Author: Kajoyan Gevork

Obama ordered Stuxnet cyber attack on Iran: Report

The New York Times has revealed that US President Barack Obama
secretly ordered the Stuxnet cyber attack on Iran.

press tv
Fri Jun 1, 2012 5:16PM GMT

A US daily has revealed that President Barack Obama secretly ordered a
cyber attack with the Stuxnet computer virus against Iran to sabotage
the country’s nuclear energy program.

`From his first months in office, President Obama secretly ordered
increasingly sophisticated attacks on the computer systems that run
Iran’s main nuclear enrichment facilities, significantly expanding
America’s first sustained use of cyber weapons,’ The New York Times
quoted `participants in the program’ as saying on Friday.

The report added that the offensive was part of a wave of digital
attacks codenamed `Olympic Games.’

`Mr. Obama decided to accelerate the attacks – begun in the Bush
administration and code-named Olympic Games – even after an element of
the program accidentally became public in the summer of 2010 because
of a programming error,’ the report added.

The US daily also confirmed that the Stuxnet virus was created with
the help of a secret Israeli intelligence unit.

Stuxnet, first indentified by the Iranian officials in June 2010, is a
malware designed to infect computers using a control system favored by
industries that manage water supplies, oil rigs, and power plants.

In July 2010, media reports claimed that Stuxnet had targeted
industrial computers around the globe, with Iran being the main target
of the attack. They said the country’s Bushehr nuclear power plant was
at the center of the cyber attack.

However, Iranian experts detected the virus in time, averting any
damage to the country’s industrial sites and resources.

On Wednesday, Head of the Information Technology Organization of Iran
Ali Hakim Javadi said the country’s experts have managed to produce
antivirus software that can spot and remove the newly detected
computer virus Flame, which experts say is 20 times more powerful than
the Stuxnet virus.

Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Moshe Ya’alon strongly hinted Tuesday
that Tel Aviv was involved in creating the computer virus to sabotage
Iran’s nuclear energy activities.

Ya’alon expressed support for the creation of the virus and similar
tools, arguing that it was “reasonable” for anyone who sees Iran as a
threat to take such steps.

‘Turkic-speaking countries’ single currency is inevitable ‘

31 May 2012 [13:37] – TODAY.AZ

Establishing an economic union and introducing a single currency of
Turkic-speaking countries takes time, member of the Azerbaijan-Turkey
Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group, MP Malahat Ibrahimgizi told
Trend today.

“The EU countries strengthen the pressure on Azerbaijan, which is a
reliable economic partner of the European Union during economic
crisis,” she said. “On the other hand, the obstacles are being created
for such a politically and economically powerful country like Turkey
to join the organization, while the countries of Eastern Europe,
lagging behind on some economic indices are admitted to EU. This shows
that Europe applies double standards to Turkic-speaking countries.”

She said that it is necessary to create an economic union of
Turkic-speaking countries, having common historical roots, a common
culture. Today, Azerbaijan and Turkey, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan,
Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan have the sufficient power and economic
potential.

“Turkic-speaking countries must inform the world about their position
as a single economic force,” she added.

MP expressed confidence that such organizations as TurkPA, TURKSAM,
strengthening from day to day, will serve to expand the relations of
Turkic-speaking countries.

It is necessary to do much to create a single trade zone and currency
of the Turkic-speaking countries, she said.

URL:

Ouest-France
mercredi 30 mai 2012
stlo Edition

« Petit Poucet en Arménie » au festival Toi cour, Moi jardin

Le festival Toi cour, Moi jardin se poursuit mercredi 30 mai et samedi
2 juin avec un spectacle pour enfantsPetit Poucet en Arménie, à voir
au Vox. Sur la trame du conte de Charles Perrault, le marionnettiste
Patrick Conan brode une histoire composée de citations d’auteurs
classiques (Molière, La Fontaine, Shakespeare, Voltaire…) en les
illustrant de figurines et de marionnettes découpées, déchirées,
pliées dans du papier. Le tout baignant dans la suave odeur du papier
d’Arménie. « Entre Vintimille et Paris, dans le compartiment1915 d’un
train de la compagnie des wagons-lits, j’ai rencontré un monsieur tout
gris, une moustache grise, une paire de lunettes rondes à verres fumés
bleus, un costume trois pièces et un noeud papillon rose. Nous nous
sommes pris de sympathie…», ainsi commence ce spectacle à voir dès 6
ans.

Mercredi 30 mai, 17 h et 18 h 30 ; samedi 2 juin, 17 h et 19 h, au
Vox, avenue de Paris. Tarifs : 11 ¤ et 7 ¤. Tél. 02 33 88 55 55.

Lady Dior Fall-Winter/2012 collection presentation in Yerevan (PHOTOS)

news.am
June 02, 2012 | 23:58

YEREVAN. – LaGalleria Woman Luxury Boutique hosted a solemn ceremony
on May 25 in downtown Yerevan on the occasion of the visit of
Christian Dior fashion house Europe/Middle East Area Manager Dominique
Bertrand.

She arrived in Yerevan for attending the Fall-Winter/2012 collection
presentation within the Secret Garden advertising campaign.

EastDay.com
June 3 2012

Armenian president reappoints prime minister

2012-06-03 10:19

YEREVAN, Armenia, June 2 — Armenian President Serzh Sargsian on
Saturday reappointed Tigran Sargsian as prime minister.

Tigran Sargsian was first appointed as prime minister in April 2008
and has been in office ever since.

Earlier in the day, a spokesperson of the ruling Republican Party told
reporters that few changes are expected in the overall cabinet of
ministers.

The two Sargsians are of no relation.

AZERERIES
A peine l’Eurovision-2012 terminé, le Cristal Hall de Bakou ferme ses
portes pour rénovation

A peine l’Eurovision-2012 terminé, le Cristal Hall de Bakou qui avait
accueilli les compétitions a fermé ses portes au public pour
rénovation… Les journalistes azéris qui désiraient réaliser des
reportages le lendemain des épreuves se virent refoulés par des
gardes. Ces derniers expliquèrent que tous les travaux n’étaient pas
terminés au Cristal Hall pour l’Eurovision. « Un certain nombre de
travaux doivent être entrepris » dirent ces gardes. A Bakou, certaines
autres constructions n’étant pas terminées pour la finale de
l’Eurovision, les autorités azéries ont refait certains décors fictifs
en « carton pte » pour cacher les chantiers non achevés face aux
regards des journalistes étrangers. Cette attitude de « déguisement »
des réalités est également utilisée par l’Azerbaïdjan pour falsifier
l’Histoire.

Krikor Amirzayan

dimanche 3 juin 2012,
Krikor Amirzayan ©armenews.com

Socialite Life
June 1 2012

EXCLUSIVE: Singer Skye Stevens Talks New Single `Takes All Night’ &
Musical Influences

Meet 18-year-old singer/songwriter/ dancer Skye Stevens. Set to become
the first-ever Armenian pop star, Skye Stevens is rapidly catching the
attention of millions of pop-music lovers and DJ’s across America. His
first single and music video, `Takes All Night,’ recently climbed up
to the third spot on Billboard’s Breakouts Chart and the song is among
the top 25 in the Billboard Dance Chart.

Ranking in over 1 million views, the `Takes All Night’ music video is
a fresh, urban-beat love story mixed with a modern day tribute to the
late Michael Jackson, whom has been his inspiration since day one.

Read our exclusive interview with the upcoming pop star as he tells us
the idea behind his music video and which artists inspire him most. He
even let us in on one of his most embarrassing moments ever!

Check it out and watch his music video `Takes All Night.’ We guarantee
your legs won’t stay still much longer!

In a brief sentence, describe the sound of your music?
`I would say it’s a feel of David Guetta, Usher and a Chris Brown sound. `

What inspires your choice and sound in music?
`I’m inspired by the urban world. I think it’s important, especially
in pop music, to pull from other genres because if it’s just pop on
its own, it falls flat. I’m inspired by rap and hip-hop and I think
it’s crucial to incorporate that into pop music.’

Which artists inspire you the most?
`Ne-yo to me is like a mentor artistically. I don’t know him and he
doesn’t know me, but I really am inspired by all his choices when he
does music videos and releases albums, they’re so well crafted and I
want to create something just as incredible. Michael Jackson, Usher,
and Bobby Brown also inspire me. `

Who would you like to work with one day?
`I really respect Chris Brown and I think he has an incredible taste
in his music selection. Whenever he does something it’s so grand and
extravagant. I feel our sound is similar and our dancing together
would be a very electric combination. I would also like to collaborate
with David Guetta he has a powerful sound, as well as Flo-Rida, Drake,
and Alexandra Stan.’

So what do you think sets your music apart from others?
`I would say my music is very different. There are a lot of younger
guy acts out there circulating right now, but there really is no young
guy doing a European, urban-pop sound on the radio. It’s kind of a
risk because there is no one else doing it. It’s like an amazing thing
because you stand out but it’s also scary because you don’t know if
it’s going to work. I think people will like my music because it’s
original. I have a lot fans that are very supportive. Music should be
universal. I try to do things where everyone can like it. My music
video for example is a little bit younger but the actual song is being
played in clubs. `

Considering the subject matter in the song `Takes All Night,’ most
would expect a nightclub setting in this music video instead of an
afternoon love story. Why did you go with this approach?
`We totally could have done a club scene with laser lights and crazy
dancing, which will come eventually, but it was a debut music video
and I wanted to introduce myself and really create a love story in
something that was unexpected. I also wanted do a modern day tribute
to Michael Jackson by portraying the infamous light-up sidewalk scene
in `Billie Jean.’ As I dance you’ll notice lights coming off of my
feet. `

So with this video being a love story, how would you describe your
ideal first date?
`I try to be as smooth as possible. I’d pick her up; go to a chill,
romantic, Italian restaurant with lit candles and a comfortable
environment where we could talk about anything. After dinner we would
drive around, maybe hit up a coffee shop, walk around and get to know
one another. Then I would drop her off and give her a kiss goodnight.’

Is `Takes All Night’ currently your only single?
`Yes, currently we are just pushing this record. There are other
remixes on YouTube by Paper Cha$er, James Doman, and Nixon Marc. This
track has caught the attention of a lot of DJ’s. But this one DJ who I
truly admire a lot, his name is Dave Aude, he made my track his single
of the week so I felt really honored by that. `

What do you have planned for this summer?
`Well starting June 4, Top 40 radio stations will begin spinning Takes
All Night which is something I’m very excited about. I’ve also been
doing rehearsals every day for the past few weeks and putting together
an upcoming nation wide club tour. `

What do you consider your biggest fear in the World?
`Snakes! They freak me out. I don’t like flying either. `

Name one super power you wish you had?
`Being able to teleport. It would come in handy on a date.’

What is one thing most people would be surprised to learn about you?
`I always have trouble with this question because you never know what
surprises people, but I love editing videos. James Doman’s Takes All
Night remix extended music video; I actually shot the whole thing
myself with a tripod and edited the entire video alone. That’s
something I taught myself how to do.’

What is an embarrassing moment you will remember forever?
`I don’t want to say the celebrity’s name, but there was a very, very
big artist, one of the biggest guys in music you can think of, and he
was recording next to me in the studio. My manager introduces me, we
started talking and I was going on and on for about 5 minutes on how
awesome his new single was, he wasn’t really talking much and come to
find out it was not his record! After that, I just wanted to go home!

By Toby Cadengo

Institute for War & Peace Reporting, UK
IWPR CAUCASUS REPORTING SERVICE, No. 640
May 9, 2012

GEORGIA’S ARMENIANS IN VOTING ROW

Residents of Georgia with dual nationality unhappy at losing chance to
take part in Armenia’s election.

By Maia Ivelashvili

Armenian nationals living in Georgia will not be able to vote in their
own country’s parliamentary election on May 6 following a decision to
restrict polling rights to diplomats.

The decision was announced by the Armenian embassy in the Georgian
capital Tbilisi, where expatriates and dual passport-holders would
have gone to vote.

There are 350,000 and 400,000 ethnic Armenians living in Georgia,
mainly in the southern Samtskhe-Javakheti region. It unclear how many
of them hold Armenian as well as Georgian passports. They do not
advertise the fact since in most cases, it involves breaking the law.

Nonetheless, some Armenians in Samtskhe-Javakheti are furious at being
deprived of a chance to vote on May 6.

`I don’t know how exactly many people intended to take part in the
election, but almost all my friends who have Armenian citizenship were
planning to go to Tbilisi on May 6,’ Sergei Finadyan, who lives in the
region’s main town of Akhaltsikhe, said. `Restricting the rights of
Armenian nationals living in Georgia is a bad decision. Thanks to
television, the internet and our personal contacts, we have managed to
form views on what’s happening in Armenia and we were prepared to
support candidates.’

Most of those who took out Armenian citizenship did so for a specific
reason – to be able to work in Russia. Tbilisi and Moscow have had no
diplomatic relations since they fought a brief war in 2008, and all
Georgian nationals need visas to enter Russia.

Georgian law states that citizens can only hold dual nationality under
exceptional circumstances, and this requires presidential approval.

`Not that many ethnic Armenians have dual citizenship in Georgia – by
legal means, in particular,’ Arnold Stepanyan, head of the
non-government group Multinational Georgia, said. `Those who do hold
an unofficial second citizenship will do everything they can to hide
the fact.’

Mari Mikoyan, an ethnic minorities expert with the office of the
Public Defender, Armenia’s ombudsman, said that based on figures
supplied by the embassy in Tbilisi, `There are up to 1,000 Armenian
citizens living in Georgia with dual citizenship. That doesn’t include
Armenian nationals who are in Georgia temporarily, for whatever
reason.’

Lasha Chkadua, governor of Samtskhe-Javakheti region, confirmed that
dual nationality was largely a hidden affair, making it hard to judge
how many people might be missing out on their right to vote in
Armenian polls.

`There are no official statistics for the number of Armenian nationals
living in Georgia. Most of those who took out Armenian citizenship did
not renounce Georgian nationality, so it’s difficult to give a clear
answer to this question,’ he said.

Many of Georgia’s ethnic Armenians live double lives. From spring to
autumn, substantial numbers – typically young men – go off to either
Russia or Armenia to earn money, and then return to live with their
families in Georgia over the winter.

`Every year I spend a few months living with my relatives in Tbilisi,’
Ruzanna, a 27-year-old Armenian from Tbilisi, said. `It turns out I
won’t be able to vote in the election. I’m a citizen of Armenia and I
spend most of my time living in Yerevan, so why should I lose my right
to vote?’

Experts doubt that votes cast by people living in Georgia will have
much impact on the outcome of the poll. But Armenian passport holders
said that was no reason to deny them the vote.

`Every vote is important and needed in a parliamentary election,
especially in a small country like Armenia,’ Finadyan said. `If you
compare the number of Armenians living in other countries with the
number resident in Armenia, it is a lot bigger. I think they need to
take part in elections.’

Maia Ivelashvili is director of the regional TV company Channel 9 in Georgia

ITAR-TASS, Russia
June 1, 2012 Friday 12:57 PM GMT+4

RF delivering humanitarian food aid to Somali, Tajikistan, Ethiopia, Armenia

MOSCOW June 1

Russia is engaged in delivering food as humanitarian aid to Somali,
Tajikistan, Ethiopia and Armenia, ITAR-TASS learnt at the EMERCON
Information Department on Friday.

“Within the framework of the implementation of the Memorandum on
mutual understanding between the Russian government and the UN World
Food Programme for 2011, Russia is conducting an operation to deliver
1,320 tonnes of peas by sea transport to the population of Somali,”
the ministry’s spokesman said.

The first batch of the cargo with a total weight of 715.2 tonnes was
delivered. Another 604.8 tonnes are on its way. It is planned that the
Russian vessel will arrive in the port of destination on July 2.

Besides, on the sideline of the UN World Food Programme, more than
2,000 tonnes of wheat flour are being delivered to Tajikistan by
railway transport. Over 613 tonnes of flour were delivered to the
republic so far. “Twenty four railway cars with flour are on their
way,” the ministry’s spokesman specified.

At the same time, more than 2,000 tonnes of flour is being delivered
to Ethiopia by sea transport, and over 1,000 of flour to Armenia by
railway transport, more than a half of it was already delivered there.

Expert rules out coalition formation in new parliament

June 2, 2012 – 19:18 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Political dissolution has been underway in Armenia
since the parliamentary elections, political analyst said.

`Party members have ceased being central figures,’ Armen Minasyan
said, adding that there will hardly be strong opposition in the
parliament.

`There will be no coalition in the National Assembly. There will be
only small coalitions regarding separate issues,’ the expert said
citing formation of single-inter party headquarters by Armenian
National Congress (ANC) and ARF Dashnaktsutyun as an example.