Author: Kalantarian Kevo

ARMENIAN CITIZENS’ COMPLAINTS TO ECHR CLAIM EURO 15.26M COMPENSATION

12:51 * 15.12.14

The institute of the Armenian Government’s Accredited Representative
at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) is marking its
10thanniversary.

On this occasion, the institute has organized a conference on European
human rights standards and effective protection of human rights.

Armenia’s Prosecutor General and Armenian Government’s Accredited
Representative at the ECHR Gevorg Kostanyan made an opening speech.

According to him, the Accredited Representative’s mission is to
promote the adoption of European human rights standards by the country.

“According to the ECHR data, over 2,000 complaints against Armenia
were filed from 2000 to November 1, 2014. As of November 1, forty-nine
verdicts were passed,” Mr Kostanyan said.

By November 1, 2014, the complainants had claimed EURO 15,260,000
compensation, with only EURO 574,000 actually paid. Mr Kostanyan gave
assurances that the whole amount will gradually be paid.

President of the Constitutional Court of Armenia Gagik Harutyunyan
said that Armenia’s Constitution allows any citizen to apply to
international bodies to protect his or her rights.

Armenia’s Minister of Justice Hovhannes Manukyan said that protection
of human rights is each civilized state’s task.

“In fact, there is no area of life that would not have to do with the
European Convention on Human Rights. However, the European Court of
Human Rights is facing serious challenges,” he said.

Oleksandr Pavlyuk, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Armenia,
noted that the government must remedy the situation in conformity
with the ECHR verdicts.

Alvina Gyulyumyan, former ECHR judge from Armenia, said that the ECHR
has over the period under review been cooperating not only with the
Armenian Government’s Accredited Representative, but also with the
Chamber of Advocates.

“It is noteworthy that the recorded violations have never recurred,”
she said. In some cases, the injustice was remedied even before the
ECHR returned its verdict.

Anadolu Agency (AA), Turkey
December 9, 2014 Tuesday

Turkey, Azerbaijan, Georgia discuss energy, transport

Meeting is important because it paves way for cooperation between the
three nations in almost every field, Zeki Levent Gumrukcu, Turkey’s
ambassador to Georgia told The Anadolu Agency

TBILISI

The foreign ministers of Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Georgia will meet
Wednesday in Turkey’s northeastern province of Kars to discuss energy
and transportation projects.

The meeting is important because it paves the way for cooperation
between the three nations in almost every field, Zeki Levent Gumrukcu,
Turkey’s ambassador to Georgia told The Anadolu Agency.

“I believe that the bridge of peace established by Turkey, Georgia,
and Azerbaijan will benefit all neighboring countries,” Gumrukcu said.
“Relations between the three countries are significant, both
regionally and globally.”

On the agenda are discussions about developments in the
Trans-Anatolian Gas Pipeline, the South Caucasus Pipeline and the
Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Pipeline.

Turkish and Georgian citizens can travel between the two countries
without a visa or passport, which Gumrukcu said is a good example of
improving relations.

“Turkish businessmen invest in almost every sector in Georgia,”
Gumrukcu said. “Turkey is a key trade partner for the country.”

Gumrukcu said around 500 Georgians take Turkish classes at the Yunus
Emre Turkish Cultural Center every year.

He also said Turkey is playing a leading role “in supporting Georgia’s
integration into the EU and NATO.”

Gumrukcu said conflicts over Abkhazia, South Ossetia and
Nagorno-Karabakh have led to a lack of “cooperation in the region.”

Abkhazia, which, considers itself an independent state, is a part of
Georgia’s territory according to the Georgian government, UN and the
majority of world governments.

Similarly, Russia formally recognized South Ossetia as an independent
state, which declared independence from Georgia after being the focus
of a war between Russia and Georgia in 2008.

Meanwhile, Nagorno-Karabakh, has been a conflict zone between
Azerbaijan and Armenia with the Armenians demanding control of
Karabakh.

Turkey, a close partner of Azerbaijan, has demanded Armenia’s withdraw
from Nagorno-Karabakh and negotiations have so far failed to produce a
permanent peace agreement.

– Ahiska Turks

The Turkish ambassador said repatriations for Ahiska Turks are still slow.

“Unfortunately, Georgia, the international community and Ahiska Turks
are all unsatisfied with the process,” he said.

Ahiska Turks, originally from Southern Georgia close to Turkey’s
border, are spread throughout the former Soviet Union, Turkey and the
United States. It has been 70 years since they were expelled by Joseph
Stalin from their homeland.

Having faced discrimination and human rights abuses since then, they
struggled to keep their culture alive and ensure their own safety. The
community acts as a cultural bridge between Georgia and Turkey.

.tr/en

15-year-old activist takes to street (video)

19:41 | December 12,2014 | Politics

The recent attacks on Karabakh war veterans made Shashen Harutyunyan,
the underage son of the jailed activist Shant Harutyunyan, take to the
street.

Today he was staging a protest at Liberty Square all alone.

“Our authorities are profaning everything around them. Now they are
sending masked people to beat freedom fighters,” says the 15-year-old
fellow.

Shahen believes that citizens cannot exercise their rights unless they
pose their clear demands. “They have not yet disclosed the ten murders
of March 2008. Do they expect them to disclose the beating of public
figures? The person capable of killing will be capable of beating,
burning and smashing.

Shahen is determined to fight for his rights and freedoms. “Why
should we stay slaves to this gang rule?” he asks.

In October, a court in Yerevan sentenced Shant HJrutyunyan, Chairman
of the radical opposition Tseghakron party, to six years in prison
under Article 258 (Section 4) of the RA Criminal Code (hooliganism
committed with a weapon or another item used as a weapon).
Harutyunyan’s 15-year-old son, Shahen, received a suspended 4-year
sentence.

Day of silence ahead of local elections in 35 Armenian communities

12:50 13/12/2014 » SOCIETY

A total of 35 communities in the Armenian provinces of Aragatsotn,
Ararat, Armavir, Gegharkunik, Lori, Kotayk, Shirak, Syunik, Vayots
Dzor, and Tavush will hold local elections on Sunday, December 14.

26 communities will elect mayor, while 9 communities will vote to
elect members of communal council. Saturday is a day of silence in
these communities when campaigning is not allowed.

Source: Panorama.am

FOOTBALL
Arsène Wenger l’entraineur d’Arsenal serait également intéressé par
Henrikh Mkhitaryan

Avec Liverpool c’est Arsenal qui serait également sur la piste d’un
possible transfert de l’international arménien Henrikh Mkhitaryan de
Borussia Dortmund. Selon le journal britannique Daily Mirror, Arsène
Wenger l’entraîneur d’Arsenal qui cherche un milieu de terrain
offensif pour son club serait intéressé par Henrikh Mkhitaryan. Mais
selon le site Bernabeudigital.com

Erevan
Nouvelle agression d’un opposant politique

Un député de l’opposition arménienne a été battu jeudi soir. Cette
agression fait suite à une série d’attaques violentes visant des
participants des récentes manifestations anti-gouvernementales
organisées par les trois principaux partis d’opposition.

Aram Manoukian, vétéran de la politique affilié au HAK, a été agressé
dans les rues d’Erevan. Manoukian, qui avait un oeil au beurre noir et
d’autres blessures au visage, a décrit l’agresseur comme un homme
d’ge moyen.

Manoukian a passé un examen médical. Il a également été interrogé par
la police plus tard dans la soirée, mais personne n’a été arrêté dans
les heures qui ont suivi.

D’autres membres supérieurs de la HAK n’ont pas tardé à arriver sur
les lieux de l’incident. Ils ont accusé les autorités arméniennes
d’avoir ordonné ces violences.

Trois autres militants de l’opposition ont subi le même type
d’agression en début de semaine dernière. Il s’agit de vétérans de la
guerre du Haut-Karabagh qui participent activement à la campagne de
rassemblements anti-gouvernementaux organisées par le HAK, le BHK et
le parti Zharangutyun.

“Les chacals du régime attaquent des représentants de l’opposition”, a
déclaré aux journalistes Zurabian. “Dans leur vision primitive, ils
peuvent ainsi briser notre mouvement populaire.”

Selon Zurabian, le passage à tabac de Manoukian a été filmé par une
caméra de surveillance placée à l’entrée de l’immeuble. Il a dit aux
enquêteurs qu’ils peuvent donc facilement identifier et poursuivre
l’attaquant. “S’ils ne le font pas, ce sera une preuve supplémentaire
que Serge Sarkissian et son régime sont derrière ce crime”, a ajouté
Zurabian.

Manoukian était l’un des orateurs d’un rassemblement de l’opposition
cet automne. Dans un de ses discours, il a fait des commentaires
désobligeants sur Sarkissian qui ont irrité les membres dirigeants du
parti républicain.

Pendant ce temps, Karen Andreasian a exprimé vendredi sa grave
préoccupation et a fermement condamné les coups reçus par les quatre
opposants ainsi que des incendies criminels antérieurs de voitures
appartenant à plusieurs membres d’un autre groupe d’opposition.
Andreasian a exhorté les autorités répressives à punir les auteurs
“dès que possible.”

samedi 13 décembre 2014,
Claire (c)armenews.com

What and Whose Scenario Is Being Carried Out?

Haikazn Ghahriyan, Editor-in-Chief
Comments – 13 December 2014, 10:59

Several acts of violence were reported in Yerevan over the past few
days. First the cars of the members of Preparliament and civic
activist Karen Harutiunyan were set on fire. Then, Gevorg Safaryan,
member of Preparliament, was assaulted and severely injured in the
head.

Veterans of war Manvel Yeghiazaryan, Razmik Petrosyan, Suren Sargsyan,
Member of Parliament Aram Manukyan were battered.

The veterans were assaulted after a meeting with General Yeranosyan,
deputy chief of police. The assaulters hinted that they want a change
of government, they want to change the president. Yeranosyan himself
announced that he will cut the ears of everyone who will swear at
Serzh Sargsyan.

By the way, in one of the rallies of the non-governmental troika,
Member of Parliament Aram Manukyan swore at Serzh Sargsyan and
afterwards a Republican member of parliament announced that such
things are not left unpunished.

The Pre-Parliament had announced that they are going to organize
resistance. The veterans announced that the assaults will not be left
unpunished. And yesterday it became known that a contractual
serviceman of the Police Forces was taken to hospital with a wound
caused by a cutting-piercing tool.

For his part, the Chief of Police hinted while commenting on the arson
of cars of members of Preparliament that those were parked in places
where no surveillance cameras were available.

A juxtaposition of facts reveals an interesting picture where
everything seems to match. This means that the developments were
“interrelated” and were implemented by a scenario with specific
targets. In other words, coincidences are too many and carefully
“arranged” with a firm cause and effect structure.

Razmik Petrosyan, the commander of Aparan Detachment, said in an
interview with Lragir.am what their assaulters said did not match the
content of their conversation with Yeranosyan in the restaurant. He
says “you cannot assert with 100% confidence that this is the order of
the government because the government may say they refer to it but are
after personal matters… They came in accordance with a plan and they
could speak so to mislead because the one who orders would not ask to
tell them something on their behalf. They would say only in case they
were going to kill.”

On the other hand, the reverse of this thesis may also be true, in
other words, the government used this for an alibi.

Razmik Petrosyan says those who did it intend to cause civic clashes.
Who is the author and what is their purpose? Who might need this?

There was not a “hot autumn” in the domestic life despite promises.
Both the government and non-government “postponed” all the main
developments till spring.

Serzh Sargsyan announced that he will come back to the Constitutional
reform in February or March. Gagik Tsarukyan said they will wait till
February.

Information came that agreement has been reached not to spoil the
general atmosphere of membership of Armenia to the Eurasian Economic
Union. This membership is marked by total unity of the political
forces.

Instead, the winter seems to be hot and, in fact, an attempt is made
to break the silence with a solid scenario and targets, ensuring a
comprehensive “alibi”.

In this situation, the only one responsible for the situation is the
government until the crimes are revealed.

Press Release
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Tel: (+961- 4) 410001, 410003
Fax: (+961- 4) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
Web:
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon

His Holiness Aram I Visits the Lebanese Embassy in Abu Dhabi

Antelias – 8 December 2014. On Monday, Catholicos Aram I arrived at
the Lebanese Embassy accompanied by the Catholical Vicar for the UAE,
the prelate of Isfahan (Iran) and representatives of the Armenian
Community in the Emirates. After his warm welcome, Ambassador Hassan
Saad thanked the Catholicos and the Armenian community for promoting the
national interests of Lebanon.

In his response His Holiness thanked the ambassador for his kind words
and said that Lebanon has a special place for the Armenians in the
diaspora. The Catholicos then expressed his gratitude to the Arab people
and to Lebanon, which welcomed the survivors of the Armenian Genocide
and embraced them as co-citizens.

After the formal exchange of gifts, His Holiness and his delegation
joined the luncheon organized by the Ambassador in his honour.

Lebanon Should Safeguard Its Specificity in the Middle East,

Declared Aram I to the Lebanese Community in the UAE

Antelias – 9 December 2014. On Tuesday evening, His Holiness Aram I
attended a special event organized by the Lebanese Embassy, where he met
members of the Lebanese community in the UAE.

After Ambassador Saad’s introduction, His Holiness addressed the
guests. He first thanked the Emir of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed
Al Nahyan, for his leadership, characterized by moderation, openness and
respect. The Catholicos then invited the Lebanese to protect the unique
identity of Lebanon, which is based on the principles of co-existence
and democratic values of freedom of conscience and respect for liberty.
His Holiness noted that Lebanon has traditionally been a bridge between
the East and the West and has contributed its culture and economic and
financial systems to the world at large. Although Lebanon is a small
country, he said, `its potential transcends its geographical
boundaries.’

The Catholicos ended his address by asking the Lebanese to strengthen
the internal unity of their country and preserve its neutrality, and he
called upon them to rise above all political differences and work
together to determine the future of their country.

His Holiness Aram I Visits the Embassy of Armenia in Abu Dhabi

Antelias – 10 December 2014. On Wednesday, His Holiness Aram I and his
delegation visited the Embassy of Armenia in Abu Dhabi. Ambassador
Kegham Gharibian and the staff welcomed the Catholicos. After the
blessing of the bread and salt, they led the Catholicos to the garden to
plant a tree in order to memorialize his visit.

In his welcoming speech, the Ambassador thanked the Catholicos for his
efforts to strengthen the Armenian Republic through his international
and ecumenical work. In his response, His Holiness thanked the
ambassador and asked him to transmit his greetings to the President of
Armenia, adding that Armenia has a special place in the heart of every
Armenian, not only as the land, but also as the symbol of its
centuries-old civilization. The Catholicos said that the Catholicosate
of Cilicia, its dioceses and the faithful are dedicated to working with
the embassies to strengthen and sustain their homeland, their culture
and their civilization. He then blessed the ambassador and his staff and
left to meet with the members of the Church Council of Abu Dhabi.

On Thursday, 11 December, in the evening, His Holiness will consecrate
the Armenian Church in Abu Dhabi, according to the ancient tradition of
the Armenian Church. In the ceremony, the Catholicos will be assisted by
the Catholical Vicar of the UAE, the prelates of the dioceses of Tehran
and Isfahan, the dean of the seminary and the staff bearer.

# #

Armenian Students’ Association, Inc.
333 Atlantic Avenue
Warwick, Rhode Island 02888
Tel: (401) 461-6114
Web:
E-mail: [email protected]

PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Nathalie Yaghoobian
E-Mail: [email protected]

ASA INC ANNOUNCES 2014 “ARTHUR HALVAJIAN MEMORIAL” ARMENIAN POETRY
COMPETITION

WARWICK, RI—The Armenian Students Association, Inc. (ASA Inc.) announced
the start of its 5th annual poetry competition. Once again, the ASA, Inc.
is partnering with the Armenian Poetry Project for the writing competition
which is named in honor of the late Arthur Halvajian, a former ASA, Inc.
trustee who led the Board of Trustees in sponsoring the first competition.
The 2014 competition opens December 1st and the deadline for submissions is
March 1, 2015. Competition winners will be announced in April 2015.

“Over the past four years we have received hundreds of entries from across
North America and continue to be impressed with the creativity, quality,
and range of poems we receive. We look forward to reaching out to even more
communities in the coming months,” said Alice Movsesian, a member of the
ASA, Inc. Board of Trustees as well as its liaison to the competition
organizing committee.

The Armenian Poetry Project, led by Lola Koundakjian, is a research and
documentation site of 19th to 21st Century Armenian poets and poetry.
Whether it is through its website/blog, Facebook, or iTunes presence –
which features podcasts of recited works – the Project brings together
writers from all walks of life across the world.

All individuals of Armenian descent, residing in the United States and
Canada are invited to submit their work, in English or Armenian for the
competition. Entries should be e-mailed to [email protected]
with the subject heading “Halvajian ASA/APP Poetry competition”. Only one
poem per individual may be submitted.

The competition groups submissions into three categories; students (ages
12-17), college age (ages 18-22), and adult (ages 23 and older). A top
prize will be awarded for each of the categories in the amounts of US $50
(students), $100 (college age), and $250 (adult).

Each poem submitted for the competition must be accompanied by the author’s
full name, age, home address/telephone number, students must include school
name, and sponsoring teacher’s telephone number.

You can learn more about the Armenian Poetry Project by visiting

The Armenian Students’ Association of America, Inc. encourages educational
pursuits by Armenians in America and the raising of their intellectual
standards, provides financial assistance in the form of scholarships to
deserving Armenian students, develops fellowship among them, cultivates in
them the spirit of service in the public interest, and acquaints them and
the entire American community with Armenian culture.

December 12, 2014
Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate
6252 Honolulu Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
Tel: (818) 248-7737
Fax: (818) 248-7745
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:

ALEX AND ARDA YEMENIDJIAN TO HOST
PRELATE’S CHRISTMAS DINNER

H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, the Religious and
Executive Councils and Ladies Auxiliary are pleased to announce long-time
Prelacy sponsors and friends Mr. and Mrs. Alex and Arda Yemenidjian as the
main sponsors of this year’s New Year and Christmas Dinner, to be held on
Tuesday, January 6, 2015 at Bagramian Hall in Montebello.
This year marks the 20th year that the Prelate has been leading this
endeavor, which continues to be a great success year after year owing to the
efforts of His Eminence and the encouragement of sponsors like the
Yemenidjian family.
“We express our gratitude to Mr. and Mrs. Yemenidjian for graciously
assuming the main sponsorship of this beloved traditional event and for
their generosity and staunch support and friendship over the decades,”
stated the Prelate. The couple most recently sponsored “Koujakian” Hall of
St. Garabed Church in Las Vegas, along with the Fattal and Koujakian
families. “We are pleased to be a part of this special event and to lend our
support to the fulfillment of the Prelacy’s spiritual, educational, and
cultural endeavors,” stated the Yemenidjians.

***

PRELATE TO PRESIDE OVER DIVINE LITURGY AT
HOLY CROSS CATHEDRAL IN MONTEBELLO

On Saturday, December 13, the Armenian Apostolic Church observes the
Feast of St. James of Nisibis. On this occasion, we congratulate our
faithful bearing the name Hagop, wishing them the blessings of health and
peace.
On Sunday, December 14, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate, will preside over Divine Liturgy and deliver the sermon at Holy
Cross Cathedral in Montebello.

***

PRELATE PRESIDES OVER GRAND OPENING
OF EDGEMONT MEDICAL CLINIC

On Sunday, December 7, the grand opening of Edgemont Medical Clinic
in Hollywood took place with a prayer service and ribbon cutting ceremony
presided over by the Prelate. Archpriest Fr. Vicken Vassilian assisted in
the service. Guests included public officials from the cities of Hollywood
and Glendale, Executive Council member Dr. Navasart Kazazian, St. Garabed
Church Board of Trustees members, and members of local sister organizations.
The Prelate congratulated the proprietors, one of whom is Deacon
Manuk Chulyan, a lifelong servant of St. Garabed Church of Hollywood,
wishing them great success in their new venture and in their valuable
service to the community.

***

ARMENIAN AMERICAN NURSES ASSOCIATION
25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

On Thursday, December 11, the Armenian American Nurses Association
celebrated its 25th anniversary with a dinner reception held at Phoenicia
Restaurant in Glendale. Rev. Fr. Vazken Atmajian represented the Prelate at
the event, blessed the tables and conveyed the blessings and congratulation
of His Eminence to the Association members.
In her welcoming remarks, AANA founding President Ms. Salpy
Akaragian noted that it was the Western Prelacy which initiated the
establishment of the Armenian American Nurses Association 25 years ago
following the earthquake in Armenia. Today, the Association continues to
provide valuable services and resources to its members locally and in
Armenia. The event also included the presentation of Prof. Isabel
Kaprielian-Churchill’s new book “Sisters of Mercy and Survival: Armenian
Nurses, 1900-1930”.