Author: Tadevosian Garnik

ARMENIAN-BULGARIAN INTERGOVERNMENTAL COMMISSION’S SITTING TO BE HELD ON DECEMBER 9-10 IN SOFIA

Noyan Tapan

Dec 5, 2008

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 5, NOYAN TAPAN. The sitting of the Armenian-Bulgarian
Intergovernmental Commission will be held on December 9-10 in the
capital city of Bulgaria, Sofia. Armenia’s delegation led by RA
Minister of Transport and Communication Gurgen Sargsian will take
part in the sitting.

According to the Minister, issues regarding European integration,
trade, investments, tourism, information technologies, small and
medium-sized entrepreneurial activity, territorial government,
agriculture, transport spheres will be discussed at the sitting
in particular.

G. Sargsian said that a number of agreements on cooperation in various
spheres will be signed at the end of the sitting.

ACCORDING TO EDUARD SHARMAZANOV, ARMENIA WILL NEVER MAKE ONE-SIDED CONCESSIONS

Noyan Tapan

Dec 5, 2008

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 5, NOYAN TAPAN. The key point of the joint statement
signed by the Foreign Ministers of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairing
countries, France, Russia, and the U.S. on December 4 in Helsinki is
that the principles of the November 2 Moscow Declaration should be
kept, and it is once more stipulated that conflict’s solution through
a war should be excluded. The latter is especially important in the
respect that after Moscow Declaration’s signing Azeri President
Ilham Aliyev again did not exclude the possibility of a military
solution. Eduard Sharmazanov, a member of the RA National Assembly RPA
faction, expressed such an opinion at the December 5 press briefing.

He said that the Armenian side has an initiating policy in the Nagorno
Karabakh settlement, is guided by state and national interests and
will never make one-sided concessions. And the concessions should
be in the interests of Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh, that is, of the
Armenian people.

"Let us not forget that we are the winning side in this national
liberation fight, in this war, and let our Azeri colleagues not forget
that," the RPA deputy said.

Touching upon MG American Co-chairman Matthew Bryza’s statement made
in Helsinki the day before that it is the principle of Azerbaijan’s
territorial integrity that should be primary in the process of
Nagorno Karabakh settlement without excluding some possibility
of exercising nations’ self-determination right, E. Sharmazanov
noted that "Mr Bryza is in his style." "I am convinced that when he
comes to Armenia he will once more say that either the journalists
misunderstood him or interpreted his speech wrongly. However, it is
not so important for me. The most important is that Mr Bryza and all
co-chairs should realize that Nagorno Karabakh was part of Soviet
Azerbaijan in the status of an autonomous region, and the extent of
that self-determination right did not satisfy the NKR population," E.

Sharmazanov said reminding that "NKR has never and no day been a
subject of independent Azerbaijan."

PATRIARCH OF MOSCOW AND ALL RUSSIA ALEXY II DIES AT 79

PanARMENIAN.Net
05.12.2008 13:38 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Alexy II died
Friday at age 79, the church headquarters said.

Moscow Patriarchate spokesman, father Vladimir Vyazemsky said he died
at his residence outside Moscow, but did not give a cause of death.

Alexy II has headed Russian Orthodox Church since 1990. Born Alexei
Ruediger, he had ethnic ties to Germany and the Baltic region.

Alexy II had long suffered from a heart ailment.

GRIGOR AYVAZYAN: REFERENDUM ON KARABAKH IN AZERBAIJAN CANNOT BE LEGAL
Gita Elibekyan

"Radiolur"
04.12.2008 16:26

More than 418 thousand Armenians have emigrated from Azerbaijan to
Armenia since 1988. Today the number of refugees in Armenia reaches
300 thousand in Armenia and 35 thousand in Nagorno Karabakh. President
of the "Assembly of Azerbaijani Armenians" Grigor Ayvazyan says that
they spread all over the world because of the genocide organized
by Azerbaijan.

Besides, according to Azerbaijani Constitution, the person born in
Azerbaijan is considered the citizen of the country. Therefore, as
Grigor Ayvazyan notes, if a referendum on Nagorno Karabakh is held
in Azerbaijan, it cannot be considered legal.

Azerbaijani Armenians view Ilham Aliyev as the head of the Muslim
community of Azerbaijan and note that he does not have the right
to speak on behalf of the whole people of Azerbaijan. Azerbaijani
Armenians demand to include a provision in the negotiation process,
according to which Azerbaijan will have to receive back its half a
million Armenian citizens and guarantee their security.

If Azerbaijan is not ready to do that, it should ensure a moral
and material reimbursement, which, according to Ayvazyan, makes
$100 million.

Are Azerbaijani Armenians ready to return to their previous places
of residence? Ayvazyan assures that most of them have expressed
willingness to return to their main places of re sidence.

BOTH PARTIES DEMONSTRATE ASPIRATION TO NORMALIZE RELATIONS BETWEEN TURKEY AND ARMENIA, TURKISH EXPERT THINKS

ArmInfo
2008-12-03 17:52:00

ArmInfo. ‘Both parties have been demonstrating aspiration to normalize
the relations between Turkey and Armenia’, – senior expert of the
analytical center European Stability Initiative, editor of Turkish
Policy Quarterly magazine issued in Istanbul Nigar Geksel told ArmInfo
correspondent.

She also added although there are certain difficulties on this way,
they should be overcome. Touching on the progress in the matter of
establishment the Armenian-Turkish relations the expert drew attention
at the fact that rumours were spread in Ankara about the necessity of
the strategical changing in the position of the country. ‘In Turkey
many people think that absence of the diplomatic relations with Armenia
and the fact of the border shut down are not in favour of the state. Of
course, changing of the positions of the parties is in some sense
conditioned with the August events between Russia and Georgia too,
as well as with the power changing in Armenia’, – she said.

Asked about the positive affect that has led to certain progress in
normalizing of the Armenian-Turkish relations, the expert replied, that
there are two factors – geo-political and ripening of understanding
in the Turkish and Armenian societies that they need changing. She
also added that in Turkey the liberal part of the society is
actively working in this direction. This work is coinciding with
the strategical changes in the position of official Ankara. Finally,
positive tendencies have been noticed from both sides, the expert said.

STUDENTS HANDED OVER LETTER OF COMPLAINT

A1+
[05:18 pm] 03 December, 2008

Today Yerevan students staged a protest action in front of the UN
Office against brutal destruction of Armenian monuments in Georgia. The
action was followed by a march to the Georgian Embassy in Armenia
where the protesters handed a letter to the ambassador.

"We demand the UNESCO to take drastic measures to stop the vandalism
against Armenian cultural and historic values," runs the letter.

The Ambassador promised to hand over the protesters’ letter and
demands to the Georgian authorities.

OLYMPIAD: RESULTS MAY BE REVIEWED

A1+
[12:38 pm] 02 December, 2008

The results of the recent World Chess Olympiad in Dresden may be
reviewed.

Leading chess player of Ukraine Vasili Ivanchuk refused to move on
to a doping test after the 11th tournament. As a result, the renowned
grosmeister may be disqualified for 2 years and Ukraine may lose the
Gaprindashvili cup, which was given after the counting of the results
of the Ukrainian men and women chess players.

Based on these results, Ukraine was in first place and Armenia came
in second because the men’s team placed 1st, while the women placed
6th. If Ukraine is disqualified, Armenia will place first with the
total of men’s and women’s results. The president of FIDE Kirsan
Iliumzhinov has personally made an announcement regarding the possible
disqualification of Ukraine.

Armenian National Committee of America
1711 N Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036
Tel. (202) 775-1918
Fax. (202) 775-5648
[email protected]
Internet

PRESS RELEASE
December 1, 2008
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918

ANCA WELCOMES CLINTON’S APPOINTMENT AS SECRETARY OF STATE

— Senator Clinton Supported Adoption of the
Armenian Genocide Resolution, Pledged as
Candidate to "Recognize the Armenian Genocide"

"I believe the horrible events perpetrated
by the Ottoman Empire against Armenians
constitute a clear case of genocide."
— Hillary Clinton, January 24, 2008

WASHINGTON, DC – President-elect Barack Obama’s choice of Senator
Hillary Clinton (D-NY) to serve as his Secretary of State was
welcomed today by the Armenian National Committee of America
(ANCA).

"We extend our thanks to President-elect Obama for this choice and
our congratulations to Senator Clinton on her appointment to our
nation’s top diplomatic post," said Aram Hamparian, Executive
Director of the ANCA. "We are certainly pleased to see that, for
the first time in recent memory, an individual with a strong record
in support of Armenian Genocide recognition will serve as America’s
Secretary of State."

During her tenure in the U.S. Senate, Hillary Clinton has both
called upon President Bush to honor his campaign pledge to
recognize the Armenian Genocide, and also cosponsored every
Armenian Genocide Resolution since coming into office in 2001.

On January 24th of this year Senator Clinton issued a campaign
statement outlining her views on U.S.-Armenia relations. The full
text is provided below.

#####

Statement of Senator Hillary Clinton
on the U.S.-Armenia Relationship

January 24, 2008

Alone among the Presidential candidates, I have been a longstanding
supporter of the Armenian Genocide Resolution. I have been a co-
sponsor of the Resolution since 2002, and I support adoption of
this legislation by both Houses of Congress.

I believe the horrible events perpetrated by the Ottoman Empire
against Armenians constitute a clear case of genocide. I have twice
written to President Bush calling on him to refer to the Armenian
Genocide in his annual commemorative statement and, as President, I
will recognize the Armenian Genocide. Our common morality and our
nation’s credibility as a voice for human rights challenge us to
ensure that the Armenian Genocide be recognized and remembered by
the Congress and the President of the United States.

If the mass atrocities of the 20th Century have taught us anything
it is that we must honestly look the facts of history in the face
in order to learn their lessons, and ensure they will not happen
again. It is not just about the past, but about our future. We must
close the gap between words and deeds to prevent mass atrocities.
That is why I am a supporter of the Responsibility to Protect. As
President, I will work to build and enhance U.S. and international
capacity to act early and effectively to prevent mass atrocities.
The Bush administration’s words of condemnation have not been
backed with leadership to stop the genocide in Darfur. I support a
no-fly-zone over Darfur. I have championed strong international
action to ensure that the government of Sudan can no longer act
with impunity, or interfere with the international peacekeeping
force, which is essential for the protection of the people of
Darfur.

I value my friendship with our nation’s vibrant Armenian-American
community. This is in keeping with my dedication to the causes of
the Armenian-American community over many years. I was privileged
as First Lady to speak at the first-ever White House gathering in
1994 for leaders from Armenia and the Armenian-American community
to celebrate the historic occasion of Armenia’s reborn
independence. I said at the time that America will stand with you
as you realize what the great Armenian poet, Puzant Granian, called
the Armenian’s dream "to be left in peace in his mountains, to
build, to dream, to create."

I will, as President, work to expand and improve U.S.-Armenia
relations in addressing the common issues facing our two nations:
increasing trade, fostering closer economic ties, fighting
terrorism, strengthening democratic institutions, pursuing our
military partnership and deepening cooperation with NATO, and
cooperating on regional concerns, among them a fair and democratic
resolution of the Nagorno-Karabagh conflict. As President, I will
expand U.S. assistance programs to Armenia and to the people of
Nagorno-Karabagh.

I look forward, as President, to continuing to work with the
Armenian-American community on the many domestic and international
challenges we face together, and to build on the strong foundations
of shared values that have long brought together the American and
Armenian peoples.

Armenian Assembly of America
1140 19th Street, NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: [email protected]
Web:

PRESS RELEASE

December 1, 2008

Contact: Michael A Zachariades
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (202) 393-3434

ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY WELCOMES SELECTION OF HILLARY CLINTON AS SECRETARY OF STATE

Washington, DC – President-elect Barack Obama selected Senator Hillary
Rodham Clinton (D-NY) to serve as the U.S. Secretary of State, reported
the Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly).

"During her tenure in the U.S. Senate, Senator Clinton has consistently
supported affirmation of the Armenian Genocide," stated Assembly Executive
Director Bryan Ardouny. "Never before have we had such an alignment
whereby the incoming President Vice-President and Secretary of State have
a clear and demonstrated record of support for affirmation of the Armenian
Genocide, as well as genocide prevention," continued Ardouny.

First elected to the U.S. Senate in 2000, Senator Clinton consistently
supported efforts to reaffirm the historical truth of the Armenian
Genocide. In addition to co-sponsoring resolutions affirming the
Armenian Genocide, Senator Clinton also repeatedly urged President
George W. Bush to reaffirm the Armenian Genocide in his annual April
24th statements. In 2006, for example, Clinton signed a letter to
President Bush stating: "The memory of the Armenian Genocide underscores
our responsibility to speak forcefully about our respect for fundamental
human rights and opposition to mass slaughters. It is in the best
interests of our nation and the entire global community to remember the
past and learn from these crimes against humanity to ensure that they
are never repeated. We respectfully request that you refer to the mass
slaughter of Armenians as genocide in your commemorative statement."
Senator Clinton also supports expanding and improving U.S.-Armenia
relations and "a fair and democratic resolution of the Nagorno-Karabagh
conflict."

Throughout the 2008 presidential election, President-elect Obama
repeatedly pledged to officially recognize the Armenian Genocide and with
the nomination of Hillary Clinton, President-elect Obama has an ally in
Genocide affirmation and prevention. In making the announcement today,
President-elect Obama said, "The time has come for a new beginning, a new
dawn of American leadership to overcome the challenges of the 21st
century."

During the campaign trail, Senator Clinton stated: "I believe the
horrible events perpetrated by the Ottoman Empire against Armenians
constitute a clear case of genocide. Our common morality and our
nation’s credibility as a voice for human rights challenge us to ensure
that the Armenian Genocide be recognized and remembered by the Congress
and the President of the United States."

Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest
Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public understanding
and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt
membership organization.

To read the Assembly release about President-elect Obama, please follow
the link below:

To read the Assembly press release in regard to the letter sent to
President Bush in 2006, please follow the link below:

/2006/04-20-06__2006-037_Over_200_House_and_Senate _Members_Urge_President_Bush_to_Acknowledge_the_Ge nocide.pdf

To read the Assembly release in regard to Vice President-elect Biden,
please follow the link below:

___________________________

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addressee. It is the property of the Armenian Assembly of America. You
are hereby notified that any unauthorized review, use, dissemination or
copying of this communication or any part thereof is strictly
prohibited, and may be unlawful. If you have received this
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638-4904 or by telephone at (202) 393-3434, and destroy this
communication and all copies thereof. Thank you.

A NEW TOURNAMENT OF DAVIS CUP IN YEREVAN

ARMENPRESS
Nov 26, 2008

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 26, ARMENPRESS: Armenian Tennis Federation claims
to hold the men’s tournament of the third Euro African zone of Davis
Cup in Yerevan in 2009.

An official from Armenian Tennis Federation told Armenpress that by now
the International Tennis Federation highly assessed the organization
of all the international tennis tournaments in Yerevan.