Author: Kalantarian Kevo

US DIPLOMAT SAYS CONCESSIONS IMPORTANT FOR REACHING KARABAKH SETTLEMENT

12:37 ~U 12.09.13

The United States’ new co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group has stressed
the importance of mutual concessions in the Nagorno-Karabakh peace
process.

Speaking to reporters in Yerevan, Ambassador James Warlick said that
all the sides involved in the conflict have to agree to concessions
if they want a successful outcome.

The diplomat said that he does not have new proposals, adding that
he finds confidence- and security-building measures very important
in the negotiation process.

He said that the track II diplomacy will be very helpful in developing
the necessary perception and confidence for reaching peace.

Noting that about 20 years have passed since the signing of ceasefire,
the diplomat added the people in the region deserve a lasting peace
after paying a heavy price. According to him, the peace efforts
will not succeed without the political will of the state leaders,
and the mutual concessions and mutual confidence-building between
the two nations. The diplomat noted that the prevention of a further
tension is in the interests of the future generations.

He said further that the Helsinki Final Act, underpinning the
principles of territorial integrity, non-use of force and the
self-determination of nations, continues to remain at the heart of
the negotiations.

Asked why the Minsk Group co-chairs pay no heed to Azerbaijan’s
continuing arms race, the diplomat answered that it is their desire
to avoid an arms race and reach a peaceful solution between the sides.

The journalists attending the news conference were interested know
if the US co-chair had expressed any opinion on the Azerbaijani
authorities’ attitude to Hakob Injighulyan, the Armenian army private
who was taken hostage in the country last month after accidentally
crossing the border from Nagorno-Karabakh. They particularly asked
Mr Warlick if, during his visit to the country, he had raised the
question that the Azerbaijani side violated the Geneva Convention by
interviewing the soldier in an Azerbaijani uniform. But the diplomat
refrained from any comments, saying only that his current visit
to the South Caucasus region is aimed at listening to both sides’
positions on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

He reiterated the United States desire to continue the efforts towards
a negotiated settlement.

Armenian News – Tert.am

PRESSE ARMENIENNE : REVUE DU 9 SEPTEMBRE 2013

Publié le : 12-09-2013

Info Collectif VAN – – Le Collectif VAN vous
présente cette Revue de Presse parue sur le site de l’Ambassade de
France en Arménie le 9 septembre 2013.

Ambassade de France en Arménie

Revue de la presse arménienne du 9 septembre 2013

I. Union douanière eurasiatique : toujours en ” une ” des journaux

1. L’Europe cherche-t-elle a fermer la porte a l’Arménie ?/C’est
cette question que plusieurs commentateurs se posent, rapportant les
propos du Commissaire européen a l’élargissement, Stefan Fule, a
la suite des pourparlers avec Edouard Nalbandian : ” Dans la mesure
où l’Arménie a déclaré vouloir adhérer a l’Union douanière,
il est difficile d’imaginer la signature avec l’Arménie d’un accord
d’association au sommet de Vilnius comme cela avait été prévu ”. Il
a souligné que l’UE respectait le choix souverain de l’Arménie de
s’intégrer a l’Union douanière et était intéressée a renforcer
les acquis avec celle-ci au aours des dernières années dans le
cadre du Partenariat oriental.

Selon les informations de Haykakan Jamanak, Edouard Nalbandian aurait
remis au Commissaire un document de 200 pages, le texte rectifié de
l’accord d’association, excluant toutes les dispositions économiques,
et aurait fait comprendre que ce document était le maximum que la
partie arménienne pourrait signer a Vilnius. D’après les sources
du quotidien, cela aurait suscité l’indignation du Commissaire
qui aurait alors jugé inopportune la signature d’un document ”
déclaratif ”. Le Chef de la diplomatie arménienne s’est également
rendu a Vilnius, le 7 septembre, où il a présenté la position
arménienne au Ministre des AE lituanien. D’après le communiqué du
MAE arménien, le Ministre Nalbandian a réaffirmé la détermination
de l’Arménie a développer le plus possible le partenariat avec l’UE
dans les limites qu’impose l’Union douanière. Selon un communiqué
du MAE lituanien, Linas Linkevicius a jugé incompatibles l’adhésion
a l’Union douanière et l’intégration a la zone de libre échange
de l’UE : ” Nous respectons le souhait de l’Arménie, mais devons
souligner que sa décision de rejoindre l’Union douanière minimise
ses ambitions d’intégrer l’UE et de coopérer avec elle ”, a-t-il
dit. Il a toutefois aouté que dans ce contexte, il est important de
regarder en avant et de ne pas gaspiller les acquis de cinq ans de
participation au Partenariat oriental et de trois ans de négociations
en vue d’un accord d’association.

Le 6 septembre, le Président Sarkissian a rendu visite au Ministère
de la Justice où il a exhorté les 300 employés a redoubler
d’efforts afin de préparer les documents requis (au nombre de 50) pour
l’adhésion a l’Union douanière en vue de les soumettre a l’AN. Le
fardeau principal de d’élaboration desdits documents retombera sur
le Ministère de la Justice.

Les quotidiens rendent compte de la conférence de presse du
Secrétaire du Conseil de sécurité nationale, Arthur Baghdassarian,
qui a défendu la décision du Président Sarkissian d’adhérer a
l’Union douanière, considérant qu’elle répondait aux intérêts
nationaux de l’Arménie.

”L’Arménie ne saurait entretenir des relations avec Bruxelles aux
dépens de la Russie. L’Arménie est un petit pays qui doit mener
une politique équilibrée en fonction de ses intérêts nationaux
”. Il a tenu a rappeler que les pays de l’OTSC constituent l’axe de
cette union. L’adhésion de l’Arménie a cette structure permettra
non seulement de retirer des avantages économiques, mais aussi de
renforcer la sécurité. Selon M. Baghdassarian, de nouveaux projets
économiques d’envergure ne vont pas tarder a être mis en place en
Arménie. Il a cité la construction du chemin de fer arméno-iranien,
ainsi que la possible ré-exploitation du chemin de fer abkhaze, les
parties géorgienne, abkhaze et russe ayant, selon lui, donné leur
consentement de principe [les agences de presse ont reproduit ce 9
septembre les démentis des Gouvernements géorgien et abkhaze quant
aux déclarations de M. Baghdassarian]. M. Baghdassarian a réitéré
que Bruxelles avait été informé de la décision de l’Arménie,
celle-ci ayant mené des négociations concomitantes avec les instances
européennes et les acteurs de l’Union douanière : si l’opinion
arménienne a été régulièrement informée des négociations avec
Bruxelles, cela n’a pas été le cas de celles avec l’Union douanière,
d’où la surprise pour la société. M. Baghdassarian a en outre
appelé a ne pas oublier que 2 millions et demi d’Arméniens résident
actuellement en Russie : ” quel serait alors le sort de ces gens-la ?

”. 168 Jam consacre un article aux éventuels avantages et handicaps
économiques qu’aura l’Arménie suite a l’adhésion a l’Union
douanière et n’exclut pas une hausse sensible de plusieurs produits,
notamment importés de pays tiers du fait des droits de douane. De
surcroît, l’adhésion a cette Union douanière ne permettra pas de
moderniser l’économie arménienne, comme l’aurait fait l’adhésion
a la zone de libre échange de l’UE.

II. Politique intérieure

1. Le fils et le garde du corps de l’ex Gouverneur du Siounik accusés
de meurtre ont été libérés/ RFE/RL relève que les deux hommes
en détention préventive ont été remis en liberté et exemptés
de toute poursuite pénale sur décision du département d’enquête
chargé de crimes du Parquet militaire. [Rappelons que le 1er juin
dernier une fusillade avait eu lieu devant la villa du Gouverneur du
Siounik, Souren Khatchatrian, a l’issue de laquelle l’ancien candidat
a la mairie de Goris avait été tué, tandis que son frère, officier
du Ministère de la Défense, commandant d’une des unités militaires
d’Arménie, avaient été gravement blessé. Celui-ci a survécu a ses
blessures et s’était vu accusé, le 9 juillet, d’attaque armée et
menaces de meurtre a l’encontre de la famille de l’ex-gouverneur]. Le
Parquet militaire a abandonné les poursuites a l’encontre des deux
suspects, considérant qu’ils étaient en situation d’auto-défense. La
famille de la victime a qualifié la remise en liberté des accusés
de ” crime d’Etat ”. Plusieurs ONG en charge de la défense des
droits de l’Homme ont dénoncé, selon RFE/RL, cette libération
comme ” arbitraire et dictée par Serge Sarkissian ”. Il s’agit,
selon elles, d’un défi a la société et d’un encouragement direct
a l’ex-Gouverneur a poursuivre ses agissements criminels.

2. 20 députés sur 131 sont millionnaires en dollars américains/
Selon l’ONG ” Mandat ”, qui a étudié les déclarations officielles
des patrimoines des élus, le groupe parlementaire le plus riche
est Arménie prospère, dont les 36 députés auraient déclaré
ensemble posséder 98,1 M USD. Les 70 députés du parti Républicain
possèderaient ensemble 35,7 M USD. Vient ensuite le groupe
parlementaire du parti Dachnak, dont les 5 députés ont déclaré
posséder 537 000 $. 20 députés de l’AN seraient millionnaires
en dollars américains : le Président d’Arménie prospère, Gaguik
Tsaroukian arrive en tête (le montant de son patrimoine n’est pas
indiqué). Il est suivi par l’homme d’affaires du parti Républicain,
Samvel Alexanian. / Hayots Achkhar

III. Relations extérieures

1. Le Commissaire aux droits de l’Homme du Conseil de l’Europe
préoccupé par les attaques contre les manifestants/ Nils Muižnieks
a exprimé sa préoccupation par les récentes attaques contre les
militants de mouvements citoyens en Arménie, dont deux ont été
agressés et hospitalisés suite a une action de protestation devant
le bureau du parti Républicain, le 5 septembre (cf. revue de presse du
6.09). Il a appelé a une enquête transparente. / Aravot, Joghovourd

IV. Questions régionales

1. Les Syriens d’origine arménienne continuent a regagner l’Arménie/
Selon le Ministère de la Diaspora, au cours du dernier mois, plus
de 400 Syriens d’origine arménienne sont arrivés en Arménie via
Beyrouth.

Selon un responsable du Ministère, ceux qui réussissent a quitter
la Syrie et a regagner le Liban, arrivent en Arménie par le vol
Beyrouth-Erevan effectué deux fois par semaine./Hayots Achkhar

Rédaction : Meri Hakobian

Retour a la rubrique

Source/Lien : Ambassade de France en Arménie

ENJEUX ET PERSPECTIVES PAR ARAM I

LIBAN

Dans l’introduction de son recent livre, Sa Saintete Aram I stipule
que ” les deux principales caracteristiques des societes modernes
occupent une place centrale dans ce livre “. ” D’abord, la religion est
devenue essentielle dans la vie quotidienne des societes, elle est,
d’une manière ou d’une autre et a une echelle plus ou moins grande,
associe a des questions cruciales et des preoccupations profondes,
notamment dans les domaines de la politique, de l’economie.

l’environnement, la science et la technologie. Tandis que la
religion de par sa nature et sa vocation est une source de paix et de
reconciliation, de justice et de progrès, elle a egalement ete mal
utilisee et abusee a des fins malefiques. Cet abus de la religion,
avec ses lourdes consequences, est l’un des problèmes les plus
complexes auxquel fait face le monde d’aujourd’hui.

Deuxièmement, le monde a subi un enorme changement, tiree par
l’explosion de la technologie de l’information et de la communication.

Nous faisons tous parti du cyberespace et sommes câbles dans des
reseaux qui relient instantanement les gens de tous les lieux, les
races, les religions et les cultures, meme dans les coins les plus
recules du globe. Les murs sont effondres, les frontières sont abolies
et les lignes de demarcation sont detruites. Nous sommes transformes
en une communaute virtuelle, qui a ses propres cultures, son système
de valeurs, de règles et de normes. Cette interconnexion intègre non
seulement, elle desintègre egalement. Elle reconcilie non seulement
les peuples mais les polarise aussi “.

Selon Aram I, ” les implications de ces developpements majeurs et
sans precedents sont identifiables dans presque toutes les sphères
de la vie sociale “.

Dans ses remarques liminaires Sa Saintete rappelle aux lecteurs qu’il
” traite des questions avec une approche interactive et d’une manière
holistique. On ne peut pas resoudre les problèmes en s’y soustrayant
ni s’opposer a eux simplement en raison d’un desaccord ou porter
atteinte a leur importance. En fait , ceux qui sont engages au service
de l’humanite doivent discerner et faire face aux questions, fournir
une perspective et chercher des solutions “. Le Catholicos rappelle
egalement que ” les questions abordees dans cet ouvrage sont rapides
et elles meritent une attention focale et une discussion serieuse. Je
ne pretends pas que les vues que j’ai proposes et les observations
que j’ai faites sont exhaustives. Mais j’espère que les perspectives
que j’ai fournis peuvent apporter une maigre contribution a l’examen
exhaustif et critique de ces questions complexes, des problèmes aigus
et des grands defis “.

Le volume comprend les articles suivants :

~U Redecouvrir la Missio Dei : Un appel aux Eglises

~U Catholicite : ses implications et les imperatifs

~U Gregoire de Narek : Notre eternel contemporain

~U Identite : une source de division et d’unite

~U Culture Cilicie : une culture du dialogue

~U Le Genocide armenien : de la reconnaissance a la reparation

~U Le rôle de la religion dans le contexte des societes en mutation

~U La religion dans la geopolitique du Moyen-Orient

~U Vivre en communaute avec l’islam

~U L’avenir du christianisme au Moyen-Orient

~U Le printemps arabe et les Communautes chretiennes

~U Confiance Mutuelle : La base de la cohabitation

~U Les notes de mon journal ~cumenique

jeudi 12 septembre 2013, Stephane ©armenews.com

OUVERTURE DU PROCES SUR L’EMPOISONNEMENT DU PRESIDENT TURC OZAL

TURQUIE

ANKARA, 11 sept 2013 (AFP) – Un tribunal d’Ankara a commence mercredi
a juger en son absence un general turc a la retraite pour une tentative
supposee de meurtre par empoisonnement visant le president Turgut Ozal,
decede en 1993.

Levent Ersoz, un ex-general de brigade, n’a pas comparu pour des
“raisons de sante” a la première audience du procès, dont il est
l’unique suspect. Cet ancien officier a deja ete condamne cet ete
a 22 ans et six mois de prison dans une des nombreuses affaires de
conspiration visant le regime islamo-conservateur turc. En avril
dernier, la justice turque avait decide d’inculper M. Ersoz dans
l’affaire Ozal, evitant ainsi que le dossier ne soit prescrit, vingt
ans après les faits.

Le corps de M. Ozal avait ete exhume en octobre 2012, certains membres
de sa famille affirmant qu’il avait ete empoisonne. Officiellement,
l’ancien president a succombe a une crise cardiaque a l’âge de 65 ans.

L’autopsie n’a pas permis de conclure dans un sens ou dans
l’autre, mais le parquet a annonce qu’il entendait poursuivre ses
investigations.

L’acte d’accusation contre Levent Ersoz s’appuie sur des plaintes
de la veuve et du fils de l’ancien chef de l’Etat. Il accuse le
general d’avoir “mene une tentative d’assassinat contre le president,
tentative qui a peut-etre abouti”, un crime passible de la prison a
vie. L’avocat du prevenu, Me Hulusi Coskun, a demande aux juges de
faire juger aussi Semra Ozal, la veuve du president defunt, affirmant
que cette dernière jouait un rôle cle dans cette procedure.

Premier ministre de 1983 jusqu’a son election a la tete de l’Etat
en novembre 1989, Turgut Ozal avait survecu en 1988 a une tentative
d’assassinat conduite par un nationaliste turc.

Il avait mis en oeuvre une politique liberale sur le plan economique
et avait defendu l’alliance diplomatique avec les pays occidentaux,
notamment en soutenant l’intervention en Irak lors de la première
guerre du Golfe en 1991.

Les nationalistes reprocheraient a M. Ozal ses tentatives d’entamer des
discussions, peu avant sa mort, avec les rebelles kurdes du Parti des
travailleurs du Kurdistan (PKK). La prochaine audience a ete fixee
au 9 decembre.

jeudi 12 septembre 2013, Ara ©armenews.com

AZERBAIJAN’S PRESIDENT: “THE LONGER SARGSYAN REMAINS IN POWER, THE SOONER OUR TERRITORIES WILL BE LIBERATED”

APA, Azerbaijan
Sept 11 2013

[ 11 September 2013 11:52 ]

Ilham Aliyev: “The fact that Aghdam has been razed to the ground is
an unprecedented atrocity, this atrocity will not remain unanswered”

Baku – APA. “We will rebuild Aghdam town after it is liberated,
because wild and nasty enemies have completely destroyed this town.

There are photos and footage of present Aghdam. The fact that the
town has been razed to the ground is an unprecedented atrocity. Our
historical monuments, mosques and historical places have been destroyed
and plundered. Who has committed it? Armenians – barbarians have
committed it,” said President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev during the
inspection of the new residential area for IPDs in Barda, APA reports.

The Head of State said that this atrocity will not remain unanswered:
“We will restore our territorial integrity, because there are various
factors. First, Azerbaijan is developing while Armenia is going into
recession. It is a reality. Azerbaijan is gradually strengthening,
while Armenia is gradually weakening. Azerbaijan’s economy and military
potential are increasing. Armenia has already admitted that it is not
capable of ensuring its security and the recent events prove it. The
world media also notes that Armenia is taking various steps, as it
fails to ensure its security. But we are living at our own expenses
and ensuring our development and security.

Then come demographic issues. I have underlined this issue repeatedly.

How much has our population increased since the war?! Azerbaijan’s
population is 9.4 million. Armenian population has reduced. Currently,
it is fewer than 2 million. The longer Armenian authorities and their
leader Sargsyan remain in power, the sooner our territories will be
liberated. This person and his entourage have led Armenia to collapse.

The economy has collapsed, people are leaving the country. According
to their official statistics, every year 80 000 Armenians leave the
country once and for all. If it continues so, there will be fewer than
one million people after 5-6 years. Our positions are protected on
the line of contact, soldiers have been deployed there, no forces are
protecting the line of contact from the Armenian side. There are gaps.

This process will gradually accelerate more. Because our power is
increasing, at the same time we are keeping Armenia in isolation
to some extent. This is not full isolation, because their borders
are open with other neighbors. But as the borders of Azerbaijan and
Turkey are closed, this is in some sort a serious economic blow for
them. The situation will and must remain so unless the occupied lands
are liberated.”

VOLUME OF FOREIGN INVESTMENTS ATTRACTED TO AZERBAIJAN’S OCCUPIED TERRITORIES BY ARMENIA MADE PUBLIC – TABLE

APA, Azerbaijan
Sept 11 2013

[ 11 September 2013 14:14 ]

Baku. Rashad Suleymanov – APA. The Armenian government is benefiting
from the activities of foreign companies to accelerate the settlement
in Nagorno-Karabakh, Public Union on Protection of Historical and
Cultural Monuments in the Occupied Territories told APA.

According to the investigations of the organization, the Armenian
government has involved a number of foreign companies to invest in
Karabakh since 1999. Though, the activities of many of these companies
haven’t been officially registered, interesting results have been
recorded in the activities of officially registered organizations. 24
companies officially operating in Karabakh, including Armenia invest $
35 096 500 in their production facilities in Karabakh every year. At
the expense of it 1325 permanent jobs have been created in Karabakh.

The leaders of foreign companies operating in Karabakh have established
their 6 subsidiaries that are local enterprises there.

They were able to create 400 more permanent jobs by investing $ 2 745
300 in these subsidiaries every year. As a result of this illegal
activity $ 37 841 800 is invested in Karabakh by foreign companies
every years. Foreign companies operating in the occupied territories
are mainly engaged in telecommunications, floor tile production,
construction materials and agricultural products, wood processing
and other types of activities.

Volume of investments in Nagorno-Karabakh and number of jobs created
by the leading companies of foreign countries (1999-2012): See tables
at

ARMENIA COMES UP SHORT AGAINST DETERMINED DENMARK

Football.co.uk
Sept 11 2013

Author: Armen Bedakian Published : 11 Sep 2013 09:21:06

The Build Up to the Game

Fresh off a last-minute win against the Czech Republic, Armenia
continue their quest to qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil,
taking on Denmark in the capital, Yerevan. Only Denmark, Bulgaria and
Italy stand in Armenia’s way for a second place finish in Group B,
so three points is a must today, to put Armenia at 12 points.

They will also be hoping results go against Bulgaria, who face Malta.

While the full three points may be all but assured for Bulgaria, an
upset against Bulgaria would put Armenia in a great position heading
into the most crucial match of the group against Bulgaria.

Armenian goalkeeper Roman Berezovsky is not available for this match,
after he was taken off with an injury in the last game. Gevorg
Kasparov will replace him between the posts. Another notable change
in the starting XI is the inclusion of both Marcos Pizzelli and Aras
Ozbiliz, replacing Yura Movsisyan, who struggled against the Czech
Republic. Captain Henrikh Mkhitaryan starts once more for Armenia, with
pressure on his shoulders to score his record-breaking goal at last.

The last time these two sides met, Armenia went home with a 4-0
victory, something that Denmark manager Morten Olsen likened to the
“Denmark 9/11.” He later apologized for this statement.

So, with a full three points on their mind, Armenia take on Denmark
with one eye set towards Brazil, and a hope that results will finally
go their way and see them to a spot on a grand stage.

The First Half

Armenia started off the first half well, defending in numbers and
controlling the ball in midfield. In the second minute of play,
Varazdat Haroyan picked up the first yellow card of the game. Denmark,
in their traditional style, reacted to Armenia’s offensive pressure
with a cool, calm demeanour. The first 15 minutes was a relatively
even affair, with Armenia controlling a bit more of the possession.

However, neither side could open their scoring accounts early.

In the 23rd minute, Armenian goalkeeper Kasparov was forced to make
two big saves, but the number 12 came up big and kept Armenia’s goal
safe. Three minutes later, Artur Sarkisov was subbed in for Karlen
Lazarian, adding another element of attack to Armenia’s midfield. On
the half hour mark, Mkhitaryan caught sight of goal from well outside
the box and took a shot, but it went wide.

Armenia won a corner in the 32nd minute, which they drew short to
find Artur Yedigyan in midfield. His shot went high, and a few seconds
later, he picked up a yellow card for a rough tackle in midfield. Each
Denmark attack was met with a resilient Armenian defender clearing the
ball from the box, making it difficult for the Danes to connect up top.

Armenia won a foul outside the box in the 38th minute, and Denmark’s
Peter Ankersen was awarded a yellow card for the challenge. Ozbiliz
stepped up and curled the ball in, and met with the head of a Danish
defender, who cleared it for a corner. Mkhitaryan picked it up outside
the box, burst forward, and won another corner in the process. Ozbiliz
passed the ball in close, got the return pass and took a shot on goal,
but the shot didn’t test the keeper.

With five minutes to go in the first half, the Danes continued to
push forward with intent. At the 45 minute mark, Niki Zimling came off
for Casper Sloth. That would be the final bit of action for the half,
and the two sides head into the dressing rooms locked at 0-0.

The Second Half

Armenia kicked off the second half with a change, Sarkisov coming off
for Sargis Adamyan. Denmark earned a free kick right outside the box
in the 48th minute, which Christian Eriksen stood over, but he smacked
his shot against the wall and out for a corner. Armenia defended the
corner well. Ghazaryan and Ozbiliz connected up top well, and produced
a strong chance in front of goal, but the final touch was lacking.

On the hour mark, Mkhitaryan was pulled down in midfield by William
Kvist, who was shown yellow for the challenge. Armenia pushed forward
with intent, Ozbiliz performing a neat trick which won Armenia a
corner. He stood over the corner spot, whipped the ball in, and found
an Armenian head. The headed effort smacked the bottom of the crossbar
but was deflected out!

In the 66th minute, Viktor Fischer came in for Martin Braithwaite,
Denmark’s second change of the match. Armenia made their final change
of the game in the 70th minute, David Manoyan coming in for Marcos
Pizzelli. Ozbiliz muscled his way past a handful of Danish defenders
minutes later, cracking a shot at goal, which was saved easily.

In the 72nd minute, Armenia faced disaster, when Haroyan slid in
for a rough tackle in the box, giving Denmark a penalty and getting
his second yellow. Now down a man and facing a penalty, Armenian
goalkeeper Kasparov couldn’t prevent Denmark’s captain from slotting
home, Daniel Agger giving Denmark a 1-0 lead.Now down to 10 men,
Armenia pushed forward looking for an equalizing goal with 15 minutes
to go in the match. Armenia won a foul in midfield, but Ozbiliz

completely missed his mark, kicking the ball out for a goal kick. With
only eight minutes to go, Denmark made their final change of the night,
Niki Bille coming off for Simon Makienok.

Armenia grew more and more desperate for possession as the seconds
ticked down, Denmark maintaining control of the bell well and moving
around into open spaces. Ozbiliz caused problems in defence, drawing
Nicolai Boilesen to a foul and subsequently, a yellow card. Ozbiliz
took the free quick well, forcing the keeper into making a big save,
but could not connect on the rebounding cross. Two minutes of added
time was all Armenia would get, which went by far too quickly, Armenia
unable to equalize. The final score of the game: Armenia 0-1 Denmark.

Final Thoughts: Armenia Good, Not Good Enough

Armenia now has two games left to play in Group B: one against
Bulgaria, the last, against Italy. The problem Armenia now faces is
that they require a full six points to have hope at finishing in the
second spot in the group. Sure, it could be done with four points,
but any points will be hard to come by against those two sides.

This may be it for Armenia, who have matured beyond their years,
have grown together as a unit and produced some fine footballers in
the process. As a child, I remember Armenia as a team with plenty of
heart but little talent to go along with it. Those days are now gone,
it seems. The name Mkhitaryan is well known now, his time at Borussia
Dortmund just beginning, but there are new faces, too, that warrant
mention.Aras Ozbiliz has emerged as a real talent for Armenia, and
that was on full display against Denmark, as he danced around several
midfielders and defenders for the full 90 minutes. It’s not just an
emergence of talent, however, that makes this Armenia a pleasure to
watch; there is also a beauty in their physical play. Unlike many
physical sides, Armenia plays with technique and finesse. Sure, the
style of play may be rough, as is the tactical approach Armenia has
taken, but unlike other hard hitting sides, Armenia recovers the ball
with two parts physicality and one part technique.

It makes Armenia a good side, but not a great one. It keeps Armenia
from being blown out in matches, even when they lose. It makes
Armenia a side that bigger teams now fear, where once the name was
associated with teams like San Marino or Malta. This Armenia team is
young, capable and showing results. It is not to be taken lightly,
as Denmark learned during their last encounter, and as many other
teams have found out in recent years. Once more, Armenia exceeds
expectations but come up short. They, like many other underdog sides,
will one day have their day, too. However, it looks less and less
likely that that day will come in Brazil.

Perhaps, with a touch of experience gained in the Bundesliga for Heno,
and the maturation of players like Ghazaryan, Ozbiliz and Movsisyan,
Armenia will become a force to be reckoned with during the UEFA Euro
cup qualifiers. They may even make

it to the finals, as they nearly did back in 2012. One thing is
certain, though. Armenia is no longer a minnow in Europe. They have
proven themselves to be a threat. As they continue to grow, so too
will soccer in the country, a country born nearly two thousand years
ago and independent, now, since 1991.

Good, but not quite there yet for Armenia. Bring on the Bulgarians.

Starting XI:

12 Gevorg Kasparov

3 Varazdat Haroyan

13 Kamo Hovhannisyan

20 Levon Hayrapetyan

15 Hrayr Mkoyan

6 Karlen Lazarian

7 Artur Yedigaryan

10 Gevorg Ghazaryan

8 Marcos Pizzelli

18 Henrikh Mkhitaryan (C)

23 Aras Ozbiliz

Substitutions: Artur Sarkisov in for Karlen Lazarian (26′); Sargis
Adamyan in for Artur Sarkisov (45′); David Manoyan in for Marcos
Pizzelli (70′).

SPEECH OF HON. JIM COSTA OF CA IN HOUSE OF REPS ON 100TH BLESSING OF GRAPES CEREMONY

US Official News
September 10, 2013 Tuesday

Washington: SPEECH OF HON. JIM COSTA OF CALIFORNIA IN THE HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2013

Washington

The Library of Congress, The Government of USA has issued the
following Speech:

Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Holy Trinity
Armenian Church during their celebration of the 100th Blessing of
the Grapes ceremony. This is a very special time for the Armenian
community as they gather on this holy day.

The blessing of grapes is a special tradition within the Armenian
Church. The ceremony takes place on a major feast day, “Assumption
of St. Mary” which is a celebration of St. Mary being assumed into
Heaven. Grapes have a symbolic significance in the Christian faith,
and on this day they are considered to be forbidden fruit before
being blessed by the Priest at the closing of the ceremony.

Holy Trinity Armenian Church is an historical landmark in Fresno,
California. The first Armenian Church was destroyed in a fire in
1913, and the Holy Trinity Armenian Church was built at an alternate
location. Armenian architect, Lawrence Cone, created the magnificent
church as a sacred place for the Armenian community. It was the first
traditional Armenian Church in the United States.

The Central Valley is home to thousands of Armenians, and as a
community we must also celebrate the 100 year anniversary of the Holy
Trinity Armenian Church. They have made everlasting contributions to
the City of Fresno, and our entire country.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 100th
Year Anniversary of the Blessing of the Grapes Ceremony at the Holy
Trinity Armenian Church. Their mission to provide an infinite amount
of faith, hope, and love to the public is highly respected and praised.

CHINA, ARMENIA VOW TO FURTHER TIES

CCTV China
Sept 11 2013

Special Report:2013 Summer Davos |

DALIAN, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) — Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Armenian
Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan on Tuesday vowed to further promote
the bilateral relationship and cooperation between the two nations.

The pledge came after a meeting between the two in Dalian in northeast
China’s Liaoning Province.

Hailing the development of China-Armenia ties since the two countries
established diplomatic relations 21 years ago, Li said China supports
the Armenian people to choose their way of development, and will work
with the country to expand reciprocal cooperation, on the basis of
solid mutual political trust.

The premier called on the two countries to expand trade and economic
cooperation, increase cultural and people-to-people exchanges,
and explore new areas of cooperation, so as to lift the bilateral
relationship to a new high.

Sargsyan said Armenia attached high importance to relations with
China. He appreciated China’s fair and justice stance on international
and regional issues, and called for more exchanges and cooperation
between the two countries.

After the meeting, the two also witnessed the signing of agreements
between the two countries on economic, trade and technological
cooperation.

Sargsyan is in Dalian to attend the Summer Davos Forum, which is
scheduled to open on Sept. 11. Li will attend the opening ceremony
and deliver a speech.

Summer Davos, also known as the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting
of the New Champions, is an annual gathering of business leaders,
government officials and scholars from around the world. China has
played host to Summer Davos, alternately in Tianjin and Dalian,
since its inception in 2007.

TRANSCAUCASIAN RAILWAY ROW

Vestnik Kavkaza, Russia
Sept 11 2013

11 September 2013 – 11:49am

Georgy Kalatozishvili, Tbilisi. Exclusively to Vestnik Kavkaza

Georgia is currently preparing for the presidential elections on
October 27th. The main rivals – Georgian Dream of Bidzina Ivanishvili
and United National Movement of Mikhail Saakashvili – attentively
follow competitors statements, especially those regarding relations
with Russia and territorial integrity.

Any information leads to a decrease of tension. For example, the
secretary of the Armenian Security Council, Artur Bagdasaryan, stated
that Yerevan and Tbilisi had already agreed on the reconstruction of
direct railway traffic from Russia through the territory of Abkhazia
and Georgia to Armenia. “The Georgian side agreed to this, as well as
the Russian and the Abkhazian sides. However, we should understand that
there are conflicting parties. But there is a political will to open
the railway and develop railway communication,” Bagdasaryan stated.

His Georgian colleague, the secretary of the National Security
Council of Georgia and one of the closest supporters of President
Saakashvili, Giga Bokeria, demanded that Ivanishvili’s team “deny or
confirm Bagdasaryan’s statement.” And there were a lot of denials. The
press secretary of Primer said that although the question regarding
direct railway traffic had been discussed, “no decision was made on
the issue.” Then, the special envoy of the Premier on settlement of
relations with Russia, Zurab Abashidze, stated that “the question
of railway traffic wasn’t touched on” at his meeting with the deputy
foreign minister of Russia, Grigory Karasin.

However, Ivanishvili’s opponents have discussed various conspiracy
theories that the government “secretly intends to reject the
fundamental connection between the reconstruction of traffic and
the returning of Georgian refugees to Abkhazia” which the Georgian
authorities have tried to achieve since Shevardnadze’s era.

Bagdasaryan’s statement was disapproved by the official Abkhaz
presidential representative, Kristian Bzhania: “The problem of
direct railway traffic through Abkhazia hasn’t been discussed at
Russian-Abkhazian or any other meetings for a long time.”

However, it is well-known that this topic was discussed by Vladimir
Putin and Serge Sargsyan at their recent meeting. As the result of
the meeting, Armenian President stated that his country intended to
join the Customs Union, while Putin promised to allocate a significant
sum for reconstruction of the Armenian railroads. At the same time,
the Armenian railroads can be effective and important, only if they
are connected with Russia through Georgian and Abkhazia…

At the same time, the statement of joining the CU dissatisfied some
forces in Yerevan, and some people even held protests, demanding
initialing the free trade area agreement with the EU.

The Armenian SC secretary is a smart and well-informed person. He
knows well that Tbilisi and Sukhumi haven’t agreed and probably won’t
agree by themselves on the direct railway communication. So, Yerevan
made a smart step – it will agree to join the CU, if Moscow convinces
Georgia and Abkhazia to open railway communication which was stopped
in 1992. So, the statement by Bagdasaryan is a message to Moscow,
rather than to Tbilisi or Sukhumi.