Author: Chalian Meline

21 PREELECTION HEADQUARTERS OF CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENCY VAZGEN MANUKIAN OPEN

Noyan Tapan
Jan 10, 2008

YEREVAN, JANUARY 10, NOYAN TAPAN. 21 preelection headquarters of Vazgen
Manukian, the leader of the National Democratic Union, a candidate
for presidency in the forthcoming presidential elections in RA, have
been already opened. Saying this at the January 10 press conference,
Samvel Shahinian, the head of the central preelection headquarters
of V. Manukian, added that they have a goal to increase the number of
regional headquarters, to have at least one in each electoral district.

According to him, preelection activities in NDU slow down and mainly
due to lack of funds. S. Shahinian said that a number of businessmen
support their candidate, however, they have an apprehension whether
the relations of the authorities with them will not worsen.

S. Shahinian said that V. Manukian will not be able to visit all
populated areas of the country during the official election campaign,
because "it is winter, the roads are closed, renting a hall is
connected with huge expenditures." Instead, according to him, for
informing society about the preelection programs of NDU leader they
will use television and all other possible media.

RPA FORECAST: SERGE SARGSIAN TO WIN IN FIRST ROUND OF PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

ARKA News Agency
Jan 9 2008
Armenia

YEREVAN, January 9. /ARKA/. The Republican Party of Armenia (RPA)
forecasted that its leader presidential contender and current
Prime-Minister of Armenia Serge Sargsian will win in the first round
of the presidential elections obtaining 56-58% of votes. The analytical
estimate by RPA proves that, said member of RPA Council Armen Ashotian.

"We intend to ensure this outcome within the Election Code of Armenia
and in line with international standards," he said.

Ashotian pointed out that Sargsian’s chances remain unchanged and
they will tend to grow in the course of the election campaign.

The presidential elections are to be held in Armenia on February 19
2008. Nine candidates for presidency submitted the required documents
to the Central Electoral Commission. According to the schedule approved
by the Commission, the presidential contenders are to be registered
in the period from December 31 to January 20.

ARMENIAN FM DISAPPOINTED WITH FOREIGN POLITICAL COMPONENT OF ARMENIAN FIRST PRESIDENT’S PRE-ELECTORAL PROGRAM

arminfo
2008-01-09 18:19:00

ArmInfo. Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian is disappointed
with the foreign political component of Armenian first president
Levon Ter-Petrosyan’s pre-electoral program. Oskanian expressed his
opinion at a press-conference, Wednesday.

Asked about his opinion about the foreign political component of the
presidential candidates’ pre-electoral programs, the minister replied
that he managed to familiarize himself with the items included in
Levon Ter- Petrosyan’s program. "Taking into account Ter-Petrosyan’s
criticism against the present foreign political course, I expected to
see new interesting ideas in his program. I am disappointed. There is
nothing new in it. If there were no criticism, I’d understand. But
taking into consideration his criticism, one could expect more from
him", Oskanian said.

Touching upon the present negotiation process, the minister noted
that the things the first president offered to carry out can’t simply
be compared with the things, which are currently on the negotiation
table. The document he was ready to sign had not a single show of
self-determination, while the document on the present negotiation table
is based on Nagorno-Karabakh people’s right to self- determination,
Oskanian said. "Nagorno-Karabakh people would never agree with the
things that the first president tried to implement", he stressed.

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr.Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
Web:

PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon

Armenian version: nian.htm
Watch the video summary here:
eos/New%20Year%20visit.wmv
His Holiness Aram I’s New Year’s video message:
eos/New%20Year%20message.wmv

CATHOLICOS ARAM I VISITS
THE NEEDY DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON

Catholicos Aram I and a number of Cilician Brotherhood members recently
attended several celebrations sharing the joy of the New Year and Christmas
with the needy children of the Armenian community.

HIS HOLINESS WITH ARMENIAN ORPHANS
His Holiness welcomed the New Year on December 26 with Armenian orphans
sheltered in "Birds’ Nest". This institution, which functions under the
umbrella of the Catholicosate of Cilicia is subject to the constant care of
Catholicos Aram I, who has appointed V. Rev. Yeghishe Manjikian and a Board
of Trustees.

During the celebration, the Catholicos listened with fatherly love to the
songs and poems recited by the innocent children and their wishes for the
New Year. He praised all the donors and Armenians who remember the orphans
of "Brids’ Nest" on various occasions.
Photos: os/Photos68.htm

IN THE OLD PEOPLE’S HOME
In the footsteps of the Church’s humanitarian mission, His Holiness visited
the Home of the Elderly in Bourdj Hammoud on December 27 to spread the joy
of the season with those in need of love and care.

The sheltered elderly expressed their happiness by singing and reciting
poems with an amazingly good memory. Some of them addressed the Catholicos
with words of gratitude because despite his busy agenda the Catholicos never
fails to remember them.

The Spiritual Leader also conveyed his wishes for the New Year and
Christmas, assuring the elderly Armenians that the nation has provided them
a secure roof where they could live happily.
Photos: os/Photos70.htm

THE AZOUNIYEH NATIONAL SANATORIUM
On December 28 the Catholicos visited the Azouniyeh National Sanatorium in
Shouf, bringing with him the good cheers of the New Year and the joyous news
of the birth of Christ. The Cilician Brotherhood Members conveyed spiritual
satisfaction to the sheltered by singing hymns.

Some of the elderly voluntarily sang and said some poems they remembered.
The Pontiff also visited the hospitalized patients and prayed for them.
Photos: os/Photos71.htm
http://www.armenianorthodoxchurch. org/v04/doc/Photos/Photos72.htm

WITH ARMENIAN PRISONERS
A group of Cilician Brotherhood members visited the "Roumye" prison on
behalf of Catholicos Aram I to take the joy of the season to Armenian
prisoners. The Brotherhood members provided spiritual satisfaction to those
jailed by performing a short church service. They also gave Holy Communion
to those who wished to receive it, listened to the prisoners’ difficulties
with patience and gave appropriate advice.

***

His Holiness Aram I also attended the celebrations organized by the
Christian Education Department and the Armenian Church University Students
Association (ACUSA).

THE CHRISTIAN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION
The Armenian women’s Bible Study session took place in the Saint Gregory the
Illuminator Cathedral on the morning of December 25. Over 150 women attended
the session, which was followed by a Christmas celebration presided by His
Holiness. The attendants together sang the hymn "Khorhourt Medz". The
director, Rev. Torkom Donoyan gave a brief report about the department’s
activities during the year.

His Holiness then delivered his Pontifical address to the attendants. He
underlined the true meaning and understanding of living a spiritual life. A
small reception was organized and the attendants exchanged their well wishes
on the occasion of the New Year and Christmas.
Photos: os/Photos69.htm

CHRISTMAS WITH THE ARMENIAN YOUTH
On the evening of the same day, ACUSA members gathered around the Catholicos
on occasion of the New Year and Christmas. After spending time with the
Armenian elderly, orphans, patients and the needy people in these joyous
times, the Catholicos also accepted the invitation of the Armenian Youth to
celebrate the New Year together.

Addressing the members of this association, the Catholicos advised them to
remain loyal to our Church’s teachings and traditions and to transform the
coming year, declared the "Year of Christian Education" by the Catholicosate
of Cilicia, into a year for spreading the values of the Armenian Church and
nation.
Photos: os/Photos73.htm

##
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the history and
the mission of the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of
the Catholicosate, The Cilician
Catholicosate, the administrative center of the church is located in
Antelias, Lebanon.

Today, Azerbaijan
Dec 27 2007

Nagorno Garabagh called part of Armenia in Ukraine’s telephone
directory for 2006

27 December 2007 [18:57] – Today.Az

The telephone directory for 2006 "Gold pages of Ukraine" published by
the Ukrainian publishing-house Nika LTD, sites Azerbaijan’s Nagorno
Garabagh among Armenian lands.

International telephone codes of CIS states are given at page 18.

Nagorno Garabagh is placed among other regions and cities of Armenia.
Along with Nagorno Garabagh, the list includes city codes of Shusha,
Askeran, Gadrut, Agdere (so called Mardakert), Khojavend (so called
martuni) and Khankendi (Stepanakert).

The directory has been licensed by Ukraine’s Ministry of Ecology and
Natural Resources.

Spokesman for Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry Khazar Ibragim said the
Foreign Ministry will instruct Azerbaijan’s Embassy to Ukraine to
take in the issue.

/Day.Az/

URL:

Lragir, Armenia
Dec 27 2007

AMUZING STORY ABOUT ARSHAK AND LEVON

The leader of the Alliance of National Democats Arshak Sadoyan who
supports Vazgen Manukyan in the presidential election has recently
been appointed assistant to Levon Sargsyan, Republican member of
parliament. Levon Sargsyan is known as pro-Serge Sargsyan
businessman. On December 27 the reporters asked Sadoyan whether
supporting Vazgen Manukyan does not contradict to assisting Levon
Sargsyan.

`I needed to get acquainted with the National Assembly, the law on
the city, I’ve got some questions. I turned to the opposition who are
very few. All of them have a long list of assistants, and there was
no possibility to appoint me. At that time I was offered, Lyovik said
come to me, I said no problem,’ Arshak Sadoyan says. He adds that the
post of assistant is not paid, and he is ready to give free advice
and explain the difference between national democracy and
ethno-religion. Sadoyan says he will remain assistant until December
30.

Vazgen Manukyan interfered and said the reporters had asked him this
question a few days ago. `I was amazed, I could not believe. And I
really did not know. In the evening I asked Arshak Sadoyan what the
point is, he gave me an explanation which is not satisfactory for me,
he needs to go to the National Assembly for ten or fifteen days, and
he became an assistance not to need a pass every time. He showed me
the ticket, it expires December 30. From December 30 poor Lyovik will
have no assistant,’ said Vazgen Manukyan who thinks it is a funny
story. However, he says he respects Arshak Sadoyan because only he
could find such an original solution.

HUNDREDS GATHER AT VIGIL FOR NORTHRIDGE TEEN

Los Angeles Daily News, CA
Dec 24 2007

ENCINO – Nearly 200 people gathered inside an Encino school
auditorium tonight, for a memorial service and candle light vigil for
a 17-year-old girl who died hours after her health insurer reversed
its previous decision and said it would pay for a liver transplant.

Family members and friends remembered Nataline Sarkisyan at the Holy
Martyrs Armenian Elementary and Ferrahian High School, just days
after the Northridge girl died.

Attorney Mark Geragos, who attended the vigil, has said he would
pursue a civil case against CIGNA Healthcare, for her death.

He also plans to ask the district attorney to press murder or
manslaughter charges against against the insurance company.

The District Attorney’s office has yet to comment.

Nataline died Thursday at about 6 p.m. at the University of California,
Los Angeles, Medical Center. She had been in a vegetative state for
weeks before she was taken off life support at 5:20 p.m. with the
family’s approval.

She had been battling leukemia and received a bone marrow transplant
from her brother. She developed a complication, however, that caused
her liver to fail.

Doctors at UCLA determined she needed a transplant and sent a
letter to CIGNA on Dec. 11. The Philadelphia-based health insurance
company denied payment for the transplant, saying the procedure was
experimental and outside the scope of coverage.

About 150 teenagers and nurses had protested outside CIGNA’s office in
Glendale on Thursday. As the protesters rallied, the company reversed
its decision and said it would approve the transplant.

A statement was released by CIGNA on Friday.

"Their loss is immeasurable, and our thoughts and prayers are with
them," the statement said. "We deeply hope that the outpouring of
concern, care and love that are being expressed for Nataline’s family
help them at this time."

ARMENIAN’S CAPTURING AZERBAIJANI SOLDIER SAMIR MAMMADOV TURNS 1

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
Dec 24 2007

Armenian’s capturing Azerbaijani soldier Samir Mammadov turns 1.

Samir Mammadov was captured in Gazakh region, Azerbaijan and detained
in Armenia by now. Uncle of captured soldier told the APA

They are anxious about Samir’s detaining captive for 1 year and giving
not correct information about him. We do not know what to do.

We appealed to all state bodies, international organizations," he
said. They failed to get information about captive’s state.

State Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing Persons told
the APA Efforts on returning of Samir Mammadov to Azerbaijan continue.

International Committee of Red Cross Azerbaijan Mission told the
APA that representatives of mission met Samir on November 27 for the
last time.

Azat Artsakh Tert, Nagorno Karabakh Republic
Dec 22 2007

NKR President has signed

On December 20th, the NKR President Bako Sahakian signed a number
of decrees, according to which general-major of police Arshavir
Gharamian was relieved of the post of the prefect of NKR Government
and the colonel of police Vladimir Avagimian – of the post of
assistant prefect.
By another decree of the President, Armen Zalinian was appointed
the Advisor of the NKR President.
On December 20th, Bako Sahakian signed also the NKR law `About
audit chamber’. (Central adminstration of information of the NKR
President’s stuff reported).

THE CORRIDOR OF SUCCESSION

Hayots Ashkharh
Dec 21 2007
Armenia

Currently there are very few people who doubt that Serge Serge
Sargsyan will hold a convincing victory in the upcoming presidential
elections. His advantage over the other candidates is extremely
great. There is still a certain intrigue over the following question:
whether the elections will be held in two stages or everything will
finish on February 19.

Actually, these are the first presidential elections in our reality
when the issue of the country’s leadership is going to be solved by
the principle of succession. Is it good or bad? Can the above-mentioned
principle be considered democratic enough?

What does succession mean?

It is the maintenance of the country’s current policy with all its
significant elements, after the change of its top leadership. Its
extreme manifestation is a situation when, judging by the developments
of life, an ordinary citizen not interested in politics does not even
notice that his country’s leadership has changed.

The positive aspects of this phenomenon are obvious: the country is
granted the opportunity of solving its long-term strategic problems
(envisaged for decades). And that is impossible without a legal
successor; the rulers will not set tasks whose solution obviously
exceeds the time-period of their being in power. And they will do
the right thing, as in such situation it is an obvious distortion of
state activity.

But a positive phenomenon is impossible without something negative. A
policy which has been unalterable for several decades on end inevitably
leads to stagnation, Not only because the world constantly changes,
but also because a starting policy contains flaws which, in case of
remaining unalterable, will accumulate and multiply in the course
of years.

Being all in all undisputable, this postulate serves as a basis for the
western liberal thought, as it proves the importance and alternative
nature of democracy. As though, the absence of periodical changes
of policy would lead to stagnation. However, the contrary situation
is no less important. If, in case of a programmed and frequent shift
of power, the policy radically changes all the time, the horizon of
programming is reduced to five or maximum ten years.

And this is the most direct way to absolute degradation.

As a matter of fact, people perfectly realize it in the west as
well. And they realize it on the level of real politics vs. public
oratory. In the United States there is, certainly, a shift of power
every 4 or 8 years; furthermore, there are frequent changes of policy
as well. However, such changes actually take place within strictly
narrow circles. There are certain societal mechanisms which, being
difficult to notice and understand, prevent those changes from going
beyond the above-mentioned circles.

Those mechanisms do not lead to stagnation, because, if necessary,
they allow for quite a sharp change of policy. But this happens only
in a situation when society has become "too mature", and there will
be a disaster in case such changes do not occur. Therefore, as shown
by the example of the same western countries, if one wants to make
a significant progress, succession should not at all be absolute in
character; it should be extremely significant.

We too, are currently pursuing this road. We are developing the
tradition of a periodical shift of power, with an inevitable change
of approaches towards politics, because without it, there will be
stagnation. But not with a great change; otherwise, there will be no
succession. And there are no serious reasons for a sharp change of
policy, because there is neither a crisis nor a pre-crisis situation.

That’s to say, ending his term of office but handing over the post of
President to Serge Sargsyan, his legal successor, Robert Kocharyan is
creating a tradition, which will serve as grounds for the mechanism
of balancing the necessity of power "conservation" for the sake of
the maintenance of long-term strategy, and its constant "shaking" for
the sake of the prevention of stagnation-like phenomena. And this is
the dosage required for legal successors. No reasonable person can
say that this is an anti-democratic path.

However, because that mechanism works only in a situation when the new
policy does not fully coincide with the old one (and it is impossible
otherwise), it is necessary to predetermine the possible changes in
the well-known circles.

Naturally, the goals and priorities of foreign policy should be
maintained without any changes. The attitude towards the Krabakh
settlement process must be slightly reviewed. And the economic
development and self-reliance policies must remain unchanged.

But, as regards such spheres as fight against corruption, it is
desirable to make them stricter. The same concerns social policy,
education, culture and a number of other spheres.

Only in case of such succession will the county have the opportunity to
solve long-term strategic problems and avoid losing its competitiveness
in the region.