Author: Andres-Papazian

Interfax, Russia
March 25 2011

Yerevan hails OSCE mission’s Karabakh report

YEREVAN. March 25

Yerevan hails OSCE mission’s Karabakh report
Armenia’s ruling Republican Party has welcomed a report drafted by a
mission of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe
(OSCE) Minsk Group, which visited the territories surrounding
Nagorno-Karabakh in November.

“It is an important circumstance that the report stressed the need for
cooperation between the sides. It is a positive factor that the
co-chairmen propose involving Stepanakert in the negotiating process
and insist on a peaceful solution to the problem,” Galust Saakyan,
deputy chairman of the Republican Party and leader of its
parliamentary faction, told journalists on Friday.

“It is also a positive development that the co-chairmen did not
believe Azeri propaganda claiming that drugs are grown on the
territories neighboring Nagorno-Karabakh and nuclear waste is dumped
there,” he said.

“On the whole, our assessment of this report is positive,” Saakyan said.

The co-chairmen of the OSCE Minsk Group demanded that a peaceful
solution be found to the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh through
negotiations.

An OSCE mission worked in the region from November 7 to November 12,
2010 to assess the general situation there, including humanitarian
aspects.

tm dp

From: A. Papazian

The Armenian Mirror-Spectator
755 Mount Auburn St.
Watertown, MA 02472
Tel: (617) 924-4420
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1. Commentary: Armenians Don’t Need Any Foreign Enemies

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1. Commentary: Armenians Don’t Need Any Foreign Enemies

*By Edmond Y. Azadian*

Every time we recite the unsavory adage that Armenians are their worst
enemies, a new case emerges to confirm that unfortunate statement. As if we
had not suffered enough embarrassment with the exploits of the Armenian
Power gang, now we have to face other public scandals, this time hitting the
very core of Armenian interests, and not merely reputation, like in the
first case.

For a long time, the scapegoats and the bad guys in the community were the
political parties, who supposedly fomented antagonism and in-fighting within
the community.

But times changed and new players entered the scene, this time with even
worse records. One such case is the issue of the Armenian Genocide Museum.
The community was elated that a full century after the destruction of the
Armenian nation and loss of our historic homeland, some kind of restitution
would come to do justice to the memory of 1.5 million Armenian martyrs.

A few generous benefactors had come forth with unusually large contributions
to build a Genocide museum in Washington, DC, a few blocks from the White
House. We were led to believe that this was a dream come true. Finally
Armenians had demonstrated the vision and the fortitude to make an eloquent
statement in the heart of our nation’s capital, to the chagrin of Turks who
continue to deny the 20th century’s most monstrous atrocity.

After the initial euphoria, a period of eerie silence reigned, followed by
accusations and lawsuits between the Armenian Assembly and Gerald Cafesjian.

The dream soured, as the accusations and counter-accusations continue flying
in the media.

It looks like money and wisdom do not always go together.

Today the museum project remains in limbo and only the combatants’ egos
carry the day.

Late this winter Judge Kollar-Kotelly handed victory to the Cafesjian Family
Foundation, which was to receive back the funds donated for the project, in
addition to the enhanced value of the property with a dangerous proviso:
`While the court hopes that the properties can be used for (the museum),
the
court recognizes that the (Cafesjian Family Foundation) is not legally
obligated to use the properties to build a museum.’

This means that the destiny of this landmark edifice will be hanging on the
whims of the Cafesjian family, which admittedly has helped the cultural life
in Armenia tremendously. Without getting into the legal complexities of the
ruling, the ordinary people will understand that Gerald Cafesjian can do
anything with the property awarded to him. We hope, of course, he will still
put it to its originally- intended use, a museum to honor the legacy of our
martyrs.

Now comes the counter suit: `A rancorous legal fight over a proposed
Armenian Genocide Museum and Memorial is flaming up once more amid claims
that a glass-loving federal judge might have been biased in the
decision-making’ writes Michael Doyle in McClatchy Newspapers.

Indeed the Armenian Assembly has come up with a countersuit stating: `It
has
come to the Armenian Assembly’s attention that Mr. Gerald L. Cafesjian and
the Honorable Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly, who oversaw the trial late last
year, appear to have failed to disclose that they were familiar with each
other’ =85 `the shared interests and familiarity between Mr. Cafesjian
and the
judge may very well explain why undisputed facts and clear conflict of
interest issues were overlooked and decided in Mr. Cafesjian’s favor.’

Therefore, another lawsuit with piling legal expenses, which could be put to
more productive use, if good old common sense were exercised. The Armenian
Assembly is a major advocacy group with a solid record of contribution to
the Armenian cause.

If we discount the arrogance of the litigants, we are left but a conspiracy
theory. Someone somewhere must be conspiring to destroy the prospect of a
monument which is meant to memorialize the destruction of a nation and cry
out loud from the heart of Washington, DC, the justice denied to the
Armenian people. Yet, at this point Turks couldn’t be happier with this
fiasco.

The centennial is around the corner and there is no end to this legal
battle.

Judge Kollar-Kotelly has said at the end of her 190-page ruling, better than
any Armenian could have said, `leave the bickering aside and build the
museum.’

Another scandal which is brewing is the lawsuit brought against the attorney
Vartkes Yeghiayan for defrauding the insurance settlement funds.

In a CN dispatch from Los Angeles, it is reported that `Two attorneys claim
their co-counsel in two class actions that won insurance benefits for the
victims of the Armenian Genocide diverted and laundered almost $1 million
from the settlement meant for charities to help the Armenian community.’
`It
is with deep sadness that plaintiffs bring this action,’ Mark Geragos and
Brian Kabateck say in their Superior Court complaint. Mr. Yeghiayan has
denied the allegations made in the lawsuit.

When the New York Life and AXA cases were won and the settlement benefited
several Armenian organizations, there was a sense of relief that finally
partial justice was awarded to the survivors of the Genocide.

The legal victories inspired confidence among the Armenians to go after the
Federal Reserve to claim the gold confiscated from Armenians by the Ottoman
government which had made its way to the Federal Reserve. Similarly,
lawsuits were underway for the illegal use by the Turkish government of the
Incirlik air base.

All these were initial minor steps to build the case for a major settlement
with Turkey one day. But we are already mired in the mud at the outset of
this long legal battle and attorneys who are supposed to defend the case of
the Armenian people have already tarnished their reputation. How can we
pursue further claims from Turkey when there is a dark cloud hovering above
the reputation of the claimants?

At this point it is irrelevant who wins the case, because the ultimate
winner is Turkey, which can ridicule us, armed with the scandal at hand.

There is an ironic statement issued by ARF in Yerevan about this case. The
statement says: `The Armenian Revolutionary Federation Central Political
Council (Armenian Cause) issued a declaration calling on attorney involved
in cases related to Genocide survivor settlement to immediately submit all
records to an independent audit.’ Indeed, a fair request.

Of course every Armenian has to call for accountability. The ARF, which is
the least transparent organization, should be the last one to make that
call. The organization has yet to account for the funds collected to benefit
Armenia’s earthquake victims of 1988.

All these cases indicate how Armenians can shoot themselves in the foot.

With all their struggles and the infighting the political parties in their
126-year-history perhaps have not damaged the fundamental Armenian interests
more than the above cases have.

We don’t need any foreign enemies to destroy us. We have already enough
among ourselves.

From: A. Papazian

The Voice of Russia
March 26 2011

Russian MPs come to Armenia to watch football

On Saturday, a group of Russian MPs came to Armenia’s capital Erevan
to watch a football match between Team Armenia and Team Russia.

This game is a part of the elimination cycle for the 2012 Europe
Football Championship.

The Russians presented a football with autographs of Russian football
players to Armenia’s President Serge Sargsyan.

`Whoever wins this match, Russian-Armenian friendship will gain from
it,’ the Russian MPs said.

President Sargsyan noted that the Russian-Armenian cooperation on all
levels is strengthening now, and thanked the Russian MPs for seeking
closer friendship with Armenia.

From: A. Papazian

UEFA.com
March 26 2011

Russia frustrated by obdurate Armenia

Published: Saturday 26 March 2011, 18.00CETArmenia 0-0 Russia

Group B leaders Russia failed to make the most of their possession as
they were held to a goalless stalemate in Yerevan.

Group B has been thrown wide open after Russia passed up the
opportunity to extend their two-point lead to five when they were held
to a goalless draw in Yerevan.

Of the two teams, it was the hosts who started the strongest, and
Vardan Minasyan’s men could have taken the lead on 19 minutes had Igor
Akinfeev not repelled Marcos Pizzelli’s long shot. Russia replied
immediately, though, and Yuri Zhirkov’s left-wing cross caused
confusion in Armenia’s rearguard, forcing Roman Berezovsky into a
reaction save from a miscued clearance.

Chelsea FC defender Zhirkov then tested Berezovsky again, this time
with a fierce shot that the home side’s No1 saved superbly. The
36-year-old could do nothing about Sergei Ignashevich’s powerful
header on 37 minutes, however, but was relieved to watch it fly wide.

Armenia threw more men forward after the break and were almost
rewarded when Pizzelli picked out Yura Movsisyan, who beat the
advancing Akinfeev from six metres only for his shot to bobble off
target. At the other end, Aleksandr Kerzhakov missed with two
presentable opportunities, one of them a free-kick, while Alan
Dzagoev’s goalbound effort from the edge of the box was blocked by
Artur Edigaryan.

Russia’s Roman Shirokov began to grow in influence in midfield and had
two late attempts on goal. The FC Zenit St Petersburg man was
nonetheless unable to find the target after being put through by
Konstantin Zyryanov’s incisive pass, and then fired over from distance
four minutes from time.

Russia still lead the way in Group B with ten points, two points ahead
of Armenia – who travel to Russia on 4 June – but both the Republic of
Ireland and Slovakia can pull level with Dick Advocaat’s charges with
respective victories against the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
and Andorra this evening.

From: A. Papazian

Eurosport.com
March 26 2011

Plucky Armenia hold Russia

AFP Misfiring Russia were held to a 0-0 draw by hard-working Armenia
in a Euro 2012 qualifier, missing a chance to extend their Group B
lead.

The top-seeded Russians now have 10 points from five matches while
Armenia surprisingly moved into second place with eight points, ahead
of both Ireland and Slovakia who play their qualifiers later on
Saturday.

Russia have now failed to score for a third consecutive match after
losing two friendlies to Belgium (2-0) and Iran (1-0) in the last five
months.

After a slow opening, the Russians took control, creating several
scoring chances but failed to find the target.

Yura Movsisyan wasted Armenia’s best chance early in the second half
when he fired wide from close range.

Alexander Kerzhakov, who scored for Russia in each of their two
previous qualifiers against Ireland and Macedonia, missed the top
corner when he was sent clear a few minutes later.

Russia captain Andrei Arshavin had a quiet game, missing the target
with his only shot at goal late in the game.

Coach Dick Advocaat said he was happy enough with a draw.

“Both teams were looking for a goal but we had a lot more chances than
them,” the Dutchman said.

“Unfortunately, we were missing the final pass and couldn’t get a good
shot on goal. Still, this draw is a good result, especially as we were
playing away from home.”

The two teams meet again in their next qualifier on June 4.

From: A. Papazian

Goal.com
March 26 2011

Armenia 0-0 Russia: Wasteful visitors remain top of Euro 2012
qualifying group despite stalemate

Dick Advocaat left scratching his head and wondering just how his side
failed to take one of the many chances which came their way in
Yerevan

By Gary Niblock

It was most definitely a case of two points dropped for Group B
leaders Russia, as they somehow failed to prise open an Armenia side
whom they dominated in a scoreless draw in Yerevan.

Armenia began the brighter of the two sides but the opening stages
were devoid of any goalmouth action. Igor Akinfeev was forced into his
first real save of the afternoon when he tipped away a long-range
effort from Brazilian-born attacker Marcos Pizzelli. Thereafter, it
was one-way traffic, with the home side coming under wave after wave
of pressure.

In-form Zenit striker Aleksandr Kerzhakov found enough space on the
right-hand side of the penalty area on 22 minutes but his strike was
disappointingly directed straight at Armenia goalkeeper Roman
Berezovsky. The 36-year-old veteran stood firm as the Russians began
to turn the screw, parrying away a fiercely struck Yuri Zhirkov bullet
from 25 yards.

Russia went close when, after a neat one-two with Roman Shirokov, Igor
Denisov drilled a low shot wide before Sergey Ignashevich then headed
narrowly wide from a corner from Russian captain Andrey Arshavin.
Shirokov was then thwarted twice in quick succession, first after a
brave block from Hrayr Mkoyan and then by another smart Berezkovsky
save.

After the break, the home side wasted a glorious chance six minutes
into the second half. The industrious Yura Mosisyan was only able to
direct his left-footed shot into the side netting from close range
after he had eluded the presence of Akinfeev. Moments later, Kerzhakov
blasted wide from a tight angle after receiving Alan Dzagoev’s
lay-off.

At times it looked as if Russia would leave themselves vulnerable to
an Armenian counter-attack, but they continued to look the more likely
side to score. Kerzhakov looked to be in on goal with 20 minutes
remaining but he was eased off the ball by Armenia’s captain Sargis
Hovsepyan. Arshavin also went close on 79 minutes but he curled his
shot the wrong side of the post.

Given the fact that Armenia were still very much in the game as it
drew to a close, the home fans began to sense the possibility of an
upset. However, Armenia’s clear-cut chance never came and Shirokov
spurned yet another opportunity to secure the three points when he
fired over from long range with four minutes left.

Russia, who now have 10 points, remain top of the group for the
meantime, two points clear of second-placed Armenia with both sides
now awaiting the results of the other two games in the group. Armenia
have no game until the return fixture in Moscow in June, while Russia
play Qatar in a friendly on Tuesday.

From: A. Papazian

FIFA.com
March 26 2011

Russia settle with Armenia

Saturday 26 March 2011
Despite dominating most of the game, UEFA EURO 2012 Group B qualifying
leaders Russia had to settle for a 0-0 draw against Armenia today.

That meant they held onto their lead with ten points from five
matches, but have left the Republic of Ireland the chance to draw
level with them should they defeat Macedonia later today.

Armenia, who are now in second place with eight points, started in a
lively fashion, pinning Russia back in an attempt to expose their
defensive frailties. But the visitors held firm, stifling Armenia’s
attacks and all the while looking for the chance to launch
counter-attacks.

Midway into the first half Russia added power and precision to their
attacks and created an impressive set of chances including nine
corners. The guests made Armenia’s goalkeeper Roman Berezovsky the
most overworked player on the pitch at Yerevan Republican stadium, but
they failed to break the deadlock before the break.

Six minutes after the interval the hosts also created a clear
opportunity for an opener, but striker Yura Movsisyan failed to find
the net from seven metres out with the goal at his mercy. Russia
replied with another series of attacks, but once again they failed to
capitalise on their goal-scoring opportunities.

Russian skipper Andrei Arshavin, who looked a pale shadow of his
normal self, also had a chance to score in the 79th minute, but his
shot from the edge of Armenia’s box went just inches wide off the
right-hand post.

From: A. Papazian

Setanta Sports Ireland
March 26 2011

Russia stumble in Armenia

by Nick Royle , 26 March 2011

Armenia have thrown open Euro 2012 Group B, after their goalless draw
with leaders Russia in Yerevan.

The result means that Armenia have moved into second place in Group B,
ahead of Ireland’s clash with Macedonia at the Aviva Stadium on
Saturday evening.

A win for Giovanni’s Trapattoni’s men in that game would return
Ireland to level on points with Russia at the top of the table.

Russia had nine corners in the first half, and most of the possession,
but Armenia had the first chance. However, Henrik Mkhitaryan’s shot in
the seventh minute was well saved by Russia goalkeeper Igor Akinfeyev.

Alexander Kerzhakov missed a good chance for Russia in the 23rd
minute, after fine work from Alan Dzagoev, then Armenia goalkeeper
Roman Berezovsky made a sharp save to stop defender Hrayr Mkoyan’s
deflection from a Yury Zhirkov cross from the left.

Just before half-time, Mkoyan blocked Roman Shirokov’s shot, and the
Russian’s follow-up shot was palmed away by Berezovsky.

Berezovsky again denied Russia on 72 minutes, stopping a Kerzhakov
shot after Shirokov had set up the striker.

Russia coach Dick Advocaat sent on Pavel Pogrebnyak and Diniyar
Bilyaletdinov in the final ten minutes, but there was no way through
Berezovsky.

It is now no goals in three games for Russia, having lost 2-0 to
Belgium and 1-0 to Iran in their previous two matches.

From: A. Papazian

Russia Today
March 26 2011

Russia and Armenia fail to score in Yerevan

Russia has played out a 0-0 draw away in Armenia to stay top of Group
B in Euro 2012 qualifying.

– After surviving some early pressure from the hosts, Russia firmly
grabbed the initiative after 25 minutes, when one of the Armenian
defenders nearly found the back of his own net.

Dick Advocaat’s men controlled the game and managed to win several
corners, with all of them being taken by captain Andrey Arshavin.

He once managed to find the head of defender Sergey Ignashevich, but
the ball went centimeters wide of Armenia’s far post.

After the restart the hosts nearly caught Russia on the
counter-attack, but Yura Movsisyan failed to beat keeper Igor Akinfeev
from close range.

Arshavin and co created plenty of chances in the second half. Alan
Dzagoev, Roman Shirokov and Arshavin himself had good chances to open
the scoring, but lacked accuracy, leaving home goalie Roman Berezovsky
without any serious work to do, so the game ended 0-0.

The point taken in Yerevan maintains their lead in the qualifying
group. They now have 10 points after 5 games, with Armenia behind,
having 8 points.

Slovakia and Ireland, who face Andorra and Macedonia respectively
later tonight, each have seven points.

From: A. Papazian

Channel News Asia
March 26 2011

Football: Armenia hold Russia to 0-0 draw
Posted: 27 March 2011 0204 hrs

YEREVAN : Euro 2012 Group B qualifying leaders Russia had to settle
for a draw against Arnenia here on Saturday despite dominating for
most of the game.

That meant they held onto their lead with 10 points from five matches
but left Ireland the chance to draw level with them should they defeat
Macedonia later on Saturday.

Armenia, who are now in second place with eight points, started in a
lively fashion, pinning Russia back in an attempt to expose their
defensive frailties.

But the visitors held firm, stifling Armenia’s attacks and all the
while looking for the chance to launch counter-attacks.

Midway into the first-half though Russia added power and precision to
their attacks and created an impressive set of chances including nine
corners.

The guests made Armenia’s goalkeeper Roman Berezovsky the most
overworked player on the pitch at the Yerevan Republican stadium, but
they failed to break the deadlock before the break.

Six minutes after the interval the hosts also created a clear
opportunity for an opener, but striker Yura Movsisyan failed to find
the net from seven metres out with the goal at his mercy.

Russia replied with another series of attacks, but once again they
failed to capitalise on their goal-scoring opportunities.

Russian skipper Andrei Arshavin, who looked a pale shadow of his
normal self, also had a chance to score in the 79th minute, but his
shot from the edge of Armenia’s box went just inches wide off the
right-hand post.

– AFP /ls

From: A. Papazian