Author: Baghdasarian Karlen

ARMENIE
Prendre le pouls sur la ligne de front arméno-azérie

Une récente recrudescence des tirs le long de la ligne de front entre
l’Azerbaïdjan et l’Arménie est suffisamment prononcée pour que les
analystes sonnent l’alarme sur les deux côtés même s’ils ne savent pas
s’il s’agit d’une anomalie passagère ou le début des choses à venir.
L’escalade des tensions a eu lieu à travers la seconde moitié de
Janvier à la fois le long de la frontière arméno-azerbaïdjanaise et
sur la > qui sépare le Karabagh arménien et les
forces azerbaïdjanaises. Bien que le nombre de victimes ne soit pas
vérifiables, les autorités arméniennes ont confirmé que deux soldats
sont morts le 19 Janvier et 28 janvier. Les autorités azerbaïdjanaises
ont annoncé la mort de deux militaires, le 23 Janvier et le 27
Janvier.

Les violations du cessez-le-feu de 1994 ne sont pas rares, mais il y a
quelque chose lors des développements récents qui ont poussé les
analystes à réflechir. Pour sonder les questions, l’IWPR a rassemblé
des experts arménien et azerbaïdjanais pour une manifestation commune
à laquelle ils ont discuté des causes et des conséquences des derniers
incidents.

L’événement a eu lieu le 30 janvier au Centre des médias à Erevan,
avec des participants de l’Azerbaïdjan via un lien vidéo.

Du côté arménien, les intervenants ont été Sergei Minassian, directeur
adjoint de l’Institut du Caucase, et Manvel Sargsyan, directeur du
Centre arménien pour les études nationales et internationales. Ils ont
été rejoints par l’Azéri Kenan Guluzade, rédacteur en chef du journal
> et Avaz Hasanov, chef de la Société pour la recherche
humanitaire et membre du Groupe de travail international pour la
libération des prisonniers et des otages.

Minasyan a commencé par demander à ses collègues l’importance de ces
dernières escarmouches frontalières.

Il a poursuivi : >.

Il a dit qu’il était difficile de travailleravec ceux qui ont un
intérêt dans l’alimentation de ce genre de rapports – les
gouvernements arménien ou azerbaïdjanais dans leur ensemble, ou tout
simplement l’armée ou les diplomates de l’un ou deux côtés.

Hasanov a convenu que le matériel apparaissant sur les sites de
réseaux sociaux a été de peindre un tableau totalement trompeur, de
sorte que quelqu’un qui n’a pas utiliser des sources alternatives
d’information >>”pourrait penser que la guerre avait éclaté >>.

> a déclaré Hasanov.

Selon Minasyan, cette guerre de propagande n’est pas rare – elle
correspond à la tendance passée de la rhétorique autour des
affrontements à la frontière. > a-t-il dit. et n’a pas vraiment diriger les
opérations militaires.

Sarkissian a déclaré que les affrontements frontaliers sont passés
comme une expression directe de faiseur de décisions. Le coût humain
est quelque chose qui a été rarement abordée, mais c’était quelque
chose dont les gens se souciaient réellement. En Arménie et en
Azerbaïdjan, selon lui, >.

Le débat en liaison vidéo – une occasion rare pour les Azerbaïdjanais
et les Arméniens à entendre et être considérés vus de l’autre côté – a
été suivie par des journalistes et des représentants d’ONG à Erevan.
Il a suscité plus d’une douzaine d’articles publiés dans les médias
arméniens et azerbaïdjanais.

Institute for War & Peace Reporting

vendredi 25 juillet 2014,
Stéphane (c)armenews.com

From: Baghdasarian

ARMENIE- FAIT DIVERS
Un citoyen Français d’origine arménienne a disparu au lac Sevan

Cette nuit 2h10 du matin, les Services de secours de Sevan ont reçu un
appel d’urgence sur la disparition une heure plus tôt de J.B un
citoyen Français d’origine arménienne. Cet Arménien qui était venu en
tourisme en Arménie résidait à l’hôtel Congress à Erévan. Il avait
pris le taxi le 24 juillet à 15h30 pour venir visiter la presqu’île du
lac Sevan. Arrivés sur place, le touriste avait laissé ses affaires
personnes dans la voiture et affirmé au chauffeur de taxi qu’il
reviendrait au bout de 2 heures. Ne revenant pas, le chauffeur de taxi
a ainsi alerté la police. Les unités du Service de secours du lac
Sevan sont à la recherche du disparu.

Krikor Amirzayan

vendredi 25 juillet 2014,
Krikor Amirzayan (c)armenews.com

From: Baghdasarian

Latin Times
July 24 2014

Latinos In The US: Colombian Actress Mary Cruz Talks Miss Latina USA
Pageant And Life With A British Accent!

By Oscar Lopez

Mary Cruz is a British actress and singer from Colombian and Armenian
decent. Mary has been performing and working as a professional actress
and performer since the age of 12. She has starred in various Theatre
productions in London’s prestigious West End. Seven months ago, Mary
made the jump ‘across the pond’ and settled in LA. As Latinas always
do, she is taking the US by storm!

How long have you been in the United States? What prompted the move?

I have been acting and performing in the UK and Europe since I was 13
years old. I worked on BBC shows, modelling and did commercials for
Kellogg’s Special K, as well as writing and recording music with Dj
Jden and Enjay, some of the best producers I have worked with. I also
did a lot of theatre and performed at the Cockpit theatre in the West
End. I had a lot of my music played on the radio in the UK (BBC 1xtra,
bang radio etc) and performed in a lot of big venues in London such as
the Coronet in the Elephant and Castle. I had the pleasure of
supporting J Alvarez when he came over to the UK on his tour with
Nueva Era. I always performed at the Uk Latin events because I am one
of the only girls in the UK who performs in English and Spanish and
that was able to combine the two with an urban twist. I had a lot of
interest out here in LA so I decided to relocate because I am
Colombian and Middle Eastern, so there was more of a market for me
out here. I have been out here for 7 months and everything is going
great already, I now call LA home.

How has your Colombian heritage affected you career as an actress?

I feel like it has made me more versatile and has made me “ethnically
ambiguous” which works great in the entertainment industry, especially
right now as Latinas are trending with actresses like Sofia Vergara
doing so well. Also it has given me the fire and drive to succeed.
When I was younger I was confused about who I really was because of my
mix but now I really embrace it. Also the fact that I speak Spanish is
a great tool and a great advantage. I am a proud Latina and want to be
part of the revolution – Latinas are doing so well in the industry
right now!

How is being a British Latina different to being a Latina in the US?

It’s quite funny because when I open my mouth to speak people don’t
really expect to hear a British accent, it catches them off guard
which is quite funny. Again, it adds more dynamic to what I can offer
the industry. Also as an actress we take our training and our craft
very seriously in Britain so I think people recognise that over here
too. I am passionate about what I do, people always say that it is
about being pretty etc. But that’s not true, your looks will only get
you so far. In order to make it in the industry you have to be
talented, to hold your own and be professional.

Mary Cruz sizzles into LA!

Have you connected with the Colombian Community here? How?

I haven’t really, I haven’t actually met any Colombians out here but I
would love to. I would love to start making music with Colombian
artists, I love colombian music and I want to go into telenovelas in
the future.

Tell us about the Miss Latina USA – how did that come about?

I was part of the miss universe GB pageant in 2013 and loved the
experience as I represented my mother’s fashion brand, Azucena
Couture. I was asked to go for the casting for the Miss Latina pageant
by the lovely Yenitza Munoz (former miss Mexico) – she thought that I
would be a great fit to represent Colombia at the preliminary in LA in
September which I am honoured to be a part of! I cannot wait! Pageants
are a great platform, you learn a lot about yourself and it makes you
a stronger woman.

What is this show you are working on? Why is it exciting for you?

I am currently rehearsing and preparing for my first stage show in US
called ‘Windows’ written by Mitch Rosander and Cory Pilawski, which
will open on the 3rd August 2014 and run every Saturday and Sunday for
3 weeks at the Loft Ensemble theatre in downtown Los Angeles. It’s a
short one act play made up of individual vignettes. I love theatre – I
am in LA to do film and TV but it is a great joy to do what I
originally started doing. Being part of a team and working with a live
audience is the most satisfying feeling knowing that you can move
someone and evoke emotions in an instance.

What are your plans for the future? What’s next?

I definetely want to do more TV and Film in the US, predominantly
sitcoms but mainly telenovelas, it has always been my dream so that is
what I am pursing right now. Also I want to keep releasing new music
especially in the Hispanic community creating a strong brand with my
stylist Dana Camile. The successes that I have had so far are all a
result of my hard work and ambition but also having a great team so I
hope I can inspire others on my journey.

From: Baghdasarian

Mother says MP is exerting pressure on her son (video)

17:45 | July 24,2014 | Social

Why was my sole heir taken into custody?

Lia Hovhannisyan, the mother of Valery Hovhannisyan who was arrested
in connection with the May 17 shooting at a Yerevan flea market, known
as Vernissage, was trying to get the answer outside the government
building on July 24.

The mother says Karo Karapetyan, a lawmaker of the Prosperous Armenia
Party (BHK), and his relatives are exerting pressure on him persuading
him to give false testimony.

“My son will not bear false testimony. Let Karo forget about it,” said
the mother.

Five people were injured in the May shooting near Vernissage – Norayr
Harutyunyan and Valery Hovhannisyan, both aged 30; Myasnik
Hayrapetyan, 26; Albina Badalyan 64 and Mnatsakan Sukiasyan 72. All
the five were transported to hospital with gunshot wounds in the legs
and underwent surgeries.

A criminal case was instigated under Articles 235.1 and 258.4 of the
Criminal Code of the Republic of Armenia.

Gor Arakelyan, a 29-year-old relation of Armenian lawmaker Karo
Karapetyan, turned himself in to the police the next day in connection
with the shooting. He also surrendered his Makorov pistol upon
reporting to the police.

Hovhannisyan’s mother is especially angered by the fact that her son
has been placed under two-month detention.

From: Baghdasarian

New Historical Fiction on Armenian Genocide released

16:54 24.07.2014

Inspired by his grandparents’ escape from the Armenian Genocide and
subsequent experiences making a new life for themselves in a new
country, author Edward Seto puts a fictional spin on their adventures
in his new historical fiction, “Seeking a Better Life: Inspired by
True Stories” (published by WestBow Press), the Broadway World
reports.

“Seeking a Better Life” covers almost 100 years of history as it
follows three generations of Armenians who fled their country in
search of Western values of freedom and democracy. Eric, the book’s
narrator, is fulfilling his promise to his grandparents to write a
book about their escape from Armenia and how they met in Bulgaria,
where they met and began a new life together.

As he chronicles his grandparents’ experiences, Eric realizes that he,
his wife and their two daughters faced their own challenges as
immigrants in Canada, learning English and French and adjusting to an
entirely different culture. Although not as dramatic as his
grandparents’ journey, his revelation shows how, ultimately, they were
all pursuing the same basic goal: to create a better life for
themselves and their children.

From: Baghdasarian

ARMENIE
Rare chance pour un dialogue arméno-azerbaïdjanais par Richard Giragosian

Je travaille comme analyste du Caucase du Sud depuis de nombreuses
années, donc j’ai longtemps voulu visiter l’Azerbaïdjan.

Même si je suis un citoyen des Etats-Unis, mon origine arménienne est
évidente à partir de mon nom de famille et obtenir un visa a
malheureusement toujours été un obstacle insurmontable. Les autorités
azerbaïdjanaises rejettent systématiquement les demandes de visa de
quelqu’un dont le nom sonne arménien, par exemple avec un nom se
terminant par “-ian” ou “-yan”. Le mois dernier, ils ont refusé
l’entrée à un lutteur turc sans connexion arménienne simplement à
cause de son nom de famille, Noyan. Dans ces circonstances, je n’ai
jamais essayé d’y aller. Ce mois-ci, cependant, j’ai finalement réussi
à surmonter les obstacles des visas grce à l’Assemblée parlementaire
de l’OTAN, qui m’a invité à prendre la parole lors d’un séminaire à
Bakou dans le cadre du programme Rose-Roth de l’OTAN, qui vise à
resserrer les liens avec l’Europe de l’Est.

J’ai eu l’honneur d’être invité à l’événement du 16 au 18 juin, mais
je me sentais un peu nerveux aussi. J’avais été invité à discuter du
conflit du Haut-Karabagh, le sujet le plus controversé dans les deux
capitales Bakou et Erevan. Le défi serait de présenter une évaluation
juste et objective des points de vues et des idées préconçues
endurcis.

Dans mon exposé, j’ai souligné la nécessité pour l’Arménie et
l’Azerbaïdjan de prendre des mesures immédiates pour désamorcer les
tensions frontalières en retirant les tireurs d’élite de l’armée en
première ligne. J’ai dit que dans le but de désamorcer la situation,
ils doivent >. Le public azerbaïdjanais n’a
pas accueilli cela bien qu’il me semble évident que le refus de mettre
en oeuvre des mesures de base de construction de la confiance est un
sérieux obstacle à tout progrès dans le processus de paix au Karabagh.

Ils n’étaient pas non plus heureux quand j’ai appelé pour que le
Haut-Karabagh, qui a déclaré son indépendance de l’Azerbaïdjan, soit
inclus comme une partie directe et complète du processus de paix en le
traitant de > dans le but de parvenir à ce que je
définis comme un >. Depuis le début des années
1990, l’Azerbaïdjan a refusé de coopérer avec l’administration
arménienne du Karabagh, insistant sur le fait qu’il ne négociait
qu’avec l’Arménie.

Dans le même temps, les responsables azerbaïdjanais ont été utiles
tout au long de mon voyage, me fournissant ainsi qu’aux autres
délégués arméniens des gardes en charge de la sécurité professionnels
et courtois. La délégation était dirigée par Koryun Nahapetyan,
président de la commission de la défense du parlement, et y était
également inclus Tevan Poghosyan, un député de l’opposition et chef du
Centre international pour le développement humain. Nahapetyan et
Poghosyan tous deux ont défini la position de l’Arménie, mais ont
essayé d’être constructif lors de la discussion des questions
controversées avec leurs collègues azerbaïdjanais.

Nos hôtes étaient plus enclins à marquer des points, notamment en
décrivant le président de l’Arménie comme un >.

Une autre raison de mon appréhension avait moins à voir avec l’Arménie
ou le Haut-Karabagh, et plus encore avec la situation en Azerbaïdjan,
où au cours des deux derniers mois, les principaux journalistes et
militants ont été arrêté et interrogé sur des soupçons d’avoir des
contacts avec l’Arménie. Mon groupe de réflexion, le Centre d’études
régional, s’est engagé à un dialogue constructif avec toutes les
parties au conflit, j’ai donc été particulièrement fait attention de
ne pas mettre en danger mes collègues et amis de l’Azerbaïdjan dans le
cas où ils seraient confrontés à des représailles de la part de leur
gouvernement.

Nos hôtes semblaient ressentir cette forte pression ou du moins c’est
ainsi que j’ai interprété leur ouverture agressive. Ils ont mis en
sourdine cette rhétorique dans les discussions privées dans une
certaine mesure, mais la posture pour les caméras de télévision était
perturbantes et a signifié que nous avons raté une occasion d’un débat
plus constructif.

Même lorsque nous avons discuté des questions sans rapport avec le
Caucase du Sud, tels que l’énergie ou l’Afghanistan, les délégués
azerbaïdjanais ont réitéré les mêmes points hors de leur contexte,
ajoutant au débat actuel. L’événement a été l’objet d’une couverture
médiatique constante, et l’atmosphère était plus propice aux prises de
paroles nationalistes qu’un dialogue constructif.

Si le séminaire conduit à de nouvelles visites réciproques et crée
plus d’espace pour une discussion ouverte, tout le monde en
bénéficiera. Cela ne peut arriver, cependant, que si la guerre des
mots est remplacée par des tentatives constructives et sincères à
écouter l’autre. Il faut rester optimiste. Dans des réunions
parallèles, hors caméra et l’extérieur du site officiel, les
fonctionnaires azerbaïdjanais ont indiqué une volonté de permettre que
la > de dialogue entre les acteurs
non-gouvernementaux continue. Les récentes arrestations avaient été
interprété comme un signe que les possibilités de cette diplomatie
informelle soient fermés. Il est également significatif que
l’événement a eu lieu. Des délégations arméniennes ont été à Bakou
avant, mais pour l’Assemblée parlementaire de l’OTAN, ce fut une
occasion unique de donner un autre lieu neutre pour des relations
diplomatiques officieuses entre l’Arménie et l’Azerbaïdjan.

Richard Giragosian est directeur du Centre d’études régional, un
groupe de réflexion non aligné à Erevan.

Institute for War & Peace Reporting

jeudi 24 juillet 2014,
Stéphane (c)armenews.com

From: Baghdasarian

Daily Sabah, Turkey
July 23 2014

AUSTRALIAN FM: ARMENIAN CASE NOT GENOCIDE

Published : 23.07.2014 19:28:23

WASHINGTON, DC – Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop informed the
Australian Turkish Advocacy Alliance (ATA-Australia) that it was
Australian foreign policy not to define the Armenian case as genocide,
and that it was unconstitutional for Australian territories to
promulgate their own foreign policy. The Foreign Minister’s policy
affirmation was in response to the inquiry of Barrister and
ATA-Australia Sydney President Ertunc Ozen in the wake of a New South
Wales parliamentary resolution wrongfully defining the Armenian case
as genocide.

ATAA and ATA-Australia commenced cooperation last March when
Australian Turks hosted ATAA past president and current Trustee Gunay
Evinch to speak on best practices in public advocacy. Evinch, gave the
example of the case of Movsesian, explained that the United States
Supreme Court let stand a 9th Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision
invalidating a California law that had defined the Armenian case as
genocide, because it was U.S. federal policy not to define the
Armenian case as genocide, and to encourage further research, debate,
discussion and dialogue on the matter. Evinch stated the Australian
constitution provided similar protections. During his visit to
Australia ATAA Trustee Gunay Evinch met with ATA-Australia Syndey
President Ertunc Ozen and Federal MP Craig Laundy.

ATAA – ATA-Australia collaboration is a part of a broader
Anglo-Turkish Diaspora Cooperation Program in which Turks in the
United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and New Jersey share
best practices based on a common jurisprudential and political
heritage. ATAA hosted ATA-Australia at the Turkish American National
Leadership Conference and Washington DC Gallipoli Memorial last April.

See the image of the letter of the FM to ATAA at

From: Baghdasarian

Economic News (Information Agency Oreanda), Russia
July 22, 2014 Tuesday

President Sargsyan Concludes Official Visit to Chile

Santiago. OREANDA-NEWS . July 22, 2014. On his official visit to the
Republic of Chile President Serzh Sargsyan held a meeting with the
President of the House of Deputies of the National Congress of Chile
Aldo Cornejo Gonzalez.

At the meeting, the parties laid special emphasis on the role of
parliamentarians in strengthening the interstate ties and reinforcing
the friendship between the two peoples and stressed the need to
promote the inter-parliamentary collaboration. According to the
interlocutors, the parliamentary friendship groups of the Armenian and
Chilean parliaments can provide a valuable input onto this issue and
have a lot of work to do in the future. President Serzh Sargsyan and
the President of the House of Deputies of the National Congress of
Chile Aldo Cornejo Gonzalez expressed the belief that the
collaboration of the legislatures will also stimulate the trade and
economic and the cultural ties.

Taking into account the long experience of Aldo Cornejo Gonzalez in
legislative activities, his knowledge and high reputation, the RA
President noted that he wanted him to personally initiate the process
of enlarging the Armenian-Chilean inter-parliamentary cooperation.

Aldo Cornejo Gonzalez assured that within his competence he will do
his best to enhance the ties with the Armenian parliament. He
emphasized the upcoming visit of the friendship groups Chilean
parliamentarians to Armenia and underscored that it should certainly
have a clear agenda: the cooperation need to bring to a practical
level by solving all issues on by one.

In the context of inter-parliamentary collaboration President Serzh
Sargsyan attached great value to the decision on the recognition of
the Armenian Genocide adopted by the Senate of Chile in 2007 which
according to the Armenian President, opened a new page in the long
history of the Armenian-Chilean friendship thereby giving a new
meaning to the two countries inter-parliamentary ties.

On his official visit to the Republic of Chile Serzh Sargsyan also
held a meeting with the Mayorof Santiago Carolina Toha.

After the official reception ceremony at the reception hall of the
municipality, MayorCarolina Toha handed the key to the city to the
Armenian President and the diploma of honorary visitor. In his speech
she touched upon the importance of strengthening the Armenian-Chilean
friendly relations and said that the RA Presidents visit will give a
new momentum to this: To tell the truth, I have to confess that we,
the Chileans, know little about Armenia. Located remotely and enclosed
with our geography, we often imagine that we are very small countries.
And situated in this isolated and complex geographical territory, we
often make a mistake and limit the world to the borders which are
closer to us. Nevertheless, Mr. President, this is a nice challenge
for us to open the doors of our culture in front of another culture
and come closer to the Armenian people. Being a young country, the
Republic of Armenia has an ancient and rich cultural heritage. And
according to many archeological explorations, Armenia is one of the
cradles of the world civilization. Owing to its regular ties with
Europe and Asia, Armenia has shaped a very interesting culture.
Armenian dances and music are the oldest and the most unique ones.
Across the millenniums of history Armenians have managed to preserve
their national identity, and we, the Chileans, would like to show our
deepest respect for that. A short period of time has passed since
Armenia and Chile established diplomatic relations in 1993. We have
officialized our relations with the help of international
organizations. Nevertheless, this meeting gives a new momentum and
opportunity to get to know each other and to discover the millennial
Armenian culture, said the Mayorof Santiago.

In his response, President Serzh Sargsyan noted that he was glad to be
in indeed one of the best cities of Latin America Santiago and to meet
the skillful head of this continuously blooming city in the person of
Mayor Toha. At the same time, I am delighted to receive the symbolic
key to the wonderful city of Santiago. I am accepting it as a token of
the long-lasting friendship between the capitals of Armenia and Chile
and the further enhancement of the bilateral relations. I am very
impressed with the progress of Santiago conditioned by the favorable
business atmosphere, the effectiveness of the urban economy, the high
level of security, the high living standards of Santiagos residents
and the unique city atmosphere thanks to which Santiago is ranked
among the most attractive and interesting places to visit. I am
delighted with the elegant architecture of the city and the majestic
mountain ranges of the Andes which remind me of Yerevan and the symbol
of all Armenians – the biblical mountain of Ararat.

Despite the long geographical distance between Armenia and Chile our
peoples embrace the same set of values. As a result, the Armenians
saved from the Armenian Genocide committed in the Ottoman Empire
reached this distant shored and owing to the sincere attitude of
Chilean authorities and the Chilean people was able not only to
survive, but also to live and create. Today, I would like to once
again express my gratitude to the friendly country of Chile for
recognizing and condemning the Armenian Genocide. Ahead of the 100th
anniversary of the Genocide this steps is of great importance for us.

Honorable participants, I have arrived in Chile in order to discuss
the opportunities of broadening and enhancing our bilateral relations
with the leadership of the country. We see promising prospects for
cooperation in such spheres as mining industry, agriculture,
wine-making, seismic protection and information and high technologies.

Decentralized cooperation and public diplomacy having a growing role
and importance for our bilateral relations should also be added to
fill up this rank.

We attach great weight to establishing straightforward ties between
cities and already have a successful example of cooperation in your
region. In the context of developing the Armenian-Chilean friendly
relations, we would like to establish close ties between our cities;
to put it figuratively, to build a bridge between the Andes and
Ararat. Driven by this desire, I am pleased to invite you, Mrs.
Carolina Toha, to visit Armenia.

Concluding my speech, let me once again present my appreciation to
Mrs. Mayor for organizing this wonderful event. I am leaving expecting
new meetings and new opportunities for cooperation, said President
Serzh Sargsyan.

On July 11, President Serzh Sargsyan also visited Chiles Precolombino
Museum where he watched the exhibits embodying the ancient epoch of
that countrys history thereby familiarizing with the historical
realities of that epoch.

The same day, President Serzh Sargsyan visited Hay Tun founded by the
Armenian community of Chile many decades ago where he laid a wreath at
the Memorial to the Victims of the Armenian Genocide and planted a
tree. Afterwards, he held a meeting with the representatives of the
Armenian community of Chile. At the meeting the president touched upon
the role of the small but active Armenian community of Chile in
strengthening the Armenian-Chilean relations, the preservation of the
Armenia identity and other issues of national importance, presented
the events to be held next year on the occasion of the 100th
anniversary of the Armenian Genocide and after it, talked about the
works carried out to reinforce the Armenia-Diaspora ties and thanked
for the warm welcome. The president underscored that he is proud of
such compatriots and is confident that the only key to success, as it
was mentioned many times before, is the unity of the Armenian people:
the Diaspora makes the Motherland stronger and the reverse. At the end
of the meeting, Serzh Sargsyan awarded the Medal of Mkhitar Gosh to
the RA Honorary Consul in the Republic of Chile Eduardo Rodriguez
Guarachi and the Medal of Movses Khorenatsi to Vice Admiral Hernan
Kuyumjyan. The president congratulated them on receiving the high
state awards and wished them further success.

Concluding its regional visit to South America, the delegation led by
President Serzh Sargsyan returned to Yerevan.

From: Baghdasarian

Second part of the anthology of Armenian chamber music is released

22-07-2014 15:38:04 | Armenia | Culture

The idea of founding and implementing the “Anthology of Armenian
Chamber Music” project belongs to “Ars Lunga” Duo. The general partner
of the project is VivaCell-MTS

The hall for special events in Cafesjian Center for the Arts hosted a
press conference dedicated to the release of the “Anthology of
Armenian Chamber Music (Part II: Works for Piano Trio)”, a project by
“Ars Lunga” Duo.

Speakers at the press conference were VivaCell-MTS General Manager
Ralph Yirikian; Honored Artist of the Republic of Armenia, cellist of
the “Ars Lunga” Duo and the co-founder of the “Anthology of Armenian
Chamber Music” project Aram Talalyan; pianist of the “Ars Lunga” Duo
and the co-founder of the “Anthology of Armenian Chamber Music”
project Julietta Vardanyan; violinist of the project Hovhannes
Mokatsian (Germany).

“VivaCell-MTS is proud to support projects directed at the
preservation of Armenian culture. The “Anthology of Armenian Chamber
Music” project is important not only in terms of compiling and
preserving the rich heritage of the Armenian chamber music in one
place; the created collection is a perfect tool for future generation
for studying our music and presenting it to the world,” commented
VivaCell-MTS General Manger Ralph Yirikian.

The “Anthology of Armenian Chamber Music” project is unique in its
form and content in the history of Armenian music, for the majority of
the works of Armenian composers either have never been performed or
recorded, or were performed decades ago and need restoration.

2011 through 2013, within the frames of the project “Anthology of
Armenian Chamber Music: Part I” the “Ars Lunga” duo has compiled works
of 60 Armenian composers of the 20th-21st centuries, written for cello
and piano, has performed them and has recorded them in compliance with
modern requirements of technology. The result of the project was the
release of collections, which make sets of 12 CDs and are completed
with brochures presenting the biographies of the composers.

Starting from 2013 the duo has been working on the second part of the
project, which includes complete recordings of works of Armenian
composers of the 20th-21st centuries, written for violin, cello, and
piano.

The recordings are not for sale. They will be donated to the
libraries of the largest universities in the world, music festivals,
colleges and educational institutions of music, composers’ unions, and
radio stations playing classical music.

Every musical institution with library will also receive a sample of
the recording for the use in the literature and history of music
courses.

The idea of founding and implementing the project “Anthology of
Armenian Chamber Music” belongs to “Ars Lunga” duo, namely to Aram
Tatalyan and Julietta Vardanyan. The program encompasses a wide range
of traditions of Armenian academic music from the beginning of the
20th century till now. Works of young Armenian musicians have also
been included in the project; some of them presented a number of their
works to “Ars Lunga” duo.

The project “Anthology of Armenian Chamber Music” comprises different
parts. The “Ars Lunga” duo intends to continue the project, compiling
and recording works of Armenian composers written for piano quartet,
quintet, and so on.

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wide range of Voice and Data services all across Armenia. Having the
best of the Armenian people interest at heart since its launch on 1st
July 2005 and in a short period of time VivaCell-MTS has managed to
build a nationwide network and a considerable customer base.
VivaCell-MTS drives innovation and aims at always being at the
forefront of any development serving the Armenian mobile
communications market. The company follows the guidance provided by
ISO 26000 (International Standard of Social Responsibility). For more
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* * *
Mobile TeleSystems OJSC (“MTS”) is the leading telecommunications
group in Russia and the CIS, offering mobile and fixed voice,
broadband, pay TV as well as content and entertainment services in one
of the world’s fastest growing regions. Including its subsidiaries,
the Group services over 100 million mobile subscribers. The Group has
been awarded GSM licenses in Russia, Ukraine, Turkmenistan, Armenia
and Belarus, a region that boasts a total population of more than 200
million. Since June 2000, MTS’ Level 3 ADRs have been listed on the
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about the MTS Group can be found at

– Culture
News from Armenia and Diaspora – Noyan Tapan
– See more at:

From: Baghdasarian

United States Cuts Turkey From South Caucasus

Igor Muradyan, Political Analyst
Comments – 23 July 2014, 14:54

The Black Sea and Caucasus is the second important region in the
U.S.-Turkey relations after the Near East in terms of regional policy.

Regarding the Near East, the United States and Turkey have specific
arrangements that have become the rules of their cooperation and
interaction. These agreements in a hookup can be characterized in the
following way: the United States and Turkey are reaching agreements on
regional policy observing priorities of relations in the framework of
the Atlantic alliance. Turkey limits its expansion in the regions and
builds its regional policy with consideration of interests and
agreements with the United States. Turkey is not limited in its
regional policy, considering economic tasks except global economic
projects which are related to the interests and security of the
western community (first of all, energy projects are meant). The
United States and Turkey interact both within the framework of NATO
and directly in the sphere of international and national security,
including military and technical cooperation and military basing.

Although the mentioned arrangements existed for decades, the point is
that over the second half of the 2000s the United States and Turkey
actually confirmed these duties, considering that the U.S.-Turkish
relations have been deteriorating over the past few years.

Turkey has already demonstrated its reserved attitude to developments
and processes in the Near East and the Black Sea and Caucasus. The
Turkish policy on Syria, according to most experts and politicians, is
implemented in dark cooperation. In addition, it should be noted that
coldness and distance have occurred between Turkey and the European
Union, which has had Turkey obey Turkish American interests.

At the same time, both American and European experts agree that these
agreements between the United States and Turkey are, at best, mid-term
agreements and will last from 5 to 15 years and even this relatively
small period of time may demonstrate the instability and changeability
in the U.S.-Turkish relations.

One way or another, basic issues in the U.S.-Turkish relations are
being solved and will be resolved on the arena of the Middle East. The
United States prefers avoiding spending and responsibility for the
situation in this region and hope that Turkey will be sufficiently
helpful to their plans and intentions.

At the same time, the social and political processes taking place in
Turkey rule out the former models which the United States applied to
Turkey, first of all, viewing it as a democratic and secular state.
The U.S. policy will increasingly contain persistent requirements to
Turkey in respect to internal order and ideology, Americans are and
will continue to be interested in Turkey’s restraint in regional
policy, exclusion of expansionist and aggressive intentions.

In fact, the United States is not interested in Turkey as an active
military partner and ally. At best, Turkey is considered as a passive
partner in the sphere of defense and security. The complete absence of
political activity of Turkey regarding the key regions is the ideal
variant for the United States. Since this is practically impossible,
the United States has to conduct a combined and delicate policy in
regard to Turkey, applying means of containment and initiatives.

In addition, the impression is that the U.S. policy on the role and
place of Turkey in the Black Sea and Caucasian region has not been
elaborated. It might be possible to refer to Washington’s concerns
about domestic and economic issues, saying that the American
administration does not have time to deal with regional issues. The
Black Sea-Caucasian region is, nevertheless, considered by the
Americans as a region of “second level of significance”, and the U.S.
interests on Eurasia depend on this a lot, first of all in terms of
military transit in the direction of Afghanistan, and in the definite
future, such a global issue as containment of China’s expansion.

Therefore, the United States cannot minimize attention to the South
Caucasus. The United States is viewing it as a region where it holds
“controlling interest” for political decisions though Russia, Turkey
and Iran do have a strong influence on this region.

The United States has formed definite relations and geopolitical
influence on the South Caucasus where they are, first of all,
interested in the security of the transit corridor from the Black Sea
to the Caspian Sea. The current situation in the region, though not
fully but is OK for the United States, and they are not trying to
change the situation drastically.

In regard to Turkey’s role in the South Caucasus Washington has three
opinions. More traditional evaluations relate to ideas of partnership
with Turkey and support to the implementation of the doctrine of
pan-Turkism. A supporter of this idea is currently Zbignew Brzezinski
who has called to support Turkey in the direction of Central Asia.
These ideas have not become underlying in actual American politics but
it is obvious that this doctrine is again closely studied in
Washington.

The supporters of this doctrine bring such an argument: the lack of
American support to the Turkish policy has made efforts futile and
actually led to failure of the U.S. policy on Central Asia. Another
argument is that the direction of the Turkish politics towards Central
Asia distracts it from the Near East, and Ankara has already
acknowledged the plans of neo-Ottomanism and is ready to return to the
doctrine of pan-Turkism.

However, no matter how the pan-Turkism plans are interpreted and
structured, this doctrine must affect the South Caucasus. Therefore,
this idea is quite hostile to the opponents of pan-Turkism.

Along with these ideas there are supporters of continuation of pushing
Turkey into the European Union who think that the United States has
not been sufficiently committed to this goal, which would allow
“tying” Turkey to the Western community and, at the same time, shift
the center of gravity in Europe towards the southeast, which will
weaken France and Germany as main opponents of the United States in
NATO and Europe.

The European “vector” only seems to distract Turkey from the urge to
establish its influence on neighboring regions. In reality, admitting
Turkey to the European Union will make its dominance over neighboring
regions obvious.

Conceptually, the third approach has not been elaborated and is
related to notions of Turkey’s containment along the full perimeter of
borders. In addition, this objective is achieved not only by the U.S.
but also its partners in the regions of the Near East, South Caucasus
and the Black Sea, the Balkans. In fact, this idea has become more
actual and demanded in the past few years.

It is possible to assume that the Americans fear continuation of this
policy which supposes certain coercion on Turkey, establishment of
strong control on it. Apparently, the United States would like to set
up more organic relations with Turkey and thereby minimize costs on
achievement of geopolitical goals. At any rate, the concept of
containment has enabled the United States to minimize Turkey’s
ambitions, thwart its plans for expansion and strengthening influence
on the Near East.

Besides, this U.S. policy has called certain understanding and
solidarity in Europe and the Arab states. Without efforts from the
side of the United States, Turkey was unable to set up closer and more
reliable relations with Russia and Iran.

Without special spending of political and economic resources this
policy of the United States has led to control over Turkey, subjecting
it to the interests of the United States. One may assume that the
United States which successfully prevented strengthening of Turkey’s
influence will revise its position and support it in the Central Asian
direction. Proceeding from these assumptions one can state for sure
that the United States will continue to view the South Caucasus as a
factor of containment of Turkish expansion.

At present, the United States does not demonstrate willingness to see
growing influence of the United States on Georgia, is trying to set up
a distance between Azerbaijan and Turkey. The process of settlement of
Turkish-Armenian relations was planned and implemented by the United
States to strengthen the “Armenian factor” in containment of Turkey to
achieve success in case of any scenario (opening of borders or
blockade of Armenia).

Currently, the United States is forming (with some delay) a logistical
strategy of military transit from the Black Sea to Central Asia
(keeping in mind Afghanistan and the western borders of China).

The United States is conducting a clear-cut policy of encouraging
democratization of Armenia and legitimization of the government
because this condition is highly important for building deeper
partnership between the United States and Armenia.

Hence, the United States is viewing Turkey as a partner in the
processes going on in the South Caucasus and in the solution of
problems in the region. The United States has spent too much time and
effort on setting a distance between Turkey and the South Caucasus to
change its goals and objectives radically.

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From: Baghdasarian