Author: Baghdasarian Karlen

FRENCH THEOLOGIAN: ‘MASSACRES’ OF NEAR EAST CHRISTIANS ARE ‘STAIN ON CIVILIZATION’

Daily Caller
Feb 27 2015

An Orthodox theologian from France claims that Christians in the Near
East are being massacred because of their religion, 20 Minutes reports.

Jean-Francois Colosimo, author of the book “Unwanted Men: The
Curse on Eastern Christians,” says that ISIS uses Christians of all
denominations — Coptic, Armenian, Orthodox, etc. — as scapegoats.

“They want to increase ethnic tensions in the region,” he told 20
Minutes. “They say Christians are agents of Europe — even though they
have lived in the region long before Islam came — and use them in
order to provoke Western powers and therefore fuel their own animosity
towards Christians.”

“Islamists want religious uniformity in the region,” he continued.

“Today’s Eastern Christians are like 19th-century Jews in Europe: in
minority, stigmatized, without international protection or national
territory.”

However, unlike his fellow country man and member of the French Academy
Jean d’Ormenson, Colosimo does not want to use “genocide” to describe
the dire situation. “A genocide is mass killings that require a plan,
like the 1915 Armenian Genocide. Such is not the case right now.”

From: Baghdasarian

FOR MODERN-DAY ASSYRIANS THEIR PRESENT IS UNDER ATTACK FROM ISIS, AS IS THEIR PAST

Spectator, UK
Feb 27 2015

by Ed West

The historian Tom Holland tweeted this morning: ‘What #ISIS are doing
to the people & culture of #Assyria is worthy of the Nazis. None of
us can say we didn’t know.’

He linked to a Washington Post article about how the Islamist group
had kidnapped at least 200 Assyrian Christians from their homes in
north-east Syria, and may well be preparing to murder them. In another
tweet he showed a video by Assyriology professor Simo Parpola on the
history of the ancient Assyrians, from whom today’s Assyrians claim
descent, the Finnish academic warning that their history and culture
is being deliberately destroyed.

On top of the kidnappings, yesterday footage emerged of Isis men
smashing up Assyrian artefacts in Mosul, northern Iraq, the biblical
Nineveh. Some of these items date back as far as the 8th century BC,
before archaic Greece had entered its classical glory (although at
least some are thought to be replicas, the Winged Bull is thought to be
the original). Three thousand years they have stood – then destroyed
in an instant. (Ironically, according to Paul Kriwaczek’s Babylon,
the Assyrians invented the veil for women, and the Muslim Arabs only
picked up the idea later.)

There are a few thousand Assyrians in Britain, many of whom were given
right of entry because their grandfathers fought alongside the British
in two world wars. They are immensely proud of their heritage, and fond
of the British Museum where so much of it remains safe; can one imagine
how they feel watching footage of these savages destroying what their
ancestors built and which they hoped to pass on to their descendants?

There are currently Assyrian troops fighting alongside the Kurds on
the front line with Isis, but they are short of weapons. They say
they have got little military support from the West, just as they
have received little political support in the past; before the latest
crisis broke out Assyrians in Iraq campaigned for a safe haven in the
Nineveh Plains where they and other minorities, namely the Yazidi,
could protect themselves inside the country. Without support from
the Americans, the Baghdad government would not agree, and in light
of recent events it seems like a reasonable request now.

The Syrian front line is not far from Edessa in modern-day Turkey,
which was in the second century capital of the small Aramaic-speaking
kingdom of Osrhoene. Legend has it that its incurably ill King Abgar
V heard of Jesus of Nazareth and wrote a letter offering to let him
stay in the country, as he was being persecuted at home. Jesus replied
that he couldn’t go but he would send over his apostle Thaddeus, who
arrived after the crucifixion and cured the king of his disease. The
historical reality is that Christianity had reached Edessa very early,
most likely in the first century, and in the second century its King
Abgar VIII converted.

For the modern-day Assyrians, Christianity therefore plays a central
role in their cultural identity, but so too does the heritage of the
ancients; and just as their present is under attack, so is their past.

But what about their future? A century ago Edessa still had a thriving
Christian population, but then came the 1915 genocide in which large
numbers of Assyrians were wiped out alongside Armenians and Greeks. A
century later history appears to be repeating itself.

For Tweets and videos go to

From: Baghdasarian

Levon Zurabyan: It is a Misfortune for Armenian Citizens to Have a
parliament Speaker Like Galust Sahakyan

by Ashot Safaryan
Saturday, February 28, 00:18

The cross-talk to have taken place several days before between Galust
Sahakyan, the Speaker of National Assembly and Levon Zurabyan, the
Head of the parliamentary group of the Armenian National Congress,
escalated to a new level during the briefings on February 27.

To recall, Zurabyan who has leg problems, came to the meeting with a
cane. The oppositionist’s limping gait caused mocking comments from
the parliamentary majority and the Speaker himself saying particularly
that the Armenian opposition is lame “in three legs”. It came to
personal insults and mutual verbal slaps.

Today while giving a talk for the journalists, Zurabyan decided to
resume the interrupted series and said that if his limp is only
physical and temporary, Galust Sahakyan limps both mentally and
linguistically and that is incurable. “As the Head of the parliament
group I am supposed to be in good working relations with the
parliament administration. However, I cannot but say that seeing
Galust Sahakyan as the parliament speaker is a darn shame, it is a
blackey stain for the Armenians”, said Zurabyan.

From: Baghdasarian

Haykakan Zhamanak: Production essentially cut down essentially in Armenia

12:50 * 28.02.15

The paper cites recently published official statistics revealing an
essential decline in the production of goods considered basic
necessities.

The report, published by the National Statistical Service, suggests
that last month alone, the production of salt, meat, flour,
confectionary, brandy and mineral waters, fell respectively by 37%,
8%, 13%, 21%, 31% and 41% compared to January 2014, says the paper.

From: Baghdasarian

“March for Justice” on April 24 begins in Los Angeles

15:09, 28 February, 2015

LOS ANGELES, FEBRUARY 28, ARMENPRESS: Los Angeles City Councilmember
Paul Krekorian is spearheading the City of LA’s sponsorship of events
commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
Krekorian, the first Armenian-American ever elected to the City
Council, has introduced motions that show the city’s commitment to
human rights and justice, reports Armenpress referring to Asbarez.

Los Angeles City Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell, who represents Council
District 13, which includes Little Armenia, has also led efforts to
ensure the Armenian Genocide is properly commemorated in LA, along
with fellow Councilmember Paul Koretz.

Here’s what the city is doing:

-City Sponsorship of Events: Designating Armenian Genocide Centennial
observance activities as official citywide special events.

-“America We Thank You” Library Event: Providing funding for and
co-sponsoring the Armenian National Committee of America-Western
Region’s “America We Thank You: An Armenian Tribute to Near East
Relief” premiere of Near East Foundation traveling exhibit entitled
“They Shall Not Perish: The Story of Near East Releief” at the Los
Angeles Central Library in March and April. The exhibit highlights the
outpouring of generosity by the American people and government during
and in the immediate aftermath of the Armenian Genocide.

-March for Justice: Providing funding and support for the “March for
Justice” on April 24 that begins in Little Armenia. Councilmember
Mitch O’Farrell introduced a motion, seconded by Paul Koretz, to place
50 banners in the 13th District along the March for Justice route.

-Street Banners Across the City: Providing street banners positioned
around the city to promote the March for Justice.

-Centennial Art Contest: Hosting the Centennial Art Contest with the
winner’s artwork to be featured on city buses in April.

-Turning City Hall Purple: Lighting City Hall’s façade in purple for
the week of April 24 to symbolize the forget-me-not, the official
emblem of the worldwide observance of the Armenian Genocide
Centennial.

-100 Pomegranate Trees: Planting 100 pomegranate trees in parks
throughout the city, including at City Hall.

-Councilmember O’Farrell is working with Councilmember Krekorian’s
office as well as other Council offices to identify funding sources
for this event that involves multiple districts.

“The City of Los Angeles is committed to recognizing the Armenian
Genocide and educating people throughout the city about our continued
struggle for justice,” said Councilmember Krekorian. “There will be an
extraordinary exhibit at the city’s Central Library that highlights
America’s generous support for the Armenian people, along with banners
advertising the ‘March for Justice’ across the city. Because of my
efforts, we will also light City Hall in a purple glow to symbolize
forget-me-nots, display art commemorating the centennial on city
buses, and plant pomegranate trees throughout LA’s parks. This is an
unprecedented commitment by Los Angeles to our community and to
telling our story. I’m proud to have helped make it happen.”

From: Baghdasarian

Ceremony commemorating Nemtsov being held in Saint Petersburg

15:39, 28 February, 2015

YEREVAN, 28 FEBRUARY, ARMENPRESS. A ceremony commemorating member of
the Russian opposition Boris Nemtsov is being held in Saint
Petersburg. As “Armenpress” reports, citing the Russian TASS agency,
the ceremony began at Troitskaya Square in Saint Petersburg. Nearly
100 people gathered at the square at 13:00, but more and more people
are visiting the square, laying flowers and lighting candles.

Member of the Russian opposition Boris Nemtsov was killed in central
Moscow on February 27. According to preliminary information, he was
shot not less than 7-8 times, and four of the bullets were fired from
the back. He died on the spot.

A representative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian
Federation says the political figure was shot from a white car, the
brand of which has already been identified. The incident took place
while Nemtsov was walking with one of his acquaintances from Ukraine.

From: Baghdasarian

REVUE DE PRESSE
Alain Terzian : Le métier de producteur, c’est inventer des rêves et
les matérialiser

RTL.fr 21 fevr 2015

Alain Terzian : “Le métier de producteur, c’est inventer des rêves et
les matérialiser”

REPLAY INTÉGRAL – Alain Terzian, acteur et producteur de cinéma
français, est l’invité du Journal Inattendu.

Alain Terzian est un acteur et producteur de cinéma français d’origine
arménienne. Il est également président de l’Union des producteurs de
films et administrateur du Festival de Cannes. Tout au long de sa
carrière, il a produit 108 films dont Les Visiteurs.

Le salon de l’Agriculture inauguré par Hollande

François Hollande a ouvert ce matin le 52ème Salon de l’Agriculture au
parc des expositions de la porte de Versailles à Paris. Pendant son
bain de foule, le président de la République a discuté avec les
agriculteurs et les éleveurs.

Selon le producteur de cinéma français Alain Terzian, l’agriculture en
France pourrait s’autosuffire et exporter.

voir la vidéo

samedi 28 février 2015,
Stéphane (c)armenews.com

From: Baghdasarian

Armenian PM to visit Kuwait soon

16:02, 28 February, 2015

YEREVAN, 28 FEBRUARY, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of the Republic of
Armenia Hovik Abrahamyan received Ambassador Extraordinary and
Plenipotentiary of the State of Kuwait to Armenia Bassam Muhammad
Alqabandi. As the Department of Information and Public Relations of
the Government of the Republic of Armenia reports to “Armenpress”,
Ambassador Bassam Muhammad Alqabandi conveyed the warm greetings of
the Prime Minister of Kuwait to Hovik Abrahamyan and added that the
Kuwaiti government was interested in the strengthening and expansion
of relations with Armenia.

The interlocutors discussed issues related to the upcoming official
visit that Armenian Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan’s will be paying
to Kuwait at the invitation of the country’s Prime Minister.

From: Baghdasarian

REVUE DE PRESSE
Marseille : commémoration de l’exécution du groupe Missak Manouchian

Journal La Marseillaise, France 21 fevr 2015

Marseille : commémoration de l’exécution du groupe Missak Manouchian

Ce samedi 21 février à Marseille est commémoré le 71e anniversaire de
l’exécution du groupe de résistants FTP-MOI, de Missak Manouchian.

Poète français d’origine arménienne, militant communiste responsable
de la section arménienne de la MOI, Missak Manouchian était à 37 ans,
un résistant, commissaire militaire des Francs Tireurs Partisans-MOI
de la région parisienne. Dans la foulée de leurs exécutions, la
propagande allemande placarda sur les murs de Paris 15.000 affiches
rouges (ci-dessus) portant en médaillons noirs les visages de dix
fusill̩s. Au centre, se trouve la photo Рde Manouchian et cette
inscription : >. Cette Affiche rouge produit l’effet contraire à celui
escompté, devenant pour toute la Résistance “l’emblème du martyre”.

Depuis le 20 février 2010, le buste de Missak Manouchian et la liste
de ses 22 compagnons-résistants morts fusillés le 21 février 1944, au
fort du Mont-Valérien, se dressent dans un square situé face au Vieux
Port de Marseille. Preuve que certaines idées nauséabondes ont la vie
dure, en quatre ans, le buste de Manouchian a été plusieurs fois
profané, la dernière en septembre 2014. Les “nazillons” ont été jugés
mais une nouvelle plainte a été déposée pour des propos déplacés sur
les réseaux sociaux, cette fois.

L’initiative de ce samedi matin (à 10h, au square Missak Manouchian –
boulevard Charles Livon, 13007 Marseille) est organisée par la
jeunesse arménienne de France avec le soutien de l’association
nationale des anciens combattants et amis de la résistance,
l’association des anciens combattants et résitants français d’origine
arménienne, l’Union Culturelle des Arméniens de France, et les scouts
apostoliques de Marseille.

samedi 28 février 2015,
Stéphane (c)armenews.com

From: Baghdasarian

Karabakh Justice Minister: Humanitarian actions shall be within legal framework

15:39, 28.02.2015

Armenian News-NEWS.am spoke with the Minister of Justice of the
Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR; Artsakh), Ararat Danielyan. Below is
an abridged version of the interview.

The judicial process [in the NKR] with respect to the two Azerbaijan
citizens had the expected reaction in the Azerbaijani press, where
they are attempting to misrepresent the situation. How do you
interpret what is happening?

The NKR First Instance General Jurisdiction Court made a ruling
finding [Azerbaijan] citizens Dilham Askerov and Shahbaz Guliyev
guilty of committing particularly grave crimes. [But] as is typical
for all civilized countries, the defendants were given the opportunity
to appeal this judgment; the [respective] litigation is conducted very
transparently. When the judgment enters into force, they can petition
to the President of the country, with a request for pardon.

Do you have [any] information about the citizenship of the defendants?

In my view, citizenship does not matter when carrying out justice.

Can Askerov and Guliyev petition to the European Court [of Human Rights (ECHR)]?

The status of living space does not matter when petitioning to the
ECHR. At the same time, a person’s citizenship likewise has no
particular importance for the exercising of his rights. The
Nagorno-Karabakh authorities do not evade liability, and they stand
ready to act as defendant in the ECHR.

Can the abovementioned persons be defined as “captive?”

In no way. The apprehension has not occurred during military
operations; they were not taken captive. In this case it is not about
captives. The members of the [Azerbaijani sabotage] team illegally
crossed the Nagorno-Karabakh border, with a special objective. The
[ensuing] death of the [Armenian] people is to their “conscience.” The
confiscated video footage bespeaks the objective of their visit [to
Artsakh]. [But] the Karabakh side stands ready to implement all rights
of the convicts provided by law.

The judgment on Askerov and Guliyev led commentaries, including from
the US Department of State representatives, who called for making a
humanitarian gesture to Azerbaijan [and returning them to their
country]. How would comment on this?

The humanitarian actions likewise need to be within the legal
framework. Guarantees are needed that the convicts will serve their
sentence if they are handed over to Baku. The example of Ramil Safarov
[, however,] is vivid evidence of how the [respective] actions by the
Azerbaijani authorities will be. [To note Ramil Safarov, a
then-lieutenant in the Azerbaijani military, was extradited on August
31, 2012 from Hungary, where he was serving a life sentence–and with
no expression of either regret or remorse–for the premeditated axe
murder of Armenian lieutenant Gurgen Margaryan, in his sleep, during a
NATO Partnership for Peace program in Budapest on February 19, 2004.
Safarov had planned on killing the other Armenian military serviceman,
who likewise was attending the aforesaid program, but he was unable to
carry out this plan. Ramil Safarov’s return to the Azerbaijani capital
city of Baku was welcomed, as was his act of murder, by the officials
of President Ilham Aliyev’s government and much of Azerbaijani
society, and the Azerbaijani president immediately granted him a
pardon, he was declared a national hero, promoted to a higher military
rank, and was allocated housing and pension.] All matters shall be
resolved within the legal framework. As for the calls for creating a
climate of trust, it is important to take into account the fact that
the Azerbaijani side wants no confidence-building [measures] at all.
This is the case when the people of Artsakh, unlike the Azerbaijanis,
feel no hatred towards them.

From: Baghdasarian