Deepening EU-Armenia relations is important for us – Estonian representative
News.am, October 20, 2014, https://news.am/eng/news/
Estonia has always supported the European Union (EU) Eastern Partnership program.
Marge Mardisalu-Kahar, the Director at Estonian Center of Eastern Partnership, stated the above-said at a two-day seminar, which kicked off Monday in Armenia’s capital city of Yerevan, to discuss the EU-related issues and EU-funded activities in Armenia.
“It’s important for us that the EU-Armenia relations grow deeper,” Mardisalu-Kahar added.
Armenia-based Regional Studies Center Director, political analyst Richard Giragosian stated, for his part, that he believed that not enough work has been done to explain what the EU Association Agreement really is.
General News on Armenia
Armenian prime minister to travel to Iran today
Aysor.am, October 20, 2014, https://www.aysor.am/en/news/
Armenian Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan will go on a two-day official visit to Iran today at the invitation of First Vice President of Iran Eshaq Jahangiri, according to the press service of the Armenian government.
Hovik Abrahamyan will meet today with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, First Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri, and Speaker of the Iranian parliament Ali Larijani.
Tomorrow the Armenian prime minister is expected to meet with Governor General of Isfahan province Rasoul Zargarpour and members of the Armenian community. The Armenian delegation will attend an event to mark the 350th anniversary of the Saint Hovsep Church in Nor Jugha (New Julfa).
New power transmission Line to be constructed between Iran, Armenia
Armradio.am, October 20, 2014, https://www.armradio.am/en/
The Iranian and Armenian energy ministers agreed on the construction of a new power transmission line from Armenia to Iran in line with the two country’s efforts to boost energy ties, Tansim News Agency reports.
In one-hour closed-door meeting in Tehran on Saturday evening, Hamid Chitchian and his Armenian counterpart Yervand Zakharyan held talks on ways to boost electricity for gas trade, based on which Iran supplies gas to Armenia and receives electricity.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Chitchian said during the talks it was agreed that the third power transmission line between the two countries and two hydroelectric power plants be constructed in a bid to increase the potential for energy exchange.
He said that over the past two decades, the two countries have had good cooperation in the area of energy and the Saturday meeting was an emphasis on the continued cooperation between Iran and Armenia.
Armenia local government elections held in 14 communities
News.am, October 20, 2014, https://news.am/eng/news/
Local government elections were held Sunday in fourteen communities of Armenia’s eight regions.
Armenian News-NEWS.am has learned from the Central Electoral Commission that solely 2,724 of the 6,121 eligible voters cast their ballots in Nerkin Getashen village of the Gegharkunik Region, where ruling Republican Party member, serving village prefect Karo Gevorgyan came out the winner.
A total of 993 from the 1,996 eligible voters turned to the election in Ddmashen village of the same region, where Avetis Avetisyan was elected prefect.
In Makenis village, however, there was only one candidate: non-pro-government Prosperous Armenia Party member Harutyun Manukyan.
In addition, local government elections were also conducted in several communities of the Armavir, Kotayk, Vayots Dzor, Gegharkunik, Lori, Shirak, Aragatsotn, and Ararat Regions.
Trio to specify agenda, priorities, programs before next rally – Raffi Hovannisian
Tert.am, October 19, 2014, https://www.tert.am/en/news/
The agenda, aims, priority steps and programs need to be specified before the three non-coalition forces’ next rally, Chairman of the Heritage party Raffi Hovannisian told Tert.am.
“I hope that the coming week will allow it to be done. It is necessary not only for the Armenian people demanding changes that will gather there, but also for me as a citizen,” he added.
As regards the possibility of the Heritage party leaving the trio, Mr Hovannisian said that none of the three non-coalition forces intends to terminate cooperation.
“The cooperation will continue and we will see how well it can offer an agenda and a comprehensive program to Armenian citizens, who are looking forward to a change of power, early parliamentary and presidential elections.”
Anti-Government Activists Sentenced
Azatutyun.am, October 17, 2014, https://www.azatutyun.am/
A court in Yerevan on Friday handed prison sentences ranging from 1 to 7 years to a prominent political activist and 11 other men who were arrested while clashing with riot police during a violent anti-government demonstration last year.
Another, 15-year-old defendant, who avoided pre-trial arrest, received a suspended 4-year sentence on the same charges of “hooliganism” which Armenian human rights campaigners and some opposition groups regard as politically motivated.
The defendants led by Shant Harutiunian, a veteran nationalist activist, were among several dozen protesters who tried to march towards President Serzh Sarkisian’s offices in what their flamboyant leader called a “revolution of values.” Police used force to stop the crowd armed with sticks and homemade stun grenades from approaching the presidential palace after rallying in Yerevan’s Liberty Square to denounce a government which they consider corrupt and undemocratic.
Armenia's National Assembly four-day sessions kick off
Armenpress.am, October 20, 2014, https://armenpress.am/eng/
The four-day sessions launched in the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia. As reports “Armenpress”, 121 deputies of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia have been registered. 119 issues and 26 international agreements have been included in the draft decision on the agenda of the four-day session.
Previously it was reported that a working consultation of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia took place on October 17. The consultation was chaired by the President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia Galust Sahakyan. The Information and Public Relations Department of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia informed “Armenpress” that 119 issues and 26 international agreements have been included in the draft decision on the agenda of the upcoming four-day session of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia.
Government Refuses To Compensate Crime Victims
Azatutyun.am, October 17, 2014, https://www.azatutyun.am/
The Armenian government caused the opposition minority in parliament to withdraw on Friday a bill that would require it compensate victims of violent crimes and their relatives.
The bill sponsored by the opposition Armenian National Congress (HAK) is primarily aimed at compensating the families of ten people killed in post-election violence in Yerevan in March 2008.
Eight of those victims were supporters of HAK Levon Ter-Petrosian who took to the streets in to protest against alleged vote rigging. The two others were interior troop servicemen killed in vicious clashes with opposition protesters. Nobody has been prosecuted in connection with those deaths to date.
The government argued against such compensation in a written conclusion submitted to the Armenian parliament committee on legal affairs. Hovannes Sahakian, the committee chairman, also spoke out against the bill, citing the lack of public funds. Speaking during committee hearings, Sahakian made clear that the parliament’s pro-government majority will block its passage.
General News on Karabakh
Azerbaijan violated ceasefire regime for about 550 times
Armenpress.am, October 18, 2014, https://armenpress.am/eng/news/
In accordance with the operative data of the Defense Army of Nagorno Karabakh Republic, within the period ranging from October 12 to October 18, the rival violated the ceasefire regime for about 550 times on the line of contact of Karabakh-Azerbaijani opposing armies. More than 5000 bullets were fired towards our troops during this period.
As reports “Armenpress” citing the website of the Ministry of Defense of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, the front units of the Defense Army remained loyal to the ceasefire regime and confidently carried out their military duty.
OSCE MG Co-Chairs’ visit: Sargsyan-Aliyev meeting at focus
Panarmenian.net, October 18, 2014, https://www.panarmenian.net/
The Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group from the Russian Federation and France (Ambassador Igor Popov and Ambassador Pierre Andrieu) traveled to the region this week to meet with government leaders and participate in an OSCE Monitoring Mission on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border. The Co-Chairs were joined by the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Ambassador Andrzej Kasprzyk. U.S. Co-Chair Ambassador James Warlick could not attend for personal reasons, but the U.S. side was represented on the trip.
In Baku, the Co-Chairs met with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, and in Yerevan, they met with Armenian President Serzh Sargsian. In Yerevan, they also had consultations with Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian. In both capitals, the Co-Chairs discussed preparations for the upcoming summit hosted by French President Francois Hollande later this month in Paris. The Co-Chairs recounted the recent meetings of the Presidents in Sochi and Wales, and noted the stabilization of the situation along the Line of Contact and border after the increase in violence this summer. They also expressed hope that recent ceasefire violations would not escalate.
Armenia, Artsakh mull ways of strengthening cooperation in telecommunication
Armradio.am, October 20, 2014, https://www.armradio.am/en/
On 20 October Artsakh Republic President Bako Sahakyan was present at the opening of the “Paths of Strengthening Cooperation between Television and Radio Companies of the Republic of Armenia and the Nagorno Karabagh Republic and Further Development of the Sphere” conference launched in capital Stepanakert, Central Information Department of the Office of the NKR President reported.
In his welcoming speech President Sahakyan underlined that the telecommunications were among the key components of the country’s socioeconomic and security systems related to almost all the spheres of life.
Referring to the current problems of the field, the Head of the State stressed the necessity of continuous modernization of the technical base, preparation and training of professional cadres, carrying implementation of serious ideological work, adding that the issues concerning telecommunications would continue to be at the spotlight of the authorities.
Artsakh’s Speaker of Parliament Visits ANC of Europe
Asbarez.com, October 17, 2014, https://asbarez.com/127989/
Artsakh National Assembly Speaker Ashot Ghulian paid a visit to the European Armenian Federation for Justice and Democracy (ANC of Europe) offices Friday and held a meeting with representatives from the Armenian Revolutionary Federation – Belgium, Armenian National Committee of Belgium, Hamazkayin Cultural Association, Homenetmen Athletics Union, Armenian Youth Federation, Armenian Relief Society, and the EAFJD. Present were Armenian Relief Society (ARS) Central Board Chairwoman Vicky Marachelian and Board Member Liza Avakian, as well as Anna Astvatsaturain Turcotte, author of “Nowhere, A Story of Exile.” Ghulian was accompanied by diplomats Armine Aleksanyan and Vardan Barseghian.
In the meeting which lasted around two hours, Ghulian explained in detail the current challenges facing the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh, as well as the achievements and progress made in the last 20 years in state-building, democracy and economy.
Armenian refugee from Azerbaijan founded successful business in Karabakh
News.am, October 19, 2014, https://news.am/eng/news/
Armenian refugee from Azerbaijan Eric Mkrtumyan founded canned fruits and vegetables production line in Nagorno Karabakh, Armenian News - NEWS.am reports.
The entire production is exported to Russia, Mkrtumyan said. According to him, the Artsakh Berry enterprise that he founded three years ago to produce solely grenadine juice, currently employs 27 people and has wide variety of canned fruits and vegetables, including mulberry, wild berries, and canned roasted tomatoes.
The company owner said that Artsakh Berry already purchases raw produce from several hundred farmers from different regions of Karabakh.
“We accept produce from May until the end of November. For example, now we have late eggplant. We try to accept as much produce as possible and even have a small production of dried fruits,” added Eric Mkrtumyan.
News from International Sources
Azerbaijan: Hearing Set in Prominent Activist’s Case
Human Rights Watch, October 18, 2014, https://www.hrw.org/news/2014/
A hearing on whether to extend the pretrial detention of an outspoken Azerbaijani activist is expected during the week of October 20, 2014, Human Rights Watch said today. Leyla Yunus, who is in ailing health, has been held since July 30 and her husband, Arif, also ailing, since August 5, both on politically motivated charges.
The Azerbaijan authorities should immediately release both the Yunuses and drop the charges against them, Human Rights Watch said. The government should investigate Leyla Yunus’s allegations of ill-treatment in custody and hold those responsible accountable.
After its failure to win a Security Council seat, Turkey must draw lessons
Commonspace.eu, October 17, 2014, https://www.commonspace.eu/eng/
Turkey has lost its bid to win a seat on the United Nations Security Council. Voting to choose five non-permanent members of the Council for the next two years took place on Thursday at the UN General Assembly in New York under a complex system that saw Turkey fighting it out with Spain and New Zealand for one of the two seats allocated to the group called "Western European and others". All 193 member states get to vote. New Zealand got elected outright in the first round. After an inconclusive second round, Spain got elected in the third round with 132 votes against 60 for Turkey. It is this huge gap which will worry Turkish diplomacy most. Since Turkish diplomats were confidant of success in their bid, something clearly went wrong.
Turkey had announced its intention to stand for the Security Council several years ago and had systematically lobbied for this. The Turkish candidature was endorsed by the fifty-seven members of the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation (OIC) at the 39th session of the Council of Ministers held in Djibouti in November 2012. Turkey lobbied extensively with African countries, where Turkish diplomacy has been very active in recent years. It always assumed it had the support of the Turkic republics of Central Asia. The result of the vote therefore was not only a disappointment for Turkey, but a surprise to other diplomatic observers too.
News on Turkey
Court should request Dink murder documents from military: Turkish intelligence
Harriyetdailynews.com, October 17, 2014, https://www.hurriyetdailynews.
Turkey’s national intelligence agency (MİT) has referred a court to the country’s top military body to learn whether intelligence documents related to the Hrant Dink murder were classified as a state secret.
Turkish-Armenian journalist Hr
The court had earlier twice asked the MİT about the “top-secret” and “secret” documents that the spy agency had sent to Parliament’s Coup Research Commission. The MİT did not give a clear answer whether the documents constitute a state secret, only stressing that they included “claims.”
The MİT answered the question more directly in the Oct. 17 session. “It would be appropriate to ask the General Staff whether the requested information was state secrets or not,” it said. The Dink family’s lawyer, meanwhile, said the documents should be released. “The documents that the MİT sent to Parliament should be given to us too,” lawyer Hakan Bakırcıoğlu said.
Robertson to Launch Book on Armenian Genocide at National Press Club
Armenian National Committee of Australia, October 18, 2014, https://www.anc.org.au/news/
The Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC Australia) reports that leading human rights lawyer, Geoffrey Robertson QC, will be launching his latest publication at the National Press Club in Canberra.
"The Inconvenient Genocide: Who now remembers the Armenians", published by Random House, is a groundbreaking publication where Geoffrey Robertson presents a compelling argument based on fact, evidence and his knowledge and expertise of international law, proving beyond reasonable doubt that the horrific events that occurred in 1915 do indeed constitute genocide.
Robertson is a leading human rights lawyer and a UN war-crimes judge. He has been Counsel in many notable Old Bailey trials, has defended hundreds of people facing death sentences in the Caribbean, and has won landmark rulings on civil liberty from the highest courts in Britain, Europe and the Commonwealth. Robertson is the Head of Doughty Street Chambers, a Master of the Middle Temple, a Recorder and visiting professor at Queen Mary College, University of London.
US air-drops weapons for Kurds near Kobani after Turkish objection
Todayszaman.com, October 20, 2014, https://www.todayszaman.com/
The US military said it had air-dropped arms to Syrian rebels fighting Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) militants near Kobani on Sunday inwhat appeared to be the Pentagon's first public acknowledgment it has delivered lethal aid to the rebels.
The US statement came a day after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan opposed US arms transfers to the Syrian Kurds, saying the main group in Kobani, the Democratic Union Party (PYD), is a terrorist group that is no different than the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).
The US Central Command said it had delivered weapons, ammunition and medical supplies to the Syrian rebels who for weeks have sought to stave off an onslaught by ISIL fighters that have overrun swathes of Syria and Iraq this year.
Crisis cost 5 million jobs in Europe as Turkey boosted employment
Harriyetdailynews.com, October 20, 2014, https://www.hurriyetdailynews.
Around 5 million Europeans lost their jobs between 2008 and 2014 due to the global crisis, figures show. Turkish employment, meanwhile, is on the rise.
The global crisis is behind us, almost six years on. Even though the epicenter was the United States, the European Union also caught fire immediately during the crisis. The U.S. is attempting to stand on its feet after the half-dozen years that have passed, but it is not easy to say the same thing yet for the EU.
For the 28-member EU, various countries were affected to varying degrees. Some members were heavily wounded, such as Spain and Italy. Germany, on the other hand, which is considered the leader of the union, is in a relatively good situation, and one could even say it grew stronger during the crisis. The United Kingdom is trying to recover with difficulty. However, the big picture tells us that the EU is going through recession and the light at the end of the tunnel has yet to appear.
News from Azerbaijani Sources
Parliament urged to actively engage in bringing Nagorno-Karabakh truth to world
Azernews.az, October 20, 2014, https://www.azernews.az/
Azerbaijani MP has offered to appeal to the parliaments of several countries in connection with the violent settling of Azerbaijan's occupied Nagorno-Karabakh region by Armenia.
Addressing the autumn session of the parliament, Musa Gasimli said it is necessary to send letters to international parliamentary organizations and each member of the parliamentary friendship groups on the occupation of Azerbaijani territories by Armenia, forced settlement of Nagorno-Karabakh region, other illegal activities of Armenia and ask to raise these issues in their respective parliaments.