Author: Karapetian Hovik

PROBLEMS SHOULD BE SOLVED TO PROTECT STABILITY IN S.CAUCASUS: GORAN LENMARKER

Trend News Agency
Sept 1 2008
Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan, Baku, 1 September / Trend News corr. I.Alizade / Goran
Lenmarker, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security
and Co-operation in Europe (PA OSCE) Special Envoy for Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict and Georgia, discussed the current situation in South Caucasus
at a meeting at the Azerbaijani Parliament.

"We mulled over general problems existing in the region,
current situation and some issues on this matter at the meeting
with the PA OSCE’s envoy," Samad Seyidov, the chairman of the
Azerbaijani Parliament’s standing commission on international
and inter-parliamentary relations and the head of the Azerbaijani
Delegation at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe
(PACE), told Trend news on 1 September.

Lenmarker, former president of the PA OSCE and current Special
Envoy for Nagorno-Karabakh and Georgia, arrived in Azerbaijan on 1
September. Lenmarker will meet with the Azerbaijani President Ilham
Aliyev, the speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament Ogtay Asadov and
the Azerbaijani Delegation at the PA OSCE and the Foreign Minister
Elmar Mammadyarov.

The PA OSCE Special Envoy will visit Georgia and Armenia.

The PA OSCE Special Envoy wanted to know the commission’s position
on conflicts existing in South Caucasus and their solution, Asmi
Mollazade, who participated in a meeting between Lenmarker and members
of the Azerbaijani Parliament’s standing commission on international
and inter-parliamentary relations, said.

"The commission’s members told Lenmarker that the OSCE basic principles
and documents are being violated in South Caucasus and territorial
integrity of countries is not observed. The latest developments in
Georgia should attract attention of the international community to
these conflicts again," Mollazade said.

According to the MP, the parliamentary commission asked the PA OSCE
to support international law and to approach to all conflicts on the
base of these principles.

"We told Lenmarker that first it is necessary to solve
existing conflicts to protect stability and to provide regular
development. These measures should be achieved on the base of the
international law and the OSCE basic principles," the member of the
commission said.

According to Lenmarker, Azerbaijan is located in the major strategic
part of South Caucasus and it is necessary to solve the conflicts
to protect stability and it should be done on the base of the
international law.

OSCE PA: KARABAKH CONFLICT MAIN OBSTACLE FOR COOPERATION BETWEEN SOUTH CAUCASUS COUNTRIES

PanARMENIAN.Net
01.09.2008 19:21 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The Nagorno Karabakh conflict is the main obstacle
for cooperation between the South Caucasus countries, according to
Goran Lennmarker, OSCE PA special representative for Nagorno Karabakh.

"Resolution of the conflict can give a start to close cooperation
between the South Caucasus countries," he told reporters in Baku.

"Return of displaced persons and establishment of stability in the
region is important," he said, Trend Azeri news agency reports.

DECISIONS NOT TO BE MADE EASILY

Hayots Ashkhar Daily
29 Aug 2008
Armenia

"We, the leaders of the two countries, have reached the stage of making
decisions. And those decisions will not be made easily. They will not
be unanimously approved by the Armenian and Turkish societies. But
I am sure that the positive decisions will receive support by the
major part of those societies.

By saying that I don’t mean the efforts of the diplomats; what I mean
is the general atmosphere. Mr. Gyul’s congratulatory message, Mr.

Erdoghan’s words, my invitation addressed to Mr. Erdoghan and even
this interview with you form part of that atmosphere.

In this respect, I do believe that we have really reached the stage
of making decisions," President SERGE SARGSYAN said in an interview
to the Turkish "Radical" newspaper.

REPORTS ON DEMANDS OF AZERBAIJANIS RESIDING IN GEORGIA IS PROVOCATIVE: AZERBAIJANI AMBASSADOR

Trend News Agency
Aug 29 2008
Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan, Baku, 29 August / Trend News corr. J.Babayeva / The
Azerbaijani Ambassador to Georgia denies reports on Azerbaijanis’
demand for autonomy in that country.

"Reports on the demand of Azerbaijanis residing in Georgia for
autonomy is of provocation character and such news are spread to bring
Azerbaijanis into definite games," Namig Aliyev, the Azerbaijani
Ambassador to Georgia, told Trend News over telephone from Tbilisi
on 29 August.

Some media reports urged on territorial claims by national minorities
residing in Georgia after Russia’s recognition of independencies of
South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

The Russian President Dmitriy Medvedev signed a decree to recognize
independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia on 26 August.

"Azerbaijanis never demanded autonomy from Georgia. They are citizens
of Georgia and intend to live in within the state in future, as well,"
he said.

According to unofficial data, about 500,000 Azerbaijanis reside in
Georgia, especially in Kvemo-Kartli (Borchali) Region.

Councils of the Armenian public organizations in Samtskhe-Javakheti
and Kvemo Kartli made a statement to get status of sovereign states
within Federal Georgia with large autonomy rights of self-government
for Samtskhe-Javakheti and other areas populated by Armenians.

NONE AZERBAIJANIS TO DEMAND AUTONOMY IN GEORGIA: DIASPORA ORGANIZATION CHAIRMAN

TREND News Agency
Aug 29 2008
Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan, Baku, 29 August / Trend News corr. J.Babayeva /Alibala
Askarov, Chairman of Azerbaijanis Geyrat popular movement, considers
the information of Georgian Azerbaijanis demand autonomy in Georgia
groundless and provocative.

"Georgian Azerbaijanis never demand for autonomy in Georgia. Sucu
information is spread by non-official source and is provocative,"
Askarov told Trend News via a telephone from Tbilisi.

Media released the information that some national minorities, which
reside in Georgia, use the territorial issue after recognition of
South Ossetia and Abkhazia by Russia.

On 26 August, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, issued a decree to
recognize the independence of S.Ossetia and Abkhazia.

The council of Armenian public organizations Samtskhe-Javakheti and
Kvemo Kartli made a statement to provide Samtskhe-Javakheti and other
territories populated with Armenians self-governing status.

According to Askarov, the information that Georgian Armenians demand
autonomy may turn out to be right. "So far, such statements have not
been made. Naturally, Armenians want to take advantage of the current
situation for their own purpose," Askarov said.

The situation in Georgia is still strained and concerns Azerbaijanis in
Georgia. "Azerbaijanis and other national minorities suffer as a result
of the clash of interests of the two great powers," Askarov said.

According to non-official data, some 500,000 Azerbaijanis live in
the Kvemo-Kartli region.

Under the statistics, about 70% populations in Georgia are Georgians,
as well as 380,000 -Armenians, 350,000 – Azerbaijanis, 207,000
-Russians, 150,000- Ossetin, 100,000 -Abkhaz, 80,000- Greeks, Kurds,
Udin, Avar and others.

THE WORLD IS NO MORE UNI-POLAR
Gevorg Harutyunyan

Hayots Ashkhar Daily
28 Aug 2008
Armenia

Political Scientist Levon Melik-Shahnazaryan touched upon the
geopolitical changes after Russia’s recognition of the independence
of Abkhazia and South Osatia.

By building his commentaries on the exclusive bases of giving peaceful
settlement to Artsakh issue, the political scientist considered it
not very consistent that by now Yerevan didn’t follow Russia’s example.

"It is the territory of CIS, our region, it is not Indonesia or
Eastern Europe. The developments take place in South Caucasus, and
the destinies of South Osatia, Abkhasia and Artsakh are similar. The
world is not to blame for the fact that Artsakh issue is observed as an
outlying conflict. It is a consequence of the bad diplomacy of Armenia
and Nagorno Karabakh." This is how the speaker clarified his stance.

Levon Melik Shahnazaryan reminded that Artsakh is the first in the
territory of the Soviet Union to announce about its decision to
choose the direction of sovereignty and the only one that managed to
defend itself from aggression. "Today Artsakh is undoubtedly the most
democratic state in the region and, unlike Abkhazia and South Osatia
it has proved, that it is able to maintain its independence. Thus
our foreign policy needs very serious corrections, especially because
Azerbaijan is our opponent, which is able to represent his importance
to the world. In the created situation I expect more decisive and
serious steps.

The political scientist considered it necessary for Armenia and
Azerbaijan to sign inter-state agreements, recording the fact
of cooperation in the military, political, social and economic
spheres. After this Armenia must recognize the independence of Artsakh,
and call all the other states to follow its example.

To avoid the accusations of pursuing double standard policy we must
respond to the appeal of the President of the Russian Federation to
recognize the independence of Abkhazia and South Osatia. "These two
states have all the legal grounds to be independent. And, by the way,
more than Kosovo. If we don’t do so we will lose our chance to blame
any other country that will refuse to recognize the independence of
Artsakh, based on its interests," the speaker added.

Levon Melik-Shahnazaryan underscored the possibility of certain
negotiations, as a result of which Armenia will recognize the
independence of South Osatia and Abkhazia and the Russian Federation
will recognize the independence of Artsakh. "The recognized country is
protected by the international law. It is a guarantee of security. And
Artsakh can get this guarantee if we manage to hold the negotiations
with right diplomacy.

And our relations with Georgia will never be bad in case Georgia
doesn’t announce a war against20Armenia. But it will be the beginning
of Georgia’s end. Turkey can also recognize the independence of
Abkhazia, because they consider this territory one of its states,"
the political scientist said.

PRESS RELEASE
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
Address:  Vagharshapat, Republic of Armenia
Contact:  Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian
Tel:  +374-10-517163
Fax:  +374-10-517301
E-Mail:  [email protected]
Website: 
August 28, 2008

Services Leading to the Blessing of the Holy Muron

On Tuesday, August 19, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and
Catholicos of All Armenians, presided over the first of 40 prayer services,
which will culminate in the Blessing of the Holy Muron (Chrism) scheduled
for September 28 of this year.  The prayer service, which begins a 40-day
process of psalms, hymns, scripture readings and prayers, took place
following Evening Vesper Services in the Mother Cathedral of Holy
Etchmiadzin. 

The cauldron, which contains the Holy Muron, was placed on the bema of the
Holy Altar the previous evening, filled with pure olive oil.  Pure olive oil
is the first of the three primary substances that are mixed with the many
additional aromatic and floral ingredients, following the blessing of which
is transformed into the Muron.  For the subsequent 39 days, the members of
the Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin, will follow the same procedure
according to the ancient Canons of the Holy Armenian Apostolic Church.

The 40-day countdown began with His Holiness ascending the Altar of Holy
Etchmiadzin and reading from the Gospel of St. Mark.  The Catholicos then
read the main prayer dedicated to the blessing of Muron.  His Holiness
stated in his remarks, that he wishes for all faithful of the Armenian
Church to raise their prayers to the Almighty during this period of prayer
and preparation for Sunday, September 28, which also happens to be the Feast
of the Holy Cross of Varag.

The faithful of the Armenian Church are invited to join in prayer during
these coming days as Holy Muron is prepared for use in Armenian Churches in
Armenia and throughout the Diaspora. 

For further updates and schedule of events surrounding the festivities, the
faithful are encouraged to visit the website of the Mother See of Holy
Etchmiadzin, , to follow the progress and learn new
facts surrounding the Blessing of the Holy Muron.

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ACCORDING TO ARMEN RUSTAMIAN, ARMENIA CANNOT DISCUSS RECOGNITION OF ABKHAZIA AND SOUTH OSSETIA OUT OF CONTEXT OF KARABAKH PROBLEM

Noyan Tapan

Au g 27, 2008

YEREVAN, AUGUST 27, NOYAN TAPAN. "The situation is complex for us. We
respect the right of self-determination, we have always protected
and will protect the Karabakh people’s right to be the arbiter of
its own destiny," representative of the ARF Armenia Supreme Body
Armen Rustamian said when answering the Republic of Armenia daily’s
question about recognition of the independence of Abkhazia and South
Ossetia by Russia.

Presenting the position of the ARF Dashnaktsutyun, A. Rustamian said
the matter concerns neighboring Georgia, normal relations with which
proceed from the vital interests of Armenia. "Under such conditions, I
think, Armenia should not hurry and act like in case of Kosovo. Armenia
has not even recognized the independence of Karabakh as it does not
consider the international community’s ability to solve peacefully the
problem as exhausted. In my opinion, the opportunities for peaceful
resolution of the Russian-Georgian conflict have not been exhausted
yet, and this way can and should be used. Armenia cannot discuss
recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia out of context of the
Karabakh problem," A. Rustamian said.

AMERICAN LEARN PLAYING ARMENIAN DUDUK

A1+
[01:50 pm] 26 August, 2008

37-year-old musician John is known in the world as JHNO-the inventor of
electronic music. He has been in Armenia since March of 2008. During
an interview with A1+ he said he had come to learn playing duduk
(Armenian national pipe).

"I first heard the tones of duduk in Martin Scorsese’s film "Passion
of the Christ" which immediately appealed to me," tells the musician.

Although the music is performed by Armenian duduk-player Vache
Hovsepian John wasn’t keen on Armenian duduks at first.

"I bought a duduk from an organisation importing duduks from every
corner of the world. But it was not an Armenian duduk, it was a
Turkish one."

At first the musician couldn’t play the instrument. As he says
it is rather difficult to master the skills. "Duduk is a unique
instrument. Though in comparison with a piano duduk is very small and
has only a few holes it makes wonderful sounds", says the American
musician who has played the piano since the age of 4.

Then he moved to France and bought an Armenian duduk from an Armenian
prominent duduk-player Ara Papikian. "He gave me lessons and taught me
to breathe correctly using lungs and stomach. But even after taking
lessons from a professional the American was unable to "subdue"
the instrument.

"I finally realized that I must get acquainted with the homeland
of duduk and breathe Armenian air and drink Armenian water to play
the instrument.

Durink his visit to Armenia John went to Yerevan, Etchmiadzin,
Dilijan, Vanadzor and Teghut. He says he is warmly welcomed
everywhere. Armenians get surprised seeing a foreigner playing "Dle
jaman" so well.

ArmInfo News Agency (in Russian), Armenia
Aug 22 2008

Armenian ministry says opposition paper report "misinformation"

Yerevan, 22 August: The Armenian Ministry of Justice has called on the
media to refrain from disseminating unverified information.

[Opposition] Aravot newspaper today published an article headlined
"Threatened with elimination" which explicitly contained
misinformation saying that [the editor-in-chief of the opposition
newspaper Zhamanak Yerevan] Arman Babajanyan, who is currently
remanded in custody, had allegedly passed a video recording to Aravot
newspaper, the press secretary of the Armenian Ministry of Justice,
Lana Mshetsyan, told Arminfo today.

The video allegedly showed some criminals committing sexual violence
against a convict and, at the same time, allegedly threatening to do
the same against Babajanyan.

According to the statement of the Ministry of Justice, this
"information" published in Aravot newspaper is the result of colourful
imagination, and Babajanyan has already expressed his fair resentment
and demanded through the prison administration that Aravot newspaper
publish a denial.