Author: Toneyan Mark

ARMENIAN OPPOSITION URGES CC TO DECLARE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION INVALID

PanARMENIAN.Net
26.02.2008 16:34 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Levon Ter-Petrosyan’s election staff spokesman
Arman Musinyan announced that they addressed to the Constitutional
Court with a demand to annul the outcomes of the presidential election.

Ter-Petrosyan’s supporters assure there is good cause to declare the
results of the election invalid.

"The number of Levon Ter-Petrosyan’s supporters increases while the
authorities resort to violence.

Garnik Margaryan, leader of Fatherland and Honor party and Khachik
Simonyan, former mayor of Goris and head of Ter-Petrosyan’s election
staff in Yeghvard were arrested this morning. Law enforcers demand
to close our election headquarters. However, all these deeds do not
affect the spirit of those who gathered at Liberty Square," he said,
adding that the mayor’s office refused to provide ambulances for the
people who went on hunger strike.

Today, Azerbaijan
Feb. 25, 2008

Khazar Ibragim: "Azerbaijani Embassy to Russia is studying the issue
of invitation of Nagorno Karabakh separatists for discussions in
State Duma"

25 February 2008 [17:14] – Today.Az

The Azerbaijani embassy to Russia has received the due instructions
>From the Foreign Ministry and has started work regarding invitation
of Nagorno Karabakh separatists for discussion of frozen conflicts by
the State Duma.

The due announcement was made by Khazar Ibragim, spokesman for
Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry, Day.Az reports.

"The idea has been proposed by Konstantin Zatulin, deputy chairman of
the Committee of State Duma for affairs of Commonwealth and contacts
with compatriots, who intends to deal with provocation. We will
undertake all actions for prevention of a provocation against
Azerbaijan", he said.

/Day.Az/

URL:

SERGE SARGSIAN ELECTED ARMENIA’S PRESIDENT, ACCORDING TO FINAL RESULT OF CENTRAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION

ARKA
Feb 25, 2008

YEREVAN, February 25. /ARKA/. Serge Sargsian is elected Armenia’s
President, according to the final results of the RA Central Electoral
Commission (CEC). In the recent presidential election Sargsian
earned 52.82% (862,369) of the votes, Armenia’s ex-President Levon
Ter-Petrosian trailed on 21.5% (351,222).

RA NA (National Assembly) former Speaker, Leader of the Orinats Yerkir
(State of Law) Party Arthur Baghdasarian gained 17.7% (272,427),
ARF-D (Armenian revolutionary Federation Dashnaktsutyun) Leader Vahan
Hovhannisyan had 6.2% (100,966) Leader of the National Democratic
Union (NDU) Vazgen Manukian gained 1.3% (21,075) of the votes, Head
of the People’s Party Tigran Karapetian had 0.6% (9,792), Chairman
of the National Unity Party Artashes Geghamian had 0.46% (7,524),
former NKR Foreign Minister Arman Melikyan gained (0.27%) 4,399,
Leader of the National Accord Party Aram Harutyunyan earned 0.17%
(2,892) of the votes.

Out of eight CEC members, six have signed the document. The
representatives of the Orinats Yerkir and Zharangutyun (Heritage)
opposition parties did not participate in the sitting.

Complaints lodged to CEC from on February 19-24 did not influence
the final results of the presidential election, CEC Secretary Abraham
Bakhchagulian said.

ARF representative Hamlet Abrahamian made a statement during the
sitting. He was quoted as saying: "Violations I observed while signing
the preliminary results of the polls, as well as briberies ingrained
in Armenia’s electoral system since 1996, as well as violence testify
to the fact that the country’s current electoral system needs serious
and drastic changes."

Serge Sargsian was born in Stepanakert on June 30, 1954. In 1971 he
entered the Philological Department of the Yerevan State University
(YSU). IN 1972-1974 Sargsian served in the Soviet Army. In 1979 he
graduated YSU.

In 1979-1988 he was Head of Stepanakert City Committee Division of the
Young Communist Union ("LKEM"), Second Secretary, First Secretary,
Head of Propaganda and Agitation Division of the Stepanakert City
Communist Party Committee, Assistant to the First Secretary of the
Mountainous Karabagh Marz Committee.

In 1989-1993 Sargsian was Chairman of the NKR Self-Defense Forces
Committee.

In 1990-1993 he was Member of the RA National Assembly. In 1993-1995
Sargsian was RA Defense Minister and in 1995-1996 was Head of
RA National Security Department, later, RA Minister of National
Security. In 1996 he became RA Minister of Interior and National
Security. In 1999 Sargsian was RA Minister of National Security.

In 1999-2007 he was Secretary of the National Security Council adjunct
to the RA President. In 2000-2007 Sargsian was RA Defense Minister. As
from April to June, 2007 he was appointed RA Prime Minister.

On June 7, 2007 – He was re-appointed RA Prime Minister and headed
the new government cabinet, formed as a result of the parliamentary
elections of the Republic of Armenia.

Sargsian has been member of the Republican Party of Armenia (RPA)
since 2006. From July 2006 to November 2007 he was RPA Council’s
Chairman and in November 2007 was appointed RPA Chairman.

He is also Chairman of the YSU Council and President of the Chess
Federation of Armenia.

Sargsian is Artsakh Hero and is conferred Order of "Martakan Khach"
(battle crest) First Degree, Knight of "Voske Artsiv" ("Golden Eagle")
Order and "Tigran Mets" First-Degree Order.

Sargsian is married. His spouse, Rita Sargsian, was born in a
serviceman’s family in Stepanakert. She is a teacher of music. Sargsian
has two daughters (Anush and Satenik) and a granddaughter (Mariam).

PM SERGE SARGSYAN RECEIVES A CONGRATULATION FROM THE MAYOR OF MOSCOW

armradio.am
25.02.2008 18:02

The Mayor of Moscow Yuri Luzhkov congratulated RA Prime Minister Serge
Sargsyan on his victory in the presidential elections of February
19. The congratulatory message says, in part:

"I’m deeply assured that your political experience, the distinct
civic position, the high human and business features will serve for
the multifaceted development of the Republic of Armenia, reinforcement
of its international reputation.

I want to us the opportunity to confirm Moscow’s aspirations and
willingness to expand and deepen the mutually beneficial economic,
social and cultural ties with the Republic of Armenia. I wish you
success and new achievements in your work for the benefit of the
Republic of Armenia."

EU CONGRATULATED ARMENIANS

Panorama.am
13:33 23/02/2008

The European Union made an announcement on the Armenian presidential
elections scheduled on 19 February. According to the press and public
relations department of the Government, it is particularly written:

"The European Union congratulates the Armenian people for the conduct
of a competitive presidential election in Armenia. The European Union
notes the statement of preliminary findings and conclusions of the
International Election Observation Mission which concluded that the
presidential election in Armenia, an important test for democracy
in this country, was conducted mostly in line with OSCE and Council
of Europe commitments and standards. The European Union welcomes
the genuine efforts that were made to address the shortcomings in
previous elections.

However, the EU also notes that the report raised concerns about
the electoral process and that further improvements are necessary
to address the remaining challenges. It notes in particular that,
according to ODIHR, improvements and additional political will are
necessary to tackle concerns such as the lack of public confidence
in the electoral process, the absence of clear separation between
state and party functions and ensuring equal treatment of candidates.

The European Union looks forward to the final results of the
presidential election and calls on the competent authorities to
ensure that complaints are adequately investigated and shortcomings
addressed."

KOCHARIAN: PEOPLE SHOULD UNDERSTAND THAT PRESIDENT CAN’T DIVIDE SOCIETY INTO "FRIENDS" AND "FOES"

PanARMENIAN.Net
20.02.2008 19:49 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenian President Robert Kocharian issued a
statement on occasion of the presidential election, the leader’s
press office reported.

"The Republic of Armenia held presidential election on February 19. The
election was free and fair and met the RA legislation and Armenia’s
international commitments. I express my gratitude to all members of
election commissions, empowered persons and the voters for conduction
of the election on the proper level. It was a serious ordeal for our
developing democracy.

"Elections always cause political discrepancies, tensions and splits in
the society. But a just defeat in political struggle is an important
constituent of democracy. Each citizen should understand that the
President of Armenia can’t divide society into "friends" and "foes". I
am confident that President-elect Serzh Sargsyan can unite the society
and create the atmosphere of mutual understanding and tolerance.

"Despite serious achievements, Armenia faces challenges. Our people
possess unused potential. The Republic of Armenia should become one of
the most competitive and rapidly developing states in the world. But
this process requires unification and consistent work."

CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT ARTUR BAGDASARYAN’S ELECTION HEADQUARTERS INSISTS ON REVISING THE VOTING RESULTS

arminfo
2008-02-20 13:53:00

ArmInfo. Candidate for president, leader of Orinats Yerkir party
Artur Bagdasaryan’s election headquarters insists on revising the
results of the presidential election in Armenia.

The statement of Bagdasaryan’s headquarters says that the election was
held with mass violations of Electoral Code. They were accompanied with
intimidating of campaign agents and members of electoral commissions,
blackmail, beating up and mass ballot stuffing. All above mentioned
cast doubt on freedom, legality and fairness of the election. ‘We
declare about starting the process of recalculation of the voting
results in more than 200 election precincts, as a result of which
the votes for Artur Bagdasaryan will grow much’, – the statement
says. Authors of the statement apply to the authorities to take
measures and not to hinder the process.

Hindu, India
Feb 20 2008

Early results show Sarkisian leading in Armenian presidential poll

YEREVAN, Armenia (AP): Early preliminary results showed Prime
Minister Serge Sarkisian ahead in Armenia’s presidential election and
on track to win the first round of voting outright, election
officials said Tuesday.

With ballots from more than 10 percent of precincts counted,
Sarkisian had received 53 percent of the vote, the Central Election
Commission said, while his main opponent, Levon Ter-Petrosian, had
received just 11 percent.

Election officials were expected to continue counting ballots through
the night and full preliminary results were not expected before
Wednesday evening.

The election was marred by allegations from Ter-Petrosian that
authorities had rigged the vote. The former president asserted that
he was in fact the victor and called on supporters to rally in the
Armenian capital, Yerevan, Wednesday, to protest the results and
celebrate his win.

Sarkisian and Ter-Petrosian _ Armenia’s first president after the
Soviet collapse _ were the two top contenders vying to lead the South
Caucasus nation, where more than a quarter of the population lives in
poverty despite some economic progress in recent years.

With a population of about 3.2 million, Armenia is at the juncture of
the energy-rich Caspian Sea region and southern Europe. That and its
proximity to Iran, make it of strategic importance for the West and
Russia.

Sarksyan set to become Armenia’s next president

info&article=470911&lng=1
19/02 19:41 CET

Prime Minister Serzh Sarksyan has won Armenia’s presidential election
according to exit polls. His main rival opposition leader Levon
Ter-Petrosyan has denounced voting irregularities and called for mass
protests in the capital Yerevan on Wednesday.

An ally of outgoing president Robert Kocharyan, Sarksyan is expected to
continue in his footsteps. Kocharyan’s decade in power has been marked
by economic growth and a firm stance towards neighbours Azerbaijan
and Turkey.

Previous elections in Armenia have been followed by mass opposition
protests over alleged fraud.

East-West divide over Kosovo move
By Paul Reynolds
World affairs correspondent, BBC News website

Story from BBC NEWS:
europe/7249317.stm

Published: 2008/02/17 15:34:15 GMT

The diplomatic gulf between Russia and many Western governments is
widening with the declaration of independence by Kosovo.

What the United States and many EU countries see as the inevitable
result of war and history is regarded as "immoral and illegal" in the
words of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Most EU governments, certainly the British, see the move as a one-off,
the final piece of the shattered jigsaw that was Yugoslavia being put
into its new place.

Russia will try to block the move in the Security Council. This will
fail because of the support for Kosovo from three permanent members
with a veto on Security Council decisions – the US, France and Britain.

Russia itself last summer blocked a Security Council decision to
approve Kosovo’s limited independence.

The mandate

At issue is the separation of the province from Serbia without a clear
mandate from the Security Council.

Russia supports the view of Serbia that a province cannot break away
like this. Serbia has offered autonomy not independence.

Russia says the principles of international law and custom, especially
those governing diplomacy in Europe, demand that agreement is made
first.

The US and countries supporting Kosovo say that the existing UN
Security Council resolution 1244 authorised an "international presence"
in Kosovo after the war waged by Nato in 1999 and does not prevent the
move to independence.

In the final analysis, though, the Western argument is about politics
not law.

The alienation of Kosovo from Serbia, it is felt, has gone too far and
the status quo is no longer sustainable or acceptable.

The result is another issue that is added to the growing list of
differences between the West and Russia.

The re-emergence of the word West, with its Cold War implications of an
almost permanent division with Russia, is a sign of how badly relations
have deteriorated over the past few years.

EU recognition

Many EU governments, including the UK, France and Germany, are expected
to recognise the limited and supervised form of independence
recommended for Kosovo by the UN.

They will do so after a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels on
Monday.

The EU is leaving actual recognition to individual governments.
Diplomatic sources say that three member states – Cyprus, Romania and
Slovakia – have told EU partners that they will not recognise the
breakaway province.

Others might be slow to do so. But there will be substantial support
for Kosovo.

Recognition by the United States is not in doubt and is also expected
on Monday. The moves have all been coordinated with the Kosovan
leadership. The idea is to minimise the expected diplomatic discord.

‘Pandora’s box’

That there will be discord is certain.

Serbia is not expected to launch an military moves but will certainly
do its best to boycott Kosovo while trying to support the Serb minority
there. Russia will ensure that Kosovo cannot join the UN.

The stand-off has serious implications for Serbia’s future membership
of the EU. This could well be delayed and, if relations get much worse,
could be put on hold for some years at least.

There is also the possibility that the Serb population in
Bosnia-Herzegovina might call for a referendum on their secession.

Whether Russia will use the Kosovo precedent as an argument that
Abkhazia and South Ossetia deserve independence or secession from
Georgia remains to be seen.

At a recent security conference in Munich, the former Russian defence
minister, Sergei Ivanov, spoke of Kosovo "opening a Pandora’s box".

At the moment, there is such a gap between the West and Russia that it
cannot be bridged. Russia regards itself as under threat (not just from
the US anti-missile system, but from a deep hostility) and has taken
what it feels are defensive measures.

But those measures (including the threat to target countries helping
the US missile shield) are seen in the West as aggressive.

East and West are still divided.

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