Author: Andres-Papazian

Environmentalists warn against giving Syunik pastures to Iran for rent

TERT.AM
15:52 – 02.02.13

Provision of 50 thousand hectares of Syunik pastures to Iran may be a
serious danger for Armenia, a number of environmentalists said at a
news conference on Saturday, expressing their concern over the issue.

Botanist Karen Afrikyan said years later these lands will undergo erosion.

`Our cattle breeders know very well how the pastures should be used
they just do not have means. Farmers were cheated so much that they do
not believe anyone. They say they will return the lands unharmed, it
is a lie, forget it,’ the botanist said.

On January 14 a delegation headed by Syunik province’s governor Suren
Khachatryan departed for Iran’s East Azerbaijan Province where
memorandum of agricultural cooperation was signed between the two
provinces.

Within the framework of cooperation, it is intended to give Syunik
pastures to Iran’s East Azerbaijan Province for rent. According to the
same memorandum, 50 thousand hectares of pastures will be provided for
ten years. Another 200 hectares will be provided for settlement. At
least 50 thousand cattle will pasture there.

Iranian Armenian activist Sarmen Shainjanian said after the Turkic
nomadic tribes come to Armenia they will not go back and will build a
school and a kinder-garten and will settle in Armenia for good.

Another activist Gegham Galstyan said the Turkic Iranians may collect
military secrets and report them to corresponding places.

`This issue should have first of all been discussed with the residents
of Syunik. The governor does not have right to go and sign anything
and impose it on people. We have applied to the governor’s office, we
even applied to the National security, but all in vain,’ he said,
adding that they will not stop and will fight till the end to prevent
the entrance of Turkic nomadic tribes to Armenia.

From: A. Papazian

Vardan Sedrakyan: The attack on Hayrikyan has changed the logic of the
election campaign
15:46 02.02.2013

Nvard Davtyan
`Radiolur’

`The assassination attempt on Paruyr Hayrikyan has changed the whole
logic of the election campaign,’ presidential candidate Vardan
Sedrakyan told reporters. He does not share the opinion that the
incident was a blow to Armenian statehood. The greatest blows to
Armenian statehood were the events of March 1, 2008 and October 27,
1999.

According to Sedrakyan, the authorities would not benefit from the
attack on Hayrikyan, other candidates could not have organized the
attack, either. He does not rule out the involvement of outer forces,
as Armenia is situated at the crossroads of big politics.

Vardan Sedrakyan said this incident will not give anything to any of
the candidates. Instead, it has disturbed the plans of at least two
candidates -Serzh Sargsyan and Andias Ghukasyan.

From: A. Papazian

REVUE DE PRESSE
Les collégiens sensibilisés aux crimes de guerre

Chalon-sur-Saône

le creusot

Les collégiens sensibilisés aux crimes de guerre

Mardi, 80 élèves de 3 e du collège Centre du Creusot ont participé à
une matinée de sensibilisation dans le cadre de la prévention des
crimes contre l’humanité. À partir du film « La Vie est Belle » et
d’images d’archives retraçant l’histoire des génocides, les jeunes ont
débattu avec leur professeur d’histoire-géographie. Une manière de
mieux percevoir la réalité des génocides arméniens, juif, mais aussi
ceux- du Rwanda et de l’ex-Yougoslavie, de mieux aborder les procès de
Nuremberg et de Tokyo dans le cadre des épreuves du brevet. Cette
séance à vocation pluridisciplinaire sera également exploitée en cours
d’italien et en français.

samedi 2 février 2013,
Stéphane ©armenews.com

From: A. Papazian

BRITISH AMBASSADOR WISHES PARUYR HAYRIKYAN SPEEDY RECOVERY

12:19 01.02.2013

“Like everyone else I was shocked at the news of the shooting of
Paruyr Hayrikyan yesterday,” British Ambassador to Armenia Jonathan
Aves said in a statement.

“Coincidentally, I had the honour of meeting him earlier in the day to
discuss his election campaign. I could not have imagined that he would
suffer such a dreadful attack only hours later,” The Ambassador said.

Mr. Aves extend his personal sympathy and those of the British
Embassy to Mr. Hayrikyan, his family and friends and wished him a
speedy recovery.

From: A. Papazian

MENENDEZ, BOXER ASK KERRY QUESTIONS ON ARMENIAN-AMERICAN CONCERNS

Thursday, January 31st, 2013

Secretary of State-designate John Kerry

WASHINGTON-Senate Foreign Relations Committee members Robert
Menendez (D-NJ) and Barbara Boxer (D-CA) questioned Secretary of
State-designate John Kerry on a range of Armenian American concerns
– from U.S. affirmation of the Armenian Genocide to our nation’s
efforts to address ongoing Azerbaijani threats against Armenia and
Nagorno Karabakh – during the confirmation process for President
Obama’s nominee for this top diplomatic post, reported the Armenian
National Committee of America.

“We would like, first and foremost, to thank Senators Menendez and
Boxer for raising Armenian issues with Secretary-designate Kerry
during his confirmation hearing, and also to welcome Secretary Kerry
to our nation’s top diplomatic posting,” said ANCA Executive
Director Aram Hamparian.

[menendez_confirmation-300×261.jpg]

Sen. Robert Menendez

“These responses by Senator Kerry, who, brings to this position a
record of more than 30 years as a legislator as a champion of
Armenian Genocide recognition, sadly reflect President Obama’s own
public retreat, under pressure from Ankara, from his principled stand
in support of a full and forthright American condemnation of
Turkey’s still unpunished crime against all of humanity.”

Commenting on Senator Kerry’s reference to the failed Turkey-Armenia
Protocols as a means of normalizing relations between the two
countries, Hamparian stated, “The Obama Administration, by hiding
behind the Turkey-Armenia Protocols in order to avoid angering Ankara
by honestly condemning the Armenian Genocide, does a grave disservice
to all past victims of genocide, and sends a dangerous message to all
those who would, in the future, commit such crimes in the knowledge
that with sufficient political leverage they can act with impunity
and enforce a gag-rule upon the world’s condemnation of their
actions.”

[boxer_kerryhearing-300×231.jpg]

Sen. Barbara Boxer

Hamparian noted the ongoing ANCA efforts to work with Obama
Administration to advance a broad range of Armenian concerns.  “We
look forward, in the coming weeks and months, to working
constructively with Secretary Kerry in support of a truthful and just
policy on the Armenian Genocide, as well as efforts to ensure the
right to self-determination of the people of Karabakh and a strong
U.S.-Armenia relationship.”

Prior to the January 24th confirmation hearing, ANCA activists
contacted Senators on the Foreign Relations Committee urging a them
to seek clarity from Senator Kerry on a number of community issues.

Senator Kerry was approved by a vote of 94 to 3 to serve Secretary of
State.  He will begin serving in that capacity starting on Friday,
February 1st.

Below are the complete written questions regarding Armenian American
concerns submitted by Senators Menendez and Boxer, followed by
Senator Kerry’s responses.

Questions for the Record Submitted to
Secretary-Designate John Kerry by
Senator Robert Menendez
Committee on Foreign Relations
January 24, 2013

Question:

The U.S. State Department chronicled the effort to exterminate
Armenians in the early 1900s – The Honorable Henry Morgenthau, U.S.

Ambassador to Turkey from 1913-16 wrote in July 16, 1915, telegram to
the Secretary of State, “Deportation of and excesses against
peaceful Armenians is increasing and from harrowing reports of eye
witnesses it appears that a campaign of race extermination is in
progress under a pretext of reprisal against rebellion.” The U.S.

Consul in Aleppo, Jesse Jackson, reported to Ambassador Morgenthau on
June 5, 1915, “It is without doubt a carefully planned scheme to
thoroughly extinguish the Armenian race.” The U.S. Consul in Harput,
Leslie Davis reported to Ambassador Morgenthau on July 24, 1915, “It
has been no secret that the plan was to destroy the Armenian race as
a race, but the methods used have been more cold-blooded and
barbarous, if not more effective, than I had at first supposed.”

Ambassador Morgenthau was succeeded by the Honorable Abram I. Elkus,
who served as Ambassador from 1916-17. On October 17, 1916, Elkus
telegrammed the Secretary of State about the extreme measures
sanctioned by the Turks, stating “In order to avoid opprobrium of
the civilized world, which the continuation of massacres [of the
Armenians] would arouse, Turkish officials have now adopted and are
executing the unchecked policy of extermination through starvation,
exhaustion, and brutality of treatment hardly surpassed even in
Turkish history.” How does the Department refer to the events that
occurred during this time period?

Answer:
The U.S. government clearly acknowledges and mourns as historical
fact that 1.5 million Armenians were massacred or marched to their
deaths in the final days of the Ottoman Empire. These events
resulted in one of the worst atrocities of the 20th century, and the
United States recognizes that they remain a great source of pain for
the people of Armenia and of Armenian descent as they do for all of
us who share basic universal values.  The President honors the
victims every April 24th on Remembrance Day, so that we never forget
this dark chapter in history.

Question:
The State Department has concluded, wrongly I think, to not recognize
the Armenian genocide despite a replete historical record. I think it
is a grave mistake to not recognize atrocities, historical facts for
political reasons however compelling – I think it sends the wrong
message to perpetrators and obfuscates the “never again” policy. As
a member of the Senate you supported legislation recognizing the
Armenian genocide and the deaths of 1.5 million Armenians who were
brutally massacred or marched to their deaths in the waning days of
the Ottoman Empire.

Will you share your views and record on this matter with members of
the Department and the Administration?

Answer:
If confirmed as Secretary of State, my duty would be to represent the
policies of the President and Administration faithfully.  As the
President has emphasized in his April 24th Remembrance Day
statements, the achievement of a full, frank, and just
acknowledgement of the facts of what occurred in 1915 is in all our
interests.  He also has said that the best way to advance that goal
is for the Armenian and Turkish people to address the facts of the
past as a part of their efforts to move forward.  The United States
is encouraging Turkey at the highest levels to engage productively
with Armenia on the normalization protocols, to open the border, to
reinstitute transportation, communication, and utility links between
the two countries, and to re-establish diplomatic relations.  If
confirmed, I will continue to strongly support all efforts to
normalize bilateral relations between Armenia and Turkey so that
together, they can forge a relationship that is peaceful, productive,
and prosperous.

Question:
As a matter of policy, the United States has been a strong proponent
for the normalization of relations between Armenia and Turkey, and as
such actively supported the Protocols between Armenia and Turkey,
which were signed in October of 2009. The Protocols between Armenia
and Turkey provided a road map to normalization of relations.

However, despite its public commitments, Turkey not only failed to
ratify them, but also sought to add conditions not in the Protocols,
such as resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh issue. This coupled with
Azerbaijan’s counterproductive actions effectively derailed the
process. Instead of lifting its blockade, Turkey, in coordination
with Azerbaijan, continues to maintain its nearly 20-year long
blockade against Armenia. Secretary Clinton has praised Armenia for
its approach vis-a-vis normalization and has repeatedly stated that
the ball is now in Turkey’s court. Lifting of the blockade is not
only the right thing to do; it is also long overdue.  Please outline
the steps you will take to end Turkey’s blockade of Armenia and
ensure that Turkey lives up to its international commitments with
respect to the Armenia-Turkey Protocols.

Answer:
The United States believes that full normalization of relations
between Turkey and Armenia is important not only for the future of
both countries, but for long-term stability and security in the
Caucasus. Normalization between Turkey and Armenia remains a
prominent feature of our dialogue with both countries.  Secretary
Clinton and other senior officials consistently raise the protocols
with Turkish leaders at the highest levels, and if confirmed as
Secretary, I will ensure that the State Department continues to do
so.

Questions for the Record Submitted to
Secretary-Designate John Kerry by
Senator Barbara Boxer
Committee on Foreign Relations

Question:
If confirmed, what steps can the U.S. take to put pressure on
President Aliyev to reconsider his decision and return Mr. Safarov to
jail?

Answer:
Immediately after learning of Azerbaijani President Aliyev’s pardon
of Ramil Safarov, the United States raised its concerns directly with
the highest levels of the government of Azerbaijan.  In addition,
both the White House and the State Department released strong
statements of concern over Mr. Safarov’s transfer and subsequent
pardon.  Mr. Safarov was tried and convicted of a brutal murder, and
the United States was extremely troubled to learn that he would not
serve the remainder of his sentence.

As a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, the United States continues
working to help the sides reach a peaceful resolution to the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and the United States condemns any action
that fuels tension in the region or threatens to damage the peace
process.  If confirmed, I will continue to raise the concerns
expressed by the United States previously and do everything I can to
help the parties resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict peacefully.

Question:
Azerbaijan has threatened to shoot down aircraft that fly into the
newly rebuilt airport in Nagorno-Karabakh.

How will you respond, publicly and privately, to this threat and to
any other new acts of aggression from Azerbaijan?

Answer:
The United States believes that the parties to this dispute must
resolve this dangerous situation diplomatically; the Administration
has firmly opposed any steps by any party that increase tensions in
the region or threaten to damage the peace process in the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.  As a Co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group,
along with Russia and France, the United States responded swiftly
when such threats first appeared, and the Administration has
continued to raise the issue bilaterally and through the Minsk Group
Co-Chairs.  If confirmed as Secretary of State, I will continue
working to support the peace process and to oppose actions that could
increase tensions in the region or damage the peace process.

Question:
If confirmed, will you or a member of your staff commit to meet with
the Armenian American community and religious leaders from a broad
cross-section of the community?

Answer:
Department officials maintain an ongoing dialogue regarding our
foreign policy with a broad cross-section of the American people,
including members of the Armenian-American community and leaders in
the religious community.  This mutual exchange of information and
ideas is an important element in the work of the State Department,
and if confirmed as Secretary, I will ensure that it continues.

Question:
If confirmed, will you be an advocate within the Obama Administration
for recognition of the Armenian genocide?

Answer:
If confirmed as Secretary of State, my duty would be to represent the
policies of the President and Administration faithfully.  As the
President has emphasized in his April 24 Remembrance Day statements,
the achievement of a full, frank, and just acknowledgement of the
facts of what occurred in 1915 is in all our interests.  He also has
said that the best way to advance that goal is for the Armenian and
Turkish people to address the facts of the past as a part of their
efforts to move forward.  The United States is encouraging Turkey at
the highest levels to engage productively with Armenia on the
normalization protocols, to open the border, to reinstitute
transportation, communication, and utility links between the two
countries, and to re-establish diplomatic relations.  If confirmed, I
will continue to strongly support all efforts to normalize bilateral
relations between Armenia and Turkey so that together, they can forge
a relationship that is peaceful, productive, and prosperous.

From: A. Papazian

CREATING IN LAYERS

By Joyce Rudolph
Published: January 3,
Los Angeles Times (Burbank Leader)

Building on an idea, artist Vigen Sogomonyan boldly takes oil painting
to another level.
Vivid reds and yellows immediately catch viewers’ eyes in Vigen
Sogomonyan’s oil paintings. But the subjects’ expressions – most
noticeably their pursed lips – are what really hold attention.

“Lips are attractive,” the artist said. “We speak with our lips.
“In the paintings, we read the true lips.”
Also evident in his work is the layering of the paint applied to each
piece. Sogomonyan began working in acrylics, but moved to oil when he
saw the layering properties of the media, he said.
“It takes me several months to a year to finish one painting,” he
said. “I use many layers to build the atmosphere that I want to see.”

The technique calls for him to be constantly working on several
paintings at a time while waiting for them to dry, he said.

His love of story telling plays an important part in his work, he
said, as well as his love for the theater and movies he has seen. Each
of his paintings has a story behind it, or a message, he said.

“The result comes from emotions inside me,” he said.

Several examples of works that illustrate his emotions are now on
exhibit at Stephanie’s Art Gallery in La Cañada Flintridge.

One piece, “Other Side of Trust,” features two characters wearing
masks. They are painted in intense gold and red colors and set against
a brownish-gold background. It shows how people have many faces, he
said.

“Each person has a different mask they wear when they are talking to
children, adults or a spouse,” he said.

“I’m one who appreciates art especially when it comes from my
culture,” Art collector Karen Mikaelian of La Cañada Flintridge said.
“I’ve been taught that art is to stimulate or arouse you in some way,
and Vigen’s work stands out because of the vibrant colors he uses. I’m
one for bold colors, and they come off incredibly in his pictures.”

He uses a lot of court jesters in his work, she said. They look
comical because of the way he paints them, she said, but they are more
deep than comical.

She has three of Sogomonyan’s works. Her most recent purchase shows a
character that she said looks very misunderstood and lonely.

“His paintings are just a beautiful interpretation,” she said. “You’d
like for it to be in your home. It provokes you. His work just stirs
something in me.”

STEPHANIE’S
466 Foothill Blvd. La Canada, CA 91011
(818) 790-4905

From: A. Papazian

SERZH SARGSYAN HIGHLIGHTS THE POSSIBILITY OF REOPENING OF ABKHAZIAN RAILWAY

11:03, 31 January, 2013

YEREVAN, JANUARAY 31, ARMENPRESS: Armenia is interested in
exploitation of Armenia-Georgia-Abkhazia-Russia railway. Armenia’s
Presidential candidate Serzh Sargsyan stated in the course of his pre
election campaign meeting launched in Yeghvard, “The opening of the
railway will be a beneficial for the Republic of Armenia. It is
obvious it will enable a chance to establish communication with CIS
countries without any obstacle” Sargsyan noted. He considers
Abkhazian railway exploration rather realistic.

Serzh Sargsyan recalled Georgian side also calls the reopening of
railway real. “Currently efforts are invested to surmount still
existing technical problems” Presidential candidate came forth with.

Bidzina Ivanishvili Prime Minister of Georgia also touched upon the
issue in the course of the joint press conference with his Armenian
counterpart in the course of his official visit to Yerevan, Armenpress
reports.

Abkhazian railway has not been operating for more than 20 years due to
Georgian-Abkhaz conflict. During that period attempts have been made
to reopen it. Even quadrilateral Russia-Georgia-Abkhazia Armenia
consortium was established, scheduled to elaborate railway technical
restoration plan and solve the investment issue. There was a chance to
reopen the railway in 2003 as well, whereas there was not success,
reportedly no agreements have been reached upon.

From: A. Papazian

Armenia’s Goris city to become international travel destination

January 31, 2013 – 15:21 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Located in the east of Armenia’s Syunik province,
Goris city will grow into an international travel destination.

Armenian government approved the tourism development plan on Jan 31,
with the expenses to be included in 2014-2016 medium-term program.

As an active center of international transit routes for Armenia,
Nagorno Karabakh Republic and Iran, the town has best opportunities to
become a tourist destination.

The program envisages establishment of Old Goris historical complex,
with the favorable climate enabling for development of recreational
and adventure tourism.

The program aims to foster the integration of Goris into international
and local tourism market, which will, in turn, boost the cultural life
of the city, job creation and tourist flows.

Located in the valley of river Goris, it is 254 km away from the
Armenian capital Yerevan and 67 km from the provincial center Kapan.

Goris is an urban community and the 2nd largest city in Syunik
province. The National Statistical Service of the Republic of Armenia
reported its population was 23,022 in 2010, down from 23,261 in 2001.

From: A. Papazian

VIVACELL-MTS RECEIVES CONFIRMATION OF IMPLEMENTATION OF ISO 26000 GUIDELINE RECOMMENDATIONS

17:00 31/01/2013 ” Society

Armenia Leading Telecommunications Operator VivaCell-MTS is the
first mobile operator in Armenia that has successfully implemented
ISO 26000 guidelines.

The ISO 26000 performance assessment measures organizational
performance and improvement in socially responsible behavior. ISO
26000 is the International Standard providing guidelines for social
responsibility. As a guidance tool the ISO 26000 is a pull of offers
voluntary in adoption.

ISO 26000 encourages organizations to reconsider their behavior with
regard to stakeholders or and to select from ISO 26000 recommendations
those which are applicable to the companies in their respective
spheres of communication with the society.

ISO 26000 addresses seven key areas of social responsibility, with
each one including issues, with recommendations on steps and actions.

VivaCell-MTS’ performance was evaluated across, and found fully
corresponding to the requirements of those seven key areas: ~U
Organizational governance ~U Human rights ~U Labor practices ~U
Environment ~U Fair operating practice ~U Consumer issues ~U Community
involvement and development

The above principles correspond to the Core Values of VivaCell-MTS
adopted by the Company since its inception.

A joint press conference was held today at VivaCell-MTS Headquarters,
presided by VivaCell-MTS General Manager Ralph Yirikian and Martin
Neureiter, the CEO of The CSR Company.

Ralph Yirikian said, in particular: “By passing successful ISO
26000 performance assessment, VivaCell-MTS not only has proven its
dedication and commitment to high standards of corporate behavior,
but also confirmed that corporate social responsibility is an integral
part of its business.”

Martin Neureiter, the CEO of The CSR Company Ltd., said: “VivaCell-MTS
is among the first in the world to receive confirmation of the
implementation of the recommendations of the ISO 26000 Guideline,
and for sure, the first in the CIS countries.”

From: A. Papazian

PM: REFORMS IN INTERNET AND MOBILE CONNECTION TANGIBLE FOR ARMENIANS

IT and Telecom | 31.01.13 | 13:47

Most Armenians consider reforms implemented in the sphere of internet
and mobile communication to be tangible, said Prime Minister Tigran
Sargsyan at a Cabinet session on Thursday, invoking the data of a
relevant public opinion survey.

The head of the Armenian government said up to 95 percent of
respondents in the survey commissioned by the government found the
government efforts in this direction to be positive.

“‘The next sphere that stands out by its tangible reforms is
third-party insurance and despite the criticism typical of this
particular branch, 82 percent of the survey participants gave a
positive assessment to the reforms carried out in this sphere,”
said Sargsyan.

“And 65 percent of respondents described the efforts launched in the
Cadaster sphere as appreciable,” concluded Sargsyan in reference to
the research conducted periodically for the purpose of assessing the
government activities.

From: A. Papazian