Author: Jagharian Tania

TRIBUTE TO BLACK SEA’S DISAPPEARING CULTURES

Hurriyet
ish/lifestyle/10785955.asp?scr=1
Jan 16 2009
Turkey

ISTANBUL – ‘Sonbahar’ (Autumn), a recently popular Turkish film
directed by Ozcan Alper from the Black Sea region, is the first in
Turkey to use the Hemshin language. The film also reflects the magic
geography of the Black Sea.

The preservation of the Hemshin people, one of Turkey’s oldest
cultures, is the focus of Turkish film director Ozcan Alper’s, new
film "Sonbahar" (Autumn). The film is a tribute to the disappearing
culture of Hemshin people of the Black Sea region and was filmed
using the Hemshin language.

Alper, who defines himself as Hemshin, describes the people as
those who hid their Armenian identity and became Muslims in the 17th
century. Alper said the Hemshin people continue to speak Armenian,
but do not consider themselves Armenian or Turkısh. "Their lifestyle
and customs are totally different," Alper said.

He said he had never been affected by what he had gone through. "I
shot ‘Autumn’ in Hemshin, Georgian and Turkish languages. I didn’t
censor myself but sometimes worried if I would have a problem during
filming. This film is a kind of elegy for a disappearing geography
and culture."

Alper is the first Turkish director to shot a film in the Hemshin
language. His first short feature film "Momi" received great interest
at international festivals in 2000. Despite the film’s simple plot,
Alper said a suit was filed against him in the State Security
Court because of its language. "The artists who played the role of
grandmother and children were received fines even though the film had
no political elements. It was the story of a child who platonically
loved a woman," he said.

Before its release in Turkey, the film was shown at more than 10
international festivals including the Locarno Film Festival and arose
big interest. It will be screened for audiences at the Swedish Goteborg
and Dutch Rotterdam film festivals in the coming weeks.

The premiere of the film was in the Black Sea cities of Rize and
Artvin. "My aim was to see the reactions of Hemshin people. They don’t
like others to talk about their origins, but they have been more
tolerant in recent years. Moreover, if a person among them handles
this issue, they show more empathy," Alper said.

Alper said he adopted a manner against a possible reaction, adding,
"I challenge them if necessary. I say to them that this is my native
language and it is my right to talk about it."

Alper said even people who had never been to a cinema attended the
premier of the film and that reactions were very positive among people
who were seeing a film for the first time in their own language.

Reactions of Hemshin people seen first Alper, pointing out Turkey’s
cultural richness, said, "If this country becomes more democratized,
and a way is paved for art, there would be more success." He said,
despite "Autumn’s" political elements, he did not have the same
problems he had eight years ago from "Momi." "I think prejudices are
gradually fading away," he said. In his films, Alper shows scenes
from daily life. He said his aim was to show the natural life and
that the mother and villagers acting in "Autumn" had been chosen from
local people.

Yusuf’s love for Elka

The film tells the story of Yusuf who returned to the
CamlıhemÅ~_in-Fırt& #xC4;±na Valley after spending 12 years in prison for
a political offence. He spends his time with his childhood friend
Mikail. One day, Mikail takes him to a bar, where he falls in love
with a Georgian dancer named Elka. As his tragic end approaches,
Yusuf’s last hope is his love for Elka.

–Boundary_(ID_rh9O0xQIYI0UQuUd9hzIjw)–

FROM ZEROES TO HEROES OF FAIR PLAY

Hurriyet
Jan 14 2009
Turkey

ISTANBUL – Only a few years after hitting rock bottom, Turkey seems
to be on the path to clear its reputation in fair play. That view is
apparently marked by FIFA’s honoring Turkish and Armenian Football
Federations with the Fair Play Award for 2008. The progress is seen
as cautiously admirable by sports writers claiming that the return
game will be crucial.

In addition to achieving a flurry of miracles during matches, Turkish
football is now beating the odds off the pitch.

Making a name for itself for its never-say-die attitude and overcoming
all kinds of obstacles to become an unlikely semifinalist in the
European Football Championship last summer, Turkey won the hearts
of many football fans around the world. Now it is doing the same in
other aspects of the game. Say, fair play.

Honored with the FIFA Fair Play Award for 2008 on Monday, alongside
its Armenian counterpart, the Turkish Football Federation gave
signals the country was shaking off its horrible reputation in
fair play. Both Federations received the award "for their part in
encouraging dialogue between two countries which otherwise do not
have any form of diplomatic relationship," said the statement on the
Web site of the world football’s governing body.

Turkish President Abdullah Gul visited Yerevan on Sep. 6, 2008,
on the invitation of Armenian President Serge Sarkisian, in order
to attend the two countries’ encounter in a qualifier for the 2010
FIFA World Cup South Africa. The match, which was the first event to
bring together the two countries in a high-profile football event,
was played without any crowd trouble.

Coincidentally, Turkey received the award in Zurich, the largest city
of Switzerland, which is a country ringing the bells of some unpleasant
memories of the past. Turkey was slapped with heavy bans, including
playing games behind closed doors on neutral grounds, suspensions
of footballers and weighing fines after the Switzerland game at the
Å~^ukru Saracoglu Stadium on Nov. 2005. Some members of Turkish team
and staff attacked the Swiss players after the final whistle, which
meant missing out on the chance to qualify for the 2006 World Cup.

Turning point in Euro 2008

Some great performances in Euro 2008 followed by the Armenian game
have seemed to save Turkey from its embarrassingly low reputation.

"Turkey cleared its image in the last six months, for displaying
the entertaining side of the game," said Fırat Topal, a writer for
Hurriyet Spor weekly and the highly-popular Flying Dutchman blog
(). "I am sure all the football fans remembered
Tuncay Å~^anlı as the guy who had to replace the goalkeeper. Every
action that shatters the monotony reserves its place in the mind of
a football fan forever."

Topal thinks that Turkey and Armenia’s Fair Play Award is a result of
FIFA’s support of countries’ putting football over political problems.

"FIFA honors everyone who uses the game to unite countries politically
and socially," explained Topal. "For example, they closely watched the
Cuba-U.S. and Chad-Sudan games recently, hoping that the Turkey-Armenia
game mad a good example."

However, sports writer İbrahim Altınsay is not holding his breath
for Turkey’s record of fair play.

"We have to fix the way we are approaching football more than try to
correct our image," said Altınsay, focusing that the incidents in
the Switzerland game and the U21 match against Germany should not be
forgotten quickly. "That can only be if the ones who have the power
are willing to change themselves. Otherwise, the award comes and
goes without a trace." Altınsay added that Turkey did not deserve
the award as much as Armenia did.

"Turkey did not get the award, Turkey and Armenia did," said
Altınsay. "President Gul accepted the invitation, credit to Young
Civilians Movement, who was the first to suggest that Gul should go
to Armenia. Armenian people did the most of it, acting peacefully
in the game. But Turkey will have to deserve it in the return game
in October."

Topal agrees that the match Oct. 15 will be crucial.

"Any incident in that game will erase all the positive effects of this
progress, making Turkey look like an erratic country that always has
a risk of making trouble in football," stated Topal. "But at least
the Turkish fans learned to behave themselves in the international
games after the heavy bans, it is nice to see that awareness."

–Boundary_(ID_2ykjRvb4r1RyyH405 RbFNA)–

Panorama.am
14:52 10/01/2009

`GASPROM’ VERIFIES REASONS OF DAMAGED GAS PIPELINE

`Gasprom’ company will verify the reasons of damaged gas pipeline in
the territory of Georgia, announced the representative of the
company. According to the representative of the company they are
concerned with the plan of the reconstruction activities in such cold
season.

Remind that Georgia blocked the flow of natural gas to
Armenia. Georgian side ensures that gas pipeline has been damaged in
Ghazakh-Saguramo territory.

Source: Panorama.am

GAS SUPPLY TO ARMENIA SUSPENDED BECAUSE OF RECONSTRUCTION WORKS

armradio.am
09.01.2009 19:11

The Gas and Transport Company of Georgia officially declared in
the morning of January that the supply of natural gas to Armenia
was temporarily suspended because of reconstruction works on the
Ghazakh-Saguramo gas pipeline.

"HayRusGazard" Company informed Radiolur that a group of experts of
the company has been sent to Georgia to familiarize with the situation
and provide assistance if necessary.

"Georgian partners assure that the works will be completed as soon
as possible. According to the data of the "HayRusGazard" Board, gas
will be supplied from reserves at the expense of the gas stored in
an underground store. The suspension of gas supply will not lead to
changes in the gas consumption market," the Company assures.

ARMENIA-ESTONIA MATCH TO TAKE PLACE IN THE YEREVAN "REPUBLICAN" AND THE RESPONSE GAME – IN TALLINN "A LE KOK" STADIUM

ARMENPRESS
Jan 9, 2009

YEREVAN, JANUARY 9, ARMENPRESS: The Armenia-Estonia match of the 2010
World Football Cup qualification round will be held March 28 in the
newly renovated Yerevan "Republican" stadium after Vazgen Sargsyan.

Press secretary of Armenian Football Federation Georgi Matevosyan
told Armenpress that the Estonia-Armenian response match of the
qualification round will take place April 1, in Tallinn "A Le Kok"
stadium.

For the best preparation for the match with Estonia on February 11
the Armenian National Team will have a friendly meeting with the
Latvian team in Cyprus.

It is also possible that the Armenian team will have another friendly
match before the game with the Estonians: at present the Armenian
Football Federation negotiates with football federations of a number
of countries.

State Department Documents and Publications
January 5, 2009

Armenia Country Specific Information

STATE DEPARTMENT PRESS RELEASE
January 5, 2009

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Armenia is a constitutional republic with a
developing economy. Tourist facilities, especially outside Yerevan,
the capital, are not highly developed, and many of the goods and
services taken for granted in other countries may be difficult to
obtain. Read the Department of State’s Background Notes on Armenia for
additional information.

ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A passport and visa are
required. U.S. citizens may purchase visas in advance for a stay of
up to 120 days online at for
the fee of USD 60; however, this visa is valid only for entry at
Zvartnots airport in Yerevan. At this time a visa valid for 120 days
may also be obtained upon arrival at the port of entry for the fee of
15,000 Armenian Drams (approx. USD 50). Visas for up to 120 days may
be purchased at the Armenian Embassy in Washington, D.C. or the
Consulate General in Los Angeles for the fee of USD 69. For further
information on entry requirements, contact the Armenian Embassy at
2225 R Street NW, Washington, DC 20008, tel. (202) 319-1976 and (202)
319-2983; the Armenian Consulate General in Los Angeles at 50 N. La
Cienega Blvd., Suite 210, Beverly Hills, CA 90211, tel. (310)
657-7320, or visit the Armenian Embassy’s web site at
for the most current visa information.

Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international
child abduction can be found on our web site. For further information
about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information sheet.

SAFETY AND SECURITY: A cease-fire has been in effect since 1994 around
the self-proclaimed "Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh," an unrecognized
ethnic Armenian enclave within Azerbaijan. However, intermittent
gunfire along the cease-fire line and along the border with Azerbaijan
continues. Because of the existing state of hostilities, consular
services are not available to Americans in Nagorno-Karabakh. Travelers
should exercise caution near the Armenia-Azerbaijan border and consult
the Country Specific Information for Azerbaijan if considering travel
to Nagorno-Karabakh from Armenian territory. Armenia’s land borders
with Turkey, Azerbaijan, and the Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic of
Azerbaijan remain closed and continue to be patrolled by armed troops
who stop all people attempting to cross. There are still land mines in
numerous areas in and near the conflict zones.

Political rallies in the aftermath of the February 2008 presidential
elections turned violent. Clashes between government security forces
and opposition demonstrators resulted in dozens of casualties,
including 10 fatalities, in early March 2008. While the opposition
continued to hold periodic protests over the summer and early fall,
there have been no violent confrontations since the March
events. Americans should be mindful that even demonstrations intended
to be peaceful could turn confrontational and possibly escalate into
violence. American citizens are urged to avoid the areas of
demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the
vicinity of any demonstrations.

Armenia is an earthquake- and landslide-prone country. In addition to
these natural disasters, there exists the possibility of chlorine gas
spills and radiation poisoning due to industrial accidents. The
Soviet-era Armenia Nuclear Power plant is located in Metsamor,
approximately 30 kilometers southwest of Yerevan. Armenia is currently
under international pressure to close the plant permanently, due to
safety concerns.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should
regularly monitor the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs
web site at , where the current Travel Warnings
and Travel Alerts, including the Worldwide Caution, can be found.

Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by
calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada or for callers
outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at
1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00
p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal
holidays). The Department of State urges American citizens to take
responsibility for their own personal security while traveling
overseas. For general information about appropriate measures travelers
can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see the
Department of State’s A Safe Trip Abroad.

CRIME: Crime against foreigners is relatively rare in
Armenia. Break-ins, particularly of vehicles, and theft are the most
common crimes, but there have been instances of violent crime as
well. While the incidence of violent crime remains lower than in most
U.S. cities, American citizens are urged to exercise caution and to
avoid traveling alone after dark in Yerevan. Several American
investors have also reported being involved in disputes over property
ownership, and have had to seek legal recourse through a long, and in
the majority of cases, unsuccessful court proceeding.

INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: The loss or theft abroad of a
U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and
the U.S. Embassy. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in
addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest
U.S. Embassy for assistance. The Embassy staff can, for example,
assist you to find appropriate medical care, contact family members or
friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the
investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the
responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to
understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney
if needed. For information on assistance in the U.S. including
possible compensation, see our Victims of Crime. The local equivalents
to the "911" emergency line in Armenia are: 101 – fire emergency; 102
– police emergency; 103 – medical emergency; and 104 – gas leak.

MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Though there are many
competent physicians in Armenia, medical care facilities are limited,
especially outside the major cities. The U.S. Embassy maintains a list
of English-speaking physicians in the area. Most prescription
medications are available, but the quality varies. Elderly travelers
and those with existing health problems may be at risk due to
inadequate medical facilities. The U.S. Department of State is unaware
of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign
residents of Armenia.

Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe
food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained
from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) hotline
for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via
the CDC’s web site at For
information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the
World Health Organization’s (WHO) web site at
Further health information for travelers is
available at

MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to
consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad
to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will
cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. Please see our
information on medical insurance overseas.

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country,
U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly
from those in the United States. The information below concerning
Armenia is provided for general reference only and may not be totally
accurate in a particular location or circumstance. Travel in Armenia
requires caution. Public transportation, while very inexpensive, may
be unreliable and uncomfortable. Travel at night is not recommended,
and winter travel can be extremely hazardous in mountain areas and
higher elevations. Travelers should avoid the old highway between the
towns of Ljevan and Noyemberyan in the Tavush region, as well as the
main highway between the towns of Kirants and Baghanis/Voskevan. The
U.S. Embassy has designated this portion of the road off-limits to all
U.S. Government personnel because of its proximity to the cease-fire
line between Armenian and Azerbaijani forces, a line which has seen
numerous cease-fire violations over the years.

On weekends, there are an increased number of intoxicated drivers on
Armenian roads. American citizens are urged to exercise particular
vigilance while traveling on the main highway from Yerevan to the
resort areas of Tsaghkadzor and Sevan. Traffic police will attempt to
stop individuals driving erratically and dangerously, but police
presence outside of Yerevan is limited.

Armenia does have emergency police and medical services, but they may
take time to reach remote regions. With the exception of a few major
arteries, primary roads are frequently in poor repair, with sporadic
stretches of missing pavement and large potholes. Some roads shown as
primary roads on maps are unpaved and can narrow to one lane in width,
while some newer road connections have not yet been marked on recently
produced maps. Secondary roads are normally in poor condition and are
often unpaved and washed out in certain areas. Street and road signs
are poor to nonexistent. Truck traffic is not heavy except on the main
roads linking Yerevan to Iran and Georgia, i.e. the roads virtually
all travelers need to use when traveling overland to those
countries. Minibuses are considered more dangerous than other forms of
public transportation. Travelers who choose to ride minibuses should
exercise caution because these vehicles are often overcrowded and
poorly maintained, commonly lack safety measures including seatbelts,
and are frequently involved in accidents.

People driving in Armenia should be aware that "road rage" is becoming
a serious and dangerous problem on Armenian streets and highways. For
safety reasons drivers are encouraged to yield to aggressive
drivers. Incidents of physical aggression against drivers and
pedestrians have occurred

Though crime along roadways is rare, the police sometimes seek bribes
during traffic stops. Drivers in Armenia frequently ignore traffic
laws, making roadways unsafe for unsuspecting travelers. Pedestrians
often fail to take safety precautions and those driving in towns at
night should be especially cautious. In cities, a pedestrian dressed
in black crossing an unlit street in the middle of the block is a
common occurrence.

The quality of gasoline in Armenia ranges from good at some of the
more reliable stations in cities to very poor. The gasoline and other
fuels sold out of jars, barrels, and trucks by independent roadside
merchants should be considered very unreliable.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air
service to the United States by carriers registered in Armenia, the
U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Armenia’s
Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil
Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. For more
information, travelers may visit the FAA’s web site at
versight/iasa. Travelers
on Armavia International Airways may experience prolonged delays and
sudden cancellations of flights. Air travel to Armenia via European
carriers is typically more reliable. Ticketed passengers on flights
leaving Yerevan should reconfirm their reservations 24 hours prior to
departure.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Armenia remains largely a cash-only
economy. Credit cards are accepted at some businesses, including major
hotels and restaurants in Yerevan, but rarely outside of the
capital. Limited facilities exist for cashing traveler’s checks and
wiring money into the country. There are a number of ATMs in the
center of Yerevan. Dollars are readily exchanged at market
rates. Travelers may experience problems with local officials seeking
bribes to perform basic duties.

Armenian customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning
temporary importation into or export from Armenia of items such as
firearms, pornographic materials, medication, and communications
equipment. For export of antiquities and other items that could have
historical value, such as paintings, carpets, old books, or other
artisan goods, a special authorization is required in advance from the
Armenian Ministry of Culture. It is advisable to contact the Embassy
of Armenia in Washington, DC or Consulate General in Los Angeles for
specific information regarding customs requirements.

Please see our Customs Information.

Dual Nationals: Changes to Armenian legislation now permit Armenian
citizens to hold dual citizenship. This means that U.S. citizens who
emigrated from Armenia to the U.S. and subsequently acquired
U.S. citizenship without explicitly giving up their Armenian
citizenship may be able to (re)acquire Armenian citizenship along with
all the associated rights and duties, e.g. the right to vote in
Armenian elections and/or the duty for certain males to perform
military service. The new law also means that dual citizens need to
enter and leave Armenia on their Armenian passport, i.e. they would no
longer need an Armenian visa. U.S. citizens interested in obtaining
Armenian citizenship must register their dual citizenship with
Passport and Visa Department of the Police of the Republic of Armenia
(formerly OVIR) by simply presenting proof of their other citizenship
(e.g. passport). For more information, please consult with Passport
and Visa Department of the Police (tel.: +37410-501439) and/or

Comp ulsory Military Service: In addition to being subject to all
Armenian laws affecting U.S. citizens, dual nationals are also subject
to other laws that impose special obligations on Armenian
citizens. Male U.S. citizens over the age of 18 who are also
considered to be Armenian citizens may be subject to conscription and
compulsory military service upon arrival, and to other aspects of
Armenian law while in Armenia. Armenian authorities have regularly
detained U.S. citizens on these grounds upon their arrival in or
departure from Armenia. In most cases, ethnic Armenian travelers who
are accused of evading Armenian military service obligations are
immediately detained and later found guilty of draft
evasion. Penalties for those convicted are stiff and include jail time
or a substantial fine. Those who may be affected are strongly advised
to consult with Armenian officials and inquire at an Armenian embassy
or consulate to their status before traveling.

For additional information on dual nationality, see our dual
nationality flyer.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is
subject to that country’s laws and regulations, which sometimes differ
significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the
protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for
breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for
similar offences. Persons violating Armenian laws, even unknowingly,
may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession,
use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Armenia are severe, and
convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy
fines. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or
disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime,
prosecutable in the United States. Please see our information on
Criminal Penalties.

CHILDREN’S ISSUES: For information see our Office of Children’s Issues
web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child
abduction.

REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living or traveling in
Armenia are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or
Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration web site
, and to obtain updated
information on travel and security within Armenia. Americans without
Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or
Consulate. The American Citizen Services section of the U.S. Embassy
in Yerevan maintains a computer terminal in the consular waiting room
available to U.S. citizens for registration. The U.S. Embassy provides
Internet access to the general public through the American Corners
program and through the U.S. Embassy’s Information Resource
Center. American Corners are located in Yerevan (2 Amiryan Street,
tel. +374-10-56-13-83), Gyumri (68 Shirakatsi Street,
tel. +374-312-22153), Vanadzor (25, Vardanants Street,
tel. +374-322-21672), and Kapan (6, Shahumyan Street,
tel. +374-285-22151). By registering, American citizens make it easier
for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. The
U.S. Embassy in Yerevan is located at 1 American Avenue,
tel. +374-10-46-47-00 and fax: +374-10-46-47-42. The Consular Section
is open from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., with time reserved for
American citizen services from 1:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except for official U.S. Embassy holidays. For more
information, see the Embassy’s web site at

* * * * * *

This replaces the Country Specific Information dated June 9, 2008 to
update sections on Entry and Exit Requirements, Safety and Security,
Traffic Safety and Road Conditions, and Special Circumstances.

Hürriyet, Turkey
Dec 30 2008

Pro-Kurdish party leader apologizes to Armenians for 1915 incidents

Turkey’s pro-Kurdish party leader apologized on Tuesday to Assyrian as
well Armenians for the 1915 incidents.

"Maybe Kurds have contributed to the loss of this (cultural)
richness. We are ashamed when we look at our Armenian or Assyrian
brothers," said Ahmet Turk, the leader of pro-Kurdish DTP.

They are always ready to apologize for their mistakes and they
struggle to allow people to live in peace, he was quoted as saying by
the Dogan News Agency.

A group of Turkish academics, journalists and artists recently
launched an Internet campaign to apologize on behalf of all Turks for
ignoring what happened in 1915 at the time of the Ottoman Empire.

Armenians claim the Ottomans conducted "genocide" against
them. However there are many historical documents showing that 300,000
Armenians, along with at least as many Turks, died in civil strife
that emerged when Armenians took up arms, backed by Russia, for
independence in eastern Anatolia.

OSCE HOPES FOR PROGRESS IN KARABAKH PROCESS IN 2009

Azat Artsakh Daily
25 Dec 08
Republic of Nagorno Karabakh [NKR]

The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) hopes
for progress in settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict next
year. "We hope we will see progress in 2009," new OSCE chairman, Greek
Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis said. The OSCE chairman-in-office
and Finnish Foreign Minister Alexander Stubb officially handed over
office of the chairman to his Greek counterpart Dora Bakoyannis
at the meeting of the OSCE Ministerial Council in Helsinki on
Dec. 4. Greece’s chairmanship in the Organization will start on January
1, 2009. Bakoyannis said Greece believes that frequent meetings
between representatives of Azerbaijan and Armenia will lead to the
establishment of mutual confidence which is essential to resolve
the conflict. "Greece fully supports these efforts and encourages
constructive engagement from both parties, in line with the Statement
delivered at the Helsinki Summit earlier this month by the French
Foreign Minister on behalf of the European Union," Bakoyannis said,
Trend Azeri news agency reports. "We hope we will see progress in
2009," new OSCE chairman, Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis said.

The OSCE chairman-in-office and Finnish Foreign Minister Alexander
Stubb officially handed over office of the chairman to his Greek counte
rpart Dora Bakoyannis at the meeting of the OSCE Ministerial Council
in Helsinki on Dec. 4. Greece’s chairmanship in the Organization
will start on January 1, 2009. Bakoyannis said Greece believes that
frequent meetings between representatives of Azerbaijan and Armenia
will lead to the establishment of mutual confidence which is essential
to resolve the conflict. "Greece fully supports these efforts and
encourages constructive engagement from both parties, in line with
the Statement delivered at the Helsinki Summit earlier this month
by the French Foreign Minister on behalf of the European Union,"
Bakoyannis said, Trend Azeri news agency reports.

HOVHANNES HOVHANNISIAN: YEAR 2008 WILL BE WRITTEN IN ARMENIA’S HISTORY AS A BLACK YEAR

NOYAN TAPAN

Dec 23, 2008
YEREVAN

Hard and tragic events happened in 2008, and year 2008 will be written
as a black year in Armenia’s history.

Hovhannes Hovhannisian, the leader of the Liberal Progressive Party
of Armenia, stated at the December 23 press conference dedicated to
summing up the 2008 political year.

According to him, 2008 started with a great people’s awakening, which
however finished with the March 1 and 2 terrible slaughter. "It was
an unprecedented crime against their own people. As far as I know,
no country member of Council of Europe has experienced such events,"
H. Hovhannisian stated.

He said that a new political category, political prisoners, appeared
in Armenia after the March 1 events, which make Armenia similar with
Chile in the 70-s. Meanwhile, according to him, all efforts of the
authorities aimed at exterminating people’s struggle were in vain:
the Armenian National Congress uniting 16 political parties, dozens of
NGOs, thousands of people became really a mighty political institution,
which will be a serious guarantee for establishment of democracy.

OLLI REHN: NEXT YEAR SHOULD BE THE YEAR OF SETTLEMENT IN CYPRUS

PanARMENIAN.Net
22.12.2008 13:32 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ "Turkey must overcome internal divisions and get back
to long-delayed reforms early next year to show it is serious about
wanting to join the European Union", the bloc’s enlargement chief said.

EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn said he expected more Balkan
countries to apply for EU membership following Montenegro’s move
earlier this month, but urged them not to rush in because they must
first show a track record of reforms.

"Next year should also be the year of a settlement in Cyprus," Rehn
said. "Next year will be an important litmus test of whether Turkey
is serious about its EU accession perspective."

"After one or two years of domestic difficulties, we would expect
Turkey now to put up a new gear and seriously start to pursue the
reforms again," he said.

Turkey narrowly avoided a crisis this year over a public prosecutor’s
attempt to have the Constitutional Court ban the ruling AK Party.

"There is too much energy used on internal tensions which could be
used for pursuing legal and economic reforms that are required for
EU membership."

Rehn urged Turkey to get to business quickly. "The sooner the better,
but at the latest after the March (local) elections, Turkey should
totally resume the reforms again," he said, Reuters reports.