Author: Kalantarian Kevo

TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTRY BECOMES OF LONELY MEN

Hurriyet, Turkey
Nov 27 2013

Koray CalıÅ~_kan [email protected]

A coup d’état took place in Egypt. All right. Coups are bad. All
right to that also. In the first place, Turkey did what it had to
do in principle. However, even Hamas, the Palestinian organization
al-Ikhwan, that is the Muslim Brotherhood, is more realistic in this
subject now. Even the Egyptian al-Ikhwan is trying to understand
where it made a mistake. How did the whole society unite against them;
they are searching for the reasons. They are considering how common
ground could be found with the regime.

In such a period, instead of exploiting diplomacy to the end, Turkey
has started an uncalled for fight with Egypt, which accommodates half
of the population of the Arab world. With rude contempt, relations were
blown apart. Other than us, no other country that has a Muslim majority
population, any Arab country nor any Western country has opted for
this negative path. In the end, our ambassador was expelled from Egypt.

Thus, in the region, all together with Armenia, Egypt, Syria and Israel
we are left with no ambassadors in four countries. This unnecessary
toughness does not help al-Ikhwan, Egypt, Turkey or the region. In
order to defend the notion that a success criteria exists in diplomacy,
you need to have diplomatic relations. Period.

Meanwhile, Iran has achieved a very important success. Uranium is
good only when it is enriched. Uranium in its natural state has 0.7
percent of the U235 used in nuclear activities. Without the isotope
enrichment, uranium cannot be used in nuclear activities.

For the uranium to be used in nuclear reactors, it has to be enriched.

3 percent enrichment is adequate for a reactor. Uranium enriched over
20 percent can be used in nuclear weapons. In countries such as Israel,
China, the United States, United Kingdom and Russia, there is uranium
enriched 80 percent and above.

According to the deal struck with Iran, this country will enrich
uranium as much as it needs but to a maximum of 5 percent. In other
words, Iran’s nuclear program is accepted by the international
community with the prerequisite that it is produced for energy only.

There is only one reason for this: The Western world led by the U.S.

could not prevent Iran’s nuclear program; it said, “Then, let us at
least manage it.”

Iran gave the green light to the West’s controls. In return for that,
an embargo worth $1 billion has been lifted for each month. In the
long term, the entire embargo will be lifted. Iran will be able
to produce its own nuclear technology and if it is able to hide it
(Israel has no doubts in that) will also have nuclear weapons.

The chemical weapons agreement with Syria has also been signed. This
is also an achievement of the Iran-Russia cooperation. The Western
world does not trust the al-Qaida led al-Ikhwan and militant Islamist
politics. Moreover, they can even draw reactionary regimes such as
Saudi Arabia to their own side.

While all of these developments are taking place, the Justice and
Development Party led government is trying to become the spokesperson
of al-Ikhwan. It is making diplomacy equations with zero gains in the
Middle East. It must be because the diplomatic feet have been numbed
for not having taken a walk for such a long time that it cannot even
take a few simple steps.

Turkey, a country which is ahead of the game in the Middle East
with its huge potential, with its experience of operating democratic
institutions, with its cultural ties, economic power and development
potential, is more and more becoming “Alone.” (The Turkish film
“Issız Adam” which means the lonely man.)

Turkey has the flour, the butter, the sugar and it is repeatedly asking
“What was the name of that dessert?”

Let me say it: Both in Arabic and in Turkish, it is called “halva.”

Its recipe is simple. Its equivalent in diplomacy is sweet talk and
intelligence.

*Koray CalıÅ~_kan is a columnist for daily Radikal in which this
piece was published on Nov 26. It was translated into English by the
Daily News staff.

November/27/2013

WHO INVOLVES KAVPOLIT.COM INTO ANTI-ARMENIAN PROVOCATION?

20:18 27/11/2013 ” SOCIETY

Russian portal “Kavpolit.com” renowned for its articles covering
Caucasus issues was involved in anti-Armenian provocation: on the
site, while translating the travel notes of the British traveler
Daniel Hamilton serious mistakes were made, and phrase and photos
with anti-Armenian content were added, which do not exist in original.

It is noteworthy that Daniel Hamilton has published his notes on a trip
to Armenia and Karabakh from May to September, and the “translation”
was published on Kavpolit.com site in November.[]

In the notes made on May 16 Daniel Hamilton writes about the Armenian
town of Shushi, emphasizing that the town is often called by its
Azeri name ‘Shusha’ in various guidebooks. In the translation of
“the Caucasian Policy” the city is named in Azerbaijani as “Shusha”
which is presented as a place-name used by the author.

“Shushi was once one of the largest Armenian towns in the world and
the heart of the Caucasus silk trade. It retains some of its historic
buildings but saw scenes of some of the most bitter fighting during
the Karabakh war. War stories about Shushi are legendary in Karabakh.

The town served as a base from which the Azeri army launched missile
and shell attacks on Stepanakert before being dramatically recaptured
one night by Armenian forces,” the blogger writes.

He notes that during the trip to Shushi one can see the influence
of both Christianity and Islam in Nagorno-Karabakh. “Ghazanchetsots
Cathedral, which was used by the Azeri army to store missiles during
the war, has been fully restored and should not be missed.

Similarly, you should make an effort to visit the Yukhari Govhar Agha
mosque which, while no longer in use, is protected by the Nagorno
Karabakh Government,” the blogger reports.

In the translation of the “Caucasian policy,” we see a discrepancy
with the original text: “Today Shusha is a village, but once it was a
major city of a Silk Road and the center of the Armenian culture. Many
historical buildings are preserved there that are worth seeing. Shusha
is a surprising mix of Islamic and Christian civilizations. Visit the
local fortress of Ghazanchetsots Cathedral, the 18th century Govhar
Agha mosque.”

Further, in translation made by D. Jalilova a completely false
paragraph, which cannot be found in the original article, appears:
“Unlike the other monuments of local architecture, the mosque is in
terrible condition. Though officially it is protected by the state,
the building is in a dilapidated condition and the people are not
allowed to enter. Thus you may admire it only from the outside.”

It is noteworthy that Daniel Hamilton, just on the contrary, writes
that the mosque is under the patronage of the NKR government.

The translator of the “Caucasian policy” entitled the excerpt about
Aghdam “Pigsty in mosque and gardens on the ruins”, though text of
there is very little information about Aghdam in the original text.

Naturally, in the article written by Daniel Hamilton there is nothing
said about the pigs grazing in the mosque.

In the article published in “Caucasian policy” among the pictures made
by Daniel Hamilton there are also photos of animals grazing in the
mosque, however, the British author does not possess such photos and
cannot have them as this photo “runs” in the Internet for a long time;
a number of Internet sites used to discuss its accuracy. There were
suspicions that the photo is mounted with the help of Photoshop. It
was this picture and the mentioned above paragraph about the animals
in the mosque that caused a number of armenofobic comments on the
site of the “Caucasian policy.”

Below is the paragraph about Aghdam published on Kavpolit.com. To note
in advance that only the phrase “Aghdam is a ghost city” in this text
coincides with the original publication.

Thus the fabrications attributed to Daniel Hamilton: “Today Aghdam
is a ghost city where there is not a single undamaged building left,
except the mosque of the 19th century. The mosque is decorated with
blue mosaics and is rather beautiful. But the building is gradually
falling apart because of the lack of care. And on the marble floor,
where people were once praying cows and pigs graze today. The military
allow shooting the mosque. But you can hardly be allowed to walk
around the city with a camera. Armenian fortifications are located here
which should not be photographed. The cattle is grazing on the ruins,
and people from nearby villages come to the gardens that have still
remained there to get a harvest, several dozen of homeless people
live in deserted houses,” D. Jalilova writes in the “translation.”

In the translated article were not included the comments of the author
concerning the fact that Karabakh had become the part of Azerbaijan
due to “the Soviet Russian policy” which was divide and rule,”
which was aimed at preventing the ethnic groups of strengthening
(e.g., Armenians).”

The blogger also writes that Nagorno-Karabakh is a democratic
country where the rule of law prevails: “The country held successful
Presidential elections in 2012 which received top marks from
international election observers (myself included).”

Naturally, this phrase was not included in the “translation” by D.

Jalilova where quite a lot of phrases appeared which cannot be found
in the original.

P.S.

At the time of publication of this article, the provocative photo was
removed from the Kavpolit.com site; probably the editorial office had
already guessed that the portal has been exposed, by involving itself
into provocation. Armenofobic comments below the article have been
removed as well. However, some fabrications of the translator presented
as the opinion of the British blogger still remain on the site.

Naturally, we understand that the editor cannot check every translated
line and often the work is based on “trust.” This incident is likely
to contribute to the fact that our colleagues from the “Caucasian
policy” will be more responsible in hiring employees and with the
trust towards them; otherwise the level of trust towards the portal
will be sharply decreased among the audience.

EDUARD SHARMAZANOV: EUROPE’S RESPONSE TO ARMENIA’S ACCESSION TO CUSTOMS UNION WAS RADICAL

ArmInfo’s interview with Eduard Sharmazanov, Vice Chairman of the
Armenian National Assembly, Spokesperson of the Republican Party
of Armenia

by Tatevik Shahunyan

Wednesday, November 27, 13:50

Mr. Sharmazanov, ahead of the Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius
on Nov 28-29, what is your assessment of the Armenia-EU relations?

– In the run-up to the Vilnius Summit, the Armenia-EU relations can
be qualified as constructive. Furthermore, these relations have a
potential for further development.

Mr. Sharmazanov, do you have any information on the format or level
of Armenia’s participation in the Summit in Vilnius? Do Armenia-EU
relations depend on who will represent Armenia at the Summit?

– I think, I am sure that after the Summit in Vilnius the Armenia-EU
relations, especially their political component will go on developing.

Mr. Vice Speaker, Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to
visit Armenia on December 2. Do you share the views that the Russian
president was intentionally delaying his visit to Armenia waiting
for Yerevan’s agreement to access the CU?

– I don’t share these views, as neither official Yerevan not Moscow
had confirmed the earlier media announcements on Putin’s visit. The
date of the visit has been officially announced. It is December 2. And
the visit will take place. Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit
to Armenia will give a fresh impetus to promotion of cooperation
between the two countries in a variety of dimensions.

Anti-Russian sentiments are growing in Armenia ahead of Putin’s
visit to Armenia. It is rumored that Armenia has turned into Russia’s
colony by accessing the CU under pressure of Moscow. Many call this
an elementary economic deal, a kind of reverence in change for gas
tariff subsidies…

– To assess Armenia’s accession to the Customs Union as an economic
deal to subsidize the gas tariffs is a lack of political foresight.

Integration into the Customs Union opens up new possibilities for
Armenia in terms of both economic and security issues. If we look at
Armenia’s foreign trade turnover, we can see that Armenia’s commodities
are mostly exported in the Eurasian direction. As for Europe, it
consumes mostly Armenian raw materials – copper, molybdenum¬, etc.,
which are in demand regardless of whether we have an Association
Agreement with the European Union or not. As regards security,
such a small country as Armenia cannot resist all the threats all by
itself. Therefore, it should be a part of a certain security system,
in this particular case – a part of the CSTO.

As for the anti-Russian sentiments, Armenia is a democratic country
where everyone has the right to express his or her point of view. But
I should point out that the anti-Russian sentiments often come from
the marginal political circles and one should not take them seriously.

This resembles a tempest in a teapot.

Mr. Sharmazanov, you have brought so many advantages of Armenia’s
accession to the Customs Union. Didn’t Armenia realize all the
beauty of Eurasian integration four years ago, before starting the
negotiations for the Association with EU?

-We have always developed cooperation in the Eurasian dimension.

Moreover, I should remind those, who did not expect Serzh Sargsyan
to take the Sept 3 decision, of Sargsyan’s pre-electoral interview
with Vesti Nedeli about the integration processes in the Customs
Union. I think if they watch that interview once again, they will
understand that the statement on the Customs Union membership was
not spontaneous. Yerevan has never said that it would build relations
with Europe at the expense of partnership with Russia. We have always
advocated deepening relations with Europe and promoting partnership
with Russia.

If the September 3 decision was not spontaneous, at least, for the
ruling camp, Europe’s reaction to it was a real surprise. “Actually”
Europe does not share Yerevan’s stance on simultaneous integration
into two different structures…

– A professional politician is never surprised. Everything must be
foreseen. However, Europe’s reaction was unfounded, at least for me.

Right after Brussels’ statements that it is impossible to sign
an Association Agreement between Armenia and the European Union
amid the republic’s integration into the Customs Union, Yerevan
suggested continuing the cooperation in the political component of
the Association Agreement. Brussels’ response was radical first,
but Yerevan’s suggestion has given some results, because Armenia
and the EU are currently working at a joint document on cooperation,
and it is most likely to be signed in Vilnius. Germany’s Ambassador
to Armenia has expressed such confidence, at least.

Addressing to the Karabakh issue…President of Armenia said in a
statement after his meeting with Ilham Aliyev that the latter is
willing to resolve the conflict, but it is insufficient. What else
do we need to resolve the conflict?

– Willingness is not enough. Here we need to find common grounds based
on the principles of self-determination right, territorial integrity
and nonuse of force. And one more thing Azerbaijan must realize is
that no final settlement is possible without Nagorno-Karabakh’s
direct participation in the peace talks. Since the Kazan meeting
there has been certain progress in Azerbaijan’s attitude towards
the Nagorno-Karabakh problem. At least, the Azeri President made no
bellicose anti-Armenian statements after the last meeting with his
Armenian counterpart.

Mr. Sharmazanov, Ankara has recently intensified its efforts towards
integration into the Karabakh peace process. Turkey offers its
involvement into the process at all international structures. After
their recent talks with Putin and Kerry, Erdogan and Davutoglu came
out for the necessity of developing measures to resolve the Karabakh
conflict by combined efforts of Ankara, Moscow and Washington. Moscow
and Washington did not respond to that. Does it mean that Ankara is
gradually enlisting support of Russia and USA?

– Turks should first solve their problems with their neighbors. Their
involvement is out of question as long as they show a one-sided
attitude and support to Azerbaijan.

Mr. Sharmazanov, what about domestic political situation in the
country? Is it stable, tense but stable or explosive?

– Not explosive. It is stable with elements of tension rather than
tense. Such tension is natural for a country where 35% of people
are poor.

Don’t you think that the situation in the country has deteriorated
over the past years? The public discontent is on the rise. Protest
actions and public unrest have become very frequent. Don’t you think
that the reason is the deteriorating social conditions of the people?

– I respect public protest actions if they are spontaneous rather
than orchestrated by somebody. Democracy implies civil society. One
more reason why public activity is on the rise now is that the key
opposition forces are on the fringe and have no more influence on
the public opinion.

PUTIN’S VISIT TO BE NEW STIMULUS IN ARMENIA-RUSSIA RELATIONS – OPINION

11:53 ~U 27.11.13

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s upcoming visit to Armenia is
expected to give a new stimulus to the bilateral cooperation, according
to Eduard Sharmaznov, a deputy speaker of Armenia’s National Assembly.

Speaking to the ArmInfo news agency, Sharmaznov downplayed the
criticism that the Armenian authorities’ decision to join the Eurasian
Customs Union was made under pressures by Russia (which offered Armenia
economic advantages, particularly subsidized tariffs for the Russian
gas supply).

“The integration into the Customs Union offers Armenia new
opportunities both economically and in terms of security. And once
security is the issue, a small country like Armenia cannot overcome all
the threats on its own; hence it has to be represented in a security
alliance which, in the given case, is the CSTO [Collective Security
Treaty Organization],” he said.

As for the intensified anti-Russian tensions in Armenia ahead of
the Russian leader’s visit, Sharmazanov noted that Armenia, as a
democratic country, allows everyone to have his or her own opinion
on any development.

“But I have to say that anti-Russian opinions are voiced mainly by
marginal political forces,” he added.

Armenian News – Tert.am

“HEY GUYS, AND WHO WILL PAY THE BILL?”

November 27 2013

Leader of the Democratic Party of Armenia, Aram Sargsyan, about
Armenia-CU, Armenia-EU relations and Vladimir Putin’s visit to
Armenia. – A few days ago, Iran agreed with the great “six”, sanctions
against Iran are mitigated, which, according to some analysts, means
that Iran will become a serious competitor for Russia in the region.

In this context, if we analyze the Sept. 3 statement, didn’t the
President hurry? – I do not share the view, because Iran’s problem was
also regulated thanks to the very specific stance of China and Russia.

In addition, Iran clearly realizes that the problem with the nuclear
program is not resolved as of today, Iran has received a six-month
term, during which it should be able to execute the set forth claims,
the U.S. Senate has yet to consider the issue of sanctions and so on.

However, Iran and Russia have always been main partners in the region
and have always been considered a North -South strategic axis. The
stance of the Democratic Party of Armenia is such that Armenia
should be in the core. Now, this core can be more strengthened. I
would view the problem as follows: Russia and China clearly realize
that more stable the core is, more stability will be provided in the
region. In my assessment, in this reality, it is interesting to see how
Turkey-Iran relations will develop. Here, they are really competitors
in all issues: religion, religious characteristics, and geopolitical.

Russia led such a policy that Turkey and Iran are seeking closer
relations with it. Erdogan’s recent statement regarding Turkey’s
admission to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization was the bright
example of it, as Turkey does not cherish a hope to join the CU. In
other words, major changes are happening in front of our eyes, but
tectonic plates are still moving, and no one can still tell as to
where and with what configuration they will stop. The only clear
thing is that, apparently, the world accepts Russia’s role. Today,
we can unequivocally say that the world became bipolar, USA-Europe,
Russia-China-South Asian Sector. It became clear that in today’s world
it is not possible to make a move without considering these interests.

Now, everyone is talking about Russia’s pressures to its partners,
but, let’s understand whether it is a pressure or protection of its
interests. And, what, isn’t the other side doing the same? Still in
1997, I mentioned in an article that if we can really make North-South,
Russia-Georgia-Armenia-Iran axis a core, if Georgia desires, we
get a guarantee of stability and turning to not an opposite, but a
self-sufficient unit, which should have to go for cooperation. When
the RF and South Asian section were a little weak, NATO was expanding,
the EU – with Association programs, and now it was clear that it is
necessary to proceed though cooperation. Examples, Syria and Iran. Even
the United States did not take into consideration Israel’s and Saudi
Arabia’s positions, as it realized that such a hotbed of conflict
could be created, which can become uncontrollable.

The U.S. made a fairly balanced decision, and at this very moment,
Barack Obama is singled out in the political arena as a rational
decision-maker based on “real-politics.” – How do you assess the
anti-Putin complaints in Ukraine? In your assessment, what direction
will eventually take Ukraine? – I think the western stream created a
pretty strange situation, forming an illusion that if we include the
EU Association plan, we will enter the world of civilization. I want
to remind you that Turkey is more than ten years in the EU Association
plan, but the EU is not going to accept Turkey in its staff.

Basically, I want to us to have a sober assessment to the processes,
excluding the emotions. Ultimately, we want to build up a state,
let’s leave our, Ukrain’s and Russia’s internal problems, it is clear
by itself that it is a very special and serious problem, but if we
think that we can solve our internal problems, if we proceed towards
this-or-that vector, it will be the biggest mistake and an illusion.

If this is the starting point, then an entirely different approach
and analysis is required, if, simple, one says that this is good, the
other says that is good, it is an amateur and amateurish approach,
which, unfortunately, has covered us, Ukrainians, Moldovan, and
partially, Georgians. Why is EU against trilateral negotiations:
EU-Ukraine-Russia? What is the meaning of accepting these countries
in the Association plan, which will be the result? Let’s leave the
rumors aside that the conduct or guide reforms. It has been 22 years
since reforms are being implemented in Armenia, what was the output,
do we have a better judicial system, developed economy, the best
government system…? No. What are we carried away with? There are
numerous questions. As for Ukraine, the Prime Minister of the country
had to disclose, which, by the way, was recently made Serbia, stating
that looking at the requirements that are set forth, we realize what
is going to happen to us. Yanukovych, again, said that enterprises can
be closed down under pressure, and so on. In other words, you’re not
yet ready to make another move. If a country is so self-sufficient
that can decide what and how to do, it is another matter. This is
not a place for emotions, but a simple calculation. Ukraine will
delay signing of the Association Agreement, and perhaps, meantime,
it will see that at this moment it is more beneficial to be in the
CU. But, let’s forget about Ukraine, let them solve their problems,
we will solve ours. Let’s tell the people that today it is not the
time to build up barricades and stand on different sides of it. Let’s
sit down, talk, and understand what the interests of our country are,
and proceed accordingly. Once, I have told my opponents that all three
authorities of Armenia, during their tenure, pretty consistently,
have handed the major part of the economy, 70-80 percent, over to the
management of Russia. Respective work and investments were made. The
entire defense system of Armenia is anchored on Russia’s and CSTO
factor, now you say, “See you! Bye-bye!” They say from the other side,
“Hey guys, and who will pay the bill?” Maybe, I simplifies too much,
but this is the reality. And, when we were making the steps, weren’t
you thinking, or you were working in a “ripping off” option. It is due
to the very policy that we are unable to resolve the internal issues.

– Russia’s President’s upcoming visit has caused great excitement in
our country; calls for anti-Putin protests are voiced. How do you
look at it, and, in general, what political consequences will the
visit have to Armenia? – At this moment, Putin’s visit to Armenia is
a major event, at least, insofar that the President of Russia, unlike
in previous years, is much more popular in the world as one of the
leading political figures, since his initiatives and proposals were
fulfilled. It is of significant importance in great policy, whether
you like it or not, you must take into consideration. Given that there
is a decision, and Armenia will rapidly become a CU member, in my
opinion, this visit will result in specifying the programs. I think
it would be right to focus the attention on the economic development
of Armenia, since we do not have a specific problem with defense. So,
it is no coincidence that a large group of entrepreneurs join Putin,
and the third economic forum will be held. In fact, the first two
forums were failed just because of the Armenian side. The Armenian
side was not so consistent in implementing the programs obtained
during the first forum regarding agricultural developments between
the marzes of Armenia and the Russian provinces. The government of
Armenia is also committed to introduce small and medium enterprise
development projects of all over Armenia. And when Putin declares about
strengthening the air defense system with Armenia and Kazakhstan,
we should understand that the matter is about perspective projects,
for which the state system should also be strengthened. Now, we need
to focus whole policy of preventing migration, moreover, providing
immigration. Anyway, this is how I see the outcome of this visit. As
to whether or not Armenia will become an attachment, it depends on us.

No one will force it to become. I do not understand the calls for
protests. If, let’s say, Obama comes, how would you accept him? What’s
the difference? What does the American do that we want to love and
respect him, but this man that has taken 70-80 percent of your economy
over him, you do not want to respect? If you are not interested, if
you are not venal, you are not given some grants to think so… if
you are not as such, I would be glad to sit down and discuss the
benefits of both programs. For instance, it is not clear to me that
the current administrative system, which was working for more than
four years towards Armenia’s moving to Europe in every possible way,
now has changed in 180 degrees, and must try to persuade everyone,
assert and most importantly, they should be convinced work that the
way to CU is the right way. That will not work. It is true that these
people give up their jobs if they were sincere in their beliefs. It
also generated from the interest of the state. I think that if the
decision is not arbitrary, it shall be obligatory, because otherwise
they will not understand us. Distrust, which is a very bad phenomenon,
will reserve.

We must have professionals engaged in lobbying of our country, as it
seems to everyone that if they want to improve relations with Armenia,
it is already good. The embassies, unfortunately, do not represent
the interests of Armenia so far. This is also a serious problem.

Interviewed by Nelly Grigoryan

Read more at:

ICRC REPRESENTATIVES MEET WITH ARMENIAN CAPTIVE AKOP INJUGULYAN HELD IN AZERBAIJAN

APA, Azerbaijan
Nov 26 2013

[ 26 November 2013 17:12 ]

Baku. Hafiz Heydarov – APA. Representatives of the International
Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has met with the Armenian captive
held in Azerbaijan, media contact person for the ICRC Delegation to
Azerbaijan Ilaha Huseynova told APA.

According to her, the visit was made yesterday. The captive was
informed about his family and his family about him.

On the night of August 7-8, serviceman of Armenian armed units Akop
Injugulyan passed the part of the contact line controlled by the
Azerbaijani Army in the direction of Aghdam frontline.

OLYMPIC COMMITTEES OF ESTONIA, ARMENIA SIGN COOPERATION DEAL

Baltic News Service / – BNS
November 22, 2013 Friday 11:38 AM EET

TALLINN, Nov 22, BNS – President of the Estonian Olympic Committee
(EOK) Neinar Seli and head of the Armenian Olympic Committee Gagil
Tsarukjan signed a cooperation agreement to help each other organize
training camps.

The agreement also includes changing experiences in training
methodology, sports medicine and fight against doping, spokespeople
for EOK told BNS.

“Specifically in the case of Armenia we can thereby create
opportunities for athletes to train in a warmer climate and in the
mountains. Armenia has high quality sports facilities where to get
ready for top competitions,” Seli said.

This year EOK signed a similar agreement also with the Lithuanian
Olympic Committee.

OBAMA WON’T ACKNOWLEDGE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE BY TURKEY, PROTESTERS SAY

Washington Times
Nov 26 2013

Protesters will use President Obama’s fundraising trip to Southern
California on Tuesday to highlight his refusal to live up to a
campaign promise to recognize the Armenian genocide in Turkey nearly
a century ago.

The Armenian National Committee of America has organized an event in
Glendale, Calif., calling on Mr. Obama to allow a public display of
the so-called Armenian Orphan Rug, a carpet woven by orphans of the
genocide and presented to President Calvin Coolidge in 1925.

The rug, which is held in storage by the White House, was given in
appreciation for U.S. humanitarian assistance in the aftermath of
Turkey’s murder of more than 1.5 million Armenians from 1915 to 1923,
the ANCA said.

Armenian Americans have been hoping that the rug could be displayed at
the Smithsonian Institution next month as part of an event launching
a book about the circumstances of the gift to Mr. Coolidge. But the
White House has resisted, saying it’s not possible to loan the carpet
for such an event.

“The White House should simply come clean,” said ANCA Executive
Director Aram Hamparian in a statement. “It’s time for the White
House to open up about Turkey’s role, and lay out all the facts
about its decision to block the Smithsonian’s exhibit of the Armenian
Orphan Rug – a historic, Armenian Genocide-era work of art that speaks
powerfully to the common values and shared experiences of the American
and Armenian peoples.”

In a pattern common to the last three presidents, Mr. Obama pledged, as
a candidate stumping for Armenian-American votes in the 2008 campaign,
that he would recognize the genocide if he became president.

But since taking office, he has resisted labeling the episode as a
“genocide,” a move which would anger NATO ally Turkey.

In April, Mr. Obama marked the anniversary of the Armenian deaths
with a statement that called it “one of the worst atrocities of
the 20th century” but never used the word “genocide.” The word is a
specific term under international law, both for its symbolic value
and because it imposes duties upon other states and penalties upon
the perpetrating country.

Turkey doesn’t deny that its military and paramilitary forces killed
many Armenians at the time in question, but it disputes vehemently
the “genocide” charge and has warned that formal U.S. steps to use
the term will hamper relations.

In a letter to White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough, ANCA
Chairman Ken Hachikian said that President Coolidge, upon receiving
the carpet, wrote that “the rug has a place of honor in the White
House where it will be a daily symbol of goodwill on earth.”

“I ask you, in this spirit, to remove any obstacles to the
Smithsonian’s display of this historic artwork and to secure a
prominent and permanent public home for this powerful symbol of
America’s humanitarian values and friendship with the Armenian people,”
Mr. Hachikian wrote to the White House.

He said that since taking office, Mr. Obama “has not only failed to
recognize the Armenian Genocide, but has actively blocked congressional
legislation (H.Res.252, 111th Congress) to commemorate this atrocity
and, through his Solicitor General, officially opposed efforts in
the U.S. courts … to allow American citizens to pursue Genocide-era
property claims.”

The rug measures 11 feet, 7 inches by 18 feet, five inches, and is
comprised of 4,404,206 individual knots. It took Armenian girls in
an orphanage 10 months to weave. A label on the back of the carpet
reads, in all capital letters: “in golden rule gratitude to President
Coolidge.”

WESTON RESIDENT IN DOUBT AS SUPERIOR COURT NOMINEE
By Colleen Quinn

State House News Service
Posted Nov 22, 2013 @ 02:54 PM

Saying he hadn’t had a chance to work on rounding up votes to ensure
confirmation, Gov. Deval Patrick prevented the Governor’s Council
from voting on judicial nominee Joseph Berman, the governor’s pick
for a Superior Court judgeship.

Councilor Marilyn Devaney, who criticized Berman, a Weston resident,
during his confirmation hearing last week for being part of an
organization that refuses to recognize the Armenian genocide, objected
to the governor postponing the vote.

“I have great respect for you, but I object to this,” Devaney said
to Patrick.

She said she had a letter from five councilors, a majority of the
eight-member panel, who planned to vote against Berman’s confirmation.

“I find no joy in this governor, but it is the right thing to do,”
she said.

Councilor Robert Jubinville asked Patrick to reconsider postponing.

Patrick said, “Thank you. I’m going to postpone the vote.”

Berman came under fire last Wednesday for his membership in the
Anti-Defamation League, $110,000 in campaign contributions, and his
representation of a prisoner at the Guantanamo Bay detention camp.

At the start of the hearing, before his character witnesses finished
testifying, councilors criticized Berman for belonging to the ADL.

Berman is a board member of the New England chapter.

Devaney called the ADL hypocritical because it refuses to recognize
the Armenian genocide by the Turks. She said she has a bias against the
ADL that she would be unable to put aside when considering the nominee.

Councilor Jennie Caissie said she objected to letters the organization
writes to the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee prior to judicial
candidate hearings. Caissie called the letters “bona fide litmus tests”
on issues ranging from abortion to the First Amendment. She said she
is troubled by the positions of the ADL, and criticized Berman for
not withdrawing from the group.

Caissie said she was concerned Berman would be an activist judge.

“I am going to work hard to get the votes. I have not had an
opportunity to do that,” Patrick said. “I think this is a candidate
who is more than ready to serve.”

Devaney said she thinks the council members will not change their
minds.

Berman, who is a partner at the Boston law firm Looney & Grossman,
was questioned for more than four hours by the council last week. He
graduated from Dartmouth College and received his law degree from The
University of Michigan Law School. His practice focuses on commercial
litigation, trying several cases in Superior Court each year.

Berman, 49, told councilors he was tempted to resign from the ADL,
but changed his mind because the organization does significant work in
many areas. He thought one commission member resigning would not make
a difference, and decided to stay and work for change from the inside.

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NEW DETAILS ON ARMENIAN CITIZEN THAT DIED IN LATVIAN SUPERMARKET COLLAPSE

November 25, 2013 | 16:04

Armenian citizen Naira Grigoryan, who died after the roof of a
supermarket collapsed in Latvia, was from Kapan city of Armenia’s
Syunik Region. The Armenian News-NEWS.am sources informed the
abovementioned.

Armenian News-NEWS.ammanaged to establish contact with Grigoryan’s
relatives. They informed that the woman had married about ten years
ago with another Kapan resident and, subsequently, they had moved to
Latvia. She was living there with her husband and two daughters.

Grigoryan’s relatives told that she was coming home on the day of the
incident, and she had called her daughter to ask whether she should
bring anything home.

“Once she entered the supermarket, it collapsed five minutes later.

They [i.e., the woman’s husband and children] had gone to the morgues;
they found her crushed,” her relative said.

Her body will be brought to Armenia.

To note, Armenian citizen Naira Grigoryan died after the roof of a
supermarket collapsed in the Latvian capital, Riga, the Armenian MFA
press service had informed.

The roof of Maxima supermarket in Riga collapsed on November 21.

According to the most recent data, the death toll had reached 25,
informs the Latvian fire and rescue service. There were three rescue
workers among the dead. Forty people, including a child and ten
rescuers, were injured. It was unknown as to exactly how many people
were trapped in the rubble.

President Andris BÄ”rziÅ~FÅ¡ had announced that mourning will be
declared in Latvia.

News from Armenia – NEWS.am