Author: Andres-Papazian

LA CREATION D’UNE FRONTIERE DOUANIERE ENTRE L’ARMENIE ET LE NAGORNO-KARABAKH EST EXCLUE A DECLARE LE VICE-MINISTRE DES AFFAIRES ETRANGERES

ARMENIE

L’etablissement d’une frontière douanière entre l’Armenie et le
Nagorno-Karabakh est exclue a declare le vice-ministre des Affaires
etrangères Shavarsh Kotcharian.

” Pour nous le Karabakh est la ligne rouge que nous ne franchirons
jamais et naturellement, une frontière entre l’Armenie et le Karabakh
est exclue ” a-t-il dit.

Shavarsh Kotcharian a declare l’Armenie ne s’est jamais prononcee
sur son adhesion a l’Union douanière, mais avait negocie avec la
Commission eurasienne et la partie russe pour resoudre un certain
nombre de problèmes qui entravent le processus.

” En particulier, l’un des principaux problèmes, c’est qu’il n’y a pas
de frontière commune entre l’Armenie et les pays de l’Union douanière.

À la suite des negociations multi-laterales, nous avons conclu que
cela serait quand meme benefique pour l’Armenie ” a-t-il dit.

Le vice-ministre des Affaires etrangères a declare que les negociations
ont permis de trouver des solutions pour compenser les eventuelles
pertes de l’Armenie quant a l’adhesion en raison de l’absence de
frontière commune avec la Russie, le Kazakhstan et la Bielorussie.

” Vous aurez l’occasion de vous faire une idee complète sur les
avantages de l’adhesion a l’union douanière pour l’Armenie ” a dit
M.Kotcharian.

vendredi 20 septembre 2013, Stephane ©armenews.com

From: A. Papazian

OBITUARIES; RICHARD C. SARAFIAN, 1930 – 2013; Director of ‘Vanishing Point’

Los Angeles Times
September 19, 2013 Thursday

by Steve Chawkins

Richard C. Sarafian, a Hollywood director best known for the
speed-addled saga of squealing brakes and existential angst chronicled
in the 1971 cult film “Vanishing Point,” died Wednesday. He was 83.

Sarafian was recovering from a broken back when he contracted
pneumonia, family members said.

He directed numerous films and, earlier in his career, TV shows that
included episodes of “Gunsmoke,” “The Twilight Zone” and “Batman.” He
also acted, appearing as hitman Vinnie in the Warren Beatty satire
“Bulworth” and gangster Jack Dragna in Beatty’s “Bugsy.”

In “Dr. Doolittle 2,” he did a comic turn as the voice of the God
Beaver, a don of the dam who ran the forest like a Corleone with
buck teeth.

But it was “Vanishing Point,” the story of a tough guy named Kowalski
and his frenzied road trip from Denver to San Francisco, that proved
to be Sarafian’s most enduring work.

“I had absolutely no idea that this thing would survive all these
years,” he told the website movieweb.com in 2009. “We worked hard in
the hot sun and we partied at night. You just hope, like everything,
that you blow the audience a few kisses and try to fulfill your vision
of what it’s about … freedom, an endless road, and let the cards
fall where they may.”

In Quentin Tarantino’s “Death Proof,” the director gave Sarafian a
“special thanks” credit, a bow to the influence of “Vanishing Point.”

Its impact has also been felt outside the industry. In 1997, Scottish
rock band Primal Scream paid tribute to Sarafian by naming an album
“Vanishing Point”: “It’s always been a favorite of the band,”
leader Bobby Gillespie explained. “We love the air of paranoia and
speed-freak righteousness.”

In the film, ex-cop, ex-racer and Vietnam vet Kowalski, played by
Barry Newman, bets his drug dealer he can deliver a supercharged 1970
Dodge Challenger to California in 15 hours. The reasons for the wager
are unclear, but it triggers 90 minutes worth of screaming police
cruisers and an excited, crash-by-crash radio narration from Super
Soul, a blind disc jockey played by Cleavon Little. Kowalski also
encounters desert hippies, a rattlesnake wrangler and an alluring,
naked blonde woman on a motorcycle.

Over the years, critics have been puzzled. “Kowalski would be a
contemporary Lone Ranger but for one thing,” wrote Danny Peary. “He
forgets to do anything heroic.”

Sarafian was undeterred. “The beauty of ‘Vanishing Point’ was that I
met the challenge to physicalize speed,” he told Turner Classic Movies.

Born April 28, 1930, in New York City, Richard Caspar Sarafian was
the son of Armenian immigrants.

He attended New York University but “was a rotten student, drinking
and carousing,” he told the Armenian Reporter in 2008. “To make life
easier, I took a two-point course in writing and directing pictures. I
got an A!”

Serving during the Korean War as a reporter for an Army news service,
he was stationed for a time in Kansas City, Mo., where he met future
Hollywood director Robert Altman.

The two became pals and worked together making industrial films. When
Altman directed a local play, Sarafian acted in it. The director’s
sister came bounding backstage after he appeared, her arms opened wide.

“Richard, Richard!” she exclaimed. “You were adequate!”

They married and had five children. Helen Joan Altman died two years
ago, after divorcing Sarafian and later remarrying him.

Sarafian got his start in TV as Altman’s assistant but quickly
established himself.

The 1963 “Twilight Zone” “Living Doll” episode was one of his more
famous efforts.

After watching the story of the murderous Talky Tina doll, Sarafian’s
son Deran sought comfort from his parents.

“That was the most horrible thing I’ve ever seen,” he told them.

His mother sympathized. “By the way,” she told him, “your father
directed it.”

Sarafian also directed “Man in the Wilderness,” “The Man Who Loved
Cat Dancing,” “Run Wild, Run Free” and other movies. His first feature
film, “Andy,” was the story of a developmentally disabled man getting
by in New York City.

In addition to Deran Sarafian, he is survived by sons Damon, Richard
Jr. and Tedi; and daughter Catherine. All work in the film industry.

From: A. Papazian

ST. LEON ARMENIAN CHURCH WILL HOST FOOD FESTIVAL

NorthJersey.com
Sept 19 2013

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Fair Lawn – St. Leon Armenian Church will host its 77th Annual Food
and Arts Festival from Oct. 18 to Oct. 20 at the church on Saddle
River Road.

St. Leon Armenian Church parishioners will treat visitors to
traditional shish kebab, pilaf and other specialties that residents
have come to enjoy year after year. Dining on premises or “To-Go/Take
Out” remains the same as in the past, but several innovations have
been added to the weekend so that there is something for everyone.

Performances by the Zulal and Arekag choruses and two outstanding
dance groups, Agh’tamar and the Antranig Dance Ensemble will entertain
audiences.

Art enthusiasts looking for interesting media and subjects will be
charmed with the Art Exhibit featuring Armenian artists and their
works.

Avid bakers will be delighted with a “Live, Laugh, Love and Make
Choreg” instruction in the art of making the ever-popular braided
yeast rolls.

For youngsters, a basketball tourney for ages 10 and up in teams
of three for 3-on-3 basketball games will take place on Saturday
afternoon. Teams will be matched based on age and ability so beginners
through advanced are welcomed. What is an Armenian gathering without
playing a few sets of backgammon? A tournament for serious players
and a “clinic” for beginners will be featured. A sign-up board will
be onsite.

Throughout the weekend a Festival Gift Shop will feature authentic
handmade items, many crafted in Armenia by artisans. For the very
first time in its history, the parish council will offer guided tours
of the sanctuary with an introduction to Armenian Apostolic traditions
of worship.

Arekag Chorus composed of 20 young vocalists will entertain on Friday
evening. The Zulal performance will be Saturday evening. Come and
discover this trio of choreographed acapella voices that are superb.

The Antranig Dance Ensemble in traditional costumes will dance with
astounding skill.

The Akh’tamr Dance Ensemble of 20 young talented dancers will stir
audiences with lively music and dancing exploits on Sunday afternoon.

On Saturday afternoon attend Once Upon a Time. Join Armenian mavens
for “round table chats” and gain insights into Armenia to discover
never-before-known facts of an ancient heritage.

Admission is free to all events.

St. Leon is located at 12-61 Saddle River Road, Fair Lawn. Parking
is ample, although early arrival is advised for optimal spot. For
information, call church office at 201-791-2862.

From: A. Papazian

CSTO RAPID DEPLOYMENT FORCE BEGINS DRILLS IN BELARUS

17:01, 19 September, 2013

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 19, ARMENPRESS: The Interaction-2013 military
exercises of the Collective rapid deployment force of the Collective
Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) were officially kicked off at the
Osipovichsky firing range in Belarus on Thursday, CSTO press secretary
Vladimir Zainetdinov told Itar-Tass, as reported by Armenpress.

According to Zainetdinov, these drills are being held concurrently
with other military exercises, the Russian-Belarusian strategic
drills Zapad-2013. The Interaction-2013 exercises will drill skills
of the collective rapid deployment force in case of terrorist groups’
penetration into the territory of a member state of the Collective
Security Treaty Organization.

The drills involve over 600 servicemen, about 60 units of combat
hardware and up to 15 planes and helicopters from Armenia, Belarus,
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan. The Russian armed
grouping makes a third of all participants in the drills. The
paratroopers will be represented by two operative groups, namely the
command staff and a tactical battalion of the 31st guards separate air
assault (peacekeeping) brigade, which includes an air assault company,
a self-propelled artillery squadron and a reconnaissance platoon. The
Russian Air Force is represented by six airplanes IL-76MD from Tver
and six helicopters of army aviation.

Earlier Armenpress reported that Armenia will participate in the joint
military exercises Cooperation 2013 of the Rapid Reaction Forces
of the Collective Security Treaty Organization with 50 officers
and servicemen. The participation in such exercises raises the
efficiency of any army. The Spokesperson of the Ministry of Defense
of the Republic of Armenia Artsrun Hovhannisyan noted that Armenia is
always ready to take part in the exercises and considers it to be quite
important. “We are participating in different military trainings every
year and it will be continuative”, – clarified Artsrun Hovhannisyan.

In 2012 the Cooperation 2012 was held in Armenia. The event was
attended by the Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan, the Minister of
Defense of Armenia Seyran Ohanyan, the head of the operative and
combat training department of the CSTO united staff Vladimir Ustinov,
other senior servicemen and the representatives of CSTO secretariat.

The Collective Security Treaty Organization was signed in 1992, May
15. Armenia, Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and
Uzbekistan are among the CSTO member states.

© 2009 ARMENPRESS.am

From: A. Papazian

DCFTA: EU DEMANDED INTRODUCING CUSTOMS BORDER WITH KARABAKH?

September 19, 2013 – 18:45 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – The chair of the standing parliamentary committee
on foreign relations Artak Zakaryan neither confirmed nor denied the
reports that the EU-Armenia Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area
(DCFTA) envisaged introduction of a customs border with the Nagorno
Karabakh Republic, Novosti-Armenia said.

However, he gave a reason behind the unreleased texts of the
Association Agreement and DCFTA: “in international practice,
the documents are not published during negotiations and before the
initialing. With the contents of the document likely to be reformulated
or amendments introduced, it’s unreasonable to publish a new paper
every time it’s done,” Zakaryan said.

“The document contained a number of clauses protecting Armenia’s
interests, However, there were also some paragraphs which technically
contradicted to the principles of the Customs Union, and now the
European side is unwilling to initial the document in the agreed form,”
the parliamentarian added.

According to Panorama.am, a member of the Republican Party of Armenia
execute body Gagik Minasyan believes that Armenia’s accession to the
Customs Union will lead to recognition of the NKR as the international
entity.

“This is the reason why Azerbaijan, wary of the danger of the NKR’s
de facto recognition, takes every effort to undermined integration
processes in the framework of the customs Union, involving Armenia,”
he said. The Armenia-EU ties have cooled down following President
Sargsyan’s voicing Armenia’s readiness to join Customs Union, with
further plans to be involved in formation of Eurasian Economic Union.

However, later the European Commission said that the Association
Agreement (including a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area) with
Armenia can be compatible with economic cooperation with the members
of the Commonwealth of Independent States.

When in St. Petersburg to attend the G20 summit, European Council
President Herman Van Rompuy said that Armenia, Moldova, and, if
possible, Ukraine will hopefully sign the Association Agreement at
the Vilnius Summit in November 2013.

“This is a political agreement. The Agreement would allow Armenia to
go through comprehensive change both politically and economically.

Therefore, after getting the news about Armenia’s plans of joining the
Custom’s Union the EU expects to hear from Armenia what her further
plans are. We have not received official explanations from Armenia,
yet we don’t think this is a zero sum game and the same refers to
Ukraine. Some benchmarks will be necessary to meet. There are some
outstanding issues but we hope to see results in Vilnius. We are still
engaged with these countries and still expect to sign the Association
Agreements,” he said.

Meanwhile, a spokesman for Stefan Fule, the European Commissioner for
Enlargement and European Neighborhood Policy, said that the European
Parliament is not going to initialize either the Associated Agreement
or the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area with Armenia, as it’s
not compatible with membership in the Customs Union.

From: A. Papazian

ARMENIA READY TO DISCUSS THE ISSUE OF POWS WITH AZERBAIJAN WITHOUT MEDIATORS

18:34 19.09.2013

On September 19, Mr. Davit Tonoyan, First Deputy Minister of Defense
of RA had a meeting with Mr. Christoph Bierwirth, UNHCR Representative
in Armenia and discussed prospects of general cooperation in relevant
spheres of mutual interest, Press Service of the Ministry of Defense
reports.

During the meeting Mr.Tonoyan inter alia touched upon the situation
concerning the Armenian POW Hakob Injighulyan held in Azerbaijani
captivity. He referred to a recent press release on an Azerbaijani
media outlet quoting Mr.Shahin Sailov, Secretary of State Commission
of Azerbaijan on POW, Detainees and Missing in Action who said that the
Armenian POW Hakob Injighulyan reportedly made a request to be sent to
a 3rdcountry. If this information is not yet another propaganda trick
on part of the Azerbaijani authorities, the logical follow-up would
suggest engagement of the UNHCR office in Baku according to its mandate
to proceed with determination of a refugee status for H. Injighulyan.

He also informed that the Armenian side has reiterated its pledge for
several times that Injighulyan will not be subject to any criminal
prosecution thus eliminating any possibility of “well-founded fear of
being persecuted”, especially when no other grounds exist to confirm
this fear based on race, nationality, religion, political opinion, etc.

Emphasizing the above-mentioned facts he called upon UNHCR and other
stake holders to consider these facts in their approach when addressing
such cases.

The First Deputy Minister noted that granting Injighulyan a “refugee
status” could be understood as a chance for him to escape inevitable
physical abuse, torture or other tragic consequences as experienced
before in similar cases such as Manvel Saribekyan’s- a shepherd who
was brutally killed while being captive under Azerbaijani protection.

However, it was emphasized that negative precedents should be avoided
thus the course of action should be considered extremely carefully
given the complex pattern.

Mr. Bierwirth took note of the position expressed by the First
Deputy Minister and promised to share it with his headquarters in
Geneva. He emphasized, however, the independence of UNHCR in conducting
mandate status determination procedures and the purely humanitarian,
non-political mandate of UNHCR.

In addition it was stated that Armenia is ready to discuss such cases
on a bilateral level with Azerbaijan without mediation efforts in
existing international or any other frameworks and formats.

From: A. Papazian

ARMENIA TO ISSUE ‘KARDASHIAN’ BOND: KEEP UP

Sep 19, 2013 6:19pm by Luke Smolinski

What’s the yield on that?

What’s the going rate for a Kardashian? A yield of 6.25 per cent,
according to Armenia’s bond issue.

The “Kardashian”, as it has been dubbed by Standard Bank’s head of
emerging markets research Timothy Ash, will be issued in Armenia’s
first international sovereign debt sale. Named after Kim Kardashian,
a US celebrity whose family (see left) is originally from the country,
the dollar bond is the latest exotic asset to have attracted investors’
gaze.

It comes amid a flurry of bond issuances from countries taking
advantage of sustained low yields. At the end of last week, $13.5bn of
sovereign debt had been issued in September, according to JP Morgan,
compared to $2.5bn for the whole of the previous month.

Armenia is one of several countries looking to exploit the Federal
Reserve’s decision on Wednesday to keep the QE machine rolling. The
move reduced borrowing costs and lifted currencies across the emerging
markets. Armenia initially offered investors a yield of 6.375 per
cent yesterday for a seven-year bond, but lowered the yield on the
same day after higher-than-expected demand. Order books for the asset
were approaching $2bn, according to reports.

Is it a good bet? The jury is out, but Armenia is very similar to
the politically stable, low-debt nation of Georgia, according to Ash.

Armenia has a BB- rating from Fitch, the same rating as Georgia’s.

Both have external debt to GDP ratios of about four fifths. Armenia
is projected to have a 2.6 per cent budget deficit this year and has
a public debt to GDP ratio of about 45 per cent – similar low levels
of debt that investors have come to expect for Georgia.

The bond is fairly valued, says David Spegel, an emerging markets
director at ING. The Kardashian moniker ought to be worth a few basis
points, too. There are a swathe of issuances from frontier markets,
so anything to stand out and catch international investors’ attention
isn’t a bad ploy. Kenya is planning a $1.5bn bond debut and Romania
issued [email protected] worth of bonds last week.

A Kardashian or two may prove just as successful. Just don’t call
them cheap.

From: A. Papazian

BAREV YEREVAN NOT TO PARTICIPATE IN WORK OF COMMISSION ON REVIEW OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT FARE

17:51 19/09/2013 ” SOCIETY

Barev Yerevan faction of Yerevan City Council will not participate in
the work of the Yerevan Municipality commission on review of public
transport fare, the faction said in a statement.

The decisions on transport fare hikes are illegal and were made with
violation of a number of laws, the faction said.

The issue should be discussed by an ad hoc commission within the City
Council framework, the faction added.

Source: Panorama.am

From: A. Papazian

ANOTHER CHURCH IN TURKEY IS EXPOSED TO DANGER

18:11, 19 September, 2013

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 19, ARMENPRESS: The church Kara (in Turkish black)
in Hakkari region of Turkey is in dilapidated state.

“Armenpress” reports about this making a reference on Turkish Ihlas
news agency.

The church which is the biggest one in the region is destroyed day by
day. A local villager Omer Chelik informed that during cold winters
the church is greatly damaged. “As far as we know there were six
churches belonging to Christians in the region. All of them were
connected with this one and were governed by Kara church.

Some people who were looking for treasures greatly damaged the church.

At this moment we want authorities to implement steps for
reconstructing the church in our village,” said Chelik.

Kara church was built during Byzantine era. Although the church is
still standing but it can be totally destroyed in any moment. Yet
Turkish authorities do not implement any step to safe the church
from destruction.

From: A. Papazian

ROBERT MURADYAN GAINED THE FIRST PLACE IN NONA GAPRINDASHVILI CUP

18:21, 19 September, 2013

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 19, ARMENPRESS: Armenian chess player Robert
Muradyan gained the first place in the tournament Nona Gaprindashvili
Cup which was held in Tbilisi.

“Armenpress” was informed from Armenian chess federation that Armenian
young chess player scored 9 points out of 9 and solely took the 1st
prize at the U8 tournament.

From: A. Papazian