Author: Kalantarian Kevo

ARMENIE
Trois sociétés pharmaceutiques arméniennes ont demandé des certificats GMP

Trois sociétés pharmaceutiques arméniens ont demandé au ministère de
la santé d’obtenir des certificats de Bonnes Pratiques de Fabrication
(GMP) a indiqué le ministère.

Le ministère a annoncé que le gouvernement allait approuver une
procédure de suivi de la conformité des sociétés pharmaceutiques à la
réglementation GMP et la délivrance de certificats. Il a dit qu’une
fois que le document entrera en vigueur trois sociétés arméniennes ont
décidé de faire appel au ministère pour obtenir des certificats
correspondants, mais il n’a pas révélé les noms de ces sociétés.

Le ministère a indiqué également que les normes GMP ont été approuvées
par le gouvernement de l’Arménie en 2010 et harmonisées avec les
normes européennes. Actuellement, il existe six grandes sociétés
pharmaceutiques en Arménie.

dimanche 5 janvier 2014,
Stéphane ©armenews.com

ARMENIENS D’UKRAINE
Le livre sur les Arméniens d’Ukraine proposé pour le Prix Taras
Shevchenko à Kiev

A Kiev (Ukraine), le livre illustré de l’arménologue, philosophe et la
spécialiste de la culture arménienne en Ukraine Irina Kayuk titré «
Encyclopédie illustrée de la culture arménienne en Ukraine » est
proposé parmi les ouvrages concourant pour le Prix Shevchenko. Selon
Irina Kayuk c’est l’association pan-ukrainienne « Prosvida » qui
aurait proposé le livre pour le Prix Taras Shevchenko. Lors de la
présentation de « Encyclopédie illustrée de la culture arménienne en
Ukraine » en décembre dernier à Kiev des membres du Comité Tars
Shevchenko étaient présents. Etaient également présents l’archevêque
Krikoris Bouniatian responsable de l’Eglise arménienne pour l’Ukraine,
l’Ambassadeur d’Arménie en Ukraine Djivan Movsissian, la présidente de
l’association culturelle « Ukraine-Arménie » Elena Hovhannissian ainsi
que des membres de l’Académie des sciences d’Ukraine. L’ouvrage est
exceptionnel car il intègre pour la première fois les `uvres liées à
l’Arménie et aux Arméniens, issues de 44 musées nationaux d’Ukraine
ainsi que des archives. Le livre comprend 593 photographies et
illustrations.

Krikor Amirzayan

dimanche 5 janvier 2014,
Krikor Amirzayan ©armenews.com

ARMENIENS DE SYRIE
Un élève arménien tué à Alep lors d’une explosion, plusieurs autres
élèves et adultes sont blessés

Un écolier arménien a été tué le 3 janvier dans le quartier arménien
Souleymanié à Alep suite aux bombardements. L’explosion a également
blessé plusieurs autres élèves qui attendaient l’autobus devant
l’école. Deux adultes, Krikor Kevorkian et Levon Lahmetchian figurent
également parmi les blessés de l’explosion de la bombe. Selon l’agence
de presse officielle syrienne Sana, les « terroristes » ont multiplié
leurs actions face aux victoires de l’armée syrienne qui a « éliminé »
de très nombreux « foyers terroristes ». Les batailles d’Alep étant
des plus importantes de ces confrontations armées entre les troupes
régulières syriennes et les groupes armés de l’opposition syrienne
financés en grande majorité par des pays étrangers dont l’Arabie
Saoudite et la Turquie.

Krikor Amirzayan

dimanche 5 janvier 2014,
Krikor Amirzayan ©armenews.com

Primate’s Christmas Message

By MassisPost
Updated: January 3, 2014

`An Encounter with God, the Creator’

`Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God.
Jesus replied: `A certain man was preparing a great banquet and
invited many guests.
At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had
been invited,
`Come, for everything is now ready” (Luke 14:15-17).

Beloved faithful in Christ,

The Nativity of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is an invitation to
mankind to encounter God, the Creator. The parable of the wedding
banquet in the Gospels is an image of the birth of Jesus in which we
see the humility of the Son of God humbling Himself from heaven to
earth. The positive response of the invited guest serves as the
opportunity to be elevated to God through Christ. In other words, to
adopt a new standard and quality of life which is nothing else but
life shaped and lived in the Christian faith.

`Christ is Born and revealed!
Blessed is the Revelation of Christ!’

Dear faithful Christian, once again we are called to greet and humble
ourselves before the Nativity of Christ, so that we may with His Birth
be reborn in our God-given life. To live with Christ means to adorn
our lives with character and shape, making Him our own mission and
purpose and to draw mankind closer to God.

The Nativity of Christ is the image of the humility of the Son of God
who descends from heaven to earth, taking upon Himself human form and
serving the world and all mankind.

The Nativity of Jesus is an invitation to each of us to emulate
Christ’s own example to become noble servants and to lead man to God,
for that is the ultimate goal of the Christian life. To remain
steadfast in this path means to live life with the spirit and
awareness of our Christian faith, to live life in emulation of Christ
as a servant, who leads us always to do God’s will, to live a holy
life making the Gospel our rudder in life, and to make ourselves the
golden ring that connects man to God.

`Christ is Born and revealed!
Blessed is the Revelation of Christ!’

The invitation to greet and humble ourselves before the newborn Jesus
is extended to each and every of us. How shall we respond as
individual Christians, as a people, as a nation and a Church?
Undoubtedly, our response shall be a favorable one and shall be
expressed through our steadfast Christian faith and our readiness to
celebrate the mystery of the Birth of Jesus as the foundation of our
lives. If our active faith in the Birth of Jesus is not expressed in
our daily life then we have failed in our response to the invitation.
To respond to the invitation means to live a life of faith to the
fullest with a sincere heart, a loving spirit, a forgiving and a
merciful soul, in humility and selfless service, or simply by
fulfilling the commandments of the Gospel of Christ. To celebrate the
Birth of Jesus is to make the Infant Jesus the mirror of our spiritual
life, and motivated by a sense of fear and ignominy to abandon all our
hardened evil tendencies and habits that do reflect neither Christ nor
the Christian faith. To celebrate the Birth of Christ today means to
live a holy life that reflects the holiness of the Birth of the Infant
Jesus. This is why Christ, pointing to children, said `to such belongs
the kingdom of God.’

Beloved faithful, with each celebration of the Feast of the Nativity
of Christ is the beginning of a new spiritual journey. The Birth of
Jesus is an invitation to a new life. The Birth of Jesus is the active
presence of God in the life of the world so that we too may be reborn
in our life and sanctify it. The Birth of Jesus is the invitation to
man to make his life an active presence of God in the life of the
world, in creativity. Therefore, let us respond to the invitation we
have received through our good works of faith, through our service and
sacrifice, so that we may uphold our God-given Motherland Armenia and
the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, and embody in our Christian life
in the vision of our Armenian values.

`Christ is Born and revealed!
Blessed is the Revelation of Christ!’

Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate
Feast of the Holy Nativity – 2014

Highland News, CA
Jan 4 2014

Editorial: Sisterhood

Published: Thursday, January 2, 2014 4:03 PM PST

We are strong supporters of the Highland City Council and most of its
decisions. It has kept Highland moving forward in a difficult time and
is a role model for a good way to run a city.

However, in our opinion, it sometimes oversteps its bounds.

Such was the case in its approval of a sister city agreement with
Berdzor in Nargano Karabakh, a disputed territory between Armenia and
Azerbaijan.

The Christian/Muslim controversy has been going on for decades with
the Christian Armenia supporting the disputed independence of the
republic, and Azerbaijan claiming the region is a part of Azerbaijan.

Armenian forces have gone in to support independence, resulting in the
expulsion of the Muslim Azer population with over half a million in
refugee camps.

On the other hand, over a quarter million Christian Armenians remain
in refugee camps as a result of Azerbaijani rule.

Former Mayor and world traveler Larry McCallon brought the resolution
to the City Council, and it passed with little discussion. Most of us
had never heard of Nagorno Karabakh or its territorial battles.

However, the Azerbaijan Consul objected to the sisterhood resolution,
claiming it supported an illegitimate government, and asked for a
reconsideration of the decision.

City Councilwoman Jody Scott moved to rescind the resolution, seconded
by Councilwoman Penny Lilburn.

However, then Mayor McCallon observed that the action was already
taken and needed no further consideration.

City Councilmen John Timmer and Sam Racadio agreed and the resolution stands.

We believe recognition of nations should be the purview of the federal
government, not local city councils.

With the city’s crime, poverty, unemployment and lack of commercial
retail, we believe the city council has more important things to worry
about than recognition of a disputed government in the Southern
Caucasus.

Gulf Daily News, Bahrain
January 3, 2014

Where’s the harm?

This refers to the letter, ‘Bah, humbug!’ (GDN, December 29). Why do
Christians celebrate Christmas on December 25? A reader asks: When is
our saviour’s real birthday? Is it December 25? If not, why do we
celebrate his birth on Christmas?

The date of Christ’s actual birth is unknown. It is not recorded in
the Bible. However, Christians of all denominations and faith groups,
aside from the Church of Armenia, celebrate the birth of Jesus on
December 25.

Answer lies in the history of Christmas.

It is believed that the first celebrations of Christ’s birth were
originally grouped together with Epiphany, one of the earliest feasts
of the Christian church observed on January 6. This holiday recognised
the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles by remembering the visit
of the Magi (wise men) to Bethlehem and, in some traditions, the
baptism of Jesus and his miracle of turning water into wine.

Today the feast of Epiphany is observed predominantly in liturgical
denominations such as Eastern Orthodox, Anglican and Catholic. Even as
far back as the second and third centuries, we know church leaders
disagreed about the appropriateness of birthday celebrations within
the Christian church. Some men like Origin felt birthdays were pagan
rituals for pagan gods. And since the date of Christ’s actual birth
had not been recorded, these early leaders speculated and argued about
the date.

Some sources report that Theophilus of Antioch (circa 171-183) was the
first to identify December 25 as the birth date of Christ. Others say
that Hippolytus (circa 170-236) was the first to claim that Jesus was
born on December 25.

A strong theory suggests that this date was eventually chosen by the
church because it aligned closely with a major pagan festival, dies
natalis solis invicti (birth of the invincible sun god), thus allowing
the church to claim a new celebration for Christianity.

Ultimately, December 25 was chosen, perhaps as early as AD273. By
336AD, the Roman church calender definitively records a nativity
celebration by Western Christians on this date.

Eastern churches maintained the January 6 commemoration together with
Epiphany until sometime in the fifth or sixth centuries when the 25th
day of December became the widely accepted holiday. Only the Armenian
church held to the original celebration of Christ’s birth with
Epiphany on January 6.

The term Christmas appeared in Old English as early as 1038AD as
Cristes Maesse, and later as Cristes-messe in AD1131. It means “the
Mass of Christ.”

This name was established by the Christian church to disconnect the
holiday and its customs from its pagan origins. As one fourth century
theologian penned, “We hold this day holy, not like the pagans because
of the birth of the sun, but because of Him who made it.”

Although it is true that many traditional Christmas customs find their
origins in pagan practices, these ancient and forgotten associations
are far removed from the hearts of Christian worshippers today at
Christmas time. So much so, it seems a pointless concern.

If the focus of Christmas is Jesus Christ and his gift of eternal
life, then what harm can come from such a celebration?

Moreover, Christian churches see Christmas as an occasion to spread
the good news of the gospel at a time when many non-believers pause to
consider Christ.

Why do we celebrate Christ’s birthday? The same reader posed this
question: God didn’t tell us to celebrate Christmas, so why are
Christians doing this? I am compelled to respond with a few simple
questions of my own. Why do we celebrate a child’s birthday? Why do we
celebrate a loved one’s birthday? Is it not to remember and cherish
the significance of the event? It marks the arrival of Emmanuel, God
With Us, the Word Become Flesh, the Saviour of the World. It is a
central event in history. Time chronicles backward and forward from
this moment.

I find myself wanting to ask: How can we fail to remember this day
with great joy and reverence? How can we not celebrate Christmas?

There is hope for peaceful solution as Karabakh talks continue –
Eduard Sharmazanov

January 04, 2014 | 11:09

YEREVAN. – The meeting of Armenian and Azerbaijani presidents took
place after almost two-year break which means that dialogue resumed,
Deputy Speaker Eduard Sharmazanov told Armenian News-NEWS.am.

Giving assessment of 2013 in the context of Karabakh issue,
Sharmazanov said resumption of talks is a positive movement.

`Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh always stand for peaceful settlement of
the conflict. It is not excluded that Azerbaijani leader Ilham
Aliyev’s return to negotiating table is conditioned by the statements
of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs,’ he said.

Sharmazanov, Deputy Speaker and spokesperson for the ruling party,
noted it is impossible to resolve conflict without full participation
of Nagorno-Karabakh. Secondly, Turkey, as a regional actor repeatedly
stating about regional peace, should take several moves: open the
border, stop unilateral support for Azerbaijan, speak against
militarist rhetoric of Baku and avoid interfering in Karabakh peace
process.

`We are optimistic. If the negotiation process continues, there is
hope for peaceful solution,’ Sharmazanov concluded.

News from Armenia – NEWS.am

TURQUIE-AZERBAÏDJAN
Des centaines de manifestants dénoncent en Turquie la politique de
l’Azerbaïdjan envers les vétérans de la guerre du Karabagh

En Turquie une manifestation s’est déroulée le 3 janvier dans la ville
de Mersin contre les autorités d’Azerbaïdjan. Les centaines de
manifestants défilaient pour marquer leur désapprobation de la
politique des dirigeants azéris qui avait abouti au suicide d’un
vétéran handicapé de la guerre du Karabagh, Zaour Hassanov. Selon
l’agence de presse turque Turan les manifestants reprochaient aix
autorités azéries de ne pas se pencher sur le cas des vétérans de la
guerre. La manifestation était organisée par l’association culturelle
azérie de Mesrine ainsi que par les étudiants azéris de la ville.
Rappelons que Zaour Hassanov, handicapé lors de la guerre du Karabagh,
père de 5 enfants, s’était immolé devant un btiment public à Bakou.
Il demandait ainsi justice et protestait contre la spoliation de son
terrain sur lequel il avait construit un salon de thé, par un officiel
azéri Satar Mehmaliev.

Krikor Amirzayan

samedi 4 janvier 2014,
Krikor Amirzayan ©armenews.com

AzerNews, Azerbaijan
Jan 3 2014

Azerbaijani MPs optimistic over Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement in 2014

3 January 2014, 13:04 (GMT+04:00)
By Jamila Babayeva

Azerbaijani MPs and political analysts are optimistic over the
settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in 2014.

MP Rovshan Rzayev believes that there is every reason for optimistic
forecasts for the year of 2014.

In an interview with Day.Az, he stressed that Azerbaijani government
pursued some successful policies in 2013. Rzayev also said that by
continuing those policies, Baku will have more victories in 2014.

“Of course, my greatest desire is the return of the occupied
Azerbaijani lands. I want young people to be more interested in this
issue and to continue the efforts to resolve this problem,” he said.

MP Govhar Bakhshaliyeva also expects a lot from 2014.

“I expect a lot from 2014. But first of all, as all Azerbaijanis, I am
waiting for resolution of the conflict,” she said.

Bakhshaliyeva believes that Baku’s voice will be heard more clearly
among the voices of other countries and nations in 2014.

“Our country’s position in the world will be strengthened and the
voice of Azerbaijan will sound louder in 2014,” she stressed.

MP Aydin Mirzazadeh also believes that 2013, as its preceding year,
was lost in the issue of a final settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict.

He stressed that due to the unconstructive position of Armenia –
Yerevan’s refusal to comply with international law – there were no
achievement or contacts in this issue in the previous year.

He believes that in the settlement of the conflict everything depends
on the position of Armenia, since Azerbaijan is ready to resolve the
issue.

“But apparently, Armenia wants to solve the problem by destroying its
independence and establishment of a state without any population,
economy, and with no prospects for development,” MP said.

Mirzazade believes that 2013 was one of the most successful periods in
the development of Azerbaijan.

“In spite of everything, Azerbaijan has further strengthened its
position in the Karabakh issue,” he said.

Political analyst, Fikret Sadikhov, also believes that some partial
results can be achieved at the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict.

He believes that a radical solution of the problem in the short term
is unlikely due to Yerevan’s behavior.

“But the reality is that Armenia is struggling with difficult
socio-economic, and domestic political problems that may force the
country to take certain steps, which, in turn, will contribute to the
final resolution of the problem in the future,” Sadikhov concluded.

Political analyst, Rasim Musabeyov, believes that after the last
meeting of the presidents of Azerbaijan and Armenia in December 2013 a
new round of negotiations has begun.

“This is positive. But based on past experiences, some high
expectations are misplaced, because, unfortunately, the talks have
been unsuccessful so far. But there is a hope that these efforts will
not be fruitless this time, because eventually the Armenian side sees
that neither her tenacity, nor the support of countries that usually
patronize Armenians, is able to force Azerbaijan to take actions that
are inconsistent with the country’s sovereignty,” Musabeyov stressed.

He further said the social and economic situation of Armenia is
getting worse day by day and there is no prospect.

“This will encourage them to take a more realistic approach. Progress
in the negotiations can be achieved, but in general, we should still
be cautious,” he concluded.

Armenia occupied over 20 percent of Azerbaijan’s internationally
recognized territory, including Nagorno-Karabakh and seven adjacent
regions, after laying territorial claims against its South Caucasus
neighbor. The occupation caused a lengthy war in the early 1990s.

The UN Security Council has adopted four resolutions on Armenia’s
withdrawal from the Azerbaijani territory, but they have not been
enforced to this day.

Peace talks, mediated by Russia, France and the U.S. through the OSCE
Minsk Group, are underway on the basis of a peace outline proposed by
the Minsk Group co-chairs, dubbed the Madrid Principles. The
negotiations have been largely fruitless so far.

NaharNet, Lebanon
Jan 3 2014

Turkey Jails Outspoken Armenian Blogger

by Naharnet Newsdesk

A prominent Turkish-Armenian blogger has been sent to jail on charges
of illegal construction amid a growing chorus of criticism over a
graft scandal engulfing the government, local media reported on
Friday.

Sevan Nisanyan was sentenced in December to two years in prison in a
case he claims was punishment for his outspoken views about
restrictions on freedom of expression in Turkey.

“Unfortunately, this country is ruled by dwarves who have no vision.
We all deserve a better country,” the 57-year-old was quoted as saying
by CNN Turk as he headed to prison in the western city of Izmir on
Thursday.

“I do not regret what I have done. I am proud of what I have done.”

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is grappling with a probe
that has ensnared several allies, some of whom are suspected of
bribery over construction permits for protected areas.

And Nisanyan’s jail sentence caused an outcry on Twitter.

“In a country where some people can build a department store on an
ancient city, how come Nisanyan is jailed for building without a
permit?” wrote one user, Yasin Tekin.

Nisanyan also faces up to 16 years in prison on other charges related
to construction work on hotels in a village near Izmir.

Nisanyan was previously convicted of blasphemy over a 2012 blog
defending an anti-Islam film that ridiculed the Prophet Mohammed and
sparked angry protests across the world.

His words touched a nerve in the staunchly secular but majority Muslim
nation and he received hundreds of death threats.

Turkey has long been criticized for a lack of press freedom, and in
December the U.S.-based Committee to Protect Journalists named it the
world’s number one jailer of journalists for the second straight year.