Author: Badalian Vardan

Armenia tackles industry problems

According to Economy Minister Tigran Davtyan, his ministry has
developed a `strategic expert-oriented policy’.

Deriving lessons from the crisis, when the engine of Armenia’s
economic growth – the construction industry – suffered worst losses,
the Armenian government remembered that Armenia `was and will be an
industrial country.’

August 27, 2011

PanARMENIAN.Net – According to Economy Minister Tigran Davtyan, his
ministry has developed a `strategic expert-oriented policy’.

As to statistical data, 10.2% growth was registered in January-July
2011 while construction industry saw 32.2% slump. It’s worth noting
that the growth in agriculture reached 32.4%, after last year’s
misfortunes.

Nevertheless, Minister Davtyan is glad that the industry registers
progress as compared to average economic indices. `Export volumes
increased by 25-30%. This means that the tendency of growth persists
and the program elaborated by the government will contribute to this
development,’ he said.

However, the authorities have failed to defend the local production
from illegal imports so far.

As Almast plant director Vahram Tepelikyan said, the cost of the
Chinese output illegally imported in Armenia is much lower, as it is
imported illegally, bypassing the customs control. `We have requested
the government to address the problem,’ he said.

So, a question arouses: how are the products imported without customs
duties and without knowledge of relevant state bodies?

Opportune occasion to recall the signatures, said Harut Sassounian

armradio.am
27.08.2011 14:35

Armenians in the center of attention again turned up in Turkey when
the Turkish parliament the previous Parliament did not include the
hundreds of other bills, including the protocols.

In this connection, a formal response in the absence of commentators
and politicians are expressing an opinion, it should immediately use
the convenient opportunity to invalidate its signature.

“California Courier” newspaper publisher and Editor Harut Sassounian
always been against the protocols, now thinks that Turkish diplomacy
and international pressure to avoid the authorities once again visible
on the government of Armenia should call without delay, with his
signature.

Harut Sassounian “Radiolur” also criticized the conversation with all
parties and organizations, even those who criticize the authorities of
Armenia’s Independence Day, the opportunity to use the opportunity
while it is a holiday, when our national unity should be displayed.

Soldier dies in NKR army

August 27, 2011 – 16:00 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – A soldier died in Nagorno Karabakh defense army. On
August 26, Aghasi Abrahamyan, born 1992, was brought unconscious to a
military hospital, where he died later.

A criminal case has been initiated. Investigation is under way.

WikiLeaks on Armenian Oligarchs

Story from Lragir.am News:

Published: 13:28:51 – 27/08/2011

WikiLeaks revealed classified cables of the U.S. Embassy to Armenia.
They include a letter dated 2003-12-09 which is an informal guide to
who owns what in Armenia.

TYCOONS RELOADED: WHO CONTROLS WHAT IN ARMENIA

The following is our informal guide to who owns what in Armenia, with
the caveat that some of the information is based on rumor and
speculation.

MULTI GROUP

The Multi Group is headed by Gagik Tsaroukian (Dodi Gago), MP elected
in 2003. A former sportsman (arm wrestling), Tsaroukian is believed to
have close ties with the Kocharian family, especially the late Valeriy
Kocharian, the President’s brother. Multi Group is a holding company
consisting of a number of major enterprises in different industries:

–Kotayk Brewery: a joint venture with Castel Beer

–Manana Grain: one of Armenia’s major wheat importers

–Aviaservice: the GOAM sold the right to service aircrafts (catering,
etc.) in November 2003. According to Embassy sources, the President’s
late brother Valeriy Kocharian’s family has a stake in this business

–Armenian International Airways (AIA): Tsaroukian is believed to have
already cashed out

–Ararat winery

–Multi Group Dairy: his mother is in charge of this branch of the business

–Multi Stone: travertine export to Europe. The plant is equipped with
modern state of the art Italian stone cutting machines.

–Casino Club Cleopatra, along with a new casino (Pyramid) under construction

–Gyumri Textile plant: silent co-owner

–Farm projects: including most of the vegetables sold to the Armenian
Military forces

–Furniture Salon network: the largest importer of European furniture
in the country

–Gas stations and natural gas stations: Multi Leon chain

–Two major retail markets: GUM and MASHTOTS AVE

SIL GROUP

The SIL Group is run by Khachatur Sukiassian (Grzo), MP elected in
1999 and again in 2003. Sukiassian is the oldest son of
Grzo-the-father, and has taken control of the SIL Group. He is related
by marriage to Vano Siradeghian, the notoriously corrupt and powerful
former Minister of Internal Affairs (currently in hiding outside
Armenia). It is widely believed that the Siradeghian is one of the
major shareholders of SIL Group. He is the only businessman who both
maintains and admits his ties with ANM and is still a successful
businessman. SIL Group is one of the oldest conglomerates, engaged in
many industries, particularly:

–Restaurant chains Pizza di Roma, Queen burger, Chalet

–SIL Hotel and SIL Plaza department store

–Official distributor of Phillip Morris

–Real Estate in downtown Yerevan

–Golden Wood International: hardwood lumber, flooring strip and
finger-joint panel manufacturer

–Yerevan Furniture Plant panel manufacturer

–Armeconombank: a leading commercial bank

–Bjni mineral water plant

–Yerevan Polyplast OJSC: manufacturer of various plastic household
items, pipes, sanitation piping units, polyethylene film and bags,
linoleum and artificial leather

–Zovq Factory OJSC: Zovq natural juices factory

–Construction business (wood and panel)

–Star Valley Co. (Dubai): SIL Group’s representative in UAE

–Masis Gofrotara: cardboard and napkin production

–Sevan Grain Milling Company.

MIKA LTD

MIKA Ltd. is managed by Mikhael Bagdasarov, who is believed to have
earned his primary capital in Russia. Bagdasarov is the classmate,
best friend and business partner to Defense Minister Serzh Sargsyan.
His businesses include:

–ArmSavings Bank, privatized in 2001

–Viktoria Trade: a major wheat importer

–Mika Trading: oil products imports and distribution (including 40
percent of gasoline imports)

–Armavia: chartered flights to major Russian cities

–Hrazdan Cement Plant, renamed to Mika Cement

–Gas station chains (called MIKA)

–Mineral water bottling in Dilijan (Dilijan Frolova)

–Other major businesses in Russia and Europe

GRAND GROUP

The GRAND Group is run by Hrant Vardanian, a businessman with Russian
capital and under the President’s protection. Although he is not an
MP, his son, Mikhael Vardanian was elected as MP (2003) on the Dashnak
party proportional list. Vardanian enjoys strong popularity within the
general public as a successful industrialist and director who reopened
several major Soviet-era plants. His businesses include:

–Grand Candy: major Armenian producer of chocolates, sweets, ice creams, etc.

–Grand Tobacco: partner with Ruben Hairapetian (Nemets Rubo) and
International Masis Tabak (there has been some conflict between the
two major cigarette producers)

–Grand Sun: production of bulbs and lamps on the basis of the
privatized Lamp factory. Built a similar factory in Iran.

–Alcohol production

–Several Company stores and cafe chains

HAYRAPETIAN FAMILY

The Hayrapetian family owns the ‘Hayrapetian Brothers’ Company. Close
to the President’s office, especially to advisor Alexan Harutiunian.
The younger brother died in a car accident earlier this year. Current
business activities:

–‘Hayastan’ Department store

–Hotel Ararat

–BMW dealer

–Erebuni Textile production plant

–Hotel on Lake Sevan shore

–Other additional minor businesses

RUBEN HAYRAPETIAN

Ruben Hayrapetian, a.k.a. Nemets (German) Rubo. Hayrapetian is the
current Chairman of the Armenian Football Federation. MP (elected in
2003), former Prefect of Avan Community. Hayrapetian appears to be
supported by the President’s office. Current business activities:

–Co-owner of Grand Tobacco

–Aragats textile production plant

–Harsnaqar hotel on Sevan shore

–Several gas stations

–Other additional minor businesses

HARUTIUN PAMBUKIAN

Harutiun Pambukian is an MP elected in 1999 and 2003. He defeated Rubo
the Flower (Ruben Gevorgian) in the race in Davidashen district.
Pambukian is a relatively recent oligarch and major financial
supporter of the Presidential campaign in 2003. Believed to have
support of Russian capital. Major known business activities:

–Max Group: farms, gas stations

–Lusakert Poultry Plant

–Yeghvard Animal Feed Plant

–Stakeholder in Midland Resources: owner of electricity distribution networks

SAMVEL ALEKSANIAN

Samvel Aleksanian is also known as ‘Lfik Samo.’ Elected Member of
Parliament in 2003. A semi-criminal oligarch, Aleksanian maintains an
army of bodyguards. He boasts little formal education (maybe the least
among oligarchs). Close to the President’s office. Tries to resemble
Dodi Gago in everything: his house has the same architecture, he
drives the same make of cars, etc. He has the following legal
businesses:

–Lusastgh (Shining Star): produces vodka and vegetable oil, owns supermarkets

–Informal ‘Feudal Lord’ of Malatia (a district in Yerevan)

–Major importer of wheat, sugar and butter. Anti-monopoly

Committee recently looked into his case, and admitted that there is a
monopoly in sugar and butter importation. Due to his very close ties
with the Customs Committee, he is able to import products with best
possible privileges, thus minimizing competition in the market for his
company

–Natali Pharm: imports and distributes drugs

–Other additional minor businesses

NGO sets award for worst programs, films, soap operas

11:55 – 27.08.11

An Armenian non-governmental organization has announced a series of
awards called `Trash on TV’.

In a statement released on Saturday the NGO called `We Will Not Keep
Silent’ said that the award will be given twice a month to the worst
TV programs, films and soap operas.

All the `winners’ of this award will receive certificates via mail.
The TV channels that will be host of those `winners’ will receive of
100 drams for what the NGO called `get rid of the trash’.

The first winners will be known in the coming days, the NGO said.

Tert.am

Turkish Group Appeals Court Ruling over `Unreliable Websites’

10:44 – 27.08.11

The Turkish Coalition of America (TCA) has appealed a Federal Court’s
March 30th decision to dismiss the lawsuit brought forth by the TCA
against the University of Minnesota, its President, and another
professor, for having included the TCA’s website on a list of
`unreliable websites’ due to the latter’s denial of the Armenian
Genocide, the Armenian Weekly reported.

The TCA is appealing the decision with support from the Rutherford
Institute as a `friend of the court,’ claiming that the student’s
rights to academic freedom, protected by the First Amendment, were
violated.

Last Fall, the TCA, together with first-year university student Sinan
Cingilli, originally from Turkey, sued the University of Minnesota,
its then-president Robert Bruininks, and Prof. Bruno Chaouat, director
of the University’s Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies (CHGS),
for posting a list of `unreliable websites’ on the CHGS website. The
list of websites deemed unreliable to the study of genocide – because
they promoted genocide denial – included that of the TCA. The complaint
was dismissed (`with prejudice’) on the grounds of academic freedom.

The TCA is appealing the decision with support from the Rutherford
Institute as a `friend of the court,’ claiming that the student’s
rights to academic freedom, protected by the First Amendment, were
violated.

The University filed a reply on Aug. 15. In it, it argued that in
order to deliberate on the case, the Court would have to decide which
viewpoint on the Armenian Genocide was correct. `Such issues of
scholarly opinion and debate are not appropriately resolved through
the courts,’ added the University.

The University also argued that Prof. Chaouat and the CHGS were
protected by the principle of academic freedom, and therefore could
deem certain sources of information unreliable.

`Universities and their faculty members have the right to express
their views on academic matters. They have the right to provide
recommendations and advice to students and others regarding the
reliability of sources of information, including websites, and whether
the sources should be used for scholarly research and writing,’ it
stated.

The University added that the TCA had not established a `cognizable
injury,’ and that neither the TCA nor Cingilli were prohibited from
expressing their viewpoints, and no one was restricted from accessing
the TCA’s website.

`Cingilli has no right to avoid receiving recommendations and advice
from University professors, especially when he affirmatively seeks
them out,’ stated the University in its reply.

The University also cited the Massachusetts case of Griswold v.
Driscoll, where the Assembly of Turkish American Associations (ATAA),
along with two state teachers and a student, had sued the
Massachusetts Department of Education over Armenian Genocide education
in Massachusetts schools. They had claimed that `contra Genocide’
viewpoints had to be included in school curricula as a First Amendment
right. Former U.S. Supreme Court Justice David Souter, writing for the
circuit court, had denied that appeal.

Tert.am

FOOTBALL-CHAMPIONNAT D’ARMENIE
« Oulis » Erévan rejoint « Kantsassar » Ghapan en tête du classement

Lors de la 19e journée du championnat arménien de football, « Oulis »
Erévan est revenu en tête du classement en s’imposant sur le score
fleuve de 5-0 face à « Ararat » Erévan. « Kantsassar » Ghapan,
co-leader a fait match nul (2-2) face à « Mika » Achdarak. « Piunig »
Erévan a gagne 1-0 face à « Chirag » Giumri et « Impulse » Dilidjan a
triomphé sur le score de 3-1 face à « Panants » Erévan. En tête du
classement, « Oulis » Erévan et « Kantsassar » Ghapan avec 37 points,
suivis de « Piunig » Erévan (33 points). « Impulse » Dilidjan le
quatrième ne compte que 28 points. Le titre devrait donc logiquement
se jouer entre « Oulis » Erévan, « Kantsassar » Ghapan et « Piunig »
Erévan le champion en titre qui ne caracole plus en tête du
classement.

Krikor Amirzayan

samedi 27 août 2011,
Krikor [email protected]

news.az, Azerbaijan
Aug 26 2011

Youth studying abroad needs to play vital role in information war – official
Fri 26 August 2011 07:48 GMT | 3:48 Local Time
Text size:

Elnur Aslanov This year is very significant as this marks 20th
anniversary of Azerbaijan’s independence.
The statement came from head of the political analysis and information
department at the Azerbaijani Presidential Administration Elnur
Aslanov in his remarks to the IX ASAIF Youthland Forum which is under
way in Kempinski Hotel Badamdar in Baku.

The fact that we have gathered here for this event today to exchange
views following the Strasbourg forum is a very significant event, he
said.

`As many as 450 Azerbaijani youth studying in 37 countries participate
in this event. This is evidence of economic development and power of
Azerbaijan. Some part of this youth is studying through state funds
while the other part is furthering their education abroad through
personal funds. Both facts are striking examples of economic strength
of Azerbaijan. Current economic development of Azerbaijan opens up
great opportunities for education of Azerbaijani youth abroad,’
Aslanov added.

Azerbaijan has made significant accomplishments in terms of education
of youth abroad, revealing and raising awareness about intellectual
potential of Azerbaijan through them, the official noted.

Citing words by Head of State Ilham Aliyev, Aslanov noted that
Azerbaijan should shift from defensive line to an offensive one in an
information war.

`The victory in Eurovision song contest, wins of Azerbaijani athletes
and the fact that sons of Azerbaijan like Mubariz Ibrahimov and Ramil
Safarov did not kneel down before the enemy give special spirit to
Azerbaijani youth.’

The presidential official also emphasized that today also marks
anniversary of Ireli Public Association.

`This organization was founded six years ago by six individuals. It
has covered a hard, though honorable and exemplary path over these
years.’

Aslanov also touched upon information matters across the world.

`Information is a crucial matter in a present-day world. The countries
that possess information, realize and export it survive on the scene
of history and preserve their characteristic features. Those who are
devoid of these opportunities leave this scene of history. Our victory
in information war is not only due to those who are in Baku, officials
and intellectuals. Our youth studying abroad should play a role and
they do play a role in this respect.

`They are responsible for main part of our success in information war.
They should therefore play a vital role in raising awareness worldwide
about realities of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

`Information war is not about shooting with historical facts. This is
about insuring development of Azerbaijan, popularizing our ancient and
rich culture and talking about our past and present. Sometimes youth
achieves something that official fail to do.’

Gun.Az

news.az, Azerbaijan
Aug 26 2011

Sargsyan’s policies to be blamed for possible ban for him to enter US – MP

Fri 26 August 2011 05:26 GMT | 1:26 Local Time

The efforts of the Armenian diaspora to ban entry of Armenian
President to the United States are no surprise.
This is logical result of policies of Sargsyan regime.

The remarks came from Mubariz Gurbanli, deputy executive secretary of
the ruling New Azerbaijan Party and member of the parliament.

Sargsyan has driven the country into such a condition that it faces
the dilemma of `life or death,’ the MP said.

The authorities of the occupier state have spoiled relations with all
its neighbors, he added.

`So, it has occupied lands of Azerbaijan and maintains no diplomatic
ties with Turkey. It also experiences certain problems with Georgia.
Even some circles in Russia fail to understand the policies pursued by
Armenia. In short, Armenia’s current authorities acting as a vassal
pose a danger for Armenia in the region by their stupid moves.’

The Armenian diaspora is concerned over mass out flux of people who
are leaving Armenia, MP believes.

`That is why they are taking steps against Sargsyan regime. One should
bear in mind that Armenia may revive only after it gives up
occupation. Armenia has remained on the sidelines of all regional
projects due to Azerbaijan’s policies. It experiences deep economic
crisis. The population is in serious social plight. The situation in
Armenia will not improve unless it goes ahead with occupation. The
Armenian diaspora should be mindful of this, too,’ the NAP official
noted.

Gun.Az

Trend, Azerbaijan
Aug 26 2011

Top official: Victory in information war is extremely important for
Azerbaijan, being in state of war with Armenia
[26.08.2011 13:23]
Azerbaijan, Baku, Aug. 26 / Trend T.Hajiyev /

Azerbaijani Presidential Administration Political Analysis and
Information Provision Department head Elnur Aslanov believes it is
extremely important for Azerbaijan, which is in a state of war with
Armenia, to gain a victory in the information war.

“Azerbaijan’s victory in the information war depends not only on those
who work in Baku. It also depends on our fellow countrymen living and
studying abroad,” Aslanov said at the opening of the 9th International
Summer Forum of Azerbaijani Alumni and Youth Studying Abroad (ASAIF)
“Baku – city of the youth”. “The information war is not only based on
the historical facts. This is also propaganda of a rich culture and
development of Azerbaijan,”

He underscored that the Azerbaijani youth have heroes like Mubariz
Ibrahimov and Ramil Safarov, willing to sacrifice their lives for the
motherland.

Aslanov said Azerbaijan needs active citizens and the young people
participating in today’s forum are really such citizens.

About 400 students from 35 countries attend the ASAIF Forum.

The forum will operate several sections such as “Know-Karabakh and
tell others”, “Discover the capital of Eurovision – 2012”, “Azerbaijan
in social media” and “Academic propaganda in Azerbaijan”.