Author: Tadevosian Garnik

ANC-PAC CITES COHEN FOR PRACTICING "SELECTIVE AMNESIA" ON ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

armradio.am
03.06.2008 10:12

The Armenian National Committee Political Action Committee (ANC-PAC)
is calling for Congressman Stephen Cohen (D-TN) to end his shameful
denial of the Armenian Genocide. Cohen, a Democrat who represents the
Ninth Congressional District in Tennessee, is a known genocide denier
who has actively worked to oppose legislation to mark the murder of
1.5 million Armenian Christians who died in the first genocide of
the 20th century.

Cohen, a member of the Congressional Turkish Caucus, was elected to the
U.S. House of Representatives in 2006 to a majority African American
district in and around Memphis, Tennessee. His victory was largely
seen by political pundits and observers as the result of a Democratic
primary that included 14 candidates, most of them African Americans,
who split the vote, thereby allowing Cohen to prevail. In 2008, the
African American community has largely rallied around candidate Nikki
Tinker, who is challenging Cohen in a Democratic primary slated for
this August.

"Congressman Cohen practices what I charitably call selective
amnesia on the Armenian Genocide," commented Cohen’s constituent,
Dany Beylerian from Memphis. "He should be ashamed for wantonly
kowtowing to a foreign government’s [Republic of Turkey] demand
that the premeditated murder of the Armenian people be denied. It is
unbelievable that the Congressman talks about the Holocaust and the
ongoing genocide in Darfur from one side of his mouth and uses the
other to deny the Armenian Genocide," added Beylerian.

On October 17, 2007, just seven days after the House Foreign Affairs
Committee adopted the Armenian Genocide resolution (H.Res. 106),
Cohen joined Congressman John P. Murtha, Chairman of the House
Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense at a press conference to urge
the House Leadership to not bring the Armenian Genocide Resolution
to the House Floor for a vote.

Congressman Robert Wexler (D-FL), chairman of the Congressional Turkish
Caucus, also participated in this genocide denial press conference.

In an October 18, 2007 article by New York Times reporter Carl Hulse,
Cohen was quoted explaining his opposition to the Armenian Genocide
resolution: "I’ve got the compassion for the people, the Armenians
that are fighting for their ancestors," said Cohen. "But these are
real-life situations, and sometimes your heart has to give in to your
head and do what makes sense for your country."

Earlier this month, Cohen was asked at a town hall meeting in Memohis
why he has chosen to engage in the ugly and immoral practice of
genocide denial. He responded by sharing with his constituents that
Congress should not legislate history. In an ironic twist, Cohen has
introduced legislation apologizing for slavery, himself promoting
the legislating of history.

In answering Beylerian at the town hall meeting, Cohen carefully
crafted his statements so as not to use the word "genocide." He
claimed that Turkey was too important an ally and referred to the
Armenian Genocide as a war between Armenian and Turkey. Knowingly
or unknowingly, his response is drawn directly from the genocide
denial arguments crafted by firms lobbying on behalf of the Turkish
government that are paid over $2 million annually to deny the Armenian
Genocide. When pressed whether he would promote the interests of a
German government that denies the Holocaust, Cohen did not provide
an answer.

In January of this year Cohen was confronted on his genocide denial
in Los Angeles at a fundraiser being held by the Chairman of the
House Foreign Affairs Committee, Howard Berman. A number of Armenian
Americans present at the event to thank Congressman Berman for his
support on all issues of importance to Armenian Americans approached
Cohen to ask why he was denying the Armenian Genocide. Cohen replied
that he knew the "issue was an emotional one" and that he did not
think Congress should legislate history.

The Congressman was told that his genocide denial is not welcome
in the City of Angels and that Armenian Americans were offended by
his position.

AZERI DEFENSE MINISTER WARNED OSCE MG THAT "SITUATION IN KARABAKH MAY GO BEYOND CONTROL"

PanARMENIAN.Net
03.06.2008 17:50 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Azerbaijan’s Defense Minister, colonel lieutenant
Safar Abiyev met with OSCE Minsk Group U.S. Co-chair Matt Bryza
to discuss the current situation in the region in the light of the
Nagorno Karabakh conflict.

"If Armenia doesn’t quit the occupied Azerbaijani lands without any
conditions within shortest terms, the situation may go beyond control,"
Abiyev said.

GASOLINE PRICE GROWS BY 5.7%, DIESEL FUEL PRICE BY 7.5% IN ARMENIA IN MAY 2008

Noyan Tapan

Ju ne 2, 2008

YEREVAN, JUNE 2, NOYAN TAPAN. The price of gasoline grew by 5.7%,
that of diesel fuel by 7.5% in Armenia in May on April 2008.

According to the RA National Statistical Service, the growth in
gasoline and diesel fuel prices made 9.2% and 15.7% respectively in
May 2008 on December 2007, and 13% and 32.7% respectively in May 2008
as compared with May 2007.

BARONESS CAROLINE COX INSPIRED WITH CHANGES IN NAGORNO-KARABAKH

DeFacto Agency
June 2 2008
Armenia

YEREVAN, 02.06.08. DE FACTO. The situation in the Nagorno-Karabakh
was discussed in the course of the NKR President Bako Sahakian’s
meeting with a British delegation held in Stepanakert on May 30.The
delegation was headed by Baroness Caroline Cox, vice Speaker of the
U. K. House of Lords.

According to the Central Department of Information under the NKR
President, during the meeting Baroness Cox noted her optimism and
inspiration over the changes taking pace in the Republic grew with
every visit.

On the guests’ request Bako Sahakian presented the current
situation and perspectives of development of the Republic’s various
spheres. According to the NKR President, freedom, independence and
peace are the most important conditions of a state’s development.

Upon completion of the meeting the state’s head expressed his
gratitude to the guests for their constant attention and care about
Nagorno-Karabakh. He voiced confidence in the continuation of the
cooperation’s traditions.

PanARMENIAN.Net

Monument to Armenian Genocide victims unveiled in Cyprus
29.05.2008 17:34 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ On May 28, Cyprus President Demetris
Christofias unveiled a monument to the Armenian
Genocide victims, saying that he remains committed to
creating a better future for all Cypriots, in a
peaceful and reunited Cyprus.

The President referred to the integration of
Armenians, who fled Turkey and arrived on the island.
He praised their successful entrepreneurial spirit,
saying they have made the country proud.

"This site is very symbolic; this is where the first
Armenians, who fled for their lives in 1915, first
landed on the island,- he said, as he unveiled the
memorial in the southern coastal town of Larnaca.

"This memorial is an expression of appreciation shown
by the Cypriot people for the hospitality and support
to Armenians who have since made Cyprus their home."

Christofias reiterated his respect and solidarity as
well as deep feelings of love to the Armenian
community here, noting that Cyprus offered them a new
beginning and was a refuge at difficult times.

Referring to the political situation in Cyprus, he
said his government would not cease to work for a
united peaceful and prosperous country for all its
citizens, Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Armenians,
Latins and Maronites.

He noted that Cyprus has suffered from a military
coup, Turkey’s invasion and the continuing occupation
of its northern part. Thousands of people have been
displaced; many of them Armenians and people have been
separated.

"Our ultimate goal is to reunite our country and our
people in a bizonal bicommunal federation with one
sovereignty, one citizenship and one international
personality," he stressed.

He closed his remarks by assuring the Armenian
community that he will continue to strive for a better
future for the country and all its people.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, the Ambassador of
Armenia Vahram Kazhoyan said: "93 years ago Armenia
was in tragedy. Genocide had already started on the
territory of historic Armenia. 93 years ago we were
mourning and we still mourn the victims, the memory of
the victims of the genocide which started ion 24th
April 1915."

However, he said, "Armenia has survived and today is a
day of festivities for Armenia, it is a big holiday
for Armenia, today is the rebirth of our first
Republic back in 1918. In 1918 in May after victory in
three major battles against Ottoman Turkey Armenians
established their first Republic after 700 years of
non independence."

"After a lot of difficulties we have survived thanks
to the help of our friends, and amongst these friends
was Cyprus. One of those people was the Cypriot people
who helped Armenia since the first days of the
genocide and who was among the first countries who
recognized the genocide officially in 1982," he
pointed out.

Armenia and Cyprus since the independent of Armenia 70
years ago have been in the international arena, as
friends helping each other with a lot of understanding
between them, he noted.

-I am sure that the monument in the promenade of
Larnaca will become not only one of the major
monuments dedicated to the Armenian Genocide all over
the world, but I am confident that it will become one
of the beautiful landmarks of Larnaca,- he added, and
thanked the Municipality of Larnaca and the government
of Cyprus, The Famagusta Gazette reports

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
May 29 2008

Terry Davis: `I concern when I hear that peaceful means for solution
of Nagorno Karabakh conflict have ended’

[ 29 May 2008 15:46 ]

Strasbourg. Fuad Gulubeyli-APA. Secretary General of the Council of
Europe Terry Davis addressed the plenary meeting of the CE Congress of
Local Regional Authorities on May 28.

After his address, Mr. Davis answered the questions of participants
and touched upon the Nagorno Karabakh conflict too. Davis said that he
had visited Azerbaijan and Armenia for the several times and learned
the conflicts in the South Caucasus. `I was shocked when I saw living
conditions in the refugee camps in Azerbaijan. I expressed my ideas at
the official meetings with the leaders of both countries and I think
it gave its results. Certain work has been done for improvement of
living conditions of refugees since than. The root of this problem is
between Azerbaijan and Armenia and relates to the Nagorno Karabakh
conflict. There was war between these countries and both sides
suffered from it. In that time Europe had no information about the
details of this conflict. It was not discussed there because Europe
was at work upon former Yugoslavia and crimes committed there though
same events were happening in the South Caucasus too. Now the
situation is so that we try to protect human rights in both Azerbaijan
and Armenia and intends for soonest solution of the conflict. While
entering the Council of Europe, both countries took obligations for
peaceful solution of the conflict and I very concern when I hear that
peaceful means have ended and one of the sides is going to take
military measures. In such cases I would put forward the initiative
for the CE Committee of Ministers to take necessary measure, because
it would be violation of obligations taken before the Council of
Europe’. Terry Davis advised to the conflict parties, as a friend of
both Azerbaijan and Armenia, to look forward for future not forgetting
the past. `I don’t say that you must forget the past, but you need to
look forward for finding solution to the conflict’.

Interfax News Agency, Russia
May 27 2008

Armenia expects talks on gas prices in 2009-2011 to conclude by autumn

YEREVAN May 27

Armenia expects to conclude talks with Gazprom (RTS: GAZP) on the
price of gas deliveries in 2009-2011 over the coming two-three months,
Energy and Natural Resources Minister Armen Movsiyan told journalists
on Tuesday.

A working group from Moscow is currently in Armenia to discuss the gas
price. "We are trying to agree our approaches over the next few years
on the prices for gas," he said.

Armenia will pay $110 per 1,000 cubic meters for gas from Gazprom to
the end of 2008. Gazprom has proposed raising the price in 2009 to
$165 per 1,000 cubic meters.

ARMENPRESS

LITHUANIA’S NEWLY APPOINTED AMBASSADOR HANDS HIS
CREDENTIALS TO PRESIDENT SERZH SARKISIAN

YEREVAN, MAY 30, ARMENPRESS: Lithuania’s newly
appointed ambassador to Armenia, Gedrius Apuokas,
handed today his credentials to President Serzh
Sarkisian.
The presidential press service quoted the diplomat
as saying that it is a great honor for him to serve as
the first resident ambassador of Lithuania to Armenia.
He said he will do his best to promote further
expansion of partnership between the two countries.
Congratulating the ambassador president Serzh
Sarkisian welcomed Lithuania’s decision to open
embassy in Armenia saying Armenia intends to open its
embassy in Lithuania too.
The president described Armenian-Lithuanian
relations as relations between friends and partners.
Stressing the high level political dialogue between
the two sides, he spoke in favor of enhancing economic
relations, which are at a low level although there is
a big potential with relevant legal framework.
Serzh Sarkisian emphasized boosting not only of
bilateral, but also multilateral cooperation between
the two countries including in the frameworks of the
European Neighborhood Program.
Saying that European direction is a priority of
Armenia’s foreign policy, the president said the
Baltic nations have accumulated serious experience of
European integration which can be very useful for
Armenia.
The president also appreciated highly Lithuania’s
constant readiness to consult Armenia in implementing
different reforms.

U.S. PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES CONDEMN GENOCIDE IN DARFUR

PanARMENIAN.Net
29.05.2008 12:27 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA)
today applauded the unprecedented, bi-partisan joint statement
issued by Presidential Candidates, Senators Hillary Clinton
(D-NY), John McCain (R-AZ) and Barack Obama (D-IL) expressing their
collective commitment to ending the ongoing genocide in Darfur, ANCA
Communications Director Elizabeth S. Chouldjian told PanARMENIAN.Net.

"After more than five years of genocide, the Sudanese government
and its proxies continue to commit atrocities against civilians in
Darfur. This is unacceptable to the American people and to the world
community," noted Senators Clinton, McCain and Obama.

"Today, we wish to make clear to the Sudanese government that on this
moral issue of tremendous importance, there is no divide between us. We
stand united and demand that the genocide and violence in Darfur be
brought to an end and that the CPA [Comprehensive Peace Agreement]
be fully implemented."

"A united stand on stopping the ongoing genocide in Darfur sends a
powerful message to the al-Bashir government that ongoing atrocities
against defenseless civilians is simply unacceptable," stated ANCA
Executive Director Aram Hamparian. "Only by speaking clearly and
unequivocally on all genocides – from the Armenian Genocide, to the
Holocaust, Cambodia, Rwanda and now Sudan – can we finally put an
end to the cycle of genocide plaguing our world over the past century."

Presidential candidates Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton had condemned
the Sudan genocide earlier this year in statements citing their support
for passage of Armenian Genocide legislation (H.Res.106 / S.Res.106)
pending in Congress.

DIALOGUE AND NEGOTIATIONS
LILIT POGHOSYAN

Hayots Ashkhar Daily
Published on May 23, 2008
Armenia

In response to our questions, KHOSROV HAROUTYUNYAN, Head of the
Christian-Democratic Party of Armenia, presents his assessments on the
efforts of the authorities and the opposition towards the
implementation of Resolution 1609

`Do you think the steps undertaken by the authorities so far are enough
for attending the PACE summer session with `clear conscience’?’

`I do appreciate the authorities’ efforts towards the implementation of
Resolution 1609. Nevertheless, the authorities could have acted more
promptly and efficiently in certain matters. For instance, if there are
people among the detainees who were not directly involved in the
criminal offences, I believe they could have changed the precautionary
measure against those people or conducted a speedy judicial inquiry.
This would have essentially reduced the number of the detainees; at the
same time, it would have been useful in terms of a public response.

Of course, certain steps have been undertaken in that direction as
well, but it was possible to act more intensively and in a more
unrestrained manner to prevent the opposition from torpedoing the
political process and heating the situation.’

`Along with the `principal’ condition of releasing the `political
detainees’, the proponents of Mr. Ter-Petrosyan also speak about
extraordinary presidential or parliamentary elections. Doesn’t this
mean that they are trying to solve a problem in terms of torpedoing the
Resolution?’

`Extraordinary presidential and parliamentary elections cannot be a
precondition for any political process. They may result from political
developments and, why not, political dialogues. I don’t see the
appropriateness of extraordinary elections, at least at the current
stage. Today, any member of society must be confident that both the
authorities and the opposition share equal responsibility for bringing
the democratic process of life on a normal path.

In this context, the possibility of a dialogue is much discussed, but I
believe it is necessary to distinguish a dialogue from political
negotiations and political consultations. They are different things.

We can say that we follow the regime of a dialogue at present as well.
The President of the Republic, Head of the Government, different
political forces and the opposition are exchanging thoughts with one
another in a direct or indirect manner, through the press, television
and a dialogue with the public. What is left to do is first of all, to
draft the agenda of the political negotiations, i.e. the frameworks of
the principal conceptual issues whose solution is anticipated by the
public, and secondly, to clarify the format of the negotiations. We are
now in the process of searches.

Everybody is beginning to understand it, and that’s great because it is
impossible for the state government system to function properly without
the opposition’s practical and effective influence. Of course, this
doesn’t mean that the opposition should make decisions and impose its
will on the majority. This means that the opposition should have real
chances to influence political decisions in different representative
bodies and first of all, at the National Assembly.’

`What about the Public Chamber under the President? Don’t you think it
is capable of solving that problem?’

`The perception of the Public Chamber needs certain clarifications. To
begin with, it cannot be a body replacing the National Assembly. This
approach should be ruled out from the outset. There is an opinion that
different strata of society, public and political organizations should
be represented in that structure. It’s just a kind desire. The body
that will function under the President should be vested exclusively
with a consultative role, and what’s more, it should serve for the
President. In this case, the staff of the structure should be
determined exclusively by the President of the Republic.

If it is a structure representing a broad specter of political forces,
that specter should be determined by the President again, because the
President may or may not attach importance to the political role of
this or that party in terms of exercising the responsibility vested in
him by the Constitution in amore effective manner. Otherwise, the body
may become the successive stillborn structure.’