Author: Karapet Navasardian

IAEA BOARD OF GOVERNORS MEETS IN VIENNA

PanARMENIAN.Net
07.09.2009 15:36 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The International Atomic Energy Agency meets Monday
for talks that will likely center on the U.N. watchdog’s deadlocked
nuclear probes of Iran and Syria, AP reported.

The basis for the closed session of the IAEA’s 35-nation board of
governors, scheduled to last several days, are two recent agency
assessments. One accuses Iran of continuing to enrich uranium and
refusing to clear up lingering questions about possible military
dimensions to its nuclear program.

Senior representatives of the 150 Member States of the International
Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will meet at the Vienna International
Centre (VIC) on Monday, 14 September, for the five-day annual IAEA
General Conference to discuss major topics on the organization´s
agenda.

As a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter was told in the press office of the
Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, Armenia will be represented
at the session by a delegation led by Minister Armen Movsesyan and
Deputy Minister Areg Galstyan.

Information-Analytic Agency NEWS.am, Armenia
Sept 5 2009

Armenian TV channel in Azerbaijan

12:14 / 09/05/2009Armenian TV channel is launching in Azerbaijan,
Vagif Aydinoglu, Editor-in-Chief of news department of ATV stated,
Bakililar.az reported. The first Armenian language variant of
international channel may be on air by the end of September.

According to Aydinoglu, advanced equipment was purchased and
installation is almost completed.

â?`ATV Int’ will be broadcasted in five languages: Azerbaijani,
Persian, English, Russian and Armenian. About 30 professionals are
recruited. The editor said agitation programs will prevail.

ARMENIANS HAVE SUPERFICIAL KNOWLEDGE ABOUT TURKEY

/PanARMENIAN.Net/
07.08.2009 17:58 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ "Turkish schools begin their classes with a prayer
which contains Ataturk’s well-known slogan saying, ‘I am happy to be
a Turk’," Lecturer at YSU Turkology chair Ruben Melkonyan told a news
conference in Yerevan.

In a multi-national state like Turkey, such slogan sounds very
chauvinistic and pursues assimilatory goals, Melkonyan said, adding
that a law firm in Diarbekir has applied to the Constitutional court
with a request of declaring the oath anti-constitutional. Armenian
expert attached special importance to that, considering that such
kind of protests may help Turkey overcome existing taboos.

Mr. Melkonyan also finds that Turkish state’s ideology sometimes
escalates to nationalism. "In that context, border opening and
establishment of ties can be considered effective tools for eliminating
such taboos," he stressed.

Establishment of Armenian-Turkish ties may cause crisis in
Turkish society, with ethnic identity being a key issue, Melkonyan
finds. "Opinions in Turkish society vary, but I am deeply convinced
that the radical position is prevalent," Armenian expert said, noting
that Armenians have superficial knowledge about Turkey, and take a
very soft and incautious approach to border opening.

CRIMINAL CASE OPENED IN RELATION TO POLICEMEN WHO USED "CHERYOMUKHA-7" WEAPON AGAINST DEMONSTRATORS ON MARCH 1-2, 2008

Noyan Tapan
July 17, 2009

YEREVAN, JULY 17, NOYAN TAPAN. The RA Special Investigation
Service opened a criminal case in relation to 4 policemen who used
"Cheryomukha-7" special weapon against demonstrators during the
mass disorders in Yerevan on March 1-2, 2008. The case was opened
under Article 373 "Breach of Rules for Handling Arms, Ammunition
and Items Dangerous for Others" of the RA Criminal Code. The case
was initiated by instructions of the prosecutor Koryun Piloyan who
controls the legality of the investigation into the March 1 case,
NT correspondent was informed by spokeswoman for the RA Prosecutor
General Sona Truzian. To recap, the use of grenades containing
"Cheryomukha-7" tear gas resulted in the deaths of 4 civilians.

According to the same source, another case under the RA Criminal
Code’s Article 309 "Abuse of Authority" was initiated by the Special
Investigation Service based on the materials received from the National
Assembly Ad Hoc Committee. Within the framework of this case, it is
envisaged conducting an investigation in a video material that shows
a policeman chasing some people in civilian clothes and hitting them
with his baton without any reason.

FOREIGN MINISTER OF ARMENIA EDWARD NALBANDIAN MEETS FOREIGN MINISTER OF ESTONIA URMAS PAET

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
June 12 2009
Armenia

On June 11, Foreign Minister of Armenia Edward Nalbandian had a meeting
with Foreign Minister of Estonia Urmas Paet who is in Yerevan on an
official visit.

Welcoming the Estonian Foreign Minister and his delegation Minister
Nalbandian expressed satisfaction with the dynamically developing
bilateral relations and stressed that Armenia is interested in the
deepening and strengthening of mutually beneficial relations with
Estonia.

Urmas Paet, in his turn, highly appreciated the friendly relationship
established between the two countries and mentioned that Estonia
is intended to take essential steps towards the development of
comprehensive partnership with Armenia in different areas.

In the course of the negotiations the Ministers attached importance
to the effective cooperation between the two Foreign Ministries, as
well as agreed to hold the next political consultations in Yerevan
this autumn. Minister Nalbandian thanked for the support of Estonia
in the process of creation of Armenian Diplomatic school.

Touching upon the steps undertaken towards the promotion of economic
relations Ministers Nalbandian and Paet stressed with satisfaction
that the Armenian-Estonian business forum to be opened today in
Yerevan will create new opportunities for partnership between the
Armenian and Estonian businessmen.

Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Estonia had a discussion on the
possibilities of mutual facilitation of visa regime, issues concerning
the improvement of legal field.

The two had detailed discussions on the process of cooperation of
Armenia with the European Union and the steps taken in that direction
as well as issues concerning the EU Eastern Partnership program.

During the meeting they also touched upon several international and
regional issues.

The meeting was followed by a joint press conference of Armenian
Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian and Estonian Foreign Minister
Urmas Paet.

One More Chance: Yerevan Elections
Civilitas Perspective / Democracy
by Salpi Ghazarian

Saturday, 30 May 2009 16:16

May 31 is the date that will mark the first constitutional opportunity
to popularly elect the leadership of Yerevan, home to nearly half of
Armenia’s population.

This is history-in-the-making for two reasons: Not only does the
electorate have a chance to decide who best represents their vision for
their city; but, inarguably more important for Armenians at this time,
the political forces have a chance to decide whether they trust the
people to make such a decision.

Elections are not the only standard by which to judge a democracy. But
certainly they are an indispensable standard. These are not theoretical
political concepts. This means — are we determined that we can and
will become a country where the people choose who governs them, and
where those who govern feel accountable to the people? That’s the
simple question which each election forces us to ask.

The question is even more urgent today. The Yerevan city elections come
just a year after a cynical presidential election and a disastrous
follow-up. The ensuing political climate — from paralyzing
polarization to hopeless apathy — has impacted individual lives and
our collective future.

The Yerevan city elections offer a remedial opportunity, a chance to
regain faith in ourselves and those who live with us, those who purport
to govern us, those who wish to lead us. It’s hard to say who bears the
greatest burden in this formula. But certainly, the responsibility is
on those in power and wishing to attain power.

LIBERATION OF ALL OCCUPIED AZERBAIJANI LANDS AND RETURN OF INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS TO THEIR LANDS STAND ON THE TABLE OF TALKS TODAY: PRESIDENT OF AZERBAIJAN

Today.Az
tics/52646.html
May 29 2009
Azerbaijan

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has stated that mechanism of
Nagorno-Karabakh’s separation from Azerbaijan does not and will never
stand on table of talks.

"I want to state it once again as various speculations are often spread
on this issue. Nagorno-Karabakh will be an independent state not today
and neither after 10, nor after 100 years. Azerbaijan’s position is
unequivocal. Despite pressures, we will maintain this position to the
end," AzerTaj state news agency quoted Azerbaijani President Ilham
Aliyev as saying at an official reception on Republic Day on May 27.

The president said currently the talks are more intensive. "Azerbaijan
demonstrates constructive and fair position based on international
law. Liberation of all occupied Azerbaijani lands and return of
internally displaced persons to their lands stand on the table of
talks today," President Aliyev said.

The president said Azerbaijan has consolidated its international
position.

"We are integrating with world community while we build our policy on
national interests, deep historical and cultural basis. Azerbaijan’s
foreign policy is very clear. We are interested in developing mutually
profitable and bilateral relations with all countries. Azerbaijan is
recognized as reliable country and partner in international arena. The
number of our friends and allies has increased significantly recently,"
the Azerbaijani president said.

President Aliyev said unfortunately Azerbaijan has not yet achieved
resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict despite all efforts.

"It has a single reason – Armenia’s non-constructive position and a
tactics of deliberate delay of talks. It is known that Armenia uses
such tactics. But this tactics can not last for a long time. The issue
must be resolved only under international law. Azerbaijan will not
surrender its principal and fair position based on international
law. We will not take a step back. Azerbaijan is supported by
all international organizations. On some occasions Armenia tries
to introduce principles of self-determination as principles of
territorial integrity. But it can only be accepted by people who
are not informed about this issue and do not engaged in politics. It
is not accidental that the world community rejects this approach,"
the Azerbaijani president said.

The president said Azerbaijani will enhance its defense capacity.

"Funds will be allocated as much as needed. Sometimes international
community believes that Azerbaijan is doing too much work in this
regard and policy provokes concerns. Simply we are using our natural
right. We are spending our own funds. We spend the funds, earned
due to Azerbaijani people’s hard work, to strengthen our army. Today
Azerbaijan’s increasing economic power enables to spend $2 billion
for army-building. This figure equals Armenia’s state budget. This
great abyss between Armenia and Azerbaijan will further deepen in the
coming years and Azerbaijan will become a strong state. Armenia must
remain and will remain isolated from all international projects due
to its aggressor policy," he added.

"Azerbaijan’s increased opportunities, significance and credibility
worldwide consolidates our position," the president said.

"We will continue our policy to isolate Armenia from all regional and
global projects until our lands are liberated," President Aliyev said.

ARMENIAN EXPERT: 80% OF TURKS HAVE ANTI-AMERICAN MOODS

ArmInfo
2009-01-21 14:14:00

ArmInfo. 80% of Turks have anti-American moods, that will be
undoubtedly used by the Turkish authorities if US recognizes the
Armenian Genocide, Director of the Institute of Oriental Studies of
the Armenian National Academy of Sciences, turcologist, Professor
Ruben Safrastyan told journalists today.

"In case the USA recognizes the Armenian Genocide, the Turkish
authorities will have to take certain measures with respect to the
USA taking into account the fact that the population of Turkey is
very discontent with US policy in the region. However, these measures
will not be of the radical nature as sharp action of Turkey against
its ally on NATO may disrupt the in the region", the expert said.

He thinks that the threatening statements of the Turkish authorities
to the USA are part of a standard policy carried out by Ankara
with respect to the countries that want to recognize the Armenian
Genocide. However, he said, this policy takes a real shape very rarely.

"Everyone remembers what a dust was raised by Turkey regarding
adoption of a bill by France on criminal prosecution of the persons
denying the Armenian Genocide – even the French goods in Turkey were
boycotted. However, Turkey and France presently cooperate in economy
even more actively than before this boycott", Safrastyan resumed.

PROJECT THAT CAN BE INCLUDED IN TEXTBOOKS

Hayots Ashkhar Daily
02 Dec 08
Armenia

As a Classical Example of Cooperation

Still in 2004 our government initiated the construction of Iran-Armenia
gas pipeline aimed at extending the resource base of the natural gas
supplied to Armenia and to have the second entrance technological
line. It is an exclusive opportunity to have an alternative to the
Russian gas the strategic significance of which is very difficult
to assess.

Yesterday the end of the construction of the 186 km long, 300-meter
wide Kajaran-Ararat highway section of Iran-Armenia gas pipeline was
solemnly marked. The investment project worth more than 130 million
dollars is realized by the company "ArmRusGasIndustry". The blue
fuel imported to Armenia from Iran by Kajaran-Ararat gas pipeline
will be provided for the central regions of our country and in
heat-electric-stations it will turn into electric energy.

RA NA SPEAKER TO LEAVE FOR RF ON OFFICIAL VISIT ON NOVEMBER 17

Noyan Tapan

Nov 14, 2008

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 14, NOYAN TAPAN. RA NA Speaker Hovik Abrahamian
will leave for Moscow on an official visit on November 17. As
Noyan Tapan was informed by the RA NA Public Relations Department,
H. Abrahamian will meet with RF State Duma Chairman Boris Gryzlov,
Chairman of RF Federal Assembly Federation Council Sergei Mironov,
and CSTO Secretary General Nikolay Bordyuzha.