Author: Tashjian Arbi

IDEA OF CREATING ARMENIAN-TURKISH HISTORIANS COMMISSION PROVES TURKEY’S VENTURESOME POLICY

/PanARMENIAN.Net/
18.06.2009 17:20 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The idea of setting up historians’ commission
demonstrates the venturesome and threatening character of Turkish
diplomacy, whereas US Assistant Secretary of State Philip Gordon
supports such policy, David Davtyan expert-analyst of ANALITIKA.at.ua
said. It is necessary, in the given context, to clarify whether such
position is supported by a senior statesman or it is Washington’s
official stance, the expert finds. "The idea of creating such
commission is simply absurd in terms of clarifying any problems. As
to Armenia and Armenian people, it is amoral, degrading and offensive
for them to get involved in such affairs. It doesn’t practically make
any sense to discuss anything with a state which refers to Erzroum
castle as a ‘V century Turkish construction’. This is what we see on
an information placard placed at the entrance of the castle. History
tells us that the Turkish invasion of Armenia and Asia Minor began
in the XI century. As to the placard, it just demonstrates Turkish
historiographers’ cynicism and proneness to falsify facts. This is
how they interpret everything concerning Armenia and Armenians,"
Davtyan noted.

No wonder that Armenian Genocide – the massive annihilation of
Armenians – slips the attention of the false scholars. "Gordon’s
statement is simply shocking. During Congress hearings held on May
11, 1920, US legislative body adopted Resolution ¹359, declaring that
evidence brought during Foreign Affairs Committee hearings proved the
truthfulness of the crimes committed against Armenians. Thus, Armenians
do not have anything to clarify with Turkish historians, considering
that Armenian Genocide was long ago recognized by several well-known
international institutions. Whereas officials like Gordon question
the Resolution adopted by their own parliament. In this regard, it
is necessary to ask RA Foreign Ministry whether Gordon really told
the truth, by stating that that the ‘road map’ contained a clause
on setting up historians’ joint commission. If so, why is the entire
Armenian nation in the dark, whereas some American diplomat is aware
of it? And furthermore, what served for authorities as a guideline for
introducing the clause? If not, MFA is required to demand explanations
from Washington. As well as explain to millions of Armenians what
clauses the ‘road map’ really contains," David Davtyan stressed.

RA PRIME MINISTER TIGRAN SARGSYAN HAD A MEETING WITH SYRIAN ARAB REPUBLIC PRESIDENT BASHAR HAFEZ AL ASSAD AT HIS RESIDENCE IN GOLDEN PALACE HOTEL COMPLEX

Wedn esday, 17 June 2009

RA Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan had a meeting with Syrian Arab
Republic President Bashar Hafez al Assad at his residence in Golden
Palace hotel complex.

The parties have stressed the need for building on the centuries-old
friendship and historical-cultural affinities, as well as the existing
ties between Yerevan and Damascus.

According to the head of the Government, the intergovernmental
commission may be instrumental in the development of economic ties
and implementation of joint projects. In turn, the Armenian-Syrian
business forum will help boost business ties between the two countries.

Warm and friendly atmosphere prevailed during the meeting.

ARMENIA PM: HIGH-RANKING OFFICIALS OF ARMENIA WILL REST INSIDE COUNTRY DUE TO GLOBAL CRISIS

ArmInfo
2009-06-18 12:32:00

ArmInfo. In conditions of the global crisis high-ranking officials
of Armenia will rest in the country and cannot enjoy long-term
summer leaves, Prime Minister of Armenia Tigran Sargsyan said at the
government on Thursday.

He said the season of summer leaves will not begin for the government
since it has to work hard in summer. ‘I am surprised that high-ranking
officials apply for long-term summer leaves as if Armenia had already
overcome the financial economic crisis and there is no extraordinary
situation in Armenia. Such approach is inadmissible. Officials can
take just short-term leaves and rest only inside Armenia. The season
of summer leaves will be a season of hard and intensive work for the
government since the economic indicators in the country are getting
worse’, the premier said.

‘The year 2009 is the hardest economic year for the government of
Armenia and we should be up to every move’ , he said.

ANKARA TO BRING UP KARABAKH PROBLEM FOR UN SECURITY COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS: TURKISH FM (INTERVIEW)

Trend
June 15 2009
Azerbaijan

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmad Davudoglu spoke in an exclusive
interview with Trend News.

Trend News: You always say in your statements that relations between
Turkey and Armenia are parallel process with Azerbaijan-Armenia
bilateral ties. However, Armenia says it does not speak about Karabakh
as such in a dialogue with Turkey. It is true?

Ahmad Davudoglu: Our policy on this issue is obvious. We see from
dialogue with Armenia that it also wants peace and development
in the Caucasus. We want to further normalize bilateral ties as a
part of our good neighbor policy. There is a need for progress and
development in the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict to
normalize situation in the region. All sides must work to implement
these plans. Turkey-Armenia bilateral ties are not only limited with
the South Caucasus, but they also impact Turkey-U.S. relations. This is
not right. Our relations with Armenia must not influence our relations
with the U.S.

Q: It seems that talks on "Road Map" are not as significant as before
following Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s visit to Azerbaijan…

A: This is not true. We are resolute enough in talks with
Armenia. Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan and even Russia and Georgia share
common future. We all are located in the same region. So, we need to
be constructive and avoid processes and actions that hinder our talks.

Q: Turkey was handed over mandate of UN Security Council
chairmanship. Does your agenda include Karabakh issue?

A: Of course, we have such plans. Our first meeting in New York was
symbolic as Turkey has just assumed mandate of chairmanship in the
Security Council. This month a wide range of issues will be discussed
in the Security Council. Turkey favors discussions over matters of
international interest and importance including Karabakh problem. We
want Armenia-Azerbaijan talks to be fruitful. We also work on this
issue within the OSCE Minsk Group. During my Washington visit I
discussed it with U.S. officials and we concluded that our common task
is to contribute to resolution of the conflict in every way possible.

APRIL-MAY PERIODICAL OF INDIA-CIS TRADE AND ECONOMIC CHAMBER RELEASED

NOYAN TAPAN
JUNE 15, 2009
DELHI

The April-May periodical of India-CIS Trade and Economic Chamber has
been released. Its main focus is Armenia.

The factor of economic stability conducive to doing business in
Armenia and the availablity of skilful workforce and a scientific and
technical field in the country are underlined in the introductory
article of Chairman of the Chamber Rajan Madhu. In his address the
Armenian Ambassador to India Ashot Kocharian touches upon the bilateral
Armenian-Indian relations and potential for their further development.

The April-May issue of the magazine contains materials (provided
by the Armenian embassy) on investment policy in Armenia and its
business opportunities, information technologies, agriculture, chemical
industry, diamond cutting and jewelry sector, pharmeceutical industry,
food processing sector, as well as articles on Armenian-Indian trade
and economic relations.

According to a press release of the RA MFA Press and Information
Department, the magazine of India-CIS Trade and Economic Chamber has
a lot of readers in India’s business and political circles.

VivaCell-MTS launches new internet multimedia service
13.06.2009 14:16 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ VivaCell-MTS has launched new Video Mix internet
multimedia service.
From now on subscribers have an opportunity to download the best
Internet video clips, mp3 and cartoons to their mobile phones

MILLENNIUM CHALLENGES CORPORATION SUSPENDS FUNDING PROJECT

/PanARMENIAN.Net/
11.06.2009 19:40 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The Board addressed the future of Millennium
Challenges Corporation engagement with Armenia. As a result of the
meeting, MCC will not resume funding for any further road construction
and rehabilitation. This hold on funding is a result of actions by
the government of Armenia that are inconsistent with MCC principles
promoting democratic governance. MCC’s Board unanimously expressed
regret that this action means that MCC will not be able to fully fund
this project during the compact term.

"MCC regrets that it cannot move forward with funding road construction
in Armenia," Mr. Bent said. "The responsibility for this outcome
remains with the government of Armenia, whose actions have been
inconsistent with the eligibility criteria that are at the heart
of the MCC program. It is particularly disappointing that MCC will
not be able to partner with Armenia on completing the roads that
will benefit Armenia’s rural poor who are our friends and partners
in creating growth for the future," continued Mr. Bent. "I do not
anticipate that the Board will revisit this issue in the future.",
U.S. Department of State. reported.

SERZH SARGSYAN: NEWLY ELECTED COUNCIL OF ELDERS OF YEREVAN FACES DIFFICULT PROBLEMS TO BE RESOLVED THROUGH GREAT WORK AND NEW APPROACHES

ArmInfo
2009-06-11 17:29:00

ArmInfo. President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan has participated in
the official oath ceremony of the newly elected Mayor of Yerevan
Gagik Beglaryan.

In his speech, the president congratulated Gagik Beglaryan and
all the representatives of the Council of Elders of Yerevan. ‘As a
resident of Yerevan I am glad for setting up of this supreme body. I
wish you strength, a fruitful work and justification of hopes of your
electors’, the president emphasized. According to Sargsyan, we shall
be able to further organize good election and disroot the vicious
phenomena. ‘We have to learn lessons from these election. Moreover,
we must hold the following election in an organized manner for our
people and the world community to appreciate them not as ‘meet in
general’, but ‘fully meet’, the president said. He also said the
Constitutional right to form a power through elections in our system
of values should be an indisputable fact.

‘The election should not be a trial for our state but an exam of the
need in the authorities’ and political forces’ election programmes –
this is our goal’, the Armenian president said. He also emphasized that
he has great expectations from the newly elected mayor. ‘We expect
for a new working style. The new mayor should not be just a head but
a leader responsible for both success and failures. The mayor should
observe all the laws, be closer to the people and love the capital
residents with all his heart’, the president emphasized. Sargsyan is
sure that Gagik Beglaryan will be able to become such a mayor. ‘Nice
traditions have been already formed in Yerevan which should be
preserved. But there are also vicious phenomena which are still
developing mechanically’, – the president said and as an example
presented the fact how in Yerevan pedestrians often break traffic
rules. ‘These are not ins and outs. The city culture starts from such
things. Over the last several months I allow myself to make a tour in
Yerevan by car late at night. I think that drivers’ attitude to the
traffic rules has changed much, but unfortunately, the pedestrians’
attitude has not changed at all. They break traffic rules and often
blame drivers for that.

Such attitude should become a subject of serious work for us’, –
Serzh Sargsyan said and added that the capital city is a visit card
of every republic.

MOSCOW INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL TO HOST ARMENIA FOR THE FIRST TIME

/PanARMENIAN.Net/
10.06.2009 22:57 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ 31st Moscow International Movie Festival will for
the first time host Armenia.

7 Movies authored by Harutyun Khachatryan: "Frontier", "The Return
of the Poet", "Documentalist", "Kond", "Last Station", "Return to
the Promised land" will be screened within festival framework, in
Perspectives category.

Harutyun Khachatryan was born in 1955 in Akhalkalak (Georgia). In
1981 he graduated from the Film Department of Cultural Faculty of the
Armenian State Pedagogical Institute in Yerevan, Armenia. Worked as an
assistant director and film-director at the Armenian Documentary Studio
and later – at Hayfilm/Armenfilm Studio. His films won many prizes
at various Int’l film festivals. In 2003 Harutyun Khachatryan was
awarded by State Premium of Armenia. Meritorious Artiste of Republic
of Armenia. In 2007 he received Prince Klaus Award (The Netherlands).

WASHINGTON WILL PRESENT ITS ASSESSMENT ON YEREVAN COUNCIL OF ELDERS’ ELECTIONS

/PanARMENIAN.Net/
09.06.2009 19:05 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ US Embassy in Armenia has been actively following
Yerevan Council of Elders’ elections. Later, Washington will present
its assessment on the elections, Assistant Secretary of State for
Europe and Eurasian Affairs, Philip Gordon told a news conference
in Yerevan.

"We welcome the fact of elections into the Council of Elders. We’re
also aware of violations registered and when time comes, US will
present its position," the American diplomat emphasized.

Dwelling on RA Presidents decree on suspension of March event’s
Evidence Collection Group activities, Philip Gordon noted that such
events have to be studied.