Iranian Ambassador To Armenia: "Iran Is Willing To Develop Cooperati

IRANIAN AMBASSADOR TO ARMENIA: “IRAN IS WILLING TO DEVELOP COOPERATION WITH ARMENIA IN ALL AREAS ON MUTUAL INTERESTS”

Iranian Ambassador to Yerevan Mohammad Raeesi said on Thursday that
the Islamic Republic of Iran welcomes expansion of ties with Armenia.
Iranian IRNA writes about this.

He said that Iran is willing to develop cooperation with Armenia in
all areas on mutual interests.

He made the remark during his tour of Yerevan College for International
Relations Studies.

The ambassador said that given the historical record of relations
and the cultural affinities with Armenia, Iran attaches importance
to upgrade economic cooperation with Armenia.

He said that Iran and Armenia enjoy longstanding relations, adding
that Iran was the first country which recognized independence of the
Republic of Armenia in 1990.

He added that during the past 22 years since the formation of the
Republic of Armenia, officials of both countries have been steadily
working to expand ties in many fields.

Highlighting the joint projects underway by the two countries, he
said that Iran and Armenia have developed partnership in construction
of a hydroelectric power plant on Iran-Armenia border and building
Iran-Armenia-Georgia railway and export of oil by-products as the
other projects under operation.

20.12.12, 16:23

From: Baghdasarian

http://times.am/?l=en&p=16264

Ce Soir Sur France 2 Simon Abakarian Dans Le Role Du Pere De Michel

CE SOIR SUR FRANCE 2 SIMON ABAKARIAN DANS LE RoLE DU PeRE DE MICHEL DRUCKER
Jean Eckian

armenews.com
mercredi 19 decembre 2012

Adapte du livre de Michel Drucker ” Qu’est-ce qu’on va faire de toi ?

“, Jean-Daniel Verhaeghe raconte l’histoire de celui qui deviendra
l’incontournable animateur de la television francaise.

C’est Simon Abkarian qui incarne le père de la vedette de la
television, un medecin de campagne inquiet du devenir de son fils.

1953, dans le bocage normand où il grandit, entre un père medecin de
campagne a la fois brillant et autoritaire, une mère adoree et ses
deux frères qui l’entourent, Michel, 11 ans ,est bien plus passionne
par le Tour de France que par l’ecole. Les annees passent. Malgre
la surveillance de ses parents et la reussite de ses frères,
des changements d’ecole et d’internat, Michel accumule les echecs
scolaires et fait le desespoir de son père qui se demande chaque
jour ce qu’il va devenir. Encore quelques annees. Sans diplômes,
Michel accumule les petits boulots et les stages. Un soir de 1965 :
son père decouvre stupefait a la tele que ce fils qui lui a cause tant
de soucis, presente une emission de sport. Son nom ? Michel Drucker…

France 2 : 20h45

mercredi 19 decembre 2012, Jean Eckian ©armenews.com

From: Baghdasarian

Csto Collective Security Council Session Launched In Kremlin With Pa

CSTO COLLECTIVE SECURITY COUNCIL SESSION LAUNCHED IN KREMLIN WITH PARTICIPATION OF THE PRESIDENT

13:23, 19 December, 2012

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 19, ARMENPRESS: Collective Security Council session
was launched in Kremlin. The President of the Republic of Armenia Serzh
Sargsyan, President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko,
Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev, President of Kyrgyzstan
Almazbek Atambaev, Russian President Vladimir Putin, President of
Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon as well as CSTO Secretary General Nikolai
Bordyuza attended the meeting.

Collective Security Council session is being held in a narrow format.

The delegations will join the heads of the member states only further
on, in particular Foreign and Defense Ministers and Secretaries of
the National Security Council. International situation development
trends and intentions directed to CSTO enhancement , CSTO military
component strengthening and development projects scheduled for 2020
collective reaction system development in the emergency situations,
Uzbekistan membership in CSTO, predictions refer to the enhancement
of situation in Afghanistan by 2015 topped the agenda.

Suspension of the application by the Republic of Uzbekistan within
CSTO activities will also be envisaged. CSTO Secretariat received
relevant note from Uzbekistan in June, 2012.

From: Baghdasarian

Crossroads E-Newsletter – December 20, 2012

PRESS RELEASE
Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apost. Church of America and Canada
H.E. Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan
Prelate, Easter Prelacy and Canada
138 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212-689-7810
Fax: 212-689-7168
Web:

December 20, 2012

GRIEVING FOR THE TRAGIC LOSS IN CONNECTICUT

The news came in bits and pieces last Friday morning about the
unspeakable horror at an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut, a
small bucolic town that suddenly became international news.

The loss of life through violence is tragic in every sense, but when
the victims are six, seven, and eight-year olds, whose parents took
them to school in the morning never to see them alive again, the
outrage
and grief is overwhelming. Misinformation and rumors circulated on
news outlets and the internet before the awful truth was confirmed: 20
children and seven adults dead.

There is no way to make sense of this tragedy. There are no words in
any language that can comfort those parents who lost their precious
children. We can only pray that our Lord and Savior will heal the
hearts that are broken and bless those who mourn.

FROM ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN’S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE…
`In the midst of every day concerns in America, and joyful
surroundings especially during this season of Christmas, perhaps you
do not have time to share the pain of our brothers and
sisters. Perhaps you are not able
to assess the extent of the danger that threatens our Armenian
community in Syria-the community that after the Genocide became the
cradle of our rebirth, and the community that remained faithful to its
authenticity and preserved the pure Armenian character, cultural
values, faith, and language.’

To read the full message in English, click here
().

To read the full message in Armenian, click here
().

PLEASE DO NOT FORGET OUR ONGOING RELIEF EFFORTS FOR THE ARMENIAN
COMMUNITY
IN SYRIA WHERE CONDITIONS ARE BECOMING INCREASINGLY MORE DIFFICULT.
THE NEED IS REAL.
THE NEED IS GREAT.

DONATIONS TO THE FUND FOR SYRIAN ARMENIAN RELIEF CAN BE MADE ON LINE.
TO DONATE NOW CLICK HERE () AND
SELECT SYRIAN ARMENIAN RELIEF IN THE MENU.

The Fund for Syrian Armenian Relief is a joint effort of: Armenian
Apostolic Church of America (Eastern Prelacy); Armenian Catholic
Eparchy; Armenian
Evangelical Union of North America; Armenian Relief Society (Eastern
USA, Inc.); Armenian Revolutionary Federation.

TOWN HALL MEETING WITH U.S. AMBASSADOR

The United States Ambassador to Armenia, John A. Heffern, who during
the past several weeks has been in the United States visiting major
Armenian American communities on the west and east coasts, was hosted
by Archbishop Oshagan and the Prelacy at a Town Hall Meeting on Sunday
evening, December 16, at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral. The Ambassador
was accompanied by his wife Libby and Jeffrey Paretchan, USAID Armenia
Public Private Alliance Specialist and Diaspora Outreach Coordinator.

The Ambassador and his entourage first came to the Prelacy offices
where they were welcomed and had a private meeting with the Prelate
and members of the Religious and Executive Council. After enjoying
dinner at the Prelacy, the guests and hosts made their way to
St. Illuminator’s Cathedral where a large group of community leaders
had gathered for the Town Hall Meeting.

Archbishop Oshagan opened the meeting with a prayer and asked everyone
to remain standing for a minute of silence in remembrance of the
tragic
loss of lives in Newtown, Connecticut.

Stephen Hagopian, chairman of the Executive Council, served as the
Master of Ceremonies and introduced Ambassador Heffern. The Ambassador
has been a career Senior Foreign Service officer since 1982 and has
served in various embassies. Most recently he served as Deputy Chief
of Mission at USNATO in Brussels, Belgium. He was nominated to serve
as the United States Ambassador to Armenia in May 2011, and was
confirmed by the U.S. Senate in September 2011.

Ambassador Heffern presented the Embassy’s mission in Armenia with a
slide-show presentation. He explained that the Embassy’s primary goal
is to help Armenia succeed as a democratic, prosperous, and secure
country. He showed the various projects and endeavors undertaken by
the Embassy to achieve these goals. He emphasized the U.S.’s
dedication to Armenia by noting that Secretary of State Hillary
Clinton has visited
Armenia twice, while previously a span of 18-years passed without a
high-level visit. On the Genocide issue, the Ambassador stated that
the `characterization of those events is a policy decision that is
made by the President.’ He also noted that the Armenian Remembrance
Day message issued by President Obama on April 24, 2012, was a very
strong statement where he honored `the memory of the 1.5 million
Armenians who were brutally massacred or marched to their deaths in
the waning days of the Ottoman Empire.’

An extended and lively question and answer period followed
Mr. Heffern’s presentation. Issues explored included the Genocide
issue, the status of Nagorno Karabakh, the business climate in
Armenia, the upcoming
elections and questions of corruption and fraud, Diaspora and Armenia
relations, life outside of the capital city Yerevan, emigration
issues, and the
incarceration of political opponents. The Q&A period that went
one-half hour beyond the allotted one hour, continued individually
during the reception that followed hosted by the Cathedral.

Photos by Harry L. Koundakjian

Ambassador Heffern makes his presentation at St. Illuminator’s
Cathedral.

Community members filled Pashalian Hall to hear the Ambassador’s
message.

Archbishop Oshagan presents a copy of Hrair Hawk Khatcherian’s
monumental book, Yergir, to the Ambassador.

The Prelate, Ambassador and Council members enjoyed a dinner together
prior to the Town Hall Meeting. Photo by Vazken Ghougassian.

YOUNG SISTERS RAISE FUNDS TO AID SYRIAN ARMENIANS

Sisters Anoush and Knar Krafian, parishioners at St. Stephen Church
in Watertown, Massachusetts, raised money for Syrian Armenian relief
by making tricolor hearts that can be used as refrigerator magnets or
as a decorative hanging in the car or elsewhere. They raised $250
through their efforts which they presented to Archpriest Fr. Antranig
Baljian, pastor of St. Stephen’s Church.

St. Stephen’s Sunday School has also been actively raising funds. The
students raised $560 for the relief effort overseas and during the
month of December they are collecting donations for Hurricane Sandy
relief.

Anoush (left) and Knar Krafian present a check for $250 for Syrian
Armenian relief to Der Antranig Baljian. The sisters raised the money
with tricolor hearts they made.

The tri-colored hearts can be used as a refrigerator magnet or
decorative hanging.

`TIS THE SEASON. . .

In his latest reporting of community activities, journalist Tom
Vartabedian reminds us that children keep the holiday vigil
sacred. Tom writes: `Go to most any Armenian Church from now through
January 6 and you will find our younger generations in a most
provocative and timely pose. The angels are joined by shepherds, Magi
impersonators, even barnyard animals. They come dressed as Joseph and
Mary. The youngest child in the congregation usually winds up as the
infant Jesus. And those in the pews are overflowing with joy. It’s a
time for reconciliation-a moment of
truth-an opportunity for all of us to dispel the usual rigmarole and
put Christ back into Christmas. Nothing, not the tree or the
gift-giving, give me the pleasure of the pageant. Having put three
children through the Armenian Church, some of my most memorable
moments are centered on this tradition and all its ramifications.’

This year is no different and Tom reports that `Children dressed as
kings and shepherds took part in an annual Christmas pageant at
St. Gregory Church, North Andover. The children personified their
roles, reciting prayers and singing carols, joined by a congregation
of parents and worshippers. The program was directed by Sunday School
Superintendent Sossy Jeknavorian and her staff. A luncheon followed,
with gifts for the children from Santa Claus.’

The angels of North Andover.

Sunday School students with Rev. Fr. Karekin Bedourian at St. Gregory
Church, North Andover, following the annual joyous Christmas pageant.

EXPLORING THE EUCHARIST

The last of a four-part program on the Eucharist (Soorp Badarak) was
held last night at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral in New York City,
under the leadership of Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor. The program
was
cosponsored by the Prelacy’s Armenian Religious Education Council
(AREC) and the Cathedral. The speaker of the series was AREC’s
director Dn. Shant Kazanjian.

Dn. Shant first discussed what biblical vision of worship is,
highlighting its basic assumptions, contents, vocabulary, images and
symbolic language. He then presented the origin and history of the
Soorp Badarak, the central act of Christian worship, as well as its
two-part structure =80` the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the
Eucharist. The bulk of the program was to walk the participants
through the service, step-by-step,
facilitated by a Badarak video and a detailed outline of the Badarak
cross-referenced to the Prelacy’s Badarak book, explaining various
elements, prayers and chants, as well as liturgical actions and
symbols.

The participants of the four-part program on the Eucharist.

BIBLE READINGS

Bible readings for Sunday, December 23, Fifth Sunday of Advent, are:
Isaiah 40:18-31; Hebrews 4:16-5:10; Luke 18:9-14.

He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they
were righteous and regarded others with contempt. `Two men went up to
the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The
Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, `God, I thank you
that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers or even
like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my
income.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look
up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, `God, be merciful
to
me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his home justified
rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled,
but all who humble themselves will be exalted.’ (Luke 18:9-14)

For a listing of the coming week’s Bible readings click here
().

THE HOLY FATHERS

This Saturday, December 22, the Armenian Church commemorates the Holy
Fathers Basil, Gregory of Nyssa, Sylvester of Rome, and Ephraem the
Syrian.

St. Basil, called the `Great,’ was an exceptional leader who helped
spread Christianity. At the age of 26 he gave up his wealth and became
a monk, and dedicated his life to serve the people, by establishing
hospitals, hostels, and public kitchens to feed the needy. He was a
talented writer and many of his prayers are used in the Armenian
Church and other eastern churches. At a time when a solitary life of a
hermit was considered to be spiritual, he instead urged monastic
communities believing that no one is totally self-sufficient.

St. Gregory of Nyssa was the younger brother of Basil, and friend of
Gregory of Nazianus. He was educated in Athens and influenced by the
writings of Origen and Plato. He was a professor of rhetoric, but
became disillusioned with his life as a teacher and became a
priest. He served as Bishop
of Nyssa and Archbishop of Sebastia.

St. Sylvester served as the Bishop of Rome during the era of
Constantine for more than twenty years. During the time of his service
many great
churches were built. He took part in the negotiations concerning
Arianism at the Council of Nicaea.

St. Ephraem the Syrian lived in Mesopotamia (Syria) during his entire
life. He was baptized at age 18 and he served under St. James of
Nisibis. He is credited for introducing hymns in public worship
services. He visited St. Basil at Caesarea and upon his return he
helped ease the famine during the winter of 372-73 by distributing
food and money to the poor and needy. He was a prolific writer and his
work, written in Syriac, was immediately translated into Greek,
Armenian, and Latin.

DAVID THE PROPHET KING; HOLY APOSTLE JAMES

This Monday, December 24, the Armenian Church commemorates David the
Prophet King and James the Brother of the Lord.

David was the youngest of eight brothers and was brought up to be a
shepherd where he learned courage, tenderness, and caring. David
became the second King of Israel. In the Bible, the name David belongs
solely to him, which indicates the unique place he had as an ancestor
and forerunner of our Lord Jesus Christ. In the New Testament there
are more than 50 references to David, including the title given to
Jesus-Son of David. David
was a poet and the author of some of the Psalms.

James the Apostle, called `Brother of the Lord,’ probably because of
his close relationship with Jesus, was granted a special appearance of
the Lord after the Resurrection. He is believed to have been a first
cousin of the Lord, or as some biblical scholars have suggested, a son
of Joseph. After the Resurrection and the Ascension, while the other
apostles scattered all over the world, James remained in Jerusalem
where he served as the Bishop and became a leading spokesman of the
early church.

ST. STEPHEN

This Tuesday, December 25, the Armenian Church commemorates
St. Stephen, the first deacon and proto-martyr. After Christ’s
ascension, the apostles went about spreading the Word. It soon became
apparent that more people were needed to serve the growing church
community. Seven worthy individuals were called upon to serve the Holy
Altar and called `deacons’ (sarkavag). The most noteworthy of the
seven was Stephen, described as a `man full of faith and the Holy
Spirit’ (Acts 6:5). The Feast of St. Stephen is a popular and
important commemoration in the Armenian Church. It is also a day to
honor all deacons of the church. St. Stephen became the first martyr
of the Christian church and is therefore called the `proto-martyr.’
The only information about his life and death is in the Book of Acts
of the Apostles (Acts 6:8 and 8:2).

PETER AND PAUL

Next Thursday, December 27, the Armenian Church commemorates the Holy
Apostles Peter and Paul, perhaps the two individuals who had the
greatest role in the growth of Christianity. It is, therefore,
appropriate that the Church honors them together.

After the Crucifixion and Resurrection, Jesus came to Peter and asked
him to tell the other apostles of His appearance and to give them His
message (Luke 24:34-35). Peter was renowned for his oratory skills,
and he used his talent to spread the Word. He preached in Rome and
founded the church there. He is considered to be the first Bishop of
Rome. According to tradition, Peter was crucified in Rome upside down
because he declared himself unworthy to die in the same manner as the
Lord. He was buried in Rome and his relics are enshrined under the
high altar of the magnificent St. Peter’s Basilica.

Paul (Saul) was born in Tarsus in Cilicia. He was an oppressor of the
early Christians until on the road to Damascus he converted when a
brilliant light blinded him and he heard, `Saul, Saul, why do you
persecute me? I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. Enter the City and
you will be
told what to do,’ (Acts 9:4-6; 26:12-16). Saul was baptized and
renamed Paul and he went on to become the greatest preacher of the new
religion, traveling and writing extensively. Many theologians credit
him for shaping the future of the Church. His fourteen epistles
comprise more than one-third of the New Testament, not including the
Book of Acts, which although written by Luke, primarily is an account
of Paul’s preaching.

FIFTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

This Sunday, December 24, is the fifth Sunday of Advent for the
faithful of the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church, and Christmas Eve
for most
of the Christian world.

Originally all of Christendom celebrated the birth, baptism, visit of
the Magi, and the First Miracle at Cana, on January 6. Rome adopted
December 25 in the year 336, and this date gradually became popular;
December 25 was officially adopted as the birthday of Christ at the
Council of Chalcedon (451)-a Council the Armenian Church did not
attend and never accepted. Therefore, the Armenian Church to this day
has remained faithful to
the original date of January 6.

MARTA BAGRATUNI LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN

TO FUND NEW CD PROJECT

Marta Bagratuni, who was a featured artist in the Prelacy’s
2012 Musical Armenia concert, has launched a campaign to raise funds
for a
classical music debut album, `Pieces of the World,’ featuring works
for cello by composers from all over the world within the span of
the last 300 years. The project will feature a world-premiere work by
composer Vache Sharafyan for cello solo and obbligato voice. The
fundraising effort is through kickstarter.com, a company founded in
2009 that provides the means to raise funds for creative
projects. Marta’s campaign began on December 10 and will continue
through January 11 with the goal of raising $8,000. Donations are
accepted online through the kickstarter.com website. For more
information about Marta and the project, visit kickstarter.com
and search either `Marta Bagratuni’ or `Pieces of the World.’

Ms. Baratuni was a featured artist along with Hayk Arsenian at the
Prelacy
30th Musical Armenia concert on March 30, 2012. She is raising funds
for the production of a CD.

SPEAKER OF CYPRIOT PARLIAMENT VISITS CATHOLICOSATE

Yianniks Omirou, the speaker of the Parliament of Cyprus, met with His
Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia in
Antelias. The
delegation included the Ambassador of Cyprus to Lebanon, the Secretary
of the Parliament, the Chairman of the International Committee of the
Parliament, and an advisor to the Speaker. Attending on behalf of the
Catholicosate
were the President of the Catholicosate’s Executive Council, and the
Armenian Ministers and Parliamentarians in the Lebanese government.

His Holiness spoke of the long-standing political, economic and
religious relations between Cyprus and Cilicia. He noted that over
time the ties were strengthened and today the Armenian community
actively contributes to the strengthening of the island.

His Holiness spoke about the confiscated churches and properties
belonging to the Armenian community in northern Cyprus. Speaker Omirou
said,
`We should expand and deepen our centuries-long cooperation. In this
respect churches have an important role in speaking for human
rights. The government is extremely concerned about the future of the
properties confiscated by Turkey, which are being transformed and used
for other purposes.’

Before concluding the visit, the Speaker and his delegation
accompanied His Holiness to the Cathedral of St. Gregory the
Illuminator and the Martyrs Chapel where His Holiness prayed for the
souls of the martyrs of the
Genocide of 1915.

Death of Gareguin Nezhdeh (December 21, 1955)

Gareguin Nezhdeh was an important military and political figure of
the twentieth century, particularly during the first Republic of
Armenia and the first two decades of the Diaspora.

His actual name was Gareguin Ter Harutiunian, and he was born on
January 1, 1886, in the family of a priest (hence the surname Ter
Harutiunian) in the village of Kznout, Nakhichevan.

He adopted the surname Nezhdeh in 1906. He studied in the Armenian
parochial school of the village, the Russian school of Nakhichevan,
and the Russian gymnasium of Tiflis. He studied law for two years in
St. Petersburg, but left the university to join the revolutionary
movement in 1906.

In 1906 he moved to Bulgaria where he studied in the school of
officers of Sofia from 1906-1907. He entered the ranks of the Armenian
Revolutionary Federation and returned to the Caucasus in 1908. The
next year he was
arrested by the Russian police for illegal transportation of weapons
and spent three years in prison.

In 1912 he went to Bulgaria, where he fought in the First Balkan War
(the alliance of Serbia, Greece, Montenegro, and Bulgaria against the
Ottoman Empire). Together with General Antranig, he organized a
battalion of Armenian volunteers (271 soldiers) and fought in the
Bulgarian volunteer unit against the Turks, and was decorated for his
bravery. He returned again to the Caucasus and during World War I was
deputy commander of the second regiment of

Armenian volunteers, commanded by Dro, in 1915-1916. With a group of
cavalry, he participated in the historical battle of Gharakilise (May
24-28, 1918), one of the three that paved the way for the first
independence of Armenia.

He became commander of the armed forces in the region of Zanguezur
(nowadays Siunik) in October 1919. Shortly thereafter, these forces
had to
confront the attacks of Turkish and Azerbaijani forces, which
continued for the next two years. Zanguezur, (along with Karabagh and
Nakhichevan), was
claimed by Azerbaijan as part of its territory. The leadership of
Nezhdeh would be crucial to preventing this historically Armenian
region, strategically very important as the main way to Iran, to fall
into Azerbaijani hands.

The Republic of Armenia and Soviet Russia signed an agreement on
August 10, 1920 in Tiflis, according to which the three contested
regions would be temporarily controlled by Soviet forces until Armenia
and Soviet Azerbaijan peacefully solved their controversy. However,
the population of Zanguezur, led by Nezhdeh, did not recognize that
agreement. During the months
of September and October of 1920, Nezhdeh liberated the cities of
Kapan, Sisian, and Goris.

Independent Armenia collapsed in early December. On December 25 a
popular assembly proclaimed the autonomy of Siunik and Nezhdeh was
elected general-in-chief of Siunik. After the end of the February
revolt against the Soviet regime (February 18 – April 2, 1921) that
briefly re-established the independence of Armenia, thousands of
rebels, including many prominent members of the ARF, found refuge in
Siunik, where resistance against
attacks by the Red Army and Azerbaijani forces had continued
relentlessly.
Siunik was the only way of exit for the opposition to the Soviet
regime towards Iran. On April 26, 1921, the second congress of
Armenians of Zanguezur, held in the monastery of Tatev, proclaimed the
autonomous region of Siunik as the Republic of Mountainous Armenia
(Lernahayastani Hanrabedoutioun).
Nezhdeh was elected Prime Minister and War Minister.

The epic resistance of Siunik ended in mid-July 1921, when Nezhdeh,
after receiving guarantees that the region would be attached to Soviet
Armenia, retreated with a small group of soldiers towards Iran. He
departed to Sofia in the next year. He lived in Bulgaria for most of
the next twenty years, participating actively in Armenian politics and
organization of the Diaspora. He also wrote several books and many
articles in the press.

He was sent by the ARF to the United States between 1932 and 1934,
where in 1933 he founded the Tzeghagron organization, which in 1941
became
the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF). During the 1930s he developed the
theoretical grounds of a new ideological movement called
tzeghagronutiun, which was aimed at the development of national spirit
among Armenians. Divergences with the leadership of the ARF after his
return to Bulgaria in 1934 triggered his separation from the party in
1937 (he was expelled in 1938).

On October 10, 1944, he was captured by the Soviet forces that had
entered Bulgaria. After being moved to Bucharest, he was incarcerated
in the prison of Lubyanka, in Moscow. In November 1946 he was sent to
Yerevan and, after a trial, condemned to 25 years in prison. In 1948
he was moved to
the prison of Vladimir (Russia), where he died in 1955 and was buried
in the prison’s cemetery.

Nezhdeh was rehabilitated by the ARF shortly after his death. In 1963
his bust was inaugurated in Camp Hayastan (Franklin, Massachusetts),
as
a tribute by the AYF to its founder. The remains of Nezhdeh were
secretly moved to Yerevan in 1983. A small part of his remains was
interred at the foot of Mount Khusdup, in Siunik, and the rest was
reburied in the courtyard
of the monastery of Spitakavor, near the village of Vernashen
(province of
Vayots Dzor).

After the fall of the Soviet regime, the rehabilitation of Nezhdeh
started in Armenia. In Yerevan, a square, a street, a subway station,
and a school all bear his name, as well as a square and a street in
Gumri. He was reburied with military honors in 2005 in Kapan where a
memorial complex was built.

ATLAS….AT LAST

Pre-Publication Offer Extended to January 18

The long-awaited revised edition of the popular Historical Atlas of
Armenia will be available shortly after the New Year. The special
pre-publication price has been extended to January 18, 2013. So, don’t
delay; secure your copies now at a good saving, plus free
shipping. The Atlas comes with a companion CD that includes all of the
maps.

ARMENIAN WINE MAKES TOP TEN LIST

An Armenian wine has been rated among the world’s top ten wines
according to an article in Bloomberg Businessweekly. The search
required tasting more than 4,000 wines from which ten were selected as
being =80=9Cmost memorable.’ A 2010 Zorah Karasi Areni Noir at $45 per
bottle was one of the ten in a list that included some costing many
thousands of dollars (i.e., $18,000). According to the author of the
report, the Armenian wine is the first vintage from a new wine making
project near the Areni-1 cave, where archeologists discovered the
world’s oldest winery, dating back 6,100 years. Genatzt, Cheers,
Salute.

WINTER…OFFICIALLY

Winter officially begins in the Northern Hemisphere tomorrow, December
21, at 6:12 am (EST).

`O wind, if winter comes, can spring be far behind?’ (P. B. Shelley)

MAY THE PEACE OF OUR LORD GRACE THE WORLD
WITH HARMONY AND LOVE

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

December 23-Christmas Pageant and lunch after Holy Badarak, presented
by Nareg Saturday School, Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New
Jersey. Special Guest of Honor: Gaghant Baba. Donation: $20
adults. Children under 10 and Nareg School students are invited to
attend.

December 31-All Saints Church, Glenview, Illinois, New Years Eve
celebration organized by the Board of Trustees, 7:30 pm at
Shahnasarian Hall, Glenview.

December 31-New Years Eve Dinner Dance, Sts. Vartanantz Church Large
Hall, 461 Bergen Boulevard, Ridgefield, New Jersey, starting at 8
pm. BYOB. Donation: Adults $65; Children under twelve $30.

January 27-St. Gregory Church, North Andover, Massachusetts,
Anniversary Dinner and Program following the Divine Liturgy.

February 17-St. Gregory Church, North Andover, Massachusetts, Annual
Membership Meeting and Luncheon following the Divine Liturgy.

February 23-Annual Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference for pastors,
boards of trustees, and NRA delegates, hosted by St. Gregory Church,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania beginning at 10 am and concluding at 4 pm.

March 16-Annual New England Regional Conference for pastors, boards of
trustees, and NRA delegates, hosted by St. Gregory Church, North
Andover, Massachusetts, beginning at 10 am and concluding at 4 pm.

May 16, 17, 18-National Representative Assembly hosted by Soorp Khatch
Church, Bethesda, Maryland.

Web pages of the parishes can be accessed through the Prelacy’s web
site.

To ensure the timely arrival of Crossroads in your electronic mailbox,
add
[email protected] to your address book.

Items in Crossroads can be reproduced without permission. Please
credit Crossroads as the source.

Parishes of the Eastern Prelacy are invited to send information about
their major events to be included in the calendar. Send to:
[email protected]

From: Baghdasarian

http://www.armenianprelacy.org/
http://e2.ma/click/0cr1c/4f4cee/044yx
http://e2.ma/click/0cr1c/4f4cee/gx5yx
http://e2.ma/click/0cr1c/4f4cee/wp6yx
http://e2.ma/click/0cr1c/4f4cee/ci7yx

Yerevan Press Club Weekly Newsletter – 12/20/2012

YEREVAN PRESS CLUB WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

DECEMBER 14-20, 2012

HIGHLIGHTS:

SEMINAR ON STATE REGULATION AND SELF-REGULATION OF MEDIA

BROADCASTERS ANNOUNCED TARIFFS FOR POLITICAL ADVERTISING DURING PRE-ELECTION
PROMOTION

SUIT OF ARRHYTHMIC-CARDIOLOGICAL CENTER VERSUS NEWS.AM FOUNDER DISMISSED

“ASPAREZ” RECEIVES REPLY ON ITS SUGGESTION OF BANNING COMMERCIAL ADVERTISING
ON PTA

“INTERNEWS” PUBLISHED SECOND HANDBOOK ON JOURNALISM ETHICS

SEMINAR ON STATE REGULATION AND SELF-REGULATION OF MEDIA

On December 14-16, Yerevan Press Club held a seminar “The Current Situation
and Perspectives of State Regulation and Self-Regulation of Armenian Media”
in Aghveran, Kotayk region. The event was organized in the frames of
“Alternative Resources in Media” project
(), supported by USAID. The seminar
participants were members of the Media Ethics Observatory (MEO), heads,
representatives of media outlets and journalistic organizations, including
the ones who supported the YPC initiative of forming a media self-regulatory
system in Armenia.

The themes for discussion were activities of the MEO in 2012 and the
perspectives of online and traditional media self-regulation; suggestions
for amending the Code of Conduct of Media Representatives; the court
practice on the implementation of the RA legislation on libel and insult;
the experience of self-regulatory bodies in other countries.

The Media Ethics Observatory was formed on March 10, 2007 by the heads of
Armenian media, who supported the YPC initiative on establishing a
self-regulation system in Armenia and signed the Code of Conduct of Media
Representatives and its Appendix, the Declaration on Election and Referendum
Coverage Principles. The mission of the MEO considers complaints and appeals
regarding the violations of the Code of Conduct of Media Representatives and
making judgments on these. As of today, the Code of Conduct and the
Declaration are signed by 45 entities, representing 48 Armenian media; the
initiative is supported by 9 journalistic associations (see details at
). The MEO contacts are: [email protected];
Tel. +374 10 53 76 62, 53 35 41, 53 00 67; Fax +374 10 53 56 61. Complaints
and applications to MEO can also be addressed online, by filling out the
form in Armenian on

BROADCASTERS ANNOUNCED TARIFFS FOR POLITICAL ADVERTISING DURING PRE-ELECTION
PROMOTION

By December 18, 2012, public and private TV and radio companies of Armenia
had to publicize their tariffs for political advertising during the official
pre-election campaign for the RA Presidential Elections to be held on
February 18, 2013. As we have reported, according to the December 8, 2012 RA
Central Electoral Commission’s decision, the pre-election promotion of RA
presidential candidates will be held through January 21 – February 16, 2013.
In line with the Article 19 of the RA Electoral Code, the price for 1 minute
of paid airtime announced by the broadcasters should not exceed the average
price for commercial advertising set for the last six months and should not
be changed until the end of official campaign (see details in YPC Weekly
Newsletter, December 7-13, 2012).

According to the tariffs, defined by the Public TV and Radio Company, 1
minute of paid political advertising on the PTA First Channel costs 80,000
AMD (hereinafter all prices are indicated including VAT), on Public Radio –
3,600 AMD ($ 1 is equal to about 405 AMD). In accordance with the Electoral
Code, each presidential candidate is entitled to 60 minutes of free and 120
minutes of paid airtime on the Public Television of Armenia, as well as to
120 minutes of free and 180 minutes of paid airtime on the Public Radio of
Armenia. The procedure and schedule of providing free and paid airtime to
presidential candidates by public broadcasters will be released by CEC on
the next day after the official registration of the candidates, i.e., on
January 15, 2013.

The tariffs of some private broadcasters mainly remained the same as in the
run-up to 2012 parliamentary elections. Thus, on national TV channels, such
as “Yerkir Media” and “Kentron”, the price for one minute of promotional
airtime is 36,000 and 32,400 AMD, accordingly, while on the news TV channel
of Yerevan, “ArmNews”, it costs 18,000 AMD. On the Second Armenian TV
Channel the price of one airtime minute makes 60,000 AMD – from 10.00 till
24.00 on Sundays and from 18.00 till 24.00 on other week days (at other time
a minute costs 30,000 AMD). On the Second Armenian TV Channel the overall
duration of the paid airtime for each presidential candidate for the whole
period of pre-election promotion is limited by 270 minutes, while the daily
duration – by 10 minutes. On “Shant” TV channel, one minute of airtime costs
120,000 AMD, at the same time, each presidential candidate may receive not
more than 7 minutes a day for pre-election promotion.

The regional TV companies of Gyumri did not change their prices, either:
10,000 AMD for a minute on “GALA” TV channel and 6,000 – on “Tsayg”. “ALT”
TV channel of Armavir set a price of 3,600 AMD. At the same time, not all
the TV companies will provide air for the pre-election campaign.
Specifically, “Sosi” TV channel of Kapan and “MIG” TV channel of Vanadzor
have reported about this.

According to the Electoral Code, public and private broadcasters are
required to ensure equal access to air for all presidential candidates. The
coverage of their electoral campaign in the TV/radio news programs should be
unbiased and with no connotations. The TV/radio materials on pre-election
promotion are prohibited to interrupt with advertising on services and
goods.

As to the print media, the Electoral Code commits all newspapers and
magazines, established by state and local self-government bodies, to ensure
equal opportunities for presidential candidates during the pre-election
campaign.

In line with the Electoral Code, when publicizing the findings of public
opinion polls about the ratings of presidential candidates, the
organizations that have administered the polls must specify the name of the
organization that administered the survey, the timeframes, the sample size
and sampling method, the data collection method and place, the exact
question, the estimated error margin, the client of the poll. At the same
time, the TV and radio companies are prohibited to publish findings of the
exit polls on the ballot day before 20.00, i.e., before the electoral
precincts are closed.

SUIT OF ARRHYTHMIC-CARDIOLOGICAL CENTER VERSUS NEWS.AM FOUNDER DISMISSED

On December 14, the Court of General Jurisdiction of Achapnyak and
Davitashen administrative districts of Yerevan dismissed the suit of
“Arrhythmic-Cardiological Center of Armenia” LLC (ACCA) versus the founder
of online news agency News.am, “Media Consult” LLC (now – “News.am” LLC). As
we have reported, the reason for going to law became the article “The
Patient with a Diseased Heart Was “Puffed” at the Arrhythmic-Cardiological
Center and Has Been Implanted with Another Device”, stored on News.am on
November 23, 2010. The article told the story of the reader H.K., who
alleged that he had been cheated at the Cardiological Center, since the
doctors had implanted an electric cardiostimulator, cheaper and with a
shorter warranty period than the one he had been promised before the
surgery. The plaintiff demanded to refute the information that discredited
his honor, dignity and business reputation, as well as to compensate the
moral loss in the amount of 2 million AMD (about $ 5,500). The hearings on
the case started on February 4, 2011. The story of H.K. was also published
in “Aravot” daily, “Paying for 10 Years of Life, Got – Seven”, November 13,
2010. The ACCA had also contested this article, imposing the same demands to
the “Aravot” founder, “Aravot Oratert” LLC. On November 3, 2011 the Court of
General Jurisdiction of Kentron and Nork-Marash administrative districts of
Yerevan approved the friendly settlement between the parties (see details in
“On Freedom of Speech in Armenia” Yerevan Press Club report for 2011 at
).

At the December 14, 2012 session, the Court dismissed the suit versus
News.am as groundless. The Court particularly stated that the respondent is
exempt of liability, since the disputed article contained a reference to the
information source and was a verbatim reproduction from it. Besides, the
Court stressed that the one-month term defined by law for submitting the
suit was missed. The Court bound the ACCA to pay off the state duty (44,000
AMD) and the respondent’s costs for the attorney (200,000 AMD).

“ASPAREZ” RECEIVES REPLY ON ITS SUGGESTION OF BANNING COMMERCIAL ADVERTISING
ON PTA

On December 14, “Asparez” Journalists’ Club of Gyumri informed that it
received a reply from the RA National Assembly Standing Committee on
Science, Education, Culture, Youth and Sport. The Committee had answered to
the suggestion of “Asparez” to introduce a legal ban on commercial
advertising on the Public Television of Armenia. As we have reported, on
October 31, Levon Barseghian, Board Chairman of “Asparez”, called the RA
National Assembly deputies to amend the draft of the 2013 RA Budget and the
RA Law “On Television and Radio”. The amendments were supposed to restrict
the commercial advertising on the air of the public broadcaster, and instead
– increase the budgetary allocations to PTA in the amount of 1 billion AMD
(see YPC Weekly Newsletter, October 26 – November 1, 2012).

The letter, signed by Artak Davtian, Chairman of the specialized
parliamentary Committee, particularly, noted that “the presented data (by
“Asparez”, Ed.Note) are undoubtedly disturbing, however the National
Assembly is not competent and cannot take any specific steps, except for
taking these data into consideration” (see details at
).

“INTERNEWS” PUBLISHED SECOND HANDBOOK ON JOURNALISM ETHICS

“Internews” Media Support NGO published a handbook, titled “Journalism
Ethics. Discussions and Analyses”. The book is divided in two parts: the
first one presents the cycle by media expert Mesrop Harutiunian,
“Discussions on Journalistic Ethics”. The second part contains articles by
some authors telling about specific cases of violations of professional
norms. This is the second handbook by “Internews” from the “Journalism
Ethics” series. The first book, “Journalism Ethics: Cases and Comments”, was
issued in 2011. The two handbooks are published in the frames of the
“Promoting Freedom, Professionalism and Pluralism of the Media in the South
Caucasus and Moldova” programme, co-funded by the European Union and the
Council of Europe.

N.B. Dear readers, please note that the YPC Weekly Newsletter will next be
issued in January 2013. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

When reprinting or using the information above, reference to the Yerevan
Press Club is required.

You are welcome to send any comment and feedback about the Newsletter to:
[email protected]

Subscription for the Newsletter is free. To subscribe or unsubscribe from
this mailing list, please send a message to: [email protected]

Editor of YPC Newsletter – Elina POGHOSBEKIAN
____________________________________________
Yerevan Press Club
9B, Ghazar Parpetsi str.
0002, Yerevan, Armenia
Tel.: (+ 374 10) 53 00 67; 53 35 41; 53 76 62
Fax: (+374 10) 53 56 61
E-mail: [email protected]
Web Site:

From: Baghdasarian

http://www.facebook.com/mediaproject
http://www.ypc.am/self_regul/ln/eng
http://www.ypc.am/self_regul/ln/am#form.
http://www.ypc.am/about_freedom/ln/eng
http://www.asparez.am/news-hy/haxordagrutyun-hy/
www.ypc.am

Armenian National Youth Fencing Team Became The Champion In Riga

ARMENIAN NATIONAL YOUTH FENCING TEAM BECAME THE CHAMPION IN RIGA

20:23, 19 December, 2012

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 19, ARMENPRESS: Armenian National Youth Fencing Team
won in the international tournament in Riga. As Armenpress was informed
from the ministry of sport, Armenian and Latvian teams met in the
final and in a tough struggle Armenia scored the win with 45-42 points.

The tournament took place in Riga, Latvia on December 15-17. Armenian
team consisted of 3 that are Michael Hovhannisyan, Emil Danielyan
and Armen Dallakyan.

National teams of CIS countries and other European countries
participated in the tournament. Two Armenian participants competed
for the third place. Winning his team friend Emil got the third place.

From: Baghdasarian

Mher Sedrakyan: Begone Or I Shall Break Your Jaw

MHER SEDRAKYAN: BEGONE OR I SHALL BREAK YOUR JAW

02:43 PM | TODAY | POLITICS

While Serzh Sargsyan urges forgetting the climate of impunity, Mher
Sedrakyan, a lawmaker of the ruling Republican Party of Armenia (HHK),
threatens to tear off a journalist’s jaw.

Mher Arshakyan, a journalist of A1+ Company, today tried to address
a question to the HHK lawmaker at the National Assembly.

“Away with you or I shall break your jaw,” Mher Sedrakyan said without
hearing the question.

From: Baghdasarian

http://www.a1plus.am/en/politics/2012/12/19/mher-sedrakyan

Pre-Parliament Set Up In Armenia Calls On Community To Boycott Forth

PRE-PARLIAMENT SET UP IN ARMENIA CALLS ON COMMUNITY TO BOYCOTT FORTHCOMING PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

ARMINFO
Wednesday, December 19, 14:51

The Pre-parliament that has been recently set up in Armenia by a
group of public activists, held a session on 16 December in Gyumri.

During the session they touched on the problems linked with formation
of the state system able to resolve national and strategic issues,
to make radical reforms in financial and economic, social as well as
legal spheres of Armenia.

After the session, a press-conference was held, during which members
of the Pre-parliament blamed the authorities and opposition for
helplessness and inability to resist modern challenges. They also
called on the community to boycott forthcoming presidential election,
the result of which is clear in advance, as they said. They think
it is necessary to form a new political field and electoral system
which will make it possible to create such a management system that
will have the national image and content.

To recall, Pre-parliament NGO was set up on November 2012.

From: Baghdasarian

Armenia Continues To Deepen Comprehensive Military Cooperation With

ARMENIA CONTINUES TO DEEPEN COMPREHENSIVE MILITARY COOPERATION WITH CSTO

09:43, 19 December, 2012

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 19, ARMENPRESS: The Republic of Armenia continues
its active cooperation with influential military organization, the
Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) . Armenian membership
into CSTO is a main component of Armenian Republic security system. As
Armenpress reports, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan headed to the
Russian Federation to participate in Collective Security Council
session due in Moscow on December 19.

CSTO member states heads are scheduled to accept decisions over
Organization’s military component, collective reaction system
development under emergency situations and Uzbekistan’s participation
issue in the Organization activities. Overall 20 issues are included
in session agenda.

The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) is an
intergovernmental military alliance which was signed on 15 May 1992 .

Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, are CSTO
member states.

From: Baghdasarian

http://armenpress.am/eng/news/703112/armenia-continues-to-deepen-comprehensive-military-cooperation-with-csto.html

David Merkel: U.S. Can Play Crucial Role In Karabakh Settlement Prov

DAVID MERKEL: U.S. CAN PLAY CRUCIAL ROLE IN KARABAKH SETTLEMENT PROVIDED IT ‘INTERVENES AT HIGHEST LEVEL’

12:04 19/12/2012 ” ANALYSIS

A discussion on the U.S. policy in the South Caucasus, Russia’s role
in the interrelation of regional forces and prospects for Karabakh
peace initiatives was the main theme of an international conference
organized by the Jamestown Foundation in Washington on Monday, the
website of Voice of America reported.

Senior Fellow at Johns Hopkins Centre for Transatlantic Relations
David A. Merkel addressing the conference said that Russia remained
the key factor in Armenian-Azerbaijani relations as well as in the
development of the situation in the zone of Karabakh conflict.

According to him, for the progress towards a peace scenario in
resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the West and in particular
the U.S. can play a crucial role provided it “intervenes in the
settlement process at the highest level.”

“The Karabakh conflict is one of the areas where the policy of
‘reset’ can be effectively used by the Obama administration,” David
Merkel said.

Former U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan Matthew Bryza supported Merkel’s
position on the need for intervention at the highest level, noting
that participation in the solution of the region’s “urgent problems”
does not have to be carried out by the Democratic administration.

“This can also be done by Republican politicians,” he said.

Source: Panorama.am

From: Baghdasarian