Armenia does not use neighbors’ controversies in building regional policy:
Speech by President of Armenia Robert Kocharyan at the Bertelsmann
Foundation
Regnum News Agency
November 18, 2006
President of the Republic of Armenia Robert Kocharyan who is paying a
working visit to Germany made 16 November 2006 a speech at the Bertelsmann
Foundation. REGNUM introduces the full text of the speech published at the
Armenian President’s official website.
“Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am delighted to join you here today. It is very natural that this talk is
taking place in the Bertelsmann Foundation. Describing the processes
unfolding in Armenia since independence, the most frequent word to be used
is ‘reform’ – economic, social, and political. There is virtually no domain
of life which would not undergo serious reform after the collapse of the
Soviet Union and transition of Armenia to democracy and market economy. We
restructured our institutions, reviewed policies, overturned the structure
of the economy. Everything was new and challenging.
Unfortunately, this process was complicated by the war imposed on us,
blockade, which still continues, and a severe energy crisis. We replied by
intensifying the speed of transformations, mobilizing resources, and
increasing the effectiveness of the governance.
Armenia is not rich in natural resources. However we are known for the most
important of them – the human one. It is first of all expressed in the
widely-recognized entrepreneurial and hard-working nature of the people. Our
characteristic feature is the high level of motivation among the people to
start private businesses.
To be able to fully benefit from these advantages, it is essential to
establish favorable environment for business-oriented people, and provide
safeguarded investment policies. This envisions liberalization of the
economy and of trade regimes, establishment of competitive conditions and
the minimization of the state’s interference in the business affairs.
As a result, we witness serious changes in the structure of the economy,
both in terms of its branches, and of property types. 85 per cent of the GDP
is produced in the private sector, with over 40 per cent in small and medium
businesses.
We are particularly proud of this last figure. The middle class is in the
process of formation. This seriously affects the public perception about own
future.
Obviously not everything is smooth yet. We particularly feel a pressing need
for a qualitative improvement of the tax and customs administration. The
fight against corruption needs to be intensified at all levels according the
action plan adopted by the government.
We also need to further develop the sector of financial services in Armenia.
For that we have a good potential in the form of efficient banking system,
which is being continuously upgraded.
While we see a serious increase in foreign direct investments in Armenia, we
know that there is still more to achieve in the upcoming future. In this
regard I have to fully acknowledge and express our sincere appreciation for
the technical assistance and direct involvement Germany has in this field in
Armenia. The programs of technical assistance and financial cooperation
implemented with KWF and GTZ bring a solid contribution in this regard.
Armenia’s accession to the World Trade Organization in 2003 pushed forward
our integration into the world economy and made relations with our partners
more predictable.
Last year a joint study by the Wall Street Journal and Heritage Foundation
placed Armenia 27th in its index of open economies globally. Effectiveness
of the reforms is reflected in figures. In the last six years the annual
growth of GDP averaged at 12.2 per cent. Foreign investments last year
totaled at 500 million US dollars.
Such progress allows our Government to address social problems, challenging
our society. I would like to particularly emphasize the Poverty Reduction
Program, which has been developed in close cooperation between the
Government, international financial institutions, and Armenia’s civil
society. That experience is used by the World Bank as a case study for the
development of similar programs in other countries.
This year our government has announced another priority, which shall result
in a systemic change in the society. We have launched a major program for
the development of Armenia’s rural areas. Currently there is a big gap
between the situation in the capital city and countryside. We have mobilized
available resources, as well as have called on our Diaspora structures to
take all the necessary steps to provide better quality of life to villages
of Armenia. In our view this will provide incentives for young people to
develop their regions, towns and rural communities.
Another competitive advantage we base our reforms upon is the high literacy
level Armenia has. We intend to develop science-reliant economy. We already
have 2 per cent of IT share in the GDP composition.
Meanwhile, we fully realize that it would be impossible to explore that
advantage without serious changes in our educational sector and in sciences.
That is exactly why Armenia has committed itself to active participation in
the Bologna process to adjust its education system to the European
standards. We are currently also developing a comprehensive strategy of the
reform for the fundamental and applicable sciences. In the difficult period
of transition, the need to invest in people was somewhat neglected, and
currently we attempt to make up for that delay.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have started my speech with the economic reforms and their impacts on the
social field, since we are deeply convinced that sustainable democracy is
strongly dependent on the state of economy. While we fully appreciate the
importance of political vision and leadership for rooting the democratic
values in the formerly closed society, we are strong believers of the
democracy from below. It is not enough to create democratic institutions:
without strongly motivated beneficiaries they would be rapidly corrupted and
altered. In our view those capable beneficiaries of democracy are the small
and medium businesses on one hand and the civil society on the other.
Today our government is deeply involved in the process of reforming our
judicial sector. The first phase of that reform took place at the wake of
independence. At that time we were just learning the rules of civil law in
conditions of private property ownerships and in the system of democratic
accountability of the state. Today we work towards deeper reforms, which
would allow for a higher level of independence of the courts, and deeper
respect for human rights. In close cooperation with German partners we now
develop the system of administrative justice, which would regulate disputes
between the state and citizens.
The years of independence have been marked by active involvement of the
civil society in the life of the country. We are encouraged by the
development of NGO sector. Today we witness more professional
non-governmental organizations, which bring people closer to the political
decision-making. All state institutions in Armenia have started to work
closely with civil society groups.
Meanwhile, it is true that we continue to witness the major problem of NGO
sector in any transitional democracy. NGOs, being relevantly a new
phenomenon, o ften continue to be grant-oriented, instead of being
goal-oriented, and have a political agenda, aligning with various political
parties.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Last fifteen years have been the period of statecraft. Our accession to the
Council of Europe five years ago provided framework for the legal reforms
and institution-building. WTO membership allowed for a quicker and more
motivated transition towards liberal economy. Thinking about continuing the
reforms, we watch the European Neighborhood Policy as a new benchmark. In
our perception the Action Plan signed lately in Brussels is the new roadmap
of our reforms. Armenia intends to develop an efficient cooperation with the
European Commission and strengthen bilateral ties with EU member-states.
This would allow for intensive political dialogue, more trade, active social
and public interactions, and higher mutual security involvement. We count on
German support and cooperation within this new framework.
Over the years Armenia has been consistently shaping its foreign policy,
based on the concept of advantaging from overlap of interests rather than
exploitation of disagreements existing in our region. This has allowed us to
combine perfect relations with Russia, EU, United States, and Iran. It is
also an important part of transformation of our country and society. For
decades, living in the Soviet Union, we were trained to watch the world as
black and white, representing enemies and friends.
The policy of complimentarity also applies to our security model. Armenia is
an active member of the Collective Security Treaty Organization, and at the
same time has done a substantial progress on its cooperation with NATO. The
Individual Partnership Action Plan has been approved, setting the framework
for a long-term institutional cooperation.
Our vision of future of Armenia is that of a prosperous state in a friendly
stable environment. Armenia has four immediate neighbors in the region. Much
to our regret, with two of them we have no relations. Over centuries we
enjoy good neighborly relations with Georgia, and very much hope that recent
dispute between Russia and Georgia will be resolved shortly. We value our
efficient and stable cooperation with neighboring Iran, with whom we
cooperate in many spheres and have started significant infrastructural
programs.
In contrast to this, another major neighbor – Turkey keeps Armenian border
blocked. We even have no diplomatic relations with that country. In our
view, being a member of NATO and craving the EU aspirations, Turkey had to
shape more positivistic policy in the region. More than once we have
proposed to establish diplomatic relations and this offer is still pending.
We believe that neighboring countries should build-up their relations
without preconditions, and moreover, without conditioning those by demands
of a third state.
Armenia attaches great importance to regional cooperation. We believe that
the resolution of conflicts itself should not be regarded as a precondition
for establishing dialogue and cooperation. Rather, the regional cooperation
should be watched as a great trust-building measure, aimed at resolving
existing disagreements. It is obvious, that unresolved conflicts hamper the
process of natural development of the South Caucasus.
That is why we are committed to the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno
Karabagh conflict. OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs works hard to bring closer our
positions. Unfortunately, despite active negotiations underway, there is
little room for optimism.
Our principle stand is that the people of Karabagh have implemented their
right for self-determination. It has been done in full compliance with the
international law. Many currently independent states came into existence
after former empires perished. Independence of Nagorno Karabagh was attained
at the time of collapse of the Soviet Union. Moreover, it was the time of
the end of the grand ideological divide. Nagorno Karabagh has never been a
part of independent Azerbaijan. Through a successful construction of its
statehood Nagorno Karabagh Republic has proved its right for existence. It
regularly conducts democratic presidential and parliamentary elections. We
witness the development of the civil society. A generation has already grown
up, which considers itself to be the embodiment and safeguard of that
statehood. We do not recall any case of a nation willingly putting it down
independence it has been enjoying for over 15 years. No one has intention to
do it in case of Karabagh. We speak about irreversible changes that took
place in the people’s mentality.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I have outlined the main lines of the economic, societal, and political
change underway in the Republic of Armenia. Transition is a process, not an
event. It does have the beginning but never an end. In my view the viability
of a nation is rooted in its capacity to comprehend the need for a change
and its readiness to transform itself. We know that despite the existing
positive dynamic the transformation of our country is only in its early
stage. But we have vision for its goal and commitment to the process.
Thank you for your attention.”

One of Nairi Kocharian’s “Friends” Was Skinhead
PanARMENIAN.Net
17.11.2006 15:52 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ New facts are being revealed in Nairi Kocharian’s
case, head of the information department of the Union of Armenians
of Russia (UAR) David Babayan told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter. In
his words, there emerged a version that the teenager who accompanied
Kocharian was a skinhead. “He could put his fellows on track,” Babayan
said adding that the police is carrying out a thorough investigation.
November 11 a 15-year-old Armenian Nairi Kocharian was killed on a
railway platform of the settlement of Ivanteyevka (Moscow oblast). The
boy was brutally beaten and knifed. The assassins also tried to
smother or hand their victim. A scarf with an image of a skull and
bones was found next to the killed boy thus clearly pointing to the
affiliation of the assassins to a fascist grouping.

Turkey and Central Asia Eye Closer Security Ties
By REUTERS, ANKARA
Defensenews.com
Posted 11/17/06
Turkey called on Central Asian states on Nov. 17 to form a united
front with Ankara in fighting terrorism and cross-border crime.
Turkey, hosting a gathering of Turkic-speaking countries in its
Mediterranean resort of Antalya, also pledged continued strong support
for Muslim ally Azerbaijan in its long dispute with Armenia over the
territory of Nagorno-Karabakh.
“The development and stability of the Eurasian region are threatened
by international terrorism, religious fundamentalism, separatist and
extremist currents, illegal migration and other organized crimes
such as drug and weapons smuggling,” President Ahmet Necdet Sezer
told his fellow leaders in televised remarks.
“We attach great importance to multi-level cooperation in the struggle
with terrorism and on issues which pose a threat to the region’s
development,” he said, adding that Turkish business should step up
investment in energy-rich Central Asia.
Turkish firms are already active across the region, especially in
construction, though Ankara has abandoned the ambitious hopes of
building a pan-Turkic commonwealth that it nurtured in the early
1990s after the Soviet Union’s demise.
The presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan were in
Antalya for the two-day summit.
But President Islam Karimov of Uzbekistan stayed away in protest at
Turkey’s support for a U.N. report critical of his autocratic rule,
Turkish media said. Turkmenistan’s reclusive leader also did not show
up, sending an envoy instead.
Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev called for more joint transport
and communications projects to help bind together a vast, mostly
under-developed and poor region that stretches from the Balkans to
China’s western border.
Azeri President Ilham Aliyev sought political support for his country’s
efforts to regain Nagorno-Karabakh, controlled by Armenian separatists
since armed conflict erupted in the early 1990s which killed an
estimated 35,000 people.
A major pipeline linking Caspian Sea oil fields to world markets
passes a few km from the conflict zone to Turkey.
Sezer made clear Ankara’s continued solidarity with Azerbaijan
despite concerns that Turkey’s poor relations with Armenia – their
shared border is closed due to the Karabakh dispute – could hurt its
efforts to join the European Union.
“I want to stress our continued resolve to support fraternal Azerbaijan
on the Nagorno-Karabakh issue,” Sezer said.

Milliyet: Turkey Knows What Happened in 1915
PanARMENIAN.Net
17.11.2006 16:45 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Milliyet Turkish newspaper launched publication of
a series of articles in order to find out the opinion of the Armenian
Diaspora on the Armenian Genocide. Interview with French parliament
member Patrick Devedjian was published first.
“Everyone knows that those who lived on this land experienced hard
times in summer of 1915. For 90 years people are examining who is
right or who is stronger,” observer Temelkuran writes. In his opinion
Turkey is the only state that doesn’t discuss this subject. “We are the
children of those who spoke about it a bit. We all know that unpleasant
things happened that summer but cannot name the events. The East was
in mourning.
The elders showed houses and said that they were built by Armenian
stonemasons. On the whole we know what happened and this is the voice
of soul. That is why I decided to talk with the Armenian Diaspora. I
was warned that Patrick Devedjian is strict and he is the author of the
bill on Genocide. However the conversation proceeded in a civilized
and exciting atmosphere. Moreover, I was surprised when he spoke of
the Genocide with tears in his eyes. He said he was against the bill
but after the destruction of the monument to the Armenian Genocide
victims in Lyon he understood that the law is essential since it will
ensure the security of French Armenians,” he continues.
In the opinion of the French parliamentarian Turkey can change
under a strong pressure only. Armenians are waiting for 90 years,
he added. “This is a deep wound for the Armenian people and the pain
is intolerable,” Devedjian told Milliyet, reports Yerkir.

Canadian Government’s Policy on Armenian Genocide Recognition Not Changed
PanARMENIAN.Net
17.11.2006 17:15 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Peter MacKay
reaffirmed the Canadian government’s recognition of the Armenian
Genocide, during a round table discussion with the National Ethnic
Press and Media Council (NEPMCC) on Nov. 8. As PanARMENIAN.Net came
to know from the Armenian National Committee of Canada (ANCC), the
Minister also clarified his position on the Turkish Government’s
proposal to create a historians’ commission to study the Armenian
Genocide. Minister Mackey assured the Canadian-Armenian community that
the Canadian Government’s policy on the recognition of the Armenian
Genocide has not changed. “Nothing has changed in that regard,”
stressed Mr. MacKay.
In response to a question from Aris Babikian, Horizon Weekly
representative to NEPMCC and the executive director of the Armenian
National Committee of Canada (ANCC), Mr. MacKay stated: “Canada would
support a joint study that would involve participation from academics
from both countries with the inclusion, perhaps, a neutral country
that would be acceptable to both. So a dialogue around what is clearly
incredibly sensitive and loaded issue could lead to greater meeting of
minds plus an opening of a dialogue on other important issues-trade,
travel, greater communication, the blockade of Armenia-is useful
exercise that might bring about some greater healing.”

Turkey Going to Change Policy on Armenian Genocide Issue
PanARMENIAN.Net
17.11.2006 17:22 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Turkey considers the possibility of ‘appealing to
the international court’ on the Armenian Genocide issue, said Turkish
Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul. In his words, resigned diplomats and
‘reliable’ experts-lawyers are examining the issue in detail.
According to Turkish Daily News, Gul also said assured that
the government will try to settle the problem within shortest
terms. Article titled “Historical step by Turkey” published in
Milliyett daily says that the Turkish government ‘elaborates a new
policy’ as regards the statements on the Armenian Genocide. At the
same time Turkish diplomats refrain from detailed comments on the
changes to occur in the Genocide issue line, reports RFE/RL.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

VympelCom and OTE Sealed Deal on ArmenTel
PanARMENIAN.Net
17.11.2006 17:26 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Russian VympelCom and Greek OTE have formally sealed
the bargain on the purchase of 90% package of ArmenTel’s stocks,
VympelCom PR officer Yekaterina Osadchaya said. The state committee on
regulation of Armenian public services approved the deal on November
14. The Armenian government is also going to offer VympelCom its 10%
package of ArmenTel stocks in exchange for refusal from monopoly
on some kinds of communication, including Internet. VympelCom
representatives assure the company has reiterated the readiness to
refuse from monopoly, reports IA Regnum.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

The Economist: 40 Thousand Armenian Migrants Live in Turkey
PanARMENIAN.Net
17.11.2006 18:18 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The Economist assures that 40 thousand Armenian
migrants live in Turkey at the moment. Unlike migrants from other
states Armenians are not oppressed in Turkey, the edition says adding
that the number of Turks of Armenian origin makes 80 thousand. The
Economist also quotes American art worker of Armenian origin Kartash
Onik, who returned from a festival organized in Kars not long ago. “I
never fancied that Armenian songs in performance of an Armenian singer
can receive such a warm feedback. I was surrounded by Turks, who danced
Armenian dances. My eyes filled with tears,” he said, reports RFE/RL.

TURKEY CEASES MILITARY RELATIONS WITH FRANCE
By Petros Keshishian
AZG Armenian Daily #221, 18/11/2006
Turkey
General Ilqer Bashbug, commander of Turkish land
forces, stated that his country ahs ceased the
military relations with France , as well as bilateral
visits of high ranked military officials.
“CNN-Turk” TV informed that the given step taken by
Ankara is conditioned by the the adoption of the bill
in the France Senate, which envisages criminal
punishment for denial of the Armenian Genocide.
After the adoption of the document, Ankara threatened
Paris with economic and political sanctions.
On September 28, by special decree, the members of the
European Parliament obliged Turkey to recognize the
Armenian genocide, if the latter want to become a full
fledged EU member state. Then Turkey stated that it
considers that unacceptable to impose additional
preconditions for the membership.
Armenia demands to acknowledge that 1,5 million of
Armenians were killed in the Western Armenian
conquered by the Ottoman Empire in 1915-1917.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Idea of Appealing to International Courts Not New
PanARMENIAN.Net
17.11.2006 18:43 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The idea of appealing to the international courts
belongs to retired Turkish diplomat Gunduz Aktan, who had served
Turkish Ambassador to many European structures, Director of the
Institute of Oriental Studies at the RA Academy of Sciences Ruben
Safrastian told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter. In his words, there were
two variants of policy on the Armenian Genocide issue. “They were going
to proceed with the denial policy or appeal to the international court
motivating that Armenians will not be able to prove that the killings
of 1915 were Genocide. The decision was taken by the General Staff,”
he said. Safrastian reminded that Aktan is one of the rigid Turkish
politicians and when a member of the Armenian-Turkish Reconciliation
Committee always stood against the Armenian Genocide recognition.