Author: Andres-Papazian

LA CHAMBRE DES COMPTES DU PARLEMENT DENONCE LA ” CORRUPTION ” DANS LES MARCHES PUBLICS

Un organe de surveillance parlementaire a allegue de la corruption
generalisee dans l’administration des marches d’Etat en Armenie en
disant que cela a donne lieu a une perte massive de fonds publics. La
Chambre des comptes a denonce les pratiques de corrompution alors
qu’elle presentait a l’Assemblee nationale son rapport annuel sur
les inspections financières de divers organismes gouvernementaux.

” Très souvent, les appels d’offres sont organises dans des scenarios
convenus a l’avance ” a declare le president de la chambre, Ishkhan
Zakarian, aux parlementaires. ” Nous avons meme des cas où une
societe a pris part aux appels d’offres … A remporte un contrat
pour fournir des biens, et il est ensuite apparu que ces marchandises
ont ete importees par lui il y a trois, quatre ou cinq mois. Donc,
elle savait a l’avance qu’elle allait gagner l’appel d’offres “.

En consequence, selon Ishkhan Zakarian, le coût des acquisitions
a ete nettement exagere. Le fonctionnaire presente les travaux de
construction commandes par une structure du ministère de la Justice
dans le cadre d’un projet visant a moderniser les installations des
tribunaux armeniens.

Ishkhan Zakarian a montre un morceau de câble telephonique utilise
dans la construction a l’appui de ses allegations. ” Un mètre de
ce câble coûte 110 drams (25 cents americains) dans les magasins ”
a-t-il dit. ” Dans le [marche] le prix enregistre de ce meme câble
etait 1007 drams [par mètre.] ”

Les allegations ont incite le president du parlement Hovik Abrahamian
a intervenir. ” Certaines personnes ont englouti des fonds budgetaires
et nous ne faisons rien a ce sujet ” a declare Abrahamian, ajoutant :
” Je suis simplement etonne et je pense que le premier ministre doit
prendre des mesures serieuses “.

Les autorites armeniennes se sont deja engages a assurer l’integrite du
processus de passation des marches suite a des allegations similaires
qui ont ete faites par le President Serge Sarkissian lors d’une reunion
du cabinet en Septembre 2012. Le Premier ministre Tigran Sarkissian et
d’autres fonctionnaires avaient indique des violations graves dans les
constructions financees par le gouvernement, les achats de medicaments
subventionnes par le gouvernement ainsi que l’achat de vivres pour
les jardins d’enfants geres par l’Etat et les orphelinats. Plusieurs
hauts fonctionnaires ont ete licencies a la suite.

Le ministre de la Justice Hrayr Tovmasian a semble minimiser les
allegations de la Chambre de s comptes en disant que seuls les
representants de la loi et les tribunaux peuvent prouver si elles sont
etayees. Il a dit que la police armenienne a recu les conclusions de
la Chambre il y a environ trois mois, mais n’a pas encore lance de
procedure penale.

Ishkhan Zakarian a declare a l’Assemblee nationale qu’il croit une
enquete criminelle sera ouverte ” dans un avenir proche “.

jeudi 20 juin 2013, Stephane ©armenews.com

From: A. Papazian

WAR IS POSTPONED A LITTLE

Interview with Hayk Martirosyan, Ph.D. Candidate at Sorbonne
University, political sciences

Mr. Martirosyan, the three presidents, Barack Obama, Hollande and
Putin prolonged the Karabakh status quo. Edward Nalbandyan commented
on their statement saying that it could be a stimulus for progress in
the negotiations if Azerbaijan’s leadership perceives the emphases
of the co-chair countries. Does this mean Karabakh process will
lack developments?

I don’t agree with the opinion that the status quo has been prolonged.

It is just that the war has been postponed a little. It is almost
impossible to find a peace solution to the Karabakh issue. This is
not said in Armenia, but in Azerbaijan they say it. They reject the
negotiations, we – the war, but the negotiations won’t give anything
positive to us. It is said but the war is the only real version we
can’t avoid.

As to the statement of the co-chairing presidents, I would say that
official statement differ from the reality. When ordering peace, the
parties are not armed. While, Azerbaijan is provided serious military
equipment by Israel and Russia. Against this background, any statement
recalls a temporary mechanism of repression. On the other hand, if
we present it as serious political pressure on Azerbaijan, we could
say the same also for Armenia with the view of forcing Armenia make
concessions in order to avoid the war.

Can this statement have any implication on the home situation in
Armenia? Can there be unexpected situations in regional countries –
in Armenia, Turkey, Azerbaijan and in Iran?

Unfortunately, the Armenian society does not care for foreign policy.

This is strange. In Syria, on these days, the civilization of the
whole region, rather the West, is being decided. Armenia will feel
the first influence and blow. But the society seems to be following
Syria from a distant planet. It has the same attitude towards Karabakh
issue. It is inert.

As to the neighboring countries, then political changes in those
countries will surely influence on Armenia. The war against Iran
may be destructive for Armenia. That war will involve many regional
states, including Armenia, which will become a weakening rival for
Azerbaijan. Russia will do something not to lose Armenia but it will
be done late, after many sacrifices. This is a terrible scenario
and it can’t be ignored. As to the unexpected influence of regional
countries on super powers, then usually, it is the super powers that
create unexpected situations for regional countries.

What will happen against the background of Azerbaijan’s aggression
and Russia’s supply of weapons to this country?

A War. A military conflict. The Russian weapon has not changed
Azerbaijan’s intentions. They are unchangeable for Aliyev. The Russian
weapon will make the situation harder for Armenia, which will fall into
bigger dependence on its ally. In general, it is impossible to imagine
in politics that the strategic partner sells weapon to the rival of
its partner. It is almost the same as the U.S. didn’t arm Israel but
Hamas. Russia’s position on this matter needs to be explained.

Siranuysh Papyan 16:10 19/06/2013 Story from Lragir.am News:

From: A. Papazian

RUBEN VARDANYAN’S MONEY STOLEN WITH TIGRAN SARGSYAN’S CONNIVANCE AND NAVASARD KCHOYAN’S BLESSING

During the discussion of the bill on tax and customs allowances to
Dilijan International School project Member of Parliament Nikol
Pashinyan recalled that the construction of the school started
over two years ago but allowances were not discussed then. He
wondered what has changed now to necessitate such urgency for Ruben
Vardanyan’s allowances. Pashinyan answered his question saying that
Ashot Sukiasyan, Archbishop Navasard Kchoyan’s godchild, stole 10
million from America Bank which belongs to Ruben Vardanyan, so the
authorities promised Vardanyan his money back but Vardanyan’s patience
wore thin when it was found out that the money had gone to a company
which is co-owned by Tigran Sargsyan, Archbishop Navasard Kchoyan
and Ashot Sukiasyan.

Nikol Pashinyan says that only Tigran or Serzh Sargsyan’s word could
persuade Ruben Vardanyan to lend such an immense sum. The member
of parliament added that he will vote against the project because
he does not want the Armenian people to compensate the money stolen
with the connivance of Prime Minister Sargsyan and the blessing of
Archbishop Kjoyan.

13:35 19/06/2013 Story from Lragir.am News:

From: A. Papazian

MUSEUM OF MARTIROS SARYAN ON FIRE IN YEREVAN, NO ONE INJURED

YEREVAN, June 19. /ARKA/. A fire was reported Tuesday midnight in
the house-museum of Martiros Saryan, an eminent Armenian painter,
in the center of Yerevan at midnight, says the website of Armenia’s
ministry of emergencies.

A prompt response team and four squads were sent to the emergency
site. The fire was contained at 00:16 and extinguished at 00:34,
according to the report.

Household items, a total of 10 square meters, were burnt down in the
dwelling part on the first floor of the museum building.

The house-museum of Saryan was built during his lifetime, next to
his house and the studio. Since 1967 the museum has been one of
the branches of Armenia’s national art gallery. The museum arranges
exhibitions of Saryan’s paintings across the globe. -0–

– See more at:

From: A. Papazian

ASHOT SUKIASYAN SAYS HE REGISTERED AN OFFSHORE COMPANY IN THE NAME OF THE ARMENIAN PRIME MINISTER WITHOUT HIS CONSENT

ARMINFO
Wednesday, June 19, 11:51

Businessman Ashot Sukiasyan says he registered an offshore company
in the name of Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan and Leader of
Ararat Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church Archbishop Navasard
Kchoyan without their consent. Sukiasyan confessed in his letter
addressed to the Prosecutor General. The person involved in the case
over offshore scandal provided a copy of the letter to Hetq.am,
a website that disseminated the reports on the offshore company
belonging to the prime minister. Sukiasyan says he founded “WLISPERA
HOLDINGS LIMITED” registering the shares in the name of Sargsyan and
Kchoyan without their consent.

“I did it to insure my business against encroachments. I did not
realize that it will have such consequences,” Sukiasyan says.

The Armenian Police put Sukiasyan on the wanted list on June 17. Head
of the Public Relations and Information Office of the Police Ashot
Aharonyan told ArmInfo that a criminal case was initiated on the
basis of businessman Paylak Hayrapetyan’s application yet a year
ago. A decision was adopted overnight to bring Sukiasyan responsible
for fraud, damage to property, and money laundering.

To recall Prime Minister of Armenia Tigran Sargsyan appealed to
the Prosecutor General’s Office for verification of the damaging
information against him published by Hetq.am. The prime minister is
discontented at the recent publication on hetq.am saying that WLISPERA
HOLDINGS LIMITED, an offshore company registered in Cyprus has three
equal shareholders – RA Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan, Primate of the
Ararat Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church Archbishop Navasard
Kjoyan and Ashot Sukiasyan. WLISPERA (WHL) is directly connected to a
case businessman Paylak Hayrapetyan’s bankruptcy. The source published
also a copy of the document allegedly confirming the given information.

From: A. Papazian

RUSSIAN GAME IN CAUCASUS

The old Russian game in the Caucasus is definitely over because it
has transformed from an imperial patron to one of the influential
states of the region.

There are too many mistakes, failures and crimes but Moscow does not
regret because a critical opinion on one’s own policy is characteristic
of responsible groups and establishment. There is none in Moscow.

What happened in Georgia, namely ousting of M. Saakashvili’s team,
is the maximum the Georgians could do for Russia. The EU and NATO
appreciate the ability of Georgia and Armenia to conduct a policy of
rapprochement with the West without triggering a confrontation with
Russia. Equal, relaxed relations between these two Caucasian states
and Russia are an important factor for successful rapprochement with
the Euro-Atlantic community.

NATO and the EU have worked out a scheme of relations of Georgia and
Armenia with the West and Russia. “You may conduct a double-sided
policy but distance from the West must be shorter” (a little cynical
but technological). Georgia pursues its course towards NATO and the
EU, supplying wine to Russia, Armenia is trying to get convinced that
a double-sided policy is principally impossible.

On these days the Russian political commentators are making efforts
to demonstrate supply of arms to Azerbaijan (for up to 3 billion
dollars) as part of a well-planned policy. It is not ruled out that
the Russian commentators are not well-informed or are informed more
than enough but whatever Russia does, the purpose is money. The rest,
such as efforts to absorb Azerbaijan again is a possible goal but
let there be what will be.

However, the money for the weapons is primary while policy will be
put off till tomorrow or the day after tomorrow. It is possible to
put forth logical arguments – strong pressure on Armenia to force
it to reject rapprochement with the West and become an actor in a
show called the Eurasian Union, demonstrate to the West and perhaps
to Turkey that Russia has influence on the richest country of the
Caucasus, show that Russia is able to conduct a policy of parity
between Azerbaijan and Armenia. It is all possible but first they
need to grab their money when sale of weapon is cut all over the world.

In fact, the general political background of the Caucasus has changed
for Russia, and now Russia needs to shift responsibility for the
region and treat the countries of the region following the Western
model and style. Apparently, Russia is treating CSTO analogically,
with skepticism towards this military bloc. Most probably, Russia does
not have any expectations from the idea of the Eurasian Union. (It only
needs to offer condolences to the moral and intellectual degenerates
of Armenia who expected to find a feeder in this project.)

Russia is a leader of initiation of an arms race in the Caucasus which
is in line with its interests. Russia has said goodbye to hopes for
getting allies and partners in the Caucasus. It has what it has. What
are the perspectives of the Russian policy in the Caucasus?

Perspectives are bright, one needs to stretch out the “rubber” as
much as needed and grab as much money as possible. Quite a Western
policy of Moscow.

Igor Muradyan 11:57 19/06/2013 Story from Lragir.am News:

From: A. Papazian

RUSSIA TO ISSUE SEPARATE STATEMENT ON CHEMICAL WEAPONS IN SYRIA

G8 summit in Northern Ireland

RIA Novosti. Alexei Nikolskiy
18:32 18/06/2013

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Multimedia

Elimination of Chemical Weapons in the World

LOUGH ERNE, June 18 (RIA Novosti) – Russia will issue a separate
statement on the use of chemical weapons in Syria as an attachment
to the G8 joint declaration, underscoring the divergence of opinions
on the issue among the participants of the summit, a senior Russian
diplomat said Tuesday.

Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said the statement would
clarify the Russian position on several aspects of the G8 document,
including the investigation of the use of chemical weapons in Syria.

He redismissed Western claims that Assad’s forces used chemical
weapons against the armed opposition as unproven, and said a new
investigation involving a team of independent international experts
must be launched to determine the validity of such claims.

US President Barack Obama last week authorized deliveries of
unspecified types of weaponry to the Syrian rebels following the
claims that Washington now possessed reliable evidence indicating
that Syrian government forces had used chemical weapons many times
during the two-year civil war.

The Syrian government called the claims “a statement full of lies
based on fabricated information,” while Moscow said that the evidence
presented by Washington was “unconvincing” and warned that providing
military assistance to Syrian rebels could hamper efforts to convene
a peace conference on Syria that Russia and the United States proposed
jointly on May 7.

From: A. Papazian

CATHOLICOSATE GENERAL ASSEMBLY CONCLUDES

Tuesday, June 18th, 2013

A scene from the Catholicosate General Assembly in Antelias

ANTELIAS, Lebanon-On Wednesday June 12 the General Assembly began its
deliberations under the presidency of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I
with 100 delegates and official guests representing the Prelacies in
the Diaspora taking part in the Assembly. Western Prelate Archbishop
Moushegh Mardirossian headed the Western Prelacy delegation, which
was comprised of fifteen delegates.

During the three-day meeting, the representatives received the reports
of the Executive Council and the Religious and Laity Councils. The
agenda included the following issues: Christian Education, Armenian
language and culture, youth concerns, ecumenical and interfaith
relations and the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the
Genocide.

Following the elections of the officers of the Assembly, His Holiness
Aram I addressed the session, stating that the Church must respond
to the high expectations of its members. The Catholicos said that
the Church faces three challenges in particular: it must reorganize
the Diaspora, educate the youth according to the spiritual values of
the Church and the ethical and cultural values of the nation, pursue
justice by seeking to restore the rights of the Genocide survivors.

The Catholicos pointed out that the Catholicosate “has inherited
these legacies from Catholicos Sahak, who was deported from the See
of Cilicia by the Ottomans, and his successors.” The Catholicosate
stated that “we must renew these legacies with vision and commitment.”

The Western Prleacy delegation at Antelias

Starting the second session, the delegates received the reports of
the Central Committee and its Councils. The report of the Executive
Council was followed by the report of the Religious Council. The
Assembly welcomed proposals regarding Christian education and youth
formation. The members were then briefed on the forthcoming meeting of
the Bishops of the Armenian Church, to be presided over by His Holiness
Catholicos Karekin II of All Armenians, Holy See of Etchmiadzin,
and His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, Holy See of Cilicia.

One of the major issues on the agenda will be the reformation of
the Armenian Church. After hearing reports on the ecumenical and
interfaith activities of the Church, the Assembly affirmed the
important role of the Catholicosate of Cilicia in making the Church
known internationally.

Sessions on the second day began with the Lord’s Prayer and the
blessings of His Holiness Aram I. The delegates received the report
and recommendations of the Executive Council. The delegates thanked
His Holiness for his guidance concerning their programs and projects,
which have been quite successful despite limited human and financial
resources. The work of the Council was summarized under following
eight headings:

1. Establishment of a Committee of Experts to work on the purification
of Western Armenian and its application in Armenian schools. The
participants also discussed the teaching of religion in Church-related
schools.

2. Creation of an Endowment Fund. His Holiness explained that only
by establishing such a fund will the Catholicosate be able to become
self-reliant and fulfill its mission.

3. Pursuit of the Armenian Cause. Report on the international meetings
initiated by His Holiness Aram I in Antelias, to pursue professionally
the issues of compensation and restitution. The members also took
note of the joint statement of 24 April 2013, regarding the 100th
anniversary of the Genocide, signed by Catholicos Karekin II and
Catholicos Aram I.

4. The situation of Armenians in Syria. His Holiness Aram I described
the difficulties, presented the priority needs of the community,
and reported on the Special Fund created by the Catholicosate and
the contributions of the Dioceses to the Prelacy of Peria (Syria).

5. The economic situation in Greece and the difficulties of the
Prelacy. A member of the delegation of the Diocese reported on the
situation.

6. Antelias-Etchmiadzin Relations. The Assembly reconfirmed its
commitment to work with Etchmiadzin to safeguard the unity of the
church.

7. Relations with the government of Armenia. The Assembly affirmed
the friendly and cordial relations with the government and took note
of the Armenia’s response to the achievements of the Catholicosate
of Cilicia internationally.

8. Update on the construction projects of the Catholicosate with
the support of Dioceses and individual philanthropists. The Assembly
received an updated report on the construction of the “New Cilicia”
housing project in Karabakh. The plenary then received information
on the following construction projects in Antelias: Renovation of
the Martyrs’ Chapel in Antelias, construction of a new residence for
the clergy in Bikfaya, construction of a new altar and re-designing
of the surroundings of the Martyr’s Monument in Bikafaya, renovation
and transformation of the historical building of Birds’ Nest in Byblos
to house the Genocide museum.

From: A. Papazian

ANAHIT BAKHSHIAN SENDS LETTER TO YEREVAN MAYOR

Tuesday,
June 18

The head of Hello Yerevan bloc’s faction in the Yerevan Council of
Elders Ms. Anahit Bakhshian sent a letter to Yerevan Mayor Taron
Margarian, according to the statement issued by the faction.

In her letter, Anahit Bakhshian asks the Yerevan mayor to provide
information in writing about the number of Yerevan Municipality’s
cars and their value (in particular, when the Municipality purchased
those cars and how much it paid), as well as information about sums
spent on fuel and maintenance of the cars.

Let us remind you that earlier, on June 15 Anahit Bakhshian sent
a letter to Yerevan Mayor Taron Margarian, informing him about the
refusal to use a GAZ 3110 car given to their faction in accordance
with the law.

TODAY, 20:12

Aysor.am

From: A. Papazian

WAR STARTED: PRIME MINISTER VS. SPEAKER

After the prime minister’s offshore scandal the parliament launched
the second part of “Change Prime Minister” action. The Control
Chamber published a scandalous report with its edge pointed at the
prime minister.

First Tigran Sargsyan assumed a defensive posture but now he seems
to be attacking. The minister of finance has found that diesel
fuel allocated for farmers has been stolen. Interestingly, Hovik
Abrahamyan’s brother features in this story.

The chain of revelations which was initially aimed against the prime
minister may turn against the initiators. The process may get out of
control. Everyone in parliament and government is marred.

For the time being, the conductor is not visible. Most probably, this
is not an action controlled by one center but a permanent process
which may lead to the crash of the system together with Serzh Sargsyan.

For the time being there are only allegations, and the law enforcement
bodies are not taking any action. Politicians are currently shouting
abuse. However, one legal decision such as Serzh Sargsyan’s statement
on check of prime minister’s offshore assets will be followed by
claims to check Hovik Abrahamyan’s brother and the others.

Both the government and the parliament understand that mutual
revelations will lead to a common crush. Therefore, they will prefer
to reach an agreement at one stage. What will the attitude of the
society be? Will it continue to switch the news channel on vociferous
cases, preferring criminal movies instead which are closer to the
reality? Or will the society ask the question to Tigran Sargsyan,
Hovik Abrahamyan and Aghvan Hovsepyan?

Naira Hayrumyan 20:10 18/06/2013 Story from Lragir.am News:

From: A. Papazian