Author: Kanayan Tamar

SERJ TANKIAN PRESENTS SONG SPRING AND DEDICATES IT TO THOSE WHO ARE FIGHTING FOR REFORMS IN ARMENIA

ARMINFO
Tuesday, March 26, 13:34

System Of A Down frontman Serj Tankian in cooperation with pianist
Tigran Amasyan have re-recorded the song Spring by Komitas and
dedicated it to those who are fighting for reforms in Armenia.

In a statement Tankian says that the song will be issued this summer
as part of his upcoming record Jazz-Iz-Christ.

“I want to dedicate this song to everyone who is fighting for positive
changes in Armenia. Peace, Serj,” the statement reads.

L’Est Républicain, France
Mardi 19 mars 2013

Soirée arménienne, il reste quelques places
Chaligny

L’association Areve en partenariat avec Les P’tites Fugues organise un
concert-repas arménien le samedi 23 mars, à la salle polyvalente.

L’ouverture de la billetterie aura lieu à 18h pour le concert 18 h 30.
Le repas à 20 h 30 est lui sur réservation. La première partie du
concert sera composée de chants traditionnels, interprétés par Sargis
Haroyan. L’ensemble de cuivres Pentafonia interprétera des oeuvres de
Beethoven, Moussorgski…

Prix du concert avec repas 20 (EURO) pour les adultes et 12 (EURO)
pour les enfants de 5 à 13 ans. Gratuit pour les moins de 5 ans.
Forfait famille 60 (EURO). Concert seul 5 (EURO).

Les réservations pour le repas sont obligatoires, il reste quelques
places. Soit par téléphone au 06.07.73.84.12. Par e-mail :
[email protected] ou :
[email protected]

Democratic Homeland party’s leader does not exclude new surprises from people

TERT.AM
21:04 – 24.03.13

Before the presidential elections the Democratic Homeland party has
stated that no frank elections should be expected and the ruling
authorities’ representative will again become `legitimate’ president,
leader of the party Petros Makeyan said.

`While our people made an unpredictable step we witness know. At
present I do not exclude that the people will again surprise us,’ he
told Tert.am in the Liberty Square. He said the authorities know
better what is going on in the square than any of us.

Speaking about Raffi Hovannisian’s proposals, Makeyan said naturally
the authorities will not agree to all of them. `But they have no
alternative but agree to concessions,’ he said.

The party’s leader said the final decision-maker is the public. `The
life will show. This disease has been enrooted in our public and it is
impossible to immediately decide and suggest a medicine,’ he stressed.

Cumhuriyet, Turkey
March 23 2013

Obama Signals ‘White House Meeting’

column “Analysis” by Utku Cakirozer

There was a surprise development during the phone conversation in
which Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu apologized to Prime
Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan over the Mavi Marmara raid. During the
conversation, US President Barack Obama, who was standing next to
Netanyahu, took the phone and congratulated Erdogan for the compromise
reached and said: “We will discuss this issue in greater detail soon.”
By doing this, he signalled a White House invitation, for which Ankara
has been waiting for a long time.

Signal Came in Denmark

Let us first look at the developments that triggered Israel’s decision
to apologize.

1. President Obama’s pressuring to reinstate the relationship between
Ankara and Tel Avivi was the most important deciding factor.

2. Prime Minister Netanyahu gained some breathing room when Israeli
Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, who opposed any apologies, was
forced to step down for six months because of certain allegations
against him after recent elections.

3. US Secretary of State John Kerry and Foreign Minister Ahmet
Davutoglu discussed the conditions that would satisfy Turkey in the
several phone conversations they had prior to Obama’s visit to Israel.

4. In an interview with a Danish newspaper at the beginning of this
week, Prime Minister Erdogan said that his comments at the UN meeting
in Vienna were misunderstood and that Turkey has always opposed
anti-Semitism.

Success on Apology, Compensation

After a compromise was formulated by Kerry through shuttle diplomacy,
Netanyahu called Erdogan and used the word “apology” in an unambiguous
and indisputable way. This must be recorded as a diplomatic success
for the AKP [Justice and Development Party] government. The Israeli
side also agreed to pay compensation for the Turkish citizens killed
in the Mavi Marmara raid.

Embargo Not Lifted

Although Turkey’s conditions for an apology and compensation – demands
that were expressed from the outset – were met, no progress was made
on Prime Minister Erdogan’s third demand for “the lifting of the
blockade on Gaza” – which was added later. As the Office of the Prime
Minister has pointed out, Netanyahu did not make any statements to the
effect that “the blockade will be lifted.” Netanyahu did not announce
any new decisions with regard to the blockade.

The blockade on Gaza was effectively eased after the Muslim
Brotherhood rose to power in Egypt. Reports published in the Israeli
press yesterday evening suggest that Netanyahu told Erdogan that “this
situation will continue as long as Israel’s security is not
threatened.”

All Three Countries to Win

The agreement reached yesterday will contribute to the national
interests of all three countries involved, namely Turkey, the United
States, and Israel. Specifically:

1. There will be a big relief in Turkey’s relations with the United
States. The first and most important sign of this is the upcoming
White House appointment Erdogan had been waiting for.

2. The Jewish lobby in the US Congress, which had taken a really harsh
stand after the prime minister’s comments about “Zionism,” will now
soften its position. As a result, Ankara’s requests for its defence
system needs will receive better treatment. In addition, it will be
possible to prevent the Jewish lobby from backing resolutions on the
Armenian genocide.

3. Intelligence cooperation with Israel will be developed to protect
the negotiation process with Imrali for the solution of Turkey’s
Kurdish problem from potential provocations.

4. Israel will be saved from the isolation it has been forced to face
in the Middle East as a consequence of the Arab Spring. In particular,
Israel will expand its cooperation over intelligence and security with
Turkey.

5. Another gain for Israel will be the prevention of the international
lawsuits against soldiers who participated in the Mavi Marmara raid.

6. Having realized reconciliation between two important allies, the
United States will greatly increase its influence in the resolution of
regional crises in the Middle East.

[Translated from Turkish]

HAIGAZIAN UNIVERSITY
Mira Yardemian – Public Relations Director
Rue Mexique – Kantari
P.O. Box 11-1748
Riad El-Solh 1107 2090
Beirut – Lebanon

Tel: 961-1-353011
Web:

Concluding Ceremony of the 500th Anniversary of Armenian Printing:
Launching `The Lebanese Armenian Book 1894-2012: A Bibliographic List’

Under the auspices of the culture ministers of both Lebanon and
Republic of Armenia, Mr. Gaby Layoun and Mrs. Hasmig Boghosian the
concluding event of the Haigazian University ceremonial evenings
dedicated to the 500th anniversary of Armenian printing was held on
Friday, March 22, 2013.
The Haigazian University Committee for the celebration of the 500th
anniversary of Armenian printing held a series of events on that
started on May 6, 2012. These included two exhibitions of Lebanese
Armenian newspapers and publishing houses, an acknowledgment evening
for Lebanese Armenian authors who had published books in 2010 and/or
2011, and a gratitude event dedicated to the current workforce of the
Lebanese Armenian newspapers.
For this concluding event, the Committee had invited the director of
the National Library of Armenia, Dr. Dikran Zarkarian as a key note
speaker to the launching of the book called `The Lebanese Armenian
Book 1894-2012: A Bibliographic list’, prepared by Dr. Antranik
Dakessian and Dr. Armen Urneshlian.
After welcoming the audience, Ms Sonia Sislian, the chairperson of the
Committee, in a retrospective power point presentation briefed the
audience on the previous four events and highlighted the specific
message of them each.
In his Letter of Appreciation, Culture Minister Gaby Layoun put the
ceremony in its pan-Lebanese context and considered it a `thoroughly
Lebanese national celebration’, wishing that the flame of serving to
the Armenian letter is passed on from one generation to the
other. Minister Layoun called on the Lebanese Armenian community and
Haigazian University to continue serving Lebanon and wished them
success in their endeavors. Minister Layoun’s letter was read by
Mr. Michel De Chadarevian (advisor of the Minister of Culture).

Ambassador Ashod Kocharian read the letter of acknowledgment of the
Culture Minister of the Republic of Armenia. In her letter, Minister
Hasmig Boghosian highly appreciated the participation of Haigazian
University and its contribution to the 500th anniversary pan-Armenian
ceremonies which were held worldwide. She considered the volume a
unique expression of respect to the Armenian book and literature, and
to the centuries-old Armenian printing efforts. She expressed hope
that such cultural events organized by Haigazian University would add
thrust to the spiritual elevation of the Diaspora.
Dr. Dikran Zarkarian, considered the 500 year old track of Armenian
printing a history of learning intertwined with love towards the
Armenian language, the fatherland and faith. He added that the track
reflected the inclination of the Armenians towards enlightenment and
the spread of human values, respect towards education and the culture
of other nations. Dr. Zarkarian stressed that the acquisition of
national history in depth is an important means for self recognition
and added that historic memory is best preserved in the book for
centuries. Dr. Zarkarian asserted that `bibliography is a key to
written cultural heritage’ and as such he considered the new book `a
foundational work of research’ and congratulated both the authors of
the book and Haigazian University. Mr. Zarkarian announced the
establishment of a web bank in the National Library of Armenia and
underlined its importance. He assured that this new book will be a
part of that web bank and will serve as a source in providing material
to it.
Eventually, Dr. Zarkarian announced that, considering the very
important input Haigazian University is having in Armenian Culture,
the National Library of Armenia has decided to bestow the University
with its highest ranking medal of `Hagop Meghabard’ and invited
Rev. Dr. Haidostian to receive the honor.
Haigazian University students Alice Ipradjian, Varanta Yacoubian and
Boghos Malian and Nanor Madjarian (on the piano) sang the song `Hayots
Darer’ under the supervision of Mrs. Roubina Artinian. In his
concluding word, Haigazian University President, Rev. Dr. Paul
Haidostian, noted that all ceremonies dedicated to the celebration of
the 500th anniversary of Armenian printing have been satisfactory and
inspirational to the Haigazian University and the Lebanese Armenian
community. Both Armenian alphabet and those behind it were
acknowledged. Through these events culture was under the spotlight
and another opportunity was given to praise God. Rev. Haidostian
considered the Armenian alphabet and Armenian books as life giving
tools if they are worked on, offered and accepted wholeheartedly and
with devotion. He considered the publication of this bibliographic
book a starting point to research the books published by Armenian
authors in other languages as well as the study of the Armenian book
in the Middle East in general.
On another note, he suggested that Armenians should initiate a new
work-track of translating and offering Armenian literature and culture
to non-Armenians. Such an undertaking would enrich the universal
library and world civilization’. In the end, Rev. Haidostian thanked
all those who participated in these jubilee events, especially
highlighting the authors of the book, Drs. Dakessian and
Urneshlian. He thanked Dr. Zarkarian for his acceptance of the
invitation and as a souvenir of this special occasion he presented a
memento to Dr. Zarkarian.
The event came to its closure with cake cutting and a reception.
The audience was delighted with the free copies of the 460-page
bibliography book distributed to all those present.

SPORTS
Arthur Alexanian (96 kg), champion d’Europe de lutte gréco-romaine
il a dédié le titre à l’Arménie et aux Arméniens

Après l’Arménien David Safarian (66 kg) en lutte libre l’Arménie
détient un second titre européen avec Arthur Alexanian (96 kg) en
lutte gréco-romaine. Lors des championnats d’Europe de lutte à
Tbilissi (Géorgie) cet après-midi, l’Arménien Arthur Alexanian a
conservé son titre européen. En finale il s’est imposé facilement sur
le score de 6-0 (3-0, 3-0) face au Bulgare Vladislav Metodiev. Il
avait éliminé un Turc en quart de finale et un Azéri en demi-finale.
Un autre Arménien, Vatchik Yeghiazarian (120 kg) s’est emparé de la
médaille de bronze de sa catégorie en battant le Bulgare Lyoudomir
Dimitrov.

« Je me sens fier de ce deuxième titre européen. Je dédie ma victoire
à l’Arménie et à tous les Arméniens (…) de désire conquérir te titre
de mondial et mon rêve est le titre Olympique » a affirmé le double
champion d’Europe après sa victoire.

Arthur Alexanian a remporté la médaille de bronze lors des 30e Jeux
Olympiques de Londres l’été dernier. Né en 1991, il fut champion du
monde junior et médaille de bronze des championnats du monde. Il a
également remporté une médaille d’argent et une de bronze lors des
championnats d’Europe junior. En senior il disposait également d’un
titre de champion et d’une médaille d’argent.

Krikor Amirzayan

dimanche 24 mars 2013,
Krikor Amirzayan ©armenews.com

Mikheil Saakashvili: “Ilham Aliyev’s presidency in Azerbaijan is a
guarantee of Georgia’s long-term development’

2013-03-23 22:28:57

Presidency of Ilham Aliyev in Azerbaijan is a guarantee of long-term
development of Georgia, Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili said
during the Open Air program on “Imedi” TV.

“Under current leadership, Azerbaijan is clearly in positions closer
to NATO. This country plays a stabilizing role in the region, and our
enemy is well aware of this (he did not specify who the enemy was).
Thus, if Azerbaijan falls as the country oriented towards European
integration, it will be a disaster for Georgia,” he said.

Georgian President said Azerbaijan supplies gas to Georgia for three
times lower prices than to Europe, and invests in the Georgian
economy. “It’s vitally important for Georgia, therefore, any change of
the course of Azerbaijan would mark a catastrophe for us,” he said.

“Azerbaijan is steadily building its statehood and is on its feet. The
longer the country will be ruled by Ilham Aliyev, the more confident
Georgia will feel,” Saakashvili said.

He also confirmed that his statements remain in force on return from
Baku, and there are forces “trying to destabilize” the situation in
Azerbaijan. “Many do not like my statements, but all the information
is confirmed and one needs to be careful,” he said.

Church and President’s swearing ceremony -Video

05:15 PM | TODAY | SOCIAL

With regard to this year’s post-election processes the role of the
Armenian Apostolic Church has been actively discussed again,
particularly in the political processes. Raffi Hovannisian’s appeal
not to participate in the swearing ceremony of Serzh Sargsyan and the
subsequent reaction of the church once again brought public attention
to the question of whether the church should have a role in the
country’s political life, and, if so, what role should it be?

The political role of the church is quite subtle and multilayer.
Should the Church express its position on the disputed elections and
electoral processes?

Journalist Ara Galoyan and PhD candidate in historical sciences
Hovhannes Hovhannisyan.
Details in “Other opinions” video blog of Yerevan Press Club.

Dual Power: Semi-Step or Status Quo

Aghassi Matevosyan
15:00 23/03/2013
Story from Lragir.am News:

Ideas on dual power can be based on two main concepts.

First, dual power is a temporary, transitional, shadow activity aimed
at redistributing gradually the available public resources and levers
and handing them over to systems that are elected and trusted by
people.

Second, dual power is the clear division of the available public
resources and levers between two policies, it is a lasting, agreed
state which rules out shadow and the physical split of the civil
society. Lasting competitiveness and establishment of an alert climate
can help optimize the solution of public problems and finally lead to
the discovery of the right option of governance.

Which option will be established well in the consciousness of the
civil society and government? One of them will be brought into being
definitely. Later we will prove it. In addition, assumptions that the
idea of dual power is not acceptable to the government are mistaken.
As far as we have observed, both the civil society and the government
are equally inert to this idea. And both have different reasons for
that.

The main reason for the civil society is the wish of quick and
immediate change of government expressing the will of people and
eliminating the crisis of the state. The reason for the government’s
inertness is the fear of losing the right to handle resources that
belong to people though they will never admit to it, and as a formal
reason they will point to their duty of defending constitutional
order.

We will come back to the content of these two concepts of dual power.
For the time being, let’s dwell on an important circumstance of the
post-electoral relation between Raffi Hovannisian and Serzh Sargsyan.

In their face-to-face meeting, as well as further monologues none of
them voiced proposals on the idea of dual power. Serzh Sargsyan
outlined something (he mentioned constitutional reforms and/or victory
in the local election in Yerevan). These sketches, however, were
rightly refused by Raffi Hovannisian, we think at an emotional, not
conscious level. Rightly, because these sketch-proposals were made by
Serzh Sargsyan not in the context of the idea of dual power but in the
context of deceiving the civil society again. Of course, the
government manipulates Raffi Hovannisian’s refusal and will continue
to manipulate it for a long time but as the consciousness of the civil
society is growing, these manipulations will be reduced to a paragraph
in monitoring reports of international organizations and a pill to
tranquilize the clan.

Raffi Hovannisian stated that he personally will not run in the local
election, explaining that this is not the mission he has committed to
people. So, he again took the right step at the emotional level? Why
do we think it was at the emotional level?

Logically, if a person refuses proposals on wrong steps but does not
propose other steps, he or she loses confidence but not as fast as if
he had accepted proposals on wrong steps. This downfall slows down his
determined position on hunger strike. Hence, there is a number
(conventionally) expressing the confidence of the civil society and
there are forces that increase or decrease this number. The most
independent force is time. It never increases the number. The number
is boosted by conscious (intellectual) actions.

There is no need to think that Raffi Hovannisian does not know about
this rule. However, as long as these actions and steps are at the
emotional level, one supposes that the negative effect of time caused
by delay of conscious steps must be made up for by unexpected
conscious actions.

The idea of dual power has not been understood by the civil society
and the government. It is inevitable though. The phrases `coalition’
and `opposition’ are already history. They will be replaced by dual
power. It is not a problem that the government does not understand it
yet. The phrase `opposition’ also used to be something alien. The
problem is to resolve rapidly and correctly the issue of
self-consciousness of the idea of dual power for both the civil
society and the government and take one of the abovementioned concepts
as a platform.

It is worthwhile to mention that a number of destructive forces
representing both the government and the civil society will actively
resist understanding of this idea. Those will be reactionary forces
that cling to their personal interests and unable to foresee their
steps.

Why the Diaspora Should Join Armenia’s Barevolution

by Tania Sahakian

March 23, 2013

Raffi Hovannisian was asked by a reporter recently, `What would you
like to say to the diaspora?’ His response, `You’re asking me the
wrong question. You should ask the diaspora what they want to say, and
I will listen. Do they want to be part of building a more Democratic
Armenia? If so, I will listen.

The diaspora should join Barevolution, argues Tania Sahakian. (Photo
by Khatchig Mouradian, The Armenian Weekly)

During previous elections, the diaspora has, for the most part,
remained silent. Today, with the Internet, social media, and live
coverage of the election and its aftermath, information has become
more widely available, allowing the diaspora to not only be more
informed and connected, but more involved. However, in the current
state and projected future of the country, the diaspora must utilize
this critical opportunity to get involved in a deeper way if it cares
about the survival and prosperity of the country.

What role can the diaspora play? Do they have any power? Does it
matter to the locals if the diaspora gets involved? The diaspora
already does its part in other spheres; do they have any business
getting involved in daily politics if they don’t live in Armenia? To
answer some of these questions, I turned to local activists who were
at the time writing letters to Serj Tankian asking him to come to
Armenia. When asked why they wanted him to come, they responded with
confidence that if Tankian were to come to Liberty Square, he would
have a vital role to play in Barevolution. After all, in his written
exchange with Tankian, Sarkisian replied to more questions posed by a
diasporan expressing concerns about the election than he has to the
thousands of citizens protesting outside the presidential palace. One
might argue that Serj Tankian may have no business in Armenia’s local
politics, but he is still able to make an impact.

Why is it vital that the diaspora join the movement? Since the last
presidential election, roughly 180,000-250,000 people have left
Armenia, mostly right after the election. Political instability, loss
of hope in the system, monopolization of the country’s resources,
poverty and unemployment are all to blame. Studies on population and
emigration trends show that at the current high rate of emigration and
low birth rate, there will only be one person left in Armenia by 2048.
The diaspora has been fighting for years for the survival of the
Armenian state, carrying out the mission of Hye Tahd (Armenian Cause).
Surely, Armenia’s depopulation and domestic plight should become part
of this mission.

Since regaining independence two decades ago, Armenia has faced no
shortage of regional and internal challenges. It has endured a
devastating earthquake, a war with neighboring Azerbaijan for
Nagorno-Karabakh, and a blockade from two of its four neighboring
countries. This prompted the diaspora to focus on aid to Armenia – and
rightly so. Armenia needed first-responders such as charities.
Diasporans sent food and clothing, or wrote a check to a trusted
charity and felt good about doing their part. Now, more than twenty
years later, the diaspora’s approach towards Armenia must shift, as
Armenia has reached another phase in the effort to build a stable
republic.

Today’s ailments and key threats to the nation’s survival include
widespread emigration, human rights injustices, environmental
degradation, regional hostility, and the suppression of pluralism and
diversity of opinion in the private and public sectors. Oligarchs and
mafia, all of whom are widely believed to have ties to the sitting
president, currently monopolize the country’s thin resources,
neglecting investment in economic development and in a viable middle
class. Therefore, today’s Armenia needs partners, activists, and
human-rights defenders. The Gyumretsi of yesterday needed emergency
earthquake relief, but today she needs a partner in justice, making
sure her voice is heard and her rights and resources are protected.

One does not need to be a rock star in order to play a role in
changing Armenia’s future. Diasporan efforts can play a major role in
providing moral support, resources, or pressuring both the Armenian
and foreign governments to not legitimize fraudulent elections. To
sustain claims of legitimacy, the Sarkisian camp has relied on
congratulations from not only foreign heads of state but diaspora
Armenian organizations. The initial OSCE assessment of the
Presidential election was favorable, which most foreign leaders then
echoed. After local activists intensely protested OSCE’s findings,
OSCE altered their final report to state, `The analysis of official
results shows a correlation between very high turnout and the number
of votes for the incumbent. This raises concerns regarding the
confidence over the integrity of the electoral process.’
Unfortunately, the damage was done, as the preliminary report had
already informed the decisions of several foreign governments to
congratulate Sarkisian. The local effort by activists could have been
bolstered by diasporan efforts abroad to pressure foreign governments
to follow suit and reassess their conclusions about the election.
American Armenians certainly have the power to write to their
congressional leaders in such issues, as do their European
counterparts.

There are many examples of diasporans who have physically joined the
effort. Inspiring stories are being told around town of people
quitting their prestigious jobs to fly to Yerevan to support the wave
of change. Although this kind of commitment is not possible for
everyone, drastic measures are not necessary; moral support can also
go a long way. When local activists were asked what value diasporan
support would offer them, and what kind of support they would like to
see, they stated that, `The homeland is not only for the locals. It is
the homeland of all Armenians. In the last 20 years we have reached
out to the diaspora asking for aid through charities, we cannot tell
them now to not get involved. We shouldn’t have two agendas and split
our resources. The diaspora should be involved in this process
bringing its resources and connections towards concrete actions for
Armenia.’ Recently, the board of the Armenian Law Student’s
Association at Southwestern Law School wrote a letter to Amnesty
International, urging the launch of a supporter mobilization campaign
to assist in collective efforts towards a more democratic Armenia.

Barevoltion is a nationwide movement joined by different groups
working towards the goal of a more democratic, citizen driven
republic. Like every movement in history, change will not come
overnight. It will require a committed group united in the struggle
willing to defy the status quo fighting for the mission of a better
tomorrow. The involvement of the diaspora in Armenia has always been a
controversial topic, but I decided to address it in this article
because the alarm is ringing loud. Armenians in foreign lands needs to
hear it before it is too late, because today the diaspora needs
Armenia as much as Armenia needs the diaspora. The injustices in
Armenia are making our nation ill, and they call for an emergency
departure from the status quo. The diaspora has the resources, the far
reaching network, and the ability to organize and lobby a cause.
Armenia is looking for partners, investors, and activists to make the
average citizen’s voice heard. Our parents’ generation fought to see
an independent Armenia. This generation will be tested to see if they
are able to create a stable, democratic republic for all – including the
diaspora.

Tania Sahakian has worked with numerous Armenian organizations over
the last decade. She moved to Armenia two years ago. Tania served as a
monitor during the 2012 parliamentary elections and the 2013
presidential election in Armenia. She has experience working in
elections in the U.S. and Europe as well, including the U.S.
presidential campaign in 2008 and several senatorial and local
elections. This is her first opinion piece for the Armenian Weekly.