Author: Baghdasarian Karlen

LALA DEMIRDJIAN-ATTARIAN APPOINTED EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ARS INC.

Monday, February 4th, 2013

Lala Demirdjian-Attarian

WATERTOWN, Mass.-Since January 7, the ARS Inc., the global
Armenian women’s organization, has a new Executive Director. Lala
Demirdjian-Attarian is a native of Lebanon who received her primary
education in Athens and secondary education in Nicosia’s Melkonian
Educational Institute. After receiving her BA degree in Elementary
Education from Haigazian University, in Beirut, she pursued her higher
degree in Comparative and International Education at the University
of Oxford.

Returning to Lebanon, Demirdjian-Attarian worked for a UN agency,
as well as several local NGOs involved in refugee education,
reconstruction, vocational training and preparation for employment
skills. In 2008, she moved to the United States and worked with the
local Armenian community educational institutions until her appointment
as the Executive Director of ARS, Inc. She has always been an active
member within the Armenian community. Demirdjian-Attarian is presently
involved in research in the field of International Education and is
a published author of studies on the subject.

“I feel honored to be given this opportunity to have my input into the
vast activities of the Armenian Relief Society. Considering the role
played by the Society in Armenia, Artsakh, Javakhk, and the constantly
reshaping Armenian Diaspora, I firmly believe that we must proudly
support the existence of our century old international organization
by expanding our horizons, while further developing our capacities to
keep pace with a fast-changing world. Moreover, we should keep active
in our cooperation with United Nations agencies and NGOS in all 27
countries where we have ARS affiliates,” said Demirdjian-Attarian.

From: Baghdasarian

I’D LIKE TO THANK THE SENATE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE

Posted By Stephen M. Walt Friday, February 1, 2013 – 11:26 AM

In The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy (2007) John Mearsheimer and I wrote:

The bottom line is that AIPAC, which bills itself as ‘America’s
Pro-Israel lobby’ has an almost unchallenged hold on Congress … Open
debate about U.S. policy toward Israel does not occur there, even
though that policy has important consequences for the entire world.

(p. 162)

After discussing the lobby’s efforts to influence the executive
branch, we noted:

There is an even more obvious way to shape an administration’s policy:
the lobby’s goals are served when individuals who share its
perspective occupy important positions in the executive branch. . .

.[G]roups in the lobby also try to make sure that people who are seen
as critical of Israel do not get important foreign policy jobs. (pp.

165-66)

And after a lengthy discussion of the lobby’s efforts to police public
discourse and smear those who disagree with them with the charge of
anti-semitism, we concluded:

The various strategies that groups in the lobby employ … are
mutually reinforcing. If politicians know that it is risky to
question Israeli policy or the United States’ unyielding support for
Israel, then it will be harder for the mainstream media to locate
authoritative voices that are willing to disagree with the lobby’s
views. If public discourse about Israel can be shaped so that most
American have generally positive impressions of the Jewish state, then
politicians will have even more reason to follow the lobby’s lead.

Playing the anti-Semitism card stifles discussion even more and allows
myths about Israel to survive unchallenged. Although other interest
groups employ similar strategies in varying form. most of them can
only dream of having the political muscle that pro-Israel
organizations have amassed. (p. 196)

I want to thank the Emergency Committee for Israel, Sheldon Adelson,
and the Senate Armed Service Committee for providing such a compelling
vindication of our views. As Rosie Gray amd Andrew Kaczynski of
Buzzfeed noted, at yesterday’s hearing on Chuck Hagel Israel was
mentioned 166 times, and Iran (a problem closely linked to Israel) 144
times. Afghanistan was mentioned only 20 times, and the problem of
suicides of U.S. troops only twice. Glad to see that those Senators
have their priorities straight. No wonder Mark Twain referred to
Congress as “the smallest minds and the selfishest souls and the
cowardliest hearts that God makes.”

I am sometimes asked if I have any regrets about publishing our book.

As of today, my only regret is that it isn’t being published now.

After the humiliations that Obama has endured at the hands of the
lobby and now the Hagel circus, we’d sell even more copies and we
wouldn’t face nearly as much ill-informed criticism.

From: Baghdasarian

THOSE STANDING IN QUEUE FOR HAYRIKYAN

HAKOB BADALYAN
Comments – Monday, 04 February 2013, 11:47

The recent tragedy in the army was shadowed by the attempt on Paruir
Hayrikyan’s life. According to news of February 1, conscript Vardan
Avagyan committed a suicide. Fortunately, Paruir Hayrikyan was only
injured, and the shot was described as against the state’s
sovereignty. The highest governmental ranks dwelt on this incident.

But the same ranks uttered no word about the shootings in the army
which kill conscripts. These incidents are never assessed politically,
no governmental official states those shots are directed against the
sovereignty of the state. Usually, in such cases, the government
adopts the tactics of self-defense saying that murders and suicides
happen in any other army of the world, even in developed countries. Of
course, no other head of state would say that the army should be the
axis of governance while Serzh Sargsyan does. He made such a statement
on January 15, 2013 during the meeting at the ministry of defense
attended by representatives of law enforcement bodies. If the head of
state announces that the army should be the axis of governance, any
non-combat death hits this governance, consequently the sovereignty.

This means that not only an attack on a presidential candidate or any
other political figure should be assessed politically but also any
attempt on the health and life of every soldier, even if a suicide is
suspected. In other words, if the army is declared to be the axis of
governance, the government must assume responsibility for the life and
health of every member of the army. Meanwhile, there seems to be utter
irresponsibility in Armenia indicated by the attitude of the
government to soldiers killed in the army, their parents and
relatives. Almost the entire government stood in queue in front of
Paruir Hayrikyan’s ward. Of course, they had to stand there because
they are now reaping the fruits of the state for which Paruir
Hayrikyan sacrificed the best years of his life in Soviet jails. It is
clear that those standing in front of the room were not filled with a
feeling of gratitude but they were guided by the political
conjuncture. No queue of officials can be seen in front of the houses
of soldiers who died in the army, no one expresses condolences, no one
takes care of the parents of those young men. It’s because to the
Armenian “elite” which dedicate eloquent odes to the Army Day an
Armenian soldier is a cheap labor force or a topic for toasts, but not
the symbol of state and sovereignty.

From: Baghdasarian

WILL TIGRAN SARGSYAN’S VISIT TO MOSCOW BE CANCELLED?

Naira Hayrumyan
Politics – Monday, 04 February 2013, 17:03

A few days ago Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan met with the Russian
Ambassador Vyacheslav Kovalenko and discussed details of his upcoming
visit to Moscow. Perhaps, the attempt on the life of presidential
candidate Paruir Hayrikyan hindered the visit, who blamed the
“Russian imperialism” for the attack. Perhaps, after this statement
“imperialism” decided to postpone the visit of the Armenian MP, during
which the details of the Armenian-Russian economic integration had
to be discussed. It is not known what exactly is to be discussed
in Moscow. Today, the “Moscow news” published another interview
with Tigran Sargsyan in which he actually puts forth a new argument
against Armenia’s accession to the Customs Union. “Lack of common
borders is not the only issue. The special thing about Armenia is the
structure of the Armenian economy which is very different from the
economic structure of the Customs Union, where there are considerable
energy resources and where a policy of protecting domestic producers
by relatively high customs duties is implemented. In general, the
level of fees in the customs union is twice as much as those charged
in Armenia,” Tigran Sargsyan said. So it is necessary to find the
formula and effective instruments of cooperation with the Customs
Union, he added, actually stating that Armenia disagrees with the
proposed mechanisms. Does it mean that Sargsyan’s visit to Moscow
will be cancelled? This is quite possible, especially considering the
current domestic situation in Armenia when the Election Day is about to
be postponed, one of the candidates makes serious allegations against
Russia which is silent to the accusation. This is not the first time
Tigran Sargsyan politely refused rapprochement with Russia in the
Russian media. Rather, the interview with the Moscow news can be
considered another failure of Armenia. We should expect that Putin
again will instruct to develop special mechanisms of cooperation
of Armenia with the Customs Union or we may again hear gunshots
in Yerevan.

From: Baghdasarian

TIGRAN SARGSYAN: RUSSIA INTERESTED IN ARMENIA AS A STRONG PARTNER IN THE CAUCASUS

16:57 04.02.2013
Tigran Sargsyan

Achievements of 2012

The Armenian political system proved its viability, Armenian Prime
Minister Tigran Sargsyan said in an interview with “Moskovskiye
Novosti,” adding that this was reflected in the parliamentary
elections, which were assessed by international observers as the most
democratic in the modern history of Armenia.

According to the Prime Minister, the economic activity was very high:
the GDP growth exceeded 7%, which is one of the best indicators on
post-Soviet space. “This is a serious figure, if we take into
consideration that Armenia is situated in a geopolitically vulnerable
position – I mean the relations with some neighbors and unsolved
conflicts.”

Tigran Sargsyan said this became possible first of all thanks to the
government’s anti-crisis program targeted at diversification of
economy, real support to the industry and investments in high-tech
industry.

Customs Union

Speaking about the likelihood of Armenia’s joining the Customs Union,
the Prime Minister said: “The Armenian economic system considerably
differs from that of the countries of the Customs Union, which have
huge energy resources and where the interests of local producers are
protected with rather high customs duties. On the average, the customs
duties in the Union are twice as high as in Armenia. Armenia was one
of the first countries in the CIS to join the World Trade
Organization, and this gives certain specifics to our relations with
the Customs Union. Therefore, it’s necessary to find a formula and
most effective tools of our cooperation.”

“At the same time we have said on many occasions that Armenia is
interested in integration processes in the CIS and is ready to
stimulate them, as on one hand Russia is our strategic partner, on the
other hand – this is a large and promising market, and we must create
favorable conditions for doing business on this space,” Tigran
Sargsyan said.

Armenian-Russian relations

Armenian Russian relations represent an allied partnership based on a
firm ground of historic affinity between the peoples of out two
countries, the Armenian Prime Minister said.

“We see that Russia is interested in having a strong partner in the
Caucasus in the face of Armenia. Russia is the first largest investor
in our economy, not even speaking about cooperation in the military
sphere,” Tigran Sargsyan said.

Armenia’s relations with Turkey and Azerbaijan

Speaking about the perspectives of the peaceful settlement of the
Nagorno Karabakh conflict, PM Tigran Sargsyan said “it depends on the
political will of Azerbaijan.”

“Armenia has always had a constructive position in the negotiation
process, which consists of searching for a mutually acceptable
solution through negotiations. Unfortunately, our neighbors are not
ready for it.”

“As for Turkey, the situation is as follows: Armenia started talks
with Turkey on the establishment of diplomatic relations and opening
of the border without preconditions. The negotiations culminated in
the signing of two protocols, which were to be ratified by the
parliaments of the two countries. Armenia declared its willingness to
do so, while Turkey froze the process. Therefore, the ball is now in
Turkey’s court. It’s hard to say whether the issue will move from a
dead point in the near future or not. Here one can feel the strong
influence of Azerbaijan, which demands from Turkey to conduct a policy
targeted at isolating Armenia,” Tigran Sargsyan stated.

Information Technologies

“The sphere of information technologies is very promising. We signed a
number of important agreements in the Silicon Valley, namely the
creation of a venture fund in Armenia, attraction of trans-national
corporations to Armenia. The government actively supports the
initiatives in the IT field, and many transnational companies view
Armenia as a regional IT center. Synopsis Microsoft, National
Instruments, D-Link, Intel, IBM have either opened their offices in
Armenia or are in talks with Armenia on the formats of cooperation,”
PM Tigran Sargsyan said.

He reminded that Armenia has signed an agreement on the establishment
of a chip-producing factory in Armenia, has opened its representation
in the Silicon Valley.

“This is a promising direction for Armenia, especially considering our
geographic position, geopolitical risks, restricted opportunities of
cargo shipment,” he added.

Armenian chess

“Armenia is a chess superpower. Our team has won the Olympics thrice,
leaving behind the teams of China, Russia, India and the US. Two years
ago we implemented the compulsory introduction of chess in all 1,400
schools. The point is not that we want to grow as many grandmasters as
possible. Chess helps build strategy, develop tactical schemes and
make decisions. This is an important tool for the development of
analytical thinking,” Tigran Sargsyan said.

Armenian cognac

Winston Churchill preferred the Armenian cognac to all other drinks.

Which are the preferences of the Armenian Prime Minister?

“It depends on where, when, with whom and why,” Tigran Sargsyan said.

“Cognac is the best drink to conclude a hearty dinner. I like strong
drinks. It’s not surprising that Winston Churchill was a fan of
Armenian brandy, as it is a drink for real men,” he added.

From: Baghdasarian

SOME 80 MORE BUSES TO RUN IN YEREVAN

YEREVAN, February 4. / ARKA /. The Yerevan municipality will bring
in 80 more buses this month to add to 580 buses which are already
running in the city. In a press release the municipality said the
buses were imported by private companies.

Today, 2,100 minibuses and about 580 buses are transporting passengers
in the capital city. The bulk of buses comes from China. Buses are
also imported from Ukraine. The authorities are negotiating also
import of Belarus-made buses. -0-

From: Baghdasarian

DENTISTS OF ARMENIA AGAIN PROTEST AGAINST HIGHER TAXES

2013-02-04 18:42:28

Dentists in Armenia on February 4 hold another protest rally to
demand changes in Armenia the relevant parts of the law “On licensing
payments” – now in front of the National Assembly.

Protesters met with a deputy Zaruhi Postanjyan, who, referring to the
journalists to their mission, noted that dental clinics do not hold
only business, but also facilitate the country’s social programs. “It
is unacceptable to put on one tax field both gambling houses, and
dental clinics,” said Deputy of National Assembly.

According to the amendments adopted by the Parliament, dental clinics
are required to pay tax for each seat. Dental Clinics in Yerevan set
a tax of 60-100 drams per month for each seat. 100 thousand drams
will pay the clinic, located in the center of the city, and the rest –
60-80 thousand drams. If the clinic has up to 3 seats for each seat is
set a tax of 60-100 thousand drams a month, starting with 4 chairs –
48 thousand drams for each seat.

From: Baghdasarian

ARMENIAN MFA: THE AZERBAIJANI SIDE MADE NO PROPOSALS IN PARIS

17:28 04.02.2013

The Azerbaijani side made no proposals during the recent meeting of
the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs with the Foreign Ministers of Armenia
and Azerbaijan, Spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Tigran
Balayansaid.

The Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan claims that during the
meeting last week in Paris the Armenian side has supposedly rejected
some proposals made by Azerbaijan.

“Moreover, the five-party press release about the meeting agreed by
the Foreign Ministers and three co-chairs has not been posted on the
Azerbaijani MFA website. Meanwhile, the Azerbaijani MFA Spokesman is
attempting to present their invented interpretation of that meeting.

The same had happened with the agreed press release of the previous
Paris meeting. This is nothing but an attempt of misleading the public,
which is so typical of Azerbaijan,” Tigran Balayan said.

“There is one thing the Azerbaijani Foreign Minister is saying right:
in Paris the approaches of the Armenian Foreign Minister did not
differ from the approaches expressed previously. That is natural,
Armenia’s position has been and is in line with the approaches of
the international community expressed by the three Co-Chairs,” the
Spokesman said.

“Yet, the Azerbaijani side is obstinately continuing to reject or is
attempting to revise all the proposals made by the Co-Chairs. This
was the case in Paris, as well,” he concluded.

From: Baghdasarian

GENDER EQUALITY BILL FORMAL – ARF-D MP CLAIMS

TERT.AM
16:13 ~U 04.02.13

Armenian Revolutionary Federation-Dashnaktsutyun faction member Arsvik
Minasyan stated at the second reading of the bill on Ensuring equal
rights for men and women that this bill is of formal nature. Minasyan
said the bill is the commitment Armenian president Serzh Sargsyan
has assumed in 2009 and is one of the important strategic elements.

The bill is the main law as it will be adopted in Armenia for the
first time for the implementation of Armenian Constitution’s norm on
ensuring equality of genders in Armenia.

“In a formal way it is delayed but necessary bill but it is of formal
nature not having clear mechanisms in it,” Minasyan said.

He said first of all the equality should be applied by the state,
government, which though is not registered in the bill.

“It is not the issue of equal rights of men and women but more
provision of same opportunities,” he stressed.

In 1993 Armenia has ratified UN Convention on the Elimination of All
Forms of Discrimination against Women. According to Article 7 of the
Convention, the authorities have been obliged to implement practical
steps in working out the state policy to ensure equal participation
of women and men.

Prosperous Armenia party MP Naira Zohrabyan voiced concern that this
law is being adopted for just ‘checkmark’. She voiced hope that soon
Armenia will have much more “adequate government” and will adopt the
presented proposals.

The bill has been presented by the Government-Heghine
Bisharyan-Hovhannes Margaryan group. In 2012 after the bill was
adopted in the first reading, public hearings were organized.

Bill’s co-author Heghine Bisharyan agreed with Arstvik Minasyan
but said the important thing is the adoption of the bill and then
its improvement.

From: Baghdasarian

ARMENIA’S NATIONAL DEBT $4.369BN

TERT.AM
16:00 ~U 04.02.13

Armenia’s national debt totaled $4.369bn last year – 42.6% of the GDP.

Armenia’s external debt totaled $3.792bn – 36.5% of the GDP. The
domestic debt totaled $631m – 6.2% of the GDP.

At his meeting with journalists on Monday, Chief Treasurer Atom
Janjughazyan reported that Armenia’s national debt totaled $4.129bn in
2011, with its external debt totaling $3.568bn and domestic debt $560m.

The ratio of Armenia’s national debt to GDP has not essentially
changed. In 2011, the ratio of Armenia’s external debt to GDP was
36.4%, and that of domestic debt to GDP 5.7%.

With respect to the amount of debt, Armenia remains a small-debt
country and is not a risky country with regard to debt management.

As regards changes in Armenia’s national debt, Mr Janjughazyan said
that it has not changed much since 2009.

From: Baghdasarian