Author: Jidarian Alex

EUROPEAN POLICE DETAIN 50 ARMENIAN MAFIA

MosNews
4/22/armenianband/
April 22 2009
Russia

A gang of Armenian immigrants that committed murders, robberies,
extortion and thefts in Austria and the Czech Republic has been
detained by Austrian police.

According to an Austrian radio station quoted by RIA Novosti, the
police detained 50 members of the gang, including the 40-year-old
head of the group.

The criminals, ethnic Armenians, mostly acted in the Czech Republic,
where they intimidated fellow Armenians and extorted money from them,
those who refused to pay were murdered. The gang now stands accused
of at least two murders in Prague and one attempted murder in Austria.

The group is also accused of breaking into over 100 shops in
Austria. The damage is estimated at around â~B¬40,000.

Investigation of the case is in progress.

DEVELOPMENTS IN AND ROUND IRAN
Sevak Sarukhanyan

p;nid=1757
20 April 2009

The recent political and international developments in and round
Iran are mainly connected with two important factors. Those factors
are the forthcoming elections and the new US Administration’s policy
towards Iran, which is still at the stage of the formation. At the
same time some developments can be observed in the line of "nuclear
problem", especially, taking into the account the resumption of the
talks between Iran and "the six".

Presidential elections

The statement of the former prime-minister M.Mousavi that he was going
to take part in the presidential elections can be regarded as the
main news in domestic policy of Iran in March. The ex-president of
Iran M.Khatami kept his word and after the nomination of M.Mousavi,
withdrew from the further struggle and he is going to support the
candidature of the former prime-minister.

It is difficult to predict how the electoral campaign in Iran will
proceed and who will get the support of the majority. M.Mousavi
is a political figure who mainly stays in the shadow and he is not
well-known within the Iranian society, which mainly consists of the
youth. But the history shows that in 1997 M.Khatami won the elections
when he was under the similar conditions.

In contemporary Iran, which goes through difficult political and
economic developments, the appearance of such a new, but at the same
time rather experienced political figure as M. Mousavi may obtain
the support of the society. M. Mousavi, who was the prime-minister
of Iran during the war between Iran and Iraq and the "victorious
march" of Islamic revolution and who now represents the camp of the
so called "reformers", can take the place in the "centre" of the
Iranian political field.

The "reformers-conservatives" two-polar political struggle model
do not have the topicality in Iran it had ten or even five years
ago. M.Khatami and M.Ahmadinejad, the representatives of different
camps, in spite of some success they had during their rule, lost the
credit of the people during the last years of their presidency.

>>From this point of view, M. Mousavi, who is between the old and the
new, may seem rather attractive and reliable for the Iranians. It is
characteristic that almost all the Iranian political forces responded
positively to the decision of the former prime-minister to take part in
the forthcoming presidential elections. At the same time the dialogue
between Iran and the US may greatly influence the elections.

Iran and the US

Almost all the international mass media touched on the video-message of
the president of the US B. Obama to the Iranian people in connection
with Nowruz, which was mainly regarded as a step to boost the Iran-US
dialogue. At the same time the statements made by the president of the
US, during meeting of the "G20" and with the president of Russia that
the National Missile Defence is created to prevent the supposed attack
of Iran and North Korea, evidence that the dialogue, nevertheless, goes
in the ambiguous way. One may suppose that as against the negotiations
between Iran and the US regarding Iraqi problem, that took place in
Bagdad, today the matter of the negotiations and the dialogue is more
global and strategic, and Israeli party, directly or indirectly, is
also included in the process of the negotiations. This can be evidenced
by rather "peaceful" felicitation of the president of Israel Sh. Peres
to Iranian people in connection with Nowruz. He expressed hope for the
improvement of the relations between the Iranians and the Israelis. At
the same time on March 29 Lebanese "Al-Lava" newspaper issued the
information that during recent days the secret Iranian-American
negotiations on the regulation of state-to-state relations took place
on the territory of American and later Iranian embassies.

The choice of Beirut and not Bagdad or Islamabad was conditioned
arguably by the existence of Arab-Israeli problem as one of the main
topics of the negotiations.

On April 8 the president of Iran M.Ahmadinejad announced in Esfahan
that Iran "will of course shake the offered hand", meaning the
congratulations and the words of B. Obama. But he also mentioned that
if it was not sincere B. Obama would get the same response as G. Bush.

In the US the developments round Iran are rather interesting too. The
statement of the vice-president of the US J. Biden made on April 7 that
he did not believe that the new prime-minister of Israel B. Netanyahu
would order to deliver an air thrust on the nuclear infrastructure
of Iran and otherwise he would be "ill advised". This may be regarded
as the first statement of American authorities, on such a high level,
which excludes and condemns the military actions against Iran.

But, in spite of this statement by J. Biden, in the American
State Department the resignation of "pro-Iranian" employees can be
seen. According to the orders of the US special envoy for Afghanistan
and Pakistan R.

Holbrooke, and the special envoy for the Persian Gulf D. Ross, the
officials responsible for Iran issue V.Nasr and R.Tekey were relieved
of their posts. Those two rather well-known and authoritative analysts
were adherent of the peaceful settlement of the relations with Iran
and elaborated the documents of strategic importance.

The statement by J. Biden and the staff changes within the State
Department, in all appearances, evidence that there is no finally
elaborated "Iranian policy" between the different wings of the
ruling establishment of the US. It allegedly will be formed after
the presidential election in Iran, when it becomes clear whether
M.Amadinejad will keep his post or not. And the ongoing talks create
the base for the real dialogue if there would be any.

Nuclear problem

The activation of the negotiations on the Iranian nuclear programme
is expected within the next couple of months, and this is conditioned
by the new proposal of "the six" (Russia, the USA, France, Germany,
Great Britain, China) to Iran. The package of proposals, according
to the mass media, is already ready and in the near future it will
become a matter of negotiations. Iran officially agreed to discuss
it but there is no distinct information about the essence of that
package of proposals offered by "the six".

There are a good many controversies within "the six". Russia and China
continue to stand on "pro-Iranian" stance, but the biggest surprise is
connected with the Germany. At the end of March foreign minister of
Germany F.Stainmayer introduced in parliament (Bundestag) the bill,
according to which Germany should apply sanctions against Iran in
the connection with its nuclear programme. But on April 6 all the
commissions of Bundestag made an adverse determination to the bill and
the secretary of prime-minister A. Merkel’s Christian-Democratic Union
stated that they would not allow passing such a law. The "green" also
made the similar statement and regarded the sanctions as "groundless
and dangerous".

Amid the current global crisis one can say that the pressure of the
western countries on Iran will weaken at some extent, as the sanctions,
commodity circulation reduction and the opening of oil market by
Iran on the Kish Island as a counter-measure on the sanctions and
the sell of the oil on euro can deliver another strike on the global
economy security.

NET PROFIT OF ARMENIAN AMERIABANK GROWS BY 110.2% TO 113.6MLN DRAMS IN Q1 2009

/ARKA/
April 20, 2009
YEREVAN

Net profit of Armenian Ameriabank totaled 113.6mln Drams in the first
quarter of 2009 – an increase of 110.2% (54mln Drams) against the
beginning of the year, General Director of Ameriabank closed joint
stock company Artak Anesyan told journalists.

The bank’s profit before tax was 310mln Drams, he said. Ameriabank
closed joint stock company is an investment bank offering corporate,
investments and limited retail services. Ruben Vardanyan is the
Chairman of the bank’s Board of Directors and Artak Anesyan is the
Chairman of Directorate and the General Director.

Troyka Dialog, one of the biggest Russian investment-banking companies,
is a strategic partner of Ameriabank.

The bank’s assets grew by 65.1% up to 80.9bln Drams in the first
quarter of 2009, which is a 3.8-time increase as compared with the
same period of last year.

The bank’s liabilities were 60.4bln Drams in the first quarter of 2009
and total capital was 20.51bln Drams. Authorized stock totaled 18.2bln
Drams by the end of the first quarter. The bank’s credit investments
were 32.8bln Drams in the period with liabilities to clients totaling
53.8bln Drams. ($1=372.84Drams).

BEFORE OPENING OF THE ARMENIA-TURKEY BORDER WE SHOULD THING ABOUT CONSEQUENCES
Sona Hakobyan

"Radiolur"
15.04.2009 15:12

The framework of cooperation between Armenia and Turkey will
broaden as a result of opening of the shared border, Director of
the "Sociometer" center, sociologist Aharon Adibekyan told a press
conference today. "The citizens of Armenia launched public diplomacy
with Turks long ago.

Throughout years the peoples of the two countries have been cooperating
in the field of economy, namely trade and tourism," he said.

"A number of factors should be taken into account before the border
is opened. We should consider the possible negative consequences,
the possible entry of Turkish Curds to Armenia, etc. It’s necessary
to understand how the Turks see Armenians, Agaharon Adibekyan
said. According to him, conscious Turks "think highly of Armenians,"
however, the new generation has heard too little about Armenia.

According to psychologist Karine Nalchajyan, Armenia should
conduct a gentle policy in its relations with Turkey. She noted
that the President’s visit to Iran was simultaneously a "message"
to Turks to make them understand that "they are not the only breath
of ours." According to the psychologist it’s incorrect to think
that Turks have not changed and we should not establish relations
with them. "Visiting T urkey, Armenians saw that nothing threatens
them. However, if diplomatic relations are established, we should
always remember that we deal with Turks," she added.

PRESENTATION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES FOR TOURISM IN YEREVAN

ArmInfo
2009-04-15 15:40:00

ArmInfo. Presentation of Information Technologies for tourism,
organized by USAID/CAPS has been held in Yerevan. Representatives of
tourist and IT companies of Armenia took part in the presentation.

The international expert in the sphere of IT implementation in tourism,
Zakari Rozga, said that information technologies are affecting
tourism more and more and the expected decrease of the tourist flows
as a result of the world financial crisis makes them think about the
necessity of optimization of the processes and reduction of their
price by means of introduction of modern technologies.

THEY WERE RELAXED

A1+
04:47 pm | April 14, 2009

Politics

"My husband does not have psychological problems and is in normal
condition," told "A1+" today Ruzanna Badalyan, wife of political
prisoner Shant Harutyunyan.

Ruzanna finally had the chance to visit her husband at the "Psychiatric
Medical Center" CJSC Nubarashen clinic of the RA Health Ministry with
help from the RA Ombudsman’s Office. Shant Harutyunyan was transferred
to the psychiatric clinic on March 16.

"Shant was physically weak because he had not been outside for 24
days. But he was very calm. If they don’t provoke him, he will be
very calm. The conditions created at the penitentiary were stressful
for him. He is not psychologically ill from the provocations and
assaults as they are trying to explain for Shant’s case," told "A1+"
Mrs. Badalyan. Among other visitors at the clinic were advocate
Vardan Harutyunyan and member of the NA "Heritage" faction Larisa
Alaverdyan. "We relaxed after we saw that Shant was feeling well,"
said Larisa Alaverdyan.

As for the decision of Judge Mnatsakan Martirosyan with regards to
conducting a forensic medicine examination, Alaverdyan said that she
sees no violation, but the judge’s statement that Harutunyan needs
treatment on a regular basis is exceeding the limits.

"The judge has no right to make such a statement. How can he make
such a statement without conducting an examination?"

Alaverdyan informed that Shant Harutyunyan was pleased with the
treatment of the doctors. Advocate Vardan Harutyunyan confirmed that
Shant Harutyunyan is in normal condition. According to the advocate,
Shant Harutyunyan’s condition sharpened due to the conditions in
his cell.

"They should keep someone they suspect in normal conditions and the
hospital must not be a site for punishment."

In general, Vardan Harutyunyan considers Shant’s arrest as an "order"
that was completed.

"Arresting him for one speech and keeping him locked up for more than
a year and this medical examination are simply orders that are being
carried out."

Shant Harutyunyan’s relatives and advocates promised that they
would provide us with the results of the forensic examination today
or tomorrow.

INTERNATIONAL CRISIS GROUP CALLS FOR NORMALIZATION OF TIES BETWEEN ARMENIA AND TURKEY

PanArmenian
April 14 2009
Armenia

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Turkey and Armenia should seize their best
opportunity yet to normalize relations, work on a new approach to
shared history and open a European border that for nearly a century
has been hostage to conflict, International Crisis Group stated.

Turkey and Armenia: Opening Minds, Opening Borders, the latest report
from the International Crisis Group, examines how a decade of academic
and civil society outreach laid the foundations for what is now intense
official engagement between the governments. The two sides are now
close to agreement on a package deal that will establish diplomatic
relations, open the border and set up bilateral commissions to address
a range of issues.

These commissions will include one on joint historical dimension
of the Armenian-Turkish relationship, which will work to broaden
understanding of the Ottoman-era forced relocations and massacres of
Armenians, widely recognized as the Armenian genocide. Turkey contests
the term genocide, disputing its legal applicability and pointing to
mitigating circumstances as the Ottoman Empire fought on three fronts
in the First World War. But many Turks, including officials, now
publicly express regret over the tragic and high loss of Armenian life.

"Turks’ and Armenians’ once uncompromising views of history are
significantly converging, showing that the deep traumas can be
healed", says Hugh Pope, director of Crisis Group’s Turkey/Cyprus
Project. "At this sensitive time, third parties should avoid statements
or resolutions in the politicized debate over genocide recognition
or denial that could inflame opinion on either side".

A separate but related issue, the stalemated Armenia-Azerbaijan
conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, still risks undermining final agreement
on the Turkey and Armenia normalization package. Azerbaijan opposes any
border opening until Armenia withdraws from its occupied territory But
Turkey should not sacrifice this chance to move forward, and should
persuade its ally that détente which makes Armenia feel secure will
do more for a settlement than continuing a fifteen-year impasse. For
long-term normalization with Turkey to be sustainable, Armenia,
together with Azerbaijan, should ultimately adopt the Organization for
Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group basic principles
for settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict of the OSCE, and
Armenia should withdraw from Azerbaijani territories that it occupies.

"Turkey and Armenia should finalize their agreement and thus create
new momentum for peace and cooperation in the South Caucasus", says
Sabine Freizer, Crisis Group’s Europe Program Director. "They should
not wait until the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is settled. But outside
powers such as the U.S., EU, Russia and others should build on their
rare common interest to move both Turkish-Armenian normalization and
the Nagorno-Karabakh process forward".

ARMENIAN-CAPTURED AZERBAIJANI SOLDIER’S FATHER: "NO NEWS FROM MY SON FOR NEARLY THREE MONTHS"

APA
April 13 2009
Azerbaijan

Baku. Kamala Guliyeva-APA. There has been no news from soldier of
Azerbaijani Army Rafig Rahman Hasanov, captured by Armenian militants
on October 8, 2008, since January 21, soldier’s father Rahman Hasanov
told APA.

He said representatives of the International Committee of Red Cross
(ICRC) delivered Hasanov’s last letter on January 21 and since than
they have not received any news from him. Rahman Hasanov said they
addressed ICRC on March 4 and the Committee promised to visit him in
the next few days to get his letter to his son. On March 10, Hasanov
gave his letter to ICRC representatives. "I congratulated my son on
Novruz Holiday and told him that we were waiting for him".

Hasanov said he had not received answer so far. He asked the Aghdam
Region’s executive authorities to help him. "They only promise. I
will visit the ICRC Office in Baku in the next few days".

Soldier of Azerbaijan Defense Ministry’s N military unit Rafig Rahman
Hasanov, 20, was captured by the Armenian military forces in the
contact line in Gazakh Region on October 8, 2008.

Glendale will have only one Armenian council member
Krikorian reelected to school board

ll-have-only-one-armenian-council-member
Published : Friday April 10, 2009

Glendale, Calif. – Incumbents Ara Najarian and Frank Quintero and
challenger Laura Friedman were elected to Glendale City Council on
Tuesday, ending Bob Yousefian’s eight-year service on the body.

They will join Dave Weaver and John Drayman on the five-member City
Council after a swearing-in ceremony on April 20.

Each of the three winners garnered over 8,000 votes, while
Mr. Yousefian and Bruce Philpott won around 6,500 votes. There were
seven additional candidates, including five Armenian-Americans. An
estimated 40 percent of Glendale’s population is Armenian-American.

Ron Borucki was reelected as city treasurer, holding off a challenge
from former Glendale mayor Rafi Manoukian.

In the School Board race, voters reelected Greg Krikorian and Joylene
Wagner. At the same time they elected Christine Walters. Unlike the
incumbents, Ms. Walters and Eric Sahakian enjoyed the strong support
of the teachers’ union and the Armenian National Committee of Glendale
Political Action Committee.

Incumbents Armine Hacopian and Anita Quinonez Gabrielian were
reelected as trustees of Glendale Community College. Ann Hazel
Ransford was also elected. The other candidate was Vrej Agajanian.

City clerk Ardy Kassakhian, running unopposed, was reelected.

Polls were slow on Election Day in Glendale.

BOOK ON ARMENIAN GENOCIDE IN THE LIGHT OF ARAB HISTORIOGRAPHY IS PUBLISHED IN TEHRAN IN PERSIAN

Noyan Tapan
Apr 10, 2009

Yerevan, April 10, Noyan Tapan. The Armenian Genocide in the Light
of "Arab Historiography" writing of professor Nicolay Hovhannisian,
corresponding member of the ANAS and Doctor of Historical Sciences,
was published in Tehran in Persian early this year. According
to N.Hovhannisian, the book was translated to Persian by Garun
Sargsian, founding member of the Iran- Armenia Friendship Union. At
her request, the author wrote a foreword for the Persian edition of
the book beginning with the heading "Iran is not that country, and
the Persians are not that people, who can organize Genocide against
Armenians". According to N.Hovhannisian, these words belong to the
founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ayatollah homeini, who in 1997
thanks to Hovhannisian addressed these words to Armenia’s leaders and
to the Armenian people. Published in 2005 in English, this book is
an original study. It is devoted to the discussion of issues of the
1915 Armenian Genocide in Arab historiography. The author carefully
examined how a number of basic questions were highlighted in the Arab
historiography, including the disclosure of the reasons and nature
of the Genocide by Arab researchers. According to N.Hovhannisian, the
important is the fact that Muslim Arabs have come to the conclusion,
that what happened in 1915 with Armenians was genocide organized
by Y oung Turks leadership, and it was the black page of the 20th
century. Arabs also have been under Turkish oppression for long
years and they have been aware of the Ottoman dictatorship, told
he. "Arab historians put for the first time into circulation the word
‘Armenocide’ (murder of Armenians), told N.Hovhanniasian. Recently
G.Sargsian wrote to the author. "It’s an honor for me to have
translated that remarkable writing. That book has been given to
public officials, political figures, intellectuals. I could state,
the book has made an indelible impression on them": N.Hovhannisian
has authored more than 400 scientific writings, 100 out of them are
dedicated to the topic of the Armenian Genocide: These writings are
translated into tens of world languages, including English, French,
Russian, German, Turkish.