Author: Kanayan Tamar

DIRECTOR OF LINKS: IF ARMENIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS IS REPRESENTED IN THE NEW PARLIAMENT, ITS STRATEGY WILL HAVE TO CHANGE
by Oksana Musaelyan

arminfo
Friday, May 4, 23:29

Ahead of parliamentary elections in Armenia Links published a series
of reviews concerning the political landscape, including covering
opinion polls. Which key characteristics are being marked by this
pre-election campaign?

There have been several positive features in the campaign. First of
all there is a competitive environment. Voters have a choice between
several parties and blocs and each party has had an opportunity to
present its point of view. In this regard the media has played a
positive role.

Do you think there are enough prerequisites to hold free and fair
elections or will it be another profanation?

I think the campaign has been a positive factor. There are problems
regarding the administration of the elections , and the full impact
of this will be seen on election day itself and immediately afterwards.

The most serious problem is connected with the voters list. Given that
this has been a problem with Armenian elections in the past and has
been mentioned before as one main causes for election irregularities
somebody has to take responsibility for what is clearly a very serious
issue. You simply cannot have a good election if the voting list is
seriously inaccurate.

But the Armenian political parties also seem not to have given this
issue enough importance. Scrutinising the election list should happen
on a regular daily basis between one election and another not in the
last days. Also some of the money spent by the international community
on supporting the electoral process should have been directed at this
task. So its not simply blaming the government. Others have to share
the blame too.

Public confidence in the elections, judging from the previous
experiences, is very low, and the racket connected with bribes of the
pre-election campaign today exceeds any limits that have ever been
fixed before. All these do not add confidence to democracy in the
country. Do you agree with this statement and how much is the factor
of public confidence important for Europe and further interaction of
Armenia with the EU?

Of course public confidence is crucial. There is throughout the
South Caucasus widespread cynicism by the public towards elections
because they have seen in front of their eyes on many occasions massive
election fraud. The issue of “election bribes” is more complicated. In
many cases they are illegal so they should not happen. The issue of
political patronage is a problem in many countries, so I do not think
that on its own this will undermine the election process, although
it will weaken it.

Will there be consequent reaction of the European institutions involved
in monitoring?

Organizations making an assessment of the elections will have to take
a holistic approach and look at all the aspects. The key issues are:
Did all the parties have the chance to campaign freely and without
intimidation? Was there a level playing field? Was the Election
administered fairly? Did the people have the chance to vote freely
in a secret ballot without intimidation? Were only people who were
supposed to vote allowed to vote? And finally did the counting process
proceed normally and transparently?

There may be other issues like for example the use of administrative
resources that impact some of these questions, but an overall
assessment will have to take everything into consideration.

How much do you think the stresses in the political programs of the
candidate-parties reflect the issues of the geopolitical prospect in
the region, as well as the tension in the Nagorno Karabakh issue?

I think this was rightly an election mainly on domestic issues related
to the economic and social programmes of the parties. On the whole
Armenian political parties have a similar position on Karabakh, with
some important nuances. I don’t think this was the determining factor
in the election.

A special appeal in the elections will be the participation of the
Armenian National Congress. Do you think the program of this force
meets the realities of the Armenian society? What do you think about
the ambitions of the ANC Leader Levon Ter-Petrosyan in the election
campaign given the past lack of his interest in the parliamentary
elections of 2007 and his participation in the presidential elections
of 2008?

The Armenian National Congress is a bloc, involving a number of
parties and public organizations and headed as you say by Levon
Ter-Petrosyan. As a former president Ter-Petrosyan carries some weight
in society, and he has become a symbol of opposition to the current
authorities. The ANC has been very persistent in its anti-government
campaign since 2008. It now needs to translate this work into seats
in parliament. If, as I think likely, the ANC is represented in the
new parliament its strategy will have to change. It cannot continue
to be a party of the streets. How it does this will be one of the
most interesting things to watch out for after the elections.

MOMENT OF ARMENIAN CONCERT BALLOON EXPLOSION CAUGHT ON CAMERA

04 May 2012

More than 140 people were injured when gas-filled balloons exploded
at a governing party campaign concert in the Armenian capital.

The Armenian emergencies ministry said that 144 people suffered burns
when several promotional balloons exploded at a showpiece concert
staged by President Serzh Sarkisian’s Republican party in Yerevan’s
central Republic Square ahead of parliamentary polls this Sunday.

Armenian internet sites showed a fireball rising into the air and
chaotic images of people screaming in confusion and anger after
thousands of Republican party supporters celebrated with big bunches
of balloons at the concert.

“The balloons exploded and caught fire after people holding the bunches
released them from their hands into the air,” an eyewitness who asked
to remain anonymous told AFP.

It was not immediately clear what caused the incident.

“All the victims had either medium or light injuries. Now doctors are
trying to revive them from shock,” Health Minister Harutiun Kushkian
told reporters.

The promotional balloons were decorated with the governing party’s
election slogan “Let’s believe in change”.

President Sarkisian’s party has been tipped by opinion polls to
triumph in Sunday’s election ahead of its ruling coalition rival,
the Prosperous Armenia party led by a super-rich former arm wrestling
champion.

The vote is the biggest test of the ex-Soviet state’s democratic
credentials since disputed presidential elections in 2008, when mass
rallies ended in bloody clashes between riot police and opposition
supporters that left 10 people dead, casting a shadow over Sarkisian’s
administration.

The authorities in the mountainous country of 3.3 million people have
promised an unprecedentedly clean contest for the 131-seat National
Assembly in the hope of avoiding further political turmoil.

Opposition parties however have questioned the validity of the opinion
polls and threatened demonstrations if there are mass falsifications.

ELECTIONS IN ARMENIA: AN INTERVIEW WITH ANTRANIG KASBARIAN

Armenian Weekly
May 4, 2012

WATERTOWN, Mass.-The Armenian Weekly and the Hairenik Weekly conducted
an interview with the chairman of the ARF Central Committee of the
Eastern US on the upcoming elections in Armenia this weekend. Below
is the English translation of the interview.

Antranig Kasbarian What can be expected from the May 6 elections in
Armenia? Do you anticipate any differences from previous elections?

There will, of course, be differences between these elections and
previous ones, but unfortunately they will not be profound ones. For
example, bribes are rampant and the ruling elites are “buying” votes
in this pre-election period. There will also be irregularities on
Election Day, but over the years, vote rigging on Election Day has
decreased, giving the not-so-accurate impression that the political
situation in the country is improving.

There are also other differences compared to previous years. This
time, the most heated battle is between the two ruling parties,
the Republican Party and the Prosperous Armenia Party, while the
opposition forces, even the Armenian National Congress, appear weak
and vulnerable.

What can you say in this context about the specific case of the ARF?

There are certain differences here too. When the ARF was still part
of the government-when it had ministers and local governors-means to
impact the overall election process were available. Also, the ARF
received some support from the ruling elite-such support is almost
certainly precluded today. Therefore, more than ever, the ARF has to
now rely on its own abilities, continuing to strengthen its ties with
citizens from all walks of life. This requires relentless efforts in
the spheres of communications, outreach, finances, etc.

The ARF has prepared an election platform that stands out. Do you
think it will attract a significant number of voters?

Yes, the ARF has prepared a truly comprehensive pre-election program
that reflects our broad platform. It covers the important bases-the
political, economic, social, and foreign policy dimensions-objectively
presenting the current state of affairs and suggesting possible
solutions. The ARF leadership in Armenia has invested a significant
amount of time on this effort, and has been presenting its election
platform at campaign events and rallies across the country.

Unfortunately, the pre-election atmosphere and culture in the country
has deteriorated in recent years. Election platforms and programs,
which should have a profound impact on the voter, fail to do so.

Instead, finances have the greatest impact on the voter.

Unfortunately, election money speaks louder and more convincingly
than comprehensive election platforms. I cannot blame the people
entirely, though, because many are under profound financial duress
and are looking for means to improve their lot. Regardless, the ARF is
steadfast on the conviction that the people deserve fair, transparent
elections, based on political debate and a healthy discourse. We are
hopeful that this will be realized in the coming days.

The platform itself is a very extensive document, which includes all
the reforms that we consider to be imperative. In the economic sphere,
for examples, it envisions laws that secure a competitive economy,
and one which encourages exports. In the social sphere, it proposes
laws to guarantee freedom of speech and freedom of the press. Laws are
also proposed to secure the independence of the judiciary, to reform
the electoral system, etc. For more details, go to

We often hear that the ARF has not succeeded in galvanizing a broad
base, why is this the case? Moving ahead, do you see this changing?

It is difficult to give a definitive answer to this question. On the
one hand, it is a fact that the current ruling elite-the Republicans
and Prosperous Armenia in particular-are doing their utmost to maintain
the status quo. Against this onslaught, the task of the opposition
parties has become considerably difficult. The ARF, the Heritage
Party, and the Armenian National Congress and others are all trying
to secure a broad base of support. While the people closely follow the
political developments, the press conferences, and election campaigns,
it is important to note that to follow developments is one thing, to
go out and vote is another. I have often witnessed certain political
leaders and candidates receiving enthusiastic support in villages
and towns during election campaigns, but the election results have
not reflected this enthusiasm.

The ruling elite continuously stresses that the election will be free
and transparent. Do you share that optimism?

To be fair, in recent years, Election Day in Armenia has been much
more peaceful and calm than before. The means of the past-beatings,
threats, switching ballot boxes, etc.-are still employed, but much
less frequently than before. The reasons for this improvement are many:
the influence of foreign observers, international pressure, etc.

But the general state of affairs, in essence, remains the same. Now
the means are different; Armenia’s oligarchs secure their positions
through bribes, maneuvers, and “legal” means. Thus the process is
increasingly becoming more comparable to the kinds of corruption that
we encounter in “civilized” countries. Of course the majority of the
people notices this, which is why they have become so cynical.

What are the chances of the ARF in these elections?

I think the ARF can clear the five percent mark required for
political parties to secure seats in parliament. I believe that the
ARF will gain the confidence of the people, especially for the seats
allocated through proportional representation. The party also has
a core constituency of loyal voters, who vote for the ARF because
they admire its stance on national issues. But today, due to the
dire circumstances in the country, social and economic issues take
precedence over national issues for the voters.

ARMENIAN POLICE TO WORK ALL NIGHT INVESTIGATING BALLOON BLAST IN YEREVAN

NEWS.AM
May 04, 2012 | 23:07

A few minutes ago Armenian Police Chief, Lieutenant-General Vladimir
Gasparyan called a meeting regarding the balloon blast in Yerevan’s
Republican Square on Friday, Armenian Police’s Head of Information
and PR Department Ashot Aharonyan told Armenian News-NEWS.am.

The Police Chief called to the police officers to work the whole
night in order to figure out all the circumstances of the explosion.

As Armenian News-NEWS.am informed earlier, an alarm was received
that an incident occurred during the rally of the Republican Party
of Armenia (RPA) in the Republican Square at 7.37 p.m. on Friday. Gas
balloons exploded, 144 casualties are reported.

144 BURN VICTIMS REPORTED IN YEREVAN BLAST

PanARMENIAN.Net
May 4, 2012 – 22:00 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Emergency Situations Ministry delivered updated info
on the injuries toll in Republic Square blast, with 144 burn victims
reported.

According to info provided, 30 people were taken to Yerevan’s
Radiotherapy Center, 20 to Heratsi hospital, 20 to Ambulance Service
hospital, 20 to Nairi medical center, 20 to Armenia medical center, 9
to Clinical Hospital No 1, 7 to Muratsan medical center. 2 kids were
taken to Surb Astvatsatsin maternity hospital.

As PanARMENIAN.Net reporter was informed earlier, the burn victims are
out of danger.

The blast, caused by the explosion of helium balloons, occurred during
the concert organized on the sidelines of Republican Party of Armenia
electoral campaign.

BLAST AT RPA’S CONCERT CAUSED BY EXPLODING BALLOON

ARMINFO
Friday, May 4, 21:42

A stupid joke by one of those present at the Friday gala concert of
the Republican Party of Armenia in the Republic Square might have
ended in a tragedy.

ArmInfo’s correspondent reports from the square that the joker brought
his cigarette close to an oxygen balloon, causing an explosion and
a subsequent chain reaction.

Some of the people holding the balloons got minor burns. Ambulance
cars arrived shortly afterwards to provide them with first aid and
to take some of them to hospital for examination.

Despite the incident the gala concert is going on, with thousands of
people waiting for the speech of President Serzh Sargsyan.

APPEALS COURT RULES FOR U OF M IN CASE OVER ‘UNRELIABLE WEBSITES’

Posted by: Jenna Ross Updated: May 4, 2012 – 11:06 AM

The Eighth U.S. Court of Appeals ruled on Thursday in favor of the
University of Minnesota in a case over a university center posting
a list of “unreliable websites.”

The university is hailing the legal victory as a win for academic
freedom.

The Turkish Coalition of America had sued the university in 2010,
claiming that the U’s Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies
violated the group’s First Amendment rights by “blacklisting” its
website because of its pro-Turkish viewpoint on the killings of
Armenians in the Ottoman Empire a century ago.

This week, the appeals court agreed with the district court in
dismissing the Turkish group’s claims.

The appeals court rejected the Turkish Coalition of America’s
comparison to other cases in which school boards removed books from
libraries. “Here, in contrast, ‘the spectrum of available knowledge’
for students at the university was unaffected,” the ruling said.

“There is no allegation that the defendants impaired students’ access
to the TCA website on a university-provided internet system.”

It also found that the group’s defamation claims failed.

In a statement, the U’s general counsel Mark Rotenberg said the
decision “confirms the right of universities and their faculty to
offer scholarly criticism and critique on websites without fear of
legal exposure.”

Read the full decision here:

THREE POLITICAL FORCES TO ESTABLISH MOBILE TEAMS TO REACT TO REPORTS ON ELECTION FRAUDS
Lusine Vasilyan

“Radiolur”
04.05.2012 17:16

Representatives of the Prosperous Armenia Party, the Armenian
Revolutionary Federation and the Armenian National Congress convened
the last fifth sitting of the joint oversight headquarters of the
parliamentary elections today to sum up the results of the election
campaign and decide on how they will cooperate on the voting day.

Chairman of the Union of Political Scientists Hmayak Hovhannisyan said
they will work actively on the election day and the following night.

They will collect the whole information received from precincts,
and will present it on-line and through briefings.

Representatives of the three parties agreed to cooperate in four main
directions. In particular, they agreed to establish mobile groups,
which will react to the reports on election frauds. Besides, the
three forces agreed to compile an alternative list of voters.

DEMOCRATIC PARTY LEADER: THESE AUTHORITIES ARE INCOMPATIBLE WITH JUSTICE

PanARMENIAN.Net
May 4, 2012 – 13:14 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – “There is some media coverage progress in this
election campaign, and I believe this is positive. The methods,
however, have remained the same,” leader of the Democratic Party of
Armenia Stepan Demirchyan told a press conference on May 4.

Demirchyan who is nominated by the opposition Armenian National
Congress (ANC) for the upcoming parliamentary elections says ANC’s
campaign was successful since it managed to gather a large number of
supporters at its recent rallies, who came voluntarily “unlike those
forced by some parties.”

“ANC held particularly large-scale campaign during the past two weeks.

It will have serious representation in the parliament in case of
fair elections,” Democratic party leader stated adding that “these
authorities are incompatible with justice”.

ANC will comprehensively assess the electoral developments following
the May 6 vote, Demirchyan said.

According to him, the opposition bloc is going to hold a rally in
Freedom Square on May 8.

Parliamentary elections are due in Armenia on May 6 featuring 8
political parties (Republican Party of Armenia (RPA), Prosperous
Armenia, ARF Dashnaktsutyun (ARFD), Orinats Yerkir, Heritage,
Democratic Party of Armenia (DPA), Communist Party of Armenia and
United Armenian party, as well as one election bloc represented by
opposition Armenian National Congress (ANC).

URUGUAY CONDEMNS THE CEASEFIRE VIOLATIONS BY AZERBAIJAN

ARMENPRESS
4 May, 2012
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, MAY 4, ARMENPRESS: Uruguay condemns any manifestation
of ceasefire violation. Armenian Foreign Affairs Minister Edward
Nalbandyan had a joint press conference with his Uruguay counterpart
Luis Almagro.

“Latest ceasefire violations come to prove that Nagorno Karabakh
conflict cannot be settled through the increase of armament means”
Foreign Affairs Minister of Oriental Republic of Uruguay highlighted.

Armenian Foreign Affairs Minister stated that the statement of Mr.

Almagro is a good approach by international society. In his words
even Turkey spoke about the non-use of force.

“International society came forth with the statement highly condemning
the series of violation in village of Doveg” Nalbandyan underscored. In
the words of the Armenian FM USA President Obama’s, Russian Federation
President Medvedev’s, Republic of France President Sarkozy’s statements
were addressed to Azerbaijan.