Month: September 2013

Aram I to visit Armenia

15:20, 21 September, 2013

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 21, ARMENPRESS: His Holiness Aram I, the Catholicos
of Cilicia will visit Armenia on September 23. As Armenpress was
reported by the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia, the visit aims at
participation at the meeting to be held on September 24 at the Holy
See of Mother Etchmiadzin.

Born in 1947, in Beirut, Lebanon, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I
studied at the Armenian Theological Seminary, Antelias, Lebanon and
the Ecumenical Institute of Bossey, Geneva, Switzerland. He received
his M.Div. from the Near East School of Theology, his S.T.M. jointly
from the American University of Beirut and Near East School of
Theology, and his PhD from Fordham University in New York. He also
holds several honorary degrees. His major areas of specialization are
philosophy, systematic theology, and Near Eastern church history.

Catholicos Aram I was ordained as a celibate priest in 1968 and
obtained the title of Vartabed (Doctor of the Armenian Church) in
1970. In 1979, after serving for one year as Locum Tenens, he was
elected Primate of the Armenian Orthodox Community in Lebanon; the
next year he received Episcopal ordination. In June 1995, His Holiness
was elected Catholicos (the Head of the Church) by the Electoral
Assembly of the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia (35 clergy and 115
lay representatives), and was consecrated one week later.

Called to serve as Primate of the Armenian Community of Lebanon during
the Lebanese Civil War, His Holiness reorganized parishes and schools,
restructured and reactivated church-related institutions, and renewed
community leadership.

For many years His Holiness Catholicos Aram I has regularly lectured
on Armenological, theological, and ecumenical subjects at the Armenian
Seminary and Haigazian University in Beirut. He has also given
numerous public lectures in various universities, academic and
cultural centers, and at public events and international gatherings.

His Holiness was appointed in 1972 as the Catholicosate’s
representative for ecumenical relations and he served in this position
until 1995. His Holiness has played a major role in the world-wide
ecumenical movement.

As a strong supporter of inter-religious relations, dialogue and
co-operation, His Holiness Aram I has played a significant part in
promoting common values, mutual understanding and peaceful
co-existence among religions.

Independence Day greetings from around the world

21:16 21.09.2013

Armenia, Independence

The Secretary General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon sent a
congratulatory letter to President Serzh Sargsyan on the occasion of
Armenia’s Independence Day. `Your country’s active engagement in the
work of the Organization is crucial in advancing our common goals of
peace, development and human rights for all’, reads the letter of the
Secretary General of the United Nations.

On the occasion of the holiday, President Serzh Sargsyan received
congratulations and best wishes from the President of the Federal
Republic of Germany Joachim Gauck, President of the Swiss
Confederation Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf, President of Lebanon Michel
Suleiman, Emperor of Japan Akihito, King of Saudi Arabia Abdullah bin
Abdulaziz Al Saud, King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Abdullah II
ibn Al-Hussein, US State Secretary John Kerry, President of India
Pranab Kumar Mukherjee, President of the Turkish Republic Abdullah
Gül, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, President of
Turkmenistan Gurganguli Berdimuhamedov, President of Ireland Michael
Daniel Higgins, President of the Republic of Korea Park Geun-hye,
President of Mexico Enrique Peña Nieto, President of Algeria Abdelaziz
Bouteflika, President of Benin Yayi Boni, President of Indonesia
Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Serzh Sargsyan: Armenian State means realization of the Armenian dream

20:01 21.09.2013

On the occasion of the 22nd anniversary of Independence of the
Republic of Armenia, President Serzh Sargsyan today at the Karen
Demirjian Sport and Concert Complex invited a festive
reception,President’s Press Office reports. At the reception, the
President of Armenia made a congratulatory address on the occasion of
Independence Day.

Congratulatory Address by President Serzh Sargsyan on the occasion of
Independence Day

Your Holiness,
Distinguished President of the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh,
My Fellow Compatriots,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I cordially congratulate you on the occasion of Independence Day.

In the past twenty-two years, we have been traveling a new road, which
has often appeared narrow and rocky just as our mountain pathways. We
have been moving forward cautiously and prudently because we carry
great responsibility on our shoulders. The is the Armenia of Orontids
and Artaxiads, this is the Armenia of Arsacids and Bagratids, this is
the Republic of Armenia of the beginning of the previous century, this
is the Armenia which has already entered the third millennium After
Christ.

Our path is full of ups and downs but it is our way. We are besieged
from right and left; sometimes defiant, sometimes vexed, we
nevertheless are moving forward towards the light. We will bring back
all those whom at times we have not been able to keep by our side. We
will reinstate all our losses and will leave all privations behind. We
will look back and register with pride that together we have passed
gingerly the only possible narrow pathway. We should have no doubts
about that.

My Fellow Compatriots,

For a long time our nation was compelled to solve not development but
primarily existential problems. Today, the task has changed: now we
are calling to life projects which are dealing with the strengthening
and development of the Armenian Statehood. Certainly, security is the
number one priority for everyone in this world, and we are no
exception. Security-related issues will always be in the focus of our
attention, just as they are today. We are constantly searching for
ways to boost our economy, and we have achieved certain results. We
are setting goals to expand the borders of possible, so that each year
with a precise regularity we are able to increase salaries and
pensions. Along the way, we are carrying out our reforms, which
provide steady development for stronger democracy, good governance,
the rule of law, and progress in all other areas. Our policies are
directed towards these objectives.

The stance of the Armenian authorities and our society is clear-cut.
We have had enough of wars, perturbations, abrupt U-turns and
adventurism. We need unfailing defense, peaceful work and sustainable
development, and we are doing just that. Perhaps a little slowly,
perhaps with some slip-ups along the way but definitely not when it
comes to the most important issues and definitely not when it comes to
fateful decisions.

Armenian State means realization of the Armenian dream – this is the
greatest symbolism of today’s holiday. The re-establishment of our
independence in 1991 made our nation’s centuries-long dream come true.
Our brothers and sisters in Diaspora and, first and foremost, the
citizens of Armenia nourish and make part of their own dream, which
came true. Are we able to raise our dream fulfilled to new heights in
the contemporary world? Yes, we are, if we neither underestimate, nor
overestimate our capabilities. For one who is traveling down a rocky
pathway it is absolutely crucial to evaluate painstakingly each step
along the way.

The Orontids’ Armenia and the Artaxiads’ Armenia were manifestations
of Armenian dream. Today, the situation is quite different, and we
have quite another country. This is a new reality which our people
started to create fighting and defending ourselves while relying on a
substantial legacy inherited from the Soviet Armenia. A glance back
reveals the huge distance we have already covered and enormous risks
we have avoided. It also inspires us with hope that we can accelerate
our advancement. Every offspring of the Armenia nation has a mission
to be accomplished in this process. If anyone has not learned it yet,
it is high time to do so.

My Fellow Compatriots,

Independence is an objective and daily routine at the same time. It
has to be conquered every day through living, adopting decisions and
implementing them as free citizens of independent Armenia. We are
living in a free country, and can discuss anything we want to. One
thing, however, is unalterable under any circumstance: the sovereignty
of the Republic of Armenia. It is a dream and duty fulfilled, which is
always with us. This is a feast that we inherited paying the price
with our heroes’ blood and this is a duty which we shall pass on to
our grandchildren.

I once again congratulate all citizens of the Republic of Armenia and
the entire Armenian nation. I wish us all peaceful work for the
benefit of our families and our country. I wish we allot our
capabilities wisely on different turns of the path and crown with
success our dreams and programs. Joint together they make what we call
the Republic of Armenia.

Long live the Republic of Armenia!
Glory to the Armenian Nation!

From: Baghdasarian

Thousands in Yerevan March on Presidential Palace to “Reclaim”
Armenia’s Independence

Narek Aleksanyan

20:02, September 21, 2013

This afternoon, on Armenian Independence Day, a few thousand marchers
took to the street in Yerevan in a civic initiative to reclaim
Armenia’s independence and to voice their opposition to President
Sargsyan’s recent announcement that the country intends to join the
Russian-led Customs Union.

The marchers, from various political affiliations and stripes,
assembled in Yerevan’s Liberty Square and then made their way down
Northern Boulevard to Republic Square.

As the ranks of the marchers swelled, they took over one half of
Amiryan Street despite the best efforts of the police to confine the
protestors to the sidewalk.

A number of minor scuffles broke out between the marchers and the cops
along the protest route.

More police were called in to confine the marchers along one sidewalk
of Mashots Avenue as the throng made its way towards Baghramyan Avenue
and the Presidential Palace.

The cops and Special Unit Forces were stretched to the limit as the
marchers, mainly young people, circumvented police barricades,
reaching the intersection at the National Assembly.

There a cordon of police formed a human chain and held back the
protestors from advancing further.

In the meantime, a convoy of black SUV’s was seen leaving the
Presidential Palace.

Once the convoy had fled the scene, the police opened the barricade,
allowing protestors to assemble opposite the now empty Presidential
Palace.

ALL COUNTRIES OF CUSTOMS UNION MAINTAIN THEIR SOVEREIGNTY: DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER

13:55, 19 September, 2013

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 19, ARMENPRESS. Each country of the Customs Union
maintains its sovereignty, notwithstanding each member of the union
confers certain part of its authority to the transnational body. As
reports “Armenpress” the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the
Republic of Armenia Shavarsh Kocharyan stated this at the course of
the briefing with the journalists.

Among other things the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the
Republic of Armenia Shavarsh Kocharyan underscored: “It’s about the
part of the authority, which is about the customs regulation. In this
respect Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan confer certain part of their
authority as well. Each EU member state, which is integrated in the
EU customs territory, also confers some part of its authority.”

In the result of the negotiations on September 3, 2013 in Moscow
the Presidents Sargsyan and Putin confirmed the aim of the Republic
of Armenia and the Russian Federation in the direction of further
development of economic integration processes in the Eurasian
territory. In that context the President of the Republic of Armenia
Serzh Sargsyan announced about the Armenia’s decision to join the
Customs Union and the necessity of implementation corresponding steps
for that aim and in future about participating in formation of the
Eurasian economic union. The President of the Russian Federation
Vladimir Putin expressed his support to the abovementioned decision
of Armenia and informed about the readiness of the Russian side to
support the process.

ALL STATES JOINING CUSTOMS UNION TO SOME EXTENT LOSE THEIR SOVEREIGN RIGHTS – DEPUTY FM

September 19, 2013 | 13:05

YEREVAN. – By joining the Customs Union, any state is transferring a
part of its sovereignty to the executive body of that union, Armenian
Deputy FM said.

This refers both to Armenia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Belarus or any EU
member state. However, sovereignty is transferred only “in terms of
customs policy”, Shavarsh Kocharyan said during media conference on
Thursday. In other respects, the state preserves its sovereign rights,
he added.

“In general, customs unions are formed for more effective development
of the economy,” he added.

From: A. Papazian

PAP LEADER HAS CLEAR POSITION ON ARMENIAN-RUSSIAN RELATIONS – NEWSPAPER

September 19, 2013 | 08:08

YEREVAN. – Prosperous Armenia Party (PAP) Chairman and businessman
Gagik Tsarukyan’s spokeswoman Iveta Tonoyan was asked about Armenia’s
decision to join the Russia-led Customs Union, Aravot daily reports.

“Tonoyan recalled that, during a meeting in September, Tsarukyan gave
an assessment that rules out ‘ambiguity’ [by saying] that Russia is
a friendly country to Armenia, the most important economic partner,
[and] strategic ally.

‘”In addition, thousands of Armenians live there, and hardly anyone
would want for Armenian-Russian relations to deteriorate. So, Mr.

Tsarukyan’s position is clear with respect to Armenian-Russian
relations.

‘”But in terms of the Customs Union, the test of time is still in
need,’ the spokeswoman remarked,” Aravot writes.

To note, following the talks that were held on September 3 in Moscow
between Armenian and Russian Presidents Serzh Sargsyan and Vladimir
Putin, Sargsyan had announced that Armenia plans to join the Customs
Union and subsequently engage in the formation of the Eurasian
Economic Union.

ARMENIANS TO MARCH AGAINST JOINING CUSTOMS UNION ON SEPTEMBER 21

September 19, 2013 | 14:59

YEREVAN. – Holding of a march of independence in Yerevan is explained
by Serzh Sargsyan’s a surprise statement on joining the Customs Union,
civic activist Karen Tovmasyan said.

An initiative to hold “Nation-wide march of independence” appeared
on Facebook to take the streets and reconfirm the decision to live
in an independent state which was adopted 22 years ago.

“The march in Yerevan will star at 4pm on Saturday. The words and
deeds of Serzh Sargsyan and the Armenian authorities do not coincide.

Non-elected president does not consider it necessary to keep his
people aware of his steps,” Tovmasyan said.

Another participant of the press conference Marine Petrosyan noted
that the most ideologically implacable figures have joined their march.

In his turn, activist Armen Hovhannisyan said the main goal of the
march is to speak against the Customs Union.

“Independence as a value and sovereignty as the main point of the
values unite everyone,” he emphasized.

Hovhannisyan stressed that the will of Armenian people expressed 22
years ago remains ink on paper.

“Security and social conditions of the people mainly depend on
independence. Only we, the citizens of Armenia, can decide with whom
and how we want to live,” he concluded.

On September 21 Armenia will mark the 22nd anniversary of independence.

ARMENIAN FM VISITS ITALY

13:50 19.09.13

Armenian FM Edward Nalbandian arrived in Italy for an official visit
on Wednesday.

The same day he held a meeting with his Italian counterpart Emma
Bonino.

The Armenian FM thanked Ms Bonino for an invitation to visit Rome.

The Italian FM welcomed Minister Nalbandian, stating Italy is
interested in developing comprehensive cooperation with Armenia and
is ready for practical steps.

The sides thoroughly discussed the expansion of bilateral cooperation
in various areas.

They stressed the importance of mutual visits and promotion of
dialogue, as well as cooperation within international organizations.

The Armenian and Italian FMs pointed out favorable conditions for
expanding the bilateral trade and economic relations.

The sides also discussed Armenia-EU relations and cooperation under
the Eastern Partnership project.

Minister Nalbandian informed his Italian counterpart of the
Nagorno-Karabakh peace process and of the relevant efforts by Armenia
and by the international community.

The Armenian FM also held a meeting with Italian Minister of Defense
Mario Mauro.

The sides discussed Armenian-Italian cooperation. Minister Mario
Mauro re-affirmed Italy’s readiness to continue retraining courses
for Armenian military personnel.

On Wednesday evening, Minister Nalbandian participated in a reception
marking the 22nd anniversary of Armenia’s independence.

ARMENIA’S RULING PARTY DELEGATION TO TRAVEL TO GERMANY

September 19, 2013 | 10:12

YEREVAN. – A delegation from the ruling Republican Party of Armenia
(RPA) will be in Germany, from Thursday to September 23, on a study
visit.

In capital city Berlin, the delegation will follow the German Bundestag
(Parliament) elections, which will be conducted on Sunday.

Along the lines of the visit, the RPA delegation will also attend
the final event of the election campaign by the Christian Democratic
Union (CDU) party of Germany, and meet with their colleagues at CDU
and representatives from the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.