Author: Kalantarian Kevo

ARMENIAN PEACEKEEPERS PASS ON THEIR EXPERIENCE TO THEIR CSTO PARTNERS

Mediamax News Agency
Oct 18 2012
Armenia

Yerevan/Mediamax/. The Armenian peacekeepers took part in CSTO
“Unshaken Brotherhood- 2012” first joint peacekeeping exercise in the
“Iliysk” firing ground in the neighborhood of the city of Almaty on
October 17.

An Armenian peacekeeping subdivision consisting of 30 people took
part in the exercise, Mediamax reports.

During the exercise, joint measures for reconciling conflicting
sides and maintaining the control over ceasefire regime were worked
out and implemented. During the exercises, the Armenian peacekeepers
passed on their exceptional experience and skills gained during the
multinational peacekeeping missions under UN patronage and led by NATO.

All in all, about 950 military servicemen, up to 70 units of vehicles
and 35 units of armor, 4 “Mi-17” planes took part in the exercise.

Archbishop Aris Shirvanian Elected Acting Patriarch of Jerusalem

hetq
11:20, October 20, 2012

The General Assembly of the St. James Brotherhood in Jerusalem has
elected Archbishop Aris Shirvanian as Acting Patriarch following the
death of Patriarch Torkom Manoogian.

An election for a new Patriarch is scheduled after the 40 days repose
of Patriarch Manoogian.

Zhoghovurd: Spartak Ghukasyan doing candy business in Moscow

10:22 19/10/2012 » Law

The son of former Gyumri mayor, Spartak Ghukasyan, who is wanted by
police, is in Moscow in these days, Zhoghovurd daily reports.
Moreover, he is not hunting a polar bear but is doing candy business
there, the paper says and reminds that the former mayor’s son is
investigated as part of the criminal case over shooting in the center
of Gyumri.

Source: Panorama.am

Prostitution statistics in Armenia

news.am
October 20, 2012 | 13:15

YEREVAN. – There are 240 officially registered prostitutes in Armenia.
This number was 217 last year, and 257 in the year before that, Police
Senior Inspector Ara Srapyan informed during a press conference on
Saturday.

He noted that there are three types of prostitutes in Armenia. Those
who work the streets; those – including foreigners – who work in bars and
night clubs; and the `elite’ prostitutes.

In Srapyan’s words, the number of prostitutes in Armenia has remained
virtually the same, and there are no minors among them. The majority
of the prostitutes who are registered at the Police are divorced; some
have kids as well. Also, there are married prostitutes whose husbands
usually push them into prostitution to make money.

According to Ara Srapyan, prostitution is a risky occupation, and 160
prostitutes – who were taken to police stations this year – were suffering
from a variety of illnesses.

When the officers of the law detain prostitutes, they merely fine them
because prostitution is considered solely an administrative
misdemeanor in Armenia.

Srapyan informed that the `ordinary’ prostitutes’ `services’ in
Armenia start from AMD 1,000-2,000 and reach all the way to AMD
20,000 – in line with the current exchange rate, US$ 1 is equivalent to
approximately AMD 406. The `elite’ prostitutes, on the other hand,
usually charge $500-$1,000.

As per Srapyan, Armenia’s police also carry out prophylactic
activities with prostitutes, they conduct explanatory work with them,
try to prevent them from resorting to this step, and even help them in
finding jobs.

The Police senior inspector noted that there is a global trend to
legalize prostitution, but this will not be the case in Armenia
because prostitution is a national security matter in the country.
`They are those women and girls who need to discipline children, raise
a nation,’ Ara Srapyan said.

He added that there are two prevalent views in Armenia with respect to
prostitution. Some believe it is a societal phenomenon while others
think it is an anthropological occurrence. But in Srapyan’s view,
prostitution is a coexistence of both phenomena.

Ara Srapyan informed that there are male prostitutes in Armenia as well.

Armenia’s law enforcement does not blindly listen to OSCE Yerevan
Office – Chief of Police

news.am
October 20, 2012 | 14:04

YEREVAN. – Police Chief Vladimir Gasparyan does not perceive Armenia’s
Police and the OSCE Yerevan Office as one body. `The OSCE Yerevan
Office is not teaching us and we, in our turn, are not listening
blindly,’ Gasparyan said Saturday during a conference being held in
Tsaghkadzor city.

`We speak with one another, understand and comprehend each other. We
are just friends. We can agree, disagree, [and] contemplate. This
comes from the Office and, also, [by the fact] that we perceive each
other correctly. We learn from one another. We don’t dictate [to each
other],’ the Police Chief stated.

In his words, any coercion receives an impact, and the impact gives
rise to reaction. `We are humble. We work. We don’t fight against each
other,’ Vladimir Gasparyan noted.

Clinton Expresses `Strong Disappointment’ Regarding Safarov Extradition

October 19, 2012

WASHINGTON – State Department sources confirmed that Secretary of State
Hillary Clinton relayed the U.S. Government’s `strong disappointment’
over Hungary’s extradition of convicted Azerbaijani axe-murderer Ramil
Safarov during a state visit by Hungarian Foreign Minister Janos
Martonyi to Washington, DC this week.

Martonyi and Clinton
In response to a question by H1 Armenian Television Washington DC
correspondent Haykaram Nahapetyan, a State Department Spokesperson
noted that, `Secretary Clinton reiterated our strong disappointment
that Hungary transferred convicted murderer Ramil Safarov to
Azerbaijan, where he was immediately pardoned. This decision was
harmful to the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and to
trust between the sides.’

`We welcome Secretary Clinton’s continued efforts to impress upon
Hungary’s leaders how their reckless release and transfer of
unrepentant axe-murder Ramil Safarov to Azerbaijan has undermined the
peace process,’ commented ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. `In
the interest of peace, we encourage the Secretary to translate her
words of criticism – toward both Hungary and Azerbaijan – into reality
by putting in place a ban on U.S. arms sale to Baku and ending all
military aid to the Azerbaijani armed forces.’

The U.S. was among the first to express concern about Hungary’s
extradition and President Ilham Aliyev’s subsequent pardon, promotion
and praise for Azerbaijani army lieutenant Ramil Safarov, who was
convicted of brutally axing to death Armenian soldier Gurgen Margaryan
in his sleep, during a 2004 NATO English-language training course. In
a statement issued by the White House in the name of National Security
Council Spokesman Tommy Vietor, underscoring the President’s view
that, `This action is contrary to ongoing efforts to reduce regional
tensions and promote reconciliation.’ Vietor went on to note that,
`The United States is also requesting an explanation from Hungary
regarding its decision to transfer Safarov to Azerbaijan.’

The Department of State, through a formal announcement issued by
Acting Deputy Spokesman Patrick Ventrell, also took a stand against
Hungary’s extradition and Azerbaijan’s pardon, explaining that: `The
United States is extremely troubled by the news that the President of
Azerbaijan pardoned Azerbaijani army officer Ramil Safarov, who
returned to Baku today following his transfer from Hungary. . . . We
are expressing our deep concern to Azerbaijan regarding this action
and seeking an explanation. We are also seeking further details from
Hungary regarding the decision to transfer Mr. Safarov to Azerbaijan.’

During the Center for European Policy Analysis’ U.S.-Central Europe
Strategy Forum on September 20, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State
Philip Gordon told RFE/RL that Washington continues to express `dismay
and disappointment’ to Budapest about its decision to release Ramil
Safarov to Baku. `We were appalled by the glorification that we heard
in some quarters of somebody who was convicted of murder,’ Gordon
said. He called the case `a real provocation in the region.’

Members of Congress who have condemned Azerbaijan’s release of Safarov
to date include, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John
Kerry (D-Mass.), Sen. Boxer, Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.),
Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) and Ed
Royce (R-Calif.), House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Democrat
Howard Berman (D-CA), House Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking
Democrat Henry Waxman (D-Calif.), and Representatives David Cicilline
(D-R.I.), Jim Costa (D-Calif.), Jeff Denham (R-Calif.), Robert Dold
(R-Ill.), Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.), Devin Nunes (R-Calif.), John
Sarbanes (D-Md.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Brad Sherman (D-Calif.).

A complete list of statements by U.S. leaders condemning the Safarov
release is available at:

Hungary Knew Consequences of Safarov Release

Worldwide suspicions that the Hungarian Government knew full well of
Azerbaijan’s intention to pardon Safarov were confirmed soon after the
axe-murderer’s extradition. Reuters reported that Hungarian Prime
Minister Viktor Orban stated, `The foreign ministry had forecast
precisely what types of consequences this or the other decision
[extradition or non-extradition] may have. Nothing happened after our
decision that we would not have reckoned with in advance.’

Orban’s statements came as speculation continued about the connection
between Safarov’s extradition and talks between the Orban
Administration and Aliyev regarding a possible Azerbaijani buy-out of
Hungarian loans valued over $2-3 Billion Euros. International
financial news outlets reported the possible deal just days prior to
the August 31st release of Safarov.

The Hungarian opposition condemned Prime Minister Orban’s actions as
`morally bankrupt,’ and called for his resignation. Thousands of
Hungarians protested the Orban decision during demonstrations in
Budapest just days after the August 31st extradition of Safarov.

Despite international criticism from the U.S., France, Russia, and
NATO, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev remains defiant about his
decision to pardon, promote and financially reward axe-murderer Ramil
Safarov for the ethnically motivated murder of Lt. Gurgen Margaryan.
Safarov’s repatriation `was carried out in accordance with European
conventions, and his release in accordance with Azerbaijan’s
constitution,’ Reuters quoted Aliyev as stating during a joint press
conference with NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen.

Azerbaijan violated the ceasefire 250 times in the past week

armradio.am
14:02 20.10.2012

According to the data of the NKR Defense Army, about 250 cases of
ceasefire violation by the Azerbaijani side were registered at the
line of contact between the armed forces of Nagorno Karabakh and
Azerbaijan between October 14 and 20.

More than 1,000 shots were fired from weapons of different caliber in
the direction of the Armenian positions.

Committed to the maintenance of the ceasefire regime, divisions of the
NKR Defense Army confidently carried out their military duty all along
the line of contact.

Arax Mansourian’s concert proceeds for the treatment of Armenian children

2012-10-19 23:14:13

Glendale hosed the charity concert of singer Arax Mansourian.

The concert was held with the initiative of RA Consulate General of
Los Angeles. The concert was attended by American music-lovers,
artists and foreign guests. The singer’s student, famous Australian
opera singer Lisa Belle also participated in the concert. During the
concert the RA Consul General Grigor Hovhannisyan stated that the
singers will go from Los Angeles to Yerevan, where, under the high
auspices of RA first lady, the proceeds of the concert will be
transferred to the treatment of children with cancer.
Australia’s PM Julia Gliard welcomed her compatriot Liza Belle’s
charity trip to Armenia. She noted: `I was proud to hear that the
proceeds from the concert will be transferred to the treatment of
Armenian children suffering from cancer. Australia appreciates the
friendly relationship with Armenia. Within our country we have a
successful Armenian community, which is proud of its heritage and the
struggle for freedom.”

*Armenian dead in a result of explosion in Beirut*

21:58, 19 October, 2012

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 19, ARMENPRESS: Georgette Sarkisian of Armenian
nationality died in a result of the explosion which took place in a
Christian district of Beirut, Lebanon on October 19. As reports Armenpress
referring to Nouvelles d’Armenie, the explosion took place near the office
of Kataeb party. 9 years old Noy Dodelian is also among the wounded.

Earlier Armenpress has reported that Tigran Balayan the spokesman of the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Armenian Embassy in Beirut is clarifying the
details.

A mined car exploded in Christian Ashafriyeh district of Beirut on October
19 spreading panic among the residents.

As Armenpress reports in a result of the explosion in Beirut the number
dead reaches 8, and the number of wounded 78.

Ambulances rushed to the scene of the blast near Sassine Square in
Ashafriyeh, a mostly Christian area, as smoke rose from the area. It
occurred during rush hour, when many parents were picking up children from
school. Several cars were destroyed by the explosion and the front of a
multi-stored building was badly damaged, with tangled wires and metal
railings crashing to the ground.

Earlier U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon has noted that Lebanon has been
destabilized by Syria’s civil war, with cross-border clashes and shelling,
arms smuggling, and assassination attempts, Ban said. He added that he was
concerned about reports of Hezbollah’s activities in Syria. In a report
given Thursday to the Security Council, Ban also criticized Israel. He said
its use of drones and fighter jets in Lebanese territory violates Lebanon’s
sovereignty.

The U.N. chief said he has told Lebanon’s leaders that militias like
Hezbollah pose serious risks `to the stability of the country and the
region.’ He called on Hezbollah to disarm, according to The Associated
Press.

EVERY MORNING YOU SHOULD OVERCOME PSYCHOLOGICAL PRESSURES OF DISABLED PEOPLE: ANI KOCHAR TO GALUST SAHAKYAN

2012-10-19 16:02:32

Ani Kochar touching upon the statement of RPA vice-president
Galust Sahakyan: “Only 1-2 people are disabled in NA, Arman
Musheghyan and another man, should we take this much expenses for
them? This are serious expenses,” writes on her Facebook page:
“People like him don’t even have the right to be in such positions
and make decisions. You have means for your pockets, bank accounts,
amusement and prosperous life, and you don’t have money for your
direct responsibilities? Respectable Galust Sahakyan, are you
generally informed, that you are obliged to adjust? RA NA ratified
an international convention. You speak like you were meeting half
way with Arman Musheghyan and trying to adjust. You know what, it’s
enough, we also have patience and I won’t be ashamed to say that
I only wish that every morning you overcame the same obstacles and
psychological pressures like my Arman and people like him. Let you
get to your office as Arman Musheghyan.”

God is the witness, that you passed all the borders. Do you have
to feel that on yourself to act??? Believe me, no one, including
you, great officials, are not insured of disability. One day it can
become the problem of you and your family. Look further, there are
more than 170 000 disabled citizens in Armenia and people like you
are to make decisions for them, to allot money or not. As far as I’m
informed, just recently NA got new laptops, but you don’t have money
for platforms for wheelchairs, yes, it’s a waste of money. The fact
of being senseless of who or which is a big question…