Author: Kanayan Tamar

Armenia, China agree to develop military cooperation

13:05 – 14.01.12

A delegation from the Chinese Ministry of National Defense has had
several meetings with the Armenian Defense Ministry’s senior officials
as part of its official visit expected to last until January 15.

According to a press release by the Ministry, the two sides considered
possibilities of developing bilateral military cooperation, focusing
particularly.on military education, rear defense system,
military-technical cooperation etc.

The results of the discussions were summed up at a meeting with Deputy
Defense Minister David Tonoyan. Highly praising the Armenian-Chinese
military cooperation, Tonoyan stressed the need of making a full use
of its potential.

The two ministries later signed an agreement on military and military
technical cooperation.

On January 13, the delegation met Minister Seyran Ohanyan. Expressing
satisfaction with the agreements reached, the minister expressed
belief that bilateral cooperation has broad potentials of development.

Tert.am

January 13, 2012
Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate
6252 Honolulu Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
Tel: (818) 248-7737
Fax: (818) 248-7745
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:

EPISCOPAL DIVINE LITURGY AND BLESSING OF MADAGH ON THE NAME DAY OF ST.
GARABED CHURCH IN HOLLYWOOD

Saturday, January 14, 2012 is the Feast of St. John the Baptist,
which is also the name day of St. Garabed Church of Hollywood.
On this occasion, on Sunday, January 15, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate, will celebrate Divine Liturgy and deliver the sermon
at St. Garabed Church.
Parish Pastor Archpriest Fr. Vicken Vassilian will assist at the
altar. The blessing of madagh will take place after the service, followed
by a luncheon at “Karapetian” Hall organized by the Parish Pastor and Board
of Trustees.
The luncheon will include a cultural program presented by Sunday
School students and Rose and Alex Pilibos High School students. Each year
during this annual luncheon, individuals are recognized and honored for
their service to the church and community. This year’s honoree is Deacon
Zohrab Yaralian.

HRANT DINK 5TH ANNIVERSARY REQUIEM

By the ordinance of the Prelate, on Sunday, January 15, requiem
service will be offered in all Prelacy Churches in memory of journalist
Hrant Dink on the 5th anniversary of his death.
A commemoration in remembrance of Hrant Dink will be held in the
evening at the Organizations of Istanbul Armenians center in Winnetka. The
event has been organized by the The Organizations of Istanbul Armenians and
the Armenian Genocide United Commemoration Committee.
Rev. Fr. Razmig Khatchardourian will attend on behalf of the
Prelate.

OVER 600 COMMUNITY MEMBERS PLEDGE THEIR SUPPORT AT THE PRELATE’S NEW YEAR
AND CHRISTMAS DINNER

On Friday, January 6, 2012, over 600 Prelacy sponsors, supporters
and friends gathered at “Bagramian” Hall of Holy Cross Cathedral in
Montebello for the Prelate’s traditional New Year and Christmas Dinner. The
dinner is held annually under the auspices of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate, by the initiative of the Religious and Executive
Councils, and organized by the Prelacy Ladies Auxiliary.
Among the guests in attendance were Consul General of Armenia the
Honorable Grigor Hovhannissian and his wife, Armenian National Assembly
member and Heritage Party leader Raffi Hovannisian, Central Executive
members Mr. Khajag Dikijian and Mr. Vahe Yacoubian with their wives,
Executive Council, Members of the ARF Central Committee, ARS, Homenetmen,
and Hamazkayin, Parishes’ delegates and Boards of Trustees, Board of Regents
and Prelacy Schools’ principals and directors, media representatives,
sponsors, and friends.
This year’s dinner was hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Harry and Cheryl
Nadjarian. The evening’s Master of Ceremonies was Rev. Fr. Vazken Atmajian.
The evening began with the entrance of the Prelate and clergy into
the hall in a procession, candles in hand and singing Christmas hymns. H.E.
Archbishop Yeprem Tabakian read the passage from the Bible on the Birth of
Christ, after which the Prelate blessed the tables.
Master of Ceremonies Rev. Fr. Vazken Atmajian welcomed the guests
and reflected on the spirit of Christmas, the good tidings of the Birth of
our Lord Jesus Christ and the message of peace, love, and harmony. Fr.
Vazken also commended the service of the Ladies Auxiliary members, noting
that they greatly contributed to the Pontifical Visit and also once again
organized the evening’s dinner. He then invited Ladies Auxiliary Chair Mrs.
Salpi Srourian and Executive Council Chair Mrs. Rima Boghossian to deliver
their remarks. Mrs. Srourian welcomed the guests and wished them an
enjoyable evening together. Mrs. Boghossian thanked the guests for the
support and encouragement they demonstrated with their attendance. She
spoke in high regard of the efforts and leadership of the Prelate, reflected
on the role of our Churches and Schools in our community life and our work
towards the Armenian Cause, and concluded by conveying her well wishes on
the New Year and Christmas.
Guests then watched the taped message of our Pontiff H.H. Catholicos
Aram I, which began with His Holiness conveying his New Year and Christmas
well wishes to the Prelate, Councils, and guests. His Holiness reflected on
the three main themes of his recent Pontifical Visit, which were spiritual
renewal, continued progress of our Schools, and furthering of our Cause,
stating that these are ongoing missions which must form the basis of all our
endeavors and collective lives.
The evening also included a cultural program. Throughout the night,
guests enjoyed traditional Armenian music presented by pianist Professor
Levon Aprahamian and singers Anahit Nercisyan and Kevork Chakmanian.
Fr. Vazken then thanked all those who contributed to the success of
the dinner, among them the Jabarian, Kurkjian, and Alexanian Families for
donating the evening’s souvenirs, centerpieces, and drinks, as well as the
participants of the cultural program, organizers, and sponsors.
The Prelate was then invited to deliver his message.
His Eminence commended Fr. Vazken for successfully carrying out his
duties as Master of Ceremonies, the Ladies Auxiliary for organizing the
evening, and all the sponsors and volunteers who made the evening as well as
the Pontifical Visit of His Holiness a great success. (Click here for full
press) (Click here for photos)
PRELATE CELEBRATES CHRISTMAS DIVINE LITURGY
AT ST. MARY’S CHURCH

On Friday, January 6, 2012, the Feast of the Nativity and Theophany
of our Lord was ceremoniously celebrated at Prelacy Churches with Divine
Liturgy, the blessing of water, and the Prelate’s Traditional New Year and
Christmas Dinner.
The celebration began on the evening of Thursday, January 5th with
Christmas Eve Divine Liturgy. H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate, celebrated Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon at Holy Cross
Cathedral in Montebello.
On Friday, January 6, the Prelate celebrated Divine Liturgy at St.
Mary’s Church in Glendale on the Feast of the Nativity and Theophany, where
he also delivered the sermon and conducted the blessing of water. The
Godfather of the Cross was Aren Melkonian, son of Prelacy and community
sponsors Mr. and Mrs. Varant and Hoori Melkonian.
In his sermon, the Prelate spoke of the inspiring and timeless
messages of the Nativity of harmony, humility, and love which remain alive
in our hearts to this day and lead us to live God-pleasing lives.
On Saturday, January 7, Christmas Memorial Day, requiem services
were offered at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills Hall of Liberty and Forest Lawn
Glendale Church of the Recessional, presided over by the Prelate and with
the participation of clergy members.

CHRISTMAS PRAYER SERVICE AND BLESSING OF WATER
AT ARARAT HOME

In celebration of the Nativity and Theophany of our Lord Jesus
Christ, on Tuesday, January 10, 2012, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate, and clergy members visited Ararat Home in Mission Hills for a
prayer service and the blessing of water.
The day began at 10:00 a.m. with a prayer and the blessing of water
in the Residents Dining Room of the Nursing Facility. Following the
service, the Prelate conveyed his well wishes to the administration and
residents for a blessed New Year.
At 10:30 a.m., Divine Liturgy was celebrated at the Sheen Chapel for
Assisted Living residents. The celebrant was Archpriest Fr. Vicken
Vassilian, who also delivered the sermon.
At noon, the Prelate and clergy were hosted to a luncheon by the
administration.

SAYAT NOVA DANCE COMPANY “JOURNEY THROUGH TIME”

On Sunday, January 15, the Sayat Nova Dance Company of Boston will
perfomr “Journey Through Time” at the Glendale High School Auditorium. The
production is a journey through pagan times, the adoption of Christianity,
the battle of Vartanantz, the Genocide, to the ultimate celebration of an
independent Armenia.
Rev. Fr. Ghevont Kirazian will attend on behalf of the Prelate.

PRELATE REPRESENTED AT RECEPTION IN HONOR OF ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH ZEHLAOUI

On December 11, 2011, H.G. Bishop Joseph (Bishop of Los Angeles and
the West in the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese) was elevated to the rank of
Archbishop by His Beautitude Ignatius IV, Patriarch of Antioch and all the
East.
On Sunday, January 8, Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was celebrated at
Saint Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Christian Cathedral followed by a special
reception in honor of the elevation of Bishop Joseph.
On behalf of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate,
Archpriest Fr. Nareg Pehlivanian attended the Liturgy and the reception,
during which he conveyed the Prelate’s congratulations and well wishes to
Archbishop Joseph. His Eminence expressed his thanks for the participation
of Fr. Nareg on behalf of the Prelate.

ARMENIAN PRIME MINISTER TO BECOME SPEAKER OF PARLIAMENT

Vestnik Kavkaza
Jan 13 2012
Russia

Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan is planning to appoint Tigran
Gevorkyan, deputy head of the parliament’s office, as head of the
office, News Armenia reports.

The Republican Party believes that Sargsyan may become Speaker of
Parliament after the parliamentary polls.

Geram Garibjanyan was replaced by Gagik Mkheyan, father of singer
Sofi Mkheyan, as head of the parliament’s office. He is also trying
to take the position.

REPRESENTATIVES OF RUSSIAN ELITE SEND OPEN LETTER TO TURKISH PM

NEWS.am
January 13, 2012 | 19:43

A group of Russian public figures have sent and open letter to Turkish
PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Yerkramas informs.

In the letter surprise is expressed on Turkey’s reaction to the
adoption of the bill criminalizing the Armenian genocide by French
Parliament.

“You declared that action to be ‘turkophobia and anti-Islamic
sentiments’. It is hard not to assume that these assessments are
covered by political consideration. We consider it as an unfavorable
and even dangerous mission that will not have any benefit to the
Turkish nation,” the letter reads.

DINK LAWYER SAYS EVIDENCE BEING WITHHELD
Fethiye Cetin

asbarez
Thursday, January 12th, 2012

ISTANBUL–Five years after the assassination of journalist Hrant Dink,
evidence related to the real perpetrators of the crime is still being
covered up, the Dink family’s lawyer, Fethiye Cetin, who has been
the chief attorney in the case, said.

“Long ago, in 2008, we demanded the records of phone calls made in
the vicinity of the assassination on the day of the murder. We were
only able to have those records in court recently, a week before
the case is going to be closed. Moreover, police provided misleading
information to the court about the phone records,” Cetin told Today’s
Zaman following the 24th hearing of the trial, which took place on
Monday at the Istanbul 14th High Criminal Court.

The late editor-in-chief of the Turkish-Armenian weekly Agos, Dink
was shot dead by an ultranationalist teenager outside the offices of
his newspaper in broad daylight in Istanbul on Jan. 19, 2007. The
investigation into his murder stalled as the suspected perpetrator
and his accomplices were put on trial, but those who masterminded
the plot to kill him have yet to be exposed and punished.

Cetin said that contrary to the police investigation, which found no
phone conversations among the suspects on the day of the murder, the
Dink family attorneys found with their limited resources at least five
cell phone numbers belonging to people who were present at the crime
scene on the day of the murder that were directly connected to Mustafa
Ozturk and Sahil Hacısalihoglu, two suspects in the investigation.

The Telecommunications Directorate (TÄ°B) told the court that 6,235
phone conversations took place in the vicinity at the time of the
murder and that 9,300 people were carrying cell phones in the area. It
also said their records showed no link to any of the cell phones.

“TIB’s statement is not true,” Cetin said, adding that one of the
numbers assigned to a cell phone present in the area at the time of
the murder was used in 19 calls to suspect Mustafa Ozturk between the
dates Oct. 22, 2005 – about two years prior to the murder – and Jan.

She accused the Istanbul Police Department of misleading judicial
institutions, obscuring evidence and attempting to keep the truth
from coming out.

Asked about what she expects out of the court’s judgment next week when
it is likely to end the case, Cetin said they demand life sentences
with no possibility of parole for the instigators of the murder.

“It is up to the court to rule. The court is willing to reach a
judgment soon because of a possibility of discharge since the suspects
have been on trial for almost five years now,” she said.

According to the Dink family’s lawyers, bureaucracy and institutions
resist solving the murder in its entirety because there is a lack of
political will to move the investigation along.

After the finalization of the case by the Istanbul 14th High Criminal
Court, the Dink case is supposed to go to the Supreme Court of Appeals.

“The Istanbul court demanded the prosecution examine the TIB records
more thoroughly. If there is new evidence, the case could be reopened
with an additional indictment,” Cetin said, Today’s Zaman reported.

ARMENIAN PARTIES UNVEIL THEIR ECONOMIC PLATFORMS AHEAD OF PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS

/ARKA/
JANUARY 13, 2012
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, January 13. /ARKA/. Senior members of some Armenian political
parties disclosed today the economic sections of their election
programs during a conference organized by the Armenian Center for
National and International Studies with the supported of the U.S.-based
National Democratic Institute (NDI).

“Economic platforms of parties are actively touted ahead of every
elections in an attempt to attract voters, and today we decided to
provide this opportunity to some political forces to unveil economic
sections of their election programs,” Ruben Mehrabian, head of THE
Armenian Center for National and International Studies, said.

The economic platform of the ruling Republican Party of Armenia
was introduced by parliament member Vardan Ayvazian, who said the
authorities’ main task is to ensure steady economic development.

Artsvik Minasian from the opposition Armenian Revolutionary
Federation/Dashnaktsutyun, said his party advocates growing role of the
government in market relations, which stems from the party’s ideology.

“The economic crisis has shown that governments should play a larger
role in regulating economy The market does not have to regulate all
economic processes in the country, it must serve the society and
citizens,’ Minasian said.

Vahagn Khachatryan from the out-of-parliament opposition Armenian
National Congress said Armenia needs now drastic reforms. He also
stressed the importance of eliminating oligarchy, monopolies and
corruption.

Tatevik Minasian from Free Democrats said their party’s economic
policy is based on boosting private sector.

“We believe that the priority is to create a favorable taxation system,
and reduce the shadow economy,’ she said.

The next parliamentary elections in Armenia will be held in May
2012.

ARMENIAN INDUSTRIAL OUTPUT IN 2011 AMOUNTS TO OVER 900 BILLION DRAMS: VAZGEN SAFARIAN

/ARKA
JANUARY 13, 2012
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, January 13. /ARKA/. According to preliminary data, Armenian
industrial output in 2011 amounted to over 900 billion drams, Vazgen
Safarian, chairman of the Union of Armenian Commodity Manufacturers,
told a news conference today. He said when the figure is finalized
it will constitute 25% of Armenia’s GDP last year and described it as
‘unprecedented.’

According to Armenian National Statistical Service (Armstat), in the
first 11 months of past year the industrial output was 889.5. In 2010
it was 824.3 billion drams. In 2010 the industrial output, including
energy, constituted 14.8% of the overall GDP.

Vazgen Safarian also said the government-designed strategy to boost
export-oriented industries may prompt it to increase its financing
of local manufacturing companies.

The strategy commissioned by the World Bank was developed by a group
of experts with the assistance of the ministry of economy focuses on
building an advanced industrial system, which in turn is supposed to
stimulate production of high quality products meeting international
standards, to help Armenian companies win new foreign markets and
create new jobs. The strategy specifies what the government seeks to
achieve by 2020. More specifically, exports are supposed to double
by 2015 and reach $3 billion by 2020. To implement this strategy the
government will set up Industrial Council to be chaired by the prime
minister of Armenia, as well as establish sub-councils to coordinate
projects in 11 chosen sectors.

Vazgen Safarian said also Armenian embassies abroad should step up
monitoring of Armenian sales abroad.

According to official data, in the first 11 months of 2011 Armenian
exports grew by 31.1% year-on-year to $1.206.7 billion while imports
upped by 12.3% to $3.751.1 billion.

CATHOLICOS ARAM I RECEIVES LEBANESE AMBASSADOR TO KAZAKHSTAN VAZGEN KAVLAKYAN

ARMENPRESS
JANUARY 13, 2012
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, JANUARY 13, ARMENPRESS: Catholicos of the Great House of
Cilicia Aram I received Friday Lebanese Ambassador to Kazakhstan
Vazgen Kavlakyan.

During the meeting the ambassador thoroughly presented to His Holiness
issues concerning Kazakhstan, as well as referred to the results of
the implemented work, press service of the Antelias Catholicosate told
Armenpress. His Holiness Aram I highly assessed the ambassador’s work
and stressed that his service brings high honor both to Lebanon and
entire Armenian nation.

The ambassador also told Aram I that the Catholicos will be
solemnly invited to the international inter-religious assembly due
in Kazakhstan.

Vazgen Kavlakyan is the first Lebanese ambassador in Kazakhstan and
is in service already 4 years. During his term he has managed to make
outstanding contribution to development of the political and economic
relations of Lebanon and Kazakhstan.

FIRST ‘UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE’ CONTEST TO BE HELD IN ARMENIA

Panorama.am
13/01/2012

In the frames of Armenian Robots Open Championship (ArmRobotics)
the Union of Information Technologies Enterprises (UITE) announces
registration for the ‘Unmanned Aerial Vehicle’ (UAV) contest. The
participants of this contest must design and prepare robots which must
recognize the navigation signs and send pictures of the area online,
find the specially assigned tee, flop down a burden of 300 grams and
fly back to its original place of flight.

The robots may have any type of construction including: – VTOL
(Vertical Take-Off and Landing) – CTOL (Conventional Take-Off and
Landing) – STOVL (Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing) etc.

The take-off and landing can be non-autonomous.

For participation to this contest participants need to register at
from 13/01/12 to
12/03/12 inclusive.

ArmRobotics is established by UITE, the main sponsor is VivaCell-MTS,
technical equipment was provided by Artin Varoujan company, supporters
are the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Armenia and Microsoft
Innovation Center of Armenia.

KARABAKH PREVENTS AZERBAIJAN TO RECOGNIZE NORTHERN CYPRUS – TURKISH LAWMAKER

Tert.am
13.01.12

Turkey Does Not Want Azerbaijan To Recognize The Independence Of
Northern Cyprus because of Nagorno- Karabakh, Sinan Ogan, a member
of the Turkish Grand National Assembly has said.

The Azerbaijani news website Salamnews.az has quoted the Turkish
lawmaker as saying that the country’s recognition by Azerbaijan would
cause Nagorno-Karabakh to gain the status of an independent statehood.

“But in case Turkey asks for recognition, Azerbaijan will do that.

Turkey is sure to create a united state one day,” he said.