Iranian presidential candidate calls for closer economic ties with Armenia

June 5, 2013 By administrator

We should expand our economic ties with Armenia, Iranian presidential candidate, Supreme Leader’s foreign policy adviser Ali Akbar Velayati was quoted as saying by ISNA.

The presidential candidate spoke about Iran’s foreign policy at a meeting with reporters on Tuesday, saying in part: “It is not right that ten visits are made to Latin America yearly while our neighbors are disregarded. Of our 15 neighbors, 13 are Islamic countries. Iran has much in common with Armenia and Russia in terms of history and therefore it should further develop bilateral relations with these countries. We should not rest on political relations but should also strengthen our economic ties.”

US Secretary of State pledges support to Karabakh settlement

June 5, 2013 By administrator

The US secretary of state has promised to continue his country’s efforts towards supporting the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process.

At meeting with Armenian FM Edward Nalbandian, John Kerry said that the United States, as a co-chairing country of the OSCE Minsk Group, will continue its efforts towards reaching a reconciliation between the conflicting sides and promote regional development, stability and security, reports the Foreign Ministry’s Press Service.

The secretary said that as a native of the Massachusetts state (which has a big Armenian community) he is well-familiar with the problems of Armenia. He said Armenia and the United States have always been good allies, adding that Armenia always assists the security forces in Afghanistan and keeps playing a key role in the maintenance of peace in the South Caucasus region.

Mr Kerry told the Armenian FM that the United States attaches a major significance to the bilateral economic development, and the democracy and security strengthening of Armenia.

Thanking the secretary for the warm reception, Nalandian said that he is very happy to be in Washington and discuss with his US counterpart the possibilities of strengthening the friendship between the two states.

Armenia’s top diplomat added that both the United States and Armenia are unanimous on continuing the peaceful efforts towards reaching a negotiated settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the unconditional normalization of the Armenia-Turkey ties.
He said Armenia is thankful to the United States for providing assistance to Armenia since the country’s gaining independence. He extended his gratitude to the Obama administration for the significant contribution to the US-Armenia relations.

The sides further considered potentials of economic development, stressing the need of expanding the legal contractual cooperation. They also addressed the activities of a bilateral intergovernmental committee, highlighting the significance of the dialogue over visa facilitation and the re-launch of the Milennium Challenges program in Armenia.

Mr Kerry reiterated the United States’ commitment to keep supporting the Armenia-Turkey reconciliation process.

Accepting Nalbandian’s invitation to visit Armenia, he said he intends to realize the plan in the course of this year.

Preparliament of Armenia makes statement on Goris incident

June 5, 2013 By administrator

The Preparliament of Armenia has issued a statement on the incident in Goris, Syunik region.

Commander of a military unit, Colonel Artak Budaghyan is one of the victims of the notorious incident in Goris, on June 1 evening, 2013.

Less than a year has passed since the cruel murder of military surgeon Vahe Avetyan, who fell victim to the criminal system. The investigating authorities and the prosecutor’s office concealed the details of the case. Some of those guilty have not been prosecuted, and misclassification of the crime makes it impossible to punish those guilty with full rigor of the law.

Head of the Proshyan village community Hranch Muradyan fell victim to the criminal system a few months ago. His murder has not so far been detected. The suspect’s guilt cannot be proved in any way.

It is obvious that the investigation into the deadly incident in Goris will be conducted in the same way.

The aforementioned facts prove that the system is unwilling and unable change its essence. It is based on criminal customs and elements. So any changes are tantamount to self-destruction.

The criminal and oligarchic system, which is the core of the state government system, has turned into an enemy within and is now indiscriminately murdering even military commanders with impunity.

The Preparliament offers its condolences to the family of Avetik Budaghyan, who fell victim to the criminal system, and wishes soonest recovery to Colonel Artak Budaghyan.

The Preparliament expresses the confidence that Armenia’s people, including commanders and freedom-fighters, have come to realize that an anti-national and inhuman government system has been established in Armenia. So it must be replaced with a law-abiding and humanitarian one, says the Preparliament’s statement.

Armenian News – Tert.am

In Vatican, Pope Recognizes Genocide

June 5, 2013 By administrator

“The first genocide of the 20th Century was that of the Armenians,” says Pope Francis

BUENOS AIRES (Diaro Armenia)—Pope Francis, during a meeting Monday with a delegation led by Nerses Bedros XIX, Catholicos Patriarch of Cilicia of the Armenian Catholics at the Vatican reiterated his earlier recognition of the Armenian Genocide.

During the visit, the pope met with members of the delegation, when one of them said that she was a descendant of Genocide victims, to which the pontiff responded: “The first genocide of the 20th Century was that of the Armenians,” thus reiterating his earlier recognition of the Armenian Genocide while he headed the Catholic Church in Buenos Aires as Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio.

Seven years ago, during events marking the 91st anniversary of the Armenian Genocide in Buenos Aires, then Archbishop of Buenos Aires Jorge Mario Bergoglio urged Turkey to recognize the Genocide as the “gravest crime of Ottoman Turkey against the Armenian people and the entire humanity.”

Director of the Armenian National Committee of South America, Dr. Alfonso Tabakian explained that this was the first such statement from the pontiff since being elevated to pope and leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

Tabakian called the statement “very important since his words transcend any state or religion.”

“This recognition of the Armenian Genocide as the first genocide of the twentieth century reaffirms the statements of John Paul II [which were made] upon his arrival in Armenia on September 25, 2001, demonstrating that more and more states, parliaments and international organizations are adopting this position against the denial of history perpetrated by the Turkish State,” added Tabakian.

During the visit, Nerses Bedros XIX presented the pope with a painting depicting Jesus Christ on the crucifix.

Neo-Ottoman delusions is backfiring! Turkeys Coming Home to Roost?

June 5, 2013 By administrator

BY GAREN YEGPARIAN

The parallels seem deliciously endless in number and category. A week’s worth of unrest in Turkey, spreading from Constantinople (Bolis) to other cities, could go to unpredictable places, both good and bad.

Already, I’ve heard that the AKP’s (ruling party) youth wing is tussling with others. What does this suggest? Is it an indicator that the party feels threatened and is unleashing its thugs? Contradicting this is the reality that Erdogan left the country for a couple of days. This is an indication of confidence, although it could just be another manifestation of his renowned arrogance.

The first thing that came to mind when I heard about these goings-on is “are the Islamists (Gulenjees, perhaps) and the secularists (Ataturkjees) butting heads in what could be the beginning of something big?” This was reinforced by the opinion I read that the situation could devolve into civil war.

Imagine, something that started as simply as a protest to save Gezi Park (evidently the only remaining green space in Bolis), could spark huge changes. Here, we have a parallel with the successful struggle to save Yerevan’s Mashdotz Park. This also speaks to how fundamentally important environmental issues are to life. The police overreacted, using water cannons and tear gas— and here we have the parallel to the Egyptian government’s overreaction to the demonstrations in Cairo during the “Arab Spring” just over two years ago.

Ultimately, the government stood down, and I saw pictures of the demonstrators cleaning up the mess, not the authorities! And here’s another parallel, to the “occupy” movement that establish self-governing mini-communities throughout the U.S. In fact, I even saw “Occupy Gezi Park” thrown out as a term/name.

Various “man on the street” interviews portrayed this outpouring as a reaction to Prime Minister Erdogan’s increasingly repressive government. Interestingly, he attributed this outpouring to the political opposition and “foreign” ties. The latter accusation is particularly ironic given Turkey’s involvement in “promoting” the Arab Spring actions as part of its grand, neo-Ottoman delusions, er, excuse me, designs, on the Middle East. Turkey meddled in Libya, and is the main conduit for supplies going to the rebel forces fighting the Syrian government. Given this history, it would be no surprise if other countries have decided to “return the favor” by stirring the pot in Turkey. The three most likely countries are Syria, Iran, and Russia, all of whom have every reason to desire revenge against Turkey for its international shenanigans, particularly the murderous outcome we’re seeing in Syria. It is also a way for these countries (and perhaps others, too) to tell the U.S. and Europe to “back off” after the mess they’ve created in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria.

Finally, what is very intriguing is a hit piece on Turkey that already appeared in a Jewish publication (The Tablet). This struck me as odd since it seemed to me relations between Turkey and Israel were on the mend. Perhaps there’s more going on in the background in this relationship. Otherwise, it’s just plain weird that such a strongly anti-Turkey piece should appear so soon after the protests in Turkey started.

Keep a very close eye on this. Perhaps this is indeed a “Turkish Spring” in the making. If so, we should strive to also make it an Armenian, Assyrian, Greek, and Kurdish Spring, simultaneously.

Antalya municipality refuses to provide water for police vehicles

June 4, 2013 By administrator

ANTALYA – Doğan News Agency

Antalya Metropolitan Municipality refused to provide water for the riot control vehicles, called TOMAs, which are being used by the police against protesters, according to Doğan news agency.

The municipality, led by the opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) Mayor Mustafa Akaydın, refused to allow police to tap into the water tanks belonging to firefighters to use on protesters, citing future trouble in case a fire broke out in the city.

Police forces then turned to Kerpez officials, a district municipality, represented by a ruling party member, and used the water stored in tanks for the watering of parks and gardens.

A representative from the governor’s office, Turan Eren, soon intervened in the process, however, and instructed public offices to provide the TOMAs with water under official orders. While municipalities are elected under the Turkish political system, the governors are state-appointed, which could cause tension in cities where there is a multi-party presence.

Socialist International expresses worries over rise in ‘authoritarianism’ in Turkey

June 4, 2013 By administrator

Daily News Photo, Selahattin Sönmez

A committee from the Socialist International has expressed its worries over the rise of authoritarianism in Turkey, as well as its concerns about the “disproportionate and excessive use of force” by police against protesters.

“The committee expresses deep concern over disproportionate and excessive use of power by the police against citizens exercising their right to free assembly in Turkey. We would like to remind the Turkish government that freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, and the right to have peaceful protests are fundamentals of a democratic regime,” read a declaration issued by the Socialist International Committee for the CIS, Caucasus and Black Sea meeting in Tbilisi on June 4.

The meeting was chaired by Luis Ayala, secretary general of the Socialist International, and was attended lawmakers from regional countries, including Aykan Erdemir, a Bursa deputy from the Republican People’s Party (CHP).

“We observe with great worry the rise of authoritarian inclinations in Turkey, and the ensuing apathy toward citizens’ legitimate grievances. We call upon the government to show restraint and respect human rights and freedoms,” it read.

The committee offered condolences for those who lost their lives during the protests and wished a speedy recovery for the injured. “The SI will continue to be in solidarity with the Turkish people and the Republican People’s Party, CHP, in their struggle for rights and freedoms, democracy, and social justice,” it said.

Greek leftists march in support of Turkish protesters

June 4, 2013 By administrator

Around a thousand Greek leftists on Monday marched in support of Turkish protesters who clashed with police in Ankara for a fourth day in the greatest unrest to face Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government. The Athens demonstration included a small group of Kurdish refugees who held a banner in Greek and Turkish: “Overturn the regime”.

A similar protest had been held in the northern city of Thessaloniki on Sunday.

The protests in Turkey started out as a local environment campaign and quickly turned into one of the biggest demonstrations against Erdogan’s government since it came to power over a decade ago.

Syriza, Greece’s second largest party, has condemned the Turkish police’s heavy-handed response to the protests and called on European Union authorities to put pressure on Ankara.

“All over Turkey there are protests over press freedom, union rights, the rights of Kurds, women and the right to protest. It is imperative that Erdogan listens,” Syriza said.

“Authoritarianism is broken on the street, solidarity with the Turkish people,” chanted the demonstrators from various leftist groups including the main opposition radical left Syriza party.

Istanbul protests spread to Baku: police disperses protests supporting demonstrations in Turkey

June 4, 2013 By administrator

On Monday at 4:00pm, Baku police prevented a group of young people trying to hold a rally of solidarity with the protesters in Istanbul, the Azerbaijani information agency Turan reports.

It says that about 50 people gathered in front of the Turkish Embassy in Baku, calling to meet the demands of demonstrators in Istanbul. They called on the Turkish government to stop pressure on the protesters, and to abandon plans for the restructuring of Taksim Square, according to correspondents from the scene.

The police, however, pushed the crowd away from the embassy. Young people told reporters they continue to hold solidarity actions in other locations in central Baku, without naming specific addresses.

Street protests continue to be held in several cities in Turkey (Istanbul, Ankara, Antalya, Izmir and Konya) from the end of May. Demonstrators protest against the government’s plans to build a shopping and entertainment complex in the park of Gezi in Istanbul. Opponents of the construction of the shopping center claim that Gezi Park is one of the few green areas in the center of Istanbul. The protests began as a protest of local environmentalists. But the action quickly grew into a demonstration of dissatisfaction on the policy of the Turkish prime minister and the ruling party. Turkish police used violence to disperse the protesters.

Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, mentioned about the “disproportionate use of force by the police.” Peaceful demonstrations “are part of manifestations of democracy”, and the long-term stability in Turkey can only be ensured by provision of “fundamental freedoms of expression, assembly and unification,” said USA White House spokesperson Laura Lucas.

Russia Stations Advanced Missiles in Armenia

June 4, 2013 By administrator

YEREVAN (RFE/RL)—Russia has deployed in Armenia state-of-the-art ballistic missiles capable of striking targets more than 400 kilometers away, according to a source in the Armenian Defense Ministry.

Speaking on the condition anonymity, the source told RFE/RL’s Armenian service (Azatutyun.am) over the weekend that several Iskander-M systems are currently stationed at undisclosed locations in the country. The source declined to clarify whether they were delivered to the Armenian armed forces or the Russian military base headquartered in Gyumri.

The Defense Ministry in Yerevan did not officially confirm or refute the information as of Monday.

Citing an unnamed Russian military source, the Russian news agency Regnum reported on May 15 that Moscow is likely to deploy the advanced surface-to-surface missiles as part of the ongoing modernization of its base in Armenia.

Designated by NATO as SS-26 Stone, Iskander-M is regarded by military analysts as one of the most advanced missile systems of its kind in the world. The system known for its precision was developed in the 1990s and adopted by the Russian army in 2006. With an operational range of at least 400 kilometers, its 7.3-meter-long missiles can overcome existing missile-defense systems, according to Russian military officials and experts.

Russian-Armenian military ties appear to have deepened further in the last few months, with Russia’s Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu and chief of the General Staff, Colonel-General Valery Gerasimov, visiting Armenia early this year. Armenian Defense Minister Seyran Ohanian held follow-up talks with Shoygu a mid-April trip to Moscow.

President Vladimir Putin and his Armenian counterpart Serzh Sarkisian also discussed defense cooperation when they met near Moscow on March 12. Sarkisian reportedly thanked Putin for “good progress” in bilateral military ties made since their previous meeting in December.

A Russian-Armenian defense agreement signed in August 2010 commits Moscow to helping Yerevan obtain “modern and compatible weaponry and special military hardware.” Russian assistance is vital for the implementation of a five-year plan to modernize the Armenian army that was adopted by the Sarkisian administration later in 2010. The plan puts the emphasis on the acquisition of long-range precision-guided weapons.

The Armenian military has been equipped until now with only Scud-B and Tochka-U ballistic missiles that have firing ranges of 300 kilometers and 120 kilometers respectively. The Soviet-era systems are less advanced than Iskander-M. The military makes no secret of its readiness to use them against Azerbaijan’s oil and gas installations in case of a renewed war for Nagorno-Karabakh.