Author: Antonian Lara

US DEPARTMENT OF STATE: THE ELECTION IN ARMENIA WAS A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

ArmRadio.am
15.05.2007 11:01

US Department of State Deputy Spokesman Tom Casey said that "we do
congratulate the Armenian people on their parliamentary elections
and share with the international observers who were present the view
that the election infrastructure has been greatly improved and that
this is a step in the right direction towards meeting international
standards". Tom Casey said this adressing a briefing in Washington DC,
Mediamax reports.

"We do hope, however, that the Government of Armenia will aggressively
investigate allegations that are there of electoral wrongdoing and
prosecute people in accordance with Armenian law. So all and all, I
think this is an improvement over past elections; though certainly
if you look at what the observers said, it did not fully meet
international standards," US Department of State Deputy Spokesman said.

"There’s still some ways to go before you would have an election that
fully meets all the international standards," he noted.

PanARMENIAN.Net

Armenia: CIS observers offer colleagues to join their statement
13.05.2007 13:02 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ 239 people are accredited in the CIS Observation
Mission. They represent legislative, executive, electoral bodies of
Armenia, Byelorussia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kirgizia, Moldova, Russian
Federation, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The CIS Mission also includes
representatives of Byelorussia-Russia Parliamentary Union and bodies
of the Commonwealth – Inter-Parliamentary Assembly of CIS
member-states, the Executive Committee of the Commonwealth of
Independent States. Executive Secretary of the Commonwealth, head of
CIS Mission Vladimir Rushaylo made this statement to a press
conference in Yerevan.

He underlined CIS international observers fulfilled their duties in
accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Armenia, they did
not interfere in the election process and were guided by the principle
of political neutrality towards participants of the electoral process.

`Observers were provided the right to talk with participants of
electoral process, representatives of executive bodies. The
Headquarters of the CIS Mission held meetings with the Central
Electoral Commission, Office of General Prosecutor, Police and the
Armenian National Commission on Television and Radio.

Members of the Headquarters exchanged information with the
representatives of political parties and their campaign public
headquarters, state bodies, which are responsible for preparation and
conduction of elections, candidates to the Armenian National Assembly,
their proxies,’ Rushaylo said.

He added the Inter-Parliamentary Assembly of CIS member-states
established an informational-consultative center, which allowed
observers of the Commonwealth Mission to evaluate the process of
campaign fully. During their activity the CIS long-term observers
visited all constituencies.

`The CIS Mission worked in an open and public way. It released three
informational messages, a press release and an interim report. During
the long-term observation the Mission singled out separate
shortcomings in organizing campaign and work of commissions. For
example, they concerned the state of voters’ list, absence of
signboards with the number of polling stations and information about
the borders of polling stations, about the composition of Precinct
Electoral Commissions. Such shortcomings were registered in 9, 10, 16,
25 constituencies, however they were of technical character, they were
not large scale and the commissions immediately eliminated them by the
offers of observers. During the monitoring the Mission continued the
practice of exchanging views on holding the campaign with OSCE
long-term observers,’ the head of CIS Observation Mission underscored.

PRESS TV, Iran
May 13 2007

Republican Party wins Armenia polls
Sun, 13 May 2007 20:50:39

Armenia’s Republican Party of Prime Minister Serzh Sarkisian has won
the most seats in parliamentary elections with 39.2 percent of the
votes.

The Prosperous Armenia Party tool 14.7 per cent and came after the
Republican Party.

More than 2 million Armenians voted May 12 in Armenia’s fourth
elections since the South Caucasus country gained independence in
1991, with twenty-two parties and one election bloc running for 131
seats in the parliament.

The opposition party claimed there have ballot rigging in many areas,
but the western observers believed that the poll was fair comparing
to the previous elections in Former Soviet Union.

The Armenia Revolutionary party known as the third strongest
political party took 12.8 per cent of the votes, and the former
parliament chairman Arthur Baghdasarian’s party received 6.9 per cent
of the votes.

Thousands of opposition supporters went to the streets of Yerevan
before the polling Saturday to object possible electoral
irregularities.

The Armenian president threatened to use force to prevent mass
protests and a change of power as was the case in Georgia and the
Ukraine.

ZHARANGUTIUN PARTY FIXES A NUMBER OF VIOLATIONS ABOUT WHICH INFORMS
INTERNATIONAL OBSERVERS

YEREVAN, MAY 12, NOYAN TAPAN. As of 11:00, May 12, one of voters at the
polling station of school No153 (Anastasavan) saw that a note is taken
by a pen in the part of the Zharangutiun (Heritage) party of the
ballot-paper given to him. It means that the ballot-paper must be
recognized invalid. As Vardan Khachatrian, involved in the proportional
list of the Zharangutiun party, informed the Noyan Tapan correspondent,
the voter asked that the ballot-paper was drawn up a report and he was
given another ballot-paper.

V. Khachatrian mentioned that the Central Electoral Commission
responsible authorized by their party left for the given place. "In the
case of those electoral violations, the votes got by the party in the
given polling station may be recognized invalid."

Gevorg Kalenchian, the Director of the Zharangutiun party central
office also stated that at the same hour, Larisa Alaverdian involved in
their proportional list also fixed some violations at polling station
12/26 of Noragavit school 98. In her words, representatives of a party
take people by buses who use different pens when voting. Gevorg
Kalenchian stated that they at present informed the international
observers for they go to those polling stations and make a report.

PRESS RELEASE
UN Department of Public Information
Contact: Information Officer Armine Halajyan
Yerevan Office (Armenia)
Tel.: (374 10) 560 212
Fax/Tel.: (374 10) 561 406
Mobile: (374 91) 20 37 25
Press Release

Date: 11 May, 2007

"Youth Career Trail" — UNDP Global Compact Armenia Gives Innovative
Solutions to Youth Employment in Armenia

YEREVAN, May 11, 2007 – Today during a press conference at the UN
Armenia Office UNDP Global Compact Armenia presented its new project the
"Youth Career Trail" related to youth unemployment problems offering an
innovative approach to solve them. This is a paid internship project to
be conducted from June to December 2007 that offers fresh graduates with
an opportunity to be involved for the first time in an employment
relevant to their education. They will also gain valuable work
experience and practical knowledge to become more competitive in their
access to the labor market. The project is designed to address the
difficulties faced by youth in making the transition from school to
work, as well as match both the young unemployed and host organizations’
needs.

The Global Compact Armenia project coordinator Arman Valesyan in his
briefing told the journalists that within the period of six months the
project is estimated to provide over 60 unemployed graduates between 19
and 25 years of age with valuable first work experience with the UN
agencies, private sector companies and community-based organizations in
fields relevant to their education.

Global Compact Armenia in cooperation with the host organization will be
responsible for recruiting, selecting, and placing interns. UNDP
Resident Representative Ms. Consuelo Vidal told the audience that the
positions will be located in Yerevan and in the regions. "Host companies
will provide adequate workload and on-job trainings required for the
position," she added. "They will be also encouraged to hire interns in
accordance with their rules and regulations upon completion of the
internship period."

The skills of the young people to enter the job market will also be
enhanced through capacity building for CV preparation, interview taking,
presentation/communication and other skills provided by American
University of Armenia and other training organizations.

Electronic copy of application form can be filled in on
starting 12th of May 2007 or sent via e-mail to the [email protected]. Hard copy
of application form can be submitted to the UNDP Armenia, 14 Petros
Adamyan St, Yerevan. The deadline for application submission is 12:00 of
May 29, 2007.

Global Compact Armenia is a project of the United Nations Development
Programme launched in 2006 to promote the corporate social
responsibility (CSR) in Armenia.

* * *
UNDP is the UN’s global development network. It advocates for change and
connects countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people
build a better life. We operate in 166 countries, working with them on
their own solutions to global and national development challenges. As
they develop local capacity, they draw on the people of UNDP and our
wide range of partners.
* * *

UN DPI is the UN’s Department of Public Information. It disseminates
first-hand information about the United Nations global events. Local DPI
offices assist UN Country Teams to disseminate their information to
wider public audiences.
* * *

"DECISIVE MEASURES TO BE TAKEN TOWARDS THEM WHO TO ATTEMPT TO DESTABILIZE SITUATION" RA FIRST DEPUTY CHIEF POLICE OFFICER STATES

Noyan Tapan
May 10 2007

YEREVAN, MAY 10, NOYAN TAPAN. Materials are being prepared at
present at the Prosecutor’s Office of the communities of Kentron
and Nork Marash to give a legal estimation to the May 9 mass meeting
organized by the opposing Hanrapetutiun (Republic), Nor Zhamanakner
(New Times) parties and Impeachment alliance and to actions of the
march participants. Ararat Mahtesian, the RA First Deputy Chief Police
Officer stated about it at the May 10 meeting with journalists.

Particularly, in his words, it must be checked who used the tear-gas
in front of the NSS building: do they the police employees or the
march participants? A. Mahtesian stated that police employees as
well suffered from the tear-gas, and 3 policemen got bodily injuries
and went to the hospital. The incident lasted for 30-35 minutes was
shot. It, according to the estimation of the First Deputy Chief Police
Officer, is a display of disobedience and group hooliganism.

A. Mahtesian stated that the mass meeting of the Hanrapetutiun,
Nor Zhamanakner parties and Impeachment alliance in the territory
neighboring to Matenadaran (Armenian repository of ancient manuscrips)
at 18:20 of May 9 was privileged, but the march followed it and the
mass meeting organized after it in Azatutiun (Liberty) square were
not privileged. So, in his words, the mass meeting participants,
holding a march through the Mashtots avenue, Sayat-Nova and Nalbandian
streets, violated the public peace and hampered street traffic which
are violations envisaged by the law.

"The operative situation in the capital is completely controlled, the
highest possible is done and will be done within the framework of the
law to keep the public order, prevent any display of offence and take
decisive measures towards those who will attempt to destabilize the
situation," is said in the statement of the RA Police. Responding the
question if it is a threat addressed to the opposition, A. Mahtesian
said: "It is a call which the Police is obliged to make and will make."

REPRESENTATIVES OF ARMENIAN NATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE VISITED BAKU SECRETLY

Arminfo News Agency
2007-05-08 15:47:00

Azerbaijani government guarantees security to Armenian grapplers
during their participation in the world championship that will be
held in September of the current year, in Baku. As Arminfo was told
today in the press-service of NOC, Secretary General of Armenian NOC
Armen Grigoryan, vice-president of NOC Razmik Stepanyan and coacher
of the Armenian team Levon Jurfalakyan visited Baku.

On 4 May they met representatives of Azerbaijan’s NOC as well as a
representative of World Olympic Committee. The Armenian party asked
representatives of WOC and independent journalists to be present at
championship as observers to watch how Armenian sportsmen are treated
in Baku.

Coming back to Armenia Armenian sports functionaries said that the
quadruple agreement among WOC, WWF, Azerbaijani sports minister and
the Armenian delegation may not be the full security guarantee to the
Armenian sportsmen. They also touched on the problem of entrance visa
for Armenian sportsmen, Armenian flag and performance of the Armenian
hymn if an Armenian sportsman wins.

They also said that representatives of Azerbaijan secretly took them
from Tbilisi to Baku and on board handed them over to secret service
employees. Entrance and departure visas were not stamped in their
passports, and there was no inhabitant in a hotel where representatives
of the Armenian delegation and WOC lived, press-service of Armenian
NOC told ArmInfo.

ELECTION CAMPAIGN WAS NOT FREE OF VIOLENT ACTS AND ELECTORAL BRIBES, "CHOICE IS YOURS" NGO STATES

Noyan Tapan
May 08 2007

YEREVAN, MAY 8, NOYAN TAPAN. "Despite a relatively quiet and balanced
election campaign, it was not free of some violent acts." Chairman of
"Choice is Yours" NGO Harutyun Hambartsumian stated this at the May
8 press conference.

Particularly, early in the morning of April 8 the pre-election
headquarters of candidate for deputacy Susanna Harutyunian in
Etchmiadzin was set on fire.

On April 11, supporters of Mushegh Petoyan, a nominee of the
"Prosperous Armenia" party at election district No 36, beat Vahan
Manukian and Smbat Poghosian, representatives of the pre-election
headquarters of Mkhitar Varagian, candidate at the same election
district No 36.

The meeting of Khoren Sargsian, candidate for deputacy at election
district No 24, with voters of Zolakar community in Martuni region,
was prevented by the community head Arman Ghazarian. Fighting broke
out, as a result of which 4 people received bodily injuries.

On April 20, a scuffle began at the pre-election headquarters of
Heghine Bisharian, nominee of the "Orinats Yerkir" party, located at
22 Bagratuniats Street, which resulted in the necessity for police
intervention.

The head of Areni community in Vayots Dzor marz banned the meeting the
"Heritage" party, saying that no one has the right to hold a meeting
in the community without warning him 5 days in advance.

On April 14, a village head in Syunik banned organization of propaganda
campaign by the "Orinats Yerkir" party at election district No 38.

H. Hambartsumian also said that during the election campaign, illegal
influence was exercised on voters by a number of parties and some
of their members – by giving electoral bribes to them in the form of
humanitarian and other aid.

Particularly, eyeglasses were distributed to voters on April 18 in
the pre-election headquarters of the "Prosperous Armenia" party in
Sarkavag Street and near the furniture store "Mek" in Yerevan. The
practice of distributing eyeglasses was also used by the Republican
Party of Armenia in election district No 17.

Candidate for deputacy Samvel Balasanian distributed fodder and
seeds to community residents in Akhurian. 50 kg of fodder and 45 kg
of barley seeds was provided for each vote.

Sergei Bagratian, nominee of the "Prosperous Armenia" party at election
district No 39, distributed flour, pancakes, coffee cups (under the
name of charity action) in several communities of Vayots Dzor marz
(Vayk, Malishka, Gomk).

Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region
104 North Belmont Street, Suite 200
Glendale, California 91206
Phone: 818.500.1918
Fax: 818.246.7353
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:

PRESS RELEASE
May 9, 2007

Contact: Haig Hovsepian
Tel: (818) 500-1918

ANC of Washington Meets with Office of Washington Congressman Jay Inslee
(D-WA-01)

Shoreline, WA – The Chair of the Armenian National Committee of
Washington (ANC WA), Armen Abrahamian, and other local constituents met
with Congressman Jay Inslee’s representative Patrick Hogan for a
district office meeting on April 12, 2007 at the Congressman’s local
office in Shoreline, Washington. This meeting with Hogan was held to
discuss H. Res. 106 and to urge to Congressman to sign on as a
co-sponsor.

"The Evergreen State has long been the home of a vibrant Armenian
American community," commented Armenian National Committee of America –
Western Region (ANCA-WR) Executive Director Andrew Kzirian. "Reaching
out and meeting with Congressional offices represents the very
cornerstone of grassroots advocacy – we are proud to see constituents
communicating, to their elected officials, their concerns regarding
specific legislation. We greatly look forward to working with
Congressman Inslee in the future," he added.

Upon arrival at Congressman Inslee’s office, the Abrahamian and local
constituents provided a background on the Armenian American community in
Washington and indicated that the largest number of Armenian Americans
in the state reside in Congressman Inslee’s district. The group then
discussed H. Res. 106 is and its importance to the Armenian American
Community. Abrahamian explained that since Turkey is not on the path of
coming to terms with its past on its own, outside influence, like this
resolution, are necessary to have history properly recognized. The
meeting noted that with this struggle for recognition has come fierce
opposition from Turkey, including threats to countries that have
recognized the genocide. Abrahamian explained that these threats have
proven to be hollow as countries like France have recognized the
Genocide regardless of Turkey’s threats and no significant repercussions
have materialized.

The meeting also covered issues such as the assassination of Turkish
Armenian journalist Hrant Dink and the recent postponement of an exhibit
about the Rwandan genocide that would be displayed in the United Nations
building in New York because of the mention of the Armenian Genocide.
The exhibit included a quotation from Rafael Lemkin, the author of the
United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Genocide
who coined the term "genocide" to describe the genocide of the
Armenians. One sentence in the quotation referenced the killings of the
Armenians by the Ottoman Turkish government and how this contributed to
the coining of the term "genocide." Turkey objected to the quote based
on this sentence which led to the postponement of the exhibit
altogether.

"The meeting went very well; Mr. Hogan was very receptive and seemed
eager for both Congressman Inslee and him to be invited to any events
with the community in the future," said Abrahamian. "The resolution is
a time sensitive issue but hopefully this meeting will convey, to the
Congressman, the importance of this resolution to the Armenian American
community."

The Armenian National Committee of America is the largest and most
influential Armenian American grassroots political organization. Working
in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters
throughout the United States and affiliated organizations around the
world, the ANCA actively advances the concerns of the Armenian American
community on a broad range of issues.

###

Photo caption: Congressman Jay Inslee (D-WA-01)

RUBEN TOVMASIAN DOES NOT EXCLUDE POSSIBILITY OF UNITING WITH OTHER COMMUNIST PARTIES

Noyan Tapan
May 08 2007

YEREVAN, MAY 8, NOYAN TAPAN. The Communist Party of Armenia (CPA)
welcomes the decision of the Progressive United Communist Party of
Armenia (PUCPA) and the United Communist Party of Armenia (UCPA)
to refuse the proportional electoral struggle. Ruben Tovmasian, the
First Secretary of the CPA Central Committee stated about it at the
May 8 press conference. In his words, if the two mentioned parties
call on voting for the mother communist party, he himself will visit
their offices and express gratitude.

R. Tovmasian did not exclude possibility of upcoming unification of the
CPA, PUCPA and UCPA. In his words, only the CPA heading body, Congress,
may discuss and make proportional decision on the proposals of the
PUCPA and UCPA concerning unification as "the serious disagreements"
existing among those parties still remain and demand solution.

R. Tovmasian addressed words of greeting and congratulation to veterans
of the Great Patriotic War on the occasion of the Day of Victory,
mentioning that their heroic deed will always be remembered by the
coming generations, and the memory of about 3 mln of communists died
in the war will remain steady.