Author: Kajoyan Gevork

TRADERS HOLD PROTEST IN FRONT OF ARMENIA’S PARLIAMENT

15:01 ~U 17.06.13

Staff members of the Kilikia shopping center are holding a protest
in front of Armenia’s parliament.

“The State Revenue Committee illegally closed the shopping center on
June 1. We have not been working for 17 days,” one of the traders,
Gayane Hairapetyan, told Tert.am.

“We have turned to different government bodies, but they have not
explained any reasons to us. About 300 people are working at the
shopping center,” she said.

Artak Masoyan said that a new shopping center meeting all European
standards was opened on May 19.

“On June 1, thirty armed officers from the State Revenue Committee came
and forced us out of our outlets. We have applied to the government and
to the presidential staff. And we have now come to our Legislature,”
he said.

“They argue that we are not licensed. But we do have licenses. The
minister of economy gave us the licenses on May 18,” he said.

The traders met with MPs and handed their letter of complaint over
to them. The MPs promised to raise the problem.

Armenian News – Tert.am

CHECHEN LEADER URGES YOUTH NOT TO FIGHT IN SYRIAN CONFLICT

Chechen Leader Ramzan Kadyrov Urges Youth Not to Fight in Syrian Conflict

RIA Novosti. Said Tsarnaev
13:11 18/06/2013

MOSCOW, June 18 (RIA Novosti) – Chechnya’s Kremlin-backed leader has
launched an education campaign to persuade local youth not to take
part in the Syrian conflict, he said in an interview published in
Russian media on Saturday.

Ramzan Kadyrov, a one-time separatist-turned Kremlin loyalist, told
Russian media he has ordered Chechen officials, clerics and public
figures to “constantly educate the youth about the real nature of
Syrian events, to prevent possible recruitment of young people for
participation in the war.”

He said his government is also “educating” young Chechens about the
role of “external forces” in Syria’s civil war, which has already
claimed more than 93,000 lives according to the latest UN figures.

Kadyrov said “five or six” Chechens have already been killed in the
conflict, but did not elaborate.

He admitted several more Chechens remain among the predominantly
Sunni insurgents fighting Assad’s regime, which mostly consist of
Alawites, a Shia sect which has dominated the religiously diverse
Middle Eastern nation.

Kadyrov insisted that the Syrian war is not about jihad.

“There is no holy war in Syria,” he said, according to a transcript
of his interview published on his government’s website. “There is
a campaign – well-planned by external forces – to topple (Assad’s)
regime, destroy the country, eliminate its military.”

His comments echo Russian President Vladimir Putin’s stance on the
conflict. Moscow remains Assad’s biggest political ally and continues
to supply weapons to his military. Putin has repeatedly criticized
the West for supporting the enemies of what he describes as Syria’s
“legitimate” government.

The pugnacious, bearded Kadyrov has plenty of experience in opposing
Islamist militants in his own republic.

A teenage boxing enthusiast, he joined anti-Kremlin Chechen separatists
in the mid-1990s along with his father Akhmad, a prominent cleric
with one of the powerful Sufi brotherhoods that have traditionally
held sway in Chechnya.

But after their clan fell out with other insurgents inspired by
the radical Wahhabist ideology, the elder Kadyrov headed Chechnya’s
pro-Kremlin government in the early 2000s and was instrumental in
largely putting down the rebel movement there. He was later killed
in a bomb attack.

Human rights groups and critics have long accused Ramzan Kadyrov and
his local forces of abductions, extrajudicial killings, torture and
other grave human rights abuses. But the Kremlin has credited him
with restoring peace in the war-ravaged province and returning tens
of thousands of refugees to Chechnya.

Reformer Does Not Stand For Traitor

It is understood that the Iranian politicians listed among reformers
are usually treated like traitors in the world. Different compromises
are expected which means betrayal of Iran’s interests in the language
of political review.

The main and unique reformer of Iran Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani
modernized technology and organization in Iran for 8 years. In fact,
he established new Iran, doubling the GDP, setting up new branches of
industry. Whatever is produced in Iran’s weapon industry is based on
enterprises and technologies which were set up during the years of
office of Ali Akbar Rafsanjani.

However, it is stupid and incompetent of one to call this president of
Iran a reformer. Neither did he care much about his own image, which
probably was his biggest mistake. Now Ali Akbar Rafsanjani supports
Hassan Rowhani, a politician who is argued to be a reformer.
Everything is much simpler. Such politicians who could be described as
modernizers find that Iran can develop successfully, reinforce its
political independence, as well as boost its influence in the region
by ending international isolation, normalizing relations with the
West. A reformer does not mean a traitor.

Hassan Rowhani is integrated with Iran’s top political government too
closely to be suspected of being opposition. He is not opposition,
like A.A.H. Rafsanjani and many other supporters of his.

The electoral campaign in Iran was not marked by a political scramble.
The supporters of the leader of the Islamic revolution Ayatollah
Khomeini have understood that the change of government must proceed
under definite control or agreed key conditions and principles.

H. Rowhani’s pledges on domestic affairs and economy have matured, and
the Iranian society supports proposed changes. The issue is foreign
policy, more openness of Iran to the world and agreements with leading
countries.

It should be noted that Iran has arrived at this line of its history
in an advantageous position primarily in foreign policy. Iran won in
Syria, Lebanon and Iraq, which is a lot for any country. It is time
for a compromise with the West which is ready to resolve with Iran the
most complicated regional political issues.

Who won in Iran, conservatives or liberals? The Iranian society won
which all the political groups of the country have to take into
consideration.

Igor Muradyan
14:58 15/06/2013
Story from Lragir.am News:

Deputy Head of Prison Charged

Charges have been brought against the deputy head of Nubarashen
Penitentiary Davit Muradyan. The acting head of public relations Gor
Ghlechyan told Pastinfo about charges against the deputy head of the
prison but neither denied, nor confirmed that he is charged with
accepting a bribe of 14,000 dollars to release a convict. Gor
Ghlechyan said he cannot provide any comment because his words may
hinder the investigation.

13:55 15/06/2013
Story from Lragir.am News:

NEWS Press
Mercredi 12 Juin 2013

Rouben Elbakian : ténor à la voix d’or en concert pour la Fondation Abbé Pierre

Fondation Abbé Pierre

Le 14 juin 2013 à 20H30, en l’église de la Trinité, à Paris, le ténor
Rouben Elbakian accompagné au piano par Grégori Abramian chantera
l’Ave Maria ainsi que des airs sacrés et d’opéra au profit de la
Fondation.

Le prix des places de ce concert unique est fixé à 25 euros (15 euros
pour le tarif réduit).

Les billets sont en vente dans les réseaux FNAC, Ticketnet, Auchan,
Leclerc, Cultura …

Rouben Elbakian, remarquable ténor, est distingué par les critiques
pour la beauté exceptionnelle de sa voix ainsi que pour son indéniable
charisme scénique.

Dès l’ge de 5 ans, la musicalité de sa voix attire l’attention. À 7
ans, entrant comme soliste dans le choeur philharmonique des jeunes
d’Erévan, il reçoit le surnom de « Petit Caruso ». Il reçoit une
éducation musicale poussée en Arménie et en France, puis opte très
vite pour une carrière dans le Chant.

En 1999, il remporte la Médaille d’or du Concours des Écoles
Nationales de Musique du Val-de-Marne.

Il se produit régulièrement en récitals en France et à l’étranger, ce
qui lui vaut titres et commentaires élogieux de la presse et des
professionnels.

Situation in Aleppo Armenian districts grows tense

13:33 – 16.06.13

Missiles launched from neighboring regions reach the Armenian districts.

The Aleppo diocese of Armenian Apostolic Church (AAC) reports on its
Facebook page that a missile caused slight wounds to some Armenians
yesterday.

Blasts were heard in a number of Armenian districts – Sulaymaniyah,
nor Gyugh, Villaner. Material damage has been reported.
The government forces and the opposition are getting ready for a
`decisive battle.’

Armenian News – Tert.am

HAUT KARABAGH
Bako Sahakian a visité les travaux de rénovation de Chouchi

Bako Sahakian, le président de la République du Haut Karabagh s’est
rendu hier à Chouchi afin de prendre connaissance des travaux de
rénovation de la ville perchée sur les hauteurs à une dizaine de
kilomètres de la capitale Stepanakert. Ville qui fut reconquise en mai
1992 sur les occupants azéris au prix d’une offensive historique des
combattants Arméniens. Le chef de l’Etat a visité les immeubles
d’habitation en rénovation ainsi que l’Université agricole dépendant
de l’Arménie. Bako Sahakian a affirmé la volonté du gouvernement de
redonner à Chouchi sa place de centre culturel, éducatif et religieux.
Au début du XXe siècle Chouchi l’arménienne étant l’un des plus grands
foyers culturels de toute la Transcaucasie (aujourd’hui Sud Caucase).
Lors de cette visite de Chouchi, le vice-Premier ministre de la
République du Haut Karabagh, Arthur Aghabekian accompagnait le
président.

Krikor Amirzayan

dimanche 16 juin 2013,
Krikor Amirzayan ©armenews.com

ARMENIE-SOCIAL
La ville de Ghapan demande à sa société des eaux la gratuité de 25 %
des consommations

Le 13 juin le Conseil municipal de la ville de Ghapan -sud de
l’Arménie- a décidé de demander à la direction de la société des eaux
« Haytchrmoughoyoughi » de faire bénéficier aux consommateurs de
Ghapan, la gratuité de 25 % de leur consommation en eau. Arthur
Ghazarian, le conseilleur auprès du gouvernement arménien en matière
de développement écologique reste cependant sceptique quant aux effets
de cette décision des élus de Ghapan. « Nous ne croyons pas que
Haytchrmoughoyoughi puisse répondre à la demande » dit-il, la société
ayant par ailleurs des problèmes dans le traitement des eaux. La
société faisant face à des problèmes économiques en matière
d’investissement et devant recevoir un crédit de 6 millions de dollars
de la Banque européenne de développement et de la Banque asiatique de
développement pour la rénovation de son système des conduites. A.
Ghazarian affirme que pour ne pas faire une réduction de 25 % aux
consommateurs de Ghapan, la société présentera son plan
d’investissement et d’endettement. Il a par ailleurs critiqué «
Haytchrmoughoyoughi » pour de nombreux dysfonctionnements…dont celui
de ne pas pouvoir livrer aux consommateurs une eau propre.

Krikor Amirzayan

dimanche 16 juin 2013,
Krikor Amirzayan ©armenews.com

LIVERPOOL MANAGER BRENDAN RODGERS SHOWS INTENT WITH £20M MOVE FOR ARMENIA MIDFIELDER HENRIKH MKHITARYAN

Liverpool are stepping up their efforts to secure Armenian midfielder
Henrikh Mkhitaryan for £20 million as Brendan Rodgers sets his sights
on his first major summer signing.

Red target: Henrikh Mkhitaryan (centre), is wanted by Liverpool
Photo: EPA

By Chris Bascombe

10:30PM BST 14 Jun 2013

The Merseyside club are preparing a formal approach to the Ukrainian
champions Shakhtar Donetsk for the 24-year-old.

Mkhitaryan has become one of the most highly-sought attacking
midfielders in Europe and if Liverpool can lure the player despite
the absence of European football at Anfield next season it would
represent quite a coup.

Rodgers made Mkhitaryan his prime target when assembling his list of
summer recruits.

Initially, there were suggestions Liverpool would have to fund such
a move with the proceeds of the sale of Luis Suárez, but that is
not the case.

Indeed, the club is prepared to sign a player they have coveted in the
hope it will convince the Uruguayan to remain on Merseyside, although
that remains an optimistic hope at this stage given Suárez’s public
comments asserting a desire to move to Real Madrid.

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Mkhitaryan struck 25 goals in the Ukrainian league last season and
is considered one of Shakhtar’s outstanding performers. He joined
Donetsk in 2010, winning player of the year in 2012 and numerous
league titles and domestic cups.

Shakhtar have already done business with the Premier League this month,
allowing Fernandinho to join Manchester City for £34 million.

The Ukrainians’ signing of Wellington Nem from Fluminense and Fernando
from Gremio for a combined £18 million appeared to pave the way for
the loss of their two prized assets.

Rodgers has made it known he was pursuing more goals from an advanced
midfielder and Mkhitaryan certainly fits the bill.

The Armenian can play as a central striker or in his preferred
role as a No 10 behind the forwards. He was the star performer when
Armenia demolished Denmark 4-0 in Copenhagen in last week’s World Cup
qualifier, during which he scored and shone with his pace and skill.

It could become a hugely significant transfer window for Liverpool,
especially with Iago Aspas secured, despite suggestions that his move
has been ‘blocked’ by the Spanish Football Association. Liverpool
have confirmed a deal with Celta Vigo has been done and they are
simply awaiting documentation.

Suárez’s desire to join Real Madrid is unwelcome, but Rodgers is
gradually trying to add more European-class quality into his squad
to add to last January’s additions of Philippe Coutinho and Daniel
Sturridge.

Luis Alberto is another anticipated arrival from Sevilla, as is
Sporting Lisbon’s defender Tiago Ilori.

The chances of signing Kyriakos Papadopoulos are receding, however,
due to injury concerns surrounding the Greek defender.

Papadopoulos was an attractive option for Rodgers, but suffered a
serious knee injury last season and the fee involved, well above the
£12 million Liverpool initially anticipated, has made the Merseysiders
consider other options.

Other players are available for transfer to bolster the transfer
kitty. Jonjo Shelvey, the subject of interest from Norwich City,
could leave for an offer in excess of £5 million, while despite
a return to favour at the end of last season, Liverpool would also
entertain bids for Stewart Downing.

Liverpool, though, are eager for Andy Carroll to confirm a
£15â~@~Imillion move to West Ham as soon as possible.

Martin Skrtel has long been anticipated to leave in this transfer
window, a reunion with former manager Rafael Benítez at Napoli mooted.

AZERI STATE RELIGIOUS BODY CONDEMNS CALLS TO JOIN SYRIAN CIVIL WAR

APA, Azerbaijan
June 13 2013

Baku, 12 June: “International practice shows that administrative
methods alone do not decrease the level of radical extremism,”
the head of the State Committee for Work with Religious Structures
(SCWRC), Elsad Iskandarov, has said, according to APA, at a meeting
with journalists from leading mass media to discuss the results of
annual activities.

He said that radicalism runs counter to spirit of Islam. “In its
essence Islam is a moderate religion and it calls on Muslims to keep
to the ‘middle road’. At the same time, simplifying the issue of
fighting radicalism only leads to production of wrong recipes.

Therefore, educative measures must be stepped up in the struggle
against religious radicalism.

“Practice also shows that radical religious groups find it easier to
recruit among people who have no notion of religion, rather than among
those who have some understanding of religion. Considering all this,
the committee has prepared special courses to step up the tangible and
propagandistic anti-radicalism activities of religious communities. It
is essential to struggle against those who spread radical and unhealthy
ideas that violate state-religion relations,” [he said].

Iskandarov also commented on the fact that some Azerbaijani citizens
participate in the ongoing civil war in Syria and issue video
statements via the internet. “There is no doubt that they are on the
wrong path. I strongly condemn their move. If they wish to sacrifice
their lives for their religious beliefs, then they must consider the
Karabakh problem that concerns all of our nation. We have the example
of martyr Mubariz Ibrahimov here [Azerbaijani warrant officer who
died in a skirmish with the Armenian forces in June 2010]. Although in
form both these movements seem similar, they are completely different
in terms of their essence. The attitude of the state and society to
these two developments proves this too,” [he said].

[Translated from Azeri]