Author: Baghdasarian Karlen

Fresno Bee, CA
Sept 28 2012

Longtime First Armenian pastor mourned

By Ron Orozco – The Fresno Bee
Friday, Sep. 28, 2012

The area’s faith community is mourning the loss of the Rev. Bernard A.
Guekguezian, pastor emeritus of First Armenian Presbyterian Church
near downtown Fresno. He died Sept. 22 at age 85.

The Rev. Guekguezian served as pastor of First Armenian Presbyterian
Church for 22 years, from 1978 to 2000. The church is California’s
oldest Armenian congregation. It was chartered on July 25, 1897.

The Rev. Guekguezian also served in Near East, Worcester, Mass.,
Paramus, N.J., and Belmont, Mass. His ministry spanned nearly six
decades.

His son, the Rev. Ara R. Guekguezian, who is senior pastor of Pilgrim
Armenian Congregational Church in central Fresno, says his father will
be remembered for helping others.

“I am very grateful he lived so long,” he says. “My father was a very
loving, generous man, especially with time and money. His most
significant contribution to our community was helping new Armenian
immigrants transition to life in Fresno. In the late ’70s, it was
Armenians from the Middle East. In the ’90s, it was Armenians from
Armenia.”

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. today at Pilgrim Armenian
Congregational Church, 3673 N. First St. Details: (559) 229-2915.

From: Baghdasarian

Vetsnik Kavkaza, Russia
Sept 28 2012

`Gagarin’s’ flight

David Tsukerman. Exclusively to VK

Recently many well-known information agencies published information
that the national airline company of Armenia – Armavia – rejected
Russian SuperJet-100 planes which had been ordered early and are
considered to be best passenger planes of Russia’s reviving air
industry. At first, this information seemed to be fake and an attempt
by enemies to exaggerate insignificant disputes between the airline
company and the producer. However, the issue turned into a serious
case and both

SuperJets of the Armenian air company are situated in Zhukovski.

It is notable that, right after sales opened, Armavia was fast to
order the SuperJet-100. Such alertness made us think that Armavia’s
business was on a roll and it needed to extend its airplane fleet. At
the same time, this order perfectly supported the producer’s image –
the Sukhoi Civil Aircraft. However, exports of the airplane have been
postponed several times, and the administration of Armavia expressed
dissatisfaction, but stated that it understood the situation.

On April 21, 2011, the first Sukhoi Superjet 100 made its first
regular flight from Yerevan to Moscow under the flag of the Armenian
national airline company. The plane was named after Yuri Gagarin. It
is interesting that Armavia launched `Yuri Gagarin’ in an
unprecedentedly short period – two days after getting the plane. It
means the company indeed needed essentially new planes. By the way,
during the first flight of `Gagarin’ engine problems were revealed.

Despite technical bugs, which are normal according to experts, the
administration of Armavia stated that it was satisfied with the plane
and looking forward to getting the second airplane. While waiting for
it, the airline company was using `Gagarin’ intensively for flights to
Western Europe, the UAE, and the CIS countries. The plane had 1870
hours of flights in one year, implemented 760 flights and carried more
than 48 thousand passengers.

And in this context, information appeared that Armavia was refusing to
buy the second plane, and then it was stated that it was refusing the
first machine. At that moment, `Gagarin’ was situated in Zhukovski.
Meanwhile, Armavia spread information that it intends to buy an Airbus
– A320 and two Boeings – the 737-700 and 737-800. Furthermore, the
administration of Armavia complained about its disappointment in
cooperation with the SCA.

Initially, the SCA administration didn’t comment on the situation,
trying to settle it peacefully. The official representative of the
SCA, Andrey Muravyov, confirmed that both Armavia’s planes are
situated in the SCA. He stated that no official documents on rejection
of the contract by the airline company were received by the
manufacturer. But several days later the vice-president of Sukhoi
Civil Aircraft, Yevgeny Konjkov, noted that the contract requires that
the producer can demand forfeits from Armavia for both planes.

Then, unofficial information about a million dollars was spread.
However, no actual activities followed the mutual accusations.

The majority of experts believe that Armavia refused to exploit the
SuperJet because of the economic situation of the company. The company
was forbidden to fly to Russia because of its debts for air-navigation
service amounting to $200 thousand. Last Thursday new disputes between
Armavia and the Yerevan airport Zvartnots appeared. The reason for the
conflict is Armavia’s debts. Time will tell whether rejecting the
SuperJet will help Armavia to fix its situation or not.

From: Baghdasarian

Mediamax, Armenia
Sept 28 2012

DILIJAN International School to receive pupils in September 2014

Yerevan/Mediamax/. DILIJAN International School which construction
started in October 2011, will receive its first pupils in September
2014.

Artak Melkonyan, newly appointed CEO of the “RVVZ” foundation which
implements the programs initiated by Ruben Vardanyan and his family,
stated this today, Mediamax reports.

“DILIJAN International School which is one of the most important
programs of “RVVZ” foundation will be the only one in the region in
its format. It will ensure international education and multicultural
environment. I think the number of Armenians within overall pupils
won’t exceed 15-20%”, he said.

According to him, the tuition fees will be high but there will be
scholarships for gifted children.

From: Baghdasarian

Mediamax, Armenia
Sept 28 2012

Vardan Oskanyan ready to fight `to the end’

Yerevan/Mediamax/. Former Armenian Foreign Minister, member of PAP
faction Vardan Oskanyan stated that `Armenian Prosecutor General’s
petition submitted to the parliament to deprive me of parliamentary
immunity is a political order.’

`Since the very first day, when the Armenian National Security Service
instituted the criminal case, it was quite clear for me that this was
a political order, as the case was devoid of legal content.

I have not officially received the petition on depriving me of
parliamentary immunity yet, so I don’t want to make assumptions about
what concrete charges will be brought forward. Up till now, it’s been
only about `money laundering’, `malicious evasion of tax obligations’
or `appropriation of money’. I won’t be surprised if there will be
other absurd accusations coming up.

Irrespective of what accusations they have prepared for me, it can’t
have any legal grounding.

This is a new milestone of political fight for me. Although this way
of fight is not mine, I am ready to fight to the end. If all this aims
to restrain my political activity and silence my criticism over failed
authorities in all the spheres, then I can definitely say that the
authorities have failed in these calculations too.

Even in such conditions, I am ready to continue my fight to achieve
real changes in the country,’ the statement issued by Vardan Oskanyan
reads.

From: Baghdasarian

Concerts to be held in Yerevan on the Indian-Armenian diplomatic relations

20:05, 28 September, 2012

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 28, ARMENPRESS: As Armenpress was informed from the
Indian Embassy in Armenia to mark the 20th Anniversary of the
Establishment of the Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of
India and the Republic of Armenia, a 5-Member Bharatnatyam Dance Group
led by Ms. Revathi Ramachandran will give a dance performance at the
Arno Babajanian Concert Hall, 2 Abovyan Street, Yerevan on Saturday,
29th September 2012 at 7:00 PM. The performance is being organized
by the Embassy of the Republic of India in Yerevan in collaboration
with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Ministry of External
Affairs, Government of India, New Delhi and the Ministry of Culture of
the Republic of Armenia. Ms. Ramachandran will be accompanied by
Ms.Korukkai Ramachandran Manasvini (Cymbals), Ms. Preethy- Maheshwar
(Vocalist), Mr. Krishnamoorthy Venkatasubramanian (Mridangam) and Mr.
Vasudevan Muruganandam (violin).

The Group will also perform at the Yerevan State Medical University
(YSMU) on 30th September 2012 for the Indian, Armenian and other
foreign students studying at the University. The last performance by
the Group will be held at State Conservatory in Gyumri on Monday, 1st
October, 2012.

From: Baghdasarian

Serzh Sargsyan awarded Evgeniy Kissin with `Order of Honor’

21:05, 28 September, 2012

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 28, ARMENPRESS: The President of Armenian Republic
Serzh Sargsyan hosted a world renowned pianist Evgeny Kissin. As
Armenpress was informed from the presidential press office Serzh
Sargsyan greeted the talented musician and highlighted that he is
accepted as honest and great friend who had been by Armenia’s side
after the earthquake in 1988. According to the President Armenian
nation is grateful from all the friends including Evgeny Kissin.

Serzh Sargsyan has noted that talented people also have a great
investment in the partnership of countries. As a sign of the gratitude
of Armenian nation Serzh Sargsyan awarded Kissin `Order of Honor’ for
the investment in the Armenian-Russian cultural relations and also for
the volunteering works after the earthquake in 1988.

Evgeny Kissin expressed his thankfulness to the President for warm
words and the Order. He also expressed his gladness to the organizers
of “Yerevan Perspectives” festival and highlighted that Armenian
audience, indeed, deserves the best music.

The Order of Honor is awarded for significant services in the spheres
of the defense of the state and the protection of national interests
of the Republic of Armenia aimed at the consolidation of independence
and democracy, for considerable contribution to the establishment,
strengthening and development of friendship with the Republic of
Armenia, as well as for the maintenance of peace between nations.

From: Baghdasarian

Azerbaijan is rich in oil and gas – Hungarian official explains

news.am
September 28, 2012 | 18:51

Hungary’s state secretary for foreign affairs Zsolt Nemeth said his
country will do its utmost to restore relations with Armenia.

In an interview with Nepszabadsag daily, Nemeth stressed that
re-establishing diplomatic relations with Armenia in the next few
months was a realistic goal.

He said the issues on Hungary’s extradition of Ramil Safarov to
Azerbaijan cannot be closed as yet, politics.hu website reports
referring to MTI.

Nemeth noted the decision resulted in `many consequences and tasks’
and prompted a `serious bilateral loss of confidence’ with the US
which was rooted in a `fundamental misunderstanding’.

Nemeth said that `there had been no direct compensation of any kind’
for Hungary in return for its decision to transfer Safarov.

Azerbaijan was an important partner not only for Hungary but for the
whole of Europe. The country is rich in oil and gas, and has the
potential to serve as a transit for alternative energy supplies to
Europe, he added.

Although Baku’s move `has left a thorn in the Hungarian government’,
Safarov’s case may not have negative consequences impacting
Hungarian-Azeri economic cooperation, he emphasized.

From: Baghdasarian

RPA replies to Heritage leader’s letter to Armenian President

September 28, 2012 – 18:07 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – The ruling Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) deputy
chairman, Armenian National Assembly speaker Hovik Abrahamyan issued a
reply to Heritage opposition party head Raffi Hovannissian’s letter to
RPA leader, President Serzh Sargsyan.

In his response, the parliament speaker noted that Hovannissian’s
present letter is no different from his previous one, addressed to
President Sargsyan November 21, 2011.

According to him, 2012 was notable for the works the authorities
accomplished on the basis of the new Electoral Code, `with serous
progress recorded during local government elections.’

`Meanwhile, we keep reiterating our call against issuing declarative
statements and slogans that cast doubt on the political will,’ RPA
deputy chairman noted, stressing the need to refrain from absolutizing
the government-assumed political obligations.

`Any violation recorded in the election process should receive a
relevant response,’ the parliament speaker said.

From: Baghdasarian

Ex-foreign minister says petition to strip him of parliamentary
immunity is political order

YEREVAN, September 28. / ARKA /. In a response to a petition sent by
Armenia’s prosecutor general Aghvan Hovsepian to the National Assembly
to ask its permission to involve former foreign minister Vartan
Oskanian as a defendant in an ongoing criminal investigation of the
National Security Service (NSS) into alleged money laundering by his
think, Oskanian described it as a political order.

Sona Truzian, a spokesperson for prosecutor general’s not office, said
yesterday for now the matter does not concern stripping Oskanian of
his parliamentary immunity, nor has it anything to do with arresting
him.

The case stems from a nearly $2 million donation which Civilitas
received from two U.S. companies last year. The sum was transferred
from proceeds from the sale of their Armenian subsidiary, Huntsman
Building Products. The NSS claims that Civilitas failed to declare the
donation to tax authorities. Oskanian strongly denies that and says
the case is politically motivated.

Oskanian served as foreign minister in 1998-2008. He resigned as
chairman of Civilitas’s governing board earlier this year shortly
after joining the Prosperous Armenia Party to run for the May 6
parliamentary elections.

“From the first day when the National Security Service opened a
criminal case, it was clear to me that this is a political order,
since the case is devoid of any legal content, `Oskanian said today in
a statement

“I have not yet officially received the petition asking to lift my
parliamentary immunity. This is why I refrain from guessing the nature
of the charges against me. Until now they were about “money
laundering”, “persistent evasion of tax liabilities” or
“embezzlement”. I would not be surprised if other ridiculous
accusations are presented. No matter what the prosecution has provided
for me this time, it can not have any legal basis,’ he said.

“If the purpose of all this is to contain my political activities and
obstruct my criticism of the authorities, who failed in all areas, I
can say unequivocally that the government made a mistake in its
calculations. I am ready, even in these conditions, to continue my
struggle to achieve real change in the country, `Oskanian said in the
statement.

In another statement Oskanian’s lawyer, Tigran Atanesyan, said in
accordance with the regulations of the Armenian Parliament, its
chairman was to inform Oskanian immediately about the petition of the
prosecutor general, which was not done in violation of the law. ”

“This obvious disregard of the law indirectly confirms the theory that
the case against Oskanian is a political persecution,” the layer said.
-0-

From: Baghdasarian

Oskanian undaunted in face of prosecution, calls Prosecutor-General’s
move `politically motivated’
News | 28.09.12 | 13:06

By Siranuysh Gevorgyan
ArmeniaNow reporter

Lawmaker Vartan Oskanian has pledged to continue his political fight
despite the prospect of being prosecuted. Late yesterday Attorney
General Aghvan Hovsepyan asked the National Assembly for its approval
to treat Oskanian as a defendant, rather than a witness in a
controversial case on charges of money laundering.

At issue is whether the Civilitas Foundation – led by Oskanian until
his resignation last February – criminally mishandled money
originating from former Utah governor and former U.S. presidential
candidate Jon Huntsmen, estimated at about $2 million.

Following yesterday’s announcement from Hovsepyan’s office, a
spokesperson told media that the issue of rescinding Oskanian’s
parliamentary immunity was not explicit by the petition to parliament.
Armenian law, however, categorically states that no Member of
Parliament can be prosecuted for a crime – begging the question then,
of what the purpose of the Attorney General’s action was, if not to in
fact strip Oskanian of his immunity.

A vote by his colleagues in Parliament would be necessary for
rescinding Oskanian’s immunity. So far, no vote has been called for.
Given the contentiousness currently existing between Oskanian’s
Prosperous Armenia Party, and the ruling Republican Party of Armenia
and its junior partner Orinats Yerkir, numbers do not favor Oskanian.
A simple majority (secret ballot) vote would be necessary to take away
Oskanian’s parliamentary privilege; likely opponents hold 75 votes,
while PAP and potential allies hold 56.

(The last time such a vote was taken it involved several oppositionist
lawmakers who were prosecuted in connection with March 1, 2008
rioting.)

Oskanian, who joined the Prosperous Armenia Party (PAP) in February,
has so far been considered a witness in the National Security
Service-led criminal investigation. The member of the second largest
parliamentary faction described the petition by the prosecutor-general
as a `politically motivated’ move.

Oskanian repeatedly has stated that the criminal investigation is a
retribution for his hard-hitting criticism of the government in the
lead-up to the last May’s parliamentary elections.

`It was clear to me from the very first day when the National Security
Service started the criminal proceedings because the criminal case
lacks any juridical content,’ Oskanian writes on his Facebook page. `I
have not received the petition yet, that’s why I don’t want to guess
what the accusations will be. So far it was about `money laundering’,
`maliciously evading tax obligations’ and `embezzlement of funds’. I
won’t be surprised if there are other absurd accusations.’

The PAP lawmaker says, however, he is ready to fight on.

`For me this is a new phase of political battle. This is not my way of
struggle, but I am ready to struggle till the end. If this intends to
immobilize my political activity and silence my criticism of the
government that has failed in all areas, I can state the authorities
have failed in their calculations, too.’

Oskanian’s lawyer also called the recent development an instance of
political persecution and apparent scorn towards Oskanian. He also
says a law has been broken in the process.

`Under the National Assembly regulations, the chairman of the National
Assembly, after receiving a petition from the Prosecutor-General
regarding stripping a member of parliament from his or her immunity,
must immediately inform members of parliament about this, which is
something that hasn’t been done in this particular case, and, in fact,
the law has been violated,’ the lawyer said.

The PAP is expected to react to the development later today.

From: Baghdasarian