Month: December 2008

MINISTER NALBANDIAN MEETS DEPUTY SECRETARY OF IRAN’S NSC

armradio.am
23.12.2008 15:10

On December 23 the Foreign Minister of Armenia, Edward Nalbandian,
received the Deputy Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council
of the Islamic Republic to Iran Ali Bagheri and his delegation.

Greeting the guests, Edward Nalbandian expressed appreciation
for the Armenian-Iranian relations based on mutually beneficial
cooperation. Turning to the enlargement of economic relations between
the two countries, Minister Nalbandian highly assessed the results
of the sitting of the Intergovernmental Cooperation Commission held
in Tehran on 15 December.

During the meeting the parties discussed issues connected with the
implementation of joint programs between Armenia and Iran in the
fields of transport and energy.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

RECEPTION FOR JOURNALISTS AT THE PRESIDENT’S OFFICE
Karen Ghazaryan

"Radiolur"
23.12.2008 15:22

On the occasion of Christmas and New Year, President Serzh Sargsyan
today invited heads and representatives of mass media to a reception
at the President’s Office.

"Let 2009 be a year of success, let us work together in 2009 to lead
our country along the path of development. I wish health and happiness
to you and your families, and a growing audience to your media,"
Serzh Sargsyan said.

The President of Armenia wished that the number of marriages and
joyful events increases in 2009.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

amp;p=0&id=696&y=2008&m=12&d=23
19 .12.08

On October 8, 2008 the Azeri soldier who crossed the
Armenian-Azerbaijani border and yielded himself prisoner to
the Armenian side declared that he would like to assume Armenian
citizenship. The Azeri captive stated in an exclusive interview: "I,
Hasanov Rafik Rahman Oghli, was born in 1989 in Yusuvjanli village,
Aghdam region. I currently reside in Seferli village in Aghdam region.

Why did I cross the border? I was humiliated at the 5th battalion of
the brigade #707 located in Ghazakh. I served there for three months,
and then I was glad to be moved to the base station where there
would be nine soldiers and one Officer. I thought the service would
be easier there. However, I was beaten and tortured also at Bazahli
base. Unable to stand it any longer, I decided to shoot at my left
foot from the gun, after which I was taken to hospital. I recovered
and returned to the base station. The commanders continued teasing
me comparing me with a donkey."

I am addressing my message to Azeri Defense Minister Safar Abiyev,
asking to carry out check-up at the 707 brigade.

The captive said he does not wish to return to Azerbaijan where
he is beaten and humiliated. He added that he is treated well in
Armenia. Hasanov declared he will never return to Azerbaijan and said
he is going to become an Armenian citizen.

"I am announcing that I was a citizen of Azerbaijan for 19 years. Now I
wish to be a citizen of the Republic of Armenia and will never return
to Azerbaijan," Hasanov Rafik Rahman Oghli said.

TRANSPORT MINISTER OF ARMENIA SATISFIED WITH THE WORK DONE IN 2008
Hasmik Dilanyan

"Radiolur"
23.12.2008 16:52

The Minister of Transport and Communication of Armenia, Gurgen
Sargsyan, told a press conference today that they have fulfilled almost
all the programs envisaged for 2008. Next year they will continue
the incomplete projects, nothing will hamper their implementation
even the world financial crisis.

The road construction on the financial means provided by the Millennium
Challenge Corporation will continue in 2009. What will be the fate
of the rest 280 km if the Corporation suspends the financing? The
Minister is optimistic.

A number of changes have taken place during Gurgen Sargsyan’s tenure in
office. In particular, the Armenian Railway was given to the Russian
Railways Company for concession management. The third cell operator
entered the Armenian market. "orange" Company of France Telecom won
the tender among three main contenders. However, no change in fees
is expected, since, according to the Minister, one should not expect
a revolution from the entry of the third cell operator.

Changes were implemented in RA Law on State Due, as a result of
which individual taxi drivers have to pay 25 thousand AMD instead of
200 thousand.

The process of licensing was suspended until January 15,
2009. According to Gurgen Sargsyan, a number of taxi drivers have
already applied and received=2 0licenses. In a few days it will become
clear whether the drivers are content with the Ministry of not.

Next year the incomplete projects will be continued. This refers to
the Iran-Armenia railway, as well as the Yerevan-Batumi highway.

PRESIDENT SARGSYAN: ARMENIA WILL MOVE ALONG THE PATH OF DEVELOPMENT IN 2009
Karen Ghazaryan

"Radiolur"
23.12.2008 17:01

On the occasion of Christmas and New Year, President Serzh Sargsyan
today invited heads and representatives of mass media to a reception
at the President’s Office.

On the occasion of Christmas and New Year, President Serzh Sargsyan
today invited heads and representatives of mass media to a reception
at the President’s Office.

"Let 2009 be full of events and let the reporters and mass media be
able to inform the society on-the-fly," the President said, at the
same time expressing hope that the news will be mostly positive.

President Sargsyan also expressed confidence that Armenia
will move along the path of development in 2009 and will have
achievements. According to him, there will be events that will come
to reinforce the security of our country and the faith of our people
in our future.

"Let 2009 be a year of success, let us work together in 2009 to lead
our country along the path of development. I wish health and happiness
to you and your families, and a growing audience to your media,"
Serzh Sargsyan said.

FINANCIAL OMBUDSMAN APPOINTED IN ARMENIA

ARKA
Dec 23, 2008

YEREVAN, December 23. /ARKA/. Pyruza Sargsyan was appointed RA
Financial Ombudsman as a result of a unanimous decision made by the
Board of Trustees of the Financial Ombudsman Office Foundation.

The press service of the Central Bank of Armenia (CBA) reports that
the decision was made at the maiden meeting of the Board of Trustees
yesterday.

Sargsyan is to take office on January 24, 2009, in conformity with
the law.

Grigor Konjeyan was elected Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

Chairman of the Central Bank of Armenia (CBA) Artur Javadyan welcomed
the newly elected Board of Trustees.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

MINISTER: ARMENIA TO START SEARCHING FUNDS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF IRAN-ARMENIA RAILWAY

ARKA
Dec 23, 2008

YEREVAN, December 23. /ARKA/. Armenia is to embark on searching for
funds for construction of Iran-Armenia railway, Armenian Transport
and Communication Minister Gurgen Sargsyan said at a press conference
on Tuesday.

He said that Armenian Government views the construction of this
railway among its top-priority focuses.

"This idea has already developed into a program, and we’ll keep
negotiating over technical aspect and scheme and searching for
financial sources in 2009", the minister said.

Preliminary assessment showed that the construction would cost
$2 billion.

World Bank and Asian Development Bank express interest in the project.

One route, Jermuk-Meghri, has already been outlined. Other routes
are under discussion now, though it is expected that the railway will
include also Sisian and Kapan.

About 100 kilometers of the railway are expected to be laid on Iran’s
territory – from Armenian border to Merand railway station.

Specialists say such a work takes five to six years.

Yerevan-Yeraskh-Nakhichevan (Azerbaijan)-Meghri, the soviet-era railway
connecting Armenia and Iran, stays dilapidated and dysfunctional now.

The new rout will go only through Armenia’s territory.

The railway will provide an alternative way to Armenia for shipping
energy resources and other commodities.

Now Armenia transports its cargoes through Georgia.

QUALITY INSPECTION IN ARMENIAN PRIVATE HIGHER SCHOOLS TO BE SUMMED UP IN JANUARY

ARKA
Dec 23, 2008

YEREVAN, December 23. /ARKA/. The results of complex quality
inspections of education and fulfillment of conditions specified by
licenses of Armenia’s non-state higher schools will be summed up in
mid-January 2009, said RA Minister of Education and Science Spartak
Seyranyan.

"I do not think it is wrong if in the result of inspections some
higher schools will have to return state licenses for implementation
of educational programs," he told reporters on Tuesday.

Seyranyan noted the Ministry’s main aim is to ensure high-quality
education.

"That is why we have to solve all the problems that interfere with
ensuring quality fast and by means of radical reforms," underlined
Seyranyan.

According to the RA Ministry of Education and Science, 73 private
higher schools operate in Armenia.

PRESS RELEASE
Massachusetts Bay Community College
Wellesley Hills Campus
Lisa M. Cascio, Director of Communications and Public Affairs
50 Oakland Street Room 222
Wellesley Hills, Mass. 02481-5307
781.239.3124 (phone)
781.239.3110 (fax)
<;

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

MASSBAY TRUSTEE BOB SEMONIAN ATTENDS ACCT LEADERSHIP CONGRESS

Wellesley Hills, Mass. – Massachusetts Bay Community College (MassBay)
Trustee Bob Semonian was one of more than 2,000 community college
trustees, presidents, and leaders who participated in the 29th Annual
Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) Leadership Congress at
the Marriott Marquis Times Square in New York City from October 29
through November 1.

Semonian, a Watertown native, and the other attendees were able to
attend many sessions on best practices for colleges, fundamental and
advanced trustee training, a special town hall meeting focusing on the
critical role that community colleges play in combating poverty through
educational opportunities while also addressing social issues including
the growing economic gap, the digital divide, and the growing need for
remedial education.

In his current role as trustee, Semonian, one of the owners of the
Improper Bostonian magazine, serves on the Presidential Evaluation
Committee and the Nominating Committee. He is also the liaison to the
Foundation Board. In the attached photo, he is pictured along with
College Board President and Former Governor of West Virginia Gaston
Caperton, who was one of the keynote speakers at the Congress.

The Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) is a non-profit
educational organization of governing boards, representing more than
6,500 elected and appointed trustees who govern over 1,200 community,
technical, and junior colleges in the United States, Canada, and
England. For more information, visit

About MassBay Community College

Massachusetts Bay Community College (MassBay) is an open-access,
accredited two-year public educational institution. The College grants
associate degrees and certificates in a range of disciplines through its
five divisions of academics: the Division of Health Sciences; the
Division of Humanities; the Division of Science, Technology, Engineering
& Math (S.T.E.M.); the Division of Social Sciences & Professional
Studies; and the Division of Transportation & Energy. Offering over 60
academic programs, MassBay serves Boston and the MetroWest communities
with locations in Wellesley Hills, Framingham and Ashland (Automotive
Technology Center).

—

19.12.2008 7 Kommentare

Hätte der türkische Regierungschef doch den Mund gehalten…

Erdogan begeht eklatante Dummheit

KOMMENTAR VON JÜRGEN GOTTSCHLICH

Zuerst einmal die gute Nachricht. Nach jahrelangen Debatten um das
Schicksal der Armenier im ausgehenden Osmanischen Reich hat jetzt eine
zivilgesellschaftliche Initiative das Heft des Handelns in die Hand
genommen. Von staatlicher Seite wurde jahrzehntelang jegliches
Schuldeingeständnis oder auch nur ein Bedauern über hunderttausende tote
Armenier abgewehrt. Vor diesem Hintergrund stellt die Internetkampagne "Ich
bitte um Entschuldigung" einen kaum zu überschätzenden Durchbruch dar –
nicht nur, was das Tabu um den Genozid an den Armeniern angeht, sondern für
die demokratische Kultur des Landes insgesamt.

Allen bisherigen Einschüchterungsversuchen durch Staat, Justiz und
militant-faschistischen Untergrundstrukturen zum Trotz, haben in den
letzten Tagen fast 15.000 Bürger der Türkei ihren armenischen Mitmenschen
ihr persönliches Bedauern für die Tragödie von 1915 ausgedrückt: nicht
anonym, sondern mit vollem Namen und für jeden identifizierbar. Damit ist
die Diskussion, ob es einen Völkermord gegeben hat oder nicht, nicht mehr
zu stoppen – auch, wenn die nationalistische Rechte jetzt wieder "Verrat"
und "Ausverkauf" schreit. Das war zu erwarten und hört sich mehr denn je
wie ein Rückzug auf Raten an. Was nicht unbedingt zu erwarten war, das ist
die harsche und ungemein platte Reaktion von Regierungschef Tayyip
Erdogan. Hätte er doch bloß den Mund gehalten oder wie Staatspräsident
Abdullah Gül darauf verwiesen, dass die türkische Gesellschaft sich eben
mittlerweile jede offene Debatte leisten kann! Dann hätte die
Unterschriftenaktion auch eine positive Wirkung im Verhältnis zum
armenischen Nachbarstaat entfalten können.

Erdogan aber bekräftigte noch einmal ohne Not eine Position, die eine
Verständigung mit Jeriwan nur erschweren kann. Es habe keine Verbrechen
gegeben, folglich gebe es auch nichts zu entschuldigen, polterte er. Das
wirkt fast wie eine bewusste Sabotage an der Politik einer vorsichtigen
Aussöhnung, die Präsident Gül mit seiner Reise nach Armenien vor zwei
Monaten begonnen hat. Das ist eine eklatante Dummheit. JÜRGEN GOTTSCHLICH

tar/artikel/1/erdogan-begeht-eklatante-dummheit&am p;src=PR

Jürgen Gottschlich ist taz-Korrespondent in Istanbul. Er ist einer der
Mitbegründer dieser Zeitung, später war er Inlandsredakteur und in den
Neunzigerjahren Chefredakteur. Er schreibt regelmäßig für die Debattenseite
der taz.