Author: Andres-Papazian

BEST “CITY OF THE WORLD”: ARMENIAN PAVILION AT SHANGHAI-EXPO WINS GRAND PRIX

23.09.10

Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan, Shanghei Expo-2010, China

Armenia celebrated its National Pavilion Day on Tuesday at Shanghai
Expo 2010 with the official unveiling of its pavilion titled, “City
of the World.”

Attended by Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan, the event came
on the 19th anniversary of Armenia’s independence from the Soviet
Union and featured a special performance titled “Armenia: The Art
of Creation”.

According to official statistics from Shanghai Expo, more than 20,000
people visit the Armenian Pavilion daily. So far 2 million, out of
more than 53 million people who have visited the Expo, have been to
the Armenian pavilion.

According to the Shanghai Expo 2010 website, the pavilion invited
architects around the world to submit designs for their ‘ideal city’.

“Armenia calls itself the motherland of the apricot and the pavilion
features an Apricot Garden. Visitors can taste various delicacies,
while listening to music of a flute made from apricot wood. The
‘Gold and Silk’ exhibition covers China-Armenia trade history,”
reports the Shanghai Expo website.

The “Expo-Shanghai Online Bureau” granted the Grand Prix to the
Armenian Pavilion for excellent organization and presentation. The
virtual pavilion also won a silver medal for best technological
solutions and best implementation.

From: A. Papazian

AKHTALA CHURCH CONTROVERSY: ANNOUNCED RE-CONSECRATION OF HOLY VIRGIN DELAYED
Gayane Lazarian

ArmeniaNow reporter
23.09.10

St. Astvatsatsin Church, Akhtala, Lori province

A medieval church in northern Armenia set for re-consecration last
Sunday is still awaiting the sacred ceremony after clergy unexpectedly
decided to delay it.

A church official said the delay of the widely advertised event was
due to the absence of the supreme patriarch from the country and that
they wished to hold the ceremony only in his presence.

Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin Information System Director Fr. Vahram
Melikyan also denied talk that such a development might have been
caused by reaction from clergy in Georgia where many, as it appears,
believe the church is a Georgian one.

The 13th-century Surb Astvatsatsin (Holy Virgin) Church in the small
industrial town of Akhtala, which is near the border with Georgia,
had not functioned for nearly two centuries. Religious rituals resumed
there only after it got an appointed pastor in January.

But like its counterpart on the Lake Van island of Akhtamar, across
what is now the Turkish-Armenian border, Holy Virgin, too, remains
without a cross. Its dome is also damaged.

(The row over the absence of this Christian symbol on the dome of the
Turkish-renovated Armenian Surb Khach Church at Akhtamar marred what
had been planned by Turkey as a huge display of tolerance towards
its Armenian Christian minority during the one-off mass last Sunday.)

Besides the re-consecration of the church, the scheduled events in
Akhtala for September 19 included the unveiling of a Wedding Band
sculpture and the installation of information panels outside the
church, placed by the Armenian Monuments Awareness Project. The day’s
festivities were supposed to end in a Barbecue Contest and award for
the best barbecue (pork, veal, beef, etc).

All the ancillary events completed, the expected re-consecration and
a liturgy did not happen. The town’s authorities failed to provide
any explanations as to why the event did not happen.

Fr. Vahram told ArmeniaNow that the re-consecration of the Church did
not take place because His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch
and Catholicos of All Armenians, was outside the country.

“We wished to perform the re-consecration of the Holy Virgin Church
not in the absence of the Catholicos, but in his presence,” said the
priest. “I think it will happen in the very near future.”

Reacting to the common talk that the Holy Virgin Church is a Georgian
church and that its re-consecration was not done under pressure from
the Georgian side, Fr. Vahram said: “The church is Armenian and this
is just idle talk.”

Before the Akhtala church began to perform religious rites again,
people in the town of some 3,000 would go to nearby towns and villages
to have church weddings or baptism ceremonies there.

The Holy Virgin church’s pastor Fr. Vigen says that the dome is
damaged and that’s why it has no cross. The dome of the church was
destroyed in an earthquake in the Middle Ages.

“We have no surviving sketches to see what kind it was,” says Fr.

Vigen. “But we do have preserved stone pieces, from which architects
are now trying to project how the dome would have looked. I cannot
say when the construction work will start, because it requires great
expenditures.”

The rest of the Sunday events went on according to plan.

A Wedding Band sculpture was unveiled in Akhtala and information
panels were installed presenting the history and structure fortress
of Akhtala, with its monastery complex consisting of three churches,
a belfry, the hall and stone service rooms, and the rich medieval
frescoes found inside the main church St. Astvatsatsin (Holy Virgin).

Celebrations in Akhtala ended in a barbecue contest, in which about
20 chefs as well as representatives of Armenia’s ethnic minorities
took part. Residents of different villages also participated in the
contest by making barbecue and treating guests.

Akhtala, a birthplace of copper, silver and gold, had mostly Greek
miners working and eventually settling in the area, creating
once a wide Greek community. The mines were operated by French
industrialists. So Akhtala was virtually a place with multicultural
environment. It was symbolic that the representatives of ethnic
minorities living in the region today participated in the event by
presenting an ethnic dance or song.

Chairman of the “Development and Preservation of Armenian Culinary
Traditions” NGO and Chef at Ararat Hall Restaurant Sedrak Mamulyan,
who heads the Contest Committee, says that participants were awarded
in eight categories. The Jewish community was recognized as winner
in the contest of representatives of Armenia’s Jewish, Greek and
Ukrainian communities.

A few hundred guests turned out in anticipation of the significant
event. According to some of them, the event was overall very poorly
organized.

“An organizational committee for holding the contest had been set up at
the Ministry of Economy. And next year organizational problems will be
solved at a higher level, there will also be participants from abroad,
and most importantly, the contest will have an international nature,”
says Mamulyan.

From: A. Papazian

NEW ATTITUDE?: OPPOSITION SEPARATES FOREIGN POLICY PROCESSES FROM STRUGGLE FOR DEMOCRACY
Naira Hayrumyan

ArmeniaNow
23.09.10

“ANC will fight for democracy, regardless of foreign-policy processes.”

For most of its existence as an independent republic, Armenia has
felt the effect of foreign-policy influence on domestic policy.

Both the opposition and pro-government forces agree that until Armenia
solves its foreign-policy issues, in particular, the Karabakh problem,
until it settles relations with Turkey and Azerbaijan, considerable
progress within the country is hardly possible.

This was also what the leader of the opposition Armenian National
Congress (ANC), first president of Armenia Levon Ter-Petrosyan would
state until recently. Last fall the opposition suspended its rallies
to give authorities the opportunity to solve foreign-policy problems.

The opposition – considerably diminished since Ter-Petrosyan enjoyed
a rush of popularity through early 2008 — seems to be changing its
tack. In his latest speech at a rally in Yerevan on September 17,
Ter-Petrosyan said that people do not need a third force to combat
its “gangster state”. He said that ANC will fight for democracy,
regardless of foreign-policy processes.

Perhaps this is due to publications and presentations by experts
who contend that for attracting public support the opposition needs
to set aside global geopolitical problems and bring its activities
to the defense of civil interests. Experts say that the opposition
movement has waned because ANC, despite its meritorious effort,
does not address issues relevant to each individual.

The only visual act of support of civil interest was the organization
of a collective legal action on the “illegal gas price hike”. The suit
was dismissed by the court, but it inspired a wave of public support.

Experts say that foreign-policy issues are used as a cover for inaction
by both the government and the opposition.

Ter-Petrosyan, too, claims that the government has used the Karabakh
problem as a lever to limit democracy, for human rights abuses,
political repression and justification of plunder at a state level.

“The government argues that it is necessary to find solutions to
national problems first and then tackle problems of democracy. And
since we have lots of national objectives ahead – Nakhichevan,
Javakhk, Western Armenia, then Armenia will remain without democracy,
elections and the rule of law still for another hundred years,”
said Ter-Petrosyan in his speech.

The opposition leader noted that the government’s foreign and domestic
policies are based on attempts to get the support of the world’s power
centers. “But if before President Serzh Sargsyan could win favors of
the West with promises of concessions, receiving forgiveness of sins,
then now he has lost such a possibility. If promises are not fulfilled,
the lever will operate in the opposite direction, and this time is
coming,” said Ter-Petrosyan.

It was not said during last Friday’s rally of the opposition what
specifically would change in the ANC mode of action. Ter-Petrosyan said
only that the next rally will be devoted to problems of corruption
that “erodes the country and has already resulted in a threat to
national security.”

The opposition also speaks about intensifying protests. Moreover,
the ANC statement contains an appeal for civil disobedience, citing
the increasing cost of living and total monopolization of consumer
goods and necessities. The ANC has stopped short, however, of assuming
responsibility for the organization of such acts of civil disobedience.

From: A. Papazian

MP AYVAZYAN LABELS HAK PLATFORM AS “UTOPIAN”
Grisha Balasanyan

[ 2010/09/23 | 14:47 ]

At a press conference today, MP Vardan Ayvazyan described certain
points in the HAK (Armenian National Congress) “100 Steps” platform as
“utopian”. He also claimed that the anti-crisis economic program of
the Armenian government was already bearing positive results.

Commenting on the remarks made by MP Ayvazyan, HAK Coordinator Levon
Zurabyan told Hetq that is was natural that Ayvazyan and others
like him would label as “utopian” the destruction of oligarchic rule
in Armenia.

“We do not see such a thing as utopian and we are certain that after
the victory of the pan-national movement all the clauses of the 100
Steps platform will be realistically achieved,” Zurabyan said.

Referring to the alleged success of the government anti-crisis program,
Zurabyan said that a true appraisal would be found out on the streets
in talks with average citizens. Zurabyan added that Ayvazyan was in
no position to do such a thing because his safety would be in peril
out in public.

From: A. Papazian

SARDARABAD MOVEMENT ORGANIZES SOCIO-ECONOMIC SYMPOSIUM

[ 2010/09/23 | 13:46 ]

Jirayr Sefilyan calls for greater public participation through national
“tithe”

The Sardarabad Movement organized a symposium entitled “Armenia’s
Current Socio-Economic Reality” that took place yesterday at the
offices of Armenia’s Union of Writers in Yerevan. Attending the
symposium were noted social and political activists, specialist in
the field and Movement members.

Alex Yenigomshyan, a former member of ASALA, described the current
political course of the Armenian government as leading towards a
“demographic calamity” and noted that in the past twenty years
one-third of the population has voted with its feet and left the
country and that the exodus continues.

Hayk Balanyan, an economist by profession who fought in the Artsakh
War and is a member of Sardarabad, ruled out any possibility of
cooperation with the current regime in power. He said that any attempt
to change the government through the electoral process was illusory
since that same government came to power through election fraud. Mr.
Balanyan called for new mechanisms of resistance.

Arpine Galfayan, Director of the Institute of Human Rights and
Democracy, stressed the importance of labor unions to defend the
rights of the working class and their civil rights.

Hrayr Savzyan, President of the environmental organization Ecolur
presented a list of examples outlining how the greed and avarice of
the country’s business class and government officials has lead to
the pitiful and endangered state of Armenia’s environment.

Jirayr Sefilyan, a founding member of Sardarabad, took the floor and
presented his closing remarks which called for renewed organizational
efforts to solidify the organization. He proposed that a national
tithe be launched as a way to facilitate greater participation of
active segments of the population in the resistance movement.

From: A. Papazian

MELINE DALUZYAN WINS THE BRONZE FOR ARMENIA

armradio.am
23.09.2010 10:45

The Armenian tam won the first medal at the World Weightlifting
Championships in Turkey thanks to a combined 251 kg result shown by
twice European champion Meline Daluzyan.

The 22-year-old athlete performing in the 69-kg weight division won
a bronze medal, yield two kilograms to the silver medalist from China
and five kilograms to the winner – Svetlana Shikova from Russia.

This is Daluzyan’s second bronze medal at world championships.

From: A. Papazian

GORAN LINDBLAD NOT REELECTED TO SWEDISH PARLIAMENT

armradio.am
23.09.2010 14:07

According to preliminary data, a Moderate candidate from the city of
Göteborg, PACE Co-rapporteur on Armenia Goran Lindblad has not been
reelected to teh Swedish Parliament, Press Service of the Armenian
Revolutionary Federation reported.

At least two of the party~Rs candidates have to renounce their mandates
for Lindblad to get into Parliament. The Armenian National Committee
worked actively to prevent Lindblad from being reelected. Instead, they
supported the Christian Democrat candidate, who voted for the Armenian
Genocide Resolution at the Swedish Parliament on March 11, 2010.

From: A. Papazian

FOREIGN MINISTERS OF ARMENIA, RUSSIA MEET IN NEW YORK

armradio.am
23.09.2010 13:25

On the sidelines of the 65th session of the UN General Assembly,
Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian had a meeting with his
Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov.

The Foreign Ministers of the two countries dwelt on a wide range of
issue related to the development of allied relations between Armenia
and Russia.

The interlocutors discussed the process of accomplishment of the
agreements reached during Russian President Dmitry Medvedev’s visit to
Armenia and exchanged views on a number of issues on bilateral agenda.

Minister Nalbandian had meetings with the Foreign Ministers of Tunisia,
Kosovo, Estonia, Hungary, Singapore, Lithuania and Cyprus.

From: A. Papazian

SENATORS BOXER AND MENENDEZ PLACE “HOLD” ON BRYZA NOMINATION

armradio.am
23.09.2010 12:04

Both Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) have
jointly placed a “hold” on U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan nominee
Matthew Bryza, reported the Armenian National Committee of America
(ANCA).

The Senators’ decision followed a Senate Foreign Relations Committee
voice vote yesterday approving his nomination, despite serious
concerns regarding the Ambassador-designate’s unusually close ties
to Azerbaijani government officials, his troubling track record as
a senior diplomat dealing with the Caucasus, and persistent conflict
of interest issues related to the Caspian energy industry. Senators
Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Boxer both spoke and voted against the
Bryza nomination.

“Thanks to Senators Boxer & Menendez, U.S. diplomacy dodged a bullet
today,” said Aram Hamparian, Executive Director of the ANCA. “It
would have been a serious mistake – both for U.S. strategic interests
and for hopes of lasting peace in the Caucasus – to have sent Matt
Bryza to Baku amid escalating threats of renewed war by Azerbaijan’s
leaders. Given his track record, he clearly would have been the wrong
diplomat, at the wrong time, in exactly the wrong post. We are deeply
grateful to Senators Boxer and Menendez for preventing this grave
diplomatic misstep.”

Hamparian added, “Our nation’s important diplomatic work in Azerbaijan
can now get off to a fresh start, one without the bias and baggage that
Matt Bryza would have brought to this pivotal position. Our hope now
is that the President will nominate a new candidate who will openly
stand up to Azerbaijan’s aggression and forcefully deter its march
toward renewed war against Nagorno Karabakh.”

The hold by Senators Boxer and Menendez prevents fast-tracked Senate
consideration of the Bryza nomination, effectively blocking his
confirmation for this ambassadorial post. Senator Robert Menendez
(D-NJ) took a similar action in 2006, preventing the appointment of
U.S. Ambassador to Armenia nominee Richard Hoagland, who denied the
Armenian Genocide during his Senate confirmation process.

From: A. Papazian

ECONOMIC FREEDOMS IN ARMENIA HAVE DETERIORATED FOR 2 POINTS: FRASER INSTITUTE

Tert.am
23.09.10

Leading Canadian think tank Fraser Institute has released its annual
report on economic freedoms of 141 states across the world.

Armenia’s positions have deteriorated for two points. In the previous
report Armenia was the 48th in the list but now it is the 50th.

Georgia has dramatically improved its positions (by 20 points) in
terms of economic freedoms. In the 2009 report Georgia was the 43rd
country, but now it is the 23rd in the list.

Turkey, Azerbaijan and Iran are far behind Armenia. Turkey is the 74,
Azerbaijan is the 93 and Iran is the 107th in the list prepared by
Canadian specialists.

The analysis is based on such parameters as size of the government,
legal system and property rights, sound money, and freedom to trade
internationally, regulation, credit market regulation, labor market
regulation and business regulations.

The picture in the European countries is as follows: Untied Kingdom
(10), Estonia (12), Denmark (14), Austria (15), Cyprus (20), Germany
(24), Hungary (28), Serbia (97), Moldova (87), Croatia (87), Macedonia
(72).

Among CIS countries Russia is the 84th, while Ukraine is the 127th.

The top five includes Hong Kong (1), Singapore (2), New Zealand (3),
Switzerland (4) and Chile (5).

From: A. Papazian