Author: Karapetian Hovik

PACE NOT TO SEND OBSERVATION MISSION TO THE SO-CALLED NKR PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS

APA
May 14 2010
Azerbaijan

Baku – APA. PACE will not send observation mission for watching
elections held by the so-called regime in the occupied territories
of Azerbaijan, said PACE President Movlud Chavushoglu at the press
conference held in Yerevan, APA reports.

Remind that, , speaker of the so-called NKR Parliament Speaker Ashot
Gulyan dispatched a letter to PACE asked them to send observation
mission for controlling the elections: "Though this issue was included
in agenda of PACE Bureau, the Bureau refused it. As a rule, PACE
doesn’t send observation mission to conflict areas".

YEREVAN HOSTS 19TH SITTING OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE HAYASTAN ALL ARMENIAN FUND

Panorama.am
14/05/2010

Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan chaired the 19th sitting of the
Board of Trustees of the Hayastan All Armenian Fund at the Government
House of Receptions in Yerevan Friday. At the first part of the
sitting President Sargsyan presented the order of the agenda issues
and added that a representative of the Armenian community in Brazil
Tiruhi Burmanyan has voiced a wish to become a Board member.

The President said Tiruhi Burmanyan’s husband, Varouzhan Burmanyan
has had his contribution to Hayastan All Armenian Fund activity,
as well as the life of the Armenian community in Brazil.

"We are glad that now his wife and son have expressed readiness to
join our programs," Serzh Sargsyan said. With a majority of votes,
Tiruhi Burmanyan became member of the Board of Trustees of the Hayastan
All Armenian Fund.

Following the screening of a film of the Fund’s activity, the sitting
continued behind closed doors. The President of the Fund Ara Vardanyan
informed the reporters on the results of the sitting later.

According to him, executive administration’s report on the All Armenian
Fund activity 2009 was approved implicitly.

Ara Vardanyan said, the funds received from the telethon and
money-raising events this year will be directed to the solution of
the water supply problems in Nagorno-Karabakh. Around 200 villages
of Nagorno-Karabakh are facing water supply problems.

"Besides, we will continue development programs in the border villages
of Armenia," Ara Vardanyan said.

Referring to the funds raised in 2009 telethon, Ara Vardanyan said,
nearly $11 mln. out of the total $16 mln. will be directed to the
Shushi reconstruction program, another $2 mln. will be spent to
implement other programs in Karabakh, while the remaining sums will
go to the development programs in the border villages of Armenia.

UN CRITICIZES FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION IN TURKEY

BIAnet.org
May 14 2010
Turkey

Turkey was criticized by at least 15 of a total of 54 countries
speaking at the UN Human Rights Council on 10 May. Harsh criticism
was voiced on Turkey’s tolerance towards torture and on oppression
of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender people.

Erol ONDEROÄ~^LU [email protected] Geneva – BÄ°A News Center14 May 2010,
Friday At least 15 members of a total of 54 countries being part
of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) drew attention
to violations regarding press freedom and freedom of expression in
Turkey in the UNHRC session on 10 May. The speakers demanded to adapt
the referring laws to international standards.

The majority of countries urged Turkey to approve the UN Optional
Protocol to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman
or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT) which had been announced
by the government as part of the democratic initiative, Turkey was
furthermore called to establish a National Human Rights Board in
compliance with the UN Paris Principles and to sign the UN Convention
on Missing Persons.

Turkey was represented by Cemil Cicek, Deputy Prime Minister and State
Minister of Turkey. Cicek presented a report on behalf of Turkey in
the context of the Universal Periodic Review-UPR, a human rights
mechanism of the UNHRC that reviews the human rights situation of
all 192 UN Member States every 4 years.

The UNHRC session was also monitored by bianet. Cikek illustrated
the government’s efforts in his speech, saying that the endeavour to
establish a National Human Rights Board is still continuing. In the
context of article 301 of the Turkish Criminal Code on "insults" to the
Turkish state Cicek explained that amendments have been made and that
7.2 percent of all approved investigations and trials were considered
since May 2008, whereas the remaining procedures were dismissed.

Several countries appreciated Turkey’s measures related to schooling,
women’s role in society, working children and human trafficking and
called Cicek to continue the related efforts. On the other hand,
they criticized that in terms of torture the security forces did not
apply the government’s principle of "zero tolerance to torture".

One of the harshest criticisms came from a Dutch rapporteur who
demanded to end gender discrimination and oppression of lesbian, gay,
bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people and related maltreatment.

Criticism for lack of freedom of expression from at least 15 countries
Countries criticizing Turkey for significant deficits in freedom of
expression were e.g. Brazil, Switzerland, Armenia, Chile, Bangladesh,
Spain, Canada, the Netherlands, Mexico, the USA, Uruguay, Australia,
France, Japan and Germany.

International PEN, International Publishers Association (IPA) and
Index On Censorship presented a joint report to the Council in which
they called Turkey for urgent reforms of the Anti-Terrorism Law (TMY)
and the Turkish Criminal Court (TCK).

TCK, TMY and Internet Law among basic concerns…

The Netherlands and Australia stated that regulations such as article
301 and the Anti-Terror Law restricted freedom of expression, claiming
that "international standards should be respected".

France and Spain demanded to lift TCK article 318 on discouraging
people from performing military service, which comes up frequently
in cases of conscientious objectors. Canada and France recommended a
review of the Law on Internet Crimes. Japan criticized the pressure
imposed on activists and demanded to continue the protection of women
in society.

Chile criticized the prosecution of journalists and writers. The
Russian Federation requested to carry on with the struggle against
human trafficking.

It will become clear in the coming days which recommendations Turkey
is going to follow. The final version of the report will be issued
in three months’ time. The government is expected to have realized
its commitments until the next general review of the human rights
situation in 2014. (EO/VK)

DAVUTOGLU: TURKEY HAS EXPECTATION IN KARABAKH ISSUE FROM RUSSIA AND NOT ONLY

Panorama.am
14/05/2010

Turkish FM Ahmet Davutoglu said in his joint news conference with his
Slovakian counterpart that Ankara is intended to take more efforts
to reach peaceful resolution over Iran’s nuclear conflict. Davutoglu
stated with satisfaction that Slovakia supports Turkey’s EU membership.

Turkish "Cumhuriyet" reported that the Turkish FM answered to Artsakh
conflict related issues as well. Davutoglu said Turkey is looking
forward for Russia, international community and Minsk co-chairing
states to double their efforts to get the resolution of the conflict.

Stating that due to Kremlin efforts Armenian and Azerbaijani Presidents
have had several meetings, Davutoglu said:

"We could say the process became more active and continues in that
manner. Caucasus is our common land. Peace and stability in Caucasus
is under interests of both Russia, Turkey and international community.

We would like get rid of those frozen conflicts. Let our borders be
stable and protected. Let atmosphere of trust rule."

EXHIBITION-SALE OF INDIAN PRODUCTS OPENS IN YEREVAN

ARMENPRESS
MAY 14, 2010
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, MAY 14, ARMENPRESS: Exhibition-sale of Indian products opened
today in Yerevan "Dynamo" stadium and will operate till May 23. The
organizers of the exhibition are Commerce and Industry Chamber of
Armenia and Indian embassy in Armenia.

Chairman of the Armenian Commerce and Industry Chamber Martin Sargsyan
noted that from year to year the number of participants and types
of presented products increase. He said the Indian businessmen for
participating in the exhibition while importing the products to
Armenia paid 100 000 USD to the state budget.

The exhibition opened with a traditional Indian ceremony: Martin
Sargsyan and Indian ambassador to Armenia Achal Malhotra lit a lamp.

The ambassador noted that light is a symbol of success and prosperity.

It is an Indian tradition – before any event a lamp is being lit. A.

Malhotra said that both countries win from such like event. "This is
a good occasion for Indian businessmen to bring their products and
present them in the Armenian market and for Armenians it is a good
occasion to see the Indian products," the ambassador said.

The Indian side has already several times organized such exhibitions.

ARARATBANK SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH EBRD ON CAPITAL INCREASE

PanARMENIAN.Net
May 14, 2010 – 19:39 AMT 14:39 GMT

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and
Araratbank OJSC signed an agreement on the bank’s capital increase
through EBRD’s new subscription to the bank’s shares at the amount
of AMD 225mln or $600,000. The share of EBRD will remain unchanged,
totaling 25% + 1 share, the press service of Araratbank reported.

The capital increase will provide Araratbank with the opportunity to
diversify its portfolio of loan investments and expand the clients’
base through servicing large and medium clients, as well as expanding
the branch network.

"The capital increase will allow ARARATBANK to maintain its ranking
in the banking system," said EBRD Managing Director for Financial
Institutions Nick Tesseyman.

In his turn, CEO of Araratbank Ashot Osipyan highly appreciated the
bank’s cooperation with the EBRD. "EBRD is a guarantee of introduction
and implementation of modern banking and financial technologies and
best international practice," said Osipyan.

ARMENIAN FOREIGN MINISTER MEETS WITH MINSK GROUP CO-CHAIRS

ARMENPRESS
MAY 13, 2010
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, MAY 13, ARMENPRESS: On May 12, Armenian Foreign Minister
Edward Nalbandyan who is in Brussels on a working visit met with
co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group Bernard Fassier, Robert Bradtke,
Igor Popov and Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office,
Andrzej Kasprzyk.

Armenian Foreign Affairs Ministry press service told Armenpress
that issues on the positions of the parties on the Madrid Principles
related to Artsakh issue regulation were in the agenda of the meeting.

JEAN POGHOSIAN: TURKEY WILL SOONER OR LATER RECOGNIZE GENOCIDE

Aysor
May 13 2010
Armenia

Chairman of the Poghosian Foundation (France), Jean Poghosian, said
that Turkey will sooner or later recognize the Genocide, committed
against Armenians in 1915.

"I hope that some day a leader will appear on the other side of
the border who will enlighten his nation, meeting it with reality,"
said Jean Poghosian after the Presidential Awarding Ceremony 2009.

Jean Poghosian thanked the Turkish scientists who make their efforts
towards recognition of the 1915 Genocide. "They will help us to find
the solution to the problem that will prevent the commitment of such
crimes in the future," he said.

NEW TURN IN NUBARASHEN PEDOPHILE’S CASE: PROSECUTOR DEMANDS SENTENCING PEDOPHILE TO 1.5-YEAR IMPRISONMENT

ArmInfo
2010-05-13 00:12:00

ArmInfo. The trial against Levon Avagyan, a teacher at Nubarashen
Boarding School N 11, charged with sexual harassment took place in
Yerevan on May 12. By the decision of Judge Artur Gabrielyan, the
defendant’s motion on accelerated proceedings was satisfied.

Prosecutor Karen Batikyan said in his speech that the punishments
applied by L.Avagyan with respect to the special school pupils cannot
help amazing by their cruelty. According to the witness testimonies,
the most frequently used punishment was the so-called "plane": the
teacher made the 10-12-year old children sit on their hunkers with
their hands widespread, and hold the hole lesson in this pose. The
teacher applied other punishments as well. For instance, he made the
children stand on one foot in the corridor at night. As regards the
children, who tried to resist his cruelty, he exerted psychological
pressure on them. In particular, when Mariam Gevorgyan, one of the
pupils, promised to tell the school headmaster about Levon Avagyan’s
indecent actions, Avagyan made her spend the night in the room of
children suffering from uroclepsia.

The prosecutor pointed out that the circumstance aggravating the
defendant’s guilt is the fact that the given actions were applied with
respect to helpless children. For instance, Diana Lazarian, one of
the victims of the teacher, has been suffering from oligophrenia
since childhood. Taking into account the witness testimonies,
Batikyan demanded finding Avagyan guilty under Parts 1 and 2 of
Article 142 (sexual abuse against minors) and sentencing him to
1.5-year imprisonment. The next trial is scheduled for May 19.

FIVE YEARS OF EUROPEAN NEIGHBORHOOD POLICY: MORE TRADE, MORE AID, MORE PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE CONTACTS

PanARMENIAN.Net
May 12, 2010 – 21:11 AMT 16:11 GMT

For five years, the European Union has been delivering more trade,
more aid, more people-to-people contacts and far deeper co-operation
between the EU and its neighbours on the whole range of their economic,
political and sectoral reforms. Partnership has significantly
developed in areas like transport, energy, environment and climate
change, research, health and education. This has been backed up with
an increase in the current Financial Framework by 32% and will reach
over EUR 2 billion annually in 2013, Delegation of the European Union
to Armenia reported.

"The European Neighbourhood Policy is a success story with many
examples of concrete achievements on the ground," commented Catherine
Ashton, Vice-President of the Commission and High Representative of
the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. "But there is a lot
more we can and should do to make our part of the world more secure,
more stable and more prosperous. In a globalized world, as European
and Mediterranean countries, we need to help each other face the
economic crisis. We need to work together to confront the new threats
and challenges of our time, such as international terrorism, human
trafficking and cross-border organised crime. We need to co-operate to
solve the disputes and conflicts that still hold parts of our region
back, and deny many ordinary people the benefits of globalisation. We
want our neighbours to join our efforts to bring peace and security
to other parts of the world who are less fortunate than we are. And
as a Union built on shared values, we want our neighbours to benefit
from the stability and prosperity that come with open and democratic
society and the rule of law. This ambitious agenda is a key priority
for me as we press ahead with the implementation of the Lisbon Treaty
and the establishment of the External Action Service. Our friends
in our European and Mediterranean neighbourhood will be among the
first to benefit from a more active, more coherent and more effective
European foreign policy."

Stefan Fule, Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood
Policy, added: "Further strengthening the ENP is no less than an
investment in the EU’s own stability and prosperity – and this must
be reflected in our offer to our partners. The ENP is a win-win game:
the higher our partners’ reform ambitions, the stronger our response.

Economic reforms have progressed remarkably across our neighbourhood,
both East and South. What is essential for the future is to go up
a gear on democratic and political reforms, where progress has been
real but generally slower."