Author: Hovhannisian John

TSAHKADZOR AND GYUMRI TO HOST EXHIBITIONS OF GERMAN COMIC PAINTERS

/PanARMENIAN.Net/
04.06.2009

/PanARMENI AN.Net/ Within the frames of Weeks of German Culture,
different cultural events have been organized in Armenia since the
start of 2009. On June 5, the House of Writers of Tsahkadzor will host
a four-day exhibition of German comic painters. Similar exhibition
is scheduled for Gyumri on June 10-14. Weeks of German culture is
organized by the German Embassy in Armenia in cooperation with RA
Ministry of Culture.

ASHOT GALOYAN GIVEN DEGREE OF ENVOY EXTRAORDINARY AND MINISTER PLENIPOTENTIARY OF RA

Noyan Tapan
June 3, 2009

YEREVAN, JUNE 3, NOYAN TAPAN. Under RA President Serzh Sargsyan’s
June 2 decree, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of RA to
Estonia Ashot Galoyan was given the degree of Envoy Extraordinary and
Minister Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenia. Noyan Tapan was
informed about it by RA President’s Press Office.

U.S. NGO URGES IRAN TO FREE JAILED EMPLOYEE
Sue Pleming

Reuters
June 2 2009
UK

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – A U.S.-based nongovernmental group urged Tehran
on Monday to release an employee jailed for nearly a year, appealing
for the same "fairness" it showed by freeing Iranian-American reporter
Roxana Saberi last month.

Silva Harotonian, 34, an Iranian citizen of Armenian descent, was
working for a U.S. group that arranges educational exchanges when
she was arrested on June 26 last year.

Harotonian was based in Armenia for the International Research and
Exchanges Board and was in Iran working on a U.S.-Iran exchange
program for maternal and child health professionals.

In January, she was given a three year jail term on charges of
involvement in a U.S.-funded plot to overthrow the Islamic system of
government in Iran. Her first appeal was denied and her lawyers have
filed a second and final one in recent days.

Robert Pearson, president of the group and a former U.S. ambassador,
said the charges against Harotonian were "without foundation,"
a view that has been echoed by the State Department which provides
some funding to the group.

"What we really hope for is for an appeals court in Iran to look
at her case with the same sense of fairness that a court looked at
Roxana Saberi’s case," he told Reuters, referring to the freelance
reporter who was jailed on charges of spying for the United States
but released three weeks ago.

"She is a loyal, patriotic Iranian citizen and has no criminal intent,"
added Pearson of his employee.

After her release, Saberi said she had shared a cell with Harotonian
for a while in Tehran’s Evin prison but offered few details on the
jailed NGO worker.

While Harotonian is not an American, U.S.-based relatives and her
Washington-based employer have urged the State Department to publicly
press for her release, as they did in Saberi’s case.

After Saberi’s release, the State Department urged Iran’s leadership
to also free Harotonian and called the charges against her "without
foundation."

"We understand her second appeal is pending and that she is in poor
and deteriorating health as a direct consequence of her confinement,"
said the State Department.

Klara Moradkhan, a cousin of Harotonian who lives in Los Angeles,
said the jailed NGO worker had no interest in politics and the family
was shocked at the charges against her.

"Nothing makes sense," she said of her cousin’s case. "We are asking
for forgiveness and mercy from the government of Iran," she added.

Iran often accuses the West of seeking to undermine the Islamic state
through a "soft" or "velvet" revolution with the help of intellectuals
and others inside the country.

Iran has cracked down on dissenting voices since President Mahmoud
Ahmadinejad came to power in 2005, possibly in response to western
pressure on Tehran to halt its disputed nuclear work.

ARMENIA FORBIDS SMALL BUSINESS TAX INSPECTION

HULIQ
June 1 2009
SC

The government of Armenia made a decision which forbids the tax
authorities to conduct tax inspections in small businesses aiming to
relieve the small business owners from unnecessary difficulties with
tax authorities.

"During 2009-2010 all types of inspectorial checks in the small and
medium-sized enterprises (SME) will be forbidden. 22 inspectorial
bodies exist in RA. Exceptions will be cases concerning health of
the population and security of the state. Even those exceptions will
be carried under the control of the Prime Minister, and only in the
presence of the written consent of the Prime Minister. I am sure
that in this sense our anti-crisis resistibility will increase,"
RA Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan said yesterday at the session of
the Government.

"This is really an unprecedented decision. We have taken this decision
upon the directive of the President of the Republic with the view
of creating a favorable atmosphere for the development of small and
medium-sized businesses, and overcoming the adverse effects of the
global crisis," the Prime Minister added.

RA Government Information and Public Relations Department

TWO ARMENIAN SOLDIERS FALL PRISONER TO AZERBAIJAN

APA
June 1 2009
Azerbaijan

Goranboy. Teymour Zahidoglu -APA. Two soldiers of Armenian army crossed
the front line toward the territory under control of Azerbaijani
armed forces.

The event took place on May 31 in the afternoon in direction of
Gulustan Village of Goranboy Region of Azerbaijan, APA Karabakh
bureau reports. Two newly-called up soldiers reportedly passed to
the Azerbaijani side voluntarily.

Defense Ministry of Azerbaijan is not available at present to get
information on the fact.

GENERAL MOTORS DECLARED BANKRUPTCY

/PanARMENIAN.Net/
01.06.2009 20:27 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Major American auto maker General Motors declared
bankruptcy – the largest in US history. The decision, supported by
government, was long expected – company’s sales suffered a major slump
within lasts years. Debts of around $170 billion twice exceeded its
market value. Supposedly, 60% of company’s stocks will be redeemed
by the government, who’ve extended a serious monetary support to
General Motors.

POLICEMEN ARE READY

A1+
07:40 pm | June 01, 2009

Politics

More and more police cars are seen in Yerevan’s Kentron district
at present.

A1+’s film crew noticed buses full of policemen at the beginning of
Hanrapetutyun Street and at the backyard of Republican Square. Another
two buses are parked near the Central Election Commission.

While we were shooting the policemen senior officers ordered them to
get on the bus.

A great number of policemen have grouped near the Matenadaran where
an opposition’s rally is underway.

May 29, 2009
Press Release
Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate
6252 Honolulu Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
Tel: (818) 248-7737
Fax: (818) 248-7745
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:

PRELATE TO TRAVEL TO LEBANON

From June 3rd to June 5th, 2009, the meetings of the Holy See of
Cilicia Central Executive Councils will take place, presided over by H.H.
Catholicos Aram I. During this time, there will also be meetings between His
Holiness and the Prelates of Catholicosate Prelacies.
The Religious Council session will take place on Wednesday, June
3rd, the Executive Council session on Thursday, June 4th, and the meeting
with His Holiness and the Prelates on June 5th.
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, who is a member of
the Central Religious Council, will travel to Lebanon to participate in the
meetings.

THANKSGIVING PRAYERS ON THE 91ST ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST REPUBLIC OF
ARMENIA

Thursday, May 28th, was the 91st anniversary of the establishment of
the first Republic of Armenia. By the ordinance of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate, on this occasion, on Sunday, May 31st, thanksgiving
prayers for the republic will take place in all Prelacy Churches.
The Prelate will preside over the prayer service and will conduct
the blessing of the Armenian flag during Divine Liturgy at St. Garabed
Church in Hollywood.

PRELATE CALLS FOR SUPPORT FOR THE ANCA TELETHON

On Sunday, May 31st, the ANCA Telethon will be broadcast across the
United States. The theme of this year’s Telethon is "One Nation, One
Future, One Cause".
The Prelate has called on our community of faithful to support the
Telethon through a message which will be read in all Prelacy Churches during
Divine Liturgy on Sunday.
A kick-off reception for the Telethon took place on the evening of
Wednesday, May 27th, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Vahe and Aida Yeghiazarian.
The Prelate attended the reception.
DIVINE LITURGY AT THE PRELACY CHAPEL

On Saturday, June 6th, Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at the
Prelacy "St. Dertad and St. Ashkhen" Chapel. The service will begin at 6:00
p.m.
Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian will celebrate Divine Liturgy and
deliver the sermon.

PRELATE CONVEYS HIS BLESSINGS TO
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES

Each year the Committee for Armenian Students in Public Schools
organizes an appreciation night for outstanding Armenian students graduating
from the Glendale and Los Angeles Unified School Districts.
The 13th annual reception for GUSD graduates took place on Tuesday,
May 26th, at Anoush Restaurant in Glendale, hosted by St. Mary’s Church.
The Prelate attended and conveyed his blessings and message to the
graduates. Also in attendance were pastor of St. Mary’s Church Rev. Fr.
Vazken Atmajian, Executive Council representatives Dr. Hagop Der
Megerdichian, St. Mary’s Board Chairman Mr. Hagop Tchagaspanian and board
members, and representatives from the ANC, A.R.S., Homenetmen Ararat
Chapter, and GUSD Board.
The CASPS reception for LAUSD District 2 graduates will take place
on Wednesday, June 3rd, at L.A. Valley College. Very Rev. Fr. Muron
Aznikian will represent the Prelate.
The annual reception in honor of Pasadena graduates, which is
organized each year by the Pastor and Board of St. Sarkis Church, will also
take place on Wednesday, at the Pasadena Armenian Center. Very Rev. Fr.
Barthev Gulumian will represent the Prelate.

PRELATE WELCOMES HOUSE OF LEBANON REPRESENTATIVES

On the evening of Tuesday, May 26th, 2009, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate, welcomed to the Prelacy representatives from the
House of Lebanon Dr. Hamma Shammas, Chairman of the Board of Directors, and
Mr. Rachid Eletel, Chief Financial Officer, who had come to offer their
condolences on the passing of Diramayr Marie Mardirossian. The guests also
took this opportunity to extend an invitation to the Prelate for their
annual banquet which will take place in October.
Joining the Prelate at the visit were Executive Council members Mr.
Garo Avakian, Mr. Garo Eshgian, and Mr. Levon Kirakosian.
The visit also offered the opportunity for the Prelate and guests to
discuss the recent endeavors of their respective institutions as well as
issues concerning Lebanon and the Lebanese Diaspora.

PRELATE WELCOMES ASSISTANT ABBOT OF THE MEKHITARIAN MONASTERY REV. VAHAN
OHANIAN

On Tuesday, May 26th, 2009, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate, welcomed to the Prelacy assistant abbot of the Mekhitarian
Monastery in Venice Rev. Vahan Ohanian.
Rev. Ohanian and the Abbot Most Rev. Fr. Yeghia Kilaghbian are
currently in Los Angeles to attend the 30th anniversary celebration of the
Mekhitarist Fathers’ School which will take place this weekend. Very Rev.
Fr. Muron Aznikian will represent the Prelate and convey his blessings.
During their meeting the Prelate and Rev. Ohanian exchanged
information regarding the endeavors of their respective institutions. The
Prelate wished Rev. Ohanian success in his upcoming endeavors and presented
him with a memento prior to his departure.

FOREIGN MINISTER DAVUTOGLU CALLS AZERBAIJAN ‘STRATEGIC PARTNER’

Today’s Zaman
May 27 2009
Turkey

Turkey and Azerbaijan are not only ordinary allies and neighbors,
they are also two strategic partners, Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu
said on Tuesday during an official visit to Baku.

Davutoglu arrived in the Azerbaijani capital late on Monday when
he flew from Damascus with his Azerbaijani counterpart, Elmar
Mammadyarov. The two ministers had participated in the 36th session
of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of the Islamic
Conference (OIC) held in the Syrian capital.

In Turkey, everybody has different political thoughts, however,
everybody attaches importance to relations with Azerbaijan, Davutoglu
said on Tuesday at a joint press conference following talks with
Mammadyarov, the Anatolia news agency reported. "Turkey and Azerbaijan
are not two ordinary friend, neighbor and brother countries, they
are at the same time two strategic partners.

One of the fundamental foreign policy priorities which is embraced by
everybody in Turkey — no matter what political thought those [people]
have — is the existing strategic partnership with Azerbaijan,"
Davutoglu was quoted as saying by the Cihan news agency.

The minister, whose visit to Baku is his second official visit upon
being appointed to his current post earlier this month, underlined
that nobody should have doubts about Turkey’s sensitivities concerning
Azerbaijan.

"Our Azerbaijani siblings should know that Turkey will be by the
side of Azerbaijan in the future as well, as it has been in history,"
Davutoglu said. "Our message intended for the actors in the region,
particularly intended for Armenia, is very open and clear. The region
should now be cleansed of occupations, stresses and high tensions,"
he added, in an apparent reference to the Nagorno-Karabakh dispute.

The way of resolving frozen conflicts in the region passes through
setting bilateral, multilateral and all kinds of relations oriented
toward resolution in motion, Davutoglu said, adding: "Past incidents
showed that frozen problems are like bombs ready to explode in our
hands and have the potential of increasing regional tensions. Now, the
time has come to get rid of these bombs which are ready to explode."

Turkey, in every platform, has been voicing the need to resolve the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Davutoglu said, stressing that Turkey
supports the resolution of the conflict within the framework of
Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity, while also calling on the
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk
Group of countries, mediating talks between Yerevan and Baku to
resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh dispute, to intensify their efforts.

Mammadyarov said they had reviewed bilateral relations between the
countries and that the relationship between the two neighbors has
been continuing well. He expressed confidence for the future relations
between Ankara and Baku.

Mammadyarov said his country is not satisfied with the trade turnover
level of $2 billion between Turkey and Azerbaijan: "We also discussed
cooperation in the fields of energy, economy and culture. Our countries
have signed around 150 documents in total, but we don’t have to stop
at what has been achieved."

ZYXEL ENTERING ARMENIAN MARKET

/PanARMENIAN.Net/
26.05.2009 13:29 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ ZyXEL Communications Corporation is entering the
Armenian market.

"Our main goal is the research of the local market, find partners,
integrators and resellers," Oksana Pugacheva, leading marketing
specialist of the Central Asia and Transcaucasus branch, told a
PanARMENIAN.Net reporter.

"We offer our production to our Armenian counterparts. Presently,
Armenian consumers buy our products through unofficial sources,
as there are no representatives and quality service centers," she said.

ZyXEL Communications Corporation’s principal activities are
researching, developing, manufacturing and selling high-speed
multi-purpose modems and other special application IC chipset,
digital security defense phones and network modems, digital TV
encoding device and decoder, WAN and regional network equipment
and spare parts. Products include IP DSLAM, VDSL Switch, DSL CPE,
ISDN Router/TA, cable and analog modem, MFP Print Server, PON such
as GEPON Optical Network Unit, Ethernet Switch/Adapter, Internet
Security Appliance and Broadband Gateway. Other activities include
technical consulting and construction design services. Operations
are carried out in Taiwan, the United States of America, Europe
and Asia. The Group exports its products to Europe, Asia Pacific,
the United States of America and other countries.

The company currently employs 2,825 persons and distributors in 70
countries reaching over 150 regional markets.