Author: Chatinian Lara

OPPOSITION CONDEMNS ARMENIAN APOLOGY CAMPAIGN

Anadolu News Agency
Dec 17 2008
Turkey

Ankara, 17 December: MPs from Turkey’s main opposition party, CHP,
condemned [on] Wednesday [17 December] the campaign launched to
apologize from Armenians for the incidents of 1915.

Parliamentarians of Republican’s People’s Party (CHP) who hold seats
at the foreign relations committee of the Turkish parliament, released
a communique saying that Turkey had nothing to apologize for regarding
1915 incidents.

"The claim that Turkey committed a crime in those years, requiring an
apology, has no legal or historical foundation. If there is someone
who needs to apologize, it is the Armenian side, who attacked Turkish
soldiers and killed hundreds of thousands of Turkish citizens while
siding with and supporting a foreign country on an attempt to invade
Ottoman territory," said the communique.

The parliamentarians also said the Armenians also needed to apologize
for massacring thousands of Azerbaijani citizens, invading Azerbaijani
territory and forcing one million of its citizens to exile.

They also said Armenians needed to apologize for not prosecuting and
punishing ASALA terrorists, who assassinated Turkish diplomats.

"While these facts remain, the attempt to apologize from Armenians
has been rather an act violating the homage we owe to our history
and ancestors, and one that hurts the honour of the Turkish nation,"
said the communique.

FINANCE MINISTRY: ARMENIA MANAGES TO SKIRT GLOBAL FINANCIAL CRISIS

ARKA
Dec 18, 2008

YEREVAN, December 18. /ARKA/. Armenia managed to prevent negative
effects from outside due to low integration and loose ties with
the world financial centers, Armenian Deputy Minister of Finance
Vardan Aramyan said at "Novosti" International Press Center during
Moscow-Yerevan-Kiev-Kishinev video-bridge on social responsibility
of states under the crisis circumstances.

No steep fluctuations in interest rates and problems with monetary
basis and liquidity have been recorded on the country’s financial
market, Aramyan said.

"Yet, we should be concerned over how events will be developing on
the world markets and what impact it may have on our economy," the
Deputy Minister said.

He pointed to possible signals of negative effects. One of these
signals is fall in prices for raw materials that may affect exports,
particularly in the field of metallurgy.

According to Aramyan, reduction in private transfers and slowdown of
the global economy is among other channels of possible negative impact.

If demand for products and services goes down, it will affect export
of Armenian goods and services, he said.

Reduction in inflow of direct investments due to the financial crisis
is another risk, Aramyan said.

According to him, total negative outcome depends on how events will
be developing in world markets, on the Russian and the U.S. market
s in particular.

Russian economy is of strategic importance to Armenia as about 80%
of private remittances are sent from the Russian Federation, the
Deputy Minister said.

"Signs of the world financial crisis are there, but we have to think
how to battle the negative effects further on," Aramyan said. N.V.

CONTRACT SIGNED ON REHABILITATION OF SIX MAIN CANALS IN ARMENIA

armradio.am
19.12.2008 15:19

The Millennium Challenge Account – Armenia SNCO announced the award of
a contract to "SADE" (France) in consortium with "SHMSH-23" (Armenia)
for the rehabilitation of the first package of six main canals, a $5.7
million contract under the MCA-Armenia Irrigated Agriculture Project
Infrastructure Activity. The contract was signed at the MCA-Armenia
Offices on December 16 2008 by MCA-Armenia CEO Ara Hovsepyan and
Mr. Francis Marquiez of "SADE."

The first package rehabilitation works will involve sectional concrete
lining along approximately 4.2 kilometers of the Arzni-Shamiram main
canal and rehabilitation of the hydro-technical structures in the
sections of Artashat, Lower Hrazdan, Armavir, Talin, Arzni-Shamiram
and Shirak main canals that are in a critical state and require
immediate attention.

The contract also includes a pilot sub-component to test shotcrete
and other advanced technologies in lining of approximately 200m of
the canal. If successful, the shotcrete or other advanced technologies
will be applied in the future civil works for rehabilitation of canals
and hydro-technical structures.

The work will cover the Armenian marzes of Armavir, Aragatsotn,
Ararat, Kotayk and Shirak, and will begin in January 2009.

PRESS RELEASE//FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE//PRESS RELEASE

Armenian Studies Program
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

For further information please contact:
Ms. Gloria Caudill, Administrator
[email protected]
(734) 763-0622

Hunchakian Party Newspaper Archives Available on the Web

The Armenian Studies Program at the University of Michigan announced
the web posting of the Hnchakian Party  central organization,
"Hnchak." on its website. The Social Democratic Hnchakian
(Hunchakian) Party was the first Armenian political organization that
became a national/international organization aiming at the liberation
of Ottoman Armenians. The central organ of the party was the "Hnchak,"
published in Geneva, where the party was founded in 1887. The
collection of "Hnchak" issues presented here covers the period
1887-1915, including the publications as "Hnchaks"s of rival factions
of the party in 1903. Few full collections remain.

The digitization and webposting of the "Hnchak" collection from the
National Library of Armenia has been made possible by the the Nor
Serount Cultural Association and the Social Democratic Hnchakian
Party/California.

For further information and to view the archives, please visit our
website ; this information is located
under academic/resources.

Gloria Caudill
************
Administrator
University of Michigan
Armenian Studies Program
1080 S. University
Ste., 3633 SSWB
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1106
Tel: (734) 763-0622
Fax: (734) 763-4918

ARMENIAN OPPOSITION DOES NOT PIN HOPES ON EUROPE, ANC REPRESENTATIVE SAYS

Noyan Tapan

Dec 17, 2008

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 17, NOYAN TAPAN. Armenia’s opposition does not
pin hopes on the PACE Monitoring Committee December 17 sitting and
on Europe in general. Stating this at the press conference held the
same day, Armenian National Congress representative David Shahnazarian
said that if European structures continue the policy of closing their
eyes at the fact of existence of political prisoners and at other
unfair actions, it will be the problem of the Council of Europe and
not of Armenia’s opposition. As to possible sanctions to be used
against RA, according to D. Shahnazarian, they should be political
and not economic, as the political sanctions will be aimed against
the authorities and the people will suffer from economic sanctions.

Touching upon the world financial-economic crisis, the ANC
representative expressed an apprehension that Armenia’s oligarch
system will not be able to prevent the consequences of that crisis in
the country. "We had problems of lack of democracy and human rights
at the beginning of the year, while the issues of Nagorno Karabakh
problem aggravation and economic crisis have been added to them now,"
the speaker said.

December 12, 2008

Armenian Rights Council of America, Western Region
1901 N. Allen Ave.
Altadena, CA 91001
Contact: Mr. Ara Aharonian
Tel: 626-296-2921
Fax: 626-296-2922
Email: [email protected]

PRESS RELEASE

Argentine-Armenian Legislator Sergio Nahabetian’s Press Conference in
California

ALTADENA, CA ` On Friday evening November 21, 2008, the Armenian
Rights Council of America (ARCA), Western Region invited the media to
attend a press conference at the Tekeyan Cultural Association’s
Beshgeturian Center in Altadena featuring Argentine-Armenian
legislator, the Honorable Sergio Nahabetian, accompanied by his
gracious wife Susanna.

Born and raised in Argentina, the Honorable Sergio Nahabetian was
elected to the Argentinian Chamber of Deputies (or Camara) on October
23, 2005. As a member and current President of the Executive Council
of the Recrear (or Rebirth) political party, Mr. Nahabetian represents
the Province of Buenos Aires in the Camara. In April 2006, Sergio
Nahabetian introduced binding legislation in the Camara reaffirming
the Armenian Genocide as an irrefutable fact. Despite threats from the
Turkish Embassy in Buenos Aires, in June 2006 Mr. Nahabetian and
fellow Argentine-Armenians successfully lobbied legislators in the
Camara to recognize the Armenian Genocide. The momentum of recognition
triggered in the Camara eventually permeated into the Senate of the
Province of Buenos Aires, the Municipality of Buenos Aires, and the
Legislature of the Province of Cordoba. Ultimately, on January 15,
2007 the Argentine Congress passed a law annually declaring April 24th
as `The day of action for tolerance and respect among people in
commemoration of the Armenian Genocide.’ An energetic leader of the
Armenian community in Argentina, Mr. Nahabetian is an active member of
the Armenian Democratic Liberal (ADL) Party in South America, the
Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) where he serves as Chairman
of the AGBU Youth League in Buenos Aires, President of the Tekeyan
Cultural Association (TCA) of Argentina, as well as publisher and
editor of the Sardarabad Armenian-script weekly newspaper.

On behalf of the Executive Board of the ARCA Western Region,
Mr. Mihran Toumajan welcomed everyone in attendance, provided a brief
biography of the honored guest, and expressed ARCA’s appreciation to
outgoing California State Senator Jack Scott (representing the 21st
Senate District of California) for inviting Mr. Nahabetian to the
Golden State for an official visit. He then invited ADL Western Region
Chairman Hagop Nazerian to the podium who briefed the media about
Mr. Nahabetian’s upcoming engagements during his week-long visit to
California from November 21-28. Mr. Nazerian, in turn, invited
long-time ADL and TCA member and former Argentine resident,
Mr. Khachig Janoyan, to the podium who peppered his words of welcome
with interesting anecdotes about Sergio Nahabatian’s lovely parents,
and the Nahabetian family’s dedication in pursuit of the empowerment
of Armenians and the perpetuation of Armenian language and culture in
Latin America. Mr. Janoyan finally invited the media to address their
questions to the honored guest.

In response to a question about the present-day economic situation in
Argentina, Mr. Nahabetian preferred to answer the question as a
concerned citizen of Argentina, and not as a member of the opposition
Recrear political party. Citing the current economic state of
recession in the United States, Mr. Nahabetian expressed concern that
troubles in the United States could negatively influence the
Argentinian economy in the coming year.

Responding to a question about the status of the Armenian community in
Argentina, Sergio Nahabetian affirmed that the Armenian Apostolic
Church in Argentina is undivided and subordinate to the Holy See of
Etchmiadzin. Further, all Armenian community organizations have
cordial relations with the Armenian Diocese of
Argentina. Unfortunately, most organizations are currently
experiencing financial difficulties, due to a dearth of benefactors
and volunteers compared to decades past. Nevertheless, Mr. Nahabetian
stressed the importance of more robust community involvement in local
and provincial politics irrespective of ideological or political
leanings.

Regarding a question about the process undertaken in Argentina to pass
a law in recognition of the Armenian Genocide, Mr. Nahabetian humbly
shunned his serious work and involvement by giving credit to the
patient yet diligent activism of Argentine-Armenians who educated
various political parties throughout Argentina about the historical
veracity of the Armenian Genocide.

In response to a question about the Republic of Armenia’s
newly-established Ministry for Diaspora Affairs, Mr. Nahabetian
welcomed the creation of the Ministry and congratulated the Honorable
Hranush Hakobyan on her recent appointment as Armenia’s first
Disaporan Affairs Minister. Mr. Nahabetian encouraged all Diasporan
structures to be prepared to work hand-in-hand with the new Ministry
if and when called upon.

Other questions ranging from the status of Armenian educational and
religious institutions in Argentina, to the future of the Armenian
media in the Diaspora were answered thoroughly and thoughtfully by
Mr. and Mrs. Sergio and Susanna Nahabetian.

ADL Central Committee Assistant Secretary Ara Aharonian thanked Mr. &
Mrs. Nahabetian for their insightful remarks, which they mainly
articulated flawlessly in Armenian. Mr. Aharonian reminded all in
attendance about upcoming events on the occasion of the Nahabetians’
visit to Southern California, including a solemn observance at the
Armenian Martyrs Memorial Monument in Montebello on Saturday, November
22, as well as the Nahabetians’ participation in the Divine Liturgy,
to be celebrated by His Eminence Abp. Barkev Mardirossian, Primate of
the Diocese of Artsakh, at St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian
Apostolic Church of Pasadena on Sunday, November 23. The Pastor of
St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church of Pasadena, Very Rev. Fr. Baret
Yeretzian, delivered the benediction.

Divisions deepen in Armenia as country braces for MPs’ trial
¢ Seven accused of usurping state power at March rally
¢ Police among 10 victims at ‘vote-rigging’ protest

Duncan Campbell in Yerevan
The Guardian,
Monday 15 December 2008

Armenia is bracing itself for one of the biggest trials in its short
history as an independent country, with a former foreign minister and
three MPs among seven charged in connection with mass protests in which
10 people died.

The case this week against Alexander Arzoumanian, the former foreign
minister, and six others charged with "usurpation of state power", is
the culmination of a political storm that has engulfed the former
Soviet republic since thousands took to the streets early this year
against the disputed presidential election result.

"There is a real atmosphere of fear now," said Melissa Brown, the wife
of Arzoumanian, who is in jail awaiting trial. "It is like Soviet
times," she said during a protest in Yerevan, the capital.

Brown, from Philadelphia, met Arzoumanian when he was Armenia’s UN
ambassador in Washington. He later became the campaign manager for the
opposition leader and former president Levon Ter-Petrosyan, who lost
this year’s election. The Arzoumanians’ phones were tapped by police in
the run-up to the elections and their conversations were published in
the media and used to charge him with money-laundering.

"This is Watergate stuff," said Brown, who visits her husband twice a
month in prison. "It is not about one candidate against another, it is
about freedom and democracy."

Ter-Petrosyan’s supporters, who blamed voting irregularities for the
election of President Serzh Sargsyan, began protesting in Freedom
Square in mid-February. By night, about 1,000 camped out in freezing
temperatures. By day, crowds of up to 50,000 – estimates vary wildly –
participated in rallies.

Tensions rose further during the last week of February, and on 1 March
police entered the square, claiming they were searching for ammunition.
There were running battles through the streets, culminating in the
police opening fire, with each side claiming that the other launched
the first missile. Ten people, including two police officers, were
killed.

The killings sent shockwaves through the country and the government
imposed strict media censorship for 20 days. While the
government-sanctioned television stations continued to broadcast news,
some newspapers ran blank pages until their publication was halted.

More than 70 protesters have already been jailed but it is the seven
awaiting trial this week who face the main charges.

Sargsyan claimed 52.8% of the vote, enough to avoid the run-off that
some international observers believe should have been held. The
bloodshed has obscured argument over vote-rigging.

"To me, it was like the death of my country," said Karine Asatryan,
editor of the A1+ website, which was closed down during the news
blackout. "It is nine months now and we still don’t know what happened,
no one believes the police version of events. As for the trial, I am
sure they will all be found guilty unless there is international
pressure."

Gegham Vardanyan, a journalist with Internews, said that the issue of
elections remained unresolved. "Armenia has never had fair elections,
there has always been fraud, people don’t believe you can change that."
As for the court case, "it is a political trial and what happens in it
will depend on the political process".

The police feel they have been unfairly portrayed in the media and that
little sympathy was shown for the dead officers. "The coverage has been
extremely negative, it has often added fuel to the fire," said Sayat
Shirinyan, the chief police spokesman. "As for what happened, I can’t
provide a clear picture because there is a still an investigation to be
completed. After it happened, many saw me as the embodiment of the
whole situation. About half the country knows me [due to media
appearances] and I experienced some very tense looks, but that has
changed. There are still aftershocks but what happens in the future
depends on the authorities."

Avetik Ishkhanyan, the chairman of the Helsinki committee of Armenia, a
human rights body, said that the country faced many challenges.
"Armenia is not totalitarian but it is not democratic," he said. "There
is still limited freedom of expression. The television stations, both
public and private, are under the control of the authorities."

Panorama.am

16:47 13/12/2008

THIRD ROUND FINISHED WITH DRAWS

The third round meetings of Grand Masters’ supertournament are over in
China. All the three meetings of this round ended in draw. After the
third round Armenian chess player Levon Aronyan and Chinese Boo
Yantszin lead the tournament. Topalov and Movsisyan who presents
Slovakia have 1.5 points, and Ivanchuk and Svedler have 1 point each.

Source: Panorama.am

CONFERENCE ENTITLED "HUMAN RIGHTS PROTECTION IN PRACTICE OF CONSTITUTIONAL JUSTICE" BEING HELD AT NKR PARLIAMENT

De Facto
Dec 10, 2008

STEPANAKERT, 10.12.08. DE FACTO. A conference entitled "Human Rights
Protection in the Practice of Constitutional Justice" devoted to
the NKR Constitution Day and the 60th anniversary of the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights is being held at the Nagorno-Karabakh
Republic Parliament.

Addressing the audience, the NKR Parliament Speaker Ashot Gulian noted
that the young republic’s affiliation to the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights in 1992 "proceeded from the idea of the Karabakh movement,
national-liberation struggle of our people". The NKR Parliament Speaker
underscored, "the NKR, as a de facto established and viable state,
respects not only basic principles and freedoms of a man, but also
the principles of international law and wishes to integrate in the
nations’ free community".

The head of the RA Constitutional Court and attorney general Gagik
Harutyunian and Aghvan Hovsepian participate in the conference.

The conference has been initiated by the RA Center for Constitutional
Rights, the NKR Supreme Court, the NKR Standing Committee for State
and Legal Issues, the Ministry of Justice and NKR Ombudsman.

DINK MURDER CASE DELIBERATELY PROTRACTED

PanARMENIAN.Net
10.12.2008 16:44 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The legal procedure on Hrant Dink’s assassination
is being constantly protracted, said the editor of the Armenian sector
of Agos newspaper.

"All we have now is the accused and his several accomplices," Bagrat
Estukyan told a news conference in Yerevan today.

"Every time the judge postpones the hearings for a long period,
obviously to leave the things as they are," he said. "Dink’s murder
shocked Turkey. People understood that Dink was assassinated for
being an Armenian. Dink was the first who was prosecuted under the
article 301."

Mr. Estukyan informed that Agos editorial staff still receives offences
and threats.

"A group of lawyers work in the office to deal with these threatening
messages," he said.