Month: February 2012

SCOTTISH INDEPENDENCE REFERENDUM IMPORTANT FOR KARABAKH

Tert.am
22.02.12

The independence referendum issue, discussed presently in Scotland, is
very important in terms of the Karabakh settlement talks, according to
Karen Bekaryan, a political analyst, who recently visited the country.

At a news conference on Friday, the expert said he was very much
surprised by what he called civilized discussions among the Scottish
people, as well as England and Scotland’s stance on the issue.

Asked what impact Scotland’s independence would have on Karabakh,
he said he was more interested in the outcome rather than the process.

“Azerbaijan was for several years considering whether England could
replace France in the Minsk Group. But recently [it] focused on
Germany instead of Great Britain,” he said.”What is important in
this process is that nobody says a referendum should be held across
Britain. No one questions the Scottish people’s right to conduct a
referendum and nobody is engaged in saber rattling.”

Bekaryan noted that the negotiations over Karabakh can be considered
an outcome in case all the parties involved sign an accord expressing
their commitment to refrain from force or threat of force.

“The discourse will become civilized provided that phenomenon is ruled
out. The negotiations as such become pointless when there are victims,”
he added.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

MURDER IN NUBARASHEN DISTRICT

01:45 pm | Today | Social

On February 21, the Police Investigation Department of Erebuni
administrative district received a call that a man’s body had been
found near a private house in Yerevan’s Nubarashen district.

Arriving at the scene, the task forces found the body of Grigor
Hachi-Poghosyan, 45, with with traces of violence in front of a
half-built house.

On the same day, the police detained Lyova Aproyan who confessed
to the crime. As it turned out on February 20 Aproyan, under the
influence of alcohol, had a quarrel with Grigor Hachi-Poghosyan,
inflicting multiple blows to his face and head with fists.

Apoyan is placed under arrest.

An investigation is under way.

POLITICIAN: “IF THE WHOLE TRUTH ABOUT XOCALI IS FOUND OUT IT WILL BE A GREAT SLAP FOR AZERBAIJANIS”

Today at “Hayeli” (“Mirros”) press-club politicians Alexander Manasyan
and Ashot Bleyan met with journalists.

Speaking about public’s involvement in the Arstakh issue, A. Bleyan
noted: “The public involvement has been changed during the years. Till
1994 everyone in society knew its place. This was a unique solidarity
and it brought a success to us. Today the public seems to be isolated
from the issue as now it is the round of negotiations where the
society seems to have nothing to do. On those years Arstakh survival
was a national issue”.

The politician also informed that during some last years he has
fulfilled educational some projects with Arstakh. Due to those projects
many Armenian teenagers discovered Artsakh for them and made ties
with Artsakh people.

Referring to the public involvement in Artsakh issue another speaker
of press-conference, Alexander Manasyan said: “Azerbaijani society
is involved in the issue in one way and we are involved in another way.

Very often we have to prove in the international forums that on
1988 Azerbaijani masses were involved in massacres, were involved in
occupations. They had a massive involvement in massacres and this was
the type of their involvement. We had another way. We had volunteers,
kamikazes.”

Speaking about our days A. Manasyan noted: “We have a national
mentality, which often damages us. After the war we consider that
everything is over and we stop worrying”. The politician explains
that this character led us to have losses in the information war for
a long time. But now according to him the situation is changed.

Speaking about today’s reality, A. Bleyan especially rated the fact of
self-identified Artsakh. Accoridng to him Artsakh self-determination
is a fact and it brings new tasks with it. “Those noew tasks must
change me, my actions. Artsakh will also be changed due to this fact”,
the politician considers. According to him now it is very important
for us to urge Azerbaijan to recognize Arstakh self-determination.

Recently Azerbaijani propaganda measures have started to use so called
“Xoxali genocide”. Pakistan has recognized the “genocide” and Mexico
seems to be on the way of recognition. Referring to Xocali events, Al.

Manasyan said: “We write about Xocali, but we write for us. We think
that as the truth is for us it will also work for us. But it never
happens in such a way in the information war. Aezrbaijan works hard
towards the issue and spreads disinformation. As we are passive they
act actively”.

Manasyan considers that we must appeal to the court against Azerbaijan
for Xocali.

“In reality, Karabakh forces informed Baku that the military action
must take place and Xocali must be liberated. Azerbaijani authorities
might take the peace population far from the territory. But they
did not do it. They needed to get free of Mutalibov then and that is
why they used this occasion. Peae population was shot from Aghdam,
from the territory, which was under Azerbaijani supervision. So this
means that the massacre took place under Azerbaijani supervision. If
the truth about Xocali is discovered it will be a strong slap for
Azerbaijanis. They will see how people pay for the authorities. And
that is why Azerbaijani authorities are so aggressive about this
theme today”, Manasyan underlined.

From: A. Papazian

TURKISH PARTY MEMBER STARTED SPEECH WITH ADDRESS TO ARMENIANS

news.am
February 22, 2012 | 00:04

Kurdish Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) (which is the only Kurdish
party represented in the Turkish parliament) Deputy Gulten KıÅ~_anak
delivered a speech on the occasion of the Mother Language Day.

As a sign of solidarity for her colleagues, who declared hunger-strike,
she delivered a speech, starting by ‘Dear Armenians Brothers’ and
further enumerated other national minorities in Turkey, Haberturk
reports.

Gulten KıÅ~_anak pointed out that except Turkish all the other
languages are in danger of extermination in Turkey. Millions of people
cannot speak their native language and are devoid of transferring it
to the next generation. Mother language is an honor, she stressed.

From: Baghdasarian

GENOCIDE EDUCATION GAINING MOMENTUM
by Tom Vartabedian

February 20, 2012

Students throughout the Merrimack Valley have not only shown a
huge interest in Armenian Genocide education, they’re attending
commemorations and theatrical productions and lobbying for recognition
with a surge of letters to their Congressmen.

Wilmington High students continue to be vigilant when it comes to
human rights and genocide education.

Quite the contrast to three years ago when many students had a “ho-hum”
attitude and knew little or nothing about the Armenian Genocide.

Much of the change has been induced by members of the Merrimack Valley
Armenian Genocide Education Committee, which has been making a visible
presence inside area high schools and colleges.

“We’re making big strides,” said Dro Kanayan, chairman. “Compared to
what it was, say, three years ago, these students are turning into
activists and goodwill ambassadors for the Armenian people. Their
teachers have been mobilized on the issues.”

At Wilmington High, students are ingrained in a curriculum provided by
“Facing History and Ourselves.” There’s been such a demand for the
class that a waiting list is in effect.

Students have attended Armenian Genocide observances throughout
Merrimack Valley, gone to lectures in Boston, and are preparing to
see the new theatrical production by Joyce Van Dyke titled “Deported.”

Each was asked to prepare a paper about their feelings on genocides,
and some of their thoughts are worthy of publication.

“Stop living in a world of denial,” wrote John Grealish and Derek
Mayo. “You’re only going to put your soul on trial. All the steps
you can’t retrace. Extermination of an entire race.”

They went on to compose a narrative listing other abused nations.

Why remember the Armenians?

“Because they were forced to live with a scar for nearly 100 years,”
wrote Zach Anderson. “They were a martyred nation and many countries
like the United States haven’t recognized this act of atrocity.”

“Turkey wants to move past its crimes and not have the country appear
in a negative light,” Krishna Raval reported. “It’s obvious that what
happened to the Armenians in 1915 was genocide.”

At Haverhill High, students were so touched about the Armenian
Genocide during a presentation last year that they launched a Human
Rights Club that meets after school.

One student indicated the club’s goal was to make a positive difference
in the world. Members are raising funds to join Habitat for Humanity
in building a home inside a developing country. The country of Armenia
is among those being considered.

Chelmsford High School devoted six hours to Armenian Genocide talks,
compounded by a panel discussion. Four classes reaped the benefits.

Instructors there say that it’s become such a popular class, it’s
difficult to sustain the demand.

Meanwhile, attention has also turned to area colleges. UMass Lowell
will present a panel discussion on April 24 and Northern Essex
Community College (Haverhill) opted for both a panel discussion
featuring other maligned countries and an address to members of a
Contemporary Affairs Club.

“My department is sponsoring an effort to have students write about
important human rights issues,” said faculty advisor Steve Russell.

“We consider it a very vital theme on campus.”

Meanwhile, schools outside the Merrimack Valley have also expressed
a solid interest. Both Melrose and Newton South have visits lined up.

“The reason why it’s proven so successful is the diversity of our
presentation,” adds Albert Movsesian, a principal speaker. “We offer a
blend. Genocide is usually intertwined with the history and culture of
the Armenians. It’s important to review the heritage and give students
a sense of feel for our country-how we persevered after the genocide
and what’s being done to recognize it.”

Despite a Turkish lobby in some communities, no resistance has
been waved at the genocide programs, much less from the school
administration. Many classrooms are displaying Armenian Genocide
posters and one bold room even suspended a photo of Talaat Pasha,
the perpetrator of the Armenian crimes in 1915.

After one unsuccessful attempt to get a postage stamp minted by the
U.S. government, another is being made by the students, who appear
relentless in their efforts to invoke justice for the Armenian people.

“With all the violence that’s taking place throughout the world today,
education is a vital defense mechanism,” said Wilmington teachers
Lisa Joy Desberg and Maura Tucker. “These students want to make a
difference. Hearing these testimonies from the outside has a dire
effect upon them.”

In some school systems, having an Armenian administrator or teacher
onboard has facilitated the visit. Church pastors have also been
invited to participate, along with other community activists. Books
on the Armenian Genocide have been donated to school libraries.

“Hopefully, what we’re doing in Merrimack Valley will have a ripple
effect throughout the country,” added Kanayan. “Our work is just
beginning.”

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

DASHNAK MP SENDS LETTER TO PRESIDENT AMID ENVIRONMENTAL PROTEST

Tert.am
20.02.12

While environmentalists continue their protest in Yerevan’s Mashtots
Park, Vahan Hovhannisyan, a member of the opposition Armenian
Revolutionary Federation-Dashnaksutyun (ARF-D) faction in parliament,
has sent a letter to the president, calling for measures to reconcile
the municipality’s plan with public concerns.

“The municipality-launched urban development and construction work
in the vicinities of Yerevan’s central avenue has caused serious
public concerns, spurring a wave of protests by environmental and
other non-governmental organizations.

Considering that the activities are being carried out in green areas
considered public property under the Yerevan plan;

Taking into account the fact that the [construction] implies a change
of environment;

Also considering that the current activities are in the interests
and the environmental and cultural problems of the capital city and
its residents;

Guiding myself by Articles 12, 13 and 14 of the Republic of Armenia law
on Urban Development, I request you to organize, within the shortest
possible timeframes, a public discussion to raise awareness of the
Municipality’s projects on the above territory, as well as listen to
the interested individuals and organizations’ views,” reads the letter.

From: A. Papazian

‘GRANDMA’S TATTOOS’ DISTURBS TURKISH COMMUNITY IN SWEDEN

Panorama.am
20/02/2012

“Grandma’s Tattoos” by Suzan Khartalyan has been shown on Swedish
public TV making local Turkish community to get alerted. According to
“Haberler.com” news site thousands of protest letters have been sent
to the Swedish public TV company.

The presentation of the film took place in Stockholm in September. The
film unveils the fate of Armenian women who survived the nightmare
of genocide.

V. AYVAZYAN: “I HAVE NO PROBLEM, I HAVE WON FOR FOUR TIMES”

Aysor.am
Monday,February 20

“What do you think, in case of proportional election system the party
will not include those “bad” people in their list?”asked RPA fraction
member Vardan Ayvazyan at the press conference today speaking of 100%
proportional election system.

According to him both the proportional and the majority election
systems have drawbacks, “The one who will say he is not putting his
candidacy by majority election systems will become a target for all
the parties which will try to involve him in their rows.”

V. Ayvazyan spoke about his participation in the elections. They
will decide after the RPA congress in which system he will put his
candidacy. He also mentioned that he does not have any problem as he
has been elected for four times in elections.

ASSYRIANS URGE ARMENIAN AUTHORITIES TO RECOGNIZE THEIR GENOCIDE

PanARMENIAN.Net
February 20, 2012 – 17:54 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Representatives of Sweden-based Assyrian Genocide
(known as Seyfo) Research Center issued a message to Armenian
President Serzh Sargsyan with a request to recognize the Assyrian
genocide committed in the Ottoman Empire early in the 20th century.

“Armenians are well aware of the pain caused by denial policy. We
always back the Armenian people regarding the issue of Genocide
recognition,” the message reads.

From: A. Papazian

TIES WITH ANTI-IRANIAN FORCES BENEFICIAL BUT NOT SAFE FOR AZERBAIJAN
Marina Ananikyan

PanARMENIAN.Net
February 20, 2012 – 15:53 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – In case of escalation of tensions in the region
due to Iran’s nuclear program, Azerbaijan may address NATO to ensure
security at border with Iran, Azerbaijani military expert said.

As Jasur Sumerinli noted, request for NATO assistance “meets the
protocols ratified by Azerbaijan in the framework of the United
Nations, as well as documents of cooperation between Azerbaijan and
NATO,” SalamNews reports.

Apparently, NATO won’t protect Azeri borders due to mere “friendly
intentions.” Border security is likely to be implemented in exchange
for use of Azerbaijani territories as a springboard for attacking
Iran. Baku doesn’t seem to oppose it due to recent deterioration of
Azerbaijani-Iranian ties.

“Latest developments – current situation between official Baku and
Tehran, statements by embassies of Israel, U.S. and Great Britain
on security, spark a need to shift to enhanced cooperation between
Azerbaijan and international organizations aimed at ensuring border
security,” Sumerinli stated.

Close cooperation with anti-Iranian forces currently looks quite
beneficial for Azerbaijan whish may be used as a cover for launching
a war against Nagorno Karabakh and ceasing Iran’s northern region,
“Southern Azerbaijan”.

Back in 2010, according to several media outlets, U.S. and Israeli
armed forces were centered in Azerbaijani air force bases, ready to
launch an offensive on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Moreover, Israel
and the U.S. were said to have established an electronic surveillance
base in Azerbaijan to follow developments in Iran. Prior to this,
Azerbaijani parliament approved a new military doctrine allowing for
deployment of foreign military bases in the country’s territory.

However, earlier IRGC Deputy Commander Hossein Salami said that
Iranian armed forces will resort to retaliatory measures towards any
state from the territory of which military strike on Iran is launched.

According to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Iran needs only 9
minutes to destroy Israel. What about Azerbaijan?