Author: Andres-Papazian

BALLOONS OF HARSNAKAR

October 18, 2012 13:24

Yesterday two trials – on balloons and on Harsnakar – took place
simultaneously and I am uneasy about both of them. Regarding the
balloons, I am sorry for the poor man who has been convicted to one
year in prison and who, as one can suggest from the trial, is the only
person who bears responsibility for the injuries of 228 people. In
regard to this case, the

leader of the Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) made the following
comparison – if one sells a low-quality suit in a shop, who is
responsible for that, you or the seller? The comparison seems
inappropriate to me – if I buy a suit for myself, yes, it is a problem
between me and the seller. If I buy a product for thousands of people,
I must check the quality of that product and the level of its
security. If I haven’t done that, I am, at least, the seller’s
accomplice. And two questions arise here. Firstly, if the buyer knew
that the product was dangerous (Serob Bozoyan says so) and he,
nonetheless, bought it, he is guiltier than the negligent producer and
the seller. Secondly, if he was given 100 rubles to buy that product
and he bought a product worth 20 rubles, he is also a cheat. I don’t
care a member of what party that buyer is, but since he is not in the
dock, one can assume that this unknown person (persons, organization)
is close to the government. The aggrieved persons are very passive,
that is why it was easy to hush up the reality and to punish the
whipping boy.

The fuss about the Harsnakar case is much more – there are social
activists who follow all the developments regarding the trial. Despite
that, there are no particular reasons for excitement here either. For
example, the attorney assessed the motion of the aggrieved party’s
counselor to find out whether those who had committed the crime were
workers of Harsnakar or not as mere “curiosity.” So people go to a
restaurant where they are beaten and murdered, but it is not important
at all whether the murderers are workers of the restaurant or, say,
customers. Such a way of conducting a trial makes me think that the
criminals will save their neck with symbolic punishments and the case
will not be solved completely.

As opposed to the social figures following that case, I don’t think
that the court or the prosecutor or the judge is put under pressure.

It seems to me that mental inertia applies here. It seems to those
people that they may be put under pressure at a certain point in time
and they prefer “to behave themselves” out of harm’s way thinking that
they will suck up to the brass. Perhaps, one could explain to them
that times have changed.

ARAM ABRAHAMYAN

From: A. Papazian

STATEMENT BY PRESIDENT SERZH SARGSYAN AT THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY CONVENTION

17.10.2012

Distinguished Colleagues,

Nine months ago in Marseille, the preceding EPP Congress welcomed the
admission of three Armenian political parties to the great EPP family.

Today, I have the honor for the first time to address the EPP Congress
officially in my capacity as President of the Republic of Armenia
and the leader of the Republican Party of Armenia. I am grateful to
all those present here, and especially to President Martens, for the
support provided to our accession. I also thank President BÄ~Csescu
for hosting this annual meeting and its excellent organization.

Taking this opportunity, I would like to congratulate the leadership
of the European Union and citizens of the member States on winning
the Nobel Peace Prize. This award testifies to the appreciation
of the contribution by the European Union to the consolidation and
strengthening of international peace.

The past, culture, and ultimate ambitions and aspirations of
the Armenian nation make us an indivisible part of the European
civilization. The accession of the Armenian political parties to
the EPP stems from our shared Christian heritage as well as from
our joint commitment to the basic liberties and to the principles of
democracy and human rights. The European People’s Party has become
an important link for the revaluation of the European identity. We,
therefore, view our membership to the EPP as an important element
of our association process with Europe. Our political family is the
driving force behind the European integration, as well as a promoter
and a major implementing force of the reforms.

I am pleased to note that especially since the launch of the Eastern
Partnership Program, the Armenia-EU partnership has been developing
vigorously, registering serious qualitative and substantial progress
in all areas of cooperation. Today, Armenia is among the leaders
of the Eastern Partnership regarding the Association negotiations
and the initiated large-scale reforms. We welcome the declaration
by this Summit on the Single Market. In the future, the Deep and
Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement will allow Armenia too to benefit
from the opportunities provided by the Single Market.

The Government of Armenia has waived the entry visa requirement
for the citizens of the EU member states and the signatories of
the Schengen Agreement. We hope that all present here and thousands
of citizens of your countries will utilize this new opportunity of
visiting Armenia freely.

We have initiated development of the agenda for comprehensive reforms,
which will result in a much more efficient system of governance. For
the implementation of these goals, Armenia needs considerable financial
assistance from the European Union. Towards this end, together with
the European Commission we have been jointly conducting preparations
work for the organization of the donors’ conference for Armenia.

Dear Colleagues,

Our country is getting ready for the presidential elections. The
parliamentary elections that took place in Armenia last spring
were assessed by the international observers as the best since
independence. The authorities of the Republic of Armenia are determined
to transform registered progress into a firm trend and to hold free,
fair, transparent and democratic presidential elections. To achieve
that we are conducting preliminary works stemming from the conclusions
and proposals of the OSCE/ODIHR. There is no need to say that this time
again we expect active participation of the international observers.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Security of the South Caucasus region is an indivisible part of the
European security. We see no alternative to the process of a peaceful
settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh problem in the framework of the OSCE
Minsk Group. Recently, Azerbaijan challenged the the entire civilized
human society by glorifying a murderer extradited by the EU member
state. It’s been proved time and again that xenophobia constitutes
the official policy of that country and presents an immediate threat
to the security of the people of Nagorno Karabakh.

Dear Colleagues,

The financial and economic crisis is a serious threat to the EU and
to its partner states. Crisis of such magnitude cannot be defeated
single-handedly. The EPP Summit motto this year is very relevant; the
response to this challenge is “more Europe”, the response is a more
consolidated Europe, and a stronger commitment to the European ideas
and solidarity. Only such Europe will be able to overcome the current
financial and economic crisis and open a new window of opportunities
for the prosperity of our societies.

Thank you.

From: A. Papazian

U.S.-ARMENIA JOINT ECONOMIC TASKFORCE LAUNCHED IN YEREVAN

Economy | 18.10.12 | 13:02

The 21st meeting of the U.S.-Armenia Joint Economic Taskforce (USATF)
was launched today, October 18, in Yerevan, with U.S. Department
of State’s delegation, including representatives of the Nuclear
Regulatory Commission, Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and
the U.S. Agency for International Development.

Established in 1999, the USATF meets annually to discuss ways to deepen
economic ties, further trade and investment between Armenia and the
United States, and advance market reforms in Armenia, as well as to
discuss opportunities for U.S. assistance to contribute to Armenia’s
long-term economic development. The task force is an open forum to
discuss issues of concern and interest to both countries.

This year also marks the 20th anniversary of U.S.-Armenia relations.

This year’s meeting will focus on promoting trade and investment,
and opportunities for increased energy sector cooperation.

From: A. Papazian

LE GOUVERNEMENT ARMENIEN VA IMPORTER 5000 TONNES D’ENGRAIS NITRIQUES
Stephane

armenews.com
vendredi 19 octobre 2012

Le ministre de l’agriculture Sergo Karapetian, a annonce que le
gouvernement importera cinq mille tonnes d’engrais nitriques afin
que la saison des semances en automne soit couronnee de succès.

L’Armenie importe environ 25 000 a 30 000 tonnes d’engrais nitriques
par an de Georgie, d’Iran et de Russie.

Sergo Karapetian a dit que les engrais seront vendus aux fermiers
au prix de 6000 drams par sac de 50 kg. Le Premier ministre Tigran
Sarkissian a note que l’usine de Vanadzor-Khimprom doit reprendre la
production d’engrais en automne.

Vanadzor-Khimprom fabriquera 50000 tonnes d’engrais largement employes
par les fermiers armeniens et creera autour de 300 nouveaux emplois.

L’Armenie importe jusqu’a 40000 tonnes d’engrais nitrique, de potassium
et de phosphore chaque annee.
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ARMENIE
Le Gouvernement arménien va importer 5000 tonnes d?engrais nitriques

Le ministre de l?agriculture Sergo Karapetian, a annoncé que le
gouvernement importera cinq mille tonnes d?engrais nitriques afin que
la saison des semances en automne soit couronnée de succès.

L?Arménie importe environ 25 000 à 30 000 tonnes d?engrais nitriques
par an de Géorgie, d?Iran et de Russie.

Sergo Karapetian a dit que les engrais seront vendus aux fermiers au
prix de 6000 drams par sac de 50 kg. Le Premier ministre Tigran
Sarkissian a noté que l?usine de Vanadzor-Khimprom doit reprendre la
production d?engrais en automne.

Vanadzor-Khimprom fabriquera 50000 tonnes d?engrais largement employés
par les fermiers arméniens et créera autour de 300 nouveaux emplois.
L?Arménie importe jusqu?à 40000 tonnes d?engrais nitrique, de
potassium et de phosphore chaque année.

vendredi 19 octobre 2012,
Stéphane ©armenews.com

From: A. Papazian

LA COMPAGNIE AERIENNE SYRIENNE MAINTIENT SES VOLS SUR L’ARMENIE MALGRE LES MESURES D’ANKARA
Gari

armenews.com
vendredi 19 octobre 2012

La compagnie nationale aerienne syrienne a fait savoir le 16 octobre
qu’elle mainitendrait ses vols commerciaux hebdomadaires avec l’Armenie
et ce en depit de la decision de la Tuurquie de fermer son espace
aerien aux avions syriens.

Un representant de l’agence de Erevan de la compagnie Syrian Air a
indique lors d’un entretien accorde a la radio RFE/RL que les plans de
vol devraient etre modifies, les avions syriens en provenance d’Alep
devant relier Erevan en survolant non plus la Turquie mais l’Irak et
l’Iran. Le temps de vol ne sera guère plus long, et les coûts seront
a peine plus eleves, a precise le responsable de la compagnie syrienne.

Un vol Erevan-Alepp etait prevu le soir-meme.

La Turquie a interdit son espace aerien aux avions syriens le week end
dernier, alors que l’on constatait un regain de tensions a la frontier
entre la Syrie et la Turquie, où les accrochages sont frequents depuis
que des tirs de mortiers ont frappe un village frontalier turc il
y a deux semaines, tuant cinq civils turcs. La semaine deernière,
les autorites turques avaient constraint un avion commercial syrien
venant de Russie a atterrir, sous pretexte d’y chercher du materiel
militaire russe destine aux forces armees syriennes loyales au regime
de Bachar Al Assad. Recusant la nature militaire du materiel trouve
dans l’avion, la Russie avait condamne la mesure prise par la Turquie.

Celle-ci n’ont pas affirme y avoir trouve les armes et munitions
suspectees de s’y trouver, mais ont fait savoir que le materiel
decouvert, qui consisterait en des equipements pour radar, n’avaient
pas leur place dans un avion de ligne. Par ailleurs, un avion cargo
armenien transportant de l’aide humanitaire destine aux Syriens
avait ete constraint lui aussi a atterrir par des chasseurs turcs
sur l’aeroport d’Erzurum, interrompant ainsi son vol ver Alepp le
15 octobre. Les responsables turcs ont admis après verification que
l’avion cargo ne transportait rien qui oût servir a l’armee syrienne.

Contrairement a Syrian Air, la compagnie nationale d’Armenie, Armavia,
a interrompu ses liaisons regulières vers Alepp le 17 septembre en
raison de la deterioration de la situation dans la deuxième ville
de Syrie, où reside une très importante communaute armenienne. Des
milliers de Syriens, pour la plupart d’origine armenienne, ont fui le
bain de sang en Syrie vers l’Armenie a bord d’avions de Syrian Air et
d’Armavia au cours des derniers mois. Hranush Hakobian, la minister
armenienne charge de la diaspora, avait indique le 15 octobre que
quelque 5 000 Armeniens de Syrie se trouveraient actuellement sur le
territoire de l’Armenie. Ils devraient retourner en Syrie dès que la
situation le permettra.

vendredi 19 octobre 2012, Gari ©armenews.com

From: A. Papazian

NAGORNO-KARABAKH PRESIDENT DISCUSSES 2013 BUDGET WITH OFFICIALS

STEPANAKERT, October 18. /ARKA/. Nagorno-Karabakh President Bako
Sahakyan had a meeting with National Assembly Speaker Ashot Gulyan,
Prime Minister Ara Harutyunyan and other officials to discuss the
2012 government budget performance and the 2013 draft budget, the
president’s press office reports.

Sahakyan said that the 2013 budget must be balanced and socially
oriented.

He said that such an approach has proven to be effective and has made
it possible to implement strategic programs.

The president stressed the importance of proper control over the
spending of budget funds. -0-

From: A. Papazian

FOREIGN MINISTRY REFUSES COMMENT ON ARMENIAN, AZERI FMS MEETING

PanARMENIAN.Net
October 18, 2012 – 18:40 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Armenian Foreign Ministry spokesman refused to
comment on the report suggesting the oncoming meeting between Armenian
and Azeri Foreign Ministers.”The Ministry will inform about Edward
Nalbandian’s upcoming meetings in due time,” Tigran Balayan said.

As APA reported earlier quoting French co-chair of OSCE Minsk Group
Jacques Faure, the MG co-chairs are planning a visit to the region
following a meeting of Armenian and Azerbaijani Foreign Ministers.

Faure said arrangements were being made for the meeting of Azerbaijani
and Armenian Foreign Ministers.

“It is almost settled. The meeting will take place in the days to
come,” he said.

From: A. Papazian

KOCHARYAN’S HORSE MOVE
HAKOB BADALYAN

Story from Lragir.am News:

Published: 16:35:04 – 18/10/2012

Robert Kocharyan is not only a possible nominee for president, which
is theoretical rather than a practical prospect, but also an obstacle.

Kocharyan’s name causes public mistrust or aversion towards any
political force he is related to.

He is the father of the oligarchic system of Armenia. Under his office
this system was institutionalized, economic quotas were distributed,
monopolies and oligopolies were defined, anti-constitutional home and
foreign rules were drafted, vote buying techniques were improved and
March 1 with 10 deaths took place.

Robert Kocharyan’s name, at least during the next few years, cannot
boost the rating of any political force, on the contrary.

For instance, the image of Vartan Oskanian as a candidate for president
is outlining in the political field of Armenia. But Robert Kocharyan’s
name is one of the obstacles to the perfection of this image.

There is nothing official about their connection but most people
think they are related. Vartan Oskanian will most probably be unable
to eliminate Robert Kocharyan’s impact on his name.

Robert Kocharyan has a lot to do about this. He has never said he is
guiding Oskanian. Moreover, he has always denied any relation to him
and the PAP, though, on the other hand, his hints on some links have
always been quite visible.

But ahead of the presidential elections, the most urgent question is
Robert Kocharyan’s elimination and hiding relations with Oskanian.

In this sense, Robert Kocharyan has a good chance to kill two birds
with one stone. He only needs to support Serzh Sargsyan. Thus, he will
free Oskanian from association with him and will send Serzh Sargsyan
into a difficult situation.

At first sight, this trick seems primitive but what can Serzh Sargsyan
do if Kocharyan suddenly supports him? His propaganda machine will
be unable to find a counterargument against Oskanian. It will appear
as if Serzh Sargsyan facilitates Kocharyan’s revenge.

After all, there is simplicity, even childish clarity, under every
strong step. Sometime, it is so evident that no one expects serious
steps. And then they have to handle the consequences.

So, the best possible support by Kocharyan to Oskanian would be
support to Serzh Sargsyan.

From: A. Papazian

U.S. OFFICIAL: NO COMMENT ON AMERICAN ARMENIANS REFUSAL TO BACK OBAMA, ROMNEY

PanARMENIAN.Net
October 18, 2012 – 17:56 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Eric Rubin
refused to comment on the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA)
statement that neither President Barack Obama nor former Massachusetts
Governor Mitt Romney has earned the Armenian American community’s
formal backing heading into the November 6th presidential election.

“As a government official, I cannot comment on the upcoming
presidential elections,” he told journalists in Yerevan.

Mr. Rubin, however, hailed the developing cooperation between the U.S.
and Armenia.

“Neither Barack Obama, who turned his back on the multiple promises
he made on Armenian American issues, nor Mitt Romney, who as a former
Governor of Massachusetts, has no evident public record on issues of
special concern to our community, has earned the support of Armenian
American voters,” ANCA Chairman Ken Hachikian said earlier.

From: A. Papazian

FRANCE IS ORGANIZING A MEETING OF MINISTERS OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF ARMENIA AND AZERBAIJAN

ARMENPRESS
17 October, 2012
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 17, ARMENPRESS. French co-chairman of OSCE Minsk
Group is intended to organize a meeting of Minister of Foreign
Affairs of the Republic of Armenia Eduard Nalbandyan and Minister of
Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Elmar Mammedyarov. This was announced by
French Ambassador to Azerbaijan Pascal Monye. He mentioned that other
co-chairmen countries also support this meeting. The Ambassador said:
“Presently we discuss this issue. We don’t know details of the meeting
yet, but it can take place either in Paris or elsewhere”. Pascal
Monye reconfirmed French position for peaceful regulation of Nagorno
Karabakh impact.

In response to “Armenpress” about commenting this information Press
Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia
Tigran Balayan said: “We properly give information about meetings and
visits of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia
Eduard Nalbandyan”.

From: A. Papazian