Author: Kalantarian Kevo

RESOLUTION 252
by Jean Ipdjian

Gibrahayer
March 10, 2010

This past Thursday, 4 March 2010, the US House Foreign Affairs
Committee after a protracted voting session voted to pass a Resolution
252 regarding the Recognition of the Armenian Genocide. Something
that the Armenian communities in the United States had been vainly
trying to accomplish for many years.

This feat was accomplished despite the millions of dollars spent
by the Turkish propaganda machine, despite the promise of lucrative
directorships to retiring Congressmen in lobbying firms, despite the
quantified and not threats of the Turkish government and high ranking
officials and more significantly despite the last minute objections of
Secretary of State Mrs. Hillary Clinton and the Obama Administration.

This time, the chairman of the committee Rep. Howard Berman had the
courage to withstand the pressures and not only allow the voting
to take place, but to ensure that ample time was given for all the
representatives who wanted to vote to be there. The whole process was
like a thriller and the final result of 23 votes for and 22 against
bears witness to that, but does not say the whole story.

As warned, the signing of the infamous Protocols came to hunt us down
and as a result, the difference was limited to one single vote instead
of 4 or 5. And this is because at least so many representatives had
declared that although they did not doubt the Genocide, they did
not want to cause problems or jeopardise the smooth progress of the
normalisation process started by the Protocols. And as is the case with
the Cypriot ‘No’ to the Anan plan in April 2004, it will come and haunt
us in every step that we take towards the recognition of the Genocide
by the full House, Senate, other nations and eventually Turkey. As
long as such ill-conceived and unjust processes are allowed to exist,
as long as we engage in such futile exercises, we will give Turkey
and others the excuses to deny the Genocide on the part of Turkey
and avoid recognition on the part of others.

This success is an admirable achievement. The resolution now has to
pass through both Houses of Congress to be official. This may happen
or may not. As in so many past occasions and as in so many other
venues, a host of reasons and reasonings might intercede to prevent
this resolution from reaching the Houses for a vote, Even if it does,
voting might go terribly wrong. National security considerations,
financial gain, re-election prospects and even plain, honest to
god blackmail and bribes might be perfectly viable and acceptable
hindrances that can be put forward to sink it. However, nothing can
erase the fact that it did happen. Nothing can erase the happening
from the pages of history, whatever happens from now on. And this is
important, because it shows to both foreigners and compatriots that
nothing is impossible for us, that even small and weak nations can
succeed against all odds if they want something bad enough. And that,
when righteous causes get the recognition they deserve, if people
have the courage and perseverance to go the whole way.

But then, fighting against impossible odds is no stranger to us. We’ve
shown that we are experts in that. Our history has forced and taught
us to become experts. Our rising as a nation after the Genocide, the
battle of Sardarabad, the 1918-1920 independence just three years after
the start of the Genocide, the Armenian Diaspora ‘Spyourk’ with all
its institutions, our very existence as a nation is evidence of that.

Just after the passing of the Resolution, on the popular ‘Facebook’
some contributors, friends, were asking what comes next. Others were
lamenting that universal recognition would result into us losing
the common cause, as they reasoned, that has held us together,
suggesting we would be reduced into a religious minority only. Yes,
there will be cases and perhaps even communities which will be reduced
into religious minorities. Yes, some would lose direction and fall
victim to the great grinding jaws of assimilation. But as a whole,
as a nation, we would have resolved and hopefully healed an open
wound which would eventually lead to come to terms with our mighty
neighbour and her coming to terms with her history and us.

As a nation, it would allow us to finally put to rest the remains of
our dead and look towards the future with less cynicism.

As a nation, the struggle to reach that stage, the stage where the
Genocide will be recognised universally including by Turkey, would bind
us together even more and amalgamate us into a more homogeneous entity.

As a nation, it would allow us to be in peace with ourselves and look
towards the future without carrying any skeletons of our past.

There is a lot of work to be done. March 4th and the success of the
passing of Resolution 252 by the House Foreign Affairs Committee are
but significant steps in our continuing struggle towards the fulfilment
of our national aims and inspirations. It is just a step in the right
direction. And it can stay meaningful only if we continue our hard
work, if it propels us to work harder, if it further amalgamates us
into a fused fist crushing all obstacles on the road to total victory.

Jean Ipdjian – London – 2010

ARMENIAN PM MEETS WITH NATIONAL FARMERS UNION, AS REQUESTED BY GAGIK TSARUKYAN’S MOTHER

Tert.am
16:10 ~U 09.03.10

RA Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan today welcomed members of the
National Farmers Union.

"Our meeting today is dedicated to agricultural sector and animal
husbandry issues, in particular. Upon Mrs. Tsarukyan’s request, we
are gathered so that we may discuss what problems you see in this
sector, which are the primary issues and what does the state have to
do so that you can see serious progress in animal husbandry in 2010,"
said the Armenian prime minister.

During the meeting, the farmers presented a number of issues in
developing the sector with which they’re concerned, noting in
particular issues in the areas of raising poultry, potato farming,
fruit growing, beekeeping and raising sheep. The farmers considered
priorities to be expanding the possibility of exporting agricultural
goods, cultivating a long-term agricultural development model, and
improving legislation.

Tigran Sargsyan charged the Minister of Agriculture with the task of
resolving these issues. Further, the Armenian prime minister placed
importance on the development of an effective model of cooperation
and noted that he will personally oversee the implementation of
joint programs.

MP HRANT GRIGORYAN: "I NEVER GIVE INTERVIEWS"
Grisha Balasanyan

yan/
2010/03/08 | 15:24

Feature Stories society

Hetq is starting a series highlighting various members of the RoA
National Assembly. This week we would like to bring to your attention
MP Hrant Grigoryan who represents District 20 in Armavir Marz.

For the past month, Hetq reporter Natasha Harutyunyan has attempted
to organize an interview with MP Hrant Grigoryan. He has never made
a speech on the floor of parliament and once told a reporter that he
doesn’t give interviews.

Apparently, many MP’s still don’t understand what their role in
government is. Their main ambition seems to be to win a seat in the
legislative body and thus safeguard their business interests. We
will present them as they are. To avoid conjecture and unverified
information, we ask MP’s to meet with our reporters.

New financial disclosure law offers loopholes for officials

In past Hetq articles we touched upon Government Act N1065, adopted on
September 4, 2008. It spells out the parameters of public disclosure of
"Property and income of government officials" via the mass media.

The new act superseded Government Act N304, adopted in 2002, dealing
with the public disclosure of property and revenue of top heads of
Armenian government bodies and their legal relatives.

The new law does not require public disclosure of those legally
related to government officials as of January 1, 2010.

Also not subject to disclosure are the amounts of buildings, structures
and real estate obtained during the year. In addition, prior to the
new law, information was disclosed regarding the assets of officials
after such notices.

Presently, only information regarding an official’s cash income and
purchased or sold fixed and moveable property is disclosed.

The State Revenue Committee informed Hetq that contrary to the RoA
Law on "The notice of property and revenue of top RoA government
body officials", created as a practical mechanism to fight against
corruption and misuse of power, the RoA regarding "The declaration
of property and revenues of natural person", in addition to pursuing
the above aims also pursues a taxation objective

Not only government officials but a certain group of "natural persons"
file declarations, including those that revenue reports according
to the RoA Law on Revenues. Taking into account that the group
filing declarations is getting larger, including "natural persons",
declarations are also serving a tax function. And for tax purposes
it is necessary to have figures not about the existence of property
but rather about property transactions. The law stipulates declaring
property sales and purchases during the year.

Hetq

MP’s continue to engage in business

Even though Article 65 of the RoA Constitution prohibits MP’s
from holding any other public office, nor engage in any other paid
occupation, except for scientific, educational and creative work,
a majority continue to do so and do not declare revenues from these
activities.

Most people in Etchmiadzin, the National Assembly and in government
know that MP Hrant Grigoryan, a member of the Armenian Republican
Party, has a successful business.

However, according to his 2008 financial declaration, he made no
business transactions, had no properly, but had revenues of over 184
million AMD.

Mr. Grigoryan’s disclosure figure don’t add up

MP Grigoryan, according to the declaration, purchased no fixed or
non-fixed assets during the year. Neither were there any sales. But
he still had revenues flowing in. The National Assembly accounting
office told Hetq that MP’s receive a 300,000 monthly salary.

Thus, just based on his monthly salary, MP Grigoryan should have
wound up with annual revenues of 3.6 million AMD. What he actually
declared was 51 times as much as his stated salary.

What isn’t noted in the disclosure is that MP Grigoryan is a member
of the "Etchmiadzin Buat" company, a transportation provider in
Etchmiadzin in addition to commuter transport between the town and
Yerevan.

MP Grigoryan owns a gas station next to "Buat", the Golden City Hotel
across the street, a nearby store and the Golden City Restaurant, built
in 2009 at the entrance to the village of Tzaghkunk, Armavir Marz.

According to our information, MP Grigoryan also owns several
hectares of farm land in his native village of Arshalyus, Armavir
Marz. Given that the mayor of Arshalyus turns out to be the brother
of MP Grigoryan, we couldn’t get any specifics on how much land the
MP owns there.

Who’s auditing the auditors?

We asked the State Revenue Committee if anyone actually checks the
veracity of financial declarations filed by officials. We were told
that audits of declarations are carried out only when called for by
the law.

Thus, we can safely conclude, that there is no government agency,
including the tax department that actually audits the financial
disclosures of ordinary citizens, let alone those filed by officials.

As a result, there is no way of verifying the amount of revenue and
property being hidden.

Given the situation, the government’s rush to pass a new law makes
no sense, since the formulation of the new disclosure doesn’t really
pursue a "tax objective". On the contrary, it especially allows top
officials the possibility of avoiding any full disclosure of revenues.

Given that there is no oversight, such a conclusion becomes all the
more probable.

Our source within the Armavir Regional Authority reports that MP
Hrant Grigoryan owns land in the communities of Arshalyus, Samaghar,
Haytagh, Aknalij and Geghakert.

The same source says that most of the property is registered in
the name of MP Grigoryan’s brother, Zarzand Grigoryan, the mayor of
Arshalyus. Some of the property deeds have simply remained in the
names of the previous owners.

For example, Geghakerd Mayor Seryozha Arakelyan told Hetq that MP
Grigoryan didn’t own any property in the village, but that his brother
Zarzand owns 1.4 hectares.

The question remains – what is the MP up to in the National Assembly?

Neither he nor any of his colleagues wished to speak to us on the
issue.

We don’t know whether MP Grigoryan ever goes out to meet with his
constituents. When we paid a visit to Election District 20, we couldn’t
find one voter who had actually met with the MP to lodge a complaint
or petition.

We are still waiting for The State Revenue Committee to tell us the
amount of taxes paid by MP Grigoryan’s various businesses.

Turkish Ambassador to US Returned to Istanbul, Will Meet with Gul and Erdogan

16:07 – 06.03.10

Namik Tan, the Turkish Ambassador to Washington who was called back,
returned to Istanbul today.

According to various Turkish media, Tan will meet with Turkish
President Abdullah Gul and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. On
March 8, he will participate in the Council of Ministers’ meeting.

Tert.am

Greek Reporter
March 6 2010

Australian MP Apologizes for Denying Pontian-Greek, Armenian, Assyrian
Genocide

Posted on 06 March 2010 by Apostolos Papapostolou

Senator Alan Ferguson (foto) has apologised for calling the Armenian
and Pontian-Greek Genocides `debatable’. In a speech made to the
Federal Parliament’s upper house two weeks ago, Senator Ferguson
brought into question the historical truth of the Armenian and Greek
Genocides by stating they `cannot be accurately depicted’ today.

The Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC Australia) and
leaders of the Greek and Assyrian communities immediately presented
objective academic material regarding the Armenian Genocide and
demanded that Senator Ferguson apologise for casting doubt over the
accuracy of these crimes against humanity, which have been condemned
by the International Association of Genocide Scholars.

Senator Ferguson subsequently reviewed his position and in his letter
of apology, stated that he was `deeply sorry’ as his speech was never
intended to cause `distress’.

It continued: `I accept the findings of the International League for
the Rights and Liberation of Peoples in relation to the atrocities
that were committed against the Armenians, Assyrians and Pontian
Greeks¦’

ANC Australia President, Mr. Varant Meguerditchian said that the
community accepts Senator Ferguson’s apology and looks forward to
establishing a strong working relationship with him.

`We accept the Senator’s remorse as genuine and believe that the
Senator now realises the great impact this crime against humanity has
played in the lives of so many descendants of the Armenian and
Pontian-Greek Genocides who now consider Australia their home.,’ said
Mr. Meguerditchian.

03/06/australian-mp-apologizes-for-denying-pontian -greek-armenian-assyrian-genocide/

APA, Azerbaijan
March 5 2010

Azerbaijan’s ruling party sends letter of protest to U.S. Congress

[ 05 Mar 2010 15:09 ]
Baku. Elbrus Seyfullayev ` APA. `We condemn the passage of the
so-called Armenian genocide resolution that has no evidences.

This is the distortion of historical truth and violation of the
principle of justice,’ deputy chairman of YAP, MP Ali Ahmadov told
journalists while commenting on the passage of the draft resolution on
the so-called Armenian genocide in the House Committee of Foreign
Affairs, APA reports.

Ali Ahmadov said the unfair decision caused protest in YAP.
`We have already sent a letter of protest to the House of
Representatives. The letter writes that the decision is unfair. We
have stated openly that this decision is against the interests of
Turkey and Azerbaijan,’ he said.

According to the parliamentarian, the decision that aims to exert
pressure for opening Turkey-Armenia borders is against the soonest
solution to Nagorno Karabakh problem.

Parliamentarians representing various parties have decided to hold a
meeting tomorrow on the passage of the so-called Armenian genocide
resolution in the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

RoA Foreign Minister Welcomes Passage of Genocide Resolution
2010/03/05 | 11:08

politics
rutyun-10/

This is the official statement released by the RoA Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

We highly appreciate the decision by the Committee on Foreign Affairs
of the United States House of Representatives to adopt Resolution 252
on the recognition of the Armenian genocide.

This is another proof of the devotion of the American people to
universal human values and is an important step toward the prevention
of the crimes against humanity.

Ynetnews, Israel
March 5 2010

Aide: No plans to bring Armenian measure to US House

Published: 03.05.10, 20:06 / Israel News

There are no plans at this point to schedule a full U.S. House of
Representatives vote on a resolution labeling as genocide the World
War One-era mass killings of Armenians by Turks, a Democratic
leadership aide said on Friday.

Advocates of the resolution will have to show the chamber’s Democratic
leaders that they have the votes for passage before the measure will
be brought to the House floor, said another Democratic aide. Both
spoke to Reuters on condition that they not be named. (Reuters)

,7340 ,L-3858439,00.html

GYUMRI MUSIC SCHOOL RECOVERS FROM RUINS
by Tom Vartabedian

0-03-03-gyumri-music-school-recovers-from-ruins
We dnesday March 03, 2010

Gyumri, Armenia – The sound of music is alive and well inside the
Tigranyan Institute.

Talented children are playing their instruments behind closed doors
while parents gather, wait, listen and hope.

Inside the main auditorium, a young diva is exercising her voice
before an audience that includes Sebouh Apkarian, artistic director
and conductor of the famed KOHAR Symphony Orchestra and Choir.

He’s there like he always is, scouting new talent and lending
encouragement. You can’t miss him. He’s the gentleman in the front
row with snow-white hair listening attentively and taking notes.

Obviously, he likes what he sees in this young nightingale.

"He’s very supportive to the youngsters who know that being in a
program with KOHAR and traveling around the world to perform would
be the ultimate," said Gayane Manoukian, the school principal. "They
all want to make a big impression."

Twenty-one years ago, a devastating earthquake sent tremors and shock
waves through northern Armenia, including Gyumri, claiming more than
25,000 lives.

The children here are too young to remember but continuously hear the
stories, not like Manoukian who experienced the tragedy first-hand
and lived to tell about it.

"I was at home with a newborn child when the earthquake struck," she
recalls. "I ran out into the street and saw buildings toppling over.

Two minutes can lead to a lifetime of tragedy and hardship. Many
of my closest friends were lost. Every time I think about it,
I’m devastated."

Like so many others, Manoukian pitched in, helping those in need and
rebuilding her city in the aftermath.

The 80-year-old Tigranyan Institute was among the casualties,
toppled in ruins. Life was uncertain. Recovery was slow. But they
were determined. Trailers served as temporary classrooms amid the
rubble along Abovian Street.

"For six years, we worked out of a fallout shelter, then moved into
a building with no heat." Manoukian traced back. "Winters were severe.

For 15 years, the school operated like that. People were poor. Homes
were devastated. The ultimate sacrifice was always being made."

Today, the institute boasts some 390 students between the ages of
7-15 and 75 instructors, housed in an adjacent building that once
served as a factory. The lyrical sounds of young soloists are mingled
with instruments that conserve the Armenian heritage and sustain its
national character.

Not all are traditional pieces. A certain emphasis is placed on such
Armenian instruments as the kanoun, duduk and tar. Choreography is
yet another staple.

As concertmaster and first violinist of the KOHAR Orchestra, the
49-year-old Manoukian also serves as a role model for these students.

It’s more than music here but a way of life. Through performance,
careers are established and money is earned — resources that are
currently scarce in Armenia.

A nominal tuition is assessed for those who can afford it. Assistance
is also met through the government. The faculty is paid, however
slight. Instruments are provided.

Students attend normal school elsewhere, then matriculate here for
further education. It makes for a long, but productive day.

Among the notable groups is YerazArt, a troupe of pristine young
singers which recently completed a successful tour of North America.

"We prepare them for the conservatory," said Manougian. "Many have
succeeded and carried the name of Gyumri to prominence. That we like to
see. My students mean the world to me. Without them, I am very lonely."

What you should know about Gyumri *Population: 170,000, center of
the region of Shirak and is Armenia’s second-largest city.

*Significant emigration over the past 20 years as a result of the
earthquake of Dec. 7, 1988 which claimed more than 25,000 lives.

Before the earthquake, the population was roughly 240,000.

*In recent years, Gyumri has began to finally emerged from its
post-earthquake legacy. Shipping containers that people once used for
shelter have been mostly replaced by more permanent and attractive
dwellings.

*Gyumri’s Tigranyan Music Institute houses 390 students (ages 7-15)
and 75 instructors.

RUSSIA PINS HOPE ON ‘PRAGMATIC POLITICIANS’ IN GEORGIA

RIA Novosti
March 5, 2010
Moscow

Moscow said on Friday it linked the improvement of soured relations
with Tbilisi to ‘realistically minded’ political figures in Georgia.

The statement came in the wake of a Thursday meeting in Moscow between
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and one of Georgia’s opposition
leaders, Nino Burdzhanadze.

The statement said Russia and Georgia need to search for a way out
of the impasse in their relations, which "is key to peace in the
Trans-Caucasus."

Moscow stressed that it linked the restoration of relations "with
those political figures in Georgia who take a realistic view of the
current situation in the region."

The ministry said various aspects of "the current complex state of
Russian-Georgian relations" were discussed and that "despite the
ongoing crisis and the absence of diplomatic relations between Russia
and Georgia, it is essential to search for a way out of this impasse."

Burdzhanadze also met with Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.

The former speaker of the Georgian parliament, once an ally of
President Mikheil Saakashvili, came to Moscow for talks with Russian
political leaders, saying that such dialogue was crucial for Georgia.

Burdzhanadze is one of a growing number of Georgian opposition leaders
seeking to start political dialogue between Russia and Georgia, calling
it crucial for Georgia’s future. Former Georgian Prime Minister Zurab
Nogaideli has visited Moscow several times in recent months.

However, Georgian parliamentary deputies loyal to Saakashvili have
already accused Burdzhanadze of "treason" over her Moscow visit.