Author: Andres-Papazian

PARLIAMENT SETS UP ELECTION MONITORING GROUP

Tert.am
06.04.12

Armenia’s National Assembly has set up an election monitoring group
upon the initiative of speaker Samvel Nikoyan.

The group is expected to monitor observance of the Electoral Code,
consider the effectiveness of the amendments thereto, as well as
respond to and prevent any actions conflicting with the existing
legislation.

According to a press release by the National Assembly, the
parliament members decided at today’s meeting include in the group
one representative from each political force running for election.

Under the proposal of the NGO representatives attending the discussion,
organizations observing the electoral processes will also have
a representation in the group (one member from each of the three
organizations selected by the NGOs). The latter will have the same
authorities as the representatives of political forces.

The discussion was attended by members of the parliamentary
parties (Prosperous Armenia, Heritage, the Armenian Revolutionary
Federation-Dashnaksutyun and Rule of Law), and the United Armenians
party; the Civilitas Foundation, Counterpart International Armenia,
Center for Public Dialogue and Initiatives, the US Embassy in Yerevan,
Organization for Partnership and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), US
Agency for International Development and the OSCE Organization for
Democratic Institution and Human Rights (ODIHR).

From: A. Papazian

YOUTH IN ARMENIA, AZERBAIJAN AND GEORGIA SHARE THEIR VIEWS ON THE JOBS CRISIS

States News Service
April 4, 2012 Wednesday

The following information was released by the International Labour
Organization (ILO):

The ILO held three national youth consultation events in the Caucasus
region during March, providing young people with an opportunity to
express their concerns and share potential solutions for the youth
jobs crisis that has heavily affected the region.

The highlights of the national events included several presentations
made by youth-run organizations focused on youth employment.

Karen Sargsyan from Armenia stressed that young people in his country
face many hindrances on the labour market. The main problem for the
youth to find a job is the lack of experience, which employers see
as the main obstacle, he said.

Youth entrepreneurship as a career option was discussed by the
participants. Gagik Makaryan, the chairperson of the Republican Union
of Employers of Armenia, spoke about an innovative programme aimed
at providing assistance in the creation of new businesses for young
people who wish to become entrepreneurs.

The need to create a vocational orientated education system in the
country was highlighted by Armenia’s Deputy Labour Minister Araik
Petrosyan who also attended the forum.

In Georgia, the participants agreed that there was an urgent need
to increase the capacity of public employment services in order to
effectively address the issue of youth employment.

The potential role of public employment offices in assisting both
workers wishing to migrate as well as in the successful reintegration
of returning workers was also recognized by those taking part.

A young union representative brought up the issue of mismatch between
skills and available jobs in the labour market, a problem that was
also pointed out by youth through social media networks.

Decent and safe jobs, protection of migrant workers and the impact
of migration in neighbouring countries were also themes discussed at
the consultation.

In Azerbaijan, a young representative of the Confederation of Trade
Unions underlined the need to protect the rights of young employees
at the enterprise level, particularly in multinational companies
through promoting freedom of association and creating trade unions.

Forum Participants stressed that cooperatives provide good
opportunities for youth, as they are relevant to rural and urban areas
and for all skill levels. Cooperatives’ help young men and women to
bring together their experience, skills and resources. The essential
role of social partners in the implementation of policies for decent
work for youth was also emphasized during the event.

The ILO is holding global youth consultation events in 46 countries
around the world throughout March and April 2012 to hear young people’s
views on the alarming youth employment situation.

For more information, contact the ILO Programme on Youth Employment
at [email protected], or the ILO Department of Communication and Public
Information on +4122/799-7912, or at [email protected]

From: A. Papazian

BULGARIAN PREMIER MEETS ARMENIAN STATE LEADERS

BTA News Agency
April 3 2012
Bulgaria

Yerevan, April 3 (BTA special correspondent Genka Ivanova) – During
an official visit to Armenia on Tuesday [ 3 April], Bulgarian Prime
Minister Boyko Borissov conferred with the country’s President
Serzh Sargsyan, Parliament Speaker Samvel Nikoyan, Prime Minister
Tigran Sargsyan, and Catholicos Karekin II, who heads the Armenian
Apostolic Church.

Emerging from the session with Borissov, Prime Minister Sargsyan
said that studying Bulgaria’s experience in the process of European
integration is of enormous significance to Armenia and expressed
gratitude to Borissov for his desire to assist them in that matter.

Sargsyan also expressed hope that the visit will contribute to the
promotion of economic relations which currently do not correspond to
the capacity of the two countries. A new page in the development of
these relations should be opened to utilize the enormous potential
which still stands unused, he declared.

The sides noted the traditionally good relations between Bulgaria and
Armenia, which the Armenian Prime Minister said have historical roots.

Borissov pointed out that Bulgaria has proved its friendship with
Armenia repeatedly over the years. It has always helped so that things
on a cultural and historical plane are all right, but on the plane
of economy they are far from the potential of the two countries. In
his opinion, a more pragmatic attitude in the field of business,
including visits of business delegations and the organization of
forums will lead to success.

With a view to clearing the way before business, Borissov advised
sooner lifting of the visa regime, citing as an example Russia and
Turkey which have achieved an easier regime through more flexible
systems. Sargsyan assured him they are working actively on this
subject.

The two prime ministers shared their concern with what is happening in
Syria where there is a large Armenian community. Borissov reiterated
the position of Bulgaria and the European Community on the matter,
which is firmly against the violence of the authorities against
their own people. He noted that the Armenians in Bulgaria are among
the most successful citizens of the country in all spheres ranging
from business and banking to culture and music.

A bilateral Agreement on Cooperation in Labour and Social Policy and
an Agreement on Cooperation between the H. Abovyan Armenian State
Pedagogical University and the St Kliment Ohridski University of
Sofia were signed in the presence of the two prime ministers.

Earlier in the day, Borissov laid a wreath at the Tsitsernakaberd
monument and paid tribute to the memory of the innocent victims of
the Armenian Genocide. The Bulgarian Prime Minister planted a tree
in the Memory Alley and watered the tree planted by former Bulgarian
President Georgi Purvanov in 2002.

At the end of his visit, Borissov and the delegation led by him
travelled to the town of Ejmiatsin (or Etchmiadzin), the seat of
the Catholicos of All Armenians, the head of the Armenian Apostolic
Church. He conferred with Catholicos Karekin II and toured the church
complex, which includes a Theological Academy and a number of old
churches.

From: A. Papazian

ARMENIA-RUSSIA ALLIANCE MANIFESTED IN PARLIAMENTARY COOPERATION – SPEAKER

ITAR-TASS
April 3, 2012 Tuesday 05:50 PM GMT+4
Russia

The alliance and strategic partnership of Armenia and Russia are
manifested in parliamentary cooperation alongside other areas,
Armenian National Assembly Chairman Samvel Nikonyan said after a
meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

“The alliance and strategic partnership of Armenia and Russia, which
rest upon the solid and time-tested bonds of friendship and fraternity,
are also manifested in the interaction between our parliaments,”
he said.

“We attribute much significance to the activity of the
Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Commission,” Nikonyan said. “The
Commission constantly upgrades its work in the cooperation between
cities and regions, in science, education, high technologies and
culture.”

A lot is being done to support the Russian language in Armenia. “We are
grateful to Russian friends for their amicable response to the cultural
and religious needs of our compatriots living in Russia,” he said.

“Armenia is generally satisfied with the level of inter-parliamentary
cooperation on international floors. Yet there is still space for
improvement,” he said.

From: A. Papazian

ATTORNEY OF ARMENIAN OFFICER DEMANDS AT LEAST $600 THOUSANDS

news.am
April 06, 2012 | 00:01

Attorney of Armenian police officer who alleged he was harassed and
faced discrimination asked to award him $600,000 to $1 million.

The city does not deny that ethnic slurs were made, but instead is
downplaying their significance, The Burbank Leader reports.

One of the witnesses reported an incident involving detectives who were
attempting to mimic an Armenian accent as Steve Karagiosian walked by.

Los-Angeles has launched hearings on an American-Armenian police
officer case, who claimed he had faced ethnic slurs and other forms
of harassment by his colleagues.

From: A. Papazian

RUSSIAN LEADERSHIP HAS BAD ATTITUDE TOWARD ARMENIAN PRESIDENT

Trend
April 4 2012
Azerbaijan

The Russian leadership has a bad attitude toward Armenian President
Serzh Sargsyan. It is not ashamed to show this attitude, Director
of the Center of Political Innovations and Technologies, political
scientist Mubariz Ahmedoglu said at a briefing held at Trend news
agency today.

Ahmedoglu said that Artur Chilingarov, popular scholar of Armenian
descent, having no political influence in Russia, was sent to the
party congress, chaired by President Sargsyan.

At the congress Russia was represented by deputy speaker of the State
Duma, deputy chairman of the “United Russia” party Sergei Neverov at
the “Prosperous Armenia” party congress, Ahmedoglu added.

“Despite the fact that President Sargsyan participated at the summit of
the Eurasian Economic Union for two days, he was received by neither
Dmitry Medvedev nor Vladimir Putin,” Ahmedoglu stressed.

“Putin received ex-President Robert Kocharian 3 – 4 days before Serzh
Sargsyan’s visit to Moscow. Putin’s press-service reported about this.”

Referring to the upcoming parliamentary elections in Armenia, Ahmedoglu
stressed that the struggle could go under the three scenarios during
the elections.

Ahmedoglu said that Sargsyan is the author of the first scenario.

“Holding a show called “democratic elections”, he wants to gather
right people in the parliament,” Ahmedoglu stressed. “About 2.450
million voters were registered in Armenia with a population of 2.845
million people. This is absurd. There are at least 700,000 people
more in the voters’ lists. Nobody wants to specify these lists.”

“Making to adopt a law on a state of emergency, Sargsyan shows
that the event, similar to that one on March 1, 2008, may happen,”
Ahmedoglu said.

“The following example shows Sargsyan’s best intentions to rig the
elections,” he said.

“Referring to the absence of Khachatur Sukiasyan, well-known oligarch,
former MP, a member of the Karabakh war because of the events that
occurred on March 1, 2008, the Armenian police gave out a certificate
of his non-residence in Armenia for five years.

“The second scenario belongs to the U.S,” Ahmedoglu said.

“The U.S. wants Sargsyan’s party to win the parliamentary elections
and tries to implement them in a form corresponding to democracy,”
Ahmedoglu said. “They try to shut their eyes to some fraud.”

Ahmedoglu stressed that the third scenario was prepared by Russia.

He added that Russia supports Sargsyan’s fiasco at the parliamentary
elections in Armenia.

“Russia is interested in the victory of “Prosperous Armenia” in the
face of the multimillionaire, the member of the ruling coalition
Gagik Charukyan,” Ahmedoglu said.

“His name is indicated as the chairman of ex-President Kocharian’s
party. Javakhetia, associated with the Russian special services,
calls for Armenians to vote for the Prosperous Armenia party.”

The next parliamentary elections will be held in Armenia on May 6.

The official election campaign will start on April 8 and end on May 4.

Armenia’s Central Election Commission registered the ballot lists of
eight parties and one party bloc on April 1.

Besides three coalition parties – the Republican Party of Armenia,
“Prosperous Armenia” and “Orinats Erkir” (“Rule of Law”), the Armenian
Revolutionary Federation Dashnaktsutyun, “Heritage” (combined list with
the party “Free Democrats”), the Armenian National Congress (party
bloc), Democratic Party of Armenia, the Armenian Communist Party and
the party “United Armenians” will compete for parliamentary seats.

From: A. Papazian

“WILL KOCHARYAN FEED MY TWO MINOR CHILDREN?”

05:33 pm | Today | Social

Two cars stopped in Yerevan’s Grigor Lusavorich Street to find out the
“price” of a prostitute.

“I am involved in the world’s oldest profession which has always been
in great demand,” said 30-year-old Voski. “I do not work because I
want to live like many others. Should I have a stable job, I would
not have become a prostitute. Who will feed my two underage children
if I do not work? Robert Kocharyan?”

She repeatedly gave the name of the second president, as it was during
his tenure of office that she became engaged in prostitution.

Voski says all her efforts to find a job were in vain although she
has applied to various employment agencies.

“My clients are mainly middle-aged Armenians, frequently officials,”
Voski said and immediately added, “I have never had any relations
with Persians.”

Voski takes 25 000 drams for 2 hours.

The use of the services of a prostitute is not a punishable offence
in Armenia. Only administrative fines are envisaged by law.

From: A. Papazian

ARMENIA READY TO CONSIDER RUSSIA’S PROPOSAL ON MISSILE DEFENSE DEPLOYMENT

PanARMENIAN.Net
April 6, 2012 – 16:33 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – According to Russian media outlets, Russia
experiences great difficulties in talks with Azerbaijan on Gabala
Radar Station, head of Regional Studies Center said.

Richard Giragosian positively assessed Armenian Prime Minster Tigran
Sargsyan’s statement on Armenia’s readiness to consider Russian
proposals regarding constructing a radar station or deploying other
elements of missile defense system in Armenia’s territory.

The agreement between Moscow and Baku on operation of Gabala
Radar Station by Russia expires in 2012. The parties are currently
negotiating its extension. According to media reports, the process
is delayed due to Azerbaijan’s attempts to increase the rent for
the station.

From: A. Papazian

ARMENIAN OFFICIAL BEATEN IN ATTEMPTED ROBBERY

news.am
April 06, 2012 | 15:20

YEREVAN.- An official from Armenia’s state nature protection inspection
was beaten during an attempted robbery in his mansion.

A reliable source told Armenian News-NEWS.am that two unknown people
wearing masks tried to enter the mansion of Arthur Gevorgyan on
Friday morning.

The criminals started beating Gevorgyan when he came out of the house.

His wife and children were in the mansion at that time.

Police confirmed the report saying Gevorgyan had been taken to Armenia
medical center, his life is not in danger.

From: A. Papazian

UPTIGHT PARENTS, LOOSE KIDS: ARMENIAN PSYCHOLOGISTS ENCOURAGE ADULTS TO EDUCATE THEIR CHILDREN ON SEX
By Gayane Lazarian

ArmeniaNow
06.04.12 | 16:09

Vrezh Shahramanyan (left) and Khachatur Gasparyan

Sexual pathologists and psychologists believes that the model of a
purely traditional family in Armenia is the reason why the nation
has been in the first place in the international ‘Google Trends’
search system for searching the word ‘porno’ spelled in Latin letters
since 2004.

At the press conference on Friday psychologist Khachatur Gasparyan
said that even the issues of sex education are taboos in Armenia;
the Armenian language mentality does not tolerate speaking about it.

“Parents should be more open with their children, they should speak
about sex life with kids and answer all their questions, otherwise
a gap between children and parents is created, and children try to
look for answers to their questions on the internet,” says Gasparyan.

Specialists of the sphere say that there is lack of proper content
about this topic on the Internet, and misinformation makes especially
teenagers face serious problems.

Sexual pathologist Vrezh Shahramanyan says that whatever cannot
be spoken about at home and at educational institutions, teenagers
find online.

“Sex education is part of general education, and it is not a
“talk about sex”. It is high time to raise the curtain, to leave
the sanctimony alone and to call everything by their proper names,
and forget the tales about storks,” Shahramanyan says.

The specialists advise that parents be more liberal and frank with
their children.

“If you find out that your child visits such websites then be careful
in your expressions, if you punish him or her, then you will push
them far from you. Try to talk to them calmly and give answers to
all their questions,” Gasparyan says.

According to ‘Google Trends’, Armenia (with 100 points) is followed
by Albania (75 points) and Turkey (67 points); Georgia, Romania and
Azerbaijan come next.

From: A. Papazian