Author: Andres-Papazian

LE PRESIDENT SARKISSIAN INAUGURE L’AEROPORT DE STEPANAKERT
Gari

armenews.com
mardi 10 mai 2011

En un geste de defi aux autorites d’Azerbaïdjan, qui avaient menace
d’abattre les avions civils armeniens qui oseraient utiliser les pistes
de l’aeroport renove depuis peu de Stepanakert, le president de la
Republique armenienne Serge Sarkissian a atterri vendredi 6 mai dans la
capitale du Haut Karabagh où il devait participer aux manifestations
marquant le 66e anniversaire de la victoire sur l’Allemagne nazie. Le
president armenien est certes venu en helicoptère, seul mode de
locomotion en vigueur permettant de relier l’Armenie au Karabagh par
la voie des airs depuis que la guerre a interrompu le trafic aerien,
mais il a neanmoins pu visiter les locaux tous neufs de l’aeroport
situe a quelques kilomètres de la capitale du Haut Karabagh, dont il
est lui-meme originaire, depuis le hall d’accueil jusqu’a la tour de
contrôle, sans reconnaître sans doute derrière ces transformations
le modeste aeroport provincial datant de l’epoque sovietique, en
desherence depuis une vingtaine d’annees. La visite du president
Sarkissian montrait a l’Azerbaïdjan que l’aeroport de Stepanakert n’a
pas vocation a servir de simple decor aux ambitions du Karabagh, mais
a resserrer les liens avec l’Armenie et a contribuer au desenclavement
du territoire. Le president Sarkissian devait dans la foulee envoyer
un autre message a Bakou en passant en revue les troupes du Karabagh,
aux côtes de son homologue non reconnu du Haut Karabagh Bako Sahakian,
a l’occasion des ceremonies du Jour de la Victoire qui coïncide avec
le 19e anniversaire de la liberation de la ville de Chouchi par les
forces armeniennes, un episode determinant dans la victoire des forces
armeniennes sur l’armee azerie au Karabagh.

From: A. Papazian

LE PARTI HERITAGE DOUTE DES ASSURANCES DU HAK
Marion

armenews.com
mardi 10 mai 2011

Stepan Safarian, l’un des leaders du parti Heritage, a deplore,
vendredi 6 mai, que le Congrès national armenien (HAK) tente de forcer
la tenue de nouvelles elections presidentielles et legislatives.

Il a affirme que la question ne sera pas discutee lors des actuels
pourparlers entre le HAK et le gouvernement armenien. Il a soutenu
que le president Serge Sarkissian et ses allies politiques ne se sont
pas montres prets a organiser des elections anticipees.

Les principaux membres du Parti republicain d’Armenie (HHK) ont
declare a plusieurs reprises que le Parlement de l’Armenie et le
president termineront respectivement leurs mandats en 2012 et 2013.

Les representants du HAK minimisent ces declarations.

Levon Ter-Petrossian a declare, jeudi 5 mai, que son alliance est deja
engagee dans un dialogue ” ouvert ” avec l’administration Sarkissian.

Il a ajoute qu’elle etait ouverte a satisfaire a trois revendications
de l’alliance d’opposition (autorisation de rassemblements politiques
place de la Liberte a Erevan, organisation d’une enquete objective sur
les troubles de 2008 et liberation de tous les ” prisonniers politiques
“).

Fin avril, S. Sarkisian a ordonne aux forces de l’ordre de proceder
a une enquete ” plus meticuleuse ” sur ces troubles. Il a egalement
fait allusion a la liberation imminente de membres de l’opposition
emprisonnes. L. Ter-Petrossian a ensuite declare qu’ils seront liberes
d’ici le 28 mai.

Le ministre de la Justice, Hrayr Tovmasian, a refuse de confirmer ces
affirmations. Interroge sur l’optimisme du leader du HAK, H. Tovmasian
a avance : ” Je sais mais je ne peux rien vous dire “.

Zaruhi Postanjian, deputee du parti Heritage, a mis en doute
l’engagement du gouvernement armenien concernant l’enquete sur les
affrontements de mars 2008 qui ont cause la mort de dix personnes.

” Ces personnes ont depuis des annees detourne notre Etat de la voie
democratique “, a-t-elle declare aux journalistes. ” Ils sont le
symbole de l’injustice. ”

S. Safarian a ajoute que le parti Heritage ne prend pas au serieux
les promesses de S. Sarkissian. ” Il est normal de considerer cela
comme des garanties serieuses, et il est de notre droit de ne pas
leur faire confiance. ”

Les relations entre les deux forces d’opposition se sont deteriorees
de facon spectaculaire depuis la grève de la faim du leader du parti
Heritage, Raffi Hovannisian, place de la Liberte. L. Ter-Petrossian
avait volontairement evite R. Hovannisian lors de la manifestation
du 17 mars.

R. Hovannisian a ensuite accuse le premier president de l’Armenie
d’arrogance et d’intolerance, et a suggere que le HAK est pret
a conclure des marches de grande envergure avec le gouvernement
armenien. L. Ter-Petrossian et ses associes ont rejete ces accusations.

From: A. Papazian

Caucasus Environmental NGO Network (CENN)
T +995 32 75 19 03/04
F +995 32 75 19 05
[email protected]

UNICEF vacancy notice geo/ssa/2011/006

CONSULTANT

For mapping locally available services for vulnerable children and families
in georgia

Terms of Reference

Job title: Consultant for mapping locally-available
services for vulnerable children and families in Georgia

Location: Tbilisi, Georgia

Objective: Map services for vulnerable children and
families in Georgia and develop Guidance to Child Care Services in Georgia

I. General context

The child protection system in Georgia is new and evolving and is supported
by the Government Children’s Action Plan (2008-2011) and the Child Care
Standards. The latest data from the Government of Georgia indicates
continued decreases in the number of children in residential institutions
from approximately 5,000 in 2005 down to 1060 (including 102 children with
disabilities) in 2010. The number of institutions has decreased from 46 to
18 during the same time period. The decrease has largely been achieved
through an expansion of alternatives, including foster care (over 600
placements in 2010 compared with 490 in 2008), community based family
support / day care centres, particularly for children with disability (22 in
2010), and small group homes (11 in 2010). Combined with tighter entry
procedures (the gatekeeping mechanism at district level – guardianship and
care councils – make decisions on placements of children) these efforts have
undeniably produced positive results for children and families. The Ministry
of Health Labour and Social Affairs (MoHLSA) has driven this process
forward, and is preparing to initiate a major effort to close the remaining
large institutions for children in the coming two years.

UNICEF has provided both financial and technical support to the government
of Georgia in the closure of residential institutions, and the development
of alternative community friendly services for vulnerable children and their
families.

II. Problem Statement

One of the most important issues in the comprehensive child care policy
agenda deserving close attention of the state is the prevention of child
abandonment. Important measure to prevent the placement of children in
childcare institutions is to develop alternative childcare services, namely
day care centres in the country.

LEPL, Social Service Agency (SSA), under the state control of the Ministry
of Labor, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia (MOLHSA), is the Central
Authority of Guardianship and Care of Georgia. Its main aim is to make the
national child care system in compliance with the principles and standards
laid down in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

In 2011 SSA social workers will have to carry out a complete assessment of
the beneficiaries of 16 orphanages and prepare decisions about assigning
them to different kinds of child care services. The assessment of
beneficiaries will also remain an urgent task in the future to facilitate
reintegration of beneficiaries into the biological families, their adoption
or placement in foster care.

In order to effectively and efficiently implement stated goals and
objectives it is crucially important to have updated information about the
availability of social services and programmes for vulnerable children and
families.

A mapping exercise and document was developed and produced in 2009 and 2010
and was distributed to all SSA social workers and NGOs working in the field.
This document now needs to be updated.

III. Specific duties

The Consultant’s role will be to:

* Conduct an initial desk review to familiarize with the context of
Georgia’s Child Care Reform and existing child care services;

* Review Guidance to the Child Care Services in Georgia from 2009
and 2010 and other relevant data from previous mapping reports;

* Consult with SSA / MOLHSA and relevant NGO staff who have used
previous mapping document to investigate what they liked, and what they
would change to make the document more user-friendly.

* Update methodology for data collection of social services for
vulnerable children and families;

* Work in team with SSA/MOLHSA nominated person to transfer him/her
the skills and methodology necessary to independently develop similar
guideline in future;

* Agree a format and methodology for data collection and format of
final Guidance with MOLHSA/SSA and UNICEF;

* In collaboration with SSA/MOLHSA nominated person review and
update information about the existing social services and programmes using
adopted methodology;

* Identify newly established (in 2010 and 2011) state and donor
funded services and programmes at local and central levels using such
sources as state registry of business and non-business subjects at the
National Agency of Public Registry at the Ministry of Justice and other
relevant;

* Collect data on new services and programs and if relevant check
their viability with local SSA offices and/or municipalities;

* Develop updated Guidance to the Child Care Service in Georgia (in
Georgian);

* Develop recommendations on transferring capacity of updating
Guidance to MOLHSA/SSA in Georgian and English;

* Develop consultancy report in English.

IV. Deliverables

* Mapping guidance of all child care and social services that can
facilitate family strengthening and provide family support in Georgia,
ranging from state provided services to NGO and local Civil Society services
(in Georgian);

* Set of clear recommendations reflecting on transferring capacity
to update Guidance to MOLHSA/SSA in Georgian and English;

* Consultancy report in English.

Each deliverable should be provided to UNICEF and SSA/MOLHSA in written
form.

V. Qualification

1. An advanced degree in social sciences or related profession;

2. 5 years working experience in analysing and presenting data;

3. General knowledge and understanding of social (including child)
welfare reform in Georgia and its major stakeholders;

4. Ability to gather, analyse and develop electronic database of social
programs and services;

5. Excellent communication skills and ability to work in team;

6. Fluency and excellent writing and reporting skills in Georgian and
English.

VI. Duration of the assignment

The contract will commence on 1 June 2011 and will be for a period of 15
days divided in the following way:

1 day desk review and preparation for the work;

1 day development of methodology;

10 working collecting and analysing data;

3 days to finalize Guidance to the Child Care Services in Georgia,
recommendations paper and consultancy report.

VII. Supervision

The consultant will be supervised jointly by the Chief of Child Protection
and the Social Welfare Officer.

VIII. Payment rates and terms

Consultant’s fee commiserate with experience

MoLHSA/SSA will provide support in office space.

IX. How to apply

If you are interested in the position and have the required qualifications,
please hand-deliver your application in a sealed envelope, labelled as
“Vacancy Notice GEO/SSA/2011/006” by 11:00 of Monday 23 May 2011.

Your application must be in English and must include:

(1) Cover letter and curriculum vitae

(2) Completed UN P11 form (could be downloaded from
, ,
,
, and
)

(3) Description of the proposed work plan

The envelope should be placed in the vacancy box with the respective label
on it, located in the Entrance Hall of the UN house, 9 Eristavi Street,
Vake, Tbilisi 0179, Georgia. Incomplete applications or applications
received after the above deadline will not be considered and only
short-listed applicants will be contacted.

From: A. Papazian

CE SOIR, L’ARMENIE EN DEMI-FINALE DE L’EUROVISION 2011 A DUSSELDORF
Krikor Amirzayan

armenews.com
mardi 10 mai 2011

Emmy tentera de decrocher une place pour la finale de samedi

Ce soir, a partir de 21 heures, l’Armenie sera presente dans la
première demi-finale de l’Eurovision 2011 a Dusseldorf (Allemagne).

Emmy avec sa chanson ” Boum-Boum ” tentera de decrocher une place
pour la finale de samedi 14 mai a 21 heures. La representante de
l’Armenie se produira en 4e position sur les 19 participants de cette
demi-finale dont 10 se qualifieront pour la finale. L’Azerbaïdjan et
la Georgie sont egalement dans le groupe de l’Armenie.

From: A. Papazian

EN VISITE A STEPANAKART, SERGE SARKISSIAN MET EN GARDE L’AZERBAIDJAN
Gari

armenews.com
mardi 10 mai 2011

En visite officielle dans sa terre natale du Haut Karabagh où il
participait aux manifestations marquant le 19e anniversaire de la
liberation de Chouchi, le president de la Republique armenienne Serge
Sarkissian a adresse une ferme mise en garde a l’Azerbaïdjan , lui
promettant une nouvelle defaite s’il s’avisait de vouloir reprendre
les hostilites contre les Armeniens du Karabagh. Dans un discours
prononce lundi 9 mai, jour anniversaire d’une date cle dans la
victoire militaire des Armeniens contre les Azeri et qui coïncide, en
Russie et dans l’ex-URSS, avec la commemoration de la victoire sur le
nazisme, le president Sarkissian a appele a ce que l’on ne rallume pas
l’etincelle du conflit ” dans ces lieux où nos enfants et nos parents
ont ete abattus “, en exprimant l’espoir que ” nos troupes, garantes
de la paix dans notre patrie ” sauront veiller a ce que ces drames ne
se reproduisent pas. Le president Sarkissian etait d’autant plus
habilite a prononcer un tel discours qu’il avait lui-meme contribue, a
l’epoque où il faisait partie du commandement des forces d’autodefense
du Haut Karabagh, a la victoire militaire armenienne qui conduisit en
mai 1992, a la prise de Chouchi, deuxième ville du Karabakh qui
abritait jusque la la QG des forces azeries d’où elles pilonnaient de
leur artillerie Stepanakert. Cette operation militaire avait permis
l’ouverture d’un corridor entre l’enclave conteste et l’Armenie et
s’est averee ainsi cruciale pour l’issue de la guerre de 1991-1994
entre le Karabagh et l’Azerbaïdjan. S. Sarkisian accompagne des
dirigeants de la Republique du Haut-Karabagh a depose une gerbe de
fleurs devant le monument commemoratif de la guerre a Stepanakert. La
veille, il avait assiste a un office religieux marquant l’evenement
dans la cathedrale armenienne de Chouchi. ” Maintenant et pour
toujours, nous celebrons ardemment notre glorieuse victoire ; Cela a
ete une victoire du bien sur le mal et la barbarie” a notamment
declare le president Sarkissian, en rendant un hommage appuye a ” tous
ceux qui ont perdu la vie sur le champ de bataille, dans l’exercice
heroïque de leur grande mission, animes par une force morale et
politique “. S’exprimant lors d’une conference de presse a Erevan
quelques jours avant, le president armenien avait accuse Bakou de
vouloir torpiller le processus de paix sous l’egide des Etats-Unis, de
la Russie et de la France, qui copresident le Groupe de Minsk de
l’OSCE, et de deployer toute son energie a la preparation d’une
nouvelle guerre. Ces accusations contrastaient avec les declarations
lenifiantes faites par S. Sarkissian et son homologue azerbaïdjanais
Ilham Aliyev a l’issue de leur dernière rencontre organisee par leur
homologue russe Dmitri Medvedev debut mars a Sotchi. Les dirigeants
armenien et azerbaïdjanais avaient alors salue les perspectives d’un
règlement pacifique du conflit du Karabagh ouvertes par le sommet.

From: A. Papazian

A NEW STUDY FROM THE GOMIDAS INSTITUTE: “TALAAT PASHA’S REPORT ON THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE, 1917”

In 2008 Murat Bardakci, the Turkish journalist and historian, published
a facsimile of a report on Ottoman Armenians from Talaat Pasha’s
private archives. The report had been given to Bardakci by Talaat’s
widow in 1982. In his own presentation of the untitled and undated
report, Bardakci acknowledged that the materials he was presenting
were open to interpretation. He called the report “A General Account
of the Armenian Population after the Population Transfer [Tehcir]
(possibly 1915-1916).”[1] Bardakci’s work was somewhat derided by
Turkish nationalist historians and generally ignored by others.[2]

A more recent study re-examined Talaat’s report using Ottoman records
for a completely different interpretation. The new study identified
sufficient evidence that Talaat’s report was based on a special survey
he had ordered in February 1917 and it produced some of the reports
that appear to have been produced after the survey was ordered. These
reports, from the Turkish archives, showed identical or near identical
statistics to Talaat’s report.

From: A. Papazian

AGBU Press Office
55 East 59th Street
New York, NY 10022-1112
Phone: 212.319.6383, x118
Fax: 212.319.6507
Email: [email protected]
Website:

PRESS RELEASE

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

AGBU Montevideo Grung Choir Performs in Yerevan and Gyumri

Upon the initiative of AGBU and the Diaspora Ministry of the Republic of
Armenia, Grung Choir of AGBU Montevideo, Uruguay, gave two unforgettable
concerts in Armenia. The performances launched a series of concerts
dedicated to the 20th anniversary of Armenia’s independence. Established
in 1993, Grung Choir is headed by Maestro Alvaro Hagopian, who is also
the principal conductor of the Montevideo Philharmonic Orchestra. After
touring South American cities with substantial Armenian populations, the
choir headed to Armenia for its first-ever performance in the homeland.

The first concert of the tour, entitled “To the Homeland,” took place at
the Arno Babajanian Concert Hall in central Yerevan on April 26, 2011.
Many prominent art figures, government members, representatives of
diplomatic missions, and intelligentsia were present at the concert. In
her opening remarks, Republic of Armenia Diaspora Minister Hranush
Hakobian said, “My warm and cordial greetings to our compatriots from
Uruguay. We are grateful to Grung for preserving Armenian roots,
Armenian identity, and Armenian culture. This is the result of the
unification of the Armenian communities of South America. Symbolic is
the fact that Uruguay was the first country in the world to recognize
and condemn the Armenian Genocide, and certainly the Armenian community
of Uruguay played a major role in this. For decades, Grung Choir has
been singing about Armenians and Armenia and their heart is, indeed, in
Armenia.” Minister Hakobian thanked the choir members and conductor
Hagopian, and awarded them with a certificate of appreciation for the
proliferation and development of the Armenian culture, preservation of
the Armenian identity, and continuous creative activities.

The concert program presented by the choir included pieces by Komitas,
Tigranian, Hekimian, Avetissian, Goosan Sheram, Goosan Ashot, Goosan
Shahen, Kotoyan, Tamatian, and others, as well as various
interpretations of famous folk and patriotic songs. After a long
standing ovation of the packed hall, the choir performed several
additional songs. A warm and touching atmosphere filled the hall and the
choir was enthusiastically received by the audience.

The second concert by Grung took place in the Gyumri Art Academy on
April 28, opening the Renaissance 3rd International Contest-Festival of
Musician-Performers. The concert was attended by town officials,
prominent public and art figures, and students.

The choir members also visited various prominent landmarks in Armenia.
On April 24, together with AGBU Armenian Representation staff, AGBU
scouts, and the Yerevan YP team, the choir visited the Armenian Genocide
Memorial in Tsitsernakaberd to pay tribute to the victims on the
international day of Armenian Genocide remembrance. On April 29, choir
members visited the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin where they were
received by His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians. On
April 30, Grung was hosted by the AGBU Armenian Representation, where
Ashot Ghazarian, AGBU Armenian Representation Director, made a brief
presentation on the organization’s activities in Armenia. The guests
also got acquainted with the activities of AGBU’s Armenian Virtual
College. Choir members also attended a beautiful and unforgettable
concert at the AGBU and Holy Etchmiadzin Nork Children’s Center. On May
2, Armenian Assembly Board of Trustees Chairman Hrayr and Anna Hovnanian
organized a farewell evening for the Grung Choir members in their
Yerevan residence.

Established in 1906, AGBU () is the world’s largest
non-profit Armenian organization. Headquartered in New York City, AGBU
preserves and promotes the Armenian identity and heritage through
educational, cultural and humanitarian program, annually touching the
lives of some 400,000 Armenians around the world.

For more information about AGBU and its worldwide programs, please visit

From: A. Papazian

MAY 9 – DAY OF OUR VICTORIES

AZG DAILY
10-05-2011

Armenakan – Armenian Democratic Liberal Party

Actually, May entered into the history of the Armenian people as a
month of victories, when the Armenian warrior at the cost of his life
and blood stopped the enemy and gain a victory. It was so during the
Great Patriotic War, it was so at the Karabakh front.

The boys, who won a victory in Karabakh, were the children and
grandchildren of the veterans of Great Patriotic War, who inspired
by heroism of their grandparents, did not retreat and feared before
the enemy. And if the culmination of the Great Patriotic War was the
capture of Berlin and Armenian Kochari (Armenian group dance of men)
against the walls of Raykhstag, and the pride of Artsakh war was the
liberation of the Armenian ancient town Shushi.

On this marvelous May celebration Armenakan – Democratic Liberal Party
congratulates all the veterans and soldiers of the Great Patriotic
War and the battle of Karabakh, and bow before the memory of warriors,
who sacrificed their lives to save their homeland.

From: A. Papazian

SEN. REED SECURES SAFEGUARDS AGAINST AZERBAIJAN’S USE OF U.S.-FINANCED SATELLITE FOR WARFARE

Armenian Weekly
Mon, May 9 2011

WASHINGTON-U.S. Senator Jack Reed (R-R.I.), a senior member of the
Armed Services Committee, has secured a series of written assurances
and ongoing reporting requirements regarding a controversial loan
recently extended by the U.S. Export-Import Bank to Azerbaijan for
the purchase of an advanced satellite, reported the Armenian National
Committee of America (ANCA).

Sen. Reed The bipartisan Congressional inquiries into this deal,
since it was first placed on the Ex-Im agenda earlier this year,
were made possible by Congressman Brad Sherman (D-Calif.), whose
detailed scrutiny into this transaction created the opportunity for
both his House and Senate colleagues to follow up with a broad range
of questions and concerns.

In addition to Senator Reed, Senator Mark Kirk (D-Ill.), a leading
voice in Congress on military issues, played an especially constructive
role in addressing the potential regional security implications of
this satellite financing deal.

In a detailed, two-page letter, the Bank’s Chairman and President,
Fred P. Hochberg, explained to Senator Reed that, “[T]hough Ex-Im
Bank has established that the satellite lacks a military capacity,
the Bank has implemented additional measures to ensure that the
satellite is not utilized for any military related purpose.”

-“The Ex-Im bank loan documentation will include a provision
prohibiting the Government of Azerbaijan from entering any agreement
allowing for the use of the satellite by any of the armed forces of
Azerbaijan, or the armed forces of any other country.”

-“Ex-Im Bank will also have the right to inspect all books and records
related to the project at any time during the life of the loan.”

-“Lastly, the Government of Azerbaijan will be contractually required
to furnish monitoring reports to Ex-Im Bank on an annual basis. The
monitoring reports will identify all parties that have contracted to
lease transponder capacity and will include certifications by the
Government of Azerbaijan that the satellite has not been leased,
nor has the Government of Azerbaijan entered into any agreements,
with any of the armed forces of Azerbaijan, or the armed forces of
any other country to permit utilization of the satellite.”

“We want to thank Senator Reed, Congressman Sherman, and the other
legislators who worked with the Export-Import Bank in seeking to
address deeply held concerns, raised by Armenian Americans and others
devoted to peace in the Caucasus, regarding any U.S. action that might
empower or embolden Azerbaijan to renew its aggression against Nagorno
Karabakh and Armenia,” said ANCA executive director Aram Hamparian.

“While we remain opposed to this deal and to any other potentially
harmful assistance to the increasingly belligerent Azerbiajani
government of Ilham Aliyev, we do value the Bank’s sensitivities
to its regional security implications, and appreciate the efforts
of legislators to build meaningful safeguards, prohibitions, and
reporting requirements into this transaction.”

On April 27th, the U.S. Export-Import Bank voted to approve the
controversial deal to finance Azerbaijan’s purchase of an advanced
satellite just weeks after Azerbaijan threatened to shoot down a
civilian airliner. The decision came despite serious Congressional
reservations and strong opposition by the Armenian American community
to U.S. actions that will strengthen Azerbaijan’s military capabilities
at a time of increasing threats and acts of aggression by Baku against
both Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh.

Over the past three months, the ANCA has conveyed the Armenian American
community’s serious legal, technical and political opposition to this
transaction in a series of letters and meetings with senior officials
of the Export-Import Bank and the State Department. The firm selling
this satellite, known as Azerspace/Africasat-1A, is Orbital Sciences
Corporation of Dulles, Virginia. It is being purchased by the Ministry
of Communications and Information Technologies of Azerbaijan in Baku,
Azerbaijan. The application for Ex-Im financing was made by BNP-Parabis
of New York City, and the loan is being guaranteed by Azerbaijan’s
Ministry of Finance.

From: A. Papazian

RA AND NKR PRESIDENTS PRESENT AT DIVINE LITURGY THE SHOUSHI GHAZANCHETSOTS CHURCH

ARMENPRESS
MAY 9, 2011
STEPANAKERT

On 8 May within the frameworks of solemn events celebrating the Victory
Holiday, the Day of the NKR Defense Army and the Liberation of Shoushi
Artsakh Republic President Bako Sahakyan and President of the Republic
of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan were present at a Divine Liturgy dedicated
to the Defense Army held at the Shoushi Ghazanchetsots church of
Christ the Savior.

Central Information Department of the Office of the Artsakh Republic
President told Armenpress that the supreme command staff of the
Defense Army, veterans of the Artsakh Liberation War, guests from
Armenia and abroad partook in the event.

From: A. Papazian