Author: Baghdasarian Karlen

ARMENIAN CHURCH CELEBRATED ST. VARTANANTS DAY TO MARK THE BATTLE OF AVARAYR
By Lilit Arakelyan

ArmeniaNow
16.02.12

Today the Armenian Apostolic Church celebrates Saint Vartanants Day,
the Feast of Saint Vartan the Captain and his Companions on February
16. In Yerevan, a procession from St. Zoravor Church to Vartan
Mamikonyan statue was held, followed by a festive party dedicated to
the holiday.

A divine liturgy has been served at all churches since morning, and
later a group of clergymen, youngsters, representatives of student
organizations and NGOs participated in the procession accompanied by
a brass band.

The Feast of St. Vartan the Captain and his 1,036 Companions (who are
sanctified by the Armenian Apostolic Church) marks their martyrdom
in May 451 in the battle of Avarayr, fighting for the freedom of
conscience and religion for the Armenian nation.

“This feast is dedicated to all Vartanants’ Companions, who have
consciously chosen to die for liberating their country and defending
their Christian faith. In this respect, this holiday encourages all
Armenian soldiers to be loyal to their homeland and to defend it,”
says priest Ter Shmavon Ghevondyan.

Vartanants Day is usually celebrated on Thursday preceding Lent. This
is a feast dedicated to the battle of those sacred captains, who
were written about by great Armenian historian Yeghishe, Armenian
writer Derenik Demirtchyan (with his ‘Vardanank’ historian novel),
and well-known Armenian painter Grigor Khanjyan (1926-2000) created
‘The Battle of Vardanank in AD 451’ mural which is now hosted by
Cafesjian Center for Arts.

From: Baghdasarian

MORE DEMOCRATIC NEIGHBORS ARE MORE PREDICTABLE, NSC SECRETARY SAYS

PanARMENIAN.Net
February 17, 2012 – 13:01 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – “Civil society is the key component of EU-Armenia
cooperation,” secretary of the National Security Council of Armenia
(NSC) Artur Baghdasaryan said at the opening of the workshop organized
by the EU Advisory Group.

Baghdasaryan noted that the Eastern Partnership initiative provides
an excellent opportunity to implement relevant reforms in the country.

NSC secretary also said that it plays an important role on the regional
level as well. “More democratic neighbors are more predictable;
one can cooperate with them,” he said.

Baghdasaryan expressed hope that following the implementation of
the Armenia-EU Action Plan 2012-2013 the Association Agreement can
be signed.

From: Baghdasarian

LE PARTI REPUBLICAIN ESPIRE MOINS D’HOMMES D’AFFAIRES DANS LE NOUVEAU PARLEMENT
Stephane

armenews.com
jeudi 16 fevrier 2012

Le parti Republicain d’Armenie (HHK) a reaffirme son intention de
significativement reduire le nombre des hommes d’affaires au sein
du Parlement.

Le Premier ministre Tigran Sarkisian a dit qu’aucun d’eux ne sera
inclus dans la liste des candidats du HHK qui seront candidats
a l’Assemblee nationale sous le système de la representation
proportionnelle. ” Il n’y aura plus de celèbre homme d’affaires dans
notre liste et le president de la republique a pris cette decision
politique claire ” a dit Tigran Sarkissian aux journalistes.

Mais il a indique que les entrepreneurs proches du gouvernement
pourront peut-etre poser leurs candidatures dans les circonscriptions
electorales a mandat simple a travers l’Armenie. ” Il est trop tôt
pour repondre a cette question parce que nous ne savons pas encore
qui va concourrir et dans quel corps electoral ” a-t-il dit.

Eduard Sharmazanov, depute et porte-parole en chef du HHK, etait
aussi peu dispose pour speculer sur combien de riches hommes d’affires
poseront leurs candidatures dans ces zones. ” Puisque il n’y a aucune
decision finale encore, je m’abstiendrai de tout commentaire ” a-t-il
dit au service armenien de RFE/RL (Azatutyun.am).

Le BHK ne devrait pas suivre cette politique. Son chef, Gagik
Tsarukian, est un des entrepreneurs les plus riches d’Armenie.

” La presence d’homme d’affaire est necessaire ” a dit Samvel
Balasanian, un depute du BHK et aussi homme d’affaires. ” Pouvons-nous
faire quelque chose sans l’economie ? ”

From: Baghdasarian

L’OPPOSITION PROPOSE UNE REFORME ELECTORALE MAJEURE
Laetitia

armenews.com
jeudi 16 fevrier 2012

Un comite permanent du Parlement armenien a tenu des audiences
mercredi 15 fevrier sur une reforme electorale majeure. Les forces
de l’opposition du pays demandent de tenir des elections legislatives
plus democratiques.

La commission des affaires juridiques va examiner un projet de loi qui
permettrait d’organiser les elections sur la base d’une liste unique
malgre son rejet par la majorite pro-gouvernementale a l’Assemblee
nationale. Le gouvernement armenien s’est egalement prononce contre
un projet de loi redige par la Federation revolutionnaire armenienne
(FRA) et le parti Zharangutyun (Heritage).

Conformement au Code electoral existant, 90 des 131 sièges du Parlement
ont ete en competition dans le cadre du système de representation
proportionnelle lors des dernières elections legislatives. Les 41
autres deputes ont ete elus dans des circonscriptions a siège unique
a travers tout le pays.

Les leaders de l’opposition affirment que les electeurs sont plus
vulnerables a la corruption lorsqu’ils peuvent elire un candidat
individuel. Le HHK nie ces allegations et affirme que les districts
a mandat unique sont necessaires en dehors d’Erevan.

Les legislateurs de la FRA et Zharangutyun ont cherche a refuter
les arguments du gouvernement au cours des audiences du comite. ”
Dans les districts, les gens ne savent meme pas qui est leur depute
parce que non seulement il ne vit pas la, mais il ne vient jamais
leur rendre visite “, a declare Vahan Hovannisian, le chef du groupe
parlementaire de la FRA.

Armen Rustamian, un autre leader de la FRA, a rejete les demandes du
HHK concernant les circonscriptions uninominales qui permettent de
faire un lien direct entre l’Assemblee nationale et les provinces
armeniennes. ” Ce lien commence et se termine avec la distribution
de pots de vin “, a declare Rustamian.

Les principaux membres des groupes d’opposition ne sont pas representes
dans le parlement actuel. Levon Zurabian (parti HAK), a declare
que les elections dans les circonscriptions dans tout le pays sont
generalement balayees par de riches particuliers ayant une reputation
douteuse. Le Parlement devrait se prononcer sur le projet de loi de
l’opposition ce mois-ci. Davit Harutiunian, le president du comite,
a precise mercredi que la majorite du HHK va voter contre.

From: Baghdasarian

“QAJAR PERSIA” IN THE EYES OF ITALIAN PHOTOGRAPHER HITS BOOKSTORES

04 February 2012 15:42

A cover of the Persian version of “Qajar Persia” TEHRAN — Pictures
taken by the Italian photographer Luigi Montabone have recently been
published in a book named “The Qajar Persia”.

Compiled by Mojgan Tariqati, the bilingual book was edited by Iraj
Afshar. Shahriar Adl and Mohammad Sattari have written a preface for
the book released by Mirdashti Publications.

The book contains 71 photos taken by Montabone. The photos are
collected from three albums; two of them are now in Tehran’s Golestan
Palace and another is kept in Biblioteca Marciana in Venice, Tariqati
mentioned in book’s prelude.

She mentioned that Montabone has added or removed photos from albums.

For example, he removed four photos of ladies, three of them were
Italians and one of them was Armenian lady from Tbilisi, from the
albums dedicated to the Golestan Palace.

Instead, the albums contain photos featuring urban landscapes,
people’s social culture, historical sites, people’s costumes, jobs
as well as people from different social classes.

Arguably, Luigi Montabone (? – 1877) might be called the first and only
Italian photographer in nineteenth century in Iran. He was commissioned
to join an Italian delegation to Persia to take pictures of anything
that could be of interest to the members of this delegation.

The mission, consisting of sixteen persons, mostly diplomats and
scholars, left Geneva in 1862 for Constantinople, and from there
travelled via Tbilisi, Yerevan, Tabriz, and Qazvin to Tehran. The
delegation aimed to establish diplomatic relations and to promote
commercial affairs.

Montabone not only took portraits of all sorts of people, but also took
photographs of a variety of architectural structures, landscapes and
city views. He climbed buildings or hills to find beautiful panoramas
or just the right angle to take his photographs.

He also experimented with coloring his photographs which was and still
is a unique aspect within nineteenth century photography in Persia.

From: Baghdasarian

HOW DID SPEED-MEASUREMENT DEVICE “MYSTERIOUSLY” DISAPPEAR FROM YEREVAN STREET?

news.am
February 16, 2012 | 11:24

YEREVAN. – The speed-measurement device, which was installed at
Armenian capital Yerevan’s Myasnikyan Avenue, is no longer there for
several days.

The aforesaid device was removed on February 11 by the Security
Dream Company, which carries out services for the Police Force’s
video cameras and speed-measurement devices, in order to correct the
mechanical defect in the attachment detail of the device. The latter
will be reinstalled at the same location by the end of the week,
Police Force informed Armenian News-NEWS.am.

From: Baghdasarian

“PREDATORY BIRDS” OF ARMENIA’S POLICE FORCE WILL BE REPLACED BY “DOVES” – NEWSPAPER

news.am
February 15, 2012 | 09:25

YEREVAN. – The representatives of Armenian Police Chief Vladimir (Vova)
Gasparyan’s newly formed division, some members of whom are women,
will probably carry out service during the opposition’s rally to be
held on March 1, Hraparak daily writes.

“Around one month ago Hraparak wrote that with the idea of Vova
Gasparyan, a new division will be established in the Police Force. It
will carry out external service, specifically during mass events.

Although such divisions already exist, this will differ to a large
extent. It will be an ‘elite’ service, whose representatives must speak
English, administer first aid, and must be skilled in a civil dialogue
with the citizens. We learned yesterday [Tuesday] that the division is
ready, and it includes 6-7 dozen members. Their uniforms are prepared,
too, and they greatly differ from those of other divisions. There
is the image of a dove on the chest section of the uniform. So,
come this spring the ‘predatory birds’ will be replaced by symbolic
‘doves,'” Hraparak daily writes.

From: Baghdasarian

U.S. PUBLISHER: BRYZA’S INTERVIEW REAFFIRMS HIS NON-PROFESSIONALISM

PanARMENIAN.Net
February 15, 2012 – 17:17 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Former U.S. Co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group
and unaccomplished U.S. ambassador to Azerbaijan, Matthew Bryza’s
pro-Turkish and pro-Azerbaijani statements during an interview
with Turkish Hurriyet newspaper reaffirms his non-professionalism,
according to California Courier Publisher.

“Bryza’s justification was adhering to U.S. President’s position
(George W. Bush) when accused of holding biased stance on Armenia. How
can his pro-Azerbaijani and pro-Turkish stand be explained now?”

California Courier editor Harut Sassounian’s article reads.

According to Sassounian, Bryza’s love for Turkey is big enough to
inspire him to stay in Turkey after completion of his professional
activity.

“We may say his dream has come true. Now he lives in Istanbul and is
married to a Turkish woman,” Sassounian writes.

From: Baghdasarian

ARMENIA’S PARLIAMENT DEPUTY SPEAKER MEETS GERMAN JOURNALISTS

ARMENPRESS
FEBRUARY 14, 2012
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 14, ARMENPRESS: Deputy Speaker of National Assembly
Eduard Sharmazanov received German journalists Richard Kisler and Knut
Teske, who have arrived in Armenia to get acquainted with the position
of the Armenian party on Nagorno Karabakh (NK) conflict settlement,
the causes of the conflict, the possible ways of its solution, the
social and economic and political situation of the country.

As press service of National Assembly of Armenia told Armenpress,
Sharmazanov expressed gratification that for understanding and covering
the current issues, the German journalists have visited the region
personally in contrast to those who make illusory judgments about
the things they do not know.

He expressed hope that after the visit to Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh
they will make full idea of NK conflict, its causes and posilble
solutions, as both Armenia and Artsakh are ready to extend open and
healthy discussions and express frank positions. Only the honorable
journalists for their part should take responsibility to present the
facts impartially.

The German journalists said last year they visited Azerbaijan, now
they are in Armenia, and tomorrow will leave for Nagorno Karabakh to
make full idea of the current situation. They write for famous German
newspapers and conduct internet forums. And the goal is that the
Germans understand why NK conflict is difficult to resolve. According
to them, the significance of this region is big for Europe and the
conflict situation – explosive.

Simultaneously they understand Armenia has “difficult” neighbors,
but they think it is possible to disseminate mutual trust through
economic cooperation. According to them the Azerbaijani have stood
up for economic cooperation.

Eduard Sharmazanov said the contradiction of speech and deed is
typical of Azerbaijan. They “play policy”, while he will speak with
facts. The Deputy Speaker said Europeans perfectly know that tolerance
is inseparable part of democracy. Is it possible to cooperate with a
head of country, who propagates racism, and threats to take Artsakh
by use of force? Supporting the peaceful settlement of the conflict,
Armenia proposes the way of compromise.

In answer to German journalists’ question what must be done if
Azerbaijan does not recognize the independence of Karabakh, Sharmazanov
said: “Karabakh has already gained independence, it is not Azerbaijan
that must recognize the independence of Karabakh but international
community, which the latter has done in a number of cases.”

During the meeting the parties referred to Armenian-Turkish relations,
Armenian Genocide and issues related to its recognition.

The German journalists expressed gratitude to Eduard Sharmazanov for
sincerity, and the latter assured that after the visit to NK they
will make full idea of the issue. “In that newly independent country
you will see a mature generation with free way of thinking, who have
not seen and do not want to know what the Azerbaijani leadership means.

They always look forward and move forward,” said Mr. Sharmazanov.

From: Baghdasarian

HERITAGE MEMBER DISFAVORS MAJORITY MPS’ ACTIVITY

PanARMENIAN.Net
February 15, 2012 – 14:28 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – At a parliamentary hearing on full shift to
proportional electoral system, deputy chairman of Heritage party
Ruben Hakobyan called attention to passivity of MPs elected through
majority system, noting that 29 out of 41 majority MPs in 2007 never
addressed the parliament.

According to Mr. Hakobyan, there is an agreement reached between
authorities and MPs elected through majority system speculating
provision of all conditions for the latter by authorities and turning
a blind eye to violations. Meanwhile MPs are set to secure certain
percentage of votes for the party during elections by proportional
system.

Heritage member further refuted accusations as to constitutional
contradictions regarding the full shift to proportional system, whilst
urging to benefit from the expertise of such democratic countries as
Sweden and Denmark with exceptionally proportional electoral system.

On December 27, Heritage and ARF Dashnaktsutyun opposition parties
issued a joint statement urging for a full shift to proportional
electoral system.

On January 26, Prosperous Armenia coalition party jointly with Heritage
and ARF Dashnaktsutyun opposition parties requested parliament speaker
Samvel Nikoyan and the chairman of NA standing committee on state and
legal affairs David Harutyunyan to organize parliamentary hearings
on full shift to proportional electoral system.

From: Baghdasarian