Author: Kanayan Tamar

ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC CHURCH WELCOMES CAUCASUS MUSLIMS’ SPIRITUAL LEADER’S PROPOSAL TO HOLD BORDER MEETINGS

news.am
Nov 30 2011
Armenia

ETCHMIADZIN. – The Armenian side welcomed Caucasus Muslim Board
Chairman Allahshukur Pashazade’s proposal to also organize meetings
at the border, Father Vahram Melikyan, head of the information system
of the Holy See of St. Etchmiadzin, told Armenian News-NEWS.am.

“During the November 28 trilateral meeting among the spiritual
leaders of the region, they primarily reflected on the settlement
of the Karabakh conflict. And when the joint statement was adopted,
the Azerbaijani side proposed, during the conversation, that the
spiritual leaders also meet at the border. The Armenian side welcomed
this proposal,” Fr. Melikyan noted.

He also confirmed the information that, during his visit to Armenia,
Allahshukur Pashazade had also visited capital Yerevan’s Blue Mosque
and prayed there. “This is normal, just as when during the [Armenian]
Catholicos’ visit to [Azerbaijani capital] Baku, we visited the
Armenian church and prayed [there],” Father Vahram Melikyan stated.

INSPECTION GROUP OF ARMENIAN ARMED FORCES LEAVES FOR TURKEY

news.am
Nov 30 2011
Armenia

YEREVAN.- Inspection group of Armenia’s Armed Forces left for Turkey
on Wednesday to conduct on-site inspections within the framework of
Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE).

The delegation will return to Armenia on December 2, Defense Ministry
reported.

AGRICULTURAL OUTPUT INCREASES IN ARMENIA

Vestnik Kavkaza
Nov 30 2011
Russia

Agricultural output in Armenia reached 117.1 billion drams in October
2011, increasing by 7.7%, compared with 2010, ARKA reports.

Agricultural and fishing output reached over 118.3 billion drams
(+8%). Animal husbandry reached 90.2 billion drams (+9.4%), planting –
by 90.2 billion drams (+9.4%), fishing – 1.2 billion drams (+38.4%).

Sales of meat and poultry increased by 0.9%, reaching 11,400 tons. The
highest poultry output was registered in the Gegarkuniksky Region –
2,800 tons, the capital – 100 tons.

Milk production increased by 0.2% to 55,600 tons. The highest output
was registered in the Gegarkuniksky Region – 16,200 tons (no change).

Egg production increased by 4.7% to 42 million units. The highest
output was registered in the Armavirskaya Region – 12.4 million (+24%).

Fish production and fish-breeding reached 591 tons (all realized),
increasing by 38.4%. Production in October increased in comparison
to September by 14.1%.

$1 is worth 382.74 drams.

ARA ASHJYAN: “ARMENIANS IN IRAQ ACHIEVE SUCCESS”

Times.am
Nov 30 2011
Armenia

Founder of Facebook page of Armenians in Iraq Ara Ashjyan met today
journalists and spoke about Armenian community in Iraq, about their
problems and success there.

“We have always known that Armenian community in Iraq is
well-organized, Armenians are clever they have always have influence
on administrative bodies, were engaged in trade and succeed”, he
announced during the press conference.

He noted also that 24-25.000 Armenians arrived in Iraq after Armenian
Genocide.

Now 10-12.000 Armenians live in Iraq and 5-6.000 of them are in
Baghdad. Armenians live Iraq mostly for Europe and the USA. “Armenian
community in Iraq is stable now, if we compare it with community we
had 5-6 years ago”, the speaker underlined.

“At the same time, young people forget Armenian language there as
they prefer to speak in Arabic”, A. Ashjyan added.

Speaking about the activities of Facebook page he noted the page
connected Iraqi-Armenians from over the world.

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