Author: Kalantarian Kevo

ALREADY 1276 OBSERVERS REGISTERED TO MONITOR ELECTION

07:19 pm | January 21, 2013 | Politics

The Central Election Commission of Armenia has registered 10 local and
5 international organizations to monitor the February 18 presidential
election, the CEC website reports.

Among the international organizations are the International Expert
Center for Electoral Systems (ICES), OSCE Office for Democratic
Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), Parliamentary Assembly
of the Council of Europe (PACE), CIS observation mission and CIS
Interparliamentary Assembly.

A total of 1276 local observers have registered to observe the vote.

The Harmonia NGO will have most observers (470), while the Democracy
and Election Processes NGO will have only two observers.

The local observation missions also include the Helsinki Citizens’
Assembly Vanadzor Office (63 observers), CIVITAS (77 observers),
Martuni All-Armenian Women’s Council (285 observers), Capacity and
Development for Civil Society (61 observers), Electoral Systems Center
(60 observers), Dealnet Service (71 observers), It’s Your Choice
(172 observers), Unison NGO for Support of People with Special Needs
(15 observers).

The deadline for registration of observation missions is February 8.

BOOK PRESENTATION ON 500 YEARS ANNIVERSARY OF ARMENIAN PRINTED BOOK

news.am
January 21, 2013 | 18:53

In the framework of Yerevan gaining the World Book Capital title and
500 years anniversary of first Armenian printed book, on January 17,
in the hall of spiritual seminary of Graz, the presentation of the
booklet “The image of Armenia in the printed books kept in Graz
university library collections: 500 years anniversary of Armenian
printing” was held.

The press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs informs that the
presentation was organized by PRO ORIENTE religious rights foundation,
with the support of Austrian Steiermark province government, Graz’s
Karl Marks University, Catholic educational institution and the church
community in Graz.

Armenian Ambassador in Austria Arman Kirakosyan made a speech during
the ceremony, where he particularly noted the successful cooperation
between the Matenadaran, the Institute of Oriental Studies of the
National Academy of Sciences of Armenia, as well as Mkhitaryan Unity
in Vienna with Graz University in the sphere of Armenian Studies.

KINDERGARTEN IN ARMENIAN GORIS IN DANGER OF FALLING APART

January 21, 2013 | 22:45

YEREVAN. – This Monday, at 09:52 a.m. information was received that
in Armenia’s Syunik region, Goris city public kindergarten after V.

Sargsyan, has a balcony that is in danger of falling apart.

The Ministry of Emergency Situations has informed Armenian News-NEWS.am
that a squad of firefighters has been sent to the scene.

It was discovered at the scene that in the kindergarten, at 30 Gusan
Ashot street of the City of Goris, several cracks were formed in the
balcony of the second floor.

RICHARD GIRAGOSYAN: “SECOND TERM WILL ENABLE SERZH SARGSYAN TO GET OUT OF THE SHADOW OF ROBERT KOCHARYAN”

Monday 21 January 2013 13:45

Director of the Center for Regional Studies Richard Giragosyan

Yerevan/Mediamax/. Director of the Center for Regional Studies Richard
Giragosyan stated today that the second presidential term of Serzh
Sargsyan will enable him to “get out of the shadow of Robert Kocharyan”
and create his own political heritage.

According to Giragosyan , the second term is also an opportunity for
Serzh Sargsyan to strengthen the democracy positions in the country,
Mediamax reports.

According to Richard Giragosyan, the upcoming elections will be the
most uncompetitive in Armenia’s history. At the same time the expert
stressed that unlike Belarus or Uzbekistan, the Armenian President
shouldn’t be blamed for it. He said that the struggle of personalities
but not political programs and visions is still going on in Armenia.

According to the expert, the authorities will mainly aim at ensuring
proper level of voting at the elections.

PEACEKEEPERS FOR AIRPORT?: ARMENIA MAY BE LOOKING TO RUSSIA FOR SECURITY OF KARABAKH FLIGHTS
By NAIRA HAYRUMYAN

ArmeniaNow
21.01.13 | 12:40

Late last week the subject of the Stepanakert airport unexpectedly
again appeared in the news as information came from Karabakh that the
first Yerevan-Stepanakert commercial flight could be operated within
days (the fourth time such a prediction has surfaced).

Enlarge Photo Armenian Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan

In response, the Azerbaijani government ordered the country’s air
defense forces to shoot down civilian aircraft “illegally entering
its airspace”.

Armenian Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan, in turn, said that Armenia’s
anti-aircraft defense will ensure the safety of civilian aircraft
flying from Yerevan to Stepanakert.

Only a very good reason and a significant change in the current
balance of forces could make it possible to launch the flights of
civilian or military aircraft to and from the recently renovated
airport near Stepanakert. Azerbaijan does not change its policy of
isolating Karabakh, and it is military rather than political guarantees
that are needed for such flights.

Experts say such guarantee could be military presence in Karabakh of
one or more states. Some do not exclude that the new military-technical
agreement between Armenia and Russia involves the deployment in
Karabakh of new powerful missile systems and certain security
guarantees from Russia.

Speaking at a meeting with the heads of all branches of government
on January 15, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan described the
Armenian-Russian cooperation as the core of Armenia’s security. But
this cooperation does not apply to Karabakh yet, and the Russian
authorities have never hidden their desire to send peacekeepers
to Karabakh.

Moreover, last year the Collective Security Treaty Organization
(CSTO), a Russia-led defense pact of six former Soviet countries,
including Armenia, got permission from the United Nations for carrying
out peacekeeping missions. It is not excluded that the first mission
of the CSTO will be the operation of the Stepanakert airport and,
under this pretext, the introduction of Russian troops into Karabakh.

During a meeting with journalists on January 18 Ohanyan said that
“the Armenian-Russian military-technical cooperation will enter a new
stage.” “There is an issue as to distributing the supplies of weapons
(of the Russian military base) throughout the territory of Armenia
and not only in Gyumri,” said the minister.

It is no coincidence that Nezavisimaya Gazeta, an influential
newspaper in Russia, has published an article that says that “a
possible aggravation of the Karabakh conflict forces Moscow to shift
contract-based servicemen to the region, Russia is enhancing the
military preparedness of its troops and armed allied forces in the
South Caucasus.”

The plan of manning Russian military base N102 in Gyumri with
contract-based servicemen had been fulfilled by January 15. During
half a year their number has been doubled. At the same time, the number
of staff personnel of the base remains the same and is about 5,000 men.

“Military experts explain that the accelerated rate of putting the
102nd base on a professional basis is connected with a possible abrupt
change in the geopolitical situation there, which is a threat to Russia
and its allies. These scenarios are connected with the possible start
by Azerbaijan of hostilities against Armenia over the Nagorno-Karabakh
conflict, as well as the possible military action by Israel against
Iran,” writes the newspaper.

In fact, Russia, introducing forces into Karabakh under the pretext
of the Stepanakert airport will also gain access to the Iranian border.

Other states have not yet reacted to such a possible scenario. The
mediators only advise that Armenia should not provoke the escalation
of the situation by opening the airport. But it is possible that the
Western countries and Russia already have an agreement on the joint
use of the airport in the Karabakh capital. They already jointly use
the Russian airport of Ulyanovsk (for Afghan operations).

Dollar becomes scarce in Armenia’s market

news.am
January 19, 2013 | 02:41

YEREVAN. – The commercial banks in Armenia have purchased $79.5
million and sold $85.3 million, from Monday to Friday, in the
country’s intra-bank foreign currency market, the Central Bank
informs.

The trading volume of the US dollar reduced virtually twofold in
Armenia as compared to previous weeks. But such seasonal fluctuation
is normal for the country’s financial market.

Also, the loans which Armenia’s banks provided in Armenian drams (AMD)
made up AMD 22 billion (approx. $54 million), from January 7 to 13,
whereas the loans that were given in US dollars constituted $31.6
million. To note, such volume of loans for the month of January is
quite high for Armenia.

ARS Western US Stays Faithful to `With My People, For My People’ Motto

Friday, January 18th, 2013

ARS Western Regional Executive Board

GLENDALE – Five years following the establishment of the Armenian Relief
Society in New York in 1910, the ARS of Western USA gained its first
chapter in Fresno in 1915, named the Mayr Chapter. Soon after, ARS
chapters blossomed throughout the Western United States and,
currently, 27 chapters mark their presence in these communities.

Upon establishing itself as a separate entity in 1984, the ARS of
Western USA continued to broaden its scope of service extending beyond
local communities to Armenia, Artsakh, and Javakhk. With each passing
year, ARS Regional Executive Boards continue to solidify the presence
of the organization throughout this region through their wide-reaching
humanitarian activities and projects.

This article highlights some of the key activities and projects of the
ARS of Western USA following the ARS 92nd Annual Regional Convention,
which convened on July 27-29, 2012. During this Convention, delegates
elected the following Regional Executive Board members: Lena Bozoyan
(Chairperson), Carmen Libaridian (Vice-Chairperson), Armenouhi
Tomassian (Secretary), Liza Santikian (Treasurer), Zharmen
Mirzakhanyan, Karine Barikian-Setian, Christina Khanjian, Judy
Jingirian, and Angele Ohannessian.

The newly elected Board made assistance efforts to Armenians in Syria
one of its utmost priorities and, in following a resolution passed
during the Convention, raised nearly $60,000 benefiting the ARS
Central Executive’s `Fund for Assistance to Syrian Armenian Schools.’
Moreover, the ARS brought its participation to the Syrian Armenian
Relief Fund, a joint committee formed to bring its assistance to the
Syrian Armenian community.

Alongside Syrian Armenian relief efforts, the Board focused on further
expanding its scope within the community by strengthening its
collaboration with other local non-profit organizations, and
continuing its positive partnerships with Armenian organizations as
well. The ARS Social Services Division stands true to its mission of
offering a wide variety of general social services to those in need,
as does the ARS Child, Youth, and Family Guidance Center by offering
free psychological services.

In staying faithful to its mission of promoting education, fourteen
Saturday Schools and one day care operate in the western region,
allowing children the opportunity to learn the Armenian language,
history, and more. On October 6, 2012, the ARS Fresno Sophia Chapter,
in partnership with the Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, opened
its doors to a new Saturday School in the Fresno community.

Since the start of the new fiscal year, ARS chapters carry on actively
organizing both internal and public events. As such, the ARS Santa
Monica Gars Chapter celebrated its 35th anniversary and the Fresno
Sophia Chapter recently celebrated its 60th anniversary.

On December 5, 2012, a delegation of ARS representatives met with U.S.
Ambassador to the Republic of Armenia John Heffern at the Glendale
Central Library and discussed issues of importance to Armenians.

The ARS of Western USA also continues its support to Armenia, Artsakh,
and Javakhk. As such, the region has participated in the
Sponsor-A-Child program, which celebrated its 20th anniversary
recently. Moreover, two ARS `Sosse’ Kindergartens are sponsored in the
villages of Ashan and Aganapert in Artsakh, and assistance is also
provided to all other ARS kindergartens as well. With great regard for
Armenians in Javakhk, three youth centers are sponsored in the region.

The past holiday season was most special, whereby on December 19, 2012
a grant Gift Giving Event was held for children, during which each
child and youth who entered the Regional Headquarters received a free
Christmas gift. Further, on December 21, 2012, a Christmas Luncheon
was hosted for nearly 250 needy individuals and families at the
Glendale Salvation Army.

Keeping in mind the importance of mental health and social issues, the
ARS and Pacific Clinics partnered to offer a series of community
forums every Wednesday starting November 28th through December 19,
2012, each of which featured a distinguished panel offering their
expertise on topics, including Substance Abuse and Drug Addiction;
Depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder & Anxiety; Issues of
Immigrants; Divorce and Child Custody, respectively.

ARS activities have had the support of His Eminence Archbishop
Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy, including his
presence at the traditional ARS New Year & Christmas celebration where
members greeted 2013.

While the above-mentioned provides a mere sampling of activities
spearheaded by the ARS of Western USA, it is without a doubt that
given the ever changing needs of our communities, the ARS and its
members remain faithful to continuing their service to those in need.

Armenia negotiates with investors for development of inexhaustible
energy sources sphere

11:26, 19 January, 2013

YEREVAN, JANUARY 19, ARMENPRESS: Armenia is negotiating with different
foreign and local investors for implementation of programs in frames
of wind and solar energy sectors. This was noted by press secretary of
the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources of Armenia Lusine
Harutyunyan during the interview with Armenpress. Monitoring works of
wind power project in Shirak region of Armenian-Italian private
company have already been concluded.
First Wind Power farm is located in the northern region of Lori along
the Bazum Mountains at Pushkin Pass. The wind farm has a capacity of
2.64 MegaWatts and consists of 4 wind turbines. As explained on the
sign, it was completed on December 2005 by the Iranian company “Sunir”
with funding from the Islamic Republic of Iran.

HSBC Commits Additional US$15m to Change the Future of 250,000
Disadvantaged Young People – US$155k Donated to an Armenian Charity

arminfo
Saturday, January 19, 13:29

HSBC has pledged US$15 million of additional funding to Future First,
the Group’s flagship global education programme that aims to tackle
child poverty and youth unemployment through access to education. The
additional investment will support more than 50 projects in 26
countries – taking HSBC’s
total commitment to US$40 million over ten years (2006-2016).

The press service of the Bank reports that out of US$15m additional
funding, in 2012 US$155 thousand has been allocated to “Children of
Armenia Fund” (hereafter COAF) to help 1200 disadvantaged young people
in Armavir region and provide them with the skills they need to secure
work and careers for fulfilling their future. COAF has been working in
rural areas of Armenia to implement infrastructure and education
projects with focus on schools since 2000. In 2012, apart from the
cash donations, HSBC Armenia participated in other infrastructure and
education projects implemented by COAF in rural schools. The bank
continuously donates PCs – for the Creativity Labs and classrooms of
village schools renovated by COAF in Armavir region (Qarakert,
Lernagog).

In scope of “Future First” regular program another US$35 thousand was
granted to “Orran” benevolent NGO to implement vocational and
lifeskills trainings for 70 underprivileged children from Yerevan in
2013.

“I am happy and proud that due to HSBC’s presence in Armenia, every
year, we are able to help more Armenian children. Our aim is to
create better education opportunities for the children who lack them”,
– HSBC Bank Armenia Chief Executive Officer Thies Clemenz said.
Douglas Flint, HSBC Group Chairman, said: “HSBC believes that
education is one of the most powerful tools to reduce poverty and
inequality. Because of the charities we partner with, Future First
makes a real difference to young people’s hopes, dreams and
ambitions.”

HSBC has been involved in community projects throughout its history.
Helping young people reach their potential is the primary focus of the
Group’s community investment activities. Globally, HSBC invests US$50
million every year in education projects that help young people to
gain access to education; develop life- skills and entrepreneurship,
and develop international and cultural understanding. HSBC has
donated over AMD143 million to 6 education charities since the launch
of Future First in Armenia in 2007, having reached more than 3700
children.

One more conscript soldier of Armenian army dies in hospital

arminfo
Saturday, January 19, 13:20

Conscript soldier Artyom G. Hakobyan (born in 1994) has died at the
Central Military Hospital of Yerevan.

The press service of the Armenian Defense Ministry reports that
Hakobyan had been undergoing medical treatment in hospital since
January 13 2013. The source, however, does not mention what disease
the soldier had. A criminal case has been instituted. Investigation is
underway.

To note, over the past few days this is the second case of a military
serviceman’s death at the Central Military Hospital.