Author: Babajanian Karo

TIGRAN SARGSYAN: WITHOUT UPDATING OF OUR IDEALS IT WILL BE IMPOSSIBLE TO REACH OUR PERCEPTION OF JUSTICE

ARMENPRESS
SEPTEMBER 23, 2011
YEREVAN

Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan, who is in Bucharest to
participate in the expanded session of the European People’s Party
(EPP) and in the works of the EPP Summer University and the European
Ideas Network, has also delivered a speech during “Black Sea Region:
Formation of European Influence” first plenary session of the
conference.

Governmental press service told Armenpress that Tigran Sargsyan
referred to challenges of formation of a fair society, noting that
establishment of justice first of all concerns merit systems of
states and today it is clear that economic and social welfare must
be in accordance with merit systems.

Considering formation of atmosphere of justice in societies a very
important issue, Tigran Sargsyan stated that the role of Europe as
of a guarantee of stability in the region is growing. Referring to
consolidation of European merits, the Prime Minister said that new
efforts are necessary.

“Today Armenia more than ever needs notable results from the joint
programs with the EU, which will inspire our citizens. Noting that
Armenia is gradually recovering from the global financial crisis,
the Prime Minister said, “Our team has seriously promoted the efforts
for implementation of our joint programs.”

The head of the executive body stressed that the technical support
and budgetary support from the European Union is very important for
making these efforts efficient. “We anticipate Europe’s response
to the issues humanity faces in the 21st century. The main merits
and ideas we pursue must be reconsidered. If we do not update our
ideals, it will be impossible to reach our perception of justice,”
Tigran Sargsyan summed up.

Founded in 1976, the European People’s Party (EPP) strives for a
democratic, transparent and efficient Europe that is close to its
citizens. EPP wants a prosperous Europe through the promotion of a
free market economy with a social consciousness. EPP is the largest
political organization of Europe with 75 member-parties from 39
countries, 23 heads of state and government (17 EU and 6 non-EU),
13 European Commissioners (including the President), and the largest
Group in the European Parliament with 264 members. The EPP is governed
under the 2003 “EU Regulation on political parties at European level
and the rules regarding their funding.” In late 2007, this Regulation
was revised in order to allow all European level political parties to
campaign for the European Parliament elections. As a result of this
mandate, the EPP conducted – in close cooperation with its national
member-parties – its first Europe-wide campaign for the June 2009
elections and reinforced its leading position in the European
Parliament.

MICHAEL KAMBECK: WITH KARABAKH SETTLEMENT, THE BALL IS IN THE COURT OF AZERBAIJAN

PanARMENIAN.Net
September 23, 2011 – 10:19 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – The Secretary General of European Friends of Armenia
(EuFoA) non-governmental organisation shared his views on the Nagorno
Karabakh conflict in a conversation with a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter.

“As far as Karabakh settlement goes, the ball is in the court of
Azerbaijan. However, it seems we’re not dealing with someone who is
a negotiation partner. We’re dealing with an adversary, with someone
who says no to everything while threatening with war,” Dr. Michael
Kambeck said.

“I must admit by now, after Armenia-Russia-Azerbaijan presidential
meeting in Kazan and current regime in Baku I don’t have a key to
conflict solution,” he confessed.

“The international community must make much more transparent that
this is the case,” Dr. Kambeck said, urging the conflict mediators
for more transparency.

“We need to change this, if keep silent about this forever, you’re
just inviting the bad guy to continue playing a bad game,” he stressed.

As Dr. Kambeck noted in this context, the EU Special Representative
for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia, Ambassador Philippe
Lefort, who’ve been provided with an extended mandate, is very well
prepared to deal with the situation.

“I’m sure Mr. Lefort is very well prepared. I hope he does not repeat
some of the mistakes that many people have made in the past. I hope
he’s much more transparent and puts more transparency into this
process, because that’s what it lacks in order to be successful. If
he doesn’t manage to do that, then the structures that are dealing
with the conflict today will be the first to suffer,” he stressed.

In conclusion, Dr. Kambeck urged for rapid settlement of conflict,
which he said, would be in the interests of Azerbaijan and Turkey as
well, further promoting economic development of the countries.

OPPOSITION BLOC CALLS FOR ‘CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE CAMPAIGN’

Tert.am
23.09.11

Coordinator of the opposition bloc Armenian National Congress, or
HAK, has called for “civil disobedience campaign” against the ruling
authorities in Armenia.

Speaking at a really organized by the HAK on Liberty Square in central
Yerevan, Levon Zurabyan said that it is only through a pan-national
triumphant campaign that the people will re-find its sovereign right
to rule in its own country.

“Today we are calling to prepare for a civil disobedience victorious
campaign,” said he.

According to Zurabyan, during their recent meetings with foreign
officials they urged on the international community to keep track on
what is happening in Armenia – but to no avail.

“Today, the international community must follow the further
developments in Armenia with far more attention. The Armenian nation
is tittering on the brink of making a toughest decision,” said he.

“When the political prisoners were released, there were grounds to
think that the authorities had awakened, that they realized they can
no longer rule the country with old methods and must make concessions,”
said Zurabyan.

But now, according to him, it can be said that the authorities have
stopped the transition to democracy through a dialogue with the
opposition that was initiated thanks to the pressure of the people.

Saying that the Armenian authorities have stopped on half way, Zurabyan
noted that there is now one more political prisoner Tigran Arakelyan –
a HAK activists arrested over a scuffle with law-enforcers in August
this year.

Further, the HAK coordinator said that currently there is no big
pressure on Armenia’s President Serzh Sargsyan over the Karabakh
conflict and that he is feeling freer than usual and is thinking of
weakening the tension through concessions.

“The authorities are sending a clear message to us. ‘If you want to
have more concessions, then get the people to the [Liberty] Square’,”
said he.

Zurabyan further asked those rallied if they want to accept that
challenge, to which the HAK supporters responded with a “yes”.

ARMENIAN INDEPENDENCE MARKED IN GEORGIA

Tert.am
23.09.11

On Sept. 21, on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Armenia’s
independence, the Armenian Embassy in Georgia held a reception at
the Triumph complex in Tbilisi.

The Yerkramas newspaper, published by the Armenian community in
Russia, reports that among the guests were Speaker of the Georgian
Parliament David Bakradze, Georgian Foreign Ministry officials,
heads of government agencies, clergymen, diplomats, heads of
international agencies, representatives of non-governmental and
cultural organizations and of the Armenian community in Georgia.

The Armenian community organized a concert. Armenian and foreign
classical music, dances and songs were performed.

A display of works of Tbilis-based Armenian painters and of well-known
photographers was organized.

Armenian Ambassador to Georgia Hovhannes Manukyan and Speaker of
the Georgian Parliament David Bakradze made welcoming speeches. They
stressed the need for further development of centuries-old bilateral
friendship.

An exhibition of works by well-known Armenian painters of the 19th
and 20th centuries, “From Hakob Hovnan to Gayane Khachatryan. Pieces
of great history”, was held at the Sh. Aminarishvli Arts Museum.

ARMENIAN ENVIRONMENTALISTS LAUNCH A S.O.S. SEVAN CAMPAIGN

arminfo
Friday, September 23, 10:04

NGOs and activists from social internet networks decided to join and
to declare a new S.O.S. Sevan campaign.

According to Ecolur, on 20 September the first and foremost measures
to be taken to save Lake Sevan were discussed at the Aarhus Center
in Yerevan.

The situation of the lake was determined as highly critical. “I can
declare we don’t have “lake Sevan” freshwater reservoir any longer. If
somebody wants to drink this water, let them try and we’ll see what
will happen to them,” said Gagik Sukhudyan, who held the position of
“Sevan” National Park Director from 1981 to 1992. Under him, even
in the late 70’s, when logging process in Sevan acquired threatening
nature, such pollution was not observed.

The main threats for the lake are as follows:

– change in water composition,

– fish extinction,

– lake pollution with garbage, sewage and industrial wastes,

– illegal operation of mining companies – GeoProMining Gold, Gegamet
Plus, Mika Cement which violates Article 10 of RA Law “On Lake Sevan”.

– absence of control ,

– imitation activities of official bodies and improper waste of
funds – budget, grant and loan (particularly, the loan allotted by
the World Bank in the amount of 16 million USD for “Reducing Poverty
and Preserving Lake Sevan Ecosystem” program) designed to preserved
Lake Sevan Ecosystem.

The main reason for concern is that neither Nature Protection Ministry
as represented by “Sevan” National Park, nor Urban Development,
Territorial Administration, Energy and Natural Resources and
Agriculture Ministries, nor any committees and councils put any
efforts to save the lake.

The laws are violated and nobody bears responsibility for that. There
is certain impression that top officials consider Sevan as a source
for getting profit.

The discussion participants worked out an action plan and decided to
call on everybody who is not indifferent to the fate of Sevan.

There is no Armenia without Sevan. Let’s join and not allow a group
of people to grab and to leave to our next generation a toxic apple
instead of 34 billion freshwater.

YEREVAN BRANDY COMPANY LAYS PERSONALIZED TUN IN HONOR OF ARTSAKH PRESIDENT

PanARMENIAN.Net
September 20, 2011 – 16:07 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – During a visit to Armenia, Artsakh President Bako
Sahakyan and the delegation led by him visited Yerevan Brandy Company
on September 20.

The delegation attended the YBC ripening and bottling shops and
familiarized themselves with the history and process of production
of Armenian brandy Ararat.

President Sahakyan stopped at the “Tun of Peace”, lain on the occasion
of OSCE MG co-chairs’ visit to the company in 2001. The tun keeps to
mature cognac alcohol of 1994 symbolizing the signing of armistice.

The tun is named “Tun of Peace” and will be opened on Karabakh conflict
resolution day.

According to tradition, the alley of YBC presidential tuns was
replenished with NKR President’s personalized tun. Bako Sahakyan is
the 22nd President in honor of whom Yerevan Brandy Company lays a
personalized tun. Former President Arkady Ghukasyan’s personalized
tun is also preserved in the factory.

RUBEN’S NEMESIS

Story from Lragir.am News:

Published: 16:19:21 – 23/09/2011

The president of the Football Federation of Armenia, Member of
Parliament Ruben Hayrapetyan said in answer to the question why
he does not resign from parliament after his statement that the
National Assembly is not his place he could resign right now but
he does not want to create additional costs for the government to
hold snap elections because the term of this parliament ends in 2-3
months anyway.

Hayrapetyan says he is not offended that Serzh Sargsyan did not award
him on the 20th anniversary of Armenia’s independence, adding that
the best present for him is the success of the Armenian National
Football team.

Dwelling on the lawsuit against the Haykakan Zhamanak Daily, Ruben
Hayrapetyan said that he was accused of such crimes as trafficking
in drugs or arms, or assault on the Chief of Police. He demanded
a refutation but the newspaper did not publish it. So he sued the
newspaper.

He accused Ter-Petrosyan and his “pack” of rendering Armenia a center
of drug business and he can even prove this in court. Hayrapetyan
advised to go to Avan district of Yerevan and ask how he treats those
engaged in drug sale. He beats and punishes them.

He added that if Levon Ter-Petrosyan becomes president, he will
leave Armenia.

JUDGE SAHAKYAN – “MY SON IS NO CRIMINAL GANG MEMBER. TRY THE OTHER JUDGE SAHAKYAN”
Grisha Balasanyan

hetq
14:08, September 23, 2011

According to reports in the Armenian press, one of the criminal gang
members arrested earlier today is the son of Judge Tigran Sahakyan
of Civil Appeals Court.

Judge Sahakyan told Hetq that there is another judge with the same name
in Armenia and that his son “is not a member of any criminal gang.”

“Dear boy, you are mistaken. There is another Judge Tigran Sahakyan.

My son is now working at his government post. I am not implying
that the son of the other judge is mixed up in the crime ring. I
don’t know.”

Judge Sahakyan said his son is an employee at the Defense Ministry’s
Department of Investigations.

The second Judge Tigran Sahakyan is President of the Criminal Appeals
Court.

Hetq hasn’t been able to get in touch with him.

AZERBAIJAN CALLS FOR SHUTTING DOWN ARMENIA’S NUCLEAR PLANT

Tert.am
23.09.11

Azerbaijan calls upon the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
to shut down Armenia’s Nuclear Power Plant.

Speaking at the Agency’s 55th session in Vienna, Mahmoud Kerimov,
the president of Azerbaijan’s National Academy of Sciences, said the
Metsamor-based plant poses serious hazards, with the European Union
being among the foreign powers demanding its shutdown.

“Although international organizations have conducted inspections
in the Nuclear Plant within the past year, their result are being
kept confidential. The countries in the region – Turkey, Azerbaijan
and Georgia – have several times proposed that their specialists
be involved in the research. But the three countries keep remaining
uninformed of the developments related to Armenia’s Nuclear Plant,”
he said.

KILLED SOLDIER ARTAK NAZARYAN’S TRIAL POSTPONED AS DEFENDANT WAS NOT IN COURT

epress.am
09.23.2011

The trial in the case of Artak Nazaryan was to have resumed in
the Tavush District Court of First Instance yesterday; however, it
was postponed as one of the defendants, fellow serviceman Harutyun
Kirakosyan, was not present in court.

Recall, Nazaryan, 30, commander of a rifle platoon and head of
a military base in Tavush, died suddenly on July 27, 2010. The
defense ministry claimed it was a suicide; however, according to
The Armenian Observer Blog, an autopsy and physical examination
of the body conducted later revealed traces of violence on his
face and body, inflicted upon the platoon commander 6 hours before
his death. Deputy of the military base where Nazaryan was employed,
Captain Hakob Manukyan, as well as fellow soldiers Mkhitar Mkhitaryan,
Adibek Hovhannisyan and Harutik (Harutyun) Kirakosyan are named as
the accused in the case.

Earlier, Nazaryan’s mother, Hasmik Hovhannisyan, told Epress.am that
she appealed to Armenia’s defense minister to move the trial of her
son’s case from the city of Berd (located 211 kms from Yerevan) to the
Armenian capital, and if this is not possible, then to provide cars
(or taxis) to Nazaryan’s family to go to Berd.

As told to Epress.am by Helsinki Association for Human Rights
representative Arman Veziryan, after the court session, Nazaryan’s
family was told that moving the trial to either Yerevan or even
Idjevan, which is closer to Berd, is not possible.

Judge Samvel Mardanyan set the next court date for Oct. 3 at 3 pm.