Author: Andres-Papazian

WHAT IT MEANS
HAKOB BADALYAN

Lragir.am
13 Oct 2010

On October 12, Serge Sargsyan went to the stadium to watch football
accompanied by the Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan. On Serge Sargsyan’s
right, as usual during football matches, was sitting the Chairman of
the Armenian Football federation Ruben Hayrapetyan and this time,
on the left side, was Seyran Ohanyan. A couple of days ago, during
the match with Slovakia, Seyran Ohanyan was not sitting on Serge
Sargsyan’s left side.

Probably, Ohanyan did not believe that the Armenian national football
team would ever win the Slovaks, who, like Tsarukyan, goes somewhere,
only in case of being sure that ours will win.

It is not ruled out that Ohanyan’s presence had a political
significance, context or subtext. Going to watch football with the
Defense Minister, Serge Sargsyan perhaps wanted to show, against the
background of latest discussion in respect of the army, that Seyran
Ohanyan enjoys his support so much that they go to watch football
together.

Sure, this is not a dogma because there was time when Serge Sargsyan
used to watch football with Abdullah Gul too, but now Turkey became
one of the main targets of the Armenian propaganda. Watching football
is not a guarantee.

Anyway, for now, Serge Sargsyan seems to be underlining his confidence
towards Seyran Ohanyan. It is a question whether he does it for
the society, which discussed army issues in internet and press, or
for people who are within the power or close to it and who want to
use the moment of public activeness in relation to army issues for
personal goals.

Interestingly, Serge Sargsyan, in all this period, has never tried
to publicly dwell on this issue or to voice his support towards
Seyran Ohanyan in a statement. Once, he undertook staff changes,
then chose Seyran Ohanyan as a friend to watch football trying to
show some position in connection with the problem.

Can this mean that Serge Sargsyan is not determined with regards to
the latest events in the army, which the reason is he avoids direct
speech because the language of hints is always more significant and
can give way to suppositions without revealing the reality? While the
important is what the Commander-in-Chief really thinks about all this.

From: A. Papazian

EXPOSITION OF NATURE PROTECTION NEW YEAR TREES TO BE IMPLEMENTED WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF WINTER FESTIVAL

ARMENPRESS
OCTOBER 13, 2010
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 13, ARMENPRESS: An exposition of nature protection
New Year trees is intended this year within the annual Winter Festival
implemented on the initiative of ~SKanachastan~T NGO.

Program Coordinator of ~SKanachastan~T Edward Levanyan told Armenpress
that those New Year trees will be made from processed materials,
there will be no artificial ornament. A contest will be conducted
within the framework of the expo; the author-organizations of the
best New Year tree will receive awards.

~SSuch an exposition was organized within the framework of last year~Rs
festival as well, but it was experimental. This year it will be more
expansive. We will announce a contest, within the framework of which
the New Year threes presented by public, student, youth organizations
will be exhibited in Yerevan Park of Lovers.

~SA contest of Santa Claus~Rs image was announced last year, and
currently we are working at the fairytale. As we have received the
image of Santa Claus, this year we will also have the fairytale,~T Mr.

Levanyan said, stressing that they try to involve in the Winter
Festival the residents of provinces as well.

~SWe have province teams, which participate in the march; we have a
goal to expand that circle in future even more. We are thankful to
our supporters, as the luxury of the festival and expansion of the
circles mainly depends on them,~T he said.

From: A. Papazian

2ND ROUND OF “SONG IS A BRIDGE OF FRIENDSHIP” REPUBLICAN FESTIVAL OF RUSSIAN SONG LAUNCHED

ARMENPRESS
OCTOBER 13, 2010
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 13, ARMENPRESS: “Song is a Bridge of Friendship”
republican festival of Russian song is conducted in Armenian schools
on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of the victory at Great
Patriotic War and on the 10th anniversary of the Union of Armenians
of Russia. Vladimir Aghayan, deputy chairman of the World Armenian
Congress and Union of Armenians of Russia, said at a press conference
held today in the press hall of “Armenpress” that the first – school
round of the festival has wrapped up, and the second – province round,
has launched October 11 and will be continued till November 10.

He said that an evening of Russian poetry, open classes on the Russian
language, on language mastery, a literary-musical composition have
been conducted in the first round. The second round will cover the
provinces and Yerevan, and the best participants will partake in the
final round, which will be held November 10-30. The winners will be
awarded with presents and certificates, and a final concert will be
held with the participation of the latter.

“The goal of the festival is to make Armenian schoolchildren more
familiar with cultural and spiritual merits of the Russian people,
to promote increase of interest in Russian culture and language,” Mr.

Aghayan said, adding that Russia is Armenia’s strategic partner,
and Armenian people must do their best to maintain the good public
opinion about their partner country.

The festival is organized by “Union of Armenians of Russia” all-Russian
NGO, “Russkiy Mir” fund, Armenian Ministries of Education, Science
and Culture, the Union of Composers and Musicologists of Armenia, as
well as with the support of almost all the Armenian governor offices.

From: A. Papazian

FIRST REPUBLICAN ‘AYVAZYAN’ FESTIVAL TO BE HELD IN YEREVAN

ARMENPRESS
OCTOBER 13, 2010
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 13, ARMENPRESS: The first republican ‘Ayvazian’
theatrical festival, dedicated to the 85th anniversary of famous
Armenian playwright Aghasi Ayvazyan, will be held October 18-24
in Yerevan.

Greta Verdyan-Ayvazyan, widow of Aghasi Ayvazyan, said today at
a meeting with journalists that 12 plays, staged on the basis of
Ayvazyan’s dramas, will be presented within the framework of the
festival.

‘Aghasi Ayvazyan left a great heritage; opening only one museum is
not enough to present the whole heritage to the spectator,’ Greta
Verdyan-Ayvazyan said. She added that the festival will kick with
Aghasi Ayvazyan’s famous expression – ‘Let me love you’.

She mentioned that 6 plays for adults, 4 plays for juniors, and 2 ones
for children will be presented during the festival. The best play,
shown during the festival, will be presented to the spectator once
again after the end of the festival.

Ruben Babayan, artistic director of the Hovhannes Tumanyan State
Puppet Theatre, chairman of the festival’s jury, said he assures
that the jury will be unbiased, though, he says, ‘it is impossible
to eliminate biased approaches in art’.

Ruben Babayan informed that at the end of the festival 3 prizes will
be awarded for the best plays. He said they also intend prizes in
‘Best Actor’, ‘Best Actress’, ‘Best Performance’ and ‘Best Coverage’
categories.

From: A. Papazian

SOCIAL APARTMENTS TO BE FIRST BASED IN TAVUSH

ARMENPRESS
OCTOBER 13, 2010
ETCHMIADZIN

The members of the National Social Apartment Association were hosted
October 12 at Tavush governor office. Director of the Social Apartment
Fund Ara Nazinyan noted that the association is an Armenian-Dutch
newly-established structure, which has a goal to promote the
development process of apartments in the republic. The members of
the council were hosted by Deputy Governor of Tavush Levon Sargsyan,
who presented information of dwelling construction process in the
province, made the guests acquainted with the structure and issues
of the apartment fund of the province.

From: A. Papazian

“CLEAN HOMELAND” PROGRAM IN SPITAK TOWN

ARMENPRESS
OCTOBER 13, 2010
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 13, ARMENPRESS: A tree planting has been implemented
today in “Varpetats District” of Spitak town of Lori province within
the program of “Clean Homeland” with participation of Armenian
Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan. The prime minister, welcoming the
participants of tree planting, noted that quite consistent work is
being carried out, and corresponding events are being implemented
for spreading the ideology of “clean homeland” in all the provinces
of the republic.

From: A. Papazian

BAKO SAHAKYAN DELIVERS SPEECH AT THE “CHALLENGES OF THE 21ST CENTURY: INFORMATION SECURITY AND ARMENIAN JOURNALISM” 5TH PAN-ARMENIAN FORUM

ARMENPRESS
OCTOBER 13, 2010
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 13, ARMENPRESS: On 13 President of the Artsakh
Republic Bako Sahakyan partook at the “Challenges of the 21st Century:
Information Security and Armenian Journalism” 5th Pan-Armenian forum
of journalists and mass media held in Stepanakert and delivered there
a welcoming address. Central Information Department of the Office of
the Artsakh Republic President told Armenpress that the speech runs
as follows.

“Respected participants of the forum

I welcome all of you in the Artsakh soil and cordially congratulate
on the launching of the 5th Pan-Armenian Forum of Journalists. The
fact that this conference is held here in Artsakh is in all senses
very much important and symbolic.

I want to express gratitude to the authorities of the Republic
of Armenia, particularly the Ministry of Diaspora, for taking
into consideration this specifics and organizing the high level
representative conference in Stepanakert. I am sure that it will have
a positive role in developing the pan-Armenian information field.

It is obvious that the information field is among the pivotal
components of developing and strengthening the Armenian independent
statehood, maintaining national identity of world-spread Armenians,
continuous strengthening the Armenia-Artsakh-Diaspora trinity,
international recognition of Artsakh and realization of national goals.

The role of Armenian journalism in realizing the issues of pan-Armenian
importance, the international recognition of the Armenian Genocide
and correct presentation of the Artsakh issue is invaluable.

The realization of these issues is impossible without the joint efforts
of all parts of the Armenian people. Activities in this direction
demand close ties between political, information, scientific,
educational, analytical and other circles of Armenia, Artsakh and
the Diaspora.

It is praiseworthy that the above-mentioned issues will be widely
discussed during the conference. I hope that these discussions will
be useful for strengthening the joint information field, filling in
the existing gaps, neutralizing the propaganda of the opponent based
on falsifications, and elaborating concrete steps in these directions.

Friends, I am confident that the conference will realize the set
issues with flying colors and will contribute to widening and deepening
practical ties in the information sphere.

I wish fruitful work to the conference, success to its participants
in the name of strengthening the Armenian statehood and realization
of our national goals.

Thank you!”

From: A. Papazian

5TH PAN-ARMENIAN FORUM OF JOURNALISTS AND MASS MEDIA OPENS IN STEPANAKERT

ARMENPRESS
OCTOBER 13, 2010
STEPANAKERT

On the initiative of the RA Diaspora Ministry the “Challenges of
the 21st Century: Information Security and Armenian Journalism”
5th Pan-Armenian forum of journalists and mass media opened in
Stepanakert with the participation of representatives of 200 Armenian
mass media from Armenia and Diaspora. Before the ceremonial opening
of the conference first the participants headed by Diaspora Minister
Hranush Hakobyan visited Stepanakert memorial complex, put wreath and
flowers on the memorial stone commemorating the freedom fighters who
passed away at the Artsakh liberation war.

The NKR President Bako Sahakyan, Primate of the Artsakh Diocese of
the Armenian Apostolic Church Archbishop Pargev Martirosyan honored
the conference with their presence.

Diaspora Minister Hranush Hakobyan, welcoming the present,
expressed gratitude to the representative of all mass media for their
participation and expressed hope that the issues and problems involved
within the circle of conference will be thoroughly discussed by them
and which is most important will promote their implementation. “I am
sure that we will get new impetus from this land and celebrate new
victories in the information wars,” Hranush Hakobyan said. She also
informed that for the first time the works of the conference will be
presented in an on-line regime.

In his speech Bako Sahakyan described the conduction of the conference
in Artsakh as an important step, noting that especially in Karabakh
issue a special approach is necessary as the Azerbaijani propaganda
machine is implementing policy of lies in that direction. With that
aim he considered it important creation of joint information front.

Primate of the Artsakh Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church
Archbishop Pargev Martirosyan recited the message of His Holiness
Catholicos of All Armenians. The Archbishop on his turn welcomed the
participants and noted that truth and lie are permanently fighting
in the world and it is the issue of the Armenian reporters to fight
for victory of the truth. “During the Artsakh war when our soldiers
were going to war, they crossed themselves and were giving the name
of God and very often it helped them. You too act in this way and
you will get convinced that it becomes more easier to overcome the
impediments,” the Archbishop said.

Diaspora Minister Hranush Hakobyan came forth with an extended speech.

The opening ceremony was wrapped up with the report of the chief editor
of “Azg” daily Hakob Avetikyan on “Challenges of the 21st Century:
Information Security and Armenian Journalism”.

Executive director of “Armenpress” news agency Hrayr Zoryan is also
participating in the event.

From: A. Papazian

NUMBER OF EVENTS IN ARMENIA AND ARTSAKH DEDICATED TO THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF UNION OF RUSSIAN ARMENIANS

ARMENPRESS
OCTOBER 13, 2010
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 13, ARMENPRESS: Traditional events ~V ~SDays of
Union of Russian Armenians and World Armenian Congress in Armenia
and Artsakh~T will be conducted in Armenia and Artsakh October
15-20. Vice president of the World Armenian Congress and Union of
Russian Armenians Vladimir Aghayan said today at a news conference in
Armenpress press center that during five days it is expected to conduct
more than ten events with the presence of the president of the World
Armenian Congress Ara Abrahamyan. ~SThis year the tenth anniversary
of the Union of Russian Armenians was marked and all these events are
dedicated to the anniversary of the union,~T Vladimir Aghayan said,
adding that though the events dedicated to the anniversary are being
conducted still from January, a number of other important events as
well as summarization of results of a number of contests are scheduled
for September-December.

~SDays of Union of Russian Armenians and World Armenian Congress in
Armenia and Artsakh~T are being held since 2001. The idea of organizing
it was born after the Armenia-Diaspora first conference in 1999 and
from 2004 ~SDays of the World Armenian Congress~T. Within the framework
of the days October 18 it is planned to open ~SPublishing Activity of
the Union of Russian Armenians~T book exhibition that will take place
at the RA National Academy of Sciences. Besides, a film dedicated to
the 10-year of activity of the union will be shown, etc.

~SOn the next day we are planning to visit Armenian province of Lori.

Meetings will also be held with Armenian and Russian doctors,
journalists, writers,~T Vladimir Aghayan said, adding that October
20 a number of important events will be held in schools.

From: A. Papazian

THE GOAL OF THE 5TH PAN-ARMENIAN FORUM OF JOURNALISTS IS TO CLARIFY ASPECTS OF INFORMATION POLICY THAT STEM FROM INTERESTS OF NATIONAL STRATEGY

ARMENPRESS
OCTOBER 13, 2010
STEPANAKERT

The goal of the ~SChallenges of the 21st Century: Information Security
and Armenian Journalism~T 5th Pan-Armenian forum of journalists
and mass media opened in Stepanakert is to clarify those aspects of
information policy which are not only urgent for Armenian reality but
also stem from the interests of national strategy, Diaspora Minister
Hranush Hakobyan stated in her opening speech, separating five
pan-national issues for confrontation of inner and outer challenges.

Speaking about the first issue Hranush Hakobyan pointed out the
Karabakh issue, saying that in contradiction to the Turkish-Azerbaijani
mass media which are carrying out great work for spreading false
information and confusing the international community, the Armenian
mass media must have active role in the Karabakh issue. ~SI especially
want to address journalists from Diaspora so that each of you with
your work give objective information not only to the publics of your
countries but to political and non-governmental organizations so that
they have right idea of the issue,~T Hranush Hakobyan said.

The second important issue, the minister said, is the Armenian
Genocide, as it is always being spoken about 1.5 million victims,
lost territories and cultural values but it has never been spoken
about those consequences of Genocide the two Armenian states and
our Diaspora communities are bearing. If in the 21st century Turkey
continues keeping the borders with Armenia closed, it means that ~Swe
do not demand well, it is necessary to activate our fight.~T

The third issue Hranush Hakobyan considers the strengthening of
Armenia and Artsakh. ~SThe more we are economically strong, from the
more strong positions we may come forth. And if our neighbor tries
to leave us behind on the account of oil dollars we must oppose it
first of all by the unity of our people, our talent and mind. I think
in that case we will win,~T the minister said.

The fourth issue, the minister said, is the preservation of the
Armenian identity in Diaspora. In this respect Hranush Hakobyan
suggested starting serious information work directed toward the
preservation of Armenian family and mother language as the preservation
of the Armenian identity and culture is based on these two factors.

The fifth pan-national issue is the preservation of the Armenian
Church.

In her speech the minister also referred to such issues like the
fighting against corruption, consolidation of democratic values as
well as effective fighting against the Turkish-Azerbaijani propaganda
machine.

Representatives of more than 200 Armenian mass media from Armenia
and Diaspora are participating in the event.

From: A. Papazian