Author: Badalian Vardan

SERZH SARGSYAN MUST NOT STAY CALM – OPPOSITION MEMBER

NEWS.AM
February 22, 2013 | 18:48

YEREVAN. – Member of the Armenian National Congress Nikol Pashinyan
addressed participants of the Friday rally in support of Raffi
Hovannisian, calling on them “not to let Serzh Sargsyan stay calm.”

“He must feel the danger of losing power, that he has never been and
would not be the president of Armenia,” Pashinyan said, addressing
the demonstrators.

According to him, the February 18 presidential election showed the
country’s two political poles – the regime and society consolidated
under the leadership of Raffi Hovannisian.

At the same time the opposition member warned against any hasty and
chaotic actions, because the party that will take such steps will
lose. Pashinyan also stressed the need to exclude any use of force
by the authorities. At the same time, he said opposition should rule
out reaching any agreements with the ruling regime.

Secretary of the Heritage party Stepan Safaryan, secretary of the
parliamentary faction Zaruhi Postanjyan and former deputy speaker of
the parliament Karapet Rubinyan also took the floor.

Ukrainian Government News
February 21, 2013

President congratulates Serzh Sargsyan on being reelected to post of
Armenian President

President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych congratulated Serzh Sargsyan on
being reelected to the post of Armenian President.
`I am confident that bilateral cooperation between our countries would
further develop on a strong foundation of friendship and mutual
understanding,’ the President said.

Viktor Yanukovych wished Serzh Sargsyan strong health and success. He
also wished welfare and prosperity to the Armenian people.

****
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Dentistry IQ
Feb 22 2013

Expert: Armenian Government behaves unreasonably when imposing license
payments on dentists and estate agents

The Armenian Government behaves unreasonably when imposing license
payments on dentists and estate agents, Gagik Makaryan, Chairman of
the Armenian Republican Union of Employers, told journalists on
Friday.

“By my estimations, the Government will be able to collect maximum 100
mln USD taxes from micro business and small business. The Government
should temporarily suspend collecting the 100 mln USD and allow the
micro business to develop into small business”, said Makaryan.

As regards the dentists, the matter concerns collection of 5-6 mln USD
taxes. “One should not offend 2-3 thsd dentists for the sake of this
amount. One should allow them to develop and become richer”, he said.
As for the property market, Makaryan thinks it is wrong to impose
taxes on the real estate agencies depending on the number of
employees. “It is strange, because it is the broker that earns money
and it is necessary to impose taxes on the agencies with due regard
for the number of brokers, not the total number of employees”, he
said.

To note, the governmental amendments to the Law “On License Payments”
came into force on 1 Jan 2013. In line with these amendments, the real
estate agencies are to pay 60 thsd AMD per employee monthly, and the
dentists are to pay 100 thsd AMD per dental seat.

Armenia’s Shirak region will have no disaster zone in one year, says
Heritage leader

20:55 – 23.02.13

The former opposition presidential candidate, Raffi Hovhannisian, told
Saturday his voters in Gyumri that the Shirak region (of which Gyumri
is the capital) will have no disaster zone year in a year in case he
is declared a legitimate president.

`Gyumri determined Armenia’s future; victory began from here,’ he told
the crowd of his supporters in the second largest city.

Hovhannisian, who heads the opposition Heritage party, had a 32%
advantage over Serzh Sargsyan in the February 18 presidential
election. Some 42,635 voters (69.46%) in the city’s 81 precincts had
casted their ballots in his favor. The incumbent president received
only 16,599 votes (27.04%). The governor of Shirak, Ashot Grigoryan,
resigned from office following the election, reportedly being
dissatisfied with his efforts to campaign for the president.

Hovhannisian said in the Saturday rally that no former president,
opposition figure or a local governor (regional or village governor)
can seize what he claims to be the real victory.

He warned policemen and the armed forces to respect the people’s
decision, adding that anyone issuing an unlawful decision will be held
responsible in front of the people.

`Today, policemen and security officers have their errors and their
own past. We all must give an answer, but from now on, anyone – be it
a municipality employee, regional governor or a commander – who acts
as a security guarantor for the people, commit any infringement, he
will be held accountable before the law. You will deal with Armenia’s
courts, not me in that case,’ he added.

Addressing his words to the re-elected president, Hovhannisian
continued, `Mr Sargsyan, I respect you; you have a big contribution to
the Armenian statehood, but your mission is accomplished’

The crowd then began chanting slogans urging the incumbent to step
down. `We are for the opposition. We have rejected these authorities,
but have enough spirit and dignity to say thank you,’ they said.

Hovhannisyan, who claims the February 18 election was tainted by
fraud, reiterated an earlier statement that his success is not limited
to narrow party interests. `There’s no party flag; no ARF-D [Armenian
Revolutionary Federation-Dashnaksutyun] or ANC [Armenian National
Congress] flag. We all came to realize that this is not a struggle for
a party. The Armenian man has to return from virgin lands, bringing
back his child to Armenia. A return to Armenia will be what will see
in five years. Hence, Mr. Sargsyan, our nation is unanimous at this
point. The [ordinary] citizen and the policeman, all the political
parties, the young and the elderly have come here to say that this is
not something for us; this is for our law and our nation,’ he added.

Hovhannisyan reminded the crowd that he will rally in Yerevan’s
Liberty Square Sunday afternoon regardless of permission by the City
Hall.

`The people must win; make no doubt about that. If the non-elected
government is unwilling [to step down], the people have to ready for a
long-lasting struggle,’ the politician said.

No one should see weakness in my kindness – Armenian opposition
candidate. Photos

February 23, 2013 | 16:55

VANADZOR.- Raffi Hovannisian met on Saturday with the residents of
Vanadzor city within the framework of his regional tour.

Summarizing the outcome of the February 18 presidential election, he
noted that on that day the Armenian people chose the future for their
children.

Police officers from time to time were reminding the crowd that the
demonstration was not authorized by local municipality.

In his turn, Raffi Hovannisian said that law enforcement officials
must protect people, but not act against their will.

`I am a kind person. But, no one should see weakness in my kindness.
And all those who would go against the will of the people and will
undermine their rights, will be punished under the law.’

February 24, Los Angeles – March to Protest Phony Elections in Armenia

12:16, February 23, 2013

Armenians of Southern California demand the punishment of vote
fraudsters and a fair recount of the ballots in the February 18
presidential election in Armenia.

The recent presidential election in Armenia has once again
demonstrated the true face of the current Armenian regime.

There is overwhelming evidence of massive election fraud, which was
carried out during the Armenian Presidential Election on February 18,
2013, to skew the overall election outcome in favor of incumbent Serzh
Sargsyan.

We, Armenians born and raised in and outside of Armenia’s boundaries
and residing in Southern California, urge that until the consequences
of election fraud are eliminated and the numbers published by the
Central Electoral Commission in Armenia inspire confidence, everyone
should refuse to recognize Serzh Sargsyan as President-elect. We also
demand that the constitutional right of Armenian citizens residing
outside Armenia to vote is restored.

We will gather on Sunday, February 24, 2013 at 11:30 am in front of
St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church on Central Avenue and march
towards the Armenian Consulate in Los Angeles to show our solidarity
with the people of Armenia.

Give our voice an echo. Let it be known that justice and democracy will prevail!

The link to the Facebook event page:

Ara K. Manoogian

Turkey eyes Karabakh step from Armenia to open ways ` Hurriyet Daily News

TERT.AM
12:36 ¢ 23.02.13

By Serkan DemirtaÅ?

Turkey has proposed that Armenia take part in its comprehensive
regional transportation project linking Europe to Asia, if there are
concrete developments in solving Nagorno-Karabakh dispute with
Azerbaijan, reflecting a political will to build a win-win situation
for all countries in the southern Caucasus in a post-conflict era.

`We are trying to activate the OSCE Minsk Group for the solution of
the Nagorno-Karabakh dispute. We introduced the Integrated
Transportation Corridors Project to the Minsk Group in November 2012.
This project is to be implemented in peace time and particularly after
Armenia moves on with regard to its occupation in seven regions
bordering Nagorno-Karabakh,’ Turkish diplomatic sources told the
Hürriyet Daily News recently. `We are proposing full normalization of
ties between Turkey-Armenia and Armenia-Azerbaijan.’

Armenia’s occupation of Azerbaijan’s Nagorno-Karabakh and seven
regions bordering the territory since early 1990s stands as the main
hurdle in front of regional stability and prosperity. Turkey supported
Azerbaijan and sealed its borders with Armenia in a move further
fueling already strained ties over the latter’s campaign to have the
1915 killings of Armenians at the hands of the Ottoman Empire
recognized as genocide by the international community.

Turkey’s recent move to reconcile with Armenia was nixed due to strong
Azeri reaction in 2010, which caused suspension of the ratification of
two key protocols for establishing diplomatic relations and opening
the sealed borders. Turkey has since re-focused on seeking ways to
activate the almost futile Minsk Group, under the Organization of
Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), for pushingAzerbaijan and
Armenia to agree on a peace plan.

Within this framework, Turkey introduced its Integrated Transportation
Corridors Project to the Minsk Group on Nov. 8, 2012 during a meeting
in Vienna attended by three co-chair countries, France,Russia and the
United States. `It has received a positive response from all Minsk
Group countries,’ sources told the Daily News. `We have made clear to
them this project is aiming at creating a peace perspective to the
benefit of all relevant parties.’

Railways, roads, cities

The proposed transportation project has two phases. On the one hand it
is focused on linking Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia
Federation through fixing unused railways and building new ones. Along
with the Kars-Tbilisi-Baku railway project that is expected to be
concluded by the end of this year, the Turkey-Armenia railway may be
re-opened after just a minor rehabilitation. Parallel to the railway,
a new modern highway is also being considered to further increase
trade and human traffic between the two countries.

`Obviously, we are also planning to build new logistical centers and
residential areas, as well as mass housing projects along these routes
to create a new regional hub,’ sources stressed. `The only objective
of this project is to create an economic pick-up in the region, for
the advantage of all countries and for the prosperity of their
people.’

In consideration with the economic prospects and strategic importance
that the outer region of the Caucasus offers, Turkey’s project also
addresses the need to link regional countries to Europe and Asia. A
transportation line between London and Beijing will soon be possible
with the conclusion of the Marmaray Project and the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars
railroad, while normalization of the political situation in the region
would also allow Armenia to join this growing strategic picture,
sources close to the project claim.

Azerbaijan is informed about the project

Known for its suspicion of potential Turkish-Armenian reconciliation,
Azerbaijan has been informed about the content of the project by
Turkey. `They know what we want. We have made clear them that this is
a project that will be implemented only after Armenia moves towards
peace,’ Azerbaijani sources stressed.

Armenia, however, has so far remained cool to Turkey’s project, and
has not conveyed an official reaction through the Minsk Group.

After President Serzh Sargisyan’s victory in last week’s elections,
Turkey does not expect an immediate change in Armenia’s policies on
the Nagorno-Karabakh problem. `We don’t anticipate a substantial
change in their policies until 2015,’ Turkish sources stated.

Armenia and its organized diaspora communities are actively
campaigning for an overall recognition of 1915 killings as genocide
across the world in the centennial commemoration of the incident.

Armenian community of Istanbul to deliver aid to Syrian Armenians

11:24, 23 February, 2013

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 23, ARMENPRESS: Relief collected by the Armenian
community in Turkey is scheduled to be transferred to Armenians in
Syria via the Turkish Red Crescent. As Armenpress reports citing
Turksih Anadolu news agency relief materials includes food and
clothing.
President of Turkish Red Crescent Ahmet Lutfi Akar stated to AA that
Acting Armenian Patriarch Aram Atesyan requested an appointment where
he stated that the Syrians living in Turkey were also struggling to
live under difficult conditions.
Stating that Armenia provided some financial support, however it was
insufficient, Akar said that Atesyan requested their help and said,
“We have the authority to go to the border of a country and help the
citizens of that country. Government officials and NGOs aren’t
permitted to do this. We can deliver help at the border before the
observers from Red Cross and Red Crescent. I said that I’d be pleased
to deliver the relief material to the Syrian Armenian Group.” Stating
that the Armenians mainly resided in Aleppo and Damascus, Akar said,
“We will deliver the relief materials collected by the Armenian
community to the representatives of the churches in Aleppo.

Armenian community of Syria faces many difficulties due to more than
23 months ongoing clashes in Syria. World widespread Armenian
communities join efforts to help their brothers.

TURQUIE
Amnesty International appelle les autorités turques à enquêter sur les
agressions d’Arméniennes à Istanbul

Amnesty International appelle les autorités turques à mener dans les
meilleurs délais une enquête approfondie et impartiale sur la série
d’agressions visant des femmes gées originaires d’Arménie à Istanbul.

Depuis deux mois, quatre attaques dont une mortelle ont eu lieu à
Samatya, quartier arménien du centre d’Istanbul. Les quatre victimes
sont des citoyennes turques d’origine arménienne.

Les autorités turques ont l’obligation d’enquêter sur les possibles
motivations racistes et/ou religieuses de ces agressions. Si elles ne
le font pas, elles se rendront coupables d’une violation de la
Convention européenne des droits de l’homme, ratifiée par la Turquie,
et notamment de l’interdiction de la discrimination énoncée par ce
texte.

Les crimes inspirés par la haine constituent une forme grave de
discrimination. Les autorités de l’État sont tenues non seulement de
ne pas exercer elles-mêmes de discrimination, mais également de faire
preuve de la diligence requise pour prévenir et combattre la
discrimination émanant de particuliers.

Il est regrettable que la législation turque ne prévoie pas de mesures
législatives et politiques garantissant que les motivations haineuses
fassent systématiquement l’objet d’enquêtes approfondies et soient
dûment prises en considération dans les procès et les condamnations.

La police affirme enquêter de manière approfondie sur ces affaires.
Cependant, Amnesty International est préoccupée par les déclarations
publiques des autorités ne tenant pas compte de la possibilité d’une
motivation raciste des attaques.

L’organisation estime qu’elles doivent mener une enquête approfondie
sur ces agressions sans écarter dès le début la possibilité d’une
motivation haineuse, et prendre des mesures pour empêcher d’autres
attaques.

Les faits

Fin novembre 2012, une femme de 87 ans a été agressée physiquement
dans la rue. Elle a été rouée de coups et a perdu l’usage d’un `il.

Un groupe de trois hommes a, semble-t-il, tenté d’enlever une autre
femme gée qui se rendait à l’église à l’occasion du Noël orthodoxe le
6 janvier. Les agresseurs auraient pris la fuite après l’intervention
d’autres fidèles.

Le 28 décembre, une femme de 85 ans a été retrouvée morte poignardée à
son domicile. Ses bijoux avaient été volés.

Le 22 janvier, une femme de 80 ans a été attaquée et battue alors
qu’elle rentrait chez elle.

samedi 23 février 2013,
Stéphane ©armenews.com

ARMENIE
Le président du Parlement arménien viserait le poste de premier ministre

La réelection de Serge Sarkissian, si elle est vivement contestée par
l’opposition, à commencer par son principal candidat, Raffi
Hovannissian, arrivé en 2e position le 18 février, attise aussi les
rivalités au sein même de la formation du chef de l’Etat, le Parti
républicain d’Arménie (HHK).

Les médias arméniens font état des divergences entre les deux ailes du
parti au pouvoir, qui serait presque au bord de l’implosion selon
certaines rumeurs.

L’aile menée par les pères fondateurs du HHK entend bien tirer parti
du scrutin pour récupérer le plus de postes possibles.

Ainsi, le président du Parlement, Hovik Abrahamyan, convoiterait le
poste de premier ministre, et céderait le perchoir au chef du groupe
parlementaire du HHK, Galust Sahakyan, tandis que Karen Karapetyan,
autre « vétéran » du parti au pouvoir et ex-chef de l’administration
présidentielle, il serait promu Secrétaire du Conseil de Sécurité
nationale, selon ce scénario qui prête aussi au ministre des
Transports et des Communications Garik Beglaryan l’intention de
reprendre la mairie de Erevan, à l’approche des municipales dans la
capitale ; le député David Haroutiunyan retrouverait quant à lui le
ministère de la justice, et le président de la Commission
parlementaire en charge des questions économiques, Vardan Ayvazyan, le
portefeuille de l’écologie.

Par ailleurs, les ‘vétérans’ du HHK seraient décidés à réintégrer au
sein de la coalition gouvernementale le Parti Arménie prospère de
Gaguik Ghoukassian, dont le rôle au sein de l’opposition est devenu
pour le moins trouble depuis qu’il a refusé de présenter un candidat
contre S. Sarkissian.

L’aile jeune du parti au pouvoir semble pour sa part beaucoup moins
avide de postes, ou en tout cas s’emploie à ne pas le montrer.

Quant au président Sarkissian, il aurait décidé de ne pas prendre
position dans cette querelle, dans l’attente de la prochaine échéance
électorale majeure, les élections municipales d’Erevan.

samedi 23 février 2013,
Gari ©armenews.com