Author: Kanayan Tamar

SENATOR SIMITIAN TO SPEAK ON NAGORNO KARABAKH IN U.S.

AzerNews
Sept 27 2011
Azerbaijan

The US senator heading a delegation of California Senate lawmakers on
their visit to Baku has said he would provide information about the
Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict over Nagorno Karabakh in the United States.

Speaking to reporters, Senator Joe Simitian also expressed hope that
the long-standing dispute would soon be resolved.

“We are a legislative body within the US political system and do not
form foreign policy,” he said. “But we will deliver information and
different points of view regarding the conflict in the U.S. We hope
that the conflict will find its solution in line with the frames of
international law and as soon as possible.”

Azerbaijan and Armenia waged a war in the early 1990s. Armenian troops
have occupied over 20 percent of Azerbaijan’s territory since then. A
ceasefire accord was signed in 1994, but OSCE-brokered peace talks
have been largely fruitless so far.

The U.S. co-chairs the OSCE Minsk Group brokering peace talks, along
with France and Russia.

ARMENIA ‘SHOULD SEEK PEACE WITH ITS NEIGHBOURS’

news.az
Sept 27 2011
Azerbaijan

News.Az interviews Professor Yusuf Ziya Irbec, a deputy of the Turkish
parliament from the opposition MHP (Nationalist Movement Party).

In his recent address to the UN General Assembly, Armenian President
Serzh Sargsyan accused Turkey of frustrating the Turkish-Armenian
protocols. Is he right?

Problems appeared in the process of tackling issues arising from the
Turkish-Armenian protocols. For example, one problem is the issue of
mass murders, that is “genocide”. To clarify whether the events of
a hundred years ago were the result of war or mass murder, the sides
have to open the archives. In addition, it is essential that a group
of researchers investigate the mass murders in Khojaly. In reality,
we can see that Armenia is protracting the scientific study of these
facts. We insist on the archives being opened to an international
commission to study all the facts. In short, if one international
commission studies the issue of mass murders, so much insisted on by
the Armenian side, another international commission has to investigate
the mass murders in Khojaly. Armenia, which has a hand in the mass
murders in Khojaly, refuses to form an international commission to
study the events of 1915. In fear that the historical truth about
the events of 1915 and mass murders in Khojaly could be exposed,
Armenia rejected the steps envisaged by the protocols. Moreover,
Armenia failed to fulfill the provisions of the protocols on a Karabakh
settlement. In other words, Armenia disavowed its promises when it
came to executing the commitments set out in the protocol.

What is the future of the Turkish-Armenian protocols?

The future of these protocols is no longer connected with Turkey.

Turkey has done everything possible to achieve normal relations with
Armenia. For this reason, the future of these protocols is fully
dependent on Armenia. Armenia cannot accuse Turkey of unwillingness
to settle existing interstate problems.

What should Azerbaijan and Turkey do to avoid any suspicion in the
normalization of Turkish-Armenian relations?

Unfortunately, some foreign media have started to publish provocative
reports about alleged differences between Turkey and Azerbaijan. Both
Turkey and Azerbaijan have not yielded to these provocations.

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Ahmet
Davutoglu are sensitive and spare no effort to inform the Azerbaijani
leadership if issues discussed or raised relate to Azerbaijan. Before
signing the Turkish-Armenian protocols, the Turkish foreign minister
met his Azerbaijani counterpart. Moreover, to avoid manipulation,
a group of Turkish parliamentarians visited Baku and discussed this
issue with the Azerbaijani parliament. In other words, both sides
are doing everything possible to avoid misunderstanding.

No one in Turkey will ever support an issue that may cause concern in
Azerbaijan. An issue that causes the slightest concern in Azerbaijan
will find no support either in the government or among the opposition
and the people.

How can Armenia benefit from execution of the provisions of the
Turkish-Armenian protocols, particularly if it withdraws from the
occupied lands of Azerbaijan and disavows its unfounded claims against
the Turkish side?

All good intentions continue and bad intentions find no support. A
developing state which has good intentions must have good relations
with its neighbours. For example, Azerbaijan is the most stable
and developing country of the region, which is why Armenia and
other countries should make use of it. As a stable and developing
country, Azerbaijan is interested in a similar situation in Armenia,
since Azerbaijan, like all developing states, is interested in the
development of its neighbours too. In capturing part of Azerbaijan,
Armenia follows the principle “it may not be much, but it’s mine”.

However, Armenia won’t last long with such logic and will be obliged
to return the occupied lands to Azerbaijan. Also, Armenia will have
to settle issues arising from the Turkish-Armenian protocols. In this
very fair settlement of the problems, Armenia will find peace and
pave the way to development. If it normalizes ties with Azerbaijan
and Turkey, its relations with Russia will rise to a higher level.

Overall, all the countries of the region will benefit from such a
level of relations, including Iran.

In other words, Armenia, instead of demanding the protection of the
Christian world from Muslim Azerbaijan, should seek peace with its
neighbours. Armenia has no sea outlet, while all energy corridors
pass via Azerbaijan and Turkey. For this reason, Armenia is unable
to enjoy the advantages appreciated by other countries of the region,
including Georgia.

EU SHOULD ‘USES ITS MECHANISMS’ TO RESOLVE KARABAKH CONFLICT

news.az
Sept 27 2011
Azerbaijan

News.Az interviews political scientist Hakkı Keskin, a Left Party
member of the German parliament from 2005 to 2009.

Do the European countries put enough effort into solving conflicts
in the post-Soviet area, including Karabakh?

Unfortunately, on the Karabakh conflict, the Council of Europe does not
demonstrate the kind of clear position it had in the Georgian-Russian
war. This is wrong. For example, during the Georgian-Russian war in
2008, the German parliament agreed on the need for the government
of Germany to involve the EU in the negotiating process to solve the
problem. The EU should do the same on Karabakh.

No European country can accept the injustice facing Azerbaijan,
the fact of the occupation of 20% of its land and the existence of
over a million refugees and internally displaced persons. Therefore,
the EU should use its mechanisms to solve this problem.

How is it possible to involve European countries in the Karabakh
conflict settlement?

In order to involve the EU in the solution of the Karabakh conflict it
is necessary to attract a number of politicians to this process. For
example, this may include politicians who enjoy a good reputation
in the EU. With regard to Germany, Angela Merkel, who is sensitive
to conflicts, could be such a politician, especially since relations
between Azerbaijan and Germany have a long history, so Germany could
contribute to the process of conflict resolution.

Unfortunately, since Armenia is a Christian country, the EU does
not demonstrate a firm stance against that country. The EU shows a
different standard when approaching the same problems. For example,
if it was Azerbaijan that occupied Armenian land, the EU would
act decisively, would be active. But anyway, it is necessary to
involve the EU in the settlement of the Karabakh conflict. Armenia
must withdraw its troops from the occupied territories of Azerbaijan
without any prerequisites.

Should Azerbaijan use the Nabucco and Trans-Caspian gas pipeline
projects to attract EU attention to the Karabakh conflict settlement?

Absolutely. The EU is heavily dependent on Russia for energy. For
example, Germany and the Nordic countries of Europe meet most of their
needs for oil and gas from Russia. These countries are, therefore, very
concerned about their dependence on Russian energy sources, and intend
to change this situation. Therefore, these countries attach great
importance to the Nabucco and Trans-Caspian gas pipeline projects.

In other words, the Nabucco project and the Trans-Caspian gas pipeline
are likely to attract EU attention to the Karabakh settlement. It is
necessary to bring to the attention of the EU the fact that Azerbaijan
is an important country in ensuring Europe’s energy security but is
facing the problem of land occupation.

However, it is necessary to ensure that the EU mobilizes its potential
to influence Russia on the settlement of the Karabakh problem. It is
necessary to ensure that Russia stops providing support to Armenia and
explains to Armenia the need to liberate the occupied territories of
Azerbaijan. EU countries can influence Russia in this matter because
Russia has a need for closer relations with the EU.

To what extent are the Turkish-Armenian protocols linked to the
Karabakh conflict settlement?

The current government of Turkey, namely the ruling Justice
and Development Party, conducted a mistaken policy because the
protocols did not fix the points concerning the liberation of the
Armenian-occupied territories of Azerbaijan. The US insisted on
the opening the Turkish-Armenian border. This was prevented by
Turkish public opinion – 98% spoke against the opening of the
Turkish-Armenian border before the liberation of the occupied
territories of Azerbaijan. After that, the party was forced to
abandon its policy, and the Turkish-Armenian protocols were thrown
into the dustbin. But my fear has to do with the policies of Turkey,
which is largely tied to the wishes of the United States. But I hope
that the Turkish government has learned a lesson from this mistake,
and is vigilant to prevent a similar mistake happening again.

ARMENIA UNWILLING TO REACH AGREEMENT ON NAGORNO-KARABAKH – AZERI PRESIDENT

Interfax
Sept 26 2011
Russia

The last meetings dealing with the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict have
shown Armenia’s unwillingness to solve the problem, Azeri President
Ilham Aliyev said.

“Azerbaijan demonstrates as much constructiveness as possible at
these meetings, but we are confronted with Armenia’s destructive
position in response. We have come to the opinion that Armenia wants
to drag these negotiations out as much as possible,” Aliyev said at a
conference marking the 20th anniversary of Azerbaijan’s independence
in Baku on Friday.

“Our last meetings have shown that the only issue on their [Armenia’s]
agenda is not to achieve peace and drag out the status quo,” he said.

However, not only Azerbaijan but also the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs
believe that the preservation of the status quo is unacceptable,
which is “a clear message to the Armenian leadership,” he said.

The Azeri leader has called on the international community to step
up the efforts toward settling the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh.

“DASHNAKTSUTYUN” DOESN’T EXPECT SERIOUS PROGRESS IN KARABAKH AND ARMENIAN-TURKISH PROCESSES

Mediamax
Sept 27 2011
Armenia

Yerevan/Mediamax/. Representative of “Dashnaktsutyun” party Kiro
Manoyan stated today that there will be no serious progress in the
processes of settling Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and Armenian-Turkish
relations in the nearest future.

He said that bringing the Armenian-Turkish Protocols back to the
parliament’s agenda, the Turkish side wants to show that the process
between Yerevan and Ankara is allegedly going on but still no steps
will be taken toward ratification, Mediamax reports.

“The Protocols, signed but not ratified, create a situation most
beneficial for Turkey”, stated Kiro Manoyan, adding that bringing
back the Protocols to the agenda of the parliament, Turkey wants to
exert an international pressure on Armenia so as the latter wouldn’t
withdraw its signature from these documents.

TURKISH PRECONDITIONS IMPLEMENTED WHILE ARMENIA GETS NOTHING INSTEAD – ARF DASHNAKTSUTYUN

news.am
Sept 27 2011
Armenia

YEREVAN. – Preconditions by Turkey are being implemented, while Armenia
gets nothing as a result, ARF Dashnaktsutyun member, responsible for
Hay Dat Kiro Manoyan told the journalists on Tuesday.

According to him, by prolonging the ratification of the protocols,
Turkey called some Western states to its side on such important issues
as the genocide issue and its study by the historians.

“At least some western states share Turkey’s viewpoint, whereas
Armenia failed to strengthen its position in return,” Manoyan believes.

Uncertainty for Protocols is useful for the West as well. Besides,
the situation will stay as long as current authorities are more
attractive for West.

“It is effective for Turkey too to keep the Protocols unsigned as long
as possible. Turkey without the necessity to give has always tried to
receive something, including the Karabakh conflict, politician stated.

Armenian-Turkish protocols have been called back by Turkish parliament
recently.

ANCA-WR TO HONOR ARMENIAN AMERICAN MILITARY VETERANS

AZG DAILY
28-09-2011

The Armenian National Committee of America Western Region announced
that it will honor several Armenian American U.S. military veterans
at the 2011 ANCA-WR Annual Banquet, which will take place on Saturday,
November 26 at the Universal Sheraton Hotel.

“Every year, Americans mark Veterans Day to honor our military
servicemen and servicewomen. It is of special significance to
honor them this year, on the tenth anniversary of September 11, in
recognition of the many sacrifice military helicopterses they have
made throughout their service in Afghanistan, Iraq and other armed
conflicts, said ANCA-WR Board chairman Andrew Kzirian.

Among the veterans being honored are Marine Staff Sergeant Baleny
Minas, and Army Lieutenant Adrineh Shahijanian Gouloomian for their
selfless and honorable service in the Iraq Theater. Their efforts
on behalf of the U.S. military personify Hai Tahd: to advance the
Armenian Cause while remaining steadfast in their dedication to the
United States of America.

Gouloomian served as platoon leader of the Outlaw Troop of Fort Carsons
Third Armored Cavalry Regiment, and was awarded the Army Air Medal and
the Bronze Star. By the end of her service, Gouloomian had become an
executive officer of some 500 soldiers and reconnaissance helicopter
pilots. She was medically discharged in 2004 after suffering injuries
when, to avoid RPG fire, she crash-landed her Kiowa Warrior.

Marine Staff Sergeant Baleny Minas entered the Marine Corps in
February 2000. She served her first tour of duty in the Iraq Theater
from March 2004 to July 2004, and then was redeployed from February
2005 to October 2005.

Minas provided ground support and served as an equipment manager for
Bell AH-1 SuperCobra Helicopters and Bell UH-1 Iroquois helicopters,
known in military parlance as Hueys. After her return to the United
States, she finished her contract in the active reserves in 2007.

She was awarded the Navy Achievement Medal, and meritoriously promoted
to corporal, sergeant and staff sergeant during her military career.

ALEXANDER ISKANDARYAN: ARMENIAN- TURKISH PROTOCOLS ARE NOT AMONG PRIMARY ISSUES IN TURKISH AGENDA

ARMENPRESS
17:57, 27 September, 2011

“I do not see any variant of ratification of the Armenian-Turkish
protocols by Turkey”, Director of the Caucasus Institute, political
specialist Alexander Iskandaryan told today a press conference. He
said that he has returned from Turkey the other day and attaches
importance especially to this issue.

“At the moment the protocols are not among the primary issues in the
Turkish agenda. That country has many other issues to solve both in
home and foreign political fields,” the political specialist said.

According to him, it is obvious that Prime Minister Recep Tayyip
Erdogan is going to be nominated in presidential elections, which
means that surely he will not go to ratification of the protocols in
this stage.

Mr. Iskandaryan said that Turkey tries to take a dominating role in
Middle East, for which it has adopted an anti-Israeli role. “The game
is quite risky, as Israel is connected with the USA,” the political
specialist noted, stressing that in such a complicated situation the
Turkish authorities will not go to ratification of the Armenian-Turkish
protocols. To cut it short, as long as Turkey has not been orientated
in the issues of the Middle East, the destiny of the protocols will
remain unchangeable,” Mr. Iskandaryan expressed confidence.

KIRO MANOYAN: ISRAEL SHOULD EVENTUALLY ADOPT ARMENIAN GENOCIDE RESOLUTION

ARMENPRESS
16:33, 27 September, 2011

Israel should eventually adopt the Armenian Genocide Resolution,
as it is demanded among people, too, Head of ARF Armenian Cause and
Political Affairs Office Kiro Manoyan told today a press conference.

According to him, the Israeli, as people who have seen genocide,
want their country to recognize the genocides of other peoples.

PRESIDENT PUTIN TO BRING ABOUT CHANGES IN ARMENIA’S FOREIGN POLICY – ARF-D REP

Tert.am
15:46 27.09.11

Russia’s influence is not so great for processes going on there to
start in Armenia, Giro Manoyan, Head of the Hay Dat office, Armenian
Revolutionary Federation Dashnaktsutyun (ARF-D), told journalists as
he spoke of the impact the ongoing political processes may have on
Armenia’s domestic political life.

On the other hand, Manoyan believes that Armenia may modify its
foreign policy in case Vladimir Putin is re-elected president of
Russia. The work styles of Vladmir Putin and Dmitri Medvedev are
obviously different, which means changes in the region in case Putin
becomes Russia’s president.