Author: Kanayan Tamar

ARMENIAN FOOD SAFETY SERVICE LIFTS BAN ON IMPORTS OF HARD LIQUOR FROM CZECH REPUBLIC

YEREVAN, March 13. / ARKA /. Armenia’s State Food Safety Service
said it has lifted the ban on imports of alcoholic beverages from
the Czech Republic.

Last autumn Czech authorities reported dozens of deaths and injuries
caused by low-cost bootleg Czech vodka, rum and fruit spirits
which were adulterated with methanol, a poisonous form of alcohol
that can kill or blind if consumed and which is normally used for
industrial purposes. The deaths and injuries were described as the
Czech Republic’s worst case of fatal alcohol poisoning in 30 years.

Following the example of some countries, including Russia, in September
2012 Armenia imposed a ban on imports of hard liquor from the Czech
Republic. The ban was lifted on March 6 this year by a decree of the
agency’s chief Abram Bakhchagulyan. -0-

ARMENIAN, TURKMEN PRESIDENTS DISCUSS AGREEMENTS REACHED

March 13, 2013 – 18:26 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan had a
telephone conversation with his Turkmenistan counterpart Gurbanguly
Berdimuhamedow. President Berdimuhamedow once again congratulated
President Sargsyan on reelection, wishing him good luck in further
activates.

The two discussed the course of the implementation of Armenian-
Turkmenistani agreements reached in 2012, presidential press service
reported.

ARMENIAN SPORT MINISTER MEETS COE YEREVAN OFFICE HEAD

March 13, 2013 – 17:55 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Armenian Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Hrachya
Rostomyan met on March 13 with the head of Council of Europe Yerevan
office Oleksandr Pavlyuk. Minister Rostomyan noted that Armenia closely
cooperates with European institutions and stands ready to expand the
cooperation areas in the future.

“Over 30 youth programs, targeting job creation, fields of education
and science, are implemented in Armenia. As for sport and physical
culture, promotion of healthy lifestyle is in the focus of the
ministry’s strategy,” he said.

Mr Pavlyuk, in turn, said that cooperation with European institutions
will enable Armenia to contribute to different international youth
programs. He voiced confidence that the Council of Europe will support
the projects Armenia offers.

ARE KURDS A PART OF THE ‘TURKISH NATION?’

Hurriyet Daily News, Turkey
March 13 2013

Since the beginning of this year Turkey has been chasing a new hope:
A peaceful settlement with the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK),
whose guerilla warfare and terrorist campaign against the state
has destroyed more than 40,000 lives since 1984. The totalitarian
charisma of the PKK’s jailed leader, Abdullah Ocalan, is turning out
to be a blessing, as his recent calls for a farewell to arms proves
to be key for the much-hoped for solution.

However, the PKK will not leave arms for nothing. Besides amnesty and
other privileges for its own members, the organization also expects
serious constitutional changes that will secure the aspirations of
Turkey’s Kurds.

One of these is a reform that all liberals and even the incumbent
Justice and Development Party (AKP) support: the lifting of the
constitutional clause that says all citizens of Turkey “are Turks.”

Kurds, most understandably, do not want to be defined as such and
want to be able to claim their identity without any imposition from
the state.

Although Turkish nationalists (some of which are in the main opposition
Republican Peoples’ Party) want to keep this all-citizens-are-Turkish
clause passionately, it seems certain that it will disappear in a
new constitution. Yet that is only the beginning.

An even bigger issue is the term “Turkish nation,” which appears
in the Constitution dozens of times. The majority of the Kurds do
not consider themselves a part of this nation. Hence they demand a
serious rewording of the national charter.

One of the popular Kurdish goals is to include “the Kurdish people”
in the Constitution, as one of the pillars, if not a co-founder, of
the Republic of Turkey. But although this might sound fair, it is a
recipe for new problems and tensions. If Turks and Kurds are mentioned
in the Constitution then what about Arabs, the Circassians, the Laz,
the Bosniaks, the Zaza or the Armenians? Are they less important? Who
decides which group deserves to be honored by law and which group
does not?

An alternative idea, which I support, is to make not an
ethnicity-definitive constitution, but an ethnicity-blind one.

Accordingly, the solution is not to create a list of ethnic groups in
Turkey, but to abolish the dominance of the largest of them, the Turks.

This idea has even led to a new conceptualization of the nation:
“The Nation of Turkey” instead of “the Turkish Nation.” (In Turkish,
“Turkiye Milleti” instead of “Turk Milleti.”) While the latter is
based on an identity (Turkishness), the former is clearly based on
belonging to a country (Turkey).

“The Nation of Turkey” is certainly a promising vision for including
Kurds and other non-Turkish groups.

But there is also the risk that it will be found artificial, if
not “fake,” by the Turkish majority, which is often watching these
discussions with shock and contempt.

Which brings me to my ideal solution; one that is based on the
classical liberal approach: the best definition is the least
definition. In other words, let’s just avoid putting a nametag on
the nation and leave it loose.

Notably, this was the attitude during Turkey’s War of Liberation
(1919-22), when political leaders, including Ataturk, spoke of “the
nation” only, allowing every group to imagine themselves as a part
of it.

More recently, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, too, has won many
non-Turkish votes by praising “our nation,” in a tone that carefully
avoids the word “Turk.” Perhaps other political leaders should take
a hint.

March/13/2013

COURAGE & COMPASSION AMIDST WAR IN SYRIA: INTERVIEW WITH TALIN TOPALAKIAN

States News Service
March 11, 2013 Monday

The following information was released by the Presbyterian Church
(U.S.A.):

An Interview with Talin Topalakian Jinishian Memorial Program

Cara Taylor

How did the Armenian community come to be in Syria, and when did
Jinishian come into the picture?

Armenian roots have been in Syria for centuries. But since 1915 the
population increased here because genocide survivors were warmly
welcomed. Although it was initially very difficult, little by little,
Armenians became an important part of the Syrian mosaic.

Since 1966 the Jinishian Memorial Program (JMP) has always been there
for the vulnerable and poor, and we are now well-known as a neutral
charitable organization serving in Damascus, Aleppo (an industrial,
Armenian core), and the agricultural area of Kamishly.

How are you weathering this war now going on two years?

People are praying and hoping every day to get back their secure,
stable life. These days are very difficult, and sometimes very
hopeless. We are having casualties within our community. Nearly
everybody is worried about the unpredictable future, as even the middle
class must now apply for help, wishing that this will be temporary. In
every time and place, we have the poor, but nowadays people in Syria
also face psychological, physical, social and security problems.

And yet you came into your role as Country Director just a few months
ago. How did you make that choice?

That timing was the biggest challenge for me. My desire was to serve
the largest number of Armenians in need, regardless of their religious,
social or political affiliation. I sought moral satisfaction and deeper
empathy. The words of Martin Luther King came to mind: Every man must
decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in
the darkness of destructive selfishness.

Where does that courage come from?

Although our Jinishian Memorial Program family lives with all these
dangers personally, we feel responsible to help and support our
community. Saving someones life, giving shelter to a homeless child,
giving hope to an abandoned, lonely, elderly and sick person, and
showing compassion and helping an unemployed breadwinnerthis gives
happiness to our hearts, and we can forget our own troubles a bit.

The more we give, the more Gods love grows in us. If we dont help and
love each other here, we cant love a God who we dont see. God is love,
whoever lives in love lives in God and God in him (1 John 4:16).

What do you hope for, Talin? What would you most wish our readers
to know?

Our most important dream is to have back our safe and peaceful life
in order to implement programs and projects in cooperation with the
churches and other organizations, to help Armenian families to survive,
restart their activities and recover.

Although some Armenians (with relatives or means) have left Syria
temporarily, the majority who remain are struggling to live and need
more assistance. With your help, we can give hope to one more family.

Armenians in Syria need you more than ever because they trust this
organization that has always been beside them. I want to thank all
those who support JMP morally and financially, so that we can help
people and honor Mr. Jinishians vision.

RUSSIAN, ARMENIAN PRESIDENTS EXCHANGE REMARKS AT START OF TALKS – KREMLIN TEXT

President of the Russian Federation website, Kremlin
March 12 2013

Meeting with President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan; 12 March 2013, 1700
[1300 gmt], Novo-Ogarevo, Moscow Region

The two leaders discussed bilateral cooperation issues.

Vladimir Putin congratulated Serzh Sargsyan on his victory in the
presidential election, which was held in Armenia on 18 February. The
working visit to Russia is the first foreign visit of the Armenian
president since the election.

[President of Russia Vladimir Putin] Mr Sargsyan, thank you very
much for your visit. This is your first foreign visit, your first
trip abroad since the presidential election in Armenia. I want to
congratulate you again on a convincing victory: you gained over 60
per cent of the vote, which is an excellent result. It shows the
Armenian people’s confidence in you and gives you the opportunity
to meet all the objectives you set for yourself when you embarked on
the election campaign.

Russia has special relations with Armenia, and people in both countries
are aware of that. Overall, our relations are developing successfully,
despite the problems in the global economy. Last year trade between
our states grew by over 20 per cent. I am also very pleased to note
that Russia continues to steadily hold first place among Armenia’s
trade and economic partners.

Russia is also in first place in terms of accumulated foreign
investment (over 3bn dollars) in Armenia, and this trend continues. We
have ambitious major long-term joint investment plans. I hope that
today we will have the opportunity to talk about the entire range
of issues.

Our political contacts are developing equally actively. We are
cooperating at all levels and in all areas: there are contacts
among our parliaments, our Governments, political parties and public
organizations. All this provides a very good basis for strengthening
our relations, especially interpersonal contacts and ties in the
humanitarian sphere.

A very important role is played in this area by the public associations
of the Armenian diaspora in the Russian Federation. There are many
Armenians living in Russia, as you know, and they are very respectable
and hard working citizens of our country. They continue to maintain
close contacts with their historical homeland. This is the additional
human capital that unites us.

I am very glad to see you. Welcome.

[President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan] Thank you, Mr Putin.

Thank you for the invitation and for your congratulations on my
election as president of Armenia.

It is absolutely natural that my first visit abroad is to Moscow, to
Russia. Russia is our strategic partner and ally, and that says it all.

Last year was a special year for us. We celebrated the 20th anniversary
of diplomatic relations between our states. During this period, we
have seen very positive development and achieved exceptional results
in all fields: in politics, the economy, defence, the humanitarian
sphere and integration. Therefore, we believe the potential we have
accumulated is good and now we must develop it further.

Mr President, I want to thank you especially for the progress in the
defence sphere since our last meeting. The Russian defence minister and
chief of the General Staff have visited Armenia. The Armenian public
very much appreciated the fact that the Russian defence minister came
to Armenia on Armenian Armed Forces Day.

I agree with you that there has been some solid progress in the
economy. Certain issues remain, but we hope for Russia’s help and
support.

I am very happy to be here and thank you for your kind words. Once
again, Mr President, I confirm my invitation to you to come to Armenia
on a state visit. Thank you.

[Vladimir Putin] Thank you.

RAFFI HOVANNISIAN NOT TO PARTICIPATE IN ELECTIONS TO ELDERS’ COUNCIL OF YEREVAN

ARMINFO
Wednesday, March 13, 18:38

Heritage Party Leader Raffi Hovannisian will not participate in the
elections to the Elders’ Council of Yerevan. Hovannisian himself said
this during a press conference in Liberty Square on Wednesday.

He said that Heritage is already discussing the possible list of
participations in the elections and will make a statement on March 15.

He added that the representatives of Heritage and Armenian National
Congress are already negotiating on joint participation in the
elections to the Elders’ Council of Yerevan, however, the leaders of
the parties have not met yet.

Hovannisian has been on hunger strike since March 10 to protest
against the presidential election results. He says that this action
will last much more than 15 days. He hopes that the authorities will
come to senses and admit the people’s victory.

ARMENIAN TRAFFIC POLICE DEPARTMENT PROPOSES TO REPLACE YELLOW NUMBER PLATES ON TAXIS WITH WHITE

YEREVAN, March 13. /ARKA/. Armenian Traffic Police Department proposes
to replace yellow number plates on taxis with white ones.

According to the press office of the department, this initiative is
included in the package of the government’s legislative proposals
related to licensing in public transport area.

“Taking into account the aim of the proposed changes and being guided
by the necessity to simplify procedures, the Traffic Police proposed
to make some changes related to yellow number plates on taxis and
registration certificate,” the press release says.

The traffic police intend to tighten grip upon taxis. All the necessary
papers with special protection must be fastened on the rear window.

These changes will reduce time for getting the license. Expenses will
be reduced by 17,000 drams.

The traffic police department’s press office stresses that number
plates will be replaced for free. ($1-AMD 412.75). —0—-

RAFFI HOVANNISIAN NOT TO END HUNGER STRIKE ON EVE OF HIS DAUGHTER’S BIRTHDAY

18:34 13/03/2013 ” POLITICS

Two years ago, I began hunger strike on March 15, the day when Soghomon
Tehleryan did his heroic act. I ended the hunger strike on March 30,
on the eve of my daughter Shoushi’s birthday, Heritage party leader,
former presidential hopeful Raffi Hovannisian told a news conference
in Liberty Square.

When asked if this time also he is going to end his hunger strike
on March 30, Hovannisian said that unless his demands are met, his
hunger strike may last longer than 15 days.

The Central Electoral Commission of Armenia on February 25 announced
the final results of the presidential elections in Armenia. According
to them, Serzh Sargsyan won the elections with 58.64% of the votes,
while his closest rival, Raffi Hovannisian, received 36.75% of
the votes. Hovannisian disagrees with the election results and is
holding mass protest actions. On March 4, representatives of Raffi
Hovannisian and former candidate Andrias Ghukasyan handed an appeal
to the Constitutional Court disputing the results of the February 18
presidential elections in Armenia.

Raffi Hovannisian began hunger strike in Liberty Square on March
10 evening.

Source: Panorama.am

EXPERT: AZERBAIJAN HINDERS DEEPENING OF ARMENIAN-GEORGIAN COOPERATION

ARMINFO
Wednesday, March 13, 16:08

Azerbaijan hinders deepening of Armenian-Georgian cooperation in
all the spheres, expert on Georgia, Joni Melikyan said at today’s
press-conference.

He said that Georgia is trying to be neutral and not to interfere
in regional conflicts. This rules out closer cooperation both with
Armenia and Azerbaijan. He also added that Georgian politicians often
say about their great love to one of them so that to keep balance
between Armenia and Azerbaijan. “For instance, Georgia’s Defence
Minister Irakli Alasania said during his visit to Yerevan that he
loves Azerbaijanis, hinting in such a way on the balance between
Armenia and Azerbaijan”, – the expert said.

Melikyan thinks that the power change cannot affect the
Armenian-Georgian relations, as irrespective of the fact who
occupies the president’s position in Armenia, Serzh Sargsyan or Raffi
Hovannisian, foreign policy of Georgia is stable and will not change
for the coming years. “Georgia will go on cooperating with NATO and
EU. They do not hide their commitment to these structures and have
been trying to draw Armenia there”, – he said.