Author: Ekmekjian Janet

AMSTERDAM – ARARAT AWARDS BRIEF TO AMSTERDAM WORLDWIDE

Campaign
March 20, 2009

Pernod Ricard Eastern Europe has awarded Amsterdam Worldwide the
creative account for its Ararat brand.

Amsterdam won the business following a pitch against undisclosed
agencies, and will work on repositioning the Armenian brandy as a
legendary beverage for Cognac and brandy connoisseurs.

The agency’s first campaign for the brand will be released in the
next few months, and will target opinion-formers in Russia, Ukraine,
Armenia and other Eastern and Western European territories.

Brian Elliott, the founder and chief executive of Amsterdam Worldwide,
said: ‘There is enormous scope to update the brand in the minds of
drinkers in Russia and other countries.’

U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE UNDERCUTS STATE DEPARTMENT’S HUMAN RIGHTS REPORTING?

PanARMENIAN.Net
20.03.2009 16:45 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton
continues to devalue and undermine the U.S. diplomatic tradition of
human rights advocacy, The Washington post reports.

"On her first foreign trip, to Asia, she was dismissive about
raising human rights concerns with China’s communist government,
saying "those issues can’t interfere" with economic, security or
environmental matters. In last week’s visit to the Middle East and
Europe, she undercut the State Department’s own reporting regarding
two problematic American allies: Egypt and Turkey.

According to State’s latest report on Egypt, issued Feb. 25, "the
government’s respect for human rights remained poor" during 2008
"and serious abuses continued in many areas." It cited torture by
security forces and a decline in freedom of the press, association
and religion. Ms. Clinton was asked about those conclusions during
an interview she gave to the al-Arabiya satellite network in Sharm
el-Sheikh, Egypt. Her reply contained no expression of concern about
the deteriorating situation. "We issue these reports on every country,"
she said. "We hope that it will be taken in the spirit in which it
is offered, that we all have room for improvement."

Ms. Clinton was then asked whether there would be any connection
between the report and a prospective invitation to President Hosni
Mubarak to visit Washington. "It is not in any way connected," she
replied, adding: "I really consider President and Mrs. Mubarak to
be friends of my family. So I hope to see him often here in Egypt
and in the United States." Ms. Clinton’s words will be treasured by
al-Qaeda recruiters and anti-American propagandists throughout the
Middle East. She appears oblivious to how offensive such statements
are to the millions of Egyptians who loathe Mr. Mubarak’s oppressive
government and blame the United States for propping it up.

The new secretary of state delivered a similar shock in Turkey
to liberal supporters of press freedom, now under siege by the
government of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. According to the
State Department report, "senior government officials, including Prime
Minister Erdogan, made statements during the year strongly criticizing
the press and media business figures, particularly following the
publishing of reports on alleged corruption . . . connected to the
ruling party." That was an understatement: In fact, Mr. Erdogan’s
government has mounted an ugly campaign against one of Turkey’s
largest media conglomerates, presenting it with a $500 million tax
bill in a maneuver that has been compared to Russia’s treatment of
independent media.

Ms. Clinton was asked by a Turkish journalist what she told Mr. Erdogan
when he complained about the State Department report. She answered:
"Well, my reaction was that we put out this report every year,
and I fully understand . . . no politician ever likes the press
criticizing them." "Overall," she concluded, "we think that Turkey
has made tremendous progress in freedom of speech and freedom of
religion and human rights, and we’re proud of that."

In fact, as the State Department has documented, Turkey is retreating
on freedom of speech. In Egypt, the human rights situation also
is getting worse rather than better. By minimizing those facts,
Ms. Clinton is doing a disservice to her own department – and sending
a message to rulers around the world that their abuses won’t be taken
seriously by this U.S. administration," the article says.

Blogcritics.org
June 14 2005

System of a Down – Mezmerize
Posted by El Bicho on June 14, 2005 02:03 AM (See all posts by El
Bicho)
Filed under: Music – Scroll down to read comments on this story
and/or add one of your own.

Mezmerize
System of a Down
Music from Sony
Release date: 17 May, 2005

System of a Down returns with a new album Mezmerize, or maybe that
should read “part of a new album” since this is the first disc in a
two-disc set that will be completed when the Hypnotize disc comes out
this fall.

The sound of Mezmerize is slightly different from previous albums. It
is still immediately recognizable as SOAD, but guitarist/songwriter
Daron Malakian takes a more prominent role with the vocals, including
lead on a few tracks. The disc packs quite a wallop into 36 minutes
with its thought-provoking lyrics and its angry, relentless assault
on the injustices of the world.

Mezmerize opens with the slow, acoustic “Soldier Side – Intro” a play
on the suffix “cide.” Then the album descends into the sonic madness
that is their first single “B.Y.O.B.” This anti-war song is chaotic
and schizophrenic, constantly changing tempos and styles, going from
speed metal to funky, dance floor groove to a punk rock mosh pit.
Daron shrieks at the beginning “Why do they always send the poor?”
and this question is repeated maniacally throughout so the war isn’t
forgotten when “Everybody’s going to the party”.

Other strong songs include “This Cocaine Makes Me Feel Like I’m On
This Song”, which captures the rush and agitation brought on by the
drug, and “Radio/Video”, which brings to the forefront the Armenian
roots of the band. It begins hard, fast and loud like most of their
others, but after the first chorus, Middle Eastern rhythms play under
the second chorus. The first and second choruses along with their
musical styles are repeated; then the bridge increases the tempo of
the Middle Eastern rhythms. It would be perfect for whirling
dervishes.

The quality of the music even makes up for the times when I don’t
comprehend the story behind the lyrics. In my defense, a lot of the
songs’ lyrics are long, repeated choruses with no verses that could
provide extra information. If you don’t know what the song is about,
it might be tough to decipher the story unless you read an interview
where Daron and Serj explain themselves.

For example, “Violent Pornography” rails against “the kinda of shit
you get on your TV”, but the only example of the “shit” is “choking
chicks and sodomy”, which is more prevalent on the Internet. The
remedy they offer is “Turn off your TV”, but if television is the
problem, there other ills they could point to as well.

I don’t need my hand held when it comes to lyrics, but some clues to
point me in the right direction are always helpful. It’s not a knock
against the band because there’s plenty of rock ‘n’ roll with
indecipherable lyrics that I have sung along to because of how good
the music was. I only bring up the point because some of their songs
have very intriguing lyrics, like the well-written line, “Eloquence
belongs to the conqueror” from “Sad Statue,” which make me want to
understand a song’s story.

The only major misfire is “Old School Hollywood.” It opens with
keyboards, a vocoder and Daron singing about playing in a celebrity
baseball game at Dodger Stadium. All I could think about, other than
it’s too bad Dr. Demento radio show isn’t around anymore, is who the
hell cares? This album is filled with serious political tracks that
provide food for thought, making this mocking look at a show business
event that Daron took part in completely incongruous. Some old guys
didn’t know who he was. Boo freakin’ hoo! You’re a rock star. I don’t
know how I’m supposed to connect with this. Besides, the song is not
even controversial. Daron calls out Tony Danza who “cuts in line” in
front of him by calling him “washed-up.” *****h, that’ll show ’em.

The album closes with an acoustic ballad “Lost in Hollywood,” a song
that covers some very familiar subject matter about how tough
Hollywood is because a lot of people who come out to realize their
dreams get used up and spit out. The music has a nice melody and
shows a potential musical direction for the band even though the
lyrics are cliched.

Even though the album ends weakly after starting so strong, Mezmerize
has me curious to hear what Hypnotize has to offer this fall, but it
better be over 44 minutes or fans might wonder why the need two
albums. They might get turned off and see it as being similar to the
marketing scam of that split the horrendous Kill Bill into Volumes 1
and 2.

"ARMENIAN SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL NATIONAL ACADEMY NEWS" MAGAZINE PUBLISHED IN RA

PanARMENIAN.Net
17.03.2009 18:10 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The Armenian National Academy of Science and
Technology has published the first issue of the journal "News about
Armenian National Academy of Science and Technology." The first issue
of the journal introduces the inventions by 11 Armenian scientists
in the field of industry and science. Before being published each
article on inventions is discussed and undergoes scientific censorship.

The journal deals with the issues regarding the technological science
in its widest spectrum. The publication is expected to find its
readers among researcher workers, engineers, heads of enterprises,
University professors, and post graduate students.

The Armenian National Academy of Science and Technology has existed
for 2 years already. The nine scientific sections of the Academy carry
out work not related to science only. Seventy (70) highly-skilled
specialists from the field of science and technology aimed to promote
the industry of Armenia. "We are ready to cooperate with those people
who will be able to promote the economy and industry through their
inventions," said Areg Simonyan, editor-in chief of the journal.

SERZH SARGSYAN APPOINTS ARKADI GHUKASIAN AMBASSADOR OF SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS

ARMENPRESS
March 17, 2009

YEREVAN, MARCH 17, ARMENPRESS: President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan
signed a decree March 16 appointing Arkadi Ghukasian ambassador of
special assignments and granting diplomatic degree of extraordinary
and plenipotentiary ambassador of Republic of Armenia, presidential
press service told Armenpress.

Analysis: Oil price weakness to test Azeri budget, currency

BAKU, March 16 (Reuters) – The impact of the global crisis on
Azerbaijan could spread beyond reduced remittances and stalled
building projects, as further oil price weakness would test its
currency, budget and ultimately political stability.

The Caucasus state, a supplier of oil and gas to Europe from the
Caspian Sea, is set to face plunging revenues this year as oil prices
languish below $50 a barrel compared to nearly $150 last summer.

The rainy-day state oil fund gives the former Soviet republic a
cushion against weak oil prices but officials say a budget revision is
possible in May-June as the main financial document was based on a
price of $70 per barrel versus $44 now.

The fund is forecast to receive $10.5 billion in 2009 based on an
average price per barrel of $70, compared with $14.9 billion in 2008.

"The oil fund assets are going to be depleted while the fund itself is
not being replenished this year," said Ana Jelenkovic, an analyst with
London-based Eurasia Group.

"What that means is that Azerbaijan is going to face a more difficult
time, perhaps not in 2009 but in 2010, depending on how much the
(economic growth) is forced to (slow), how long the oil price remains
depressed."

Azerbaijan holds a referendum on Wednesday on whether to scrap the
country’s two-term presidential limit and allow President Ilham Aliyev
— son of late long-serving leader Heydar — to run again in 2013.
[ID:nLD602175]

Some observers see the vote as a move to shore up 47-year-old Aliyev’s
rule against the uncertain impact of the global economic crisis, with
deflated oil prices threatening to rein in spending plans key to
keeping the people happy.

Azerbaijan can look on its relatively undeveloped financial sector as
a blessing, unlike Central Asia’s crisis-hit energy powerhouse
Kazakhstan, whose banks have been hit by huge foreign loan exposure.

The country’s Manat currency is holding its ground against the dollar
but pressure on authorities is growing to follow the path of
Kazakhstan and Russia and weaken the exchange rate to cope with lower
oil prices.

"It’s possible we’ll see the Manat devalue after the referendum," said
a senior Western diplomat.

GROWING FRUSTRATION

The Azeri economy was among the fastest growing in the world with
growth averaging 21 percent between 2003 and 2007.

Growth is now expected to slow to 10 percent in 2009, down from 10.8
percent in 2008, as oil revenues account for up to 60 percent of the
budget — more than in Russia or Kazakhstan — and the country has so
far shown little creative thinking on how to stimulate other growth
industries.

The construction sector, a rare boom-business during the bull market
for oil, is feeling the pinch. Baku high-rises built on the basis of
future sales are seeing demand decline and some large projects have
ground to a halt.

The economy is also suffering from lower remittances from Azeris
working in Russia, which is sliding into its first recession in 10
years.

The number of Azeris working in Russia is estimated at between 900,000
and 2 million. Individuals sent $1.06 billion in 2008 from Russia to
Azerbaijan, Russian central bank data shows. It does not give
quarterly breakdowns by country, but overall transfers from Russia
shrank 24 percent in the fourth quarter.

The fall in money being sent home will be felt most in the provinces,
the traditional destination for remittances, and the scope for budget
support will be also limited.

Last month, Baku slashed its annual oil output forecast by a fifth to
45 million tonnes due to problems at a BP-led <BP.L> Caspian project.

This could mark the first year of flat production after a decade of
growth, which saw output rising five-fold, and could force authorities
to further cut economic growth targets.

The jury is out on whether the economic downturn will translate into
social unrest and a challenge to Aliyev.

One senior Western diplomat said that despite widespread anger at
rampant corruption, the "organs of power" were too effective to allow
discontent to spill over.

Jelenkovic said the government needed to keep spending to keep a lid
on frustrations.

"It is a growing concern for the government," said Jelenkovic. "I
think we’re going to see stability questioned, but it’s certainly not
a near-term concern because Aliyev is still very much in control".
(Additional reporting by Afet Mehtiyeva, writing by Matt Robinson;
editing by Toby Chopra)

AWAITING FOR THE LAWYER

A1+
[02:51 pm] 16 March, 2009

Today’s court hearing on the case of seven oppositionists standing
trial on charges of last year’s unrest in Yerevan City was interrupted
immediately after starting. The Court went into recess waiting for the
arrival of Stepan Voskanyan, lawyer of defendant Grigor Voskerchyan.

Besides the seven defendants removed from the courtroom last week,
lawyers Stepan Voskanyan and Hovik Arsenyan were also absent during
the court hearing. Stepan Voskanyan had notified the Court that
he would be late for the trial because of unfavourable weather
conditions. According to Hovik Arsenyan, his client Sasun Michaelyan
has refused his services. The judge in the case, Mnatsakan Martirosyan,
read out Arsenyan’s application and took a recess of 30 minutes.

A1+

`I have never been treated in such a way’
[07:06 pm] 13 March, 2009

`No one has ever treated me so brutally. Even the skinheads of our
oligarchs have been kinder to me,’ photojournalist Gagik Shamshyan
told A1+ in the resuscitation department of the Nairi Medical Centre.

Gagik Shamshyan was beaten up in Yerevan State Linguistic University
earlier today.

During his activity, Gagik Shamshyan has been subjected to numerous
harassments and violence but it is the first time the photojournalist
of `Aravot’ and `Chorrord Ishkhanutyun’ newspapers has been severely
beaten up.

Gagik Shamshyan tells that after today’s protest action organised by
the University students he went to the University with some other
reporters seeking the opinion of the University administration. At the
entrance they came into collision with the security officers who
banned the reporters’ access to the building. The quarrel later came
to blows.

The photojournalist says he has substantial evidence which will help
identify the assailants. `They were the security men and one of the
pro-rectors who didn’t like the way I was carrying out my professional
duties – photographing the interior from a suitable position. The
moment they attacked me I managed to take a few photos. I have been
told that some TV Companies working in the building also shot the
incident.’

Gagik Shamshyan got hits below the belt. Assistant director of the
medical centre, Siranush Martirosyan says Shamshyan has been
thoroughly examined. He is diagnosed with a fractional damage of
urethra. `The patient’s state is stabilising gradually,’ she adds.

Gagik Shamshyan confirmed the assistant director’s words and said he
is getting better. He has already been visited by police
representatives. The press service of the Armenian Police informed us
that an inquiry into the incident is already in progress.

President of Armenia’s Freedom of Speech Protection Committee, Ashot
Melikyan, went to the University today to inquire about the
incident. He says the safety officers immediately hid their
certifications and refrained from making comments.

A1+ was unable to get any information from the University. At first we
were told that Rector Suren Zolyan was out. Then the guard answering
the telephone call said that the working day was over and Suren Zolyan
was no longer in the building.

Azerbaijan left International Tourism Exhibition held in Berlin

ANS
14.03.2009 00:58

After the exhibition was opened Azerbaijani Embassy discovered the
society’s activity against Azerbaijan and stand `Mountainous Karabakh’.

Embassy of Azerbaijan in Germany made statement that Azerbaijan stopped
its participation in ITB international tourism exhibition held Berlin.
The statement says: `Azerbaijani Embassy in Germany determined that
`Friends of Artsakh (Karabakh)’ society holding activity in Berlin had
applied for participation in the exhibition and was registered.
Azerbaijani Embassy taking into account that participation of the
society in the exhibition may be directed to propagandation of the
false Daqliq Qarabaq Republic as well as against territorial integrity
of Azerbaijan, held negotiations and correspondences with the
leadership of ITB exhibition’. As a result of the negotiations the
latter gave a written promise to Azerbaijani side that appropriate
steps would be taken if the society violates the regulations of the
exhibition.

The statement said that after the exhibition was opened Azerbaijani
Embassy discovered the society’s activity against Azerbaijan and stand
`Mountainous Karabakh’. The embassy demanded ITB leadership to close
the stand. Azerbaijani Diaspora organizations in Germany and
Germany-Azerbaijan Forum also protested against the illegal activity
and appealed to ITB leadership.=0
D

Despite the society was prevented from spreading some propagating
materials, the exhibition leadership did not completely fulfill the
embassy’s demand, the stand was not canceled. Taking this into account,
the embassy contacted relevant government agencies of Azerbaijan and as
a result of it Azerbaijani delegation left the exhibition. The embassy
said Azerbaijani ambassador to Germany Parviz Shahbazov issued a press
release saying that ITB leadership did not take necessary measures to
prevent illegal activity of `Friends of Artsakh (Karabakh)’ society
against Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity in the exhibition. The
embassy also appealed to German Foreign Ministry and related government
agencies about it.

Vardan Aramyan: Rumors about resignation false
11.03.2009 13:41

Hasmik Dilanyan
`Radiolour’

Electronic media reported yesterday that Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan
and Ministers of the economic block had resigned. In the evening
President’s Spokesman Samvel Farmanyan refuted the information.

`We are working in the normal regime, the rumors about the resignation
are false,’ Deputy Minister of Finance Vardan Aramyan told `Radiolur.’

`As for me, I have not sent in my resignation. Neither has the
Minister. It would be too bad for our economy. Our team is working
normally. We have a supreme objective ` to overcome the financial
crisis. If we worked 11 hours a day before, now we work 13 hours,’
Vardan Aramyan said.

According to him, as usual the Minister of Finance, Tigran Davtyan,
camw to work at 9 sharp, they held a usual flier in the morning.

Internet resources disseminate information that the Prime Minister and
the Ministers of the economic block will be changed after the elections
of the Mayor of Yerevan on May 31. Deputy Minister of Finance Vardan
Aramyan said it’s not true. `We have no time to think about it. I don’t
understand how it could be linked to the Mayor and politics. What does
this election have to do with other issues?’