Author: Hambardsumian Paul

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The Armenian Weekly; Volume 74, No. 30; August 2, 2008

Community:

1. Hairenik Interns Visit Boston Globe Headquarters
By Narineh Abrimian and Anait Grigoryan

2. ‘The Greatest Half-Hour
Egoyan Production of Beckett play opens in NY
By Armand Andreassian

3. Central Ohio Community Holds ‘Musical Evening’
By Anait Grigoryan

***

1. Hairenik Interns Visit Boston Globe Headquarters
By Narineh Abrimian and Anait Grigoryan

DORCHESTER, Mass. (A.W.)-On Tues., July 29, the Hairenik and Armenian Weekly
interns went on a trip to the headquarters of the Boston Globe.

One of the Globe’s public relations representatives took the interns on a
tour, where they learned how the nation’s 14th largest newspaper functions.

News reporting, they quickly realized, is a 24-hour job. Editors meet three
times a day to discuss the lead stories and formulate the paper. Some
reporters stay overnight to complete their stories. To accommodate the
hard-working editors and reporters, the Globe building provides a sleep
center, gym, hair salon, and dry cleaners. Despite the office-like
atmosphere, the Globe is actually a small city strictly focused on news
production with everything created to increase productivity.

The building also houses the entire printing department where a three-story
printing system is constantly in use. "It was interesting to see all the
technology and robots being used to produce the paper," said intern Narek
Yegoyan.

After seeing the paper produced, the tour guide handed the interns a freshly
printed comics section pre-dated for the upcoming weekend. It was a
privilege to see the paper before it is delivered to the rest of New
England. The interns learned that the most up-to-date version of the paper
is marked with one star below the price on the front page. This version is
distributed to the most immediate areas of Boston. The three-star version is
sent to the outer New England area, and the two-star version is sent to the
mid-Massachusetts area.

The interns were pleased with the experience and were grateful to the
Armenian Weekly staff for organizing the trip. Intern Garo Youssoufian said,
"It was great to see how one of the country’s largest and most reputable
newspapers operates."
———————————- ————————————

2. ‘The Greatest Half-Hour
Egoyan Production of Beckett play opens in NY
By Armand Andreassian

NEW YORK (A.W.)-On July 16, the opening night performance of the Beckett
play "Eh Joe" was held at the Lincoln Center Festival in New York City. The
one-man play, which featured the famed actor Liam Neeson ("Schindler’s
List," "Rob Roy," "Husbands and Wives," among other films and Broadway
plays) was directed and staged by Canadian-Armenian Atom Egoyan.

"Eh Joe" was one of three Beckett plays presented during the festival and
had been directed by Egoyan in 2006 in Dublin and London. The play lasts
half an hour and was originally written for television in 1965. Egoyan’s
2006 production featured Michael Gabon and was described by the Times of
London as ".the greatest half-hour in theatrical history."

The current performance at the Gerald W. Lynch Theater begins with a man
dressed in a robe, moving about in a drab room with only a bed as his prop.
There is no sound. He rests on the bed and moments later a large image
appears to his left. It is a projected image of his back side rising and
sitting on the bed. His profile is facing the audience but a camera directed
at him shows his full face in an enormous projection. The actor does not
utter a word during the entire play but reacts with unbroken attention to a
woman’s voice, which is the pre-recorded voice of actress Penelope Wilton.

"In film parlance, it’s called a reaction shot, and this is the longest
reaction shot that an actor can imagine," says Egoyan. The woman’s voice is
that of a past lover who recalls for him all of his failed relationships.

Charles Fisherwood of the New York Times writes, "Mr. Neeson’s concentrated
intensity, from start to finish, is a breathtaking feat, all the more
impressive for the minimal tools at his disposal-nary a word or movement-and
lack of histrionics. The technical sheen of Mr. Egoyan’s production enhances
its effectiveness. The image on the screen has a richness of texture that
lends it an eerie glow under the precise lighting design by James McConnell.
Mr. Neeson’s anguished face comes to resemble a drawn, tortured figure in an
El Greco painting made flesh, both terrible and beautiful to behold."

Egoyan seemed pleased at the end of the performance. Hesaid he was happy to
have worked with Neeson and was glad that the technical aspects of the
production were carried out so well.
——————————————– ——————–

3. Central Ohio Community Holds ‘Musical Evening’
By Anait Grigoryan

COLUMBUS, OH. (A.W.)-It is a well-known fact that Armenians are
everywhere-and central Ohio is no exception. As the capital city of Ohio,
Columbus is far from being a booming Armenian community, but it’s trying. On
Saturday, July 26, the Armenian Church of Columbus presented a formal event
called "An Armenian Musical Evening" featuring classical and traditional
Armenian music. The purpose was to raise excitement in the community and
garner money for a potential community center to be shared by all.

The parish council of the Armenian Church of Columbus has been planning a
fundraising event since April, when the discussion at meetings seemed to
focus on a lack of monetary resources in the parish and the dwindling of
attendance at church services.

Since the late 1980’s, Columbus Armenians have been meeting once a month for
Badarak services officiated by priests and deacons coming from different
parts of the Diocese. Baku Armenians previously made up the majority of the
church community, but are now very few in number, as many have turned their
regular attendance to the Russian church where they are more comfortable
with the Russian language of the service. More recently, the community has
seen an overall decline in attendance and decided to do something about it.

Using their resources, the parish council organized a program that featured
Armenian musicians associated with the community. Aram Tchobanian, tenor and
son of community leaders Margaret and Ohannes Tchobanian, opened the show
with his beautiful rendition of pieces from the "Armenian Divine Liturgy,"
introducing each with a brief explanation. He also performed works by Alan
Hovhaness and Sirvart Karamanuk. Tchobanian has premiered numerous operatic
and chamber works, including the Gregorian/Komitas Divine Liturgy with the
Armenian Festival Orchestra at Boston’s Symphony Hall.

Annie Talar Spain, a music education student at Ohio Wesleyan University,
joined Tchobanian for the "Love Duet" from the opera "Anoush" before
performing solo on the piano. Spain performed works by Claude Debussy and
Aram Khachaturian on the piano.

Lastly, Karine Koroukian, pianist and sister-in-law of parish president
Melkon Hajinazarian, performed Arno Babadjanian’s "Elegy" and "Vagharshabadi
Bar," Robert Andriasian’s "Dzirani Dzar" and Frederic Chopin’s "7 Mazurkas."
Koroukian is a first-prize winner of the Liszt and Ravel national piano
competition, as well as the Albeniz, de Fall, and Granados national piano
competition in Lebanon. She has been widely broadcast on the National TV of
Lebanon and the Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation. Currently, she teaches
piano, theory, and ear training privately and at the Belle Arti Center for
the Arts in Forest Hills, N.Y.

Following the concert, guests joined the performers at the reception. The
Tchobanians, who have been involved with the community for 20 years, said
they had never seen anything like this event in the community and "were
truly impressed." The treasurer, Haik Aroutiounian, reported that the event
was a fundraising success, with the result "exceeding his expectations." The
goal of the Armenians in Columbus is to have a community center, and vice
president Arpi Roach saw this event as bringing the community closer to that
goal, commenting, "It’s about getting people to build a community so that
kids can have Sunday School and enjoy our rich heritage and culture." Roach
said he hoped the event moved people to realize that this community has
potential and a future. She encouraged those who have experience in building
communities to support the effort in any way possible.

Outside of the church, Armenians in Ohio have managed to maintain
relationships with each other and preserve Armenian culture in that way.
Currently, the Armenian community meets at St. James Episcopal Church, which
has offered their facility free of charge to the Armenians. In 2005, the
community dedicated a khatchkar to St. James in memory of the Hajinazarian
and Koroukian families. The 6-foot tall khatchkar was carved from tufa
stone, shipped from Armenia to mark the community’s presence in the area.

As a member of the Columbus community for over seven years, I have come to
know Columbus as a transitory city. Armenians frequently come and go, and
because of this, need a permanent establishment to be a resource to both
those who pass through or decide to settle in the area. After 20 years of
trying, the community is now one step closer to that realization.

ARMENIA, ICELAND TO ESTABLISH AIR COMMUNICATION

ARKA
Aug 7, 2008

YEREVAN, August 7. /ARKA/. Armenian Government approved the signing
of an agreement about air communication with Iceland.

The agreement helps intensify air communication between Armenia and
Iceland through regular charter flights and create the required legal
framework for development of economic and cultural ties between the
countries, the Deputy Head of Armenia’s Civil Aviation Department
Aram Marutyan said at the government sitting today.

VILLAGE HEADMEN’S INSTITUTE SHOULD STILL TAKE PLACE

NKR Government Information and Public Relations Department
August 02, 2008

The address of the next regular working visit of the NKR Prime Minister
Ara Haroutyunyan was Martakert, where on August 1, the head of the
NKR Government was present at the session of the regional council
adjunct to the regional administration, then visited a number of
construction objects of Martakert.

A.Haroutyunyan had a concerned participation in the discussion of
issues included into the session agenda.

Speaking on the report about the situation existing in energetic
system of the region the Premier emphasized, that it is necessary
to decrease the quantity of recorded technical and commercial losses
and reducing it to an average republican index. He noted that in the
result of weak management great sums continue to be misappropriated
and dispersed still. Importance was attached to equipping the system
with modern techniques and replenishment with qualified specialists.

At the session of the regional council a report on implementation
of the community budget 2008 in the first half year was
presented. Collection of private incomes has increased, though many
communities have still considerably underfulfill the tasks. The
inhabitants repay the received credits very slowly. In comparison
with the same period in 2007 the collected credit sums are very
small. Responsible persons of the region explain it by the fact that
many of large-scale credit borrowers are out of Artsakh at present
and it is difficult "to call them to order". Today Martakert region
has 189 mln drams credit debts.

In the information about harvesting in the region it was noted that
crop capacity this year forms 20.1 centners per a hectare which has
nearly doubled in comparison with the index of the previous year. Hay
mowing is being conducted without losses and will soon come to an
end. On lack of agricultural techniques in some villages was also
spoken. To which the Prime Minister A.Haroutyunyan commented that it
is necessary to apply for state assistance in time.

In view of forthcoming autumn sowing works, the NKR Vice Prime
Minister, Minister of Agriculture Armo Tsatryan spoke on present state
programmes. The main principle was repeated like a serious warning:
only those land users and communities will receive state assistance
who keeps (observes) rules and terms of land cultivation and who has
no credit debts. It was emphasized that henceforth parallel to corn
production special attention will be attracted to maize cultivation
too. In 2009 for this culture sowing the state will render compensation
equal to 35 thousand drams per a hectare.

The theme was continued and the Prime Minister has mentioned that now
great state sums are assigned at the development of agriculture and the
aim of each community head is that people conduct efficient activities
in their land areas. Martakert region has all the best conditions for
successful agricultural activities, and for prosperous solution of
the problem is on their responsibility. In the Premier’s estimation
the institute of active village headmen’s in Artsakh hadn’t come
about yet, though their activities must be spurred. A.Haroutyunyan
has announced that this year a competition of village headmen’s
will be conducted, and the main mark for the work will be given in
accordance with agricultural results. Singled out village headmen
will be greatly honoured.

After the regional council session the Prime Minister had a talk to
those community heads, having irrigable areas with high crop capacity
perspective for maize cultivation. A.Haroutyunyan assigned the village
headmen with task to conduct explanatory work among land users and
spur their activity in this way.

Then the NKR Government head had visited territory of new hospital
being under construction, separate sections of water passage and
gas pipeline exacted the proceeding of works and gave corresponding
assignments to competent officials.

The Prime Minister was accompanied by the NKR NA Vice-Chairman
R.Hyusnuts, the Vice Prime Minister, Minister of Agriculture
A.Tsatryan, the NKR Deputy Minister of Agriculture V.Zakiyan, the
head of Martakert regional administration S.Ohanyan, and responsible
officials of "Artsakhgaz" and water industry companies.

"SPECIAL, URGENT, UNPRECEDENTED" NA SESSION

Panorama.am
20:36 07/08/2008

The Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan has held the general session of
the Government. All the 43 issues included in the agenda have been
affirmed.

The Prime Minister recommended to invite Special NA Session on 19
August. The session will be intended to discuss the following issues:
the legislative package presented by the State Tax Service and the
project to release more water from Lake Sevan according to the law.

Both issues have been described as "special, urgent and unprecedented".

HOVNANIAN ENTERPRISES SHARES SURGE

Associated Press
August 06, 2008: 01:17 PM EST

NEW YORK (Associated Press) – Shares of Hovnanian Enterprises
Inc. surged Wednesday afternoon, to lead a general rally in
homebuilding stocks.

The Red Bank, N.J.-based builder’s shares rose 39 cents, or 5.6
percent, to $7.32 in afternoon trading. Hovnanian shares have traded
between $4.25 and $17 during the past year.

Hovnanian, like many other homebuilders, has been incurring losses
due to the housing market downturn. The company in June posted
a second-quarter loss of $340.7 million _ its seventh straight
quarterly loss.

RAS AL KHAIMAH OFFICIALS LEAD UAE DELEGATION IN TALKS WITH ARMENIA

Select Property
Aug 7 2008
UK

Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan met today with a UAE delegation led
by Saud bin Sakr Al-Kasimi, crown prince and deputy ruler of Ras Al
Khaimah , to discuss development of bilateral relations.

"The commodity turnover between our republic and the UAE doubled
during the past six months, and proves the huge potential of
bilateral relations," the Armenian President said. The Armenian
President confirmed that the government will promote investment
programs launched in the republic.

The Crown Prince and deputy ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, Saud bin Sakr
Al-Kasimi thanked Armenia for support to UAE companies and expressed
hope for further cooperation. "We work to achieve stability and a
favourable atmosphere for economic growth," he said.

SEDAT LACINER: TURKEY READY TO COOPERATE ON EVERY ISSUE WITH ARMENIA

PanARMENIAN.Net
05.08.2008 16:47 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ It was a wish for the Turkish statesmen that at least
a small portion of the line pass through Armenia because Armenia has
so many advantages about both energy and transportation projects,
Sedat Laciner, Director of USAK (International Strategic Research
Organization), writes in his "Railroads and Pipelines Integrate the
Caucasus" article published in Turkish Weekly.

The article says in part,

"However, obstinacy of the country caused her to be by-passed from the
project. Yerevan tried to block the projects that she is not included
but failed. Armenia and Armenian Diaspora spent a great deal of effort
in order to create difficulties for the railroad project…

Russia made Armenia economically dependent to her with loans until
now. Russia for example has the monopoly of energy supplies in
Armenia. In other words, Armenia pays high costs for not cooperating
with Turkey but only Russia…

Yerevan does not recognize national borders of Turkey and tries to
harm Turkey’s interests around the world. As a consequence of these
problems, Armenia’s border with Turkey is closed and of course the
one with Azerbaijan.

However, if only Armenia could withdraw from the occupied Azerbaijani
territory, recognize Turkish borders and stop using genocide claims as
a weapon against Turkey and Turkish people, there would be no reason
to exclude Armenia from the regional integration.

There is not a solid hatred among Turkish people against
Armenia. Turkey is ready to speak any issue. Turkey is ready to
cooperate on every issue with Armenia. However, if one wants to
cooperate with his/her neighbor, he/she should show respect to the
neighbor’s home."

WHY GUL’S INVITATION FROM YEREVAN IS NOT AN ‘OPPORTUNITY’
By Elsever Salmanov

Today’s Zaman
Aug 7 2008
Turkey

Azerbaijan is one of the most eager countries in seeking peace,
harmony and cooperation in international relations. Its commitment
to international law and the maintaining of good relations with other
countries despite being a victim is clear evidence of this.

International law recommends friendly relations between states and
bans hostile actions, recommending sanctions in the event of breaches
and violations. Azerbaijan has never been party to bad relations with
other countries. Quite the contrary, it has always favored and promoted
peace and cooperation among all countries in the world. Therefore,
in principle, Azerbaijan is not opposed to any probable rapprochement
between Turkey and Armenia. The matter that bothers Azerbaijan is this:
respect for the inviolability of the borders of the state recognized
by the international community.

Turkey bases its decision to keep its border with Armenia closed
and not to establish diplomatic relations with this country on the
following factors: the failure of Armenia to officially recognize
the Kars agreement, which determined the border between the two
countries after Armenia gained independence, Armenian demands for
Turkish recognition of the so-called Armenian genocide in the Armenian
Declaration of Independence and Armenia’s insistence on keeping 20
percent of Azerbaijan’s territory under occupation.

Those who work to smooth relations between the two countries say there
are only a few who oppose normalization of these relations, all of
whom are well known and closely followed in Turkish and Azeri societies
because Armenia suffers from difficult economic conditions because of
its aggression and it is being excluded from regional projects for the
same reason. Despite this, it still maintains its aggressive stance,
by which it violates basic international legal rules, and it still
makes attempts to ensure that its aggressive policies are endorsed by
the international community. The latest example of this is the soccer
diplomacy that has occupied a central place in the recent agenda. The
newly elected Armenian president, Serzh Sarksyan, has invited Turkish
President Abdullah Gul to watch a 2010 World Cup qualification match
between the national teams of the two countries in Yerevan. Whether
Gul will accept the invitation is not clear.

Armenia needs to take positive steps

But if the Armenian side does not consider the reasons I mention
above for Turkey’s decision not to improve its relations with Armenia
or if it fails to take positive and concrete steps toward this end,
it is most likely that President Gul will not accept the invitation,
because he is not an ordinary figure due to his position. Therefore,
none of his actions are simply and ordinary. Watching a soccer game
may be the act of an ordinary man. But if a president watches a soccer
game in a place other than his country, this may lead to different
diplomatic interpretations, particularly if the host country is known
for its aggression against your country and your allies.

Turkey is a big state. It is an actor in international
relations. Therefore, it should not be possible for a country like
Armenia to force it to give up on a policy or take any particular
step. Armenia’s suggestion of opening the border between the
two countries and assigning a commission for investigation of the
alleged "genocide" without taking any concrete steps is nothing but
an attempt to get rid of the economic difficulties that the country
is currently facing.

>From the perspective of international relations perspective and that
of big powers and other neighboring countries, we reach the following
conclusion: The US is asking for the opening of the border gate between
Turkey and Armenia to alleviate Armenia’s economic suffering because a
more economically stable Armenia will be resistant to Russian influence
and will maintain low-profile relations with Iran. Consequently,
the influence of Russia and Iran will be reduced in the region. The
reason for the Russia and Iran’s eagerness to ensure the opening of
the border between Turkey and Armenia, on the other hand, is that in
such an event, Azerbaijan will lose on the Nagorno-Karabakh issue,
because a more economically stable Armenia will adopt a harsher stance
in peace talks.

Russia and Iran are seeking to ensure that the Nagorno-Karabakh issue
remains as it is now, because it is easier for them to interfere
with the region when there are problems. Moreover, the presence of
more than 30 million Azeris in Iran has always forced it to remain
cautious in its relations with Azerbaijan. On the other hand, Georgia
does not want improved relations between Turkey and Armenia because
Armenia would then be more comfortable in demanding territories
from Georgia. Therefore, when this conjecture is con sidered, a
rapprochement with Armenia without Turkey receiving strong guarantees
that Armenia will comply with international legal rules will be a
compromise and encourage a violator of international law. It would
not be an exaggeration to say that Turkey holds the key for justice in
the Caucasus region. Furthermore, the motives of those who so eagerly
seek the normalization of relations between Turkey and Armenia should
be investigated. I hold that it would be a mistake to compromise
Turkey’s national interests for the sake of the appreciation of a
small Armenian population in Turkey and the probable economic benefits
of such a rapprochement. Moreover, concrete steps should be taken to
ensure the integration of the Armenians living in Turkey into Turkish
society. Otherwise, it is not suitable for Turkey to remind them of
their "homeland" every opportunity it gets.

Turkish-Armenian relations not a domestic issue

I think it would be useful to stress this point as well: It is wrong
to connect Turkish-Armenian relations with the domestic politics of
Turkey. It is wrong to hope that Turkey will improve its relations
with Armenia in an attempt to show that it is a democratic state
or to make recommendations toward this end after the murder of a
distinguished Armenian intellectual who was a Turkish citizen because
the Turkish administration does and did everything that needs to be
done by a democratic state. Therefore, those who hope that Turkey
will improve its relations with Armenia after dealing with gangs
and secret organizations and those who see improved relations with
Armenia as the extension of this legal process are simply wrong,
because this legal process is part of Turkey’s internal affairs and the
institutions of the Turkish state have done everything that needs to
be done. Moreover, Turkey’s insistence on receiving guarantees from
Armenia prior to improving its relations with this country because
of its own security interests and those of its allies is not an
isolationist foreign policy.

Therefore, Sarksyan’s invitation to Gul to watch a soccer game in
Yerevan is not an opportunity for Turkey because the Armenian side
is currently dealing with economic difficulties and maintaining
its aggressive policies. Those who present this as an opportunity
are approaching the issue with a fait accompli view for different
reasons. If Turkey takes action or steps toward the improvement of
relations without making the Armenian side respect international
law, this violator of international law will be encouraged and start
demanding territory from Georgia. Furtherance of the issue may even
become an international precedent. It is obvious that the improvement
of Turkish-Armenian relations without ensuring Armenia’s commitment
to international law will greatly damage Turkish-Azeri relations.

AGBU Press Office
55 East 59th Street
New York, NY 10022-1112
Phone: 212.319.6383, x118
Fax: 212.319.6507
Email: [email protected]
Website:

PRESS RELEASE

Monday, August 4, 2008

AGBU Lebanon District Celebrates 50th Anniversary of "Khosnag" Monthly

On June 15, 2008, the golden jubilee anniversary of the AGBU Lebanon
District Committee’s Armenian-language "Khosnag" publication
("Announcer" in English) was marked with a special celebration at the
AGBU Demirdjian Center in Antelias, Lebanon. In attendance were Bishop
Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Diocese of Lebanon, members of AGBU
Lebanon District Committee, members of the executive committee of the
local Armenian Youth Association (AYA), and many devoted readers of
"Khosnag."

Angele Misisian delivered the opening remarks, in which she elaborated
on the influence that "Khosnag" has had on generations of Armenian youth
and young professionals. Writer and educator Jirair Tanielian, and
former "Khosnag" editors Bariur Aghbashian and Aram Sepetjian reflected
on the periodical’s history and the role it has played in
Lebanese-Armenian life, also making reference to its offshoot the
"Khosnag-Badanegan" ("Khosnag-Youth") periodical.

Words of congratulations were then offered by Garo Jeghelian, chairman
of AYA Executive Committee, and Avedis Demirdjian, chairman of the AGBU
Lebanon District Committee. Rosette Alemian, in turn, was invited to
read the official words of AGBU Central Board of Directors President
Berge Setrakian on the occasion. Finally, current "Khosnag" editor
Hampig Mardirossian took to the podium to share his feelings about the
publication.

Plaques were awarded to all the past editors of "Khosnag": Onnig
Sarkissian (1957-1959), Levon Vartan (1961-1963), Sarkis Minassian
(1964-1973), Aram Sepetjian and Bariur Aghbashian. Family members of the
two deceased editors, Sarkissian and Vartan, accepted plaques in their
honor.

The 50th-anniversary celebration also featured an artistic program of
song, dance and recitation by various student groups, including the
Garmirian and Nazarian schools’ choral group, which was led by Nora
Yeghiayan; Raffi Arakelian (piano and organ); Toukhig Avedisian
(recitation); Arin Cherchian and Houri Babahekian (dance); Anna
Batouzian and Ani Madjoulian (solos) and the AGBU "Spitak" choral group.

Established in 1906, AGBU () is the world’s largest
non-profit Armenian organization. Headquartered in New York City with an
annual budget of $34 million, AGBU preserves and promotes the Armenian
identity and heritage through educational, cultural and humanitarian
programs, annually serving some 400,000 Armenians on six continents.

CONSULTATION ON CORRUPTION PROBLEMS CONDUCTED WITH PARTICIPATION OF LAW ENFORCERS IN SOUTHERN MARZES

Noyan Tapan

Au g 4, 2008

YEREVAN, AUGUST 4, NOYAN TAPAN. In order to efficiently fight against
corruption, the law enforcement bodies first of all should not
tolerate corruption within themselves, the RA Prosecutor General
Aghvan Hovsepian stated at the August 2 cluster consultation
"The Peculiarities of Prevention, Disclosure and Investigation of
Corruption Crimes" held in Yeghegnadzor. "The society should feel
that the actions and cooperation of law enforcement bodies give
real and desirable results," he said, attaching special importance
to the role of the mass media in the fight against corruption. Law
enforcers of Armenia’s southern marzes (regions) took part in the
August 2 cluster consultation.

The head of the RA Special Investigation Service Andranik Mirzoyan said
that in the first half of 2008 the Service investigated 29 criminal
cases of corruption nature, including 12 cases under Article 308
(abuse of official authority), 6 cases under Article 309 (exceeding
official authority), 6 cases under Article 311 (taking bribes), as
well as cases under the following articles: Article 179 (squandering
or embezzlement), Article 214 (abuse of authority by employees of
commercial and other organization), Article 215 (contraband), Article
314 (official forgery), and Article 349 (forgery of evidence). Out of
29 criminal cases, 13 ones with a conclusion of "guilty" with respect
to 19 persons were sent to court. According to A. Mirzoyan, among
the most noteworthy cases are the case on demanding and receiving
a 1,500-dollar bribe from Gurgen Nasibian by investigator of the
investigation unit of N garrison of the the RA defence ministry’s
investigation department Arthur Baghinian for not subjecting the
former’s brother to criminal responsibility, as well as the criminal
case which was opened on the fact of receiving a 1,000-dollar bribe
from citizens Torgom Hambartsumian and Tigran Tadevosian by the head
of the Bagratashen customs shift for permission to import 4,100 kg
of tangerines without customs clearance.

The head of the RA Special Investigation Service said that 3 criminal
cases were quashed – with acquittals, and 7 criminal cases remained
incompleted.

17 cases on corruption were opened in Lori marz, 4 – in Shirak marz,
4 cases – in Tavush marz, and no case was opened, for example, in
Ararat marz, to which the RA prosecutor general drew attention of
those present. He said that during investigation of corruption cases,
there have been cases when the persons who had made a statement
about corruption later renounced their evidence, saying that they
gave false evidence due to a bribe or influence.