Author: Kanayan Tamar

ARMENIANS OF HUNGARY REJECT EXPLANATIONS BY HUNGARIAN GOVERNMENT ON AZERI MURDERER

news.am
September 14, 2012 | 18:36

BUDAPEST. – Armenian National Autonomy of Hungary released a statement
on the Azeri murderer release after Hungarian government returned
the murderer to Azerbaijan.

“The Armenian National Autonomy of Hungary expressed its regret and
shock after the immediate diplomatic ties suspension between Armenia
and Hungary. We do not understand and cannot accept the explanations
which, despite lots of promises to the Armenian side by the Hungarian
justice bodies, neglecting the most important human and moral values,
yielded to the Azerbaijani pressure and extradited the murderer.

We believe it was a disastrous professional error by the Hungarian
authorities. We also demand that a case is instigated and a verdict
cast against all those, regardless of their office and personality,
calling for political or even criminal responsibility.

It is high time to explain the world, that a Christian country with
5,000 years of history should not be underestimated to a country which
turns a coward murderer, who killed a human in his sleep, into a hero.

We do believe that Artsakh [Nagorno-Karabakh] should be internationally
recognized,” Vice Chairman of the “Armenian National Autonomy
of Hungary” Nikoghos Hakobyan wrote, the Department of Armenian
Communities of Europe at the Armenian Ministry of Diaspora reports.

ARGUMENTI NEDELI BLAMES THE US FOR AGGRAVATION OF SITUATION IN NAGORNO KARABAKH

armradio.am
14.09.2012 16:38

The Russian Argumenti Nedeli has published an article, blaming the
United States for aggravation of situation in Nagorno Karabakh.

Referring to sources close to the Hungarian Government, the paper
notes that Hungary is strongly concerned about the harsh reaction
of Armenia and the international community to the extradition of
Azerbaijani axe-killer Ramil Safarov.

The paper says Hungary extradites 6-8 convicted criminals a year,
and Safarov’s transfer was a common procedure. The Deputy Foreign
Minister of Azerbaijan sent an official confirmation that the murderer
would not be released and his sentence would continue to be executed
in Azerbaijan.

“However, Baku deceived Budapest: Safarov was released and
demonstratively awarded by President Ilham Aliyev as soon as he
stepped on Azerbaijani soil. The news really shocked the hapless
Hungarians. The country found itself in an extremely unpleasant
situation,” the paper writes.

“Budabest is aware that this deportation may well become a “Caucasian
shot in Sarajevo,” Argumenti Nedeli writes, reminding that the killing
of Austrian archduke Ferdinand in that city caused the start of the
First World War.

“If new war breaks out in Nagorno Karabakh, Budapest will have its
share of guilt. Besides, all parties can draw benefits from the
current situation, except Hungary,” the article reads.

“Safarov’s return raised the rating of Azerbaijani President Ilham
Aliyev in his country. Nevertheless, Baku is dissatisfied with
Budapest. After the details of the deal were revealed, Azerbaijani
political figures are viewed as liars,” the paper says.

As for Armenians, despite great outrage, they got another opportunity
to demonstrate the “craftiness of Baku” to the world. It has already
helped Armenia gain the support of world powers; the deal has already
been condemned by the European Union, Russia and the United States.

Referring to Gurgen Margaryan’s murder, the source said that
“Washington managed to come off clear.” The thing is that the English
language classes in Budapest were organized by the US. The source says
they were not NATO classes but FBI’s (Federal Bureau of Investigation).

At the same time the source notes that the Hungarian authorities
immediately warned the Americans that Safarov had bought an axe.

However, they did not react to the situation, as a result of which
“the thug calmly sharpened the axe and beheaded the unfortunate
Armenian,” the paper concluded.”

HUNGARY’S ARMENIANS DEMAND PROSECUTION FOR SAFAROV EXTRADITION OFFICIALS

PanARMENIAN.Net
September 14, 2012 – 21:35 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Armenian National Autonomy of Hungary issued a
statement urging to prosecute those responsible for extradition of
Azeri criminal Ramil Safarov convicted for axe-murdering an Armenian
officer in Budapest.

In its statement, the organization expressed regret over the frozen
Armenia-Hungary ties. The Autonomy, however, slammed Hungarian
authorities’ decision to extradite the murderer, yielding to Azeri
pressure, also pointing out the violation of the 983 Strasbourg
convention.

The organization further urged to prosecute those responsible for
Safarov extradition, condemning Baku’s heroization of a criminal.

In conclusion, the Autonomy called on the international community to
recognize Artsakh independence.

NEW TIGRAN PETROSIAN IN THE WORLD OF ARMENIAN CHESS

ARMENPRESS
14 September, 2012
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 14, ARMENPRESS: Tigran S. Petrosian, student of
Armenia’s chess and checkers Olympic Junior School, champion of Armenia
in U16 and U18 age categories, participated in Anapa’s international
open tournament in the period from August 29 till September 10 and
captured the first place completing international master’s norm.

As Armenpress was informed from the Armenian Youth Fund, Tigran S.

Petrosian’s participation was sponsored by this fund. 14 chess players
from 4 countries ( Armenia, Russian Federation, Israel, Moldova)
participated in the international open tournament of Anapa.

,,It is a great honor to become a member of Armenia’s national chess
team , and it’s a goal for all chess players. Armenian chess team is
respected all over the world” said Tigarn Petrosian.

Tigran hopes that one day he will grant victories to Armenia being
a part of national adult’s team.

Tigran S Petrosian was at the top 3 during World Youth Olympic Games
in 2009. In 2010 he was the winner of Chess World Youth Olympic Games
in U16 age category. This year he is going to represent Armenia U18
World Championship in Slovenia.

HUNGARIAN NATIONAL AUTONOMY MADE A STATEMENT

ARMENPRESS
14 September, 2012
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 14, ARMENPRESS: Hungarian national autonomy made
a statement. Armenpress reports the content of the statement

“Armenian national autonomy in Hungary expresses it’s pain and shock
concerning sudden suspension of the relations between Armenia and
Hungary. We can’t understand and can’t accept the explanations of
Hungarian decision, to extradite the murderer to his homeland,
which was made under the pressure of Azerbaijani government and
disregarded the most important human and moral laws. We consider
the decision of Hungarian authorities as a serious professional
mistake which contradicts the Strasbourg Convention of 1983. Taking
into consideration the above mentioned circumstances we demand an
investigation, concerning the case and the details of the bargain,
against the decision makers to take responsibility for their actions
despite their position. Its time to explain the world that Christian
nation which has a five thousand year history can not be involved in
the whim of such ferocious state which proclame an insidious night
murderer as a hero. We believe that Artsakh, which was captivated
by Turks in a result of Stalin’s folly, will be recognized by
international community. EU, including Hungary, should consider wise
opinion of Massachusetts State Parliament and accept the fact that
in case once USA refused the right of nations’ self-determination it
would still be an English colony”.

ZHIRAYR REYISYAN: INFORMATION ABOUT DEATH OF 4 ARMENIANS IN ALEPPO SPREAD IN INTERNET IS NOT CONFIRMED

ARMENPRESS
14 September, 2012
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 14, ARMENPRESS: Collisions in the region of
Aleppo’s New Village (Midan) continue at this moment. As Armenpress
was informed about it by the Press Secretary of the National Primacy
Zhirayr Reyisyan, who added as well that the Syrian army tries to
provide stability and security in the Armenian district.

The Press Secretary also informed that before this moment they
had tried to make clarifications and verifications concerning the
iformation, which was spread in the Internet in the September 13
evening. According to the information, four Armenians died on the road
leading to the Aleppo’s Airport. The Facebook page published also the
names of the victims: George Dulbakyan, Miray Sargis, Nushik Terteryan
and Andre Petrosyan. Reyisyan stated that the national authorities
and the Emergency Assistance Agency do their best to clarify the
sooth of the news but before this moment no any fact confirming the
information had not been reported. There are not persons with these
names in the hospitals as well.

According to Zhirayr Reyisyan, the information that the Aleppo’s
Airport was closed, does not correspond to the reality. The armed
forces try to provide security there as well.

The Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) informs that the armed forces began
clearing the Hreidan building in Aleppo’s New Village (Midan), the
Sports Institute and the maternity hospital from militants. In the
collisions tens of militants died, including Lybian snipers. Their
weapons have been confiscated.

More than 20,000 people, including more than 10 Armenians, died in
the collisions between the opposition and government forces, which
have lasted about 18 months.

DEMOCRAT: THE NEGOTIATING PROCESS ON KARABAKH CONFLICT SETTLEMENT SHOULD BE FROZEN

arminfo
Friday, September 14, 17:06

The negotiating process on Karabakh conflict settlement should be
frozen, the leader of the Democratic Party of Armenia, Aram Sargsyan,
said at today’s press-conference.

He said that after pardoning of Ramil Safarov and dissemination of
Armenophobia in Azerbaijan, there is no sense to gather around the
negotiating table, as all possible compromises between the parties to
the conflict have been exhausted. He thinks that the Armenian parties
should agree to continue the negotiating process only if official
Baku apologizes. At the same time, he added that Armenia should not
be in a hurry to recognize Nagornyy Karabakh Republic, as before that
there are more important processes to be implemented. “According
to international norms, Armenia should first recognize legitimacy
of the NKR leaving Azerbaijan, then legitimacy of the NKR creation
and only after that to recognize independence of the NKR basing on
international experience”, – Sargsyan said. He also did not rule out
resumption of battle actions in Karabakh and added that Azerbaijan
cannot start them alone. As for Armenia, it must conduct such a policy
which will give an opportunity to ensure security not only of the
NKR and Armenia but also of all the Armenians in abroad, he said.

DENNIS SAMMUT: THERE IS A VERY WORRYING TREND IN DIPLOMATIC CIRCLES TO TRY TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM WITH SMALL MEASURES
by David Stepanyan

Interview of Dennis Sammut, Executive Director of LINKS with ARMINFO
News Agency

arminfo
Thursday, September 13, 21:10

The extradition of Ramil Safarov has already resulted in the
cancellation of a range of initiatives aimed at developing
Armenian-Azerbaijani dialogue. Is it possible to continue efforts
to establish a dialogue between the Armenian and Azerbaijani public
as a precondition to resolving the Karabakh conflict, as the OSCE MG
co-chairs have repeatedly mentioned it?

Dialogue and public diplomacy were the first victims of the events of
the last two weeks. The same thing happened in 2004 when the murder
took place in Budapest. It took a lot of work and effort to restore at
least a minimum level of dialogue, but it was achieved. The same must
happen now. Those calling for cutting of people to people contacts
are simply playing into the hands of extremists.

Evidently, extradition and glorification of the murderer Safarov will
affect not only the region and the Armenian-Azerbaijani relations,
but also the policy of Yerevan and Baku with regard to international
partners. What do you predict will be the consequences of the current
situation?

There is undoubtedly concern in the international community about
how the events surrounding the release of Safarov unfolded. I think
what irritated European countries in particular was the lack of
sensitivity. The perception that Azerbaijan did not act properly will
linger for some time. In the end it will depend on future actions
too. But there is no doubt that Azerbaijani diplomacy will have some
hard work to do to restore the confidence of international partners.

Safarov’s pardon has made Aliyev more popular inside Azerbaijan , even
if such actions contradict international diplomacy and International
Law. Can one conclude that the retention of power has become the
priority for Aliyev, superseding even the international interests of
Azerbaijan ?

Every government has to balance between domestic and foreign policy.

The government of Azerbaijan is not an exception. Nor is the
government of Armenia. However these issues, and the whole debate
over Nagorno-Karabakh should not be instrumentalised for short term
political gain. There will be Presidential elections in both Armenia
and Azerbaijan next year. We should expect a lot of rhetoric, but we
need to see statesmanship not cheap politics.

The years of negotiations within the Minsk Group have already shown
that it is impossible to speak of Nagorno Karabakh’s future without
taking into consideration the realities of the last twenty years.

That is, “return” of disputed territories to the former
mini-metropolises is out of question regardless of the claims of
territorial integrity of entities established in the Soviet Union. Do
you think that the restoration of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity
in this context has any perspective?

We tend to see these things in black and white terms. A solution over
Nagorno Karabakh is never going to be either black or white, but some
shade of grey. The future status of Nagorno-Karabakh is perhaps the
most difficult aspect of the conflict and will be determined last.

This status needs to be underpinned by two considerations: the
security of all states and the safety of all citizens, particularly
of minorities living amongst majorities. The return to Azerbaijan of
territory around Nagorno-Karabakh currently under Armenian occupation
is generally accepted to be a precondition.

What should the international community be doing at this stage?

The Safarov incident has shown once more that the Karabakh conflict is
a difficult and serious problem with the potential to spiral quickly
into a big problem. Big problems require big solutions. There is a very
worrying trend in diplomatic circles to try to address the problem
with small measures. This is not going to work. Confidence building
measures, public diplomacy and people to people contacts are important,
even vital for any peace process to succeed. However they can be most
useful if they are developed in tandem with a proper peace process.

We need a big gesture from the international community on Karabakh
– something that the sides can see is serious, and can engage with
seriously, because if they don’t they have something to loose.

ARMENIANS IN HUNGARY GIVE PRESS CONFERENCE, DECRY SAFAROV’S EXTRADITION

04:06 pm | Today | Politics

Armenian National Autonomy of Hungary convened a press conference
which was attended by representatives of influential Hungarian media.

With the move, the Autonomy aimed to attract the attention of the
international community to the extradition and pardoning of Azeri
axe-killer Ramil Safarov, which the Autonomy views as a rough violation
of the fundamental principles of international law.

Present at the news conference were Sevan Sargsian, Chairman of the
organization and Deputy Chairmen Nokoghos Hakobyan and Alex Avanesyan,
reports the Department of Armenian Communities of Europe of the RA
Ministry of Diaspora.

The participants criticized the justice system and executive body of
Hungary. The Autonomy will continue taking every effort to promote
fair punishment for Azeri murderer Ramil Safarov and to sober up the
international community.

TEVAN POGHOSYAN TO REPLACE RAFFI HOVANNISIAN IN PARLIAMENT – HERITAGE

NEWS.AM
September 14, 2012 | 12:13

YEREVAN.- Leader of Heritage Party Raffi Hovannisian will be replaced
in parliament by party’s 6th number in the proportional list,
independent candidate Tevan Poghosyan.

Addressing reporters in the parliament, head of Heritage parliamentary
group Ruben Hakobyan said party’s proportional list will not undergo
any changes.

Hakobyan did not share the opinion of reporters that Raffi
Hovannisian’s behavior can be labeled as “uncertainty syndrome”.

“Raffi Hovannisian takes precise moves. Those political forces
surprised by his actions should rather care about what people think
about them,” he added.