Author: Kalantarian Kevo

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.

Seyran Ohanyan says APA’s list on weapons delivered to Armenia by
Russia in not complete

[ 19 January 2013 13:41 ]

Baku – APA. The list released by APA Information Agency on military
vehicles and ammunitions delivered to Armenia by Russia over the last
few months has caused broad discussions.

APA reports quoting `aysor.am’ that Armenia’s Defense Minister Seyran
Ohanyan commented on this issue at the press conference yesterday. `I
can briefly say that the APA’s list is not correct, because it is not
complete,’ – underlined Armenian Minister.

Ohanyan’s statement reconfirms that Armenia secretly purchases weapons
and military vehicles from Russia. APA’s list contains only a part of
these weapons and vehicles.

New facts were revealed proving that Russia, mediator in the
settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, supplies Armenia with
arms.

According to APA within recent months, Russia has delivered to Armenia
the following weapons and military vehicles:

Tank

– BMP-3;
– BMP-2;
– Command post vehicle P-149 based on the BTR-80;
– APC BTR-70/80;

Artillery

– 152 mm howitzer 2A65 “MSTA-B”;
– 152 mm gun 2A36 “Hyacinth-B”;
– Self-propelled gun 2S3M “Acacia”;
– 300 mm, 240 mm and 122 mm rockets;
– 152 mm shells for artillery;
– 125 mm shells for tanks;
– 122 mm artillery shells for the D-30;
– 100 mm ammunition for the guns MT-12;
– Spare parts for artillery;
– Spare parts for artillery gun 2S3M “Acacia”;

The air defense system

– Missiles 5B55K, 5B55R 5B55U and for S-300;
– SAM “cube” in the same division;
– 80 mm unguided rockets S-8;
– Controlled air missiles Kh-25ML;
– 57 mm unguided rockets S-5 with a block UB-20-57;
– Missiles R-60M;

– A large number of spare parts for combat vehicles and aggregates;
– A large number of small arms, ammunition and engineering equipment.

Nezavisimaya Gazeta: Russia is preparing for war in Nagorno Karabakh

[ 19 January 2013 13:57 ]

Baku. Anakhanum Hidayatova – APA. Russia is increasing the battle
readiness of its military units and military forces of its allies in
the region.

Special attention is given to the Russian enclave group in Armenia.
These preparations are related to the situation over the Nagorno
Karabakh conflict, as well as possible military operations by Israel
against Iran, said the article published by the Nezavisimaya Gazeta,
APA reports.

According to Nezavisimaya Gazeta, under President Vladimir Putin’s
instruction, the Russian government is urgently developing a draft
agreement on the imrovement of military-technical cooperation with
Armenia.

Russia’s Defense Ministry had completed formation of the 102nd
military base of Russia in Gyumri (Armenia) with the contract
servicemen by January 15. The number of servicemen there doubled over
last six months. The number of personnel of the base remained the same
(5000 servicemen).

According to military experts, the urgent deployment of professionals
in the 102nd military base is related to possible tension in the
geopolitical situation there, which poses a threat to Russia and its
allies.

Moreover, the newspaper writes that Russia is strengthening its
military bases in the South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

Armenia’s non-coalition-government forces not invited to dinner
reception for PACE election observers – newspaper

news.am
January 19, 2013 | 06:32

YEREVAN. – Solely Armenian National Assembly (NA) Speaker Hovik
Abrahamyan and head of the Armenian delegation to the Parliamentary
Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), David Harutyunyan, were on
hand at the diner reception which was held for the PACE election
observation mission delegation on behalf of the NA leader, Zhoghovurd
writes.

`This fact is noteworthy in the sense that, according to protocol,
members of at least the main composition of Armenia’s delegation [to
PACE] should have been there. [But] Harutyunyan saw to it, at all
cost, that especially members of the non-coalition[-government] forces
do not attend the dinner, probably not to hamper; they simply were not
invited.

But this fact did not go unnoticed by the Europeans, who asked about
the absence of the other [Armenian] delegation [to PACE] members.
Harutyunyan, who was caught off guard, did not give a clear answer,
[and] he changed the subject.

To Zhoghovurd’s query as to why were other members of the [Armenian]
delegation [to PACE] not invited, Harutyunyan responded that this was
not a delegation dinner,’ Zhoghovurd writes.

Turkish man crosses Armenia border

news.am
January 19, 2013 | 00:12

A resident of Turkey’s Van city crossed into Armenia’s border from the
Turkish Helmcan village, which is located in the immediate vicinity of
Bagaran village of Armenia’s Armavir Region.

The Bagaran residents warmly received the 35-year-old Turk and they
even offered him tea, Artur Sahakyan, 53, who hosted the Turk, told
Armenian News-NEWS.am.

Separately, representative Vahram Manukyan of the Russian Federation
Border Protection Department in Armenia press service likewise
confirmed this information to Armenian News-NEWS.am, and added that
the person who had crossed the border was handed over to Armenia’s
security service.