Armenian News... A Topalian... SERVICE AT WESTMINSTER ABBEY TO COMMEMORATE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE MARTYRS
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SERVICE AT WESTMINSTER ABBEY TO COMMEMORATE
ARMENIAN GENOCIDE MARTYRS
26 Oct 2015
Siranush Ghazanchyan
A Service of Commemoration of the Armenian Martyrs of 1915 will be
held at Westminster Abbey at 7.00pm on Wednesday 28th October.
The service will be attended by His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme
Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, His Excellency Dr Armen
Sarkissian, the Armenian ambassador to the Court of St James, and
members of the Armenian Government.
Armenian Foreign Minister Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian
and UK Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport John
Whittingdale discussed the preparations for the event at a meeting
in London last month.
armrdio.am
BAKaU'S BORDER PROVOCATIONS ACCOMPANIED BY
26 Oct 2015
Siranush Ghazanchyan
A Service of Commemoration of the Armenian Martyrs of 1915 will be
held at Westminster Abbey at 7.00pm on Wednesday 28th October.
The service will be attended by His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme
Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, His Excellency Dr Armen
Sarkissian, the Armenian ambassador to the Court of St James, and
members of the Armenian Government.
Armenian Foreign Minister Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian
and UK Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport John
Whittingdale discussed the preparations for the event at a meeting
in London last month.
armrdio.am
BAKaU'S BORDER PROVOCATIONS ACCOMPANIED BY
BELLICOSE RHETORIC AND THREATS: ARMENIAN FM
26 Oct 2015
Siranush Ghazanchyan
Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian received the OSCE Minsk
Group Co-Chairs James Warlick, Igor Popov and Pierre Andrieu.
The parties continued the discussions on furthering the process of
peaceful settlement of the conflict between Azerbaijan and Nagorno
Karabakh.
The Armenian Foreign Minister called the attention of the mediators
to the fact that Azerbaijan continues to violate the ceasefire at the
line of contact with Artsakh and the shared border with Armenia even
after the two statements the Co-Chairs issued last month.
"The border provocations by Azerbaijan are accompanied by belligerent
statements and threats in Baku on the highest level, the propaganda
of enmity and hatred," Minister Nalabndian said.
"Azerbaijan's rejection of the Co-Chairs' proposal to create a
mechanism of investigation of border incidents testifies to the fact
that Baku wishes to foil the efforts of Armenia and the co-chairing
countries aimed at peaceful resolution of the Karabakh conflict,"
the Armenian Foreign Minister stated.
lragir.am
New Situation in Karabakh Issue: Is This a Resolution?
Haikazn Ghahriyan, Editor-in-Chief
25 October 2015, 00:23
On Monday the Minsk Group co-chairs will arrive in Yerevan. New trends
have occurred in the Karabakh `settlement' ahead of their visit. They
have started talking about the origin and historical roots of the
conflict.
A few days ago NATO Parliamentary Assembly adopted a report stating
that the Karabakh conflict was born due to Russia's policy.
In addition, publications on the history of Karabakh by the Russian
circles have become more frequent. They state that the Armenian
population in Karabakh has increased due to Russia's policy. It is
stated that after the Treaty of Turkmencay tens of thousands of
Armenians moved from Iran to Karabakh, and their relocation was
organized by the Russian Ambassador to Iran Griboyedov.
Recently Russia's court movie director Nikita Mikhalkov has been
visiting Baku. He intends to make a film about Griboyedov. The movie
is about the `immigration of Armenians'. It is not accidental that the
Azerbaijani president Aliyev has awarded him. The point is that
`immigration' of Armenians is one of Azerbaijan's arguments for its
domestic and foreign campaigns on its `right' to Karabakh.
This Russian-Azerbaijani `dialogue' is interesting, and there may be
an impression that everything, including the Armenian population in
Karabakh originated from the Treaty of Turkmencay and there had been
nothing before the treaty. It is natural because the presence of the
Russians in the South Caucasus starts then and the presence of the
Azerbaijanis starts later. And before that they had not been there at
all.
Nevertheless, why did Russia need this topic? More than Armenia and
Azerbaijan, Moscow understands the importance of Karabakh in the new
geopolitics. In addition, the role of Karabakh has increased
significantly, and a serious fight between the geopolitical centers
for the dominance of the Karabakh topic is noticed.
Russia and its propaganda is a claim for a `historical right' to
Karabakh. Moscow has realized that they will be ousted from the South
Caucasus as soon as the Karabakh issue is `resolved' or they will at
least lose their positions. Armenia and Azerbaijan are in the Russian
orbit thanks to the Karabakh issue, and Moscow cannot miss this lever.
Judging by the publications of the Russian media and experts, Moscow's
plan is limited to stationing troops in Karabakh, which will allow it
to enter into a long-term trade on Karabakh with Azerbaijani to keep
it in its orbit. And in case of joining the Russian projects EEU and
CSTO Karabakh will be handed to Azerbaijan.
Armenia is not an obstacle to this plan. More exactly, Russia has
taken every step to return this obstacle. It is not accidental that a
Griboyedov Club exists in Armenia at an official level which is a club
of collaborationists and apologists of the Russian policy.
Besides, Moscow has done everything to handle the balance of forces to
resolve the conflict in favor of Azerbaijan in both political and
military terms and to break Armenia. The Russian circles are speaking
about this openly, urging Azerbaijan to be patient and wait.
26 Oct 2015
Siranush Ghazanchyan
Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian received the OSCE Minsk
Group Co-Chairs James Warlick, Igor Popov and Pierre Andrieu.
The parties continued the discussions on furthering the process of
peaceful settlement of the conflict between Azerbaijan and Nagorno
Karabakh.
The Armenian Foreign Minister called the attention of the mediators
to the fact that Azerbaijan continues to violate the ceasefire at the
line of contact with Artsakh and the shared border with Armenia even
after the two statements the Co-Chairs issued last month.
"The border provocations by Azerbaijan are accompanied by belligerent
statements and threats in Baku on the highest level, the propaganda
of enmity and hatred," Minister Nalabndian said.
"Azerbaijan's rejection of the Co-Chairs' proposal to create a
mechanism of investigation of border incidents testifies to the fact
that Baku wishes to foil the efforts of Armenia and the co-chairing
countries aimed at peaceful resolution of the Karabakh conflict,"
the Armenian Foreign Minister stated.
lragir.am
New Situation in Karabakh Issue: Is This a Resolution?
Haikazn Ghahriyan, Editor-in-Chief
25 October 2015, 00:23
On Monday the Minsk Group co-chairs will arrive in Yerevan. New trends
have occurred in the Karabakh `settlement' ahead of their visit. They
have started talking about the origin and historical roots of the
conflict.
A few days ago NATO Parliamentary Assembly adopted a report stating
that the Karabakh conflict was born due to Russia's policy.
In addition, publications on the history of Karabakh by the Russian
circles have become more frequent. They state that the Armenian
population in Karabakh has increased due to Russia's policy. It is
stated that after the Treaty of Turkmencay tens of thousands of
Armenians moved from Iran to Karabakh, and their relocation was
organized by the Russian Ambassador to Iran Griboyedov.
Recently Russia's court movie director Nikita Mikhalkov has been
visiting Baku. He intends to make a film about Griboyedov. The movie
is about the `immigration of Armenians'. It is not accidental that the
Azerbaijani president Aliyev has awarded him. The point is that
`immigration' of Armenians is one of Azerbaijan's arguments for its
domestic and foreign campaigns on its `right' to Karabakh.
This Russian-Azerbaijani `dialogue' is interesting, and there may be
an impression that everything, including the Armenian population in
Karabakh originated from the Treaty of Turkmencay and there had been
nothing before the treaty. It is natural because the presence of the
Russians in the South Caucasus starts then and the presence of the
Azerbaijanis starts later. And before that they had not been there at
all.
Nevertheless, why did Russia need this topic? More than Armenia and
Azerbaijan, Moscow understands the importance of Karabakh in the new
geopolitics. In addition, the role of Karabakh has increased
significantly, and a serious fight between the geopolitical centers
for the dominance of the Karabakh topic is noticed.
Russia and its propaganda is a claim for a `historical right' to
Karabakh. Moscow has realized that they will be ousted from the South
Caucasus as soon as the Karabakh issue is `resolved' or they will at
least lose their positions. Armenia and Azerbaijan are in the Russian
orbit thanks to the Karabakh issue, and Moscow cannot miss this lever.
Judging by the publications of the Russian media and experts, Moscow's
plan is limited to stationing troops in Karabakh, which will allow it
to enter into a long-term trade on Karabakh with Azerbaijani to keep
it in its orbit. And in case of joining the Russian projects EEU and
CSTO Karabakh will be handed to Azerbaijan.
Armenia is not an obstacle to this plan. More exactly, Russia has
taken every step to return this obstacle. It is not accidental that a
Griboyedov Club exists in Armenia at an official level which is a club
of collaborationists and apologists of the Russian policy.
Besides, Moscow has done everything to handle the balance of forces to
resolve the conflict in favor of Azerbaijan in both political and
military terms and to break Armenia. The Russian circles are speaking
about this openly, urging Azerbaijan to be patient and wait.
arka.am
KARABAKH CONFLICT SETTLEMENT IMPOSSIBLE WITHOUT
SOLVING PROBLEMS OF REFUGEES AND INTERNALLY
DISPLACED PERSONS, WARLICK SAYS
YEREVAN, October 26. A comprehensive settlement of the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is impossible without solving the problems
of refugees and internally displaced persons, the US co-chair of the
OSCE Minsk Group, James Warlick, said today in Yerevan.
Speaking at a news conference Warlick said the peace-brokers from
Russia, France and USA want to look into creation of opportunities
for refugees and internally displaced persons to return to their
homes during talks in Armenia and Azerbaijan.
The OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs who have arrived in Armenia are expected
to meet with Armenian president Serzh Sargsyan and foreign minister
Edward Nalbandian to discuss the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement
process. The co-chairs will visit also Azerbaijan on October 28.
According to the State Migration Service of Armenia, about 360,000
ethnic Armenian refugees from Azerbaijan fled to Armenia in 1988-1992
and another 140,000 ethnic Armenians fled to other former Soviet
republics.
Warlick said today in Yerevan that although the problem of refugees is
not often spoken about publicly, it nevertheless is being discussed in
private conversations with ministers and presidents of both countries.
According to him, the co-chairs are ready to hear the voice of
hundreds of thousands of refugees and internally displaced persons
and are convinced that their concerns and problems must be addressed
in the overall context.
Warlick said during his latest visit to Yerevan, he met with
representatives of organizations that defend the interests of the
refugees and had a substantial discussion of the problems faced by
them in Armenia.
The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict erupted into armed clashes after the
collapse of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s as the predominantly
Armenian-populated enclave of Azerbaijan sought to secede from
Azerbaijan and declared its independence backed by a successful
referendum.
A truce was brokered by Russia in 1994, although no permanent peace
agreement has been signed. Since then, Nagorno-Karabakh and several
adjacent regions have been under the control of Armenian forces of
Karabakh. Nagorno-Karabakh is the longest-running post-Soviet era
conflict and has continued to simmer despite the relative peace of
the past two decades, with snipers causing tens of deaths a year. -0 -
panarmenian.net
Meeting highest int'l standards: potential, problems of
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is impossible without solving the problems
of refugees and internally displaced persons, the US co-chair of the
OSCE Minsk Group, James Warlick, said today in Yerevan.
Speaking at a news conference Warlick said the peace-brokers from
Russia, France and USA want to look into creation of opportunities
for refugees and internally displaced persons to return to their
homes during talks in Armenia and Azerbaijan.
The OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs who have arrived in Armenia are expected
to meet with Armenian president Serzh Sargsyan and foreign minister
Edward Nalbandian to discuss the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement
process. The co-chairs will visit also Azerbaijan on October 28.
According to the State Migration Service of Armenia, about 360,000
ethnic Armenian refugees from Azerbaijan fled to Armenia in 1988-1992
and another 140,000 ethnic Armenians fled to other former Soviet
republics.
Warlick said today in Yerevan that although the problem of refugees is
not often spoken about publicly, it nevertheless is being discussed in
private conversations with ministers and presidents of both countries.
According to him, the co-chairs are ready to hear the voice of
hundreds of thousands of refugees and internally displaced persons
and are convinced that their concerns and problems must be addressed
in the overall context.
Warlick said during his latest visit to Yerevan, he met with
representatives of organizations that defend the interests of the
refugees and had a substantial discussion of the problems faced by
them in Armenia.
The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict erupted into armed clashes after the
collapse of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s as the predominantly
Armenian-populated enclave of Azerbaijan sought to secede from
Azerbaijan and declared its independence backed by a successful
referendum.
A truce was brokered by Russia in 1994, although no permanent peace
agreement has been signed. Since then, Nagorno-Karabakh and several
adjacent regions have been under the control of Armenian forces of
Karabakh. Nagorno-Karabakh is the longest-running post-Soviet era
conflict and has continued to simmer despite the relative peace of
the past two decades, with snipers causing tens of deaths a year. -0 -
panarmenian.net
Meeting highest int'l standards: potential, problems of
Armenian IT sector
In our country, the model of Armenian teams creating their own product
and selling it to foreign companies works perfectly.
Armenia is one of the most rapidly developing countries in the
innovative technologies' filed. The country continues exploring new
areas to offer the world its own products and solutions. Not only IT
professionals are currently in great demand all over the world, but
also creative teams and individuals, who are able to offer interesting
solutions to various problems. The Armenian market has a great
potential from this viewpoint: the model of Armenian teams creating
their own product and selling it to foreign companies works perfectly.
October 24, 2015
In our country, the model of Armenian teams creating their own product
and selling it to foreign companies works perfectly.
Armenia is one of the most rapidly developing countries in the
innovative technologies' filed. The country continues exploring new
areas to offer the world its own products and solutions. Not only IT
professionals are currently in great demand all over the world, but
also creative teams and individuals, who are able to offer interesting
solutions to various problems. The Armenian market has a great
potential from this viewpoint: the model of Armenian teams creating
their own product and selling it to foreign companies works perfectly.
October 24, 2015
With successful initiatives existing in Armenia, we
now need to scale up achievements that would not just double, but
multiplex the profits, creating new jobs and opportunities.
In this context, startups are of particular importance: they need
assistance in the initial period in order to make their ideas
accessible to users and create competitive products. For this purpose,
Enterprise Incubator Foundation, the region's largest business
incubator and advisory company was established in Armenia in 2002. For
13 years, the Foundation has been promoting the development of IT
sphere in Armenia, creating favorable conditions for innovation,
improvement and expansion of technology companies.
To support the startups, the Foundation, in cooperation with the
Ministry of Economy and the World Bank, organizes co-financed grant
competition in the technology field.
Program Manager of the Foundation Mari Barseghyan told PanARMENIAN.Net
that startups, working in the provinces are of particular value. The
Foundation offers co-financed grants, enabling Gyumri and
Vanadzor-based startups to receive financial support. However, all the
projects should have a clear commercialization strategy and implement
the business projects in Gyumri and Vanadzor.
Co-financed grant programs, implemented by the Incubator, promote
adaptation, improvement and development of new solutions, products and
services. This, in turn, contributes to the introduction and use of
technology in the private sector, as well as development and
commercialization of innovations. This applies particularly to the
creation and development of viable companies in Gyumri and Vanadzor,
with 33 startups having already won the contest.
According to a 2014 survey, the number of Armenian IT companies has
reached 400, up 4% against 2013. An average of 24 such companies per
year have emerged in 2004-2014.
The Incubator also conducted a survey to identify the main obstacles
to the development of high technologies. 58% of executives of surveyed
companies noted a shortage of highly skilled professionals as a major
obstacle to development, which indicates a growing demand for
experienced workers. Moreover, 41% of those companies think brain
drain is the main reason behind the current situation.
About 20% of respondents mentioned difficulties related to global
market penetration. In fact, many international companies don't know
about Armenia or simply don't trust representatives of countries with
low or average income.
Thus, we can say with confidence that the Armenian IT industry has
huge export potential and can make a major contribution to the
development and growth of the economy. Armenian companies are able to
offer products and services that meet the highest international
standards. Some problems, however, including access to world markets
and training of qualified specialists still exist.
Around 1,700 highly paid jobs are created for IT specialists per year.
On the other hand, Armenian universities have 2,000 graduates every
year, with the best of them finding jobs after some training.
now need to scale up achievements that would not just double, but
multiplex the profits, creating new jobs and opportunities.
In this context, startups are of particular importance: they need
assistance in the initial period in order to make their ideas
accessible to users and create competitive products. For this purpose,
Enterprise Incubator Foundation, the region's largest business
incubator and advisory company was established in Armenia in 2002. For
13 years, the Foundation has been promoting the development of IT
sphere in Armenia, creating favorable conditions for innovation,
improvement and expansion of technology companies.
To support the startups, the Foundation, in cooperation with the
Ministry of Economy and the World Bank, organizes co-financed grant
competition in the technology field.
Program Manager of the Foundation Mari Barseghyan told PanARMENIAN.Net
that startups, working in the provinces are of particular value. The
Foundation offers co-financed grants, enabling Gyumri and
Vanadzor-based startups to receive financial support. However, all the
projects should have a clear commercialization strategy and implement
the business projects in Gyumri and Vanadzor.
Co-financed grant programs, implemented by the Incubator, promote
adaptation, improvement and development of new solutions, products and
services. This, in turn, contributes to the introduction and use of
technology in the private sector, as well as development and
commercialization of innovations. This applies particularly to the
creation and development of viable companies in Gyumri and Vanadzor,
with 33 startups having already won the contest.
According to a 2014 survey, the number of Armenian IT companies has
reached 400, up 4% against 2013. An average of 24 such companies per
year have emerged in 2004-2014.
The Incubator also conducted a survey to identify the main obstacles
to the development of high technologies. 58% of executives of surveyed
companies noted a shortage of highly skilled professionals as a major
obstacle to development, which indicates a growing demand for
experienced workers. Moreover, 41% of those companies think brain
drain is the main reason behind the current situation.
About 20% of respondents mentioned difficulties related to global
market penetration. In fact, many international companies don't know
about Armenia or simply don't trust representatives of countries with
low or average income.
Thus, we can say with confidence that the Armenian IT industry has
huge export potential and can make a major contribution to the
development and growth of the economy. Armenian companies are able to
offer products and services that meet the highest international
standards. Some problems, however, including access to world markets
and training of qualified specialists still exist.
Around 1,700 highly paid jobs are created for IT specialists per year.
On the other hand, Armenian universities have 2,000 graduates every
year, with the best of them finding jobs after some training.
ISTANBUL CHRISTIAN CHURCHES UNITED AFTER 1,700 YEARS
Greek Reporter
Oct 26 2015
By Philip Chrysopoulos
The five main Christian Churches of Istanbul came together for the
first time in 1,700 years on account of the release of the book
"Basic Principles of Christianity" written by a council of the
aforementioned churches.
Specifically, the leaders of the Greek Orthodox, Armenian Apostolic,
Syriac Orthodox, Catholic and Evangelical Churches in Turkey came
together at the Fener Greek Patriarchate in the Balat neighborhood of
Ä°stanbul on the occasion of the book release, according to a Today's
Zaman report. The book explains the basic principles of the Christian
religion to Turkish Muslims.
Tamar Karasu, executive secretary of the Bible Society in Turkey and
publisher of the book, told Today's Zaman on Sunday the book places
special emphasis on unity despite the differences among the Christian
Churches. Karasu said the meeting was historic for bringing together
the churches. The last time the Churches were at the First Council
of Nicaea was in 325 AD.
Fener Greek Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew said the book
has united the local Christian community, which has had disagreements
for centuries.
"It is our duty to inform our Muslim brothers and sisters correctly
about Christianity, whose presence in these lands goes back a long
way," he said.
The first print run of "Basic Principles of Christianity" was 13,000
copies, 10,000 of which were distributed among the churches in Turkey.
The book is also available online and in bookstores of the Bible
Society in Turkey, Karasu said.
According to the Today's Zaman report, leaders of the Christian
world in Turkey such as Bishop Sahak Mashalian from the Armenian
Patriarchate of Turkey, Armenian Patriarch of Turkey General Vicar
Archbishop Aram Ateshian, Syriac Orthodox Church leader Yusuf Cetin,
Latin Catholic Church leader Louis Pelatre and Association of the
Turkish Evangelical Church President Reverend Ä°hsan Ozbek, were
present at the book release.
Greek Reporter
Oct 26 2015
By Philip Chrysopoulos
The five main Christian Churches of Istanbul came together for the
first time in 1,700 years on account of the release of the book
"Basic Principles of Christianity" written by a council of the
aforementioned churches.
Specifically, the leaders of the Greek Orthodox, Armenian Apostolic,
Syriac Orthodox, Catholic and Evangelical Churches in Turkey came
together at the Fener Greek Patriarchate in the Balat neighborhood of
Ä°stanbul on the occasion of the book release, according to a Today's
Zaman report. The book explains the basic principles of the Christian
religion to Turkish Muslims.
Tamar Karasu, executive secretary of the Bible Society in Turkey and
publisher of the book, told Today's Zaman on Sunday the book places
special emphasis on unity despite the differences among the Christian
Churches. Karasu said the meeting was historic for bringing together
the churches. The last time the Churches were at the First Council
of Nicaea was in 325 AD.
Fener Greek Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew said the book
has united the local Christian community, which has had disagreements
for centuries.
"It is our duty to inform our Muslim brothers and sisters correctly
about Christianity, whose presence in these lands goes back a long
way," he said.
The first print run of "Basic Principles of Christianity" was 13,000
copies, 10,000 of which were distributed among the churches in Turkey.
The book is also available online and in bookstores of the Bible
Society in Turkey, Karasu said.
According to the Today's Zaman report, leaders of the Christian
world in Turkey such as Bishop Sahak Mashalian from the Armenian
Patriarchate of Turkey, Armenian Patriarch of Turkey General Vicar
Archbishop Aram Ateshian, Syriac Orthodox Church leader Yusuf Cetin,
Latin Catholic Church leader Louis Pelatre and Association of the
Turkish Evangelical Church President Reverend Ä°hsan Ozbek, were
present at the book release.
International New York Times
October 24, 2015 Saturday
Politics often dictate soccer clubs' lineups
Dortmund holds out star from Azerbaijan game for fear he'd
face arrest
by: STEFAN BIENKOWSKI
Henrikh Mkhitaryan is a member of the national team of Armenia, which
technically remains at war with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh.
Borussia Dortmund defeated the Azerbaijani club Qabala, 3-1, in a
Europa League group-stage match in Baku, Azerbaijan, yet a sense of
frustration hung over Dortmund's trip after safety concerns prompted
the club to leave one of its starters at home.
The player, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, is a member of the national team of
Armenia, which technically remains at war with Azerbaijan over the
disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. Because of those political
tensions, Mkhitaryan feared visa problems or - at worst - being
arrested as soon as he set foot in Azerbaijan for Thursday night's
contest.
Despite assurances from Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry and pledges of
support from European soccer's governing body, U.E.F.A., Dortmund
decided safety concerns left it no choice but to avoid the risk
completely.
''Based on the situation,'' Mkhitaryan's teammate Roman Weidenfeller
said during the week before the match, ''it is better to leave Henrikh
at home.''
What might have seemed like a shocking turn of events was in fact
merely part of life for soccer in Europe, where local and national
politics sometimes dictate when - and even if - athletes can compete.
In the last year, U.E.F.A. has taken pains to separate Russian and
Ukrainian clubs in European competitions after conflict arose between
their countries.
And Dortmund could face another situation similar to Mkhitaryan's in
the near future: Another of its players, Adnan Januzaj, received death
threats last year after he announced that he would play
internationally for Belgium instead of Kosovo or Serbia, which he was
also eligible to represent. News media reports in Belgium and Serbia
at the time said the 20-year-old Januzaj was warned never to set foot
in Balkan territory again.
Several Balkan teams remain alive in the Europa League, as does
Dortmund, which moved into first place in its group with its win over
Qabala.
''It's a region of crisis,'' Dortmund's chief executive, Hans-Joachim
Watzke, said Wednesday before the trip to Baku. ''Especially the
relationship between these two nations. We spoke to Henrikh, and we
think it's best for everyone.''
''He felt somewhat uncomfortable in the situation,'' Watzke added.
''This is the best solution for all sides.''
The decision robbed Dortmund of one of its most dangerous attackers;
Mkhitaryan has 10 goals and eight assists in 16 appearances this
season.
Moments before Thursday's game, Mkhitaryan posted a photo of the match
on Twitter with a simple message: ''Didn't travel with our boys, but
will support from home!'' He also posted his congratulations to
Dortmund's players on their victory shortly after the final whistle.
It was not the first time a big club had made an unusual roster
decision for a game in Eastern Europe. Last season, Tottenham Hotspur
left five black players at home for an important game at Partizan
Belgrade. Tottenham's manager, Mauricio Pochettino, said the choices
were made only for ''footballing reasons,'' but few English fans had
forgotten the racist chants and physical abuse that rained on one of
the players, defender Danny Rose, when he played for England in the
country two years earlier.
Racism did rear its head at one match this week. On Thursday, U.E.F.A.
said that it would open disciplinary proceedings against Dynamo Kiev
after four black fans were attacked in the club's stadium during a
Champions League match against Chelsea on Tuesday.
by: STEFAN BIENKOWSKI
Henrikh Mkhitaryan is a member of the national team of Armenia, which
technically remains at war with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh.
Borussia Dortmund defeated the Azerbaijani club Qabala, 3-1, in a
Europa League group-stage match in Baku, Azerbaijan, yet a sense of
frustration hung over Dortmund's trip after safety concerns prompted
the club to leave one of its starters at home.
The player, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, is a member of the national team of
Armenia, which technically remains at war with Azerbaijan over the
disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. Because of those political
tensions, Mkhitaryan feared visa problems or - at worst - being
arrested as soon as he set foot in Azerbaijan for Thursday night's
contest.
Despite assurances from Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry and pledges of
support from European soccer's governing body, U.E.F.A., Dortmund
decided safety concerns left it no choice but to avoid the risk
completely.
''Based on the situation,'' Mkhitaryan's teammate Roman Weidenfeller
said during the week before the match, ''it is better to leave Henrikh
at home.''
What might have seemed like a shocking turn of events was in fact
merely part of life for soccer in Europe, where local and national
politics sometimes dictate when - and even if - athletes can compete.
In the last year, U.E.F.A. has taken pains to separate Russian and
Ukrainian clubs in European competitions after conflict arose between
their countries.
And Dortmund could face another situation similar to Mkhitaryan's in
the near future: Another of its players, Adnan Januzaj, received death
threats last year after he announced that he would play
internationally for Belgium instead of Kosovo or Serbia, which he was
also eligible to represent. News media reports in Belgium and Serbia
at the time said the 20-year-old Januzaj was warned never to set foot
in Balkan territory again.
Several Balkan teams remain alive in the Europa League, as does
Dortmund, which moved into first place in its group with its win over
Qabala.
''It's a region of crisis,'' Dortmund's chief executive, Hans-Joachim
Watzke, said Wednesday before the trip to Baku. ''Especially the
relationship between these two nations. We spoke to Henrikh, and we
think it's best for everyone.''
''He felt somewhat uncomfortable in the situation,'' Watzke added.
''This is the best solution for all sides.''
The decision robbed Dortmund of one of its most dangerous attackers;
Mkhitaryan has 10 goals and eight assists in 16 appearances this
season.
Moments before Thursday's game, Mkhitaryan posted a photo of the match
on Twitter with a simple message: ''Didn't travel with our boys, but
will support from home!'' He also posted his congratulations to
Dortmund's players on their victory shortly after the final whistle.
It was not the first time a big club had made an unusual roster
decision for a game in Eastern Europe. Last season, Tottenham Hotspur
left five black players at home for an important game at Partizan
Belgrade. Tottenham's manager, Mauricio Pochettino, said the choices
were made only for ''footballing reasons,'' but few English fans had
forgotten the racist chants and physical abuse that rained on one of
the players, defender Danny Rose, when he played for England in the
country two years earlier.
Racism did rear its head at one match this week. On Thursday, U.E.F.A.
said that it would open disciplinary proceedings against Dynamo Kiev
after four black fans were attacked in the club's stadium during a
Champions League match against Chelsea on Tuesday.
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