opening of proceedings against individuals whose names have appeared
repeatedly in a number of cases of political violence, notably the
murder of Hrant Dink, the massacre of a Christian pastor and two of his
practitioners in Malatya on April 18th 2007, and the killing of a
Catholic Priest on February 4th 2006 in Trabzon. « FIDH hopes that
these
investigations will enable the determination of higher levels of
responsibility in the instigation of these crimes, and break the cycle
of political violence » said Secretary General Florence Bellivier.
Beyond the trial, the mission was an opportunity to discuss several of
the main human rights violations that Turkey is facing today. In this
respect, FIDH wishes to highlight the following:
* The Kurdish Question.
FIDH and its member organisation the Human Rights Association (Ýnsan
Haklarý Derneði, IHD) express their deep preoccupation at the
continuous
human rights violations in the South-Eastern provinces. The
organisations are particularly preoccupied by the bombing of civilian
areas, in violation of fundamental principles of international human
rights and humanitarian law. The organisations repeat their call to the
authorities for a political and pacific settlement of the Kurdish
Question, and urge the government to open talks with Kurdish
organisations and civil society in this respect.
* Freedom of opinion and expression.
FIDH repeats its call for the abolition of Article 301 of the Penal
Code. Freedom of expression should not be criminalised and Turkey should
conform with the recommendations addressed by all UN special rapporteurs
and treaty bodies in this respect. Newspapers such as Free-Agenda
(Özgür
Gündem), documenting the situation of Kurdish or other minorities as
well as the consequences of the conflict in the South East, should be
able to publish their stories.
* Situation of human rights defenders
FIDH is worried about the continuous harassment of human rights
defenders, intellectuals and journalists who promote human rights. As
documented by the Observatory for the protection of Human Rights
defenders (FIDH-OMCT), Mr. Ethem Açikalin, the Chair of IHD’s section
in
Adana, as well as the former chair and an Administrator of the Ankara
section remain under arbitrary detention. FIDH calls for their immediate
release. FIDH further remains preoccupied at the judicial harassment
against the Vice-President of the IHD, Ms Reyhan Yalçýndað, the
pending
court case to close down the Mersin section of IHD (in South Turkey, as
well as with the prosecution of members of the National Commission on
Human rights, professors Mr. Ibrahim Kaboglu and Mr. Baskin Oran, for
having published a report on Minorities in Turkey. FIDH calls for the
suspension of all charges in these trials.
* Counter-terrorism and human Rights, use of torture.
FIDH is finally worried about information reported by its member
organisation the Human Rights Foundation of Turkey, on the broad and
vague definition of the acts defined under the Anti-terror Act, in
violation of the principle of legality of the International Covenant on
Civil and Political Rights. The organisations further deplore the
continuous use of torture in impunity or the light sentences resulting
>From the few condemnations. They call upon the Turkish authorities to
comply with the recommendations of the UN Independent Expert on
counter-terrorism and human rights, as well as the UN Special Rapporteur
on Torture.
—

2008_60ème anniversaire de la DUDH
Gaël Grilhot
Responsable du service de presse
FIDH
17 passage de la main d’or
75011 Paris
France
tel : 00 33 1 43 55 90 19
fax : 00 33 1 43 55 18 80

—

2008 60eme anniversaire de la DUDH
Marie Camberlin
FIDH
Chargée de programme/ Program Officer
Afrique du Nord et Moyen Orient
Middle East and North Africa

Tel.: 33(0)1 43 55 17 89
Fax: 33(0)1 43 55 18 80
17, passage de la main d’or
75011 Paris
France

PROSECUTOR GENERAL CANNOT SEE LINK SEEN BY TER-PETROSYAN

Lragir
Feb 12 2008
Armenia

During the rally on February 9 the first president of Armenia Levon
Ter-Petrosyan revealed an agreement on exchange of Meghri for the
independence of Karabakh which he says was on the table of the talks
for the settlement of the Karabakh issue, was approved by Vardan
Oskanyan, Serge Sargsyan and Robert Kocharyan, and opposed by Karen
Demirchyan and Vazgen Sargsyan. Levon Ter-Petrosyan stated that their
opposition was the motive of assassination of Karen Demirchyan and
Vazgen Sargsyan at the hall of the parliament on October 27. The first
president also said the investigation had not studied this motive
because the agreement on Meghri was confidential, and now when he
has revealed it, the investigation will study it.

On February 12 Prosecutor General Aghvan Hovsepyan held a news
conference at his office, and the reporters used the opportunity to
get comment from the Office of Prosecutor General on this issue, to
know if now that the intention to exchange Meghri has been revealed,
and there is a statement that it was the cause of October 27, the
Office of Prosecutor General will try to find out the truth of those
circumstances.

Prosecutor General Aghvan Hovsepyan said the question that he is asked
is outside the legal sphere and if the authors of the statement had
offered the criminal and legal aspects of the problem, they would
certainly take them into consideration. Generally, Prosecutor General
Aghvan Hovsepyan thinks that October 27 is manipulated too much. He
says the office of prosecutor general has given a lot of explanations
and the families of the victims have never appealed against those
explanations. Aghvan Hovsepyan says recently October 27 has been
turned into a political instrument.

He says if anyone possesses any facts, they are always ready to
listen to and study them. In answer to the question whether Levon
Ter-Petrosyan’s definite statement that the cause of October 27 was
the exchange of Meghri will not be studied by the office of prosecutor
general, Aghvan Hovsepyan said he finds no link between them. Aghvan
Hovsepyan said he can see no relation between them.

Aghvan Hovsepyan said he can see no relation between October 27 and
Meghri, and he thinks it is a vague message.

PETER SEMNEBY DISAPPOINTED WITH THE LACK OF PROGRESS IN THE KARABAKH SETTLEMENT

armradio.am
13.02.2008 17:45

"Negotiations in the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group hold back
Armenia and Azerbaijan from any dramatic actions," EU Special
Representative for the South Caucasus Peter Semneby said in an
interview with the Russian Kommersant.

Connected with the independence of Kosovo, many in Russia speak
about Abkhazia and South Ossetia, but there is no mention of Nagorno
Karabakh. In response to that Mr. Semneby noted: "I can state only
that it’s good. At least one conflict in the South Caucasus will not
be mentioned in that context."

According to Semneby, on of the reasons of the situation is that
"in case of Abkhazia and South Osssetia, there are no negotiations,
while in case of Karabakh the negotiation process does not stop."

"However, I’m disappointed with the fact that no solution to the
Karabakh issue has been found after this long dialogue. However,
there is some stability here, and it inspires hope," the EU Special
Representative noted.

ARMAN MELIKIAN: PREELECTION DEVELOPMENTS ARE NEGATIVE

Noyan Tapan
Feb 12, 2008

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 12, NOYAN TAPAN. "The preelection developments
are negative and proceed in the atmosphere of mutual distrust, which
will preserve on the election day as well," RA presidential candidate
Arman Melikian stated at the February 12 press conference. He said
that psychological pressure is being exerted on the people who
stand near him in TV broadcasts lately. He said that he wishes to
inform especially people who distinguish themselves by political
short-sightedness that no NGO supports him and he is against any
statements on support.

Touching upon the document on the Nagorno Karabakh problem proposed
by presidential candidate Aram Haroutiunian, A. Melikian said that he
will not sign it as NKR’s unification with Armenia is unacceptable for
him. "NKR should be recognized as a state in its current boundaries. No
unification with Armenia can be even spoken about," A. Melikian
said. At the same time, he added that no incomplete decision must be
made, each approach should be all-embracing, otherwise it is senseless
to make a decision.

Speaking about deprivation of RA citizens abroad of the right to take
part in the elections, the presidential candidate said that before
the press conference he met with RA NA Speaker Tigran Torosian in
connection with this issue. Though the latter in principle spoke for
the variant of the law in force, at the same time he assured that in
six months that issue will be discussed, and the respective legislative
amendments can be adopted with the participation of specialists.

OSKANIAN: KARABAKH AND GENOCIDE HOLDS TURKEY BACK FROM OPENING BORDER

PanARMENIAN.Net
12.02.2008 13:42 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Vartan Oskanian
participated in the 44th Munich Security Conference on Saturday and
Sunday February 9 and 10.

Former German Defense National Security Advisor Horst Teltschik,
who heads the conference, presided over the two days during which
several heads of state as well as more than 40 foreign and defense
ministers, and 500-plus members of the media and international policy
makers participated in open dialogue about current and future security
challenges.

Under the general conference topic of "The World in Disarray –
Shifting Powers – Lack of Strategies," Turkish Prime Minister Regep
Tayip Erdogan spoke on Turkey’s Foreign Policy and Security Interests.

Following the Prime Minister’s statement, Minister Oskanian took
the floor, responded to Erdogan’s articulation of his vision as
a democratic and major strategic player in the region and beyond,
contributing to peace and stability.

Minister Oskanian began by acknowledging that the Prime Minister
takes pride in Turkey’s democratization and "its geostrategic role
in our region and beyond, to achieve peace and stability." Minister
Oskanian continued by saying, "Mr. Prime Minister, you also reiterated
your firm commitment to becoming a full member of the European Union,
which we in Armenia support. This is precisely the kind of neighbor
we would like to have. But as you know, today the border between our
two countries is closed by Turkey. We’ve often raised this issue,
stating that we would like to have normal ties with Turkey, open
borders and diplomatic relations. Armenians would like to be the
beneficiaries of the vision you projected here today.

But we have heard you, loud and clear, repeating two main reasons,
or excuses, for keeping that border closed. One of your reasons is
Armenia’s engagement in the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, the second is
our pursuit of genocide recognition. The Nagorno Karabakh conflict
is between Armenians and Azeris. Genocide recognition is our moral,
historic obligation. Our countries are not at war, Mr. Prime Minister,
and I wonder whether short of being at war, the reasons you always
offer are sufficient to justify maintaining closed borders between
our two countries. You can help us, by your positive engagement, to
resolve the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. Having normal relations, open
borders and diplomatic relations, will allow us together to address
our differences on the genocide issue. There are important processes
going on and Turkey can be a natural bridge for the Caucasus, with EU
and NATO. So I wonder whether you think that with Turkey’s positive
engagement in our region, with equal, neutral relations with all,
Turkey wouldn’t play a more positive role in addressing those very
issues that you consider to be obstacles for normalization of our
relations."

Turkey’s Prime Minister did not respond to Minister Oskanian’s
questions about the geopolitical situation and prospects for
normalization. Instead, he repeated the offer to convene historians,
spoke about "1915 massacres being not proven historically" and on the
one hand offered historians, archaeologists and others to study the
matter, and on the other hand rejected the possibility of genocide
being part of Turkish culture.

During the conference, Minister Oskanian held meetings with Lithuania’s
Foreign Minister, and the German Foreign Ministry’s Political Director,
Dr. Volker Stanzel, the RA MFA pres office reported.

Meanwhile Turkey media quotes Prime Minister Erdogan as saying,
"40 thousand Armenians are living in Turkey. Armenians abandon their
homeland and settle in Turkey, Why!? Because Turkey is a peaceful
country."

Erdogan said Armenia should free the disputable the territory. "Secure
normal living conditions for thousands of Azeris in Nagorno
Karabakh. They are our brothers. Why don’t you want to consider
this issue?

Let it be your contribution to the peaceful process," he said,
Milliyet reports.