Author: Kajoyan Gevork

US HOUSE VOTES DOWN PRO-TURKEY TRADE BILL

ARMENPRESS
24 July, 2012
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, JULY 24, ARMENPRESS: The House of Representatives defeated,
on a bipartisan basis, an ill-conceived measure that singled out
Turkey for preferential treatment to engage in economic development
projects on tribal lands in the United States, reports Armenpress
citing the Armenian Assembly of America. The measure did not receive
the two-thirds majority required and failed by a vote of 222 in favor
to 160 against.

Representatives Doc Hastings (R-WA), Tom Cole (R-OK), Virginia Foxx
(R-NC), James Moran (D-VA), Dan Boren (D-OK) along with Delegate Eni
Faleomavaega (D-AS) spoke in favor of the Bill, H.R. 2362, the Indian
Tribal Trade and Investment Demonstration Project Act of 2011, while
Representatives Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Carolyn Maloney (D-NY)
and John Sarbanes (D-MD) led the charge against the legislation.

During the debate, Bill Sponsor Cole noted that he was approached by
the Turkish Coalition of America about the legislation. According
to campaign contribution records, Representative Cole has received
$6,000 in Turkish PAC money this cycle while Representative Foxx
received $10,000. Representative Cole argued that H.R. 2362 does not
grant Turkey preferential treatment.

Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Pallone, who indicated his support for
“efforts to bring economic prosperity to Indian Country,” voiced
his strong opposition to the Bill: “To put it quite simply, there is
no good reason for passage of this legislation. In fact, there are a
whole host of reasons why this legislation should fail today.” Citing a
litany of concerns, including Turkey’s denial of the Armenian Genocide
and “illegal occupation of Northern Cyprus,” Representative Pallone
urged his colleagues to vote against it.

Hellenic Caucus Co-Chair Maloney called the Bill unnecessary given
that Congress has already adopted a more comprehensive measure, the
HEARTH Act (H.R. 205). Further Representative Maloney recognized the
opposition of the Ranking Members of the House Natural Resources and
Foreign Affairs Committees, Representatives Edward Markey (D-MA) and
Howard Berman (D-CA), respectively, and also raised concerns about
Turkey’s human rights record and restrictions on religious freedom.

Representative John Sarbanes closed the debate for opponents of
the Bill stating he did not believe that providing preferential
treatment to one country, Turkey, can be “justified.” Echoing the
sentiments of Representatives Pallone and Maloney, Sarbanes raised
concerns about Turkey’s increasingly hostile actions to U.S. allies,
including Israel, Cyprus and Armenia and called for a recorded
vote. Sarbanes also cited that two years ago, while serving as a
member of the United Nations Security Council, Turkey voted against
sanctions on Iran to thwart its nuclear weapons program. In addition
to speaking on the House floor, Representative Sarbanes spearheaded
a Dear Colleague along with Representative Gus Bilirakis (R-FL)
as did Representatives Berman, Gary Ackerman (D-NY), Eliot Engel
(D-NY), and Shelley Berkley (D-NV); Representative Edward Markey;
Representative Pallone; Representatives Sarbanes; Maloney, Pallone,
and Nikki Tsongas (D-MA); and Representative Brad Sherman (D-CA).

“We commend our friends and supporters, especially Representatives
Markey, Pallone, Sarbanes and Maloney for leading the charge against
this Bill,” stated Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny. “We also
appreciate the strong support of Representatives Ackerman, Berman,
Berkley, Engel, Sherman and Tsongas. Today’s vote upholds our cherished
values and reaffirms America’s commitment to human rights.”

Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the
largest Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public
understanding and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a
501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr.Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Director
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
Web:

PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon

HIS HOLINESS ARAM I CONGRATULATES THE
PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF NAGORNO KARABAGH UPON HIS REELECTION

23 July 2012. In the name of the Catholicosate of Cilicia and in his own
name, His Holiness Aram I has written to the President of Nagorno Karabagh,
Pago Sahakian, congratulating him on his reelection. The Catholicos
commended the President for his achievements during his past term in office
for the structural organization of the Republic, its economic growth, and
his advocacy on international and local levels for the self-determination of
the people of Nagorno Karabah.

OFFICE OF THE NAGORNO KARABAKH REPUBLIC IN THE USA
1334 G Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005
Tel: (202) 223-4330
E-mail: [email protected]
Web site:

PRESS RELEASE
July 24, 2012

ARTSAKH HOLDS PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS
Members of U.S. Congress congratulate NKR on democratic vote

Washington, DC – On July 19, 2012, for the fifth time since
independence the people of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, Artsakh
chose their president. Incumbent president Bako Sahakyan received more
than 66 percent of the vote and was reelected to a second term. More
than 80 international observers from two dozen countries monitored the
elections widely covered by local and world media. They assessed the
election as free and fair that reflected the democratic will of the
people of Nagorno Karabakh Republic, Artsakh.

Members of U.S. Congress congratulate the Artsakh Republic and
re-elected president Bako Sahakyan reiterating their strong support
for democratic processes in NKR as well as its self-determination.

Co-Chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues
Congressmen Frank Pallone Jr. and Ed Royce congratulated the people of
Artsakh on the peaceful exercise of democracy through democratic
elections that “represent the strength of the democratic process in
the Nagorno Karabakh Republic and are a testament to the commitment of
the people in Artsakh to the Republic’s sovereignty.” The members
applaud Artsakh “for putting democracy into action” and reiterated
their support on its “rightful exercise of self-determination which
contributes to regional stability and development.”

In other separate statements, congressional friends of Artsakh
Congressmen Howard Berman, Brad Sherman and Adam Schiff emphasized the
achievements of Artsakh in development of democratic and vibrant
society, as well as continuing devotion of Artsakh to freedom,
democracy and democratic governance. They congratulated president
Sahakyan on his reelection and reiterated their support on
independence and prosperity of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic.

Artsakh Representative to the United States Robert Avetisyan expressed
gratitude to the American Congressmen for their continuing steadfast
support of democratic processes in Artsakh.

`On behalf of the people of Artsakh, I thank the Congressmen for
supporting our aspirations to build a true democratic and open
society, which is a precondition for a strong and prosperous state’,
said Avetisyan.

* * *

The Office of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic in the United States is
based in Washington, DC and works with the U.S. government, academia
and the public representing the official policies and interests of the
Nagorno Karabakh Republic.

* * * This material is distributed by the Office of the Nagorno
Karabakh Republic in the USA on behalf of the Government of the
Nagorno Karabakh Republic. The NKR Office is registered with the
U.S. Government under the Foreign Agent Registration Act. Additional
information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.

AUGUST 7, CANDLE LIGHTING IN MEMORY OF VAHE AVETYAN

Story from Lragir.am News:

Published: 14:57:09 – 23/07/2012

Vahe Avetyan Civil Initiative announces that on the fortieth day of
Vahe Avetyan’s death, on August 7, citizens will light candles near
the Harsnakar restaurant where he was beaten up to death and will
hold a march in memory of the military doctor Vahe Avetyan demanding
to punish those guilty.

DEVELOPMENT OF FREE ECONOMIC AREA IN ARMENIA INSUFFICIENT – GOVERNMENT

news.am
July 23, 2012 | 22:29

YEREVAN. – Works on the development of free economic areas in Armenia
on the grounds of RAO Mars CJSC and Yerevan Scientific Research
Institute of Mathematical Machines (YerSRIMM) are not sufficient,
said Deputy Economy Minister Tigran Harutyunyan at a press conference
on Monday.

In his words, he had recently visited YerSRIMM and was dissatisfied
with the progress of work and informed the Armenian-Russian joint
company Sitronics Armenia CJSC which is the administrator of free
economic area.

Armenian News-NEWS.am informed earlier that Sitronics Armenia Company
will become the administrator of Armenia’s first-ever free economic
zone. The Government of Armenia adopted a decision to that effect on
February 2, 2012. The development of free economic areas was to be
launched in September, 2012, but the date is likely to change.

The free economic area will be established in Armenian Mars Plant
and Yerevan Institute of Mathematics.

DOLLAR STARTS WEAKENING IN ARMENIA YET AGAIN

news.am
July 23, 2012 | 17:27

YEREVAN. – Following a four-day “inaction,” foreign currency trading
finally resumed Monday at NASDAQ OMX Armenia stock exchange.

And the US dollar’s average exchange rate, against the Armenian dram
(AMD), immediately dropped all the way to AMD 411/$1. Furthermore,
the American currency was even offered at a lower rate at the end of
the trading session.

And the total sales were $1.9 million at the stock exchange.

The dollar’s exchange rate fell sharply in Armenia’s cash foreign
currency market, too. The exchange offices have lowered the American
currency’s buying exchange rate all the way to AMD 407-408/$1, and
they sell it at AMD 411-412/$1.

The dollar is expected to continue losing ground in Armenia.

RUSSIA ARRESTS 244 PEOPLE WANTED IN ARMENIA

news.am
July 23, 2012 | 22:45

YEREVAN. – A total of 244 people were arrested during last year and
the first term of this year in the territory of Russia, who were
wanted by the Armenian law enforcement bodies.

At the same time the Armenian side arrested 192 people, who were
wanted by the Russian law enforcement bodies, the 13th board session of
Armenia’s police and Russian Inner Affairs Ministry stated on Monday.

According to the stated index, 37 people were deported from Russia
to Armenia last year, while the Armenian side deported 4 people to
Russia. This year 20 people were deported to Armenia.

ARMENIAN OPPOSITION PARTY MAY SIGN DOCUMENT ON HARSNAKAR CASE ALONE

news.am
July 23, 2012 | 22:01

YEREVAN. – The Prosperous Armenia Party (PAP) parliamentary group
may sign under the questionnaire on the Harsnakar case and send it to
the Government alone as well, opposition Armenian National Congress
(ANC) MP Gagik Jhangiryan told Armenian News-NEWS.am.

Jhangiryan took part in the questionnaire developmet along with other
representatives of parliamentary opposition groups including the PAP,
the ARF Dashnaktsutyun and Heritage Party. Jhangiryan also stated that
the PAP has not submitted the refusal reasons to the ANC, however,
the party may sign a similar document alone as well as it is not
objectionable in principle for the ANC.

To note, the questionnaire was signed by Armenian opposition parties
represented in the parliament – ARFD, Heritage and the ANC – and was
sent to the Government and the Attorney General Office in order to
get details on the brutal beating of Avetyan and his colleagues at
the Harsnakar restaurant in June. The notorious restaurant is owned
by the family of influential figure from Armenian ruling Republican
Party Ruben Hayrapetyan.

UN CONCERNED BY AZERBAIJAN’S VIOLATIONS OF CONVENTIONAL ARMED FORCES TREATY

tert.am
23.07.12

Azerbaijan has unleashed a decidedly dangerous race of armaments,
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moons has said in a recent report.

According to the document entitled Conventional arms control at
the regional and subregional levels, the country has significantly
exceeded its established ceilings in three categories of Treaty-limited
equipment.

“The Azerbaijani holdings in battle tanks were 381 (permitted ceiling
is 220) and in artillery are 516 (permitted ceiling is 285). In
2011 there was a sizeable increase of holdings in artillery (47)
as well as in the categories of attack helicopters (3 to 5) and
armoured combat vehicles (106). Unfortunately Azerbaijan failed to
reflect the exceeding of its ceiling of armoured combat vehicles –
287 against 220 – permitted by the Treaty.

The manifold increase of Azerbaijan’s military budget over the
last years (the defence budget for 2012 is $3.47 billion) and
the persistent aggressive and harsh anti-Armenian rhetoric of the
Azerbaijani leadership also increase the gap between the two nations,
heighten the tension in the region of the South Caucasus and seriously
undermine the negotiation process aimed at the peaceful settlement of
existing problems, particularly the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. The
negligent position of Azerbaijan in this regard has a very negative
impact on the efforts of Armenia to promote an atmosphere of trust
and cooperation in the region,” reads the report.

PRESIDENT SERZH SARGSYAN SENT A LETTER OF CONDOLENCES ON THE DEMISE OF GALYA NOVENTS

23.07.2012

Today, President Serzh Sargsyan sent a letter of condolences to the
Ghazanchian family on the demise of the RA People’s Artist Galya
Novents.

The letter states:

“I learned with deep sorrow the news on the demise of the great
artist of our times, RA People’s Artist Galya Novents. Regrettably,
this is one of those instances when it can be stated that the Armenian
cinema art has suffered irreversible loss. Impressive and emotional
personages created by Galya Novents, her major and small roles made
a considerable contribution to the history of cinema art.

At these truly difficult times, the only consolation is the lasting
nature of the art which will allow us and the future generations to
constantly feel the touch of the great and unparalleled phenomenon
whose name is Galya Novents.”