Artsakh

I am just curious to know what some of your ideas are on the latest Artsax peace process. How do you interpret the latest statements of officials saying that "compromises are inevitable", "it will require painful compromises from both sides". It is interesting, i do not hear any noise,kicks and screams from the ARF. Also interesting are the statements of the ARF head Vahan Hovanissyan saying "he personally favored a step by step" solution to the conflict. But wait a second, isn't that what the former president Levon der pedrossyan favored? How do you guys interpret these latest developments?

www.nkr.am

Zhirayr Sefilian: Today's Regime Continues Defeatist Policy..... From: Sebouh Z Tashjian Date: Sat, 09 Apr 2005 12:26:44 +0500 (AMST) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AZG Armenian Daily #063, 09/04/2005 Artsax issue ZHIRAYR SEFILIAN: TODAY'S REGIME CONTINUES DEFEATIST POLICY OF THE PREVIOUS ONE Defense of Liberated Territories public initiative (DLT) warns once again that the Artsax policy of today's regime in Armenia is the continuation of former ones and is as defeatist. DLT coordinator Zhirayr Sefilian criticized Artsax policy of the authorities at Azdak club on April 7. Sefilian reminded defense minister Serge Sargsian's speech at the March 29-30 parliament hearings over Nagorno Artsax issue to have said that "till in 90s when he was convincing the soldiers to take over the vantage points outside Artsax he used to tell them that we take them but will have to return". DLT coordinator called Sargsian's statement an outright lie and said that no officer would dare not only tell something of the kind to the soldiers but even think of that as the author of such words would be soon killed. Sefilian was a battalion commander in Shushi in 1992. His battalion that fought in many battles including the battle for Shushi liberation had 56 killed, 3 missing and 157 wounded. Sefilian warned the authorities that "this process of territorial concession is a treason". He claimed that "those people cannot represent the Armenian people". On behalf of all freedom fighters as well as the perished ones, Sefilian stated that the authorities will be punished if they do not change their stance in Artsax issue. Referring to OSCE Minsk group Russian co-chair (who said that "the co-chairs have prepared a new package to be put before Armenian and Azeri presidents in London", "the society is not ready for compromise", "co-chairs always considered that the public opinion in both countries need to be molded") Sefilian said that the parliamentary hearings aimed at settling these issues. "In presence of many ambassadors, the coalitional parties, opposition representatives, RA and NKR foreign ministers and especially RA defense minister tried hard to display the "unity" and "resolution" of Armenia's politics to accept co-chairs' suggestions", a press release by DLT read. Organizers of the hearings, according to DLT, displayed the Armenian society their resolution to defend territories of former Nagorno Artsax Autonomous Republic and the Lachin corridor and from the other side, their belief and readiness to hand the liberated territories to Azerbaijan. "The expression 'liberated territories' was a taboo for everyone. They used, instead, words revealing their Azeri-mindedness. We have the impression that the purpose of the hearings was to deprive expression "liberated territories" of its meaning", the release says. Zhirayr Sefilian and his adherents are sure that "the Armenian nation will never put up with the idea of relinquishing any part of its homeland and with contracts that opposing to its national interests". By Tatoul Hakobian

Zhirayr Sefilian: Today's Regime Continues Defeatist Policy..... From: Sebouh Z Tashjian Date: Sat, 09 Apr 2005 12:26:44 +0500 (AMST) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AZG Armenian Daily #063, 09/04/2005 Artsax issue ZHIRAYR SEFILIAN: TODAY'S REGIME CONTINUES DEFEATIST POLICY OF THE PREVIOUS ONE Defense of Liberated Territories public initiative (DLT) warns once again that the Artsax policy of today's regime in Armenia is the continuation of former ones and is as defeatist. DLT coordinator Zhirayr Sefilian criticized Artsax policy of the authorities at Azdak club on April 7. Sefilian reminded defense minister Serge Sargsian's speech at the March 29-30 parliament hearings over Nagorno Artsax issue to have said that "till in 90s when he was convincing the soldiers to take over the vantage points outside Artsax he used to tell them that we take them but will have to return". DLT coordinator called Sargsian's statement an outright lie and said that no officer would dare not only tell something of the kind to the soldiers but even think of that as the author of such words would be soon killed. Sefilian was a battalion commander in Shushi in 1992. His battalion that fought in many battles including the battle for Shushi liberation had 56 killed, 3 missing and 157 wounded. Sefilian warned the authorities that "this process of territorial concession is a treason". He claimed that "those people cannot represent the Armenian people". On behalf of all freedom fighters as well as the perished ones, Sefilian stated that the authorities will be punished if they do not change their stance in Artsax issue. Referring to OSCE Minsk group Russian co-chair (who said that "the co-chairs have prepared a new package to be put before Armenian and Azeri presidents in London", "the society is not ready for compromise", "co-chairs always considered that the public opinion in both countries need to be molded") Sefilian said that the parliamentary hearings aimed at settling these issues. "In presence of many ambassadors, the coalitional parties, opposition representatives, RA and NKR foreign ministers and especially RA defense minister tried hard to display the "unity" and "resolution" of Armenia's politics to accept co-chairs' suggestions", a press release by DLT read. Organizers of the hearings, according to DLT, displayed the Armenian society their resolution to defend territories of former Nagorno Artsax Autonomous Republic and the Lachin corridor and from the other side, their belief and readiness to hand the liberated territories to Azerbaijan. "The expression 'liberated territories' was a taboo for everyone. They used, instead, words revealing their Azeri-mindedness. We have the impression that the purpose of the hearings was to deprive expression "liberated territories" of its meaning", the release says. Zhirayr Sefilian and his adherents are sure that "the Armenian nation will never put up with the idea of relinquishing any part of its homeland and with contracts that opposing to its national interests". By Tatoul Hakobian

Arpa, no unfortunately i didn't read all of your above article i glaced through the posts. In any case, i myself do not truly know how Artsakh means strong forest, however, the people in Artsax say that's what Artsakh means. Perhaps it's an ancient Armenian word no longer in use.

"Artsakh" is an ancient Armenian word meaning "strong forest"

Recently the ARF leader Vahan Hovanessian gave an interview in which he said "he personally favored the step by step solution of the conflict." Yet once more we see how hypocritical this "party" really is. Once more they are showing their real face. The problem with today's Armenia is the authorities. First off, we must get rid of Kocharyan and all those fake parties governing Armenia today. The republican party is a joke and a tool of Kocharyan. It is not the same Republican party of Vazgen Sarkissian. Thats why they are over represented in parliament.

This time all the way to Baku! http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/39749000/jpg/_39749877_arm_kara_ap.jpg

The Azeris are all bark and no bite. Even during the Soviet days, we were always the ones doing the fighting while these tatar mogoloids were behind the 5th lines chewing seeds. How many generals did Artsakh give to the Soviet Union?, i'm not even mentioning Armenia, just artsakh. In any case, if the Azeris do go through with their suicidal plans, then you know i wouldn't mind going to rest near the caspian sea during the summer(as it will be under Armenian rule).

When will this legendary hero once more reign over Armenia and put an end to all the HARAM authorities of today who have infested the Armenian parliament. I miss the days of Vazgen Sarkissian and the Miasnutyun Dashink. I really despise the current scumbag leadership and all those fake politicians and politicial parties, especially the "orinats yerkir". http://www.armenialiberty.org/armeniarepor...747CB1CA935.ASP Former Artsax Strongman Vows Political Comeback By Ruzanna Stepanian General Samvel Babayan, the once powerful ex-commander of Nagorno-Artsax’s army, confirmed on Wednesday his intention to resume political activities in Armenia five years after being controversially imprisoned on coup charges. In an exclusive interview with RFE/RL, Babayan pointedly refused to lend his support to President Robert Kocharian or his political opponents. He also strongly denied speculation that he may have cut a secret deal with the Artsax government to regain his freedom last September. Babayan was released from prison more than four years after being convicted of masterminding a botched March 2000 attempt on the life of Arkady Ghukasian, president of the unrecognized Nagorno-Artsax Republic. He never pleaded guilty to the charges, denouncing the 14-year prison sentence as politically motivated. Babayan suggested that he was set free due to his worsening “health problems” and insisted that he had not asked Ghukasian for an amnesty. “I would not allow anyone to talk to me with ultimatums or to dictate conditions,” he said. “If I were willing to accept conditions, I would not have spent four-and-a-half years in prison. I would not have been imprisoned at all.” A former car mechanic, Babayan became commander of the Artsax Armenian army at the height of its victorious 1991-1994 war with Azerbaijan. He later emerged as the disputed region’s most powerful man, concentrating sweeping political and economic powers in his hands at a time when Artsax was led Kocharian. Babayan began losing power in late 1999 following his defeat in a bitter power struggle with Ghukasian. The 39-year-old former strongman laughed off suggestions that he promised not to return to Artsax in exchange for his liberation. He said he now lives in Yerevan simply because “things are solved here.” Babayan, who set up a private think-tank called Khachmeruk (Crossroads) recently, admitted that he is returning to active politics in Armenia but claimed that he will not form his own political party or seek high-level positions in government. He said he will instead sponsor political forces that “really think about this country’s future” but did not elaborate. Babayan was equally vague about his current attitude toward Kocharian. While noting that the Armenian opposition’s existing “scenarios for regime change” are unrealistic, he made it clear that he will join calls for Kocharian’s resignation “if the public demands that.” The retired general further did not rule out his or his allies’ participation in parliamentary elections which are due to take place in Artsax in July. “Let’s just wait a bit,” he said. “Developments will tell. But do not rule out anything.” Babayan, known for his hard line on Azerbaijan, was also pessimistic about prospects for the resolution of the Artsax conflict in the near future. “The Artsax problem is still very far from being resolved. There can be solution at this stage,” he said. Babayan’s take on chances of renewed fighting in Artsax was equally gloomy: “If the parties fail to resolve the conflict peacefully then a war between them will take place sooner or later.” (Photolur photo)

Yes, this is quite true. Actually, the Greek embassy in Yerevan has official documents which prove that in 1993 Turkey had plans to invade Armenia. They brought their cowardly army on the Armenian border for show, but they never had the balls to actually go through with their plans.

SYSTEM OF A DOWN and KROQ-FM Present "Souls 2005" benefit concert 09.03.2005 15:37 YEREVAN (YERKIR) - Multi-Platinum-selling group SYSTEM OF A DOWN will headline "Souls, 2005," a benefit concert presented by Los Angeles radio powerhouse, KROQ-FM, and held in Los Angeles on Sunday, April 24 at the Universal Amphitheatre. This is the third "Souls" benefit concert that System of a Down has organized and headlined, and as before, the four band members - Serj Tankian, Daron Malakian, Shavo Odadjian and John Dolmayan - have earmarked the proceeds from "Souls, 2005" to benefit organizations that work to eradicate genocides across the globe. This includes the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA), an organization that supports legislation in the U.S. Congress to recognize the Armenian Genocide that was perpetrated by the Ottoman Empire during World War 1. During this first genocide of the 20th century, 1.5 million Armenians were annihilated and hundreds of thousands deported from their ancient homeland. April 24th was chosen as the date for the concert as this year, it commemorates the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. The members of System of a Down, who are of Armenian descent, all lost family members and family history to the Armenian Genocide. All tickets for the concert will be priced at $45.00. "It's important for people to be aware of the Armenian Genocide," explained Tankian, "and that those actions continue to be covered up by the Turkish government, the U.S. State Department, Turkey's allies in the defense and oil industries, and by our present U.S. Administration. Had the Armenian Genocide been acknowledged as a Crime Against Humanity as it was, Hitler might not have thought he could get away with the Jewish Holocaust. History does and will repeat itself, unless we stop that cycle." All tickets for the concert will be priced at $45.00.

He is a legend of Armenian music. No one comes close to him.

which harout? i though u were mocking harout by sarcastically saying that he was his own biggest fan. perhaps i misunderstood. any how, i'm nuts about harout pamboukjian. he rules

Looks like someone is jealous. You probably didn't make anything of your music career and are taking it out on others. Harout Pamboukjian rules. I have every single one of his cd's, and I never get tired of listening to his golden voice or going to his concerts. God bless him, he is a legend.

I just found this cool Harout Pamboukjian fan website: Fan website

A Turkish-US war would be nice! The US is welcome to use Armenian territory to launch attacks on the Turks.

that cd is a mix of harout's songs from different albums. msho dashder is from his original cd titled "yeregoyan yerevan". also, the rest of those songs are from the album "patriotic songs". nonetheless, keep up the great work and support our artists!

you took the words right out of my mouth! that's right, we must support our brilliant artists, and buy their cd's, go to their concerts, and whatever it takes to keep our name and race high.

a lot of young people really like Armenchik, i'd say he's probably the number one singer among young people right now. Harout Pamboukjian, however, is universal. Everyone listens to him, and he's the most legendary singer there ever was or will be.

The question being asked is very difficult. God is the creator of all life. Armenia is the creator of all Armenians. God has his place in the hearts of every Armenian and every good Christian. Armenia has her place in the hearts of every Armenian. These 2 are truly unrelated concepts, neither one can be given priority over the other.

I also wanted to add that Armenians in Iran have a history of over 600 years. For 600 years + Armenians generation after generation have grown up surrounded by Iranian culture. But that did not stop the Armenians forgetting about their national coconsciousness and aspirations, and it didn't stop them from going back to Armenian in very large numbers in the 1960's and onward. They didn't forget about their identity even when the Iranian government would do such snake-like actions as changing Armenian last names to make sound like Persian last names, for instance changing Kocharyan to Kochari, Muradyan to Muradooni, and etc.. Likewise, the Azeri Turks too have an identity. But unlike in the case of 100-200,000 Armenians, 30 million Azeri Turks is not a light matter.

Ok, first off, I fully support the current Islamic regime in Iran. Why? Because if the Islamic regime falls, the entire middle east region will be at Israel’s mercy and service. The former regime of the shah was a puppet regime of Washington and Tel Aviv, is that what you want back? The former regime was a dictatorship, no better than the current Islamic regime which some US based Iranians complain about today. If you recall, was the SAVAK secret police, which was so brutal against Iranian citizens, created, organized, and financed by Washington and Jews in Israel? So in other words, the 1979 revolution is what saved Iran and made it truly independent. If I recall correctly, is it the current Islamic leadership of Iran that is going to turn the country into a nuclear power-house, something neither the US nor Israel would allow even if they were in the friendliest of relations. Yet despite this you have some treasonous Iranians today undermining Iran’s national security by whining to US and Israeli authorities about the “dangers the Islamic regime poses to the world”-SHAME! During WWII Russians were in full control of “the republic of Southern Azerbaijan.” It was returned back under Iranian jurisdiction not because there was no popular support for unification with Soviet Azerbaijan or even independence, but solely due to US pressure. I believe it was the Turk named Kiyabani who led the Iranian Azeri’s struggle for independence against Iran. He was very popular amongst the Turks in Iran, and led quite a successful and popular campaign. It was only with foreign aid and US pressure against the Soviet Union that the Shah’s army was able to override the rebels. Do you ever wonder why they called it "Azad Azerbaijan"?-because it was free from Iran. I am opposing your view that Azeri Turks in Iran are different from the Turks in Turkey or Azerbaijan. This simply isn’t true. They all come from the same bloodline, and a Turk will always remain a Turk. You are arguing that since Iranian Azeris have grown surrounded by Iranian culture that they are more Iranian than Turkish. While this is true to a certain degree, just like you have some Iranians in the US who think they’re American and not Persian, but ultimately the Azeris in Iran are a people who have national aspirations. The Iranian gov’t is keeping a really close eye on them, because they pose a catastrophic danger to Iran capable of tearing the country to pieces. Do you ever wonder why there isn’t a single Azeri language school in Iran while there are so many Armenian schools and churches? If the opportunity arises, the Azeris in Iran will backstab Iran in a single second. With a combined attack from Turkey and Azerbaijan, Iran will sink. 30 million Azeris in a country of 70 million, in a country where ethnic Iranians are less than half the population, is a very serious matter.

Iran01, its very naieve ..... of you to think that the Azeri Turk scumbags within your country are Persianized and are pro-Iran. Thats not the case. They are their own people and pose a real threat to Iran. Don't think for a second that they wouldn't backstab you if they had the slightest advantage in doing so. In fact, god forbid, if the US ever decides to invade iran, the Azeri filth within your country would be the first to cause a widescale unrest in Iran and make it real easy for not only the US to attack, but also the armies of Turkey and Azerbaijan. You are real naieve person. I suppose you also think that Armenian from iran are also persianized? well, my neighbors are armenians from iran all they do all day is critize the persians as ......... Artsakh jan please don’t use any personal insults or name calling Just a friendly reminder Thank you MOsjan