Author: Kalantarian Kevo

ARMENIA: JAILED CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS FREED – BUT ALTERNATIVE SERVICE APPLICATIONS MISSING?

Forum 18
Nov 28 2013

By Felix Corley, Forum 18 News Service

Armenia’s Jehovah’s Witness community has welcomed the freeing from
prison of all conscientious objectors jailed for refusing military
service, and the approval of 72 applications for the new civilian
alternative service. However, Jehovah’s Witnesses expressed concern
over 41 further applications to the government’s Alternative Service
Committee – many lodged in July – which officials claimed to Forum
18 News Service have not been received. 12 of those waiting for a
Committee decision have criminal cases against them, and have been
deprived of passports. This means, among other things, that they
cannot travel abroad, legally work, or marry. Artur Sogomonyan –
secretary of the Alternative Service Committee – insisted to Forum
18 that no applications had been lost. The Territorial Administration
Ministry spokesperson claimed she could not answer Forum 18’s question
as it had not been formulated in accordance with the law.

Armenia’s Jehovah’s Witness community has welcomed the freeing from
prison of all their young men imprisoned for refusing military service
and the approval of 72 applications for the new civilian alternative
service. “Now, for the first time since 1993, no Jehovah’s Witnesses
are imprisoned in Armenia for their conscientious objection to military
service,” they told Forum 18 News Service.

However, Jehovah’s Witnesses expressed concern over 41 further
applications to the government’s Alternative Service Committee –
many lodged in July – which officials claimed to Forum 18 have not
been received. Also, 12 of those waiting for a decision have criminal
cases against them, and have been deprived of passports. This means,
among other things, that they cannot travel abroad, legally work,
or marry (see below).

The release of all known conscientious objectors from prison, and
the introduction of what appears to be a fully civilian alternative
service, implements a January 2001 commitment Armenia made on joining
the Council of Europe to do both these things by January 2004.

Repeated failure to do both has been strongly
criticised internationally (see F18News 17 October 2013
).

Jehovah’s Witnesses calculate that more than 450 of their young men
were imprisoned for conscientious objection between 1993 and 2013.

Another known conscientious objector former prisoner was a member
of Armenia’s small Molokan community, a Russian Protestant-style
community.

However, a Council of Europe commitment Armenia made at the same time –
“to ensure that all churches or religious communities, in particular
those referred to as ‘non-traditional’, may practise their religion
without discrimination” – has not yet been fully implemented (see
forthcoming F18News article).

Amendments

The conscientious objection change came in amendments to the 2003
Alternative Service Law and to the 2003 Law on Implementing the
Criminal Code. They were approved in parliament on 2 May 2013 and
signed into law by President Serzh Sarkisyan on 21 May (see F18News
6 June 2013 ).

President Sarkisyan was reminded of the continuing imprisonment of 29
conscientious objectors when he addressed the Parliamentary Assembly
of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg on 2 October. In response,
Sarkisyan claimed that Armenia has conducted “an immense amount of
work” to ensure freedom of conscience, according to remarks published
on the Parliamentary Assembly and presidential websites. He pointed to
the alternative service legal amendments and the abolition of criminal
prosecution for conscientious objectors. “There is a political will,
legislative reform has been implemented and the process is under way,”
he claimed.

Releases

The releases of imprisoned conscientious objectors only began after
President Sarkisyan’s Strasbourg speech.

Eight imprisoned conscientious objectors – all Jehovah’s
Witnesses – were freed on 9 October after they were included
in a prisoner amnesty which saw their prison terms reduced
by six months. Several of the eight were freed just days
before the end of their sentence (see F18News 17 October 2013
).

Six more were released on 24 October, the day after their applications
were accepted. They were the first to benefit from the June 2013
amendments. The remaining 14 were freed on 12 November, the same
day the Alternative Service Commission accepted their applications
(see below).

Alternative Service Committee applications

The government has set up an Alternative Service Committee to decide
on applications for alternative service (see F18News 6 June 2013
). It has met
twice to review applications. At its first session on 23 October, 72
applications were approved. Six of them were from Jehovah’s Witness
prisoners, who were freed the following day.

Only one application – not from a Jehovah’s Witness – was rejected,
Committee secretary Artur Sogomonyan told Forum 18 from Yerevan on
27 November. He said the individual had lodged his application late
and therefore it could not be considered. He declined to identify
the young man. Human rights defenders were unable to identify the
individual either.

At the Alternative Service Committee’s second session on 12 November
– held in Erebuni Prison because all the 14 applicants were then
prisoners there – all applications were accepted. The releases of
the prisoners occurred the same day, Jehovah’s Witnesses told Forum 18.

The Committee interviewed each applicant separately for between five
and 40 minutes, their lawyer Yelena Margaryan told Forum 18 from
the capital Yerevan on 27 November. For all the Jehovah’s Witness
applicants, she was present during interviews. During the 23 October
interviews she was also accompanied by another lawyer.

“Questions to the young men were reasonable,” Margaryan told Forum 18.

“The Committee wanted to understand their stance.” Decisions on each
application were made the same day as the hearing.

Will civilian service be civilian?

All the young men accepted for alternative civilian service are waiting
at home for information on where they will be assigned to perform
their service. Those who have served a prison sentence will have
the length they have served deducted from the length of alternative
civilian service.

Under a 25 July government decision, 11 institutions were identified
as places where alternative civilian service would be carried
out including nursing homes, children’s homes and psychiatric
clinics. The 11 institutions are controlled by a number of
ministries: the Labour and Social Affairs Ministry, the Health
Ministry and the Emergency Situations Ministry. A separate list
identified tasks the alternative service workers would carry out,
including hospital orderly, laundry worker, kitchen worker, ground
staff or emergency rescuer’s assistant (see F18News 17 October 2013
).

Jehovah’s Witnesses told Forum 18 that they are hopeful that the
alternative civilian service will remain civilian.

Since the Alternative Service Law entered into force in 2004,
those called up could instead apply for alternative service under
military control, which lasted up to 42 months. This did not meet
the country’s Council of Europe commitments (see F18News 3 December
2012 ). When the
Alternative Service Law was first adopted in 2004, 22 Jehovah’s
Witnesses and a Molokan accepted the new alternative service. But
they abandoned it in early 2005 after it became clear it was under
military control. All 23 were subsequently imprisoned (see F18News
22 February 2006 ).

The new 2013 alternative civilian service has been set at
three years, compared to military service of two years. Although
Jehovah’s Witnesses note that the longer service could be considered
“punitive”, they told Forum 18 that they consider this a lesser
issue than having a genuinely civilian service available for
their young men. Armenian human rights defenders have criticised
the length of the alternative service (see F18News 6 June 2013
).

Missing applications?

In addition to those whose applications for alternative civilian
service have been accepted, applications from 41 Jehovah’s Witness
conscientious objectors have yet to be considered by the Alternative
Service Committee. Many were lodged on 23 July, the same day that
others which have already been considered were lodged. Others were
lodged after that as the young men involved were still aged 17 and were
trying to clarify from Conscription Offices whether such applications
should be lodged before they reach their 18th birthday.

Twelve of those waiting for a decision have criminal cases against
them, and five of the 12 have criminal trials currently underway
against them. “In the case of those on trial, courts repeatedly have
to adjourn hearings as they wait for an Alternative Service Committee
date”, their lawyer Margaryan told Forum 18.

They have no passport and live under restrictions while they wait for
the Alternative Service Committee decisions. The restrictions imposed
by having no passport include not being able to legally work or marry.

However, Sogomonyan – secretary of the Alternative Service Committee –
insisted to Forum 18 that no applications are currently pending. Asked
about the 41 waiting – many of which were lodged more than four
months earlier – he responded: “I haven’t got them. Any that have
been submitted end up with me.” Asked if they could have got lost,
he replied: “Applications don’t get lost.” He speculated that some
might have been submitted after the deadline, but had no information.

The applicants’ lawyer Margaryan insists that the 41 applications
were submitted properly. She stated that some may have been submitted
late, as individuals still aged 17 or who had medical conditions
which might have led to exemption from call-up were trying to
find out from Conscription Offices whether they needed to submit
applications. She insisted that in all these cases, individuals who
submitted applications late asked for an extension to the consideration
period, which was not rejected.

Forum 18 tried to reach Vache Terteryan, First Deputy Minister of
Territorial Administration and Chair of the Alternative Service
Committee. However, his staff told Forum 18 on 27 November that he
was not available, referring Forum 18 to Ministry spokesperson Zoya
Barsegyan.

At Barsegyan’s request, Forum 18 asked in writing the same day what
has happened to the missing applications and whether the young men now
have to send photocopies to the Committee for them to be considered.

She responded on 28 November refusing to answer the question, as she
said it had not been formulated in accordance with the law.

26 cases at European Court of Human Rights

A total of 26 Jehovah’s Witness conscientious objectors who were
subjected to imprisonment to punish them for refusing to perform
military service or the military-controlled alternative service then
on offer have lodged cases to the European Court of Human Rights
(ECtHR) in Strasbourg, Jehovah’s Witnesses told Forum 18. They said
these cases are continuing.

In four previous cases, the ECtHR in Strasbourg has found the Armenian
government to have violated the rights of conscientious objectors. In
a landmark case, the court ruled in July 2011 in favour of former
conscientious objector prisoner Vahan Bayatyan. The ECtHR handed
down two similar judgments against Armenia – in cases brought by
Hayk Bukharatyan and Ashot Tsaturyan – in January 2012 (see F18News
1 February 2012 ).

In November 2012, the ECtHR – in its fourth decision against Armenia
in conscientious objector cases – found that Armenia had violated the
rights of 17 Jehovah’s Witness conscientious objectors. For the first
time in such cases, Armenia’s European Court Judge, Alvina Gyulumyan,
did not dissent from the judgment.

The November 2012 judgment awarded compensation of 6,000
Euros to each of the 17 conscientious objectors. The
government was also required to pay a total of 10,000 Euros
in costs for all the applicants (see F18News 3 December 2012
).

This judgment became final on 27 February 2013, with compensation
payable by 27 May. The government paid the 112,000 Euros compensation
in mid-May.

The ECtHR’s most significant judgment was in July 2011, in the case of
former conscientious objector prisoner Vahan Bayatyan (Application No.

23459/03). It found that the right to conscientious
objection is protected by Article 9 (“Freedom of thought,
conscience and religion”) of the European Convention on Human
Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (see F18News 7 July 2011
).

Conscientious objection deniers

Other Council of Europe countries which do not offer a full civilian
alternative to compulsory military service are Azerbaijan and Turkey.

Azerbaijan freed both of its known conscientious objector
prisoners earlier in 2013 (see F18News 28 June 2013
).

Turkish military court decisions concerning conscientious objection
claims have shown a selective and not complete recognition of the
right to conscientious objection, after Council of Europe pressure
on the Turkish government to implement ECtHR judgments (see F18News
1 May 2012 ).

The unrecognised breakaway entity of Nagorno-Karabakh in the south
Caucasus also imprisons conscientious objectors. Jehovah’s Witness
Karen Harutyunyan was sentenced in December 2011 to 30 months’
imprisonment and remains in prison in Shusha (see F18News 17 January
2012 ).

Belarus – not a Council of Europe member – has in recent
years imprisoned conscientious objectors, though none are
currently known to be in prison. Any Alternative Service Law is,
officials claim, now being prepared (see F18News 10 January 2013
).

Turkmenistan – also not in the Council of Europe – currently has
eight known conscientious objector prisoners (see F18News 29 August
2013 ). The latest
prisoner freed was Juma Nazarov on 29 August. (END)

More coverage of freedom of thought, conscience and belief in
Armenia and the unrecognised entity of Nagorno-Karabakh is at

A personal commentary, by Derek Brett of Conscience and Peace
Tax International, on conscientious objection to military
service and international law in the light of the European
Court of Human Rights’ July 2011 Bayatyan judgment is at

A compilation of Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe
(OSCE) freedom of religion or belief commitments can be found at

A printer-friendly map of Armenia is available at

All Forum 18 News Service material may be referred to, quoted from,
or republished in full, if Forum 18 is credited as
the source.

IRAN NOT INTERESTED IN POSSIBLE NATO PEACEKEEPING ACTIVITY IN THE REGION

November 28, 2013 | 18:19

Iran’s role in the Karabakh conflict is seen as a role of a country not
interested in any military escalation on its borders, says editorial
posted on Iran.ru website.

The authors emphasize that Iran is not interested in a possible NATO
peacekeeping activity in the region.

“It’s hard to imagine that countries like the U.S., France and
others would agree to a peacekeeping operation exclusively by the
CSTO countries or Russia alone. But the presence of NATO forces in
the conflict area, even if it is authorized by the OSCE mandate or
the UN, can not but act as an irritant to Iran,” the authors claim.

The authors remind that Iran’s doubt related to the possible presence
of NATO troops near its northern borders are objective and can not
be ignored.

“Iran’s position on the Karabakh settlement basically comes down to
two points. Firstly, it is the necessity of a peaceful solution and
no alternative to negotiations,” the article says.

And secondly, Iran considers that exclusively regional states’
involvement in the peace process as a mediating party is the most
appropriate option, and this should lead to the ousting of the external
actors from mediation in the Karabakh settlement.

News from Armenia – NEWS.am

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.”