Author: Kalantarian Kevo

Criminal case aims to prevent Civilitas mission – Armenian foundation

news.am
June 14, 2012 | 19:23

YEREVAN. – Armenian Civilitas Foundation made a statement concerning
the criminal case filed in the Armenian National Security Service
against the foundation.

`For already two weeks the attention and efforts of Civilitas
Foundation and CivilNet news agency have deviated from their main
mission. Instead of focusing on our mission of strengthening civil
society and providing alternative and unbiased news for the public, we
are busy answering groundless questions about `money laundering and
tax evasion’ which resulted due to the criminal case filed against us.

It is evident that all this is being done for the purpose of diverting
the attention of Civilitas and CivilNet from their main mission.

It is unacceptable that a benefactor like Jon Huntsman, who has been
making great charity works in Armenia since its independence, is
involved in all this. Do the Armenian authorities want to alienate all
the people who want to contribute to the development of Armenia?

The large public support which Civilitas receives these days shows
that we are going to fight together to continue our mission of
defending human rights,’ the statement of the foundation reads.

Focus News, Bulgaria
June 15 2012

Bulgarian culture minister meets with Yerevan mayor

15 June 2012 | 08:00 | FOCUS News Agency
Bulgaria

Yerevan. Bulgarian Minister of Culture Vezhdir Rashidov met with Taron
Margaryan, Mayor of Armenia’s capital city Yerevan, FOCUS News Agency
reported informs.

The mayor greeted Rashidov for the gold medal for contribution in the
field of culture, which he was awarded by Armenian Minister of Culture
Hasmik Poghosyan at the decision of the Armenian government.

Taron Margaryan thanked the Bulgarian minister for the help to the
Armenian nation after the 1988 earthquake.

Trend, Azerbaijan
June 14 2012

Armenia to be put on war footing

Following the meeting of the Armenian government on Thursday, Minister
of Defense Seiran Ohanyan said that in late June special military
exercise will be held in the country to check how national system of
Armenia will act during the war, Radio Azatutyun (Liberty) said.

The Minister stressed that during the exercise “the Republic of
Armenia will be put on high combat readiness.”

The minister said that the following will be added to this annual
exercise this year: “On June 25, 26, 27 there will be the
military-political stage on “Deployment of the military and state
system in the wartime and the organization of major events to repel
aggression.” I would ask all governing bodies to give instructions for
preparing responsible persons, because the Republic of Armenia will be
put on high combat readiness at that time and we will prepare decrees
on transition to martial law, holding the military meetings,
opposition to aggression, as well as address of the Armenian president
to leaders of the Collective Security Treaty Organization for
support”.

Ohanyan also said Armenia will host joint exercise of the Collective
Rapid Reaction Force (RRF) of the CSTO “Cooperation 2012” in
September. In anticipation of this exercise the Armenian Armed Forces
are currently holding held command and staff exercises with the
participation of representatives of all state agencies.

Journal of Turkish Weekly
June 14 2012

The Nagorno-Karabakh Resolution Process at the Glance

Thursday, 14 June 2012

by Nasrin Suleymanli, Contributor

2012 will be symbolized by the electoral process of the co-chairs of
the Minsk Group, which is involved in the resolution process of the
Nagorno-Karabakh problem. Thus, the problem in the region has been
frozen for a while. France and Russia have elected their presidents.
According to one analytical calculation, the U.S. electoral process
will result in Obama’s victory. The expert also predicted a more
decisive Obama victory if he can thoroughly alleviate fears regarding
Iran. However, Obama’s policy toward the South Caucasus will not
differ from Bush’s politics. Currently, the Middle East and Pacific
regions are more important for the U.S. than the South Caucasus.

Over the past few years, when Obama and Medvedev had been elected,
there was hope that the intentions of leaders related to the
resolution of the conflict in the region would not just be in their
areas of curiosity but also within areas of international concern. It
was thought that their approaches to the conflict could be in a
different format. Within the strong cooperation of France and the
U.S., during his period in the Russian presidency, Medvedev organized
nine official trilateral visits with Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders.
As we remember, after August 2008 Russia tried to play the main role
as a stabilizer in the region. Despite that, nothing happened.

The recent visit of U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to the
South Caucasus promised to apply pressure on the Minsk Group in the
resolution process of the NK conflict in the coming June 18 Paris
visit of the conflicting sides’ leaders. Additionally, Clinton was
intent on Russia’s immediate withdrawal of armed troops from the
territory of the South Caucasus. Russia did not remain silent and
reacted immediately. A confrontation on the border of Armenia and
Azerbaijan erupted again. Almost ten soldiers from both sides were
killed, and some hospitalized. Russia even began to test its missiles
.Let us note that Russia withdrew its 25,000 armed troops from
Chechnya to Dagestan, closer to the border of the South Caucasus.
Despite this, it has large amounts of military equipment and troops in
Armenia. Even the military spokesman, Col. Igor Gorbul, told that
Russian fighter jets stationed at a base in Armenia have conducted
about 300 training flights since the beginning of 2012, and right now
have increased the number of flying hours by more than 20 percent from
last year.

Next year, Armenia and Azerbaijan’s presidential elections will start
their electoral process and distract from the conflict resolution
process. But the main maneuver will be in 2014 with the new active
co-chairs of the Minsk Group and newly-elected presidents of the
conflicting sides. It will be up to them to draw a roadmap to further
the resolution process. And taking into consideration the Iran-Israel
confrontation in the region, it is possible to predict a surprise
change in the NK conflict resolution process within the Caucasus
context. The third decade of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict promises an
altering of the status of quo.

Thursday, 14 June 2012

Journal of Turkish Weekly

Vestnik Kavkaza, Russia
June 14 2012

Azerbaijan agrees to introduce incident investigation mechanism in Karabakh

Azerbaijan has agreed to introduce an incident investigation mechanism
in Nagorno-Karabakh, Trend reports on Thursday.

First of all, it is necessary for Armenia to withdraw its troops from
Azerbaijani territory to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict,
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov said at a press
conference with OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Eamon Gilmore in Baku
today.

“Azerbaijan has agreed to introduce an incident investigation
mechanism,” the minister said. “However, after the troops are
withdrawn, this mechanism will not be required.”

He said that introducing a mechanism in the current situation means
even more strengthening of the status quo.

“After the troops are withdrawn, snipers on the border will not be
required,” Mammadyarov said.

ITAR-TASS, Russia
June 13, 2012 Wednesday 03:23 AM GMT+4

No military solution to Karabakh conflict – OSCE chairman-in-office

YEREVAN June 13

The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) thinks
there is no military solution to the Karabakh conflict and rejects the
use of force and the threats to use force, OSCE Chairman-in-Office,
Irish Foreign Minister Eamon Gilmore told Armenian President Serzh
Sargsyan on Tuesday.

Gilmore expressed concern over the latest incidents along the
Armenian-Azerbaijani border, in which servicemen died on both sides.

The OSCE supports efforts towards the prevention of such incidents and
the elaboration of mechanisms of their investigation, he said. The
organization supports the right of nations to self-determination,
territorial integrity and non-use of force, as well as the work of the
OSCE Minsk Group assisting the Karabakh peace process, he said.

The Armenian president thanked Gilmore and the OSCE mission in Armenia
for their constant assistance and effective cooperation with the
republic. The Armenian visit of the OSCE chairman-in-office is a good
opportunity to familiarize with the regional situation and challenges,
Sargsyan said.

In turn, Armenian Parliament Speaker Ovik Abramian told Gilmore that
the OSCE played a big role in the development of democratic
institutions in Armenia and called for further interaction.

He also thanked the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and the ODIHR for
sending an observation mission to the latest parliamentary election in
Armenia. “The Armenian authorities did their best to hold democratic,
free and transparent elections on May 6,” Abramian said.

ITAR-TASS, Russia
June 13, 2012 Wednesday 03:31 AM GMT+4

All parties to Karabakh conflict should abstain from using force –
OSCE chairman-in-office

YEREVAN June 13

All parties to the Karabakh conflict should abstain from using force,
OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Irish Foreign Minister Eamon Gilmore said in
Yerevan on Tuesday. Yerevan is a leg of his regional tour.

The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) thinks
there is no military solution to the Karabakh conflict and rejects the
use of force and the threats to use force, he said.

Gilmore expressed concern over the latest incidents along the
Armenian-Azerbaijani border, in which servicemen died on both sides.
He said he condemned the latest armed incidents and believed it was
time to stop the period of violence. Gilmore said he had made a
similar appeal in Azerbaijan on Thursday.

He said it was time to create an atmosphere of trust. That will
require will and determination to ensure peace, he added.

Ireland knows well how harmful conflicts are and how difficult it is
to find solutions, and it also knows that it is important to elaborate
a clear and adamant course for avoiding violence or revenge, he said.

Gilmore confirmed support to the OSCE Minsk Group, which mediates the
settlement of the Karabakh conflict. The OSCE may help states and
peoples; it may provide a floor for the dialog and assist the
strengthening of ceasefire and search for solutions at negotiations,
he said.

However, in order to make progress in the settlement of the protracted
crisis the sides must do more in their work on the general settlement
principles, agree to mechanisms of the investigation of incidents
along the contact line and find ways to implement the agreements of
the Armenian and Azerbaijani presidents on the promotion of
humanitarian contacts, he said.

The organization supports the right of nations to self-determination,
territorial integrity and non-use of force, as well as the work of the
OSCE Minsk Group assisting the Karabakh peace process, he said.

ARMENIANS ARE MOST ENTREPRENEURIAL STRATA IN ALL COUNTRIES – US AMBASSADOR

news.am
June 14, 2012 | 15:26

YEREVAN. – The Armenians who are scattered all over the world are the
most entrepreneurial strata in all the countries they have settled in,
including the United States, US Ambassador to Armenia John Heffern
stated Thursday addressing a conference entitled “Competition,
Restrictions and Solutions.”

In the Ambassador’s words, there is no cultural obstruction before
the Armenians in order to have business success likewise in Armenia.

He also informed that they are conducting a dialogue with the
Government and the Armenian State Commission for the Protection of
Economic Competition (ASCPEC), in terms of raising the competition
issues and providing technical support.

“The ASCPEC is our important partner, [and] I am glad we can assist
the Commission,” said the US Ambassador.

MENENDEZ, SHAHEEN DENOUNCE AZERI ATTACKS DURING MORNINGSTAR HEARING

Asbarez
Wednesday, June 13th, 2012

Morningstar during Wednesday’s Senate panel hearing

WASHINGTON-Azerbaijan’s escalation of violence against Armenia
and Nagorno Karabakh and ongoing repression of human rights took
center stage during Wednesday’s Senate Foreign Relations Committee
confirmation hearing for U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan designee Richard
Morningstar, reported the Armenian National Committee of America.

In successive questions, Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on
Europe Chairwoman Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Senator Robert Menendez
sent a clear message that U.S. – Azerbaijan relations should not solely
be founded on energy concerns and must reflect the fundamental issues
of democracy building and human rights as well as finding a peaceful
and lasting resolution to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict.

Sen. Menendez “We join with Armenians in New Jersey, New Hampshire
and across America in thanking Senators Menendez and Shaheen for
shining a spotlight on the failure of the Obama Administration to
stand up to Azerbaijan’s escalating threats and acts of anti-Armenian
aggression and worsening human rights record,” said ANCA Executive
Director Aram Hamparian. “We were especially gratified, in light of
Baku’s recent cross-border attacks into both Armenia and Nagorno
Karabakh that Senator Menendez was able to secure assurances from
Ambassador-designate Morningstar regarding the very strict scrutiny
that should be applied to any potential U.S. military transfers or
sales to an Azerbaijani government that has openly pledged to use
its growing arsenal to renew its aggression.”

US-Azerbaijan Relationship More than Energy “Azerbaijan’s integration
with the West can and must span well beyond pipelines,” said
Ambassador-designate Morningstar in his prepared testimony, after
underscoring the broad levels of energy and security cooperation
between the U.S. and the Caucasus nation. “The United States must
also continue to work with Azerbaijan on advancing democratic and
economic reforms, including promoting respect for the rule of law,
transparency, and fundamental freedoms.” Morningstar went on to cite
that “to achieve a more secure and prosperous future for the region,
there is no higher immediate priority for the United States than the
peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.”

Senator Menendez Condemns Azerbaijani Aggression; Demolition of Djulfa
Cemetery In his questions to Morningstar, Sen. Menendez called specific
attention to recent cross-border attacks by Azerbaijan against Armenia,
threats by President Aliyev that “Armenian will live in fear,” and
the assertion that “Our [Azerbaijan’s] main enemies are Armenians of
the world.” Menendez continued, asking “do you think, based upon those
types of statements, that the proposed sales of military hardware to
be used in conjunction with Azerbaijan’s military helicopter fleet
is really in the national interest of the United States?”

Morningstar responded that “that it is fair to say, and I will say,
that any language that is counterproductive, such as you have said,
that any actions by any party that bring about loss of life, as the
Secretary of State said last week, create increased tensions, can
create escalations that can have unpredictable and unforeseeable
consequences and make even more difficult the task of achieving
the settlement in Nagorno Karabakh.” He stopped short, however,
of expressly calling out the Azerbaijani Government’s aggression
against Armenia.

In terms of military sales to Azerbaijan, Morningstar argued,
“There are increasing tensions with respect to other neighbors,
in particular with Iran. And we have to provide, I think, security
assistance, possibly military assistance in ways that cannot be
used to exacerbate any situation with respect to Armenia or Nagorno
Karabakh.” Menendez was quick to respond, reminding Morningstar that
“I didn’t hear President Aliyev say ‘My main enemy or security concern
is Iran,’ he said that, ‘Our main enemies are the Armenians of the
world.’ [. . .] I have a real problem with going ahead and selling
military hardware to the Azerbaijanis based upon what has happened.”

In response to Sen. Menendez’s question about why the Azerbaijani
destruction of the Armenian cemetery in Djulfa was not included in
the State Department Religious Freedom Report, Morningstar replied,
“. I don’t know. But I can say that if I am confirmed I will make every
effort to visit the cemetery and that any kind of desecration such as
that is unacceptable, outrageous and I will do my best to get there,
and soon.” Menendez continued undeterred, stating that “I would assume
the only impediment to your best effort will be the Azerbaijanis not
letting you go? I’m trying to understand what your “best effort” is?

You’re going to do everything possible to go?” referencing the Aliyev
regime’s refusal to allow former Ambassador Bryza to visit the region.

“Yes,” replied Morningstar.

As with past nominees, Sen. Menendez pressed Morningstar regarding
his position on the proper recognition of the Armenian Genocide,
asking “I don’t expect you to answer any differently than I have had
previous nominees before this committee do, but I have to ask you
whether or not you contest any of the facts what transpired in 1915
as it relates to 1.5 million Armenians who were brutally massacred
and marched to their deaths in the waning days of the Ottoman Empire?”

Morningstar replied “No, I do not.”

Sen. Shaheen Senator Shaheen focused her questions on Azerbaijan’s
human rights record and urged Morningstar to do more than “jawboning”
in terms of getting positive movement with regards to democracy
building efforts in the country. She went on to ask Morningstar
about the effect of Israel’s proposed $1.5 Billion arms sale and
its affects on regional stability. In his opening remarks, Senate
Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry cited the importance of
finding a peaceful resolution to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. Ranking
Republican Richard Lugar (R-IN) focused his questions on the energy
sector and Azerbaijan’s role in the region.

Watch the complete video of the session on the Senate Foreign Relations
Committee Web site.

Senators have an additional day to submit written questions to
Ambassador-designate Morningstar. No date has yet been scheduled for
the Senate Foreign Relations Committee confirmation vote.

AZERBAIJAN RETALIATES AGAINST EUROVISION ACTIVISTS

asbarez
Wednesday, June 13th, 2012

Mehman Huseynov

BAKU-Azeri police have detained activist and journalist Mehman Huseynov
for allegedly highlighting widespread abuses by the government before
and during last month’s Eurovision song contests in Baku, reported
Amnesty International.

The group said that Huseynov’s arrest signals the start of the widely
predicted government crackdown on those they consider responsible
for negative publicity during Eurovision.

A 23-year-old video blogger, photojournalist and pro-democracy
activist detained since last night in the capital Baku must be released
immediately and without conditions, Amnesty International said.

The organization believes that activist Mehman Huseynov has been
targeted for highlighting abuses in the country during last month’s
Eurovision Song Contest.

His arrest comes amid a worrying rise in police harassment of young
activists who participated in protests around Eurovision.

“Mehman’s arrest signals the start of the widely predicted government
crackdown on those they consider responsible for negative publicity
during Eurovision,” said Max Tucker, Amnesty International’s Azerbaijan
campaigner.

“The continued reluctance of European leaders to condemn shocking
rights violations in this oil-rich country gives the authorities
leeway to exact their revenge.”

Huseynov worked as the Media Coordinator for the “Sing for Democracy”
campaign group which encouraged Sweden’s Eurovision entry Loreen –
who went on to win the contest – to speak out about Azerbaijan’s
human rights problems.

He has been accused of ‘hooliganism’ and faces five years in prison
if convicted. The charge relates to an incident during a protest he
was covering on 21 May.

Eyewitnesses told Amnesty International that police officers
deliberately smashed the cameras of Huseynov and a colleague, after
which he swore at the officers. Under Azerbaijani law, hooliganism
is a criminal offence only when it involves violence.

Five of the officers have testified that Huseynov not only swore,
but acted “violently” – though they gave no further details. Two
witnesses testify that he did nothing violent, and video footage of
the incident appears to support their accounts.

Huseynov’s photographs of peaceful protests being violently dispersed
in Baku have been disseminated widely by international media and on
social networks.

In March 2011 he was arrested and interrogated about his Facebook
activity while working as a cameraman for Amnesty International.

He is the youngest brother of Emin Huseynov, Director of Azerbaijani
NGO Institute for Reporters Freedom and Safety, who led the “Sing
for Democracy” campaign.

“We knew the authorities would take action against us, we just did
not know how and when,” Emin Huseynov told Amnesty International.

“When will the international community tell our government enough
is enough? I can only hope it will be in time to save my brother
from prison.”

Mehman Huseynov is now the seventh journalist in custody in Azerbaijan,
and if convicted would be the 15th prisoner of conscience in the
country today.

According to the opposition Popular Front Party, three other youth
activists who took part in protests during Eurovision have been
harassed by police in the past week.

One of the activists, Khanim Mustafayeva, told Amnesty International
that her father was summoned to police, and interrogated him about
her having joined “radical forces”.

Police twice summoned the parents of activist Ramin Musayev to tell
them their son had “joined radical religious forces” and had “disturbed
the public order”. Musayev was then interrogated and threatened with
expulsion from school.

The father of Bayim Hasanli, who witnessed the 21 May incident
involving Mehman Huseynov, was also summoned to a local police station
to be interrogated about his daughter’s activities.