Author: Baghdasarian Karlen

Sumgait Pogroms are in line with Auschwitz crimes – expert

February 26, 2012 – 17:15 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Pogroms of Armenians in the Azeri town of Sumgait
became the first outbreak of ethnic violence in modern Soviet history,
a Ukrainian political observer said.

`Sumgait Pogroms are in line with such crimes against humanity as
tortures at Auschwitz concentration camps or Katyn Forest massacre,’
Analitika.at.ua quoted Dmitry Petrenko as saying.

`Sumgait violence was further authorized by the inaction of local law
enforcement bodies, USSR leadership and an overall incompetency
resulting in failure to prevent the tragedy,’ the expert noted.

`Throughout its history, humankind has proved unable to realize that
violence only begets further violence. While it’s impossible to heel
the wounds of those who have fallen victim to atrocity, we must use
the bitter experience to prevent such crimes in future,’ he concluded.

From: Baghdasarian

Accordians return to their Vienna roots

26. 02. 12. – 13:00

It is a little-known fact that the accordion was invented in Vienna and in
tribute to this the city is now once again hosting for the 13th time
aninternational accordion festival
from 25 February
until25
March.

The instrument known as an accordion was in fact first patented in 1829 by
Cyrill Demian, of Armenian descent, in Vienna and today the city still has
several internationally famous accordian players.

Among them is star accordionist Otto Lechner, who opened the festival on 25
February together with the Windhunde and friends.

There was also a preview concert on 18 February with around twenty
exceptional artists, including Heinz Ditsch, Maria Düchler, Ingrid Eder and
Heidelinde Gratzl, who demonstrated why the accordion is rightly described
as one of the most versatile instruments around. In fact, its repertoire
ranges from traditional Viennese songs to tangos to electronic sounds.

Italian accordionists will be a particular focus this year. Musicians like
Daniele di Bonaventura, the Simone Zanchini Duo and Riccardo Tesi &
Banditaliana will be bringing a touch of “Bella Italia” to Vienna. Artists
from Germany, France and Finland will also
addspice
to the mix.

One particular recurrent feature every year is the Sunday silent film
matinees in the historical Filmcasino. There will be five projections this
year to the accompaniment of accordion music. The first, at 1 pm on 26
February, is the Chaplin classic “The Gold Rush” with live music by
Alexander Shevchenko and Maciej Golebiowski.

The accordion festival also has something for children. In “Schulz war nur
der Franz” Franziska Adensamer and Julia Ruthensteiner will set off every
Sunday afternoon with accordion and alarm clock on a clown-like journey of
discovery.

The adventure starts on 26 February in Dschungel Wien, the theatre for
young audiences. The
fullprogramme
can be seen
here .

Vienna Times

From: Baghdasarian

HAUT KARABAGH
Base Metals investit 8 millions de dollars sur la mine d’or de Doré
(Haut Karabagh)

La société minière Base Metals installée au Haut Karabagh va investir
8 millions de dollars pour aménager le combinat d’extraction et de
fonte du minerai d’or sur le site de Doré (qui porte bien son nom…)
au Haut Karabagh. Appartenant au groupe Vallex, la société Base Metals
exploite la mine de cuivre et d’or à Drembon (Haut Karabagh). Avec
l’investissement de 8 millions de dollars, Base Metals traitera chaque
année 500 000 tonnes de roches minières (contre 200 000 tonnes
anciennement) et prévoit l’extraction annuelle de 429 kilos d’or.

Krikor Amirzayan

dimanche 26 février 2012,
Krikor Amirzayan ©armenews.com

From: Baghdasarian

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr.Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Director
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
Web:

PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon

Watch our latest videos on YouTube here:

HIS HOLINESS ARAM I ANNOUNCES THE ROADMAP TO LEAD THE CATHOLICOSATE OF
CILICIA
FROM RECOGNITION OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE TO REPARATION

On Saturday 25 February 2012, at the final session, His Holiness Aram I
thanked the experts, the participants and Prof. Nora Bayrakdarian, the
organizer of the conference.

He then announced that he will collaborate with the Armenian Catholic and
Evangelical Churches to seek compensation for the confiscated Churches and
church-related properties, as well as religious and cultural objects.

Speaking of the international mechanisms for establishing justice, the
Catholicos said, “International law and its relevant international norms
arising from treaties, conventions and resolutions of the UN General
Assembly challenge impunity in all forms, spell out the international legal
principles of accountability, justice and rule of law and affirm the
necessity of reparation. Furthermore, the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights clearly states that “no one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his
property,” and that “return of property” is an integral and essential part
of reparation. Turkey may continue denying the Armenian Genocide, it may
continue spending significant political capital and issuing threats in an
attempt to block initiatives aimed at the recognition of the Armenian
Genocide. But, it cannot deny the very fact that about two million
Armenians, Ottoman citizens, in 1915 were forcefully driven out from their
homes, leaving behind them thousands of churches, monasteries, schools,
hospitals, community and private properties and a huge spiritual. cultural,
intellectual and financial wealth.”

Addressing the issue of properties, His Holiness said, “the policy of denial
does not exempt Turkey from its legal obligation towards the Armenian
properties. As a first and concrete step towards a full restoration of the
legitimate rights of the Armenian people, church and community properties
must be returned to their rightful owners.” He then reminded the audience
that “the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia, itself a victim of Genocide,
has the moral and legal obligation and the legitimate right to claim its own
properties.

In Conclusion, Catholicos Aram I said, “the genocide, the forced exodus of
Armenians from their centuries-old homeland, confiscation of Armenian
properties and devaluation of Ottoman citizenship of Armenians are not
fiction, but concrete facts; they are not unrelated incidents or arbitrary
measures but part of pan-Turanian policy of Turkey.” He then outlined an
action plan to be taken soon “Based on the deliberations of the experts in
international law and the emerging conclusions of this conference, and
taking into consideration the provisions provided by international law, the
Catholicosate of Cilicia, in collaboration with the political parties,
community leadership and main players of the Armenian Committees, will work
towards gaining reparation from Turkey. I will seek an advisory opinion from
the International Court of Justice through the United Nations on the legal
consequences of the Armenian Genocide. I believe that NGOs and civil society
could play an advocacy role by challenging the UN to take action to this
effect. I will explore the possibility of raising the Armenian case to the
European Court of Human Rights, based on human rights violations related to
the Genocide and the confiscation of properties. I am confident that you,
the experts in international law, too will help us in this process.

Because of the present political landscape and geopolitical interests, this
is not an easy process. However, we are determined to embark on this
critical process with renewed faith and firm determination, and, as I said
last night, the role of the Republic of Armenia is pivotal in this respect.”
##
Photos:

From: Baghdasarian

PRESIDENT SARGSYAN TO VISIT VIETNAM THIS YEAR

armradio.am
25.02.2012 11:52

Within the framework of the visit to Hanoy, Armenian Foreign Minister
Edward Nalbandian had a meeting with the President of the Socialist
Republic of Vietnam, Truong Tan Sang.

Sang particularly thanked Armenia for helping to train Vietnamese
cadres and students in the past. “Many of our citizens studied in
Armenia and now implement their knowledge in the development of our
country, and the people of Vietnam are grateful to Armenia for this
support. Today we attach importance to the relations with independent
Armenia and wish to take steps in that direction.

The President of Vietnam reconfirmed his invitation to his Armenian
counterpart. Minister Nalbandian informed, in turn, that President
Serzh Sargsyan will visit Vietnam in the first half of the current
year. The parties expressed confidence that the forthcoming visit
will greatly enhance the relations between the two friendly countries.

The President of Vietnam and the Armenian Foreign Minister discussed
the steps to be taken to boost the development of bilateral ties and
dwelt on the integration processes taking place in the Asian region.

In this context, President Sang said his country could serve as a to
link Armenia with ASEAN member countries.

The Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Vietnam Pham Binh Minh and
Edward Nalbandian also held talks in Hanoi. They referred to the
development of bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional
and international issues.

Minister Nalbandian presented the main directions and priorities of
Armenia’s foreign policy and, the steps taken towards establishment
of cooperation and security in the Caucasus, the latest developments
on the process of settlement of the Karabakh issue. In this regard
Vietnam’s Foreign Minister expressed his support for the peaceful
resolution of the issue on the basis of principles of international
law.

The parties exchanged views on the events taking place in the Middle
East.

Minister Nalbandian next visited the Diplomatic Academy, where
he delivered a speech on Armenia’s foreign policy and the
Armenian-Vietnamese relations.

From: Baghdasarian

WHAT AZERIS DON’T WANT TO ADMIT ABOUT KHOJALY

asbarez

Friday, February 24th, 2012

YEREVAN, NEW YORK-A new documentary about the events between November
1991 and February 1992 in Karabakh was screened Friday. The film
recounts the shattering of the blockade of Stepanakert (capital city
of Nagorno Karabakh Republic), as well as criminal activities of the
political elite of Baku which led to the tragic deaths of civilians
in Khojaly, Panorama.am.

A two-part documentary, entitled “Between hunger and fire: Power at
the expense of lives,” presents compelling evidence about criminal
activities of Baku’s political elite, which victimized women, the
elderly and children.

The research group, which initiated the film-investigation, reports
that the documentary for now will be screened in Russian and English,
while it will be translated into seven more languages.

Using a vast trove of materials, the film will be of interest not only
for wider audience, but also for research and the academic community.

The archive, assembled during the investigation of tragic death of
civilians in Armenian-populated Stepanakert and Azerbaijani-controlled
Aghdam region, entails grounds for a wider-scale film. The latter will
counter and shed light on a range of misinformation by Azerbaijan,
which was tasked to deport the civilian population of Nagorno Karabakh
Republic from their ancestral homeland.

Meanwhile in the United States, a group calling itself the Azerbaijan
America Alliance has launched a massive propaganda campaign of
misinformation on the Azeri version of the Khojaly issue. Full-page
advertisements headlined “Khojaly: A Human Tragedy Against Azerbaijan”
appeared in the national editions of the New York Times on Friday
and the Washington Post on Saturday. Advertisements have also been
placed in Washington Metro stations, buses, bus shelters and other
transportation venues in Washington and New York.

From: Baghdasarian

KIRK KERKORIAN N’EST PAS OFFENSE PAR L’ARMENIE
Stephane

armenews.com
samedi 25 février 2012

Le milliardaire americano-armenien Kirk Kerkorian a dissout la
Fondation Lincy non pas parce qu’il a ete offense par les autorites
armeniennes, mais parce que cette decision a ete prise il y a
longtemps.

Debut 2011 le bienfaiteur Kirk Kerkorian a dissou la Fondation Lincy
après 22 annees d’activites et plus d’un millirds de $ verse en
Armenie. Et depuis la Fondation a ete dissoute et son compte restant
de 200 millions de $ a ete donne a l’Universite de Los Angelès en
Californie (UCLA). Des rumeurs ont affirme que le philanthrope avait
ete offense par les autorites d’Armenie.

La decision de Kerkorian a ete prise d’avance affirme l’ancien
vice-president de la Fondation Lincy Harut Sassounian.

” Il est satisfait des projets et n’est offense par rien. Il est venu
en Armenie une fois et a vu de ses propres yeux. Il est très heureux.

Il n’y a aucun mecontentement. Il avait projete il y a beaucoup
d’annees qu’il mettrait fin les activites de la Fondation Lincy un
jour. Il n’y avait aucune surprise ” a note Harut Sassounian.

La Fondation Lincy a fait don de 10,5 millions de $ au Fond Unie
Armenie dont president est Harut Sassounian. Cette somme sera employee
pour la construction et l’equipement de 3 ecoles en Armenie.

En 13 ans, la Fondation Lincy a fourni 45 millions de $ rien que
pour des constructions dans la zone du tremblement de terre de 1988
et 3700 appartements ont ete construits comme de nombreuses routes,
d’ecoles et d’equipements culturels.

From: Baghdasarian

WEST DOES NOT HAVE ANY REAL CAUSE TO INVADE SYRIA – ARMENIAN EXPERT

news.am
February 24, 2012 | 23:37

The information which had appeared in the media that Washington,
London, Paris, Rome and Ankara are preparing a secret invasion to
Syria is nothing more than an action of information war, Arabist David
Hovhannisyan told the reporter of Armenian News-NEWS.am explaining
that currently the West does not have any real cause.

According to Hovhannisyan, an information war is taking place currently
and the media leaks especially that of the Israeli media are part of
that war.

Comparing the situations in Syria and Lebanon, Hovhannisyan pointed
out that in Lebanon the government did not control the situation in
the country whereas in Syria the situation is different.

“The Lebanese Government in Tripoli ruled only a few cities, whereas
in Syria the government rules over the whole country. Thus, there
are no real plans but only reasons to invade Syria,” he added.

As Armenian News-NEWS.am informed earlier, according to the DEBKafile
military research agency, Washington, London, Paris, Rome and Ankara
are planning a secret invasion to Syria.

From: Baghdasarian

TURKISH ARMED FORCES HOLD MILITARY EXERCISES NEAR BORDER WITH ARMENIA

MilAz.info
Feb 24 2012
Azerbaijan

Turkish Armed Forces held large-scale military exercises near border
with Armenia – in Kars province.

APA reports that President and Commander-in-Chief of Turkish Armed
Forces Abdullah Gul, Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc and Beshir
Atalay, Defense Minister Ismet Yilmaz, Chief of the General Staff
Necdet Ozel participated at the last day of exercises which aim to
increase the combat skills of the army in winter days.

The tanks, warplanes and combat helicopters were involved in the
exercises. The fires were opened from combat bullets, shells and
missiles. The training was held in 1900 m height under -20 C. Gul said
that he was proud of capability of the Turkish Army: “We desire the
existence of peace and stability in the region. But as our fathers
said, if you want peace, prepare for war. It is needed to have the
powerful army in order to prevent the wrong step of someone. It is
necessary to pass the good exercise in order to be ready to any threat,
as well as to the protection of our country and nation”.

Gul also reminded that 90000 Turkish soldiers were frozen to death
in 1915 in Sarikamish peak of Kars in 1915 during the World War I:
“It is impossible to forget Sarikamish tragedy and our martyrs. I read
the memoirs of the commanders of that period. I was very sad. But I
saw that we drew a lesson from the history by following the movements
of Turkish soldier in 1.5m snow. ”

From: Baghdasarian

CITY’S ARMENIAN HERITAGE ATTRACTS AMERICAN AUTHOR

Times of India

Feb 24 2012

CHENNAI: Feedback from his youngest and oldest readers is what
first-time author John D Balian values the most.

His youngest fan is his son John, who now wants to be called Jonah
after the central character in his book ‘Gray Wolves and White Doves’,
while the oldest is an 80-year-old man from Bengaluru who wrote him
a letter of appreciation. “I didn’t expect my story to have such
resonance,” he said.

The Armenian-American doctor was in Chennai on Thursday to launch
his book based on the persecution of Armenians in Turkey during the
1960s and ’70s. “All the events in the book are real, based on my own
experiences or those of my family, though it is a work of fiction. I
have moved the events around to make the story flow better,” said
Balian, who was born in a remote village in eastern Turkey. He fled
persecution from neo-fascists and migrated to the US when he was 16.

The book, set in Turkey, Armenia, Syria and Jerusalem, talks of how
Armenians were persecuted 50 years after the genocide of 1915 to 1919
when 1.5 million Armenians were massacred by the Ottoman Turks.

“Many books have been set during the genocide, which Turkey still
does not acknowledge. My book is different in that it goes 50 years
later to show how attitudes have still not changed. Even today,
that sentiment exists among neo-fascists,” he said, referring to the
example of Nobel prize winner Orhan Pamuk getting into trouble over
using the word ‘genocide’ to refer to the killings.

Balian, who is looking for a distributor in India, said he chose
Chennai for the India launch because he has visited the city many times
while working for an healthcare corporate, and is familiar with its
strong Armenian heritage. “At the St Thomas Mount church, there are
inscriptions in Armenian and Portuguese. There is an Armenian Church
and street here and the world’s first Armenian journal was published
here 300 years ago,” he said.

From: Baghdasarian