Author: Kalantarian Kevo

AMERICAN-ARMENIAN POET HAYK-ARTYOM ESAYAN’S COLLECTION PRESENTED IN GYUMRI

ARMENPRESS
June 23, 2011
GYUMRI

US-based Armenian young writer Hayk-Artyom Esayan’s “Vogezartonk”
collection of poems and CD was presented today at the Aesthetical
Center of Gyumri.

The young writer from Gyumri started his literary activity at
the age of 21 and published his first works in “Hamaynkapatker”
literary-cultural journal of Los Angeles. The focus of his unique
philosophical creations is the reflection of life, love and human
relations.

HERITAGE PARTY ANNOUNCES THAT BY METHOD OF DEEMING MKR’S ESTABLISHMENT UNLAWFUL, AN OBJECTIVE IS PURSUED TOWARD CARRYING OUT WHAT CAN NEVER BE ACHIEVED

Noyan Tapan

23.06.2011

(Noyan Tapan – 23.06.2011) HERITAGE PARTY’S STATEMENT ON THE TRILATERAL
MEETING IN KAZAN

In connection with the Armenian and Azerbaijani presidents’ meeting
to be held in Kazan, Russia, on 24 June 2011 upon the initiative of
the president of the Russian Federation, the Heritage Party hereby
concludes:

1. We reject the efforts to present as negotiations the
Armenia-Azerbaijan format of meetings, which are held in the absence
of the legitimate authorities of the Mountainous Karabagh Republic
(MKR), or Artsakh, as well as the attempts to impose solutions as
their result. In addition, and while highly evaluating the mediators’
efforts, we consider the adopted path to be not solely at an impasse,
but also a process which poses new perils and leads to destabilization.

2. We assess the distortion of the format of negotiations, as a
product of Azerbaijani pressure, to be a policy of altering the
essence, history, and prospect for a just resolution of the Karabagh
conflict, as a result of which: a) contrary to irrefutable facts,
efforts are made in order to portray the aggressor Azerbaijan as
a victim, to compel respect for Soviet Azerbaijan’s territorial
integrity-which no longer exists-and to recognize as “occupant” the
Armenian side which has defended itself against genocidal massacres,
a unilaterally unleashed and failed war of aggression, and continued
sabotage; b) by imposing unilateral concessions upon MKR, an attempt
is made toward violating its sovereignty and territorial integrity;
and c) by method of deeming MKR’s establishment unlawful, an objective
is pursued toward carrying out what can never be achieved: MKR’s
forcible annexation to Azerbaijan.

3. We regard the prospect of Armenia’s endorsement of a document
which is designed under force or duress by Azerbaijan, and in MKR’s
absence, as a criminal plot that is condemned to fail against MKR,
which has lawfully self-determined, decolonized, and established
itself and thus is worthy of international recognition.

4. We remind and caution the Armenian president who heads for Kazan
that: ·any meeting held without the presence of the legitimate
representatives of MKR, or any document which is born from such a
meeting, is legally null and void; ·his commitment under oath is not
to foreign leaders, as the Deauville Statement implies, but rather
before the entire Armenian nation; ·the respect and recognition of
Artsakh’s fundamental sovereignty and territorial integrity is the
constitutional duty of the Armenian president, this truth cannot be
a bargaining chip, and therefore MKR’s right to hold direct peace
talks and to be recognized must be restored; ·the maintenance of
the current format of the talks, or its toleration hereafter, will
mean a readiness not to recognize MKR’s sovereignty and integrity, de
jure and de facto alike; and ·formal participation in this conspiracy
will entail his effective self-resignation from the homeland and his
official duty and, in the event of such unacceptable developments,
he must be prepared to legalize such resignation through the conduct
of pre-term presidential elections.

THE COMPANY “ECOTOMAT” INVESTS ABOUT 2 BILLION DRAMS IN ARMENIA

/ARKA/
June 23
YEREVAN

The company “Ecotomat” implements investment program in the amount
of about 2 billion drams in Armenia with the purpose of establishment
of greenhouses, said Armenian Economy Minister Tigran Davtyan.

On Thursday, Government of Armenia adopted decision to delay VAT
payments for the goods of the company “Ecotomat” above 300 million
drams for three years to November 1, 2013.

“30 new jobs places will be created”, he said.

The program is approved by the ministries of finance, economy and
State Revenue Committee of Armenia.

Armenian Premier Tigran Sargsyan said that the society should control
targeted use of the provided privileges.

“This is already the 17th decision by which we approve investment
programs above 300 million drams”, he said.

According to the reviewed law “On Value Added Tax” in April 2009 by
the Government of Armenia, VAT payment for the companies importing
goods to Armenia, new technologies or equipment in the amount above
300 million drams or investment package is delayed for three years.

($1 – 373.62 drams).

EXTRAORDINARY PARLIAMENT SESSION RATIFIES AGREEMENT BETWEEN ARMENIA AND ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK

/ARKA/
June 23
YEREVAN

An extraordinary session of the Armenian parliament has ratified
today a framework agreement between the government of Armenia and
the Asian Development Bank (ADB) whereby the ADA has committed to
provide Armenia with a $400 million loan to finance a sustainable
urban development program. The agreement was signed on March 24, 2011.

Economy minister Tigran Davtyan, who presented the agreement, said
the loan will be disbursed in tranches on request of the government
for implementation of specific projects – repair and reconstruction of
roads, introduction of modern management systems and urban transport
development, in the capital city Yerevan and other towns. He said
the program will run until 2021.

The parliament has also ratified a loan agreement with ADB under the
same program, which provides for the issuance of the first tranche
to Armenia within the framework agreement.

According to Davtyan, the first tranche will be worth 30.9 million SDR
(about $48 million), which will be channeled into renovation of road
junctions, parking lots and transport infrastructures in Yerevan.

“The bulk of the funds will be used for reconstruction of two
major transportation hubs on the outskirts of Yerevan which will
significantly improve the condition of roads in these areas,,” the
minister said.

The loan is repayable in 32 years with an 8 year grace period at the
interest rate of 1% per annum. The government co-Financing share is
20%.

MP: POSTANJYAN CONTRADICTS HERSELF WITH HER QUESTION TO ARMENIAN PRESIDENT

PanARMENIAN.Net
June 23, 2011

PanARMENIAN.Net – Armenia is not an authoritarian state, what is proved
by the question of the member of parliament from Heritage opposition
party, Zaruhi Postanjyan, addressed to President of Armenia Serzh
Sargsyan who spoke at the plenary meeting of PACE in Strasbourg on
June 22, according to Hrayr Karapetyan, the chairman of the Armenian
standing parliamentary committee on defense, national security and
internal affairs.

“In an authoritarian state, an opposition representative would never
be a member of PACE delegation,” Karapetyan told a press conference
in Yerevan when commenting on Postanjyan’s question about Sargsyan’s
voluntary resignation and announcement of extraordinary elections
“since authoritarian regimes will be destroyed sooner of later”.

“Postanjyan contradicts herself,” he said.

HERITAGE PARTY CONCERNED OVER KAZAN MEETING

Tert.am
23.06.11

Ahead of the Armenian and Azerbaijani presidents’ meeting in Kazan,
the opposition Heritage party has issued statement, expressing concerns
over the prospects of signing a document on the settlement of the
Nagorno Karabakh conflict without the country’s direct involvement
in the process.

The text of the statement is provided below:

1. We reject the efforts to present as negotiations the
Armenia-Azerbaijan format of meetings, which are held in the absence
of the legitimate authorities of the Mountainous Karabakh Republic
(MKR), or Artsakh, as well as the attempts to impose solutions as
their result. In addition, and while highly evaluating the mediators’
efforts, we consider the adopted path to be not solely at an impasse,
but also a process which poses new perils and leads to destabilization.

2. We assess the distortion of the format of negotiations, as a
product of Azerbaijani pressure, to be a policy of altering the
essence, history, and prospect for a just resolution of the Karabakh
conflict, as a result of which: a) contrary to irrefutable facts,
efforts are made in order to portray the aggressor Azerbaijan as
a victim, to compel respect for Soviet Azerbaijan’s territorial
integrity-which no longer exists-and to recognize as “occupant” the
Armenian side which has defended itself against genocidal massacres,
a unilaterally unleashed and failed war of aggression, and continued
sabotage; b) by imposing unilateral concessions upon MKR, an attempt
is made toward violating its sovereignty and territorial integrity;
and c) by method of deeming MKR’s establishment unlawful, an objective
is pursued toward carrying out what can never be achieved: MKR’s
forcible annexation to Azerbaijan.

3. We regard the prospect of Armenia’s endorsement of a document
which is designed under force or duress by Azerbaijan, and in MKR’s
absence, as a criminal plot that is condemned to fail against MKR,
which has lawfully self-determined, decolonized, and established
itself and thus is worthy of international recognition.

4. We remind and caution the Armenian president who heads for Kazan
that:

~U any meeting held without the presence of the legitimate
representatives of MKR, or any document which is born from such a
meeting, is legally null and void;

~U his commitment under oath is not to foreign leaders, as the
Deauville Statement implies, but rather before the entire Armenian
nation;

~U the respect and recognition of Artsakh’s fundamental sovereignty
and territorial integrity is the constitutional duty of the Armenian
president, this truth cannot be a bargaining chip, and therefore MKR’s
right to hold direct peace talks and to be recognized must be restored;

~U the maintenance of the current format of the talks, or its
toleration hereafter, will mean a readiness not to recognize MKR’s
sovereignty and integrity, de jure and de facto alike; and

~U formal participation in this conspiracy will entail his effective
self-resignation from the homeland and his official duty and, in
the event of such unacceptable developments, he must be prepared to
legalize such resignation through the conduct of pre-term presidential
elections.

PRESS RELEASE
Civilitas Foundation
One Northern Avenue, suite 30
Yerevan Armenia
Tel: +37410 500 119
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:

OSKANIAN REACTS TO PRESIDENT’S STRASBOURG STATEMENT

In the President’s speech in Strasbourg at the Council of Europe
Parliamentary Assembly, and especially in the questions and answers that
followed, there were many misrepresentations, but three in particular must
be disowned by the administration.

First, to claim that Armenia has not recognized the independence of Karabakh
because Armenia accepts the principle of territorial integrity is to
misrepresent Armenia’s position of the last 20 years, including his own
years.

For two decades, Armenia has not recognized the independence of Karabakh
specifically in order not to predetermine the outcome of the negotiations
process. If Azerbaijan were to pull out of those negotiations, or attempt to
use force, then the Republic of Armenia would recognize the independence of
the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh. That has been the policy of the Armenian
Republic, through three administrations. Thus, the President’s
interpretation requires retraction especially because nowhere else in his
prepared remarks is there anything that in any way presents the official
position itself.

Second, the principles of non-use of force, territorial integrity and
self-determination, which the President listed as the Madrid principles are
in fact the principles of the Helsinki Final Act and serve as the guiding
philosophy for any conflict, including this one. Over the years, principles,
which number more than three and are specific to the resolution of the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, have been developed. They have come to be known
as the Madrid principles. As far as I know, even if the Madrid Document has
been revised, the principles remain the same. First among the Madrid
principles has been the right of the people of Nagorno Karabakh to
self-determination.

Third, after two military victories, Armenians have adhered to the
negotiation process, because we have believed that there is no military
solution to this conflict, and not because the Azerbaijani side has an
advantage.

A peaceful resolution remains Armenians’ goal — a resolution that is based
on solid, lasting principles. In the run-up to and in Kazan, the Armenian
position must be clearly and forcefully rectified. This struggle was and
continues to be about Karabakh’s right to self-determination, first and
foremost.

The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington DC 20500
Tel: 202-456-1111

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
_______________________________________________________________________
PRESS RELEASE
June 23, 2011

Readout of President Obama’s Call with Armenian President Serzh
Sargsian and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev

President Obama made phone calls today to Armenian President Serzh
Sargsian and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in advance of their
upcoming summit on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict that Russian
President Dimitriy Medvedev will host in Kazan, Russia on June 24th.

The President reaffirmed the message expressed in his May 26th joint
statement with the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs President Nicholas
Sarkozy and President Medvedev that the moment has come for all the
sides to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict to take a decisive step towards
a peaceful settlement.

President Obama strongly encouraged the two leaders to finalize and
endorse the Basic Principles during their meeting with President
Medvedev in Kazan. Once the Basic Principles are agreed to, the
parties can begin negotiating a final settlement based on the Helsinki
principles of non-use of force or threat of force, territorial
integrity, and the equal rights and self-determination of peoples.

President Obama told both leaders that now is the time to resolve this
conflict and to offer the people of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and
Nagorno-Karabakh a better future for themselves and for their
children. The United States will continue to support both leaders and
the Minsk Group Co-Chairs in their important efforts to advance
security and prosperity in the region.

###

“KARABAKH DOESN’T NEED PROTECTION FROM SERZH SARGSYAN”

10:09 pm | June 23, 2011 | Politics

Speaker of the Republican Party of Armenia (HHK) Eduard Sharmazanov
views today’s statement by Vardan Oskanyan as words of a former
state official. In his statement, Vardan Oskanyan said there were
discrepancies in Serzh Sargsyan’s speech in Strasbourg of which three
need to be corrected.

“It’s not the first time former Armenian officials criticize their
successors. That is a very bad practice. Unlike them, Serzh Sargsyan
appreciates the role of former government officials. As for Mr.

Oskanyan, I recalled the words by French diplomat Taleyran when he
said “there is no split crueler than a split from the authorities”. I
don’t think it is right to speculate before the meeting in Kazan,” Mr.
Sharmazanov told “A1+”.

Eduard Sharmazanov considers the allegations fired at Serzh Sargsyan
before the meeting in Kazan unsubstantiated. “Karabakh doesn’t need
protection from Serzh Sargsyan. Serzh Sargsyan is one of the people
realizing the wishes of Armenians in Armenia, the NKR and around the
world, not to mention Commander-in-Chief.”

One of the wishes of all Armenians is to see resettlement in the
liberated territories and liberation of the historical homeland,
but today Serzh Sargsyan is speaking about mutual concessions. What
would you say about that? In response, Mr. Sharmazanov said:

“All Armenians know very well that any conflict, including the NK
conflict is solved through normal, constructive mutual concessions.

We’re not talking about one-sided concessions, but mutual concessions.”

Going back to Vardan Oskanyan’s allegations, Sharmazanov mentioned
that any Armenian president or foreign minister, including Mr.

Oskanyan can’t dispute Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity.

“But we should make one thing clear-the dispute between Azerbaijan and
Karabakh is not a dispute over territories, but the self-determination
of nations.”

Sharmazanov says Vardan Oskanyan speculates when he says Serzh
Sargsyan didn’t present the reason why Armenia only accepts a peaceful
settlement of the NK conflict the right way.

“Unlike Azerbaijan, which is building a militarist country, Armenia
is building a democratic country. The people of Karabakh have already
won once and unlike Azerbaijan, which advocates war, Karabakh will
win again if necessary.”

Eduard Sharmazanov is more than sure that Serzh Sargsyan will not
sign any document that is against Armenia’s national interests in
Kazan or throughout the NK conflict process, for that matter.

“Serzh Sargsyan and many people standing beside him received their
political blessing during the Artsakh war.”

ARMENIAN OPPOSITION PARTIES WARN AGAINST KARABAKH ‘SELLOUT’

June 23, 2011

YEREVAN — Two major Armenian opposition parties have warned President
Serzh Sarkisian against accepting a compromise solution to the conflict
over the breakaway Azerbaijani territory of Nagorno-Karabakh, RFE/RL’s
Armenian Service reports.

The Armenian Revolutionary Federation (Dashnaktsutyun) and the Heritage
(Zharangutyun) party reaffirmed their position that the proposed
basic principles of Karabakh peace envisage disproportionate Armenian
concessions to Azerbaijan.

They also argued that those principles — favored by international
mediators — have not been approved by Karabakh’s ethnic-Armenian
leadership.

Heritage spoke of a “criminal plot” against the Karabakh Armenians
in a special statement on the Armenian-Azerbaijani summit that will
take place in the Russian city of Kazan on June 24.

“We remind and caution the Armenian president who heads for Kazan that
any meeting held without the presence of the legitimate representatives
of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, or any document which is born from
such a meeting, is legally null and void,” read the statement.

Stepan Safarian, a senior Heritage member, said Sarkisian will face
street protests if he formalizes Yerevan’s acceptances of the basic
principles at Kazan.

He told RFE/RL that “If the Republic of Armenia signs a document
that came into existence as a result of an illegal process excluding
Nagorno-Karabakh and under Azerbaijani threats, we will not put up
with that. I am sure that the presidents of both countries would have
serious trouble selling those decisions to their societies.”

The Heritage statement likewise warned that Sarkisian’s “formal
participation in this conspiracy will entail his effective
self-resignation from the homeland and his official duty. In the event
of such unacceptable developments, he must be prepared to legalize such
resignation through the conduct of preterm presidential elections.”

Both parties, which are represented in parliament, claimed that the
peace formula at the heart of the settlement, which was first formally
proposed by the U.S., Russian, and French mediators in Madrid in 2007,
cannot lead to a lasting peace.

“The Madrid principles carry a much greater danger of war than even
the preservation of the status quo,” Vahan Hovannisian, the Armenian
Revolutionary Federation’s parliamentary leader, told RFE/RL. He would
not say whether his party, which was represented in Sarkisian’s
government until 2009, is also ready to stage antigovernment
demonstrations.

The peace proposals envisage a gradual resolution of the Karabakh
conflict that would start with Armenian withdrawal from territories
in Azerbaijan that surround Karabakh.

Karabakh’s final status, the main sticking point, would be resolved
in a future referendum.

Government officials and politicians loyal to Sarkisian say the
referendum would enable the Karabakh Armenians to eventually win
international recognition of their de facto secession from Azerbaijan.

Heritage and the Armenian Revolutionary Federation dismiss this
argument, saying that major territorial concessions to Baku would
only jeopardize Karabakh’s security.

“I think it would be naive to talk about surrendering territories,
because life shows that the Azerbaijani side uses every opportunity
to broaden possibilities of bellicose statements and especially
hostilities,” said Hrayr Karapetian, another senior Armenian
Revolutionary Federation figure who chairs the parliament committee
on defense and security.

Karapetian predicted that Sarkisian and Azerbaijani President Ilham
Aliyev are unlikely to sign any major agreements in Kazan.

“I’m sorry to say this because no party — even the most national
party, which I think I represent — wants war,” he told journalists.

“We want a peaceful settlement. But not at the expense of our people
and our future.”

The Armenian National Congress (HAK), a larger and more influential
opposition force led by former President Levon Ter-Petrossian, has
expressed concern about some details of the framework peace accord
made public so far. But unlike Heritage and Armenian Revolutionary
Federation, it has not rejected the document out of hand.

In a newspaper interview published today, Ter-Petrossian pointed out
that the current peace plan is very similar to a settlement which
he unsuccessfully advocated during the final months of his 1991-1998
presidency.

“There is only one element that makes it different from that draft:
the idea of holding a referendum on Nagorno-Karabakh’s status,”
Ter-Petrossian told the daily “Moskovskie novosti.” “But it is
not backed up by anything yet…. There has been no talk of legal
consequences of that referendum.”