Author: Kanayan Tamar

CONTRABAND ‘ARMENIAN’ MONKEYS, PARROTS TO LIVE IN ST. PETERSBURG ZOO

epress.am
07.07.2011

A group of exotic animals and birds smuggled to Russia from Armenia
will take up permanent residence at the Leningrad Zoo.

According to the customs press office, 4 Schmidt’s red-tailed monkeys
(not pictured) and 10 Jaco parrots were seized at the airport from
an Armenian national in April 2009. The Armenian citizen was flying
Yerevan to St. Petersburg on a return ticket and had told customs
officials he had no goods to declare.

Later, it became known that he was carrying several animals, who
were found drugged in a two-story metal cage that was wrapped in a
polyethylene bag.

The man did not have on his person any documents permitting the import
of animals and birds into Russia.

The animals will be officially handed over to the zoo on Jul. 8.

ARMENIAN PRESIDENT AND U.S. STATE SECRETARY DISCUSSED KARABAKH CONFLICT OVER THE PHONE

PanARMENIAN.Net
July 7, 2011 – 20:44 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan today had
a telephone conversation with the U.S. Secretary of State Hillary
Clinton , at the initiative of the American side, according to the
Presidential press service.

The parties discussed issues related to the current stage of
negotiations on Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement. Besides,
the parties touched upon issues of Armenia-U.S. relationship and
opportunities for further development.

On June 23, U.S. President Barack Obama made a phone call to Armenian
President Serzh Sargsyan. During the conversation President Obama
underlined importance of the meeting between Presidents of Armenia,
Russia and Azerbaijan in Kazan. He also thanked Sargsyan for succession
in the issue of Karabakh settlement and emphasized progress to be
reached in Kazan within the context of Deauville statement.

The summit between Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia in Kazan on June
24 completed without an agreement on basic principles of Nagorno
Karabakh conflict settlement. “The countries’ leaders registered mutual
understanding on a range of problems, the resolution of which boosts
creation of conditions for approving main principles. The meeting
participants considered the course of works carried out with the aim
of coordination of the project with basic principles,” according to
the statement. The Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan expressed
gratitude to the Russian, French and U.S. leaders, the OSCE Minsk
group co-chairs, for ‘their constant attention to Nagorno-Karabakh
problem’ and highly praised personal efforts of the Russian President
in support of agreements.

INAUGURAL FUNDRAISER FOR SOAR HELD IN CHICAGO

Published: Thursday July 07, 2011

Guests at SOAR’s Chicago fundraiser.

Chicago – A beautiful rooftop residence on Lakeshore Drive, overlooking
Navy Pier, Lake Michigan, and the Chicago skyline, was the spectacular
venue for the first annual charity fundraiser of the Chicago Chapter
of SOAR, the Society for Orphaned Armenian Relief.

The event was held on Saturday evening June 4, 2011, at the exclusive
residence donated for the event by Dr. Kevin and Deana Bargamian.

Nearly one hundred guests were welcomed to the rooftop event by Anne
Galovich, Chicago SOAR chapter president. Guest speaker was Dr. Levon
Saryan from Greenfield, Wisconsin, who spoke about the existing
conditions of orphanages in Armenia and the importance of providing
aid and support for the most disadvantaged children in the country.

Two guest artists showcasing examples of their work were in
attendance: Boris Khechoyan, a master woodcarver from St. Louis,
Missouri, and Dr. Chuck “Garbo” Hajinian, a Monet-style Armenian
impressionist painter/artist from Delafield, Wisconsin. Both artists
offered several pieces from their work for the silent auction, as did
renowned artist and designer Michael Aram who provided signed pieces
from his collection. Proceeds from the silent auction will be used
to support sixteen orphanages in Armenia as well as two orphanages
in Nagorno-Karabagh (Artsakh) that are part of the SOAR network.

The theme of the evening was “Our Armenia, Our Children”. Upon
arrival, guests were escorted to the rooftop by two young ladies
dressed in traditional Armenian costume, Melissa Mardoian and Nora
Dulkadir. Armenian appetizers generously provided by several volunteers
(Betty Arakelian, Aline Nigohosian, Pearl Gopoian, Violet Bargamian,
and Bonnie Baboorian) as well as wine and soft drinks were served. A
four-piece band of Chicago-area musicians composed of Jimmy Hardy,
John Paklaian, Shahan Alexanian and Mark Gavoor provided musical
accompaniment for the event. Chicago magician “Mr. Ash” Ashod
Baboorian entertained guests with demonstrations of magic and assorted
card tricks . Flower arrangements for the evening were graciously
donated by Sylvia and Hratch Yacoubian of Magic Flowers in Harwood
Heights. Graphics were provided by Michelle Goodman, and printing
was by Erin Grogan of United Graphics and Mailing Group. The evening
ended with a display of fireworks at Navy Pier which guests enjoyed
from the rooftop balcony.

Free-will contributions and proceeds from the silent auction netted
over $5,000 which will be used to aid needy orphanages in Armenia.

SOAR, Inc., founded in 2006 and headquartered in Philadelphia, is a
501-c3 non-profit humanitarian organization dedicated to providing
support for orphanages in Armenia and Karabagh. Working with a
loyal donor base and a trusted network of partners in Armenia, SOAR
distributes much needed food, clothing, medicine, educational supplies,
and other essential resources to orphanages in Armenia. SOAR has
chapters in New England, NewYork/New Jersey, Delaware, Washington,
Chicago, Northern California, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Idaho, and
an office in Yerevan.

The Chicago Chapter of the Society for Orphaned Armenian relief was
founded in March of 2010. Officers are Anne Galovich (President),
Deanna Bargamian (Vice President), David Baboorian (Treasurer),
Eric Diekhans (Secretary), Lucie Ishkhanian and Ardem Hardy. Visit
or contact us at [email protected] on how to
get involved.

THE WASHINGTON POST: KARABAKH WOULD APPRECIATE RECOGNITION YET WON’T BEG FOR IT

PanARMENIAN.Net
July 7, 2011 – 17:47 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Nagorno Karabakh today is immensely proud of its
victory over Azerbaijan and confident in the face of continuing
Azerbaijani threats of renewed war, says an article titled “In
Karabakh, the First Post-Soviet War” published by The Washington Post.

“In 1988, Karabakh’s leaders said they wanted to be joined to
Armenia proper, just to the west. Moscow never really answered, but in
Azerbaijan, pogroms were launched against ethnic Armenians in response,
with dozens killed,” the article says.

According to The Washington Post, “Karabakhis would appreciate
international recognition, but they’re not about to beg for it.”

“Karabakhis aren’t inclined to make concessions for peace, or territory
or anything else,” the article says.

ARTSAKH PRESIDENT RECEIVES “TNJRE” FESTIVAL STAFF

Aysor.am
Thursday,July 07

President of the Artsakh Republic Bako Sahakyan received a group of
participants and organizers of the “Tnjre” Second International Music
Festival of Young Performers on July 7.

Bako Sahakyan stressed that the festival has already gained great
respect in Artsakh and abroad.

President Sahakyan noted that organizing such international events on
high level contributes to raising the rating of Artsakh as a country
of culture and developing this field in Artsakh.

Artsakh Minister of Culture and Youth Affairs Narine Aghabalyan
and other officials attended the meeting, Artsakh President’s press
office reported.

ON THE BEHALF OF FAEE ASHOT GRIGORYAN CONGRATULATED THE CELLIST NAREK HAKHNAZARYAN ON WINNING THE FIRST PLACE IN CHAYKOVSKI CONTEST

Noyan Tapan

07.07.2011

(Noyan Tapan – 07.07.2011) The President of the Forum of Armenian
Associations of Europe Ashot Grigoryan congratulated the Armenian
cellist Narek Hakhnazaryan on winning the first place in Tchaikovsky
contest.

“Narek Hakhnazaryan, the famous cellist and Sergey Khachatryan, the
winner of ” Queen Elisabeth 2″ contest are the Armenian musicians
with who all Armenians in the world can be proud of. FAEE offers all
Armenian organization in the world to unite their efforts in order
to propagate our famous musicians.

HIS HOLINESS KAREKIN II, POUNDING HIS FISTS ON THE TABLE, DEMANDED GEORGIA MEET ARMENIA’S DEMANDS: BISHOP ZENON

epress.am
07.07.2011

While in Russia, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and
Catholicos of All Armenians, pounding his fists on the table, demanded
the Georgian side meet the demands of the Armenian side, said Bishop
Zenon of Dmanisi, the leader of the Georgian Orthodox Church’s Diocese
of Great Britain and Ireland on Palitra (“Palette”) radio.

“Everybody knows his attitude toward the Georgian Orthodox Church.

Such an incident occurred in Russia: His Holiness Karekin II, pounding
his fists on the table in front of the Russian delegation, demanded
the Armenian side’s claims be fulfilled. The meeting was attended by
a delegation of the Georgian Church,” said Bishop Zenon.

According to him, the relationship between the Georgian and Armenian
churches became more constrained after the statements from the
Armenian side.

“Several years ago, when a memorandum between the Georgian Patriarchate
and representatives of other religions was signed, we agreed that we
would discuss the issue of giving churches status and other issues
together. Now it turns out that the demands of the Armenian side have
been satisfied unilaterally: they have been assigned status and now
they can make a bid on property. Virtually all of the unrest is caused
by the Armenian side. In any normal country, no question arises as
to whether a person should or should not own property. Man should
own property, but he has to command that ownership which belongs to
him legally,” said the bishop.

According to Bishop Zenon, the Georgian authorities’ position regarding
the Armenian Church as a whole is incomprehensible.

“It’s not clear what caused this support of the Armenian Church,
at a time when Armenia does not support the UN resolution on return
of refugees,” he said.

WHO ARE MASONS IN ARMENIA?
HAKOB BADALYAN

Story from Lragir.am News:

Published: 13:33:22 – 07/07/2011

The Grand Master of Grand Orient De France announced in a press
conference while visiting Armenia that there are 15-20 members of
their lodge in Armenia. He said the members are not revealed because
there is no lodge in Armenia yet. Guy Arzicet said he visited Armenia
to observe the possibilities of establishing the lodge.

Guy Arzicet also said he wanted to see what help our ancient country
with spiritual development needs. He said the Armenian president was
informed about and approved his visit.

Guy Arzicet said it is necessary to overcome the prejudiced attitude
toward masons in Armenia. He announced that Anglo-Saxon masons act
secretly, have some ceremonies, whereas frank masons act openly.

Nevertheless, it is not clear why they won’t reveal their members
if they operate openly. Who are those 15-20 members of Grand Orient
De France? Guy Arzicet said these figures are francophone and are
closely related to France.

Now in Armenia they are surveying the celebrities of Armenia to find
out who speaks French and who has relations with France. In other
words, while speaking about stereotypes and prejudices towards masons
in Armenia, Guy Arzicet nevertheless helps to deepen these stereotypes
and prejudices.

Isn’t it right, given the Frank Masonic lodge is open and transparent
in its activities, to announce openly who its members in Armenia
are, who those 15 to 20 people are. Hiding, covering up won’t help
eliminate stereotypes and prejudices in the society. The number
itself is strange, 15 to 20. What does it mean? Doesn’t the Grand
Master know how many members there are in Armenia, 15, 16, 17, 18,
19 or 20? What is this range for?

No doubt the mythology, stereotyped and prejudiced thinking about
masons needs to be eliminated. Generally, every stereotype and
prejudice must be eliminated. Everything must be brought possibly
closer to opinions shaped through common sense and judgment.

The masons themselves have a lot to do to overcome stereotypes and
prejudices. In this sense, the visit of Guy Arzicet is commendable.

However, the stereotypes and prejudices are so deeply rooted in the
Armenian society that it’s not easy to overcome them stage by stage,
with dosed frankness. Perhaps it is impossible. The point is that
the society is able to overcome any dose. Consequently, the process
must be launched in a wave, which is the only chance to overcome the
resistance of prejudices. Although the masons may not be keen on this
because after all the Armenian society needs to overcome prejudices
rather than the masons.

Nevertheless, some questions occur regarding the interest of masons
in Armenia, especially now when Armenia has entered a crucial stage of
home political developments and the settlement of the Karabakh issue,
and breakthrough decisions are expected.

The Grand Master did not hide his intention to help Armenia in this
difficult period. Perhaps Armenia is in a very difficult situation
that the masons have to announce openly about their intention to help.

The question is whether they understand well who they are going to
help, what society, economy, politics and state system they have to
deal with.

P.S. Interestingly, this visit takes place prior to the upcoming
visit of the French President. Sarkozy will visit Armenia in the
second half of this year. By the way, Guy Arzicet said the French
presidents often consult their lodge in the periods of elections.

HERITAGE PARTY URGES IMMEDIATE REPOPULATION OF LIBERATED TERRITORIES

hetq
12:12, July 7, 2011

In a public statement, Armenia’s Heritage Party says that it has
made an urgent call to the governments of Artsakh and Armenia to
immediately collaborate on repopulating the “liberated” territories.

The political party argues that this remains the overriding priority of
the day given Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s continuing bellicose
rhetoric and threats to re-establish Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity
by force if need be.

In its statement, the Heritage Party says that such a pan-national
project is all the more vital given that Armenia’s rural communities
are turning into veritable ghost towns since families, who can no
longer fend for themselves, are leaving en masse.

The party says that resources must be allocated to ensure the basic
conditions and infrastructure needed to encourage these and others
to relocate to the liberated lands in Artsakh.

At least 10,000 individuals yearly must be relocated to those lands,
the party says.

CONTINUED EFFORTS TO RESOLVE PROTRACTED CONFLICTS NEEDED, OSCE CHAIRPERSON SAYS

armradio.am
07.07.2011 11:53

The OSCE will continue its work to resolve protracted conflicts,
the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Audronius
Ažubalis, today told 300 Parliamentarians from 53 OSCE participating
States and four partner countries gathered in Belgrade for the Annual
Session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly.

The OSCE will continue these efforts, including confidence-building
measures to reduce tensions in and around Nagorno-Karabakh and
contribute to positive results, he said.