Author: Kalantarian Kevo

PM SARGSYAN IN BRUSSELS: “WE MUST START TO FIGHT CORRUPTION AT THE VERY TOP”

hetq
14:03, June 6, 2012

What follows are excerpts of an interview given by Armenian Primer
Minister Tigran Sargsyan following his recent speech at the Centre
for European Policy Studies (CEPS) think-tank in Brussels.

Mr. Prime Minister, what are the unique features of the anti-corruption
campaign now taking place in Armenia? Why are they so vital today?

We have adopted a very clear strategy. We must target those important
goals that will result in the success of the anti-corruption campaign.

We are not so much concerned with the number of measures to be taken
but rather their effectiveness. We must begin the campaign at the
very top.

We have targeted 500 high-ranking officials, and if they work in a
transparent manner that is publicly monitored and if their incomes are
scrutinized, it will drastically reduce corruption risks. In addition,
this will decrease the desire of entrepreneurs to seek appointment
to these 500 positions.

It was with the backing of the RA President that we were able to
push this bill through the parliament. This year, for the first time,
an ethics committee has been established tasked with monitoring the
income disclosure statements of these government officials.

Today, all 131 members of parliament, judges and prosecutors must
report their revenues and assets. The committee must respond in all
cases where the public sees that these reports do not correspond
to reality.

It is to be noted that these disclosure reports are made available to
the public on-line. By doing this, we have placed a straight jacket
on these officials. It is my conviction that the best manner to fight
corruption is through securing transparency.

Mr. Prime Minister, the successful attempt of Georgia to fight
corruption is evident to all. Why isn’t it being applied in Armenia?

It’s simple. The revolutionary road leading to change isn’t acceptable
in Armenia. We are taking the evolutionary path towards change. It will
take longer but will guarantee stability. This is of supreme importance
to us, taking into account the relations we have with our neighbours.

When we conduct reforms, we always appraise our internal capabilities.

The geo-political situation fundamentally reduces our potential in
this respect. Thus, we have a more long-term strategy which is perhaps
more painful

What is the problem we face? We have a small stratum of the very rich
and a large layer of the poor. But it is the middle class that pushes
society forward and it is weak in today’s Armenia.

Thus, our goal is to bring the very rich under supervision and make
their actions transparent and open, while at the same time creating
favourable conditions for small and medium business. We regard this
as the best strategy for eliminating poverty

What is the impact of the Armenian diaspora on the economy of Armenia?

We know about the huge amounts of money transfers going to Armenia.

What is the impact of these transfers?

Transfers have a vital significance for our country. There’s an
interesting factor at play. While the population of Armenia is 3
million, there are some 6 million outside the country. Those sending
the transfers are the ones who left Armenia during the past twenty
years and not the 4-5 million who are the descendants of the 1915
Genocide survivors. It’s a matter of old and new emigrants. 95%
of the old ones have never visited Armenia but they possess a great
potential that can spur our economy.

While they have never been to Armenia they live in the Armenian world
and have their churches, political parties, schools, etc.

We have crafted a new strategy to tap into that potential. At the
initiative of President Sargsyan, we have created a Ministry of the
Diaspora. This is a first. Through the ministry we are now carrying
out pan-Armenian programs. There are scores of pan-Armenian bodies
comprised of architects, lawyers, doctors and other professionals.

These bodies are busy conducting development projects in Armenia.

We have also established a National Competitiveness Council in whose
activities representatives of the private sector of the diaspora
participate. The Council is tasked with carrying out projects revealing
those sectors of the economy that have a competitive edge, in addition
to raising the overall level of competitiveness. It also seeks to
encourage investment in Armenia.

In general, we must work at improving the business environment in
Armenia so that investments are able to succeed and be profitable.

AZERBAIJANI DIVERSION GROUP TRIED TO PENETRATE INTO NAGORNO-KARABAKH: THERE ARE VICTIMS

ARMENPRESS
6 June, 2012
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, JUNE 6, ARMENPRESS: In the southern part of
Karabakh-Azerbaijani contact line (in direction of Horadiz) on June
6 at 04:15 by the diversion group of the opponent was taken another
attempt to penetrate into one of Nagorno-Karabakh defense army’s
military positions.

Armenpress was informed from NKR Defense Army press department that
the vanguard subdivisions of Karabakh forces noticing in time the
initiating attack of the opponent held a defensive fight and threw
back the latter to its initial position. At the results of skirmish the
opponent had significant losses. During the defensive battle Armenian
side also had losses. Junior sergeant Vardan Ohanyan was killed,
private soldiers Arayik Mavreyan and Volodya Tsatryan were wounded.

“Only during June this is the 4th diversion activity attempt
implemented by Azerbaijani army in Armenian-Azerbaijani and
Karabakh-Azerbaijani borders, which gives a reason to believe that
official Baku is not tend to give constructive character to peace
settlement process of the conflict, promote increasing efficiency
of efforts made by international institutions and does everything to
change the status-quo in the region.

It seems that Azerbaijani authorities and particularly the Command of
its armed forces don’t realize that the tactics chosen by them is not
only non effective but in case of continuing can lead to unpredictable
consequences for Azerbaijan” is mentioned in the announcement of NKR
Defense Army.

BREAKING NEWS: AZERI FORCES TRY INFILTRATING ARTSAKH, ARMENIAN SOLDIER KILLED

Armenian Weekly
June 6, 2012

STEPANAKERT, NKR-An Azeri unit tried infiltrating Artsakh around
4 a.m. this morning from the contact point in Horatiz. The ensuing
clashes resulted in the death of one Armenian soldier. Two others
were injured.

Armenian soldiers marching on the 20th anniversary of the liberation of
Shushi. (Photo by Arevik Danielian) According to the Nagorno Karabakh
Republic media services, the Azeri side also suffered losses.

This is the fourth attempt in June alone by Azeri forces to penetrate
the borders with Armenia and Artsakh.

Earlier incidents

A day earlier, an Azeri unit of 15 soldiers tried to infiltrate the
Armenian border near the village of Vosgebar in Tavush but withdrew
after incurring heavy losses.

Sources in Baku reported that five Azeri soldiers were killed and
several others were wounded. There were no casualties on the Armenian
side.

Sources in Baku reported that five Azeri soldiers were killed and
several others were wounded. There were no casualties on the Armenian
side.

The incident took place in the early hours of Tuesday, June 5.

A similar attempt was foiled on June 4, when Azeri forces tried to
infiltrate the Armenian border near the Pertavan and Chinari villages
in Tavush. Three Armenian soldiers were killed during the incident
and several others were wounded.

AZERBAIJANI ARMED FORCES OPENED FIRE TOWARDS THE STRONGHOLDS OF KOTI VILLAGE, ARMENIA

ARMENPRESS
6 June, 2012
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, JUNE 6, ARMENPRESS: Azeri side once again violated the
ceasefire regime in the north-eastern part of the contact line between
Armenian and Azerbaijan on June 6 night.

Information and Public Relations department of the Ministry of
Defense informed Armenpress Azerbaijani forces opened fire towards
the strongholds of Koti village in Armenia’ s Tavush province, none
of Armenian troops were injured.

Azerbaijani Armed Forces took attempt at infiltrating the border on
June 3- 4 night. Due to the vigilance of the Armenian servicemen, and
the measures taken the group was discovered and causing the losses
the enemy drew back. The attack by the Azeri side resulted in the
death of Armenian servicemen Hrach Sargsyan, Zohrab Balabekyan and
Karen Davtyan. There were many wounded.

Another Azerbaijani diversion operation was prevented on June 4-5
night. Azeri side suffered. The shelling during the day did not stop
towards the Armenian positions.

ARMENIA’S HERITAGE PARTY TO HAVE OWN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE

news.am
June 06, 2012 | 11:47

YEREVAN. – In all likelihood, Armenia’s opposition Heritage Party
will have its own nominee in the 2013 presidential elections, Heritage
member and former MP Armen Martirosyan stated during a press conference
on Wednesday, and added that the question at hand is who that person
will be.

He informed that they are also in favor of having an alternative,
opposition, and uniting joint candidate, but “there is no charismatic
nominee” in the opposition.

Martirosyan noted that they will reflect at a later date on the issue
of nominating the candidacy of Heritage’s leader Raffi Hovannisian.

Also, the Heritage Party member stated that in fall they will
examine the matter of whether or not Hovannisian will renounce his
parliamentary mandate.

“The non-official [presidential election] campaign will start in
September, and some questions must be answered by then,” said Armen
Martirosyan.

PROTEST RALLY DUE AT ARMENIA’S PRESIDENTIAL RESIDENCE

tert.am
06.06.12

A protest rally is scheduled for tomorrow, June 7, in front of
Armenia’s President’s residence over the recent sabotage of Azerbaijani
armed forces in Armenia’s village of Chinari.

Members of the Hayazn Union NGO will hand letters to the Armenian
President, Foreign Affairs Minister.

The demonstrators will head to the presidential residence from Aram
Khachaturyan statue at 11am.

The letter addressed to the country’s leader states that the number
of Armenian soldiers killed as a result of Azerbaijani attacks grows
annually. “What happens is a consequence of irresponsible step of the
Armenian political and military leadership that did not complete the
liberation war in 1994, letting it be engaged in senseless negotiation
process the sole aim of which is to impose impossible territorial
concessions upon Armenia,” the letter says.

The authors of the letter also demand from the state, army and
diplomatic leadership give relevant response to the losses of the
recent years, stop any mediatory, non-mediatory diplomatic contacts
with the enemy, never discuss any mediatory proposal containing
territorial concession.

ARMENIA, KAZAKHSTAN AGREE ON MILITARY-TECHNICAL COOPERATION

ITAR-TASS
June 5, 2012 Tuesday 11:30 PM GMT+4
Russia

Armenia and Kazakhstan have signed an intergovernmental agreement on
military-technical cooperation.

Kazakh Defense Minister Adilbek Jaksibekov, who came to Yerevan on
an official visit, and his Armenian counterpart Seyran Ohanian put
their signatures to the document.

“Armenia and Kazakhstan have fruitful defense cooperation both in
the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and bilaterally,”
Ohanian said. “The agreement will ensure deliveries, servicing and
repairs of military hardware and joint projects.”

“Cooperation between the defense ministries of Armenia and Kazakhstan
has reached a high level, and there are prerequisites for its further
development and broadening,” the minister said.

In turn, Jaksibekov said that they were also cooperating in education
and military planning.

S. SAFARYAN: “BESIDES THE MILITARY ACTIONS POLITICS IS ALSO NEEDED”

Today member of the “Heritage” party Stephan Safaryan met journalists
at “Hayatsq” press-club and spoke about the inner and outer policy
of the country.

Speaking about the US State Secretary Hilary Clinton’s regional visit
S. Safaryan noted that Armenian-Turkish relations are very important
for the USA. But it was not the only important reason of Clinton’s
visit. “Attitude towards Iran is also very important and there are
some other reasons as well. The USA can not ignore Armenia as its
geographical role is really important from this point of view”.

Referring to the tensions on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border parallel
with Clinton’s visit “Heritage” representative said that here is a
double situation. In one side we deal with a neighbor on which even
the USA does not able to impress and on the other side the USA does
not care all about this so much.

“From Eurovision till the diversions Azerbaijan tries to show its
own population that they are able to get Karabakh back. But at the
same time they need to check how the international society will treat
this”, S. Safaryan said.

The speaker also expressed his troubles concerning the omissions
of Armenian foreign policy. According to Safaryan only some experts
discuss the events and no one else.

He also expressed doubts concerning the policy according which Armenian
side answers to Azerbaijani aggression. “In this case Armenia must
have a complex of the military politics and besides the military
actions politics is also needed”, the politician is sure.

ARTUR TOVMASYAN, “GLORY TO THIS GOVERNMENT!”
Anahit Danielyan

Wednesday, 06 June 2012 20:57

After the recently convened conference of the Free Motherland /Azat
Hayrenik/ party member of the party, NA Vice Speaker Artur Tovmasyan
touched upon the programmes implemented in the Republic during the
latest five years.

He enumerated the programmes of granting one-off financial aid to
newlywed couples, free allocation of textbooks at schools, 20.000 drams
appropriation to first form attenders, distribution of apartments to
bilaterally parentless children and some others.

“If we explore state resources we shall see that no other country
develops such a socially oriented budget,” Artur Tovmasyan confidently
stated and added, “Until 2005 our compatriots imported only 500 cars
yearly whereas today this number has increased to 1800. Until 2007
each family possessed only one or two mobile phones whereas today
each person can afford a cell phone. These are all additional charges.

Glory to our government which could secure an economic growth within
the period of the world economic crisis whereas the RA suffered
an economic collapse,” this way the NA Vice Speaker expressed his
sympathy towards the NKR government but he forgot to note that many
of the imported cars were for ministers and other officials bought on
the resources of the state budget during the period of the mentioned
world economic crisis. And when I asked then whether it was reasonable
to renew the official cars with such expensive ones the Prime Minister
answered emphasizing that these cars cost only AMD 11 mln.

Speaking about the latest achievements of the NKR Government Artur
Tovmasyan forgot to mention that today, in the 21st century, there
are villages in the Republic living without electric power, there
are a great number of people who feed on the remains of garbage cans,
who have no shelter and who live in socially hard conditions or who
still have to leave for Yerevan for medical examination, he forgot
to speak about such problems as deserted villages, human rights
violation cases, a large number of citizens who became victims of
social injustice, corruption or monopoly dominating in the country,
problems of natural resources conservation and many others. Artur
Tovmasyan seems to consider it inappropriate to speak about this,
especially at the threshold of presidential elections.

WHY DOES THE “FREE MOTHERLAND” PARTY SUPPORT BAKO SAHAKYAN’S CANDIDACY?

Karabakh-open.info
Thursday, 07 June 2012 20:40

Recently member of the “Free Motherland” /”Azat Hayrenik”/ party
Artur Tovmasyan answered this question during the press conference
convened after the party congress.

“Bako Sahakyan belongs to the group of people who highly appreciate
each word they utter and know what to speak. If you have noticed he
always speaks of the supremacy of law in his interviews. And being
a citizen of this country I attach importance to the fact that the
supremacy of law is important for the incumbent president; this is
good for our people. Bako Sahakyan is an influential figure in the
NKR political life but he was nominated for the NKR president’s post
as an independent candidate by the civil initiative. This is one
of the rightest decisions for now. Such a decision of the eminent
statesman is a new classical policy. And what is more important the
“Free Motherland” considers Bako Sahakyan is endowed with personal
charisma and indisputably determined resoluteness of making firm and
just decisions.

To the question of one of the journalists whether the party has already
spoken to its electorate and whether they share the party’s opinion of
supporting the current president’s candidacy Artur Tovmasyan answered,
“None of the party members denies the difficulties and problems
existent in our country but everybody is sure these problems will
soon be solved. We have unanimously decided to support Bako Sahakyan,
there is no other opinion in our party.”

And Artur Tovmasyan’s answer to the question why such a big party does
not have its own candidate for the Presidency can hardly be considered
a proper reply except for his statement, “We have announced that Bako
Sahatyan is our candidate”. “But he does not announce himself to be
the candidate of your party”, the journalist continued and the answer
was “But the “Free Motherland” considers him its own candidate.”

Artur Tovmasyan gave a noteworthy answer to the question concerning
the fact that during the years of Bako Sahakyan’s leadership of the
country Karabakh moved from partly free countries to not-free ones.

“Of course, it is quite bad that no opposition is presented in the
Parliament, I state this as the Vice Speaker of the National Assembly.

All the three political forces supported Bako Sahakyan in 2007, there
was no opposition. During the parliamentary elections in 2010 the
Communist Party lacked 1000 votes to have its representatives in the
Parliament. Do you think we should have given them these 1000 votes
so that they could represent the opposition in the NKR Parliament? Do
you think we should have falsified the elections in order to move to
free countries,” the Free Motherland party member noted and added that
no American or European structures have the right to record whether
the country is free or not after this or that election. “Let them
infer from the records by the international observers of 2007 and
2010 elections.”