Author: Maghakian Mike

ORHAN PAMUK SHOCKED BY SUPREME COURT OF APPEALS

Sabah
Jan 23 2008
Turkey

The Supreme Court of Appeals has annulled the decision made by the
local court, rejecting cases opened for damages against a statement
made by Orhan Pamuk.

Pamuk may face another action

The Supreme Court of Appeals has annulled the decision made by
the local court rejecting cases opened against Pamuk’s statement;
"we have killed one million Armenians."

The Supreme Court of Appeals has annulled the decision made by the
local court rejecting actions opened for damages against statements
by Orhan Pamuk. Therefore, now new cases may be opened for damages
caused by a statement by Orhan Pamuk. The plaintiff claimed that
Orhan Pamuk is accusing every person in Turkey with murder by saying
‘we have killed 30 thousand Kurds and one million Armenians.’ The
plaintiff stated: "no one in Turkey can say this out loud." The
Small Claims Court in ªiºli rejected the case by claiming it can
not be considered an attack on personal rights just because one is a
citizen of the Turkish nation. The Supreme Court of Appeals, however,
has now annulled the decision made by the local court.

–Boundary_(ID_HsJeRrCNkdoFbYak8ERsfw)–

THE TIME TO WITHDRAW FROM THE CIRCLE
Hakob Badalyan

Lragir
Jan 18 2008
Armenia

In the Armenian presidential election 2008, besides the ideas and
programs which the presidential candidates present one after another,
brighter than ever, the society also wants to know whether the
reproduction of the government would be so difficult if the first
president of Armenia did not run in the election. Now it is obvious
that the government is worried about his participation. Some people
think this worry is false, and say Levon Ter-Petrosyan is the most
desirable opponent for the government because the ex-president is
vulnerable considering the events that took place during his office
and the memory of the society. Yet some people believe that Levon
Ter-Petrosyan will be the new president of Armenia, and others believe
that for the first time in the past years there will be real struggle
in Armenia, and for the first time the scenario of the government
is endangered.

It is perhaps very difficult to prove or crush each of these opinions
because there are arguments for all the opinions that the government’s
worry is sham, Levon Ter-Petrosyan will win, and the plough of the
reproduction of government has run into a stone.

Therefore, I will avoid this, also because the outcome of the election
on February 19 will not give an answer which of the three or may
be the existing one thousand and three options was true. However,
one thing is obvious that the reality is different, and everyone
understands, realizes and feels this. In this context, one of the
important questions is whether Levon Ter-Petrosyan’s political
activity is the cause of the change of the reality or the change of
the reality enabled him consider returning to politics. At first sight,
the difference may not be considered as essential. A considerable part
of the society will think that Ter-Petrosyan’s return is important
because the society had used every resource for struggle against the
government, and if Levon Ter-Petrosyan’s factor were not activated,
they society would have to obey and rely on the government’s kindness
to make at least one positive move once in five years to make life
attractive and desirable for the society as well.

But perhaps the difference is great whether Ter-Petrosyan has changed
the reality or the change of reality has brought about Ter-Petrosyan.

The first should make us worry along with the excitement. The worry
is that the reality again depends on one person, despite the aims
he pursues, despite the first president’s evaluation of the past,
acknowledgement of mistakes and self-denial to help the society. Even
the good cannot produce quality, if it depends on one person, and if
certainly this one is not God. Meanwhile, Levon Ter-Petrosyan is not
God. The problem is whether the first president’s political activity is
an expression of change of the reality. In other words, Ter-Petrosyan
has returned not because his patience was wearing thin, he could not
bear the injustice but because as an experienced political activist,
he realized the change of reality and decided to become an active
participant of the political process. In this case, the situation,
the prospect of development is much more reassuring because if Levon
Ter-Petrosyan is the expression of the change of the reality, it means
in any case the new reality brings about new inevitable solutions, and
the activity of the first president will be in this context. Meanwhile,
it is more favorable in terms of social development because the persons
brought by a new reality are preferable to a new reality brought by
persons. I do not pretend to answer the dilemma I set forward but I,
nevertheless, pretend to think that the answer should be found and
understood as soon as possible because its influence on the political
developments may be essential. After all, we have been turning round,
and one more circle may be fatal in terms of vertigo.

ARMENIAN MPS PREVENTED FROM EQUATING KOSOVO CONFLICT WITH NAGORNO KARABAKH DURING PACE DEBATES

Azeri Press Agency
Jan 22 2008
Azerbaijan

The issue on election of judges from five countries to the European
Court of Human Rights has been debated today in the plenary session
of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). APA’s
European bureau correspondent following the session reports that the
list from Azerbaijan was not put to the vote, as it had been rejected.

The list of the candidates from Turkey, Moldova, Bulgaria, Slovenia
and Latvia has been confirmed. Following this, the parliamentarians
started debating the report prepared by Lord Russell-Johnston
"Developments as regards the future status of Kosovo" (Doc.11472).

Lord Russell-Johnston noted that the solution of the Kosovo status
process is a fundamental element for ensuring peace and long-term
stability in Europe.

Lord Russell-Johnston notes in his report that the positions of
Pristina and Belgrade cannot be reconciled, it creates a long-term
frozen conflict in the Balkans and hinders stability in the region
and Europe.

According to Lord Russell-Johnston, the settlement of the conflict
will not serve as a precedent.

"It is, indeed, a unique situation which I cannot see anywhere else
in Europe," he said.

"I shall repeat my personal view that, in the absence of a mutually
accepted solution, independence is the only viable solution," he said.

Comparing Russia with a bear Lord Russell-Johnston criticized official
Moscow’s position on the problem of Kosovo.

"I can not understand why Russia hinders determination of the status
of Kosovo, while it supports separatist regimes like South Ossetia
and Abkhazia," he said.

Following this, discussions started. Some European parliamentarians
said UN Special Envoy Martti Ahtisaari’s plan is the only viable
solution for the region and Europe. Russian parliamentarian Konstantin
Kosachev protested against Lord Russell-Johnston’s accusations against
official Moscow and regarded his comparison as disrespect.

Armenian Parliamentarian addressing the participants tried to
compare Nagorno Karabakh conflict with Kosovo and wanted to found
similarities. Swiss parliamentarian Dick Marty stated that Kosovo will
be precedent. Ganira Pashayeva, member of Azerbaijani delegation to
PACE noted that this conflict continuing in Europe for a long time
will be solved recently and stated that she is anxious about several
countries’ trying to use Kosovo for their interests. She noted that
Armenian officials and Armenian counterparts’ reports on regulation
of Kosovo conflict can be precedent for the regulations of conflicts
in CIS countries are very regretful.

"Such opinions cause damage to the peaceful negotiations continuing
between Azerbaijan and Armenia. I want to tell Armenian counterparts
and members of assembly that, there is not similarity between Kosovo
conflicts with conflicts in CIS region. They are very different in
their history, reasons and root. Council of Europe, Parliamentary
Assembly of the Council of Europe, European Union, UNO officials and
OSCE MG co-chairs announced it several times. New President of PACE
Lluis Maria de Puig stated the same opinion in the press conference
yesterday," she said. Ms. Pashayeva noted that Nagorno Karabakh
conflict occurred due to Armenians’ occupying 20 % of Azerbaijani
territories. She stressed that, 7 Azerbaijani regions, as well as
Nagorno Karabakh is under control of Armenia. She noted that Armenia
pursued ethnic cleansing policy in occupied regions and that there
is not even one Azerbaijani there.

These issues are clearly shown in resolution 1416 along with UN
resolutions. I can enumerate some facts, but I think these are enough
to show to my Armenian counterparts that Kosovo and Nagorno Karabakh
are different conflicts. Nagorno Karabakh, Abkhazia and South Ossetia
conflicts which are lasing for years impede establishment of stability
and security in South Caucasus. The solution of the conflicts is
necessary for each of us. To our regret, Armenia does not fulfill
UN and PACE resolutions on the solution of the conflict, does not
withdraw occupied Azerbaijani territories. Armenian representatives
make such statements which serve to straining situation. We ask
leadership of Council of Europe and Parliamentary Assembly to comment
strictly against several countries’ delegations’ using debates on the
settlement of Kosovo conflict for their political interests. Though
20% of the regions are under occupation, Azerbaijan prefers
process of negotiations, peace talks. Such statements of Armenian
political figures against such good will should worry international
organizations, including Council of Europe which recommends peaceful
solution to the conflicts," she said.

The other Azerbaijani representative to PACE Gultakin Hajiyeva
called to be careful in the discussions on the further status of
Kosovo. MP noting that it is possible to look for parallels among
existing conflicts stressed that each conflict is unique for its
nature and origin.

Ms. Hajiyeva called on Armenian parliamentarians to refrain from
searching similarities between Kosovo and Nagorno Karabakh conflict.

The discussions continue.

ARMENIAN MEN AND WOMEN CHESS CHAMPIONS TO BECOME KNOWN ON JANUARY 21

Noyan Tapan
Jan 21, 2008

YEREVAN, JANUARY 21, NOYAN TAPAN. The games of the last tour are fixed
for January 21 in the Armenian Men’s and Women’s Chess Championships
being held in Tigran Petrosian Chess House. In the Men’s Tournament,
leaders after 12 tours, Karen Asrian, Artashes Minasian, and Tigran
L. Petrosian have 7.5 points each.

Siranush Andriasian and Lilit Galoyan share the first and second
places with 5.5 points each in the Women’s Tournament.

RUSSIA HAS INVESTED $1 BILLION IN ARMENIA

ARMENPRESS
Jan 21, 2008

YEREVAN, JANUARY 21, ARMENPRESS: Addressing an Armenian-Russian
business forum in Yerevan today Armenian prime minister Serzh
Sarkisian said the event was an important avenue for businessmen of
both countries to seek new ways for boosting their ties.

He said Russian investments in Armenia’s real sector of economy since
its independence have amounted to nearly $1 billion or one third of
all foreign investments and about 900 ventures with joint capital
have been opened.

The Armenian prime minister singled out, particularly, IT, machine
building, tourism and some other sectors as areas in which both
countries have huge resources to make progress.

The forum was attended by Igor Levitin, Russian transport minister
who co-chairs together with Serzh Sarkisian the bilateral government
commission for cooperation.

Igor Levitin for his part described Russia’s relations with Armenia
as dynamic. He said trade between Armenia and Russia grows over 50
percent annually. For example, it grew 60 percent in 2006 and is
expected to grow 63 percent for 2007.

The Russian minister also spoke about Russian investments in Armenia’s
major sectors-energy, transport, mining and banking . He said removing
transport obstacles will give a very strong push to bilateral trade.

Armenia has had no overland connections with Russia since 2006 July
after Russia closed a border check point on its border with Georgia
for a repair that was to end in several months. The trade is being
carried out through ferry boats which join Georgian ports with Ukraine
and Russia.

The Russian minister urged Armenian companies manufacturing building
materials not to miss their chance and take part in construction of
sporting facilities for southern Russian city of Sochi that will host
2014 Winter Olympic games.

Levitin reminded that Russia is ready to invest in prospecting of
uranium in Armenia. An agreement to that end was signed in Yerevan
last year.

ARMENIAN ARMED FORCES VIOLATE CEASEFIRE IN SEVERAL DIRECTIONS

Azeri Press Agency
Jan 21 2008
Azerbaijan

Armenian Armed Forces have violated the cease-fire again, Defense
Ministry’s press service told the APA.

The enemy fired on the opposite positions of Azerbaijani Armed Forces
with machine and submachine guns from their posts in Kuropatkino
village of Khodjavend region from 22.30 to 22.42 on January 20,
Javahirli village of Aghdam region from 00.10 to 01.15 and 03.00 to
03.10 on January 21, unnamed heights in Goranboy region from 04.00
to 05.00 on January 21. The enemy was silenced by response fire. No
casualties were reported.

FERRY TRAFFIC FROM RUSSIA TO ARMENIA EXCEEDS 30,000 TONS FROM FROM AUG TO END OF 2007

ARKA News Agency
Jan 21 2008
Armenia

YEREVAN, January 21. /ARKA/. From August to the end of 2007, ferry
traffic from Russia to Armenia exceeded 30,000 tons, RF Minister
of Transport, Co-Chairman of the Armenian-Russian Intergovernmental
Commission for Economic Cooperation Igor Levitin stated in conclusion
of an Armenian-Russian business forum in Yerevan.

"This is evidence that goods in Armenia can be competitive on the
Russian market," he said. Levitin added that the resolution of
transport problems also resolves the problems of competitiveness of
Armenian goods.

The Minister pointed out the regular operation of the Poti-Caucasus
ferry train service is being organized, and up to 80% of cargoes will
be transported by this ferry service.

"The issue of load of the Russian ferry is being settled, but the
issue of its fukll load in Armenia remain open," Levitin said.

The Minister proposed the discussion of the possibility of loading
the ferry with Armenian cargoes with the Armenian business community.

On February 13, 2007, the RA Government and the Swiss Reserve
Capital Corporation, with Khakim Matchanov one of its owners, signed a
memorandum on ferry communication Poti-Caucasus. The carrying capacity
of the first ferry, Smat, owned by the Reserve Capital Enterpising
Corporation, is 50 freight cars.

Early in 2007, the Swiss Reserve Capital Corporation started the
construction of the second ferry Firus.

"HERITAGE" PARTY DID NOT MAKE A DEFINITE DECISION ON SUPPORTING ANY OF THE CANDIDATES DURING THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS IN ARMENIA

Mediamax
January 21, 2008

Yerevan /Mediamax/. "Heritage" party did not make a definite decision
on supporting any of the candidates during the presidential elections
of February 19. Mediamax reports that the statement of the party,
spread on Yerevan on January 19, reads this. It notes that "according
to a sober political analysis, neither of the candidates, considering
themselves oppositional, is able to gain victory during the elections
by means of holding a separate campaign". Board of "Heritage" turned to
the candidates for the position of the President Vazgen Manukian, Vahan
Hovhannissian, Artur Baghdasarian and Levon Ter-Petrosian with an urge
to unite their efforts and reconsider the pre-election tactics. The
statement notes that "if at least two of the mentioned four candidates
do not get united, the party will make the final decision later".

PRESS RELEASE
Armenian Cooperation Center Of Georgia (ACCG)
7 Khodasheni St., Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia, 0105
Tel/Fax: (995 32) 98 61 88
Mobile: 995 93 31 77 84
E-mail: [email protected]
Internet:

Commemoration of Hrant Dink and other Slain Journalists

On January 19, an event called `Journalists – Victims of Freedom of
Speech’ took place in the office of ombudsman of Georgia which was
devoted to the memory of the journalist of Armenian origin Hrant Dink
assassinated in Turkey, as well as to the memory of Giorgi Sanaia,
Anna Politkovskaya and many other journalists who became victims of
their professional work.

`Armenian Cooperation Center of Georgia’ NGO together with the council
of national minorities under the ombudsman office was the organizer
and the initiator of this event.

During the event the Public Defender of Georgia Sozar Subari and the
president of the Armenian Cooperation Center of Georgia Karen Elchian
gave speeches on the following topics: `Tendencies and problems of
modern journalism development in the region’, `Hrant Dink – a victim
of 301 article.

Reaction of the international organizations to his murder’. The event
began with one minute of silence in memory of Hrant Dink.

At the meantime, `Journalists – Victims of Freedom of Speech’ photo
exhibition as well as the screening of the film about Hrant Dink was
held.

Representatives of mass media and non-governmental organizations as
well as the representatives of the Armenian community of Tbilisi were
present at the event. Besides that, information booklets on Hrant Dink
and Armenian Question were distributed in the church of Surb Gevork
during the mourning liturgy dedicated to the anniversary of the murder
of well-known journalist.

Note: In 2007, 111 journalists in the world were assassinated for
carrying out their professional duty. This number exceeds the tragic
statistics of the previous years. One of the first victims of `Hunting
the truth’ 2007 is Hrant Dink. He was assassinated on January 19, in
Istanbul, infront of the entrance of his editorial office. 53-year-old
Hrant Dink was the editor-in-chief of the Turkish-Armenian newspaper
`Agos’. He was famous for his rigorous articles, dedicated to the
Armenian Genocide, carried out in 1915-1923 by Turkish government in
Western Armenia. Exactly because of the work on this topic he has not
once became the object of persecutions by today’s Turkish government.

The murder of the journalist caused a wide resonance in the whole
civilized world. This murder was condemned by the leaders of Euro
structures and by many international organizations.

Today, the criminal case is opened against 19 citizens of
Turkey. Court trial is postponed until February, 2008.

On December 10, 2007 he was awarded the Title of Hero for the freedom
of press in the world, by the International Institute of Press. He is
the 52nd journalist honored with this high award.

After Hrant Dink’s murder, his son Arat Dink has been a subject to
pursuit and was forced to leave Turkey due to the emerging
situation. Despite the fact that the part of Turkish society has
condemned Hrant Dink’s murder, the editor of a Greek newspaper was
attacked in the end of 2007.

The press service of the Armenian Cooperation Centre of Georgia.

RA PARLIAMENTARY DELEGATION TO ATTEND PACE SESSION

armradio.am
18.01.2008 17:20

January 20-26 the delegation of the National Assembly headed by
Chairman of the NA Standing Committee on State-Legal Issues David
Harutyunyan will visit Strasbourg to participate in the winter session
of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.

The delegation comprises Chairman of the Standing Committee on
European Integration Avet Adonts, member of the same Committee Vahe
Hovhannisyan, member of the Standing Committee on Economic Issues
Hermine Naghdalyan and head of the Heritage faction Raffi Hovhannisyan.