“It is now crystal clear that the issues of [Turkish-Armenian] border opening and Armenian genocide recognition are incompatible and can not take place simultaneously,” writes “Taregir.” “Our insistence on a quick recognition of the genocide will constantly impede both the opening of the border and the establishment of normal relations between Armenia and Turkey. That is undesirable not for Armenia but Russia, France and other foreign powers portraying themselves as friends of Armenia. Each of them bases its foreign policy on its own interests.”
“Aravot” reports that Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliev received France’s top state award during a state visit to Paris. “Generally speaking, the French award has numerous and exotic holders,” the paper notes, singling out a notorious central African dictator.
“In essence, this is yet another Armenian foreign policy setback,” claims “Haykakan Zhamanak.” “Until recently, France was considered Armenia’s most reliable ally in the West in general and Europe in particular. And it was no coincidence that Robert Kocharian was the only leader of an ex-Soviet state to receive the award. By awarding Aliev the Legion d’Honneur France may have eliminated one of Armenia’s last comparative advantages.”
“Aravot” reports that the chief of the national police, Hayk Harutiunian, has instructed all regional police branches to tighten security in and around government buildings from May 5-30. “This directive is motivated by the May 12 parliamentary elections,” explains the paper. “Oversight over [the implementation] of this directive will be carried out by Hovannes Varian, the deputy chief of the Police Service who successfully thwarted peaceful demonstrators’ ‘inroads’ on ‘public order’ during the events of April 2004.”
“Azg” says that local government officials, who refuse to join the governing Republican Party of Armenia (HHK) or are affiliated with other parties, are being laid off en masse. The paper claims that similar purges are underway in schools and kindergartens. It suggests sarcastically that pretty soon even cleaning persons will have to be members of the HHK or another ruling party.
(Atom Markarian)
“Aravot” reports that Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliev received France’s top state award during a state visit to Paris. “Generally speaking, the French award has numerous and exotic holders,” the paper notes, singling out a notorious central African dictator.
“In essence, this is yet another Armenian foreign policy setback,” claims “Haykakan Zhamanak.” “Until recently, France was considered Armenia’s most reliable ally in the West in general and Europe in particular. And it was no coincidence that Robert Kocharian was the only leader of an ex-Soviet state to receive the award. By awarding Aliev the Legion d’Honneur France may have eliminated one of Armenia’s last comparative advantages.”
“Aravot” reports that the chief of the national police, Hayk Harutiunian, has instructed all regional police branches to tighten security in and around government buildings from May 5-30. “This directive is motivated by the May 12 parliamentary elections,” explains the paper. “Oversight over [the implementation] of this directive will be carried out by Hovannes Varian, the deputy chief of the Police Service who successfully thwarted peaceful demonstrators’ ‘inroads’ on ‘public order’ during the events of April 2004.”
“Azg” says that local government officials, who refuse to join the governing Republican Party of Armenia (HHK) or are affiliated with other parties, are being laid off en masse. The paper claims that similar purges are underway in schools and kindergartens. It suggests sarcastically that pretty soon even cleaning persons will have to be members of the HHK or another ruling party.
(Atom Markarian)