Month: December 2008

ARMENIAN PRESIDENT CALLS SESSION OF SECURITY COUNCIL

ARMENPRESS
Dec 24, 2008
YEREVAN

Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan called today session of the Security
Council during which the results and the agreements reached during the
non-official summit of the heads of the CSTO countries held December
19 in Kazakhstan were discussed.

Presidential press service told Armenpress that the president assigned
the heads of ministries and establishments in the pre-contest of the
arrangements reached in Kazakhstan to carefully study and present
expertise conclusions, point out the activities stemming from them
and priorities. Among the arrangements reached in Kazakhstan is
the establishment of a special fund with 10 billion USD capital for
joint confrontation of the impact of the world economic crisis on
the economies of the member countries.

ARMENIA LAYS CLAIM TO OVER 20 CHURCHES IN GEORGIA

Hayots Ashkharh
Dec 20 2008
Armenia

"Armenia protests"

Negotiations with the Georgian side are under way and they [the
Georgian side] promised to solve the issue of six churches of the
Armenian Apostolic Church’s Armenian Diocese in Georgia. The churches
are considered to be "disputed" and are not under the diocese’s
subordination.

According to the head of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia, bishop
Vazgen Mirzakhanyan, the Armenian side has clearly stated its
approach that it is against setting up any committee in connection
with the issue of six closed Armenian churches (Norashen, Saint
Nshan, Shamkhoretsots Saint Astvatsatsin, Mughni Saint Gevorg and
Saint Minas in Tbilisi, and Saint Nshan in Akhaltsikhe [predominantly
Armenian-populated town in southwestern Georgia]). These [churches]
are Armenian, the evidence is Armenian records, and these churches
cannot be disputable. The Armenian side can only discuss the issue
of over 20 already Georgianized Armenian churches. Seven of them are
in Tbilisi alone.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT BY GREEK CYPRIOT CHOIR AT SOURP ASDVADZADZIN CHURCH
Alexander-Michael Hadjilyra – [email protected]

Gibrahayer
Dec 08, 2008

Last Sunday, the Armenian church of Sourp Asdvadzadzin in Nicosia
was the venue for a heavenly Christmas concert. Participating were
the 15-member Chamber Choir "Polyfonia", directed by Maro Skordi,
the 8-member Guitar Ensemble "OKTO", directed by Demetris Regginos,
and organist Boris Alexandrov. For about 90 minutes, the Armenian house
of God was filled with heavenly melodies, songs and sounds, ranging
from the Cyprus carols, English songs and classical masterpieces to
traditional Latin, French, German and Spanish melodies.

The church bench were full of people of all ages, who with the help
of the music and the ecclesiastical environment were lifted up to
the skies.

Closing this article, I cannot but praise Vicky Kouyoumdjian’s divine
soprano voice – a voice we adore listening during the Sunday Badarak
-, who finished the concert with a solo on Lour Kisher (the Armenian
version of "Silent Night"), to the surprise and joy of the Armenians
present!

I’d like to take this opportunity to wish you all: Shnorhavor nor
Dari yev Sourp Dzenount.

CIVILITAS TO PRESENT "ARMENIA IN 2008: CRISIS AND OPPORTUNITY"

armradio.am
24.12.2008 10:35

The Civilitas Foundation Council on International Relations will
issue its first publication this week. "Armenia in 2008: Crisis and
Opportunity" will be published in Armenian and English, and will be
launched in Yerevan on Friday, December 26.

The report consists of an analytical look at the year just ending, and
views it through the prism of three critical events – the tensions in
the region, especially the Russia-Georgia war; the domestic political
hostilities and disconnect within Armenian society, as a result of the
presidential elections and what came after; and the global financial
crisis and its inevitable pressures on the Armenian economy.

THE ROLE OF MEDIA IN THE KARABAKH SETTLEMENT
Nvard Davtyan

"Radiolur"
24.12.2008 14:31

Editors-in-chief of the Azg and Aravot dailies Hakob Avetikyan and
Aram Abrahamyan today discussed "The role of media in the process of
settlement of the Karabakh conflict."

According to Avetikyan, media should address the issue, especially
in cases when people unaware of the negotiation process speak about
the Karabakh issue. The editor-in-chief of Azg daily calculated that
46 press conferences were held following the Mindorf Declaration,
participants of which were decorated with the title of a political
scientist by media.

The editor-in-chief of the Aravot daily also considers that media
should react to the issue. However, in today’s situation our officials
become very reticent after important meetings, while in Azerbaijan
officials publicize their assessments and comments of the negotiations
and our press has to quote them.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PROBE INTO THE CASES OF VIOLENCE IN ARMENIAN JAILS

armradio.am
24.12.2008 15:45

President Serzh Sargsyan today had a meeting with Human Rights Defender
Armen Harutyunyan, President’s Press Office reported.

Issues related to the common state of human rights and freedoms,
and the problems existing in this field were discussed at the meeting.

As a result of the meeting the President of the Republic instructed
the Minister of Justice and the Adviser to the President on Legal
Issues to conduct an inquiry connected with the recent signals about
the application of violence in Armenian jails.

Human Rights Defender Armen Harutyunyan expressed willingness to
participate in the conduct of the investigation.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PARLIAMENT OF ARMENIA ADOPTS BILL ON ALL ARMENIAN BANK

ArmInfo
2008-12-24 13:50:00

Parliament of Armenia adopted a Bill on the All Armenian Bank in
the first reading with 103 votes ‘for’, 3 votes ‘against’ and no
‘abstention’ Wednesday.

Central Bank Chairman Artur Javadyan declared that the bank will
have a status of an open joint stock company. Central Bank and any
other subject of the law will come out as the shareholder on behalf
of the Republic of Armenia. It will become a universal development
bank. The key goal of the bank will be to contribute to formation
of the Diaspora potential based on knowledge and competition in
the international market. The Bank will receive relevant license to
function as a commercial bank. Armenian Central Bank will control
over the activity of the All Armenian Bank. The authorized capital
of the Bank is to be at least 5 billion drams, the standard for
commercial banks in Armenia. The side of the authorized capital,
which is envisaged at the level of 100 million dollars or 30 billion
drams, will be defined in the Bank’s business program. The share
of the government in the authorized capital of the bank will be at
least 20%, the remaining shares will be offered to representatives
of business cycles, entrepreneurs, and ordinary citizens including
non-residents. The Bank will have executive body and directorate. The
head and the members of the Bank Council will undergo attestation
by the Armenian CB. A. Javadyan said Central Bank of Armenia plans
to approve 6 billion drams to the Bank on behalf of the Republic of
Armenia. The bank will make investments only in profitable projects
and compete with local commercial banks. The Bank will announce
its programs at least on 1 November of each year. The program are to
undergo relevant examination and data on the programs will be available
at the Bank’s website. The Bank will also get an opportunity to take
big deposits.

Management structures will be created at the bank on the basis of
corporate management principles. The Bank’s activity will meet the
activity of local commercial banks. Thus, annual activity of the Bank
is to undergo compulsory international audit. The Bank will also get
opportunity to place funds in the securities market.

Governmental Council for Competitiveness will supervise the
activity of the All Armenian Bank. The programs prior to the
Council for Competitiveness and the Government will become prior
also to the Bank. These are programs in the sectors of education,
tourism, health care, science, finance and infrastructures. The
Bank will receive also certain taxation privileges. In particular,
it will be exempted from profit tax that will be used to implement
business-project of Diaspora. In addition, the bank will pay state
tax for registration and license. In this connection, alterations and
amendments are proposed in the first reading to the Laws On Income
Tax, On State Tax and On Banks and Banking Activity. A. Javadyan
said the Bank will operate outside Armenia and finance projects
by representatives of Armenian Diaspora. Projects in Armenia will
be implemented with direct involvement of local commercial banks
through syndicated loans. Thus, when implemented a 30 billion drams
project, the Bank will provide 80% of funds, and commercial banks
will allocate the remaining 20%. In the territory of Armenia the
All Armenian Bank will not directly participate in financing of
projects. The Bank will have branches in various states. The Bank
will have 11 members that will receive award fees (if it is a foreign
citizen) for travel and residence costs etc.. The members of the Bank
will be Armenian prime minister, finance minister, economy minister,
chairman of Central Bank, agricultural minister, minister of transport
and communication and the most prominent representatives of Armenian
Diaspora representing foreign business-cycles and banks. The bank’s
activity will be transparent. The bank will be found and registered
in an accelerated regime within 3 months instead of usual 6-12 months
required for registration of commercial banks.

The governmental initiative caused controversy of some parliamentarians
mainly oppositionist. In particular, they demanded compulsory
participation of a parliamentarian in the Bank Council to toughen
control over the activity of the Bank. Since the government will hold
at least 20% stake in the Bank, the parliamentarians proposed that
the Bank makes compulsory reports to the parliament.

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr.Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
Web:

PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon

Armenian version: nian.htm

A NEW BOOK IN FRENCH BY HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS ARAM I:
"POUR UN MONDE TRANSFORMÉ" (FOR A TRANSFORMED WORLD)

This new volume written by His Holiness treats issues pertaining to
inter-church and inter-religious dialogue, ecumenism, church and society
relations and human rights. Most of the articles included in the book have
already appeared in Aram I’s previous volume, "For a Church Beyond Its
Walls". The preface of the book is written by Dr. Jean-Arnold de Clermont,
President of the Conference of European Churches. The publication of this
volume is made possible through a generous contribution from the Calouste
Gulbenkian Foundation.

Hereunder some excerpts from the last chapter of the book:

Un autre monde est-il possible?

Un autre monde est possible lorsque les églises articulent concrètement leur
fidélité aux impératifs de l’Évangile en détruisant tous "murs de
séparation" (Eph. 2:14) et en devenant signe et anticipation de l’unité de
l’humanité, au sein de la fragmentation et de la polarisation, lorsqu’ils
deviennent un phare d’espérance dans un monde de désespérance et
d’incertitude; lorsqu’ils se font l’écho, dans leur vie et leur témoignage,
de la voix des sans voix, donnant des moyens aux impuis-sants et incarnant
Jésus Christ comme Lumière et Vie du monde.

Un autre monde est possible lorsque la force ne prime pas le droit, lorsque
les religions s’engagent les unes avec les autres dans un dialogue franc et
une collaboration étroite; lorsqu’elles s’acceptent et se respectent
mutuellement comme partie intégrante d’une seule humanité dans un seul
monde; lorsqu’elles rejettent toutes expressions d’exclusion et tout
fon-damentalisme, et embrassent la tolérance, consolidant la confiance
mutuelle pour btir des communautés de diversités réconciliées; lorsqu’elles
promouvoient la non-violence et les valeurs morales communes pour soutenir
et gouverner la vie de nos sociétés.

Un autre monde est possible, lorsque les nations luttent contre l’injustice,
la pauvreté et le racisme sous toutes leurs formes; lorsqu’elles
investissent dans l’éducation plutôt que dans l’armement, dans les droits de
l’homme plutôt que dans la sécurité nationale, dans le développement
socio-économique plutôt que dans la consommation, dans des politiques de
prévention multilatérales plutôt que dans des interventions militaires
unilatérales; lorsqu’elles développent une gouvernance globale soutenue par
des principes éthiques et par les droits de l’homme; lorsqu’elles
travaillent ensemble pour une paix juste et complète enracinée dans la
justice.

La transformation du monde appelle à la repentance et au pardon; elle
appelle à une réconciliation basée sur l’acceptation de la vérité et
la restauration de la justice.

Aram I

##
View the book cover here:
tos/Photos347.htm#4

PRESS RELEASE
Hayastan All-Armenian Fund
Governmental Buiding 3, Yerevan, RA
Contact: Hasmik Grigoryan
Tel: +(3741) 56 01 06 ext. 105
Fax: +(3741) 52 15 05
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:

24 December, 2008

Hayastan All Armenian Fund Completes Renovation of Hadrut Regional Hospital
and Construction of Togh-Hadrut Gas Pipeline in Nagorno Karabakh

Yerevan, December 24, 2008 – Hayastan All Armenian Fund is pleased to
announce the completion of two crucially important projects in Hadrut
region: renovation and furnishing of the regional hospital and construction
of the Togh-Hadrut gas pipeline.
Built in 1982, Hadrut regional hospital was in poor condition and did not
meet the requirements of the modern healthcare industry. It was essential to
get the hospital better serve the medical needs of the region of around
12,000. The overall project included renovation of the walls and roof,
floors and ceiling; doors and windows were replaced making wards in the
hospital brighter and comfortable to stay in. Water and electricity supply
networks, as well as heating and sewage systems were renovated too.
To avoid possible spreading of contagious diseases, a separate entrance was
constructed for the infectious diseases’ unit. To make medical care more
diversified and service-oriented, the Fund donated to the hospital four
brand new emergency vehicles equipped with adequate medical facilities. One
of the vehicles was provided to the medical post of Togh village located
about 20 km from the hospital.
On behalf of the hospital management and residents of Hadrut region Araik
Yeremyan, head of the hospital, thanked the Fund for the important
initiative and good quality work. He said he believes that patients will
feel safe comfortable and in the newly renovated hospital, which in its
turn, will make things easier for the medical staff. According to Mr.
Yeremyan, there is a great need for qualified specialists. This problem is
partially solved by conducting training courses at the hospital. Ministry of
Health of Nagorno Karabakh encourages initiatives on trainings and conducts
open-door days on which patients undergo free medical check-ups.
The 22 km long Togh-Hadrut gas pipeline will soon be commissioned too. The
newly built hospital, as well as the nearby 7 villages with around 5200
residents, will be supplied with long-awaited gas. The project, with the
total cost of AMD 444 million, was undertaken within the Artsakh Rebirth
project.
According to the Fund’s deputy director, responsible for construction works,
Mr. Ararat Khlghatyan, the pipeline construction was going on in challenging
landscape conditions. The working staff overcame all the obstacles though,
and currently, the pipe is being tested for safety.
"When the Fund launches a project, it consistently implements other projects
in the same community as well – be it a hospital reconstruction, school or
water main construction. By this, the Fund aims to contribute to the overall
development of the community. This is the policy the Hayastan All Armenian
Fund pursues", says the acting executive director of the Fund Mr. Ara
Vardanyan.

###

Hayastan All-Armenian Fund

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

TURKISH MEDIA: ARMENIA THANKS TURKEY FOR HELP AFTER 1988 EARTHQUAKE

PanARMENIAN.Net
23.12.2008 18:10 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan sent a letter
to his Turkish counterpart Abdullah Gul to thank Turkey and Turkish
citizens for their help after the 1988 earthquake, the Anatolian news
agency reported.

"The entire world helped Armenia overcome the tragedy. We are grateful
to everyone who was by our side at that time. We thank Turkey and
Turkish citizens for their help after the devastating earthquake and
are sure that it will always be remembered," President Sargsyan said
in his letter.

On December 7, 2008, Armenia marked the 20th anniversary of the
devastating 1988 earthquake that leveled the towns of Spitak and Gyumri
and left 25 000 people dead, 100 000 wounded and 500 000 homeless.