Author: Kanayan Tamar

ARMENIAN AND JEWISH COMMUNITIES URGE OBAMA TO RECOGNIZE RESOLUTION ON ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

Panorama.am
13:20 04/02/2010

Armenian and Jewish community leaders launched an online petition
urging people to sign a letter to President Obama and the Congress
that calls for the immediate passage of H. Res. 252, the Armenian
Genocide Resolution pending in Congress, announced the Armenian
National Committee of Massachusetts. "This initiative is important
because it demonstrates how on a grassroots level, in both the
Jewish and Armenian communities, there is a demand for justice for
the Armenian Genocide. It is vital that the powerful in Washington,
whether they are in the State Department or in lobbying organizations,
realize that they will be called to task when they sacrifice principle
and historical truth for political expediency," said Laura Boghosian,
ANC of Massachusetts member and co-chair of the petition drive. Sign
the petition:

HERITAGE PARTY’S ACTIVITIES SHOULD INTEREST NATIONAL SECURITY SERVICES: BABUKHANYAN

Tert.am
11:37 ~U 03.02.10

Heritage Party conducts anti-state activities and national security
bodies should be interested in them, Constitutional Rights Union
(CRU) party leader, Hayk Babukhanyan, told Tert.am, pointing to his
statement about Heritage released a few days ago.

"We made a political statement, and national security bodies should
be interested in why Heritage’s delegates have a strange conduct in
the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe especially at
a time when it is set to discuss major issues relating to Armenia’s
foreign policy," said Babukhanyan.

The CRU leader also said it was necessary to make amendments in the
"Law about Political Parties." According to Babukhanyan, amendments
should be made in the section of the law which relates to the financing
of parties, in particular.

"If the party is financed from abroad, it means that they [the party
members] are carrying out orders [acting in the interest of others].

In this case, such a change in the law becomes a priority," he said.

"We do hope that corresponding bodies will respond to our political
statement," Babukhanyan concluded.

SEYRAN OHANYAN LEAVING FOR TURKEY

Aysor.am
Wednesday, February 03

The RA Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan will leave for Turkey. In Turkey
the Minister will take part in the sitting of NATO and Euro-Atlantic
Disaster Response Coordination Centre (EADRCC).

This information was confirmed by Seyran Shahsuvaryan, the Press
Secretary of the Minister, in the interview with the Aysor.am reporter;
he also informed that the information about the Minister’s visit will
be issued on these days.

ALL SPITE EACH OTHER

Lragir.am
3/02/10

The Secretary of Heritage faction Stepan Safaryan said that back in
January of last year the leadership of the Parliament received an
order from the presidential administration to exclude "Heritage"
of the Armenian delegation to the parliamentary assemblies of
international structures. He believes that this is happening in the
context of threats to Serge Sargsyan and the membership of the Prime
Minister Tigran Sargsyan to the Republican Party. Not accidently,
all this is happening through the parliament which was expressed in
the summing interview of the Speaker of the parliament who stated
that he will do everything for Serge Sargsyan to be re-elected, said
Stepan Safaryan. He believes that the speaker of parliament was given
a task to cause problems, as happened in the case of the ‘Heritage’.

Stepan Safaryan said Hovik Abrahamyan was not very attracted by the
prospect of the being accused in the case of deprivation of Heritage’s
membership in the PACE delegation, and he tried to blame Mr.

Harutyunyan. As a result, a Council of heads of delegations in the
international structures was formed which was supposed to determine
the composition of delegations. David Harutyunyan did not like this
either, as a result Hovik Abrahamyan was again monitored. In general,
all to spite each other, said Stepan Safaryan.

It is noteworthy that David Harutyunyan also refuses to acknowledge
that is related to the deprivation of Zaruhi Postanjyan’s membership
in the PACE delegation. And now it is unclear who made the decision.

THE SPEECH OF PRESIDENT OF THE ARTSAKH REPUBLIC BAKO SAHAKYAN…

Azat Artsakh Newspaper NKR
February 03, 2010

Delivered at the reporting meeting of the Police board summarizing
the results of 2009 operative activities Respected servicemen of the
Police, First of all I would like to congratulate all of you on moving
to a new and comfortable building. I hope the improvement of working
conditions will have a positive impact on the work of the structure.
Our meetings and discussion of problems the Police face have become
both a good tradition and an acceptable working style.

Overall, I qualify satisfactory the work of the NKR Police in 2009.

Positive changes and shifts are evident. First of all, I would like
to emphasize the fact that the number of crimes has diminished by
98 cases. The crime rate per ten thousand people in the republic
constituted 41,1 against 48,5 in 2008. This is one of the lowest
figures worldwide, which, of course, testifies high level of social
security in our country. About 2% increase of criminal cases solved
rate is also positive trend. It has reached 92% in the republic,
while in the Kashatagh region the figure is 100%. The number of
criminal cases has diminished sharply; in capital Stepanakert
they diminished by 23%, in the Martakert region by 33% and in the
Askeran region by 43%. At the same time tangible increase of crime
cases has been registered in the Kashatagh and Shoushi regions –
52% and 84% respectively. The number of offences registered within
the sphere of crime detection has also increased sharply in the
Shoushi region, which gives rise to serious concern. Such state
of affairs is impermissible. The activities in this sphere should
be reinforced and favorable results should be achieved within the
shortest time possible, especially taking into consideration the
large-scale programs to be carried out in Shoushi by joint efforts
of the world-spread Armenians. Due to the purposeful activity carried
out in 2009 in the overall structure of crimes the number of offences
registered within the sphere of crime detection presenting utmost and
immediate danger for a person has decreased by 18%. The prevention
of second offences should be considered among the primary tasks. The
number of people committed second offence in 2009 more than 1.5 times
exceeded that of 2008, which is also the result of insufficient work
and weak control. District inspectors have to play a substantial role
in this sphere. Full-fledged activity of this important institute
should be in the spotlight of the Police leadership. In spite of
the fact that the rate of completed criminal cases being under the
conduct of investigators has essentially increased from 56% to 71%,
it is necessary pay serious attention to the double increase of the
cases completed with the violation of the schedule date. It reflects
insufficient level of professionalism, impartiality and resoluteness
of some servicemen of the Police. It is necessary further strengthen
the control over the custodial control. The registered suicide case
of in the pre-trial prison gives rise to serious concern.

In making struggle against criminality more effective the persistent
work directed at crime prevention is of utmost importance.

In this context it is important enlarge and further deepen cooperation
with appropriate structures. Tightening ties with the Police and other
structures of the Republic of Armenia is crucial too. The effective
resolution of the problems put before the Police to a great extent
depends on proper cadre policy. Certain work has been conducted in
this direction. The bulk of policemen are carrying out their duties
honorably. Corruption risks have decreased as a result of measures
undertaken in 2009. I have had an opportunity to assess this process.

However, all these do not mean that there are no unsolved problems
concerning the proper recruitment and appointment of cadres. The
authorities of the state in their turn will carry out necessary
measures to improve social and working conditions of the Police
servicemen. Summing up I would like to mention that the tasks of
the Police are difficult and responsible. It is also due to the
principle and purposeful work of this structure that legality, law
and order are preserved, the interests and rights of the citizens are
protected in our country. I want to be sure that the leadership and
every serviceman of the Police will keep doing his best to realize
the assigned tasks efficiently.

Thank you.

TATEVIK TADEVOSYAN ELECTED LORETO COLLEGE OF KOLKATA VICE PRESIDENT FOR 2010-11

PanARMENIAN.Net
03.02.2010 12:42 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Tatevik Tadevosyan, a graduate of Mother See of Holy
Etchmiadzin’s Armenian College and Philanthropic Academy (ACPA) of
Kolkata, has been pursuing a B.A. degree in Political Science Honors
from one of the most renowned colleges in India, Loreto College of
Kolkata Since 2008.

Loreto College was founded in 1912 by the Institute of the Blessed
Virgin Mary. The order was founded by Mary Ward in 1609. It is
affiliated to Calcutta University, has been accredited an A grade by
NAAC in 2006 and has more than 1,000 students.

The College has a Student Council headed by a President and Vice
President elected by all the students. Tatevik has been elected as
the new Vice President for the Academic Year 2010-11.

Father Khoren Hovhannisyan, the Pastor of Armenians in India and the
Manager of ACPA who is also Ms. Tadevosyan’s guardian congratulated
her. " The bright and successful children of our nation in all corners
of the world make our homeland stronger. May the blessings of Holy
Etchmiadzin be always with you and I am sure it will multiply your
accomplishments" wished Fr. Khoren.

ERDOGAN ACCUSES OSCE MG OF INACTION

PanARMENIAN.Net
01.02.2010 16:24 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused
the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairing states – Russia, France and US –
of negligence towards the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement process.

"Turkey, Azerbaijan and Armenia would not be experiencing problems
now if the OSCE MG co-chairing countries had taken action over the
past 20 years," he said, TRT reported.

The conflict between Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan broke out in
1988 as result of the ethnic cleansing the latter launched in the
final years of the Soviet Union. The Karabakh War was fought from
1991 to 1994. Since the ceasefire in 1994, sealed by Armenia, NKR and
Azerbaijan, most of Nagorno Karabakh and several regions of Azerbaijan
around it (the security zone) remain under the control of NKR defense
army. Armenia and Azerbaijan are holding peace talks mediated by the
OSCE Minsk Group up till now.

The OSCE Minsk Group was created in 1992 by the Conference on Security
and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE, now Organization for Security and
Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)) to encourage a peaceful, negotiated
resolution to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict.

The Minsk Group is headed by a Co-Chairmanship consisting of France,
Russia and the United States. Furthermore, the Minsk Group also
includes the following participating States: Belarus, Germany, Italy,
Portugal, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Turkey as well as Armenia
and Azerbaijan. Current Co-chairmen of the Minsk Group are: Ambassador
Bernard Fassier of France, Ambassador Yuri Merzlyakov of the Russian
Federation and Ambassador Robert Bradtke of the United States.

The main objectives of the Minsk Process are as follows: Providing
an appropriate framework for conflict resolution in the way of
assuring the negotiation process supported by the Minsk Group;
Obtaining conclusion by the Parties of an agreement on the cessation
of the armed conflict in order to permit the convening of the Minsk
Conference; Promoting the peace process by deploying OSCE multinational
peacekeeping forces.

The Minsk Process can be considered to be successfully concluded if
the objectives referred to above are fully met.

US EMBASSY DENIES ROLE IN ERGENEKON PROBE

Asbarez
Feb 1st, 2010

ANKARA (Anatolia News Agency)-A spokesperson with the United States
Embassy in Ankara has said the U.S. had no involvement with a probe
in Turkey over an alleged criminal network known as Ergenekon.

The spokesperson described the allegation as "ridiculous" in a written
statement on Monday, saying that the embassy could not comment on an
ongoing case in a Turkish court.

A national newspaper in Turkey reported that part of an indictment in
the Ergenekon probe alleged a car registered with the U.S. Consulate in
Istanbul had entered a military zone to take photographs in Istanbul’s
Poyrazkoy district, the scene of an excavation that unearthed weapons
and explosives last April.

The spokesperson said they had no record of a consulate vehicle being
present at the site on April 7, 2009.

The Ergenekon gang was brought into the limelight after police seized
27 grenades, explosives and fuses in a shantyhouse in Istanbul on
June 12, 2007. The Istanbul Chief Prosecutor’s Office launched an
investigation into the weapons.

Police conducted operations in several provinces and detained a
number of people, including retired senior army officers as well
as officers on active duty, journalists and businessmen for their
alleged involvement in the network.

The gang is accused of conspiring to overthrow the Turkish
government by increasing instability in the country through political
assassinations.

ENTRIES INVITED FOR GULF FILM FESTIVAL

Trade Arabia
Mon, 01 Feb 2010
Dubai

Submissions are now open for the third edition of the Gulf Film
Festival to be held from April 8-14, 2010 in Dubai.

The event is presented by Dubai Culture & Arts Authority in association
with Dubai Studio City.

GCC national filmmakers as well as directors of films that depict
life in the Arabian Gulf region can make their submissions online at
until February 15, 2010.

The festival is held under the patronage of Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed
Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, chairman of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority.

Gulf Film Festival (GFF) showcased more than 50 movies in 11 key film
festival events around the world in 2009.

GFF also served as the official submission organisation for the
Gulf region for 2008 and 2009 Asia Pacific Screen Awards (APSA),
the region’s highest film accolade.

Among the key festivals that GFF movies were nominated at include APSA;
the Zanzibar International Film Festival; Golden Apricot International
Film Festival of Yerevan in Armenia; Ahmedabad International
Film Festival in India; Beirut International Documentary Festival
(Docudays) and the Beirut International Film Festival in Lebanon; Arab
Film Festival in Australia; Arab Film Festival Rotterdam; the Nabeul
Cinema Nights in Tunisia; and ‘Days of Gulf Cinema in Palestine’.

GFF festival director Masoud Amralla Al Ali said the international
acceptance of films screened at GFF, including several movies from
the UAE, highlighted the marked evolution of Arab cinema as an
established entity.

"One of the founding goals of GFF has been to promote Arab film talent
and offer a sounding board for their growth and acceptance globally.

The global appeal of our film selection is a testament to the success
of our vision," he said.

"GFF serves as a powerful platform for Arab film talent, across the
world, to showcase films that are related to the Gulf and Middle
East region. This is the first time that a referral point has
been set for Arab cinema, and the international film festivals and
cultural organisations bank on GFF to identify the best in Arab film
creativity," added Masoud.

Some of the most popular titles across these international film
festivals include: The Circle, Henna, Beyond Words, Revenge, When the
People Spoke – Part 3, The Loser Bet, The Sound of Life, Finding Mr &
Mrs Right, Sunrise/Sunset, Amal’s Cloud, Bint Mariam and The Window.

These include films by directors from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar,
Iraq, Yemen, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, highlighting the GCC-wide
evolution of cinema. – TradeArabia News Service

2010 COMMUNITIES’ BUDGETS DISCUSSED IN ARMENIA

PanARMENIAN.Net
02.02.2010 11:04 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Comparative analysis of estimated indicators of
2009 was discussed Monday during the session of the board under the
RA Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Territorial Administration
Armen Gevorgyan.

Minister Gevorgyan noted that they succeeded in having 2010
communities’ budgets approved by the end of 2009 but there is still
need of certain analysis to be made in order to clarify if these
budgets are optimal and if the collection own revenues’ reserves were
taken into consideration.

He suggested that governors should assign specialists to analyze
communities’ budgets for 2010, taking into account subsidies received
by each community, real bases of own revenues and reserves, as well
as subsidies and subventions, changes of land territories being under
the jurisdiction of communities. He also urged to discuss the results
of surveys with heads of communities.

It was agreed to refer to communities’ budgets of 2010 in a month
and reconsider them if necessary.