Author: Andres-Papazian

THE EUROPEAN UNION IS SEEKING CLOSER RELATIONS WITH THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA

armradio.am
04.04.2012 14:38

“The European Union is seeking closer relations with the Republic of
Armenia – a relationship that, through increased dialogue, goes beyond
current cooperation and moves towards gradual economic integration
and deeper political ties,” the EU Advisory Group to the Republic of
Armenia said in its 2011 Annual Report.

“Ultimately, these efforts could result in Armenia’s participation in
European Union policies and programmes and pave the way for enhancing
the living standards and the mobility of Armenian citizens. To turn
this vision into reality, the Armenian government has embarked on
a path of reforms – a process that has been supported by a group of
European high-profile advisers since 2009,” the report reads.

“In line with the European Neighbourhood Policy Action Plan, the EU
Advisory Group supports the Republic of Armenia in the implementation
of its political and economic reform agenda. During 2011, it focused
on supporting the development of legislation, strategies and action
plans, bringing them into line with EU standards. The group provided
practical policy advice on the implementation of reforms across sectors
as well as on cross-cutting issues such as public administration and
closer integration with the EU. Furthermore, to help achieve policy
reforms, it promoted and assisted with the utilization of relevant
EU technical assistance and financing instruments,” the document reads.

According to the report, the activities of the EU Advisory Group
contributed to the major milestones reached in EU-Armenia relations
over the past year. “In the Justice, Liberty and Security (JLS) sector,
the group reviewed how EU recommendations on JLS reforms were being
applied and provided advice on the government’s JLS reform strategy
and action plan. By commenting on the concept for the state regulation
of migration and supporting the introduction of an integrated border
management system, the group helped pave the way for an EU-Armenia
Mobility Partnership and the European Union’s decision to launch
negotiations on visa facilitation and readmission agreements.”

“In terms of the Democracy and Human Rights (DHR) situation in
Armenia, the EU Advisory Group assisted the National Assembly and
other political institutions to gradually improve the involvement
of civil society in the political decision making process through
public hearings and other EU best practices. The ongoing integration
process of Armenian political parties into their EU political families
was supported and led to an observatory status for three parties in
the European People’s Party in February 2012. The Advisory Group
helped to strengthen EU-Armenia dialogue with its parliamentary
track, which gave advice to the National Assembly about enhancing
its role in the EURONEST PA. As a result, the head of the Armenian
delegation became co-chair of the EURONEST PA Working Group on Rules
of Procedure, together with the head of the parliamentary delegation
from Azerbaijan. By providing clear recommendations on the Human
Rights Protection Strategy and by further building the capacity of
the Armenian Human Rights Defender Office, the group also helped to
strengthen the protection of human rights in the country.”

“Last but not least, the European Union’s decision to launch
negotiations towards a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA)
with Armenia was facilitated by the EU Advisory Group. The group
defined a two phase approach to DFCTA negotiations, which effectively
foresaw the need to first implement a set of pre-negotiation measures
before tackling issues more relevant to the negotiations themselves.

Furthermore, it coordinated and provided strategic advice on draft
concepts and legislation related to Armenian quality infrastructure,
enforcement of intellectual property rights, food safety and the
customs clearance process,” the EU Advisory Group said in the report.

From: A. Papazian

‘ONE VOICE, ONE CAUSE’ UNITES COMMUNITY TO CELEBRATE LIFE IN FACE OF GENOCIDE

ARMENPRESS
APRIL 4, 2012
GLENDELE

GLENDALE, APRIL 4, ARMENPRESS: The Armenian Youth Federation will
host its second “One Voice, One Cause” rally on April 15, uniting
the community in commemoration of the Armenian Genocide through
music and expression, reports Armenpress citing Asbarez. “We feel
that the month of April should not only be a month to commemorate
the 1.5 million victims of the Armenian Genocide but also a month to
celebrate the fact that we are still here and we are still fighting
for our people and our nation”, says Sevag Tchekidjian, AYF Glendale
“Roupen” Chapter Executive Member. “Our existence today, shows that
Turkey has indeed failed and continues to fail.”

The Armenian Genocide, recognized as the first genocide of the 20th
century by historians the world over, resulted in the death of an
estimated 1.5 million Armenians and the loss of millions of dollars
in property and land now under occupation by the Republic of Turkey.

The event seeks to rally the Armenian community of Greater Los
Angeles in celebration of life with performances by Element Band,
Armenian Public Radio, Palm of Granite and more. This event will
bring the Armenian community together to show we are indeed united
and continue to celebrate the existence of our rich culture.

From: A. Papazian

EURONEST PLENARY SESSION SAW NO FURTHER EXCESS, SAYS ARMENIAN DELEGATE

Tert.am
04.04.12

The EuroNest Parliamentary Assembly, which has already closed its
plenary session in Baku, saw no further excess after Azerbaijani
President Ilham Aliyev’s insulting remarks voiced yesterday , says
Naira Zohrabyan, a member of the Armenian delegation.

The Azeri leader hurled insults at the Armenians in his Tuesday
speech, calling the nation fascists that desecrated graves in his
country. Armenian delegates criticized the statement, considering it
a violation of diplomatic ethics and norms of correctness.

Speaking to Tert.am, Zohrabyan said that the delegation yesterday
turned down Azerbaijani Mili Majlis Speaker Oktay Asadov’s invitation
to dinner, naturally taking into consideration Aliyev’s remarks.

After the speech, Zohrabyan and the head of the Armenian delegation,
Vahan Hovhannisyan, distributed some literature on the historical
truth among the participants, to enlighten them on the Armenians’
role in Baku, the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the true story behind
what the Azeris call the Khojalu massacres.

A representative of the EuroNest secretariat – a French national –
later approached the Armenian participants and said they violate
rules of procedures by distributing propaganda materials without the
secretariat’s permission.

“But I answered them that it was not a propaganda material but rather,
a present that bears the name truth,” Zohrabyan said.

Asked what responses were made to the Armenian delegation’s demands
to evaluate Aliyev’s statement, Zohrabyan said: “Naturally none. This
yet another hazy maneuver by the European diplomacy to claim that
they are “shocked” by the speech of that country’s president; but
none of the European parliamentarians had the courage to say that no
[public] figure – whether a president or anyone else – has the right
to advocate violence, racism and xenophobia,” she noted.

From: A. Papazian

FM OF CYPRUS VISITED TSITSERNAKABERD GENOCIDE MEMORIAL

11:52 . 04/04

On April 3, the delegation headed by FM of Cyprus Erato
Kozaku-Markulis who has arrived in Armenia on an official visit,
visited Tsitsernakaberd Memorial to the Genocide victims.

FM Erato-Kozaku-Markulis was accompanied by RA Deputy Foreign
Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan and Director of the Armenian Genocide
Museum-Institute Hayk Demoyan, who told the guest the story of one of
the greatest crimes perpetrated at the beginning of the 20th century
and told about the symbolics of the memorial.

The FM of Cyprus also wrote in the register of honourable guests of
the Armenian-Genocide Museum-Institute stating the people of Cyprus
and he personally share the sorrow of the Armenian people and the
tragedy it has suffered.

He planted a fir under his name in the Memory Park at the
Tsitsernakaberd Memorial and watered the fir planted by the president
of Cyprus Dimitris Christofias in 2009.

The House of Representatives of Cyprus passed the Resolution
recognizing the Armenian Genocide on April 29, 1982.

From: A. Papazian

ARMENIAN FM: BAKU TRIES TO MANIPULATE ALL DELEGATIONS IN AZERBAIJAN

PanARMENIAN.Net
April 4, 2012 – 12:36 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Baku is trying to manipulate all delegations that
arrive in Azerbaijan, Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian said.

“This cannot possibly favor the negotiations over Nagorno Karabakh
issue,” Nalbandian emphasized at a joint press conference with his
Finnish counterpart Erkki Tuomioja on April 4.

In this context, the Armenian Minister reminded that the principle
of self-determination is a UN principle underlying the OSCE Minsk
Group activity.

“All statements voiced by Azerbaijan aim to throw dust in eyes of
their own people,” he pointed out.

From: A. Papazian

ARMENIAN-WOMAN-LED CRIMINAL GANG EXPLOITS 8 ARMENIAN WOMEN IN UAE – NEWSPAPER

news.am
April 04, 2012 | 10:11

YEREVAN. – Armenian capital Yerevan’s Central and Nork Marash General
Jurisdiction Court will reconvene on Thursday to continue examining the
case of a women’s criminal gang which used eight girls as prostitutes
in the United Arab Emirates, Zhamanak daily writes.

“The criminal gang’s actual leader, Aghunik Ayvazyan, is charged with
human trafficking and sexual exploitation, by way of joining with Nelli
Nersisyan-who lives in the United Arab Emirates-and others through her.

She created an organized criminal gang, took the passports of the
women she gathered, then she involved them in prostitution and took
the money they earned,” Zhamanak writes.

From: A. Papazian

OCCUPY MASHTOTS PARK ACTIVISTS ADD 4TH BRIGADE, SEND ANOTHER APPEAL TO POLICE CHIEF

epress.am
04.05.2012

A 4th brigade has been added to what had become till now 3 brigades of
activists intending to dismantle kiosks placed in a central Yerevan
park. Recall, environmental and civic activists for over a month and a
half have been protesting what they say is the illegal construction of
shops in Mashtots Park, one of the few remaining green spaces in the
downtown core.

In a letter to RA Police Chief Vladimir Gasparyan, the activists list
the names of the members of their newest brigade:

1. Gurgen Atonyan
2. Vardan Balayan
3. Suren Grigoryan
4. Argishti Kivryan
5. Nvard Manasyan
6. Artak Movsisyan
7. Zaruhi Muradyan
8. Hakob Jagharyan
9. Vardan Haykazyan
10. Gagik Faradyan

The authors of the letter state that the demolition will be carried
out in an organized fashion, without breaching public order, with
professional methods and tools, without causing harm to the property
owners.

Furthermore, activists ask the police chief ensure the aforementioned
citizens’ free movement to the pavilions to carry out the demolition
work, and to ensure public order during the demolition and the safety
of those carrying out the work.

This is not the first time activists have issued a letter with similar
demands to the police chief. Recently, an attempt to approach the
kiosks was met with resistance from the police, which says such
actions by activists are considered unlawful and will be met with
the full force of the law.

From: A. Papazian

EURONEST AZERBAIJAN DELEGATES APOLOGIZE TO ARMENIAN DELEGATES IN BAKU

epress.am
04.05.2012

Head of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (Dashnaktsutyun or ARF-D)
parliamentary faction Vahan Hovhannesyan considered the work of the
Armenian delegates who were in Baku from Apr. 1-4 to participate in
the 2nd plenary session of the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly to
be positive.

Four of the 8 Armenian lawmakers who left for the Azerbaijani capital –
Hovhannesyan, Prosperous Armenia Party MP Naira Zohrabyan, Republican
Party of Armenia MP Lilit Galstian and Heritage Party MP Stepan
(Styopa) Safaryan – shared their impressions of their visit to Baku
with reporters in Yerevan today. The deputies depicted Azerbaijani
President Ilham Aliyev’s (pictured) speech as being aggressive.

According to Hovhannesyan, the state leader’s speech in which he
accused Armenians of occupation and the murder of peaceful populations,
was a “cold shower” for all the Euronest PA participants – it left
a bad impression on the delegations present at that meeting.

After Aliyev’s speech, Hovhannesyan said, Azerbaijani delegates
approached the Armenian delegates and apologized for their president’s
remarks. Hovhannesyan, however, opted not to reveal the names of those
delegates who approached them so as to not to create any problems.

According to him, the Armenian party could not remain silent. A
statement issued by the Armenian delegation following Aliyev’s speech
noted that the Armenian representatives’ “clearly reasoned statements
and balanced approach completely changed the atmosphere of the session,
becoming worthy of respect from not only the Council of Europe and
Eastern Partnership countries, but also several Azerbaijani deputies.”

“It became clear to all that the main and perhaps only [person]
responsible for leading resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
into a deadlock is Azerbaijan’s president – with his unreasoned
pretentiousness,” reads the statement.

Naira Zohrabyan, in turn, said: “We’re dealing with a sultanate
[referring to Azerbaijan]. The Azerbaijani people and the political
elite are hostages to one man’s delusion and personal will.”

Lilit Galstian added, they weren’t given an opportunity to respond
to the state leader after his speech, but they were able to do so in
speeches they made later.

Stepan Safaryan, in turn, considered Aliyev’s speech on the last day
as that of one who is offended, adding that no matter how much of a
hospitable country Azerbaijan is, nevertheless, Aliyev was a guest
at that meeting. He also mentioned that they criticized Azerbaijan.

“I have to confess a little – we even threw down the gauntlet,
noting that the entire world is developing toward a future aimed at
regeneration and the field of green energy, but Azerbaijan still only
exports that which it has; that is, oil and gas. Meanwhile, there are
many serious issues and dangers tied to the energy sector,” he said.

From: A. Papazian

ARMENIAN FM: AZERBAIJAN’S CLAIMS DISCREDIT UN SECURITY COUNCIL

PanARMENIAN.Net
April 5, 2012 – 13:32 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – During a joint press conference with Lithuanian
Foreign Minister Audronius Ažubalis in Yerevan on April 5, Armenia’s
top diplomat Edward Nalbandian commented on Azerbaijan’s President
Ilham Aliyev’s racist statements at Euronest session in Baku

“Azerbaijan’s statements discredit the UN Security Council,” Nalbandian
said. “The Council of Europe once adopted a document particularly
specifying Azerbaijan as a country which regularly voices such
shameful claims.”

“A country making such declarations increases the tension in the
region; a country which boosts its armament aiming to destabilize
the situation, and dubs a whole nation as its enemy discredits the
Security Council of UN by its mere presence in the organization,”
Minister Nalbandian stated.

On April 3, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev called Armenians
“fascists” during a plenary sitting of Euronest Parliamentary Assembly
in Baku. The statement sparked resentment of the Armenian delegation
which dubbed it improper and beyond diplomatic norms. Representative
of Euronest delegation and other countries also expressed discontent
with Aliyev’s conduct.

Euronest inter-parliamentary union includes Armenia, Azerbaijan,
Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine.

From: A. Papazian

3.5 MILLION AMD SWINDLED FROM RA CITIZEN’S ACCOUNT: CRIMINAL CASE LAUNCHED

HETQ
12:01, April 5, 2012

The Department for the Criminal Cases Investigated in the National
Security Agencies of the Republic of Armenia initiated a criminal case
on robbery, legalization of illegally obtained income and preparation
of false payment documents.

On 19 March 2012 a citizen of Armenia made a report informing
that money had been stolen from his account. The examination of the
materials revealed that from 23 June, 2010 to 28 June, 2010 an unknown
person had swindled 3,685,757 AMD through 39 deals made in China from
the account of K. Petrosyan’s bank card through POS terminal by using
a false bank card.

Later, in order to hide and skew the source of the swindled money,
the above-mentioned unknown person had legalized the illegally obtain
income by making 39 deals with different trade firms in China.

According to the examination the deals had been made by an unknown
person under the name Vitaly Izmayilov.

Taking into consideration the unknown person had swindled a large
amount of money by using false payment cards and legalized the
illegally obtained income, a criminal case was initiated according
to the RA Criminal Code Articles 177, part 3, point 1, 190, part 2,
point 1 and 203, part 2, point 1.

Prosecutor General’s Office reports that the preliminary investigation
of the criminal case was assigned to the Investigation Department of
the National Security Service of the Republic of Armenia.

From: A. Papazian