Author: Baghdasarian Karlen

TURKEY, BRITAIN VOW TO STRENGTHEN COOPERATION AGAINST TERRORISM

Today’s Zaman, Turkey
Nov 20 2013

20 November 2013 /TODAY’S ZAMAN, ANKARA

Britain and Turkey have vowed to ratchet up their collaboration
in the fight against terrorism on the 10th anniversary of the bomb
attack on the British Consulate in Beyoglu, Ä°stanbul, on Nov. 20,
2003, killing at least 27 people and wounding nearly 450.

Video

“As in the past, today Turkey and Britain stand side by side in the
fight against terrorism worldwide. Terrorism is a crime against
humanity and whoever commits this crime, regardless of religion,
race and ideology, is attacking humanity,” said Davutoglu, while
speaking at a joint press conference with British Foreign Secretary
William Hague on Wednesday in Ä°stanbul.

Hague, who visited Turkey to attend the 10th anniversary of the
Ä°stanbul bombings, stated that Turkey will always have his country’s
support in the fight against terrorism.

“You will always have our country’s support in combating terrorism and
instability — including as you take forward your political process,
and as you bear the burden of the conflict in Syria,” said Hague in
a speech at the ceremony that was held to commemorate those killed
in the bomb attack.

Davutoglu on his Twitter account stated: “I once again strongly condemn
terrorism. We will not relent in our fight against this scourge that
constitutes a crime against humanity. Together with my UK colleague
Hague we have offered our sincere condolences to their families and
shared their grief.”

“I also want to thank the people of our friend and ally Turkey. We
are deeply grateful for your country’s [Turkey’s] assistance after
the attack, and your government’s efforts to bring the perpetrators to
justice. We thank you again for the enduring friendship between our two
peoples — and for the mutual support and strength that our alliance
brings,” said Hague, who placed a wreath on the wall of the consulate.

Roger Short, the British consul in Ä°stanbul, was among those killed
in the Nov. 20 bombing of his consulate in Beyoglu. The HSBC bank
headquarters in BeÅ~_iktaÅ~_ was also attacked on the same day,
while on Nov. 15, 2003, there were also attacks against the Beth
Israel Synagogue in Å~^iÅ~_li and the Neve Shalom Synagogue in Beyoglu.

Homegrown militants connected to al-Qaeda carried out two suicide
bombings targeting HSBC and the British Consulate General in Ä°stanbul
in 2003, killing 57 people and wounding approximately 700.

Hague also noted that the attackers failed in their objectives. “They
failed to divide us — in fact, our ties are the strongest they
have ever been. They failed to weaken Turkey — as your society and
your economy continue to strengthen. Our democratic values give us
a strength and resilience that terrorists can never overcome. We are
stronger than they are. We do not give in to terrorism,” said Hague.

Davutoglu says Assad exploiting delays to Geneva II talks

Davutoglu accused Syrian President Bashar al-Assad of exploiting delays
to the Geneva II conference, aimed at bringing together representatives
from the Syrian regime and opposition, by stepping up attacks on the
opposition and said the conference must take place quickly if it is
to be of use.

“The regime is orchestrating an absolute human tragedy by ramping
up its bombings recently and leaving its people starving through a
siege,” said Davutoglu.

“Geneva II should convene, produce results and the calendar should
not be allowed to be exploited [for other purposes]. As Turkey we
have supported all diplomatic initiatives. But since May, there’s been
constant talk about Geneva II, and expectations mount, but it ends in
disappointment because there are no positive results,” Davutoglu said.

Davutoglu: We desire normalization of ties between Turkey, Armenia

Davutoglu has stated that Turkey is ready to do its utmost in order to
maintain permanent peace in the Caucasus, adding that Turkey desires
to normalize its ties with Armenia.

“Our desire is the normalization of the ties between Turkey and
Armenia, resolving the dispute between Azerbaijan and Armenia and
maintaining permanent peace in the South Caucasus,” added Davutoglu.

“If there is any step required for this, Turkey is ready for it. We
are ready to make any contribution that is necessary,” he said.

A bloody conflict erupted between ethnic Azeris and Armenians in 1991
over Nagorno-Karabakh, a mountainous, predominantly Armenian-populated
enclave within Azerbaijani borders. Armenian-backed armed forces
seized 20 percent of Azerbaijani territory, killing 30,000 people. In
a display of solidarity with Azerbaijan on the Nagorno-Karabakh issue,
Turkey closed its borders with Armenia.

Armenia has invited Davutoglu to Yerevan to attend a meeting of the
Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) in early
December, saying it will be pleased to see the Turkish foreign minister
in the Armenian capital.

“The invitation for the BSEC is routine. This is a multilateral
meeting. All the parties are invited. An invitation extended to
Turkey should not be interpreted as an attention grabbing move,” said
Davutoglu, adding that Turkey hopes the dispute over Nagorno-Karabakh
is resolved as soon as possible.

Davutoglu noted that Turkey will raise the issue during Prime
Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s visit to Moscow on Thursday upon the
invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin to attend the fourth
Russian-Turkish High-Level Cooperation Council (HLCC).

From: Baghdasarian

ON THE TOWN: EVENT RAISES FUNDS FOR ARMENIAN HEALTH

Glendale News Press, CA
nov 20 2013

November 19, 2013|By Ruth Sowby

Nobody can throw a Thanksgiving Luncheon like the women in the Ladies
Auxiliary of the Armenian American Medical Society, made up primarily
of doctors’ wives.

The Brandview Banquet Hall on Harvard Street was the sparkling setting
for lunch and honors this past Saturday. Volunteer extraordinaire
Sonia Nersissian received the group’s Spirit of Life Award in front
of 250 women who gave this dynamo a standing ovation.

Among Nersissian’s accomplishments was raising money for a laptop and
van so that a doctor could go to Armenian villages and take care of
poor children with epilepsy.

Event chair Ramella Markian guided the action with aplomb. News flash!

Markian has just been promoted to associate vice president of business
development at Glendale Adventist Medical Center. This lady knows
what she’s doing. Markian introduced her event vice chairperson Vany
Cherik, who, in turn, introduced good friend and honoree Nersissian.

Cherik described some of Nersissian’s volunteer work and life story.

In 1987, Nersissian and her family moved from Iran to the United
States. Once here, she began her volunteer work with the Armenian
Society of Iran.

Advertisement

In 1991, Nersissian was invited into the Armenian American Medical
Society Ladies Auxiliary. She became the group’s president in 2002.

Nersissian later handed the gavel to her successor, Markian.

One of Nersissian’s hobbies is dress design. Lavish gowns designed
by this woman of all trades were on display in the banquet hall.

Also included on the program was a presentation by Dr. Christopher K.

Kaypekian on “The Truth About Pain.” His wife, Natalie, introduced
him. The doctor had the room buzzing over his use of a relatively
new treatment for migraine headaches – botox.

The afternoon ended with music and shopping. A boutique made it easy
to load up on Christmas gifts. A favorite booth was that of jewelry
designer Vahe Karapetyan.

Event proceeds will benefit Glendale Healthy Women and the
Children’s Diabetic Camp in Armenia. Also benefiting will be the
ladies auxiliary’s free mammogram screenings program. Since 2010,
some 700 free mammograms have been provided to women in need.

—

In the United States, there are more than 2 million female veterans and
active duty members, and the highest concentration is in California.

From: Baghdasarian

WE SHOULD TAKE NAGORNO-KARABAKH BACK: ALI HASANOV

AzerNews, Azerbaijan
Nov 19 2013

19 November 2013, 16:08 (GMT+04:00)
By Sara Rajabova

A top Azerbaijani official cautioned against Armenia’s power politics
in the South Caucasus, saying that Azerbaijan should be careful
and aware.

Head of the Public and Political Issues Department of Presidential
Administration of Azerbaijan, Ali Hasanov made the remarks at the
presentation ceremony of a book titled “Occupation of Azerbaijan by
Armenia. Analytical Chronicle” on November 18.

Hasanov said that Azerbaijani people long for Nagorno-Karabakh in
their hearts.

Regarding the Nagorno-Karabakh problem, Hasanov said, “Each of us
should be a missionary, each of us must support the policy pursued by
the Azerbaijani President. We should return Nagorno-Karabakh not only
with power, but also with mind. With every Azerbaijani supporting this,
we will bring victory closer and make Armenia face the facts,” he said.

Hasanov noted that the Karabakh issue is of the great importance to
Azerbaijanis and should remain so.

“Liberation of Nagorno-Karabakh should be a priority for each of us,
regardless of profession, whether one is a musician, a scientist,
a journalist, soldier, politician, or an MP,” Hasanov said.

He said that the book titled “Occupation of Azerbaijan by Armenia.

Analytical Chronicle” reflects the annals of the Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict and is a historical chronicle.

He said Azerbaijan must thoroughly consider the occupation policy
pursued by Armenia in the South Caucasus and demonstrate its mind,
intellect, and experience.

Hasanov added that the policy of a strong country’s truth dominates
today’s world.

“How should it be in reality? There must be a policy according to
which those who are right must have power. Those who are right must
be strong in everything. Unfortunately, we live in a world where
different standards are used and the right to use force is more used
and supported,” Hasanov said.

“From this point of view, we must not forget the task that the
President has repeatedly set at various events for the citizens
and intellectuals of Azerbaijan and Azerbaijani people – offensive
diplomacy,” Hasanov said.

“We must have weapons for such diplomacy. We cannot stand empty-handed
in front of the Armenian lobby, which is well-armed with various
technologies and methodologies of anti-Azerbaijani propaganda,”
he said.

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. Long-standing
efforts by US, Russian and French mediators have been largely fruitless
so far.

As a result of the military aggression of Armenia, over 20,000
Azerbaijanis were killed, 4,866 are reported missing, almost 100,000
were injured, and 50,000 were disabled.

The UN Security Council has passed four resolutions on Armenian
withdrawal from the Azerbaijani territory, but they have not been
enforced to this day.

From: Baghdasarian

CLOSED-DOOR TALKS OF AZERBAIJANI AND ARMENIAN PRESIDENTS END

Vestnik Kavkaza, Russia
Nov 19 2013

19 November 2013 – 3:13pm

The closed-door meetings of Azerbaijani and Armenian Presidents Ilham
Aliyev and Serzh Sargsyan has ended in Vienna.

The talks continued in an expanded format. Foreign Ministers of
Azerbaijan and Armenia Elmar Mammadyarov and Edward Nalbandian,
co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group Igor Popov, James Warlick and
Jacques Faure and personal representative of OSCE chairman Andrzej
Kasprzyk have joined the meeting.

From: Baghdasarian

RUSSIA PURSUING JOINT POST-SOVIET AIR DEFENSE PLANS

Voice of Russia
Nov 19 2013

Photo: RIA Novosti

Russia is upgrading its joint air defense system with Belarus and
building similar joint systems with Armenia and Kazakhstan.

0It will also create joint regional commands with Belarus, Armenia,
Kazakhstan and Tajikistan.

0President Putin spoke about this at a meeting with freshly promoted
top brass in Moscow on Tuesday. He mentioned plans to expand defense
cooperation within the Commonwealth of Independent States, the
Collective Security Treaty Organization and the Shanghai Cooperation
Organization.

0The President praised the conduct of this year’s joint strategic
military exercises with Belarus.

From: Baghdasarian

$150,000 RAISED AT KZV ANNUAL BANQUET

Monday, November 18th, 2013

Keynote Speaker, Dr. Alina Dorian addressing the attendees

The evening pays tribute to supporters and donors; A Special
Distinguished Alumni Award is presented to Garen Nazarian

SAN FRANCISCO-On Saturday, November 2, more than 250 attendees
gathered at Khatchaturian Armenian Community Center- Saroyan Hall,
located on the school grounds to celebrate the 33rd anniversary of
Krouzian-Zekarian-Vasbouragan Armenian School.

Through its generous supporters and donors, the event raised $150,000
which will go toward funding special projects and operational expenses
at the prestigious elementary and middle school in the Bay Area.

Meghedi Nazarian, left (Class of 1997) accepting the Distinguished
Alumni Award on behalf of her brother, Garen Nazarian (Class of 1988).

Award was presented by Naira Der Keureghian (class of 1998)

The evening recognized Garen Nazarian with its Distiguished Alumni
Award and keynote address by Dr. Alina Dorian, Principal of Rose
and Alex Pilibos Armenian School in Hollywood. Others in attendance
included local clergy, school board members, administrators, parents,
teachers, and alumni.

Master of Ceremonies and KZV School Board Member Gregory Ovanessian
welcoming attendees to the 33rd Annual Banquet

Greg Ovanessian, school board member, acted as Master of Ceremonies,
and welcomed guests to the special evening. Following the opening
prayer and blessings offered by St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church
Pastor Reverend Father Khoren Habeshian, St. John Armenian Church
Pastor Father Mesrop Ash, St. Vartan Armenian Church Pastor Reverend
Father Hovel Ohanian, and Calvary Armenian Church Pastor Reverend
Father Nerses Balabanian. Ovanessian presented the school’s annual
report and an in depth review of the school’s engagement as well as
its anticipated seven year strategic plan and Western Association of
Schools and Colleges (WASC) reaccreditation in 2015.

Grace Andonian, KZV principal, welcomed and thanked the efforts
of countless individuals who continue to make KZV a priority in
their lives through their contributions. She noted that the evening
was a success due to the efforts of the KZV PTA, School Board, and
volunteers. “Our school is one of the pillars of our national identity,
and its preservation and enhancement is our responsibility and our
duty. KZV embarked on this long journey to excellence thirty-three
years ago with you as its witness,” stated Andonian. “In the light of
the deepest purpose of an Armenian education, your sons and daughters
have graced this institution with their many gifts and talents. They
have lived out our core values. KZV is truly a very special community
that impacts young lives forever.”

This year’s recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award was presented
to Garen Nazarian, first graduating class of KZV in 1988. Alumni Board
member, Naira Der Kiureghian, class of 1998, presented the award,
one that honors and exemplifies the mission and goals of KZV. Garen
is an individual who stands for professional and academic excellence,
a commitment to Armenian heritage, community service, leadership, and
innovation. After graduating from UC Berkeley with a degree in English
Literature, Garen obtained a J.D. from the UCLA School of Law. After
law school, Garen joined the LA County Public Defender’s Office. Mr.

Nazarian, who currently lives in Yerevan,Armenia, is currently employed
at Southwestern Law School as their Armenia Fellow. Though he was
not able to accept the award in person, a special video message
by Mr. Nazarian was presented to the audience. His sister, Meghedi
Nazarian, KZV Class of 1997, accepted the award on his behalf.

KZV Principal Grace Andonian addressing the attendees

The keynote address for the evening was delivered by Dr. Alina Dorian,
Principal of Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School. Dr. Dorian
spoke eloquently about the importance of Armenian Schools in the
United States and diaspora. “Tonight is an opportunity for us to
come together to see who our partners are, to see who believes in
our mission, who understands the importance and is grateful for the
existence of our Armenian academic institution,” stated Dorian. “Let’s
not take it for granted.”

Following the formal program, guests were treated to live entertainment
provided by Element Band featuring Tro Krikorian and San Francisco
native DJ Tigran. The dinner for the evening was provided by Grape
Leaf Catering.

From: Baghdasarian

ACCORDING TO HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDER, HRAYR TOVMASYAN PRESENTS THE REALITY DISTORTED

November 18 2013

RA Minister of Justice Hrayr Tovmasyan, in his speech made at the
National Assembly, stated the following, “Even the term political
prisoner has come out of our lexicon, aren’t these achievements? How
many high-profile cases were revealed in recent years, how many
high-ranking officials were convicted and sentenced to prison? No
one says that Yerevan is one of the cities of the highest level of
street crime; these crimes are missing. I say all of these for you to
say “good for the government, what nice things it is doing.” In the
conversation with the human rights defender, Aravot.am asked whether
Hrayr Tovmasyan presents the objective reality, the Head of “Center
for Rights and Freedom” Vardan Harutyunyan said, “Their and the public
lexicon are completely different things. This term was not in their
lexicon, they have always said that there are no political prisoners,
despite being involved in political repression. But, our society, the
public and the international community, in their turn, have always
said that there were and are political prisoners in Armenia. Not
matter they state that this word does not exist in their lexicon,
it exists in the lexicon of democratic society and the international
community. There are also trends that this word will continue to
exist in our lexicon.” We asked whether it means that Hrayr Tovmasyan
distorts reality, Mr. Harutyunyan replied, “He represents the reality
the way he wants to see, or presents the reality distorted.” To the
claims of the Minister that in recent years high-profile cases have
been detected, and high-rank officials were convicted and sentenced to
prison, Vardan Harutyunyan responded, “I do not think that it could
be something to boast for the authorities that their colleagues are
criminals, corrupt and mastering. This is not something to boast
but to feel ashamed. Should there be impartial judicial system in
Armenia, a lot of people around Hrayr Tovmasyan would have appeared
in the prisoner’s bed.” Mr. Harutyunyan said that he would like for
the authorities to realize that it is not something to boast. Human
rights defender Mikael Danielyan also believes that Hrayr Tovmasyan
is distorting the reality. He particularly conveyed the following,
“We have political prisoners, and the last political prisoner has
recently appeared in Armenia: it is Shant and his team. The Minister
of Justice does not live in Armenia, either he is mistaken, or has no
information, or distorts everything. The Minister is not in place. It
is not the first time that Hrayr Tovmasyan makes speeches, which are
not in compliance with the reality, and it leaves the impression that
he has not been in Armenia for a long time.”

Tatev HARUTYUNYAN

Read more at:

From: Baghdasarian

PLEASE LESS PARANOIA, MORE SELF-RESPECT AND CONFIDENCE

Hurriyet Daily News, Turkey
Nov 18 2013

MEHMET OGUTCU
Our minds are still obsessed with, and conditioned by, the 1916
Sykes-Picot Agreement, officially known as the Asia Minor Agreement,
and the 1920 Treaty of Sèvres.

True, they both sought to carve up the decaying Ottoman dominions.

True, they both led to the disintegration of the 624-year long Ottoman
Empire on three continents. But still living under the heavy burden
of this period after more than 90 years is not healthy. It makes us
paranoid and we suspect that every move is a conspiracy against us,
our territorial integrity and survival.

True, we live in a treacherous geography, surrounded by neighbors
not known in the world’s league of high achievers in democracy and
prosperity, but where we are located and what we possess offer immense
opportunities if well utilized and smartly harnessed.

It’s difficult to believe, but we are seeing village coffeehouse-style
conversations often prevailing and being taken very seriously in
Cabinet deliberations and newspaper commentaries. If it is about the
external “dark” forces at work against us, even the dummy “information
pollution” in social media gets circulated widely without questioning.

According to such scriptwriters, these forces, whoever they are,
have never stopped undermining and plotting against us; they grow
a malicious desire to divide, discredit and eventually dismantle
our great nation. They are seen as responsible for all misdeeds and
failures, not us.

Let’s take the Armenian problem, which it seems will give us a terrible
headache over the next few years due to the 2015 commemoration of
the historic calamity perpetrated in 1915 during the Ottoman wartime.

If we persist in brushing aside our emotional intelligence in dealing
with the so-called Armenian “genocide” and argue that “we did not
slaughter 1.5 million Armenians; historians give the 350,000 figure,”
it is hard to imagine how this tragic episode in both nations’ psyches
could disappear, and how we can leave this deplorable era behind us
for a long overdue “reset” in our relations.

Believe it or not, the deep seated fear that holds us back from
deploying emotional intelligence is that the Armenians will one
day come back from Marseilles, Beirut, Sydney and San Francisco to
claim large portions of our eastern Anatolia, which borders today’s
land-locked Armenia, if we show any signs of weakness and empathy.

The defenders of our harsh response argue that the Armenian diaspora
may even ask for us to pay billions of dollars’ worth of compensation
and insurance, and that the U.N. could brand us as “the perpetrators of
this century’s first genocide.” There is no way can we make meaningful
progress or achieve reconciliation with such a mindset.

Another example is the “Kurdish reality.” To invalidate Kurdish
aspirations, some of us maintain that the Kurds have never had a state
of their own. “Being mountain tribes and rough people, they do not
have a proper language and civilized manners.” We also like repeating
that these lands were washed with the blood of our warrior martyrs. So
not even a bit of it can be left to the Kurds, the rhetoric goes.

Some sincerely believe that the Kurds are simply toys in the hands
of our enemies, as they have been throughout history, and resort to
shameless separatist terrorism to wrestle territory from us. “The
Kurds of Iraq also harbor feelings of enmity for us, and are awaiting
the most opportune time to declare independence. Then, our Kurds
will merge with them, as well as with Iran’s PJAK and Syria’s PYD,
to create a Greater Kurdistan, at the expense of Turks.”

“The Greeks have never abandoned the Megali Idea in a bid to recapture
Constantinople and Smyrna from us.” Yes, such romantic dreaming might
exist, but why do they forget that the population of both cities is
twice that of today’s Greece.

“Russia, of course, still pursues Peter the Great’s (or “Peter the Mad”
in our jargon) dream of reaching the warm waters of Mediterranean
through our Bosphorus. It is promoting subversive activities in
our country and the regions where we wield serious influence.” They
think Putin is going to resurrect Tsarist Russia, again forgetting
that Moscow can barely even manage the territory currently under
its tutelage.

“The U.S. Congress has never ratified the Treaty of Lausanne and has
a hidden agenda to enforce one day Wilson’s Fourteen Points of 1918,
governing the self-determination and independence of all the peoples
on the Anatolian soil.”

“The EU, started as a Christian union, has no intention whatsoever
of letting Turkey join, despite a formal engagement of more than 50
years, because we are Muslim and a powerful country to reckon with.

They want us to disintegrate first, so that those digestible European
parts could accede to the Union by imposition of its blueprint acquis
communautaire.”

“Do not be naive: Israel has a sinister plan to expand the boundaries
of the Promised Land to the Euphrates River in the north, which
God promised to the descendants of Abraham, as indicated in the
Bible. The global Jewish diaspora controls international finance,
media, universities and technology, and deploys all their mighty
power and instruments against us.”

The list could go on and be expanded to match the degree of one’s
suspicions.

All these in a country claiming regional superpower status, with
close to $1 trillion GDP, the second largest army in NATO (and the
biggest in the region from China to Russia and the United States
and Saudi Arabia), the largest agricultural output in Europe, a huge
cultural hinterland, a dynamic, well-educated young and entrepreneurial
population, 30 million tourists each year and still with an imperial
spine…

All these fears and paranoia are too much, even if there is some
truth in them.

We are not alone in such behavior. Middle Easterners love being
immersed in conspiracies. There are millions of people who actually,
wholeheartedly, believe that September 11 was the work of Mossad,
contrived to trick America into launching a fresh round of crusades.

Remember the vicious Taliban assault on Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani
school girl, who courageously spoke out against extremism and in
favor of educating girls? Well, many Pakistanis believe that was
an American operation – despite the Taliban’s very public claiming
of responsibility.

There are those who believe that The Illuminati has planned a global
financial collapse that will make the great depression look like a
picnic. This will occur, they say, through the maneuvering of the
great banks and the world’s financial institutions, through stock
and interest rate manipulations.

We have no shortage of such thinking, bordering on the paranoia. Why
don’t we try to be more relaxed and have more respect and confidence
in ourselves and our capacities, enough to pre-empt and deter any
ill-intentioned designs that some might have against this country? At
the same time, why don’t we try to be a respected, non-threatening,
humble “soft-power,” boasting of its happy and prosperous people,
trade and investment levels, cultural diversity and richness, ethnic
harmony, natural beauties, and technological innovations?

Then, believe me; whatever threat may be posed, real or perceived,
will be minimised and will evaporate. Let’s change this self-defeating
mindset. There is no need to be paranoid, instead we should focus
on our positive energies and constructive engagements both within
and abroad.

November/18/2013

From: Baghdasarian

PRESS RELEASE
THE ARMENIAN TECHNOLOGY GROUP
1300 E. Shaw Ave, Suite 149
P.O.Box 5969
Fresno, CA 93755-5969
Tel: 559-224-1000
Fax: 559-224-1002
Email: [email protected]

ATG Represents Armenia at an International Conference

Earlier this year, by the request of the Government of Armenia through
the Minister of Agriculture, ATG represented the Republic of Armenia
at an agricultural conference that took place in Almaty,
Kazakhstan. Representatives from other Eastern European nations, CIS
countries, Central Asian Republics and Caucasus including Turkey,
Georgia, Azerbaijan, were present as well.

Gagik Lazarian, ATG-Foundation Director in Armenia, was one of the
keynote speakers of the conference, where he presented the Private
Sector Seed Development, particularly the efforts of ATG in
Armenia. With a detailed Power Point presentation Mr. Lazarian
illustrated steps that ATG has taken to transform the seed
multiplication program from donor founded project to self-supporting
and self-sustaining entity.

Mr. Lazarian also talked about how Armenian grain growers are
evolving and developing conservation agriculture methodology,
utilizing the No-Till planting technology to reduce operating costs
and increase the profit margin of the growers.

The farmers are adopting the system countrywide, as the demand of this
methodology increases year after year.

The conference focused on Central Asia and Caucasus Regional Expert
Consultation on Cereals Diseases, Pests, Weeds Monitoring and
Resistance Breeding.

Copyright © 2013 Armenian Technology Group Inc., All rights reserved.

From: Baghdasarian

ADDRESSING HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS IN THE ARMENIAN ARMED FORCES

TransConflict
Nov 18 2013

November 18, 2013 9:32 am

With human rights violations in the Armenian Armed Forces having become
a taboo subject, Peace Dialogue used simulations to raise awareness
about the situation faced by soldiers, thereby helping breakdown the
culture of silence that prevailed.

By Edgar Khachatryan

Attempting to raise public awareness about human rights violations
in the Armenian army, Peace Dialogue, an NGO from Armenia, organized
various activities to help educate Armenian society. At the beginning
of 2013, Peace Dialogue launched a new initiative, a two-year project
called ‘Safe Soldiers for a Safe Armenia’, with the support of the
Dutch organization, IKV Pax Christi. The aim of this initiative is
to end human rights violations in the armed forces and to develop
Armenia’s safety, plus the safety of those soldiers who protect it.

The organization hopes that this project will result in greater
public awareness about the poor human rights situation facing the
armed forces. In order to create public demand to solve this problem,
Peace Dialogue works to mobilize local, national and international
actors, who in turn involve experts from the EU, NATO and the OSCE.

Based on Peace Dialogue’s research, 25 fatalities were recorded
in the Republic of Armenia (RA) Armed Forces between January and
October 2013. Only three of these were the result of violations of
the ceasefire signed between Armenia and Azerbaijan in 1994. Regular
ceasefire violations and constant information warfare indicate that the
previously open war has become a hidden war. As people demand security
from government, the government responds through the Army. At this
stage, a strong Army remains the main means of securing stability,
for both society and the government.

There are, however, developments in this structure that are beyond
the control of society. As society perceives the Army as the only
means of protecting stability, they are inclined to forgive all of
its human rights transgressions. A major part of society thinks that
silence should be maintained in the face of human rights violations
because of the precarious geopolitical status of the country. Many
people perceive Armenia as being surrounded by enemies. However,
the regime uses the taboo nature of the issue and a lack of civilian
control over the Army to advance their interests.

Although the dangers in the army affect thousands of young conscripts
and their families, the issue of this forgotten massacre remains
unspoken in Armenian society. What is more, it has become a taboo
issue in the country.

In order to address these challenges, Peace Dialogue is organizing
a simulation trial, called ‘Fair Court’, in various cities across
Armenia. Simulations help staff reveal the underlying factors
and dynamics that are at work in real situations, whist creating a
learning method that is oriented on practical experience. Simulations
generally attempt to recreate real life situations in a controlled
context, often for educational or entertainment purposes. It is also
a powerful method that gives the participants an opportunity to test
their negotiation skills and their ability to manage conflicts.

Furthermore, it promotes a space in which such taboo issues can be
openly discussed in society. Fair Court, which is organized using
the conflict modelling methodology, was presented first to a number
of Vanadzor citizens, and then in a number of cities and towns in
Armenia. This case was based on a true story concerning the death
of a soldier in the armed forces. The soldier was beaten and killed
by fellow soldiers due to an argument. The incident could have been
prevented by an officer on duty, but was not.

During the simulated court trial, the audience members take on
the roles of all parties and strive to achieve justice for their
characters. The court hears the details of the case, the witnesses and
the defendants. The defendants were soldiers who, under the influence
of alcohol, had beaten their fellow soldier and unintentionally caused
his death. The court also hears the officer on duty who, although
he did not take part in the fight, did not prevent the soldiers
from using alcohol on duty, either. Moreover, he also took part with
great pleasure in the birthday party of one of those soldiers. After
clarifying the circumstances of the case and after hearing arguments
from the prosecution and the defense, the court issues its verdict,
based on the development and dynamics of the simulated trial case. At
the real court trial of the same case, the officer received a mild
punishment, was given an amnesty, and was released from the courtroom.

The soldiers, who unintentionally caused the death of their fellow
soldier, were sentenced to a long period of imprisonment.

Initially, the organizers believed that this simulation game would
have an impact on the people and when they would take up the roles
they would actually understand the issues and realize the significance
of human rights protection. The results of the simulated court trial
and its impact were reflected in the discussion that followed.

The participants and the audience were given an opportunity to
share their impressions. Some of them expressed that the simulated
court trial provided an opportunity to learn more about the judicial
process and its peculiarities, allowing to put themselves in the shoes
of those who take part in a trial. It is most important, however,
that although some of the participants were previously unaware of
the problems in the army, they were willing to discuss the problem
after the simulation, rather than perpetuating the culture of silence.

Edgar Khachatryan is the Director of Peace Dialogue, a member of the
Global Coalition for Conflict Transformation.

From: Baghdasarian