ARMENTEL AND CONSUMER RIGHTS PROTECTION NGO TO SIGN MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
/PanARMENIAN.Net/
06.08.2009 16:05 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ On August 7, ArmenTel CJSC (Beeline trademark)
and Social Organization for Consumer Rights Protection will sign a
memorandum of understanding.
The document will be signed between ArmenTel Director
general Igor Klimko and Consumer Rights Protection NGO
President Abgar Eghoyan, ArmenTel Press Service reported
CONDUCTOR HARUTYUN ARZUMANYAN TO TAKE PART IN 10TH INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL
ARMENPRESS
Aug 3, 2009
YEREVAN, AUGUST 3, ARMENPRESS: Conductor of the Al. Spendiaryan
Opera and Ballet National Academic Theatre Harutyun Arzumanyan will
participate in the 10th international music festival after Duke
Aquaviva which will be held in the Italian Abruzzo region August 8-30.
In a conversation with Armenpress H. Arzumanyan said that about 150
musicians from 25 countries of the world will participate in the
festival. The Armenian conductor will present works of Schubert,
Mozart and Elgar.
H. Arzumanyan is the first prize-winner of the 5th international
competition of conductors, laureate of Fiderberg international contest.
Progression possible without preconditions only
01.08.2009 12:51 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The problem of the Turkish-Armenian border is
pressing, said Bahaeddin Güngör, head of Deutsche Welle’s Turkish
department.
`On the one hand, Ankara is unwilling to open the border unless Azeri
refugees return to the places of pervious habitation. On the other
hand, an entire eastern region of Turkey remains isolated, thus
damaging Turkish economy,’ he said.
`The arrival of Turkish President in Yerevan last year was the initial
move forward. Armenia’s President has to make the second move. Under
the circumstances, stipulating conditions would be
incorrect. Progression is possible without preconditions only. We can
only hope that Turkey will meet Armenia halfway,’ Mr. Güngör said.
According to him, the two countries could get closer if `Armenia
renounced its territorial claims and did not demand reimbursement for
the 1915 events.’
ANC BELIEVES RA PRESIDENT-SET DEADLINE FOR BORDER OPENING A MISTAKE
/PanARMENIAN.Net/
30.07.2009 19:15 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ "Turkey won’t make a single step towards RA-Turkey
border opening until significant progress in NKR conflict settlement
is registered," ANC Coordinating Council member David Shahnazaryan
told a news conference today.
Commenting on recent statement of RA President Serzh Sargsyan
that he’ll visit Turkey to attend return football match between RA
and Turkey’s teams only upon opening of Armenian-Turkish border,
Shanazaryan noted that RA President-set deadline for border opening
was a mistake.
David Shahnazaryan believes situation around RA – Turkey border
opening unlikely to change before the football match.
TWO EX-OFFICIALS OF ARMENIAN CONSULATE ARRESTED
By Sue Doyle
Contra Costa Times
i_12934114
July 28 2009
CA
Federal authorities have arrested five people – including two former
Armenian Consulate officials – suspected of selling documents to at
least 24 convicted Armenian felons in the U.S. to help them avoid
deportation to Armenia.
The five, accused of obstructing U.S. Immigration and Customs
Enforcement proceedings, appeared Tuesday in U.S. District Court
downtown.
The arrests that began Monday followed a two-year investigation of
the scheme, which was allegedly generated by word of mouth through
the Armenian community.
Felons allegedly paid up to $35,000 each for the documents.
"The charges raised in this case are extremely serious and very
troubling," said Robert Schoch, special agent in charge of ICE
investigations in Los Angeles.
"The defendants allegedly exploited their community ties and knowledge
of the immigration system to help dangerous criminals, among others,
avoid deportation."
The arrests include Norair Ghalumian, 52, of Burbank, who served as
the Armenian consul in Los Angeles from 1999 to 2003.
Hakop Hovanesyan, 54, of Glendale, another former employee of the
Armenian Consulate in Los Angeles, was arrested Monday.
Ghalumian and Hovanesyan were not working for the Armenian Consulate
when they were allegedly engaged in the suspected crimes, said Thom
Mrozek, U.S. Attorney’s Office spokesman.
Other arrests include Margarita Lazarian, 41, of Glendale, who works
as an immigration
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Adver tisement
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attorney for Inman and Associates in Beverly Hills. Elvis Madatyan,
47, of Glendale and Oganes Nardos, 36, of Valencia are also accused.
The charges carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
Authorities allege the five worked independently using contacts in
the Armenian government to get letters issued from the former Soviet
Union republic stating there was no record of these people being
Armenian citizens.
But federal officials believe these are Armenian citizens who
are subject to deportation. Nearly all had felony convictions in
U.S. courts, which led to deportation procedures, Mrozek said.
Mrozek said there are likely more people who paid thousands of dollars
for fraudulent letters.
Through search warrants, immigration officials have confiscated
additional refusal letters and official stationery from the Armenian
Consulate from homes and offices of the five arrested.
"These defendants endangered the safety and security of United States
residents," said U.S. Attorney Thomas P. O’Brien.
Meanwhile the future of the felons who allegedly paid for the bogus
letters remains unclear.
Officials will review the people involved on a case-by-case basis,
said ICE spokeswoman Virginia Kice.
MINISTER OF DIASPORA RECEIVES ITALIAN AMBASSADOR BRUNO SCAPINI
Noyan Tapan
July 28, 2009
YEREVAN, JULY 28, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. On July 28, RA
Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobian received newly appointed
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Italy to Armenia
Bruno Scapini.
Greeting the guest the Minister expressed satisfaction for making
efforts by two sides towards further activization of economic,
educational and cultural relations between Italy and Republic of
Armenia. The Minister presented the main directions of the activity
of newly founded Ministry of Diaspora.
Speaking about the peculiarities of Armenian Diaspora Mrs. Hakobian
attached importance to the perennial experience of Italy which can
be useful for RA Ministry of Diaspora.
B. Scapini, in his turn, noted that Armenia is very dear to him.
According to the Press and Public Relations Department of the RA
Ministry of Diaspora, working for many years at the Legal Department of
Rome’s Foreign Ministry System, at the General Supervision Department
and Presidium of Ministers Board as Deputy Chief of the Department
on Issues of Italians Living Abroad, Mr. Scapini had an immediate
participation in adopting a law On General Council of Italians Living
Abroad. The Ambassador noted that the relations of Italians living
in Diaspora with their homeland are regulated with the help of the
above-mentioned law. Speaking about the peculiarities of Italian
Diaspora the Minister considered as a primary task the activity,
investments of Diasporan Armenians in Armenia, the adoption of
laws regarding their resettlement in the homeland, organizing
Homeland-Diaspora professional conferences. The Ambassador was
impressed with the organization and results being already recorded
in the Conference of Architects held in 2009 in Armenia.
Issues concerning the Mechitarist Congregation aid, the assistance of
the Italian side in the case of reopening of Murad Rafayelian School,
the activization of teaching Italian in Armenia, deepening of the
relations with the Armenian community of Italy were discussed at the
meeting. The interlocutors attached importance to the activization of
the cooperation in the cultural, educational, scientific spheres of two
countries and the necessity of involving the Italian Armenians in them.
THE "ARMENIA-EXPO 2009" 9TH INTERNATIONAL TRADE-INDUSTRIAL BUSINESS FORUM TO BE HELD IN YEREVAN
ARMENPRESS
July 24, 2009
YEREVAN, JULY 24, ARMENPRESS: The "Armenia-Expo 2009" 9th international
trade-industrial business forum is to be held September 4-6 in
Sport-Concert Complex hall after K. Demirchian. It is organized by
"Logos Expo" Center.
PR Manager of the center Mari Ghabazyan told Armenpress that about 200
local and international organizations and associations from Armenia,
NKR, Iran, Russia, Belarus, Germany, Georgia, Spain, Italy, Syria,
China, and United Arab Emirates are to take part in it.
7 exhibitions – "Industrial Armenia Expo 2009", "Construction Expo
2009", "Food and Drinks Expo 2009", "Trans Expo 2009", "Comp Expo
2009", "Polygraph; Publishing and Advertisement Expo 2009", "Furniture
Hall Expo 2009" are to be conducted within the frames of the forum.
The main objective of the exhibition is to promote to Armenian
producers to acquire new markets and partners, to present the
potential of Armenian economy and to draw the investors of other
countries to economy.
Representatives of Armenian government, Embassies operating in Armenia
and international organizations are to be present at the official
opening ceremony of the forum.
YEREVAN PRESS CLUB WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
JULY 17-23, 2009
HIGHLIGHTS:
YEREVAN PRESS CLUB CELEBRATED ITS 14TH ANNIVERSARY AND GRANTED THE ANNUAL
AWARD
AMENDMENTS TO LAW "ON MASS COMMUNICATION" UNACCEPTABLE, AS SEEN BY THE
OMBUDSMAN
HEALTH CONDITION OF "ZHAMANAK" CHIEF EDITOR DETERIORATED
INTERNEWS DOCUMENTARY "CAUCASIAN NIECE" AWARDED A DIPLOMA OF "GOLDEN
APRICOT" FILM FESTIVAL
YEREVAN PRESS CLUB CELEBRATED ITS 14TH ANNIVERSARY AND GRANTED THE ANNUAL
AWARD
On July 18 was the 14th anniversary since the foundation of Yerevan Press
Club. On the same day at "Gusan" cafe in Yerevan the YPC Annual Award
Ceremony was held. The Award was established in 1998 and is conferred to the
best journalists and media organizations of Armenia (see ,
"Awards" section).
YPC Annual Award winners in 2008-2009 are:
Vahan Kochar – received the Award after Ruben Mangasarian, famous
photojournalist, one of the YPC founders, who untimely passed away. The
Award was granted to Vahan Kochar for the book-album "Armenian
Photographers". The prize was given by the brother of Ruben Mangasarian,
Tigran Mangasarian, Director of "Patker" photo agency.
Tatul Hakobian – for the book "Green and Black. Diary of Artsakh". The
prize was handed to Tatul Hakobian by Mesrop Harutiunian, YPC Board Member,
Expert of the Committee to Protect Freedom of Expression.
Artyom Yerkanian, observer of "Shant" TV company, for the documentary
"Armenians, Forgive Us", dealing with Armenian-Turkish relations. The prize
was awarded from Avet Demurian, correspondent of "Associated Press" news
agency in Armenia, YPC Vice President. Artyom Yerkanian also received a
memorial gift from "Deutsche Welle" radio station, handed by Ashot Gazazian,
"DW" correspondent in Armenia.
Internews Media Support public organization – for the documentary series
"Farewell Arm: from Belfast to Balkans", dealing with the mechanisms of
European conflict settlement. The award was granted to Internews by Elina
Poghosbekian, Editor of YPC Weekly Newsletter.
"Yerkir Media" TV company – for long-term and effective cooperation with
Yerevan Press Club. "Yerkir Media" received the prize from YPC President
Boris Navasardian.
AMENDMENTS TO LAW "ON MASS COMMUNICATION" UNACCEPTABLE, AS SEEN BY THE
OMBUDSMAN
On July 22 RA Human Rights Defender Armen Harutiunian addressed a letter to
RA National Assembly Chairman Hovik Abrahamian referring to the draft law
"On Introducing Amendment and Supplements to the RA Law ‘On Mass
Communication’ ". The draft law was suggested by RA NA deputy Victor
Dallakian and submitted to the National Assembly on July 6, 2009. The author
of the draft proposes, in particular, to supplement the Law with provisions
determining the rights and obligations of journalists.
By mentioning that the suggested amendments "caused a critic reaction by a
number of media organizations", Armen Harutiunian stressed that the main
provisions of the draft contravene the Article 10 of the European Convention
for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, assuring the
freedom of expression, as well as the case law of the European Court of
Human Rights. In the letter to the parliament speaker the Human Rights
Defender overall considers the draft law to be "unacceptable and indigent to
improvement".
HEALTH CONDITION OF "ZHAMANAK" CHIEF EDITOR DETERIORATED
On July 22 RA Human Rights Defender Armen Harutiunian referred with a letter
to RA Minister of Justice Gevorg Danielian requesting to arrange proper
health examination of Arman Babajanian, Chief Editor of "Zhamanak" daily.
Arman Babajanian, sentenced to 3.5 years of imprisonment for document fraud
to evade mandatory military service, is at the "Hospital for Convicts" for
already two weeks.
The reason for addressing the Minister of Justice became the visit of the
ombudsman’s representatives to the Hospital on July 21. Arman Babajanian
expressed a concern that by the moment his term of detention expires
(September 16, 2009), he can irreversibly miss the chance to improve the
health condition.
INTERNEWS DOCUMENTARY "CAUCASIAN NIECE" AWARDED A DIPLOMA OF "GOLDEN
APRICOT" FILM FESTIVAL
On July 12-19 in Yerevan the 6th International Film Festival was held. The
competition nominations were: "Feature Film", "Documentary Film" and
"Armenian Panorama". Namely, the last category included feature as well as
documentary movies, shot by Armenian directors from different countries.
In the nomination "Armenian Panorama" the main "Golden Apricot" prize was
awarded to the documentary of Arka Manukian "With Love and Gratitude". The
documentary of Levon Kalantar "Caucasian Niece" was marked with a Diploma of
the Jury (scriptwriters – Armineh Martirosian and Harutiun Mansurian). The
film was made by Internews Media Support public organization in cooperation
with Stepanakert Press Club through the support of the Conciliation
Resources British NGO.
N.B. Dear readers, please note that YPC Weekly Newsletter will next be
issued in early September, 2009.
When reprinting or using the information above, reference to the Yerevan
Press Club is required.
You are welcome to send any comment and feedback about the Newsletter to:
[email protected]
Subscription for the Newsletter is free. To subscribe or unsubscribe from
this mailing list, please send a message to: [email protected]
Editor of YPC Newsletter – Elina POGHOSBEKIAN
_____________________________________ _______
Yerevan Press Club
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0002, Yerevan, Armenia
Tel.: (+ 374 10) 53 00 67; 53 35 41; 53 76 62
Fax: (+374 10) 53 56 61
E-mail: [email protected]
Web Site:
FIRST VENTURE FUND MAY START OPERATING IN ARMENIA THIS YEAR
ARKA
July 21, 2009
YEREVAN, July 21. /ARKA/. The first venture fund may start operating in
Armenia before the end of this year, Hovhannes Avoyan, the president
of Armenian Union of Information Technologies Enterprises and the
general director of Sourcio Company, said on Friday.
In his words, negotiations with Russian funds over the matter are
under way now.
The United States and the World Bank have expressed interest in that
as well.
The World Bank is elaborating a relevant program now.
"I think it will be possible to speak about particular results in
three or four months", Avoyan said.
He said that the venture fund’s budget can be not so large to Armenia,
taking into account $20,000 to $200,000 financing of startup companies
implying low expenses and relatively low risks, but high prospects
for good results.
Local experts say at least $10-million venture capital is needed for
developing science intensive economy in Armenia.
Armenian Government’s concept of IT-sector development implies
attraction of $700 million as venture capital for ten years. However,
as experts say, local IT companies are not able to invest even $10
million in long-term projects.
ABILITY AND DEVELOPMENT FOR THE SAKE OF CIVIL SOCIETY NGO IMPLEMENTS PROGRAM WOMAN LEADERS FOR THE SAKE OF EQUALITY
Noyan Tapan
July 21, 2009
YEREVAN, JULY 21, NOYAN TAPAN. RA National Assembly Vice-Speaker Arevik
Petrosian, on July 20, received representatives of the Ability and
Development for the Sake of Civil Society NGO. According to a report
by the RA NA Public Relations Department, Ambassador Extraordinary
and Plenipotentiary of Great Britain to RA Charles Lonsdale was also
present at the meeting.
The Ability and Development for the Sake of Civil Society NGO
implements the program Woman Leaders for the Sake of Equality, which
is financed by the Embassy of Great Britain in Armenia. Program’s
main goal is to raise women’s role in public-political life. A
documentary was shot within the framework of the program presenting
six momen engaged in active political work in Armenia, including NA
Vice-Speaker Arevik Petrosian and deputy Larisa Alaverdian.
Mentioning that 12 women deputies from various parties have been
elected in NA, A. Petrosian said that their participation in
parliament’s work is active. This reality, according to her, once
more proves that women can and should take part in the legislative
power for carrying out the will, programs of a voter, people, putting
more accents of social direction.
Wishing success to those present, the NA Vice-Speaker expressed the
hope that cooperation with the NGO will continue.