Les Arméniens musulmans

Tuquie
Les Arméniens musulmans

13 novembre 2013

Cengiz Aktar, ToDays’Zaman

` Pour ce qui nous concerne, 2015 n’est pas différent d’aujourd’hui ;
aujourd’hui et 2015, c’est la même chose. Il n’y a aucune raison de se
faire du souci.

Les allégations qui pourraient nous être présentées alors nous sont
présentées aujourd’hui aussi. S’ils [les Arméniens] avaient quoi que
ce soit entre leurs mains, preuves du massacre, ils nous les auraient
déjà présentées. S’ils ont une preuve quelconque, qu’ils nous
l’apportent. Il n’y a aucun document montrant qu’il y a eu génocide.
S’il y en avait une, ils n’auraient pas attendu 100 ans avant de la
montrer. Nous sommes sûrs de nous-mêmes, confiants sur notre passé.
Nous avons sauvé les Juifs d’Espagne ; nous avons ouvert l’Anatolie à
tout le monde. Il n’y a rien dans notre histoire qui puisse nous
embarrasser.

` Lorsque 2015 sera là, les gens ne devraient pas penser à la question
arménienne, mais plutôt à la Bataille de Canakkale. La question
arménienne est en fait contenue dans la Bataille de Canakkale. Si la
Bataille de Cannakkale n’avait pas eu lieu, si l’Angleterre et la
France ne s’étaient pas présentées à Canakkale, il n’y aurait pas de
question arménienne. La France et l’Angleterre étaient venues de
milliers de kilomètres d’ici, essayant d’envahir l’Anatolie. Ils ont
assiégé Canakkale, attirant les Russes et les Arméniens de leur côté.
Après tout cela, ils demandent, ‘ Pourquoi les avez-vous déportés [les
Arméniens] ? ‘. Si les Arméniens veulent vraiment des réponses,
demandons leur de poser la question à la France et à la Russie.
Pourquoi nous le demandent-ils à nous ? `.

Les citations sont tirées des déclarations du président de la Société
Turque d’Histoire au quotidien Bugun. A l’approche de 2015, le
permafrost de la mentalité et du langage de l’état en est à ce point.
Ce qui est nouveau, cependant, c’est ce zèle à lier le massacre des
Arméniens au récit de Canakkale, une tendance qui prend de l’ampleur
ces derniers temps. Face à une telle obstination, la société civile
travaille sans relche à la recherche de la vérité. ` Les soupirs des
survivants de l’épée sont audibles encore aujourd’hui. Mais
qu’`expriment ces soupirs ? La douleur ? La nostalgie ? Les pertes ?
La séparation d’avec ceux qu’ils aimaient ? Ou pour une culture perdue
? Peut-être pour cette langue que personne ne parle plus aujourd’hui ?
Ou pour la religion qu’ils avaient été forcés de renier ? Peut-être
même ne pouvaient-ils plus soupirer pour quoi que ce soit. Personne ne
les appellerait plus jamais par leur vrai nom… Ils étaient éliminés,
morts tout en étant vivants. Et à présent, ces soupirs se transforment
en une forte lamentation `.

Tels sont les mots que Rakel Dink – la veuve de Hrant Dink abattu –
disait il y a quelques jours ce mois-ci, à l’Université Bogazici, à
l’ouverture de la conférence organisée par la fondation Hrant Dink
consacrée aux Arméniens islamisés.

Ils ont été des milliers à se convertir à l’Islam, pendant les
massacres, pour sauver leur vie ; la plupart des enfants de sexe
féminin dont les vies étaient épargnées au cours des massacres ont été
islamisés. En conséquence, aujourd’hui, ils sont probablement des
millions à travers la Turquie à avoir pour ancêtres des Arméniens. Le
secret connu de tous à travers l’Anatolie est finalement discuté aussi
ouvertement que n’importe quel autre tabou.

L’annihilation n’est pas un processus qui s’est déroulé en une seule
fois. ` Les Ingénieurs de la nation et de la population `, au début du
20ème siècle, percevaient les éléments chrétiens d’Anatolie comme une
menace contre la nation nouvelle et ils les ont soumis à l’exil forcé,
au massacre et à l’assimilation. Ils pensaient ainsi pouvoir `
résoudre ` le problème. A l’évidence, les Arméniens et les autres
éléments chrétiens ont été éliminés. Leurs cultures locales ont été
détruites, probablement pour toujours. Il en a résulté une nation
turque monotone et homogène.

Mais à la fin, la mémoire des violences, l’histoire des Chrétiens
anatoliens et les racines de ceux qui ont été assimilés n’ont pas
disparu. Aujourd’hui, dans son ensemble, la mémoire revient. Cela vaut
pour toutes les autres communautés exclues par la nation nouvelle.

L’expression ` Arméniens musulmans ` défie l’identification, dans les
discours nationalistes, des Musulmans aux Turcs et Kurdes et celle des
Arméniens aux Chrétiens pour l’essentiel. Elle transforme aussi le
soupir en un son réel. Dans ce sens, elle imprime un nouvel élan à la
condition d’ arménité ` gelée `.

` À propos de 1915, nous ne devrions pas parler simplement de ceux qui
ont péri, mais aussi de ceux qui ont survécu `, disait Hrant Dink.
Finalement, nous y sommes.

Traduction Gilbert Béguian pour Armenews

mercredi 1er janvier 2014,
Jean Eckian ©armenews.com

La Suisse prend la présidence de l’OSCE pour un an

DIPLOMATIE
La Suisse prend la présidence de l’OSCE pour un an

VIENNE, 01 jan 2014 (AFP) – La Suisse a pris mercredi pour un an la
présidence tournante de l’Organisation pour la sécurité et la
coopération en Europe (OSCE), prenant la relève de l’Ukraine à la tête
de l’institution dont le siège est à Vienne. La Suisse vise `des
progrès sur les conflits enlisés, la lutte contre les menaces
transationales, la promotion de la sécurité et de la stabilité, et la
mise sur pied d’un plan pour les jeunes`, a déclaré dans un communiqué
le ministre helvétique des Affaires étrangères Didier Burkhalter,
désigné président de l’OSCE pour 2014.

L’OSCE, un organisme hérité de la Guerre froide comptant 57 membres,
dont les Etats-Unis, bénéficie d’une `position unique pour relier les
aires euroatlantique et eurasienne`, a encore affirmé M. Burkhalter.
Berne, a répété le ministre, entend associer étroitement sa présidence
avec celle de la Serbie, qui la suivra en 2015. Un choix conséquent
avec l’une des priorités géographiques de la présidence suisse, qui
est de parfaire la paix dans les Balkans, notamment entre la Serbie et
le Kosovo.

L’OSCE espère aussi, en 2014, faire progresser enfin les négociations
dans le conflit ancien entre l’Arménie et l’Azerbaïdjan autour de la
région disputée du Nagorny Karabakh. Les deux pays s’opposent depuis
des décennies au sujet de cette région séparatiste d’Azerbaïdjan
peuplée majoritairement d’Arméniens. Une guerre avait fait 30.000
morts entre 1988 et 1994. Sous l’égide du `groupe de Minsk` de l’OSCE
(Russie, Etats-Unis et France), les présidents arménien et
azerbaïdjanais se sont rencontrés à Vienne en novembre 2013, une
première entre les deux dirigeants depuis janvier 2012.

L’OSCE a été instituée en 1973 sous le nom de Conférence pour la
Sécurité et la Coopération en Europe (CSCE), deux ans avant les
Accords d’Helsinki en 1975, qui avaient ouvert la voie à une phase de
plusieurs années de `détente` entre l’Est et l’Ouest.

mercredi 1er janvier 2014,
Ara ©armenews.com

Vazgen Safaryan affirme que le gouvernement devrait travailler à aug

ARMENIE
Vazgen Safaryan affirme que le gouvernement devrait travailler à
augmenter la part de la production industrielle dans le PIB

Vazgen Safaryan, le chef de l’Union des fabricants nationaux de
produits de base, a exhorté le gouvernement à prendre des mesures pour
augmenter la part de la production industrielle dans le produit
intérieur brut (PIB) de 20 pour cent à 35 pour cent.

Vazgen Safaryan a rappelé qu’à l’époque soviétique cette part
s’établissait à 61 pour cent ce qui a « permis d’avoir un système
économique puissant et stable ».

S’exprimant lors d’une conférence de presse il a indiqué que la
croissance de la production industrielle pourrait maintenant être
assurée par une politique d’investissement active du gouvernement.

Il a déclaré que le projet de budget 2014 prévoit 6,1 milliards de
drams pour le développement et la construction industrielle, y compris
60 millions de drams de subventions pour les entreprises orientées
vers l’exportation.

La production industrielle de l’Arménie au cours des huit premiers
mois de cette année a augmenté de 6,2 pour cent en glissement annuel
pour atteindre 764,1 milliards de drams.

jeudi 2 janvier 2014,
Stéphane ©armenews.com

China To Give Military Aid to Armenia

Defense News
Dec 31 2013

China To Give Military Aid to Armenia

Dec. 31, 2013 – 01:28PM |
By JAROSLAW ADAMOWSKI

WARSAW – China agreed to provide Armenia with 5 million yuan (US
$830,000) in military aid per year, the Armenian Ministry of Defense
said in a statement.

A cooperation agreement was signed by Armenian Defense Minister Seyran
Ohanyan and Chinese Minister of National Defense Gen. Chang Wanquan
Dec. 26 during the former’s official visit to Beijing. The discussed
topics included military cooperation in training and technical
assistance, the statement said.

Ohanyan said relations with China are a priority for Armenia’s foreign
policy, and Yerevan aims to enhance military cooperation with Beijing
in various fields, Chinese news agency Xinhua reported.

During his visit, Ohanyan met with senior Chinese military officials,
including Deputy Chairman of China’s Central Military Commission Gen.
Xu Qiliang. In addition, the Armenian minister visited a number of
military units of the People’s Liberation Army and headquarters of
Chinese defense companies, according to Armenia’s MoD.

The latest agreement is part of China’s wider efforts to boost ties
with Armenia. In 2012, Beijing agreed to provide Yerevan with 70
million yuan in grants under an economic and technical partnership
agreement.

http://www.defensenews.com/article/20131231/DEFREG01/312310008/China-Give-Military-Aid-Armenia

Etihad Airways to launch services to Yerevan

Global Data Point
December 30, 2013 Monday

Etihad Airways to launch services to Yerevan

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates,
today announced the launch of a four times per week service from Abu
Dhabi to Yerevan, the capital of the Republic of Armenia, from 2July
2014.

The UAE flag carrier will operate a two-class Airbus A320 aircraft
with 16 Pearl Business Class and 120 Coral Economy Class seats,
offering a total of 1,088 seats per week.
Yerevan is the largest city of Armenia and one of the world’s oldest
continuously inhabited cities. Situated along the Hrazdan River, it
serves as an administrative, cultural and industrial centre of the
country with an estimated population of 1.1 million people.
The new flights will cater for the significant and growing demand for
air travel between the UAE and Armenia. They will also provide better
access to and from Armenia for millions of Armenian nationals living
around the world, particularly in the US, which ishome to a vast
Armenian diaspora.
James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ President and Chief Executive Officer,
said: “The launch of Etihad Airways’ flights to Yerevan is consistent
with our strategy of targeting areas of strong growth in emerging
markets.
“Etihad Airways will be the only full-service commercial airline from
the Gulf region to serve Yerevan. Business and leisure travellers out
of Armenia will have great opportunities to seamlessly connect over
our Abu Dhabi hub to the entire Gulf network and key North American
destinations.
“The new Yerevan service will contribute to the development of tourism
in Armenia and strengthen the already strong trade and tourism ties
between the UAE and Armenia.’
Armenia, which is around three hours flight time from Abu Dhabi, is an
ideal destination for tourists seeking great culture and history
alongside beautiful scenery and outdoor activities.© 2013 Global Data
Point.

American University of Armenia: A Groundbreaking Year in Review

American University of Armenia: A Groundbreaking Year in Review

Tuesday, December 31st, 2013

The AUA’s Avedisian building

For the American University of Armenia, 2013 has been an historic year.

When the university was originally founded in 1991, its leaders were
intellectual and geopolitical pioneers, bringing an American education
to the former Soviet Union, where no American-accredited university
had ever gone.

The American University of Armenia was founded through a unique
partnership with the University of California, the U.S. Agency for
International Development, the Armenian General Benevolent Union and
the Armenian government, and accredited through the prestigious
Western Association of Schools and Colleges.*

Since that time, the American University of Armenia has built and
consistently strengthened academic and cultural bridges between the
United States, Armenia and the broader region, fostering a passion for
intellectual freedom and inquiry, and educating graduate students from
across the world.

Now, the American University of Armenia has broken new ground once again.

AUA students at a lecture hall

Expanding the Scope of a Global Education
This fall, the American University of Armenia has matriculated its
first ever undergraduate class, marking another monumental step
forward for the university and the intellectual discourse between the
United States, Armenia and the culturally diverse region that
surrounds it.

This new undergraduate program will drastically expand the American
University of Armenia’s educational scope, allowing the university to
reach an even broader group of ambitious scholars.

University leaders say that the new program will help them instill a
new generation of young people with practical lifelong learning skills
and the knowledge necessary to think critically and creatively about
the challenges of tomorrow’s changing world.

`There are more students in our halls and classrooms than ever
before,’ said Dr. Bruce M. Boghosian, president of the American
University of Armenia. `This will help us better fulfill our mission,
which is to address the needs of Armenia and the surrounding region
for sustainable development. We want to create an educational setting
that values and develops academic excellence, free inquiry, integrity,
scholarship, leadership and service to society.’

The program will also enhance the university’s efforts to connect
young minds from all over the world, and empower them to become the
next generation of leaders in Armenia.

Boghosian says that, after so much hard work by so many university
stakeholders to establish the undergraduate program, watching the
program come to fruition has been hugely rewarding.

`Seeing these young undergraduate students exploring the campus and
attending classes for the first time has been a profoundly moving
experience for all of us,’ Boghosian said. `We always strive to
enhance intellectual and cultural bonds between students and faculty
from across the world. We are proud to see that happening on our
campus every day, and we know that our new undergraduate program will
help us make our educational experience even stronger.’

AUA students in a classroom

Bringing Change to Communities Across the Region
The matriculation of its first undergraduate class isn’t the only
progress the university has made this year. The American University of
Armenia has continued to engage actively in philanthropic efforts that
provide underserved students access to educational resources; empower
entrepreneurs to start businesses and create jobs; help to protect
endangered regional wildlife habitats; and contribute to many other
critical efforts across the region.

The Turpanjian Rural Development Program hosted by the university, for
example, encourages economic development in rural areas of Armenia by
providing entrepreneurs education, access to funding and support to
start businesses and create jobs. So far, the program has helped 250
entrepreneurs actively operate businesses and contributed to the
creation of more than 500 jobs.

Another of the university’s programs provides tuition-free college
preparation and career development courses for Syrian-Armenians whose
access to educational resources has been substantially hindered by the
ongoing crisis in Syria.

In addition, the American University of Armenia’s Acopian Center for
the Environment fosters a strong commitment to environmental
protection in Armenia by working to strengthen crucial wildlife
habitats, educating students about biodiversity and collaborating on
conservation initiatives with environmental groups across the region.

A Tradition of Excellence in Graduate Education
The university also continues to provide the top-notch graduate
programs that have made it a unique institution in Armenia for the
last 20 years. Specifically, the university offers programs across a
wide array of academic fields, including in Business and Economics,
Humanities and Social Sciences, Science and Engineering, Public Health
and the Environment.

But most importantly, whether in the context of its new undergraduate
program, its elite graduate courses or its critical philanthropic
work, the American University of Armenia continues to provide a
nurturing environment for a global community of students to learn and
grow.

`Every day when you go out, you’re just surrounded by these youthful
people, part of the change in this country,’ said Lilit Markosian, an
undergraduate student from California. `I just feel really lucky I get
to witness that.’

The American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent
university located in Yerevan, Armenia. Founded in 1991, AUA is
affiliated with the University of California. Through teaching,
research, and public service, AUA serves Armenia and the region by
supplying high-quality, graduate and undergraduate education,
encouraging civic engagement, and promoting democratic values.

*The American University of Armenia is accredited by the Accrediting
Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western
Association of Schools and Colleges, 985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100,
Alameda, CA 94501, (510) 748-9001.

http://asbarez.com/117909/american-university-of-armenia-a-groundbreaking-year-in-review/

11th Armenian Medical World Congress Exceeds Expectations

11th Armenian Medical World Congress Exceeds Expectations

Tuesday, December 31st, 2013

Professor Derenik Dumanyan, Minister of Health, Republic of Armenia,
Minister Zoya Lazaryan, Minister of Health Nagorno Karabakh Republic
at the Opening Ceremony of the 11th Armenian Medical World Congress

The 11th Armenian Medical World Congress (AMWC) was an undeniable
success, taking place in Los Angeles from July 3 through July 6, 2013.
The Congress held true to its theme of `Uniting for a Healthy Future,’
bringing together healthcare professionals and dignitaries from 16
nations around the world.

The first day began with an inspirational opening ceremony featuring
remarks from Vicken Sepilian, MD, FACOG, Chairman of the 11th AMWC and
President of the Armenian American Medical Society (AAMS) along with
the Ministers of Health Derenik Dumanyan, MD, PhD, DSc, from Armenia,
and Zoya Lazaryan from the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR). The three
flags of the United States, Armenia and the NKR were proudly
displayed. A prayer was given to bless the gathering followed by a
symbolic bang of the gavel officially beginning the Congress.

Dr. Serineh Melidonian Co-Chair of the Innovations in Science Plenary Session

`I have attended most of the World Congresses and this year’s was by
far the most successful,’ says Derenik Dumanyan, MD, PhD, DSc,
Minister of Health of the Republic of Armenia. `The scientific
presentations were very interesting and it was nice to see so many
younger physicians involved. The theme of `Uniting for a Healthy
Future’ was realized by all the attendees.’

`By coming together at this Congress, important collaborations were
made between the NKR and Armenia,’ remarks Zoya Lazaryan, Minister of
Health of the NKR. `I am looking forward to implementing these vital
projects that we discussed.’

The Scientific Sessions embarked on a journey tackling the most
serious medical conditions in Armenia and the world facing all
healthcare professionals in attendance including heart disease,
stroke, cancer and infectious diseases. Throughout the four day
Congress, over 200 lecturers shared their vast medical and scientific
knowledge and experience during the plenary sessions and daily
breakout sessions.

`The sessions were relevant and very helpful and I have heard nothing
but praise from all who attended the Congress,’ says Ara Babloyan, MD,
PhD, DSc, National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia. `The
presenters were well prepared and the sessions were well attended.
Congratulations on both a successful and memorable Armenian Medical
World Congress. You have set a new standard.’

Dr. Manuel Momjian Co-Chair of the Innovations in Medicine:
Breakthroughs and Promises of Novel Therapies in the Management of
Heart Disease and Stroke Plenary Session

Innovations in medicine and science were discussed including cardiac
stem cell and gene therapies and symbiotic bacteria and their positive
effects on maintaining and restoring health. Another importantly
debated subject was healthcare policy and medical education in Armenia
and the Diaspora and how best to use resources more effectively. Also
a mini-symposium on pharmacology was featured. The final Scientific
Session confronted the global paradox and burden of overconsumption
and undernutrition and the negative effects of diabetes and obesity.

`Having attended the 11th AMWC held in Los Angeles, we must say how
impressed we all are,’ states Mikayel Narimanyan, MD, PhD, Rector of
Yerevan State Medical University. `The Congress was at its height with
regard to organization, and it can serve as an example of wonderful
management, indeed. Moreover, the lectures designed for the Congress
participants were brilliantly organized in terms of content and
delivery.’

During the Congress, many exciting social events were offered to
attendees for their enjoyment. On the first evening, a Welcome
Reception featuring dining, cocktails and networking was held at the
historic Grauman’s Egyptian Theatre Courtyard in Hollywood with over
400 people in attendance.

Dr. Aram Chobanian speaking on `Boston University / Yerevan Medical
State University Collaborations in Medical Education’

The next night, on the 4th of July, over 200 attendees and their
families witnessed a fireworks spectacular at the stunning Hollywood
Bowl with the musical entertainment of Josh Groban. Friday night
presented a special opportunity with two alumni reunion receptions.
This was the first reunion for alumni from Yerevan State Medical
University. Alumni from the American University of Beirut reunited in
the Panorama Suite of the Loews Hollywood Hotel. During their
reception, Dr. Ara Tekian mesmerized a crowd of fellow alumni with his
piano playing talents and reminisced by singing traditional songs from
Armenia.

On Saturday, the World Congress culminated with closing remarks
echoing the overwhelming positive sentiments from the Ministers, Deans
of Medical Schools and all the attendees. Saturday evening, everyone
gathered to celebrate at the elegant Hollywood red carpet themed World
Congress Ball held at the famous Ray Dolby Ballroom. Guests were
greeted with palette tantalizing hors d’ouerves while being serenaded
with familiar Hollywood tunes sung by a glamorous songstress seated on
a silver gilded moon suspended in mid-air. A world-class dining
experience was had by all and was specially prepared by Celebrity Chef
Wolfgang Puck. Guests also danced the night away to the rhythmic
sounds of the Cheerz Band by Ara Dabandjian.

Dr. Vicken Sepilian, current 11th AMWC Chairman with former AMWC
Chairmen: Dr. Lawrence Najarian, Dr. Jean-Pierre Basmadjian, Dr. Jerry
Manoukian and Dr. Avedis Bogosyan

Proceeds from the World Congress Ball benefitted two important
projects of the AAMS – the Juvenile Diabetes Program and the Pediatric
Epilepsy Program. Both programs provide vital medical treatment,
supplies and education to children of Armenia suffering from these
life-altering illnesses.

There was a brief video presentation highlighting the programs, along
with an inspirational video on the making of the Congress. Two
surprises topped off the evening. First, Dr. Sepilian was presented
with the Outstanding Achievement Award for his extraordinary service
and dedication to the AAMS. Secondly, as a result of the synergy
created during the Congress and the strong new relationships built, it
was announced that a donation of medical equipment valued at $1
million had been made in support of the AAMS.

`This World Congress was a re-energizing experience for the entire
Armenian medical world community,’ states Dr. Sepilian. `The carefully
planned sessions, generated stimulating and fruitful discussions
leaving the congress participants from all over the world with
positive and optimistic sentiments towards a healthy and prosperous
future.’

http://asbarez.com/117857/11th-armenian-medical-world-congress-exceeds-expectations/

2013 in Civil Society: Protests and more protests

2013 in Civil Society: Protests and more protests

Society | 30.12.13 | 12:05

By Siranuysh Gevorgyan
ArmeniaNow reporter

The struggle of civil movements this year has been comprehensive and
diverse with limited success in certain fields due to unified efforts
and active involvement of the civil society.

Despite the rather passive start of the year in terms of civil
movements, the second half of 2013 turned out to be tense with active
developments. Some analysts believe that especially after the February
18 presidential ballot, when current president Serzh Sargsyan won a
decisive victory over his opponents and was re-elected for a second
term, despite the widespread poverty and atmosphere of injustice in
the country, people became even more aware of the fact that is it
impossible to achieve changes via elections and started practicing
their constitutional rights to civil protest and disobedience more
frequently.

Karabakh war veterans’ civil standoff has been unprecedented.
Although, every now and then on different occasions they had
complained of their social conditions and of being neglected by the
state , however never before had they come out to hold systematic
rallies and sitting strikes. Retired army colonel Volodya
Avetisyaninitiated the civil standoff in May and in October found
himself behind the bars, with charges of `swindling …in large
amounts’. Avetisyan’s and his comrades-in-arms claim that by bringing
charges the authorities are trying to silence him. The war vets
demanding increase of their pensions and various privileges have now
focused their struggle on various acts of protest in Avetisyan’s
support. There is another group of Karabakh war veterans presenting
political demands to the government. Every Thursday they hold small
rallies in Liberty Square and demand that the government resign.

Yerevan mayor Taron Margaryan’s decision to raise public bus fare by
50 percent made the hot Yerevan summer even hotter.

The decision was immediately followed by a civil movement when
numerous young activists held a variety of acts of protest during five
consecutive days relentlessly struggling, rebelling against the bus
fare increase and made the municipal government in the Armenian
capital heed the people’s voice, forcing them to understand they would
not pay more for using the overloaded, worn-out and hardly functioning
minibuses.

The unified effort yielded results and on July 26 the mayor suspended
the application of his decision temporarily, meaning that the buses
and minibuses continued operating for the same 100 dram fare (around
24 cents). The mayor, however, stated that if residents of Yerevan
wanted to have decent public transport services, they have to be ready
to pay more. Municipal officials and transport companies running the
routes have repeatedly stated after the summer civil standoff that the
rise of bus fare is unavoidable, grounding it by the fact that
everything else has become more expensive except for public transport
services, hence their expenses have grown and they are operating at a
loss.

The departing year has turned out to be rather active also in terms of
public protests against controversial construction projects. In
August, residents of 10 and 12 Sayat-Nova Avenue and 5 Komitas
streets, in Yerevan, rebelled against construction in their
neighborhoods. These people claim that the construction licenses in
densely populated zones of the city are illegal, violate the seismic
resistance norms, and block their light. Despite the variety of
measures the residents have resorted to, even lying down in front of
construction machines to block their way, no tangible results have
been achieved; their struggle is ongoing (h).

Despite a drawn-out battle to preserve unchanged Yerevan’s Pak Shuka
(`Covered Market’), on the list of historical-cultural heritage and
belonging to businessman MP Samvel Alexanyan, opened its doors after
two years of repairs, but now as a fashionable supermarket, rather
than the produce market it used to be. Although ruling Republican MP
Alexanyan kept the façade, a very small area has been provided to
produce vendors previously working at the market. Scores of activists
representing the civil initiative founded after the Pak Shuka’s
opening and calling itself `Let’s Liberate the Monument From the
Oligarch’ continues holding acts of protest claiming that Alexanyan
has distorted a cultural monument, has reconstructed it illegally,
with numerous violations of construction norms.

Late in 2013, a new front of civil fight opened up with the new law on
pension reform. While it is about retirement pensions, the protests
were held by young professionals rather than elderly citizens of
Armenia, because the new law on mandatory savings funds to come into
effect in January 2014 refers to those born after January 1, 1974, who
will be obliged to make monthly payments equivalent to five percent of
their salaries to annuity savings funds under state control.

The young people protesting against the new law are mostly highly-paid
IT professionals, who will have to transfer more money to the savings
fund on a monthly basis. They say they do not trust the authorities
and doubt whether they would get their savings back once they reach
retirement age of 63. The government says it has no intentions on
giving up the pension reforms, while the youth say they will not just
sit and do nothing and state their determination to continue the
struggle.

http://www.armenianow.com/society/51152/armenia_civil_society_year2013_review

Le président arménien s’est rendu au panthéon des héros de l’Indépen

ARMENIE-SOUVENIR
Le président arménien s’est rendu au panthéon des héros de
l’Indépendance à Yeraplour

Comme chaque fin d’année, le président arménien Serge Sarkissian s’est
rendu lundi 30 décembre au cimetière des héros, au panthéon du
Yeraplour, sur les hauteurs d’Erévan pour rendre hommage aux
combattants arméniens morts pour l’Indépendance de l’Arménie et du
Haut Karabagh.

Le président arménien était accompagné du Catholicos Karékine II
d’Etchmiadzine ainsi qu’une délégation de hautes personnalités de
l’Etat arménien. Serge Sarkissian et Karékine II ont déposé des
oeuillets devant le mémorial des héros tombés pour de l’indépendance
du pays.

Krikor Amirzayan

mardi 31 décembre 2013,
Krikor Amirzayan ©armenews.com

http://www.armenews.com/article.php3?id_article-093

Armenian president condoles with Russia’s Putin

Armenian president condoles with Russia’s Putin

December 30, 2013 | 13:28

YEREVAN. – President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan on Monday issued a
letter of condolence to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on the
terrorist attacks in Volgograd.

Serzh Sargsyan condemned any manifestations of terrorism.

He conveyed his sincere words of grief and support to the families and
friends of the victims, wishing speedy recovery to the injured.

Thirty-two people were killed and over 70 were wounded in two
terrorist attacks that hit Volgograd in one day.

News from Armenia – NEWS.am