Author: Nanijanian Alex

Belapan News Agency. Belarusia
Nov 27 2008

Belarusian, Armenian foreign ministers discuss EU’s new initiative

Minsk, 27 November: The Eastern Partnership policy offered by the EU
"leaves space for bilateral cooperation between Armenia and Belarus,"
Armenian Foreign Minister Edvard Nalbandyan has told journalists in
Minsk.

He said that Armenia positively assesses the European initiative and
both countries will discuss cooperation within the policy "more
specifically" as soon as the EU council officially adopts it.

Belarusian Foreign Minister Syarhey Martynaw said Belarus positively
views the Eastern Partnership. "The project’s authors largely take
into account our proposals at all stages of its development," he said.

PRICE OF IMPROVED RELATIONS WITH ARMENIA

Panorama.am
19:36 26/11/2008

"Everybody should understand that the front has been closed by
Turkish not by Armenians, and that Armenians are interested to have
open borders," said politician Ervand Bozoyan in a meeting with the
journalists and added: "Currently there is a will to open the border,
there is an attempt to start a communication, but those aftermaths
are not quite definite."

According to him Turkey is willing to improve its relations with
Armenia both because it’s a mission for them and a PR, as currently
they have strained relations with European Union.

According to politician Richard Kirakosyan, Turkey is living a period
of changes, and tries to adopt independent and a new policy. "I am
optimistic to have opened borders, but regarding NKR conflict I am
not such anymore," he said.

THE ISSUE OF THE NAGORNYY KARABAKH REPUBLIC SHOULD BE SETTLED NOW. THE COMMUNIST PARTY OF ARMENIA HOLDS THE SAME OPINION
by Nelly Grigoryan

Aravot
Nov 21 2008
Armenia

The leader of the Communist Party of Armenia, Ruben Tovmasyan, has
shared his impressions about a discussion on the Nagornyy Karabakh
issue organized at [President] Serzh Sargsyan’s invitation and attended
by 47 parties on 20 November in a concert and sports complex. Those
were mostly positive, especially that "every party was granted an
opportunity to voice its own approaches".

Tovmasyan said that the leaders of the 47 parties had the same opinion
about three main points of the discussion: "First, the issue of the
status of Karabakh should be solved in a way suggested by the fight
of the Armenian people, which started in 1988. Various negotiations
were discussed, including the Madrid ones and the Moscow declaration
[signed by the presidents of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia on 2
November 2008]. Most of the leaders of the parties believe that the
Karabakh talks are being carried out in a very correct manner and that
an opportunity should be created for the country’s leadership to settle
the issue in the quickest possible way that is most favourable for
Armenians." Tovmasyan welcomed the Moscow declaration in his speech,
as "in this declaration and later in an address to [the Russian
State] Duma, [Russian President Dmitriy] Medvedev stated that the
Russian Federation will not leave the Caucasus. The most important
thing is that the issue of ruling out hostilities is stated with the
signatures of the leaders of the three states [Armenia, Azerbaijan
and Russia]." Tovmasyan said that "participants in the meeting
stated that delaying a settlement to Karabakh is not favourable
for Armenia. Very favourable conditions for the settlement of the
issue have been established now against the background of the latest
developments in the world."

As is stated in the Madrid principles, the Karabakh issue should be
settled through preserving Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity, that is
to say the liberated territories [the currently Armenian-controlled
territories around Karabakh] should be returned, meanwhile our
political forces state mainly that the lands will not be returned. We
asked Tovmasyan how these two contradicting principles were compared
against each other during the discussion. "It is a correct position
that no piece of land should be returned. However, the Madrid
principles cover Karabakh’s status, its land links with Armenia and
the security of Nagornyy Karabakh. These are the key points in this
document, which lead to assumptions on the return of territories or
other issues today… [ellipses as given]"

As for the expected referendum [on Nagornyy Karabakh status], Tovmasyan
said: "The referendum should be held under conditions favourable for
the Armenian side. We should hold the referendum not in 20 years,
but at a time when the whole people of the Nagornyy Karabakh republic
can participate in it, and not when they [Azerbaijan] will have
an advantage at the expense of the participation of Azerbaijani
refugees." How will this be ensured in practice, if every day
Artsakh [Karabakh] is losing Armenians? "If at issue is the return of
Azerbaijani refugees, then Armenian refugees need to be discussed as
well. I headed the committee on refugee issues during that period and
I know under what conditions Sumqayit [city in Azerbaijan], Baku and
Karabakh were emptied.

Asked whether the government gave clear guarantees that the referendum
would be held in a period and under conditions favourable for us,
Tovmasyan replied in the affirmative. The issue of replacing Armenian
troops in the liberated territories with peacekeepers was not discussed
during yesterday’s meeting: "Speaking about this would have been
unnecessary – everyone said in their speeches that returning the
territories was out of the question, even at a later time – other
conditions more favourable for Armenians are to be established,"
Torosyan said.

PEOPLE IN MOST FORMER SOVIET REPUBLICS SEE RUSSIA AS A FRIEND – INTL POLL

Interfax
Nov 25 2008
Russia

Most residents of former Soviet republics, except Georgia, Azerbaijan
and Baltic countries, see Russia as a friendly state, polls indicate.

This sentiment is shared by 82% of respondents in Armenia, 74% in
Belarus, 67% in Kazakhstan, 89% in Tajikistan, 78% in Uzbekistan,
58% in Ukraine, and 49% in Moldova, VTSIOM pollster told Interfax on
Tuesday after conducting polls this year in 13 former Soviet republics
jointly with the Eurasian Monitor international research agency.

Only 17% of those polled in Georgia and 12% in Azerbaijan described
Russia as a friendly state.

More than two thirds of Georgia’s residents (69%) see Ukraine as
a friendly nation. Respondents in Azerbaijan were split and 20% of
them said Ukraine was a friendly country and 21% Georgia. The number
of undecided respondents was greatest in Azerbaijan – 39%.

In Latvia, nearly half of respondents (49%) see Lithuania as a friendly
state, 41% Estonia and 26% Russia.

Sixty-two percent of those surveyed in Lithuania see Latvia as the
most friendly nation, 47% Estonia and 34% Ukraine.

The poll showed that almost half of Russian citizens consider
Belarus to be a friendly state (48%), one third Kazakhstan (33),
and one fifth Ukraine (22%). Baltic countries are seen in Russia as
the least friendly nations (4%, each).

Asked which of the listed countries would be the best for forging
a union with, more than half of respondents in Belarus (56%) named
Russia and a quarter (25%) the European Union nations.

Ukrainians would like to form a union with Russia (47%), Belarus
(29%) and the EU (21%).

Thirty-seven percent of those questioned in Russia welcome the idea
of forming an interstate union with Belarus, 29% with Ukraine and 24%
with Kazakhstan.

Forty-six percent of residents of Moldova welcome a union with Russia
and 32% with the EU.

Most of Armenian respondents (67%) are in the mood to form a union
with Russia and another 23% said no unions are necessary.

In Azerbaijan, 31% of those questioned said they would welcome a
union with Turkey and 24% with the EU.

In Georgia, 37% of respondents support the idea of their country’s
joining the EU.

Fifty-one percent of residents of Kazakhstan are positive about
unification with Russia and 32% said Kazakhstan does not need
unions. In Kyrgyzstan, 72% of respondents see a union with Russia as
a possibility and 32% with Kazakhstan. Most of those questioned in
Tajikistan (73%)

aspire for a union with Russia and 45% with Kazakhstan, while 65% of
respondents in Uzbekistan are positive about the prospect of forming
a union with Russia.

The international poll involved 16,143 respondents in 13 former Soviet
republics (except Estonia.). In Russia the poll was conducted by
VTSIOM, which questioned 1,600 people in 140 localities. Respondents
were free to give several answers.

ARMENIA TO HAVE PROBLEMS WHEN 50 MLN TONS OF OIL RUN THROUGH BTC

PanARMENIAN.Net
24.11.2008 13:20 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Some 26 million tons of oil were pumped through
Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline during the period from January to
September 2008. It was mostly Azeri oil with 5-6 tons from Kazakhstan
which can help secure rated capacity of 50 mln tons, a Kazakh expert
said.

"Kazakhstan’s export can’t exceed 10 mln tons yet. However, pumping
in Tengiz oil field started in October gave additional 5 mln tons
per year. The situation is as follows: construction of exporting
pipelines exceeded the output volume, originating struggle for
re-distribution of volumes," Marat Shibutov, member of Association
of frontier cooperation, told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter.

Now, Azerbaijan should try to gain Tengiz’s 10 mln tons increment
for the BTC to bring the pumping volume to 40 mln tons. Otherwise
the project is doomed to failure, according to him.

"As to Armenia, it will have problems when 50 mln tons of oil run
through the BTC. Azerbaijan will grow stronger. At that, Europe
and U.S. will appreciate an independent oil supplier. Furthermore,
three of Armenia’s four neighbors – Turkey, Azerbaijan and Georgia
have common economic interests and a joint project. Deployment of
international forces to guard the pipeline is not ruled out. Under
the circumstances, an armed conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan
is impossible and is equal to suicide for Armenia. If Turkey decides
to help Azerbaijan by attacking Armenia from the west, the results
will be deplorable," Shibutov said.

HOVIK ABRAHAMYAN’S CONGRATULATION ON THE OCCASION OF THE 15TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARMENIAN DRAM

armradio.am
24.11.2008 12:26

The President of Parliament of the Republic of Armenia, Hovik
Abrahamyan, issued a congratulatory message on the occasion of the
15th anniversary of the Armenian dram. The message states:

"After the restoration of statehood and confirmation of the symbols of
statehood, the coat of arms, the anthem and the flag, the transition
to the Armenian dram was one of the decisive and important steps
of establishment of economic independence of the Republic of
Armenia. Today the Armenian dram has become a national currency,
having resisted many trials and challenges and overcome those. Being
one of the components of history of newly independent Armenia, the
Armenian dram has become an indispensable part of our everyday life.

The transition to the Armenian dram provided an opportunity for the
establishment of the financial-banking system in the country and the
development of economy. The Armenian currency is getting more and
more reliable and stable day by day even under the conditions of the
world financial crisis.

On the occasion of issuing the Armenian dram, I congratulate the
workers of the banking system on their day, and wish productive
activity to all the employees of the system for the sake of
strengthening of the Republic of Armenia."

ARGENTINA-ARMENIA STAMPS ISSUED IN BUENOS AIRES

Noyan Tapan

Nov 21, 2008

BUENOS AIRES, NOVEMBER 21, ARMENIANS TODAY – NOYAN TAPAN. On November
17 two stamps issued for the first time jointly by the National Postal
Company of Argentina and Haypost were put in official circulation in
the Buenos Aires’ Siranush hall. The solemn ceremony was organized
by the National Postal Company of Argentina and the Embassy of Armenia.

Nearly 500 people were present at the event including high-ranking
officials of the government of the city of Buenos Aires,
representatives of the National Postal Company of Argentina,
philatelists, Argentinian diplomats and foreign ambassadors accredited
in Buenos Aires, journalists, clergymen, many Argentinian Armenians.

The President of the National Postal Company of Argentina Eduardo Di
Cola and Ambassador of Armenia to Argentina Vladimir Karmirshalian
made congratulatory speeches in the hall decorated with placards of
stamps depicting the Argentinian Malambo and the Armenian Hoy Nazan
dances, after which they made the cancellation ceremony of the stamps’
first day.

The official part of the event was followed by the solemn concert
with the participation of Armenian and Argentinian artists, during
which the traditional songs and dances of the two friendly peoples
were presented.

AMBASSADOR: "ARMENIA AND AZERBAIJAN CAN ASK IRAN FOR ASSISTANCE TO THE SOLUTION TO NAGORNO KARABAKH CONFLICT"

Azeri Press Agency
Nov 19 2008
Azerbaijan

Baku. Ramil Mammadli-APA. "OSCE Minsk Group mediation in the settlement
of Nagorno Karabakh conflict can be endless.

On the other hand, the world lost its trust in fair approach of
superpowers to solution to the problems", said Iran’s Ambassador to
Azerbaijan Naser Hamidi Zareh, APA reports. The Ambassador said Iran
concerned about the war situation between its two neighbors. "Iran can
make effective steps toward the solution to the conflict alongside with
other mediators. This issue was sincerely announced at the meetings
between the Iranian and Azerbaijani presidents, as well as during
the visit of our Foreign Minister to Baku. Both sides confirmed that
there was such opportunity".

The diplomat said Iran’s mediation in the solution to the
conflict needed in acceptance of the realities by Azerbaijan and
Armenia. "Everyone knows that such conflicts continue for decades
and then are put aside. Armenia and Azerbaijan can be in close
sincere relations with Iran and can ask assistance to solution to
the conflict. This issue should be announced by the officials of
both countries. It should be taken into consideration that Iran is
the regional country and we know each other well. In this term we
can develop our relations in future".

The Iranian Ambassador touched upon the fact of occupation of
Azerbaijani lands. "Azerbaijani People, as Muslims, do not lose
its resoluteness. The people look at its occupied lands as the
homeland. Both ordinary people and high-ranking officials are
tirelessly continuing to fight for peaceful solution to the conflict".

ARMENIA, LITHUANIA INTERESTED IN DEVELOPMENT OF BILATERAL RELATIONS IN DIFFERENT SPHERES

armradio.am
19.11.2008 10:57

On November 18 the Foreign Minister of Armenia, Edward Nalbandian
started his visit to the Republic of Lithuania.

The same day Minister Nalbandian was received by the President of
Lithuania Valdas Adamkus. President Adamkus noted that the people
of Lithuania has always had a particularly positive attitude towards
Armenia and its people.

Minister Nalbandian said, for his part, that Armenia attaches
importance to the comprehensive development of bilateral relations
with Lithuania, the multifaceted cooperation within the framework of
the European Neighborhood policy and the EU Eastern Partnership.

The interlocutors discussed in detail the opportunities of further
expansion of cooperation between Armenia and Lithuania in different
spheres.

The parties discussed the process of settlement of the Artsakh
issue. At the request of Mr. Adamkus, Minister Nalbandian presented
the opportunities of normalization of the Armenian-Turkish relations.

President Adamkus and Minister Nalbandian discussed a number of
regional and international issues.

President Adamkus asked to convey his warm greetings and support to
the President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan.

THEY JUST CONDEMNED AGAIN

A1+
[07:36 pm] 18 November, 2008

"There is nobody more concerned about the pro-Armenian resolution of
the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict than us," said today press speaker of
the Republican Party, NA Deputy Edward Sharmazanov. According to him,
there are many important points in the Meindorf treaty of which the
most important is the peaceful settlement of the conflict and the
other is the resolution of the conflict based on internationally
accepted rights.

Sharmazanov is concerned about the unnecessary speculation of the
Madrid principles and the "unsubstantiated" criticism against the
authorities regarding the unilateral concessions. The Republican Party
press speaker repeated Serzh Sargsyan’s words when he said that the
Nagorno-Karabakh Republic can not be a part of independent Azerbaijan,
that the republic must have a frontier with Armenia and guarantees
for security. The rest, according to the speaker, are unnecessary
speculations.

"A1+" proposed revealing the Madrid principles in order to avoid
unnecessary speculations, to which Edward Sharmazanov replied that
the negotiations are confidential and nobody has the right to reveal
the details. He added that only Serzh Sargsyan and Edward Nalbandyan
know about the details.

According to Sharmazanov, there are no contradictions between the
Armenia and the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic regarding the existing
proposal for the conflict settlement. As far as Karabakh is concerned,
as French co-president of the Minsk Group Bernard Fassie stated, it
is has indirect participation because the co-presidents are meeting
with the Karabakh side and clarifying their positions.

As far as the possible disagreements among RA authorities, Sharmazanov
discussed the position of the ARF noting that politics is about
seeing the reality. He informed that political parties will soon hold
discussions and present their positions.

Head of the RA president’s administration Karen Karapetyan has taken
the initiative of inviting political parties for a discussion on
the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Will Levon Ter-Petrosyan and Robert
Kocharyan participate? In response to that, Sharmazanov said that
they are not political leaders and it is possible that they will not
be invited.

Edward Sharmazanov condemned the attack on head of the "Investigative
Journalists" NGO Edik Baghdasaryan. He underlined the rule of law and
that the guilty must be brought to justice. "A1+" asked him to bring up
two examples when somebody was punished for attacking a journalist in
Armenia. Obviously, Sharmazanov was not able to give examples and only
recalled that he is a representative of the legislative body and is
only expressing his opinion that the guilty must be punished in Armenia