Author: Nahapetian Boris

THE PECULIARITIES OF POLARIZED SOCIETY
Lilit Poghosyan

Hayots Ashkhar Daily
02 Dec 08
Armenia

The recent "Gallup" polls which revealed President Serge Sargsyan’s
high rating 10 months after the presidential elections raised a
wave of protest and disappointment among the radicals. And now these
people curse the specialists of "Gallup" the same way as they hurled
abuse in the address of "Sociometer" research center and the British
"Populus" organization. Why do the native revolutionaries dislike the
sociologists? To what extent do the "Gallup" polls reflect the true
opinion of the public? Below we present sociologist AHARON ADIBEKYAN’s
views with regard to this and many other questions of "Hayots Ashkharh"

"In general, a polarized society does not accept what is considered
relative truth; everyone thinks his/her opinion to be the only
truth. If a 3rd, 4th and 5th party makes assessments and publicizes
certain data which do not coincide with his/her opinion, such statement
is definitely considered false, biased etc.

In this particular case, if the goal was to reveal the opinion of the
public, it should have been mentioned how each social group answered
each particular question, and the proponents of each leader and
political figure should have been singled out based on the place of
their residence, educational background, income e tc. In this respect,
the ‘Gallup’ polls are not that perfect, although they reflect the
real situation to a certain extent.

In general, our data reveal that 60 percent of society supports the
authorities, and 40 percent supports the opposition. That’s to say, the
pre-electoral status quo, by and large, remains unchanged. It’s quite
a different matter that there are questions which are more important
in the present-day situation. For instance, the Karabakh issue, the
global economic crisis (i.e. how society responds to the tendencies
of the deepening international crisis and who should bear the whole
burden: the employee whose salary may be reduced, the employer who
may be partially deprived of his incomes or the state which should try
to mitigate the impact of such crisis). These issues are more urgent.

"What about the Karabakh issue? Hasn’t it lost its urgency after the
visit of the Minsk Group Co-Chairs?"

"I think the situation has remained unchanged. The hopes that the
Declaration of the Co-Chairs might lead to the settlement of the
conflict purely through political methods evaporated after President
Aliev made certain statements. In fact, Azerbaijan is not against
the prospect of the military ‘settlement’. That’s to say, they are
not ready to recognize the independence of Karabakh.

The same is the situation here. The vast majority of the population
of=2 0 Armenia does not see Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan. This is
a complex geo-political problem, and by the way, the United States
has had such precedent in its history. But when the conversation goes
around other countries, the Americans, for some reason, forget about
their own history.

If, in the near future, the parties do not find any solution based
on mutual concessions, the Karabakh issue will be frozen for 10-20
years to come. In this period, the Armenians will have to use all
their potentials, include into agenda the issue of the Armenian
refugees deported from Azerbaijan, the problem of the sub-region of
Shahoumyan and the massacres of Sumgayit and Baku. Unfortunately,
the Armenian party is passive, whereas the Azeris pursue the policy
of launching attack and use all the tribunals for moving forward with
their questions."

"To what extent can the global international crisis influence the
public moods and arouse new discontents in society?"

"The deepening of the economic crisis may produce a more essential
impact if the Government fails undertake relevant steps against it. We
are required to re-orient our markets. China may be a perspective
market for us, as it may purchase raw materials such as copper,
molybdenum, pure iron etc.

Besides, we are required to establish close ties with those countries
whose economy has developed a kind of ‘immunity’ against international
0D crises. If Armenia is integrated to the economic system of Iran
based on the division of labor, such crises will not have a significant
impact on our economic development.

As regards the transfers from foreign countries, I have to mention
that our compatriots who work abroad will never forget about their
relatives living in Armenia, no matter how much the situation may
change for the worse.

Anyway, considering the fact that our budget largely develops due to
the sale of copper and molybdenum and the reprocession of stones,
it’s clear that we will suffer certain losses. In such situation,
the Government must try to receive certain loans from the World Bank
and the International Currency Fund for bridging the budgetary gap. I
think the situation will anyway deteriorate in spring and summer,
but if the 20 powerful countries managed to overcome the crisis with
joint efforts, Armenia will also find a way out of this situation
without serious instabilities."

BTA BANK GETS NEW CEO

ARKA
Dec 1, 2008

YEREVAN, December 1. /ARKA/. Nur Bakbergenov, a Board member, BTA
Bank CJSC, has been registered as BTA Bank Chief Executive Officer
and Board Chairman.

The revision took effect on November 21, 2008, under a resolution of
the Central Bank of Armenia (CBA).

The Public Relations Department, BTA Bank, reports that Nur Murat
Bakbergenov is a citizen of Kazakhstan and has 10-year experience
of managerial work in the banking system He is advisor to the Board
Chairman, BTA Bank (Kazakhstan).

His priority task is to "found a full-service bank of the BTA Group in
Armenia". For Armenian clients it is an opportunity "to feel at ease"
anywhere in the CIS the BTA Bank carries out its activities.

The BTA Bank CJSC is a strategic partner of the largest Kazakh bank,
BTA Bank Corporation, which owns 48.8% of the authorized capital of
the BTA Bank (Armenia). As of November 25, 2008, the total capital of
the BTA Bank CJSC reached 4,346,434,000 AMD, assets 13,042,112,000 AMD,
liabilities 8,695,678,000 AMD.

The BTA Bank Corporation is a system-forming bank of Kazakhstan and
leader in forming a banking network in the Commonwealth of Independent
States (CIS).

It has partner banks in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Georgia, Armenia,
Kyrgyzstan and Turkey, as well as representative offices in Russia,
Ukraine, China and United Arab Emirates. The BTA Bank Corporation
was recognized a20Bank of the Year in the CIS in 2006 and 2007.

At the end of the first half of 2008, the consolidated assets of the
BTA Bank Corporation amounted to $27.8bln, and capital $3.9bln.

Today.Az, Azerbaijan
Nov 28 2008

Eldar Zeynalov: "The Shiite Iran prefers to be friends not with Shiite
Azerbaijan but with Christian Armenia"

28 November 2008 [12:23] – Today.Az

"There is a threat for Azerbaijan from the Iranian side", said head of
the human rights center of Azerbaijan Eldar Zeynalov.

"Iran is united until it has a single ideology", said he and added
that earlier this was the ideology of equality before padishah. Now it
is the idea of Islam.

"If ideas of national enmity are applied there, which is done by
Americans, this will have bloody results. This is separatist. More or
less moderate Azerbaijani nationalists in the south are subjected to
persecution. Iran will fight against them by tougher methods. South
Azerbaijan has raised for revolution for three times in the 20th
century, was thrice suppressed and the world community closed eyes on
it", said Zeynalov.

According to him, Iran is interested in advocating the ideas of
equality, as this terminates nationalistic propaganda for separation
of South Azerbaijan. On this basis Iranians have been friends with
Armenia since the 1990s.

"Armenia survives owing to Iran, as it has no common borders with
Russia. All common borders, it has, are either hostile or
moderate-hostile states, like Georgia.

He said the only friendly country for Christian Armenia is Shiite
Iran. "It prefers to be friends not with Shiite Azerbaijan but with
Christian Armenia, because there are definite geopolitical interests",
concluded Zeynalov.

/Day.Az/

URL:

Turkish Daily News, Turkey
Nov 26 2008

ANKARA IS WELL-SITUATED

>From the day that crises discussions started, I am not sure whether
you ever noticed, but there was a striking difference in attitude
between Ankara and the business world, foremost represented by
Istanbul. For us, the concept "Ankara" is a mixture of
bureaucrats-politicians-soldiers; meaning a portion of society
receiving income from the state and bearing no risk of job loss.

Whereas "Istanbul" is a concept comprising the business milieu. A
mixture of employer-employee-artisan; meaning the portion of society
that bears the risk. Employers have the biggest risk. Employees as
well, are affected in every way by the crisis. To put it this way,
Ankara is comprised of people who are well-situated. Whereas Istanbul
is represented by people who assume responsibility.

As Bilal Cetin, the representative of Vatan Gazetesi in Ankara, put it
recently, the latest crises that we are living through shows the
difference between Istanbul and Ankara very clearly. There is
excitement in Istanbul. Fear, even panic. People are concerned their
employer will become bankrupt and thus they will be unemployed. That
is why they constantly pressure the administration. They want the
package to pass as soon as possible.

In such a situation the media furiously broadcast, "the crisis is
coming, where are you?" Those who listen to Istanbul see a mood of
panic. Behind closed doors precautions are taken incessantly in order
to "tighten the belt." Employees are waiting in agitation. They are
trying to figure out whether they will be laid off one day or
not. They are bitterly trying to come up with what to do if they are
laid off.

Ankara, on the other hand, monitors this scene cold-blooded. They have
a look as if they are living in outer space. Taking one step further,
they claim "these people, employers, try to screw money out of the
state while calling it help." They believe Istanbul is exaggerating
everything. They describe Istanbul as the weakest link in the country.

This difference between Ankara and Istanbul is extremely important and
as I see it, harmful. For let us not forget, if the private sector is
unable to earn money then one day those in Ankara will reach a point
where they will not receive their pay.

If Ankara does not accept that they are in the same boat and as long
as it views the private sector as "grafters" and itself as "protector
of state property," we will not escape our difficulties.

[HH] Armenian front relaxes gradually

The latest meeting between Armenian Foreign Minister Edvard Nalbantyan
and Babacan, and declarations thereafter, caused us to raise our
hopes. In the Caucasus everything might just change any
minute. Therefore, we should not be too exited but our expectations
still rise. Turkey and Armenia for the first time are able to really
look each other in the eye. They seem to be convinced that easing
relations will be beneficial for both.

Yerevan finally wants to develop and enrich its population. Finally it
plans on expanding and relaxing its relationship with Europe through
Turkey. We should not expect Armenia to back off the genocide
allegations. Generations have been brought up with the genocide belief
and it has been branded into their skin. We can not erase it. If we
want to develop our relations we need to give up reservations. Easing
relations will bring great advantages for both countries, Turkey and
Armenia.

Turkey bears a heavy burden. Genocide allegations are unfortunately
accepted all over the world. We can deny as much as we want but it is
perceived as reality. If Turkey wants to ease its burden, it has no
choice but to keep up good relations. It will not accept genocide
allegations but learn to live with them. Armenians advantage will be
reached through finally stepping onto the right track with
Turkey. There is no end to living with genocide allegations. The time
has finally come to see the truth and establish an order that better
responds to its peoples needs. My only concern within this
Turkish-Armenian approach is that militants on both sides will
sabotage development. They will definitely do this, you will see. They
will push and pull, and try to ruin everything. Let us see if those
who embrace this approach will behave smart and be successful.

ARMENPRESS

ARMENIAN PRESIDENT SERZH SARGSYAN RECEIVED DEFENSE MINISTERS OF CSTO
MEMBER COUNTRIES

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 28, ARMENPRESS: Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan
received today the defense ministers of the CSTO member-countries who
arrived in Yerevan to participate in the session of the council of
defense ministers of CSTO member countries. Secretary General of CSTO
Nikolay Bordyuzha also participated in the meeting.
Presidential press service told Armenpress that in the beginning
the members of the delegations congratulated the chairman of the
Armenian Chess Federation, President Serzh Sargsyan on the brilliant
victory of the Armenian men’s chess team in World Olympiad.
Considering the military-political, military-technical partnership,
consolidation of military element in collective security as the core
direction of the CSTO activity, the leader of the country underscored
more full and effective usage of the existing potential. According to
Serzh Sargsyan, in the zones which are under the responsibility of the
establishment the military-political situation demands serious joining
of the efforts and increase of the level of partnership.
The president said that these issues will also be discussed in the
session of the council of heads of the CSTO member countries scheduled
for December.
Armenian Defense Minister Seyran Ohanian, reporting over the agenda
of the Yerevan session, noted that the main content of the joint work
was the consolidation of military element of CSTO and discussion of
directions and mechanisms of development.

EURO MP NOTES CONCERN

Hurriyet
Nov 26 2008
Turkey

ANKARA – The head of the Turkish-European Union Joint Parliamentary
Committee, Joost Lagendijk, has met with opposition leaders in
Parliament and notes the commision’s concern over the closure case
filed against the pro-Kurdish DTP. MHP leader Devlet Bahceli complains
to Lagendijk the EU never speaks of the positive steps taken by Turkey

Concerns have been raised by the head of a joint Turkish-European
committee over the closure case recently opened against the country’s
pro-Kurdish Democratic Society Party, or DTP, and the government’s
policy regarding the Kurdish issue.

The head of the Turkish-European Union Joint Parliamentary Committee,
Joost Lagendijk yesterday met with the leader of the DTP, Ahmet Turk,
in Parliament. Turk claimed if the party was closed by the court,
his party would vacate its seats in Parliament. Lagendijk told him the
committee were following the developments with concern, the Hurriyet
Daily News learned.

DTP closure case A public prosecutor launched proceedings several
months ago to shut down the DTP on claims the party has become a
center of activities aimed at damaging the independence of the state
and the indivisible integrity of its territory.

"If our party is closed down the bridge will collapse. In that case, we
are seriously considering abandoning Parliament," Turk told Lagendijk.

During the meeting, Turk argued that the government’s approach toward
the Kurdish problem was "nationalist" and "chauvinistic," saying that
the "love it or leave it" rhetoric of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip
Erdogan further escalated the tension. For his part, Lagendijk said,
"We are following this process with concern. We’ll talk with him."

Lagendijk said they had the same sensitivity over the closure case
filed against the DTP as the recent one against the ruling Justice
and Development Party, or AKP, adding he would share his views during
a meeting with the prime minister and president. He also extended
support to the strengthening of local administrations pointed out in
the political document of the DTP.

Lagendijk later met with the leader of the Nationalist Movement
Party, or MHP, Devlet Bahceli, who complained the EU never spoke
of the positive steps taken by Turkey. Lagendijk answered the EU
considered the amendment to Article 301 of the Turkish penal code
as well as the government’s opening to Armenia as positive steps,
something which was not agreed to by the MHP, learned the Daily News.

Meanwhile, an official from Turkey’s EU-Secretariat General told
business daily Referans that no policy areas or chapters were left,
in response to a warning from an EU official that no chapters would
be opened with Ankara in 2009 if the reforms stalled.

EU performance "Turkey is not satisfied with the EU’s performance. We
are working on meeting the opening benchmarks in the areas of taxation,
social policy, competition and environment. We have an action plan
for each and every opening and closing criteria. But the number of
chapters that can be opened to negotiations has drastically dropped
due to political hurdles," said the official, who declined to be named.

Brussels suspended eight out of 35 chapters due to Turkey’s refusal
to open its sea and air ports to Greek Cyprus. France opposes the
opening of five chapters on the assumption they would guarantee
eventual membership.

The other obstacle, according to the same official, is that the EU has
not yet sent to Turkey the screening reports of 10 chapters that need
to be opened to talks. Officials expect the start of talks in the areas
of free movement of capital and information society and media, pinning
their hopes on the next president of the EU, the Czech Republic.

ENP DEVELOPMENT PRIORITY FOR ALL EU MEMBER STATES

PanARMENIAN.Net
27.11.2008 12:38 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ South Caucasus is an important region for the
European Union, which highlights establishment of peace and stability
there, German Ambassador to Armenia said.

"Our task is to contribute to prosperity of the region and develop
relations with it. Promoting economic integration of the region and
developing a cultural dialogue between the EU and Caucasus states, we
will strengthen security of entire Europe," H.E. Andrea Joanna-Maria
Wiktorin said during ‘European Union and South Caucasus – A Security
Partnership?’ international conference in Yerevan today.

"EU’s intermediation during the recent crisis in Georgia proves
the importance of the South Caucasus for the European Union. And
one of EU’s strategic goals is to help Armenia and its neighbors
attain success in implementation of reforms," she said, adding that
development of the ENP is a priority for all EU member states.

"During the visit of Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan to Brussels an
agreement was reached to send a consultation group to Armenia. We are
hopeful it will help the republic develop and strengthen democratic
institutes and create independent legal system," Amb. Wiktorin said.

FOREIGN POLICY OF ARMENIA IS CONSISTENT AND GROUNDED, DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER ASSURES

Noyan Tapan

Nov 27, 2008

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 27, NOYAN TAPAN. According to the evaluation of
Stepan Grigorian, the head of the Analytical Center for Globalization
and Regional Cooperation, today the South Caucasus-European Union
relations are not inferior to the South Caucasus-neighboring countries
relations with their importance. As he said on November 27, at a
press briefing held before the two-day international conference, the
neighboring countries are Russia, Turkey, and Iran, the representatives
of which have also arrived in Yerevan to take part in the proceedings
of the conference. S. Grigorian added that the Armenian colleagues
will discuss the issue of creating a united security system in the
region with the above mentioned participants. Besides, according to
the political scientist, the conference participants will touch upon
the "Eastern initiative" adopted by Poland and Sweden lately.

Arman Kirakosian, the RA Deputy Foreign Minister, said in his speech
that today it is difficult to imagine a second region having so many
political disagreements in spite of common interests. Touching upon
the foreign policy of the Armenian authorities, he emphasized that
it is "consistent and grounded." A. Kirakosian drew the attention
of those present to the circumstance that the RA President had sent
an invitation to the Turkish President to visit Yerevan before the
Georgian-Ossetian war. According to him, it is gladdening that large
programs are implemented in the region parallel to warming of the
Armenian-Turkish relations.

Andrea Victorin, the Ambassador of Germany to RA, also touched upon
the improval of the Armenian-Turkish relations mentioning that her
country appreciates the policy of President Serzh Sargsyan in that
direction. At the same time the Ambassador stated that Armenia should
also continue the reforms in the domestic spheres, in particular, in
the court and legal system. "The necessity of a political dialogue
in the country after the March events was emphasized. We hope that
it will take place until January," A. Victorin said.

JAN ROKITA: ARMENIA, GEORGIA, AZERBAIJAN SHOULD HAVE A MATTER OF COMMON CONCERN

PanARMENIAN.Net
27.11.2008 16:23 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Poland can be a bridge between the European Union
and South Caucasus states, a Polish official said.

A matter of common concern could unite the three republics, although
Armenia and Azerbaijan need time to resolve the Nagorno Karabakh
conflict. For its part, Georgia needs to maintain sovereignty, as
return of the breakaway territories in unreal," Jan Rokita Former
chief of the Prime Minister Chancellery, said during ‘European Union
and South Caucasus – A Security Partnership?’ international conference
in Yerevan today.

"Three aspects are vital here. First, you should support each
other. Otherwise, third states will attempt to push forth their
own interests while settling your problems. Second, the blockade of
Armenia should be lifted with further inclusion of the republic in
all regional projects. In this respect, deployment of international
peacekeepers in the Karabakh conflict zone would be useful. Third,
all of three countries should be included in the Eastern Partnership,"
Mr. Rokita said.

Poland can be a bridge between the European Union and South Caucasus
states, according to him.

Touching about Poland-Armenia relations, he said, "We have 600 years
of common history. Back in the 14th century, Polish king Kazimir the
Great granted privileges to Armenians. Presently, there are 800-900
thousand of Armenians living in Poland. Last year, I was present at
the ceremony of unveiling of the Armenian Genocide Monument in our
country," Mr. Rokita concluded.

DO THEY THREATEN ADVOCATES?

A1+
[07:59 pm] 24 November, 2008

The Council of Armenian Advocates’ Chamber has renewed Advocate
Mushegh Shushanyan’s license. The latter presents the interests of
five detainees in connection to March 1 events.

Remind that under Article 38 of the RoA Law on "Legal Profession" the
Chamber had revoked the advocate’s license relying on the information
submitted by the Criminal Investigation Department. The Court of
Kentron and Nork-Marash districts at the head of Judge Arshak Petrosyan
has taken proceedings against Advocate Mushegh Shushanyan. Shushanyan
is accused of disrespectful attitude towards Court.

Mushegh Shushanyan says he is sued for carrying out his duties and
presenting the interests of the five detainees. During the court
ruling of Vardges Gaspar Shushanyan had announced that courts execute
political orders and left the courtroom.

Mushegh Shushanyan will continue to work by the time the court
passes sentence on him. The Advocate is convinced that he will be
found guilty. "I shall be either fined kept in custody for a month,"
says Shushanyan.

Note that last week 20 advocates made an announcement in defence
of their colleague and refused to provide legal service to judges,
prosecutors, investigators and their family members.

They also demanded to institute legal proceedings against Judge Arsahk
Petrosyan as the latter had made numerous rough violations. Shushanyan
notes that Armenian courts hold a tough stance towards the advocates
presenting the interests of detainees of the March 1-2.