Author: Kanayan Tamar

AFFRONTEMENTS ENTRE ARMENIENS ET AZERIS PRES DE MOSCOU
Krikor Amirzayan

armenews.com
mercredi 18 mai 2011

Selon l’agence de presse russe Interfax le 17 mai vers 22h30 dans
l’une des rues du village d’Oktobrski dans la region de Moscou,
des heurts violents ont oppose plusieurs dizaines d’Armeniens et
Azeris munis d’armes blanches et pistolet a gaz. Un jeune homme
de 24 ans aurait ete tue et sept personnes blessees au couteau ou
par balles auraient ete transportees a l’hôpital. Sur les lieux des
affrontements, les policiers ont decouvert une douzaine de chargeurs
de balles de pistolets. L’identite de la personne tuee lors de ces
affrontements vient d’etre revelee. Il s’agit d’un citoyen du Daghestan
(Sud Caucase). On ignore toutefois l’origine de ces violences.

RA PRESIDENT: MILITARY SCENARIOS OF NK CONFLICT RESOLUTION HAVE NO PROSPECTS

Panorama
May 16 2011
Armenia

“I think, there are probabilities to resume an armed conflict, since
I can by no means understand why Azerbaijan delays the negotiations,”
President Serzh Sargsyan has answered to “Moscow News” question if
the risk to resume military activities is great. According to him
probably accumulating great resources and means, they anticipate for
a moment to provoke a military adventure.

“It’s not a right approach, since the events can have two
developments. First, a total war and occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh,
which is possible only after massacre of NK people, and second, defeat
of Azerbaijan, loss of new territories. In this case, Azerbaijan will
protest for the loss of other five, six or more lands. And what’s
then? Another treaty, ceasefire deal, violations and war…All those
scenarios have no prospects.”

To the question if the appearance of two new states in South Caucasus
will have any impact on the resolution of Karabakh conflict, S.
Sargsyan has noticed that Karabakh conflict differs from all those
other conflicts.

“Generally all those conflicts are unique, each of them has its
reasons, consequences and the dynamics. As a precedent model,
surely, appearance of news states contributes to the international
understanding of the right of NK people.”

Referring to the recognition of Nagorno-Karabakh by Armenia, Serzh
Sargsyan noticed that Armenia makes similar remarks.

“It can happen when military activities resume. More direct question
is generally asked: why doesn’t Armenia recognize the independence
of Nagorno-Karabakh? We’re holding negotiations, and recognizing
Nagorno-Karabakh would mean collapse of those negotiations. Anyway
negotiating is better,” Armenian President said.

EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM IS THE MAIN PREREQUISITE OF THE SCIENTIFIC ECONOMY
Interview by Melania Badalian

AZG DAILY
17-05-2011

According to the President of the American University of Armenia Dr.
Bruce M. Boghosian

Dr. Bruce Boghosian assumed the post of the President of the American
University of Armenia on September 1, 2010. He is the third president
of the AUA during the 20 years of its operation.

The broad of working experience in American, European and other
famous universities and scientific researches represent the work of
a professor and a specialist that has its valuable contribution to
the exact sciences.

He received his bachelor’s degree in Physics and master’s degree in
Nuclear Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
(MIT). He earned his Ph.D. at the University of California, Davis.

Before moving to the American University of Armenia, Dr. Boghosian
spent the previous ten years as professor and chair of the Department
of Mathematics at Tufts University in Massachusetts, where he
also served concurrently as adjunct professor in the Departments
of Computer Science and Physics. Earlier, he was employed as a
senior scientist in the Group for “Thinking Machines Corporation”
in Cambridge, Massachusetts; and at the Center for Computational
Science and Department of Physics, Boston University.

Dr. Bruce Boghosian’s researches have been devoted to developing
a fundamental understanding of the nature of turbulence in fluid
dynamics, and he uses both theoretical and computational methods
that were not yet used in the USA. Pursuant to this research, he
has held visiting professorship and research positions at a number
of famous Universities, such as Ecole Normale Superieure in Paris,
Peking University, University of California, universities of Berkeley,
Trieste, Cambridge, United Kingdom; University College London, etc.

Dr. Bruce Boghosian has over 80 publications and has given 150
invited talks in the various universities. He is a member of the
editorial boards of a number of international monthly journals
(Journal of Computational Science, Physica A, Computing in Science and
Engineering, and International Journal of Modern Physics C – Physics
and Computers). He is the recipient of many awards and honors in the
United States as a scholar and teacher, including Tufts University’s
Distinguished Scholar Award in 2010. He is a foreign member of the
National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia from 2008.

The foundation of American University of Armenia in the first year
after the independence of our country that was the most difficult
year, was a significant phenomenon in our educational system, based
on the Western methods and standards of teaching, at the same time
was also symbolic. In a short time period the limited programs of
the University were expanded, and the educational institution passed
a firm way of developments. Our conversation with the President of
the University is about the current processes of the institution,
about possible changes and development. This interview is conducted
within the interviews with rectors of the most important universities
of our country.

– Dr. Boghosian, which are your observations after your seven months
long experience at the American University of Armenia, and what new
developments are expected?

– The university that opened in Armenia’s Independence Day – on
September 21, had only two academic programs and 101 students. Now it
is expanded and has 7 specialized departments (Business and Management,
Industrial Engineering, Informational and Communicational Technologies,
Political Sciences, Public Healthcare, Law and Comparative Legal
Researches, English).

In addition to this each section has its research center and Acopian
Center for the Environment, where every student must have any theme
for self development; of course, being sure that there are many
serious challenges of environmental protection.

The total number of the American University of Armenia graduates is
1500 up to days. My meetings with many of them, with the administrative
representatives and with various other circles made an impression that
there is a positive appraisal of university activities. Many alumni
are involved in business, banking, and other areas; University’s
results are tangible in our country’s economy.

– What do you think, isn’t this problem vulnerable? Could Armenian
underdeveloped economic system provide all of them with work? And
have the emigration preconditions of these educated young people
become matured and substantiated?

– The statistics of years states that 75-80 percent of our graduates
remain in Armenia, 20-25 percent went abroad, a part of them went
for their doctoral candidacy, we hope for their return.

– What and how much is the university staff?

– Professorial staff consists of 30 workers, foreign and local
specialists are among them. Such simultaneously activities are very
effective and create a healthy environment. This is a manifestation of
the Armenian-American cooperation. An important part of our mission is
to conduct training courses, to introduce American teaching methods
and standards to the Armenian teachers, to prepare professors. It is
very desirable that those graduates of the AUA, who are abroad for
their doctoral candidacy, return and work in our University.

– As far as I know, there is a valid mechanism in the University that
ensures work for the graduates.

– Yes, Alumni and Career Development Office organizes works in that
direction, and the graduates are always connected electronically
and are well informed about all news and proposals. I’ve met them
in person and ventured my opinion, also gave them advice on the job
search methods, on being well prepared for interviews, on presenting
their knowledge and abilities to the employer.

I wish the university to be in closer relations with its alumni
and those relations to be mutual, in order all of them could feel
themselves in general field of the university ad vitam, as a member
of that family. We also try to connect the students being abroad to
the University Association, a part of them is in New York, Washington,
California.

– The University, of course, has financial difficulties. While the
tuition fees went up, but we suppose, it is not enough to overcome the
economic crisis and other complications caused by other factors. What
are you going to do in such situations – projects or staff reduction,
or …?

– Indeed, the economic crisis affects university procedures. Our
material resources are also gained from the interests of the existing
immune funds and from the income that is accumulated from it. Because
of the crisis the profits were declined, it was then even before
the 2008 crisis, there always was a budget deficit. And we needed
to organize fundraisings. Of course, this is not an ideal way, it
would be better to add the collected amount to the capital, it would
made income more durable. Recent years’ difficulties have forced the
University administration to make some reductions that affected the
salaries, i.e. the same level is kept, but not raised.

Usually in such situations there are two main reactions: to reduce
all programs for not exceeding the limits and the second version,
to approach more aggressively and expand programs making them more
interesting and attract new investments.

– It is clear, you choose the second way. And what part of the budget
is the amount received from tuition fees?

– The University student pays one-third of the tuition fee for his or
her education, which accounts for 3000 dollars during a year. The most
important point of the University policy is not quitting any of our
insolvent students. It is the responsibility of the AUA to procure the
necessary amount. The University realizes Admission advanced standing
admission exceptionally based on the knowledge, later refers to the
social conditions. In the USA this is called “blind decision instead
of the needs”; there are a few universities there that adhere to this
principle. This can be formulated as Admission that neglects paying
capacity. American University of Armenia has adopted such a principle,
which is also an important part of our mission. About half of the
University students receive different types of financial assistance.

Foreign students’ tuition fee is charged fully, which is about 9000
dollars.

– And what percent they comprise?

– They are not many, only 40 out of 400, and most of them are
Armenians. I think this number should be increased. It is important
to involve students from Iran, India, China and other countries. This
changes the university environment, makes it international, which
will help to increase the institution rating. Such environment is
very important for education. I can ensure that the international
student environment was very important at the years of my study. It
is important mainly for Armenia, especially that the local population
consists of the ethnic Armenians, and these contacts and relations
create wider opportunities.

I would like to touch upon another important issue – the University
is accredited in the USA. Accreditation is a seven-year, which is the
maximum that the AUA received. This is a continuous, uninterrupted
process and will restart at the expiration. This is a most important
factor to attract students, because they are given a chance to receive
American education at a lower price than in the United States.

If I can go back to the former question; should we reduce or expand
programs during the financial difficulties? In this case I have
two proposals.

The mission of the American University of Armenia is to help Armenians
and the Armenian government by importing new academic methods, include
them in the general educational system expecting new results. These new
programs and methods are additional to the existing ones, they do not
compete. The Institution is unique in its structure and approaches. As
an American University at the same time it is American University
of Armenia, the meaning and sense of which is the collaboration with
the government of Armenia, Armenian business circles, educational and
other institutions, intellectual and cultural environments, which is
the main guarantee for the further developments.

By saying original, unique, we should not remain enclosed, but respond
to the requirements of the National Academy, Ministry of Science
and Education, other ministries, and effectively cooperate with
them. The second direction refers to the expansion of the programs,
the American sector, and a closer relationship with the Armenian
Diaspora. My experience shows that many Armenians in Diaspora are not
aware of the AUA’s existence, particularly about its importance and
results given to Armenia. It is required to carry out appropriate
works within the framework of the Armenian academics, businessmen,
donors from Diaspora to involve them into the group of those, who
realize the importance of the AUA.

– Such projects require human labor, environmental resources, volition,
assistance, etc.

– This is a challenge; we are organizing fundraising in the US and
hope providing developments also through the other valuable programs.

I am not saying that it would be easy, we have to work hard. We
have limited resources, wishes, plans, but need using caution while
implementing financial projects.

– Since the first days of the establishment the university receives
support of the Armenian General Benevolent Union. Are there more
expectations?

– Over the years, as a founding body the AGBU has always helped the
University and is one of the major benefactors of the financial part.

The University of California from the USA provides academic
consultations, experts, support in exchange programs. About half of
the AUA Board of Deans are the leaders of the various departments
of the University of California, and the provost, chief academic
and operations officer, is the Vice President of the University
of California.

We need to strengthen ties between the AUA, University of California
and Government of Armenia to have a higher quality of education.

Armenia’s future economy will be an economy based on science. That is
the general tendency. We do not have enough mine resources, natural
minerals, as we are not engaged in a trade as a nation. And creation
of an excellent educational system is the main possibility and
precondition to develop scientific economy. It is clear that great
efforts are made in this direction. The educational institutions
re-evaluate their activities and roles. The Ministry of Education
and Science pays more attention to the educational effectiveness,
different projects and new ideas are brought to light, which are
about the ways for direct connection between education and economy.

I hope that the coming years would be very inspiring for education.

The most important is that it will develop our economy and will provide
our people with work opportunities, such work that will keep them in
this country.

– Yes, it is a very important and urgent condition. AUA’s educational
structure, programs are foreseen for graduate education. Are changes
possible in this regard?

– The AUA goal is to maximize the educational quality. Such
fundamental changes should be considered within the framework of
general educational system. There is not such a decision yet, it is
an issue of the future.

– We had a perspective of turning “Paramaz Avedisian” new Building,
which was built by the donations of a benefactor from Diaspora, into
an academic-scientific center. There is also an adjacent park, which
would be renovated after the construction. What works are carried out?

– Construction works are under-way now; we enriched the new building’s
interior, completely renovated the old building: floors and windows,
which were not heat-insulated, were replaced by new ones. The library
will be expanded, kitchen conditions will be modernized. As for the
works at the park, many trees are planted there; we have a gardener,
who takes care of a garden. We are associated with the district
administration and municipality. Our architect has many fine projects.

But the question of water supply is still unsolved, if the district
administration solves the question of irrigation, the works of
the garden would pick up speed. The road that existed before the
construction is open. It is planned to have a coffee corner inside
the new building, in a garden adjacent area, which, would serve as
a recreational area for the community, like the park.

– “Agean” gallery opened in “Paramaz Avedisian” building was a
novelty. Are the cultural projects continuous?

– The gallery is constantly running. Exhibitions, public lectures,
concerts are organized there periodically; there is a good piano
there. Although the University has no any academic art program,
it is a good way to bring culture to the university life.

– And the last question. Have you been in Armenia previously and what
are your impressions now?

– In recent years I have been in Armenia for several times, the
longest visit lasted three weeks, when I was here with my family. It
is a very pleasant place. I am enjoying my days spent here. Yerevan
has a very close atmosphere; the people are warm, lovely: the city
Center – Opera, Philharmonic Society, and cafes produce very good
impression. When I return back, I urge my friends in Diaspora to go
and see Armenia. I have many relatives in different countries, and
when I visit them in the US, London, Paris, Beirut and elsewhere,
I see the wonderful sites, brilliant architecture, and impressive
churches. And if you see all of these and do not see Armenia, this is
like being on the every planet of the universe besides the sun. When
I return from Armenia, I send this message to everyone.

FM: ARMENIAN PRESIDENT’S HISTORICAL ILLITERACY SURPRISES

Trend

May 16 2011
Azerbaijan

The Armenian president’s historical illiteracy surprises. He does not
know that neither Nagorno-Karabakh nor Nakhchivan have ever been part
of Armenia, since Armenia did not exist then, Azerbaijani Foreign
Ministry Spokesman Elkhan Polukhov told Trend. He was commenting on
Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan’s interview to the Russian media.

“Speaking of Nakhchivan and Armenians’ disagreement with its being
part of Azerbaijan, the Armenian president directly speaks about
continuing territorial claims to Azerbaijan,” Polukhov noted.

According to Polukhov, it is worth to remind the head of the
neighboring country that mass resettlement of the Armenians to the
historical lands of Azerbaijan was repeatedly conducted during the
19-20th centuries, and Armenia’s current capital was the city of
Irevan, largely populated by the Azerbaijanis.

Sargsyan said in an interview that at the dawn of Soviet power,
the Caucasian Bureau of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union
decided to separate from the composition of Armenia its historical
Nagorno-Karabakh and Nakhichivan region and transfer these regions
to Azerbaijan.

Sargsyan said that at the junction of 1990-1991, Armenia became aware
that the internal forces would withdraw from the Nagorno-Karabakh
region. “On the eve of the withdrawal of internal troops, we realized
that we would stay alone with our problems and turbulent events will
come on,” he stressed in an interview.

Polukhov said that Serzh Azadovich is clearly cunning, saying that
on the eve of the withdrawal of troops from Nagorno-Karabakh, they
realized that leave alone with their problems.

“Exactly he, together with the 366th military regiment, massacred in
Khojali in February 1992, using the opportunity of Soviet troops by the
end. Azadovich, you can find the confirmation of this fact in the book
“Black Garden” by the British journalist de Waal, as well as in memoirs
of brother of the Armenian terrorist Monte Melkonian,” Polukhov said.

In addition, Sargsyan said the people of Nagorno-Karabakh themselves
should decide their own destiny, have every opportunity to safely
develop in their homeland and the principle of territorial integrity
does not mean the inviolability of borders.

With this regard, Polukhov said apparently the Armenian president is
not familiar with the provisions of international law, which provides
a mechanism for self-determination within the territorial integrity
of states.

“Giving an interview and saying that this kind of self-determination
does not happen and that this variant is truncated and primitive,
the Armenian president forgets about the presence of several
self-determined autonomous regions in Russia, thereby intentionally
wishing to offend the state, whose media interviews him, or continues
demonstrating illiteracy,” Polukhov underscored.

Sargsyan said the Karabakh problem differs from all problems of the
type. “Generally, all these conflicts are distinctive. Each has its
own special causes, consequences, and dynamics of development. As
a precedent, of course, the appearance of new states in the world
has a positive effect on international recognition of the rights of
Nagorno-Karabakh people,” Sargsyan said.

Polukhov said that speaking of the illogicality, the Armenian president
seems illogical. Perhaps, his poor education does not allow him to
understand the conditions under which Armenia and Azerbaijan gained
independence – exactly, as a result of the voluntary dissolution of
the USSR, without violent change of borders of the republics, which
were part of the former Soviet Union and which were recognized by the
international community in those borders, within which they were part
of the Soviet Union, said Polukhov.

“Does Sargsyan know that with his idea that the territorial integrity
does not mean the inviolability of borders, he denies the foundations
of international law and the Helsinki Final Act, which Armenia joined,
the charters of UN and OSCE, which Armenia has joined, and many other
international documents that clearly stipulate the inadmissibility
of forcible change of borders of a sovereign state?” Polukhov said.

He noted the Armenian president seems even more illogical when he sets
examples of different territorial conflicts as a positive example to
justify the right of the Nagorno-Karabakh people to self-determination
on the one hand, and says that all these conflicts are distinctive
and unique, on the other.

In reply to question about scale of risks for resumption of actual
battles, Sargsyan said the probability exists, because “I cannot
understand why Azerbaijan is delaying the negotiation process”. In
addition, Sargsyan said Armenia can recognize the independence of
the separatist Nagorno-Karabakh in the future, but not today.

“We are negotiating, and the recognition of Nagorno-Karabakh would
mean their failure. It is better to negotiate,” Sargsyan said.

Polukhov said Serzh Azadovich argues that Azerbaijan is delaying
the negotiation process, while he himself threatens a possible
outbreak of battles. Moreover, he is still trying to blackmail with
the possibility of recognizing the independence of Nagorno-Karabakh,
but then stipulates that it is better to negotiate.

Sargsyan also accused Azerbaijan and Turkey of the sorry plight of the
Armenian population. “In these circumstances, it was very difficult to
provide population with the goods of even basic necessities. We had
big problems with energy supply. And the most important achievement
is that we were able to ensure stability,” Sargsyan said.

Commenting on the interview, Polukhov said Sargsyan was shamefully
silent about the fact that he was one of those who headed the
separatist movement, whose actions led to the appearance of hundreds
of thousands of refugees and displaced persons, the conduct of ethnic
cleansing, the fact that dozens of towns and villages were wiped out,
the monuments of history, culture and religion were destroyed on the
occupied territories of Azerbaijan.

“Evaluating the interview of the Armenian president, one may suggest
that Serzh Azadovich maximally diverts people’s attention from the
realities and problems, as well as the current catastrophic situation
in Armenia, speaking only about the neighbors, history and nothing
about today. It is enough to only start withdrawing the occupying
forces from Azerbaijani territories in order to reduce military
expenditure and create conditions for progress in the region, from
which Armenia will firstly benefit and create conditions for improving
the welfare of its own population,” Polukhov said.

Unfortunately, Serzh Sargsyan even in his attempts to influence his
audience by Russian media differed with full contradictions in his
statements, he underscored.

A REVIEW ABOUT ARM MOD SEYRAN OHANYAN`S MAY 15 INTERVIEW TO THE ARMENIAN PUBLIC TELEVISION

2011-05-16

In his interview to “Haylur” news program, aired on the Armenian
Public Television, ARM Minister of Defence Seyran Ohanyan talked
about the cases of armistice violations by Azerbaijan, about the
activeness of snipers, as well as about the organizational work for
the spring recruitment.

In answer to the question whether it is true that the armistice regime
allowed Azerbaijan avoid serious casualties, win time and prepare
for future military adventures, while but for the armistice regime,
the Armenian side could have had greater achievements, Seyran Ohanyan
particularly said, “To be able to correctly evaluate from professional
point of view, we should first of all understand the task that the
Artsakh Armed Forces had, and how that task was solved. The Freedom
Fight of Artsakh was not meant for taking over the whole Azerbaijan –
it was meant for freeing Artsakh, ensure security for the people of
Artsakh, and force the rival to peace. I think it is obvious that
this task was fully realized. As a lawful example of democratic
society, today the people of Artsakh are ensuring its progress. As
for Azerbaijan winning time, I believe one should be naive to think
that this time was useful for Azerbaijan only.”

Talking about the rival’s saboteur activities and armistice
violations, the Minister stated, “I think, by such activities the
politico-military authorities of Azerbaijan are trying to break the
stereotype of a looser among their militants, indeed, also trying to
have an impact on the Armenian public. However, these activities allow
the Armenian public and Army to unite and act decisively. Of course,
these activities also have internal and external political motives.”

Talking about the activeness of Azerbaijani snipers, which result
in the deaths of Armenian militants and peaceful dwellers, Seyran
Ohanyan stated, “The so called ‘sniper war’ does not give any
tactical advantage to either of the sides. The sniper activities
are fully responded. However, because recently these activities have
become subject to broad discussions by our public, once again would
I like to repeat that these activities are answered by implementing
irrespective punishments. This means that they are punished by a couple
of times more casualties. Whereas, the Azerbaijani media present that
to their public in ‘their way’. Nevertheless, the sniper activities
of the rival are obvious violations of the agreements reached in the
negotiation process, and ought to receive a relevant evaluation from
the international community. With such activities, they want to keep
the situation on the contact line constantly tense and to influence
on the negotiation process.”

The Minister of Defence also talked about the spring recruitment
process. He particularly stared that reforms were made regarding the
distribution of conscripts, medical examination, and improving the
structure of medical committees. “The relevant mechanisms are created
to allow us realize internal and external control over the recruitment
process. Today the recruitment process is controlled not only by the
Ministry of Defence, but also by the Security Council, law enforcement
bodies, and civil society structure. Also, a precise mechanism for
inquiries and complains is operating – for inquiries, complains and
clarifications citizens can turn to the Public Council adjunct to
the Minister of Defence, as well as call 1-88 phone of trust number.”

The Minister of Defence wished the National Army conscript young
men an excellent, secure and brave service, and to their parents –
patience and pride, because their sons are enlisted to the noble idea
of ensuring the protection of the Motherland.

MILLIONS OF YOUNG FISHES WILL BE LET OUT INTO ARMENIAN LAKE SEVAN IN AUTUMN 2011

/ ARKA /
May 16, 2011
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, May 16. /ARKA/. In autumn 2011 millions of young fishes,
especially two types of young fishes – “summer trout ” and
“gegharkunik” will be let out into the Lake Sevan”, said Armenian
Minister of Ecology Aram Harutyunyan.

“Today, only trout is let in Sevan which is on the verge of
disappearance”, he said during the parliament discussions of state
budget 2010 on Monday.

He mentioned the positive results of the checks and control over
the unofficial fish catch from Sevan, on the account of which fish
resources of the lake was significantly replenished.

The issue of placement of movable fish farms in the territory of Sevan
which will allow to solve the issue of transportation and adaptation
of young fishes is being discussed.

According to the results of study conducted jointly with the Armenian
and Russian scientists and published in the book “Study of Sevan
after the increase of lake level”, in 1983 total fish supply in the
lake was over 10.7 thousand tons, in 2005 – 625 tons, in 2006 – 253.6
tons and in 2009 – 278.6 tons. By the recent assessments in 2010,
fish supplies exceed 300 tons.

Lake Sevan is one of the largest mountainous lakes of Europe and Asia
located in the Armenian upland on the height of 1914 meters. The length
of the lake from north-west to south-east stretches more than 70 km,
the square of its water mirror is about 1500 square meters. The lake
is the main resource of drinking water in the region.

Lake Sevan attracts tourists by its beauty. It is famous with its fish,
especially trout which Armenians call “ishkhan” (which means “prince”).

Currently, the level of Sevan is 1900.4 meters vs. 1899.23 m as of
December 31, 2009. By 2030 the level of the lake will increase to
optimal 1903.5 meters.

HRANUSH HAKOBYAN RECEIVED MARO NERSISYAN

Aysor.am
Monday,May 16

Today, Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan received the delegation
headed by the advisor of Minister of the RA Diaspora in the
Armenian community of Lebanon Maro Nersisyan. During the meeting
homeland-Diaspora cooperation, issues related to the problems of the
Armenian community of Lebanon were discussed. Minister H. Hakobyan
presented the future plans of the RA Ministry of Diaspora, a school of
young journalists, School of young leaders, “Come Home”, “Our seniors”
and so on.

As the information and communication department of the Ministry of
Diaspora reported H. Hakobyan introduced the pan-Armenian professional
conferences initiated by the Ministry of Diaspora.

They also touched upon the education, cultural, gender and youth
problems of the community.

AGRICULTURE MINISTRY: SUBSIDIZED AGRICULTURE CREDITS EXTENDED TO 6000 FARMS

PanARMENIAN.Net
May 16, 2011 – 17:18 AMT

Subsidy of agriculture credits is permanently monitored by Armenian
Agriculture Ministry.

As Armenian Minister of Agriculture Sergo Karapetyan stated at the
parliament, at present, credits to the total amount of AMD 4 billion
200 million were extended to about 6000 farms.

The credits are allocated at 14% annual rate, with 4-6% subsidized
by the government. Crediting process is facilitated to exclude any
issues in the process.

GENOCIDE ARMENIEN – LA TURQUIE A BESOIN D’UNE COMMISSION VERITE AFFIRME UNE ANCIENNE ENQUETRICE PERUVIENNE
Stephane

armenews.com
lundi 17, mai 2011

L’ancienne directrice de la Commission Verite peruvienne a appele le
gouvernement Turc a fonder une institution semblable pour clarifier les
evenements passes afin de resoudre les questions kurde et armenienne.

” Il y a quelques questions pendantes dans l’histoire turque
” a declare Katya Salazar, qui a servi jusqu’en 2004 comme
sous-directrice de l’Unite d’Enquetes Speciales de la Commission
Verite et Reconciliation du Perou au journal turc Hurriyet lors de
sa visite a Ankara a l’occasion d’une conference.

” Je ne connais pas les details de l’histoire turque, mais de ce
que j’ai appris pendant les derniers quelques jours, je pense il
y a un besoin de clarifier quelques faits du passe pour promouvoir
la responsabilite pour les actions des autorites de l’etat dans le
passe ” a dit Salazar, ajoutant que les questions Kurde et Armenienne
pourraient etre les sujets de l’enquete pour une telle commission.

” Le peuple turc doit penser au pour et contre d’avoir une telle
commission ” a-t-elle dit.

La question est recemment venue a l’ordre du jour en Turquie quand
Sezgin Tanrikulu un depute du parti du Peuple Republicain ou CHP a
propose l’etablissement d’une commission verite sous l’autorite du
Parlement Turc afin d’examiner les meurtres non resolus et disparitions
qui sont arrivees après le coup militaire du 12 septembre 1980.

La proposition du CHP, qui etait precedente exprimee par le parti
pro kurde Paix et Democratie, ou BDP, aspire a faire la lumière sur
les meurtres non resolus dans le Sud-est et l’Est de la Turquie dans
le cadre des activites de contre-terrorisme du gouvernement dans les
annees 1980.

Partageant l’experience de son pays avec sa Commission de Verite lors
d’une conference a Ankara consacre a la justice et a la confrontation
avec le passe, Salazar a dit que les fonctionnaires d’etat a tous les
niveaux doivent savoir qu’ils ne sont pas immunises et pourraient
etre juges pour leurs faits. En etablissant une telle commission,
a-t-elle suggere, cela aiderait la Turquie a creer ce climat et faire
face a son passe.

D’autres pays comme l’Argentine, l’Afrique du Sud, le Chili et le
Salvador ont fonde de telles commissions.

” Pendant les periodes de dictature, l’authoritarisme et les violations
de masse des droits de l’homme il y a d’habitude deux histoires
officielles differentes : l’histoire d’un gouvernement et l’histoire
des victimes. Mais nous avons besoin d’une histoire officielle,
[incorporant] particulièrement l’histoire des victimes ” a dit Salazar.

La commission Verite au Perou, fondee en 2000 après la chute du
President Alberto Fujimori, a ete couronnee de succès dans l’examen
et les revelations des violations de droits de l’homme, a dit Katya
Salazar.

BAKU URGES ARMENIA NOT TO WASTE TIME

news.az
May 16 2011
Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan is looking forward real results from negotiations to settle
Nagorno Karabakh conflict and urges Armenia not to waste time.

Azerbaijan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Araz Azimov made the statement
while talking to journalists.

“If mediators organize the meetings, it means the process continues.

They emphasize this and present it as a good indicator. Certainly,
Azerbaijan is keen on continuing the process and holding discussions.

But we do not plan to kill time.

Discussions must be substantiated and fruitful. We do hope that
motivation of meetings held with participation of Russian President
Medvedev will also be high. We want to believe that Armenian president
will not misuse our or their time. These meetings must discuss and
settle issues”, Azimov said.

He emphasized official Baku’s concerns over lack of any results.

“Our president will certainly accept Russia’s invitation as a sign
of respect and take part in the meetings, but we do not want the
opposite side to misuse our benevolence and trespass upon our time”.