Author: Nanijanian Alex

PACE CO-RAPPORTEURS: ARMENIAN AUTHORITIES NEED TO IMPLEMENT THE REFORMS RECOMMENDED BY THE AD HOC COMMITTEE OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF ARMENIA WITHOUT FURTHER DELAY

ArmInfo
2010-02-03 09:00:00

ArmInfo "The Armenian authorities need to implement the reforms
recommended by the ad hoc Committee of the National Assembly of
Armenia on the events of 1 and 2 March 2008, without further delay,"
concluded the co-rapporteurs of the Parliamentary Assembly of the
Council of Europe (PACE), John Prescott (United Kingdom, SOC) and
Georges Colombier (France, EPP/CD), following an exchange of views
in the PACE Monitoring Committee last week.

"The reforms recommended by the ad hoc Committee, in combination with
those contained in the relevant PACE resolutions, if implemented in
good faith, could comprehensively address the circumstances that led
to the events of 1 and 2 March 2008," the co-rapporteurs said. They
stressed that these recommendations therefore needed to be implemented
without further delay, especially those related to the reform of the
police – including the establishment of an independent oversight and
complaints body – and the long overdue reform of the electoral code.

The co-rapporteurs announced that they would send a letter to the
Armenian Parliament asking it to provide the Monitoring Committee,
before its meeting on 17 March 2010 in Paris, with a clear timetable
for these reforms. "On the basis of the discussions in the Monitoring
Committee we will then visit Yerevan this spring to discuss the
establishment of a clear roadmap for the implementation of these
reforms," the co-rapporteurs said.

In addition to the roadmap, the co-rapporteurs also intend to raise
the issue of the sentencing of Nikol Pashinian as well as other cases
where they have sought clarification from the authorities. "A number of
issues following the events of 1 and 2 March still need to be clarified
and addressed", the co-rapporteurs said, stressing the continuing
importance and need for the monitoring of political developments by
the Assembly and other relevant bodies of the Council of Europe.

PH. GORDON: ARMENIA, TURKEY SHOULD ESTABLISH NORMALIZED RELATIONS REGARDLESS OF OTHER ISSUES

Panorama.am
15:16 02/02/2010

The US Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs Philip
Gordon reaffirmed that the Armenian-Turkish protocols should be
ratified and be implemented.

"As we know, Armenia and Turkey signed last October protocols on
establishing diplomatic relations. Both countries need to move
forward in ratifying and implementing protocols. We believe this is
an opportunity to overcome really historic differences between the
two countries in a way that would benefit both," Gordon told a press
conference in Washington.

"To establish normalized relations between the two countries and open
the border would contribute to peace and stability in the region,
and we think that is true regardless of other issues – that it needs
to move forward independently of other issues, simply because it is
in the interest of the two countries," Gordon said.

Note that Gordon’s statement once again was a counterblow to Ankara’s
views stating Nagorno-Karabakh settlement to be a major precondition
for the Armenian-Turkish normalization.

SPECIAL ATTENTION AT THE COMMUNITIES WATER SUPPLY

Aysor.am
Monday, February 01

The Hayastan All-Armenian Fund in October 2009 has launched
the construction of a drinking-water network in Sos, a village
in Artsakh’s Martuni Region, as well as the refurbishment of the
community’s broken water reservoir. The project is co-sponsored by the
"Hayastan" All-Armenian Fund’s French affiliate and the NKR government.

"At the center of our humanitarian action is the well being of the
Artsakh population, with special emphasize on children-related and
water supply projects," comments Pierre Terzian, chairman of the
"Hayastan" All-Armenian Fund French affiliate.

The construction of the 7.6-kilometer internal water-distribution
network is complete already. The next phase of the project which will
start in February 2010 comprises the renovation of the main water
reservoir and construction of the smaller distribution reservoirs.

"Unfortunately numerous rural communities throughout Artsakh and
Armenia still lack reliable access to water. We are extremely gratified
that, with the project in Sos, yet another community will have resolved
its water crisis", – said Ara Vardanyan, executive director of the
Hayastan All-Armenian Fund.

According to Igor Ghahramyan, mayor of Sos, the residents of the
ancient village obtain much of their water supply from a single local
well, which is in grave disrepair and the water of which is not safe
for drinking. "Water is the most vital element connecting villagers
to the land, and only after solving the water problem they can begin
to address other issues facing the community", – Ghahramyan says.

In 2009 it completed water-network projects in the villages of
Berdashen and Spitakashen.

Currently the fund is implementing school-building initiatives in
the communities of Gishi and Chartar, and in the summer of 2009 it
completed the construction of a new school in Spitakashen.

DIRRELL – IT’S OFF WITH KING ARTHUR’S HEAD
By Graeme Bradley

stv.tv
29 January 2010 18:05 PM

Andre Dirrell insists he will dethrone King Arthur Abraham when the
pair meet in the Super Six World Boxing Classic.

Dirrell – It’s off with King Arthur’s head

Long Live the King: Dirrell is conspiring to end the reign of King
Arthur Abraham Pic: ©Andy Couldridge/Action Images

Andre Dirrell maintains he will end the reign of ‘King’ Arthur Abraham
when the two face each other in the second stage of the Super Six
World Boxing Classic on March 6 in California. Abraham is currently
sitting top of the table in the super middleweight tournament thanks
to a knockout victory over Jermain Taylor, but Dirrell insists he
dethrone the ‘King’.

The American lost his first bout in the Super Six by a disputed split
decision against Nottingham’s Carl Froch, but the defeat has made
the Olympic bronze medallist more determined to finally get points
on the board at the expense of Abraham.

"The end of Camelot is near," he said. "It’s off with King Arthur’s
head on March 6."

Dirrell’s promoter Gary Shaw continued the theme: "Andre is going
to pull the sword out of the stone and stab it straight into King
Arthur’s ego."

The undefeated Abraham, 31-0 (25 KOs), admitted Dirrell will be a
tough challenge, but is confident he can emerge victorious en route
to booking a place in the semi-finals.

"I need two more victories to secure my place in the semi-finals and
I will start with Dirrell," said the 29-year-old Armenia-born German.

"He is a very skilled, yet very awkward fighter. It will be a difficult
challenge but together with my coach Ulli Wegner we have developed
an idea how to beat him."

The bout will be Abraham’s second in the US following his fourth
round knockout victory over Edison Miranda in 2008 and the former
middleweight world champion is hoping we can become successful on
the other side of the Atlantic.

"I have said it before and I will say it again: It is my goal to
become a star in America," he said.

"That is where boxing legends are made, and I want to become a boxing
legend. That is what the Super Six tournament is all about for me. The
victory over Taylor was a good start, but I am not finished yet."

He added: "A lot of Armenians live in L.A. and I hope they all come
and support me against Dirrell. I will put on a great show just like
I did against Taylor," he said.

Abraham’s promoter Kalle Sauerland was bursting with confidence and
insists the American boxing fans are in for a great show when they
watch "the most explosive fighter in world boxing".

"Abraham kicked off the Super Six World Boxing Classic in style. Once
again, he showed his incredible punching power. He is undefeated
in 31 fights with 25 KOs including 10 successful defences of his
middleweight championship.

"He can’t wait to get his stateside campaign going in the U.S. and
he will deliver another spectacular fight against Dirrell.

"Gary Shaw and his troops better watch out, the Abrahammer is on his
way to catch Dirrell. Here come another three points."

THE EXPEDIENCY OF STATE ORGANIZATIONS ACTIVITIES WILL BE CONSIDERED

NKR Government Information and
Public Relations Department
January 26, 2010

At the NKR Government session

Today, has taken place a regular session of the NKR Government chaired
by Prime Minister Ara Haroutyounyan.

The Prime Minister in the name of the Government congratulated the
newly appointed director of rescue service and focused his attention
on key functions of the sphere. It was assigned to determine and
arrange the list of units of strategic importance and secure their
unfailing functioning in case of emergency.

According to the decision of the Government, one of the shops of
"Condenser factory of Stepanakert" CSJC is privatized, and by direct
selling is rendered to "Mika-Hadrout" company. In accord with the
concluded agreement the owner is obliged to implement investment
program in the value of 200 million drams till July 1, 2012 and create
20 permanent working places. The Premier demanded from competent
bodies to follow the process of discharging one’s obligations and
exclude their seizure for other purposes.

The Government also approved the concept of demographic policy.

According to definition of Minister of Social Welfare N.Astsatryan the
concept is a fundamental document for state and regional authorities
in the process of setting problems concerning birth rate, health
protection, life interval, education, migration, demographic
development, etc.

The Executive adopted series of decisions concerning social sphere. In
was established the order of giving reference to those not having
social cards. Amendments were made in formerly adopted decisions of
the Government on granting a pension, moneyed assistance, maternity
and pregnancy aid. By another decision amendments were made in 12
decisions.

At the suggestion of Minister of education and science V.Khachatryan,
the Executive approved procedure of granting an allowance to students
of secondary special educational institution.

The state will fully compensate tuition fees of students having
appreciations.

Prime Minister Ara Haroutyounyan reminded that the members of the
Government must follow the instruction of the NKR President and avoid
creating new administrative bodies. There is no sense to overload
the system with new circles having legal status.

The Prime Minister offered amendments in NKR laws "On Licensing" and
"On Civil Service". The approved draft laws will be submitted to the
NKR National Assembly’s discussion.

The Government approved the list of highways for general use and
declared invalid previously adopted law on this issue. The new list
distinguishes 5 highways for intergovernmental purpose and 11-for
public purpose.

At the session it was also approved the program of activities of the
NKR Government for 2010; it provides more than 200 various activities.

The Executive adopted a decision on results of Eghishe annual
awarding 2009, and made amendments in the previous decision on annual
awarding. According to nominations laureates were the following; Maxim
Hovhannisyan (literature "Feast of non gods"), Yuri Hovhannisyan (art
"Mashtots in Amaras" high relief), Sophie Ioannidis, Benik Ghahramanyan
(cinematography and TV films "Title at the end"), Melanya Balayan
(liberal arts "Armenian Aghvan church history").

At the end of the session the premier gave assignment to the Chamber
of Control to carry out control over the process of eliminating the
uncovered shortcomings and omissions in the suggestions submitted to
the Government.

LARISA ALAVERDYAN: PRESIDENTIAL MEETINGS WITHOUT ARTSAKH LEADER’S PARTICIPATION UNBALANCED

PanARMENIAN.Net
27.01.2010 15:49 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Heritage party secretary Larisa Alaverdyan slammed
the Jan. 25 meeting between Armenian, Azerbaijani and Russian
Presidents as unbalanced.

"Presidential meetings without Artsakh leader’s participation can’t be
part of talks. I did not have any expectations for the meeting," she
said during a joint news conference with RPA member Hovhannes Sahakyan.

Mr. Sahakyan, for his part, estimated the meeting as positive. "It’s
an achievement that Artsakh’s participation in talks was considered
by the Presidents," he said.

ZATULIN SAYS AZERBAIJAN WILL LOSE ECONOMICALLY IF RESUMING WAR

Yerkir
26.01.2010 14:33

Yerevan (Yerkir) – Konstantin Zatulin, the director of the CIS
Institute, has said in an interview with the Russian Service of the
Voice of America that Azerbaijan will lose in economy and investments
in case of the military solution to the Karabakh conflict.

"Given the completely different views by Armenia and Azerbaijan on
the final results of the running negotiations, I can’t say if there
is another way for solving the conflict but the forced methods,"
said Konstantin Zatulin.

"If Azerbaijan’s government decides to enter the war to return those
lost territories, or as it calls them — ‘occupied territories’ —
then it can hardly be said of the successful end for this. At least,
it will lead to great economical problems and flow-out of investments
for which Azerbaijan is wishing for."

WAC TO ORGANIZE EVENTS ON 95TH AND 100TH ANNIVERSARIES OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

Noyan Tapan
Jan 26, 2010

YEREVAN, JANUARY 26, NOYAN TAPAN. A conference of representatives
of the World Armenian Congress youth organizations will be held on
January 27 in Yerevan within the framework of the events dedicated
to the 10th anniversary of foundation of the Union of Armenians in
Russia. Vladimir Aghayan, the Vice-Chairman of the World Armenian
Congress and the Union of Armenians in Russia, reported at a January
26 press conference that the conference participants will discuss
the problems of the youth organizations regarding the 95th and 100th
anniversaries of the Armenian Genocide.

The 2010 pupils’ and students’ competition of creative works on the
title "We have been, we are and we will be" held for the 6th time will
be also dedicated to the 95th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. In
2010, for the 4th time competitions will be also held jointly with
creative unions, Armenian National Academy of Sciences. A new Jivan
Gasparian competition of duduk players will be also held.

V. Aghayan said that the World Armenian Congress plans before the 100th
anniversary of the Armenian Genocide to plant 1.5 million trees in the
territory of Armenia, one tree in the memory of each genocide victim.

RUBEN HAKOBYAN: ARMENIA TIED TO KARABAKH

PanARMENIAN.Net
26.01.2010 16:28 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenia is tied to Karabakh, an Armenian expert said.

"During the past two decades, life in Armenia was conditioned by
the Karabakh conflict," director of analytic research center Ruben
Hakobyan told a news conference in Yerevan.

He presumed that progress in the negotiation process may help Armenia
improve domestic situation.

AZERBAIJANI MP: MADRID PRINCIPLES ARE BUILT AGAINST AZERBAIJAN’S INTERESTS

AZG DAILY
27-01-2010

International

Day.Az interview with Azerbaijan’s former ambassador to Iran, member
of the Azerbaijani parliament Nasib Nasibli.

– For several months, we have heard that Iran is fully ready to open
its borders to all citizens of Azerbaijan without any visas. In your
opinion, what is behind this sudden "open-door policy"?

– I think it is not a surprise move. Iran has made such an attempt
not for the first time. Tehran has sought to change the visa regime
with Azerbaijan for decades. Now they announce that the visa-free
regime for Azerbaijanis will unilaterally enter into force in
February. What Iran actually wants? What is clear is that they need to
ensure a greater presence in Azerbaijan. They want greater political
integration with our people and deeper economic presence. They need
both. To put it mildly, they seek to expand their influence in the
neighboring country. Of course, everybody understands that Iran as a
state has a much greater potential as compared with Azerbaijan in all
respects. Therefore, Tehran sees Azerbaijan as a zone of its presence
and as available area of influence.

– Interestingly, Iran announced these intentions almost simultaneously
with the same actions of the Turkish Republic in respect to all its
neighbors. Can it be seen as Iran’s attempt to compete with a stronger
regional player – Turkey?

– I do not think that the real picture looks that way. Anyone after
careful reflection will recall that Turkey was trying to introduce
visa-free regime with many countries long time ago. First, Turkey
wanted to lift visa requirements with a predominantly Turkic-speaking
population. But in recent years, Turkey has persistently tried to
establish such a procedure with all the Turkic states. Is there then
a factor of a rivalry with Iran? Maybe. But I would not attribute the
entire current situation to this. The main point is that there are
two regional powers each of which wants to have a greater presence in
neighboring countries. This is not because of rivalry. Even without
Iran, Turkey would still seek to introduce visa-free regime with the
neighboring states and equally Iran would do the same without Turkey.

This situation cannot be attributed to pure competitive impulses.

Rather, the reason is the potential which allows these neighboring
states to think that it is possible to take, for example, our country
under control or, at least, to have influence on it.

– Is Azerbaijan able to take the response action to lift visa regime
with Iran?

– This is a very difficult question to which people from the Azerbaijan
Foreign Ministry or from some other bodies should answer. I think,
in any case, the Azerbaijani government is not inclined to take the
response step by introducing visa-free regime for the Iranians.

– How do you assess the OSCE Minsk Group efforts to resolve the
Karabakh conflict and co-chairs’ who visited the region and submitted
the updated Madrid principles?

– I think that serious work and true negotiations are underway at this
stage. I believe the Madrid principles are built against Azerbaijan’s
interests. I mean, of course, issues related to the referendum of
the Nagorno-Karabakh they have proposed. Without a referendum,
the Armenian side does not want to accept all other compromise
settlements. However, if Azerbaijan accepts this, then after some
time we will forever lose Nagorno-Karabakh.