Author: nina hovnanian

KREMLIN’S FURTHER POSSIBLE STEPS IN ARMENIA

Serzh Sargsyan could not stand the Russian political and economic
pressure and actually handed over the sovereignty of Armenia. Russia
did not have to make big efforts apart from blackmail and hostile
wording to make Armenia the empire’s “exclave”, as they had promised a
few months ago. There were all the “grounds”: the former regime handed
over all the vital spheres of life, security and infrastructures
to Russia, the Armenian political and business elite are just a
“fifth column” with its experts, analysts, mass media outlets and
others who were ready to sell everything for their own interests,
including the homeland. They did prove it in the past few months.

Russia’s further steps will suit the exclave logic. In addition, the
economic factor is insignificant compared with the military one. In
Konigsberg, now Kaliningrad, which is Russia’s exclave, almost no
investments have been made since World War II, and the infrastructures
created by the Germans are still operational. Instead, Kaliningrad
is a front post for Russia against Europe where bases and different
missiles are located.

However, even from this point of view, the status of Armenia is more
than suspicious because the enemies of Armenia, Turkey and Azerbaijan,
are Russia’s friends. Russia needs Armenia not as a member of the
Customs Union but a territory which will ensure Moscow’s presence in
the region. All the economic pledges that were heard during the Moscow
meeting in Putin and Sargsyan are of no value because any economic
and technological development is ruled out in an “exclave”. It takes
as much economy as it is needed to serve the military bases.

Not so remote history y shows that one of Russia’s possible steps was
to return Karabakh to Azerbaijan. This also fits the “exclave” logic.

It will strengthen Russia in the region because in that case nobody
will be able to escape.

Russia does not even need Armenia but Karabakh where it will get
dominance in case it deploys troops there, particularly on the border
with Iran.

Besides, one could expect mass displacement of people into the
mainland which is already happening in Armenia. All kinds of social,
psychological and other reasons are in place in our country. An
“exclave” needs as many people as is required for serving the bases.

Besides, the oligarchy must stay in the exclave to supply the bases
and maintain experts, analysts and mass media outlets which must
justify all the steps of the metropolis.

An “exclave” does not have a foreign policy and armed forces. The army
is at the disposition of the metropolis, and our sons will sacrifice
their lives for the interests of the metropolis, not the homeland.

Haik Aramyan 14:54 04/09/2013 Story from Lragir.am News:

PROSTEST AGAINST ARMENIA’S MEMBERSHIP IN CUSTOMS UNION IN FRONT OF PRESIDENTIAL RESIDENCE

15:06 04.09.13

A protest against Armenia’s joining the Customs Union has started in
front of the Armenian presidential residence.

The number of participants is increasing. They have arrived with
“USSR” ice creams in their hands, hinting that Armenia is actually
moving toward the restoration of the USSR.

The protesters are demanding Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan’s
resignation. David Sanasaryan, a Heritage party member, told
journalists that “some backboned citizens” gathered to warn the
“unelected” president or other officials to play with Armenia’s
sovereignty.

“We have come to warn them against this step,” he said.

After the protesters attempted to cross Baghramyan Avenue toward
the presidential residence, they clashed with policemen. A number of
protesters were detained. Chairman of the Asparez club Levon Barseghyan
and Chairman of the National Self-Determination Union Paruyr Hayrikyan
participated in the protest.

Hayrikyan told journalists that this issue must be settled by means
of a referendum rather than by President Serzh Sargsyan alone.

Armenian News – Tert.am

OPPOSITIONIST: A REFERENDUM SHOULD DECIDE WHETHER ARMENIA SHOULD JOIN THE CUSTOMS UNION OR SIGN AN ASSOCIATION AGREEMENT WITH THE EU

by Alexander Avanesov

ARMINFO
Wednesday, September 4, 13:42

A referendum should decide whether Armenia should join the Customs
Union or sign an Association Agreement with the EU, Hrant Bagratyan,
MP from the opposition Armenian National Congress, ex-Prime Minister
of Armenia, says on his Facebook page. To note, Bagratyan is currently
participating in an economic forum in Poland.

“I insist that such issues should be addressed by means of a
referendum. During the presidential election, I was the only
candidate calling for such an approach. Don’t solve such problems
single-handedly. Take the people’s opinion into account. Otherwise,
it will either be bad or bring shame on ourselves”, says Bagratyan.

To recall, on September 3, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan confirmed
Armenia’s intention to join the Customs Union and the process of the
formation of the Eurasian Union. Vladimir Putin supported Sargsyan’s
decision and promised to contribute to Yerevan’s accession to the
Customs Union in every possible way.

The Customs Union has been created within the Eurasian economic space
for trade and economic integration of Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia
on the initiative of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

ARMENIAN PRESIDENT CONGRATULATES JEWISH COMMUNITY ON ROSH HASHANAH

12:46 04/09/2013 ” SOCIETY

Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan issued a congratulatory message to
the Jewish community of Armenia on Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah. The
message reads as follows:

Dear representatives of the Jewish community of Armenia,

I cordially congratulate you on Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah.

Cultural, civilization and political ties of our two nations are
centuries and millennia long. We are glad that in course of time
they become richer also thanks to the efforts of the Jewish community
living and working in Armenia.

Today, we share your joy and wish our Jewish compatriots festive mood,
recurrent success in the communal and private life.

Source: Panorama.am

RUSSIA DEPLOYED 11TH RED ARMY IN ARMENIA

It’s Not Capitulation, It’s Occupation Capitulation supposes at least
insignificant resistance which enables a deal on something significant.

The Russians sold a controversial paper that did not contain anything
significant, and nothing significant has been offered in return for
it. All these comments in the form of doles are just nonsense. Serzh
Sargsyan has understood that he did not receive a significant
support of the West in the possible conflict with Russia and chose
a semi-decision, thereby condemning the country to a marginal and
miserable existence.

NATO and the European Union demanded crucial decisions but they did
not offer enough participation in economic and security issues.

However, apparently this is not the issue because the West’s proposals
to the Armenian government have never been realistic. The problem is
not in the West.

Russia has not undertaken “pressure” in any usual form. Russia has
just announced about its highly hostile attitude to Armenia, which
means full support to Armenia’s opponents.

Our country has appeared in a highly dangerous situation having Russia,
a hostile and aggressive state, ready for anything for the military
defeat of Armenia.

Now it is absolutely clear that having earned good money on supply
of arms to Azerbaijan Russia has created all the conditions for a
rude and brazen blackmail of Armenia.

What pressure is meant? Practically, Russia has deployed the 11th
red army in Armenia, bypassing Azerbaijan.

It could be called an occupation when Armenia is deprived of
sovereignty. One can expect a dictate to hand over Karabakh to
Azerbaijan.

Where will this lead to in Armenia, obedience and another stage of
apologetics of Russia’s policy?

Nevertheless, one could run a big risk and continue cooperation with
the West. Now, whatever happens to the relations with the West,
the priority has failed, and Serzh Sargsyan who lacked confidence
in his own kingdom had to go on capitulation. At the same time,
the possibility to reach new conditions of security has been missed.

Who would deal with such a state? The palliative policy never ended
in success.

Igor Muradyan 11:35 04/09/2013 Story from Lragir.am News:

UN LEADER DACHNAK BIENTOT AMBASSADEUR D’ARMENIE

POLITIQUE

Un dirigeant de la Federation Revolutionnaire Armenienne ( FRA )
a confirme mardi avoir accepte l’offre du president Serge Sarkissian
de prendre un poste d’ambassadeur a l’etranger, ce qui pose question
quant a la credibilite de l’appartenance de ce parti a l’opposition.

Vahan Hovannisian a pour sa part insiste sur le fait que la FRA
restera dans l’opposition a l’administration Sarkissian malgre son
acceptation a cette nomination imminente. ” Le travail d’un chef de
file la FRA dans le domaine diplomatique n’inhibera pas le parti”,
a-t-il declare dans une interview Yerkir.am .

Selon des articles parus dans la presse d’Armenie la semaine dernière
Hovannisian ainsi qu’une autre figure FRA, Levon Mkrtchian , seront
bientôt designes comme ambassadeurs d’Armenie dans des pays etrangers.

Selon eux, Hovannisian prendra en charge la mission armenienne
en France.

” Oui, j’ai recu une offre pour representer l’Armenie a l’etranger
“, a declare Hovannisian , ajoutant qu’elle est ” acceptable ” a la
fois pour lui-meme et pour la direction FRA dans son ensemble. Il
a insiste sur le fait que l’offre ne resulte pas d’un accord de
partage du pouvoir entre son parti et le gouvernement armenien ou de
” changements dans ses vues politiques “.

” Pour moi , il n’y a rien d’extraordinaire a cette offre. J’ai
deja travaille dans le domaine des relations exterieures durant les
trois dernières annees “, a-t-il indique, citant sa participation
aux delegations parlementaires armeniennes dans divers forums
internationaux.

Hovannisian , qui etait le candidat de la FRA a l’election
presidentielle de 2008, a egalement fait valoir que son parti ”
a toujours coopere avec les autorites armeniennes sur toutes les
questions de politique etrangère où le travail conjoint a permis de
meilleurs resultats en termes de protection des interets armeniens. ”

Les analystes soulignent, cependant, que la politique etrangère etait
justement le motif principal qui avait provoque la sortie de la FRA
de la coalition au pouvoir en Armenie en 2009. Le parti nationaliste,
qui est particulièrement influent dans la diaspora armenienne, s’est
fortement oppose a la politique de Sarkissian de rapprochement avec
la Turquie. Il a exige a plusieurs reprises la demission du ministre
des Affaires etrangères Edouard Nalbandian .

Hovannisian a fait valoir que les protocoles de normalisation
turco-armeniennes , qui ont ete signes en 2009 et fermement condamnee
par la FRA , n’ont jamais pris effet. Il a rappele que la Turquie
avait elle-meme provoque la ” faillite ” des protocoles en reliant
leur ratification au conflit du Haut -Karabakh.

Les observateurs critiques a la fois de la FRA et du gouvernement
auront du mal a trouver ces arguments convaincants. Certains
commentateurs des medias ont deja depeint la nomination imminente de
Hovannisian comme une preuve supplementaire que le parti a conserve
des liens avec les autorites armeniennes après avoir quitte le
gouvernement.

mercredi 4 septembre 2013, Ara ©armenews.com

KYERE QUITS ARMENIAN SIDE

GhanaWeb, Ghana
Sept 3 2013

Ghanaian defender Samuel Kyere has terminated his contract with
Armenian side Shirak FC over owed wages.

The 21-year-old walked out of his contract after going unpaid for
three months.

A FIFA ruling on Thursday declared a free agent after Shirak were given
the option to either pay the outstanding wages or release the player.

The former Berekum Chelsea right-back played for the club in this
season’s UEFA Champions League qualifiers.

Kyere joined Shirak FC earlier this year where he helped them to win
the Armenian title.

ARMENIA JOINS RUSSIAN-BACKED CUSTOMS UNION

Europe Online Magazine
Sept 3 2013

Europe
By our dpa-correspondent and Europe Online

Moscow (dpa) – Armenia has joined a Russian-dominated customs union,
joining fellow former Soviet republics Kazakhstan and Belarus as
members, reported Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan along with Russian
President Vladimir Putin after a meeting Tuesday.

Putin told the Itar-Tass news agency that he expected a “strong
impulse for mutually valuable economic development” now that the
southern Caucasus nation has joined.

Armenia is also apparently interested in helping set up a Eurasian
economic union. Putin would see such a group as a link between the
European Union and the Pacific region.

Russia maintains thousands of troops in Armenia. Armenia is also
economically dependent upon Russia, which is home to a million-strong
Armenian diaspora.

The three-member customs union was founded in 2010 as a counterweight
to the EU. Putin hopes to use economic pressure to get Ukraine to also
become a member, even though that country is seeking an association
agreement with the EU.

RUSSIAN AND ARMENIAN EXPERTS DISCUSS PUTIN’S MEETING WITH SARGSYAN

Vestnik Kavkaza, Russia
Sept 3 2013

3 September 2013 – 5:16pm

Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan traveled to Moscow today in order to
meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The presidents stressed
the success of their bilateral relations and underlined that the two
nations would further enhance their ties.

The meeting was held ahead of the signing of Armenia’s agreement with
the EU concerning the country’s associate membership in the body. Two
experts from Russia and Armenia discussed the situation with VK.

The Deputy Head of the Institute of the Countries of the Commonwealth
of Independent States, Vladimir Zharikhin, stresses that Russia is
a very important partner for Armenia. The country has helped Armenia
a lot, especially in the sphere of the energy industry, he says.

The President of the Yerevan Press Club, Boris Navasardyan, believes
that Russia’s support is insufficient. He also thinks that there is no
way that Armenia will not sign the agreement concerning its associate
membership of the EU. Such a move would be a major diplomatic mistake,
he says.

At the same time, Vladimir Zharikhin says the country can still refuse
to sign the agreement with the EU in order to enhance cooperation
with Russia. That’s the point of being an independent state – to make
decisions without any foreign pressure, he says.

GLOBAL LAW CRISIS PREVENTS SOLUTION OF KARABAKH CONFLICT -AZERI OFFICIAL

Interfax, Russia
Sept 2 2013

LENGTH: 353 words

DATELINE: BAKU. Sept 2

The current global crisis in the sphere of law is preventing a solution
for the Armenian-Azeri and Nagorny Karabakh conflicts, Novruz Mamedov,
deputy head of the Azeri presidential administration, said.

“There is currently an international law crisis going on in the world,
a crisis of justice, but we have to say with regret that no one is
taking any steps to recognize this fact. Probably, there are some
reasons for that,” Mamedov said at the second forum of the association
of experts on international relations called Southern Caucasus in a
Changing World held in Baku on Monday.

Mamedov said he regrets that no results have been achieved in finding
a peaceful solution to the Armenian-Azeri conflict, despite the
negotiations involving the OSCE Minsk group, which have been going
on for more than twenty years.

“Despite the fact that the Nagorny Karabakh conflict remains unresolved
and 20% of Azerbaijan’s territory has been occupied for over twenty
years, which is a fact that no one doubts, we still don’t see a fair
attitude of the international community to this issue.

Azerbaijan became a member of the UN many years ago, but we still have
to make a lot of effort to draw the attention of the world community
to the need to resolve the Karabakh problem,” Mamedov said.

Mamedov said Azerbaijan is successfully working with the Council
of Europe, the European Union, and NATO. “However, despite our
successful cooperation with these authoritative organizations, we
don’t understand why they now don’t want to recognize or pretend to
have forgotten about the resolutions and decisions on the occupied
territories of Azerbaijan five years ago,” Mamedov said.

As a result, Azerbaijan is having to make a lot of effort to keep
the international community focused on this issue.

“It can’t be understood. It’s a demonstration of a crisis of
international law. It’s very bad for everyone, not only Azerbaijan.

This international law crisis is causing and increasing tensions
between big states. That was what happened before WWI and WWII,”
Mamedov said.

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