Author: Khoyetsian Rose

EU DOES NOT RECOGNIZE REFERENDUM IN NAGORNO-KARABAKH

AzerTag, Azerbaijan
Dec 17 2006

Visiting Azerbaijan European Union Special Representative for the
South Caucasus Peter Semneby held a press conference December 16 at
the ISR-Plaza hotel.

P. Semneby said he met with government officials, NGO representatives,
and human rights activists to discuss the main principles of the
action plan of the European Neighborhood Policy.

European diplomat noted that EU-Azerbaijan relationship transformed
from the stage of cooperation to the stage of integration, and said
that government of Azerbaijan’s balanced foreign policy allowed
establishing friendly relations with the countries of the region.

He said the European Union does not recognize the referendum held by
Armenian separatists in Nagorno-Karabakh, adding that it may have a
negative impact on the conflict resolution process.

According to P. Semneby, EU will open its office in Azerbaijan in 2007,
as it will help watch more closely the ongoing processes here.

The report on realization of the action plan will be prepared yearly.

Then, EU representative answered to the journalists’ questions.

AZG Armenian Daily #240, 15/12/2006

Karabakh diary

NKR CONSTITUTION CORRESPONDS TO INTERESTS OF ARTSAKHI PEOPLE AND REFUGEES

"The adoption of NKR’s constitution corresponds to vital interests of
Artsakhi people and refugees and it will serve as a ponderable spur
for putting the negotiation process on rational rails. The next step
of NKR people and authorities must be not more important for the
country than the adoption of the law on citizenship, which will give
an opportunity to refugees to reacquire their citizenship in NKR",
Refugees and International Law, a civil society network, stated
yesterday on behalf of Azerbaijani SSR and hundred thousands of
refugees from Nakhijevan.

By accusing the co-chairs of ignoring the issue of half a million
refugees of Azerbaijani SSR and Nakhijevan, the civil society network
reconfirms its determination to reach the legal transfer of former
Aghdam, Fizuli, Jebrail and other lands of former Azerbaijani SSR to
Azeri refugees as reparation.

By Gohar Gevorgian

CMCE HEAD CALLED TO SPEED UP EFFORTS ON KARABAKH CONFLICT SETTLEMENT

PanARMENIAN.Net
14.12.2006 17:02 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ "In connection with the ‘constitutional referendum’
held in Nagorno Karabakh December 10, 2006, and which was not
recognized by the international community, the Chairman of Committee
of Ministers of the Council of Europe again expressed his full support
to the OSCE Minsk Group and its Co-Chairs for the Nagorno Karabakh
conflict," says the declaration of CoE Ministerial Committee on the
‘Constitutional referendum’in the Nagorno Karabakh.

"The Chairman underlines that the conduction of the ‘referendum’
before the results of negotiations cannot contribute to the settlement
of the conflict. He calls all the parties to speed up the efforts for
the peaceful solution of the conflict in accordance with obligations
taken by Azerbaijan and Armenia before entering the CoE," says the
CMCE, CoE Press Office reports.

FIVE YEARS FOR "SLAVERY"
Armenouhi Minasyan

A1
[06:12 pm] 13 December, 2006

In the Court of the first instance of the region of Shirak judge Edward
Manoukyan continued to hear the case against Ararat Mouradyan. Let
us remind you that Ararat Mouradyan (b. 1966 in Voskehat) who has
three under age children is accused of exploiting people.

In 2004 Mouradyan took Edgar Karapetyan, his father Robert Karapetyan
and Ashot Grigoryan to Russia promising high wages. He made them work
for about a year without paying money. On the whole he earned about
176 thousand Russian rubles.

The Court of the first instance sentenced him to five years’
imprisonment and ordered to confiscate his property in order to pay
the money to the victims.

TV Company "Tsayg", Gyumri

BASKIN ORAN: ‘IT IS DOWN TO SECULAR TURKEY TO FOOT THE BILL FOR ‘ISLAMIC TERRORISM"

Cafe Babel, France
Dec 13 2006

‘Dialogue of the deaf’ between Ankara and Brussels – Turkish political
scientist, Baskin Oran shares his criticisms

‘Although both the EU and Turkey make mistakes, the latter is more
fragile’ – Oran (Photo: Berrin Cerrahoglu) Baskin Oran is a Turkish
political scientist and member of the Human Rights Committee in
Ankara. In 2004, he published a work on the concept of citizenship and
minorities in Turkey. Also a columnist for the weekly Turco-Armenian
magazine ‘Agos’, he is currently on trial for ‘insulting Turkish
justice’ and ‘incitement to hatred’. Whilst Ankara has made mistakes
in the membership process, European leaders are themselves behaving
irresponsibly, he says.

Why does Turkey refuse to open her ports and airports to Cypriot
boats and planes?

Following the last enlargement in 2004, Turkey decided to widen the
application of the 1963 Ankara Agreement [linking it to the EU], to
nine of the new member states. The list did not mention the ‘Republic
of Cyprus’. Protests from Brussels and Ankara’s obstinacy then led to
a protocol, signed in July 2005, which also caused problems. On the
Turkish side, ratifying the text implies recognition of the south of
Cyprus (Greek), and the abandonment of the north, denying the existence
of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). On the European
side, the diplomats are embarrassed because Turkey has always said that
this protocol did not mean recognising Cyprus. By not mentioning the
‘Republic of Cyprus’ in its first decree, Turkey is today forced to
ratify a protocol that it cannot ratify. As in December 2004, the EU
is making Cyprus a ‘de facto’ membership condition, meaning that we
are today facing deadlock in the process.

It really is nothing more than a dialogue of the deaf.

Why has the situation become so unsolvable?

2007 is an electoral year in Turkey and boldness is not a value of
any of the candidates. More fundamentally, the Cypriot question has
always been a national issue. The Greek massacre of Turkish Cypriots
in 1964 caused such heartfelt reactions that leaving Cyprus has become
synonymous with treason. Moreover, in Turkey today, there is a sort
of ‘paranoia of the Treaty of Sèvres’, after the destruction of the
Ottoman Empire in 1920. Abandoning Cyprus is part of this phenomenon
and also contributes to worsening it. The reaction is exacerbated by
other factors, such as opposition to globalisation, as represented
by the EU. Many Turks fear that joining the EU will affect their
independence and culture. In addition, Turks are reacting against
the EU’s mistakes.

What do you mean by ‘mistakes’?

I mean the irresponsible acts and speeches made by European politicians
and statesmen – the fact that every new European document lists
new conditions for membership. Today, it is Cyprus; tomorrow it
will be genocide. The day after that, it will be something else
again. Moreover, the concept of ‘absorption capacity’ is enough in
itself. It creates a permanent impression of humiliation – it is the
idea of Turks always being unable to eat the carrot, however much they
are hit with the stick. There is no other way for it to be interpreted.

Why is the EU behaving in such a way?

In the past, only the elite would talk rationally about membership.

Since September 11, it is the emotional feelings of the masses that
hold sway. Politicians fear being caught on the wrong side of them.

It seems that secular Turkey must foot the bill for Islamic
terrorism. Then, we have the hasty integration of Eastern countries:
the rules have been swept away and the money is not there. Now, they
are trying to palliate the impact by using Turkey. In addition, the
Cypriot President, Tassos Papadopoulos, is a man whose nationalism
and carelessness are legendary. Brussels knows how to make use of
him. However, once appeased, the EU will put Cyprus in its real place.

What will the consequences of these arguments be?

Let’s be fearless. Diplomacy will soon find a middle way. However,
the problem remains that this nationalism throughout Europe is
feeding Turkish nationalists who, in return, feed their European
counterparts through their anti-democratic behaviour. The world is
undergoing a fundamental change in its socio-economic structures,
moving from national to international capitalism. This is reflected
in culture, politics and the law. This enormous change is frightening
everyone. However, let us not forget this – it is affecting Turkey
much more than Europe, due to its relative weakness. Turkey is making
a lot of mistakes but we must bear in mind its fragility.

p?T=T&Id=9182

–Boundary_(ID_bCLJbl4E7C3m7U3E Bzj+kA)–

ARMENIA BEGINS IMPLEMENTATION OF INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS

ARKA News Agency, Armenia
Dec 12 2006

YEREVAN, December 12. /ARKA/. Armenia has begun implementation of
signed international conventions, UN Resident Coordinator in Armenia
Consuelo Vidal reported at the seminar discussion on the topic "Human
Rights and the Armenian Reality" dedicated to the poverty reduction
issue in Armenia.

She pointed out that Armenia signed a number of important international
agreements, particularly the convention on political and civil rights,
UN social and cultural convention, the convention against tortures
and other cruel inhumane or humiliating manners of treatment,
the convention on eradication of discrimination against women,
the convention against racial discrimination and the convention on
children’s rights protection. "All these documents create a necessary
legislative fundament for implementing the activity within the
frameworks of human rights protection in the country," she said.

Vidal reported that different criteria by which the poverty reduction
activity is implemented in Armenia are rather positive. However,
it should be remembered that there are still many people living on
the verge of poverty despite all the achievements in the country.

"The rights of this vulnerable group are not observed, such as their
right for education and a high state of welfare," she said and added
that when man’s urgent needs are not satisfied and her or she lives
in poverty, they cannot protect their rights.

The UN coordinator believes that the government must ensure human
rights protection. The UNO first of all urges the country’s authorities
to continue its work and create such an environment that would promote
human rights protection and combat against poverty. "We are ready to
give necessary support and assistance with this process," she said.

The seminar discussion on the topic "Human Rights and the Armenian
Reality", dedicated to the international day of human rights, was
held in Armenia on December 9 under the motto "Poverty Reduction".

The activity was organized by the Armenian Ombudsman’s office in
association with the UNO Office in Armenia, OSCE and the British
Councils. The participants particularly were Armenian Ombudsman Armen
Harutunyan, Speaker of the Armenian parliament Tigran Sargsyan, OSCE
Chairman Vladimir Pryakhin, Chairman of the Armenian Constitutional
Court Gagik Harutunyan and representatives of a number of NGOs.

December 10 has been marked as Human Rights Day since 1950.

THE CHOICE OF NKR PEOPLE DOES NOT NEED THE RATIFICATION OF ANY EUROPEAN OFFICIAL

ArmRadio.am
12.12.2006 16:02

RA President’s Spokesman Viktor Soghomonyan declared in an interview
with Mediamax agency that the critical statements of representatives
of European structures and mediators on the Constitutional referendum
held in Nagorno Karabakh on December 10 "do not promote the peaceful
settlement of the conflict."

Viktor Soghomonyan said this, commenting on the statement of the
OSCE Chairman-in-Office Karel de Gucht, who called the conduct of
the Constitutional referendum "counterproductive," as well as the
statement of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs, who say that "conduct
of such a referendum cannot endorse the resolution of the conflict."

"I have to declare that this kind of comments do not endorse
the peaceful settlement of the conflict. It is an expression of
disrespectful attitude towards the nationwide referendum in Nagorno
Karabakh – an event of historic importance for NKR people. Such
approach can only shake the trust in the OSCE and the group of
mediators. I do believe that the best these sirs could do was to keep
silent. In any event, NKR citizens have made their choice for freedom
and independence both during the past referendum and 15 years ago. This
choice does not need the ratification of any European official,"
declared Viktor Soghomonyan.

10th ANNIVERSARY OF UNION OF MANUFACTURERS AND BUSINESSMEN OF ARMENIA CELEBRATED

Noyan Tapan
Dec 12 2006

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 12, NOYAN TAPAN. During 10 years of the existence
of the Union of Manufacturers and Businessmen of Armenia (UMBA),
the union members hav e developed a business consciousness and the
tradition to discuss problems jointly, while the union has become the
partner of the state, especially in the issue of law drafting. The UMBA
Chairman Arsen Ghazarian pointed out these achievements of the union
at the sitting dedicated to the 10th anniversary of its foundation,
which took place at the House of Governmental Receptions on December
12. In his report A. Ghazarian said that it is the 5th year that their
union has been cooperating with the RA Ministry of Labor and Social
Issues, assuming the function of social partner. In his words, the
solution of problems related to this cooperation will become more
urgent after the expected amendments in the RA labor legislation
concering the signing of collective labor contracts. It was noted
that the union will continue provide social assistance and operate
in the infrastructure improvement, education and science of Armenia
and the NKR. A. Ghazarian said that the UMBA and the RA Ministry
of Education and Science will sign an agreement on cooperation
in the near future. It is envisaged that businessmen engaged in
big entrepreneurship will be included in managing councils and
graduation commissions of higher educational institutions to assist
with preparation of necessary personnel for companies.

The union chairman attached special importance to the adaptation of the
Armenian business to international one in the coming years, as well
as to ensuring equal competition and market freedom in the country’s
market. In his speech the RA Minister of Trade and Economic Development
Karen Chshmaritian characterized the UMBA as "a well-established body
capable of presenting its interests properly." In his words, an active
dialog is going on between the private sector and the state, especially
at the Business Support Council chaired by the RA prime minister. It
was noted that a lot of disputable problems have been solved by this
body. In the minister’s opinion, this dialog has contributed to the
improvement of Armenia’s business environment, enabling Armenia to
be in 27th place in terms of economic freedom and in 30th place –
the freedom of doing business. The minister noted that it was no
accident that the UMBA was founded in 1996 because prior to that,
"problems of survival" were mainly dealt with in Armenia. In his words,
in 1996-2006, the Armenian GDP and budget have increased fourfold –
indices achieved by few countries. K. Chshmaritian considered it
important that in the next 10 years state officials should realize
that "the private sector is also part of the state." He underlined the
necessity of introducing the idea of "the priority of public interest"
among businessmen. Besides, he considered it essential to increase
the efficiency of management at Armenian enterprises and to ensure
participation in the innovation process. By the decree of the RA Prime
Minister Andranik Margarian, A, Ghazarian was awarded a memorial medal
dedicated to the 10th anniversary of the UMBA foundation. During the
sitting dedicated to the 10th anniversary of the 550-member union,
the congratulatory messages of the RA President Robert Kocharian and
foreign organizations – partners of the UMBA were read, as well as
officials of diplomatic missions accredited to Armenia and heads of
business unions made speeches.

ARMENIAN PM: FOUNDING OF SEPARATE RESIDENCE FOR EUROPEAN COMMISSION’S AMBASSADOR NECESSARY

Arka News Agency, Armenia
Dec 8 2006

YEREVAN, December 8. /ARKA/. Armenian Prime Minister Andranik Margaryan
believes founding of a separate residence for the ambassador of the
European Commission in Armenia is necessary, the press service of
the Armenian government reported. Margaryan stated this during his
meeting with head of the European Commission’s delegation to Armenia
and Georgia Peer Eklund Margaryan said that Armenian Foreign Minister
Vardan Oskanyan already turned to Commissar for the new neighborhood
policy Benito Ferrero-Waldner to take it into account.

In his turn, Eklund stated that Armenia’s request to have a separate
EC ambassador will be necessarily considered.

He added that no country will be given preference when appointing the
ambassador. The EC ambassador will appointed both in Baku and Yerevan,
and Armenia should not be concerned about disparity in this issue,"
said the EC delegation head.

AZERBAIJAN SPEAKS ABOUT SHELLING POSITIONS OF ITS ARMED FORCES

Source: RIA Novosti
Agency WPS
DEFENSE and SECURITY (Russia)
December 8, 2006 Friday

Units of the armed forces of Armenia fired machine guns and automatic
rifles at positions of the armed forces of Azerbaijan located near
Kokhanbi, Gadzhigasanly and Agbulag of the Tovuzsky District from
positions in Chinari village of the Berdsky District of the country for
15 minutes about 8:40 pm local time The press service of the Defense
Ministry of Azerbaijan reported on Wednesday, that in response fire
Azerbaijani servicemen suppressed the fire from the Armenian side and
there were no losses among Azerbaijani soldiers. In turn, the Defense
Ministry of Armenia denied the report of the Azerbaijani party about
attack of positions of the Azerbaijani armed forces. Colonel Seiram
Shakhsuvaryan, press secretary of the Defense Minister of Armenia,
said that this information was at odds with facts.