Author: Kalantarian Kevo

TURKEY SAYS DETERMINED TO NORMALIZE TIES WITH ARMENIA

People’s Daily
Feb 11 2010
China

Turkish President Abdullah Gul said Thursday Turkey remains determined
to normalize relations with Armenia after a recent dispute threatened
to derail the two neighbors’ efforts to mend long-time rifts.

"We have to be aware that concluding this historic process will require
honoring our commitments in their entirety as well as displaying
adequate political courage and vision," Gul was quoted by local
newspaper Hurriyet Daily News as saying.

"You should have no doubt that our determination to move these
objectives forward is intact, provided that this resolve and commitment
remains reciprocal," Gul said in a response to a message given by
Armenian President Serzh Sarksyan.

In October last year, Turkey and Armenia signed historic deals on
normalizing ties and reopening their borders after nearly a century
of hostilities. The agreements need to be ratified by both countries’
parliaments before taking effect.

Last month, the Armenian Constitutional Court upheld the protocols,
but ruled that the protocols should not breach the country’s
Independence Declaration, which says Armenia will always work for
worldwide recognition of the massive death of Armenians under the
Ottoman rule in 1915 as genocide.

Turkey denies that charge and insists the Armenians were victims
of widespread chaos and governmental breakdown as the 600- year-old
Ottoman Empire collapsed before modern Turkey was born in 1923.

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has criticized the Armenian
court’s ruling as "unacceptable" and said it could challenge the
reconciliation efforts between the two countries.

In Thursday’s message, Gul said "overcoming the long- established
prejudices and nurturing mutual understanding and trust among our two
neighboring peoples were indeed our main objectives when endorsing
the process of normalization between our countries."

Turkey allowed Sarksyan’s plane to fly through Turkey’s airspace en
route to London last week and the Armenian president sent a courtesy
message to Gul, according to the newspaper.

Turkey and Armenia have no diplomatic or economic ties since Armenia
declared its independence in 1991. Turkey closed its border with
Armenia in 1993 to support Azerbaijan, which had a territorial conflict
with Armenia over the Upper Karabakh region.

AZERBAIJAN WILL HARDLY TAKE A CHANCE ON WAR, SAYS MILITARY EXPERT

Aysor
Feb 11 2010
Armenia

"There were recently made official and non-official statements and
declarations on resumption of hostilities. All these appear to have
concerned society; in respond to all these declarations there were
some statements made and views shared, and then the process recovers
its temper until the next statement," said at today’s press conference
military expert, David Jamalian.

He pointed that Aliev’s war treats can concern the civil population,
never interested in politics, while others perfectly realize that
all these are just parts of propaganda. Meanwhile, the resumption
of hostilities is possible in any time, but the matter is when to
prepare the society for a war?

"It’s interesting, if there are preconditions of resumption of
hostilities, and how it is appropriated to declare war, when there
is too little sense in voicing all these. Sure, our society should
always be open-eyed as the best instrument against war is being ready
both militarily and psychologically to face such kind of development."

The region won’t go into the war if the superpowers are not interested
in it, according to expert. He said believes that the war is possible
to begin only if Armenia and the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic’s positions
become weaker than they are now.

"I believe that our enemy would immediately take advantage of our
weakness – if we were weak – to return lost in the war territories.

"I wonder if any superpower is interested in war today. I say, no,
the war is not possible."

Besides, says David Jamalian, Armenian side is on the better hand as
it is the part which stands in defense of its own land. Peoples of
Armenia and NKR are ready to stand up for their lands, so, Azerbaijan
will hardly take a chance on the war.

A REFERENCE INTERCONNECTION OFFER OF ARMENTEL CJSC APPROVED IN ARMENIA FOR OPERATORS OF PUBLIC TELECOMMUNICATION NETWORKS

ArmInfo.
2010-02-10 20:34:00

ArmInfo. The Public Services Regulatory Commission of Armenia (PSRC)
has approved a reference interconnection offer of ArmenTel CJSC
(branch of VimpelCom OJSC) for the operators of public networks of
mobile and fixed communication, as well as for operators of fixed
networks using telephone number with geographical codes.

According to the document, ArmenTel is to provide services related to
deployment of a connection point of the networks which are necessary
for connection of communication lines, as well as termination of
calls from other networks. The operator concluding an agreement with
ArmenTel is to deploy the connection point and termination of calls.

As regards deployment of new lines for interconnection, the sides
conclude additional agreements. Moreover, if ArmenTel needs additional
construction work to deploy the new lines of communication for
interconnection, the work is to be carried out at the expense of the
agreement partner in compliance with an additional agreement between
the sides, agreed technical conditions and cost sheet.

If deployment of the lines is carried out at the expense of the partner
operator and by the latter’s forces, ArmenTel is to provide the proper
technical conditions if needed and if possible. The agreement on
interconnection may be cancelled in case of violation of considerable
provisions, including regular violations of the traffic management
conditions.

The deployment of a point of connection will cost 375,000 AMD
(VAT exclusive) per each E-1 port. The call termination cost within
ArmenTel’s fixed telephony network will make up 2.1 AMD in Yerevan and
8.33 AMD in the regions. The call termination cost within ArmenTel’s
mobile network at peak hours (07:00 AMD-11:00 PM) will be 19.83 AMD
till July 1 2010, 17.02 AMD and 14.21 AMD in the following six-month
periods and 11.40 AMD July 1 2011. From 11:00 PM to 07:00 AM the cost
will be 14.74 AMD July 1 2010 and 13.63 AMD, 12.51 AMD and 11.40 AMD,
respectively.

Head of Legal Service of ArmenTel David Sandukhchyan regrets that
the company’s proposals have not been considered in the offer. As
a national operator, ArmenTel has undertaken the initiative to
draft and approve the inter-connection agreement and is ready to
cooperate with all alternative operators. ArmenTel has drafted the
agreement without waiting for similar initiatives by the other mobile
operators and has submitted relevant proposals to the Public Service
Regulation Committee. However, the company is not satisfied with the
inter-connection prices fixed by the Committee as they are too low.

"We regret that the Committee has ignored our proposals," says
Sandukhchyan.

FOOTBALL DIPLOMACY PROVES INEFFICIENT

PanARMENIAN.Net
10.02.2010 15:34 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The process of normalization of Armenian-Turkish
relations has hit a deadlock, according to Ruben Mehrabyan, expert
at the Armenian Center of Political and International Studies.

"Football diplomacy proved inefficient," he told reporters on
Wednesday. "Politicians can to their heart’s content reiterate that
Nagorno Karbakh conflict settlement process in not interconnected
with the Armenian-Turkish reconciliation but the linkage is obvious."

The Protocols aimed at normalization of bilateral ties and opening of
the border between Armenia and Turkey were signed in Zurich by Armenian
Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian and his Turkish counterpart Ahmet
Davutoglu on October 10, 2009, after a series of diplomatic talks
held through Swiss mediation.

On January 12, 2010, the Constitutional Court of the Republic of
Armenia found the protocols conformable to the country’s Organic Law.

The conflict between Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan broke out in
1988 as result of the ethnic cleansing the latter launched in the
final years of the Soviet Union. The Karabakh War was fought from
1991 to 1994. Since the ceasefire in 1994, sealed by Armenia, NKR and
Azerbaijan, most of Nagorno Karabakh and several regions of Azerbaijan
around it (the security zone) remain under the control of NKR defense
army. Armenia and Azerbaijan are holding peace talks mediated by the
OSCE Minsk Group up till now.

ARMENIAN PRESIDENT SENDS MESSAGE TO TURKISH PRESIDENT

ArmInfo
2010-02-09 10:53:00

ArmInfo. President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan has sent a message to
President of Turkey Abdullah Gul. To note, the Armenian president
left for London this morning on a three-day working visit.

As the presidential press service told ArmInfo, S. Sargsyan’s message
says, in particular: "Flying over the territory of Turkey, I welcome
you and the people of the neighbouring Turkey. Our initiative
on settlement of relations between Armenia and Turkey is in the
center of attention of the world community. The moment is really
historical, and this is realized not only by us but by the whole
world as well. The efforts of the powers, involved in the region,
are invaluable in settlement of bilateral relations. I am sure that
it would be difficult to advance without their mediation. Along with
it, I think however much interested the friendly countries are in a
positive outcome of the process, they cannot do what our two peoples
are able to do.

I think you will agree that the leading part in breaking the
stereotypes in relations between the Armenian and Turkish peoples,
as well as in formation of an atmosphere of mutual trust has been
assigned to the authorities. We can achieve results only due to the
belief in our work, decisiveness and fidelity to the principals.

Otherwise, when the world and work disagree, it causes distrust,
enabling the process opponents to act. We must realize that the
time, in this case, does not contribute to the process but makes
it senseless.

If, at this moment, we succeeded to bring out the bilateral contacts
to such a level that a prospect of building of normal relations
between our countries has become visible and tangible, now it has
become necessary to show decisiveness and make a large step forward,
as well as transfer a secure and stable region to our descendants.

Assuring you of my highest esteem".

Aramyans play the first match as a part of Steaua
06.02.2010 13:34 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Romanian soccer club Steaua , where footballers of
the Armenian national team Arman and Artavazd Karamyan play,
participates in training camp in Antalya (Turkey).

On February 5 the club Steaua held a friendly match with Croatian
Rijeka, and for the first time both Armenian footballers Arman and
Artavazd Karamyan played for the Romanian club. The match ended in a
draw 1:1.

Its next friendly match Steaua will hold on February 7 against
Lokomotiv (Sofia).

FC Steaua (Bucharest) – Romanian football club. FC was founded on June
7, 1947 as ASA BucureÃ?Â?ti (Army Sport Association). Since 1961, the
club has named Steaua.

After winning in 1986 the European Cup Steaua became the first Eastern
European club holding this honorable trophy.

Titles:
European Champions Cup – 1985-86
European Super Cup – 1987
European Cup Finalist – 1988-89
Intercontinental Cup Finalist – 1986

AZG DAILY #20, 06-02-2010

Opinion

Update: 2010-02-06 01:33:20 (GMT +04:00)

AZERBAIJANI MP: U.S. CONGRESS’ RECOGNITION OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE WOULD
PLAY INTO TURKEY’S HANDS

Day.Az interview with member of Azerbaijani Milli Majlis (parliament)
Gudrat Hasanguliyev.

– Many expert argue that the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict requires shift in positions of the great powers. Do you
expect any changes in their positions?

– I do not think that the position of states involved in the Karabakh
peace process has changed in recent times. They remain committed to
their opinion ignoring interests of Azerbaijan which requires to
resolve the conflict based on international law. Besides, I do not see
prospects for a shift in the positions of these powers. All these do
not promise bright prospects for a peaceful solution to the
Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict.

– In your opinion, can the U.S. Congress neglect the country’s
national interests and recognize the Armenian genocide if Turkey fails
to ratify the Zurich protocols signed with Armenia?

– I believe when we talk about neglect of national interest in U.S.
relations with Turkey, we should not refer to future. Washington has
already neglected its relations with Ankara. As you know, many
Congressmen and other U.S. officials are dependent on the Armenian
diaspora in the States. Therefore, the issue of Armenian genocide is
regularly raised in the United States which also provides support to
Karabakh.

The U.S. Congress is constantly blackmailing Ankara by recognition of
the Armenian genocide seeking to control Turkey’s foreign policy. Of
course, the U.S. Congress is less likely to adopt such a decision
because it would mark end of the Turkish-American strategic
partnership.

But I think U.S. Congress’ recognition of the Armenian genocide would
play into the hands of Turkey. Because this would end Washington’s
blackmail to Ankara enabling Turkey to pursue more free foreign
policy. At present, Ankara wants to establish closer cooperation with
the Turkic countries, as well as with Russia.

Moreover, I believe that in event the United States recognizes the
Armenian genocide, Turkey should withdraw from NATO and join together
with Azerbaijan the CSTO, which already has a Turkic state. I think
that Turkey’s withdrawal from the pro-Western NATO and accession to
the CSTO is much easier than NATO accession for other Turkic states.
Thus, influence of the Turkic countries in the military-political
organization like CSTO will increase many times, and, most
importantly, our countries will be together in one organization.

– Does not Armenia’s presence in the CSTO bother you?

– Not at all. This should bother neither Azerbaijan nor Turkey. On the
contrary, Armenia could lose one-sided support of Russia in the
Karabakh issue, even in the event of resumed hostilities. Moreover, in
case of war with Armenia, Russia will no longer be able to
unequivocally support Yerevan. I think accession to the CSTO is in
line with common interests of Moscow, Baku and Ankara since the West
has already denied support to Azerbaijan.

Interfax, Russia
Feb 5 2010

Armenian-Russian relations are developing well – Sargsyan

YEREVAN Feb 5

Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan has said 2009 was a good year for
Armenian-Russian relations, adding that there was much done in term of
development.

"We have registered progress in almost all areas. 2010 also began very
intensively. Three meetings with the Russian president have already
been held and the Russian foreign minister visited Armenia in
January," Sargsyan said during a meeting in Yerevan with Russian
deputy prime minister and Russian national coordinator for the CIS
affairs, Igor Shuvalov.

Shuvalov, in turn, said the purpose of his visit to Armenia was to
discuss actions to be taken during Russia’s chairmanship of the CIS in
2010, the presidential press service told Interfax.

"We have already approved a policy for our chairmanship and we have a
very rigorous agenda. I have been tasked by the Russian administration
with discussing the priorities of this agenda with the Armenian
administration and establish closer relations with my colleagues,"
Shuvalov said.

On behalf of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, Shuvalov invited the
Armenian leader to Moscow in May to take part in celebrations to mark
the 65th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany during World War 2.

KERKORIAN GIFTS $110K TO CLOVIS ARMENIAN SCHOOL

Fresno Business Journal
n/3843-kerkorian-gifts-110k-to-clovis-armenian-sch ool
Feb 5 2010

The Charlie Keyan Armenian Community School in Clovis is the recipient
of a $110,000 grant from the Las Vegas-based Lincy Foundation,
established by billionaire and Fresno native Kirk Krikorian.

Funds from the grant will be used for school expenses and to provide
scholarships to needy students. A portion will also be used to purchase
computer-based whiteboards for elementary school classes.

"I shouted with joy when I opened the envelope from the foundation. We
thank God for the Lincy Foundation, its benefactors, executives,
and all who placed such confidence in us. Bless each," said Principal
Sophie Mekhitarian, in a statement.

The Lincy Foundation was formed in 1989 in response to a devastating
earthquake in Armenia. Contributions from the Lincy Foundation provided
housing to displaced individuals and families. The Lincy Foundation
funding is provided solely by Kerkorian’s Tracinda Corp.

The corporation, in addition to the foundation, is named for
Kerkorian’s daughters, Tracy and Linda.

Kerkorian began his career as a pilot, first in World War II and
then as a commercial pilot transporting visitors from Los Angeles to
Las Vegas. His first business venture in Las Vegas was purchasing a
stake in the Dunes Hotel in 1955. He is now the main stockholder of
MGM Mirage Resorts and Casinos, which includes the MGM Grand Resort,
the Mirage and the Bellagio.

AZERI OFFICIAL SAYS ARMENIA BACKED BY WEST

Azad Azarbaycan TV
Feb 2 2010
Azerbaijan

[Presenter] Pressure should be mounted on Armenia without delay in
order to settle the Nagornyy Karabakh conflict. This will also weaken
virtual powers who back Yerevan, an official of the Presidential
Administration [of Azerbaijan] Novruz Mammadov has said.

[Novruz Mammadov] I will be frank. I believe Armenia is backed by some
powers which is why it is not willing to make any steps back in such
a difficult situation while they realize their own situation. Some
virtual powers support them, otherwise, knowing Armenians’ trait, they
would immediately beg for mercy from Turkey and Azerbaijan and ask
to rescue them. They are still being supported by that virtual power.

[Correspondent] You probably mean Russia.

[Novruz Mammadov] I also mean the West. At this period of negotiations
strong pressure needs to be put on Armenia by the USA, Russia,
France and the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs. Each time Armenia tries
to demonstrate that everything depends on it and that no one puts
pressure on them.