Author: Kalantarian Kevo

`FRENCH CONSTITUTIONAL COUNCIL WILL NOT APPROVE THE BILL CRIMINALIZING THE DENIAL OF SO-CALLED ARMENIAN GENOCIDE`

State Telegraph Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan
February 9, 2012 Thursday

Visiting deputy chairperson of the France-Caucasus friendship group,
head of the France-Azerbaijan working group, senator Mrs. Nathalie
Goulet and her accompanying delegation gave an interview to Azerbaijan
State Telegraph Agency, AzerTAc.

Q: How do you assess your visit to Azerbaijan and the meetings you
held here?

Senator Nathalie Goulet: I have visited Azerbaijan several times. But
my colleagues are visiting your country for the first time. I think
it would be better if they answer this question. As you know we have
a very tough itinerary. We held fruitful meetings during which we
discussed a number of interesting issues.

Senator Jeanny Lorgeoux: We have witnessed great hospitality in
Azerbaijan. The meetings were held in a frank atmosphere. We also
saw high level of tolerance in your country.

Senator Sylvie Goy-Chavent: It is my first visit to Azerbaijan. I
am very glad to get acquainted with a nation with great culture and
civilization. I will return to Paris with great impressions.

We met with refugees and IDPs as part of the visit and familiarized
ourselves with their living conditions. I will never forget this
meeting. I think that the issue of refugees and IDPs is one of the
most important problems Azerbaijan has faced. Much has to be done in
this respect. And each of the senators perceive Azerbaijan`s problems
and are ready to contribute to resolving these problems.

Senator Herve Maurey: During my trip to Azerbaijan I discovered a
country with rich culture, and got information about your country`s
political, economic, cultural life.

We got acquainted with the living conditions of Azerbaijani refugees
and IDPs. We will spare no efforts to raise the awareness of the
French community on their conditions.

Senator Andre Reichardt: Rich culture, hospitality, fruitful meetings,
useful exchange of views this is what I can say about our Azerbaijan
visit. This visit was important for me in terms of understanding
Azerbaijan`s sensitive attitude to regional issues.

Q: We would like to know your opinion on the decision to be made by
France`s Constitutional Council with respect to the bill criminalizing
the denial of so-called Armenian genocide?

Nathalie Goulet: Many senators signed a letter of complaint which
was sent to the Constitutional Council. This is because we think that
parliamentarians have to deal with legislature, not with history. This
issue is enshrined in the 34th article of France`s Constitution. So
we hope that Constitutional Council will not approve the bill.

Azerbaijan kept a close eye on the Senate discussions on the bill. We
understand the Azerbaijani community`s concerns over the bill, and
we witnessed it during the meetings.

Senator Jeanny Lorgeoux: I want to note that French President Nicolas
Sarkozy stated that he will send the bill to the Constitutional Council
for the second time if the Council does not approve it. If it happens,
this will mean pressure on the Council. But I think the Constitutional
Council will not approve the bill on the first time.

Q: France is one of the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group. The bill
casts doubts on France`s neutrality regarding the settlement of
Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. What is your point
of view?

Senator Jeanny Lorgeoux: We understand the Azerbaijani community`s
concerns over this issue. We discussed it in the meetings as well. Of
course, a wrong decision must be prevented. We are sure that France
will protect its objective position within the OSCE Minsk Group.

Senator Nathalie Goulet: France has a resolute position on the
Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. France supports
Azerbaijan`s territorial integrity. We think that occupied territories
must be liberated and Azerbaijani refugees and IDPs must return to
their homelands. I want to stress once again that France`s position
will remain unchanged.

Senator Andre Reichardt: I`m also confident that common sense will
triumph. France will not change its position on the Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict.

TURKISH GOVERNMENT DISTRIBUTES TABLETS TO ARMENIAN STUDENTS

Sabah
Feb 9 2012
Turkey

Students and teachers from Istanbul’s Ozel Esayan Armenian High
School are experiencing the excitement of the Fatih Project as the
sole private school included in the pilot stage.

The only private school to be included in the 52 school pilot program
for the Fatih Project, the Private Esayan Armenian High School has
already integrated the tablet computers provided by the government
in their classes. Students have expressed that having the tablets
in class has made their lessons much more educational and enjoyable,
while teachers are pleased at their student’s increased interest in
the lesson.

The Fatih Project was kicked off the day before yesterday by
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Yesterday, the first series
of 12,800 tablet computers were distributed to the 52 schools in
17 provinces that were selected for the pilot program. The Beyoglu
Private Esayan Armenian High School is the only private school that
has been included in the pilot program. The 32 teachers in the high
school and 45 students from the ninth grade class began their first
classes yesterday with lessons integrated into the tablet computer
and smart board system.

Students explained that the computer, which contains all of their
course books and lessons with animation features, is a great
convenience, while teachers commented that even from the first day
of their integration, students are already displaying an increased
interest in class.

According to Armenian teacher Maral Ebeoglu Satar, the animated
lessons that can be displayed via internet access on the smart boards
has drawn students’ interest which allows them as teachers to teach
class even more effectively.

Geography teacher Zafer Kurtar states, “The trouble of writing on a
board with chalk is over. Students are able to follow the subjects
we are lecturing on through their tablet computers. We have already
begun to feel the positive affects this is having on our students.”

“IT IS VERY EXCITING” School Principle Satenik NiÅ~_an states, “It
is a very exciting, modern process. It is also extremely meaningful
that our school was selected for the pilot program.”

The students who have received the tablet computers are also pleased.

Ninth grade student Linda Muratyan states, “Class passes by so
enjoyably now. Everyone has their full attention on the teacher. Even
if the lesson is difficult, we are able to easily understand it.”

Karolin Nas states, “The tablet computers have everything we need. We
have been saved from having to carry around heavy backpacks. This
has lifted a big burden off of us.”

The “Fatih” project becomes the ‘Conquerer’

According to the Democratic Educators Union (DES) General Chairman
Gurkan Avcı, with the Fatih project, the Turkish education system
has taken a revolutionary step for the future. “Over time, the Fatih
project may turn into the “Conquerer Project”. Avcı emphasized that
they are in full support of the Turkish educational system reaching
a high-quality and modern state and that this program will provide
equality in education, will eradicate the obligation to attend
additional tutoring or special courses and marks the end of an
education system based on memorizing and tests.

AZERBAIJANI DEFENSE MINISTER’S STATEMENT IS ABSURD: DAVIT KARAPETYAN

ARMENPRESS
FEBRUARY 9, 2012
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 9, ARMENPRESS: Press Secretary to Defense Minister
of Armenia Davit Karapetyan has reacted to the statement of Deputy
Head of the press service of the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry Teimur
Abdullayev, that Defense Minister of Armenia Seyran Ohanyan is lying
by saying that the Armed Forces of Armenia responds to Azerbaijan
with fires of snipers in one case out of the ten.

“The response of the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry, put it mildly, is
absurd. According to the information f the Defense Ministry of Armenia
and NKR Defense Army, in 2010 Azerbaijan violated the ceasefire regime
about 7500 times, and in 2011- 13 500 times. International structures
dealing with the Karabakh conflict are well-aware about this. The
rest is the delirium of the Azerbaijani misinformation scribblers,”
said Davit Karapetyan.

YEREVAN MAYOR MEETS WITH BRITISH AMBASSADOR TO ARMENIA

ARMENPRESS
FEBRUARY 9, 2012
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 9, ARMENPRESS: Yerevan Mayor Taron Margaryan met with
British Ambassador to Armenia Catherine Jane Lich. Taron Margaryan
noted that despite the high level of the relations between the two
countries, no partner relations have been established between Yerevan
and British cities up to now, press service of Yerevan Mayor’s Office
told Armenpress.

“I am sure that with your support and with the support of the Armenian
Ambassador to Great Britain this flaw will soon be fulfilled,” said
the Mayor.

Ambassador Lich showed interest in Yerevan development projects
especially in the spheres of nature protection and monument
preservation. Yerevan Mayor presented the strategy for development
of Yerevan town and the project priorities.

“I am sure that experience exchange in the field of local
self-government between Yerevan and British cities will be mutually
useful and will promote strengthening, development and expansion of
mutual ties,” said Mr. Margaryan.

For his part, Ambassador Lich expressed readiness to contribute to
establishment of ties between Yerevan and British cities.

TURKISH MP: CHANGE “PARIS” TO “KHOJALY” STREET (AND OTHER SUGGESTIONS)

Genocide | 09.02.12 | 12:50

Photo:

In what appears to be continued reaction to debate stirred up by
France’s ongoing discussions on a bill criminalizing denial of the
Armenian Genocide, a Turkish Parliament Member is suggesting that
Turkey adopt a law “recognizing the Khojaly genocide”.

(Khojalu was a flashpoint in the early days of the Karabakh war. Azeri
sympathizers claim that on February 26, 1992, Armenian forces
indiscriminately killed more than 600 citizens, including civilians and
took more than 1,000 hostages. The Armenian side disputes the charges.)

MP Sinan Ogan’s press office reports that the Turkish National Movement
Party deputy’s bill “also envisages erecting of the memorial to
the genocide victims in such Turkish cities as Kars, Ardahan, Agri,
Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Bursa, Kocaeli and Manisa”.

Finally, Ogan proposes that a street in Ankara named “Paris” be
changed to “Khojaly Street”.

29TH ANNIVERSARY OF ARMENIAN ARMED FORCES WAS CELEBRATED IN TBILISI

09.02.12, 17:06

On February 8 20th anniversary of formulation of Armenian Armed Forces
was celebrated in Tbilisi. Press and Information department of the
Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs informs about this.

Armenian Ambassador to Georgia Hovhannes Manukyan, Primate of the
Georgian Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Bishop Vazgen
Mirzakhanyan, Georgian state officials, politicians, Armenian deputies
of Georgian Parliament, Ambassadors in Tbilisi. Representatives of
the international organizations, military attaches, representatives
of Armenian Community in Georgia participated in the event.

Armenian military attache in Georgia congratulated the presents with
the jubilee.

NO CHANGE IN FRANCE’S FRANCE POSITION ON NAGORNO KARABAKH CONFLICT RESOLUTION

TODAY.AZ
09 February 2012

France’s position on the prompt resolution of Nagorno Karabakh conflict
will stay stable regardless of the French supreme Constitutional
Council’s decision on “Armenian genocide” law, Andre Reichardt, First
Vice-President of the Regional Council of Alsace (France), Senator of
Bas-Rhin told in an interview to Trend during his visit to Azerbaijan.

“France supports return of refugees to their homeland, and this
position is stable and will not change,” Reichardt said.

With regard to the decision of Constitutional Council, Reichardt said
that at the moment, from the juridical point of view there is a bigger
possibility that so-called “Armenian genocide” law will be repealed.

However, he stressed that the Constitutional Council is independent
judicial body, and it is too early to speak about the exact decision.

Reichardt believes that the relations between Azerbaijan and France
will not suffer whichever the decision of the Council might be.

ARMENIAN GOVERNMENT OFFICIALLY PROVED STATUS OF CJSC “SOUTH CAUCASUS RAILWAY” LIKE A CONCESSIONAIRE OF ARMENIAN RAILWAY

arminfo
Thursday, February 9, 19:23

The Armenian government has officially proved status of CJSC “South
Caucasus Railway” like a concessionaire of Armenian railway. The
decision of the Armenian government according to which the contracts
on handing over of infrastructures of public service to management
for their taxation, are watched like the concession contracts. So,
the governmental decision has fixed the main criteria and the order
of recognition of the contracts on handing over of the infrastructure
to management like the concessional ones.

Among such infrastructures are, in particular, the railway, auto
stations, airports, water and energy supply systems. So Armenian
government has officially proved status of CJSC “South Caucasus
Railway” like a concessionaire of Armenian railway and the company
will have privileges when paying VAT and income tax.

Moreover, this governmental decision will make it possible to enhance
the state-private partnership. Being a pan-national transport company
the SCR welcomes such measures of the Armenian government, which
are called to enhance the guarantees of the company activity. It
is especially relevant, as the SCR is one of the socially-oriented
companies of Armenia and occupies the 3-rd place among the local
companies by the number of staff.

SENATOR: FRENCH CONSTITUTIONAL COUNCIL TO CANCEL LAW ON ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

Trend
Feb 8 2012
Azerbaijan

The French Constitutional Council will cancel the law envisaging a
criminal penalty for denying the “Armenian Genocide,” French Senator
Jean-Claude Gaudin said, tje Aksam newspaper reported on Wednesday.

Gaudin does not rule out that the council may cancel the law.

French senators who do not agree with the adoption of the law appealed
to the Constitutional Council on Jan. 31 with a request to cancel it.

On Jan 23, after an eight-hour debate, the senate adopted the bill.

Some 127 senators voted in favour, while 86 voted against.

The bill demands a year’s imprisonment and a fine of 45,000 euro for
denying the so-called genocide.

Armenia and the Armenian lobby claim that the predecessor of the Turkey
– Ottoman Empire had committed the 1915 genocide against the Armenians
living in Anadolu, and achieved recognition of the “Armenian Genocide”
by the parliaments of several countries.

TURKEY WILL FURTHER SUPPORT AZERBAIJAN

Trend
Feb 8 2012
Azerbaijan

Chairman of the Azerbaijani parliament Oqtay Asadov received a
delegation led by Chief of the General Staff of the Turkish Armed
Forces Necdet Ozel on Wednesday, the press-service of the parliament
said.

The chairman noted at the meeting that during its independence
Azerbaijan has always felt support of Turkey.

He said the Azerbaijani people highly appreciate these relations and
will always support Turkey in all questions worrying it.

The both countries adhere to similar position in matters of principle,
he added.

Mr Asadov said before the discussion by the French Senate of the
issue related to the so-called “Armenian genocide” the Azerbaijani
Parliament sent a message to French senators.

“As a result of talks with the French senators during their visit
to Azerbaijani we became confident that the French Constitutional
Court will make an impartial and just decision in connection with
the so-called “Armenian genocide”, Mr Asadov said.

Mr Ozel said he is proud of the fact that he paid his first visit as
chief of the General Staff of the Turkish Armed Forces to Azerbaijan.

Mr Ozel noted that at the meetings held during the visit he once again
witnessed inviolability of friendship between the two countries and
also noted Turkey will continue to support Azerbaijan in all issues.

First Deputy Chairman of the Azerbaijani Parliament Ziyafet Esgerov,
head of the Parliament’s apparatus Safa Mirzayev, Turkish Ambassador
to Azerbaijan Hulusi Kilic and other official attended the meeting.