Author: Babajanian Karo

DONATION ENSURES BROAD PARTICIPATION IN ‘ANC GRASSROOTS’

asbarez
Monday, October 31st, 2011

ANC-Grassroots is on Thanksgiving weekend

GLENDALE – A generous anonymous donation from a community activist
will enable and ensure broad participation in the ANC Grassroots on
Thanksgiving Weekend, November 25-27, announced the Armenian National
Committee-Western Region Board of Directors.

The ANC-WR has decided to significantly lower the registration fee
from $150 ($100 for students with valid ID) to $49 ($39 for students)
to ensure that finances would not deter interested individuals from
participating in ANC Grassroots.

“After seeing the scope and importance of ANC Grassroots and the
incredible tools that it would provide its participants, I wanted to
make sure that the program would enjoy the broadest participation
possible,” said the generous donor, who wanted to remain anonymous
in a letter to the ANC-WR.

ANC Grassroots will take place on Thanksgiving Weekend beginning on
Friday November 25 and conclude on Sunday, November 27. It brings
together some of the foremost experts in law, policy, politics, the
arts and philanthropy to address some of the more pressing issues of
advocacy and to provide the necessary tools for activists to become
involved using the many avenues available to them, which they will
learn about during ANC Grassroots.

“We are extremely grateful to our donor whose generous contribution
will allow more people to participate in our groundbreaking ANC
Grassroots weekend. Our community is fortunate to have individuals who
recognize the importance of activism and are enabling us to make this a
more successful event,” said ANC-WR Executive Director, Lara Garibian.

Register for ANC-Grassroots.

The Armenian National Committee-Western Region is the largest
Armenian American grassroots community organization in the Western
United States. Working in coordination with a network of offices,
chapters, and supporters throughout the Western United States and
affiliated organizations around the country, the ANC-WR works to
promote understanding regarding issues of concern to the Armenian
American community.

TARON MARGARYAN IS NEXT MAYOR

Lragir.am News

22:36:18 – 31/10/2011

The Republican board meeting ended some time ago. The spokesman for
the Republican Party Edward Sharmazanov said the board decided to
nominate Republican Taron Margaryan for the post of mayor. The board
members unanimously voted for the deputy mayor Taron Margaryan. Taron
Margaryan is the son of the ex-prime minister Andranik Margaryan.

TURKEY DISBANDS PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDSHIP GROUP WITH ISRAEL

PanARMENIAN.Net
October 31, 2011 – 21:22 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Turkey decided against forming parliamentary
friendship groups with five countries, including Israel and Syria,
in the newly commenced parliamentary session, while preparing to form
friendship groups with 18 new countries.

During the previous session of Parliament, the 23rd session, there
were friendship groups with parliamentarians from 110 countries,
including Israel and Syria. Parliament has decided to re-establish
friendship with 212 countries, which does not include Israel, Syria,
Libya, Greece and Uzbekistan.

The exclusion of Israel from the list was expected as Turkey~Rs
ties with the Jewish state have recently hit a low. The first-ever
parliamentary friendship group with Israel was formed during the 20th
session of Parliament, between January 1996 and April 1999. The last
group was formed during the 23rd session of Parliament, which opened
in August 2007 and closed in June 2011.

ARFD: PRESIDENTIAL GOVERNMENT IN ARMENIA POISONS THE COUNTRY

arminfo
Monday, October 31, 18:34

The presidential government in Armenia has been poisoning the
country and we should get rid of it as soon as possible, the head
of ARF Dashnaktiutyun parliamentary faction, Vahan Hovannisyan,
told journalists today.

He also added that at present situation even the tiniest little
problems in the country are settled by the president or representatives
of his team. In such a situation the role and potential of the local
government bodies or one of the governmental bodies are suppressed
and neutralized, he said.

Hovannisyan thinks that when taking decisions the leadership of the
country does not take into account the viewpoints of their opponents.

This negatively affects the policy of the country in general, he said.

TENSIONS MOUNT IN BEIRUT AS ARMENIANS URGE KURDS TO QUIT SOME DISTRICTS

Tert.am
31.10.11

The Armenian Revolutionary Federation-Dashnaksutyun (ARF-D) in Lebanon
has called on the local Kurds to quit several districts of capital
Beirut, a Kurdish activist has said.

Mahmoud Sival, a representative of a Lebanon based Kurdish
organization, has told the local newspaper Al Mustakbal that the
Armenians have urged the Kurdish population to quit the Armenian
populated districts of the city.

“The say the Kurds have escalated tension in Beirut by attending
mass rallies in Syria. But the Armenians insist they use drugs and
constantly violate the laws,” he said.

The local news outlets have quoted Hakob Bagratuni, a member of
the Lebanese parliament, as saying that such decision was made for
security considerations and is not politically motivated.

EDWARD NALBANDIAN: DAMAGING OR DESTROYING CULTURAL OR RELIGIOUS MEMORY STRONGLY CONDEMNED

armradio.am
31.10.2011 09:33

Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian participated in the
36th session of UNESCO General Conference. Addressing the attendees,
Minister Nalbandian said:

Madame President, Armenia is a country rich with cultural monuments
dating back to the 4th millennium BC. There are some 33,000 historical
and cultural monuments in Armenia under state protection, which are
included in the State Register of National Heritage.

For centuries, the Armenian people has created numerous and diverse
cultural monuments most of which, due to known historical events
are now situated outside the Republic of Armenia. Our neighbors have
displayed different approaches towards the preservation of Armenian
historical heritage.

There is a good cooperation with Iran that takes proper care of
the Armenian monuments situated on its territory. The proof of
the aforementioned is the inclusion of St Thaddeus, St Stepanos
monasteries and the Chapel of Dzordzor in the World Heritage List,
presented by Iran.

In Yerevan, an 18th century mosque has been restored, through the
joint efforts of the Armenian and Iranian specialists.

A promising cooperation has started also in this context with our
neighbor – Georgia.

Unfortunately, this positive experience is not reciprocated by our
other neighbors. As a result of the policy of destruction of the
Armenian historical heritage, thousands of cultural monuments that
were of universal value, have been lost forever.

In an era when the protection and promotion of human rights are
considered to be the underpinning principles, damaging or destroying
cultural or religious memory intentionally, consistently, repeatedly,
must be strongly condemned in order to prevent any future possible
repetition of the past mistakes.

Last year “Armenian cross-stones art” was included in the
representative list of the Intangible cultural heritage of UNESCO.

This year we were glad to exhibit the marvelous art of these Armenian
khachkars at the exhibition that was held at the UNESCO Headquarters.

Unfortunately, thousands of these cross-stones in the medieval cemetery
of Nakhijevan were completely destroyed within a few years time under
the instructions and the watchful eye of Azerbaijan’s leadership,
turning this area into military ground. Such destruction of delicately
carved cross-stones, created by the Armenian masters during the Middle
Ages is a manifestation of the blind hatred towards other peoples’
cultures.

The resolution of the 16th General Assembly of International Council
of Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) states with regards to this vandalism
that regretfully “this heritage that once enjoyed its worthy place
among the treasures of the world heritage can no longer be transmitted
today to future generations”.

Madame President, 5ooth anniversary of the Armenian bookprinting will
be marked next year. This anniversary coincides with the proclamation
of Yerevan by UNESCO as the World Book Capital 2012. On these occasions
a number of special events will be organized and we look forward to
the active participation of UNESCO member states in these events.

REVUE DE PRESSE N°1 – 31/10/11 – COLLECTIF VAN

Publié le : 31-10-2011

Info Collectif VAN – – Le Collectif VAN [Vigilance
Arménienne contre le Négationnisme] vous propose une revue de presse
des informations parues dans la presse francophone, sur les thèmes
concernant la Turquie, le génocide arménien, la Shoah, le génocide
des Tutsi, le Darfour, le négationnisme, l’Union européenne, Chypre,
etc… Nous vous suggérons également de prendre le temps de lire ou
de relire les informations et traductions mises en ligne dans notre
rubrique

Par ailleurs, certains articles en anglais, allemand, turc, etc,
ne sont disponibles que dans la newsletter Word que nous générons
chaque jour. Pour la recevoir, abonnez-vous a la Veille-Média :
c’est gratuit ! Vous recevrez le document du lundi au vendredi dans
votre boîte email. Bonne lecture.

Stop aux arrestations en Turquie !

Info Collectif VAN – – Le Collectif VAN vous
invite expressément a signer les deux pétitions de soutien aux
intellectuels turcs et kurdes arrêtés arbitrairement en Turquie. La
professeure Busra Ersanli et l’éditeur Ragip Zarakolu sont les
dernières personnalités turques placées en garde a vue (depuis
le vendredi 28 octobre 2011) a Istanbul. Ragip Zarakolu a publié
de nombreux livres, tant sur l’oppression des minorités nationales
en Turquie que sur le génocide arménien. ” Sous prétexte de
‘combattre le terrorisme’, le gouvernement Erdogan utilise la justice,
la police et les média pour punir tout activisme civique en faveur des
droits demandés par les citoyens kurdes de Turquie. L’ironie est que
la répression exercée par le gouvernement Erdogan a l’encontre des
dissidents et des démocrates s’est visiblement intensifiée au moment
où l’on salue la ” démocratie turque ” et où on la présente
comme modèle pour le monde arabe. Depuis deux ans, pas moins de 7748
personnes ont été mises en garde a vue par l’AKP au prétendu motif
qu’elles auraient été associées au KCK – une organisation qu’on
prétend être la branche urbaine de l’organisation armée appelée PKK
(Parti des Travailleurs du Kurdistan). ” Des centaines de signatures
ont déja été collectées sur ces deux pétitions depuis ce week-end
de la Toussaint. Merci de les faire tourner autour de vous ainsi que
dans vos réseaux politiques et associatifs.

Taner Akcam vs. Turquie Info Collectif VAN – –
” Cette semaine, je suis allé au Conseil de l’Europe a Strasbourg,
France, pour participer a des rencontres sur certains sujets précis
concernant la démocratie et les droits humains en Turquie. Lundi, j’ai
assisté a une conférence sur la situation des minorités religieuse
en Turquie, organisée par l’Université de Strasbourg. J’ai essayé
d’expliquer au public l’importance pour la Turquie d’affronter le
passé pour qu’elle devienne une meilleure démocratie. Ayant parlé de
confrontation, il a été intéressant de lire l’évaluation faite par
la Cour européenne des droits de l’homme (CEDH) de l’article 301 du
Code pénal turc, sur le dénigrement de la turcité, dans son arrêt
rendu mardi. Je parle du procès Taner Akcam vs Turquie, et la Cour
a conclu a la violation de la liberté d’expression de M. Akcam. ”
Le Collectif VAN vous livre la traduction de cet article en anglais
paru le 25 octobre 2011 sur le site du quotidien turc Today Zaman.

Taner Akcam et la liberté d’expression Info Collectif VAN –
– Le Collectif VAN vous livre la traduction de
ce communiqué en anglais de l’avocat de Taner Akcam suite au jugement
de la Cour européenne des droits de l’homme rendu le 25 octobre 2011.

A l’occasion de l’anniversaire de la proclamation de la république
de Turquie S.M. le Roi félicite le Président turc Sa Majesté le
Roi Mohammed VI a adressé un message de félicitations au Président
turc, M. Abdullah Gul, a l’occasion de la célébration par le peuple
turc de l’anniversaire de la proclamation de la République.

La Turquie prépare un film sur le sanguinaire criminel Topal Osman
Le 4 novembre débutera en Turquie le tournage d’un film sur la vie
du bourreau Turc Osman Pasha (1884-1923). Surnommé Topal (boiteux en
turc) du fait d’une blessure au pied lors de la guerre des Balkans,
Topal Osman qui finit décapité en mars devant le Parlement turc
pour le meurtre d’Ali Chukru député de Trébizonde, est l’un des
personnages les plus cruels de l’histoire turque qui n’en manque pas
de ce type de personnages…

500 000 chrétiens vivent aujourd’hui en Irak Le nombre de chrétiens
au Moyen-Orient est estimé a 11 millions de personnes, qui se
répartissent en onze Ã~Iglises orientales de rites différents. Parmi
eux, 500 000 habitent en Irak, soit moins de 3 % de la population.Six
familles de rites Le rite chaldéen ou syrien-oriental fait partie
des six grandes familles de rites qui subsistent aujourd’hui, avec
les rites antiochien (syrien-occidental), alexandrin, byzantin,
arménien et latin.

L’info vue par la TRT (1) Le Collectif VAN vous propose cet article
publié sur la TRT (Télévision & Radio de Turquie). Les articles
de ce site ne sont pas commentés de notre part. Ils peuvent contenir
des propos négationnistes envers le génocide arménien ou d’autres
informations a prendre sous toute réserve. “Certaines célébrations
pour la Fête de la République du 29 octobre ont été annulées en
raison du séisme survenu a Van”.

Séisme en Turquie: l’Arménie envoie une aide humanitaire Un avion du
ministère arménien des Situations d’urgence a transporté vendredi
40 t d’aide humanitaire dans la province turque de Van (sud-est)
ravagée dimanche dernier par un séisme de magnitude 7,2, a annoncé
le service de presse du ministère arménien.

Edouard Nalbandian a fermement condamné la destruction des khatchkars
arméniens au Nakhitchevan par l’Azerbaïdjan Samedi 29 octobre a
Paris, lors de la 36e assemblée générale de l’UNESCO, le chef
de la diplomatie arménienne Edouard Nalbandian était présent en
compagnie de plusieurs membres dont Vicken Tchitétchian, l’Ambassadeur
d’Arménie en France. Cette rencontre de l’UNESCO visait a fixer les
actions de l’organisation internationale pour les deux prochaines
années.

Pour les Turcs en Allemagne, 50 ans d’intégration en panne Petit,
le crâne dégarni, l’Å”il malicieux, Ahmet Bayram, 66â~@~Ians,
est arrivé en 1971 a Berlin avec un contrat de travail dans une
grosse entreprise de machines-outils. Quarante ans après, ”je suis
pratiquement devenu un Berlinois”, sourit-il. Il passe toujours ses
vacances ”au pays” mais sa vie est ici, au nord du Danube. ”Mes
trois enfants et mes petits-enfants vivent a Berlin”, explique-t-il
devant les rayons de la librairie turque Kitapci tenue par son fils.

Les soirées du Parvis Musique vocale ancienne, tradition arménienne,
territoires inconnus de l’improvisation pure… L’itinéraire de Jazz
Métis nous entraîne vers des contrées inattendues.

Retour a la rubrique

REPUBLICAN PARTY’S ECONOMIC CONFERENCE MAY HELP SHAPE NEW CULTURE OF POLITICAL ACTIVITY : TIGRAN SARKISIAN

/ARKA/
October 31, 2011
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, October 31, /ARKA/. Speaking October 30 at the first economic
conference of the ruling Republican Party of Armenia, prime minister
Tigran Sarkisian said by preparing and conducting the first economic
conference, the Republican Party of Armenia seeks to brief party
members, colleagues and the public at large about the country’s
economic situation, which is first of all the Party’s responsibility
by virtue of the votes received from the citizens.

He said Armenia’s economic policy is implemented by the coalition
government led by three fundamental documents: the 2008 electoral
program of Republican candidate Serzh Sargsyan, the memorandum signed
by the political coalition in 2008 and the Government’s 2008-2012
program.

According to him, by playing a key role in the coalition government,
the Republican Party is guided by the principles of human rights
and fundamental freedoms of the Charter and the Constitution of the
Republic of Armenia.

‘Abiding by the principles of transparency and accountability, our
party members, government ministers responsible for industry and our
supporters will present the activities of the coalition government
of 2008-2011,’ he said.

He said this forum stands out for a many reasons. For the first
time since independence, a political party comes up with a similar
initiative.

“This is a new platform for debates which can shape a new culture
of political activity. Secondly, the conference comes at a time when
Armenia’s economy is overcoming the aftermath of the global financial
and economic crisis,’ he said.

About 350 Party members and 50 guests attended the conference.

ARMENIA PRIME MINISTER ON YEREVAN MAYOR KAREN KARAPETYAN’S SUDDEN RESIGNATION

epress.am
10.31.2011

Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan believes that it’s generally
not right for a prime minister to comment on news. He said this himself
during the briefing following the Republican Party of Armenia (HHK)
first economic conference on Sunday, responding to a journalist’s
comment that there are reports that recently resigned Yerevan mayor
Karen Karapetyan (pictured) betrayed his team.

“I am guided by those explanations which Karen Karapetyan stated
publicly. I had a meeting with him, whereby he presented in detail
his arguments for resignation which are completely consistent with
his public statement. I see no other subtext, and I don’t agree with
other commentary,” he said.

Recall, Karen Karapetyan announced his resignation late last week,
citing personal reasons and the move to a new job.

Furthermore, Karapetyan, who served less than a year in office, denied
rumors that he is leaving his post due to disagreements with Armenian
President Serzh Sargsyan or any of the presidential staff. He called
such rumors “absurd”.

ANCA ENDORSES JACK HADJINIAN FOR MONTEBELLO CITY COUNCIL

PanARMENIAN.Net
October 29, 2011 – 10:46 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – The Armenian National Committee of America, San
Gabriel Valley Chapter (ANCA SGV) announced its endorsement of Jack
Hadjinian and Councilmember Alberto Perez for Montebello City Council.

The ANCA SGV is encouraging the Armenian community to fully participate
in the election process by voting by mail well before Election Day,
November 8th to ensure their mail-in ballot is counted.

Those who do not vote by mail, should Individuals can still go to
the polls on November 8.

“Jack Hadjinian has been a long-time activist for the Armenian
community and a homegrown community leader here in Montebello,” said
Viken Pakradouni, Chairman of the ANCA SGV. “As Armenian Americans we
need to continually expand our participation in the political process.

Public service and voting are key to this effort. We have a great
opportunity in this election for the Armenian community to fulfill the
American dream by turning out the vote in large numbers and electing
one of its own sons to serve the community at large.”

Hadjinian is a third generation resident of Montebello. He has also
served on the Montebello Civil Service Commission as well as the
City of Montebello’s Investment Committee and the Montebello Police
Department’s Public Safety Committee.

Hadjinian is currently a Los Angeles County Commissioner serving
on the Assessment Appeals Board. In the past, he has served as the
Chairman of the Board of the Montebello Chamber of Commerce.

“We have worked closely with Councilmember Perez over the past year
and hope to work with him for many years to come,” said Pakradouni
regarding the ANCA SGV’s endorsement of Councilmember Perez. “Out of
the remaining candidates, he was clearly the most qualified and the
person who has been most supportive of the ANCA’s efforts.”

Alberto Perez was first elected to the Montebello City Council by
popular support during the 2010 recall election. He is running for
his first full term on the City Council.