Author: Kalantarian Kevo

AZERBAIJANI MP IS CRITICIZED IN PARLIAMENT FOR COMPARING RULING REGIME WITH CANNIBALS

19:39 17/02/2014 >> REGION

Recently Azerbaijani Parliament has subjected MP Fazil Mustafayev to
obstruction for his essay “The Cannibal” and has demanded to apologize
to the Azerbaijani people.

As the site Qafqazinfo.az reported, the essay describes how Azerbaijani
MP, together with his colleagues from Finland, Romania, the Netherlands
and Catalonia went to Africa to check how the funds for the fight
against malaria were spent.

He told how a delightful it was to see a university built in one of
the remote districts of the world, and no Azerbaijani university can
be compared with it. MP was also surprised by the request of people
surrounding him, who asked him unanimously to bring a “cannibal”
from his trip.

“My attention was drawn to the fact that the stereotype about Africa
had not changed with so many different people. I was ready to answer
the first question about the expected cannibal that I had promised to
bring. I told them jokingly that I had met there a lot of cannibals
whom I had offered to come with me to my country, but they knew
nothing about this place, and when I showed it to them on the map I
received a refusal immediately. When I asked about the reason, they
answered “we know about your country, that’s true we are cannibals,
but you have such cannibals in your country that may eat us too,”
writes the Azerbaijani MP.

Mustafayev shares his observations about the crumbling walls after the
restoration of facades of houses in Baku and complains of corruption,
which has no analogues even in the most criminal states.

“These are the real cannibals, my friend. To spend millions on
restoration of a building, knowing that it will be destroyed anyway,
and then demolish it after a costly repair when there are hundreds
of people in the country needing an apartment, work, bread,” writes F.

Mustafayev.

Azerbaijani MP notes that such false phrases like “we were defeated
in the Karabakh war, because we were not prepared – Vezirov didn’t
allow us to stay in Karabakh, Mutalibov didn’t let us buy guns etc.”

appeared in the lexicon of the Azerbaijani people.

“Today, because of Baku’s wrong planning, we do not know where the
city begins and where it ends. We have gathered 40% of the population
here and during each earthquake we pray that there was no damage. How
would we be ready for Karabakh war with such brains, no matter today
or yesterday” the MP says.

Source: Panorama.am

ARMENIA’S MEMBERSHIP IN CUSTOMS UNION CAN SECURE ADDITIONAL 1.5%-2% GDP GROWTH FOR KARABAKH – EXPERT SAYS

YEREVAN, February 17. / ARKA /. Armenia’s membership in the
Customs Union can secure an additional 1.5%-2% GDP growth for the
Nagorno-Karabakh Republic in the next two years , Ashot Tavadyan,
a professor at the Armenian State University of Economics, said today.

“Karabakh is in the same space as Armenia, and I think that Armenia’s
formal membership in the Russia-led trade bloc will be reflected in
Nagorno-Karabakh as well,” he said in an interview with ARKA .

He said Armenia’s membership in the Customs Union will cut the barriers
for exports of agricultural products and other commodities produced
in Nagorno-Karabakh.

According to him, improved transport conditions in Armenia will have
their positive impact on Karabakh as well because the North-South
transport corridor passes near its borders.

On February 3 the Armenian government made public a “roadmap” to
Armenia’s accession to the Customs Union. The 249-page document posted
on the government’s website lists 262 administrative and legislative
actions concerning 20 areas of government policy. -0-

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ARMENIA’S NCTR DELEGATION TO ATTEND ARMENIAN-IRANIAN MEDIA MEETING IN TEHERAN

10:15, 17 February, 2014

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 17, ARMENPRESS: The delegation, headed by the
Chairman of the National Commission on Television and Radio of the
Republic of Armenia Gagik Buniatyan, will take part in the meeting
of the Armenian and Iranian media representatives in Teheran on
February 17-20, attended also by the representatives of several
leading Armenian TV companies. The Department for Public Relations
of the National Commission on Television and Radio of the Republic
of Armenia informed Armenpress that meetings are intended to be held
with the administration of the Radio and Television organization,
the directors of the TV companies and the representatives of the
Armenian community of the Islamic Republic of Iran, as well as visit
to the city of Isfahan will be implemented.

The visit aims at the strengthening of the relations of the two
similar structures of Armenia and Iran and discovering new ways of
cooperation. During the meetings the sides will discuss issues related
to the cooperation between the structures. Memorandum of understanding
on media opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation will be
discussed and signed by the sides

LIFE BECOMES UNBEARABLE FOR GYUMRI RESIDENTS LIVING IN DOMIKS – VIDEO

12:38 | February 17,2014 | Social

Life has turned into a real struggle for the residents of Armenia’s
Gyumri city who have been living in ‘domiks’ – wagon-like temporary
tin houses, for about 25 years. This is especially felt especially
during frosty winter months typical of Shirak region.

Against the background of widespread poverty and unemployment many
of them cannot even afford fuel to heat their houses.

Gyumri-based Shirak Center NGO continues rendering assistance to
socially vulnerable families in Gyumri by giving them clothes,

MODERNIZATION OF GARNI OBSERVATORY IS UNDERWAY – ARMENIAN MINISTRY

February 17, 2014 | 12:02

YEREVAN. – Earthquake resistance of buildings in Yerevan remains one
of the most serious challenges for the Armenian Ministry of Emergency
Situations.

Nikolay Grigoryan, deputy head of rescue service, said new buildings
are being constructed in accordance with new requirements and are
relatively stronger. But, there are still a number of unfit buildings.

According to the clarified information, the strength of seismic hazard
in the capital city is estimated at 8 points as compared to 7 points
during the Soviet period.

The Ministry official said activities on modernization of the Garni
observatory are underway. They exert considerable efforts to turn the
observatory in a large international research center. The Ministry
is working with colleagues from Japan, France, Germany and Russia
and with international organizations.

Grigoryan said Armenian scientists made progress on making long-term
earthquake forecasts. He also underscored importance of introducing
the earthquake alert system through mobile operators.

News from Armenia – NEWS.am

WHY DO YOU MORTGAGE OUR COUNTRY?

19:43 | February 17,2014 | Social

Artashes Avetisyan, founding head of the KAMQ (Will) civil movement,
today referred to Serzh Sargsyan’s recent statement in which he said,
“If some provocateurs do not delude the workers of “Nairit” factory,
most likely we shall start the construction of the new plant this
year.”

Artashes Avetisyan has several questions to address Serzh Sargsyan.

“How can you ground for the accumulated wage arrears for 15 months?

How can you explain the fact that since 2010 workers have not received
any official information on this matter?

How can you explain the fact that the factory administration has
breached the Labour Code?

How can we explain the fact that 40 percent of the Shanxi-Nairit
factory, which was opened in China in 2010, belongs to Armenia?

As of 2013, the plant reportedly produced $40 million worth of
products, which means $ 16 mln went to Armenia. The sum was enough
to cover the unpaid wages. So why do you mortgage our country under
false pretence?

TWO CONGRESSES, TWO MESSAGES: SARGSYAN, TSARUKYAN SPEAK ON PROBLEMS FACING ARMENIA

ANALYSIS | 17.02.14 | 09:38

By NAIRA HAYRUMYAN
ArmeniaNow correspondent

On Saturday, February 15, Yerevan saw two congresses – the gathering
of the Prosperous Armenia Party (PAP) and that of the Yerkrapah Union
of Volunteers. Speaking at these congresses, President Serzh Sarkisian
and PAP leader Gagik Tsarukyan held a remote debate on issues crucial
for the country.

Sargsyan tried to answer questions being raised in society and in
parliament that relate to domestic issues – out-migration, economic
policy, the mandatory accumulation pension system, and foreign policy,
in particular, the benefits from Armenia’s joining the Russian-led
Customs Union.

Tsarukyan in his speech, in fact, accused the government of stifling
small and medium businesses, of tax terror that leads to emigration
and the flight of capital. He said he could invite wealthy Diaspora
Armenians to Armenia, but he cannot give them guarantees.

Sargsyan in his speech did not give such guarantees. Speaking about
emigration, he said that the problem concerned him as well, but the
numbers are not as scary as to talk about them in tears. He said
that about 31,000 people annually leave Armenia for good, but he
did not cite figures on how many people have to travel abroad for
seasonal work.

At the same time, Sargsyan spoke about major projects, particularly
in the mining and fish-breeding industries that he said will provide
jobs. At the same time, he said that the mandatory component of the
new pension law will also tie citizens to their country.

Both Tsarukyan and Sargsyan spoke about trust. Sargsyan stated that
“in front of us we have an old enemy – disappointment and disbelief,
the underestimation of our forces, the inability to see the light at
the end of the tunnel.” The government has begun a series of major
reforms that are designed to reduce uncertainty, said Sargsyan,
adding that these reforms need confidence in the future of the state.

The PAP has answered with an intention to initiative a process of
passing a vote of no-confidence in the government. “On our today’s
agenda is the question of confidence in the government, and four
non-coalitional forces may come to agreement on this issue,” said
member of the PAP Political Council Vartan Oskanian. “Issues related
to the accumulation pension system, gas prices, the quality of life
and emigration – all this concerns the work of the government. But
we do not rule out anything. We know who the main responsible is,
and we will take an appropriate decision when time is appropriate,”
said Oskanian.

Both politicians have called for consolidation, but Sargsyan spoke
mostly about intergenerational solidarity, asking veterans to help.

And PAP stated about openness for cooperation with other political
parties. “Those who do not understand that in order to address the
problems and challenges Armenia needs a broad social and political
consensus do not just realize the gravity of these problems,” said
Tsarukyan. Extra-parliamentary forces and, most importantly, the
society, must join us, he said.

Prosperous Armenia suggests that all political forces, active social
circles together draw a joint political, social and economic agenda
and roadmap.

At the same time, on the eve of the Congress, during a meeting at the
Ministry of Urban Development, President Sargsyan, in fact, marked
the opponents of his police. “Some TV channels, print newspapers,
several dozen websites, four parliamentary factions, a large number
of non-parliamentary parties, dozens of politicians who are partly
dismayed at the power, from morning till evening vilify and demonize
the events taking place in the country and our work,” said Sargsyan.

ARMENIA’S PRESIDENT DECORATES OTTO LUCHTERHANDT WITH MKHITAR GOSH MEDAL

20:10, 17 February, 2014

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 17, ARMENPRESS. The President of the Republic of
Armenia Serzh Sargsyan hosted one of the prominent experts in the field
of international and public law of Germany, Professor at the University
of Hamburg Otto Luchterhandt on February 17. Otto Luchterhandt has been
continuously engaged in the legal-consulting activities in our country
since the declaration of independence of the Republic of Armenia.

The Mass Media and Public Relations Department of the President’s
Office informed “Armenpress” that Serzh Sargsyan highly appreciated
Luchterhandt’s significant services aimed at strengthening of the legal
system of the Republic of Armenia and decorated Otto Luchterhandt
with the high state award of the Republic of Armenia the Medal of
Mkhitar Gosh.

Among other things the President of the Republic of Armenia Serzh
Sargsyan underscored that due to Professor Luchterhandt’s continuous
activity, his dedication to the academic values, as well as his
valuable professional consultations for the Armenian people and
Armenia, Otto Luchterhandt is among those scholars, who particularly
deserve this award.

MAVI MARMARA : UN MINISTRE ISRAELIEN ACCUSE ANKARA DE BLOQUER UN ACCORD D’INDEMNISATION

TURQUIE

Le ministre israelien des Affaires strategiques a accuse jeudi le
chef du gouvernement turc Recep Tayyip Erdogan de bloquer un accord
sur l’indemnisation des victimes turques de l’assaut en 2010 contre
une flottille tentant de briser le blocus de Gaza.”Je suis pour la
conclusion d’un accord avec la Turquie, mais (le blocage actuel) est
de la faute d’Erdogan”, a declare Youval Steinitz a la radio publique.

“Je ne comprends pas le comportement de la Turquie et d’Erdogan”,
a ajoute M. Steinitz.

Il faisait allusion a l’exigence par le Premier ministre turc pour
regler le contentieux d’un “engagement ecrit d’Israël” a lever le
blocus de la bande de Gaza gouvernee par le mouvement islamiste Hamas.

“Nous sommes dans une periode où nos relations sont les plus proches
possibles de la normalisation après l’affaire du Mavi Marmara”,
a declare dimanche le ministre turc des Affaires etrangères Ahmet
Davutoglu, après des rencontres entre negociateurs israeliens et turcs.

Mais mardi, M. Erdogan a declare lors d’une conference de presse
que “sans la fin de l’embargo (sur Gaza, NDLR), il n’y aurait pas
d’accord. L’embargo doit etre leve et cela doit etre inclu dans un
accord ecrit”.

Selon les medias israeliens, Israël rejette cette demande.

Interroge par l’AFP, le porte-parole du Premier ministre israelien
Benjamin Netanyahu n’a pas souhaite commenter ces informations.

Un responsable israelien proche des negociations a assure a l’AFP
que “Gaza n’a jamais fait partie des negociations avec la Turquie”,
tout en estimant “possible” qu’un “canal separe de negociations”
existe au sujet de l’embargo.

Lors de l’ouverture des discussions sur ces indemnisations en avril
2013, le vice-Premier ministre et porte-parole du gouvernement turc
Bulent Arinc avait pourtant evoque ce dossier.

“Les deux parties considèrent que ce problème doit etre regle
rapidement, dès lors que sera prise en compte de facon significative
(par Israël) la necessite de lever l’embargo et le blocus imposes a
Gaza”, avait-il dit.

Deja tendues depuis une operation israelienne meurtrière a Gaza en
decembre 2008/janvier 2009, les relations entre la Turquie et Israël,
allies strategiques dans les annees 1990, se sont brutalement degradees
lors de l’assaut israelien contre une flottille qui tentait de briser
le blocus de Gaza.

Cette operation, le 31 mai 2010, avait coûte la vie a neuf
ressortissants turcs a bord du navire amiral de cette flottille,
le Mavi Marmara, affrete par l’ONG islamique turque IHH.

Les familles ont porte plainte en Turquie contre quatre responsables
militaires israeliens, actuellement juges par contumace par une cour
criminelle d’Istanbul.

Selon le quotidien israelien Haaretz, l’Etat hebreu a offert une
enveloppe de 20 millions de dollars aux victimes turques.

AFP

lundi 17 fevrier 2014, Stephane (c)armenews.com

Creation of Lezgi State Is Inevitable

Igor Muradyan, Political Analyst
Politics – Monday, 10 February 2014, 10:48

As it was suggested several years ago, Dagestan with its current
administrative format cannot be controlled by either Moscow or the
local elites. With the support of the Moscow elites a decision was
made to set up territorial units in Dagestan. In fact, division on
ethnic grounds was intended.

The Southern District is set up in the south where the Lezgi people
and their related ethnicities live. This decision is popular among the
people of Dagestan, and the Lezgi people and their related ethnicities
particularly encouraged it. This might be the next step towards the
creation of the Lezgi (Lezgi-Tabasaran-Rutul) state in the south of
Dagestan.

Hence, first indirectly, then directly, the divided existence of the
Lezgi people will be confirmed. The division of people is a form of
discrimination and racism that has become a policy of certain states.

It is clear that Russia can no longer ignore the aspirations of the
peoples of Dagestan to establish their right to self-determination as
a state and territory. All the possible theses that the right to
self-determination is not compatible with friendship of peoples are
increasingly viewed as demagogy and propaganda.

It should be kept in mind that despite the wish of the political
leadership of Dagestan which is detached from the aspirations of the
people of that country, as well as is corrupt by Azerbaijan, the
peoples and political and public leaders of Dagestan understand the
issues of Lezgi people divided between two states and they consider
the creation of a Lezgi state within the Russian Federation fully
possible.

Existence of a Lezgi state will be a powerful factor for state and
political unification with south Lezgistan which has been occupied by
the Azerbaijani racist regime. The Lezgi issue is internationalized,
and the interested states must make a compromise to avoid a rising
problem in a vulnerable region.

See the attached photos.
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