Author: Kajoyan Gevork

Direct flights between Turkish Van and Armenia’s Yerevan to boost
regional tourism

YEREVAN, March 14. / ARKA /. Direct flights between the Turkish city
of Van and Armenia’s capital Yerevan will facilitate development of
regional tourism, said the chairman of the Union of Industrialists and
Entrepreneurs of Armenia Arsen Ghazaryan.

The first flight between the two cities is scheduled for April 3.
Regular flights between Yerevan and Van, which is one of the ancient
capitals of Armenia, now in eastern Turkey, will be operated twice a
week – on Wednesdays and Sundays. Two way tickets will cost 104,000
drams ($250). In the first two months they will be sold with a 20%
discount.

The flights will be operated by new 68-seat aircrafts of Turkish
Borajet airline. According to Ghazaryan, the opening of flights is the
result of hard work by USAID. He said first Armenia-Turkey tourism
association was created, which conducted several business forums,
highlighting the need for a direct flight between Van and Yerevan,
which will develop regional tourism and establish business ties
between the two countries.

The co-founder of the Armenian tourist company Narekavank Tour, Armen
Hovhannisyan, said direct flights between Yerevan and Van, will, apart
from establishment of cultural and business relations, also
contribute to the preservation of Armenian historical values in
Turkey.

Hovhannisyan said flights have a set of advantages over bus tours in
terms of convenience and time spent on the road: flying from Yerevan
to Van takes 40 minutes, while buses travel around 1000 kilometers in
20 hours.

He said Narekavank Tour offers travel packages for 3, 4 and 7 days,
costing from 180 thousand drams including air tickets, meals, hotel
and visits to tourist sites in Van, Ani, Kars, Mush, Bitlis, and
Erzurum. He said a four-day bus tour is worth $550.

Hovhannisyan also said that in addition to the development of outbound
tourism the direct flights will contribute to an increase in tourist
flows from Turkey to Armenia.

Turkey and Armenia have no diplomatic relations, the border between
the two countries was closed in 1993 by Ankara in solidarity with
Azerbaijan. -0-

8,000 of 15,000 multi-child families in Armenia receive social benefits

YEREVAN, March 14. /ARKA/. Armenian Labor and Social Affairs Minister
Artem Asatryan, speaking Thursday at a regular Cabinet session, said
there are 15,000 multi-child families in Armenia now.

Of them, 8,000 families receive social benefits. There are 4.42
children, on average, in each of these families. It means the number
of children in 15,000 families is about 67,000, of which 45,000 are
first, second and third children in the family, and 22,000 are fourth
and follow-up kids.

At its today’s session, the Cabinet upheld MPs the bill proposed by
Heghine Bisharyan and Hovhannes Margaryan to support multi-child
families, but stipulated the necessity of reviewing figures in this
bill.

The minister said that AMD 2.7 billion (about $6.5 million) in the
2013 government budget is earmarked for supporting multi-child
families. If the bill is passed by the National Assembly, extra AMD 16
billion (about $38.7 million) will be needed to put it into reality.

`That is why we propose to adjust this initiative to the social
support program that is now being worked out by the government,’
Asatryan said. ($1- AMD 412.75). -0-

PRESS RELEASE
RAFFI HOVANNISIAN HEADQUARTERS
31 Moscovian Street
Yerevan, Armenia
Tel.: (+374 – 10) 53.69.13
Fax: (+374 – 10) 53.26.97
Email: [email protected]
Website:

16 March 2013

Barevolution rock concert

Yerevan–On the seventh day of Raffi K. Hovannisian’s hunger strike at
Liberty Square, political meetings and consultations continued, as
thousands of citizens poured into the square to offer their solidarity
to the rightfully elected president of the Republic of Armenia. As
promised, the evening brought the highly anticipated Barevolution rock
concert, which featured powerful performances by the bands Vostan
Hayots, Vordan Karmir, and Daydream.

`Tomorrow at 5pm we will commence our first in a series of civic
forums,’ Raffi Hovannisian announced between sets, `where politicians,
scholars, and intellectuals will present their views on the future of
Armenia.’ That first forum will be organized by Nikol Pashinyan. A new
forum, with a different moderator, will be convened each day from
Sunday to Thursday, from 5pm to 6:30pm.

On Monday, at noon, Raffi Hovannisian will hold a press conference at
Liberty Square.

Rock concert videos:
!

Raffi Hovannisian Headquarters

AUTHORITIES READY FOR MUTUAL CONCESSIONS: NA CHAIRMAN VISITS RAFFI HOVANNISIAN (VIDEOS)

10:52 ~U 16.03.13

Armenia’s National Assembly chairman Hovik Abrahamyan visited yesterday
late in the evening Heritage party leader Raffi Hovannisian.

After the conversation that lasted for more than 20 minutes inside the
cover, Hovannisian, in the presence of reporters, expressed gratitude
to Hovik Abrahamyan for visiting him, saying that he will present
the details of the conversation at a news conference on Monday.

Speaking to reporters, NA chairman said he was interested in the
health condition of Raffi Hovannisian and discussed the issues for
‘solving this debate.’

Abrahamyan said no concrete agreement has been reached but it is not
the last meeting, the discussions will continue. “I just think that
this format will not solve the issue. I am concerned with the solution
of issues and elimination of complaints voiced in the Liberty Square.

Economic, political, social issues must be solved,” he said,
considering Raffi Hovannisian’s decision not take people to bloodshed
reasonable.

“We are concerned too and will try to find solution to the issues,”
he said. Abrahamyan stressed he cannot say whether Serzh Sargsyan will
come to the square or not. The parliament speaker said he listened
to Heritage party leader’s concerns and will convey them to the
president, they will consult together and everything will be done
for the ‘peaceful settlement of the issues.’

Asked about concrete proposals, Abrahamyan said he does not have so,
adding that it should come from the team’s leader.

Assessing the reasonability of Hovannisian’s demands, Abrahamyan said
he considers the demand of conduction of second round of elections
as well as new parliamentary elections unreasonable.

Abrahamyan said everything will be done for reaching agreement with
Raffi Hovannisian that will stem from people’s interest. He also
considered Hovannisian’s statement that Serzh Sargsyan’s inauguration
will take place only on his dead body inadmissible, describing it as
non-political category and an ultimatum.

The parliament speaker also said that the authorities are ready
for mutual concessions. Asked which will be the biggest concession
Abrahamyan said – patience.

MEMORANDUM OF COOPERATION SIGNED BETWEEN ARMENIAN NA AND THE OSCE OFFICE IN YEREVAN

17:09, 15 March, 2013

YEREVAN, MARCH 15, ARMENPRESS: On March 15 the President of the
National Assembly Hovik Abrahamyan received Ambassador Andrey Sorokin,
Head of the OSCE Office in Yerevan.

As Armenpress was informed from public relations and media department
of NA, Hovik Abrahamyan has highly assessed the effective cooperation
established between the Armenian National Assembly and the OSCE
Office in Yerevan, noting that it is laid on firm bases and has given
its positive results. Highly appreciating the activity of the OSCE
Office in Yerevan, Hovik Abrahamyan has noted that it is based on the
principles of the OSCE, the enforcement of security and stability,
the fulfillment of cooperation in the spheres of human rights,
politics, law, freedom of press, ecology and economy. Touching upon
the Memorandum of Cooperation between the Armenian National Assembly
and OSCE Office in Yerevan, the President of the National Assembly
has evaluated it as one more example of successful cooperation,
which will give opportunity to strengthen the capabilities of the
parliament. He has the support of the OSCE Office in Yerevan in
the legislative reforms, expressing confidence that the cooperation
between the Armenian National Assembly and OSCE Office in Yerevan
will be continuous.

Expressing gratitude for reception Andrey Sorokin also highly assessed
OSCE-National Assembly efficient cooperation in different spheres
and in this context highlighted the Memorandum of Cooperation. Mr
Sorokin presented to the NA President a number of issues concerning
further cooperation.

After the meeting at the Gilded Hall of the National Assembly in the
presence of Armenian NA President Hovik Abrahamyan, NA Vice Presidents,
representatives of the NA Committees and factions the Chief of NA
Staff Gurgen Dumanyan and the Ambassador Andrey Sorokin, the Head of
the OSCE Office in Yerevan signed a Memorandum of Cooperation.

NASDAQ OMX Armenia announced the winners of “Best Exchange Member Award 2012”

20:43, 15 March, 2013

YEREVAN, MARCH 15, ARMENPRESS: On March 15, 2013, NASDAQ OMX Armenia,
part of the NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc. at a special ceremony announced
winners of the Best Member Awards 2012. As Armenpress was informed
from NASDAQ OMX Armenia media relations department, the ceremony had
been held for the 3rd time already and according to the results of
2012 the Award was granted for the following nominations:

Best Exchange Member in Corporate Securities Market; best Exchange
Member in Government Bonds Market; best Exchange Member in Credit
Resources Market; best Exchange Member in Foreign Currency Market;

Grand Prix “Best Exchange Member”, this nomination includes overall
activity of members on all the markets of NASDAQ OMX Armenia, as well
as their input in development of exchange trading in Armenia.

“Armenbrok” OJSC was awarded for the Best Exchange Member in Corporate
Securities Market, while “Capital Investments” CJSC and “Armswissbank”
CJSC were among the best performers in corporate securities market and
were nominated for the title of Best Exchange Member in this market.

“Araratbank” OJSC won the title of the Best Exchange Member in
Government Bonds Market for the 2nd time, with other two best
performers of this market, “Armenian Development Bank” OJSC and
“Ameriabank” CJSC, nominated for the Award.

“Ameriabank” CJSC was recognized as the Best Exchange Member in
Foreign Currency Market, competing with best nominees, “Unibank”
CJSC and “VTB Bank (Armenia)” CJSC, for this Award. Noteworthy that
“Ameriabank” CJSC was also nominated for Best Exchange Member in
Government Bonds Market Award.

“Araratbank” CJSC won the title of Best Exchange Member in Credit
Resources Market. The other best nominees for “Best Exchange Member in
Credit Resources Market” Award were “Armbusinessbank” CJSC and “HSBC
Bank Armenia” CJSC. To recall, “Araratbank” OJSC was among the nominees
for this Award in previous year and succeeded to win it this year.

“Araratbank” OJSC, as in previous year, was also acknowledged as the
Best Exchange Member of 2012, considering its active involvement in
all the marketplaces of the Exchange, as well as its proactive policy
of issuing stocks and corporate bonds and their listing at NASDAQ OMX
Armenia. “Ameriabank” CJSC and “VTB Bank (Armenia)” CJSC were among
the best and were nominated in this Award.

Best Member Awards by NASDAQ OMX Armenia was introduced in 2010 to
encourage those investment services provider companies and exchange
members actively involved in trading on various Exchange markets,
participating in activities dedicated to developing and improving
Armenian capital markets, as well as keeping the code of professional
ethics.

Award is granted once a year to the Exchange member companies based
on the results of each year as of December 31.

The inventor of the electronic exchange, The NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc.,
fuels economies and provides transformative technologies for the entire
lifecycle of a trade – from risk management to trade to surveillance
to clearing.

“I VOTED FOR ANDRIA, LET RAFFI NOT BE OFFENDED”- VIDEO

07:49 PM | TODAY | POLITICS

Addressing the ralliers in Yerevan’s Freedom Square, Garegin
Chugaszyan, a senior representative of the Pre-parliament initiative,
said he was in the square at the invitation of Raffi Hovannisian.

“Our hearts are beating together for free and fair Armenia,” said
Mr Chugaszyan.

He said that people do not have time to err. “Armenia has turned into
a colony with open borders. Change the midwife and make Freedom square
a maternity home,” he said.

In his speech, public figure and political scientist Suren Zolyan
said Raffi Hovannisian is a pioneer and he came to the square to
defend his rights.

“I do not want to offend Raffi, but I voted for presidential candidate
Andrias Ghukasyan… I respect the majority opinion and today I am here
to support Raffi. I do not think that it is so difficult to open the
2000 ballot sacks in electoral precincts. In that case the authorities
will be amnestied and no one will speak bad things about them.”

At the proposal of Heritage party member David Sanasaryan, the
participants observed one minute silence in memory of military
surgeon Vahe Avetyan, who was mercilessly beaten at the Harsnakar
restaurant in Yerevan in June 29, 2012 and died in hospital without
regaining consciousness. Then he read out the letter of Avetyan’s
sister addressed to Raffi Hovannisian.

MARCH 15 – BAREVOLUTION IN FREEDOM SQUARE

19:43, March 15, 2013

Chants of “Armenia, Armenia” ushered Raffi Hovannisian to the platform
today at Freedom Square.

Thousands filled the square on a mild late afternoon to hear what
Raffi Hovannisian had to say about his declared strike against lies
and fraud.

Heritage Party MP Armen Martirosyan reassured the crowd that
Hovannisian was in good spirits and health and that he was determined
to direct this popular movement to its logical conclusion.

Martirosyan declared the launch of a signature petition where citizens
could express their opposition to the scheduled April 9 inauguration
of Serzh Sargsyan.

Heritage Party MP Zaruhie Postanjyan referred to the members of the
Constitutional Court, which yesterday rejected the election annulment
petitions of Hovannisian, as judges who made a transaction with
the devil.

She said that all their motions had been rejected by the court.

Postanjyan, in a veiled reference to the Nemesis operation that hunted
down the pepetrators of the 1915 Armenian Genocicde, declared that
the Armenian people would not tolerate those today who violate the
law of the land and stand in the way of justice and democracy.

The MP announced that Serzh Sargsyan, as the organizer of the February
18 election, was also responsible for its being fraudulent and rigged.

Members of the Sardarapat Movement also took the stage and asked the
people if they were ready to form an army to inaugurate Hovannisian
as the legitimately president of Armenia. They forcefully responded,
“Yes”.

Heritage Party speakers also announced the formation of a Barev
Development Fund in order to collect money for creating websites
and other communication vehicles to convey the message and further
actions of the movement.

Speakers, including a former Regional Governor, ridiculed the slogan
used by Serzh Sargsyan five years ago when, during his campaign, he
declared “Forward Armenia”. The Governor said that Sargsyan and state
officials had indeed gone forward in the sense of lining their pockets.

One of the military doctors who was brutally beaten at the Harsnakar
Restaurant last year addressed the crowd and announced that while,
due to his physical injuries, he couldn’t participate to the extent
that he had wished, he was with the people in spirit. He called for
an Armenia free of intimidation, violence and disrespect for the law.

Andreas Ghoukasyan, a presidential candidate who staged a hunger strike
throughout the campaign, told the crowd that the Constitutional Court
didn’t display the courage to call Serzh Sargsyan as a witness and
question him regarding his public statement that he had “organized”
the election.

Nikol Pashinyan gave an impassioned speech saying that there was
no room for compromise and that the prime task of the day was the
drafting of the principles for the formation of a new government.

He said the public would be fully incorporated into the process.

Pashinyan called for thousands to come out on April 9, inauguration
day, to protest the illegal swearing in ceremony of Serzh Sargsyan.

CHIEF EDITOR OF AZERBAIJANI NEWSPAPER ATTACKED

18:50, 15 March, 2013

YEREVAN, MARCH 15, ARMENPRESS: Another journalist has been attacked in
Azerbaijan. This time chief editor of Azerbaijani ”GundE~Ylik Bakı”
Habil Veliyev became the target of the attack, reports Armenpress,
referring to Azerbaijani APA agency.

One of the attackers noted that Habil Veliyev had also threatened
his brother and that it was not an attack but mutual conflict.

SOAR SEEKS SPONSORSHIP FOR SOUSANNA SAHAKYAN

The Our Lady of Armenia Center is a private orphanage in Gyumri
housing children (primarily girls) between the ages of six and 18.

The Center is operated by the Armenian Sisters of the Immaculate
Conception, a religious order of nuns established in 1847. The Director
of the Our Lady of Armenia Center is Sr. Arousiag Sajonian.

The Sponsorship Program is the primary mechanism through which SOAR
provides support to specific orphans. We are seeking sponsorship funds
($600/year) that will be used entirely and exclusively for Sousanna
Sahakyan (picture and profile below).

Name: Sousanna Sahakyan

Facility: Our Lady of Armenia Center

Gender: Female

DOB: August 30, 2000

Father’s name/Occupation: Qajik/Unknown

Mother’s name/Occupation: Anna/Unemployed

Sibling(s): None

Health history and current medical conditions: Sousanna is a healthy
child.

Family history: Sousanna is the daughter of an orphan, and her mother
was raised in a state orphanage. As a teenager, Sousanna’s mother was
the victim of trafficking. Sousanna was born and raised under extremely
stressful conditions. Unfortunately, Sousanna’s mother continues to
live with different male partners who at times have forced Sousanna to
beg on the streets. Sousanna was found by the police begging during the
late hours of the night. She was brought to the Our Lady of Armenia
Center in December 2012. Sousanna has additional serious personal
and familial circumstances that we have elected not to post publicly.

If you would like additional information about Sousanna, please
contact George S. Yacoubian, Jr., at [email protected] or enroll
and select Sousanna through the Sponsorship Program.

Susanna, the Our Lady of Armenia Center, and SOAR thank you in advance
for your support!

The Society for Orphaned Armenian Relief (SOAR) is a 501(c)(3)
nonprofit organization dedicated to providing humanitarian relief to
orphaned Armenian children and adults. Working with a loyal donor
base and a trusted network of partners, SOAR distributes clothing,
educational supplies, medicine, and other essential resources to
orphaned Armenians throughout the world.

SOCIETY FOR ORPHANED ARMENIAN RELIEF (SOAR) 1060 First Avenue, Suite
400, King of Prussia, PA 19406 Office: 610.213.3452 Fax: 610.229.5168
Email: [email protected] Web: