Author: Babajanian Karo

MARCH WITH TORCHES TO BE HELD AHEAD OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE ANNIVERSARY

14:37, 26 March, 2013

YEREVAN, MARCH 26, ARMENPRESS: On the eve of Armenian Genocide Armenian
branch of Youth Organization of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation
(ARF) jointly with “Nikol Aghbalyan” student Union are holding a
public meeting and traditional march with torches in Tsitsernakaberd
on April 23. As ARF Youth Union told Armenpress, a joint statement has
been issued inviting all student youth organizations to participate
in the march. ” Dear youth, let us prove our unity on the threshold
of April 24 and our decisive will to protect our life long rights”
the message runs.

Each year a march with torches is being held on the eve of April 24
dedicated to Armenian Genocide anniversary.

AGENDA – EHESS : RENCONTRE AVEC LAURE MARCHAND ET GUILLAUME PERRIER

Publie le : 29-04-2013

Agenda – EHESS : Rencontre avec Laure Marchand et Guillaume Perrier –
Agenda Collectif VAN – – Le premier genocide du
XXeme siècle reste impuni. La Turquie continue de nier les massacres
de plus d’un million d’Armeniens ottomans pendant la Première Guerre
mondiale et s’efforce d’effacer les traces de ce crime. Presents en
Turquie depuis bientôt une decennie, deux journalistes francais,
correspondants du Figaro et du Monde a Istanbul, Laure Marchand
et Guillaume Perrier, ont mene une vaste enquete de terrain – une
première – sur la memoire du genocide dans la Turquie d’aujourd’hui.

Ils ont retrouve des survivants, des Armeniens convertis a l’islam
pour etre epargnes, des descendants de Justes turcs qui ont sauve des
Armeniens, des temoignages enfouis dans le silence, des traditions
et des eglises qui ont survecu a un siècle de deni et d’hostilite. A
l’occasion de la parution de leur livre : “La Turquie et le fantôme
armenien – Sur les traces du genocide”, les deux auteurs seront
recus a l’EHESS sous l’egide du Groupe international de travail (GIT)
“Liberte de recherche et d’enseignement en Turquie” le mercredi 3 avril
2013 de 17h30 a 19h, avec la participation de Hamit Bozarslan (EHESS),
Vincent Duclert (EHESS) et Raymond Kervokian (Universite de Paris 8).

Sous l’egide du Groupe international de travail (GIT) “Liberte de
recherche et d’enseignement en Turquie”

Mercredi 3 avril 2013 de 17h30 a 19h

Rencontre avec Laure Marchand et Guillaume Perrier, correspondants
du Figaro et du Monde en Turquie, a l’occasion de la parution de leur
livre :

“La Turquie et le fantôme armenien Sur les traces du genocide”

Editions SOLIN – ACTES SUD

Avec la participation de Hamit Bozarslan (EHESS), Vincent Duclert
(EHESS) et Raymond Kervokian (Universite de Paris 8)

EHESS – Amphitheâtre Francois-Furet 105 bd Raspail, 75007 Paris Metro
Saint-Placide ou Notre-Dame-des-Champs.

Lire aussi :

Agenda – Parution du livre “La Turquie et le fantôme armenien”

Retour a la rubrique

TELECHARGER : Invitation

BAKO SAHAKYAN GAVE INSTRUCTIONS FOR PROPER REALIZATION OF THE ACTIVITIES IN ASKERAN

16:52, 27 March, 2013

YEREVAN, MARCH 27, ARMENPRESS. On 27 March President Bako Sahakyan
visited the town of Askeran and took part at the reporting sitting
dedicated to the activities carried out by the regional administration
in 2012. The Central Information Department of the Artsakh
Republic President informed “Armenpress” that Head of the regional
administration Sergey Grigoryan and responsible officials of different
departments delivered corresponding reports. The Head of State noted
that during the reporting period the regional administration carried
out quite an active work. At the same time, according to Bako Sahakyan,
it is necessary maintain the positive dynamics of the work in order
to solve a number of issues still present in the region.

The President gave instructions to the heads of regional administration
and corresponding structures for proper realization of the activities.

Vice prime-minister Arthur Aghabekyan and other officials took part
at the reporting sitting.

MERRIMACK VALLEY ARS KEEPS CENTURY-OLD IDENTITY INTACT

Posted by Tom Vartabedian

March 27, 2013

NORTH ANDOVER, Mass.-Over the course of its 100-year-old history,
the Merrimack Valley “Arax” Armenian Relief Society (ARS) Chapter has
pursued one mission: to remain true to its name and the organization
that it serves.

This was evident on March 24 when the chapter conducted its anniversary
celebration at St. Gregory Church,

The Merrimack Valley ‘Arax’ ARS maintains its 100-year-old vigil by
revitalizing the community it serves.

where it meets.

Following a scrumptious meal served by members to a spirited gathering,
Armena Bizios, one of three chairwomen, joined by Olga Sarkisian
and Ann Apovian, talked about a number of causes the chapter has
championed over the past several decades. In addition to providing
Camp Haiastan camperships, Armenian school scholarships, support to
orphanages in Armenia, and a building fund for St. Gregory Church,
members have provided a helping hand at all AYF events when asked,
and have supported the youth in every capacity.

Two icons inside the sanctuary were also products of their benevolence:
a painting over the new baptismal font and another piece of artwork
showing the Blessed Mother and Child.

“We’ve reached out to a number of charities over the years,” said
Bizios. “Despite the years, our members have shown a remarkable
dedication to the ARS and all its programs. We’ve continued to serve
with pride.”

Of the lot, five members have currently observed their golden
anniversary inside the organization. That’s 50 years of service. They
are: Olga Sarkisian, Rita Sarkisian, Chake Boloian, Theresa Brundage,
and Nevart Apovian, who has approached her 97th year. All but Apovian
were present for the anniversary celebration.

Entertainment was provided by pianist Mary Barooshian, herself a
54-year-member of the ARS, who belongs to the Lowell “Lousintak”
Chapter. Barooshian performed a number of Gomidas selections,
complemented by some American favorites.

A collection raised more than $1,000, all of which will go to other
charitable needs over time.

Members have also maintained a visible community front on historic
occasions and have shown patriotism during genocide commemorations.

Many of them are products of ARS ancestry. In short, it’s been a
small chapter with a large heart and an even larger legacy.

“The Merrimack Valley ARS has been a source of inspiration for all
of us,” said Der Karekin Bedourian, pastor. “It has become one of our
community’s most important resources. They deserve our every support,
our affection and appreciation for a job well done.”

PRESIDENT’S SPOKESMAN ON RAFFI HOVANNISIAN’S LETTER

15:16 27/03/2013
Story from Lragir.am News:

The press secretary of the president Armen Arzumanyan issued
a statement in regard to Raffi Hovannisian’s letter to Serzh
Sargsyan. He underlined three points: president Serzh Sargsyan has
always been patient and constructive; 2. the proposal made in the
March 25 letter is still valid though the language of ultimatums
used at Freedom Square harms its modernity; 3 president’s meetings
are planned beforehand and are held at the office of the president.

ARMENIAN OPPOSITION RESCHEDULES PROCESSION TO PRESIDENTIAL OFFICE

TERT.AM
13:44 ~U 27.03.13

An Armenian opposition activist has declared a plan for rescheduling
an April 8 peaceful procession to the presidential office.

At a news conference on Wednesday, the author of the initiative,
Arshak Zakaryan, said the idea forced them to give explanations not
only to the authorities but also the activists and co-thinkers of
the popular movement which followed the presidential election.

“They treated the initiative with suspicion and antipathy from
the very start,” said he, adding that the group is now accused of
frustrating the efforts to organize what the opposition claims to be
the inauguration of Raffi Hovhannisian, the opposition Heritage party’s
leader, who secured 37% of votes in last month’s presidential election.

Zakaryan said he had proposed the plan in order to assist the
organizers – the former candidate, and Nikol Pashinyan, an MP of the
opposition Armenian National Congress.

Hovhannisian disputes the voting results, considering himself the true
winner in the February 18 election. He is now holding a hunger-strike
in Yerevan’s Liberty Square, urging the re-elected president to admit
his “defeat” and quit office.

“We failed, unfortunately, to reach a common agreement. After talking
to Heritage representatives and Raffi Hovhannisian in person, we
arrived at the conclusion that we do not need the scapegoat role. So
we decided to postpone the civic procession,” he added.

The group is now planning to conduct the event on May 1.

Asked about the choice of the date, Zakaryan explained, “That’s
first of all the International Workers’ Day. It is that group of the
society complains that complains it is no longer possible to live on
like this.”

Andrias Ghukasyan, a former presidential candidate also attending
the news conference, said he has also decided to join the initiative.

“That’s a practical proposal that helps unite political and civil
forces and conduct a crowded procession on May 1 to express our
society’s intolerance and disobedience to the authorities,” he noted.

Ghukasyan proposed conducting a meeting of interested parties before
the event. “That meeting will be open to anyone who is interested
in the country’s problems and [the efforts to combat] corruption,”
he said.

RAFFI ON HIS PROPOSALS

13:20 27/03/2013
Story from Lragir.am News:

Leader of Heritage party Raffi Hovannisian said in Freedom Square today
that he will decide when to reach a new milestone. According to him,
the list of proposals he has sent to Serzh Sargsyan is complete and
can’t be divided, so if one of the proposals is removed, an equivalent
one should be proposed instead.

Raffi Hovannisian said that he would be glad if Serzh Sargsyan found
a way to meet with him, and that he is in Freedom Square. He said
that he is not going to leave the square until the end of this stage.

Heritage leader said that their proposals enable to find a national
constitutional solution. Raffi Hovannisian underlined that their
proposals are not requests for offices, but final demands which are
parliamentary elections, dismissal of five governors and appointment of
our candidates and other offices to our representatives, which exist,
he said.

Raffi Hovannisian said that the first demand is always Serzh Sargsyan’s
resignation, while the minimum requirement is the parliamentary
election with proportional system.

Raffi Hovannisian said that his character and his conscience don’t
allow any deal, everything is and will be public. Either parliamentary
elections will be held, or the current power will be shared with
people. Those who dwell on deals, are involved in them themselves,
said Raffi Hovannisian.

He said ready to negotiate over the comprehensive document he
introduced.

At the same time, he stressed that constitutional fight and
negotiations should complete each other but it is necessary to ensure
people are not victims of the governmental combination.

If there is political will to discharge this situation, they can
dissolve the parliament, if no, I know only one legitimate power
which is the people.

DISSOLUTION OF PARLIAMENT IS BECOMING REAL
Naira Hayrumyan

13:35 27/03/2013
Story from Lragir.am News:

Film director Vahram Martirosyan posted on his Facebook that the less
amount of people is in the square, the more evident Serzh Sargsyan’s
readiness to concessions becomes.

The situation is quite strange: Serzh Sargsyan’s supporters say
in a loud voice that they are not going to positions yield to
the opposition, that only amateurs are in the oppositional rows,
and Serzh Sargsyan “unexpectedly” agrees to discuss the “immature”
proposals by Raffi. In addition, Parliament agreed to create not
only a commission to study the events of 1 March, but even to call
an extraordinary meeting to pass a resolution on the elections.

Can we affirm that Serzh Sargsyan is going yield to the opposition
despite the opinion of his supporters? If he is, then we should assume
that he may force the parliament to resign during the extraordinary
session which should be held before April 9. And if Serzh Sargsyan
possesses information that on April 9 the opposition will bring to
streets a critical mass of people, then he will be ready to sacrifice
the parliament.

Perhaps, Serzh Sargsyan has information that not only Raffi Hovannisian
and the square demand the dissolution of the parliament, but also
a number of world centers. No accident, the main proposals of the
Armenian National Congress within the frameworks of working out of
the statement, are the presidential and parliamentary elections.

Perhaps, Congress found out that Serzh Sargsyan may dissolve the
parliament anyway.

Serzh Sargsyan does not need his current team which slows any
development. This team, not only in the face of the Republican
Party, but also the “alternative” Prosperous Armenia and “radical”
Armenian National Congress, as if is especially all assembled in the
parliament. The dissolution of parliament may allow getting rid of
everyone at once. Moreover, if Serzh Sargsyan receives in exchange
guarantees on the recognition of his legitimacy.

FINANCIAL CEMETERY: BETWEEN REVOLUTION AND EMIGRATION
Naira Hayrumyan

11:31 27/03/2013
Story from Lragir.am News:

As one speaks about the fact that Yerevan should not obey the orders
of Moscow but should promote its national interests, one immediately
remembers about those one or two million Armenians living in Moscow.

Supporters of Armenian-Russian relations affirm that if thousands of
Armenians leave for Moscow to work, they must feel well there.

In fact, Armenians leave for Russia not because it is better there.

They will find a job there but if they could, they would never leave
their homeland for Europe or America.

More opportunities will arise as soon as Armenia and the EU sign the
Association Agreement possible migration of more than one million
Armenians who are ready to leave for Europe. Yesterday, the EU
allotted one million euro to Armenia to stop emigration in Europe
and reintegrate its illegally emigrated citizens who will soon be
returned to Armenia in accordance with the agreement on readmission.

Of course, it’s hard to imagine the global world without immigration.

It’s normal when people want to change their lives and cross borders.

But it is not normal when people do not find even the slightest
opportunity of self-actualization in their own country.

Serzh Sargsyan criticized an old man of Tavush who complained that
his sons had left the country. He also blamed the mass media for
stimulating emigration. To some extent, Serzh Sargsyan is right. The
phrase “there is nothing that can be done about this country” has
become a guideline for many people and is pronounced almost as a threat
to the authorities. And Tigran Sargsyan was even more right, when he
said if migrant workers stay in the country, they will do a revolution.

There is a psychological problem. A lot of people choose between
fight for their rights (revolution) and emigration, which is the
back-up option. But those who say that the cause of emigration is
the bad policy of the authorities which defends the interests of a
group of oligarchs and bankers and boosts emigration, are right.

Banker Tigran Sargsyan supports financial but not real economy. He
prefers working with money. The less real production in the country,
the more people will leave to work abroad and the more money will
flow into the country. There is no need to invest, to build; it is
enough to raise taxes and another several thousands of people will
leave abroad to send remittances home. Millions of dollars can be
ensured with the help of playing with the exchange rate.

This is why only banks prosper in Armenia. The prime minister said
at the beginning of his term that he wants to render Armenia to
a regional financial center. Armenia didn’t become Cyprus indeed,
nor offshore zone but it became a regional financial cemetery where
nothing grows from the money planted here.

So, Serzh Sargsyan should not blame the poor old man from Tavush or
journalists for boosting emigration but his own prime minister who
has too ambitious plans. A lot of Englishmen emigrated from their
country but they conquered the world and rendered their country the
center of the world. If emigration towards Europe starts, Armenia
will become a regional black hole.

PAP IS THE LAST “REARGUARD”
HAKOB BADALYAN

10:55 27/03/2013
Story from Lragir.am News:

RPA vice-president, head of the Republican parliamentary group Galust
Sahakyan said Raffi Hovannisian’s demand to hand several key offices
and control levers to the opposition is mockery. Galust Sahakyan said
also that Raffi Hovannisian, not having a team, does not have human
resources which are competent enough for those posts. Galust Sahakyan
recalled that the votes Raffi Hovannisian received are representative
of the entire oppositional electorate.

Let us not speak about whether the RPA has competent human resources
for these positions. Of course, taking into account the principles of
appointing officials, the RPA has the biggest human resource capacity.

The principles are servility, criminal or local strongmen, selfless
careerism etc.

More interesting is Galust Sahakyan’s statement that Raffi
Hovannisian’s votes represent the entire electorate. In other words,
Galust Sahakyan recalls that Hovannisian’s votes don’t belong to him.

Many others have spoken about this after the presidential elections.

Galust Sahakyan’s statement allows supposing that the government is
thinking about enlarging the dialogue with Raffi Hovannisian, involving
those whom part of his votes belong. These forces, according to Serzh
Sargsyan, are the Armenian National Congress, Prosperous Armenia and
the ARF.

In other words, Serzh Sargsyan may put forth the option of national
unity which can’t be dismissed by Raffi Hovannisian, taking into
account even his ability to find solutions to difficult situations that
seem illogical at first sight. The authorities may render negotiations
a confusion causing competition “on the other side of the table”.

At the same time, though, it is not ruled out that Galust Sahakyan’s
message is not for Raffi Hovannisian but for Serzh Sargsyan. The
so-called “old guard” of the government sees threats in the possible
negotiation between Raffi Hovannisian and Serzh Sargsyan. The PAP
is quite a familiar party for this guard, so it is crisp and clear
that they would prefer familiar PAP and not Raffi who has come from
“foreign coasts”.

The old guard hints that it is going to demand PAP’s participation
in the negotiations recalling that PAP also has its share in Raffi’s
votes. In case PAP participation is ensured, Galust Sahakyan and the
rest of the guard will feel more secure.