Author: Andres-Papazian

L’ENTREPRISE NATIONALE D’ENERGIE EMIRATIE TAQA POURRAIT RENONCER A UN PROJET DE 12 MILLIARDS DE DOLLARS

turquie

L’entreprise nationale d’energie emiratie Taqa pourrait renoncer a un
projet de 12 milliards de dollars (9 milliards d’euros) en Turquie en
raison d’une deterioration des conditions economiques dans le pays,
ont dit lundi a Reuters des sources industrielles turques.

Taqa avait conclut en janvier un accord avec l’entreprise publique
turque Electricity Generation (EUAS) portant sur la construction de
plusieurs centrales electriques alimentees par le charbon provenant
des gisements de lignite de la region d’Afsin-Elbistan. Ce projet
etait a la base difficile compte tenu de la piètre qualite du charbon
dans cette region, ont precise les sources.

C’est toutefois la recente degringolade de la livre turque, tombee a
des plus bas records, qui semble sonner le glas du projet en remettant
en cause les perspectives de croissance du pays et en faisant craindre
la poursuite du mouvement de retrait des capitaux etrangers.

“Ce que nous avons compris recemment c’est qu’ils songent a un eventuel
retrait”, a explique une source turque du secteur de l’energie. “Il
s’agit d’un projet d’une grande ampleur, dont l’avenir est très
dependant des conditions de marche.”

samedi 31 août 2013, Stephane ©armenews.com

From: A. Papazian

PALLONE, GRIMM CONGRATULATE ARTSAKH ON INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY

Friday, August 30th, 2013

Representatives Frank Pallone (left) and Michael Grimm

WASHINGTON-Representatives Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) and Michael
Grimm (NY-11), co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian
Issues, released the following letter on Friday sent to Bako Sahakian,
President of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, congratulating the Republic
on its 22nd anniversary of independence.

The following is the text of the letter:

August 30, 2013

H.E. Bako Sahakyan President of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic 20th
February Street, 3 Stepanakert, NKR

Dear President Sahakyan: As co-chairs of the Congressional Caucus on
Armenian Issues, we are writing to congratulate you and the people of
the Nagorno Karabakh Republic as you celebrate the 22nd anniversary
of your independence on September 2, 2013.

Formation of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic in 1991 was a testament to
fundamental principles of freedom and democracy. Over the ensuing years
you put an end to decades of Soviet oppression and discrimination
while overcoming war launched by Azerbaijan against the people
of Artsakh. Your government has been remarkably resilient and your
continued dedication to democracy is laudable. We commend your nation
for consistently holding free and fair elections as evidenced by
international observers.

Like you, we remain hopeful that a peaceful resolution to the
conflict will be found, and are deeply troubled by Azerbaijan’s
ongoing violations of the cease-fire. We appreciate your constructive
approach in the face of such aggression and your unwavering pursuit
of regional stability.

We are committed to continuing our support of the Nagorno Karabakh
Republic and of the aspirations of your fledgling democracy and its
people. We strongly endorse Artsakh’s efforts towards international
recognition of its independence.

From: A. Papazian

CULTURE MINISTRY RESPONSIBLE FOR FATE OF CLOSED MARKET – ARMENIAN ARCHITECT

August 30, 2013 | 15:28

YEREVAN. – The responsibility for the fate of Closed Market falls
on the Armenian Culture Ministry and other state agencies, architect
Sarhat Petrosyan said.

Petrosyan noted that instead of writing emotional letters to the
premier, representatives of the ministry had to demand immediate
suspension of illegal construction works.

“The Ministry had to struggle for the fulfillment of the requirements
envisaged by the law,” he told reporters on Friday.

The Ministry of Urban Development and Yerevan Municipality must share
the responsibility. Any changes in renovation of a monument must be
agreed with the government, he recalled.

Petrosyan accused ministry officials of lying about the renovation
of the building. “No one is held accountable for lies.”

From: A. Papazian

MATENADARAN ACQUIRED MORE THAN 1,500 MANUSCRIPTS IN PAST 5 YEARS

17:03 30/08/2013 ” CULTURE

Thanks to benefactors, Matenadaran – Mesrop Mashtots Institute of
Ancient Manuscripts acquired more than 1,500 manuscripts in the past
5 years.

“This is a good number, and it allows us to open a separate
Matenadaran,” Hrachya Tamrazyan, director of the Institute, told
Panorama.am.

Hundreds of manuscripts are kept in foreign countries and Matenadaran
works to acquire them, Tamrazyan added.

‘Narek’ manuscript put up for auction on eBay has been bought by
Russian Armenian Arthur Janibekyan and will be presented to Matenadaran
in 10-15 days, Tamrazyan said. The manuscript’s starting price was
USD 30,000.

Source: Panorama.am

From: A. Papazian

SYRIAN-ARMENIANS SEEK SAFETY IN ANCESTRAL HOMELAND – POLITICIAN

16:37 30.08.13

The deputy leader of the opposition Free Democrats party has called
for state efforts to offer a better protection to the compatriots
from Syria who seek safety in their ancestors’ homeland amid the
continuing tensions in the country.

At a news conference on Friday, Anush Sedrakyan said the big Armenian
community in capital Damascus offers no guarantees that Armenia will
increase those people’s state and political security in case of a war.

“Those 70,000 Armenians in Damascus are citizens of the Syrian state,
so it is Armenia’s obligation to provide them with a secure homeland
to save their lives. And that can be done in the frameworks of both
human rights conventions and domestic patriotism,” she said.

As for the impacts of a possible war, the politician said losses will
be inevitable though they will be very little in number. “Everything
will be done to identify the sources of the chemical weapons and
reduce the blows to the local level,” she said, noting that the US
analytical thought has its reservations with regard to the issue.

“First, any blow be it though a limited one – will leave innocent
victims behind, and that’s inevitable. Secondly, there’s no guarantee
that the more aggressive Jihadist regime will not come to power,”
she said, adding that those concerns will cause the United States to
restrict its operations in Syria.

Armenian News – Tert.am

From: A. Papazian

IRAN TO BE SYRIA’S ALLY IN POSSIBLE WAR – ARMENIAN EXPERT

17:30 30.08.13

Iran may be Syria’s ally in a possible war triggered by the United
States and the western powers, a regional expert has said, commenting
on the heated developments in the country.

At a news conference on Friday, Saro Saroyan of the Armenian Center
of National and International Studies explained that the scenario
will be possible in case the tensions in Syria pose threats to Iran’s
national interests.

He said the war operations against the country may destabilize the
region, with Armenia also suffering its possible impacts as a country
which is transport- and energy-dependent on its southern neighbor.

“The satisfying thing is that there are really sensible, as well as
concerned powers, citizens and circles around the world, which try
their utmost to prevent the war, realizing the extent of its scales
and calamity,” he said. “Even the countries inclined to launch war
operations have quite influential circles which, to my mind, will be
powerful enough to prevent the war from breaking out.”

Armenian News – Tert.am

From: A. Papazian

ARMENIA’S DUAL CITIZENSHIP POLICIES TOO SELECTIVE TOWARDS TURKISH-ARMENIANS – OPINION

15:54 30.08.13

A French-Armenian activist expressed Friday his concerns over
what he called the Foreign Ministry’s selective approach to the
Turkish-Armenians’ dual citizenship requests.

At a news conference on Friday, Sargis Hatspanyan, a Karabakh war
veteran and a former political prisoner, spoke of an Istanbul-Armenian
family which had to return to Turkey without success as the Consular
Department’s head, Vladimir Karmirshalyan, appeared to be on vacation
at the time.

“The facts I am going to introduce are flagrant. I think the Republic
of Armenia, as a state, is committing a crime in relation to the
Diaspora-Armenians when issuing citizenship, a unit of its state
symbol,” he said.

Hatspanyan noted that the identity of Turkey-born Armenians is
confirmed by a baptism certificate which they receive from the Armenian
Patriarchate and which they have to submit to the Foreign Ministry’s
relevant subdivision for obtaining dual citizenship.

According to the activist, the main obstacle for the Turkish-Armenians
is the absence of ancestors’ identity documents which he said were
destroyed by the Turks during the 1915 Genocide. He called for the
authorities not to forget the fact when deciding to issue a dual
citizenship to the Armenians of Turkey.

Hatspanyan said applicants do not always have the necessary documents,
with many Turkish- Armenians being later converted to Islam or becoming
pagans, thus losing the right of obtaining dual citizenship in Armenia.

He then again referred to the Istanbul-Armenian family. “Didn’t the
Foreign Ministry have anyone who could replace the official named
Vladimir? Wasn’t there anyone who could respond to the people who
had visit their home country? Anyone who could ask them to come again
because Karmirshaplyan will be back to work on September 4?” he added.

From: A. Papazian

PROTEST ACTION IN SUPPORT OF ARGISHTI KIVIRYAN HELD NEAR PROSECUTOR’S OFFICE

August 30, 2013 | 12:17

YEREVAN. – A protest action in support of Armenia Today coordinator
Argishti Kiviryan is being held near the building of the General
Prosecutor’s Office in Yerevan (photo).

The protesters are holding banners with the inscriptions: “Armenia
does not need political prisoners”, “Hands off Argishti Kiviryan!”,
“Regime is a threat for all of us”.

Later in the day Kiviryan will be questioned by Special Investigation
Service. Kiviryan himself said he was summoned as a witness in case,
whereas he is an injured party.

On August 24 Kiviryan was detained and brutally beaten by police
officers from the construction site of the Komitas 5 high-rise. He
was transported to hospital where he was diagnosed with concussion.

Instead of holding accountable law enforcers, police instituted
criminal proceedings against Kiviryan. The police officer submitted a
report on the incident, saying Argishti Kiviryan cursed him, bit and
hit him in the car. A criminal case on charges of violence against
a representative of authorities has been opened.

News from Armenia – NEWS.am

From: A. Papazian

US diplomats: Polarized politics in Armenia, and the likely retention
in Azerbaijan of an autocrat whose legitimacy is declining, will
impede compromises to reach a peace settlement of the Karabakh
conflict

by Ashot Safaryan
Saturday, August 31, 17:36

Russia is pressuring its neighbors to join the Eurasian Economic
Community. the article by the American diplomats “Choices for the
South Caucasus”, published in New York Times, says.

“Moscow worries, with reason, that the South Caucasus countries prefer
to align with the European Union. Even though Armenia is an observer
in the Eurasian group, it does not seem eager to join”, – the article
says.

It also tells about domestic political problems in Armenia, Azerbaijan
and Georgia. In particular: “Political strains and stasis impede
reforms in a country weakened by blocked borders, emigration and
oligarch ties with officialdom.

In Azerbaijan, the potential for political upheaval is increasing amid
massive corruption, grossly unequal distribution of wealth and
dictatorship”.

“All three countries are at decisive moments with the European Union.
The Eastern Partnership can help anchor their future in an expanded
European structure. This November in Vilnius, the European Union will
likely sign a free trade agreement and other accords with Armenia and
Georgia. Azerbaijan has a distance to travel but may sign a visa
agreement. The E.U. is right to offer more cooperation and political
support in return for more reforms.

The West must speak out on behalf of those denied freedom, especially
in Azerbaijan. With every flawed election that is allowed to pass,
every uncontested arrest of an opposition figure and every usurpation
of wealth, those who stand for freedom become more impatient with
Western dithering. A worrisome sign in Azerbaijan is rising
anti-American sentiment among youths and intellectuals.

Second, the European Union must take greater advantage of an historic
opportunity in the South Caucasus. The E.U.’s democratic standards and
wealth are appealing beacons. Closer E.U. ties will bring more freedom
of maneuver in dealing with powerful neighbors.

Third, Western support for the independence of South Caucasian
countries remains essential.

It is time for the South Caucasians to make up their minds about their
future. If they want closer cooperation with the West, they must
pursue reforms for transparent governance and wider economic
opportunity. As the countries grapple with their choices, the West
must keep faith with those advocating reforms and freedom”, – the
article says.

From: A. Papazian

Opposing Sides Clash at Yerevan’s Pak Shouka -Photos

Narek Aleksanyan

16:27, August 31, 2013

Mayhem is probably the best word to describe the clash of interests
that took place this afternoon at Yerevan’s Pak Shouka (Enclosed
Market).

Citizen activists opposed to the construction that is taking place at
the market, which was handed to businessman and ruling republican
Party MP Samvel Aleksanyan, converged on the site, only to be met by a
vociferous group of people in favour of the `improvements’ they say
are taking place.

The iconic landmark, one of the few remaining in Yerevan, is seen as a
litmus test for the growing civic movement in Armenia in terms of how
many people it can mobilize to oppose the wanton disregard for the
capital’s few remaining structure of historical and cultural value.

Those in favour of the what is taking place at the market called the
protestors `outsiders’ and went so far as to rip the banners of the
opposing camp.

Of particular note is that almost all in favour of the construction
were women who claimed the improved market would afford many new
jobs to area residents.

The local rumour mill alleges that these women had been paid-off by
Aleksanyan’s henchmen to show up and give the impression that many are
in favour of the construction.

The scores of police at the scene at times seemed incapable of
separating the two opposing sides. As a result, several scuffles broke
out along with the traditional scenario of name calling and more
strongly worded insults.

MP Aleksanyan owns the Yerevan City chain of supermarkets in the
capital and many fear the historic landmark will be converted into yet
another run of the mill supermarket.

The activists argue that the entire process of selling the structure
to Aleksanyan and the granting of permission to make changes to the
building was illegal and riddled with favoritism.

For over a year, various state agencies, the Yerevan Municipality and
the Ministry of Culture have come out with a number of conflicting
statements regarding the matter, each passing the buck and blame to
someone else.

Several sections of the market’s famous arches have already been
destroyed and the insides gutted.

The activists opposed to the construction say they will resort to all
legal means, including civil disobedience to halt any further
desecration of the market and to prevent any business from being
conducted.

From: A. Papazian