Election campaign kicks off in Armenia
Arminfo, Yerevan
9 Apr 07
The election campaign for Armenia’s 12 May parliamentary vote
officially started on 8 April, Arminfo reported.
A total of 24 political parties and one political bloc are vying for
the 131-seat parliament, the report said.
Each political party or bloc received 60-minute free airtime on
Armenian Public TV plus 120-minute free airtime on Public Radio. The
election campaign will end on 10 May.
Qualitative change in political life is necessary
Editorial
Yerkir.am
April 06, 2007
`Electoral bribes, collection of passports and other similar practices
are of course unacceptable. At the same time, we should understand
that only political forces that do not feel confident about themselves
resort to such practices.
Those who are sure that they can win the votes with their platforms
resort to such measures,’ member of ARF’s Supreme Body Artashes
Shahbazian says. Shahbazian hopes we will have fair elections. `It’s
a shame that people come from abroad to teach us. It’s a shame when
they say that no fair elections have taken place in Armenia,’
Shahbazian, who occupies the 5th position in ARF’s proportional list,
says in an interview to Yerkir.
Q: Mr. Shahbazian, the official electoral campaign is starting in
several days. Do you think the campaign will be based on ideas or will
black PR be used?
A: We are prepared with our campaign materials and our platform and
are determined to have a truly ideological and political campaign. We
will present our vision of Armenia’s economic development,
consolidation of national values, cultural development as well as our
position on education related, demographic, social, economic and other
issues. I can assure you that ARF will not use black PR. Political
forces should not resort to negative campaigning for the purpose of
getting votes. Black PR will distort the political and public
atmosphere. Elections are a political action. We will continue living
and working together after the elections. The logic of elections
implies that elections are much more efficient if there is a contest
of ideas, when competition evolves around political platforms.
Q: Is the society interested in platforms and ideologies?
A: Through our recent interaction with different people from different
backgrounds we found out that people are expecting improvement of
their lives. People are interested to know what the future will bring
for them. The country has overcome the crisis and the regress. There
are positive changes and people see this. Of course, there is shadow
economy, corruption and gaps in the legislation and law
enforcement. The economic life is becoming more active, the industries
are working, new jobs are created. However, these processes do not
affect everyone and a significant segment of ht society is left behind
this progress. In other words, there is development but it does not
affect everyone, the incomes are not distributed in a fair manner.
Nevertheless, people appreciate that some progress takes place and
they want to know where we are going next. Through our interactions
with people we can see that the increased interest towards the ARF
derives from this expectation. People stress that ARF is a party with
an ideology. This is our strength. This factor fosters and will
continue fostering our reputation.
Q: Some conflicts and divisions have recently occurred within some
political parties. Now that the political life is becoming more
active, are such surprises possible within the ARF?
A: The level of internal organization, stability and well-defined
relations are pointed out as the main characteristics of the
ARF. Members of the ARF are dedicated people who are connected with
each other with an ideology rather than momentary interests. They
believe in the party’s program. This is why our organization is stable
and united. Internal conflicts and divisions cannot take place in such
an organization. People should believe and rely on ideas and not
leaders. If there is a functioning system, individuals’ roles are not
of decisive importance any more. People can see that ARF is far from
the unpleasant surprises that take place on the political arena.
Q: Aren’t you worried about the indifference towards political
processes on the part of the society?
A: I mentioned that people are interested in ideas and political
platforms, they have some expectations from the upcoming
elections. Unfortunately, our political elites have always shattered
the people’s expectations, their hopes. In reality, there are no
opportunities for changing the political atmosphere, the political
relations so that people could also change as a result of such
changes. Every time we destroy the people’s hope, and the voters
become more and more disappointed after each elections. Political
apathy and passiveness drives them to stalemate of disappointment and
indifference.
Then we start complaining that the civil society does not develop in
Armenia. We start asking why people are leaving the country, why the
society is not united, etc. The same thing can occur this time as
well. Some people view illegal and immoral phenomena as something
natural and normal. They say, `This is how it has always been.’ This
means rejection of their civic duties and responsibilities. We live in
an environment of distorted standards and values. It is time that the
political forces take up the mission of changing the political life
and taking it to a qualitatively new level. We must assure ourselves
that this time there will be a breakthrough.
Q: Your optimism suggests that the new parliament will be much more
representative. A: Those who say that the new parliament will be much
worse than the present one pay a negative service to the society `
they disseminate the feeling that everything has already been decided.
In reality, everything depends on the elections. Those who will follow
the political path will take this quality to the new parliament. Those
who will follow other paths will bring other qualities. The fairer the
elections are the better the new parliament will be in terms of its
quality.
Q: How do you assess the ARF’s chances? A: ARF’s structures function
throughout the country. Our interactions with the voters show that the
party’s rating is rather high and the reason for this is that people
have some expectations from the ARF. We are determined to pursue
every vote given to us because with these votes we will be able to
have better representation in the parliament.
ARF Atsakh district convention decision on NKR presidential election
Yerkir.am
April 06, 2007
The extraordinary convention of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation
Artsakh district, considering NKR internal political situation in
connection with the forthcoming NKR presidential election has come to
the following conclusion:
1. Taking into account that the Nagorno Karabakh Republic is facing
new and more complicated challenges on the external front in
connection with Arstakh’s independence international recognition with
its factual borders, and that an environment of unity is crucial to
overcome those challenges;
2. Considering that many economic and social problems exist in
Artsakh, especially the social justice and lawfulness, and that
solving those is only possible if all political an public forces
unite;
3. Stating that the forthcoming presidential election should create a
possibility for political consensus to ensure a progress for the
country’s governance and forming of a government on new qualitative
bases, as well as contribute to development of political
establishment;
The extraordinary convention of the ARF Artsakh district resolves:
A. To instruct the ARF Central Committee to find out the possibility
of nominating a united candidates in the light of the above mentioned
principles by holding talks with political and public forces in a
short period of time.
B. In case a united agreement is impossible with the political and
public forces invited to talks, the Central Committed is authorized to
announce a candidate from the ARF for NKR president, and call the next
meeting of the district convention if needed.
PanARMENIAN.Net
Armenian MFA delegation to participate in 16th session
of BSECO Foreign Ministers’ Council
09.04.2007 12:55 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenian Delegation will participate in the 16th
session of BSECO (Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization) Foreign
Ministers’ Council, which will be held April 19 in Belgrade. The
PanARMENIAN.Net journalist was told in the RA MFA Press Office that
currently consultations are on the way over who will head the
delegation. `Most likely RA Acting Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian or
Deputy Foreign Minister will head the delegation,’ representatives of
MFA said.
Several issues are included in the agenda, particularly the current
stage of cooperation in the framework of BSECO will be discussed, as
well as participants of the session will sum up results of Serbia’s
chairmanship in the organization. At the Foreign Ministers’ Council
session in Belgrade BSECO chairmanship will be passed to Turkey, which
will hold it from May till the end of October 2007.
Delegations from Azerbaijan, Armenia, Albania, Bulgaria, Greece,
Georgia, Russia, Romania, Turkey, Ukraine and Serbia will participate
in the session.
PanARMENIAN.Net
Electoral campaign launched in Armenia
09.04.2007 13:16 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The electoral campaign launched in Armenian from
April 8 for political parties, which run for parliamentarian
mandates. The electoral campaign will last till May 10. Summing up the
results of registration, 1447 candidates are running for 131 seats in
the parliament. Thus, 134 candidates on majority system run for 41
mandates, and on proportional system 24 parties and one block, which
totally have 1313 candidates, struggle for 90 seats.
The following parties will participate in electoral campaign: National
Democratic Party, `National Consent’ party, `National Unity’ party,
`Prosperous Armenia’, `Dashink’, `Heritage’, `Democratic Way’,
parties, Democratic Party of Armenia, Armenian Youth Party, People’s
Party of Armenia, Communist Party of Armenia, Republican Party of
Armenia, Marxist Party of Armenia, Armenian Revolutionary Federation
-` Dashnaktsutyun’, Pan-Armenian Movement party, People’s Party,
`Republic’ party, United Labor Party, United Liberal-National Party,
`New Times’ party, Hnchakyan Social Democratic Party,
`National-Christian Rebirth’ party as well as `Impeachment’ block. A
number of political parties have declared they are going to begin
their campaign already from April 9, IA Regnum reports.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
PanARMENIAN.Net
Armenian Church of Istanbul was intensively guarded by police platoon
at Eastertide
09.04.2007 14:03 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenian community of Istanbul traditionally marked
Resurrection of Jesus Christ in the Blessed Virgin Church, residence
of Mesrob Mutafyan, Constantinople Patriarch of the Armenian Apostolic
Church. Editor-in-chief of Istanbul `Marmara’ newspaper Rober
Hatechian told the PanARMENIAN.Net journalist that no disorders took
place during liturgy. `As usual on Easter Day the Patriarch hold a
large reception, where outstanding representatives of Armenian
community were present.
Also on Easter Day and other patronal festivals the church and
adjacent streets are intensively guarded by police platoons. Generally
I must say that there are always policemen near the Patriarchy in
order to prevent incidents. Not only Armenian churches of Istanbul,
but also all churches in Turkey marked the Easter Day,’ Hatechian
said. He also added it was the first large service after the
assassination of Hrant Dink, `Agos’ Armenian-Turkish weekly
editor-in-chief, on January 19. 2007. After Hrant Dink’s murder
Archbishop Mesrob Mutafyan was threatened by physical punishment.
Russian MP issues a statement on the Armenian Genocide
ArmRadio.am
09.04.2007 14:51
Deputy of the Russian State Duma Sergey Shishkaryov issued an address
to Armenians on the occasion of the 92nd anniversary of the Armenian
Genocide.
`Yerkramas’ newspaper of Russian Armenians informs that the address of
the Russian MP says, in part, that the disputes between Turkey and the
European Union about the recognition of the fact of the genocide
evidence that many politicians are unable to show courage the path of
absolution and reconciliation demands. `Unfortunately, the situation
in the South Caucasus is again troubling. The military conflict, into
which the confrontation between Iran and the United States may grow,
can inflame a disaster. Powerful and independent Iran allows to
maintain the regional balance of interests of the countries of the
region, including those immediately bordering Armenia. However, in
case war starts, this balance will be disturbed. We imagine the
possible consequences.
Russia decisively stands for maintenance of peace at out southern
borders – in Armenia and other Transcaucasian countries. Enough
bloodshed. We call for wisdom and sensibleness. Bowing before the
memory of the Armenian Genocide victims, I first of all think about
peace,’ the statement of the Russian parliamentarian mentions. `I
believe that this is what those, who we are remembering today, were
dreaming of,’ member of the State Duma declared.
Let us remind that with the decisions of April 14, 1995 and April 22,
2005 the Russian State Duma has recognized and condemned the fact of
the Armenian Genocide.
ARF, French Socialist Party hold pre-electoral rally
Yerkir.am
April 06, 2007
The Armenian Revolutionary Federation Party and the French Socialist
Party held a pre-electoral rally in Alforville city near Paris. The
rally was held on April 3, 19 days prior to the first round of
presidential elections in France.
The rally was opened by Tadeh Karapetian. He invited Mayor of
Alforville Rene Rouquin to deliver a speech. In his welcome speech
Ruquin stated that only left-wing parties can solve the problems
existing in France. Rouquin confirmed the long lasting cooperation
between the French Socialists and the ARF.
In his statement the representative of the ARF’s Western Europe
Central Committee Murat Papazian noted that the ARF with its past and
experience has a special approach to political and social issues ever
since the XIX century.
Papazian noted that poverty still exists in a rich country like France
and injustice still occurs in different aspects of life. Therefore,
change is necessary.
Commenting on Turkey’s membership in the EU Papazian noted that the
present Turkey cannot become an EU member. It has to change if it
wants to bid for Europe. Papazian recalled the first secretary of the
Socialist Party adding that `the Armenians will not forget Francois
Holland.’ Papazian also commented on the positions of different
candidates adding that the Socialist Party’s candidate Segolene
Royalle is the only one who demands criminalization of the Genocide
denial. Papazian called the voters to support Royalle.
The first secretary of the French Socialist Party Francois Holland
made a statement. He recalled the hardships of the Armenian nation
since the XIX century and the support of the French socialists to the
Armenians in different times. Holland added that this support was
practical in the last decade. `This support was easy when the leftist
forces were a majority. And whenever the rightist forces gained
majority you, the Armenians, again support the Socialist Party.
After the disappointment of May 18 (on May 18, 2006 the speaker of the
parliament closed the parliament session without waiting for the end
of the discussion on criminalization of the Genocide denial) we once
again initiated the discussion of the draft law in the National
Assembly,’ Holland stated adding, ` Today I once again commit myself
to take the draft law to the Senate if Royalle is elected.’
Commenting on Turkey’s membership in the EU Francois Holland stated
that recognition of the Armenian Genocide should be put forward as a
precondition for Turkey’s membership in the EU.
Holland further spoke about the other presidential candidates
stressing the importance of the upcoming presidential
elections. Holland said two different visions of the future are
proposed for France ` one is a liberal-monetary vision, the other is a
progressive vision based on justice and respect.
He called on the voters to vote for Segolene Royalle to ensure that he
first of all passes to the second round of elections in order to avoid
the situation in April 2002 when the socialist candidate did not pass
to the second round.
A1+
ONE MEDAL FROM SERBIA
[01:19 pm] 09 April, 2007
The European Judo Championship has ended in Belgrade.
To note, Armenian sportsman Hovhannes Davtyan /60 kg/
won silver medal thus becoming vice-champion of
Europe.
Our expectations were especially great from Armen
Nazaryan, Europe’s ex champion but the latter failed
to justify our hopes. Armen Ispiryan /81 kg/ and
Anoush Hakobyan /52 kg/ also displayed poor
participation.
The Armenian delegation is due to return tomorrow
morning at the head of Alexan Avetisyan, president of
the Judo Federation.
7th convention of the European Community’s Socialist Youth
Organization adopts a bill on the Armenian Genocide
Yerkir.am
April 06, 2007
The Youth Office of the ARF’s Bureau informs that the European
Community’s Socialist Youth Organization’s VIII convention adopted a
bill denouncing Hrant Dink’s assassination, the violations of
minorities’ rights in Turkey and the Armenian Genocide. The bill
demanded that Turkey should recognize the Armenian Genocide and take
responsibility for it.
Artak Zargarian (Armenia) represented the ARF’s youth organization at
the convention. The convention was held on March 30-April 1 in Warsaw,
Poland. The convention was held under the slogan `Socialist Europe
for All.’
The chairperson, the secretary general and representatives of
different structures of the organization made statements during the
three-day sessions. The political work plans for the upcoming two
years were discussed and adopted.
The ARF’s Youth Organization representative presented a bill on
denouncing Hrant Dink’s assassination, violations of minorities’
rights in Turkey and denouncing the Armenian Genocide. He demanded
that the European Community’s Socialist Youth Organization should call
on Turkey to recognize the Genocide and take responsibility for
it. The VIII convention of the European Community’s Socialist Youth
Organization adopted the bill.
At the end of the convention the new chairperson, secretary general
and representatives of various structures were elected. Organizations
from the EU member states can participate in the European Community’s
Socialist Youth Organization as full members. ARF’s Youth Organization
has an observer’s status in the European Community’s Socialist Youth
Organization.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress