Author: Badalian Vardan

news.am, Armenia
June 16 2011

Children often beg money to spend them in internet clubs in Armenia

June 16, 2011 | 14:53

YEREVAN. – Children often beg money only to spend them in the internet
clubs in Armenia, head of the police department on underage, colonel
Nelli Duryan told at press conference on Thursday.

`We inform the family in each case, as children often beg money for
the internet clubs,’ told Duryan.

There are cases when children beg to help the family, and these are
usually children without father. There are 20 beggar children
registered in police. Beggar children are vulnerable group in the
street as they may easily be victims or be involved in crime. As for
underage prostitution, there are four girls registered in police.

news.am, Armenia
June 16 2011

Majority of scientific equipment outdated in Armenia

June 16, 2011 | 15:26

YEREVAN. – The funds allocated to scientific and scientific-technical
activities from Armenia’s state budget made 0.19%, 0.27% and 0.24% of
GDP in 2008-2010.

The indicator is inferior to those of the developed and developing
countries, says the strategic program for the development of science
for 2011-2015, elaborated by Armenia’s Education Ministry.

According to Eurostat, in 2008 gross domestic expenditures on
scientific and scientific-technical activities made 1,77% of GDP in
27 EU countries, 0,6-1,3% in the Baltic countries, 1% in Russia, and
4,9% of GDP in Israel.

It is noteworthy the indicator was lower in Azerbaijan and Georgia
than in Armenia.

In Armenia, the majority of scientific equipment is outdated.
According to official information, about 70% of scientific instruments
and devices are outdated.

The Messenger, Georgia
June 16 2011

Bad roads hinder tourism development in Armenia

By Messenger Staff
Friday, June 17

In 2010 the Armenian population spent around USD 50-70 mln on holidays
abroad. The Armenian Hotel Association chairman Akop Akopian released
the information on June 1, where he mentioned different reasons for
people leaving Armenia for leisure. In Armenia there are 114 hotels
and even in central locations the occupancy rate is around 50%. The
bulk of Armenia’s tourists come from Russia, Iran, USA, Germany and
Italy most of whom are of Armenian origin so they are visiting friends
and family rather than staying in hotels. Akopian also mentioned that
poor road infrastructure also contributes to a poor tourist climate.
Many Armenians prefer to make their holidays in Turkey and Georgia
where they feel more comfortable.

Panorama, Armenia
June 16 2011

Armenian PM: Turkey’s political influence will only grow if they
follow international standards

`We’re committed to normalize relations with out neighbor Turkey
without any preconditions, but the recent events have shown Turkey
isn’t ready to do the same,’ Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan
said in an interview with CNN.

Armenian PM said Turkey’s political role and influence will only grow
if they follow the rules of the game.

`Turkey’s influence is weakened by the conflicts Turkey has with his
neighbors. Turkey should carry out democratic reforms on his path to
EU family,’ Armenian PM said.

news.am, Armenia
June 16 2011

EuroNest plenary session not to hold in Yerevan

June 16, 2011 | 11:40

YEREVAN. – The plenary session of EuroNest will be held in Strasbourg
instead of Yerevan, as it was planned, the delegation member of
National Assembly of EuroNest, ruling Republican party MP Artak
Zakaryan told Armenian News-NEWS.am.

`There were no official explanations or comments on working session of
Euronest not to hold in Yerevan. However, under the influence of the
Azerbaijani side and to avoid the Azerbaijani boycott and not to
shadow the works of the organization, the session will not be held in
Armenia,’ told Zakaryan and added that the head of the delegation
Vahan Hovhannisyan offered to hold the EuroNest plenary session in
Armenia in connection to the 20 year independency of Armenia.

Russian base in Armenia integral to the countries’ interaction, Russian MP says

June 17, 2011 – 21:01 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – The chairman of the Duma’s committee for CIS affairs
and compatriot relations Alexei Ostrovskiy stressed the importance of
Armenia-Russia Protocol on extension of Russian military base
deployment in Armenia from 25 to 49 years.

`The Protocol is essential in development and strengthening of
Armenia-Russia military cooperation, once again proving partnering and
friendly relations between the countries,’ Ostrovskiy stated.

As he noted, `the presence of Russian military base in Armenia became
an integral part of Armenia-Russia interaction in provision of the
countries’ security, as well as a safety of Caucasus region.”

State Duma ratifies Protocol to extend Russian base deployment in Armenia

June 17, 2011 – 20:49 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Russian State Duma has ratified the Protocol to the
treaty on Russian military base deployment in Armenia, envisaging
contract duration increase from 25 to 49 years, with a possibility of
automatic renewal for five years.

In addition, the Russian military base will be responsible for
provision of Armenia’s safetly jointly with RA Armed Foreces, as well
as supply of modern armament, special and military equipment.

NÉGATIONNISME CULTUREL
l’UNESCO censure l’origine des Khatchkars Arméniens

lettre ouverte

par Varoujan Sirapian

A quoi sert l’UNESCO ? Selon leur site Internet « … à la promotion
du dialogue au service de la paix – afin de construire la « paix dans
l’esprit des hommes » – l’un des principaux thèmes de la mission de
l’UNESCO. »

Après ce que nous avons remarqué hier, avec consternation, dans
l’enceinte même de cette institution, l’UNESCO est un `machin’ qui ne
sert pas à grande chose, sauf peut-être à caser quelques pantouflards
recalés dans d’autres fonctions ! Déjà en décembre 2005, UNESCO n’a
pas fait grande chose quand des centaines de Khatchkars de Djoulfa
(Nakhitchevan) ont été détruits par les Azéris.

Le 15 juin 2011 était annoncé le vernissage de l’exposition « L’Art
des Khatchkars – Croix de pierre arméniennes » dans les salles Miro de
la Maison de l’UNESCO à Paris, en présence de la Vice-ministre de la
culture et de l’Ambassadeur de la République d’Arménie.

Quelques heures seulement avant l’inauguration, la direction de
l’UNESCO a sommé les organisateurs de retirer les légendes des
photographies des Khatchkars, légendes qu’indiquaient leurs localités,
ne laissant que les étiquettes comportant les dates. Imaginez des
centaines de photos montrant des Khatchkars, avec seule indication une
date !

Non content d’imposer ce terrorisme intellectuel en effaçant une
partie de la mémoire de la culture arménienne (exactement comme les
Turcs qui falsifient l’histoire dans les livres scolaires depuis 80
ans) les dirigeants indignes de cette Maison ont supprimé aussi une
grande carte historique qui indiquait justement les emplacements de
différents Khatchkar.

Ajoutant la lcheté à l’injure, les représentants de la direction de
l’UNESCO, ont refusé d’être présent lors de l’inauguration et les
prises de paroles. Comment pourraient-ils faire face aux centaines
d’invités indignés et quels motifs pourraient-ils donner à cette
situation inexplicable ?

Selon la définition de Nations Unies la culture de la paix est un
ensemble de valeurs, attitudes, comportements et modes de vie, qui
rejettent la violence et préviennent les conflits en s’attaquant à
leurs racines par le dialogue et la négociation entre les individus,
les groupes et les États. ******************** Indignation de Jacques
Donabedian

La direction de l’UNESCO devrait commencer à s’appliquer à elle-même
ses valeurs, attitudes et comportement avant de les prêcher aux
autres. Et peut être réfléchir à cette citation de J. Ferron ; « C’est
par la servitude qu’on devient une me damnée. »

Arméniens, indignez-vous !

Exprimez votre colère en adressant vos messages à la Direction de l’Unesco :

par courriel : [email protected]

ou par courrier : UNESCO – 7, place de Fontenoy 75352 Paris 07 SP France

jeudi 16 juin 2011,
Jean [email protected]

PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of Canada
615 Stuart Avenue, Outremont-Quebec H2V 3H2
Contact: Deacon Hagop Arslanian,
Tel: 514-276-9479
Fax: 514-276-9960
Email: [email protected]
Web:

Blessing of the Parish Council members of the Armenian Church Canadian
Diocese
June 17, 2011 By pressoffice
By the initiative and instructions of His Eminence Bishop Bagrat
Galstanian, Primate a unique spiritual tradition has been put in place
in the life of the Armenian Church Diocese of Canada. Following the
Annual General Meetings of our respective parishes and after electing
the new council the Blessing Ceremony of each Parish Council is held.

On May 15, 2011 Primate Galstanian performed the ceremony of Blessing
of the Parish Council at St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian
Cathedral of Montreal. His Eminence prayed the Almighty God to grant
the members of the parish councils all across our Churches under the
jurisdiction of the Diocese heavenly blessings, wisdom and courage to
better serve the Church and the faithful.
The Parish Council Members are:
Rev. Fr. Vazgen Boyajyan President
Meguerditch Kanondjian Chairman
Marguerite Kazarian Vice-Chairperson
Roupen Arakelian Secretary
Rachel Doramajian Accountant
Jirayr Dolar Treasurer
Maro Badiguian Consultant
Shoushan Aroyan Consultant
Ashod Martirossian Consultant
Antreas Arevian Consultant
***
Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Toronto

On Sunday, May 1, 2011 after the Divine Liturgy, the newly elected &
re-elected parish council members received special blessing from the
Rev. Archpriest Zareh Zargarian who wished them well and noted the
importance of their commitment to the Holy Trinity Armenian Church and
its God pleasing mission.
The council’s chairperson is Mr. John Satouri and the Vice-Chair is
Mr. Stephan Ekmekjian.
The Parish Priest, along with the Parish Council, is the
administrative authority of the parish administering and directing the
affairs and activities of the parish, including the affairs of the
subordinate organizations and is custodian of all property which
belongs to the parish. A majority of the members of the Parish Council
in the presence of the Priest constitute a quorum.
The Parish Assembly elects the Parish Council. They carry out the
decisions of the Assembly and present the annual report and financial
statement to the Assembly. One of the major duties of the Parish
Council is to ensure the proper and regular performance of church
services.
The 2011 Parish Council Members are:
Rev. Archpriest Zareh Zargarian, President
John Satouri, Chairman
Stephan Ekmekjian, Vice-Chairman
Levon Kaltakjian, Secretary
Rosin Imasdounian, Treasurer
Hrant Ketenjian, Advisor
Kevork Barounian, Advisor
Sibil Kurkjian, Advisor
France Kandaharian, Advisor
Rostom Mirzoyan, Advisor
Krikor Apel, Advisor
Talar Yardemian, Advisor
Susana Harutunyan, Advisor
***

Holy Cross Armenian Church, Laval
On Sunday, May 22, 2011 on the feast of the apparition of the Holy
Cross and following the Divine Liturgy celebration in Laval Holy Cross
Church Primate Galstanian performed the blessing ceremony of the
Parish Council.
The 2011 Parish Council members are:

Rev. Fr. Komitas Mirzakhanyan, Pastor
Albert Yeghikian, Chairman
Mariana Arakliyan, Secretary
Rafik Zeinalian, Treasurer
Vazgen Manoukian, Vice-Chaireman
Lucy Babikian, Vice- Secretary
Georgik Shahbazi, Vice-Treasurer
Haroutioun Ohannessian, Advisor
Alen Navasargian, Advisor
Karen Simonyan, Advisor
***
St. Mesrob Armenian Church, Ottawa
On Sunday, June 12, 2011 Reverend Father Myron Sarkissian, Pastor of
St. Mesrob Parish in Ottawa celebrated Holy Divine Liturgy. Following
Sourp Badarak, Der Hayr performed the blessing ceremony of the Parish
Council.
The 2011 Parish Council members are:
Mr. Ardashes Koundakjian, Chair
Mr. Hagop Dokmajian, Vice Chair
Mrs. Ani Kassabian, Treasurer
Mrs. Nina Ashekian, Advisor
Mrs. Nancy Soghandjian, Advisor
***
St. Vartan Armenian Church, Mississauga
Mr. Vasken Altounian, Chair
Mr. Sarkis Hamboyan, Secretary
Mrs. Lilian Sevadjian, Treasurer
Mr. Melkon Melkon, Advisor
Mr. Bedros Garabetian, Advisor
Mr. Van Vanes, Advisor
***
St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church, St. Catharines
Harout Minoian, Chairman
Eddy Boyagyan, Vice Chairman
Lisa Torosian Pontikas, Secretary
Harout Zakarian, Treasurer
Dr. Hagop Mazmanian, Advisor
Hrayr Paroyan, Advisor
Arsen Kassabian, Advisor
***
St. Mary Armenian Church, Hamilton
Karnig Capadisli, Chairman
Armenag Arteen, Vice Chairman
Vahag Asatryan, Secretary
Lida Alexanian, Treasurer
Kevork Papazian, Advisor
Mesrob Dermanouelian, Advisor
Agnes Bogossian, Advisor
***
St. Vartan Armenian Church, Vancouver
Hagop Attarmigirian, Chairman
Segey Maranjian, Vice Chairman
Brigitte Karakas, Secretary
Shant Tersakian, Vice secretary
Arax Amirian, Treasurer
Khachatur Lazarian, Vice treasurer
Bedros Shabanian, Advisor
Onnik Isbeceryan, Advisor
Daniel Tacvorian, Advisor

NEGOTIATIONS, ULTIMATUMS, AND TALK OF ELECTIONS UNACCEPTABLE: SARGSYAN’S RESPONSE TO HAK DIALOGUE

epress.am
06.17.2011 18:17

Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan issued a statement today on the
issues raised by the Armenian National Congress with respect to
dialogue between the opposition bloc and the ruling coalition.

Sargsyan says the ruling coalition is and always has been ready for
dialogue – but not if it involves negotiations, ultimatums and talk
of pre-term elections. Here is his statement in full as sent by the
RA president’s press office:

“For the forces, which are concerned with the problems of our people
and development of our state, the only logical and acceptable way
to move forward and find solutions to the existing difficulties is
dialogue and discussions. All other methods can be dangerous, full of
inevitable losses. We have been speaking about it constantly and will
not recoil from repeating it again and again. After the presidential
elections in 2008, my first public statement was a call for cooperation
directed to all political forces and non-governmental groups. And
ever since, the working style of the authorities remains unchanged.

“No matter how difficult, at times even tough, the discussions have
been, the [ruling] political coalition has been able to maintain
constructive cooperation with the parliamentary opposition – Armenian
Revolutionary Federation and Heritage Party – for the benefit of
Armenia’s advancement. We have not only been absolutely open for
cooperation with all political forces, but have created corresponding
mechanisms. The work format with the extra-parliamentary parties
allowed to juxtapose approaches existing in the political arena and
related to the issues which are vital for our state and our nation.

The establishment of the Public Council also was aimed at the
attraction of as many social groups as possible in the decision-making
processes, and we always consider proposals coming from that structure.

“Dialogue with the Armenian National Congress [HAK] has also been
initiated by us. We have started the process and it was done not under
any pressure, as some forces embarrassed by that dialogue are trying
to present, but as a result of our deeply conscientious conviction. I
assess positively our work with HAK for the last several months and
hope that there is mutual understanding that the launched process
should be upheld and advanced through the joint efforts. To destroy
is easy, however political maturity is manifested through the ability
to add to whatever has already been done. I believe, if the parties
are able to abstain from the temptation to corner each other and
the process by one-step, unreasoned moves, it will be possible to
resolutely move forward and bring greater benefits to our people
and our state. From this point of view, the essential principle is
clear: ultimatums are unacceptable, and talking in ultimatums is a
road which leads nowhere, and turning a dialogue into negotiations
is simply unacceptable.

“I would like to restate: we have always been open and ready for any
kind of discussion. If there are political forces, which have concrete
and reasonable proposals, we are ready to provide concrete solutions;
If among the numerous problems facing our people and our country HAK is
interested exclusively in the elections, the speaker of the National
Assembly is ready to personally receive the representatives of that
political body and hear them out. If, however, there are suggestions
aimed at the rise of our economy and solution of the social problems
existing in the country, then the prime minster personally will
receive them and discuss these issues. If there are issues which
command intervention by the president, the head of the presidential
staff will receive them and discuss all issues.

“However, if instead of negotiations, which are unacceptable, the
Armenian National Congress is genuinely ready to continue the dialogue
on the outline of the country’s development, essential issues of the
country’s foreign and internal policies and desires to do so through
the specially designated individuals, the representatives of the
[ruling] coalition parties can sit down at the negotiation table
with them. The [ruling] political coalition is ready to conduct such
discussions with all political forces which possess concrete proposals.

“We have embarked on a very important road, and it is important not
only for today. I am confident that if somberness of mind does not
leave us, we will be able to install a new political culture which
is extremely important for independent Armenia.”