Author: Babajanian Karo

Memorial dedicated to individuals contributing to Armenian Genocide
recognition to be erected in Kapan

12:21, 21 December, 2013

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 21, ARMENPRESS. In accordance with the decision of
the Kapan City Council, a memorial dedicated to the
individuals, who contributed to the Armenian Genocide recognition will
be erected in the Baghaburj Complex.

Secret poll conducted at the course of the session of the Council on
Urban Development, Architecture, and Culture under the Mayor of
Kapan determined that `Tree of Life’ project by sculptor Lorik
Minasyan will be erected in the city. 10 out of 12 members of the
Council on Urban Development, Architecture, and Culture under the
Mayor of Kapan decided to cast their votes on behalf of the
aforesaid project.

In a conversation with `Armenpress’ sculptor Lorik Minasyan
underscored: `The memorial will be dedicated to the individuals,
who significantly contributed to the Armenian Genocide recognition;
among them are Fridtjof Nansen, Hrant Dink, Soghomon Tehlirian and
many others.’

ARMENIA TREE PROJECT
65 Main Street
Watertown, MA 02472 USA
Tel: (617) 926-TREE
Email: [email protected]
Web:

PRESS RELEASE
December 23, 2013

Paper or Plastic? LA Premiere of ATP’s Short Film Leaves No Doubt

LOS ANGELES–The Los Angeles premiere of the Armenia Tree Project (ATP) film
“Something New” attracted young and old alike for the viewing of the 14
minute production about two teens who struggle to clean up the dumping of
plastic bags throughout Armenia.

Set in Los Angeles and the beautiful Armenian village of Margahovit, the
film features cousins Nuneh and Armen who eventually devise a plan, via
their internet chats, to attack the problem of littering and plastic bags.

The eighth grade student who plays Armen, Peter Deirbadrossian, addressed
the gathering at the December 15 premiere at the Pasadena Armory Center for
the Arts. Peter shared the words of the late actor Sos Sarkisian:

“I dream that our country, our capitol, and our villages become clean.
Because garbage is not only disgusting, it is contagious. Clean countries
mean great civilization. I dream that our rivers are clean and that our
trees are not cut down or maimed. After all, our future generations will
still need oxygen to breathe.”

In working with director Kennedy Wheatley and Building Bridges program
manager Sarah Hayes during the filming of “Something New,” Peter began to
wonder what would happen to Armenia if people do not do something new about
its environmental problems: What would happen to that one plastic bag that
takes 1,000 years to disintegrate?

Parallel sentiments were conveyed by Tatev Ghumashyan, who portrays Armen’s
cousin Nuneh in the film. During the screening of “Something New” in the
town of Margahovit in Lori region of Armenia last month, both Tatev and
co-star Nara Margaryan stressed that the film helped them learn of the
effects of plastic bags on Armenia’s environment and natural beauty.

“We now think twice about using plastic bags because there is no way to
dispose of them without harming our environment,” said Nara. “Our village is
one of the most beautiful places in Armenia, and it is a privilege to live
here and safeguard it,” said Tatev.

Armenia generates 5,000 tons of plastic waste annually in the form of water
bottles and plastic bags that find their way to unlined and untreated
garbage dumps or ravines. Seventy different hazardous substances that cause
everything from cancer to asthma are emitted into the air when
trash–particularly plastics–are burned. When buried, the toxins enter the
water supply, affecting livestock and eventually humans.

“It made me realize how much the existence of ATP is essential. The efforts
and tremendous work to revitalize the country cannot become reality if there
is no steering wheel to guide and organize and make people aware. You can’t
fight a poison without its antidote,” Peter stressed.

“Something New” features music by System of A Down and Greg Hosharian of
Armenian Space Station, as well as the song written by Tony Iommi and
performed by The Dorians at Eurovision this year. The film was made as a
part of ATP’s Building Bridges program that educates diasporan youth about
Armenia’s natural heritage as well as environmental challenges in Armenia.
The program operates in a variety of Armenian schools and is funded by a
grant from the Thomas A. Kooyumjian Family Foundation. “Something New” can
be viewed online via:

ATP’s mission is to develop Armenia through community-based tree planting
and environmental education. ATP seeks to reverse the loss of Armenia’s
forest cover and to advocate for the sustainable use of our natural
resources. ATP’s three major programs are tree planting, environmental
education, and sustainable development initiatives. For more information,
please visit the website

####

PHOTO CAPTION:

Building Bridges program manager Sarah Hayes at the Los Angeles premiere
with Peter Deirbadrossian, the U.S. actor in the ATP film “Something New”

POLL: DREAMWORKS SHOULD PAY FOR OBAMA SECURITY

Glendale News-Press (California)
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Business News
December 19, 2013 Thursday

by Brittany Levine, Glendale News-Press, Calif.

Dec. 19–Last week, Councilman Zareh Sinanyan questioned why the
city had to foot the bill alone when the president visited only
with DreamWorks employees, entertainment industry executives and
politicians, and not residents of Glendale.

In late November, Obama spoke about the entertainment’s role in the
nation’s economy and diplomacy before a crowd of about 2,000 people
at DreamWorks Animation in Glendale as part of a fundraising trip
in Los Angeles. DreamWorks’ executive director Jeffrey Katzenberg is
one of Obama’s top donors.

The approximately $61,000 covered the cost of 92 personnel, ranging
from SWAT to traffic-control officers. City Manager Scott Ochoa
said covering the security cost was expected by cities that host
the president.

DreamWorks spokeswoman Allison Rawlings said last week the studio was
honored by Obama’s visit and had not discussed the security costs as
the city did not contact them directly about the issue.

Zanku Armenian, a commissioner on the Community Development Block Grant
committee, commented on the online story that he thought DreamWorks
should pay the bill.

“It’s amazing to me how some elected leaders and staff are so easy to
sign the check when it comes to this expense but yet also so quick
to reply that we have no money when it comes to paying for other
essential city services like extra patrols to keep our neighborhoods
safe,” Armenian wrote. “Why doesn’t DreamWorks be a good corporate
citizen and volunteer to help the city out with the bill? I’m sure Jeff
Katzenberg wouldn’t even feel the amount missing from his checkbook.”

But, Scott Lowe, who runs a local blog, tropicostation.blogspot.com,
said given the magnitude of a presidential visit, Glendale should
let the cost slide.

“Given that Glendale only deals with presidential visits every 15
years or so, the costs involved seem to be a small price to pay for
the honor of a presidential visit and to shine a positive light on
Glendale to a worldwide audience,” Lowe commented on the story.

The glendalenewspress.com poll was posted on Monday. The results are
not scientific.

HOMENETMENT GREAT MIHRAN CHIMCHIRIAN VISITS WESTERN U.S.A. REGION

Thursday, December 19th, 2013

Mihran Chimchirian (right) in Pasadena, California

PASADENA-On November 18, Homenetmen Western United States hosted an
Open Forum and a welcome get together for the visiting Homenetmen
Central Executive Committee Member and Treasurer, Mihran Chimchirian,
at the Pasadena “Azadamard” Chapter.

The forum was open to the media and Homenetmen’s governing bodies in
the Western United States. Present were Homenetmen Central Executive
Committee Member Viggen Davidian, Homenetmen Western United Stated
Regional Executive Committee Members, the region’s chapter executive
committee members, and guests from the Armenian American community.

Mihran Chimchirian’s visit to the Southland coincided with Homenetmen
Western U.S. Region’s preparations to unveil the much anticipated
Strategic Plan. For Mihran Chimchirian – whose many years as an active
Homenetmen member have seen this esteemed organization through its
changes – to be present during this latest installment of change and
progress was a joy for everyone.

At 70, Mihran Chimchrian has been an active Homenetmen member for
many decades. He began his Homenetmen journey at the tender age of
5, and for the past 65 years has not ceased from being a Homenetmen
Member for a single day. That would be a very difficult record to
match. Very few individuals can make the claim that they’ve served
in Homenetmen and have built up the kind of enviably distinguished
record that Mihran Chimchirian has, without missing a heartbeat.

He began his journey as a Homenetmen member at the age of 5 as a cub
scout, and then proceeded to go through all stages of scouting in
Homenetmen. Mihran participated in the 1963 Marathon Jamboree, and has
been in two Arabic Scout Jamborees in Lebanon, in 1971 and 1999. He
was also the Treasurer of the Lebanese Scouts. Mihran Chimchirian has
in the past also participated in three Arab Scout and International
Jamborees and has been in Lebanon’s Scout Federation for 25 years.

These experiences led him to become one of the most prominent
members in Homenetmen’s history and propelled him to serve on various
Homenetmen executive committees.

Chimchirian has served on Chapter Executive Committees, both in Beirut
and in Damascus. From 1983 to 1999 he served as Central Executive
Board Member and Treasurer, and then again from 2007 to the present.

Mihran Chimchirian’s visit to Southern California began on November
5th, when he first arrived here, and departed on November 20th. He
was here partially on personal business, but the Central Executive
decided to take the opportunity to also deliver the first ever
presentation of the Strategic Plan before all executive committee
members of Homenetmen in Western United States. The Strategic Plan
process is led by Homenetmen’s Central Executive and was mandated
originally by the Homenetmen’s Ninth Delegates Congress in 2007and
approved by the Tenth in 2011. The Strategic Plan is to transform
the way Homenetmen functions globally in preparation for its second
century starting in 2018. It will introduce a bevy of incentives for
future Homenetmenagans to join and be part of its history and legacy,
with technology in the driver’s seat to steer the organization into a
much more fruitful and productive one than it already is. A workshop
that took place on Monday, November 11th, is evidence that efforts
are underway to move the plan into the implementation stage, and,
hence, prepare it to fully become functional worldwide in the very
near future.

In closing, Mihran Chimchirian’s visit to Homenetmen’s Western United
States Region in November could not have come at a better time as
it happened to coincide with the 95th Anniversary of Homenetmen’s
founding, which, appropriately, was celebrated with one of Homenetmen’s
greats.

ONE OF THE KEY GOALS OF “CIVIL AGREEMENT” IS TO BRING ABOUT LARGE-SCALE REPATRIATION, NIKOL PASHINYAN SAYS

Monday 9 December 2013 14:13
Photo: PanArmenian Photo

Nikol Pashinyan

Yerevan /Mediamax/. The staff of 7 members of management board of
“Civil Agreement” union was introduced in Yerevan today.

The board of the union comprises Nikol Pashinyan, Sasun Mikayelyan,
Alen Simonyan, Lena Naghdalyan, Marine Manucharyan, Arsen Harutyunyan
and Arsen Kharatyan.

According to Nikol Pashinyan, board of “Civil Agreement” union won’t
have a chairman, “the decisions will be based on consensus – at least
until the board adopts its Charter”.

Answering Mediamax’s question what the main goal of the union will be,
Nikol Pashinyan said:

“I think the key objective of the union is bringing about large-scale
repatriation in Armenia. But we should understand that we can’t
address the issue until the problems which don’t allow people to live
in their own homeland exist in Armenia”. He urged the compatriots
living abroad not to be isolated from the developments taking place
in their motherland.

Touching upon the number of the members who joined “Civil Agreement”,
Nikol Pashinyan said: “We wish our presence to be tangible by the
real work of the members but not the inanimate numbers”.

The members of the board of the union noted that other bodies of the
“Civil Agreement” will be formed in Armenia and outside its borders
in near future.

– See more at:

ARMENIA ‘GIVING UP’, UKRAINE ‘HAS BEEN BRIBED’: OPINIONS

19:31 ~U 19.12.13

Armenia did not see protests similar to those in Ukraine, after which
Russia is trying to “bribe” Ukraine for $15 billion by acquiring its
government bonds.

On the other hand, Russia has taken the rest 20% of ArmRusgasprom
shares from the government of Armenia, which is joining the Customs
Union, Political Secretary of the Heritage party Styopa Safaryan
told Tert.am.

“Obviously, Ukrainian society is much maturer and that country’s
political arena is healthier. And when Armenia’s joining the Customs
Union was outlined, it should have aroused political forces’ concern.

Unfortunately, however, most of Armenia’s political forces appeared
indifferent to what was happening,” Safaryan said.

According to him, “the best example” of struggle against Armenia’s
accession to the Customs Union was the rally in Yerevan’s Freedom
Square, which was followed by a march.

According to Safaryan, Ukraine’s Russification in not in that country’s
interests, Ukraine’s role in the political arena has essentially
been enhanced.

According to Head of the Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly Vanadzor office
Artur Sakunts, the difference is as follows: Armenia has given up,
Ukraine is not giving up, and Russia is trying to “bribe” it.

Sakunts is sure that Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich will not
make any concessions in behalf of the people and that it is nothing,
but an attempt to bargain.

Russia, in turn, is ready to exert pressure of every kind to show it
has much to offer, while it has nothing to offer.

“To substantiate its power, it is making offers. I am sure these are
mere promises. Can Russia actually give $15 billion to Ukraine?”

Secretary of the Prosperous Armenia parliamentary group Naira Zohrabyan
offers the following explanation:

“Russia is merely a national state without Ukraine. But it is an
empire together with Ukraine.”

Armenia should have pursued a foreign policy that would make Russia
itself realize the difference between a vassal and a strategic partner,
she said.

SCHOOLCHILDREN FROM ARMENIA TO “TEST” NEW RUSSIAN UNIVERSITY DORMITORY

December 19, 2013 | 12:38

YEKATERINBURG. – During their winter holidays, a group of
schoolchildren from Armenia will try out the new ten-story dormitory
of Ural Federal University (UrFU) in Yekaterinburg, Russia.

In addition, the Armenian schoolchildren will be able to use the
University gymnasium, the student cafe, laundry and kitchen, and
they will spend the nights at the students’ rooms, UrFU press service
informed Armenian News-NEWS.am.

The modern building can accommodate 1,000 students, and the students’
rooms are designed for 2-3 people. The building is furnished with
comfortable furniture, and it has free Internet.

The surface area of the dormitory is more than 19,000 cubic meters,
and its construction cost 523 million rubles (approx. $15,873,050).

In addition, the Armenian schoolchildren will listen to the lectures
from renowned university lecturers, and visit scientific laboratories.

U.S. CO-CHAIR: OSCE MINSK GROUP TO CONTINUE EFFORTS IN SETTLEMENT OF NAGORNO-KARABAKH CONFLICT

Trend, Azerbaijan
Dec 19 2013

By Aygun Badalova – Trend:

The OSCE Minsk Group will continue its efforts on settlement of the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, U.S. Co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group,
James Warlick said in an interview with the RadioFreeEurope’s Armenian
Service.

“Azerbaijani and Armenian presidents met on Nov. 19 in Vienna, and it
was the first time they met in the past few years. And it was good news
for all of us. We look forward to the dialogue continuing, because
that is how we can finally find the way to a peaceful settlement,”
Warlick said. “And it really depends on the two presidents. If they
have the political will to resolve this issue, to work with each
other and find a way forward, this will happen, and the Minsk Group
is here to help advance the process”.

He said there are some very difficult issues that must be addressed.

“I believe that both sides can find a way forward. A durable and
peaceful settlement of this long conflict is in the interests of all
parties,” Warlick said. “Nobody wants a war. That is the thing. We
are now in a situation where there is neither peace nor war. People
deserve better than what they have now, and the search for a path
for a lasting settlement is the way to go. This can bring a new era
of prosperity in the region, it is a conflict that can be resolved,
and I sincerely hope that the political leaders will be able to find
a way for the people’s sake,” he said.

Warlick also said that the search for a path to a durable peace is
extremely important, and the United States wants to help.

“We want to work through the Minsk Group, we are committed to this
format in order to find a way. I share the same views as my Russian
and French colleagues, and we want to move together as a team to find
a way to reach a settlement,” Warlick said.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988
when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan.

Armenian armed forces have occupied 20 per cent of Azerbaijan since
1992, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding
districts.

Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a ceasefire agreement in 1994. The
co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, Russia, France and the U.S. are
currently holding peace negotiations.

Armenia has not yet implemented the U.N. Security Council’s four
resolutions on the liberation of the Nagorno-Karabakh and the
surrounding regions.

AZERBAIJAN AND TURKEY DISCUSS MILITARY COOPERATION

Vestnik Kavkaza, Russia
Dec 19 2013

19 December 2013 – 9:50am

Colonel-General Zakir Gasanov, Defense Minister of Azerbaijan,
and General Alpaslan Erdogan, Chief of the Directorate for General
Planning and Principles of the Turkish General Staff, met yesterday.

Erdogan expressed satisfaction with another session held within the
framework of the top-level Azerbaijani-Turkish military dialogue
organized in Baku. Gasanov noted the importance of settling the
Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The officials discussed
prospects of military cooperation.

Ismail Alper Cosgun, Turkish Plenipotentiary Ambassador to Azerbaijan,
Brigadier-General Hassan Nevzat Tasdeler, Turkish Military Attache
to Azerbaijan, also attended the meeting.

Colonel-General Zakir Gasanov, Defense Minister of Azerbaijan,
and General Alpaslan Erdogan, Chief of the Directorate for General
Planning and Principles of the Turkish General Staff, met yesterday.

Erdogan expressed satisfaction with another session held within the
framework of the top-level Azerbaijani-Turkish military dialogue
organized in Baku. Gasanov noted the importance of settling the
Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The officials discussed
prospects of military cooperation.

Ismail Alper Cosgun, Turkish Plenipotentiary Ambassador to Azerbaijan,
Brigadier-General Hassan Nevzat Tasdeler, Turkish Military Attache
to Azerbaijan, also attended the meeting.

FOREIGN MINISTER EDWARD NALBANDIAN’S ADDRESS AND ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS DURING THE PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE BSEC 29TH MINISTERIAL COUNCIL

12.12.2013

Dear colleagues,
Dear Secretary General
Ladies and gentlemen,

When Armenia assumed the Chairmanship of BSEC six month ago, we
announced that we would contribute to its activities to enhance
the economic cooperation in the Black Sea region, increase the
Organization’s efficiency and its visibility in the international
arena.

Under Armenia’s Chairmanship nearly 70 events took place, a number
of initiatives were put forward to implement the provisions of “BSEC
Economic Agenda: Towards an Enhanced Partnership” and the “BSEC
Public Communication Strategy”. In the capacity of coordinator of
Working Group on Information and Communication Technologies we drew
our special attention to the promotion of cooperation in the IT sector.

During this period declarations on the enhancement of cooperation on
tourism and education were adopted, the steps on modernization of
the agendas of BSEC, the development of the cooperation with BSEC
Observer and Sectoral dialogue partners were taken as well as the
reforms of the Secretariat were implemented.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The Chairmanship in the BSEC for the next 6 month was transferred
to Bulgaria. I would like to congratulate my Bulgarian colleague on
that occasion and assure that the Bulgarian Chairmanship can rely on
our contribution in the implementation of its projects.

Thank you!

News.am: There were reports in Turkish Media that in the context
of Armenian-Turkish relations, Davutoglu is going to discuss the
Nagorno-Karabakh issue in Yerevan?

Edward Nalbandian: The position of Armenia and the international
community is clear – the normalization of Armenian- Turkish relations
should be without any preconditions, therefore attempts of the Turkish
side to link it with other issues or put preconditions are senseless
and in vain.

Arminfo: The Turkish Foreign Minister arrived in Yerevan for the
BSEC Ministerial meeting. Will you have a meeting with him, if yes,
what will be discussed?

Edward Nalbandian: There will be meetings with the heads of
participating delegations, including the Turkish Foreign Minister. As
of the discussions topics, we will talk about it after the meeting.