Author: Babajanian Karo

NEW BOOK ON TRANSNATIONAL LITERATURE EXPLORES BALAKIAN, PAMUK, SHAFAK

February 4, 2013 in Books & Art

The cover of Transnational Culture, Transnational Identity In her
new book Transnational Culture, Transnational Identity (I.B.

Tauris, 2011), Maria Koundoura, associate professor of literature
at Emerson College, breaks new ground in her comparative analysis
of Peter Balakian’s Black Dog of Fate, Orhan Pamuk’s Istanbul, and
Elif Shafak’s novel The Bastard of Istanbul in what appears to be
the first scholarly work comparing modern Armenian and Turkish writers.

In her chapter, “The Spaces of Memory in Transnational Culture,”
Koundoura explores and theorizes-using theorists Walter Benjamin,
Paul de Man, and Frederic Jamieson, among others-the ways Pamuk and
Balakian’s memoirs and Shafak’s novel engage history, memory, and
loss, and how transnational visions of language and culture inform
literature in the new global age of literature. As the book jacket
notes, “this book will be invaluable for readers of cultural and
post colonial studies, diaspora and globalization studies, and world
literature.” Koundoura is also the editor of the journal “Modern
Greek Studies” and the author of “The Greek Idea: The Formation of
National and Transnational Identities.”

POLITICAL EXPERT: ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT AGAINST PARUYR HAYRIKYAN IS A FORCE MAJEUR SITUATION THAT SHOULD NOT AFFECT ARMENIA-EU RELATIONS

ARMINFO
Monday, February 4, 16:21

Assassination attempt against candidate for president Paruyr Hayrikyan
is a force majeur situation that should not damage Armenia’s
international image, Deputy Director of the Caucasus Institute,
politologist Sergey Minasyan told media, Monday.

“Everyone is well aware that the given situation is not in favor of
either the incumbent president or the other candidates for president.

It will hardly affect the assessment of the presidential election by
international observers,” Minasyan said.

He said that such incidents are possible in any country, and US
President Kennedy’s assassination is a bright evidence of that. At
the same time, he does not believe that external forces are behind
the assassination attempt.

“External forces, serious political parties and officials of Armenia
would not resort to such step not to damage the country’s image,”
he said.

As regards the possible postponement of the upcoming presidential
election Minasyan said that it would be logical for Hayrikyan not to
postpone the voting date.

“I don’t think that he will gain postponing the election for two
weeks. He should take advantage of the favorable situation around his
person,” the expert said. The assassination attempt against Paruyr
Hayrikyan, candidate for president of Armenia, Leader of the Union
for National Self-Determination Party, was made in the Tpagrichnery
Street in Yerevan overnight. Hayrikyan was hospitalized with a gunshot
wound in shoulder.

A criminal case was initiated on Article 34-305 of the Criminal Code
of Armenia (assassination attempt against a statesman, political
figure or public worker in order to stop his activity).

The given Article implies imprisonment for a period of 12-20 years
or life sentence. An operative investigation group has been set up
comprising the Police and the National Security Service officers. The
National Security Service is conducting preliminary investigation.

TOTALITARIAN REGIMES PROVOKE WARS – ARMENIAN ANALYST

NEWS.AM
February 04, 2013 | 14:44

YEREVAN. – If Azerbaijan destroys the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic capital
city Stepanakert airport, we should give an equivalent response. Modus
Vivendi Center Director, Armenia’s former Ambassador to Canada,
political scientist Ara Papyan said this during a press conference
on Monday.

He noted that, technically, Azerbaijan could destroy civil aircrafts
by launching missiles. Papyan noted that, in this case, Azerbaijan
could even justify its action by stating that the given missile was
launched accidentally.

As for Collective Security Treaty Organization Secretary General
Nikolay Bordyuzha’s recent statement, wherein he qualified as an
“unsuccessful joke” the Azerbaijani regime’s threat to destroy Armenian
civil aircrafts, if they fly to and from Stepanakert Airport, the
analyst considered such statement by Armenia’s partnering organization
to be unacceptable.

“Bordyuzha should have severely criticized Azerbaijan’s threats to
destroy the airport and the civil aircrafts. [Azerbaijani president
Ilham] Aliyev might not wish to destroy civil aviation but the
political circumstances could force him to take such step, solely to
maintain power,” Papyan noted.

Speaking on Azerbaijan’s domestic political situation, the political
scientist said the current situation is in Armenia’s favor because
a discontent has risen in those regions of Azerbaijan where the
majority of the population are Lezgians. In this way, as per Papyan,
Azerbaijan will make fewer threats against Armenia and will focus on
settling its domestic affairs. But, on the other hand, totalitarian
regimes provoke wars, which adversely affect the region.

According to Papyan, the regional tension is escalating, and this
reflects negatively on Armenia.

“Hatred of Armenians is gaining momentum in Turkey yet again because
the Armenians’ demands will become more clear in 2015 [that is, on
the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide], and this means the
Armenian-Turkish relations will not normalize in the coming years,”
Ara Papyan concluded.

Armenian National Committee of Canada
130 Albert St., Suite 1007
Ottawa, ON KIP 5G4
Tel: 613-235-2622
Fax: 613-238-2622
E-mail: [email protected]

====================================

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / POUR DIFFUSION IMMÉDIATE

February 3, 2013
Contact: Roupen Kouyoumdjian(514) 265-4602

Armenian National Committee of Canada Launches New Website and Social
Media Initiative

Montreal — The Armenian National Committee of Canada announced today
the launch of the new ANCC website — _
_, in conjunction with its social media
initiatives on Facebook —
_
_ , Twitter
— _ _ , and
YouTube — _
_ . The ANCC’s new, searchable
website is easier to navigate and includes such features as relevant
news, press releases and statements, as well as information sections on
the Armenian Genocide, the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, and an ANCC
publications section. The new website also boasts a growing Resources
section with links to political, academic, and social sites, a
newsletter sign-up, and a secure link to the ANCC PayPal page for those
wishing to make contributions to the ANCC.

While the website is formal and informative, the ANCC’s social media
initiative gives users an opportunity to comment on and provide feedback
on the activities of the ANCC, and on issues of importance to
Armenian-Canadians. The ANCC’s Facebook page has been up and running
since mid-October 2012 to favourable reviews.

“Our friends and supporters have spoken, and we have listened,” stated
ANCC president Dr. Girair Basmadjian. “We’re very happy to introduce not
only our improved website, but our social media initiative as well. We
are pleased to having created forums for our followers and supporters to
participate and give their comments on three major social media
platforms (Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube). The ANCC invites everyone to
visit our new website, “Like” us on our Facebook page, “Follow” us on
Twitter, and “Subscribe” to our YouTube channel.”

It is expected that the content found on the ANCC website and its social
media pages will attract not only Armenian-Canadians, but politicians,
staffers and bureaucrats, academics, media, and the general public as well.

Here again are the respective website addresses:

__

ANCC website URL: _ _

ANCC Facebook page: _
_

ANCC Twitter: _ _

ANCC YouTube channel: _
_

-30-

_____________________________________________________

le 3 Février, 2013

Contact: Roupen Kouyoumdjian
(514) 265-4602

Le Comité national arménien du Canada lance son nouveau site internet
et ses initiatives de médias sociaux

Montréal — Le Comité national arménien du Canada (CNAC) a annoncé
aujourd’hui le lancement de son nouveau site internet –
_ _- en même temps que ses
initiatives de médias sociaux sur Facebook
(_
__)_, Twitter
( _ __)_et
YouTube (_
__)_. Le nouveau site du CNAC
est facile à naviguer et sert de plateforme pour accéder à divers
articles de nouvelles, des communiqués de presse ainsi qu’à des
renseignements sur des sujets d’intérêt tel que le Génocide arménien et
la République du Haut-Karabakh (Nagorno-Karabakh). Il contient également
une section dédiée aux publications du CNAC. Le nouveau site présente
aussi une section « ressources », offrant des liens vers d’autres sites
internet de nature politique, académique ou sociale. Le site du CNAC
offre aussi aux visiteurs la possibilité de s’inscrire à un bulletin de
nouvelles et d’accéder à un lien sécurisé vers une page PayPal pour ceux
qui désirent faire une contribution financière aux efforts du CNAC.

Alors que le site internet est formel et instructif, les initiatives de
médias sociaux offrent à tous la possibilité de partager idées et
opinions, de commenter les activités et efforts du CNAC, ainsi que de
soulever des questions d’intérêt pour la communauté arménienne du
Canada. Le site est actif depuis la mi-octobre 2012 et a déjà été
l’objet de plusieurs commentaires favorables.

Dr. Girair Basmadjian, président du Comité national arménien du Canada,
déclare : « Nos amis et sympathisants se sont exprimés et nous les avons
écoutés. Nous sommes très heureux de présenter au public non seulement
un site internet amélioré mais également toutes nos initiatives sur les
réseaux de Facebook, Twitter et YouTube. » « Ces trois plateformes
virtuelles, ajoute-t-il, permettront aux intéressés de participer
activement aux efforts du Comité et de partager leurs opinions avec
nous. /Nous vous invitons à “aimer” notre page Facebook, nous “suivre”
sur Twitter et à vous “inscrire” à notre chaîne YouTube.//»/

Il est prévu que le contenu du site internet du CNAC ainsi que et ses
activités sur les réseaux de médias sociaux attireront non seulement les
membres de la communauté arménienne du Canada, mais également le monde
politique, incluant les politiciens, leur personnel de soutien et les
bureaucrates, les gens du milieu académique et des médias, ainsi que le
grand public.

Voici en résumé la liste des liens:

Site internet : _ _

Page Facebook : _
_

Twitter : _ _

Chaîne YouTube : _
_

-30-

The ANCC is the largest and the most influential Canadian-Armenian
grassroots political organization. Working in coordination with a
network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout Canada and
affiliated organizations around the world, the ANCC actively advances
the concerns of the Canadian-Armenian community on a broad range of issues.

——

Le CNAC est l’organisation politique canadienne-arménienne la plus large
et influente. Collaborant avec une série de bureaux, chapitres et
souteneurs à travers le Canada et des organisations affiliées à travers
le monde, le CNAC s’occupe activement des inquiétudes de la communauté
canadienne-arménienne.

TURQUIE
Le meurtre d’un soldat d’origine arménienne en Turquie un 24 avril
n’est pas accidentel

A l’occasion de la dernière audience du procès de l’assassin présumé
d’un soldat d’origine arménienne Sevag Sahin Balikci, commis par un
autre soldat le 24 avril 2011 la Députée du parti de la paix et de la
démocratie Nursel Aydogan a déclaré que la mort de Sevag n’était pas
une coïncidence.

« Un tel acte le 24 Avril – le jour des massacres des Arméniens –
n’est pas accidentel. Il a été spécialement préparé à cet assassinat »
a dit la députée kurde.

dimanche 3 février 2013,
Stéphane ©armenews.com

CEC REPRESENTATIVES FROM CIS ALL COUNTRIES TO LAUNCH AN OBSERVATION MISSION IN ARMENIA

09:55, 1 February, 2013

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 1, ARMENPRESS: CIS countries Central Election
Commission (CEC) representatives have expressed willingness to launch
an observation mission during February 18 presidential elections.

Central Election Commission of the Republic of Armenia , according to
the defined order, has sent invitations to CIS all countries CEC to
launch an observation mission during Armenia’s Presidential elections,
invitations were sent to Latvia’s, Lithuania’s and Estonia’s CEC as
well, CEC press secretary Hermine Harutyunyan told Armenpress.

In the words of the press secretary CIS CEC have confirmed their
participation and have already submitted their applications.

“Vladimir Churov, the Chairman of the Central Election Commission of
the Russian Federation jointly with RF CEC another representative are
scheduled to launch an observation mission during the Presidential
elections” Harutyunyan noted.

Delegations from the international organizations namely Parliamentary
Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), OSCE Office for Democratic
Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), International Expert Center
for Electoral Systems (ICES) are set to launch an observation mission
during February 18 presidential election.

INDEX OF ECONOMIC ACTIVITY 7.2% IN ARMENIA IN 2012

Last year, the index of economic activity was 7.2% as compared with
2011.

Last December, it was 6.7% as compared with December 2011, Armenia’s
National Statistical Service reports.

In 2012, Armenia’s agricultural sector showed the highest growth ”
9.5%, with the gross agricultural output totaling AMD 840,414.7m. The
construction sector showed the lowest growth ” 0.2%, with AMD
469,668.m worth construction carried out.

In 2012, the industrial output totaled AMD 1,120,475.8m ” an 8.8%
increase as compared with 2011.

Trade turnover totaled AMD 2,194,027.8m â?” a 3.6% increase as compared
with 2011.

In 2012, the consumer price index showed a 2.6% increase as compared
with 2011, with the average nominal monthly wages being AMD 121,374
â?” a 5.1% increase.

In 2012, foreign trade turnover totaled AMD 2,289.8bn , with exports
totaling AMD 574.3bn and imports totaling AMD 1,715.5bn.

MIKHAIL MARKOSOV: I WILL TRY TO PROVE THAT I DESERVE TO PLAY IN ARMENIAN NATIONAL TEAM

09:40 01/02/2013 ” Sport

As we have previously reported, Armenian national team head coach
Vardan Minasyan announced the list of players, who will prepare for
the friendly match against Luxembourg. The match will take place on
the 5th of February in Valence, France. FFA official site spoke to FC
Ufa striker Mikhail Markosov, who is among players invited to Armenian
national team for the first time.

– How did you react to the invitation from Armenian national team?

– Of course, I was very glad. In spite of the fact that I play in
Russia, Armenia is my historical motherland and it’s a great honor for
me to receive call-up from Armenian national team.

– When you started to score goals at “Ufa”, did you expect the
invitation from Armenian national team?

– Of course, I had a hope, but didn’t expect it will happen so soon.

– If you start to play in Armenian national team, you will be
considered as a “foreign” player in Russia. Did you have any
hesitations accepting the invitation from Armenian national team?

– I was sure I had made a right decision. I decided that I would go
till the end. Playing in the national team is another level, a unique
chance that one has to use. Besides, if the player is strong, he will
find his place, even if he is a foreigner.

– What are your expectations from upcoming friendly against Luxembourg?

– To tell the truth, I can’t say anything about our opponents, as I
haven’t watched their matches. As for our national team, of course I
have seen several matches and I know how our team plays. However, the
most important thing during this training camp is to get acquainted
with the teammates and coaches and to get used to the team.

– Do you think you will get a chance to play against Luxembourg?

– I think if the coach has invited me, he expects something from me.

As it is a friendly match, the coach will probably give an opportunity
to everyone. As for me, I will try to meet expectations of the coach
and prove that I deserve to play in Armenian national team.

ARMENIAN DEPUTY FM, JAPANESE ENVOY DISCUSS KARABAKH PROCESS

February 1, 2013 – 20:58 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Manasaryan
and Special Representative of the Foreign Ministry of Japan for
Caucasus, Ambassador Takeshi Hikihara held political consultations
on Feb 1.

Armenian-Japanese relations, the course of the political dialogue,
intensification of partnership in international organizations,
economic cooperation and expansion of legal framework were in the
focus of the discussion. The Japanese side was further briefed on
the Armenian position on the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement.

The importance of cultural and educational cooperation was mutually
stressed, press service of RA MFA reported.

HAYRIKYAN IS NOT GOING TO POSTPONE ELECTIONS

18:46, 1 February, 2013

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 1, ARMENPRESS: Presidential candidate, Leader
of union for “National Self-Determination” Paruyr Hayrikyan is not
going to postpone elections. Armenpress reports this was noted on
the Facebook page of ~SAzatutyun~T radio station.

It is reported, Hayrikyan will not submit an application to
Constitutional Court on the delay of presidential elections.

Presidential candidate believes criminal act has been organized from
abroad and investigation should be centralized on that direction.

Paruyr Hayrikyan said he already felt good.

Presidential candidate, leader of union for “National
Self-Determination” Paruyr Hayrikyan was shot around 11:30 PM, January
31 in Tpagrichner Street, Kentron district of Yerevan. Hayrikyan got
a gunshot wound to shoulders’ area and has already been operated on in
“St. Grigor Lusavorich” medical center.

Criminal case under article 34-305 of Armenian Criminal Code has been
already initiated.