Author: nina hovnanian

US OFFICIAL CALLS FOR SETTLING KARABAKH CONFLICT BASED ON HELSINKI FINAL ACT

Tert.am
06.10.11

The United States seeks to achieve the settlement of the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict based on the core principles of the Helsinki
Final Act, Eric Rubin, the US deputy assistant secretary for European
and Eurasian affairs.

“The United States remains committed to working with the parties,
as a Co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, to achieve a lasting and
peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict based upon three
core principles of the Helsinki Final Act: the non-use or threat
of force, territorial integrity of states, and equal rights and
self-determination of peoples,” the US official told the Azerbaijani
news agency APA in an interview.

“While the Basic Principles were not finalized in Kazan, Presidents
Aliyev and Sargsian, in their joint statement with President
Medvedev following the Kazan Summit, noted that they reached mutual
understanding on a number of issues. They also agreed to continue
to work on the Basic Principles as a framework for a comprehensive
peace settlement. With the assistance of the OSCE Minsk Group Chairs,
the parties continue to work to find common ground. The United States
remains engaged in the Minsk Group process – at the highest levels –
to assist the sides in clarifying their positions and bridging the
differences needed to reach agreement,” Rubin said.

ON 5 OCTOBER PRESIDENT OF THE ARTSAKH REPUBLIC BAKO SAHAKYAN PARTOOK IN THE STEPANAKERT PALACE OF YOUTH AND CULTURE AT A SOLEMN EVENT DEDICATED TO THE DAY OFTEACHERS.

Wednesday, 05 October 2011 04:51

In his speech the President congratulated all the teachers of the
republic on the professional holiday noting that the Armenian people
had always had a special attitude towards teachers and respected
their work. The Head of the State underlined that development and
modernization of science and education were among the top priorities
of our state being permanently in the spotlight of the authorities.

The President also handed in state awards to a group of teachers.

Primate of the Artsakh Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church
Archbishop Pargev Martirosyan, speaker of the National Assembly Ashot
Ghoulyan and other officials partook at the event.

ON 3 OCTOBER IN CONNECTION WITH THE DAY OF TEACHERS PRESIDENT BAKO SAHAKYAN SIGNED DECREES ON AWARDING THE ARTSAKH REPUBLIC STATE AWARDS AND HONORARY TITLES.

Wednesday, 05 October 2011 04:50

For substantial contribution in educating and bringing up the younger
generation “Vachagan Barepasht” medal was awarded Romela Grigoryan,
director of the Askeran public school after Edmon Barseghyan; Vladik
Shirinyan, deputy director on the assistance to the specialized
education of the Martouni public school N1.

The “Gratitude” medal was awarded to Anoushik Avetisyan, teacher of
mathematics in the Shoushi public school after Khachatour Abovyan;
Seyran Baghryan, teacher on primary military skills in the Haterk
village primary school after Barmen Grigoryan of the NKR Martakert
region; Arto Sargsyan, deputy director of the Eghegnut village public
school in the NKR Shahoumyan region; Naira Sargsyan, director of the
Mirik village public school of the NKR Kashatagh region.

For attaining substantial success in educating and bringing up the
younger generation the “Honoured Pedagogue of the Artsakh Republic
Republic” honorary title was conferred on the following individuals:

Lyuba Mayilyan, teacher of the Armenian language and literature in
the Hadrout public school after Manvel Mayilyan;

Karlen Margaryan, head of the Stepanakert city administration’s
education department.

MISHA ALOYAN DEFEATS AZERBAIJANI BOXER, BREAKS THROUGH TO SEMIFINAL

PanARMENIAN.Net
October 6, 2011 – 10:28 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Misha Aloyan (52kg), representing Russia, broke
through to the semifinal of the AIBA World Boxing Championships in
Baku, defeating Azerbaijan’s Elvin Mamishzade 14:12 and qualifying
for the London Olympic Games.

Earlier, another Russian representative of Armenians descent David
Hayrapetyan (49kg) made it to the semifinal.

MOLDOVA CLARIFIES ARMENIA ARMS SALE RUMORS TO AZERBAIJAN – PREMIER FILAT

Interfax
Oct 4 2011
Russia

Chisinau and Baku have sorted out uncertainties in their bilateral
relations sparked by rumors claiming that the Moldovan Army’s weapons
with an expired shelf life were sold to Armenia, Moldovan Prime
Minister Vlad Filat said.

Filat said at a press briefing in Chisinau on Tuesday that he had
met with Azeri President Ilham Aliyev on the sidelines of the Eastern
Partnership Summit in Warsaw last week.

“We discussed all of these problems and clarified the situation,”
he said.

A Latvian-owned Ilyushin Il-76 cargo airplane arrived at Chisinau’s
airport from Libya on September 12. The plane requested permission
to land in Chisinau because the Marculesti Air Force Base, where it
was supposed to land, did not accept airplanes at night. The next
morning, the Il-76 flew to Marculesti, where it took weapons on board
and departed several hours later.

According to military officials, the cargo included weapons and
property with an expired shelf life.

Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Valeriu Lazar told
journalists later that under a certain contract, “a batch of weapons
with an expired shelf life was purchased by a firm from Latvia,
and it planned to deliver it to Armenia.”

The Moldovan authorities said later that they could not name the
destination country of the cargo.

Azerbaijan then demanded an explanation.

PRESIDENT SERZH SARGSYAN RECEIVED PATRICK FINE, VICE PRESIDENT FOR COMPACT IMPLEMENTATION FOR THE MILLENNIUM CHALLENGE CORPORATION

Office of the President of the Republic

Oct 5 2011
Armenia

President Serzh Sargsyan received today Patrick Fine, Vice President
for Compact Implementation for the Millennium Challenge Corporation.

The parties stressed the importance of the works conducted in five
years in the framework of the MCC-Armenia program which has been aimed
at the improvement of life standards of the rural beneficiaries in
numerous rural communities, in particular, through the rehabilitation
and development of the irrigation systems in the rural areas of
Armenia and resolution of other vital problems. The President of
Armenia noted that earlier this year he had the opportunity to talk
about the program also at the meeting with the Executive Director
of the MCC Daniel Johaness when the parties jointly underscored the
efficiency of the program.

The Vice President for Compact Implementation for the Millennium
Challenge Corporation noted with satisfaction that among 25 countries
where the MCC is implementing its programs, the best results have been
achieved in Armenia. “Mr. President, I am glad to meet with you at the
conclusion of the initiative which has brought good results. This is
my first visit to Armenia and I am greatly impressed with what I saw.

I’ve had opportunities to visit many countries and can state that
in this case I see a country which is developing dynamically and
steadily,” Patrick Fine said.

President Sargsyan said that Armenia intends to develop its relations
with the United States in all areas and carry on with efficient
cooperation. According to Serzh Sargsyan, a considerable amount
of work has been accomplished in the framework of the MCC, however
there is still much to be done for the development of rural areas,
and efforts on that direction must be continued.

At the meeting, the parties discussed also reforms implemented
in Armenia.

AUTHORITIES DON’T NEED TO BEG
Arman Galoyan

Lragir.am News

17:44:10 – 05/10/2011

Interview with Member of Parliament Vardan Bostanjyan, Bargavach
Hayastan Party, member of the coalition delegation to dialogue with
the Armenian National Congress

Yesterday, the Armenian National Congress responded to the coalition,
stating about the senselessness of the continuation of the dialogue.

What would you say in this connection?

I see nothing tragic here. It is difficult to assess this phenomenon
politically because the statement of the coalition said it was wrong
to cancel the dialogue for such a reason. We are inclined to cancel
it only on the condition to avoid such situations by any party in
which the Congress is now. The dialogue cannot go in parallel with
these rallies.

But the dialogue is aimed at easing political tensions. Isn’t it right
to resume the dialogue now when the tension grows due to the sit-in?

I don’t think it is a tense political moment.

Congress says it is ready to discuss the resumption of the dialogue
if the coalition makes a request. Are you going to make it?

I think we will never do. Why should we?

Isn’t it logical to resume the dialogue at this moment?

The institution of the dialogue, as far as I understand, has not been
founded by the authorities, but it was an expression of goodwill
by the government for the purpose of finding the best solution to
the issues of the country. Then, the dialogue was suspended by the
Congress and I think the authorities don’t need to beg to resume it.

So, if it was an expression of goodwill, why did Serzh Sargsyan say
he had initiated the dialogue and Members of Parliament repeated it?

Serzh Sargsyan appealed to everyone to enter into a dialogue not
only to the Congress. In general, the only way to solve problems
is the dialogue. But it does not mean this is the initiative of
the authorities.

ARMENIA AND KUWAIT SIGNED AGREEMENT ON AIR COMMUNICATION

ARKA
Oct 5, 2011

YEREVAN, October 5. /ARKA/. Government agreement on air communication
between the Republic of Armenia and the State of Kuwait was signed on
Wednesday in Yerevan by the results of the first meeting of Armenian
-Kuwaiti intergovernmental commission.

The document was signed by the Armenian Vice-Premier, Territorial
Administration Minister Armen Gevorgyan and Finance Minister of Kuwait
Mustafa Jassim Al Shamali.

“I hope that in the nearest future we will have opportunity to record
successes in this sphere. I mean establishment of air communication
between Armenia and Kuwait”, said Gevorgyan in the briefing.

In its turn, Mustafa Jassim Al Shamali said that he does not see any
obstacles for the establishment of direct air communication between
two countries.

“Armenia is a very beautiful country, and we will do everything that
our citizens spend their vacations in your country”, he said.

It was decided that in the next meeting in Kuwait, representative of
Armenian aviation should be present.

The parties also signed a protocol of the results of the first meeting
of Armenian -Kuwaiti intergovernmental commission.

Gevorgyan said that the meeting adopted the decision on organization
of mutual visits of Armenian and Kuwaiti businessmen, joint business
forums and exhibitions. Efforts will be made for the provision of
possible participation of Kuwaiti side in the business programs
in Armenia.

In future, priorities of cooperation and experience exchange in
investment sphere will be discussed. For the assessment of export
opportunities and competitiveness of Armenian agricultural products
in Kuwaiti market delegation of Armenian experts will visit Kuwait.

“Opportunities of cooperation in the sphere of construction material,
healthcare, culture, education and science, urban construction,
energy and banking system”, said Gevorgyan.

With the purpose of promotion of Armenian-Kuwaiti economic
relations, Armenian Development Agency in November 2011 will
organize advertisement campaign in Kuwait for the attraction of
foreign investors.

Kuwaiti government delegation headed by Al Shamali is in Armenia
from October 3 for the discussion of the prospects of cooperation in
economy and other spheres.

OSCE OFFICE HOLDS TRAINING COURSE ON ANTI-CORRUPTION STRATEGIES IN HIGHER EDUCATION

HETQ
15:01, October 5, 2011

An OSCE-supported three-day workshop on the implementation of
anti-corruption strategies and action plans at universities started
today inYerevan.

The training seminar, organized by the OSCE Office inYerevanin
partnership with the Education and Science Ministry of Armenia,
brought together some 50 representatives of the Ministry’s senior
staff, university faculty and student councils who exchanged opinions
on anti-corruption strategies.

“Corruption in educational institutions has an adverse impact on the
quality of education and deprives students of their fundamental right
to fair access to education,” said Carel Hofstra, the Acting Head of
the OSCE Office inYerevan. “Today’s training course is a practical
follow-up to the initiative undertaken by the Ministry earlier this
year to have universities draw up anti-corruption strategies and action
plans. It will help to convert words into action to achieve tangible
results. I hope other ministries will follow this good example”.

“Raising the quality and standards in education is our priority,
as education gives people greater opportunities in life,” said Armen
Ashotyan, the Armenian Minister of Education and Science. “The lower
the level of education, the higher are the corruption risks. Either
we start tackling corruption now, or it will destroy us. It is for
these reasons that we initiated this process, and we are determined
to create the necessary mechanisms and capacities for universities
to effectively implement their action plans”.

During the course two experts fromSerbiaandMaltawill share their
experiences and provide feedback on the anti-corruption strategies
developed by Armenian universities. Participants will also discuss
trends in the European higher education system, anti-corruption
campaigning modalities and student participation, as well as monitoring
tools, standards, statutes and codes of ethics.

“Existing anti-corruption action plans show the high level of
university managers’ awareness of the corruption problem, and their
readiness to deal with it. This course will be an opportunity for
higher education institutions ofArmeniato compare their experiences
and discuss further anti-corruption measures, in order to work
out a unified university action plan. This approach will help
meetBolognaProcess standards on higher education, principles of equal
treatment and of the implementation of the Law on Higher Education,”
added Igor Pucarevic, the OSCE expert fromSerbia.

The seminar is part of the OSCE Office’s efforts to fight corruption
in higher education. It also included the establishment of an
anti-corruption student working group in 2009 to raise students’
awareness of the problem and organize discussions at universities
of Armeniaon the topic.

OSCE READY TO CONTRIBUTE TO NAGORNO-KARABAKH CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Trend
Oct 5 2011
Azerbaijan

The OSCE is ready to promote the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict resolution,
OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zanner was quoted as saying by
ITAR-TASS.

“The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict resolution occupies an important
position in the structure’s agenda,” he said. “We follow the
international community’s efforts to normalize the situation.”

He praised Russia’s mediation in the issue, calling Russia’s
initiatives to address the problem of as “robust”.

“I hope that all parties will come to a compromise,” Zanner added.

“We will facilitate the conflict settlement,” he said noting that
“Azerbaijan and Armenia should show a political will.”

“You can take a horse to water but you can not make drink it, ”
he said.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988
when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Armenian
armed forces have occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan since 1992,
including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and 7 surrounding districts.

Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a ceasefire agreement in 1994. The
co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group – Russia, France, and the U.S. –
are currently holding the peace negotiations.

Armenia has not yet implemented the U.N. Security Council’s four
resolutions on the liberation of the Nagorno-Karabakh and the
surrounding regions.