Author: Karagyozian Lena

AZERBAIJAN HAS TO TAKE REACT OVER STRENGTHENING RUSSIAN-ARMENIA MILITARY COOPERATION – MINISTER

Interfax News Agency
May 11 2008
Russia

There is no unity among CIS member countries, while strengthening
military cooperation between Russia and Armenia forces Baku to react,
Azeri Defense Minister Safar Abiyev said.

"Today, one can say that there is no unity among CIS member states,"
Abiyev said in an interview with Azerbaijan’s ANS TV company.

"That is right, the main country that forms the policy in the CIS
space is Russia. You know well what relations Russian has with Armenia.

This undoubtedly forces us to make certain measures as to this tandem,"
the minister said.

The Azeri Armed Forces cooperate with 50 countries of the world,
primarily Turkey, the United States, Pakistan, the United Kingdom,
and Germany, while bilateral military cooperation agreements, which
provide for mutual assistance on a number of issues, have been signed
with 24 countries of the world," Abiyev said.

NO LAW-ENFORCEMENT OFFICER BORE RESPONSIBILITY

A1+
[12:30 pm] 12 May, 2008

A year ago, on May 12, Levon Gulian aged 31 was invited to a police
station to an interrogation. That day Gulian didn’t return home.

According to a police release, "during the questioning Gulian asked
a law-enforcement officer for water.

Meanwhile, he attempted to take to flight through an open
window. Unfortunately, he stumbled and fell down from the second
floor. As a result, Gulian died of injuries on the spot."

Gulian’s relatives state that it was but a murder.

The criminal case has been dismissed and no policeman has born
responsibility.

At 8.00 p.m., May 12, Gulian’s relatives and a number of NGOs hold
a funeral procession from Republic Square to the RoA Police building
in memory of Levon Gulian.

ARMENPRESS

TRIBUTE PAID IN `VICTORY’ PARK

YEREVAN, MAY 9, ARMENPRESS: On the occasion of the
Day of Victory and Peace the leadership of Armenia –
Armenian National Assembly Speaker Tigran Torosian,
Prime Minister Tigran Sargsian, representatives of
legislative and executives bodies, high-ranked officer
staff of the Armenian Armed Forces, clergymen and
representatives of diplomatic corpus, political
figures visited today `Victory’ park to pay tribute to
the memory of those who were killed during the Great
Patriotic War and Artsakh battle.
`I think that today each Armenian must be very
happy as it is one of the very valuable victories for
us, because on this day we managed to restore our
dignity, show everyone and first of all us, that we
can defend our homeland, we can have peaceful country.
And it is a very good basis for us to ensure welfare
and dignified life for all our citizens: everything is
being done for our citizens. We cannot forget also
those thousands of our compatriots who gave their
lives for this day, and we must not forget that all
this has been achieved only because of reconciliation,
union and one general aim. This is a holiday which
everyone must celebrate fully,’ Tigran Torosian said.
The chief of the military police,
General-Lieutenant Vladimir Gasparian said that May is
full of victories for Armenians and it `speaks about
the fact that if you are united and acting `for’ and
not `for benefit’ you reach victory.’
Armenian first president Levon Ter-Petrosian also
visited `Victory’ park and put flowers on the memorial
to the Unknown Soldier.

Peter Semneby: EU gives high priority to release of people arrested for
their political activities

2008-05-07 22:06:00

ArmInfo. The European Union is attentively following the post-electoral
processes in Armenia, EU Special representative for the South Caucasus
Peter Semneby said during a meeting with Speaker of the Armenian
Parliament Tigran Torossyan.

The press service of the Armenian Parliament quotes Semneby as saying
that the EU gives high priority to the release of the people arrested
for their political activities and the lifting of restrictions on
public actions. It is necessary to create basis for establishing a
political dialogue and conducting an independent investigation of the
Mar 1 events, particularly, by setting up an interim parliamentary
commission and involving the ombudsman in this work.

The Armenian Parliament can play a special role in establishing
political dialogue even though some of the political forces that should
take part in this dialogue are not in the parliament. Semneby said that
before meeting with Torossyan he had met with Levon Ter-Petrossyan and
noticed some changes in his position. He said that Ter-Petrossyan was
ready to join in the political processes.

At Semneby’s request, Torossyan presented his approaches and noted that
the change in Levon Ter- Petrosyan’s position was noticeable at the
Congress as well. This is natural as some time has passed, he added. At
the same time, Torossyan pointed out that the opposition continues
blaming everybody, including the Armenian authorities and European
structures, as well as distorting evident facts. He noted that
Armenia’s legislation lacks items stipulating arrests for political
activity and the law-enforcers are aware of this. If it is found out in
the course of investigation that people were arrested for their
political views, the law-enforcers will be punished. Speaking of the
possibility of a dialogue, Torossyan said that the dialogue should
cover specific issues and can’t be held with preconditions. As for
independent investigation, the speaker noted that possible formation of
a temporary parliamentary commission on investigation of the March 1
events is still being discussed by parliamentary factions. Torossyan
agreed that not all political forces are presented in parliament, but
he recalled that a temporary commission had been set up in parliament
with participation of other political forces and public organizations
to reform the Constitution.

Cost for Artavazd Karamyan’s transfer is ?¬ 2 million

armradio.am
05.05.2008 17:56

Membership of the player of the Romanian `Poli’ and the national
football team of Armenia Artavazd Karamyan in another team will cost 2
million Euros. This is a record sum required for an Armenian
footballer.

7DAYS, United Arab Emirates
May 5 2008

Beaten prisoner testifies

Last Updated : Monday 05 May, 2008 –
By Ali Al-Shouk

A prisoner at Dubai Central Jail has testified in court that he was
viciously beaten by masked prison guards and police officers during a
search of his cell. Another prisoner was attacked so brutally during
the searches that he was left with a permanent disability, the court
heard. Twenty five guards and officers are on trial accused of beating
prisoners and using excessive force during a routine search of the Al
Aweer jail last August.

The Egyptian prisoner at first refused to testify in court yesterday
against the prison wardens and police officers – only doing so after a
judge warned him he could face further punishment if he didn’t speak
up. Visibly shaken, he then looked around the packed court and pointed
to two of his alleged attackers.

`Those are the men who beat me,’ he told the judge, pointing at the
defendants. The victim went on to claim that the prison wardens had
severely beaten him before forcing him to lie face down on the floor,
and then while standing on his back ordering him to crawl. `I couldn’t
move and they kept yelling at me and beat me badly,’ the prisoner
said. `I also heard that they had thrown a man down the stairs,
causing him many bad and serious injuries.’

According to court records, an Armenian prisoner, who was left
permanently disabled by the attack, said he was woken up by loud
voices and saw masked men dragging prisoners around. `We were beaten
by men in black masks as we ran through the alleyway to the outside
prison yard. Some of the wardens assaulted us violently,’ he said.

A Dubai police major who investigated the allegations said that
digital recordings showed wardens and anti-riot police taking the
prisoners out of their cells and beating them. The trial is
continuing.

beaten-prisoner-testifies.html

Today.Az, Azerbaijan
May 5 2008

Meeting with Azerbaijani and Armenian ambassadors to be held in
Georgian Central Election Commission

05 May 2008 [15:27] – Today.Az

Meetings with the ambassadors of Azerbaijan and Armenia will be held
in the Central Election Commission of Georgia.

The ambassadors will familiarize with the situation in places of
compact residence of Azerbaijanis and Armenians in Georgia.

The ambassadors will check whether the elections in the regions are
free and democratic and inspect existence of facts of pressure on the
citizens of Georgia of Azerbaijani and Armenian origin.

It should be noted that incidents in the region of compact residence
of Azerbaijanis and Armenians, supporters of various political powers
in the election period.

It should be reminded that registration of voters is completing on May
5. All willing to contribute were able to come to the voting stations
and add their names if they were not fixed on the lists. On the day of
elections on May 21, the voters will not be able to add their names of
the voting lists, therefore, will not be able to vote.

/Regnum/

URL:

A1+

COMMANDER APPEARED IN COURTROOM IN HANDCUFFS
[07:48 pm] 05 May, 2008

Today the RoA Appellate Court heard the case of Husik
Baghdasarian, commander of a Masis regiment. Husik
Baghdasarian has been sentenced to a three-year
imprisonment by a Masis Court. He is charged with
carrying illegal weapon / Article 235, Penal Code/.
Today the RoA Appellate court heard Baghdasarian’s
appeal against the court decision. Husik Baghdasarian
was taken to the courtroom in handcuffs.

`Why have you chained Husik? Shame on you! How dare
you chain an Armenian hero?’ cried out indignant
people.

`The charges brought against Baghdasarian are
groundless. He is accused of carrying 16
fowling-pieces,’ said barrister Vardan Zurnachian.

Vardan Zurnachian is surprised that while bringing in
a verdict the judge didn’t pay attention to a few
extenuating circumstances. Husik has an underage
child. Besides, he has performed significant services
to the country which might assuage the punishment.

The barrister voiced surprise that during a similar
court sitting the defendant was sentenced to a 1.5
years’ imprisonment.

During today’s court sitting he filed a few petitions
concerning the conduct of a new investigation, but
they were all rejected.

Upon the request of Vardan Zurnachian the court
sitting was delayed till May 8.

IN DEFENCE OF HUSIK BAGHDASARIAN
Today some dozens of Armenian citizens held a protest
action in front of the Appellate Court. They stretched
out their fists for an hour shouting, `Free Husik
Baghdasarian,’ `Now,’ `Freedom’ etc. The protesters
were also signing patriotic songs.

`Husik has been `chased’ after he voiced support for
Ter-Petrossian. During a February search in our flat
Husik handed over his legal arms with cartridges.
While now they say those are not fowling-pieces,’ said
Husik’s wife Mariam Baghdasarian. `The police have
looked in twice over the past four years but they
haven’t protocolled any weapon. Therefore, I think
Husik’s arrest is politically motivated. He
participated in all rallies, sit-down strikes and was
Ter-Petrossian’s proxy in Masis. My husband is a
political prisoner.’

We all know well that all these people are tried for
their political dissent. Shame on the authorities! We
live in an autocratic country,’ added Armenian
civilian Roza.

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA
—————————————— —-
PRESS AND INFORMATION DEPARTMENT
Telephone: +37410. 544041 ext. 202
Fax: +37410. 565601
Email: [email protected]

PRESS RELEASE

175-06-05-2008

Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian has a Meeting with f French
Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner in Paris

The first official meeting of Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian
and French Foreign Minister, Minister of European Affairs Bernard Kouchner
took place on May 5 in Paris. During the meeting the ministers discussed
bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest.
The Ministers praised the current level of bilateral relationship, which is
a solid basis for further development of the interstate cooperation in all
areas. The two agreed to deepen cooperation in bilateral, European and
international formats.

Edward Nalbandian presented to Bernard Kouchner policy priorities of the
Armenian Governmental coalition, formed after presidential elections, as
well as Armenia’s position on the regional security, the resolution of
existing conflicts and the development of the cooperation. In this context,
a special attention was paid to the Nagorno Karabakh problem settlement
process and its perspectives. Minister Nalbandian reiterated Armenia’s
willingness to continue the negotiations on the basis of the proposals of
the OSCE Minsk group Co-chairs and appreciated their efforts in this
process.
Armenian and French Foreign Ministers also discussed Armenia’s relations
with the European Union in the context of French Presidency of EU in the
second half of this year.

At the end of the meeting Minister Nalbandian invited Minister Kouchner to
visit Yerevan. The invitation was accepted.

Right after the meeting a press conference was held in French Foreign
Ministry. Answering to the questions of the journalists the Armenian
Minister confirmed Armenia’s willingness towards the peaceful settlement of
the Karabakh problem and stated," Today there is a strong need of
establishment of mutual trust between the sides and creation of a
constructive atmosphere for the negotiations. Today there is a strong need
to confirm that there is no alternative to peaceful and negotiated
resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement. Tomorrow I will meet
my Azerbaijani colleague in Strasburg and I hope to continue the
constructive dialogue to find ways of solution to the problem with the help
of the mediators".

Commenting on Armenian-Turkish relations, Minister Nalbandian stated that
the present generation of the two nations has a heavy heritage from the
past, and in order to turn over that black page the political leaders
should take joint steps. "Armenia is ready to establish relations without
any precondition, This will beneficial for the whole region and our
peoples",
stated Mr. Nalbandian.

In the evening of the same day Edward Nalbandian left for Strasburg to take
part in the 118th session of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers.

Later today in Strasbourg Minister Nalbandian will meet Azerbaijani Foreign
Minister Elmar Mammadyarov and Co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk group. -0-

Panorama.am

16:38 02/05/2008

NKR PRESIDENT RECEIVED PILGRIMAGE GROUP

Today the president of the NKR received the group of
pilgrimage. The Meeting took place in the house of
culture and youth in Stepanakert. The member of the
pilgrimage were blessed by the Supreme Patriarch of
All Armenians and reached Shushi Saint Savor Church.

The president of the NKR said it is nice to meet
Armenians from all over the world in the group.
`History is the evidence of the fact that Armenians
managed to meet any problem when they were together
and joined. This initiative covers that element of
being together. It symbolizes the relation among
state-society-church,’ said the president.

Source: Panorama.am