Author: Kanayan Tamar

FM: KARABAKH NEGOTIATING TABLE SHOULD BE ‘CLEANED OFF ISSUES’ HAMPERING PEACE

AzerNews, Azerbaijan
July 29 2013

29 July 2013, 12:11 (GMT+05:00)
By Sara Rajabova

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov has said it is
necessary to clean the negotiating table on the Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict settlement off issues which can hamper peace and stability
in the region.

In an interview with France 24 TV channel during his visit to France,
Mammadyarov said the most problematic issue for the conflict
resolution is the presence of Armenian troops in the occupied
Azerbaijani territories.

“No one recognizes the so-called ‘Nagorno-Karabakh Republic’, including
the Armenians themselves,” he said.

Mammadyarov pointed out that the UN Security Council, a major body
for international security, adopted four resolutions regarding the
conflict and all of them clearly indicate that Nagorno-Karabakh is
Azerbaijan’s territory.

“Azerbaijan considers Armenians who are still living in
Nagorno-Karabakh as citizens of Azerbaijan,” Mammadyarov said.

He underlined that withdrawal of the Armenian armed forces from
the occupied Azerbaijani territories can create conditions to open
communications, return IDPs home and defuse the tension.

In Nagorno-Karabakh, adjacent regions and the regions bordering on
Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh about 700,000 people were deprived
of their places of residence and turned into IDPs as a result of
occupation. They are temporarily settled in 62 cities and regions of
Azerbaijan in more than 1,600 densely populated areas.

The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict emerged in 1988 when Armenia made
territorial claims against the neighboring country. Since a lengthy
war between the two South Caucasus countries that displaced over
a million Azerbaijanis and ended with the signing of a precarious
cease-fire in 1994, Armenian armed forces have occupied over 20 percent
of Azerbaijan’s internationally recognized territory, including the
Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.

The four UN Security Council resolutions, which urge Armenian pullout
from the occupied territories, have not been implemented to this day.

Peace talks brokered by OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs representing the
United States, Russia and France have been largely fruitless so far.

The negotiations are underway on the basis of the peace outline dubbed
the Madrid Principles, also known as Basic Principles. The document
envisions a return of the territories surrounding Nagorno-Karabakh
to Azerbaijani control; determining the final legal status of
Nagorno-Karabakh; a corridor linking Armenia to the region; and the
right of all internally displaced persons to return home.

There are chances

July 27 2013

The success of the movement against the rise of public transport, at
least temporarily, even the so-called `landmark’, arises natural
question whether it is possible to develop this success in other
areas. In particular, it is possible to do this kind of pressure to
contribute more or less fair elections, which, agree, is the
foundation of many problems. Maybe 5 years ago, I would gave a
negative answer to this question, but in the last few days seeing our
wonderful young people, now I’m inclined to more optimistic mood. Of
course, 100 or 150 drams and fair elections are questions of different
`weights’, and those who manipulate the elections in the past 18 years
and intend to continue in the same way, are going to resist in the
fierce form. But, first, this issue should stir the interest of our
young activists, I do not know whether they understand the importance
of the issue, or not. But if they are interested, then the concept
should be, probably, the following: We do not care who want to become
a president (assuming we are talking about the presidential
elections), Communists, fascists, liberals, or homosexuals, we are not
interested in their programs, we are not concerned about what crimes
the candidates did 1, 10, 20, or, let’s say, 106 years ago. For us, it
is not important whether they have leadership experience, volitional
qualities, or not. We are interested in only one thing that the
president is elected by people’s voting. With such a concept, young
people have a chance to promote fair elections. They will find the
ways to achieve this goal, it was confirmed by the actions of last
week. But as soon as they say, we do not want Paul, but Peter, they
will be part of the party-team games, with their special paranoia. It
will be what has been since 1996, I am a `poghosyan’, you’re a
`petrosyan’, do you know that your Poghos is such-and-such, and Petros
was such-and-such. It is not a political movement, but a `youth wing’,
with all its consequences. Moreover, we need to fight for fair
elections now (if, I repeat, there is such a desire), and not after
fraudulent elections. The Central Election Commission shall announce
the name of truly elected president, just as Taron Margaryan has
officially suspended his decision. After CEC `wrong’ announcement,
shaking fists, as the experience shows, is useless. And why all this
can be done, especially by young people. Because, so far there are no
doubts in the purity of their intentions. They must not let impure
`uncles’ approaching them.

ARAM ABRAHAMYAN

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Russian-Armenian billionaire brothers invest in Karabakh

July 27, 2013 | 17:06

Russian-Armenian billionaire brothers, Sergei and Nikolai Sarkisov,
are investing in the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, in a copper and gold
exploration project.

The brothers are interested in the copper mining areas of Zardanashen
and the gold mining areas in the uplands of Tutkhun River, a
well-informed source told Armenian News-NEWS.am.

The mining area of Zardanashen is 3 square kilometers, and there are
concentrations of copper, lead, cobalt, and nickel there. Traces of
gold, titanium, and vanadium were discovered, too. And gold and silver
concentrations were found in the mining areas of Tutkhun.

To note, the Sarkisov brothers are the proprietors of RESO-Garantiya,
which is one of Russia’s largest insurance firms. In the Russian list
of the 2013 issue of Forbes business magazine, they are ranked 78th
and 79th, with a net worth of 1.35 billion.

Hakobian: NKR purchased new types of weapons and military hardware

Sunday,
July 28

The Nagorno Karabakh Republic purchased new types of weapons and
military hardware, and the last two years have been quite successful
in this sense, Defense Minister of the NKR, Lieutenant General Movses
Hakobian said at a meeting with journalists in Artsakh today,
according to RFE/RL Armenian service.

In his words, the problem today lies in the deployment of equipment
bought and a large depot is being built for that purpose. M. Hakobian
did not specify what types of arms the NKR Defense Army has acquired.

Expressing concern over Azerbaijan’s purchase of new arms, the NKR
defense minister stressed at the same time that Azerbaijan cannot
start a war and win it.

26.07.2013, 19:01
Aysor.am

ARMENIE
Oskanian nie avoir admis toute culpabilité

L’ancien ministre des Affaires étrangères Vartan Oskanian a nié avoir
fait une confession ou admis une infraction alors qu’il répondait à la
déclaration faite plus tôt par le Service national de la sécurité
nationale (NSS).

Dans sa déclaration le NSS a déclaré que l’affaire contre Oskanian a
été stoppée en raison de l’admission de son infraction et en
considérant qu’il avait réglé ses obligations fiscales au budget de
l’Etat résultantes d’un prétendu détournement d’un don d’homme
d’affaires américain Jon Huntsman.

`La chose la plus importante ici, c’est qu’ils n’ont pas pu prouver
deux lourdes charges portées contre moi sur « le blanchiment de
capitaux » et « détournement de fonds », des accusations qui ont
conduit à la levée de mon immunité parlementaire et en raison de
l’absence de preuve maintenant ils ont classer l’affaire par d’autres
moyens » a déclaré Vartan Oskanian sur son compte Facebook.

dimanche 28 juillet 2013,
Stéphane ©armenews.com

ARMEE ARMENIENNE
402 nouveaux officiers ont rejoint hier l’Armée arménienne

`589

402 nouveaux officiers sortis de l’école militaire Vazken Sarkissian
ont rejoint les cadres de l’Armée arménienne. Hier 27 juillet au Parc
de la Victoire à Erévan, s’est déroulée la cérémonie des diplômes
obtenus par ces officiers à l’« Ecole militaire Vazken Sarkissian »
d’Erévan et autres écoles militaires. Des promotions pour ces
élèves-officiers sortis des classes de l’Institut de l’aviation
militaire « Maréchal Arménag Khamperiantz », de la Faculté de médecine
militaire « Mkhitar Heratsou » d’Erévan et de l’Ecole militaire «
Vazken Sarkissian ». Cette cérémonie de remise des diplômes aux
nouveaux officiers en présence du Ministre de la Défense Seyran
Ohanian coïncidait avec le 19e anniversaire de l’Ecole militaire «
Vazken Sarkissian ».

(JPEG)
De très nombreuses personnalités militaires et civiles ainsi que des
invités et des proches des officiers, participaient à la cérémonie de
remise. « Les forces armées de la République d’Arménie ont atteint un
tel niveau qu’aujourd’hui nous avons nos écoles militaires d’un niveau
satisfaisant (…) qui préparent des officiers jeunes, disciplinés et
dévoués dont a besoin l’Armée arménienne mais également notre société
» dit au journalistes Seyran Ohanian à l’issue de la cérémonie.

Krikor Amirzayan

dimanche 28 juillet 2013,
Krikor Amirzayan ©armenews.com

PATRIMOINE ARMENIEN EN PERIL
L’église arménienne Sourp Tovmas en danger de disparition

`599

L’église arménienne Sourp Tovmas (Saint Thomas) qui se trouve dans la
province historique de l’Arménie, Osdan, est en danger d’effondrement
à cause des chercheurs de trésors Turcs qui ont fait de nombreux
creusement dans le sol. En Turquie, nombreux sont les chasseurs Turcs
à la recherche du « trésor des Arméniens »… Des Turcs qui creusent
les maisons, édifices ou églises arméniennes croyant découvrir de l’or
caché par les Arméniens lors des déportations. Mesut Gül, un
professeur d’art de l’université « Youzoundjou yel » de Van appelle en
plus de la sauvegarde des monuments islamiques de sauvegarder
également les sites arméniens dont l’église Sourp Tovmas. Cette
dernière qui est l’une des plus anciennes églises arméniennes a
appartenu jusqu’au VIIIe siècle à la famille des princes arméniens
Rchdouni. Plus tard elle passait aux mais de la famille princière des
Ardzrouni. Mais depuis des siècles cette église Sourp Tovmas de la
région d’Osdan se trouve à l’état d’abandon et menace aujourd’hui de
s’écrouler.

Krikor Amirzayan

dimanche 28 juillet 2013,
Krikor Amirzayan ©armenews.com

CIVIL SOCIETY DEVELOPING STEP BY STEP IN ARMENIA – OPINIONS

10:38 27.07.13

Though the civil society has not yet become eventually accomplished
in Armenia, it is beginning to step by step find its real place in
the society, according Stepan Safaryan, a secretary of the opposition
Heritage party.

The politician believes that the civil society institutions should
stand apart from political forces, as each have their own objectives
and implement their own project accordingly. Safaryan says it would be
naïve to think that the civil society can ever replace any political
forces.

“The political forces and the civil society are different concepts
in political terms; those are unions pursuing different interests and
performing different functions,” he told Tert.am. “The civil society’s
interest and objective is to offer a counterbalance to the government
power, while the political forces seek to accede to power. Their
objectives are different originally, so none of them can replace the
other. Any civil society appearing on the political arena without
changing its objective will become an amorphous body wishes only to
be a counterbalance, without coming to power or realizing projects.”

Safaryan said the civil society’s success in the recent campaign
against the hike in the public transport fares is a good progress
for it, which however, does not imply the institution has become
accomplished.

“What the society did was wonderful, of course, but to say that
the civil society is developed in Armenia would not be right; t has
to pass its path – both political and civil – like any other state
institution,” he added.

Commenting on the civil society’s victory in resuming former amount
of the bus fares, Andrias Ghukasyan, a political analyst and a former
presidential candidate, agreed that the success – despite being a big
value for the public – is not enough for considering the institution
accomplished.

“We have to realize that the civil society building is going to be a
step-by-step process; we now have the strong anchor, a process which
has taken shape. I am sure the youth will continue the struggle,”
said he, adding that the process is likely to yield tangible benefits
in the course of time.

But Ghukasyan didn’t agree that a precedent will be a good lesson
for the ruling authorities.

“I don’t think the criminal oligarchs will essentially change their
behavior and worldview. This is a regime which survives at the public’s
expense, so taking the public opinion into consideration is ruled
out for them as that would reduce their anchor to pieces.

Therefore I think that the phase we’ll enter will see formalities
increase, with both the government and the state institutions taking
seemingly open and democratic steps. That may last some time but it
is necessary to be ready for the right answer without being misled,”
he said.

Armenian News – Tert.am

NAIRA ZOHRABYAN TO HARUTYUN GHARAGYOZYAN: IS WORKING AT A LOSS, LET HIM GIVE UP

July 26 2013 –

Mrs. Zoharbyan, the PAP has actively supported the civil society, youth
in the fight against rises of transport fare. However, once again an
opinion was expressed by the PAP business wing, in particular by the
owner of the line Harutyun Gharagyozyan that the increase of AMD 150
is justified, and that he will be working at a loss in case of AMD
100. May we say that again that there is a clash in the wings in PAP –
No, there is no clash. I repeat, who believes that he is working at
a loss, regardless of what party he is, let them give up this type of
business. This is PAP’s ambiguous position. Any increase of the fare
under these extreme social conditions is unacceptable. And if some
people are dissatisfied, I repeat, no matter what party they are,
the basic business rules suggest that they must give up the business.

Anyway, after the publication of the press, I have talked to Harutyun
Gharagyozyan, and of course, he could not disagree with the position
of the party, as he realizes that the increases in fare under
these conditions would worsen people’s already being in poor social
conditions. – Mrs. Zohrabyan, though you denied that during these
days the PAP was distributing petrol coupons for free car vehicles,
but the activists thanked Oskanyan’s “Civilitas” for providing coupons
for petrol. And Oskanyan is a PAP MP – I was asked whether the Party
has distributed coupons, I have answer, no. Whatever we do, we do it
in an open and transparent way. During these days, our youth wing
took part in the actions of transporting our compatriots free, our
faction of Yerevan Council was actively engaged on this issue and it
was made public, since it was our clear position. And if “Civilitas”
or any other organization, individual, have decided to support this
movement against rising prices of transport in that way, it is also
worthy of respect. – After all, whatever happened, whose victory it
may be considered? – There can not be two opinions here. This is the
victory of civil society in Armenia. This was the victory of those
wonderful young people who were able to clearly and in organized
way present their demands, and fight for their rights. And I am
really proud of those young people. And this was the answer to all
politicians and the analysts stuck on the trough, who days before
were predicting that no movement in Armenia has reached its refuge
and this one will also successfully fade. It did not turn out so,
and our citizens fighting for their rights won.

Nelly Grigoryan

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© 1998 – 2013 Aravot – News from Armenia

YEREVAN TO HOST INTERNATIONAL SAMBO TOURNAMENT

12:12 27/07/2013 ” SPORT

Sambo Federation of Armenia, with the sponsorship of Armenian Defense
Minister Seyran Ohanyan, on August 2-4, in Yerevan, will hold the 4th
International Sambo Tournament in memory of twice Hero of the Soviet
Union, legendary pilot Nelson Stepanyan.

The tournament will host young sambo athletes from Armenia, Artsakh,
Georgia, Greece, Romania, Lithuania and Russia.

The tournament participants will visit places of interest in Armenia
and will lay a wreath at the bust of Nelson Stepanyan.

The winners will be awarded diplomas, medals and cups, reported the
official website of Sambo Federation of Armenia.

Source: Panorama.am