Presse Armenienne : Revue Du 9 Septembre 2013

PRESSE ARMENIENNE : REVUE DU 9 SEPTEMBRE 2013

Publié le : 12-09-2013

Info Collectif VAN – – Le Collectif VAN vous
présente cette Revue de Presse parue sur le site de l’Ambassade de
France en Arménie le 9 septembre 2013.

Ambassade de France en Arménie

Revue de la presse arménienne du 9 septembre 2013

I. Union douanière eurasiatique : toujours en ” une ” des journaux

1. L’Europe cherche-t-elle a fermer la porte a l’Arménie ?/C’est
cette question que plusieurs commentateurs se posent, rapportant les
propos du Commissaire européen a l’élargissement, Stefan Fule, a
la suite des pourparlers avec Edouard Nalbandian : ” Dans la mesure
où l’Arménie a déclaré vouloir adhérer a l’Union douanière,
il est difficile d’imaginer la signature avec l’Arménie d’un accord
d’association au sommet de Vilnius comme cela avait été prévu ”. Il
a souligné que l’UE respectait le choix souverain de l’Arménie de
s’intégrer a l’Union douanière et était intéressée a renforcer
les acquis avec celle-ci au aours des dernières années dans le
cadre du Partenariat oriental.

Selon les informations de Haykakan Jamanak, Edouard Nalbandian aurait
remis au Commissaire un document de 200 pages, le texte rectifié de
l’accord d’association, excluant toutes les dispositions économiques,
et aurait fait comprendre que ce document était le maximum que la
partie arménienne pourrait signer a Vilnius. D’après les sources
du quotidien, cela aurait suscité l’indignation du Commissaire
qui aurait alors jugé inopportune la signature d’un document ”
déclaratif ”. Le Chef de la diplomatie arménienne s’est également
rendu a Vilnius, le 7 septembre, où il a présenté la position
arménienne au Ministre des AE lituanien. D’après le communiqué du
MAE arménien, le Ministre Nalbandian a réaffirmé la détermination
de l’Arménie a développer le plus possible le partenariat avec l’UE
dans les limites qu’impose l’Union douanière. Selon un communiqué
du MAE lituanien, Linas Linkevicius a jugé incompatibles l’adhésion
a l’Union douanière et l’intégration a la zone de libre échange
de l’UE : ” Nous respectons le souhait de l’Arménie, mais devons
souligner que sa décision de rejoindre l’Union douanière minimise
ses ambitions d’intégrer l’UE et de coopérer avec elle ”, a-t-il
dit. Il a toutefois aouté que dans ce contexte, il est important de
regarder en avant et de ne pas gaspiller les acquis de cinq ans de
participation au Partenariat oriental et de trois ans de négociations
en vue d’un accord d’association.

Le 6 septembre, le Président Sarkissian a rendu visite au Ministère
de la Justice où il a exhorté les 300 employés a redoubler
d’efforts afin de préparer les documents requis (au nombre de 50) pour
l’adhésion a l’Union douanière en vue de les soumettre a l’AN. Le
fardeau principal de d’élaboration desdits documents retombera sur
le Ministère de la Justice.

Les quotidiens rendent compte de la conférence de presse du
Secrétaire du Conseil de sécurité nationale, Arthur Baghdassarian,
qui a défendu la décision du Président Sarkissian d’adhérer a
l’Union douanière, considérant qu’elle répondait aux intérêts
nationaux de l’Arménie.

”L’Arménie ne saurait entretenir des relations avec Bruxelles aux
dépens de la Russie. L’Arménie est un petit pays qui doit mener
une politique équilibrée en fonction de ses intérêts nationaux
”. Il a tenu a rappeler que les pays de l’OTSC constituent l’axe de
cette union. L’adhésion de l’Arménie a cette structure permettra
non seulement de retirer des avantages économiques, mais aussi de
renforcer la sécurité. Selon M. Baghdassarian, de nouveaux projets
économiques d’envergure ne vont pas tarder a être mis en place en
Arménie. Il a cité la construction du chemin de fer arméno-iranien,
ainsi que la possible ré-exploitation du chemin de fer abkhaze, les
parties géorgienne, abkhaze et russe ayant, selon lui, donné leur
consentement de principe [les agences de presse ont reproduit ce 9
septembre les démentis des Gouvernements géorgien et abkhaze quant
aux déclarations de M. Baghdassarian]. M. Baghdassarian a réitéré
que Bruxelles avait été informé de la décision de l’Arménie,
celle-ci ayant mené des négociations concomitantes avec les instances
européennes et les acteurs de l’Union douanière : si l’opinion
arménienne a été régulièrement informée des négociations avec
Bruxelles, cela n’a pas été le cas de celles avec l’Union douanière,
d’où la surprise pour la société. M. Baghdassarian a en outre
appelé a ne pas oublier que 2 millions et demi d’Arméniens résident
actuellement en Russie : ” quel serait alors le sort de ces gens-la ?

”. 168 Jam consacre un article aux éventuels avantages et handicaps
économiques qu’aura l’Arménie suite a l’adhésion a l’Union
douanière et n’exclut pas une hausse sensible de plusieurs produits,
notamment importés de pays tiers du fait des droits de douane. De
surcroît, l’adhésion a cette Union douanière ne permettra pas de
moderniser l’économie arménienne, comme l’aurait fait l’adhésion
a la zone de libre échange de l’UE.

II. Politique intérieure

1. Le fils et le garde du corps de l’ex Gouverneur du Siounik accusés
de meurtre ont été libérés/ RFE/RL relève que les deux hommes
en détention préventive ont été remis en liberté et exemptés
de toute poursuite pénale sur décision du département d’enquête
chargé de crimes du Parquet militaire. [Rappelons que le 1er juin
dernier une fusillade avait eu lieu devant la villa du Gouverneur du
Siounik, Souren Khatchatrian, a l’issue de laquelle l’ancien candidat
a la mairie de Goris avait été tué, tandis que son frère, officier
du Ministère de la Défense, commandant d’une des unités militaires
d’Arménie, avaient été gravement blessé. Celui-ci a survécu a ses
blessures et s’était vu accusé, le 9 juillet, d’attaque armée et
menaces de meurtre a l’encontre de la famille de l’ex-gouverneur]. Le
Parquet militaire a abandonné les poursuites a l’encontre des deux
suspects, considérant qu’ils étaient en situation d’auto-défense. La
famille de la victime a qualifié la remise en liberté des accusés
de ” crime d’Etat ”. Plusieurs ONG en charge de la défense des
droits de l’Homme ont dénoncé, selon RFE/RL, cette libération
comme ” arbitraire et dictée par Serge Sarkissian ”. Il s’agit,
selon elles, d’un défi a la société et d’un encouragement direct
a l’ex-Gouverneur a poursuivre ses agissements criminels.

2. 20 députés sur 131 sont millionnaires en dollars américains/
Selon l’ONG ” Mandat ”, qui a étudié les déclarations officielles
des patrimoines des élus, le groupe parlementaire le plus riche
est Arménie prospère, dont les 36 députés auraient déclaré
ensemble posséder 98,1 M USD. Les 70 députés du parti Républicain
possèderaient ensemble 35,7 M USD. Vient ensuite le groupe
parlementaire du parti Dachnak, dont les 5 députés ont déclaré
posséder 537 000 $. 20 députés de l’AN seraient millionnaires
en dollars américains : le Président d’Arménie prospère, Gaguik
Tsaroukian arrive en tête (le montant de son patrimoine n’est pas
indiqué). Il est suivi par l’homme d’affaires du parti Républicain,
Samvel Alexanian. / Hayots Achkhar

III. Relations extérieures

1. Le Commissaire aux droits de l’Homme du Conseil de l’Europe
préoccupé par les attaques contre les manifestants/ Nils Muižnieks
a exprimé sa préoccupation par les récentes attaques contre les
militants de mouvements citoyens en Arménie, dont deux ont été
agressés et hospitalisés suite a une action de protestation devant
le bureau du parti Républicain, le 5 septembre (cf. revue de presse du
6.09). Il a appelé a une enquête transparente. / Aravot, Joghovourd

IV. Questions régionales

1. Les Syriens d’origine arménienne continuent a regagner l’Arménie/
Selon le Ministère de la Diaspora, au cours du dernier mois, plus
de 400 Syriens d’origine arménienne sont arrivés en Arménie via
Beyrouth.

Selon un responsable du Ministère, ceux qui réussissent a quitter
la Syrie et a regagner le Liban, arrivent en Arménie par le vol
Beyrouth-Erevan effectué deux fois par semaine./Hayots Achkhar

Rédaction : Meri Hakobian

Retour a la rubrique

Source/Lien : Ambassade de France en Arménie

http://www.collectifvan.org/article.php?r=0&id=75514
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ANC Of Merrimack Valley Meets With Rep. Niki Tsongas In Lowell

ANC OF MERRIMACK VALLEY MEETS WITH REP. NIKI TSONGAS IN LOWELL

11:09 12.09.2013

The Armenian National Committee (ANC) of Merrimack Valley took
issues of importance to Armenians in the 3rd Congressional district
of Massachusetts to the office steps of Rep. Niki Tsongas (D-MA-3)
on Monday, September 9, 2013.

The group included longtime ANCA activists Ara Jeknavorian, Aram
Jeknavorian, Tom Vartabedian and Stephen Dulgarian. ANCA Eastern
Region Executive Director Michelle Hagopian accompanied the group to
the meeting Monday morning.

The visit comes on the heels of a Washington, DC meeting with the
Congresswoman and Hagopian. Tsongas has been a steadfast supporter
of Armenian American concerns, consistently cosponsoring legislation
and attending Armenian events both in the district and on Capitol Hill.

“Rep. Tsongas has always been very attentive to our issues and our
cause. We’re glad she’s trying to become an even stronger advocate
for Armenians, and this meeting was a reminder of that,” said Ara
Jeknavorian, ANC of Merrimack Valley co-chairman.

Much of the discussion centered on the situation in Syria and the
ANCA’s stance to oppose air strikes by the United States. The ANC
leaders expressed their dire concern about the region and about
Armenians living there and those who have fled. Rep. Tsongas was
receptive and also deeply concerned about the entire situation, and
she informed the group she would keep the local ANC abreast about
what plays out in Congress this week.

Rep. Tsongas, a member of the Armed Services Committee, was informed
about Syrian rebels targeting Armenians prior to that committee’s
hearing on Syria on Tuesday, September 10.

Besides Syria, Rep. Tsongas heard concerns of the local ANC on
issues such as House Resolution 227 (the Armenian Genocide Truth
and Justice Resolution), foreign aid to Armenia and Massachusetts’
3rd district Armenian community. She said she is always happy meeting
with constituents as she “is only as good as the stories I hear.”

“The ANCA Eastern Region is very lucky to have such a strong voice
for Armenians in our corner with Rep. Tsongas. She has made her
presence known both locally and nationally, whether by attending
April 24 commemorations or signing on to Dear Colleague letters over
the years,” stated Hagopian.

The ANC of Merrimack Valley also brought up the dedication of a new
Armenian Genocide monument that will be erected on public land in
front of Lowell City Hall in April 2014. Both Jeknavorians, Dulgarian
and Vartabedian all serve on the Merrimack Valley Armenian Genocide
Monument Committee and encouraged Rep. Tsongas to attend the event
next spring.

From: A. Papazian

http://www.armradio.am/en/2013/09/12/anc-of-merrimack-valley-meets-with-rep-niki-tsongas-in-lowell/

The U.S. Embassy Statement On The Attacks AgainstCivic Activists

THE U.S. EMBASSY STATEMENT ON THE ATTACKS AGAINSTCIVIC ACTIVISTS

The U.S. Embassy condemns the attacks against civic activists,
including a U.S. citizen, that have been ongoing since August 22,
2013. As a result of the latest attack on September 5, two citizens
were severely beaten and needed hospitalization, and one underwent
surgery.

Along with the attacks, there have been multiple reports of activists
being followed, intimidated, and harassed. We urge the government of
Armenia to take swift action to condemn the attacks and to investigate,
and prosecute the perpetrators.

The government should ensure that its citizens can exercise their
fundamental rights of freedom of assembly, expression, and speech
without fear of retribution.

12:21 12/09/2013 Story from Lragir.am News:

http://www.lragir.am/index/eng/0/politics/view/30872

US Diplomat Says Concessions Important For Reaching Karabakh Settlem

US DIPLOMAT SAYS CONCESSIONS IMPORTANT FOR REACHING KARABAKH SETTLEMENT

12:37 ~U 12.09.13

The United States’ new co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group has stressed
the importance of mutual concessions in the Nagorno-Karabakh peace
process.

Speaking to reporters in Yerevan, Ambassador James Warlick said that
all the sides involved in the conflict have to agree to concessions
if they want a successful outcome.

The diplomat said that he does not have new proposals, adding that
he finds confidence- and security-building measures very important
in the negotiation process.

He said that the track II diplomacy will be very helpful in developing
the necessary perception and confidence for reaching peace.

Noting that about 20 years have passed since the signing of ceasefire,
the diplomat added the people in the region deserve a lasting peace
after paying a heavy price. According to him, the peace efforts
will not succeed without the political will of the state leaders,
and the mutual concessions and mutual confidence-building between
the two nations. The diplomat noted that the prevention of a further
tension is in the interests of the future generations.

He said further that the Helsinki Final Act, underpinning the
principles of territorial integrity, non-use of force and the
self-determination of nations, continues to remain at the heart of
the negotiations.

Asked why the Minsk Group co-chairs pay no heed to Azerbaijan’s
continuing arms race, the diplomat answered that it is their desire
to avoid an arms race and reach a peaceful solution between the sides.

The journalists attending the news conference were interested know
if the US co-chair had expressed any opinion on the Azerbaijani
authorities’ attitude to Hakob Injighulyan, the Armenian army private
who was taken hostage in the country last month after accidentally
crossing the border from Nagorno-Karabakh. They particularly asked
Mr Warlick if, during his visit to the country, he had raised the
question that the Azerbaijani side violated the Geneva Convention by
interviewing the soldier in an Azerbaijani uniform. But the diplomat
refrained from any comments, saying only that his current visit
to the South Caucasus region is aimed at listening to both sides’
positions on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

He reiterated the United States desire to continue the efforts towards
a negotiated settlement.

Armenian News – Tert.am

Chorrord Inqnishkhanutyun: Serzh Sargsyan Met Russian-Armenian Busin

CHORRORD INQNISHKHANUTYUN: SERZH SARGSYAN MET RUSSIAN-ARMENIAN BUSINESSMAN IN CROATIA

11:02 12.09.13

President Serzh Sargsyan’s somewhat unexpected visit to Croatia in
late August was reportedly linked with his desire to meet with Ara
Abrahamyan, a Russian-Armenian businessman and the president of the
Union of Armenians of Russia.

The paper said earlier that the visit was aimed atnotifying the
European partners of Armenia’s plans to join the Eurasian Customs
Union. But it emerged later that the president, who did not manage
to meet his Russian counterpart till September 3 (the day he made
the statement expressing Armenia’s desire to become a member of the
Russian-led union) to know his position on the Customs Union and the
Association Agreement processes, sought a meeting with Abrahamyan who
is thought to have quite a big influence in Moscow. The paper says
that Sargsyan asked the businessman to arrange a meeting between him
and Vladimir Putin.

Abrahamyan reportedly invited the Armenian leader to his private
residence in Croatia to let him know of Putin’s messages concerning
the Customs Union integration. According to the paper, the Russian
money transfers and the overturn of Armenian products on the Russian
market were among the key addresses.

Armenian News – Tert.am

From: Baghdasarian

5 Armenians Killed In Sochi-Yerevan Minibus Crush

5 ARMENIANS KILLED IN SOCHI-YEREVAN MINIBUS CRUSH

10:38 12.09.13

Five Armenians citizens, including an 8-year-old child, were killed
after a minibus heading to Yerevan from the Russian resort city of
Sochi crushed with a Gas-53 truck, ITAR-TASS reported.

Seven other passengers are said to be in hospital. The minibus was
carrying a total of 15 Armenian citizens.

The driver has reportedly said that he didn’t manage tо pull up after
“he was blinded” by the truck’s headlights,

The survivors’ condition is reported to be satisfactory.

http://www.tert.am/en/news/2013/09/12/yerevan-sochi/

168 Zham: Pirelli Representatives Visit Yerevan Rubber Plant

168 ZHAM: PIRELLI REPRESENTATIVES VISIT YEREVAN RUBBER PLANT

10:10 ~U 12.09.13

The paper says it has learned from sources that representatives of the
Italian tyre company Pirelli have visited the Nayirit rubber plant to
get familiarized with the chemical giant and evaluate possibilities
of cooperation.

They are in Armenia upon the invitation of the Russian Rosneft which
reportedly expects the Italian partners to have their share of the
investments in the renovation of the Yerevan plant. The paper notes
that Pirelli is the world’s fifth biggest tyre manufacturer which
operates 24 plants in 13 countries.

Apart from tyre manufacturing, the company also engages in the
procession of new rubber technologies. Hence, the cooperation is
expected to focus on that trned, adds the paper. Citing its “reliable
sources”, it says further that the company has become more resolute
after President Serzh Sargsyan’s statement about joining the Customs
Union and demands that the the plant be handed over to it without
accumulated debts.

Armenian News – Tert.am

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

"Our Authorities Are Like Ants, They See The Little Obstacles But No

“OUR AUTHORITIES ARE LIKE ANTS, THEY SEE THE LITTLE OBSTACLES BUT NOT THE BIG ONES.”

September 12 2013

“Our authorities are like ants, they see the little obstacles
but not the big ones.” Aram Sargsyan claims that the arguments
presented by the authorities to join the Customs Union are false
and false. The authorities are bringing 2 main arguments to justify
the decision to enter into the Customs Union. The first argument is
that it does not obstacle in signing the Association Agreement with
the EU, and according to the second argument, there is the issue
of Nagorno-Karabakh, and we have the problem of security. In this
respect, in the interview with the “Republican” party leader Aram
Sargsyan, “Aravot” was interested in how these arguments are sound for
you. Aram Sargsyan replied,- “Nagorno-Karabakh Republic is the symbol
of our victories. The state would do correct to take its campaign
in this direction. What does it mean there is an issue of Karabakh,
and did not they think about it when Russia was selling weapons to
Azerbaijan? What problem of Karabakh do they solve therewith? Isn’t
it obvious that Russia is constantly keeping the Karabakh problem to
increase its influence in the region? This is an obvious fact. And
then, today’s war cannot be a predecessor. Remember what types of
weapons Azerbaijan has and what Armenia has. We can get to Baku,
they – up to Yerevan. But the accumulation of arms is not a guarantee
to declare a war and win in the war. If Azerbaijan was sure of its
victory, it will start a war, but no one can give this guarantee to
Baku. A new war is not profitable to anyone. First of all, it is not
profitable to the West that has its economic interests in the region,
it should defend the safety of its investments. I would like to mention
only the British Petroleum. Obviously, it can not be a local war in
the region in this case, too many interests are mixed together.

If you know who will start the war, you don’t know who will end it.

Our authorities are like ants, they see the little obstacles but not
the big ones. In this case, we will simply compare the previous defeat
with the next defeat, what losses we had. The only way to take the
country from this situation is the road to the EU, initialing the
Association Agreement with the EU.” To our question, whether the
Association Agreement provides security guarantees, Aram Sargsyan
answered,- “Every nation ensures its security guarantees. In 1988-89,
Russia was with Azerbaijani troops, remember Sumgait, Baku massacre.

And then “Koltso” operation. Was there a security guarantee? We
acquired the security guarantee by ourselves with our collectiveness.

Those who think that their country’s security guarantee should be
given by Russia or any other country, are doomed to failure, they do
not see anything beyond their nose like the ants that do not see all
around.” Aram Sargsyan admits that a large part of our people today
finds that Armenia can not survive without Russia. “Do you know why? I
do not know of a family whose member or a relative does not work in
the RF and then send the money from there. They think that if their
relationship deteriorates, their bread-winners will be forced to return
empty-handed. And who is to blame that half of the people find job
outdoors? In other words, we are apt to nothing, we can not ensure our
security, we can not develop our economy. It is very beneficial for
the acting power that its citizens leave for outdoor job, both the
complaints become less and the transfers become more. The series of
political discussions that we have started with the political parties,
social organizations, individual people, pursue mainly one goal,
we need to explain to the public that, dear people, if Armenia joins
the Customs Union, your children will keep going, because in that case
there cannot be legally created jobs in Armenia without the permission
of the Kremlin. They will go and stay out. If it satisfies you, then
the right choice is to go to Russia, to the Customs Union. And if
we want to be an independent country, to solve the issues regarding
ourselves and our children at our home, to develop our economy and
to have a job in our country, we need to liberalize our economy, put
an end to monopolies, make systemic changes, and consequently, our
way is to Europe, to the Association Agreement, to signing the Free,
Deep and Comprehensive Trade Agreement, without which signing of the
Association Agreement will give us nothing. Signing agreements in
Vilnius, we do not become a member of the European Union not today,
nor tomorrow, we still have a long way, but we need that way and
not the Europe. Today, Armenia either is reaffirming its choice of
being an independent state, or recovers the subordination to Moscow,
this time, under the signboard of the Customs Union, later also the
Eurasian Union. This is the issue that concerns each and all of us
at the same time.” HRIPSIME JEBEJYAN “Aravot” daily

Read more at:

http://en.aravot.am/2013/09/12/161586/

Zhoghovurd: Control Chamber Head Boycotts Government Sessions

ZHOGHOVURD: CONTROL CHAMBER HEAD BOYCOTTS GOVERNMENT SESSIONS

Thursday,
September
12

‘Zhoghovurd’ writes that the well-known sitting held in the Armenian
president’s residence following the presentation of the Control
Chamber’s 2012 report in the Armenian parliament has become fateful
for the Control Chamber.

According to the paper’s sources, since the sensational report, the
Control Chamber head Ishkhan Zakarian has not attended the government
sessions. “Zakarian has declared a ‘boycott’ against Armenian Prime
Minister Tigran Sargsyan and forbade his deputies to attend sessions.

His seat in the ‘left wing’ of the session hall has been vacant
for a long time. Offended by such behavior of Ishkhan Zakarian,
the prime minister presented one of his favorites with that seat,”
the daily says.

TODAY, 11:39

Aysor.am

From: Baghdasarian

Haykakan Zhamanak: Small Business May Come To Brink Of Bankruptcy

HAYKAKAN ZHAMANAK: SMALL BUSINESS MAY COME TO BRINK OF BANKRUPTCY

Thursday,
September
12

To all appearance the State Revenue Committee (SRC) of Armenia has
decided to increase state budget revenues by an additional sum at the
expense of final bankruptcy of several thousand small businessmen,
‘Haykakan Zhamanak’ says.

“Last year the SRC set a trap in the Law on Value Added Tax and the Law
on Turnover Tax, and hundreds of small enterprises have already fallen
into that rap. The problem is related to arbitrary interpretation of
the word ‘person’ in those laws. Now small businessmen have already
started to receive notices about heavy fines from the State Revenue
Committee,” the paper says.

TODAY, 12:12

Aysor.am

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress