Author: Andres-Papazian

REVUE DE PRESSE
Tournefeuille. « Arménie » à la médiathèque : un moment chaleureux

Samedi 11 janvier, à la médiathèque, a été inaugurée en présence de
Samvel Lalayan premier consul d’Arménie résidant à Marseille une
semaine dédiée à la culture arménienne. Préparée en partenariat avec
l’amicale des Arméniens de Toulouse-Midi-Pyrénées, « Arménie » offrira
jusqu’au samedi 25 janvier un large éventail de cette culture. Ce
premier week-end a accueilli la curiosité et l’engouement des
Tournefeuillais autour de différents ateliers comme celui de cuisine,
qui leur a permis de préparer le pain traditionnel, le Lavash, ou
d’écouter la lecture par son auteur Annie Agopian, de « Trou » qui
raconte à travers l’histoire d’un jeune garçon, celle du génocide
arménien. Puis se sont succédé quelques moments musicaux. Sevan
Arevian a ainsi présenté et joué du « Doudouk » sorte de hautbois à
double anche devant un public de plus en plus nombreux. Stephane
Kojayan présentait les jeunes pianistes, élèves d’Emma Melkonyan,
ainsi que les chanteurs (es) arméniens de l’Amicale dont il est
président. Les danseurs « Khotchari » en costumes finirent de charmer
un public déjà conquis l’entraînant même dans leur danse. La soirée
s’est terminée par l’inauguration de l’exposition des peintures de
Karine Agadzhanyan, artiste arménienne vivant en Russie. Danielle Buys
1re adjointe au maire et déléguée aux affaires culturelles l’a
chaleureusement accueillie, avant de céder le micro au président de
l’Amicale, qui a redit devant Samvel Lalayan son émotion, son
enthousiasme et son espoir pour la jeunesse arménienne porteuse de
toute cette culture. Un buffet arménien vint clôturer cette belle
journée. » Arménie » se poursuit mercredi 15 avec « l’heure du conte
arménien » et samedi 25 de 9 h 30 à 11 h 30 par un atelier de
Calligraphie animé par Hayarpi Khachatryan, suivi par l’exceptionnel
atelier de « sculpture de Khatchkars » animé de 14 h 30 à 18h par
Meroujan Nalbandyan & fils. Inscriptions : 05 62 13 21 60.

La Dépêche du Midi

samedi 25 janvier 2014,
Stéphane ©armenews.com

From: A. Papazian

PEINTURE
L’`uvre d’Aïvazovski « paysage marin de Crimée » refait surface

Le tableau du peintre arménien Hovhannés Aïvazovski « paysage marin de
Crimée » disparu le 31 décembre dernier du Musée national de
Kirghizistan a été retrouvé. Des inconnus ont déposé près du btiment,
cette `uvre d’Aïvazovski datant de 1866 et estimée à près de 40 000
dollars. Le directeur du Musée a indiqué à la presse que le tableau
n’avait pas subi de dégradations. La police kirghize serait sur les
traces d’un groupe organisé de trafiquants dont un employé du Musée.

Krikor Amirzayan

samedi 25 janvier 2014,
Krikor Amirzayan ©armenews.com

From: A. Papazian

LOUISA GOURJIAN HONORED FOR 25 YEARS OF SERVICES TO THE ARS

Wednesday, January 22nd, 2014

Louisa Gourjian (center) at the ARS Western USA Regional Christmas Party

GLENDALE-The Armenian Relief Society of Western USA Regional Christmas
Party was once again well attended with almost 350 ARS volunteer
and staff members and guests. This year, the party also served to
give recognition to Louisa Gourjian, the ARS Social Services Fiscal
Director, as she retired after a quarter century of service working
for the Social Services Division. It was also a chance to reminisce
days past as old photographs were shown on the screen in her honor.

The dinner program started with welcoming remarks by ARS Regional
Executive Secretary Karine Barikian-Setian, who emceed the event on
January 3, 2014, at the St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church Armenag
Der Bedrossian Hall. Rev. Fr. Vazken Atmadjian of the same church
delivered Prelate Arch. Moushegh Mardirossian’s greetings for the
New Year and Christmas, and blessed the tables. Vicky Marashlian,
Chairperson of the Central Executive, Rima Boghossian, Chairperson of
the Prelacy Executive Council, were among the recognized ARS guests,
along with St. Mary’s Church Board of Trustees and ARF Aharonian
Committee representatives.

On behalf of the Regional Executive, Chairperson Lena Bozoyan provided
a comprehensive view of the challenges and accomplishments of the past
six months of her office. She acknowledged the ongoing fundraising
to help the Armenians in Syria, the chapter anniversaries, and the
upcoming 30th anniversary of the region. She noted that social
services offices are operating in North Hollywood and Pasadena,
as well as the fundraising to keep the Hollywood office open.

Bozoyan noted the ongoing public relations efforts, the 15 chapter
Saturday schools with 750 students, the $30,000 that the region raised
for the Armenia Fund telethon. She also noted the approaching Armenian
Genocide Centennial. Bozoyan wished that the year 2014 would bring
peace, joy and abundance to all individually and organizationally. She
hoped that members continue their selfless work with conviction and
confidence, ready to tackle barriers, for the sake of the upcoming
generations.

Bozoyan also announced that Louisa Gourjian’s voluntary retirement as
the Social Services Fiscal Director, recognizing her dedicated service
for the last 25 years, and handed a plaque of recognition. Vicky
Marashlian, ARS CEB, Regional Executive board members, and Social
Services Director Sona Zinzalian, and other staff were on hand to
congratulate the retiree. Gourjian thanked the board and members,
whom she had the privilege to work with during the past decades,
and noted that the ARS was a school, a home, as well as a purpose of
her life during her tenure.

The ARS party continued with entertainment being provided by soloist
Salpy Mayilian.

From: A. Papazian

RELOCATION OF RESIDENTS OF APARTMENT BLOCKS IN ZVARTNOTS AIRPORT’S TERRITORY IS ESTIMATED TO COST $15 MILLION

YEREVAN, January 22. /ARKA/. The program of relocation of the
residents of two apartment blocks and one hostel in Zvartnots Airport’s
territory is estimated to cost $15 million, Nelli Cherchinyan, the
press secretary of the General Department of Civil Aviation of Armenia,
told ARKA News Agency on Wednesday.

Artem Movsisyan, the head of the department, told journalists yesterday
that the program is planned to be completed in this year’s summer
and $4 million will be allocated for its implementation this year.

The concessioner says these houses hamper aerial navigation. After
relocation of 176 families residing here these buildings will be
pulled down.

“The concessioner is implementing a $4-million investment project,
under which houses are being built now for the displaced people in
Yerevan’s South-West residential area,” Movsisyan said.

It is planned, he said, to provide new housing to these people
already this summer. He said all of them have given their consent for
relocation and they are ready to settle in the South-West residential
area. Their new apartments will be even a little larger than what
they had before and will be provided with kitchen furniture and
sanitary ware.

Zvartnots Airport is being run by the Armenia – International Airports
in accordance with a 30-year concessional management agreement sealed
with Armenian government in 2001.

The company belongs to New York Holding Company owned by Eduardo
Eurnekian, an Argentine entrepreneur of Armenian descent. –0—

– See more at:

From: A. Papazian

TEN OF UWC DILIJAN SCHOOL FIRST PUPILS TO BE ARMENIAN RESIDENTS

Wednesday,
January
22

The Armenian National Committee of United World Colleges (UWC) movement
and the UWC Dilijan (Dilijan International School) will hold an open
house event in Akian Art Gallery of the Paramaz Avedisian Building of
the American University of Armenia (AUA). The event starts at 11:00
am on January 25.

Those present will have the opportunity to meet with UWC Dilijan Head
John Puddefoot, Chairwoman of the Board of Founders of UWC Dilijan
Mrs. Veronica Zonabend, and the school staff who will answer all
their questions, including questions concerning school admission
requirements.

UWC Dilijan will accept its first flock of 90 11th graders in September
2014. 10 of 90 pupils will be Armenian residents. 90% of the school
pupils will study with scholarships provided by benefactors.

Another 11 Armenian children will receive an opportunity to attend
UWC colleges in other countries.

Aysor.am

From: A. Papazian

THOUSANDS MARCH FOR JUSTICE ON DINK MURDER ANNIVERSARY

Tuesday, January 21st, 2014

Crowds march through Istanbul streets, commemorating Hrant Dink and
calling for justice on the 7th anniversary of his murder

ISTANBUL–Thousands gathered in Istanbul to mark the seventh
anniversary of the killing of Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink
on Jan. 19, the Hurriyet Daily News reports.

The Friends of Hrant Dink organization, established in memory of
the late journalist, called for a march starting at 1:30 pm from
Taksim Square, which ended with a homage to Dink in front of the Agos
newspaper’s office building in the Pangaltı neighborhood.

Police took tight security measures around Istanbul’s Taksim Square and
closed Gezi Park, which staged anti-government protests last summer,
ahead of the commemoration.

The crowd marched to the front of Armenian weekly Agos, where Hrant
Dink was murdered in broad daylight by a 17-year-old nationalist
in 2007.

At 2:56 p.m., a one minute silence in memory of Dink was observed,
after which Gulten Kaya, the widow of late singer Ahmet Kaya, took
the microphone. Kaya commemorated not only Dink, but also those who
were killed during the Gezi Park protests.

“What is your truth? This is 2014: You are carrying guns in your
trucks instead of peace, democracy and human rights,” Kaya added,
addressing Turkey’s security forces.

Dink, the highly esteemed former editor-in-chief of weekly Agos, was
murdered in broad daylight in front of his newspaper’s building on
Jan. 19, 2007 by a 17-year-old Turkish nationalist. The triggerman,
Ogun Samast, was convicted of premeditated murder and sentenced to
22 years and 10 months of prison after a two year-trial.

The marchers chanted the slogan “We are here, brother” in Armenian,
“For Hrant, for justice,” and “We are all Armenians,” in front
of the Agos office. A popular chant from the Gezi Park protests,
“Everywhere is Taksim, everywhere is resistance,” was also heard.

The marchers held signs and chanted slogans such as, ‘For Hrant,
for justice’ and ‘We are all Armenians’

After the meeting ended, the crowd marched to Taksim.

In a controversial apparent gesture, a number of the traffic police
officers assigned to the area were photographed wearing white caps. On
the day of the murder, Samast was wearing a white cap, which later
became an infamous symbol of the incident.

Ertugrul Gunay, a former member of the ruling Justice and Development
Party (AKP), asked Istanbul Governor Vali Mutlu on Twitter who had
ordered the police to wear white caps.

The Dink murder case remains unsolved, with the court ruling that
it was not a result of an organized crime to the dismay of Dink’s
family and supporters. This despite serious claims that a number of
civil servants linked to the “deep state” were “indirectly” involved.

The acquittal of top suspects was ultimately overturned by the Supreme
Court of Appeals and many key suspects charged as instigators of
the murder, such as Yasin Hayal and Erhan Tuncel, are currently
being retried.

The organizers of the commemorative march also denounced the trial
process, accusing the state of protecting those responsible for
the murder.

OSCE calls for justice The masterminds behind the murder of Hrant
Dink must be brought to justice, said the OSCE Representative on
Freedom of the Media in a statement on Jan. 19.

“Seven years after the murder of Hrant Dink the masterminds behind this
terrible act of violence have still not been called to account,” Dunja
Mijatovic said. “The Turkish authorities must double their efforts
and no longer delay bringing justice to the family of Hrant Dink.”

The Representative noted that a retrial is ongoing, following the
ruling by Turkey’s Supreme Court of Appeals in May 2013, which
acknowledged that there was a criminal conspiracy to silence the
journalist.

“It is not enough to imprison the person who pulled the trigger.

Masterminds of such crimes are no less dangerous than murderers. The
Turkish justice system must show to Turkish citizens that such crimes
do not go unpunished,” Mijatovic said.

“Hrant Dink was a courageous journalist who advocated for peace and
minority rights through his writings,” the Representative said. “Every
society should be proud of such outstanding individuals and do their
best to protect them and their right to free expression.”

From: A. Papazian

ARMENIAN SERVICEMAN DIES IN EXCHANGE OF FIRE AT BORDER OF SELF-PROCLAIMED NAGORNY KARABAKH

Interfax, Russia
Jan 20 2014

YEREVAN. Jan 20

The armed forces of self-proclaimed Nagorny Karabakh have ceased an
attempt of border violations, the Nagorny Karabakh Defense Ministry
press office told Interfax.

“Early morning Monday the Nagorny Karabakh armed forces registered
two simultaneous attempts of Azerbaijani sabotage groups to enter
the line of Karabakh-Azerbaijani forces at northeastern [Dzhraberd]
and southeastern [Korgan] directions,” the press office said.

“The foremost subdivisions of the Nagorny Karabakh armed forces have
taken an organized defense. The enemy’s sabotage groups have been
repelled, having sustained considerable human and material losses,”
the Defense Ministry said.

Junior Sergeant Armen Ovannisian of the Karabakh side has died in
the exchange of fire, the ministry said.

ez mk

From: A. Papazian

AZERBAIJAN’S SUBVERSIVE ACTS EVIDENCE OF AGGRESSION – DAVID JAMALYAN

21:38 ~U 20.01.14

In its own style, Azerbaijan resorts to acts of aggression on the
threshold of important diplomatic events, Advisor to Armenia’s Minister
of Defense David Jamalyan told Tert.am as he commented on the latest
subversive acts by Azerbaijan on the Line of Contact.

“They are evidence of Azerbaijan’s unwillingness to settle the conflict
by means of peaceful negotiations and dialogue,” the expert said.

As to whether the subversive acts could develop into large-scale
hostilities, Jamalyan said that Azerbaijan does not go beyond the
limits.

“That is, there is a limit for destabilization they do not go beyond.

So Azerbaijan does not do more than resorting to subversive acts
because they are well aware that the Artsakh [Nagorno-Karabakh]
Defense Army and Armenia’s Armed Forces are capable of retaliating and
forcing the enemy into peace in case large-scale hostilities resume,”
Jamalyan said.

“Unfortunately, we had a victim. But their aggression caused losses
to them as well,” he said.

Azerbaijani mass media do not report on Azerbaijan’s losses as they
do not want Azerbaijan’s society be informed of their failures.

“They have to justify their losses and they practice ‘timing’ of the
losses, pleading different causes,” Jamalyan said.

With respect to control on the frontline, the Armenian forces not
only retaliate, but also take preventive actions at the border.

“The parents of Armenian soldiers and officers can be proud of
their sons. They are real defenders of their homeland. They are
well organized and balanced, they did not get into panic. I offer
my condolences to the victim’s parents. Their son is a hero. I am
grateful to them for bringing up such a son. The enemy’s advance
failed due to him and other servicemen,” Jamalyan said.

Armenian News – Tert.am

From: A. Papazian

THOUSANDS COMMEMORATE JOURNALIST DINK IN TURKEY

Press TV, Iran
Jan 20 2014

A rally is staged in Istanbul on January 19 every year to mark the
anniversary of journalist Hrant Dink’s killing. (File photo) Mon Jan
20, 2014 8:25AM GMT

Several thousands of protesters have gathered in the Turkish city
of Istanbul’s iconic Taksim Square to commemorate a Turkish-Armenian
journalist who was murdered seven years ago.

Protesters took part in the rally on Sunday, amid a heavy presence
of riot police, to mark the anniversary of Hrant Dink’s killing,
demanding justice in the case.

Fifty two-year-old Dink, who was a leading member of Turkey’s Armenian
community, was killed by a seventeen-year-old teenager outside the
offices of the Armenian weekly Agos on January 19, 2007.

A similar demonstration is staged every year on January 19, usually
turning into a general call for justice.

“I am not here only for Hrant. For more than 100 years, there has
been so much injustice in Turkey… and it is not only Armenians who
have been affected,” Turkish historian Saro Dadyan said.

Dink had campaigned for reconciliation between Turks and Armenians for
years, though Turkish nationalists were completely outraged after he
called the alleged mass killing of Armenians during WWI “a genocide.”

Dink’s supporters claim that those behind his killing have been
protected by the government, calling for a deeper probe into the case.

Sunday’s rally comes as the Turkish government has been grappling
with fresh protests following a wide-ranging corruption scandal,
ensnaring the closest allies of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

On Saturday, Turkish police fired teargas and used water cannon to
disperse hundreds of demonstrators protesting against controversial
plans to impose curbs on the Internet in Istanbul’s iconic Taksim
Square.

The bill introduced by the Turkish premier’s ruling Justice and
Development Party (AKP) will give the government the authority to
keep records of all user activities for up to two years.

It will also allow Turkey’s telecommunications authority to directly
block access to websites or remove content believed to ‘violate
privacy’ without a court decision.

MM/HJL

From: A. Papazian

Emergency Situation At Armenia-Iran Border

A track transporting one ton of drugs from Iran to Georgia via Armenia
was halted at the Customs House of Meghri. The amount is
unprecedented. The driver was arrested.

This incident on the Armenian-Iranian border is interested in the
light of the recent political developments. After Armenia’s
announcement to join the Customs Union, as well as the
Armenian-Russian gas capitulation, Iran made several sensational
statements relating to Armenia, actually expressing its
dissatisfaction with Armenia’s choice.

Tehran demonstrated that Armenia had a choice but did not try to use
this chance. At the same time, Iran’s new president is being proactive
and revolutionary regarding the international situation around Iran.

It is hard to guess what Rowhani and the West with its positive
feedback on his messages will achieve but the tendencies obviously hit
the interests of several ambitious players of the region. The
situation causes concerns for the Russian-Turkish-Israeli alliance
with its regular high and low tides (currently the tide is high). The
Iran-West appeasing process is an unwanted development for this
alliance, a strategic risk.

A new vector of geopolitical developments in the region is outlining.
In addition, this is a highly competitive vector, considering that
Iran is the only stable environment in the Arab-Israeli world.
Interestingly, Iran was viewed as the primary target of the world for
a long time but now Iran is intact after all the targets around Iran
have been hit.

This factor will certainly strengthen the Iranian government and build
up its potential of regional influence. In fact, in the result of the
multi-vector policy of the West, namely the United Stated, with the
seeming aggression of Tehran, Iran has become a center with a big
potential, at the same time, boosting the vulnerability of the center,
thereby creating a basis for manageability.

Iran is aware of this sensitive situation and is trying to use it at best.

Russia, Turkey and Israel are not satisfied with this situation. After
an unsuccessful attempt to influence the United States Israel set to
counteract Iran’s growing role through Russia. Russia involved Turkey
and Azerbaijan via Turkey. Iran threatens their regional strategy.

Armenia and Georgia are exceptions in the Caucasus. In 2006 when the
Iran-Armenia pipeline was built, the Georgian prime minister Nogaideli
spoke about transit but Armenia refused. It goes without saying that
Armenia’s refusal was determined by Russia’s ban because it would be
absurd to think that Armenia could have any reason against gas transit
from Iran to Europe via Armenia.

Armenia is becoming a key factor because its position could help
unblock the South Caucasus and end its status of hostage of the
unresolved conflict over Artsakh or lead the region and itself into
the ditch.

In this context, the huge amount of drugs smuggled across the
Iran-Armenia border is highly curious. Someone seems to want to convey
that if something can be transported from Iran via Armenia, it can be
drugs, not gas, so the relations between Iran and Armenia need to be
restricted.

Its meaning becomes clear from the fact that the Armenian-Iranian
border will soon become the border of the Customs Union. Trafficking
in drugs is a wonderful chance to declare this border dangerous and
take it under special control. Meanwhile, Russian border guards have
been guarding the Armenian-Iranian border for over twenty years. It is
a customs border, and Armenia has as much influence on this border as
its influence on the Russian-Chinese border.

Hakob Badalyan, Political Commentator

17:18 18/01/2014
Story from Lragir.am News:

From: A. Papazian