Author: Kanayan Tamar

ARMENIA MAY SELL VOROTANSKY HYDROPOWER STATION TO U.S. CONTOURGLOBAL

Interfax, Russia
June 11 2013

Armenia may transfer state-owned Vorotansky Cascade Hydroelectric
Station to ContourGlobal of the U.S.

Talks on sale of the 100% state-owned company and the terms of the
deal are currently underway, the company said.

ContourGlobal will finance acquisition of the station internally
and with funds from the Overseas Private Investment Corporation
(OPIC) and the International Finance Corporation. The company did
not disclose the purchase price, but said it was “substantial.”

ContourGlobal is prepared to invest in modernizing the plant’s
capacity. The investment is needed soon, considering how long the
cascade has been in service.

The Vorotansky station has been earmarked for privatization for about
10 years. The issue has come to the fore now that the state needs
money to compensate for rising energy prices.

The cascade has been in operation for about 40 years and is due for
an overhaul. The state would rather sell the plant – assuming it can
find the right buyer – than invest in its modernization, Energy and
Natural Resources Ministry Armen Movsisyan said.

The cascade has 400 megawatts of capacity. It provides power during
peak use times in Armenia and regulates frequency when electricity
is imported from Iran or exported to Iran.

CountourGlobal, headquartered in New York, manages power generation
assets with 3,000 MW of capacity in 17 countries. ContourGlobal is
interested in conventional power generation as well as solar and wind
power and electricity generated from biomass.

Jh of

YEREVAN-DAMASCUS-QAMISHLI-YEREVAN FLIGHT POSTPONED TO JUNE 26

June 12, 2013 | 18:38

YEREVAN. – The flight from Yerevan to Damascus has been postponed,
Syrian Airlines’ Yerevan office representative told Armenian
News-NEWS.am.

Previously it was reported that Syrian Airlines will operate
Yerevan-Damascus-Qamishli-Yerevan flight on June 12. The company said
the reason for postponement is low number of passengers.

“The June 12 and June 19 flights will be merged wit June 26,” the
company said.

News from Armenia – NEWS.am

ARMENIA NOT TO EXPORT APRICOTS THIS YEAR – AGRICULTURE MINISTER

June 12, 2013 | 17:53

YEREVAN. – Armenia will not be able to export apricots this year
because of damage caused by a hailstorm, Agriculture Minister said
in parliament.

Sergo Karapetyan explained that the fruit is not marketable because of
being damaged by a hailstorm. However, the processing companies have
already informed they would purchase damaged apricots. In particular,
Noyan company located in Armavir Region which was considerably damaged
by hail, would purchase 3,000 tons of apricots, he said.

News from Armenia – NEWS.am

MONTE MELKONIAN WAS KILLED IN THIS DAY 20 YEARS AGO

16:47 12.06.2013
Monte Melkonian

National Hero Monte Melkonian (AVO) was killed on this day 20 years
ago in the village of Merzili in Aghdam region. Melkonian was born
on November 25, 1957 at Visalia, California to Charles and Zabel
Melkonian.

Throughout his lifetime he struggled for the recognition of the
Armenian Genocide, the protection of the rights of Armenians.

Melkonian carried several aliases over his career including “Abu
Sindi”, “Saro”, “Timothy Sean McCormack” and “Commander Avo” the last
being how troops under his command addressed him in Nagorno-Karabakh.

The last years of his life were spent fighting with the
Nagorno-Karabakh Defense Army. Monte was killed in the abandoned
Nagorno Karabagh village of Merzuli in the early afternoon of June 12,
1993. He was buried at Yerablur cemetery in Yerevan, Armenia and is
revered by Armenians as a national hero.

“YES, THEY MAY PROVIDE GAS AND SAY: WELL, INSTEAD, GIVE KARABAKH TO US.”

June 11 2013

The members of Republican Party have different views of “benevolence”
of Azerbaijan. Recently, the head of the Azerbaijani Presidential
Administration Novruz Mamedov announced that his country is ready
to provide gas at a lower price under certain conditions without
clarifying the terms and conditions. Aravot.am tried to clarify from
RP members whether they take serious such benevolence of our neighbor.

In a conversation with us, Ashot Aghababyan (Burnash) expressed an
opinion that, in his opinion, sooner or later, the hostility will
disappear, because we are neighboring countries and that should
be just with an economic cooperation. “If he had said something
like that, of course, I have neither heard nor read, I see it as a
step forward to establish a relationship, because they should not be
permanent enemies. There was a war for the sake of the country, state
and homeland. After the end of the war, neighboring countries always
try to find common grounds for cooperation. It is a healthy offer,
and this step, in my opinion, will be considered as a first step
for establishment of respective relationship of the 21st century”,
– said our interlocutor. To our observation that we have unregulated
problem of Nagorno-Karabakh and negotiation process, which constantly
is getting into a deadlock due to efforts of Azerbayjan, Aghababyan
replied,- “In any case, I talk about the offer, and if it will affect
our future relationship, we do not need it.” Another RP member Hamlet
Harutyunyan, as opposed to another member of his party, was familiar
with Mamedov’s announcement and expressed uncertainty on terms and
conditions that are not published. “I consider this as an unserious
statement and an appropriate statement of Turkish foreign policy. And
the Turkish foreign policy, for centuries, is aiming to mislead the
global society. Look how generous the Azeris are, that they want
to provide cheap gas Armenians. Yes, they may provide gas, and say,
instead, give Karabakh to us. They do not say the continuation. They
say that they are willing to help Armenia, but then continue, – under
certain conditions. But the fact that those certain conditions are
unacceptable conditions, I am definitely sure.” Nelly GRIGORYAN

Read more at:

© 1998 – 2013 Aravot – News from Armenia

OFFERS FROM IRAN: ISLAMIC REPUBLIC’S AMBASSADOR IN YEREVAN UNVEILS PROPOSALS ON GAS, RAILROAD, PASTURES, GENOCIDE-RELATED ARCHIVES

SOCCER | 12.06.13 | 11:57

Photolure

Mohammad Reisi
By NAIRA HAYRUMYAN
ArmeniaNow correspondent

Iranian Ambassador to Armenia Mohammad Reisi held a meeting with
reporters in Yerevan on Tuesday during which he made a number of
proposals to Armenia. The proposals were made almost directly, even
though in a style typical of Persian diplomacy.

The first proposal concerned natural gas supplies – the ambassador, in
fact, suggested that Iran increase the volume of natural gas supplied
to Armenia, dropping hints that the price could be negotiated. At
present Iran supplies only a small portion of the natural gas imported
by Armenia, while the main supplier and gas distribution monopolist is
Russia. But Moscow recently raised the price of natural gas, and Iran,
in fact, offers its services as an alternative supplier.

According to Reisi, given the friendly relations with Armenia, Iran
continues its partnership in the gas sphere, and Armenia itself has
to decide how far the Iranian gas could be an alternative to the
Russian one.

Deputy Minister of Energy and Natural Resources of Armenia Areg
Galstyan acknowledged the possibility of considering the issue of
increasing the delivery of Iranian gas to Armenia. The official said
that under a contract, if needed, Armenia may increase the volume of
gas supplies from Iran. “The more sources, directions and types of
fuel a country has, the safer and more assured it feels,” he added.

The Iranian ambassador also addressed the issue of the lease of
Armenian pastures in Syunik, which is a southern province bordering on
the Islamic Republic, to Iranian sheep-breeders. A related memorandum
caused a wave of discontent in Armenia earlier this year, but the
ambassador said that the matter had been blown out of proportion,
while in reality it did not harm Armenia. In fact, the ambassador
suggested that the sides get down to realizing the project.

Approximately 30,000 sheep were exported from Armenia to Iran as
of June 2013, according to Armenian Ministry of Agriculture Animal
Health Management Department chief Ashot Hovhannisyan. “Hopefully,
this year the exports of sheep to Iran will increase over the last
year to reach the level of 2009-2011 when on average 150,000 heads
of sheep were exported annually,” he said.

At the same time, the Ministry of Agriculture is categorically against
leasing pastures in Syunik to foreign farmers. “The Ministry of
Agriculture considers it more appropriate to organize sheep-breeding
there by local farmers and annually sell up to 50,000 heads of sheep
to Iranian entrepreneurs,” said Hovhannisyan.

Another proposal by Reisi concerned plans for the railway between the
two countries that haven’t got off the drawing board yet. Iran expects
Armenia’s steps in the construction of the railroad, said Reisi. “We
have repeatedly stated that as soon as Armenia starts building its
part of the railroad, we will start building ours. I think that the
Armenian side is interested in creating a high-speed rail link from
Meghri to Georgia,” he said.

And the proposal to open Iran’s archives to explore facts related to
the Armenian Genocide sounded quite sensational. “I think you should
instruct historians to study the Iranian archives. They can request
any materials related to the Armenian Genocide,” said the diplomat.

Reisi also said that every year in April he personally goes to the
Tsitsernakaberd memorial complex commemorating the victims of the
Armenian Genocide. “Genocide is a crime committed against humanity,
which is unacceptable to us. Unfortunately, such crimes occur even
in our own days, for example, in Syria, where thousands of civilians
get killed,” said the Iranian ambassador.

The diplomat also found it necessary to stress that no one has the
right to interfere in the relations between other sovereign nations.

“The United States is seeking to propagate Iranophobia. But in the
region the nations know well the friendliness of Iran,” he said.

Armenian-Iranian economic cooperation to some extent is limited by
the sanctions imposed on Iran by the international community over
the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program.

ARMENIAN PARLIAMENT VOTES ON BILL GRANTING TAX PRIVILEGES TO DILIJAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

June 12, 2013 | 12:26

YEREVAN. – The Armenian National Assembly (NA) on Wednesday passed,
on first reading-and with a vote of 87 for, 5 against, and 20
abstentions-, the bill on granting tax and customs privileges to
Dilijan International School.

Prior to the voting, however, opposition Armenian National Congress
bloc NA Faction Secretary Aram Manukyan stated that this bill needs
to be amended considerably before the second reading.

On behalf of the opposition ARF Dashnaktsutyun Party NA Faction,
its leader Armen Rustamyan announced that the faction will abstain
from the vote.

Opposition Heritage Party NA Faction leader Ruben Hakobyan noted
that the proposals by the “We are against the reopening of foreign
language schools” initiative need to be considered.

Non-pro-government Prosperous Armenia Party NA Faction Secretary
Naira Zohrabyan likewise stated that the suggestions by the aforesaid
initiative should be taken into account.

To note, the “We are against the reopening of foreign language schools”
initiative is against the opening of schools like Dilijan International
School. The initiative members note that Armenian children in Armenia
should solely be educated in Armenian, but simultaneously be taught
two or more foreign languages.

News from Armenia – NEWS.am

WILFRIED MARTEN’S RULES OUT HERITAGE LEADER’S ATTENDANCE AT EPP SUMMIT

13:08 ~U 12.06.13

The president of the European People’s Party (EPP) has given hint
to the opposition Heritage party’s leader that his political force
cannot attend their extended summit in Vienna later this month.

In a letter which Tert.am received earlier today, Wilfried Martens
says that invitees to their summits can be only heads of the states
and governments belonging to their political family.

The letter is presented below.

I write further to statements made by Heritage Party’s International
Secretary, Mr. Styopa Safaryan, published in an article on
regarding his participation to the EPP Summits.

According to the Internal Regulations of the EPP, namely III b, the
invitees to the EPP Summits are the Heads of State and Government
belonging to our political family. Only in the event that no EPP
Ordinary Member Party is part of the government, the President of
the largest opposition party is invited.

Therefore in the case of Armenia, Armenian President, and leader
of the Republican Party of Armenia (RPA), Serzh Sargsyan, who was
re-elected as his country’s Head of State, is the invitee to the
EPP Summits. The RPA is a royal partner of the EPP and we have full
confidence in him and his leadership.

Armenian News – Tert.am

LOSING ARTSAKH WOULD CLOSE LAST CHAPTER IN OUR HISTORY – KARABAKH WAR LEGEND MONTE MELKONYAN DIED 20 YEARS AGO TODAY (VIDEO)

09:48 ~U 12.06.13

The heroic war for the liberation of Nagorno-Karabakh marked a new
epoch in his life.

Fighting for years for the revenge of the Armenians who had suffered
the big Genocide in the World War II period, Monte Melkoyan moved to
Artsakh in the late 1980s, shortly after the country was entangled
in the undeclared war with Azerbaijan.

“We must now invest all our efforts in this endeavor, hold a victory
and put an end to this. Peace must be achieved only through our
victory; a peace without our victory is impermissible. We know
Armenia is facing economic hardships. We understand it isn’t easy;
but neither is war. We must understand that; we must die, put all
our effort in the military fight and win. And it will be good for
us later. If we do not win the war, history will come to a halt,
I think. We can close the chapter of our history should we lose this
piece of land,” the hero would said.

An active member of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation-Dashnaksutyun
(ARF-D) and a champion of the Armenian Cause, Monte joined the
Armenian Secret Army for the Liberation of Armenia (ASALA) in 1980,
becoming one of its leaders.

Monte was jailed in France’s Orly airport in 1981 over the well-known
operation Van. He was accused of holding a fake passport and carrying
a weapon.

When the French court wanted to expel him from the country in the wake
of the scandal Monte announced that the passports of all Armenians
residing in France, the United States and elsewhere would be considered
fake as long as their native lands remain under Turkish occupation.

Monte was in jail over terrorism charges from 1985 until January 1989.

After leaving prison and travelling across different states, he
finally came to Armenia where the fight for Nagorno-Karabakh was
already under way. Adopting the nickname Avo, he went to Artsakh to
join the battle. He undertook command of military headquarters in
the Martuni region.

Karvachar, a strategically important town in the Shahumyan region, was
liberated under his command. He died a hero’s death on June 12, 1993.

MONTSERRAT CABALLE VISITS GARNI TEMPLE AND GEGHARD MONASTERY

12:20 12.06.2013
Armenia, Montserrat Caballe

World-renowned Spanish soprano Montserrat Caballe visited the Garni
Temple and Geghard Monastery within the framework of the visit to
Armenia.

Earlier His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of
All Armenians, hosted her at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

Also, Montserrat Caballe visited the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial to pay
tribute to the memory of the Armenian Genocide victims.

Her concert in Yerevan took place at the Opera and Ballet Theater
after Alexander Spendiaryan on June 9.

Earlier the world-famous Spanish soprano visited Nagorno Karabakh,
where she met with NKR President Bako Sahakyan and visited places of
interest.

Azerbaijan has declared Montserrat Caballe “persona non grata” and has
sent a note of protest to Spain over her visit to Artsakh.

On June 8 the famous opera star received an Order of Honor from
Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan.