Author: Kajoyan Gevork

The Globe and Mail (Canada)
October 7, 2011 Friday

Sarkozy presses Turkey to declare Armenian massacre a genocide

by EMMANUEL JARRY, YEREVAN

French President Nicolas Sarkozy, on a brief trip to the Caucasus,
urged Turkey to recognize the 1915 massacre of Armenians as genocide,
threatening to pass a law in France that would make denying this a
crime.

Visiting a genocide memorial and museum in Yerevan, Armenia, with
Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan, Mr. Sarkozy challenged Turkey –
which is seeking membership of the European Union – to face up to its
past.

“The Armenian genocide is a historical reality. Collective denial is
even worse than individual denial,” Mr. Sarkozy said Thursday.

“Turkey, which is a great country, would honour itself to revisit its
history like other great countries in the world have done.”

Armenia was the first stop on a two-day trip to the region by Mr.
Sarkozy, who is keen to raise his profile on the international stage
before an April presidential election. He visits Azerbaijan and
Georgia on Friday.

France is opposed to Turkey’s bid for EU membership and his comments
on the sensitive subject are likely to be viewed as unwelcome meddling
by Ankara.

Turkey denies the deaths of Armenians in 1915 was genocide. It says
both Christian Armenians and Muslim Turks died in large numbers as the
Ottoman empire collapsed.

Mr. Sarkozy suggested that the French parliament might consider a law
making denial of the deaths of Armenians as genocide a crime, similar
to the current French law against denial of the Holocaust.

While in the region, Mr. Sarkozy will try to encourage Mr. Sargsyan
and the president of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, to resolve a conflict
over Nagorno-Karabakh, a mainly Armenian-populated enclave in
Azerbaijan.

France plays a leading role in the Minsk Group of countries from the
Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, which is trying
to resolve the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh.

Armenian-backed forces wrested Nagorno-Karabakh from Azeri control
after the Soviet Union collapsed. When the conflict ended in a
ceasefire in 1994, 30,000 people had been killed and about one million
had been driven from their homes.

During a three-hour visit to Georgia, Mr. Sarkozy will also urge
Georgia to improve relations with Russia, reviving memories of his
mediating role when the two countries went to war in 2008.

Mr. Sarkozy’s success in brokering a ceasefire in that conflict
guarantees a warm welcome in the capital Tbilisi, where he will meet
President Mikheil Saakashvili and address a crowd in the central
Freedom Square.

Mr. Sarkozy will urge Mr. Saakashvili to look beyond the countries’
differences, including over how they interpret the ceasefire terms,
and rebuild trust in relations with Moscow.

Each side accuses the other of acting provocatively and sabotaging
relations. Moscow has angered Tbilisi by recognizing breakaway
Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent regions.

It was not clear whether Mr. Sarkozy would discuss Russia’s bid to
join the World Trade Organization which Georgia, as a member, could
block. Moscow hopes to complete its entry to the 153-member trading
body this year.

Mr. Sarkozy mediated the 2008 ceasefire on behalf of the European
Union as France held the bloc’s presidency at the time.

That ended the war over Abkhazia and South Ossetia, but Georgia says
Russia has violated the terms by not withdrawing troops to the
positions they held before the war.

news.az, Azerbaijan
Oct 8 2011

Azerbaijanis in Germany mount a new campaign
Sat 08 October 2011 05:34 GMT | 1:34 Local Time

The Central Council of Azerbaijani Diaspora in Germany has launched a
new project in Magdeburg.

As part of the project 300 T-shits depicting the following words ‘We
are against a war in Nagnoro-Karabakh. We demand to grant independence
to Nagorno-Karabakh within Azerbaijan. Armenians should withdraw their
soldiers from the occupied lands of Azerbaijan’ were distributed among
the city residents and it was announced that Azerbaijani people want
peace and stability in their country and the region and that they
oppose resumption of a war.

‘The campaign we held today is one of the projects we implemented this
year. This project will be implemented in several cities across
Germany including Hannover, Neumünster and Düsseldorf. We should let
the German public learn the truth,’ head of the Central Council of
Azerbaijani Diaspora in Germany Tengis Sade baron zu Romkerhall said
in his remarks.

`Our people want the Karabakh conflict to be solved in a peaceful way,
the occupied lands of Azerbaijan to be freed, over 1 million of people
evicted from these lands to return their homes and the territorial
integrity of our country to be ensured through peaceful means.’

Gun.Az

news.az, Azerbaijan
Oct 8 2011

US envoy comments on California Senator’s visit to Nagorno-Karabakh
Sat 08 October 2011 07:47 GMT | 3:47 Local Time

The visit of California Senator Joseph Simitian to Azerbaijan was very
productive.
He met with President Ilham Aliyev and several country officials in Azerbaijan.

The statement came from US ambassador to Azerbaijan Matthew Bryza.

“Being here, Simityan urged all regional countries to cooperate. I did
not have any information that he planed to visit Nagorno-Karabakh.

The Senator did not ask my opinion on this matter. As far as I know,
Simitian was to visit Armenia and Azerbaijan only. He had no initial
plans to visit Nagorno-Karabakh. Simitian changed his mind after he
visited Azerbaijan,” Bryza said.

The ambassador stressed that the U.S. position on Nagorno-Karabakh
remains unchanged.

“I want to note that the U.S. does not recognize independence of
Nagorno-Karabakh,” Bryza added.

The security cooperation between Azerbaijan and US is expanding, Bryza noted.

“At a meeting with Defense Minister Safar Abiyev, we discussed issues
of cooperation in security, in particular the steps that must be taken
in protection against possible risks in the energy sector. We also
discussed the visit of senior officials of Azerbaijan to the United
States,” Bryza continued.

Bryza also said that the meeting discussed the issue of 9.4 million
dollars earmarked for Azerbaijan to purchase equipment and organize
exercises in the Caspian Sea, the envoy stated.

1news.az

APA, Azerbaijan
Oct 7 2011

Matthew Bryza: `Senator Simitian visited here with good intent’

[ 08 Oct 2011 14:03 ]
Baku. Habil Suleymanzadeh – APA. `I was unaware of Senator Simitian’s
possible visit to Karabakh before his tour on the region.

He didn’t ask my opinion. I was told that the Senator had to visit
Azerbaijan and Armenia and then return home. It seems he changed his
plans after his arrival here’, US Ambassador to Azerbaijan Matthew
Bryza said while commenting the US Senator Jospeh Simitian’s visit to
the occupied Nagorno Karabakh region of Azerbaijan.

Bryza said the United States didn’t change its attitude towards the
Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict. `The United States and even Armenia
didn’t recognize Nagorno Karabakh as an independent entity. Let’s hope
that Simitian’s visit will contribute to the Minsk Group’s peacemaking
efforts. He visited here with good intent’.

Trend, Azerbaijan
Oct 8 2011

Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has become a topic of discussion at OSCE PA session

8 October 2011, 23:01 (GMT+05:00) Trend Ð`.Ð?лиев/”>Azerbaijan, Baku, 8
Oct. /Trend M. Aliyev/

Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has become a topic of
discussion on Saturday at the autumn session of the OSCE Parliamentary
Assembly, which takes place in Dubrovnik (Croatia), as website of the
organization reported.

The session was made by Vice-Speaker of the Milli Mejlis (Parliament)
Bahar Muradova, who noted that the unsettled conflict has a negative
impact on the development of the South Caucasus region. She also noted
the importance of dialogue between Azerbaijanian and Armenian
communities, which can lead to trust between the parties.

The session also addressed the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs Robert
Bradtke (USA) and Igor Popov (Russia), as well as the personal
representative of OSCE Chairman-in-Office Andrzej Kasprzyk. In their
speeches, they briefed members of the current status of settlement of
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, which is based on three pillars – non-use
of force, territorial integrity and the right of peoples to
self-determination.

Kasprzyk also said that as a result of violations of the ceasefire on
the contact line between Armenian and Azerbaijani troops recently
three soldiers were killed. He said that in connection with it the
OSCE offers a new monitor on the front lines next week.

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.

The delegation of Azerbaijan to the OSCE PA, in addition to Bahar
Muradova presented by chairmen of parliamentary committees Rabiyat
Aslanova, Eldar Ibrahimov, as well as MPs Fattah Heydarov, Agalar
Veliyev and Azay Guliyev.

The session will also address issues relating to the development of
South-Eastern Europe, economic cooperation between countries of this
region, their integration into Euro-Atlantic space, security
improvement in the Mediterranean.

Session of the OSCE will complete its work on October 11.

Trend, Azerbaijan
Oct 7 2011

Diplomat: Azerbaijan’s territories occupied by Armenia become `black hole’
7 October 2011, 13:20 (GMT+05:00) Azerbaijan, Baku, Oct. 7 / Trend ,
G.Dadashova /

Azerbaijani Permanent Representative to the UN Yusuf Mammadaliyev said
Azerbaijan’s territories of occupied as a result of armed aggression
by neighboring Armenia had become a “black hole” in the zone of the
application of the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe
(CFE).

Mammadaliyev stated about this at the meeting of the First Committee
of the 66th UN General Assembly on Oct.6.

The international community had lived with and tolerated the situation
in which hundreds of pieces of treaty-limited equipment belonging to
one State party had been illegally deployed in the occupied
territories of Azerbaijan, in gross violation of the CFE Treaty
provisions.

The occupied territories of Azerbaijan provided the occupying Power
with the opportunity to use those areas as repair facilities and,
moreover, to transfer and hide treaty-limited equipment from the
international control regimes, he said.

“Azerbaijan , as a country suffering from the scourge of war and
situate in proximity to other conflicts affecting the region, was
fully committed to and making sustained efforts for maintaining
international peace, security and stability, including through
contributing to peacekeeping and peace building efforts,” he said.

However, he said, success in counteracting the illegal proliferation
and storage of those weapons in the South Caucasus was only possible
through the creation of a stable and secure region, respect for
international law, abandonment of territorial claims towards
neighboring nations and discontinuation of support to separatists and
terrorists.

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.

Euro 2012 within reach after another Armenia victory
by Emil Sanamyan

Published: Friday October 07, 2011

Fans celebrate Armenia’s dominance of Macedonia. Photolur

Armenia celebrates opening goal against Macedonia . Photolur

Related Articles
Armenia wins in must-win match vs Slovakia

Movsisyan brings goals, victory to Armenia football

Washington – Armenia footballers beat Macedonia in decisive fashion
leaving the remaining qualification away match against Ireland on
October 11 a make-or-break contest for both teams seeking to play in
the European championship next year.

The game began with seesaw action with Macedonia keeping the ball
better in the twenty minutes, but Yura Movsisyan’s uncompromising
performance proved decisive yet again.

On 29th minute Movsisyan tore through the Macedonian flank putting
Marcos Pizzelli in a goal-scoring position and Pizzelli capitalized.
Armenia made it 2:0 with Henrik Mkhitaryan’s trademark long shot on
34th minute.

After the break Armenia continued the pressure, but Macedonia held
steady until another one of Movsisyan’s righ flank breakthroughs
resulted in a long pass to Gevorg Ghazaryan who made it 3:0 on 69th
minute from close range.

With Movsisyan himself missing at least two great scoring
opportunities and Armenia showing signs of relaxation, Macedonia
pushed back towards the end of the game capitalizing with a Vanche
Shikov header from a corner kick on 86th minute.

But in added time yet another Movsisyan pass put Artur Sarkisov in
front of the goal and Sarkisov beat the Macedonian goalkeeper making
the final score 4:1.

Armenia now has 17 points with one game left to play in Dublin.
Armenia must win that match to earn the second spot in Group B. In
other group action Slovakia lost to Russia 0:1 and Ireland topped
Andorra by two goals.

These results leave Russia on verge of winning the top spot in the
group and automatic qualification with their remaining game at home
against Andorra.

Second spot comes down to outcome of the Ireland-Armenia match, where
a tie is sufficient for the Irish and only victory good enough for
Armenia.

The October 11 match pits Armenia’s spectacular scoring ability
against Ireland’s formidable defense. The Irish have allowed no goals
in their last four qualification games, while themselves scoring four
– two a piece to Macedonia and Andorra, with Russia and Slovakia held
to scoreless draws. For its part in the last four matches, Armenia
scored 12 goals, while allowing four.

Should Armenia win in Dublin they would then face a fellow second
place finisher from another qualification group for play-off matches.
Some of these potential second place finishers include Bosnia,
Croatia, Czech Republic, Greece, Serbia, Sweden and Turkey.

Standings in Group B following October 7 games:

Team Games Points Wins Draws Losses Goals For / Against

1. Russia 9 20 5 2 1
11 / 4

2. Ireland 9 18 5 3 1
13 / 6

3. Armenia 9 17 5 2 2
21 / 8

4. Slovakia 9 14 4 2 3
6 / 9

5. Macedonia 9 7 2 1 6
7 / 13

6. Andorra 9 0 0 0 8
1 / 19

President Sargsyan meets Charles Aznavour

Armradio.am
08.10.2011 16:33

President Serzh Sargsyan today hosted Armenian National Hero,
world-known singer Charles Aznavour, his impresario Levon Sayan and
French art workers Gerome Revon and Stephan Gato.

The interlocutors dwelt on the recent reciprocal visits of the
Presidents of Armenia and France, stressing that they are another
demonstration of centuries-old Armenian-French friendship and will
serve as an additional impetus for the development of relations
between the two countries.

During the meeting President Sargsyan awarded Levon Sayan with an
Order of Honor for his contribution to the reinforcement and
development of Armenian-French friendly relations.

President Sargsyan handed Movses Khorenatsi Medals to Gerome Revon and
Stephan Gato.

Serzh Sargsyan once again thanked the guests for their activity, which
is highly appreciated in Armenia.

PACE CONGRATULATED NKR ON 20TH ANNIVERSARY

Story from Lragir.am News:

Published: 18:05:35 – 07/10/2011

On an initiative of the delegate of the Heritage Party to the PACE,
Zaruhi Postanjyan, 32 members of the PACE have signed and adopted a
statement on the 20th anniversary of Artsakh for the first time in
history, the information office of the Heritage Party informed.

Appreciating the results and progress of the democratic model of
development adopted by Artsakh, and recognizing the importance of
the participation of the official representatives of Artsakh in the
OSCE Minsk Group-mediated talks, the PACE members congratulated
Nagorno-Karabakh Republic on its 20th anniversary and called for
close cooperation with its lawfully elected government.

The statement holds that Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and
Nagorno-Karabakh declared independence almost simultaneously. However,
the first three have been members of the Council of Europe for 10
years unlike Artsakh. Despite this fact and the difficult situation,
Artsakh has nevertheless adopted and continuously tracks the political
way to state building in line with the spirit, mission and values of
the Council of Europe. Besides the members of the Armenian delegation
25 authoritative representatives of 13 countries signed the statement.

NICOLAS SARKOZY SAYS ARMENIA MAY ALWAYS RELY ON FRIENDSHIP WITH FRANCE AND ITS POLITICAL ASSISTANCE

ARMENPRESS
OCTOBER 7, 2011
YEREVAN

“I want to emphasize the importance France gives to the relations with
Armenia”, President of France Nicolas Sarkozy said at a joint news
conference with his Armenian counterpart Serzh Sargsyan, expressing
gratitude to the President of Armenia for exceptional reception.

President of France pointed out that Armenian-French relations are
going far, they have roots in the joint history of our two countries.
“Armenia may always count on France’s friendship and political
assistance”, Sarkozy pointed out, adding that the Caucasian region
is of strategic significance for the stability of the world.

According to him, Armenia is situated between the countries responsible
for the security of the world – Russia, Turkey, Iran.

Sarkozy said, Armenia’s progress in democracy is very good news.
“Armenia’s economic development opposite to conflicts and war witnesses
the efforts, the courage and the quality of the implemented work”,
Sarkozy said, encouraging the steps of Serzh Sargsyan addressed to
peace with Azerbaijan and dialogue with Turkey. According to him,
it is unacceptable to have close Armenian-Turkish borders in 2011.

“The Armenian people know well that when the world turned against them,
I am speaking about the 1915 Armenian Genocide, France was ready to
accept them. Today in 2011 Armenia is not lonely as it has special
ties with France”, Nicolas Sarkozy said.