Author: Kajoyan Gevork

NUMBER OF FOREIGN CITIZENS SEEKING REFUGE IN ARMENIA INCREASED

10:04, 27 February, 2013

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 27, ARMENPRESS. The number of foreign citizens
seeking refuge in Armenia increased for approximately eight times. In
a conversation with “Armenpress” the Head of Migration Agency of the
Ministry of Territorial Administration of the Republic of Armenia
Gagik Yeganyan stated that the majority of the applications for
refuge in Armenia were submitted by the Syrian citizens in 2012,
but 87 of 92 foreign citizens were from Syria, and 5 of them from
Iraq by January 2013. Among other things Gagik Yeganyan underscored:
“Because of the political situation in Syria the number of foreign
citizens seeking refuge in Armenia recorded a palpable growth in 2012
and by January 2013, and this number continues growing.”

In accordance with the data of the Migration Agency 155 of 496 Syrian
citizens found refuge in Armenia. By January 2013 the applications of
54 Syrian citizens out of 87 have already been accepted. In the period
of 2009-2011 the number of foreign citizens seeking refuge in Armenia
did not exceed 100. A number of Iranian, Iraqi, Turkish, Lebanese,
Georgian and many other citizens had applied to the Migration Agency
for refuge.

L’AZERBAIDJAN NE POURRA JAMAIS ANNEXER LA PROVINCE DE L’AZERBAIDJAN OCCIDENTAL DE L’IRAN

Un petit pays ne peut pas annexer une partie d’un pays qui est
superieur a son territoire geographiquement et en termes de population
a declare l’ambassadeur d’Iran en Armenie.

Son excellence Mohammad Reisi repondait a une question sur les
declarations constantes de l’Azerbaïdjan d’une intention d’annexer
la province de l’Azerbaidjan occidental de l’Iran. Il a rappele que
l’Azerbaïdjan en tant qu’Etat a ete fonde qu’en 1918.

” La population de l’Azerbaïdjan occidental depasse la population
de la Republique de l’Azerbaïdjan. Les provinces de l’Azerbaidjan
de l’Ouest et de l’Est sont d’importantes regions pour l’Iran et
font partie integrantes de la Republique islamique ” a declare le
diplomate aux journalistes.

mercredi 27 fevrier 2013, Stephane ©armenews.com

PROVOCATION ET BAGARRE AU MEETING DE LA FRA A L’ASSEMBLEE NATIONALE

Le meeting organise a l’Assemblee nationale mardi 26 fevrier par la
FRA Dachnagtsoutioun a la memoire des victimes de Soumgaït a degenere
en une bagarre en fin de reunion. Les organisateurs ont ete confrontes
a la provocation d’un couple venu visiblement dans la perspective de
perturber cette manifestation commemorative.

En fin de meeting, alors que les organisateurs demandaient a
l’assistance de se mettre debout et de respecter une minute de
silence, ce couple est reste assis tandis que la femme a crie :
” je me mets debout pour les morts de Khodjaly “. Outres, quelques
Armeniens se sont alors precipites sur ces deux perturbateurs. Des
coups ont ete echanges. Des membres de l’assistance ont reussi a
separer les parties et a extraire le couple de la salle Colbert où
se tenait le meeting. Les forces de l’ordre sont intervenues et ont
bloque la salle, prenant les identites des spectateurs. Curieusement,
l’ambassadeur d’Azerbaïdjan, accompagne de diplomates qui etaient
visiblement non loin de l’enceinte, est aussitôt intervenu sur
place pour condamner l’evenement, ce qui laisse a penser que la
provocation etait premeditee. Les chaines de la television azeries
etaient egalement presentes sur les lieux.

Interroge par telephone, un ancien combattant francais d’origine
armenienne qui etait sur place s’est declare choque par ces evenements
qui ont assombri une reunion qui jusqu’alors s’etait deroulee dans
le calme et la dignite. ” On nous a tendu un piège, et certains sont
tombes dedans “, deplore-t-il.

Communique du BFCA

Incidents a l ‘assemblee nationale

Une delegation azerie a perturbe la commemoration des 25 ans des
pogroms anti armeniens de Soumgait le mardi 26 fevrier aux alentours
de 20h30.

” Deux individus en liaison avec l’ambassade d’Azerbaidjan ont provoque
l’assemblee composee de Francais d’origine armenienne venus commemorer
les massacres des Armeniens en Azerbaïdjan a declare Franck PAPAZIAN,
President du Conseil de Coordination des Armeniens de France – CCAF. Il
est curieux que quelques minutes après l’incident une dizaine de
diplomates azeris avec a leur tete l’ambassadeur d’Azerbaidjan soient
arrives sur les lieux. Il s’agit d’une provocation inadmissible a
deux jours d’une manifestation que nous organisobs face a l’ambassade
d’Azerbaidjan. Nous allons porter plainte a conclu Franck PAPAZIAN. ”

Paris – Assemblee nationale Le mardi 26 fevrier 2013

Sur la photo l’agent provocateur azerbaïdjanais.

mercredi 27 fevrier 2013, Ara ©armenews.com

U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE DISSATISFIED WITH PRESERVATION OF STATUS QUO IN NAGORNO-KARABAKH CONFLICT

Trend, Azerbaijan
Feb 26 2014

U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry expressed his dissatisfaction
with the continuing position of the status quo in the Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict, a congratulatory letter to Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan
in connection with his re-election says, Tert.am reported on Tuesday.

‘I am willing to help your country find a peaceful and negotiated
settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and ask you to continue
assisting the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs. We cannot be satisfied with
the status quo. We should find the moment to ensure visible support
in peace process’, the message says.

Presidential elections were held in Armenia on Feb.18.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988
when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. Armenian
armed forces have occupied 20 per cent of Azerbaijan since 1992,
including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.

Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a ceasefire agreement in 1994.The
co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group – Russia, France and the U.S. –
are currently holding peace negotiations.

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

SABINE FREIZER: “MINSK GROUP IS TOO WEAK, IT CAN NOT INFLUENCE THE CONFLICTING PARTIES”

APA, Azerbaijan
Feb 26 2013

Baku. Shamil Alibeyli – APA. “Minsk Group is too weak, it can not
influence the conflicting parties.

Therefore, Azerbaijan and Armenia have not achieved progress on main
principles,” said Director of the International Crisis Group’s Europe
Programme Sabine Fraizer in her interview with “1in.am. She said
that Azerbaijan and Armenia must be careful in this case, because
the restoration of peace between the parties depends only on them.

Sabine Freizer also touched on the opening of Khojaly airport. She
said this issue has become the theme of dispute:

“Armenian president used this issue in his pre-election campaign and
I think that it will be further used for propaganda in Azerbaijan, too.

The situation around the airport has been politicized,” she said.

Commenting on the reports that Turkey will invite Armenia to the
regional transport project, if there is an improvement regarding
Nagorno Karabakh conflict, Sabine Freizer said this is not a new idea
and she regards these initiatives as positive.

“The new transport projects will help strengthen confidence between
the sides. Azerbaijan has stated that this project can be realized
only after Armenia withdraws forces from the occupied territories.

Moreover, I do not think that Turkey wants to interfere in the process
of negotiations. Simply, this country defends its interests, because
this project will unite Asia and Europe through Turkey. I think this
project can be realized after some of Azerbaijan’s territories are
released,” she said.

AZERBAIJAN PRESENTS DIPLOMATIC NOTE TO RUSSIA

Vestnik Kavkaza, Russia
Feb 26 2013

On 26 February Deputy Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Mahmud
Mammad-Guliyev received Vladimir Dorokhin, Ambassador of the Russian
Federation to Azerbaijan.

The Foreign Ministry’s press service told APA that at the meeting
Deputy Minister Mammad-Guliyev expressed the concerns and protest
of the Azerbaijani side over the publication of an on-line article
entitled “Nagorno-Karabakh is used to being unrecognized for 25 years”
on the official website of RIA Novosti, the Russian State News Agency
on the eve of the anniversary of the Khojaly Genocide.

The Deputy Minister brought to Ambassador’s attention the fact that
recently there has been an increase in the number of articles in the
Russian media which are directed against Azerbaijan. He underlined that
the publication of the article on the website of the Russian State
News Agency is particularly regrettable and overshadows the activity
of the Russian Federation towards a resolution of the conflict between
Armenia and Azerbaijan, as a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group.

The Deputy Minister also noted that the article does not reflect
reality, includes calls for encouraging separatism and extremism and
disrespects the principle of territorial integrity, a fundamental
principle of international law.

ACAA HERITAGE CRUISE WELCOMES NEW SKIPPER
by Tom Vartabedian

February 26, 2013

Up until the time Bedros Bandazian took over as Executive Committee
chairman of the ACAA Heritage Cruise, he had never been on a ship.

Change of command marks the end of an era aboard the ACAA Heritage
Cruise. Outgoing chairman Bedros Bandazian, left, welcomes incoming
chairman Vasken Aivazian as the cruise enters its 17th year.

Now, you can’t keep him away, even after yielding his post to sidekick
Vasken Aivazian after 13 years. Bandazian has agreed to stay on board
as treasurer and be there when needed.

“I’m not going anywhere,” he said. “This is one of the best activities
we have anywhere in the world and I enjoy being a part of it. Anytime
you get a thousand or more Armenians together on a vessel, you must
be doing something right.”

Hard to believe, but true. Bandazian had never been on a cruise
ship in his life, until he took over for organizer Angele Manoogian,
who chaired the crew for three years.

Over that time, more than 20,000 people have sailed the Caribbean,
including some 1,800 folks marking the 10th anniversary. They’ve
hailed from 25 countries and more states than not in America.

“We’ve had 12 marriages over the years,” beams Bandazian. “They’ve
met on board ship and tied the knot.”

Playing a matchmaker’s role has been among the most enjoyable roles
for Bandazian. And seeing hundreds and thousands of dollars being
raised in profits for Armenian charities both here and aboard. The
cruise has become a veritable “cash cow” for the organizations.

Bandazian’s back seat role paves the way for others like Aivazian,
another staunch pioneer of this cruise. The addition of musicians Jim
Kzarian and Richard Berberian to the board paves the way for fresh
blood in the organization.

“Bedros has been a true leader over these past years,” lauded
Aivazian. “His ability to bring the various committees together as
a cohesive unit has been outstanding. All of us have formulated a
tremendous respect for our chairman. The standards he has set up will
be far too many to emulate. He feels it’s time to pass the torch.”

The preservation of Armenian culture and education, imbued in an
entertaining climate, maintains an even keel aboard this cruise. It’s
not all about sun and fun. It seems the regulars come year after
year to rekindle their spirit and keep the ethnic embers burning
with passion.

For decades, the 75-year-old Bandazian has been a catalyst in
the various organizations. He’s a third-generation Virginian
from Richmond and keeps the torch burning in that section of the
country. His grandchildren will mark a fifth generation inside an
Armenian community that bolsters 300 families.

His work as a real estate broker has led to property management and
historic renovation. At St. James Armenian Church, he’s been managing
trustee of the endowment fund and chaired the local food festival.

Bandazian has been an active member of the Gomideh, serving three
terms on the Central Committee, along with being a founding member
of the National Ethnic Committee. Of all his qualities, philanthropy
has always ranked high. In 1997, Bandazian created the Hairenik
Endowment Fund.

He raised his own AYF family with sons Khoren, Raffi, and Diran. All
married Armenians and blessed him with four grandchildren. Bedros
and wife Stella have been wed 45 years.

Looking back at the cruise, he praises Angele Manoogian and the late
Azad Merian for developing the concept.

“They brought the proposal to the Central Committee in 1997 and it
simply accelerated after that,” Bandazian recalled. “It was very
cloistered in the beginning and it’s become all-inclusive now. We’ve
eliminated barriers and given it universal appeal.”

Bandazian injected his business acumen into the enterprise. Marketing
doors flew wide open. One deal after another was worked out with the
cruise lines. Up until the economy took a hit, Bandazian reported an
average of 1,500 guests annually. He sees that number returning.

“We’ve given grants to all the participating organizations,” he
confirms. “The cruise has become a focal point-a mecca. This year
brought 250 young people aboard. We’re training fresh blood to
take over.”

One of the nicer touches are the events for singles, including a
five-minute encounter where introductions were made and essentials
exchanged.

“It’s been a good ride as chairman but I’m still aboard,” he says
with a smile.

And like he’s always done, Bandazian slips into an omnipresent role,
off to one event this moment and another the next. It’s been a job
that’s had its pressure points as well as its euphoria.

But like a true captain of his ship, he wouldn’t want it any other way.

AMERICAN MESSAGES TO ARMENIA
HAKOB BADALYAN

Story from Lragir.am News:

18:03 25/02/2013

The United States of America will cut humanitarian assistance to
Armenia, reducing 44.2 million to 36.6 million dollars. This decision
does not concern Armenia only but the South Caucasus so it is hardly
a specific expression of the attitude of the United States to Armenia.

This is just part of budget saving.

Interestingly, the United States changes the directions of spending.

Formerly the bulk of this assistance was spent on economic development
programs whereas now two thirds of this money will be spent on defense.

First, economy. Recently, the United States has been taking interest
in bilateral economic ties. The U.S. Ambassador John Heffern has
stated his intention to attract American investments to Armenia. There
is a contradiction when with such a priority the share of economic
development is nullified in humanitarian assistance.

However, it seems so at first sight. In fact, the picture is logical,
there is no contradiction. The issue of economic development must be
tackled with the help of investments, not humanitarian aid. Moreover,
humanitarian programs seem to be psychological obstacles to economic
development. A healthy economy is based on investment programs and
strategy.

The decision of the United States is a clear hint to the Armenian
authorities not to rely on humanitarian aid but provide an attractive
business environment for investments.

The other side of the issue is that Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan
visited the United States last December together with the U.S.

ambassador to meet with Armenian American organizations. The meeting
with the head of MCC and Vice-President Biden were not planned.

In 2006 MCC included Armenia in its program, granting 235 million
for 5 years for rural infrastructures. However, the program set
economic and political benchmarks, and in 2006 Armenia complied,
whereas after the tragic post-electoral developments in 2008 the
program was suspended, withdrawing a 70 million tranche. Armenia
did not comply with the benchmarks and therefore lost the chance to
participate in the program for the second time.

Now if the post-electoral developments in Armenia do not escalate
into clashes, Millennium Challenge may finance Armenia.

Although, the United States will certainly follow the post-electoral
developments. However, the nullified economic component of the
humanitarian aid to Armenia may be evidence to the U.S. wish to
compensate for MCC. As to the defense component which is two thirds
of the assistance, it is a clear message. At the end of last year
a group of high-ranking American defense officials visited Armenia
and signed agreements on cooperation on military industry. Given the
Memorandum of Cooperation by which the United States expressed its
readiness to ensure the safety of the Armenian NPP and help prolong
its service by another decade, these are practical steps by the United
States towards its commitments.

ELEVENTH BABY BORN INTO FAMILY IN GYUMRI

05:49 PM | TODAY | SOCIAL

The eleventh baby was born into an Armenian family living in the
country’s second-largest Gyumri city. The 38 year-old mother, Arevhat
Alexanyan, gave birth to a baby boy whose appearance was the first
surprise of 2013 for the employees of the maternity hospital. In 2012
they assisted a Yezidi woman to deliver her 12th child.

While multi-children families are wide-spread among Yezidis, this is
a bit unusual in Armenia.

Arevhat Alexanyan says she loves children very much and will have as
many of them as God wants, Gyumri-based Tsayg TV reports.

SOME ARMY UNITS SECRETLY INSTRUCTED TO BE READY FOR DISPERSING SUPPORTERS OF RAFFI HOVHANNISIAN

Monday, February 25, 14:52

Some units of the armed forces of Armenia are said to have been
secretly instructed to be ready for dispersing the supporters of
Raffi Hovhannisian.

A source close to the army has told ArmInfo that the order was given
after Hovhannisian’s unsanctioned rally in Liberty Square on Feb 21.

“The operation was scheduled for Feb 24 but their next rally was not
so dangerous,” the source said.

The runner-off in the Feb 18 presidential election Raffi
Hovhannisianrefuses to accept its results and is conducting rallies
all over Armenia.