Author: Kajoyan Gevork

NO REASONABLE PERSON WOULD GO FOR A PLOT – HAKOB HAKOBYAN

Tert.am
05.11.11

MP of the ruling Republican Party of Armenia Hakob Hakobyan, nicknamed
as Choyt, no reasonable person would opt for a plot in Armenia.

Referring to a comment by local daily Zhoghovurd that there are
media reports according to which the resignations of Chairman of the
National Assembly Hovik Abrahamyan and Police Chief Alik Sargsyan
are the consequence of a prevented plot, Hakobyan said plots are
impossible in Armenia.

“No one can mastermind a plot in our country as everything is
controlled by all the agencies. No reasonable person would go for a
plot,” explained Hakobyan.

Further, he said he is going to run for the upcoming parliamentary
elections a majoritarian candidate, adding that he would like to be
included also in the party’s proportional representation list which
is up to the party to decide.

CHORRORD INQNISHKHANUTYUN: LEVON SARGSYAN TO LEAVE ARMENIA

Tert.am
05.11.11

The paper claims it has learned that Levon Sargsyan, MP from the ruling
Republican Party of Armenia and deemed as oligarch, is preparing to
leave the country.

The paper cites rumors that these days Sargsyan is busy with selling
of his estate in Armenia.

Further, the paper claims that it recently informed its readers that
Levon Sargsyan had taken large amounts in bank loans and is now facing
some difficulties in paying them off.

In all probability, the paper comments, Serzh Sargsyan no longer
likes Levon Sargsyan as previously which means he will at least not
be at the next parliament.

Speaking about rumors that Levon Sargsyan is preparing to leave the
Armenia, the paper notes that he intends to go to a European country.

LA RUSSIE ACCEPTE UN ACCORD AVEC LA GEORGIE POUR ENTRER A L’OMC
Stephane

armenews.com
samedi 5 novembre 2011

La Russie a accepte un accord avec la Georgie sous mediation suisse
qui ouvre la voie a une adhesion de Moscou a l’Organisation mondiale
du commerce (OMC) après 18 ans d’attente, ont annonce jeudi des
responsables georgiens et russes.

“Les Russes ont accepte la proposition suisse. Nous n’avons pas de
details sur leur decision, mais il semble que l’accord soit fait”,
a declare a l’AFP le ministre adjoint des Affaires etrangères Sergi
Kapanadze.

Moscou a confirme avoir accepte l’accord avec Tbilissi, selon l’agence
russe Interfax.

“Nous sommes heureux que la Georgie ait soutenu le projet et que
l’accord ait finalement ete conclu”, a declare le negociateur en chef
russe, Maxim Medvedkov, cite par Interfax.

M. Kapanadze a indique qu’une delegation georgienne arriverait dans
la journee de jeudi en Suisse pour des negociations avec les Russes
et les mediateurs suisses.

La Georgie, qui en tant qu’Etat membre de l’OMC opposait son
veto a l’entree de la Russie, avait accepte la semaine dernière
“une proposition finale” des mediateurs suisses repondant a ses
preoccupations.

L’un des principaux obstacles a l’entree de la Russie etait le
differend entre Moscou et Tbilissi depuis la guerre eclair d’août 2008
pour le contrôle de la region separatiste georgienne d’Ossetie du Sud.

Après ce conflit, Moscou a reconnu l’independance de ce territoire,
ainsi que celle d’une autre province separatiste georgienne,
l’Abkhazie.

Tbilissi continue de revendiquer sa souverainete sur ces territoires,
et donc son droit d’en surveiller les frontières.

La Russie est la dernière grande puissance economique a ne pas faire
partie de l’OMC, malgre le lancement de negociations depuis 1993.

GEORGIAN AND ARMENIAN CHURCH LEADERS STILL SEEKING A SOLUTION FOR DISPUTED CHURCHES
By Etuna Tsotniashvili

The Messenger

Nov 3 2011
Georgia

What is the situation in the dispute between Georgia and Armenia on
the issues of Georgian churches on Armenian territory? This issue has
been activated recently and today the disagreement has boiled up to
both the Georgian and Armenian Patriarchates.

To raise public interest in the disputed churches in Georgia, a local
NGO called Multinational Georgia, and with the support of Armenian
Embassy and Armenian Assembly, organized a tour for Georgian historians
and media representatives to the Debed Gorge in Armenia where two
13th century churches are located. Georgian historians say that
based on the architecture, frescoes and graves with Georgian-alphabet
inscriptions that the churches of Akhtala and Kobair are of Georgian
origin. Both Akhtala and Kobair are now on Armenia’s territory and
both are disputed subjects between the two countries.

Akhtala is located in the Lori Province on the left bank of the Debed
River. On October 30, a Sunday, four or five people were in the church,
lighting candles. There were no signs of giving mass or a sermon
as it is traditional in Christian churches, however. In the yard
of the church a rock band was playing, which caused some surprise,
however I was told that a music clip was being shot and in Armenian
churches they have liberal approach so it isn’t unusual to play noisy
music in the yard of an old church. The musicians were Americans,
of Armenian origin.

The locals know that this church is the subject of dispute, however
they unanimously stressed that Georgians and Armenians should solve
all such problems in a friendly way. “We, the local population, know
that they are Georgian churches, but I don’t have much information
about it. In our region both Georgians and Armenians live together
and we have good relations with each other. We go to church from time
to time, light candles and pray,” said Anait Taamryan to The Messenger.

However on the question if sermons are held in the church regularly
she had no information. “I do not know–maybe yes,” she answered in
the local way.

Historian Eldar Bubulashvili told the journalists visiting the church
that the Akhtala Monastery was founded in the 13th century by Ioane
Mkhargrdzeli, who is buried there. The unique frescos here include
those with St. Nino and St Mariam, which are very interesting.

As the local priest of Akhtala Church, Vazgen Kirakosian said, mass
in the Akhtala Church was restored two years ago and is conducted in
Armenian. However, the Georgian Patriarchate’s representatives say
that this is a violation of an agreement between the two churches.

Representative of youth movement Davitiani at the Georgian
Patriarchate, Kote Svanadze, said that there was an agreement between
the two patriarchates to halt any masses given in disputed churches
until this issue is solved. However the agreement is being violated
since in Akhtala the sermon is held in Armenian while rehabilitation
works are being carried out in the Kobair church a few kilometres away.

“We only give mass and serve in the church; we are not supposed to
discuss issues that have to be decided between two countries. Whatever
I may answer to your questions is my personal opinion and not the
official position,” Vazgen Kirakosian said.

The renovation of the Kobair church, which is in extremely poor
condition, is also a subject of disagreement. Some analysts say that
this violates the agreement between the two Patriarchates, as it was
not agreed with Georgian Church whether the Armenian Church could
begin restoration. The walls of the church are in ruins and cold
weather is damaging the unique frescos.

The Vice Mayor of Alaverdi, Artur Kharatian, said: “I think this is an
issue historians should discuss. It is not easy to give an answer on
church ownership, but I can say one thing for sure–that this issue
should not cause confrontation between two nations!”

“Armenians do not dispute that the churches are Orthodox, however there
is disagreement on whether the churches were built by the Armenian
Orthodox or Georgian Orthodox people. At an epoch when those churches
were being built, the Debed gorge was included in Georgia’s territory
and Georgians were living here. Evidence of this are the graves of
people with Georgian inscriptions, and the fact that Georgian Church
jurisdiction included these churches,” said historian Jaba Samushia. He
said that today what is most important is that the churches be saved
because as time passes the weather is destroying them.

Arnold Stepanyan, Chairman of Multinational Georgia said negotiations
have begun on three disputed churches, those of Akhtala, Kobair and
Khujabi. Some progress has been reached in for Khujabi and Kobair
and discussions are also in progress on six Armenian churches located
in Georgia.

“I think both sides should find certain compromises and agree on
specific issues. The negotiations must continue so issues are solved
peacefully,” Stepanyan said. “We should try to do everything for
the sake of our nations. This is very sensitive issue and we want to
restore friendship between the two Churches,” he added.

U.S. DOES NOT PROVIDE EXPECTED SUPPORT TO AZERBAIJAN IN KARABAKH CONFLICT

Trend
Nov 3 2011
Azerbaijan

The United States, beginning to solve Azerbaijan’s problems on the
Caspian Sea, seeks to divert attention from the resolution of the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Director of the Center for Political
Innovation and Technology, a political scientist Mubariz Ahmedoglu
told Trend.

However, Baku considers the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
as a priority issue in the relations with the U.S..

But, the U.S. does not provide the expected support to Azerbaijan on
this issue, because now Armenia is of more importance to the country,
he said.

He expressed serious doubts that the U.S. can solve problems of
Azerbaijan on the Caspian Sea.

“Emphasizing the importance of security in the Caspian Sea, the
United States blackmails Iran, pulling it into the war. Given that
this blackmail will be carried out through Azerbaijan, one can imagine
what situation Azerbaijan will face then. But, the U.S. does not care,”
he said.

He noted that a certain activity is observed around the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The United States and France also increased
activity in the issue, and more influential states began to show
interest in the settlement of the Karabakh problem.

But, Mr. Ahmedoglu said, Iran openly supports Armenia’s position.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988
when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Armenian
armed forces have occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan since 1992,
including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and 7 surrounding districts.

Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a ceasefire agreement in 1994. The
co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group – Russia, France, and the U.S. –
are currently holding the peace negotiations.

Armenia has not yet implemented the U.N. Security Council’s four
resolutions on the liberation of the Nagorno-Karabakh and the
surrounding regions.

BATTALION TO FIGHT AGAINST PKK ESTABLISHED IN AZERBAIJAN

Panorama
Nov 3 2011
Armenia

Head of the Union of Azerbaijan Patriotic War Veterans Fizuli
Rzaguliyev said that they have established a battalion of volunteers
to fight against PKK in Turkey.

Rzaguliyev told Yeni Musavat that he is going to appeal to the
Ambassador of Turkey to Azerbaijan to get the possibility to fight
against PKK.

“We consider Turkey as the homeland of Azerbaijanis and Azerbaijan –
the homeland of Turks, therefore we are ready to fight for Turkey,”
he said.

It is widely known that top Azerbaijani officials finance PKK. The
Turkish authorities have repeatedly raised the issue of their
extradition, producing irrefutable evidence that high-ranking
Azerbaijani officials support Kurdish militants, however, the
Azerbaijani authorities refuse to meet them halfway.

12TH RA-EU PARLIAMENTARY COOPERATION COMMITTEE MEETING BEGINS THE WORK IN THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

National Assembly of RA

Nov 3 2011
Armenia

On November 2 in the parliament the twelfth RA-EU Parliamentary
Cooperation Committee (PCC) Meeting was held.

Hovik Abrahamyan, President of the Armenian National Assembly,
delivered his welcoming speech.

“Distinguished members of the Armenia-EU Parliamentary Cooperation
Committee,

Esteemed ambassadors,

Dear guests,

I am pleased to welcome you at the National Assembly of the Republic
of Armenia . This is the first meeting for the European members of
the Armenia-EU PCC in Yerevan , and I am happy to say – welcome to
Yerevan .

Today the committee has convened for its regular meeting to review
the annual work. As at every meeting this time, too, our colleagues
will address both the success we have registered and current problems.

Future activity will also be anticipated.

The committee which was set up twelve years ago with the view of
holding a political dialogue between the members of the European
Parliament and the Armenian National Assembly, due to its consistent
work succeeded in promoting the joint agenda of Armenia and the EU.

As I have stated many times, the European dimension and our
rapprochement with the EU is one of the priorities of the foreign
and domestic policy of our country, and we attach great importance to
the items placed on the EU-Armenia cooperation agenda at this stage,
which relate more to a closer cooperation, in particular in the fields
of foreign and security policy, democracy, economic integration,
mobility, human rights and energy.

I also wish to focus on the following: less than a year has passed
since the launch of the Association Agreement process with the EU. At
present we have accomplished nineteen chapters of the agreement.

Dear Colleagues,

While leaving the detailed analysis of the completed work to the
committee members, I would like to briefly touch upon the reforms
and steps undertaken by Armenia recently on its way to European
integration.

Quite recently following broad discussions a new Electoral Code was
finalized and passed, enabling to hold free and fair elections.

Another achievement, in my view, is the new law on the Freedom
of Assembly, aimed at ensuring the right to freely organize and
attend rallies set forth by Article 29 of the RA Constitution and
international treaties. The new law provides the necessary machinery
regulating the terms and procedure for the exercise and defence of
the freedom of rallies. The interference of different authorities in
restricting rallies is the minimum, thus excluding the arbitrariness
in prohibiting rallies.

Dear Colleagues,

A few days after the constituent meeting of the EURONEST I would
like to refer to the Assembly. Today we are pleased to state that a
multiparty parliamentary assembly is set up, and I wish to mention
that the Armenian National Assembly was among the first to respond
to the establishment thereof, carrying out the preparation needed
for it without any delay. This inter-parliamentary assembly is the
parliamentary leverage of the Eastern Partnership policy, which
should create the necessary conditions for promoting the political
association and economic integration between the EU and Eastern
Partnership states. The Assembly cannot function fully, if instead
of issues of regional cooperation only matters related to conflicts
are put on the table.

The European Union having established lasting peace and prosperity in
its space is a role model of political and economic integration for the
world. It is my strong belief that this experience could be localized
in South Caucasus , if all parties display the necessary political
will. The Republic of Armenia openly supports the normal development
of relations with its neighbours and deepening of regional cooperation.

Dear Colleagues,

The Armenian National Assembly focuses on the active dialogue with
the civil society. In this context the Memorandum of Understanding
concluded a few days ago between the delegation of the National
Assembly and Armenian National Platform of the Eastern Partnership
Civil Society Forum within the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly is an
important event.

The MOU sets forth five basic goals, for which the parties should
unite their efforts to:

– promote prevention of corruption in the RA public administration
system and reduce corruption risks;

– promote prevention of corruption in the RA public administration
system and reduce corruption risks; – help to improve the effectiveness
of fight on restrictions of civil freedoms and rights in all areas
and sectors of the RA public life;

– raise awareness of the RA commitments to the EU among people;

– promote understanding of the European values – Human Rights, the
Rule of Law and Democracy – and shaping of a consciousness to help
their adoption;

– develop and introduce legislation proceeding from the agreements
signed or to be signed between the RA and the EU.

Dear Colleagues,

With all of this in view, we are aware that the implementation of
the reforms is impossible if there is a lack of trust therein, belief
and political will.

I would like to assure that the Armenian President, parliament and
government are strong in their will to finalize the democratic reforms.

I believe interesting work is ahead for the Committee at this meeting,
too and I hope it will be held in a constructive atmosphere of mutual
understanding. I wish you success in all your endeavours.”

Co-chairs Naira Zohrabyan and Milan Cabrnoch also welcomed the
Committee members.

In his speech Mr. Cabrnoch showed appreciation for friendly reception
and highlighted the dialogue in parliamentary format between the
representatives of the EU big political groups and the Armenian MPs,
expecting effective cooperation. The Co-Chair has mentioned that they
observe Armenia as a part of Europe , and they consider important
the development of relations in all spheres. Mr. Cabrnoch mentioned
the main dimensions, which today the parliamentarians discussed and
focused on the Association Agreement, the free comprehensive trade
zone, visa and readmission facilitation, as well as the issue relating
to the people’s move.

Moderating the Meeting Naira Zohrabyan proposed to approve the
agenda of the Meeting and the protocol of the eleventh Meeting of
the EU-Armenia PCC held in Brussels on December 1-2, 2010.

Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, RA Deputy Foreign Minister, and Onno Simons, Head
of the Political, Economic, Press and Information Section of the EU
Delegation in Armenia , talked on the current situation between the EU
and Armenia , particularly, on the procedure of the negotiations over
the Association Agreement. They both expressed satisfaction over the
ongoing active process of the dialogue between Armenia and the EU. Mr.

Mnatsakanyan has stressed that the cooperation is a system of values,
which promotes the efficiency of the started reforms. “As a result
of negotiations over the Association Agreement 19 chapters and
17 supplements of the document have been succeeded to be complied
completely,” the speakers have said, mentioning that the discussions
over the remaining problems are still going on. It was, particularly,
noted that the negotiations over the visa and readmission facilitation
will be held simultaneously, and the investment of biometric passports
would promote the acceleration of the process.

The parliamentarians also presented their assessments and notions
about the steps taken and to be taken. Hermine Naghdalyan, member of
the RPA faction, introduced the fields of social-economic reforms,
as well as anti-corruption events. Hovhannes Margaryan, member of the
Country of Law faction, also talked about the actions in reducing
the corruption by the authorities and emphasized the transparency
in that issue.Larisa Alaverdyan, Secretary of the Heritage faction,
presented his concerns on some steps taken by the authorities.

The MPs discussed the Eastern Partnership Action Plan, the issues
concerning the holding of fair elections and formation of trade zone.

Within the framework of the EURONEST Parliamentary Assembly the
cooperation, especially at regional level, was emphasized. Naira
Zohrabyan noticed that this format should become a platform of
cooperation, rather than promote deepening of the dividing lines.

On November 3 the work of the Committee will continue in the
parliament.

NA DEPUTY SPEAKER SAMVEL NIKOYAN MEETS THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ASSYRIAN COMMUNITIES

National Assembly of RA

Nov 3 2011
Armenia

On November 2 the Vice Speaker of the National Assembly Samvel Nikoyan
met the representatives of the Assyrian communities from different
countries of the world.

Mr. Nikoyan expressed satisfaction for meeting with the representatives
of a nation having serious contribution to the world policy and having
a powerful state long ago, but at the same time expressed regret
over losing their country by historical injustice and for being
spread throughout the world. He ensured that the Armenian people,
who saw Genocide and lost a big part of the historical motherland and
his native state understand the problems of the Assyrians spread all
over the world pretty well and create an opportunity for the living
of the Assyrians residing in Armenia and preserving national identity.

Speaking out on the persecutions and Genocide committed by the
Ottoman Empire towards the Armenian, Greek and Assyrian peoples in the
beginning of the last century, the representatives of the Assyrian
communities, who arrived from different countries of the world,
expressed conviction that if the had not closed an eye towards those
illegal cruelties and prevented them, the genocides and the crimes
perpetrated against humanity would not be of continuous nature. They
proposed to combine forces in revealing that historical injustice
and making the Genocide recognizable.

The members of the delegation also informed the Vice Speaker about
their intention to create an Assyrian center, which would give an
opportunity to coordinate the cultural-educational opportunities. By
their assessment, they are pleasantly surprised by the big
opportunities in retaining national identity given to the Assyrian
community in Armenia, and in case the Armenian authorities are not
against the idea of founding that center in Armenia.

The Vice Speaker of the National Assembly Samvel Nikoyan wished success
to the delegation for implementing the goals aimed at preserving the
national identity, ensuring that the Armenian people, who had passed
through severe experiences, know how to evaluate the past and the
present and offer a helping hand.

ZVARTNOTS AIRPORT RESUMES CANCELLED FLIGHTS ‘TO AVOID PASSENGER INCONVENIENCE’

Tert.am
03.11.11

Armenia International Airports, LLC, has resumed the flights of the
Armenian carrier Armavia as of 6 pm Thursday, an airport spokesperson
has said.

Speaking to Tert.am, Gevorg Abrahamyan said that in an attempt to
prevent additional inconveniences for passengers Armenia International
Airports, LLC, resumed the delayed flights.

However, he said that it was not ruled out that some more flights
would be delayed or canceled.

“We do not know what Armavia is dissatisfied with. We canceled the
flights because the agreed level of debt was exceeded by two times,”
said Gevorg Abrahamyan.

“Armavia has been informed about the cancellation of flights in
advance. Regarding those statements that Zvartnots Airport has
increased service prices, there is no such thing; there has been no
increase in prices,” he added.

Nane Avetisyan, the Spokesperson for Armavia, told Tert.am that the
reason of cancellation is the increase of service prices.

“That is their viewpoint. From our viewpoint the reason for canceling
the flights is the increase of service prices, but we had the flights
resumed,” she explained.

Avetisyan also said that as long as negotiations are underway no
flights will be delayed till Tuesday

GADDAFI SON REPORTEDLY HIDING IN SAHARA

PanARMENIAN.Net
November 3, 2011 – 16:03 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – A fugitive wanted by the International Criminal
Court, Moammar Gadhafi’s one-time heir apparent appears to have
disappeared in the Sahara Desert’s ocean of dunes and could remain
hidden for months in an area more than twice the size of Texas.

Seif al-Islam Gadhafi may be plotting a counterrevolution, scheming
about a getaway to a friendly country, or negotiating a surrender to
the ICC. Nothing has been heard of him since sources on Oct. 28 said
Tuareg nomads were escorting him the length of Libya and that he was
close to the Mali border, AFP reports.

“My latest information is that they are not in Mali and they are not
in Niger yet either,” Malian legislator Ibrahim Ag Mohamed Assaleh
said this week, adding to the mystery of his whereabouts.

Gadhafi, a 39-year-old British-educated engineer, could be deliberately
feeding disinformation from a desert where national boundaries
are unmarked and unpoliced and where smugglers and al-Qaida gunmen
roam freely.

Analyst Adam Thiam, a columnist for Le Republicain newspaper in Mali,
said life in the desert for long periods outside of isolated oases
is nearly impossible, but that a zone in Mali has water, livestock
and small game. However the area is used by al-Qaida in the Islamic
Maghreb, an extremist group which has “no love of the Gadhafi family,”
Thiam said. Gadhafi violently repressed Libya’s own Islamist movement
and was a longtime enemy of al-Qaida.

Gadhafi and his late father’s former chief of military intelligence,
Abdullah al-Senoussi, have reportedly been traveling in separate
convoys escorted by Tuaregs, the hardy nomads who understand best
how to survive in the desert. Loyalty to the ethnic group trumps
nationality, and the Tuareg’s traditional stomping grounds stretch
across North Africa, from Morocco and Algeria to Libya and southwest
to Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso and Chad.

Gadhafi and al-Senoussi are both wanted by the ICC for allegedly
organizing and ordering attacks in Libya that killed civilians during
the revolt against Moammar Gadhafi.