Author: Dabaghian Diana

THE CINEMATOGRAPH AND THE OLIGARCHS

Lragir.am
15/12/09

Ruben Hayrapetyan’s apology to Gagik Tsarukyan and to his party
partners seems to be an unprecedented step for the Armenian
governmental and oligarchic circles. The representatives of these
circles are not inclined to apologizing much let alone a public apology
even if the point is about apologizing to each other. Usually, if
there are disputes or quarrels between them, the supreme government
is to settle them which even if makes the sides apologize, it does
not happen surely in public. From this point, we may presume that
Ruben Hayrapetyan’s case is particular and unprecedented which shows
once again that much has changed within the governmental system. We
do not have to hurry to make conclusions about whether the change is
good or bad. In other words, we do not have to hurry to think that
the government makes oligarchs enhance their political culture and
settle quarrels by apologizing.

There is a Soviet film about a "cinematograph" who makes civil
revolution in an American small town of cowboys and the American
cowboys start speaking to each other with "sorry"-"sorry Sir". The
cinematograph is hardly possible to have penetrated into the Armenian
governmental pyramid too. Even if Ruben Hayrapetyan’s apology reminds
the famous film and creates grounds to think that a civil revolution
took place within the governmental pyramid, it is too early to make
univocal judgments and conclusions.

Naturally, in this case the question occurs. Which is the reason why
before in case of such quarrels public apologies were not made? What
has changed within the governmental pyramid creating need for public
apologies? The point is that the representatives of this pyramid
will apology only to each other but not to citizens who stand lower
than they do. But on the other hand, they are evident to have never
asked for apology to each other before either. The point perhaps is
that previously none of the governmental pyramid representatives
cared for the public opinion because everyone set hopes on Robert
Kocharyan standing at the peak of the pyramid, everyone used to trust
their destinies to him and considered exceptionally his opinion on
their quarrels.

Now perhaps, this trust lacks in case of Serge Sargsyan. Possibly
the parts of the pyramid start looking for protection in other
places including the society. This is the reason why the public’s
opinion became important for at least a part of them. The point is
not of course about Ruben Hayrapetyan and his "sparring partner"
Gagik Tsarukyan. Tsarukyan is likely not to be satisfied with
inner-governmental version of reconciling with Hayrapetyan. He was
offended in front of the society so the problem is to be solved
before the society too, a public apology was to be made. This is the
expression of the change that happened in the governmental system.

They started giving always more importance to the public perceptions,
they started understanding more that the public opinion is power in
any case even if it yields to police bludgeons by now. But this change
of emphasizing the public opinion can hardly be determined by the
change of thinking of the governmental pyramid, or the modernization
of its system of values. Merely, the pyramid started inspiring less
confidence to its parts and they started seeking for new sources of
security in this case in the public opinion.

Senator Boxer co-sponsors the Armenian Genocide Resolution

armradio.am
12.12.2009 11:10

Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), a senior member of the Senate Foreign
Relations Committee and Chair of its Subcommittee on International
Operations and Organizations, Human Rights, Democracy, and Global
Women’s Issues, joined her colleagues yesterday in cosponsoring S.
Res. 316, the Armenian Genocide resolution, reported the Armenian
Assembly of America (Assembly).

Senator Boxer’s cosponsorship is timely given Turkish Prime Minister
Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s statement on the Charlie Rose television
program this week while in the Washington, DC, that "I can say very
clearly that we do not accept genocide. This is completely a lie."

"We welcome Senator Boxer’s continued commitment in combating genocide
denial through U.S. reaffirmation of the Armenian Genocide," stated
Armenian Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny. "In the face of
continued denial of this great crime against humanity, it is incumbent
upon us and all people of goodwill to do everything in our power to
put an end to this vicious cycle," added Ardouny.

Introduced by Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) in October of this year,
S. Res. 316 reaffirms the incontestable fact of the Armenian Genocide
and has also garnered the support of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid
(D-NV). In addition, while not an official cosponsor, former
Presidential hopeful, Senator John McCain (R-AZ) in a recent interview
publicly affirmed the Armenian Genocide.

S.Res. 316 has been referred to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee
and is pending further action. S.Res. 316 mirrors its counterpart in
the House of Representatives, H.Res. 252, which was introduced by
Congressmen Adam Schiff (D-CA) and George Radanovich (R-CA), along
with Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Mark Kirk
(R-IL).

IMF TO CONTINUE ASSISTING WITH REFORMS IN ARMENIA

Noyan Tapan
Dec 9, 2009

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 9, NOYAN TAPAN. Armenian Prime Minister Tigran
Sargsyan on December 8 received the International Monetary Fund’s
Resident Representative in Armenia Nienke Oomes who is completing her
mission in Armenia, and Guillermo Tolosa who will replace N. Oomes
in this position.

T. Sargsyan thanked N. Oomes for her efficient activities, then he
had a talk with G. Tolosa who, prior to assuming his new position,
worked at the IMF Strategy, Policy and Review Department.

The RA Government Information and PR Department reports that the
interlocutors exchanged ideas about the problems caused by the global
financial and economic crisis. T. Sargsyan pointed out these problems
to be dealt with by the Armenian government in cooperation with the
IMF. N. Oomes in her turn assured the prime minister that the IMF will
continue to assist with the reforms underway in Armenia and to provide
all possible support to help with solution of the existing problems.

15 POLITICAL PRISONERS REMAIN AT ARMENIA’S PRISONS, HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVISTS DECLARE

Noyan Tapan
Dec 9, 2009

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 9, NOYAN TAPAN. "Existence of political prisoners
in the country is a fact of gross violation of human rights,"
Co-chairwoman of Helsinki Civil Assembly Natalia Martirosian declared
at a December 9 discussion. Reporting that the discussion is dedicated
to December 10, day of adoption of UN Human Rights Convention she
added that it is marked in various corners of the world. While,
according to N. Martirosian, no hall is provided in Armenia for
discussions to be held on the subject of human rights.

Head of the Center for Law and Freedom, human rights activist Vardan
Haroutiunian in his report under the title The Term Political Prisoner:
Armenia’s Political Prisoners mentioned that there is no country in
the world admitting existence of political prisoners.

"Authorities of all countries declare that the issue of political
prisoners should be decided at the court and all dictators speak
about tolerance," he said. According to V. Haroutiunian, Armenia is
not an exception. "Hundreds of people became political prisoners
in our country, and all of them were supporters of the opposition
candidate," the human rights activist declared. He emphasized that
today 15 political prisoners remain at Armenia’s prisons.

Director of Assembly’s Vanadzor office Artur Sakunts in his report
touched upon all resolutions on Armenia adopted by PACE. In his words,
these resolutions one after another confirmed that the opposition is
persecuted by the authorities in Armenia.

Head of the Armenian National Congress Center for Legal Protection,
former RA Deputy Prosecutor General Gagik Jhangirian gave a report
on the subject Political Trials in Armenia.

U.S. President Promised Help To Resolve Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict: Turkish MP

Today.Az
10 December 2009 [11:55]

Day.Az interview with member of Turkey’s Grand National Assembly
(parliament), former foreign Minister Yasar Yakis.

Day.Az: How do you assess Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s
recent visit to the U.S.?

Yasar Yakis: This visit took place at the best level, and the parties
have done everything possible to address their concerns and bring
the relations between the countries to a higher level. Erdogan
has got answers to questions that the Turkish people are concerned
over. Obama also had a chance to get a clear picture of what he can
expect from Turkey.

During his U.S. visit, Erdogan did his best for Azerbaijan at the talks
with the U.S. president. Azerbaijan can be sure that Erdogan spoke
of Azerbaijan as his own country and asked Barack Obama’s support in
addressing Azerbaijan’s problems. The U.S. is one of the two countries
that can resolve the Karabakh conflict. Erdogan asked for U.S. help
to accelerate the solution to this problem taking advantage of its
position in the world and in the Minsk Group. It should be noted
that the Minsk Group has recently intensified efforts, but there are
no results yet. Obama promised to help resole the Karabakh problem
within his capabilities. The visit proved very useful for our region
and nation as a whole.

The Turkey-Armenia protocols were one of the major issues debated at
the meeting…

At a press conference held after the bilateral meeting, the Armenian
journalist asked Erdogan: "While signing the protocols, you said
that the issue is not related to Karabakh. But later at a speech in
the Azerbaijani parliament you said that the protocols will not be
fulfilled until the Karabakh problem is resolved. Don’t you think
these are contradictory statements?"

Erdogan answered that by signing the protocols, the Turkish government
demonstrated its will. These protocols should be ratified by the
parliament. Turkish prime minister clearly stated that the parliament
will not approve the protocols until the Karabakh problem is resolved
just as the act of the March 2003 which enabled the U.S. to attack
Iraq from Turkish territory. But the parliament did not approve
it. If a similar case happens with the Turkish-Armenian protocols,
Armenia will win nothing from this.

Did Obama voice his wish for Turkey’s opening borders and establishing
relations with Armenia again?

Obama noted a need to accelerate steps to normalize relations with
Armenia and ratify the protocols. Erdogan also stressed that the
government has fulfilled its task and signed the protocols. Now it is
up to the parliament to decide future of the protocols. The parliament
is very sensitive about this issue. These protocols are unlikely to
be discussed even by the parliamentary committee on foreign affairs
until there is progress in resolution of the Karabakh conflict.

The executive branch can not put pressure on the legislature. Erdogan
made it clear to Obama, and noted that Turkey is a democratic country
where all issues are solved by voting. You can not force the Congress
to adopt a decision. Similarly, the Turkish government can not dictate
anything to the parliament. Everything depends on the parliament’s
will. It is not only legal procedures, but also political will. Today
the Turkish society and the parliament are not ready for this process.

Was the so-called "Armenian genocide" discussed at the meeting?

The so-called "Armenian genocide" was not a key issue discussed at
the Obama-Erdogan meeting. Obama said that prior to Erdogan’s visit
to the United States, the Armenian National Committee of America
(ANCA) appealed to the White House to exert pressure on Turkish
prime minister to recognize the "genocide". In response, Obama said
ANCA that he places great importance on Turkey, and, if they wish
to normalize relations with Turkey, they themselves should also take
necessary steps.

It is wrong to accuse Turkey unilaterally. If you want something
from Turkey, you must also make some concessions. The process of
normalization of relations should be mutual. Obama also sees solution
to the so-called "genocide" in the normalization of Turkish-Armenian
relations. He knows that this issue will be resolved by a joint
commission to study the history of Turkish-Armenian relations. The
historians will say the final word.

What progress has been made on regional energy projects, especially
on Nabucco?

I do not have sufficient information about details of the discussions.

But, I am aware of Erdogan’s position on the matter. Erdogan has a
normal attitude to Russia-backed "South Stream" project. This project
could meet great part of the European demand while Nabucco will meet
only 10 percent. However, there always will be a need for Nabucco.

Azerbaijan’s Gunashli field and Iraqi fields are main sources to fill
up Nabucco.

Nabucco needs Iranian gas as well to increase its profitability.

Turkey support transport of the Iranian gas via the pipeline while
the U.S. does not. For fear of sanctions by the United States, no one
dares to support Iran’s accession to Nabucco. This situation increases
concerns about the fate of Nabucco. But the U.S. is one of the main
supporters of Nabucco. The White House is interested in this project.

Obama Administration has undertook lobbying Nabucco. Obama asked
Erdogan to support regional projects which are great importance for
the United States.

Society for suppression of unlawful claims about so-called "Armenian
genocide" has filed a suit with the European Court of Justice against
Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan on charges of Khojali genocide ..

In order to appeal to the European Court on Human Rights with such
charges, first they must have relevant decisions of the Armenia
courts. If these decisions do not satisfy the plaintiff, he may appeal
to the European Court. Only in this case financial compensation may
be imposed. In other words, Sargsyan can be forced to pay compensation
to the victims of the tragedy or his property may be seized.

As to legal assessment of Khojaly events and holding Sargsyan
criminally accountable, this trial can be held in the UN. UN has
already organized courts on Rwanda and Yugoslav events. The forces
that wish to achieve justice in this matter could bring Sargsyan to
the court-martial on charges of committing war crimes.

But the process of filing suit with the European Court on Human Rights
will fail. They must first apply to the courts of Armenia.

BARACK OBAMA: IT WILL BE VERY DIFFICULT TO HINDER ADOPTION OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE RESOLUTION BY US CONGRESS IF ARMENIAN-TURKISH PROTOCOLS ARE NOT RATIFIED

ArmInfo
2009-12-09 21:12:00

ArmInfo. US President Barack Obama called on the Grand National
Assembly of Turkey to immediately ratify the Armenian-Turkish
Protocols. According to the Turkish mass media, Obama said about it
during the meeting with Prime Minister of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan
on December 7 in the White House.

As the source reports quoting Hurriyet newspaper and DunyaBulteni.Net
site, B. Obama recalled that the Resolution on the Armenian Genocide
was multiply included in the agenda of the Congress. According to B.

Obama, it will be very difficult to hinder adoption of the Armenian
Genocide Resolution by US Congress if the Armenian-Turkish Protocols
are not ratified. In his turn, R. Erdogan said that the major part
of his party’s deputies are not overjoyed at ratification of the
Protocols because of the Karabakh problem unsolved. According to him,
the Armenian- Turkish Protocols will not be ratified if include them
in the agenda of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey today.

ARMENIA-BOSNIA RELATIONS HAVE MUCH POSSIBILITIES FOR DEVELOPMENT

Noyan Tapan
Dec 8, 2009

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 8, NOYAN TAPAN. Newly appointed Ambassador of
Bosnia and Herzegovina to RA Zelko Janjetovic (residence Moscow)
handed his credentials to RA President Serzh Sargsyan on December 8.

S. Sargsyan said that though the relations between the two countries
are still at the stage of formation they have much possibilities
for development. He expressed the hope that with Ambassador’s direct
assistance the current potential will be realized, and the cooperation
between the two countries by bilateral and many-sided formats will
become more dynamic and efficient.

According to RA President’s Press Office, during the talk the sides
attached importance to formation of a legal-contractual field necessary
for the interrelations which will enable to carry out multi-layer
cooperation. The interlocutors also exchanged thoughts over problems
and developments in the Balkan and South Caucasian regions.

PRESIDENT OF LATVIA VALDIS ZATLERS TO ARRIVE IN ARMENIA ON THREE-DAY STATE VISIT ON DECEMBER 9

Noyan Tapan
Dec 8, 2009

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 8, NOYAN TAPAN. At RA President Serzh Sargsyan’s
invitation President of Latvia Valdis Zatlers will arrive in Armenia
with his wife Mrs Lilita Zatlere on December 9 on a three-day state
visit. The same day the President of Latvia and his wife accompanied
by RA President and his wife Mrs Rita Sargsyan will be present at
the jubilee ceremony of 50th anniversary of foundation of Mashtots
Research Institute of Ancient Manuscripts, Matenadaran.

Latvian President’s official meeting ceremony will take place on
December 10 at RA President’s residence, which will be followed by the
two Presidents’ tete-a-tete talk. Then the official delegations will
meet with an enlarged staff. Latvian Ministers of Economy, Internal
Affairs, Environmental Protection, Chairman of the parliament Committee
of Foreign Relations, other high-ranking officials are included in
the delegation accompanying the President of Latvia.

Intergovernmental and interdepartmental documents will be signed
after the meeting. The leaders of Armenia and Latvia will have a
joint press conference.

According to a report by RA President’s Press Office, within the
framework of the visit V. Zatlers will also have meetings with NA
Speaker Hovik Abrahamian, Prime Minister Tigran Sargsian. Catholicos
of All Armenians Karekin II will also receive him.

The opening ceremony of the Armenian-Latvian business forum will take
place with the participation of the Presidents of Armenia and Latvia.

The President of Latvia will also visit the Memorial Complex of
Armenian Genocide, will be at the Museum of Armenian Genocide, will
plant a tree at the Commemoration Park.

At Yerevan State University V. Zatlers will meet with lecturers
and students.

At Yerevan Mayor’s Office the President of Latvia will meet with
Yerevan Mayor Gagik Beglarian and a number of honorary citizens of
Yerevan, will visit Yerevan History Museum.

During his stay in Armenia V. Zatlers will also visit Yerevan Brandy
Company and Matenadaran.

The delegation led by the Latvian President will leave Armenia on
December 11.

ARGENTINA AND URUGUAY COMMUNITIES WELCOME ‘STONE GARDEN’ AUTHORS

Asbarez
Dec 7th, 2009

BUENOS AIRES-Capacity crowds turned out at Armenian community centers
in the capitals of Argentina and Uruguay to hear author-photographers
Matthew Karanian and Robert Kurkjian present Armenia as an eco-tourism
destination and to celebrate Armenian heritage.

The authors illustrated their presentation with a photography slide
show of the people, countryside, and historic sites of Armenia and
Artsakh. The event in Buenos Aires on November 19 was held under
the auspices of Argentina’s Armenian Embassy and the authors spoke
on Avenida Armenia (Armenia Avenue), in the heart of the city’s
"Little Armenia." Armenia’s Ambassador to Argentina, H.E. Vladimir
Karmirshalyan, attended the event.

Uruguay’s Liga de Jovenes (League of Youth) was the sponsor of the
event in Montevideo on November 26.

Karanian and Kurkjian told the audiences in Buenos Aires, Argentina,
and in Montevideo, Uruguay, that the Diaspora’s continued support
of Armenia and Karabagh is vital to the country’s success, and that
traveling to Armenia also allows the Diaspora to understand its needs.

The authors discussed the state of conservation and environmental
awareness in Armenia, including the steps toward the tentative recovery
of the Lake Sevan ecosystem.

"Tourism to Armenia has increased every year for the past decade, and
we’re expected to have more than a million visitors by 2020," Kurkjian
informed the audiences. Tourism is a good source of revenue for
Armenia, but Kurkjian cautioned that it must be promoted in a way that
is sustainable, in order to protect Armenia’s environment. According
to Karanian, travel is also "a good way to invigorate" the Diaspora
communities of the world, he said. Further, it brings Armenian
hospitality and culture to non-Armenians who travel there.

And, Karanian said, "the Diaspora gets recharged" when its members
visit Armenia and return home to share what they’ve seen and learned.

Kurkjian and Karanian are the creators of "The Stone Garden Guide:
Armenia and Karabagh," which is the first photography-based and
conservation-themed commercial travel guide to the region. In addition
to working on behalf of Armenia, Kurkjian is a scientist and Karanian
is a lawyer, both in Pasadena, Calif.

"Armenia and Karabagh" has won three national book awards and has been
one of the best-selling books on the subject of Armenia for the past
several years. The book is available for purchase from independent
Armenian booksellers such as Abril, Berj, and Sardarabad in Glendale,
Calif., and from the Armenian Prelacy and the Armenian Diocese in
New York City.

To order directly from the publisher with free Priority Mail shipping
in the US and Canada, send a check for US$25 to Stone Garden
Productions; PO Box 7758; Northridge, CA 91327 USA. As a holiday
special, orders received before January 6, 2010 will be shipped with
a free wall-sized color map of Armenia ($12 value). The book can be
previewed online at Their photography
can be viewed at

ARMENIAN-RUSSIAN BUSINESS FORUM KICKED OFF IN YEREVAN

PanARMENIAN.Net
08.12.2009 12:30 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ An Armenian-Russian business forum kicked off in
Yerevan on December 8 on the initiative of the RA Chamber of Commerce
and the Union of Entrepreneurs and Industrials of Armenia.

"This forum is another opportunity to intensify economic relations
between the two countries, boost bilateral trade and find new
partners," said Arsen Ghazaryan, Chairman of the Union of Entrepreneurs
and Industrials of Armenia. "Taking place at the end of the year,
the forum will help outline plans for 2010."