Author: Andres-Papazian

HRANT DINK FOUNDATION AWARD GOES TO TURKEY’S SATURDAY MOTHERS

Hurriyet Daily News, Turkey
Sept 16 2013

ISTANBUL – Dogan News Agency

Turkey’s “Saturday mothers,” who have gathered every Saturday in
Istanbul for nearly 15 years to draw attention to their missing family
members, received the fifth International Hrant Dink Award on Sept.

15, which is named in honor of assassinated Turkish-Armenian journalist
Hrant Dink.

Serbian human rights activist Natasa Kandic, known for her
documentation of her country’s war crimes, was also awarded by this
year’s jury.

The Saturday Mothers have become familiar faces to those passing
down Ä°stiklal Avenue on Saturday mornings, as they have gathered for
more than 400 consecutive weeks at Galatasaray Square with pictures
of family members who went missing after being detained by security
forces or who died in unsolved murders, especially in the dark days
of the 1990s.

Every week, two or three relatives read a message or a poem for
their loved ones, while anybody who wishes can take part in the
demonstrations by holding a picture of one of the missing.

Hanım Tosun, İkbal Eren and Emine Ocak, who were among the pioneers
of the demonstrations, received the prize during the ceremony on behalf
of all Saturday Mothers. The three expressed hope that similar deaths
or disappearances will not occur again.

For her part, Kandic said she was proud to receive such a meaningful
prize in the memory of Dink. “Without empathy, there can be no peace,
with our past and with others. The only condition of peace is empathy,”
she said.

This year’s jury included past laureates such as sociologist Ä°smail
BeÅ~_ikci and Mexican journalist Lydia Cacho, as well as British
historian Timothy Garton Ash.

Costa-Gavras, a French filmmaker of Greek origin who came last year
to support demonstrations against the demolition of the iconic Emek
Movie Theater, was also part of this year’s jury.

September/16/2013

From: A. Papazian

HOW ARMENIAN THEMIS TURNS DEFENDANTS INTO “AGGRIEVED PERSONS” AND VICE VERSA

Vestnik Kavkaza, Russia
Sept 18 2013

18 September 2013 – 10:41am

David Stepanyan, Yerevan. Exclusively to Vestnik Kavkaza

Recently Armenia has seen an event which dispelled the last hopes
for the citizens’ justice. The investigation service of the Defense
Ministry reported on dismissal of the criminal case of Tigran
Khachatryan and his bodyguard Zarzand Nikogosyan. Both of them were
accused of murdering the former candidate for Goris’s mayor, Avetik
Budagyan, and had been detained under arrest for three months.

At the beginning of the investigation, the investigation service
of the Defense Ministry “found out” that the son and the bodyguard
of Litska (a nickname of the former governor of the Syunik region,
Syurik Khachatryan) were merely defended themselves from Avetik and
Artak Budagyan, who were attacking them.

The head of the investigation service of the Defense Ministry, Armen
Arutyunyan, who was nicknamed by journalists “the lawyer” of the
Khachatryans, stated that all the weapons – about 10 guns – found in
Litska’s house were registered in his name. Arutyunyan didn’t answer
all the direct questions on how 11 shots by the Khachatryans could be
considered self-defense and a response to two shots which were said
to have been made by Avetik Budagyan. When journalists asked him how
the home-made gun which was found in Litska’s house could be legally
registered in his name, Arutyunyan referred to a weapons-bearing
document which was signed by the head of the police. According to
Arutyunyan’s logic, any home-made gun can be turned into a legal by
one signature of a policeman.

According to the lawyer of Artak Budagyan, Aik Alumyan, the
investigation service and the military prosecution did their best to
equate him to a real criminal, ignoring the murder of Avetik Budagyan.

The fact that “the top brass” would do everything to cover up for the
Khachatryans was obvious from the very beginning. The investigation
excluded an option that Litska was present at the crime scene, stating
that the drunk governor slept at home so well that he woke up only
after a dozen shots in his yard. The release of Budagyan’s murders
stirred up society and dispelled the last hopes for Armenian justice.

The civil initiative “Pre-parliament” stated that the release of
Khachatryan and Nikogosyan demonstrated that the system of state
management had turned into an instrument of enslavement and humiliation
of its own people. Human right activists Artur Sakunts and Janna
Alexanyan left the Defense Ministry committee on deaths of military
personnel because of the case. They stated that the decision was made
under the supervision of the military prosecutor, Gevork Kostanyan.

It seems that only representatives of the ruling party, state
structures and Khachatryan believe the decision on Litska’s case is
fair. Everybody knows Litska and his Mediaeval rules in the Syunik
region.

From: A. Papazian

RASIA ANNOUNCES ACHIEVEMENT OF KEY MILESTONE FOR SOUTHERN ARMENIA RAILWAY IN MEETING WITH ARMENIAN PRIME MINISTER

PR Newswire
September 15, 2013 Sunday 1:00 AM EST

DALIAN, China, September 15, 2013

Prior to the start of the World Economic Forum, Rasia FZE announced in
a meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan the achievement
of a key milestone for the Southern Armenia Railway, including the
release of a highly favorable feasibility study and the recommended
railway design route from China Communications Construction Company
(“CCCC”).

Joseph Borkowski, Chairman of Dubai-based investment firm Rasia FZE
which owns the 50-year concession for the Southern Armenia Railway,
highlighted the strong economic viability and regional importance of
the railway, as demonstrated by the feasibility study. Having reached
this key milestone, Rasia will now move towards securing essential
regional cooperation for the following financing, construction and
operating stages of the project.

The feasibility study results indicate that the Southern Armenia
Railway will cost approximately US $3.5 billion to construct, have a
length of 305 kilometers from Gagarin to Agarak, and provide a base
operating capacity of 25 million tons per annum. The railway will have
84 bridges spanning 19.6 kilometers and 60 tunnels of 102.3 kilometers,
comprising 40% of the total project length. The selected railway
alignment is nearly 44 kilometers shorter than previously estimated
from Gavar to Agarak and will include the Gagarin to Gavar connection
to the existing railway network, operated by the JSC Russian Railways
subsidiary South Caucasus Railway CJSC.

Mr. Borkowski expressed his sincere gratitude for the time invested
by Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan in Dalian, China and for the
strong support of Minister Beglaryan and the staff of the Ministry
of Transport and Communication over the past year. Mr. Borkowski
also reiterated his great satisfaction with the exceptional work and
dedication of the CCCC team, enabling completion of the feasibility
study ahead of schedule, and the positive technical cooperation with
General Director Mr. Viktor Rebets and his team at South Caucasus
Railway CJSC.

As the key missing link in the International North-South Transport
Corridor, the Southern Armenia Railway will create the shortest
transportation route from the ports of the Black Sea to the ports
of the Persian Gulf. The Southern Armenia Railway will establish a
major commodities transit corridor between Europe and the Persian
Gulf region, with conservative long-term traffic volume forecasts of
18.3 million tons per annum. Once the railway is completed, transport
costs and times for the region are expected to improve substantially,
fostering greater regional trade and economic growth while dramatically
strengthening the Armenian economy. The feasibility study suggests a
National Economic IRR for Armenia exceeding 11%. The implementation
of the Southern Armenia Railway Project is a top strategic priority
for Armenia and the region.

SOURCE Rasia FZE

From: A. Papazian

“THE WORLD RECKONS WITH THE CULTURE OF JEWS AND ARMENIANS.” JEWISH CONDUCTOR ISRAEL YINON IS CONFIDENT

September 18 2013

The regular guest at the 7th International Music Festival in Yerevan
was German resident Jewish conductor Israel Yinon, who will lead
the regular festival concert of the State Philharmonic Orchestra of
Armenia to be held in “Aram Khachaturian” concert hall on September 20.

Famous musicians of the said festival launched on September 11,
violinists Isabelle Faust (Germany), Boris Brovtsin (UK), cellist Narek
Hakhnazaryan (Russia), in the interview with “Aravot” first indication
that they were honored to participate in the festival that is dedicated
to the anniversary of the great composer Aram Khachaturian.

In the interview with “Aravot”, Israel Yinon expressed his joy that
he is finally in the homeland of Khachaturian, noting that attempts
to present the talented musician not only as a Soviet but also as
a Russian composer for decades were in vain. The conductor said, –
“We, Jews, and you, Armenians, are nations who survived genocide,
and the world knows that we are not common only by this. Ultimately,
this tragedy is an undeniable fact,- reminded our interlocutor,
adding, – Nazi Germany was a genocidal state. All state resources
were directed to the implementation of massacres, genocide. The
civilian population was terrified according to national identity,
Jews and other “undesirable” nations was subjected to persecution,
confiscation of property, and drove to concentration camps and so
on. Genocide of the Armenians by the Ottoman Empire and our Holocaust
are considered the most famous examples of crime of the 20th century.”

The art critic recalled the phrase of Adolf Hitler “Who remembers
the Armenians massacres…”, at the same time noting as to what names
the two nations had given to the world.

Presenting Israel Yinon, the foreign press notes that alongside
extensive repertoire under his leadership, the conductor devoted
himself to the performance of less performed and unfoundedly
forgotten plays, including the works of banned composers of the
“Third Reich, Hans Krasa, Pavel Haas, Elvin Shulhof, Victor Ullmann
and others, as well as works of forgotten expressionists of the German
representatives. The conductor said,- “This really talented artists
are my compatriots. Their works under my leadership have performed
in London’s BBC Symphony, Royal Philharmonic, Jerusalem, Vienna,
Berlin and other famous orchestras. Today, I was acquainted with
the Armenia Philharmonic and I am confident that this band is not
conceding abovementioned bands … One thing is obvious, the world
reckons with the culture of the Jews and Armenian, though he does
not often speak about it.”

Samvel DANIELYAN

Read more at:

From: A. Papazian

BAKU IRKED BY CALIFORNIA OFFICIALS’ VISIT TO ARTSAKH

Wednesday, September 18th, 2013

Azeri Foreign Ministry Spokesman Elman Abdullayev

LOS ANGELES-Amid news of the visit to Artsakh by a delegation of
California elected officials, organized with the help of the Armenian
National Committee of America-Western Region, the foreign ministry
of Azerbaijan has made an announcement that the officials will be
banned from visiting Azerbaijan in the future, as the Baku’s new
policy dictates.

The Azeri foreign ministry’s spokesperson, Elman Abdullayev, expressed
anger at the planned visit and confirmed that the delegation, which
includes California Speaker of the House John Perez and Los Angeles
City Council Member Bob Blumenfield, will be added to Azerbaijan’s
newly invented list of personae non gratae.

The Azeri government announced this policy in August of 2013 and
has so far added more than 300 government officials, journalists,
and renowned artists on its blacklist.

Prior to the visit, the Turkish-Azeri lobby in California sent online
instructions to its followers, asking to help stop the planned visit.

The Turkish-Azeri lobby accused the ANCA of being deceitful and
interfering in American foreign policy.

ANCA Western Region Chair Nora Hovsepian, speaking to PanArmenian.net,
said, “We are proud to serve as a bridge between government
representatives and the people of California and Armenia and are
looking forward to what promises to be a very memorable trip that
will set the foundation for similar visits with other officials in
the future.”

The former Consul General of Armenia in Los Angeles, Grigor
Hovhannissian, who helped to arrange the visit, said, “The California
State legislative delegation to Armenia is a long overdue and
groundbreaking development. We are very pleased that Speaker Perez
and a bipartisan group of legislators will be arriving in our country
at the invitation of the Governments of Armenia and Artsakh.”

He added, “We are hopeful that this first in kind mission would leave
a lasting impact and contribute to strengthening political contacts
between the Republic of Armenia and the great State of California.”

From: A. Papazian

SYRIAN REBELS TO BECOME SERIOUS THREAT FOR ARMENIA AND KARABAKH – EXPERT

15:20 / 18.09.2013

After the settlement of the Syrian issue the rebels may become a
serious threat for Armenia and Karabakh with Azerbaijan having a good
experience to use them.

After they remain without work they will search for new work, expert
Artak Shakaryan told a news conference on Wednesday.

The expert said Azerbaijan will try to use them against Karabakh and
added that Armenia must demand from Russia and the USA to identify them
and in case of finding them in Karabakh hold Azerbaijani authorities
accountable.

Shakaryan excluded Iran’s participation in the process. “Iran is
really Armenia’s friend country and besides, it realizes quite well
that Sunnis especially those of Azerbaijani descent are dangerous
for Iran,” he said.

Nyut.am

From: A. Papazian

EX HEAD OF PRESIDENT’S STAFF TO BE APPOINTED DEPUTY PM ON CUSTOMS UNION ISSUES

18:45 / 18.09.2013

When Armenia’s president ordered to set up a commission for
constitutional reforms, many have started claiming that he paves his
way to the PM’s office as Armenia will soon pass from presidential
system of governance to parliamentary one.

It is claimed that the commission has been formed with that purpose.

According to Nyut.am’s sources though, for a long time the Armenian
authorities are stressing that the current system of governance is
not effective and it is necessary to have 3-4 deputy PMs who will
coordinate separate spheres and the set up commission will focus on
it. The sources say the deputy PM on Customs Union issues will be
Karen Karapetyan, ex head of president’s staff.

Nyut.am

From: A. Papazian

TURKEY’S MAIN OPPOSITION LEADER AGAINST WAR WITH SYRIA

17:06 18.09.13

Turkey’s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Kemal
Kilichdaroglu has again slammed the government’s desire to engage in
a military operation against Syria, calling for peace in the region,
Hurriyet Daukt b=Bews reporrted.

“We neither want war in our country, nor with our neighbors. We want
Muslims to stop killing Muslims,” Kilichdaroglu said late on Sept. 17
in the northwestern province of Balıkesir, where he was attending
a commemoration ceremony in the Bandırma district.

He also mentioned the words of the founder of the Turkish republic,
Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, “War is a crime if it’s not obligatory,”
and urged the government to pursue non-military actions to stop the
violence in neighboring Syria.

“If there’s a problem in that country, let’s aid a resolution of that
problem. But we should not hand weapons to them, cross the borders
and send them there,” Kılıcdaroglu said.

The CHP head also criticized the government for “sending other people’s
kids to war.”

“Your child doesn’t serve in the military, but you attempt to wage war
on people’s children. If you will fight, send your own kids,” he said.

Armenian News – Tert.am

From: A. Papazian

ARMENIAN-RUSSIAN BUSINESS FORUM IN YEREVAN

17:32 18.09.2013

Hasmik Dilanyan
Public Radio of Armenia

Representatives of Armenian small and medium-sized businesses met in
Yerevan with Russian counterparts, who have come here as part of a
Business Marathon 2013 Russian project to explore possibilities of
establishing contacts with local companies.

Karen Martirosyan, President of the Chamber of Commerce of Yerevan,
attached importance to the organization of such meetings, saying it
would be difficult fore many entrepreneurs to organize visits and
find partners on their own.

Dmitry Knyazev, Head of a Moscow Government Department of Industrial
Policy and Entrepreneurship, said the Moscow government is interested
in finding new markets for Moscow-produced goods and services.

According to him, there are no big and small markets in business,
there are attractive and non-attractive markets. He voiced hope that
the Russian businessmen would find partners in Armenia.

Dmitry Knyazev said they have initiated such forums in 50 cities
under the “Business – Marathon 2013.”

From: A. Papazian

NEWSPAPER: ARMENIA MAY REFUSE TO JOIN CUSTOMS UNION

by Ashot Safaryan

ARMINFO
Wednesday, September 18, 11:35

Armenia may refuse to join the Customs Union, reports Zhamanak
newspaper.

Referring to own sources, the newspaper says that by the end of this
year Armenia will set up a committee to consider the regulations of
the Customs Union and the terms of its membership in it.

Zhamanak supposes that as a result of its survey the committee will
come to a conclusion that it is inexpedient for Armenia to join the
Union as its rates are not good for the country’s economy.

From: A. Papazian