Author: Kanayan Tamar

Human life is not worth anything for Armenia’s authorities – Tigran Khzmalyan

13:42 – 19.05.13

Member of Pre-parliament initiative Tigran Khzmalyan says the
situation in all the spheres of the country shows that the explosion
of the ruling system is unavoidable.

He said the murders in the army are not extraordinary; the
extraordinary thing is when a parent is forced to go to demand justice
with the corpse of his son. `The incident that took place in the army
is not an extraordinary thing, the extraordinary thing is that the
parent does not keep silence and goes to demand justice with the
corpse of his son,’ he said speaking to Tert.am.

Relatives of Luxe Stepanyan, murdered in one of the units of
Noyemberyan, by his fellow conscript tried to bring his body to
Yerevan and express their complaint in front of the government
building. The Defense Ministry’s divisions closed Yerevan-Sevan
highway not to allow them enter the capital. Defense Minister Seyran
Ohanyan and Police Chief Vladimir Gasparyan rushed there to talk to
the parents and persuade them not to do it.

`Each new incident approaches the explosion, it is unavoidable. We
cannot be sure that tomorrow such case will not be registered,’ he
said, enumerating the recent cases that have driven the people to
despair – regular cases of violence in the army, the yesterday’s case,
hail, gas tariff growth, strike of freedom fighters. `No sphere has
been left,’ he said, adding that it shows that Armenia will turn into
a fireball.

`It is not the issue of the army only but it shows how life is valued
in Armenia. Human life is not worth anything for these authorities,’
he stressed.

TURQUIE
La construction de la liaison ferroviaire Kars-Tbilissi-Bakou est suspendue

La construction du chemin de fer Kars-Tbilissi-Bakou, qui prévoit de
contourner l’Arménie, est suspendu indéfiniment, a déclaré Ensar Ogut
un député du principal parti d’opposition le Parti du peuple
républicain (CHP).

Le député turc a fait remarquer que la construction est interrompu et
que les autorités turques sont responsables de ce développement.

« Je demande au président azerbaïdjanais, aux autorités géorgiennes,
et aux personnes en charge du projet, de tenir une réunion assez
rapidement et d’accélérer l’achèvement du chemin de fer Kars-Tbilissi.
Le chemin de fer aurait dû ouvrir en 2013, mais même les années 2014
et 2015 soulèvent des doutes » a noté Ensar Ogut qui a souligné qu’une
fois la liaison Kars-Tbilissi-Bakou ouverte, le fret ferroviaire de la
Turquie va augmenter de 20 millions de tonnes.

dimanche 19 mai 2013,
Stéphane ©armenews.com

CHANSON ARMENIENNE
« Tashir 2013 » hier soir à Moscou avec Patrick Fiori, Hélène Ségara
et Enrique Iglesias

Hier soir s’est déroulé au Palais du Kremlin (Moscou) le spectacle et
remise des prix de la chanson arménienne « Tashir 2013 », diffusé en
direct par « Armenia TV ». Malheureusement cette année ce plus grand
show annuel de la chanson arménienne se déroulait en même temps que le
concours de l’Eurovision. Les organisateurs ayant décidé néanmoins de
réaliser des pauses lors du passage du représentant de l’Arménie à la
finale de l’Eurovision, le groupe Dorians.

De Sirousho à Tata Simonian, d’Armentchik à Djivan Kasparian, en
passant par Arman Hovhannissian, Lilit Hovhannissian, Nuné Yessayan,
Angelina Kasparian, Martin Mkrdtchian, Razmig Amian, Gamo Seyranian,
Lousina, Kristiné Peperian, Chouchan Petrossian, Arto Tuncuboyacian de
nombreuses vedettes de la chanson et de la musique arménienne se
succédèrent sur la prestigieuse scène moscovite mise à l’heure
arménienne. Parmi les vedettes de la chanson étrangère, deux chanteurs
Français d’origine arménienne, Hélène Ségara (avec une superbe
chanson, `Délé Yaman`) et Patrick Fiori étaient présents, ainsi
qu’Enrique Iglesias qui interpréta trois de ses succès.

Des trophées « Dashir » de la chanson arménienne furent distribués à
Angelina Kasparian pour « Meilleur jeune espoir », à l’académicien
Victor Sadovnitchine pour « l’Ami de l’Arménie », le trophée «
Débutante de l’année » à Margarita Pozoyan et un « Prix spécial » pour
Tata Simonian.

Razmig Amyan fut désigné comme « le chanteur de l’Année », Sirousho «
la chanteuse de l’Année » et Arman Hovhannissian avec Kristiné
Peperian comme « le duo de l’Année ».

Les bénéfices de la soirée iront à des fondations d’aide aux enfants en Arménie.

Krikor Amirzayan

dimanche 19 mai 2013,
Krikor Amirzayan ©armenews.com

ARMENIE-EUROPE
L’Arménie préside pour six mois le Conseil des Ministres du Conseil de l’Europe

A l’issue du 147e Comité des Ministres du Conseil de Ministres le 16
mai à Strasbourg, l’Arménie a pris la Présidence du Comité des
Ministres du Conseil de l’Europe qui dispose de 47 pays membres.
L’Arménie qui succède à l’Andorre, assumera cette présidence jusqu’en
novembre. Edouard Nalbandian, le ministre arménien des Affaires
étrangères a effectué à cette occasion un long discours plaçant
l’Arménie dans le champ européen par son histoire et sa culture.

L’Arménie qui est devenue membre du Conseil de l’Europe le 25 janvier
2001, prend la présidence du ce Conseil des Ministres pour la première
fois de son histoire. L’Arménie reçut les félicitations de nombreux
ministres européens pour cette présidence.

Krikor Amirzayan

dimanche 19 mai 2013,
Krikor Amirzayan ©armenews.com

OLIGARCHIE
Inauguration de l’église de Gaguig Tsaoukian : les riches et les
pauvres – Video and Photo

Le magnat dirigeant du parti Arménie Prospère a organisé le 14 mai une
immense garden party pour l’inauguration de l’église btie dans
l’enceinte de sa propriété privée d’Abovian. Parmi les invités, Serge
Sarkissian, Robert Kotcharian, Sa Sainteté Karekine II et tout le
gotha d’Erevan. À la fin des agapes, le bon bon peuple s’est disputé
les restes. A voir.

dimanche 19 mai 2013,
Spidermian ©armenews.com Ara ©armenews.com

ARARATBANK ISSUES $1.083 MILLION LOANS UNDER GGF ENERGY EFFICIENCY FINANCE PROJECTS

2013-05-16 12:33:00

ArmInfo. Araratbank has already issued $1.083 million loans under
energy efficiency finance projects of The Green for Growth Fund,
Southeast Europe (GGF). The bank signed a $5 million loan agreement
with GGF on Nov 2012. Araratbank press-service told ArmInfo the energy
efficiency loans were provided to enterprises, households and private
customers of the bank. The bank offers up to $30,000 loan for privates
at the annual interest of 12.99%, up to 500,000 EUR equivalent in USD
for corporate customers at the annual interest of 11% for a 4-year
maturity loan and 12% for a 5-year maturity loan. Earlier, Chairman of
ARARATBANK Board, Ashot Osipyan, forecasted that loans issued under
the project will make it possible to save at least 20% of initial
energy in an equivalent – 19,580 megawatt of annual saving of energy.

“Within the frames of partnership with GGF, ARARATBANK will also get
an important technical assistance, which will give an opportunity to
introduce new technologies and instruments at the Armenian market for
crediting of the energy saving projects”, Osipyan said. The Green for
Growth Fund, Southeast Europe (GGF) has been initiated in December
2009 by the European Investment Bank and KfW (The German Development
Bank) with the financial support of the European Commission and
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The Fund provides
finance mainly through local financial institutions to the Energy
Efficiency and Renewable Energy sector in the pre-accession countries
in the western Balkan region as well as Turkey. Targeted investors in
the Fund are both public and private entities. By data of the
Financial Rating of Armenian Banks prepared by ArmInfo Agency,
Araratbank is among top ten banks in terms of loans to the economy
sectors – 44 bln drams (55% of total loan portfolio), with a 32%
annual growth and 5.5% growth for Q1 2013. As of April 1 2012 the
majority shareholders of Araratbank are Flash Oil Trader Company
(President Barsegh Beglaryan) with 69.24% shares, EBRD – 25%+1 share,
Rural Impulse Fund II (part on Incofin Investment Management – Incofin
IM) with 5% shares.

ARMENIA ABSTAINS FROM VOTING ON UN RESOLUTION ON SYRIA

ARMINFO
Friday, May 17, 15:21

Armenia abstained from voting on the last UN resolution on Syria.

The UN General Assembly adopted the document on May 15 by a recorded
vote of 107 in favor to 12 against, with 59 abstentions.

Azerbaijan and Georgia voted pro. Russia, Belarus, Iran, China voted
contra. Among the abstainers were Ukraine, India, Brazil, Kazakhstan,
Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan.

According to the UN News Center, by that text, the Assembly would
strongly condemn the Syrian authorities’ continued and escalating
use of heavy weapons, ballistic missiles and cluster munitions,
including indiscriminate shelling from tanks and aircraft, against
population centers. It would condemn all forms of violence and call
upon all parties to immediately end such acts, as well as demand that
all violations of international humanitarian law cease.

The Assembly would demand that the Syrian authorities immediately
release all persons arbitrarily detained; strongly condemn the shelling
and shooting by the Syrian Armed Forces into neighboring countries;
and demand that the authorities cooperate fully with the Independent
International Commission of Inquiry and individuals working on its
behalf, granting them full and unfettered entry and access to all
areas in Syria. It would also demand that they grant the same access
to the Secretary-General for his investigation into the alleged use
of chemical weapons. It would demand that the authorities strictly
observe their obligations under international law with respect to
chemical and biological weapons.

Further, the Assembly would deplore the deteriorating humanitarian
situation and the failure to ensure safe, timely humanitarian aid to
all affected areas; demand that the authorities facilitate access for
humanitarian organizations to all people in need; strongly condemn all
attacks and threats of violence against humanitarian personnel, and
medical facilities and vehicles; condemn all attacks on, detentions of
and threats of violence against United Nations personnel; and express
grave concern at the increasing number of refugees and internally
displaced persons as a result of the ongoing violence.

The Assembly would urge the international community to provide urgent
financial support to enable host countries to respond to the growing
humanitarian needs of Syrian refugees and affected communities;
and urge all donors to expeditiously finance support to the United
Nations, other humanitarian actors and host countries to implement
the humanitarian response plan and the regional refugee response plan.

Moreover, the Assembly would reiterate its call for an inclusive
Syrian-led political transition to a democratic, pluralistic political
system.

It would ask the Secretary-General to provide support and assistance
for implementing the transition plan set forth in the final communique
of the Action Group for Syria.

VETERAN OF KARABAKH WAR: WE LIVE AS REFUGEES IN OUR COUNTRY

The struggle of azatamartiks (freedom fighters) is going to be a long
one, but instead of requesting, we will demand. Retired Colonel Volodya
Avetisian made this statement at a meeting with reporters today. He has
held a sit-down protest for several days in Liberty Square of Yerevan.

“We want to lead a life of dignity. We don’t beg alms. The state,
rather than a number of benefactors, must support us. Let the state
do its part and then benefactors may help if they want,” he said.

Another participant of the press conference, veteran of the Karbakh war
Karen Melikbekian said for his part that they are not pursuing private
interests as many freedom fighters have the problems they raised.

“All azatamartiks are in a disastrous condition. They have no roof
over their heads. The members of their families starve and are in
poor health. The impression is that we came from another country and
live here as refugees,” he noted.

According to Karen Melikbekian, they make socioeconomic demands
related to housing.

Yet another veteran who has joined the protest action, Stepan
Stepanian, said that the bank is going to take possession of his
house because he cannot repay his agricultural loan.

“Let them take it. I will put up a tent in the city center and live
there with my eight grandchildren. I will become a city resident and
also get rid of hail and its consequences,” Stepan Stepanian said.

16.05.2013, 22:47

COCA-COLA NOT PURCHASING SUGAR FROM ARMENIAN MONOPOLIST

May 17, 2013 | 13:02

YEREVAN. – Manufacturer of Coca-Cola in Armenia is not purchasing
sugar from monopolist Samvel Aleksanyan.

Talking to reporters during U.S. Ambassador John Heffern’s visit
to the factory on Friday, CEO Gagik Danielyan said the company is
purchasing sugar on its own.

Asked whether it creates problems with Samvel Aleksanyan, who is a
monopolist on sugar imports to Armenia, CEO said the company is not
experiencing difficulties.

In an interview with Armenian News – NEWS.am experts noted that sugar
imported to Armenia for a broad market does not meet the quality
requirements of Coca-Cola brand.

“Our company imports a significant portion of components from abroad.

We are in touch with the customs services quite often and I can say
that we are not faced with unmotivated difficulties,” Danielyan said.

Virtually the sole sugar importer to Armenia’s broad market is Alex
Grig LLC run by MP and businessman Samvel Aleksanyan.

Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottlers Armenia was founded in 1995 and is a
franchised bottler of The Coca-Cola Company.

News from Armenia – NEWS.am

CONGRESSMAN CICILLINE CALLS FOR RECOGNITION AND APOLOGY FOR ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

12:31 17.05.2013

U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline (D-RI), a member of the House
Foreign Affairs Committee, today called on Turkish Prime Minister
Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is visiting the United States, to formally
acknowledge and apologize for the Armenian Genocide. Cicilline issued
the following statement:

“Two million Armenian men, women and children living under the
jurisdiction of the Ottoman Empire were systematically slaughtered or
forced to leave their homeland. There is no doubt that this heinous,
organized assault on the Armenian people constituted the first genocide
of the 20th century. And yet, even today, nearly a hundred years
later, the Turkish government continues to ignore the preponderance
of evidence and deny a historical reality.”

“As Prime Minister Erdogan works to improve his country’s standing
in the Middle East, and develop a stronger relationship with the
United States, he should take this opportunity to acknowledge the
atrocities that occurred once and for all, and issue a formal apology
to the survivors and the descendants of the victims. His failure to
do so would serve only to deepen an indelible stain on the history
of his nation.”