Author: Kamalian Hagop

A. AHSOTYAN: "AZERBAIJAN HAS GREAT ANTICIPATIONS FROM LEVON TER-PETROSYAN’S POSSIBLE COME BACK"

Panorama.am
17:34 14/12/2007

Today members of non-official format of "Framework agreement on peace
process" presented the results of the negotiations at the office
of the Armenian Democratic Party (ADP). ADP Chairman Aram Sargsyan
mentioned that the 12th round is one step back from the achievements
since the Azerbaijani party acts from tougher positions and refused
to accept the arrangements reached in the course of past meetings.

"Azerbaijan was inspired by the ministers’ summit in Madrid where
they spoke about the return of 6 territories of Karabakh," Sargsyan
mentioned. He believes it is necessary to freeze the negotiations
within the framework of Minsk Group and later come up with a clearer
and more acceptable disposition.

Armen Ashotyan, deputy of parliament and member of the Republican
block, who has been included in the non-official negotiation process
for the first time, mentioned that he does not agree with the freezing
of the negotiation process because in that case the process may be
shifted to another structure, for example the U.N., which may have
negative consequences.

The leader of Constitutional Right Union (SIM), Haik Babukhanyan,
assured that Azerbaijan acted from militaristic standpoints. "The
possibility of resuming war has become a victory paper for them which
they ground on money flowing from oil, on strengthened geopolitical
position and their seeming success in the Minsk Group," Babukhanyan
said.

All three speakers said Azerbaijan is very enthusiastic about the
change of power in Armenia.

"They have high expectations from possible come back of Levon
Ter-Petrosyan," Ashotyan said.

"LIFE" UNDER A BRIDGE

A1+
[02:28 pm] 10 December, 2007

My two grandchildren do not go to school as they have nothing to
wear. My third grandson is liable to military service. Unfortunately
he cannot be recruited to the army as nobody knows about our existence,
70-year-old Siranush Melikian told A1+.

Mrs. Siranush lives under a bridge in Nerkin Charbakh district with
her husband and three grandchildren.

A1+ referred to their family status 1.5 years ago but the story has
found no response. Neither the Ministry of Social Affairs nor the heads
of the country seem to care for the family living under an open sky.

Nobody is concerned over our status. They only say we must vacate the
territory as if we are criminals, saboteurs or agents. Aren’t our
authorities interested in people living under the bridge, Siranush
Melikian wonders. The family is hardly able to make both ends meet.

We toil and moil all summer, grow vegetables and fruit to feed the
children. Nobody wants to employ elderly people like us. But the
children cannot live without food, grandma Siranush says.

Her daughter Liana has tried hard to find a job. But all her efforts
have failed as she has no registration. The state is simply unaware
of the family’s existence.

I pray for children every day. I only want them to go to bed with a
full stomach, Mrs. Siranush said all in tears.

Siranush Melikian is a unique personality. She is not vexed by the
ongoing hardships and obstacles of life.

She thanks God for every day and nurses hopes somebody will finally
hold a hand to the family after getting familiarized with their
inhumane conditions.

YOUTH SHOULD BE ACTIVE IN POLITICAL PROCESSES AND PROTECT THEIR RIGHTS

Noyan Tapan
Dec 7, 2007

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 7, NOYAN TAPAN. Not only the future, but also the
present belongs to the youth, and the latters should not keep away
from political processes. Edgar Hovhannisian, the Vice-Chairman of
the youth wing of the Republican Party of Armenia (RPA), expressed
such an opinion at the December 7 press conference. According to him,
no young man has the right to show indifference to these processes
and not to protect his rights.

According to Vahe Sargsian, the Chairman of the ARFD Nikol Aghbalian
Youth Union, a feeling of devotion to the state should be sown among
the youth.

According to him, everybody should realize that the real struggle
proceeds not among the authorities or individuals, but among ideas
and programs. "The political force, which will win the elections,
should extend a hand of cooperation to the defeated force, and the
latter should shake that hand."

The participants of the press conference held the same opinion that
traditions of carrying out a civilized political struggle are being
gradually formed in Armenia.

Touching upon Levon Ter-Petrosian’s return to politics, the
Vice-Chairman of the RPA youth wing said that youth’s activity in this
connection was caused by pure curiosity. According to him, everybody
expected new ideological approaches from the first RA President,
which, however, did not happen.

Today’s Zaman, Turkey
Dec 7 2007

Crucial evidence obscured in Malatya murder case

The police department knowingly misdirected an investigation into the
brutal murders of three Bible publishers in the southeastern city of
Malatya in April, evidence published in the Turkish press yesterday
suggested.

The new findings come amongst a number of incidents suggesting what
seem to be attempts to cover up facts and destroy evidence regarding
the murder of three men at the Zirve Publishing House in Malatya.
Disturbing connections between the suspects in the Malatya murders
and the military had already emerged during the first hearing in the
suspects’ trial last week. The latest such proof of the police
seeming reluctant to shed light on the murders was an outright lie
told by the head of the Malatya Police Department, reports in
yesterday’s papers said.

Malatya Police Chief Ali Osman Kahya on Monday stated that video
recordings from the hospital room of Emre Günaydýn, one of the
attackers suspected of having masterminded the murders, taken during
the time he spent in a Malatya hospital after falling from the
publishing house’s window while trying to escape from police, were
submitted to the prosecutors.

However, documents acquired by newspapers suggested otherwise. A
number of newspapers published a scanned document, signed by a senior
officer with the Malatya police, addressing the chief public
prosecutor, announcing that the camera records had been "destroyed."
Official documents signed by hospital officials also confirmed that
this was the case.

Suspiciously reminiscent of past murders

Many here point to striking similarities between a shooting at the
Council of State that killed a senior judge last year, the murder of
ethnic-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink earlier this year and the
brutal Malatya murders of April.

In all of the cases the suspects said they had committed the crimes
in the name of religion, the motherland or the nation. One of the
suspects in these incidents had a Turkish flag in his pocket, another
suspect had prayer inscriptions. However, all of the suspects were
entirely the opposite of what those objects stand for.

Emre Günaydýn, who was the leader of the gang that murdered three
Christian men from the Zirve Publishing House in Malatya in April of
this year, cited religious motivations in his testimony on the
killings. However, he has recently admitted to having smoked
marijuana on more than one occasion. His police file also indicates
that a large number of photographs with adult content were found on
his home computer.

Ogün S., the teenager who shot Hrant Dink in January of this year,
testified in court that he had taken two ecstasy pills and smoked
marijuana before the murder.

In the 2006 Council of State shooting, the suspects, who had said
they acted in the name of God, have confessed that they came to know
each other when they met at a bar. Pornographic material was also
found on their computers. Acquaintances have depicted lawyer
Alparslan Arslan, the hit man in the shooting, as a "non-religious
person who drank a lot."

SONA TRUZIAN: FORENSIC EXAMINATION OF CORPSE OF LEVON GULIAN BY EUROPEAN EXPERTS NOT COMPLETE

Noyan Tapan
Dec 03 2007

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 3, NOYAN TAPAN. The conclusion of the forensic
examination of the corpse of citizen Levon Gulian, who died under
unrevealed circumstances in the administrative building of the RA
Police on May 12, made by European specialsts is not complete. This
information was provided to a Noyan Tapan correspondent by Sona
Truzian, the Spokesperson of the RA Prosecutor General, on November
30. It was mentioned by independent experts invited from the
Federation of Germany and the Kingdom of Denmark, by M. Rothschild
and P. Maiginthlady, in particular, that a tissue pathological
research of tissue specimens of the corpse will be made and an
additional conclusion will be given as soon as the results are ready,
which, however, has not been done. For the purpose of providing the
completeness, comprehensiveness and objectiveness of the criminal case,
Mnatsakan Sargsian, the Deputy Prosecutor General, has already turned
to S. Kabinos, the Head of the OSCE Office in Yerevan, asking him to
support in sending the original of the above-mentioned additional
conclusion made by European experts to the RA Prosecutor General’s
Office.

It should be mentioned that the OSCE Office in Yerevan has supported
in inviting the European experts, on May 19 they conducted a research,
however, the original of the conclusion of the forensic examination
was sent with a considerable delay: the RA Prosecutor General’s Office
received it on November 5.

RUSSIA AND LEBANON MAKE GREATEST AMOUNT OF INVESTMENTS IN REAL SECTOR OF ARMENIAN ECONOMY IN JANUARY-SEPTEMBER 2007

Noyan Tapan
Dec 04 2007

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 4, NOYAN TAPAN. In January-September 2007, Russia
was in first place by the total amount of foreign investments in
the real sector of the Armenian economy – 175 mln 905 thousand USD,
which exceeds 5.1fold the index of the same period of last year.

According to the RA National Statistical Service, Lebanon made
investments of about 134 mln USD in the indicated period, which exceeds
2.4fold the index of January-September 2006. Investments of Argentina
made 24.9 mln USD, declining by 47.1% as compared with the index of
the first nine months of 2006.

Other big investors in the Armenian economy were Cyprus – 12.7 mln
USD (2.1fold growth), the Virginian Islands – over 9 mln USD (no
investments were made in the first nine months of 2006), France –
13 mln USD (2.1fold growth), the U.S. – 21.3 mln USD (10.1% decline),
Germany – 20.4 mln USD (41.1% decline), Great Britain – 11.3 mln USD
(3.1fold growth), Australia – over 18.4 mln USD (no investments in
the first nine months of 2006).

Russia’s investments in the communication sector amounted to 45.1
mln USD, in mining industry – about 31 mln USD, in production and
distribution of electricity, gas, hot water and steam – about 53 mln
USD, in wholesale trade and trade via agents – over 3.7 mln USD, in
the service sector – over 22.6 mln USD, in the recreational sector –
8.5 mln USD, in provision of personal services – about 11.8 mln USD.

In January-September 2007, all investments of Lebanon were made in
the communication sector.

Argentina invested 23.4 mln USD in air transport, 1.4 mln USD in
auxiliary and additional transport activity. Cyprus made investments
of 4.8 mln USD in wholesale trade and trade via agents, 2.4 mln USD –
in the construction sector, and 5.5 mln USD – in mining industry.

The Virginian Islands made investments in hotel and restaurant services
(7.9 mln USD) and retail trade (1.1 mln USD). France’s investments
were made in production of food (including drinks) – 11.1 mln USD
and in collection, treatment and distribution of water – 1.9 mln USD.

7.2 mln USD out of the investments made by the U.S. were allocated
to computer engineering-related activity, about 2.8 mln USD – to
research and developments, 6.8 mln USD – for provision of "other
types" of services, and over 3 mln USD – for provision of hotel and
restaurant services.

Germany made investments in Armenia’s mining industry, Great Britain
– in production of radio, television and communication equipment
(1.1 mln USD), in publishing and printing activity (about 1,1 mln
USD), retail trade (4.1 mln USD) and the service sector (4.7 mln
USD). Australia’s investments were completely made in metal ore mining.

The Armenian Weekly On-Line
80 Bigelow Avenue
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(617) 926-3974
[email protected]
menianweekly.com

The Armenian Weekly; Volume 73, No. 45; Nov. 10, 2007

News:

1. Turkish PM: No Genocide, ‘We Even Gave the Armenian Deportees Pocket
Money’
By Khatchig Mouradian

2. Nalbandian Visits HMEM Center in Buenos Aires

3. Homenetmen Holds 32nd Regional Convention

***

1. Turkish PM: No Genocide, ‘We Even Gave the Armenian Deportees Pocket
Money’
By Khatchig Mouradian

WASHINGTON-On Nov. 5, after meeting with President Bush, Turkish Prime
Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan gave a speech at the National Press Club in
Washington, speaking mainly of U.S.-Turkish relations, the Kurdish issue and
the Armenian Genocide Resolution, H.Res.106.

In his speech, Erdogan said that "it is sad for us to see" the introduction
of a resolution that "renders legitimacy to the so-called Armenian
genocide." He stressed that the resolution "has the potential to deeply
damage our strategic relations and it is important to ensure that is not
discussed on the floor of Congress."

"In fact, these Armenian allegations which are being kept constantly on the
agenda in various countries have not been proven historically or legally,"
Erdogan continued, repeating his call for a joint historical commission to
examine what happened to the Armenians in 1915. When Erdogan suggested the
idea of a "joint commission" in 2005, the International Association of
Genocide Scholars (IAGS) sent him an open letter which read: "We are
concerned that in calling for an impartial study of the Armenian Genocide
you may not be fully aware of the extent of the scholarly and intellectual
record on the Armenian Genocide. . We want to underscore that it is not just
Armenians who are affirming the Armenian Genocide but it is the overwhelming
opinion of scholars who study genocide: hundreds of independent scholars."

Yet, at the National Press Club this week, Erdogan said he was sure there
was never a genocide of the Armenians. "What took place was called
deportation," he said. "That was a very difficult time. It was a time of
war."

The Armenians, he argued, were provoked by other countries to rebel, leading
to Ottoman Turkish government’s decision "to start deporting the Armenian
citizens to other parts of the Empire."

To show how well the Armenian deportees were treated, Erdogan-who made no
reference to the killing of any Armenian-went so far as to say that the
Ottoman government even provided the Armenians with pocket money. ".And we
have documents in our archives which attest to this fact," he said.

"There are all sorts of instructions about how people should be sent from
one area to another, how much money is to be paid to them as pocket money as
they travel. Those who counter [our thesis] must come up with their own
documents, but there are no documents that they can show," he charged.

A Leading Turkish Historian Responds

The Armenian Weekly contacted Turkish-born historian and sociologist Taner
Akcam, professor of history at the University of Minnesota and author of A
Shameful Act: The Armenian Genocide and the Question of Turkish
Responsibility, to comment on Erdogan’s allegation.

"I haven’t seen any single Ottoman document that shows that money was given
to Armenians," Akcam said. "It is, indeed, true that the central government
sent money to the regional authorities to cover the expenses of the
deportations. Part of the revenues from plundering the possessions of the
Armenians and auctioning them was used by the government to finance the
deportations."

Furthermore, Akcam said, "There is ample evidence that in the Eastern
Anatolian regions like Eskishehir, Afyon and Konya, Armenians were partially
‘transported’ by train and were made to pay for their own tickets.
—————————————– ———————————–
————– —–

2. Nalbandian Visits HMEM Center in Buenos Aires

Last month, Argentinean-Armenian tennis player David Nalbandian visited the
Homenetment (HMEM) Center in Buenos Aires, where the Armenian Ambassador to
Argentina, representatives of the Armenian Church in Argentina,
representatives of the HMEM, tennis players of all ages and about 50 HMEM
members welcomed him.

The Armenian Ambassador invited Nalbandian to participate in an upcoming
international tennis tournament in Yerevan. He said Nalbandian’s
participation in the tournament would give it a unique character.

Accepting the invitation, Nalbandian said, "Most probably I will participate
in this tournament, which will take place in Yerevan. I will never forget
those days when I played tennis with my compatriots at the Homenetmen
Center."
————————- ————————————————– –
———–

3. Homenetmen Holds 32nd Regional Convention

In parallel to the celebrations marking the 30th anniversary of its
founding, the Homenetmen (HMEM) of the Eastern Region held its Regional
Convention from Oct. 26-28 at the Sheraton Hotel in Framingham.

During the three days of the convention, representatives from all chapters
discussed the activities of the previous executive board, whose members held
their positions for two years; outlined the planned activities for the next
two years; and elected a new executive board.

After hearing the executive board’s report, the meeting’s evaluation of the
board was a positive one, especially given the difficult circumstances under
which the board functioned.

The large numbers of young HMEM members among the representatives inspired
the attendees, and instilled hope in the brightness of the future of the
organization.

The meeting focused on the execution of the union’s educational and scouting
plans. It was emphasized that education should play a large role in the HMEM
alongside scouting and athletic activities.

The representatives also heard a special report on the legal case filed
against Raffi Donabedian, who recently stole large amounts of money from the
organization.

At the end of the convention, the representatives elected a new executive
board. They are: Varoujan Jindoyan, Hratch Mesrobian, Vahe Tanashian, Robert
Kalantari, Ara Margosian, Levon Sahagian and Yeran Simonian.

LAVROV, RICE DISCUSSED SITUATION IN CAUCASUS

PanARMENIAN.Net
28.11.2007 14:41 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Currently in the United States, Russian Foreign
Minister Sergei Lavrov held a meeting with Secretary of State
Condoleezza Rice. The officials focused on the forthcoming
international meeting on Middle East settlement due in Annapolis.

They also referred to other international issues, including the
situation in Balkans and Caucasus.

However, the press office of the Russian Foreign Ministry didn’t do
into detail.

CITIZEN STEALS MONEY FROM "HAYPOST" TO MAKE MONTHLY PAYMENT FOR LOAN TAKEN FROM "ACBA CREDIT AGRICOLE BANK"

Noyan Tapan
Nov 28 2007

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 28, NOYAN TAPAN. The police disclosed the theft
of money from the Charentsavan branch of HayPost CJSC. According to
police sources, Haykaz N., 38, who was brought to police, confessed
that he broke the wooden entrance door, opened the company’s cashbox
with a key and stole 264 thousand drams. He asked Rudik S. to pay
120 thousand drams of the stolen money in the Abovian branch of
ACBA Credit Agricole Bank on November 26 as a monthly payment for
his 1,500,000-dram loan taken from this bank. Police confiscated 144
thousand drams in cash and a receipt for payment of 120 thousand drams,
Haykaz. N. was arrested, and an investigation is being conducted.

ARMENIANS EMIGRATE NOT ONLY DUE TO UNEMPLOYMENT, BUT ALSO LOW PAY

armradio.am
29.11.2007 11:04

Unemployment and better pay abroad are the main reasons labor migrants
leave Armenia to seek work abroad, according to a new study presented
today by the OSCE Office in Yerevan.

The study, which covers the period 2005-07, gives a picture of
the dynamics of labor migration, providing valuable information to
policy-makers and the public. It follows an earlier study covering
the period 2002-05.

"We hope that this study will be a useful instrument for state
officials, academics, international organizations, NGOs and potential
migrants to accurately assess the realities and find possible solutions
to existing problems," said Marc Bojanic, Deputy Head of the OSCE
Office in Yerevan.

Almost half, or 46.5 per cent of the surveyed migrants said that
unemployment was the main reason to leave Armenia to work abroad while
43 per cent stressed that jobs in Armenia do not pay enough. The
study also showed that rural residents are increasingly migrating,
and that Russia remains the most popular destination. The percentage
of female migrants dropped from 14.1 per cent in 2002-04 to 6.5 per
cent in 2005-06, according to the survey.

The survey was conducted by the non-governmental organization Advanced
Social Technologies with OSCE Office support.