Author: Kalantarian Kevo

COURT REJECTS REQUEST TO RETURN ARMENIAN PATRIARCHATE BUILDING

Today’s Zaman, Turkey
July 4 2014

Turkey’s Armenian Patriarchate has lost its legal battle to reclaim
the Sansaryan Han building, which was confiscated by the state about
seven decades ago.

The court rejection came in spite of a recent government plan to
return seized properties to minority groups.

The historic building, built in 1895 and commissioned by Mıgırdic
Aga Sanasaryan, was designed by architect Hovsep Aznavour. It was
seized by the Turkish state in the early years of the republic. The
Armenian Patriarchate has been fighting a legal battle for its return
since 2011.

The Ä°stanbul 13th Court of First Instance rejected the patriarchate’s
request for the return of Sansaryan Han in the last session on
Friday, attended by lawyers representing both the Patriarchate and
the Treasury.

A contractor leased the building on June 18 from Turkey’s Directorate
General for Foundations (VGM). The lease agreement was executed
before the conclusion of the lawsuit and prompted speculation that
the building will be turned into a hotel.

Ali Eyuboglu, an attorney for the Armenian Patriarchate, said
the court’s reasons for not returning the building are not clear
as all the documents and expert reports indicate that the building
rightfully belongs to the patriarchate. Eyuboglu said they will appeal
the decision once the court issues its reasoned opinion regarding
the verdict.

In a related development, Republican People’s Party (CHP) Deputy
Chairman Sezgin Tanrıkulu submitted a parliamentary motion addressed
to Minister of Culture and Tourism Omer Celik inquiring whether the
speculation that the Sansaryan Han will be turned into a hotel is true.

Minority foundations, seeking the return of properties that were
seized by the Turkish state in the first decade of the Turkish
Republic, have long been saying that they have experienced a number of
challenges. Despite a 2011 law passed to ensure confiscated property
be returned to its rightful owners, the foundations indicate that
reclaiming the properties is not going to be easy.

In August 2011, the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) government
adopted legislation to return all confiscated immovable property
belonging to minority foundations in Turkey, a long-overdue step
towards expanding the rights of minorities in the country. The decree
allows foundations to reclaim real property declared in 1936, when all
the foundations were asked by the government to present lists of their
property assets. Applications for at least 88 items have been rejected.

PRESS RELEASE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Tel: 212-686-0710
Fax: 212–779-3558
Email: [email protected]
Web:

** TOP STORY July 3, 2014
————————————————————
Independence Day

** Happy Independence Day
————————————————————
On behalf of Archbishop Khajag Barsamian and the entire Eastern
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, we wish all of our readers
a happy Independence Day.

For well over a century now, Armenians have been blessed to merge our
way of life with the bounty and liberty of this great nation of
America. On these shores our people found a refuge from persecution,
but also a land that would sustain and strengthen us as we sought to
honor our heritage, and worship our Lord.

This Independence Day, we renew our prayers, asking God to bless this
land and her people, so that she may continue to be the great beacon
of hope to our world, and a nurturing friend to our young homeland.

St. Vartan Camp
Campers enjoy the new pool at the Ararat Center, home of St. Vartan
Camp.

** Summer Camp Season Begins
————————————————————
St. Vartan Camp-which is celebrating its 35th anniversary this
year-has opened for the summer season in upstate New York.

Session `A’ began on Sunday, June 29, and campers have been busy with
classes, sports, and other activities. The Rev. Fr. Khatchatur
Kesablyan, pastor of Sts. Vartanantz Church of Chelmsford, MA, and the
director of Session `A,’ is leading prayer services and joining
campers for various sessions throughout the day.

This year Session `A’ has a higher camper and CIT enrollment than in
previous years, with participants from more than 20 parishes across
the Diocese. Limited space is still available for Sessions =80=9CB’
and `C.’ For registration information, call the St. Vartan Camp office
at (518) 966-8380.

Prior to the camp season, staff gathered at the Ararat Youth and
Conference Center for intensive training. The program was designed and
led by Jennifer Morris, director of the Diocese’s Department of Youth
and Young Ministries. Bible studies were led by all three camp
directors: Fr. Kesablyan; Rev. Fr. Vart Gyozalyan, pastor of the
Armenian Church at Hye Pointe of Haverhill, MA; and Rev. Fr. Vasken
Kouzouian, pastor of Holy Trinity Church of Cambridge, MA. Additional
staff sessions were led by Lorie Odabashian, Youth and Young Adult
Ministries coordinator, and Maria Derderian, youth minister at
St. James Church of Watertown, MA.

For the latest from St. Vartan Camp, click on the following links to
visit the camp blog
()
and to view photos
()
.

** Scripture of the Week
————————————————————

Is 1:21-31
Rom 7:25-8:11
Mt 12:38-45

** Prayer of the Week
————————————————————

My soul is always in your hands and I place my hope in your Holy
Cross, O Heavenly King. May the multitude of your saints intercede on
my behalf. You who are patient with everyone, do not neglect me who
trusts in you, but keep me in peace with your precious and Holy
Cross. Amen.

** Upcoming Saints & Feasts
————————————————————

5 July: St. Gregory the Enlightener (Discovery of his Relics)

8 July: St. Daniel the Prophet and Companions Shadrach, Meshach and
Abednego

** CHURCH NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE
————————————————————
St. Catherine Armenian Church, St. Petersburg, Russia
St. Catherine Armenian Church is centrally located on Nevsky Prospect
in St. Petersburg, Russia.

** Renovating One of Russia’s Historic Armenian Churches
————————————————————
The Armenian Diocese of Russia is renovating St. Catherine Armenian
Church in St. Petersburg, Russia. The project began earlier this year
under the direction of Archbishop Yezras Nersissian, Primate of the
Diocese of the Armenian Church of New Nakhichevan and Russia.

Restoration experts have worked to clean the church interior and
restore its sculpted reliefs and paintings. They expect to complete
the project in the fall of this year.

Armenians began to settle in Russia in the second half of the 14th
century, and by the time Peter the Great set out to build
St. Petersburg at the start of the 18th century, an Armenian community
had begun to plant roots in the area.

Especially influential was the Lazarian (Lazarev) family-merchants,
manufacturers, and miners who had come to Russia from Isfahan
(Iran). In 1771, when Russia was ruled by Catherine the Great, Ovanes
Lazarian decided to build an Armenian Church in St. Petersburg. Today,
more than 30,000 Armenians live in the city.

Click here
()
to view a video about the church restoration project.

** DIOCESAN NEWS
————————————————————
Diocesan Council Meets in New York City
Council members Antranig Garibian (left) and Paul Mardoian.

** Diocesan Council Reviews Feedback from Assembly
————————————————————
Meeting at the Diocesan Center on Friday, June 27, members of the
Diocesan Council received and discussed reports pertaining to
St. Nersess Armenian Seminary, the ACYOA, and the Women’s Guild
Central Council. The council also discussed the National
Representative Assembly which will convene at Holy Etchmiadzin later
this year.

Turning to the 2014 Diocesan Assembly, council members reviewed the
requests, recommendations, and decisions made at the assembly sessions
and parish council chairs’ breakfast. In addition, they heard reports
from the Primate, Vicar, Treasurer, and the Diocese’s Development
Department.

The council plans to issue quarterly informational updates to keep
clergy, delegates, and parish council chairs abreast of council
meetings and activities.

Andrea Halejian
Andrea Halejian.

** In Memoriam: Andrea Halejian
————————————————————
The Eastern Diocese mourns the loss of Andrea Lynn Halejian, a
lifelong member of St. Leon Church of Fair Lawn, NJ, and a great
supporter of many Armenian causes. She passed away on June 28 at the
age of 61.

In her home parish, Mrs. Halejian taught Sunday School, took an active
part in the local Women’s Guild, and dedicated countless hours to
planning and organizing church fundraising events and social
activities. She launched a blood drive initiative, and personally
called parishioners to encourage wide participation in this lifesaving
effort.

She was also a supporter of AGBU Camp Nubar, as well as other programs
for young people both in the Armenian community and beyond. In New
York City, she was a familiar presence at the Diocesan Center, where
she helped carry out various projects. Most recently, she dedicated
her time to organizing the celebration honoring the legacy of His
Beatitude Archbishop Torkom Manoogian, the late Armenian Patriarch of
Jerusalem.

She is survived by her devoted husband Dr. Barry Halejian, and her
children Alexis, Eric, and Sarah; and many friends and loved ones.

In a eulogy delivered during the funeral at the Fair Lawn parish on
July 3, Diocesan Primate Archbishop Khajag Barsamian said: `Andrea
carried on the legacy of her parents: Andrew and Dovie Tilbian. She
grew up in a loving Armenian family, where she learned the importance
of caring for others.’

`At the center of her life was a deep and abiding faith in the
goodness of God, and in the hope offered to all mankind through the
resurrection of Jesus Christ,’ Archbishop Barsamian went on. `In
everything she did, Andrea truly embodied the Christian values of
humility and service.’

In-lieu-of-flowers donations may be directed to AGBU Camp Nubar (55
East 59th Street, New York, NY 10022) or St. Leon Armenian Church
(12-61 Saddle River Road, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410).

Deacons Training in Jerusalem
Deacons Training Program participants with local seminarians in prayer
at Sts. James Armenian Cathedral.

** Training for the Diaconate in the Holy Land
————————————————————
A group of 13 young altar servers from 10 parishes across the Eastern
Diocese are taking part in a Deacons Training Program at the Armenian
Patriarchate of Jerusalem. The two-week session, which began on June
25, is part of the St. Nersess Armenian Seminary summer program. It is
led by the Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan and the Rev. Fr. Daniel
Karadjian.

Participants are living in the Armenian monastery of Jerusalem, and
taking part in services at various holy sites, including the Church of
the Nativity of Christ, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, and the
Church of the Tomb of the Blessed Virgin. They also visited Sts. James
Armenian Cathedral, and earlier this week they were welcomed by His
Beatitude Archbishop Nourhan Manougian, the Armenian Patriarch of
Jerusalem, who spoke to them about the importance of preserving the
ancient Armenian presence in the Holy Land.

The program was made possible thanks to a generous grant from Dr. and
Mrs. Garo and Cece Garibian in memory of His Beatitude Archbishop
Torkom Manoogian, the late Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem.

FAR
Preparations are underway for the installation of new greenhouses in
Tavush, Armenia.

** New Greenhouses for Farmers in Tavush
————————————————————
Five families in Armenia’s Tavush region will soon own new
greenhouses, thanks to the Fund for Armenian Relief’s `Breaking the
Cycle of Poverty Program.’

The families have already participated in a training session on how to
best utilize the greenhouses. The initiative will allow the farmers to
control the growing environment of plants and increase fruit and
vegetable production.

`Breaking the Cycle of Poverty Program’ was established by the
Mardigian Family Foundation through the largest-ever contribution made
to FAR. The five-year project addresses malnutrition, unemployment,
poverty, and infrastructure weaknesses in Armenia’s northeastern
province.

Click here
()
to read more on FAR’s blog.

Holy Cross Church in Van
Holy Cross Church, a precious jewel of Armenian architecture, on
Aghtamar island in Lake Van.

** The Clock is Ticking
————————————————————
There is still time to register for the Eastern Diocese’s pilgrimage
to historic Armenia, scheduled for September 3 to 15, 2014.

Participants will celebrate the Divine Liturgy at Holy Cross Church on
the island of Aghtamar, and take part in prayer services at the
St. Giragos Armenian Church of Dikranagert and the St. Gregory Church
in Kayseri.

The pilgrimage also includes visits to other cities of historic
Armenia=80’Kharpert, Malatya, and Sepastia, and other locales. The
journey will include a stop in Istanbul, where pilgrims will visit the
Armenian Patriarchate.

Click here
()
to view a flyer for registration information. To view a short film
about the Diocese’s 2012 pilgrimage to historic Armenia, click here
()
.

** PARISH NEWS
————————————————————
Holy Trinity Church honors parishioners
>From left: Dn. Albert Keshgegian, Fr. Hakob Gevorgyan, and Gloria
Basmajian.

** Cheltenham Community Honors Two Parishioners
————————————————————

During Sunday fellowship on June 29, the Holy Trinity Church of
Cheltenham, PA, honored two parishioners on the occasion of their
retirement. Gloria Basmajian and Dn. Albert Keshgegian were presented
with a celebratory cake, and the entire parish congratulated them on
this special milestone. The Rev. Fr. Hakob Gevorgyan, parish pastor,
said a prayer for Gloria and Dn. Albert, and wished them an enjoyable
and fulfilling retirement.

Gloria served for many years as the administrative manager of the
English Department at Temple University in Philadelphia. At Holy
Trinity Church, she has served on the parish council, been a longtime
manager of the parish bookstore, and is currently the church school
registrar.

Dn. Albert dedicated more than 30 years to the field of medical
pathology. He worked as an assistant professor, then as medical
director of clinical laboratories and as system chairman of pathology
at Philadelphia area hospitals. He is the longest serving deacon at
the parish and the author of a number of resources published by the
Diocese.

Father’s Day at St. Stepanos Church, Elberon, NJ
Richard McOmber with his grandchildren at St. Stepanos Church.

** Elberon Names “Father of the Year”
————————————————————

On Sunday, June 22, St. Stepanos Church of Elberon, NJ, honored
parishioner Richard D. McOmber as `Man and Father of the Year.’ The
presentation of the award was made at the conclusion of the Divine
Liturgy in the church sanctuary, in the presence of Mr. McOmber’s
family and the parish community.

He has been an active member of St. Stepanos Church for many years,
serving as chair of the annual parish assembly, singing in the choir,
leading the stewardship campaign, and assisting in other
capacities. He is currently working with the Rev. Fr. Daniel
Karadjian, parish pastor, on implementing a new Bible study class.

Later on the afternoon of June 22, the parish gathered for its annual
picnic. Also in attendance was U.S. Congressman Frank Pallone.

St. James Picnic
Kids enjoyed face painting and other activities at the June 8
celebration.

** Armenian Festival in Watertown
————————————————————

On Sunday, June 8, St. James Church of Watertown, MA, hosted its
annual Armenian Festival.

Hundreds gathered on church grounds and enjoyed Armenian food,
dancing, and music provided by Jay Baronian, Leon Janikian, Ken
Kalajian, and Bob Raphalian. Children’s games and activities included
a moon bounce, caricature artist, and relay games.

The festival was co-chaired by Emily Bedrosian and Mark Yacubian
Torre. Click here
()
to view photos.

Choir training at St. Vartan Cathedral
Maestro Khoren Mekanejian with Salpi Katanjian (left) and Rita
Katanjian.

** Dallas Parishioners Study Hymns of the Badarak
————————————————————

Maestro Khoren Mekanejian, the Diocese’s coordinator of music
ministry, recently trained two choir members of St. Sarkis Church of
Dallas, TX, at the Diocesan Center in New York City. Rita Katanjian,
17, and her mother Salpi traveled to New York on June 15, where they
spent a week studying the hymns of the Divine Liturgy and learning how
to conduct their church choir.

At the conclusion of the workshop, Rita was invited to sing with the
St. Vartan Cathedral Choir. In addition to strengthening the choir in
Dallas, she said she hopes to inspire young people in her home parish
to learn the sacred music of the Armenian Church.

Upcoming events

** Upcoming Parish Events
————————————————————

Sts. Joachim and Anne Church | Palos Heights, IL
Sts. Joachim and Anne Church of Palos Heights, IL, will host its
annual church picnic on Sunday, July 13, from 12 to 5 p.m.

Enjoy lamb, chicken, and shish kebob; khorovadz, and other Armenian
favorites. The event will be held on church grounds (12600 South
Ridgeland Avenue in Palos Heights). Click here
()
to view a flyer for information.

** YOUTH NEWS
————————————————————
ACYOA Central Council Meeting

** ACYOA Central Council Meets with Primate
————————————————————

On Saturday, June 21, the ACYOA Central Council held its first meeting
since the organization’s General Assembly in May. Archbishop Khajag
Barsamian, Diocesan Primate, presided. Also attending were Jennifer
Morris and Lorie Odabashian of the Department of Youth and Young Adult
Ministries.

The council extended its gratitude to outgoing member Armen
Terjimanian for his hard work over the past three years. Currently
serving on the council are: Ani Grigorian (chair), Jonathan Pelaez
(vice chair), Chelsea Kress (secretary), Shant Paklaian (treasurer),
Sarine Atamian (public relations coordinator), Adrienne Ashbahian
(programming coordinator), and Daniel Zalinov (chapter relations
coordinator).

The members focused on strategic planning and goal setting. ACYOA
programming, chapter relations, public relations, and fundraising are
at the forefront of the agenda for the coming year. They also reviewed
the successful 2014 General Assembly and Sports Weekend, which was
hosted by Holy Martyrs Church of Bayside, NY, and drew more than 500
participants.

ASP 2014
ASP participants await their flight at JFK Airport in New York City.

** Armenia Service Program Arrives in Yerevan
————————————————————

Participants in this year’s ACYOA Armenia Service Program arrived in
Armenia this week.

The program of travel and service gives young adults a unique
opportunity to discover their homeland and to serve its people in a
meaningful way. Through a partnership with the Fund for Armenian
Relief, participants will volunteer at a summer camp and the Vanadzor
Old Age Home.

This year’s trip is led by the Rev. Fr. Hratch Sargsyan, pastor of
St. Gregory of Narek Church of Richmond Heights, OH. The program runs
through July 20.

TURKEY DENIES CLAIMS IT WILL OPEN ARMENIA BORDER GATE

Anadolu Agency (AA), Turkey
July 4, 2014 Friday

Claims that Alican Border Gate between Turkey and Armenia will be
opened “do not reflect the truth” says Turkey’s Foreign Ministry

ANKARA

Turkey has denied claims that the border gate between Armenia and
Turkey will be opened.

The denial came after a Turkish newspaper published a claim that
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan had issued an order that
the Alican Border Gate, which has been closed since 1993 after Armenia
invaded Azerbaijani soil, be opened.

Turkey’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Tanju Bilgic said in a written
statement on Friday: “The claims that the Alican Border Gate located
between Turkey and Armenia will be opened do not reflect the truth.”

Bilgic said the opening of the gate would be considered by Turkey only
if the relations in Southern Caucasus started a normalization process.

“Armenia needs to show its will to begin normalizing its relations
with Azerbaijan and take the necessary steps accordingly,” said Bilgic.

Azerbaijan and Armenia, two former Soviet republics, fought a war
over the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh between 1988 and 1994.

Efforts to resolve to the dispute have so far failed and there have
been several border clashes since a ceasefire was signed.

The two countries have no diplomatic relations.

$40M TO IMPROVE ELECTRICITY ACCESS IN ARMENIA

Energy Live News
July 4 2014

Jul 05, 2014 Priyanka Shrestha

The World Bank has approved an additional loan worth $40 million
(£23.3m) for a project that aims to improve access to electricity
in Armenia.

It will cover the cost of the rehabilitation of three substations
for the nation’s power transmission network.

The average age of Armenia’s power transmission assets is around 45
years and most of them have not undergone any major upgrade in the
past decades, according to the Bank. Some of the substations have
equipment that was commissioned in the 1930s.

Jean-Michel Happi, World Bank Country Manager for Armenia said:
“The rehabilitation of the targeted substations will improve power
system efficiency and reliability and bring direct benefits to all
power consumers in Armenia.

“This would allow avoiding increased incidence of power supply outages
as well as associated significant social and economic costs.”

CHESS CHAMP ARONIAN TO LEAD CHESS CAMP IN LA

11:03 04.07.2014

On Monday, July 7, World Cup and 3 time Chess Olympiad Champion Levon
Aronian will be holding a public press conference to meet and greet
media and members of the community. Grand Master Aronian is making
his first visit to Los Angeles for a 4-day chess camp organized by
Metro Chess and the American Chess Academy to be held at the Glendale
Hilton from July 9 to 13, Asbarez reports.

As part of the visit, Aronian will be teaching and coaching camp
attendees as well as sharing his own experiences as the winner and
title holder of many chess championships and tournaments including
leading the Armenian national team to three World Chess Olympic
titles. Only 31, Aronian is the third highest ranked chess player in
the history of the game behind Gary Kasparov.

Ardy Kassakhian, Glendale’s elected City Clerk, expressed his
enthusiasm about Aronian’s upcoming visit, “Levon Aronian has become
an icon for chess enthusiasts worldwide. But being from Armenia, and
elevating the game to new heights has secured him a particular place
in the pantheon of chess greats alongside such legends as Petrosian
and Kasparov. Glendale has one of the largest populations of Armenians
in the United States and it is a great honor to welcome a chess giant
to our city!”

Aronian will answer questions and meet with the public at a special
reception held on Monday, July 7 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the City of
Glendale Adult Recreation Center Auditorium located at 201 East
Colorado, Glendale, CA 91205 next to the Central Library.

ARMENIAN GEOGRAPHIC PREPARES TO CLIMB MOUNT ARARAT (PHOTOS)

July 04, 2014 | 00:01

YEREVAN. – The Armenian Geographic project–which was established in
2012–is preparing to make an ascent to Mount Ararat.

“One of its [the project’s] objectives is to introduce Armenia’s
geography by way of expeditions,” project founder Tigran Shahbazyan
told Armenian News-NEWS.am.

“We differ [from many such organizations], since we put the emphasis
on geographic objects. Armenia has a great potential to [also]
develop mountaineering, rock climbing, cave expedition, etc.,”
Shahbazyan added.

In his words, although most participants in these treks are the
residents of Armenia, foreigners likewise partake in them.

Tigran Shahbazyan also informed that in August, the Armenian Geographic
plans to climb Mount Ararat, which is located in Turkey, and anyone
with a good physical health may join this ascent.

DES CONDAMNES A PERPETUITE COMMENCENT UNE GREVE DE LA FAIM EN ARMENIE

ARMENIE

Vingt-neuf hommes condamnes a perpetuite dans la plus grande prison
d’Armenie ont entame une grève de la faim lundi pour exiger que les
autorites revoient leurs cas et legalement augmenter leurs chances de
recouvrer la liberte. Beaucoup de detenus de la prison de Noubarashen
situee juste a l’exterieur d’Erevan ont deja passe plus de 20 ans
derrière les barreaux. Ils avaient d’abord ete condamnes a mort qui
ont ete commuees en prison a vie après que l’Armenie ait adhere au
Conseil de l’Europe en 2001.

Certains de ces prisonniers a vie s’etaient deja mis en grève de la
faim il y a une dizaine d’annees après que le gouvernement armenien
ait alors adopte un nouveau code penal qui abolit la peine de mort.

Ils ont proteste contre une clause qui les rendait admissibles a
la liberation conditionnelle qu’après 20 ans de prison. Ils ont
fait valoir que la periode maximale d’emprisonnement en vertu de la
legislation de l’ère sovietique precedente etait seulement de 15 ans.

Beaucoup de condamnes a perpetuite impliques dans la dernière
protestation affirment aussi qu’ils n’ont pas ete condamnes dans des
procès equitables et veulent que les autorites judiciaires examinent
leurs cas. Les detenus de Noubarashen ont communique leurs demandes
au ministre de la Justice Hovannes Manoukian dans une lettre conjointe
envoyee il y a plus d’un mois. Manoukian n’a pas encore repondu.

> a declare Yeranuhi Toumanian,
une assistante pour les droits de l’ombudsman de l’Armenie Karen
Andreasian qui a visite les prisonniers immediatement après le debut
de la grève de la faim.

Des dizaines de proches des condamnes a perpetuite qui protestaient
ont ete prompts a se rallier a l’exterieur du bâtiment du ministère
a Erevan et ont ajoute leurs voix a la demande. > dit une femme. >. Le vice-ministre de la Justice Suren Krmoyan a rencontre
quelques-uns des manifestants et leur a assure que Manoukian n’a pas
ignore les demandes emises par leurs proches. Il a dit que le ministre
a demande a ses subordonnes d’examiner a fond la question.

Le ministère de la Justice est toujours a l’etude des demandes des
prisonniers et repondra prochainement a declare Suren Krmoyan au
service armenien de RFE / RL (Azatutyun.am). >, a-t-il ajoute.

Suren Krmoyan a egalement declare que les fonctionnaires d’un
departement du ministère en charge des prisons d’Armenie sont en
train de negocier avec les prisonniers refusant de manger dans un
effort pour mettre fin a la manifestation.

Selon Toumanian, le bureau de l’ombudsman a deja etudie plus de 100
affaires criminelles qui ont abouti a des peines a vie. > a-t-elle dit.

vendredi 4 juillet 2014, Stephane (c)armenews.com

RUSSIA’S “CONSOLATION PRIZE” TO ARMENIA – NEWSPAPER

July 04, 2014 | 08:02

YEREVAN. – A survey results were publicized in Russia, Zhamanak
daily reported.

“Accordingly, on the matter of becoming a Eurasian Union member,
45 percent of Russia’s population most wants to see Armenia in
this status.

“The Russians’ liking towards Armenia does not appear accidentally;
[it appears] at a time when Armenia’s EaEU [Eurasian Economic Union]
accession matter is put off yet again.

“This is a ‘consolation prize’ for Armenia because it is basically
apparent, in terms of the actual process, that Armenia has long been
deprived of Russia’s ‘liking,’ or interest.

“Perhaps, the Russian authorities are trying to just console Armenia
that even though they defer the [EaEU] accession, this is not a
result of a bad predisposition towards Armenia, but rather [a result]
of other matters that have nothing to do with Armenia,” Zhamanak wrote.

News from Armenia – NEWS.am

SCANDALE DES ECOUTES EN TURQUIE : PLUSIEURS ARRESTATIONS

TURQUIE

Les forces de securite turques ont interpelle, mardi 17 juin, 11
officiers de police dans le cadre d’une enquete judiciaire sur des
ecoutes pirates visant le premier ministre islamo-conservateur Recep
Tayyip Erdogan.

Ces fonctionnaires ont ete arretes a leur domicile dans les villes
d’Ankara, Karabuk et Yozgat. Ils sont soupconnes d’avoir dissimule
des appareils d’enregistrement dans le bureau et la voiture officielle
du chef du gouvernement, a precise la chaîne d’information CNN-Turk.

Parmi les suspects interpelles figurent d’anciens responsables de la
police d’elite chargee de la securite de M. Erdogan.

Le premier ministre avait declare en decembre 2012 que des micros
avaient ete decouverts a son bureau et a son domicile. L’homme fort
de Turquie, au pouvoir depuis 2003, a ete eclabousse en decembre
2013 par un scandale de corruption sans precedent, pendant lequel
les enregistrements de plusieurs de ses conversations privees ont
ete diffuses sur Internet.

Malgre ces accusations, son parti a remporte haut la main les
elections municipales du 30 mars, et M. Erdogan s’apprete desormais
a annoncer sa candidature au scrutin presidentiel des 10 et 24 août,
dispute pour la première fois au suffrage universel direct. Le premier
ministre s’est defendu de ses accusations et les a attribuees a un > ourdi contre lui et son regime par son ex-allie islamiste
Fethullah Gulen, qui dirige depuis les Etats-Unis un très influent
mouvement religieux, le Hizmet.

jeudi 3 juillet 2014, Stephane (c)armenews.com

PROTOCOLE D’ENTENTE SIGNE AU SAINT SIEGE D’ETCHMIADZINE POUR L’AMELIORATION DE L’EDUCATION DES ENFANTS, LA VIE SPIRITUELLE, CULTURELLE ET SOCIALE

ARMENIE

Le 23 Juin, dans le Musee des Tresors Alex et Marie Manoogian
au Saint Siège d’Etchmiadzine, sous la presidence de Sa Saintete
Karekine II, Patriarche supreme et Catholicos de tous les Armeniens
; une ceremonie de signature de protocole d’accord entre l’Eglise
apostolique armenienne ; le Fonds des Nations Unies pour l’enfance
(UNICEF) ; et la societe > a eu lieue.

Le but du Memorandum d’accord est de promouvoir la defense des droits
de l’enfant, developper et realiser des projets visant a l’amelioration
de leur statut social ; initier des projets scientifiques et des
editions pour l’education culturelle, religieuse et morale des enfants
; aider les jeunes dans leur choix de profession ; et ameliorer la
qualite de l’enseignement professionnel.

Après la prière d’ouverture, le Père Paruyr Avetisyan, Directeur
du Departement des relations intra Eglise au Saint Siège, a fait
ses remarques.

Le Père Vardan Navasardyan, directeur du Centre d’education chretienne
du Saint Siège ; Mme Henriette Ahrens, Representant de l’UNICEF en
Armenie et M. Gagik Martirosyan, directeur de “MGA eau”, l’ambassadeur
national de l’UNICEF pour l’Armenie ont signe le protocole d’accord.

jeudi 3 juillet 2014, Stephane (c)armenews.com