Author: Baghdasarian Karlen

Russian military drivers to improve skills on Armenian mountains

May 17, 2013 | 20:38

YEREVAN. – The drivers and car mechanics of the Russian military base
in Armenia plan to held special sessions on driving military vehicles
and trucks in the conditions of high altitude on Armenia’s mountains.

Over 200 soldiers will take part in the trainings, the press service
of the Russian Southern Military District informed Armenian News –
NEWS.am. Particular attention will be paid to adjusting all systems of
armored vehicles to prevent overheating of engines and higher fuel
consumption at high altitude and high temperature gradients (up to +30
C?° during the day).

The landscape of mountainous terrain with very steep ascents and
descents, as well as lots of turns on the mountain streamers in icy
conditions make the drivers to adjust to special requirements.

News from Armenia – NEWS.am

From: Baghdasarian

West Valley and Hollywood Communities Host Fundraiser For Eric Garcetti

Friday, May 17th, 2013

Garecetti addresses the crowd

Raise Approximately $50,000

TARZANA’The Armenian American communities of the West San Fernando
Valley and Hollywood hosted a joint fundraising event for Los Angeles
City Mayoral Candidate Eric Garcetti raising approximately $50,000.
This marks the second Armenian American fundraiser held in the past
two weeks approximately raising a combined $100,000 to elect Garcetti.

Over 100 local community leaders and supporters from all segments of
the Armenian community including ANCA, ARS, Homenetmen, AYF, UYA and
others were in attendance on Saturday May 11th in order to express
their gratitude and show their support for Eric Garcetti at the
fundraising event held at the home of Raffi and Maral Sarkissian in
Tarzana. Hosting the event were a cross section of Armenian Americans
from Hollywood to Woodland Hills that included Sylvia Minassian,
Harout & Ozhen Broutian, Raffi and Maral Sarkissian, Christine Jerian
Kharmandalian, Louise Mardirossian Gill and Nareg Kitsinian.

Dignitaries present and in support of Eric Garcetti were State
Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian, Los Angeles City Councilmembers Paul
Krekorian and Paul Koretz.
Each of the elected dignitaries spoke about their close relationship
with Garcetti and spoke of how he has consistently been supportive of
issues affecting Armenia and the Armenian American community of Los
Angeles. Furthermore, they each expressed their continued support for
him for Mayor.

Commenting on the wide spread community support for Garcetti, host
Raffi Sarkissian stated that `our communities wanted to work together
to elect Eric Garcetti as the next Mayor of Los Angeles’. `Eric has
consistently supported the Armenian American communities of Los
Angeles and we are pleased with the support our local communities have
pledged for him tonight’ remarked Sarkissian.

In his remarks Garcetti stated that `the Armenian community can make
the difference in this race. Everything we’ve done together whether
it’s an ocean away in the shadow of Mt. Ararat or if it’s right here
underneath Mt. Hollywood. We’ve shown the world that we can be a world
of justice, opportunity, memory and a world that sets itself on the
right path.’

Garcetti continued by acknowledging the presence of the numerous
community organizations that he has worked with over the years who
have provided many services to the Armenian American community.
Garcetti concluded by expressing his appreciation towards his staff
who over the years have worked within the Armenian American community
to provide the crucial services needed including Christine Jerian,
Arsen Melikyan and Baydzar Thomasian.

Eric was elected four times by his fellow colleagues on the Council to
serve as President of the Los Angeles City Council from 2006 to 2012.
He continues to serve as the Councilmember representing the 13th
District which encompasses Little Armenia. Eric is endorsed by the
L.A. Times, which calls him `the best choice for Mayor’ and wrote that
`Voters should be inspired by Garcetti’s stewardship of Council
District 13³.

Eric has a long history of supporting Armenian related issues. To name
a few of his undertakings, Eric visited Armenia while helping to
establish Yerevan as a sister city to Los Angeles. He has consistently
called upon the U.S. government to recognize the Armenian Genocide and
the independence of Artsakh. Eric has visited Dzidzernagapert and has
laid a wreath for the victims of the genocide. As the councilmember
whose jurisdiction includes Little Armenia, Eric supported the City
Council motion to add Armenian language to the election ballots to
help his constituents and also co-sponsored the Annual Armenian
Independence Day Festival in Hollywood. When the Armenian Relief
Society required much needed resources, he supported and funded its
social centers. Not shy on partnering with community groups to improve
his district, he worked with the Armenian Youth Federation on the
annual AYF Little Armenia Beautification Project to further enhance
the Armenian American neighborhoods and other parts of his district.
His contribution to the Armenian American community transcends
politics and includes humanitarian, educational and cultural support
and as such Eric co-sponsors the Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry
Annual Walkathon and provides funding for the ANCA-Hollywood chapters
civic and educational programs.

Eric was raised in the San Fernando Valley and earned his B.A. and
M.A. from Columbia University. He studied as a Rhodes Scholar at
Oxford and the London School of Economics and taught at Occidental
College and U.S.C. A fourth generation Angeleno, Eric lives in Silver
Lake with his wife and one-year-old daughter. He is a Lieutenant in
the U.S. Navy reserve and is an avid jazz pianist and photographer.

From: Baghdasarian

, Turkey
May 17 2013

US congress receives resolution on Armenian claims

The resolution calls on the US President Barack Obama to recognize the
Armenian claims.

World Bulletin/News Desk

A resolution including Armenian claims regarding 1915 events was
presented to the US House of Representatives on Thursday.
Republican congressmen Michael Grimm and David Valadao and Democrat
congressmen Adam Schiff and Frank Pallone signed the resolution named
“Armenian genocide reality and justice”.

The resolution, presented when Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip
Erdogan was in Washington, calls on the US President Barack Obama to
recognize the Armenian claims.

From: Baghdasarian

The White House Bulletin
May 16, 2013 Thursday

Obama, Erdogan Meet At White House

President Obama and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan met
today at the White House, and were scheduled to appear at a press
conference in the Rose Garden this afternoon. One key issue the two
leaders were expected to discuss was Syria, where the Prime Minister
was expected to seek additional commitments from the US for dealing
with the regional fallout from the war.

White House Touts “Strong Partnership” Between US, Turkey.

The White House today released background information to highlight the
“strong partnership” between the US and Turkey. The release notes that
the US is “firmly committed to broadening and deepening this
partnership, and together we have taken great strides in recent years.
A shared vision for how to advance bilateral, regional, and global
issues continues to drive the United States and Turkey ever closer.”

Among the key points, the White House noted the US “welcomes Turkey’s
leadership on the world stage to address a range of challenges that we
are stronger confronting together. Our leaders meet often and work as
partners on topics such as encouraging a political transition in
Syria, promoting Middle East Peace, supporting economic reform and
growth throughout the Middle East/North Africa region, advancing a
comprehensive settlement in Cyprus, normalizing relations with
Armenia, and encouraging the highest standards for human rights,
democracy, and governance at home and abroad.”

In addition, “bilateral trade has grown 75 percent to nearly $20
billion, and U.S. exports have more than doubled. Prospects for the
future are even brighter, as American and Turkish companies are
collaborating across a range of sectors, including technology,
pharmaceuticals, energy, and infrastructure.”

On counter-terror issues, the US and Turkey “are stronger when we work
together on common challenges, such as safeguarding our citizens.
Recent terrorist attacks in both the United States and Turkey remind
us of the continuing threat of terrorism and the risks we take to
maintain an open, democratic, and free society.”

In addition, Turkey is “a strategic partner to the United States, a
longstanding NATO Ally, and a valued friend. Turkey contributes to
international security alongside U.S. forces in Afghanistan, the seas
near Somalia, and in the Mediterranean. In response to Turkey’s
request, the United States contributed to the NATO deployment of
Patriot systems to augment Turkey’s air defense capabilities, which
became operational earlier this year. This deployment, as well as our
work together, underscores how our military-to-military collaboration
is addressing some of the many complex potential threats we face
today, in particular those emanating from Syria.”

And finally, “Nearly 12,000 Turks studied in the United States in the
2011-2012 academic year ? more than any other European country.”

From: Baghdasarian

U.S. Ambassador Gave Example of Sugar

The U.S. ambassador John Heffern visited Coca Cola Hellenic Bottlers
Armenia today and shared IMF’s concerns about the economy of Armenia.

Ambassador Heffern said there is always work to do to improve the
business climate. He noted that there is still a lot to do in tax and
customs services. In regard to Coca Cola HBC, he noted that for such
companies predictability is highly important, and if a price is stated
in the invoice, payment should stem from this price. The company’s
costs will grow once there is confusion about this issue, the
ambassador said.

The CEO of Coca Cola HBC Gagik Danielyan told reporters that the
quality of sugar produced by Samvel Alexanyan’s company is not
compliant with their requirements therefore it has to import sugar.

John Heffern underscored the role of competition, particularly sugar.
The general rule is that prices will drop if there is competition, he
said, giving the example of mobile operators of Armenia. First there
was one operator and prices were high, now there are three operators,
prices drop, he said, noting that the same principle will be
applicable to sugar, air travel, other.

At the same time, the ambassador said he regularly talks to the
Armenian government about these issues. The government is on the track
for implementation of reforms, and we will support this process, he
said.

John Heffern refused to comment on the rise of gas price, stating that
it is the problem of Armenia and Russia.

15:59 17/05/2013
Story from Lragir.am News:

From: Baghdasarian

PRESS RELEASE
PAROS “LIGHTHOUSE” CHARITABLE FOUNDATION USA
Contact: Peter Abajian – [email protected]
The Paros Foundation
Tel: 310-400-9061 US or (091) 426 120 Armenia
Email: [email protected].

PAROS FOUNDATION REPORTS ON 100 FOR 100 PROJECTS FOR PROSPERITY

Berkeley, CA – Since its official launch in October 2011, the Paros
Foundation’s 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity has had a significant and
meaningful positive impact on Armenia and her people. This initiative,
designed to provide the Armenian community with opportunities to recognize
the upcoming centennial of the Armenian Genocide through implementing 100
special projects in Armenia, is on schedule to meet its goal of having
these projects completed by the end of 2015.

100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity-Numbers of Significance:

· $$0 from donor contributions has been spent on administrative
expenses.

· 2 2 years remain to April 24, 2015.

· 18 months have passed since the Paros 100 for 100 initiative launch.

· 227 projects have been completed or are in progress.

· 771 people have been employed or temporarily received a salary as
a
result of Paros 100 for 100 Projects.

· 773 projects remain to be implemented to reach the goal.

· 1150 cities, villages and towns have benefited from a project.

· 2210 donors have contributed to a Paros 100 for 100 Project.

· 883,696 people have benefited from a Paros 100 for 100 Project.

· $116,932 in cash contributions has been received and spent on Paros
100 for 100 Projects so far.

· $750,270 is the value of in-kind contributions received including
new shoes, dental supplies, computers and musical instruments.

`The numbers speak for themselves,’ said Peter Abajian, Executive Director
of The Paros Foundation. `We are eagerly working to identify new projects,
advertise them on our website, and secure new potential project sponsors in
order to effectively and efficiently implement these sponsored projects in
Armenia. During the first 18 months of this campaign, we significantly
improved the lives of our brothers and sisters in Armenia with support of
our generous donors. As each one of these projects is sponsored and
implemented, the memory of our ancestors is honored in a way that we
believe is positive and appropriate.’

The Paros 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity develops and administers
projects throughout Armenia and Artsakh in four program categories:
Development,
Education, Humanitarian and Cultural. Please consider becoming a family
sponsor of a project in memory of the Armenian Genocide by participating in
the Paros Foundation’s 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity. Visit
The Paros Foundation underwrites all
administrative expenses allowing all sponsor contributions to be allocated
100% to the project. Donations to The Paros Foundation, a 501(c) 3 private
foundation, are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

Formally launched in 2006, The Paros Foundation supports six exemplary
local NGOs in Armenia with contributions of quality rent-free program
space, operating funds and human resource support. To honor the upcoming
centennial of the Armenian Genocide, The Paros Foundation launched the
Paros 100 for 100 Projects for Prosperity in October of 2011. With an
aggressive goal of identifying, vetting, fundraising for and ultimately
implementing 100 special projects, The Paros Foundation and its staff in
Armenia and the United States are quickly earning a reputation as the `go
to’ organization to oversee small and medium-sized project implementation
in Armenia. For more information and to get involved visit
or call (310) 400-9061.

Be sure to visit our website at

From: Baghdasarian

New Zealand appoints first Ambassador to Armenia

17:54 16.05.2013

The newly appointed Ambassador of New Zealand to Armenia Hamish Cooper
(seat in Moscow) presented the copies of his credentials to Armenian
Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Manasaryan.

The Armenian Deputy FM congratulated the Ambassador on appointment and
voiced hope that as the first Ambassador of New Zealand to Armenia he
would contribute to the development and reinforcement of relations
between the two countries.

Ambassador Cooper noted, in turn, that he would spare no effort for
the development of bilateral relations and cooperation. The Ambassador
stressed the importance to Minister Nalbandian’s visit to New Zealand
last year and the agreements reached within that framework.

During the meeting reference was made to the cooperation between the
two countries within the framework of international organizations, the
development of trade-economic relations and expansion of the legal
framework.

The interlocutors attached importance to the role of the Armenian
community of New Zealand as an important link between the two
countries.

The Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister briefed Ambassador Cooper on the
steps of Armenia and the international community towards the
settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict and hailed New Zealand’s
balanced stance on the issue.

From: Baghdasarian

Rights of individuals must be protected in entire CoE – Armenian FM

May 16, 2013 | 14:13

We must ensure that the rights of the individuals are protected
throughout the area under the responsibility of the Council of Europe
(CoE).

Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian stated the aforesaid, on
Thursday in Strasbourg, France, addressing the meeting of the foreign
affairs ministers of the CoE-member countries.

`In the context of strengthening the impact of the Council of Europe
activities toward promoting and defending democracy, human rights and
rule of law, we must ensure that the rights of the individuals are
protected throughout the area under the responsibility of the Council
of Europe, regardless of the status of those areas where they live.

`To promote its fundamental values and precepts, the organization
should consider the possibility of an approach that does not depend on
the status,’ Nalbandian stressed.

News from Armenia – NEWS.am

From: Baghdasarian

Fire at Spayka Company building damages 10,000 tons of goods and
refrigeration block

ARMINFO
Thursday, May 16, 15:15

Fire at Spayka Company building has damaged 10,000 tons of goods and
refrigeration block occupying a 15,000 sq m area, Karen Baghdasaryan,
Director of the company, told ArmInfo.

He said that fire has been extinguished. The damage and the reason of
the fire are yet to be revealed. Baghdasaryan said that the buildings
next to the refrigeration block were not damaged. To recall, 26
special vehicles and 110 rescuers were fighting the high severity
fire. In addition, water- carriers of the Yerevan Municipality are
used for uninterrupted water supply.

SPAYKA LLC is a leading international freight forwarding company and
exporter of fresh and canned agricultural products from Armenia with
sustainable supply contracts with the main wholesale organizations and
retailers in CIS region. With regional representations in Russia,
Georgia, Holland and Spain the company is covering wide range of
transport servicing and food supply chain from all over Europe to CIS
countries.

From: Baghdasarian

Greens Union Prez: “Akhtala could become a dead zone in five years if
Metals Prince continues in this manner”
Larisa Paremuzyan

13:41, May 16, 2013

Yesterday, Armenia’s Greens Union President Hakob Sanasaryan led a
group of environmentalists on a visit to the town of Akhtala to
inspect the Shamlough open pit mine operated by Metals Prince Ltd.

They wanted to see for themselves the state of the company’s tailings
dams, the production process and the working conditions for the mine
staff.

When they approached the mine, they were met by Armen Naghdalyan, who
manages the plant and a group of security staffers. Naghdalyan
demanded that the environmentalists immediately leave the site.

The group, in turn, demanded that Naghdalyan produce a document
proving that the land they were on indeed belonged to the mine.

Naghdalyan responded that the environmentalists should have stopped
off at the plant office first. He said that had they done so the
company would have provided an excort to take them anywhere they
wanted to go.

Sanasaryan told Hetq that he had gotten in touch with Metals Prince
Director Madeline Tashjian prior to the trip and that Tashjian had
told him to wait after the May 9 holidays.

`Afterwards, she changed her story and asked for a meeting. She wanted
to know the purpose of our visit and based on what right did we plan
to visit Akhtala. She should think before making such ridiculous
demands,’ said Sanasaryan.

Throughout their visit, company security staff followed the
environmentalists by jeep and hindered their movements. Sanasaryan
labelled these attempts as a human rights violation and noted that had
it been in another country the mining company would be fined for such
behaviour.

Sanasaryan said that the Shamlough mine appears on a map of uranium
mines in Armenia.

`I’m not saying that there’s an uranium mine there, but it appears on
the map. He said that the purpose of his visit was to find out if
there were any uranium traces in the area.

The Green Union president expressed his concerns over the continuing
pollution of the Akhtala River with tailings wastes and noted the
dangers that the Tchotchkan tailings dam present to the nearby
communities of Metz Ayroum and Tchotchkan.

Commenting on the overall environmental situation in Akhtala,
Sanasaryan said that while it couldn’t be compared to that of Kapan
and Syunik, which he described as `dead zones’, if Metal Prince
continues to operate in the same manner Akhtala could also become a
dead zone in five years.

From: Baghdasarian