Author: Kanayan Tamar

Greek Reporter
Sept 13 2014

Greek School Prevented from Opening in Imbros

by Nikoleta Kalmouki

Turkish Education Ministry prevented the opening of Imbros’ Greek
school on the grounds that the building was not “ready to operate” in
the upcoming school year, started on September 1.

After being closed for 50 years, the Private Imbros Greek Primary
School reopened on September 17 last year, with four students
enrolled. After the elementary school started giving lessons to the
four students at its facility in the island’s Zeytinliköy
neighborhood, the local Greek community launched an initiative to
establish a high school at the beginning of 2014.

Editor-in-chief of Greek newspaper “Apoyevmatini” Mihail Vasiliadis
told Turkish newspaper “Today’s Zaman” that the decision of the
Turkish government has driven the Greek community to despair.

“This is not just about a school. We should look at this case from a
broad perspective; everybody [that belongs to a minority group] — such
as Kurds, Greeks and Armenians — has problems in this country. And
those problems have arisen due to the lack of pluralism and tenuous
democracy in the country,” he said.

The school would receive eight students, whose families, rooted in
Imbros, were returning from Greece.

Laki Vingas, elected representative of the Non-Muslim Foundations in
Turkey and Council Member of the General Directorate of Foundations in
Ankara, said the Greek community needs the state’s support. He pointed
out that they offered the use of a primary school in Zeytinliköy until
the maintenance work at the school was completed, however the plan was
not approved.

ARMENIENS-SOLIDARITE
Une marche à Erévan en solidarité avec les Yézidis massacrés en Irak

Le 11 septembre à Erévan 40 jeunes portant de torches allumées et des
slogans > partis de la Place de la Liberté en
direction du mémorial du génocide arménien de Dzidzernagapert ont
manifesté leur solidarité au peuple Yézidi, victime d’exactions de la
part des islamistes en Irak. > dit Khtr Hadjoyan le
vice-président de l’Association des Yézidis d’Arménie. Près de 200
Yézidis participaient à la marche portant sur des panneaux des slogans
tels que >,

RUSSIAN COURT PROLONGS ARREST OF LEVON AYRAPETYAN

Vestnik Kavkaza, Russia
Sept 12 2014

12 September 2014 – 7:50pm

Moscow’s Basmanny Court prolonged today the arrest of Armenian
businessman Levon Ayrapetyan. The entrepreneur is accused of illegal
privatization of the Bashneft oil company.

EEU: EXCESSIVE OPTIMISM IS INAPPROPRIATE

Vestnik Kavkaza, Russia
Sept 12 2014

12 September 2014 – 2:22pm

By Vestnik Kavkaza

In 3.5 months the citizens of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan (and probably
Armenia) will live in the Eurasian Economic Union. Over the years of
preparation for establishment of the union a lot has been said about
the effect on the populations of the member countries.

Today experts warned about excessive optimism, but insist that there
is no alternative to the EaEU.

Yuri Krupnov, the chairman of the Supervisory Council of the Institute
of Demography, Migration and Regional Development, thinks that people
should treat the issue of the EaEU more constructively: “In Russia
economic growth is almost zero, while in neighboring countries serious
intended devaluation of national currencies is going on. There is a
complicated economic situation in Belarus.”

“We should create new economies of our common civilization space,
restore the technological university. Of course it is great that
Daewoo, Volkswagen, Nissan, Renault build automobile plants in our
country. I remember in 1997 I was told in Malaysia that they got
the first car based on Mitsubishi and the Malaysians were very happy
that they have their domestic cars. Of course we can be proud that
Volkswagen and Daewoo come to us, but sanctions and the situation
on banning technological transfer to our Russian civilization show
that the Eurasian Economic Union is unworkable without technological
independence,” Krupnov thinks.

At the same time, the expert says that we should understand that “the
decision of May 29th on signing the basic agreements of the Eurasian
Economic Union is a matter of life and death. We are establishing a
pre-economic union to build a new economy in post-Soviet space. It
will be a long and difficult process. But the events in Georgia in
2008 and the Ukrainian tragedy show that the alternative to it is
the collapse of the independence of our states.”

According to Krupnov, “Presidents Putin, Nazarbayev and Lukashenko say
that this is a concentration of forces before serious constructive work
in the next decade. The EaEU should be built. We need intermediate
technological industrial projects. In Kazakhstan the term “boosted
industrialization” is banal, while in Russia we have been discussing
industrialization for three years, the word “boosted” is perceived
as horrible, as we have a very liberalized mentality. Since the
collapse of the USSR we have a big achievement this year – the law
on industrial policies is being legally discussed, and “industrial
policies” is not an obscene phrase anymore.”

“We have great prospects. We should understand that without joint
construction, all our states and sovereignties will die. We need to
survive in this security framework,” Krupnov is sure.

Vladimir Lepekhin, the head of the EurAsEC Institute, agrees with
him: “Due to the political scientific center “North-South” in July
a conference was held in Kazakhstan, where a model of economic
development was presented. It gives us a picture of development of
the Eurasian Economic Union. In Kazakhstan they do their best within
the industrial plan which was adopted in 2010, but Russia has no
such plan, unfortunately. The conference discussed the topic: “Raw
material industry orientation of the country – bad or good?” There is
a view that it is bad to depend on resources. But it is bad when all
resources are exported instead of being processed in the country. Raw
materials turn into goods when it is connected with an industrial
plan of development. That’s what happens in Kazakhstan. And we can
see these advantages, if we look carefully.”

According to Lepekhin, “on the one hand, we reduce trade turnover due
to problems in Ukraine; on the other hand, there are the first steps
which confirm that in the long prospect integration will bring greater
economic effect. If we look attentively at the economic structure,
we will see that there is a turn to intensification of the industrial
development of Kazakhstan, Belarus and Russia. Kazakhstan is the
leader among the three countries in the sphere of development of an
optimal model.”

ANCA-WR ANNOUNCES MIKE SARIAN AS 2014 GALA SPONSOR

Friday, September 12th, 2014

ANCA-WR Gala sponsor Mike Sarian

BY PATTYL APOSHIAN KASPARIAN

Half past nine Thursday evening- after a full work day, a visit to
the ANCA WR Open House and a restaurant’s soft opening, Mike Sarian
looks slightly tired. As he pulls up a chair to join me and ANCA WR
Annual Gala Banquet Committee Chair Arsho Beylerian for a post meeting
“meeting”, he unbuttons his collar, loosens his tie and takes his
suit jacket off as he sinks into his seat.

But he is far from worn out. Mike Sarian, President of Prime Healthcare
Services has hospitals on his mind and even more charities to support.

“Thank you for joining me ladies. It’s been a long (deep breath)
but productive day,” is the first thing he says as he eyeballs the
wine list and rolls up his sleeves.

Michael Sarian has humbly offered to serve as the 2014 ANCA WR Gala
Banquet Sponsor. Offered is not a fitting word–perhaps generously
extended his support better describes his willingness to take on
such a noble responsibility. Inspired by last year’s banquet, Sarian
approached Advisory Board Member Harut Sassounian and asked how he
too can contribute to the success of the ANCA WR.

“With a limited budget, you (the ANCA WR) produce incredible results,”
said Sarian. “The banquet brings together activists, supporters,
elected officials and policy makers from all over the Western Region
to showcase the advancement of our Cause and the strength of our
community.”

Sarian has more than 25 years of executive management experience in
the healthcare arena which includes his current role as President of
a nationwide hospital company with more than 30,000 employees and
over 30 facilities spanning throughout eight states. Concurrently,
he dedicates countless volunteer hours as an Executive Board Member
of the California Hospital Association setting up healthcare policies
and advocating on behalf of all California hospitals. He is also a
Board Member of the Venice Family Clinic which helps poor and homeless
patients and an active volunteer and supporter of the American Cancer
Society and Armenian Bone Marrow Association. Just last year, he
helped donate medical equipment in excess of $2 million to hospitals
in Armenia.

“I believe in the Armenian Cause. We are right and we will succeed!”

said Sarian. “This is how I’ve grown up. I want to stay active
despite my heavy work schedule. We have to work smart now and keep
our expectations high or else the future generations won’t even talk
about it!”

When asked the simple question–“Why the ANCA WR?” Sarian replies. “You
have an organization comprised of capable and passionate volunteers
working for a just cause. I like the efficient way the organization
runs and the resourceful, competent and professional volunteers and
staff running it.”

Sarian is not only contributing financially, but using his contacts
and resources to advance the efforts of the ANCA WR. As he modestly
shares details about his career growth and contacts he’s made over the
years, his phone vibrates. “Pardon me, ladies. I have to take this
call. It’s ANCA related.” With 13% battery life, he exchanges short
greetings and gets down to business. I don’t know who the caller is
but from Sarian’s exchange and facial expressions, I deduce that the
caller is a who’s who in politics. He conveys his message politely but
forcefully–asking the caller to advance and support a pending federal
resolution near and dear to his heart–the return of Armenian churches.

Out of curiosity I ask, “Did you always see yourself on the business
side of medicine?” Mike smiles but remains silent. Half joking,
half serious, I test the waters again. “Don’t tell me you aspired
to be an astronaut in your early years!” Mike laughs a big, rooted,
genuine laugh. Not loud but ample. “Actually, I’m scared of flying,”
he confesses. “To answer your initial question, I vividly remember
Secretary of State Henry Kissinger going around the world helping
people and shaping international policy. So I guess I was leaning
more towards politics and diplomacy in those days.”

Now, Sarian does it all–from motivating and leading management to
securing investors to turning distressed hospitals into profitable
ones to shaping health care reform to helping the Armenian Cause.

As the wine service continues, the questions advance. Sarian and
Beylerian share stories dating back 20 years to school and church
volunteer committees, business contacts and old friends. Without
thinking, I pick up his iPhone when I spot a familiar icon. It’s not
the typical Merrill Lynch, Wall Street Journal or Barron’s apps. It’s
ABCs, Disney and Subway Surfer. “Who’s downloading these apps on your
iPhone?” I ask with intense curiosity. Sarian smiles the widest smile
I’ve seen all night as he pulls up a photograph of his 4-year-old
daughter–a beautiful girl with sun-streaked golden locks and honey
colored eyes. With a heavy heart, he reveals the tough years he’s
endured with the loss of his wife of ten years, Souzan, to cancer.

With the help of his mother and family, he is raising their daughter.

He smiles again when he talks about Souzan and her accomplishments
and achievements-from higher education to her career to her volunteer
efforts with orphanages in Armenia and Canada.

The waiter pours the last of the wine and Sarian raises his glass for a
toast–to family and friends, health and a successful ANCA WR Banquet!

The 2014 ANCA WR Annual Gala Banquet will be held on Sunday, November
2 at the world-famous Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA.

Individuals interested in attending the Annual Gala Banquet are
encouraged to purchase tickets online at or call
818.533.8587. To obtain individual or corporate sponsorship information
visit or call 818.500.1919. For up to
the minute updates on the event like the ANCA Western Region Facebook
page or visit ancawr.org.

The ANCA WR Gala Banquet represents the single largest annual gathering
of Armenian American public policy leaders throughout the western
United States, and is attended by more than 1,000 prominent Members
of Congress, state legislators and officials, community leaders, and
many of the organization’s strongest activists and generous donors from
California, Nevada, Arizona, and throughout the western United States.

The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region is the
largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots advocacy
organization in the Western United States. Working in coordination
with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the
Western United States and affiliated organizations around the country,
the ANCA WR advances the concerns of the Armenian American community
on a broad range of issues.

WHAT RUSSIA WANTS FROM ARMENIAN AIR COMPANIES

Hakob Badalyan, Political Commentator
Comments – 12 September 2014, 20:32

The director of Air Armenia Armen Avetisyan told reporters, “I don’t
want to guess what the cause of such action was but every time we
increase destinations of our flights, the Russian side displays
worries.”

Earlier the Russian side announced that on September 21 air traffic
control services for Air Armenia will be suspended in the territory
of Russia. The Armenian company announced that payments were made
conscientiously but there are problems with bank communication which
is determined by Western sanctions against Russia, and they are asking
the Russian company to provide an account number to which the money
will be transferred to the Russians without hindrances.

The issue that Arsen Avetisyan brings up is really interesting. Why
is the Russian side conducting such an information policy against
the Armenian airlines? It is difficult to call this otherwise but
information attack. At least, doubts occur that the problem is
compensation.

Flights to Russian destinations outnumber others on the Armenian
market for comprehensible reasons, and are certainly more profitable.

Air Armenia is the only Armenian airlines. It replaced Armavia after
the latter’s bankruptcy. Armavia had a monopoly which, however,
did not “prevent” this company with so-called Russian “sprigs” from
going bankrupt.

In addition, judging by the policy conducted by Russia against the
Armenian company, doubts occur that Armavia went bankrupt to leave
the Russian companies alone on the market. After all, Armavia was de
facto a Russian company rather than an Armenian one. Simply Armenia
gave part of the money. Why would they lose that part if they could
send the company into bankruptcy and take away that money as well?

A few months ago the government launched the open sky policy which
means no company receives any preference. Armenia adopted this policy
by the decree of the previous government, which was supported by the
United States and Europe as a stimulus for development of tourism
in Armenia. This policy has produced certain positive results,
air prices in some destinations are cheaper, several new companies
and destinations have appeared on the market though there are also
companies that have left or are going to leave.

Air Armenia is the only Armenian company in the Armenian open sky,
which mostly flies to Russia. Some experts fear that in the result
of the open sky policy the Russian companies will dominate on the
Armenian market.

In fact, what is happening to Air Armenia is evidence that Russia
does have such intentions. It may be a naturally driven one. However,
it is equally natural that this intention must be preempted by the
government to make sure that the open sky policy of the government
does not end up as always, i.e. absolute dominance of Russia in this
sector of Armenia as well.

BASQUE PARLIAMENT RECOGNIZES NAGORNO-KARABAKH SELF-DETERMINATION

18:42 * 12.09.14

On Friday, September 12, 2014, a European Union regional parliament
has, for the first time in history, adopted a motion supporting the
self-determination of Nagorno-Karabakh following several official
visits to the region that were organized by European Friends of Armenia
(EuFoA) and the commitment of EuFoA contacts’ network.

The motion adopted today by the Basque Parliament praises the strong
determination of the Nagorno-Karabakh people in their choice for
democracy, despite the hard and difficult situation. In addition,
it states that Karabakhi people have the right to decide their own
future, namely their self-determination, which is the fundamental
element in any negotiation for the final settlement of the conflict.

Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of Nagorno-Karabakh’s
participation in the OSCE Minsk Group conflict resolution negotiations.

Nagorno-Karabakh’s Foreign Minister, Karen Mirzoyan, with the
assistance of European Friends of Armenia, travelled to the Basque
Country on this occasion and had official visits, including meetings
with Basque country government high officials, the head of the
legislative, Ms Bakartxo Tejeria Otermin, and departmental and main
local authorities, as well as companies with an interest in the region.

“I am particularly pleased by the acknowledgment of the democratic
governance development of Nagorno-Karabakh and the recognition
of the efforts they are doing in transposing EU legislation. The
Nagorno-Karabakh society should be proud that their commitment for
democracy as an inalienable part of the European space is not only
recognized in the US, but also in the EU,” says EuFoA Director Eduardo
Lorenzo Ochoa.

The Basque country is one of Spain’s 17 autonomous communities since
1979 and has a population of approximately 2.5 million people. It has
its own executive and legislative institutions. The Basque government
is among the sub-state governments that enjoys the highest level of
competences in the European Union. Basque authorities are competent
to lead policies in domains such as fiscal policy and tax collection
or police management, having its own police force, among other more
classic competences at regional level, such as health, education,
from elementary schools to universities, or territorial development.

Moreover, the Basque country has its own External Actions Service, at
the head of a network of over 200 political and cultural delegations
worldwide. From an economic point of view, the Basque country
represents one of the European Union most developed areas, showing
an annual GDP per capital of over 31 000 EURO, 20 % higher than the
EU average (25 700 EURO).

AGHVAN VARDANYAN: IT WILL BE DIFFICULT WITHOUT DASHNAKTSUTYUN

13:29 | September 12,2014 | Politics

In recent days, different circles have been talking about differences
in the four major opposition forces in the Armenian parliament,
Secretary of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation – Dashnaktsutyun
announced at the National Assembly on September 12.

“There have been numerous reports and opinions. I believe that all our
partners have an inner confidence that Dashnaktsutyun has an essential
and important role in all these processes which would otherwise be
ten times difficult,” said Aghvan Vardanyan.

Lawmakers of the Country of Law Party (OEK) announced that on
September 29 they will convene an extraordinary sitting at the end
of the NA four-day sitting to discuss the RA Law “On Administrative
Offences” and the draft amendments submitted by Republican MP Arpine
Hovhannisyan. OEK lawmaker Hovhannes Margaryan said all factions have
joined the initiative. Republicans have submitted proposed but have
not joined the initiative.

MEETING WITH THE STUDENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ANTWERP

12.09.2014

On September 12 the Chairman of the RA NA Standing Committee on
Science, Education, Culture, Youth and Sport Artak Davtyan met with
Lilian van Hoff, Professor of the University of Antwerp of Belgium
and a group of students. The students came to Armenia with an exchange
programme of Yerevan State University and the University of Antwerp.

Welcoming the guests in the National Assembly, Artak Davtyan presented
the RA NA legislative and representation activities. During the talk
the students addressed questions to Artak Davtyan. The questions
related to the development of tourism in Armenia, the opportunities
of continuing the education abroad for the Armenian youth, the
competitiveness of the Armenian higher educational institutions
and the challenges of the educational sphere. Then at the request
of Lilian van Hoff, professor of the University of Antwerp, Artak
Davtyan presented the structure and the staff of the parliament and
gave the picture about the activities of the factions and the twelve
standing committees represented in the National Assembly.

AUSTRIAN FOREIGN MINISTER SEBASTIAN KURTZ IGNORED THE QUESTION ABOUT THE MEETING WITH SARGSYAN

APA, Azerbaijan
Sept 11 2014

[ 12 September 2014 01:27 ]

Baku. Rufat Ahmadzadeh – APA. Austrian Foreign Minister Sebastian
Kurtz is on an official visit to Azerbaijan, APA reports.

During the visit Austrian FM met with Foreign Ministers of Azerbaijan
Elmar Mammadyarov. At a joint press conference after the meeting,
Azerbaijani FM E. Mammadyarov said that they discussed the political
and economic relations between the two countries.

The Minister said that at the meeting they also touched upon regional
conflicts, including the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

E. Mammadyarov also noted that there are ample opportunities for
businesses in both countries that are effectively used by the
Azerbaijani and Austrian businessmen.

The minister Sebastian Kurtz, in turn, noted that Austria attaches
great importance to relations with Azerbaijan. According to him,
the political and economic rapprochement attaches great importance to
and within the EU. With regard to the settlement of conflicts in the
region, he noted that Austria supports the early settlement of the
Karabakh conflict, which is necessary for the sustainable development
of the region.

Elmar Mammadyarov, responding to a question about the reason for
the ban on entry into the country of the Austrian journalist Jutta
Bauer, said that Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity was confirmed by
international organizations and Austria is among the countries that
have recognized the territorial integrity of the country: “The rule
of law, respect for international law in this context have great
importance. Ms. Bauer toured the occupied territory of the country
and prepared a report there, not having the official permission of
the Azerbaijani side. Journalists have several times addressed to
Azerbaijan on this issue. Simply, the fact is that visits to the
occupied territories of Azerbaijan should be agreed with official
Baku. This is required by international law.”

Austrian Foreign Minister, in turn, noted that with the understanding
perceives concern of Azerbaijan: “I understand why Azerbaijan has
made a similar step. I understand that unauthorized trip of J. Bauer
to the occupied territory of Azerbaijan is against the law. I also
understand that the main task of journalists is to reflect the truth. ”

S.Kurts left unanswered the following question addressed to him:
“During the visit to Armenia, you had a meeting with Serzh Sargsyan
– a dictator, a war criminal, the head of the process of ethnic
cleansing of Azerbaijanis, ignoring the rules and principles of
international law, ordered the killing of civilians during military
operations, has a radical fascist ideology and implemented after the
presidential election of 2008 in Armenia kill 10 Protesters. This man
is the leader of a criminal regime which carried out the occupation
of 20 percent of Azerbaijani territory, and even threatened missile
strikes on Human Settlements in Azerbaijan. Does a meeting with such
a notorious criminal correspond with European values? Such approach
is not ignoring war crimes committed by this man?”.

Austrian Foreign Minister said that during the visit to the South
Caucasus – Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, he met with presidents
and ministers: “It is our normal practice.”