Author: Badalian Vardan

EuroNews, EU
Dec 18 2011

Turkey warns France over Armenian `genocide’ law

Turkey’s prime minister is warning France to examine its own history
before making laws about Turkey’s in a row over the deaths of
Armenians during the time of the Ottoman Empire.

France has been pushing for the killings to be recognised as genocide
and may pass a law making it illegal to deny it was.

However, during a press conference on Saturday, Recep Tayipp Erdogan
made scathing remarks about the proposed legislation:

`Those who want to recognise genocide should take a look at their own
dirty and bloody history. If the French National Assembly wants to
take an interest in history, let it go to the trouble of highlighting
and looking at what happened in Africa, in Rwanda and Algeria,’
Erdogan said.

A draft of the law is due to go before French parliament on Thursday,
and if passed anyone breaking it could get a one-year prison sentence
and a 45,000 euro fine.

Erdogan has already written to French President Nicolas Sarkozy
cautioning political and economic relations between the two countries
could suffer if France goes ahead with the law.

Armenia says 1.5 million of its people were killed in eastern Turkey
from 1915 to 1917.

VivaCell-MTS General Manager is the first to receive the `Business
Leadership Award’

noyan tapan
2011-12-17 18:06:56 | Armenia | Social

Mr. Ralph Yirikian received the award in recognition of exceptional
professional excellence and accomplishment, and the demonstration of a
clear strategic vision with effective implementation at the
organizational and industrial level

Today, at a special ceremony of honor held at the American University
of Armenia, VivaCell-MTS General Manager Ralph Yirikian was awarded
the AUA School of Business and Management’s Business Leadership Award.

A representative committee composed of the faculty, students, alumni
and external stakeholders of the AUA voted to recognize Mr. Yirikian
as the first recipient of this Award.

The AUA Business Leadership Award was established by the AUA School of
Business and Management. This is an annual award with the following
selection criteria for the nominee:
A notable level of professional excellence and accomplishment
Demonstration of a clear strategic vision with effective
implementation at the organizational or industrial level
Institutionalization of policies and practices within the
organization, resulting in significant improvement in the quality of
work life Adherence to corporate ethics and responsibility
Significant contribution to the alignment of the model of the
organization with sustainable business practices Commitment and
service to the community at large in significant and meaningful ways.

The award was presented to Mr. Yirikian by Dr. Bruce Boghosian,
President of AUA, and Mr. Eric Guevorkian, interim dean of the School
of Business and Management. After the official award ceremony, at the
request of Mr Guevorkian, Mr. Yirikian presented his vision of the
effective business leader: `One can list hundreds of preconditions of
effective business leadership – such as being able to sense the thirst
of the market, gathering a good team of professionals and becoming its
engine, ability to bring together breakthrough ideas, understanding
industry trends, and commitment to innovation and keeping up with R&D,
etc. No doubt, all of them are necessary but yet insufficient
conditions for creating a sustainable business model. Yet the true
leadership is leadership by example. And it’s not limited to new
business behavior and approaches being successfully institutionalized
and ingrained across all levels of the Company. As a team we share the
belief that we have to roll out our successful business model further
across the whole business community in Armenia. If we could create a
business and make a success story out of it, so can you. VivaCell-MTS
is a living example that could not have been achieved without the
efforts of our VivaCell-MTS family members. We have an obligation to
share with all Armenians the prosperity we see in our homeland and the
potential of its growth,’ concluded Mr. Yirikian.

VivaCell-MTS (K-Telecom CJSC) is Armenia’s leading mobile operator,
having the widest 2G/3.5G/4G network reach and spreading a wide range
of Voice and Data services all across Armenia. Having the best of the
Armenian people interest at heart since its launch on 1st July 2005
and in a short period of time VivaCell-MTS has managed to build a
nationwide network and a considerable customer base. VivaCell-MTS
drives innovation and aims at always being at the forefront of any
development serving the Armenian mobile communications market. For
more information, visit

* * *

Mobile TeleSystems OJSC (`MTS’) is the largest mobile phone operator
in Russia and the CIS. Together with its subsidiaries, the Company
services over 100 million subscribers. The regions of Russia, as well
as Armenia, Belarus, Ukraine and Uzbekistan, in which MTS and its
associates and subsidiaries are licensed to provide GSM services, have
a total population of more than 230 million. Since June 2000, MTS’
Level 3 ADRs have been listed on the New York Stock Exchange (ticker
symbol MBT). Additional information about MTS can be found at

* * *

The American University of Armenia is a nonprofit institution of
higher education. It is fully accredited member of the U.S.-based
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and is affiliated
with the University of California. AUA provides teaching and research
programs that prepare students to address the needs of Armenia and its
surrounding region for sustainable development. A unique case in the
region, the WASC accreditation is an ongoing process of continued
improvement and quality control to ensure the highest standards of
education. This allows AUA degrees to be respected and recognized
worldwide. Additional information about AUA can be found at

The AUA School of Business and Management (SBM) is the leading
business school in Armenia and in the region and has catered to
Armenian and international students, business corporations, and
communities for the past 20 years. Its flagship program, the MBA
degree, is a rigorous program that offers a balance between theory and
practice, the quantitative and qualitative perspectives, and the
economic and social responsibilities of business leadership. SBM
values entrepreneurship and innovation, rigor and excellence in
academic work, and adheres to strict ethical standards. Additional
information about AUA can be found at .

Property Ownership: Nareg Hartounian’s Case

herq
13:51, December 18, 2011

Nareg Hartounian’s case is just another example of serious and
widespread violations of human rights in Armenia. What makes this
case particularly troubling is the fact that it may also stand out as
a serious violation of property rights. Well, let’s hope that it
will not be the outcome.

Property rights are central to the legal and political order for
societies. Without such rights, it is not feasible to have a
democratic society that can guarantee freedom for its citizens. It
is this unconditional protection that the court systems must provide
to all. This is the right that propels societies into economic growth
by providing favorable and secure environment for investments. As
Harvard historian Niall Ferguson argues in his latest book,
Civilization: The West and The Rest, the system in the United States
is based on property rights, and it is one of the main reasons why
North America has been more successful than Central/South America.

It is hard to explain to US or European investors the bizarre cases
where several parties claim ownership of the same property in Armenia.
Or the moment that you become a land owner in Armenia, it is wise to
build a high wall around your property so that you can physically stop
others from claiming ownership. It is also hard to explain the case
with Nareg, who has arbitrarily become the subject of abuse and
extortion. This sends a very unfortunate yet clear signal to the
world investment community which shows that property rights are not
respected in Armenia and foreign properties and investments may be at
risk.

Freedom does not only include freedom of speech and religion. It is
also freedom to own. And let’s not forget that this freedom is
protected by the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia.

Article 31
Everyone shall have the right to freely own, use, dispose of and
bequeath the property belonging to him/her.

I admire Nareg and the fight that he and his family put out. It is a
fight to preserve the most fundamental principal upon which a true
democratic society is built on, one that is based on guaranteed
protection of human rights and property rights. Nareg is clearly the
underdog in this fight. I do hope and pray that the judges in
Armenia take this high-profile case very seriously, protect Nareg and
his family’s properties in Armenia, and do not make a mockery of the
Constitution.

Eduard Sargsyan
12/15/2011

REVUE DE PRESSE
Génocide Arménien – Quand Juppé s’oppose à Sarkozy en Conseil des ministres

Selon nos informations, le numéro deux du gouvernement a émis des
réserves, dans le huis clos du Conseil des ministres, sur la
proposition de loi pénalisant la contestation du génocide arménien.

En public, Alain Juppé affiche une entente parfaite avec Nicolas
Sarkozy. En privé, il n’hésite pas à exprimer des divergences avec
lui. Dans le huis clos du Conseil des ministres, le chef de la
diplomatie, poids lourd du gouvernement, a ainsi regretté ce matin que
la proposition de loi portée par la députée UMP Valérie Boyer visant à
pénaliser la contestation du génocide arménien -adoptée la semaine
dernière par la Commission des lois de l’Assemblée- soit discutée sur
le temps du gouvernement et pas sur le temps parlementaire. Une erreur
à ses yeux dans la mesure où la Turquie, pays allié et un important
partenaire commercial de la France, en tirera la conclusion que
l’exécutif la soutient. Ce qui ne dérange visiblement pas Nicolas
Sarkozy, pas mécontent d’envoyer un signal à la communauté arménienne
à l’approche de la présidentielle.

Le chef de l’Etat a donc confirmé ce matin la procédure. Fait
rarissime, l’affaire a donné lieu à des échanges nourris. Illustrant
une fois encore le poids politique d’Alain Juppé. Plusieurs témoins
ont confirmé la scène. Pas Alain Juppé, injoignable : après le conseil
des ministres, il s’est envolé pour la Lybie pour une visite
officielle de vingt-quatre heures.

dimanche 18 décembre 2011,
Stéphane ©armenews.com

LaDépêche.fr , France
17 dec 2011

Montauban. La famille arménienne ne veut pas retourner dans son pays
une nouvelle histoire d’expulsions

Martin et sa maman Anna ne peuvent plus, aux yeux de la loi, rester
sur le territoire français./ à ce jour, à cette heure, seul Hovhannes
Aghékian a le droit de demeurer encore sur le sol français. Jusqu’à
mai 2012 seulement.

C’est son statut de personne malade devant recevoir de soins réguliers
qui lui vaut de pas être renvoyé en Arménie, son pays d’origine, dans
les plus brefs délais. C’est ce qui menace précisément son épouse Anna
et son fils Martin (2 ans et demi) qui, lui, a vu le jour à Montauban.
En effet, mère et enfant sont sous le coup d’un arrêté d’expulsion, la
petite famille Aghékian ayant vu sa demande d’asile en tant que
réfugiés politiques refusée par les autorités compétentes en la
matière.

Décision qui lui a valu notamment d’être obligée de quitter le centre
Amar (1) à la date du 8 décembre dernier et, par là même, de se
trouver dépourvue de logement.

« Nos affaires sont restées là-bas » glisse au passage Anna qui chaque
matin est obligée de prendre contact avec le 115 (Samu social) afin de
trouver une chambre pour que la famille puisse bénéficier d’un toit
afin de passer la nuit.

Anna et Hovlannes sont arrivés en France le 14 avrils 2009 en
provenance d’une ville arménienne, Gumri, qu’ils souhaitaient quitter
à tout prix en raison « de problèmes politiques réguliers ». Holvannes
exerçait la profession de mécanicien et Anna avait fait des études
d’informaticienne avant de tomber enceinte de Martin.

La solidarité arménienne
Pendant deux années et demi, la famille Aghékian a espéré que sa
demande d’asile bénéficierait d’une réponse positive. Bien qu’ayant
été contraints de déménager à trois reprises, ils conservaient
toujours l’espoir de « pouvoir vivre et travailler en France
normalement ». Et puis, le 8 décembre, patatras, tout s’écroule pour
les Aghékian.

Avec 300 euros par mois et pas de toit, la famille s’est notamment
appuyée sur le Secours populaire, les Restos du c`ur, le Secours
catholique et, bien en- tendu, le 115 pour subvenir à ses besoins du
quotidien.

La solidarité arménienne a également joué à plein et plusieurs
familles de la communauté arménienne de Montauban ont apporté aide,
assistance et réconfort au trio quelque peu désemparé par la
situation. Hier matin Anna a encore réaffirmé avec beaucoup de force
et de détermination que « la famille ne voulait pas revenir en
Arménie, c’est impossible pour nous ». Un cri du c`ur difficile à
ignorer.

(1) Association Montalbanaise d’Aide aux Réfugiés (24 rue Caussat).

Interfax, Russia
Dec 16 2011

Turkish-Armenian border will open after Armenian-Azerbaijani border-
Turkish ambassador in Baku

BAKU. Dec 16

Armenia should stop occupying Azerbaijani territories and Azerbaijani
citizens should return to their residences, Turkish Ambassador to
Azerbaijan Hulusi Kilic said.

“We believe the Azerbaijani territories should be freed from
occupation and refugees and displaced persons should return to their
homes,” he told a press conference on the development of
Azerbaijani-Turkish relations in 2011 on Friday.

Speaking about the normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations, the
ambassador said the issue is directly connected to Armenia’s military
aggression against Azerbaijan. “Everyone wants the Turkish-Armenian
border to open. However, the first border to be closed in this region
was the Armenian-Azerbaijani border and therefore the
Armenian-Azerbaijani border has to open in order for the
Turkish-Armenian border to open,” the Turkish diplomat said.

Turkey wants all borders in the region to open and all courtiers to
work closely together, he said.

av

news.am, Armenia
Dec 17 2011

Representatives of Turkey’s national minorities meet at Armenian
Patriarchate of Constantinople

December 17, 2011 | 16:32

ISTANBUL. – The religious leaders of Turkey’s national minorities met,
at the Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople on Thursday, to discuss
the country’s new Constitution.

The participants discussed the state’s guaranteeing of the freedom of
religion and conscience, within the citizenship concept, in Turkey’s
new Constitution.

The attendees decided that the report, which will be prepared after
four such meetings, be taken to the Turkish parliament and to discuss
it with members of the country’s Constitutional Commission, Armenian
Patriarchate of Constantinople informed Armenian News-NEWS.am.

The next meeting will be held at the Greek Patriarchate of Constantinople.

news.am, Armenia
Dec 17 2011

Armenia’s president meets with country’s young scholars, scientists

December 17, 2011 | 16:15

YEREVAN. – Armenia’s Head of State, Serzh Sargsyan, met with a group
of country’s young scholars and scientists.

The youth thanked the President for periodically meeting with them and
underscoring their role in the development of knowledge and science.

Armenia’s President and the young scholars and scientists discussed
the latter’s working conditions, and other matters concerning them.

Serzh Sargsyan also responded to the questions posed by the young
scholars and scientists, gave certain instructions – to respective state
agencies – in connection with these youth’s recommendations, and noted
that an annual financial assistance of 100 million drams (approx. US$
262,525) will be allotted to the young scholars and scientists,
Presidential Press Office informed Armenian News-NEWS.am.

news.am, Armenia
Dec 17 2011

Turkish famous actress sings in Armenian in movie (VIDEO)

December 17, 2011 | 00:04

ANKARA. – Turkish famous actress Demet Akbag sang an Armenian song in
recently released Last Stopis Salvation movie.

Akbag stars Vardanush in the movie, to be released next year. She
sings Aman Aghavni (Oh, Dove) song, which is beloved by
Istanbul-Armenians, Turkish Haberturk reports.

Sezar Avetikyan participated in the song preparation works.

Armenian News-NEWS.am presents an extract from the movie.

Reuters UK
Dec 17 2011

Erdogan attacks France over Armenian “genocide” law

(Reuters) – Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan told France on Saturday to
study its own history rather than Turkey’s in a warning against the
French parliament passing a law making it illegal to deny the mass
killing of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire was genocide.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy, a major critic of Turkey’s flagging
bid to join the European Union, told Turkey in October that unless it
recognised the 1915 killings as genocide, France would consider making
denial a crime.

Erdogan has already sent Sarkozy a letter warning political and
economic relations would suffer grave consequences if the bill was
passed into law and he reiterated the message at a news conference on
Saturday.

“Those who want to see genocide should turn round and look at their
own dirty, bloody history,” Erdogan said after talks with Libyan
National Transitional Council chairman, Mustafa Abdel Jalil.

The draft law, put forward by a deputy from Sarkozy’s party, is due to
go before parliament next Thursday and proposes a one-year prison
sentence and 45,000 euro ($58,500) fine for denying the killings
constitute genocide.

“If the French National Assembly wants to take an interest in history
let it take the trouble of illuminating what happened in Africa, in
Rwanda and Algeria,” Erdogan said in his first operation since
recovering from surgery.

“Let it go and research how many people French soldiers killed in
Algeria, how they killed them and what inhumane methods they used.”

France is Turkey’s fifth-biggest export market and sixth-biggest
country from which it imports goods and services.

DENIAL

Armenia, backed by many historians and parliaments, says some 1.5
million Christian Armenians were killed in what is now eastern Turkey
during World War One in a deliberate policy of genocide ordered by the
Ottoman government.

Ankara denies the killings constitute genocide and says many Muslim
Turks and Kurds were also put to death as Russian troops invaded
eastern Anatolia, often aided by Armenian militias.

The French Foreign Ministry has stressed the draft law was not a
government initiative.

Erdogan said in his letter common sense should prevail over political
calculations, a hint the draft law was aimed at securing the support
of 500,000 French voters of Armenian descent in elections due in five
months time.

Turkey and Armenia signed a peace accord in 2009, agreeing to set up a
commission of international experts to examine the events of 1915,
restore diplomatic ties and open their border to trade, but neither
side has ratified the deal.

Turkey has increasingly flexed its rising economic and political
muscle on the world stage and in the Middle East as its economy
continues to show strong growth while western Europe suffers a
financial crisis.

(Writing by Daren Butler; Editing by Sophie Hares)