Author: Babajanian Karo

ISKANDARYAN: NO UNIPOLAR WORLD POSSIBLE EVER

17:43 05.12.2012

A session will be held at the upcoming Forum of European and Asian
Media (FEAM) in Minsk to discuss globalization and localization in
the modern unstable world. The delegates will be suggested to discuss
not only media problems, but also global political, economic and
social issues.

How to increase attractiveness of the Eurasian project? Is the
growing movement toward independence in the outskirts of Europe
an indication of incipient de-globalization? Is unipolar world that
lasting or not? These are the questions that the Director of Institute
of Caucasus Alexander Iskandaryan answered in his interview to RIA
Novosti, ahead of the seventh FEAM.

– What do you think, has the European integration project failed,
having in mind the visible signs of economic, cultural, ethnic and
demographic crisis in Europe?

– It depends on what is that we call a European project. If it is an
attempt to unite European countries into a federal state or an attempt
to level and homogenize such a fantastically diverse region as Europe
– there are very few similarly big and diverse regions in the world –
then, of course, it is a failure. And I think, the expectations were
either naive or low-realistic from the beginning.

But if saying a European project we mean simply an attempt to develop
some general rules of co-existence for different European states and
societies who had fought for centuries, then, no doubt, the project
is in crisis, but not in a lethal one, not at all. The crisis can be
well overcome, and the project can further deepen and expand.

– Is the spiralling movement toward independence in the outskirts
of Europe, in Scotland and Catalonia in particular, an indication
of incipient de-globalization or isolation, even if only in the
consciousness of the masses?

– It is not de-globalization, but contra-globalization. Reaction of
the local to the global is old like the world. If a balanced local
to global ratio is found and if bounds are groped for not to be
overstepped, the two processes can be easily adapted to each other.

The developing culture of peaceful and multi-step coordination of
interests and wishes will make it possible.

If, instead of deporting, slaughtering and bombing, people negotiate,
set up conciliation commissions and institutionalize political
trends, it will be possible to separate painlessly (if wished),
with no damage caused to projects and with the community membership
retained. Of course, if separating like Czech Republic and Slovakia,
not like Eritrea and Ephiopia.

– What do you think, how the Eurasian project can become more
attractive? Can it turn to a serious international factor?

– Like any other project, the Eurasian project as well can become
attractive if it is successful. Promotion helps little when there is
nothing to promote. Clear limits and rules, well-defined interaction
bounds – conditions like these will help develop any project, however
complicated it is. These conditions are even more important for such
a project where one of the states is bigger than all the other ones
together, and, in addition, is a former parent state. This gives rise
to understandable concerns stirred up by rather blurred bounds of
the project. The concerns can be well resolved through clear rules
and conditions. And then the project will get a chance of success,
particularly on the international scene.

– What do you think, will the current Near East situation spread over
Iran? Does it then mean that, as many experts say, construction of
a new global order has started?

– Construction of the new global order started when the USSR collapsed
and will last long. It is, in fact, a process of transition from
bipolar world to a multipolar world. Many sorts and kinds of turbulence
developing throughout the world are part of this process.

It does not mean that there was no turbulence before the collapse of
the USSR or that the turbulence was better before. No. But the world
has changed, and what can happen how, could not be possible before.

– In your opinion, what will happen to the unipolar world in the
foreseeable future?

– Any long-lasting and firm unipolar world is not ever possible in
future. World managed by an arbitrary strong centre will collapse
like the Soviet Union did, and for the same reasons, but ten times
as intense as in case with the USSR.

Alexander Iskandaryan, political analyst, Caucasus Institute
(Yerevan). His areas of study are ethnopolitical conflicts,
post-communist transformations and nation building in the former USSR
in general and in the Caucasus in particular. Since the early 1990s,
he has specialized on conflicts in the South and Northern Caucasus,
elections in a transition setting, and the building of post-Soviet
identities. He has also conducted and supervised research on migration,
regional integration, media development and the formation of public
discourses. In 2002, Iskandaryan moved to Yerevan from Moscow where
he headed the Caucasus Research Center. -0-

FRENCH-ARMENIAN MUSICIAN ANDRE MANOUKIAN TO PERFORM IN YEREVAN

December 5, 2012 – 18:20 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – French-Armenian musician Andre Manoukian will perform
his first ever concert in Yerevan, Mezzo Production PR expert said.

As a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter was told, the concert, organized by Mezzo
Production and NURCARD cumulative program under the auspices of Yerevan
Mayor Taron Margaryan, has been scheduled for December 16, 7 pm.

The tickets are already available for prices ranging from AMD 5
000-20 000.

Andre Manoukian was born in Lyon, France in 1957. He began playing
the piano when he was seven years old. At 20, he studied music at the
Berklee College of Music in Boston. Upon returning to France Manoukian
started a jazz band called Horn Stuff. Manoukian wrote for such
artists as Michel Petrucciani, Richard Galliano, Charles Aznavour,
Freddy Zucchet,Gilbert Becaud, Diane Dufresne, Nicole Croisille,
Natacha Atlas, Janet Jackson, Myriam Abel, Camille Bazbaz et Malia.

OLD YEREVAN PROGRAM IS JUST AN IMITATION: EXPERT

arminfo
Tuesday, December 4, 16:32

The Old Yerevan program is just an imitation, President of the Union
of Architects of Armenia Mkrtych Minasyan told journalists on Tuesday.

Under to the program the Yerevan authorities are planning to move a
number of formerly dismantled old historical buildings (late XIX-early
XX) to the central Mashtots Avenue.

The plans to dismantle the old Afrikyans House in Teryan Street have
caused a wave of protests.

“There already are 7-8 old buildings in the area and there will hardly
be room for more buildings. We are forced to do it even though we
consider this to be wrong,” Minasyan said.

Concerning the Afrikyans House, he said that it is not advisable to
replace old monuments. “This has become a kind of game in Armenia,”
the Minasyan said.

ARMENIA-EU COOPERATION IS A OF A CERTAIN IMPORTANCE FOR UK

16:24, 4 December, 2012

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 4, ARMENPRESS. The Chairman of the National Assembly
of the Republic of Armenia Hovik Abrahamyan hosted the Extraordinary
and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain
and Northern Ireland to the Republic of Armenia Catherine Jane Lich.

The Department of Information and Public Relations of the National
Assembly of the Republic of Armenia informed “Armenpress” that
the Chairman of the Republic of Armenia greeted the ambassador and
stated that recently the Armenian-British cooperation is developing
and strengthening of reciprocal and comprehensive relations with the
United Kingdom is of a certain importance for the Republic of Armenia.

Hovik Abrahamyan underscored that the development of relations
with the EU member countries and European integration is one of the
priorities of the foreign policy of the Republic of Armenia. The Head
of the Parliament expressed a conviction that strengthening ties of
the legislative powers plays a significant role for the development
of the Armenian-British intergovernmental cooperation.

In turn Ambassador Lich expressed her gratitude for the reception
and emphasized the necessity of the development and strengthening
of the Armenian-British cooperation in various spheres and in this
respect the activation of interparliamentarian ties is of a certain
importance for both countries. Mrs. Lich put a heavy emphasis on
the fact that as an EU member country Great Britain supports the
development of Armenia-EU cooperation and efforts of the Armenian
side aimed to its strengthening.

In frames of the meeting the sides discussed regional issues including
the regulation of Nagorno Karabakh conflict, Safarov’s case and a
number of other questions.

GROUP OF MINISTRY OF DEFENSE CONDUCTED INSPECTION IN TURKEY

15:32, 4 December, 2012

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 4, ARMENPRESS. In frames of the agreement of common
military in Europe the inspection group of the Ministry of Defense
of the Republic of Armenia conducted inspection in the territory of
the Republic of Turkey.

The Department of Information and Public Relations of the Ministry
of Defense of the Republic of Armenia informed “Armenpress” that the
group conducted inspection of the 14th mechanized infantry brigade
of the 3rd army of the Turkish Armed Forces (Kars) and 5th unit of
frontier motorized infantry battalion (Igdir).

In frames of the agreement about common military in Europe the
inspection group had a briefing with the commanders of the aforesaid
divisions regarding military issues, trainings and general questions.

During the inspections the declared geographical coordinates and
schemes of the divisions have been clarified, the size of the armory
and techniques has been inspected.

No violation of the points of the agreement by the Republic of Turkey
have been recorded during the inspection.

OSCE HELPS DEVELOP ARMENIA’S WILDFIRE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY

16:43 04.12.2012

The conclusions of a report on the existing legislative, regulatory and
institutional framework for wildfires risk management in Armenia were
discussed at an OSCE-supported roundtable discussion in Yerevan today.

The event was organized by the OSCE Office in Yerevan and the Armenian
Ministry of Emergency Situations in co-operation with the Global
Fire Monitoring Centre (GFMC) within the Environment and Security
Initiative (ENVSEC) and brings together some 40 representatives from
relevant state agencies, civil society and international organizations.

“Wildfires are a threat in Armenia and the wider region and this
issue cannot be solved by a single organization or a state agency. It
is important to ensure the co-operation and consolidated efforts of
state agencies, international and local organizations and the donor
community to continuously enhance capacities to prevent and control
wildfires,” said William Hanlon, Deputy Head of the OSCE Office
in Yerevan. “The OSCE, through the ENVSEC, is ready to assist in
creating a common platform for the various stakeholders to help to
improve their performance in this field.”

The participants also discussed Armenia’s 2012 fire management
action plan for forest and other land types and the strategy for
its implementation.

Major-General Vrej Gabrielyan, the Deputy Director of the Armenian
Rescue Service at the Ministry of Emergency Situations, said: “The
issue discussed today is of strategic importance for Armenia. The
country’s dry climatic conditions contribute to the risk of forest
fires that could destroy trees and grass areas, and cause an ecological
catastrophe, unless comprehensive and consistent efforts are taken
to prevent and combat it.”

The discussion is part of an OSCE-led ENVSEC project aimed at improving
forest fire management in the South Caucasus, as well as to help the
countries formulating national forest fire management policies and
implementation strategies, and enhance regional co-operation.

The ENVSEC is a partnership of six organizations – the OSCE, the UN
Development Programme, the UN Environment Programme, the UN Economic
Commission for Europe, Regional Environment Centre for Central and
Eastern Europe and NATO as an associate partner – with the goal of
identifying and addressing the links between the environment and
security in participating countries and regions.

CRITICISM OF AZERBAIJANI ARMY FROM ARMENIANS IS OPEN PANIC – EXPERT

News.Az
Tue 04 December 2012 12:03 GMT | 12:03 Local Time

If Armenians are really eager to see the power of the Azerbaijani army,
they can rest assured that they will soon see it.

The statement came from military expert Uzeyir Jafarov while commenting
on the publication of Armenian media that “Azerbaijan is unable to
deliver a quick blow to the military infrastructure of Armenia and
Karabakh”.

“I would like to start with how Armenians know that our troops are
weak. Rather, the point is that they are well aware that our lands
will soon be cleared from the Armenian occupying forces, and so they
are panicking,” he said.

According to him, the Azerbaijani army is indeed one of the strongest
in the region.

“In recent years Azerbaijan has done a great job to beef up its
armed forces. The day will come when the territorial integrity will
be restored, that’s when Armenians will be convinced of the strength
of our army,” he said.

“We have formed advanced military units. Large-scale military exercises
have been conducted. And in these exercises our soldiers proved their
fighting ability.”

ARTSAKH HPP ISSUES FOREIGN EXCHANGE BONDS WITH 10% YIELD

Wednesday, December 5, 11:29

Artsakh HPP OJSC issues foreign exchange bonds in the amount of
6 million USD, 10% yield and 3-year maturity, ArmSwissbank, the
underwriter of the company’s bonds, told ArmInfo.

The nominal value of a bond is $10,000, the source reports. The
placement is scheduled for December 5- 18.

The bank’s press-service told ArmInfo, the Artsakh HPP Board of
Directors adopted a decision to issue the foreign currency bonds on
August 9 2012. The offering memorandum was registered by the Central
Bank of Armenia on Nov 28 2012.

The company plans to invest the raised funds in refinancing of bank
loans and construction of a new small HPP with a capacity of 4.2 MW.

“Issue of USD bonds with a 10% yield will settle the company’s problem
with refinancing of bank loans. In addition, the company will continue
expansion of the industrial assets,” says Karen Turyan, Director of
ArmSwissbank’s Investment Department.

Artsakh HPP OJSC is one of the leading companies in the energy sector
of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic. It satisfies over 40% of the energy
demand in NKR. In 2009 the company made the first IPO. In October
2010 the Central Bank of Armenia registered the offering memorandum
for the 2nd-issue ordinary shares of the company and in August 2011 –
the 3rd issue. The funds raised for placement of shares were invested
in construction of new hydropower plants.

The accumulated profit of the company for 9 months of 2012 totaled
314.04 mln drams, assets reached 15.6 bln drams, with the statutory
capital totaling 10.65 bln drams.

WOOING THE EUROPEANS?: TSARUKYAN’S VISIT TO BRUSSELS REGARDED IN CONTEXT OF UPCOMING PRESIDENTIAL VOTE

POLITICS | 05.12.12 | 12:31

Photo: Gagik Tsarukyan’s Official Facebook page

By NAIRA HAYRUMYAN
ArmeniaNow correspondent

On Tuesday leader of the Prosperous Armenia Party (PAP) Gagik
Tsarukyan started a two-day visit to Brussels to meet with senior
representatives of the European Parliament, the European Commission,
the Agency for Foreign Affairs, parliamentarians as well as leaders
of the local Armenian community.

The visit by Tsarukyan (officially heading a PAP delegation) to the
political heart of Europe fueled speculation in Armenia that it was
connected with his long-awaited decision on the format of his and
his party’s participation in the 2013 presidential election.

PAP has the second largest faction in the Armenian parliament and many
local experts believe this party’s position will largely predetermine
the course and outcome of the February presidential election, in
which the ruling Republican Party’s candidate for reelection will be
incumbent President Serzh Sargsyan.

The official period of nominating candidates in the February vote
will begin soon, but the PAP leader has not yet announced whether he
will run for president himself or will support another candidate.

On his Facebook account ex-Minister of Foreign Affairs and now senior
member of PAP Vartan Oskanian has tried to explain why Tsarukyan had
gone to Brussels. According to him, the visit has several aims. First,
to assure Europe of PAP’s commitment to European values and that
it regards these values as a basis for institutional processes in
Armenia. Secondly, to get acquainted with European political parties
and to discuss possible cooperation. Thirdly, to hear European leaders’
opinions about the internal political processes in Armenia and the
prospects of reforms. Fourthly, to present to European officials the
ideology of the party and its policies and programs on domestic and
foreign-policy matters.

Experts say that Tsarukyan has apparently decided to diversify
his ties as so far PAP has been considered to be a “provider” of
Russian policies in Armenia: PAP has actively been promoting Russian
geopolitical projects, including the idea of a Eurasian Union in
Armenia. But European integration appears to be a more fashionable
thing to be talking about in Armenia now. “One would think that Russia
would try to scuttle this attempted diversification of Armenia’s
foreign policy, while Tsarukyan’s ‘diversification’ will help stop
PAP from turning into a blunt instrument of Russia,” writes a Lragir
newspaper commentator.

Still, there is an opposite view according to which Tsarukyan may,
from Brussels, declare his support for current president Sargsyan. In
particular, those who predict such a scenario think that “after
talking to European officials, Tsarukyan will see that Sargsyan is the
only person capable of bringing Armenia into the European family.” As
Oskanian says, PAP has always advocated institutionalization in Armenia
based on European values. In that regard, PAP could be expected to
support Sargsyan after such “assurances” from Brussels.

Meanwhile, the Armenian National Congress (ANC), the main opposition
bloc in Armenia, managed on Tuesday to enlist the support of PAP and
other minority faction members for applying to the Constitutional Court
regarding the majority’s boycott of its earlier initiative to amend
the electoral code. ANC used the occasion to once again emphasize
the growing cooperation among forces opposed to the government,
including with PAP.

Meanwhile, PAP has not given any clear indications yet about
the possibility of fielding a single candidate with ANC and other
opposition groups. As it gets closer to the nominations stage, however,
experts see fewer chances of such a consolidation producing a single
candidate.

CHIEF “CAT” OF YEREVAN CONSIDERS JAZZ TO BE HIS LOVE

09:53, 5 December, 2012

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 5, ARMENPRESS. Honorary Artist of the Republic of
Armenia, founder of “Cats” ethno-jazz band Vahagn Hayrapetyan is one
of the most brilliant representatives of the Armenian jazz music, who
does not cease realization of new “jazz”ideas. His each appearance
on the stage is a new feast for the audience. Joint simpho-jazz
concert program of “New-York ~V Yerevan” jazz quartet and State Youth
Orchestra of Armenia, which was held in Aram Khachaturyan Concert
Hall on November 3, is to prove this thesis. Hayrapetyan is a man,
who sees his life directly connected with jazz, and life in turn is
connected with love. “Armenpress” had a conversation with the jazzman
about his creative activity and future programs.

– You have just returned from Georgia. What concert program did You
introduce to the Georgian audience?

– My appearance in Georgia was quite accidental, although according
to a famous saying nothing is accidental in this life. “New-York ~V
Yerevan” jazz quartet, which I hosted recently, gives concerts in
various countries. In frames of the “Future of Jazz” and “Ambassadors
of Jazz” programs of the US Government some of those musicians give
concerts in various countries of the world. They just called me and
I left for Georgia with them. We organized master classes for kinds
in the musical schools. We gave a number of concerts there, besides
the concerts with beginners.

– Prominent Armenian jazzman Levon Malkhasyan characterized jazz as
momentary and unrepeatable state of mind. What’s Your characterization?

– For me jazz is a mean of expressing myself. It’s a unique way
of expressing my essence, my nature, my inner world, my emotions~E
This is a kind of art, which one can never repeat exactly the way,
it was played first. To my opinion it is a collective art, when you
introduce a story with several other persons as one wholeness.

The interview by Tatevik Grigoryan

Photos by Felix Arustamyan