Author: Kanayan Tamar

Hovik Abrahamyan’s Shuttle Diplomacy

AMES HAKOBYAN
12:44 16/03/2013
Story from Lragir.am News:

Speaker Hovik Abrahamyan, head of Serzh Sargsyan’s campaign
headquarters, visited Raffi Hovannisian last night. During the visit
Hovik Abrahamyan and Raffi Hovannisian had a talk in the presence of
public. Then they went into the tent put up for the presidential
candidate who has gone on hunger strike. Hovik Abrahamyan joked that
they were going to the VIP hall. One could see from the video that
Hovik Abrahamyan felt unease as so many people were looking at them,
and Raffi Hovannisian agreed that they continue their conversation in
the tent.

Most probably, Hovik Abrahamyan visited him at night when there would
be less people. Hovik Abrahamyan’s visit is interesting because it
followed Raffi Hovannisian’s rally during which there were some
interesting statements. First, Raffi Hovannisian said they start
forming an alternative government, then an alternative ceremony of
inauguration on April 9 was announced, as well as there was a
statement on running in the municipal election.

At the same time, Raffi Hovannisian stated that the Heritage Party may
leave the EPP and said if this is Europe, we do not need such Europe.
In the meantime, it should be noted that Hovik Abrahamyan visited
Raffi Hovannisian not only after the rally but also after Serzh
Sargsyan’s visit to Brussels where he went the day after his visit to
Moscow.

No doubt, Hovik Abrahamyan’s midnight visit was not a visit of
politeness. He was Serzh Sargsyan’s envoy.

It may also be an intention of individual mediation at one’s own
discretion. It is possible that he is not only Serzh Sargsyan’s envoy
but also his relative Gagik Tsarukyan’s envoy. In other words, Hovik
Abrahamyan is doing a so-called shuttle diplomacy and conveys both
Serzh Sargsyan’s and Gagik Tsarukyan’s message to Raffi Hovannisian to
look for ways of strengthening his foothold in the government pyramid.

By betting on Hovannisian-Tsarukyan tandem Hovik Abrahamyan may boost
his own capital by causing problems for Serzh Sargsyan and later offer
his services for solving them.

By the way, a few days before Raffi Hovannisan’s hunger strike Hovik
Abrahamyan had stated that he does not understand Raffi’s demands. He
had better talk to the government on assuming responsibility in
different spheres.

Raffi Hovannisian stated that he is talking to Serzh Sargsyan, not
Hovik Abrahamyan.

>From this point of view, it is not ruled out that Hovannisian and
Abrahamyan went into the tent so that Abrahamyan could telephone Serzh
Sargsyan and pass the telephone to Raffi Hovannisian.

J

What Conscience and Heart You, Armenians, Have! `Paganini of Trumpet’ Says

March 15 2013

Three famous musicians – trumpeter Sergei Nakariakov (Israel), pianist
Maria Meerovitch (Belgium), and conductor Djong Victorin Yu (South
Korea) – are invited to the next concert of the Armenian State
Philharmonic Orchestra that will take place in the Aram Khachatryan
Hall today. The program consists of premieres. The pianist and the
trumpeter will perform Haydn’s Cello Concerto arranged for trumpet for
the first time, the musicians will play Shostakovich’s Concerto for
Piano, Trumpet, and String Orchestra, accompanied by the string
orchestra, and the orchestra will play Bruckner’s Symphony No. 3. In
Soviet times the trumpet was associated with Alexander Harutiunian’s
Trumpet Concerto, and Haykaz Mesiayan and Timofei Dokschitzer were the
brilliant interpreters of that concerto. Certainly, the mentioned
piece has long since been part of foreign trumpeters’ repertoires. In
the past, Harutiunian’s concerto was played in Armenia also in the
interpretation of Sergei Nakariakov who is on top of the list of the
best trumpeters. asked the musician known around the
world as `Paganini of Trumpet,’ `Caruso of Trumpet’ what the reason
that a desired and expected guest of famous concert halls, orchestras,
and conductors like him who was busy with concert tours had come to
Armenia for the fourth time. `Not only the warm climate of your
country, but also your audience’s indescribable warmth and certainly,
high professionalism of the Philharmonic Orchestra,’ Nakariakov
replied. By the way, the young artist was compelled to quit piano
lessons at the age 9-10 because of a spine injury. We inquired whether
he hadn’t complained of any ailment since that time, as it is known
that wind instrument players were first of all required 100 percent
healthiness. `Sati Spivakova interviewed me on Kultura, a Moscow TV
channel, recently. I know that she is an Armenian, and Mrs. Spivakova
also inquired about my health; no journalist around the world has
asked me this question. So what conscience and heart you, Armenians,
have.’ Samvel DANIELYAN

Read more at:

© 1998 – 2013 Aravot – News from Armenia

Deputy chairman of RPA: President of Armenia is not going to meet with
Raffi Hovannisian at Liberty Square

ARMINFO
Saturday, March 16, 13:35

President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan is not going to meet with the
leader of the Heritage party Raffi Hovannisian at Liberty Square. The
latter has been in a hunger strike since 10 March, the head of the RPA
parliamentary faction, Galust Sahakyan, told Arminfo correspondent.

He said that the Liberty Square is not the place where political
problems should be resolved. “For this reason, I think that President
Serzh Sargsyan will hardly meet the leader of the Heritage party at
the Liberty Square, as the schedule of the head of state is rather
thick. Although I do not rule out that out of courtesy Sargsyan may
visit the politician in a hunger strike”, – Sahakyan said.

When commenting on Hovannisian’s decision on 17 March to start public
discussions on formation of a new government, Sahakyan said that he
does not seriously treat such an idea. Moreover, he is confident that
it is high time for Hovannisian and other oppositionists to form an
institutional opposition with a strict agenda and political stance.
“Our country really needs such an opposition”, – Sahakyan added.

Yesterday speaker of the parliament Hovik Abrahamyan visited Raffi
Hovannisian at the Liberty Square. He told journalists that the
authorities are ready to make reasonable compromises for settlement of
the available problems without any incidents. At the same time, he
added that the opposition’s suggestion to hold second round of the
presidential election and to dissolve the parliament cannot be
accepted by the authorities.

I visit Armenia as a close friend – Julio Iglesias (PHOTO)

MARCH 16, 17:20

YEREVAN.- World famous singer Julio Iglesias has arrived in Armenia
within the framework of world concert tour.

This is his first visit Armenia, he told reporters on Saturday,
pointing at long history of friendly relations between Armenian and
Spanish nations.

`I have many Armenian friends. I have met thousands of Armenians for
the last 45 years. They are spreading your culture all over the globe.
So, my visit is not a visit of a foreigner but of a close friend. I
never sing in the place which I dislike. I was happy to come here and
will sing with pleasure,’ he said during the press conference.

Asked about possible cooperation with Armenian musicians, he recalled
that had been friends with Charles Aznavour. He sang with Aznavour
dozen times and considers French singer his elder brother.

Although Iglesias did not share opinion of reporters that he is adored
by women, famous singer confessed to loving women very much.

`I think women feel when men love them.’

Julio Iglesias said he had already asked what Armenians’ favorite song
is and what song he could perform during the Monday concert.

`Having experienced revival at a young age, I have become realistic. I
set a goal and go for it,’ singer said, adding that he is not a
dreamer.

Sharing his first impressions on arriving in Armenia, he said that he,
and his team thought Armenians are very nice people.

`I have never been to Armenia, but I know the country, thanks to my
friends. There is a kind of melancholy in Armenians’ eyes. This
reminds me of my homeland. Melancholy is a sister of vulnerability and
when a person is vulnerable, it speaks of his heroism.’

Julio Iglesias started his world tour on February 24 from Guatemala.
Then he went to Russia, and Ukraine.

Azeri hysterics over Van-Yerevan-Van flight “common,” expert says

March 16, 2013 – 15:09 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – The opening of Van-Yerevan-Van direct flight aims to
boost tourism, promote pilgrimage to the Western Armenia and develop
business ties, a Turkologist said.
As Andranik Ispiryan told a PanARMENIAN.Net the launch of the flight
is unlikely to affect Ankara’s stance on rapprochement with Armenia.
However, he didn’t preclude for Turkish tourists’ visits to break some
old stereotypes.
Commenting on the response of Azerbaijan which accused Ankara of
“betraying relations with Baku and failing to consider Azeri interests
in Karabakh issue,” Ispiryan characterized Azeri reaction as common.
“Azeri hysterics prompted Ankara’s remark, assuring Baku of being its
best friend where Karabakh settlement is concerned,” the expert said.

Turkish president’s visit to Sweden can be considered failure –
Armenian turkologist

NEWS.AM
March 16, 2013 | 12:55

YEREVAN. – Turkish President Abdullah Gul’s recent trip to Sweden was
accompanied by unpleasant incidents, Armenian turkologist Andranik
Ispiryan stated during a press conference on Saturday.

In his words, the first unpleasant circumstance for the Turks was the
fact that Gul’s visit coincided with the second anniversary of the
Swedish parliament’s passing of a resolution that condemns the
Genocide. Ispiryan noted that the Swedish-Armenian community had
carried out an interesting protest during Gul’s trip to the country.
It leased a small plane, which circled around the sky with a banner
that read: `Turkey, accept the 1915 Armenian Genocide!’

`A relative of the Swedish king died on the first day of Gul’s visit.
A Swedish police officer fell into a canal, while accompanying the
Turkish president to the Swedish Royal Palace, and he died en route to
hospital. Armenians gathered in protest in front of the building,
while Gul was addressing the Swedish parliament, and they demanded the
recognition of the Armenian Genocide.

A group of PKK [that is, the Kurdistan Workers’ Party] supporters
appeared before Gul, during his visit to Stockholm Municipality, and
chanted anti-Turkish slogans. [And] during the evening reception that
was held at Grand Hotel in Gul’s honor, they discovered a bag with
explosives nearby the hotel,’ the turkologist noted, and stressed that
as a result of all this, the Turkish president’s visit to Sweden can
be considered a failure.

Final version of Dorians’ Lonely Planet song completed

11:59, 16 March, 2013

YEREVAN, MARCH 16, ARMENPRESS. The final version of Lonely Planet song
to be introduced in ‘Eurovision 2013″ has already been completed. The
song will be represented to the commission of the European
Broadcasters on March 18. In a conversation with “Armenpress” the
Official for Eurovision Project of the Armenian Public TV Company
Gohar Gasparyan stated that she will depart for Sweden on March 18 to
take part in the meeting of the delegation heads.

“Dorians” rock band’s Lonely Planet song for “Eurovision 2013” song
contest had appeared in the centre of attention of the British media.
Birmingham mail newspaper said that the Black Sabbath star is happy to
be working in Armenia once more after developing bond with country.
Among other things it was noted: “Handsworth-born Iommi, 65, has
penned the music for the number Lonely Planet, which will be sung by
the group, Dorians. The Armenian outfit has come up with its own
English-language lyrics for the entry, which was selected by the
nation at the weekend to compete in the semi-finals in May. For Iommi,
who is in the midst of recording a new Sabbath album, the project
allows him to continue his love affair with Armenia.”

CHANSON
Julio Iglesias est arrivé en Arménie, il donnera un concert à Erévan
mardi 18 mars

Le célèbre chanteur Julio Iglesias est en Arménie. Arrivé ce vendredi
après midi à l’aéroport Zvartnots-Armenia à Erévan par son jet privé,
Julio Iglesias était accompagné de plusieurs dizaines de musiciens et
de collaborateurs. En guise d’interview Julio Iglesias a adressé aux
journalistes arméniens un grand sourire avant de regagner une voiture
et prendre la direction d’un hôtel à Erévan. Le chanteur gé de 70 ans
donnera un grand concert au complexe Karen Démirdjian d’Erévan le 18
mars. Le prix des billets étant de 5 000 à 80 000 drams. En Arménie,
Julio Iglesias chantera ses meilleurs succès…et peut-être même une
chanson en arménien !

Krikor Amirzayan

samedi 16 mars 2013,
Krikor Amirzayan ©armenews.com

ARMENIE
Aucun accord de l’opposition concernant l’élection municipale à Erevan

Les quatre principaux groupes politiques de l’opposition n’ont pas
réussi à se mettre d’accord sur la création d’une alliance élargie
pour les prochaines élections municipales à Erevan a déclaré jeudi le
Congrès National Arménien (HAK).

Le HAK a appelé à une telle alliance en début de cette semaine avant
de s’entretenir avec des représentants de l’opposition et les partis
Zharangutyun, la FRA et Gagik Tsarukian président du parti Arménie
prospère (BHK).

Le HAK affirme que tous ces aprtis peuvent gagner le contrôle de la
municipalité d’Erevan s’ils participent conjointement à l’élection du
5 mai.

« Il y a eu beaucoup de consultations et de négociations entre ces
quatre forces politiques dans différents formats` a précisé Levon
Zurabian, chef du groupe parlementaire du HAK au service arménien de
RFE / RL (Azatutyun.am). « Au niveau d’une liste commune de candidats,
il semble que nous n’avons pas encore atteint de résultat.`

`Mais je pense que cela ne devrait pas être considéré comme une
tragédie, car il est beaucoup plus important de former un cadre entre
ces quatre parties qui viserait à rendre le pouvoir à Erevan au
peuple` a-t-il dit.

Levon Zurabian n’a pas révélé les raisons pour lesquelles les
négociations ont échoué.

Le BHK, qui a le deuxième plus grand parti au parlement national, a
déclaré mardi qu’il acceptera de faire équipe avec les trois groupes
de l’opposition que si il joue un rôle central dans le bloc.

Selon Levon Zurabian, les quatre forces politiques peuvent encore
travailler ensemble pour l’élection municipale à Erevan, sans la mise
en place d’un tel bloc. Il a déclaré que le HAK estime qu’ils
devraient accepter de s’abstenir de se critiquer les uns les autres,
de lutter conjointement contre les truquages possibles et de conclure
un accord de partage du pouvoir si le Parti républicain (HHK) ne
parvient pas à conserver sa majorité à l’assemblée municipale.

`Nous poursuivons les consultations`, a déclaré Levon Zurabian. `Il
n’existe aucun accord quadripartite encore qui puisse être présenté à
la population. Mais il y a une tendance générale à aller vers une
telle décision. `

samedi 16 mars 2013,
Stéphane ©armenews.com

Greek President to visit Armenia

13:35 16.03.2013

Greek President Karolos Papoulias received Armenian Foreign Minister
Edward Nalbandian. Greeting the Armenian Minister, President Papoulis
said the Greek people have the warmest brotherly feelings for the
Armenia and its people. He praised the high level of political
relations between the two countries and added that steps should be
taken to keep the cooperation on the same level.

Minister Nalbandian conveyed Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan’s
greetings and noted that the Armenian President is looking forward to
his Greek counterpart’s visit to Yerevan.

President Papoulias presented the steps towards elimination of
consequences of the financial crisis. Reference was made to Armenia-EU
cooperation, the negotiations on the Association Agreement, the
process of facilitation of the visa regime, the talks on the creation
of a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area.

The efforts on the settlement of the Cyprus issue were also on the
agenda. In this context Minister Nalbandian reiterated Armenia’s
support to Cyprus.

Edward Nalbandian briefed the Greek President on the latest
developments in the settlement of the Karabakh issue. Karolos
Papoulias asked to convey his greetings to President Sargsyan and
added he’s glad to accept the invitation to visit Armenia.