Author: Badalian Vardan

Andreas Ghukasian: Authors of gas deals are lying

Saturday, December 21, 2013

Discussions in the Armenian parliament yesterday showed that the
country’s authorities are facing challenges and are unable to
represent the interests of the people, the former presidential
candidate, member of `We will prevent gas price increase’ pressure
group Andreas Ghukasian told a press conference today.

`The authorities are lying about the gas deals. A privileged position
was created for Russia’s Gazprom in Armenia as early as 2002, while
the sale of 20% of the Armenian government-owned shares of
ArmRosGazprom Company shows that Armenia’s assets can be confiscated
and put under a ban outside the country without Armenia’s consent,’
Ghukasian said.

Another participant of the press conference, member of the same
pressure group Aram Grigorian said for his part that the gas issue is
not only political as the matter concerns the absence of a management
system in Armenia.

Ratification of the gas agreements signed on December 2 between the
Armenian and Russian governments in Yerevan was discussed at the
special session of the Armenian parliament yesterday. Discussions
lasted into late evening and were postponed until Monday, December 23,
at the suggestion of speaker Hovik Abrahamian.

TODAY, 16:37
Aysor.am

ECHR
Call from the Ministry of Diaspora

Translated from French

We call on all Armenians to condemn the decision of the European Court
of Human Rights (ECHR)

Dear compatriots,

On December 17, the European Court of Human Rights has given
satisfaction to Toghu Perincek, Turkish politician, against the
decision of the Swiss court that convicted him for questioning the
reality of the Armenian genocide by stating that “the Genocide was an
international lie “. Once again, it turned out that economic interests
were sometimes above the rights which of course is unacceptable for
citizens of the XXI century.

The appeal to the European court Perincek was not passed unanimously
but by a few judges, the result of strong lobbying deployed by Turkey.
The time has come for us Armenians to give stronger so that other
political and state structures do not reference the decision of the
ECHR distributed. This decision of the European Court of Human Rights
is not final and, over the next three months, Switzerland has the
right to challenge it. The Armenian side, through its structures and
its personalities, should seriously help Switzerland. In addition, it
must organize protest actions in front of the embassies of European
countries by requiring that these countries are in turn considered
this problem. It must not, once again, the honor of being walked
Armenians and distorted by opening the door to other genocides.The
ECHR decision is purely political.

Every Armenian should protest, write to the ECHR, demand justice
require the Court did not sell her soul, she can not deny the
genocide.

Write therefore at the following website: HYPERLINK HERE

On this occasion, I appeal to all diasporic structures and urges that
all united in a common front, contribuions the definitive cancellation
of this decision and the restoration of historical truth. Send your
letters and make the voice of your disapproval on behalf of the
Armenian Cause, on behalf of Human Rights and that there was never
genocide on this earth.

Hranouch HAGOPIAN Minister of Diaspora.

Saturday, December 21, 2013,
Ara © armenews.com

ORNITHOLOGIE
Une cigogne qui migra d’Arménie trouvée morte dans la région de Van en Turquie

Triste sort d’une cigogne d’Arménie trouvée morte en dans la région de
Van en Turquie. Le 16 juin dernier à Erévan une équipe de
scientifiques équipaient des cigognes de bagues comportant un système
de GPS afin de suivre le déplacement de ces oiseaux migrateurs. Mais
le 18 décembre, le site turc Stargundem informait que cette cigogne
venue d’Arménie était trouvée morte au village de Tchorkéli dans la
région de Van. L’oiseau faisait partie d’un programme d’étude de
déplacements des cigognes, mené depuis 2010 par une équipe de
scientifiques Arméniens, Espagnols et Israéliens, financée par
l’institut ornithologique allemand Max Planck. Grce aux données
récoltées par le GPS de la cigogne, le parcours de l’oiseau fut
réalisé. Le 25 août, la cigogne s’envolait d’Erévan en direction du
sud de l’Arménie. Le 28 août elle arrivait à la frontière du
Nakhitchevan. Quelques jours plus tard elle était ans la région de
Khoy au nord-ouest de l’Iran. Puis l’animal entrait en Turquie et
s’installait dans la région de Van autour des lacs Ardjak et Akyol.
Avec le froid, le 4 décembre, la cigogne décidait de migrer vers le
sud de la région de Van. Mais la neige tombée en abondance allait
mettre un frein à cette migration de la cigogne trouvée morte au
village de Tchorkéli.

Krikor Amirzayan

samedi 21 décembre 2013,
Krikor Amirzayan ©armenews.com

Communiqué du Député René Rouquet
Génocide des Arméniens : Un devoir et une obligation sacrée

A la suite de la décision de la Cour Européenne des Droits de l’Homme
de condamner la Suisse pour atteinte à la liberté d’expression, le
Président du groupe France-Arménie de l’Assemblée nationale, député du
Val-de-Marne, René Rouquet, a publié le communiqué suivant (voir
document ci-dessous).

samedi 21 décembre 2013,
Jean Eckian ©armenews.c

FOOTBALL
L’Arménie termine l’année à la 35e place au classement de la
FIFA…devant la Turquie (43e), l’Azerbaïdjan (94e) et la Géorgie
(101e)

La sélection nationale d’Arménie finira l’année 2013 en 35e position
dans le classement de la FIFA (Fédération internationale de football).
Avec 716 points, l’Arménie recule néanmoins d’une position. Elle est
précédée de l’Iran qui fait un bond de 12 places. Lors du dernier
classement l’Arménie avait atteint une 34e position historique dans
l’histoire du football arménien depuis l’indépendance du pays en 1991
et l’intégration à la FIFA en 1992. Dans le dernier classement de la
FIFA, l’Espagne (1507 points) est en tête, devant l’Allemagne (1318)
et l’Argentine (1251). Enfin, notons que la Turquie 43e (677) est
derrière l’Arménie ! Tout comme l’Azerbaïdjan 94e (363) et la Géorgie
101e (330).

Krikor Amirzayan

samedi 21 décembre 2013,
Krikor Amirzayan ©armenews.com

ARMENIE
La Cour constitutionnelle valide l’accord sur le gaz avec la Russie

La Cour constitutionnelle a confirmé jeudi la légalité des derniers
accords du gouvernement arménien avec la société russe Gazprom dont
les critiques disent qu’il rendra l’Arménie encore plus dépendante de
la Russie dans le secteur de l’énergie.

Les trois accords signés au cours de la récente visite du président
russe Vladimir Poutine à Erevan ont été formalisées sous la forme de
concessions arméniennes effectuées en contrepartie d’une réduction de
30 pour cent du prix du gaz russe fourni au pays. L’un d’eux augmente
la participation de 80 pour cent à 100 pour cent dans le contrôle de
Gazprom ARG, le réseau de distribution du gaz arménien.

Plus de détails controversés de l’affaire sont venus mardi à la
lumière pendant les audiences parlementaires à Erevan. En particulier,
il est apparu que ces accords bloquent les gouvernements arméniens
actuels et futurs quant à l’évolution de l’environnement réglementaire
pour la société ARG ou la nationalisation de l’entreprise au cours des
30 prochaines années. ARG et une grande centrale thermique appartenant
à Gazprom pourront profiter de la « protection inconditionnelle et
complète » de l’Etat pendant cette période.

La partie arménienne s’est également engagé à ce que les tarifs du gaz
domestique dans le pays soient suffisamment élevés pour que Gazprom de
récupérer 9 pour cent de ses investissements dans le réseau chaque
année. En outre, le géant russe aura le droit préférentiel d’utiliser
une ligne de transmission en construction pour exporter de
l’électricité de l’Arménie à l’Iran voisin.

Après une audience et les délibérations inhabituellement court, la
Cour constitutionnelle a estimé que l’ensemble des accords n’est pas
contraire à la Constitution de l’Arménie. La décision a ouvert la voie
à sa ratification par le Parlement arménien. Le gouvernement prévoit
de pousser à travers le parlement, dominé par ses partisans, dès ce
week-end.

Certains députés de l’opposition ont déjà condamné l’accord sur le
gaz. L’un d’eux, Alexandre Arzoumanian, a stigmatisé un « acte de
capitulation » inconstitutionnel lors des auditions parlementaires. «
Cela ne sert que les intérêts de l’autre côté » a-t-il dit.

« Cette structure opérant en Arménie sert les intérêts de Gazprom au
détriment du peuple arménien », a convenu Gurgen Arsenian du parti
Arménie prospère (BHK).

Le Ministre de l’Energie Armen Movsisian, qui a signé l’accord avec le
chef de Gazprom, Alexeï Miller, le 2 Décembre, a nié ces allégations.
« Les accords mettent pas de restrictions sur nos droits » a-t-il dit
après la décision du tribunal.

samedi 21 décembre 2013,
Stéphane ©armenews.com

OUTCOME OF DIFFICULT TALKS WITH UEFA

Country – Friday, 20 December 2013, 23:11

In 2016 the State Oil Company of Azerbaijani (SOCAR) will sponsor the
UEFA Euro 2016. The agreement with UEFA has been signed already, which
means that SOCAR will be advertised in all the stadiums, including
the qualifiers of our national team held in Armenia. However, the
president of the Football Federation of Armenia has announced on
Armenia TV today that there will be no ads of the Azerbaijani company
during the games of our national team. Ruben Hairapetyan said the
decision was achieved in the result of difficult negotiations with
UEFA. As to ads on TV, Ruben Hairapetyan said he is responsible for
the stadium, and TV channels should decide whether they will run the
ads of the Azerbaijani company. Note that on the eve of the start of
the Armenian-Turkish football diplomacy when the president of Turkey
Gul arrived in Armenia, the image of Mount Ararat was removed from the
logo of the Football Federation printed on the shirts of the national
team. The president of the FFA also dwelled on the application of
Yerevan to be one of the cities of Euro 2020. He said chances are not
big, and the problem is the lack of a stadium that is in line with
the European standards. Armenia cannot afford to build one that will
require an investment of over 100 million dollars.

SMOKED CROCODILES IMPORTED INTO ARMENIA FROM US

The smoked crocodiles currently on sale for 380,000 drams (about
$1000) in Armenia’s SAS supermarket chain ahead of the New Year have
been actively discussed in the Armenian press and on social media in
recent days.

Spokeswoman for the State Food Safety Service Armine Sukiasian told
PastInfo news agency that 3 smoked crocodiles were imported into
Armenia from the U.S. about two weeks ago. According to her, the
smoked crocodiles, each weighing about 12 kg, were made in November
of this year and their storage life is 3 months. She added that
crocodile meat is considered safe and is consumed in some countries,
particularly in the United States.

ANCA REFERS TO THE ARMENIAN SOLDIER’S MURDER BY AZERBAIJANI SNIPERS

20.Dec.2013 – 17:06

Members of Congress continue to express alarm at Azerbaijan’s most
recent military attack across the Armenian border, which have made
Armenian soldier Hrant Poghosyan Azerbaijan’s latest casualty,
reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).

The response, to date, from the Obama Administration and OSCE Minsk
Group Co-Chairs, currently travelling in the Caucasus region, has been
delayed, muted and off-target, limited only to generic references to
border violence “undermining prospects for peace.”

“Our Administration, which is represented as a Co-Chair of the
OSCE Minsk Group, should be clear in condemning the murder of Hrant
Poghosyan, breaking, as it must, from its pattern of pretend parity
in response to each and every new Azerbaijani attack,” said Aram
Hamparian, Executive Director of the ANCA. “The OSCE Minsk Group’s
artificial even-handedness is inexcusable, and only emboldens Baku,
which has made a cruel and dangerous habit of cross-border killings
during visits by international mediators.”

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Central Valley Congressman Jim
Costa (D-CA) noted that he was “appalled to learn of yet another
murder of an Armenian soldier in an unprovoked attack by Azerbaijani
troops against Armenian forces. This tragic bloodshed follows the
Azerbaijani government’s heroic treatment of Ramil Safarov – the
Azerbaijani military officer who savagely killed an Armenian solider.

Azerbaijan, its military, and the perpetrator of this heinous crime
must be held accountable for their actions and brought to justice.”

Costa’s comments follow statements issued earlier this week by the
Congressmen Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Brad Sherman (D-CA) condemning
the attack.

“Azerbaijan has yet again shown that it is not serious about
establishing peaceful relations with Armenia and Artsakh. Despite
the request for a ceasefire during the Organization for Security
and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group negotiations between
Armenia and Azerbaijan, Azeri forces have killed an Armenian solider,
Hrant Poghosyan. The shooting was unprovoked and Armenian forces have
respected the request for a ceasefire,” explained Rep. Brad Sherman
(D-CA)

Rep. Schiff echoed those concerns and called attention to Azerbaijan’s
ongoing use of violence to resolve the Karbakah conflict. “One need
only look at the sick display of adulation that greeted Ramil Safarov
— the Azerbaijani military officer who beheaded an Armenian colleague
during a NATO Partnership for Peace exercise — to see how the Azeri
government has glorified this violence. Rather than prison, Safarov
was paraded through the streets and given a new house and a promotion.

Baku’s newest murderer will not be brought to justice until the
international community insists on an end to these atrocities.”

On December 19th, the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs issued a press
release referencing, in general terms, the border violence that led
to Poghosyan’s murder. According to the release, “the Co-Chairs noted
that recent violence on the border undermines prospects for peace.

They encouraged the sides to refrain from further actions that could
increase tensions, and to work to maintain an atmosphere conducive
to progress at the negotiating table.”

ARMENIAN ORIGIN SOLDIER’S MURDER WITNESS ADMITS ALTERING STATEMENT UNDER DURESS

Hurriyet Daily News, Turkey
Dec 20 2013

Ýsmail SaymazISTANBUL – Radikal

An eyewitness to the murder of a soldier of Armenian origin who was
killed while performing his military service in 2011 has admitted
that he altered his testimony under pressure from a relative of the
suspected murderer.

Eyewitness Halil Ekþi had first said that suspected murderer Kývanc
Aðaoðlu shot soldier Sevag Þahin Balýkcý, but later claimed not to
know how Balýkcý was killed. He now says that he was forced to change
his witness testimony after being threatened by Aðaoðlu’s relative,
Bulent Kaya.

Armenian-Turkish soldier Balýkcý was shot in a gendarmerie station in
Batman province by another soldier, Kývanc Aðaoðlu, who was stationed
at the same post and also performing his military service.

Ekþi had confirmed that suspect Aðaoðlu had pointed his weapon at
Sevag in his first testimony, but then claimed the incident was just
an accident at a later hearing.

While the trial of suspect Kývanc Aðaoðlu is continuing on charges
of murder, Ekþi and Kaya are now also facing lawsuits on charges of
“false statements” and “instigation of false statements” respectively.

Ekþi admitted providing testimony in the first hearing of the lawsuit
that took place on Dec. 19.

He said Kaya called him repeatedly after he completed his military
service and returned to the Aegean province of Aydýn, where he resides,
asking him to change his statement.

“Later on this man [Kaya] came to Aydýn. He talked to someone on
the phone and wrote down the parts of my testimony that needed to
be changed. After being pressured into doing so, we rearranged the
respective parts of my testimony,” Ekþi said.