Nagorno Karabakh’s freedom celebrated on Capitol Hill

March 14, 2013 By administrator

The Chairman of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, Ed Royce (R-CA), joined with fellow members of the Congressional Armenian Caucus and the visiting Minister of Youth and Culture from the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh, Narine Aghabalyan, in a bipartisan Capitol Hill celebration marking the 25th anniversary of the Artsakh democracy and freedom movement.

“Nagorno Karabakh is all about freedom. Freedom was the inspiration for the Nagorno Karabakh democracy movement back in 1988. Freedom has been the cornerstone of this proud Republic’s remarkable growth over the past quarter century. And, today, twenty-five years later, freedom remains the key to finding a peaceful and democratic way to finally bring an end to Azerbaijan’s aggression,” said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. “We would like to thank Minister Aghabalyan for joining with us today, and to all our Congressional friends, from both sides of the aisle – including, of course, Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce and our new Republican Co-Chairman of the Armenian Caucus, Michael Grimm – for celebrating the awesome power of freedom, for America, for Artsakh, and for all the peoples of the world.”

The event, hosted by the Congressional Armenian Caucus in the historic Cannon Building, featured a keynote address by Minister Aghabalyan, remarks by Chairman Royce, comments by the two Co-Chairmen of the Armenian Caucus, Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Michael Grimm (R-NY), a moving speech by Representative Adam Schiff (D-CA), and messages by Congresswomen Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and Jackie Speier (D-CA). Congressman David Cicilline (D-RI) welcomed Minister Aghabalyan to the event, and participated in the evening’s celebration. Staff representing over two dozen Congressional offices also participated.

In her remarks, Minister Aghabalyan explained that: “The Nagorno Karabakh Republic is a legal state, which was created through the free expression of the democratic will of the people of Karabakh, and it is, in fact, the non-recognition of this state that contradicts international laws and norms. Our unrecognized status prevents the full realization of the rights of the people who live in Artsakh. It is appropriate to cite the words of the third President of the United States, an outstanding public figure, Thomas Jefferson: ‘Everything is changeable in the world except the natural rights of people.'”

Rep. Grimm, the newly announced Republican Co-Chairman of the Armenian Caucus, reflected on the growing international support for Karabakh’s independence. “If history has furnished any conclusion, it’s that Nagorno Karabakh’s assertion of independence is hardly a fleeting or temporary desire, it’s actually an ancient and salient aspiration that must be part of any permanent resolution if the avoidance of future conflict is going to be a serious goal,” explained Rep. Grimm. “And I believe that realization is gaining increasing traction in the international community for it is the only realistic solution to resolve the dangerous status quo of Azerbaijani and Armenian border guards locked in a stand-off with that fragile 1994 ceasefire square in their cross-hairs.”

Rep. Pallone concurred, noting that “There are those on the other side that keep insisting that somehow the principle of self-determination should not be supreme – and it should always be. . . Karabakh is an independent republic, it should be recognized as such. Any ultimate negotiation through the OSCE Minsk Group or through any other means has to provide for the right to self-determination of the people of Artsakh, either to remain as an independent country or to join with the Republic of Armenia, if that’s how they see fit.”

Chairman Royce and Representative Schiff both reminded attendees about Azerbaijan’s pardon, praise, promotion of convicted axe-murderer Ramil Safarov, who killed Armenian officer Gurgen Margaryan in his sleep during a NATO Partnership for Peace English-language training program in Hungary.

“It’s been entirely too long, and too many people have died since Nagorno Karabakh voted for independence,” said Chairman Royce. “We believe it is time for peace. We believe it is time for the angry rhetoric to cease.” Condemning the Safarov scandal, Chairman Royce noted, “You can only have peace when you have sincerity of intent on both sides. And what we are asking is that there be a reflection on the actions that Azerbaijan took to elevate, and commemorate and celebrate the murder of another human being by an axe-murderer.”

“Safarov’s rapturous welcome in Baku is testament to the degree of anti-Armenian hatred that is being incited in contemporary Azerbaijan. That a man, who nearly decapitated a comrade, in his sleep, could be treated as a national hero is so inexplicable and appalling, it vindicates the concern of many Armenians that the forced imposition of Azeri sovereignty over the free people of Artsakh would result in a blood bath,” stated Rep. Schiff, who went on to call for the zeroing out of all U.S. military assistance to Azerbaijan. “By cutting off military aid to Azerbaijan, the U.S. can signal its disgust with the Safarov affair but also remind Aliyev that the U.S. will not tolerate any acts of aggression against Armenia or Artsakh.”

In her address, Rep. Eshoo stressed that: “This milestone for the people of Nagorno Karabakh holds particular meaning for me as an Armenian American. Nagorno Karabakh has faced much difficulty in its history, but its continued push for growth and democracy demonstrates the determination of its people to progress beyond intolerance and violence.” Rep. Speier’s message underscored Nagorno Karabakh’s progress, noting that: “the Armenians of Nagorno Karabakh have fought back against attacks on their institutions, their livelihoods, and their very right to exist, and against all odds they have succeeded in creating a democratic society with a vibrant culture and an enduring respect for the pursuit of peace and justice.”

Armenia’s Ambassador to the U.S., Tatoul Markarian and the Representative of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic in Washington, DC, Robert Avetisyan both offered policy-driven remarks on the part of their government. ANCA Executive Director shared the Armenian American community’s enduring support for Artsakh’s national and democratic aspirations, as manifested through a broad array of federal and state-level advocacy initiatives undertaken by the community to support and sustain the Nagorno Karabakh Republic.

Ambassador Markarian, in his speech, said that: “By revising reality and cultivating anti-Armenian hatred, Azerbaijan is seeking to prepare the moral ground, both domestically and internationally, for restarting the war against Nagorno Karabakh.” He went on to explain that, “Azerbaijan is just buying time for preparing a new war, which underscores the urgency of the recognition of the Nagorno Karabakh’s independence by the international community.”

U.S. Ambassador: Azerbaijani law enforcement violates rights of detained activists

March 13, 2013 By administrator

Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador to Azerbaijan Richard Morningstar made a statement in connection with the last protest in Baku, noting that the law enforcement bodies of Azerbaijan had violated the rights of the detained activists.

According to the Azerbaijani news agency “APA”, in the statement of the U.S. Ambassador was expressed the attitude towards the last protest held on March 10 in Baku: “I have seen media reports that authorities arrested several youth activists in the days preceding the March 10 public demonstration in Baku’s Fountain Square. Then, contrary to internationally recognized standards, the authorities had three of these activists give televised confessions for alleged crimes.”

The ambassador of the United Stated said that police used water cannons and rubber bullets to break up groups of peaceful participants in the protest. “I am confident that Azerbaijan can reach its great democratic and economic potential, but only if the government respects the right of peaceful protest, promotes the rule of law, and engages in a meaningful dialogue with citizens to address legitimate public concerns,” he said.

According to the Azerbaijani news agency “Turan”, the three activists of “NIDA” who were arrested on the eve of the rally of March 10 are pressed. Thus, parents of the arrested refused to have the service of the independent legal lawyers. Lawyer Asabali Mustafayev does not exclude that this was due to the pressure of the investigation.

“Turan” reminds that activists of “NIDA” Bakhtiyar Guliyev, Shaheen Novruzlu and Mamed Azizov were arrested on the evening of 7 March and MNS accused them of possessing “Molotov cocktails” and drugs. On March 9, these activists were put under arrest for 3 months. On March 9 at the evening video footage of interrogations of the arrested activists were shown on the Public Television of Azerbaijan. They confessed saying that members of the organization were going to show a “violent resistance to the police.”

However, members of the Board of NIDA held a press conference expressing confidence that the prisoners are under pressure and at the same time denied claims of plans of violent methods of struggle.

On March 10, in Baku, a mass protest against the deaths of soldiers in the army in non-combat situation was held. The rally was dispersed by the police; at least 60 people were detained. According to the opposition party “Musavat”, detainees were beaten and gassed in the bus. Baku police also detained a number of parents of soldiers who were dragged on the asphalt. On the eve news agency “Turan” provided information that the authorities were going to use LRAD (Long Range Acoustic Device) during Sunday’s protest in order to disperse the demonstrators.

Source: Panorama.am

Standoff over Nagorno-Karabakh region remains a potential flashpoint – US Intelligence Chief

March 13, 2013 By administrator

March 13, 2013 | 14:06

The standoff between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh region remains a potential flashpoint, says the report issued by director of National Intelligence James Clapper.

“The standoff between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the Armenian-occupied Nagorno-Karabakh region remains a potential flashpoint. Heightened rhetoric, distrust on both sides, and recurring violence along the Line of Contact increase the risk of miscalculations that could escalate the situation with little warning,” the report says.

As regards Georgia, the report mentions that the victory of Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili’s Georgian Dream party in the October 2012 parliamentary elections, offer new hope for easing bilateral Russian-Georgian tensions.

“However, after nearly a decade of President Mikheil Saakashvili’s United National Movement party rule, Georgia faces a challenging political transition and an increased risk of domestic political instability,” the report says.

Armenians Protest California Senate-Hosted Azerbaijani Delegation

March 13, 2013 By administrator

SACRAMENTO—Calls for Karabakh freedom were heard across the California State Capitol yesterday as Armenian Americans from throughout the state converged to protest an Azerbaijani Parliamentary and State Oil Company (SOCAR) delegation visit to the CA State Senate, reported the Armenian National Committee of America Western Region.

“The California State Senate is a great seat of American democracy, and certainly no place for grandstanding by representatives of Aliyev’s dictatorial regime,” said ANCA External Affairs Director Tereza Yerimyan. “The California Armenian community looks forward to speaking with each and every legislator in the upcoming weeks and at the annual April 15th advocacy event to present the true face of Azerbaijan and strengthen the bonds between the Golden State, Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh.”

California State Assemblymen Katcho Achadjian (R), Adrin Nazarian (D), Jim Patterson (R) and Scott Wilk (R) joined the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) and ANCA-WR led protest, which included broad participation by the United Young Armenians (UYA), local Armenian Student Associations, the ANCA Sacramento, St. James Armenian Church Pastor Fr. Asoghig Jamgochian and a cross section of the burgeoning Armenian community in the State’s Capital. ANCA and AYF Chapters in Southern California, the San Francisco – Bay Area and Central California had bused in activists from the across the state.

“I am proud to have stood shoulder to shoulder with Assemblymembers Nazarian, Wilk, and Patterson and Armenian Americans from throughout the State to protest the Azeri government’s aggression and efforts to use its oil wealth to purchase international legitimacy,” said Assemblyman Achadjian. “I would also like to thank ANCA-WR and AYF for helping organize the event.”

Assemblyman Nazarian concurred, noting, “Twenty-five years after Azerbaijan’s attacks against innocent Armenians in Sumgait and the subsequent pogroms in Baku, Kirovabad and Maragha, threats and aggression against Armenia and Artsakh continue. Welcoming representatives of Aliyev’s repressive regime sends all the wrong messages to Baku, interferes with broader U.S. calls for democratic reforms in Azerbaijan, and undermines international efforts toward a peaceful resolution of regional issues.”

The Azerbaijani delegation included four parliamentarians and three representatives of SOCAR. Bay Area State Senator Leland Yee reportedly walked off the Senate floor in protest, when a brief ceremony was held in honor of the Azerbaijani parliamentarians. Diamond Bar Republican Bob Huff introduced the group, praising Azerbaijan’s democratic tradition, followed by remarks by delegation leader Samad Sayadov, who offered glowing praise of the “shared values” between California and Azerbaijan.

“Just one day before their CA State Senate visit, the Aliyev regime used water-canons and rubber bullets to disperse a peaceful demonstration in Baku,” said AYF member, Sevag Tchekidjian. “Those certainly aren’t the values and democratic tradition that California or anyone in the U.S. should be sharing or condoning.”

Later in the evening, several CA State Senators hosted a dinner with their Azerbaijani guests and high-priced Azerbaijani government lobbyists at the Sutter Club, where the Armenian American protest took place. State Senators Marty Block (D), Bill Emmerson (R), Ted Gaines (R), Ted Lui (D), Fran Pavley (D) and Board of Equalization member George Runner and his wife, former Senator Sharon Runner, were reportedly seen entering the Sutter Club during the Azerbaijani Delegation event.

The April 15th ANCA-WR Advocacy Day will be an opportunity for Armenians across the Great State of California to attend the annual Genocide commemoration and speak to their legislators about issues that are of concern to the Armenian American community, including the Azerbaijani delegation visit to the Capitol. This year, participants will also be able to see a month long exhibit featuring inventions by Armenians who have contributed to the thriving California culture. For more information, and to register, visit: http://www.itsmyseat.com/ancawr

Swedish-Armenians met Turkish president with flying posters urging to recognize Armenian Genocide

March 12, 2013 By administrator

12:29, 12 March, 2013

YEREVAN, MARCH 12, ARMENPRESS. On March 11 the Swedish-Armenians met the President of Turkey Abdullah Gül, who paid a visit to Sweden, with flying posters with the following inscription: “Turkey, Recognize the 1915 Genocide!”

As reports “Armenpress” citing “Asbarez” periodical, the Union of Armenian Associations in Sweden have organized that unique action. At the moment when the reception ceremony for Gül and the rest of the Turkish delegation launched at the Swedish Royal Palace, posters calling on Turkey to recognize the Armenian Genocide in the Ottoman Turkey in 1915 appeared in the heaven over the central region of Stockholm.

The President of Turkey Abdullah Gül paid an official three-day visit to Sweden. Abdullah Gül had a meeting with the Swedish King Carl XVI. He will also meet the Chairman of the Swedish Parliament, and a number of other higher officials of the country.

Azerbaijan has arrested participants of event organized by OSCE

March 11, 2013 By administrator

On Saturday, police of Binagadi district of Baku burst into “AF Hotel” in Novkhani village and began to arrest young activists, participants of the training conducted by the OSCE Baku office.

Police accused the participants of being oppositionists and of getting prepared for the rally in Baku, the public relations secretary of European Movement Azerbaijan Parviz Azimov told Turan News Agency.

In the youth leaders training representatives of both opposition and ruling party “Yeni Azerbaijan” attended. Police placed the participants of the training, about 20 people, including members of the ruling party, into the car with flashing lights, and drove to Binagadi Police Department. At the same time, the foreign trainers were also almost arrested, and were released at the last moment.
Only after the intervention of the OSCE Baku office management, who contacted with the Interior Ministry, young people returned to the hotel.

On February 12, in Khachmas, activists of Election Monitoring Center and democracy training and Institute of Reporters Freedom and Safety (IRFS) Javid Nabiyev and Gunay Ismayilov were detained. The reason for the detention was the training held by Election Monitoring Center at Sahil hotel. Under the pressure of the police the owner of the hotel refused to provide a place for the event.
When the organizers tried to hold the event in the office of the American organization IREX, the police appeared there as well and kicked the participants out. Ismailova was involved in the project as a trainer, and the police told her that they were accused of disobeying the police and of invasion of premises of other people. According to the civil society, the police fabricate the evidence of the “witnesses”, including the owner of an office rented by IREX.

Source: Panorama.am

ANCA calls for American-Armenians

March 9, 2013 By administrator

14:54, 9 March, 2013

YEREVAN, MARCH 9, ARMNPRESS: Armenian National Committe of America urged American-Armenians to aspire that their representatives in the U.S Congress join in celebrating the Anniversary of Artsakh’s freedom movement . As reports Armenpress referring to Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA), by a slogan “Artsakh needs your help. Her brave people deserve our support” ANCA urged American-Armenians to make sure that their representatives in the U.S Congress join in celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Artsakh’s freedom movement at the March 13th reception, hosted by the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues.

“With Azerbaijani threats and acts of aggression on the rise, it’s vital that you take a moment right now to call your Senators and Representative to support Artsakh’s right to freedom and security by attending this event and offering remarks,” said in the statement.

Joining in this historic celebration will be Artsakh’s Minister of Youth and Culture Narine Aghabalyan, Members of Congress, representatives of the Washington, DC foreign policy community, and Armenian Americans leaders.

Reps. Chu, Grimm, Nunes and Valadao Celebrate Karabakh’s Freedom

March 8, 2013 By administrator

Azerbaijani Embassy Seeking to Enforce Baku-Style Free Speech Limits on U.S. Congress

WASHINGTON—Members of Congress continued to salute the 25th anniversary of Nagorno Karabakh’s freedom movement this week, with Representatives Judy Chu (D-CA), Michael Grimm (R-NY), Devin Nunes (R-CA) and David Valadao (R-CA) the latest to speak out in support of Artsakh’s quarter century of steady growth as a democratic state and society, reported the Armenian National Committee of America.

“We want to thank Reps. Chu, Grimm, Nunes and Valadao for joining in Artsakh’s celebration of a remarkable quarter century of freedom,” said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. “In the face of Baku’s war and ongoing aggression, the proud citizens of Nagorno Karabakh have stood strong, building a solid democracy, and fundamentally reaffirming that – despite Ilham Aliyev’s angry tirades – the blessings of liberty that we enjoy as Americans are truly the birthright of all peoples.”

In a joint statement for the Congressional Record, Representatives Nunes and Valadao paid “homage to the Armenian people and particularly the people of Nagorno Karabakh, who bravely struggle to maintain their right to self-determination.” They went on to note: “the Armenians have suffered some of the worst savagery of recent history, from the massacre of more than a million people in the Armenian Genocide, to the cruel repression of Soviet rule, to Azerbaijan’s war against Nagorno Karabakh and the ongoing siege of that region. Through these trials and tribulations, the Armenian people have paid a steep price for their freedom. The hero’s welcome Azerbaijan recently afforded to Ramil Safarov, an Azerbaijani military officer who murdered a sleeping Armenian officer during a NATO-sponsored program in Hungary, is a stark reminder of the unrelenting hostility Armenians face today.”

New York Congressman Michael Grimm praised the progress made by the fledgling Nagorno Karabakh Republic over the past 25 years. “The Nagorno Karabakh Republic’s steady advances in the industries of banking, agriculture, and telecommunications, provide further testament to their promise as a viable independent partner in the international community,” stated Rep. Grimm. “Coupling this with the United States’ longstanding and unambiguous role as a defender of free people’s right to self-determination across the globe, I hope that my colleagues will join me in commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Nagorno Karabakh liberation movement as part of the promotion of peace, stability, and prosperity in the South Caucusus.”

Congresswoman Chu, who spoke forcefully on the topic once again this year, noted: “In 1991, Nagorno -Karabakh officially declared independence, becoming a democratic state committed to freedom and respect for human rights. Despite dual blockades and threats from neighboring Azerbaijan, Nagorno Karabakh has held a series of democratic elections and continues to work hard to strengthen its economy. I stand with the people of Nagorno-Karabakh in this noble pursuit.”

Embassy of Azerbaijan Seeks to Silence Congressional Karabakh Commemoration

Meanwhile, even as Members of Congress prepare to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Karabakh freedom movement at an event hosted by the Congressional Armenian Caucus next week, the Azerbaijani Embassy and pro-Aliyev groups in Washington, DC have sought to block this event by enforcing free speech restrictions that, while common in Baku, are profoundly foreign to the American democratic tradition.

According to Capitol Hill sources, Azerbaijan Ambassador to the U.S. Elin Suleymanov has urged Members of Congress not to attend the Karabakh celebration. This follows remarks he made earlier this week at the American Israeli Public Affairs Council (AIPAC) Policy Conference, in which he attempted to demonize the Armenian American community, warning supporters of Israel not to “fall under the influence of pro-Armenian lobby groups.”

“This type of strong-arming may stifle free speech in Aliyev’s Azerbaijan, but Ambassador Suleymanov has a lot to learn about America if he thinks his desperate threats will work in the halls of our Congress,” said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian.

The Congressional Caucus event will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., in the Cannon House Office Building – Room 121 and will feature remarks by the NKR Minister of Youth and Culture Narine Aghabalian. The event is being hosted by the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, with the participation of the Embassy of Armenia, Office of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, and Armenian American civic organizations.

The ANCA encourages Armenian Americans to call their Senators and Representative to participate in the March 13th Capitol Hill Celebration by visiting:

ANCA: Aliyev’s language similar to those who seek to destroy Israel

March 8, 2013 By administrator

March 8, 2013 – 12:27 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA), giving voice to the Armenian American community’s growing alarm over anti-Armenian tirades by Azerbaijani leaders and diplomats, officially registered a protest with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) regarding remarks made by Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to the United States Elin Suleymanov, at the organization’s recently concluded annual conference.

According to news reports, Azerbaijani Ambassador Suleymanov, during a breakout session at the AIPAC Policy conference titled “New Allies: Israel and the Caucasus Region,” threatened supporters of Israel not to “fall under the influence of pro-Armenian lobby groups.”

In the March 7th ANCA letter, Executive Director Aram Hamparian explained that: “Strengthening the relationship between the United States and Israel need not involve support for dictatorial regimes. Nor should supporting Israel require providing a platform for those, like Ambassador Suleymanov, who engage in the very sort of hateful, conspiratorial rants that have, for far too long, been used to demonize Israel and her supporters worldwide.”

Hamparian specifically asked AIPAC to “reevaluate the moral and practical dimensions of your organization’s association with Azerbaijan’s war-mongering President, Ilham Aliyev, a dictator who, echoing the venomous Holocaust-era rants of Adolf Hitler against Jews, has announced openly that, “all the Armenians of the world” are his enemies.” He added that Aliyev, by saying that “Armenia as a country is of no value… it is actually a colony, an outpost run from abroad, a territory artificially created on ancient Azerbaijani lands,” was “attacking Armenia’s very right to exist in language chillingly similar to those who seek to destroy Israel.”

Turkey’s most notorious Genocide denier, Turkish Ambassador Calls Assyrian Genocide ‘Masturbation’

March 7, 2013 By administrator

STOCKHOLM, Sweden—Turkey’s notorious Genocide denier and its European Union ambassador Egemen Bagis has compared the Assyrian Genocide, known as Seyfo, to masturbation, during a discussion with a Swedish parliament member at an event earlier this year organized by Assyrians, reported the Assyrian Television Channel ACSATV.com.

Bagis, who was attending an event organized by several Assyrian organizations in the Swedish capital turned to Swedish member of parliament Yilmaz Gerimo and said: “What are you Assyrians looking to gain by using the Seyfo question as masturbation and trumpeted it in the media and the Swedish Parliament?”

According to reporter Dikran Ego, who first reported the incident, Bagis himself broke the uncomfortable silence that ensued, by apologizing to Turkish Ambassador to Sweden Zergun Koruturk, saying that perhaps his remarks were inappropriate to say in the presence of a woman—the Swedish parliament member, Gerimo.

This is not the first time that Bagis has insulted the victims of the many Genocides committed by Turks.