Author: Baghdasarian Karlen

NAIRA ZOHRABYAN SUGGESTS THAT SHARMAZANOV NOT BE ENGAGED IN MANIPULATION OF WORDS

October 11, 2012 15:03

Today inquired of Naira Zohrabyan, the secretary of
the Prosperous Armenia Party (PAP) parliamentary group, whether the
reason for their boycott of the National Assembly 4-day session was
the attorney’s application regarding Vartan Oskanian or it was also
because of the vote on the budget implementation, because there was an
opinion that the PAP was facing a dilemma – it couldn’t vote against,
since it would turn out that it had voted also against the work of
its ministers, it couldn’t vote in favor either, because it would
have jeopardized its opposition attitude.

In this regard Naira Zohrabyan ensured, “Our boycott had nothing to do
with the vote on the budget implementation. We naturally would have
been against the budget implementation. I think our position had to
be clear for everyone from the beginning. Yes, our political boycott
was related to the political farce, which was staged in the National
Assembly, i.e. the attorney’s application that had no legal grounds.

But the PAP will participate in the work of the 4-day session from
October 22 on, because the National Assembly floor is a very important
floor for us.”

Let us remind that Mikayel Melkumyan, a PAP MP, also stated that if
the PAP had participated in the vote on the budget implementation, they
would have voted against. However, answering him, Eduard Sharmazanov,
the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly and the press secretary of
the Republican Party of Armenia (RPA), stated convincingly during his
latest press conference that it couldn’t be the official opinion of
the PAP, “Firstly, I am far from thinking that this is the official
opinion of the PAP. I want to ask – my dear colleagues, you had 4
ministers in 2011. Your ministers were not against any decision at
any Cabinet meeting. Who prevented you from giving up the ministerial
portfolios at the time? And if it is an admission that your ministers
worked badly, it is a different matter.”

When inquired why he was convinced that the opinion of
being against the budget implementation was merely the MP’s opinion
and it was hardly the official opinion of the PAP, Eduard Sharmazanov
replied, “Because a question arises why the people have cast so many
votes for your inefficient work, since you say that it was inefficient
work and you had four ministers.”

In Naira Zohrabyan’s words, “I suggest that different colleagues of
ours not be engaged in manipulation of words. It is the official
opinion of the PAP – we would have necessarily voted against the
budget implementation. And we have talked about the activities and
responsibility of our ministers and I don’t deem necessary to raise
this issue again and again and talk about it all the time.”

Hripsime JEBEJYAN

From: Baghdasarian

THE HEALTH CONDITION OF THE WOUNDED ARMENIANS IS STABLE: REISYAN

ARMENPRESS
12 October, 2012
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 12, ARMENPRESS: The situation in Aleppo Armenian
populated and Christian districts is peaceful; the sounds of the shells
are not heard in the course of the recent days. In the briefing with
Armenpress Jirayr Reisyan, Berio National Primacy press secretary
voiced hope the situation will continue this way.

Dwelling on the health condition of two Armenians injured by a ballot
of a sniper in Aleppo Armenian New Village district, the interlocutor
stated the sufferers are under the supervision of doctors and their
health condition is stable. As it was reported earlier ,35 year old
Gevorg Talshyan was wounded by a ballot of a sniper in Aleppo New
Village district on October 10. Another Armenian young man Hovik
Tamplayan , aged 25 also suffered by a ballot of a sniper.

Jirayr Reisyan informed on October 11 evening Armenian Jean Tahhan
was killed by a sniper.Syrian SANA agency informs dozens of rebels
were killed in the course of the clashes launched between Government
forces and rebels in Aleppo Karam Jabal district , the cars belonging
to the rebels, their armory and weaponry have also been destroyed.

More than 30 thousand people were killed in the course of 18 months
ongoing clashes in Syria, including three dozen Armenians.

From: Baghdasarian

MELINE SUFFERS FROM LEUCOSIS, DEAR PEOPLE, HELP HER

Thursday, 11 October 2012 21:35

We met the Avsharyans when they were leaving for Yerevan from Shekher
(Martuni Region) with their 16 year-old daughter, Meline.

Meline is to have her 5th treatment course in Yerevan; she is suffering
from leucosis, blood cancer.

Before being operated on Meline needs blood transplantation but an
appropriate donor cannot still be found. ‘We don’t have money for
the operation which costs 100-150000 dollars. Now we are looking for
a sponsor to have Meline operated on in Germany, France, Russia or
Israel’, tells us Nvard Avsharyan, Meline’s mother.

Apart from this huge sum of money, it is necessary to find an
appropriate donor. In general, among blood relatives there is a
high probability of finding compatible blood.Unfortunately, Meline’s
sisters’ blood is not compatible with hers while the brother’s blood is
50 per cent compatible, which is not enough to make a transplantation,
says Meline mother.

The Healthcare and Social Issues Ministries of the Republic of Nagorno
Karabakh have given the Avsharyans 50000 drams each to cover travel
expenses. But this sum is too little for a big family which spends
60-100000 drams on medicine on the average.

************** We have opened bank accounts to help Meline.

AMD -“Artsakhbank “22300015555400 CJSC and ” Ararat “OJSC
1510018450320100 USD / EUR- “Ararat “OJSC 1510018450320101 For more
information Call 097 205 215.

From: Baghdasarian

GREENS PROTEST AGAINST CONSTRUCTION OF SMALL WATER POWER PLANT NEAR GETAHOVIT

ARMINFO
Friday, October 12, 09:10

A group of environmentalists and residents of the village of Getahovit
gathered in front of the Environment Protection Ministry on Thursday
to protest against the project to build a small water power plant on
Paghjur river.

Environmentalist Eghia Nersisyan said that the construction is
dangerous for the local Turkish hazels as many of the trees are being
cut down under the project.

“The river has been diverted. As a result, the village is running
short of drinking water. Besides, the project does not imply a bypass
way for the local fish. So, our demand is that the project be stopped
and the contractor, Megaenergy company, pay damages to the village,”
Nersisyan said.

From: Baghdasarian

“TURETSKY CHOIR” WILL HAVE A SOLO CONCERT IN YEREVAN

ARMENPRESS
12 October, 2012
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 12, ARMENPRESS. Solo concert of a well-known “Turetsky
Choir” will take place in Aram Khachaturyan Concert Hall on October
15. The concert was organized and sponsored by the mayor of Yerevan
Taron Margaryan. As the director of the choir Artyom Tatosyan mentioned
in a conversation with “Armenpress” this is the first solo concert of
the choir in Yerevan. Tatosyan said: “One of the occasions of giving
concert in Yerevan was that I myself am an Armenian”.

Tatosyan underlined that “Turetsky Choir” is very interested in
Armenia and the rich culture of our country.

The director of the choir did not exclude the possibility of surprising
Armenian audience by singing an Armenian songs. Tatosyan said. “It
is true that we will not stay long in Yerevan, but we are hopeful to
visit historical and cultural places and go to sightseeing”.

“Turetsky Choir” is a musical collective under the direction of
Honoured Artist of Russian Federation Mikhail Turetsky. The basis
of the unique concept is a voice. The artists – all of them have got
higher music education – sing live in 10 languages, with a cappella
orchestra substituting musical instruments by live voices. Musical
works of different nations, centuries and genres are involved in the
repertoire of “Turetsky Choir”, what makes possible for everyone to
find “his own” music.

From: Baghdasarian

ARMENIAN AUTHORITIES GAVE REASON FOR US AMBASSADOR’S STATEMENT ON OSKANIAN’S CASE, KARABAKH EX-FM SAYS

tert.am
11.10.12

Ex-Foreign Minister of Nagorno Karabakh Arman Melikyan said the
statement of US Ambassador to Armenia John Heffern was not desirable
but understands that Armenia, and the authorities in particular,
have given reason for it.

“We apply to foreign states for help on state and party levels and
if we do it, naturally the assistance provider expects to see results
in Armenia,” Melikyan said, speaking to Tert.am.

On Wednesday US Ambassador John Heffern referring to the criminal
charges against ex-FM, Prosperous Armenia party member Vartan Oskanian,
said these developments are bad for democracy and justice in Armenia.

Melikyan said they are not being offended of the USA or Russia as these
states are viewed as the closest allies, donors and friends of Armenia.

“In case we were able to regulate issues on our own, and did not need
the support of any, we could treat it as an unnecessary intervention
to our domestic affairs,” he said.

The NKR ex-FM said, all this is the result of rigged elections.

The US ambassador later at the meeting with the PAP leader Gagik
Tsarukyan again voiced the concerns.

Referring to the intensiveness of such statements, Melikyan said he
thinks in reality they are agreed with pressures of those “concerned
with Oskanian.”

“Though the ambassador does not say who applies to the embassy asking
for statement, but I think the embassy is being subjected to certain
pressure by these people,” he said, asked whether this incident may
freeze Armenian-American relations.

The same he said is in case of PACE delegations, which, as PAP
faction’s secretary Naira Zohrabyan said, provided political
consultations for smoothing Oskanian’s condition and providing him
additional immunity.

“I do not think it will bring forth such results. It is PAP’s issue.

If someone wants PAP be presented in international establishments by
Oskanian, it is party’s interior issue and not a reason for threats,”
Melikyan said.

Asked whether the criminal persecution against former foreign minister
is a right thing to do in terms of external interest, Melikyan said if
the charges are false persecution against each person is wrong. “But
if there are facts and they are proved status does not matter as in
this case nothing but law matters,” Karabakh ex-FM said.

From: Baghdasarian

CONTROVERSIAL VISIT TO NAGORNO KARABAKH
Stephane

armenews.com
jeudi 11 octobre 2012

French-speaking press back on three days of visit of seven
parliamentarians Group Switzerland-Armenia Nagorno Karabakh territory
in Azerbaijan but under the control of Armenian military forces for
twenty years. This visit has angered Azeri authorities, especially,
explains Bertrand Fischer Liberty and The Courier, a certain Nicollier
has already been there. The astronaut was indeed made in this area
without permission. “We did not play cowboys”, says Dominique de Buman,
co-chair of the group. Contacted by Freedom, Ambassador of Azerbaijan
denounces a private trip, without authorization, and that does not
help to resolve conflicts in the region. The Federal Department of
Foreign Affairs does not want to react. The Azerbaijani Embassy in
Switzerland confirmed to Freedom: The parliamentary group joined
Nicollier on the blacklist of “undesirables”.

From: Baghdasarian

RUSSIA QUARRELED WITH TURKEY
Naira Hayrumyan

Story from Lragir.am News:

Published: 12:49:56 – 11/10/2012

As soon as Vladimir Putin postponed his visit to Ankara, the special
services of Turkey confiscated devices used in missiles on board
the plane Moscow-Damask. Parts of military communication equipment,
such as radios and receivers, were found on A320 owned by SyrianAir
Company. Numerous components of missiles were also found.

The Russian embassy demanded clarification from the Turkish foreign
ministry. But it is evident that the Turkish-Russian relations suffer
from disagreement over the Syrian issue. Russia supports the Syrian
government directly and indirectly, while Turkey acts as almost a
vanguard of the fight for Bashar Assad~Rs overturn.

Apparently, Turkey and Russia have failed to come to terms on
this issue so the visit was postponed. We should expect fresh
developments. It is not ruled out that Turkey which didn~Rt get
Putin~Rs understanding regarding other issues, such as gas or the
Armenian issue, has decided to spoil its relations with Moscow and
intervene in Syria.

The news that Putin~Rs visit in Armenia will take place is symptomatic
in this regard. Prior to that, if the scandal escalates, Russia will
have to enhance its presence on the border between Armenia and Turkey.

From: Baghdasarian

ARMENIAN SISTERS WIN WORLD CULINARY OLYMPICS

tert.am
11.10.12

The Armenian artisan confectioners and twins Rena and Vera Hovhannisyan
won gold at the World Culinary Olympics, Erfurt, Germany.

The sisters took three months to create their sugar sculptures and
travelled 24 hours to deliver their entries. They’ve won two gold
medals.

The prestigious world-class event has been held every four years
since the early 20th century.

Vera Hovhannisyan told Tert.am that they have lived in Moscow, Russia,
for a long time and are making confectionery now.

Vera Hovhannisyan represented Russia at the World Cup 2010 in Luxemburg
and won a gold medal in the international competition in Malta in 2011.

Before the competition, Vera joined the Armenian Union of Cooks and
promised to represent Armenia.

Overall, 1,600 cooks participated in the Erfurt competition.

From: Baghdasarian

VICE SPEAKER TO U.S. AMBASSADOR: DON’T MIX POLITICS WITH LEGAL MATTERS POLITICS | 11.10.12 | 17:33
By Gohar Abrahamyan

ArmeniaNow

The Vice-speaker of the Armenian Parliament responded to the US
Ambassador’s recent statement about Vartan Oskanian, saying that
ambassadors should refrain from politicizing legal issues and
connecting them with elections.

US Ambassador in Armenia John Heffern made a statement on Wednesday
related to the fact that the National Assembly stripped Prosperous
Armenia Party MP, former foreign minister Vartan Oskanian of
his diplomatic immunity and then was formally charged with money
laundering, saying that “it is bad for justice and democracy in
Armenia”.

Ruling Republican Party spokesperson, parliament vice-speaker Eduard
Sharmazanov said in his interview to RFL/RL on Wednesday that “it
is impermissible and unrealistic to connect every legal process
to elections”.

“Naturally, I do not share the honorable US Ambassador’s opinion
expressed in his statement according to which ‘the case appears to
represent the selective application of Armenian law’, because this
is a purely legal matter. Our opinion is the same as before – it’s
a legal matter and politicizing or making it a party-related issue
is impermissible,” said Sharmazanov, pointing out that there are
criminal cases on a number of Republicans, who are either in custody
or in prison.

Heffern discussed the Oskanian affair with PAP leader Gagik Tsarukyan
in a private conversation on Wednesday.

Tsarukyan’s spokesperson Iveta Tonoyan reports that during the meeting
Heffern expressed a hope that the Armenian authorities will fulfill
their function and will ensure rule of law in dealing with this case.

Tsarukyan said that he will see to it that the case has unbiased
investigation and a just verdict is carried out.

“I have instructed the best lawyers to study the case which they have
done and have confirmed that all the charges brought against Oskanian
are groundless. During the party political board meeting I personally
instructed all the faction members to make strict, principle-based
statements and speeches,” said Tsarukyan.

From: Baghdasarian