Author: Kalantarian Kevo

CHURCH IS A TYPICAL OLIGARCH
Siranuysh Papyan

Lragir.am

29/07/2011

Interview with Ara Nedolyan, theatrical critic, publicist

Ara, the society has recently become rather sensitive to the steps of
clergymen and their statements. For the first time in the history of
independent Armenia, people demanded Cahtolicos’s resignation. What is
the reason? Is there a crisis in the church or are developments within
the society a challenge for the church which is in state of crisis?

We regularly dwell on Constitutional revolution. A constitutional
revolution means change of people’s ideas when they start looking
around and differentiate how a modern society operates and which links
don’t function here. The crisis of the church happened in the world in
the 19th century and decisions were made to separate the state and the
church, to define the functions of both, in the result of which the
church is a religious community and not something which is obligatory
for everyone and rules over everyone. The church brings together the
followers of a religion and faith and it should try to follow the
rules that the secular world provided for all kinds of organizations.

It means that public opinion, human rights, right to make decisions
by a person must be respected by the church, a natural discourse,
modernization and re-affirmation of the legitimacy of the leadership
of the church must occur inside the church. And we really see how
people, believers try to change the current way of governance and now
they set forth this issue. This is one side of the issue. The other
side is the division of functions of the state and the church. The
historical and cultural heritage, in this case, Sanahin Monastery,
does not belong to the Church but to the society, the people, to
everyone. And if the Church assumed the responsibility to use and
govern it, it should also take care to ensure its accessibility to
everyone. If it fails, it must be done by the state.

On the other hand, the society fails to accept the extravagant
lifestyle of clergymen, driving Bentleys and Toyotas.

The Church is exempt from taxes, it has a non-transparent system of
finance and management. It evidently leads a monopolistic policy and
fulfills its main function of producing spiritual life inefficiently.

In other words, it is a typical oligarch. The society has identified
this, and the next step will be the politicization of the issue of
the church, that is the return of the isolated and stagnant church to
the broad process of social life, search of truth, human life. And
if an oligarch becomes a businessman, they can drive a Bentley as
soon as you are sure they did not steal the money from your pocket,
and that they paid all the taxes, paid for insurance, trade unions
operate, competitors are not repressed. If after having fulfilled
all the necessary requirements, they produce competitive production,
they can afford to drive a Bentley, no one will feel bitter about it.

Oligarch is a status, and now the church is an oligarch since it
operates beyond the rules of the current system. This issue has
been resolved in the world but since in the Soviet Union this issue
was tackled too radically, the reaction was to free the church from
all kinds of duties, appearing outside the society. Every member of
the society is responsible. This is the essence of Constitutional
order. I don’t mean the strengths or weaknesses of the Catholicos. I
think the best Catholicos in this case would just try to hide that
he is an oligarch, that’s it.

Will the pressure of the society be effective when the clergymen
state the society is going beyond every limit? Does the social network
express the demands of the society?

The social network is already able to voice, thought not so clearly,
certain rules typical of a Constitutional society. I mean these rules
are becoming rooted in the consciousness of people and peoples’ eyes
already know how to differentiate the phenomena. The society is getting
used to individualizing issues instead of complaining that Armenia
is not a good country. The society starts having visions of solution
of issues in Armenia, as well as the creation of a mechanism and the
Constitutional society through which the issues must be solved. This
is a dual process – to have a mechanism through which you can solve
issues and to have public interest, communication, possibility to join
into groups which will enable to use that mechanism. If there is a
mechanism but there is no one to use it, or when there is someone who
can use the mechanism but there is no mechanism, the mission can’t
be completed. Here, we do not have the mechanism but the awareness
of its necessary is occurring, people have a vision of how issues
could be resolved. I mean, not through changing the Catholicos but
by having him pay taxes.

ARMENIAN TAX AUTHORITIES MEET FIRST HALF TAX REVENUE TARGETS

/ ARKA /
July 28, 2011
YEREVAN

The government has met its tax revenue targets projected for the
first half of 2011 in full, Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan said at
today’s Cabinet session.

“Moreover, it has collected even more taxes than projected,” he said
asking the chief treasurer to present the details to the public.

While speaking about the process of budget execution Deputy Minister
of Finance, Chief Treasurer Atom Janjughazyan spoke in detail about
the principles used to form and adopt the budget and talked about
internal and external sources of financing.

“According to an updated program, budget revenues for the first six
months totaled 402.1 billion drams, 99.6% of all projected budget
revenues. The figure for extra-budgetary funds was 89.4%,” he said.

He said collection rate of duties and taxes amounted to 100.03%.

Instead of projected 314 billion drams, tax authorities collected
314.1 billion drams. The authorities also collected 60.865 billion
drams in mandatory social payments, up from projected 60 billion drams.

“This all are government revenues, a total of 383.65 billion drams,
which make 100.8% of the projected amount,” he said.

As for expenditures, according to the chief treasurer, they were
projected at 458.6 billion drams, of which 443 billion drams were to
be funded by the state budget, but during the reporting period these
expenditures were performed by 90% and 52% respectively.

He noted that the annual deviation of expenditure was about 2-3%,
which is considered normal resulting from savings due to extension
of deadlines for implementation of some projects. He said it was a
concern, but concrete steps are taken to minimize the deviations from
the projected spending targets. ($ 1 – 364.42 AMD).

FIRST LADIES OF ARMENIA AND POLAND VISIT PARADJANOV MUSEUM

ARMENPRESS
July 29, 2011
YEREVAN

The first ladies of Armenia and Poland Rita Sargsyan and Anna
Komorowska visited today Sergey Paradjanov museum. The first ladies
toured in the museum, accompanied with Zaven Sargsyan, who presented
the samples presented in the museum and their history.

Komorowska congratulated on the 20th anniversary of the establishment
of the museum and wished success.

ARMENIAN PRESIDENT’ STATEMENT DISTORTED – AGOS WEEKLY EDITOR

Tert.am
29.07.11

Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan’s statement made at his meeting
with the participants in the Armenian Language and Literature Olympiad
in Tsakhkadzor was distorted, which, in turn, caused misinformation,
said Rober Koptas, Editor-in-Chief of the Istanbul-based Agos weekly.

The Armenian leader’s statement contained a message about peace and
democracy, he stressed. “In his statement Serzh Sargsyan emphasized
the country’s prosperity rather than its area. It was a message of
peace. We think that Sargsyan’s statement was distorted by the media.

Before asking his question, a student was speaking of Tigranes the
Great and Armenia under his rule. Then he asked if it was possible for
Armenia to be like Armenia of that period. In his response, President
Sargsyan was speaking of prosperous Armenia, but not of getting
western Armenia or Mount Ararat back. He stressed the fact of reaching
civilized nations’ level and said: ‘This is your generation’s duty.’
President Sargsyan asked the student’s question in a diplomatic and
peaceful way. He did not say that ‘we have taken Nagorno-Karabakh
and we leave it to you to take Mount Ararat.’ President Sargsyan’s
message did not at all mean that,” Koptas said.

Immediately after the reports on the Armenian leader’s meeting with
students, Turkish and Azeri mass media spread the information that
President Serzh Sargsyan allegedly said: “We have taken Nagorno
Karabakh, and we leave it to you to take Mount Ararat.”

Official Ankara strongly condemned the Armenian president’s statement.

Speaking in Baku, Turkish Premier Recep Erdogan qualified the Armenian
leader’ statement as a provocation and demanded that President Serzh
Sargsyan apologize.

The Turkish foreign office issued a strong statement. Using such
expressions is unbecoming to a statesman, a president, the Turkish
premier said. President Sargsyan made a major blunder and must
apologize, Erdogan said at his meeting with Azerbaijani President
Serzh Sargsyan.

Armenian Deputy FM Shavarsh Kocharyan made a statement in connection
with the Ankara-raised clamor. He said that Turkey made an artificial
hysteria over the Armenian leader’ statement.

“You know, I have the impression that the Turks have simply not read
the complete answer to the question or that they are just unanimously
voicing what they wish to voice, by clinging to separate sections
of the address. Actually the answer of the president of Armenia to
such a question was serious, comprehensive and quite measured, which,
if not perceived in Turkey, then they simply do not need it. In any
case, the hysteria made is not only artificial, but should also lead
many to conclusions,” Sh. Kocharyan told journalists.

At his meeting with participants in the Armenian Language and
Literature Olympiad in Tsakhkadzor Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan,
responding to a student’s question, particularly said that his
generation defended Nagorno-Karabakh from the enemy. “Each generation
has its own duties, and it must be able to perform them well,” the
Armenian leader said.

TURKISH PREMIER COMMENTS ON DEBT CRISIS, MILITARY OPERATIONS

Anadolu Agency
July 27, 2011
Turkey

Ankara, 27 July: Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said
Wednesday that Turkey was fully prepared against a financial crisis
in Europe.

Speaking to reporters prior to his departure from Ankara’s Esenboga
International Airport for Azerbaijan, Erdogan said that “there could
be a crisis in the West. However, we are prepared against an economic
crisis”.

“In the past, I had stated that the economic crisis in Europe would
touch Turkey slightly. This time it seems like the crisis won’t even
touch slightly. We are in a better position and are stronger compared
to the past. You need not be concerned about Turkey’s economy,”
Erdogan stressed.

Touching on efforts for a new Constitution in Turkey, Erdogan said
that the Justice and Development (AK) Party officials began studies
which would eventually lead to a new Constitution.

Turkey’s prime minister said on Wednesday that there were no
significant differences between the reports prepared by the Turkish
Interior Ministry and the General Staff after the recent terrorist
attack in southeastern Silvan town.

Speaking to reporters at Ankara’s Esenboga Airport before departing
for Azerbaijan, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said
the General Staff had recently released a very detailed and thorough
statement on the Silvan attack, and therefore, there was no need to
make public another report by the Interior Ministry which was after
all not much different than the army’s statement.

Erdogan said General Staff’s statement consisted of explicit
expressions regarding the possible negligence in the attack, adding
that the legal progress of the matter would be monitored from now on.

On July 14, a total of 13 Turkish soldiers were killed and 7 others
were wounded in a clash with PKK terrorists in Silvan town of
southeastern Diyarbakir province. Turkish Armed Forces said seven
terrorists were killed in the clash.

Regarding plans to include police forces actively in the
counter-terrorism process, Erdogan said a study was needed to develop
new methods and to strengthen coordination between security forces
in such fight.

“However, our main goal is to conduct this process within the scope
of our National Unity & Brotherhood project, rather than with the
help of security forces,” the prime minister said.

“As long as we see good intentions from the opposite side, we will
carry on with this process with an understanding of brotherhood.

However, if we see any bad intentions, neither us nor our citizens
can display any good will anymore,” he added.

Commenting on the way Turkish media covers terrorism-related news,
Erdogan said several media organs tried to demoralize certain
institutions of Turkey and such stance was unacceptable.

The premier noted that it was impossible to understand media’s support
to representatives of terrorism.

“We would like to see all media organs show a certain sensitivity
on this issue so that our country can achieve the national unity and
peace it has been yearning for as soon as possible,” Erdogan said.

Erdogan said that they aimed to strengthen existing strategic
partnership with Azerbaijan.

Speaking to reporters prior to his departure from Ankara for
Azerbaijan, Erdogan said that he would travel to Azerbaijan at an
invitation by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

Visits to Azerbaijan following elections in Turkey have become a
tradition. We continue this tradition by visiting Azerbaijan after
visiting the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) on July 20,
Erdogan said.

My visit to Azerbaijan will give us a chance to discuss bilateral
relations and comprehensive cooperation. We will have an opportunity
to exchange views on regional developments, Erdogan said.

We will also have a chance to affirm our position to resolve the
Upper Karabakh issue by peaceful means t hat respect the territorial
integrity of Azerbaijan, Erdogan said.

In our contacts with Azerbaijan, we encourage all steps to make
contacts between our peoples easier and greater including steps for
visa liberalization, Erdogan also said.

BREIVIK’S MANIFESTO MENTIONS WORD ARMENIA 52 TIMES

news.am

July 28, 2011
Armenia

The manifesto of Norwegian perpetrator Anders Breivik “2083: European
Declaration of Independence” mentions the word Armenia 52 times,
it also mentions Armenian Genocide 31 times and Armenians in general
200 times.

Armenian News-NEWS.am earlier reported that Breivik’s manifesto “2083:
European Declaration of Independence” says that his organization
has two members from England, one from France, one Dutchman, one
Russian, one Norwegian, one Serb and one Greek among the founderd
of the organization “Knights Templar”. According to Breivik his
organization has members from Europe, as well as Armenia and Lebanon.

TURKISH PM TO VISIT BAKU

Tert.am
25.07.11

The Turkish Prime Minister is planning a visit to Baku.

Citing the press service of the Turkish Government, the Azerbaijani
news agency APA reported that Recep Tayyip Erdogan will leave for
the Azerbaijani capital on Wednesday, July 27.

He is scheduled to meet with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to
discuss issues relating to bilateral ties and regional developments.

The Azerbaijani media had earlier reported that the two countries are
expected to sign an agreement on natural gas transit. The discussions
will also focus on the possibility of lifting the bilateral visa
regime. Besides, the Strategic Cooperation Council will convene its
first session.

Erdogan was earlier reported to be planning his visit in August.

7.5 BILLION AMD FOR CREDITING AGRICULTURE

ARMENPRESS
July 28, 2011
YEREVAN

The cabinet decided at its today’s sitting to provide 7.5 billion
AMD from the Russian loan for crediting the agriculture. The prime
minister said the government must continue the privileged crediting
of the agriculture, implementing subsidization of the interest rate.

Chief treasurer of Armenia Atom Janjughazyan said that the 7.5 billion
AMD is being provided to the agriculture on general basis: through
Central Bank the money will be distributed to the trade banks and
the latter will provide them to farmers with their conditions.

The head of the government said it is necessary to provide additional
money for resuming the subsidizing program.

HAK – GOVERNMENT TALKS: IN WHOSE BEST INTEREST?

Armen Arakelyan

hetq
July 28, 2011

The Armenian National Congress (HAK) and the RA government have finally
clarified the issues that will serve as the crux of continued dialog
– elections.

Negotiations will only center around the following issue – to what
extent can snap elections be held within the time parameters set out
by the HAK.

This is to say that the two sides will have to decide by October
whether it is appropriate to hold snap presidential and parliamentary
elections and what measures will have to be enacted to ensure that
these elections are free and fair.

In other words, whatever the final mix, it will only deal with the
issue of elections and mainly serve the interests of the government
and HAK.

But the ramifications of these talks between the two main opposing
groups will have its impact across the entire political field and
influence those forces left out of the process.

The government and the HAK are, in essence, writing the rule book
for all players large and small.

Such an approach cannot be welcomed by those “marginalized” groups
preparing for the elections, but, they have no one else to blame
but themselves.

For the past seven months they have stood on the sidelines, merely
disparaging developments as the process has unfolded, rather than
coming up with alternate formulas or agendas for such dialog.

But the core problem rests in society itself. In the end, it’s the
voters, society at large, who form the government.

So the question is whether these talks serve the interests of society.

In essence, these talks are taking place outside the purview and/or
supervision of society.

If those doing the negotiating were only defining an agenda that deals
with their issues, the above circumstance wouldn’t be that crucial.

But the two sides state that they are acting in the interests of
the society, even though they prefer to operate on the sidelines
of society.

Thus, despite the decisions adopted regarding elections, the internal
level of doubt and suspicion will not be overcome.

This factor isn’t in the best interest of HAK since it seeks to offer
itself up as the servant of the people and working in the interests
of all.

Thus, in the first case, it is the HAK that should be concerned to have
as great a level of civic and public participation in the process as
possible. This would also limit the government’s chance to drag its
feet or manoeuvre for position.

It cannot be ruled out that the government’s tactic is to deepen the
popular distrust of HAK by constantly meeting it halfway.

HAK understands that whether or not the government is pursuing such a
line, to continue the process in such a framework means the outright
dissolution of its potential electoral base.

This is why the HAK has set an October deadline for snap elections
and September as the deadline to reach a corresponding agreement.

It also cannot be ruled out that the two sides will seriously pursue
the possibility of holding snap elections.

For the past two weeks, the government not only hasn’t ruled out the
possibility but has officially declared that such developments cannot
be ruled out.

However, there are at least two political prerequisites that do not
rule out the possible holding of snap elections, regardless of the
HAK’s desires on the matter.

The first is the unprecedented situation in the Karabakh matter and the
fact that the international community no longer hides the possibility
of forcing the parties to sign an agreement on basic principles.

Snap elections resulting from joint talks with the opposition, might
serve to temporarily stave off such pressures from without.

The second is the unproductive economic policies pursued by the
government leading to an uncontrolled exodus from the country and
unrealized budgetary predictions for the 1st half of 2011.

But the question is whether Serzh Sargsyan will agree to snap
presidential elections. Probably not.

The way I see it, the powers that be will allow for snap parliamentary
elections only.

U.S. AIDS ARMENIA AT AMOUNT OF $40 MLN. BUT SPECIFIED NO FUNDING FOR ARTSAKH

PanARMENIAN.Net
July 28, 2011

PanARMENIAN.Net – Today, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on
State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs approved the Fiscal
Year (FY) 2012 State-Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill, which
calls for $40 million in economic assistance to Armenia, reported
the Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly).

The Subcommittee’s Bill did not specify funding levels for Nagorno
Karabakh. However, Congress has routinely called for up to $10 million
in annual U.S. assistance.

While the Administration’s budget request provided $3 million in
Foreign Military Financing (FMF) for Armenia and Azerbaijan, and
$450,000 more to Azerbaijan in International Military Education
Training (IMET), the Subcommittee’s draft legislation did not
specifically delineate funding levels, but did call for military
parity for Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The Subcommittee’s Bill also restated the six customary exemptions
for humanitarian and other assistance to Section 907 of the Freedom
Support Act. Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act was enacted in
1992 and requires the Government of Azerbaijan to take “demonstrable
steps to cease all blockades and other offensive uses of force”
against Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh.

With passage by the Subcommittee, the Bill is scheduled to be
considered by the full House Appropriations Committee on August 3.

Earlier, Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Frank Pallone (D-NJ) circulated a
letter urging his U.S. House colleagues to support expanded U.S. aid
to Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh, and a number of other pro-Armenia
provisions in the Fiscal Year 2012 foreign aid bill.

In his letter, Rep. Pallone, calls upon his fellow Representatives
to join with him in co-signing a Congressional letter asking
the bipartisan leadership of the Appropriations Subcommittee on
State Foreign Operations to support the inclusion of the following
provisions: At least $60 million in economic support funds for Armenia;
At least $10 million in development aid to Nagorno Karabakh; The
strengthening of Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act and maintaining
military aid parity to Armenia and Azerbaijan; The removal of barriers
to U.S.-Nagorno Karabakh contacts and communications; Support for
the reinstatement of Nagorno Karabakh in the OSCE Minsk Group peace
process; At least $10 million in military aid to Armenia.