MP Samvel Alexanyan elected to FFA Executive Committee
Monday,
April 30
The Football Federation of Armenia (FFA) held a conference in Gyumri.
FFA Executive Committee members were approved at the conference.
Hovhannes Varyan quitted the Executive Committee and MP Samvel
Alexanyan was unanimously elected to replace him.
TODAY, 15:16
Aysor.am
From: Baghdasarian
Visalia mayor joins effort for recognition of genocide
12:59 AM, Apr. 30, 2012
by BRIAN MAXEY
For members of the Armenian community, April 24 stands as a powerful
reminder of tragedy.
Armenians still fight to remember the more than 1.5 million Armenians
who died in what many historians say was the first genocide of the
20th century.
Mayor Amy Shuklian last week protested with demonstrators outside the
White House, calling on the United States to recognize the Armenian
genocide as such.
Shuklian, who was on a trip to the nation’s capital for official city
business, extended her stay to support the effort. The extended stay
was not financed by taxpayer dollars. Shuklian paid for the trip out
of her own wallet.
“Being a grandchild of survivors, I figured it was an opportunity for
me,”said Shuklian, who spent two days before the protest discussing
federal funding and city programs with members of Congress. “It was a
very bittersweet moment.”
Presidents have disappointed the Armenian community by not
characterizing the mass purge of Armenian people at the hands of
Ottoman authorities from 1915 to 1923 as genocide.
President Barack Obama on Tuesday avoided using the word “genocide,”
instead calling it “one of the worst atrocities of the 20th century.”
During his 2008 presidential campaign, Obama made a promise to voters
to label the tragedy as genocide.
“There is always this talk of a resolution, so it’s very
disappointing,” Shuklian said.
She attended a commemoration on April 25 where she said congressmen
from both sides of the political spectrum spoke in support of
recognizing the events of 1915.
More than 20 countries have recognized the events as genocide.
But U.S. presidents have shied from doing so as to not alienate
Turkey, a NATO member and strategic ally in both the war in Iraq and
Afghanistan.
Still, supporters have rallied to press administrations.
“I did something that I never thought that I would do,” said Shuklian,
who joined protesters in the middle of a rainstorm.
“Standing out in the pouring rain to bring awareness to move the
United States to recognize the Armenian genocide is nothing compared
to what my grandparents and ancestors had to go through.”
Shuklian will speak about her protest, Ôªøas well as the business
trip, at the May 7 City Council meeting
From: Baghdasarian
IRNA: FM warns regional countries against Zionists’ plots
29-04-2012 17:38:50 | | Politics
Tehran, April 29, Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) – Visiting
Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian conferred on Sunday with
Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi on regional developments.
According to the Information and Press Bureau of the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs, in the meeting, Salehi warned countries in the region
against plots of the Zionist regime and urged them all to exercise
vigilance to this effect.
The Zionist regime seeks to attain its sinister goals by creating
tension, pursing warmongering policies, masterminding plots, posing
threats and conducting a psychological warfare, Salehi said.
On Iran’s regional policy such as those on the Caucasus, he said `We
believe that countries’ national interests depend on establishment of
good relations with their neighboring states and more stability and
security will prepare the grounds for more progress, development and
welfare of people in the region, Salehi said.
Iran supports settlement of the Karakbakh disputes through peaceful
means, Salehi said.
Salehi described the current visit of his Armenian counterpart as
being in line with the expansion of mutual relations and implementing
the agreements already signed by the two sides.
The Islamic Republic of Iran and Armenia enjoy very deep-rooted
relations particularly after Armenia’s independence from the former
Soviet Union, Salehi said.
Armenia is a very important country in the region, Salehi said.
The Armenian foreign minister, for his part, said his country lauds
Iran’s principled and harmonized policies in dealing with regional
developments.
Exchange of visits between the two sides’ officials would expedite
implementation of agreements signed bt the Iranian and Armenian
presidents, he said.
He expressed the hope to witness expansion of mutual relations and
cooperation in the areas of education, culture and environment.
Yerevan believes that Iran’s nuclear stand-off with the West should be
settled through peaceful means, he said.
The two ministers reviewed latest mutual and regional developments.
They also exchanged views on holding the next round of Iran-Armenia
Joint Economic Commission meeting in Yerevan.
News from Armenia and Diaspora – Noyan Tapan
From: Baghdasarian
Key Findings of 2010 Armenia Demographic and Health Survey Presented
30-04-2012 11:20:58 | Armenia | Social
On April 30, the National Statistical Service and the Ministry of
Health of Armenia presented at a local seminar the key findings of the
2010 Armenia Demographic and Health Survey (ADHS). The funding for the
ADHS was provided by the US Agency for International Development
(USAID), with in-kind contributions from the United Nations Children’s
Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the
Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). The seminar was
attended by representatives of the Armenian government, international
organizations, local health institutions, and NGOs.
The ADHS is a nation-wide household survey, which analyzes demographic
information on key health issues and challenges, and the country’s
progress in addressing them. The study provides essential data, which
will enable decision-makers to formulate evidence-based policies and
plan for appropriate financial commitments. The 2010 ADHS interviewed
5,922 women, ages 15-49, and 1,584 men, ages 15-49, in over 7,000
households throughout Armenia. The survey covered fertility and family
planning issues, maternal health, child health and nutrition,
childhood mortality, health care service utilization, as well as
knowledge and behavior regarding HIV/AIDS and other sexually
transmitted infections (STIs).
The 2010 ADHS is the third of its kind and was implemented by the
National Statistical Service and the Armenian Ministry of Health from
October-December 2010. ICF International provided technical assistance
through MEASURE DHS, a USAID-funded project that provides support and
technical assistance in the implementation of population and health
surveys worldwide.
Key Findings:
According to the ADHS, infant mortality in Armenia has dropped over
the last five years from 26 to 13 deaths per 1,000 live births. The
number of Armenian children ages 18-29 months, fully vaccinated
according to the World Health Organization and the Armenian Ministry
of Health standards, has also increased from 74% to 87% since 2005. At
the same time, nearly 19% of children under five experience stunted
growth or are too short for their age due to chronic malnutrition,
while 15% of their peers are overweight. The survey revealed an
average of 1.7 children per woman, which has remained consistent over
the last decade. The ADHS also noted a considerable decrease in
payments for child delivery services (from 82% to 8%) after the
introduction of state vouchers in July 2008, entitling pregnant women
to receive free delivery care.
News from Armenia and Diaspora – Noyan Tapan
From: Baghdasarian
ARMENIE
Tsarukian n’exclut pas une nouvelle coalition avec Serge Sarkissian
Le chef du parti Arménie Prospère (BHK) Gagik Tsarukian n’a pas de
nouveau exclu la possibilité de partager le pouvoir avec le Président
Serge Sarkissian après les élections parlementaires du mois prochain.
« Je ne sais pas ce qui arrivera après les élections » a dit Gagik
Tsarukian au service arménien de RFE/RL (Azatutyun.am) questionné sur
l’empressement du BHK d’entrer dans un nouveau gouvernement de
coalition qui pourrait être formé par Serge Sarkissian.
« Cela dépend du choix populaire et de la confiance. Personne ne peut
dire aujourd’hui quel choix les gens feront » a-t-il dit pendant un
déplacement lors de la campagne électorale dans la province de l’
Ararat en Arménie.
Le BHK dispose actuellement de quatre portefeuilles ministérielles
dans le gouvernement de la coalition au pouvoir dominé par les membres
du parti Républicain de Serge Sarkissian (HHK). Ses relations avec le
HHK semblent s’être dégradés ces derniers mois à cause de la
répugnance apparente de Tsarukian de donner son appui pour la
candidature de Serge Sarkissian l’année prochaine lors de l’élection
présidentielle.
Aussi, le BHK ne fait aucun secret de son désir d’augmenter sa
représentation dans l’Assemblée nationale. L’ancien Ministre des
Affaires Etrangères Vartan Oskanian, dont le nom est en deuxième
position sur la liste du parti, a précisé cela lors d’une intervention
dans le district de Malatia-Sebastia à Erevan.
« Arménie Prospère a fait une offre très sérieuse et veut assumer une
responsabilité importante dans l’Assemblée nationale et le
gouvernement » a dit Oskanian. Il n’a pas dit si le parti de Tsarukian
aspire à la victoire lors des élections du 6 mai.
lundi 30 avril 2012,
Stéphane ©armenews.com
From: Baghdasarian
Several steps forward will be taken in Iran-5+1 talks in Baghdad: Salehi
Political Desk
On Line: 29 April 2012 16:36
In Print: Monday 30 April 2012
TEHRAN – Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi has said that
several steps forward will be taken during the next round of talks
between Tehran and world powers in Baghdad.
Salehi made the remarks during a joint press conference with Armenian
Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian in Tehran on Sunday, which was held
after a meeting between the two officials.
Iran and the 5+1 group (the five permanent members of the UN Security
Council and Germany) held a new round of talks in Istanbul on April
14, breaking a 15-month hiatus in talks, and agreed to meet again in
Baghdad on May 23.
Salehi described the Istanbul meeting as positive, adding, `We hope
that the Baghdad meeting will be successful. We took one step forward
in the Istanbul meeting. God willing, we will take several steps
forward in Baghdad.’
The Istanbul talks marked the beginning of the end of the dispute over
Iran’s nuclear issue, he stated.
`We hope that we will see the closure of this artificial case,’ the
Iranian foreign minister stated.
Asked to give details of the talks, Salehi said, `Let’s discuss the
details of the issue after the Baghdad meeting. Many analyses and
views are being made (and expressed) in this regard. However, it is
too soon to comment on the analyses and views.’
Iran-Russia ties developing
Salehi also replied to the question whether the message that Russian
Ambassador Levan Dzhagaryan conveyed to him on Saturday was about the
Russian proposal for a `step-by-step’ plan toward Iran’s nuclear
program and whether the initiative will be the basis of the Baghdad
talks.
`The message, which was conveyed to me by the Russian ambassador, was
about bilateral ties,’ the Iranian foreign minister explained.
On July 13, 2011, Russia made a proposal for a step-by-step approach,
according to which Iran could address questions about its nuclear
program and be rewarded with a gradual easing of sanctions.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on April 25 that
Western nations had shown interest in the Russian proposal.
Salehi went on to say that the relations between Tehran and Moscow are
`developing’ and that `Iran and Russia have common views on many
international and regional issues, and this is the reason for constant
consultation between Iranian and Russian foreign ministry officials.’
Iran-IAEA talks intended to establish a framework for cooperation
In reply to question about the next round of talks between Iran and
the International Atomic Energy Agency, which is scheduled to be held
in Vienna from May 14 to 15, Salehi said, `Issues that will be
discussed in the meeting are in line with the issues that were
discussed in Tehran. A framework would be established within which
measures that should be taken by both sides would be stated and acted
upon.’
IAEA officials met with Iranian officials in Tehran from January 29 to
31 and February 21 to 22.
Iran keen to expand ties with Armenia
Commenting on the relations between Iran and Armenia, Salehi said that
the ties are good and Tehran is keen to increase its cooperation with
Yerevan.
He also spoke about the Nagorno-Karabakh issue, which has dragged on
since ethnic Armenian forces took control of the region during a war
in the early 1990s, and reiterated Iran’s stance that the dispute
should be resolved peacefully.
Iran is ready to help the two countries settle the issue peacefully, he added.
Both Azerbaijan and Armenia claim the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh,
which is mainly populated by Armenians but located in Azerbaijan.
Armenia supports Iran’s peaceful nuclear program
The Armenian foreign minister said that his country supports Iran’s
peaceful nuclear program.
Elsewhere in his remarks, Nalbandian commented on the plan put forward
by Kofi Annan, who is the UN-Arab League joint special envoy on Syria,
and said that Armenia approves of the initiative.
`We approve of Kofi Annan’s plan, support the international community,
and hope that a solution will be found to the current situation in
Syria,’ he stated.
Annan has put forward a six-point peace plan for ending the one-year
crisis in Syria, which calls for a UN-supervised ceasefire by all
parties, the withdrawal of soldiers and heavy weapons from cities, and
the delivery of humanitarian assistance.
Ahmadinejad meets with Nalbandian
In addition, Nalbandian held a meeting with Iranian President Mahmoud
Ahmadinejad on Sunday.
During the meeting, Ahmadinejad said that efforts should be made to
enhance bilateral trade.
A number of projects are being implemented to help increase the level
of ties between the two countries, he added.
The Armenian foreign minister called for the expansion of relations
with the Islamic Republic, saying that Armenia is keen to use Iran’s
experiences in various areas.
Nalbandian also met with Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani and the secretary
of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, Saeed Jalili, on Sunday.
From: Baghdasarian
Turkish commander accused of perjury
tert.am
14:21 – 29.04.12
The commander of Sevak Shahin Balikci, the Turkish-Armenian soldier
who was gunned during service last year, is found to have given false
testimony.
According to the Turkish media, Sadrettin Ersoz has alleged that the
crime was committed due to his negligence.
An indictment against the Turkish commander has been sent to a
military court of Diyarbekir.
Balikci was killed on April 24, 2011 in a military unit of the Turkish
gendarmerie.
His fiancée said said in court that Sevak had been beaten by his
commander over lost money. After submitting complaint, however, the
soldier was forced to withdraw it. The commander reportedly threatened
to burn Sevak to death in case he failed to follow the instruction.
From: Baghdasarian
Interfax, Russia
April 27 2012
Armenian president vows retaliation against Azeri shooting
YEREVAN. April 27
Armenia is ready to retaliate against the shooting by Azeri forces
against the Armenian positions, said Armenian President Serzh
Sargsian, according to the Yerevan-based media outlets.
“No one should think that they can take advantage of the political
processes occurring in our country, assuming we are too busy with our
elections. We have a strong army and we will resort to relevant steps.
I do not think that anyone in our country doubts the might of our
defensive forces,” Sargsian said at a meeting with voters in the
republic’s Lori region.
Earlier on Friday sources told Interfax that three Armenian soldiers
became victims of the Azeri shooting against the border positions in
the Tavush region in northeast Armenia.
Meanwhile, the Armenian Defense Ministry issued a statement confirming
the death of three soldiers, without specifying where the shooting
came from.
“At 4:15 a.m. on April 27 the sixth garrison investigative division of
the Investigative Service of the Armenian Defense Ministry received a
report that a VAZ 2107 vehicle owned by a contract soldier from the N
military base was fired at near a section of the road between the
villages of Aigepar and Movses in the Tavush region, Armenia, as a
result of which the driver and two passengers, also contract soldiers,
were killed. The scene inspection led to the discovery of multiple
traces from bullets,” the Defense Ministry said.
A criminal inquiry has been launched into the incident, the statement said.
From: Baghdasarian
Interfax, Russia
April 27 2012
Three Armenian servicemen killed in attack coming from Azerbaijan – source
YEREVAN. April 27
Three Armenian servicemen were killed when the border checkpoints in
the Tavush region of Armenia (northeastern Armenia) were fired at from
Azerbaijan, a source told Interfax on Friday.
The Armenian Defense Ministry promised to issue a statement in the near future.
Exchange of fire has become frequent on the Armenian-Azeri border in
the past few days.
On April 24, a sanitary vehicle belonging to the Defense Ministry of
the self-proclaimed Nagorno-Karabakh came under fire from Azerbaijan
(two servicemen were wounded). On April 25, the village of Doveg,
Tavush region of Armenia, came under fire from Azerbaijan. No people
were hurt in the attack, although the building of a kindergarten was
damaged.
av jv
From: Baghdasarian
Interfax, Russia
April 27 2012
Nagorno-Karabakh says two wounded as Azeris fire at ambulance
YEREVAN. April 27
Two people were wounded as Azeri armed forces positioned across the
border from Azerbaijan’s disputed enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh opened
fire on Tuesday on an ambulance on Nagorno-Karabakh territory,
“cynically violating” the ceasefire, the enclave’s defense ministry
said on Thursday.
“On April 24, the enemy violated the ceasefire on the eastern front
and opened fire on an ambulance. Servicemen Andranik Madoyan and
Ernest Sarkisian were wounded,” the ministry told Interfax.
More than 2,000 shots had been fired from Azeri territory “over the
recent period,” it said. “This means that the enemy is continuing its
destabilization course along the line of contact between the Armenian
and Azeri forces. Cynically violating the Geneva convention, the Azeri
side opens fire on an ambulance with the red cross,” the ministry
said.
The Armenian Defense Ministry said that on Wednesday Azeri forces
opened fire on the village of Doveg in Armenia’s Tavush region,
damaging a kindergarten building and a truck parked near it. “For
security reasons, the children and personnel of the kindergarten had
been evacuated. No one was hurt,” the ministry said in a statement.
From: Baghdasarian