Author: Andres-Papazian

4 subjective reasons why Armenia took the 8th place from the end of
“Eurovision 2013″contest

2013-05-19 18:42:57

Facebook user Vahag Rush posted a record on his page, in which
highlighted the four main reasons for the defeat of the participant of
“Eurovision 2013″ Gor Sujyan.

1. Choice of wrong song (no matter the author of the song is known
worldwide, it is no secret that this is irrelevant)

2. Gore should perform without band, since in addition to singing,
there is not a single live instrument, it made no sense to perform
with the group,

3. Lack of show. I will not make opening, if I say that Gor is not
like European guys, whom girls love very much and, why not, guys (if
we can call them boys). Therefore, they should not cover show,

4. The lack of electoral stages. If we hope for Diaspora, then before
the choice of the participant we should also take into account the
opinion of our countrymen, thus making a normal, fair choice. That is,
the vote should also take place in Diaspora, plus view of
unpretentious and national jury.

Everyone says that this was politics, but in this case I do not see
anything specifically political ties with Armenia. For me, enemies do
not exist in art, if Azerbaijan and Turkey sing and perform well, I
can not say that they were bad, I just will not vote for them and that
is all, for obvious reasons. Considering foreign forums, I found only
a few minor opinions about Armenia and Armenia’s participation. The
song was so forgettable that people were not impressed by it.

Speaking briefly and specifically, we presented a bad song, great
performance and zero show. I repeat, this is only my opinion.”

From: A. Papazian

No election system exists in Armenia – Petros Makeyan

TERT.AM
15:33 – 19.05.13

Leader of Democratic Homeland party Petros Makeyan registers that
during the past year a new political situation has been created in
Armenia.

`The political field has two faces – the one is beneficial for the
authorities, the other is opposition’s only lever,’ he said speaking
at the open discussion convened by Heritage party leader Raffi
Hovannisian today.

Makeyan explained that the three elections of the past year showed
that no election system operates in Armenia and that the process is
being controlled by the authorities.

He stressed that the opposition’s situation is not accidental and that
it has been worked out by the authorities which involved Prosperous
Armenia to the opposition field. `Nothing is accidental, the scenario
was the formation of false opposition on behalf of the PAP,’ he said.

Asked whether it is possible to oust this regime during the five
years, Makeyan said, `Of course we can do it, if we unite, revolution
is possible in Armenia each day,’ he said. As to why people do not
unite, Makeyan said, `Because in Armenia money has become the God,
that is why it fails.’ He stressed that the main solution depends on
New Armenia.

From: A. Papazian

Covered Market is also a cultural monument

2013-05-19 16:13:03

Covered Market… is at the same time a cultural monument. All- from the
residents of a nearby buildings, finishing the Mayor and the President of
the country, discussed the issue of Covered Market, but, in fact, the fate
which it awaits, becomes a reality.

But then, suddenly, on the basis of the fact that the Covered Market is
also a cultural monument, the Ministry of Culture finally showed the
courage to demand from the Yerevan Municipality to stop construction of the
Covered Market.

Thus, the Ministry has transferred this task to another field where already
process of negotations will not take place on the format of the Ministry of
Culture, City Hall, but on the format City Hall-owner. And according to the
rumors, the owner of the Covered Market is a bright representative of the
oligarchic system Samvel Aleksanyan, although the deputy of the National
Assembly has all documents, but all roads lead to him.

That is, the issue of the Covered Market is now the issue that supposedly
emanates from the relationship of the newly elected Mayor of Yerevan Taron
Margaryan and the owner of the supermarket Samvel Aleksanyan. And in order
to understand these relationships, we need only mention the festival of
Taron Margaryan, which involved the elite of the Republican Party led by
President Serzh Sargsyan and which was held in “Parvana” restaurant,
belonging to Samvel Aleksanyan.

It is noteworthy that the Minister of Culture Hasmik Poghosyan did not
participate in the event, thus expressing, in all probability, her position
on the issue of the Covered Market.

However, as they say, “If the mountain will not come to Muhammad, then
Muhammad must go to the mountain”, according to this principle, Samvel
Aleksanyan was in the Ministry of Culture and not empty-handed, but with a
large bouquet of flowers, destined probably for Hasmik Poghosyan.

Who would have thought that one day Samvel Aleksanyan will be in the
Ministry of Culture, unless, of course, if we exclude the version that in
at least one day on the order of the President of the Republic of Armenia
Samvel Aleksanyan will be appointed Minister of Culture.

It turns out that the issue of Covered market can find its final decision
based on the results of the meeting between Samvel Aleksanyan and Hasmik
Poghosyan.

If the construction of the Covered Market, in any case will be continued,
then Hasmik Poghosyan will finally fail the mission of the Ministry of
Culture, that is, the agreement between Samvel Aleksanyan and Hasmik
Poghosyan will become a reality.

The fact that today the representatives of the criminal-oligarchic system,
who have everything in order concerning the documents, but not in reality,
once again prove their triumph over society, over a simple citizen. Covered
Market is just another barrier that is used for the establishment and
strengthening of the same criminal-oligarchic system, as well as to
overcome the difficulties.

Gevorg Avetisyan

From: A. Papazian

Iran hangs two men for spying for Israel and US

14:32 – 19.05.13

Iran has hanged two men convicted of spying for Israel and the US, the
authorities there have said.

Mohammad Heydari was found guilty of passing intelligence on “security
issues and national secrets” to Israeli Mossad agents in exchange for
cash, BBC reports.

Kourosh Ahmadi was convicted of providing intelligence to the CIA,
Tehran’s prosecutor’s office said.
Iran has repeatedly accused Israel and the US of carrying out covert
intelligence operations.

It comes amid continuing tension over its nuclear programme, which
Tehran insists is for peaceful purposes but Western nations suspect is
being used to build an atomic weapon.

It is not clear when Heydari and Ahmadi were arrested or where they were tried.
Their execution was handed down by Tehran’s Revolutionary Court and
confirmed by the Supreme Court, Iran’s Fars news agency reported.
It said the two men were hanged at dawn.

Armenian News – Tert.am

From: A. Papazian

FRANCE
Sophie Agacinski va consacrer un portrait à Henri Verneuil

C’est une jeune fille blonde au visage mutin qui faisait la une du
numéro 294 de Télé 7 jours la semaine du 6 novembre 1965. Un
exemplaire est à vendre aujourd’hui 33 euros dans la vitrine d’un
marchand de vieux papiers de la rue des Archives à Paris. Il y a 48
ans, il ne coûtait que 0,80 centime de francs. Sophie Agacinski était
cette année-là la vedette d’un feuilleton télévisé qui passait tous
les soirs sur la toute neuve deuxième chaîne de la télévision
française. Pendant un quart d’heure, avant le journal de 20 heures, la
France entière se passionnait pour les aventures d’une jeune
provinciale Seule à Paris.

`On voulait que je prenne un pseudonyme, car une héroïne d’un
feuilleton français ne pouvait pas avoir un nom polonais. Il n’en
était pas question, je crois que c’était pour mon père. Et puis, il y
avait Michel Poniatowski qui commençait à faire parler de lui, cela ne
posait de problème à personne`, souligne Sophie Agacinski. Celle qui
n’est plus comédienne depuis une trentaine d’années s’étonne d’être
restée dans la mémoire collective. `J’ai une mémoire sélective, je ne
me souviens plus de ce que j’ai fait. Si on me dit ça et ça, je suis
d’accord, mais c’est tout. À la quarantaine, on ne me proposait que
des rôles d’écervelée, de pin-up, mais je n’avais plus l’ge`, se
souvient-elle. Amoureuse de l’écriture

Sophie Agacinski participa alors à quelques jeux télévisés, comme Les
jeux de 20 heures ou L’académie des 9, et privilégia le thétre en
jouant Reiser et son Roi des cons ou des sketches de Ionesco. `J’ai eu
un petit goût de revenez-y, en partant en tournée avec Roger Pierre et
Jean-Marc Thibault dans Le vison voyageur, et puis terminé.` Sophie
est mariée au second. `Un jour, quelqu’un m’a demandé si j’étais
toujours avec Roger Pierre et Jean-Marc Thibault. J’ai répondu, non,
un seul me suffit`, s’amuse-t-elle. Ils se sont rencontrés sur le
tournage de Les malabars sont au parfum. `Je les confondais tous les
deux, et comme j’étais plus grande que lui, il devait monter sur
plusieurs paillassons pour être à ma hauteur, tant et si bien que je
l’appelais mon paillasson.`

Les comédiens sont restés la famille de Sophie. Quand le rideau s’est
baissé, elle a écrit pour la télévision des scénarios, dont une
quarantaine pour l’inoubliable série Maguy, dans laquelle Jean-Marc
Thibault était l’époux de Rosy Varte. `J’ai toujours aimé écrire.
Lorsque j’étais enfant, je voulais devenir journaliste politique. Je
me suis retrouvée présentatrice à la télévision régionale à Lyon, puis
au conservatoire dans la classe de René Simon.` Les chemins sont
inattendus et réservent des surprises. La soeur de Sophie, la
philosophe Sylviane Agacinski, avait elle aussi touché au thétre au
conservatoire de Lyon. `Un jour, Sylviane m’a confié que c’était moi
qui lui avais donné le goût de la philo en lui offrant son premier
livre de Nietzsche`, se souvient Sophie. Une mémoire pour les autres

Si on les voit rarement ensemble, les soeurs Agacinski sont pourtant
très proches, dix-sept mois les séparent. Longtemps, l’une recevait du
courrier destiné à l’autre. À l’heure où on la dérange, Sophie sort de
la salle de montage d’un studio du 15e arrondissement. Jamais très
loin du cinéma, elle raconte dans un documentaire qu’elle réalise la
légende des studios de cinéma parisiens, de Boulogne à Saint-Maurice,
en passant par ceux de Jean-Pierre Melville, rue Jenner dans le 13e
arrondissement. `Je n’ai pas connu cette période, mais cette histoire
est passionnante.` Elle travaille avec Meï-Chen Chalais, la veuve du
célèbre critique François Chalais.

Si Sophie n’a pas de mémoire pour elle, elle en a pour les autres.
Après avoir consacré un portrait à Victoria Abril, elle marchera dans
les pas d’Henri Verneuil. Dans quelques jours, elle ira repérer à
Marseille les lieux où le réalisateur arriva à l’ge de quatre ans
avec ses parents rescapés du génocide arménien. C’est aussi là que vit
Sophie Agacinski avec son mari, lorsqu’elle ne travaille pas à Paris.
`Jean-Marc parle beaucoup de Roger (disparu il y a deux ans). Il a
passé plus de temps avec lui qu’avec aucune de ses femmes, officielles
ou non.` Sophie Agacinski s’est extraite quelques instants du passé
des autres pour parler du sien. Elle dit au revoir en refermant
doucement la porte de sa salle de montage. `Merci d’être venu`, nous
dit-elle. Il se dégage d’elle beaucoup d’humanité, de tendresse et de
discrétion.

dimanche 19 mai 2013,
Stéphane ©armenews.com

From: A. Papazian

THE HOLIDAY OF VICTORY OF PEACE OVER WAR

Wednesday, 15 May 2013 15:04

It is already the 21st spring since gaining its state independence
that the Nagorno Karabakh Republic has celebrated May 9 as a triple
holiday. The traditional and popularly beloved Day of Victory over the
German fascism in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945 was supplemented
by the Day of liberation of the ancient capital city of Karabakh –
Shushi and creation of the NKR Defense Army. Surely, the coincidence
in time of the victory in Shushi and the victory over fascism was the
result of a confluence of circumstances, but still, this has perhaps
a deep meaning. Both in the already far Soviet forties and in our
nineties, it was the matter of the existence of the state and the
people, and it were the victories in THAT and THIS war that saved,
respectively, the citizens of the USSR and the NKR from physical
extermination.

These words are not a tribute to the journalistic metaphor. They
hold the truth, the brutal and terrible truth. Of course, we are not
going to put a sign of identity between these two wars, because their
scales are simply incommensurable. However, on its significance, the
victory of the Artsakh people in the war unleashed by Azerbaijan was
of crucial importance for the people of Nagorno-Karabakh, since it
was the issue of Nagorno Karabakh’s existence or non-existence. That
is why drawing historical parallels in this case is, in a sense,
justified. We should thoughtfully comprehend our history to be able
to avoid further tragic mistakes.

The military-political situation in the NKR was critical by the
spring of 1992. The young republic was in the grip of severe blockade;
the peaceful settlements, including the capital city of Stepanakert,
were subjected to heavy shelling, which took the lives of hundreds
and hundreds of people; the threat of famine was obvious. But most
importantly, the NKR independence itself was under threat. Shushi
was turned by Azerbaijan into a powerful military base daily spewing
deadly fire on Stepanakert. Imperative was the liberation of the town
and subsequent creation of a reliable land communication with Armenia.

To resolve these strategically important objectives, a regular and
efficient army was needed, which would be able to resist the aggression
of the enemy, significantly surpassing us in their military potential.

The NKR Defense Army, which truly became the brainchild of our people,
who bravely and courageously endured all the hardships of the heavy
times, was born in the crucible of war. Surely, the Karabakh armed
forces had already notable victories before the Shushi operation, but
it was Shushi that became the touchstone, where the Defense Army was
tested. And I must say that it passed this difficult exam on viability
brilliantly. The ancient capital of the Armenian region, which had
been in foreign captivity for decades, finally gained freedom, and
after a little more than a week the Karabakh forces broke through the
blockade and paved the way to Armenia, which was rightly called by
people the Road of Life. And the Defense Army, which guarantees the
inviolability of the borders of our Republic and the peaceful life
of its population, has legitimately and firmly earned the status of
the basic guarantor of the independence and security of the NKR.

I must say, military experts are still astonished by the phenomenon
of Shushi, because the town was considered an impregnable fortress,
which, according to the canons of military science, was impossible to
take by storm. However, the Karabakh warrior-liberator despised the
academic canons, demonstrating to the world the unparalleled feat and
strength of the Armenian weapon. And the secret of this feat was in
the love for freedom of the Karabakh people, who totally stood for the
defense of the native land of Artsakh, in the majesty of the national
spirit and unity of the Armenian people, which mobilized its moral,
intellectual and material potential for saving part of its historical
homeland, which was in a terrible trouble. The victory in Shushi taught
us the main lesson that we must always remember and especially today,
when the threat of a new war is not over yet – only thanks to the
consolidation of the entire Armenian people, we can solve the most
significant issues of national importance. That is why the liberation
of Shushi can be rightfully called the victory of the whole Armenian
people, the embodiment of its age-old dream.

The victory in the Great Patriotic War and the victory in Shushi
are distant from each other by nearly half a century. However, May
9 as if tossed a peculiar bridge over the river of time, invisibly
linking the two most important events in the life of the Artsakh
people. Thousands of our fellow citizens were involved in the war
against the German fascism, making a worthy contribution to the Great
Victory. Small Karabakh gave the then, our common Soviet Motherland,
its own heroes and prominent military leaders. The new generation of
citizens of the independent NKR, which underwent incredibly hard tests,
defended the honor and dignity of the homeland in an unequal struggle,
in fact, proving that it is worthy of the feat and glory of the older
generation and is the successor of its martial traditions.

May 9 is the holiday of victory of peace over war. But, it is not
only festivities. It is the day of national mourning and memory of our
compatriots who perished at that far and this war. A high price is paid
for our current ability to live freely on the land of our ancestors,
and therefore those living must sacredly preserve the fruits of the
victory, the main of which is the independence of the NKR. And they
must remember with gratitude all those who gave their lives for the
free future, must deeply respect the veterans of the Great Patriotic
and Artsakh Wars. For only effective memory can preserve the connection
between the past and the present, the present and the future. This
is the guarantee of the long life of the people.

Leonid MARTIROSSIAN Editor-in-Chief of Azat Artsakh newspaper

From: A. Papazian

“ARAVOT”: RAFFI WAS ABLE TO TEACH PEOPLE TO SPEAK TO THE AUTHORITIES IN A GOOD, NON-AGGRESSIVE TONE

17/05/2013 12:45:00
Oratert News

“Regardless of the outcome of the recent presidential election in
Armenia atmosphere is a little different. Raffi succeeded not only
in Yerevan, but also in small towns, rural communities to break the
taboo of people to speak agains the power in a good, non-aggressive
statements and tonality.

In this situation, it will be easier for the opposition forces to work
with people”, in an interview with the newspaper “Aravot” member of
the initiative group of “Armenian National Movement” party Hovhannes
Igitian said.

From: A. Papazian

RUSSIA IS LARGEST BUYER OF ARMENIAN NATURAL JUICES

17/05/2013 12:56:00
Oratert News

The export volumes of the fruit and vegetable juices from the Republic
of Armenia in the first three months of the year of 2013 have increased
by about 25% in comparison with the same period of the previous year.

As reported by Armenpress, in the first three months of 2013 437
thousand 400 liters of fruit and vegetable juices was exported from
the Republic of Armenia with the total customs value of 667 thousand
USD. By the data, provided by the State Revenue Committee at the
Government of Armenia, in the first three months of the year of 2012
350 thousand 300 liters of fruit and vegetable juices was exported
from the Republic of Armenia. In the first three months of 2013
the main buyer of the exported Armenian natural juices is Russia –
301 thousand 300 liters. The Armenian fruit and vegetable juices are
purchased also by Ukraine, USA and other countries.

In 2012 the export volumes of the fruit and vegetable juices from
the Republic of Armenia to the Russian Federation made 1 million 489
thousand 800 liters. In 2011 the figure was 1 million 286 thousand
200 liters.

In 2012 the total export volumes from the Republic of Armenia to
Russia made 280 million USD. In 2012 the total export volumes from
the Republic of Armenia made 1 billion 428 million USD.

From: A. Papazian

ARMENIAN FLAG RAISED IN FRONT OF STRASBOURG CITY HALL

15:29 17.05.2013

The Armenian flag was raised in front of the Strasbourg City Hall
on May 16 to mark the Armenian chairmanship of the Committee of
Ministers of the Council of Europe. The solemn ceremony was attended
by Strasbourg Mayor Ronald Ries, Ex-Chairman of the Committee of
Ministers, Andorra’s Foreign Minister Gilbert Saboya Sunye, heads of
diplomatic missions accredited to Strasbourg, representatives of the
Armenian community.

The flags of France, the European Union and Armenia will fly in front
of the Strasbourg City Hall during the coming six months.

Speaking at the ceremony, Armenian Foreign Minister, Chairman of the
CoE Committee of Ministers Edward Nalbandian said:

“Strasbourg is a symbol of human rights and fundamental freedoms for
800 million Europeans. With its cultural and architectural diversity
Strasbourg symbolizes the European diversity.

The Armenian chairmanship will provide the residents of Strasbourg with
an opportunity to familiarize with Armenia and its culture thanks to
the events we intend to organize in cooperation with the Strasbourg
City Hall.”

Concluding his speech, Minister Nalbandian noted that there are moments
in the history of peoples and states, which remain in the memory of
many generations. May 16, 2013 will be one of such dates for Armenia,
he said.

Armenia assumed the Chairmanship of the Council of Europe Committee
of Ministers on May 16.

From: A. Papazian

US Think Tank: Iran Will Balance Middle East If Ever Moves towards
Military N. Capability

15:53 | 2013-05-18

Nuclear

TEHRAN (FNA)- RAND Corporation, a Washington-based think tank, ruled
out the possibility of Iran posing any threat to the US and Israel
even if it ever moves towards the acquisition of a military nuclear
capability, saying that “a nuclear-armed Iran” will rather help create
a power balance in the region.

Washington and its Western allies accuse Iran of trying to develop
nuclear weapons under the cover of a civilian nuclear program, while
they have never presented any corroborative evidence to substantiate
their allegations.

Iran denies the charges and insists that its nuclear program is for
peaceful purposes only, stressing that the country has always pursued
a civilian path to provide power to the growing number of Iranian
population, whose fossil fuel would eventually run dry.

And now, RAND Corporation says that even a nuclear-armed Iran will not
pose a fundamental threat to the US and its regional allies, including
Israel and the Persian Gulf Arab monarchies.

The US think tank noted that if Iran ever moves towards a military
nuclear capability it will help bring about a balance to the Middle
East.

The acquisition by Tehran of nuclear weapons will be intended to deter
an attack by hostile powers, presumably Israel and the United States,
rather than seeking aggressive purposes, the Inter Press Service (IPS)
cited a 50-page report by the Washington-based RAND Corporation as
saying.

“Iran’s development of nuclear weapons will enhance its ability to
deter an external attack, but it will not enable it to change the
Middle East’s geopolitical order in its own favor,” Alireza Nader, an
international policy analyst at RAND, told the IPS.

The report reached several conclusions all of which generally portray
Iran as a rational actor in its international relations.

The 50-page report concluded that Tehran will be unlikely to use
nuclear weapons against other countries.

Despite the rules enshrined in the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)
entitling every member state, including Iran, to the right of uranium
enrichment, Tehran is now under four rounds of UN Security Council
(UNSC) sanctions and the unilateral western embargos for turning down
West’s calls to give up its right of uranium enrichment.

Tehran has dismissed West’s demands as politically-tainted and
illogical, stressing that sanctions and pressures merely consolidate
Iranians’ national resolve to continue the path.

Tehran has repeatedly said that it considers its nuclear case closed
as it has come clean of IAEA’s questions and suspicions about its past
nuclear activities.

From: A. Papazian