Author: Nalbandian Albert

PRESS RELEASE
Armenian Studies Program
Gloria Caudill, Administrator
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
[email protected]
(734) 763-0622

A MUCH NEEDED PROJECT TO STUDY "THE STATE OF ARMENIAN STUDIES" GLOBALLY

The Armenian Studies Program at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor,
in collaboration with the National Association for Armenian Studies
and Research and other major institutions and organizations has
embarked on an ambitious project to study "The State of Armenian
Studies."

Universities and the Academy of Sciences in Armenia have departments
and institutes that deal with the subject. In the Diaspora, a large
number of organizations, endowed chairs, and programs in academic
institutions and outside devote substantial resources to promote
Armenian Studies.

In the past the National Association for Armenian Studies and
Research, the National Academy of Science of Armenia, the
International Association for Armenian Studies have organized
conferences and colloquia to study various aspects of the field; so
have individual scholars. Based on these efforts and undertaking
comprehensive surveys and analyses, the University of Michigan project
aims at producing a first of its kind comprehensive and global Report
on the "State of Armenian Studies" and making it available to all
concerned by the end of 2009 with the cooperation of organizations,
institutions, and scholars involved in Armenian Studies worldwide.

That report will encompass a quantitative as well as a qualitative
analysis of the whole array of activities, from existing programs and
their activities, books and articles published in the last decades,
programs and chairs established, to gaps in knowledge, relationship
between current output and advances in the social sciences and
humanities in general, and future needs.

To produce that report, the Armenian Studies Program at the University
of Michigan invited an initial, organizational meeting of
organizations and institutions that might contribute to the planning
of and logistical support to the project. That first meeting was held
on September 19 and 20 on the campus of the University of Michigan.

Participating in the first meeting of the workshop were
representatives of the National Academy of Sciences (Prof. Ruben
Safrastyan), Yerevan State University (Prof. Albert Stepanyan), the
National Association for Armenian Studies and Research (Belmont,
Mass., Marc Mamigonian), the Society for Armenian Studies (US, Barlow
Der Mgrtichian), the Society for Armenian Studies (Europe, Seta Claire
Mouradian), the Armenian Research Center, University of
Michigan-Dearborn (Prof. Ara Sanjian and Gerald Ottenbreit), and the
Armenian Studies Program at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
(Professors Gerard Libaridian and Kevork Bardakjian). The Director of
the Matenadaran in Armenia, Dr. Hrach Tamrazian, was unable to attend
due to a scheduling conflict, but pledged his support to the
project. The president of the International Association of Armenian
Studies, Prof. Valentina Calzolari, based in Geneva, could not attend
because of a personal emergency but sent a full commentary on the
questions posed and is fully engaged in the process.

During the next months the project will be made operational; Armenian
Studies chair holders, program directors and individual scholars will
be asked to contribute to the preparation of the draft report. A
second, expanded meeting of the workshop will convene in the spring of
2009 to discuss and review the draft Report.

"It is obvious that Armenian Studies is critical to scholarship that
will help us understand and interpret the Armenian past, culture and
identity," stated Prof. Gerard Libaridian, Director of the Armenian
Studies Program at the University of Michigan and director of the
project.

"But Armenian Studies also constitutes an integral part of the life of
our people in Armenia and in communities in the Diaspora. Scholarship
has been critical in the way the Armenian nation articulated itself in
the modern era; policy and agenda making interact on so many
levels. This is the time to do an inventory of our resources, think
about the problems, and propose solutions," he said. "We are delighted
to have the support of all institutions and organizations concerned
and I am confident we will have the support of individual scholars as
well to produce as comprehensive, thoughtful, and useful Report as
possible."

This workshop is being supported by the Harry Ardashes Paul Memorial
Fund of the Armenian Studies Program at the University of Michigan,
Ann Arbor.

RAPA CHAIRMAN CONSIDERS THAT FOREIGN FORCES CARRY ON PRO-AZERI POLICY

Noyan Tapan
Oct 29, 2008

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 29, NOYAN TAPAN. Representatives of OSCE Minsk
Group mediator countries carry on policy of unfair solution to the
Nagorno Karabakh problem openly pursuing a goal to make the settlement
serve their own interests. Haroutiun Arakelian, the Chairman of the
Ramkavar-Azatakan Party of Armenia (RAPA) stated at the October 28
press conference.

According to him, striking the pose of a judge to the fate of the
Armenian people by foreign departments responsible persons of both
the U.S. and European countries has become a tradition. "The latters
shamelessly state that a solution to the Nagorno Karabakh problem
has no borders with the international right of self-determination
of Kosovo, Abkhazia, and Ossetia," H. Arakelian stated adding that
Russia, the United States, and Europe show dual approaches in their
foreign policy.

"The countries representing OSCE Minsk Group have launched a race to
please Azerbaijan," RAPA Chairman said. According to him, Russian
President Dmitry Medvedev, that country’s Ministers of Transport,
Foreign Affairs, and Defence, Representative of NATO Secretary
General Robert Simmons, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Daniel
Fried visiting Armenia lately acted by the same scenario.

In H. Arakelian’s opinion, taking into consideration the formed
situation, Armenia should stop its participation in the Nagorno
Karabakh settlement negotiations process carried out by OSCE Minsk
Group. According to him, the Armenian government should officially
apply to Hague International Court against the government of Azerbaijan
with the accusation of carrying out ethnic cleansings, slaughters,
robbery and pillage towards Armenians in Baku, Sumgayit, Kirovabad,
and in other populated areas in 1988-1994.

According to H. Arakelian, in the formed situation the Armenian
side needs to gain time, and the judicial process will give us that
possibility.

AIDE TO TURKISH PRIME MINISTER: WE WANT TO ESTABLISH ALL POSSIBLE BEST RELATIONS WITH ARMENIA

ArmInfo
2008-10-28 19:54:00

ArmInfo. "We are not enemies with Armenians and do not regard them
as threat. We want to establish all possible best relations with
Armenia. We want to establish good relations with all rmenians in
the world, no matter where they live in Los Angeles or in Paris. We
expect them to support the process, not impede it. We are waiting
for Armenians with open arms," Ahmet Davutoglu, the chief foreign
policy aide to Turkey’s Prime Minister said in his interview with
Hurriyet newspaper. As APA agency reports, taking a stance on Armenian
Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian’s interview to BBC Turkish service
Ahmet Davutoglu said they were ready to solve all the problems
with Armenia. Asked about Azerbaijan’s concerns the aide said:
"Improvement of our bilateral relations will have influence on the
Nagorno Karabakh issue," he said. According to the source, Edvard
Nalbandian said in his interview with BBC Turkish service that there
was no obstacle in normalization of Turkey-Armenia relations. "First
we expect diplomatic relations to be established and borders to be
opened. We want intergovernmental commission to be set up to discuss
all the problems between the two sides," he said.

ARMENIAN-BRITISH RELATIONS HAVE A GREAT POTENTIAL FOR DEVELOPMENT

armradio.am
28.10.2008 11:53

On October 27 Edward Nalbandian started his visit to the United
Kingdom.

Edward Nalbandian and Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom
David Miliband discussed a broad range of bilateral, regional and
international issues.

Turning to bilateral relations, Minister Nalabndian said Armenia
attaches great importance to the development of comprehensive and
all-embracing relations with Great Britain – one of the leading
countries of Europe, and his visit is an evidence of Armenia’s
determination.

Minister Nalbandian said the Armenian-British political dialogue and
the trade-economic relations have a great potential for development,
and the activation of the Armenian-British relations in the
above-mentioned sphere is one of the primary issues of cooperation
between the two countries.

Minister Nalbandian and Foreign Secretary Miliband discussed in
detail the settlement of regional conflicts. In this context Minister
Nalbandian presented Armenia’s stance on the resolution of the Artsakh
issue. He expressed hope that the parties can reach the resolution
of the issue in case there is corresponding political will.

At the request of David Miliband, Edward Nalbandian presented the
opportunities of normalization of the Armenian-Turkish relations,
underlining that the aim of the process is their full normalization
and Armenia is resolute to continue the steps in this direction. The
British Foreign Secretary highly assessed Armenia’s steps targeted
at the improvement of relations with Turkey.

Armenia’s Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian and British Minister
of State for Europe Caroline Flint discussed the Armenia-European
Union cooperation, particularly the process of implementation of
the Action Plan of the European Neighborhood Policy, the bilateral
cooperation between Armenia and Great Britain within the framework of
the ENP. Ministers Nalbandian and Flint turned to regional issues,
especially the perspectives of normalization of relations, as well
as the activation of bilateral relations.

Minister Nalbandian visited the House of Lords, where he met with
members of the Armenian-British Friendship Group. The meeting was
attended by representatives of the main political parties of the
United Kingdom – the Laborites, the Conservatives and the Liberals,
as well as other parties.

Minister Nalbandian made a speech at the Royal Institute of
International Affairs (Chatham House), gave an interview to BBC Radio,
met representatives of the British-Armenian community and had a meeting
with Brian Fall, UK Special Representative for the South Caucasus.

Philadelphia Inquirer, PA

Holy oil flows past obstacles

MICHAEL ROBINSON CHAVEZ / Los Angeles Times

Archbishop Hovnan Derderian (right) of the Western Diocese of the
Armenian Church, based in Burbank, Calif., distributes vials of holy
oil to priests from across Southern California. Photo

Posted on Sun, Oct. 26, 2008

Holy oil flows past obstacles

Post-9/11 flight rules force Armenian Church priests to adapt.
By Louis Sahagun

Los Angeles Times

Every seven years since A.D. 301, priests have trekked to the ancient
Cathedral of Etchmiadzin in Armenia to retrieve freshly brewed muron,
a sweet-scented holy oil stirred with what is said to be the tip of
the lance driven through Jesus’ side, and carry it back to their
respective dioceses.
Prepared in a massive silver caldron, the mixture of herbs, flower
extracts, spices, wine, and pure olive oil is derived from an original
batch mixed at the Armenian Church’s founding 1,707 years ago. It is
replenished every seven years by pouring old into new, continuing a
mysterious connection between distant generations.

The priests traditionally have traveled home with their portions in
jars cradled in their arms, because muron is supposed to be handled
only by ordained clergy.

That all changed late in September, when ancient tradition met with a
21st-century obstacle thrown up since the last trip for the holy oil:
As a liquid, muron cannot be taken aboard commercial airliners,
according to airport security rules.

"We were very worried. In the old days, we carried the muron in our
hands," said Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, primate of the Western
Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, in Burbank, Calif. "I
would never have given away that privilege, but we had no option."

Derderian bundled up his six containers in layers of cloth and then
packed them snugly into three suitcases. Airport baggage handlers took
it from there.

"I was confident that nothing would happen to it," he said. "You do
your best, and then trust in God."

Derderian’s containers arrived safely after a 20-hour flight.

A genial man with a black beard, Derderian declared mission
accomplished Oct. 7 when priests from churches across Southern
California gathered around a massive oak table in his office.

Their 7-ounce portions of the amber oil were presented on a silver
tray: 15 small glass jars with white screw-cap lids, each marked with
a label written in English and Armenian: "Holy Muron. September 28,
2008. Holy Etchmiadzin."

After prayers and solemn hymns, the clergy, clad in black robes, stood
and formed a line. Fist-size silver crosses, some studded with
precious stones, dangled from silver chains around their necks. They
approached the table, in turn, with heads bowed and kissed the jars
that Derderian placed in their hands.

A few minutes later, they were heading back to their churches, where
the oil would be transferred into dove-shape sterling silver
containers symbolizing the Holy Spirit.

Over the next seven years, the muron will be used – a few drops at a
time – primarily for christenings in Armenian churches the world over.

"Armenians everywhere are bound by muron," said Zaven Arzoumanian, a
theologian with the Western Diocese. "It receives special powers from
relics used in its preparation. The gifts of the Holy Spirit come from
it in church ceremonies.

"That is why," he added with a smile, "our people have always said,
‘My child must be muronized.’ "

Muron’s origins date to the founding of the Armenian Church,
established in the early fourth century by St. Gregory the
Illuminator, patron saint of Armenians. He established the Cathedral
of Etchmiadzin, one of the world’s oldest.

St. Gregory is said to have blended the first muron there as a
unifying religious symbol of forgiveness and peace, and as a
medicine. Over the centuries, church leaders say, muron helped sustain
a people decimated and dispersed by war, conquest and genocide.

This muron season, more than 70,000 people braved drenching rains to
watch His Holiness Karekin II, supreme patriarch and catholicos of
Armenians worldwide, lead a procession from the Cathedral of
Etchmiadzin to an outdoor altar where the mixture had been
steam-heated for 40 days and nights.

The ceremony culminated with a pitcher of fresh muron being combined
with the old in a gigantic engraved silver caldron and stirred with an
assortment of religious relics.

Congregants are invited to scoop up samples to take home or drink then
and there. "It’s important to be a part of the muron process,"
Derderian said. "It really takes you back in time."

RIA OREANDA, Russia
Oct 22 2008

Dmitry Medvedev Had Telephone Conversation with Ilham Aliyev

Moscow. "OREANDA-NEWS . October 22, 2008. The two Presidents discussed
practical preparation of an upcoming planned summit on settlement in
Nagorno-Karabakh, in which Mr Medvedev will take part.

Mr Medvedev proposed the idea of holding a summit on this issue with
the Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan during a recent visit to
Yerevan.

Today’s Zaman, Turkey

26 October 2008, Sunday

Out and about in the backyard of Trabzon

The Sümela Monastery

Trabzon, in Turkey’s remote northeastern corner, may be a fascinating,
vibrant city, but the sad truth is that for most visitors it’s merely
a stepping stone on the way to their real target: Sümela, an
extraordinary monastery that clings to the mountainside, seemingly
defying gravity, southeast of the small town of Maçka.

Even if you’ve never heard of Sümela you will almost certainly
know what it looks like, because it’s one of those images, like those
of Pamukkale and Cappadocia, that tourist offices love to display as
bait for their guests. Remember a picture of a crumbling ruin high up
above the pine trees with no obvious means of access? Yes, that’s
Sümela.

You can hardly help but ask how it came to be there, and the answer
lies in a story that tracks right back to the fourth century when
Sts. Barnabas and Sophronius came to the area in search of an icon of
Mary, the mother of Jesus (Meryamana in Turkish), supposedly painted
by St. Luke. Unlikely as it may seem, they finally found the icon way
up on the mountain, where they established a shelter to protect
it. Over time, word of the discovery spread and the shelter swelled
into a shrine, complete with beautiful frescoes on its rock-cut
ceiling. By the time the Ottomans came roaring into Trabzon its fame
was so great that they too took an interest in the shrine, paying for
more frescoes to be painted on the outside walls of a monastic church
that had been painstakingly built onto the rock face.

But of course, there was no happy ending to the story. As the
centuries wore on, so the number of monks prepared to live in such a
remote location dwindled to a handful. Then in 1924 came the
Greek-Turkish population exchange at the end of the Turkish War of
Independence, which meant that the few remaining Christian monks were
required to leave the country.

One might have thought that the monastery’s remote location would have
protected it from damage once it had been abandoned, but unfortunately
graffiti artists were unable to resist leaving their tags on the
frescoes, while some "art-lovers" went so far as to chisel away whole
sections of the paintwork for themselves. Finally, a decision was made
to rebuild the entire complex on the mountainside, a process which is
now virtually complete. Some purists will probably dislike the end
result, with its distinctive new roofs, but it’s far from being the
worst restoration in Turkey, and certainly makes it easier for the
average layperson to envisage how life might have been lived up here
among the birds.

Although there are many organized tours to Sümela, it’s
perfectly easy to get there under your own steam, either by car or
using a local minibus. The ride out there takes some time to break
free of the ugly Trabzon overspill, but once you reach Maçka
the scenery bucks up considerably, until finally you reach the
Altındere National Park which protects the monastery and its
surroundings. The zigzag walk up the rock face is a stiff one which
requires sturdy footwear — and coming down again can be especially
treacherous, especially after rain when the wet leaves on the path are
more slippery than banana skins.

Sümela may be the most obvious excursion destination from
Trabzon, but its sheer popularity sometimes overshadows all the other
possibilities. Local travel agents are usually most enthusiastic about
Uzungöl, a popular picnic spot on the banks of the long lake
from which it took its name. The trouble is that Westerners who go
there probably anticipate finding the same sort of pristine scenery
and inviting log chalets as seen in the Alps. But this is Turkey, and
more specifically the eastern end of the Black Sea, which means that
concrete structures have insinuated their way even onto the shores of
the sea. Much better, perhaps, to get out of the eastward-heading bus
as it leaves the small town of Sürmene where, on the inland
side of the road, you will be able to visit the Kastell, one of the
finest surviving examples of the sort of fortified house once favored
by the "derebeys," the local lords who held sway around here during
the late Ottoman period.

Not a great deal is definitely known about the Kastell (now signposted
as MemiÅ? AÄ?a KonaÄ?ı), although it probably
dates from the middle of the nineteenth century when it was built for
a member of the YakupoÄ?lu family. Externally, it’s an imposing
building, its stone-built ground floor supporting a distinctively
half-timbered upper storey, but really it’s the lovely woodwork of the
interior that you’ve come to see, along with the frescoes of local
fruits that adorn the walls of the selamlık (the men’s room),
the fine stone-built fireplaces, and the curious private hamam that
provided central heating for the house.

Across the road from the Kastell is another fine house, apparently
also due for restoration. Hard though it is to believe it now, these
two houses once looked straight out onto the sea. Now they have the
newly completed (or almost completed) Black Sea highway in front of
them. As you return to the center of Sürmene, look towards the
inland side of the road to see a cluster of Ottoman houses with so
many windows that the walls could almost be made of glass. These are
thought to have been a later development from the architecture of the
Kastell, designed at a time when life was more stable, and homes no
longer needed to be semi-fortified.

One other day-trip destination from Trabzon is likely to be much less
obvious. If you don’t turn off the road towards Maçka but
instead keep heading south you will come eventually to
GümüÅ?hane, a small town whose name means "Silver
House", a clue to a past far more illustrious than the dreary modern
settlement might suggest. The secret here is to head inland
immediately for what the locals call the Süleymaniye Mahallesi
but which is also known as Eski GümüÅ?hane (Old
GümüÅ?hane). It’s a lovely drive up into the hills
to a virtually abandoned settlement where just five or six families
still hang on amid the ruins of a ghost town that grew rich on the
proceeds of silver-mining, which kept going here until the nineteenth
century. The authorities seem to have exhausted their enthusiasm for
advertising the site with the huge pictures in the bus terminal, but
if you pick the right taxi driver, he should be able to point out the
ruins of the old Greek church, the old Armenian church, and the
original school. A once magnificent Ottoman house with paintings on
its facades is still just about standing, and you will be able to pick
out many other anonymous ruins amid the rosehips and apple orchards.

Afterwards, you will feel more than justified in returning to modern
GümüÅ?hane to stock up on pestil (fruit leather)
and köme (fruit sausage), the two sweet delicacies stocked by
every other local shop.

WHERE TO STAY: Most people will stay in Trabzon but the following
accommodation is in Maçka.

CoÅ?andere Pansiyon Tel: 0462-531 1190

Hotel Büyük Sümela Tel: 0462-512 3540

Maçkam Hotel Tel: 0462-512 3640

HOW TO GET THERE: There are daily flights from Ä°stanbul and
Ankara to Trabzon, and buses from all local towns including Erzurum
and IÄ?dır. Minibuses for Sümela, Uzungöl
and Sürmene leave from the minibus terminal facing the harbor,
buses to GümüÅ?hane from the main bus terminal.

26 October 2008, Sunday
PAT YALE TRABZON

MIHRAN’S NEW SINGLE DEBUTS AT ARPA FILM FESTIVAL

Armenian Reporter

October 25, 2008
Armenia

Los Angeles – Among the talented Armenian and non-Armenian artists
participating in this weekend’s 11th Annual Arpa International Film
Festival will be dancer-rapper-actor-fashion designer Mihran Kirakosian
(Arts & Culture, March 24, 2007).

The 23-year-old’s resume to date includes dancing with the biggest
acts in entertainment history, in all corners of the world, on the
biggest and most popular tours with the likes of Madonna, Ricky Martin,
Britney Spears, and Kylie Minogue.

Five years after joining Madonna as the youngest dancer to tour the
world with the pop icon, Mihran is focusing on his music. This weekend
he debuts the single from his upcoming album at the culmination of
the film festival.

Armenian Reporter: Tell us about your new album.

Mihran Kirakosian: I’ve collaborated with other artists before, but
this one is all about me and who I am. I wanted to create something
new, not imitate what others have done. I’ve taken what I’ve learned
from all the best and pushed myself to achieve something better. To do
anything less is just not worth it in such a competitive industry. I
am Armenian. However, I have grown up in America. So I’m bringing
together the essence of my experiences from all of the cultures I
consider being a part of through original music and lyrics. It’s the
real deal: mixing our culture’s sound and Armenian instruments with
today’s hip-hop music.

AR: Who did you collaborate with?

MK: Vache Ter-Yegishyan and I produced the music together, working
day and night to create something innovative. I’ve known Vache for a
very long time; he is a family friend. However, we had never worked
together before. I felt like we were too different and it would never
work out. Then I realized working with him was exactly what I needed. I
needed someone unique, creative, and different from myself to be able
to collaborate with and come up with something truly different.

AR: How long have you been working on this album?

MK: I started working on the album in January and finished recording
it in August. I did a few creative jobs on the side, but my main focus
this year was the album. Now we’re in the mixing process, which will
take about a month. My single "Armenia" will be out in two weeks,
and the release date for the album is January 24, 2009. It’ll be
available on iTunes, at record stores, and on my website. But I’m
not announcing the name of the album until sometime in December.

AR: What are your songs about?

MK: I talk about where I’m from. My music is all about dance,
performance, my life experiences. And it has a very positive vibe. It’s
about uniting everyone around the world, regardless of their religion
or nationality. I know artists say this all the time, but my music is
different from what’s out there. The "Armenia" single is going to be
an anthem for all Armenians. If you’re not Armenian, you will still
appreciate the song, the production, and especially the performance.

AR: What’s ahead?

MK: My first performance will be at the Egyptian Theatre for the 11th
Annual Arpa International Film Festival on Sunday, October 26. Three
days later, I’m flying to Armenia to shoot my first video for the
album. Since the title of the first single is "Armenia," I felt like
I should shoot the video in Armenia. I’m also scheduled to open the
show for the Second Annual Armenian Comedy Awards. This will take
place on December 14 at the Pasadena Civic.

AR: What were the jobs you did on the side while recording this album?

MK: I was fortunate to get a few acting gigs this year that didn’t
take up much of my time. However, right now my focus is all about my
music and nothing else. I have also been dancing in commercials and
movies. The excitement and drive to continue the career of a dancer
is not there anymore. I need to accomplish something innovative and
exciting to get the same drive back. I have always wanted to be an
artist, but I pursued dancing and really can’t explain why. If I
could go back in time and initially be an artist, I wouldn’t. I have
learned so much about the music business by touring with artists,
especially Madonna. I would have never been able to acquire this
knowledge and experience in any classroom. I got to experience it
first-hand, and there is nothing better than that.

RUSSIA HAS SEIZED THE INITIATIVE OF SETTLING KARABAKH CONFLICT, RUSSIAN EXPERT SAYS

ArmInfo
2008-10-23 18:11:00

ArmInfo. Russia has managed to seize the initiative settling Karabakh
conflict, Vladimir Zakharov, Professor, Deputy Director of Caucasian
Studies Center of MGIMO (Moscow State University of International
Relations) said in the course of a video-bridge Yerevan-Moscow
‘Results of Russian President’s visit to Armenia’.

‘The visit of Russian president to Armenia was very timely since the
USA has assumed the initiative on settlement of Karabakh conflict
just recently. The key issue for Armenia and Azerbaijan is Karabakh at
present. Russia is not indifferent to this topic either. The five-day
war in South Ossetia showed what takes place when the USA assumes
settlement of conflicts in the CIS’, he said.

‘That is why I welcome the fact that Russia very timely seized
the initiative. Presidents of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia are
expected to meet in November and I am sure that negotiations of the
three presidents should start but the results will be seen later’,
Zakharov said.

ARMENIAN EXPERT: RUSSIA’S INTENTION TO SPEED UP KARABKAH PROCESS INCOMPREHENSIBLE

PanARMENIAN.Net
23.10.2008 17:14 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The 2008 events have created a new platform for
the Karabakh process, said Sergei Minasyan, deputy director of the
Caucasus Institute.

"Azerbaijan will never become a completely pro-western country,
like Georgia. Moreover, the latter has been disvalued as an oil and
gas transit country. The world powers gave a fresh look at Armenia,
whose ‘football diplomacy’ produced an effect," he said during a
round table discussion today.

"Turkey started developing its Caucasus stability and cooperation pact
in spring and the five-day war in South Ossetia just pushed Ankara
to action. Its initiative has changed the situation in the region,"
Minasyan said.

At that he noted that Russia’s intention to speed up the Karabakh
process is incomprehensible. "Russia is imitating the Ramboullet
and Bucharest scenarios. However, the conflicting sides prefer to
maintain the status quo and the mediation of U.S. and EU. I am not
sure that stirring up the talks is in Russia interest," he said.