Author: Baghdasarian Karlen

Athens celebrated 23rd anniversary of the Armenian Army

17:00, 30 January, 2015

YEREVAN, 30 JANUARY, ARMENPRESS. The Embassy of the Republic of
Armenia in Greece hosted a reception dedicated to Armenia’s Army Day
at the Home of Officers Hall in Athens on January 28. As the
Department of Press, Information and Public Relations of the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia reports to “Armenpress”,
the event brought together nearly 250 people, including Deputy Head of
the Main National Defense Headquarters of Greece, Deputy Admiral for
Military-Marine Forces Alexandros Teodosiu, Members of Parliament of
Greece, leaders of the main headquarters for terrestrial,
military-marine and military-air forces, representatives of companies
of the military-industrial complex, members of Greek-Armenian
national, political, cultural and non-governmental organizations,
diplomats, as well as representatives of Greek and Armenian mass
media.

The Armenian officers studying at the Higher School for Infantry,
students of the Evelpidon Military Academy for Land Forces and the
groups of boys and girls representing Homenetmen greeted the guests
and received them with military honors. The event began with a moment
of silence in memory of the soldiers who died as a result of the air
disaster that took place in Spain a couple of days ago, including 2
pilots of Greece’s military-air forces. In his speech, military
attaché of the Armenian Embassy in Greece, Colonel Samvel Ramazyan
touched upon the symbol of the day, that is, the formation of the
Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia, as well as the centuries-old
military alliance between Armenia and Greece and the military
cooperation between both countries. During the event, according to the
decree of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Armenia, 7
high-ranking Greek officers were granted medals of the Armed Forces of
the Republic of Armenia for their contributions to the Armenian-Greek
military cooperation.

From: Baghdasarian

Pasadena Now, CA
Jan 29 2015

Pasadena-Based St. Gregory A. & M. Hovsepian School Raises $30,000 at
30th Pearl Anniversary Gala Fundraiser

Where Capital Citie’s Sebu Simonian, Political Dignitaries and
Representatives were among 325 Gala Guests

Article and Photo courtesy of ST. GREGORY A. & M. HOVSEPIAN SCHOOL

St. Gregory A. & M. Hovsepian School’s 30th Pearl Anniversary Gala
Fundraiser culminated on January 24, 2015, at the St. Gregory Armenian
Church Geragos Hall in Pasadena, raising over $30,000 thanks to the
generosity and charitable contributions of TF Educational Foundation,
benefactors, sponsors and guests. Proceeds from the event allows the
school the opportunity to partner with Pasadena Conservatory of Music
to build a comprehensive music program and musical instruments library
for the school’s preschool to eighth grade students.

“Bringing Music to Our Children” gala attracted more than 325 guests
to an evening of an entertainment lineup of world famous artists
including Sebu Simonian of Capital Cities, the legendary Armenian
singer Harout Pamboukjian as well as local Los Angeles group, Armenian
Public Radio, as well as the Hovsepian School folk dancers and the
Hovsepian School band. Guests enjoyed fine food, dancing, as well as
silent auctions from over 25 local businesses, venues and donors.

The gala fundraiser also attracted religious and political dignitaries
and representatives who provided their support with commendation
letters. The gala was held Under the Auspices of His Eminence
Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, Western Diocese of the Armenian
Church. Political dignitaries and representatives at the gala included
Assembly Member Mr. Adrin Nazarian, Mayor of Montebello Mr. Jack
Hadjinian, City of Glendale City Clerk Mr. Ardashes “Ardy” Kassakhian,
Senator Carol Liu’s District Director, Ms. Talin Mangioglu, Los
Angeles County Supervisor Michael Antonivich’s representative Ms. Rita
Hadjimanoukian, and Assembly Member Mr. Chris Holden’s field
representative Mr. Gerald Phillips.

“Our 2015 event theme ‘Bringing Music to Our Children’ opens a new
chapter in the school’s history, undertaking primary steps to
introduce an engaging music program for all students, which is
centered on the positive effects and benefits that music delivers to
children starting at an early age,” said Principal Shahé Mankerian.
“As we know and research has shown, music elevates the mind, body and
spirit, leading to a more evolved persona. And with the funds we have
raised, we are able to transform our dream into a reality to build a
comprehensive music program, purchase musical instruments to create a
musical instrument library, hire accomplished music teachers with
classical training who can educate our students at a higher level.”

Gala honorees included retired teacher Mrs. Kohar Sasounian, alumni
parent Mr. Hartyoon Hilalian and alumna Mrs. Liza Saado who personify
the motto: “Deeds, Not Words” for their impact on the school with
their service and support. Their commitment to Hovsepian School is
unprecedented, returning to the school after they have retired as
teachers or graduated as students or parents of students, to serve at
various levels.

“As we continue to extend our reach and enhance academic programs at
Hovsepian School, our financial needs also continue to grow,” said Mr.
Raffy Boulgourjian, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the St.
Gregory A. & M. Hovsepian School. “The success of our gala fundraiser
and year-round fundraising is critical to making a difference in the
community through more programs that are geared directly to help our
students evolve, explore, engage and enlighten.”

St. Gregory A. & M. Hovsepian School relies on the generosity of
foundations, benefactors, individual donors and sponsors, corporations
and civic groups to financially support its academic programs, along
with unwavering commitment of volunteers and the PTO.

“Bringing Music to Our Children” was made possible by the generous
donations of Mr. & Mrs. Artin & Louisa Ananighian, Mr. Sean
Armoudikian, Mrs. Nora Chitilian, M.S., L.M.F.T, Mr. & Mrs. George &
Flora Dunaians, Mr. & Mrs. Armond & Claire Ghazarian, Mr. & Mrs.
Hartyoon & Silva Hilalian, Ms. Marguerite Hougasian, Imasdounian
Family, Independent Volvo Service, Inc., Mr. & Mrs. David & Margaret
Mgrublian, Father Sarkis & Yn. Talin Petoyan, Dr. Lilit Pogosian,
M.D., Psychiatry, Mr. & Mrs. Sam & Kohar Sassounian, Dr. & Mrs. Noubar
& Aida Seitian, Single Stone – San Marino, TF Educational Foundation
and Dr. & Mrs. Stephan & Maro Yacoubian.

The Silent Auction was made possible by the generous donations of
Aghegian Family – A & G Argento, John Anastasatos, MD, FACS, of
Beverly Hills, ARKA Photography, Armenian Lighthouse Foundation, Mr. &
Mrs. Darwin Baghdassarian, Café Santorini, Carousel Restaurant,
Cedrick Jewelry, Del Frisco’s Grille, Djeredjian Family – Hye Optics,
Dr. Lena’s Family Dentistry, Ms. Aida Gharakhian, Green Brooms Music
Academy, Hovagimian Family – Terrace Restaurant, James Family, Mr. &
Mrs. Sako Jarakian, Mher Vahakn Photography, Mr. & Mrs. Artak
Nalbandian, Pasadena Conservatory of Music, Yn. Talin Petoyan, Salon
Sonik, Taline Music, The Broad Stage, Tic Time of Ontario Mills and
Vana’s Watch & Jewelry.

About St. Gregory A. & M. Hovsepian School

St. Gregory A. & M. Hovsepian School is a bilingual educational
institution for preschool (toddlers) to eighth grade, that fosters
academic excellence, exceeds state standards, and delivers outstanding
placement scores by its graduates at prestigious high schools. St.
Gregory A. & M. Hovsepian School empowers students to explore, engage
and enlighten via its pillars of education: academia, nurturing
environment, creative thinking, innovation, progressive philosophy and
spirituality. Competitive with local private schools, St. Gregory A. &
M. Hovsepian School engages students to develop confidence, critical
thinking and problem-solving skills.

St. Gregory A. & M. Hovsepian School, 2215 East Colorado Boulevard,
Pasadena, (626) 578-1343 or visit

From: Baghdasarian

Analyst: More focus on self-determination issues, geopolitical
developments needed

Karabakh | 30.01.15 | 15:04

GOHAR ABRAHAMYAN
ArmeniaNow reporter

The process of peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
and everything that is related to Nagorno-Karabakh should be a matter
of first concern for Armenia in 2015, according to a political
analyst.

European Integration NGO Head Karen Bekaryan told reporters on Friday
that international processes that go parallel will take place in 2015
as well, however Armenia should pay attention to problems related to
the right of self-determination, as well as to the ongoing
geopolitical developments.

“I think that we must start promoting the problem of NK-Armenia
internal integration. Probably it is high time even we have introduced
in school programs of a constant functioning necessary condition that
Armenian schoolchildren should have an opportunity to visit Karabakh
and vice versa. I am more than sure that starting from that age, human
understanding of motherland and ownership leaves its traces in a more
interesting way than when you leave it to the occasion.

Maybe it is time for us to have such a program,” Bekaryan said, adding
that the recent border tensions and Azerbaijan’s behavior show that
maybe it is worth addressing and thinking of enlarging the legal field
between Armenia and NK, making it more inclusive, including all
spheres, and first of all the field of security.

According to the expert, in 2015 discussions of the law about NK
citizenship can also be started.

As for the process of peaceful settlement of the Karabakh conflict,
Bekaryan thinks that Armenian diplomacy must show the world how
Azerbaijan behaves.

“Azerbaijan’s behavior during last year, specifically during the last
eight months shows it clearly that if the Madrid Principles
theoretically sound nice, in the current situation, when there is such
a kind of xenophobia, this kind of behavior, absence of any sort of
trust mechanisms is a null situation in terms that expecting some
indefinite compromise, and moving along that scheme, once again, is
theoretically nice, but in today’s situation is far from being true or
being close to the truth,” Bekaryan said.

According to the expert, one should not lose vigilance and the
political and military administration is completely aware of that,
which proves that “we can constantly see that actions and
counteractions are at least adequate, if not to say that in many cases
on certain occasions they had teaching or punishing elements.”

From: Baghdasarian

James Warlick: “The reported use of ‘drones’ above or across the
Nagorno-#Karabakh line of contact is a provocation”

by Marianna Lazarian

Friday, January 30, 13:21

The reported use of “drones” above or across the Nagorno-#Karabakh
line of contact is a provocation, OSCE Minsk Group Co- Chair of the
U.S. James Warlick said on Tweeter, Friday.

The diplomat urged the parties to defuse tensions: “The sides need to
reduce tensions,” he wrote.

Earlier on January 29, Defense Ministry of Azerbaijan disseminated a
report on alleged destruction of an Armenian drone over the territory
of Azerbaijan.

Spokesman of Armenia’s Defense Ministry Artsrun Hovhannisyan denied
the reports posting the following statement on Facebook: “Naturally,
after recent defeats the Azeri propaganda machine needs to record some
‘high achievements.’ But even a lie must have a limit. So, I will not
be surprised that tomorrow they will shoot down an Armenian nuclear
submarine or will destroy an Armenian intercontinental ballistic
missile. By our reliable data, the Azerbaijani armed forces hit their
own drone. The ‘colleagues’ from Azerbaijan just confused, and I think
new reports will come shortly.”

From: Baghdasarian

FARS News Agency, Iran
January 28, 2015 Wednesday

Iran Wants Removal of Traders’ Problems in Armenia

TEHRAN (FNA)- Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in a
meeting with his Armenian counterpart Edward Nalbandian called for the
further expansion of bilateral ties, and underlined the need for the
removal of the problems facing Iranian businessmen and prisoners in
that country.

“I hope that the problems of Iranian businessmen and prisoners in
Armenia will be resolved,” Zarif said during the meeting in the
Armenian capital on Tuesday night.

The Iranian foreign minister hoped for the greater presence of Iranian
traders in Armenia’s market

Zarif underlined that Iran prioritizes expansion of relations with its
neighbors, and said, “Iran and Armenia have age-old relations and the
Iranian nation has always had intimate relations with the Armenian
expatriates in Iran and across the world.”

The Iranian foreign minister, meantime, pointed to cooperation among
Iran, Russia and Armenia in the construction of a railway network
between the two countries, and said, “I hope that the executive works
of this project will be expedited.”

The Armenian foreign minister, for his part, underlined that his
country deems the broadening of ties with Iran as highly important,
and said, “The bilateral meetings between the two countries’ senior
officials have been very constructive and effective.”

Nalbandian pointed to different projects implemented by the two
countries, and said, “I hope that the problems in this regard will be
removed.”

Zarif arrived in Yerevan on Monday to confer on the latest
developments in the region and explore new ways for the promotion of
bilateral relations.

Zarif’s two-day visit to Armenia took place at the formal invitation
of his Armenian counterpart.

The Iranian top diplomat and his accompanying delegation met with
Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan, Nalbandian and Prime Minister Hovik
Abrahamyan.

Iran and Armenia have taken major strides towards widening and
deepening of their relations in recent years, particularly in the
economic sector.

From: Baghdasarian

ANSA , Italy
January 28, 2015 Wednesday 5:25 PM CET

Amal Clooney debuts at European Court of Human Rights

High-profile attorney representing Armenia in appeal

Strasbourg

(ANSA) – January 28 – Amal Clooney, a high-powered human rights lawyer
who became a media sensation when she married US actor George Clooney
last summer, made her debut Wednesday before the European Court of
Human Rights.

Clooney is representing the government of Armenia in an appeal before
the court, which in 2013 ruled in favor of the defendant in the case,
a Turkish citizen who was convicted by Swiss courts in 2005 of denying
the 1915 Armenian genocide.

Given Clooney’s high media profile, the Court was inundated with
journalists on Wednesday.

Clooney, whose maiden name is Alamuddin, has represented notable
clients such as Julian Assange of Wikileaks fame and former Ukrainian
prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko.

From: Baghdasarian

Azerbaijan must stop provocations to justify shortcomings –
Nagorno-Karabakh envoy

16:16 * 29.01.15

The New York Times has published the Nagorno-Karabakh permanent
representative’s response to the Azerbaijani ambassador’s letter
accusing the United States of one-sided criticism.

Commenting on the publication’s January 12 editorialcriticizing
President Ilham Aliyev’s regime, Elin Suleymanov said he finds the
article a coordinated campaign against his country.

In response to his remark, Robert Avetisyan described the message as
an attempt to divert attention to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

“A Jan. 21 letter from Azerbaijan’s ambassador seems to be calling on
the United States to disregard the continued campaign against human
rights and freedoms in his country. Instead, he suggests turning
attention to the conflict between Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabakh,
which remains unresolved because of Azerbaijan’s revanchist
aspirations.

“Apparently, the recent increase in bloody attacks against
Nagorno-Karabakh is how the Azeri leadership has chosen to distract
attention, both domestic and international, from its suppression of
liberties and dissent. The Azeri leadership must realize that by doing
so it only deepens the gap with the international community, and
delays a solution of the regional problems.

“Azerbaijan must stop using pretexts, including military provocations,
to justify domestic shortcomings. Existence of the democratic
Nagorno-Karabakh Republic proves that true democracy is possible, even
in conditions of a permanent threat of foreign aggression.

“The people and democratically elected government of my country, the
Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, are interested in peace, prosperity and
democracy in all regional states, including neighboring Azerbaijan,”
reads the diplomat’s message.

From: Baghdasarian

Global English (Middle East and North Africa Financial Network)
January 28, 2015 Wednesday

Oumeima El Khalil and Lena Chamamyan performed at the closing night of
Sharjah World Music Festival

The 2nd edition of Sharjah World Music Festival was culminated with
two concerts of Lebanese singer Oumeima El Khalil and Lena Chamamyan
the Syrian Armenian singer at the Flag Island Theatre in the presence
of a large audience of oriental music enthusiasts.

Oumeima El Khalil started the night with her popular song “Tabaka
Al Wasta”, followed by Mawwal “Ouhibak”, in which she impressed the
fans with her soft and sweet voice. She inspired the audience with
unique collection of songs, including a song to Palestine and another,
titled “Kamanjat”, in which she passionately expressed grief of the
current situation in the Arab world.

Emirati award-winning Oud player Faisal Al Sari was the surprise of
the closing night. Al Sari, who acquired a teaching certificate as a
solo Oud player from Beit Al Oud Al Arabi and is most known for such
famous musical works as his opera entitled ‘The Story of a State’,
presented a number of his short musical pieces to the festival’s
audience. He thrilled Oud lovers over 90 minutes of exciting show.

Syrian Armenian Singer Lena Chamamyan performed at the closing
ceremony of the festival. Chamamyan extended thanks to the UAE for
hosting Syrian people at this very difficult time, She thanked the
emirate of Sharjah for inviting her to participate in the music
festival. Chamamyan delighted her fans by performing songs of her most
popular albums including the hit song “Bali Maak”, and responded to
audience requests, singing “Mowtini” and “Yal Asmar Al loun”. At the
end, she invited fans to attend the signing ceremony of her new album.

Presented by Sharjah Investment and Development Authority
“Shurooq”, and organized by Furat Qaddouri Music Centre, the Sharjah
World Music Festival was opened with the Iraqi superstar Kadim Al
Saher, who headlined a sold-out concert at Al Majaz Amphitheatre on
Friday, January 16. The festival saw participation from elite singers
and ensembles from 16 countries, including the famed Dr. Ines Abdel
Dayem, Nesma Abdelaziz, Sadiq Jafar, Kamal Mussalam, Sadiq Jaafar,
Furat Qaddouri Music Centre Choir and the Syrian Female Oriental Band.

The Flag Island Theatre was inaugurated during the celebration of the
43rd UAE National Day on 2nd of December 2014. The inauguration of the
new theatre at Flag Island is part of the second phase of the
development which commenced in last June, with the aim to transform
the Flag Island into a tourist destination that includes a number of
facilities and amenities, including a gallery and café. The new indoor
theatre has a capacity of 1000 spectators.

The first edition of the Sharjah World Music Festival was rganizin in
the beginning of 2014. By rganizing the first of its kind festival,
Shurooq has been endeavoring to boost the cultural and art presence of
Sharjah and the UAE, introduce various musical cultures around the
world to the UAE community, and add a new product to the list of
tourist, art, and cultural attractions in the emirate which is
celebrating its selection as a Capital of Arab Tourism for 2015.

From: Baghdasarian

Belarus says could leave EEU if agreements not kept

16:53, 29 Jan 2015
Siranush Ghazanchyan

Belarus does not exclude pulling out of the Russia-led Eurasian
Economic Union if agreements in it are not kept, President Alexander
Lukashenko was quoted as saying on Thursday by Belta news agency.

The President reminded the journalists that Belarus haf signed the EEU
treaty with the reservation. “In essence it says that if the
agreements we have reached are respected, we will honor everything
with regard to the EEU. If they are not respected, we reserve the
right to withdraw from this union,” Alexander Lukashenko said.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said also the Eurasian
Economic Union would not see a single currency during his presidential
lifetime.

“I don’t think this will happen tomorrow and I don’t think it will
happen during my presidential lifetime,” Lukashenko said during a
press conference in Minsk.

From: Baghdasarian

Hurriyet Daily News, Turkey
Jan 29 2015

Turkish Foreign Ministry mistakenly publishes `Armenian Genocide
Monument’ picture

Sevil ErkuÃ…? – [email protected]
ANKARA

The Turkish Foreign Ministry has `mistakenly’ published a picture of
an `Armenian Genocide Monument’ on an official day planner, prepared
to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Çanakkale in
World War I.

A picture of the monument in Yerevan is included on the April page of
the planner.

A Foreign Ministry official told the Hürriyet Daily News that the
picture had been `accidentally included with other photographs.’

An investigation has been launched into the mistake and the individual
responsible will be punished, the official said, adding that most of
the day planners have yet to be distributed.

The official strongly refuted claims that the picture is part of a new
`Armenian opening’ on the part of Ankara, stressing that elements of
any opening on dialogue with Armenians are delivered either by
President Recep Tayyip ErdoÄ?an or Prime Minister Ahmet DavutoÄ?lu.

January/29/2015

From: Baghdasarian