Author: Kajoyan Gevork

WAR VET WHO LAUNCHED PROTESTS REMANDED IN PRISON ON ‘FRAUD’ CHARGES, COLLEAGUES CLAIM ‘POLITICAL MOTIVES’

HUMAN RIGHTS | 23.09.13 | 21:54

Photolure

By SIRANUYSH GEVORGYAN
ArmeniaNow reporter

The Karabakh war veteran who initiated and led a series of sitting
strikes and civil protests together with his comrades-in-arms over
the past few months, was taken into a two-month custody by the court
decision on Sunday.

Retired army colonel Volodya Avetisyan together with a group of fellow
veterans declared a sit-in in Yerevan’s Liberty Square in May, which
later grew into a more structured and united stand-off demanding
improvement of their social conditions and legislative changes to
consolidate the reform, has been charged with fraud.

The Defense Ministry’s investigation department’s press service reports
that “by cheating and abuse of trust Avetisyan has misappropriated
$2,000 under the pretence of support to citizen H.

Zakaryan in releasing his grandson from compulsory army conscription.”

Many of Avetisyan’s comrades-of-arms condemn the arrest and believe
it has been done to silence their friend. Retired lieutenant colonel
Samvel Lazarian has termed this development as “absurd and nonsense”,
and says he does not rule out that the purpose might be to hamper
certain achievements they have made during the four months of their
protest.

“Yesterday I talked to the investigator, and he told me he has
sufficient proofs that in August Volodya was involved in such a deal.

He told me his telephone was wiretapped and that the military police
was in charge of that case… I countered that for four months we
have been in this movement together and Volodya was well aware that
he might be in the focus of attention of respective bodies, that his
every step was being watched closely, that his telephone might be
wiretapped, how could he have resorted to something like that knowing
all the above? Secondly, I have known Volodya for a very long time,
he has led an unblemished life, we have gone through a war together,
and I know him as man of great integrity, he would never have done
such a thing, no way we can believe it,” says Lazarian.

Human rights activist Artur Sakunts believes the criminal prosecution
against Avetisyan “is clearly political persecution”.

“In any event, it has to do with his civil (to some, political)
activities, but in the highlight of the suspended criminal prosecution
against Liska’s (Syunik’s former governor Suren Khachatryan) son
and bodyguard, filing a criminal case against Avetisyan is immoral,”
says Sakunts.

The charges against Avetisyan suggest a fine by 500-1,000-fold of
minimal salary, or 2-5 years of imprisonment. It is noteworthy,
that the court refused to release Avetisyan, who has allegedly
‘misappropriated’ $2,000, under the offered bail of around $7,400,
five real estate units, and 20 war veterans’ guarantees. Attorney Ara
Zakaryan cites the court as saying that “being in freedom Avetisyan
might hinder the preliminary investigation and commit a new crime”.

The attorney says Avetisyan has refused to tell anything to the
investigative body and will “say in public when he believes is
appropriate”.

LA NOUVELLE CATHEDRALE ARMENIENNE DE MOSCOU EST APPELEE A RENFORCER LA FOI ET LES RELATIONS ARMENO-RUSSES

ARMENIE

Après 17 ans de construction, le magnifique complexe de la cathedrale
armenienne s’ouvert a Moscou cette semaine, en combinant les traditions
seculaires de l’architecture armenienne, les solutions modernes et
refletant les espoirs d’une forte diaspora de 500 000 armeniens a
Moscou pour la prosperite de leur communaute et les attentes pour
une nouvelle etape dans les relations armeno-russes

La consecration du complexe a ete mene par Sa Saintete Karekine II,
Patriarche supreme et Catholicos de tous les Armeniens, et en presence
du president armenien Serge Sarkissian, du Patriarche de Moscou et
de Toutes les Russies Kirill, ainsi que par le gouvernement et des
personnalites publiques d’Armenie et de Russie et des representants
des confessions religieuses.

Le Catholicos Karekine II a presente la cathedrale, appelee la Sainte
Transfiguration, ce que l’on croit etre une particule de la croix
sur laquelle Jesus-Christ a ete crucifie.

” Eleve dans le c~ur de la Russie – Moscou, ce complexe sera le
centre spirituel et culturel dans la vie de ceux qui, independamment
de leur nationalite, se considèrent comme les porteurs de valeurs
humaines et chretiennes ” a declare l’eveque Yezras Nersissian,
le primat du Diocèse armenien de Russie et du Nouveau Nakhitchevan,
” l’Eglise n’est pas seulement un bâtiment en pierre. Chaque pierre
c’est la foi de tous les Armeniens “.

La construction du complexe est largement devenue possible grâce a
l’eveque Yezras, qui ces dernières annees a attire des investissements
et a relance le projet qui a ete factuellement gele en raison du
manque de financement.

La zone de construction a ete attribue par les autorites moscovites en
1996 sur le terrain adjacent a l’avenue Olympique. La construction
avait ete prevue pour etre achevee d’ici 2001, mais elle a ete
arrete peu de temps après le lancement du projet. La fondation de la
cathedrale a ete posee en 2004.

Le complexe, qui s’etend sur une superficie de 1,32 hectares
comprend la cathedrale, la chapelle de la Sainte-Croix, un musee,
une bibliothèque, la residence de l’eveque, des salles de conference,
un complexe educatif, des maisons d’hôtes, un refectoire et un parking
souterrain pour 200 voitures.

Le perimètre de la cathedrale est decore avec des images sculptees du
Sauveur, des images de saints, des croix, des inscriptions de Saint
Mesrop Mashtots et des ecrits historiques, racontant l’adoption du
christianisme en Armenie, la creation de la langue ecrite et la vie
des martyrs armeniens.

La cathedrale, ressemblant a des temples antiques de l’Armenie,
a quatre entrees, l’entree principale est situee sous le clocher,
qui a une voûte de type stalactite unique type de decoration, oubliee
depuis le Moyen Age, et utilise au bout de sept cents ans dans cette
cathedrale.

La hauteur de la cathedrale, avec la croix fait 58 mètres, le diamètre
de la coupole, ornee de 72 croix, est de 21 mètres.

” L’architecture armenienne est particulière avec son austerite. Mais
nous pensons qu’au-dela, nous devons montrer le meilleur de ce que
nous avons accompli au cours des siècles, comme de riches formes
architecturales, des decorations, des ornements, des bas-reliefs,
des images de saints ” a declare Artak Gulyan , l’architecte du
complexe, qui a ete construit principalement avec du tuf, porte a
Moscou specialement pour la construction de la cathedrale du village
Anipemza dans la province de Shirak.

L’ouverture de la cathedrale a eu lieu deux semaines après la decision
de l’Armenie d’adherer a l’Union douanière – une decision que les
autorites armeniennes qualifiaient d’improbable il y a quelques mois,
et qui, selon de nombreux analystes locaux, coûtera a l’Armenie la
fermeture des portes europeennes.

Les relations armeno-russes ont pris une part considerable dans les
discours officiels des deux chefs religieux armeniens et russes.

Le patriarche Kirill a declare que l’ouverture de la cathedrale est ”
la recuperation de la justice historique “. Il a note que la communaute
armenienne a souffert avec d’autres communautes chretiennes en Russie
pendant les ” periodes difficiles ” (ce qui signifie la repression
de la religion pendant le communisme), et les eglises qui ont ete
construites avec amour par les Armeniens en Russie ont souvent ete
detruites.

Le Catholicos Karekine II a dit que la cathedrale cherche a ”
multiplier les benedictions et les dons envoyes du ciel dans un pays
multi-traditionnel, dans la vie des Armeniens qui s’etaient installes
en Russie, et le peuple russe frère aime du Christ ” et a souhaite
que l’amitie russo-armenienne ” reste toujours forte “.

Laissant de côte la politique, beaucoup considèrent la nouvelle
cathedrale armenienne comme un exemple frappant de l’architecture
armenienne, et la fierte de la communaute armenienne a Moscou, la
ville qui accueille, selon diverses estimations, de un demi-million
a un million d’Armeniens.

Jusqu’a recemment, le lieu spirituel pour la communaute armenienne
etait une petite chapelle dans la partie armenienne du cimetière
de Vagankova où les ceremonies religieuses, les funerailles et
les mariages se tiennent. La taille et l’emplacement de la chapelle
etait depuis longtemps devenue impraticable pour repondre aux besoins
des paroissiens.

Le nouveau complexe de l’eglise est le plus grand complexe de
l’Eglise apostolique armenienne a l’exterieur de l’Armenie, après
Saint Etchmiadzine.

Par Julia Hakobyan

redacteur en chef adjoint d’ArmeniaNow

mardi 24 septembre 2013, Stephane ©armenews.com

Obama: The US deeply values its enduring relationship with Armenia

23:31 21.09.2013

Armenia, Barack Obama, Independence

US President Barack Obama sent a congratulatory message to President
Serzh Sargsyan on the occasion of the 22nd anniversary of Armenia’s
Independence. The message reads:

`Dear Mr. President:

On behalf of all Americans, I congratulate you and the people of
Armenia on the 22nd anniversary of Armenia’s independence on September
21.

The United States deeply values its enduring relationship with Armenia
and has been made a stronger nation by the millions of Americans who
proudly trace their ancestry to your country.

The bonds of affection and respect between the United States and
Armenia remain as strong as ever, and we look forward to developing
greater cooperation between our countries in the years to come.’

ARS Western regional convention reviews programs, elects board

Published: Sunday September 22, 2013

Delegates during convention.

MONTEBELLO, CALIF. – The Armenian Relief Society (ARS) of Western USA,
93rd Annual Regional Convention took place at a time when the “Bnag
meh Geragour” (a bowl of food) program by our sister organization in
Syria is feeding hungry families in Aleppo.

The convention heard the report by the ARS Central Executive
representative, Annie Kechichian, that a $250 donation can feed 80
families for a day. The priority placed on helping the schools and
communities in Syria for the second year in a row, had a powerful
impact on how the convention evaluated the accomplishments of the past
year and set forth a path to accomplish programs during the upcoming
year.

Sixty-eight delegates from 24 chapters from Arizona, California and
Nevada, Regional Executive Board members, and guests participated in
the convention held at the Armenian Center in Montebello, California
from July 12 through 14, 2013. The Montebello Nairy Chapter was the
host of the convention with Arpik Najarian leading the organization
committee members.

Lena Bozoyan, Chairperson of the Regional Executive Board presented
opening remarks and introduced the special guests. Western Prelacy
Prelate Arch. Moushegh Mardirossian was accompanied by Rev. Fr. Ashod
Kambourian and Prelacy Executive Council Chairperson Rima Boghossian.

ARS Central Executive Board (CEB) Chairperson Vicky Marashlian
attended the meeting. The ARS CEB representative to the meeting was
Annie Kechichian. The ARF Central Committee representative to the
meeting was Dr. Vicken Yacoubian. The local ARF Tro Committee
representative to the opening ceremony was Levon Kirakosian, Esq. The
ARS Eastern USA Regional Executive representative was Taline
Mkrtschjan. The ARS Regional Executive’s guests to the convention were
Hasmig Derderian, Rita Hintlian and Khatoune Pakradouni. Additionally,
the convention elected Sossie Poladian, Sossie Gabriel and Roubina
Pakradouni as guests.

Bozoyan made welcoming remarks and stated that the ARS encountered
enormous financial difficulties during the year, and faces challenges
of passing on the torch to the new generation and expanding the
adoption of new technologies. She remarked that the enormous needs of
the Syrian Armenians are at the forefront, as the needs in Armenia,
Artsakh and Javakhk continue. The Regional Executive chairperson noted
that the convention is a place where participants learn about the
organizational culture and seventeen (17) members were delegates for
the first time at this convention.

Arch. Mardirossian noted His Holiness Catholicos Aram I’s proclamation
of the year 2013 as the “Year of the Armenian Mother”, and praised the
service of ARS members to young and old as that of a caring and
devoted mother. His Eminence said that as participants gain experience
during conventions, similarly, their commitment and spirit of service
should increase. The Prelate praised the dedicated service of the
Regional Executive and members, and blessed the convention.

The ARS CEB representative Annie Kechichian addressed the convention
and on behalf of the Central Executive Board wished for successful
proceedings, and hoped that the delegates bring forth constructive
ideas and ratify beneficial resolutions, which can be realized during
the next year, with special consideration for any budgetary impacts.
During the closing statements, Kechichian noted that the convention is
a fine opportunity to get together and reaffirm our oath. She added
that when we approach the issues with a positive attitude, it is a win
for our organizational mission and goals. She said that as we devote
our strengths and join in spirit of service for the ARS, our
cooperation and solidarity will help us succeed and reach our goals.

The Montebello ARF representative, Levon Kirakosian, remarked that the
ARS members’ volunteerism with their gift of time and love to the
people is the best example that our youth could have today. He also
raised the issue of the abuses suffered by women all over the world,
including in Armenia.

The ARS Eastern USA representative Taline Mkrtschjan was very pleased
to be with her counterparts on the west coast, and attend the
convention with her aunt Khatoune Pakradouni. She noted that the noble
goals of the ARS do not change with far distances, and the same call
to duty to help the Syrian Armenians reaches them with the same
intensity.

The convention continued with the election of co-chairpersons Dr.
Nyree Derderian and Arousyak Melkonian. In addition, Nazik Arisian,
Sossie Djabrayan, Maral Matossian and Meganoush Melkonian were elected
as convention secretaries (2 for English and 2 for Armenian). Khatoune
Pakradouni was appointed by the convention officers as
Parliamentarian, Rita Hintlian was appointed as Reporter and Nairy
chapter members Alice Keshishian, Leone Mooradian, Hasmig Ourfalian
and Pauline Altounian were appointed Sergeant-at-Arms.

The Credentials Committee members Ankine Agopian, Arpy Tanielian and
Maida Bezdjian verified that the convention could continue on in
accordance to the ARS bylaws. The convention chose to elect a
Nominations Committee with Silva Poladian, Nora Shirikian, Lara
Kazandjian, Arsho Sassounian and Mako Setrakian. The elected
Resolutions Committee members were Asdghig Chitilian, Talin Hindoyan
and Vera Kambourian. The Archives Committee members were Maral
Bastilian, Christine Hovnanian and Emma Garabetian.

The convention agenda includes times that the conventioneers have to
wait for a committee to complete an assignment. A video provided an
overview of the activities of the past year. The agenda included
questions of clarification regarding the Regional Executives reports,
including the Social Services and Child, Youth and Family Guidance
Center. Dr. Levon Jernazian was on hand to provide answers to
questions about the guidance center. Dr. Sevag Avakian of the ARS
Mother and Child Clinic and Birthing Center in Akhourian, Armenia,
presented the challenges faced by the clinic where 9,056 newborns were
born during the past eight years, and the cooperation with UNICEF
vaccination and USAID women’s health programs. Zaven Khanjian,
chairperson of the Syrian Armenian Relief Fund (SARF) Executive
Committee, took the opportunity to thank the ARS for helping SARF.

Annie Kechichian presented the report of the ARS CEB, where the
activities of the CEB board members and staff during the past year,
and membership of the ARS in 27 countries were detailed. She noted
that despite difficulties relating to lack of food supplies, the ARS
region in Syria, is providing food for 80 families three times a week.
Donors are being sought to sponsor the “bnag me geragour” (a bowl of
food) program for $250. Vicky Marashlian elaborated on the cost of
repairs needed for the ARS Sosse Kindergarten in Stepanakert in
Artsakh.

The convention ratified bylaws amendments, the highly commendable
resolution regarding the activities of the past year presented by the
Resolutions Committee, discussed and ratified a number of resolutions
regarding organizational reporting, media communications, high school
awards and continuing programs, finishing up with adoption of a
proposed budget. This year, the accounting system was upgraded, the
presentation by General Manager Jasik Jarahian looked revised, but a
familiar audit report was received from an independent auditor.

The ARS-WUSA Regional Executive board members Judy Jingirian, Zharmen
Mirzakhanyan, Angele Ohannessian, Liza Santikian and Armenouhi
Tomassian had completed their 2-year terms. Judy Jingirian was
re-elected and Araxy Aykanian, Nanik Kupelian, Maral Matossian and
Adrine Postoyan were newly elected to the board for 2-year terms.

The new board is in charge of implementing the ongoing programs of the
ARS and newly adopted resolutions and balanced budget of the 93rd
Regional Convention.

The following were elected as Alternate Regional Executive members (1)
Sirarpi Chakalian; (2) Nevart Mooradian; (3) Ankine Agopian; (4)
Ovsanna Khachadoorian; and (5) Maida Bezdjian. The alternates are for
the newly elected board members for the same duration of two years.

The last election of the convention was for the Auditing Committee.
For the first time, a scantron system was needed to speed up the
election process. The following members were elected to the Auditing
Committee for a one-year term: Nairy Bostanian, Vivian Taslakian and
Tamar Ourichian. This committee will conduct quarterly audits and
report its findings at the 94th Regional Convention.

Dr. Vicken Yacoubian, reiterated the ARF Central Committee’s
commitment, congratulated the newly elected Regional Executive, and
thanked the retiring members of the board, convention officers and
delegates for their service. He commended the ARS for providing
effective and wide range of services, and hoped that the convention
evaluation process serves as a way to renew our commitment to the
organization.

As it is customary, Lena Bozoyan handed commemorative plaques to the
members, whose 2-year terms had expired, and each used the opportunity
to share their feelings, to thank volunteers and staff, and to
reiterate their commitment to the ARS. The two co-chairs Nyree
Derderian and Arous Melkonian used the opportunity to thank the
convention secretaries for an awesome job, to thank the convention
committees for doing a great job, and to admire on the tremendous job
that the ARS does in the region. Other guests and delegates presented
various congratulatory remarks.

Following the adjournment of the convention, a meeting held with the
ARS Central Executive representative Annie Kechichian, convention
officers and the board members, the 2013-2014 Regional Executive board
elected officers as follows:

Chairperson: Lena Bozoyan

Vice-Chairperson: Carmen Libaridian

Secretary: Karine Barikian-Setian

Treasurer: Christina Khanjian

Advisors: Araxy Aykanian, Judy Jingirian, Nanik Kupelian, Maral
Matossian and Adrine Postoyan.

This convention showed that the challenges are being met. Ani
Dikranian, a new member of the hosting Nairy Chapter, was in charge of
the electronic equipment. The first time delegates brought their full
participation to the convention and were elected to committee
assignments. The convention helped to reinvigorate the ranks for
another year in quest for service.

Host chapter’s anniversary marked

The Nairy Chapter organized a program on the second day of the
convention to celebrate its own 45th anniversary. The dinner-dance
program was held on July 13, at the Armenian Center in Montebello,
with dozens of delegates and guests participating, along with some
local residents. Among the guests was the ARS of Eastern USA Regional
Executive representative Taline Mkrtschjan.

Opening remarks were made by the convention organizing committee
chairperson Arpik Najarian, who invited the ARS members and guests to
renew their oath “to be the true successors of our founders and
benefactors.” Following with the national and ARS anthems sung by
Nairy Chapter Executive chairperson Heghine Harboyan, Pastor of Holy
Cross Cathedral, Rev. Fr. Ashod Kambourian provided blessing for
realizing the ARS dreams in service of the Armenian people. The pastor
also conveyed Prelate Arch. Moushegh Mardirossian’s blessings and
congratulations.

ARS Central Executive Board representative to the 93rd Convention,
Annie Kechichian congratulated the ARS Nairy Chapter, noting that when
the anniversary of a chapter is celebrated, it is a sign of the
chapter’s success and continued existence, and proof of the
advancement of the centenarian ARS. Kechichian urged to involve the
youth in Armenian community life, and congratulated the ARS Nairy
members for their many years of hard work and countless efforts to
help families and advance the Armenian language and culture, in
addition to congratulating the ARS supporters for their contributions.

ARS of Western USA, Regional Executive chairperson Lena Bozoyan
congratulated the ARS Nairy Chapter members for their golden hearts,
iron will and unwavering efforts during the past 45 years. She
commended the Nairy Chapter’s level of activity, dedication and strong
ties of fellowship, and she was confident that the chapter would
continue its many accomplishments. Bozoyan promised that together they
would continue to meet the ever-changing societal needs of our local
communities and serve as symbols of hope to our brethren in the
homeland.

On behalf of the ARS Regional Executive, Bozoyan presented a plaque
commemorating the Nairy Chapter’s 45th anniversary to the Chapter
Executive chairperson Heghine Harboyan.

The chapter had displayed posters of old photographs of ARS history
and a video of the early history of the ARS was shown during the
program, which was followed by the message of the ARF Tro Committee
representative Levon Kirakosian, Esq. He said that he was one of the
displaced persons (DPs) shown on the video, but wished that more of
his friends were with him. He congratulated the Nairy Chapter and
asked the ARS to include the local youth and their needs in their
programs. He handed a certificate of recognition by Christina Cortez,
the Mayor of the City of Montebello, to Heghine Harboyan.

Harboyan reminded the audience of the accomplishments of the chapter:
45 years ago the chapter was founded; 31 years ago the Saturday School
was founded; 15 years ago the day care was founded; and during the
past year 5 new members joined the chapter. The Nairy Day Care had
been recognized by the City of Montebello Chamber of Commerce as a
“Quality of Life” business for 2013. She congratulated the Nairy
Chapter members, who believe in the volunteering and savor teamwork.

Throughout the convention, the ARS Nairy Chapter volunteers had
demonstrated their willingness to do their best in order to provide
for the delegates and guests who arrived in Montebello. “Vartskernit
gadar” as they say for a job well done.

Ancient Armenian monastery complex Tzarakar discovered

September 20, 2013 – 12:48 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – The renowned ancient Armenian monastery complex
Tzarakar has been discovered near the village of Chukurayva, 5 kms
south-east of the fortified town of Kechror, modern-day Turkey (the
old Gabeghiank district, Ayrarat province of Greater
Armenia),peopleofar.wordpress.com says.

What remains of it are the interior cut-in-rock structures, the
exterior buildings are irretrievably lost.

The monastery consists of a church which has several entrances
connected with each other, at least six chapels and other adjoining
buildings. It is remarkable for its very interesting structure and
extended lapidary inscriptions. Despite it, however, until recently
neither specialists nor topographers ever paid any attention to it.

It was only in 1999 that the monument was first visited by a
specialist, namely Scottish researcher Stephen Sim, who took
photographs of it and made its schematic plan. Later it was visited by
seismologist Shiro Sasano, who published a small-scale research work
on it together with several photographs he had taken there in 2009.

In this way, these two foreign researchers discovered the cut-in-rock
monastery and made it known to the scientific world. They, however,
failed to find out its name and called it after the adjacent village
presently inhabited by Kurds.

Understanding the importance of conducting comprehensive studies in
the monastic complex, in 2010 the members of Research on Armenian
Architecture conducted scientific expeditions and revealed a lot of
information relating to it. The available sources attest that this
newly-discovered monument complex is the monastery of Tzarakar, which
is mentioned in medieval records, and the location of which remained
unknown until very recently.

As is known, Tzarakar was one of the renowned monastic complexes in
medieval Armenia, but in the course of centuries, it lost its glory
and significance and was consigned to oblivion to such an extent that
in our days even its location remained obscure.

Late 19th century, Gh. Alishan used the available sources to point to
the area where the monastery could have possibly been situated:
`…Tzarakar, which is mentioned in some works by historiographers and
geographers, is known to have stood in a naturally impregnable site in
the vicinity of Kechror: first of all, a cut-in-rock monastery was
erected…’

S. Eprikian came to the same conclusion: `Supposedly, a monastery of
this name and a village used to be situated near Kechror, Gabeghenk
District, Ayrarat [Province].’

The colophon of an Ashkharatsuyts (a geographical work), dating back
to 1656, also confirms: `…the district of Gabeghenits and the castle
of Kaput also called Artagereits – the town of Kechror is situated there
together with the cut-in-rock monastery of Tzarakar, where
Archimandrite Khachatur Kecharetsi’s grave is found…’

This passage reveals two facts of the utmost importance: firstly,
Tzarakar Monastery was cut in the rock, and secondly, most presumably,
it was situated not far from the town of Kechror. That Khachatur
Kecharetsi, a worker of education and a poet who lived between the
13th and 14th centuries, was buried somewhere near Kechror, is also
attested by the following note on a map of 1691 compiled by Yeremia
Chelebi Kyomurjian: `Town of Kechror, bordering on Basen, and
Archimandrite Khachatur’s grave.’ These two records clarify that the
monastery of Tzarakar was truly located near the fortress town of
Kechror.

Besides written records, the etymology of the toponym of Tzarakar was
also of importance to its identification. Every visitor may easily see
that the structures of the monastic complex are cut into quite friable
masses of rock which are naturally striped and have certain coloring,
looking like the parallel circular lines showing the age of a cut
tree – evidently, the name of Tzarakar, the Armenian equivalent for Tree
Stone, is conditioned by this resemblance meaning a monastery cut into
a tree-like stone.

The only surviving parts of Tzarakar Monastery are those of its
structures which are cut in the rock, and therefore, are difficult to
destroy, whereas the others have been irretrievably lost. For this
reason, at present the complex is considered as only a cut-in-rock one
consisting of 6 chapels and a main cruciform church with a pseudo-dome
surrounded with annexes.

Armenia celebrates 22nd independence anniversary

September 21, 2013 – 10:39 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – September 21 marks Armenia’s independence anniversary.

With a unanimous national vote, the third Republic of Armenia was born
on September 21, 1991, to give the Armenian nation the right to build
their future, be the masters of their land and regain statehood.

Like in 1918, the new-born republic had to rebuild the state after the
war. If the First Republic is engraved on the national memory for the
Sardarapat victory, the origin of the Third Republic is certainly
bound with the liberation of Artsakh.

Now, Armenia is struggling to build a democratic state, form a civil
society, improve the lives of its people. We’re assured that this
struggle, like a struggle for the freedom of Artsakh will end with our
victory.

International community and Azerbaijan speak different languages: Armenian MFA

11:44, 21 September, 2013

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 21, ARMENPRESS: The Minister of Foreign Affairs of
the Republic of Armenia Edward Nalbandyan performed a speech on the
foreign policy on September 20 at the International Relations
Institute of Rome. As Armenpress was reported by the Department for
Press, Information and Public Relations of the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs of Armenia, Edward Nalbandyan, touching upon the Azerbaijan’s
hatred towards Armenians, the militants statements and the threats to
begin war, stated: `Even today, a year after the extradition of the
Azerbaijani assassin Ramil Safarov and the condemnation of that step
by the international organizations, the Azerbaijani authorities
express their uncertainty concerning the position of the international
community, oppose to it and say that they did right. What did they
expect? That the international community would applause for that awful
step? The authorities of that country state that the thing they had
done was the right thing. It is shameful that a head of a state could
consider the heroification of a murderer the right thing’.

`The international community and Azerbaijan speak different languages
and that is the reason the political gap between them gets deeper’, –
emphasized the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia
Edward Nalbandyan.

On February 19 2004 in Budapest the Azerbaijani assassin Ramil
Safarov, who axe-murdered the Armenian officer Gurgen Margaryan while
sleeping with 16 blows, when they were participating in the NATO
English Language Courses in the capital of Hungary, was sentenced to
life imprisonment without right to be pardoned for 30 years. On August
31 2012 Safarov was extradited from Hungary to Azerbaijan and was
pardoned by the President Ilham Aliyev. The murderer was advanced to
mayor, provided with an apartment and given «national hero» and
compensated for the 8 years of the imprisonment in Hungary. Armenia
suspended diplomatic relations with Hungary. The extradition,
pardoning and release of Safarov were condemned by many countries and
authoritative organizations of the world.

© 2009 ARMENPRESS.am

Armenia Is Trump Card Against Russia

So, there are obvious signs that the resolution on the
Armenia-Russia-EU `conflict’ has been made, the scenario of the
`conflict’ will be used 100% and even more.

It would be ingenuous to think that it could have been otherwise,
considering the political ambitions of the European Union and the
established mechanism of having decisions on certain, including
regional issues agreed with the United States.

Expectations that Armenia would be forgotten did not come true, and
this should be acknowledged. Although emotions overwhelmed the
corridors on Schuman Roundabout, decisions are not made by officials
but politicians, and the Western community has understood that it has
received an interesting trump card in the games with Russia and
Eastern Europe.

In Armenia they will most probably focus on different objectives
relating not only to Russia but also Turkey. In addition, it should be
noted that these scenarios had been worked out earlier and should have
been implemented after the signing of the Agreement on November 29.
Hence, there are no new scenarios, there are only new schedules and
order of actions.

Apart from pragmatic motives relating to the geopolitical blockade of
Armenia, not just pressure, there are issues relating to the image and
authority of the European Union. It is possible that in Armenia hardly
anyone noticed but Russia has declared a political war to the European
Union, and one can remember a similar situation after the war in
Yugoslavia.

Besides, the West must demonstrate to Ukraine that it can assert its
position and do it quite rapidly and quite convincingly. Armenia is
not Ukraine, and demonstration of continuity of the policy does not
require big funds.

In the meantime, on `September 3′ the understanding of the reality in
the South Caucasus played a big role. Over the years of talks with the
European Union Armenia never dared to take initiatives for
consideration of `compensatory technologies’ in the area of defense;
the EU and NATO did not take a step towards enabling Armenia’s
national security. It was kept in mind that such steps could lead to a
confrontation with Russia, and they preferred to bypass Armenia
delicately but the counter-partner was too large to be able to bypass
during the first attempt.

In this situation one can already announce about a plural fact: over
the past year up to the last few weeks European politicians,
functionaries and experts repetitively and cautiously asked, `To what
extent is the Armenian government determined to sign the `Agreement’?’
These and other delicate details are evidence that the West was not
confident that the project would succeed because Russia was expected
to react.

However, what matters more was not Russia’s expected `breakthrough’
but Armenia’s uncertainty over the level of tolerance of risks. One
way or another, further development of relations between Armenia and
the Western community, if it ever takes place, will incorporate
elements of security. Therefore, it is time to cooperate with NATO
first, not with the European Union, or in a different format…

Who will be dealing with iteration on Armenia’s path towards the West?
Is the Armenian government considered suitable for cooperation and
further dialogue or is it already used material?

The Western community has a rule to block and ignore not states and
nations but concrete politicians or political groups, as well as their
functionaries. If the current government makes up its mind to thwart
Moscow’s decision on Armenia’s membership to this absurd, this will be
to its political credit despite November 3 because the West gets an
incredible card in such an attractive game.

This could be predicted because the West needs to resolve the problem
here and now, not in the visible future. At the same time, the
positions of Europe and the U.S. cannot affect sponsors of pro-Russian
politics in Armenia. It may not be related to business and bank
deposits, as well as issuance of visa to them and their service
functionaries. Their names and positions are known well.

However, despite the current intentions of the West, it would be more
desirable to mark time. For the time being, it is hard to understand.
It will take time to sober up from the promises of the Customs Union.
Besides, Moscow simply can’t help its endless foolishness and
coarseness, continuing a discussion which seemed to be over. It is
necessary to squeeze everything out of this dreadful situation. The
Russians are doing it themselves.

Igor Muradyan
23:15 21/09/2013
Story from Lragir.am News:

KARABAGH
La République du Haut-Karabagh va enregistrer une croissance
économique de dix pour cent et une inflation à quatre pour cent en
2013

La République du Haut-Karabagh va enregistrer une croissance
économique de dix pour cent et une inflation à quatre pour cent en
2013 a déclaré le Premier ministre du Karabagh Ara Harutyunyan.

« Une croissance économique de dix pour cent est prévu, et je suis
convaincu que nous serons en mesure de l’assurer » a-t-il dit.

Il a dit que la République sera redevable de sa croissance économique
aux secteurs de l’agriculture, de l’industrie et des services.

Auparavant, Ara Harutyunyan prévoyait une croissance du PIB de 9 à 11
pour cent pour les cinq prochaines années et hausse annuelle des
investissements de 10 à 15%.

Il a dit que la République du Haut-Karabagh a enregistré une
croissance de 9,9 pour cent en 2012.

dimanche 22 septembre 2013,
Stéphane ©armenews.com

KARABAGH
L’Union Yerkrapah fait un pèlerinage au Haut-Karabagh

Les bénévoles de l’Union Yerkrapah sont en pèlerinage annuel dans le
Haut-Karabagh (Artsakh).

Cette année, l’Union a formé trois groupes de travail qui visitent les
monuments commémorant les héros de la guerre de libération nationale.

Le Général Manvel Grigorian, président du syndicat qui,
traditionnellement, assiste à l’événement annuel, ne participe pas au
pèlerinage de cette année en raison de problèmes de santé. Mais il
devrait se joindre à l’événement plus tard.

Les anciens combattants ont visité les régions d’Askéran et de
Martuni. Ils ont rencontré les jeunes enfants afin de donner des sacs
d’école remplis de papeterie avant le début de l’année scolaire.

dimanche 22 septembre 2013,
Stéphane ©armenews.com