Author: Kajoyan Gevork

PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: I HAVE NO EXPECTATIONS FROM PARIS MEETING OF ARMENIAN AND AZERI FMS

arminfo
Friday, January 25, 16:49

I have no expectations from the forthcoming meeting of the Armenian
and Azeri foreign ministers in Paris, presidential candidate, former
Foreign Minister of Nagorno- Karabakh Republic Arman Melikyan said
during an online press-conference on Friday.

He said that the promises that there will be some new ideas have been
reiterated for so many times that they no longer have any sense. “If
they really have any new idea, let’s them make it public so we can
be more specific,” Melikyan said.

When asked if the lack of consensus among the United States, Russia
and France concerning the Nagorno-Karabakh problem was a good or
a bad thing, Melikyan said that it allows maintaining the status
quo. “I don’t think that the Madrid principles are a real basis for
the conflict’s settlement. So, I prefer the status quo. Of course,
we must search for long-term solutions, but we must do it on the
basis of new ideas and universal principles,” Melikyan said.

JOINT CONFERENCE WITH WORLD BANK TO BE HELD IN ARMENIA

16:47, 25 January, 2013

YEREVAN, JANUARY 25, ARMENPRESS. The Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of
Territorial Administration of the Republic of Armenia Armen Gevorgyan
hosted the delegation of the World Bank headed by the head of the
Armenian office of the World Bank Jean-Michel Happy. The Head of Water
Management Committee of the Ministry of Territorial Administration
of the Republic of Armenia Andranik Andreasyan and the Director of
Water Sector Development and Institutional Improvements PIU Adibek
Ghazaryan attended the meeting.

The Department of Public Relations of the Ministry of Territorial
Administration of the Republic of Armenia informed “Armenpress” that
a number of issues regarding the cooperation in the irrigation system
have been under discussion during the aforesaid meeting. The Deputy
Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Armen Gevorgyan stated that
issues regarding the development of the irrigation system remain to be
of a certain importance for the Government of the Republic of Armenia.

Among other things the Deputy Prime Minister expressed his gratitude
to the World Bank for assistance and support in the activity targeting
the development and restoration of the system. At the same time Armen
Gevorgyan laid a heavy emphasis on the efficiency of the programs
realized by the assistance of the World Bank.

RAFFI HOVANNISIAN DESCRIBES ARMEN ASHOTYAN’S WORDS AS A ‘BLATANT LIE’

Source: Panorama.am
15:44 25/01/2013

Presidential candidate, Heritage party leader Raffi Hovannisian
describes as a “blatant lie” Armenian Education Minister Armen
Ashotyan’s Facebook note that Raffi Hovannisian violates the
Constitution by campaigning at the Pedagogical University.

“I visited universities, presented my son’s book to librarians,
greeted the students. I only wished them to have “good elections.”

That was not campaigning,” Raffi Hovannisian told reporters.

“I asked Armen Ashotyan to give me the right to meet with students at
Armenian universities and to hold a free debate with them but I was
rejected. I am going to appeal to him once again,” said Mr
Hovannisian.

“I am a candidate for president, and I have the right to visit those
places where the incumbent President is free to go: the army,
hospitals and military units. In this case, there will be equal
elections,” he concluded.

VAHAGN CHAKHALYAN CONSIDERS GEORGIAN AUTHORITIES POSITIVE ATTITUDE EVIDENT

15:00, 25 January, 2013

YEREVAN, JANUARY 25, ARMENPRESS: Positive treatment pursued by the new
Georgian authorities is apparent. In a conversation with “Armenpress”
Javakhk Armenian political activist, former political prisoner Vahagn
Chakhalyan stated this. In addition he said: “I am hopeful these
changes will contribute to the Armenian-Georgian relations. I am
happy that I am free now.” Among other things Chakhalyan noted: “The
positive change of the Georgian authorities is obvious; I further hope
they will prompt to the strengthening of Armenian-Georgian relations.

Anyway time will show.” According to the interlocutor after solving the
problems related to the passport, he will definitely head to Yerevan.

Dwelling on his future plans and projects Vahagn Chakhalyan noted
the establishment of Armenian-Georgian University remains priority
for him. Notwithstanding, Chakhalyan stated that he is hopeful that
Georgian new authorities are conscious the strong necessity of this
enterprise.

Georgian Court read decision on amnesty on January 24. Let us remind
that Vahagn Chakalyan, 31, is Javakhk born Armenian political figure
and the leader of “United Javakhk” movement. He was detained and
sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment by Georgian court on April
7, 2009 for his political activity advocating rights of Armenians
in Javakhk.

DIALOGUE WITH ORIENTAL ORTHODOX CHURCHES

2013-01-25 12:25:16

(Vatican Radio) These are representatives of some of the most ancient
Christian churches in the world, founded according to tradition by
the apostles in Egypt, Armenia, Syria, India and Ethiopia in the
decades following Christ’s death and Resurrection.

They are churches that have not been in communion with either the Roman
Catholic world or the Eastern Orthodox world since they officially
severed ties in the 5th century – hence very little is known about
their rich heritage and traditions outside those countries where they
are still based.

Representatives of all the Oriental Orthodox Churches are here in
Rome this week for a meeting of their International Joint Commission
for Theological Dialogue with the Catholic Church. The five day
encounter is focused on Communion and Communication in the first
five centuries of Christianity. To find out more, Philippa Hitchen
spoke with Fr Gabriel Quicke, who’s in charge of relations with these
Oriental Orthodox Churches at the Pontifical Council for Promoting
Christian Unity….

Listen:

“Last year we had our meeting in Ethiopia, hosted by Patriarch Abune
Paulos who died recently in August – I went with Cardinal Koch to
attend his funeral….

In Addis Ababa we decided to organise a draft commission in
September where we have put all the papers together on Communion and
Communication in the first five centuries….

We see that we have a lot of elements in common, we are making progress
step by step, listening to one another….exchanging ideas but also
experiences and gifts…

We hear about these Churches more and more – in Egypt for example they
are in a very difficult situation….we have to take their community
into our hearts and support them by different means…”

PACE URGES ARMENIA TO REMEDY SHORTCOMINGS IDENTIFIED IN RECENT ELECTION OBSERVATION

news.am
January 25, 2013 | 13:37

Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACEP) welcomes the
efforts of Armenia to address the issues with regard to the libel
suit, encourages the Armenian authorities to continue the work in this
direction.

PACE approved on Thursday a resolution on state of media freedom in
Europe demanding greater protection for the continent’s journalists,
less pressure on broadcasters, and more transparent media ownership.

The delegates also called in particular on Armenia, Azerbaijan, the
Russian Federation, Turkey and Ukraine to take steps to remedy
shortcomings identified in recent election observation.

Debating a report by Mats Johansson, the Assembly called for specific
steps from Russia, Turkey, Hungary and Belarus, in particular. The
delegates condemned the prosecution, detention and imprisonment of
Internet users for having expressed political criticism of the
government, for example in Azerbaijan, the Russian Federation and
Turkey, as well as in Belarus.

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From: Mihran Keheyian
Subject: PACE urges Armenia to remedy shortcomings identified in recent
election observation

PACE urges Armenia to remedy shortcomings identified in recent
election observation

news.am
January 25, 2013 | 13:37

Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACEP) welcomes the
efforts of Armenia to address the issues with regard to the libel
suit, encourages the Armenian authorities to continue the work in this
direction.

PACE approved on Thursday a resolution on state of media freedom in
Europe demanding greater protection for the continent?s journalists,
less pressure on broadcasters, and more transparent media ownership.

The delegates also called in particular on Armenia, Azerbaijan, the
Russian Federation, Turkey and Ukraine to take steps to remedy
shortcomings identified in recent election observation.

Debating a report by Mats Johansson, the Assembly called for specific
steps from Russia, Turkey, Hungary and Belarus, in particular. The
delegates condemned the prosecution, detention and imprisonment of
Internet users for having expressed political criticism of the
government, for example in Azerbaijan, the Russian Federation and
Turkey, as well as in Belarus.

HERITAGE LEADER COMPLAINS OF ‘UNEQUAL CAMPAIGN’

tert.am
25.01.13

With the pre-election campaign entering into its fifth day, the leader
of the opposition Heritage party complains that not all the candidates
running for presidency are allowed to benefit from equal rights.

At a news conference on Friday, Raffi Hovhannisyan said that most
contenders are denied access to public places these days.

The politician noted that Minister of Education and Science Armen
Ashotyan recently criticized him on Facebook for visiting the State
Teacher-Training University in violation of Armenia’s Constitution.

“I visited yesterday the National Library and three universities to
present a book by my son. I introduced it to the library, wishing them
a ‘happy voting’. There’s nothing about the campaign,” the Heritage
leader said, adding that his requests for meetings and free debates
with university students had met the minister’s objections.

Hovhannisyan added that his party is aware of what he called an
anti-constitutional campaign with “pedagogues and university deans
being called to municipal administrations for strict instructions
on how to vote”. The politician said he doesn’t think the incumbent
president is in the dark about all that.

“We demand that Serzh Sargsyan deliver a report to explain whether
he is aware of the [Republican] party’s political campaigning in
universities and other public places,” he said.

The Heritage leader thinks Sargsyan must resign as the head of the
Yerevan State University’s Board of Trustees in case of winning a
second term.

“No state official has the right to head a trusteeship board at a
higher educational institution. It is necessary to ban political
parties influence on student councils and scientific boards. We must
be entitled to meet and debate with a student. I must be able to
introduce my position to them,” said Hovhannisyan.

L’ARCHEVEQUE NOURHAN MANOUKIAN NOUVEAU PATRIARCHE ARMENIEN DE JERUSALEM
Stephane

armenews.com
vendredi 25 janvier 2013

Le 24 Janvier 2013, les membres de la fraternite du monastère des saint
Jacques de Jerusalem reunis en chapitre general ont elu patriarche
l’archeveque Nourhan Manoukian pour succeder au Patriarche Torkom I
disparu le 12 Octobre 2012.

Monseigneur Nourhan, Boghos dans le monde, est ne le 22 juillet 1948
a Alep, en Syrie. En 1961, il entre au seminaire du Catholicossat de
Cilicie a Antilias (Liban), puis, en 1966, devient elève au seminaire
de Jerusalem.

Il est ordonne diacre le 27 Juillet 1968 et hieromoine le 15 Juin 1971
par le Patriarche Elisee (Derderian). Il prend alors le nom de Nourhan.

En 1971 et 1972, il occupe les fonctions de Vice Recteur du petit
seminaire de Jerusalem.

1972- 1973 : Recteur des paroisses armeniennes de Suisse.

1974-1980 : Recteur des paroisses de Haïfa et de Jaffa.

1975 : Il est eleve a la dignite d’archimandrite et devient Recteur
du Seminaire de Jerusalem.

1980 : A l’invitation de l’archeveque Torkom Manoukian, alors Primat
du diocèse de la côte Est des Etats-Unis, il se rend a New-York
afin de poursuivre ses etudes a l’Academie de Theologie de l’Eglise
episcopalienne.

1994 : Recteur de l’eglise saint Georges de la ville de Houston
(Texas).

1998 : nomination comme Grand Ecclesiaste (sacristain) du Patriarcat
armenien de Jerusalem. Il devient le ” deuxième personnage ” du
Patriarcat armenien de Jerusalem.

1999 : Ordination episcopale par sa saintete Karekine II, Catholicos
de tous les Armeniens.

2009, le Patriarche Torkom I le nomme Vicaire patriarcal, fonction
qu’il occupera jusqu’a la mort de ce dernier a l’automne 2012.

97ème Patriarche armenien de Jerusalem, Mgr. Manoukian portera le
nom de Nourhan I

Conformement a la coutume, cette election doit etre validee par les
autorites civiles de Terre sainte, c’est a dire par le gouvernement
israelien et le roi de Jordanie. L’Eglise armenienne partage la
garde des lieux saints avec l’Eglise Grecque Orthodoxe et l’Eglise
Catholique romaine, les plus importantes, ainsi que les Eglises
Syriaque et Copte. Son Patriarche est l’un des cinq ” Custodes ”
(protecteurs) des lieux saints.

Le nombre des Armeniens vivant a Jerusalem serait aujourd’hui de
2.000. Selon certaines estimations, ils etaient 16.000 en 1948,
au moment de la creation de l’Etat d’Israël.

Presente en Terre sainte depuis le 5ème siècle, la communaute vit
pour l’essentiel dans l’un des quatre quartiers de la Vieille Ville
de Jerusalem appele ” Quartier armenien “.

Centre d’information du diocèse de l’Eglise armenienne en France

vendredi 25 janvier 2013, Stephane ©armenews.com

FLORA MARTIROSYAN’S RELATIVES TO TURN TO COURT

January 24, 2013 | 00:25

The relatives of national Armenian singer Flora Martirosyan, who
passed away in the United States of America on November 20, are going
to turn to court. During a conversation with Armenian News-NEWS.am
this was stated by Martirosyan’s family member, her sister’s son,
Manuk. Who they are going to sue – the hospital or the doctors
personally, he did not clarify. But relatives are determined and want
to know the singer’s cause of death.

Presently an Armenian lawyer is collecting the relevant documents, and
when they are ready, the application will be proceeded. Manuk said
that what the autopsy had determined is not completely ready. Flora
Martirosyan’s relatives are not in a hurry to blame somebody in her
heath or to voice names, as they are not sure and do not have proof,
and “the court will determine the guilty.” But they voice their
surprise over the fact of how a person can die as a result of a
gallbladder surgery, when this kind of operation is performed in
countries that do not have such progressed medicine. Manuk told that
Flora Martirosyan did not have any health problems.

“I don’t remember her taking any medicine,” he added. “She has always
been very healthy, she had some pains, that is why she went to the
hospital, to get checked, and they discovered stones, which were
removed.”

He highlighted that Martirosyan went to the surgery “on her own legs,”
but she still had some pains after the surgery and she again turned to
the hospital, that is, when the unfortunate event happened.

Flora Martirosyan was operated on in “Glendale Memorial” hospital,
family members informed.

ARMENIA’S SOCCER SUPERSTAR CONTINUES WAY TO THE TOP
by Lilly Torosyan

January 24, 2013

Midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan may have just celebrated his 24th
birthday, but he is a seasoned pro when it comes to netting goals in
the post. In recent years, the Armenian soccer player has become a
household name for European fans of the sport, as well as Armenians
worldwide.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan

A myriad of awards and titles have been bestowed upon the young
athlete, including three “Armenia’s Player of the Year” titles-in
2009, 2011, and 2012-and “Best Shakhtar Player” of the 2011-12 season,
voted on by fans. His other accolades include the title “Man of the
Year” in 2012 by Armenia’s First Channel News, Ukraine’s 2012 “Best
Footballer,” the “most popular European player” in 2012 by the
International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS),
and most recently, the Commonwealth of Independent States’ (CIS) 2012
“Top Footballer.” It comes as no surprise that the UEFA European
Football Yearbook 2012-13 named Mkhitaryan as one of its “Top 100”
players.

The powerhouse midfielder has played for the Ukrainian premiership
football club Shakhtar Donetsk since 2010. He previously played two
seasons for Metalurh Donetsk, another Ukrainian football club.

Mkhitaryan began his career at the age of 17 in the Armenian
premiership league club FC Pyunik, where he scored 11 goals in 10
league games.

In addition to Mkhitaryan’s hard work and determination, his family’s
background and love for the sport were key to his success at such an
early age. Mkhitaryan’s father, Hamlet Mkhitaryan, was a Soviet and
Armenian professional soccer player before his untimely passing in
1996. Inheriting his father’s athletic genes, little Henrikh seemed
destined for greatness. His mother, Marina Taschian, currently heads
the department of the Armenian Football Federation, and his elder
sister, Monica, works at UEFA’s headquarters.

With 18 goals in the Ukrainian premiership league and a slew of honors
to his name, the young star has attracted the attention of many of the
top football clubs in the world, including FC Liverpool, FC Bayern, FC
Juventus, and FC Tottenham Hotspur. If transferred to any of these
teams, Mkhitaryan will have advanced Armenian soccer to unprecedented
heights.

Mkhitaryan is the second top goal-scorer of all time for the Armenian
national team, with 10 goals in 33 matches, just one behind Arthur
Petrosyan’s record, which took 70 matches to complete.

If the awards aren’t enough to prove it, the athlete’s market value
for a European transfer has jumped from under $1 million to nearly $25
million in the last 3 years, according to transfermarket.co.uk, a
soccer portal for the premier league and transfer rumor forum.

In addition to his athletic abilities, Mkhitaryan is also an avid
reader and language aficionado, speaking Russian, English, French, and
Portuguese-the latter due to his four-month spell at Sao Paulo’s youth
set-up between his first club, Pyunik FC, and Brazilian giants. He is
keen on learning a few more, if time allows, which may be difficult
with the busy schedule ahead for Team Armenia.

Without a doubt, Mkhitaryan is one of the most important players on
the Armenian national team, and has helped the team soar to uncharted
heights in recent years, becoming the little-engine-that-could. The
great lineup of the team and enthusiasm from fans are at an all-time
high, catapulting the national team of the Republic of Armenia to a
status as a serious contender in international soccer championships.

Who knows what’s in the future for Mkhitaryan and Team Armenia?

Perhaps we may see a new trend of Armenian athletes advancing to play
at the best clubs in the world. We’re excited to find out!