Author: Badalian Vardan

Ukraine General Newswire
June 21, 2013 Friday 5:05 PM MSK

Ukraine hands over presidency of Organization of Black Sea Economic
Cooperation to Armenia

Odesa June 21

Ukraine handed over the presidency of the Organization of Black Sea
Economic Cooperation (OBSEC) to Armenia at the 28th meeting of the
council of foreign ministers of the organization’s member countries.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Leonid Kozhara said at a press conference
that was is ready to help Armenia fulfill these functions and expects
the organization to continue developing with continuity.

Kozhara said that projects in the economy and environment were
priorities in the activity of the organization in the near future. In
particular, the construction of an orbital road around the Black Sea
should be one of the major economic projects, he said.

Azerbaijan’s `caviar diplomacy’ on PACE agenda – MP

19:42 – 22.06.13

The Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) will address the
Azerbaijani authorities’ caviar diplomacy, as part of the reprot
entitled, Corruption as a Major Obstacle to Rule of Law, an Armenian
delegate has said.

`A big chapter is devoted to parliamentary corruption, in which
context the author, a Spanish parliamentarian, has addressed the
`caviar diplomacy’ implemented by Azerbaijan,’ Naira Zohrabyan, a
lawmaker of the Prosperous Armenia faction, told Tert.am.

Armenia assumed leadership of the PACE Committee of Ministers on May
16. FM Edward Nalbandian, who now chairs the committee, will deliver
Monday an address in this connection.

Zohrabyan said that the national delegation members are expected to
raise foreign policy issues interesting to Armenia at the meeting.

President of the National Assembly Hovik Abrahamyan is due in
Strasburg these days to attend the session.

Armenia’s next presidency term at the Committee is in 24 years.

Armenian News – Tert.am

Iran energy seen as key to reducing Armenia’s dependence on Russia
Economic Desk

On Line: 22 June 2013 15:10
In Print: Sunday 23 June 2013

Iran has been active in Armenia in the past several weeks, which
brings forth opinions about the likelihood of closer Armenian-Iranian
relations in the time to come and the implementation of a number of
major regional projects involving the two neighbors. This closer
cooperation may also mean that Armenia will depend less on Russia when
it comes to energy matters.

The Islamic Republic’s Ambassador to Armenia Mohammad Reisi made a
number of remarkable statements to Armenian journalists at a press
conference that he called earlier this month. In particular, he hinted
at the possibility of Iran’s selling natural gas to Armenia at prices
that would be lower than those offered by Russia.

The election of Hassan Rohani as Iran’s next president and mostly
approving response from Washington in this regard make it likely that
U.S. sanctions against Iran will be eased. Recently, for example, a
British court lifted sanctions imposed on the Iranian Mellat Bank,
which operates in Armenia as well. There are also hints that the West
would not be against Armenian-Iranian energy cooperation. In any case,
U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John Heffern is pursuing a whole project on
Armenia’s energy diversification, which does not exclude
Armenian-Iranian cooperation.

The Armenian parliament recently adopted a law that exempts the laying
of power lines from Armenia to Iran from a number of taxes and duties.
Armenia is known to be paying for Iranian gas with electric power, but
so far only two lines have been laid, while the two countries agreed
on the construction of the third one a long time ago. This will make
it possible to buy more gas from Iran.

Several days ago Iranian news agency Mehr published data from the
National Iranian Gas Company, according to which between 2007 and 2012
only 1.5 billion cubic meters of gas was delivered to Armenia. This is
much less than the planned volumes, and Iran, in fact, suggests that
Armenia should fulfill its obligations.

In order for Armenia to buy more gas from Iran it needs to start
buying less gas from Russia. Moscow recently raised the price of gas
for Armenia. Furthermore, negotiations are currently underway for the
transfer of full control of ArmRosgazprom, which manages the gas
distribution network in Armenia, to Russia’s Gazprom. At present, the
Armenian government has a 20-percent stake in ArmRosgazprom and if the
company becomes fully controlled by Russia, Gazprom will simply
prohibit buying less expensive gas from Iran.

It turns out that it is not U.S. sanctions, but rather Russia’s
position that obstructs the development of energy relations between
Armenia and Iran. And since energy is directly linked to politics,
Russia, in fact, now has to obstruct not only Armenia’s political
integration with Europe, but also regional political integration.

Regional integration can be stimulated if the U.S. sanctions are
really relieved and Iran offers its pipes that will open up borders in
the region. One such project has long been a talking point – Iran
proposes a gas pipeline that would run through Armenia to Georgia,
reaching the Black Sea.

Real Revolution

Under the pressure of protests in Brazil the authorities promised to
direct oil revenues at education, public health and social issues.

Protests were triggered by raise of fares and escalated to
demonstrations against the social policy of the government. Experts
say that the recent demonstrations all over the world are caused by
unequal distribution of income.

In the beginning was Occupy Wall Street whose participants formulated,
though roughly, the key issue of the world – 99% of income belongs to
1% of population. The other 99% lives on credit, monthly salary, is in
full dependence on banks and rich employers.

Armenia is a classic modern state. After independence and
privatization the national wealth appeared in the hands of several
clans on which now 99% of the population of the country depends. The
clans usurped political power and are ruling the country, feeling as
caliphs of the days.

So far most protests put forth political demands. They are mainly
against usurpation of power and impunity. Efforts were made to change
government through elections, post-electoral movements. However, the
problem did not get to the basis though obviously usurpation of power
resulted from unfair distribution of national wealth.

Now the key question is how the current government officials got state
assets and their wealth.

The Armenian oligarchs have to publish figures that used to be
considered trade secrets. Taron Margaryan published his declaration of
income which gave rise to even more questions. The prime minister had
to answer questions on offshore assets. Ruben Hairapetyan confessed
that he partly owns the rights to Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s transfer.
Vardan Ayvazyan states that he earned his millions by loading train
cars. Ishkhan Zakaryan states that 70% of the state budget is exposed
to corruption risk.

Most interestingly, the authorities have to collect money from their
own pockets to help the hail-stricken farms of Armavir. It did not
resolve their problems but during their demonstrations they asked
impolite but very important questions. The protests of the farmers of
Armavir are hardly settled.

The government of Brazil has decided to carry out social reforms not
because it fears the demonstrators. It has understood that people feel
like owners of the national wealth and have stopped recognizing
someone else’s exclusive right. Continuation of demonstrations will
question ownership of property. And ownership of property is the basis
of the current world.

In Armenia redistribution of property is inevitable. Those who are
unable to prove their right to ownership will have to give what they
have aggregated. Currently it is taking place at the level of fight
among oligarchs.

However, at some moment the society will present a bill to all the
oligarchs and government officials and demand nationalization of
national assets misappropriated illegally. A bill will be presented to
those leaders who have handed over strategic communications and
facilities to Russia. Such cosmetic actions as a 10,000 dram increase
of salary will not save. People demand what legally belongs to them.
This is a real revolution for means of production and national wealth.

Naira Hayrumyan
18:20 22/06/2013
Story from Lragir.am News:

Nyree Bablanian Creates Signature Style with BabzBling

ARTS | JUNE 20, 2013 12:00 PM
________________________________

By Gabriella Gage

Founder and designer of BabzBling, Nyree Bablanian

Mirror-Spectator Staff

SYDNEY, Australia – For BabzBling designer and founder, Nyree
Bablanian, the art of jewelry-making is about creativity and personal
style.

`I see it as an art form and appreciate that each person has his or
her own unique sense of style,’ she said.

Bablanian discovered her own talent for jewelry making back in 2010.
`What I really fell in love with was the unique techniques that I
discovered and taught myself along the way,’ she explained.

Bablanian was born and raised in Sydney, Australia. Her parents both
immigrated there – her father from Jordan and her mother from Lebanon.
Noting her close-knit community, Bablanian said, `The Armenian
population in Sydney is small. Although we are not a big community, we
are a very close community. I am very proud of my heritage.’

Bablanian also has a special connection to Boston, `[I lived there]
for three years where I met my husband-to-be. Boston will also always
be my second home after all it is where BabzBling was founded,’ she
added.

Bablanian said she takes inspiration from the world around, from
nature to people. She added, `My extensive travels have broadened my
horizons and I have met wonderful people and come across many hidden
treasures. I don’t really make pieces you can find in your local chain
stores…BabzBling is all about creating a look that is an original for
the wearer.’ Hence, BabzBling’s motto, `Life is too short: Make a
Statement with BabzBling.’

According to the designer, her materials are also inspired by the
beauty in nature. `I love to use crystals, fresh water pearls, glass
pearls, and gemstones and pretty much anything that is unique in my
eyes. I love charms, you will notice that I use a lot of leaves,
flowers and crosses in my designs,’ she explained.

The length of time it takes to create a piece depends on the intricacy
of the design and the creative process. `For now most of my pieces are
one-of-a-kind but down the track I will offer multiples of my designs
so that everyone has the opportunity to get their hands on their
favorite design.’

So who is the target BabzBling clientele? `We don’t try to target
specific age groups because BabzBling has something for women of all
ages,’ she said, adding that she wants `to appeal universally to all
those who appreciate hand crafted jewelry that is unique.’

She describes BabzBling style as `elegant, timeless and statement-making.’

As for the company’s name, she explained, `Growing up my nick-name was
always `Babz’, stemming from my last name Bablanian … `Babz’ being me
and `Bling’ being the current term used to describe jewelry.’

For Bablanian, the joys of her work are not just found in the creation
of jewelry, but the rewards of sharing her work with others. `What can
I say, I am a people-pleaser,’ she said.

While headquartered in Sydney, Bablanian’s jewelry has been sold to
locations worldwide through her website. She said she hopes to
continue to expand her web outreach and find new avenues for sharing
her creations with more. `My plans for the future are concentrating on
the wedding industry. The response in this sector has been amazing and
it is the direction I am heading towards. My focus is to expand beyond
jewelry for all the beautiful brides to be out there.’

Bablanian has been named called `Up-and-coming designer from
Australia’ and was named a top artisan in Western Mass. Women Magazine
2011-2012.

BabzBling ships worldwide. To view the current collections or shop,
visit or

– See more at:

Eduardo Eurnekian has not built geothermal power station in Armenia

June 22, 2013 | 01:56

YEREVAN. – The Sisian area of Armenia has a rich potential for
producing electricity.

Along the lines of a USAID program, a solar heater was recently
installed for the polyclinic of Darpas village in the area.

In terms winds, according to the Energy and Natural Resources
Ministry, the wind energy capacity at SisianPass is estimated at 140
megawatts.

Also, there is an underwater hot water mine at Jermaghbyur, and
Armenia’s first geothermal power station and a greenhouse network were
planned to be built here.

According to the plan that was designed with assistance by the World
Bank, three-kilometer deep six wells were to be dug at Jermaghbyur. At
the time, the respective investments were valued at $39.1 million.

When this program was considered full of prospect, in 2006 the
Armenian government had decided to hand it over to Corporacion America
Company that belongs to Argentinean-Armenian businessman Eduardo
Eurnekian. But there is no progress in this project.

News from Armenia – NEWS.am

Armenia to Launch Its First
Satellite
14:04 22/06/2013

MOSCOW, June 22 (RIA Novosti) – The ex-Soviet republic of Armenia will
launch its own satellite into the orbit, a governmental official said
Friday.

A newly created company called Armcosmos is currently busy registering an
orbital position for the upcoming satellite, said Gagik Grigoryan, a senior
official with the Transportations and Communications Ministry.

The price tag for Armenia’s space program is $250 million, with part of the
sum to come from private investors, Grigoryan told the Armenian branch of
Radio Liberty.

The official gave no timeframe for a possible launch and did not specify
the function of the satellite, to be called Armsat, though he said it will
have to have commercial use. Armenia currently has the right for two
orbital positions for telecoms satellites.

Six of 15 post-Soviet republics have launched their own satellites since
the Soviet Union’s demise. The list includes Armenia’s historical rival
Azerbaijan, which successfully brought into orbit its first telecoms
satellite Azerspace-1 in February.

Mkhitaryan’s mosaic or what happened next when…

12:16, 22 June, 2013

YEREVAN, JUNE 22, ARMENPRESS: The first picture of the Henrikh
Mkhitaryan’s mosaic appeared when the midfielder of the Armenian
National Football team and Shakhtar Donetsk announced that he would do
everything to move to a new club in summer. The
promise of Henrikh Mkhitaryan was not accepted unequivocally neither
by the Armenian nor the Ukrainian football fans and other
parties.

This became the axis, around which authoritative and nonauthoritative
mass media representatives touched upon this issue from different
sides,
expressing their wishes and suppositions concerning the future of the
Armenian footballer. Some international periodicals were sending
Mkhitaryan
to Spain, some – to England or Germany. Finally, the Football Club of
Liverpool was left upon the surface of the water.

The British The Telegraph was the first to publish that the Manager of
Liverpool Brendan Rodgers identified Mkhitaryan as his flagship
signing for the summer and tabled a bid which is believed to have
triggered a release clause inserted into the 24-year-old’s contract by
the Ukrainian champions.
The rumors got double acceleration after the World Cup qualifying
round’s match of Armenia-Denmark. The fourth goal stroked by Henrikh
Mkhitaryan added to the chances of the footballer of appearing in the
Liverpool Club.

On this ocassion HITC sport published: `Liverpool was last week linked
with a sensational £22 million bid for Henrikh Mkhitaryan, a prolific
Shakhtar Donetsk attacker. He is by far the most valuable football
player ever to come out of Armenia, and this evening he played a part
in an amazing result for his country. Armenia took on major
championship regulars Denmark away from home in their World Cup
qualifying group, and notched up an astounding 4-0 victory. It takes
the country above the Danes in the group, but they are still eight
points behind the leader Italy. Mkhitaryan described as a target for Liverpool’.

The Guardian: `Liverpool has identified Shakhtar Donetsk’s Henrikh
Mkhitaryan as a leading transfer target for the summer and is not
deterred by the £22 million price tag on one of the most coveted
players in European football. The Armenia’s three-time player of the
year was a priority signing for the Liverpool manager, Brendan
Rodgers, before Luis Suárez began pushing for the move that could
transform the club’s transfer strategy and budget. The Fenway Sports
Group, the Liverpool’s owners are prepared to sanction a big money
move for Mkhitaryan without a deal in place for Suarez’.

The days passed and the news around Mkhitaryan got more heated.
ITAR-TASS wrote: `The midfielder of Shakhtar Donetsk and the
Armenian National Football team Henrikh Mkhitaryan during the coming
days will pass medical examination in the English Liverpool.
`Henrikh Mkhitaryan will urgently leave for England. Liverpool will
officially announce about the contract with Mkhitaryan by the end of
the
week. The transfer sum for the best Ukrainian attacker will make about
30 million EURO’. Even the Chief Coach of Shakhtar Donetsk
Mircea Lucescu did not reject the news of searching a footballer to
substitute Mkhitaryan.

By the `prophetic prediction’ of some periodicals Henrikh Mkhitaryan
left for Moscow to leave for London from there or he was seen in
Vienna with his mother and sister.

But the first to pour cold shower on all the versions was the
Executive Director of Shakhtar Donetsk Sergey Palkin, who wrote in one
of the
social networks that Mkhitaryan will join the Pitmen on June 23.

Then the British periodicals titled their articles
`Liverpool-Mkhitaryan negotiations stopped’, writing that the
negotiations between the
midfielder of the Armenian National Football team Henrikh Mkhitaryan
and the British FC Liverpool have been stopped because of the
transfer rights of the football player. And here the doors of the
`commercial kitchen’ open…

It was found out that the transfer rights of the Armenian footballer
do not fully belong to Shakhtar. The Head of the Football Federation
of
Armenia Ruben Hayrapetyan announced that 25% of the Henrikh
Mkhitaryan’s transfer belong to Pyunik Club and the other 25% – to the
Director of Metalurg Donetsk Oleg Lazarian. And here the colors of
the mosaic of the talented Armenian footballer’s beautiful play
change.

It is expected that everything will become clear on Sunday, June 23,
when we know if Mkhitaryan joined the Shakhtar team in Austria or
not.

As they say, everything is still ahead.

Author – Varvara Hayrapetyan

Bio toilet is small element in widespread corruption – Armenian
Consumers’ Association

Bio toilet is small element in widespread corruption – Armenian
Consumers’ AssociationJune 22, 2013 | 11:48

YEREVAN. – Bio toilets are a used practice in the world, Armenia’s
former Nature Protection Minister Karine Danielyan said during a press
conference on Saturday.

`[But] based on the condition of the country [i.e., Armenia], it is
inexpedient to spend this money in this direction,’ she stressed, and
added that this money could have been spent for other use.

In his turn, Armenian Consumers’ Association Chairman Armen Poghosyan
noted that a bio toilet is a small element under the condition of
widespread corruption.

`Is this a government, or your brother’s store? How was the contest
for the [bio] toilets held? Where is it issued?’ he asked.

The other speaker, ruling Republican Party Faction member Levon
Igityan of the capital city Yerevan Council of Elders, noted that bio
toilets are indispensable and servicing facilities are always
necessary. He added, however, that he is not indulged in finances and
he speaks solely about what he is familiar with.

Photo by Arsen Sargsyan/NEWS.am
News from Armenia – NEWS.am

Apricot procured at lower prices than announced, villagers complain

12:58 – 22.06.13

Villagers in the Armavir region have raised alarm over the agriculture
minister’s Friday statement saying the apricot procurement price is
400-500 Drams ($0.95 -$1.1) per kilogram.

Speaking to Tert.am, residents of the Khandjyan village said the
announced figures do not correspond to the real price for which they
offer the product.

`You can come yourselves to check that or the same Ministry can see
what price they offer. It is now four days we have begun the delivery
of apricots. They used to take 400 Drams but have now warned that one
kilogram of apricot will sell for 300-250 Drams [$0.59- $0.71],’ a
farmer, who wished to remain unidentified, told our correspondent.

`I don’t want to find faults with anyone. I heard the minister speak
and say that the [per kg.] purchase price is 400-500 Drams, which is
thought to satisfy the villagers,’ he added.

Asked about the wholesale procurer, the villager said that there are
several companies purchasing their apricot, Spayka (the food storing
company which recently suffered a fire damage) being one of them.

The farmer complained that the companies often buy the apricot harvest
without weighing it, counting each box 10 kg.

In later comments to Tert.am, a deputy minister of agriculture, Robert
Makaryan, said they have an agreement with the village’s governor to
send exporters to the village in just a couple of days for settling
the problem.

`If we know exactly who has problems, we will manage to do something,’
he said. `We prevent [any violations], and handle all any alarm report
once we receive it. We will offer different procurers in just couple
of days to help the villagers decide who to sell their harvest to.

`The harvest gathering in Khanjyan will begin in three or four days;
we have an agreement with the village governor. The procurers will go
there to purchase [the product] at the price valid for the given day,’
Makaryan added.

Armenian News – Tert.am