Author: Babajanian Karo

ARMENIAN MINISTER SAYS MILITARY COOPERATION WITH FOREIGN COUNTRIES DEVELOPING

Mediamax
Jan 26 2012
Armenia

Yerevan, 25 January: Armenian Defence Minister Seyran Ohanyan
said today that extensive work had been realized in the sphere of
international military cooperation over the past 10 years.

The defence minister stated this speaking at a press conference held
in Yerevan State University and devoted to the 20th anniversary of
the establishment of the national army, Mediamax reports.

“Bilateral relations with our strategic ally, the Russian Federation,
as well as with the USA and European countries, Ukraine, Belarus,
China and Iran keep developing,” Seyran Ohanyan said.

According to him, “on the level of cooperation with military-political
alliances, we take an active part in the CSTO [Collective Security
Treaty Organization] and NATO programmes, realize joint activities
with the OSCE and the International Committee of the Red Cross”.

FUGITIVE STUDIOS SEEKS ROLE IN ARMENIA ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY

Published: Thursday January 26, 2012

Fugitive Studios and Deem Communications helped organize Serj Tankian’s
concert in Yerevan last August.

Yerevan – U.S. based Fugitive Studios Entertainment and Deem
Communications in Armenia on January 13 signed a long-term partnership
agreement to cultivate the entertainment industry in Armenia.

Since 2006, Deem Communications has earned a reputation as a producer
of quality entertainment events such as concerts, performances and
festivals. Fugitive Studios Entertainment seeks to invest in the
entertainment sector that will attract international celebrities and
artists to perform in Armenia.

In recent years more companies have endeavored introducing
international artists such as Joe Cocker, Placido Domingo and Lara
Fabian to the public in Armenia. The market is clearly demonstrating
a need for such events.

According to Raffi Niziblian, the Founding Director of Deem
Communications, the market is ripe for this fruition both in Armenia
and in the neighboring countries. “Armenia is at its infancy in
the field of entertainment. I am excited about this opportunity. We
hope that this partnership will help establish Armenia as a regional
entertainment mecca. I look forward to collaborating with such an
innovative company as Fugitive Studios.” said Niziblian.

In 2010 and 2011 Deem Communications collaborated with Fugitive
Studios Entertainment to produce two highly anticipated concerts
with Serj Tankian of System of a Down in Armenia. The concerts were
supported by the Prime Minister of Armenia and were financially backed
by local sponsors seeking to associate their brands with these high
profile events.

Award winning visual effects artist and Artistic Director of Fugitive
Studios Entertainment, Roger Kupelian said: “We are proud to be
investing in a company with a proven record in the entertainment and
media industry, a sector that we have wanted to develop in Armenia
for some time now”.

In addition to film credits that include Lord of the Rings Trilogy
and the new Men in Black 3, Roger Kupelian is currently working to
bring the Vartan Mamikonyan epic and East of Byzantium to the silver
screen and has recently published a graphic novel entitled War Gods.

Besides the development of a middle class segment that possesses the
disposable income to attend international performances and concerts, a
new trend among the younger audience has been developing as well. This
new generation with a more global appeal will be more receptive and
demanding of the entertainment industry. The industry will gradually
become more competitive and will ultimately be regulated and more
established. With the intention to incorporate best practices of
entertainment business, Fugitive Studios Entertainment and Deem
Communications are anticipating to be the frontrunners and unfold a
number of groundbreaking international projects for the enjoyment of
the Armenian public in 2012.

Established in 2006, Fugitive Studios Entertainment was created by
Roger Kupelian and his partners as a way to bring East of Byzantium
and similar independent projects to quality widespread release, in a
variety of media. Having honed its expertise by also producing quality
visual effects and development work for mainstream entertainment, as
well as a series of music videos for System of A Down?s frontman, Serj
Tankian, Fugitive Studios Entertainment is now focusing on bringing
the series of Kupelian?s graphic novels to a wider audience. More
on

As a comprehensive creative agency Deem Communications practices
innovative communications methodologies of international stature
by delivering quality marketing, advertising, media, PR, design and
event management services for those who value time and money. Since
its inception in 2006, Deem Communications has worked with wide range
of local and international organizations to enhance their corporate
communication. Over the years, the Agency has presented international
cutting edge projects, world-famous artists and music bands to the
Armenian public. More on

STATE COMMISSION: “THE INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS CONSIDER SENDING 5 ARMENIAN CIVILIANS HELD IN AZERBAIJAN TO THIRD COUNTRY”

[ 27 Jan 2012 17:25 ]

The commission is taking corresponding measures through the
intermediary of the international organizations towards release of
Mammadbagir Akhundzadeh from Armenian captivity

Baku. Kamala Guliyeva – APA. The International Committee of the Red
Cross registered one Azerbaijani citizen captured by the opposite
side. He is Azerbaijani serviceman, Akhundzadeh Mammadbagir Talib,
born in 1990, who was taken captive by Armenians on January 23,
2012 in the contact line of troops in Terter region of Azerbaijan,
said the Azerbaijan State Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages and
Missing Persons. The commission said he was taking relevant measures
through the intermediary of the international organizations towards
Akhundzadeh’s release. It recommended the press not to release the
immediate and unchecked reports.

It was also said that three Armenian servicemen are held in
Azerbaijan. Other five persons are Armenian civilians who are members
of one family. They crossed Armenia-Azerbaijan border in January,
2010 by car.

On the basis of both international and local laws, these persons are
border trespassers who renounced their country and illegally came
to Azerbaijan: “Despite it, the Republic of Azerbaijan is guided
by humanist principles in its attitude to these people. Now the
international organizations examine the issue on sending them to the
third country as they refused to return home because of intolerable
situation in their country”.

WILL SARGSYAN LEAVE OFFICE OR REPUBLICAN TICKET?
JAMES HAKOBYAN

Story from Lragir.am News:

Published: 17:26:13 – 27/01/2012

In answer to inquiries whether Serzh Sargsyan will head the election
list of the Republicans, the Republicans ask with a surprise who else
could do that except for the president of their party.

It seems that this spirit is logical, and the party list must be
headed by the party leader because the parliamentary election is the
most important political event for political parties.

However, there is a circumstance that the Republicans must force Serzh
Sargsyan to refuse to head the list. This circumstance is the office
of president which Serzh Sargsyan occupies.

Besides, Serzh Sargsyan stated in his New Year message that the
parliamentary election is not a way to come to government, at least
he thinks so. Besides, he states that he will do everything to allow
Armenia to hold the best elections since independence.

It means that he should not participate in the elections and feature on
the Republican ticket, to act as the guarantor of the elections beyond
all the parties. In other words, if the parliamentary elections is a to
be or not to be matter for the government of Serzh Sargsyan, especially
that as a president he officially got the votes of 52% of voters,
while the official result of the Republicans in the recent elections
was around 30-40%. In other words, Serzh Sargsyan is more than the
president of the supporters of Republicans so he does not have the
right to ignore at least the 12% who are not supporters of Republicans.

Besides, Serzh Sargsyan should perhaps follow Hovik Abrahamyan~Rs
example who announced to resign from the post of speaker because he is
wanted in the post of head of election staff of the Republican Party.
In other words, Hovik Abrahamyan left the post of speaker to work
for the party. In addition, at least he got Serzh Sargsyan~Rs approval.

Consequently, Serzh Sargsyan should display the same attitude to
the comparison of his role in the parliamentary elections and his
position. In other words, Serzh Sargsyan must leave the post of
president and head the Republican list or leave the Republican list
and stay in the presidential office.

Serzh Sargsyan will thereby make an important step aimed at creating a
precedent. Besides, he will indicate the sincerity of his commitment to
free and fair elections. Although in Armenia nobody is that ingenuous,
and everyone knows that the de facto state of things differs from
the de jure state of things.

FILM ON ARMENIAN POET YEGHISHE CHARENTS TO BE SHOWN IN SYDNEY

Tert.am
26.01.12

An inspirational film on great Armenian poet Yehgishe Charents is
going to be screened in Australia, Sydney on February 26.

The film produced and directed by Shareen Anderson is a detailed look
at the life and work of the literary giant, .Armenia.com.au reported.

Anderson explores the life and work of the great Charents through a
literary travelogue from Armenia to the poet’s birthplace in Kars,
historic Armenia.

Shareen Anderson is an award-winning filmmaker and the founder of
Fort Greene Filmworks, a production company based in New York City
and Johannesburg, South Africa. Together with Lisa Henry of Left Hand
Films, Shareen co-directed and co-produced Forgotten Freedom Fighters,
a one hour documentary film for Al Jazeera English, as well as the
critically-acclaimed eight episode documentary series Saving Soweto,
also for Al Jazeera English, and which received a bronze medal at
the 2010 New York Festivals International Television & Film Awards.

KARABAKH PRESIDENT ATTENDS VICTORY ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION IN SHOUSHI REGION

Tert.am
26.01.12

President of Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR, Artsakh) Bako Sahakyan
visited Shoushi region earlier on Thursday to attend a ceremony
dedicated to the 20th anniversary of Armenians’ victory Karin Tak
village.

Speaking at the event, the president emphasized that the victory in
Karin Tak battle was unique in the history of the Karabakh liberation
war as it marked the first and most fundamental victory in Armenians’
fight for freedom.

Noting that this and all the other victories of the Armenians were
gained through bloodsheds , Sahakyan said: “Developing our country and
making Karin Tak village and other cities and towns across our country
more prosperous is the best way to retain the memory of our martyrs”.

According to a press release by the NKR presidential office, the
event was also attended by high ranking officials and guests from
Armenia and abroad.

DE NOUVELLES REFORMES JUDICIAIRES
Laetitia

armenews.com
jeudi 26 janvier 2012

Le ministre de la Justice, Hrayr Tovmasian, a annonce mercredi 25
janvier 2012 que le gouvernement va lancer prochainement un nouveau
programme de reformes judiciaires.

Tovmasian a declare que le programme quinquennal a ete elabore par
le ministère armenien de la Justice en reponse a de fortes critiques
de la magistrature.

Sarkissian s’est plaint lors d’une rencontre avec les hauts magistrats
et d’autres fonctionnaires de l’Etat que les reformes judiciaires
menees jusqu’a present n’ont produit que des resultats insatisfaisants.

Tovmasian a annonce que entre 70% et 80% des Armeniens ne font pas
confiance aux tribunaux. Il a annonce que les reformes envisagees
visent a reduire fortement ce ” degre de mefiance ” et a rendre le
pouvoir judiciaire plus efficace.

Le ministre a donne peu de details sur les mesures qui seront prises
par le gouvernement en 2012-2016. Il a seulement dit que des mecanismes
plus efficaces seront mis en place pour evaluer le travail des juges.

Ni Tovmasian, ni Sarkissian n’ont evoque la question de l’independance
judiciaire. Bien qu’ayant subi de nombreux changements structurels
depuis le milieu des annees 90, les tribunaux armeniens rendent
rarement des rapports opposes au gouvernement et aux organes de
repression.

LETTER FROM GARMISCH

Today’s Zaman
Jan 25 2012
Turkey

The beautiful mountains overlooking the town of Garmisch project
might and beauty at the same time. Snow is everywhere — on the trees,
cars, mountains, anything my eyes can see.

This is what I saw from my hotel window in Garmisch-Partenkirchen
in Bavaria this morning. Mother Nature has covered up everything it
found beneath. A glance at the news from Turkey, though, one sees
little that has been covered up. The ongoing travesty around the
French bill is inflicting incurable wounds on the minds and psyches
of Turks and Armenians. Luckily though, Etyen Mahcupyan and Ahmet
Turan Alkan have expressed some very sound opinions. So, not all is
lost. Hope for normalcy is nevertheless continuing.

I am here in Garmisch-Partenkirchen for a lecture that I delivered
on Tuesday to police officers and civilian security experts from 47
countries. My lecture focused on Turkish foreign policy and the Arab
awakening. There were many Arab officers and defense officials in
the audience and we had a lively debate with officials from the region.

Many American officials like the idea of Turkey as a model for the
awakening countries. I explained to them why I think that is not the
case but that it does not mean there are not aspects of the Turkish
experience that have relevance for these transforming countries.

One year after the demonstrations in Tahrir Square, there are a
multitude of opinions flying around about the Arab awakening. There
are some who interpret the transformation as a transfer of power
from pro-Western dictators to anti-Western Islamists. There are
those who understand that the picture is much more nuanced and that
every country has its own specifics and that it is rather difficult
to judge at this stage. That said, one primary fact is that we will
see Islamists coming to power either alone or in coalitions. This is
quite normal given the fact that during decades of repression under
dictatorships the only refuge for some levels of the opposition was
the mosques, madrasas and tariqats. They are well-organized but most
importantly they are very practical and show the political flexibility
needed to succeed in such risky political terrain.

Our Egyptian colleagues shared their views on the first day of the new
parliament in Cairo. Their reflections indicate that they are on the
path of some sort of democratic order in Egypt. It is all very new
for the Islamists, but what is key is whether they will be able to
respond to the desperate needs of their societies. One of the primary
problems with Islamist movements is the lack of thinking about a viable
economic model. Once in power, they will be faced with people who
expect them to fix the dire economic problems. It is also difficult
to say that there is a lot of patience out there. The expectations
of change will have to be translated into economic success quickly.

What will really determine the future of the Middle East depends on
what the parties do after they come to power. If these Islamist parties
are successful in alleviating social ills and economic shortcomings
they will definitely be reelected. If they fail they will be voted
out. What will matter though is whether elections take place under
normal conditions and whether they leave office if they lose.

That will be the defining moment for the future of the region. For
that we will have to wait a number of years. Now is the time to help
these new political parties to succeed and integrate fully into the
political system. It is one thing to complete a revolution — it is
no small thing — but it is another to confront the daily realities
of an ailing economy. The Arab awakening has brought the Arabs back
to history. That is a good thing. We may see a lot of instability,
complexity and confrontation in the short run but in the long run
the awakening will have been a good thing.

DELICATE TIME FOR TURKISH FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Today’s Zaman
Jan 25 2012
Turkey

Debates on a French bill to criminalize the denial of officially
recognized genocides, including the Armenian genocide in 1915, have
started again as the French Senate approved the bill on Monday night.

However, Turkish columnists agree that Turkey should not react so
strongly to the bill as Turkey is already suffering from cooling
relations with other countries, and it should be very careful before
taking any major step with regard to foreign affairs.

Radikal’s Cengiz Candar notes that even though France’s move is very
unjust, Turkey, as the country most frequently found guilty in the
European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), is in no position to attack
France based on a restriction of the freedom of expression. Moreover,
by looking at statements and verbal attacks on France including those
made by politicians and the prime minister, we see that Turkey’s
attitude seems a “defense of the right to deny genocides” instead
of “defending the human right of freedom of expression.” Both of
the rights are essential for people, and France is in the wrong by
hampering these, according to Candar. However, he adds that there are
more reasonable ways to react rather than considering the French bill
an attack on Turkey or taking it as a matter of pride. Candar, then,
points to the deterioration of once smooth relations between Turkey
and countries such as Israel, Syria and Iraq — with its current
Prime Minister al-Maliki — and says that it is clear that we are in
an extraordinary period with respect to foreign affairs and that we
should watch our moves more carefully from now on.

Defining the genocide denial bill as a part of French President Nicolas
Sarkozy’s policy, Hurriyet’s Taha Akyol says Turkey should not put
its relations with France at risk because of this policy. Akyol
underlines Sarkozy’s bad image in the eyes of other countries,
pointing to a headline in 2010 in The Economist: “Nicolas Sarkozy:
The incredible shrinking president,” and the Oct. 4, 2010 edition of
Newsweek in which John Rosenthal compared Sarkozy with Jean-Marie Le
Pen, a right-wing extremist leader in France who has a long history
of anti-Semitism and racism, and with Holland’s Geert Wilders,
who has made headlines with his Islamophobic statements. In light
of this view that argues for Sarkozy’s hatred towards Islam, Akyol
once again says that as Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said,
Turkey should wait patiently and not get carried away with the bill.

On the other hand, Fehmi Koru of the Star daily points to
a contradiction in the genocide denial bill, saying: “I cannot
understand the reason why France would take up a leadership role in
defending so intensely that the Armenians were subjected to genocide.

Was France also involved in the events of 1915? Or was the right
to have the final word on the Armenian genocide issue given to
France? It is true that about 500,000 Armenians live in France, but
also there is a country called Armenia where more Armenians live. If
an initiative concerning the Armenian genocide issue should be taken
up, then shouldn’t they be the ones to take it up?”

TURKISH FM SAYS TURKS IN PARIS MADE THEIR VOICES HEARD AGAINST ARMENIAN BILL

Anadolu Agency
Jan 23 2012
Turkey

KAYSERI (A.A) – 22.01.2012 – Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu
said thousands of Turks had made their voices heard in a protest march
in Paris on Saturday against a French bill that makes it a crime to
deny Armenian allegations on the Ottoman era incidents of 1915.

“Tens of thousands of Turks made this historic event visible to entire
France by crowding a 4.5-kilometre long avenue. Turkish nation is
proud of its history and it will continue to be proud,” Davutoglu
told reporters in the central city of Kayseri.

Despite rain and cold weather nearly 40 thousand Turks shunned the
bill that penalizes denial of the Armenian allegations with a prison
term of one year and a fine of 45 thousand euros.

The bill is set to come to the Senate floor this coming Monday but
French Senate members could vote to uphold a parliamentary committee
decision and drop the bill off the agenda without even debating it.

The protestors carried Turkish, Algerian, Azeri and French flags and
urged senators to act against the legislation.

“Leave dealing with history to historians,” a banner read as protestors
chanted slogans against French President Nicolas Sarkozy.

“I have been living in France for fifty years and I haven’t seen so
many Turks got together. Turks in Europe for the first time had the
chance to raise a strong voice against an injustice done to them,”
said Demir Onger, head of a Paris-based Turkish culture association.

Police took tight security measures at Place Denfert-Rochereau,
the venue of the demonstration.

A similar bill – proposed by the Socialist Party – was approved in
2006 by the lower house but the Senate rejected to debate the bill
last May when it upheld the committee’s decision back then.