Author: Andres-Papazian

Bleacher Report
June 30 2013

Henrikh Mkhitaryan Would Restore Firepower to Borussia Dortmund Attack

By Brian Leigh
(Featured Columnist) on June 30, 2013

Borussia Dortmund enjoyed a surprisingly successful season in 2013, an
annus mirabilis of the highest sort, advancing all the way to the
Champions League Final before losing to in-country rival Bayern
Munich.

The narrative written about their encore season, however, has not been
very auspicious. Watching some of their best players flirt with
“bigger” clubs, Dortmund has been slated for a decline next season, a
regression to their previous mean.

But on Sunday that news started to change. Locked in a bidding war
with a couple traditional English powers, Dortmund reportedly bested
Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur in the pursuit of highly sought
midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

Per The Independent:

The much sought-after Armenian midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan of
Shakhtar Donetsk looks likely to join Borussia Dortmund, leaving
Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool disappointed.

[They] were unable to come to an agreement for the player, who is also
keen on the Champions League football that Dortmund can offer.

The impact Mkhitaryan’s signing could have on Dortmund’s future is
astronomical. Even with the rumored price tag (£20 million, per the
report), the young Armenian attacker could prove to be a relative
discount given his offensive ceiling.

That ceiling isn’t just speculative, either. Last season at Shakhtar
Donetsk – a plenty good side in its own right – he scored 26 goals in 39
appearances, including 25 in just 28 league games. Those are prolific
totals for any player, but for a midfielder they’re even more
astounding.

Especially when you factor in Mkhitaryan’s age and room for growth. At
only 24 years old, Mkhitaryan is only now rounding into his physical
prime. With a now proven track record at a top-flight Ukrainian side
(38 goals in two years), he should be rounding into his mental prime
as well. All the ingredients are there to breed a blue-chip attacking
midfielder, the kind of guy worth more than even a £20 million
contract.

Borussia Dortmund is in desperate need of help on the attack, too. Not
the kind of help that prevents something like relegation, but the kind
of help that prevents a massive psychological letdown. One year
removed from a Champions League final, they can’t afford to lose too
much firepower.

Which is exactly how the offseason appeared to be going. At least
prior to this report. World-class striker Robert Lewandowski is
reportedly on his way out, and even though skipper Sebastian Kehl
insists he might be back, that’s a pretty hard fact to bank on. And 76
goals in two seasons would be mighty hard to replace.

As would the likes of Mario Gotze at attacking midfield, the position
Mkhitaryan would ostensibly inherit upon arriving at Dortmund. Gotze
moved to rival Bayern Munich, the Goliath to his former team’s David,
leaving on the heels of a 16-goal season.

But the stats hardly explicate Gotze’s impact on the squad. He was the
catalyst of their offense, the engine that made them go, the agent
that started their attack.

Without him, and without a top-flight replacement previously slated to
take his minutes, Dortmund ran more than a risk of regression. They
ran a downright probability of it. They looked poised to validate
those who called them a fluky participant in the CL final.

Instead, if this signing goes through, they just looked poised to
validate their city’s own belief in them. They proved they could play
with the big boys on the pitch in 2013, and now they proved they can
do the same in a boardroom. Inferior sides can score a fluky goal and
secure a fluky result here and there – it happens all the time.

But signing a pricey target away from Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur?
That signals more than just serendipity. That signals a change in
sporting culture, an ascent toward the top of Germany’s football
caste.

And if Mkhitaryan performs they way Dortmund – and most everyone
else – expects him to on the pitch next season, that ascent could just
be beginning.

From: A. Papazian

ITAR-TASS, Russia
June 29, 2013 Saturday 09:42 PM GMT+4

Armenian president demands tougher control over spending budget funds

YEREVAN June 29

– President Serzh Sargsyan has demanded control be toughened over
spending budget funds and increasing responsibility for violations and
abuse in this sphere.

Speaking at a meeting with law enforcement and supervisory agencies on
Saturday, Sargsyan said he demanded “Prime Minister Tigran Sarkisyan
reveal the shortcomings in the ministries and agencies quickly and
transparently”.

“We saw many cases when tenders were won by organisations and people
that had nothing in common with this sphere,” the president said.

“Particularly, construction tenders were won and have been won by
people who have nothing in common with the construction. The worst is
that documents are made up right, in compliance with the letter of the
law. In this case it is very difficult to seize such people by the
arm,” Sargsyan said.

The leadership of the Supervisory Chamber has been seriously
criticized. Sargsyan said the Supervisory Chamber should work “as a
strong audit company”. “Unfortunately, our Supervisory Chamber turned
into an inspection body and an ordinary auditor. If we look at reports
on checks, we’ll see at once: the Chamber reveals financial abuse. If
the Supervisory Chamber does the work as the Audit Activity Control
Inspectorate does, what are the reasons for creating the Supervisory
Chamber, why is it named an independent body and why is its leadership
paid the highest wages in the country?” Sargsyan said.

The president urged the Armenian prosecutor’s general to act more
actively and give a legal assessment to any signals over the violation
of law.

The head of state called on officials to be responsible for their
statements and speeches at press conferences.

From: A. Papazian

Turkey and the EU: A broken relationship?

27.06.2013 / 04:30 CET

The European Union’s member states agreed on Tuesday (25 June) to
resume talks with Turkey on its bid to become a member of the EU,
ending a three-year suspension of talks.
The decision had seemed to be a foregone conclusion, following
France’s agreement in February to lift its objections. In the end,
though, the decision became highly uncertain because of the Turkish
government’s crackdown on nationwide protests that began on 28 May
over plans to build over Taksim Gezi Park in central Istanbul. Even
now, obstacles may emerge, because the talks – on adoption of EU
legislation related to regional policy (chapter 22 of the accession
talks) – will formally be launched only in the autumn, after the
European Commission’s annual report on Turkey’s progress towards
meeting commitments made to the EU.
In the past month, the European Parliament has collectively criticised
Turkey’s handling of the demonstrations, eliciting accusations from
Turkey’s Europe minister, Egemen Bagis¸, that it was guilty of
`disproportionate, unbalanced and irrational declarations’ and `dirty
plans for and manipulation of national and international instruments’.
European Voice asked six MEPs whether the EU should re-open accession
talks with Turkey and how the EU’s relations with Turkey should
develop.

Renate SOMMER

Teary eyes filled with fear, unarmed citizens running from the police
– those are the pictures from Turkey these days. The sad result of the
brutal police force: five dead and thousands injured. Not to mention
the large number of citizens who have been arrested.

In light of the images from Istanbul and other Turkish cities, it
puzzles me that some politicians – including the president of the
European Parliament, Martin Schulz – are still calling for the
European Union to open new chapters in negotiations in Turkey’s bid
for membership. They argue that this is the only possible way to exert
influence on Turkey and to keep Turkey on the right track. In my
opinion, Turkey abandoned the right track long ago and is deliberately
driving in the opposite direction. Where was the influence of the EU
when the Turkish government gradually turned away from secularism and
towards an Islamist regime? Where was the influence of the EU when
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdog?an accepted a diplomatic crisis with
Israel in order to appeal to anti-Semitic voters? And where is the
influence of the EU if we ignore the brutal approach by the Turkish
government towards its own citizens and continue with business as
usual?

I agree with those who view the protests themselves as a product of
the process of democratisation within Turkish society in recent years.
However, the protesters do not yet represent the majority of citizens.
Furthermore, it is not with the Turkish population that the EU
negotiates about potential accession; it has to address itself to the
Turkish government. Erdog?an and his ministers have made it more than
clear, however, that they have no respect for European values and its
institutions.

If a government openly denies the legitimacy of the European
Parliament, which represents 500 million EU citizens, and threatens to
recall its permanent representative if the opening of new chapters is
delayed, the EU has no option but to suspend negotiation. Anything
else would convince Erdog?an that he can continue with his
authoritarian leadership, the suppression of citizens and blackmail of
the EU.

But what is the alternative to accession negotiations? I am convinced
that a privileged partnership would allow us to maintain our support
for basic rights and freedom through financial and administrative
assistance, while granting Turkey its sovereignty. The current events
show that our constant support for civil society organisations in
Turkey is bearing fruit. Maybe one day those fruits will be harvested
in the form of political change.

Renate Sommer is a German centre-right MEP and a member of the
European Parliament’s delegation to Turkey.

Andrew DUFF

For some time now we have been working on the false assumption that
the Turkish government is ready and willing to make the large
sacrifice of national sovereignty that is required on joining the
European Union. While the process of assimilating the acquis
communautaire continued, it was pardonable to pretend that European
integration was good for Turkey and for the EU, and the more aligned
Turkey got to be to European norms and values, the better all round.

As fiscal integration deepens, however, and political union nears, it
becomes more difficult to maintain that pretence. Neither the ruling
Justice and Development Party (AKP) nor the Republican People’s Party
(CHP) are ready to make the minimal changes in Cyprus that would
normalise Turkey’s accession process, let alone to embrace a European
federal agenda. On the EU side, several member states would veto
Turkish membership. So we know perfectly well that if Turkey is ever
to draw closer to the European Union, it will be more on the lines of
semi-detached Britain than as a full member state.

The revolt of the Turkish middle class is a welcome protest against
the stifling, statist conformity of the Ankara establishment. Both
Kemalist and Islamist ideologies are challenged. This is good news for
those of us who yearn for Turkey to become a modern European place.

Once we see where Turkish society is headed, we will be able to take
decisions on how to recalibrate EU-Turkey relations. We will need more
reliable interlocutors than we have had recently in Ankara. We will
watch eagerly for progress in relations with the Kurds and on Cyprus.
We will engage across Turkey with whoever wishes it. In the meantime,
this is the time to stop pretending that the opening of new chapters
in the formal enlargement process is meaningful. Taksim Gezi Park has
changed the `positive agenda’ for good.

Andrew Duff is a British Liberal MEP and president of the Union of
European Federalists.

Ria OOMEN-RUIJTEN

When the European Parliament this March adopted a resolution on the
European Commission’s report on Turkey’s progress in 2012, the
Parliament affirmed the importance of a constructive relationship
between the European Union and Turkey. It also stated the belief that
a renewed mutual engagement in the context of the negotiation process
was needed in order to maintain this constructive relationship.

Looking at the current status of the negotiations, I believe the
opening of chapters could be helpful to bring back the much needed
dynamics in the process, and I therefore welcomed the steps undertaken
by the Irish presidency of the Council of Ministers to open chapter 22
on regional policy.

At the same time, it is important to stress that it would be much more
important, also in light of recent developments in Turkey, to take
steps conducive to the opening of the chapters on judiciary and
fundamental rights, and on justice, security and freedom. These are at
the heart of the European project, and I believe Turkey still needs to
make significant efforts in this area. The international community has
expressed concern about the recent events in Turkey, and it is
important that the concerns of Turkish citizens throughout the country
are addressed.

However, while the opening of chapters certainly is one element in the
relationship between Turkey and the EU, it does not define the
relationship. Relations between Turkey and the EU transcend the mere
opening of chapters. They are about working together and creating
synergies for a prosperous future for all our citizens. They are about
jointly tackling common challenges in key areas such as energy,
economy, trade and foreign policy, and it is important to further
dialogue and co-operation in these areas.

What we need now is a strong commitment from both the EU and Turkey to
improve the relationship and to re-build the conditions for a
constructive dialogue and the foundations of a common understanding,
based on common values of democracy, the rule of law and respect for
human rights. This will require efforts from both sides. This is
certainly a difficult time, but I strongly believe that genuine mutual
commitment today will strengthen our relation in the future.

Ria Oomen-Ruijten is a Dutch centre-right MEP and the European
Parliament’s rapporteur on Turkey.

Hélène FLAUTRE

The European Union urgently needs to re-launch the negotiation process
with Turkey by opening at least chapter 22, but also, as soon as
possible, the chapters on judiciary and fundamental rights, which are
at the heart of the demands being made by the peaceful protesters in
Turkey. After a hiatus of three years, a longer pause than ever
imposed on a candidate country, the credibility and influence of the
EU on Turkey is at risk of being destroyed if we do not respect our
commitments and do not fight, at the same time, against populist,
nationalist and authoritarian temptations present both in Turkey and
in the EU. A delay in opening talks, on the pretext of indicating our
solidarity with the peaceful demonstrators, could end up penalising
them.

The EU can no longer act as a lever for democracy and peace to
strengthen the camp of Turkish liberals, or leave the field open to
abuses against those liberals. The EU has many ways in which it can
signal its disagreement with the Turkish government’s handling of the
crisis. One could imagine, for example, the opening of a chapter in
the absence of a minister or commissioner.

Turkey is currently at a historic crossroads, of which Taksim Gezi
Park is symptomatic. The debate about the peace process begun with the
Kurdish seperatist movement, the PKK, the drafting of a new
constitution, and reforms to counter-terrorism laws are causes of
hope. Freedom of speech has been freed, and the number of political
actors, forums and instruments has multiplied. But Turkey is also
facing a growing social polarisation, a re-activation of a culture of
security, the embrace of military history by a police force that has
put itself in the exclusive service of the state against its citizens.
These features are undermining the historic opportunities that Turkey
has.

In this highly volatile context, the events of Taksim Gezi Park could
lead both to a deepening of democracy in Turkey and a significant
regression in terms of fundamental rights. In the worst-case scenario,
the isolation of Turkey could profoundly destabilise a country that is
already being affected by the situation in Syria, mark a resumption of
the conflict with the PKK and lead to direct confrontations between
the majority Sunni and minority Alevi communities in Turkey.

To prevent this nightmarish vision and to contribute to the
strengthening of the pro-European liberal movement in Turkey, it is
particularly crucial to offer the prospect of accession. No offence to
the devotees of Orientalism and to those who like conspiracy theories,
but the future of European and Turkish democracy is and will remain
inter-dependent.

Hélène Flautre is a French Green MEP and chairwoman of the European

Parliament’s delegation to Turkey.

Takis HADJIGEORGIOU

Almost eight years since the launching of Turkey’s membership
negotiations, Turkey finds itself somewhat isolated and lacking the
support of many of the member states that could push the country into
the European Union’s orbit. Many member states support the accession
of Turkey, some member states are pretending that they support it, and
others are against it and they are hiding behind others. A sense of
scepticism is rising in some key European states concerned about the
effect that the admission of a country the size of Turkey could have
on the EU’s balance. `The country [Turkey] would overburden the
European Union because of its size and the structure of its economy,’
Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel recently said. So the challenge for
Turkey is to change the way it perceives its own size and power.
(Honestly, I believe that Germany needs to do the same itself, but the
fact is that Germany is already a member state and not a candidate
one.)

As for the question of opening chapter 22 of accession talks with the
EU, I am very clear. I and other Greek Cypriots support the opening of
talks. But a general comment should be made: if Turkey is honest about
its interest in opening chapters and in making progress in the
accession process, it must – like any other candidate country –
promote democracy, implement reforms and reinforce human rights. This
is the only way to prove itself to be a reliable partner. But there
can be no democracy in Turkey without respecting the rights of the
minorities, without a solution to the Kurdish issue, and without
restoring the fundamental rights of all Cypriots. We, as Cypriots,
honestly support Turkey’s accession to EU, since this presupposes a
solution to the Cyprus problem. Furthermore, we need Turkey as a
democratised member state and as a reliable neighbour, rather than as
a fundamentalist, aggressive state.

I will conclude by saying something very crucial for Turkey: Turkey
must be very prudent these days, as it cannot be excluded that the
idea of a new Kurdish state may emerge as a solution to the problems
posed by the country’s inability to manage its size and power.

Takis Hadjigeorgiou is a left-wing Greek Cypriot MEP in the European
United Left-Nordic Green Left group in the European Parliament, and is
a member of the Parliament’s delegation to Turkey.

Richard HOWITT

I make no apology for being one of the strongest proponents of
Turkey’s accession to the European Union. But no true friend of Turkey
could or should remain silent in the wake of the brutal crackdown on
the Taksim Square protests – even if the country’s own media tried to
remain silent. But my reaction to the crisis is the need for more, not
less, Europe in Turkey.

It is precisely European values of human rights and the rule of law
that the protesters desire. And would the government’s response have
been so anti-European if the EU had allowed – as the European
Parliament demanded – the opening of negotiations on chapters 23 and
24 of the accession talks, which addresses issues of justice and
democracy raised by the Turkish authorities’ attempts to suppress
protests?

But the proposal on the table is to open the chapter on regional
policy. The objective case for this is strong, given the need to
buttress support to the south-east of the country, where the minority
Kurdish community is concentrated, and where peace in the long-running
conflict with PKK terrorists is within reach.

To restore constructive relations between the EU and Turkey requires
an end to the aggressive rhetoric from the Turkish government, which
called criticisms from myself and fellow MEPs `insane’ and threatened
that we would `pay a price’.

I was deeply disappointed that the Turks cancelled the delegation I
was due to take part in with colleagues from the European Parliament’s
foreign-affairs committee, because dialogue is needed now more than
ever.

Which is why European leaders must refuse the temptation to make a
decision that would be perceived as a deliberate `snub’ by the Turkish
side (and would be intended as such by some of them, if they were to
speak frankly).

It is time for both sides to show diplomacy.

For the European Council, that means that the EU should show that it
can and will honour its own promises, and not allow the debate to be
led by the minority who seek to obstruct Turkey altogether.

This week, that means sticking to our criticisms but at the very same
time opening the new chapter, to show all in Turkey that they have a
real choice to make – a choice for democracy.

Richard Howitt is a centre-left British MEP and a member of the joint
committee of the European and Turkish parliaments.

© 2013 European Voice. All rights reserved.

From: A. Papazian

Javakhk unrest: 26 released, excluding activist Chakhalyan brother

June 29, 2013 – 17:43 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – 26 out of 30 people detained over Javakhk unrest
have already been set free, Multinational Georgia NGO chair said.
According to Arnold Stepanyan, the brother of Javakhk activist Vahagn
Chakhalyan/b> hasn’t been released.

`No other information was provided, nor do we know about the charges
against those detained,’ he said.

Earlier, Georgian police detained Armen Chakhalyan over unrest in Ninotsminda.

From: A. Papazian

revue de presse
L’école pointe au commissariat

La situation de la famille Tamazyan a ému les parents d’élèves de
l’école Danièle -Casanova, dans laquelle les enfants sont scolarisés.

Les Tamazyan sont sous le coup d’une « obligation à quitter le
territoire français ». Louciné, la jeune mère, enceinte de six mois,
Norair, le père et leurs deux enfants, dont l’un est né à Mcon, ont
30 jours pour retourner délibérément en Arménie. Cependant, il n’est
pas exclu que leur départ soit précipité par les forces de l’ordre. «
C’est déjà arrivé qu’une famille montcellienne soit expulsée au bout
de sept jours », explique Carole Bonin de Réseau éducation sans
frontière.

En attendant, ils sont assignés à résidence, depuis le 7 juin, dans un
hôtel de Saint-Vallier par la préfecture. C’est pourquoi, ils doivent
venir tous les matins, à 11 h, au commissariat de police de Montceau
pour pointer. RESF qui les accompagne dans leurs démarches
administratives, a prévenu l’école maternelle Danièle-Casanova, à
Saint-Vallier, qu’il pouvait arriver que les enfants soient récupérés
par les policiers. Conscients de ce qui attendait les camarades de
leurs enfants, de nombreux parents d’élèves sont venus ce mercredi à
11 h pour rejoindre RESF dans son action et témoigner leur soutien aux
parents d’Ofélia et de Syuzi.

Le statut de réfugié leur a été refusé puisque l’Arménie a intégré la
liste des pays sûrs. Il s’avère cependant que pour Norair, le père, ça
ne l’est pas tant que ça…

Un ancien policier En mars 2008, alors qu’il était policier, il a
refusé d’obéir aux ordres de tirer sur la foule lors d’une
manifestation contestant l’élection du président Sarkissian. Henri
Gaudin, membre de Resf, s’étonne de l’expulsion « d’un homme qui s’est
mis en danger pour les mêmes valeurs humanistes que celles inscrites
dans notre constitution Française. »

Si les élus montcelliens, d’après Carole Bonin, ont été d’une très
grande écoute, Resf n’a cependant, depuis un mois plus aucune
nouvelle.

dimanche 30 juin 2013,
Stéphane ©armenews.com

From: A. Papazian

MILLIARDAIRES
Kévork Sarkissian 8ème des jeunes milliardaires Russes selon « Forbes
» avec une fortune de 1,5 milliard de roubles

Le mensuel « Forbes » Russie a réalisé la liste des milliardaires
russes de moins de 35 ans. Parmi ces « jeunes milliardaires » figure
en 8e position un Arménien, Kévork Sarkissian. La fortune de Kévork
Sarkissian (30 ans) est évaluée à 1,5 milliard de roubles. Economiste,
K. Sarkissian a travaillé dans le département des recettes fiscales du
ministère des Finances et des Impôts de la Russie. En 2006 avec un
groupe d’associés il fonda la société Innova spécialisée dans les
jeux. La société dispose d’une dizaine de jeux en ligne dont « Lineage
II, Planet Side II, Airon et « Ayo ».

Krikor Amirzayan

dimanche 30 juin 2013,
Krikor Amirzayan ©armenews.com

From: A. Papazian

ARMENIA BETWEEN THE EU AND RUSSIA

The Messenger, Georgia
June 28 2013

During his recent visit to Warsaw, Armenian President Serzh Sarkisian
stated that Armenia has close relations with both Russia and the EU.

He stressed that Armenia manages to balance relations with both sides.

The Polish President Komarovski challenged this option suggesting
that it is impossible to keep a proper balance between both Russia
and the West. Komarovski added that Armenia should make a choice
between Russia and the West. European officials have urged Armenia
many times to make this choice but Armenia continues its balancing
act and tries to take advantage of both sides.

From: A. Papazian

PUBLIC IS INVITED TO ARMENIAN CELEBRATION

Kenosha News, Wisconsin
June 28 2013

Zohrab Khaligian, Kenosha

On June 30, St. Hagop Armenian Apostolic Church will hold their annual
Armenian (“Madagh”) Picnic at Johnson Park in Racine. St. Hagop’s
has held their traditional picnic or “Madagh” since 1938.

The word “Madagh” means offering and goes back to the time of Abraham,
who was willing to offer his only son, Isaac, to God to prove his love,
faith and obedience to the Lord. When God witnessed this testimony,
he asked Abraham to spare his son and offer a ram instead.

Today, St. Hagop’s Madagh is an expression of that same love, faith
and gratitude to the Lord for all that he has bestowed on us.

Armenians throughout the world have designated places of pilgrimage
where they go to worship and offer a meal of Madagh to the community.

The blessing of St. Hagop’s Madagh will be at 11a.m., officiated by
the Rev. Father Daron Stepanian, pastor of St. Hagop Armenian Church,
and served at noon. From 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., the public is invited
to attend the picnic featuring Armenian delicacies and pastries. Live
Armenian music is provided by the Mid-East Beat throughout the
afternoon, and children’s entertainment includes clowns and face
painting. There is no admission charge to this event.

From: A. Papazian

ARMENIA DETERMINED TO BOOST TIES WITH IRAN – ENVOY

Press TV, Iran
June 27 2013

Tehran, 27 June: Armenian Ambassador to Tehran Grigor Arakelyan says
his country’s government and parliament are determined to expand the
friendly ties with the Islamic Republic of Iran.

In a meeting with Chairman of the National Security and Foreign
Policy Committee of Iran’s Majlis Ala’edin Borujerdi on Wednesday
[26 June], Arakelyan also called on both countries to tap into their
potentialities to enhance ties in various sectors.

He also hailed Iran’s recent presidential election.

[Passage omitted: Background information]

The Iranian lawmaker, for his part, said the friendly historical bonds
between the two nations can lay the groundwork for closer cooperation,
calling for the development of the friendly ties on all fronts.

Underlining the significance of economic and trade transactions
between the two countries, Borujerdi said Iran and Armenia need
to use their potential to shore up economic, trade, industrial and
commercial cooperation.

He also highlighted the role of parliamentary cooperation in exploring
areas for closer economic ties.

From: A. Papazian

TURKEY MAY BECOME BIGGEST IMPORTER OF RUSSIAN GAS

June 28, 2013 | 19:10

Turkey may become the biggest importer of Russian natural gas,
Gazprom chief Alexey Miller said.

“Turkey is interested in increasing imports of gas because of growing
demand. According to forecasts, a 20-percent growth may be registered
in the near future,” Gazprom CEO said during a press conference,
RBK reported.

Consequently, Turkey will become the biggest importer of Russian gas
and will surpass Germany, he added.

News from Armenia – NEWS.am

From: A. Papazian