Author: Jalatian Sonya

LET’S WAIT TILL APRIL 24
Gevorg Haroutyunyan

Hayots Ashkhar Daily
07 Nov 08
Armenia

Whether Obama will keep his promise

Interview with Kiro Manoyan, person-in-charge for the ‘Hay Dat’
and Political Affairs Office of the ARFD Bureau

"Mr. Manoyan, what changes will occur in the Armenian-American
relations before and after January 20, when Barrack Hussein Obama
assumes the post of the US President?"

"Congratulating the President-elect, George Bush also reminds that
before the 20th of January, he will be the President of the United
States.

This means that the incumbent President of the United States is not
going to introduce any changes in the American foreign policy just
because Democrat Obama was elected the US President.

And after January 20, US President Barrack Obama will be facing
a number of great and complex problems. In particular, an economic
crisis which has created a lot of problems both for the United States
and the global economy, two wars -in Iraq and Afghanistan, various
social security problems inside the country etc.

This picture makes it obvious that the issues concerning the Armenians
are not going to be included in the list of Mr. Obama’s priority
tasks. At the same time, it’s a fact that Obama maintained his stance
after the Turkish President sent two delegates to the Advisors of
presidential contenders Obama and McCain with the purpose of warning
the latter not to make any attempt to recognize the Armenian Genocide
after being elected a President. Obama didn’t change his stance
after receiving this warning, and this leads to the belief that the
President-elect has a serious attitude to his pre-election promise.

Another evidence of this is the concern observed in the leading circles
of Turkey. The thing is that, violating all the norms of ethics
of international relations, Turkish Prime Minister Erdoghan hinted
in his congratulatory address to Mr. Obama that he hoped the newly
elected President would not keep the promise given to the US citizens.

Fortunately, the Armenian President’s congratulatory message also
contains hints on Mr. Obama’s pre-election promise. Using a more
diplomatic language, Serge Sargsyan introduced the expectations of
Armenia, as well as underlined the US President-elect’s stance on
the issues arousing interest among the Armenians.

As to what developments will occur in the Armenian-American relations
largely depends on Obama. However, there are other factors as
well. The majority of the members of Congress are Democrats, so if
Obama recognizes the Armenian Genocide, the Congress will not have
to adopt a resolution.

Before this, the Resolution of the Congress was a requirement that
would help appeal to President Bush with a demand to characterize
the 1915 events as Genocide while delivering his April 24 address
and making further steps in the sphere of foreign policy.

Such process of the recognition of the Armenian Genocide will suffer
the consequences of a negative impact should any of the parties make
negligent steps in the process of the formation of the Armenian-Turkish
relations. In particular, that may happen in case of setting up a
body dealing with the discussion of the historical facts. The thing is
that from the moment of its inception till the end of its activities,
Turkey will do its best to delay the activities of such body, and in
the meantime, speculate the issue of its existence.

If the issue of the Genocide becomes a subject of discussion with
the participation of the Armenian side, Obama will not be able to
keep his promise. If no such body is set up, Turkey may squander
threats. However, it was long ago that Obama warned Turkey to be ready
and not to be taken aback when the US President recognized the fact
of the Armenian Genocide."

AMERICAN-ARMENIANS HAVE GREAT ANTICIPATIONS
Naira Khachatryan

Hayots Ashkhar Daily
07 Nov 08
Armenia

Director of Armenian and Karabakh office of the American National
Congress of Armenians Arpy Vardanyan was the guest of "Urbat" club
yesterday.

Many American Presidents have promised to recognize Armenian Genocide,
during their pre-election campaign, but they have broken their
promise, once elected as president. According to Arpy Vardanyan the
situation is evidently different in this election: "Senator Obama,
both as a Senator and as a presidential candidate has many times
spoken about the Armenian Genocide and has underscored that he is
ready to recognize that fact. And he has three times spoken about
this during his pre-election campaign.

This time the American Armenians hope that he will keep his
premise. Many Armenians have voted for him. In my view this time
there is greater probability that the US future President will keep
his promise. If not earlier, then during the message of the President
on April 24 everything will be clear."

The speaker is confident that in the near future Turkish lobby will
make their efforts double: "Even from today the Turks will work
actively to have influence on Obama and Vice-President Joseph Baiden
regarding the recognition of Armenian Genocide. The latter has 20
years working experience in the Senate and is well aware of the
Armenian Cause. He is the friend of Armenians and the Turks know this."

Is it possible that like all the others Barrack Obama will also forget
about his promise, very important for the Armenians. "Of course that
version is also possible. But I must repeat, that Barrack Obama has
many times spoken about recognizing the fact of the Genocide. Moreover
he has mentioned that it is not a matter of choice for him. It is a
fact that must be recognized."

Arpy Vardanyan believes the experience of their organizations is
enough to effectively counteract the Turkish lobby. "We have 35
years’ experience, which is very important. The American Armenians
are very active and devoted to this issue. As regards the financial
possibilities, especially in conditions of the recession, we must
underscore that it is also a very important factor especially because
we know that Turkish lobby possess great financial means. But in my
view the devotion and the experience of the Armenian community is
more significant.

The Armenian National Congress of America is planning to continue its
work with the Congressmen: "The emphases was put on the presidential
elections. The elections of the House of Representatives also took
place. As you know before the elections the group engaged in Armenian
Cause, in the Congress consisted of 157 members. But the number
has changed after the elections because some members have not been
reelected. At present we are planning to meet with the congressmen
and propose them to become members of that group."

TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTRY DENIES PLAN FOR ARMENIA, AZERBAIJAN MEETING

Anatolia News Agency
Nov 7 2008
Turkey

TURKEY HAS NO EFFORTS TO ORGANIZE TRIPARTITE SUMMIT WITH ARMENIA AND
AZERBAIJAN, SPOKESMAN

LONDON (A.A) – 07.11.2008 – A foreign ministry spokesman said Friday
that Turkey had no efforts to organize a tripartite summit with the
presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Several media reports claimed that Turkish President Abdullah Gul would
invite Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian President Serzh
Sargsian to Istanbul to hold a summit for the solution of problems
in Caucasia.

"Of course, we would be pleased by visits of the presidents of
Azerbaijan and Armenia. But there is no such an effort (to hold a
tripartite summit) at this moment," Burak Ozugergin,spokesman for
the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told the A.A.

RESOLUTION OF NAGORNO-KARABAKH CONFLICT FEASIBLE AS ARMENIA AND AZERBAIJAN ISSUE JOINT DECLARATION
Natalia Leshchenko

World Markets Research Centre
Global Insight
November 3, 2008

The landmark talks between the Armenian and Azerbaijani presidents
Serzh Sargsyan and Ilham Aliyev resulted in a joint declaration on
Nagorno-Karabakh settlement. The parties committed to resolving the
conflict by peaceful means on the basis of international law. Foreign
ministers of both states are instructed to intensify the negotiation
process in cooperation with the Minsk Group of the Organisation of
Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). According to reports,
Azerbaijan is ready to grant the Armenian-dominated province a wide
autonomy, while Armenia insists on self-determination for the province;
talks recently have focused on calling a referendum in the region,
and Armenia withdrawing its armed forces stationed in the province.

Significance: Although declaratory, the document bears a paramount
importance for the resolution of one of the longest-standing
separation conflicts in the Commonwealth of Independent States
(CIS); although the declaration does not list clear steps ahead,
the failure of the summit that took a painfully long time to arrange
would have been a serious drawback for the process. Russian President
Dmitry Medvedev can congratulate himself on successful mediation,
and on bringing the negotiation process under the Russian roof,
which marks more prominence for Russia in the future settlement,
and by definition pushes out the U.S.- brokered efforts. Overall,
as we reported earlier, the prospects for the settlement are the best
they have ever been over the 14-year long course of the conflict.

International Analyst Network, NY
Nov 2 2008

ARMENIA: TIME FOR DIPLOMACY

Prof.Dr. Ruben Safrastyan
02 Nov 2008

`During the Russian-Georgian counteraction the Armenian side appeared
with a new quality’, the director of the Oriental Studies Institute of
the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia, Turkologist Ruben
Safrastyan expressed such opinion. According to him, in the result of
it Armenia managed to strengthen its relations with Russian Federation
and to be not only the neighbor but also the relative of Georgia at
the same time. `The diplomatic approaches of the Armenia side in such
a crisis raised the reputation of our country as a state’, narrator
underlined.

As for establishing diplomatic connections in the Armenian-Turkish
relations, the Turkologist noted that serious changes after the
meeting of the two Presidents on September 6 have been done: a start
was put for dialogues and diplomatic relations between the two
sides. R. Safrastyan also noted that today Armenia and Turkey are
struggling for defending the national profits of their states and
according to him this is a normal thing.

I do not think Turkey will swiftly change its diplomatic stances. If I
give more concrete assessments, in my view Turkey will use this raffle
of establishing diplomatic relations with Armenia, to extort
concessions from Armenia, because they are sure that Armenia is
interested in establishing diplomatic relations with them.

In such circumstances lots of things will depend on our diplomacy,
whether or not they will manage to attain their end,’ Director of NAS
Institute of Oriental Studies Ruben Safrastyan believes.

`If the diplomacy formed on August of this year between the two
countries is kept, our country will not lose in the diplomatic
relations with Turkey’, concluded R. Safrastyan.

Public Radio of Armenia, 31.10.2008; Hayots Ashkhar daily, 31.10.2008.

Interfax News Agency, Russia
Oct 31 2008

Russian-Armenian uranium joint-venture starts work in Armenia

YEREVAN Oct 31

ZAO Armenian-Russian Mining Company has begun geophysical and
geochemical exploration of uranium resources in Armenia, Armenian
Energy and Natural Resources Minister Armen Movsisyan told Interfax.

The company has received a license and has recently started field
work, he said. The company is scheduled to start drilling work in the
Syunik region in southern Armenia in 2009, he said.

Experts estimate Armenia’s uranium reserves at a level of 10,000 to
60,000 tonnes.

In addition, Armenia has completed the procedures of joining the
international enrichment center in Angarsk, where the uranium
extracted in Armenia will likely be processed.

ZAO Armenian-Russian Mining Company was created on a parity basis in
Armenia on July 16, 2008. Russia provided $3 billion for the
geological exploration of uranium.

A PROTEST MARCH IN SUPPORT OF ABDULLAH OJALAN

AZG Armenian Daily
30/10/2008

Ethnic minorities of Armenia

Kurdish community of Armenia staged a protest October 28 in Yerevan
Shahumian Square condemning physical violence in a Turkish prison
against the Kurdish leader Abdullah Ojalan.

"Turkish authorities have declared a war on Kurdish fighters for
freedom and the whole Kurdish people", mentioned the head of Kurdish
community in Armenia Knyaz Hasanov. According to him, Abdullah Ojalan
suffers torture and he is threatened with death penalty.

Ojalan’s advocates informed about it, and Kurds in many parts of the
world went on protest marches condemning the inhuman act of Turkish
authorities.

The protesters also mentioned that an examination made in 2007 cleared
up that Ojalan had been poisoned.

After that, the protesters marched from Shahumian Square to the
UN office.

ACCORDING TO EDWARD NALBANDIAN, THERE IS NO NEED TO SEEK NEW NEGOTIATION FORMAT

Noyan Tapan
Oct 30, 2008

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 30, NOYAN TAPAN. Armenia together with Azerbaijan
can find a solution to the Karabakh problem if Azerbaijan displays
a will instead of making various statements and taking hindering
actions in international organizations, Armenian Foreign Minister
Edward Nalbandian stated at the October 30 press conference.

According to him, if Armenia responds to these steps in the same way,
the Karabakh process will stop. "Armenia has always taken quite a
reserved approach because we have a great desire to solve this problem
and are in earnest about negotiations, we believe that the negotiations
are now at quite an important stage," the foreign minister declared.

In response to the question about why the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs
have arrived in Baku without visiting Armenia, E. Nalbandian said: "I
don’t know that the co-chairs are now in Azerbaijan, this information
should be checked. Maybe there was a need to clarify Azerbaijan’s
positions, maybe Armenia’s positions are more understandable to the
co-chairs, and for that reason they did not come here at this stage".

He once again attached importance to the OSCE Minsk Group negotiation
format. In his words, this format is efficient, enjoys the support of
the international community, so there is no need to seek a new format.

LOGIC OF KARABAKH CONFLICT SETTLEMENT STIPULATES COMPROMISES FROM THE AZERBAIJANI AND ARMENIAN PARTIES, ARMENIAN FOREIGN MINISTER THINKS

ArmInfo
2008-10-30 17:29:00

ArmInfo. The logic of the Karabakh conflict settlement stipulates
compromises from the Azerbaijani and Armenian parties, Armenian
Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandyan told journalists today.

He also added it is not real to demand compromises from one party and
to give nothing in exchange. When commenting of different statements
regarding ‘security zone’ territories around Nagornyy Karabakh the
minister said a complex approach has been applied in the negotiating
process. ‘If there is no arrangement in general, one cannot speak
about any specific things and it is wrong to make conclusions’, –
the minister said. He also added Armenian and Azerbaijani peoples
should be informed in case of making arrangement.

‘Nobody is going to make steps behind the people. No leader can
resolve the problem without the people’s support’, – Armenia foreign
minister said.

Speaking about possible deployment of peace-making forces in the
conflict zone the minister said this issue will be discussed when
the negotiating process reaches the relevant stage. But since
international forces maybe deployed, Nalbandyan said such mission
will not be limited only by participation of one state.

ANC OF NJ PUBLIC FORUM DRAWS THREE CONGRESSMEN ENDORSED BY THE ANCA-ANC OF NJ FOCUSES ON "GET OUT THE VOTE" ON NOVEMBER 4TH

armradio.am
31.10.2008 10:29

The Armenian National Committee of New Jersey (ANC of NJ) hosted a
free public forum for the Armenian community on Election 2008 at the
Sheraton Meadowlands in East Rutherford, N.J. Guest speakers included
three of New Jersey’s representatives in the House: Scott Garrett
(R-NJ-5), Steve Rothman (D-NJ-9), and Frank Pallone (D-NJ-6). Joe
Ariyan, an Armenian-American who ran a competitive campaign last
November for the 39th district State Senate seat in New Jersey, also
addressed those in attendance. The keynote speaker for the evening
was Aram S. Hamparian, Executive Director of the Armenian National
Committee of America (ANCA), in Washington, DC.

"The ANC of NJ would like to thank all those in attendance, especially
the Congressmen. Given it’s less than ten days before the election, we
were grateful that they were able to make room in their busy schedule
and speak to the Armenian American community in New Jersey," commented
James Sahagian, ANC of NJ Co-Chair. "We are also grateful for a letter
shared to us by Rep. Rush Holt (D-NJ-12) who was unable to make it."

Rep. Scott Garrett shared some of his personal experiences in
traveling to Armenia and in meeting genocide survivor Mrs. Alice
Shnorhokian of his district on April 23, 2008.He reaffirmed his
support for the U.S. Congress to once again officially recognize the
Armenian Genocide. Moreover, Rep. Garrett expressed his support for
a peaceful, negotiated settlement to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict,
and a stronger relationship between the United States and Armenia.

Rep. Steve Rothman, a long-time friend of the Armenian community, said
that he grew-up with Armenians as friends and neighbors, and felt as
"part of the family" when amongst Armenians. As part of the important
House Committee on Appropriations, Rep. Rothman has been instrumental
in delivering over $800 million in aid directed to Armenia throughout
his tenure on this committee.

In addition to his continued support for the Republic of Armenia,
Rep. Rothman expressed his desire to see the Armenian Genocide
properly recognized by the U.S. Congress and to see a settlement to the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Finally, he spent some time talkingabout
Senator Barack Obama, and why he felt that the Armenian community
should support him for president. As the Northeast Regional Chair of
the Obama campaign, Rep.

Rothman stated that Obama has supported key issues of interest to the
Armenian American community as a State Senator in Illinois and as a
member of the U.S. Senate, and will continue to be a good friend to
the Armenian American community as president.

Rep. Frank Pallone, co-chair on the Congressional Caucus on Armenian
Issues, and one of the strongest advocates for Armenian American
interests in the Congress, thanked the ANC of NJ for putting together
a forum to discuss the upcoming election. He noted the presence of Joe
Ariyan at the event and encouraged more Armenians to participate in
the political process. Pallone discussed the need for the U.S. and
Armenia to build closer ties, and expressed optimism that this is
more likely to occur with an Obama Administration.

Joe Ariyan, a Bergen County resident and a candidate last year for
State Senate in the 39th District of New Jersey, gave a personal
testimony of his experience growing up as an American-Armenian in
N.J. He applauded the ANC of NJ for its advocacy of Armenian issues
and was thankful for its assistance in his campaign a year ago. When
asked if he would seek office again in the future, Joe indicated that
he and his family were considering his options, and he has not ruled
out a future campaign.

Finally, Aram Hamparian,who was introduced by Armenian Youth Federation
of New Jersey President Kevork Mesrobian, discussed the initiatives of
the ANCA and its activities over the past year. He also spoke of the
2008 presidential elections and gave several reasons why the ANCA has
endorsed Barack Obama for president, both early in the Democratic
primaries and now in the general election. After a short video
presentation on the work of the ANCA, Hamparian went on to analyze
the potential consequences of the Presidential elections, i.e. how
different results might impact our issues in Washington. Hamparian
took several engaging questions from the audience.

He cited progress in the ANCA’s grassroots initiatives around the
country, and expressed optimism for improved relations with the next
administration.