Author: Kalantarian Kevo

Syria’s Armenian community unwilling to return homeland – expert

August 13, 2012 – 15:38 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Syrian Armenians are reluctant to move to homeland,
Director of RA NAS Institute of Oriental Studies said.

`Despite rumors in Armenia, suggesting the whole community is willing
to flee Syria, none of the prominent Syrian Armenians has yet come up
with such a statement,’ Ruben Safrastyan said.

The expert noted that the community continues to stay in the country,
having sent children to a secure place.

`The community’s organized actions are testimony to our nation’s
historic experience,’ he said, stressing the need for RA to hold a
cautious stance on the Syrian issue, considering Armenian community
residing in the country.

Bohjalian Talk Attracts Full House at ALMA

by Armenian Weekly
August 13, 2012

WATERTOWN, Mass. – More than 250 people attended the book presentation
by author Chris Bohjalian on July 26 at the Armenian Library and
Museum of America (ALMA) in Watertown.

Author Chris Bohjalian during the Book Talk at ALMA. Photo courtesy of
Jirair Hovsepian
The talk was part of a nationwide book tour, dubbed `The Sandcastle
Girls Rock and Roll Book Tour,’ which took the author across the
country, from Los Angeles and San Francisco to New England, New
Jersey, and to Capitol Hill.

Bohjalian’s 15th book, The Sandcastle Girls, is considered his most
personal novel; he describes the narrator, Laura Petrosian, as a
fictional version of himself. The story takes the reader from Aleppo,
Syria in 1915 to Bronxville, N.Y. in 2012, and has its roots in the
author’s Armenian heritage.

Bohjalian said he wrote a novel in the early 1990’s about the Armenian
Genocide, but in the end decided not to publish the manuscript, which
he called an `apprentice’ work rather than a novel.

Bohjalian, a master speaker, exhibited his talent in public
storytelling, showing photos of his family and of his trips to Syria
and Armenia, and giving away T-shirts at the end of his presentation.
More than 100 copies were sold at the book-signing session.

On July 23, Oprah Winfrey’s blog declared The Sandcastle Girls the
must-read `Book of the Week.’ The novel was also chosen as an Indie
Next selection for August, and Everyday eBook cited it as one of
`Eight Summer Books for Beach and Beyond.’ The Sandcastle Girls also
received stellar appraisals from the Washington Post, USA Today,
Boston Globe, Entertainment Weekly, and People Magazine.

`The Sandcastle Girls represents – in addition to a great literary
work – a great contribution to the American and global public awareness
that will be required to end, forever, the cycle of genocide and
denial,’ said Aram Hamparian, the executive director of the Armenian
National Committee of America (ANCA).

Syrian rebels may use Ankara-supplied weapons against Turkey itself – analyst

news.am
August 13, 2012 | 14:34

YEREVAN.- Syrian rebels can use weapons supplied by Ankara against
Turkey itself, Armenian analyst believes.

Ruben Safrastyan, Director of Institute of Oriental Studies, said
Turkey, trying to nurse Iraqi Kurds, may deteriorate situation with
Kurds in its own territory.

`On the other hand Turkey is faced with a problem of Syrian refugees
who have already clashed with local police. By funding Syrian rebels,
Turkey may occur in a situation when the weapons may come back and be
used against Turkey,’ Safrastyan said.

The analyst considers that the regime of Bashar Assad has not taken
drastic measures in its military struggle.

`One of the opition is chemical weapons. If the government decides to
use it, not only Syria but neighboring states, including Turkey, will
be affected,’ he added.

Safrastyan also said that support to the Syrian opposition impacted
recently deteriorating Turkey-Iran relations.

Safrastyan considers unprecedented Iranian criticism against Turkish diplomacy

13:50, 13 August, 2012

YEREVAN, AUGUST 13, ARMENPRESS: A series of events take place around
Syria lately which can have influence on the deepening of the
situation in that country. Such opinion expressed Director of the
Institute of Oriental Sciences Ruben Safrastyan during the press
conference on August 13 highlighting that governmental forces have
great difficulty in changing the balance of power in their favor.

`They managed to defeat the riots in Damascus, in Aleppo where the
fights still go on. During this period Iranian diplomacy became very
active. Iran actively helps Syria and condemns Turkish activities’
mentioned Safrastyan as Armenpress reports. He considers unprecedented
the fact that Iranian envoy obviously criticized Turkish diplomacy in
Turkey. Western world considers Syrian events as a measure of pressing
Iran. `But we should not forget that Iran has great opportunities and
its declarations on Turkish diplomacy speak about the fact that Iran
has levers which can be used’ stressed the speaker. The holding of the
meeting of Foreign affairs ministers of Arabic countries in Saudi
Arabia did not take place: Safrastyan suggests from that the
disagreements in Arabic world strengthened.

According to Syrian centre of Human Rights Defense Organization the
ongoing clashes have resulted in the death of over 19000 people. By
the info of Arab mass media more than 12000 were peaceful civilians,
while more than 5000 were security officers. Among the victims there
were 7 Armenians, 2 of which were the Syrian Army militaries. Because
of lasting disturbances in Syria a number of people are leaving the
country, getting refugee status in other countries. Recently Syrian
Armenian Community representatives are also quitting the state. The
applications submitted from Syria by our compatriots are being
envisaged by accelerated procedure, at least within ten days.

ELECTION MUNICIPALE
L’ancien maire de Gumri renonce à se représenter

Vartan Ghoukassian maire controversé de Gyumri a déclaré vendredi
qu’il ne se représenterait pas lors des prochaines élections locales
et qu’il quittera ses fonctions après 13 ans à la tête de la deuxième
ville de l’Arménie.

La présence de Ghoukassian à l’élection du 9 septembre était pourtant
attendue. Mais, le Parti républicain d’Arménie (HHK), dont il est
adhérant, s’est engagé le mois dernier à soutenir un autre candidat
appartenant au Parti Arménie prospère (BHK), anciennement membre de la
coalition gouvernementale. Ghukasian a également été démis de ses
fonctions de chef de la branche HHK de la province de Shirak, dont
Gumri est la capitale.

Le maire gé de 51 ans a refusé n’a pas souhaité épiloguer sur sa
participation à l’élection. Son attaché de presse, Lilit Aghekian,
s’est contenté de déclarer à RFE / RL (Azatutyun.am) qu’il avait
décidé de ne pas se représenter `en dépit du fait que des milliers de
personnes dans Gyumri lui aient demander de le faire. »

« Le maire Vartan Ghoukassian n’a pas démissionné,` a déclaré
Aghekian. `Il n’est pas fatigué de travailler, il n’a que 51 ans. Il
est juste fatigué des conspirations, y compris celles des médias, dont
vous avez été témoin depuis 13 ans. `

Samvel Balasanian, candidat du BHK candidat, qui possède de vastes
intérêts commerciaux à Gumri, apparait désormais clairement comme le
favori de cette élection. Il sera notamment opposé à un candidat de la
Fédération Révolutionnaire arménienne, ainsi qu’à trois candidats plus
mineurs : l’un lié au Parti communiste, un homme d’affaires de 34 ans
et un chômeur.

Les électeurs Gumri seront également appelés à élire le 9 septembre un
nouveau conseil municipal qui compte 21 sièges pour 62 prétendants.
Les membres du HHK reconnaissent que la décision de leur parti à
l’égard de Ghukasian leur a fait perdre de nombreuses voix à Gumri
lors des élections législatives du 6 mai. Trois circonscriptions de la
ville ont été conquises par le BHK, le HHK s’imposant par ailleurs
largement dans le reste du pays.

Le parti dirigé par le président Serge Sarkissian a approuvé la
candidature de Balasanian malgré le retrait du BHK de son gouvernement
de coalition, un geste qui est intervenu après des mois de tensions
entre les deux partis. Certains observateurs suggèrent que le geste de
Sarkissian vise à tenter une réconciliation avec le BHK.

`A ce stade, je ne veux pas faire de commentaires politique », a
déclaré Aghekian. `Le maire en fera lui-même le moment venu.`

Les 13 ans de mandat de Ghukasian ont été entachés de scandales et de
controverses divers et variés. Les critiques, y compris les médias
indépendants, l’ont accusé de diriger un clan qui contrôle une grande
partie de l’économie locale et ne tolère aucune concurrence.

En 2007, Ghukasian a survécu de justesse une tentative d’assassinat.
Des inconnus armés avaient ouvert le feu sur son convoi à la sortie
d’Erevan, le blessant grièvement et tuant trois de ses gardes du
corps.

Ghukasian a également été gêné par le comportement de Spartak, son
fils aîné. Ce dernier a été condamné à 18 mois de prison en 2007 pour
avoir provoqué une fusillade avec un groupe à Gumri. Il a bénéficié
d’une libération conditionnelle six mois plus tard.

lundi 13 août 2012,
Ara ©armenews.com

Where Turkey Stands with the EU Today: Interview with Ambassador Selim
Yenel

July 10, 2012

By Maria-Antoaneta
Neag

Ambassador Selim Yenel ,
leader of the Permanent Delegation of Turkey to the EU, recently defended
Turkey’s interests in the EU during several meetings at the European
Parliament, allowing Balkanalysis.com contributor
Maria-Antoaneta
Neagthe
opportunity to survey the ambassador on the latest developments in the
EU-Turkey dialogue, as well as Turkey’s enhanced role in regional security.

Background

With an academic background in political science and a long diplomatic
career in the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Selim Yenel was assigned
to posts in Paris (Third Secretary and Second Secretary at the Permanent
Representation of Turkey to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and
Development), Kabul (First Secretary at the Turkish Embassy), New York
(First Secretary and Counsellor at the Permanent Representation of Turkey
to the United Nations) and Brussels (Counsellor and First Counsellor at the
Permanent Delegation of Turkey to the European Economic Community).
[image: Balkanalysis Interview with Ambassador Selim Yenel Where Turkey
Stands with the EU Today: Interview with Ambassador Selim
Yenel]

`Turkey does not want to rebuild any empire’ in the Balkans, stated
Ambassador Yenel, adding that `if the economic and social situation in
these countries improves, it will serve everyone’s interest.’

He was also the Turkish Ambassador to Austria from 2005-2009 and, after a
short period back in Ankara, has served since December 2011 at Turkey’s
Permanent Representation to the EU in Brussels.

Symbolic Resistance and Stereotypes against Turkey

EU public opinion is generally restrained, or opposed outright to Turkish
membership. The degrees of intensity here differ from one Member State to
another, and take into account national political agendas. Among the
reasons set forward by politicians are Turkey’s poor record on human
rights, its controversial borders, its migration potential and the fact
that Turkey is allegedly outside Europe’s geographic, cultural and symbolic
borders. Given this general attitude, is Turkey undertaking any current
initiatives aimed to changing these stereotypes, and making a better case
for the country’s added value to the EU?

The Ambassador emphasized that this is `a country-to-country undertaking
and in this sense leadership is essential. If all parties from the
political scene of a country are against Turkey, inevitably the public
opinion in that country will be against Turkey as well. This was the case
in Austria, where I served as an Ambassador.’

Turkey has a strategy for the other sort of countries, too. `Regarding the
remaining critics, we are trying to do our homework and tangible
improvements can already be spotted. There are several laws that will be
passed during the summer addressing some key problems.’

Commenting on the issue of Islam being perceived as a threat to the EU, he
mentioned that many European politicians argue that EU is a Christian-led
project: `all EU countries have Muslim minorities, but this is the key
word: minorities.’

Asked whether Turkish lobbyists, associations, businessmen or Turkish
living abroad are helpful in the EU efforts, Mr. Yenel mentioned that while
Turkish citizens who live abroad and did not integrate in their host
country do not serve Turkey’s EU interests, there are some lobbyists and
Turkish associations that sometimes have proven helpful at improving
Turkey’s image.

Proficient Turkish Representatives in the EU

Turkish representatives in Brussels are very well educated and prepared
to confront the challenges of the EU perspective. However, many politicians
fear that average Turkish citizens have not shown they possess the same
abilities and understanding of EU topics.

The Ambassador replied that in every MS there is a gap between `normal’
citizens and European decision-makers. There are numerous technicalities
involved, he underscored, and this makes it difficult to explain the EU’s
decisions to the EU. Even though the Euro-sceptics are growing in number
throughout Europe, Turkish citizens continue to see the EU’s achievements
as appealing, though these are actually `usually taken for granted by EU
citizens,’ attested Ambassador Yenel, who also mentioned his concern at the
rise of xenophobia and nationalism within EU.

Turkey- Too Big a Country for the EU?

Under the provisions of the Lisbon Treaty, from 2014/2017, a system known
as `double majority voting’ will be introduced in the Council. For a
legislative proposal to go through, the support of two types of majority
will be needed: 55% of EU countries (minimum 15) and at least 65% of the EU
population. Since Turkey has such a numerous population, under this new
system, it can have a good position for achieving the requisite majorities,
thus promoting its interests. Is this looming provision one of the reasons
explaining some MS’ reticence towards accepting Turkey as a MS?

The Ambassador replied that this is not a concerning issue. When a country
will accede to the EU, the figures in the `European architecture’ will
have
to change. If it becomes an EU member, Turkey will most probably receive
the same number of MEPs and votes as Germany. Unfortunately, big countries
like Germany and France are not willing to share their power and this may
be a cause of concern for Turkey.

For this reason, it is important that `the Turkish relationships with
Germany and France are the first ones to be assessed,’ the ambassador
stated. Turkey had some difficulties with France during Sarkozy’s
presidency, but the political changes following the elections make it high
time for the dialogue to advance, added the ambassador.

What Next?

Despite the fact that Turkey is showing good economic results in a time of
crisis, and that it has started some long-awaited reforms, it remains
highly criticized by the EU, mainly over freedom of press and
minorities-related issues. Given the situation, an important question
concerns which issues Turkey should work on most thoroughly, and how the EU
could assist the process to progress in a more efficient way? The
ambassador sought to point out some examples of positive developments
achieved by Turkey due to the EU perspective.

For Ambassador Yenel, the new EU Commission-launched `positive
agenda’,
that foresees joint progress by both the Commission and Turkey on the
chapters that have been blocked so far, is a positive sign. (The Commission
came up with this idea to revive Turkey’s EU momentum).

Enhancing the EU’s institutional coherence (in light of existing divergent
opinions between the Commission, Parliament and Council) can be useful in
the actual advancement of the EU dialogue and enlargement strategies in
general, the ambassador also mentioned. He noted too that the EU has no
more economic concerns regarding Turkey. However, he conceded that Turkey’s
business success, the trade volume between Turkey and EU or the economic
aspect in general does not really have an influence on the EU’s agenda.

Turkey – a Hazardous Adventure for the EU?

Another cause of concern expressed by some countries is Turkey’s foreign
policy, and in particular its difficult relations with Cyprus and Israel.
Moreover, the EU is apprehensive about having such powerful neighbors at
its borders (i.e. Syria, Iran and Iraq).

`It’s not the EU that will have to defend the borders- the Turks will be
the ones living here and not any other Member State citizens,’ noted the
ambassador when asked about the issue. `So we will be facing them. The EU
has no reason to fear, as Turkey is already NATO’s border as well.’

Commenting further on Turkey’s relationship with its neighbors, he
mentioned that a couple of years back, Turkey was trying to be a mediator
between Syria and Israel. They have always tried to keep a good
relationship with Israel, he added. On Cyprus, the ambassador explained
that Turkey is proactively seeking a solution for the island, and that the
Republic of Cyprus is not considered an enemy.

The United Nations finds itself at a standstill here, as EU member states
failed to properly voice their positions, and no action has thus been taken
on Syria, out of fears of Russia or Iran who have different standpoints.
This in turn complicates Turkey’s position vis-à-vis the countries still
favoring the regime in Syria.

In addressing this issue, Mr. Yenel emphasized that this situation can
change and that Russian or Iranian policy positions might also experience
shifts in the future based on the developments on the ground in Syria.
Turkey is cautious, and seeks to avoid conflict, he added. Even in the
context of the recent Turkish warplane downing without prior warning by
Syrian forces, Turkey refrained from retaliation or any military action
whatsoever, concluded the ambassador.

New Natural Resources

As Balkanalysis.com reported in January
2012,
considerable reserves of natural gas have been discovered off of Cyprus.
According to the US Geological Survey ,
there are 122 trillion cubic feet of gas, almost double the reserves of all
EU countries combined.

Addressing this, Ambassador Yenel first underlined the need for accurate
estimation. `We don’t really know how much gas there is. However, if the
Greek Cypriots will start the exploitation, you can be sure you’ll see the
Turkish Cypriot drilling ships right next to them.’

This discovery of gas in the Levantine Basin will thus quite possibly have
an effect on Turkish policies. `Any discovery of natural resources in the
area has to be shared by both Greek and Turkish Cypriots,’ maintained Yenel.

Neo-Ottoman Demography

Visa liberalisation is one of the most sensitive topics for Turkey. Visa
dialogues have been advancing with Russia and other Eastern Partnership
countries and even with the oft-controversial case of Kosovo. The migration
potential issue has been often raised by the countries opposing a a
straightforward visa approach for Turkey.

`Turkey does not want to rebuild any empire,’ attested Ambassador Yenel,
when asked about public speculation that Turkey wishes to rebuild the
Ottoman Empire by means of a demographic surge. `That was in the past. The
EU fears possible waves of migrants from Turkey, but experience shows that
with the new economic developments in Turkey, more and more Turkish
citizens living abroad are deciding to come back and look for their
opportunities at home. In the past, the EU similarly feared the Eastern
European migrants’ invasion, but the reality on the ground showed that this
was not the case.’

In the interview, the ambassador also expressed his disappointment
regarding the long waiting period for the visa liberalization roadmap. The
EU has justified this delay by the lack of a readmission agreement. `Turkey
waited for the Council’s decision to give the Commission the mandate to
negotiate and sign with Turkey the readmission agreement,’ he pointed out.
`Following the signing of this agreement on 21 June 2012, the green light
was given for opening a comprehensive visa dialogue which may lead to the
liberalisation of visas in the Schengen area in the years to come,’ he
revealed.

Turkey’s Presence in the Western Balkans

Both Turkey and Russia have a special interest in the Western Balkans.
Turkey has a special affinity with the Balkans, dating from the Ottoman
times. However, the ambassador stressed that `there is no competition
concerning EU accession. Turkey wants to play a special role in the
Balkans. Important investments have been done in the Western Balkans and
other countries, such as Romania.’

Reaffirming the country’s vision of itself as an enabler of wider growth,
the ambassador added that `Turkey’s policy in this sense is that if the
economic and social situation in these countries improves, it will serve
everyone’s interest.’

When Patience is a Virtue

Concluding the interview, Ambassador Yenel was asked how long he
anticipates that Turkey will have to wait to receive a coherent answer from
the EU, and a provisional target accession date. Moreover, in the best-case
scenario – one in which Turkey fulfils the remaining commitments with
regard to the EU aquis – it becomes important to predict what message the
EU might send to Turkey.

`Turkey is still patient and will continue to work hard to achieve the EU’s
requested benchmarks,’ stated the ambassador. `The moment when all concerns
will be addressed will be a victory for Turkey.’ Nevertheless, he concluded
that the EU’s feedback for Turkey, when that moment arrives, remains
unknown for now.

Armenian politician speaks of his ex-fellow member’s plans

tert.am
12:08 – 11.08.12

Suren Sirunyan, who supported Free Democrats in the recent
parliamentary elections in Armenia, is sure that the wing that left
the party on Friday did so because of disagreements over the format of
participation in the elections.

`A wing in the party believed that the party should run for parliament
by itself, that is, the wing led by Ararat Zurabyan and others, as a
bloc, should join the Heritage party. I am one hundred percent sure it
was the reason,’ Sirunyan told Tert.am.

He is `between the two wings as a friend of both sides.’

`What liberal force are we speaking of if people cannot freely decide
on their further policy,’ Sirunyan said. Even before the elections, a
number of members de facto left the party.

The other wing of Free Democrats had denied that the ex-members were
hurt. Before the election campaign, Alexander Arzumanyan stated that
Zurabyan was to run for parliament though he was not on the Heritage
party list, which, however, did not happen. Later they refuted reports
on Zurabyan having left the party.

In contrast to others, Sirunyan, who had left the Armenian National
Movement (ANM), has not joined any political force as he believes that
`a party is not a shoe to change it every time.’

ANM ex-members passed a way with one another and with the Armenian
National Congress (ANC). Later, however, recriminations were heard.

`I think similar processes have always taken place in the political
arena. I know very few people that are both engaged in politics and
remain honest. Politics is dishonesty itself,’ Sirunyan said.

He believes that Ararat Zurabyan will leave politics and form a new
force. Since the presidential election is ahead, which is to be
followed by elections of Yerevan mayor, this process will not take
much time.

August 11 marks ancient Armenian New Year

news.am
August 11, 2012 | 11:38

YEREVAN.- August 11 marks Navasard, the ancient Armenian new year.

In ancient times, Armenian New Year began on Navasard 1 (August) and
lasted for one week In all Armenian families Navasard was honored very
solemnly, they prepared special dishes. They would celebrate the New
Year with groaning boards in the family circle.

In the 18th century, when Simeon Yerevanian was Catholicos, January 1
was set as a date for New Year celebrations.

EuroAlert
Aug 10 2012

The European Investment Bank will finance projects in water
infrastructure and border crossings in Armenia

published on Friday, August 10, 2012 under Cooperation & Development

The European Investment Bank has approved loans for up to 37 million
to develop infrastructure improvement projects in Armenia. These two
loans will be dedicated to the improvement of drinking water and waste
water treatment infrastructures, and to the modernization of certain
border crossings.

The loans approved by the European Investment Bank (EIB) for projects
to be developed in Armenia are based on the mandate from the Council
and the European Parliament on the policies developed in Eastern
Partner Countries and in Russia. This mandate covers the period
2007-2013 and focuses on the development of projects in local private
sector development – especially SMEs, and the development of
infrastructure and socio-economic improvement and adaptation to
climate change.

Whithin this context, the first of the loans approved by the EIB will
be devoted to the development of border crossings in Bagratashen,
Bavra and Gogavan, along with the improvement of roads and associated
infrastructures in the surrounding areas. The loan, which totals 30.3
million, will help the Armenian authorities to develop their
priorities in maintaining reliable transport infrastructure.

The second loan amounts to 6.5 million. It will finance projects to
improve drinking water access and water treatment and sanitation.
These actions will benefit some 300,000 people in 17 small Armenian
populations, helping to improve their living conditions.

Both projects will be co-financed by the European Bank for
Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Neighbourhood Investment
Facility (NIF). With this loans signature the EIB almost triples its
investments in Armenia.

New Europe
Aug 10 2012

Russia and Armenia reach gas price deal, talk Customs Union

Article | August 11, 2012 – 3:11am

Following his meeting with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin,
Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan said on 8 August that Moscow and
Yerevan have agreed on prices for natural gas supplies to Armenia. “I
think we have come to an agreement about pricing for gas supplies. The
price should be based on actual market price of gas taking into
account regional tariffs for the Armenian economy to maintain its
efficient position,” Sargsyan said.

Armenian media reported in early July that Russian gas monopoly
Gazprom would raise prices for gas supplies to Yerevan from the
current $180 per 1,000 cubic metres to $280 from October 2012 and to
$320 from 2013. Armenian Energy and Natural Resources Minister Armen
Movsisyan subsequently denied there would be gas price increases.
Gazprom exports its natural gas to Armenia through Georgia through its
subsidiary ArmRosgazprom.

Putin and Sarkisian also reportedly discussed Armenia’s possible
involvement in a customs pact, known as the Eurasia Union. Armenia has
been reluctant to join the union because it does not share a common
border with Russia. Putin said that while `we have no common borders
[with Armenia] but we could think about using some instruments that
have already been agreed upon by the three states’.