Author: Kanayan Tamar

ITAR-TASS, Russia
May 4, 2012 Friday 11:18 PM GMT+4

CIS election observers satisfied with Armenian canvassing campaign

YEREVAN May 4

The CIS election observation mission is satisfied with preparations
for the Armenian parliamentary election due on Sunday, May 6, says a
report posted by the mission staff on Friday. A total of 173 CIS
election observers will be monitoring the ballot in all the Armenian
electoral districts.

Meanwhile, mission chief Vladimir Garkun continues to meet with
Armenian officials. He discussed the upcoming ballot with Armenian
President Serzh Sargsyan on Thursday. Garkun lauded the work of the
Armenian Central Elections Commission and affirmed a quiet election
campaign.

The endorsement of the new Armenian Election Code, on whose basis the
election will be held, “aims to upgrade the national electoral system
through creating additional guarantees of fair political competition,
intensifying the activity of political parties and their engagement in
the electoral process, and ensuring maximal openness, liberalization
and democracy of the electoral procedures,” the mission said. The
Armenian Central Elections Commission explained the new Code to the
voters by the media. There were also conferences, seminars and
roundtables attended by representatives of civil society institutes
and foreign experts.
An analysis of the new Election Code done by the mission staff and the
International Institute for Monitoring of the Development of
Democracy, Parliamentarianism and Observation of Civil Rights of the
CIS Parliamentary Assembly, showed that the document met the
provisions of the CIS Convention on Standards of Democratic Elections,
Electoral Rights and Freedoms in Member States. “The Code enables the
holding of free and democratic elections with universal, equal and
direct voting rights and secret ballot governed by independent
electoral bodies,” the mission said.

The mission also declared an active canvassing campaign in Armenia.
“The political parties, the block and candidates use diverse methods
in their rivalry for votes,” the mission said. It highlighted as a
peculiar feature of the election campaign the activeness of civil
society institutes, the holding of numerous rallies and meetings with
voters, and appeals to regional electorates.

The media is broadly covering the electoral process, including the
canvassing of parties and the block, the work of electoral commissions
and international observers. The mission said that political parties
and the block had a basically equal access to the media.

Meanwhile, CIS short-term observers are arriving in Armenia. The
mission said it would draw its final conclusions when the ballot is
over.

Azerbaijani President’s speech at UN Security Council based on untrue,
false and unjustified manipulations – Armenian MFA

news.am
May 05, 2012 | 19:13

YEREVAN. – Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s speech based on
untrue, false and unjustified manipulations at the UN Security Council
on Friday brings forth a deep regret that such a high arena is used
for such a low quality speeches, Armenian MFA’s statement released on
Saturday reads.

`Instead of re-confirming Azerbaijan’s loyalty to the peace process of
settling the Karabakh conflict, Aliyev abuses the UN arena by
repeating the boring lies of anti-Armenian propaganda.

Continuous threats against the regional stability and security,
militant and hostile statements by the Azerbaijani authorities, which
contradict to the UN Charter principles and objectives, do not fit the
UN member-state and are a blow to the authority of the Security
Council,’ the release reads further.

KARABAKH IS KEEPING THE KEY TO ITS OWN FUTURE

Saturday, 05 May 2012 11:04

For the recent two years, as we know, the European Parliament has
periodically held discussions on the direct involvement of the
European Union in the process of the Karabakh conflict peaceful
settlement.
In their statements, senior EU officials constantly emphasize the
necessity of enhancing the role of this structure in the South
Caucasus.

In one of the resolutions adopted by the European Parliament’s Foreign
Affairs Committee, it was noted that France should be replaced by the
European Union in the OSCE Minsk Group, which, however, was not
supported by European officials. On the contrary, they stated once
again that the negotiations on the Karabakh settlement must be
continued in the format of the Minsk Group, and the European Union,
obviously, must assist in this process and intensify its cooperation
with all the states of the South Caucasus region.

Though relative calm on the subject is established now, however, a
question occurs: what is the goal of such statements and why is the
issue periodically raised by the European Parliament members?

“It is clear that the European Union wants to play a greater role in
the region. It is also seeking new ways to engage in the process of
peaceful settlement of Karabakh conflict. The current efforts of the
EU are aimed at promoting the peaceful solution to the issue, as well
as its encouragement. But, they are not aimed at replacing any state
in the Minsk Group. France will remain a co-chair of the Minsk Group’,
said Director of the Armenian Center for Regional Studies Richard
Kirakosian.

When asked by the Azat Artsakh correspondent whether the EU can play
any role in the settlement of the Azerbaijani-Karabakh conflict, the
political scientist answered that the EU was facing a new opportunity
and the imperative of greater involvement in the processes in the
South Caucasus. He recalled the positive result of the European
intervention in the Georgian-Ossetian war. On the other hand,
according to R. Kirakosian, for greater involvement in the regional
processes and, consequently, for consolidation of its successful role,
the EU must overcome the seemingly contradictory nature of its own
strategy: each of the leading states of this structure tends to follow
its own national policy, in some cases differing from the policy of
other states. These differences are clearly seen in its relations with
Russia, particularly in the field of energy policy.

What does the political scientist think of the view that the decisive
role in resolving the Karabakh issue belongs to Russia and the United
States, which cannot be said about France? Is it possible that these
two great powers come to an agreement in the future to replace France
with the European Union? `The U.S. and Russia support France, although
Washington supports also the European Union, but there are no talks on
replacing France’, said R. Kirakosian. `Nevertheless, the future of
the EU in the region depends on itself. Today, it faces a serious
challenge – to reconcile the competing national policies and to
elaborate a common policy of strategic involvement’, he noted.

Then, Mr. Kirakosian noted that the European Union would implement its
plans for deeper involvement in the regional processes, since we
cannot continue to ignore or underestimate the task that has become
the imperative for this structure – specifically, to play a key role
in the South Caucasus, a region that is considered risky in terms of
establishing comprehensive security and stability. Consequently, he
said, it is clear that the leaders of the three states in the region –
Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, as well as Nagorno-Karabakh, which
hasn’t achieved its legal recognition yet, will keep the key to their
future in their hands. And though overcoming the isolation of the
South Caucasus has become an imperative for the EU, however, in the
political scientist’s opinion, the real stability and security are
conditioned by the legitimacy of the authorities in the regional
states, the level of local economic development, and the conducted
policy. Geopolitics, perhaps, plays a minor role in this plane.

Continuing his comments, R. Kirakosian noted that the EU would
intensify its involvement in the regional processes by supporting two
leaders of the Eastern Partnership program – Sweden and Poland.

The goal of this prestigious European structure is more than clear –
to expand its activities in the South Caucasus, in particular, to
intensify its efforts on the Karabakh conflict settlement.

What does the analyst think about the view exaggerated in the
international media that in the negotiation process on the Karabakh
settlement a certain role can be played by Turkey and Iran, which are
considered influential states in the Middle East region? According to
Mr. Kirakosian, the West in general, and in particular, the EU and the
OSCE are against any role of Turkey and Iran, and it is unlikely that
any of these countries will be involved in the process. Karabakh
became a touchstone for the EU in terms of commitments and
manifestation of determination, and in a broader sense it became also
the “last chance” for the OSCE Minsk Group and the European Union.
Ultimately, the Karabakh conflict is the only conflict in large
Europe, where the EU does not play any role.

Ruzan ISHKHANIAN

CYPRUS DEMANDS EU STOP TURKEY BUILDING NUCLEAR POWER PLANT

Vestnik Kavkaza
May 4 2012
Russia

Cypriot Speaker of Parliament Yiannakis Omirou has urged the European
Parliament to stop Turkey developing its nuclear power plant at Akkuyu
on the southern coast, not far from the Cyprus, Armenia Today reports.

Omirou met officials of the European Parliament and its committee
for environment, healthcare and security of food at Nicosia, on the
eve of Cypriot chairmanship at the EU starting in June.

The speaker said that the republic cannot realize its ecological
policy when 37% of its territory is occupied by Turkey. He described
the prospects of nuclear-free Mediterranean Sea with account of the
Fukushima nuclear catastrophe of 2011.

Deputies of the European Parliament urged Cyprus to use its
chairmanship in the EU with full efficiency, adding that the state
could use experience of other members, instruments, foundations and
opportunities to increase EU expenses for ecological purposes.

DIRECTOR OF LINKS: IF ARMENIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS IS REPRESENTED IN THE NEW PARLIAMENT, ITS STRATEGY WILL HAVE TO CHANGE
by Oksana Musaelyan

arminfo
Friday, May 4, 23:29

Ahead of parliamentary elections in Armenia Links published a series
of reviews concerning the political landscape, including covering
opinion polls. Which key characteristics are being marked by this
pre-election campaign?

There have been several positive features in the campaign. First of
all there is a competitive environment. Voters have a choice between
several parties and blocs and each party has had an opportunity to
present its point of view. In this regard the media has played a
positive role.

Do you think there are enough prerequisites to hold free and fair
elections or will it be another profanation?

I think the campaign has been a positive factor. There are problems
regarding the administration of the elections , and the full impact
of this will be seen on election day itself and immediately afterwards.

The most serious problem is connected with the voters list. Given that
this has been a problem with Armenian elections in the past and has
been mentioned before as one main causes for election irregularities
somebody has to take responsibility for what is clearly a very serious
issue. You simply cannot have a good election if the voting list is
seriously inaccurate.

But the Armenian political parties also seem not to have given this
issue enough importance. Scrutinising the election list should happen
on a regular daily basis between one election and another not in the
last days. Also some of the money spent by the international community
on supporting the electoral process should have been directed at this
task. So its not simply blaming the government. Others have to share
the blame too.

Public confidence in the elections, judging from the previous
experiences, is very low, and the racket connected with bribes of the
pre-election campaign today exceeds any limits that have ever been
fixed before. All these do not add confidence to democracy in the
country. Do you agree with this statement and how much is the factor
of public confidence important for Europe and further interaction of
Armenia with the EU?

Of course public confidence is crucial. There is throughout the
South Caucasus widespread cynicism by the public towards elections
because they have seen in front of their eyes on many occasions massive
election fraud. The issue of “election bribes” is more complicated. In
many cases they are illegal so they should not happen. The issue of
political patronage is a problem in many countries, so I do not think
that on its own this will undermine the election process, although
it will weaken it.

Will there be consequent reaction of the European institutions involved
in monitoring?

Organizations making an assessment of the elections will have to take
a holistic approach and look at all the aspects. The key issues are:
Did all the parties have the chance to campaign freely and without
intimidation? Was there a level playing field? Was the Election
administered fairly? Did the people have the chance to vote freely
in a secret ballot without intimidation? Were only people who were
supposed to vote allowed to vote? And finally did the counting process
proceed normally and transparently?

There may be other issues like for example the use of administrative
resources that impact some of these questions, but an overall
assessment will have to take everything into consideration.

How much do you think the stresses in the political programs of the
candidate-parties reflect the issues of the geopolitical prospect in
the region, as well as the tension in the Nagorno Karabakh issue?

I think this was rightly an election mainly on domestic issues related
to the economic and social programmes of the parties. On the whole
Armenian political parties have a similar position on Karabakh, with
some important nuances. I don’t think this was the determining factor
in the election.

A special appeal in the elections will be the participation of the
Armenian National Congress. Do you think the program of this force
meets the realities of the Armenian society? What do you think about
the ambitions of the ANC Leader Levon Ter-Petrosyan in the election
campaign given the past lack of his interest in the parliamentary
elections of 2007 and his participation in the presidential elections
of 2008?

The Armenian National Congress is a bloc, involving a number of
parties and public organizations and headed as you say by Levon
Ter-Petrosyan. As a former president Ter-Petrosyan carries some weight
in society, and he has become a symbol of opposition to the current
authorities. The ANC has been very persistent in its anti-government
campaign since 2008. It now needs to translate this work into seats
in parliament. If, as I think likely, the ANC is represented in the
new parliament its strategy will have to change. It cannot continue
to be a party of the streets. How it does this will be one of the
most interesting things to watch out for after the elections.

MOMENT OF ARMENIAN CONCERT BALLOON EXPLOSION CAUGHT ON CAMERA

04 May 2012

More than 140 people were injured when gas-filled balloons exploded
at a governing party campaign concert in the Armenian capital.

The Armenian emergencies ministry said that 144 people suffered burns
when several promotional balloons exploded at a showpiece concert
staged by President Serzh Sarkisian’s Republican party in Yerevan’s
central Republic Square ahead of parliamentary polls this Sunday.

Armenian internet sites showed a fireball rising into the air and
chaotic images of people screaming in confusion and anger after
thousands of Republican party supporters celebrated with big bunches
of balloons at the concert.

“The balloons exploded and caught fire after people holding the bunches
released them from their hands into the air,” an eyewitness who asked
to remain anonymous told AFP.

It was not immediately clear what caused the incident.

“All the victims had either medium or light injuries. Now doctors are
trying to revive them from shock,” Health Minister Harutiun Kushkian
told reporters.

The promotional balloons were decorated with the governing party’s
election slogan “Let’s believe in change”.

President Sarkisian’s party has been tipped by opinion polls to
triumph in Sunday’s election ahead of its ruling coalition rival,
the Prosperous Armenia party led by a super-rich former arm wrestling
champion.

The vote is the biggest test of the ex-Soviet state’s democratic
credentials since disputed presidential elections in 2008, when mass
rallies ended in bloody clashes between riot police and opposition
supporters that left 10 people dead, casting a shadow over Sarkisian’s
administration.

The authorities in the mountainous country of 3.3 million people have
promised an unprecedentedly clean contest for the 131-seat National
Assembly in the hope of avoiding further political turmoil.

Opposition parties however have questioned the validity of the opinion
polls and threatened demonstrations if there are mass falsifications.

ELECTIONS IN ARMENIA: AN INTERVIEW WITH ANTRANIG KASBARIAN

Armenian Weekly
May 4, 2012

WATERTOWN, Mass.-The Armenian Weekly and the Hairenik Weekly conducted
an interview with the chairman of the ARF Central Committee of the
Eastern US on the upcoming elections in Armenia this weekend. Below
is the English translation of the interview.

Antranig Kasbarian What can be expected from the May 6 elections in
Armenia? Do you anticipate any differences from previous elections?

There will, of course, be differences between these elections and
previous ones, but unfortunately they will not be profound ones. For
example, bribes are rampant and the ruling elites are “buying” votes
in this pre-election period. There will also be irregularities on
Election Day, but over the years, vote rigging on Election Day has
decreased, giving the not-so-accurate impression that the political
situation in the country is improving.

There are also other differences compared to previous years. This
time, the most heated battle is between the two ruling parties,
the Republican Party and the Prosperous Armenia Party, while the
opposition forces, even the Armenian National Congress, appear weak
and vulnerable.

What can you say in this context about the specific case of the ARF?

There are certain differences here too. When the ARF was still part
of the government-when it had ministers and local governors-means to
impact the overall election process were available. Also, the ARF
received some support from the ruling elite-such support is almost
certainly precluded today. Therefore, more than ever, the ARF has to
now rely on its own abilities, continuing to strengthen its ties with
citizens from all walks of life. This requires relentless efforts in
the spheres of communications, outreach, finances, etc.

The ARF has prepared an election platform that stands out. Do you
think it will attract a significant number of voters?

Yes, the ARF has prepared a truly comprehensive pre-election program
that reflects our broad platform. It covers the important bases-the
political, economic, social, and foreign policy dimensions-objectively
presenting the current state of affairs and suggesting possible
solutions. The ARF leadership in Armenia has invested a significant
amount of time on this effort, and has been presenting its election
platform at campaign events and rallies across the country.

Unfortunately, the pre-election atmosphere and culture in the country
has deteriorated in recent years. Election platforms and programs,
which should have a profound impact on the voter, fail to do so.

Instead, finances have the greatest impact on the voter.

Unfortunately, election money speaks louder and more convincingly
than comprehensive election platforms. I cannot blame the people
entirely, though, because many are under profound financial duress
and are looking for means to improve their lot. Regardless, the ARF is
steadfast on the conviction that the people deserve fair, transparent
elections, based on political debate and a healthy discourse. We are
hopeful that this will be realized in the coming days.

The platform itself is a very extensive document, which includes all
the reforms that we consider to be imperative. In the economic sphere,
for examples, it envisions laws that secure a competitive economy,
and one which encourages exports. In the social sphere, it proposes
laws to guarantee freedom of speech and freedom of the press. Laws are
also proposed to secure the independence of the judiciary, to reform
the electoral system, etc. For more details, go to

We often hear that the ARF has not succeeded in galvanizing a broad
base, why is this the case? Moving ahead, do you see this changing?

It is difficult to give a definitive answer to this question. On the
one hand, it is a fact that the current ruling elite-the Republicans
and Prosperous Armenia in particular-are doing their utmost to maintain
the status quo. Against this onslaught, the task of the opposition
parties has become considerably difficult. The ARF, the Heritage
Party, and the Armenian National Congress and others are all trying
to secure a broad base of support. While the people closely follow the
political developments, the press conferences, and election campaigns,
it is important to note that to follow developments is one thing, to
go out and vote is another. I have often witnessed certain political
leaders and candidates receiving enthusiastic support in villages
and towns during election campaigns, but the election results have
not reflected this enthusiasm.

The ruling elite continuously stresses that the election will be free
and transparent. Do you share that optimism?

To be fair, in recent years, Election Day in Armenia has been much
more peaceful and calm than before. The means of the past-beatings,
threats, switching ballot boxes, etc.-are still employed, but much
less frequently than before. The reasons for this improvement are many:
the influence of foreign observers, international pressure, etc.

But the general state of affairs, in essence, remains the same. Now
the means are different; Armenia’s oligarchs secure their positions
through bribes, maneuvers, and “legal” means. Thus the process is
increasingly becoming more comparable to the kinds of corruption that
we encounter in “civilized” countries. Of course the majority of the
people notices this, which is why they have become so cynical.

What are the chances of the ARF in these elections?

I think the ARF can clear the five percent mark required for
political parties to secure seats in parliament. I believe that the
ARF will gain the confidence of the people, especially for the seats
allocated through proportional representation. The party also has
a core constituency of loyal voters, who vote for the ARF because
they admire its stance on national issues. But today, due to the
dire circumstances in the country, social and economic issues take
precedence over national issues for the voters.

ARMENIAN POLICE TO WORK ALL NIGHT INVESTIGATING BALLOON BLAST IN YEREVAN

NEWS.AM
May 04, 2012 | 23:07

A few minutes ago Armenian Police Chief, Lieutenant-General Vladimir
Gasparyan called a meeting regarding the balloon blast in Yerevan’s
Republican Square on Friday, Armenian Police’s Head of Information
and PR Department Ashot Aharonyan told Armenian News-NEWS.am.

The Police Chief called to the police officers to work the whole
night in order to figure out all the circumstances of the explosion.

As Armenian News-NEWS.am informed earlier, an alarm was received
that an incident occurred during the rally of the Republican Party
of Armenia (RPA) in the Republican Square at 7.37 p.m. on Friday. Gas
balloons exploded, 144 casualties are reported.

144 BURN VICTIMS REPORTED IN YEREVAN BLAST

PanARMENIAN.Net
May 4, 2012 – 22:00 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Emergency Situations Ministry delivered updated info
on the injuries toll in Republic Square blast, with 144 burn victims
reported.

According to info provided, 30 people were taken to Yerevan’s
Radiotherapy Center, 20 to Heratsi hospital, 20 to Ambulance Service
hospital, 20 to Nairi medical center, 20 to Armenia medical center, 9
to Clinical Hospital No 1, 7 to Muratsan medical center. 2 kids were
taken to Surb Astvatsatsin maternity hospital.

As PanARMENIAN.Net reporter was informed earlier, the burn victims are
out of danger.

The blast, caused by the explosion of helium balloons, occurred during
the concert organized on the sidelines of Republican Party of Armenia
electoral campaign.

BLAST AT RPA’S CONCERT CAUSED BY EXPLODING BALLOON

ARMINFO
Friday, May 4, 21:42

A stupid joke by one of those present at the Friday gala concert of
the Republican Party of Armenia in the Republic Square might have
ended in a tragedy.

ArmInfo’s correspondent reports from the square that the joker brought
his cigarette close to an oxygen balloon, causing an explosion and
a subsequent chain reaction.

Some of the people holding the balloons got minor burns. Ambulance
cars arrived shortly afterwards to provide them with first aid and
to take some of them to hospital for examination.

Despite the incident the gala concert is going on, with thousands of
people waiting for the speech of President Serzh Sargsyan.