Author: Andres-Papazian

ARMENIA, US SIGN AGREEMENT ON BORDER SECURITY

armradio.am
22.05.2012 18:27

On May 22 Armenian Deputy Defense Minister Ashot Hovakimyan and US
Ambassador to Armenia John Heffern signed an agreement on cooperation
between the National Security Service of the Republic of Armenia
and the US Department of Defense on assistance in the field of
border security and prevention of proliferation of weapons of mass
destruction.

The agreement is aimed at revealing and preventing the illegal
transportation of weapons of mass destruction, related technologies and
materials through the territory of the Republic of Armenia, training
of specialists, as well as appointment of technical representatives
of the US to Armenia and coordination of their activity.

From: A. Papazian

GETTING READY TO THE HARVEST

NKR Government Information and
Public Relations Department
21.05.2012

Issues related to the coming harvest have been discussed today at
the conference called by the NKR Prime Minister Ara Haroutyunyan.

Responsible persons of the agricultural sphere and heads of regional
administrations reported of the harvest preparatory works. As informed
the Minister of Agriculture A.Khachatryan 61 thousand hectare grain
autumn sowing has been done, which is more by 7 thousand hectare
comparing with the previous year.

Spring sowing is in the process and one of the main problems is to
finish it successfully and get ready to the harvest without losses.

Prime Minister A.Haroutyunyan mentioned that there are three principal
issues for the harvest preparation: to adjust the agricultural
machinery, to take necessary anti-fire measures and plan laying-in
and realization issues. Prime Minister announced that the price of
grain will not be less than 130 AMD for 1 kg.

Director of the NKR Rescue Service Artur Haroutyunyan and executive
director of the “Village and agriculture assisting fund” Vahram
Baghdassaryan spoke about the works done in their structures.

Summarizing the conference the head of the Government emphasized that
it is necessary to get ready to the coming autumn sowing, follow the
agricultural norms.

At the end of the conference Prime Minister instructed the heads of
the regional administrations to present corresponding suggestions in
three days period regarding the issues discussed.

From: A. Papazian

AZERBAIJAN BASKS IN GLITZ, FEARS EXPOSURE

ARMENPRESS
23 May, 2012
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, MAY 23, ARMENPRESS: On a recent evening on Baku’s seaside
promenade, throbbing Euro-dance music blared out from an open-air
concert as families strolled by. Cafes serving fragrant skewered meat
served throngs of locals and foreigners, reports Armenpress citing
Fox News. As Islam flourishes, however, rights activists also say that
blatant trampling of democratic freedoms is being ignored by Western
powers eager to exploit Azerbaijani oil wealth. Advocacy groups are
using the global attention generated by Eurovision to publicize rights
issues they say have been overlooked for years.

“Both local rights activists and international human rights groups view
this as an opportunity to highlight to the world just what is going on
in Azerbaijan, which doesn’t normally receive a lot of press coverage,”
said Max Tucker, Azerbaijan campaigner for Amnesty International.

For the West, Azerbaijan has long been mainly about oil.

Tensions with Iran have deepened in recent months over Azerbaijani
suspicions that Tehran supports radical religious extremists in
its midst.

Relations with Russia are cordial but undermined by what Baku
perceives as Moscow’s support for neighboring Armenia, with which
Azerbaijan fought and lost a bitter six-year conflict over the disputed
Nagorno-Karabakh territory from 1988.

Journalists who have bucked the trend by reporting on alleged
corruption in government have often faced repercussions.

In a prominent recent case, investigative reporter Khadija Ismayilova
received an envelope stuffed with intimate photographs that she
was made to understand would be made public if she didn’t stop her
aggressive reporting. Instead of backing down, Ismayilova went public
with the blackmail threat. Covertly filmed footage of her at home
was posted online days later.

Undeterred, Ismayilova has since reported for Radio Free Europe about
how Aliyev’s family has allegedly profited from the construction of the
newly built concert hall in which the Eurovision contest is to be held.

From: A. Papazian

ASBAREZ TO HOST TALK WITH HETQ.AM EDITOR

asbarez
Tuesday, May 22nd, 2012

The panel is scheduled for Thursday, May 24

LITTLE ARMENIA-asbarez.com, along with the Armenian National Committee
of America-Western Region and the ARF Shant Student Association will
host a discussion with the editor of Hetq.am, Edik Baghdasaryan.

The event will take place on Thursday, at 7:30 p.m. on May 24 at the
Hollywood Armenian Center, 1611 N. Kenmore Ave. Los Angeles.

Hetq.am is an online publication in Armenia and is key site for
investigative journalism and thought provoking opinion.

The interactive discussion with the prominent, award-winning
investigative journalist will explore several important topics from
the state of press and media freedom in Armenia, transparency and
accountability in the government and the impact of social media.

Asbarez English Editor Ara Khachatourian will moderate the discussion.

Check out the event’s Facebook page for more.

From: A. Papazian

US WAS FIRST TO RECOGNIZE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE – EXPERT

tert.am
23.05.12

The United States of America has been the first ever country in the
world to officially recognize the Armenian Genocide, Ara Papyan,
the president of the Modus Vivendi Center has said.

In a lecture delivered at the Naregatsi Art center on Tuesday, the
expert recalled that the US Government adopted a special decision
in 1953 to inform the international court that the 1915 atrocities
against the Armenians amounted to a crime of genocide.

Papyan was surprised to note that the Armenians are still looking
forward to a day when they will hear at last US President Obama say
the ‘genocide’.

“It has become like a magic stick, passion and orgasm whereas our
rights are not anchored on the genocide recognition fact. When asked
what will change should Obama say the word tomorrow, no one knows the
answer. They say it is important as the United States’ recognition of
the Genocide will push Turkey to act similarly,” he said, expressing
doubt whether the move would really make Turkey return to the Armenians
their lost lands.

The expert did not rule out the possibility that Turkey’s steps will
be restricted only to apology. He noted further that the recognition
of Genocide and the return of territories are not interdependent
concepts. He more stressed the importance of focusing on documents.

“When speaking of documents that enshrine rights, including
territorial, we can have a legal lever against Turkey provided we are
able to put them into circulation and push ahead to the international
court. While unable to return the territories in such circumstances,
we can have at least certain rights, such as the right to a free
transit, monuments and so on,” he said.

From: A. Papazian

ARMENIA IS COMMITTED TO VALUES OF STRENGTHENING PEACE AND STABILITY IN BLACK SEA REGION

ARMENPRESS
23 May, 2012
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, MAY 23, ARMENPRESS: Members of Black Sea cooperation are
united by common values including the strengthening of peace and
stability in the region and establishing good-neighborly relations.

Armenpress reports that about this mentioned President of National
Assembly of Armenia Samvel Nikoyan in his massage addressed to the
39-th session of BSEC PA.

“Armenia pays great attention to regional cooperation” mentioned
Nikoyan. In his words during the last period multilateral cooperation
and parliamentary diplomacy have gained great importance. “We have
the aim to support and develop those processes. As internationally
recognized organization BSEC PA constantly expands its scope of
activity becoming important factor of economic and political stability
in the region” he said.

President of National Assembly also stressed that the activity of
the organization is directed to strengthening economic and trade
cooperation in Black Sea region and must help to establish mutual
understanding and trust between nations of member states. “With this
sense we are moving in direction of strengthening regional cooperation”
said Nikoyan.

He also informed that during six months of Armenia’s presidency in
the parliamentary assembly the three specialized committees had worked
hard, discussed and acknowledged several important reports concerning
economic, social, legal spheres.

From: A. Papazian

LE LIVRE COMME TEMOIN DU GENOCIDE ARMENIEN
Stephane

armenews.com
mercredi 23 mai 2012

Le 23 avril une exposition provisoire intitulee ” le Livre comme
temoin du genocide ” s’est ouverte dans le Musee-Institut du
Genocide armenien. L’exposition est organisee a l’occasion du 500ème
anniversaire de l’impression armenienne et de la proclamation d’Erevan
comme Capitale Mondiale du livre 2012 par l’UNESCO. L’exposition inclut
environ 300 premières editions sur le sujet du Genocide armenien.

Les livres representes a l’exposition sont groupes dans differents
titres. Notes de voyages, des manuels et des publications se referant
a la vie sociale, culturelle et des affaires des armeniens Occidentaux
sont exposes sur differentes tables. Des tables separees presentent les
publications des mouvements pro armeniens qui ont suivi les massacres
Hamidiens et d’Adana, des publications uniques imprimees en Allemagne,
aux U.S.A, en Grande-Bretagne, en Suède, en France, en Russie et dans
d’autres pays representent les preuves indeniables des crimes contre
l’humanite commis par les regimes politiques turcs successifs. La plus
grande partie des livres exposes a ete publiee pendant le genocide
commis contre les armeniens par le gouvernement Ottoman.

Les livres rares et de valeur, qui sont presentes a l’exposition,
ont ete acquis avec l’appui de Serge Sarkissian, le President de
la Republique d’Armenie, Jevan Cheloyants (Moscou), Ralph Yirikian,
directeur general de VivaCell-MTS, Tigran Kalayjyan ( Chypre) et du
Fonds de secours Pyunik. La collection du Musee du Genocide armenien
et la bibliothèque de l’Institut a ete enrichie grâce a la contribution
de Matthias Bjornlund ( Danemark), Laura Daun (Suède), Suren Bayramyan
(Egypte), Rouben Galichian et d’autres.

Quelques-uns des livres inclus dans l’exposition peuvent seulement
etre trouves dans la collection de l’AGMI.

From: A. Papazian

L’ARMENIE BOYCOTTE LE SOMMET DE L’OTAN EN RAISON DE SA DECLARATION PRO-AZERIE
Jean Eckian

armenews.com
mercredi 23 mai 2012

EREVAN (RFE/RL) L’Armenie a boycotte le sommet de l’Otan de Chicago de
ce week-end pour marquer sa reprobation sur la redaction
pro-azerbaïdjanaise de la declaration adoptee par les chefs des 28
etats membres de l’alliance.

La declaration mentionne les conflits non resolus au Haut-Karabagh
ainsi qu’en Georgie et en Moldavie dans une longue liste de defis
poses a l’Occident. Elle semble ne tenir compte que de l’integrite
territoriale des etats reconnus internationalement comme principe
servant a leur resolution pacifique.

‘Nous demeurons attaches a notre soutien de l’integrite territoriale,
de l’independance, et de la souverainete de l’Armenie, l’Azerbaïdjan,
la Georgie et la Republique de Moldavie, et continuerons egalement a
soutenir les efforts pour une solution paisible des ces conflits
regionaux, bases sur ces principes et sur les normes du droit
international, la Charte des Nations Unies, et l’Acte Final
d’Helsinki,” y lit-on.

Le document ne fait aucune reference au droit des peuples a disposer
d’eux-memes qui a ete defendu par la partie armenienne tout au long
des efforts internationaux fournis de longue date pour resoudre le
conflit du Karabagh. Une combinaison de ce principe avec celui de
l’integrite territoriale a ete au c~ur des propositions de paix au
Karabagh faites par les etats mediateurs, notamment les Etats-Unis et
la France, au cours de la decennie passee. Le ministre des affaires
etrangères Edouard Nalbandian, qui representait l’Armenie a ce sommet,
a insiste sur ce point auprès des membres de la communaute armenienne
de Chicago samedi passe. Il a dit que le langage preoccupant employe
dans la declaration de l’Otan pour la partie concernant le Karabagh
tend a aller a l’encontre des plans actuels dresses par les
copresidents du groupe de Minsk de l’OSCE, les USA, la France et la
Russie. “Cela pourrait gener non seulement le processus des
negociations concernant le Haut-Karabagh mais pourrait compromettre la
situation deja instable dans la region, avec en toile de fond, tout
specialement, l’accroissement sans precedent des depenses militaires
de l’Azerbaïdjan et la rhetorique belliqueuse de ses dirigeants”,
aurait-il dit. Nalbandian a declare que c’est pour cette raison que le
president Serge Sarkissian a decide de ne pas prendre part au sommet.

Sarkissian avait boycotte le sommet precedent de l’Otan tenu a
Lisbonne a la fin 20101, officiellement pour la meme raison. Une
declaration de l’Otan adoptee a ce moment la mettait egalement en
avant l’integrite territoriale de l’Azerbaïdjan dans le conflit.

From: A. Papazian

THIS WEEK: THE EUROVISION SONG CONTEST IN BAKU, AZERBAIJAN

TVLatest.com
,+Azerbaijan
May 21 2012

After over a year of preparation, 42 entries, and a little controversy
here and there, the Eurovision Song Contest will be held in Baku,
Azerbaijan this week. Semi-finals on Tuesday and Thursday will
culminate with the Grand Final Saturday, May 26.

Azerbaijan won the right to host this year’s contest after duo Ell &
Nikki won the 2011 edition of the Eurovision Song Contest with the song
“Running Scared” in Dusseldorf, Germany. Since then, the Crystal Hall
was constructed in Baku, Azerbaijan’s capital, 43 countries expressed
interest in participating, and now 42 countries will try to win the
right to host next year’s event.

The Contest has managed to stir a bit of controversy since the
song selection process began last December. Armenia had initially
expressed interest in competing despite its territorial conflicts
with Azerbaijan. However, Armenia pulled out after the registration
deadline, putting the country’s future participation at risk. San
Marino almost faced disqualification after its initial entry “The
Facebook Song” was declared ineligible just days before the song
submission deadline. Azerbaijan has also come under fire (no pun
intended) with alleged rights violations during the construction of
the Baku Crystal Hall and the challenges of hosting an event with a
significant gay following in an environment that is not particularly
gay-friendly. A number of websites in the past week have experienced
hacker attacks with gay rights being cited as a reason for the online
assaults.

Controversies aside, there are 42 songs from 42 countries competing
this week, hopefully offering fantastic shows over the course of three
nights. 18 will compete on Tuesday and Thursday in the semi-finals,
with 10 songs from each night advancing to the Saturday’s Grand Final.

They will join the Big 5 – France, Germany, Italy, Spain, United
Kingdom – and host Azerbaijan with the goal of earning votes from
juries and televoters to win the Contest and host next year’s event.

Here is the running order for the events. Click on the name of a
country to read the review of its entry. The livestream of the events
can be viewed at the Official Eurovision Website at 11:59pm AZST /
9pm CET / 3pm EDT Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

From: A. Papazian

KARDASHIAN ABODE REDUCED TO RUBBLE BY NEW OWNER

NEWS.com.au

May 21 2012
Australia

IT was the central filming location for five seasons of Keeping Up
With The Kardashians, but the infamous Kardashian-Jenner abode is no
more, having been reduced to a pile of rubble by its new owner.

The once-lavish Hidden Hills home has been demolished piece-by-piece
of priceless Armenian detail, TMZ reports.

Interestingly, the TV producer who splashed out on the plush
four-bedroom pad decided to keep one souvenir – the family’s stripper
pole which will reportedly be turned into a coat rack.

Sources close to the new owner revealed that every piece of the reality
TV hub was donated to Habitat for Humanity, who intends to build a
‘modern, industrial-type home’ in its place.

So now, fans can own their very own piece of the Kardashians in their
own home.

From: A. Papazian