Author: Kalantarian Kevo

RESTORATION IN TURKISH OR HOW ARMENIAN MONUMENTS LOSE THEIR ‘FACE’

arminfo
Wednesday, June 1, 17:27

The quality of the restoration works of the Armenian historical
and cultural monuments at the territory of Turkey are not
satisfactory, representative of RAA, Ashot Hakopyan, said at today’s
press-conference.

He said that after restoration monuments change their image. For
instance, the main gates of Ani, on which the symbol of the city –
panther was placed. When we look at old photos, we can see a cross
above the panther, but it has disappeared now, he said.

Hakoyan added that the reason of such a doubtful restoration works
is that mainly Turkish specialist were attracted, which do not have
enough knowledge about the medieval Armenian architecture. According
to investigation of RAA, Armenian monuments of the Western Armenia are
in an extremely bad state. In 1940-60 they were destroyed by Turkish
servicemen which chose them like a target during military exercises.

WORLD RENOWNED MUSICIANS TO BE FEATURED AT YEREVAN PERSPECTIVES MUSIC FESTIVAL

PanARMENIAN.Net
May 31, 2011 – 16:32 AMT

Yerevan Perspectives 12th International Music Festival will feature
10 world famous music ensembles and soloists.

Among celebrities to be hosted in festival framework are: Academy
of Saint Martin in the Fields, Gulbenkian Symphony Orchestra, Hagen
Quartet, world-renowned violinist Pinchas Zukerman, famous pianist
Elena Bashkirova.

Perspectives XXI International Music Festival was renamed into
Yerevan Perspectives International Music Festival by request on
European Festival Association. The festival is held under the aegis
of Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan, with the assistance of the
Ministry of Culture.

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra performed at Yerevan Perspectives
International Music Festival in the Armenian National Opera & Ballet
Theatre on September 22, 2010.

Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region
104 North Belmont Street, Suite 200
Glendale, California 91206
Tel: (818) 500-1918

PRESS RELEASE

June 2, 2011
Contact: Haig Hovsepian
Telephone: (818) 500-1918

ANCA-WR HELPS ARMENIAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY ADD ITS VOICE TO CALIFORNIA
REDISTRICTING PROCESS

LOS ANGELES, CA—The Armenian National Committee of America-Western
Region’s (ANCA-WR) Elections Committee has been working with local
ANCAs throughout the state to help raise awareness of the
redistricting process and how it impacts the Armenian community in
California. Over the past two months, Armenian Americans have
attended public hearings to educate public officials regarding the
dynamics of the community.

California is home to the largest Armenian community in the United
States. On June 10th, the Community Redistricting Commission (CRC),
the body responsible for drawing the new districts will release its
first draft of district maps based on feedback it received through
public hearings and written testimony.

“In addition to submitting proposed district maps and written
testimony to the CRC describing the Armenian community dynamics in
California, the ANCA-WR worked with individuals throughout the state
to help ensure that their voice was heard,” said Garen Yegparian who
headed up the ANCA-WR Election Committee’s Redistricting Task Force.
“This is just the first round. The ANCA-WR will continue to work with
the community and the CRC as the districts boundaries are finalized.”

`The ties that bind our neighborhoods and communities are
multi-dimensional. Ensuring that a common district encompasses these
neighborhoods is important and helps address core quality of life
issues in our community,” he added.

Every 10 years, the State of California redraws its federal and state
legislative district boundaries to more accurately reflect the state’s
residents’ demographics and overall dynamics.

This year, the process is being led by a 14-member commission, the
CRC, as established by the Voters FIRST Act which was voted into law
by Californians in 2008. Previously, the State Legislature was
responsible for redistricting.

The CRC is made up of five Republicans, five Democrats, and 4 not
affiliated with either of those two parties but registered with
another party or as decline-to-state. The CRC must draw the district
lines in conformity with strict, nonpartisan rules designed to create
districts of equal population that will provide fair representation
for all Californians.

The CRC must hold public hearings and accept public comment. After
hearing from the public and drawing the maps for the House of
Representatives districts, 40 Senate districts, 80 Assembly districts,
and four Board of Equalization districts, the CRC must vote on the new
maps to be used for the next decade.

To approve the new maps, the maps must receive nine `yes’ votes from
the Commission – three `yes’ votes from members registered with each of
the two largest parties, and three `yes’ votes from the other members.

“While this only happens once a decade, it is one of the most
important forms of regular civic participation in which communities
can participate,” said Yegparian. “The decisions made today will
impact our community for years to come.”

For more information about the CRC, how its work impacts the Armenian
community or how someone can get involved in the process, individuals
can contact the ANCA-WR at [email protected].

The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region is the
largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots advocacy
organization in the Western United States. Working in coordination
with a network of offices, locals, and supporters throughout the
Western United States and affiliated organizations around the country,
the ANCA-WR advances the concerns of the Armenian American community
on a broad range of issues.

AMNESTY : RAPPORT 2011 SUR L’AZERBAïDJAN

Source/Lien : Amnesty International
Publié le : 02-06-2011

Info Collectif VAN – – Le Collectif VAN vous
invite a lire le rapport 2011 de l’Amnesty International sur
l’Azerbaïdjan.

Amnesty International

Chef de l’Ã~Itat Ilham Aliev
Chef du gouvernement Artur Rasizade
Peine de mort abolie
Population 8,9 millions
Espérance de vie 70,8 ans
Mortalité des moins de cinq ans (M/F) 54 / 52 â~@°
Taux d’alphabétisation des adultes 99,5 %

Des journalistes et des militants de la société civile étaient
toujours confrontés a des actes d’intimidation. Les manifestations
demeuraient interdites dans le centre de Bakou. Les ONG et les
organisations religieuses se heurtaient souvent a des problèmes
lorsqu’elles cherchaient a se faire enregistrer officiellement.

Contexte

Les élections législatives qui ont eu lieu le 7 novembre ont été
qualifiées de ” pacifiques ” par l’OSCE, qui a cependant jugé
qu’elles ne constituaient pas une avancée significative dans le
développement démocratique du pays.

Alors que les accrochages se succédaient le long de la ligne de
cessez-le-feu entre l’Azerbaïdjan et l’Arménie et que les budgets
de la défense des deux pays étaient augmentés, les négociations
engagées sous les auspices du Groupe de Minsk en vue d’une solution
au conflit du Haut-Karabakh ne progressaient guère. Quelque 600 000
personnes déplacées par ce conflit faisaient toujours l’objet de
discriminations en matière d’enregistrement auprès des pouvoirs
publics et n’étaient toujours pas logées dans des conditions
décentes.

Liberté d’expression

Les menaces et les actes de harcèlement et de violence se sont
poursuivis contre des journalistes et des militants de la société
civile, en toute impunité, ce qui a renforcé le phénomène
d’autocensure. Les autorités utilisaient des dispositions du Code
civil et du Code pénal réprimant la diffamation pour faire taire
les critiques, et plusieurs journalistes ont ainsi été condamnés
a des peines d’emprisonnement et a de lourdes amendes.

Le Parlement (Milli Mejlis) a approuvé le 12 février une mesure
interdisant l’usage d’enregistrements vidéo, photographiques ou
sonores sans que la personne concernée ait été mise au courant ou
ait donné son accord au préalable. Les seules personnes exemptées
étaient les responsables de l’application des lois.

Les journalistes et les militants de la société civile étaient
fréquemment victimes de violences et empêchés d’accomplir leur
mission, parfois du fait d’un usage excessif de la force par la police.

* Des policiers ont arrêté sept journalistes qui tentaient de couvrir
la manifestation du 27 avril contre les mesures gouvernementales
visant a réprimer la liberté d’expression et de réunion. Les
appareils photos de deux d’entre eux, Mehman Huseynov, de l’Institut
pour la liberté et la sécurité des reporters, et Afgan Mukhtarli,
du journal d’opposition Yeni Musavat, auraient été brisés. Mehman
Huseynov aurait été blessé a la jambe lors de la dispersion de
la manifestation.

Pendant les élections, un certain nombre de journalistes ont été
expulsés de divers bureaux de vote et arrêtés par la police parce
qu’ils tentaient de recueillir des informations sur les irrégularités
du scrutin, comme par exemple les bourrages d’urnes.

* Bakhtiyar Hajiyev, un jeune militant et candidat aux élections
qui avait révélé des fraudes électorales, a été arrêté le 18
novembre a la frontière géorgienne et détenu jusqu’au lendemain
dans un centre de conscription militaire. Il a été menacé d’être
enrôlé de force dans l’armée, alors que sa qualité d’étudiant
et de candidat aux élections législatives le dispensait du service
militaire.

Le 22 avril, la Cour européenne des droits de l’homme a estimé
que le journaliste et rédacteur en chef Eynulla Fatullayev avait
été emprisonné illégalement et a ordonné sa remise en liberté
immédiate.

Déclaré coupable de diffamation, de terrorisme, d’incitation a
la haine interethnique et de fraude fiscale, Eynulla Fatullayev
avait été condamné a huit ans et demi d’emprisonnement. Il n’a
cependant pas été libéré et, le 6 juillet, un tribunal de Bakou
l’a condamné a deux ans et demi d’emprisonnement pour détention de
substances illégales. Le 11 novembre, la Cour suprême a annulé les
condamnations pour diffamation, incitation a la haine interethnique
et terrorisme. Eynulla Fatullayev était toutefois toujours en prison
a la fin de l’année, purgeant la peine a laquelle il avait été
condamné pour détention de stupéfiants, une accusation qui, de
l’avis général, avait été forgée de toutes pièces.

Deux jeunes militants et blogueurs, Adnan Hajizade et Emin Abdullayev
(qui signe son blog du nom d’Emin Milli), incarcérés depuis le 8
juillet 2009 après avoir été déclarés coupables de ” houliganisme
”, sur la foi d’éléments forgés de toutes pièces, ont été remis
en liberté conditionnelle les 18 et 19 novembre, après avoir purgé
16 mois de leur peine. Ils avaient été condamnés respectivement a
30 et 24 mois d’emprisonnement. Leurs condamnations n’avaient toujours
pas été annulées a la fin de l’année.

Liberté de réunion

Les manifestations restaient interdites dans le centre de Bakou. Les
partis d’opposition ont été empêchés tout au long de l’année, et
plus particulièrement pendant la période électorale, d’organiser
des rassemblements et des manifestations, ou se sont vu attribuer
des lieux inadaptés, par exemple des chantiers.

* Le 27 avril, quelque 80 personnes ont été appréhendées alors
qu’elles se rendaient a un rassemblement organisé a Bakou pour la
défense des droits a la liberté d’expression et de réunion. Elles
ont été arrêtées et poussées sans ménagement dans des minibus
et des voitures de police. Quarante d’entre elles ont été conduites
aux abords de la ville, puis libérées. Trente autres ont été
emmenées dans un poste de police et remises en liberté après
cinq heures de garde a vue. Dix personnes ont été inculpées de
rébellion et de trouble a l’ordre public, avant d’être relâchées
tard dans la soirée. Quelques jours plus tôt, le 13 avril, la
police avait dispersé une manifestation similaire, organisée au
même endroit par le Parti de l’égalité (Musavat), une formation
de l’opposition. Quarante-sept personnes avaient été arrêtées,
puis remises en liberté au bout de plusieurs heures.

Liberté d’association

Un certain nombre de failles dans la loi concernant l’enregistrement
des ONG ont cette année encore été utilisées pour empêcher
certaines organisations de se faire reconnaître légalement. De
même, des communautés religieuses n’ont pas pu se faire enregistrer,
ou ont éprouvé des difficultés pour renouveler leur agrément,
après l’adoption en 2009 de plusieurs modifications a la Loi sur la
liberté de religion, qui interdisait toute activité d’un mouvement
non officiellement reconnu. Selon un rapport publié en juin par
le commissaire aux droits de l’homme du Conseil de l’Europe, sur
534 communautés religieuses précédemment reconnues, moins de la
moitié ont pu se faire réenregistrer.

Violences faites aux femmes

Le Parlement a adopté le 25 mai un projet de loi sur la violence
domestique, érigeant celle-ci en infraction au Code pénal et
prévoyant la mise en place de centres d’assistance aux victimes.

Retour a la rubrique

ELMAR MAMMADYAROV CALLS OIC AND ARAB LEAGUE COUNTRIES TO SUPPORT AZERBAIJAN’S NOMINATION FOR UN SECURITY COUNCIL NON-PERMANENT MEMBERSHIP

APA
June 1 2011
Azerbaijan

Baku – APA. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Elmar Mammadyarov
attended the meeting of the Organization of the Islamic Conference
(OIC) Group at the Ambassadorial level at UN held on May 31 at the
UN headquarters in New York.

Tajikistan’s Permanent Representative to UN presided over the meeting
called Azerbaijan as an active OIC member and reminded about the
successful 33rd meeting of the OIC Committee of Ministers hosted by
Azerbaijan in 2006.

Mammadyarov informed the participants about the Azerbaijan’s nomination
for the UN Security Council non-permanent membership in 2012-2013
and its superiorities and called the OIC member-countries to support
this nomination.

Azerbaijan’s independent policy, its leading position in the region,
its important role in the development of Caspian-Caucasian regional
cooperation and realization of the regional energy and transport
projects, important initiatives put forward by Azerbaijan within the
framework of the UN and OIC were underlined at the meeting. Azerbaijan
as a part of the Islamic world and bridge between the Europe and Asia
contributes to the dialogue between the civilizations. Mammadyarov
also informed the participants about the negotiation process over
the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno Karabakh conflict.

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister said UN Security Council’s four
resolutions adopted in 1993 demanding Armenia to withdraw its troops
from the occupied territories of Azerbaijan have not been fulfilled
yet and added that according to the UN Charter all UN members undertake
to fulfil resolutions of the UN Security Council.

Mammadyarov also met with the permanent representatives of the Arab
League at UN.

Minister called the OIC and Arab League countries to support
Azerbaijan’s nomination for non-permanent membership of the UN Security
Council in 2012-2013 during the voting in October.

Participants of the meeting exchanged views on the Armenian-Azerbaijani
Nagorno Karabakh conflict, as well as processes in the Middle East
and Africa.

NASDAQ OMX TALLINN WILL DEVELOP THE ARMENIAN MANDATORY PENSION INFORMATION SYSTEM
Juhan Tere

The Baltic Course

May 31 2011

CSDX, a subsidiary of NASDAQ OMX Tallinn, together with the Central
Depository of Armenia has signed an agreement with the government of
the Republic of Armenia and the Central Bank of Armenia.

In accordance with the agreement NASDAQ OMX will provide to the
customers software and related services to perform services which
must be accomplished by register of participants of pension funds in
II pillar pension system for the Republic of Armenia. The development
and advisory project will last until 2015.

Armenian parliament adopted in the end of 2010 a package of laws to
support introduction of II pension pillar in Armenia by 2014. The aim
is to reform the existing PAYG system and launch funded pensions in
the Republic of Armenia.

“As Estonia has had II pension pillar for 10 years and the central
registry system has worked well in Estonia then Armenian authorities
have decided to use the experience of NASDAQ OMX Tallinn in building
such a system,” commented Andrus Alber, the Chairman of the Management
Board of NASDAQ OMX Tallinn. The central registry of II pension pillar
will be operated in Armenia by the Central Depository of Armenia,
a subsidiary of NASDAQ OMX Armenia.

“The Government of Armenia has signed Cooperation Agreement with
NASDAQ OMX in 2007. This project is one of steps in straightening
cooperation between Armenian Government and NASDAQ OMX. Armenian
Government is currently creating personalized record keeping system
in the State Revenue Committee, in consideration of the fact that
starting from 2013 income tax and social security payments will be
unified as well. The III Pension Pillar is already launched and the
Government of the Republic Armenia and the Central Bank are welcoming
well experienced foreign asset managers to bring their knowledge into
Armenia. In that respect several tax exemptions are stipulated both
for II and III pillar. The Government continues with the negotiations
on operational agreement with the Central Depositary of Armenia,”
commented the Central Bank of Armenia.

NASDAQ OMX Tallinn is the leading Estonian securities market operator
providing the environment and infrastructure for trading in securities,
clearing securities transactions, listing companies, operating
the central securities register and the funded pension register in
Estonia. NASDAQ OMX Tallinn is part of the world’s largest stock
exchange group – NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc.

SABAH: TURKEY CONCERNED OVER ARMENIANS’ SECURITY IN SYRIA?

news.am
May 31 2011
Armenia

Relations between Ankara and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad have
deteriorated recently. Turkey raises a furious voice against al-Assad,
who refuses to implement reforms, Sabahnewspaper reports citing an
unknown source.

According to the newspaper, Turkey is concerned over security of 7% of
the population of Syria, particularly Armenians, Kurds and Circassians
and if necessary will open the door to them. Over 500,000-1,000,000
refugees will emigrate from Syria to Turkey, if possible.

Independent reporter Robert Fisk wrote in his article that “the
Turks are prepared to advance well beyond the Syrian border town
of Al Qamishli – perhaps half way to Deir el-Zour (the old desert
killing fields of the 1915 Armenian Holocaust, though speak it not) –
to provide a “safe haven” for those fleeing the slaughter in Syria’s
cities.”

SHAKESPEARE PASSIONS AROUND POLITICAL DIALOGUE IN ARMENIA

PanARMENIAN.Net
May 30, 2011

During its May 31 rally, the ANC leadership will have to give answers
to some questions and outline the future plans of the Congress.

The political dialogue between the authorities and the Armenian
National Congress has been the main topic of Armenia’s domestic life
during the past weeks. At that, assessments of experts and politicians
sometimes resemble a Shakespeare tragedy, with Hamlet’s hesitations
‘to be or not to be’ regarding the fate of the dialogue, Othello’s
jealousy ascribed to Heritage party and warnings to ANC leader Levon
Ter-Petrossian, who “will share the destiny of King Lear.”

May 27 marked an event Armenia has expected for 3 years. The National
Assembly declared amnesty by the proposal by President Serzh Sargsyan.

Those who were still in custody after the March 2008 events have
been released. Thus, the last condition set by the ANC was met for
the start of this much talked-about dialogue.

Although the amnesty was dated to the 20th anniversary of Armenia’s
independence, the ruling Republican Party of Armenia admitted that
the move was initiated to normalize relations with the opposition.

For its part, the ANC, which ruled out any dialogue with the
authorities unless the political prisoners are released, had to admit
that all its preconditions have been finally fulfilled. The only thing
to find out remains the essence of the dialogue. The ANC insists it’s
the extraordinary elections; the authorities advise to prepare for
ordinary election campaign.

Anyway, this chess game seems to be in favor of the President of the
Armenian Chess Federation and President of Armenia – Serzh Sargsyan.

It’s obvious that the authorities made some conclusions from numerous
rallies. Although unsuccessful in social and economic problems
resolution, the rulers win political struggle. Experts believe that
the failure to press snap elections will badly damage the ANC image,
following the decreasing number of protesters during the recent
rallies, mostly explained by the drastic course change. Meanwhile, the
Congress continues fighting through discrediting of other opposition
forces which threaten rivalry.

Armenia’s former President Robert Kocharian may become the only X
factor of this election race. However, nothing is known about his
political plans.

Apparently, Levon Ter-Petrossian realizes the threats and works out
counteractions. However, he must understand that drastic change of
course during a short period of time can have deplorable consequences
for the Congress, which will have to give answers to some questions
and outline the future plans of the Congress.

TEHRAN, YEREVAN UNDERSCORE CONSOLIDATION OF ALL-OUT TIES

Fars News Agency
May 31 2011
Iran

TEHRAN (FNA)- Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi and Armenian
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Armen Movsisyan underlined
the necessity for the further strengthening of all-out relations
and cooperation between the two countries, specially in economic and
energy fields.

The issue was raised in the 10th joint meeting of Iran-Armenia
Intergovernmental Commission here in Tehran on Monday, during which the
two sides explored ways to develop mutual cooperation and discussed
the new grounds for the further reinvigoration of the two countries’
relations.

During the meeting, Salehi described Armenia as a friendly country,
and said Tehran is also a reliable partner and a friend for Yerevan.

He also announced Iran’s readiness to finalize the two countries’
joint projects and agreements in energy, transportation, communication,
trade and economic fields.

Earlier news also said that Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is
due to pay a visit to Armenia next month to explore avenues for the
further expansion of ties and cooperation between the two neighboring
states.

During the two-day trip which will start on June 6, President
Ahmadinejad will meet with senior Armenian officials, including
President Serzh Sargsyan, to discuss bolstering of the bilateral
ties and cooperation and exchange views over other issues of mutual
interest.

Ahmadinejad’s visit will take place in response to Sargsyan’s earlier
visit to Tehran in late March to attend the International Nowruz
Celebrations.

Ahmadinejad was last in Armenia in 2007. During the trip, the two sides
signed four memoranda of understanding and issued a joint communique
on the expansion of bilateral cooperation.

Iran and Armenia have taken major strides towards promoting mutual
relations in the past few years. The bilateral trade volume between
the two states stands at nearly $270 million, a figure that is expected
to climb in a near future, according to officials.

PRESIDENT SARGSYAN TO LEAVE FOR ITALY

armradio.am
31.05.2011 18:24

President Serzh Sargsyan will leave the Republic of Italy on June
1st at the invitation of the President of Italy, Georgio Napolitano.

Serzh Sargsyan will participate in the celebration of the 150th
anniversary of unification of Italy, President’s Press Office reported.