Author: Andres-Papazian

HAYASTAN ALL-ARMENIAN FUND COMPLETES RECONSTRUCTION OF SHUSHI LIBRARY

22.02.2011 | 15:01
| Noyan Tapan

Culture

Earlier this year, the Shushi Library began operating in a completely
renovated and newly furnished space. The transformation of the
venerable landmark, at a cost of approximately 7,000, was sponsored
by the Armenia Fund U.S. Western Region.

The library now is poised to function as not only an extraordinary
destination for reading and research, but a hub for a range of
educational and cultural events. It will serve Shushi, Stepanakert,
and nearby rural communities, helping enrich the lives of students
and the population at large.

The renovation project has resulted in a complete makeover of the
library, which comprises a two-story main building and a single-level
administrative unit, with a total area of 624 square meters. Both
structures were reinforced and rebuilt around new floor plans,
the roofs were replaced, and the floors were covered variously with
ceramic tiles and hardwood. Improvements also include the installation
of up-to-date electrical and climate-control systems.

The administrative building consists of an entrance hall and
four offices. The main building comprises a large reading hall,
a storehouse, and a basement used for various library needs.

The people of Shushi have long cherished the dream of seeing their
city restored and teeming with Armenian life, says Mikayel Khachatryan,
deputy head of the Shushi Administration. Today that dream is becoming
reality, through key improvements including rebuilt roads and the
refurbished roofs of over ten apartment complexes as well as ongoing
redevelopment projects such as the renovation of the Shushi Cultural
Center and the Abovyan School, and installation of an internal
potable-water network.

Khachatryan has high hopes that the Shushi Library will regain its
former stature as a regional intellectual center. In the Soviet era,
he says, the library had up to 60 visitors a day. Moreover, it hosted
a regular stream of lectures and book presentations featuring renowned
authors and scholars. All that came to a grinding halt with the onset
of the Artsakh War. In 1992, when the residents of Shushi returned
to their native city, what they found was utter devastation. Their
beloved library, like all of Shushi’s once-vibrant institutions,
was far from being able to resume its activities.

Now that the library has received a new lease on life, its management
is hard at work to optimize it. The library’s book collection,
comprising over 16,500 volumes, will shortly be moved back to the
renovated premises, after having been temporarily stored at the
Muratsan School. The management has already taken steps to considerably
expand the collection. Another significant addition will be realized
thanks to Moscow-based ethnographer Karen Yuzbashyan, who has donated
his private collection of ethnographic studies, totaling 265 pieces,
to the library.

Currently the library employs a staff of seven, with plans to expand it
in the near future. One critically important position the management
is seeking to create is that of a bibliographer. Another top priority
is to digitize the entire book collection.

“One after the other, redevelopment projects launched in 2009 are
coming to fruition,” says Ara Vardanyan, executive director of the
Hayastan All-Armenian Fund. “And with the completion of every single
initiative, we feel proud for bringing hope and joy to Shushi, as
we continue to do our share in helping restore and beautify this
magnificent city-fortress of our ancestors.”

Hayastan All Armenian Fund

From: A. Papazian

ZAMAN. AFTER 45 YEARS OF BREAK TURKISH PARLIAMENT MAY HOST DEPUTIES WITH ARMENIAN ORIGIN

Panorama
Feb 22 2011
Armenia

The forthcoming Turkish Parliamentary elections are scheduled on 12
June. 550 deputies will be either elected or re-elected for 5 years.

Turkish Parliament officially is called Grand National Assembly of
Turkey (TBMM).

Turkish “Zaman” daily informs that Turkish citizens of Armenian origin
are being involved in country’s legislative body. Powerful parties
involve one or two Armenian candidates. “Justice and development”
party also engaged candidates with Armenian roots – Melkon Karakiose,
Tatios Bebek, Margar Yesayan, Jerry Khrimyan and Petros Shirinoglu.

Opposition “People’s republic party” runs Arev Jebej, and “National
movement” party listed Gegham Karapetyan.

And a couple of days ago “Peace and democracy” party listed Hayko
Baghdad.

“If Armenian community members and the parties manage to fix an
agreement, then after 45 years of break Turkish Parliament will host
deputies with Armenian roots,” Zaman writes.

From: A. Papazian

KARABAKH ‘TO BE RETURNED’ TO ITS REAL OWNER SOONER OR LATER

news.az
Feb 22 2011
Azerbaijan

Allashukur Pashazade ‘There were 18 mosques in Azerbaijan in the
Soviet times.

After we gained our independence, the number of the mosques reached
1800. We used to complain that there were few places for praying. But
there are people who complain even now.

They do not appreciate the present situation,’ head of the Caucasus
Muslims Department, Allashukur Pashazade said on the occasion of the
birth of Prophet Muhammad.

Sheikh said Azerbaijani believers should appreciate our independence.

‘We should appreciate our tricolor flag, state and our nation. We
should express gratitude for the reconstructed religious establishments
in the country,’ he said.

Allahshukur Pashazade said that some forces do not want to see the
conditions created for the believers in Azerbaijan. ‘There are internal
and external forces that do not want to admit the good deeds,’ he said.

Karabakh

‘Karabakh is a Muslim land and it will be returned to its real owner
soon or late’, said Chairman of the Caucasian Muslims Allahshukur
Pashazade.

Sheikh said if anyone didn’t see or didn’t want to see this justice,
they were blind. ‘Azerbaijan is our destiny. Allah entrusted us with
it for safekeeping’.

From: A. Papazian

THIRD MONITORING AIDS PANDEMIC REVIEW

Noyan Tapan
22.02.2011 | 19:11

Social

(Noyan Tapan – 22.02.2011) Third Monitoring AIDS Pandemic Review in
the Commonwealth of Independent States “Functional Second Generation
Surveillance System: new opportunities and challenges”

YEREVAN, 22 February 2011 – National experts from Armenia, Belarus,
Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan,
and Tajikistan together with international experts from UNAIDS,
WHO and other international organizations took part in the Third
Monitoring AIDS Pandemic Review in the Commonwealth of Independent
States (CIS) “Functional Second Generation Surveillance System:
new opportunities and challenges” which took place at the Ani Hotel,
Yerevan, Armenia. The meeting was organized by Joint UN Programme on
HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS).

Participants discussed the existing barriers and gaps in setting
up reliable HIV/AIDS surveillance systems in this region and how to
accelerate an effective response to the HIV epidemic. “Countries in
this region need to scale up responses quickly, bridge the shortfall
in financing, and target resources where they will do the most good,”
said Ms. Dafina Gercheva, UN Resident Coordinator in Armenia.

2010 UNAIDS Global AIDS report shows that the AIDS epidemic is
beginning to change course as the number of people newly infected
with HIV is declining and AIDS-related deaths are decreasing. This
is contributing to the stabilization of the total number of people
living with HIV in the world. However, according to the same report,
Eastern Europe and Central Asia remain the only regions in the world
where new HIV infections are increasing. The number of people living
with HIV in Eastern Europe and Central Asia has almost tripled since
2000 and reached an estimated number of 1.4 million in 2009. Overall,
the HIV prevalence is 1% or higher in two countries in this region,
the Russian Federation and Ukraine, which together account for almost
90% of newly reported HIV diagnoses. There are seven countries in
the world where new HIV infection rates have increased by more than
25% between 2001 and 2009; five of these include Armenia, Georgia,
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.

2011 marks important milestones in AIDS epidemic and response: 30 years
of AIDS, 10 years since the landmark 2001 UNGASS (UN General Assembly
Special Session on HIV/AIDS) Declaration of Commitment, and 5 years
since the 2006 High Level Meeting on AIDS where the Universal Access
to HIV treatment, prevention, care and support commitment was made.

UNAIDS Armenia Office

From: A. Papazian

RELIGIOUS LEADERS IN IRAQ CONCERNED ABOUT ATTACKS ON CHRISTIANS

news.am
Feb 22 2011
Armenia

On February 18, the religious leaders of Iraq held a meeting as part
of the Central Committee of the World Council of Churches in Geneva.

The Armenian Church was led by the head of the Diocese of AAC in Iraq,
Archbishop Avag Asatryan. He is also the head of the Council of the
leaders of Christian churches in Iraq.

As reported by Armenian News – NEWS.am the press service of Echmiadzin,
the meeting discussed the persecution and acts of terrorism carried
out against Christians in Iraq. The meeting stressed the need to create
an environment of safety for the entire population of Iraq. Religious
leaders of Iraq pointed out that the church is still under oppression
in a country, and if it continues, Christians will face a serious
threat.

From: A. Papazian

BAKO SAHAKYAN MET SENIOR STAFF OF THE ARTSAKH REPUBLIC POLICE

Noyan Tapan
22.02.2011 | 20:17

Politics

On 22 February President Bako Sahakyan met senior staff of the Artsakh
Republic Police.

Issues related to the activities carried out in 2010 and plans for
the year of 2011 were discussed during the meeting.

A number of important issues the structure faces were in the spotlight
of attention.

Head of the Police Robert Shaferyan and responsible workers of the
structure delivered corresponding reports.

The Head of the State overall rated satisfactory the 2010 activities of
the Police at the same time underlining that there were also certain
omissions that should be unconditionally eliminated.

Special attention was paid to the necessity of conducting a proper
cadre policy. The President gave concrete instructions to the
leadership of the Police for proper realization of the activities.

CENTRAL INFORMATION DEPARTMENT OF THE OFFICE OF THE ARTSAKH REPUBLIC
PRESIDENT

From: A. Papazian

OSCE FOCUSES ON ARMENIAN ARMY`S PROBLEMS

news.am
Feb 22 2011
Armenia

The Armenia armed forces` problems are the focus of attention of the
OSCE office in Yerevan and arouse concern, Head of the OSCE office
in Yerevan, Ambassador Sergey Kapinos stated at a roundtable on human
rights protection in the army.

The Armenian armed forces have to take steps to put an end to the
shortcomings so as they might meet the OSCE standards. On behalf
of the OSCE, Ambassador Kapinos stated willingness to contribute to
the democratic reforms in the Armenian army. He pointed out the need
for an effective complaint processing system in Armenia. Ambassador
Kapinos said that Armenia has relevant laws on armed forces, which,
however, are not properly applied.

“The Armenia public has recently heard of unpleasant army incidents and
trials. So effective mechanisms of complaint processing, monitoring
and appealing are of paramount importance. The OSCE will continue
cooperating with the Ministry of Defense to prevent such incidents,”
Kapinos said.

From: A. Papazian

CITIZENS OF ARMENIA IN LIBYA ARE IN SAFE

Panorama
Feb 22 2011
Armenia

Armenian citizens who are in Libya are safe and the Ministry has
constant contact with them, MFA Spokesman Tigran Balayan told
Panorama.am.

T. Balayan particularly said: “According to not verified information
3 citizens of Armenia are in Libya. Three of them have been taken to
a safe place and we’re in contact with them.”

From: A. Papazian

AZERBAIJAN AND TURKEY TO JOINTLY PRODUCE REACTIVE ROCKETS

arminfo
Tuesday, February 22, 13:25

Azerbaijan and Turkey have signed an agreement on the joint production
of reactive rockets, a source in the Azerbaijani Defense Industry
Ministry told Trend on Monday. Azerbaijani Defense Industry Minister
Yaver Jamalov and Turkish Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul signed the
relevant document in the framework of the international exhibition
“IDEX -2011” in Abu Dhabi.

According to the document, the Azerbaijani ministry and the Turkish
company ROKETSAN will begin the production of 107- and 120-millimeter
reactive-propelled missiles.

Earlier Defense Industry Minister Yaver Jamalov said Azerbaijan has
increased its military production 3.6- fold this year as compared
with last year. The country’s military production has registered a
115-fold increase since 2006.

“The country is no longer dependent on import of ammunition,” he said.

The Azerbaijani Parliament approved the country’s 2011 budget. Next
year the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense is to receive U.S. $3.1
billion.

From: A. Papazian

GEORGIAN AND ARMENIAN ECOLOGISTS AGAINST TEGUT DEPOSIT EXPLOITATION

arminfo
Tuesday, February 22, 13:35

ArmInfo-BSP. Approximately 30 Georgian and Armenian non governmental
organizations demand from their governments to carry out corresponding
measures on protection of the population and environment from negative
impact of project “Tegut” on the territory of Armenia where local
company Armenian Copper Program extracts copper and molybdenum.

This fact is noted in the joint statements of NGOs of two countries
which was disseminated at the end of last week.

The question is about Tegut copper-molybdenum deposit which is situated
near the border with Georgia.

“The deposit’s production wastes will increase greatly in Armenia to
180-200 mln cubic meters”, the statement says.

According to data of Armenian Mass Media, as a result of extraction
the soil, air and water will be polluted, it will liquidate local bio
variety and the ecological system. Besides, as a result of felling
the risk of floods and landslides will increase.

“The biggest risk is connected with construction of the storage
which must protect the ecological system from great quantity of
toxic wastes. Experts say that toxic substances leakage will cause
irreversible damage not only to territories of Armenia and Georgia, but
wasters will pollute the near-border river Debed”, the statement reads.

Georgian NGOs are concerned with the fact that during the project
elaboration trans-border influence of this production was not taken
into consideration.

“The project documentation of company Armenian Copper Program does not
envisage a plan of reaction to emergency situations, which in case
of breakdown will cause heavy consequences for the two countries’
population”, the statement says.

Armenian and Georgian NGOs stress that in the process of granting a
permission the Armenian government violated completely its commitments
under Aarhus Convention.

The NGOs call on the government of Armenia to suspend implementation
of the project to research comprehensively impact on environment,
ensure discussion of this issue on the basis of international
practice. Besides, the non-governmental organizations call on the
governments of the two countries to begin consultations on this issue.

According to Armenian Mass Media, on November 1, 2007 the government of
Armenia approved Armenian Copper Program (ACP) of exploitation of Tegut
deposit in Lori district for 30-40 years. It is planned to extract
annually 25-30 thousand tons of copper and 800 tons of molybdenum
that will total 40-50% of total quantity of copper extraction and 20%
of molybdenum extraction in the republic. A license for the deposit
exploitation was granted for 25 years in 2001.

The deposit exploitation must begin in 2011. The project resulted in
negative response by most ecological public organizations.

From: A. Papazian