Author: Kalantarian Kevo

SERZH SARGSYAN’S “SOFT” FORCE

During his speech after the April 9 inauguration ceremony Serzh
Sargsyan said that it is time to pass to actions from words. Besides,
accepting that there have been exceptionally words until now, Serzh
Sargsyan delivered also a “threatening” message to the system. Will
Serzh Sargsyan come out enough powerful to overcome the system and
does he have such a wish? He has always showed quite a soft approach
to the decision of problems.

Serzh Sargsyan’s first steps after elections demonstrate his wish to
carry out changes without shaking the system. First of all, it is
related to Armavia’s bankruptcy. The company, which was rumored to
be harmful for the Armenian economy, was declared bankrupt, however,
experts say, it was done only to avoid the owner of the company
suffers great losses, and debt is paid by the state.

If this is true, then the redistribution of property will again happen
on account of the society and the state. This does not mean reforms,
but “soft” division of capital.

Serzh Sargsyan names the main imperative for the next 5 years
the economic progress. He said, accepting the resignation of the
government, that most of the people are dissatisfied with the
government, although he believes that the government has fulfilled
the task. If the “macroeconomic” indicators are intended, then there
is really “progress”. But the real progress is possible only if you
change the principles of distribution of public goods, which are now
concentrated in the hands of those in power and the people around it.

Is Serzh Sargsyan ready to “plunder the loot” – expropriation of
the illegal property of the oligarchs? This process is inevitable
if he really intends to increase the level of people’s lives and
stop emigration. This process is happening all over the world,
except Armenia.

Serzh Sargsyan has not demonstrated readiness to take decisive steps,
perhaps, after the failure of the football diplomacy with Turkey. And
the “soft” policy is continued both in home and foreign fronts.

This is proven by the step which for some reason was not rewarded
with socio-political resonance – the signing of a memorandum of
understanding with the Eurasian Economic Commission. This memorandum
may be called assessment of Armenian-Russian relations. On the one
hand, Russia’s pressure succeeded and Armenia signed the document, on
the other hand, Yerevan has ensured that the document has a special
clause, which states that the memorandum has no international legal
effect.

This document may be considered quintessence of Serzh Sargsyan’s
policies. Apparently, the course of diversification will continue,
the Association Agreement with EU will be signed and relations with
Russia will limit to the “memorandum of understanding”. But all will
be done “softly” not to offend anyone.

The only threat of the “soft” force is that it can’t break hard
foreheads. While in Armenia there are plenty of such foreheads.

Naira Hayrumyan 14:48 12/04/2013 Story from Lragir.am News:

“IT IS A GARRULOUS FORCE THAT ONLY PROMISES,” ACTIVISTS ABOUT THE RULE OF LAW PARTY (RLP) ELECTION PROGRAM (VIDEO)

April 11 2013

To Yeghia Nersisyan, an environmentalist, the pre-election promises
of parties remind of the song “Dream” performed by Arevik Group
at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2007. Talking about the RLP
election program – the parts regarding urban planning, improvement and
environment of Yerevan – during a conversation with , Y.

Nersisyan said: “When they talk about landscaping, ceasing construction
in those areas, let someone behave like a man, go down to Opera
and prevent the illegal building of Jazzve that is under way right
now, and I will say good job. It will mean that someone is doing
something. Then I will believe. Otherwise, words without deeds are
lifeless.” The RLP also promises to adopt the new general plan of
the city of Yerevan as a result of broad public and professional
discussion. We inquired of Y. Nersisyan what the new plan would
change. “What plan are they talking about, when all numbered stones
have been destroyed with heavy equipment, old buildings have been
dismantled; there is no such thing as an old plan. They cannot build
Old Yerevan. By the way, they were telling that same tail when we were
struggling in Mashtots Park too.” Activist Gevorg Safaryan continued:
“I would remind Artur Baghdasaryan that Yerevan has become a time bomb
these days. Any minor earthquake will raze Yerevan with its old and new
buildings to the ground. I think that the secretary of the security
council should have thought about this and have done something about
this already…, act as much as like, is it necessary to be in the
city hall to act? Where have you been up to now…? I think the RLP
is a garrulous force that makes such promises all the time.”

Arpine SIMONYAN

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MONTEBELLO ARMENIAN CENTER OPENS DIGITAL MEDIA LIBRARY AND YOUTH ROOM

Thursday, April 11th, 2013

>From l to r: Dr. Armen Chalian, Jacques Labejian, Ara Malazian, Dr.

Viken Hovesepian, Nora Hovsepian, Nora Yacoubian, Stepan Altounian,
Gregor Hovanesian, Boghos Sassounian and benefactor Sarkis Nourian.

MONTEBELLO-On Saturday, March 23 the Armenian Revolutionary Federation
Dro Gomideh announced the grand re-opening of the Hrayr Maroukhian
Library as a digital media center and youth room. The library had been
in use as part of the ARF Archives institute for the past several
years, however recent changes presented the opportunity for the
conversion of the library to a digital media center.

In deciding the best use for the library, the Committee reviewed
several options and according to Co-Chair Ara Malazian determined that
“We are entering the digital age. The new generation no longer looks
to books for research and information. The new generation relies
on digital resources including the internet, digital audio and video
recordings and other electronic media. Our goal is to provide our youth
with access to all of the tools the new generation is accustomed to;
wireless internet access, high speed internet connections, video
conferencing, digital media presentations and digital archives.”

The renovations were made possible thanks to a generous donation from
the family of Sarkis and Alin Nourian.

In addition to functioning as a digital media center, the library
will serve dual purposes as a youth room. Visitors will have access
to cable television, movies, music and video game systems. “Our goal
is to create a fun, welcoming environment for our youth so that when
they come to the Armenian Center and visit the library, it’s a place
that they want to stay,” said Malazian.

ARMENIAN GOVERNMENT NEGOTIATING WITH AIR COMPANIES TO REDUCE AIR TICKET PRICES

YEREVAN, April 12. /ARKA/. Armenia’s government is negotiating with
the air companies to reduce air ticket prices, head of the country’s
chief civil aviation department Artem Movsisyan said at a Public
Council discussion on the future of Armenia’s civil aviation Thursday.

Aeroflot’s tickets are 20% cheaper today compared to March 1, before
Armavia announced its bankruptcy, he said. “This is the result of
the government negotiations”, Movsisyan added. According to him,
there should not be any concern over possible price increase.

Movsisyan also said that he had consultations with all air companies
operating in Armenia, and they agreed not to increase prices under
the current circumstances.

The only air company that raised the ticket prices (by 10,000drams)
is FlyDubai.

Movsisyan also stressed that, on the other hand, seasonal increases
of air ticket prices have been recorded over the last years.

Armavia’s share in air traffic was 20-24% only in the last two years,
the head of the civil aviation department said. In January and February
2013, it was even lower – 16% and 12% respectively.

Armavia’s traffic peaked three years ago when the company accounted
for 35-50% of the overall air traffic, Movsisyan said.-0-

EURASEC MEMO: DOCUMENT SIGNED IN YEREVAN SEEN AS COMPROMISE BORN OUT OF ‘PRESSURE’ AND ‘RESISTANCE’

POLITICS | 12.04.13 | 10:45

Photo:

By NAIRA HAYRUMYAN
ArmeniaNow correspondent

The Armenian government and the Eurasian Economic Commission have
signed a Memorandum of Understanding this week in what pundits say
is likely to be a compromise solution to the current status quo in
which Armenia resists Russia’s pressure for a full commitment.

The document was signed on April 10 by acting Prime Minister of
Armenia Tigran Sargsyan and Chairman of the Board of the Eurasian
Economic Commission, Viktor Khristenko.

The signing of this document was not properly announced in advance
either by the Armenian or the Russian sides. It is also noteworthy that
after the signing ceremony no Armenian party has made any assessment of
this act. Perhaps it is because the text of the memorandum expressly
states that the document is nonbinding and cannot obstruct the
international commitments of either party.

Despite the fact that both the Russian and Armenian leaderships give
assurances that there is no pressure on Yerevan regarding its entry
into the post-Soviet integration structures – the Customs Union and
the yet nascent Eurasian Union, it is obvious that such pressure
does exist. It is also apparent, however, that Armenia strenuously
resists such a prospect and the document signed in Yerevan is likely
to be a compromise between this pressure and resistance shown by the
Armenian administration. In this regard it is interesting to compare
the descriptions given to the memorandum by the two sides. In Russia
it was immediately called “a basis for cooperation”, while in Armenia
it was described as “non-binding”.

In the document proper, the Government of Armenia and the Eurasian
Economic Commission agree to develop cooperation in trade policy,
technical regulation, standardization, measurement assurance,
application of sanitary, veterinary and phytosanitary requirements
and measures, as well as in other areas of mutual interest.

Political analyst Richard Giragosian downplayed the significance of
the document. “This is more of a message for Russian pressure over
other former Soviet states and much less about Armenia,” he told
RFE/RL’s Armenian Service on Thursday.

It is also remarkable that the memorandum was signed with the
Government of Armenia, which is only acting as such after its
resignation was accepted by President Serzh Sargsyan, who was sworn
in for a second term on April 9. It is this period, however, that
Russia has invigorated its policy in Armenia.

An interview with public relations officer of Russia’s Public
Anti-Corruption Committee Marina Galyuchenko has appeared in the
media. In it she directly hints at the fact that there is evidence of
‘dirty’ money of Armenian officials and Russian officials patronizing
them. Besides, a court in Moscow is reportedly continuing to hear
a case regarding Armenia’s chemical giant, Nairit, and the name of
Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan also figures in the process.

Russia also unexpectedly allocated, through the Eurasian Development
Bank, a sum of $100 million for the construction of the North-South
highway, pledging another $400 million for Nairit.

The Armenian government has repeatedly stated that it considers
cooperation with the Eurasian Economic Commission and the Customs
Union to be expedient, but not in the capacity of its member. Armenia,
just like Ukraine, insists on indirect membership in the Customs
Union. Yet, Russia continues to “persuade” them both to join the union.

Two weeks ago it was stated in Yerevan that the text of the Association
Agreement with the European Union has been finalized.

Three rounds are left before the text of an agreement on a “deep and
comprehensive free trade area” is finalized. These agreements are
expected to be initialed in November.

RAFFI THWARTED PROSPECT OF NON-ANTI-RUSSIAN AGENDA

On April 9, Raffi Hovannisian announced about his imminent visit to
Moscow to bring the victory of the Armenian people back from Putin.

This statement, like many others, was perceived as a pathetic phrase.

Hence, the visit itself was unexpected. Hovannisian didn’t explain the
purpose of his visit to Moscow. His team members are not aware of the
protocol and the meetings he is going to have. Hence we can only guess.

Heritage representative Styopa Safaryan stated that Armenia’s
independence should be returned from those places, which tried to
recognize the seized freedom. Such a statement by an oppositional
force which pretends to become power is nothing but refusal of its
political responsibility. Naturally, the Russian influence on Armenian
politics has always been significant but when the oppositional force
which received half a million votes makes such a statement, it just
shows infantilism towards its resources. However, leaving alone the
infantilism of this approach, again issues occur even in the context
of Raffi Hovannisian’s statement to bring back the victory of the
Armenian people. Raffi would hardly have enough power to be able to
bring something back from Moscow, moreover victory. It is possible
to receive something but never to demand.

Of course, with opposition moods on the square, against the
background of growing anti-Russian moods in Armenia, it is very
nice and fashionable to make such a statement. From another aspect,
anti-Russianness is what the Armenian political field lacks and in
this sense Raffi has a big chance if he uses his Western style. Raffi
Hovannisian knows that he cannot put forth such a claim to Vladimir
Putin. Not because Putin is powerful and inspires fear but because
such statements are not political. But if a meeting to discuss the
aforementioned issue is anyway held then it is necessary to say that
once again the opposition, having much resource, is trying to shift
the responsibility. We have already witnessed one incorrect episode
with the West when Raffi Hovannisian accused the European People’s
Party and received a tough response.

Ultimatums inside the country are expected but it is dangerous to
speak the language of ultimatums at the international level. It is
incorrect to state that someone has seized Armenia’s independence and
it is necessary to go and take it back in case you say to be elected,
and pretend to an electorate of half a million people. Instead, one
could search for and understand why great powers and not only Russia
prefer friendly relations with the authorities.

The opinion that the world needs a weak Armenia is wrong. Armenia is
still a stable partner in the region with predictable developments. It
would be right to speak a comprehensible language for all in terms
of foreign political issues. I mean Raffi Hovannisian’s foreign
political statements before and after elections. Raffi’s approaches
to the Karabakh issue, the genocide, relations with the neighbors
were margins of global processes. This is the reason why the outside
world didn’t understand Raffi Hovannisian the idealist.

Russia has a rich experience of work with the Armenian authorities.

Pressure on the government was different in different situations.

Often pressure was made by way of indirect cooperation with the
opposition. Moscow has been the best place for the opposition
leaders in the recent years. But these figures had no pretensions
or possibilities to introduce a new political culture. In general,
besides small episodes, the Armenian political field has never deviated
from the non anti-Russian course.

Raffi’s campaign was said to be Western culture. He may have
used some instruments but generally he thwarted the prospect of a
non-anti-Russian agenda. The same was needed by the authorities which
are under Moscow’s direct pressure. The same is needed by Armenia
to have a diverse political field. What the authorities couldn’t do,
Raffi could because he is the first “non-anti-Russian” oppositional
leader with a significant electorate. The fact is that Raffi, having
failed in Yerevan, didn’t leave for Brussels or Washington.

Levon Margaryan 11:13 12/04/2013 Story from Lragir.am News:

HH THE EMIR CONGRATULATES ARMENIAN PRESIDENT

Peninsula On-line, Qatar
April 11 2013

DOHA: HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, has sent a
cable of congratulations to President of the Republic of Armenia
Serzh Sargsyan on the occasion of his election as president of his
country for a second term.

HH the Deputy Emir congratulates Armenian President

HH the Deputy Emir and Heir Apparent Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani ,
has sent a cable of congratulations to President of the Republic of
Armenia Serzh Sargsyan on the occasion of his election as president
of his country for a second term.

HE the Premier congratulates Armenian President

HE the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim
bin Jabor Al Thani, has sent a cable of congratulations to President
of the Republic of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan on the occasion of his
election as president of his country for a second term. (QNA)

ARMENIAN ARTIST’S LOVE FOR HIS ADOPTED COUNTRY FLOWS THROUGH EXHIBITION

Herald Sun, Australia
April 13 2013

Troels Sommerville, Moorabbin Leader

ARTIST Hovik Israelian has spent years trying to capture the natural
beauty of Australia on canvass.

.

When he came out from Armenia 21 years ago he had no intentions to
stay, but immediately fell in love with the country.

In his latest exhibition, Beauty in Nature, he has tried to capture
those vistas that encouraged him to stay in the land that stole
his heart.

“I’m just trying to capture the Australian beauty that’s all around
– the light and the surroundings – and to put that on canvass,”
Mr Israelian said.

Most of his work is done with oil paints, which he said allows him
to continue tinkering with them until he gets them just right.

“Some paintings I do in four hours – big canvas and I’m finished.

“But I’m still working on others that I had done years earlier because
now when I look at them I have so much more to say.”

One of his paintings, a family portrait, has been in the works for
five years, but he still hasn’t quite captured the essence he wants.

“You think you’ve finished, but you know it needs something, you’re
looking for the master touch.

“The master touch is what brings the life out.”

One of the works on display is an oil on canvas painting from 2010,
Chelsea Lifesaving Club.

The exhibition opens at Kingston Arts Centre, Moorabbinon Saturday,
April 20.

JUDGE RULES AGAINST TURKISH BANKS

Glendale News Press, CA
April 12 2013

Those that seized land during Armenian Genocide can be sued in U.S.

By Daniel Siegal, [email protected] April 12, 2013 | 4:26 p.m.

A U.S. District Court judge has ruled that the federal court system
has jurisdiction to hold Turkish banks accountable for seizing land
from Armenians during the Armenian Genocide.

This ruling was attached to judge Dolly M. Gee’s dismissal of a lawsuit
brought against the Central Bank of Turkey and T.C. Ziraat Bankasi,
which is a Turkish agricultural bank, as well as the Republic of
Turkey seeking roughly $65 million in damages.

Rajika Shah, one of the lead attorneys for the plaintiffs, said that
despite the dismissal, the judge’s ruling handed down late last month
was important because it established that if a government takes its
own citizens’ property during human-rights violations, it isn’t immune
from being sued in the U.S. courts.

The lawsuit was filed in the fall of 2010 by three descendants of
Armenian Genocide victims seeking compensation for land they claim
was illegally seized when Ottoman Turks drove Armenians from the
Adana region of southern Turkey during the 1915-1923 genocide.

Shah said the plaintiffs will likely file an appeal with the U.S. 9th
Circuit Court of Appeals by April 25.

Gee dismissed the case under the “political question” doctrine,
which is applied when a matter should be handled by the executive or
legislative branch of the government, not the courts.

Vartkes Yeghiayan, of Yeghiayan & Associates in Glendale, represented
the plaintiffs and has previously pursued multiple lawsuits seeking
compensation for Armenian Genocide victims.

Yeghiayan was on a legal team that in 2005 brought a lawsuit that
resulted in a $17.5-million compensation fund, set up to pay claims
that two insurance companies failed to compensate descendants of
Armenian Genocide victims who bought policies.

The law firm of Schwarcz, Rimberg, Boyd, and Rader also represented the
three plaintiffs – Alex Bakalian of Washington D.C., Anais Haroutunian
of Pasadena and Rita Mahdessian of La Crescenta.

Mahdessian, who is Yeghiayan’s wife, is a lawyer with Yeghiayan &
Associates.

Lucy Varpetian, senior assistant city atty. for Glendale, said that
these types of lawsuits matter not only to the plaintiffs, but for the
Armenian community as a whole when they can hold Turkish institutions
accountable.

“It’s an important issue because, with the genocide commemorations
coming up, I think these issues continue to haunt the community and
at least they’re finding some degree of peace,” Varpetian said.

,0,6374672.story

CZECH REPUBLIC HAS NO PROBLEMS WITH ARMENIA – CZECH FM

Vestnik Kavkaza, Russia
April 11 2013

Armenia’s Acting Foreign Minister, Edward Nalbandian, on Thursday
met with Czech First Deputy PM, FM Karel Schwarzenberg, who is in
Yerevan on an official visit.

Nalbandian noted that relations between Armenia and the Czech Republic
have entered a qualitatively new phase in the recent years, reports
News.am

“We also succeeded in expanding the legal and contractual framework,”
he added.

In his turn, the Czech FM noted that progress in the aforesaid
relations is quite obvious, and stressed that the time has come
to focus on deepening economic cooperation. In this regard, they
emphasised the presence of Czech businessmen in the delegation led by
Schwarzenberg, and the holding of the Armenian-Czech business forum
in Yerevan.

The interlocutors discussed the joints steps to be undertaken to
deepen interaction, and highlighted the need to expand the legal and
contractual framework in the economic sector and to promote cultural
exchange.

They also reflected on the Armenia-EU cooperation, and the progress
Armenia has achieved along the lines of the EU Eastern Partnership.

In addition, Nalbandian briefed his Czech counterpart on the latest
developments in the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process, and presented
details on the efforts by Armenia and the international community
toward settling the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. In this context, the
Czech FM reaffirmed his country’s assistance to the measures being
taken to pacifically settle this matter.