Author: Babajanian Karo

DECISION 2013: NGOS CALL FOR ACCOUNTING OF VOTER LISTS

VOTE 2013 | 26.02.13 | 16:39

Photo: Media Center

By SIRANUYSH GEVORGYAN
ArmeniaNow reporter

Representatives of Armenia’s civil society are demanding from the
authorities to publicize the voter lists with voter signatures from
February 18. The publication of the voter lists, they insist, would
let Armenian voters make sure that “their names and the names of
those absent from the country have not been misused, and would prove
the legitimacy of the country’s leadership now being formed”.

“Otherwise, citizens of Armenia have all the grounds to believe that
the 2013 presidential elections have been rigged in order to gain power
at all costs,” says the statement by eight NGOs, the majority of which
were on observer missions on Election Day. Transparency International
Anti-Corruption center, Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly Vanadzor office,
Asparez journalism club, Armenia’s Helsinki Committee, Women’s Support
Center, Women’s Resource Center, and the Open Society Foundations –
Armenia has signed the petition.

The Armenian authorities have traditionally refused the opposition’s
demand to make public the lists of those absent from Armenia and the
signed voter lists, on the grounds that doing so would inappropriately
disclose voters’ personal information.

“If the authorities say ‘we did not commit fraud’, the only way to
prove it is to open the voter lists and say – please, come and check.

Otherwise, my distrust will grow deeper. He [President Serzh Sargsyan]
must present grounded proofs, rather than just murmur – it is up to
you to believe or not; we need facts to dispel our doubts,” Helsinki
Citizens’ Assembly Vanadzor office leader Artur Sakunts told the
press Tuesday.

Introducing the NGOs’ statement, Sakunts said that according to the
civil structures’ observation the authorities repeatedly violated
the law during the entire election process, and it affected the
election outcome.

As a proof of this claim executive director of Transparency
International Anti-Corruption center Varuzhan Hoktanyan presented
their analysis of votes earned by Sargsyan and official runner up
Raffi Hovannisian at the polling stations with both high and low
turnout. Based on that analysis, at the polling station where up to 50
percent of registered voters cast ballots, Hovannisian was the winner.

At the polling stations, with above 50 percent turnout, voter behavior
changed radically in favor of Sargsyan. The Central Election Commission
officially stated Monday that Sargsyan has been re-elected for a
second term. Hovannisian has refused to recognize the CEC data and
continues the post-election standoff.

“It has to be proved what has secured the Serzh Sargsyan votes at
the polling places with high turnout,” said Hoktanyan.

DON’T BE HAPPY ABOUT THE PARADE OF RESIGNATIONS, SAMVEL NIKOYAN SAYS

February 25 2013

Samvel Nikoyan Talks About Giziryan’s Resignation “When I learned
that the governor of Shirak had handed in his resignation, I was very
sorry, because he was a good governor, and, most importantly he was
an uncorrupted and pure man. There is no one in Shirak who can say he
has failed to perform his duties or has been involved in corruption,”
Samvel Nikoyan, a Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) MP said during a
conversation with in response to a question whether the
party’s campaign against some governors and mayors, because the latter
hadn’t ensured “brilliant results” for Serzh Sargsyan, was right,
in his opinion. Nikoyan is also annoyed that everyone, including
the press, considered the dismissal of the governor of Shirak or
another governor or mayor from the state apparatus because of the
results of the election as normal. “I cannot quite understand that;
I cannot conceive of that. What does it mean that a state official,
particularly given the fact that he is a nonpartisan, hands in his
resignation, is dismissed, and everyone considers it normal? We are
a bit excited and seem to be happy about this parade of resignations,
but don’t see anything good in them. If someone hands in a resignation
for the reason or they try to assess his work negatively that ex
officio, he hasn’t solved the problems facing society quite well,
it is a different matter, but I don’t agree with connecting this
to ensuring or not ensuring a good result in the election,” Samvel
Nikoyan says, adding that it would be acceptable for him, if Giziryan
was blamed for not working well while in office and thus contributed
to forming society’s negative attitude. Nelly GRIGORYAN

Read more at:

© 1998 – 2013 Aravot – News from Armenia

EXPERT: SITUATION IN AZERBAIJAN IS SUCH THAT ONE CAN TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT

Tuesday,
February 26

Certain processes began in Azerbaijan on February 1, as a result
of which the current situation there is such that many countries,
including Armenia, can take advantage of it. Political scientist Sergei
Shakariants expressed this opinion at a meeting with journalists today.

The Azerbaijanis are trying to conceal domestic instability behind the
concept of an external enemy. According to Shakariants, this is one
of the reasons of current instability at Armenian-Azerbaijani border.

In response to the question of Aysor.am: Wouldn~Rt it be correct to
take advantage of this instability and start operating the Stepanakert
airport, the expert noted:

~SThe ideal instability in Azerbaijan existed in 1993, but we failed
to use it effectively. I can say one thing: technically, they will
have difficulty shooting down our plane because we have excellent air
defense. Besides, there is complex mountainous terrain in Karabakh~T.

Speaking about the most opportune moment for opening the Stepanakert
airport, the political scientist said it will be the moment when
post-election passions will calm down in Armenia and pre-election
passions will start in Azerbaijan.

TODAY, 15:54

Aysor.am

DECISION 2013: HOVANNISIAN SPURNS WESTERN SALUTATIONS OF SARGSYAN WIN

VOTE 2013 | 26.02.13 | 11:46

An Armenian opposition leader who claims to have been robbed of
a victory in last week’s presidential election has rejected the
congratulations of Western leaders addressed to President Serzh
Sargsyan, whose reelection was formally certified by the Central
Election Commission on Monday.

Raffi Hovannisian, who is making another tour of provinces today as
part of his nationwide campaign to make Sargsyan “admit the people’s
victory”, has reacted to the news of congratulatory messages to
the current president from U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry,
President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso and other
western leaders by reiterating his position that such statements are
irrelevant if the people of Armenia do not accept the result of the
election in the first place.

Speaking to a group of supporters in the town of Armavir the opposition
leader went further to claim that such congratulations primarily
meet the interests of the foreign states that he said want to see
Armenian concessions on some geopolitical matters, including the
Nagorno-Karabakh issue.

In a message addressed to Sargsyan yesterday U.S. Secretary of State
Kerry, in particular, stressed that Washington is not satisfied with
the current status quo in Nagorno-Karabakh.

“We must seize this moment to pursue meaningful progress in the peace
process,” said the U.S. official.

RAFFI HOVANNISIAN MEETS WITH VOTERS IN ARMAVIR REGION

ARMINFO
Tuesday, February 26, 13:35

“Neither President of Russia Vladimir Putin nor US Secretary of State
John Kerry nor any other foreign official has a right to interfere
into domestic affairs of Armenia and make statements violating the
rights of voters of Metsamor, Armavir and, generally, Armenia. It was
the topic of my meeting with the Ambassador of Russia to Armenia,”
Raffi Hovannisian, Leader of Heritage Party, who got the second
place at the presidential election, told his voters in Metsamor,
Armavir region, Tuesday.

He urged foreign officials not to teach him democracy, as he just
serves his people. Hovannisian promised the Armavir residents to go
ahead till the very end.

The first step on the way towards victory was numerous resignations
of the heads of local administrations in the communities where Serzh
Sargsyan lost the election.

“Today Armavir mayor sent in his resignation. Tomorrow the same will do
Syunik Governor,” Hovannisian said and promised to return to Armavir
to share with them the fruits of victory.

The voters demanded resignation of not only their mayor but also of
governor. Hovannisian walked in the streets of the communities he
had rallied communicating with the voters and shaking their hands.

To recall, in Armavir region President Serzh Sargsyan received 37.28%,
while Raffi Hovannisian – 58.32%.

ARMENIAN MP OFFERS HIS SPACE TO CARREFOUR HYPERMARKET CHAIN – NEWSPAPER

NEWS.AM
February 26, 2013 | 08:20

YEREVAN. – Armenian National Assembly’s ruling Republican Party
Faction member Manvel Badeyan offered his space to well-known French
Carrefour hypermarket chain to build a hypermarket there, but the
space was unsuitable, 168 Zham daily reports.

“Speaking about the reasons, he noted that the building did not meet
[Carrefour’s requirements] with the physical features.

‘The buildings in Armenia cannot meet these requirements because it
is required that one square meter [of space] withstand no less than
1,000 kilograms,’ he said, noting that Armenia’s buildings withstand
less weight.

‘Carrefour has heavy equipment; that is why they either will have to
be placed on the first floor, or a special building will have to be
constructed,’ he concretized.

The MP also informed that, according to rumors, Carrefour is
constructing its [own] building in Avan [community of capital city
Yerevan]. Moreover, the construction has started a long time ago,”
168 Zham writes.

RAFFI HOVANNISIAN CALLS ON ARMAVIR GOVERNOR TO RESIGN

13:38 26/02/2013 ” TOPIC OF THE DAY

Former presidential candidate, Heritage party leader Raffi Hovannisian
continues his rallies in Armenian provinces. His first stop is the
city of Armavir. Today, he is also going to visit several communities
in Armavir, Ararat and Vayots Dzor provinces.

“Armavir believed in the victory of our people and Armenia. Viva
Armavir! No one can take away our victory,” Raffi Hovannisian told
the rally.

Referring to the resignation of Armavir Mayor, Raffi Hovannisian said
that members of the Council of Elders and Armavir Governor should
follow his example.

“He had the courage to resign and I welcome it,” Hovannisian said.

“As part of the people, I join the people in demanding that members
of the Council of Elders and Armavir Governor follow his example,”
he said, calling on the people to get prepared for a long struggle
and promising that they will win.

Source: Panorama.am

SPOKESMAN OF AZERBAIJANI FOREIGN MINISTRY REFUSES TO FLY ON “TURKISH AIRLINES” BECAUSE OF THE ARMENIAN NEWSPAPER

14:36 26/02/2013 ” SOCIETY

Spokesman for the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry Elman Abdullayev
refused to fly by “Turkish Airlines” company. The reason was the
dissemination of Armenian newspaper “Aqos” in company’s aircraft,
published in Istanbul. According to Azerbaijani portal “Haqqin.az”
Elman Abdullayev wrote about it in Twitter.

On 21 February 2013 Azeri news agency “1nyuz.az” reported that the
“Turkish Airlines” (THY) distributes its passengers Armenian daily
“Agos” free of charge. The air carrier placed “Agos” on the stand
of free newspapers in the international Airport after Ataturk in
Istanbul. It was reported that in the near future, this newspaper
will be distributed among the passengers of all flights of THY.

In Azerbaijan they react painfully to all these events that take place
in Turkey. Thus, after the Turkish President Gul congratulated the
President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan on his victory at the Armenian
presidential elections many activists expressed their discontent
in Azerbaijan. The deputy executive secretary of the ruling party
“Yeni Azerbaijan”, MP Mubariz Gurbanli said that he regrets for the
congratulation sent by the President of Turkey, which is “strategic
partner” of Azerbaijan. Deputy heads of the Presidential Administration
Novruz Mammadov and others expressed dissatisfaction too.

Hrant Dink, editor of newspaper “Agos” published in Turkey was
assassinated in Istanbul on January 19, in 2007 in front of the
editorial office. On 17 January in 2012 the court of Istanbul issued
its verdict over this case. According to the decision, 18 suspects
were acquitted and released. Their implication in an armed terrorist
group, planning and assistance in the crime the court found not proven.

It is known that Yasin Hayal the main accused in Dink’s assassination
was sentenced to life imprisonment, while Erhan Tuncel, who was
accused of leading the armed terrorist groups and planning the murder,
was acquitted.

The actual perpetrator of the crime, who at the time was under-aged,
Ogun Samast was taken into custody a day after the murder was committed
and in July of the previous year was sentenced to 21 years and 10
months imprisonment. Suspects Yoldzhun Ersin and Ahmet Iskender have
been sentenced to 12 years and 6 months in prison for being involved
in the murder and for planning the crime.

Source: Panorama.am

REPRESENTATIVES FRANK PALLONE AND ADAM SCHIFF MARK 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF KARABAKH LIBERATION MOVEMENT

12:17, 26 February, 2013

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 26, ARMENPRESS: Congressional Armenian Caucus
Co-Chair Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA)
congratulated the 25th anniversary of the Artsakh liberation movement
and pledged ongoing support for the democratic and economic development
of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic (NKR), reported the Armenian National
Committee of America (ANCA).

In a letter sent to NKR President Bako Sahakian, Rep. Pallone noted
that “Artsakh’s path was challenged by various ordeals and your nation
refused to allow these obstacles to break your will and determination.

The tragedy of Sumgayit and the violence that occurred in other
Azerbaijani cities 25 years ago proved the virtue of Nagorno Karabakh’s
choice to preserve its people’s unique identity by establishing a
sovereign democracy.”

Rep. Schiff, who has been a perennial champion of increased U.S.
assistance to Nagorno Karabakh, concurred noting, that “You have
my support as you work to strengthen your democracy, and I will
continue to stand with the people of Artsakh in their struggle towards
international recognition. I join you today in looking forward to
the day when Artsakh will achieve the recognition it deserves among
the community of nations.”

In 2012, Rep. Schiff spearheaded efforts in the House Appropriations
Committee to secure at least $5 million in U.S. assistance to Nagorno
Karabakh in 2013. The Senate and House have yet to finalize the FY
2013 foreign aid budget, and are currently continuing foreign funding
based on FY 2012 levels.

TURQUIE : LE PROCES DE 46 JOURNALISTES PASSE INAPERCU DES MEDIAS FRANCAIS

Publie le : 26-02-2013

Info Collectif VAN – – Le Collectif VAN vous
propose cette information publiee sur le site susam-sokak.fr, le blog
d’Etienne Copeaux, le 23 fevrier 2013.

Legende photo : Zeynep Kuray, l’une des journalistes inculpees

susam-sokak.fr

Samedi 23 fevrier 2013

(Article elabore a l’aide des articles d’Elif Akgul, et de depeches
de Fýrat News publies par bianet.org du 4 au 8 fevrier 2013)

Le procès de 46 journalistes dont la plupart sont emprisonnes depuis
decembre 2011 s’est poursuivi a Silivri debut fevrier. Ils sont souvent
kurdes, et tous de gauche, mais les motifs d’inculpation pourraient
s’appliquer a n’importe quel journaliste du monde entier.

Veut-on interdire la profession en Turquie?

La justice turque a plusieurs temps de retard sur l’evolution de la
societe. Le gigantesque procès dit ” KCK ” (Kurdistan Topluluklar
Birliði) qui met en cause des centaines de personnes, journalistes,
intellectuels, etudiants, militants, elus et plus recemment avocats,
s’est poursuivi du 4 au 8 fevrier devant la 15e Cour penale d’Istanbul,
siegeant a la ” cite judiciaire ” de Silivri, a 80 km d’Istanbul. Il
s’agissait de juger 46 journalistes dont 14 comparaissaient libres,
la plupart des autres etant emprisonnes a Silivri et a la prison pour
femmes de Bakýrkoy.

La justice est en retard car elle refuse de tenir compte, dans ce
processus judiciaire, de deux evolutions majeures que la Turquie a
connues entre la vague d’arrestations de journalistes, en decembre
2011, et cette session de fevrier 2013. Tout d’abord, en novembre
2012, des pourparlers discrets ont ete engages entre le leader kurde
Abdullah Ocalan, prisonnier a Imralý, et des representants du pouvoir ;
un chemin vers la paix, un espoir ont ete ouverts, et c’est peut-etre
pour briser cet espoir qu’a Paris Sakine Cansýz, cadre dirigeante du
PKK et deux autres militantes ont ete assassinees.

L’autre changement est inscrit dans la loi : le 24 janvier 2013,
l’Assemblee nationale turque a adopte une loi qui autorise les
justiciables a se defendre dans leur langue maternelle devant les
tribunaux.

Alors que le processus de paix est engage depuis près de trois mois,
et que l’usage de la langue kurde dans les tribunaux est maintenant
reconnu, au nom de quelle logique maintient-on en prison des centaines
de personnes qui n’ont fait que devancer un processus reconnu par le
pouvoir, et pourquoi interdit-on a ces personnes de se defendre dans
leur langue maternelle, le kurde ?

C’est sur ce retard de la machine judiciaire par rapport a l’avancee
de la societe, sur la mauvaise volonte des juges a tenir compte de
l’evolution de la prise en compte de la question kurde par le pouvoir,
que les avocats des journalistes inculpes ont plaide. Les procès
politiques que connaît la Turquie depuis deux ans sont en porte-a-faux
par rapport a la societe et meme par rapport au pouvoir politique.

Lire la suite de l’article sur le site susam-sokak.fr, le blog
d’Etienne Copeaux

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Source/Lien : susam-sokak.fr