Author: Andres-Papazian

ARMENIA TO HOST IRAN ENERGY MINISTER

November 22, 2013 – 15:33

TEHRAN (Tasnim) – An Iranian delegation, led by Energy Minister Hamid
Chitchian, will pay a visit to Armenia.

In capital city Yerevan, the Iranian delegation will meet separately
with Energy and Natural Resources Minister Armen Movsisyan, and Nature
Protection Minister Aram Harutyunyan.

The delegation is also scheduled to be received by President Serzh
Sargsyan.

The parties will discuss energy projects, Armenpress reported on
Thursday, adding that the visit will be made on November 21-23.

Before arriving in Yerevan, however, the Iranian delegation’s expert
group, together with Armenian specialists, will visit the Agarak
Copper Molybdenum Plant to discuss environmental issues.

To note, the aforesaid plant has been installed with a closed water
circulation system that prevents wastewater flow into the Araks River
which Armenia and Iran share.

From: A. Papazian

Karine Danielyan: Armenia must lay emphasis on implementation of
international documents

by Karina Manukyan

ARMINFO
Saturday, November 23, 13:46

Armenia must lay emphasis on implementation of international
documents, Head of the Association For Sustainable Development Karine
Danielyan told ArmInfo.

The expert recalled that Armenia has recently joined the Minamata
Convention on Mercury, but it is important to implement international
documents after they are ratified.

“The environmental situation would be much worse but for such
conventions. For instance, without Aarchus Convention, no one would
even listen to us. Now, we can change something. Foreign partners of
Armenia know that if there is a law, it is effective. In Armenia,
unfortunately, the situation is different,” she said.
On 10 October Minamata Mercury Convention was signed in Kumamoto City,
Japan. The Convention has been signed by 91 countries and the European
Union. The document regulates the use of mercury in manufacturing and
stipulates special measures to reduce mercury pollution.

From: A. Papazian

Rivista Italiana Di Geopolitica
temi.repubblica.it

La Turchia riscopre l’identità degli armeni

di Giuseppe Mancini
November 18, 2013

Il delicato processo di recupero della memoria storica avviato da
ErdoÄ?an nel 2002 riguarda anche i discendenti della comunitÃ
massacrata nel 1915. Per Ankara la parola “genocidio” è però ancora
tabù.

[carta di Laura Canali tratta da Limes 6/13 “I figli del sultano”; per
ingrandire, scaricalo su iPad]

Armeni cristiani, armeni musulmani. Una conferenza all’università del
Bosforo di Istanbul, tenutasi dal 2 al 4 novembre, ha gettato luce,
per la prima volta, su di una vicenda che in Turchia, per decenni, è
stata solo sussurrata e considerata con sospetto: le sorti di chi
scampò ai massacri di massa del 1915 – un genocidio, per larga parte
della comunità degli storici – grazie alla conversione spontanea o
forzata all’islam. Le stime parlano di 100 mila persone almeno; i
discendenti, molti di più: qualcuno fa addirittura la cifra di 2
milioni, in Turchia soprattutto orientale e nella diaspora.

Ancor più delle altre comunità non musulmane, gli armeni – i
sopravvissuti, `i resti della spada’ – hanno conosciuto nella Turchia
repubblicana discriminazioni, emarginazione e ostilità aperta da parte
delle istituzioni e dell’opinione pubblica. Per i convertiti, solo
silenzio: un silenzio imbarazzato, da parte di tutti.

Un silenzio rotto nel 2004 con la pubblicazione nel settimanale
turco-armeno Agos di un articolo sulle origini armene di Sabiha
Gökçen, celebre aviatrice ` un’eroina nazionale ` figlia adottiva di
Atatürk, e del libro di Fethiye Çetin, Anneannem (Mia nonna),
biografia di chi le rivelò prima di morire la sua conversione imposta,
da bambina.

“Perché 90 anni di silenzio?’ è stata una delle domande di fondo della
conferenza di Istanbul, a cui hanno partecipato studiosi ma anche
testimoni indiretti: i nipoti degli scampati del 1915, armeni
`islamizzati’ che hanno lungamente taciuto sulla propria identità o
che l’hanno scoperta molto di recente. Un libro successivo
dell’avvocato Çetin ` Torunlar (Nipoti), scritto nel 2009 con la
studiosa AyÅ?e Altınay Gül ` ne ha raccolto le traumatizzanti storie,
famigliari e personali.

Le risposte emerse, tra documenti ed emozioni: paura, per le probabili
ritorsioni e per le vendette legate anche alle terre violentemente
espropriate; vergogna, per essere sopravvissuti attraverso
l’assimilazione, per aver tradito la propria identità facendosi
passare per curdi, arabi, turchi.

Eppure, sono in minoranza quelli che riscoprono l’identità armena e
tornano formalmente cristiani; i più rimangono convintamente musulmani
e vivono il duplice rigetto da parte di chi non li considera né
pienamente turchi né pienamente armeni, compreso il Patriarcato di
Istanbul. Del resto, già in epoca ottomana ` nonostante la presenza di
piccole comunità di armeni convertiti da secoli, come gli HemÅ?inli del
mar Nero ` l’identità armena si è fortemente costituita attorno alla
fede e alla chiesa: `armeni musulmani’ è nel comune sentire un
ossimoro.

I sussurri del 2004 sono diventati urla 3 anni dopo: l’assassinio del
direttore di Agos Hrant Dink il 19 gennaio 2007 ` un assassinio
politico, di matrice ultra-nazionalista ` ha suscitato commozione in
tutto il paese e provocato rivendicazioni di pari e completa dignitÃ
di cittadini.

La fondazione nata col suo nome, animata da sua moglie Rakel, ha
immediatamente avviato un vasto programma di attività culturali,
conferenze, pubblicazioni, ricerche di storia orale, programmi di
scambi turco-armeni, recupero di archivi, premi. Gli armeni di
Turchia, i 50 mila ufficialmente riconosciuti come tali dalle
istituzioni religiose e politiche e i molto più numerosi
`islamizzati’, hanno acquisito visibilità mediatica e rilevanza
politica.

I tabù hanno cominciato a cadere, uno a uno. La stessa Rakel Dink, in
apertura della conferenza alla BoÄ?aziçi, ha ricordato come nel 2005 in
quella stessa università pubblica le pressioni governative avevano
impedito di tenerne un’altra, sul genocidio del 1915. Oggi la data
d’inizio dei massacri ` il 24 aprile ` viene apertamente commemorata,
a Istanbul e in altre cittÃ; su un tema così scomodo vengono
pubblicati libri, organizzati dibattiti televisivi, allestite mostre
fotografiche. Ci sono resistenze, ma vanno affievolendosi.

Come i rum greco-ortodossi, anche gli armeni hanno tratto concreto
profitto dalla politica di recupero della memoria storica avviata dal
Partito della giustizia e dello sviluppo (Akp) di ErdoÄ?an, al potere
dal 2002.

Sono state restituite alcune proprietà confiscate, sono state
restaurate chiese: ad esempio quella dell’isola di Akhtamar nel lago
di Van, dove nel 2010 si è celebrata messa per la prima volta dal
1915; la gigantesca Surp Giragos a Diyarbakır, che accoglierà anche un
museo degli armeni della cittÃ; Surp Vortvots Vorodman a Istanbul, che
è inoltre utilizzata come centro culturale. Vi vengono periodicamente
battezzati anche degli adulti, armeni inconsapevoli che riabbracciano
la cristianità e la comunitÃ.

Lo Stato turco, tuttavia, continua a rigettare l’interpretazione che
vede negli eventi del 1915 un genocidio; il centenario è alle porte, e
i passi in avanti degli ultimi anni rischiano di essere travolti da
una guerra della memoria.

(18/11/2013)
Tag: Armenia, religioni, Turchia

From: A. Papazian

INTERVIEW WITH SOCIAL DEMOCRAT HUNCHAKIAN PARTY CENTRAL COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN HAGOP DIKRANIAN

By MassisPost
Updated: November 20, 2013

The Social Democrat Hunchakian Party conducted its 20th world congress
in Armenia on September 10-13 of this year, and elected a new Central
Committee as well as a new Central Committee Chairman. MassisPost had
the chance to conduct a meeting in Nicosia with Mr. Hagop Dikranian,
the newly elected S.D.H.P. Central Committee Chairman.

After the recent S.D.H.P. Worldwide Congress and Central Committee
elections, what changes, if any, are to be expected from the Party?

The 20th Worldwide Congress of the Social Democrat Hunchakian party
was a turning point for the party. New found challenges are placed
in front of the party, which the newly elected Central Committee
Board is already resolute to successfully overcoming within their
responsibilities. With the consideration of the party structures,
significant changes will be taking place. Through stages, we will
witness a number of positive adjustments with the primary focus
and priority going towards strengthening internal organizational
structures in all sectors and regions. In terms of the party’s
political standpoint, we reaffirmed our autonomy within Armenia’s
political field.

Furthermore, as was decided in our congress, to continue to strengthen
our relations with the progressive Turkish political parties who have
acknowledged the Armenian Genocide and bring about new opportunities
for joint cooperation.

What is the current state of affairs of the Party in Armenia?

We lament the fact that the through the years the Hunchakian party
has had internal unrest in Armenia and it never settled at the level
as our members wished. We just hope that the unrest will remain in
the past. To succeed, our comrades in Armenia face a challenge to
put the extra effort for the integration within the party’s worldwide
infrastructure, espouse and execute our party values and principles.

It is the time to prove that, at this juncture, we will concentrate on
internal organizational issues, shore up our presence in the provinces,
villages and cities, and increasingly accentuate a stronger presence
into the political field of Armenia.

What steps will the S.D.H.P. take towards the commemoration of 100th
anniversary of the Armenian Genocide?

The 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide is an issue for the
entire Armenian nation. Accordingly, the S.D.H.P is a part of the
government commission in the Republic of Armenia headed by President
Sargsyan to commemorate the 100th anniversary, as well as part of
various existing bodies throughout the Armenian Diaspora in which we
support and project our logistical and operational capabilities.

Can you discuss the S.D.H.P.’s involvement with the recent influx of
Syrian refugees in Armenia?

First I must say that the S.D.H.P is closely following the developments
in Syria. We believe that Syrian crisis should be settled by peaceful
means and without intervention. At the same time, we continue to assist
our Syrian Armenian brothers and sisters to the best of our abilities
through the pan-Armenian efforts in different regions within the
Diaspora, as well as cooperate with the Ministry of Diaspora within
the Republic of Armenia. Here I want to emphasize the necessity of
all Armenians to continue assisting our Syrian Armenian brethren in
any possible way.

What do you see as the biggest challenge or obstacle for the S.D.H.P.

in the upcoming years?

Party challenges need to be looked at from two different angles;
Armenia and the Diaspora.

In terms of Armenia, the reality that Armenia’s political field is
not founded on ideology, makes our work harder. Today, Armenia’s
political class possess no ideology, and for a political party with
founding principles the presence of principled values is a necessity
for Armenia and its people, and thus for us a challenge.

In terms of the Diaspora, Armenian preservation and the pursuit of
the Armenian Cause remain our main goals. The fluid situation in the
Middle East concerns us and continually challenges us.

Any last thoughts or comments?

I want to take this opportunity to praise our sincere and devoted
membership. We appreciate their renewed anticipation of positive news.

We understand great expectations are connected to the new leadership.

For my part, I recognize that it is no longer time to talk, but rather,
it is time for action. Therefore, all of us jointly will bring about
many future successes for our beloved party. Our future is bright
because it is in our hands. Thank you.

******************

SDHP 20th World Congress Communique

The following is a translation of the official communique of the
Social Democratic Hunchakian Party 20th World Congress.

On September 10-13, 2013, the Social Democratic Hunchakian Party held
its 20th World Congress in Armenia with S.D.H.P. delegates from 17
countries in attendance. The congress considered in detail, vital
issues pertaining to Armenia, the Armenian people and the Diaspora,
along with international, regional and organizational matters and
political realities.

Looking at the situation of social and economic domestic policies
of the Republic of Armenia, the Congress reiterated the founding
principles of the S.D.H.P., namely to support and guide the legitimate
social demands of the people, their discontent against corruption,
protectionism and the oligarchy. Congress examined the serious problem
of emigration and found that, in large part, was the result of social
injustice and despair among the citizens of the Republic of Armenia
when facing their future prospects in the Republic. The Congress
emphasized that only a resolution of the unhealthy climate cited
above could halt this national tragedy.

The Congress also noted that in recent years in Armenia, there has
been a positive shift in the field of freedom of speech, but the
gains made strengthening democracy are not yet sufficient.

The Congress concluded that the Armenian government should conduct
its foreign policy accordance with local geopolitical realities. From
this point of view, with cautious optimism, the Congress welcomed
the decision by Armenian authorities to partake in the Customs Union,
at the same time the Congress hopes that the Republic of Armenia will
continue to deepen its cooperation with European bodies.

The Congress reasserted, the Party’s belief that a resolution to the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict must be found on the basis of international
principles and the right to self-determination of peoples. Regardless
of the form of the resolution, it must be approved by a referendum
of the people of Artsakh. The Congress emphasized the need for the
Government of Karabakh to be involved in the peace talks. The Congress
confirmed that the solidification of the independence of Artsakh
remains the primary international concern of the Armenian people.

Regarding Armenian-Turkish relations, the Congress decided to continue
to strengthen the relationship the S.D.H.P has begun with Turkish
intellectuals who recognized the reality of the Armenian Genocide,
seeking to establish new areas of cooperation.

At the same time, Congress finds that it is essential the documents
of the Turkish-Armenian protocol be submitted to the Armenian National
Assembly for consideration to be withdrawn.

On the eve of the Armenian Genocide centennial, Congress noted the
readiness of the S.D.H.P. to participate with all Armenian groups
and non-Armenians who continue the Armenian Cause.

The Congress carefully measured the catastrophic conflict in Syria and
concluded that the Syrian conflict must be solved by peaceful means,
without outside intervention. The Congress calls on all Armenians
to continue and intensify their efforts to help our Syrian Armenian
brethren.

Congress also heeded to the observations of the Diasporan delegates
pertaining to their communities and endorsed the continuation of the
relentless work carried out to safeguard Armenianism in the Diaspora.

After reviewing the status of the organizational structures of the
Party, the Congress reached conclusions and provided directives to
be utilized by all Party organizational structures.

The last item on the S.D.H.P. World Congress’ agenda was the election
of a new Central Committee.

The S.D.H.P. World Congress concluded with a visit to the Yerablur
military cemetery, to pay respect to our martyrs, and reaffirm the
principles of the S.D.H.P. to follow in their footsteps.

From: A. Papazian

ARMENIAN SERVICEMAN MARTYRS IN SYRIA

[ Part 2.2: “Attached Text” ]

19:47, 21 November, 2013

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 21, ARMENPRESS. Armenian soldier was martyred in
the district of Harasta near Damascus on November 18.

“Armenpress” was informed it from the Facebook page of
“Berio News”. The martyred is Hakob Ter Ghazarian whose identity was
revealed only in the result of three days search. One of the important
military centers in Harasta district, where two workshops for military
whippets repair of the Syrian army were located, became the target
of bombing by the opposition on November 18.

The two buildings of the center were completely collapsed in the result
of the explosion causing dozens of victims and injured.

The identity of some victims was difficult to find out at once,
as the corpses were split, so only after the research of three days
period it became clear that Hakob Ter Ghazarian who served in the
Syrian army was among the victims.

Hakob Ter Ghazarian was born in Aleppo on September 14, 1988.

ml

From: A. Papazian

DENIAL IS AN ASSAULT ON HISTORY

[ Part 2.2: “Attached Text” ]

Raffi Sarkissian

Contributed to The Globe and Mail

Published Thursday, Nov. 21 2013, 7:00 AM EST

Last updated Thursday, Nov. 21 2013, 7:00 AM EST

11 comments

In April, 1915, two events unfolded that redefined the limits of
man’s inhumanity toward his fellow man.

On April 22, 1915, German forces at Ypres, Belgium, launched lethal
chlorine gas shells at the trenches of opposing French forces, thus
introducing humanity to the horror of chemical warfare.

Two days later, on April 24, 1915, the Young Turk government of the
Ottoman Empire ordered the arrest of Armenian community leaders in
Constantinople as a prelude to its campaign to rid the empire of its
indigenous Armenian population, thus introducing the world to the
spectre of industrial-scale genocide. The international response to
these two events has influenced future events in very different ways.

As we were tragically reminded by recent events in Syria, the
world has drawn a red line on the use of chemical weapons in
conflict. International condemnation of chemical weapons after the
First World War was so severe that the Second World War’s combatants
almost never used them on the battlefield. And yet, the world’s silence
on the Armenian genocide emboldened the Nazis as they planned to rid
Europe of its Jewish and Roma populations.

If the international community expects to make genocide as intolerable
as chemical warfare, it must collectively commemorate the events of
1915 to 1923 and condemn their denial by Turkey’s government.

The Turkish Republic began executing its denial campaign at the time
of its founding in 1923. It reinvented Ottoman history and therefore
failed to learn and teach the lessons of genocide. Minorities continued
to be persecuted and their historical presence in Asia Minor erased.

Today, Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code is one of many mechanisms
of Turkey’s denial. This law criminalizes insulting the “Turkish
Nation.” Referring to the Armenian case as genocide qualifies. Turkish
intellectuals, including Nobel Prize winner Orhan Pamuk, have been
punished under this law. In 2006, Turkish Armenian journalist Hrant
Dink was prosecuted and received a six-month suspended sentence. He
consequently became a target for extremists in Turkey, who assassinated
him a year later.

The Turkish government’s denial is also an assault on Canada’s
history. Canadians have been aware of the plight of Ottoman Armenians
since the late 19th century and have provided aid. The Globe and
Mail’s predecessor, the Globe, led humanitarian aid campaigns after
the 1895-96 massacre of 300,000, the 1909 massacre of 30,000 and the
1915-23 genocide of 1.5 million.

Public support for the Armenians inspired Canada’s government to accept
a proposal that allowed some orphaned boys and girls to be brought to
Canada. Between 1923 and 1927, 109 young survivors of the genocide
were settled on a farm in Georgetown, Ont. By providing assistance
to non-British Commonwealth refugees, the Armenian Boys’ Farm Home
was the first international humanitarian effort of its kind in Canada.

This shared history gave Canada the confidence to stand up to Turkish
pressure and recognize the Armenian genocide in 2006.

Nearly 100 years after the first use of poison gas on Europe’s
battlefields, the world has made it clear that chemical weapons use
is unacceptable and will be punished. Unfortunately, the same cannot
be said about genocide and genocide denial. Combatting denial is the
first step to drawing a red line against genocide. Commemoration,
education and justice are crucial as we stand at the doorstep of the
100th anniversary of the first genocide of the 20th century.

Raffi Sarkissian is founder and chair of the Sara Corning Centre for
Genocide Education.

From: A. Papazian

ARMENIAN PRESIDENT CONDOLES WITH LEBANESE AND IRANIAN COUNTERPARTS

November 21, 2013 | 19:31

YEREVAN. – President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan on Thursday issued a
letter of condolence to presidents of Lebanon and Iran Michel Suleiman
and Hassan Rouhani in connection with a terrorist attack near Iranian
embassy in Beirut.

Serzh Sargsyan condemned the crime that claimed lives of over 20
people and injured over 100.

President Sargsyan expressed condolences to the friendly governments
and people of Lebanon and Iran. He conveyed his sincere words of grief
and support to the families and friends of the victims, wishing speedy
recovery to the injured.

News from Armenia – NEWS.am

From: A. Papazian

PRESS RELEASE
Glendale Public Library
222 East Harvard Street
Glendale CA 91205
Tel: 818-548-2030
Web:

FB:

An Exciting Panel Discussion

The Challenges Facing Armenian Artists & Writers in Diaspora

GLENDALE, CA The public is invited on Thursday, December 12, 2013, at 7
pm to an exciting panel discussion on The Challenges Facing Armenian
Artists & writers in Diaspora, featuring panelists Vahe Berberian, Aris
Janigian, Ara Oshagan and Lory Tatoulian. Maria Armoudian will be
moderating the panel discussion at the Glendale Central Library
Auditorium, 222 East Harvard Street in Glendale. The discussion is in
English. Admission is free; seating is limited. Library visitors receive
3 hours FREE parking across the street at The Market Place parking
structure with validation at the Loan Desk.

Maria Armoudian is the author of Kill the Messenger: The Media’s Role in
the Fate of the World. Armoudian is the host and producer of the
syndicated radio program, The Scholars Circle. Her articles have been
published by the New York Times Syndicate and the Los Angeles Times
Syndicate and have appeared in Columbia Journalism Review, Salon.com,
Huffington Post, Grist, Daily Variety and Billboard.

Vahe Berberian is an actor, playwright, leading Armenian monologist, and
a prolific painter. He is the co-founder of the Armenian Experimental
Theatre. He has written and directed Pink Elephant, Quicksand, Baron
Garbis, and Gyank. Berberian is an established leading Armenian
monologist. He has performed five one-man shows; Yevaylen, Nayev,
Dagaveen, Sagayn and Yete. Berberian’s paintings are well known in the
United States and abroad. He has had over 65 exhibitions since 1975.

Aris Janigian is the author of Bloodvine, Riverbig, and This Angelic
Land. He is the co-author of Something for Nothing, a book on the
philosophy of graphic design. He is a contributing writer for
thenervousbreakdown.com. He lives in Los Angeles, but seasonally returns
to Fresno, his hometown, to pack and ship wine grapes.

Ara Oshagan is a photographer whose work revolves around the
intersecting themes of identity, community and memory. His work is in
the permanent collection of the Southeast Museum of Photography,
Florida; the Downey Museum of Art, California; and the Museum of Modern
Art in Armenia.

Lory Tatoulian is an actress and playwright who has been performing her
comedic one-woman shows and cabarets across the country. She has written
and performed many shows such as; Sitting Twisted, Talking Straight,
Autosapiens, Sketched, Pomegrante Whisky and The Big Bad Armo show.

The program is organized by the Library, Arts & Culture Department.

###

CONTACT: Elizabeth Grigorian, Glendale Library, Arts & Culture at
[email protected] or (818) 548-3288.

Hope to See You All!

Elizabeth Grigorian

Armenian Outreach Coordinator

Library, Arts & Culture
222 E. Harvard Street

Glendale Ca 91205

(818) 548-3288

[email protected]

From: A. Papazian

YEREVAN PRESS CLUB WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

NOVEMBER 15-21, 2013

HIGHLIGHTS:

YEREVAN PRESS CLUB PRESENTED ANOTHER SET OF RESULTS OF MEDIA FREEDOM INDEX
IN EASTERN PARTNERSHIP COUNTRIES

“PRESS CLUB” CYCLE: STEREOTYPES IN COVERING ARMENIA’S INTEGRATION WITH EU OR
CUSTOMS UNION

AN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE “SOCIAL NETWORKS IN THE LIFE OF THE MODERN
SOCIETIES: USERS AND USING” WAS HELD IN YEREVAN

ARMENIA ON DIGITAL MEDIA MAP

ACCORDING TO RA PUBLIC TV, COOPERATION WITH RUSSIAN SPECIALISTS ENDED AFTER
THEY FAILED TO COMPLETE THEIR TASKS

YEREVAN PRESS CLUB PRESENTED ANOTHER SET OF RESULTS OF MEDIA FREEDOM INDEX
IN EASTERN PARTNERSHIP COUNTRIES

On November 18, Yerevan Press Club presented another set of results of the
Media Freedom Index (for the period of July – September, 2013) in the six
Eastern Partnership countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia,
Moldova and Ukraine). The research is carried out in the framework of the
“ENP East Media Freedom Watch”
project, which is supported by the European Union and implemented by YPC in
cooperation with Internews Ukraine and other partner NGOs from EaP
countries. To inform about the situation with media in the six countries, a
special website has been launched. The
website will also post the results of the Media Freedom Index, as well as
the quarterly reports that are based on the study, and will describe the
situation with media, providing recommendations for improvement.

The level of media freedom in each of the EaP countries is determined by a
joint methodology through expert interviews. Ten experts (journalists, human
rights advocates, lawyers, sociologists, public figures) from each country
answer a set of 55 questions-criteria. For each question each expert rates
the situation in the country by giving scores from 0 to 3 points (0 – the
lowest level of media freedom, 3 – the highest). The criteria for assessment
are the same for each country. They reflect the experts’ perception about
the level of media freedom at the moment of the survey, and describe only
the state of freedom of expression and media, regardless of the quality of
journalism. The questions are broken into 4 blocks: policy, pursued in the
media field (legislation, regulatory mechanisms, etc.); practice (cases of
harassment, persecution, access to information, etc.); TV and radio
broadcasting (level of independence of TV and radio companies, access to
air, etc.); Internet and new media (advance, level of freedom, access,
etc.). The expert assessments are summed up and thus the cumulative Media
Freedom Index is calculated by a 1-7 numerical score (the higher the score
is the better is the media situation).

At the Yerevan meeting with journalists, the YPC presented results of the
pilot Index for the period of July 1 – September 30, 2013.

For this period the cumulative rating list is headed by Moldova – index 6
(1,276 points) with Georgia following with – index 5 (1,270 points). The
leaders are then followed by Armenia – index 5 (935 points) and Ukraine –
index 4 (792 points). The least benign situation with media freedom is in
Azerbaijan – index 3 (546 points) and Belarus – index 2 (443 points). Thus,
as compared with the previous study (See YPC Weekly Newsletter, September
2-5 , 2013) Moldova and Georgia have
swapped places, whereas the other countries retained their positions.

As the results for the

four components show, in the block “Politics” Georgia has index 7, Armenia’s
index is 6, the index of Moldova and Ukraine is 5, Azerbaijan’s index is 4
and the index of Belarus is 2. The leaders of the block “Practice” are
Moldova and Georgia (index 6), followed by Armenia and Ukraine (index 4),
Armenia and Ukraine (index 4), Azerbaijan and Belarus (index 2). Moldova led
the block “TV and Radio Broadcasting” with index 6, followed by Georgia
(index 5), Armenia and Ukraine – index 3, Azerbaijan and Belarus – index 2.
Also in the “Internet and New Media” block Moldova became the leader with
index 7. Georgia and Armenia have index 6, Ukraine – index 5, Azerbaijan
-index 3 and Belarus – index 1.

“PRESS CLUB” CYCLE: STEREOTYPES IN COVERING ARMENIA’S INTEGRATION WITH EU OR
CUSTOMS UNION

On November 18, the “Yerkir Media” TV channel broadcast another piece of the
“Press Club” cycle
on issues of journalistic ethics. This weekly “Press Club” cycle is produced
by YPC with the support of Deutsche Welle Academy.

This piece was devoted to the stereotypes, commonly used by the media when
covering issues of Armenia’s integration with the European Union or the
Customs Union. The discussants of the talk show – “Aravot” daily
correspondent Nelli Grigoryan and Head of “Civic Forum” NGO Marineh
Manucharyan – presented their perspectives on the matter. Director of the
News and Current Affairs Program of “Yerkir Media” TV company Gegham
Manukyan, education expert Samvel Gharabekyan, Lragir.am correspondent Hakob
Badalyan and YPC expert Arevhat Grigoryan were the invited experts. YPC
President Boris Navasardian hosted the show.

The next “Press Club” will be broadcast by “Yerkir Media” on November 25,
Monday, at 18.00 (with the rerun on November 30, Saturday, at 11.00).

Watch November 18, 2013 “Press Club”
here

AN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE “SOCIAL NETWORKS IN THE LIFE OF THE MODERN
SOCIETIES: USERS AND USING” WAS HELD IN YEREVAN

On 20 November, an international conference “Social Networks in the Life of
the Modern Societies: Users and Using” was held in “Congress” hotel,
Yerevan. The event was organized by the OSCE Office in Yerevan and the
Region Research Centre with the financial support of the European Union.
Conference participants – international experts, bloggers, representatives
of state agencies and media – discussed the role of social media in Armenia,
the civic activism in the context of political processes, use of social
networks as a way to promote business, and information security aspects.

ARMENIA ON DIGITAL MEDIA MAP

On November 19, the “Congress” Hotel in Yerevan housed the presentation of
“Mapping Digital Media: Armenia” report. The event was organized by the Open
Society Foundations-Armenia and the Open Society Media Program. The report
on the state of broadcasting in Armenia in 2011-2013 was prepared by a team
of Armenian researchers, in collaboration with foreign experts and editors.
The speeches of experts addressed issues, such as the implementation of the
government program on the digitalization of broadcasting and public
television financing. The study on digital dividends of Armenia was also
presented. Experts from Lithuania, Moldova, and Russia presented their own
countries’ experience in switchover from analogue to digital broadcasting.

The “Mapping Digital Media” project of the Open Society Media Program is
being implemented in more than fifty countries, including Armenia. The aim
of the study is to present the transition from analogue to digital
broadcasting, as well as the new opportunities and risks for the media in
different countries all over the world.

ACCORDING TO RA PUBLIC TV, COOPERATION WITH RUSSIAN SPECIALISTS ENDED AFTER
THEY FAILED TO COMPLETE THEIR TASKS

On November 8, in its article

“Fired” the “Chorrord Ishkhanutiun” newspaper reported that, according to
their information, “the two Russian specialists – a producer and a director
– got fired from Public TV.” “The news of their appointment caused a
sensation in the press, but the reason for the dismissal, according to the
“Chorrod Ishkhanutiun” was not the hype, but rather the substandard work,
done by these individuals. According to some reports, they shot an
promotional piece with a total cost of 2 million drams, which, however,
proved to be of very poor quality,” the newspaper reported.

The article was about acting Chief Executive producer of the Public
Television of Armenia Maxim Kiselyov (see YPC Weekly Newsletter, September
27 – October 3, 2013) and
director Sergei Yekhalov. YPC requested the Public TV of Armenia to provide
clarifications on this matter. The reply provided on November 15 by the
Public TV Public Relations officer Arusyak Zakaryan, Maxim Kiselyov’s and
Sergey Yekhalov’s responsibilities were stipulated in a contract. “Their
main functions envisaged the implementation of trainings and workshops to
familiarize employees with innovations and international best practice. The
cooperation of the acting chief producer and director with the Public TV
ended after the latter completed the tasks they were assigned,” Arusyak
Zakarian said. The Public TV of Armenia also reconfirmed its intention to
continue to invite experts from prominent television companies in different
countries to utilize their experience.

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Press Club is required.
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Editor of YPC Newsletter – Elina POGHOSBEKIAN
____________________________________________
Yerevan Press Club
9B, Ghazar Parpetsi str.
0002, Yerevan, Armenia
Tel.: (+ 374 10) 53 00 67; 53 35 41; 53 76 62
Fax: (+374 10) 53 56 61
E-mail: [email protected]
Web Site:

From: A. Papazian

ARMENIA TREE PROJECT
65 Main Street
Watertown, MA 02472 USA
Tel: (617) 926-TREE
Email: [email protected]
Web:

PRESS RELEASE
November 20, 2013

ATP Partners with Businesses, Organizations, and Local Residents to Create
New Green Spaces All Over Armenia and Artsakh

YEREVAN–This fall, Armenia Tree Project (ATP) marks 40 seasons of planting
in communities across the country. ATP’s Community Tree Planting (CTP)
initiative has surpassed 1.2 million trees planted in every corner of
Armenia and Artsakh. The CTP team planted 27,427 fruit and decorative trees
this fall out of a total of 56,184 for the year. Some of the tree types
included apricot, pear, apple, maple, poplar, and Russian olive.

More and more organizations and companies in Armenia are beginning to
practice corporate social responsibility, with a special focus on
environmental issues. This season, ATP continued its partnership of several
years with Synopsys to plant 1,160 evergreens on the campus of Yerevan State
University. Dozens of Synopsys employees volunteered their day to help green
the area. Employees from another company, AtTask, planted 50 trees in the
Avan community of Yerevan.

In November, volunteers from the Armenian Volunteer Corps joined ATP in the
village of Nor Kharberd, just outside of Yerevan, to plant 100 poplars, 70
evergreens, and 80 fruit trees. The trees were donated to the Nor Kharberd
Boarding school for disabled children, where ATP has been planting since
1995. The school is one of the first ATP planting sites, and is home to 286
children, all of whom have some form of disability. To date, over 1,600
trees have been planted at the school.

After years of concerted efforts by philanthropists and other prominent
advocates led by Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR), the brand-new Octet Music
School opened in Gyumri on September 20. Until the opening of the school,
music students had been attending classes in the metal trailers that were
meant to be temporary shelters after the Spitak earthquake of 1988. ATP
provided 312 evergreens and 23 decorative trees for the schoolyard, which
were planted during the opening by guests including British Ambassador
Jonathan Aves, representatives from FAR, and Armenian President Serzh
Sargsyan.

The President was joined by Deep Purple lead singer Ian Gillan and Do
Something founder Jon Dee, who have had a special connection with this
project and with Armenia dating back to the tragic earthquake 25 years ago.
Approaching the building, Gillan commented that he had tears in his eyes
upon seeing the school. “I already hear the music which will come from the
school. We managed to revive the music,” said Gillan.

ATP works in collaboration with many local and international development
organizations. Near Gyumri, in the village of Maralik, there was no public
green space until Counterpart International opened the first park in the
area on November 1. ATP provided 665 trees to help green the park. In
Armavir, ATP partnered with Children of Armenia Fund (COAF) to plant
decorative trees and shrubs at four school gardens. In the villages of
Shenik, Karagert, Argina, and Lernagog, 880 Syrian roses, ash trees, and
poplars were planted this season. “These communities were chosen because
COAF has rebuilt schools in each village, and ATP continues to support their
efforts to help the villages prosper,” explained CTP program manager Arthur
Harutyunyan.

Norway’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also been a leading partner, with a
three year project initiated in 2012. “Thanks to a major grant from Norway,
the CTP program continued planting fruit trees and shrubs in villages across
Armenia,” Harutyunyan stated. In Syunik, the villages of Halidzor, Vaghatur,
and Khdzoresq received 1,067 trees; in Aragotsn, Arayi recieved 860; in
Lori, Ghurshalu and Karadzor received 940; and in Armavir, Lernamerdz and
Talvorik received 450 trees. “Ninety percent of the trees funded by this
grant were fruit trees, which will help sustain the people in these
communities,” continued Harutyunyan.

This fall, ATP began a new initiative to help Syrian-Armenian refugee
families in Artsakh. Thousands of Armenians from Syria have fled to Armenia
over the past two years as a result of the ongoing conflict. The majority of
these refugees settled in Yerevan, or near the city, but there are several
families who have chosen to move to Artsakh. Two families in Berdzor and 21
in Kovsakan, a village in the very south, will receive 300 pear, plum,
apple, sweet cherry, apricot, and quince trees to help them start over in
Karabagh.

ATP’s mission is to develop Armenia through community-based tree planting
and environmental education. ATP seeks to reverse the loss of Armenia’s
forest cover and to advocate for the sustainable use of our natural
resources. ATP’s three major programs are tree planting, environmental
education, and sustainable development initiatives. For more information,
please visit the website

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

ATP’s CTP program planted more than 27,000 fruit and decorative trees this
fall, including 120 trees with students at Yerevan’s Ohanyan School

ATP has been providing fruit and decorative trees to Nor Kharberd boarding
school for many years; the latest planting was in November with diasporans
from Armenian Volunteer Corps

From: A. Papazian