Author: Kalantarian Kevo

RULING COALITION MPS FALSIFY VOTING IN PARLIAMENT AND DURING ELECTION LATER – OPPOSITION

NEWS.AM
February 10, 2012 | 14:55

YEREVAN. – As ruling coalition MPs falsify voting results in the
Armenian parliament now, later they will do the same with election
results, parliamentary opposition ARF Dashnaktsutyun group MP Vahan
Hovhannisyan told the journalists on Friday commenting Thursday’s
incident in the parliament.

To note, several MPs from the ruling Republican Party of Armenia
(RPA) voted on Thursday on behalf of their party colleagues who
were at the parliament halls at the time. The RPA MPs’ conduct was
criticized by their opposition colleagues. Opposition Heritage group
MP Larisa Alaverdyan responded by whether there are MPs with two
heads on noticing the violation.

According to Hovhannisyan, the incident testifies to the fact that
ruling political power cannot be called ‘powerful’.

“If a law is passed on behalf of violating another one, what to expect
from legality of the elections?” he said adding if authorities had
one orientation – reproduction at any cost.

VAHAKN DADRIAN: THE TRIALS OF THE PERPETRATORS OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

Friday, February 10, 2012

Free admission

The post-World War I Ottoman Special Military Tribunal showed clearly,
in a legal setting, the genocidal intent of the Young Turk leaders
perpetrated against their Armenian citizens. Prof. Dadrian will
present his analysis and the significance of the trials. The new book,
Judgment at Istanbul: The Armenian Genocide Trials, the first on the
Armenian Genocide jointly written by an Armenian and a Turkish scholar,
will be on sale at a specially reduced price, and the author will be
pleased to sign copies.

Eleven years in the making, Judgment at Istanbul marks the first
time the complete known documentation of the trial proceedings is
being provided in English. The study is based on authentic Turkish
documentation, which the Ottoman government was forced to release
during the trials. It includes the personal, eyewitness testimony of
high-ranking Ottoman officials, given under oath, on the magnitude
of the crimes against the Armenians.

Zoryan Institute of Canada, Inc.

with the participation of:

Armenian Association of Toronto, Armenian Evangelical Church of
Toronto, Armenian General Benevolent Union, AGBU Young Professionals of
Toronto, Armen Karo Student Association, Armenian National Committee
of Toronto, Bolsahay Cultural Association, Canadian-Armenian Business
Council, Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Knights of Vartan Alishan Lodge
and Daughters of Vartan Artemis Chapter, St. Gregory the Illuminator
Armenian Catholic Church, St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church, Union
of Marash Armenians of Toronto

HERITAGE STATEMENT ON EPP OBSERVER STATUS AND POLITICAL CORRUPTION IN ARMENIA

Story from Lragir.am News:

Published: 15:37:09 – 10/02/2012

The Heritage Party is pleased to have been granted observer membership
in the European People’s Party by decision of its Political Assembly
meeting in Brussels.

Heritage has been an ideological carrier of EPP values from its
inception, and to date has taken consistent part in the activities of
the EPP group at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe,
Euronest, OSCE and elsewhere.

We are encouraged by the opportunities afforded us by the achievement
of observer status, which also is shared by the ruling Republican
Party and its coalition partner the Country of Laws Party.

At the same time we are deeply concerned, on this eve of parliamentary
and presidential elections in our country, by the unprecedented level
of political corruption prevalent here.

In addition to the flagrant examples of conflicts of interest between
public duty and partisan gain as outlined in Heritage chairman
Raffi K. Hovannisian’s good-faith letter, dated 21 November 2011, to
Republican Party chairman and incumbent president Serzh Sargsyan,
together with his unresponsive outburst in reaction thereto,
the National Assembly-in which all three EPP observer members are
represented-continues to offer haven to electoral theft and political
forgery.

One recurrent episode took place on the very day EPP observer status
was conferred and the three parties acceded to a common declaration
of intentions and principles. In keeping with a long tradition of
voting fraud both at the polls and in parliament, various individuals
representing the EPP-observing coalition, with the conscious
assent and attempted cover-up of the legislature’s leadership (again
observer party members), were complicit in the commission of outright
falsification, that is, the unlawful casting of votes in the place
of absent colleagues and in plain view of fellow MPs, journalists,
and the public. On this occasion, the foregoing was done for the
parliamentary majority’s illegitimate securing first of a quorum and
then of their desired outcomes on several measures of substance.

In the event of even one further instance of this criminal conduct-in
the National Assembly, at the Presidency, or during the upcoming
elections-the Heritage Party will be unable to reconcile, whether
politically, ethically or otherwise, its participation in the great
family of European parties known as EPP with the presence of those
responsible for such anti-democratic, anti-Armenian, and anti-European
demeanor.

In this connection, but as a matter to be treated separately,
we cannot but express our consternation upon the Armenian prime
minister’s recent public endorsement of a serving foreign official’s
candidacy for his country’s presidency.

At this critical juncture, we are at once extremely proud of our EPP
belonging and extremely troubled-for Armenia and for all Europe-by
the endless divide between the words and deeds of the Republic’s de
facto rulers.

And we so very much regret that this statement has become necessary.

BELARUSIAN LEASING COMPANY TO ENTER ARMENIA’S FINANCIAL MARKET

news.am
February 10, 2012 | 15:53

YEREVAN. – The Belarusian Promagroleasing leasing company wishes to
enter Armenia’s financial market, and, in all likelihood, it will
soon open its branch in the capital Yerevan, Agriculture Minister
Sergo Karapetyan said during a press conference on Friday.

Karapetyan also informed that this company is offering fairly
beneficial conditions for those who wish to acquire agricultural
equipment. Specifically, the annual interest rate will be 4 percent,
a 6-year loan will be provided to obtain combines, and 8-year loans
for acquiring tractors.

As Armenian News-NEWS.am informed earlier, the Russian Rosagroleasing
leasing company likewise has expressed a wish to enter Armenia’s
financial market.

FRENCH MP HOPES INTERESTED PARTIES NOT TO PRESS CONSTITUTIONAL COUNCIL ON ARMENIAN GENOCIDE ISSUE

news.am
February 11, 2012 | 01:47

PARIS. – French Socialist MP Francois Pupponi released a communique,
where he turned to some MPs and Senators who have appealed to the
Constitutional Council against the bill criminalizing denial of the
genocides, including the Armenian Genocide.

“I am deeply sorry that 77 Senators and 65 MPs decided to appeal to
the Council against the bill. There are several reasons: first of all,
many victims. Our responsibility is not to kill them again. Second,
for their relatives, so that their inheritors could fully be integrated
in our state.

Finally, I believe that the interested parties will not influence
or hinder the Council to consider the constituency of the bill in
a calm and impartial condition,” the statement reads, Nouvelles
d`Armenie reports.

ACCORDING TO ARMENIA’S DIASPORA MINISTRY, THE VATICAN IS NOT INDEPENDENT STATE – NEWSPAPER

news.am
February 11, 2012 | 09:14

YEREVAN. – It has become clear that Armenia’s Diaspora Ministry is
either unaware that the Vatican is an independent republic, or it does
not recognize the Vatican’s sovereignty, Chorrord Inknishkhanutyun
daily writes.

“Specifically, the official statement, on the meeting between the
Diaspora Minister Hranush Hakobyan and Pope Benedict XVI, reads as
follows: ‘His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI received, at the Vatican,
Armenia’s Diaspora Minister Hranush Hakobyan, who is in Italy, on
February 7-12, on a working visit.’ It is known that the Vatican
is geographically situated inside Italy, but it is also known
that the Vatican is an independent state, with which Armenia has
diplomatic relations. But the Ministry’s official statement leaves
the impression that, at present, the Vatican is a part of Italy,”
Chorrord Inknishkhanutyun daily writes.

AZERBAIJAN COMMITTED TO RESOLVE CONFLICT WITH ARMENIA THROUGH NEGOTIATIONS

Trend
Feb 10 2012
Azerbaijan

Baku remains committed to resolve the conflict between Armenia and
Azerbaijan through negotiations, despite the fact that mediation
efforts over 20 years were not always consistent and as yet not
produced any results, the Azerbaijani Permanent Representative to
the UN Agshin Mehdiyev said, ITAR-TASS reported.

He was speaking at a meeting of the UN Security Council in connection
with the briefing of the OSCE Chairman, deputy Prime Minister and
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of Ireland Eamon Gilmore.

Mr Mehdiyev said that Baku takes into account that the formula for a
settlement is on the basis of the on-going political process. It is
based on the termination of the illegal occupation of our territories,
restoring sovereignty and Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity, refugees
can return home and ensuring a peaceful coexistence of Azerbaijanis
and Armenians in the Nagorno-Karabakh region within Azerbaijan.

The Azerbaijani ambassador strongly opposed the lack of consent on
political issues to be used as a reason to disrespect and disregard
international law, particularly international humanitarian law and
the international law on human rights. Thus, the on-going continuing
illegal activity in the Azerbaijani occupied territories, especially
the one which aims to change the demographic, social and cultural
character, certainly serves to further perpetuate the current status
quo of occupation.

Azerbaijani Permanent Representative to the UN expressed hope
that the OSCE chairman will insist on the need to immediately and
unconditionally stop all the actions that create serious obstacles to
the prospects of the conflict settlement on the basis of international
law.

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 the U.N. Security Council’s four
resolutions on the liberation of the Nagorno-Karabakh and the
surrounding regions.

`FRENCH CONSTITUTIONAL COUNCIL WILL NOT APPROVE THE BILL CRIMINALIZING THE DENIAL OF SO-CALLED ARMENIAN GENOCIDE`

State Telegraph Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan
February 9, 2012 Thursday

Visiting deputy chairperson of the France-Caucasus friendship group,
head of the France-Azerbaijan working group, senator Mrs. Nathalie
Goulet and her accompanying delegation gave an interview to Azerbaijan
State Telegraph Agency, AzerTAc.

Q: How do you assess your visit to Azerbaijan and the meetings you
held here?

Senator Nathalie Goulet: I have visited Azerbaijan several times. But
my colleagues are visiting your country for the first time. I think
it would be better if they answer this question. As you know we have
a very tough itinerary. We held fruitful meetings during which we
discussed a number of interesting issues.

Senator Jeanny Lorgeoux: We have witnessed great hospitality in
Azerbaijan. The meetings were held in a frank atmosphere. We also
saw high level of tolerance in your country.

Senator Sylvie Goy-Chavent: It is my first visit to Azerbaijan. I
am very glad to get acquainted with a nation with great culture and
civilization. I will return to Paris with great impressions.

We met with refugees and IDPs as part of the visit and familiarized
ourselves with their living conditions. I will never forget this
meeting. I think that the issue of refugees and IDPs is one of the
most important problems Azerbaijan has faced. Much has to be done in
this respect. And each of the senators perceive Azerbaijan`s problems
and are ready to contribute to resolving these problems.

Senator Herve Maurey: During my trip to Azerbaijan I discovered a
country with rich culture, and got information about your country`s
political, economic, cultural life.

We got acquainted with the living conditions of Azerbaijani refugees
and IDPs. We will spare no efforts to raise the awareness of the
French community on their conditions.

Senator Andre Reichardt: Rich culture, hospitality, fruitful meetings,
useful exchange of views this is what I can say about our Azerbaijan
visit. This visit was important for me in terms of understanding
Azerbaijan`s sensitive attitude to regional issues.

Q: We would like to know your opinion on the decision to be made by
France`s Constitutional Council with respect to the bill criminalizing
the denial of so-called Armenian genocide?

Nathalie Goulet: Many senators signed a letter of complaint which
was sent to the Constitutional Council. This is because we think that
parliamentarians have to deal with legislature, not with history. This
issue is enshrined in the 34th article of France`s Constitution. So
we hope that Constitutional Council will not approve the bill.

Azerbaijan kept a close eye on the Senate discussions on the bill. We
understand the Azerbaijani community`s concerns over the bill, and
we witnessed it during the meetings.

Senator Jeanny Lorgeoux: I want to note that French President Nicolas
Sarkozy stated that he will send the bill to the Constitutional Council
for the second time if the Council does not approve it. If it happens,
this will mean pressure on the Council. But I think the Constitutional
Council will not approve the bill on the first time.

Q: France is one of the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group. The bill
casts doubts on France`s neutrality regarding the settlement of
Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. What is your point
of view?

Senator Jeanny Lorgeoux: We understand the Azerbaijani community`s
concerns over this issue. We discussed it in the meetings as well. Of
course, a wrong decision must be prevented. We are sure that France
will protect its objective position within the OSCE Minsk Group.

Senator Nathalie Goulet: France has a resolute position on the
Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. France supports
Azerbaijan`s territorial integrity. We think that occupied territories
must be liberated and Azerbaijani refugees and IDPs must return to
their homelands. I want to stress once again that France`s position
will remain unchanged.

Senator Andre Reichardt: I`m also confident that common sense will
triumph. France will not change its position on the Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict.

TURKISH GOVERNMENT DISTRIBUTES TABLETS TO ARMENIAN STUDENTS

Sabah
Feb 9 2012
Turkey

Students and teachers from Istanbul’s Ozel Esayan Armenian High
School are experiencing the excitement of the Fatih Project as the
sole private school included in the pilot stage.

The only private school to be included in the 52 school pilot program
for the Fatih Project, the Private Esayan Armenian High School has
already integrated the tablet computers provided by the government
in their classes. Students have expressed that having the tablets
in class has made their lessons much more educational and enjoyable,
while teachers are pleased at their student’s increased interest in
the lesson.

The Fatih Project was kicked off the day before yesterday by
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Yesterday, the first series
of 12,800 tablet computers were distributed to the 52 schools in
17 provinces that were selected for the pilot program. The Beyoglu
Private Esayan Armenian High School is the only private school that
has been included in the pilot program. The 32 teachers in the high
school and 45 students from the ninth grade class began their first
classes yesterday with lessons integrated into the tablet computer
and smart board system.

Students explained that the computer, which contains all of their
course books and lessons with animation features, is a great
convenience, while teachers commented that even from the first day
of their integration, students are already displaying an increased
interest in class.

According to Armenian teacher Maral Ebeoglu Satar, the animated
lessons that can be displayed via internet access on the smart boards
has drawn students’ interest which allows them as teachers to teach
class even more effectively.

Geography teacher Zafer Kurtar states, “The trouble of writing on a
board with chalk is over. Students are able to follow the subjects
we are lecturing on through their tablet computers. We have already
begun to feel the positive affects this is having on our students.”

“IT IS VERY EXCITING” School Principle Satenik NiÅ~_an states, “It
is a very exciting, modern process. It is also extremely meaningful
that our school was selected for the pilot program.”

The students who have received the tablet computers are also pleased.

Ninth grade student Linda Muratyan states, “Class passes by so
enjoyably now. Everyone has their full attention on the teacher. Even
if the lesson is difficult, we are able to easily understand it.”

Karolin Nas states, “The tablet computers have everything we need. We
have been saved from having to carry around heavy backpacks. This
has lifted a big burden off of us.”

The “Fatih” project becomes the ‘Conquerer’

According to the Democratic Educators Union (DES) General Chairman
Gurkan Avcı, with the Fatih project, the Turkish education system
has taken a revolutionary step for the future. “Over time, the Fatih
project may turn into the “Conquerer Project”. Avcı emphasized that
they are in full support of the Turkish educational system reaching
a high-quality and modern state and that this program will provide
equality in education, will eradicate the obligation to attend
additional tutoring or special courses and marks the end of an
education system based on memorizing and tests.

AZERBAIJANI DEFENSE MINISTER’S STATEMENT IS ABSURD: DAVIT KARAPETYAN

ARMENPRESS
FEBRUARY 9, 2012
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 9, ARMENPRESS: Press Secretary to Defense Minister
of Armenia Davit Karapetyan has reacted to the statement of Deputy
Head of the press service of the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry Teimur
Abdullayev, that Defense Minister of Armenia Seyran Ohanyan is lying
by saying that the Armed Forces of Armenia responds to Azerbaijan
with fires of snipers in one case out of the ten.

“The response of the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry, put it mildly, is
absurd. According to the information f the Defense Ministry of Armenia
and NKR Defense Army, in 2010 Azerbaijan violated the ceasefire regime
about 7500 times, and in 2011- 13 500 times. International structures
dealing with the Karabakh conflict are well-aware about this. The
rest is the delirium of the Azerbaijani misinformation scribblers,”
said Davit Karapetyan.