Author: Andres-Papazian

L. ANANYAN: THE MOSCOW TREATY SHOULD BE REVISED

Aysor.am
Tuesday,March 22

Today at the Union of the Armenian Writers took place an event
dedicated to the 90th anniversary of the Moscow treaty. Writers,
intellectuals and social activists attended the event.

The head of the Union of the Armenian Writers Levon Ananyan mentioned
that 90 years ago on March 16, 1921was signed the Russian – Turkish
famous treaty of “brotherhood and friendship”, which became one of
the black pages of the Armenian History.

“The Russian – Turkish treaty signed on March 16 was one of the
dispraises of the humanity,” the speaker mentioned.

Levon Ananyan stressed that everyone knows about the losses that
Armenia has had as a result of that treaty and today, he says, instead
of giving assessments to the treaty we should understand what we are
going to do in the future.

According to the speaker the issue of the Moscow treaty should be
touched upon in the international institutions and the attention of
the international society should be concentrated upon it.

From: A. Papazian

TURKEY MAY PRETEND TO THE ROLE OF INTERMEDIARY IN KARABAKH CONFLICT SETTLEMENT

ARMINFO
Tuesday, March 22, 16:51

Turkey may pretend to the role of intermediary in settlement of
conflicts in the Caucasus region including Nagornyy Karabakh conflict,
Armenian Turkologist Ruben Melkonyan told journalists today.

He also added Turkey has been conducting the policy of neo-osmanism
which is directed to raising of Ankara’s role on the Balkans, Middle
East and South Africa. Turkey has already managed to reach the
situation when its interest coincide with interests of superpowers
and its geographic location makes them nor to ignore Turkey.

He said that Turkey took an active position during the events in
Egypt and Libya. Moreover, the ties between Turkey and the USA have
enhanced. “Using the fact of absence of the real leader in the Arab
world, Turkey is striving to become an intermediary between the West
and the East”, he said and added that at present the interests of the
USA and Turkey coincide and this cannot but make Russia worry. For
this reason, the latter is striving to enhance the economic relations
with Ankara, he said.

As for Azerbaijan-Turkey tandem, the Armenian expert predicted serious
problems for this union in future.

“Azerbaijan is in the zone of the economic and political influence
of Turkey, being more one of its provinces”, – Melkonyan said.

From: A. Papazian

CLAIMS AND COUNTER CLAIMS: LTP SAYS SATAN WILL DESTROY HOVANNISIAN
By Gayane Abrahamyan

ArmeniaNow
22.03.11

On Tuesday, Heritage Party leader Raffi Hovannisian, who has been
on hunger strike in Liberty Square for a week, responded to first
President of Armenia Levon Ter-Petrosyan’s criticism, saying that
Hovannisian’s public fasting contradicts Christianity.

In an oppositional newspaper Ter-Petrosyan, clarifying why he did not
meet Hovannisian, who was on hunger strike during the opposition’s
March 17 rally, said, “Because it contradicts my principles of
Christianity,” according to which, “fasting should not be turned into
show,” and that “Satan destroys both the one who is fasting and his
fast when the person puts himself above all the rest and wishes that
his abstinence be trumpeted about by others and people learn about
it and admire his staunchness.”

Hovannisian, at a press conference called in Liberty Square, stated
that his hunger strike “is a modest political alarm, and it cannot be
included within the frameworks of a Christian ritual.” He added that,
in the spirit of Christianity, he “honestly and with love wishes
the first president of Armenia [Ter-Petrosyan] God’s blessing and
long-lasting life.”

“I entered Liberty Square as a proud citizen to fulfill my political,
civil, and constitutional rights, and I did not aim to hold a
Christian ritual,” Hovannisian said, adding, “If someone wishes
me Satan’s destruction, it’s the right of that person. However, I
can suggest all of us reading and citing Hovhan Mandakuni’s passage
(a source drawn from by Ter-Petrosyan), which speaks about having a
grudge and seeking revenge.”

Ter-Petrosyan also said, “Had instead of public fasting Raffi
Hovannisian announced a hunger strike with concrete political demands,
I not only would have welcomed it but would also have expressed full
support for him.”

Responding to this statement, Hovannisian said that his demands have
been clearly mentioned in the 21-point statement of political demands,
approved at the March 13 session of the Heritage Party. Later on
March 15, he presented all his demands in his speech and went on a
hunger strike.

As far as “this issue is being speculated upon in both pro-government
and opposition circles,” Hovannisian considered it to be necessary to
present his demands, consisting of 15 points, more simply once again.

From: A. Papazian

NATO SUPPORTS GEORGIA’S ACCESSION TO ALLIANCE

PanARMENIAN.Net
March 22, 2011 – 19:02 AMT 15:02 GMT

Upon completion of a meeting with Georgia’s parliamentary speaker
David Bakradze, NATO Parliamentary Assembly President Karl Lamers
expressed his support for democratic processes in Georgia and the
country’s integration into the Alliance, Georgia Online reported.

“We support Georgia’s integration into the Alliance. The country has
made a number of important steps in this direction,” NATO PA President
pointed out.

Bakradze, in turn, noted that cooperation with NATO is an important
part of the course taken by the people of Georgia.

From: A. Papazian

ERDOGAN ACCUSES SARKOZY OF LIBYA ATTACK

PanARMENIAN.Net
March 22, 2011 – 15:27 AMT 11:27 GMT

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused French President
Nicolas Sarkozy of investing in the French elections by acting as a
hawkish politician in the operation against Libya.

“French President is getting ready for the elections. France wants to
minimize the role of Turkey and U.S,” Today’s Zaman quoted Erdogan
as saying. “A will of Libyan people must be respected. The country
should not be divided. Turkey will not send combat troops to be used
against Libya.”

From: A. Papazian

NOWRUZ: ARMENIAN YOUTH MORE TOLERANT ON IRANIANS INFLOW THAN OLDER PEOPLE
Mariam Matnishyan

PanARMENIAN.Net
March 21, 2011

Both generations speak out against settlement of Iranians in Armenia.

On March 21-28 the tourist inflow in Armenia will reach a record high,
with over 20.000 Iranian tourists to arrive in Armenia for Nowruz
(Muslim New Year) celebrations.

The response of local population to Iranians celebrating Nowruz
in Armenian capital varies, some are irritated, others glad; some
indifferent to the presence of foreigners in the country, others
unaware as to the reason for overflow of Iranian tourists.

The results of the poll, initiated by PanARMENIAN.Net show Armenian
youth is more tolerant on the arrival of Iranians during Nowruz than
the older generation.

Those aged 18-20 have no idea about Nowrus and are indifferent to
Iranians’ visits.

In contrast to them, 21-29 age group responds positively to the visits
of Iranian tourists, which, as they say, promote development of economy
and tourism in Armenia. According to official data, Armenia’s budget
is replenished by USD 20 000 at Nowruz days. However, those who do not
object to the visits stipulate conditions, “the tourists must observe
the laws of the country they visit.” Many noted that in recent years,
some Iranians violated public order, with ensuing conflict incidents
reported.

Another group of people aging from 30 to 40 categorically oppose
the inflow of Iranian tourists, saying that there are plenty of
Azerbaijanis among them, what is inadmissible. “The National Security
Service should establish control over the process of arrival and
departure of the Iranian citizens,” one of the respondents insisted.

There also people who criticize those opposing to the arrival of
Iranian tourists. The Armenian nation is scattered all over the world
and it’s ignoble to oppose arrival of tourists from another country,
according to them.

However it’s noteworthy that all of those surveyed spoke out against
settlement of Iranians in Armenia, what can cause a number of problems,
including demands to build mosques, schools and cultural centers.

From: A. Papazian

GOVERNMENT OF ARMENIA WILL PROVIDE ADDITIONAL CREDIT TO THE PLANT “ELECTROPRIBOR” IN THE AMOUNT OF 50 MILLION DRAMS

/ARKA/
March 22, 2011
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, March 22. /ARKA/. Government of Armenia will provide credit to
the plant “Electropribor” in the amount of 50 million drams, said the
Armenian Economy Minister Tigran Davtyan during his visit to the plant.

In October 2009 the plant “Electropribor” received credit from
universal credit organization “Investment of small and medium business”
in the amount of 150 million drams by 12% percent rate annually for
five years with six-month grace period.

Taking into account the positive dynamics, financial and legal issues
of the provision of state additional funding are discussed. The
Economy Minister visited the plant and discussed the reasonability
of continuing the program.

The first credit gave its positive results and the minister didn’t
exclude the opportunity of crediting by lower percent rate.

If the first credit was targeted at the replenishment of circulating
assets, now the plant is going to make capital expenses which envisage
modernization of production and the first steps in this direction
are made.

“The plant maintained the potential of soviet period and is making
capital investments, improves the structure and production capacities.

The company will invest innovation technologies for new products and
we are ready to continue our cooperation and provide credits for the
solution of current problems, reconstruction and introduction of new
technological lines”, said Davtyan.

The company has traditional partners and expands the geography of
its export.

The company “Electropribor” was established in 1957 and was the only
plant of electrical measuring devices in the territory of the USSR.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union about 140 new products were
produced in the company. The main raw-material is purchased from
Russia, Turkey and Iran.

According to the data of the Armenian Economy Ministry, the volume
of the production of “Electropribor” in 2010 was about 360 million
drams and sale volume – about 386 million drams, of which about 380
million drams was exported. ($1 – 369.83 drams).

From: A. Papazian

ARMENIAN COMPANY “ELECTROPRIBOR” PLANS TO MAKE THE TURNOVER OF CURRENT 400 MILLION DRAMS TO 500-550 MILLION DRAMS TILL THE END OF 2011

/ARKA/
March 22, 2011
YEREVAN

Turnover of the Armenian company “Electropribor” (Electroequipment)
will be 500-550 million drams in 2011 versus 400 million drams in 2010,
said General Director of the company Karen Sargsyan.

“The main product of the company – about 98% is exported to Russia,
Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan and the small
volume of the products is sold in the local market”, said Sargsyan.

The demand for the product increases and there is a necessity to
increase the volume of the product.

“In October 2009 we received credit from the State in the amount of
about 150 million drams with the purpose of making investments for
equipping the laboratory”, said Sargsyan.

Now the plant is going to again ask the State for giving credit in the
amount of 100-150 million drams as it is necessary to invest new 2-3
types of goods annually “in accordance to the market and requirements
of power engineering specialists”.

The company “Electropribor” was established in 1957 and was the only
plant of electrical measuring devices in the territory of the USSR.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union about 140 new products were
produced in the company. The main raw-material is purchased from
Russia, Turkey and Iran.

According to the data of the Armenian Economy Ministry, the volume
of the production of “Electropribor” in 2010 was about 360 million
drams and sale volume – about 386 million drams, of which about 380
million drams was exported. ($1 – 369.83 drams).

From: A. Papazian

SHIRAK’S PRIORITIES HAVEN’T CHANGED, SAYS OWNER ARMAN SAHAKYAN

Tert.am
22.03.11

The priorities set before Gyumri’s football club Shirak have not
changed, and it will seek a place among the first four teams in
Armenia’s Championship, the club president said.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Arman Sahakyan (M) also
thanked the Football Federation of Armenia for the invitation to play
in Armenia’s Super League.

He also thanked Misak Balasanyan (R), the director of Gyumri’s Beer
Factory who was also attending the press conference, for assuming
Shirak’s sponsorship when it won the last place in Armenia’s
championship.

“We hope that this cooperation will be continuous, especially when
Shirak has started successfully in this season,” said Sahakyan.

Sahakyan further said that Gyumri’s stadium is currently under
construction and will in all probability be ready by next spring.

Misak Balasanyan, in turn, thanked him for taking the leadership of
Shirak’s club.

Balasanyan also said it was logical that Gyumri’s Beer Factory became
Shirak’s sponsor.

“If we leave business aside, this cooperation was initially expected.

We are glad that Shirak is having a triumphant start today,” said he.

Arthur Nazaryan (L), the Shirak’s spokesperson, in turn, said that
the club has launched a new website (), adding it
is as good as those of European clubs.

From: A. Papazian

YEREVAN TO JOIN EUROPEAN CITIES IN STRUGGLE AGAINST RACISM

PanARMENIAN.Net
March 22, 2011 – 11:44 AMT 07:44 GMT

Actions against racism will be held in Yerevan on March 22-27.

UNITED For Intercultural Action, which comprises 560 organizations,
will hold actions against discrimination in various cities of Europe
on March 22-27, according to Armenian Progressive Youth NGO.

With respect to this, four Armenian organizations – Armenian
Progressive Youth, AEGEE-Yerevan, Institute of Civil Society and
Youth Spirit NGO – will join a range of international organizations
in anti-racist campaign on March 22-27.

As part of the events, culture of various nations residing in Armenia
is envisaged to be presented. Besides, films screening, flash mobs,
information campaigns will be organized.

In 1966, the United Nations declared March 21 the International Day
for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

From: A. Papazian