Author: Kajoyan Gevork

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Russia
July 6 2011

Russian foreign minister’s Q&A after talks with Armenian counterpart – full text

Remarks and Response to Media Questions by Russian Foreign Minister
Sergey Lavrov at Joint Press Conference Following Talks with Armenian
Foreign Minister Edvard Nalbandyan

[Lavrov] I would like to express my satisfaction over the talks with
my Armenian counterpart Edvard Aghvani Nalbandyan. We traditionally
exchange views and coordinate our positions in a constructive,
trustful, allied spirit. It was from this vantage point that we
reviewed implementation of the agreements that had been reached during
the regular meetings between the Russian and Armenian presidents. We
attested to the intense nature of bilateral relations, the
strengthening of the legal framework of our interaction, and we note
the steady trend towards enhancement and build-up of the economic
foundation of our cooperation.

Trade has regained its pre-crisis level, and it continues to grow. Our
respective agencies and economic operators are implementing
progressively an array of large-scale joint investment projects.
Conducive to Russian-Armenian relations are, of course, humanitarian
and inter-regional contacts, which traditionally enjoy the widest
possible support of our citizens.

To be sure, international issues, the situation in the regions
adjacent to Russia and Armenia occupy a significant place in our
dialogue. We spoke for continuing the active participation of our two
countries in the integration processes in the Commonwealth of
Independent States area. We confirmed our intention to improve our
cooperation and coordination both bilaterally and within the framework
of the CIS and the Collective Security Treaty Organization, in the
formats of the UN, OSCE, the Council of Europe and other international
organizations and forums.

The situation in Transcaucasia has always been a part of our talks.
Today, we exchanged views on the outcome of the meeting between the
presidents of Russia, Armenia and Azerbaijan, which took place on June
24 in Kazan, where issues related to the development of the basic
principles for settlement of the Nagornyy Karabakh conflict were
examined. We attested to the fact that the presidents declared in
Kazan the harmonization of a number of important issues, helpful
towards creating the conditions for a final agreement on the basic
principles, and this work will continue, I expect, in the near future.

So we looked at, as I said, all key aspects of the agenda of bilateral
relations and cooperation in the international arena, and agreed on a
schedule of consultations between our two foreign ministries for the
second half of the year. We consider it necessary to strengthen and
develop our interaction.

[Question] Even after the statement made in Deauville on Nagornyy
Karabakh, in which the Russian, US and French presidents indicated
that the use of force again would be condemned by the international
community, urging leaders of both sides to prepare the population for
peace, not war, threats continue to be heard from Baku to use force
and prepare for a new war. Azerbaijan virtually ignores the opinion of
the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair countries, opposing itself to the
opinion of the international community. How could you comment on that?

In the context of the Kazan meeting, what steps are expected to be
expeditiously undertaken to advance the negotiation process?

[Lavrov] I would like to clearly stress right away that Russia sticks
to the positions set forth in the statement adopted in Deauville by
the Russian, US and French presidents and also approved in the last
few years by the presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan with the
participation of the President of the Russian Federation. These
documents not only confirm the commitment to a peaceful settlement,
but also include the agreements on measures to reduce tensions, build
confidence and prevent incidents along the line of contact. The
leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan assumed these commitments, as I
said, with participation by the President of the Russian Federation.
Just the other day, regular OSCE monitoring of the situation on the
line of contact took place. The report presented at Vienna by the
mission which did the monitoring shows that the number of incidents is
decreasing. This is a positive trend. We will do everything to make it
stronger, and to ensure that the agreements I mentioned are respected.

With regard to further steps, Dmitriy Medvedev, as a mediator in the
negotiation process, and acting with the full support of the US and
French presidents as co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, has completed
analysis of the post-Kazan situation and will soon take his decision
on further steps.

[Question (addressed to both ministers)] How effective do you think is
the format of the OSCE Minsk Group? Are there plans to replace it? If
yes, then by what? Is consideration being given to the possibility of
participation of regional countries like Turkey and Iran in it?

[Lavrov] The OSCE Minsk Group, formed, as I recall, at the end of the
1994 Minsk Conference, includes a large number of states. However, in
recent years, the real tool in the negotiation process is not the
Minsk Group as such, but its co-chairs. Initially, its composition was
different – two, then three, and the current co-chairs were not in
that trio. Now it has become permanent in the current format of the
three co-chairs, namely Russia, the USA and France. On their behalf
the special representatives vigorously and routinely work on finding
solutions to issues in the context not only of the negotiation process
itself, but also of confidence and security building measures on the
line of contact. I have already said about it. The co-chairs meet
regularly with the parties, and visit Baku and Yerevan and
Stepanakert. They have achieved a very good rapport.

Two years ago, President Dmitriy Medvedev, taking into account the
special ties of Russia with Armenia and Azerbaijan, on behalf of the
co-chairs took the initiative to hold in a trilateral format (the
presidents of Russia, Armenia and Azerbaijan), a series of
consultations with a view to finding concrete agreements on the basic
principles for a settlement. This initiative was supported.
Essentially, we have reached the point where decisions must be made.

I do not think that talk about changing the mediation format,
especially at this critical phase, will be productive. It only creates
the illusion that if the format is changed, the content will sort
itself out. As a rule, ideas to constantly modify the mediation format
divert attention from the substance. This also applies to other
situations. For example, there are a lot of plans to change the format
of the Dniester conflict settlement. I think this is all the work of
the devil. The main thing is the political will of the OSCE Minsk
Group Co-Chairs, recognized by the parties as mediators. And that’s
the basis to proceed.

news.am, Armenia
July 9 2011

Group of 56 Armenian, Russian and American journalists leaves for Karabakh

July 09, 2011 | 10:29

YEREVAN.- Within the framework of `Restoration of Gandzasar’ program a
group of 56 Armenian, Russian and American journalists left for
Nagorno-Karabakh Republic on Saturday to get familiar with the
investments of the Armenian Diaspora in development of the Armenian
Apostolic Church in Artsakh.

The journalists are expected to meet with the head of Artsakh Diocese
of the AAC Archbishop Pargev Martirosyan, program’s office informed
Armenian News-NEWS.am.

`Press has recently spread numerous reports regarding wall lining. The
wall surrounding the ancient monastery of Gandzasar allegedly belongs
to the 13th century. It should be mentioned that infamous wall was
built not in the 13th century, but in the 80s of the last century.

The wall started to collapse, therefore it was decided to face stones
like the monastery used to be lined eight centuries ago. Journalists
will have an opportunity to familiarize themselves with this wall,’
the statement reads.

The names of Russian and American journalists are kept secret, as they
can be `blacklisted’ by Azerbaijan.

The journalists will visit Gandzasar, Stepanakert, Shushi, as well as
under the construction site of a Stepanakert airport.

U.S., China, Germany, Egypt, Armenia recognize South Sudan independence

July 9, 2011 – 18:24 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – On July 9, U.S. President Barack Obama formally
recognized the world’s newest nation: South Sudan, forged from decades
of civil war.

“A proud flag flies over Juba and the map of the world has been
redrawn,” Obama said in a statement, later adding: “Together, we can
ensure that today marks another step forward in Africa’s long journey
toward opportunity, democracy and justice.”

Obama’s statement came immediately after a formal ceremony in Juba,
the capital of South Sudan.

China, Germany, Egypt, Armenia followed the U.S. suit in recognizing
the independence of the republic.

According to Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian, proclamation
of South Sudan independence illustrates the principle of peoples’
right for self-determination, proving civilized way for conflict
settlement possible.

Dialogue has already affected the society, says MP Safaryan

17:36 – 09.07.11

Authorities’ decision to set up a delegation for the long-waited
dialogue with the opposition has already affected the society, Stepan
Safaryan of the opposition party Heritage has said.

Speaking to Tert.am, Safaryan said: `It has already affected the
society. The society is in apathy and alienated.’

`And if they [the authorities and the opposition bloc] will stage
dialogue-dialogue all through the summer, and the state that they
failed to reach an agreement over elections … then it is up to them.
Let they comment themselves,’ said Safaryan.

It comes after Armenian president’s press secretary Armen Arzumanyan
said that the coalition parties have formed a delegation with two
representatives from each party, and the first discussion may be held
in coming days.

Tert.am

Azerbaijan violated ceasefire 183 times over past week

July 9, 2011 – 15:40 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – From July 2 to 9, Azerbaijan 183 times violated the
ceasefire at the contact line with Nagorno Karabakh army, whose press
office reported 1024 shots fired at Artsakh positions.

The Azerbaijani side used sniper rifles and machineguns, the report
said, adding that the NKR army controlled the situation and stopped
firing. There are no casualties from Armenian side.

Artsakh: talks are based on a fundamental flaw

July 9, 2011 – 10:21 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – In the July 8 edition of The Washington Post,
reporter Will Englund reminds that for more than a decade, Russia, the
United States and various European organizations have been trying to
sponsor a framework peace agreement that would finally settle the
conflict in Nagorno Karabakh, which itself doesn’t have a seat at the
table.

`Nagorno Karabakh is ready for compromise,’ President Bako Sahakyan
said. `But it has to have the opportunity to discuss the issue with
Azerbaijan directly.’

Nagorno Karabakh says it won’t give up land if that means it must
retreat to indefensible borders. Officials familiar with the Minsk
Group deliberations say it is clear that any settlement will have to
be accepted by Nagorno Karabakh, but that’s a problem for the next
phase – which is unlikely to come anytime soon, the article reads.

The latest round of negotiations was held in the Russian city of Kazan
on June 24, and broke up without results. Some Nagorno Karabakh
officials say that failure shows it’s time to try a new approach:
giving them a seat at the negotiating table.

Masis Mayilian, who was Deputy Foreign Minister and a onetime
candidate for president, said the problem with the Minsk process is
that it’s based on what he considers a fundamental flaw: In 1991, the
international community decided to recognize the Soviet-era borders of
the newly independent states. That is why Nagorno Karabakh hasn’t been
recognized, hasn’t been included in the talks, and is officially still
considered part of Azerbaijan, even though it declared independence
before the Soviet breakup.

`The Minsk Group could be effective,’ Mayilian noted, `but as long as
they work based on a mistaken premise, they put the brakes on the
process.’

At the same time, others here argue that not taking part in the
negotiations gives Nagorno Karabakh the ultimate veto right over any
compromise, the article says.

Sahakyan, in arguing for inclusion, said he wants nonetheless to be
careful not to torpedo the Minsk Group process altogether. `Just
having the talks going on has helped bring Nagorno Karabakh a certain
measure of peace and stability,’ he said. `We value any such meeting,
even in a distorted format, and these meetings will bring closer
Nagorno Karabakh’s participation in these talks.’

System of a Down sparks rumors for more worldwide headline shows soon

July 9, 2011 – 12:18 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Legendary rock heroes System of a Down have
announced three headline shows in South America – sparking rumors that
they may announce more worldwide headline shows soon

The Armenian-Americans are one of the most sought-after bands on the
planet since their return to the music scene earlier this year, and
the four-piece has been playing festival shows all summer, says a
report on stereoboard.com.

System posted the following message on their website on July 8: `We’re
excited to announce another handful of headline shows, for the first
time in South America!’

The singers were already booked to be in Brazil in October, after
being recently unveiled as a headliner for the Rock in Rio festival.

Serj Tankian and Co have dominated Europe this summer with multiple
festival appearances, most notably at the Download festival. They have
already announced that they will be doing a number of shows in the
U.S. later this year, so the band is expected to spread their messages
around Europe.

System of a Down confirmed the following South American shows:

October 1, 2011 – Sao Paulo, Brazil

October 5, 2011 – Argentina, Buenos Aires

October 7, 2011 – Chile, Santiago

CINEMA
Fanny Ardant, invitée d’honneur du Festival du cinéma arménien « Abricot d’Or »

L’actrice française Fanny Ardant sera l’invitée d’honneur du 8e
Festival international du cinéma « Voské Dziran » (Abricot d’Or) qui
se déroule du 10 au 17 juillet. Annonce effectuée le 8 juillet par le
Directeur du Festival Haroutioun Khatchtrian, lors d’une conférence de
presse à Erévan. Fanny Ardant présentera à Erévan ses deux films «
Cendre et sang » et le court métrage « Chimères absentes ». Selon H.
Khatchatrian, lors du festival « Abricot d’Or » un prix sera décerné à
Fanny Ardant. 630 films (courts-métrages et longs-métrages) venus de
81 pays étaient reçus par le Festival « Abricot d’Or ». 150 de 45 pays
furent retenus pour les présenter lors de la manifestation.

Krikor Amirzayan

samedi 9 juillet 2011,
Krikor [email protected]

The Namibian, Namibia
July 8 2011

Ambunda to fight in Armenia

CONTENDER … Paulus `The Rock’ Ambunda.

NAMIBIA’s WBO Africa bantamweight titleholder, Paulus `The Rock’
Ambunda, has been named as a possible opponent for IBO bantamweight
world champion Vic Darchinyan.
According to online reports, the fight has been provisionally set for
September 3 in Armenia.

Nestor Tobias, Ambunda’s trainer, however said that the fight had not
yet been agreed on, although he conceded that they were still in
negotiations.

`That fight is still unconfirmed, we have not yet agreed on that
fight,’ Tobias said.

`They contacted me about the possibility of a fight but we still need
to sort things out,’ he added.

The 35-year-old Armenian is a former WBA, WBO and IBF world champion,
in the super flyweight and flyweight divisions, and is currently the
IBO champion.

He has a record of 40 fights, 36 wins, 3 losses and one draw.

Tobias said he was not worried about the record of Darchinyan, who is
popularly known as the Raging Bull.

`The record is just numbers, besides he used to be a good fighter but
he is losing more fights lately,’ Tobias said.

`Ambunda is young and still going strong and so I think he would stand
a good chance,’ he continued.

The 30-year-old Ambunda is unbeaten after 15 fights and his most
recent fight was against Tanzanian Emilio Norfat which he won on a
12th-round knockout.

Darchinyan’s last fight was in April this year when he beat Yonnhy
Perez in Los Angeles, United States, with a technical knockout in the
second round.

– namibiasport.com.na

Federal Bureau of Investigation (press release)
July 8 2011

Leader of Armenian Organized Crime Ring Pleads Guilty in Manhattan
Federal Court to Racketeering

First `Vor’ Convicted of Racketeering Offense in U.S.
U.S. Attorney’s Office
July 08, 2011 Southern District of New York
(212) 637-2600

– filed under: Press Release
PREET BHARARA, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of
New York, announced that ARMEN KAZARIAN pled guilty today in Manhattan
federal court to racketeering in connection with his involvement with
the Mirzoyan-Terdjanian Organization, an Armenian-American organized
crime enterprise engaged in a wide range of criminal activity.
KAZARIAN pled guilty before U.S. District Judge PAUL A. GARDEPHE.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney PREET BHARARA said: `International organized
crime has emerged as one of the most serious law enforcement problems
of the 21st century. It is a problem that this office – and the
Department of Justice as a whole – is committed to rooting out. Today,
crime boss Armen Kazarian becomes the first known `Vor’ to have been
convicted of racketeering, but he will not be the last. His guilty
plea should send a strong message to international gangsters all over
the world that if you commit crimes in this country, we will find you,
and we will prosecute you with the full force of the law.’

According to the indictment, other documents filed in this case, and
statements made during today’s guilty plea proceeding:

ARMEN KAZARIAN was a `Vor,’ a term translated as `Thief-in-Law.’ The
term, refers to a member of a select group of high-level criminals
from Russia and the countries that had been part of the former Soviet
Union, including Armenia. `Vors’ offer prestige and protection to
criminal organizations in return for a share of criminal earnings, and
use their position of authority to resolve disputes among criminals.
KAZARIAN admitted that he was a `Vor’ when he was arrested on
racketeering charges in October 2010. The indictment charged him with
using his leadership position in the criminal community to assist
Mirzoyan-Terdjanian Organization, an Armenian-American organized crime
ring that engaged in an extensive range of criminal offenses including
the operation of a $100 million dollar Medicare fraud billing ring.

* * *

KAZARIAN, 47, pled guilty to racketeering conspiracy, which carries a
maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. In connection with his plea,
KAZARIAN admitted his association with the Mirzoyan-Terdjanian
Organization and further acknowledged engaging in extortion on the
organization’s and his own behalf.

KAZARIAN is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge GARDEPHE on October 6,
2011, at 3:00 p.m.

U.S. Attorney PREET BHARARA thanked the New York Field Office of the
Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New York City Police Department,
the New York Office of Homeland Security Investigations, and the New
York Office of the Inspector General, Department of Health and Human
Services for their work in the investigation.

The prosecution is being handled by the Organized Crime Unit.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys JENNIFER BURNS and ARLO DEVLIN-BROWN are in
charge of the prosecution.