Author: Kajoyan Gevork

WHOM AND WHAT DO THE SUPERPOWERS WANT TO REMIND?
Norayr Hovsepian

Thursday, 02 June 2011 11:35

We cannot complain of the lack of the international community’s
attention. The Karabakh conflict settlement is still in the focus
of attention of influential force centers, and the latters issue
corresponding statements in this regard from time to time. The last of
them was the May 26 joint statement of the leaders of the OSCE Minsk
Group co-chairing states – USA, Russia, and France – issued in the
French city of Dovile within the meetings of the Great 8. What has
changed after the similar statement made in the same format in Aquil
and Muskok? Whom and what do the co-chairs wish to remind? AS USUAL

“There is always dual expectation after any statement in a similar
format – we’ll either witness another decent, but at the same time,
non-committal appeal or pivotal changes will take place”, political
scientist Hrachya Arzumanian doesn’t hasten to separate this statement
from similar statements made in a similar format earlier. And, to be
true, similar was also the mood after any statement on this level. The
Artsakh political scientist assures that the Dovile statement didn’t
either provide any new formulations. “It was a usual statement with
usual formulations”, he said. As usual, the formulations are very
vague and blear. Hrachya Arzumanian singles out the expression
in the Presidents’ joint statement that the current situation is
unacceptable. “What is unacceptable for the international community
– the current status quo or Azerbaijan’s continuous provocations at
the Karabakh-Azerbaijani contact-line”?

WITHOUT NOTING THE ADDRESSEE Maybe, the formulations are similar,
but the subtext is quite different, believes Chairman of the NKR NA
Standing Committee on Foreign Relations Vahram Atanesian. The first
emphasis is that the mediators do not obviously expect the parties
to resolve the issue.

“The three superpowers’ leaders emphasized once again that they
saw only peaceful solution to the issue. This is what Yerevan and
Stepanakert have repeatedly stated on different levels”, said Vahram
Atanesian.

This is the foreword. Now, let’s speak about the formulations. Vahram
Atanesian recalls the early 90s. After the cease-fire establishment,
Aliev Senior did his utmost to introduce the issue to the international
community as a dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

And he achieved certain progress, even if on the formulations. The
international community started using the Azerbaijani vocabulary while
characterizing the issue. “Its formulation was as Armenian-Azerbaijani
conflict around Nagorno Karabakh”. Similar characterization initially
deformed both the process and the existing realities. But, the
situation was different in Dovile. “The mediators used more realistic
expressions – a statement regarding the Karabakh conflict”, said
the Deputy.

NOT BETWEEN THE LINES

There are formulations in the statement, in which everything is said
directly and not between the lines. It is the use of force. This
time, the Presidents of the USA, Russia, and France have introduced
more distinct assessments. “The existing situation in the region is
characterized as a result of the use of force”, emphasized Vahram
Atanesian. “Besides, in their joint statement, the co-chairing
states’ leaders firmly noted that any attempt of the use of force is
unacceptable today”, the Deputy said. It isn’t difficult to understand
whom the “messages” are addressed. Finally, since 1994 up today,
threats of war have sounded exclusively from one side, that is Baku.

We can also note who threatens with the use of force today. Moreover,
the threats were directed not so much to the Armenian parties as to the
international community. Just a few days before the Dovile statement,
the mediators’ warning on withdrawing snipers from the front line
was officially assessed as ridiculous in Baku and corresponding
steps on training snipers are still taken on a “public” level (or,
at least, it is stated about this). This was another threat addressed
to the international community, the representatives of which issued
a response “message”, calling upon all the conflicting parties’
leaders to prepare their societies for peace and not for war.

NON-AZERBAIJANI VOCABULARY Besides consolidation of stability in
the region, Vahram Atanesian draws our attention to the formulation
“all the parties to the conflict”. “If the text had been written
with Azerbaijani logic, the co-chairing states’ leaders would have
addressed the appeal to Armenia and Azerbaijan. But, the mediators used
the formulation “all the parties to the conflict” The formulations
and messages comprised in the joint statement create a prospect for
some changes in the current negotiation process. The analysis of the
text of the co-chairing states’ leaders’ joint statement leads to the
general impression that the issue of making Nagorno Karabakh an equal
party to the negotiations is again put on the agenda”. However, it
isn’t an issue of the nearest future. So, during the coming meeting,
just the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan will negotiate, probably,
with the participation of the Russian President. Other sources note
the place and date of the regular trilateral meeting – Kazan, June
25. The co-chairing states’ leaders realize that just at this meeting,
Yerevan and Baku will confirm their positions on the latest option
of the Madrid document. In this regard, the Artsakh expert has his
initial considerations. “They speak of new and improved options. If
they should decrease the current possibilities of Artsakh and impose
any commitments, basing on any principles elaborated without the
participation of Stepanakert, so they are initially unacceptable for
us”, considers political scientist Hrachya Arzumanian. Vahram Atanesian
hasn’t either any special expectation from the coming meeting. Instead,
it can provide a new field of activity for the Armenian parties. “I
think the Azerbaijani President will again demonstrate his destructive
position. After this, the Armenian diplomacy will have an additional
ground for raising the issue of the NagornoKarabakhRepublic recognition
before the international community.

AFTERWORD

Yerevan promptly responded to the Dovile statement. In particular,
Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian noted, “Armenia has always supported
an exclusively peaceful settlement of the conflict between Azerbaijan
and Nagorno Karabakh and has repeatedly proven this in practice;
so, it is clear whom the message, comprised in the statement in this
regard, is addressed”.

Now, about the response of the addressee. Azerbaijan, via its foreign
ministry, hasted to comment on the Dovile statement, estimating it as
no less than a call to withdraw the Armenian forces from the so-called
occupied and former autonomous oblast’s territories.

As they say, tastes differ. But, in this context, there is no even far
hope for the achievement of any agreement at the June meeting. And even
if anything has changed in the international sphere, which is also
disputable, the negotiating parties’ positions are still unchanged
and incompatible.

RUSSIA URGES TO EASE SANCTIONS ON IRAN

PanARMENIAN.Net
June 2, 2011 – 13:34 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – World powers should offer to ease sanctions to
gain Iran’s cooperation in resolving the dispute over the country’s
nuclear program, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.

“Talks between Iran and the five permanent members of the United
Nations Security Council plus Germany have stalled since January and
Russia believes incentives are needed to kick-start the process,”
Lavrov said in an interview in Moscow, Bloomberg reports.

“We have to show to Iran that if it cooperates, if it answers
satisfactorily the IAEA demands, then it should see the light at the
end of the tunnel,” Lavrov said, referring to the International Atomic
Energy Agency, the UN’s nuclear watchdog.

The Persian Gulf state in mid-2010 came under a fourth set of UN
sanctions, which Russia supported. The U.S. and European Union
later imposed tougher unilateral measures. “Russia won’t support
new sanctions against Iran,” Lavrov said. “It’s a process that can
only be successful if we count not on new sanctions and threats,
but on negotiations.”

“If Iran agrees to resume tougher IAEA inspections, the EU and U.S.

should pledge not to introduce any new, unilateral sanctions,”
Lavrov said.

“And then when Iran does something else, expanding access for the IAEA
to the places where the agency wants to go, then we suspend sanctions,”
he said.

GARDEN NEAR THE “VERNISAGE” RENOVATED

ARMENPRESS
JUNE 2, 2011
YEREVAN

The renovation works of the garden near the “Vernisage” have already
been completed. Speaking to Armenpress the founder director of the
“Vernisage” fair Harutyun Navasardyan said the floor of the park has
already been reconstructed, water removal works have been carried out.

Noticeable work has been done for greening the territory. Trees were
planted, more than 50 benches have been placed.

“Now the territory may fully serve as a garden. It is very important
that besides being an entertainment place, “Vernisage” becomes a
place of tourism importance”, Navasardyan said.

He noted that favorable conditions have been created for organization
of sale.

AFAJA EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER JAILED TIGRAN POSTANJYAN

hetq
14:42, June 2, 2011

On June 1, The French Association of Armenian Lawyers and Jurists
(AFAJA) issued a statement expressing its concern regarding the
situation of Mr. Tigran Postanjyan, arrested for alleged acts of
bribery to the tune of 100,000 Armenian drams (200 ~@) and imprisoned
since February 23, 2011 at the Nubarashen Penitentiary in Yerevan.

“The severity of the action and its treatment, disproportionate to
the offenses charged, suggests from the outset that these measures
might have been intended to discredit the sister of the defendant,
namely Zarouhie Postanjyan, a lawyer involved in Defense of Human
Rights and now an opposition MP, a member of the Heritage Party,”
the statement reads.

The AFAJA says that it expects the judicial authorities in Armenia
to issue a fair and independent verdict in the matter in the shortest
time possible given the Postanjyan’s worsening health.

ARMENIA, WORLD BANK SIGN LOAN AGREEMENT TO ENHANCE RELIABILITY OF HIGH-VOLTAGE GRID

/ARKA/
June 2, 2011
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, June 2. /ARKA/. Armenian Finance Minister Vache Gabrielyan
and WB Regional Director Asad Alam have signed a $39-million loan
agreement, the ministry’s press office reported on Thursday.

These financial resources will be provided to High-voltage Grid CJSC
as sub-credit for enhancing reliability and capacity of the grid.

The first component of the program implies replacement of the existing
electricity transmission line that connects the Hrazdan Thermal Power
Plant to the Shinuayr substation with new one, and the second component
implies technical assistance.

The loan will be extended at a six-month Libor+ changing margin for
25 years, of which 10 years are grace period over which no repayment
of the core amount is required.

A lump-sum payment equal to 0.25% of this loan is stipulated in the
agreement as well.

Earlier, Jean-Michel Happi, head of the World Bank’s Yerevan office,
said that the program was estimated to cost $52 million, of which
$13 million will be provided by the Armenian government.

He said that some 230 kilometers of electricity transmission lines
would be replaced. This is 45% of dilapidated infrastructures in need
of quick reconstruction.

High-voltage Grid CJSC runs the closed circular grid of high-voltage
electricity transmission lines (220/110/330) in Armenia.

WAITING FOR SERZH SARGSYAN’S DECISION
ARMAN GALOYAN

Story from Lragir.am News:

Published: 12:29:52 – 02/06/2011

We asked Republican Member of Parliament Hovhannes Sahakyan if the
authorities are ready for dialogue.

It is up to Serzh Sargsyan to decide to start dialogue or not, as
well as the nomination of members of the government delegation. The
opposition has changed its rhetoric and we are can prove to the world
that we can engage in real dialogue in accordance with the rules of
democracy. We have stated for many times that we accept dialogue but
it must not be based on demands and ultimatums. A dialogue should be
aimed at finding the best solution to the issues the nation and the
country are facing. If demands and ultimatums are heard during the
dialogue, we will have to return to ground zero. I do not think the
opposition will speak the language of ultimatums.

The agenda of the opposition is clear, snap elections. What are the
issues on the agenda of the authorities?

I can state for sure there will be no issue of snap elections on the
government’s agenda because there are no internal and external premises
for snap elections. Ter-Petrosyan’s speech made it clear that other
related issues should also be discussed. And if these issues are not
solved jointly, the Congress will have to demand snap elections.

Who will be included in the government’s delegation to dialogue with
the opposition? Members of Serzh Sargsyan administration, Republicans,
or coalition partners?

The coalition is also part of the government headed by President
Serzh Sargsyan. But I cannot answer this question until the format
of the dialogue is not defined.

Do the coalition partners agree with the dialogue? When the signs of
dialogue became obvious, the Bargavach Hayastan Party announced it
would run in the election alone and the Orinats Yerkir Party expects
apology from the Congress for mocking at them when they joined the
coalition.

You should ask them about it. But regarding the Bargavach Hayastan
Party I have to say that Serzh Sargsyan never forces others to run in
elections with us. If they have decided to run separately, it’s all
right. The memorandum on coalition does not impose anything on anyone.

I am sure the coalition is united. No decision on the format of
participation in the dialogue has been taken, so let’s wait for Serzh
Sargsyan’s decision.

PROBE REVEALS ABUSE OF FUNDS AT LABOR AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS MINISTRY

Tert.am
02.06.11

Speaking at today’s cabinet meeting, Armenian minister of labor and
social affairs said an internal investigation has revealed large-scale
abuse of funds in projects funded from World Bank loans.

Minister Artur Grigoryan said that in 2006-07, the ministry
utilized big amounts on consulting and law-drafting works that
were unnecessary. Besides, the minister pointed to the significant
differences in the fees paid for similar consulting services.

For example, the ministry had paid $28,000 for the consulting services
to draft three laws aimed at improving the mandatory social security
system, while it had cost the government $45,000 to solicit consulting
services over the system’s funding mechanisms.

Those projects – implemented in 2005-07 – were approved by the
cabinet of ministers, the minister said, but shunned a direct answer
when asked by journalists why the cabinet approved them if they were
unnecessary. “Is it bad we are revealing our shortcomings now?” he
asked.

He also stopped short of revealing the names of individuals
or organizations that were paid for the services, saying only
non-governmental and international organizations were involved. He
added that all those found guilty in those wrongdoings would be
held accountable.

In a recent meeting, the prime minister has instructed the cabinet
members to stop using WB loans to solicit consulting services as
there is no need to do so.

AZERBAIJAN FAILS TO PUT AN ANTI-ARMENIAN RESOLUTION ON NATO PA AGENDA
Anna Nazaryan

“Radiolur”
02.06.2011 14:32

Armenia has the status of an observer at the NATO Parlaiemntary
Assembly. During the spring session the Armenian delegation tried to
prevent Azerbaijan’s attempts to include an anti-Armenian resolution
in the agenda.

Republican MP Artak Zakaryan hopes that Azerbaijan will fail to have
an anti-Armenian resolution be put on the agenda of the NATO PA fall
session to be held in Romania.

“I hope NATO will remain committed to its principle of supporting the
efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group and will restrict its participation
in the Karabakh settlement process to this,” Artak Zakaryan told a
press conference today.

According to him, the Deuville statement of the Presidents of the
OSCE Minsk Group co-chair countries was a clear message, indicating
that the use of force by Azerbaijan is condemnable.

EXPERT SAYS PROBLEMS OF NATIONAL MINORITIES IN AZERBAIJAN MUST BE WIDELY COVERED

Panorama
June 1 2011
Armenia

“It’s important that Armenian information field covers the problems of
national minorities in Azerbaijan,” expert Hrant Melik Shahnazaryan
said in a meeting with the reporters today. Expert says Armenia
must show to the international community that Azerbaijan has
certain problems with its national minorities. “If a war blasts in
Nagorno-Karabakh we can have the support of those national minorities,”
H. Melik-Shahnazaryan said.

Expert says those national minorities have their websites where
they issue their problems. “The activists of national minorities in
Azerbaijan are jailed,” expert said.

Vahram Mirakyan expert of information security says Armenian mass
media should help Azerbaijani national minorities to widely cover
their problems.

AZERBAIJAN INFORMED UNO’S GENERAL SECRETARY ON NOMINATION OF ITS OWN CANDIDATE FOR UNO’S SECURITY COUNCIL MEMBER

Azerbaijan Business Center
June 1 2011

Baku, Fineko/abc.az Within working visit to the USA Foreign Minister
of Azerbaijan Elmar Mammadyarov met with UNO’s general secretary
Ban-Ki Moon.

Under Azerbaijan MFA’s report at the meeting Ban-Ki Moon noted that
cooperation between UNO and Azerbaijan is on high level. In his
turn E.Mammadyarov informed Ban-Ki Moon in detail on the course of
negotiations on regulation of Armenian- Azerbaijani Nagorno-Garabagh
conflict.

In response Ban-Ki Moon stressed the necessity for peaceful regulation
of conflict as soon as possible and added that he was expecting
results of negotiations in this direction.

Elmar Mammadyarov informed that Azerbaijan nominated candidacy for
temporary membership in UNO’s Security Council for 2012-13 and told
of notable advantages of the country’s candidacy.