Author: Baghdasarian Karlen

news.az, Azerbaijan
June 16 2011

Hard to predict outcome of Kazan talks – Matthew Bryza
Thu 16 June 2011 05:15 GMT | 1:15 Local Time

It is hard to predict outcomes of the Kazan talks.
The statement came from US ambassador to Azerbaijan Matthew Bryza in
his remarks for journalists.

‘The Azerbaijani and Armenian Presidents know this more exactly. But
we can consider that OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs have certain
information. One can say with confidence that there is no trick in the
talks,’ Bryza said.

‘The discussions are very serious and great progress has been achieved lately.’

Envoy also said the cooperation between NATO and Russia mainly focuses
on missile defence system. They want to create a separate missile
defense system. I have heard nothing about Gabala.

He said NATO-Russia cooperation also focuses on assistance to
Afghanistan. Azerbaijan and Georgia are also included in this transit
route, the envoy added.

Noting that Azerbaijan closely cooperates with NATO, Bryza said NATO
has decided to enhance cooperation both with Azerbaijan and other 29
countries.

‘NATO has stated that its doors are open to states with democratic
values in Europe. This means that any state meeting the criteria set
by this state can become NATO member. This is of the same importance
for Azerbaijan.’

Bryza also pointed out that deployment of peacekeepers in
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone is also on agenda.

‘This issue is expected to be settled. But I can say nothing concrete.
I hope that the issue will be solved positively.’

Gun.Az

From: Baghdasarian

Justice as a way of thinking. Armenia’s Minister of Justice tackling
contradictions in the law

Monday, 13 June 2011 08:21 |
Spotlight / Events

Hrayr Tovmasyan outlined two current priorities of his work as Mnister
of Justice, as a guest of the Civilitas `One Hundred Questions and
Answers’ series: tackling contradictions and inconsistencies in the
law and instilling a new way of thinking that upholds justice as a top
demand and need for the society at large. `We need to clear the law of
all corruption-related risks, and we need to allow access to new
people and to a new value system that will espouse justice as a way of
thinking,’ explained Tovmasyan. `Justice should be a public demand and
we need to clearly formulate that demand.’

The purpose of the series is to offer citizens an opportunity to speak
directly to decision-makers, opinion-makers and policy-makers. With no
pre-determined topic and no speeches, the guest immediately responds
to questions from the audience and from those who have submitted
questions online. The audience also enters into dialogue with the
guest. In this case, environmental activist Karine Danielyan argued,
`The demand often runs into a wall,’ citing cases where a new business
was clearly preferred while community needs were ignored when
environmental safety was at stake. Tovmasyan agreed but reminded the
audience not to forget the successful cases when construction was
stopped due to public demand for the sake of environmental safety and
architectural integrity. `Five years ago, you would see trees cut down
every step of the way, whereas now public figures think not just
twice, but three times before ordering a cut-down, and this is solely
due to public opinion. Public demand always precedes and exceeds what
the state can do to satisfy it,’ said Tovmasyan encouraging discussion
participants to stay true to their cause and continue the good work.

The discussion touched upon judicial independence and impartiality of
Armenian courts. `The constitution provides for the separation of the
judicial branch from legislative and executive branches,’ said
Tovmasyan, an expert in constitutional law. `However, it is not solely
the task of the constitution to guarantee an independent judicial
power and to instill the correct perception of justice in judges. It
is impossible to tackle this with just constitutional reforms. The
society needs to step in.’

The Minister explained that the Justice Ministry’s responsibilities
revolve around the development of the Criminal Code, and
administrative or disciplinary actions related to judicial officers.
He talked about a recent survey conducted by his students which showed
that 84 percent of respondents were ready to resort to bribery to
arrive at some illegal solution to a problem, while 63 percent of
respondents would resort to illegal methods to provide a solution to a
legal matter as well. `We have a clear need for change in society’s
thinking. There are no other alternatives to an impartial judicial
system,’ concluded Tovmasyan.

The Minister was also asked questions of a political nature. He
responded to a question about early parliamentary elections by
explaining that `If prior to the 2005 constitutional reforms, the
president could, at any time, for political reasons alone, dissolve
the National Assembly, then following the 2005 reforms, only under
specific circumstances is the President able to dissolve the National
Assembly and hold special elections,’ said Tovmasyan. `There is no
such legal basis for special elections at this moment, nor do I
believe that there are political, social or economic bases either.’

Towards the end of the discussion Tovmasyan revealed his teaching
philosophy as a professor and what he tries to pass on through his
lectures to the next generation of Armenian lawyers. `Many think that
a good lawyer is one who knows a lot of laws. Jurisprudence is, again,
a way of thinking – either you have it or you don’t. I try to convey
this to my students, which always reminds me of what my own professor
used to say years ago that jurisprudence is the ability to read in
between the lines of the law.’

From: Baghdasarian

The Silence of Lambs

Story from Lragir.am News:

Published: 20:13:24 – 17/06/2011

A few days ago the Armenian media leaked information in a rather
strange way. The pro-opposition Haykakan Zhamanak Daily Newspaper
leaked the `document’ called the principles of Madrid which had been
offered to the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan in 2007 in
Madrid. And a few questions arise in this connection.

Are the relevant agencies of Armenia going to launch and conduct a
transparent investigation of this fact? The information leaked
possibly not without the foreign ministry of Armenia. Who in the
Armenian foreign ministry is trying to save their `elite’ skin by
leaking a document which is but the result of agreement between the
Armenian National Congress and the government of Armenia? However,
this is only one side of the issue which is limited to intra-elite
games? But how could the foreign ministry of Armenia allow agreement
on such a document? If not, why are they silent?

And to what extent are the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs related to this
`shady business’?

We think the Armenians have the right to know the truth.

Haik Harutiunyan, Karabakh-based analyst

From: Baghdasarian

PRESS RELEASE
Arpa Foundation for Film Music and Art (AFFMA)
2919 Maxwell Street, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Contact: Beve Regas / Kalista PR
(818) 566-9769 / [email protected]

IN THIS NEWSLETTER
– #CALL FOR FILMS 1. CALL FOR FILMS – Submit your film today!

– #FREE SCREENING 2. – #FREE SCREENING REMINDER – FREE SCREENING
SATURDAY, JUNE 18 – 2:00 PM
Dance Camera West presents THE LAST TIGHTROPE DANCER IN ARMENIA

3. MESSAGE FROM FOUNDER

4. CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS

CALL FOR FILMS!

14th Annual Film Festival
September 22 – 24
Egyptian Theatre, Hollywood

Arpa is now accepting films! All filmmakers are encouraged to –
apply. –

AFFMA seeks films that cultivate global empathy and cultural
understanding, creating a dynamic forum for international cinema with
a special focus on the work of filmmakers who explore the issues of
Diaspora, exile and multi-culturalism. A strong emphasis is placed on
ideals of independent thought, artistic vision, cultural diversity
and social understanding.

Submissions can be made in the following categories:

Feature Film Short Film Documentary
Animation Music Video AFFMA presents the
AT&T/Arpa International Film Festival Award for
Environmental Conservation & Stewardship.

Films addressing green initiatives and environmental awareness can be
submitted to Arpa International Film Festival
for this competition. Click here to submit! –

FREE SCREENING AT HAMMER MUSEUM 2p.m., JUNE 18, 2011
AFFMA proudly supports our friends at Dance Camera West Dance Media
Film Festival –
who will screen a stunning documentary, “The Last Tightrope Dancer
in Armenia,” on June 18, 2011 at the Hammer Museum in Westwood, Los
Angeles.

Two of Armenia’s most celebrated tightrope dancers, both in their
late ’70s, search for an apprentice to take over this ancient art
form, or face having it lost forever. Winner of the Grand Prix of
the 19th International Festival of Ethnological Films, along with a
dozen awards for Best Documentary and Special Jury Awards throughout
Europe. [Dir. Inna Sahakyan and Arman Yeritsyan, 2009 Armenia 72′]

“The Last Tightrope Dancer” will be introduced by AFFMA and screen at
the Hammer on June 18th at 2pm.

Hammer Museum (Billy Wilder Theater)
10899 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90024
–

All festival events are FREE and open to the public. First-come
first-
serve seating. Guaranteed seating through special DCW Membership Pass
is highly recommended. For more information, please click here. –

MESSAGE FROM THE FOUNDER

Dear AFFMA Friends,

With great joy I extend a warm welcome to Councilman Paul Krekorian,
esq., Eileen Keusseyan, esq., filmmaker Eric Nazarian, and Angelo
Ghailian, businessman, who have joined the AFFMA Board of Directors
this year. They join returning members Zaven Khachaturian, Sonia
Keshishian Rubik Babaians, and Maral Kazazian. Welcome to our new
Board of Directors and thank you for choosing to join AFFMA, an
organization that crosses the cultural divide by supporting artists
from all over the world.

Sincerely,
Sylvia Minassian
AFFMA Founder and Boardmember

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS

AFFMA, a volunteer-driven non-profit organization, is currently
seeking dedicated volunteers interested in film and event production.
All may apply. AFFMA offers internships and training in all aspects
of the entertainment industry including programming, marketing,
casting, publicity, production, web design, member outreach,
sponsorship and more! Experience in non-profit management a plus.
5-10 hours a week. Interested parties please contact [email protected] –
[email protected]?subject=Volunteer Inquiry .

For AFFMA submission or sponsorship information, please contact
[email protected] .

From: Baghdasarian

PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 686-0710; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:

June 16, 2011
_______________________________________________

Eastern Diocese Welcomes Three Students for Summer Internship

The Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) is proud to announce
that three interns-Andrea Gumushian, Melanie Panosian, and Melanie
Quinn-have joined the Diocesan team for an eight-week summer program.

In addition to assisting with projects in various Diocesan departments, the
interns will attend morning prayer and daily Bible-study sessions. They also
will have the opportunity to learn about the history of the Armenian Church
and the Eastern Diocese by taking part in weekly lunch meetings with area
clergy. In addition, interns will receive weekly Armenian-language
instruction from Gilda Kupelian, the Diocese’s coordinator of Armenian
Studies.

Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate, welcomed the interns to the
Diocese on Wednesday, June 15. “It’s wonderful to have dedicated young
people from our parishes serving the Diocese,” Archbishop Barsamian said.
“The internship program is a good opportunity for young people to learn more
about both the mission of the Armenian Church and the operations of the
Diocesan Center.”

Nancy Basmajian, executive secretary of the ACYOA, is overseeing the summer
program. “Although they’ve only been here for a few days, the interns have
already become part of the Diocesan family,” Basmajian said. “Their
enthusiasm is inspiring and refreshing. We’re all looking forward to a
productive summer with their presence and assistance.”

Andrea Gumushian, 21, of St. John Church of Greater Detroit, Mich., will
work in the Krikor and Clara Zohrab Information Center and in the Office of
the Executive Director. A history of art and economics major at Wellesley
College in Massachusetts, Andrea has served as a counselor at St. Nersess
Summer Conferences and Hye Camp. As a member of the ACYOA, she has also
served as a delegate to the organization’s General Assembly.

At Wellesley, where Andrea will be a senior in the fall, she founded the
school’s Armenian Students Association and recently led a supply drive as
part of the Fund for Armenian Relief-ACYOA partnership.

“I am excited about learning the Armenian language, attending Bible Studies,
and getting to know everyone at the Diocese,” Andrea said. “Most
importantly, I look forward to learning more about how I can best serve our
Diocese as a young leader and member of the church.”

Melanie Panosian, 19, of St. Mary Church of Livingston, N.J., will intern in
the Communications Department. Melanie just completed her sophomore year at
Muhlenberg College in Pennsylvania, where she is majoring in mathematics and
minoring in creative writing. An active member of her local parish, Panosian
has taught Sunday School at St. Mary Church.

“As a young Armenian growing up in America, it’s difficult to constantly
remain in tune with my ethnicity and religion around people of many
different backgrounds,” Panosian said. “I’m glad to have the chance to be
surrounded by so many Armenians, especially those as involved with the
culture and faith as my co-workers at the Diocese.”

She added, “I hope to learn more about my Armenian faith and culture these
next eight weeks at the Diocese, in addition to improving my writing,
communication, and business skills.”

Melanie Quinn, 21, of Holy Ascension Church of Trumbull, Conn., will assist
the Department of Youth and Education. She is a communications major at the
University of New Hampshire, where she is also pursuing minors in English
and business. She will enter her senior year in the fall.

At Holy Ascension Church, she has been a member of the junior choir and the
ACYOA. Melanie has also attended the St. Nersess Summer Conferences, and two
summers ago took part in the ACYOA Armenia Service Program.

“I really look forward to learning more about the ins and outs of the
Diocese’s Christian education department, re-connecting with the Bible, as
well as learning how to speak Armenian,” she said.

The three are living in student housing at New York University, along with
some 30 summer interns participating in the Armenian General Benevolent
Union internship program. They will join AGBU interns for several
educational, cultural, and social activities throughout the summer.

###

Photo attached: Archbishop Khajag Barsamian and Nancy Basmajian meet with
the Diocese’s summer interns, Andrea Gumushian (seated next to Nancy
Basmajian), Melanie Panosian (opposite Andrea Gumushian), and Melanie Quinn.

From: Baghdasarian

TATUL HAKOBYAN: “IT WILL BE BETTER IF NOTHING IS SIGNED IN KAZAN”

Noyan Tapan

17.06.2011

(Noyan Tapan – 17.06.2011) “The document of the settlement of Karabakh
problem, which is on the table, is not the one which is published in
the press today,” said journalist, the Civilitas Foundation expert
Tatul Hakobyan during the “Country’s Matter” TV program of “Yerkir
Media” television company. “As far as I know some deviations are made
from this document in favor of Azerbaijan, which makes this document
a little more acceptable for Azerbaijan,” he said.

The expert said that he hadn’t seen the suggestions made by Sochi and
everything he says is based on the logic of the process and different
declarations made by the sides and mediators.

Tatul Hakobyan expressed confidence that during the last three
years the sides are “very far from signing any document that’s the
fundamental disputes on the table of negotiations continue to remain
very argumentative.”

According to the expert it will be better if, by the mediation of the
Russian president, nothing is signed during the coming meeting of the
presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan to be held in Kazan, as, by his
assessment, “Armenia has never been so weak throughout the history of
negotiation processes, as it is today. Armenia is in a weak condition
today both in the sense of economical, inter-political and the split
in public and I don’t think that Armenian authorities have internal
resource of confidence to be able to present a document to the public
and say that we are going to sign this document,” Tatul Hakobyan said.

From: Baghdasarian

ASSASSINAT DE HRANT DINK : LE SUSPECT PRETEND AVOIR REPERER LE SITE AVANT LE MEURTRE
Stephane

armenews.com
vendredi 17 juin 2011

Ogun Samast, l’assasin presume de Hrant Dink, a affirme pendant son
temoignage devant la cour qu’il a repere l’environnement du lieu du
crime quelques heures avant accomplissement de son acte.

” Dois-je mentir ? Je dis ce que j’ai vu et ce dont je me souviens. Je
suis alle la-bas deux ou trois heures avant [l’accomplissement]
du crime, c’est pourquoi je m’en suis souvenu ” a dit Ogun Samast.

Le jour du crime, Samast avait ete informe que Dink n’etait pas
disponible car il etait en reunion. Samast est alors alle dans un cafe
Internet, où il a echange des messages relayant l’information. Peu de
temps après que Dink ait quitte la reunion, Ogun Samast s’est dirige
vers les bureaux du journal.

Le juge Ismet Gulbicim lui a pose la qestion si c’etait une coïncidence
que le proprietaire du Cafe Internet Cavit Kilic se soit dirige vers
les bureaux du journal en meme temps pour soumettre une publicite.

” C’etait une coïncidence. Vous pouvez aussi regarder les
enregistrements de la camera de securite. La Cour de Securite d’etat,
ou DMG, n’a rien trouver après quatre ans, pensez-vous que la cour
juvenile trouvera quelque chose ? ” a demande Ogun Samast.

From: Baghdasarian

LE CCAF DENONCE LA CENSURE INADMISSIBLE DE L’UNESCO
Ara

armenews.com
vendredi 17 juin 2011

Le CCAF exprime sa plus vive indignation suite aux actes de censure
inadmissible qui ont frappe l’exposition “l’art de Khatchkars- croix
de pierre armeniennes” au siège de l’UNESCO, place Fontenoy a Paris.

La suppression de toutes les legendes des photos de cette manifestation
culturelle, au motif qu’elles indiquaient les lieux geographiques
de ces monuments, constitue une offense a l’histoire et a la memoire
du peuple armenien et une grave atteinte au droit a l’information du
public sur cet aspect du patrimoine immateriel de l’humanite.

Le CCAF demande instamment au secretariat de l’organisation de
reintroduire dans l’exposition les legendes censurees, de replacer la
carte montrant l’emplacement geographique de ces monuments, de revenir
sur le caviardage du tableau de presentation de cette exposition,
ecrit par le professeur Patrick Donabedian, et de repositionner le
drapeau des Nations-Unies dans la salle d’exposition d’où il a ete
retire. Le CCAF denonce le caractère aussi odieux que detestable de ces
agressions, qui donnent a cette manifestation culturelle une dimension
politique, laquelle revèle au grand jour l’etendue de l’intolerance
et de l’ostracisme dont les Armeniens sont victimes dans la region,
mais aussi au sein de certaines instances internationales qui en
l’occurrence ne font pas honneur a leur vocation.

A Paris, le 16 juin 2011

From: Baghdasarian

EXHIBITION OF KHACHKARS IN UNESCO OFFICE IN PARIS MARKED WITH SCANDAL

arminfo
Friday, June 17, 14:54

The exhibition of khachkars in UNESCO office in Paris was marked with
a scandal.

As the official web site of Armenian Culture Ministry reported, just
hours before the opening of an exhibit on Armenian stone crosses
(Khachkars) at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, the Armenian
delegation was thrown into a panic when organizers started to remove
all place names and informational map, as well as a photo of the
Armenian cemetery in Jougha after the stone crosses had been destroyed
by the Azerbaijani government. This cause a wave of displeasure and
protest. The exhibition will last till 25 June.

From: Baghdasarian

ARTHUR ABRAHAM WANTS TO MARRY IN ARMENIA

Tert.am
17.06.11

Ethnic Armenian professional boxer Arthur Abraham, who has arrived
in Armenia after recent competitions, says he is planning a marriage
in the near future and wants to tie the knot Yerevan.

Abraham, who represents Germany, suffered three defeats in recent
four matches.

At a news conference on Thursday, the sportsman spoke of his defeat
from Andrew Ward in the Super Six Tournament

“I had a good start, but then made a tactical error. I knew I wouldn’t
be able to win on points in the United States without a knockout. I’ll
have a couple of weeks’ rest in Yerevan and recover my strength before
leaving for Germany for qualifiers. Afterwards, I’ll prepare for the
world cup,” he said.

While professional sportsmen normally leave for the United States three
weeks before the scheduled tournament to acclimatize themselves, it
took Abraham just a fortnight to get adjusted to the new environment.

“Two weeks is quite enough for professionals,” he said.

The sportsman further elaborated on his plans in Armenia after
finishing his career.

“After finishing my career, I would like to open a boxing school
which will offer classes of English and German. If a boxer knows no
foreign language, he cannot have success internationally.”

As for his recent defeats, Abraham said competitions in the United
States are not that easy. He further spoke of professional boxing in
Armenia, considering the situation of Armenian boxers quite positive.

“Very good boxers in Armenia could become world champions.

Professional boxing is not developed here, so many [sportsmen] go
abroad. But we have talented boxers,” he added.

Abraham further spoke of his private life, saying that his upcoming
marriage is one of the reasons he is now in Armenia.

“My girlfriend is an ordinary girl, not known to the public,” he said.

Abrahm also unveiled his plans to assist the Yengibaryan Youth Sports
Boxing School, where he was trained in childhood.

“I’ll donate 300,000 Euros to the school, and you all can attend the
ceremony,” he said.

From: Baghdasarian