Author: Kanayan Tamar

ARMENIA GETS $65 MILLION LOAN FROM ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK

Tendersinfo News
November 28, 2011 Monday 6:30 AM EST

According to the Asian Development Bank s (ADB) released statement,
it has agreed to provide $65 million loan for a period of five years
to help Armenia enlarge its small and medium-scale enterprise (SME)
segment, which is crucial for driving inclusive growth, increasing
employment, and reducing poverty.

The will be allocated to four Armenian banks which are ACBA Credit
Agricole Bank, Ardshininvestbank, Ameriabank, and Inecobank. These
four banks have robust monetary power and are dedicated to extend
their lending services to SMEs.

These Armenian banks will receive this amount to facilitate finances
to the small- and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) which constitute
about 98% of all businesses and the country s gross domestic product
s as well as employment opportunity s healthy above 40% is contributed
by this sector.

This is the first ADB initiative to promote SMEs in Armenia, and its
largest initiative to-date in support of Armenia s financial sector.

The program will provide the four banks with vital medium-term funds
needed to reach more SMEs, said the Resident Representative in Armenia
David Dole. Helping smaller firms to grow will create jobs and boost
incomes as well as help Armenia diversify its economy.

Though bank loan is presented to the Armenian SME sector but is far
from fulfilling the requirements. The financial support to smaller
businesses has been capped from the brake in payments following the
2009 economic heartbreak and the banks unprecedented unwillingness
to loan the smaller entities. Simultaneously, banks also experience
problems in tracing medium-period finance to offer long-period loans
to SMEs that required resources for investment to enhance output,
said ADB.

The ADB will also help the banks advance their capacity building
for serving the SMEs in a far-sighted and nonstop way by offering
expertise.

The loan program includes many inventive qualities, like offering
at least a certain amount of loans for businesses outside Yerevan,
to bring equal development along with ensuring gender equality.

>From over a decade, the Armenian government has been putting efforts
to enlarge the SME segment and is currently running a SME national
scheme which will form the path for its future growth. The government
is keen to construct a robust SME segment, as well as will promote
private sector moves such as ADB s program by offering banks with
higher lending options for the SME division.

The Manila-based ADB Was set up in 1966 and it is devoted to eradicate
poverty in Asia and the Pacific via comprehensive economic as well as
eco-friendly continuous development, plus regional amalgamation. It is
possessed by 67 members, while 48 is from the region itself. In 2010,
ADB grants, together with, co-financing, stood at $17.51 billion.

Moreover, ADB s currently undergone Trade Finance Program has backed
trade worth $2.8 billion.

NATO SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE STRESSES THE IMPORTANCE OF ARMENIA’S PARTICIPATION IN THE ISAF MISSION

Mediamax
Nov 29 2011
Armenia

Yerevan/Mediamax/. NATO Special Representative for the South Caucasus
and Central Asia James Appathurai stressed the importance of Armenia’s
participation in the ISAF mission in Afghanistan.

“Your military servicemen are located in regions of Afghanistan where
the situation is rather uneasy”, said James Appathurai speaking at
the videoconference organized by Information Center on NATO in Armenia
for the students of YSU Center for European Studies today.

The NATO official especially underlined the fact that the Armenian
side takes part in the process of forming Afghanistan’s Armed Forces
by providing military instructors.

The Armenian peacekeeping contingent consisting of 81 people has
arrived in Mazâr-earif this June.

On May 11, 2011, Armenian National Assembly approved the decision on
expanding the Armenian contingent participating in ISAF.

Armenian First Deputy Defense Minister David Tonoyan said in the
interview to Mediamax in May that one additional company minus,
with 81 people, will be deployed in the headquarters of the Regional
Command North, which is located in Mazâr-earif.

“This company will be responsible for providing security of military
compound and Mazâr-earif Airport. At the same time, 5 Armenian
instructor officers will be located in the infantry battalion of the
Afghan Army in the town of Tolukan, where they will conduct personnel
training,” David Tonoyan said then.

TURKISH GOV. DECLARES ARMENIAN GERMUS VILLAGE TOURISM CENTER

Panorama
Nov 29 2011
Armenia

Armenian Germus village, located in the Turkish province of Sanlıurfa,
is now called Dagetegi, which means Hillside.

“Ermenihaber.am” news site says Turkey’s Government has passed a
decision declaring the village and the Armenian Church tourism center.

According to the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the ministry
submitted the proposal which has been approved by the government.

Sanlıurfa is historic Urfa. Later it was called Urha or Urfa by
Arabs and Turks. Greek and Roman historians say Urfa was founded by
King Selevkos of Assyria.

HOEVE HALBACH: “IRREVOCABLE WITHDRAWAL OF ARMENIAN MILITARY FORCES FROM THE TERRITORY AROUND NAGORNO-KARABALH IS NECESSARY”

Vestnik Kavkaza

Nov 29 2011
Russia

German expert on the Caucasus from the Berlin ‘Science and Politics”
Foundation, Professor Hoeve Halbach, shared his view of the ongoing
processes in the South and North Caucasus with a VK correspondent. The
third part of the interview touches upon the situation in Armenia
and the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

– Mr. Halbach, how can you comment on the series of resignations of
top officials in Armenia? What are the chances of Serge Sargsyan in
the next election race?

– I haven’t yet formed a clear picture of the developments which are
taking place in the internal political scene of Armenia. I think we
should wait for the elections. I don’t think a change of power will
necessarily take place, however, it is possible. The former president
Levon Ter-Petrosyan is an outstanding opposition figure. Speculation
on the return of Robert Kocheryan to political life at the side of
the current president Sargsyan is also interesting. At the moment
the internal political situation in Armenia is not clear.

– Some people in Azerbaijan think that in the case of Ter-Petrosyan’s
rise to power a peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
will be possible…

– Yes, this opinion is understandable, as in the past Ter-Petrosyan
was overthrown because of his readiness to compromise in the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. As a result, in 1988 the Karabakh group
came to office, headed by Robert Kocheryan. That is why a return to
the presidential position by Ter-Petrosyan could have consequences in
the sphere of settlement of the conflict. But I don’t think he will
risk and dare a direct compromise. I think a big problem in this
conflict is the threats of power elites that conflicting political
forces will use a readiness for compromise for their own internal
political interests. This aspect plays a significant role. However,
space for compromise is rather limited.

– Considering the absolutely opposite positions of the conflict
parties, what kind of compromise can there be at all?

– How does the road map of the conflict settlement look? Does it
presuppose a package or phased variants of a settlement, what steps
should be taken? One of the crucial moments is the irrevocable
withdrawal of Armenian military forces from the territory around
Nagorno-Karabakh before what should be done with Nagorny Karabakh can
be understood. The territories around Nagorno-Karabakh are bigger
than Nagorno-Karabakh itself. Most Azerbaijani refugees came from
these nearby territories. I think Azerbaijan should focus on these
territories first of all and establish conditions for withdrawal
of the Armenian army from these regions. But it won’t achieve this
goal through bellicose oratory. The erritories which are regarded by
Azerbaijan as occupied are a security belt for Armenia.

Interview by Orkhan Sattarov, exclusively to VK.

A BOOK ABOUT THE HISTORY AND CULTURE OF ARTSAKH PUBLISHED IN PARIS

Story from Lragir.am News:

Published: 15:21:35 – 30/11/2011

On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the independence of the
Nagorno Karabakh Republic, an illustrated book – Artsakh: a Garden of
Armenian Traditions and Art – was published in Paris in the French and
English languages, under the aegis of the NKR Ministry of Culture and
Youth Affairs and with the assistance of Support to Nagorno Karabakh
organization operating in France.

The book gives its readers an exceptional chance to get
acquainted with the history of Artsakh, its archeological heritage,
historical-architectural monuments, manuscripts, and carpet-weaving
school.

The authors of the book are prominent scientists and academics –
history and culture experts of Artsakh.

LANDMARK EVENT IN DIASPORA CELEBRATING MONTE

hetq
13:16, November 30, 2011

For the past several weeks, the “Hayrenaser” organization has been
hard at work to organize the Diaspora’s main event dedicated to the
famed Artsakh commander Monte Melkonian on the occasion of his 54th
birthday. As the program of the event takes shape, more details emerge
of what awaits the community on December 4th at the complex of the
Western Diocese in Burbank. Most recently it was announced that Dr.

Armen Ayvazyan, a widely respected historian and political scientist
based in Yerevan, will participate in the event in person and speak on
the strategic importance of the liberated territories. As Director of
the Yerevan-based “Ararat” Center for Strategic Research, Dr. Ayvazyan
has written extensively on the topic of national security of Armenia.

As communicated earlier, Professor Markar Melkonian, the brother of
Monte and author of Monte’s biography “My Brother’s Road” will speak
about Monte’s life. Professor Melkonian has spent years researching
every detail of Monte’s path and his struggle, which has culminated in
a valuable account of the phenomenon of Monte in the aforementioned
book. Other speakers will join via Skype to present other aspects
of Monte’s life. Seta Melkonian, Monte’s wife, will speak about the
human qualities of Monte, whose extreme kindness is cited by people
who met him. Renowned General Hmayak Haroyan will speak about Monte as
a military commander. While currently retired from the Armenian Armed
Forces, General Haroyan fought alongside Monte in Martuni during the
most crucial period of the Artsakh Liberation War as both commanders
used their skills and experience to build a well-trained regular army
unit out of the ragtag and disparate groups of inexperienced freedom
fighters of Martuni.

To present the view from the ground in the liberated territories,
government officials from Artsakh’s liberated Kashatagh region
will join the event via Skype, while “Hayrenaser” co-founder Nelli
Shushi Martirosyan will brief the audience on the main findings of a
research study in those territories she undertook. The research study
was conducted to lay the groundwork for infrastructure projects by
“Hayrenaser” in the coming years. In addition to speaker presentations
on the present situation in these regions, the public will also
be offered an exhibit of photographs of the millennia-old Armenian
historical monuments in these regions. Most importantly, personal items
of Monte Melkonian – samurai sword, Japanese kendo uniform, letters
and pieces of military uniform worn in Martuni – will be displayed.

The organizers promise an evening of patriotic inspiration set by
the example of Monte’s life. The event is open to the public and
will commence at 6:00 PM. Zorayan Museum is located at the St. Leon
Cathedral of the Western Diocese at 3325 N. Glenoaks Blvd., Burbank,
CA 91504. Readers are asked to direct any questions regarding the
event to [email protected].

Arlet Allahverdi

ILIA II: SOME PEOPLE SHOW JEALOUSY OF THE ARMENIAN-GEORGIAN RELATIONS, BUT WE SHALL OVERCOME IT AS USUAL

arminfo
Wednesday, November 30, 12:50

Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan, who is currently in Georgia on an
official visit, met All-Georgian Patriarch Ilia II on Tuesday.

The importance of the Armenian and Georgian churches in the life of
the countries was stressed during the meeting with Ilia II.”I highly
appreciate the relations of our peoples. Some people show jealousy of
the Armenian-Georgian relations, but we shall overcome it as usual. We
gave common values”, – Ilia II said.

President Serzh Sargsyan and Patriarch Ilia II stressed that
the cultures of the two countries have always contributed to the
fulfillment of one another.

The same day Armenian President met Georgia’s parliament speaker
Davit Bakradze. President Sargsyan and the speaker Bakradze discussed
issues, which are still relevant in economic cooperation of the two
countries. The parties agreed that activation of the economic and
business relations will promote deepening of social and cultural
relations in future.

40 POUR CENT DES FAMILLES ARMENIENNES NE VOIENT PAS LEUR AVENIR EN ARMENIE
Stephane

armenews.com
mercredi 30 novembre 2011

Le gouvernement armenien a alloue 4,675 milliards de drams (12,6
millions de $) pour verser des allocations en cas de troisième enfant
et pour les suivants a annonce le chef du departement demographie au
Ministère du Travail et des Questions Sociales Vanik Babajanyan lors
d’une conference de presse.

“Cette somme n’est pas très importante en effet et nous avons encore
beaucoup de travail a faire quant aux processus de reproduction en
Armenie. Cependant, les autorites travaillent de leur mieux pour
ameliorer la situation” a-t-il dit.

L’expert independant et demographe Ruben Yeganyan a mentionne que
durant la periode sovietique l’Armenie n’a jamais fait face a un
problème de reproduction.

Selon des donnees statistiques, 68 pour cent des familles armeniennes
ne veulent pas de deuxième enfant au cours des trois prochaines
annees. Seulement 16 pour cent ont expose un empressement a avoir un
deuxième enfant et le meme nombre des sondes n’a pas encore pris de
decision en la matière.

TANER AKCAM : LA CONFRONTATION AVEC 1915 EST NECESSAIRE POUR EN FINIR AVEC ERGENEKON
Stephane

armenews.com
mercredi 30 novembre 2011

J’ai essaye mercredi se resumer le jugement de la Cour Europeenne des
Droits de l’Homme dans l’affaire Taner Akcam c/ Turquie, par lequel
la cour a decide que l’Article 301 du code penal turc qui traite du
denigrement de l’identite turque viole le droit d’expression.

Je pense que c’est une decision qui fera date et qui forcera la
Turquie a eliminer cette loi dans le futur. J’ai demande a Akcam
ce qu’il pensait de cette decision et de l’article 301, s’il est
satisfait du jugement qu’il a obtenu dans cette affaire et si cette
decision aidera la Turquie a se confronter avec son passe. Akcam
m’a adresse quelques reponses qui font reflechir et des remarques
sur l’importance de la confrontation avec le passe en general. Je
voudrais partager les commentaires du professeur Akcam avec vous :

“Cette decision travaillera en fait en faveur de la Turquie. La
decision aide le pays a franchir un pas dans un domaine qui pose
un problème et sur lequel l’attention de chacun est attiree depuis
maintenant des annees. Nous avons cette loi mais l’executif s’oppose
a sa mise en ~uvre et a son application. En d’autres termes, le
gouvernement se comporte comme si la loi qu’il avait lui-meme creee
n’existait pas. Peut-on imaginer situation plus ridicule ?

“Nous [la Turquie] agissons ainsi en toute occasion. Nous savons qu’il
y a un problème mais au lieu de le resoudre vraiment, nous agissons
‘comme si’ nous y apportions une solution. Nous attendons une decision
de la Cour Europeenne des Droits de l’Homme meme lorsqu’il ne s’agit
que de l’application ordinaire de la liberte d’expression et du droit.

Etait-ce vraiment necessaire ? Ne serait-ce que pour cela, cette
decision ne me fait pas vraiment plaisir.

“Mais permettez moi d’attirer votre attention sur un aspect beaucoup
plus important du problème qui se pose. Le jugement est important
historiquement parce que la cour relève la relation etroite qui
existe entre le discours sur l’histoire et la democratie. Pour le dire
très simplement, en 1915, a peu près un million de citoyens ottomans
armeniens ont ete aneantis. Je sais que du simple fait que ces mots
aient ete dits, beaucoup de personnes seront indignees, et c’est en
realite cette colère qui a amene le gouvernement a assimiler debat
historique et acte criminel dans l’article 301. Meme si, lorsqu’il
s’agit d’articles relatifs a cette affaire, nos journaux prefèrent
en referer a ‘l’historien qui defend les arguments de la partie
armenienne’ plutôt qu’a ‘l’historien dont la liberte d’expression a
ete entravee’. Il n’y a pas de face ‘armenienne’ ou de face ‘turque’
de l’histoire. Discuter de ce qui s’est vraiment passe au cours de
l’histoire, c’est en parler librement et ouvertement, sans legendes
et sans mythes. Aujourd’hui, personne ne se refère a la ‘version
allemande’ ou a la “version juive’ lorsqu’on discute de l’Holocauste.

“Dans les annees qui viennent de s’ecouler, en parallèle avec ses
enquetes Balyoz et Ergenekon, la democratisation de la Turquie a fait
un enorme progrès. Elle a agit dans le sens de la diminution de la
tutelle des militaires sur le regime. Mais la democratie ne saurait
s’etablir que par le seul rejet des militaires hors de la politique.

Tous doivent se concentrer vers cet objectif : ceux qui ont organise
la haine contre les Armeniens et les Chretiens en Turquie, ceux
qui ont fomente les campagnes de diffamation contre Hrant Dink et
contre moi-meme, et ceux qui ont orchestre les campagnes contre les
‘mensonges du genocide’, prenant la defense des assassins de 1915,
sont principalement des membres du groupe Ergenekon. L’article 301
est essentiellement une loi avancee par le groupe Ergenekon. Pour
l’heure, les personnalites pro-Ergenekon sont emprisonnes, mais leur
loi, l’Article 301, est encore effective. N’oublions pas que ce sont
les personnalites pro-Ergenekon qui ont criminalise la discussion
historique en l’assimilant a une trahison et a une insulte a l’identite
turque. Ce sont eux qui se tenaient derrière les poursuites engagees
contre Hrant Dink et c’est pour cela que j’ai decide d’engager cette
procedure devant la Cour Europeenne des Droits de l’Homme. Si nous
ne voulons pas que la Turquie retombe encore une fois sous la tutelle
des militaires, si nous ne voulons pas qu’Ergenekon soit operationnel
a nouveau, il faudra nous habituer a parler de ce qui s’est passe
en 1915 et admettre qu’une grave injustice s’est produite dans le
passe. La Cour Europeenne nous a rappele ces faits par son jugement.

“A present, comme nation engagee dans un changement de constitution,
il faut nous debarrasser de ce residu de lois heritees d’Ergenekon. Il
y a un lien direct entre nier ce qui s’est passe en 1915, en accusant
ceux qui veulent en parler d’etre ‘pro-armenien’ et de ‘traîtres’ et
l’appartenance a Ergenekon. Je sais que cela est difficile a admettre
pour beaucoup d’entre nous, mais c’est un point crucial. Soit nous
sommes partisans de l’article 301 et de ceux qui accusent les autres
d’etre des traîtres parce qu’ils parlent librement de l’histoire,
soit nous sommes des personnes dotees de liberte de pensee, du côte
d’une Turquie qui parle librement de sa propre histoire et regarde le
futur avec confiance, tout en condamnant les assassinats du passe. Il
n’y a pas de troisième voie.

“Je me considère comme faisant partie de la societe civile turque et
je continuerai en meme temps a faire tout ce que je peux pour obtenir
que l’Article 301 soit retire du Code Penal Turc. Cet Article est
l’assassin de Hrant Dink. Cette disposition meurtrière doit etre
immediatement retiree. La Turquie est meilleure que cela. Je dedie
cette decision de la cour au president du parlement turc Cemil Cicek.

Dans le passe, il avait exprime son soutien pour cette disposition
meurtrière. C’est a lui a present de reparer cette infamie. C’est un
dû pour Hrant Dink et toutes les victimes”.

LE NEW JERSEY ACCUEILLE UN CONCERT DE CHARITE POUR VAN
Stephane

armenews.com
mercredi 30 novembre 2011

L’orchestre turc Kardes Turkuler et le celèbre musicien Arto
Tuncboyaciyan on donne un concert dans le New Jersey au profit des
victimes du tremblement de terre de Van en Turquie. Le concert a ete
organise par l’association culturelle Pir Sultan Abdal. Toutes les
recettes iront aux survivants du tremblement de terre de Van.

Kardes Turkuler a execute des chants en turc, arabe, kurde, armenien
avec l’accompagnement de Tuncboyaciyan.

S’exprimant pendant le concert le president de l’association Zeki
Yesilyurt a dit : ” dans ces temps durs nous avons besoin d’etre
positifs et c’est le but de ce concert “. Zeki Yesilyurt a ajoute
que les participants veulent partager la douleur des victimes du
tremblement de terre.