Author: Andres-Papazian

“The press release of Azerbaijan was written by two different people”: Aravot

16:38 | November 15,2014 | Politics

“It is obvious that the shooting of Armenian helicopter was a
previously planned step by Azerbaijanis,”- today, on November 15
during the meeting with journalists at “Post Scriptum” press club
announced media specialist Samvel Martirosyan. He noted that various
structures of Azerbaijan had prepared in different ways, and media and
Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry Propaganda department weren’t ready for
such a course of events, “They were confused, they started spreading
different videos.

The main point was to show that military operations were carried out
and meantime two different videos on the shooting of the helicopter
appeared.” According to the words of Samvel Martirosyan, one of the
videos was taken from Syrian war, and later the real video appeared,
“Another problem came up for them, they made several statements, one
of which was stating that the helicopter attacked immediately, even it
can be seen from the press release of the DM, that two different
people wrote two different paragraphs, it means that in one paragraph
it was written that the helicopter attacked and another stated that it
was going to attack, so like in the cartoon “Prostokvashino”. That’s
why the video contradicts what they have said.”

From: A. Papazian

Who Needs Elimination of Line of Contact In Karabakh?

Naira Hayrumyan, Political Commentator
Comments – 15 November 2014, 15:41

The international reaction to the incident in Karabakh is generally
rotating around one thesis – will it mark the start of a large-scale
war? While some people were sincerely worried, others were felt eager
to have a big fire in Karabakh to “warm their hands”.

Who would benefit from a large-scale war or escalation in Karabakh?
Not Armenia, of course, for which the status quo and the international
perception of the conflict is beneficial. Despite Azerbaijan’s attempt
to demonstrate Karabakh as part of its “territorial integrity”, the
international community demonstrates consistently that Karabakh is, at
least, a “disputable area” the status of which must be defined through
negotiations. This means that the world does not identify Karabakh as
an Azerbaijani territory from the moment of starting the negotiations.

Such an attitude does benefit the Armenian side which only needs to
fortify this thesis and impart it with legitimacy. Only the countries
which wish return of Karabakh to Azerbaijan may be against this
statement. These countries need instability and war.

Under these conditions the key issue of the Armenian side should be
the maintenance of the status quo and creation of guarantees from
different provocations. For this purpose, they must first of all stop
perceiving the war as a computer game, bullying and showing off.

The NKR Minister of Defense Movses Hakobyan says the enemy made use of
the circumstance that the Armenian helicopter had gone too close to
the line of contact. But who had told the helicopters to fly that
close to the enemy’s positions? What was the point of provoking
actions by the enemy that might cause an escalation?

Were the lessons of the past 23 years insufficient to realize that our
enemy is cunning and is not alone? Is it hard to understand that there
are forces in the world which need to set the region on fire because
we will be burning there, not them?

There is a clearly drawn “line of contact” which Azerbaijan has no
right to cross according to the international commitment assumed upon
signing the truce. Now Baku is trying to withdraw from the truce and
eliminate the line of contact. The purpose of the Armenian side should
be prevention of disappearance of the border between Azerbaijan and
Karabakh which those who want war need so much.

From: A. Papazian

Ter-Tadevosyan: Helicopter’s downing is decision of Azerbaijani state

Saturday,
November 15, 2014

The Azerbaijani armed forces do not adhere to international norms, the
Karabakh war hero, Major General Arkady Ter-Tadevosyan (“Commando”)
said at a press conference today when speaking about the downing of
Karabakh Air Force MI-24 helicopter by the Azerbaijani side during a
training flight.

“Azerbaijan constantly escalates the situation. This shows that the
order to shoot down the plane was given by Azerbaijani leadership.
During drills, the military have no right to shoot without an order,”
he said.

In his words, the downing of the Armenian helicopter by Azerbaijani
armed forces is a decision of the state of Azerbaijan. “This incident
is a military crime that should be investigated,” Arkady
Ter-Tadevosyan said.

TODAY, 16:17
Aysor.am

From: A. Papazian

Armenia remained committed to ceasefire despite Azerbaijani aggression (video)

13:46 * 15.11.14

In the wake of the crucial downing of a Nagorno-Karabakh helicopter
near the Line of Contact,Armenia TV Channel has prepared a special
footage featuring the might of the national air forces.

Demonstrating the powerful anti-air defense vehicles, it emphasizes
that the Armenian forces preferred to remain committed to the
Ceasefire Accord after the crash, proving the ultimate value of peace.

“The Armenian side has remained permanently committed to the Ceasefire
Accord and proved repeatedly, over the past 20 years, that peace for
us is a supreme value, and that the [Nagorno-Karabkh] conflict
settlement requires only a peaceful solution. Our anti-air defense
system is rich in ammunition inspiring a high degree of trust. The
Armenian air forces’ queen has a potential running radius of about
300km, and most importantly, our specialists are unsurpassed both in
the battlefield and in dealing with technically intricate systems,”
runs the footage.

From: A. Papazian

Azerbaijani forces continue keeping helicopter crash site under fire

13:00 15/11/2014 >> SOCIETY

The enemy continues the ceasefire violations at the Line of Contact,
Senor Hasratyan, spokesman for Nagorno-Karabakh Defense Ministry, told
Panorama.am.

The armed forces of Azerbaijan continue firing at the crash site of
Nagorno-Karabakh’s downed helicopter, Hasratyan said.

The Armenian side is still unable to approach the helicopter, he added.

A MI-24 helicopter of the NKR Air Force was shot down on Wednesday in
the airspace in the eastern direction of the Karabakh-Azerbaijani
border due to a ceasefire violation by the Azerbaijani armed forces.
The area where the helicopter was shot down was at a very short
distance from the Line of Contact. The enemy opened heavy fire from
guns of various calibers at the incident site.

Source: Panorama.am

From: A. Papazian

Energy Monitor Worldwide
November 13, 2014 Thursday

France ready to cooperate with Armenia in nuclear power plant
construction, Ambassador says

France is ready to cooperate with Armenia in the construction of a new
nuclear power plant, newly appointed Ambassador of France to Armenia
Jean-François Charpentier told reporters on Wednesday.

Asked whether France will assist Armenia in the construction of a new
nuclear power plant, the diplomat said that so far, the Armenian
government has not made such a proposal.

The Ambassador said that the French companies know this job well and
they are willing to cooperate with Armenia if they receive such an
offer. 2014 Global Data Point.

From: A. Papazian

ITAR-TASS, Russia
November 13, 2014 Thursday 03:54 PM GMT+4

Moscow urges Armenia, Azerbaijan to avoid steps leading to escalating
tensions – diplomat

MOSCOW November 13.

. Russia calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to refrain from moves which
could lead to the escalation of tensions, the Russian Foreign
Ministry’s official spokesman Alexander Lukashevich said on Thursday

“We are very concerned about the incident which has led to the deaths
of people. We offer our deepest condolences to the families of the
victims,” Lukashevich said, adding that Russia’s stance was reflected
in the statement of co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group on November 12.

Russia reminds the leadership of Azerbaijan and Armenia of their
“responsibility towards complying with their commitments on searching
for a peaceful resolution of the conflict which they took at the
meeting in Sochi, Newport and Paris.”

Moscow together with other co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group “will
continue targeted efforts to offer assistance to the sides in
resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict,” the diplomat said.

Armenia’s Defense Ministry said on November 12 that Azerbaijan’s army
had downed a Mil Mi-24 helicopter of the Nagorno-Karabakh defense
army, killing three pilots. Azerbaijan’s military said the helicopter
had attacked their positions and had been destroyed in retaliatory
fire.

Armenia’s Foreign Ministry blames Baku for “blatant violation” of
accords to settle the dispute.

Nagorno-Karabakh is a majority Armenian region within Azerbaijan that
is de facto independent.

The struggle over Nagorno-Karabakh escalated after both Armenia and
Azerbaijan obtained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. By the
end of 1993, the conflict had caused thousands of casualties and
created hundreds of thousands of refugees on both sides. An unofficial
ceasefire was reached on May 12, 1994.

Since then, Armenia and Azerbaijan have been holding negotiations
mediated by the Organization for Security and Cooperation (OSCE) Minsk
Group on the region’s disputed status.

From: A. Papazian

November 14, 2014
Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate
6252 Honolulu Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
Tel: (818) 248-7737
Fax: (818) 248-7745
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:

REQUIEM PRAYERS FOR ARTSAKH DEFENSE ARMY PILOTS

On Wednesday, November 12, 2014, a military helicopter of the
Artsakh Defense Army was shot down by Azerbaijan near the border town of
Aghdam. The helicopter was conducting training exercises and was not armed.
All three crew members, Major Sergey Sahakyan, Senior Lieutenant Sarkis
Nazaryan, and Lieutenant Azat Sahakyan, were killed in the attack.
The Bishops’ Synod, headed by H.H. Karekin II, Catholicos of All
Armenians, and H.H. Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia,
condemned the attack and called for requiem prayers to be offered in memory
of the pilots.
Thus, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, has advised
for requiem prayers to be offered in all Prelacy Churches on Sunday,
November 16. May God rest their souls and grant comfort to their loved ones.

***

ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC CHURCH SECOND BISHOPS’ SYNOD
HELD IN ETCHMIADZIN

On Tuesday, November 11, 2014, the second Bishops’ Synod convened in
Etchmiadzin with the blessings and presence of His Holiness Karekin II,
Catholicos of All Armenians, and His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the
Great House of Cilicia.The Synod brought together 61 Archbishops and Bishops
from the Armenian Apostolic Church around the world. Items on the agenda
included the canonization of victims of the Armenian Genocide and various
theological and ecclesiastical matters. H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate, who is a member of the Canonization Committee,
participated in the Synod.
Prior to the opening of the Bishops’ Synod, a prayer service was
held at the Mother Cathedral entreating the guidance of the Holy Spirit for
productive proceedings. The Synod began with the Lord’s Prayer, after which
H.E. Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Co-Chair, invited the two Pontiffs to
deliver their message. The election of the divan followed; H.E. Archbishop
Yeznik Bedrosian and H.E. Archbishop Sebouh Sarkissian were elected
Chairmen, and H.G. Bishop Vazken Mirzakhanian and H.G. Bishop Papken
Tcharian Secretaries.
The first two days of the Synod were dedicated to the canonization
rite of the Armenian Apostolic Church and the canonization of Armenian
Genocide martyrs. H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian and H.G. Bishop
Papken Tcharian, members of the Canonization Committee, presented reports on
this matter, which the participants analyzed and confirmed. The canonization
ceremony will be held in Etchmiadzin on April 23, 2015. Committee members
were asked to research the canonization of specific individuals, such as
Gomidas Vartabed and others.
The sessions on Wednesday and Thursday focused on the rituals of
Baptism and Christening. Committee members presented their work to
standardize the ritual among all Churches, which was approved by the Synod
after some revisions and will be sent to the Prelacies and Dioceses of both
Holy Sees to implement.
The final day’s session began with a prayer for the crew members of
the Artsakh Defense Army killed in a helicopter attack the day before. The
Synod condemned the attack by Azerbaijan and expressed condolences to the
families and friends of the victims. During the third session, Mr. Vigen
Sargsyan, Chief of Staff of the President of the Republic of Armenia,
presented the government’s plans next year relating to the Armenian Genocide
centennial. Various issues and concerns were discussed on the final day,
which will be followed up at the next Bishops’ Synod to be held in 2016. The
three day Synod concluded with the blessings and message of the Pontiffs.
On Tuesday, November 11, the two Pontiffs met with President Serzh
Sargsyan. Discussion centered on Church-State collaboration,
Armenia-Diaspora ties, and related matters.
On Monday, November 10, the participants of the Bishops’ Synod paid
a visit to the Dzidzernagapert Genocide Memorial where the Pontiffs laid
wreaths and led prayers in memory of the Genocide victims.

***

FETHIYE ÇETIN VISITS THE PRELACY

On Friday, November 14, 2014, Turkish lawyer, writer, and human
rights activist Fethiye Çetin visited the Prelacy where she was greeted by
members of the Catholicosate Central Executive, Prelacy Religious and
Executive Councils, and Ladies Auxiliary.
Ms. Çetin is the grandchild of an ethnic Armenian who was taken from
her family during the Genocide and forcibly converted to Islam. She is in
Los Angeles by special invitation of the United Armenian Council for the
Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide (UAC). She was accompanied to the
Prelacy by colleague Ms. Beghrin Esa, UAC representative Ms. Jackie
Tovmassian, and Organization of Istanbul Armenians representative Dr.
Ohannes Kulak Avedikian.
The meeting took place at the Sulahian Reception Hall. On behalf of
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, Archpriest Fr. Vicken
Vassilian welcomed the guests and noted that His Eminence is in Armenia
participating in the Bishops’ Synod. Fr. Vicken stated that the Prelacy
operates under the jurisdiction of the Catholicosate of Cilicia, which was
uprooted and exiled from Sis, adding that the Church remains committed to
the pursuit of our properties and our rights. He commended Ms. Çetin for her
human rights work and presented her with mementos on behalf of the Prelate.
Welcoming remarks were also delivered by Central Executive member
Mr. Vahe Yacoubian and Executive Council Chair Mr. Vahe Hovaguimian, who in
general spoke of the Armenian Genocide centennial and the Armenian people’s
pursuit of truth and justice. They commended her and her colleagues for
their courageous human rights wok and wished them success in their
endeavors.
Ms. Çetin conveyed thanks for the warm welcome. She spoke of the
legal aspects of the Genocide and its aftermath, stating that she will not
rest until there is a just resolution. Referencing the recent apology of
President Erdogan, she stressed that an apology is not sufficient; that the
guilty must accept blame, feel remorse, and teach the truth in Turkish
textbooks, and the descendants of the victims and survivors must receive
reparations for their losses.
Ladies Auxiliary Chair Mrs. Dzovig Zetlian and Executive Council
member Mr. Meher Der Ohanessian respectively addressed the guest, expressing
pride in her work and wishing for a fitting centennial commemoration in
Taksim Square next year by scholars, dignitaries, and the people. The
discussion continued, during which Ms. Çetin reported that there is some
progress, albeit slow, noting that one political party has already
recognized the truth of the Genocide and work is underway for more
widespread recognition.

From: A. Papazian

PREVIEW: PORTUGAL VS ARMENIA

Portugal Futbol
Nov 14 2014

November 14, 2014 / mitchellrua

Fernando Santos will look to build on a sound start to his tenure in
the Portuguese dugout ahead of a clash against Group I dark horses
Armenia in the Algarve. Having come away with the three points in
Copenhagen after a last-gasp Cristiano Ronaldo effort, A Selecão da
Quinas will be confident of building on a professional display in
their last hit-out in front of a packed Faro crowd.

Return of the old guard

________________________________

Fernando Santos’ tenancy at the helm of the Selecão, albeit short, has
been earmarked by the return of Portuguese veterans of a generation
past. This has come in the form of Tiago, who came out of retirement
last month, Ricardo Carvalho, making a return to the fold after a
fall out with Bento in 2011, and most recently, Jose Bosingwa.

The latest trouper to come out of the international wilderness under
Santos, the 32-year-old right-back has found himself playing regularly
in the Turkish top flight with Trabzonspor. Indelibly experienced in
the red of Portugal, and also having won the Champions League with
Chelsea, Bosingwa, and his fellow veterans, may prove to be invaluable
in the campaign to reach France, as underlined by Tiago himself:

“It’s a joy to have players of my generation back because we’ve
had many good times together,” said the 33-year-old Atleti midfield
lynchpin. “For younger players themselves it can also turn out to be
important, because they see us as references.”

Not to be underestimated

________________________________

Bernard Challandes’ Armenia may only have amassed one point from two
games thus far, but with the likes of Henrikh Mkhitaryan in their
ranks, another is possible. A side that has caused problems for the
Selecão, having only narrowly lost 1-0 in Leiria and sharing the
spoils at home during qualifying for Euro 2008, the much-improved
Armenians will be confident of stifling the home side.

Led by skipper Roman Berezovski, obstinate between the big sticks,
the Dinamo Moskva shot stopper will be hard to beat. Having made his
debut for his national side against Portugal 18 years ago, Roman is
wary of the hosts.

“It will be very hard for us, but Portugal also endured much difficulty
in previous games against us,” said the 40-year-old who is set to
win his 91st cap. “These are intelligent and strong opponents, but
we know how to play football ourselves.”

Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Spartak Moscow sharp shooter Yura Movsisyan are
back in the fold having recovered from knocks, with the side close to
full strength, except for the absence of Aras Ozbiliz. Nonetheless,
the Armenians’ attacking potency will keep Ronaldo and co. on their
toes, as they will need to take their chances and watch their backs
when on the back foot.

Lethal on the counter, the Armenians will be vying to break their
duck after giving up a 1-0 lead to Denmark in a tightly-contested tie.

Severely depleted in the ensuing encounter against the Serbians,
the home side were able to muster a draw before being humbled by the
French 3-0.

Team selection

Under the Fernando Santos Era, Portugal has adopted a formation that
looks to accommodate for a shortfall in the striker department. In
both games against France and Denmark, A Selecão’s formation was
indicative of a 4-3-1-2, with a flexible front three. In this way,
Ronaldo and Nani would play the furthest up the pitch, with Danny
playing in behind, at times as a number 10 or false nine.

With this system implemented against fairly esteemed opposition, and
taking into account the inclusion of another traditional striker in
the form of Helder Postiga, and Eder finding some form for club side
Braga; it would not be a surprise for Santos to change his system to
offset a predictably stalwart Armenia defence.

Playing away against the group favourites, it is expected that the
Armenians will be content to play for the draw in sitting back and
playing on the counter with the likes of Mkhitaryan and Movsisyan in
their attacking arsenal. Newly appointed gaffer Bernard Challandes will
look to play five at the back, playing a 5-2-2-1 or 5-2-1-2 formation.

This tie will undoubtedly shed some light on Santos’ tactical
flexibility in terms of formation and personnel against the tenacious
Armenians who will feel hard done by having struggled to amass points
after impressive displays against Denmark and Serbia.

In this way, Santos will no doubt be tempted to throw on a more
versatile midfield, proactive midfield sans William Carvalho, with
Adrien Silva, João Mario and Andre Gomes viable options. Also, a
string of injuries at left-back will give bear an opportunity for
either Tiago Gomes or Raphael Guerreiro to make their debut.

Prediction

________________________________

One of Bento’s greatest criticisms was his rigid tactical mindset
and stalwart use of the 4-3-3 against the world’s best and worst
sides, regardless of the occasion. Having competed against fairly
revered opposition, this tie will shed some light on Santos’ tactical
stringency against an Armenian side expected to ‘park the bus’ and
hit the Portuguese on the counter.

A side not too different to the same Albanian side that led to the
sacking of Bento in terms of their system, Challandes’ side poses more
attacking potency that will duly test the Portuguese defence. Based
on quality alone, A Selecão das Quinas should come at the victors
at a canter; but such a result is unlikely based on an inability to
break down stubborn defences, seen with previous results between the
two sides in rather cagey encounters.

Armenian’s quality in the middle of the park and in the final third,
as well as a Portuguese side in transition, has levelled the tie a
smidgen; but the sheer quality of the home side coming off a grinding
victory over the Danes, and renewed vigour breathed into the camp
with Santos’ presence in the dugout should be more than enough to
secure the three points.

PortugalFutbol Prediction: Portugal 2-0 Armenia

From: A. Papazian

INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY SHOULD KEEP ARMENIA AWAY FROM PROVOCATIONS, SAYS GERMAN EXPERT

Vestnik Kavkaza, Russia
Nov 14 2014

14 November 2014 – 10:43am

Matthias Dornfeldt, an associated member of the Berlin Center for
Caspian Region Studies, a docent of the Free University of Berlin,
called for protection of the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process from
attempts to renew combat on the contact line of Azerbaijani and
Armenian forces. In his words, the great attention of world players to
the crisis in Ukraine contributes to tensions around Nagorno-Karabakh.

He believes that Armenia is trying to use the Ukrainian crisis to
improve its positions in and around Nagorno-Karabakh.

Dornfeldt said that Armenia was testing the reaction of Azerbaijan. He
assumed that activation of provocations could be associated with
Armenia joining the Eurasian Economic Union and the Customs Union.

In this context, the international community should prevent Armenia
from provocations against Azerbaijan, added the expert. The delicate
situation in the South Caucasus harms all the interested sides,
so Russia, the EU and the U.S. should cooperate, Matthias Dornfeldt
concluded.

From: A. Papazian