Author: Kanayan Tamar

Vartkes Yeghiayan
The Case of Misak Torlakian

Wednesday, January 17, 7 pm

Glendale Public Library
222 East Harvard Street
Glendale, CA 91205

FREE event cosponsored by the Friends of the Glendale Public Library, the
Glendale Bar Assn and the Armenian Bar Assn.

Refreshments.

³The defendant is acquitted at the expense of the state treasury. In
accordance with the decision of the jury, the defendant is not guilty of the
punishable act with which he has been charged.²

The charge was murder. The defendent, Misak Torlakian, shot Bibhub Khan
Javanshir outside the Per Palace Hotel in Constantinople (Istanbul) on July
18, 1921, yet he was found not guilty. The Case of Misak Torlakian, a new
book by Attorney Vartkes Yeghiayan and Ara Arabyan, reveals the trial
transcript concerning the Armenian Ottoman subject who was tried and
aquitted by a British Military Court on the charge of murdering the
Ex-Minister of the Interior of Azerbaijan.

The book provides an examination of the legal process of a British Military
Court after the Armenian genocide. History, theology, philosophy,
physiology, psychology and politics were used by the attorneys during the
trial. As a result, the landmark legal case became not just a murder trial,
but also a study of the political, social and economic strategies in the
Middle East and a discussion of the rivalries between Armenians, Azeris,
Turks, the British and Bolsheviks for control of oil.

The author, Glendale attorney Vartkes Yeghiayan, recently reached a $20
million settlement between new York Life Insurance and the heirs of Armenian
genocide victims and Armenian charitable organizations.

President Kocharian addresses the nation on New Year’s Eve

ArmRadio.am
01.01.2007 00:17

Addressing the nation on New Year’s Eve, RA President Robert Kocharian
said in particular:

`Dear compatriots,

In a few minutes we’ll say good bye to the year 2006. It was peaceful
and productive. The country went on to develop steadily. Due to this,
next year the state budget will considerably increase. Therefore, the
salaries and pensions will also rise. We intend to accomplish a number
of social programs, which will be targeted at the improvement of
quality of life.

This year with due luxury we celebrated the 15th anniversary of
Armenia. >From the height of the past way the achievements of the
country are obvious, more precise are the future deeds. In 2007 we
shall celebrate the 15th anniversaries of formation of the Armenian
Army and liberation of Shushi. According to tradition, Armenians will
raise their glasses to the Armenian Army. I wish good service to
servicemen who welcome the New Year in military divisions and bow
before the memory of the dead.

Last year Armenia’s international involvement increased. The relations
with Russia became significant for the conduct of the Year of Armenia
in Russia. An active political dialogue was launched, the economic
ties turned more active, a rich cultural program was accomplished. The
visit of the French President Jacques Chirac and Charles Aznavour’s
unforgettable concert marked the start of the Year of Armenia in
France.

The Action Plan of the European Neighborhood Policy was adopted. The
accomplishment of the Millennium Challenge Program started together
with the US Government. These provide new opportunities for the
country’s development. Soon the Iran-Armenia gas pipeline will be pt
into commission. A number of new important energy programs are
envisaged with Iran.

The negotiations on Karabakh also continued. In the result of these
the de facto existence of Nagorno Karabakh and the right of Artsakhi
people to live free and safe should be determined. Te resolute stance
of the Artsakhi people was once again reflected in the Constitutional
referendum.

The past year was significant also for the Armenia-Diaspora
relations. The third forum was held in Yerevan, which mainly focused
on rural development programs. I’m confident that the result of it
will be felt in the nearest future. The Telethon of the `Hayastan’
All-Armenian Fund was held with great inspiration. Tens of thousands
families made their contribution to the development of Artsakh.

Dear compatriots,

We are entering the next year with resoluteness to continue the
reforms. Among these the most important are the formation of fair
competitive field, provision of an effective judicial-legal system,
the fight against corruption. Consistent work is the guarantee of
result.

In 2007 parliamentary elections are expected. I’m sure these will be
held on a proper level. Conduct of free and fair elections should be a
priority for every of us.

Dear compatriots from Armenia, Artsakh and Diaspora,

I wish you a Happy New Year. May 2007 be a year of health, joy and
prosperity for your families. Let the New Year bring success and
happiness to your homes.

Happy New Year!’

ASSOCIATION OF FILM CRITICS AND FILM JOURNALISTS OF ARMENIA IS 10

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 29, NOYAN TAPAN. The Association of Film Critics and
Film Journalists of Armenia is 10. Famous film critics, theorists,
critics and journalists are involved in this non-state organization
founded in 1996. The goals of the organization are to support keeping
and development of artistic and aesthetic standards in the national
film art as well as to support propaganda, spreading and study of the
film art as an unseparable part of the national culture. As Susanna
Haroutiunian, the Association Chairwoman mentioned in the interview to
the Noyan Tapan correspondent, just a year after its foundation, in
1997, the Association of the Film Critics and Film Journalists of
Armenia became the FI PRE SCI national branch of the International
Film Critics Association. The organization chairwoman stated that the
association members, as a FI PRE SCI jury member or chairman,
participated in numerous film festivals, including ones of Berlin,
Karlovy Vary, Moscow, Pusane, Ritterdam, Vienna, etc. In
S.Haroutiunian’s words, on the initiative of the association heads,
seminars, courses, festivals, conferences were organized, catalogues,
reference books, proceedings and other literature concerning the
sphere were published during the 10-year activity. In this sense, the
"Armenian Film: 1924-1999" complete and all-embracing catalogue,
published in 2000 is characteristical.

The complete picture of the Armenian cinematography started from the
first steps is presented here. In S.Haroutiunian’s words, on the
initiative of those responsible for the association, the "Golden
Apricot" (Voske Tsiran) Yerevan international film festival was
founded which has become traditional one and wins bigger recognition
in the world year by year.

SEPUYA JOINS ARMENIA LEAGUE
By Fred Kaweesi

New Vision, Uganda
Dec 27 2006

UGANDAN striker Eugene Sepuya has completed a dream career transfer
to Armenian soccer giants Banants FC for an undisclosed fee.

The lofty striker, who has been at Colorado Rapids in the US, signed
a two-year deal to switch to the former Soviet state with the help
of FIFA agent Antonio Carlo. Carlo helped Uganda sign German Laszlo
Csaba as national coach.

"Eugene did very well during his week- long trial in Armenia.

Everybody was impressed with his physical presence and hard work,"
Carlo said.

The 6-foot striker, who played for Mbale Heroes and SC Villa between
2000-2004, scored three goals in his ultimate trial match.

"GENOCIDE STUDIES AND PREVENTION" PERIODICAL PUBLISHED

AZG Armenian Daily
27/12/2006

The second volume of the Genocide Studies and Prevention periodical
jas been published, wholly dedicated to the Armenian Genocide. A number
of scientific researches are included in the volume – "The Importance
of the Armenian Genocide after 90 years" by Roger Smith, "The Awful
Curse" by William A. Shabas, and other works by Vahagn N. Tatrian,
Taner Akcam, Simon Payasalian, Ugur Umit Ungor and Mattias Bjornlund.

The "Genocide Studies and Prevention" is the official periodical of
the Genocide Experts International Company and is published thrice
a year by the journal department of the Toronto University.

NATIONAL LIBRARY BELONGS TO THE NATION
By Gohar Julhakian

Yerkir.am
December 22, 2006

The National Library has the richest collection of books in
Armenia. Many unique and valuable publications are stored at this
library.

It should suffice to note that the library has several items that
cost over one million dollars. The library has followed one principle
throughout its activity – to make the best works of world culture
accessible for the Armenians.

Today the library’s cooperation network has expanded to new countries
and new partners. The National Library has along record of cooperation
with the Library of the US Congress.

The National Library’s membership in the Organization of European
National Libraries (OENL) was an important accomplishment. The Library
is a large academic and cultural institution where the best works of
Armenian and world literature are stored. The Library is the guarantee
of education of the coming generations. Its role in the development
of cultural life of the country is indispensable.

Today the library is facing some problems – it lacks the necessary
modern equipment for storage and repair of books, air conditioning
and heating for its facilities. The Library has not been renovated
for decades. It is impossible to solve these problems with government
funding. It is necessary to find sponsors to cover the renovation
costs.

VIVA CELL expressed its readiness to support the library in solving
its problems. The Library’s Director David Sargsian spoke about the
Library’s accomplishments and problems at a press conference.

He informed that VIVA CELL has provided 9 million drams for renovation
of 16 restrooms in the Library’s administrative building. An agreement
has been signed between the Library and VIVA CELL for renovation of
the roof of the administrative building. Sargsian stated 28 million
drams was allocated from the state budget for the needs of the National
Library in 2006.

"The Library expands its collection through purchase of books,
subscriptions, donations, exchange of literature with other
libraries. 1625 new books were received by the Library in 2006,"
Sargsian noted.

Heating is one of the most urgent problems the Library is facing.

"We heat the Library with electricity. However, we are constantly
afraid that the old cables will be damaged, therefore, we need to
work in a power saving regime," Sargsian noted.

Speaking about renovation of the Library’s building he noted that
experts from the Ministry of Culture are examining the building and
will develop bills of quantities for renovation. All four buildings of
the Library have not been renovated since their construction. Sargsian
said 2 billion drams will be necessary to complete the renovation of
the Library.

Sargsian noted that the government has provided several
air conditioners that were installed in the storage rooms and
archives. Sargsian stressed that we should realize that the National
Library belongs to the entire nation.

It would be desirable if VIVA CELL’s initiative is continued by
other companies and individuals in the country who would understand
that the National Library is the most important, most reliable and
indispensable wealth of the nation.

P.S.- It should be added that only 3-4 floors of the Library’s
multi-storey building are used. The remaining floors are empty, and
any empty or deserted building gradually deteriorates and is ruined
especially that the building was partially robbed during the dark
and cold years.

AZERI FM HOPES FOR PROGRESS IN KARABAKH PEACE PROCESS IN 2007

Yerevan, December 23. ArmInfo. I still hope for the progress in 2007.
It is encouraged by the development of the situation in the region
and in the world generally, Azeri FM Elmar Mammadyarov says in an
interview to Trend news agency (Baku).

However, we have got used to the habit of "surprises" from the
Armenian side. If we take into consideration that 2007 is the
election year in Armenia, it also may be demonstrated as a "factor".
However, I hope that the Armenian Head will make an accurate decision
and demonstrate a political will.

As regards to the format of the negotiations, there is no need to
alter it because the mediators of the OSCE Minsk Group have carried
out laborious work within the "Prague process" in 2006, and I hope
that their efforts will not be useless.

ANTI-CRIMINAL GOES TO THE STREET

Lragir, Armenia
Dec 21 2006

On December 21 public hearings of the anti-criminal movement took
place, which is the last event of the anti-criminal movement in 2006.

Aram Karapetyan, the leader of the Nor Zhamanakner Party, said the
events will continue after the holidays and it is possible that the
movement will take more definite actions in the street. Aram Karapetyan
mentioned that many political parties of the movement have agreed.

The leader of the Nor Zhamanakner Party said it is impossible to change
power in Armenia through an election, and in this case there can be
two ways: either to come together and lose the country or to come
together and fight through all the possible means. Aram Karapetyan
stated that the peaceful way is the most preferable form of civil
disobedience and he is against hard struggle.

"The UN convention states that if the government is against the people,
defies the principles of democracy, does not ensure progress, has
usurped power, anyone and any group of people can revolt against such
a government," Aram Karapetyan stated. He said when the repressive
administration moves forward by crushing everything on its way,
the civil disobedience can be rather tough.

Although Aram Karapetyan has stated that it is impossible to change
power in Armenia through an election, he mentioned that the upcoming
election is the crucial political moment that must be used for a change
of power. The leader of the Nor Zhamanakner Party said personally
he would prefer applying the Georgian model of the change of power
to Armenia.

PARLIAMENT STARTS DISCUSSING PACKAGE OF AMENDMENTS TO ELECTORAL CODE

Noyan Tapan
Dec 21 2006

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 21, NOYAN TAPAN. Discussion of the package of
amendments to RA Electoral Code started at the December 20 sitting
of RA NA special session. In the words of the main reporter, RPA
faction representative Samvel Nikoyan, among many other additions,
in particular, on the basis of Constitutional Court’s November 7
decision, the order of formation of electoral commissions is envisaged:
it is planned to replace each judge included in the commission by
one judicial servant. The terms of formation of commissions are
also reduced, the issue of quorum of the electoral commission is
reconsidered.

According to the current Code, commission’s sitting is considered
to be competent and voting valid and decision made if more than the
half of the total number of commission members are present at the
sitting and voted in favor of the decision. According to the bill,
it is proposed doing exception for "regular sessions in the period
from the day of fixing state elections until making a decision on
summing up the election results." Regular sessions are competent
in this period irrespective of the number of members present at
the sitting if all possibilities for ensuring participation of
sufficient number of commission members for convening a session are
exhausted and a decision is considered made if the number of votes
"in favor" is more than votes "opposed." In Nikoyan’s words, with
the above mentioned reforms the authors wish to exclude the cases
when the electoral commission is unable to make a decision due to
boycott or non-participation of its members. In the MP’s words, this
this necessary for ensuring the possibility of appealing against the
commission decision at CC in case of disagreement with the results. The
draft’s main opponents were opposition MPs. In particular, in the
words of Grigor Haroutiunian, Secretary of the Ardarutiun (Justice)
faction, they form an impression that in the sense of content the
bill has been considerably changed after the first reading to the
detriment of improvement and is aimed at creation of loop-holes.

AFTER NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS ANTI-CRIMINAL MOVEMENT TO TURN TO ACTIVE ACTIONS, ARAM KARAPETIAN PROMISES

Noyan Tapan
Dec 21 2006

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 21, NOYAN TAPAN. "Armenia becomes like Romania of
Chaushesku’s times or countries of Latin America of 50-s of previous
century when big sums of money were offered for the head of each
oppositionist." Aram Karapetian, Chairman of the Nor Zhamanakner
(New Times) Party, said this at the December 21 regular sitting of
anti-criminal movement, commenting upon the ceremony of awarding
of National Security Service employees held on December 21. He
expressed bewilderment in connection with the fact that for the
present, none of law enforcement bodies has reacted to the recent
publication of Armenian version of Forbes journal, in which the list
of country’s richest people was published, among which there are many
officials. A.Karapetian said that he is going to give the Prosecutor
General a package of documents connected with Justice Minister David
Haroutiunian’s activity. "Why no one inquired from where the Justice
Minister has got a fortune of 75-80 mln dollars?" he mentioned.

According to A.Karapetian’s information, the Minister has a large
apartment worth 3.5 mln dollars in New York and his apartment in
Yerevan costs 200 thousand dollars. "I wonder whether it is right
that Justice Minister’s brother Vahan Haroutiunian together with
representative of Diaspora Vahe Yaghubian is engaged in construction
of buildings in Northern Avenue, whether it is right that some people
apply to the very V.Haroutiunian for receiving a Schengen visa,"
A.Karapetian said. Data on corruption at country’s universities were
also publicized at the sitting. A.Karapetian promised to publish facts
of corruption in law enforcement bodies soon. At the same time, he
stated that under such state of affairs one must not "hope for power
shift through elections."

He reported that the anti-criminal movement is turning to active
actions, the discussion of which will start after New Year holidays. In
his words, the forthcoming parliamentary elections are an important
occasion for changing the situation. "We should use the very important
circumstance," A.Karapetian said.