Author: Kanayan Tamar

LES AGRESSIONS DONT SONT VICTIMES DES REPRESENTANTS DE L’OPPOSITION SE POURSUIVENT

ARMENIE

Haykakan Jamanak, Jamanak, Hraparak et Joghovourd consacrent leur > a l’agression du vice-president du parti d’opposition Congrès
national armenien, Aram Manoukian, le 11 decembre tard dans la soiree,
a l’entree de son domicile. Un inconnu l’a attaque en le blessant
au visage. La police mène une enquete. Cette agression fait suite a
celles de trois veterans de la guerre du HK, le 8 et le 10 decembre,
dont deux auraient ete agresses par les gardes du corps du chef
adjoint de la police, Lyova Yeranossian, celui-ci n’ayant pas dementi
son implication (cf. revue du 11.12). Dans un entretien avec RFE/RL,
Levon Zourabian, membre du CNA, s’est dit convaincu que les quatre
agressions etaient liees et que l’on avait affaire a une campagne
d’intimidation. M. Zourabian a indique qu’une camera installee a
l’entree de l’immeuble avait filme l’incident et que son elucidation
devrait prendre quelques minutes a la police : entre celui-ci et le Premier Ministre, M.

Gasparian n’ayant pas hesite a exprimer son objection a la creation
d’un Ministère de l’Interieur, idee defendue par le PM et n’exclut
pas que le PM aurait interet a se debarrasser du chef de la police.

Joghovourd, quant a lui, relève qu’>. Pour ce quotidien, si la police ne reussit pas
a elucider ces agressions, l’on conclura qu’une >
sevit dans le pays avec le feu vert des organes judiciaires.

Extrait de la revue de presse de l’Ambassade de France en Armenie en
date du 12 decembre 2014

vendredi 19 decembre 2014, Stephane (c)armenews.com

PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Chris Zakian
Tel: (212) 686-0710 or (973) 943-8697
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:

** TOP STORY December 18, 2014
————————————————————
St. David
Michelangelo’s `David’-a man of twists and turns who knew both the
exhilaration of victory and the desolation of personal loss.

** Re-Introductions are in Order
————————————————————
One of the wonderful things about the Christmas season is the way it
re-introduces us to such interesting people. And it’s not limited to
friends and family: some of the most memorable re-introductions come
from the surrounding culture. Who can suppress a warm smile at their
first yearly sighting of Santa, Rudolph, and the elves? Or at the
Grinch, and the whole Peanuts gang?

But the church, too, is actively bringing some memorable people to our
attention in the run-up to Christmas. It shares these vivid
personalities with us through the feast days that occupy the weeks in
the latter half of Advent.

We’ll meet King David: poet and warrior, fugitive and conqueror; a man
of twists and turns who knew both the exhilaration of victory and the
desolation of personal loss.

We’ll meet James: the apostle called the `Brother of the Lord,’ who
after Christ’s ascension led the church in its turbulent dawning days,
and became the first bishop of Jerusalem.

We’ll meet Stephen: that fiery speaker who preached the gospel in the
public square; who is remembered as the first deacon of the
church=80’and its first martyr.

We’ll meet Peter and Paul: the `odd couple’ of the Apostolic Age;
rivals in so many matters of practice and policy, yet united in a
friendship of the spirit that drew both to the heart of the Roman
Empire, to preach and suffer in their Master’s name.

Finally, we’ll meet the brothers James and John: two of the most
intimate confidants of our Lord. John in particular left us some of
the deepest, most introspective writing in the Bible. Yet to Jesus, he
and James were known as the `Thunder Boys’-a name evoking vigor and
action (which would also make a great title for next summer’s
superhero blockbuster).

These are the stories the church re-introduces to us through the
feasts of the next two weeks (on December 23, 25, 27, and 29). In the
days to come-especially in that quiet period between the two blessed
celebrations of Christ’s nativity, on December 25 and January
6=80’devote some time to reading and thinking about them. Somehow,
getting to know these figures prepares us for that greatest
re-introduction of all, when we will once more welcome the infant
Jesus into our hearts and lives.

Armenian Genocide Cintennial

** The Armenian Genocide: 100th Year of Remembrance
————————————————————
The coming year will mark 100 years since the start of the Armenian
Genocide of 1915. At the time, it was the greatest calamity to ever
befall our nation. But the subsequent century also tells an
extraordinary tale of our people`s resilience, strength, and faith.

Armenian-Americans will commemorate this milestone year with a
national observance in Washington, D.C. in May 2015. Special events
are scheduled for May 7 to 9. The weekend will include an ecumenical
prayer service at the National Cathedral, a Pontifical Divine Liturgy,
a memorial concert, and an awards banquet honoring organizations and
individuals who helped the survivors. His Holiness Karekin II, the
Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, and His Holiness
Aram I, the Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, will both
journey to the United States to lead the Washington
commemoration. They will be joined by Armenians from across the U.S.,
under the auspices of the Eastern and Western Dioceses, and the
Eastern and Western Prelacies. Click here
()
to learn more about the May events in the nation’s capital.

The Eastern Diocese’s Annual Diocesan Assembly and Clergy Conference
will convene in Washington that same week; details on the 2015
Assembly will be forthcoming.

People should also reserve the dates of April 24, 25, and 26 for
commemoration events in New York. These will include liturgical
celebrations and the annual Times Square program sponsored by the
Mid-Atlantic Knights and Daughters of Vartan.

We encourage our parishes to let us know as early as possible about
their local observances. Resources are available on the Diocesan
website to assist parishes in raising awareness in their surrounding
communities. Click here
()
to access these materials.

** Scripture of the Week
————————————————————

Is 40:18-31
Heb 4:16-5:10
Lk 18:9-14

** Prayer of the Week
————————————————————

Dear Lord, you parted the Red Sea and the Jordan River as your people
journeyed to the Promised Land. Lift away those things that keep us
from you today as we continue the journey. We ask this in your name,
and with the Father and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

** Upcoming Saints & Feasts
————————————————————

23 December: St. David the Prophet-King and the Holy Apostle James,
Brother of the Lord

25 December: St. Stephen the Protodeacon and First Martyr

27 December: Holy Apostles Peter and Paul

29 December: Holy Apostles James and John, “Sons of Thunder”

** CHURCH NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE
————————————————————
Bishop Vahan Hovhanessian
Bishop Vahan Hovhanessian is the new Primate of France.

** Diocese of France Welcomes New Primate
————————————————————
Bishop Vahan Hovhanessian, the newly elected Primate of the Diocese of
the Armenian Church of France, celebrated his first Divine Liturgy at
the Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist in Paris on Sunday,
December 7.

In his sermon, Bishop Hovhanessian spoke about the importance of
attending church on Sundays, and playing an active part in carrying
forward its mission. He called on all community members to work
together as they embark on this new chapter in the history of the
Armenian Church of France. A celebratory banquet followed
services. Click here
()
to view a video of this month’s badarak.

Bishop Vahan Hovhanessian most recently served as the Primate of the
Armenian Diocese of Great Britain. He was elected to lead the Diocese
of France in November. Prior to Bishop Hovhanessian’s work in Europe,
he served with distinction for many years in the Eastern Diocese.

** DIOCESAN NEWS
————————————————————
Armenian Christmas Schedule at St. Vartan Cathedral

** Christmas Services at St. Vartan Cathedral
————————————————————
The Feast of the Nativity and Baptism of Jesus Christ will be observed
at New York’s St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral on Monday and Tuesday,
January 5 and 6, 2015. Click here
()
to view the special liturgical schedule for these “Armenian Christmas”
services.

The Blessing of Water service will follow the Divine Liturgy on
January 6. Dr. Vicken Pamoukian will serve as “godfather” of the
Blessing of Water service.

A Home Blessing service and Christmas reception will be held in Haik
and Alice Kavookjian Auditorium following services on January 6. The
Akh’tamar Armenian Dance Ensemble, under the direction of Sylva
Assadourian, will perform during the reception, which is open to all.

Most local parishes will celebrate Christmas on January 6, but the
Primate has also directed that they may observe the occasion on
Sunday, January 11. For information on services in your area, contact
your local parish
()
to ascertain the date and time of its Armenian Christmas celebration.

Click on the following links to read the Primate’s Christmas message
in English
()
and Armenian
()
, and to view a brief video
()
about Christmas in the Armenian Church.

When I was Baptised
An illustration by Anush Movsesian Avejic from When I Was Baptized.

** New Children’s Book on Baptism
————————————————————
The Diocese’s Department of Christian Education is proud to announce
the publication of a new children’s book on the sacrament of baptism.
When I Was Baptized features 16 pages of beautiful illustrations by
Anush Movsesian Avejic and bi-lingual text. It describes in a few
words what children experience when they are baptized: from the joy
they bring to their families simply by being born to being immersed in
water and blessed with holy oil; from receiving holy communion to the
celebration afterwards.

The book-sized for a child’s small hands and made of thick, coated
cardboard-makes an ideal baptismal gift, and is also perfect for
church pews, Sunday School classrooms, name days, birthdays, and
Christmas.

When I Was Baptized is available from the St. Vartan Bookstore. Click
here
()
to view a flyer for information on how to order.

Zulal Concert
Members of the Zulal a cappella folk trio at the Diocesan Center.

** Zulal Transports Audience to a Bygone Time
————————————————————
Some 300 people gathered at St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral on Sunday,
December 14, for a concert by the
a cappella folk trio Zulal.

Following the Divine Liturgy, guests headed to the Haik and Alice
Kavookjian Auditorium for a program of Armenian village folk melodies
cleverly arranged and performed by Zulal members Teni Apelian, Yeraz
Markarian, and Anaïs Tekerian. Click here
()
to view photos.

The concert was generously sponsored by Sandra Shahinian Leitner, so
that all proceeds would benefit the ministries of the Eastern Diocese.

FAR
Attendees who successfully completed the courses were awarded
certificates by Rutgers University.

** Training Courses for Armenia’s Engineers
————————————————————
A new partnership between Rutgers University and the National
University of Architecture and Construction of Armenia (NUACA)
recently offered training courses to engineering students in
Armenia. The Rutgers-NUACA partnership was forged by the Fund for
Armenian Relief, with generous support from the SJS Foundation.

Some 50 students and several university professors attended the
courses in engineering and construction project management and quality
control, which were held at NUACA in Yerevan in November. Taught by
Dr. Vahan Tanal and Dr. David Mikaelian of the United States (both
also represent the Armenian Engineers and Scientists Association of
America), the courses were designed to introduce the attendees to the
best practices in the United States, while also giving them an
opportunity to further pursue a degree program.

Attendees who successfully completed the courses were awarded
certificates by Rutgers University. Click here
()
to read more on FAR’s blog.

advent

** Read our Advent Blog
————————————————————
Throughout the Advent season, Eric Vozzy of the Diocese’s Department
of Christian Education has been posting weekly Advent reflections on
the Diocese’s blog. Click here
()
to visit our blog for this week’s entry.

Advent is a season of preparation for one of the greatest feasts of
the church, the Nativity of Jesus Christ. In the Armenian Church,
Advent is a period of 50 days called Heesnag (from the Armenian word
for 50, heesoon). It is a time for prayer, reflection, devotion to
Scripture, fasting, and service.
Annual Appeal

** Support the Diocese’s 2014 Annual Appeal
————————————————————
With only weeks remaining, the Eastern Diocese is making an urgent
plea for support of the 2014 Annual Appeal. Follow this link to donate
now
()
to the 2014 Annual Appeal-the only Diocesan-wide fundraiser conducted
each year to help the Diocese undertake the many ministries, programs,
and resources that enrich life in our parishes.

Your thoughtful gift brings light to our local churches. It supports
Christian education, Armenian language instruction, summer camps,
youth programs, mission parish outreach, and the use of new
communication technologies.

To our past and prospective donors, we are deeply grateful for your
support of the creative, educational, and inspirational programs that
lift up Armenian communities throughout the Eastern Diocese.

Please accept this invitation to strengthen our efforts. Your generous
contribution to the 2014 Annual Appeal will help spread the good work
of the Armenian Church across our local communities-and across the
generations.

Follow this link to donate now
()
to the 2014 Annual Appeal.

** PARISH NEWS
————————————————————
St. Mary Church, Hollywood, FL
Archbishop Barsamian presents the “St. Vartan Award” to Arbo and
Virginia Zakaryan.

** Two Parishioners Honored in Hollywood, FL
————————————————————
Parishioners at St. Mary Church of Hollywood, FL, celebrated the 16th
consecration anniversary of their present church building on Sunday,
December 14, with services and a festive luncheon.

Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate, visited the parish and
celebrated the Divine Liturgy, with the Rev. Fr. Vartan Joulfayan,
parish pastor, assisting.

At a luncheon following services, the community honored longtime
parishioners Arbo and Virginia Zakaryan with a plaque in appreciation
of their service. On behalf of the Eastern Diocese, Archbishop
Barsamian presented them with the `St. Vartan Award.’ Parish youth
presented a program of poetry recitations and musical performances.

Click on the following links to read more
()
and to view photos
()
.

St. Gregory the Enlighterner Church, White Plains, NY
Chris Bohjalian with parishioners at St. Gregory the Enlightener
Church.

** White Plains Welcomes Author Chris Bohjalian
————————————————————
On Thursday, December 11, the Women’s Guild of St. Gregory the
Enlightener Church of White Plains, NY, hosted an evening with author
Chris Bohjalian, who has written more than 15 best-selling novels,
including his book about the Armenian Genocide,
The Sandcastle Girls.

Mr. Bohjalian spoke about his family history and how it propelled him
to write about the Armenian Genocide. He also answered questions about
his writing process, travels to Armenia and the Middle East, and
efforts to bring The Sandcastle Girls to the silver screen.

Click here
()
to view photos.

St. James Church, Watertown, MA
Fr. Arakel Aljalian with Ruth Harutunian and parish council chair Ed
Kazanjian.

** “Name Day” Celebration in Watertown
————————————————————
On Sunday, December 14, St. James Church of Watertown, MA, observed
its 83nd anniversary with its annual `Name Day’ celebration (the
church is named for St. James, the Bishop of Nisibis, whose feast day
was observed on December 13).

The day began with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy and continued
with a banquet and program. Taking part in the day’s events were the
Very Rev. Fr. Krikor Maksoudian; Rev. Fr. Arakel Aljalian, parish
pastor; Rev. Fr. Arsen Barsamian; and Rev. Fr. Dajad Davidian.

Longtime parishioner Ruth Harutunian was presented with the
“Parishioner of the Year” award. Ms. Harutunian’s nephew Mark Kavonian
offered warm memories of her influence on his life and her service to
St. James Church. Ms. Harutunian has taught Sunday School, supported
local sports teams, and served on the parish’s Scholarship
Committee. She has also been a member of the Women’s Guild for more
than 40 years, and most recently has been instrumental in organizing
and baking for the Women’s Guild pastry booth at the parish bazaar.

Two longtime choir members, Lucy Mardirosian and Bob Sanasarian,
received the `Parish Service Award’ for their decades of dedicated
service. Ms. Mardirosian has been a choir member for 60 years, while
Mr. Sanasarian has been singing for 70 years. Both have also helped
organize the Junior Choir at St. James Church.

Click here
()
to view photos from Sunday’s celebration.

St. Gregory of Narek Church, Cleveland, OH
Parishioners at the Women’s Guild tea party in Cleveland.

** Reflections on Faith, Hope, and Love in Cleveland
————————————————————
On Saturday, December 6, the Women’s Guild of St. Gregory of Narek
Church of Cleveland, OH, hosted a “Holiday Celebration of Faith, Hope
and Love.’

Three women shared their personal experiences and reflections on these
topics. Yn. Naira Azatyan shared her thoughts on faith, Elza Ter
Arutyunov shared a reflection on hope, and Leslie Bagdasarian spoke on
love.

The Rev. Fr. Hratch Sargsyan, parish pastor, opened the evening with
prayers and a Bible reading. Women’s Guild chair Cheryl Arslanian made
welcoming remarks. The program also featured Dn. Ari Terjanian
performing on the piano and Maral Demirjian singing Christmas carols.

The celebration continued with a tea party in the cultural hall. All
proceeds from the event will benefit the Women’s Support Center in
Armenia, an organization that helps protect women’s rights and fight
domestic violence in Armenia.

Click here
()
to view photos.

Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church, Wynnewood, PA
Sunday School students sing Christmas carols to the elderly.

** Spreading Christmas Cheer in Philly
————————————————————
On Sunday, December 14, the Sunday School students of St. Sahag and
St. Mesrob Church of Wynnewood, PA, brought Christmas cheer to the
elderly at a local assisted living center.

The students had spent three weeks learning and rehearsing Christmas
carols in preparation for this month’s visit to `Sunrise of
Haverford.’ The children and teenagers, ranging in age from 2 to 17,
also distributed candy canes and spent time in fellowship with the
residents.

Later, they returned to church for a pizza lunch with parents and
teachers.

Brookly Mission Parish, NY
Fr. Hayrapetyan and Dn. Gyadayan perform a Home Blessing service at
the Brooklyn Armenian School.

** Home Blessing at Brooklyn Armenian School
————————————————————
On Sunday December 7, Dn. Ivan Gyadayan of St. Nersess Armenian
Seminary visited the Armenian School of Brooklyn, NY. The school is in
session every Sunday, offering local Armenian students classes in
Armenian language, Christian education, singing, and dancing.

A special guest on that day was the Very Rev. Fr. Kevork Hayrapetyan,
a priest from Jerusalem, who spoke about the Armenian presence in the
Holy Land and the importance of Christian education. Fr. Hayrapetyan
and Dn. Gyadayan performed a Home Blessing service.

Upcoming events

** Upcoming Parish Events
————————————————————

Hye Pointe Church | Haverhill, MA
The ACYOA of Hye Pointe Church of Haverhill, MA, will host a
`Chocolate and Cookie Christmas Social’ on Saturday, December
27. Enjoy an interactive chocolate and cookie decorating demo with
guest chef and ACYOA member Nathan Kibarian. Gift baskets and packaged
sweets will be available for sale after the program. Click here
()
to view a flyer for ticket information.

St. Garabed Church | Baton Rouge, LA
St. Garabed Church of Baton Rouge, LA, will host a `New Year Holiday
Dance Party’ on Saturday, December 27. The evening will feature live
music by Kevork Artinian and George Tebrejian. The event will be held
at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Baton Rouge. Click here
()
to view a flyer for ticket information.

St. Thomas Church | Tenafly, NJ
St. Thomas Church of Tenafly, NJ, will host a New Year’s eve
celebration on Wednesday, December 31, beginning at 8 p.m. Enjoy music
by DJ Alan, a full-course dinner, champagne, and special activities
for children. Click here
()
to view a flyer for reservation information, or contact the church at
(201) 567-5446.

Armenian Church of Jacksonville | Jacksonville, FL
The Armenian Church of Jacksonville will host a New Year’s eve
gathering on Wednesday, December 31, beginning at 10 p.m. Enjoy
dinner, music, dancing, and raffles. Reservations must be made in
advance. Click here
()
to view a flyer for information.

St. James Church | Watertown, MA
St. James Church of Watertown, MA, will host a New Year’s eve
celebration on Wednesday, December 31. The evening will feature
entertainment by Jaq Hagopian and band, family-style mezze, a dessert
buffet, and more. For additional information, or to purchase tickets,
click here
()
, or contact Aaron Derderian at (781) 264-8680 or
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .

** YOUTH NEWS
————————————————————
New Website

** Summer Camp Registration Opening Soon
————————————————————
Before the end of the year, the new Diocesan Summer Camps website will
be launched. The new site will offer online registration and credit
card payment options for both Hye Camp and St. Vartan Camp,
simplifying the registration process for families across the
Diocese. In addition, all CIT, staff, and volunteer applications will
be available for download.

Click here
()
for this year’s summer camps flyer. To be added to the camp e-mail
list, send your contact information to Jennifer Morris, the Diocese’s
Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, at
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .

ACYOA Chapter Workshop

** Register for ACYOA Chapter Workshop
————————————————————
The ACYOA Central Council is looking forward to the annual ACYOA
Seniors Chapter Workshop at the St. Hagop Church of Pinellas Park, FL,
from January 9 to 11, 2015.

All young adults 18 and older are invited to gather for a weekend
filled with learning through interactive discussions, Bible study, and
worship. In addition, participants will take part in a `Faith in
Action’ service project to benefit a local Florida charity. The plans
for the weekend express the spirit of the ACYOA through worship,
witness, service, education, and fellowship.

The Chapter Workshop is organized by the ACYOA Central Council and
hosted by the parish community of St. Hagop Church.

STEPANAKERT REPUBLICAN LIBRARY CELEBRATES 90TH ANNIVERSARY

15:36, 18 Dec 2014

On 18 December Artsakh Republic President Bako Sahakyan partook in
capital Stepanakert at a solemn event dedicated to the 90th anniversary
of the Republican Library after Mesrop Mashtots.

The President congratulated the staff of the library, expressed
gratitude for their careful work, noting the significance of the
library science from the viewpoints of developing culture and educating
the younger generation, NKR President’s Press Office reported.

Stepanakert Republican Library celebrates 90th anniversary

MILLIONS OF EXPLOSIVES TO BE IMPORTED TO ARMENIA TO EXPLODE SOIL IN ARMENIA

13:43 December 17, 2014

EcoLur

The Armenian Government will allow “Aparazh” LLC to import explosives
to explode the Armenian mountains. The agenda of the executive for
18 December includes the draft decision submitted by Energy and
Natural Resources Minister Armen Movsisyan, which will allow the
company to import explosives and exploding materials into Armenia
for soil management purposes. Under this decision, the following
will be imported: Exel non-electrical capsules LP- 2,000,000 pieces
Exel non-electrical capsules MS- 200,000 pieces Exel non-electrical
capsules Connectadet- 200,000 pieces Shock tube (Yellow)-7,500,000
meters Shock tube (Green)-3,000,000 meters.

Over 670 mines are currently recorded in Armenia, including 30
metallic ones, out of which around 400 mines are developed, including
22 metallic ones.

DOLLAR HIKE UNLIKELY TO BOOST ARMENIA’S EXPORTS – ECONOMIST

13:14 * 18.12.14

The president of the Association of Armenian Exporters says he is
skeptical about the authorities’ optimistic forecasts on the increasing
Dollar rate’s positive impact on exports volumes.

“The Dollar hike is not likely to bring about anything good. The
process should have been smooth to make the exports advantageous,”
Raffi Mkhejyan told Tert.am, calling for maximum efforts by the
government and the Central Bank towards halting the process.

He said he doesn’t think that the currency’s increasing prices is
the only factor stipulating the export growth. “What we export is
domestic raw material and domestic labor force. So the fact that such
fluctuations of the currency rate will contribute to exports are a
myth,” he added.

Asked what losses the domestic exporters’ suffer against the backdrop
of the declining Russian Rouble, Mkhejyan said doesn’t see any serious
transaction in the present circumstances.

“There too, exports would be advvantageous in case the Rouble were
stable. But we do not have any Rouble or Dram in place today. So this
isn’t likely to lead to anything good,” the economist noted.

He said he doesn’t predict any outcome in the current state of
affairs. “There is now way out today. We are tied to Russia’s economy
through direct bonds, so we cannot do anything unless the general
situation improves. Here first of all we see such a factor as Russia
where the price per one Dollar has reached 70-75 Roubles. So if the
neither the Russian Central Bank nor we are able to do anything to
suppress it, the problem then we are facing a large-scale problem. The
situation has already gone beyond control,” he explained.

Mekhjyan said he thinks that the fluctuations will continue until
spring, adding that positive changes will be ruled out in the absence
of a political decision by Russia.

“Mr Putin has to make a political decision to smooth out the
situation,” he said.

David Ghazaryan, the president of the exporting company Spayka, says he
expects the increasing exchange rate to promote agricultural exports.

“For the export of agricultural produce, it will be quite all right.

But this isn’t notably a season for exports. So there is no positive
impact as of today,” he added.

The company currently exports grape and cabbage.

“Should the currency exchange rate remain what it is now, it will
boost exports,” he said.

Commenting on the currency fluctuations, Khosrov Harutyunyan, a
former prime minister now representing the ruling Republican faction
in parliament, said an increase in the export volumes requires raising
the exports capacities to a corresponding level.

“The Russian market is in need of basic necessities. So are we ready
to meet that demand with our supply?” he said, considering Armenia’s
institutional capacities too weak.

> DE DENIS DONIKIAN

A paraître

Depuis 2008, l’ecrivain Denis Donikian a travaille a reconstituer
des elements et decrypter les tenants et aboutissants du genocide
des Armeniens en y investiguant toutes les periodes.

Aujourd’hui, les editions Sigest sont heureuses de vous annoncer la
parution prochaine de la PETITE ENCYCLOPEDIE du GENOCIDE ARMENIEN.

Publication au mois de Mars 2015.

Un livre essentiel car s’y trouve l’essentiel du genocide des
Armeniens.

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lieu, un nom, une reference… lies au genocide des Armeniens, la
Petite encyclopedie du genocide armenien s’adresse aux journalistes,
etudiants, chercheurs, politiques, mais aussi a qui veut savoir,
lecteur curieux ou averti. A lire, offrir, transmettre a ses enfants
et aux deputes.

Chapitre I : Periode hamidienne

Chapitre II : Periode ittihadienne

Chapitre III : Periode kemalienne

Chapitre IV : Periode negationniste

Chapitre V : Mecanismes du meurtre de masse

Un Ouvrage de 500 pages agrementees de multiples photographies,
accompagne d’un CD comprenant environ 800 cartes postales et photos
d’epoque relatives a la presse, aux villes et villages où vivaient
des Armeniens, et au genocide lui-meme, grâce a la collection
exceptionnelle de Robert Tafankejian.

Souscription

Pour souscrire a des conditions avantageuses avant le 28 fevrier 2015
rendez-vous ICI

jeudi 18 decembre 2014, Jean Eckian (c)armenews.com

TURKEY’S ULTRAS AT THE FOREFRONT OF RESISTANCE

Al Jazeera , Qatar
December 16, 2014 Tuesday 2:27 PM GMT

by Mark Bergfeld

Football fans were at the forefront of the Gezi protests, now they
are at the sharp end of the Turkish justice system.

Being a Besiktas suporter, a member of the renowned Carsi ultras,
is not just about being a football fan. Founded by a group of school
friends in 1982, the Carsi ultras have been struggling against
despotism and tyranny for more than thirty years now. The famous
Turkish writer Esber Yagmurdereli once said: “I am not in opposition
because I’m a Besiktas fan, I’m a Besiktas fan so I am in opposition.”

For 35 Carsi ultras this idea is all too real. Today they are facing
trial in Turkey for their participation in the Gezi protests last
year. The have been charged with plotting to overthrow the government
and are facing lengthy prison sentences. They are also accused of
being part of an “armed group” and “possessing unlicensed weapons”.

Leading Gezi protests

The Carsi ultras were at the forefront of the demonstrations against
the government. When police decided to remove environment protesters
from Gezi Park – one of the last green spaces in Istanbul’s city centre
– the Carsi ultras were the first to respond and show solidarity. It
was their energy and mobilisation power that drew in hundreds of
thousands of people from diverse backgrounds, including religious and
ethnic minorities, leftists and groups such as the Anti-Capitalist
Muslims.

Astonishingly, it even brought out supporters of rival football clubs
who have been at odds with each other since the 1980s. While other
football fan groups dispersed in the face of repression, the Carsi
ultras stood their ground.

Some Besiktas fans were arrested during the protests and others –
in house raids in September 2013. According to Ali Usluer, a Carsi
ultra, this is a clear case of “revenge” for not backing down.

More than a year after the protests, nearly 6,000 people have been
charged in 97 different trials.

Coup suspicions and conspiracy theories are not without substance
in Turkish history. The Turkish military has interfered in civilian
matters throughout the 20th century.

But the Carsi ultras – famous for their slogan “Carsi is against
everything!” – claim to have never been aligned with the military or
subversive political groups in any way.

“It is ludicrous to accuse the Carsi of an attempted coup,” Ali
tells me over the phone. “Carsi members suffered under the military
dictatorship in 1983. Just because we were organised, doesn’t mean
we are for a coup.”

A history of opposition

The Carsi ultras have a mass appeal and popularity in Turkey and
abroad. Carsi’s Twitter account has more than 700,000 followers. They
are also said to be the loudest football fans on the planet. The noise
level in their 32,000 capacity stadium once reached 132 decibels
at a home game against Fenerbahce in 2007. Ali remembers that day:
“My jaw almost broke, I was screaming so loud.” Despite rising ticket
prices and commercialisation, the Inonu Stadium remains a place of
political protest, Ali says.

Their opposition goes beyond mere symbolism. In the past, they
demonstrated against the war in Iraq and the construction of a
nuclear power station; they collected money for earthquake victims,
and continue to donate blood regularly.

In a country where the Armenian genocide of 1915 is not recognised as
such, it is significant that one of their former leaders Alen Markaryan
is Armenian. After the murder of the Armenian-Turkish writer Hrant
Dink, they held up banners saying “We are all Armenians”. After a
Black Besiktas player was insulted by other fans, they held up a
banner which read: “We are all black!” Most recently fans showed
their solidarity with the protests in Ferguson.

Minorities such as Kurds and Alevis strongly identify with the club
as well. Kemal Kunes, a Besiktas supporter in London said: “Coming
from a lefty Alevi/Kurd family I have always seen Besiktas as the
club to support in Turkey.”

During the days and nights of street fights against the Erdogan
government, their opposition took new heights. Thousands of Carsi
ultras adorned their Facebook cover photo with the slogan “Give us 100
gas masks and we’ll take back the park”. Carsi ultras even hijacked
an excavator to erect barricades and move against police lines.

Accusations of terrorism

Ipek Demirsu, a human rights researcher based in Istanbul told me:
“The Carsi trial signifies two interconnected processes that have been
working to paralyse fundamental rights and liberties in Turkey. On
the one hand, it exemplifies how public dissent has become coterminous
with ‘terrorism’ and thereby silenced. It also signals the blurring of
boundaries for the separation of powers, jeopardising the rule of law.”

The trial, which started today, has gathered a lot of publicity. At
a US State Department press briefing, State Department Deputy
Spokesperson Marie Harf acknowledged they were looking into the case.

In Germany, Borussia Dortmund supporters showed solidarity with the
football fans facing trial. Their banners read in Turkish “Carsi
ultras: Your way is the struggle! Never give up! Freedom for the
ultras, also in Turkey!”

And at home, the progressive political party HDP (Peoples’ Democratic
Party) declared that they will provide legal assistance to Carsi
members. Rival supporter groups “Sol Acik” (Outer Left) of the
football club Fernerbahce and Galatsaray’s “Tek Yumruk” (One Fist)
also showed their support on the first day of the trial.

Ali is very optimistic that his fellow ultras will be acquitted.

Yavuz, another Besiktas supporter, confirms this view over Facebook:
“We recently have seen many cases based on trumped up evidence
overturned as the police and prosecution ‘belonged’ to another group
once in cahoots with the government, but not anymore.”

Yet the future of the defendants remains uncertain, and so does the
future of political protest in Turkey. Solidarity can make all the
difference.

Mark Bergfeld grew up in the suburbs of Koeln, Germany. He holds a
Bachelor’s in PPE and a Master’s in Sociology, and is an activist
and writer.

OFFICE OF HIGH COMMISSIONER ON NATIONAL MINORITIES ORGANIZES MEETING IN AKHALKALAKI, GEORGIA

States News Service
December 15, 2014 Monday

OFFICE OF HIGH COMMISSIONER ON NATIONAL MINORITIES ORGANIZES MEETING OF
POLITICAL PARTIES AND MINORITY REPRESENTATIVES IN AKHALKALAKI, GEORGIA

VIENNA, Austria

The following information was released by the Organization for Security
and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE):

The office of the High Commissioner on National Minorities organized
a meeting for representatives of national minorities and political
parties with the aim of supporting dialogue in Akhalkalaki, Georgia on
8 December 2014. Akhalkalaki, in Georgia’s Samtskhe Javakheti region,
is densely populated by ethnic Armenians.

The meeting was organized as part of a project on “Multiparty Dialogue
-strengthening the participation of national minorities in political
life”, which promotes minorities’ participation in public life by
establishing dialogue between minority communities and political
parties. Nine of the main political parties are participating in
the project.

Several minority participants pointed out that even though the Samtskhe
Javakheti region could serve as a model of good integration practice
for the rest of Georgia, many political parties were not fully engaged
in the area.

The project started in September 2014 and will run for two years,
culminating ahead of the parliamentary elections scheduled for 2016.

It was initiated by the High Commissioner on National Minorities,
and is supported by Finland, the Netherlands and the United States,
and is implemented by the South Caucasus office of the Netherlands
Institute for Multiparty Democracy.

VIVACELL-MTS: ARS LUNGA DUO AND JUBILEES OF THE YEAR

17:57 17/12/2014 >> CULTURE

As part of the Concert in the Foyer of the National Opera and Ballet
Theater and the Anthology of Armenian Chamber Music project a concert
took place: Ars Lunga Duo and violinists Mary Margaryan and Lusine
Harutyunyan performed duos written for cello and piano and trios
written for violin, cello and piano by Armenian composers, whose
anniversary have been celebrated in 2014, including Komitas (145),
Vladilen Balyan (90), Avet Terteryan (85), Geghuni Chtchyan (85),
Tigran Mansuryan (75), Eduard Hayrapetyan (65) and Armen Smbatyan
(60), the press service of VivaCell-MTS reports.

The idea of creating and implementing the Anthology of Armenian Chamber
Music project belongs to Ars Lunga Duo, namely to cellist Aram Tatalyan
and pianist Julietta Vardanyan. The program encompasses a wide range
of traditions of Armenian academic music from the beginning of the
20th century till now. Works of young Armenian musicians have also
been included in the project; some of them presented a number of
their works to Ars Lunga Duo. The general partner of the Anthology
of Armenian Chamber Music project is VivaCell-MTS.

“In the world of art this year is significant because it marks the
anniversaries of a number of prominent figures in Armenian classical
music. This is a great opportunity to once again remember and honor
our classics, but it is also important to assess and support the
contemporary composers of classical music who say a new word in art.
Today’s concert has combined these two ideas and certifies that our
creative mind is alive and is not limited to past achievements,”
noted VivaCell-MTS General Manager Ralph Yirikian.

The Anthology of Armenian Chamber Music project has several parts.

In the first part of the Anthology of Armenian Chamber Music project
the Ars Lunga Duo has compiled works of 60 Armenian composers of
the 20th-21st centuries, written for cello and piano, has performed
them and recorded them in compliance with modern requirements of
technology. The result of the project was the release of collections,
which make sets of 12 CDs and are completed with brochures presenting
the biographies of the composers.

Presently the Ars Lunga Duo is working on the second part of the
Anthology of Armenian Chamber Music project, which will present
complete works for piano trio (piano, violin, cello) by Armenian
composers.

Source: Panorama.am

WEBSITE DEVOTED TO ARMENIAN GENOCIDE OPENS IN ISRAEL

10:08, 17.12.2014

The Armenian Genocide 100th Anniversary Jerusalem Committee has
launched a website, whose objective is to inform the Israeli readers
about this terrible tragedy that occurred at the turn of the 20th
century.

The Noyan Tapan Center informed Armenian News-NEWS.am that the
creators of this website hope that the activities being carried out
within Israel’s population, and in collaboration with the academia
and intelligentsia of this country, will have an impact on the Israeli
government’s position with respect to this matter.

The website is in Russian and Hebrew so that all layers of the Israeli
population may get familiarized with the Armenian Genocide issue.