Author: Badalian Vardan

Iranian Foreign Minister Criticised Turkey

Story from Lragir.am News:

Published: 21:57:06 – 17/09/2011

Ali Akbar Salehi made the remark in a joint press conference with
Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian.
Referring to the historical relations between Iran and Armenia, he
called the ties between the two counties ‘positive and brotherly’,
IRNA reported.
`Armenian minorities are respected by their Iranian compatriots,’ the
minister added.
Speaking about its meeting with his Armenian counterpart, Iran’s FM
stated that the development of bilateral relations was emphasized
during the meeting.
Salehi noted that the deployment of NATO defense shield in the
neighboring country of Turkey is a source of concern for the Islamic
Republic of Iran and other regional countries.
`The region is undergoing great developments and Turkey should
reconsider the deployment NATO missile system on its soil,’ he added.
`The deployment of missile defense shield in Turkey is viewed
unnecessary. Iran hopes that Turkish officials have enough
justification in this regard and can prevent more misunderstanding
among regional countries,’ Salehi said.
Pointing to the Iran’s 15 neighboring countries, he added that the
Islamic Republic’s regional diplomacy is based on detente with each
neighboring country and establishment of peace in the region.
The outside powers are trying to sow discord among regional countries, he said.
The Iranian foreign ministry had earlier called NATO’s proposal for
the establishment of new ballistic missile shield in Turkey as
‘seriously suspicious.’
An early warning radar will be stationed in Turkey’s southeast as part
of NATO’s missile defense system.
Turkey agreed to host the radar in September within the framework of
the NATO missile defense architecture, saying it would strengthen both
its own and NATO’s defense capacities.
In this context, the site surveys and relevant legal arrangements have
also been finalized, and accordingly a military installation in
Kurecik has been designated as the radar site.
Kurecik in Malatya province lies some 700 kilometers (435 miles) west
of the Iranian border.
In September, Pentagon spokesman Col. Dave Lapan said the United
States hoped to have the radar deployed there by the end of the year.
Turkey’s announcement about the radar came a day after Romania signed
a deal to host a crucial part of a U.S. missile defense system.
Under the NATO plans, a limited system of U.S. anti-missile
interceptors and radars already planned for Europe to include
interceptors in Romania and Poland as well as the radar in Turkey
would be linked to expanded European owned missile defenses. That
would create a broad system that protects every NATO country against
medium-range missile attack.
Russia opposes the planned missile defense system, which it worries
could threaten its own nuclear missiles or undermine its deterrence
capability. Moscow agreed to consider a NATO proposal last year to
cooperate on the missile shield, but insisted the system be run
jointly. NATO rejected that demand and no compromise has been found
yet.

`Khatchkar’ Memorial for Civil War Sailor Gets Go Ahead with Major Donation

Wed, Jul 15 2009

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – With an anonymous donation of $10,000, the project
for a khatchkar (Armenian cross-stone) memorial for the only Armenian
to have served in the American Civil War will go ahead, said Sandra
Selverian, president of the Philadelphia Armenian-American Veterans
Association (PAAVA).

`However, we are making this final appeal for more donations to have a
perpetual-care program for the grave site,’ she said.

Khachadour Garabedian was born near Constantinople and emigrated to
Lowell, Mass. in the 1850’s. He worked as a machinist, became an
American citizen, and enlisted in the Union Navy during the Civil War,
where he held officer rank. He served aboard two ships engaged in the
blockade of Southern ports – along the Atlantic Coast and later in the
Gulf of Mexico. Garabedian was discharged in Philadelphia in August
1865, and remained there, becoming the first Armenian in the city. He
married into a prominent Philadelphia family, and died in 1881. He is
buried in Fernwood Cemetery, in southwest Philadelphia. He and his
wife had no children.

Garabedian was `discovered’ by chance by Gary Kooltokian of
Chelmsford, Mass., who uncovered Garabedian’s early years in America.

`The reason we needed a gravestone for Garabedian,’ said Paul
Sookiasian, who has carried out extensive research into Garabedian’s
life, `is that the original stone disintegrated in the 1950’s and his
grave is without a marker. We thought that a traditional khatchkar
would be an ideal replacement.’ Sookiasian brought the Garabedian
story to PAAVA, which readily agreed to undertake a fundraising drive
for the memorial.

The 10-year-old PAAVA is made up of veterans from the tri-state
Philadelphia area, as well as former Philadelphians who want to retain
their ties with the area. At its peak, it had more than 420 members,
and enjoys the support of all five churches in the area, with members
serving on the PAAVA Board.

The date for the unveiling ceremony has not yet been set.

To make a tax-exempt donation to the khatchkar memorial, send a check
(payable to `PAAVA Civil War Project’) to Richard Weinsheimer, # 229,
300 Ernest Way, Philadelphia, PA 19111.

RA NA SPEAKER HOVIK ABRAHAMYAN MEETS A GROUP OF GRADUATE STUDENTS OF ANTWERP UNIVERSITY

National Assembly of RA
parliament.am
Sept 16 2011
Armenia

On September 16 the Speaker of the RA National Assembly Hovik
Abrahamyan met a group of graduate students of Antwerp University.

Welcoming the guest the NA Speaker presented in detail the structure,
work style, functions of the Armenian Parliament and their goal to the
students and answered the questions concerning them. Hovik Abrahamyan
touched upon the foreign policy, including the regional problems,
in particular, the NK problem and the history of the Armenian-Turkish
relations and the present phases. He noted that Armenia, which sought
to get integrated into European family, was for solving the existing
problems in the region through peaceful negotiations.

The foreign students~R questions also related to the region, as well
as the Armenian-Russian relations and Armenia~Rs aspirations to the
European Union. The Speaker of the National Assembly noted that the
starting point of the actions of Armenia was own people~Rs interest.

In the end of the meeting Hovik Abrahamyan expressed willingness to
host again the students from Antwerp in the RA National Assembly and
expressed hope that during their stay in Armenia they would manage
to get acquainted with the rich history and culture of Armenia.

PASSENGER COMPLEX OF “ZVARTNOTS” AIRPORT OPENS

ARMENPRESS
SEPTEMBER 16, 2011
YEREVAN

Today, the solemn opening of the passenger complex of “Zvartnots”
airport took place. Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan, Catholicos
of All Armenians Karekin II, Armenian Deputy Minister, Minister
of Territorial Administration Armen Gevorgyan, representatives of
legislative and executive bodies, and diplomats accredited in Armenia
were present at the opening.

The works in the direction of development of infrastructures of the
airport, updating of buildings, and providing services corresponding
to international standards have been implemented according to the
agreement signed between the Armenian government and “Corporacion
America” company.

The complex has an opportunity to serve to 3, 5 million passengers
annually, instead of the former 1.6 million.

The main goal is creation of a new complex with 2 levels, which
enables to completely separate the departing and arriving passenger
flows. More than 1500 workers from 50 different companies have been
involved in the mentioned construction works.

According to Mr. Gevorgyan, today the new air gate of Armenia opens,
which is a result of consistent and diligent work of many years. “The
main goal of the program is to double the capacities of the airport.

“Zvartnots” airport, which works from 1961, is made corresponding
to the highest class for South Caucasus,” he said, adding that
all conditions corresponding to international standards have been
created for passengers. The Deputy Prime Minister noted that arrival
and departure halls of the complex fully pretend to be the best in
the region.

“The new airport, being fully ensured with up-to-date equipments,
will be able to double the number of its passengers in an hour.

The program will be a serious impetus for development of the sphere
of tourism, as well as for making Armenia a big center of transit
passenger transportation in the region. The new complex and the
economic environment developed around it will have essential influence
on Armenia’s economic progress,” Mr. Gevorgyan said.

He said that today’s event is dedicated to 20th anniversary of
Armenia’s independence and stressed that the economic reforms
implemented in the country are directed toward development of the
young state.

Argentinean-Armenian businessmen, chairman of “Corporacion America”
company Eduardo Ernekyan handed the symbolic key to the Armenian
President, and Catholicos of All Armenians chanted a blessing.

Afterward Serzh Sargsyan and Eduardo Ernekyan opened the symbolic
memorial stone of the complex, which was followed by cutting of the
red ribbon.

The complex, which has been constructed in resemblance of Vancouver
International Airport, will be fully handed to exploitation in October.

ZVARTNOTS HI-TECH AIRPORT TERMINAL OPENS IN YEREVAN

PanARMENIAN.Net

September 16, 2011 – 20:03 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – In the framework of events dated to the 20th
anniversary of Armenia’s independence, new terminal of Zvartnots
airport was put into operation.

Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan, ambassadors accredited to Armenia,
as well as Armenian-born Argentine businessman Eduardo Eurnekian
attended the opening ceremony on September 16.

At 34 thousand sqm, the hi-tech terminal, complete with VIP halls,
46 check-in counters, an extensive parking lot, will enable servicing
of up to 3,5 mln passengers annually.

The construction of Zvartnots terminal, specifically designed for
high earthquake stability, took USD160 mln in investments.

ARMENIAN JUDOIST BEATS HIS AZERBAIJANI RIVAL IN BELGIUM

Tert.am
16.09.11

An Armenian judoist has beaten his Azerbaijani rival and paved his way
to the final at the European Youth Judo Championship held in Belgium.

According to the Russian-language Yerkramas daily, Gagik Harutyunyan
(55kg) won over Oruj Valizade from Azerbaijan on Friday.

Harutyunyan has yet to compete with Leri Chelidze from Georgia for
the gold medal.

KARABAKH SETTLEMENT NOT ON EAP AGENDA- EUROPEAN DIPLOMAT

PanARMENIAN.Net
September 16, 2011 – 16:45 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – EU’s non-involvement in Karabakh settlement mediation
activities in Eastern Partnership (EaP) project framework does not
exclude the Nagorno Karabakh Republic representatives’ participation
in European Movement conferences, according to the European Movement
International (EMI) Secretary General.

At news conference in Yerevan, Mr. Diogo Pinto expressed hope for
the effectiveness of the oncoming Yerevan-hosted conference.

On October 20-21, Yerevan will host a congress titled Increase of
Civil Society Role in Eastern Partnership Project, with EaP states
delegations participating.

BAGRATASHEN, BAVRA AND GOGAVAN STATE BORDER CROSSING POINTS TO BE MODERNIZED

armradio.am
16.09.2011 16:13

Today, Mr. Arthur Baghdasaryan, Secretary of the Armenian National
Security Council announced the launch of a project to modernize
Bagratashen, Bavra and Gogavan state border crossing points (BCPs) of
the Republic of Armenia. UNDP will be the implementing agency for this
project and a cost-sharing agreement will be signed with the Government
of Armenia. It is expected that the construction works in the three
border-crossing points will start in the first quarter of 2012.

The EU is already committed to contribute to the enhancement of the
Bavra BCP through the Eastern Partnership Border Management Programme.

Armenian authorities call on international organizations, interested
in a modern and secure border management system in Armenia, for
cooperation aimed at successful implementation of the above mentioned
project.

Armenia’s commitment to the EU standards and best practices implies
establishment of a modern border security system to ensure not only
the strengthening Armenia’s border security, but also the smooth
movement of people and goods across borders, noticeable increase
in regional and international trade and transit, and, ultimately,
establishment of atmosphere of security and development.

The Republic of Armenia has demonstrated its firm commitment to
advance the Integrated Border Management (IBM) system in the country,
which was attested by the signature of the Presidential Decree on
Adoption of the Strategy on Border Security and Integrated State
Border Management on 3 November 2010.

Since 2010 Armenia has benefited from the support provided by the
EU funded and UNDP implemented regional program entitled “Supporting
integrated border management systems in the South Caucasus”. Within the
framework of this program design documentation for the modernization
of Bagratashen, Bavra and Gogavan BCPs has been developed by an
independent international company and submitted to the NSC in August
2011.

UNE ROBE VIEILLE DE 5900 ANS DECOUVERTE EN ARMENIE

La Croix

15 Sept 2011
France

Les restes d’une robe de femme, datant d’environ 5900 ans, ont ete
decouverts par des archeologues dans des grottes du sud de l’Armenie.

Cette robe multicolore est “le seul exemplaire de vetement fabrique
a partir d’une matière aussi ancienne”, a declare Pavel Avetissian,
directeur de l’institut d’archeologie et d’ethnologie de l’Academie
armenienne des sciences.

Cette decouverte devrait permettre, une fois reunis tous les morceaux
de l’habit, d'”etablir comment s’habillaient les femmes au XXXIXe
siècle avant Jesus-Christ”, a ajoute Pavel Avetissian, qui s’attend
a d’autres decouvertes sur ce meme site.

Une chaussure en cuir presentee comme la plus vieille du monde
(5500 ans) et le plus ancien vignoble (remontant a 6100 ans) avaient
precedemment ete decouverts au meme endroit.

DEBATE OVER SELLING SHARES IN STRATEGIC ASSETS CONTINUES

The Messenger
Sept 15 2011
Georgia

By Ernest Petrosyan Thursday, September 15

“The Georgian government will not sell its controlling stake in
strategic companies,” stated PM Nika Gilauri at a government session
on September 14. On September 13, The Georgian parliament approved the
draft allowing the government to offer stakes of state enterprises on
international stock markets on its first reading. This initiative was
firstly announced by PM Nika Gilauri in August when he said that the
legislative amendment was to be prepared for an initial public offering
(IPO) of 15 – 25% stakes in state-owned enterprises. The range of
the IPO stake, however, has been increased from the initial 15-25%
to a 49% stake.

“Our aim is to place small 20-25-30% packages the strategic companies
on international markets. The government will own 51% or more and
accordingly will maintain its control over these companies. On no
account will more than 49% of the shares be sold,” stated Gilauri.

According to the prime minister, if these transactions are implemented
within the next few months, more than USD 500 million inflows are
expected, which, Gilauri assumes, will bolster employment and will
enable additional projects.

Gilauri’s proposal, as expected, created a reaction among parliamentary
and non-parliamentary opposition parties as well as heated discussions
among political and economic analysts. The opposition criticized the
proposal claiming that there was no reason to trust the government’s
“verbal assurances” that it was considering an IPO of only minority
stakes.

“It amounts to enmity to the country’s interests and the undermining of
the economic interests of our country and its geopolitical function,”
MP Giorgi Targamadze, leader of Christian-Democratic Movement a
parliamentary minority group, said during the debates.

“The controlling stake of these assets will always and forever be
under state ownership,” said ruling party lawmaker Zurab Melikishvili,
who chairs the parliamentary committee on finances and budget. Last
month Irakli Alasania, leader of the Free Democrats, said that the
initiative posed “serious risks” and that any final decision on the
matter should be preceded by broad public discussions.

At first glance, it might seem a good economic deal aimed at attracting
investment, despite the possible political threats related to these
companies, which are of strategic importance. Among these enterprises
are the Georgian Railway and the Georgian State Electric System,
which is in charge of power transmission throughout the country,
the Georgian Oil and Gas Corporation [GOGC], which operates the
North-South Gas Pipeline, transporting gas from Russia to Armenia
via Georgia. As for the last one GOGC, the government is considering
an amendment which will reduce the government’s ownership from 75%
to 50%, nonetheless maintaining the controlling stake. Currently,
about 75% of Telasi (the Tbilisi electricity supplier) is owned by
the Netherlands-registered Silk Road Holdings B.V., which is wholly
owned by Russia’s state-controlled power trader, Inter RAO.

Speaking to The Messenger economic analyst Shota Murghulia expressed
his concern about floating the increased stake. “Firstly, there are
no political guarantees that in a couple of years another government
will not sell additional shares, thereby losing control over these
companies. Secondly, it is nonsense to sell the natural gas pipeline
[through which Russia supplies Armenia] since it will definitely have
negative consequences for Georgia, namely the country will lose its
geopolitical advantage, to some degree.” Murghulia noted that a few
years ago, when this pipeline was first supposed to be sold, Russia’s
GAZPROM, an Armenian company, and Azeri Socar, all expressed an
interest in acquisition. Socar finally offered the highest price since
for Azerbaijan possession of the pipeline is politically beneficial
due to its ongoing conflict with Armenia. As for Georgian Railway,
Murghulia said that it might be reasonable to sell, since it has to
be modernized and needs additional investments.