Author: Tavakalian Edgar

ARMENIAN-AZERBAIJANI TIES NOT AFFECTS ARMENIAN-TURKEY RELATIONS: ARMENIAN FOREIGN MINISTER

Trend News Agency
Oct 28 2008
Azerbaijan

Eduard Nalbadyan, the Armenian Foreign Minister, said in his interview
to the Turkish BBC office that improvement of the Armenian-Turkish
relations did not connected with the Armenian-Azerbaijani ties,
the Turkish Cihan news agency reported.

The Armenian-Azerbaijani talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict are
expected to be revived soon, Nalbadyan said.

"However, I do not see any connection between this revival and
dialogue between Ankara and Yerevan," the Armenian Foreign Minister
said. Expressing optimism on the further Turkish-Armenian relations,
Nalbadyan said that the Armenian Diaspora was not satisfied with
improvement of the relations.

OSCE MINSK GROUP SOLE INTERMEDIARY IN NAGORNO-KARABAKH SETTLING, SAYS SERZH SARGSYAN

Trend News Agency
27.10.08 16:48

The OSCE Minsk Group is the only intermediary in settling of the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and there is no other intermediary, Armenian
President Serzh Sargsyan said to the Armenian Public Television.

"The only intermediary is the OSCE Minsk Group. Armenia has never
applied to any country for mediation," Armenian President’s press
service quoted Sargsyan to Novosti-Armenia news agency as saying on
27 October.

Sargsyan said the settling of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is ongoing
within the OSCE Minsk Group on the basis of the Madrid Principles. "And
the muddle is not conducive."

Armenian President said Russia is a chair of the OSCE Minsk Group and
"the invitation of Dmitriy Medvedev and his activity on the issue
is relevant."

"As to the reports on Abdullah Gul’s statement, I am not inclined
to comment on statements of other figures, particularly if the press
publishes only extracts from the context," said Sargsyan.

President said the only intermediaries are the OSCE Minsk Group’s
co-chairs. "But we do not refuse from any assistance."

"I am sure Turkey may assist settling of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
and is already rendering the assistance: the visit of President Gul
to Yerevan and continuation of the Armenia-Turkey negotiations is a
very good example of settling of complicated problems," he said.

On 6 September, Turkish leader paid a first visit to Yerevan at the
invitation of Sargsyan to watch a football game between the national
teams of Armenia and Turkey within the selection round of the World
Championship 2010. The event entailed publications in Turkish and
Azerbaijani press stating that Armenian President allegedly proposed
Turkey to mediate in the Nagorno-Karabakh settling.

"If Turkey opens borders on Armenia and establishes economic relations
with the country, that will considerably assist settling of the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict," Sargsyan said.

WPS Agency, Russia
DEFENSE and SECURITY (Russia)
October 24, 2008 Friday

LANCER AND MEDVEDEV

by Gennadi Petrov

PRESIDENTS OF RUSSIA AND ARMENIA WILL DISCUSS THE SITUATION IN THE
CAUCASUS FOMENTED BY THE RUSSIAN-GEORGIAN CONFLICT; President Medvedev
is on a visit to Armenia to restore relations with this Russian ally.

President of Russia Dmitry Medvedev is visiting Yerevan in an effort
to restore relations with the ally in the Caucasus somewhat marred by
the Russian-Georgian war.

Medvedev will open Square of Russia in the center of the capital of
Armenia and discuss economic cooperation with his counterpart Serj
Sarkisjan. Press service of the latter meanwhile reports that the
negotiations will be mostly centered on the situation in the
Caucasus. Recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia pushed the
Nagorno-Karabakh into the foreground.

The Nagorno-Karabakh Republic is recognized by Armenia alone so that
parallels with Abkhazia and South Ossetia are clearly visible. Foreign
Minister Sergei Lavrov announced on September 18 that Russia was not
going to recognize sovereignty Nagorno-Karabakh. This statement was
made right after Prime Minister Vladimir Putin’s return from Baku,
Azerbaijan. Armenia responded in kind. Sarkisjan visited Tbilisi on
September 30 and said Armenia had respect for "territorial integrity
of Georgia".

Medvedev’s visit to Yerevan is taking place against the background of
command post Armenian-NATO exercise Cooperative Lancer’2008 and the
visit of Robert Simmons of the US Administration.

"Seventy percent of traffic to Armenia come via Georgia, so that the
Armenian cannot afford to antagonize this country," Aleksei Malashenko
of the Moscow Carnegie Center said. "Hence their reserved reaction to
the Russian-Georgian war." Neither can Russia afford to lose this ally
in the Caucasus because Armenia is the only country of the region
where Russia has a military base.

Russian army in Armenia

The 102nd Military Base in the city of Gyumri was established in 1995
on the basis of formations of the Caucasus Military District abolished
after disintegration of the USSR. The 102nd Military Base takes orders
from HQ of the Russian Army Group in the Caucasus of the Caucasus
Military District. Numerical strength amounts to 5,000 men wielding
MIG-29 fighters and S-300 antiaircraft complexes (the latter being
elements of the CIS United Antiaircraft Defense System). No
information is available on whether or not personnel or assets of the
102nd Military Base participated in the hostilities in Georgia.

Source: Trud, October 21, 2008, p. 3

MUSHEGH SAGHATELIAN SENTENCED TO 5 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT

Noyan Tapan
Oct 23, 2008

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 23, NOYAN TAPAN. Yerevan Criminal Court presided over
by judge Mnatsakan Mnatsakanian by the October 23 judgement sentenced
Mushegh Saghatelian, the former head of the Criminal Punishments
Execution Department of the RA Ministry of Internal Affairs, to five
years’ imprisonment and fine of 900 thousand drams. As Noyan Tapan
correspondent was informed by Alina Yengoyan, the Spokesperson of
the RA Cassation Court, therefore the court considered proved the
accusation brought to M.

Saghatelian by part 1 and part 2, Article 316, RA Criminal Code,
using violence to power representatives dangerous and not dangerous
for life on March 1 morning in Yerevan and part 4, Article 235,
RA Criminal Code, illegal bearing of gas, cold or throwing arms. It
should be mentioned that prosecutor Hovsep Sargsian in his indictment
had mediated to sentence him to seven years’ imprisonment.

ARABIA’S NEXT IDOL
Rachel McArthur

Emirates Business 24/7
Friday, October 24, 2008
United Arab Emirates

Signed with Jamie Foxx’s new record company, the future looks bright
for opening act Taleen.

Performing ahead of Christina Aguilera tonight is 21-year-old
American-Armenian singer Taleen. The artist is no stranger to the
UAE and has performed in Abu Dhabi before. Emirates Business talked
to her ahead of the show.

What can we expect from your show in Abu Dhabi?

A really high-energy performance with live instruments and a lot of
Middle Eastern influences in the songs. I’m singing a lot of my own
songs but there are two that the audience will recognise. One is a
surprise for the crowd.

You shot to fame in 2004 when you released your first single in the
UAE. How did that come about?

I was invited to sing at a classical event in Abu Dhabi by the Abu
Dhabi Music Foundation. It was such a great opportunity because it
opened my eyes to how amazing the UAE is. It’s such an exciting place,
which is why I always come back. The people are very welcoming and
warm. They appreciate true talent.

What have you been up to?

Since then I’ve been working on my music and writing songs. I got a
publishing deal with Foxx King/Bug music, which is Jamie Foxx’s new
company. I’m also going to be working with top A&R people and producers
who have been responsible for the careers of Rihanna and Ne-yo. The
creative team you are with is very important for the longevity of an
artist. That has been a big priority.

How would you describe your sound?

Very upbeat with a lot of soul and pop influences. A lot of my songs
have a Middle Eastern influence, because of my heritage. I also
have a touch of funk in some of my songs because I’m a huge fan of
James Brown.

Who else do you listen to?

My influences range from Aretha Franklin to Nirvana.

What about Arab artists?

I like Abdel Halim Hafez, Om Kalthom, Mohamed Abdel Wahab, as well
as Fayrouz, Amr Diab and Nancy Ajram. Arabic music is emotional
and melodic.

How did you get approached to open for Christina Aguilera?

The promoters for the show – specifically John Lickrish, managing
partner for Flash – heard my music and were really impressed. They
thought it would be a really good fit since I am compared to Christina
Aguilera a lot.

Are you excited?

Words can’t even tell you how I feel. I really think this is a dream
and I’m going to wake up and be telling people that I was going to
be opening for my favourite singer in the world! It’s just a blessing
I feel so fortunate and elated.

Have you met Christina?

I have not met her, no. I can’t wait, though!

What’s the first thing you plan to say to her?

I have changed the script of what I am going to say to Christina in
my head a million times. I keep saying I’m going to be cool and just
be like, "Hi, how are you", but I think I’ll be so excited that I
will want to give her a big hug! I’ve been such a big fan for so
long. I’ll tell her I look up to her. It’s funny, because I have
always wanted to go to a Christina Aguilera concert.

You’ve sung for the president of the USA and the Pope. Do you get
star struck?

It’s not being star struck; it’s more excitement. These people are
human like you and me but they have accomplished a lot. It’s respect
and admiration.

So what’s next for you?

I’m working on my album, releasing a single and then going on a
world tour. My music is very international so I would love to tour
to different countries in the Middle East, Europe and Asia.

OPPOSITION SUPPORTERS CONSIDER DELAYING RALLIES A WISE STEP, LEVON ZURABIAN SAYS

Noyan Tapan
Oct 22, 2008

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 22, NOYAN TAPAN. By stopping holding rallies for
a month of two the Armenian National Congress (ANC) will use other
methods of political struggle, as well as will solve organization
issues. ANC Coordinator Levon Zurabian stated at the October 22 press
conference. He reaffirmed first President Levon Ter-Petrosian’s October
17 statement, according to which the main reason of temporarily
giving up rallies is not to hinder President Serzh Sargsyan in
the issue of Nagorno Karabakh settlement for the sake of Armenia’s
state interests. L. Zurabian emphasized that opposition supporters
have understood that argumentation and consider delaying rallies for
nearly two months a wise step. And the rally to be organized after the
interval, as L. Zurabian foretold, will be stronger and more crowded.

Touching upon Russian President Dmitry Medvedev’s visit to Armenia,
the oppositionist said that it should be considered in the context
of West-Russia struggle carried out for Armenia.

NALBANDIAN TO PAY 2-DAY VISIT TO UK

PanARMENIAN.Net
25.10.2008 14:14 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian will
depart for UK on a 2-day visit Oct. 26, the RA MFA press office
reported.

In London, Minister Nalbandian is scheduled to meet with Foreign
Secretary David Miliband and Minister for Europe Caroline Flint as well
as with members of the Armenian-British parliamentary friendship group.

He is also expected to address Chatham House, home of the Royal
Institute of International Affairs, and meet with the Armenian
community of the UK.

TURKISH PRESIDENT SEPARATES ARMENIAN ISSUE FROM RELATIONS WITH ARMENIA

PanARMENIAN.Net
25.10.2008 15:22 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Turkish President Abdullah Gul said his country
wants to develop relations with Armenia.

"Armenia and Turkey are neighbor states and hatred should not
be disseminated among their publics," Gul said in an interview
with France24, independent French journalist Jean Eckian told
PanARMENIAN.Net.

At that he noted that he separates the Armenian issue from relations
with Armenia.

Commenting on his position on the Armenian Genocide, Gul said,
"All were in a state of war at that time. But our Armenian citizens
defected to the enemy while our troops fought on three fronts."

"We opened all our files, even the most secret ones. So, let historians
study the issue," he added.

ARMENIAN LEADER DISCUSSES WIDE RANGE OF ISSUES WITH US OFFICIAL – TV

Public Television of Armenia
Oct 17 2008

Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan today met US Assistant Secretary
of State Daniel Fried.

Sargsyan said Armenia is interested in deepening relations with the USA
and considers them to be an important factor in strengthening economic
development, democracy and regional stability. The parties discussed
Armenian-US cooperation, prospects of development as well as regional
security, Armenian-Turkish relations, and the Karabakh settlement. They
described the talks in the format of the OSCE Minsk Group as the
most effective format. They also agreed that the settlement should
be based on the fundamental principles of international law.

They also discussed the possibilities to improve Armenian-Turkish
relations, the post-election developments in Armenia, the need for
an objective investigation into the 1 March events, and people in
custody. The strengthening of democratic institutions was deemed to
be crucial.

US DIPLOMAT PRAISES DEVELOPMENT OF ARMENIA-NATO TIES

Mediamax
Oct 17 2008
Armenia

Yerevan, 17 October: US Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Fried
stated in Yerevan today that the US side positively assesses the
development of Armenia-NATO relations.

Speaking at a briefing in Yerevan today, the US diplomat noted that
at present there is a NATO exercise in progress in the territory
of Armenia.

"We believe that Armenia’s relations with NATO develop step by step,
and this is normal," Daniel Fried stated. According to him, Armenia
independently defines the depth of its relations with the alliance.

The US diplomat stated that his visit to Yerevan and Tbilisi aims at
confirming the support of the USA to independence and sovereignty of
the region’s countries and their right to independently define their
development paths.