Author: Chakrian Hovsep

REPEAL ARTICLE 301!
Ä°Braha°M Kabaoa~^

Turkish Daily News
April 18 2008

What Others Say:

Turkey spent three years over Article 301 of the penal code.

Now it’s said amendments will solve the problem.

The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) plans three changes
in the clause:

"Turkish nation" rather than "Turkish identity;" "The State of Republic
of Turkey" instead of "The Republic;" "Authority to launch proceedings
rests with the president" instead of justice minister.

Well, "Turkish nation" reduces the concept of "nation" to ethnical
identity and could be read in racist-nationalist meaning.

"The State of the Republic of Turkey" phrase is not constitutional and
bares the risk of punishment of criticisms targeting administration.

Granting authority to the president also has drawbacks from the point
of independence of justice and rights of accused.

Modification in the article will give negative results, so it should
be repealed.In fact, the entire code needs review to cleanse off
articles deeming freedom of expression is a crime.

However, unless we show a political and social will, reviews will
not be much of help.

The AKP lacks such will but that doesn’t give the right to make
changes in the article.

–Boundary_(ID_BWiun0NphPzay5GPCO+n2A)–

Signatures and ratifications at the Council of Europe
Week from 14 to 18 April 2008

14 April 2008

Armenia ratified:
– the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural
Habitats (CETS No. 104
< ueVoulezVous.asp?NT=3D104&CM=3D1&CL=3DENG& gt; )*
– the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in
Human Beings (CETS No. 197
< ueVoulezVous.asp?NT=3D197&CM=3D1&
CL=3DENG > )*

Andorra signed:
– the European Convention on Recognition and Enforcement of Decisions
concerning Custody of Children and on Restoration of Custody of Children
(CETS No. 105
< ueVoulezVous.asp?NT=3D105&CM=3D1&CL=3DENG& gt; )*

16 April 2008

Poland signed :
– the European Convention for the Protection of Vertebrate Animals used
for Experimental and other Scientific Purposes (CETS No. 123
< ueVoulezVous.asp?NT=3D123&CM=3D1&CL=3DENG& gt; ).

.* * *

Detailed information on the Council of Europe treaties (full text, chart
of signatures and ratifications, reservations and declarations, summary,
explanatory report) is available on the Treaty Office’s web site

—————
( *) CETS : Council of Europe Treaty Series

Press Release
Council of Europe Press Division
Ref: 280a08
Tel: +33 (0)3 88 41 25 60
Fax:+33 (0)3 88 41 39 11
[email protected]
internet:
18.04.2008

To receive our press releases by e-mail, contact :
[email protected]

A political organisation set up in 1949, the Council of Europe works to
promote democracy and human rights continent-wide. It also develops
common responses to social, cultural and legal challenges in its 47
member states.

EXAMINATION OF FIRST CASE ON MASS DISORDERS POSTPONED IN YEREVAN CRIMINAL COURT

Noyan Tapan
April 17, 2008

YEREVAN, APRIL 16, NOYAN TAPAN. The first court sitting on case of
mass disorders failed in Yerevan criminal court on April 17 due to
the absence of the defendant, 25-year-old Artashes Matevosian. As
defendant’s lawyer Gayane Antonian said in her interview to
journalists, Matevosian has health problems, in particular, connected
with his heart. A. Matevosian was arrested on March 16, then two days
later was released, a signature on not leaving the country was chosen
as a preventive punishment to him.

It should be mentioned that court Chairman Vardan Abrahamian is
the judge presiding over at the court sitting, the prosecution is
presented by prosecutor Hakob Gharakhanian exercising control over
the case examined by the Special Investigation Service.

NEW ARMENIAN PREMIER SAYS GOVERNMENT’S WORK TO BECOME MORE TRANSPARENT

Public TV
April 17 2008
Armenia

The newly-appointed Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan chaired a
government session today where he presented his approaches to making
the work of the government more transparent and accessible by the
population, Armenian Public TV reported in its news bulletin on
17 April.

Sargsyan said the new approaches will allow ordinary citizens to
involve in discussions on the most important issues, the TV reported.

"There is such a principle in governance which is called involvement
of society. The purpose of this principle is that firstly, we ensure
the quality of projects and secondly, we ensure the legitimacy of the
government’s activities. That is to say decisions made by us should
become a subject of public discussion. This principle supposes,
firstly, that members of the public should have an opportunity to
participate, firstly, in development of drafts [government decisions],
secondly, in discussions on the drafts, and thirdly – we should have
reciprocal communication with society regarding the drafts that are
approved," he said at the session.

Sargsyan went on to say that "this will be an obligatory norm
for the government and ministries, which will have to post their
drafts [decisions] on their websites. We will ensure the live online
broadcasting of cabinet meetings in the government’s news conference
hall."

Sargsyan added that journalists will use computers in the news
conference hall to ensure the "transparency" of the government’s
activities, the TV said. The prime minister also commented on the
working skills of government members. "My research showed that
unfortunately, our staff so far do not master contemporary methods
of work. It is not a shame not to know, it is a shame not to learn.

Reforms are impossible without learning," he said.

The prime minister said government members should have two important
documents on their desks – the programme on the Armenian government’s
activities up to 2012 and President Serzh Sargsyan’s election
manifesto.

ARMENIAN CONSUL GENERAL IN LOS ANGELES VISITS SAN FRANCISCO

ARMENPRESS
April 17, 2008

YEREVAN, APRIL 17, ARMENPRESS: Armenia’s consul general in Los
Angeles, California, USA, Armen Liloyan, paid a working visit to
San Francisco on April 11-13 to meet with local Armenian community’s
members. Armenian foreign ministry said on April 11 the consul general
visited the Armenian Kruzian-Zakarian school, met with its teachers
and students and answered their questions.

On the same day Liloyan delivered a lecture at Berkley University on
Armenian economic, domestic and foreign policy issues and on South
Caucasian developments. Then he took questions from the audience.

In the evening Liloyan visited the San Francisco office of the Armenian
National Committee of America to speak to the staff. An exchange of
opinions took place over political situation in Armenia and foreign
policy challenges.

On April 12 Liloyan participated in the annual dinner organized by
BAFA charity organization that carries out health, educational and
social programs.

In his speech Liloyan spoke about Armenian economy and the status of
its democracy, Armenia-Diaspora relations.

On April 13 the consul general was present at a church service in
the Armenian Church of Vartan in Oakland and then he spoke at length
about Armenia’s home and foreign polices and cooperation with Diaspora.

PRESS RELEASE
Armenian Center for National and International Studies
75 Yerznkian Street
Yerevan 0033, Armenia
Tel: (+374 – 10) 52.87.80 or 27.48.18
Fax: (+374 – 10) 52.48.46
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Website:

April 17, 2008

ACNIS Looks Into Armenia’s European Integration Prospects

Yerevan–The Armenian Center for National and International Studies
(ACNIS) today convened a foreign policy roundtable to examine
Armenia’s policy on European integration and the country’s commitments
made and actions taken to that end. The meeting brought together MPs,
foreign embassy and mission personnel, leading analysts, policy
specialists, public and political figures, and media representatives.

ACNIS research coordinator Syuzanna Barseghian welcomed the audience
with opening remarks. "The current analytical observations carry the
objective of shedding light on the challenges that are dependent on
today’s geopolitical realities," Barseghian said. "These observations
seek to provide answers to the key questions concerning the political
course Armenia has chosen on its road to integration into Europe and
the priority measures planned for that purpose."

The day’s first speaker, chairman Karen Bekarian of the "European
Integration" NGO, reflected on the policy of European integration in
terms of its real and demonstrative manifestations. He drew attention
to the fact that there is no clear-cut and common view in Armenia
regarding this process and therefore European integration has no
societal demand in our country. "All the political players are simply
exploiting the notion of European integration, making it serve their
individual interests. They are disregarding the true interests of the
state and the people," Bekarian stated. In his viewpoint, Armenia’s
current coalition government is a prime example that bespeaks the
absence of a shared outlook with respect to the country’s European
integration prospects. Bekarian argued that two of the political
parties in power consider EU membership as an ultimate goal, whereas
according to the other two ruling coalition parties–who even though
place a huge emphasis on partnership with the European
institutions–accession to the European Union is not a final objective
for Armenia.

In his intervention, member of the Armenian National Assembly Armen
Ashotian examined the priority measures for Armenia’s integration into
Europe. In his view, the need for European integration is primarily
dependent on the factors which secure a rapid progress in Armenia with
respect to democracy, human rights and fundamental freedoms, poverty
reduction, and reforms within state governance. According to Ashotian,
this need also heavily depends on the expectation of a peaceful
resolution to the Karabagh conflict, regional integration, financial
support, and adoptation of a civilized value system. "The prospects
for Armenia’s European integration, and specifically our involvement
in the ‘European Neighborhood Policy,’ allows us a wonderful
opportunity to implement those qualitative and systemic reforms that
are fixed in the government’s and the newly elected president’s
agenda," Ashotian maintained.

In his turn, member of parliament Stepan Safarian explored Europe’s
reaction to the electoral processes in Armenia and looked at the
priorities of the political course to be adopted by our country. In
his opinion, the imperative for European integration demands on the
flawless execution of the commitments that are assumed in line with
the international accords, treaties, and other formal documents. As
Safarian argued, despite the fact that in their evaluations the
European institutions mostly encourage and rarely criticize the
electoral processes in Armenia while in terms of relations between the
authorities and the opposition they uphold a balanced approach, during
the recent presidential elections, this picture was quite different.
"Today the main target of European criticisms are the authorities and
this, in my opinion, is because of the concern toward strengthening
the divided political opposition and as a result of a more approving
demeanor by the opposition," Safarian said, not ruling out this time
the possibility of European sanctions against Armenia.

The policy roundtable concluded with an exchange of opinions and
policy recommendations among political scientist Edward Antinian; Vahe
Gevorgian from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; independent analyst
Manvel Sargsian; Suren Movsisian of the Noravank Foundation; ACNIS
analyst Hovhannes Manukian; and several others.

Founded in 1994 by Armenia’s first Minister of Foreign Affairs Raffi
K. Hovannisian and supported by a global network of contributors,
ACNIS serves as a link between innovative scholarship and the public
policy challenges facing Armenia and the Armenian people in the
post-Soviet world. It also aspires to be a catalyst for creative,
strategic thinking and a wider understanding of the new global
environment. In 2008, the Center focuses primarily on civic education,
democratic development, conflict resolution, and applied research on
critical domestic and foreign policy issues for the state and the
nation.

For further information on the Center call (37410) 52-87-80 or
27-48-18; fax (37410) 52-48-46; email [email protected] or [email protected];
or visit

IMF INTENDS TO CONTINUE SUPPORT TO ARMENIA UNDER NEW PREMIER

ARKA
April 16, 2008

YEREVAN, April 16. /ARKA/. International Monetary Fund (IMF) intends
to continue its support to the new premier of Armenia Tigran Sargsian
(previously the Chairman of the Central Bank of the country) in
implementation of economic policy and reforms. This statement is
made in the letter of congratulation sent to the new premier by IMF
Managing Director Dominquez Strauss-Kann.

During the 10-year chairmanship of Tigran Sargsian in the Central Bank
of Armenia numerous important reforms have been implemented, including
the ones on mitigation of inflation, application of efficient banking
control system, development of legislation and anti-money laundering
measures, says the message.

The document says that accented loyalty of Tigran Sargsian to
continuous reforms and intellectual management principles have made
substantial contribution in successfully overcoming current challenges
faced by the Armenian Government, the document says.

Strauss-Kann stressed that the IMF have worked with the Armenian
authorities in economic policy and reforms for 15 years and expressed
confidence that the Prime-Minister will keep up high level and achieve
the targets set.

Armenian National Committee of Canada
Comité National Arménien du Canada
130 Albert St., Suite/Bureau 1007
Ottawa, ON
KIP 5G4
Tel./Tél. (613) 235-2622 Fax/Téléc. (613) 238-2622
E-mail/courriel:national.office@anc-canad a.com

PRESS RELEASE

April 14, 2008
Contact: Roupen Kouyoumjian

Ottawa – The Canadian-Armenian community and Armenians around the world will
soon commemorate 93rd Anniversary of the death of 1.5 million Armenians
exterminated during the first genocide of the 20th century by Ottoman
Turkey.

In Canada, The various commemoration events will culminate on Parliament
Hill on April 24. Religious leaders, representatives of other community
organizations, political representatives, and representatives of other
genocide victim nations will attend the commemoration ceremony in Ottawa.

Several speakers will address the gathering and a ceremony dedicated to the
disappeared will take place near the Eternal Flame.

List of Various Commemoration Events:

Montreal

What: Genocide Commemoration
When: Sunday April 20, 2008 – 7:00 pm

Where: Armenian Community Centre, 3401 Olivar Asselin, Montreal
Keynote Speaker: Aram Hamparian
Contact: Vicken Affarian
Tel: (514) 942 2717

Cambridge
What: Genocide Commemoration
When: Sunday April 20, 2008 – 2:30 pm
Where: ACC Cambridge, 15 International Village Drive, Cambridge Ontario
Keynote Speaker: Professor Kaprielian – Churchill
Contact: Mr. Jack Assadourian
Tel: 519-748-7817

Toronto

What: Genocide Commemoration
When: Sunday April 20th, 2008 – 2:00 pm
Where: Armenian Youth Centre, 50 Hallcrown Place Toronto, Ontario

Keynote speaker: George Shirinian
Contact: Mr. Khachig Karchafjian
Tel: 416 491 2900 option 1

What: Toronto Armenian Youth Candle light vigil
When: Friday April 25th, 2008 – 7:00 pm
Where: Queens Park, Toronto, Ontario
Contact: Ara Hasserjian
Tel: 416.491.2900, option 1

What: Inter-communal Requiem
When: Thursday April 24th, 2008 – 8:00 PM
Where: Armenian Evangelical Church of Toronto – 2600 14th Avenue, Markham,
Ontario.
Keynote speaker: Rev. Vahan Toutikian
Contact: Mr. Hagop Janbazian
Tel: 416 – 885-1430

St. Catharines
What: Genocide Commemoration
When: Sunday April 20th, 2008 – 4:00 PM
Where: ACC St. Catharines, 156 Martindale Road, St.
Keynote speaker: Mr. Ara Hasserjian
Contact: Mr. Setrak Khatcherian
Tel: 905-941-8991

Ottawa

What: Commemoration in front of the House of Commons

When: Thursday April 24th, 2008 – 1:00 pm

Where: Centre Block, Parliament Hill.

Keynote Speaker: Ken Hachikian

Contact: Mr. Aris Babikian
Tel: 613.235.2622

Who: Armenian Cultural Foundation of Ottawa

What: Commemorate

When: Sunday April 27th, 2008 – 11:00 a.m.

Where: 181 Donald street (Ararat Armenian School)

Keynote Speaker: Mr. Aris Babikian

Contact: Varouj Boyadjian

Tel: 613-237-7025

Vancouver

What: Genocide Commemoration
When: Saturday April 26th 2008 – 8:00 PM
Where: ACC Vancouver. 13780 Westminster HWY, Richmond, BC

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Girair Basmadjian
Contact: Jack Der Hagopian – Tel: (604) 617-6866

Vahe Andonian – Tel: (604) 240 5490

Hamilton
What: Genocide Commemoration
When: Sunday April 27th 2008 – 2:30 PM
Where: ACC Hamilton. 191 Barton St. Hamilton, Ontario
Keynote Speaker: Mr. Chris Haroutyounian
Contact: Mr. Hagop Apkarian
Tel: 905-304-4908

Regional Chapters/Sections régionales

Montréal – Laval – Ottawa – Toronto – Hamilton – Cambridge – St.
Catharines – Windsor – Vancouver

FOUR CASES ON MARCH 1 UNREST SENT TO COURT

ARKA
April 15, 2008

YEREVAN, April 15. /ARKA/. Four criminal cases in connection with
the March 1Yerevan unrest have been sent to court, Press Officer of
the RA Office of Prosecutor General reported.

>From February 20 to March 1, Armenia’s opposition political forces
led by ex-president Levon Ter-Petrosyan were holding rallies in
Liberty Square in Yerevan protesting against the results of February
19 presidential elections attributing victory to Serge Sargssyan. As
a result of public unrest and clashes between the rally participants
and the police, 265 people were injured, and ten were killed.

The Office of Prosecutor General instituted a criminal case in
connection with the mass unrest aimed at seizing the power and breaking
the constitutional order. Over a hundred people were arrested.

"Pre-trial investigation on cases instituted against four people
charged with organizing and provoking mass disturbances in Yerevan
is over. These are Soghomon Yeritsyan, Harutyun Lazarian, Yasha
Melkonyan, and Hovhannes Mkhoyan. These cases have been sent to court
now," Truzyan said.

So far, criminal cases against 20 people have been sent to court.

Investigation on three of them – David Hambartsumyan, Mesrop Zakaryan,
and Raj Petrossyan – is over. They pleaded guilty and asked for an
accelerated trial.

Truzyan also said 78 people are currently under arrest. 16 people were
given a written cognizance not to leave. Three people were detained
on suspicion of direct participation in mass unrest.

PACE SHOULD HOLD INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION IN ARMENIA – HUNGARIAN PACE MP

Trend News Agency
April 14 2008
Azerbaijan

France, Strasburg, 14 April /TrendNews corr A. Maharramli, I. Alizade/
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) should
hold independent investigations in Armenia regarding the riots
which emerged from the presidential election in the country which
involved the shooting and killing of people participating in the
opposition demonstrations. "The Armenian authorities should hold
independent investigations with the participation of the opposition
representatives. If Armenia does not carry out the investigation, PACE
will inevitably do that," Nemeth Zsolt, the Hungarian member of the
Christian-Democratic Party of Europe, said at the PACE spring session.

On 19 February, Armenia held its presidential elections. According
to the final results of the Armenian Central Election Commission,
Serzh Sargsyan, the head of the Republican Party, won the elections
with 52.82% of votes (862,369).

On the morning of 2 March, President Robert Kocheryan decreed on
proclaiming an emergency situation in Armenia for 20 days which
was caused by the continuous demonstrations by supporters of
the presidential candidate Levon Ter-Petrosyan, who accused the
authorities of gerrymandering during the elections. The dispersal of
the demonstration by the police resulted in a confrontation.

According to the Armenian Health Ministry, the number of the victims
of the riot which took place in Yerevan on 1 March totalled thousands
with 9 dead from gunshot wounds.

Zsolt said that after the presidential elections, the peaceful
demonstrators were shot and 9 people died, 200 were arrested as
political prisoners. After that emergency situation was announced in
the country.

"The worst thing is that the Armenian authorities passed the
Law on Freedom of Assembly without applying for the opinion of
the CE Venice Commission. Now, the Armenian opposition urges for
repeated presidential elections to be held and does not recognize
the legitimacy of the current head of State. The actions should be
taken at a political level," Zsolt said.

"The Christian Democratic Party of Europe believes that CE should
drastically change the election supervision system. The recent
elections in Armenia confirmed the necessity of changing and the
re-consideration of the CE election supervision system," he said.