Author: Kalantarian Kevo

ICT LEADERS TO COME TOGETHER IN STEPANAKERT

armradio.am
27.10.2011 13:50

Leaders of the field of Information and Communication Technologies
will come together in Artsakh to discuss the issues and perspectives
of ICT development in Nagorno Karabakh.

The Union of Information Technology Enterprises (UITE) continues
to promote the development of technologies in the Nagorno Karabakh
Republic. The “Meeting of ICT leaders” forum will take place in
Stepanakert October 28-30. The event is supported by the Armenian
Ministry of Economy and the NKR Ministry of Economic Development.

Issues on the agenda of the forum include: education and development of
workforce in the field of Information Technologies, development of an
infrastructure of IT enterprises in Nagorno Karabakh, technological
solutions for NKR industry, the present and future of technologic
development in Artsakh, etc.

President of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic Bako Sahakyan will offer
opening remarks. The forum will bring together about 60 representatives
of Armenian ICT Companies, NGOs and international organizations.

The first forum of ICT leaders was held in Nagorno Karabakh October
9-10, 2010.

ARGENTINA ‘ANGEL OF DEATH’ ALFREDO ASTIZ CONVICTED

ARMENPRESS
14:18, 27 October, 2011

Former Argentine naval officer Alfredo Astiz has been jailed for life
for crimes against humanity during military rule in 1976-83.

Astiz – known as the “Blond Angel of Death” – was found guilty of
torture, murder and forced disappearance.

Among his victims were two French nuns and the founders of the Mothers
of the Plaza de Mayo human rights group.

Eleven other former military and police officers were also given life
sentences for crimes against humanity.

Four others were jailed for between 18 and 25 years.

All worked at the Naval Mechanical School in Buenos Aires – known as
Esma – which was the biggest secret torture and killing centre set
up by the military during what became known as the “Dirty War”.

Of the 5,000 or so prisoners taken to Esma, 90% did not come out alive.

Some were killed by firing squad while others were thrown from planes –
drugged but still alive – into the Atlantic Ocean.

More than 70 of those who did make it out were among the witnesses
in the 22-month trial.

YEREVAN MAYOR’S STATEMENT OF RESIGNATION MAKES HIS PREDECESSOR ENTHUSIASTIC

arminfo
Thursday, October 27, 11:07

Yerevan Mayor Karen Karapetyan has submitted his letter of resignation
to President Serzh Sargsyan, Wednesday. In response, the president
urged Karapetyan to wait for a day until Paris Mayor leaves Armenia
for Paris.

According to the Yerevan-based newspaper Zhoghovurd (The People),
the reason of such sentiments could be the mayor’s discrepancies with
Serzh Sargsyan since the mayor’s activity has recently aroused public
discontent. By another data Karapetyan sent in his resignation after
his good friends in Moscow promised him a high position in Moscow.

Nevertheless, Mayor’s Spokesperson Shushan Sardaryan has refuted all
these rumors.

In the meanwhile Karapetyan’s possible resignation has already made the
ex-mayor Gagik Baglaryan enthusiastic. The Chorrord Inqnishkhanutyun
newspaper writes that the ex-mayor is informed that the given issue
is on agenda. Therefore, he started to participate in the sessions
of the Republican Party of Armenia Executive Committee.

Beglaryan hopes to get the position of the mayor back. Referring
to its own sources the newspaper writes that the president is not
enthusiastic with Beglaryan’s intention to “come back.”

ECHR STATISTICS REVEAL ARMENIA’S VIOLATIONS OF RIGHT TO FREE TRIAL

Tert.am
27.10.11

The European Court of Human Rights published factsheets for each of
the 47 European countries which have ratified the European Convention
on Human Rights.

The “country profiles” available on the Court’s official website
provide wide-ranging information regarding the human rights issues
which have been and will be dealt with by the Court for each State.

According to a press release by the ECHR, both the profiles and
thematic factsheets covering the ECHR judgments made between1959-2011
are intended to help make the Court’s work and case-law better known.

Armenia, which joined the Council of Europe in 2001, has so far had
25 cases heard by the Court.

The country statistics on the Court’s website suggests it was mostly
found in violation of the right to fair trial (Article 6 of European
Convention on Human Rights). Thus in 34% (or 13 cases) of the total
number of cases vs Armenia, the ECHR satisfied the citizens’ claim
for violation of the right to a fair hearing.

In six cases (15%) the Court found the country in breach of Article 11
(freedom of assembly and association) of the Convention. Another 15%
of the rulings (or 6 cases) dealt with ill treatments (Article 3),
some 10% (4 cases) – with protection of property (P1-1) and 26% –
with other rights (security and public safety, freedom of expression,
right to education etc.).

It is noteworthy that the right to fair trial was found characteristic
to most European countries. Thus, Article 6 was predominantly violated
by Iceland (47%), Spain (47%), Sweden (42%) and Russia (42%). As for
Armenia’s neighbors – Georgia, Azerbaijan and Turkey – they were found
in violation of this right in 16%, 19% and 21% of cases, respectively.

ARMENIA’S DIASPORA MINISTER MEETS WITH MOSCOW ARMENIANS

Tert.am
27.10.11

Oct. 25, at the Russian Social and Political Center, Armenian Minister
of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan, who is on a state visit to Moscow, held
a meeting with representatives of the Armenian community in Moscow.

The Yerkramas newspaper, published by the Armenian community in
Russia, reports that the meeting was organized by the Moscow-based
Russian-Armenian Commonwealth regional organization. Participating
in the meeting were the heads of Armenian public and student
organizations, cultural and education societies, compatriotic unions,
which are members of the Forum of Armenian organizations in Moscow,
Armenian Student Association of Moscow and Council of Armenian
organizations in the Moscow region.

In his opening speech, President of the Russian-Armenian Commonwealth
Yuri Navoyan stressed the importance work carried out by the Armenian
Ministry of Diaspora, need for partnership with Armenian organizations
throughout the world. A relevant government policy meets present-day
requirements.

Minister Hakobyan informed the attendees of the ministry’s activities
and tasks. She noted that Armenian NGOs and other organizations,
with their specific tasks, facilitate accomplishment of numerous
tasks in various sectors.

The heads of a number of organizations presented their views on
national problems and the ones of the Armenian Diaspora. Among
important issues is the establishment of an Armenian information and
cultural center in Moscow.

US NOT INTERESTED IN KARABAKH SETTLEMENT – AZERI EXPERT

Tert.am
27.10.11

The United States is not interested in the Nagorno Karabakh conflict
settlement, according to an Azerbaijani expert.

Speaking to SalamNews.az, political analyst Jamshud Nuriev said the
country is more inclined to freeze conflicts in order to maintain
its dominant role in different regions worldwide.

“That’s the fifth principle of the United States foreign policy,” he
said, characterizing the US as a country not having the experience
of a statehood. “They want to dominate the world through barbaric
methods. The country does not want the Karabakh conflict to be
settled because it has its political, economic and geopolitical
interests there.”

Nuriev added that expecting others to solve the problem is a
self-deception.

“The Azerbaijani army has to liberate at least some of the
Armenian-occupied territories, making Armenia face the fact,” he said.

AKHTAMAR’S ST. CROSS CHURCH NOT SUFFERED FROM EARTHQUAKE

ARMENPRESS
October 26, 2011
YEREVAN

The St. Cross Church of Akhtamar Island of the Lake Van has not
suffered from the two massive earthquakes that hit the territory of
Turkey during the past three days, chief editor of Istanbul-based
Armenian daily “Zhamanak” Ara Gochunyan told Armenpress.

He confirmed the information of the RA Foreign Ministry that there
are no Armenians among the victims and injured. “There is no Armenian
community in Van region,” he said.

HRAPARAK: KAREN AVAGYAN AND ARMENIA’S ARMY

Tert.am
26.10.11

Speaking in Parliament Oct. 25, Karen Avagyan, leader of the youth
wing of the Republican Party of Armenia (RPA), “delivered a lecture”
for those critical of the present situation in the Armenian army,
which claims human lives.

“The Army is a holy thing!”, “Have a heart!” were the slogans Mr.

Avagyan was chanting in Parliament.

The newspaper responds: “What does Karen Avagyan know about the army
and the situation there if he did not serve a single day? His CV shows
he graduated from Yerevan Medical University. He took post-graduate
courses and defended a thesis. In such a ‘classical way’ he evaded
military service.”

Of course, RPA members have the right to consider the army holy.

However, they must be the ones that have been in contacts with the
“holy angels” as recruits, not as Parliament members, the newspaper
writes.

HOUSE OF ARMENIAN BOOK TO OPEN IN MOSCOW

Tert.am
26.10.11

Armenians residing in Russia’s capital, Moscow, will get a New Year
surprise – a House of Armenian Book will be opened at 19 Basmanaya Str.

The construction is under way, and Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan
received a relevant report while on a state visit to Russia.

The House of Armenian Book will be identical to its counterpart,
House of Russian Book in Yerevan, in both location and design.

Armenian language courses will be organized at the House of Armenian
Book for all those wishing. A book shop, as well as the Armenia press
center will operate at the House and cooperate with the Russia press
center in Yerevan.

The House of Armenian Book will publish the magazine Armenian World in
Russia. The magazine will deal with the development of Russian-Armenian
politico-economic and cultural ties.

On Oct.1, the Board of the CIS Youth Union made a decision on opening
of ten houses of Armenian book in Russian cities.

The public figure Andranik Nikoghosyan was elected Board chairman
this June.

20th anniversary of Armenia’s independence celebrated on Capitol Hill

armradio.am
26.10.2011 12:28

Armenian Americans joined on Capitol Hill with eighteen members of
the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, the Armenian Embassy,
and friends of Armenia in celebrating the 20th anniversary of the
Republic of Armenia’s rebirth as an independent state, reported the
Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).

“We were pleased to join today with so many Congressional supporters
of Armenia, the Armenian Embassy, a broad cross-section of Armenian
Americans, and our friends from across the foreign policy community
in celebrating Armenia’s rebirth as an independent state,” said ANCA
Chairman Ken Hachikian, following the event. “This gathering – on the
milestone of Armenia’s 20th anniversary – served a vital purpose in
marking our progress, reinforcing our shared values, and recommitting
ourselves to the unfinished work that lays before us as we realize
our nation’s democratic and national aspirations.”

The celebration was held in the historic hearing room of the House
Foreign Affairs Committee, 2172 Rayburn House Office Building. This
room has been the setting for many watershed meetings on Armenian
issues, including the approval of a series of Armenian Genocide
Resolutions and, just this past July 20th, the adoption of the
Return of Churches amendment calling on Turkey to restore confiscated
Christian religious properties to their rightful owners.

The evening’s program was opened and hosted by Armenian Caucus Co-
Chairmen Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Ed Royce (R-CA). The schedule
featured a moving awards ceremony, presided over by Armenia’s
Ambassador, Tatoul Markarian, during which he bestowed Armenia’s
“Mkhitar Gosh” Medal upon House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking
Democrat Howard Berman (D-CA) and Armenian Genocide Resolution lead
co-sponsor, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA), for their years of dedicated
service in seeking U.S. affirmation of the Armenian Genocide and
strengthening U.S.-Armenia ties.

“It’s a great honor to receive the Mkhitar Gosh Medal of the Republic
of Armenia,” stated Rep. Berman upon receipt of the award. “I will
always treasure it, as I treasure my bond with Armenian Americans
and with all Armenians. I will not waver in my commitment to justice
for the Armenians. That means winning U.S. Congressional recognition
of the Genocide, ending the Turkish-Azerbaijani blockade, and ending
the isolation of Nagorno Karabakh.”

Rep. Schiff expressed appreciation to the Armenian American community
for embracing him as an adopted son, and for working hand in hand with
him on issues of broad community concern. “The Republic of Armenia
is a strong U.S. ally and an example of a working democracy.

Domestically, Armenian Americans continue to illustrate what
a valuable asset they are to our society, breaking new ground
economically, socially and politically in California and across the
nation. Congratulations to the people of Armenia, and to Armenians
in America and around the world on the significant achievements of
the past 20 years.”

Members of Congress expressed their commitment to strengthening the
U.S.-Armenia relationship through promoting trade and continuing U.S.

assistance to the blockaded country. They went on to pledge support for
U.S. affirmation of the Armenian Genocide and the ongoing “Return of
Churches” campaign calling on Turkey to return confiscated churches
to their rightful owners. Special attention was given to ensuring
the right to self-determination of the people of Nagorno Karabagh. Rep.

Brad Sherman (D-CA) spoke forcefully about generating targeted U.S.

support for the at-risk Armenian population of the Javakhk region
of Georgia.