Author: Yeghisabet Arthur

COURT RULES ON TURKISH TIES

The Moscow Times
Jan 13 2010
Russia

YEREVAN, Armenia — Armenia’s Constitutional Court on Tuesday rejected
opposition complaints over the legality of a government push to end
a century of hostility with Turkey.

The ruling means accords calling for the establishment of diplomatic
relations and the opening of the Turkish-Armenian border can move to
the parliament, although there is little sign they will be adopted
soon.

The accords, which need parliamentary approval in both countries,
have been gathering dust since they were signed by the two governments
in October, with Turkey facing a backlash from Azerbaijan.

CONVERGENCE OF TURKEY-RUSSIA INTERESTS IN ECONOMY CAN POSITIVELY AFFECT NAGORNO-KARABAKH CONFLICT: EXPERTS

Trend
Jan 12 2010
Azerbaijan

Convergence of interests between Turkey and Russia in economy and
energy projects can have a positive impact on the Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict, experts said.

"At present, Ankara is greatly concerned about one issue – the
formation of a new, more profitable transit configuration in its
interests. Certainly, the opening of borders with Armenia, as well
as settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict are included in this
context, Azerbaijani political scientist Tofiq Abbasov said.

Jan. 12, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan will visit Moscow
upon his Russian Counterpart Vladimir Putin’s invitation. During his
visit, Erdogan will mull further development of the Turkey-Russia
relations, particularly energy and economic issues discussed during
Putin’s Ankara visit held in August 2009, and the Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will discuss the problem of
Nagorno-Karabakh settlement during his Armenia visit scheduled for
Jan. 13-14. He will meet with Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan and
Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian there, Russian Foreign Ministry
spokesman Andrei Nesterenko said.

"Exchange of views to continue the negotiation process on
Nagorno-Karabakh settlement in the context of intermediary efforts
taken by Russia to solve the conflict will be in the center of
attention," Nesterenko said in an interview with RIA Novosti.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988
when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Armenian
armed forces have occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan since 1992,
including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and 7 surrounding districts.

Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a ceasefire agreement in 1994. The
co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group – Russia, France, and the U.S. –
are currently holding the peace negotiations.

According to observers, the convergence of interests in the energy
sector can push two regional players to more active mediatory efforts
in the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement.

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s Adviser on Eurasia
Geybulla Geybullayev believes the Russia-Turkey rapprochement
may positively affect the Nagorno-Karabakh problem. Even if the
Russia-Turkey rapprochement will not solve the Nagorno-Karabakh
problem at all, it may positively affect it.

The prolonged Nagorno-Karabakh problem creates non-stability in the
region. But, the Turkey-Russia rapprochement in economic sphere will
lead to dialogue. If the Turkey-Russia Economic dialogue gets success,
then it may resolve several political problems, as well as realize
peace and stability platform in the Caucasus, Geybullayev told Trend
News over the telephone.

In mid-September 2008, Russia and Turkey launched implementation of
a plan to create "Platform for security and stability in the Caucasus".

Its aim was the desire of both countries to solve the territorial
conflicts in the Caucasus – between Turkey and Armenia and between
Armenia and Azerbaijan as soon as possible.

Armenian expert Armen Gevorgian said, the fact that Ankara and Moscow
discuss political problems and conflicts in South Caucasus would not
be so uneasy and potentially dangerous for Armenia, if gas and oil
pipelines had not been discussed together with these issues.

"The area for bargaining occurs. Russia, ascertaining the weakening of
its positions by allowing Turkey to the regional political processes,
can be seriously interested in the financial side of the question,"
Gevorgyan wrote in an article published by Armenian News’ website.

Gevorgian said Erdogan in Moscow will put the economic interests
of Russia on one scale, and the Karabakh conflict on the other one,
suggesting Putin to choose.

"Turkey strives to the Caspian region and Central Asia. Slowly and
thoroughly it overrides regional agenda, which includes Armenian
problems. Then it tightly links them with global political and economic
interests of the superpowers " the expert said.

The activity demonstrated by the Turkish and Russian politicians
in early 2010, must be beneficial for the settlement of the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Mikhail Gusman, first deputy director
general of Itar-Tass news agency said.

"On the one hand, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s
visit to Moscow and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to Armenia
are in the regular agenda of the inter-state dialogue, between these
countries. On the other hand, the activity demonstrated by politicians
in early 2010, must be beneficial for such a long and painful for
Azerbaijan conflict to be solved," Gusman told Trend News.

Abbasov said if one tries to range the items of the Turkish political
agenda in order of priority, then all connected with economic
calculations of Turkey is urgent. "Therefore, in Moscow the sides
will try to attach positions on energy projects. Both parties are
ready to draw Yerevan in a zone of promising active transit routes,"
"Lider-TV" analytic group expert Abbasov told Trend News.

He said in future Ankara will be able to mediate in solving the
Georgian-Russian problems.

"The Karabakh problem is also on the list of urgent issues, because
its settlement will rather promote realization of more profitable
functional economic projects. But there are more questions than
answers within this territorial issue," Abbasov said.

Rufiz Hafizoglu contributed to the article.

EU INFORMATION CENTER TO OPEN IN ISTANBUL

PanARMENIAN.Net
11.01.2010 19:22 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ A European Union (EU) Information Center will be
opened in Istanbul on January 14. Istanbul Chamber of Trade (ITO)
and EU Turkey Delegation will sign a protocol regarding inauguration
of the information center.

The center will serve to give information to business world and
different segments of the society, the Anatolian News agency reported.

Turkey-EU: Turkey began full membership negotiations with the European
Union in 2005, having been an associate member of the EEC since 1963,
and having reached a customs union agreement in 1995.

ARMENIAN FAMILY’S ESCAPE TO AZERBAIJAN NEITHER CONFIRMED NOR REFUTED

news.az
Jan 11 2010
Azerbaijan

Azerbaijani Defense Ministry Information about the escape of Armenian
citizen to the Azerbaijani territory is investigated, Azerbaijan’s
Defense Ministry.

Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry has neither confirmed nor refuted
information about the escape of Armenian citizen Yegishe Gevorkyan
to the Azerbaijani territory with his family.

"This information is being investigated. Additional information will
be provided during the clarification of details", spokesman for the
Azerbaijan Defense Ministry Teymur Abdullayev has said.

Armenian mass media report with reference to the news service for
the Armenian Defense Ministry that Gevorkyan with his wife and three
children trespassed the Armenian-Azerbaijani border at the Yeraskh
(Armenia)-Nakhchivan (Azerbaijan) section in a car.

LEGENDARY JAZZMAN GEORGE GARANIAN DIES AT 75

Aysor
Jan 11 2010
Armenia

Legendary jazzman, Armenian-born People’s Artist of Russia, George
Garanian died at the age of 75 this morning. The death from cardiac
arrest happened on tour in Russian city of Krasnodar, George Garanian’s
wife Nellie Zakirova told journalists.

George Garanian was one of the first Russian musicians who attracted
attention of Western world as part of the "jazz from the USSR". He
belonged to the first generation of Russian jazzmen who started
to perform after the World War II. As a musician (alto saxophone),
conductor and composer he always was among the best musicians. He
was the leader of country’s best big bands: "Melodia" (70s – 80s),
Moscow Big Band – 1992-95. He led the Municipal Big Band of Southern
Russian Krasnodar city.

Garanian recorded more music than any other jazz musician in Russia; he
performed at numerous international jazz festivals and toured Germany,
USA, Japan, Australia, Sweden, France and many other countries. "George
Garanian is phenomenal," said famous American critic John Hammond,
who heard George at the jazz festival in Prague.

Turkish and German foreign ministers discussed Karabakh conflict and
Armenian-Turkish normalization

2010-01-08 15:22:00

ArmInfo. On January 7, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu met
with his German counterpart Guido Westerwelle, who is currently in
Ankara on a formal visit, APA reports quoting Anatolian news agency.
Davutoglu told journalists that the regional developments,
Afghanistan, the Middle East peace process, Iran’s nuclear program,
efforts to normalize Turkey-Armenia relations and the Nagorno Karabakh
dispute were high on agenda of the meeting. They discussed the Cyprus
issue in details and agreed that the Cyprus issue should not obstruct
Turkey- EU relations.

Armenian community to hold `co-patriarchy’ election

VERCÄ°HAN ZÄ°FLÄ°OÄ=9ELU
ISTANBUL – Hürriyet Daily News

Tuesday, January 5, 2010 Turkey’s Armenian community has officially
applied to the Istanbul governorship to begin the election process for
a co-patriarch because of the illness of the current patriarch, Mesrop
II. Under the Armenian Church’s canon law, Mesrop II will retain the title
until his death even after the co-patriarch is elected. The electorate
is composed of 50,000 members of Istanbul’s Armenian community

The Armenian community is preparing for the second `co-patriarchy’
election in the history of the Turkish Republic.
Current Patriarch Mesrop II, the 84th to hold the office, is ill and,
in case of his death, the co-patriarch will assume the job after 40
days. According to the Armenian Church’s canon law, Mesrop II will
keep his title until his death. But because he is suffering from
dementia, it is necessary to elect a co-patriarch.
The official application for the elections has been made to the
Istanbul governor’s office although the election has raised debate
about the function of the patriarch. Some community members believe
the patriarch should act as a more symbolic figure.
When Mesrop II became patriarch, Turkey’s Armenian community was
largely inward looking. The patriarch drew attention through his
intellectual background, foreign education and modern point of view in
contrast to many of his predecessors during the republican period.
At the time, Mesrop II’s candidacy aroused much debate both in the
local Armenian community and the Turkish press. The community was
skeptical of a young cleric becoming patriarch while the Turkish press
focused on his political views.
Despite these questions, Mesrop Mutafyan won the election in 1998 and
became Mesrop II, Patriarch of Turkey’s Armenians. Besides handling his
spiritual duties and fulfilling his community responsibilities, Mesrop
II also played an active role in bringing the problems of the Armenian
community to Turkey’s agenda.
The year 2007 was a near-breaking point for Mesrop II; he retreated
into a deep silence following the assassination of his close friend, Hrant
Dink. Mesrop II was the one who suggested founding Agos, a bilingual
daily in both Turkish and Armenian that was run by Dink.
Despite his comparatively young age, the patriarch’s medical prognosis
is not encouraging. In an attempt to avoid upsetting the community,
his health issue was initially reported as a thyroid tumor. Afterward,
however, it was announced that the patriarch had dementia at the age
of 53.
Some remained suspicious of the diagnosis while others connected the
announcement with threats against the Armenian community. Nonetheless,
the patriarchate’s clerical council has been handling Mesrop II’s
duties for more than a year and has said it will look for a
co-patriarch because of the patriarch’s irreversible condition.
Regarding the recent events, the Hürriyet Daily News & Economic
Review spoke to Agos chief editor Etyen Mahçupyan and Seven
NiÅ=9Fanyan, an academic and author. Mahçupyan and NiÅ=9Fanyan
represent different faces of the Armenian community, both through
their ideas and their identities: Mahçupyan is from the Catholic
Armenian Church while NiÅ=9Fanyan is a member of the Apostolic
Armenian Church.

Suspicious circumstances
NiÅ=9Fanyan, who is also a close friend of Mesrop II, said he has
closely observed every step of the patriarch’s illness and said he
skeptical of the illness: `I have met the patriarch many times, =80¦
it is too hard for me to believe his illness has natural causes.’
NiÅ=9Fanyan agrees that there is a possibility that Mesrop II may have
fallen ill under suspicious circumstances. `This is a very serious
matter and it needs to be looked into. There might be people who want
Mutafyan to be in this condition. It is inevitable that there would be
people who want him to be weak as much as people who would want him to
be strong in both Turkish and Armenian communities.’
Mahçupyan spoke about Mesrop II’s intellectual vision and education
but said those qualities are insufficient for spiritually leading a
community. `At first, Mutafyan gave the impression that he would be
a patriarch to act in solidarity with his community but in time, he
founded a small clan among those in the community with whom he was
close. If he weren’t ill and there were elections again, he would only
be able to receive half the votes.’
`The position of patriarch should be a symbolic one’
Mahçupyan said the Armenian community has rapidly entered a new phase
following the Dink assassination, adding that the community’s
spiritual and daily affairs should be separated. `The position of
patriarch should be a symbolic one,’ said Mahçupyan.
`The person who would be patriarch could have a representative
authority like the [Turkish] president. He should act like a
counseling mechanism whose opinions would be asked when necessary,’
Mahçupyan said.
He claimed the patriarchate has become a political tool due to the
pressure Turkey exerts on minorities. `Whoever is selected as
patriarch will be turned into a political target; it is not possible
to prevent that,’ Mahçupyan said but emphasized that the community
was adapting to the situation.

A patriarch above the standards of others
In contrast to Mahçupyan’s criticism of Mesrop II, NiÅ=9Fanyan said
both Turkey and its Armenian community have been fortunate to have
him. `Through his courage and intelligence, Mesrop II went beyond the
usual standards Turkey’s Armenian community is used to seeing in
church leaders.’ He also praised the patriarch for changing the
perception that being afraid of one’s own shadow was a commendable
trait.
Regarding the patriarch’s religious and secular duties, NiÅ=9Fanyan
said: `Of course it is a source of contradiction and problem that the
Armenian community, which has a secular and dynamic structure, is
being represented by a religious position. On the other hand, I don’t
think it’s wise to say we don’t like it and [that we should] eliminate
such an influential mechanism of so many years.’
On the prospective new patriarch, NiÅ=9Fanyan said, `Let us hope
the community and church members who select the new patriarch will not
prefer the old policy of succumbing and silence in the name of peace
and accord in the country.’

Patriarch moves to Istanbul
Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II transferred the Armenian Pontificate from
Bursa to Istanbul after he conquered the city in 1453. He also brought
Episkopos Hovagim Golod, leader of the Armenian community in Bursa, to
Istanbul and assigned him as patriarch. The patriarch’s building is in
Istanbul’s Kumkapı neighborhood today.

news.az, Azerbaijan
Jan 6 2010

Kurd’s withdrawal from the parliament would affect Erdogan’s policy, analyst
Wed 06 January 2010 | 05:56 GMT Text size:

Zardusht Alizade Creation of the new pro-Kurdish party of democracy
and reconciliation in Turkey is a good news, says political analyst
Zardusht Alizade.

"I think this is a good news, because Kurds threatened to withdraw
from the parliament, which could have affected to Erdogan’s policy of
democratic opening, democratic development, dialogue, amnesty for
Kurdish rebels. They did so and the process started", he said.

According to him, the decision of the Constitutional Court of Turkey
to close down the Kurdish Democratic Society Party was actually a blow
to the policy of the Turkish prime minister.

"And Erdogan has criticized it. But thanks God that PKK leader Ocalan
said from jail that they should not go away and the Kurds joined
another party and returned to parliamentary activity. This is a good
sign. That is the dialogue with the Kurds will continue to evolve. And
the Kurds will understand the position of the Turkish government and
Turkish government, in turn, will have the opportunity to to influence
the process through peaceful democratic means and we may hope that the
militants will leave the field and join the parliament ", said Z.
Alizade.

According to him, it is a very good news not only for Prime Minister
Recep Tayyip Erdogan, but also for Turkey.

"Imagine a situation when Karabakh separatists disavow the armed
resistance and start a political dialogue. Would it be good for
Azerbaijan? Of course, it would be good for Azerbaijan ", said the
political scientist.

Z. Alizadeh also commented on the recent statement by Turkish
President Abdullah Gul that the normalization of relations between
Yerevan and Ankara has no connection with the issue of Turkey’s
accession to the European Union and that at Ankara has included the
solution of frozen conflicts to the agenda of the Armenian-Turkish
relations.

"As for Gul’s statement, he was right to say that improving relations
with Armenia was not an official requirement of the EU. Simply Turkey
has decided to go on the European path of normalization of relations
with its neighbors. This is its own initiative. And I think that in
this situation it is quite right, sending a message of Armenia of
Putin and Medvedev that they use their relationship with the EU as a
lever to exert pressure on Turkey so that it has disavowed the claims
on the settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. So for me it’s a
normal position of Turkey and the normal statement of the Turkish
president, " said the political analyst.

Meanwhile, he called it unserious that Sophia in the face of its State
Minister Bozidar Dimitrov voiced a demand for Turkey to pay $ 20
billion for the EU membership saying it is a "mandatory condition of
acceptance of Turkey into the European Union as compensation for the
property of displaced persons".

Financial requirements of the Bulgarians are absurd. This is
absolutely unserious ", he stressed.

1news.az

The Cilicia Symphony Orchestra: A New Year of Joyful Noise
Asbarez
Jan 5th, 2010

BY ANGELA SAVONIAN

>From the first downbeat and the sounds of `Christmas Festival’ by
Leroy Anderson and the beautifully decorated stage, I knew the evening
was special.

Fifty Six exceptional performers on the crowded multi level stage of
the First Baptist Church of Glendale filled the souls of all who
attended. Maestro Mikael Avetisian conducted with all of his being and
brought to life the entire evening for all who attended this
spectacular concert event.

In the busy and exhausting Christmas and New Year season all of us
need moments where we can forget the dismal economic downturn, H1N1,
politicians who lie and just be transported to a joyful place. The
birth of Christ brings us joy and hope of salvation, our children and
grandchildren and their excitement of the season warm us and great
cultural evenings transport us to another level of being. That was
what happened on Sunday night.

Tenor Edgar Brutyan, Sopranos Marine Abrahamyan-Abdasho and Narine
Ojakhyan sang with mastery and skill receiving bouquets and the
appreciation of the audience, but the evening was so special because
of the Cilicia Symphony Orchestra.

Maestro Mikael Avetisian with his orchestra transported all of us to a
joyous level. The selections of popular music, played with such
exuberance, had many of us dancing in our seats. Favorites from
Tchaikovsky, Khachaturian, Arno Babajanian and Komitas filled our
souls.

My heart soared with the Sabre Dance, transporting me to another
moment when the LA Philharmonic played under the direction of Varoujan
Kojian and I danced Lezginka with my family and dance ensemble on the
stage of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion the music pulsing through us. I
envisioned Hungarian Gypsies dancing the Czardas, elegant couples
dancing to Viennese waltzes, and graceful Armenian women dancing our
Nazelie dances.

The music just moved my soul. The evening ended much too soon with
over four standing ovations and encores.

The community owes Bianca Manoukian and Teleculture 24 hour
International Television a world of thanks for her vision, courage and
willingness to present such a beautiful evening. I am still dancing…

Trend News Agency, Azerbaijan
Jan 4 2010

Turkish-Armenian relations have no connection with country’s accession
to EU: president (UPDATE)
04.01.2010 18:09

The normalization of the Turkish-Armenian relations has no connection
with country’s accession to the European Union, Turkish President
Abdullah Gul said in an interview CNN Türk.

"Turkish-Armenian, North Cyprus questions have no connection with
Turkey’s accession to the EU," Gul said.

Turkish and Armenian foreign ministers Ahmet Davutoglu and Edward
Nalbandian signed the Ankara-Yerevan protocols in Zurich on Oct. 10.

Diplomatic relations between Armenia and Turkey have been broken due
to Armenia’s claims of an alleged genocide, and its occupation of
Azerbaijani lands. The border between them has been broken since 1993.
In addition to the so-called "Armenian genocide" in 1915, Armenia has
voiced territorial claims on TurkishAnatolia.

Gul also said that some forces in Europe intend to exploit Turkey,
stating that these problems present obstacle to Ankara’s accession to
the EU.

Gul said that Turkey wants to solve these problems even if the country
would not have the question of membership to the EU.

Gul also stated that the existence of stability and peace in Caucasus
is very important.

"Caucasus should not be a wall dividing East and West, the protracted
conflicts should be resolved in the region," Gul said.

According to the President, Turkey pursues transparent policy in the region.