Author: Varosian Antranik

PACE PRESIDENT APPEALS FOR CALM IN YEREVAN, CALLS FOR DIALOGUE

arminfo
2008-03-03 12:00:00

ArmInfo. "I appeal for calm in Yerevan, and I call on all sides to
do everything in their power to prevent further violence," said the
President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe
(PACE) Lluis Maria de Puig, reacting to events in the Armenian
capital, CE Headquarters press-service reports. "I deeply regret the
deaths and injuries that have already occurred, and repeat that the
authorities must show the utmost restraint and respect the principle
of proportionality. The state of emergency that has been declared is
an extreme measure and should be lifted as soon as possible: round-ups
of peaceful demonstrators and gagging the media is not the response of
real democrats to differing views. Whatever disagreements there are
over the fairness of the election, they should be worked out through
the election appeals process and the Constitutional Court and not
through clashes on the streets. Talking, not shooting, is the way
forward. PACE stands ready to do all it can to help achieve this,
and is following events extremely closely," the statement says.

SECRETARY OF STATE OF VATICAN CARDINAL TARCHIZIO BERTONE IN ARMENIA

Panorama.am
14:28 28/02/2008

On 2-6 of March the secretary of state Vatican cardinal Tarchizio
Bertone arrives in Armenia for a labor meeting with Armenian holly
patriarch. Bertone has fixed meeting with the Supreme Patriarch of
all Armenian Garegin II and will hand Pops written message, where
Benediktos 16 expresses his satisfaction and will to continue church’s
ecumenical way together with Armenian Apostolic Church.

Azeri media attributing to Vatican media secretariat announced that
the cardinal will leave for Azerbaijan after and stay there till 9
March. Here he will take part in the opening ceremony of Catholic
Church and meet with the president of the country Ilhaam Aliev.

The mission of the visit is to contribute to the development of the
relations between these two countries.

THE FOURTH HEARING ON DINK CASE HELD IN ISTANBUL

armradio.am
27.02.2008 15:13

The fourth hearing in the trial of murdered Turkish-Armenian journalist
Hrant Dink was held at Istanbul’s 14th Court for Serious Crimes in
Beºiktaº district yesterday, two weeks after the third session,
the Turkish Daily News reports.

The third hearing on Feb. 11 had been postponed to Feb. 25 to complete
taking the testimony of all the suspects after the testimonies of Erhan
Tuncel and Yasin Hayal, the suspected inciters of the murder, were
heard in the third session. Suspects Ersin Yolcu, Ahmet Ä°skender,
Mustafa Ozturk and Salih Hacısalihoglu were questioned in the
trial. Along with other crimes, Yolcu, Ä°skender and Ozturk are
alleged to have assisted a terror organization and of being members
of a terror organization, while Hacısalihoglu is charged with the
allegation of assisting a terror organization. The trial was closed
to the media as the suspected gunman is below the age of 18.

Deputies from both the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP)
and the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) were in court to
observe the trial. Zafer Uskul, an AKP deputy and the head of the
parliamentary commission on human rights was present at the trial as
well. "Our commission does not have the authority to intervene in a
judicial process.

However, we are trying to investigate whether there are people who
are out of the judicial process but should be in it. When we reach a
conclusion, if there are people out of the judicial process, we will
demand the necessary process be started about them," Uskul said.

Dink was shot dead in front of his office on Jan. 19, 2007.

–Boundary_(ID_zACkJBbcb2G59zyLTQ/TEg)–

BAKO SAHAKYAN: "IF KOSOVO’S INDEPENDENCE CONTRIBUTES TO KARABAKH’S INDEPENDENCE, WE WILL ONLY BE HAPPY"

Panorama.am
20:46 26/02/2008

Today President of Nagorno Karabakh Republic Bako Sahakyan met with
OSCE Acting Chairman in Office, Foreign Minister of Finland Ilka
Kanerva. In the president’s words, the meeting was introductory in
its nature but the parties tried to discuss several practical issues
as well.

"We talked about the negotiation process, on monitoring of OSCE
standing representation at the contact line. We also came up with
several proposals," Bako Sahakyan told reporters in a briefing. In
his words, the meeting was successful.

In the words of OSCE acting chairman, it is very important
to visit Armenia and Azerbaijan and to talk about Karabakh
with the representatives of the countries and by doing so to
find some a solution to Karabakh conflict. "Today I met with
the Armenian president, foreign minister and other top level
government officials. Nagorno Karabakh is the main topic of our
discussions. Besides, OSCE is interested not only in Karabakh
conflict settlement but also establishment of democracy across the
South Caucasus," Kanerva mentioned.

Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region
104 North Belmont Street, Suite 200
Glendale, California 91206
Phone: 818.500.1918
Fax: 818.246.7353
[email protected]

PRESS RELEASE

February 27, 2008
Contact: Ani Garabedian
Tel: (818) 500-1918

ANCA-WR Leaders Meet with HCFA Chairman Howard Berman

Van Nuys, CA – On Wednesday, February 20, 2008, a delegation from the
Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region met with
Congressman Howard Berman (D-CA-28). Congressman Berman serves as
Acting Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs (HCFA)
following the unfortunate passing of Chairman Congressman Tom Lantos,
who recently succumbed to esophageal cancer. Those in attendance
included ANCA-WR Board Members Steve Dadaian, Vicken Sonentz-Papazian,
Avo Ovayan, ANC Activist Mourad Topalian and Congressman Howard
Berman.

"We always welcome the opportunity to engage in a meaningful exchange
of information and ideas with the acting and future Chairman of the
House Foreign Affairs Committee," stated Dadaian. "During our meeting
it was clear that Congressman Berman shares our optimistic outlook for
advancing issues of concern to the Armenian American community and we
look forward to working closely with him to accomplish that task," he
added.

During the meeting, the ANCA-WR delegation discussed various issues of
concern to the community with Congressman Berman. In particular,
Congressman Berman reiterated his support for the passage of H. Res.
106 and for increasing aid to Armenia, especially vis-à-vis
petrodollar rich and warmongering Azerbaijan. The meeting
participants also noted Kosovo’s recent declaration of independence
and how comparatively, Nagorno-Karabakh also enjoys a strong case for
self-determination.

Berman represents northern areas of Hollywood, the eastern half of the
San Fernando Valley and the city of San Fernando. In 2007, Berman
served as a strong supporter of H. Res. 106, authoring a powerful dear
colleague letter espousing the Armenian Genocide resolution. The
letter discussed the classification of the Armenian Genocide as
historically accurate by the International Association of Genocide
Scholars and called for Turkey to recognize this crime against
humanity. On October 10, 2007, the HCFA passed H. Res. 106 by a vote
of 27-21, including supportive remarks by then-second ranking Democrat
Berman.

Berman has served in the House of Representatives since 1983
representing the 28th Congressional district of California. Born in
Los Angeles and educated at the University of California, Los Angeles
(UCLA), Berman was a lawyer and a member of the California State
Assembly from 1972-1983.

The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) is the largest and
most influential Armenian American grassroots political organization.
Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and
supporters throughout the United States and affiliated organizations
around the world, the ANCA actively advances the concerns of the
Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.

BENITA FERRERO-WALDNER: WE NEED TO GIVE A REGIONAL DIMENSION TO OUR BILATERAL COOPERATION

Noyan Tapan
Feb 26, 2008

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 26, NOYAN TAPAN. In an interview with Noyan Tapan,
European Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood
Policy, Benita Ferrero-Waldner presents the key features of the EU
Black Sea Synergy Initiative

Q. – Please present briefly the main points of the Black Sea Synergy
Initiative and its goals.

A. – Black Sea Synergy is a regional cooperation initiative of the
European Union for the Black Sea region which aims at developing
cooperation within the Black Sea region itself and between the region
and the EU. Through the increased political attention at regional
level and strengthening of ongoing cooperation Black Sea Synergy
opens additional space for cooperation with Russia, Turkey and all
eastern ENP partners.

Black Sea Synergy builds upon ongoing sector specific programmes of
the EC cooperation programmes. Main areas include energy, transport,
environment, trade, research and science, information technology,
fishery and maritime management.

Q. – The conflicts inside and between the Black Sea region (or,
as referred often, the Wider Black Sea) are usually mentioned as
impeding their cooperation and preventing them to feel as members of
a common region. Does the EU believe the initiative will help enhance
cooperation among the countries of the region and settlement of the
existing conflicts?

A. – Yes, I do. Even though it will be in an indirect way: Black Sea
Synergy is not intended to substitute for the existing negotiation
frameworks or to deal directly with these conflicts. Yet, Black
Sea Synergy tackles the underlying causes of conflicts, which
often include lack of economic development and lack of regional
cooperation. Moreover, our Cross-border-cooperation Black Sea programme
for 2007-2013 focuses on civil society, including people-to-people
contacts, which in my view may be a key element to facilitate solutions
for the conflicts you refer to; this is an EU programme very much
at the core of the Black Sea Synergy initiative. Like the rest of
EU policies towards countries suffering this kind of clashes, Black
Sea Synergy is an indirect means to create climates in which current
conflicts might be resolved and to prevent new conflicts from arising.

Q. – The initiative was presented last April. What is the reaction
of the countries of the Black Sea region to the initiative? Are there
any concrete projects? What are the perspectives seen?

A. – In preparing the Communication of April 2007, the European
Commission consulted all Black Sea partners and the general reaction
was positive.

There is broad agreement on the need for deeper EU involvement in
the region and in defining the cooperation mechanisms, goals and
priorities. We also agree on the main cooperation areas and the need
for closer contacts with the Organisation of the Black Sea Economic
Cooperation (BSEC), as well as with the other regional structures
and initiatives active in the Black Sea area.

The European Commission has formulated a working programme for the
coming years, identifying a large number of tasks. Some examples
are the development of sea transport, a regional dialogue on energy
security, an environmental dimension, the spreading of the successful
model of Danube-Black Sea cooperation on water management, civil
protection cooperation, the implementation of a cross-border programme
to strengthen civil society, fight against organized crime, a potential
platform on migration issues, and the development of maritime policy
cooperation and joint fisheries management.

Q- What incentives would the EU apply help the Black Sea Synergy
initiative progress?

A. – Black Sea Synergy stresses the importance of regional cooperation
for these countries. They know that stakes are high and do not need
specific financial incentives to make the initiative work. Regional
cooperation can deliver very positive results in the crucial areas
targeted by Black Sea Synergy.

Black Sea Synergy has no specific fund. However, planned Community
assistance to the non EU countries covered by Black Sea Synergy amounts
to â~B¬ 3.7 billion between 2007 and 2010. This means about â~B¬ 920
million per year, which represents an overall increase of 41% compared
to the period 2004-2006. We will stress the need to give a regional
dimension to our bilateral cooperation in the region. In addition,
the above mentioned EU Cross-Border cooperation Programme for the
Black Sea 2007-2013 of â~B¬ 17 Million will start later on in the
year. Finally, countries around the Black Sea will also benefit from
the Neighbourhood Investment Fund (â~B¬ 700 million for the period
2007-2013) and from increased European Investment Bank lending (â~B¬
3.7 billion over the same period).

Ed. The interview took place shortly before the 14 February the first
meeting of Black Sea Synergy at Ministerial level.

–Boundary_(ID_J5bY2lpYhM6XvJtDUR8RiA)–

SPOKESMAN OF TER-PETROSIAN STATED THAT "THE AUTHORITIES AIM AT BEHEADING THE NATIONAL MOVEMENT"

Mediamax
February 26, 2008

Yerevan /Mediamax/. Spokesman of the pre-election staff of Levon
Ter-Petrosian Arman Musinian stated today that "the authorities arrest
our most active supporters making up charges, aiming at beheading
the national movement".

Mediamax reports that, speaking at a briefing in Yerevan today,
Arman Musinian informed that the day before the representative of
"Republic" party Suren Surenyants, Leader of "Fatherland and Honor"
Garnik Margarian and the former Mayor of Spitak town Samvel Harutiunian
had been detained.

"All these actions not only fail to harm our movement, but have the
reverse effect, attracting to the Freedom Square many new people",
Musinian stated. He added that the authorities are taking up steps to
close the pre-election headquarters of Levon Ter-Petrosian, bringing
as an explanation the fact of conclusion of the elections.

Arman Musinian stated that yesterday at the Freedom Square a termless
hunger-strike was started by 11 participants of the protest. At that
he accused the authorities of reluctance to secure permanent presence
of "Ambulance" cars at the Square.

Commenting on Mediamax’s request on the statements, according to which
"Yerkrapah" volunteers’ union sided with the team of Ter-Petrosian,
Arman Musinian stated that the given statement was done during
the rally by the Deputy Chairman of the given organization Myasnik
Malkhasian, " and if the stance of "Yerkrapah" changed, its leadership
would have informed on that".

Agence France Presse — English
February 21, 2008 Thursday 10:01 PM GMT

Armenian opposition readies for long protest

by Michael Mainville

YEREVAN, Feb 21 2008

Armenian opposition leader Levon Ter-Petrosian on Thursday called on
tens of thousands of supporters to keep up mass protests against
presidential election results.

Crowds of up to 25,000 demonstrated on Freedom Square in the capital
Yerevan against results from Tuesday’s polls that gave Prime Minister
Serzh Sarkisian victory.

As night fell the crowd thinned but some 10,000 remained and
protesters set up a handful of tents.

Amid sub-zero temperatures demonstrators danced in circles
accompanied by traditional Armenian music, while others distributed
hot pies.

"Starting from this moment our protests will not end," opposition
activist Nikol Pashenian told the crowd. "Freedom Square will be the
centre of our protests until the authorities leave."

Addressing the crowd, Ter-Petrosian said two deputy defence ministers
were in talks with senior military officials to ensure the safety of
the crowd.

"They will not let the army be used against the people,"
Ter-Petrosian said. "All of the leaders of the military are united
with the people."

He called on university students to boycott classes and join protests
on Friday.

But in an interview with AFP, Sarkisian pointed to an international
appraisal of the vote as "mostly" in line with international
standards and described the protests as "blackmail" and a
"provocation."

"I’m sure they will fail…. If they are not capable of winning an
election we are not to blame for that," he said.

Asked whether the authorities would use force against the protesters,
he said "it’s difficult to say immediately…. The law enforcement
agencies will decide on the proper course."

"We are obliged to respect the rights of the people. If they don’t
disturb anyone they are free to do so…. But if they disturb others,
the law enforcement agencies will take action according to the law,"
Sarkisian said.

Ter-Petrosian told AFP the demonstrations would remain peaceful.

"It’s a peaceful, cheerful meeting," he said. "There will be no
disorder and we will not break the law".

Official results gave 52.9 percent of the vote to Sarkisian, the
choice of outgoing President Robert Kocharian, who is obliged to step
down after his second term. Ter-Petrosian trailed with 21.5 percent.

Ter-Petrosian has described the conduct of the election as
"shameful," alleging that dozens of his activists were beaten on
election day and that ballot stuffing, multiple voting and voter
intimidation were widespread.

Observers from the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in
Europe described the election as "mostly" in line with international
standards. The US State Department said it was "concerned" at reports
of problems in the count.

Kocharian hand-picked the prime minister to succeed him after
Sarkisian’s Republican Party of Armenia swept parliamentary polls
last May.

Together they have been credited with ensuring relative stability and
strong growth. But critics accuse the government of tolerating
widespread corruption and cracking down on opponents.

Analysts predict Sarkisian will follow Kocharian’s policies, pursuing
close ties with Moscow and a hawkish stance in relations with
neighbouring Azerbaijan and Turkey.

The latter two have cut diplomatic ties and sealed their borders with
Armenia over its support for Armenian separatists in the rebel
Azerbaijani region of Nagorny Karabakh.

Ankara has also been angered by Yerevan’s campaign to have the World
War I-era mass killings of Armenians by the Ottoman Empire recognised
as genocide.

Ter-Petrosian has called for a more conciliatory approach with
Azerbaijan and Turkey.

But on Thursday Turkey’s President Abdullah Gul sent congratulations
to Sarkisian and called for a normalisation of ties, saying he hoped
"our joint efforts will create an atmosphere based on stability,
mutual trust and cooperation."

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
Feb 21 2008

Deputy Minister: Armenia should explain why Azerbaijan sent note to
OSCE, PACE and European Parliament

[ 21 Feb 2008 17:15 ]

Baku. Tamara Grigoryeva – APA. Armenia should explain why Azerbaijan
sent a note to OSCE, PACE and European Parliament,’ Araz Azimov,
Azerbaijani deputy Foreign Minister said, APA reports

Azimov noted that, Armenia has occupied Azerbaijani lands and it uses
Nagorno Karabakh Armenians, who are citizens of Azerbaijan for
political purposes.
`This Republic carries out military-political control in the
territories to establish separatist body, collect arms and form
military unit in occupied lands. Armenian Armed Forces is engaged in
various activities in Azerbaijani occupied lands. It is not first
time that, Armenia holds election in so-called `Nagorno Karbakh’ and
takes such measures. Azimov noted that international organizations
should take proper steps to prevent such events and mentioned that,
OSCE observers paid an attention and reacted to these facts.
`We wanted to draw attention of international society to this issue
and we sent a note to OSCE, PACE and European Parliament. The main
aim of the appeal to three organizations which observed the election
is that, there are facts and reports. The next event witnessed by
international organizations was held in Azerbaijani occupied land.
The ministry asked the above-mentioned international organizations to
investigate the illegal act, take it into consideration in their
reports and take relevant measures.

SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE CIS INTERPARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY CONGRATULATES SERGE SARGSYAN

armradio.am
25.02.2008 17:42

The Secretary General of the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly Mikhail
Krotov congratulated RA Prime Minister Serge Sargsyan on his election
to the post of the President of the Republic of Armenia and gaining
the trust of people.

The congratulatory message says, in part:

"I’m sure that on the high post of the Head of State your activity
will serve for the sake of further reinforcement of the economic and
political situation in the Republic of Armenia and the prosperity
and wellbeing of the people, the expansion of cooperation within the
framework of the CIS."