Armenia-EU cooperation is considered in Brussels
News.am, October 17, 2014, https://news.am/eng/news/
The Brussels office of the European Friends of Armenia (EuFoA) on Thursday held a roundtable discussion with Artak Zakaryan, Chairman of the Armenian National Assembly Standing Committee on Foreign Relations.
At the event, Zakaryan, who also heads the Armenian Delegation to the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly, presented Armenia’s position on cooperation with the European Union (EU), and spoke on the latest developments in the region.
Zakaryan’s presentation was followed by a lively discussion among those in attendance, and with respect to Armenia-EU cooperation in the context of Armenia’s new international commitments and the recent developments within the EU Eastern Neighbourhood.
EU-Armenia Relations
EU-Armenia: A look back on priorities, activities and achievement under the ENPI
Armradio.am, October 17, 2014, https://www.armradio.am/en/
EU assistance helped Armenia to take forward its justice reform agenda, with a number of steps promoting independence and transparency of the justice system, access to justice, and the reinforcement of the Armenian Ombudsman (Human Rights Defender), according to the DG EuropeAid report “European Neighbourhood Instrument 2007-2013 – Overview of Activities and Results”, recently released.
EU assistance, the report says, accompanied the modernization of the public finance system, with improvements in internal financial control systems and debt management, and greater transparency of external audit and public procurement. Support to socio-economic reforms focused on modernization of the vocational education and training(VET) system, with a better link to jobs and labor market needs. In the area of trade, there was progress in sanitary and phytosanitary standards and in the reduction of technical barriers to trade. Nonetheless, following Armenia’s decision to join the Eurasian Customs Union, trade-related assistance was revised and as a result two programmes were cancelled in 2013 (for a combined budget of €40 million), while a third programme was reoriented and partly reduced (by €13 million).
Armenian-Polish defense equipment production venture launched
Panarmenian.net, October 16, 2014, https://www.panarmenian.net/
An opening ceremony for Lyubava-Armenia, the first Armenian-Polish joint venture for production of military equipment kicked off October 16, with Armenian Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan, Polish envoy Zdislaw Raczynski, Polish Senator, ex-Defense Minister Bogdan Klich and other high-ranking officials present.
At the event the Polish side expressed hope for increasing Polish investments in Armenia's defense industry, with Ohanyan, in turn, voicing confidence for the new company's expansion to enable exports to Eurasian Union states.
Based on the Charentsavan machine building plant, Lyubava-Armenia will engage in production, modernization and repair of a wide range of dense equipment, Defense Ministry press service said.
General News on Armenia
Serzh Sargsyan accepts Armen Gevorgyan’s resignation request
Mediamax.am, October 17, 2014, https://www.mediamax.am/en/
Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan signed a decree today to relieve Armen Gevorgyan of the post of Minister of Territorial Administration and Vice Prime Minister.
Vice Prime Minister of Armenia, Minister of Territorial Administration Armen Gevorgyan filed a request on resignation reasoning that he was willing to continue working in the private sector.
Armen Gevorgyan worked in the Armenian state administration system since 1997. He has held the posts of Assistant to Armenian Prime Minister, Assistant to the Armenian President, First Assistant to the Armenian President, Chief of the Armenian President’s Staff, Secretary of National Security Council of Armenia, Minister of Territorial Administration and Vice Prime Minister.
Heritage party denounced treaty on Armenia's accession to Eurasian Union
News.am, October 17, 2014, https://news.am/eng/news/
Heritage party issued a statement in connection with signing of treaty on Armenia’s accession to the Eurasian Economic Union.
The full text of the statement is as follows:
“The Heritage Party:
- denounces the signing of the accession agreement to the EEU on behalf of the Republic of Armenia, considering it an unconstitutional measure against the sovereignty of Armenia and Artsakh, and a most serious threat to both states’ independence and security;
- rejects Serzh Sargsyan’s unilateral, illegal, hasty, and promiseless decision, which was made without any prior public discourse or the engagement of political forces, and which has further deepened the skepticism and lack of confidence of the majority of the public toward the aforementioned determination…”
Police Warn Opposition Over Next Rally
Azatutyun.am, October 16, 2014, https://www.azatutyun.am/
The Armenian police on Thursday warned the country’s leading opposition parties not to disrupt “public order” at their next anti-government rally in Yerevan scheduled for October 24.
General Hunan Poghosian, the deputy chief of the national police service, said security forces are ready to take “unplanned” actions against participants of the protest organized by the Prosperous Armenia (BHK), Armenian National Congress (HAK) and Zharangutyun parties. “Everyone must bear in mind that the organizers of the rally bear even more responsibility than the police,” he told journalists.
The three opposition parties will hold the demonstration two weeks after demanding that President Serzh Sarkisian agree to a “handover of power” or face sustained street protests. Their leaders have promised to present supporters with a clearer plan of anti-government actions on October 24. It is not yet clear, though, whether they are ready to stage nonstop rallies in the capital.
Future of Armenia-Georgia relations in context of membership in different structure
Tert.am, October 17, 2014, https://www.tert.am/en/news/
Armenia and Georgia are well aware of the need for peaceful co-existence despite their being members of different politico-military alliances, Tevan Poghosyan, a member of the Standing Committee on Defense, National Security and Internal Affairs, Parliament of Armenia, told Tert.am.
“I think it is much more important for Armenia and Georgia than any other policy,” he said.
According to Mr Poghosyan, Armenia’s accession to the Eurasian Economic Union cannot be an obstacle to the transportation of cargoes through Georgia, which is moving toward EU association.
“Of course, life must go on and I am sure that Armenia and Georgia will reach an agreement because Georgia will not provoke confrontation. Rather, it will prefer cooperation.”
“Georgia will not change the market value of cargo transportation. Trade takes place when the goods enter the market. But since transit cargoes are not cleared, but are services, I do not think any price changes should be expected,” Mr Poghosyan said.
Armenian president likely to make final decision next year: Spokesperson
Armenpress.am, October 17, 2014, https://armenpress.am/eng/news/
Tert.am took an interview with the Spokesperson to the President of the Republic of Armenia Arman Saghatelyan, who, speaking of the constitutional reforms, told that Serzh Sargsyan will likely make the final decision next February-March.
- Mr. Saghatelyan, on October 15, the Commission for Constitutional Reforms submitted a draft concept of constitutional reforms to the Armenian presidential staff. What are the further steps?
- Yes, the presidential staff received the draft concept of constitutional reforms. Since the Commission for Constitutional Reforms was formed, enormous work has been done, and the president thanked the Commission. The president also highly appreciates the Commission’s efforts to organize public discussions of the draft concept. We are also grateful to all the public and political figures and organizations, local government bodies, experts that have actively been involved in this all-important process.
At present, we have a positive opinion by the Venice Commission. According to it, the draft concept ‘is based on a comprehensive legal analysis of the situation,’ and ‘the reform thus aims at bringing the country closer to the full realization of the values of the Council of Europe. As regards further steps, they are envisaged by the president’s decree of September 4, 2013. It is up to the president to approve or reject the draft concept. No deadline has been set for that. On the other hand, since some of the issues incorporated in the draft concept contain an explicitly political component, further political discussions are expected. Therefore, the Armenian president is likely to make a definitive decision on the draft concept next February-March.
General News on Karabakh
Azeris Shoot at Minsk Group Co-Chairs at Border
Asbarez.com, October 16, 2014, https://asbarez.com/127914/
The OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs conducted a monitoring mission on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, during which they registered shots from the Azeri side. The shots were recorded by the Field Assistants of the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Armenpress reports.
In the city of Ijevan, the mediators met with the Governor of Tavush, Hovik Abovian. Abovian briefed the Co-Chairs on the situation near the border and explained the kinds of problems routine gunfire causes for the towns and villages in the region.
The Co-Chairs had a short meeting with local residents, who presented their grievances. The mediators will visit Yerevan next for a series of meetings.
Foreign Minister comments on Azeri-suggested "expert-level peace talks"
Panarmenian.net, October 17, 2014, https://www.panarmenian.net/
Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandianmet the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs, Igor Popov, Pierre Andre and the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Andrzej Kasprzyk.
At the meeting, the parties discussed the Karabakh conflict settlement and preparations for the Paris meeting of Armenian and Azeri leaders later this month.
Nalbandian further spoke about increased Azeri ceasefire violations ahead of the meeting, in the usual Baku tradition.
The Minister further slammed Azerbaijan's non-constructive approach to peace talks as well as constant attempts to undermine the settlement. In this context the Foreign Minister mentioned the recent Azeri statement on the "readiness to start talks at expert level", with the latters including aspects Baku alone could benefit from, thus demonstrating its non-serious approach ahead of the Paris meeting.
News from International Sources
Armenian President meets EU Special Representative ahead of Paris meeting
Commonspace.eu, October 16, 2014, https://www.commonspace.eu/eng/
The European Union Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia, Herbert Salber, today met with Armenian president Serzh Sargsyan at the Presidential Office in Yerevan.
EUSR Salber and president Sargsyan discussed the current state of negotiations aimed at resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. President Sargsyan briefed the EU envoy on the meetings recently held in Sochi and in Wales, as well as on the situation on the line of contact in the conflict zone. Herbert Salber reaffirmed the EU's continued support for high-level negotiations and for practical steps that can contribute to the peaceful settlement of the conflict.
According to the Press Service of the Armenian president during the meeting Sargsyan and Salber exchanged views on their expectations of the tripartite meeting between the French, Armenian and Azerbaijani Presidents to be held on the initiative of French President Francois Hollande in Paris at the end of October.
Azerbaijan: Anti-Corruption Initiative Draws Decent Public Reviews
Eurasianet.org, October 16, 2014, https://www.eurasianet.org/
Azerbaijan has long had a reputation for being the most corrupt country in the South Caucasus. In 2013, a non-profit media organization, the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project, even named Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev corruption’s “person of the year.”
In an effort to improve the country’s corruption image, Azerbaijani authorities launched in December 2012 an initiative to open one-stop centers for government services under the auspices of the State Agency for Citizens’ Services and Social Innovations (ASAN). These so-called ASAN centers were designed to provide “citizen satisfaction” with interactions with civil servants, and “to enrich the quality” of those exchanges. Reading between the lines, enriching the experience meant checking the ability of bureaucrats to solicit or demand bribes.
While many citizens report positive experiences, such anecdotal evidence has not yet translated into significant improvements in surveys conducted by watchdog groups. In 2013,Azerbaijan ranked 127th out of 177 countries surveyed for public corruption in an index compiled by Transparency International. Azerbaijan’s 2013 performance marked a 12-point improvement from the previous year, but its general score remained relatively unchanged at 28 out of 100, a poor result that put Azerbaijan on par with Russia.
A separate 2014 TI report identified “major weaknesses” in Azerbaijan’s system as the lack of any “practical application of the principles of accountability, transparency and integrity” by both the government, and “watchdog pillars” such as media or civil society as well. Transparency in Azerbaijan has even taken a major step backwards in recent months, amid a far-reachinggovernment crackdown on civil society activists.
News on Turkey
Hayk Demoyan sends first copy of his book to Turkish President
Panorama.am, October 17, 2014, https://www.panorama.am/en/
The presentation of Hayk Demoyan’s new book titled “Armenian Genocide: Frontpage Coverage in the World Press’’ took place at the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute (AGMI) on Friday.
“This book is a passport of the Ottoman Turkey,” Demoyan stated.
“The President, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Turkey are the first addressees of this book, as well as of other similar books,” he said.
“We know how to deliver these books to the addressees. They had better allot a space in their libraries for the books of the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute,” he added.
The book has been published in Armenian and English. The book presents unique materials from the world press of the 19-20th centuries. It presents publications in English, Russian, French and American press.
In 3rd round of voting, Turkey loses UNSC seat to Spain
Todayszaman.com, October 17, 2014, https://www.todayszaman.com/
Turkey lost a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to Spain on Thursday in the third round of voting and wide margin between the two countries in run-off showed Turkey had little chance of beating its European rival.
During the 69th session of the UN General Assembly in New York on Thursday, five non-permanent seats on the UNSC were to be distributed to candidate nations for two years, beginning from Jan. 1, 2015.
All eyes were on the tight race between New Zealand, Spain and Turkey. Other seats were allocated to Angola, Malaysia and Venezuela, who faced no competition from other states.
Turkey lobbied heavily for this year's competition, but could gain only 60 votes. Spain secured 132 votes to win the UN's most prestigious seat.
Turkish journalist briefly detained for tweets in first 'reasonable doubt' raid: Lawyer
Harriyetdailynews.com, October 17, 2014, https://www.hurriyetdailynews.
A journalist was briefly detained in southern Turkey over his tweets criticizing the government, in the first police raid that a court has warranted using the controversial new “reasonable doubt” regulation, his lawyer claimed on Oct. 17.
Aytekin Gezici, a journalist based in the southern province of Adana, was detained at his home in the morning, Cihan News Agency reported.
Sinan Sivri, a judge at a Criminal Court of Peace in Adana, issued a search warrant for the police raid, citing “reasonable doubt” for seizing “possible criminal property,” according to the report.
USAK Expert Elmas: Turkey's EU politics are well beyond the membership
Turkishweekly.net, October 17, 2014, https://www.turkishweekly.net/
Turkey's adoption of new EU strategy is promising, experts agree.
In a pro-active approach, Turkey's Ministry of EU Affairs recently announced a new strategy to speed up the country's Union accession bid.
"Prioritising Turkey's interests and the benefits for its citizens, the new strategy will lead to a boost in the reform process and establishment of new communication channels between Turkey and the EU facing common challenges," the ministry of EU affairs said in a statement.
Experts said it is promising that Turkey is taking steps to put its EU membership process on track by defining the Union as a strategic partner and adopting new strategies. Turkish authorities also promise to communicate the EU membership process to the public to avoid misconceptions of the EU agenda or the reform process.
Ska Keller, a member of the European Parliament's Green Group, welcomed the strategy and called on Ankara to speed up the reforms.
News from Azerbaijani Sources
Artur Rasizade: No solution to Nagorno-Karabakh conflict except within territorial integrity
Apa.az, October 16, 2014, https://en.apa.az/news/217742
Azerbaijani Prime Minister Artur Rasizade has met with representatives of an international conference on the subject of “New opportunities in the development of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway line—the historical Silk Road”.
At the meeting, attended by the transport ministers of Azerbaijan, Turkey, Georgia, and Afghanistan, as well as the heads of relevant authorities of Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania, Croatia, Kazakhstan and other countries, Artur Rasizade touched upon the key role that the North South and the East West transport corridors play in the common geopolitical map of the region, the press service of the Cabinet of Ministers told APA.
The prime minister reminded the guests of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, stressing that Armenia’s aggressive intentions are an obstacle to regional cooperation and the implementation of joint projects. He also added that there’s no solution to the conflict except in compliance with the norms of international law, inviolability of borders, and territorial integrity.
Azerbaijani Parliament Speaker: European Parliament hasn’t passed decision on establishment of friendship group with so-called “NKR”
Apa.az, October 17, 2014, https://en.apa.az/xeber_
At today’s parliamentary meeting, MP Ganira Pashayeva has put forward a proposal to adopt a law regarding the occupied territories of Azerbaijan, noting the adoption of such a law in Georgia, APA reports.
Pashayeva said the bill should envisage a travel ban to Azerbaijan for persons, company representatives, foreign parliamentarians, who made illegal visits to Azerbaijan’s occupied territories. She mentioned that this is a topical issue in the background of the establishment of a friendship group with the so-called Nagorno-Karabakh Republic in the European Parliament.
“I gave instructions in order to check the accuracy of information and it was said that such a decision hasn’t been passed officially. The European Parliament hasn’t passed a decision on establishment of a friendship group with the so-called Nagorno-Karabakh Republic”, he said.