Author: Kanayan Tamar

ICRC representatives visit Azerbaijanis arrested in Karabakh

14:27, 26.07.2014

YEREVAN. – The Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR) State Commission for
Prisoners of War, Hostages, and Missing Persons issued a statement in
connection with the two Azerbaijanis that are arrested in NKR.

According to the statement, the commission petitioned to the
investigator, who is investigating the case of these Azerbaijanis,
with a request to permit a meeting between them and representatives of
the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC).

The investigator granted the commission’s request, and the respective
meeting was held on Saturday.

As for the third Azerbaijani, who was killed during their infiltration
attempt, the aforementioned NKR commission expressed its willingness
to collaborate with the ICRC to hand the body over to his relatives,
once his identity is determined and after completion of the
investigation.

Armenia News – NEWS.am

Will Iran make investments in the construction industry

15:19 | July 26,2014 | Social

Armenia’s Minister of Urban Development, Narek Sargsyan, received on
July 26 Iranian Ambassador to Armenia Mohammad Reisi.

The Iranian diplomat thanked Narek Sargsyan for the reception and
congratulated him on his appointment as Minister of Urban Development
of Armenia.

Mohammad Reisi noted that although there are clearly defined
provisions within the framework of Armenian-Iranian intergovernmental
commissions, and for cooperation between the two countries in the
domain of urban development, tangible results have not been recorded
yet.

Narek Sargsyan said, in turn, that the cooperation will yield results
solely if there are mutual interests. He specifically underscored the
need for cooperation in the domain of new construction technologies.
He expressed confidence that, shortly thereafter, there will be
specific projects in terms of investments, science, education, and new
technologies.

Ambassador Mohammad Reisi conveyed the greetings of Iranian Roads and
Urban Development Ministers, and stressed Iran’s willingness to
collaborate in the sector of urban development.

Shortcomings must be minimized – Armenia defense minister

12:01, 26.07.2014
Region: Armenia Theme: Politics

YEREVAN. – Board meeting of the Defense Minister of Armenia was held
Friday, informed the MOD press service.

Before the start of the session, however, a group of Armenian military
servicemen were awarded departmental medals, certificates of honor,
and valuable gifts for standing out during the academic year.

Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan delivered opening remarks at the board
meeting. Reflecting on regional developments, he stressed that it is
indispensable to ensure a high alertness and to minimize the
shortcomings and deficiencies in the Armenian Armed Forces.

The Board meeting coincided with the graduation of Armenia’s
military-educational institutions. The latter’s 2014 graduates also
were on hand at the session for the first time. In addition, three
young women were among this year’s graduates, also for the first time.

The defense minister thanked them, in particular, for manifesting a
unique courage and choosing a career in the military.

Armenia News – NEWS.am

Russian Influence On South Caucasus Will Decline Considerably

Siranuysh Papyan, Interviewer
Interview – 26 July 2014, 10:49

Mr. Hairapetyan, in 2004-2012 Belarus sold 153 T72 tanks to
Azerbaijan. In fact, another member state of the Eurasian Union
besides Russia sells weapons to Azerbaijan. Should Armenia wish to be
a member of this union? How should Armenia react in general?

First, since the post-Yeltzin period Russia has been the suzerain, not
the strategic ally (in the political sense of the world) of Armenia.
Second, Armenia wants to be a member of the Eurasian Union to the
extent it allegedly wanted to associate with Europe. Third, our
response to the behavior of Russians and Belarusians should not be
imagined in the form of tough statements or dangerous demarches but in
the form of agreements with our neighbors without proceeding from the
Russian interests, which currently Russia is not able to punish with
its typical wildness.

Will the ongoing developments relating to the downed Boeing lead to a
geopolitical change?

If by saying “geopolitical change” you mean establishment of an
anti-western global center of force, no, absolutely not. And if you
mean tangible weakening of Russian influence in different corners of
the world, including the South Caucasus, yes. This is where it is
leading.

Serzh Sargsyan’s statement in Argentina that the Armenian people are
worried about Moscow’s supply of arms to Azerbaijan, was it a message
to Russia? Or is Armenia looking for other guarantors of security?

Neither one, nor the other. It was a different opera.

A hot autumn is expected. Is it realistic, and which political parties
will be in the front rows, the four parliamentary parties, the civil
movements or a new pole may emerge?

God forbid domestic developments in Armenia in these stormy times. If
they happen, however, the civil movements will give birth to new
political trends.

Do you think fast developments, including a coup or revolution induced
from outside are possible?

Unfortunately, the possibility of an ordered revolution or a coup is
not ruled out, and its prevention depends on our nation’s potential.

The minister of defense said locally produced devices are tried out at
the borders. In your opinion can this work as a straightjacket for
Russia selling weapons to Azerbaijan?

It would be funny to think that the Russian impostor parties of
Armenia dare hint something to Russia, let alone putting on Russia a
straightjacket. Unfortunately, we are about to repeat the spring of
1918 and today we can avoid repeating that painful page of history.

Mr. Hairapetyan, a petition for Levon Hairapetyan starts, the
parliamentary groups of the NKR National Assembly issued a statement?
Did his arrest have an economic or political context?

I do not know about the statement of the NKR legislators so I cannot
tell anything. Generally, everything is politicized in this world. And
if the provincial wily Armenians think that they will save themselves
by ostrich policy, bribe, flattery, it is their problem. Stupid calls
to refrain from political contexts are repeated by different creepy
social groups and personalities, so the farther we keep from such
people, the better.

– See more at:

HAUT KARABAGH
Selon un spécialiste, l’explosion de la mine dans la région de
Kashatagh est l’oeuvre du commando azéri

Le 22 juillet à 6h30 du matin, une mine a explosé sur le bord de la
route près du village de Vaghazen dans la région de Kashatagh
(République du Haut Karabagh) tuant le chauffeur de la voiture du
maire d’Armavir qui fut blessé dans l’explosion qui fit au total trois
blessés. Selon un spécialiste des questions de sécurité, Kourken
Yeghiazarian, ex-haut responsable du Service de la sécurité nationale,
cette explosion peut ressembler à un acte volontaire qui peut être en
lien avec le commando azéri capturé il y a deux semaines alors qu’il
tentait d’effectuer des actes de sabotage dans al région de Karvadjar.
> dit K. Yeghiazarian
qui appelle ainsi à la prudence afin d’éviter de futurs drames ou
accidents. Selon K. Yeghiazarian, les services de la Sécurité
nationale doivent redoubler leurs efforts en matière de sécurité et de
prévention afin de garantie la vie des citoyens.

FRANCE/AZERBAÏDJAN
La France vend-elle des armes à l’Azerbaïdjan ?

La France est-elle à son tour en train de vendre des armes à
l’Azebaïdjan ? C’est ce qu’indique en tout cas un certain nombre
d’alertes qui sont parvenues à la rédaction de Nouvelles d’Arménie il
y a quelques jours. Il est assez difficile de se procurer des
informations sur les ventes d’armes françaises, qui ne sont pas le
secteur le plus transparent de l’économie. Néanmoins le site > révélait dans son édition du 18 juin, que

Vestnik Kavkaza, Russia
July 25 2014

Georgia to impose visa regime on Armenians planning to stay for long

25 July 2014 – 3:03pm

The Georgian Foreign Ministry has announced that a visa regime will be
imposed on Armenians planning to visit Georgia for a long period of
time, starting on September 1, 2014. Short-term visitors and tourists
will not need visas. The ministry added that similar rules will be
applied to some other countries.

The ministry clarified that the decision was made to improve control
over migration processes and as part of cooperation with the European
Union.

According to the new law on foreigners and apatrides, visas will also
be issued at consulates abroad. Georgia issues most visas at border
posts.

Vestnik Kavkaza, Russia
July 25 2014

Armenian businessman Ayrapetyan accused of wasting funds and laundering income

25 July 2014 – 1:45pm

Businessman Levon Ayrapetyan will be put on trial for wasting funds
and laundering criminal income when selling Bashneft in 2009. The
Russian Investigative Committee pressed charges against him at
Matrosskaya Tishina yesterday. Ayrapetyan was allegedly helping the
son of Bashkirian ex-President Ural Rakhimov in buying Sistema at a
low price, Kommersant reports. Ayrapetyan’s lawyer Samvel Karakhanyan
called the accusations unjustified. The businessman’s lawyers signed a
non-disclosure agreement. Ayrapetyan may get up to 2 years in jail for
wasting funds, a fine and up to 7 years in jail for legalizing
criminal income.

EXTREME TOURISM IN AZERBAIJANI

Saturday, 19 July 2014 20:10

Escalation of tension on the Line of Contact between the armed forces
of Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan is increasingly becoming a topic of
discussion for the international mediators in the Azerbaijani-Karabakh
conflict settlement process, experts and the mass media. Recently,
this issue has actualized even more in connection with the last week
penetration into the territory of the NKR Karvachar region by an
Azerbaijani sabotage and intelligence group, which was neutralized as
a result of the operational activities of the Karabakh side.

The incident caused a wide resonance, however, it should be noted
that it didn’t become something extraordinary. In the sense that the
regular armed provocation of Azerbaijan fully fits into the Baku
authorities’ policy aimed at creating and maintaining an explosive
situation at the contact-line. We have repeatedly noted that the
Azerbaijani leadership usually destabilizes the situation ahead of a
visit of high-ranking international mediators to the region or in
anticipation of an important meeting under the auspices of the OSCE
Minsk Group, which it considers as a means of pressure on the
participants of the conflict settlement process – whether it’s the
co-chairs or Armenia. And it is really so, which makes it more likely
to link the invasion of the Azerbaijani subversive group into the NKR
territory with the upcoming round of talks between Armenia and
Azerbaijan in Paris. However, I would like to emphasize that the
shelling of the positions of both Armenian states, the intensity of
the sniper war, the subversive raids of the Azerbaijani side lately
show the steady upward trend, gaining a permanent and systematic
character.

The actions of official Baku convincingly prove its unwillingness to
settle the conflict on the principles proposed by the OSCE Minsk Group
co-chairmen. Moreover, the top political and military leadership of
Azerbaijan is doing everything to frustrate the negotiation process.
Just a couple of days before the current Azerbaijani armed
provocation, in response to the request of the Public Television of
Armenia, the Russian Foreign Ministry issued a corresponding
statement, expressing the common position of the OSCE Minsk Group
co-chair states. It unequivocally reads: “We are reminding that the
Joint Statement by the Presidents of Russia, the USA, and France,
issued the last year in Lough Erne, calls for the heads of the parties
to prepare their people for peace and not for war and to refrain from
actions or statements that could increase the tension in the region
and lead to the escalation of the conflict. We hope that this approach
will prevail”.

As we can see, prevailing is not the common sense, but the desire of
Baku to aggravate maximally the situation, bringing it to an extremely
dangerous line. The Azerbaijani authorities seem to have decided not
to limit just with standard bellicose rhetoric and to pass to concrete
actions, ignoring the real risk of escalating the tension, with its
possible transformation into full-scale hostilities.

However, in this regard, I would like to draw the attention to the
following fact. While representatives of international organizations,
experts and political analysts speak about the inadmissibility of
steps that could undermine the peace process and the fragile peace
itself, the Azerbaijani side is trying to maximally simplify and even
vulgarize the situation of the failure of its subversive-terrorist
act. In their comments, both official and unofficial representatives
of the Azerbaijani armed sabotage trying to present as a mere tourist
walk … a group of people yearned for many years on the “native”
places. In their comments, both official and unofficial
representatives of Azerbaijan try to present the armed sabotage merely
as a… tourist walk by a group of people yearned for their “native”
places for many years, as if speaking not about a conflict zone, but,
at least, about the London Hyde Park. It is a kind of extreme tourism
in Azerbaijani. Surely, this version can cause nothing but an ironic
smile. Because why should the nostalgic Azerbaijanis, risking their
lives, with full subversive ammunition, cross the Line of Contact?
But, as it turned out, they did it not to slake for the beauties of
the Artsakh nature, but for specific intelligence and terrorist
activities.

But, to admit, it is not up to smiles, because we are dealing with a
terrorist state, with which it is impossible to agree on anything,
because such “diversionary tours” as the current lead to irreversible
human losses on both sides. But apparently, the lives of people,
including of its own citizens, are nothing for the top leadership of
Azerbaijan, otherwise it would not so thoughtlessly and easily make
them victims of its adventurous policy. It is testified by the
statement of the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry, related to the
incident, that Azerbaijanis can visit Karabakh whenever they want. In
other words, we should wait for sending another group of “extreme
tourists”, i.e. Azerbaijani subversives to the NKR territory, which
are likely to face the same fate. And such destructive and extremely
dangerous actions by official Baku will continue as long as the
authorities of Azerbaijan remain unpunished and do not get the harsh
assessment and condemnation by the international community.

Leonid MARTIROSSIAN
Editor-in-Chief of Azat Artsakh newspaper

July 25, 2014
Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate
6252 Honolulu Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
Tel: (818) 248-7737
Fax: (818) 248-7745
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:

PRELATE TO PRESIDE OVER DIVINE LITURGY AT
ST. SARKIS CHURCH IN PASADENA

Sunday, July 27, 2014 is the Feast of the Transfiguration of our
Lord Jesus Christ.
On this day, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, will
celebrate Divine Liturgy and deliver the sermon at St. Sarkis Church in
Pasadena.
July 27 is also the 31st anniversary of the martyrdom of the Lisbon
5. Given that requiem service does not take place on major feast days, upon
the request of the ARF Central Committee and by the ordinance of the
Prelate, “Der Voghormya” prayers will be offered in all Prelacy Churches for
the souls of the young men who sacrificed their lives for our cause.

***

DIVINE LITURGY AND BLESSING OF MADAGH ON THE NAME DAY OF THE PRELACY “ST.
DERTAD AND ST. ASHKHEN” CHAPEL

On Sunday, July 20, 2014 the Feast of St. Dertad and St. Ashkhen,
the first Christian king and queen of Armenia, which is also the name day of
the Prelacy “St. Dertad and St. Ashkhen” Chapel, was celebrated with
Episcopal Divine Liturgy and the blessing of madagh.
Divine Liturgy was celebrated by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate, at the Crescenta Valley Parish. His Eminence also
delivered the sermon, conducted the blessing of madagh, and presided over
requiem service during which prayers were offered for the soul of Alexan
Pilavjian, husband of Chapel benefactor Mrs. Ashkhen Pilavjian. Parish
Pastor Rev. Fr. Ghevont Kirazian and deacons assisted at the altar.
Executive Council Chair Mr. Vahe Hovaguimian and member Mr. Vahrij Pilavjian
were among the faithful in attendance.
Prior to delivering the sermon, the Prelate first greeted the
faithful and extended his well wishes for the health of benefactor Mrs.
Ashkhen Pilavjian. His Eminence quoted the words of Movses Khorenatsi
referring to St. Dertad as the second father of our enlightenment and the
forerunner who alongside St. Gregory paved the path for our spiritual
enlightenment. He then presented the life history of St. Gregory the
Illuminator and King Dertad, the crossing of their paths and how by the
grace of God they escaped death and brought enlightenment to Armenia,
transforming it into the first Christian nation. The Prelate also
highlighted the exemplary family formed by King Dertad and Queen Ashkhen,
stating that the values and principles of the Christian Armenian families
are needed today more than ever in our national and church life. His
Eminence concluded by praying for God to guide us according to His will and
commandments, and for our families to follow in the example of the first
Christian family.
Prior to “Der Voghormya” prayers, Fr. Ghevont expressed gratitude to
the Prelate on behalf of the parish community for his blessed presence, for
his inspiring message on the Armenian family. He then invited the
congregation to pray for the health and strength of the Prelate so that he
may continue his leadership of our Prelacy for years to come.
At the conclusion of the service the Prelate presided over the
requiem service. The blessing of madagh followed at the courtyard of the
Prelacy main entrance. The celebration came to a close with the Cilician
anthem and the benediction by the Prelate.

***

PRELATE WELCOMES MEMBERS OF THE ANCA-WR
“AMERICA WE THANK YOU” INITIATIVE

On Tuesday, July 22, 2014, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
welcomed members of the ANCA-WR “America We Thank You: An Armenian Tribute
to Near East Relief” initiative.
Participants in the meeting included ANCA-WR Chair Nora Hovsepian,
Esq., committee Co-Chairs Ms. Vanna Kitsinian, Esq. and Ms. Hermineh
Pakhanians, ANCA-WR Government Affairs Director Tereza Yerimyan, and members
Missak Kelechian, Ara Khachatourian, and Nora Yacoubian.
The ANCA-WR recently announced a collaboration with the Near East
Foundation to honor the critical role of the Near East Relief in aiding
survivors during and in the years following the Armenian Genocide,
especially from 1915-1930.
The guests had come to discuss the efforts and role of various
religious communities and churches in the aftermath of the Genocide and to
receive the Prelate’s blessings and thoughts as they move forward in their
work.
The Prelate commended the members for their efforts in honoring the
invaluable assistance of the Near East Relief and wished them success in
their upcoming endeavors. His Eminence pledged his support to the
initiative, specifically by means of reaching out to the leaders of the
various churches who were involved in the relief efforts.

***
PRELACY HOSTS RECEPTION IN HONOR OF
POETRY COMPETITION WINNERS

On Saturday, May 10, 2014, the Western Prelacy hosted the first
annual Southern California Armenian Schools’ Poetry Competition at the
“Dikran and Zarouhie Der Ghazarian” Hall. The event was held under the
auspices of the Prelacy, in collaboration with the Consulate General of
Armenia in Los Angeles, and organized by the Board of Regents of Prelacy
Schools, Avan Shushi Plaza Hotel, Asbarez Newspaper, and Horizon Television.

On Wednesday, July 23rd, a reception was held at the Prelacy,
presided over by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, to commend
and award the winners of the competition. Executive Council Chair Mr. Vahe
Hovaguimian and member Dr. Dikran Babikian were in attendance, as well as
Board of Regents Co-Chair Mrs. Maggie Sarkuni and member Ms. Charlotte
Sassounian, organizing committee and jury members, Prelacy Schools’
Principals and Directors, competition winners and their families.
Master of Ceremonies Dr. Babikian welcomed the guests, commended all
the participants and their teachers, and expressed hope that the event
becomes an annual tradition.
Mr. Alec Baghdasarian spoke of the annual Avan Shushi Plaza Hotel
poetry festival and expressed hope that the festival grow year by after and
become a pan-Armenian event, and announced that six youth from our community
will compete in this year’s upcoming festival.
Mrs. Maggie Sarkuni thanked the organizers and commended the
participants, and emphasized the importance of such events in the lives of
the younger generations.
The presentation of awards followed by organizing committee members
Mihran Toumajan and Nane Avagyan. Two students recited poetry on this
occasion.
The event concluded with the Prelate’s message. His Eminence
commended the organizers for initiating and successfully carrying out this
important endeavor, which he stated awakens in our youth love and a bond
with our culture. He commended also the students for their participation
and the parents and teachers for promoting the national instruction of our
youth. In conclusion, the Prelate presented books to the winners and jury
members in appreciation for their participation.