Azerbaijan-Armenia agree on Turkey-led Nagorno-Karabakh plan

[Armine]

Azerbaijan-Armenia agree on Turkey-led Nagorno-Karabakh plan

 

 

Armenia and Azerbaijan reached a partial agreement on a solution plan for the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The agreement came after the Turkish foreign minister’s contacts with officials from both countries, Hurriyet daily reported on Wednesday.

 

 

The sides agree on the four points of the draft plan that aimed at resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Hurriyet added.

 

According to the plan, Armenia will return some of the towns surrounding the Nagorno-Karabakh region to Azerbaijan in a specific timetable and repatriate the Azeris who were forced to leave the regions, the report said.

 

The administration of the Nagorno-Karabakh region will be handed to a provisional body and Kelbejer will be returned to Azerbaijan after the status of the region is determined, Hurriyet added.

 

The railroad and highway between Azerbaijan and Armenia will be opened, while an international peace force will be deployed at the border region between Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh, the report said.

 

Officials said any step taken towards the solution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict will have a positive impact on Turkey-Armenia relations. Turkey closed its borders with Armenia in the 1990s to protest Yerevan's occupation of Azerbaijani territory.

 

BABACAN'S CONTACTS

Hurriyet said the agreement came after the busy meeting traffic of Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan. He met with Armenian Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandian and President Serzh Sargsyan on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference on Saturday.

 

He later held a meeting with his Azerbaijani counterpart Elmar Memmdyarov on the plane on their way to Ankara. On board, the two ministers took the snap decision not to land in Ankara but travel onto Baku where they met with Azerbaijani leader Ilham Aliyev on Monday.

 

Nagorno-Karabakh, a frozen conflict legacy of the Soviet Union, has been standing at the center of Azerbaijan-Armenia and Turkey-Armenia relations. Turkey closed its borders with Armenia due to Yerevan's aggression against Azerbaijan.

 

The conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia began in 1988 on Armenian territorial claims over Azerbaijan. Since 1992 Armenian Armed Forces have occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and its seven surrounding districts.

 

Both countries continue with fruitless peace negotiations. The OSCE Minsk Group, co-chaired by the United States, Russia, and France, is engaged in efforts to the conflict peacefully.

 

[Aratta-Kingdom]

NKR MFA: Karabakh issue wasn’t discussed during Armenian-Turkish talks

 

 

11.02.2009 /PanARMENIAN.Net/ The talks for resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict are held under the aegis of the OSCE Minsk Group, the most optimal mediation format, said Marsel Petrosyan, head of the NKR Foreign Minsitry information division.

 

“As far as we know, the Karabakh issue wasn’t discussed during the Armenian-Turkish talks,” he told PanARMENIAN.Net.

 

Hurriyet daily reported Wednesday that “Yerevan and Baku sealed a partial agreement on Karabakh.”

 

The daily announced Wednesday that Armenia and Azerbaijan reached a partial agreement on a solution plan for the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. The agreement allegedly came after the Turkish Foreign Minister’s contacts with officials from both countries.

According to the plan, Armenia will return some of the towns surrounding the Nagorno Karabakh region to Azerbaijan in a specific timetable and repatriate the Azeris who were forced to leave the regions, the report said.

 

The administration of the Nagorno Karabakh will be handed to a provisional body and Kelbejer will be returned to Azerbaijan after the status of the region is determined, Hurriyet added.

 

The railroad and highway between Azerbaijan and Armenia will be opened, while an international peace force will be deployed at the border region between Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh, the report said.

 

Edited February 11, 2009 by Aratta-Kingdom

[Aratta-Kingdom]

 

 

Armo jna, that's a disinformation spread by the turkish hurriyet. The turkish newspaper made a habit of spreading all kind of lies in order to get attention. Only a week ago, the same newspaper fabricated a story about the Armenians apologizing to the turks.

 

Things like this don't happen by accident. After the Davos incident, when all the attention was on the turks, they used the opportunity to spread lies about the Armenian genocide. When there is a mojor event concerning the turks or the Armenians, if you use the Google search engine for a news, you will see that someone from Google helps the turks to keep all the anti-Armenian propaganda on the front page.

[Armine]

Armo jna, that's a disinformation spread by the turkish hurriyet. The turkish newspaper made a habit of spreading all kind of lies in order to get attention. Only a week ago, the same newspaper fabricated a story about the Armenians apologizing to the turks.

 

Things like this don't happen by accident. After the Davos incident, when all the attention was on the turks, they used the opportunity to spread lies about the Armenian genocide. When there is a mojor event concerning the turks or the Armenians, if you use the Google search engine for a news, you will see that someone from Google helps the turks to keep all the anti-Armenian propaganda on the front page.

 

 

I am aware of that Aratta Jan, I just thought it was interesting to oberve the way in which Turkish media tries to influence public opinion, put twists on things and the way in which people see them as a "nation." The question is by placing such information in the media what are they trying to do and say?

[Aratta-Kingdom]

The question is by placing such information in the media what are they trying to do and say?

 

 

 

 

 

TURKISH SCHOLAR EXPOSES ANKARA’S VAIN ATTEMPT TO SPLIT ARMENIA FROM DIASPORA

 

By Harut Sassounian , Publisher, The California Courier

 

 

 

In their persistent efforts to distort the facts of the Armenian Genocide, Turkish denialists resort to all sorts of tricks. Their latest scheme is trying to drive a wedge between Armenia and the Diaspora by claiming that authorities in Yerevan are all too willing to forget about the Genocide and reconcile with Turks, were it not for the "sinister influence" of Diaspora Armenians who constantly undermine all attempts at reconciliation between Armenia and Turkey.

 

Prime Minister Recep Erdogan, during a press conference in Ankara last week, claimed that "the Armenian Diaspora is plotting. We can see very clearly and sharply that their efforts are aimed at utilizing [the Armenian Genocide issue]. This is so obvious. But I also see that the current administration in Armenia doesn’t take part in this."

 

Significantly, it was Turkish scholar Taner Akcam who exposed the false arguments of all those who share Prime Minister Erdogan’s false notion that Armenia and the Diaspora are split on the issue of recognition of the Armenian Genocide. In a recent issue of the Turkish newspaper Taraf, Prof. Akcam wrote a lengthy analysis of Turkish misperceptions and misrepresentations on this issue. He argued against the view that "good neighbor" Armenia and the "bad" Diaspora have opposing views on the Armenian Genocide. Prof. Akcam correctly stated that Armenians everywhere agree that what occurred in 1915 was genocide and feel that it needs to be acknowledged by Turkey. He noted, however, that there are differences among Armenians (regardless of where they live) about the consequences of such an acknowledgement.

 

Prof. Akcam dismissed the Turkish claim that "the Armenian state has not been very insistent on the subject of ‘recognition of the Genocide.’" Most Turkish analysts wrongly allege, according to Akcam, that Armenia is a very "good" neighbor to Turkey and that it reflects its "goodness" by "refraining from use of the word ‘Genocide’ and by not demanding ‘recognition’" during the course of Pres. Gul’s visit to Armenia last September. Turkish analysts further claim that "the Armenian state is seriously in the grip of and under the influence of the ‘bad’ diaspora." They conclude that "in order to relieve Turkish-Armenian tension, ‘our good neighbor Armenia’ must be saved from the ‘bad’ diaspora."

 

According to Prof. Akcam, Turkish analysts falsely claim that "the biggest reason why Armenia has fallen under the influence of the ‘bad’ diaspora" is "poorly conceived Turkish policies. As a result, in order to save Armenia from the diaspora, Turkey must relinquish its bad policies and foster ‘good’ relations with Armenia. Consequently, Armenia will be able to distance itself from the bad policies of the diaspora, policies like ‘insisting on recognition of genocide.’"

 

Prof. Akcam categorically refuted those allegations by stating that "when it comes to acknowledging the genocide, Armenia and the diaspora are on the same page. It is improper to draw a distinction between the sides on an axis of ‘those who insist on recognition and those who do not.’ It needs to be emphasized right here, right now, that Armenians everywhere agree that what occurred in 1915 was genocide and they feel that it needs to be acknowledged by Turkey."

 

Prof. Akcam then acknowledged that there may be legitimate differences among Armenians, regardless of whether they live in Armenia or the Diaspora, on such complex subjects as "what does it mean to recognize the genocide?" and "on the issue of addressing an historical injustice, what steps Turkey might take that will be considered sufficient?"

 

Prof. Akcam then wondered which option Turkey should pursue -- the Japanese or German model -- in confronting its history? The Japanese model, he explained, would entail a "half-hearted expression" of apology. The German model, on the other hand, constitutes "acceptance of all consequences that arise from that acknowledgement, including providing reparations if necessary, would be required. To follow in Germany’s footsteps, Turkey would have to identify the events of 1915 as genocide and make serious effort to compensate all who were injured by those events both emotionally and materially." He thus raised the serious issue of bringing "restorative justice" to the victims of the Armenian Genocide.

 

It is high time that Turkish denialists face squarely the brutal history of their nation and focus their attention on making amends to heal the wounds of the past rather than seeking to blame the descendants of the victims of the Armenian Genocide, be they in Armenia or the Diaspora!

[Aratta-Kingdom]

 

 

A Dangerous Approach to Karabakh Peace

 

 

AsbarezOnline

 

 

The Turkish Hurriyet Daily reported Tuesday that Armenia and Azerbaijan had reached a partial agreement on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The newspaper alleged that the agreement was a result of Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan's shuttle diplomacy with his Armenian and Azeri counterparts and the new peace plan would be mediated by Turkey.

 

This prompted both the Turkish and Armenian foreign ministries to refute the Hurrieyt report.

 

“No negotiations have taken place on the Karabakh issue with Turkey,” said Tigran Balayan Wednesday in response to an Itar-Tass reporter's inquiry on the Hurriyet report.

 

“As Armenian Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandyan has stated on numerous occasions, the negotiations over the Nagorno Karabakh conflict resolution are taking place with the mediation of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs on the basis of the Madrid principles,” added Balayan.

 

Meanwhile, a spokesman from the Turkish Foreign Ministry said Wednesday Turkey is not included in a solution plan to the issue, though it is an issue that concerns the country.

 

"There is no discussion of Turkey's inclusion in a Nagorno-Karabakh plan. We are just gathering information from both sides," Burak Ozugergin told the Anatolian News Agency.

 

No word yet from Azerbaijan.

 

What is most disturbing in the Hurriyet piece is the allegation that Armenia will return some of the towns surrounding the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic to Azerbaijan in a specific timetable and repatriate Azeris who were forced to leave the regions. Furthermore, Hurriyet reports that the administration of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic will be handed to a provisional body and Kelbajar will be returned to Azerbaijan after the status of the region is determined. Hurriyet adds that the railroad and highway between Azerbaijan and Armenia will be opened, while an international peace force will be deployed at the border region between Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh.

 

Hurriyet still prominently featured this piece Thursday with the original headline of “Azerbaijan-Armenia agree on Turkey-led Nagorno-Karabakh plan," matter of factly updating the piece to include the Turkish and Armenian comments about the story.

 

Is this a classic case of Turkey's and Azerbaijan's continued misinformation campaign or is it a new--and dangerous--diplomatic approach to the Karabakh peace process? The elements allegedly agreed upon with Babacan reek of the Turko-Azeri wish list for Karabakh.

 

It is not the first time that the Turkish or Azeri media have reported on the aftermath of talks between the foreign ministers in an exaggerated and sensationalist manner warranting further comment or explanation by government officials. This is not the Fourth Estate watching over the government, but, perhaps, a concerted effort aimed at fanning the flames of an already volatile situation in an effort to derail talks and shift the focus of the discussion.

 

There are stakeholders in the Karabakh peace process who have a lot to gain from undermining the current process and they operate by leaking and disclosing bits of information out of context to shift the focus.

 

On the other hand, if the points highlighted in the Hurriyet report are even being discussed by the parties to the conflict then it might be time to rethink the so-called Madrid principles, which from day one have been shrouded in secrecy. Those points are dangerous, objectionable and unacceptable and will only further exacerbate the conflict and its resolution process.

 

This is a dangerous precedent and one that has to be vocally and adamantly countered by, to begin with, Armenia's Foreign Ministry as well as all stakeholders who are interested in a peaceful and just resolution to the Karabakh conflict. This would require an immediate and more transparent accounting of meetings and discussions in order to impede efforts by others to disrupt the current process

[MosJan]

Armo jan we have a topic comedistan, it's designated for such articles

 

you will have Arpa Papiks Blessings if you post them in their

[Arpa]

Armo jan we have a topic comedistan, it's designated for such articles

 

you will have Arpa Papiks Blessings if you post them in their

Dear Armo, welcome back!

Yes we have initiated a thread of Comedistan under the Topic of Humor

http://hyeforum.com/index.php?showtopic=17935

Where we bring clownish news and comedic events, regardless of their origin, even if they may be by one of our own. Observe the last entry about that “Armenian” clown Armen (sorry for his given name) Gakavian, yes kghkghank-kakav-kakets-ian . Since then he has tried to eat his own vomit/sh*t , but…. to no avail!

He being so blinded by his Ramkavar “religion” cannot help but spew his hatred of the Dashnak/ARF/ASALA, even if at a furkish non- news agency. Whoever gave him the license to talk to furkish TV?.

Edited February 12, 2009 by Arpa

[hosank]

i have a few points for consideration.

 

1- turkey as a regional player:

as we may well know turkey has, for the last 3 or 4 years fancied itself as the regional power and mediator. its new foreign, regional policy has been to officially distance itself from azerbaijan its "ethnic brother", to take a more neutral tone. even the azeri-turkish feelings of 'turkicness' have been played down, as azerbaijan, in its quest for creating a national identity, tries to create a 'native caucasian' identity for itself. thus, turkey seems to be patting herself on the back with content on its successful attempt at 'football democracy' with Armenia, thinking that it could be enough to woo armenia with the prospect of friendly relations in order for her to somehow forget its longstanding claims against the turkish state. this is the point we are at now, forgetting the fact that turkey pushed for the peace plan to be unveiled on paril 23rd (just on time to give that bolshevik double agent comrade Obama a chance to opt out of his promise for geocide recognition, with the prospect of possible turko-armenian reconciliation, and the genocide resolution as possibly hampering that)- turkey has made other attempts to strengthen its position as the 'peacemaker' in the region, (as its tanks roll over kurdish villagers on the turkey/irak border.)

when reading the article, it is interesting to note the great importance which Hrriyet gives to the role of Turkey in these supposed mediation attempts. this has for an objective to show the west that Turkey is indeed capable of solving a conflict while pleasing both sides.

 

2- hurryiet in general has been known for printing articles on events before they happen. this is specifically in order to get a sense from popular reaction to it. this happened for instance, when serj sarkissian invited gul to yerevan for the football match. Hurryet printed that gul had accepted the invitation even before the president had made an official response. the idea was to scout the reaction of the turkish public; had there been a largely negative reaction, the next days paper could easily have printed that the previous article was from mixed reports and he hadn't indeed accepted. it is the same in this case, where ankara hints a blue print for its new regional policy: in other words, this is basically a test

 

He being so blinded by his Ramkavar “religion” cannot help but spew his hatred of the Dashnak/ARF/ASALA, even if at a furkish non- news agency. Whoever gave him the license to talk to furkish TV?.

please no internal politics before you offend someone