AZERI MINISTER SAYS KARABAKH REFERENDUM "FARCE"

TREND, Azerbaojan
Dec 11 2006

Baku, 11 December: It is too early to speak about whether Armenia
is ready go ahead in the Nagornyy Karabakh conflict settlement,
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov said today at the
opening of the meeting of the political committee of the Parliamentary
Assembly of the Council of Europe in Baku.

He noted that the "referendum" in Nagornyy Karabakh shows that Armenia
is not ready for talks. "Possibly, involvement in the talks is a
move aimed at getting the West’s support in order to retain power,"
Mammadyarov said. He believes that the farce with the "referendum"
will have negative consequences.

Mammadyarov stressed that once the conflict is resolved, roads will be
unblocked, stability in the region will be ensured, and thus Armenia’s
economy will also develop, the minister said. He added that the three
South Caucasus countries can achieve a lot together.

ARMENIA DETAINS TWO FOR "PLANS TO ILLEGALLY INTERFERE IN POLITICAL PROCESSES"

Mediamax News Agency, Armenia
Dec 11 2006

Yerevan, 11 December: The press service of the Armenian National
Security Service reported today that a Lebanese citizen Zhirayr
Sefilyan and a number of his supporters, who were arrested on 10
December, "had planned illegal and forceful interference in the
forthcoming political processes in Armenia".

The press service of the Armenian National Security Service said that
"as a result of operative-investigative activities, irrefutable proofs
were received that the United Armenian Volunteers organization,
which has no state registration, set up by the Lebanese citizen,
Zhirayr Sefilyan, and a number of his supporters aimed at illegal
and forceful interference in the forthcoming political processes in
Armenia, in particular, planned to resort to radical actions in the
run up to the 2007 parliamentary elections", Mediamax reported.

The statement said that speaking at the 2 December closed meeting,
several leaders of the organization made public speeches on the need
to overthrow the incumbent authorities by means of armed struggle.

"Action plans in this direction were also presented," the press
service of the Armenian National Security Service said.

The statement said that the leaders of the United Armenian Volunteers
organization planned to provoke the Armenian opposition to civil
disobedience and clashes, "at the same time, they planned to put
pressure on the opposition structures to compel them to initiate
illegal actions against the authorities".

The press service of the National Security Service said that criminal
proceedings had been instituted and the leaders of the organization,
Vardan Malkhasyan and Zhirayr Sefilyan, were detained. An illegal
weapon was taken from Sefilyan.

RUSSIA SHOULD ACKNOWLEDGE NAGORNYY KARABAKH, OTHER UNRECOGNIZED STATES – MP

Ekho Moskvy radio, Moscow
Dec 11 2006

[Presenter] Azerbaijan, the USA, the European Union and the
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe [OSCE] do not
acknowledge the results of the referendum in Nagornyy Karabakh. And
where does Moscow stand on this? Despite the existing difficulties,
Moscow could acknowledge the results of the referendum in Karabakh,
MP Konstantin Zatulin, a member of State Duma committee on CIS affairs,
believes.

[Zatulin] Nagornyy Karabakh does not border on the Russian
Federation. It does not want to become part of Russia, nor has
it a right to do so. The majority of the Karabakh population are
Armenians. The case in point here is whether Nagornyy Karabakh and
Armenia are two separate states or they are parts of a single entity.

It is more difficult for Russia to acknowledge the independence of
Nagornyy Karabakh at the state level, if only because Russia has
normal relations with Azerbaijan at present. No doubt, relations with
Armenia are preferential, they are a priority.

It is clear that Azerbaijan would like to see a proper development
of relations with Russia. If Russia acknowledges Nagornyy Karabakh,
Azerbaijan will react badly to this. Nevertheless, I believe that – if
we speak in principle here – that it is high time Russia acknowledged
both Nagornyy Karabakh and other unrecognized states.

ARMENIAN REPORT 98 PER CENT VOTE YES IN KARABAKH REFERENDUM

Mediamax News Agency, Armenia
Dec 11 2006

Yerevan, 11 December: According to preliminary data, 98.58 per cent of
the voters, who took part in the referendum on 10 December, supported
the draft constitution of the Nagornyy-Karabakh republic [NKR].

Only 0.7 per cent of the participants in the referendum voted against
the draft constitution, our special correspondent has reported from
Stepanakert [Xankandi].

According to the data, turnout for the referendum was 87 per cent,
or 78,389 people.

A total of 90,077 people were included on the voting lists.

CHINA HOPES FOR "PROPER SOLUTION" TO AZERBAIJAN CONFLICT – SPOKESMAN

Xinhua News Agency, China
Dec 12 2006

Beijing, 12 December: China hopes the parties to the Azerbaijan
conflict will find a proper solution that complies with international
law, said a Foreign Ministry spokesman.

The Chinese government respects the independence, sovereignty and
territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, and supports the UN Security
Council resolutions on the conflict in the Nagorno-Karabakh region
of Azerbaijan, said Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang here Tuesday
[12 December] at a regular press conference.

Qin said China is willing to work with the international community
to find a peaceful solution to the issue.

Nagorno-Karabakh is a region in Azerbaijan populated mostly by ethnic
Armenians. On 10 December it held a referendum about a constitution.

Preliminary results from the region’s election commission on Monday
showed 98.6 per cent of the voters approved the constitution. The
region has 90,000 voters and voter turnout reached 87 per cent.

Azerbaijan refused to recognize the results of the vote, calling the
referendum "a farce".

The European Union and other international organizations, including the
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, said they would
not recognize the referendum, the Azerbaijan foreign minister said.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

THE CHOICE OF NKR PEOPLE DOES NOT NEED THE RATIFICATION OF ANY EUROPEAN OFFICIAL

ArmRadio.am
12.12.2006 16:02

RA President’s Spokesman Viktor Soghomonyan declared in an interview
with Mediamax agency that the critical statements of representatives
of European structures and mediators on the Constitutional referendum
held in Nagorno Karabakh on December 10 "do not promote the peaceful
settlement of the conflict."

Viktor Soghomonyan said this, commenting on the statement of the
OSCE Chairman-in-Office Karel de Gucht, who called the conduct of
the Constitutional referendum "counterproductive," as well as the
statement of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs, who say that "conduct
of such a referendum cannot endorse the resolution of the conflict."

"I have to declare that this kind of comments do not endorse
the peaceful settlement of the conflict. It is an expression of
disrespectful attitude towards the nationwide referendum in Nagorno
Karabakh – an event of historic importance for NKR people. Such
approach can only shake the trust in the OSCE and the group of
mediators. I do believe that the best these sirs could do was to keep
silent. In any event, NKR citizens have made their choice for freedom
and independence both during the past referendum and 15 years ago. This
choice does not need the ratification of any European official,"
declared Viktor Soghomonyan.

ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION ON "ARMENIAN-TURKISH RELATIONS: CHALLENGES AND PERSPECTIVES" HELD IN YEREVAN

ArmRadio.am
12.12.2006 17:27

On Saturday, December 9, 2006, the Caucasus Research Resource Centers
– Armenia (CRRC-Armenia), in cooperation with the Yerevan office of
the Armenian International Policy Research Group (AIPRG), organized
a roundtable discussion on "Armenian-Turkish Relations: Challenges
and Perspectives", which was moderated by political analyst Richard
Giragosian. The round table was initiated by an independent Turkish
think-tank TESEV (Turkish Economic and Social Studies Foundation)
that is implementing a project entitled, "The Normalization of
Turkish-Armenian Relations". This TESEV project seeks to address the
problems between the two countries and to come up with policy proposals
for decision makers on both sides, with an overall objective of proving
that the normalization of relations constitutes a win-win situation.

The event was held at CRRC-Armenia premises and attended by a
number of participants (27), including representatives from leading
Armenian academic, scientific and public institutions, NGOs, and some
journalists. Opening the meeting, Heghine Manasyan, CRRC-Armenia
director and AIPRG fellow, presented a brief overview of the CRRC
and AIPRG, explaining their activities and upcoming events. In
particular, she cited the CRRC Data Initiative and Training programs
and the AIPRG’s ongoing research on the possible consequences of
the Armenian-Turkish border opening, including a subsequent AIPRG
conference on the issue to be held in Yerevan in January 2007.

Following the opening of the meeting, Mr. Mensur Akgun, TESEV
Foreign Policy Program Director, and Mr. Richard Giragosian,
international analyst and AIPRG Fellow, introduced the framework
of issues of Armenian-Turkish relations that were to be discussed
during the meeting. The meeting focused on three specific areas of
Armenian-Turkish relations, beginning with the key question of what
should be understood from "the normalization of relations"?

Second, the meeting then addressed several "problem areas"
in Turkish-Armenian relations, including the border, and its
recognition, the economic consequences of its closure, and the possible
outcomes of reopening the border for both sides; the effects of the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict on bilateral and multilateral relations;
the current situation in the region; the latest developments in
negotiations over the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict; and the effects of
the Armenian genocide issue on Armenian-Turkish relations, looking
at both mutual perceptions and the Diaspora factor.

The third issue addressed in the meeting was an analysis of Armenia’s
Euro-Atlantic integration process and its possible effects on bilateral
relations and regional stability (Armenian policy regarding NATO,
Armenia’s place in ENP). Much of the focus on these broader issues
also included an interesting look at the scale of change within Turkey
as well.

The discussion was held in a friendly and professional atmosphere
and raised substantial interest among the participants and sparked
a number of questions, observations and suggestions, including the
fact that Turkish policy toward Armenia had largely become "hostage"
to Azerbaijan, with Turkish foreign policy options for its possible
"normalized" relationship with Armenia having become subject to
considerations of Turkey’s relations with Azerbaijan in general,
and over the Nagorno-Karabakh issue in particular. The discussion
also emphasized the importance of dialogue and exchange between
independent experts from both Armenia and Turkey and the need for
future collaboration, and studies on possible scenarios for the future
course of Armenia-Turkey relations within a broader perspective of
the next 15-20 years.

The Turkish participants noted that the economic and commercial
opportunities may present the most feasible start to a "normalization"
of relations, with the economic incentives serving as dynamic catalysts
for beginning a fresh approach to the complexities of Armenian-Turkish
relations.

While the meeting was an important step forward in terms of a
deepening of dialogue and exchange, the participants agreed that it
was merely a first step toward an effort to break down misperceptions
and misunderstandings on both sides of the issue. And perhaps most
notably, while the Turkish participants never questioned the historical
legitimacy of the Armenian genocide issue, there was a stress on the
need to focus on educating and engaging Turkish society on the issue,
rather than continuing with an international diplomatic recognition
effort alone.

The meeting, one of several scheduled during the Turkish group’s visit
to Yerevan, offers a sense of hopeful enthusiasm that the level of
engagement can continue, to both overcome the intransigence of some
Turkish officials and to exploit the Armenian government’s positive
offer of establishing relations with no preconditions.

PALLONE, KNOLLENBERG, SCHIFF, AND RADANOVICH CONGRATULATE NKR ON ADOPTION OF CONSTITUTION

ArmRadio.am
13.12.2006 10:37

The Co-Chairmen of the Congressional Armenian Caucus, Frank
Pallone (D-NJ) and Joe Knollenberg (R-MI), were joined today by
Representatives Adam Schiff (D-CA) and George Radanovich (R-CA)
in congratulating the citizens of the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh
(Artsakh) on overwhelmingly approving a pro- independence constitution
in a popular referendum held on December 10th, reported the Armenian
National Committee of America (ANCA).

In a December 11th letter to Artsakh President Arkady Ghukasyan,
the two Caucus leaders welcomed the adoption of the first-ever
constitution as a key milestone in Nagorno Karabakh’s political and
democratic progress. They stressed that, "Artsakh’s Constitution
embodies your nation’s values to live in a free and fair society,
where human rights and economic opportunities are enjoyed by all,"
adding that "societies that are fundamentally free and fair are most
successful, contributing to international security and progress along
the way." They closed their letter to the President by reaffirming
that they "will remain by your side, as Nagorno Karabakh, Artsakh,
continues to pursue its freedom, security and development."

Commenting on the referendum, Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA) stated,
"I congratulate the people of the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh
for reaffirming their commitment to freedom, peace, economic
development, and regional stability by democratically adopting a new
constitution. By establishing a market economy, holding free and
fair elections, and promoting human rights, the people of Nagorno
Karabakh have shown that they deserve an independent state free from
the oppressive Azerbaijani regime."

Rep. Radanovich noted that "The adoption of Nagorno Karabakh’s first
ever democratic Constitution is a landmark achievement; advancing
democracy breeds a free and open society, while promoting human
rights. The adoption of the Constitution proves the desire of the
people of Nagorno Karabakh to live in such a free society. I commend
this great achievement and pledge my continuing support for the
Nagorno Karabakh Republic."

In letters sent to every member of Congress, the ANCA underscored
that "the approval of the Nagorno Karabakh constitution reaffirms
its citizens’ collective commitment to freedom and marks a major
milestone in this new democracy’s contribution to peace, economic
development, and regional stability." Each ANCA letter was accompanied
by a three-page briefing document (attached) addressing key points
concerning Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan, the peace process, and
prospects for regional stability.

The Nagorno Karabakh Republic Central Electoral Commission has
reported, based on preliminary results, that the people of Nagorno
Karabakh overwhelmingly approved their first-ever constitution by a
majority in excess of 98% of those casting ballots. Early estimates
point to a voter turnout of over 87% of eligible voters.

The new constitution affirms that the Nagorno Karabakh Republic is
a sovereign state based upon democracy and the rule of law, as well
as the protection of human rights and civil liberties. The state’s
authority is derived from popular consent, as expressed through
elections and referendums, and the governmental system is based
on the principle of separation of the executive, legislative and
judiciary branches.

ARMENIAN, GREEK DEFENCE MINISTERS DISCUSS MILITARY TIES

Public Television, Armenia
Dec 12 2006

Armenian Defence Minister Serzh Sarkisyan held a brief meeting with
Greek Defence Minister Evangelos Meimarakis at Yerevan’s Zvartnots
airport today.

The Greek defence minister made a stopover in Yerevan on his way to
Afghanistan to meet Greek peacekeepers.

The Armenian and Greek defence ministers discussed the Armenian-Greek
military cooperation as well the service of the Armenian peacekeepers
in Kosovo within the Greek division.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

VOTERS IN DISPUTED NAGORNO-KARABAKH OVERWHELMINGLY BACK CONSTITUTIONAL REFERENDUM
By Avet Demourian, Associated Press Writer

Associated Press Worldstream
December 11, 2006 Monday

Voters in Nagorno-Karabakh overwhelmingly supported a draft
constitution that describes the disputed territory claimed by
Azerbaijan but controlled by ethnic Armenians as a "sovereign,
democratic" state, officials said Monday.

Sergei Nasibyan, chairman of the regional election commission, said
preliminary results indicated more than 98 percent of the 77,000
voters casting ballots backed the proposed constitution. The region
has more than 90,000 eligible voters.

Nagorno-Karabakh is a region in Azerbaijan that has been under
the control of Armenian and ethnic-Armenian forces since a 1994
cease-fire. A six-year separatist conflict killed about 30,000 people
and drove about 1 million from their homes, including many of the
region’s ethnic Azeris.

The region’s final status remains unresolved, and years of talks
under the auspices of the Organization for Security and Cooperation
in Europe have brought few visible results.

Armenia has close ties to Nagorno-Karabakh’s government and provides
substantial support to the region, but has stopped short of recognizing
it as independent.

Armenian President Robert Kocharian on Monday congratulated
Nagorno-Karabakh’s government and people on the referendum, saying it
"consolidated democratic principles" and "added a cornerstone to the
development of the Nagorno-Karabakh statehood."

Azerbaijan’s foreign minister on Monday warned that the vote would have
a negative influence on internationally mediated efforts to resolve
the region’s status. Elmar Mammadyarov said any such vote would have
to include Azeri refugees who fled Nagorno-Karabakh to be valid.

"I will say once again that this unnecessary act does not allow the
achievement of peace; on the contrary, it creates complications,"
he said in the Azerbaijani capital, Baku.

The European Union said it would not recognize the referendum, saying
that it pre-empts the outcome of negotiations and "did not contribute
to constructive efforts at peaceful conflict resolution."

The so-called Minsk group of the OSCE dealing with the Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict criticized the vote, saying it wasn’t helping a negotiated
settlement.

"Conducting such a referendum now, thus pre-empting the final legal
status of Nagorno-Karabakh, rather than forging a compromise is
particularly unhelpful at a moment when the OSCE Minsk group-mediated
negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan appear to be on a
constructive path," it said in a statement Monday.