Author: Babajanian Karo

THALASSOTHERAPY TECHNIQUES

Recently the Armenian establishment has resorted to political
thalassotherapy, which is apparently determined by the search for
ways of political activity.

For example, the deputy speaker of the Armenian parliament Edward
Sharmazanov has stated in regard to some statement that V. Putin made
in Baku: “Putin’s statement that the Karabakh conflict must be settled
through a political way was a cold shower for Azerbaijan that makes
militaristic statements.”

It is hard to understand at such a distance how cold this shower was.

One must have apparently been caught by the same shower together with
the Azerbaijanis to make such evaluations. It is possible that the
shower was quite warm. Or there was no shower at all. Maybe there
was not a shower but a sauna? Ilham Aliyev is known to be a lover
of stag parties in saunas, as a renowned Azerbaijani oppositionist
Rasool Guliyev said.

But let’s go back to thalassotherapy. A much more interesting
statement was made by a member of the NKR government on possible
sharing of part (perhaps greater part) of the flow of the biggest
river in NKR, the Tartar, to Azerbaijan. It reminds identical
proposals by the American political scientist Paul Goble. However,
Paul Goble’s deliberations played a big role in the understanding of
the Karabakh issue by the Americans. How about the purpose of this
proposal? It very much looks like a search for a topic for personal
political purposes. Analogically, one may suggest that the Azerbaijani
shepherds graze their sheep in the pastures of NKR. And what not when
one targets the perspective?

Such a proposal is explained by the fact that NKR does not need so
much water so it could share its water with Azerbaijan. However,
one should keep in mind that Lake Sevan needs the water of the Tartar
which could be redirected to flow into the lake. A little lower from
Karvachar town the flow of the Tartar is no less than 550-600 million
cubic meters which is equal to the flow of the Vorotan, more than
the flow of the Arpa.

Given the surplus of energy generating capacity in Armenia it would
be possible to pump 200-300 million cubic meters of excellent water
from the river Tartar to Lake Sevan with simple engineering solutions.

Modern pumps allow pumping big amounts of water to any height.

Generation of electricity in Sarsang Water Power Plant will deline
but its share in electricity generation of Armenia is not big, and
pumping the water to Sevan is more important in terms of agriculture
and environment.

The wars of future will be wars for water, not for oil, therefore it
is dangerous to initial issues of water distribution, even in terms
of political thalassotherapy.

Igor Muradyan 17:47 16/08/2013 Story from Lragir.am News:

COMMISSIONER STEFAN FULE’S SPOKESPERSON: “NO ONE WILL KEEP ASSOCIATION AGREEMENT TEXT SECRET”

14:19, August 16, 2013

Two days ago Hetq published an articleregarding the publication of
the text of the upcoming EU-Armenia Association Agreement.

Hetq had written to the RA Ministry of Foreign Affairs suggesting
that it was in the public interest that the text of the agreement be
made known before any official signing by Armenia.

The Ministry’s response was that the publication of any international
treaty must follow legal procedure, giving the impression that the
agreement had been finalized but that the Ministry had no plans o
reveal it.

Hetq then wrote to Å tefan Fule , European Commissioner for Enlargement
and European Neighbourhood Policy, with the same request.

In response, we received the following note from Peter Stano,
Commissioner Fule’s spokesperson:

“Thank you for your interest. Please note that we did not even publish
the text of Association Agreement with Ukraine yet, although that
one is in much more advanced stage than the AA with Armenia. When
the negotiations on the text are concluded, the text is undergoing
legal proofreading in order to clear it for translation, initialling
and eventually signature. So in other words there are procedures to
follow as your Ministry has explained and we will publish the text at
an appropriate time when the necessary procedures are being completed
so that we introduce to the public the very final text. This is what
we do with every international treaty. Let me assure you that it is
in our interest that the citizens know about this Agreement and no
one will keep the text secret.”

So, it appears that the two sides are putting the “final touches”
on the agreement and that it will indeed be made public before any
signing.

Hopefully, it will be made available early enough for citizens of
Armenia to read through and comprehend.

Rest assured that such a document will be voluminous and tedious going.

BAKU-TBILISI-KARS RAILWAY WILL CHANGE REGIONAL SITUATION – TURKISH PRESIDENT

August 16, 2013 | 14:21

By implementing the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway project, it will be
possible to change the current situation in the region.

Turkey’s President Abdullah Gul stated the abovementioned Friday,
during the Cooperation Council of Turkic Speaking States summit that
is held in Gabala, Azerbaijan.

“The Turkic speaking states are situated in a region that links
Europe and Asia, the North and the South. The implementation of the
Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway project is very important in establishing
a link between these regions.

“By bringing the Silk Road into life, we will contribute to the
economic and political strengthening of the Turkic speaking world,”
Gul said, Novosti Azerbaijan reports.

To note, however, Armenia considers the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway
project to be a political pressure against itself, with the objective
being the transport isolation of the country.

ARMENIA LOST BECAUSE OF POOR-QUALITY PITCH – NORAIR ASLANYAN

August 16, 2013

By Vera Martirosyan

YEREVAN. – Armenian squad’s forward Norair Aslanyan is confident
that his team lost the Albania friendly because of poor-quality pitch
in Tirana.

“The pitch was in bad condition. There were a lot of holes. Armenia’s
style is to play short passing. So, we did not play our game,” he
said in an interview with NEWS.am Sport.

He noted that Albania had problems, too, but they are accustomed to
such a pitch.

“Of course, there are other problems, too,” Aslanyan emphasized.

Asked about the atmosphere at the Armenian squad, the player stressed
that they were in good mood. However, Aslanyan said it is difficult
to assess his game because he had appeared only for 10 minutes.

Armenia suffered an unexpected defeat in Albania losing 0-2 in a
friendly on Wednesday.

NEWS.am Sport

They want to deceive Armenia’s President with tolerance bill – publicist

August 17, 2013 | 14:00

YEREVAN. – They wish to deceive the President of Armenia with the bill
on tolerance, writer and publicist Lia Avetisyan stated during a press
conference on Saturday.

As per Avetisyan, the creators of this bill are attempting to mislead
the Armenians and they plan to weaken the foundations of the Armenian
family unit.

`We are the bearer of ancient family values and we have no right to
abandon them,’ the publicist noted.

According to her, the Armenian nation must be protected from such
attempts to deprive itself from its character and historical dignity.

To note, the Office of the Human Rights Defender of Armenia is
preparing the bill `Against Discrimination.’ Several civil society
representatives, however, criticize this bill which, in their view,
enables the establishment of homosexual families in Armenia.

News from Armenia – NEWS.am

August 16, 2013
Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate
6252 Honolulu Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
Tel: (818) 248-7737
Fax: (818) 248-7745
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:

EPISCOPAL DIVINE LITURGY AND BLESSING OF GRAPES AT
ST. MARY’S CHURCH ON THE FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION

On Sunday, August 18, 2013, the Armenian Church will celebrate the
Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God, one of five great feasts
of our Church.
The Feast of the Assumption will be ceremoniously celebrated in all
Prelacy Churches with Divine Liturgy and the traditional blessing of the
grapes.
This feast is also the name day of St. Mary’s Church of Glendale.
Thus, on this occasion, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, will
celebrate Divine Liturgy and deliver the sermon at St. Mary’s Church.
Following Divine Liturgy, the Prelate will conduct the blessing of madagh
and grapes.
On Saturday, August 17, eve of the Feast service will take place at
St. Mary’s Church and the church will remain open late into the night so
faithful can light candles and offer their prayers.

PRELACY SCHOOLS COMMENCE THE
2013-2014 ACADEMIC YEAR

On Monday, August 19, Prelacy Schools will resume the 2013-2014
academic year. Each year, the new school year commences with prayers
offered by local parish pastors, who also convey the Prelate’s back to
school message.
For Chamlian first grade students, the new school year began on
Wednesday, August 14. On this occasion, the Prelate visited the school to
convey his blessings to the Chamlian family for a successful academic year.
Rev. Fr. Vazken Atmajian accompanied His Eminence.
After seeing their children off, parents gathered in the school
cafeteria for a reception to kick off the new year. Remarks and well wishes
were delivered by the Prelate and Principal Mr. Vazken Madenlian.
On Monday, August 19, the Prelate will preside over the opening
ceremony at Ferrahian High School, Holy Martyrs Marie Cabayan Elementary
School, and ARS Ashkhen Pilavjian Pre-School.
Visits to other Prelacy Schools will follow in the coming days.

DIVINE LITURGY AND BLESSING OF GRAPES AT ARARAT HOME ON THE FEAST OF THE
ASSUMPTION OF THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD

In keeping with long-standing tradition, on Thursday, August 15,
2013, the Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God was celebrated
at Ararat Home with Divine Liturgy and the Blessing of Grapes.
The day began with the blessing of the grapes at the nursing
facility, led by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and with
the participation of clergy members.
Divine Liturgy followed at the Sheen Chapel, celebrated by Forty
Martyrs Church Pastor Rev. Fr. Karekin Bedourian, who also delivered the
sermon. In his sermon, Fr. Karekin stressed how important it is for the
Holy Mother of God to be an enduring presence in the hearts of our families
and to remain the ideal role model for Armenian mothers to emulate.
Following the blessing of grapes, the Prelate conveyed his blessings
to the administration, staff, and residents of Ararat Home. Exalting the
virtue of the Virgin Mary as an exemplary mother, His Eminence stated that
as children, we bow in reverence for the love and sacrifice of all mothers,
and prayed for the intercession of the Holy Mother of God to be with us all.
At the conclusion of the service the Prelate and clergy were hosted
to a luncheon by the administration.

BLESSING OF GRAPES AT GLENDALE ADVENTIST HOSPITAL ON THE FEAST OF THE
ASSUMPTION OF THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD

On Wednesday, August 14, 2013, a prayer service and the blessing of
grapes was conducted at Glendale Adventist Hospital on the occasion of the
Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God.
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, conducted the
services, assisted by Pastors and deacons of St. Mary’s Church in Glendale.
This is the 21st year that this service is being held.
Dr. Arby Nahapetian, Vice-President of Medical Affairs and Quality
delivered the welcoming remarks, followed by the invocation by Chaplain
Elias Molina.
In his address to the administration and staff of Glendale
Adventist, the Prelate thanked them for their enduring collaboration with
the Armenian community, specifically St. Mary’s Church, and for continuing
this beautiful tradition of the blessing of grapes. His Eminence also
expounded on the meaning behind the blessing of grapes, stating that by
blessing and offering the “queen of the fruits”, the grapes from which the
sacramental wine is made, we call the greatness of God’s providence and
love, and offer thanks and gratitude for His abundant harvest of blessings.
In conclusion, the Prelate commended and conveyed his appreciation to the
Glendale Adventist family for the loving care and compassion they provide,
and prayed for God to hasten the healing of the infirm and grant them all
long, healthy, and joyful years to come.
Concluding remarks were delivered by Dr. Bruce Nelson, Director of
Community Relations.
Following the service, the Prelate and Pastors visited patient rooms
and blessed the patients, offering prayers for healing and good health.

ST. SARKIS CHURCH OF PASADENA HOSTS FAREWELL AND WELCOMING RECEPTION IN
HONOR OF FR. KHOREN AND FR. BOGHOS

On Tuesday, August 13, 2013, a special reception was organized by
St. Sarkis Church Board of Trustees and Ladies Guild to bid farewell to
Parish Pastor Rev. Fr. Khoren Babochian and officially welcome new Parish
Pastor Rev. Fr. Boghos Baltayan. The event was presided over by H.E.
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, at the Pasadena Armenian Center.
In attendance were Executive Council Chair Mrs. Rima Boghossian and
members, parish delegates, Board of Trustees, Ladies Guild, deacons, choir
members, altar servers, St. Sarkis Church benefactors Mr. and Mrs. Sarkis
and Suzan Kitsinian, sponsors, ARF Lernavayr Gomideh representative Mr.
Shahe Jierian, and members of sister organizations.
The evening began with the blessing of tables by the Prelate.
Board of Trustees Chair Mr. Hagop Avedikian welcomed the guests.
Board of Trustees Secretary and the evening’s Master of Ceremonies Mr. Koko
Panossian then one by one invited Mrs. Rima Boghossian, Mr. Sarkis
Kitsinian, and Mr. Shahe Jierian to deliver their remarks and well wishes.
Throughout the evening well wishes were conveyed by members of sister
organizations.
In his address, the Prelate first commended Rev. Fr. Khoren
Babochian for his dedicated service within the Prelacy and presented him
with Yergir 2 Yergir: A Journey to Historic Armenia, a photo-book by Hrair
“Hawk” Khatcherian on the ruins of historic Armenia. Rev. Fr. Khoren
reflected with thankfulness on his service to St. Sarkis Church over the
last nine years.
The Prelate then officially welcomed Rev. Fr. Boghos Baltayan, his
wife Nazik, and their children Hagop and Vartan. He presented an overview
of their service as a family to the Armenian Apostolic Church, and urged
them to continue their service to our Lord, our Church, and our nation with
utmost faith and devotion. On this occasion, the Prelate presented Fr.
Boghos with a hand-cross, wishing him a successful ministry within the
Prelacy.
Fr. Boghos expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve within
the Western Prelacy, and conveyed his readiness to humbly and devotedly
serve the St. Sarkis Church and parish community.
The reception came to a close with the Prelate’s benediction and the
Cilician anthem, after which guests had the opportunity to become better
acquainted with Fr. Boghos and his family.

OVER TWO THOUSAND PEOPLE CELEBRATED THE GRAPE BLESSING AND FESTIVAL
CENTENNIAL IN FRESNO

On Sunday, August 11, 2013, the Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic
Church and the Fresno Armenian Community celebrated the Centennial
Anniversary of the Grape Blessing Ceremony and Festival in Fresno County,
preserving centuries of tradition that has been carried out by the Armenian
people since ancient times. On this 100th anniversary festival, H.E.
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, celebrated Divine Liturgy,
followed by the Blessing of the Grapes. The event was held at the beautiful
grounds of the California Armenian Home. Over 2,000 people from the Central
Valley and the Los Angeles area as well attended.
The Prelate delivered a spiritually uplifting sermon to the Fresno
Armenian Community saying, “The importance of tradition cannot be
overstated. Traditions such as this distinguish us as a people; they bridge
us to our rich and ancient heritage they impart a sense of belonging. Along
with our language, our age-old customs are our identifying marks. It is not
an easy feat for this community to continue this tradition for the past one
hundred years. The fact that we are celebrating the centennial of the grape
blessing and festival speaks volumes about this community’s love and
reverence for our religious and national heritage and your commitment to
carrying on the unique traditions that contribute to who we are.”
His Eminence emphasized that “The reason we are here today
celebrating this centennial is because the first settlers, recognizing the
great value of such customs, passed on the tradition to their children, who
in turn passed it down to their children, and so on.” The Prelate took this
opportunity to thank the American people for providing a safe haven to those
earliest Armenians who fled persecution and Genocide in our ancestral
homeland and found refuge in this great land we are proud to call home. “We
pray for God to bless the United States of America, this nation of liberty,
equality, and opportunity; to bless this land, the laborers, and the harvest
we offer today in thanksgiving”, stated the Prelate.
The day progressed with festivities where families and friends
enjoyed traditional Armenian music provided by Richard Hagopian and his
band, played their favorite pastime games. This annual event has become an
opportunity for friends and relatives to visit each other and enjoy a great
fellowship in a beautiful setting.
The Holy Trinity Church Men’s Society arranged the BBQ, and the
Ladies’ Guild members prepared a variety of freshly cooked Armenian foods
and pastries. The Church, also offered visitors an abundance of newly
harvested fruits and vegetables at its Farmer’s Market that were packaged
and supplied by devoted church members.
“Our goal is to keep the Armenian Apostolic Church tradition alive”,
said Richard Bedoian, Chairman of Holy Trinity Church Men’s Society. “We
thank everyone, including our growers who helped us put this event
together.”
In the Armenian culture, the grape is considered to be the “Queen of
all fruits.” In ancient Armenia, mid-August was the beginning of the harvest
and a time of rebirth and regeneration, where a solemn ceremony took place
in the vineyards. The priest would ask God to bless the vines on which the
grapes ripened and beseech God to save the vineyards from evil in the form
of natural disasters, such as hail, frost, drought, high winds, and harmful
insects. Now in the United States, through the ceremony the Armenian priest
extends this blessing beyond the grapes to all the fruits and vegetables
that the farmers in the San Joaquin Valley produce and supply to the world.
“We are thrilled to witness that our faith and culture are bringing
together the 4th and 5th generation Armenian-Americans to celebrate this
centuries old tradition”, said Varoujan Der Simonian, Chairman of the Board
of Trustees of Holy Trinity Church. Der Simonian added that the agricultural
base of Fresno County has contributed greatly in keeping this tradition
alive.
“Once again the Fresno community came forward and attended our
annual picnic”, commented Levon Baladjanian, Holy Trinity Board of Trustees
member and treasurer of the Men’s Society. “It keeps our church staying
strong while serving our parishioners and the community.”

RECEPTION IN SUPPORT OF SHERIFF PETER KOUTOUJIAN

On Sunday, August 11, a reception in honor Sheriff Peter
Koutoujian’s Congressional bid was hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Mark and Paulette
Geragos and Mr. Brian Katabeck at the Geragos residence, with special guest
Sheriff Lee Baca and his wife Carol.
Forty Martyrs Church pastor Rev. Fr. Karekin Bedourian was in
attendance and conveyed the Prelate’s blessings and well wishes to Sheriff
Koutoujian.
Sheriff Koutoujian is a candidate for the District 5 Congressional
seat in Massachusetts. The district includes Watertown, New England’s
historic capital for Armenians. The Democratic Primary will be held on
October 15, 2013.
We wish Sheriff Koutoujian success in his bid.

DOVEGH VILLAGE HAS A LIBRARY, BUT NO LIBRARIAN

Mаry Mamyan

10:30, August 16, 2013

The public library in the Tavoush border village of Dovegh has been
closed to residents since 2007.

The reason is that the library has no librarian. In Armenia, the vast
majority of librarians are women. The last librarian in Dovegh got
married and the job title was deleted from the budget.

The library’s remaining books have been transferred to a room in the
village municipality building. Some are classified alphabetically
and the rest are just tied up in bundles in another room.

Manya Saroukhanyan, the mayor’s treasurer, does double duty as a
librarian, helping residents who come to read a book. According to
the last Soviet era inventory, the library once housed 4,200 titles,
of which 2,700 were fiction. The number has decreased over the years
due to non-returns.

Saroukhanyan confesses that the library only gets a trickle of
visitors, mostly schoolchildren looking for textbooks for course work.

Many students make the trip to the library in the town of Noyemberyan
given the much wider selection of titles.

Armineh Navasardyan, Director of the Noyemberyan Public Library,
says that readers from Dovegh especially like the Russian literature
section.

Back in Dovegh, Manya Saroukhanyan says that while the issue of
reopening the library has been debated several times, the reality is
that the village budget just doesn’t have the funds. There are much
more pressing issues facing the village, she adds.

UNPO: LEZGIS MISTREATED IN AZERBAIJAN

Thursday, August 15th, 2013

Lezghin populated areas of Azerbaijan and Dagestan

BRUSSELS-The Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO)
General Secretary Marino Busdachin issued a statement on August 13,
2013, condemning the Azerbaijani government’s mistreatment of their
country’s Lezghin population, specifically the recent questionable
arrests of some of the Lezghin community’s leaders.

UNPO General Secretary Marino Busdachin urges the authorities of
Azerbaijan to abide by international standards and release prisoners
from the Lezghin community recently arrested on highly questionable
charges.

The Lezghin people are an ethnic group residing predominantly in
Dagestan and Azerbaijan, lacking a legal status which would secure
their rights as a distinct historical community and nation in the
territory of their traditional residence.

All of the three prisoners arrested are related to Federal Lezghin
National and Cultural Autonomy (FLNKA) officials, suggesting the
apprehensions are part of Azerbaijan’s political agenda to silence
pro-Lezghin activities. This is in light of Azerbaijan’s presidential
election scheduled in October, which will almost guarantee the
re-election of President Aliyev, whose family has been in power since
the 1960s.

Eldar Mamedov, who is an Azeri citizen, was arrested in the town of
Oguz on 28 July 2013. He was seized by men in plainclothes without
warning and explanation. Later, authorities stated they “discovered
drugs” belonging to the detainee and he was subsequently accused
of possession of illegal substances. Mr Mamedov is a respected
businessman who has no history dealing with drugs, while the Azeri
authorities often employ this tactic of drug planting in order to
arrest political dissidents. Therefore, the claims made by the Azeri
authorities should be challenged.

Similarly, Javid Babaev, a Russian citizen and nephew of the FLNKA
president, Mr. Arif Kerimov, was detained by the Azeri Department for
Fighting Extremism on 6 August 2013 as he and his family were visiting
his parents in Baku. Drugs were reportedly planted in his possession
which led to charged being pressed. In this process, the Azeri
authorities have neglected Mr Babaev’s rights as a foreign national,
as they failed to notify Russian authorities of their actions.

On 9 August 2013, Tariel Sarkarov, who is the brother of FLNKA
Executive Direction Amil Sarkarov, was arrested when he travelled
from his native Russia to Azerbaijan to visit relatives. He has been
detained due to the accusation that his brother is “undertaking
anti-Azerbiajan activities,” and has been held in custody without
the ability to contact his relatives.

FLNKA President Arif Kerimov cut short his travels to Europe in order
to address the problem, stating that “peoples’ rights protection
unfortunately cannot do without victims.”

UNPO urges the Azeri authorities to cease the arbitrary arrests and
imprisonment of Lezghin individuals and their families, as such actions
are threatening the principles of democracy and self-determination.

Read the original document here.

2,315 GEORGIAN, 1,355 ARMENIAN AND 650 AZERBAIJANI CITIZENS APPLIED FOR ASYLUM IN EU COUNTRIES IN Q1 OF 2013

APA, Azerbaijan
Aug 15 2013

[ 15 August 2013 14:56 ]

Baku. Victoria Dementieva – APA. Eurostat, the statistical office of
the European Commission, has issued data regarding persons seeking
asylum in the European Union countries in the first quarter of 2013,
APA reports.

According to the data, in the first 3 months of 2013, 650
Azerbaijani citizens have applied for asylum in EU countries. 44%
(285 applications) of our compatriots have sought asylum in France,
29% (190) – in Germany, 9% – Sweden, 8% – Belgium, 6% – Netherlands.

During the reporting period, 2,315 Georgian and 1,355 Armenian citizens
have applied for asylum in the EU countries. Georgian and Armenians
seek asylum especially in France and Germany.

According to Eurostat, citizens of Russia, Pakistan and Serbia top
the list of people seeking asylum in the EU countries.

TURKISH WRESTLER’S BAN LIFTED

Today’s Zaman, Turkey
Aug 15 2013

15 August 2013 /AP, ANKARA A Turkish official says that world
wrestling’s governing body has temporarily lifted Olympic bronze
medalist Rıza Kayaalp’s six-month ban for alleged racist remarks
while it reviews his appeal.

Turkish Wrestling Federation President Hamza Yerlikaya said that
Kayaalp will take part in the world championships in Hungary next
month. The International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles
suspended Kayaalp from competition this week for allegedly posting
a racist tweet against Greeks and Armenians.