Author: Badalian Vardan

KOTCHARIAN SOUTIENT TASRUKIAN DANS SA CRITIQUE DU GOUVERNEMENT

Opposition

L’ancien president Robert Kotcharian a salue hier la recente prise
de position d’un porte-parole du BHK, Gagik Tsarukian, qui a critique
les politiques economiques du gouvernement armenien.

Le secretaire charge des relations avec la presse de Kotcharian, Victor
Soghomonian, a dit que Tsarukian a fait ” de nombreuses evaluations
objectives de la situation actuelle en Armenie ” lorsqu’il s’est
adresse a un congrès BHK a Erevan le week-end.

Dans son discours, Tsarukian a fustige les politiques socio-economiques
du gouvernement, ” steriles “, disant que les Armeniens sont de plus
en plus en train de perdre l’espoir d’une vie meilleure. Le magnat a
aussi ete soutenu par Kotcharian en ce qui concerne sa recente prise de
bec avec le Premier ministre Tigran Sarkissian, largement interpretee
comme une attaque a peine voilee contre le president Serge Sarkissian.

L’ex- president a critique a plusieurs reprises les autorites au cours
des dernières semaines pour minimiser l’importance de la croissance
economique enregistree au cours de sa presidence 1998-2008. Les
attaques verbales ont relance les speculations sur son desir de
revenir a la politique avec l’aide de la BHK.

Le Parti republicain d’Armenie (HHK) a ignore les critiques de
Tsarukian. ” Franchement , nous avons un peu peur, mais nous ne sommes
pas concernes >>, a plaisante Hovannes Sahakian, haut legislateur HHK.

Sahakian a note que le chef du BHK reste reticent a declarer
ouvertement que son parti est dans l’opposition.

DEPARTMENT HEAD OF AZERBAIJAN’S PRESIDENTIAL ADMINISTRATION: “A NUMBER OF STATES ARE WORKING TO OPEN TURKEY-ARMENIA BORDER”

APA, Azerbaijan
Feb 17 2014

[ 17 February 2014 11:03 ]

Elnur Aslanov: “Turkey has repeatedly stated that the borders with
Armenia can be opened only after the settlement of Nagorno Karabakh
conflict”

Baku. Shamil Alibeyli – APA. “Turkish Prime Minister, Head of State
and Foreign Minister have repeatedly stated that the borders with
Armenia can be opened only after the settlement of Nagorno Karabakh
conflict,” head of Political Analysis and Information Provision
Department of the Presidential Administration Elnur Aslanov told
journalists, APA reports.

Aslanov said Azerbaijan believes in these promises and considers
that Turkey’s foreign policy will continue this strategic direction:
“We are sure of that. Unfortunately, a number of states are working
to open Turkey-Armenia border and financing this process. However,
if studying reasons for the closure of the borders, we will see
that the borders can be opened only after the Armenian-Azerbaijani
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is settled. Peace, stability may be
established in the region after Armenia abandons destructive policy.

Unfortunately, today Armenia has become a disruptive factor in the
region due to its non-constructive and irrational policy. This policy
causes Armenia to remain in economic blockade and be an outsider in
political arena.”

ARMENIAN GOVERNMENT PREFERS BULLYING

Vestnik Kavkaza, Russia
Feb 18 2014

18 February 2014 – 3:05pm

Susanna Petrosyan, Yerevan. Exclusively to Vestnik Kavkaza

An absurd situation occurred in Armenia over the decision by the
Constitutional Court on January 24th on the timely release of
responsibility for non-payment of pension fees.

First of all, five-per-cent assignments to pension funds from salaries
of citizens are taking place in state facilities, including schools,
ministries, various departments and enterprises.

Secondly, the Ministry of Finances, the Committee for Budget Revenues
and the Central Bank stated on liabilities of economic entities and
possible consequences in case of non-payment of the assignments.

Despite the decision by the Constitutional Court, the minister of
finances David Sarkisyan stated that since February 20th economic
entities are obliged to transfer first assignments to a certain account
“Bridge.”

“Employers as tax agents are obliged to make compulsory accumulated
payments,” the minister of labor and social affairs Artem Asatryan
stated.

Tension is felt in a statement by the Central Bank on February 7th.

The Bank warns about “heavy consequences” of non-payment of compulsory
pension fees. The warning says that if contested items of the law
on funded pension are found constitutional by the CC, participants
of the Defined Contribution Pension System will have to pay fees
for a previous period. At the same time, the CB reserves a right for
commenting the court’s decision: “The CC didn’t release participants
of the Defined Contribution Pension System from fees by its procedural
decision. Operation of these items of the law hasn’t been suspended.”

Thirdly, it appeared that the current approaches in the tax sphere
prevent the CC’s decision. Electronic reports approved by the Committee
of Budget Revenues don’t let citizens use this right.

According to the opposition, income tax forms for employers are made
in such a way that it is impossible to add pension fees into them. In
other case, they will have to reject filling tax report, and it could
lead to administrative sanctions.

The Ministry of Finances and Social Affairs, the Committee for Budget
Revenues, and the Central Bank chose tactics of pressure and bullying
citizens, despite the decision by the CC. The tactics has two reasons.

Probably pension fees are a part of an acute economic scheme by the
government, which is aimed at filling “budget gaps” and other goals.

Secondly, the government didn’t expect such a powerful negative
reaction from the society and is at a loss, while bullying is a sign
of panic.

NEW ENGLAND AT NIGHT: AN INTERVIEW WITH BOB AVAKIAN

ARTS | FEBRUARY 17, 2014 2:47 PM

By Gregory Eddi Jones

(The following interview with photographer Bob Avakian appeared in
PetaPixel on January 20.)

Bob Avakian and his wife Gail visited Martha’s Vineyard for the summer
in 1973, and it has been home ever since. Trained in architecture,
engineering and building, for years he has worked in the construction
field as a custom homebuilder. After finding himself in management,
removed from the satisfaction of hands-on involvement, he turned to
photography as a means of self-expression.

As his photographic vision has evolved he has been drawn to the
natural landscape and an exploration of night photography.

PetaPixel: First Bob, how did you initially come into photography?

Bob Avakian: I could say my first formal introduction to photography
came in the early 70’s when I took a photography class as an art
elective while in college. Soon after, I moved to Martha’s Vineyard.

I still had my camera but going from NYC to a quiet island was a big
change and street photography was too intimate on a small island,
so the camera got put away except for taking photos of family,
friends and my construction work projects. A few years ago I took
an architectural photography class at Maine Media Workshops. That
experience rekindled an old passion for photography.

PP: Who are some of your biggest photographic influences, and what
makes their work special to you?

BA: I can remember a long time ago having an Ansel Adams poster on
my bedroom wall. Guess that would make him my first influence. But,
my Maine Media experience with architectural photographer Brian Van
den Brink got things really started for me.

After that I enrolled in a portfolio building/critique workshop
offered by the Griffin Museum of Photography in Winchester Ma. It is
called the Atelier, and is led by Karen Davis and her assistant Meg
Birnbaum. Without a doubt I can say it has been the most influential
to the development of my work.

Locally, here on Martha’s Vineyard I have had the opportunity to meet
Stephen Dirado, who has been working at night for years. In fact he
photographed comet Hale Bop in the ’90s.

There are so many other photographers work I admire, but one stands
out, Todd Hido, I recall reading him discuss his process, saying
how much he drives around and thinking “hey, that’s what I do” and
immediately bonding with him. But of course it’s more his photography,
it’s really appealing. I only hope to meet him someday.

PP: One of the hallmarks of your work is the softness of light and
color that remains consistent from one picture to the next. Can you
tell us a little about the techniques you use to capture these scenes?

BA: This style began to emerge while I was building my portfolio of
night photos. It really appealed to me, so I latched on to it and
started to build on it as much as I could.

After one of my first portfolio reviews, I learned the importance
of a “tight and cohesive body of work.” So editing became a crucial
component, and in order to tighten it up I needed a lot of photos
to select from. Of course, some of this aesthetic is achieved while
processing the photos in Adobe Lightroom.

My night photos don’t look like much when first loaded into the
computer so they need to be enhanced. But one thing is for sure. If
it’s not there to start with its not there in the end.

PP: Talk about the moods and emotional tones you look to set in your
work. There seems to be a thread of quietness and meditation that
binds these scenes together…

BA: That question most definitely hits on what my experience of
photographing the landscape at night is. The stillness of the night
and the mind while being out alone in the natural environment is
what makes this all so special. It is a very private experience and
as you suggest, a conscious meditation. It is all about finding the
right place and getting into the right mind to capture its essence.

PP: As a follow-up, talk us about your interest in the landscape in
general. What draws you to photography these outdoor scenes and not,
say, portraits or still life?

BA: I live surrounded by the natural landscape, so in a way it is
a matter of convenience for me. A lot of my photos are taken just
minutes from my home. I have done some still life and portrait work but
without any doubt, being outdoors is my first choice at the moment. I
feel much more comfortable than when I am photographing people.

PP: Many of these scenes remind me of other artists, Gregory Crewdson
and Edward Hopper particularly. There’s a sense of emotion and mood
that you share with these two artists, as well an interest in the
New England architecture aesthetic, which they are both famous for
depicting. Have you looked to these two for inspiration? What interests
you in the atmosphere of New England?

BA: Crewdson and Hopper! Thank you very much. Though, this is not
the first time either of those two names have come up. Once at a
portfolio review Crewdson’s name came up as I was being told my work
had a cinematic looks to it. That was truly mind-blowing. Same for
Hopper, though I was more familiar with his interior work.

New England is home to me, especially the rural location of Cape Cod
and the Islands. I have been living on the Vineyard for the last 40
years. So it may be more of a coincidence. My surroundings are an
inspiration in themselves, and I take pleasure in being able to show
them in a fresh way.

PP: When looking through these images, I very much get a sense of
searching and discovering. I can almost put myself in your shoes,
exploring the landscape and feeling a type of kinship with the
environment and its surprises. Is this experience of searching an
important part of this work for you?

BA: Yes, I think you nailed it. For me it is like the hunt, the
capture, then the reward. You know, living so close to the sea,
I have done a lot of fishing, and nighttime surf fishing at that.

If you think about it, there are quite a lot of similarities between
fishing and photography. You gather up your gear, load the car and head
out. Find the spot you think will be productive. You get yourself and
your equipment ready. Bait your hook and cast it into the water then
wait. You might wait all night and not get anything, or, if you’re
lucky, your rod will bend over and the line will start spinning off
the reel. Now you have to land it and hope it’s a keeper. If it is you
get take it home to cook for dinner and then enjoy; with a big smile.

PP: Beyond New England, are there other locations or environments
you’re interested in exploring? Perhaps seascapes or industrial
locations?

BA: It’s funny you mention seascapes, I am surrounded by them. Used to
be when I would head out the sea was my first destination, still is
actually, but when I get there sometimes I look the other way. There
are still lots of places here I have yet to visit. I have traveled
to urban locations to do night photography. The results are a lot
different, so for now I’ll stick to the rural environment.

PP: What’s the key to making a great night-time image?

BA: I have learned you need to have a lot of patience. It takes time
to get your exposure correct and to focus properly. Taking plenty
of high ISO test shots will help with this. Using your histogram
(digital) to determine your final exposure.

Otherwise choosing the right night is important, for me it’s all about
the sky. I don’t always know when I am going out, but opening up the
kitchen door and looking at the sky could make me suddenly wind up
in my car and hitting the road.

PP: Lastly, what’s coming up for you over the next year,
photographically or otherwise?

BA: Continuing the learning process, experimenting, building the
portfolio, and perhaps working to develop a new body of work.

PP: Thank you for your time Bob.

– See more at:

ARMENIAN NGOS SUGGEST TESTING CALORIC VALUE OF RUSSIAN GAS IN THE UK

by Arthur Yernjakyan

Monday, February 17, 15:57

ArmRusgasprom is ready to provide its mobile labs for a random testing
of the caloric value of the gas supplied in Armenia so as to dispel
some consumers’ doubts that the quality of the gas is low, CEO of
ArmRusgasprom Vartan Harutyunyan said during a public discussion
on Monday.

He said that the caloric value of the gas is almost 8,000 Kcal, which
is even higher than the internationally required 7,600 kcal level.

President of Armenian Consumers Union NGO Armen Poghosyan suggested
setting up a working group and sending a gas container for independent
testing to any foreign country, say, the UK, as local experts cannot
be trusted.

Harutyunyan said that Armenia has three laboratories that can test
the caloric value of gas (at Hrazdan HPP, at Yerevan HPP and at Ararat
Cement) and none of them has detected any change in the caloric value
of the gas supplied in the country.

Director of the National Metrology Institute Vahan Sahakyan said that
92.2% of Russian gas is methane, 5% is ethane, 1.38% is nitrogen,
0.7% is propane and 0.082% is oxygen.

“It is not a hard job to test the caloric value of our gas, so,
I see no need in sending a gas container abroad,” Sahakyan said.

In the end, the parties decided to conduct a random testing, but it
turned out that even though they in ArmRusgasprom have mobile labs,
they have no people who can use them.

RESIDENTS COLLECT SIGNATURES AGAINST THIRD TAILING DUMP IN THEIR VILLAGE

02.17.2014 23:26 epress.am

Residents of Melikgyugh rural community in Aragatsotn marz (province)
collected signatures against the construction of the third tailing dump
in their village. A third tailing dump of Mego-Gold LLC’s Tukhmanuk
gold mine was already once rejected by the RA Ministry of Nature
Protection, but on Feb. 10 the issue of opening the tailing dump was
again discussed in the village.

Environmentalist Silva Adamyan, in conversation with Epress.am, said
the villagers weren’t informed that there would be public hearings,
which is a procedural violation. According to her, village mayor
Hakob Lazarian committed one other violation: public hearings must
be held at least 20 days after the previous hearing; meanwhile,
public hearings in Melikgyugh took place on Feb. 10 and 12.

Villagers greeting the environmentalists also said that they’re asking
the public hearings be held not in Yerevan, but in their village, as
they are the community that is affected. “The villagers greeted us
with complaints. They said that the two tailing dumps already have
made life unbearable in the village, they are damaging the bees and
nature, the environment. Thus, they are fundamentally against the
exploitation of a third tailing dump,” said Adamyan.

According to her, environmentalists also intend to appeal in writing
to the Ministry of Nature Protection, as operation of a third tailing
dump is not permitted.

Adamyan said that Mega-Gold, under the guise of a new project,
introduced a project that the ministry already rejected.

According to environmentalists, operation of the tailing dump is
inadmissible for the following reasons: data on what the tailings
contain don’t correspond to the composition of ore, and there is
no data on heavy metals and toxic elements, which remain after the
gold is extracted. There is no assessment of the contamination of
the soil and water arising from the existing two tailing dumps. This
contamination can be assessed indirectly from the findings of analyses
conducted by the RA National Academy of Sciences’ Center for Ecological
Noosphere Studies and scientific articles about the composition of
ore in the Tukhmanuk mine. There is no data on the possible effect
of tailings on public health. As evident from the Ministry of Nature
Protection’s response, the ministry’s experts did not conduct research
in the village and relied exclusively on the project’s documents,
which don’t reflect the real situation.

YERETZIAN BOOK CAPTURES BEAUTY OF ORNATE INITIALS

ARTS | FEBRUARY 17, 2014 2:50 PM

GLENDALE — It was a full house at the Glendale Central Library
auditorium on Wednesday, February 5, as Abril Bookstore and Publishing
presented the book release celebration of artist Seeroon Yeretzian’s
new publication dedicated to the Armenian ornate initials, Seeroon
Darer, a book celebrating her 25 years of research and mastery of
the medieval Armenian art of the illuminated manuscripts and ornate
letters.

After an opening prayer by Archbishops Hovnan Derderian and Moushegh
Mardirosian and a welcoming by Glendale City Councilman Ara Najarian,
the program began with the artist’s son, Arno Yeretzian, who presented
a remarkable multimedia introduction to what could be found in this
lavish new volume. Included in the segment were two video clips
showing artist Seeroon Yeretzian in action while painting two of her
masterpieces. This brought the house to tears as they witnessed the
artist — who has recently been diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease
— in her prime, painting this difficult art of gradations and fine
lines with such ease and finesse.

Both archbishops presented Seeroon with congratulatory scrolls and lead
a special prayer for her. Seeroon, in turn, presented both of them with
gifts of her own of two of her famous peacocks, stating the following,
“Peacocks are usually found on top of Khorans. They are the protectors
of Heaven. They have all the colors like rainbows and they represent
the sun, which is the source of life on earth. Peacocks are symbolic
of Pride in Armenian unity and brotherhood that I wish for our nation
Armenia to have.”

Vatche Mankerian, the well-known pianist who just recently received
a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Southern
California, presented a beautiful speech in Armenian conveying his
deep respect and admiration of Seeroon Yeretzian’s work and for
her amazing role in continuing this ancient old tradition of the
illuminated Armenian arts and bringing it to the current generation.

He followed by performing on piano a few pieces by Arno Babajanian
and Komitas.

Aram Samuelian, brother of Bedros Samuelian, who sponsored the book
from Lebanon, congratulated Seeroon for her work. The final speaker
of the night was Harry Mesrobian, the art director and designer of
the book. Mesrobian was the person who ignited Seeroon’s passion for
this art form, as he walked inside of the old Abril Bookstore one
day in 1988, picked up a book presenting the art of the Medieval
Armenian manuscripts and asked, “Has Anybody ever done a complete
alphabet using these ornate letters?” Harry gave a very heartfelt
and amazing speech signifying Seeroon’s artistic excellence and her
crucial role in bringing this art to the modern age. Harry has shared
the same office as Seeroon for 25 years and has seen her develop her
huge line of art dedicated to this art. This has been an honor for
him to witness and to be inspired by.

Elizabeth Grigorian, the Armenian outreach coordinator of the Glendale
Public Library, presented Seeroon Yeretzian with numerous commendations
by different governmental representatives including assemblyman Mike
Gatto and Rep. Adam Schiff (D). This followed with a final speech by
Seeroon Yeretzian, read by her son, Arno Yeretzian.

Seeroon Yeretzian expressed how doing this worked changed her life
forever. She urged the audience to stop staring at iPhone or computer
screens and to wake up and be in the moment. She encouraged them,
especially women, to continue this art form as a source of peace,
meditation, and medication. The evening was concluded with a kinetson
ceremony, a tradition that her late husband, Harout Yeretzian had
introduced to the Los Angeles community more than 30 years ago,
where wine is poured onto the pages of the book as a symbolic blessing.

Seeroon Darer is a true labor of love by Seeroon Yeretzian. Borne onto
the pages of Armenian illuminated manuscripts during the Middle Ages,
the Armenian ornate initials come to life once again in the 21st
century through her hand. This book presents a once-in-a-lifetime
accomplishment dedicated to revealing the intrinsic beauty of
these mystical letters. The volume presents a treasure of aesthetic
expression, rich colors and majestic elegance with over 850 Armenian
ornate initials, 248 of which are original designs by the artist
herself, all accompanied by illuminations, ornamentations and poignant
insights.

– See more at:

CU SHOULD UNDERSTAND TO RESPECT PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES’ NATIONAL LANGUAGES – ARMENIAN OPPOSITION PARTY

February 16, 2014 | 21:03

YEREVAN. – The state and official languages of the Customs Union (CU)
member states should be equal for use and communication.

Armenia’s opposition Heritage Party National Assembly Faction Secretary
Tevan Poghosyan told the aforesaid to Armenian News-NEWS.am.

Poghosyan commented on the recent statement by Andrey Belyaninov, Head
of Federal Customs Service of Russia, according to which the working
language of the customs services of Belarus, Russia, and Kazakhstan
is Russian, whereas this is Armenian in Armenia, and therefore,
“a serious work must be done. Otherwise, they will not understand
one another in these countries.”

In the Armenian MP’s conviction, the Customs Union should understand
that the national languages should be respected.

“If there is a problem in technical terms, they can communicate in
any language suitable for them,” Poghosyan said.

But he stressed that the deeper Armenia’s CU accession process get,
similar statements will be heard that much more often.

As per Heritage’s deputy, the Armenian officials need to be demanding,
and defend Armenia’s Constitution and interests.

“[But] if they are unable to do that, the [Armenian] society should
respond adequately,” Tevan Poghosyan added.

Following the talks that were held on September 3, 2013 in Moscow
between Armenian and Russian Presidents Serzh Sargsyan and Vladimir
Putin, Sargsyan had announced that Armenia plans to join the Customs
Union and subsequently engage in the formation of the Eurasian Economic
Union. In December 2013, the “road map” for Armenia’s accession to the
Customs Union was adopted. And in January of this year, the Government
of Armenia approved the action plan for the implementation of this
“road map.” Aside from Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan likewise are
members in the Customs Union.

PRESIDENT’S SPEECH PRESSURE ON CONSTITUTIONAL COURT – STATEMENT

19:12 * 17.02.14

The movement against funded pensions has responded to Armenian
President Serzh Sargsyan’s statement on the law on funded pensions
at the congress of the Yerkrapah union of volunteers, February 15.

According to the movement, the president’s speech is obvious pressure
on the Constitutional Court.

“The fact that, according to the president, the law under the
Constitutional Court’s consideration only contains some unhappy
wordings and changing the wordings will not change the meaning is,
we believe, disrespect for the Constitutional Court and obvious
pressure on the highest court,” the movement’s statement says.

Changes are never made in democratic countries, especially under
the guise of reforms, when 80% of the population object to them. The
Armenian president’s statement clearly showed that Armenia is not a
democratic state.

“Armenia’s government and president are, to put it mildly, disregarding
the opinion of the greater part of the people and enforcing the
decisions by the narrow circles. They forget that power belongs to the
people in Armenia. We are calling on the Constitutional Court not to
give in to pressure and remain committed to its mission by issuing a
definitive ruling that would actually reflect popular will and force
the government to respect the Constitution,” says the statement.

TSARUKYAN TO PARTY: “DEFINITE ROADMAP/AGENDA” NEEDED FOR REPUBLIC’S RECOVERY

POLITICS | 17.02.14 | 17:27

By Gohar Abrahamyan
ArmeniaNow reporter

The Prosperous Armenia Party (PAP) leader’s speech during the
party’s 7th congress, during which he talked about a new basis for
reforms required to solve the issues challenging Armenia, has stirred
discussions among various circles.

PAP, which has declared itself an alternative political force, held
its 7th congress Saturday, during which party leader Gagik Tsarukyan
delivered a speech consisting of two parts – his party issues and,
more globally, the country issues. Speaking of the latter, he suggested
that the political forces and civil circles should create “a definite
single political-civil-social-economic agenda and a definite roadmap to
implement it” in order to lead the country out of its current hardship.

Tsarukyan covered the migration issues, the tax burden, border
villages, small and medium business representatives’ situation,
the new law on mandatory pension savings, and others.

“I am ready to personally meet, one by one, every single wealthy and
successful entrepreneur compatriot of ours from across the world;
plead, convince to make investments in Armenia, start businesses here.

But I know the question – and it’s always the same – I’ll be asked:
Are there guarantees and favorable conditions? Regrettably, I do
not have an answer to that question today,” said Tsarukyan, one of
Armenia’s most wealthy tycoons.

The PAP leader’s statement, however, received sarcastic comments and
mockery on Facebook, in particular by young Republicans (RPA). The
disagreement between PAP and RPA started back in 2012 when, PAP
withdrew from the ruling coalition.

Education and Science Minister, Republican Armen Ashotyan wrote in
his post, titled “The Clay-Legged Giant” that “Even the ‘boldest’
parts in Tsarukyan’s speech resembled attempts to have the tips of
his shoes cross the red line. PAP is making efforts at growing teeth,
when it has not yet passed the political stage of baby teething.”

RPA youth union leader Karen Avagyan termed the congress as a
“balloon event”.

Meanwhile, political analyst Yervand Bozoyan told ArmeniaNow that
Tsarukyan in his speech sent several obvious political messages
perceived by the main political forces.

“Tsarukyan stated that separately no political force can succeed
and that no changes can be achieved in Armenia without a political
consolidation, which would eventually bring forth peaceful and major
changes in Armenia,” says Bozoyan, adding that it [consolidation] might
never happen either because of the ambitions of the political forces
or the authorities’ efforts to disseminate division and conflict. “If
the authorities win in this issue, I believe Armenia will, in effect,
make a shift to a much more un-liberal, dictatorial regime.”