Category: 2018

Arminfo, Armenia

Vazgen Manukyan: Armenia has become a theater of one actor, there are no counterbalances to power in the country, opposition and press

Yerevan July 30

Naira Badalyan. The chairman of the National Democratic Union party, Vazgen Manukyan, does not agree with the accusations brought against Armenia’s second president Robert Kocharyan and the CSTO secretary general Yury Khachaturov, and considers them unfounded. This was reported in his statement on the investigation of the March 1 case and the arrest of the second Armenian President Robert Kocharyan.

As Vazgen Manukyan says in his statement, he is worried that Armenia has turned into “one actor’s theater”, there are no counterbalances to the authorities, opposition, and the press in the country. “Our party and personally I, in the decade of Robert Kocharyan’s presidency, were in tough opposition, accused the authorities in many respects, opposed many decisions, but I do not agree and consider the charges brought against Robert Kocharyan and Yuri Khachaturov unreasonable.

Groundless accusations have been made against people who played an invaluable role in the largest military victory of our people in recent centuries, “he said.

Analyzing the events of March 1, 2008, comparing them with the presidential elections of 1996 and 2003, Manukyan concludes that the evidence base of the opposition on the falsifications during the elections in 2008 was very weak. In the meantime, Levon Ter-Petrosyan announced his victory and “tried by all means to implement his constitutional demand,” which provoked discontent among the people, who were already unhappy with the authorities and the permanent rallies began, and the authorities tried to disperse them.

This situation, according to Vazgen Manukyan, is standard for our country, but it unexpectedly went into an unconventional one and got out of control. There were casualties on both sides, both among the demonstrators and among the enforcers. In this situation, he believes, either it is necessary to evaluate both sides, or to recognize that there is a third party that is trying to aggravate the situation. “We need to find out who started shooting first who gave the order and, I think, perhaps, many unexpected facts will come to light,” he wrote. At the same time, he notes the people’s desire to find out the truth, but advises to do it legally – not pursuing political goals and not implementing vendetta. Vazgen Manukyan expresses his fears that Armenia has become a theater of one actor, there are no counterbalances to the authorities, opposition, and the press in the country. “It seems that everyone is frightened and waiting … This road leads us to the 37th year, to war and isolation in the international arena,” he concluded.

On July 28 the first instance court of Shengavit district of Yerevan granted the request of the Special Investigation Service of Armenia about the election of arrest as a preventive measure against the second President Robert Kocharyan for a period of 2 months for the overthrow of the constitutional order in the criminal case on dispersal protest actions on March 1, 2008.

Arminfo, Armenia

Opinions of Artsakh political forces regarding the arrest of Robert Kocharyan diverge

Yerevan July 30

Tatevik Shagunyan. The opinions of the Artsakh political forces regarding the arrest of the second president of Armenia, the first president of Artsakh and the hero of Artsakh Robert Kocharyan within the framework of the case on March 1, 2008 diverge. The head of the largest faction of the Artsakh parliament “Free Homeland” Artur Tovmasyan stated in an interview with ArmInfo correspondent that the investigation will answer all the questions. He expressed hope that the process will proceed in accordance with the norms and the letter of the law. “The party “Free Homeland”, trusting in Armenia’s justice system, is sure that the process will be purely legal, not political,” the parliamentarian said, while refusing to give an assessment of the arrest of Robert Kocharyan. “The legality of this decision must be proved by the investigation,” he stressed, again expressing the hope that the process will proceed exclusively transparently so as not to leave room for public rumors. At the same time, the parliamentarian stressed that the Artsakh community and political forces are no less interested in uncovering crimes on March 1 than the public and the authorities of Armenia. Nevertheless, Tovmasyan stressed that the recent processes should not become an occasion for a split between the Armenian and Artsakh societies, the prerequisites of which are already visible in social networks.

The former head of the commission on external issues of Artsakh parliament Vahram Atanesyan, in an interview with ArmInfo correspondent, dismissed the fears that the recent processes in Armenia could become a subject for discord between the Armenian and NKR societies: “I do not think Robert Kocharyan’s arrest could become Yes, some political forces have made ambiguous statements, but they do not reflect the mood of the Artsakh public He also stressed that if the investigative bodies of Armenia opened criminal cases against the second president and CSTO secretary general, then they had serious legal grounds and weighed all political risks. “I very much hope that the process will be carried out exclusively in a legal manner, that all this is not a vendetta, but solely a manifestation of the rule of law and justice.” I also hope that the defendants will be given the opportunity to acquit themselves before the court, and I would very much like them to prove their innocence ” Atanesyan stressed. At the same time, he considered it unlikely that the recent processes could lead to internal political destabilization in Armenia: “Yes, it is obvious that the former ruling party is concerned, makes statements, but I think that this is not a desire to protect Kocharyan, but a manifestation of one’s own concern. The RPA is concerned that during the investigation such facts can be revealed that may lead to the inclusion of many party representatives in the investigation process, “the expert said. Referring to the talk that the army’s discrediting can lead to the revival of the enemy, Atanesyan considered it unlikely: “Such conversations were also exaggerated when the hero of the Artsakh war, ex-Artsakh defense minister Samvel Babayan was arrested, but as you can see, nothing happened. I think that Azerbaijan causes its actions by arrests of Babayan, Khachaturov or other high- ranking military personnel, and if the army command does not want to discredit it, then it should not involve the Sun in political processes. Harutyunyan should not have signed the famous order 0038, but had to resign, if he did not agree with the actions of the country’s leadership, “the former parliamentarian concluded.

Vice Speaker of the Artsakh parliament from ARF Dashnaktsutyun party Vahram Balayan, in his turn, stated that he generally welcomes the struggle of new Armenian authorities for establishing justice and order in the country, however, Robert Kocharyan’s arrest causes serious concern in Artsakh. “In this regard, the law enforcement bodies of Armenia should be as vigilant as possible and give very substantiated answers to all questions in order to prevent political speculation and unrest,” the vice-speaker summed up.

The head of the “Democracy” faction Vardges Bagrian stated that the arrest of Kocharian can not but cause concern in Artsakh, since he was not only the second president of Armenia, but also the first president of NKR, and also a hero of Artsakh. “Consequently, the processes developing around him,” can not leave us indifferent. I do not share the enthusiasm of some political forces over the arrest of Kocharyan, as this can bring discord to the society of the two Armenian republics. At the same time, I do not pursue the goal of protecting him, since Kocharyan does not need it, “he stressed, having seen in the latter processes not so much the legal as the political overtones.

Arminfo, Armenia

Expert: Attraction of Khachaturov as a defendant in the criminal case may negatively affect Armenia’s image in CSTO

Yerevan July 30

Tatevik Shagunyan. Attraction of Yuri Khachaturov as a defendant in the criminal case may negatively affect the image of Armenia in the CSTO. The director of the Caucasus Institute Alexander Iskandaryan expressed this opinion at the press conference.

He recalled that Khachaturov’s appointment as Secretary General of the Collective Security Treaty Organization was difficult due to the opposition of Belarus and Kazakhstan, and only with the assistance of Russia this became possible. “Taking into account all this, the recent processes will lead to additional difficulties for Armenia within the organization,” Iskandaryan assured.

At the same time, he considered it more expedient to first withdraw Khachaturov from the post of CSTO secretary general, and only then begin the procedure for his replacement. “All these legal procedures can cause opposition of member states,” the expert said. According to him, CSTO members can negatively react to the arrest of the second president of Armenia. “However, Armenia should explain to all clearly that all this should be considered exclusively in the context of internal political processes,” Iskandaryan said.

Khachaturov is held as a defendant on March 1, 2008, he is charged with overthrowing the constitutional order in Armenia. At present, he is released on bail, since he has diplomatic immunity. Armenia appealed to CSTO members to begin the procedure for recalling Khachaturov. So far only Moscow has responded to this. Russia’s response was tough by diplomatic standards: “In a telephone conversation with Armenian Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that it was Armenia that should withdraw the General Secretary if such a decision was made in Yerevan.”

ArmenPress, Armenia

Artsakh lawmaker hopes for lawful proceedings over Robert Kocharyan’s case

YEREVAN, JULY 30, ARMENPRESS. Arthur Tovmasyan, head of the Fatherland (Hayrenik) faction of the Artsakh parliament, has said he is convinced that the investigation and judicial proceedings over former Armenian President Robert Kocharyan will proceed in compliance with the Constitution and the spirit and letter of the legislation, and that everything will be revealed with time.

Speaking to ARTSAKHPRESS, the lawmaker mentioned that he was saddened to hear about Kocharyan’s arrest.

“I have worked with Robert Kocharyan when he served as President of Artsakh and I was the Speaker of Parliament. Our joint work was difficult, but productive,” Tovmasyan said.

Most of the Free Fatherland (Azat Hayrenik) party’s members said they are convinced that the judicial process will proceed within the legal arena, not political, noting that they trust the current justice system of Armenia.

“We believe that only this way it is possible to combat crime. And as far as Robert Kocharyan’s accusations are concerned, we cannot assess the credibility and fairness of it, it is the exclusive function of the court, however we expect that the entire process will process maximally transparent and professionally, in order for justice and wide public trust for the process not to be affected,” he said.

Former President Robert Kocharyan, currently under arrest, is charged with breaching constitutional order during the final days of his presidency in 2008, in what is known as March 1 – the deadly protests which claimed the lives of two police officers and eight demonstrators.

CSTO Secretary General Yuri Khachaturov, the Armenian general who served as deputy defense minister in 2008, is also charged with the same article.

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan

ArmenPress, Armenia

Criminal case launched against 2nd President Kocharyan to deeply harm Armenia’s domestic political developments – RPA faction’s statement

YEREVAN, JULY 30, ARMENPRESS. The Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) faction of the Parliament issued a statement over the charges brought against 2nd President of Armenia Robert Kocharyan and the decision to remand him into custody, calling this criminal case problematic from the legality perspective.

Armenpress present’s the full statement:

“The Republican Party of Armenia faction of the Parliament, getting acquainted with the charges of the criminal case launched against 2nd President of Armenia, 1st President of the Republic of Artsakh Robert Kocharyan and the decision to remand him into custody, announces:

-This process has nothing to do with democracy, rule of law and independence of judiciary.

-The filed criminal case will deeply harm the domestic political developments of the Republic of Armenia.

-By such groundless accusation, the public split trends are promoted in the country which become more dangerous on the background of alarming challenges facing Armenia and Artsakh.

-The filed criminal case is problematic from legality, especially from constitutionality perspective which can lead not only to violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms, but also can reduce Armenia’s rating and reputation in international, including legal platforms.

-The Special Investigative Service, the Prosecutor General’s Office and courts should properly guarantee the provisions of the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia and be guided by exclusively the requirements and regulations of the Constitution, laws and international agreements.

-The RPA faction is going to raise this issue and the developments over it though the parliamentary diplomacy channels in respective international platforms and formats”.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan

ArmenPress, Armenia

Armenian defense ministry presents details over upcoming participation in Noble Partner 2018 drills in Georgia

YEREVAN, JULY 30, ARMENPRESS. NATO member and partner states are invited to participate with staff officers or units in the August 1 – 15 Noble Partner 2018 military exercises in Georgia, however the exercises aren’t organized by NATO, Armenian defense ministry spokesperson Artsrun Hovhannisyan said on Facebook.

“A group of 4 officers of the Armenian Armed Forces will participate in the military exercises. The Armenian Armed Forces officers will hold various command positions in the military exercises command. Positions concerning tasks undertaken by Armenian units in international peacekeeping and stability missions were chosen.

The exercises will be held jointly by U.S. Army Europe and Georgian Armed Forces in the Vaziani and Norio Training Areas in Georgia. The military exercises are not organized by NATO, member and partner states of NATO are invited to take part with staff officers or units.

The participation of the Armenian Armed Forces representatives at the military exercises comes at the invitation of the Georgian defense ministry.

In 2017, a 40-man field hospital of the Armenian Armed Forces took part in the same exercises. The participation of the field hospital which was acquired and is being prepared by US assistance in 2018 is not possible in the Noble Partner 2018 exercise, because in July 22-27 it was involved in international evaluation exercises in Armenia, and its re-location to another area in a few days is not possible. The format and conditions of participation of the Armenian military representatives have been agreed upon with Georgian colleagues during a conference of planning the military exercises in early June,” he said.

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan

ArmenPress, Armenia

Armenia’s team celebrates first victory in tank biathlon of International Army Games

YEREVAN, JULY 30, ARMENPRESS. The team of Armenian servicemen captured the first place in the 1st individual race in the tank biathlon being held within the frames of the International Army Games in Russia, Artsrun Hovhannisyan, spokesperson of the Armenian defense ministry, said on Facebook, reports Armenpress.

“Soldiers Arman Arustamyan, Levon Hovhannisyan and Zohrab Zohrabyan completed their performance in the 1st place by downing the most targets – 5 out of 5. Our soldiers have left behind the teams of Kyrgyzstan, Vietnam and Myanmar”, he said.

The International Army Games kicked off on July 28.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan

ArmenPress, Armenia

Italy will continue to support OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs’ format and will deepen relations will Armenia

YEREVAN, JULY 30, ARMENPRESS. The conversation between President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian and President of Italy Sergio Mattarella went on in a warm atmosphere. The sides discussed a wide range of issues of Armenian-Italian agenda, Armen Sarkissian told the reporters in briefing. He underlined that the sides reaffirmed the commitment to strengthen the interstate relations.

“We agreed that extra efforts should be made to give a new, dynamic impetus to Armenian-Italian relations both in bilateral and multilateral formats, including in the format of Armenia-EU cooperation. We recorded that Italy, being the OSCE chairing country this year, will continue supporting the only international format of Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement – OSCE Minsk group Co-chairs’ format. We referred to Armenia-EU cooperation. This is also an area where there is a great potential for deepening the Armenian-Italian relations. In this context I hoped that Italy will soon ratify the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement”, Sarkissian said, expressing conviction that the state visit of the Italian President to Armenia will raise to a new level the political dialogue and cooperation between Armenia and Italy.

Official welcoming ceremony of President of Italy Sergio Mattarella was held at the Armenian Presidential Palace on July 30. .

The Italian President arrived in Armenia on a two-day state visit at the invitation of President Armen Sarkissian.

The welcoming ceremony will be followed by a private meeting of Presidents Armen Sarkissian and Sergio Mattarella. Thereafter, an extended format meeting will be held with the participation of the delegations of the two countries. The two Presidents will hold a joint press conference.

During the visit the President of Italy will meet with Armenia’s top leadership and will be hosted by His Holiness Garegin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians.

The Italian delegation will also visit the Armenian Genocide Memorial.

The opening ceremony of the center for protection of the Armenian-Italian cultural heritage will take place which will be attended by the Armenian and Italian Presidents.

Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan

ArmenPress, Armenia

Moscow has acted as a committed mediator in NK conflict settlement and will do the same in the future – Zakharova  

YEREVAN, JULY 30, ARMENPRESS. Russia salutes the interactions between Armenia and Azerbaijan that fosters the development of a dialogue based on mutual respect, ARMENPRESS reports official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakhorova told Sputnik Azerbaijan in Baku.

She noted that Moscow has acted as a committed mediator and has proved its constructive approaches numerous times. “The same will be in the future”, the official representative said, commenting on the announcement of Armenian Premier Nikol Pashinyan, saying that Russia has all the levers to prevent the war in Nagorno Karabakh. “Moscow has a clear stance on Nagorno Karabakh conflict, which is permanent”, Zakharova said, adding that both Baku and Armenia know that Moscow is a reliable partner.

Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan

ArmenPress, Armenia

Armenia can rely on Italy’s support and friendship – President Sergio Mattarella

YEREVAN, JULY 30, ARMENPRESS. The relations between Armenia and Italy are on a high level and there is readiness to further deepen bilateral cooperation in various spheres, President of Italy Sergio Mattarella, who is in Armenia on a state visit, said in a briefing.

“I am grateful for the very warm reception. I am happy for this visits that takes place in the period when Armenia marks the 100th anniversary of the first Republic of Armenia and the 2800th anniversary of Yerevan. The links between our peoples date back to ancient times and are based on trust. My visit is a good opportunity to further develop the bilateral relations and deepen friendship”, ARMENPRESS reports the Italian President as saying.

He mentioned that Italy will support the peaceful settlement of Nagorno Karaback conflict. “We will do everything so as the peaceful negotiations resume and will try to find ways for a political settlement but not a military one, which will be lasting, only through the OSCE Minsk Group and based on all the principles of the international law”, Sergio Mattarella said.

Italy very highly assessed that Armenia-EU agreement, which is a great opportunity for developing relations with the EU. “I talked with Armenian President Armen Sarkissian about the ratification of this agreement, which should take place very soon”, Sergio Mattarella added.

The Italian President noted that Armenia and Italy successfully cooperate in a number of directions, particularly, the servicemen of Armenia and Italy work together in Lebanon. There is active cooperation in the spheres of trade, economy, culture and science, but, according to the Italian President, there is potential to further develop them.

“I am glad to note that tomorrow the opening ceremony of Armenian-Italian heritage protection center will take place. It will foster the strengthening of cultural relations and will be a support to Armenia for preserving historical heritage”, the Italian President said.

“Armenia and Italy have the opportunity to develop cooperation in other spheres as well, and Armenia can rely on Italy’s support and friendship”, Sergio Mattarella said.

Official welcoming ceremony of President of Italy Sergio Mattarella was held at the Armenian Presidential Palace on July 30. .

The Italian President arrived in Armenia on a two-day state visit at the invitation of President Armen Sarkissian.

The welcoming ceremony will be followed by a private meeting of Presidents Armen Sarkissian and Sergio Mattarella. Thereafter, an extended format meeting will be held with the participation of the delegations of the two countries. The two Presidents will hold a joint press conference.

During the visit the President of Italy will meet with Armenia’s top leadership and will be hosted by His Holiness Garegin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians.

The Italian delegation will also visit the Armenian Genocide Memorial.

The opening ceremony of the center for protection of the Armenian-Italian cultural heritage will take place which will be attended by the Armenian and Italian Presidents.

Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan