Turkish leadership permits Bahceli to hold namaz in Ani - Region - Panorama | Armenian news

A funny thing happened to Matthew Bryza on the way to Baku! He had rented out his Washington home and packed up his suitcase, after being assured by top White House andState Department officials that he was going to be the next U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan. He could already smell the oil and gas in the air!

In his excitement, Bryza seemed to have forgotten that his irresponsible statements and actions, during his stunt as U.S. negotiator on the Karabagh (Artsakh) conflict, had antagonized some of his Washington colleagues and others in the Caucasus.

More than a year ago, when the U.S. Ambassador’s post in Baku became vacant, Bryza brashly told everyone in Washington that he wanted to be, nay, he was going to be, the next Ambassador to Azerbaijan! He immediately hit a snag, when Pres. Aliyev informed the White House that he was neither pleased with Obama administration’s policies in the Caucuses nor with its self-proclaimed Wunderkind (boy wonder)!

Azerbaijan was unhappy because: 1) the United States and Bryza were pushing Turkey to open its border with Armenia, in the absence of any progress on the Artsakh conflict; 2) Congress had allocated another $10 million to Artsakh, despite strong objections from Baku; and 3) Armenia’s President was, while Pres. Aliyev was not, invited to the 47-nation Nuclear Security Summit in Washington.

Bryza also had opponents within the Obama administration. After months of internal bickering among Washington officials over Bryza’s nomination, Pres. Obama finally submitted his name in May to the Senate as the next envoy to Azerbaijan. Shortly thereafter, Pres. Obama dispatched two high-ranking cabinet officials, Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to Baku in order to appease Pres. Aliyev and give him the necessary assurances on Bryza.

During Bryza’s Foreign Relations Committee hearing in July, several Senators asked him pointed questions regarding his statements and activities while serving as Artsakh negotiator. They also raised serious concerns about possible conflicts of interest involving his wife and gifts the couple may have received for their wedding from Azeri government officials.Senators Barbara Boxer, Robert Menendez, Russ Feingold, Committee chair John Kerry, andMajority Leader Harry Reid were not satisfied with Bryza’s incomplete and evasive answers, despite repeated follow-up written questions. This did not bode well for his ambassadorial ambitions, as all five Senators are Democrats who would normally back a Democratic President’s nominee.

In early August, frustrated by Bryza’s unresponsiveness, Sen. Boxer asked the Foreign Relations Committee to postpone the vote on his nomination. After a delay of six weeks, when the majority of Committee members voted on Sept. 21 to confirm Bryza, Senators Boxer and Menendez had no choice but to place a "hold," in order to block the ratification of his nomination by the full Senate. Indicating serious concerns with the qualifications of this controversial nominee, the two Senators resorted to the rare practice of placing a double "hold," freezing any further Senate consideration on his nomination until next January at the latest, when the new Senate starts its session. Pres. Obama has to decide then whether to resubmit his name or propose a new nominee.

Until January, the President has the unlikely option of making a "recess appointment." He could appoint Bryza as Ambassador to Azerbaijan without Senate confirmation, while the Senate is in recess. The disadvantages of such a rare move are twofold: 1) Bryza would be handicapped in carrying out his diplomatic duties, as he would not enjoy the confidence of the U.S. Senate; and 2) the President would antagonize the Senators by depriving them of their constitutional mandate of "advise and consent."

The ideal option for Pres. Obama would be to abandon Bryza’s flawed candidacy and name another less controversial nominee who could be confirmed by the Senate. Such a move would dispatch quickly the next U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan, after a 15-month absence. In contrast, renominating Bryza in January would delay the posting of such an Ambassador for several more months!

Seeing its Wunderkind in serious trouble, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), bastion of the neo-cons and oil and gas lobbies, published a vicious editorial against Sen. Boxer and theArmenian National Committee of America (ANCA) the day before the Committee vote, attempting to intimidate Bryza’s opponents. After the "hold," a nastier editorial was published by the Washington Post against Senators Boxer and Menendez, and ANCA.

These vicious attacks had the exact opposite effect -- they inadvertently helped promote the political clout of ANCA and the Armenian-American community in Washington!

Labels: Aliyev, ANCA, Azerbaijan

Aliev’s fine words of no value | Armenia News - NEWS.am

Armenian FM highly assesses OSCE MG efforts over recalling Azerbaijani deconstructive resolution from UN General Assembly - Politics - Panorama | Armenian news

Aliyev again dreams of final Karabakh’s status within Azerbaijan | Armenia News - NEWS.am

Labels: Aliyev, Artsakh-Karabakh issue, Azerbaijan

The opening ceremony of Iraqi-Armenian painter Andranik Ohannesian’s personal exhibition was held under the initiative of the RA Ministry of Diaspora

http://www.mindiaspora.am/en/News/1088

Labels: Iraqi Armenians

Reconstruction of Armenian churches Turkey’s obligation, not favor

PanARMENIAN.Net

Even children are arrested in Turkey

http://times.am/2010/09/24/even-children-are-arrested-in-turkey/

Ilham Aliyev slapped mediators in the face at UN General Assembly - Comments - Panorama | Armenian news

Labels: Aliyev, Azerbaijan

Turkey Burned Mosque During Invasion of Cyprus | Asbarez Armenian News

Russia Speaks Out Against Turkish Involvement in Karabakh | Asbarez Armenian News

Labels: Artsakh-Karabakh issue

Armen-Quebec School Helps Iraqi-Armenian Immigrants in Montreal

http://agbublog.wordpress.com/2010/09/23/armen-quebec-school-helps-iraqi-armenian-immigrants-in-montreal/

Labels: Iraqi Armenians

Iraq to open embassy in Armenia | Armenia News - NEWS.am

My Comment: This is good news for Iraqi Armenians in Armenia and the two peoples as whole.

Turkey obliged to restore Armenian historical monuments - aysor.am - Hot news from Armenia

ARMENIAN AMBASSADOR ASHOT KOCHARIAN: LEBANESE-ARMENIAN FRIENDSHIP, CHARACTERIZED BY A SPIRIT OF MUTUAL TRUST AND MUTUAL INTEREST

http://www.mmorning.com/ArticleC.asp?Article=8377&CategoryID=3

Azerbaijan, Accepting the Truth

http://tubeonline.info/video/t4dPhbZ5TR8/Azerbaijan-Accepting-the-Truth.html

"لا تحاولوا إخافتنا فنحن شعب لا نعرف الخوف"

http://www.azg.am/AR/2010092302

كوسوفو و ناغورني كاراباغ مقارنة بين ميزان العدالة و معادلة الموازنة

http://www.azg.am/AR/2010092303

Iraq: Poverty and unemployment among northern Christians

http://www.speroforum.com/site/article.asp?id=40115&t=Iraq

International community must recognize Nagorno-Karabakh | Armenia News - NEWS.am

Labels: Artsakh-Karabakh issue

Azerbaijani ambassador: Iranian Armenians prefer other countries-My Comment

http://en.trend.az/news/politics/foreign/1754989.html

My Comment: Is he the Azerbaijani ambassador to Iran or a spy on the Armenian community in Iran ?!

Kurds urge Israel to cease military cooperation with Turkey - Politics - Panorama | Armenian news

10 Riveting Reads About the Iraq War

http://www.generalstudiesdegree.net/blog/2010/10-riveting-reads-about-the-iraq-war/

Armenian FM:Azerbaijan's behavior"contradicts to U.N. principles" - aysor.am - Hot news from Armenia

Israel makes a big mistake, says Abdullah Gul - aysor.am - Hot news from Armenia

WHO says Armenia, Austria and Germany had lowest youth murder rate - Health - Panorama | Armenian news

Senate Panel Approves Bryza Nomination | Asbarez Armenian News

Opposition to Nomination of Matthew Bryza to Serve as U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan

http://www.anca.org/assets/pdf/misc/BryzaNomination.pdf

Labels: ANCA

تغيير درس الفتح العثماني إلى "الغزو" لأول مرة في التعليم المصري

http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2010/09/19/119715.html

Arthur Baghdasaryan: websites of Armenian state bodies are securely protected

PanARMENIAN.Net

Armenia celebrates Independence Day | Armenia News - NEWS.am

Armenian independent Republic is to be 19 years old

http://times.am/2010/09/20/armenian-independent-republic-is-to-be-19-years-old/

11th-Hour Attack on Boxer by WSJ Smells of the Oil Lobby | Asbarez Armenian News

Turkish government resorted to tricks to attract more Armenians to Akhtamar

PanARMENIAN.Net

Azerbaijan Republic was born in September 1918

http://times.am/2010/09/20/azerbaijan-republic-was-born-in-september-1918/

Kiro Manoyan: Turkey failed its show on Akhtamar

PanARMENIAN.Net

Iranian official’s pro-Azerbaijani statement spontaneous, Heritage MP says | Armenia News - NEWS.am

Who Won Akhtamar Propaganda War: Armenians or Turks?

By Harut Sassounian

Publisher, The California Courier

The Turkish government failed to attract the expected crowd of thousands ofworshippers from around the world to the first Mass in almost a century, held at theHoly Cross Church in Akhtamar Island, on Sept. 19. Only a few hundred Armenians showed up, mostly from Istanbul.

Turkey failed miserably in trying to deceive world opinion into believing that it is tolerant towards Armenians. Eventually, it became obvious that Turkish leaders were more interested in putting on a political show than allowing a religious ceremony in a thousand-year old Armenian house of worship.

I wrote a column three years ago criticizing the Turkish government for converting the Holy Cross Church into a state museum. At the time, I urged Turkish officials to 1) place a cross on the church’s dome; 2) designate it as a church rather than a museum, and allow regular celebration of Divine Liturgy; and 3) revert ownership of the church to the Armenian Patriarchate of Istanbul instead of placing it under the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Earlier this year, the Turkish government promised to place a cross on the dome of the church and allow services to be performed there on Sept. 19. I urged Armenians not to participate, knowing that Turkish officials’ true intent was to stage a political show under the guise of religious ceremonies.

An intense debate ensued among Armenians on whether to boycott or attend the church services. Articles exposing the Turkey’s sinister plans did little to settle the controversy. Making matters worse, the Holy See of Etchmiadzin and the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem announced plans to send representatives to the Akhtamar church, although theCatholicosate of Cilicia declined to participate.

Finally, a lucky break! The Turkish government came to the rescue. A few weeks before the scheduled ceremony, a Turkish official announced that it would not be possible to place the promised cross atop the church, making the ridiculous excuse of "technical difficulties."

Prime Minister Erdogan was caught in a dilemma. Had he allowed the cross to be placed on the dome, he would have scored points with world public opinion, but would have lost crucial votes in the hotly-contested Sept. 12 referendum on constitutional reforms.

The cross finally saved the day! The Holy See of Etchmiadzin canceled its plans to send representatives to Akhtamar. The Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem did likewise. Tour operators called off their arrangements to take large numbers of Armenian worshippersto Lake Van. As a result, Turkey lost the propaganda campaign and considerable income.

In a last ditch effort to increase attendance, a few days before Sept. 19, Prime MinisterErdogan’s office sent invitations to the Armenia media, offering all expense paid visits toAkhtamar, including free round-trip airfare, hotel accommodations and meals. Another fifty Armenian commentators and analysts received similar invitations, all of whom refused to go because of Turkey’s refusal to install the cross.

Inadvertently, the Turks forced most Armenians to do the right thing and cancel their visits to the Holy Cross Church. Interestingly, the Turkish government behaved similarly when it declined to ratify the Armenia-Turkey Protocols, thereby safeguardingArmenia’s interests.

While the Armenian public, civic groups, and some political parties opposed the Turkish plans at Akhtamar, the Armenian government remained remarkably silent. For unknown reasons, Turkey did not invite Armenian officials to the Holy Cross ceremonies. In view of the embarrassing games Ankara played with the Armenia-Turkey Protocols and the subsequent collapse of soccer diplomacy, it appears that Armenia’s leaders were not too eager to join Turks in yet another ploy.

Regrettably, Armenians wasted far too much time and energy arguing with each other about going to Akhtamar. This distraction prevented them from organizing protests in major capitals to inform the world about the long history of Turkish atrocities, destruction of thousands of churches, and occupation of historic Armenian lands.

However, the boycott of the ceremonies because of the missing cross caught the attention of the international media. Ironically, Turkish officials helped further undermine their own cause, by placing the cross on the ground next to the Holy Cross Church, in full view of the public and TV cameras.

The Turkish government has now promised to place the cross atop the church in six weeks. Regardless of what Turkey decides to do with the cross, Armenians should pursue their own course of action, rather than simply react to the petty games of Turkish officials.

At this point, the only announcement Armenians are interested in hearing from Ankara is the return of the Holy Cross Church to the Armenian Patriarchate of Turkey.

1200 signed Armenian Genocide e-petition launched by French-Armenian diplomat - Politics - Panorama | Armenian news

Labels: Armenian Genocide

رئيس جمهورية أرمينيا: كان من الصعب علينا العيش إذا كنا قد إنطلقنا من أنه لا يوجد حل لقضية غاراباغ

http://int.armradio.am/arab/index.php?part=1&id=71675

Struggle against Turkish-Azeri propaganda necessary, Armenian scholar says | Armenia News - NEWS.am

Iran will continue to support Azerbaijan in Karabakh issue?

PanARMENIAN.Net

Labels: Artsakh-Karabakh issue

Armenian reporters protested raising wooden crosses

http://times.am/2010/09/19/armenian-reporters-protested-raising-wooden-crosses/

The Turkish government is not able to erase the word «shame» from its bloody forehead | Armenia News - NEWS.am

Hurriyet. Hardly 350-400 will attend the ceremony - Politics - Panorama | Armenian news

In Van, Turkey 90% of hotel room bookings canceled | Armenia News - NEWS.am

Azerbaijan ignores rules of international law, Armenian Defense Ministry says | Armenia News - NEWS.am

“if you don’t want to participate in the event we have organized, holy liturgy in Sourb Khach you are unwanted guests for us.” - Politics - Panorama | Armenian news

Yerevan to host liturgy and protest action against mess in unconsecrated church on Akhtamar Island in Turkey

PanARMENIAN.Net

Turkish authorities take revenge on Armenian society? | Armenia News - NEWS.am

Turkish President to meet with Jewish lobby representatives in US - Politics - Panorama | Armenian news

Akhtamar Holy Church cross may never be on top of it - Society - Panorama | Armenian news

Turkish diplomat: Turkey stays awake every April 24 - Politics - Panorama | Armenian news

Two armenian parties issued a joint statement on Akhtamar

http://times.am/2010/09/17/two-armenian-parties-issued-a-joint-statement-on-akhtamar/

Azeris Captured a â€˜Shepherdâ€™ Not Soldier | Asbarez Armenian News

Azerbaijan recognizes Right of returning of the Armenian refugees - aysor.am - Hot news from Armenia

H. Demoyan: “Turkey’s racket over Surb Khach Mass was just a propaganda”

http://times.am/2010/09/16/h-demoyan-turkey’s-racket-over-surb-khach-mass-was-just-a-propaganda/

U.S. Defense Secretary focused attention on the prevention of use of force in Nagorno Karabakh - Politics - Panorama | Armenian news

Demoyan: Armenia should present an analogous resolution to international instances - Politics - Panorama | Armenian news

Hrant Dink murder Turkey's shame: Mehmet Ali Birand - Society - Panorama | Armenian news

“Aliev continues making empty-headed statements” - aysor.am - Hot news from Armenia

The RA Ministry of Diaspora will sponsor the opening of Iraqi-Armenian painter Andranik Ohanesian’s first exhibition in Armenia on September 23

http://www.mindiaspora.am/en/News/1079

Labels: Iraqi Armenians

իրաքահայ նկարիչ Անդրանիկ Օհանեսյանի անդրանիկ ցուցահանդեսը Հայաստանում

http://www.mindiaspora.am/am/News/1079

Azerbaijan, Turkey to establish Supreme Strategic Cooperation Council | Armenia News - NEWS.am

Azerbaijan’s draft resolution to UN General Assembly to hinder peace process: R. Bradtke - Politics - Panorama | Armenian news

"CONTINUATION OF THE TURKISH GAME IN DESPERATION." GIRAGOSIAN REJECTED THE INVITATION OF THE TURKISH PRIME MINISTER

Armenian News - "CONTINUATION OF THE TURKISH GAME IN DESPERATION." GIRAGOSIAN REJECTED THE INVITATION OF THE TURKISH PRIME MINISTER

محكمة أوروبية تدين تركيا في قضية اغتيال صحافي أرمني

http://www.elaph.com/Web/news/2010/9/596525.html

نصفهم من المسيحيين وبقية الاقليات الدينية والعرقية 12 الف عراقي غادر البلد خلال الاشهر السبعة الماضية ...

http://www.ankawa.com/forum

Member of Slovak parliament: Return of Mount Ararat to Armenia would be unprecedented step for rise of Turkey’s authority - Politics - Panorama | Armenian news

DÄ±nk Family Reacts to European Court Verdict

No military solution to Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Matthew Bryza says | Armenia News - NEWS.am

Labels: Artsakh-Karabakh issue

Constantinople Patriarchate declines Turkish businessmen’s offer | Armenia News - NEWS.am

Azeris flee from Strasbourg trial | Armenia News - NEWS.am

Hayk Babukhanyan: present-day Azerbaijan is a fascist country

PanARMENIAN.Net

ECHR finds Turkey guilty in case involving Dink murder

PanARMENIAN.Net

Senate Should not Confirm Bryza As U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan

By Harut Sassounian

Publisher, The California Courier

At the request of Sen. Barbara Boxer, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee had postponed from early August to mid-September its vote on Matt Bryza, nominee for U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan. Senators Boxer, Harry Reid, and Robert Menendez were satisfied neither with Bryza’s answers during the confirmation hearing nor subsequently with his written responses.

While Congress was in recess for the past 40 days, a number of newspapers and websites questioned the appropriateness of Bryza’s nomination to such an important post. They raised several conflict of interest issues regarding Bryza and his Turkish-born wife, Zeyno Baran, who until recently was director of the Center for Eurasian Policy at the Hudson Institute, a Washington think tank.

This article shall focus on a single issue -- the allegation that Bryza and Baran had received gifts during their August 23, 2007 wedding in Istanbul. If true, this would not only abort Bryza’s chances of becoming ambassador, but more importantly, it would get him into serious legal trouble. Under U.S. laws, government officials and their spouses are prohibited from receiving gifts, even wedding presents, unless these are given by close acquaintances. Such gifts have to be reported to the U.S. government, and the Internal Revenue Service. Bryza’s case is more complicated. If he got gifts that he did not report, while telling the Senate Foreign Relations Committee under oath that he did not receive such gifts, he could be charged with non-reporting of a gift, tax evasion, and perjury.

Bryza’s celebrity wedding triggered a major controversy when Azeri jouranlist Adil Khalil reported in the opposition newspaper Azadlig that Haydar Babayev, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Economic Development, had paid most of the couple’s wedding expenses. Babayev refuted the accusation and filed a lawsuit for libel, causing Khalil to be arrested, severely beaten, stabbed, and forced to flee to France. The newspaper’s editor, Ganimat Zahid, was also arrested on unsubstantiated charges. Last month, Azadlig suspended publication, after it was evicted from its offices by the authorities. Having exhausted all domestic court appeals, the newspaper’s editor filed a claim against Azerbaijan with the European Court of Human Rights.

According to Azeri and Turkish media reports, around 400 prominent guests from several countries attended Bryza’s 2007 lavish wedding, held under tight security. Among the attendees from Turkey were the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, the U.S. Consul General in Istanbul, the Armenian Patriarch of Turkey,members of parliament, and major media figures. Bryza also invited Armenian officials to his wedding, including Pres. Robert Kocharian and Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian, neither of whom attended. At the time, Bryza was Deputy Assistant Secretary of State and U.S. co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, the mediators of the Artsakh (Karabagh) conflict.

Several high-ranking Azeri officials also attended Bryza’s wedding in Istanbul: Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov who served as a wedding witness, Minister of Economic Development Haydar Babayev, Azeri National Petroleum Company President Rovnaq Abdullaev, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Valeh Aleskerov, and Azerbaijan’s Consul General in Los Angeles Elin Suleymanov. Pres. Ilham Aliyev’s letter of congratulation was read at the start of the wedding. According to documents obtained by this writer from the European Court of Human Rights, the Azeri editor claimed that Pres. Aliyev sent "a special gift to the bride."

Even though Bryza and Baran requested that in lieu of gifts guests make a contribution to a Turkish charity, it is common practice in the Middle East to hand gifts -- particularly jewelry -- to a newlywed couple. For example, Turkey’s Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, during a meeting with Hillary Clinton in Kabul in July, told her that he would be sending a gift to the Secretary of State, on the occasion of her daughter’s wedding.

According to the Media Rights Institute, Minister Babayev’s lawyers confirmed during a court hearing in Baku that he attended the wedding and "even had a gift" for Bryza. Yet, at his Senate confirmation hearing, Bryza refuted the allegation that an Azeri official had financed his wedding, adding that its entire cost was paid by the couple’s families.

The allegation that Bryza received wedding gifts should be thoroughly investigated before the Senate votes on his nomination. Even though Senators and members of the Armenian, Greek, and Cypriot communities oppose Bryza for multiple reasons, the wedding expenses and gifts are the only issues that could have serious legal ramifications. Therefore, the Senate should wait for the outcome of the lawsuit filed by the Azeri editor in the European Court of Human Rights.

Bryza should fully cooperate with such an investigation in order to clear the clouds of suspicion hanging over his head, before he is rushed to Baku. He should provide the complete list of his wedding guests and disclose all gifts received by the newlyweds and their families.

U.S. investigators should contact everyone who attended Bryza’s wedding to verify what gifts they gave to the couple on that occasion. He should also be asked to produce a record of his wedding expenses and how they were paid.

A few days ago, Sen. Boxer wrote a letter to this writer expressing her serious concern about Bryza’s inadequate responses to her questions both during and after the confirmation hearing. She pledged to continue her efforts "to determine if he is the appropriate representative for the United States in this highly volatile region of the world."

Sen. Boxer and her colleagues should either reject Bryza’s nomination outright or place a hold on it until all allegations against him are investigated and proven to be true or false!

Labels: Aliyev, Azerbaijan

RA Defense Ministry: Azerbaijan ignores OSCE mission efforts - Politics - Panorama | Armenian news

Thomas de Waal: Azerbaijan cannot win war - aysor.am - Hot news from Armenia

New Phase in Documentation of the Armenian Genocide

http://www.armenianweekly.com/2010/09/13/new-phase-in-documentation-of-the-armenian-genocide/

Labels: Armenian Genocide

Sassounian to Discuss Akhtamar Holy Cross Controversy at Special Lecture on September 19 | Asbarez Armenian News

Greek-Cypriots Oppose Bryza Nomination | Asbarez Armenian News

Alexander Iskandaryan: RA MFA officials know what they do

PanARMENIAN.Net

Turkish hospitality: Armenian reporters took hostage in Istanbul airport - Politics - Panorama | Armenian news

السيستاني يدعو لعدم إيذاء المسيحيين ازاء حرق القرآن

http://www.ankawa.com/forum/index.php/topic,441340.0.html

الأمم المتحدة تقدم منحة مدرسية للاجئين العراقيين في سورية

http://www.ankawa.com/forum/index.php/topic,441339.0.html

رؤساء الطوائف المسيحية في العراق يعبرون عن غضبهم الشديد واستنكارهم السعي لحرق القران الكريم

http://www.ankawa.com/forum/index.php/topic,441135.0.html

One must always be ready for a trick from Baku

PanARMENIAN.Net

World's Largest Chocolate Unveiled in Armenia | Asbarez Armenian News

Worldâ€™s Largest Chocolate Unveiled in Armenia | Asbarez Armenian News

Turkey’s constitutional reforms pursue political aims | Armenia News - NEWS.am

Armenian chocolate in Guinness Book of Records | Armenia News - NEWS.am

Azerbaijan pursues a defeatist policy

PanARMENIAN.Net

NKR defense army officers awarded for defense of positions

PanARMENIAN.Net

What Armenians Did on Their Summer Vacation: Avoid Turkey

http://www.eurasianet.org/node/61905

David Jamalyan: Baku’s diversions unlikely to develop into serious war

PanARMENIAN.Net

Young Turks served as example for Nazi Germany: Ocalan - Society - Panorama | Armenian news

Erdogan avoids any word on placement of cross atop Akhtamar St. Cross Church - Society - Panorama | Armenian news

Withdrawal of resolution cold shower to Azerbaijan - aysor.am - Hot news from Armenia

“It is the fiasco of our neighbor’s foreign policy” - aysor.am - Hot news from Armenia

World showed Azerbaijan OSCE MG has no alternative | Armenia News - NEWS.am

Armenia gains diplomatic victory | Armenia News - NEWS.am

Eduard Sharmazanov: OSCE MG co-chairing countries fed up with Baku’s ultimatums

PanARMENIAN.Net

David Babayan: OSCE MG Co-chairs ‘requested’ Aliyev to recall resolution

PanARMENIAN.Net

Labels: Aliyev, Azerbaijan

Failed diplomacy?: Azerbaijan recalls anti-Armenian resolution from UN - Analysis | ArmeniaNow.com

Davutoglu invited famous economist with Armenian descent to live in Turkey - Society - Panorama | Armenian news

Alexander Manasyan: Armenia can draft such resolution, which will rather complicate Azerbaijan’s situation

PanARMENIAN.Net

Armenian MFA expressed thankfulness to UN and OSCE MG countries - Politics - Panorama | Armenian news

Azerbaijan Withdraws Draft UN Resolution on Karabakh

http://asbarez.com/85047/azerbaijan-withdraws-draft-un-resolution-on-karabakh/

Labels: Artsakh-Karabakh issue

Bryza’s Response to Confirmation Inquiries Again Mislead Senators

http://asbarez.com/85063/bryzas-response-to-confirmation-inquiries-again-mislead-senators/

Bernard Fassier hints Azerbaijan must return territories? | Armenia News - NEWS.am

Bernard Fassier not mistaken, NKR MFA says - Politics - Panorama | Armenian news

Azerbaijani press reports misrepresented my statements: P. Semneby - Politics - Panorama | Armenian news

Manasyan: Present-day Azerbaijan has no legitimate borders - aysor.am - Hot news from Armenia

Book “Nagorno Karabakh: How It Happened” launched - “We present facts and not imitate our neighbor’s cheap propaganda” - Politics - Panorama | Armenian news

Labels: Artsakh-Karabakh issue

Azerbaijan to call back draf resolution - Politics - Panorama | Armenian news

UN Legitimizes Kosovo Independence Opening Door For Nagorno Karabakh

http://www.huliq.com/1/909-un-legitimizes-kosovo-independence-opening-door-nagorno-karabakh

Labels: Artsakh-Karabakh issue

New web site about Maragha massacres

http://times.am/2010/09/09/new-site-about-maragha-massacres/

Ten international NGOs strongly criticize Azerbaijan - aysor.am - Hot news from Armenia

“Maragha: Golgotha of 20th Century” website launched - aysor.am - Hot news from Armenia

Details of Armenian student’s death at Moscow N 501 School | Armenia News - NEWS.am

Patriarch Rationalizes Holy Cross Debacle

http://asbarez.com/85002/patriarch-rationalizes-holy-cross-debacle/

Azerbaijani schoolboy kills Armenian student in Moscow | Armenia News - NEWS.am

Peter Semneby warns Azerbaijan: attempts to resolve Karabakh conflict by military means hold enormous risks - Politics - Panorama | Armenian news

Azerbaijan’s resolution a cause to apply to International Court - aysor.am - Hot news from Armenia

H. Margaryan: Azerbaijan will withdraw resolution from agenda

http://www.aysor.am/en/news/2010/09/08/margaryan-resolution/

Erdogan’s new constitution recognizes Armenian Genocide, Turkish nationalist says | Armenia News - NEWS.am

Labels: Armenian Genocide

Qatar, Kuwait and Oman to recognise Kosovo independence

http://www.panorama.am/en/politics/2010/09/08/kosovo/

Iranian media: Islamic world condemns Israel, but Azerbaijan reinforces ties - Region - Panorama | Armenian news

On Azeri leader’s “flag dreams”

http://news.am/eng/news/30081.html

Decision of Jerusalem Mayor’s Office on hotel construction near Armenian Church causes indignation of Israeli Armenians

PanARMENIAN.Net

Discussion of Azeri resolution put off at U.N.

http://news.am/eng/news/30091.html

Moscow Tycoon Named Armenian Ambassador To Iraq- With my comment

http://www.azatutyun.am

My Comment: I sent the following comment to the Azatutyun.am web site:

On Feb. 15, 2000, Armenia and Iraq had declared the establishment of full diplomatic relations between them. In the same year, Armenia's embassy was opened in Baghdad in its temporary place. The official inauguration of the Embassy headquarters took place in February 2001 in the presence of the then Armenia's Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanian. On March 2003 (before the US and UK invasion of Iraq) the Embassy's mission left Iraq. Thus, the mission served in Iraq for nearly 3 years, not 3 months as mentioned in the news story.

Ara S. Ashjian

An Iraqi Armenian settled in Yerevan, Armenia

The Former Translator and Administrator of the Embassy

Azerbaijani MP calls Russia's Medvedev a "lad"

http://www.panorama.am/en/politics/2010/09/07/azadlyg/

Mediating Powers ‘Set To Oppose Pro-Azeri UN Resolution’

http://www.azatutyun.am/content/article/2145711.html

Turkey May Postpone Armenian Church Liturgy in Akhtamar

http://www.huliq.com/1/906-turkey-may-postpone-armenian-church-liturgy-akhtamar

"Maragha, 10 April 1992. An Ordinary Genocide” - aysor.am - Hot news from Armenia

Modern Turkey sticks to Young Turks’ policy

PanARMENIAN.Net

“The night of Istanbul massacres” 55 years later - aysor.am - Hot news from Armenia

Azerbaijan’s attempts to divert international attention vain

http://news.am/eng/news/30051.html

Murad Muradyan appointed Armenian Ambassador to Iraq

http://news.am/eng/news/30031.html

Top Three Armenian Church Leaders Boycott Turkish Show in Akhtamar

By Harut Sassounian

Publisher, The California Courier

The Turkish scheme of luring Armenian Church leaders to participate in a religious show at Holy Cross (Sourp Khach) Church on Akhtamar Island, Lake Van, backfired last week.

The heads of three Hierarchical Sees of the Armenian Church -- in Armenia, Lebanon, and Jerusalem -- will neither attend nor send representatives to the celebration of Divine Liturgy at Holy Cross Church on September 19. All three turned down the invitation of Archbishop Aram Ateshyan, Deputy Patriarch of the Armenian Patriarchate of Turkey.

Catholicos Aram I of Cilicia, headquartered in Antelias, Lebanon, was the first to announce that he would boycott the Sept. 19 ceremonies. In this regard, the Catholicosate announced: “In an attempt to convince the European Union and UNESCO that Turkey safeguards the cultural heritage of its occupied lands, the Turkish government restored the Holy Cross Armenian Church, but instead of keeping it as a church, transformed it into a museum.” It described the ceremonies orchestrated by Turkey as “an attempt to obscure its consistent policy of denying the Armenian Genocide and the rights of its survivors.”

The Holy See of Etchmiadzin, on the other hand, had initially announced that it would send to Akhtamar two high-ranking clergymen. In an earlier column, this writer had expressed the wish that Karekin II, Catholicos of AllArmenians, would reconsider his decision. Last week, after the Turkish government broke its promise to place a cross atop the Holy Cross Church, the Catholicos, as expected, withdrew Etchmiadzin’s participation from the Sept. 19 ceremonies.

The third Hierarchical See, the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem, had initially decided to dispatch to AkhtamarArchbishop Aris Shirvanian, Director of Ecumenical and Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Patriarchate’s Holy Synod. When questioned about his planned attendance, Archbishop Shirvanian told this writer on Sept. 5 that in line with the decision of Holy Etchmiadzin, he would not participate in the church service, because of Turkey’s refusal to install a cross on the dome of the Holy Cross Church.

All three church leaders now have a unified position on this issue. They are to be commended for their decision not to support a political show sponsored by the Turkish regime, under the guise of a religious ceremony!

Regrettably, the Armenian Patriarchate of Turkey, the fourth Hierarchical See of the Armenian Church, is still planning to participate in the Sept. 19 show, despite the fact that the Turkish government lied to Deputy Patriarch Aram Ateshyan, and refused to restore the promised cross on the church’s dome. The Governor of Van made the ridiculous claim that the Turkish state did not have the technical means to lift the 400 lb. cross to the top of the church. All those who bought airline tickets and booked hotel rooms, misled by Turkey’s false promises, should promptly cancel their trip, demand a refund and an apology from Turkish authorities for their deceptive bait and switch tactics!

Even though Archbishop Ateshyan is a hostage of the Turkish regime and therefore does not have the freedom to take independent decisions, he risks losing all credibility with Armenians worldwide and all three Hierarchical Sees, should he go ahead and celebrate Mass in what Turkish officials describe as the “Akdamar Memorial Museum!” He should threaten not to show up at the Holy Cross Church on Sept. 19, unless Ankara installs the promised cross. Turkish officials would have to take his threat seriously, because without him there would be no religious ceremony. His absence would turn Turkey’s expected propaganda coup into a public relations nightmare!

The last important actor in the Sept. 19 “extravaganza” is the Armenian government. While large segments of the public in Armenia have reacted strongly against Ankara’s once a year church service in the Holy Cross “museum,” little has been heard from Yerevan officials on this subject. Last month, the Armenian Foreign Ministry announced that it has not received an official invitation from Turkey. It is generally assumed that Armenian officials would refuse to participate in such a scandalous show, particularly after Ankara tricked Armenia’s leaders into signing the Armenia-Turkey Protocols, without any intention to ratify them.

Just as the Turkish government inadvertently protected Armenia’s interests by refusing to ratify the Protocols, this time around, Ankara is causing Armenians to refrain from participating in this charade by breaking its promise to place a cross atop the Holy Cross Church!

Labels: Armenian Genocide

Azerbaijan in panic: Aliyev got sign from above - Region - Panorama | Armenian news

Labels: Aliyev, Azerbaijan

PACE President spoke the language of conditions

http://www.panorama.am/en/region/2010/09/06/exxv/

My Comment: Is he acting as the president of the PACE or as a Turkish official ?!!

Holy See of Echmiadzin refuses to take part in Surb Khach church service (in Van)

http://news.am/eng/news/29848.html

Azeri attack on NKR position fails-a night viewer made in Israel was used by Azeris

http://news.am/eng/news/29843.html

NKR Defense Army forces are masters of situation

http://www.panorama.am/en/politics/2010/09/04/gagik-minasyan/

Turkey should recognize Armenian Genocide, Turkish expert says

http://news.am/eng/news/29836.html

Labels: Armenian Genocide

Zafer Yoruk: Treaty of Sevres is Turkey's nightmare

PanARMENIAN.Net

Turkish expert impressed by Genocide Museum

http://news.am/eng/news/29842.html

Azerbaijan admits its own acts of sabotage

http://news.am/eng/news/29835.html

Azerbaijan’s propaganda based on disinformation, says Zakarian - aysor.am - Hot news from Armenia

Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry at a loss - aysor.am - Hot news from Armenia

Azeri diversion group killed in mine blast when taking flight

http://www.aysor.am/en/news/2010/09/04/diversion-azerbaijan-karabakh/

Labels: Artsakh-Karabakh issue

Azerbaijan tries to commit another act of sabotage

http://news.am/eng/news/29787.html

U.N General Assembly to discuss Azeri resolution on Sept 7

http://news.am/eng/news/29719.html

Armenians in Iran - Many leave for economic reasons, others stay to preserve identity

http://www.english.globalarabnetwork.com

مئتا مليار دولار تعويضات للاجئين الأرمن الأذربيجانيين

http://www.azg.am/AR/2010090303

NKR’s recognition Azerbaijan’s only chance to have its flag raised in Stepanakert, RA Deputy FM says

http://news.am/eng/news/29700.html

Turkish expert is sure Aliyev bluffing

http://www.panorama.am/en/politics/2010/09/03/ozqan/

Labels: Aliyev, Azerbaijan

Turkish expert recognized Armenian Genocide and talked about Turkish phobias

http://www.panorama.am/en/politics/2010/09/03/turkish-expert/

Labels: Armenian Genocide

New book about Nagorno-Karabakh conflict published

http://news.am/eng/news/29618.html

Labels: Artsakh-Karabakh issue

Another Turkish disgrace: Surb Khach Church to open without cross

http://news.am/eng/news/29659.html

To justify failed diversion, Azerbaijan has started inventing legends

PanARMENIAN.Net

Why is Aliyev making bellicose statements?

http://www.panorama.am/en/comments/2010/09/02/ilham-aliev/

Labels: Aliyev, Azerbaijan

Levon Melik-Shahnazaryan: Moscow saves Baku’s face

http://times.am

Steven Wilson wrote book about Armenian Genocide

http://news.am/eng/news/29639.html

Labels: Armenian Genocide

Davutoglu again brings unfounded charges against Armenia | Armenia News - NEWS.am

Mad Vandalism: Turkey To Demolish Hotels Of Outspoken Armenian Entrepreneur-Scholar

http://asbarez.com

Armenian President congratulates Nagorno-Karabakh

http://news.am/eng/news/29531.html

Labels: Artsakh-Karabakh issue

Azeris Breach Cease Fire Again | Asbarez Armenian News

Azerbaijan afraid to own number of victims in Azeri-organized diversion

PanARMENIAN.Net

S. Nikoyan: Aliyev’s statements damage talks

http://www.panorama.am

Labels: Aliyev, Azerbaijan

Mustafa Kabakci: Turkey views Karabakh conflict as its own problem

PanARMENIAN.Net

Labels: Artsakh-Karabakh issue

لجنة متابعة مجازر إبادة الآشوريين ( سيفو ) العالمية نستنكر الأعمال التخربية التي طالت النصب التذكارية لشهدائنا في أستراليا

http://www.furkono.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=9487

Defense Minister: They spread false information

http://www.panorama.am/en/politics/2010/09/01/pn/

Assyrian Genocide Monument in Australia Vandalized

http://asbarez.com

7 Azeri soldiers killed in Azerbaijani act of sabotage

http://news.am/eng/news/29419.html

Van, Erzurum, Ararat within Armenia in Turkish new maps

http://news.am/eng/news/29420.html

Books: The Genocide through Turkish Eyes

http://www.mirrorspectator.com/?p=3836

Armenian Diaspora capable to influence international processes

http://www.panarmenian.net/eng/world/news/52686/

Turkey-Israel Tensions Ease After Talks in Washington

http://asbarez.com

Armenia should conclude military alliance with Karabakh

http://www.aysor.am/en/news/2010/08/31/markarov-bozoyan-un/

Azeris spread another canard, Armenian MP says

http://news.am/eng/news/29332.html

NKR defense army prevents act of sabotage

http://news.am/eng/news/29355.html

Homeland waiting for its sons, Armenian President says

http://news.am/eng/news/29371.html

Russia starts training of Azerbaijani servicemen to manage S-300 systems

http://times.am

German TV broadcast documentary on Armenian Genocide and Hrant Dink

http://times.am

Labels: Armenian Genocide

Armenian Issues

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Turkish leadership permits Bahceli to hold namaz in Ani - Region - Panorama | Armenian news

“Resolutions for Nagorno Karabakh/Artsakh: self-determination and recognition”, new book in German about Karabakh issue

“Resolutions for Nagorno Karabakh/Artsakh: self-determination and recognition”, new book in German about Karabakh issue

Turkish Constitution does not let politicians pray namaz in Cathedral of Ani

Swiss MPs support Karabakh settlement based on right of nations to self-determination

Ruben Melkonyan: Ankara should open archives before discussing history

Turkey continues the policy of lies and falsifications - aysor.am - Hot news from Armenia

Franklin D. Roosevelt is ideological ally of Karabakh people, Advisor to NKR Foreign Minister says

Edward Nalbandian: even now, Azerbaijan continues provocations

Turkish Party to Pray at Ani Church in Protest of Holy Cross Service | Asbarez Armenian News

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Congratulations you have won

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Pres. Obama Can Now Replace Bryza With a New Nominee as Envoy to Baku

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Azeri hysteria bonus for Armenian-American lobby | Armenia News - NEWS.am

Saturday, September 25, 2010

الارمن أحيوا ذكرى المئات من الاطفال عثر على رفاتهم في مقبرة جماعية في عينطورة

اكتشاف مقبرة جماعية للاطفال الارمن في عينطورة

ايام للثقافة الأرمينية في سورية

Turkey doesn’t allot a cent for Armenian schools in Istanbul

Aliev’s fine words of no value | Armenia News - NEWS.am

Armenian FM highly assesses OSCE MG efforts over recalling Azerbaijani deconstructive resolution from UN General Assembly - Politics - Panorama | Armenian news

Aliyev again dreams of final Karabakh’s status within Azerbaijan | Armenia News - NEWS.am

The opening ceremony of Iraqi-Armenian painter Andranik Ohannesian’s personal exhibition was held under the initiative of the RA Ministry of Diaspora

Reconstruction of Armenian churches Turkey’s obligation, not favor

Even children are arrested in Turkey

Ilham Aliyev slapped mediators in the face at UN General Assembly - Comments - Panorama | Armenian news

Turkey Burned Mosque During Invasion of Cyprus | Asbarez Armenian News

Russia Speaks Out Against Turkish Involvement in Karabakh | Asbarez Armenian News

Armen-Quebec School Helps Iraqi-Armenian Immigrants in Montreal

Friday, September 24, 2010

Iraq to open embassy in Armenia | Armenia News - NEWS.am

Turkey obliged to restore Armenian historical monuments - aysor.am - Hot news from Armenia

ARMENIAN AMBASSADOR ASHOT KOCHARIAN: LEBANESE-ARMENIAN FRIENDSHIP, CHARACTERIZED BY A SPIRIT OF MUTUAL TRUST AND MUTUAL INTEREST

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Azerbaijan, Accepting the Truth

"لا تحاولوا إخافتنا فنحن شعب لا نعرف الخوف"

كوسوفو و ناغورني كاراباغ مقارنة بين ميزان العدالة و معادلة الموازنة

Iraq: Poverty and unemployment among northern Christians

International community must recognize Nagorno-Karabakh | Armenia News - NEWS.am

Azerbaijani ambassador: Iranian Armenians prefer other countries-My Comment

Kurds urge Israel to cease military cooperation with Turkey - Politics - Panorama | Armenian news

10 Riveting Reads About the Iraq War

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Armenian FM:Azerbaijan's behavior"contradicts to U.N. principles" - aysor.am - Hot news from Armenia

Israel makes a big mistake, says Abdullah Gul - aysor.am - Hot news from Armenia

WHO says Armenia, Austria and Germany had lowest youth murder rate - Health - Panorama | Armenian news

Senate Panel Approves Bryza Nomination | Asbarez Armenian News

Opposition to Nomination of Matthew Bryza to Serve as U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan

تغيير درس الفتح العثماني إلى "الغزو" لأول مرة في التعليم المصري

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Arthur Baghdasaryan: websites of Armenian state bodies are securely protected

Armenia celebrates Independence Day | Armenia News - NEWS.am

Armenian independent Republic is to be 19 years old

11th-Hour Attack on Boxer by WSJ Smells of the Oil Lobby | Asbarez Armenian News

Turkish government resorted to tricks to attract more Armenians to Akhtamar

Azerbaijan Republic was born in September 1918

Kiro Manoyan: Turkey failed its show on Akhtamar

Iranian official’s pro-Azerbaijani statement spontaneous, Heritage MP says | Armenia News - NEWS.am

Who Won Akhtamar Propaganda War: Armenians or Turks?

Monday, September 20, 2010

1200 signed Armenian Genocide e-petition launched by French-Armenian diplomat - Politics - Panorama | Armenian news

رئيس جمهورية أرمينيا: كان من الصعب علينا العيش إذا كنا قد إنطلقنا من أنه لا يوجد حل لقضية غاراباغ

Struggle against Turkish-Azeri propaganda necessary, Armenian scholar says | Armenia News - NEWS.am

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Iran will continue to support Azerbaijan in Karabakh issue?

Armenian reporters protested raising wooden crosses

The Turkish government is not able to erase the word «shame» from its bloody forehead | Armenia News - NEWS.am

Hurriyet. Hardly 350-400 will attend the ceremony - Politics - Panorama | Armenian news

In Van, Turkey 90% of hotel room bookings canceled | Armenia News - NEWS.am

Azerbaijan ignores rules of international law, Armenian Defense Ministry says | Armenia News - NEWS.am

“if you don’t want to participate in the event we have organized, holy liturgy in Sourb Khach you are unwanted guests for us.” - Politics - Panorama | Armenian news

Yerevan to host liturgy and protest action against mess in unconsecrated church on Akhtamar Island in Turkey

Turkish authorities take revenge on Armenian society? | Armenia News - NEWS.am

Turkish President to meet with Jewish lobby representatives in US - Politics - Panorama | Armenian news

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Akhtamar Holy Church cross may never be on top of it - Society - Panorama | Armenian news