Author: Babajanian Karo

Valérie Boyer to join struggle for regaining justice in Artsakh issue

15:21, 27 April, 2013

YEREVAN, APRIL 27, ARMENPRESS. The Member of the National Assembly of
France Valérie Boyer considers Artsakh a place based on the principles
of liberty, democracy and self-determination. Boyer, who is a member
of the EU-Armenia friendship group and author of the bill
criminalizing the denial of the Armenian Genocide, visited the Nagorno
Karabakh Republic along with other members of the EU-Armenia
friendship group. They met Ashot Ghulyan – the Chairman of the
National Assembly of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic. As “Armenpress”
reports Valérie Boyer mentioned during the meeting that as friends of
Armenia it must be their duty to raise the awareness of Artsakh
globally. “The world must see how the principles of liberty, democracy
and self determination have manifested within society here.”
-mentioned Valérie Boyer. According to her, it is necessary to work
together on all levels, political, social and cultural to promote this
cause for Artsakh and its people to receive the justice and
recognition it deserves, and for its people to continue living freely
and happily.

The President of the EU-Armenia Friendship Group Eleni Theocharous was
also in Artsakh. The friendship group consists of about 40 members, 5
of them visited Armenia. The EU-Armenia friendship group was founded
on January 9, 2013. The Chairman of the National Assembly of the
Republic of Armenia Hovik Abrahamyan participated in the opening
ceremony.

Nagorno-Karabakh is a thriving democracy – European parliament member

April 27, 2013 | 13:37

Members and participants of the European Parliament’s EU-Armenia
Friendship Group arrived in Karabakh on Friday.

Following the meeting with the President of the National Assembly
Ashot Ghulyan, delegation members they address members of
Nagorno-Karabakh’s Parliament with official statements.

`Everyone in the world has a motherland and a fatherland, some people
like me have 2 one is Greece and the other is Artsakh
[Nagorno-Karabakh]. I would never believe when I came here 25 years
ago that I would one day come back here as an MEP and address you, the
brave people of Artsakh in your own parliament,’ head of the group
Eleni Theocharous said.

She called Artsakh is `a thriving democracy’, adding that the people
of Karabakh proved that every free spirit, every free citizen in the
world `is a citizen of Stepanakert.’

`Artsakh represents a beacon of freedom all founded through blood and
sacrifice during the war. The people have carried out their plight for
self determination and liberty and have managed to create a system of
values based on the same principles which are present in western
civilisation. We as members of the European Parliament and Members of
European National Parliaments must work together to not allow history
to repeat itself and to keep Artsakh free and proud so its people can
live in peace and prosperity,’ she said.

In her turn, French MP Valerie Boyer noted she Karanakh is based on
principles of liberty, democracy and self-determination.

`I am not Greek or Armenian but I come from Armenia’s second capital,
Marseille. As friends of Armenia it must be our duty to raise the
awareness of Artsakh globally. Artsakh is a place based on principles
of liberty, democracy and self- determination and the world must see
how these principles have manifested within society here. We must all
work together on all levels, political, social and cultural to promote
this cause for Artsakh, for it to receive the justice and recognition
it deserves and for its people to continue living freely and happily,’
Boyer said, addressing the Karabakh MPs.

Barev Yerevan bloc appeals to Administrative Court demanding to
exclusion RPA from election campaign

ARMINFO
Saturday, April 27, 13:21

Barev Yerevan bloc running for the Eleders’ Council of Yerevan has
appealed to the Administrative Court against the Central Electoral
Commission of Armenia, the bloc’s campaign headquarters told ArmInfo.

The source reports that Barev Yerevan bloc demands excluding the
Republican Party of Armenia from the election campaign as RPA
candidate for Yerevan Mayor Taron Margaryan campaigned on the funds of
taxpayers.

“On April 7 the supporters of the mayor distributed flowers and
greeting cards with his photo inside to women, which is an open
campaign at the expense of taxpayers,” the statement reads.

To recall, six parties and a union have submitted their party lists to
run to the Elders’ Council of Yerevan: Republican Party of Armenia,
Prosperous Party of Armenia, Orinats Yerkir, Armenian National
Congress, Mission, ARF Dashnaktsutyun, and “Barev Yerevan” Union. The
elections will be held on May 5. Political parties will fight for 65
seats at the Elders’ Council. The election campaign started on April
7.

ARCHEOLOGIE-PATRIMOINE ARMENIEN
A la recherche d’un monastère arménien du Moyen Age sur les bords du
lac Issyk Kul au Kirghizistan

Une équipe d’archéologues Kirghizes aidée par des spécialistes
Arméniens est à la recherche d’un monastère arménien du Moyen Age sur
les bords du lac Issyk Kul (Kirghizistan). Dimitri Loujanski, de
l’Université slavo-kirghize et du Centre Lev Goumilev du Kirghizistan
a confié que les recherches continuent pour découvrir prochainement le
monastère arménien. Une équipe russe conduite par Piotr
Semyonov-Tian-Shanski avait par le passé réalisé des recherches sur le
site, mais ses travaux avaient été arrêtés sans succès. Aujourd’hui
c’est l’académicien Vladimir Plotskikh qui fut vice-président de
l’Académie et professeur de la chaire d’Histoire et de la Culture qui
conduit les recherches. « Nous collaborons avec lui mais entreprenons
nos recherches également de notre coté » dit Dimitri Loujanski en
affirmant que le Kirghizistan est intéressé par la participation de
l’Arménie dans ces recherches archéologiques pour la découverte du
monastère arménien. « Je crois que pour l’Arménie, c’est également
très important de découvrir un monastère arménien du Moyen Age
construit très loin des territoires de l’Arménie » dit D. Loujanski.
Ce dernier a rencontré le président du club marin arménien « Ayas » et
capitaine du bateau arménien « Guiliguia », Karen Balayan pour
demander sa coopération dans les recherches archéologiques du
monastère arménien. En septembre prochain une équipe d’archéologues
russo-kirghize aidée par des Arméniens partira à la découverte de ce
monastère arménien du Moyen Age sur le bords du lac Issyk Kul au
Kirghizistan.

Krikor Amirzayan

samedi 27 avril 2013,
Krikor Amirzayan ©armenews.com

BIAnet.org, Turkey
April 25 2013

“20th Century’s First Genocide Happened in This Land”

At 19:15 sharp last night, thousands gathered in downtown Istanbul to
commemorate Armenian intellectuals who were detained and forced to
take a journey with no return exactly 98 years ago.

Elif AKGÃ`L

At dawn, we escorted by a military vehicle. We had Vırtanes AÄ?a from
Kartal district who was suffering from a blood diarrhea, begged them
to go by car. Because he had no strength to stand on his feet, not to
mention to walk. The gendarmerie slapped and knocked him down. This is
when we realized that we were dealing with monsters.

“We were meeting more Armenians every time our train was stopping.
Some generous people gave us food without expecting anything. At
night, we reached Engürü and got locked up in a cell. The next
morning, some inmates were in joy, so we asked us why. ‘We signed up
to a gang,’ one said. ‘We are leaving tomorrow.’

“Just imagine. We were talking about these inmates who were pardoned
by Sultan after signing up to a gang, are capable of doing. Of course
without knowing that they were formed to annihilate Armenian people.”

>From the memoirs of Püzant Bozacıyan, a genocide survivor

The morning of 24 April is observed as Armenian Genocide Memorial Day,
where 240 prominent Armenian intellectuals were arrested and deported
en masse in 1915. The incident marks the first genocide of 19th
century according to many.

At 19:15 sharp last night, thousands gathered in downtown Istanbul to
commemorate for those who disappeared 98 years ago that day.

During the commemoration ceremony, Armenian folk sings were amplified
through speakers and memories of genocide survivors were shared.
Demonstrators read aloud the very first genocide memorial statement
proclaimed on 24 April 1919.

Demonstrators held pictures of genocide victims as well as Hrant Dink,
an Armenian journalist assassinated in 2007, and Sevag Balıkçı who
controversially died in his compulsory military service on 24 April
2011.

“The brain of Armenian community was targeted”

Addressing the vigil crowd last night, Gençay Gürsoy, former
chairperson of Turkey’s forensics institute and neurologist, said the
arrest of Armenian intellectuals on 24 April 1915 aimed to prevent the
international from knowing about what the annihilation politics.

“In a matter of days, the number of arrested Armenian people
skyrocketed to 2345 including parliamentarians, poets and
intellectuals. The brain of Armenian community was targeted. They were
deported to AyaÅ? and Çankırı. Without any judicial proceedings, 761 of
them were killed.”

“Hundreds of thousands of Armenians were exiled to deserts, they had
to leave behind their homes, work, belongings which were later on
vandalized. They were killed by former Ottoman Secret Service
(TeÅ?kilat-ı Mahsusa) hitmen.

`Families got divided. Children were left without parents, parents
were left without children. Thousands perished en masse due to
illness, hunger. Other were killed. 20th century’s first genocide
happened in this land.”

“It is been 98 years. The denial resumes. Hatred against Armenians is
still out there. Those who see Union and Progress Party as their
ancestors took Hrant in 2007 and Sevag in 2011. Planners,
collaborators and murderers are out there. These are all consequences
of denial politics.

“There were also people with conscience who protected Armenians”

`But we certainly know that there were also people in this land with
conscience who protected Armenians. They were few in number, but they
were out there. We see ourselves as descendants of those with
conscience and not those who vandalized, killed or exiled Armenians.”

A group of 20 protestors from People’s Liberation Party also gathered
in downtown Istanbul, shouting slogans condemning American imperialism
and Armenian Genocide. Police took precautionary measures. (EA/BM)

KFSN (ABC News)
April 25 2013

Valley Armenians remember 1915 killings

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Rick Montanez

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — California Governor Jerry Brown declared
April 24 as a “Day of Remembrance of The Armenian Genocide.” That’s
something the federal government, including the President, has never
done.

Wednesday, Armenians across the Valley remembered the one and half
million Armenians killed by the Ottoman Empire 98 years ago.

Many say the federal government is failing Armenians for not
officially recognizing the genocide. But they’re praising Governor
Brown for his acknowledgement.

Hundreds gathered to pray at the Pilgrim Armenian Congregational
Church in Central Fresno. They were praying for their relatives and
others killed in 1915.

“My great-grandparents were there and they were beheaded and
massacred,” said Fresno resident Nancy Berberian-Thompson. “For me it
has a true meaning because it did affect my family directly.”

The killing of a million and half Armenians nearly 100 years ago still
weighs heavily on many. “It’s important to remember where we came
from, to know why we’re who we are,” said the church’s pastor Ara
Guekguezian.

In a statement from the White House, President Obama avoided the term
genocide. He said, in part, “I have consistently stated my own view of
what occurred in 1915, and my view has not changed. A full, frank, and
just acknowledgement of the facts is in all of our interests.”

“We are not hearing from the President or others that this actually
happened,” Berberian-Thompson complained. “It was an atrocity and they
need to hold Turkey accountable.”

But the former U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, who lost his job fighting
for recognition of the Armenian genocide, defended the President’s
statement. “The foreign policy establishment has its very complicated
considerations, so I think it would be wrong to pin this all on Mr.
Obama,” John Evans said. “It’s a much bigger problem.”

Armenians across California are happy with Governor Jerry Brown, who
released this statement: “The Armenian Genocide, also known as the
“First Genocide of the Twentieth Century,” represented a deliberate
attempt by the Ottoman Empire to eliminate all traces of a thriving,
noble civilization.”

“It’s really important to use the word genocide,” Berberian-Thompson said.

The remembrance of those killed in 1915 will continue in Fresno this
weekend with a Commemoration at the Soghomon Tehlirian Memorial Statue
on Sunday, April 28 from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.

The Governor’s and President’s full statements are below.

Between 1915 and 1923, Armenians were subjected to torture,
starvation, mass murder and exile from their historic homeland. 1.5
million lost their lives. The Armenian Genocide, also known as the
“First Genocide of the Twentieth Century,” represented a deliberate
attempt by the Ottoman Empire to eliminate all traces of a thriving,
noble civilization.

Armenian communities all over the world commemorate this tragedy on
April 24. On this day, we honor the victims and survivors of the
genocide, and reaffirm our commitment to preventing future atrocities
from being committed against any people.

NOW THEREFORE I, EDMUND G. BROWN JR., Governor of the State of
California, do hereby proclaim April 24, 2013, as “Day of Remembrance
of the Armenian Genocide.”

IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great
Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 18th day of April
2013.

Edmund G. Brown Jr.
Governor of California

Statement by the President on Armenian Remembrance Day Today we
commemorate the Meds Yeghern and honor those who perished in one of
the worst atrocities of the 20th century. Ninety-eight years ago, 1.5
million Armenians were massacred or marched to their deaths in the
final days of the Ottoman Empire. We pause to reflect on the lives
extinguished and remember the unspeakable suffering that occurred. In
so doing, we are joined by millions across the world and in the United
States, where it is solemnly commemorated by our states, institutions,
communities, and families. We also remind ourselves of our commitment
to ensure that such dark chapters of history are not repeated.

I have consistently stated my own view of what occurred in 1915, and
my view has not changed. A full, frank, and just acknowledgement of
the facts is in all of our interests. Nations grow stronger by
acknowledging and reckoning with painful elements of the past, thereby
building a foundation for a more just and tolerant future. We
appreciate this lesson in the United States, as we strive to reconcile
some of the darkest moments in our own history. We recognize those
courageous Armenians and Turks who have already taken this path, and
encourage more to do so, with the backing of their governments, and
mine.

The history and legacy of the Armenian people is marked by an
indomitable spirit, and a great resiliency in the face of tremendous
adversity and suffering. The United States is stronger for the
contributions Armenian-Americans have made to our society, our
culture, and our communities. In small measure we return that
contribution by supporting the Armenian people as they work toward
building a nation that would make their ancestors proud: one that
cherishes democracy and respect for human liberty and dignity.

Today we stand with Armenians everywhere in recalling the horror of
the Meds Yeghern, honoring the memory of those lost, and affirming our
enduring commitment to the people of Armenia.

KMVT (Fox News)
April 25 2013

Remembering The 1915 Armenian Genocide

By Alexa Tieu

Twin Falls, Idaho ( KMVT-TV / KTWT-TV ) A group of Twin Falls
community members came together to remember one of the worst genocides
in the 20th century.

Armenian community members gathered at the Twin Falls City Park to
remember the history of their people.

They suffered through two genocides in the 20th century, and hope to
educate others about the dangers of persecution.

“There’s no future without history…without past,” says Violet
Nahapet. She explains, “This is a little community we have here but we
get together on this day to remember the ones that were killed just
because they were of Christian faith…just because they were
Armenian.”

The Armenian community here does not have a lot of people, but they
have a lot of heart.

“We are the second generation of Armenians who went through genocide,
but in a different area – in Azerbaijan. We’re the ones that are the
very blessed ones to have the opportunity to come into this country
and have this beautiful freedom,” says Nahapet.

This is the 98th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Members of the
Twin Falls Armenian community meet at the City Park every year to
commemorate the event.”

Mike Williams, City of Twin Falls says, “For the past several years,
we’ve recognized April 24th as Twin Falls Armenian Memorial Day in
support of our Armenian Community and the persecution that they
suffered.”

Mayor Greg Lanting was asked by a community member two years ago for
the remembrance plaque and tree.

The mayor also issued a proclamation for the memorial day.

Nahapet says, “It’s very important to us to have a place to come to
remember because not only in 1915, but we lost our loved ones in 1988
through 1990.”

“It’s important that we embrace all the different cultures in our
community because we want to be a welcoming community and welcome
those from different cultures and backgrounds… and let them know we
support them and want them to live and thrive here,” explains
Williams.

Historians estimate 1.5 million Armenians were killed by Ottoman Turks
in the 1915 genocide.

President Barack Obama has called the event quote “one of the worst
atrocities of the 20th century.”

Huffington Post UK
April 25 2013

The Armenian Genocide; April 24, 1915

Posted: 24/04/2013 14:07

Tsitsernakaberd is a memorial dedicated to the 1.5 Million victims of
the Armenian Genocide; it is located on a hill (along the Hrazdan
river) overlooking Yerevan, Armenia. Constructed in 1966, it is the
symbol of memorial; every year on April 24, hundreds of thousands of
Armenians gather here to remember the victims of the 1915 Armenian
Genocide that took place in the Ottoman Empire carried out by the
Turkish government. August 1994. Yerevan, Armenia. Photo: Edmond
Terakopian

As an Armenian and a human being, I find it sad that even almost 100
years on, the genocide of 1915 has still gone unrecognised by it’s
perpetrator and also the UK and US (considering just how many other
countries recognise it happened makes the few denying it somewhat sad
and suspect). For decades the Turkish governments denied the killings
outright, but in recent years, because of all the evidence, they
admitted to some killings, but disguised it as being part of World War
I – which it wasn’t.

I would like the memory of the 1.5 million slaughtered to be honoured
and their families respected by this genocide, the only one in modern
history to have gone unrecognised, to be recognised by Turkey. It’s
about time and the only right thing to do.

Turnover tax law puts heavy burden on media

13:57 – 26.04.13

The Law on Turnover Tax, adopted in December last year, has imposed a
heavy burden on several media outlets in Armenia.

At a news conference on Friday, the editor-in-chief of the Hraparak
daily, Armine Ohanyan said the new compulsory payment, which has added
to the income tax paid before, actually covers 3.5% of the newspaper
sale and 5% of the advertisement proceeds.

`We paid the tax quite recently, and saw that it is quite a huge sum –
600,000-700,000 Drams [approx. $1,440-$1,690]. This is a great blow to
the newspapers with an average or small circulation. The law does not
apply to those who pay the value added tax,’ she said, adding that the
new form of duty also affects the small- and medium-sized businesses.

Ohanyan noted that the law especially has a negative impact on the
newspapers which, apart from releasing a print version, also operate
websites and offer ads.

Taguhi Tovmasyan, the editor-in-chief of the Zhoghovurd newspaper,
said in turn that the new duty has increased their compulsory tax
payments from 200-350 Drams ($0.48-$0.84) to 400,000-500,000 Drams
(approx. $960-$1200).

`There were no parliamentary hearings, as a matter of fact, and no
consultations with representatives of small- and medium-sized
businesses,’ she said. `We wish to bring up the problem today and have
an agreement with several parliament members for proposing changes and
resuming the former taxes for the publishing sector.’

Tovmasyan added that the new legal measure is also likely to result in
the closedown of shops.

Armenian News – Tert.am

The U.S. Embassy in Armenia and the Ministry of Education and Science
Commemorate 20 Years of the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Program

On April 26, 2013, The U.S. Embassy in Armenia, the Armenian Ministry
of Science and Education, American Councils and program alumni
commemorated the 20-year anniversary of the Future Leaders Exchange
(FLEX) Program at the U.S. Embassy. U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John
Heffern and Armenian Deputy Minister of Science and Education Karine
Harutyunyan delivered keynote remarks.

During the over twenty year bilateral relationship between Armenia and
the United States, 821 high school students from all corners of
Armenia have studied in cities and towns throughout the United States.
This program is an example of the strong educational partnership that
has flourished between the two countries, and the FLEX alumni have had
great success in Armenia upon their return.

Established by the U.S. Congress in 1992, the FLEX program encourages
long-lasting peace and mutual understanding between the United States
and countries of Eurasia. In Armenia, the program is administered by
American Councils. The program provides opportunities for high school
students (ages 15-17) to spend a year in the United States, living
with a host family and attending an American high school. Program
alumni from Armenia have become leaders in local government,
international organizations, civil society, and business.

For more information about the FLEX program, please visit

19:16 26/04/2013
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