Author: Nahapetian Zhanna

MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF POLAND IN NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

National Assembly of RA, Armenia
Feb 27 2007

On February 26 Mr. Tigran Torosyan, President of the National Assembly
of the Republic of Armenia, received the delegation headed by Mrs. Anna
Fotyga, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland. At the meeting the
two ambassadors of both countries, Mr. Tomasz Knothe, Ambassador of
Poland to Armenia and Ashot Galoyan, Ambassador of Armenia to Poland,
were present.

Welcoming Mrs. Fotyga in the National Assembly, Mr. Torosyan expressed
his satisfaction in the development of Polish-Armenian friendly
relations and noted that Armenia and Poland have common features:
both countries are member of the Council of Europe, relations
are well developing with the European Union, to which Poland is
a member. Mr. Torosyan considered Mrs. Fotyga’s visit symbolic, as
February 26 is the day of the establishment of 15 years of diplomatic
relations between two countries. The President of the Parliament
noted that he is aware of Ms. Fotyga’s speeches, and it’s good that
the friends are interested in the issues of the region and Armenia.

Mrs. Anna Fotyga, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland highly
evaluating the bilateral relations and the current relations in
international organizations, noted that a memorandum on Cooperation
in the issues concerning European integration in 2007-2008 between
the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia and
the Republic of Poland has been signed with Mr. Vardan Oskanyan,
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, as a result of which the
Polish-Armenian relations will deepen. Ms. Fotyga expressed readiness
for the exchange of experience, noting that the experience includes
also mistakes, and their study will help not to repeat them. She
highlighted the European Union Action Plan, noting that there are
sufficient legal-contractual grounds to deepen cooperation. As to
the Minister, as an Eastern European country Poland’s aim is to
achieve balance in the framework of the European Union Neighbourhood
programme. She expressed readiness to promote the establishment of
Turkish-Armenian relations, if the both sides express such a wish.

Upon her request Mr. Tigran Torosyan, President of the National
Assembly informed about his observations on the regional issues
and the Nagorno Karabakh issue. Mr. Tigran Torosyan emphasized
the signing of the memorandum and the use of Poland’s educative
experience. It was noted that by adopting constitutional amendments by
a referendum, Armenia has a Constitution in compliance with European
standards and has launched the third phase of the Euro-integration
processes. Touching upon the Turkish-Armenian relations Mr. Torosyan
highly evaluating Poland’s aspiration to support the regulation
of relations and expressing his hope for the mission success,
noted that Armenia, being unconditionally for the settlement of the
regional issues and for cooperation, has repeatedly announced that
it is ready for the establishment of diplomatic relations without
any preconditions. Meanwhile the Turkish side finds it as a sign of
weakness and offers preconditions. One of the principles is connected
with the Nagorno Karabakh issue, and it’s not only inadmissible but
also shows that Turkey, member of the Council of Europe, that strives
for decades to join the European Union, not only does not want to have
diplomatic relations with its neighbour, but also keeps its borders
closed, which does not comply with any European principle and value.

In connection with Nagorno Karabkh issue Mr. Tigran Torosyan, President
of the National Assembly, referred to the position allegedly ascribed
to Mrs. Fotyga by the Azerbaijani Trend agency that she is allegedly
for the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and giving a broad
autonomy to national minorities. Mr. Torosyan reminded that there
is a second principle, that was adopted in the Helsinki Final Act:
the right to self-determination, and the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs
comparing those principles, found the key for the settlement of the
issue. In the negotiations for the settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh
issue Mr. Torosyan emphasized that approach, noting that in reality the
country wishing to settle an issue should prepare its society for the
settlement, but not to be engaged in deepening hatred and animosity,
as does Azerbaijan, periodically threatening to restart the war.

Mrs. Fotyga clarified that her words were misinterpreted which is not
the first case in her political career, and that she fully believes
in the OSCE Minsk Group activity and hopes that the solution will be
found. And in connection with Armenian-Turkish relations she noted
that Poland has historically good relations with both countries, and
is ready to contribute to the establishment of those relations. She
hopes that as a result of Turkey-European Union negotiations democratic
reforms will take place in Turkey.

During the meeting other issues were discussed too.

UEFA EURO 2008: BAKU OFFERS YEREVAN TO MEET IN AUSTRIA, SWITZERLAND OR UKRAINE

PanARMENIAN.Net
26.02.2007 14:29 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The Azerbaijani Ministry of Youth and Sports
offered to hold UEFA EURO 2008 qualifying games between Armenia and
Azerbaijan in Austria, Switzerland or Ukraine, said Ragif Abbasov,
a Spokesman for the Azerbaijani Ministry of Youth and Sports. He said
the proposals have been already sent to the UEFA. "Azerbaijan doesn’t
agree on holding matches in Baku and Yerevan," he said adding that
if the organization suggests other variants Azerbaijan will consider
them, reports APA-Sports.

OUTSANDING KURDISH POLITICIAN BEARING WITNESS OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
By H. Chaqrian

AZG Armenian Daily
27/02/2007

Head of the Kurdish autonomy of Northern Iraq, leader of the
"Democratic Party of Kurdistan" Masoud Barzani recently published
a work dedicated to the life and activity of his father, Mustafa
Barzani. Mustafa Barzani’s memoirs about the Armenian Genocide and
mass deportation of Armenians are also included in the work. It is
also noteworthy, that the author’s grand-grandfather, Sheikh Mohammad
Barzani was the religious leader of the Barzani tribe. Sheikh
Mohammad’s son Abdulsalam later obtained both the political and
religious leadership of the tribe. In 1914 Sheikh Abdulsalam was
executed by the Ottoman authorities. After those events his sons
divided the political and religious authority of the tribe.

At this very moment were started the mass repressions of Western
Armenians. Abdulsalam’s son Sheikh Ahmad answered the summons of
Armenian warlord Andranik, who was engaged in the organization of
self-defense of Armenians. Molla Mustafa Barzani tells that he was
among those 200 men sent by Sheikh Ahmad to aid Andranik’s forces. It
should be noted that so as to avoid impact with governmental forces
the brigade was to declare openly that their aim was to take part in
the massacre of Armenians. Unfortunately, the Ottoman government had
convinced the population of the empire that the 1915 events were a
war of Muslims against the Christians, so that necessary lie was not
hard to believe. "We aided the Armenians and accompanied the to the
border of Syria", continues Molla Mustafa. "We were engaged by the
Turkish forces and suffered casualties of 14 men".

On our part we should add that Molla Mustafa Barzani lived a long life
and passed away in 1979, in the Souleymanie town of Northern Iraq. He
was succeeded by his son Masud Barzani, who after his father’s example
became had got involved in the Kurd national movement at the early
age of 16.

All the information was taken from the Turkish
website.

PanARMENIAN.Net

French Minister: I have special attitude towards Armenia and Armenians
24.02.2007 16:47 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenia and France have much in common, and first of
all our cultures are very much alike. The best evidence of it is the
Year of Armenia in France, French Minister-Delegate for Regional
Development Christian Estrosi told reporters in Yerevan. He said, the
Armenian Diaspora of France is well-organized and plays a great role
in social-political life of the country. `They all are descendant of
those who survived the Armenian Genocide in 1915 and found their
second motherland in France. Armenians of France are our citizens who
work for the welfare and prosperity of the French Republic,’ Estrosi
underlined. He also noted that despite all difficulties of past few
years, Armenia managed to keep her political culture and
originality. `I have special attitude towards Armenia and Armenians,’
he said.

BUDAPEST COURT GRANTS LIFE SENTENCE TO RAMIL SAFAROV

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
Feb 22 2007

Budapest Court granted the life sentence to Azerbaijani Armed Forces
officer Ramil Safarov, the representative of the Safarov’s and
Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry, lawyer Ikram Shirinov told the APA.

The court did not allow Safarov’s appeal. The lawyer said they did
not expect the court to pass this decision.

He noted the arguments gave ground to change court’s decision.

Shirinov said they will appeal to Supreme Court.

The chief of Azerbaijan’s Bar Association Azer Tagiyev, Safarov’s
Azerbaijani lawyer Ikram Shirinov, the representatives of Azerbaijani
Embassy and Diaspora attended court hearing.

Safarov’s Hungarian lawyers presented the court new facts on case.

Besides, Ramil Safarov, his lawyers and opposite side made statements
in the court.

Hungarian lawyers George Majar and Clara Fisher defended Ramil
Safarov’s rights in the court.

Budapest Court sentenced Ramil Safarov accused of assassinating
Armenian officer Gurgen Margarian to life imprisonment on April 13,
2006.

PETER SEMNEBY: EU TRIES TO CREATE TRUST BETWEEN KARABAKH AND AZERBAIJAN

PanARMENIAN.Net
21.02.2007 13:02 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ It’s time to normalize ties between Azerbaijan and
Nagorno Karabakh. Presently the European Union is trying to create
trust between the sides, EU Envoy for the South Caucasus Peter Semneby
said in Baku. In his words, the issue was discussed with the Azeri
government. When touching on the statements by the OSCE MG Co-chairs
that initiatives within other international organizations hamper the
negotiation process Mr Semneby said the EU activities are not targeted
against the OSCE Minsk Group.

He also remarked that some aspects of the last stage of negotiations
on the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement were promising but
unfortunately proved fruitless. These include the latest meeting of
the Armenian and Azerbaijani Presidents in Minsk and the ministerial
meeting in Moscow. "These talks did not initiate any progress but
I hope that time for solution will come and the European Union will
make its contribution," said he.

Mr Semneby voiced opinion on Russia’s position on the conflict
settlement. "Russia plays a substantial role in the South Caucasus. I
am hopeful that its action will coincide with its statements and
goals," said he, report Azeri media.

AK PARTY’S FLAG POSTERS ATTRACT VOTES, SURVEY SHOWS
Erdal Þen

Today’s Zaman, Turkey
Feb 20 2007

The Justice and Development Party’s (AK Party) poster plastered on
billboards during the Feast of the Sacrifice (Kurban Bayram) holiday
increased their votes by 5.3 percent.

Across the controversial poster of Prime Minister Erdoðan and
the Turkish flag was written "Kurban olam," ("I sacrifice myself"
[for your star and crescent]). The poster was regarded as a bid for
nationalist votes and was debated for some time. Professor Orhan
Gokce of Selcuk University, chairman of the public administration
department, along with his working group surveyed 7,325 people to
determine the effect of the poster on the AK Party’s percentage of
the vote. According to the survery, potential votes for the the AK
Party have increased from 26 to 31.3 percent.

Recent events have prompted reactionary opinions among the Turkish
public, Professor Gokce said, noting that the poster was a response
to the impressions the public held of the the AK Party. "Despite
wide-ranging support for Erdoðan, some people fear that the AK
Party cannot adequately represent the interests of the public,"
Gokce said, adding: "It looked like the the AK Party government
couldn’t shake off these impressions. I am speaking about the image
that had been formed. The flag campaign was perceived by the public
as a representation of the state response of Erdoðan. Posters and
photos can support or refute struggles and efforts. That’s why this
poster was seen as Erdoðan’s effort to claim this government and as
act of state response. In response to criticism it seems like Erdoðan
was trying to say, ‘ I stand by this government. We are part of this
government. Like every other citizen, I am trying to protect my people
and government. I swear I will protect it.’ Since this was how most
people perceived the campaign, the AK Party votes increased from 26
to31 percent."

However, Gokce believes the percentage of votes could change again.

Unlike before, voters are polarizing. "We believe that polarization
will be an important factor in the 2007 elections. We are seeing this
in the increase and decrease of party votes. Although the political
parties have not yet begun their campaigns, we see some parties’
with increasing vote rates and others with decreasing vote rates,"
Gokce said in response to the ambiguity over ideologies.

Referring to the different understandings of nationalism, Gokce said
that in many parts of Turkey there are moderate conservatives as well
as nationalists. Over the course of four-and-a-half years Turkey has
experienced many events, especially the 2003 invasion of Iraq by the
US and the Armenian allegations of genocide. These issues have made
the Turkish public nervous and more sensitive to issues of the nation
and state.

According to Gokce, there has also been an increase in the number of
people who say they are attached to national and spiritual values.

"People used to say ‘I am leftist or Islamic or nationalist’ in the
past. There are some who still use these expressions, but much less
today. The percentage of people who say they are both nationalist
and religious has increased from 25 to 50 percent," Gokce stated.

–Boundary_(ID_WWfk8HMLYm2Kzn6WdEm4NQ)–

DUAL CITIZEN MUST NOT TAKE PART IN ELECTIONS HELD ACCORDING TO MAJORITARIAN ELECTORAL SYSTEM, RPA FACTION INSISTS

Noyan Tapan
Feb 19 2007

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 19, NOYAN TAPAN. The RPA faction of the National
Assembly presented its principal proposals concerning the RA draft
law "On Dual Citizenship." As faction head Galust Sahakian informed
journalists on February 19, according to it, a person having dual
citizenship must not take part in elections held according to
the majoritarian electoral system. Besides, dual citizens must
be tax-payers and live at least 6 months a year in Armenia. But,
G.Sahakian was not able to mention if the law on dual citizenship
will be adopted during this session.

KAZAKHS CLASH ARMENIANS AND GEORGIANS IN STAVROPOL

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
Feb 19 2007

Clashes have emerged between Kazakhs and Armenians and Georgians in
Stavropol, APA’s bureau reports.

The security bodies, beware of repeat of Kondopoqa scenario, are
hindering to cover events. Beginning on February 13, local Russians
and Kazakhs in Novoaleksandrovsk city attacked Armenians and Georgians
several days, after the Caucasians had shot Kazakh ataman Andrey
Khanin who later was hospitalized in a bad condition.

According to the statements of witnesses in internet, a great number
of injured immigrants have been placed in Stavropol hospital and
the police have surrounded the building. Kazakhs from all over the
province, as well as Rostov and Krasnodar are directing to the city.

Local people in Novoaleksandrovsk held a rally. Markets and trade
facilities of immigrants burnt. Slavic origin residents demand
the resignation of region leadership, removal of immigrants
and law-enforcement bodies to fight mercilessly against ethnic
criminality. Interior troops have been placed in the territory from
neighborhood provinces. Local Georgian community leader named Timur
and his family was kidnapped by the masked persons. Leader of Illegal
Immigration Fighting Movement Aleksandr Belov confirmed the reports
concerning Stavropol.

"The city is blocked. Russians tried to hold a meeting and declare
Novoaleksandrovsk a territory exempt from Caucasians. But the meeting
was postponed after the discussions with initiators", he said.

Russian Noviy region agency states that Stavropol and Vladigafgaz
episcope Feofan called on the people to stop mass unrest with the
request of government.

"Despite the ethnic and political origin of the murderer, only they
are responsible for this horrible crime. It is inadmissible for all
people to answer for crimes committed by individuals", he said.

Azeri hacker intends to attack Armenian websites

ArmRadio.am
17.02.2007 13:55

A hacker with the nikname `Bajioghlu’ is going to attack Armenian
websites. A cooresponding caution was disseminated by the Azerbaijani
`Zerkalo’ newspaper.
In a statement published in the paper Bajioghlu promises to attack
several Armenian websites on the eve of the anniversary of Khojalu
events. `I think that by attacking Armenian websites I will make my
contribution to the common struggle of the Azerbaijani people against
invaders, ` the Azeri hooligan declares.

Let us remind that azeri hackers have already undertaken attempts to
attack Armenian websites. They really managed to penetrate into
several chats, only one of which was on the `am’ domain.