Author: Torosian Aram

ROMANIA PLEADS FOR PEACEFUL SETTLEMENT OF CONFLICT IN NAGORNO-KARABAKH

Financiarul
ds-for-peaceful-settlement-of-conflict-in-nagorno- karabakh/
March 23 2010
Romania

Romania pleads for peaceful settlement of conflict in the
Nagorno-Karabakh enclave, in compliance with the principles of
territorial integrity and inviolability of state borders, Romanian
Minister of Foreign Affairs Teodor Baconschi said on the occasion of
his recent visit to Azerbaijan, reads a press release of the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs (MAE).

We want this conflict to be settled in accordance with international
law, the principles of territorial integrity and of inviolability
of state borders," said the head of Romanian diplomacy, in a press
conference held together with his Azeri counterpart Elmar Mamediarov
on Thursday, March 18. Baconschi also added he was optimistic about
prospects of settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the first that erupted in the former
Soviet Union territory, dates from back in 1988. After a six-year war
(1988 – 1994), Yerevan took control of this enclave in Azerbaijan,
populated by Armenians. Although major international organisations
such as UN, OSCE (Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe),
via its Minsk Group, tried to put an end to this conflict, the matter
still remains open.

Minister Teodor Baconschi on 18 March paid an official visit to
Azerbaijan, during which he met President Ilham Aliev, Prime Minister
Artur Rasizade, Parliament Speaker Assadov Ogtai, Foreign Minister
Elmar Mamediarov and Industry and Energy Minister Natig Aliyev.

The talks confirmed the excellent level of the Romanian-Azerbaijani
relations, which resulted in a Strategic Partnership, through the
conclusion of the Joint Declaration by the two presidents in Bucharest,
back on September 29, 2009.

On the occasion of Romanian ForMin’s visit, it was reaffirmed
the country’s support for Azerbaijan on its road to European and
Euro-Atlantic structures, with emphasis on the need for effective
recovery of the opportunities offered by European regional initiatives
such as the Black Sea Synergy and the Eastern Partnership. Also,
Romania will continue to play an active role in promoting Euro-Atlantic
values in the Azerbaijan Republic, in its capacity as a NATO Contact
Point Embassy in Baku, over 2009-2010.

SYRIA READY TO MEDIATE BETWEEN ARMENIA, TURKEY: PRESIDENT

People’s Daily Online
March 23 2010
China

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Monday expressed his country’s
willingness to "play a role in building common ground for relations
between Armenia and Turkey," in light of Damascus’ good relationship
with both of Ankara and Yerevan.

Al-Assad made the remarks in a joint press conference with visiting
Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan who started a three-day official
visit to Damascus on Monday.

The two leaders held talks on bilateral relations as well as the latest
developments of conditions in the Middle East and Caucasus regions.

President Assad described the visit of his Armenian counterpart as a
"milestone following my visit to Yerevan," in pushing forward the
Syrian-Armenian relations.

Sargsyan said that Armenia highly appreciates its relations with Syria,
describing the relations as "cordial and warm."

The Syrian president reiterated that it is necessary to overcome
all differences between Armenia and Turkey, resorting to dialogue as
to continue the process of confidence building, hailing Sargsyan’s
decision to develop relations with Turkey as "courageous based on a
far-sighted vision".

Al-Assad also affirmed Syria’s willingness to help build a " common
ground" to normalize Armenian-Turkish relations in the interest of
the region’s security and stability.

Referring to Armenia’s relations with Turkey, Sargsyan told reporters
that "the solution to conflicts and crisis could be through peace
talks and dialogues," noting Armenia is working seriously for peace
in South Caucasus region.

Yerevan claimed that about one million Armenians were killed by the
Ottoman Empire at the early years of last century, a tragedy still
is an obstacle to the normalization of relations between Yerevan and
Ankara, despite both sides have issued official statements to build
confidence and overcome the tragic pages of the past.

The two leaders also expressed satisfaction with the bilateral
relations and voice their desire to expand mutual cooperation in
all fields.

SPEAKING OF FORMER AND INCUMBENT RULING REGIMES’ IDENTITY IS INCORRECT: RUSTAMYAN

news.am
March 23 2010
Armenia

The statements by incumbent Armenian authorities on their intention
to correct mistakes admitted by their predecessors in foreign policy
are not clear enough, chairman of the ARFD Supreme Council of Armenia
Armen Rustamyan stated at a press conference.

"I do not understand how incumbent authorities can speak of intention
to correct foreign policy mistakes if they repeatedly stated of
pursuing their foreign policy line," he emphasized. Meanwhile,
he recalled RA former Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian’s recent
interview, where he refutes this thesis. "Indeed, Madrid Principles
on Karabakh conflict settlement were drafted under the presidency of
Robert Kocharyan and during the tenure of FM Vartan Oskanian, however
were updated under Serzh Sargsyan and FM Edward Nalbandian. Hence,
logically changes are not in favor of the Armenian side, as Azerbaijan
not admitting Madrid principles agreed with updated version. As for
the Armenia-Turkey relations, Kocharyan turned down Turkish PM Recep
Tayyip Erdogan’s proposal on creation of joint historians’ commission,"
Rustamyan said.

"However, the incumbent authorities agreed with this proposal that
is stipulated by the Protocols. Although they reject any possibility
of studying Armenian Genocide under Ottoman Empire by the Commission,
international community considers it was created with this objective.

Statements by the U.S. Secretary Hillary Clinton, Swedish Foreign
Minister, and other representatives of international community prove
this. Henceforth, speaking of the identity of the former and incumbent
ruling regimes is incorrect," Rustamyan concluded.

NATIONALIST CREDENTIALS

Hurriyet
March 21 2010
Turkey

Much has been said and written on the remarks by Prime Minister Recep
Tayyip Erdogan on the possible deportation of undocumented Armenian
workers from Turkey. I agree with all those who have called these
comments deeply offensive and morally and politically unacceptable.

The prime minister should be ashamed and, yes, it would be a sign of
regained self-control, if he would apologize.

I have the impression, watching the damage control efforts by some
leading Justice and Development Party, or AKP, politicians, that many
in his own party think their number one has gone too far. Maybe even,
deep down, the AKP leader has acknowledged that he grossly overstepped
the limits of decent political discourse. That would explain his
ongoing efforts, unconvincingly, to talk his way out of his gaffe.

After all the public indignation, one question remains unanswered. Why
did he make this comment? I am not convinced by the critics who claim
that it is the authoritarian personality or the hot-tempered character
of the prime minister or his infamous lack of diplomatic skills that
explain the faux pas.

I am afraid his remarks are part of a bigger plan. Of course,
his threat to retaliate against American and Swedish lawmakers by
expelling poor Armenian women, was ill-considered. But the effort to
show that he is tough on people and countries that hurt the feelings
of many Turks is well thought-out. And it is no coincidence, that it
is Turkey’s Armenia policy that is being used to bolster the AKP’s
nationalist credentials.

When Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu signed the Turkey-Armenia
protocols last October, I praised the vision and the courage of the
government. But I also warned that they were picking another fight
with the same determined, nationalist opponents. The people who opposed
the Armenian opening, then, were the same people who strongly objected
to the Kurdish opening, the reform of the judiciary, the changing of
the Constitution or pushing back the influence of the military. They
still do so today.

My fear is that the government has come to the conclusion that the
attempt to make a new start with Armenia is one fight too much. They
want to get out of this one in order to hopefully win some of the
other up-hill struggles they’ve got themselves in to.

That would explain why, since the signing of the protocols, the
prime minister and some other AKP leaders, with the exception of the
foreign minister, have done their utmost to frustrate the rapprochement
between Turkey and Armenia. By linking the ratification in parliament
to a solution of the Karabach conflict. By blowing a ruling of the
Armenian Constitutional Court out of proportions. By threatening to
stop the whole process after the adoption of genocide recognition
resolutions in the American and Swedish parliaments.

The last act in this well-calculated endeavor to get out of this
undertaking was the shot-from-the-hip last week. In the eyes of the
governing party, the Armenian opening has become a liability. It
could put a good result at the next elections in danger because the
nationalist part of the AKP electorate does not like it and because
the opposition parties would undoubtedly try to exploit this bid for
reconciliation as another proof of the AKP’s lack of true patriotism.

One year before the elections, electoral opportunism has taken
precedence over long-term benefits. Let’s face it. What would the
AKP lose if they give up on the Armenian initiative? Yes, they would
lose respect and admiration abroad. But the AKP strategists realize
that foreign praise does not win you national elections.

Turkish democrats would be disappointed, of course. But would they, as
a result, vote for parties that have even worse democratic credentials?

The fight to win the 2011 elections has started and Turkish-Armenian
relations are the first casualty.

TURKEY NEEDS TO CALM DOWN ON THE ARMENIAN ISSUE

Hurriyet
March 21 2010
Turkey

The Turkish government’s attitude and response to recent developments
in the United States and Sweden regarding Armenian claims are off
the mark and counter-productive. Without a counter-strategy, Turkey
is closing down its shutters and painting itself into a corner.

Moreover, the Justice and Development Party, or AKP, leadership, by
arguing and exploiting the issue domestically, is making a mistake
because it could backfire. The current approach, if not altered soon,
may hurt our national standing and interests.

The Turkish contestation and protests of American and Swedish decisions
on Armenian claims are certainly justified because parliamentary bodies
have no business or competence in legislating history. However, the
official reaction by Turkey, heavily laden with anger and resentment,
is self-damaging and dysfunctional.

Recalling our ambassadors for consultations is a legitimate exercise
and quite appropriate. Yet not sending them back until and unless
certain conditions are met is another thing entirely and serves no
useful purpose.

Other countries, including Russia and France, took similar decisions in
the past, a considerable number of them during the time AKP had been
in power. Indeed, the same House Committee in the U.S. had approved
similar resolutions twice before in the last five years. The reactions
then were more measured and calculated.

Today the government should explain to our people why this time the
official reaction is so vehement and insular and what and how they
expect to gain from this self-aggrandizing stance.

In foreign relations, we need diplomacy most in time of crises. Even
under the most challenging circumstances, one must keep its channels of
communication open, try to reverse the damage done, and limit further
damage to national interests. Even in today’s Internet and telephone
age, ambassadors are still prime agents in diffusing tensions and in
resolving problems between countries.

The U.S. is still our ally and partner and Sweden is a strong friend
of Turkey. With both countries, we have vital interests at stake.

Their governments have both disavowed the decisions of their
legislatures. In the U.S., it is a resolution of the full House of
Representatives that counts, not a vote in one of its committees. The
right thing to do, therefore, is to seek to work with the U.S. and
Swedish authorities on how to protect and promote our relations and
mutual interests under the prevailing circumstances.

The first step should then be the return of our ambassadors, both
highly capable diplomats, to their duties without undue delay.

The more important task is to develop a coherent and sophisticated
foreign policy. On the Armenian issue, we need a broader strategy.

Angry reactions to the aberrations of foreign parliaments do not
constitute a foreign policy and are self-defeating. The first order
of business is for to press for progress on the Nagorno-Karabakh issue.

Turkey did the right thing in signing the two protocols with
Armenia, but failed to factor the Azeri-Armenian conflict into the
Turkish-Armenian opening. Progress there would make room for Turkey
to restore the process of Turkish-Armenian reconciliation.

Whatever the provocations and setbacks emanating from Armenia or any
other source, Turkey must keep the protocols with Armenia "on line."

And we must keep Azerbaijan on our side.

Armenia’s lukewarm ownership of the protocols and the January ruling
of its Constitutional Court have stalled the process. However, if
we want to normalize our relations with Armenia and the Armenians,
we too must avoid making mistakes.

Especially saddening is the idea of expelling Armenian citizens
working illegally in Turkey. The notion, while legally justifiable,
is morally wrong and unacceptable, politically unwise and socially
unbecoming for Turkish people who always extend a helping hand to
those in need. We would be doing incalculable harm to our social
conscience if we send these people back as our image in the world
would suffer irreversible damage.

Our leaders are often fond of resorting to traditional sayings. One
to remember in this context is "who rises in anger, sits a loser."

We will not achieve anything useful by turning inward or by posing
conditions that cannot be fulfilled. There is no way for the U.S.

administration to give any guarantees involving the Congress or for
the Swedish government to reverse the decision of their parliament.

What we can do is to prevent further damage to our relations and to
check further progress of Armenian claims. We must therefore be calm
and calibrated in our responses, in the certitude that we are always
ready and willing to face the facts of our history.

Armenian Central Bank to tighten normative standards of capital
adequacy since 14 April

20.03.2010

ArmInfo. Central Bank of Armenia which continues implementing the
programme of events on dedollarization together with the government of
Armenia, has adopted several decisions on tightening of some normative
standards for the banks, press-service of Central Bank reported. The
decisions on tightening of the normative of adequacy of the capital
and restoration of the normative standard to manage currency were
adopted at today’s sitting Central Bank Council under chairmanship of
Artur Javadyan.

The demands to the foreign currency assets are tightened in the
normative of the capital adequacy, mainly in credits which contain
100% share of risk, the share will be increased up to 150%. In other
words, if earlier 12% of capital were reserved in 100% risk credits to
cover possible losses, since the moment of tightening 18% will be
reserved. In the normative on foreign currency management, from 14
April to 31 July 2010 calculation will be made in the following way:
the long position on each currency should not be more than 7% out of
the capital, and beginning from 1 August the 7% level will function in
all the open positions. The REPO-rate will be fixed at 11,5%.

As the head of Financial Policy and Financial Stability Department of
Armenian Central Bank Vahe Vardanyan said earlier, "we do it, as last
year all the foreign currency credits increased the credit risk much,
and the share of the low quality assets in the first half-year of 2009
was almost 10%. Tightening of the adequacy normative of the capital
will make it possible to restrain the banks from active foreign
currency crediting, which may indirectly lead to slowing down the
process of the foreign currency funds attraction by the banks. It is
very much possible that in this case the rates on foreign currency
deposits may decrease gradually, as a result of which interest margin
will grow (difference in 4-5 points) between the rates of the foreign
currency and dram deposits".

On Mar 16 the Central Bank of Armenia decided to toughen the
compulsory reserve requirement for attracted currency funds: starting
from Apr 14 3% of the 12% minimum size of a bank’s compulsory foreign
exchange reserves at the CB will be in AMD with the remaining 9% to be
in foreign exchange. The minimum amount of AMD compulsory reserves has
been kept unchanged at 8%. In Q3 2009 the CB introduced a special
economic requirement for open long foreign exchange position – 7%,
which stipulates that a bank’s foreign exchange assets should not
exceed its currency liabilities.

Aysor, Armenia
March 20 2010

Exhibition of Armenian goods in Atrpatakan

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Republic of Armenia received a
preliminary invitation from the Atrpatakan province of Iran to
organize an exhibition of Armenian goods on April and May of this
year, Vrezh Sarukhanyan, the head of the public relations of the
Chamber of Commerce and Industry told Aysor.am.

`The invitation is preliminary, it should be discussed in the chamber
and be decided which are the directions, which spheres should be
included, which are the parameters, which businessmen should go. The
information should be summarized and concretized’, – V. Sarukhanyan
informed.

According to the speaker in Atrpatakan will be introduced both
Armenian industrial goods and food.

This year on January in Armenia, took place the 9th session of
Armenian ` Iranian intergovernmental commission where was also present
the Iranian delegation headed by the Iranian Foreign Minister
Manouchehr Mottaki. They had signed a memorandum on mutual
understanding.

ARMENIA: THE EVA RIVAS INTERVIEW

esctoday.com
ws/read/15408
March 19 2010

Eva Rivas, the Armenian hopeful for the Eurovision Song Contest in
Oslo spoke to esctoday.com, sharing her emotions, feelings and news
with our readers.

Dear Eva, congratulations on winning the national final in Armenia
and having the opportunity to represent your country in the Eurovision
Song Contest 2010.

1. First of all we would like to know how do you feel now, being
the Armenian hopeful in Eurovision 2010? Please, tell us about your
feelings.

Thank you very much for your congratulations! I am very glad,that
the whole world is starting to listen to our wonderful song! I had
an explosion of different positive feelings and emotions at that
moment,but the main feeling i had and have till now is HAPPINESS,
because this is a huge honour for me to represent my native country
Armenia in the Eurovision song contest,which has been my favourite
for many years since my childhood! I had a dream,and now it is real…

2. Can you tell us please what does the song Apricot Stone mean for
you? Please describe the song exactly how you feel about it.

This is a very personal song for me. First of all because this lyrics
is based on my own life story. These are the feelings that can live
in the very core of the heart of every Armenian in diaspora. Second
and the most important thing is that this song is not only about
Armenians, but also about every person who loves his native country.

And i think that this is a key to success in this contest. Performing
it I feel love to my country and to all the people who gave me a
chance to show it to the whole world.

3. What about the attitude of people in Armenia, in Europe? Do you
already feel that your song is popular among the Europeans?

This is a big compliment for me. I knew that the song will be a
success, but did not expect such a huge success, and so immediately
from the very beginning … this may pave the way to victory? A Big
Thank You to all Europeans, that they loved our nice song. We want
to share our Apricot with the whole world.

4. Eva, let’s speak about the promo tours. Which countries have you
already visited after winning the national final and which countries
do you plan to visit until the contest?

Until now I went to Ukraine for the promo tour but, as my promo
tour officially starts a little later, respectively, soon we will
only begin to "get acquainted" with all countries. Unfortunately,
I cannot tell you how many countries I am going to visit, because I
don’t make the timetable for a promo tour. But I hope that in such
a short time I will be able to visit all the countries!

5. We know that a brand new version of Apricot Stone is going to
be presented soon and Eurovision Song Contest fans are impatiently
waiting for it. Can you reveal the date of the song presentation?

I am so sorry, my dear friends! I cannot tell you that. And the only
reason is that I don’t know. Only my producer knows! But I can tell
you one thing – the song has become much more powerful and exciting!

6. We know you will be working with very professional backing vocalists
on the stage in Eurovision. Are you pleased with the new work done
together? What can you tell us about your backing vocalists?

Each one of my back-vocalists is absolutely a professional singer
with a beautiful,strong , individual voice. We immediately worked
out nicely together and created a masterpiece, for which I am very
grateful to them! In addition to the professionalism each of them has
a great,kind loving heart. And this is the key to our success. This
is where we all are alike. And this is our key to the victory.

7. Of course it is early to tell about the show which is going to
be staged in Oslo,but can you tell anything about the show? Do you
already know what show will represent Armenia in Oslo?

Sorry, this is going to be a huge surprise…I am sure you’ll like it!

8. Have you already listened to the other songs which will compete
this year in Oslo? Do you have any favourites?

I don’t want to listen to the other songs, because maybe one of them
will make me worried. And now i am very calm and full of strength.

These are the feelings that will accompany me to Oslo!

9. And finally, please tell something to our readers, as you have
many fans among them!

My Dear friends! Thank you very much for your support! Thank you very
much that you like our wonderful song! I hope that you will sing it
along with me for many years. This is the most important thing for me,
first of all this is going to be my victory. I am very happy that i was
chosen to represent Armenia! Of course I understand that this is also
a great responsibility and you may be afraid that i will disappoint
you! But you must know, i am full of strength and assurance, that I
will be able to perform at the highest level and I hope you will be
proud of me!.. .

Esctoday.com thanks Eva Rivas for the interview and wishes her best
of luck in the contest!

TURKISH PM ERDOGAN ACCUSES MEDIA OF DISTORTING ‘EXPELLING’ REMARKS

Hurriyet
March 19 2010
Turkey

PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan has once more slammed the media, accusing
the press of distorting his remarks to the BBC about ‘expelling
undocumented Armenian workers’ from Turkey. ‘Regretfully, it was
quoted by cutting off the word ‘undocumented.’ It is malicious
destruction because of the significant difference between Armenians
and undocumented Armenian workers,’ Erdogan says

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. AA photo

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has again lashed out at the media,
this time claiming news outlets misreported his remarks about deporting
Armenian workers. The outburst came despite most news outlets reporting
that he was referring to undocumented workers.

In the same speech Friday, Erdogan also had harsh words for Israel
regarding settlement plans in east Jerusalem and Tel Aviv’s treatment
of Palestinians.

Erdogan suggested the "possibility to expel 100,000 Armenian
undocumented workers in Turkey" in response to U.S. and Swedish
lawmakers passing resolutions recognizing the Armenian "genocide"
when he spoke to the BBC Turkish service late Tuesday.

Without giving any names, the prime minister Friday criticized "some"
columnists for comparing Roma and Armenian citizens to undocumented
immigrants. "This is disrespectful to my Roma citizens and my Armenian
citizens," Erdogan said, addressing his party’s members in a televised
speech.

The prime minister stressed that he was not referring to Turkish
citizens of Armenian heritage in his remarks made to the BBC.

"Regretfully, it was quoted by cutting off the word ‘undocumented,’"
he said. "It is malicious destruction because of the significant
difference between Armenians and undocumented Armenian workers."

"Especially the foreign press is attempting to arouse indignation by
purposely ignoring the adjective ‘undocumented,’" Erdogan said. "There
are dirty games [being played] even though I was the first Turkish
prime minister to speak about mistreatments of minorities in the past."

The Turkish prime minister emphasized that "baseless genocide claims"
will harm the normalization efforts with Armenia. "You cannot write
history through parliamentary votes," he said. "If you are sincere
about learning what happened, you can examine the archives and see
what is true or not."

"I re-call on Armenia and third countries to be constructive and
responsible," Erdogan said. "All initiatives that deteriorate the
[normalization] process will carry a heavy cost – [not to] Turkey but
[to] the creators and supporters of those malicious initiatives."

The prime minister also expressed his anger at columnists who had
criticized his remarks to the BBC. "Those columnists trying to teach
me humanity should first defend the rights of Turkey. Look in the
mirror first," he said.

"Have you ever heard them saying anything positive about the
government?" he asked, referring to his critics. "They have eyes,
but are blind to our achievements."

Erdogan also highlighted that his government’s "democratic initiative"
encompasses more than just increasing rights for Kurds. Apologizing to
Roma citizens on behalf of the state, he said: "My Roma citizens have
not benefited from citizenship rights. We will fix these problems."

"We have changed a lot of things with the [democratic] initiative. We
are now in a position to understand each other better," he said.

The prime minister also countered critics who claim that his
government’s democratization efforts have slowed down. "The process of
national unity and brotherhood has managed to create mutual empathy,"
Erdogan said. "It has economic, social and security dimensions. We
support this hope [of democratization] with concrete steps."

PM slams Israel again

Erdogan also harshly criticized Israeli settlement plans in east
Jerusalem and vowed not to normalize relations unless the humanitarian
tragedy of Palestinians comes to an end.

"Building 1,600 new settlements in east Jerusalem is not acceptable.

It is a tactic to wipe Palestine out, piece by piece," Erdogan said,
noting that Turkey’s role is not confined within the country’s borders.

"We are aware of multi-headed politics in Israel. But this multi-voiced
government should review this situation. As both the U.N.

and the U.S. oppose [the settlements], such a step means ignoring
the 1967 agreements," he said.

Erdogan threatened not to normalize ties with Tel Aviv as long as
the situation continues. "How can we make contact, my brother?" he
asked, addressing Israeli politicians. "First, you need to align with
international law and avoid any cruelty or outrages."

"Turkey will not be present anywhere innocent people suffer," he said.

dogan-criticizes-media-apologizes-to-turkeys-roma- people-2010-03-19

PATRIARCH KIRILL INVITES ARMENIAN CATHOLICOS TO BAKU SUMMIT

Interfax
March 18 2010
Russia

Yerevan, March 18, Interfax – Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All
Russia has invited Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians
Karekin II to visit Azerbaijan.

"I have invited His Holiness [Karekin II] to attend the Baku conference
organized by the CIS Inter-Religious Council on behalf of the leader
of Azeri Muslims Allahshukyur Pasha-zade and myself," Patriarch Kirill
said at the Yerevan State University on Thursday.

The summit will allow religious leaders "to express their position
on important issues," he said. The Armenian Apostolic Church and
the Russian Orthodox Church are actively involved in the Karabakh
settlement process, and Karekin II and the Azeri Islamic leader have
met many times with the mediation of the Moscow Patriarchate, he noted.

"Our openness can change a lot," he said. "Churches do not invite
people to political debate, but they can create an atmosphere, in
which people will stop looking at each other through gunsights."