Author: Badalian Vardan

IT IS A STRONG POSITIVE SIGNAL

Story from Lragir.am News:

Published: 17:07:36 – 16/11/2011

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Vice
President of the European Commission Catherine Ashton’s exclusive
interview to Mediamax

Armenian PM and other senior officials stated recently that in 2012
they aim to hold “the most transparent and fair elections over the
whole 20-year history of independence”. How important are such pledges
for the EU-Armenia political dialogue?

This is very important. It is a strong positive signal that we expect
now to be translated into concrete steps to prepare the elections
well. As always we stand ready to offer support and advice, to the
elections and to the many other aspects which together make up the
concept of “deep democracy”, which lies at the heart of the Eastern
Partnership: freedom of association, expression and assembly, rule of
law administered by an independent judiciary and the right to a fair
trail, the effective fight against corruption, as well as security
and law enforcement sector reform.

European officials are saying that EU should play a more active role
in the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement. Taking into account the
fact that EU doesn’t want to replace the OSCE Minsk Group, how do
you see this more “active role”?

We fully support the OSCE Minsk Group in its efforts to achieve a
peaceful resolution of the conflict on the basis of the principles of
the non-use of force, territorial integrity and self-determination
of people. The EU’s aim is not to change the format, nor to gain
influence over the different sides, but to offer more active and
stronger support.

We can help create a positive environment, including through
confidence-building measures. From our own history, we have experience
in conflict resolution and reconciliation, which we are willing to
share. We also think it is high time to achieve a settlement, as it
would provide a boost to the development of the region, help ensure
stability and make it easier for the people of the region to travel
and trade. It will help create jobs and stimulate economic growth.

There should be no further delay. The conflict is holding the region
hostage.

It is no secret for anyone that Azerbaijani President and Government
members are frequently making bellicose statements and saying
that war is an option for settling the NK issue. During this year
you have at least twice publicly criticised Azerbaijan for human
rights violations. Why don’t you also call on Azerbaijan to stop
war propaganda?

There can only be a negotiated solution to the conflict, and rhetoric
suggesting otherwise is unhelpful, from whichever side it comes. What
counts is progress in the talks, and the readiness on both sides to
make difficult compromises.

European Parliament adopted a “European Neighborhood Policy
Review” Resolution this April 7. It contains an urge to develop
“informal contacts and consultations with the societies of breakaway
territories”? It is realistic to expect that European Commission is
going to follow this urge?

Confidence building, including through people-to-people contacts,
is necessary to promote mutual understanding. The EU can help both
sides engage with each other, prepare the ground for a solution,
show the advantages of peace and of a peaceful Caucasus strongly
connected to the EU.

DOES SURIK KHACHATRYAN HAVE COMPROMISING MATERIALS?
Naira Hayrumyan

Story from Lragir.am News:

Published: 16:52:07 – 16/11/2011

Will the Governor of Syunik Surik Khachatryan be sacrificed for the
sake of democratic elections? Many people started wondering about this
as soon as criminal proceedings were launched against the governor. If
television already reports this information, then they will sacrifice
him, the viewers thinks.

Despite the scandal, neither Surik Khachatryan nor his bosses have
said anything about his resignation.

No resignation means that this issue has not been yet raised yet.

Possibly, the story of Gyumri mayor Vardan Ghukasyan repeats whose
fellows were publicly accused of murder. Then, according to the press,
Ghukasyan promised to publish information which is unfavorable for
the government. The fact that he still holds his position of mayor
means that the compromising material was to forceful. Does Surik
Khachatryan have somethings similar? Does he have business relations
with Serzh Sargsyan or do his ties go to somewhere else? And the main
issue is whether the compromising material will remain forceful in
the political show of Armenia.

DEFENSE AND VICTIM AGREE: INVESTIGATION INTO ARMY OFFICER’S DEATH WAS BOGUS

epress.am
11.16.2011

The trial in the case of rifle platoon commander Artak Nazaryan,
who died suddenly while serving during peacetime on Jul. 27, 2010,
took place at the Court of First Instance of Shengavit Community of
Yerevan today. Note, this was the first court session held in Yerevan
– all other previous sessions were held in the city of Berd in Tavush
marz (province).

According to the defense ministry, Nazaryan committed suicide. Five
of his colleagues are named as the accused in the case: battalion
captain Hakob Manukyan, senior lieutenant stationed at the nearby Luys
military point Vahagn Hayrapetyan, and three rank and file soldiers:
Mkhitar Mkhitaryan, Adibek Hovhannisyan and Harutik Kirakosyan. All
except Kirakosyan (who is under the supervision of the military unit)
are in custody.

Today’s court session began with a motion by Hakob Manukyan’s attorney,
in which it said that the charges are not based on the facts of the
case, the criminal case was examined based on one version, and the
accusations against his client are based on assumptions. The defense
attorney noted that all the accused have become scapegoats. The
remaining defendants and their attorneys agreed with this claim.

Ruben Martirosyan, representative of Artak Nazaryan’s successor,
also agreed that the the accused have become scapegoats, adding that
a bogus investigation was carried out and a new criminal case has to
be launched into the killing of Artak Nazaryan.

Also expressing her opinion in court today was Nazaryan’s mother and
legal successor, Hasmik Hovhannisyan, who said that the investigation
was one-sided, several evidence materials were rejected and the case
has to be reviewed.

“The case should be based on charges of Artak Nazaryan’s murder, not
‘incite to suicide’ – there’s no suicide here,” she said.

Military prosecutor Harutyun Harutyunyan, however, said that the
defense attorney’s request is unreasonable and there’s no point in
reviewing the case.

>From the gallery could be heard the reaction of Gohar Sargsyan,
mother of Tigran Ohanjanyan, who also died while serving in the
Armenian army and whose case also involved the same prosecutor.

Sargsyan was shouting that Harutyunyan is a criminal and her son’s
case rests on his conscience.

ARMENIAN COMPANIES TO ATTEND THE GITI ICT DEVELOPMENT AND CYBER SECURITY EVENT IN TBILISI

armradio.am
16.11.2011 14:52

Armenian IT Companies will participate in the ICT Development and
Cyber Security Event GITI 2011 in Tbilisi November 17-19.

The following Armenian companies will participate in the event:
Armenian Programs, D-Link, Nork information center, CHS Vericell
Services, Xinect, Lime Tech, Essential Solutions, SouthTech Consulting,
Norma Plus, as well as the State Revenue Committee of Armenia.

The participation of Armenian companies in the event is aimed at
promoting the progress of Armenia’s ICT sphere on the international
market.

At the Armenian Corner the Armenian companies will present the best
digital solutions to the Georgian market and the foreign partners.

They will make business presentations and participate in a competition
of best regional IT projects.

The participation of Armenian companies is organized and coordinated
by the Union of Information Technology Enterprises (UITE).

The main objective of GITI is to promote the cooperation between the
state and private sectors, information and communication technology
companies in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, Central Asia,
Caucasus and the Baltic States. The event has been organized by the
ICT Business Council of Georgia and the Georgian Ministry of Justice.

ANCIENT CHURCH IN ARMENIA’S NORTH-EAST ON THE BRINK OF COLLAPSE (VIDEO)

Tert.am
16.11.11

An Armenian charity foundation has voiced alarm over the desolate
situation of the St Mary church of Odzun (Lori region).

In a statement issued in that connection, the press service of
the foundation called Hovhannes Imastaser Katoghikos Odznetci said
the church in Armenia’s north-eastern region is under the threat
of collapse.

“Although the St Mary Church of Odzun regularly serves holy masses and
hosts weddings and funerals, it is facing the threat of collapse, after
standing strong for a millennium and a half,” reads the statement.

On October 18, the foundation signed a memorandum of understanding with
the Ministry of Culture for restoring the ancient place of worship. It
is now waiting for the selection of a construction company to start
the renovation.

The foundation has agreed to cover the repairs which are expected to
last around three years.

“The Odzun church turned into a grain warehouse in the Soviet years,”
the authors of the statements say.

The history of the church dates from the 6th century. In the 8th
century it was reconstructed by Hovhannes III Odznetsi. At the northern
(not preserved anymore) and southern side there are unusual arcaded
cloisters and the west cloister has a blind wall with an arched
entrance in the middle. The roof is barrel vaulted. Four columns
support the rib vaulted tambour and there are two more columns at the
western part of the church. At the eastern facade above the central
window one can observe a carving of Christ with the gospel of St. John
and two angels below. At the southern facade, at each side of the
central window there are two angels and traces of another figure,
probably Christ. Much later, in the 19th century two small belltowers
were added.

FINANCE MINISTER WARNS OF FALLOUT FROM EURO ZONE CRISIS
by Sargis Harutyunyan

Armenialiberty.org

Nov 14 2011

Armenia – Finance Minister Vache Gabrielian speaks at a news
conference, 14Nov 2011.14.11.2011

Renewed recession in Europe could slow Armenia’s ongoing economic
recovery and complicate a sizable increase in tax revenues planned
by the Armenian government, Finance Minister Vache Gabrielian said
on Monday.

After sluggish growth registered in 2010 the Armenian economy is on
course to expand by 4.6 percent this year. The government has forecast
a growth rate of 4.2 percent for next year.

Continued growth is essential for the success of its plans to raise
tax revenues by 13 percent in 2012. This, coupled with a more modest
rise in public spending, is meant to cut the state budget deficit to
a level equivalent to around 3 percent of Gross Domestic Product.

“If there are cataclysms coming from European countries, if agriculture
suffers catastrophic changes as a consequence of weather conditions,
naturally there could be some problems [with meeting these targets,]”
Gabrielian told a news conference. He said “big problems” resulting
from the sovereign debt crisis in the European Union would affect
the entire world.

France — President Nicolas Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel
talk to each other prior to holding a joint press conference following
crisis talks with Greek Prime Minister in Cannes, 02Nov2011 The EU’s
executive European Commission said last week that aggregate economic
growth in the 17 countries using the euro as the national currency
will make up 0.5 percent in 2012, down from its earlier projection
of 1.8 percent.

“The recovery has now come to a standstill and there’s the risk of
a new recession unless determined action is taken,” Olli Rehn, the
EU’s economic and monetary affairs commissioner, warned.

Armenia was already hit hard when Western economies slid into recession
in late 2008. Its GDP shrunk by as much as 14 percent in 2009 amid
plummeting international prices of base metals and remittances from
Armenians working abroad.

Gabrielian insisted at the same time that as things stand now the
government’s draft budget for 2012 submitted to parliament last week is
“realistic.” He downplayed concerns about its revenue target publicly
expressed by Gagik Khachatrian, head of the State Revenue Committee.

“In your day-to-day life you always have concerns,” Gabrielian said.

“But that doesn’t mean you don’t take one or another action.”

The government and the Ministry of Finance in particular say that a
large part of the extra revenues will be generated by fresh amendments
to Armenian tax legislation that are also likely to be approved by the
National Assembly before the end of this year. The government-drafted
amendments would, among other things, raise income tax for wealthy
Armenians and impose higher duties on expensive cars and alcohol.

ARMENIAN RULING COALITION PARTY NOMINEE WINS IJEVAN CITY MAYORAL ELECTIONS

news.am
Nov 14 2011
Armenia

YEREVAN. – Ruling coalition’s Prosperous Armenia Party’s nominee
Vardan Ghalumyan, 38, won Sunday’s mayoral elections in Ijevan
city.Ghalumyan’s rival, the coalition’s Republican Party of Armenia
candidate Varuzhan Nersisyan, 49, who is the city’s mayor for the
past twelve years, lost to Ghalumyan by approximately 1,652 votes.

To note, elections between the two nominees were conducted under
a fairly tense atmosphere, and the police had even detained several
people. Two men were called to the local police precinct because there
was news of election bribe distribution, but they were subsequently
released, since that news was not confirmed, the Police Department
informed.

VAHE GABRASH COMMITTED TO CONTRIBUTE TO ARTSAKH DEVELOPMENT

Panorama
Nov 14 2011
Armenia

On November 13 President of Artsakh Republic Bako Sahakyan met in
Geneva with philanthropist Levon Hayrapetyan and discussed issues
related to the implementation of different projects in Artsakh.

Artsakh President’s information department said Bako Sahakyan stated
that Levon Hayrapetyan has had a great input in the development
of Artsakh and that his contribution is among the best examples of
national philanthropy.

On the same day the Head of the State had another meeting with
philanthropist Vahe Gabrash. Bako Sahakyan expressed gratitude to
the philanthropist for holding different projects in our republic
qualifying them as very demanded. Vahe Gabrash expressed readiness
to continue his active participation in realizing several programs
of strategic importance.

The meeting was also attended by the Deputy FM of the Republic of
Armenia Ashot Hovakimyan, head of the central information department
of the office of the NKR President David Babayan, envoy extraordinary
and minister plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenia to Switzerland
Satenik Abgaryan and other senior statesmen.

RUSSIA’S CSKA INTERESTED IN ARMENIAN FORWARD YURA MOVSISYAN

PanARMENIAN.Net
November 15, 2011 – 12:32 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Russia’s CSKA (Central Sports Club of Army) is
looking for a substitute for Wagner Love, who is leaving the club
in winter.

According to sportbox.ru, the club management shows interest in
Armenia and Krasnodar forward Yura Movsisyan.

In compliance with its selective policy, the club purchases players
no older than 25 and whose price doesn’t exceed USD 8 million. The
preliminary price for Movsisyan is estimated at about USD 5 million.

During the current season, Movsisyan played 24 matches as part of
Krasnodar, with 7 scored goals and 3 assists. In EURO 2012 qualifiers
he scored 4 goals and made 6 assists.

YERKIR: GOVERNOR OF GEGHARKUNIK REGION STEPS DOWN?

Tert.am
15.11.11

The paper says it learned from sources yesterday evening that the
governor of Gegharunik region, Never Poghosyan (Prosperous Armenia
party), had submitted his resignation.

To verify the report, it says it tried to contact Poghosyan but the
latter reportedly did not answer the call.

The new governor, according to the paper, will be Rafik Grigoryan of
the ruling Republican Party of Armenia (RPA).