Author: Kajoyan Gevork

ARMENIE
Un représentant américain rend visite à Levon Ter-Petrosian

John Heffern, l’ambassadeur américain à Erevan, a discuté de la
situation politique interne et des relations de l’Arménie avec
l’Azerbaïdjan et la Turquie pendant sa première réunion avec le chef
de l’opposition Levon Ter-Petrosian.

Dans une déclaration, le Congrès National Arménien de Ter-Petrosian
(HAK) a dit que le premier président d’Arménie a parlé de « la
corruption systémique, l’absence de libertés démocratiques, des
élections manipulées et des restrictions de la liberté de la presse »
dans le pays.

« Le président Ter-Petrosian a souligné la tenue d’élections libres et
la formation d’un gouvernement légitime comme la clef des solutions
aux problèmes auxquels fait face l’Arménie » dit la déclaration.

Elle précise que le chef du HAK a aussi présenté la position du bloc
de l’opposition sur les relations turco-arméniennes et le conflit du
Nagorno-Karabakh. Aucun autre détail n’a été annoncé.

Incidemment, John Heffern a aussi visité plus tôt le quartier général
du parti des Libres Démocrates qui a été fondé récemment par d’anciens
membres du HAK. Parmi eux se trouve l’ancien Ministre des Affaires
Etrangères Alexandre Arzumanian qui a géré en 2008 la campagne
électorale présidentielle de Levon Ter-Petrossian.

Une courte déclaration du parti dit les chefs du parti ont discuté
avec le représentant américain de « l’état de la démocratie, des
relations avec l’étranger et des processus sociaux-politiques en
Arménie ».

mardi 22 novembre 2011,
Stéphane ©armenews.com

ARMENIE

L’ambassadeur du Royaume-Uni salue l’engagement d’Erevan pour des
élections libres

L’ambassadeur britannique sur le départ à Erevan s’est félicité de
l’engagement des leaders arméniens à assurer l’année prochaines des
élections parlementaires libres et équitables.

« Nous pouvons nous féliciter des engagements répétés du Premier
ministre récemment et d’autres que les prochaines élections seront les
plus justes, les plus transparentes tenues en Arménie » a dit Charles
Lonsdale.

« C’est une grande occasion pour l’Arménie de faire un grand pas en
avant dans son développement démocratique » a ajouté Charles Lonsdale
lors de sa dernière conférence de presse avant son départ. « Il y aura
certainement de nombreux appuis à l’extérieur pour aider l’Arménie
dont celui de l’Union Européenne ».

« Cela met un grand fardeau de responsabilité sur les autorités pour
assurer que cela arrive » a-t-il indiqué.

lundi 21 novembre 2011,
Stéphane ©armenews.com

President reshuffles government ahead of elections – Stratfor

18:23 – 26.11.11

Republished from EurasiaNet

During the past month, several Armenian government officials either
resigned or were dismissed by Armenian President Serzh Sarkisian,
including high-ranking figures such as Armenian Police Chief Alik
Sarkisian and Yerevan Mayor and Presidential Chief of Staff Karen
Karpetyan. There are also indications in Armenian media that the wave
of dismissals and resignations will continue.

Political reshuffles have occurred in Armenia before, but the timing
of this wave of dismissals and resignations could indicate that
President Sarkisian is engaged in a power struggle with former
Armenian President Robert Kocharian, who still has supporters within
the government. That struggle could play out in Armenia’s upcoming
parliamentary elections and eventually affect some areas of Armenia’s
foreign policy, though it would not change Armenia’s overall strategic
relations with its power patron, Russia.

The political shakeup comes ahead of Armenia’s parliamentary
elections, slated for May 2012. Not long before the round of
dismissals and resignations began, Kocharian said in an interview with
Armenian news agency Mediamax that he has not ruled out returning to
Armenia’s national political scene. Many of the officials affected by
the shakeup are rumored to have connections to Kocharian, so it is
possible that Sarkisian reshuffled these officials in an attempt to
limit Kocharian’s support base within the government before the
elections.

Armenia’s parliamentary elections typically serve as a springboard to
presidential elections, and Sarkisian wants to preserve his majority
in parliament. Sarkisian’s Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) holds 64
of the parliament’s 131 seats and is in a coalition with the
Prosperous Armenia Party (PAP), which currently holds 18 seats.
However, the PAP’s leader, wealthy businessman Gagik Tsarukian, is
believed to be close to Kocharian. If Tsarukian should decide to leave
the coalition with the RPA, Sarkisian will no longer have a majority
in parliament, which would make it easier for Kocharian to return to
the national political scene and vie for power in the next
presidential election.

No matter the outcome of a political contest between Sarkisian and
Kocharian, one aspect of Armenian policy will not change: Yerevan’s
relationship with Moscow. An alliance with Russia is a geopolitical
imperative for Armenia, and Moscow has taken steps to ensure Armenia’s
dependence on Russia. However, as Armenia’s future will be shaped by
the upcoming formation of the Moscow-led Eurasian Union, Armenia’s
policy in other areas, including relations with neighbors such as
Turkey, Iran or Azerbaijan – could be affected. Much could change in
the months before Armenia’s parliamentary elections, but the
significance of the reshuffles and Kocharian’s possible role in
national politics will be important in determining the future of
Armenia’s political landscape.

Tert.am

Unfounded price increase main focus of Armenia’s antimonopoly bodies

November 26, 2011 – 18:11 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – In Armenia, like any other country in the world,
antimonopoly authority in entitled to step in to prevent unfounded
alteration of price, according to the chairman of the State Commission
for the Protection of Economic Competition (SCPEC).

In a conversation with a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter, Artak Shaboyan
noted unfounded price increase among Armenia’s issues. `As opposed to
Armenia, dumping is one of the common practices in Europe to
eventually oust the competitors from the market,’ SCPEC chair
explained.

`In such cases, the antimonopoly authority interferes. Upon studying
the situation, the actual price is announced. Here, however the
authority has to bear discontent of consumers, unhappy to see a sudden
wave of low prices reversed,’ Shaboyan remarked.

FRENCH STAR OPENLY SPEAKS ABOUT HER ARMENIAN ROOTS

news.am
Nov 24 2011
Armenia

Famous French pop star Sylvie Vartan for the first openly spoke about
her Armenian roots.

During a show broadcasted on French television, Vartan said: “Yes,
I’m Armenian, from my father’s side,” Nouvelle d`Armenie reported.

Sylvie Vartan was born in Bulgaria on August 15, 1944 to Hungarian
mother and father Armenian-Bulgarian father. The original family name
was Vartanian.

Sylvie started her career in show business when she was 16 and is
known as one of the first rock girls of France. She was married to
famous rocker Johnny Hallyday.

FRONTLINE CLASHES TIMED TO PRECEDE KARABAKH TELETHON?

news.az
Nov 24 2011
Azerbaijan

by Yusif Babanli, co-founder of the US Azeris Network and board member
of the Azerbaijani American Council

>From Paris to Berlin,
In every disco I get in,
My heart is pumping for love, pumping for love,
‘Cause when I’m thinking of you,
And all the things we could do,
My heart is pumping for love,
You left me longing for you…

Remember that song by the Danish pop band Infernal? The 2005 “From
Paris to Berlin” sent the rhythms beyond the dance clubs and radio
hit charts.

The lyrics of the song can be adapted to match the actions of the
Armenian separatists. Just replace the words Paris with Khankandi,
Berlin with Los Angeles, “disco” with “Armenian community” and you’ll
get a vivid image of Bako Sahakian with Archbishop Pargev Martirosyan,
excitedly boarding a plane with an Armenian passport at Zvartnots,
en route to the annual telethon, held by the Hayastan All Armenia
Fund since 1998 in Los Angeles. Use your imagination for the rest of
the lyrics, on how and for what his heart is pumping and how much he
longs for love every Thanksgiving Day telethon.

An installation of a kind, the leader of the Armenian separatists
in the occupied Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan, has made a
habit of taking trips to the wealthiest community of the Armenian
diaspora in the West. The government of the Republic of Armenia may
for many apparent reasons shy away from openly wheedling out financial
contributions to the devastated economy of Armenia or its occupying
installation in Nagorno-Karabakh, but Bako Sahakyan may do the job.

The Sargsyan government has a distinctive record of corruption
and human rights abuse, especially after the massacre of Armenian
civilians in central Yerevan in the spring of 2008 which naturally
diminished the will of many Armenians abroad to put any money at his
disposal. Add to that the infamous Turkish-Armenian Protocols which
angered the wealthy diaspora in the West and got him a crystal clear
ultimatum. Sahakyan, on the other hand, does not enjoy a similar
transparency. Well… because he’s not really considered anyone,
except by the Armenian diaspora, of course. Hence, Sahakyan’s track
record of misappropriation of funds from the contributions allocated
to him both by local entities and the diaspora is unknown.

The annual telethon itself is usually held on or around Thanksgiving
Day in an attempt to solicit more money when people are more willing
to give. However, to magnify the amount of donations, Sahakyan and
his companions go the extra mile by hopping from place to place
on their way to Los Angeles to show that the donated money is not
lost but spent wisely, that the separatist government is “actually”
working and is recognized by the world. For example, on 8 November,
the Armenian media claimed the “president of Artsakh” stopped in Berlin
to hold discussions with German MPs in the Bundestag on “bilateral
relations” with Germany (News.am, 8 November 2011.) Needless to say,
the information turned out to be false and was accordingly refuted
by German MPs.

Another deceptive imposture around the date which is usually prepped
by the Armenian government is provoking the Azerbaijani Army to react
and retaliate to ceasefire violations by the Armenian Army deployed
in Karabakh. While the Armenian Defence Ministry had been persistent
about no recorded deaths among the soldiers of the Armenian Army
since the ceasefire agreement in 1994, most probably to create the
impression that the Armenian Army is unbeatable, in the last few years
the strategy has been reversed as Armenian media, fed by the Defence
Ministry of the Republic of Armenia, have become more vocal about
soaring casualties among Armenian servicemen in Nagorno-Karabakh. The
purpose is to justify soliciting more donations on the basis that
the Armenian installation in Khankandi has to be able to withstand
the annually increasing military budget of Azerbaijan.

A few days before the telethon which is to take place on 25 November,
Armenian media reported that two Armenian soldiers had been killed
by Azerbaijani sniper fire (ArmeniaNow, 21 November). Reminiscent of
the 2008 skirmish provoked by an Armenian offensive on Azerbaijani
positions to divert public attention away from the Yerevan massacre of
10 Armenian civilians by the Sargsyan government’s security forces,
the latest reports on the deaths of two Armenian soldiers are used
as a preamble to call for more donations from the diaspora.

Sometimes though, the separatist leaders, dissatisfied with the amount
of cash donated by the diaspora, employ other means of blackmail,
willingly alerting the diaspora that they will make concessions to
Azerbaijan if they don’t get enough from the Armenians. A case in
point: the speech of Arkadiy Gukasyan, formerly installed as separatist
leader, at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel before the Armenian community
in November 2006, when he was observed reminding the donors that if
the Azerbaijani government offered “oil or black caviar” instead of
threats to retake Karabakh by force, he would reconsider his position
in regard to pursuing independence from Azerbaijan.

So with or without alerts to the diaspora, the Turkey Day event each
November is undoubtedly “the love” Sahakyan longs for throughout
the whole year. After all, it’s easy money in return for a couple
of blushes in front of the Armenian American audience. These extra
humble blushes got him $20.8 million last year. It was so much that
it even bought him a trip to Argentina and Uruguay which he plans to
take right after the LA telethon (News.am, 19 November). Most likely,
on the agenda of this trip is the plan to lure diaspora Armenians from
the West into relocating to Nagorno-Karabakh and the increasingly
depopulating Armenia, better known as the so-called “Armenia 3500”
plan which intends to persuade 3,500 Armenians to move to these
territories. Let’s give him and Sargsyan some credit. So far it’s
working. The Armenian parliament and President Sargsyan are going
to settle hundreds of prisoners in Nagorno-Karabakh (Tert.am, 22
November). That seems to be a wise move from the Sargsyan government.

By depriving the Armenian community of a bright present and future
within the growing economy of Azerbaijan, it enriches them with
criminal neighbours and an insecure future. But the telethon calls
and the ads will miss that inconvenient truth. No surprise.

“ARMENIA IS LIKE A CANCER ON BODY OF SOUTH CAUCASUS WHICH NEEDS TO BE REMOVED”

news.az
Nov 24 2011
Azerbaijan

News.Az interviews Guram Markhulia, doctor of historical sciences,
Professor at Sukhumi State University, holder of Taraggi medal of
Azerbaijan.

Mr.Markhulia Rajenovic, though belatedly, I want to congratulate you
on being awarded with Taraggi medal and a diploma of Honored Doctor
of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences History Institute.

Thank you. I am proud that Mr. Ilham Aliyev awarded me Taraggi medal
for merits in strengthening friendship between the two people and
development of Azerbaijani diaspora.

You give interviews to Azerbaijani media quite often, stand for
fair resolution of Karabakh conflict and expose essence of Armenian
expansionism in the South Caucasus. It is natural that your stance
causes resentment of Armenian nationalists both in Armenia and
Georgia. Have Armenians ever threatened you?

Of course. I am threatened both via e-mail and cell phone. They call
and threaten me. I sometimes feel spying behind me. Once Tbilisi
woman of Armenian origin called me and screamed that I deceive
Georgian students by telling them the truth about Karabakh conflict
and ostensibly I have no right to teach. Armenians have even changed
my surname. They write everywhere that my surname is not Markhulia,
but Aliyev. I donâ~@~Yt mind, let them call me this way.

And what is the reaction of Georgian students when you tell them
about Karabakh conflict?

Unfortunately, the problem is that the Georgian public, particularly,
young people, are poorly informed about causes and consequences of
the Armenian aggression against Azerbaijan.

And who is blame for this?

The society is to blame. I donâ~@~Yt tend to blame Azerbaijan for poor
awareness of Georgian society about its neighbor. Ideology is a major
tool of a country which is in a state of an undeclared war by Armenia.

In this respect, the great share of responsibility lies with societies
and media of both countries.

If would better to translate Azerbaijani media materials about
Karabakh and falsifications of Armenia into the Georgian language to
provide an access to similar information for our public. For example,
I write my books in Russian language. Others should also be aware of
my problems. Georgians already know them.

That is why I am more popular abroad rather in Georgia. You should
not be limited only to information space of your country. At one
time we did the same in case of Abkhazia. We wrote down its history
in Georgian language. Did we need this? Georgia already knew that
Abkhazia is Georgian territory. But Abkhaz people wrote their history
in Russian language. As a result, we ended up in Tbilisi (Markhulia
was born and raised in Sukhumi.) Now we are facing a new problem –
Javakhetia. Armenians write about their lies about Javakhetia in a
number of languages while Georgians find it bothersome.

Seeing how Armenian media extensively highlights the theme of
Javakhetia, one concludes that Armenians around the world seek to
realize Karabakh scenario there. We witness the same talks about
“hard socioeconomic situation”, “no possibility to receive education
in Armenian.” How sensible is Georgia in Javakhetia issue?

Armenians are going ahead with their misdeeds while we hope for
assistance of world community instead of relying on our power in
this matter.

Armenia did not exist in the south Caucasus at all till 1918. There are
no heroes of Armenian origin in Georgia. We have heroes of Azerbaijani
and other origins who have fought in the name of Georgia.

Armenians have always betrayed us. Let’s cite Abkhazia war as example.

I had Armenian neighbors. But once the war started, they immediately
set up Armenian battalion and began to fight against us, Georgians.

Now Armenians live in my own house in Sukhumi. This nation cannot be
reeducated. Betrayal and treachery run in their blood.

You’re one of those who, not being Azerbaijani, Azerbaijani citizen,
tries to tell the truth, in your case, to the Georgian society
about the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict over Karabakh. What made
â~@~Kâ~@~Kyou take up this issue this issue so seriously?

I have already noted above that an Armenian, who swore eternal
friendship to me, now lives in my house in Sukhumi. And when they
began to drive us out, my neighbor, like other Armenians in Abkhazia,
was happy at this. And then I began to search for the cause behind
this behavior and study the history of the Armenian people. Initially,
I did not think that I will explore the issue of Karabakh. I studied
the history of the Georgian-Armenian relations.

My thesis is devoted to just this relationship. Gradually widening
focus of my research, I touched on Karabakh issue and began to study
the origins of the conflict. And I realized that Armenians in Karabakh
treated Azerbaijanis in the same way they did it in Abkhazia.

I began to work in this direction and Armenians immediately began
to claim that Azerbaijanis have bought me out. But I have nothing –
no car, no home. All have remained in Sukhumi.

Armenia is like a cancer on the body of the South Caucasus which needs
to be amputated. At the time this tumor was removed from another
region, but after a while this tumor appeared on our native land –
the South Caucasus. Now the Armenians make constant claims about the
“Armenian churches” in Georgia.

But let me say that there are no Armenian churches in Georgia.

Armenians have appropriated Georgian churches. Armenians are heretics.

No one would allow heretics to build any church in Georgia. The
Georgian people have fought, died in the fighting and lands which
emptied as a result were immediately settled by Armenians. So,
“Armenian” churches appeared instead of destroyed Georgian churches.

And now they cannot prove anything. Now there is even some sort of
“Armenian Republic of Abkhazia.” It is already the 28th Armenia in
the world.

Here is another example of “neighborhood” of Armenians. Tunnel for the
railway is under construction from Akhalkalaki to Batumi. Armenians
signed an agreement with the Georgian side on export of soil, which
would become redundant as a result of construction of the tunnel,
to Armenia. The soil was exported to Armenia, and we suddenly found
out that it was rich in gold and silver. Armenians knew about it. That
is why they were so eager to transport this to Armenia.

Do you believe Azerbaijan and Georgia will soon restore their
territorial integrity?

Of course, this would happen one day. But we will have to wait too
long until Russia leaves South Caucasus.

Timur Huseynov News.Az

ARMS RACE IN THE CAUCASUS CAN PREVENT NEW WAR – EXPERTS

Vestnik Kavkaza
Russia
Nov 24 2011

The arms race in the Caucasus can prevent a new war between Armenian
and Azerbaijan, several experts believe.

The topic was discussed in the framework of the ‘Security in the
Caucasus’ conference held in the Moscow’s office of the Rosa Luxemburg
Foundation.

Addressing the assembled experts and reporters, Andrey Areshey,
the deputy director of the Strategic Culture Fund, said that arms
are delivered to Armenia and Azerbaijan by those very countries that
are co-chairs of the OSCE. Still, the balance of power makes a new
war improbable.

Felix Stanevsky, former Russian ambassador to Georgia, even said that
arms race is a positive trend as it can prevent new military conflict.

IF TURKEY’S ROLE INCREASES, SITUATION IN SYRIA WILL BE CONCERNING FOR ARMENIANS – ARFD

news.am
Nov 24 2011
Armenia

YEREVAN.- Situation in Syria and the Middle East will become concerning
for Armenians if Turkey’s role increases, said Giro Manoyan, head of
central Hay Dat (Armenian Cause) office, member of ARF Dashnaktsutyun.

ARFD member also commented on idea of Eurasian union proposed by
Russian PM Vladimir Putin.

“It is too early to decide on the issue. It is an economic structure
which can have political character. Armenia still has to decide,”
he said.

He recalled the opinion of one Turkish analyst who considers
Russia-proposed initiative is directed against Ankara to suppress
its expansion in the Central Asia.

Commenting on tougher sanctions imposed on Iran, Manoyan said a war
is unlikely to break out. However, he did not rule out the possibility
of hostilities, in particular, launched by Israel.

SHUSHI ARMENIAN DANCE ENSEMBLE: A PERFORMANCE OF PATRIOTISM AND PASSION
by Talin Kupelian

Published: Thursday November 24, 2011

Shushi dancers perform Lezginka.

Related Articles
Shushi dancers contribute to Armenia Fund

Shushi dancers astound with two Florida performances

Lodi, N.J. – Shushi Armenian Dance Ensemble delivered what it
promised, a magnificent celebration of three anniversaries- Armenia’s
Independence, Karabagh’s Independence and the 20th anniversary of
the foundation of Shushi Dance Ensemble.

It was a day of flags – Armenian tricolor flags- sprinkled throughout
the packed auditorium of Felician College in Lodi, New Jersey. The
ingredients were in place – a packed house, organized volunteers,
coordination and cooperation, energetic young dancers, talented
musicians, the professional St. Vartan Cathedral Choir with maestro
Khoren Mekanejian, and a professional staff of sound engineers
and stage managers, the likes of which we have never seen in our
community. The smiles, the excitement and the energy were electrifying
— the camaraderie among all the members was something to be proud of.

We all know about the power failure in New Jersey as a result of the
Halloween snow. Felician College was also experiencing a power outage.

It was a miracle that the show went ahead as planned. The last two
days were a roller-coaster for the organizers of the concert, but
everyone came through with flying colors.

With rumors of a cancellation spreading on the internet, members and
parents alike put an end to those rumors by posting on Facebook,
Twitter, email and any social media network they knew, all within
minutes of each other, confirming to the public that the show will
go on as planned and on schedule. The concern and quick actions of
everyone proved that Shushi is one family and they all worked together
to ensure the success of this program.

Backstage the scene was just as touching. In one corner there was a
group of boys teaching a fellow Shushi member the words to a song to
make sure he could get on stage to perform proudly and confidently. In
another room there was a group of young girls holding hands in a
circle and praying right before the performance. In the next room,
there were a few girls helping each other with their hair and costumes.

It takes more than one person to raise the curtains of a production
such as the one we witnessed on October 30, 2011. The team effort is
most commendable!

Every detail was accounted for – onstage, off stage, above stage. As
every guest walked into the main entrance, they were led to the red
carpet area where they took pictures in front of a large banner and
Shushi logos. Once the guests walked into the auditorium they were
greeted by the lovely senior members of the ensemble in the most
gorgeous costumes, as they ushered the guests to their seats.

Walking into the auditorium, the room was filled with 800 flags
placed carefully on every other chair. There was music playing in
the background as a beautiful slideshow was being presented on both
sides of the room with pictures reminiscing the 20 year history of
the Shushi Dance Ensemble.

Once the program began, audience members waved the flags to the
patriotic opening number of Verakangnir Giligia, as 150 performers
presented a powerful beginning that set the stage for the next two
hours of the most exhilarating program. During the entire performance
the slideshow continued, this time with pictures from Armenia that
reflected the music and dance that was being performed on stage.

The mood was positive, the dancers were ready, the colorful costumes,
most of which were designed and sewn in Armenia including the choir and
musicians’ costumes, added so much life, the very talented musicians –
singers Hovig Krikorian, Armen Hovanessian, Salbi Mailyan and Lillian
added just the right balance with their live singing.

Musical director, Andranik Mouradian, who has been a permanent
fixture in Shushi performances for over 10 years, delivered the music
beautifully and directed his band of 5 musicians. In his words,
“I have worked with many musicians and high profile directors and
choreographers from all over the world. I have never encountered anyone
who has been involved in every aspect of a program of this magnitude
with so much attention to detail as Seta Paskalian-Kantardjian.”

As usual Laurie Dabaghian was impressive with her passionate voice.

She recited the poems dedicated to Armenian heroes.

It was a professionally staged production. It was seamless. With
a strong advertising campaign on Cablevision, television and radio
interviews, social media networks, and mass mailing, the organizers
were determined to ensure a packed auditorium, and the mission was
accomplished!

In the audience were, Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian, Dean of St. Vartan
Cathedral Father Mardiros Chevian, Armenia’s representative to the
United Nations Garen Nazarian, the program benefactors Mr. & Mrs.

Hagop and Ica Kouyoumdjian, along with other prominent figures in
our community.

Congratulations to the artistic director and choreographer of Shushi
Dance Ensemble, Mrs. Seta Paskalian-Kantardjian. She has harnessed a
lot of talent and energy over the past 20 years. Seta’s dedication
and commitment to the dance ensemble is most commendable. She has
earned the love and respect of all. Bravo Seta and bravo her knights
in shining armor who support Seta in her noble mission.

Vahan Tekeyan said it so beautifully: It is all about “friends coming
together to do the impossible possible.”

Shushi’s 20th anniversary celebrations will continue throughout this
season as the ensemble travels to California, and will conclude in
July of 2012 with a South American tour of Argentina and Uruguay.

For information on the ensemble, visit