Armenia and Moldova commit to stepping up cooperation with European Environment Agency
EU Neighbourhood Info Center, October 09, 2014, https://www.enpi-info.eu/
Armenia and Moldova are the latest countries to sign a Letter of Intent with the European Environment Agency (EEA) on the implementation of a Shared Environmental Information System (SEIS), according to a press release from the ENPI SEIS project.
Armenia signed the Letter of Intent in July and Moldova in September. The decision to formalise the cooperation with the EEA was taken at national workshops conducted in the first half of 2014. They join Georgia and Belarus, which formalised their cooperation with the EEA in the first trimester of 2014.
Currently, the EEA and Armenia are developing an ENPI-SEIS pilot project: SEIS Lake Sevan. This pilot project aims at developing and testing a model/mechanism to allow the integration of environmental data from a variety of sources, as a step towards regular data sharing among key partners at national level.
EU-Armenia Relations
President Receives President of EU-Armenia Friendship Group Eleni Theocharous
President.am, October 09, 2014, https://www.president.am/en/
Today President Serzh Sargsyan received the member of the European Parliament, the President of the European Union-Armenia Friendship Group Eleni Theocharous.
Welcoming the guest, the president underscored that such meetings provide a good opportunity to discuss prospects of developing the Armenia-European Union relations and to touch upon issues of mutual concern. Serzh Sargsyan highly appreciated the activity of the European Parliament-Armenia Friendship Group aimed at deepening the relations between Armenia and the European Union and raising issues that are of concern to Armenia in the European Parliament. The president also attached great value to Mrs. Eleni Theocharous’s personal contribution to all that, thanked her and all the members of the friendship group for their active, impartial and persistent activities.
Serzh Sargsyan also laid emphasis on the visits of Mrs. Theocharous to Artsakh and underscored that she is among those members of the European Parliament who has formed her own opinion on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, its background and the present of the Artsakh people which, according to the president, bears testimony to Mrs. Theocharous’s devotion to the European democratic values.
Eleni Theocharous assured that the European Union-Armenia Friendship Group will continue its active work for the benefit of Armenia and the Armenian people.
Armenian-Greek military cooperation plan for 2015 signed
Aysor.am, October 09, 2014, https://www.aysor.am/en/news/
Annual consultations with the participation of representatives of Armenian Defense Ministry’s Defense Policy Department and the Department for International Cooperation of the Hellenic National Defense General Staff took place on October 7-8 at Defense Ministry of Armenia.
The current state and development prospects of Armenian-Greek military cooperation were discussed, the ministry’s press service reported.
First Deputy Defense Minister of Armenia David Tonoyan received the Head of the Department for International Cooperation of the Hellenic National Defense General Staff Gen. Alexandros Diakopoulos. The results of consultations were summarized at the meeting.
The 2015 plan of Armenian-Greek military cooperation was signed during the Greek delegation’s visit to Armenia.
General News on Armenia
IOC Chief promises safety to Armenian athletes at Baku Games
Armradio.am, October 09, 2014, https://www.armradio.am/en/
President Serzh Sargsyan received a delegation headed by the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Thomas Bach who has arrived in the Republic of Armenia on a working visit. The delegation included the President of the European Olympic Committee (EOC) Patrick Hickey and a number of IOC officials.
The Armenian President welcomed the guests and expressed confidence that the visit of the IOC President to Armenia will give a new stimulus to development of sports in Armenia.
Both the RA President and the IOC President praised Armenian athletes whose achievements make Armenia and our people more recognizable all over the world. In that context, Thomas Bach was pleased to note that seeing a huge army of Armenian Olympic champions greeting him in Zvartnots International Airport he had at once made himself at home. He also thanked the Armenian President for the warm reception.
At the meeting, the IOC President presented the preparatory works of the European Olympic Games to be held next year and the negotiations with the host country aimed at organizing the games properly and in an atmosphere of tolerance. Thomas Bach assured that both the IOC and the EOC will make every effort so that the results of the negotiations satisfy Armenia and the Armenian people and to create the necessary conditions for Armenian athletes and their trainers in the host country.
Names of candidates to present Armenia in the ECHR are announced
Times.am, October 08, 2014, https://www.times.am/?p=96334&
Names of three candidates to represent the Republic of Armenia in the Euroepan Court of Human Rights (ECHR) are already announced.
As the competitive commission staff informed, here are the names of the candidates according to the session conclusion: Armen Shura Harutyunyan, Arayik Garnik Ghazaryan and Nelik Nikoghos Harutyunyan.
These candidates have won the competition of lawyers' choice announced by the Armenian President.
Armenia PM to pay working visit to US
News.am, October 09, 2014, https://news.am/eng/news/
An Armenian delegation, led by Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan, will travel to the United States (US) on a working visit from Friday to Sunday.
In Washington D.C., the PM will participate in the annual plenary session of the World Bank (WB) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), informed the Press Office of the Government of Armenia.
In addition, bilateral talks are expected with the leaders of the WB, the IMF, and several other international financial institutions.
At the Embassy of Armenia, the delegation will be on hand at the reception devoted to the anniversary of the independence of Armenia, and the Premier also will meet with representatives of the Armenian community.
Chief Prosecutor Orders Probe Of Attack On Journalist
Azatutyun.am, October 09, 2014, https://www.azatutyun.am/
Prosecutor-General Gevorg Kostanian on Wednesday ordered an Armenia law-enforcement agency to launch criminal proceedings in connection with a recent assault on a journalist carried out by a senior security official.
Marine Khachatrian, a correspondent for the A1+ TV station and online news service, was attacked by the chief of the Armenian parliament’s security service, Karen Hayrapetian, as she covered a small demonstration staged outside the National Assembly building in Yerevan on September 9.
Video of the incident showed Hayrapetian slapping Khachatrian in the hand after he and other security guards tore off a big poster which a group of civic activists put on the railings of the parliament compound. The female journalist dropped her video camera as a result.
Thousands Attend Opposition Rally In Gyumri
Azatutyun.am, October 08, 2014, https://www.azatutyun.am/
Armenia’s three main opposition parties rallied thousands of supporters in Gyumri on Wednesday, ending a two-week regional tour aimed at drumming up popular support for their larger anti-government protests planned in Yerevan.
The Prosperous Armenia (BHK), Armenian National Congress (AHK) and Zharangutyun parties again made clear that “regime change” is main aim of their joint campaign. Senior BHK figures reiterated in that regard that their party, the second largest in parliament, is now officially seeking to end President Serzh Sarkisian’s rule.
“I said it [on Monday] and am now repeating that this government must go,” the BHK’s Naira Zohrabian told the crowd that gathered in a central Gyumri square. “We must not allow this government to cling to power for 10 more years with constitutional amendments. This must be the common agenda uniting you and us.”
Azerbaijani forces open fire at Armenian villager; criminal case filed
Panorama.am, October 08, 2014, https://www.panorama.am/en/
Armenia’s Investigation Committee filed a criminal case over attempted murder of an Armenian villager by Azerbaijani forces out of ethnic, racial or religious hatred, the Investigation Committee’s press service said.
At around 2:00 pm local time on October 2, a 25-year-old resident of Choratan village, in Tavush province of Armenia, was in Nerkin Shen area, near the village, with his ZIL-130 truck, to transport sand for the construction of his house, when shots were fired at him and his truck by the Azerbaijani forces. The vehicle was damaged as a result of the shooting.
A criminal case was opened. An investigation is underway.
General News on Karabakh
French-German reconciliation practice may also be applied in Caucasus, Ambassador says
Mediamax.am, October 09, 2014, https://www.mediamax.am/en/
German Ambassador to Armenia Rainer Morel said today, France-Germany reconciliation after the World Wars I and II may be a good example for settlement of conflicts in the South Caucasus.
The Ambassador said this addressing a speech during “From Loss of Peace to Establishment of European Union” conference dedicated to the World War I Centennial in the Yerevan State University, Mediamax reports.
“Europe’s biggest lesson learnt from the World War I is that all the conflicts should be settled a peaceful way. Mutual concessions are the beginning for friendly relations among the states and France-Germany reconciliation practice was one vivid example of it. This European peacebuilding practice can also be applicable to South Caucasus”, said the Ambassador answering Mediamax’s question.
According to Rainer Morel, the will of the conflicting sides is needed to reach peace and that will “should be dictated not only from the top (the country’s leadership- edit.) but the bottom”.
PACE decision on Karabakh in line with Azerbaijani policies – Karabakh Foreign Ministry
Tert.am, October 09, 2014, https://www.tert.am/en/news/
The Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly’s (PACE) recent decision on Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) is fully in line with the Azerbaijani polices aimed at disrupting the OSCE Minsk Group efforts, a sNagorno-Karabakh Foreign Ministry said in comments to Tert.am.
How would you comment on the PACE decision to prepare a report titled "Escalation of Violence in Nagorno-Karabakh and Other Occupied Territories of Azerbaijan"?
We evaluate as negative the PACE's recent decision to prepare a report titled "Escalation of Violence in Nagorno-Karabakh and Other Occupied Territories of Azerbaijan". This decision as well as PACE Resolution 1416 adopted in 2005, which also contains inadmissible wordings, are used purely for propaganda purposes, and fully fit in the Azerbaijani policy aimed at undermining the activities of the OSCE Minsk Group. It is obvious that neither the mentioned report nor the resolution to be adopted on its basis are likely to have any political implications, as the OSCE Minsk Group is the only format accepted by the international community, including PACE, which deals with the peaceful settlement of the conflict between Azerbaijan and Nagorno Karabakh.
Do you consider PACE Rapporteur's visit to Artsakh probable?
If the rapporteur insists on his intention to prepare an unbiased report, it is logical that he should visit Artsakh. The NKR authorities will adopt a decision on his visit once such a request is made.
OSCE monitoring to be conducted
Armenpress.am, October 08, 2014, https://armenpress.am/eng/news/
Under the mandate of the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, monitoring will be conducted on the contact line of the Armenian-Azerbaijani forces. As reports “Armenpress”, the monitoring will be conducted near Ashaghi Veysalli village of Fuzuli on October 9. On the Armenian side of the contact line the monitoring will be conducted by Hristo Hristov and Jiri Aberle, field assistants of the Personal Representative of the OSCE chairman-in-office. On the Azerbaijani side, the monitoring will be conducted by Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office Anjey Kaspshik and his field assistants Evgeny Sharov and Peter Svedberg.
Defense Minister meets former captive Injighulyan
Panarmenian.am, October 08, 2014, https://www.panarmenian.net/
Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan met former captive Hakob Injighulyan and his family.
At the meeting, Ohanyan thanked Injighulyan for courage and patriotism, while the soldier recalled the inhumane attitude, psychological and physical pressure he faced while Azeri captivity.
The Minister further expressed hope for Injighulyan's fast recovery and slammed Azeri leadership's base methods in forcing captives to refuse from returning to their homeland.
He further praised Injighulyan for discrediting Azeri policy of pressure and death threats with his well-considered steps as well as his willingness to continue military service, Defense Ministry press service said.
Hakob Injighulyan, an Armenian citizen and an army conscript, failed to find his bearings on the ground and crossed into the Azeri-controlled territory on the night of August 8, 2013.
Azeri media outlets have since been spreading information suggesting the captive is unwilling to return to Armenia.
News from International Sources
Turkish action against IS in Syria 'unrealistic'
BBC.com, October 09, 2014, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-
Turkey's foreign minister says it cannot be expected to lead a ground operation against Islamic State (IS) militants in Syria on its own.
Mevlut Cavusoglu also called for the creation of a no-fly zone over its border with Syria after talks in Ankara with new Nato chief Jens Stoltenberg.
Turkey is under intense pressure to do more to help Kurdish forces fighting IS in the strategic Syrian town of Kobane.
Activists say IS now controls about a third of Kobane after fierce fighting.
Monitoring group the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, quoting "reliable sources", said IS was advancing towards the centre of the town from eastern districts.
Azerbaijani and Armenian presidents to meet in Paris on October 27
Vestnikkavkaza.net, October 09, 2014, https://vestnikkavkaza.net/
French Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador to Armenia Henri Reynaud said that French President Francois Hollande had proposed to host a meeting of Armenian and Azerbaijani Presidents Serzh Sargsyan and Ilham Aliyev in Paris on October 27, News Armenia reports.
In his words, the meeting will stimulate negotiations based on the principles of territorial integrity, the right to self-determination and non-use of force. He added that tge two other co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group will also be present at the meeting.
News on Turkey
ANCA Urges Obama to Challenge Turkey’s Support For ISIS
Asbarez.com, October 08, 2014, https://asbarez.com/127749/
The Armenian National Committee of Americajoined growing calls for U.S. leadership in challenging Turkey’s manipulation of the Syria crisis, through direct and indirect support for ISIS, as part of its century-long genocidal drive to weaken or destroy Kurds, Armenians, Arabs, Assyrians, Alawites, and other ethnic minorities within or near its borders.
In a letter sent to the White House Wednesday, ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian urged President Obama to continue fighting ISIS militants, but noted that the international community cannot stop there, saying that the U.S. must, “in equal measure, forcefully confront Turkey, a treaty ally, that is using these terrorists as surrogate soldiers in a neo-Ottoman drive to destroy minorities, grow its regional influence and expand its borders – all at the expense of U.S. interests and counter to the core values of the American people.”
Expressing regret over Vice-President Biden’s recent “forced” apology to Turkey for speaking truthfully about the Erdogan regime’s destabilization of the region, Hachikian stated, “Mr. President, we need not lie for Turkey; nor are we obliged to passively accept its transparently false denials. Rather than turning a blind eye to Ankara’s ongoing aggression – in Kobane, Der Zor, Aleppo, Kessab and across northern Syria – we should press for a halt to Turkish support for ISIS, an end to its interference in Syria, and the unconditional opening of its border.”
EU: Hate rhetoric by Turkish media targeted Christians, Armenians, Jews
News.am, October 09, 2014, https://news.am/eng/news/
European Commission issued 2014 progress report on Turkey which, among other issues, mentioned the Armenian protocols and rights of minorities.
The report says on the eve of the 99th anniversary of the events in 1915, Turkey's Prime Minister Erdogan issued the first ever message of condolence to the descendants of Armenians killed or deported.
“The protocols signed in 2009 to normalise relations with Armenia are still not ratified,” the document reads.
It is mentioned that initiatives to mark ‘Armenian Genocide Commemoration Day’ took place peacefully on 24 April in Istanbul and five other provinces.
The report also presents the state of religious and ethnic minorities in Turkey.
“Hate rhetoric by some media targeted Christians, Armenians, Jews and to a lesser extent other non-Muslims and Kurds. Alevis community perception is that they are subject to discriminatory language, including by members of the government,” the document reads.
Turkish PM blames opposition, world powers as protest death toll rises
Harriyetdailynews.com, October 08, 2014, https://www.hurriyetdailynews.
Prime Minister Davutoğlu has pointed the finger at opposition parties and the UN Security Council's permanent members following Turkey's worst street unrest in years. The death toll in the anti-ISIL protests has risen to 21 as Turkey's refugee problem - and border troubles - worsen
Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu has defended his government on its policies on Syria, as the death toll in the worst street unrest in Turkey's recent past hit 22.
"The ones who were silent in the face of the death of 300,000 people in the past 3.5 years, ignoring the use of chemical weapons, SCUD missiles and barrel bombs [in Syria], are suddenly putting an effort to create an international perception as if Turkey must immediately solve the problem in Kobane itself," Davutoğlu said Oct. 8 following a security summit in Ankara.
He particularly pointed at Turkey's opposition parties, as well as the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council.
Davutoğlu also declared calls to hold rallies in support of Kobane to be "against democracy."
EU report criticizes Turkey over judicial independence, press freedom
Todayszaman.com, October 08, 2014, https://www.todayszaman.com/
The European Union has strongly criticized the way the Turkish government handled allegations of corruption in December 2013, expressing concerns about the independence of the judiciary and increased pressure on the media.
In its annual progress report released on Wednesday, the EU said “the response of the government following allegations of corruption in December 2013 has given rise to serious concerns regarding the independence of the judiciary and separation of powers.”
“The widespread reassignments and dismissals of police officers, judges and prosecutors, despite the government's claim that these were not linked to the anti-corruption case, have impacted on the effective functioning of the relevant institutions, and raise questions as to the way procedures were used to formalise these,” the report added.
The EU underlined that “it is crucial that the investigations into corruption allegations are properly conducted in full transparency and the operational capabilities of the judiciary and the police are assured.”
News from Azerbaijani Sources
Azerbaijani President: "If Armenia once again resort to provocations, once again will get decent answer"
Apa.az, October 09, 2014, https://en.apa.az/xeber_
"There are several reasons for the massive leaving of Armenians the country: corruption, dictatorship, limiting business opportunities, unemployment, and poverty"
Baku - APA. "Unfortunately, this year has not been any progress in the settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The main reason for this is non-constructive and insincere behavior of the Armenian side. Armenia is trying to tighten the issue as much as possible and leave the status quo unchanged", President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev said at the meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers dedicated to the results of socioeconomic development in nine months of 2014 and objectives for the future, on October 8,APA reports.
… The Head of State noted that from an economic point of view to compare Armenia with Azerbaijan is impossible: "Azerbaijan is affluent, growing, independent state. Of course, the balance of forces is changing and will change in our favor. Gap between us even more deepen. There are no factors for the successful development of Armenia. Since the country is experiencing a recession. The more the Armenian criminal dictatorship reigns mode, the faster this country completely lost its independence. And now it is impossible to call Armenia as an independent country. We also develop. We have plenty of opportunities and the economic and political points of view…"