Author: nina hovnanian

SELON ” L’EXPRESS ” PIERRE NORA AURAIT DEMANDE A HOLLANDE DE RENONCER A LA LOI DE PENALISATION DU NEGATIONNISME DU GENOCIDE ARMENIEN
Krikor Amirzayan

armenews.com
samedi 14 juillet 2012

L’hebdomadaire ” L’Express ” revèle dans son numero du 11 juillet
(N° 3184) le president Francois Hollande a dejeune a l’Elysee le 6
juin (Ndlr : il s’agit sans doute du 6 juillet) avec huit historiens
: Colette Beaune, Michelle Perrot, Michel Winock, Benjamin Stora,
Jean-Francois Sirinelli, Jean-Noël Jeanneney, Pascal Ory et Pierre
Nora. ” Ce dernier a tente de dissuader le chef de l’Etat de s’engager
dans la voie des lois memorielles -peine perdue, trois jours plus tard,
le president indiquait qu’il n’avait pas renonce a un texte reprimant
la negation du genocide armenien ” ecrit ” L’Express “.

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF ARMENIA: VALENTINA MATVIENKO IN ARMENIA HAS NOT MAKE ANY STATEMENT REGARDING THE NK CONFLICT

APA
July 13 2012
Azerbaijan

Moscow.Farid Akbarov-APA. “Chairman of Federation Council of Federal
Assembly of Russian Federation Valentina Matvienko, who was in a visit
to Armenia, has not make any statement regarding the Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict”, – statement released today by the Office of Public Relations
and media office of the National Assembly of Armenia, APA reports.

Statement distributed in connection with the publication in the
newspaper “Hraparak” on July 13, which deals with statements Matvienko,
allegedly made by her regarding the Karabakh conflict.

“We declare that the above article is totally untrue. This kind of
discussion did not have any place in the course of official meetings,
much less at dinner” – the statement of the Office of Public Relations
and media office of the National Assembly of Armenia.

“Unfortunately, it often appears in media publications do not
always correspond to reality. The publication of this series,” –
the document says.

AZERBAIJANI PRESIDENT: WE WILL RAISE THE FLAG OF AZERBAIJAN IN KHANKENDI

APA
July 12 2012
Azerbaijan

Changing the status quo means the withdrawal of Armenian occupation
forces from the occupied lands

The number of countries recognizing Khojaly tragedy as genocide,
gradually will become even more

Baku-APA. “In the coming months and years of work in our foreign
policy will be even more, our relationship will become even
wider. Our principled position on the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict
over Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, based on justice and international
law. The question of the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan has never
been and will not be subject to negotiation. Azerbaijan will restore
its territorial integrity. I have no doubt about it”, – Azerbaijani
President Ilham Aliyev said at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers
dedicated to the socio-economic development in the first half of 2012
and the upcoming challenges, APA reports.

The head of state noted that in the negotiation process there has been
some stagnation. Despite the fact that the heads of the co-chairs
of the Minsk Group issued a new statement, which reaffirmed the
unacceptability of the status quo. “So far, concrete, real steps,
changing the status quo is not taken. But it is inevitable. The status
quo must be changed. And the heads of state co-chairs of the Minsk
Group, and president of the Council of the European Union, in Baku,
and representatives of the OSCE and other international organizations
and politicians have repeatedly said about the unacceptability of
the status quo. This is a very valuable statement. Changing the
status quo means the withdrawal of Armenian occupation forces from
the occupied lands. With the withdrawal of occupying forces from the
occupied lands positive trends in the negotiation process, of course,
more will grow, and this issue will be resolved soon”, – he said.

The president noted that along with all political and diplomatic
efforts, Azerbaijan expands military power. “We have created and
create a strong army. A strong army is much strengthens our position
in the negotiations. Expanding economic opportunities of Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan is becoming a powerful country, not only in the region but
also globally. Of course, our economic, financial, and at the same
time, the political resources will contribute to a just solution to
the question of the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. Grow and
our economy and our foreign exchange reserves, and our population.

According to recent data, the population of Azerbaijan has already
reached 9.3 million people. As for Armenia, according to official
statistics, the first five months of this year, this country ever
left 80,000 people. By the end of the year this figure will reach
about 170-200 thousand people. Thus, in a few years the demographic
situation in general will be a decisive moment. Not by chance,
in his recent speeches, I pay special attention to this matter. In
Azerbaijan, the demographic situation is good, positive, there is
a natural growth. But I believe that this growth should be even
stronger. To encourage this growth and population growth, perhaps,
be taken further action. Our economy, industrial power, financial
resources will allow us to work twice as many people than it is now,
and create all the conditions. Of course, it would be. Today, 9.3
million. After a few years will be 15 million, 20 million. That is,
the process is, and will go. We are now taking some additional measures
to further stimulate this process’ – President said.

“As for Armenia, it is possible that its leaders, and rejoice in the
fact that the population decreases. After all, there is no jobs,
no money, no economy, no industry, no prospects. The smaller the
population, the smaller the burden that falls on the government. This
– one approach. Our approach is quite different. Our economy, the
industrial might and political will dictate that the Azerbaijani
population should grow. This is necessary not only to resolve the
Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh conflict – we
will solve this issue and raise the flag of Azerbaijan in Khankendi
– but also for the future in general. Because in today’s world,
unfortunately, in many cases, international law does not work.

International law is ignored. In the foreground there is the factor
of force. In fact, this pattern was typical of the Middle Ages. Just
after World War II – after setting a new world order, new rules of
international law have been adopted as a basis. This is the case
today. But looking at the trends and processes in the region and the
world, we see that sometimes it is taking steps that are fundamentally
contrary to international law, on the fore a factor of force. Who is
stronger, he is right. It is not our choice, but unfortunately, this
show going processes in the world. And to be strong, you need a strong
economy, the military-industrial potential and a large population.

Therefore, we must seriously address this issue. Until now, these
processes have a natural character. Just to increase the natural growth
of the economy as well as states became more intense. We see it in
the statistics. In recent years the birth rate was higher than 10-15
years ago. This is an issue that is directly linked to economic and
social factors. But, I repeat, we must approach this issue through
a new prism. Azerbaijani population should grow even faster”, –
the Head of State said.

Speaking about the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh
President noted that in recent years for the recognition of the Khojaly
tragedy as genocide – a state government, our diplomacy, civil society,
our diaspora organizations – have done very much. “It is very important
and significant issue. For three countries – Colombia, Mexico and
Pakistan – formally recognized the Khojaly tragedy as genocide. I am
confident that this process must and will continue. Our embassies,
of course, government agencies, community organizations will continue
their efforts in this regard. Gradually countries to recognize Khojaly
tragedy as genocide, there will be more”, – Azerbaijani president
Ilham Aliyev said.

STRANGERS IN THEIR OWN LAND
by Dogu Ergil

Today’s Zaman
July 11 2012
Turkey

We Turks are pretty sure that the Ottoman system was close to being
perfect because it was just. That is why a rejectionist or, better,
revisionist, historiography has appeared over the last few decades
that has downplayed the republican history and exalted the Ottoman.

Both histories are ideological fabrications to serve the purposes of
two different power groups to legitimize their rule.

Republican history was the making of the bureaucracy that wanted to
put a general amnesia into effect to cover the trauma of losing an
empire as well as to build state machinery that would carve a nation
to its liking out of the heterogeneous population of the empire lost.

The ruling bureaucratic elite wanted no competitors to share its
power and privileges and shaped a state structure that kept all
competitors out.

Those who were left out criticized most of the qualities of
the republican regime, with the exception of its nationalism and
authoritarianism, but addressed its secularist stance. They began to
develop their own understanding of statecraft and historiography. The
incumbent Justice and Development Party (AKP) is both the product
and follower of this line.

In revisionist historiography, the Ottoman state was not an empire
for the simple fact that empires conquer and dominate peoples. Their
policies are imperialistic. The new political power holders are
upwardly mobile conservative parochial social cohorts. While they
exalt the Ottoman system they deny its imperial character. They call
the Ottoman state, “the Grand State” (Devlet-i Ali).

Their ideological preference of the Ottoman state over the republican
leads them to mistaken inferences. The first of their mistakes is that
the Ottoman Empire fell apart because of the concerted efforts of its
subjugated peoples and Western imperialists. However, its economy was
incapable of keeping up a colossal political structure. The empire
collapsed largely because of economic entropy. Secondly, the central
authority never allowed subjugated nations to govern their affairs
except for intra-communal relations. A sort of commonwealth system
was never allowed to develop into a “United Ottoman Nations.” Thirdly,
Ottoman justice, which is so often praised, was based on a hierarchical
relationship between the Muslims and the rest. As long as the Muslims
were the “dominant nation” (millet-i hakime) and the rest accepted this
reality, they were allowed to govern their intra-communal affairs. It
was not an equal system. When the hierarchy that worked to the benefit
of the ruling Muslims was challenged, bloody reprisals took place
that ended in civil strife, deportation or elimination of peoples
that had lived together for centuries.

What replaced the quality of being Muslim was being Turkish in the
republican era. Justice was not defined as the way minorities were
treated (as equals) but in the way they accepted and adapted to the
reality that they were unequal to the Muslims or the Turks.

The biggest reason why these facts are not commonly known is the
“national education” and the laws that make it virtually impossible
to discuss these issues. That is why hate rhetoric uttered even by top
government officials, labelling Armenians and Greeks as traitors, Kurds
as terrorists and subversives and Alevis as heretics, act with impunity
and set the tone of ongoing discrimination against the minorities.

Alevis are not granted their basic rights that boil down to three
demands: 1 – Acknowledgement of their cemevis as places of worship; 2 –
exemption of their children from Sunni religious education in secondary
education; 3 – either abolition of the Religious Affairs Directorate,
which is a Sunni institution, or inclusion of the representatives of
all religions and sects into this institution.

The usurpation of property, especially of Christian citizens in
Turkey, has been a part of a shady past but still persists. The Supreme
Court of Appeals of Turkey, namely the Yargitay, is on record calling
non-Muslim citizens of Turkey “resident a liens” in the 1970s while
endorsing the official confiscation of their property.

If you believe that this is all in the unsavoury past, you are wrong.

The fields (276 acres) owned by the Mor (Saint) Gabriel Monastery
of the Aramean Christians near Mardin, which date back to the first
centuries of Christendom (before the advent of the Turks and the
creation of the Ottoman state) is under the attack from the local
villagers.

The local court has examined the evidence and ruled that the property
belongs to the monastery, which has presented its title deed,
receipts of tax payments, etc. However, the Supreme Court of Appeals
has overturned the local court’s judgment and decided in favour of
the local claimants. However, in the meantime all the supporting
evidence presented by the legal representative of the monastery has
disappeared from the court’s files.

Can we claim to be a just nation if we treat our minorities who
have placed the responsibility of protecting their lives, rights
and freedoms on us, the Muslim Turkish majority? Can we be the right
model for the post-revolutionary societies in the Middle East seeking
a democratic future where the rule of law will shape their political
systems?

BRIGHT PROSPECTS FOR TEHRAN-YEREVAN TIES – MINISTER

Islamic Republic News Agency IRNA
July 11 2012
Iran

Yerevan, 11 July: Interior Minister Mostafa Mohammad-Najjar said here
on Wednesday [11 July] that there is bright future for Tehran-Yerevan
ties.

In a meeting with the Armenian Energy Minister Armen Mosesyan, he added
that Iran’s ties with the neighbouring states, especially Armenia,
are strategic.

“Iran is ready to promote its economic and commercial exchanges with
the brother and friend country to the highest level,” he noted.

Referring to the ancient and historic Iran-Armenia ties and cordial
relations between the two nations, he called for further promoting
mutual cooperation.

Exchange of visits between the officials of the two states will help
deepen bilateral ties, he said, noting that expansion of Iran-Armenia
ties will benefit the entire region, in addition to the two countries.

“Iran considers no limit for promoting ties with Armenia,” he said.

Mosesyan, for his part, referred to Iran’s role in the region and
appreciated Iranian support for the Caucasian states in hard times.

Describing Iran’s role in the region as undeniable and significant,
he said that promoting bilateral relations will benefit both nations.

Putting the current rate of trade and commerce between the two states
at over $300 million, Mosesyan hoped that the rate of exchanges will
hit none billion dollars within the next two years.

ARMENIAN PRESIDENT RECEIVES OSCE HEAD

Vestnik Kavkaza
July 12 2012
Russia

Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan received on Thursday the delegation
headed by OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier, News.am reports.

President Sargsyan said Armenia attaches importance to cooperation with
OSCE expressing hope that Zannier’s visit to Armenia will contribute
to further strengthening and development of relations.

President said the delegation’s visit to Armenia is a good opportunity
to learn more about the regional problems, challenges and exchanging
thoughts on different issues.

In his turn, Lamberto Zannier said that Armenia is an active member
of OSCE and he hopes development of cooperation will continue through
the Yerevan Office.

The sides discussed the issues related to the Karabakh peace process.

OSCE URGES ARMENIA AND AZERBAIJAN TO WITHDRAW SNIPERS

Vestnik Kavkaza
July 12 2012
Russia

OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier has urged Armenia
and Azerbaijan to withdraw snipers from the contact line at
Nagorno-Karabakh today. At a press conference with Armenian Foreign
Minister Edward Nalbandian, he noted that this idea is the main
message to Yerevan and Baku, RIA Novosti reports.

Nalbandian emphasized that there is no alternative to peaceful
negotiations to settle the situation. He reminded that the joint
statement of president of OSCE MG at Los Cabos rules use out the of
force, while Azerbaijan continues purchasing weapons.

Zannier arrived in Armenia on Wednesday. He will meet Armenian
President Serzh Sargsyan, Speaker of Parliament Ovik Abramyan,
political parties and the public. He has already visited Georgia
and Azerbaijan.

Zannier said at a meeting with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar
Mammadyarov in Baku on May 9 that the status quo of the conflict is
unacceptable. The OSCE recommends a more active monitoring mission
in Nagorno-Karabakh instead.

Mammadyarov insists that ending Armenian occupation of Azerbaijani
lands should be the key solution, instead of improving monitoring
mechanisms. No progress in settling the conflict has been made in
the last 20 years, the foreign minister notes.

ARMENIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS CALLS TO HOLD SPECIAL PARLIAMENTARY SESSION

news.am
July 12, 2012 | 17:07

YEREVAN. – Opposition Armenian National Congress’ (ANC) National
Assembly (NA) Faction issued a statement with an initiative to convene
a special NA session.

“Considering [the fact] that the crimes that were committed at
Harsnaqar Restaurant Complex have received a wide public resonance,

Noting that a response [to these developments] by the NA will
contribute to weakening the social tension,

Noting that an NA MP’s involvement and accountability is touched upon
in connection with the incidents,

Taking into account that the incidents’ inadequate and incomplete
criminal-legal assessment could negatively impact the Armenian Army’s
moral and psychological condition, [and]

Taking into account the consultations held with representatives from
Prosperous Armenia, ARF [Dashnaktsutyun], and Heritage [parties’
NA] factions,

We [hereby] decide to convene on July 17 at 12pm, [and] together
with MPs from other factions, a special NA session with an agenda to
adopt an NA decision on forming an ad hoc NA commission to study the
circumstances [of the incident] at Harsnaqar,” the ANC’s statement
reads in particular.

As Armenian News-NEWS.am informed earlier, an incident had occurred at
Armenian capital city Yerevan’s Harsnaqar Restaurant on June 17, where
several military doctors including Edgar Mikoyan, Arkadi Aghajanyan,
Garik Soghomonyan, Artak Bayadyan and Vahe Avetyan were brutally
beaten by the security personnel. And Vahe Avetyan died in hospital
on June 29. A criminal case is launched and the Police have detained
six people.

The Restaurant’s owner is senior ruling party MP, Football Federation
of Armenia President, and businessman Ruben Hayrapetyan, who on July
3 formally submitted his resignation from his parliamentary seat.

AZERBAIJAN’S TALKS ABOUT AZERBAIJANI COMMUNITY IN KARABAKH SENSELESS – OFFICIAL

news.am
July 12, 2012 | 23:24

STEPANAKERT. – The words of the Azerbaijani MFA’s spokesperson Elman
Abdullayev that ‘the Azerbaijani side has always tried to organize
meeting between the Armenian and Azerbaijani communities’ of Nagorno
Karabakh Republic (NKR) do not have anything to do with common sense,
the head of the NKR President’s press service Davit Babayan told
Armenian News-NEWS.am. According to him, Azerbaijan is trying to
create an artificial format of negotiations.

“The so called Azerbaijani community is simply an NGO in Baku. What
are they talking about,” Babayan said.

As Babayan mentioned, if Abdullayev speaks about the Azerbaijanis
who have lived in NKR before, then they are NKR citizens who have
left the country.

“Let them return,” Babayan said.

At the end Babayan reminded Azerbaijani side that NKR is not a
community it is a state.

HAD EUROPE BEEN CONSISTENT AT THE TIME, AZERBAIJAN WOULD NOT HAVE PERMITTED ITSELF SUCH THING – ARMENIAN MP

news.am
July 12, 2012 | 12:35

YEREVAN. – The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe
Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA) session, which was held in Monaco on
July 5-9, took place at a time when there are worrisome developments
in the world. Head of Armenia’s delegation at the Assembly, and ruling
Republican Party of Armenia’s National Assembly (NA) Faction member,
Artashes Geghamyan stated this while addressing the NA.

“I am speaking specifically about what is happening in Syria, Iran,
which could have an impact on Armenia,” noted Geghamyan, and added
that the PA generally reflected on the OSCE region and neutrally
reflected on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Geghamyan also informed that he delivered a very harsh speech at the
PA Political Committee, and the Azerbaijanis were unable to present
a counterargument.

In his speech, Geghamyan had noted that the killings which the
Azerbaijanis are committing and the brazenness which Azerbaijani
president Ilham Aliyev is manifesting have become possible due to the
permission by European organizations. “Had they been consistent at the
time, Azerbaijan would not have permitted itself to do such thing,”
he said.

In addition, Artashes Geghamyan and MP Artak Davtyan met with senior
European officials, heard positive views on Armenia’s May 6 NA
elections, and the Europeans praised President “Serzh Sargsyan and
said he is an advocate of democracy.”