By Adonia Agayan
YEREVAN, December 30 — “Don’t build your imperialistic plans at the expense of others’ sufferings,” said Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu addressing to the French Senate on the possible affirmation of the bill passed by the National Assembly on the criminalizing of the denial of the Armenian Genocide recognized by France.
In his speech made yesterday Davutoglu referred to the Armenian people stating that all Armenians have been the neighbors of Turks and shared the same territory. “We will share their pain, if they also respect ours,” he said adding that only “fair memory” can help resolve issues concerning the events of 1915. “Every nation considers their sufferings unique. We are ready to understand the sufferings of them all, because we have suffered the most. We respect our neighbors. We call them upon sharing the common pain. To expect people will forget their own pain and declare themselves guilty since their “birth” without giving them an opportunity of self-defense is but unacceptable. “The common history doesn’t suppose the consideration of one nation’s sufferings and neglecting that of the other one,” he said.
Yerevan Report
By Adonia Agayan
YEREVAN, December 30 — The newly appointed head coach of the Iranian Persepolis Mustafa Denizli is by turns getting rid of all the representatives of the Republic of Armenia. He firstly got rid of Samvel Melqonyan, the former midfielder of the national team of the Republic of Armenia, who was going to sign a contract with the Iranian team. He then refused the services of the goalkeeper coach Harutyun Abrahamyan.
“Despite the fact about hundred years have passed since 1915; Denizli is still under the influence of the history. I work in Iran, just like he does. We both don’t work in Turkey. So I consider such an attitude towards me unacceptable. I’ll raise this issue,” Abrahamyan said.
Yerevan Report
By Adonia Agayan
YEREVAN, December 30 — Turkish scholar, professor at Clark University in Massachusetts Taner Akcam criticized Turkey’s decision of imposing sanctions on France as a protest against the passing of the bill criminalizing the denial of the Armenian genocide recognized by French law.
“All these measures resemble a comedian. Unfortunately, Turkey disgraces itself. Previously, in 2001 and 2006 Turkey recalled its ambassador to Turkey and the send him back,” Akcam reminded. As the Turkish scholar said Ankara has to one day give up acting in such a ridiculous way. By acting like that Turkey seems to be sending a message to the world, “If I need I’ll commit genocide, it’s not your business.”
Yerevan Report
By Adonia Agayan
YEREVAN, December 30 — “Nagorno Karabakh is grateful to the OSCE Minsk group for the negotiation process and for bringing the two parties into a dialog,” said Ara Harutyunyan, the Prime Minister of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic.
Arutyunyan noted that by means of the OSCE Monsk group Nagorno Karabakh is able to introduce its positions and a certain progress is noted in that. Presently, Azerbaijani authorities are informed about Nagorno Karabakh’s position. “It’s hard to reach precise results, when there is no a clear position on the issue in question – the right for the self-determination of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic or its status. If Azerbaijan doesn’t have any constructive position on this conflict, then there is no point at all in discussing other issues. The Presidents of the Republic of Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh have continuously said that the essential issue in the the Karabakh conflict is the regulation of the conflict within the framework of the of the Artsakh people’s self-determination,” he said.
Yerevan Report
By Vigen Margaryan
YEREVAN, December 30 – Vice-Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, Co-Chairman of the Armenian-Kuwaiti Intergovernmental Commission Armen Gevorgyan held a meeting on December 29 with the newly appointed Kuwaiti Ambassador to the Republic of Armenia Mr. Basam Muhammed al-Qabandi.
During the meeting Armen Gevorgyan congratulated the Ambassador. Based on friendly political relations, Armenia is interested in developing economic cooperation with Kuwait as well. Kuwait is the first of the Gulf countries Armenia is forming systematized relations.
The parties stressed the importance of establishing direct air communication. The side signed a relevant agreement at the Intergovernmental Commission’s maiden meeting. Food export from Armenia to Kuwait and cooperation in investment are highly promising.
Vice-Prime Minister expressed a hope that at its second meeting the Armenian-Kuwaiti Intergovernmental Commission will achieve specific results. Ambassador Basam Muhammed al-Qabandi, in his turn, noted that Kuwait attaches high importance to developing ties with Armenia.
At the end of the meeting the Ambassador assured Vice-Prime Minister that he would do his utmost to contribute to the development of bilateral relations.
Yerevan Report
By Vigen Margaryan
YEREVAN, December 30 – The Armenian President stated that “the most important way to maintain the democracy level is the quality of electoral process which is reflected in the media as well.”
President Sarkisian stated this during the reception organized for media representatives.
“Next year, we all should pass this exam for the Republic of Armenia. In 2012, we should prove that we can have various political views and goals but we share a joint calue system based on the supremacy of law, honest competition and fair process,” said Sarkisian.
Serge Sarkisian also called upon the media to be impartial and objective realizing the importance of political processes expected in the country in 2012.
Yerevan Report
By Vigen Margaryan
YEREVAN, December 29 – On December 28 Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Tigran SArkisian met the newly appointed head of the EU delegation to Armenia, Ambassador Traian Hristea.
During the meeting Prime Minister Sarkisian expressed hope for further development of relations with the EU, he also praised implementation of National Program in the Republic of Armenia.
Ambassador Hristea, in his turn, stressed EU interest in promoting reforms in Armenia.
Free trade agreement negotiations, visa regime facilitation, modernization of check-points were among issues on discussion agenda, the press service of the Armenian Government reports.
Yerevan Report