Author: Kajoyan Gevork

ARS’ European cruise attracts more than 200

Published: Thursday August 23, 2012

ARS activists in Lisbon.

The 3rd ARS International Cruise took place from June 30 to July 14,
with over 210 voyagers on board, including ARS members, as well as
other Armenian and non-Armenian supporters.

This cruise dropped anchor at various European ports, beginning with
London, where the local ARS Chapter organized a tour of the city and a
special reception during which the voyagers and members of the local
Armenian community mingled, renewing or establishing new friendships.

The cruise set sail from the British port of Southampton, visiting the
French coast of Provence, Italy, including Florence and Rome, then
sailing on to Corsica’s port city of Ajaccio and Seville in Spain. The
cruise reached its summit in Lisbon, Portugal, where special tour
buses took everyone to popular and historic sites of the city,
followed by a visit to the Gulbenkian Foundation’s Museum. There, the
visitors were welcomed by the Assistant Curator of the Museum’s
Armenian section. After being shown a brief documentary film on the
life and works of Kalousd Gulbenkian, the ARS cruise visitors toured
the museum, accompanied by the Curator, who not only answered all
their questions as they viewed the exhibits, but expressed his
appreciation for the keen interest shown by the ARS and its membership
in the activities of the Foundation and its programs.

After Lisbon, and a visit to the city of Vigo, the ship returned and
anchored in Southampton. From there, the voyagers of the 3rd ARS
International Cruise returned to their respective homes, carrying with
them precious memories of unforgettable days spent in good company, at
sea and ashore.

While at sea, the participants enjoyed four Armenian dances and
banquets, enlivened by the music of Arthur Apgarian and his band. In
addition to the ARS Day celebration, as a cultural event, the
participants had the opportunity to view a screening of Bared
Maronian’s film, Orphans of the Genocide.

Many statements and e-mails of appreciation for the cruise keep
arriving at the ARS Central Office. “We had a wonderful time on this
Cruise and most certainly we’ll take part in the next one,” stated one
participant; “Special thanks to those who organized our visit to the
Gulbenkian Museum, bringing our enjoyment to its culmination,” said
another; “Everything was beautifully organized; this was my first time
on an ARS Cruise, most assuredly it won’t be my last one,” said yet
another; “When is the next one?” asked another. “Please notify me as
soon as it is planned…” These are just a sampling of the notes and
comments from the ARS cruise participants.

“We are grateful to all those who participated in our 3rd ARS Cruise,”
stated former ARS Central Executive Board member and organizer of ARS
Cruises, Shakeh Basmajian. “They combined the enjoyable with the
beneficial by participating in this ARS program, knowing full well
that the proceeds will be applied to the humanitarian projects of our
Society. In the crisis situation of our communities, the ARS has a
dire need of every penny to assist our compatriots in various regions
in their immediate basic needs for survival.”

Over the coming months, the ARS will advertise the details of the 4th
ARS International Cruise.

Syria’s Armenians flee to ancestal homeland. ASIA One

13:36, 23 August, 2012

YEREVAN, AUGUST 23, ARMENPRESS: As the passengers from battle-ravaged
Aleppo disembarked at Yerevan’s Zvartnots airport, tearful relatives
gripped them tightly in emotional embraces. “Thank God you’ve arrived
safe and sound!” one cried out.

As Armenpress reports citing Asia One, since fighting has gripped the
city of Aleppo, where many of Syria’s ethnic Armenian community live,
increasing numbers have been fleeing to their ancestral homeland over
fears that Christians could suffer if President Bashar al-Assad is
ousted and replaced by an Islamic regime.

Among those arriving in Yerevan was Yenok Sulahian, who said that many
Syrian Armenians had started to plan their escape when the first
clashes began breaking out between rebels and government forces in
Aleppo a month ago. “Shooting and bomb blasts could be heard at night.
The government was warning us all the time not to leave home to avoid
being shot,” he said. The diaspora ministry in Yerevan said more than
3,000 Syrian Armenians have arrived since March 2011, when the
government began a brutal crackdown on peaceful anti-regime protests
across the country that has since descended into full-blown conflict
between government forces and opposition fighters. The national
airline Armavia has been laying on additional flights to carry those
seeking to flee. The Armenian community in Syria may be small –
between 60,000 and 100,000 people according to estimates – but its
tragic history has added to its sense of unease. Armenians in Syria
are descendants of those who took refuge there after escaping the
genocide of Armenians in Ottoman Turkey during World War I. They are
long-established Syrian citizens, many with their own businesses. Some
worry that they could face fresh persecution if Assad’s government,
which has maintained friendly relations with the authorities in
Yerevan, is replaced by an Islamic regime.

“The Armenian community has taken a neutral position – we call it
pro-Syrian,” said an elderly woman arriving at Zvartnots from Aleppo
who declined to give her name. Armenian authorities have taken
measures to make it easier for the Syrian Armenians to return, easing
the visa process and allowing those who want to apply for citizenship
to do so at the consulate in Aleppo, rather than in Yerevan.

“So far we cannot call this process mass migration. Many Armenians do
not want to leave their homes and their businesses,” said Firdus
Zakarian, an official at the diaspora ministry’s commission for
Syrian-Armenian issues. More than 3,000 Syrian Armenians have applied
for citizenship in the past six months however – a sign of growing
uncertainty about their future in Syria. Over 400 children are also
being flown from Syria to Armenia for holidays in summer camps,
initially for two weeks but potentially for a longer period if the
crisis continues. The diaspora ministry insists that the situation is
not yet critical and that no mass evacuation is being planned. “Today
in Syria there is no anti-Armenian hysteria and no real threat to the
existence of the long-standing Armenian community,” Zakarian said.

“We are considering every scenario and if, God forbid, the situation
does become critical, Armenia is ready to assist all our compatriots,”
Zakarian said.

With embassy’s mediation, Armenian tourists conned by travel agency
are placed in Egypt hotel

news.am
August 23, 2012 | 12:39

YEREVAN. – By way of Armenia’s Embassy in Egypt, the Armenian
tourists, who are currently in that country, have been placed in a
hotel, Armenian MFA Information and Public Relations Department told
Armenian News-NEWS.am.

`In this way, the Egyptian side acquiesced until the Armenian travel
agency pays its debt,’ the MFA informed.

As Armenian News-NEWS.am informed earlier, many Armenians, who are
enjoying their vacation in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, may not be able to
return Yerevan as the Spot Air charter company cancelled the flight
from Sharm el-Sheikh to Yerevan due to the debts by Happy Voyage
company tour operator, Spot Air informed Armenian News-NEWS.am.

Earlier Armenian News-NEWS.am informed about the scandal in Yerevan
airport, as Happy Voyage company, which has sold the Sharm el-Sheikh
tickets to over 140 passengers from Yerevan, could not secure the
flight for its passengers. The Happy Voyage has been warned about the
possibility of flight cancellation by Sport Air charter company
several times prior to the incident, Spot Air representative said.

SYRIE
Les quartiers arméniens sont à nouveau sous le contrôle des forces
gouvernementales

Un haut responsable du gouvernement arménien a déclaré mardi 22 août
2012 que les troupes gouvernementales syriennes ont repris le contrôle
des principaux quartiers arméniens dans la plus grande ville de Syrie,
à Alep. Une source diplomatique à Erevan qui a suivi l’évolution en
Syrie a affirmé hier que les rebelles syriens avaient saisi ces
districts lundi après des semaines d’intenses combats avec les forces
fidèles au régime du président Bachar al-Assad.

Selon la ministre de la Diaspora arménien, Hranush Hakobian, les
combats à Alep n’ont infligé aucun dommage matériel important dans les
quartiers arméniens situés pour la plupart dans le centre-ville.

« Grce à leur neutralité, [les Arméniens Syriens] parviennent à
maintenir le calme et la stabilité au sein de la communauté »,
a-t-elle déclaré à RFE / RL(Azatutyun.am).« Il n’y a pas eu de
dévastation, ni de panique dans les quartiers arméniens. Les gens ont
simplement éviter de sortir. »

H. Hakobian a été interviewée à l’aéroport Zvartnots d’Erevan où elle
a accueilli environ 150 enfants d’Alep qui sont arrivés en Arménie
pour y passer leurs vacances d’été. Ils ont rejoint près de 250 autres
adolescents venus de Syrie. Leur camp d’été est financé par le
gouvernement arménien et des sponsors privés.

La ministre a également insisté sur le fait que la situation en Syrie
reste « supportable » en dépit de la poursuite des violences dans le
pays.« Nous n’avons pas besoin d’évacuer les Arméniens de Syrie. »

jeudi 23 août 2012,
Laetitia ©armenews.com

Diana Dies A Few Days After Suicide Attempt

Story from Lragir.am News:

Published: 09:36:46 – 22/08/2012

We learned some time ago that Diana Sirunyan, 16, died from severe
brain injuries after a few days in hospital.

After the sudden death of Suren Sirunyan, the ex-chief of security of
the ex-minister of interior Vano Siradeghyan on August 18, his teenage
daughter Diana attempted a suicide by jumping from the window of their
apartment on the fifth floor.

Mediamax, Armenia
Aug 22 2012

Over 25% of Armenia’s population lives in poverty

Yerevan/Mediamax/. Deputy Minister of Finance of Armenia Vardan
Aramyan stated today that growth in unemployment is registered in
Armenia.

During a press conference today, the Deputy Minister said that on the
whole, unemployment growth is registered across the globe, Mediamax
reports.

“Unemployment in Armenia makes about 18%. There are now growth
indices”, said the Deputy Minister.

As of the data presented by Vardan Aramyan, the poverty level in
Armenia makes 27/6%. The index made 23% in 2008.

Touching upon Armenia’s external debt, Vardan Aramyan said that is
getting closer to USD 3.6bln. According to him, in 2013, USD 273mln
will be allocated from the state budget to pay off the state debt.

Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region
104 North Belmont Street, Suite 200
Glendale, California 91206
Phone: 818.500.1918
[email protected]

PRESS RELEASE
August 22, 2012

Contact: William Bairamian
Tel: 818-500-1918

STATEMENT ON FOREIGN NATION INTERVENTION IN LOCAL U.S. GOVERNMENT BY
ANCA PASADENA

During the month of August, the Republic of Turkey initiated a meeting
with the City of Pasadena to probe for information about the newly
formed and independent Pasadena Armenian Genocide Memorial Committee
(PAGMC). The meeting took place at Pasadena City Hall between the Vice
Consul of the Republic of Turkey in Los Angeles and the City’s
management directors. Vice Consul Arif Celik’s consultation was
politically driven stating that the government he represents held a
`difference of opinion’ about the Armenian Genocide.

The Armenian National Committee of America – Pasadena cannot let such
statements go unchecked: the Armenian Genocide is a historical fact
and will not be allowed to be subjected to `differences of opinions’
or debate. The nation of Turkey should acknowledge the Armenian
Genocide and not interfere with American politics, in American cities
and proposed projects by American citizens and residents. Under the
American Constitution, the citizens of states, cities, and towns
acting through their elected officials, are empowered to conduct their
civic affairs without the interference of foreign governments. The
Turkish government, which is among the world’s worst violators of
freedom of expression, consistently seeks, and has frequently
succeeded at the federal level, in imposing a gag rule on American
calls for a truthful and just resolution of the Armenian Genocide.
The initiation of a meeting by a foreign nation’s officials with a
local U.S. municipality is politically driven and, therefore, is
deemed as an attempt to intervene in the affairs of our local American
communities. Preserving heritage and memorializing ancestors who were
killed by way of genocide is not subject to the political positions of
foreign nations.

Pasadena has been home to Armenian-Americans for several decades, many
of whom are descendants of the Armenian Genocide. In the past, the
City of Pasadena has conducted an official census count of its
Armenian-American residents and has amended its Affirmative Action
ordinance to uphold Armenian-Americans as a Protected Class. In 1991,
the City of Pasadena established the city of Vanadzor, Armenia as its
sister-city and raised the Armenian Tri-color flag over Pasadena City
Hall on May 28 to commemorate Armenia’s Day of Independence. For more
than 30 years, the City of Pasadena has adopted resolutions and issued
official proclamations to commemorate the Armenian Genocide.

It is intrusive for the Republic of Turkey to hold a political
interest over how local communities stand against various crimes
against humanity such as the 1915 Armenian Genocide. The vested
interest of a foreign national government in local U.S. community
issues is invasive, unacceptable, and is viewed as an encroachment on
American rights and values.

The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region is the
largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots advocacy
organization in the Western United States. Working in coordination
with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the
Western United States and affiliated organizations around the country,
the ANCA-WR advances the concerns of the Armenian American community
on a broad range of issues.

Agarak and Kajaran mayors remain without challengers at Armenia’s
upcoming local government elections

news.am
August 22, 2012 | 12:02

The election campaign period officially kicked off Wednesday for the
candidates who are registered in the September 9 local government
elections to be held in Armenia’s Ararat, Armavir, Lori, Shirak, and
Syunik regions. The campaigning will continue until September 7.

Some registered candidates, however, decided not to continue in the
election race. These nominees also include three mayoral candidates,
Pastinfo News Agency informs.

Self-nominated – and ruling Republican Party (RPA)-member – Samvel
Mikayelyan has submitted a formal candidacy-withdrawal petition in
Agarak city of Syunik Region. As a result, RPA-nominated incumbent
Mayor and RPA member Mkhitar Zakaryan has remained as Agarak’s sole
mayoral candidate.

Separately, self-nominated and non-party-affiliate Rafayel Lalayan
likewise submitted a candidacy-withdrawal petition, but this time in
Kajaran city of the aforesaid region. Hence, RPA-nominated incumbent
Mayor and RPA member Vardan Gevorgyan remained as Kajaran’s sole
mayoral candidate.

And self-nominated RPA member Khachik Sahakyan withdrew his candidacy
from the four mayoral candidates in Vedi city of Ararat Region.

To note, the candidates can formally withdraw from the local
government elections up until August 30.

Unknown open fire at Armenians, Azerbaijanis and Tajiks in Russia’s south

news.am
August 22, 2012 | 12:27

Unknown young men opened fire at the sellers from Armenia, Azerbaijan
and Tajikistan in the Russian city of Sevastopol.

The witnesses said several unknown men entered the territory of the
market and started insulting the traders. Then they opened fire at the
merchants, natives of Tajikistan, Azerbaijan and Armenia. Several
people were injured.

According to unofficial data provided by Russia-based LifeNews portal,
the number of victims exceeded 10, several people were taken to
hospital.

RIA Novosti source in the police said that 5-8 people were affected in
a shootout in `Southern’ market of Stavropol.

Yerevan balloon blast’s court hearing to start on August 30 – newspaper

news.am
August 21, 2012 | 08:34

YEREVAN. – The first court session, with respect to the balloon
explosion in Armenia’s capital city Yerevan, will convene on August
30, Haykakan Zhamanak daily writes, referring to Datalex judicial
bulletin.

`The sole accused in this affair is Serob Bozoyan, 54. He fills and
sells ordinary balloons sitting on a Yerevan street sidewalk.

According to the charges, on May 4 he manufactured at his Yerevan home
and subsequently sold products not meeting safety regulations and
causing threat to consumers’ lives, and, as a result, 228 people
sustained bodily injuries.

Even though 228 injured parties are mentioned, the same page reads
that those who suffered injuries are 64. It is unknown as to why this
is so. It is also unknown as to how the Prosecutor’s Office will
insist on the absurd supposition that Bozoyan alone filled and sold
7,000 balloons,’ Haykakan Zhamanak writes.

As Armenian News-NEWS.am informed earlier, a tragedy occurred during
the ruling Republican Party of Armenia’s parliamentary election
campaign rally and concert held at capital city Yerevan’s Republic
Square on May 4. Hundreds of balloons filled with gas exploded and
started to burn. Subsequently, the balloons’ melted rubber fell on the
event participants. Those near the stage were affected the most.

Subsequently, German plastic surgeon Adrian Daigler, who was invited
to Armenia upon the instruction of President and RPA leader Serzh
Sargsyan, operated on nine patients who suffered injuries from the
balloon blast. And the last patient was discharged on July 2.