Author: Kajoyan Gevork

Hurriyet Daily News, Turkey
Nov 29 2014

Being an Armenian today in Istanbul (2)

BELGÄ°N AKALTAN

Continuing from last week, my last set of questions to my Armenian
acquaintances was `Are you thinking of leaving? What makes you stay?
What do you want this place to be like?’

Talking about her school years, my colleague Vercihan ZiflioÄ?lu said
that for both her Turkish and Armenian teachers, `thinking and
questioning’ was the only issue that was never acceptable. They agreed
only on this matter.

`They wanted unquestioning little brains, whereas I, even from that
age, was questioning. My path as an individual was not very easy. A
father with a French education, a freedom-loving mother, and a
`Vercihan’ just back from France, it was obvious that my journey would
not be easy in this land where I belong. There is, of course, also
`being Armenian,’ which means `being different.”

`I was interested in literature. When I brought Nazım Hikmet books to
school one day, they wanted me to take these books out of the school
immediately. I could not understand. On the one hand, I was asked to
take Nazım Hikmet out of school; on the other hand, all the other
landmark writers in the Armenian literature who I loved were said, in
class, to have died of `tuberculosis.’ One day, when I asked why all
of the writers had died of tuberculosis and how such a coincidence was
possible, just like the day I brought Nazım’s book to school, I was
asked to go home early and warned not to ask any questions on this
matter. This is because all of them had lost their lives in the tragic
events of 1915.

`It was the Nazıms and Orhan Velis and Armenian writers who died of
`tuberculosis’ who have shaped the `Vercihan’ of today. Despite all
the bans and impositions, I have learned to question. Instead of
getting stuck at the troubles that society went through, I searched
for new roads. I have witnessed the pain of other people in many
different countries of the world. I learned that pain should not shape
the future, but I also did not deny the pain of my ancestors.

`You ask me if I want to leave. Even asking this question means you
actually perceive me as `the other.’ If one day I decide to go to any
other country, be sure that I will never lose my ties with Istanbul
and Anatolia. I would be here at every opportunity.

`As a woman, I want to be able to sit in an ordinary café without
being the target of some strange stares. I should be able to, once in
a thousand years, to stay alone and order wine for myself ¦ I want a
more modern, free Istanbul that stands up to its identity.

`My grandparents used to prepare themselves for one week before
strolling down Ä°stiklal Avenue. They would put on their gloves and
hats and look in the mirror. Women would do their hair, put on their
best clothes. Of course, times have changed; we cannot be like them,
but I would like to live in that beautiful Istanbul with its cafés and
the pastry shops they told us about.

Meanwhile, the young publicist, S., said Istanbul truly is a very
beautiful city. `I believe we should really appreciate it. I have
traveled a lot and when I talk to people and tell them I live in
Istanbul, I see the spark in their eyes. I wish this city was a place
where women and men live under equal conditions, where women’s purses
are not snatched, where women are not murdered by the dozen every day.

`My ancestors were born here. We can trace back several generations,
all born and raised here. I see this place as my country. I am not
thinking of leaving because I feel that I belong here. Even though we
may experience unpleasant situations from time to time, we have never
thought of leaving our country as a family. Our wish is to live in a
country where everybody is able to defend their ideas freely. This is
not for minorities only; this is for all the people living in Turkey.’

Aslin AslanoÄ?lu also said that even though she has some concerns, she
would not think of leaving her country. `Frankly, if an unwanted act
or incident happened to me, I would not generalize it to all my
non-Armenian friends. I would want all my non-Armenian friends to
approach me like that too. As a result, I have very strong
friendships, a life I have formed for myself. Absolutely, definitely I
am staying here because I love my country. This is the only reason.

`Even though I have listened to certain unpleasant memories from my
family about those times when they migrated from Anatolia to Istanbul
and about the rural environment before that, I have also listened to
stories involving very strong Turkish-Armenian relations. I have never
acted with fanatic feelings.

`I have to add that I wish not only the city I live in, Istanbul, but
the entire country should be a place where the rights of minorities
are embraced; and equal circumstances, as equal as they can be, are
provided for all minorities. I do not like using the word “minority,”
but this concept should include not only Armenians but all other
cultures, atheists, homosexuals and our handicapped citizens, all of
our people who are seen as `the other.”

belgin.akaltan.com
November/29/2014

Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), Syria
November 28, 2014 Friday

Armenia’s independence day celebrated

Damascus, SANA, Armenian ambassador in Damascus Arshak Poladian held
Thursday a reception on the 23rd anniversary of his country’s
independence.

“Armenian Independence Declaration of 1991 was the only choice of the
Armenian people, who have for ages the sovereignty over their historic
lands, and it came as a response to Armenian people’s will and ability
to take their own decisions and draw their future”, Ambassador
Poladian said.

Poladian highlighted the solid basis for historic and friendly
Armenian-Syrian relations were built on and the developments these
relations witnessed in different fields particularly when they were
crowned with the visits of senior officials from both countries,
affirming his country’s will to promote these bilateral relations to
the highest levels.

Armenia is being following up the crisis development in Syria,
expressing his country’s welcome to any initiative that restores
stability and security to Syria, the ambassador added.

Ambassador Poladian expressed hope over returning normal life to Syria
to be able playing its pivotal regional and international role.

Syria and Armenia have developed close cooperation since 1991 and,
during the last few years, these relations have witnessed remarkable
improvement in political, economic, social and commercial domains.

Exchanging visits by senior officials from both countries and the
signature of several cooperation agreements, protocols and programs
contributed to boosting the Syrian-Armenian relations, particularly,
the historic visit of President Bashar al-Assad to Armenia in 2009 and
his talks with the Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan and Prime
Minister Tigran Sarkisian which further pushed forward joint
cooperation.

The inauguration of the Syrian-Armenian Businessmen Forum in Yerevan
in 2009 constituted an important opportunity to explore cooperation
and investment opportunities in tourism, technical, agricultural and
banking sectors.

The two countries maintained strong cultural ties which have been
enhanced by the organization of cultural days and shows in Syria and
Armenia, not to mention the Armenian cultural associations in Syria
and the keenness of Damascus University on teaching the Armenian
Language at the Higher Institute of Languages.

Government of Artsakh predicts GDP growth at 9% next year

21:13, 28 November, 2014

STEPANAKERT, 28 NOVEMBER, ARMENPRESS. The Government of the
Nagorno-Karabakh Republic held on November 28 a regular session
moderated by Prime Minister Arayik Harutyunyan. As the Department of
Information and Public Relations of the Government of the
Nagorno-Karabakh Republic reports to “ArmenPress”, prior to discussing
the items on the agenda, the Prime Minister congratulated the
attendees on the conduct of the Telethon, attaching importanceto not
only the financial, but also moral support of every Armenian.

The Prime Minister called on the heads of government agencies to
engage employees in the pan-national fundraiser targeted at the
development of the republic’s infrastructures, construction of schools
and other sectors.

During the session, the government discussed the draft law “On the
2015 State Budget of the NKR”, which was presented by Minister of
Finance and Economy Spartak Tevosyan. The entries into the state
budget will make up 36.8 billion drams, meaning a 9.9 percent increase
in the incomes planned for this year (increase-3.3 billion drams).

Cihan News Agency (CNA)
November 27, 2014 Thursday

U.S. ignores South Caucasus at its own peril – The Heritage Foundation

WASHINGTON (CÄ°HAN)- While the U.S. and NATO are focused on Russian
activity in Central and Eastern Europe, there are some developments in
the South Caucasus that merit closer attention, according to Luke
Coffey’s report prepared for The Heritage Foundation, which is a
strategic research institute of the United States.

Increasing tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the
Armenian-occupied Azerbaijani territory of Nagorno`Karabakh is among
them, the author wrote.
`Although the South Caucasus is geographically distant from the U.S.,
events there can have serious ramifications for the transatlantic
community,’ the report says. `Events in the South Caucasus can impact
regional security, and by extension, America and Europe’s security.
Therefore, it is in America’s national interests to keep a close eye
on developments in the region.’

The region, especially Georgia and Azerbaijan, has played a major role
in NATO’s Northern Distribution Network for resupplying troops in
Afghanistan. Important pipelines transit the region carrying oil and
gas to European markets, a report says.

`As Europeans try to become less dependent on Russian energy sources
these pipelines will become increasingly important,’ the author wrote.

The current Nagorno`Karabakh conflict started in 1988 when Armenia
made territorial claims to Azerbaijan’s Nagorno`Karabakh autonomous
oblast.

Even though there have been multiple calls from the international
community for them to withdraw their forces, Armenia and
Armenia-backed militias continue to occupy 20 percent of what is
internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan’s territory. A
cease-fire agreement was signed in 1994 but the conflict remains
unresolved.

In the past several weeks, fighting in the region has been increasing.

`If these cease-fire violations turn into a full- blown war, the
spillover effect could disrupt oil and gas pipelines’which at their
closest point are only eight miles from the cease-fire line’and bring
instability to neighboring Georgia,’ he wrote.

`Instability in the Nagorno`Karabakh region benefits Moscow because it
allows the Russian regime to leverage its influence’especially in
Armenia,’ the report says.

Due to the geostrategic importance of the South Caucasus, and Russia’s
new role in the region, the U.S. cannot afford to ignore the latest
political and security developments there.

Peace talks over Nagorno-Karabakh have been stalled for years and
there is very little the U.S. can do to bring the parties back to the
negotiating table. However, remaining silent on the matter offers
implicit approval of the status quo, the author wrote. `The U.S.
should continue to call for a peaceful solution to the conflict that
includes the withdrawal of Armenian forces from all Azerbaijani
territories,’ the report says.

While the South Caucasus might seem distant to many American
policymakers, any spillover from ongoing and potential conflicts in
the region can affect the United States and its security interests.

The U.S. ignores the South Caucasus at its own peril.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988
when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan.

As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied
20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and
seven surrounding districts.

The two countries signed a ceasefire agreement in 1994. The co-chairs
of the OSCE Minsk Group, Russia, France and the US are currently
holding peace negotiations.

Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions
on the liberation of the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding regions.

Trend News Agency (Baku, Azerbaijan)
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Business News
November 27, 2014 Thursday

Ukrainian TV channel illegally operated in Azerbaijan

Nov. 27–The journalism activity of employees of Ukraine’s ‘1+1’ TV
channel in Azerbaijan was illegal, acting spokesperson of Azerbaijani
Foreign Ministry Hikmet Hajiyev told Trend on Nov.27.

He said Ukraine’s ‘1+1’ TV channel appealed to Azerbaijan’s Foreign
Ministry for accreditation and the ministry considered this appeal in
accordance with the law on the media.

“However, violating the accreditation rules, the TV channel’s
representatives conducted journalism activity in Azerbaijan’s
territory without receiving an accreditation card, which is the
violation of the law,” the acting spokesperson added.

Moreover, without getting official permission from Azerbaijan, the TV
channel’s representatives illegally visited the Azerbaijani
territories occupied by Armenia without informing the Azerbaijani side
in advance, said Hajiyev.

The reporters of Ukraine’s ‘1+1’ TV channel prepared a “15 republics”
TV program where the reality about Azerbaijan’s socio-political
system, Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is distorted
and sympathy expressed to the separatist regime in Nagorno-Karabakh,
as well as Armenia which has occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijani
territories for more than 20 years.

Azerbaijani embassy in Ukraine has already expressed protest to this
country’s Foreign Ministry regarding the issue.

The embassy said that the screening of such tailor-made and biased TV
program against Azerbaijan which is always committed to the principles
of strategic cooperation and friendship, supports Ukraine’s
territorial integrity and voted for this in the UN General Assembly,
caused a fair amount of discontent of Azerbaijan’s diplomatic mission
in Ukraine and thousands of Azerbaijanis living in this country.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988
when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result
of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent
of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven
surrounding districts.

The two countries signed a ceasefire agreement in 1994. The co-chairs
of the OSCE Minsk Group, Russia, France and the US are currently
holding peace negotiations.

Armenia has not yet implemented the UN Security Council’s four
resolutions on the liberation of the Nagorno-Karabakh and the
surrounding regions.

US Official News
November 26, 2014 Wednesday

Washington: Russia and the South Caucasus: A Situation the U.S. Cannot Ignore

Washington

The Heritage Foundation has issued the following news release:

While the U.S. and NATO are focused on Russian activity in Central and
Eastern Europe, there are three developments in the South Caucasus
that merit closer attention: (1) recent political instability in
Georgia; (2) possible Russian annexation of Georgian breakaway
territories; and (3) increasing tensions between Armenia and
Azerbaijan over the Armenian-occupied Azerbaijani territory of
Nagorno-Karabakh. In all three developments, Russia’s influence can be
detected behind the scenes. Although the South Caucasus is
geographically distant from the U.S., events there can have serious
ramifications for the transatlantic community. Events in the South
Caucasus can impact regional security, and by extension, America and
Europe’s security. Therefore, it is in America’s national interests to
keep a close eye on developments in the region.

A Strategic Crossroads

The South Caucasus sits at a crucial geographical and cultural
crossroads and has been strategically important for military and
economic reasons for centuries. This is particularly true for the U.S.
and Europe. The region, especially Georgia and Azerbaijan, has played
a major role in NATO’s Northern Distribution Network for resupplying
troops in Afghanistan. Important pipelines transit the region carrying
oil and gas to European markets. As Europeans try to become less
dependent on Russian energy sources these pipelines will become
increasingly important. However distant the region might seem, it is
important and cannot be ignored.

Political Instability in Georgia

On November 4, Georgia’s pro-Western defense minister, Irakli
Alasania, was fired by Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili after
speaking out publicly against the Georgian prosecutor’s office for
charges of corruption brought against officials in the Ministry of
Defense. Alasania, who enjoys huge popularity in Georgia, suggested
that the charges were politically motivated. After his dismissal,
Alasania removed his party, the Free Democrats, from the ruling
Georgian Dream coalition. This led to other prominent Free Democrats
in government resigning their ministerial posts–including Georgia’s
Foreign Minister.

Due to the divisive nature of coalition governments, and the
increasingly fractured political situation in Georgia, it is likely
that Alasania’s dismissal was, at least in part, politically
motivated. Alasania’s dismissal follows a string of charges by the
Georgian prosecutor’s office against former government officials and
ministers, including the former Georgian president, Mikheil
Saakashvili. The U.S. State Department has expressed “concerns about
political retribution, particularly when legal and judicial
institutions are still fragile.”[1] Even though Prime Minister
Garibashvili has maintained that Georgia is firmly committed to
Euro-Atlantic integration, Alasania’s dismissal is a blow to those who
seek closer ties with the West.

Another Annexation by Russia?

South Ossetia and Abkhazia declared independence from Georgia in 1990
and 1999, respectively. Since the 2008 Russian invasion of Georgia,
Russia has occupied both with military forces. Today, Russia is one of
only four countries that recognize their independence (the others
being Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Nauru). By contrast, many European
countries and the United States recognize the Russian presence in
South Ossetia and Abkhazia as an illegal occupation.

In November, Russia and Abkhazia signed a treaty on “alliance and
strategic partnership”–written by officials in Moscow. Among other
things, it calls for a coordinated foreign policy, the creation of a
“common security and defense space” between Russia and Abkhazia, and
the implementation of a streamlined process for Abkhazians to receive
Russian citizenship.[2] The Georgian Foreign Ministry criticized the
treaty as a step toward “annexation of Georgia’s occupied
territories.”[3] South Ossetia and Russia reportedly agreed to a
similar document in November.[4] These agreements are the first step
in a process of Russian annexation of both breakaway regions–both of
which are still internationally recognized to be part of Georgia.
Considering Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea, Georgians have a
cause for concern.

Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict Heating Up

The current Nagorno-Karabakh conflict started in 1988 when Armenia
made territorial claims to Azerbaijan’s Nagorno-Karabakh autonomous
oblast. Even though there have been multiple calls from the
international community for them to withdraw their forces, Armenia and
Armenia-backed militias continue to occupy 20 percent of what is
internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan’s territory. A
cease-fire agreement was signed in 1994 but the conflict remains
unresolved.

In the past several weeks, fighting in the region has been increasing.
More than 20 soldiers have been killed since August alone–15 of whom
were Azerbaijani. On November 12, a Karabakh attack helicopter was
shot down by Azerbaijani forces. This was the first time a military
aircraft has been shot down in the Nagorno-Karabakh region in at least
20 years. If these cease-fire violations turn into a full- blown war,
the spillover effect could disrupt oil and gas pipelines–which at
their closest point are only eight miles from the cease-fire line–and
bring instability to neighboring Georgia.

Instability in the Nagorno-Karabakh region benefits Moscow because it
allows the Russian regime to leverage its influence–especially in
Armenia. Armenia’s coziness with Moscow is worth noting. Armenia has
recently expressed interest in joining the Russian-led Eurasian
Economic Union. In 2010, Armenia renewed an agreement to host a large
Russian military base until 2044, and Russian troops patrol Armenia’s
borders with Turkey and Iran. Armenia even voted with Russia in the
U.N. General Assembly regarding the annexation of Crimea. Regarding
the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, in 2013, the commander of Russian
forces in Armenia said in an interview: “If Azerbaijan decides to
restore jurisdiction over Nagorno-Karabakh by force, the [Russian]
military base may join in the armed conflict in accordance with the
Russian Federation’s obligations within the framework of the
Collective Security Treaty Organization.”[5]
The Region Needs Stability

Due to the geostrategic importance of the South Caucasus, and Russia’s
new role in the region, the U.S. cannot afford to ignore the latest
political and security developments there. The U.S. should:

Encourage Georgia to stay on the path to joining the transatlantic
community. The U.S., working with allies in Europe, should continue to
show Georgia that its future is brighter in the transatlantic
community than it is with Russia. Irakli Alasania’s dismissal from the
defense post, and his withdrawal of the Free Democrats from the
Georgian Dream coalition, is a serious setback to Georgians who
support closer ties with the West.
Increase targeted economic sanctions if either Abkhazia or South
Ossetia is annexed by Russia. The U.S. should make it very clear to
Russia that annexation of either of the breakaway provinces will
trigger stronger economic sanctions that target key Russian officials.
The U.S. should start now to develop a strategy with its European
partners to prepare for this eventuality.
Monitor the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia’s close ties
with Russia. Peace talks over Nagorno-Karabakh have been stalled for
years and there is very little the U.S. can do to bring the parties
back to the negotiating table. However, remaining silent on the matter
offers implicit approval of the status quo. The U.S. should continue
to call for a peaceful solution to the conflict that includes the
withdrawal of Armenian forces from all Azerbaijani territories.

The U.S. Cannot Ignore the South Caucasus

Moscow continues to take advantage of ethnic divisions and tensions in
the South Caucasus to advance pro-Russian policies that are often at
odds with, or even worse threaten, America or NATO’s interests in the
region. While the South Caucasus might seem distant to many American
policymakers, any spillover from ongoing and potential conflicts in
the region can affect the United States and its security interests.
The U.S. ignores the South Caucasus at its own peril.

MARSEILLE-ART
Sarkis Birgin (14 ans) a crée Azo, Kévin, Gustave et Tomy, ses
personnages de Bande Dessinée

Il y a trois ans, lorsque nous avions rencontré Sarkis Birgin un jeune
pré-autiste de 14 ans, il affirmait alors vouloir créer un album de
Bande Dessinée. Après des années de dessins sur des planches, Sarkis
Birgin tient une partie de son rêve ! Il vient de créer quatre
personnages de sa futur BD, Azo, Kévin, Gustave et le chien Tomy. Des
personnages dont les parents prient la sage précaution de faire
officiellement enregistrer auprès d’un notaire marseillais, maître
Robert Blanc.

Sarkis Birgin (14 ans) a crée ses personnages de BD

Sarkis Birgin qui est en 4ème à l’école Hamazkaïne de Marseille rêve
de réussir dans la BD. >. Une notoriété qui
l’aidera -selon lui- >. Car Sarkis s’occupe du
sort de ses semblables et veut qu’ils soient heureux. A l’exemple de
son personnage Azo -dont l’identité réelle serait Azo Berdjanian
d’après son créateur- Sarkis Birgin invente des héros gentils qui
diffusent autour d’eux le bien, l’aide et la solidarité.

Azo, le personnage inventé par le jeune Sarkis Birgin

. Car le message de Sarkis est clair : promouvoir l’action
de solidarité et la générosité dans les gestes et les comportements
des enfants. Ainsi ses personnages ont un rôle éducatif. Les planches
dessinées par Sarkis Birgin avec ses personnages Azo, Kévin, Gustave
et le chien Tomy n’attendent que l’éditeur. Un éditeur ou un sponsor
qui ne s’est pas manifesté. Aussi, Sarkis lance un appel à tous ceux
qui peuvent l’aider dans cette mission. Celle d’être enfin publié. Le
début de la gloire ?

Contact : [email protected]

Krikor Amirzayan

samedi 29 novembre 2014,
Krikor Amirzayan (c)armenews.com

THE BOY KING OF CHESS: PRODIGY FROM BOSTON BECOMES AMERICA’S YOUNGEST EVER GRANDMASTER AGED 13 YEARS AND 10 MONTHS

Daily Mail, UK
Nov 28 2014

Samuel Sevian pushed his World Chess Federation rating past 2,500
points Previous record for the youngest US Grandmaster was held
by Ray Robson He took the title just before he turned 15 – over a
year older than Samuel Samuel said that he was ‘overwhelmed’ when he
achieved the elite status Now his family want to go to Europe more –
to find stronger competition

By Annabel Grossman for MailOnline

Not many people can claim to have shattered a major American record
aged just 13 years, 10 months and 27 days.

But chess prodigy Samuel Sevian can now do just that. The teenager
has been crowned America’s youngest-ever Grandmaster, easily besting
the country’s previous record holder by more than a year.

At a tournament in St Louis last weekend, he won all four of his
games to push his World Chess Federation rating past 2,500 points –
enough to secure Grandmaster status.

‘I feel really good and somewhat relieved. This was one of my best
tournament performances,’ the teen told AFP, noting that he had beaten
three Grandmasters during the event in only 20-25 moves.

His father Armen – a scientist born and raised in Armenia who later
emigrated to the United States – is bursting with pride

‘He really outplayed his opponents in three games. But the fourth,
it was really back and forth, it wasn’t clear,’ he said.

‘It was like a blitz, it came down to the last seconds. Both players
were shaking.’

The previous record for the youngest US Grandmaster was held by Ray
Robson, who achieved the title two weeks before he turned 15. American
legend Bobby Fischer also once held the record.

At an August tournament, Samuel had put the record within reach,
getting to within 14 points of the 2,500 needed for the elite
Grandmaster title.

At age nine, Samuel became the youngest-ever American chess master
receiving a rating of 2,201

The young chess wizard is well accustomed to setting US records,
having become the youngest American Expert (another ranking) shortly
before his 10th birthday.

At 12 years and 10 months, he became the country’s youngest
International Master.

Samuel’s next target is to get to 2,600 points, which would secure
him invitations to the most prestigious tournaments.

His ultimate dream is to become world champion; the question is when
he will be ready to tackle the challenge.

‘It’s way out in the future and I don’t want to busy my head with it
now. First, I would need to improve my game,’ he said.

‘After my big win in St Louis, my confidence level is high. This
definitely helps.’

The chess star’s father said he is the sixth-youngest Grandmaster in
the world.

The youngest person to win the status is Russia’s Sergey Karjakin, who
became a Grandmaster when he was just 12 years and seven months old.

Samuel, who lives in the Boston area, said he was overcome with
emotion when he realized he was about to achieve elite status in the
chess world.

‘The pressure was enormous when I played my fourth game, which I
needed to win to go over the 2,500 mark,’ he said.

‘I’m suddenly a Grandmaster and felt overwhelmed.’

In the coming weeks, Samuel will spend three days in New York at
the Garry Kasparov Foundation. The chess legend is one of Samuel’s
regular trainers and will be present for the three-day visit.

The foundation hailed his achievement, saying he is ‘the world’s
first Grandmaster born in this millennium.’

After celebrating his 14th birthday on December 26, Samuel will
participate in another tournament in the Netherlands.

Samuel’s target is to get to 2,600 points, which would secure him
invites to the most prestigious tournaments

‘We want to go more to Europe. There’s stronger competition over
there,’ said Armen Sevian, himself a former high-level player.

Samuel started his chess career in Orlando in August 2006 and he
learned to play the game aged five earning a modest rating of 315
from his first tournament.

By the time his family moved to California in 2007, when he was seven
years old, his rating had risen to 1614, higher than most adults.

He earned a spot on both the 2009 and 2010 All-America Chess Teams
and in 2009, at the age of eight, Sevian defeated his first National
Master in tournament play.

In January 2010 with a FIDE rating of 2119, he became the highest
rated chess player in the world for his age and also qualified for
the 2010 World Youth Chess Championship.

Former world champion Gary Kasparov achieved the highest ever chess
rating at 2851. Bobby Fischer is the highest rated US player in
history at 2785.

RUSSIAN-ARMENIAN BUSINESSMAN UNDER HOUSE ARREST WAS HOSPITALIZED

00:36, 28.11.2014

Russian-Armenian businessman Levon Hayrapetyan, who is under house
arrest in Moscow, was taken to hospital, where he underwent medical
treatment for one week.

The businessman’s personal physician, neurologist Henri Bakunts
told Armenian News-NEWS.am that even though Hayrapetyan has been
discharged from hospital, he still needs to go through a daily course
of treatment.

“The [health] situation has improved, it has stabilized, but we cannot
assess in normal fashion, since a hospital regime is required for such
patients. I’ve made an arrangement with the local physicians that they
repeat this [medical treatment] course some time thereafter,” he said.

Levon Hayrapetyan suffers from diabetes, and he also has cancer.

Bakunts added that Hayrapetyan’s current health condition is unstable
due to the stroke which he had suffered.

Levon Hayrapetyan was detained in a Moscow airport on July 15 and
subsequently arrested. On July 24, the Russian Federation Investigation
Committee brought two criminal charges against him: embezzlement or
misuse, and money laundering. On September 12, the Russian-Armenian
businessman was charged with fraud, too. On October 3, however, a
Moscow district court ruled in favor of releasing Hayrapetyan from
prison and placing him under house arrest.

Even though Levon Hayrapetyan has health problems, he was kept in
prison for a long time. Hayrapetyan’s detention will terminate on
December 15.

L’EXPLOSION DE BALLONS RAMENE DES SOUVENIRS DE L’ANNEE 2012

ARMENIE

Trois enfants ont ete hospitalises avec des brûlures après que des
ballons censes etre remplis d’un gaz inerte aient explose lors d’une
fete d’anniversaire celebre au cafe pour enfants a Erevan mercredi
soir, ce qui soulève a nouveau la question de la reglementation en
matière de sante et de securite dans le domaine.

L’incident a Ciao Bambino Cafe n’est pas le premier dans lequel des
ballons qui explosent causent des blessures au cours de manifestations
de masse. Au cours d’un rassemblement electoral du Parti Republicain
d’Armenie en mai 2012 des dizaines d’adolescents ont ete blesses
dans une enorme boule de feu provoque par une explosion de ballons
apparemment remplis de methane a la place d’helium, qui est un gaz
inerte qui ne brûle pas, mais est plus cher que le methane.

Le vendeur de ballons a ensuite ete arrete, juge et reconnu coupable
de fabrication et de vente de biens ne repondant pas aux normes de
securite. Il a ete condamne a un an de prison.

Les parents des enfants qui ont ete touches par l’explosion ont
declare aux medias que plusieurs ballons avec laquelle les locaux
du cafe avaient ete decores avaient explose lors de la ceremonie de
coupe du gâteau.

les enfants qui ont touches par les flammes comprennent un enfant
de 10 ans, ainsi que deux de cinq ans. Les medecins ont dit qu’ils
avaient des brûlures sur le visage et le cou. Tous les enfants ont
quitte l’hôpital le lendemain après avoir recu un traitement approprie.

La police n’a pas encore indique la cause de l’explosion.

L’administration du cafe n’a pas tarde a blâmer le fournisseur des
ballons pour violation des règles de normes de securite.

Artur Kteyan, l’homme qui a fourni Ciao Bambino avec des ballons,
quant a lui, a dit au service armenien de RFE / RL qu’il avait rempli
les ballons avec de l’helium. “Comment puis-je savoir ce qu’ils ont
fait ? >> dit-il.

Les policiers procèdent a une enquete.

vendredi 28 novembre 2014, Stephane (c)armenews.com