Author: Baghdasarian Karlen

ARMENIA REPORTS INCREASED NUMBER OF ELIGIBLE VOTERS
Anush Martirosian

28.03.2012

The number of eligible voters officially registered in Armenia has
increased by nearly seven percent since the last national election
four years ago, according to the voter lists updated ahead of the
upcoming parliamentary polls.

The voter rolls posted on the official websites of the Armenian Police
and the Central Election Commission show that the number of people in
Armenia allowed to vote in the May 6 elections is just over 2,485,000
– an increase by more than 165,000 voters as compared to the official
figure reported before the 2008 presidential election.

A number of opposition media and analysts have cast doubts over the
possibility of such an appreciable rise, considering the preliminary
data of the October 2011 census that show Armenia’s permanent
population dwindling by some 415,000 to around 2,870,000 over the
10-year period. They also challenge the assumption that only less than
400,000 people in the country are actually below Armenia’s national
voting age of 18.

Meanwhile, head of the Passport and Visa Department of the Armenian
Police Hovannes Kocharian dismissed the speculation about any kind of
deliberate distortion of the electoral rolls to meet the interests
of the ruling political force or any other groups. He explained
the essential rise in the number of voters by a more meticulous
registration of citizens in Armenia in the past four years.

“A total of 359,614 voters, who weren’t on the 2008 lists, have been
added to the register by this year,” he said.

The police colonel explained that the rise reflects stricter
registration requirements for people seeking various government
benefits and also applying for receiving a passport.

Acknowledging that inaccuracies were still possible in the lists,
Kocharian ruled out any deliberate action to include dead or
non-existing people in them – a claim that has dogged the Armenian
authorities during virtually all previous national and local elections.

At the same time, the official also excluded that a large number of
people could possess two or more valid passports to be able to vote
several times in the upcoming elections. Any police official caught
committing such fraud will be severely punished, he emphasized.

Addressing a group of senior police officers last week, Chief of the
Armenian Police Vladimir Gasparian warned his subordinates to stick
to political neutrality during the entire course of the electoral
process in Armenia. He, in particular, stressed the importance of
ensuring the accuracy of voter registers, calling on police officials
to take it as a matter of their “personal responsibility”.

Still, different opposition groups, including the Armenian National
Congress, have cast doubts over the veracity of the electoral rolls
presented by the authorities. They again accuse the government of
trying to rig the vote by inflating the official number of registered
voters.

From: Baghdasarian

MP FROM ARF FACTION CONSIDERS PARTY PRE ELECTION PROGRAM ABLE TO SOLVE THE DIFFICULTIES ARMENIA IS FACING

ARMENPRESS
MARCH 28, 2012
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, MARCH 28, ARMENPRESS. “Businessmen, involved in the ARF
proportional lists, in case of becoming MPs will cease their business
functions and get busy with Parliamentary works “” Lilit Galstyan, MP
from ARF faction told a press conference.” I guess before setting the
rules of the game we are all obliged to keep them. It is not nice to
reiterate the fact of businessmen involvement in the ARF party lists.

The politician considers that currently the main challenge Armenia is
facing is the task “” Having Modernized State””. Galstyan deems there
are respected and determined electors who will never accept bribes
5 -10 000 AMD for electing in favor of some political figure or party.

Galstyan considers that the slogan of the party “”Liberty and justice””
is a result of consultations. These are universal values; people
are in need of implementation of these phenomena. The interlocutor
considers the party”s social orientated program is able to solve main
problems public is facing.

ANC member Vladimir Karapetyan highlighted that in spite of the
difficulties encountering during the making election list, they
overcame all the challenges. “”Congress continues to be united, we
continue to move towards the implementation of the program. ANC will
care no effort for controlling the procedure””.

Parliamentary elections are running on March 6. The deadline of
submitting nomination lists expired on March 22. Pre-election campaign
will be launched on April 8.

From: Baghdasarian

IN ANTICIPATION OF A GATHERING STORM: AN ATTACK ON IRAN AND ITS CONSEQUENCES FOR THE SOUTH CAUCASUS

ARMENPRESS
MARCH 28, 2012
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, MARCH 28, ARMENPRESS: Vilen Khlgatyan, the Vice-Chairman
of the Political Developments Research Center (PDRC), Armenia in his
article analyses an American or Israeli attack against Iran and its
consequences for the South Caucasus, Armenpress reports.

In recent months, much has been written by various media outlets and
scholars on the potential ramifications of an American or Israeli
attack against Iran. However, much of the coverage has ignored the
consequences such an attack would bring about in the Caucasus, which
is the aim of this brief analysis. In line with this, two main issues
come to mind:

The first of which is the high likelihood of Iranian refugees fleeing
to Armenia and Azerbaijan, and their ability or lack thereof to support
the incoming refugees. Both nations have had experience with refugees
as a result of the Artsakh Liberation War, when hundreds of thousands
of people fled in both directions. Whereas Armenia had the will to
provide for the Armenian refugees but lacked the financial resources,
the situation was the opposite in Azerbaijan, where the regime still
continues to use the plight of the Azeri refugees as a bargaining
chip in mediations with Armenia and the OSCE Minsk Group.

Turning to the possibility of Iranian refugees coming to Armenia and
Azerbaijan, the likelihood is high since it is already quite easy for
Iranians to enter either country, and due to the relative stability
that the two nations enjoy compared to Iran’s other neighbors,
with the possible exceptions of Turkey and Turkmenistan. It’s hard
to predict how many refugees would arrive but even if the figure is
below 10,000, which is a conservative estimate that would still prove
more than what either state can handle given the economic situations
of both. This in turn provides a destabilizing effect on Armenia and
Azerbaijan as it would pose not only a humanitarian dilemma but also a
national security threat. The problem becomes incrementally worse if
the refugee number rises. Armenian officials will have to consider,
if they have not already, what steps to take to mitigate the negative
consequences, yet provide the much needed humanitarian assistance.

The second issue that a Western attack ag ainst Iran raises for
the Caucasus is the chance of the ceasefire between Artsakh/Armenia
and Azerbaijan breaking. For years now the dictator of Azerbaijan,
Ilham Aliyev, has spoken about the readiness of his regime to ‘take
back’ Artsakh in case negotiations fail. Helped by profits from the
Azeri oil and natural gas industry, both under state control, Aliyev
has boosted military spending to the tune of $4.4 billion in 2011,
more than six times the amount Armenia officially spends on its armed
forces. Perhaps strategists in Baku, seeing the status quo as working
in the favor of Yerevan and Stepanakert, will see the international
cover provided by a war in Iran as the perfect time to execute a
strike against Armenian forces in Artsakh and Armenia proper.

While some argue that Aliyev learned an important lesson from Georgia’s
mistake in its attempt to take South Ossetia in August of 2008,
others have justifiably argued that to make the above assumption is
to simply assume that Aliyev is a rational actor, and that the years
of state sponsored anti-Armenian smear campaigns haven’t brought
the Azeri masses to a boiling point. It should be noted that during
the Russian-Georgian war in the summer of 2008, Baku may have been
preparing for an attack against Artsakh/Armenia. Reports at the time,
including one from the American private security firm, Stratfor,
suggested that had the Georgian attack against South Ossetia succeeded
in its aim, Baku was planning on invading Artsakh. Also at the time,
there was chatter in Yerevan that Armenian forces had preemptively
attacked the Azeri military and in doing so had liberated several
thousand hectares of territory. During a press conference in 2009,
this was confirmed by Lieutenant General Movses Hakobyan. While the
General did not state exactly how much lands were liberated or where
these lands were located, according to sources, the two most likely
areas may have been Mardakert and Fizuli.

The two wild cards in this scenario are what, if any, promises have
been made to Azerbaijan by the West if the former allows its airspace
and/or land to be used, and whether Russia will come to the aid of
Armenia. The first is hard to tell since any such promises would be
kept very confidential, while the second is easier to predict based on
recent statements made by the Secretary General of the CSTO, Nikolay
Bordyuzha, who openly hinted that in case Armenia proper is attacked,
Russia will come to its aid.

Though it is still very difficult to predict when or if an attack
will take place against Iran, one thing remains certain, the law
of unintended consequences will mean that there will be surprises
in store for all parties involved, either directly or indirectly,
and the best course of action any government can follow is to have
multiple contingency plans in place.

From: Baghdasarian

ARMENIAN BUSINESSMEN TO VISIT SINGAPORE SHORTLY

news.am
March 28, 2012 | 16:36

YEREVAN. – Within the framework of his state visit to Singapore,
Armenia’s President Serzh Sargsyan on Wednesday met with
representatives of the most influential corporations and large
businesses of Singapore, and discussed the prospects for making
investments in Armenia.

The Singaporean business representatives showed a keen interest toward
cooperation opportunities with Armenia in numerous domains. During
the meeting with President Sargsyan, arrangement was also reached
according to which Armenian businessmen likewise will visit Singapore
soon, the President’s Press Office informed Armenian News-NEWS.am.

From: Baghdasarian

ARMENIAN OMBUDSMAN REVEALS SHORTCOMINGS IN FIELD OF NATURE PROTECTION

news.am
March 29, 2012 | 15:49

YEREVAN.- Armenia’s Ombudsman Karen Andreasyan issues a report on
2011 activities of the Nature Protection Ministry.

The human rights defender presented the problems and achievements in
this area:

Shortcomings and problems identified

~U Damage to the environment done in the result of activities of
people and first of all economic entities is very concerning. Only
according to the official data of 2011, 5 cases of environmentally
harmful activities were revealed, when there was not any positive
conclusion on investigation of environmental impact.

~U Destruction of green spaces in the Republic of Armenia did
not stop, particularly usage of forests (forest lands) for the
implementation of various economic activities- moreover without
a proper assessment of appropriate resources and estimation of
environmental impacts. Cases of illegal logging continued, which
weren’t protocoled by the corresponding structures of the Ministry
and corresponding administrative proceedings were not launched.

~U One worrying issue, which coincides with mining and has
environmental impact, is continuously increasing wastes and tailing as
a result of the mentioned activities. The Ministry did not properly
deal with analysis of lands (tailing, piles of metal mines) in
the territory of Armenia broken and degraded as a result of mining
industry.

In certain cases the Ministry failed in the organizational process
of informing the society about planned changes of life environment.

And in some cases draft legal acts were not discussed with public
institutions.

During 2011 the “Hot Line” service of the RA Ministry of Nature
Protection registered 36 calls. Such a low ratio evidences both about
low level of awareness of the society, and lack of confidence towards
the Ministry.

Positive Developements

The stable rising tendency of the lake Sevan level has been
preserved, and public beaches were set up at the lake.

Construction activities of the small Hydro Power Station on the
river nourishing waterfall “Trchkan” are suspended, and the waterfall
has been included into the list of monuments of nature of Armenia as
a hydrographic monument of a special aesthetic value.

Some projects for the improvement of forest area were implemented in
Armenia with the support of several international donor organizations.

From: Baghdasarian

NJ TO HOST CONCERT FEATURING ARMENIAN AMERICAN COMPOSER JOHN HODIAN’S WORK

PanARMENIAN.Net
March 29, 2012 – 17:40 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Danmari Ltd. and the Yass Hakoshima Movement Theatre
announce the premiere performance of “Extremities” – featuring Yass
Hakoshima and the Da Capo Chamber Players, on Wednesday April 4 at
the Westminster Arts Center, Bloomfield College, New Jersey, U.S.

According to world-acclaimed choreographer and performer Yass
Hakoshima, this exciting new program of physical drama and live
music is about our arms and legs. “Our life without extremities is
a difficult task, but how much do we appreciate them? They are our
most versatile, intelligent and aesthetic living tools as long as we
take care of them. Bravo! Celebrate our arms and legs!”

“Extremities” showcases Hakoshima’s eloquent, physical movement,
enhanced by intense musical accompaniment. The work is set to a new
composition by Armenian/American composer John Hodian, as well as
a Robert Lepre composition and Joan Towers’ “Wings.” The Da Capo
Chamber Players and guests will collaborate with Yass Hakoshima and
guest dancers, northjersey.com reported.

From: Baghdasarian

ARFD MEMBER: 40-50 THOUS. PEOPLE WOULDN’T FLEE “GOOD COUNTRY”

PanARMENIAN.Net
March 28, 2012 – 17:15 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – ARF Dashnaktsutyun opposition party member Lilit
Galstyan called on the authorities particularly the ruling Republican
Party of Armenia (RPA) to learn to assume responsibility for its
administration.

“Political majority on behalf of the President and the Prime Minister
likes to speak about morality, however without turning words into
actions,” she added.

In this context, the MP ironically noted that the authorities gained
over 80% during recent elections of the local authorities despite the
current social and economic breakdown, enormous poverty and emigration
rate, with 40-50 thous. people annually fleeing the “good country.”

“It’s easy to bribe a person when he/she gets AMD 35 thous. monthly
salary (approximately USD 90),” she added.

The event was organized by Armenian Center of Political and
International Studies through support of National Democratic Institute
(NDI).

Armenian parliamentary elections are due on May 6, with eight political
parties and one bloc (Armenian National Congress) running for them.

From: Baghdasarian

ARMENIAN ANALYST ON MINSK GROUP’S MISSION

Tert.am
29.03.12

The current peace between over Nagorno-Karabakh is largely due
to OSCE Minsk Group’s efforts, according to Manvel Ghumshyan, a
political analyst.

The expert made the statement at a news conference on Thursday, when
commenting on the 20-year mission of the Group. He noted that both
the co-chairs and the conflicting countries – Armenia and Azerbaijan –
have made official statements in that connection.

“Azerbaijan does not have a positive opinion on the Minsk Group
efforts. We all realize, of course , that the Group has not resolved
the problem it was expected to resolve. Its 20-year mission was
accepted unequivocally, but does receive an unequivocal assessment.

The Minsk Group is the last resort that helps settle the issue without
a war. The situation we have between the two countries – in terms of
peace – is the result of its avtivities,” he said.

Ghumshyan linked the different opinions on the mission’s work with
the two countries’ expectations (which do not coincide).

“We have solved our problem. Kharabakh is de facto ours,” he noted.

As for Azerbaijan’s recent call for replacing France with the EU,
he said such move will unlikely change anything in the conflict
settlement efforts.

“France is a constituent part of the EU. And all the decisions in
the EU are implemented based on a consensus,” he added.

From: Baghdasarian

ARMENIAN GENOCIDE SURVIVORS IN QUEENS TELL THEIR HARROWING STORIES
By Anna Russell

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
Thursday, March 29, 2012, 6:00 AM

FLUSHING EVENT LEADS UP TO MASS DEMONSTRATION IN TIMES SQUARE

Aznir Guiragossian, 101, spoke about her harrowing experiences during
the Armenian genocide during a discussion on Sunday at the New York
Armenian Home in Flushing, where four of less than an estimated 50
remaining survivors in the U.S. reside.

Joe Marino for New York Daily News

Aznir Guiragossian, 101, spoke about her harrowing experiences during
the Armenian genocide during a discussion on Sunday at the New York
Armenian Home in Flushing, where four of less than an estimated 50
remaining survivors in the U.S. reside.

Dennis Papazian, a writer and scholar on the Armenian genocide,
spoke during a discussion on Sunday at the New York Armenian Home in
Flushing, where four of less than an estimated 50 remaining survivors
in the U.S. reside.

Joe Marino for New York Daily News

Dennis Papazian, a writer and scholar on the Armenian genocide,
spoke during a discussion on Sunday at the New York Armenian Home in
Flushing, where four of less than an estimated 50 remaining survivors
in the U.S. reside.

Some of the last remaining witnesses of the Armenian genocide
gathered to tell their stories recently at the New York Armenian
Home in Flushing, where four of less than an estimated 50 remaining
survivors in the U.S. reside.

“We want to put a human face on the Armenian genocide, to show that
real people are involved,” said Dennis Papazian, an organizer of
Sunday’s event and founder of the Armenian Research Center at the
University of Michigan-Dearborn.

Some of the speakers, between the ages of 99 and 102, struggled with
memory loss as they recounted their experiences – so much so that
organizers said that this may be the event’s last year.

“It’s very sad. We will just have to find different ways to do it,”
said organizer Hirant Gulian.

The gathering was part of the lead up to the 97th anniversary of the
massacre, which will be commemorated, as in past years, with a mass
demonstration in Times Square on April 22.

Papazian said supporters want recognition from the Republic of Turkey
for the events of 1915 to 1916, during which some 1.5 million Armenians
are believed to have been killed.

Seated before a small group at the Armenian Home, Charlette Kechejian,
99, recalled fleeing through the desert to escape persecution.

“We walked miles and miles. We never knew when it was going to end.

I was only eight years old,” said Kechejian, who arrived in New York
with her mother when she was 10. She later finished high school in
the U.S. and had three children, all of whom she was able to send
to college.

Perouze Kalousdinian, 102, also reached into her memory to describe
the events that changed her life.

“They took everything from us,” she said. “All the men they took away –
they killed them. Only women and children left.”

Kalousdinian worked as a seamstress after arriving in New York. She
was wearing blue trousers she had sewn herself.

The survivors, though sometimes struggling to recall events, were often
emotional as they spoke. One speaker broke into tears while another
became increasingly agitated. Gulian, while acknowledging this may
be the last time these survivors speak, maintained the importance of
the event.

“It is for the remembrance,” he said, “If we remember events like this,
hopefully we will prevent them from happening again.”

Read
more:
s-harrowing-stories-article-1.1052154#ixzz1qV0s3aq0

From: Baghdasarian

HRANT BAGRATYAN SAYS HE DID NOT DISSEMINATE ANY LETTER

06:17 pm | March 28, 2012 | Politics

Armenia’s ex-Prime Minister Hrant Bagratyan says he has not sent any
open letter to the media outlets via his e-mail.

“I cannot say who the author of the letter is, but I see a familiar
handwriting [that of authorities],” Mr Baghratyan told A1+.

At the same time, the former premier noted that if the authorities
and the national Security Service officially deny their connection
with the false letter, he will believe them.

In the meantime, Hrant Bagratyan asks the Prosecutor General and the
Armenian authorities through A1+ to find out the author of the letter.

Earlier in the day, the media received a letter in the name of
Hrant Bagratyan. In the letter the country’s former premier sharply
criticized Armenia’s First President Levon Ter-Petrosyan and the
opposition bloc Armenian National Congress (HAK).

Hrant Bagratyan is included in the HAK electoral list.

From: Baghdasarian