EU SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE IN SOUTH CAUCASUS TO ARRIVE IN ARMENIA JUNE 15
PanARMENIAN.Net
14.06.2007 16:44 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ EU Special Representative in the South Caucasus
Peter Semneby will arrive in Armenia June 15. Political advisors Mark
Fawcett and Kaupo Kand accompany him during the trip. Most likely
the Special Representative will go to Nagorno Karabakh from Yerevan,
Semneby’s office told the PanARMENIAN.Net journalist.
WASHINGTON INVITE L’ARMENIE A COMBATTRE LE TRAFIC D’ETRES HUMAINS
RIA Novosti, Russie
14 juin 2007
EREVAN, 14 juin – RIA Novosti. Pour accroître l’efficacite de la lutte
contre la traite des personnes en Armenie, il faut intensifier les
processus d’instruction, de poursuite penale et de condamnation des
fonctionnaires gouvernementaux impliques dans ces pratiques, indique
l’agence Armenia-News, citant le rapport annuel du departement d’Etat
americain sur le trafic d’etres humains en 2007.
Selon le rapport, le gouvernement armenien devrait implanter au niveau
national un système officiel ayant pour but de decouvrir les victimes
du trafic et de les confier aux associations sociales chargees de
leur protection. Il faut egalement sensibiliser l’opinion publique
a ce phenomène et intensifier les efforts en vue de le prevenir.
Le rapport constate que l’Armenie est plutôt un pays d’origine que
de transit des femmes transferees vers les Emirats Arabes Unis (EAU)
et la Turquie en vue de leur exploitation sexuelle commerciale.
En outre, des hommes et des femmes armeniens sont illegalement
transferes en Russie pour y etre employes a des travaux "forces". De
leur côte, de nombreuses femmes et jeunes filles transitent elles
aussi via Moscou avant de gagner les Emirats Arabes Unis.
Le document constate que malgre les efforts importants qu’il deploie
pour eradiquer le trafic d’etre humains, le gouvernement armenien ne
remplit pas complètement les exigences formulees dans ce domaine.
"Depuis trois ans d’affilee l’Armenie occupe la deuxième position
dans la liste d’observation (watch list), car elle n’arrive pas a
fournir de preuves a l’appui de sa volonte d’intensifier la lutte
contre la corruption et de preter assistance aux victimes de la traite
des personnes", souligne le rapport.
Le departement d’Etat americain estime qu’en 2006, le gouvernement
armenien n’a pas pris de mesures suffisantes pour proteger les
victimes du trafic d’etres humains. Cette constatation repose sur
le fait qu’aucune aide materielle ni financière n’a ete fournie aux
organisations sociales chargees de secourir les victimes de ce trafic.
"Pour pouvoir combattre le trafic d’etres humains, le gouvernement
compte sur l’assistance des organisations sociales et des structures
internationales pour completer ses propres efforts visant a
sensibiliser l’opinion publique", indique le rapport.
Le document souligne qu’en 2006, l’Agence chargee de la migration
auprès du ministère armenien de l’Administration territoriale a
continue de cooperer avec la Direction generale de l’aviation civile
du pays et avec une organisation sociale a la diffusion de tracts sur
le danger du trafic d’etres humains parmi les personnes se rendant
en Turquie et aux EAU.
"Le gouvernement de l’Armenie coopère egalement avec une agence
analogue russe a la diffusion d’une brochure appropriee parmi les
travailleurs immigres en Russie", dit le document.
–Boundary_(ID_+NkUgYaVl/ARR0/0IuP5yw)- –
AZERBAIJANI MPS PROPOSE STARTING WAR AGAINST ARMENIA
Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
June 16 2007
Proposal on Azerbaijan’s starting war against Armenia was made today at
the final meeting of the spring session of the parliament, APA reports.
Azerbaijani MP, chairman of Ana Vatan (Motherland) Party Fazail
Agamali addressing the meeting proposed announcing war against Armenia
stressing that Azerbaijani society should prepare for the war.
Agamali related it with the prolongation of negotiations for the
solution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict.
"Everybody should join the struggle for liberating our territories.
Actually, Azerbaijan should declare a war to Armenia. Azerbaijan’s
military budget allows it," he said.
Parliamentarian Panah Huseyn also touched on the Nagorno Karabakh
conflict. The MP said Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s position
regarding the conflict satisfies local political parties and NGOs.
VIOLINIST BORYA
KarabakhOpen
14-06-2007 10:01:45
Everyone in Stepanakert knows the violinist Borya. His violin plays in
parties and funerals. The violin is also already an old acquaintance
of the people of Stepanakert, which has become part of him.
Borya did not learn to play the violin at a young age. He says he had
no teacher, he learned to play this instrument thanks to good ear. He
says the violin is the queen of music. "Any other instrument could
be the king because the queen can get on well with every one of them."
The renowned violinist is often seen playing in funerals and parties.
However, his heart is the most rigorous client. "When I feel bad, I
take the violin and go to the memorial. My soul finds peace there. I
knew lots of guys who got killed. And I promised to visit them every
day and play for them. I knew they loved to listen to the violin,"
Borya said to us.
"One of them was fond of jazz. He said he wanted to play with me and
one day we would play together. Now I often come to him and every
time I try to play something interesting. David liked slow music,
I play slow music for him," Borya says.
It is difficult for him to play in funerals. "But I know the sound
of violin calms people in times of sorrow, and I cannot refuse to
help them."
He is already used to playing in funerals in the morning and in
parties in the evening.
They say this elderly musician used to be a handsome young man. They
say the war changed his life, and all good things are memories.
Borya can also play the guitar, the drums, the duduk and the piano.
Sometimes also an alternative instrument – the glasses.
CANADA JUMPS 38 SPOTS IN FIFA RANKINGS
CBC News, Canada
fifa-rankings-canada.html?ref=rss
June 13 2007
Canada climbed 38 spots in the FIFA rankings released Wednesday by
soccer’s world governing body.
Buoyed by a pair of victories over Costa Rica and Haiti in the
CONCACAF Gold Cup, the Canadian team jumped to No. 56 in the monthly
rankings. Canada was No. 94 in May.
Only Armenia, which improved by 48 spots, made a bigger jump in the
rankings than Canada.
Canada, which plays Guatemala on Saturday in the Gold Cup
quarter-finals, has rebounded after reaching an all-time low 103rd
spot in March.
The United States is the top team from CONCACAF, the soccer
confederation that covers North and Central America and the Caribbean,
in this month’s ranking at the No. 16 position.
Canada ranks sixth among CONCACAF nations behind the U.S., Mexico
(No. 26), Costa Rica (No. 46), Panama (No. 52), and Honduras (No. 55).
ARMENIAN PM FORMS NEW CABINET AFTER ELECTION TRIUMPH
By Emil Danielyan
Eurasia Daily Monitor, DC
(168 Zham, June 7, 9; Haykakan Zhamanak, June 7-8; Aravot, June 7)
June 12 2007
Armenia’s President Robert Kocharian and his top political allies have
cut a new power-sharing deal resulting from their landslide victory
in the May 12 parliamentary elections. In a decree made public on
June 8, Kocharian formally approved the composition of a coalition
government headed by his longtime close associate Serge Sarkisian and
dominated by representatives of the latter’s Republican Party (HHK),
the main election winner.
The development came after almost a month of difficult negotiations
between the HHK and two other major pro-Kocharian parties,
Prosperous Armenia and the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, also
known as Dashnaktsutiun. Sarkisian agreed to share power with them,
even though his party won an outright majority in parliament and was
able to single-handedly form a government. He is clearly trying to
mobilize broad-based political support for his intention to succeed
Kocharian in a presidential election due in early 2008.
Officially, the new ruling coalition is made up of the HHK and
Prosperous Armenia, which came in a distant second in the parliamentary
elections. Their leaders signed a corresponding memorandum in
Kocharian’s office on June 6. They then signed a separate "cooperation
agreement" with Dashnaktsutiun, enabling the center-left nationalist
party to distance itself from Sarkisian’s government while retaining
three of the four ministerial posts it has held for the past four
years. The Armenian ministries of agriculture, education, and social
affairs will thus continue to be run by Dashnaktsutiun members. The
party, which is particularly influential in the worldwide Armenian
Diaspora, also clinched the right to appoint one of the country’s
ten provincial governors, a deputy speaker of the National Assembly,
and the chairpersons of two parliament committees. One of its top
leaders, Vahan Hovannisian, was elected as vice-speaker during the
first session of the newly elected legislature on June 7.
Meanwhile, Prosperous Armenia, which is led by Kocharian-connected
tycoon Gagik Tsarukian, got hold of the less significant ministries
of health, urban development, and sport affairs, despite the fact
that it won considerably more parliament seats than Dashnaktsutiun.
The HHK will directly or indirectly control seven ministries,
including those of finance and justice, as well as the newly created
post of deputy prime minister. Kocharian, for his part, filled two
other cabinet vacancies, reappointing his longtime Foreign Minister
Vartan Oskanian and Defense Minister Mikael Harutiunian. Neither man
is affiliated with any party. In addition, the Armenian president will
continue to control the law-enforcement and tax-collection agencies
that are not part of the government and are directly subordinated to
the head of state.
The coalition talks took longer than expected because of disagreements
revolving around the extent and form of Dashnaktsutiun’s continued
presence in Armenia’s leadership.
Dashnaktsutiun leaders made it clear in the run-up to the May 12 vote
that they will quit the government unless their party is given control
over the Ministry of Defense. But they dropped that demand after the
HHK’s election triumph, mindful of the fact that Sarkisian and his
loyalists can now push any decision through parliament practically
at will. Nonetheless, Dashnaktsutiun set other conditions, including
a greater say in the formulation of government policies and a right
to disavow those policies with which it disagrees. Surprisingly,
Sarkisian appears to have agreed to all of those conditions.
Speaking to journalists later on June 6, another party leader, Armen
Rustamian, stressed that Dashnaktsutiun will have an "independent
political tactic" and will bear no responsibility for the actions of
the prime minister and cabinet members not affiliated with it. More
importantly, he also confirmed that the nationalist party has not
committed itself to endorsing Sarkisian’s presidential bid. The issue
was the main stumbling block during the post-election negotiations,
with Sarkisian reportedly insisting that the coalition partners pledge
to nominate a single candidate for the presidential ballot.
Dashnaktsutiun leaders, whose rapport with Kocharian’s most likely
successor has always been quite frosty, have repeatedly stated
that they plan to have their own presidential candidate. Rustamian
effectively reaffirmed this at the news conference.
All of which raises the question why Sarkisian agreed to give
ministerial portfolios to Dashnaktsutiun without getting anything
significant in return. Some local commentators believe that he did
so under pressure from Kocharian, who has enjoyed the party’s strong
backing throughout his nine-year presidency. They speculate that
Kocharian is keen to limit the HHK’s rising grip on power as part of
his apparent plans to continue to pull the government strings in some
capacity after completing his second and final term in office.
Prosperous Armenia’s worse-than-expected election performance (it
won only 24 of the 131 parliament seats) is thought to have already
dealt a serious blow to the realization of those plans.
Analysts also suggest that Sarkisian still hopes to win over
Dashnaktsutiun or at least keep it from challenging him in the
2008 election. Indeed, while Dashnaktsutiun does not seem to
have potentially electable presidential hopefuls, its independent
involvement in the presidential race would make life much harder
for Sarkisian. In particular, the party’s government levers coupled
with its well-organized grassroots network put it in a position to
restrict and/or expose the increasingly sophisticated vote rigging
that remains the HHK’s and Sarkisian’s principal election-winning
technique. Whether Dashnaktsutiun is really ready to pick a fight
with Armenia’s number one "party of power" remains to be seen. Cynics
say the Dashnaktsutiun leadership has grown too accustomed to power
and the resulting perks to become an opposition force. The next few
months will show if they are right.
PRESS RELEASE
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
Address: Vagharshapat, Republic of Armenia
Contact: Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian
Tel: +374-10-517163
Fax: +374-10-517301
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website:
June 12, 2007
Catholicos of All Armenians Receives Ambassador John Danilovich
CEO of the Millennium Challenge Corporation
On June 12, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All
Armenians, received Ambassador John Danilovich, Chief Executive Officer of
the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), and his delegation in the Mother
See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
His Holiness welcomed the ambassador to the headquarters of the Armenian
Church, stating, "We are pleased that through Armenia’s inclusion in the
Millennium Challenge Corporation program, the economy of Armenia in the
rural sector will be the recipient of much needed assistance." His Holiness
also expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the MCC for their ongoing
work in the spheres of rural road development and irrigation water projects
focused on the agrarian villages throughout Armenia.
The Pontiff of All Armenians introduced the guests to the present-day
mission of the Armenian Church and its history, including the conversion of
the Armenian people to Christianity, the establishment of the Mother See
more than 17 centuries ago, and the challenges facing the Church and society
in modern times.
Ambassador Danilovich expressed his gratitude to the Catholicos for the
audience and presented the details of the activities of the MCC within
Armenia. The ambassador also noted his satisfaction with the progress of
the work thus far, and stated, "We are confident that this program will have
great impact on the rural residents of Armenia, thereby benefiting the
overall economy of the country."
Also present for the meeting with His Holiness were Ambassador Danilovich’s
family and Alex Russin, the Resident Country Director of the MCC.
ARAZ AZIMOV: YURI MERZLYAKOV HAS EXCEEDED HIS AUTHORITY MAKING SUCH IRRESPONSIBLE STATEMENT BEFORE THE PRESIDENTS’ MEETING
Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
June 8 2007
Yuri Merzlyakov has no right, motivation and authority to introduce
Nagorno Karabakh as a party to the current conflict. Azerbaijani
Deputy Foreign Minister Araz Azimov told journalists, APA reports.
Saying that Azerbaijan protested this statement Araz Azimov said OSCE
Minsk Group co-chair Yuri Merzlykov’s opinions are not coinciding
with those of Russia’s.
"This statement by Merzlyakov contradicts both international legal
norms and principles and Russia’s – one of the mediators in the
settlement of the conflict- official opinion. Russia has stated its
opinion many times at high levels. Moscow’s recognizes Azerbaijan’s
territorial integrity and sovereignty," the Deputy Minister said.
Armenian press disseminated information on Yuri Merzlyakov’s statements
in Yerevan in which he said "though Russia has not recognized Nagorno
Karabakh as independent state it does not mean that Russia recognizes
it as part of Azerbaijan". Araz Azimov said he will investigate
this issue seriously. "It is contrary to Russia’s mediator role and
international norms. If we find evidences that Mr Merzlyakov sounded
such statement we will call him to take responsibility. As this was
sounded before the Presidents’ [Azerbaijani and Armenian] meeting we
consider it as a provocation.
We assess it as provocation and irresponsible act," Mr. Azimov said.
ARMENIAN PARLIAMENT REELECTS SPEAKER TOROSYAN
RIA Novosti, Russia
June 7 2007
YEREVAN, June 7 (RIA Novosti) – Tigran Torosyan was reelected speaker
of Armenia’s newly-formed parliament Thursday as the only candidate.
Torosyan has held the post of parliamentary speaker since June 1, 2006.
Armenia’s Constitutional Court is currently considering the validity
of the results of recent parliamentary elections, and must pass a
final judgment by June 10.
Torosyan is deputy chairman of the Republican Party of Armenia and
head of the Armenian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the
Council of Europe (PACE).
The South Caucasus nation held parliamentary elections on May 12, at
which the Republican Party gained 65 seats and the Prosperous Armenia
party won 25 in the 131-seat legislature. Both parties are loyal to the
president, Robert Kocharyan, whose term in office ends early next year.
GRADUATE STUDENT PERFORMS SOUNDS OF HOME: ARMENIAN-BORN PIANIST HOPES RECITAL WILL HELP BRIDGE CULTURAL GAP
Matt Erler
Ball State Daily News, IN –
June 7 2007
When Anna Vanesyan came to Ball State from Armenia in 2002, she
was surprised to find that despite Muncie’s cultural and geographic
distance from her home country, students in the School of Music both
embraced her culture and the music that came from it. Vanesyan was
able to transition to the new country while resting in the comfort
of familiar sounds.
"In the music school they are not only tolerant of other cultures,
but want to go deep, and see other cultures and have more knowledge
about other cultures," Vanesyan said. "I think that’s very important
for musicians." Friday, the Armenian-born Ball State student will
present a series of compositions by Armenian composer Alexander
Arutunian at 8 p.m. in Sursa Hall.
James Helton, associate professor of Music Performance, said the
Armenian style of music required musicians who were adept at playing
music from different cultures.
"Any time you play music from a different culture – all music has
elements of its cultures – when you play music from other cultures
you want to find ways to bring out that flavor. You come away with an
idea of the flavor – like trying a different food, there’s a certain
kind of spice in it."
Despite the language barrier between the composer of the pieces
and some of the performers, Vanesyan believes the spirit of the
compositions won’t be lost.
"They feel the spirit of Armenian music so well," Vanesyan said. "It
doesn’t matter that the composer that wrote this music speaks Russian
or Armenian."
In addition to Helton’s performance with Vanesyan, retired professor
of music Mary Hagopian will sing a traditional Armenian lullaby.
Vanesyan hopes the performance will help illustrate that despite
language barriers and cultural differences, people can unite. In many
ways, Vanesyan said the recital is a way for Vanesyan to give back to
the Ball State and Muncie community, as well as represent her country.
But on a broader level, Vanesyan believes that music can change the
world. She repeatedly and steadfastly repeats this claim. She hopes
that the recital will help.
"With music we can build understanding because music is the universal
language," Vanesyan said. "Especially nowadays when we have wars and
conflicts and misunderstandings. Something is wrong in the world. But
music can change the world."
Vanesyan grew up in Yarevan, Armenia, located North of Iran, South
of Georgia and East of Turkey. Armenia was part of the Soviet Union
from the end of World War II to 1991.
In 2002, Vanesyan came to the United States aided by the Edward
Muskie Fellowship, and received her masters from Ball State. After
returning to Armenia for two years to teach at Yerevan Komitas State
Conservatory, where Vanesyan received her bachelors degree, she
returned to Ball State to pursue her doctorate in piano performance.
This is Vanesyan’s 24th solo performance. Arutunian’s pieces have
never been performed in Muncie.
Vanesyan said her performance will help Muncie citizens embrace her
culture like her fellow students did five years ago.
"We all are the same," she said. "Sometimes we speak the same language,
but we don’t understand each other. In any case music will unite
them all."