Author: Baghdasarian Karlen

ARMENIE
Une famille d’Azerbaïdjan demande l’asile politique à l’Arménie

Le site du journal Aravot (Aravot.am) rapporte que le 29 janvier au
point de passage de Pakradachen, à la frontière arméno-géorgienne, un
couple avec trois enfants, se présentant comme des citoyens
d’Azerbaïdjan ont demandé aux autorités arméniennes l’asile politique
en Arménie. Le fait est particulièrement rare et nous ignorons pour
l’instant les mobiles de cette famille d’Azerbaïdjan qui désire le
statut de réfugié en Arménie. A suivre.

Krikor Amirzayan

samedi 1er février 2014,
Krikor Amirzayan (c)armenews.com

From: Baghdasarian

RUSSIA CONCERNED ABOUT DETERIORATING SITUATION IN NAGORNO-KARABAKH

AzerNews, Azerbaijan
Jan 31 2014

31 January 2014, 16:10 (GMT+04:00)
By Jamila Babayeva

Russia is concerned about the deteriorating situation in
Nagorno-Karabakh and has called Armenia and Azerbaijan to take
additional measures to stabilize the situation.

“We call the parties of the conflict to take additional measures to
stabilize the situation, including the initiation of mechanisms under
the Agreement on strengthening the ceasefire on February 4, 1995,”
the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Information and Press Department said
in a statement.

“As a result of the recent violations of the ceasefire on the contact
line and the border there are casualties among military personnel.

Reports say about wounded civilians,” the statement added.

Russia supposes that in case of further escalation of the intensity
negative consequences are inventible for the resolving process of
the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. “The implementation of the agreements
reached at the Azerbaijani-Armenian summit in Vienna on November 19,
2013 can seriously complicate”.

Armenia occupied over 20 percent of Azerbaijan’s internationally
recognized territory, including Nagorno-Karabakh and seven adjacent
regions, after laying territorial claims against its South Caucasus
neighbor that caused a brutal war in the early 1990s.

The UN Security Council’s four resolutions on Armenian withdrawal
have not been enforced to this day.

Peace talks, mediated by Russia, France and the US and the OSCE Minsk
Group are underway on the basis of a peaceful outline -called Madrid
Principle -proposed by the Minsk Group co-chairs. The negotiations
have been largely fruitless so far.

Armenia constantly violates the ceasefire on the contact line of
Azerbaijani and Armenian troops, and these violations have intensified
recently, reaching more than 200 times a day.

The Armenian troops shot dead Captain Elnur Jafarov, an Azerbaijani
officer, and Lieutenant Sabuhi Azizov, an officer of the Azerbaijani
armed forces, amid the growing tension along the contact line between
the Armenian and Azerbaijan troops.

From: Baghdasarian

EXPERT: BAKU WILL USE THE SITUATION IN UKRAINE AND THE WEAKENING POSITION OF RUSSIA FOR SETTLEMENT OF THE KARABAKH CONFLICT IN THE WAY IT NEEDS

by Nana Martirosyan

ARMINFO
Thursday, January 30, 18:15

The Azerbaijani activeness at the line of contact with armed forces of
Nagornyy Karabakh is conditioned by the fact that the world community
is busy with the Ukrainian problem, Director of the Armenian Centre
for National and International Studies , Manvel Sargsyan, said at
today’s press-conference.

He also added that official Baku will use the situation in Ukraine
and the weakening position of Russia for settlement of the Karabakh
conflict in the way it needs. The expert thinks that to resist
Azerbaijan’s such policy, the Armenian authorities have to display
harsher position and show the door to all external forces. “A
sovereign state should conduct more independent policy, and Armenia
should make external forces compete for spreading of their influence
at its territory”, – he emphasized.

He also added that unlike Armenia, Karabakh is in a more beneficial
situation, as it does not let external forces interfere its interior
affairs. “Unlike many countries of the region, the authorities of
Karabakh adopt decisions only taking into consideration interests of
their country”, – he concluded.

From: Baghdasarian

AZERBAIJANI DIPLOMAT PROTESTS AGAINST UK PHOTOJOURNALIST’S ILLEGAL VISIT TO NAGORNO-KARABAKH

Trend, Azerbaijan
Jan 30 2014

Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan.30

Trend:

Ambassador of Azerbaijan to the UK, Fakhraddin Gurbanov expressed
protest against UK photojournalist Anastasia Taylor-Lind’s visit to
Nagorno-Karabagh, Azerbaijani territories occupied by Armenia.

The protest came after Taylor-Lind’s article, which was published in
the Guardian.

Azerbaijan’s ambassador published an article in the Guardian,
as a response to Taylor-Lind’s report, where he stresses that all
unauthorised visits to the region of Nagorno-Karabakh and other
occupied territories of Azerbaijan are illegal.

As Gurbanov said Ms Taylor-Lind should, rather, visit Azerbaijan to
witness the plight of hundreds of thousands of internally displaced
persons who were forced to flee their homes in Nagorno-Karabakh.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988
when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Armenian
armed forces have occupied 20 per cent of Azerbaijan since 1992,
including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.

Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a ceasefire agreement in 1994. The
co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, Russia, France and the U.S. are
currently holding peace negotiations.

Armenia has not yet implemented the U.N. Security Council’s four
resolutions on the liberation of the Nagorno-Karabakh and the
surrounding regions.

From: Baghdasarian

BAKU DURING ITS PRESIDENCY IN THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE WILL REJECT CRITICISM OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS

Turan Information Agency, Azerbaijan
January 29, 2014 Wednesday

Baku/28.01.14/Turan:

On January 27 the Azerbaijani delegation to the PACE 27 at the winter
session of the Assembly raised the issue of violation by the Armenian
side in the last days the ceasefire on all fronts, said the head of
the Azerbaijani delegation to PACE, Samad Seyidov .

He and other members of the delegation , according Seyidov, told about
provocative actions of the Armenian side to disrupt the negotiating
process. “They (Armenians ) understand that the negotiation process in
the legal domain is not in their favor, for the whole world considers
Nagorno-Karabakh territory of Azerbaijan,” Seyidov said.

In his view, to derail the peace process , the Armenian side violates
ceasefire , resorting to provocations.

Therefore, the Azerbaijani MPs have raised this issue at the session.

Seyidov also called for the continuation of meetings of delegations of
Azerbaijan and Armenia in PACE. “We aim to continue these meetings
because Azerbaijan is committed to peace . We strive for peace,
but Armenia does not. Armenia occupied Azerbaijani territories and
is now spreading across the world the wrong information,” Seyidov said.

Asked to comment on criticism in connection with the adoption of
amendments to the legislation that restrict fundamental freedoms,
worsening conditions for NGO activities and problems with political
prisoners, Seyidov said that he more than once witnessed such criticism
at various events in the Council of Europe and other structures. “I
am absolutely sincere repeatedly told the press that Azerbaijan is
ready to deal with the issues of human rights, doing this , and will
continue to do. This question is included in the agenda of the state.

However, the politicization of human rights serves some interests. You
see what processes are taking lace today in Ukraine. You see , today ,
even in developed from the standpoint of human rights in the countries
occur ill horrible things. They want to bring it to Azerbaijan. And
today we have witnessed this. Several people got up and tried to put
the issue on the agenda of Azerbaijan in the discussions do not having
any relation to Azerbaijan,” said Seyidov .

He complained that using human rights for political purposes, attempts
are taken to exert pressure on Azerbaijan. “We have always been and
will be against it,” said Seyidov.

According to Seyidov, Azerbaijan is ready to cooperate with
international organizations. At the same time, according to Seyidov ,
international organizations differ in their objectives and agenda.

In his view, it is wrong unconditionally agree with the criticism of
international organizations , as this may cause damage to the public
interest. Being asked to comment on the announcement by the Institute
for Peace and Democracy list of 134 political prisoners in Azerbaijan,
Seyidov said that “it brings a smile.”

According to him, the IPD included in the lists of persons , without
examining their cases.

This approach is also in international organizations complained Seidov.

” Each question should be studied seriously . Perhaps in that case
human rights have been violated. Nobody denies that. However, it
is unacceptable to use human rights as a political motive for the
pressure on the state,” said Seyidov.

Repeating the words of President Ilham Aliyev , Seyidov said that
Azerbaijan is not inclined to sign the agreement with the EU on
the Association.

“We want a higher level of integration with Europe . We want a higher
level of cooperation – strategic cooperation, energy cooperation,
cooperation in the field of human rights, bilateral cooperation on
a reciprocal basis.

This is building relationships and agreements, not on paper , but on
the basis of real values,” Seyidov said.

Is the cooperation with the EU on a higher level possible , if
Azerbaijan does not respect human rights? Answering this question
Seyidov said that Azerbaijan will soon begin Presidency in the CE.

“At the end of May in Azerbaijan will be a meeting of the PACE Standing
Committee. In June begins Azerbaijan’s chairmanship of the Council of
Europe. This means that Action Plan , including a more active , deep
and wide efforts to ensure human rights will be implemented jointly
with the Council of Europe during the presidency of Azerbaijan. Even
during the presidency of Azerbaijan we will oppose conversion human
rights into a political tool,” said Seyidov.–06D–

From: Baghdasarian

HOSHARIAN TO CONDUCT AT ZIPPER CONCERT HALL

Tuesday, January 28th, 2014

Greg Hosharian conducts an orchestra in concert

LOS ANGELES–Excitement is mounting in anticipation of the eagerly
awaited symphonic concert of Maestro Greg Hosharian conducting the
Armenian Pops Orchestra in “A Celebration of Tradition / Symphonic
Interpretations of Timeless Melodies.” The concert will take place
on Sunday, March 9, at 6 pm, at the Herbert Zipper Concert Hall in
Downtown Los Angeles.

The concert program will include works by some of history’s most
revered composers, new compositions, and will feature an orchestral
arrangement of traditional folk melodies from the Armenian Highlands.

Also featured will be the inspiring voice of soloist mezzo-soprano
Talin Nalbandian, a recipient of the Edward Hosharian Fund Scholarship.

In his highly praised debut concert in 2010, Greg Hosharian took up
the baton to lead a 30-piece symphonic orchestra to honor the memory
of his father, Edward Hosharian, 20 years after his untimely passing.

Edward Hosharian, composer, maestro, educator and tireless advocate
for the Armenian community, created an atmosphere of pride, hope
and joy with his prolific compositional output and numerous concert
productions. His son Greg has now recaptured that cultural euphoria
and is continuing to introduce it to present and future generations
with this second concert and a series of others envisioned to follow
in the future.

Greg Hosharian began playing piano at the age of four, when his
father became his first music teacher. He holds a bachelor’s degree
in composition from the California Institute of the Arts and a
master’s degree in composition and orchestration from California State
University, Northridge. He is active in orchestration and teaching,
in addition to composing soundtracks for film, television, animation
and video-game projects. Hosharian has also formed three bands of his
own: Vendetta, Hosharian Brothers Band and Armenian Space Station. In
2009 Armenian Space Station performed to an enthusiastic audience
in Yerevan, Armenia. As keyboardist for Redemption, Greg has toured
Europe and North America.

All proceeds from this concert will benefit the Edward Hosharian
Scholarship Fund, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving,
promoting and enhancing Armenian classical and ethnic music by awarding
scholarships to college-level music students of Armenian descent.

The Zipper Concert Hall at the Colburn School is located at 200 South
Grand Avenue in Downtown Los Angeles. Parking is available across the
street at the Disney Concert Hall and at the California Plaza. For
concert tickets, please visit

From: Baghdasarian

MEMORIAL TO LOST LIVES

South Wales Evening Post, UK
January 27, 2014 Monday

by LAURA DAVIES

PUPILS from Swansea have been making sure that genocide victims are
never forgotten by taking part in a special event.

Civic leaders joined forces with school children to mark Holocaust
Memorial Day in an assembly at Bishop Gore Comprehensive School.

It was staged as part of the city’s commemoration of the national
annual event.

The comprehensive was chosen to lead the event, which also saw pupils
from Brynmill Primary School, Olchfa School, Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bryn
Tawe, and Gowerton School take part.

Lord Mayor of Swansea June Stanton said: “Swansea was Wales’s first
City of Sanctuary because of its history of offering sanctuary to
people who have fled violence or persecution. It is therefore only
right that the council joins many others throughout the UK to support
and promote understanding and co-operation across communities for
Holocaust Memorial Day.

“It is important that every generation never forgets what happened,
but it is also vital that we use this opportunity to encourage links
across our communities to ensure it can never be repeated.”

The assembly included readings from The Diary of Anne Frank, poetry
and religious songs.

Huria Metezai from Bishop Gore performed a reading and the candle
lighting, prayer, and closing of the assembly was led by Canon
Andrew Knight.

Holocaust Memorial Day takes place nationally on January 27 and
remembers victims of the Nazi Holocaust and genocides in Cambodia,
Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur as well as atrocities in Armenia. The
national theme for this year’s memorial day is Journeys – from the
persecution, experiences of victims of genocide to the inspirational
life stories of journeys that brought survivors to the UK.

A civic event was also held at the Lord Mayor’s Reception Room where
representatives of the City of Sanctuary and pupils from Bishop Gore
and Morriston Comprehensive gave readings.

From: Baghdasarian

RUSSIA APPROVES RATIFICATION OF COOPERATION DEAL WITH ARMENIA

Vestnik Kavkaza, Russia
Jan 28 2014

28 January 2014 – 8:41am

The Russian governmental commission for legislature has approved
the ratification of an agreement on military cooperation signed with
Armenia in Yerevan on June 25, 2013, ITAR-TASS reports.

According to the document, the sides will cooperate in assemblage,
production, exploitation, maintenance, modernization, extension of
performance life and utilization of military equipment. State control
over shipments of military equipment will be carried out via licensing
of imports and exports.

The Russian governmental commission for legislature has approved
the ratification of an agreement on military cooperation signed with
Armenia in Yerevan on June 25, 2013, ITAR-TASS reports.

According to the document, the sides will cooperate in assemblage,
production, exploitation, maintenance, modernization, extension of
performance life and utilization of military equipment. State control
over shipments of military equipment will be carried out via licensing
of imports and exports.

From: Baghdasarian

ARGENTINIAN BILLIONAIRE EDUARDO EURNEKIAN WILL BUY 21 GREEK AIRPORTS

January 26, 2014

Argentinian billionaire Eduardo Eurnekian, owner of the airport
management company “Corporacion America” seems to be thinking of
expanding his investments in southern Europe, via taking advantage
of the lower prices resulting from the crisis.

“Our holding will enter the sector very actively, since the crisis has
opened a lot of opportunities for us,” said Martin Eurnekian, head of
“Corporacion America” and Eduardo’s nephew, in an interview on 22
January in Davos, Switzerland. “Our mission is to expand in America
and Europe, focusing on the Mediterranean. We have always invested
in projects which allow us to retain the control of the management,”
he added.

In parallel, in his statement the businessman noted that “Corporacion
America”, which has annual revenues to the amount of 1.2 billion
dollars, currently had no financial needs which should be covered by
the bond market. “In 2010, the company used its revenues from issuing
bonds worth 300 million dollars in order to renew Ezeiza Airport in
Buenos Aires. Furthermore, the Brazilian Development Bank BNDES funds
it at a low price,” he added.

According to Bloomberg, the company is expected to submit offers for
21 Greek airports to the Agency for Public Private Property. The Greek
government is proceeding to progressive functional independence of
provincial airports via their categorization into groups which would
later be privatized on the basis of progress or will be liquidated
as a result of a transaction or series of transactions. After such
privatization, the Civil Aviation Authority will maintain its role as
a regulator of aviation services and provider of air traffic control.

The Agency for Public Private Property is carrying out an open
international competition for two groups consisting of 14-20 provincial
airports via providing their operation to private investors. The rest
of the provincial airports will be transferred under the provisions of
the law of the Company for management of regional airports, which is
100% state owned. The sector of regional airports in Greece consists
of 39 airports, including those in Thessaloniki, Rhodes, Kos, Corfu,
Zakynthos, Santorini, Lesvos, Samos and Mykonos, as well as in Chania
on Crete.

In the coming days, “Corporacion America” will acquire 23% of the
airport in Pisa, Italy, and is planning to integrate the airports in
Tuscany by adding the airport of Florence. The holding manages 51
airports worldwide. Besides Greece, it will also submit offers for
airports in Peru, Colombia and Chile.

Who is Eduardo Eurnekian?

According to Forbes magazine, 81-year-old Eduardo Eurnekian is
considered to be the second richest Argentinian with personal wealth
amounting to 1.8 billion euro.

He was born on 4 December, 1932 and is of Armenian origin. He
immigrated to Argentina together with his parents, where he started
expanding his business. In 1988, he had a small cable television
company which he sold for the price of 350 euro.

Part of his business also includes four radio stations and a
newspaper-“El Cronista” in Buenos Aires, as well as 33 airports in
Argentina and the Brazilian airline LAP.

He manages 51 airports in Latin America and Europe, is a major
shareholder in Argentina Postal Services and operates 250,000 hectares
for the production of wine, cereals, etc.

GR Reporter

From: Baghdasarian

200 WOMEN LEFT FOR ARTSAKH TO DEFEND HOMELAND: AIDA SEROBYAN RECALLS

13:41, 28 January, 2014

YEREVAN, JANUARY 28, ARMENPRESS. Thousands of decade’s Armenian
women struggled side by side her father, husband, son fighting for
the independence of her country and people. Artsakh heroic battle was
not an exception. 200 mollycoddled ladies were voluntarily enlisted
and became erectors of our victory. Colonel Aida Serobyan heard on TV
that doctors are required to Artsakh in 1991. Hours later 36-year-old
doctor was already in Artsakh.

“Armenpress” had a conversation with the Chairwoman of “Artsakh war
participant women” public organization, Colonel Aida Serobyan.

Heroic way of woman veteran of Artsakh liberation war It was 1991. I
worked at clinic N 12; I returned home and began to make dinner. My
children were very small at that time. One of them went to school,
the other to kindergarten. Suddenly I heard an “Emergency message”
on TV. I left the kitchen at once and ran to the room. I did not
think that after Spitak earthquake something else can happen,”
colonel Serobyan recalls.

“It was announced on TV that Artsakh needs medical worker, as many
of soldiers died from simple wounds, and there were no corresponding
specialists in Artsakh. “I held trainings of first medical aid at
that time; I thought that I should go. How couldn’t I go? IO0 showed
others how to display first medical aid. While people martyred from
simple wounds there. Instead of going to the clinic in the morning,
I went to the Ministry of Healthcare and said that I had heard the
message. I asked to send me on business trip to Artsakh.

When they began to ask me questions, I said that I even did not know
the place of Artsakh on the map, but I went,” Serobyan told.

From: Baghdasarian