Month: March 2007

YOUTH REPRESENTATIVE GATHERING HELD IN MOTHER SEE

Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
Mar 07 2007

ETCHMIADZIN, MARCH 7, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. A youth
representative gathering took place on March 6 at the Mother See of
Holy Etchmiadzin, with blessing of His Holiness Karekin II Catholicos
of All Armenians and presided by U.S. Western Diocese primate
Archbishop Hovnan Terterian. As Noyan Tapan was informed by the
Information Services of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, the goal
of the gathering is to found the Armenian National Church-Loving Youth
Organization under the patronage of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

Its central office will be at the Mother See of Holy
Etchmiadzin. Archbishop Hovnan Terterian coordinates the organization
under the Patriarchal authority of the Catholicos of All Armenians. And
friar Nshan Petrosian, a monk of the Mother See was appointed the
assistant of His Holiness. Students of the Gevorgian and Vazgenian
Spiritual Academies, young monks of the Mother See, representatives
of the Constantinople Armenian Patriarchate, about 70 young people
from Armenia, Artsakh and almost all dioceses of all over the world
participate in the representative gathering. The meeting works started
with the Lord’s Prayer and singing of "Surb Astuats" (Holy God)
Armenian church psalm, then Archbishop Hovnan Terterian addressed to
youth with the opening speech of the gathering. "We must consider this
day as historic one in your life as the Armenian Church-Loving Youth
Organization is for the first time officially founded. Though there
are youth unions inside separate diocesan structures, but the goal of
today’s meeting is to create a national youth structure which must be
led by one common regulations and function in a coordinated way under
the patronage of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. Recalling the
activity of the Mother See Youth Office founded within the framework
of celebrations dedicated to the 1700th anniversary of adoption of
the Christianity as the state religion, His Holiness Hovnan considered
full participation of the youth in the life of the Armenian Apostolic
Surb (Saint) Church important and imperative. His Holiness persuaded
everybody to grow strong with each other and reinforce the title given
by the God inside their souls. "This gathering must become a reason
for transfiguration, transforming in our life for every refuge becomes
possibility of our service to rise towards the God," His Holiness
Hovnan mentioned. After discussions concerning the organization mission
and spheres of its activity, the gathering participants elected the
Central Council, which, using decisions of the representative meeting
will prepare the 2008 first deputy meeting of the Armenian National
Church-Loving Youth Organization. The organization’s draft regulations
fostered by the representative gathering will also be presented at
the deputy meeting. Before the deputy meeting, Armenian Church-Loving
Youth Organization offices will be established in the Armenian Church
dioceses, meetings of regional sub-commissions will be convened on
different continents. Karekin II Catholicos of All Armenians received
the meeting gathering at the Patriarchate and passed his blessing to
them. "This initiative, formation of the Church-Loving Youth structure
of the Armenian Church is very essential and important for us. It must
be useful and beneficial in the affair of implementation of our church
mission. … The church must be able to be present in all spheres of
our life. It can not be implemented only owing to work of clergymen,
but with assistance of all Armenian sons of the elder and younger
generation. … The voice of youth must be heard inside of our church
structures, and your rows must be more widened and added by new members
during the time," His Holiness said, considering the taken first step
as promising and hopeful one. His Holiness Patriarch also expressed
his appreciation to His Holiness Hovnan for the love towards youth and
consistent and hard work. Archimandrite Aren Shahinian, the Armenian
spiritual pastor of Italy was present at the representative meeting.

WOMEN HAVE BEEN DEFEATED IN POLITICAL STRUGGLE IN ARMENIA, ARZHANAPATVUTIUN PARTY CHAIRWOMAN CONSIDERS

Noyan Tapan
Mar 07 2007

YEREVAN, MARCH 7, NOYAN TAPAN. "Women have been defeated in the
political struggle in Armenia," Lyudmila Haroutiunian, Chairwoman
of Arzhanapatvutiun (Dignity) Party, stated at the March 7 press
conference adding that women should take an equal part in "politics
as collective strategy of making decisions."

In her words, "in many countries they attach great importance to women
and involve them in many spheres not because they love women very much,
but because they consider that women will do this business better." In
the words of Ruzan Khachatrian, member of Political Board of People’s
Party of Armenia (PPA), politics is business of an honest, educated
person and sexual characteristics play no role here. In her words,
maybe there would not be many problems in the country, if women’s
role in a number of spheres was greater. R. Khachatrian also said
that an Armenian woman is worthy of living in a fair, safe country
where her rights and the rights of her children will be protected.

IN VAHAN HOVHANNISIAN’S WORDS, THOSE MAKING FORECASTS ABOUT RPA’S AND BARGAVACH HAYASTAN’S LEADING RATINGS ARE "MERCENARY SOCIOLOGISTS"

Noyan Tapan
Mar 07 2007

YEREVAN, MARCH 7, NOYAN TAPAN. The forthcoming parliamentary elections
will distinguish themselves with a number of peculiarities. Vahan
Hovhannisian, RA National Assembly Vice-Speaker, member of ARFD Bureau,
expressed such an opinion at the March 7 press conference. In his
words, these peculiarities are mainly conditioned by the circumstance
that as a result of Constitution’s amendment the parliament’s role
has essentially increased in country’s political life. Another
peculiarity, in V. Hovhannisian’s words, is emergence of absolutely
new, Bargavach Hayastan (Prosperous Armenia) and Dashink (Alliance)
Parties in the political field, which "have not left a trace in the
political activity yet." V. Hovhannisian named "mercenary sociologists"
the specialists, according to forecasts of which RPA and Bargavach
Hayastan have a leading rating and for instance, only 10% voters
will vote for ARFD. The NA Vice-Speaker said that the preelectoral
stage has also an "unpleasant" peculiarity, collection of passports,
which threatens to turn into mass. He reminded that in international
practice this phenomenon is considered as a crime.

JACQUES BARBERIS APPOINTED AS HEAD OF ICRC STEPANAKERT OFFICE

Noyan Tapan
Mar 07 2007

STEPANAKERT, MARCH 7, NOYAN TAPAN. On March 6, NKR Deputy Foreign
Minister Masis Mayilian received Head of International Committee of
Red Cross (ICRC) Stepanakert Office George Drndarski in connection
with expiration of the term of the latter’s powers. According to the
report provided to Noyan Tapan from NKR Foreign Ministry Information
and Analytical Department, during the meeting G. Drndarski introduced
newly appointed head of the office Jacques Barberis to NKR Deputy
Foreign Minister and assured that ICRC will continue implementing
humanitarian programs in Nagorno Karabakh, in particular, will support
insecure families, will be engaged in issues of health sphere, as
well as affairs of prisoners of war and the missing.
From: Baghdasarian

IN CASE OF MAKING MAJORITY IN FUTURE PARLIAMENT OPPOSITION WILL UNDERTAKE PROCESS OF PRESIDENT’S IMPEACHMENT, PPA SECRETARY DECLARES

Noyan Tapan
Mar 07 2007

YEREVAN, MARCH 7, NOYAN TAPAN. The issue of nominating the candidature
of PPA Chairman Stepan Demirchian for the forthcoming parliamentary
elections as opposition’s common candidate has not been discussed
during the negotiations among opposition forces. Grigor Haroutiunian,
member of PPA Political Board, Secretary of Ardarutiun (Justice)
parliamentary faction, declared at the March 7 press conference. In
his words, S. Demirchian mentioned the necessity to nominate a common
candidate for presidency in case of making alliance, but there has been
no discussion connected with any concrete person. In G. Haroutiunian’s
words, under conditions of amended Constitution presidential elections
are derivative to parliamentary elections and nomination of several
candidates for presidency by opposition forces having made alliance
would be ridiculous. He said that they accuse PPA of reaching an
agreement with the authorities and hampering unification of opposition
forces. While, in G. Haroutiunian’s words, PPA wished to preserve
and even to extend the Ardarutiun bloc and the principles being its
basis. Commenting upon PPA’s requirement of making 50% in the united
proportional list, G. Haroutiunian said that it was fair as in these
years PPA has worked and has strengthened its territorial structures
and the rest of the parties did not do this. They also blame PPA for
not joining the Impeachment bloc, while, in G. Haroutiunian’s words,
the very PPA gave consent to join that bloc provided that another
opposition forces also join the bloc. In spite of fact that the
opposition did not form a united format, it will continue cooperating
for the purpose of holding free and fair elections, G. Haroutiunian
declared. He gave assurance that the opposition will cooperate at
the future parliament, too. G. Haroutiunian declared that in case
of making majority in the future parliament the opposition will
undertake the process of impeachment of President without fail,
as the Ardarutiun faction did this after the 2003 parliamentary
elections. The Ardarutiun faction Secretary declared that PPA takes
part in the parliamentary elections not for the purpose of just taking
part but for "winning." As regards pro-governmental parties, it will
not be so easy for them to receive sufficient number of votes. G.
Haroutiunian said that according to results of surveys, only 10%
country’s population trusts these forces.

INTERNATIONAL CIGAR FESTIVAL TO BE HELD IN YEREVAN FOR FIRST TIME

Noyan Tapan
Mar 07 2007

YEREVAN, MARCH 7, NOYAN TAPAN. The international cigar festival "High
Smoke" will be held in Yerevan on March 10, during which 4 Armenian
cigar importing and selling companies – Capital Group, Ars Oil, APA
Cigars and Smoking will present production of Cuba and the Dominican
Republic. NT was informed about it by Davit Davitian, Chairman of
the Armenian Cigar Association – the festival’s organizer. According
to him, during the event, there will be an exhibition-sale of cigars
and accessories imported by the above mentioned companies, as well
as brandies and whiskies made by the Yerevan Brandy Company – the
only sponsor of the festival. Awards will be given by the following
nominations: "The Best Cigar", "The Best Sigar Club of Yerevan",
"The Best Cigar Shop in Yerevan" and "The Year’s Man with Cigar",
and tasting of drinks and cigarettes will be organized. D. Davtian
said that cultural events of cigar producing countries will be part
of the festival. It was noted that cigar manfacturers and experts
from Georgia, Russia, the Dominican Republuc, Great Britain and the
US will participate in the festival.

STATE DUTIES OF 145 MILLION DRAMS COLLECTED FROM ACTIVITIES OF CASINOS AND PRIZE GAMES IN JANUATY-FEBRUARY 2007

Noyan Tapan
Mar 07 2007

YEREVAN, MARCH 7, NOYAN TAPAN. In February 2007, the RA Ministry
of Finance and Economy granted 3 licenses for organization of prize
games and one casino license. During the same period, two licences
for organization of prize games were recognized as invalid, and a
fine of 1.1 mln drams was imposed on one licence. State duties of 145
mln drams were collected from activities of prize games and casinos,
including duties of 45 mln drams from prize games and duties of 100
mln drams (about 278 thousand USD) – from casinos. According to the
RA Ministry of Finance and Economy, licenses for 56 prize games,
15 casinos and 4 lotterties were in effect as of March 1, 2007.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

ARMENIAN PRESIDENT ENDORSES AMENDMENTS TO CITIZENSHIP LAW

Arminfo
7 Mar 07

Yerevan, 7 March: Armenian President Robert Kocharyan on 6 March
signed a law on amendments to the law on citizenship, as well as
a law on amendments to the law on military service, the Armenian
Criminal Code, and the Code on Administrative Offences, the Armenian
president’s press service has told Arminfo news agency.

Armenian Justice Minister David Harutyunyan has said that under the
law, an Armenian citizen has the right to be the citizen of another
country. Three categories of citizens can obtain dual citizenship.

[Passage omitted: reported details; for details, please see "Armenia
adopts dual citizenship law", Arminfo, Yerevan, in Russian 1530 gmt
26 Feb 07]

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

COURT BLOCKS ACCESS TO YOUTUBE IN TURKEY
By Thomas Crampton

International Herald Tribune, France
March 7 2007

PARIS: A court in Turkey on Wednesday ordered blockage of all access
to YouTube, the popular video-sharing Web site, over a video deemed
insulting to Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey.

The ban followed a week of what the media in Turkey dubbed a "virtual
war" of videos between Greeks and Turks on YouTube and came as
governments around the world – including France – grappled with the
freewheeling content now readily posted on the Internet.

The largest Internet provider in Turkey, Turk Telecom, immediately
complied with the ban and cut off access to the site.

"We are not in the position of saying that what YouTube did was an
insult, that it was right or wrong," Paul Doany, the chairman of Turk
Telecom, told the state-run Anatolia news agency. "A court decision
was proposed to us, and we are doing what that court decision says."

Visitors to the site in Turkey on Wednesday afternoon were greeted
with the message first in Turkish and then in English: "Access to
site has been suspended in accordance with decision
no: 2007/384 dated 06.03.2007 of Istanbul First Criminal Peace Court."

YouTube expressed dismay over the move, adding that the offending
video had been removed and that the company was working with the
government to resolve the situation.

"We are disappointed that YouTube has been blocked in Turkey,"
the company said in a statement. "While technology can bring great
opportunity and access to information globally, it can also present
new and unique cultural challenges."

A later court ruling said the service could be restored after YouTube
removed the offending material, Anatolia reported, but it was not
clear when that would be.

The ban comes as Turkey struggles to prove its human rights credentials
to the European Union and as governments around the world grapple
with content posted to the Internet by private citizens.

YouTube faced a court-ordered national ban in Brazil for several
days in January after footage of a model cavorting in the sea with
her lover kept reappearing on the site.

Separately, activists in France this week warned that a recent law
against posting video of violent acts would stifle free expression.

The French law, which was intended to criminalize "happy slapping" –
acts of violence committed for posting on the Internet – could also
criminalize the recording of police brutality, activists said.

"I don’t think the French government intended to attack user-generated
content, but that is the effect," said Julien Pain, a spokesman
for the press freedom organization Reporters Without Borders. "If
someone films a policeman wrestling someone to the ground, that can
be considered a criminal act."

While the French law has provisions to protect professional journalists
or those who record violence to turn it over to the authorities,
passersby remain liable for fines of as much as ~@75,000, or nearly
$100,000, and five years in prison, Pain said.

"This law removes protection for citizen-journalists or bloggers
who would want to record the violence if riots start again in the
Paris suburbs," Pain said. "The distinction between professional and
amateur journalists is no longer valid since all Internet users are
now in a position to create and disseminate information."

The video that prompted the ban in Turkey allegedly said that Ataturk
and the Turkish people were homosexuals, according to news reports.

Insulting Ataturk is a criminal offense in Turkey. In a front page
story, the newspaper Hurriyet said thousands of readers had written
to YouTube complaining about the video.

For Turkey, the ban will present a further hurdle as concern grows
in Brussels that Ankara is flouting free- speech norms necessary to
join the European Union.

In recent weeks, Turkey has pledged to revise a controversial law
that makes insulting Turkishness a crime. The law – Article 301
of the Turkish penal code – has resulted in prosecutions against
leading Turkish intellectuals, including the author Orhan Pamuk,
a Nobel laureate, and Hrant Dink, an Armenian-Turkish journalist
murdered in January.

But the government has refused to drop Article 301 altogether, while
the law against insulting Ataturk, which has given rise to the YouTube
case, is considered even more sacrosanct.

The European Commission, the executive branch of the EU, has been
particularly concerned by Article 301, which attracted global criticism
last year when Pamuk was put on trial for telling a Swiss newspaper
that more than a million Armenians were massacred by Ottoman Turks
during World War I.

Krisztina Nagy, spokeswoman for the EU expansion commissioner, Olli
Rehn, who is overseeing Turkey’s EU accession process, declined to
comment, saying the commission was still trying to confirm the facts
surrounding the YouTube case.

But other EU officials said privately that the abrupt decision to
block access to YouTube would give ammunition to thsoe who argue
that the avowed secularism of Turkey does not sufficiently safeguard
free speech.

The latest controversy comes as Turkey is going through a difficult
period in its relations with the EU following the decision late last
year by Union leaders to partially suspend entry negotiations over
Ankara’s refusal to open its ports to Cyprus, an EU member.

Dan Bilefsky contributed reporting from Brussels and Sebnem Arsu
from Istanbul.

SMBAT YEGHIAZARIAN WAS EXPELLED FROM PPA DUE TO PROBLEMS CONNECTED WITH ELECTORAL ROLLS

Noyan Tapan
Mar 07 2007

YEREVAN, MARCH 7, NOYAN TAPAN. The real reason of discontent of
Smbat Yeghiazarian, head of PPA Abovian territorial organization, was
connected with the party’s proportional list. Grigor Haroutiunian, PPA
Political Board member, taking the third place in PPA’s proportional
list declared this at the March 7 press conference. In his words,
it was planned to include S. Yeghiazarian in the list under number
eight, while the latter wished to be in the first five.

In his words, the accusations brought by S. Yeghiazarian stand no
criticism.

(To recap, lately the latter had accused S. Demirchian of cooperating
with the authorities). G. Haroutiunian declared that PPA "has not
deviated and will never deviate from the course of its founder Karen
Demirchian." He stated that the persons who had formerly left the
party (Armen Khachatrian, Gagik Aslanian and others) had brought
the same accusation. In G. Haroutiunian’s words, S. Yeghiazarian
could have expressed his discontent at the party’s congress or at the
Board sitting, which he did not do. Moreover, declaring that he will
introduce facts confirming the accusation addressed to PPA he has not
published them so far. "We do not accept issues connected with the
electoral roll and the party has to expel its member for slander,"
G. Haroutiunian declared mentioning that S. Yeghiazarian was expelled
from the party by the decision of the Party Political Board.