Author: Kalantarian Kevo

‘THE WAR WILL WIND UP AS DISASTER FOR ARMENIA’

News.Az
Monday, 02 July 2012 14:07

Azerbaijan has long been attempting to resolve the Karabakh conflict
through peace, but the opposite side is not willing to leave the
occupied lands.

Docent of the international relations faculty of the Saint Petersburg
University, PhD in history, military political analyst Niyaz Niyazov
has told the statement to Gun.Az while commenting on Azerbaijan’s
increasing its military power and positions.

“Besides, the world community, Europe in particular, shows indifference
to Azerbaijan’s stance and tries to offer political support to Armenia
in possible terms and force Azerbaijan to give up its position in the
negotiations. But the Azerbaijani leadership is not willing to make
such a step. Azerbaijan has openly declared that it will liberate
the occupied lands through military means should Armenian aggressors
don’t leave them voluntarily. We should say that these statements
are disliked by not just Armenia, but also political powers located
in many spots of the world,” the analyst said.

“It’s easy and at the same time difficult to say what awaits Armenia is
the war unleashes. It’s clear that Armenia having a weak economic power
will not withstand the war for a long time. Despite lofty statements,
military leadership of this country states that they are forming a
reserve for three months in the preparation process to war.

Meanwhile, Azerbaijan’s economy alone enables to wage war with enemy
three years.

Therefore, I always say that the possible war will be a very difficult
task for Azerbaijan but will wind up as a disaster for Armenia,”
Niyazov said.

COMPANIES IMPORTING GOODS TO ARMENIA WILL NO LONGER ATTACH EXCISE TAX LABELS ABROAD

news.am
July 02, 2012 | 15:08

YEREVAN. – The companies importing goods to Armenia will no longer
have to attach the goods’ excise tax labels abroad.

Pursuant to the changes made in Armenia’s Law on Excise Tax, the excise
tax labels for cigars and up to 25-thousand bottles of alcoholic
beverages, which are imported into the country since January 2012,
are being attached in Armenia.

“The objective of the reforms being conducted in the [Armenian] customs
system is to create a more favorable environment and conditions for
the businessmen, [but] at the same time without relaxing the control,”
said Hayk Stepanyan, Head of the State Revenue Committee’s Specialized
Customs Department for Excise Tax Taxable Goods.

In his words, the whole process is conducted under extreme supervision.

To note, the Department carefully follows the international
requirements, too.

ARMENIAN MP CALLS FOR EFFORTS TO PREVENT NEW VIOLENCE IN SOCIETY

tert.am
02.07.12

A lawmaker of the Prosperous Armenian party, Naira Zohrabyan, has
called for maximum efforts to prevent deadly incidents like that of
Harsnakar restaurant.

“We all have to be together, regardless of whether we are from the
ruling party or the opposition, or a representative of the civil
society. A tumultuous case as this has to make us all voice our
protest in this connection,” she told reporters today when walking
to deceased military doctor, Vahe Avetyan’s house together with a
group of 50 people.

Avetyan, who was the chief of the ENT Department at the Yerevan
Garrison Hospital, was beaten severely by the restaurant’s security
guards on June 17. He was hospitalized in a critical condition and
was later operated on, but doctors appeared powerless to save his life.

The serious damages to his brain had created conditions incompatible
with life, and the doctor died in hospital on Friday evening.

Avetyan’s funerals is on Monday afternoon. Among the politicians and
activists walking to the his place were members of the Prosperous
Armenia party and the opposition Armenian National Congress (ANC).

Harsnaqar is owned by ruling Republican Party lawmaker Ruben
Hayrapetyan, who is also the president of the Football Federation
of Armenia (FFA). One of the men involved in the scuffle was later
reported to be his personal bodyguard.

Asked about Hayrapetyan’s share of guilt in the incident, the PAP
member said: “I wouldn’t like to breach the presumption of innocence
clause in relation to anyone because I don’t think there has been
an instruction. What troubles me is how an Armenian man can become
brutal enough to deprive a human being of life.”

Zohrabyan declined to comment on whether she will vote for or against
a proposal on stripping the ruling party member off mandate.

The participants of the procession are planning a gathering outside
the Presidential Office after the funerals.

An honor guard from the defense ministry is also attending the
ceremony.

Ouest-France
dimanche 24 juin 2012
vannes Edition

Aznavour, admiré par toutes les générations

AUTEUR: Nathalie JAY

Au Salon du livre de Vannes, nombreux sont ceux qui ont attendu pour
se faire dédicacer photo, disque ou livre. La venue du chanteur a été
très appréciée par des fans de tout ge.

Revenu d’un récent voyage en Chine, Charles Aznavour est arrivé hier,
en fin de matinée à Vannes. Il a été chaleureusement accueilli au
salon du livre où il est venu dédicacer le second volet de ses
mémoires intitulé D’une porte l’autre.

« Je l’avais déjà vu à un concert en Arménie, il y a quatre ans
environ. Quand il avait fait son entrée sur scène, il y avait eu une
minute de silence. J’ai ressenti l’émotion dans la foule. C’était très
impressionnant. Je lui ai raconté ce souvenir », confie Gilles
Tranchant, responsable de la librairie Cheminant à Vannes, qui a
accueilli le chanteur.

Charles Aznavour a d’abord salué les auteurs. « Je suis très touché
qu’il soit passé me voir », raconte l’un des écrivains, le philosophe
et essayiste Malek Chebel. « On avait été décoré le même jour de la
Légion d’honneur par Jacques Chirac. C’est un grand frère pour moi, un
exilé, écorché vif. »

L’après-midi, nombreux sont ceux qui ont fait la queue pour se voir
dédicacer un livre ou un CD. Pour que les stands des autres auteurs
restent accessibles, Charles Aznavour a demandé à ce que la file
d’attente se fasse à l’extérieur du chapiteau. « On a attendu pendant
une heure et demie », racontent Marie-Thérèse et Serge.

Le couple de retraités est venu spécialement d’Auray pour rencontrer
l’artiste. « C’est un grand monsieur. Cela fait 50 ans qu’on l’écoute,
qu’on l’admire. A l’ge de 15 ans, j’écoutais ses disques.La Bohèmeest
ma préférée », ajoute Marie-Thérèse, son livre en main. « C’est la
première fois qu’on le voit et cela restera un grand moment pour nous.
»

« Je connais toutes ses chansons »

Toutes les générations étaient présentes. Shannon, 17 ans, en vacances
à Vannes, est venue avec deux amies, Kelly, 24 ans, et Maya, 29 ans. «
On est fans. On l’écoute depuis toujours avec nos parents. On a fait
plein de photos », racontent les trois jeunes. « J’ai pleuré. J’étais
tellement émue de le voir », glisse Shannon.

Plus loin dans la foule, Carole et Gwendoline, deux Lorientaises de 28
et 25 ans, attendent patiemment leur tour. « Je viens tous les ans au
Salon du livre à Vannes. C’était incontournable de venir à la
rencontre de ce grand personnage. Je le vois comme un pilier de la
chanson française, un des derniers vrais chanteurs. Je connais toutes
ses chansons », confie Carole.

States News Service
June 29, 2012 Friday

ADL DISAPPOINTED BY ‘POLITICALLY PERVERTED’ UNESCO DECISION TO
DESIGNATE BETHLEHEM CHURCH AS ENDANGERED

NEW YORK, N.Y.

The following information was released by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL):

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today expressed deep disappointment
that the UNESCO World Heritage Committee ignored expert advice and its
own established procedures and bowed to a politicized Palestinian bid
to put Bethlehem’s Church of the Nativity on the list of endangered
World Heritage Sites. In light of this and other highly politicized
moves by the body, the League said the United States should reconsider
its participation in UNESCO, the United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization.

“With this vote, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee has forsaken its
responsibility for protecting the world’s most important and sacred
sites, and has proven to be another hackneyed, politicized body,” said
Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director. “As a result, the United
States, which is not a member of the World Heritage Committee, should
re-evaluate the value of remaining a member of UNESCO.

“We do not dispute that the Church of the Nativity is a treasured and
sacred site that could qualify for special status,” said Mr. Foxman.
“We dispute the process, which supported the Palestinian’s cynical
strategy to circumvent World Heritage procedures and facetiously claim
the site to be endangered. In bowing to this perverted Palestinian
bid, the committee ignored the recommendations of their own advisory
council’s investigation and the entreaties of the church’s own
religious leadership who must live with the practical implications of
this decision.”

ADL expressed appreciation to the six countries that voted against the
measure in keeping with established procedures and norms. Thirteen
countries voted in support of the designation, and two abstained. The
League thanked the United States for their important efforts to try to
prevent this unfortunate outcome.

The Palestinian Authority applied for expedited World Heritage status
for the church one of the most sacred sites for Christians claiming it
was endangered. This procedure is generally used for sites deemed to
be in dire physical danger of destruction.

The PA’s claim that the site was imperiled was disputed by the World
Heritage Committee’s own advisory body, the International Council on
Monuments and Sites, which said the church does not require emergency
care.

Moreover, in a letter leaked to the media, the three guardians of the
Church, Theophilus III, the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Pierbattista
Pizzaballa, the Custos of the Holy Land, and Archbishop Torkom
Manoogian, Patriarch of the Armenian Church who over centuries have
worked out a fragile status quo in managing the church – wrote to
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas opposing the authority’s bid for
emergency UNESCO status.

In the past, ADL has been critical of UNESCO’s decisions regarding
extending full membership to the Palestinians and its decisions on
holy sites in Israel.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world’s leading
organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that
counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.

Paper: RPA members busy boosting NKR leader’s ranking

June 30, 2012 – 16:48 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – According to Chorrord Ishkhanutyun daily, the
members of the ruling Republican Party of Armenia are busy boosting
the rating of Karabakh leader Bako Sahakyan. As the paper reported,
regional and local RPA officials, who’re on a 5-day visit to Artsakh,
voiced their support for current president.

Also, in a conversation with Chorrord Ishkhanutyun, President
Sahakyan’s spokesman David Babayan didn’t refute the information
above. According to Babayan, Armenia’s Territorial Administration
Ministry delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Armen Gevorgyan are
visiting Artsakh to develop cooperation between Armenia and NKR’s
regions.

” LE MARIAGE DANS LA TRADITION ARMENIENNE ”
Jean Eckian

armenews.com
samedi 30 juin 2012

Dimanche 1er juillet 2012 a 9h30 sur France 2 dans l’emission
des Chretiens Orientaux, le Dr. Albert Khazinedjian, historien de
l’Eglise armenienne explique l’histoire et les signes de la celebration
du mariage.

Jean-Pierre et Selina se sont maries a la cathedrale armenienne
apostolique de Marseille il y a quelques semaines. Issus tous les
deux de familles armeniennes (originaires de Turquie et du Liban),
ils s’inscrivent dans les traditions de l’eglise armenienne pour
s’ancrer dans leurs racines. Un temoignage de foi et de decouverte
des coutumes armeniennes.

NAIRA SARGSYAN UNE CREATRICE SUR-MESURE
Krikor Amirzayan

armenews.com
samedi 30 juin 2012

Naïra Sargsyan, une femme venue d’ailleurs, d’Armenie, d’où a emmenee
aussi avec elle, son savoir-faire et son bon humeur. C’est une artiste
qui a fait l’ecole de piano et de violon et du patinage mais c’est
l’art de couture qui l’a emporte. Ella a appris le metier d’art très
jeune, grâce a son talent inne, mais aussi l’obligation d’entrer deja
dans la vie active. Arrivee en France, elle a reussi en quelques annees
a entrer dans le milieu de la mode a Marseille, et se faire un nom
et une reputation de ” travail a l’ancienne ” et de savoir tout faire.

Naïra SargsyanEn 2008 en compagnie de Marine, une associee, elle creera
la societe Oz & Yan, une entreprise de prestation de services aux
professionnels de la mode. En 2010 elle ouvrira sa boutique actuelle ”
Naïra Sargsyan ” au 184 boulevard de Sainte Margueritte a Marseille (9e
arrondissement). Elle y realise des modèles personnalises sur-mesure
tels que des robes de soiree ou de mariee, mais egalement des tenus de
tous les jours. Elle caresse pour son art toutes les matières nobles
telles que la dentelle, la mousseline, la soie, le cuir ou la fourrure.

” Mes creations sont issues d’un long travail en amont avec la
cliente. Je recherche avec elle ses goûts pour arriver a ce dont elle
reve de porter ” dit Naïra Sargsyan qui donne a la femme une touche
d’elegance de chic, de glamour ou de sensuelle. ” La Haute Couture
est de l’art porte sur soi ” reprend Naïra qui exposera ses robes
et ses tableaux en octobre prochain a Marseille (Mairie du 12e)
puis en avril 2013 a la Mairie du 9e. Car pour ses modèles, Naïra
peint egalement des tableaux et decors reprenant les couleurs de ses
creations pour presenter ” un environnement agreable avec des couleurs
harmonieuses qui furent employees dans les matières de ces vetements ”
precise Naïra. Avec la marque ” NS ” brode a la main sur ses creations,
Naïra Sargsyan est aujourd’hui deja connu dans plusieurs de region
de France Mais sa clientèle -exclusivement feminine- va au-dela. ”
La bouche a oreille fonctionne a merveille et ma meilleure publicite
reste mes creations visibles lors des soirees ou des mariages ”
precise Naïra qui se rendra en septembre prochain en Armenie.

Naïra Sargsyan 184, bd de Sainte Marguerite 13009 Marseille Tel.

09.53.25.91.55 Port : 06.10.96.10.28

L’ARMENIE PRODUIT DES OLIVES A ARAXACHEN PRES DE MEGHRI AU SUD DU PAYS
Krikor Amirzayan

armenews.com
samedi 30 juin 2012

Le seul champ d’oliviers en Armenie se trouve a Araxachen, près
de Meghri a l’extreme sud du pays. Une oliveraie experimentale
s’etendant sur 7 hectares et qui donne depuis deux ans deja plus de
10 tonnes d’olives. L’oliveraie a pris la place sur une ancienne
vigne abandonnee et c’est Garo Garabedian (50 ans) habitant le
village de Lehvaz qui prit l’initiative en 2000 de faire venir
d’Espagne les 3 400 oliviers des espèces Seveliano et Ascolona. La
première production s’est deroulee en 2004. ” Au debut j’ai fait venir
d’Espagne 7 590 oliviers qui furent tous detruits par le gel. En 2003
j’ai fait une nouvelle tentative…mais la grele a eu raison de ces
arbres. Et ce n’est qu’en 2010 que j’ai realise ma première recolte
” dit Garo Garabedian. Chaque arbre produit de 20 a 30 kg d’olives. ”
Mais j’arrive a vendre le kilo d’olives a près de 1 200 drams ce qui
est un prix très bas ” dit Garo Garabedian. Les recoltes d’olives
a Araxachen debutent vers la mi-septembre tandis qu’en Espagne ou
en Grèce elles ont lieu en novembre. Car a Araxachen qui est situee
a 570 m d’altitude, l’ete la temperature peut atteindre jusqu’a 60
degres et donne donc lieu a des recoltes avancees. Parallèlement a
son oliveraie, Garo Garabedian a plante 2 000 grenadiers.

AN OLD ESTABLISHED ARMENIAN BUSINESS IN ISTANBUL

Tamar Kac Erdavityan & father Berc Kac

One of the oldest established Armenian businesses in Istanbul, BerKac
has survived the political and economic turmoil in Turkey, yet it has
remained steadfast serving its community that it was established for.

Like many family run businesses, it has undergone the traditional
business transition of handing over from father to child, or in this
case the elegant and London educated daughter. Read the interview below
of the business that has integrity etched in its very foundations:

ACCC: When was the business first established and who started it?

Tamar Kac Erdavityan: Berc Kac started the business in 1960. We are
the oldest organization company specialized in Baptism, Wedding and
Funeral services in Armenian and other Christian communities located
in Istanbul.

Berc Kac was born in 1943 in Istanbul. He is in the Armenian Church
community as Arch. Deacon and in this field since 1960. In his
professional life, due to the knowledge of his church services,
he has been planning the events related to church.

I was born in 1977 in Istanbul. Studied Marketing & Advertising in
Istanbul University and completed BTEC Degree in Management Studies
in London. Contributing to the business with decoration and invitation
design as well as event planning.

Our business covers 3 major fields in Armenian and other Christian
communities living in or out of Turkey: Weddings, Baptisms and Funeral
Planning & Transportation. We are working with consulates and helping
to foreigners for their funeral & cemetery transportations.

ACCC: Why do people need you and your services?

TKE: Because our business covers too many detail and especially
procedures that people usually don’t have time or wish to deal with
them. We are the oldest professionals that have been serving to the
community since 1960 with 100% satisfaction.

Also as we are in touch with the families, the business is related to
relations / connections as well. Let me give you an example. People
have their own local barber or a family doctor or a jeweler … they
also have a planner for their family who deals with funeral, wedding
and baptism services and all procedures. Thus, business passes through
the elders of the family to the younger members.

ACCC: Is the business purely a family establishment or do you have
other partners?

TKE: Our business is purely a family establishment and my father Berc
Kac brought to the business to this stage with his own efforts and
good service.

click to visit the Website ACCC: How did the business start and what
led to its growth?

TKE: Our business started with the decision of my father Berc Kac. He
has been in the church community since his childhood and due to
the knowledge of the services and good connections he started to do
“planning” business professionally. He became a brand name in Armenian
community in Istanbul. And also to the Armenians who are left from
Turkey and now living in abroad.

ACCC: How many employees do you have? How is the business structured?

TKE: We are a small organisation in our premises. But as we established
a good working system, we can handle many organisations at the same
time. We have [24/7] service and available to reach by a phone
call. Once we receive a call, we can take care of an emergency
situation within a few hours. Such as, in case of a death, we take
the deceased to our morgue and handle the burial procedures within
the same day. And the following day, funeral services can take place
in the church with every detail is planned. Such as newspaper ad,
flower arrangement, cemetery is cleaned etc…

ACCC: In terms of market share, how much of it do you think BercKac
has garnered?

TKE: According to the brand awareness and quality of service, we
are number one. But for the last 10 years, this business became
very popular among the Armenians and therefore our competitors are
increased. This affected to our business and market share. But we
have our loyal customers and therefore continue our business.

ACCC: Do you get invited to work on media and famous events? If so
can you give some examples?

TKE: As our business in a community job, the Turkish people are not
quite interested in therefore they do not know us. Some do, but this
is just because they have Armenian or Christian connections. Therefore
we have not invited to a famous event yet.

ACCC: What is the majority of your client’s background? Can you
specify the percentage?

TKE: The majority of our Clients are Istanbul Armenians. Also,
we do have a good reputation in USA. They are mainly Armenians who
left from Istanbul. Some of their will was to buried in the family
cemetery in Istanbul and we did take care of Funeral transportation
of those families.

ACCC: Do you feel that BercKac will benefit if Turkey is granted full
membership in Europe?

TKE: I don’t believe that Turkey will be a member of EU but if it
happens I am sure this will have positive effect on every businesses
and maybe we will benefit as well. I guess baptism and wedding can
take advantage of this situation. (As the funeral service is running
already)

ACCC: Do you have any trade links with Armenia? If so, how do the
trade conditions compare?

TKE: We do not have any trade links with Armenia.

Church decoration ACCC: Whilst your business mostly gravitates towards
happier events such as weddings, Baptisms and so on, what led you to
add funeral service?

TKE: Actually Berc Kac is mostly associated with Funeral Arrangements
but with my (Tamar Kac) contribution of the business we started to gain
percentage of baptism and wedding events especially on the decoration
and design services. But still we are mostly known as funeral home.

ACCC: Are you generally known as an Armenian business and does that
have any impact on your trade?

TKE: We are known as Armenian business and as we are doing our business
within the community. And there is no impact of our trade.

ACCC: Do you work with other Armenian business in Turkey?

TKE: Our Clients are mostly Armenian but our suppliers are Turkish
people. Such as flowerist or coffin maker. Because no Armenian are
doing that job any more.

ACCC: What is your hopes and dreams for the future?

TKE: Our dream is to be able to continue our business according to our
traditions. Continuing the traditions is very important. Because some
Armenians sometimes choose to work with companies which are owned by
Turkish or Jewish owners for their wedding and baptism arrangement
especially on the decoration side. But what I believe is planning
such event in the churches should be carried by Armenians as we are
the ones who knows how we should behave and serve to the people.

Baptism Also to be able to serve to the Armenians around the world
in their happy days as well. We do not want to be remembered only in
the sad moments. We also would like to be helpful or their happy days
with our designs. As Turkey is still very cheap compare to Europe,
I believe there can be opportunities for us on invitation printing,
decoration items and candy designs. We can produce and deliver those
materials to abroad.

Also destination wedding became very popular. Especially for Greek
people. They come to Istanbul to get married so Armenian people can
consider that too… they can come to Istanbul as we have 38 Armenian
churches with beautiful gardens suitable for Weddings and events.

By Contributor/ACCC of GB