Author: nina hovnanian

HEAD OF RUSSIAN FEDERAL SECURITY SERVICE HAS NO INFORMATION CONFIRMING DRUG TRAFFICKING VIA NAGORNO- KARABAKH FROM AFGHANISTAN

by Ashot Safaryan

ARMINFO
Thursday, October 17, 18:58

At a press conference in Yerevan, Alexander Bortnikov, Head of the
Russian Federal Security Service, said that he has no information
confirming the fact of drug trafficking from Afghanistan via the
territory of Nagorno-Karabakh. To note, Bortnikov has come to Armenia
to participate in the session of the Council of Head of Special
Services of the CIS Member States.

“I have no information confirming that Nagorno-Karabakh is a transit
territory for drug trafficking. At the moment, I cannot say anything
about that”, he said.

For his part, Gorik Hakobyan, Head of the Armenian National Security
Service, said that such allegations by Azerbaijan are absurd.

Moreover, no countries or structures, except Azerbaijan, have made
such allegations against the NKR, he said.

BAKO SAHAKYAN COULD GIVE ZORI BALAYAN GUN TO RESOLVE ISSUE EASILY

Although the NKR independence was proclaimed before the first session
of the NKR Supreme Soviet but at this session that took place in
January 1992 Nagorno-Karabakh Republic was set up.

During the first days of the session one sincere member of parliament
asked everyone how serious we treat the establishment of state. It must
have already been forgotten what happened during that session when
the emissaries of Yerevan literally pushed the members of parliament
to set up a pro-Armenian National Movement regime in NKR.

It was possible to avoid this temporarily but interestingly the
supporters of the ANM insisted on laying down in the resolution on
independence the provision on the possibility to keep Karabakh within
Azerbaijan, and let nobody think that this has been forgotten. Not
all the participants of this session have died or lost their memory.

At one time this resolution has been characterized as “revolutionary
romanticism” not because the Azerbaijanis did not want a radical
revolution but because the Russians did not want it, and those in
Yerevan agreed.

After the death of the president of the NKR Supreme Soviet Arthur
Mkrtichyan an obnoxious regime was set up in Nagorno-Karabakh which
led to shameful military defeats, mass emigration, the present misery
of this land, robbery of the only thing left there – the subsoil.

However, the nightmare does not end thus. It was not even the beginning
but one of thousands of episodes of permanent Russian sentiment and
bootlicking. It became a constant behavior that was introduced to the
life of the people of Karabakh without any attention to its opinion.

The dreads of Karabakh are related to the so-called pro-Russian
policy. Did bootlicking help when the Russians undertook two punitive
campaigns against the Armenian population of Karabakh and now that
Russia is arming Azerbaijan to teeth? If bootlicking has a meaning,
then let Zori Balayan and many other bootlickers of Yerevan ask
Russians to stop selling arms to Azerbaijan. Russia may listen to them.

Not a single NKR official has expressed an opinion on the recent
mess against Karabakh. In fact, everything could be done to what
Karabakhis have become. These are people who follow their destiny
humbly and live for today uncomplaining. The pro-Russian bootlickers
have made them such.

There is no NKR, it was the goal of the Russians. The existence of
such a state established against their will in the territory of their
empire does not let them rest for a moment. The Russians would have
staked all for the liquidation of NKR or they have already paid for
this favor from the Armenian pockets.

Obviously, the symbol of Karabakh and Hero of Artsakh has committed
this dreadful thing. In this case, the NKR president proved that
there is no president and instead there exists a funny creature
without any rights and understanding.

The author of this mess says that one cannot find in his letter that
NKR should unite with Russia. Of course, there is no NKR if Karabakh
is thrown under the Russian feet, and the whole world will have fun
with it.

Come what may, “the Russians are always right”. There is confidence
that this act of bootlicking will be supported and justified by all
kinds of scum. How should such issued be dealt with then? Well, if
Zori Balayan has a gun, then the issue is simple to resolve. If not,
Bako Sahakyan could help him.

Igor Muradyan 16:28 17/10/2013 Story from Lragir.am News:

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT’S REPORT SAYS NOTHING ABOUT CLOSED BORDER BETWEEN TURKEY AND ARMENIA – EXPERT

October 17, 2013 | 15:06

YEREVAN. – European Parliament’s critical report on Turkey first of
all focuses on wrongful response of the authorities to Gezi protests,
said senior researcher at Institute of Oriental Studies.

Vahram Ter-Matevosyan is convinced that six killed and 8,000 injured
in the Gezi events have cast a shadow on the positive attitude of
the report.

The report indicates Ankara’s failure to secure democracy and wrong
perception of the essence of democracy in Turkey, he added.

Ter-Matevosyan noted that Turkey was seriously criticized for the
Cyprus issue and was warned that the EU talks will remain frozen
until Turkish authorities recognize Cyprus and express willingness
to establish relations.

“As to Armenia-Turkey protocols, it should be mentioned that if in
2000-2009 European Parliament’s reports clearly indicated that the
border was closed, starting from 2010, unfortunately, the wording
was removed,” he said.

The report mentions that “the protocols signed in 2009 to normalise
relations with Armenia have still not been ratified.” The expert
stressed that it was a neglect of the Armenian authorities and Foreign
Ministry must focus on the issue.

Photo by Arsen Sargsyan/NEWS.am

News from Armenia – NEWS.am

NAVASARDYAN: ENTRY INTO CU WILL HAVE NEGATIVE IMPACT ON FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION IN ARMENIA

15:41 17/10/2013 ” SOCIETY

Armenia’s information field is disappointing, Chairman of Yerevan
Press Club Boris Navasardyan says.

The entry into the Customs Union will have a negative impact on freedom
of expression in Armenia and limitations to freedom of expression,
in separate cases, will become a serious challenge, the YPC Chairman
told reporters in Yerevan.

Mr Navasardyan stressed that he is mostly concerned about the work
of Armenian TV channels, particularly the Public Television.

Source: Panorama.am

ARMENIAN BAR ASSOCIATION SURGES AND SOARS AT ANNUAL JUDGES’ NIGHT

13:20, October 17, 2013

Several hundred dignitaries, public officials, and guests joined the
Armenian Bar Association on October 10, 2013, to celebrate, honor and
recognize the career and service of Los Angeles Superior Court Judge
Peter Espinoza. His first column of respect was comprised of nearly 40
judicial officers from the federal and state courts who had come to
pay homage and respect to one of their own. This truly special event
played out in full regalia during the Armenian Bar Association’s Annual
Judges’ Night Dinner at the Phoenicia Restaurant in Glendale, CA.

The Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Armenian Bar Association
Chairman Garo B. Ghazarian. After welcoming remarks by ArmenBar Board
member Gerard Kassabian, Ghazarian was introduced by Los Angeles
Superior Court Judge and former Armenian Bar Chairman, the Honorable
Zaven Sinanian. Judge Sinanian recognized Ghazarian by stating that
“Garo’s whole concept in life is to serve the community, never
giving up, and relentlessly fighting for what is right in life.” He
also applauded him for leading the organization toward unprecedented
heights of public service and achievement, while simultaneously serving
on multiple fronts. Sinanian also took a few moments to express his
heartfelt thanks to the evening’s guest of honor, Peter Espinoza,
who was a mentor to Judge Sinanian when he first took the bench more
than 10 years ago.

In his opening remarks, Ghazarian stated, “Tonight, we thank Judge
Espinoza and his colleagues on the bench for their public service, for
their activism, for their commitment to the ideal that in order for
our civil society to progress, we must have a strong and independent
judiciary.”

In an unprecedented show of Armenian community unity and cohesion,
usually reserved for April 24th commemorations, Chairman Ghazarian
thanked and acknowledged the presence of Armenian Revolutionary
Federation Central Committee Chairman, Dr. Viken Hovsepian, Armenian
Democratic League Central Committee Board member, Dr. Raffi Balian,
Armenian General Benevolent Union Vice-President, World-Wide Board
of Governors, Mr. Sinan Sinanian, and Armenian National Committee
Western United States Chairwoman, Nora Hovsepian.

Ghazarian then called upon Presiding Judge of the Los Angeles Superior
Court, David Wesley, to address the rapt audience. Wesley described
the enormous challenges that face the Californiajudiciary today,
noting the massive budget cuts that have been imposed upon the court
system. But, despite those setbacks in funding, he explained that the
California courts are still seen as a model for judicial excellence
across the country. He thanked the judges in attendance for maintaining
the highest levels of judicial performance in these difficult times.

Another very special guest for the evening was Judge Fred Rotenberg
of the Los Angeles Superior Court, currently sitting in Glendale,
California. Judge Rotenberg was one of the guests of honor at the
Inaugural Judges’ Night of the Armenian Bar Association last year.

Judge Rotenberg thanked the Armenian Bar Association for bestowing
on him with the public recognition for his work as a judge. He stated
that he shares a common history with the Armenian community in that he,
like many in the audience, saw their parents and grandparents endure
extreme hardship. Judge Rotenberg’s mother, Helen, is a Holocaust
survivor and was present at last year’s Judges’ Night event.

Judge Rotenberg stated that he understands how these experiences impact
a person’s life and he is mindful of this in his work as a judge.

In an unexpected moment during the evening, former Mayor of
Pasadena presented Ghazarian with a medal of honor for his efforts
in persuading the City of Pasadena to establish an Armenian Genocide
Memorial in Pasadena’s Memorial Park. Mr. Paparian explained that
work on the monument will begin on April 24, 2014, and the memorial
will be consecrated on the occasion of the 100th commemoration of
the Armenian Genocide on April 24, 1915.

There were many civic leaders in attendance at the gala event, among
them the mayor of Glendale, Dave Weaver, the Treasurer of the City
of Glendale, Rafi Manoukian, member of the Glendale City Council and
Board of Directors of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit
Authority, Ara Najarian, Montebello City Councilman, Jack Hadjinian,
the leadership of the Glendale Police Department led by Deputy
Chief Carl Povalitis, and Chief Jim McDonnell, who is the Chief of
the Long Beach Police Department and President of the Los Angeles
County Association of Chiefs of Police. Chief McDonnell spoke of his
background as a child of Irish immigrants and how the diversity of
America, being a nation of immigrants, has strengthened the country.

The highlight of the evening was the honoring of Judge Peter Espinoza.

Ghazarian explained to the audience that the Judges’ Night dinner was
originally scheduled to take place a week earlier, but that it was
delayed because Judge Espinoza would still be in Armenia at that time.

Ghazarian fondly recalled that Judge Espinoza, through his activism
in the Chicano movement, his respect for cultural diversity born of
his own roots as a Mexican-American, his understanding of the cause
for civil and human rights brought to the forefront by people such
as Cesar Chavez, has enriched California’s judiciary to make it truly
reflective of its citizenry. Ghazarian added that Judge Espinoza has
been so highly respected as a member of the judiciary that California’s
governors often consult Judge Espinoza for his recommendations for
new judicial appointments to the bench. Ghazarian then welcomed Judge
Espinoza to the podium to a standing ovation.

Judge Espinoza began his remarks by acknowledging several members of
his family who accompanied him to the event, including his wife, two
of his children and their spouses and a grandchild. He reminisced
about his youth growing up in East Los Angeles and reminded the
audience that beforeHollywood, Glendale and the Valley, the origin of
the first Armenian community in Southern California was in East Los
Angeles and Montebello. He recalled meeting many Armenians in his
childhood and mentioned that he never thought he would ever visit
Armenia at that time. But that trip he never thought he would take,
he explained to the guests, recently became a reality because of the
outstanding work of his daughter, Elizabeth Espinoza. Judge Espinoza’s
daughter is a volunteer for the United States Peace Corp and has been
teaching English in the small village of Shatin in southernArmenia
for the past 17 months. Judge Espinoza told the audience that the
recent visit to Armeniaby him and his wife Dyanna, far exceeded his
expectations. He urged everyone in the audience to “come to Armenia”
to experience its rich history, its beauty and to aid the Armenian
people to realize their full potential. He also explained that while
the capital of Yerevan is a major cosmopolitan city that reminded
him of Mexico City, he alerted the audience that life in the Armenian
villages is far different and that the people there need assistance
with infrastructure and other basic necessities.

Espinoza fondly recalled that a highlight of his trip was when he met
and visited with Raffi K. Hovannisian, the founder of the Armenian Bar
Association and this year’s leading Armenian presidential candidate.

Judge Espinoza mentioned that he had recently read the best-selling
book, Family of Shadows, written by Raffi’s son, Garin, and he very
much wanted to visit Raffi and see for himself who this both modest and
larger-than-life person was. Chairman Ghazarian was able to arrange
a meeting and Judge Espinoza was inspired by Raffi’s and his wife’s
Armine’s commitment to the people of Armenia. He likened Raffi’s work
to that of a modern-day Martin Luther King or Cesar Chavez.

Judge Espinoza also recalled that during his trip to Armenia, he
learned that toasting is an important part of a social gathering. In
keeping with that grand tradition, Judge Espinoza gave two beautiful
toasts in honor of his daughter Elizabeth and to Raffi K. Hovannisian.

He asked the guests to raise their glasses in a “genatz” or “cheers.”

Upon the conclusion of Judge Espinoza’s remarks, the leadership of
the Armenian Bar Association–Ghazarian, Armen K. Hovannisian and
Edvin Minassian–presented Judge Espinoza with an original work of
art from artist, Seroon Yeretsian, eloquently inscribed with poetic
words of gratitude for Judge Espinoza’s life work in public service
and the promotion of civil and human rights.

In an interview following the event, Chairman Ghazarian stated:
“I am very proud of the Armenian Bar Association. Once again we were
able to recognize and honor the best and brightest of our judicial and
legal community, like Judge Peter Espinoza. The outstanding response
from a diverse cross-section of our community to our Judges’ Night
represents another major milestone for our organization and the
Armenian community. We look forward to carrying on this tradition
for years to come”.

ARMENIAN BAR ASSOCIATION

CALIFORNIA SECONDARY SCHOOLS TO IMPLEMENT ARMENIAN STUDIES PROGRAM

11:29, 17 October, 2013

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 17, ARMENPRESS: The Department of Armenian Archaeology
and Ethnography of the University of California intends to implement
an Armenian Studies program in the secondary schools of the State
aiming at the increasing the interest of the Armenian youth towards
the Armenian cultural heritage.

The head of the Department of Armenian Archaeology and Ethnography of
the University of California Grigori Areshyan told Armenpress that
in the framework of the program the schoolchildren will be taught
the language, the history and the culture of Armenia.

“Only with pointing at the being an heir of the Genocide-survivors
and learning the Armenian language it is not possible to preserve
the Armenian identity. Other steps are necessary to be done and
different events should be held. Our program will be implemented in
the secondary schools, as there are many Armenian children learning
there. A considerable part of them is interested in the language and
the history of Armenia, and that mainly comes from their families. Our
children will understand the history and the value of their being
Armenian. It is a very important program for us”, – said the head
of the Department of Armenian Archaeology and Ethnography of the
University of California Grigori Areshyan.

The Department of Armenian Archaeology and Ethnography of the
University of California was established in March 2013 aiming at the
implementation of educational programs on the preservation of the
Armenian culture and history in the Diaspora.

INSTITUTE OF ARMENIAN STUDIES DIGITIZES ITS ARMENIAN CLASSICS SERIES

11:39, October 17, 2013

The Institute of Armenian Studies at Yerevan State University has
announced that its project to digitizeits series of works entitled
the Armenian Classicists has been complteted.

There are 30 authors in this series including Khachatur Abovyan,
Ghazaros Aghayan, Arpiar Arpiarian, Aksel Bakounts, Mouratsan,
Yeroukhan, Nar-Dos, Levon Shant and Yervant Odian.

The Institute is now starting to digitize its series of Russian
classic works in Armenian.

TURQUIE : CHANGEMENTS SUBIS APRÈS LA MORT DE HRANT DINK

Publie le : 17-10-2013

Info Collectif VAN – – Le Collectif VAN vous
invite a lire cet article publie sur le site Repair Future – Reparer
le futur le 13 juin 2013.

Repair Future – Reparer le futur

Cree le jeudi 13 juin 2013 20:44

Par Guillaume Perrier, Correspondant du journal “Le Monde” a Istanbul

La mort de Hrant Dink a-t-elle change la Turquie ?

Six ans ont passe depuis la mort de Hrant Dink, un après-midi d’hiver,
a Istanbul, sur le large trottoir de l’avenue Halaskargazi, devant
l’immeuble abritant l’hebdomadaire armeno-turc Agos. Six ans qu’il a
ete terrasse par la haine anti-armenienne. Dans les locaux du journal,
son bureau encombre est reste quasiment intact. A l’entree d’Agos,
une double porte blindee a ete installee. Le petit journal qu’il
avait fonde dans les annees 90, a survecu a Hrant et, mieux encore,
s’est developpe, enrichi, a gagne en visibilite. Le nombre de ses
abonnes a explose et la compagnie aerienne Turkish Airlines lui a
meme donne le droit de figurer sur les presentoirs de l’aeroport,
aux côtes des journaux turcs. Une reconnaissance inesperee.

En six ans, depuis ce tragique 19 janvier, la Turquie a beaucoup
change. Le pays a gagne en assurance, s’est developpe economiquement,
s’est herisse de tours, de mosquees et de centres commerciaux. Recep
Tayyip Erdogan a remporte deux elections de plus, mis l’armee au
pas… Et la question armenienne qui hante la Turquie depuis 1915 a
indeniablement gagne en visibilite. Un coin du tabou fondateur de
la republique turque a ete leve, les histoires orales et ecrites,
les projets culturels foisonnent. La mort de Hrant Dink a cree
un electrochoc, soulevant une emotion insoupconnable pour la mort
d’un Armenien. Le jour des funerailles, près de 100 000 personnes
avaient pris place dans ce cortège funèbre qui accompagnait le
journaliste au cimetière. Serree par la douleur, cette foule
endeuillee brandissait les petits panneaux ronds et noirs devenus
celèbres portant l’inscription, en turc, en kurde et en armenien :
” Nous sommes tous Hrant. Nous sommes tous armeniens “. La encore,
cette reaction spontanee fut une surprise, reconfortante pour les
milliers d’Armeniens d’Istanbul petrifies par la peur. Un espoir pour
tous les democrates turcs et pour les amis de Hrant Dink. Sa mort,
au moins, aura peut-etre servi a quelque chose se disait-on en 2007.

A l’epoque Ani et Garabet Balikci, un couple d’Armeniens d’Istanbul,
n’avaient pas ose aller manifester. A vrai dire, cela ne leur avait
meme pas effleure l’esprit. Quand on est Armenien en Turquie, a moins
d’avoir le courage et le charisme de Hrant Dink, on se tait, on se fait
discret, on courbe l’echine. Hormis quelques jeunes activistes comme
ceux de Nor Zartonk, les militants des droits de l’Homme, une poignee
d’intellectuels et quelques fortes tetes, l’immense majorite des
Armeniens de Turquie vit muree dans le silence et la solitude. Et cela,
la mort de Hrant Dink n’y a rien change. Les Balikci n’ont participe
ni au rassemblement devant Agos, organise chaque 19 janvier ni aux
commemorations publiques du 24-Avril, organisees pour la première
fois en 2010 par l’Association des droits de l’Homme d’Istanbul
(IHD) et par quelques intellectuels turcs sur la place Taksim. Ils
avaient pourtant ete frappes dans leur chair par la mort du patron
d’Agos. En eliminant le porte-voix des Armeniens de Turquie, les
meurtriers avaient lance une menace implicite a toute la communaute,
le reliquat des deux millions d’Armeniens qui vivaient en Turquie
avant le Genocide. Mais depuis 2012, Ani et Garabet sont de toutes
les manifestations. La famille n’a plus rien a perdre.

Ce qui a change pour les Balikci depuis la mort de Hrant Dink, c’est
qu’ils ont perdu leur fils. Sevag, un garcon de 20 ans, effectuait son
service militaire obligatoire dans une caserne isolee de la region
de Batman. Il a ete abattu par balles le 24 avril 2011, le jour de
Pâques et le jour de l’anniversaire du declenchement du Genocide, par
l’un de ses congenères, Kivanc Agaoglu, un jeune militant lie au BBP,
un parti d’extreme droite. ” Un Armenien tue un 24-Avril en Turquie,
tout le monde sait très bien ce que cela signifie “, s’insurgeait
un ami de la famille sur la tombe du jeune homme a Sisli. Sevag est
l’une des dernières victimes du Genocide armenien, un processus qui
se poursuit tant que les horreurs du passe n’ont pas ete reconnues,
digerees. Six ans après, la haine armenienne tue encore. ” Avec Hrant
Dink, cela faisait 1 500 000 +1. Avec mon fils, ca fait 1 500 000 +2
“, resume Ani, la mère endeuillee.

Comme pour Hrant Dink, les autorites ont cherche a minimiser la portee
du meurtre. Des pressions ont ete exercees sur les temoins et sur la
Justice. ” Il y a beaucoup de similitudes entre les deux affaires “,
estime l’avocat Cem Halavurt qui a travaille sur les deux dossiers.

Beaucoup de ressemblances entre Ogun Samast et Kivanc Agaoglu, deux
jeunes Turcs biberonnes au nationalisme et au racisme anti-armenien.

Ogun Samast a ete condamne mais comme un tueur isole, ayant agi
seul ou presque. Les hauts fonctionnaires mis en cause par l’avocate
Fethiye Cetin n’ont jamais ete inquietes ni meme auditionnes. Certains
responsables de la police ou des renseignements ont ete promus. Le
gouverneur Muammer Guler est devenu ministre de l’Interieur. Dans le
cas de Sevag, c’est un tribunal militaire qui est charge de juger le
tireur. Kivanc Agaoglu, comparaît libre, a chaque audience, face aux
parents de la victime. Le procureur a requis entre deux et six ans
de prison ferme. Ce qui serait une peine bien legère pour un possible
crime raciste qui remue 100 ans d’histoire.

Plus choquant encore, le gouvernement a nomme au poste de mediateur
de la republique (ombudsman), une fonction creee pour satisfaire les
critères democratiques de l’Union europeenne, un ancien juge de la
cour de Cassation Mehmet Nihat Omeroglu. Ce meme juge avait ete l’un de
ceux qui avaient condamne Hrant Dink pour insulte a l’identite turque
au titre de l’article 301 du code penal turc. Signe que les reseaux
paraetatiques soupconnes d’avoir commandite le crime, sont encore
bien vivants et beneficient toujours d’une certaine complaisance des
autorites. Signe que l’ideologie qui a pris Hrant Dink pour cible
n’a guère faibli.

La serie d’agressions contre des vieilles dames armeniennes du
quartier de Samatya, au cours de l’hiver dernier, a encore un peu
plus renforce cette peur qui taraude les Armeniens de Turquie. Une
octogenaire a ete retrouvee egorgee, une autre a perdu un ~il. Les
autorites ont rapidement rejete la thèse de crimes racistes affirmant
qu’il s’agissait de l’acte d’un voleur. Trois mois après les faits,
la police a arrete un suspect, un Armenien d’Istanbul, âge de 38 ans.

Rassurant, en apparence. Pourtant l’affaire n’est pas encore totalement
elucidee et l’arrestation est loin d’avoir apaise les peurs.

L’assassinat de Hrant Dink a eveille certaines consciences. Mais
il a aussi revigore les vieux demons nationalistes. Le 24 Avril
2010, lorsque quelques centaines de citoyens turcs se rassemblèrent
sur la place Taksim, derrière un message pourtant très prudent :
” Nous partageons cette peine “, quelques grappes de militants du
Parti des travailleurs, d’autres des foyers Alperen, lies au BBP,
hurlaient leur haine de l’autre côte de la place. Pour separer les deux
groupes, on avait enferme les manifestants pacifiques dans une cage de
barrières metalliques, tandis que les militants extremistes etaient
libres de leurs allees et venues. On objectera que ces groupuscules
nationalistes ne representent pas grand-chose electoralement. Mais que
pèsent reellement les democrates et les Turcs eclaires dans ce debat?

Si les 30 000 signataires de la petition lancee en 2008 par quelques
intellectuels turcs pour ” demander pardon ” aux Armeniens avaient
provoque un sursaut citoyen remarquable, que penser des 120 000
signatures rassemblees en deux temps trois mouvements par l’Azerbaïdjan
pour la reconnaissance du ” genocide ” de Khojali ? Si la visibilite
qu’a gagnee Agos< et les editoriaux de Turcs eclaires comme Orhan Kemal Cengiz ou Ali Bayramoglu constituent un reel progrès, que penser des campagnes racistes et des prejuges anti-armeniens vehicules a longueur de pages, en toute impunite par la presse grand public et par certains deputes du parti au pouvoir ? Et si les 100 000 qui participaient aux funerailles de Hrant Dink en 2007 etaient un raz-de-maree, comment qualifier les 200 000 personnes qui ont envahi le centre d'Istanbul en fevrier 2012 a l'occasion du 20e anniversaire des massacres de Khojali ? " Nous sommes tous de Khojali ", " Vous etes tous Armeniens, vous etes tous des bâtards ", scandaient-ils. Le prefet et le ministre de l'Interieur ont apporte leur caution a ce deferlement hostile, annonce a grands renforts de publicite par la Mairie d'Istanbul. Les slogans etaient inscrits sur de petits panneaux ronds, comme ceux des amis de Hrant Dink. L'inversion des rôles, si caracteristique de l'outrage negationniste. Cette manifestation anti-armenienne, en grande partie financee par les petrodollars azeris, a consacre ce que le politologue Cengiz Aktar a appele la " sous-traitance de la politique armenienne de la Turquie a l'Azerbaïdjan ". Tirant profit de sa rente petrolière et gazière, le regime Aliev a diffuse dans toute l'Europe sa propagande anti-armenienne et pese sur la politique interieure turque. En pratiquant le chantage energetique, Bakou est parvenue a faire capoter la diplomatie du football. Après la signature sans lendemain des protocoles entre la Turquie et l'Armenie, l'espoir d'une normalisation des relations s'est evanoui. A l'approche du centenaire du Genocide, en 2015, les positions se sont figees. Le mince espoir ne du sursaut citoyen dans les mois et annees qui ont suivi la mort de Hrant Dink, semble aujourd'hui bien tenu. Retour a la rubrique Source/Lien : Repair - Reparer le futur

UN DIPLOMATE TCHEQUE SCEPTIQUE A PROPOS D’UN ACCORD ENTRE L’UE ET L’ARMENIE

Europe

Un diplomate tchèque a declare que l’Union Europeenne ne pouvait pas
signer pour le moment une declaration commune non contraignante avec
l’Armenie en raison de la decision inattendue d’Erevan de se joindre
a l’Union douanière.

Le gouvernement armenien semble vouloir decrocher un tel document
pour sauver la face après que l’UE a rejete sa proposition de manière
significative d’un projet d’accord d’association. Les responsables
lituaniens ont clairement dit la semaine dernière qu’un accord de
grande envergure ne sera pas sur l’ordre du jour lors du sommet de
fin novembre.

” Je pense qu’un document, meme si c’est une declaration politique,
sera signe a Vilnius “, a declare Naira Zohrabian, presidente d’une
commission parlementaire armenienne sur l’integration europeenne. ”
Meme si ce document ne dit rien d’autre que ” Joyeux Noël et Bonne
Annee “, l’Armenie a besoin de signer quelque chose pour justifier
sa politique “.

Cependant, Petr Mares, un envoye special du ministère tchèque des
Affaires etrangères, etait sceptique sur ce point. En marge d’une
conference a Erevan, il a declare ” Y aura des documents signes
[sur l’Armenie] ? Je ne suis pas sûr. Nous devons travailler la-dessus.

Nous avons besoin de temps “.

” Ces documents sont plus susceptibles d’etre mis sur la table après
le sommet de Vilnius “, a-t-il ajoute. ” La situation est assez
compliquee. C’est la première fois que nous essayons de comprendre ce
qu’il faut faire quand un pays decide de rejoindre l’Union douanière
tout en etant pret a signer l’accord d’association “.

Dans le meme temps, Mares decrit comme ” très importants ” les plans de
Sarkissian pour assister au sommet consacre au partenariat oriental. Il
a egalement salue l’engagement pris par l’administration Sarkissian
pour approfondir les relations avec l’UE.

Des representants de groupes de citoyens armeniens presents a
la conference ont rejete les assurances officielles. Pour eux,
la decision de Sarkissian a porte un coup dur pour l’integration
europeenne de l’Armenie.

jeudi 17 octobre 2013, Claire ©armenews.com

NATIONALIST MOVEMENTS TYPICAL OF RUSSIA – ARMENIAN EXPERT

14:03 ~U 16.10.13

Nationalist movements are not something new in Russia. However, the
ideology of that time is receiving a new impetus, political scientist
Hrant Melik-Shahnazaryan told journalists on Wednesday.

He is sure that Russian law-enforcers are taking wrong steps to control
the nationalist activities resumed after an Azerbaijani man murdered
a Russian young man in Moscow.

“The use of force stirs up xenophobia,” he said.

Russian society does not see any difference between “ethnic Caucasians”
– Armenians, Azerbaijanis, or any other national groups.

However, any crime committed by an “ethnic Caucasian” creates problems
for all national minorities.

“Politically, the nationalist movements may affect Armenian-Russian
relations, especially after Armenia decided in favor of the Customs
Union,” he said.

He sees both negative and positive aspects of nationalist movements.

“Any pressure causes people to return to their homeland though it is
not because of pressure that people must return,” the expert said.