Author: Andres-Papazian

Hrant Bagratyan – ‘I’ll be at Freedom Square on Sunday with the people’

00:41, February 24, 2013

Hrant Bagratyan, the candidate who came in third in the February 18
presidential election, has excoriated Serzh Sargsyan’s five years in
office as a failure both economically and in terms of advancing social
justice.

Here’s the translation of his post:

The atmosphere in Freedom Square is getting hotter. While the rallies
haven’t reached the peaks seen in 2008, I believe they are more
decisive.

Some had pinned hopes on Sargsyan in 2008. He was the new president
and against the inhumane backdrop of Robert Kocharian, it seemed that
Sargsyan’s humane characteristics weren’t out of place. There was also
the opinion that, taking into account the brutalities of March 1, he
would try to compensate the people to some degree with just governance
and would make concessions on election issues. That he would change
the initial distribution of revenues in favour of the people, that he
would curb the oligarchic system, and that he would rein in the powers
of district leaders and purveyors of lies.

This is the picture of the past five years: Instead of the promised
for 100% additional economic growth, we have 4%. Instead of real
double revenue growth we have 11%. On the issue of pensions the
picture is a tiny bit better, but here too the growth is three times
less than promised. It is sufficient to focus on official reports
regarding the widespread consolidation of manufacturing and trade.

By the way, starting from a certain level of economic consolidation,
any growth is a waste of resources. Truly, what is the benefit of a
similar development when its results wind up going to the oligarchs
who, with some exceptions, as a rule take that money overseas? You
can’t make the prime minister and some of the ministers understand
this because it is outside their realm of capability. The only thing
accomplished by Serzh Sargsyan has been a tranquil foreign policy and
the apparent lack of personal aggrandizement.

Given all this, should we be surprised by the February 18 election
results? In Artashat, for example, real terror reigned. On February
18, four of my proxies were taken. They slashed the tires of the car
of attorney Tigran Yegoryan in order to prevent him from taking
materials to the election district committee.

They were attacking my campaign offices and later revealed the `guilty
party’ by providing the names of some youth. Karo Karapetyan, Jonik
Abrahamyan, Samvel Karapetyan and Andranik Sargsyan were battling it
out amongst themselves to see who would win in which polling precinct.
In Avshar, the well-known brothers organized open balloting.

In Yerevan’s Erebouni, Silachi, Malatya and Avan districts, the
regime’s `connected underlings’ were in a race to prove their loyalty
to Serzh Sargsyan by `facilitating’ high vote percentages in his
favour. In Yeghvard, citizens who had resided abroad for more than
fifteen years were voting. Some of them have long since passed from
this world. As a result, we got what we got.

Today, the people have won. They didn’t act as the authorities would
have like them to. Freedom Square is overflowing. The time has come
for Serzh Sargsyan and the authorities to understand that these are
also their people.

They should understand and come to Freedom Square. It is the best
opportunity to be with the people and to launch systematic change. Why
shouldn’t we liberate ourselves from the above mentioned individuals?
Why shouldn’t political life undergo democratization? Why shouldn’t
the economy be decentralized? Why shouldn’t we be free of bogus
reformers?

The meeting between Serzh Sargsyan and Raffi Hovannisian has taken
place. Why shouldn’t Raffi Hovannisian be given all the decisive and
sure-fire possibilities to fix the country? The blueprint can be
agreed upon. Why shouldn’t new elections be declared, including
elections for the National Assembly? If the majority in the current
National Assembly so desired, it could pass a law stating that 2+2=5.
There is no opposition. The National Assembly procedural code is about
not passing laws…not about passing them. Why shouldn’t we declare
that any district authority or oligarch who illegally intervenes in
Yerevan Municipal Council elections will be punished on the spot?

Is it our hope that once again the people will leave Freedom Square
empty handed? There’s still time. Serzh Sargsyan and the authorities
can change things.

P.S. Regardless of whether I post it or not, my heart and soul is with
the people. I will be at Freedom Square tomorrow. Now, I state that
which I deem correct. I believe that something will be achieved.

From: A. Papazian

Panic In Ararat: Speaker and Police Are Agitated

22:16 23/02/2013
Story from Lragir.am News:

We have learned that Raffi Hovannisian’s photo with a legend reading
`Raffi, when are you coming?’ is posted on the walls, trees all over
Ararat town. The Police Department of Ararat is looking for the author
of this action. By the way, the chief of police of Ararat region is
Speaker Hovik Abrahamyan’s nephew Arsen Abrahamyan. Upon his uncle’s
request the police are visiting door to door to find out who the
author of this action is. By the way, on the voting day envelopes with
preservatives with the name of the mayor of Ararat were found in
different polling stations.

From: A. Papazian

Iran Finds New Uranium Deposits, Selects 16 Nuclear Sites

MOSCOW, February 23 (RIA Novosti) – Iran has found more uranium
deposits and selected 16 new sites for nuclear power plants, the
Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) said on Saturday.
`Following months of efforts, 16 new sites for nuclear power plants
have been designated in coastal areas of the Caspian Sea, the Persian
Gulf, the Sea of Oman, [southwestern province of] Khuzestan and
northwestern part of the country,’ Iran’s Press TV cited the
organization’s statement.
The organization said Iran has discovered significant uranium deposits
to feed its nuclear program. The discovery will `further improve
[Iran’s] position among countries possessing nuclear technology,’ it
said.
Iran’s known mineral reserves have reportedly increased by four and a
half times compared with 35 years ago during the last 18 months, the
report said.
The latest announcement comes ahead the upcoming round of talks
between Iran and a group of international mediators on Iran’s
controversial nuclear program, due in Kazakhstan.
Iran and the group of countries comprising Britain, China, France,
Russia, the United States and Germany, known as P5+1, have held three
rounds of talks over the Iranian nuclear issue last year, following a
one-year break in the negotiations.
These talks, however, did not result in a breakthrough, as the sides
cannot agree on the true nature of Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.
The United States, Israel and some of their allies accuse Iran of
pursuing military objectives in its nuclear energy program.
Iran rejects these allegations, arguing that as a signatory to the
nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and as a member of the International
Atomic Energy Agency, it is entitled to develop and acquire nuclear
technology for peaceful purposes.
Russia has repeatedly expressed concern over the slow pace of the
nuclear talks with Iran, and stressed the need for the new meeting to
be held as soon as possible.

From: A. Papazian

ARMENIA PLANS GOVERNMENTAL RESHUFFLES

Vestnik Kavkaza, Russia
Feb 21 2013

Defense Minister Seyran Oganyan will become the First Deputy Prime
Minister of Armenia. Police Chief Vladimir Gasparyan will replace
him as the Defense Minister, News Armenia reports.

Minister for Emergencies Armen Yeritsyan will become the Police Chief.

Khachik Asryan of the Republican Party of Armenia will become the
Minister for Emergencies.

According to the Constitution of Armenia, the government will
be dissolved in 50 days after the president’s entering office. A
prime minister is appointed within 10 days after dissolution of the
government. A new government is formed in 20 days. Tigran Sargsyan
is the incumbent Prime Minister with Minister for Territorial
Administration Armen Gevorkyan as his deputy.

From: A. Papazian

EDUARD SHARMAZANOV: UPCOMING PERSONNEL RESHUFFLE AND REFORMS WILL AVOID MERGER OF BIG BUSINESS AND POLITICS

ArmInfo’s Interview with Eduard Sharmazanov, Vice Speaker of Armenian
National Assembly, Spokesperson of Republican Party of Armenia

by Tatevik Shahunyan

ARMINFO Friday, February 22, 19:11

Mr. Sharmazanov, how would you sum up the past presidential election?

What conclusion has the Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) made after
analyzing the election results?

The results of the past election deny the opinion that the election was
not competitive, the President does not enjoy the vote of confidence
and that the Armenian public has lost the interest in the electoral
processes. The voting results have demonstrated quite the opposite –
Armenian President enjoys the confidence of the majority of voters
(58.64%). By the way, the RPA forecasted almost the same results. The
second conclusion is that the election passed in a competitive
atmosphere, and the unprecedented high result of Heritage Leader Raffi
Hovannisian (36.75%) is the direct evidence of that. And the high voter
turnout (61%) demonstrates the political activity of our public. All
this is once again confirmed by the international observers’ positive
assessment of the presidential election in Armenia.

Mr. Vice Speaker, how would you explain the high result demonstrated
by Heritage Party Leader Raffi Hovannisian at the presidential
election given that a few months before the presidential election
his party had obtained only 5% of votes and that during the electoral
campaign Hovannisian practically made use of no paid air time on TV
and conducted rather passive campaign in the capital of Armenia?

This has happened due to the fact that Raffi Hovannisian was
undoubtedly the much-fancied opposition candidate for president,
and the whole protesting electorate consolidated around him.

How would you forecast the post-electoral processes?

I think the opposition will not step twice into the same river,
I mean the post-electoral developments in 2008. If the opposition
speaks of democracy and democratic elections, it should realize that
democracy implies bilateral ensuring of the game rules and does not at
all imply usurpation of power. If the defeated candidate refuses to
acknowledge his defeat and congratulate his opponent on his victory,
then he lacks political culture. In general, the Armenian opposition’s
opinion that the defeated candidate striving for no radical steps is a
betrayer is simply absurd and dead-ended. If Raffi Hovannisian and his
team have unfulfilled ambitions, the election of the Yerevan Elders’
Council will be held in May, and they can try their fate again. And
if Hovannisian has presidential ambitions, he has no other choice
than waiting for the presidential election 2018. Any other actions
of Hovannisian, aimed at gaining the presidential seat, will run
counter to the Constitution and receive the relevant response from
the authorized structures. Nobody has the right to exert pressure on
the majority’s will. But given the political culture of Hovannisian,
I have no doubt that his fight will be exclusively constitutional
and will only imply a series of protest actions.

Do you think the opposition forces may consolidate around Raffi
Hovannisian? If yes, how will it affect the domestic political
situation in the country?

It should be noted that the opposition political forces’ electorate had
already consolidated around Hovannisian at the presidential election,
which was proved by the high number of votes he obtained.

So, one should not cherish any illusions in this context, i.e. the
situation will not change if one of the opposition leaders says that
he supports the Heritage leader.

May provision of some key posts to the opposition, particularly,
Heritage, ARF Dashnaktsutyun, Prosperous Armenia Party (PAP) be a
compromise, especially as according to some media reports, there is
already such arrangement with the PAP?

It will depend on the further political processes. Everything is
possible theoretically. The Republican Party has always been guided by
expediency, not by partisan interests. It is not an end in itself to
fill the Cabinet with RPA members only. If the need to create a new
coalition or a new format of power-opposition cooperation emerges,
the RPA will be ready to do that, though it should be noted that the
party has not discussed such an issue.

Mr. Sharmazanov, the issue of formation of the future Government of
Armenia is being actively spoken about. Has the RPA discussed it? Will
the new Government include new persons? If yes, what criteria will
you be guided by?

The party has not yet discussed the issue of the new Government. But
the fact that it will include new persons is doubtless, as the changes
are the driving force of progress. But these changes will not be
artificial. The staff will be selected according to the principle of
efficiency. In addition, the upcoming personnel reshuffle will avoid
merger of big business and politics.

Before the presidential election many wondered whether Prime Minister
Tigran Sargsyan will retain his post in the new Government. Some
versions said this post would be given to the Prosperous Armenia Party
as a compromise for non-participation in the presidential election.

They also said that Tigran Sargsyan would lose his post, as Moscow
dislikes him as a pro-European statesman…

Let me reply to the last part of your question about Moscow’s
“discontent” with Tigran Sargsyan and the latter’s “possible”
resignation. I should stresses that the personnel policy issues in
Armenia are tackled by the ruling RPA and its leader – President Sezrh
Sargsyan. The geopolitical factors play absolutely no role here. In
addition, I do not share the opinion that Russia is discontent with
the Armenian Government’s position. During Tigran Sargsyan’s term in
the premier’s office, the Armenian-Russian economic cooperation was
activated even more. As regards the core of the question, I should
point out that such issues are tackled at the professional level,
not personal one. It is not important who occupies that post, it is
important how well he copes with the tasks. Over the past five years,
despite some shortcomings, Tigran Sargsyan effectively implemented
the programs of the ruling party, the President and the Government.

These days there are rumors that the local self-government
representatives who did not ensure a victory of the Republican
candidate in the presidential election in their communities will lose
their positions…

It is difficult to answer this question. Anyway, all the changes will
depend on the efficiency of the work of officials.

From: A. Papazian

SPRING/SUMMER COLLECTION IN YEREVAN’S ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA, BURBERRY AND EMPORIO ARMANI STORES

FEBRUARY 22, 18:39

YEREVAN.- Armenian stores are already presenting spring/summer
collections of famous brands. One of them is Ermenegildo Zegna boutique
situated in the heart of Yerevan, Northern Avenue. Here, fans of the
brand can already find samples from spring/summer collection.

Ermenegildo Zegna’ss designers remained true to sandy brown, while
silk was chosen as fabric of the season. The designers also decided to
flinch from classic style slightly, introducing suits with tight pants.

In other words, this time Zegna will not allow their well-to-do
Armenian consumers leave the store empty-handed.

Burberry store also updated the collections. British style fans can
shop to buy not only the traditional classic Burberry beige-chocolate
trench coats, but also eye-catching bright colors of this year’s
spring/summer collection. Of course, traditional sandy- brown range is
preserved in addition to new colors. Use of golden fabric and materials
in clothes and accessories is a characteristic feature, especially of
the women’s collection. The face of this year’s collection is a real
British man – Romeo Beckham, the son of David and Victoria Beckhams.A
wide range of accessories including shoes, belts, trousers, T-shirts,
bags is also displayed in the store.

Special attention must be paid to Emporio Armani store. Generally
Armani brand is arising “patriotic sentiments” due to its name so
close to the word “Armenian.” This year’s women collection stands out
by its reserved colors at the same time not affecting attractiveness.

Black and white or black and gray plaid suits for women emphasize
the feminine attractiveness. The range of colors varies from black
and white up to dark pink, offering a laconic but stylish look.

As to Emporio Armani men’s spring/summer collection, it is dominated
by classic colors, such as black, grey, dark blue, dark chocolate,
light chocolate, beige, light blue and white. Emporio Armani designers
revived suits with short pants.

The mentioned brands are presented in Armenia by Z&A Company since
2005. In addition to Emporio Armani, Burberry, Ermenegildo Zegna,
the company represents the Armani Junior brand and Rosie multi-brand
store which offers clothes, shoes and jewelry by Z Zegna, M Missoni,
Red Valentino, Kenzo, Marc by Marc Jacobs and other brands.

We leave the readers to make a choice, but wish to have a full wallet
throughout the year, since we will later present 2013 fall/winter
collection.

Burberry Spring/Summer 2013Burberry Spring/Summer 2013Red Valentino
Spring/Summer 2013Red Valentino Spring/Summer 2013Red Valentino
Spring/Summer 2013Z-zegna Spring/Summer 2013EmporioArmani Spring/Summer
2013EmporioArmani Spring/Summer 2013EmporioArmani Spring/Summer
2013EmporioArmani Spring/Summer 2013 NEWS.am STYLE

From: A. Papazian

NIKOL PASHINYAN: “SARGSYAN HASN’T OBTAINED THE LEGITIMACY HE SO DESIRES” MARINE MADATYAN

18:53, February 22, 2013

At today’s Freedom Square rally, Nikol Pashinyan told the crowd that
the February 18 presidential election has created a new political
reality in Armenia.

The firebrand HAK activist, said that contrary to the regime’s wishes
to guarantee a uni-polar political system in Armenia, headed by Serzh
Sargsyan, something unprecedented had occurred instead.

Pashinyan argued that while Sargsyan has maintained his grip on power,
he hasn’t secured the legitimacy that he so longs for and that he
hasn’t been able to turn the bloody page of March 1, 2008.

The people have de facto elected Raffi Hovannisian as their next
president. It remains to transform this victory into a legally
binding one.

“Yesterday, at the Presidential Palace it was Raffi Hovannisian who
received Serzh Sargsyan, and not the other way around. Sargsyan is
no longer the acting president,” Pashinyan exclaimed.

From: A. Papazian

WPS Agency, Russia
February 21, 2013 Thursday

ULTIMATUM TO THE PRESIDENT

by: Yuri Simonjan
Source: Nezavisimaya Gazeta, No 34, February 21, 2013, p. 6

RAFFI OVANNISJAN IS STIRRING ARMENIA WITH DEMANDS TO PRESIDENT-ELECT
SERJ SARGSJAN; Presidential election in Armenia is over. Losers in the
presidential race make trouble.

Raffi Ovannisjan, Legacy party leader and ex-foreign minister who came
in second in the presidential race in Armenia, threatened
the authorities with mass protests unless president-elect Serj
Sargsjan met with him to discuss delegation of power.

Save for Sargsjan, all other participants in the election called the
election rigged. Ovannisjan was announced to have polled 36%, much
more than all other candidates save for the winner. The statements the
others made following the election indicated the intention to make
Ovannisjan their informal leader and back his demands.

Ovannisjan appealed to his supporters and followers to stage a mass
protest action unless Sargsjan agreed to meet with his to discuss
“surrender” and admitted that he, Sargsjan, had polled only 20% and
Ovannisjan, 80%.

Presidential press service released a statement to the effect that
Sargsjan had agreed to meet with Ovannisjan and listen to him. Mass
protests in the center of Yerevan began all the same.
WPS’2013

From: A. Papazian

Each BASHARATYAN V collection dedicated to a certain country –
Veronica Basharatyan.Photos

FEBRUARY 23, 21:06

Veronica Basharatyan, the founder of BASHARATYAN V brand, is a British
designer having Armenian roots. Her brand’s peculiarity is
interpretation of traditions in the modern style. In an interview with
NEWS.am STYLE Veronica disclosed details about her brand and
reflection of her nationality in the brand.

Veronica, tell about your Armenian roots.

My father’s side is historically from Artvin, but in early 1900s they
moved to Stavropol and my father was born there. They surname has an
Iranian root `basharat or besharat’ means person who is bringing good
news, like good messenger.

Have you been to Armenia?

Only when I was two years old, for a very short time, so unfortunately
I don’t remember much, but it is in my diary as one of the main points
for this year. I would love to come and visit and study the country
for some time to find inspiration for one of my future collections.

How is your nationality reflected in your collections?

Reflecting traditions of different nationalities is one of the main
focuses in all my collections. So I would say this respect that was
taught to me by my parents when I was little and comes from my
Armenian-Balkarian background.

What were your first steps as a designer?

I started drawing and dressing up all my friends and myself when I was
about 7 years old. I made puffy skirts with adding socks underneath
the belt of the skirt, putting leggings on arms – like a cropped top
with tube style dress which was my Mum’s maxi skirt.

How was BASHARATYAN V brand created?

I’ve started my company BASHARATYAN V Ltd and created the actual brand
straight after I’ve graduated from London College of Fashion in August
2012.

What is inspiring your?

Each BASHARATYAN V collection is dedicated to a certain country and
its traditions. Our task is to tell people about the traditions they
have never heard of or had stereotypes about through the prism of
fashion.

Are you wearing BASHARATYANV clothes?

Sometimes. I have quite a few pieces of BASHARATYAN V eveningwear,
some individually tailored garments, but everyday wear – I mostly wear
clothes of young British designers – some of them my friends from
University.

Are there any celebrities wearing your dresses?

Yes, luckily quite a few. Ornella Muti is one of them She is a very
good friend of mine and I have created a special capsule collection
for her, Aidan Salakhova (famous gallerist, artist and public person,
daughter of Mr Tair Salakhov – very famous Russian artist), Alisa
Krilova (Mrs Globe 2011), Fiona May,(athlete, winner of the World
Championships twice and two Olympic silver medals for long jump),
Tania Zamparo, (ex Miss Italy and TV anchor woman).

Do you plan to open a boutique in Armenia?

At some point yes. I really hope so!

From: A. Papazian

Raffi’s Rally in Gyumri: Everyone From North to South Must Resign

22:09 23/02/2013
Story from Lragir.am News:

Civilnet informs that during today’s populous rally in Gyumri Raffi
Hovannisian announced, `Neither weather, nor anyone, whether an
oppositioner, a governor, a
mayor or any other official will take our victory away from us. We
have earned this victory, Gyumri is back, Shirak Marz is back.’
The citizen of Armenia will be the king of Armenia. Everyone from
north to south must resign. All the criminals must resign and be held
responsible, he said. `It’s
time the third president highly respected by me passes power to me,’ he said.
`We have won,’ he said, urging to be ready for a constitutional fight.

From: A. Papazian