Author: Kajoyan Gevork

GALUST SAHAKYAN MEETS WITH THE IRANIAN DELEGATION

National Assembly
parliament.am
Feb 10 2010
Armenia

On February 10, the head of the RPA faction and Armenia-Iran Friendship
Group Mr. Galust Sahakyan met with the delegation led by the Adviser
to the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Chairman of the
Organization of Culture and Islamic Relations Mr. Mehdi Mustafavi.

In the course of the meeting both sides highlighted the existing
progress in the political, economic and cultural spheres between
Armenia and Iran and the necessity of more deepening it.

Mr. Sahakyan ensured that the development of the relations in different
spheres between the two countries was also the goal of his party:
it’s not accidental that being the deputy chairman of the Republican
Party of Armenia and the head of the faction he had undertaken the
leadership of Armenia-Iran Friendship Group. It’s not also accidental
that the meetings with all delegations of Iran pass in the atmosphere
of friendship and mutual understanding. Mr. Sahakyan congratulated
the guests on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Islamic
Republic of Iran.

Mr. Mehdi Mustafavi expressed his gratitude for promoting the
development of friendship and bilateral relations and for making
efforts. He notices that there are external obstacles, which though
in the aspect of the development cause difficulties, but the two
friendly neighbouring countries realize very well the necessity of
their overcoming for the sake of the two nations.

During the meeting issues concerning the bilateral cultural programmes
were discussed. In particular, the strengthening of the relations of
the higher educational institutions, the organization of the days
of culture, exhibitions, literary translations, the cooperation
in cinematography, the development of studies on Armenia and Iran,
the conservation of historical monuments, churches and mosques were
highlighted.

Both sides emphasized the cultural factor in the activation of the
relations between the two countries. According to Mr. Sahakyan’s
assessment, the peculiarity of the nation is characterized by the
culture, and though time causes certain difficulties, at the same
time being in the system of values more contributes to the cultural
cooperation of the two countries.

In the course of the meeting both sides discussed other issues of
mutual interest.

AZERBAIJANIS ARE RELUCTANT TO SEND THEIR CHILDREN TO DIE IN KARABAKH: HOVHANNISYAN

news.am
Feb 10 2010
Armenia

The resumption of hostilities in Karabakh is constantly probable,
Head of ARF Dashnaktsutyun faction told the journalists on Feb. 10.

The MP emphasized that though Azerbaijani authorities permanently
make warlike statements, he is skeptical about their army’s combat
capability.

"Azerbaijan is a multinational state, for instance I don’t think that
Lezghins or Talishes are dreaming of sending their children to die in
Karabakh. Same with Azerbaijanis," Hovhannisyan stated adding that he
holds the information that after each warlike statement by Azerbaijani
leadership large number of youth leaves the country. He informed that
many youngsters already migrated to Ukrainian and Russian cities.

‘FILM IS ART AND MUST NOT BE CUT’: ARMENIAN FILM CRITIC ON NEW PRIMETIME TV BILL

Tert.am
16:45 ~U 10.02.10

The new parameters on the content of TV programs and films have been
designed by non-professional individuals and constitute a document
that comprises a lot of controversial and vulnerable aspects, Armenian
film critic Zaven Boyajyan said at a press conference.

Boyajyan highlighted the importance of including many professionals
when designing such a document. In his words, instead of implementing
bans on films and TV programs, those in charge should follow
international practics of classifying entertainment films.

"If these parameters are backed by the law in this format, then
TV stations will have to grab a pair of scissors and cut films
into pieces, but a film is a piece of art and must not be cut,"
said Boyajyan.

Earlier the National Commission on Television and Radio (NCTR)
had presented the new parameters of TV programs to the public. The
commission had proposed a new bill which stated that films and TV
programs that have explicit sexual content or explicit scenes of
violence and horror must be broadcast only between midnight and 6 am.

RUSSIA READY TO RECOGNIZE KOSOVO’S INDEPENDENCE

Azerbaijan Business Center
Feb 8 2010

Baku, Fineko/abc.az. Bad news for the countries of the region
subjected to attacks of separatists has come from Munich where a
European security conference was held.

Having proposed a new European security agreement backed by nobody,
in the conference lobbies Russia claimed of readiness to continue the
line for recognition of separatist regimes in the region started from
Northern Osetia and Abkhazia.

Russian permanent representative in NATO Dmitry Rogozin stated that
if Serbia enters into NATO Russia will be forced to re-consider its
attitude towards independence of Kosovo.

"If Belgrade wants to become a member of the North Atlantic alliance
it will have to recognize Kosovo’s independence, and in such case
Russia will be forced to change its position on the matter as Russians
cannot be larger Serbs than Serbs themselves," Rogozin emphasized.

Once because of implicit support of Serbia, Russians were drawn
into the World War I and lost the Russian Empire At the end of the
past century Russia checked itself from involvement in the conflict
during collapse of former Yugoslavia and at the very least the Russian
Federation has been existing now despite many expected secession of
Caucasus from Russia which gives nothing for this country.

But the raising of the issue of readiness to recognize Kosovo
is quite demonstrational in terms of Russia’s involvement in
Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno Garabagh conflict. However, all the rest
sponsors of the peaceful settlement have recognized Kosovo for a long
time, while Azerbaijan still has chances to restore its territorial
integrity before Russia’s recognition of separatists in the world
and Europe is going to become total.

Aysor, Armenia
Feb 6 2010

Armenia-Iran Trade and Investment recourses to be discussed

The ARMEX 2010 International Seminar on trade and investment resources
will be held in Iran on February 9-10.

Chief of the Department of Export Promotion of the Armenian
Development Agency, Lusine Tumian, told Aysor’s correspondent that
Armenian delegation to Iran will be headed by Vashram Nersisyants, an
Advisor for Economic Affairs to President.

The seminar will focus mainly on items of trade, transport, industry,
agriculture, banking, and investment recourses.

Iran is the 8th largest trade partner of Armenia. It is expected that
Iranian investments in Armenia may reach $980 million. It’s worth
mentioning that a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between
Armenia and Iran in the framework of the Armenia-Iran
intergovernmental session, which was held in Yerevan on February 3.
The Memorandum contains three strategic programs: Armenia-Iran
railway, power plant on the Araks River, and terminal and pipeline.

February 5, 2010
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 PRESIDE OVER DIVINE LITURGY AT HOLY MARTYRS CHURCH AND
REQUIEM SERVICE FOR
DARON AVEDISSIAN

On Sunday, February 7th, 2010, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate, will preside over Divine Liturgy and deliver the sermon at
Holy Martyrs Church in Encino.
At the conclusion of Divine Liturgy, the Prelate will
preside over requiem service for Catholicosate Central Executive
member Daron Avedissian, who passed away two months ago. The late
Mr. D. Avedissian was greatly involved in the church and community,
serving the Aleppo Diocese and the Armenian Church for decades in
various capacities.

CLERGY CONFERENCE AND SPECIAL SERVICES ON THE FEASTS OF
STS. GHEVONTIANK AND STS. VARTANANK

Each year on the Feast of Sts. Ghevontiank, Prelacy clergy members
gather for a one-day conference and Divine Liturgy, under the auspices
and presided over by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate.
This year’s conference is being hosted by St. Garabed
Church and will take place on Tuesday, February 9th, 2010, at the
Prelacy. The day will begin with morning services at the Prelacy
Chapel, followed by the conference which will include lectures and
spiritual meditations.
In the evening, clergy and faithful will gather at
St. Mary’s Church in Glendale for Divine Liturgy, which will be
celebrated by pastor of St. Gregory Church in San Francisco Very
Rev. Fr. Vaghinag Meloian. The service will begin at 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, February 11th, is the Feast of Sts. Vartanank.
On the evening of Wednesday, February 10th, the Prelate will preside
over eve of the feast services at St. Sarkis Church in Pasadena,
starting at 7:00 p.m. The clergy order will participate in the
service.
On Thursday, Vartanants, Divine Liturgy will be celebrated
in all Prelacy churches starting at 10:30 a.m.

EVENING SERVICE AND TRADITIONAL BONFIRE ON THE EVE OF THE PRESENTATION
OF OUR LORD TO THE TEMPLE

On Sunday, February 14th, 2010, the Armenian Church will celebrate the
Presentation of our Lord to the Temple and the Eve of Great Lent. Each
year on the eve of the Feast, evening services take place in Prelacy
Churches followed by the lighting of the traditional bonfire.
On Saturday, February 13th, at 6:00 p.m., H.E. Archbishop
Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, will preside over services at
St. Mary’s Church in Glendale.
In keeping with tradition, Homenetmen scouts and
representatives, as well as members of the Armenian Church Youth
Association, will be in attendance and will be hosted to dinner with
the Prelate at `Armenak Der Bedrossian’ Hall at the conclusion of the
services.

CELEBRATING THE EVE OF GREAT LENT/PAREGENTAN

Sunday, February 14th, is the Eve of Great Lent, or Paregentan. The
annual Paregentan celebration will take place under the auspices of
the Prelate at 1:30 p.m. at the "Armenak Der Bedrossian" Hall of
St. Mary’s Church. The event is organized by the Sunday Schools’
Directorate and PTO.
Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children 12 and
under.
For more information contact the Prelacy office or your
local Sunday School representative.
Monday, February 15th is the first day of Great
Lent. During this 40-day period, Sunrise and Vesper Services will be
offered in all Prelacy Churches on Wednesdays and Fridays.

PRELATE CELEBRATES DIVINE LITURGY ON THE NAME DAY OF ST. SARKIS CHURCH
IN PASADENA

Saturday, January 30th, was the Feast of St. Sarkis, which is also the
name day of St. Sarkis Church in Pasadena.
On this occasion, on Sunday, January 31st, the Prelate
celebrated Divine Liturgy, delivered the sermon, and conducted the
blessing of madagh at St. Sarkis Church. Parish pastor
Rev. Fr. Khoren Babochian assisted at the altar.
In attendance were Executive Council members Mr. Meher Der
Ohanessian and Mr. Nerses Melkonian, church benefactors Mr. and
Mrs. Sarkis and Suzan Kitsinian, delegates, Board of Trustees and
Ladies Auxiliary members, and a large number of faithful.
A reception followed at the church hall.

TURKISH MFA SEES NO PROBLEM IN ANKARA’S ‘ARMENIAN INITIATIVE’

PanARMENIAN.Net
04.02.2010 15:00 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs said
Wednesday that there is no problem with Turkey’s ‘Armenian initiative’.

Burak Ozugergin, a spokesperson for the Ministry, told reporters that
the Armenian-Turkish dialogue is in trouble over the RA Constitutional
Court’s ruling. "Turkey’s position has not changed. The Ministry’s
Undersecretary Feridun Sinirlioglu will visit Switzerland and the
United States in coming days to express Turkey’s concerns on the
issue," he said.

As to Karabakh conflict settlement, Ozugergin said some progress
was fixed during the recent days. "There is slight hope that the
sides will take concrete steps towards resolution," Ozugergin said,
Anatolian News Agency reported.

The Protocols aimed at normalization of bilateral ties and opening of
the border between Armenia and Turkey were signed in Zurich by Armenian
Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian and his Turkish counterpart Ahmet
Davutoglu on October 10, 2009, after a series of diplomatic talks
held through Swiss mediation.

On January 12, 2010, the Constitutional Court of the Republic of
Armenia found the protocols conformable to the country’s Organic Law.

Commenting on the CC ruling, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs
said that "the decision contains preconditions and restrictive
provisions which impair the letter and spirit of the Protocols."

"The decision undermines the very reason for negotiating these
Protocols as well as their fundamental objective. This approach
cannot be accepted on our part. Turkey, in line with its accustomed
allegiance to its international commitments, maintains its adherence
to the primary provisions of these Protocols. We expect the same
allegiance from the Armenian Government," the Ministry said.

The conflict between Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan broke out in
1988 as result of the ethnic cleansing the latter launched in the
final years of the Soviet Union. The Karabakh War was fought from
1991 to 1994. Since the ceasefire in 1994, sealed by Armenia, NKR and
Azerbaijan, most of Nagorno Karabakh and several regions of Azerbaijan
around it (the security zone) remain under the control of NKR defense
army. Armenia and Azerbaijan are holding peace talks mediated by the
OSCE Minsk Group up till now.

GAS CONSUMERS NUMBER IN ARMENIA COMPRISES 597 366 AS OF FEBRUARY 1, 2010

PanARMENIAN.Net
04.02.2010 18:46 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ As of February 1, 2010, the number of gas consumers
in Armenia reached 597 366, ArmRosGazprom press office said. Thus,
over January 2010, total number of gas consumers grew by 1013.

In all, 260 928 signalling devices and cutoff valves were installed
by ArmRosGazprom in accordance with the governmental decree.

Founded in 1997, ArmRosGazprom, a subsidiary of Gazprom, supplies
gas for the domestic market in Armenia. The company also transports,
stores, processes, distributes, and sells natural gas; and generates
electricity, as well as engages in the reconstruction and expansion
of the gas transportation system and underground storage facilities
system in Armenia. In addition, it manages gas deliveries from the
Russian Federation to Armenia, as well as exports to Turkey.

Currently, the company’s authorized capital totals AMD 316.6 billion.

ATTACK MADE ON U.S. CONSULATE IN TURKEY

AZG DAILY
05-02-2010

International

An armed attack was committed on the U.S. Consulate in the Turkish
city of Adana Feb. 3, the Iha news agency reported.

The criminals fired at the building from a car, tried to escape,
but were detained by employees of the Adana Combating Terrorism
Department. Six suspects were arrested. All have been identified as
members of the Al-Qaeda terrorist organization.

In January, Turkish police arrested 120 individuals suspected of
cooperation with Al-Qaeda, including a recruiter who worked at
a university.

DAVID PHILLIPS: RATIFICATION OF PROTOCOLS IN THE INTERESTS OF TURKEY

PanARMENIAN.Net
05.02.2010 10:58 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The Turkish leadership is facing serious challenges,
including the Protocols on normalization of relations with Armenia
and the Kurdish issue, said David Phillips, chairman of the
Turkish-Armenian Reconciliation Commission (TARC) in 2001-2004.

"The Turkish Prime Minister’s rating has decreased from 45% to 35%,
what’s important in terms of parliamentary elections Turkey will
hold next year. It’s gratifying that Turkey undertook to ratify the
Protocols but the process of ratification may take a longer time," Mr.

Phillips said in Yerevan on Thursday.

There is a large number of uncertainties which can cast a shadow on
Ankara’s willingness to ratify the Protocols, specifically Ankara’s
attempt to link the implementation of Protocols to Nagorno Karabakh
conflict settlement, according to him.

"I suppose that the Armenian authorities should demonstrate good will
and make certain steps towards ratification, for example submit the
Protocols to the National Assembly. And I’m hopeful that Turkish
leaders will understand that ratification is in the interests of
their country," Mr. Phillips said.

David L. Phillips was the Chairman of TARC in 2001-2004. The commission
failed over Turkey’s refusal to recognize the Armenian Genocide and
avoid meddling with the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement process.

The Protocols aimed at normalization of bilateral ties and opening of
the border between Armenia and Turkey were signed in Zurich by Armenian
Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian and his Turkish counterpart Ahmet
Davutoglu on October 10, 2009, after a series of diplomatic talks
held through Swiss mediation.

On January 12, 2010, the Constitutional Court of the Republic of
Armenia found the protocols conformable to the country’s Organic Law.