Author: Babajanian Karo

RAFFI WENT TO THE PRESIDENTIAL RESIDENCE WITH BAGRATYAN’S ADVICE

07:47 PM | TODAY | POLITICS

“Heritage” party leader Raffi Hovhannisyan entered “Freedom”Square
accompanied by a dense crowd of people. People were shouting Raffi
– Raffi.

Raffi referred to his meeting with Serzh Sargsyan, adding that it
took place at the invitation of Serzh Sarkisian and with the advice
of former Prime Minister Hrant Bagratyan.

“Tomorrow at five o’clock I will give you all the details of this
meeting.”

Raffi Hovannisian also announced that they tried to do a little trick
but he called the spokesman of Serge Sargsyan and said. “You correct
the mistake and the misunderstanding, from the very beginning we were
in favor of the open and transparent debate”.

Raffi Hovannisian called on everyone to go home today and to return
tomorrow at 5 pm to the meeting.

THE ARTSAKH PRESIDENT RECEIVED ANJEY KASPSZYK

18:26, 21 February, 2013

YERVAN, February 21, ARMENPRESS. On 21 February Artsakh Republic
President Bako Sahakyan met personal representative of the OSCE
chairman-in-office, Ambassador Andrzej Kasprzyk.

Central information department of the office of the Artsakh Republic
President informed Armenpress that issues related to the current stage
of the Azerbaijani-Karabagh conflict settlement negotiations as well
as situation along the boundary between Artsakh and Azerbaijan were
discussed during the meeting.

GAME IS OVER, ARMENIAN EXPERT SAYS

TERT.AM
18:41 ~U 21.02.13

Armen Badalyan, an expert in political and election technologies,
believes the post-election processes to be the past.

Last December numerous experts forecasted the winner of the
presidential race.

“The only thing that had to be specified was the number of voters
dissatisfied with Armenia’s authorities,” he said.

“He has done his business and has nothing else to do,” Mr Badalyan
said.

He noted that the Prosperous Armenia Party (PAP), Armenian
Revolutionary Federation Dashnaktsutyun (ARF-D) and Armenian National
Congress (ANC) did right by not participating in the Feb. 18 voting.

Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region
104 North Belmont Street, Suite 200
Glendale, California 91206
Phone: 818.500.1918
[email protected]

PRESS RELEASE
February 21, 2013

Contact: William Bairamian
Tel: 818-500-1918

ANCA-WR Announces Dual Endorsement in L.A. Mayoral Race Primary

The ANCA-Western Region today announced its dual endorsement of Eric
Garcetti and Wendy Greuel in the Los Angeles mayoral election,
choosing the two candidates from the crowded field of five main
candidates. Garcetti and Greuel, both longtime friends of the
Armenian-American community, garnered the endorsement after responding
to questionnaire and interview questions in a way which evidenced
their thorough grasp of important Armenian issues, as well as a
sincere devotion to making the Armenian community an equal partner in
the future of the City of Los Angeles.

“Throughout their long careers in public office, both Eric and Wendy have
been and continue to be great friends of the Armenian-American community.
For the primary election on March 5th, we urge Armenian-American voters in
Los Angeles to support either of them over any other candidates as they seek
the title of Mayor,” said ANCA-WR Co-Chair Nora Hovsepian. “We each have the
opportunity to express the collective interests of our community in the
ballot box, and it is vitally important for each Armenian-American to
exercise this civic right. We urge every citizen to heed our call to Get Out
the Vote and to support those who support our Cause.”

Ms. Greuel welcomed the endorsement, saying, “It is an honor to be
endorsed by ANCA-WR, and I’m proud that I’ve stood with the Armenian
American community throughout my career. I’ll be a mayor for all of
Los Angeles, and I’ll fight for a thriving economy that creates jobs
and supports small businesses, a transportation system that is modern
and efficient, and reforms for our schools. I’m excited to continue to
partner with the ANCA-WR and Armenians throughout the city to confront
the challenges facing LA.”

Likewise, Mr. Garcetti appreciated receiving the organization’s
support and stated, “I’m honored to have the support of the Armenian
National Committee of America – Western Region. Together we have
formed long lasting partnerships within the Armenian community to
ensure that everyone gets greater access to City and social services.
We have also ensured that the tragedy of the Genocide is never
forgotten and that it serves as a lasting lesson for future
generations and encourages all of us to continue in making strives
towards justice. I look forward to continued partnerships with the
Armenian community as Mayor of Los Angeles.”

The endorsement announcement comes only months after resurgent
political activity in the Armenian-American community in Los Angeles,
led by the ANCA-WR’s Hye Votes initiative, which registered nearly 5,000
new voters before the 2012 General Election.

The decision came at the recommendation of the ANCA-WR Los Angeles
Mayoral Election Task Force. Composed of representatives from all of
the ANCA chapters located in the City of Los Angeles – Hollywood, San
Fernando Valley West, San Fernando Valley North, San Fernando Valley
East, and Crescenta Valley – as well as members of the ANCA-WR Board
of Directors, the Task Force reviewed questionnaires submitted by the
candidates and, also, met with candidates who responded to an
interview request.

The candidates’ responses to the ANCA-WR’s questionnaires are being reprinted
in their entirety in order to provide information necessary for our
community members as they vote in this election.

The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region is the
largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots advocacy
organization in the Western United States. Working in coordination
with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the
Western United States and affiliated organizations around the country,
the ANCA-WR advances the concerns of the Armenian American community
on a broad range of issues.

###

Attached: Photos, Eric Garcetti and Wendy Greuel

CANADIAN PAPER DUBS AZERBAIJAN “OIL GIANT WITH DEMOCRATIC DEFICIT”

February 21, 2013 – 18:21 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – In the 1990s, the aftershocks of the Soviet Union’s
collapse kept on coming in the fractious southern Caucasus, with
Nagorno Karabakh exploding into conflict, an article published in
The Star Canadian news source said.

“In the 21st century, Georgia and Chechnya went back to war. And this
week – on the 25th anniversary of a vote that launched two decades
of unresolved ethnic strife in Nagorno Karabakh, a leading expert on
the region says it could be next,” the article said.

“The risk may seem relatively low,” said Thomas de Waal of the Carnegie
Endowment, “but the only thing that is stopping a war is the leaders’
own calculation.”

“Nagorno-Karabakh was shared for centuries by Muslim Azeris and
Christian Armenians. But after the First World War, the newly-formed
Soviet Union created a largely Armenian autonomous region of Nagorno
Karabakh within the republic of Azerbaijan. In February 1988, the
local Soviet parliament for Karabakh voted to join Armenia, touching
off an inter-ethnic explosion.

Some 30,000 people died in conflicts that left ethnic Armenians as
victors. Karabakh was declared an independent – but unrecognized –
republic. A Russian-brokered ceasefire ended the fighting in 1994. But
more than 1 million ethnic Azeris and Armenians still cannot return
home,” the article said.

Meanwhile, said de Waal, Azerbaijan has become an economic oil giant
in the region, but with a democratic deficit. President Ilham Aliyev’s
regime is using its new-found wealth to equip and expand the army. It
is also ratcheting up tensions with anti-Armenian rhetoric.

“In one of the most extreme cases, 75-year-old writer Akram Aylisli
was burnt in effigy for a book he wrote to heal relations between
ethnic Azerbaijanis and Armenians, and a pro-government party offered
a $13,000 bounty for cutting off his ear. “Azerbaijan doesn’t want a
compromise,” de Waal said last week at University of Toronto’s Munk
Centre. “It spends $4 billion a year on its army.”

ARMENIAN POLICE USE FORCE AGAINST PROTESTERS

ARMINFO
Friday, February 22, 15:50

The Armenian police have used force against the citizens holding a
protest action in front of the OSCE Office in Yerevan.

Civil activists were going to hold a protest action in front of
the OSCE Office in Yerevan and to present the OSCE/ODIHR observers
with souvenirs symbolizing rigged election. However, a big number of
policemen had gathered there before the arrival of the protesters. The
police used brute force against the protesters and dispersed them. At
the moment, the street is cordoned off.

The Office representatives expressed willingness to meet with two
participants in the action, however the protesters refused, as the
police hinder the free movement of the citizens. Ruzanna Simonyan,
a protester, said that all the participants in the action have
equal rights and all of them have something to tell the OSCE Office
representatives. “We have already prepared and published the letter
to be handed to the OSCE Office representatives, but we cannot do
that because of the illegal actions of the police”, she said.

At the moment the protesters are continuing their action in front of
the building of the Syrian Embassy.

To note, it was the preliminary results of the Feb 18 presidential
election that caused such a wide response. According to the preliminary
results of the election, the incumbent President of Armenia Serzh
Sargsyan obtained 58.64% (861,160 votes), and his key opponent, leader
of Heritage Party Raffi Hovannisian – 36.75% (539,672). Hovannisian
disagrees with the election results and has been holding mass protest
actions for three days. He demands that Serzh Sargsyan should cede
the power.

“HERITAGE” WILL CONTINUE THE DEMONSTRATIONS

Fri, 02/22/2013 – 16:35
News

“Despite the fact that the City Hall did not authorize the February
23, 24 and 25 rallies at Freedom Square, “Heritage” is not going to
stop the demonstrations.” Today during a meeting with reporters said
the vice-president of “Heritage” party Armen Martirosyan adding that
according to the municipality, “Heritage” presented the notification
about the rallies with the violations of the legislative time period.

Yesterday the City Hall informed Armen Martirosyan that according to
part 3, Article 33 of RA Law on “The principles of administration and
administrative proceedings” returns the applications, because according
to Article 12 of RA law on “Freedom of Assembly” “The notification
should be submitted not later than 7 days and not earlier than 30
days before the meeting day”.

According to the vice-president of “Heritage” they also plan to take
an active participation in the elections of City Council.

“Yesterday the 3rd and 4th presidents met assessing the meeting as a
positive fact”- said Armen Martirosyan adding that Raffi Hovhannisyan
will continue the steps for the trust granted by the nation and for
the Republic of Armenia”.

Armen Martirosyan expressed a hope that two political forces will take
steps to keep our society away from separation processes. “It would
be right if the authorities find strength and accept their defeat but
unfortunately no authority in Armenia had that strength. “- said the
vice-president of “Heritage” party.

Author: Factinfo

RAFFI HOVHANNISIAN’S RALLY KICKS OFF (LIVE TRANSMISSION)

17:27 ~U 22.02.13

Heritage party leader Raffi Hovhannisian’s rally kicked off at the
Liberty Square. Earlier he promised to present to the people his
conversation with the Armenian incumbent President Serzh Sargsyan he
had yesterday.

People have gathered in the square. Ex presidential candidate Andrias
Ghukasyan is also there. Speaking to reporters he said he has come
to listen to Raffi Hovhannisian.

He said he has come to offer to create a national cooperation council.

“I think candidates should consolidate over Raffi Hovhannisian. We
should pursue our right to live in welfare. The political figure
is to be the first to take the blows on himself,” he said. Speaking
about elections Ghukasyan described them shameful.

Raffi Hovhannisian is already in the square.

RAFFI HOVANNISIAN OFFERED DIASPORA MINISTER’S POST?

February 22, 2013 – 15:18 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Former presidential candidate, Heritage party
leader Raffi Hovannisian refused to present the details of Feb 21
meeting with reelected president Serzh Sargsyan, preferring to raise
the issue at Feb 22 rally.

However, according to media outlets, President Sargsyan is rumored to
have offered Mr Hovannisian the post Diaspora Minister, considering
his background and the ability to contribute to the preservation and
development of homeland-Diaspora relations.

Meanwhile, Heritage party representatives urge Armenian citizens to
look forward to Feb 22 rally. As party member Armen Martirosyan told
a press conference, Mr. Hovannisian is expected to offer interesting
solutions in his speech.

RAFFI HOVHANNISIAN WON IN MANY CITIES – STATEMENT

TERT.AM
14:02 ~U 22.02.13

The opposition Heritage party considers the ballots cast in their
leader’s favor the Armenian voters’ the real choice in the recent
presidential elections

In a statement, expresses disagreement with the election outcomes
and calls for efforts to unite to promote real changes.

The full text of the statement is provided below:

In a statement, it calls for efforts to unite to realize what it
firmly thinks to be the people’s true choice.

“On February 18, 2013, Armenia held Presidential elections. The next
day, the Central Election Commission announced the primary results,
which do not reflect the voters’ will. According to the CEC, Raffi
Hovannisian received 37% of the votes, to Serzh Sargsyan’s 58%. Even
according to CEC numbers, Serzh Sargsyan lost in most of urban polling
stations. His overall win seems to have been secured by some rural
areas that registered more than 90% voter turnout, of which 90%
of the votes were in favor of Serzh Sargsyan.

While there are dozens of examples, here are two illustrative ones. In
Abovyan, Serzh Sargsyan lost the vote in 21 precincts out of total
25, but recieved 1101 votes from just one polling station (while his
average for the other 24 polling stations is 231 votes) which seem
to have compensated for the loss from the other polling stations. In
Etchmiadzin, Serzh Sargsyan lost in 19 out of 22 polling stations,
but received more than 96% of the votes in neighboring Aygek village –
26 to 758 to his favor. It is inexplicable how a candidate registering
similar results in 90% of polling stations, suddenly receives several
times more in the remaining 10%.

These and similar results were achieved in no other means but
falsification of the voting lists and ballots in 10-20% of the polling
stations. This can be proved by disclosing the lists with voters’
signatures and ballots, something that could significantly impact the
election results and which would be sufficient grounds to invalidate
the election results. Appropriate legal steps are being taken to
that end.

While deeply regretting the mentioned 10-20% of polling stations where
the Heritage representatives underwent pressures and sometimes failed
to resist, we nonetheless honor and thank the vast majority of our
Precinct Electoral Commission members in more than 1,900 precincts
as well as the 800 proxies for the work they did. Many of them who
came to Hovannisian’s campaign headquarters through the election
night or called to tell just one word, ‘We won,’ did their work. It
is because of their work that despite all the fraud and threats,
Raffi Hovannisian’s victory was registered in many cities.

We thank the Armenian voters who rejected the calls for boycott and
overcame apathy, and displayed a true spirit of political activism
by refusing the incumbent regime, and electing Raffi Hovannisian as
the next President of Armenia. Raffi Hovannisian received more votes
than any other oppositional candidate in the last fifteen years. This
mandate puts the onus of unification onto the rest of the political
opposition to help secure the people’s choice.