Author: Kanayan Tamar

Yerevan police find dead body of elderly woman

news.am
April 30, 2012 | 15:28

YEREVAN. – An Armenian capital Yerevan apartment resident called the
Police, on April 28 at 10:15pm, and informed that the grandmother of
her neighbor was tied in the latter’s apartment and fallen on the
ground, and the apartment was turned upside-down.

The police officers, who were dispatched to the scene, discovered in
the apartment the dead body of the its resident, Sirush Petrosyan, 78,
with traces of violence, and with her mouth, hands and feet tied.

A forensic medical examination is commissioned. The circumstances are
being ascertained. A criminal case is opened on murder charges. An
investigation is underway.

Yerevan number one jazzman assures that the city likes to listen to jazz

14:59, 30 April, 2012

YEREVAN, APRIL 30, ARMENPRESS: April 30 is the international day of
jazz. By the initiative of Yerevan Mayor Taron Margaryan, in the
framework of the event , Yerevan citizens will enjoy a concert project
performed by the Armenian masters of jazz at the nearby of ”Cascade”
complex. Armenian and world best jazz compositions are scheduled in
the program of the event.
”We had a jazz concerts on jazz day in the previous years as well.
This concert will enable the audience a chance to listen to qualified
music for a few hours” jazzman Levon Malkhasyan told Armenpress
reporter.
The interlocutor highlighted that the congratulations on the occasion
have started from the very morning which testify that Yerevan
residents like to listen to jazz.

Armenia’s Defense Minister bids farewell to Iran’s outgoing ambassador

news.am
April 30, 2012 | 14:53

YEREVAN. – Armenian Minister of Defense, Seyran Ohanyan, on Monday
received Iranian Ambassador Seyed Ali Saghaian, who is ending his
diplomatic mission in Armenia.

The parties highly evaluated the existing relations between the two
countries, and noted the latter have carried out numerous programs,
over the course of the past 20-year cooperation, and this
collaboration is envisioned to be broadened.

Also, the interlocutors reflected on regional matters, the approach
toward perceiving regional security, and the avenues toward resolving
current conflicts and the parties’ respective positions.

Armenia’s Defense Minister thanked Iran’s ambassador for his
contribution to improving bilateral relations during his diplomatic
mission in Armenia.

In his turn, Ambassador Saghaian noted that the strategic
Armenian-Iranian ties stem from the political will of the leaders of
the two countries, and the historical and cultural similarities of the
two peoples.

Ohanyan wished the Ambassador success, and expressed a hope that
Saghaian will continue assisting in the strengthening of relations
between both countries, in his future activities, too.

Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan urges return of confiscated churches

armradio.am
30.04.2012 14:01

His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Prelate of the Armenian
Apostolic Church of the Eastern United States, called on Members of
Congress to urge Turkey to return confiscated Christian churches and
end U.S. complicity in Turkey’s genocide denial, during a full day
Capitol Hill meetings, this week, which began with the offering of the
opening prayer at the U.S. Senate and ended with an invocation at the
annual Capitol Hill Armenian Genocide Observance, reported the
Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).

The Archbishop’s opening prayer at the Senate was held on April 25th,
at the request of Rhode Island Senator Jack Reed (D) and at the
invitation of the Senate Chaplain. `We thank you in the name of the
Armenian people for your divine mercy in providing them a safe refuge
in this blessed country, the United States of America, where they were
delivered from the depths of despair of genocide and welcomed with new
life,’ said His Eminence. `Reveal your infinite spirit to the members
of this Senate that they may be inspired toward a greatness of purpose
and ennobled in their quest for good governance.’

Sen. Reed welcomed Archbishop Choloyan in a moving Senate floor
statement, which commemorated the Armenian Genocide and called for
U.S. affirmation of that crime. `This year I once again join my
colleagues in encouraging the United States to officially recognize
the Armenian genocide,’ explained Senator Reed. `Denial of this
history is not consistent with our country’s sensitivity to human
rights and our dedication to the highest and noblest principles that
should govern the world. We must continue to educate our young people
against this type of hatred and oppression so we can seek to prevent
such crimes against humanity in the future. It was indeed an honor to
be here to listen to the wise words of the Archbishop, to hear his
prayer, his reflection, and to go forth knowing that he is a powerful
force in our country for tolerance and decency,’ concluded Sen. Reed.

Armenian Constitutional Court to examine constitutionality of
publicizing voters’ list

news.am
April 30, 2012 | 13:15

YEREVAN. – Armenia’s Constitutional Court will convene on Saturday to
examine the constitutionality of the proposal to make public the lists
of participating voters in the country’s elections.

The initiative to apply to the Court on to this matter was made by the
ruling coalition’s Prosperous Armenia Party (PAP), the opposition bloc
Armenian National Congress, and the opposition ARF Dashnaktsutyun
Party, which have formed a joint parliamentary election oversight
headquarters. The PAP and ARF MPs had petitioned the Court with the
aforesaid proposal.

The Court decided that the case will be examined verbally.

Also, the Court will consider the constitutionality of several
provisions with respect to the rights and powers of the election
observers and proxies.

Three In A Boat (To Say Nothing of the Dog’s Head)

HAKOB BADALYAN

Story from Lragir.am News:

Published: 14:05:11 – 30/04/2012

As part of the campaign, one of the TV channels hosted Vartan Oskanian
running second on the ticket of the Prosperous Armenia Party. He said
that 4 years ago the situation in Armenia was much better and a two
digit growth was reported several years running, even though it is
thought to be exaggerated or speculative in structure.

It goes without saying that the social and economic situation in
Armenia was better four years ago, especially for ordinary citizens.
Experts, economists, the government may argue and prove in
professional terms that the reason for today’s decline is the
dangerous and wrong balloon of growth four years ago. However, the
citizens know only one indicator of evaluation. When was easier to
earn their living and support their children, now or four years ago?

The rest is the same speculation, as the growth of four or five years
ago is speculatively explained by the government. In this sense,
Vartan Oskanian is right when he says it is necessary to bring up the
issue of responsibility now because it will ensure the most optimal
way to effectiveness in future.

At the same time, there is another aspect, or perhaps even the main
aspect of the issue. It is systemic issues in Armenia – constraints of
political and economic freedoms, a closed economic and political
system, criminal and unconstitutional cohesion of the government and
business and maintenance of this system through unconstitutional
methods.

The other issues – economic, political, social, psychological,
cultural, legal consciousness, human resource – are the consequences
of these basic vices.

During the election campaign the society often hears pronouncements
that it was different before. Moreover, they often hear that formerly
a lot of things were better, even model. These pronouncements, hints,
contexts are made regularly, the citizens hear examples from the
Armenian National Congress leaders who were in government till 1998,
as well as from Vartan Oskanian.

In other words, two pillars of the political system of Armenia, the
first and the second presidents, are trying to hint to the public with
the help of their supporters that everything was different during
their time, and a lot of things were better.

At least it is not honest to talk to the society this way. It is the
same manipulation spirit of trust to change which the government is
trying to play now.

It is impossible to have a good government with good tendencies and
correct content and logic from which a bad system is suddenly born.

If Kocharyan’s government was born from Ter-Petrosyan’s government, it
means the spirit of that government felt good and comfortable in
Ter-Petrosyan’s government, it means that Ter-Petrosyan’s system had
people with such mentality, this system of values was encouraged,
reaching a level of ability for a coup.

It is impossible to have positive tendencies of development, modern
values and approaches in Robert Kocharyan’s system, which are suddenly
turned upside down as soon as Serzh Sargsyan becomes president, and
Tigran Sargsyan becomes prime minister.

After all, since 1995 the electoral systems and the judicial system
have been mutated in Armenia, in 1995 the function of forming
government was seized from the citizens of Armenia and handed to the
military-feudal system which underwent some technological
`modernization’ resulting in change of correlation of the military and
feudal elements in favor of the feudal system.

In fact, the issue of effective governance persists in any system, and
it cannot be argued. In the same totalitarian system one can govern
effectively, while others may govern ineffectively.

In Armenia, however, the problem is systemic, fundamental. In other
words, the problem is not effective or ineffective governance but the
starting points – Constitution, open political and economic systems,
promotion of the right to vote, an independent judicial system.

This is the main issue and not the working hours of the government or
the multiplier effect of building in Yerevan during the term of each
president.

Hence, it is necessary to discuss these fundamental, original issues,
the ways of their rapid solution. Discussions in this context must not
play subtly on situational `advantages’ of the former ones to justify
themselves but apologize to the society honestly for systemic
irregularities, legal shortcomings, mutation of values, thereby
guaranteeing in the least extent that there is full acknowledgement of
challenges facing the state and sincere intention and will. Afterwards
the ability for their implementation will come.

Armenian MP: American priest creates tension by desecrating Quran

Tehran, April 30, IRNA – Representative of Armenians of southern Iran
in the Iranian Parliament Robert Beglarian condemned the act of an
American priest in desecrating the Holy Quran and said he is seeking
to sow discord among religions.

He referred to the act of the American priest as a low, mean and
provoking behavior.

He strongly condemned the move and said such an act is in no way acceptable.

The parliamentarian further said the priest’s desecrating act shows
that religion in western countries has turned into a tool for creating
tension among religions.

1424**1422
Islamic Republic News Agency/IRNA NewsCode: 80104520

PARIS
Ayse Gunaysu : « J’ai honte »

Vendredi 27 Avril, à l’invitation de l’Armenian Council of Europe &
Sourp Khatch Tebrevank, Ayse Gunaysu, représentante de la Ligue des
Droits de l’Homme en Turquie, et Ara Sarafian, historien et Président
de l’Institut Komitas à Londres, ont donné une conférence au Centre
culturel Alex Manoogian (UGAB) de la rue de Courcelles à Paris.

Arrivant d’Istanbul, où l’un et l’autre ont participé, le 24 Avril,
aux commémorations rendant hommage aux victimes du génocide de 1915,
ils ont été chaleureusement accueilli par les 240 personnes venus les
écouter. Il y avait là, bien sûr des français d’origine arménienne,
mais aussi des turcs, kurdes et français. Les historiens Raymond
Kevorkian et Dickran Kouymjian étaient également présents.

D’apparence fragile, une voix douce et légère, chaleureuse, Ayse
Gunaysu n’en est pas moins une femme déterminée dans ses convictions ;
étant la seule en Turquie, soutenue par la Ligue, à demander
formellement la reconnaissance du génocide des arméniens et ses
réparations, sachant qu’elle peut être à tout moment arrêtée dans son
élan humaniste par les autorités de son pays.

Une minute de silence

S’exprimant en turc, avec l’appui d’une traductrice, la militante a
délivré le message de son organisation et s’est livré à l’exercice des
questions réponses sans tabou.

« Je voudrais que vous sachiez que pour moi d’être ici est un honneur.
J’en suis fière. Mais j’ai aussi une sensation de honte. L’origine de
cette honte que j’ai aujourd’hui, c’est parce que je viens de cet
État. Cet État qui est l’auteur de ce génocide. » dit-elle.
Poursuivant en indiquant que « si il n’y avait pas eu de génocide en
1915, la population arménienne s’élèverait aujourd’hui à 17 millions.
A cette époque, une personne sur cinq n’était pas de confession
musulmane, dont les arméniens. Aujourd’hui ils ne représentent plus
qu’une goutte dans l’océan, au même titre que les Roms et les
Assyriens déportés et dépossédés de leurs richesses. Voilà pourquoi
aujourd’hui j’éprouve cette sensation de honte », dira-t-elle.

« J’étais membre du parti communiste dans ce pays. Je pensais faire
partie de ces leaders éclairés pourvu de connaissances. Eh bien non,
car j’ai appris l’existence du génocide arménien, très, très
tardivement. Cette terrible réalité a encore été une autre raison pour
laquelle j’ai honte. J’ai honte d’être de ce pays qui est la
République de Turquie. »

Dénonçant le négationnisme ambiant, Ayse Gunaysu ajoute que ce
génocide concerne toutes les couches de la société. « C’est l’État
lui-même qui est à l’origine de ce négationnisme. Et c’est cela qui
fait perdre à la population ses capacités de réflexions et aussi de
visibilité. C’est à dire toute prise de conscience et de discernement
; ce qui est le plus important, rendant les gens handicapés. »

« La vérité nous l’avons apprise très très tardivement. Non seulement
tardivement, mais avec très peu d’éléments. Quand je dis `nous’, nous
n’étions qu’une poignée de personnes. Au fur et à mesure que nous
apprenions d’autres choses, de découverte en découverte, on continuait
à avoir honte.. Aujourd’hui nous apprenons encore pour connaître et
faire éclater la vérité.

Ces mensonges sont un rideau de brouillard. Aujourd’hui ce rideau
commence doucement à se lever. On commence à voir au travers parce
qu’il y a de moins en moins de brouillard. »

Elle indique que que les premières actions de la Ligue des droits de
l’homme ont commencé en 2005 et publiquement le 24 avril 2010. En 2011
la manifestation a eu lieu devant le Musée des Arts Islamiques, un
endroit symbolique où en 1915, les intellectuels arméniens ont été
regroupés avant l’ultime voyage vers la mort.

Deux courriers ont été envoyés au Catholicos pour qu’enfin ce génocide
soit reconnu et que l’ensemble des biens des arméniens leurs soient
restitués. « C’est aussi une façon de reconnaître le génocide », dit
Ayse Gunaysu, sous les applaudissements.

Par ailleurs, la représentante de la Ligue des droits de l’homme
explique que son organisation est à l’origine, le grain de sable qui
avait amené l’Union européenne a exiger de la Turquie qu’elle
reconnaisse le génocide des arméniens pour pouvoir prétendre à
l’adhésion. « Cela fait aussi partie de nos travaux », a-t-elle
indiqué.

Devant une telle personnalité, à l’image d’un Ragip Zarakolu, nous ne
pouvons que nous incliner et leur venir en aide tant que faire se peut
en multipliant les contacts avec la société civile turque.

Jean Eckian + photos

lundi 30 avril 2012,
Jean Eckian ©armenews.com

ARMENIE
Un monument consacré au Génocide des Assyriens dévoilé en Arménie

L’inauguration officielle du Mémorial du génocide assyrien situé rue
Nalbandyan à Erevan a eu lieu le 25 avril, un jour après que les
Arméniens du monde entier aient commémoré le 97 ème anniversaire du
génocide arménien.

Le monument a été inauguré en présence d’officiels arméniens, des
représentants de diverses organisations assyriennes locales et
internationales, des représentants des partis politiques arméniens,
des membres de la presse et du public.

Le monument de marbre gris porte l’inscription, « A la mémoire des
victimes assyriennes innocentes de 1915.`

L’inauguration a commencé par une minute de silence pour les victimes.

« Nous devons exiger que la Turquie reconnaîsse le Génocide arménien »
a dit M. Arsen Mikhailov, le chef des Assyriens en Arménie, « paye des
compensations aux différentes nations ».

Il a remercié les participants pour leur présence. Il a parlé du
processus du projet, des défis et des obstacles auxquels à fait face
la construction. Il a dit que certains se sont opposés à la conception
du mémorial, d’autres à son emplacement, et certains à sa
construction. Toutefois, a-t-il ajouté, ce qui est important, c’est
que le mémorial ait été finalement achevé. « Nous devons pérenniser la
mémoire de nos victimes », a-t-il dit.

Il a remercié le président Serge Sarkissian, le parlement, et la
municipalité d’Erevan pour leur soutien financier et moral.

Calouste Sahakyan, chef de la faction parlementaire du Parti
Républicain d’Arménie (RPA), a déclaré que le monde a reconnu ce
génocide, mais que la Real Politique a incité plusieurs personnes à
mettre des considérations politiques avant la vérité. `Le peuple
arménien a salué et appuyé les Assyriens … L’Arménie est votre pays,
et Erevan est votre ville … 7000 Assyriens vivent en Arménie
aujourd’hui », a-t-il ajouté.

Ormuz Shahedin, Secrétaire général adjoint de l’Assyrian Universal
Alliance section Australie, a déclaré : `[C’] est un événement
important dans la vie de notre communauté. Ce mémorial est un monument
pour les Assyriens, ainsi que tous les autres qui ont souffert`.

Il a parlé des massacres, de la perte d’une patrie, des persécutions
subies par les Assyriens en raison de leur foi chrétienne. Il a
exhorté les organisations internationales à faire pression sur la
Turquie pour qu’elle reconnaîsse le génocide. `Condamnons ces actes
pour ce qu’ils sont- un génocide », a-t-il ajouté.

Une partie des enfants présents étaient habillés en costume
traditionnel assyriens. `Nous les Assyriens réunis ici aujourd’hui
sont les enfants et petits-enfants de survivants du génocide – le
génocide qui a détruit nos vies … Nous n’oublierons jamais 1915 !
Plus jamais 1915 ! Plus jamais de génocide ! ` a déclaré Sabri Atman,
directeur du Centre de Recherche sur le Génocide assyrien en Suède.

La cérémonie a été écourtée en raison d’une pluie diluvienne. Un
orateur a décrit les fortes pluies que les `larmes de nos victimes.`

Le monument a été dévoilé rapidement.

Nanore Barsoumian

Armenian Weekly

lundi 30 avril 2012,
Stéphane ©armenews.com

Mashtots Park. Police Arrested Seven. One Injured

Story from Lragir.am News:

Published: 14:10:33 – 29/04/2012

At 12 o’clock the dismantling brigades resumed dismantling of boutiques in
Mashtots Park. The police chained the boutiques blocking access to them. The
police undertook more violent actions today.

The member of the first brigade Manvel Sargsyan urged the dismantlers not to
resist to the police. If they hit fall down, if they arrest, surrender, if
they take to court, we will go and invite the criminals who have perpetrated
this situation.

Stepan Danielyan read aloud the instruction of Mayor Margaryan not to allow
a group of people to hinder the construction of boutiques, parking area in
the park. The hand of one of the dismantlers was injured amid the hustle.
While the dismantlers were trying to access the boutiques, the young
environmentalists put up 2 or 3 tents in the other side of the park. They
announced to launch 24-hour sit in.

About one hundred policemen and red-beret forces have been deployed in the
park. They assaulted the young environmentalists surrounding the tents to
protect them from being taken away. The policemen outnumbering the activists
were able to tear to parts the tents and arrested Vahram Soghomonyan, Gor
Hakobyan, Yeghia Nersisyan, Arman Yaralyan, Gevorg Safaryan, Karen
Harutyunyan. The policearrested Armen Hovhanisyan, member of the first
brigade. Yeghia Nersisyan is injured.