Author: Baghdasarian Karlen

THE DEADLINE OF ANPP EXPLOITING TO BE PROLONGED. THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW UNIT TO RECEIVE IAEA’S ASSISTANCE

ARMENPRESS
APRIL 19, 2012
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, APRIL 19, ARMENPRESS. The Government of the Republic of
Armenia approved the decision to extend Armenian nuclear plant second
unit exploiting process. The deadline expires in 2016.At the Cabinet
sitting the Prime Minister stated that the Executive Body will conduct
transparent process. “International energy Chief is in Armenia on these
days. We have applied him for assistance to prolong the exploiting of
acting nuclear power plant and the process of building new nuclear
power construction. Our request reportedly receives the support of
Agency” the head of Cabinet highlighted. Prime Minister Sargsyan
stated that the extension of acting nuclear power will not interfere
with the construction of new power unit. Armen Movsisyan Minister of
Energy and Natural Resources stated that the decision is necessary
taking into account the issue of new power deadline and providing
the country with energy independence and security.

From: Baghdasarian

RPA IMITATES PROSPEROUS ARMENIA’S CAMPAIGN, PAPER SAYS

PanARMENIAN.Net
April 19, 2012 – 09:42 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – According to Hayatsk paper, buses bearing the logo of
the ruling Republican Party of Armenia travel across Yerevan offering
a free drive.

The paper reminds of the stir caused several months ago, when
Prosperous Armenia party initiated free bus routes from Abovyan town
to Yerevan. The move was accompanied by false rumors saying people
want to take the paid buses while they are forcibly made to sit in
the free ones.

“So why there is no fuss this time? Why nobody tries to publish fake
public claims about citizens made into RPA’s free buses by force?

Prosperous Armenia’s initiative was criticized, while RPA’s moves
seem to be absolutely acceptable,” Hayatsk says.

From: Baghdasarian

THE CONCERT HALLS AFTER ALEXANDER SPENDIARYAN AND ARAM KHACHATRYAN TO BE TECHNICALLY RENOVATED

ARMENPRESS
APRIL 19, 2012
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, APRIL 19, ARMENPRESS. Government financed the reconstruction
work implemented in the concert halls of Opera and Ballet National
Academic Theatre after Alexander Spendiaryan. At the regular cabinet
sitting Minister of Culture Hasmik Poghosyan stated ” the issue of
concert halls is really problematic in Armenia; for dozen of years no
concert halls were built in the country. For this reason we attach
great importance of the above implemented works”.Investment worth
8 million euro was invested for building concert halls. The works
will be conducted jointly with Austrian side, which is scheduled to
complete in January 2013.

From: Baghdasarian

13 BILLION UNPAID TAXES

Story from Lragir.am News:

Published: 10:54:19 – 19/04/2012

In his election speech in Armavir, the leader of the Armenian National
Congress Levon Ter-Petrosyan noted that it is possible to improve the
state of the Armenian people in a few months. According to him, this
is not science fiction and one can refer to neighboring Georgia which
proved it is possible. Ter-Petrosyan said that it is only necessary
to tax the shadow economy since the shadow economy is bigger than
the Armenian budget.

for his part, Hrant Bagratayan, the former prime minister, said that
the economic part of the Congress’ election program can be easily
implemented, and in case they win majority, they will eliminate
monopolies, have oligarchs pay taxes, as well as boost sharply salaries
and pensions.

“There are USD 13 billion unpaid taxes,” says Bagratyan. He stressed
in his speech, that unlike Serzh Sargsyan he does not pledge that an
ordinary Armenian will be able to create his own job.

From: Baghdasarian

PRESS RELEASE
Armenian National committee of America – Western Region
211 W. Chestnut St. | Suite
Glendale, CA 91206
Tel: 818-507-1933
Email: [email protected].

Community Organizations Partner with ANCA Glendale on Genocide
Commemorative Blood Drives

The Armenian National Committee of America – Glendale in partnership
with the City of Glendale’s Week of Remembrance Committee, the
American Red Cross and the Glendale Chapters of the Armenian Youth
Federation, Homenetmen Ararat and YMCA will host 2 blood drives in
commemoration of the Armenian Genocide. The first blood drive, which
will kick off the City of Glendale’s Week of Remembrance, will take
place on Sunday, April 22, 2012 from 10:00AM – 4:00PM at St. Mary’s
Armenian Apostolic Church (500 S. Central Ave., Glendale, CA 91204).
The second blood drive will be hosted at the Glendale YMCA’s Youth
Fitness Center (130 N. Louise St., Glendale, CA 91206) on Thursday,
May 3, 2012 from 1:00PM-7:00pm.

2012 Blood Drive

“With every year, for the past seven years we have seen a tremendous
increase in the number of residents and community organizations who
come out and support this very symbolic blood drive in memory of those
who perished during the Armenian Genocide of 1915,” stated ANCA
Glendale Executive Director, Elen Asatryan. “We are honored to have
the Glendale YMCA partner with us and other community based
organizations this year and are confident that their participation
will allow us to surpass our previous record breaking numbers of blood
donations,” added Asatryan.

According to the American Red Cross, less than 3% of the 24 million
residents in Southern California donate blood. One pint of blood can
save up to 3 lives and about every 2 seconds someone needs a blood
transfusion. The April 22nd and May 3rd blood drives will benefit
patients treated at Glendale Memorial and Glendale Adventist
Hospitals. Appointments are encouraged, walk-ins are welcome. To be
eligible to donate blood you must be at least 16 years of age and
weigh a minimum of 110 pounds; valid identification is required.

“It is important for all of us to stop and think about the Armenian
Genocide and those who have lost their lives. The best way to express
our sorrow for this atrocity is to help preserve lives by giving
blood,” stated Glendale YMCA CEO, George Saikali.

For more information or to schedule an appointmen call ANCA Glendale
at 818.243.3444, Glendale YMCA at 818.240.4130 ext.34 or visit
and enter sponsor code ANCGlendale and register
online.

Known as the first genocide of the 20th century, the Armenian Genocide
resulted in the mass murder of 1.5 million Armenians at the hands of
the Ottoman Turks. April 24th, 2012 will mark the 97th commemoration
of Armenian Genocide.

From: Baghdasarian

FRENCH AMBASSADOR CONSIDERS 2012 FRANCOPHONIE DAYS A RECORD

news.am
April 20, 2012 | 17:33

YEREVAN.- France’s Ambassador to Armenia Henri Reynaud called the 2012
Francophonie Days a record.

Speaking during a Friday press conference, Reynaud said the
Francophonie Days are one of the elements of development of bilateral
relations.

The Ambassador said within the frameworks of Francophonie Days he had
visited the cities of Vanadzor and Goris. He pointed out developing
ties between Armenia’s regions and the departments of France.

The Francophonie Days opened in Armenia with Carmen opera staged in
Yerevan. Concerts, screenings of films, evenings of French poetry and
music, festival of fairy tales and other events were held throughout
Armenia.

On March 20 the French page of the National Assembly’s website was
officially presented.

The International Organization of Francophonie brings together 75
states, 56 out of them are members of the organization and 19 have
an observer status.

From: Baghdasarian

PRE-ELECTION CIRCUS
JAMES HAKOBYAN

Story from Lragir.am News:

Published: 17:05:35 – 20/04/2012

Understanding that the so-called sociological institutes and their
heads have wasted public confidence, the government orders polls by
foreign companies.

For instance, the European Friends of Armenia, the Gallup conducted
polls, now the Russian Public Opinion Study Center does.

According to these polls, the Republicans and the PAP lead the race,
the other political forces are far behind, and it will be tough for
them to win 5%.

Despite the foreign “brands”, a very small part of the Armenian
society believes that these polls reflect the real moods.

And perhaps the projections of public opinion are not so objective. On
top of all, the international sociology is also detested in Armenia.

But there is something positive about it.

When both the so-called internal and external sociologies studying
the Armenian elections are totally defamed, this component may finally
shift from the election process to other spheres of life.

Sociology is the companion of the election process of any civilized
country. However, to put it honestly, it is hard to describe the
Armenian election process as civilized. So, objective or subjective,
sociology must quit elections and wait for better times for elections.

In that case, there will be no need to order sociological tales or
sociological tours, enriching some companies abroad.

And the society will respect sociology which does not interfere
with pre-election intrigues, and this science may take the track for
purification and become a genuine hands-on tool for the society.

From: Baghdasarian

ATP CELEBRATES EARTH DAY IN KOTAYK WITH US EMBASSY AND UN

Story from Lragir.am News:

Published: 15:20:59 – 20/04/2012

The celebration of Earth Day is gaining in popularity at a rapid pace
in Armenia. This year, Armenia Tree Project (ATP) celebrates the day
by planting trees in the community of Teghenik in the Kotayk region.

On Friday, April 20, the US Embassy in Armenia and the United
Nations joined ATP to plant a cluster of decorative and fruit trees
in Teghenik.

“Our goal in planting is to restore green spaces throughout Armenia
to provide valuable environmental services including clean air,
soil retention, and shade during hot summers,” notes ATP Managing
Director Tom Garabedian. “The Kotayk region had significant greenery
some 150-200 years ago. We hope to use these planting activities to
offset the impacts of deforestation, and the creation of green spaces
represents an important step in the improvement of the environment
and quality of life in the region.”

US Ambassador to Armenia John Hefern joined his colleagues at the
Embassy and took part in the ATP’s tree planting dedicated to the
Earth Day celebration. “This year I’m honored to join the Armenia
Tree Project in Teghenik to mark Earth Day. The trees we plant here
will improve the environment and help highlight the necessity of
maintaining our natural surroundings.” states Ambassador Hefern.

The trees are being planted as part of ATP’s innovative “community
forests” program, which was initiated in 2011. “The aim of this
new program is to create small community forests in areas that are
deprived of any green zones and nearby forests,” explains Garabedian.

ATP identifies affected areas and partners with the local authorities
to establish these community forests. The program was designed with
sustainability in mind. While the trees are provided by ATP, the local
community invests resources in planting and long-term maintenance of
the trees on their land.

This program started with planting at community sites in Karenis and
Teghenik in the Kotayk region, where nearly 6,000 trees were planted
in 2011. “The program has been successful so far, and we have received
requests from other community leaders who want to establish small
forests in their villages,” adds Garabedian. “This Earth Day tree
planting event will contribute to ATP’s mission to green Armenia,
and we look forward to expanding these partnerships.”

Schoolchildren and other members of the local community also
participated in the tree planting along with the special guests from
various organizations and international institutions. A total of 2000
trees that include decorative and fruit seedlings were planted for
Earth Day. The new forest will be composed of oak, pine, ash, pear,
and apple seedlings.

Dafina Gercheva, UN Resident Coordinator states: ‘The proclamation
of 22 April as International Mother Earth Day by the United Nations,
is an acknowledgement that the Earth and its ecosystems provide its
inhabitants with life and sustenance. It also recognizes a collective
responsibility, as called for in the 1992 Rio Declaration, to promote
harmony with nature and the Earth to achieve a just balance among
the economic, social and environmental needs of present and future
generations of humanity. ‘

Earth Day events are held worldwide to increase awareness and
appreciation of the natural environment. Gaylord Nelson, a United
States Senator from Wisconsin, first called for an environmental
teach in, or Earth Day, to be held on April 22, 1970. Over 20 million
people participated that year, and Earth Day is now observed each
year by more than 500 million people in 175 countries. Earth Day is
coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network, and April 22 has been
designated by the United Nations as International Mother Earth Day.

ATP’s mission is to assist the Armenian people in using trees
to improve their standard of living and protect the environment,
guided by the need to promote self-sufficiency, aid those with the
fewest resources first, and conserve the indigenous ecosystem. ATP’s
three major programs are tree planting, environmental education, and
sustainable development initiatives. For more information about ATP,
please visit the web site

From: Baghdasarian

FOREIGN MINISTERS OF TURKEY AN AZERBAIJAN DISCUSS KARABAKH CONFLICT IN BRUSSELS

arminfo
Friday, April 20, 13:05

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov discussed the Nagorno-
Karabakh conflict with his Turkish counterpart Ahmet Davutoglu during a
meeting on sidelines of ISAF session in Brussels, the Posta newspaper
reported.

“At the meeting we discussed the situation in the region and the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. We have common views on many issues. The
meeting was successful,” Davutoglu told Turkish journalists. Since
1992 the OSCE Minsk Group represented by co-chairs from Russia, U.S.

and France has been mediating in resolution of the conflict unleashed
by Azerbaijan in 1988. At present the peace process is based on the
Madrid Principles suggested by the OSCE MG in 2007 in Madrid and
renovated in 2009.

From: Baghdasarian

WORLD’S FIRST PARLIAMENT PLANS TO CANCEL RECOGNITION OF ‘ARMENIAN GENOCIDE’

Azerbaijan Business Center
April 18 2012

Baku, Fineko/abc.az. The world’s first parliament, which can undo its
own recognition of “Armenian genocide” may become the Verkhovna Rada
of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea (ARC, Ukraine).

Rahim Humbatov, head of the Azerbaijani community of Crimea, says
that a relevant notification has already been done by the ARC
Verkhovna Rada.

“The ARC Verkhovna Rada’s letter addressed to us says that after
considering the ARC Prosecutor’s Office letter by the ARC Verkhovna
Rada Standing Committee on rulemaking and legal issues, it was drafted
a resolution of the Verkhovna Rada “On the abolition of the Act of the
Verkhovna Rada of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea from 19.05.2005
#1322/4-05 “On the Day of the tragedy of the Armenian people”,”
Humbatov said.

He points out that before the Crimean Azerbaijani community appealed
to the Crimean parliament to declare February 26 the Day of Remembrance
for the victims of the massacre in Khojaly.

“In the reply letter we were told that the Verkhovna Rada does not
have the appropriate authority to take the decision to declare
February 26 the Day of Remembrance for Victims of Khojaly” and
brought a lot of arguments. In response the Azerbaijani community
brought as an example the currently being cancelled act, expressing
misunderstanding of a situation when Parliament previously adopted
such an act. After examination of the matter the Verkhovna Rada Legal
Department analyzed the taken decision and issued a conclusion on the
illegality and unconstitutionality of Act #1322/4-05. Then the Crimean
prosecutor’s office sent a letter to the Crimean parliament stating
the need to bring the above-said decision in accordance with the laws
of Ukraine. The Crimean Azerbaijani community, in turn, insisted that
the parliament of the Crimea, should adopt a resolution declaring
February 26 the Day of Remembrance for Victims of Khojaly, or cancel
Order #1322/4-05. I would say that we are satisfied with both the first
and the second option. Another would mean that the Verkhovna Rada uses
double standards, that is absolutely not acceptable,” Humbatov stated.

He is satisfied with the Rada’s determination to cancel Act #1322/4-05.

“We believe that there should be more intensive dialogue between
the Armenian and Azerbaijani publics, and we hope this dialogue will
promote to faster settlement of the Garabagh conflict. The alternative
is a war that will be much destructive than the previous one.

Azerbaijan would like to avoid such a scenario. Therefore, in the near
future the Azerbaijani community of Crimea is going to make a number
of proposals for enhanced dialogue between Armenians and Azerbaijanis,”
Humbatov concluded.

From: Baghdasarian