Armenia and Orlando

*Also on Unzipped: Gay Armenia

Armenia president Serj Sargsyan strongly condemns “horrendous manifestation of intolerance” and “any expression of hatred”. At least, this is how he formulated his reaction to Orlando in a letter of condolences to the US president Obama following attack on LGBT club Pulse.

President Serzh Sargsyan sent a letter of condolences to the President of the United States Barack Obama on a horrible terrorist act which took place at a club in Orlando, claiming several dozens of innocent lives and wounded. The President of Armenia strongly condemned this horrendous manifestation of intolerance and underscored that the misfortune, that has befallen the friendly American people, proves once again that any expression of hatred is still a serious challenge to the humanity and it is our shared responsibility and mission to address them.

ՑԱՎԱԿՑԱԿԱՆ ՆԱԽԱԳԱՀ ՍԵՐԺ ՍԱՐԳՍՅԱՆԸ ՑԱՎԱԿՑԱԿԱՆ ՀԵՌԱԳԻՐ Է ՀՂԵԼ ԱՄՆ ՆԱԽԱԳԱՀ ԲԱՐԱՔ ՕԲԱՄԱՅԻՆ 13.06.2016 Նախագահ Սերժ Սարգսյանը ցավակցական հեռագիր է հղել Ամերիկայի Միացյալ Նահանգների Նախագահ Բարաք Օբամային՝ Օռլանդո քաղաքի ակումբում տեղի ունեցած սահմռկեցուցիչ ահաբեկչության կապակցությամբ, որի հետևանքով զոհվել և վիրավորվել են մի քանի տասնյակ անմեղ մարդիկ: Հանրապետության Նախագահը խստորեն դատապարտել է անհանդուրժողականության այս զարհուրելի երևույթը և ընդգծել, որ բարեկամ ամերիկացի ժողովրդին պատուհասած այդ դժբախտությունը կրկին ապացուցեց, որ ատելության բոլոր դրսևորումները, որոնց հաղթահարումը բոլորի հավաքական պարտքն ու առաքելությունն է, նույնիսկ 21-րդ դարում շարունակում են մնալ լրջագույն մարտահրավեր մարդկության համար:

4 years ago his party spokesman Eduard Sharmazanov (currently deputy speaker of the Armenian parliament) endorsed firebombers of gay friendly DIY bar in Armenia capital Yerevan.

“All those who are trying to protect homosexuals, who are perverting our society, are defaming the Armenian national identity. As an Armenian citizen and member of a national-conservative party, I find the rebellion of the two young Armenian people against the homosexuals, who have created a den of perversion in our country and have a goal of alienating the society from its moral values, completely right and justified. And those human rights defenders, who are trying to earn cheap dividends from this incident, I urge them first and foremost to protect the national and universal values”, said Eduard Sharmazanov.

He echoed his colleague, MP from ARF Dashnaktsutyun party Artsvik Minasyan (currently minister of economy) who justified the attack towards LGBT friendly bar, saying the firebombers acted in accordance with the "context of our societal & national ideology, in the right way”. It was then revealed that Armenian MPs from the ARF Dashnaktsutyun party Artsvik Minasyan and Hrayr Karapetyan bailed out one of the detained arsonists, while the other one was released on signature that he won’t leave the country.

DIY firebombers were effectively pardoned. They got conditional sentencing and a symbolic fine.

And now Armenia president condemns Orlando using pretty strong wording, albeit without the mention of “LGBT”. A change of heart or simply a hypocrisy directed at outside world? How genuine Armenia president was when condemning Orlando would be determined by whether his regime would indeed crack down on anti-LGBT hatred inside Armenia.

Following Orlando, a significant proportion of users (not just trolls) on Armenian social networks, particularly the Armenian segment of Facebook, either kept silence or could not resist their ‘happiness’ at killing of LGBT people.

They were effectively proclaiming the killer a hero. These are the same people who change their profile pictures demanding the world to recognise the Armenian Genocide. These are the same people who were outraged when an axe murderer of Armenian was pardoned by Azeri president and turned into a ‘national hero’.

One of the organisers of Orlando solidarity event in Yerevan, executive director of PINK Armenia Mamikon Hovsepyan, said “it was painful for him to witness Armenians’ reaction to the attack, which included advocacy of hatred and insults targeting the LGBT+ community.”

“People without the elementary capacity to think began to justify the criminal. I do not understand how a crime against humanity can be justified. Many in Armenia have been aggressive and have even expressed support for the terrorists, inviting them to Armenia, which is very sad and inhumane. Today we came here to express our solidarity with the families of the victims.” Hovsepyan said.

The activist added that he was left “dumbstruck” by Armenian President, head of ruling Republican Party Serzh Sargsyan sending his condolences to U.S. President Barack Obama in connection with the shooting; “It would have been great had [the condolences] been genuine and heartfelt. But I don’t believe it; because the same party that justified 4 years ago [the attack on a LGBT-friendly pub in Yerevan] today extended its condolences in connection with a similar act. I do find it ironic, and yet I’d like to believe that they’ve changed.” 

It was disheartening to read PINK Armenia calling fellow Armenians ‘to respect innocent victims & not defend terrorist acts’.

We call on our fellow Armenian friends and citizens to respect the innocent victims, and not to defend terrorism and terrorist acts.

Կոչ ենք անում մեր հայրենակիցներին հարգել անմեղ զոհերին, այլ ոչ թե պաշտպանել ահաբեկչությունն ու ահաբեկչական գործողությունները։

Even two main US-based Diaspora Armenian publications (Asbarez and The Armenian Weekly) kept silence on Orlando for 3 days, before posting a more general op-ed or a report from Yerevan. As my Facebook friends noted, it's because no straight Armenian was killed.

I have to say that mainstream media in Armenia, at least on this occasion, overall reported on the events respectfully, including regarding LGBT people (example).

As was mentioned on the Russian service of BBC, in relation to reactions in Russia, this event showed that not everyone in our society a homophobe ("У нас есть четкое понимание того, что общество уже не едино в гомофобии.”). This is applicable to Armenia too. Not necessarily the most optimistic conclusion but a basis for hope.

Epic shame for Hungary as axe murderer Ramil Safarov extradited to Azerbaijan to be pardoned and turned into ‘national hero’

Utterly disgusted with the news that Ramil Safarov - axe murderer of Armenia officer at NATO training in Budapest, Hungary, was extradited to Azerbaijan and pardoned by their president.

This sends all the wrong messages to citizens of Azerbaijan and Armenia that violence is acceptable and encouraged on the highest state level, with the direct involvement of EU member state Hungary.

This will inevitably increase the level of suspicion during similar mutual trainings and initiatives elsewhere, and will turn into a big obstacle for Karabakh peace building process.

F*cked up leaders, corrupted governments and attempts at turning failed policies into populist nationalist triumphs... with the help of bloody oil money, of course.

Only few days ago, news surfaced re oil rich Azerbaijan dictatorship’s possible 2-3 bln money lending to Hungary.

BUDAPEST, Aug 23 (Reuters) - Oil exporter Azerbaijan could lend Hungary 2-3 billion euros [...] *source

No comments, indeed.

Expensive price Aliyev’s regime decided to pay for turning the murderer into a ‘national hero’.

Epic shame and fail to Hungary that should be investigated by EU on the highest possible level.

In the meantime, Armenia cuts diplomatic and official ties with Hungary.

Civil protest? More like a mob rule against organiser of Azeri film festival in Armenia

After previous unsuccessful attempt, the Azerbaijani film festival - this time in Armenia’s second town Gyumri on 12 April - was yet again cancelled amid ‘campaign of terror’, police inaction and safety concerns, as the organiser explained.

Unfortunately, like two years ago, we witnessed similar level of nationalist hysteria.

Along with other medium, anti-Azerbaijani film festival Facebook page was set up full of hatred and with open calls at life of the organiser Georgi Vanyan.

Below is a screenshot of just one such example, with a description of ‘murder plot’.

Notorious mayor of Gyumri used the occasion to spearhead the nationalist parade against the film festival.

@onewmphoto: Poor Gyumri. Noted for its architecture & humor in the Soviet era, devastated by the 1988 earthquake, & now the fiefdom of Vartan Ghukasian

This was a campaign of bullying, intimidation, hate speech, direct death threats, psychological and physical abuse towards someone who you do not agree with. This was not a ‘civil’ protest. More like a mob rule.

Video of attack demonstrates this clearly.

As one of my Facebook friends commented on his page: is this how civilised and cultured people need to react to showing of film? “Do these protesters realize how insecure and weak they appear? So shameful...”

As I mentioned re relevant circumstances two years ago:

I strongly believe that art, and culture, do not recognise borders. Even if countries are at the state of war. Art, and films, are the best way for ordinary people to get to know each other better, to break the ice, even or especially in case of closed borders. There is also internet, of course, and meetings outside the national borders.

I have no problem if there are people who protest the idea or the fact of the festival. It’s their right. But do it in a (at least remotely) civilised way, without engaging the lowest possible denominator of nationalist/racist crap, personal attacks and threats to individuals. There is a fine line when freedom of speech gets transformed into something that should be considered within the frames of legal/criminal code. Many have already crossed that line.

Once again, freedom of speech lost in Armenia. Once again, state structures in Armenia failed to protect constitutional rights and freedom of their citizens. There were no winners.

*Recommended reading:

Armenia: Nationalist Threats Against Local Activist

Armenia: Support for Georgi Vanyan

Losers! Armenia Public TV withdraws from Eurovision 2012

They could have announced it much earlier, with dignity, with a kind of reasoning that would have gained them respect. Instead, they resorted to stupid propaganda games and outright lies. They undignified themselves to the extent of exploiting death of the Armenian soldier. Not only they behaved as total losers, now they have to pay big sum fines too. A disgrace.

Read the background story here: Public TV in Armenia and pop singers in PR disaster over Eurovision

Important message from Eurovision to Baku: Azerbaijan must guarantee freedom of expression and sufficient visa entry [incl. for Armenians]

“In line with standard requirements that have to be fulfilled to host the Eurovision Song Contest, the government of Azerbaijan has been requested by the EBU to provide guarantees about security during the event, as well as freedom of expression, according to Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights and in line with the case law of the European Court of Human Rights, to all participants, fans, accredited journalists and the individual citizens of the country that access official Eurovision Song Contest premises. The EBU also requested that all accredited individuals and ticket holders shall receive sufficient entrance visa for the required duration. Such guarantees are expected to be given in the weeks to come.” - reads statement published on official Eurovision website.

As Escdaily rightly pointed out, “such words are more than likely to refer to the question of Armenia’s participation, VISA entry requirements, and questions about press freedom in the would-be host country.”

[...]

More on Unzipped: Gay Armenia

Yerevan State University students council marks the Armenian Genocide anniversary... with a cheap show of flag burning hatred on Facebook

You may have thought that the students council at the Yerevan State University fails in standing up for students rights only. You would be wrong. They fail on many other levels too.

To mark the Armenian Genocide anniversary, they created an event on Facebook for ... virtual flag burning of Turkey and Azerbaijan flags. How heroic!

I mentioned many times my opinion on flag burning and will repeat here briefly.

It's wrong, unnecessary and distracts from the main message. It’s simply a cheap show of pseudo-patriotism that only adds to the hatred without having any positive impact whatsoever.

I am glad that many current and former university students raised their discontent re their students council actions and started reporting the event’s page.

amot e, yes amachum em, vor event-i henc heghinak@ nshvac e Hamaslarani us.xorhurd@, yes report em anum sa, qani vor atelutyun@ lucum che, isk nman ararqner@ chxchim baner en, sa arjanapativ pahvacq che! (example - FB status)

I reported it too. At the time of writing, the event’s page disappeared and was no longer accessible on Facebook ("The page you requested was not found"). I take it that our reporting made an effect, although some claim they still can access the page.

Disgrace of the Day: police in Azerbaijan capital Baku escorts a girl after she shouted "freedom"

I am speechless. Can state brutality go any further than this? A total disgrace.

*via Yahoo News:

Azeri police escort a girl after she shouted "freedom" during an opposition rally to protest against policies by the authorities in Baku April 17, 2011. The girl attended the protest with her mother and the two were taken away in a police car. REUTERS/Irada Humbatova

The Duke (Prince Andrew) and The Despot (Azerbaijan president Aliyev)

Killing headline in today's Daily Mail following revelations in British media of dodgy connections of Prince Andrew as Britain’s “trade ambassador”. The Independent calls this “dangerous liaisons” “damaging him and the country” that turn “royal asset to national liability”.

AZERBAIJAN
Ilham Aliyev: Hardline President of oil-rich Azerbaijan, who in 2009 met Andrew with a view to establishing economic ties with Britain. Aliyev is accused by his opponents of electoral fraud, and has blocked media organisations including the BBC from broadcasting from his country. The Duke met Aliyev again at the Davos economic forum this year, while the Duke is also said to be friendly with his daughters, Leila and Arzu.

But Daily Mail’s headline nails it.

The Duke and The Despot


Revealed: Prince Andrew’s ‘close friendship’ with brutal billionaire dictator accused of torture and corruption

This is despite big oil related British interests in Azerbaijan.

And this is against the backdrop of reports coming from Baku re targeted detentions and torture of youth activists ahead of planned ‘Day of Protest’ in Azerbaijan on 11 March 2011.

*picture via Sky News

Russia + Armenia + Azerbaijan: presidents in tracksuits

Apparently, Russia president Dmitry Medvedev likes photography. As reported by News.am, during last meeting (5 March) in Sochi with Armenia president Serj Sargsyan and Azerbaijan president Ilham Aliyev, he followed his hobby and personally took pictures of Aliyes and Sargsyan wearing tracksuits. Although those (Medvedev) pics are not available, News.am posted other no-tie-but-tracksuit pics from the meeting. Can't say I am impressed with those tracksuits, especially by AM and AZ presidents. But hey, they are all 'smiles'. Well, sort of.

Президент России Дмитрий Медведев, который не раз во время поездок в разные страны и города делал фотоснимки для личной коллекции, на встрече с главами Армении и Азербайджана на горнолыжном курорте Красная Поляна под Сочи 5 марта не изменил своей традиции. Как передает корреспондент Новости Армении – NEWS.am, после официальной части встречи, когда политики сняли галстуки и надели спортивные костюмы, Дмитрий Медведев сделал несколько фотоснимков Сержа Саргсяна и Ильхама Алиева вместе. Затем Медведев продемонстрировал армянскому и азербайджанскому коллегам получившиеся снимки в своем цифровом фотоаппарате. [...] Лидеры встретились у подножия одного из горнолыжных склонов на Красной Поляне и вместе выпили по чашке чая в кафе. Затем президенты на фуникулере поднялись на хребет Псехако.

Vahram Petrosyan: witch-hunt

I did not even know this guy - Vahram Petrosyan - before this whole ‘story’ erupted (e.g.), and am not fan of his music (or any ‘klkloc’-like music), to say the least. But I cannot stand this witch-hunt, a targeted campaign by some media outlets (e.g. Shant TV) and others (using as a basis an edited script), and attempts at labeling people as and hunting for ‘enemy of nation’. If you do not agree with someone, just say it, without resorting to hate. Where this recent resurgence of ‘bloodthirstiness’ came from?

(here is one of the relatively recent examples I reflected on this blog too)

For this reason, I am posting this video and clarifications by Vahram Petrosyan (AM): “Վահրամ Պետրոսյանի ասուլիսը առանց մոնտաժի”

The funny thing is this guy is not even a rebel or indie or alternative, he is part of the mainstream Armenian pop scene (!).

Azeri blogger marks Hrant Dink's assassination anniversary by making Armenian language post

There are quite a few publications in Armenian and international (including Turkey and Azerbaijan) online space, blogs and media to mark the 4th anniversary of Hrant Dink's assassination in Turkey. But this particular post by well known Azeri blogger, musician and youth activist Araz Önər, currently based in the Netherlands, grabbed my attention. Not only by its content, which is good, but by posting it in Armenian too (available in EN, AZ and AM).

Below I re-post the Armenian version on my blog. Araz ends by transforming "We are all Hrant Dink" into "We are all free". If only...
***

Հրանտ Դինքի սպանությունը

Մարդիկ 17 տարեկանում կարող են շատ հիմար լինել: Եթե չորս տարի առաջ 17-ամյա Օզգուն Սամասթը իմանար, թե ում է սպանում, իր երիտասարդությունը չէր զոհաբերի նրանց համար, ովքեր իրեն ստիպեցին անել այդ ոճրագործությունը: Հրանտ Դինքը և´ հայերի, և´ թուրքերի համար պատմական կարևոր նշանակություն ունեցող լրագրող էր: Կարծում եմ նրա մահը մեծ հանցանք է ողջ աշխարհի ազատ լրագրողության դեմ:

Շատ ափսոս, որ Թուրքիայում 21-րդ դարում դեռևս մնացել են ֆաշիզմի հետքեր, որը սպառնալիք են դառնում այնտեղ ապրող արժեքավոր մարդկանց կյանքի համար:

Թուրքիան Նազիմ Հիքմեթներին, ում բարոյական և ֆիզիկական տառապանք է պատճառել, անգութաբար սպանված Հրանտ Դինքերին հետո կհասկանա և կգնահատի: Ներկայումս, ավաղ, Թուրքիան ոչինչ չի հասկանում: Այս ոճրագործությունը մի երիտասարդին վեագրելը ընդամենը մի խղճուկ փորձ է քողարկելու այն փաստը, որ սպանությունը կազմակերպվել է պետական մակարդակով: Դժվարանում եմ հասկանալ, թե ինչ էր մտածում թուրք ոստիկանը, որը ժպտում էր Օզգուն Սամասթի հետ թուրքական դրոշի տակ նկարվելիս…

Լինելով բլոգեր` կարծում եմ, որ Հրանտ Դինքի մահը մեծ հանցագործություն է թուրքական պետությունում ազատ խոսքի դեմ և խստորեն դատապարտում եմ այդ ոճիրը: Ի դեպ, չեմ ասում «բոլորս Հրանտ Դինք ենք, բոլորս հայ ենք», այլ ասում եմ «բոլորս ազատ ենք»:

Charming Karabakh at the World Travel Market in London

Despite reports that Azerbaijan would protest and try preventing Karabakh’s representation at the World Travel Market (WTM) in London, Karabakh did have its small separate pavilion right next to Armenia at this prestigious annual world forum. Moreover, I have to tell you, despite its very modest size, Karabakh’s representation was cosy, very warm, nicely designed and much more interesting than Armenia or Azerbaijan for that matter. The only thing I did not like in their design were those little crosses inside the letters, although they were not too pushy and I noticed them only while looking at pictures.

Karabakh’s corner at the WTM was a kind of place where you’d like to get in for a cup of tea or coffee, or a glass of wine or so, have a friendly chat. It really felt very warm, welcoming and comfortable. Charming - that was my first reaction as I saw it.

Armenian pavilion was unremarkable, with a tiring design (looks better in photo than in reality). There were ethnic and church related pictures all around, but ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to show what modern Armenia looks like. People (members of the delegation) were friendly, helpful and cheerful. That’s a plus.

Weirdly enough, looking at the main information stands at the WTM that show companies/countries represented there, you could hardly, if at all, find any indication of Armenia or Karabakh representation.

Azerbaijan’s pavilion was unremarkable as well, and kind of tasteless. Putting on the top of it this weird map of Azerbaijan with the empty space to indicate Armenia, and with the inscription “territory occupied by Armenia” was inappropriate and totally out of place.

The coolest design among South Caucasus countries was that of Georgia. You could feel modernity there, and you could actually see it from afar.

***
In tomorrow’s post - Turkey and Van at the World Travel Market in London. Stay tuned.

Nationalists gone hysterical in Armenian sector of Facebook over Azeri Film Festival in Yerevan

It’s funny how Armenian nationalists, self-proclaimed propagandists or ‘defendants’ of Armenian interests (whether in Armenia or Diaspora) are all up in arms to express their “outrage” when Armenian writers, artists, or anything Armenia related get threatened, abused and discriminated against in Turkey or Azerbaijan. They are all up in arms to “protest” and “expose” discrimination and abuse directed at few brave Turkish or Azeri voices who express different to the ‘accepted’ views in relation to Armenia, Karabakh or the Armenian Genocide.

But look at the nationalist hysteria that was generated and going on after the event’s page was set up for the Azeri Film Festival in Yerevan, Armenia (see poster above and FB page). Many of the most vocal and repetitive haters are those born in/around early 90s, a so called ‘lost generation’, who probably saw this as a chance for self-affirmation or whatever.

I am not going to repeat totally sh*tty language they use to show off how ‘patriotic’ they are and how ‘treacherous’ the organisers or supporters/attendants of the film festival are.

I strongly believe that art, and culture, do not recognise borders. Even if countries are at the state of war. Art, and films, are the best way for ordinary people to get to know each other better, to break the ice, even or especially in case of closed borders. There is also internet, of course, and meetings outside the national borders.

I have no problem if there are people who protest the idea or the fact of the festival. It’s their right. But do it in a (at least remotely) civilised way, without engaging the lowest possible denominator of nationalist/racist crap, personal attacks and threats to individuals. There is a fine line when freedom of speech gets transformed into something that should be considered within the frames of legal/criminal code. Many have already crossed that line.

And they pour tons of hatred, slander, nationalist crap and threats towards (among others) one of the brightest and the bravest souls in contemporary Armenia, writer and activist, and dreamer Lusine Vayachyan, who happened to help the organiser to set up the event’s page in Facebook, and supports the idea of film festival. Vayach, you have my respects. If only we have more dreamers in Armenia...

It’s an unfortunate reality that ‘treacherous’ Armenians become heroes only after their death. R.I.P., Hrant Dink...

*Recommended reading:

Azerbaijan Film Festival in Yerevan Sparks Hatred and Xenophobia

Armenian Writer Threatened for Facebook Page on Azerbaijan Film Screenings in Yerevan

No Enemy Nations, Only Regressive Societies and Governments: Ara Nedolyan

Intolerance Hidden Under Veil of Patriotism is Dangerous: Opinion

Hatred and Xenophobia is Alive and Well

Disgusting. New video allegedly shows bullying and violence in the Armenian army

UPDATE 23 September 2010: Exposed online. First - denial. Now - confirmation. Sadistic officer in Armenia army arrested and faces up to 5 years in prison for abuse of soldiers

UPDATE 17 September 2010: Armenia MoD confirms that those depicted in army hazing video were identified and detained. More details to be provided.

UPDATE 16 September 2010: Video was removed from Dailymotion too, but available elsewhere, e.g. on YouTube. It keeps getting removed and reappearing again. What is more important is that according to the media reports, the sadistic officer on the video was identified, and soon Armenian MoD will make a statement. MoD refused so far to confirm media reports. Will keep you posted on developments.

UPDATE 12 September 2010: Video was removed from YouTube "due to terms of use violation", but re-appeared on Dailymotion.
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This video was put on YouTube today and started circulating on Facebook. It titled (AM) Բանակի իրական դեմքը (‘The real face of the army’) and allegedly shows bullying and physical violence in the Armenian army. No description for the video is provided, and it’s not known when and where this video was taken. I can only assume it was taken via mobile phone.




Urgent investigation is needed to reveal the full details of this incident. What is depicted in this video is simply disgusting. This follows recent cases of “suicides” and non combat deaths in the Armenian army. Over the last couple of days there were more reports on “suicide” and non combat violence in the Armenian army.

This video is similar to previously emerged alleged photo evidence of beating in Armenian army as well as similar incidents in Azerbaijan (see here and here)

Yerevan - Baku taxi experiment: listening to the ‘enemy’ music

Good experiment. [This film was made as part of the project by the Eurasia Partnership Foundation supported by the British embassy in Yerevan.]



I can’t say that opinions expressed from both sides were surprising. They were mainly based on cliches and due to the lack of direct communication between Azeris and Armenians following Karabakh war. That’s the reason why social networks, blogs or offline meetings are so important, although they could be used for inciting hatred too.

However, I was mostly interested in taxi passengers’ reaction to playing Armenian music in Baku, and Azeri music in Yerevan. And it was not balanced in that there were more opinions recorded from the Armenian side than from Azeri side. I’d be interested to hear more reaction from Baku residents too. And in general, I’d like to see this music part of the experiment expanded. Would be also interesting to repeat the experiment on different settings. For example, the reaction of exchanging respective cuisine set in Yerevan and Baku restaurants etc.

Azerbaijan activist severly beaten by Baku police officer. Same guy was interrogated by authorities last year when voted for Armenia at Eurovision

Further to the info I posted earlier: "Fuck Oil": say it and get detained in Baku, Azerbaijan, it was emerged today that well known Azeri activist Rovshan Nasirli was severely beaten by a senior police officer.

Further reports indicate that at least one protester was beaten severely by a senior Baku police official. Rovshan Nasirli, a well-known activist, was allegedly roughed up by Lieutenant General Yashar Aliyev, who placed Nasirli under arrest. Witnesses report that police officers at the station where Naasirli was taken say that they “found narcotics” in his possession. It is unclear whether this is the same Rovshan Nasirli who was interrogated by Azerbaijani authorities last year when he voted for the Armenian entry in the 2009 Eurovision song contest, something that was reported world-wide.

I got confirmation today that he is indeed the same guy who was interrogated last year by Azerbaijani authorities when voted for Armenia at Eurovision.

Here is what RFE/RL reported back then:

Rovshan Nasirli, a young Eurovision fan living in the Azerbaijani capital, Baku, says he was summoned this week to the country's National Security Ministry -- to explain why he had voted for Armenia during this year's competition in May.

"They wanted an explanation for why I voted for Armenia. They said it was a matter of national security,” Nasirli said. “They were trying to put psychological pressure on me, saying things like, 'You have no sense of ethnic pride. How come you voted for Armenia?' They made me write out an explanation, and then they let me go."

A total of 43 Azeris voted for the Armenian duo Inga and Anush, and their song, "Jan-Jan."

Nasirli, like others, used his mobile phone to send a text message expressing his preference, little imagining his vote would eventually result in a summons from national security officials. (By contrast, 1,065 Armenians voted for the Azerbaijani team, apparently without consequence.)

*picture - via Foreign Policy Blogs

"Fuck Oil": say it and get detained in Baku, Azerbaijan

Two words that say it all. “Fuck Oil”. Say it, and as per reports from Baku, you are guaranteed at least 10 days of administrative arrest.

His name is Rashadat Akhundov (pictured), and he was among youth group that took part in the protest today in Baku. There were about 300-350 protesters there, representatives of various opposition groups. Rashadat himself used to be a member of OL! Youth Movement, but left. He is no longer part of any youth/political organisation. Young activists decided to hold posters that read: "ILHAM - RESIGN" and "FUCK OIL". (you may see pictures of posters in making here) They were demanding "freedom of assembly and transparent parliamentary elections this fall".

80 people in total were detained: 61 of them were kept in Sabail District Police station; the rest were driven to Gobustan. [Most of the detained were later released. However, four people got 10 days, one person - 15 days of imprisonment. Six people were fined 20 AZN.]

During the protest youth activists managed to run away from the police, however Rashadat was among people waiting outside the Sabail District Police Station for news on the 61 detainees kept there. One of the policemen recognised Rashadat and detained him too. He then got sentenced to 10 days in prison.

*many thanks to my Azeri friends for the info provided.

**picture - via @ljmaximus, via azadliq.org

Armenia - Turkey protocols: ‘happy ending’... for now

I will be very brief this time. Almost like a Hollywood movie, with a ‘happy ending’, of course. For now. Look, my take is that this decision makes everyone ‘happy’. All sides. Even International Crisis Group.

Wait for a sequel to come.

US State Department 2009 human rights report: Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan

...published today.

Armenia
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Georgia
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Azerbaijan


Read also: US State Department human rights report: "Societal Abuses, Discrimination, and Acts of Violence Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity" in Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan

In past, gay rights were reflected within the US State Department annual human rights country reports very briefly under the "Other Societal Abuses and Discrimination" section (see e.g. 2007 and 2008 reports). In a remarkable shift of policy, this year's report which was published today and reflects 2009, features gay rights much more prominently under the separate section: "Societal Abuses, Discrimination, and Acts of Violence Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity" This may be the clearest yet indication of shift in Obama administration's policy and that gay rights in the region and elsewhere will be monitored and act upon more seriously.

ex-British ambassador in Yerevan: ‘Armenia has no geopolitical significance for the West’

Was at a panel discussion re Armenian Genocide, Turkey etc at LSE (the London School of Economics and Political Science) organised by the local Armenian Society.

The panel included: Lord Eric Avebury, Member of the House of Lords, Vice-Chair on the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights; David Miller, former British Ambassador to Armenia; and Ara Sarafian, British historian, founding director of the Gomidas Institute in London.

Responding to one of the questions on Armenia’s strategic role in the region, David Miller, former British Ambassador to Armenia, effectively said that - geostrategically - Armenia has no significance in the region, for the West, that is. Azebaijan - yes (oil), Georgia - yes (location, Russia, NATO etc), Turkey - yes (number of factors), but Armenia - no. From the Western perspectives, the only importance Armenia has in the region is to ensure peace as war may threaten West’s commercial interests.

Perhaps, you may add here the existence of Diaspora too.

He also said: “You cannot alter geography”. (this was not a reference to Karabakh, but to Armenia’s geostrategic location, or the lack of it)

While few attempted at questioning his views, arguing that history knows examples of such alterations, and its because of that very alterations that Armenia’s geostrategic location shrank to current borders, for many present his words sounded like ‘bitter truth’.

Eh, there were times... There was very brief time in modern Armenian post-Soviet history, when its significance was determined by being the most democratic state in the region, an example for others. Sadly, this factor has long gone.