Author: Kanayan Tamar

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Fr.Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Director
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
Web:

PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon

HIS HOLINESS ARAM I PRESIDES OVER A MEETING OF THE PRESIDENTS OF THE MIDDLE
EAST COUNCIL OF CHURCHES (MECC)

Tuesday night, 21 August 2012, His Holiness Aram I, one of the Presidents of
the MECC, moderated an emergency meeting of the Council. The other
Presidents attending the meeting were: Syriac Catholic Patriarch His
Beatitude Youssef III Lahham, representing the Catholic family of churches,
His Grace Mounib Younan, Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran in Jordan and
the Holy Land, on behalf of the Protestant churches, the General Secretary,
His Grace Bishop Paul Rohanna and Associate General Secretary, Dr. Elias
Halabi. Rev. Dr. Habib Badr, the Moderator of the MECC Task Force, also
attended the meeting.

The agenda included two issues: Humanitarian assistance to refugees and
displaced people in Syria. Until recently, the MECC’s programme operated out
of Damascus. Given the deteriorating situation in the country, the
presidents decided to decentralize the operation and create new centres for
humanitarian aid in Aleppo, Homs, Latakia and Kamishli. They also decided
that they would ask other ecumenical organizations in the country to
continue their activities, but in coordination with the local churches.

The second item was the nomination of a new general secretary. The current
General Secretary Bishop Paul Rohanna, is resigning because of his new
calling by his Church as a Diocesan Bishop. According to MECC by-Laws the
new general secretary must be nominated during the next six month. They
decided to set the procedures.

Emirates 24/7, UAE
Aug 23 2012

Armenians flee to ancestral homeland

Syria fighting rages for control of airfield near Iraq border

As the passengers from battle-ravaged Aleppo disembarked at Yerevan’s
Zvartnots airport, tearful relatives gripped them tightly in emotional
embraces.

“Thank God you’ve arrived safe and sound!” one cried out.

Since fighting has gripped the city of Aleppo, where many of Syria’s
ethnic Armenian community live, increasing numbers have been fleeing
to their ancestral homeland over fears that Christians could suffer if
President Bashar al-Assad is ousted and replaced by an Islamic regime.

Among those arriving in Yerevan was Yenok Sulahian, who said that many
Syrian Armenians had started to plan their escape when the first
clashes began breaking out between rebels and government forces in
Aleppo a month ago.

“Shooting and bomb blasts could be heard at night. The government was
warning us all the time not to leave home to avoid being shot,” he
said.

The diaspora ministry in Yerevan said more than 3,000 Syrian Armenians
have arrived since March 2011, when the government began a brutal
crackdown on peaceful anti-regime protests across the country that has
since descended into full-blown conflict between government forces and
opposition fighters.

The national airline Armavia has been laying on additional flights to
carry those seeking to flee.

The Armenian community in Syria may be small — between 60,000 and
100,000 people according to estimates — but its tragic history has
added to its sense of unease.

Armenians in Syria are descendants of those who took refuge there
after escaping the genocide of Armenians in Ottoman Turkey during
World War I.

They are long-established Syrian citizens, many with their own businesses.

Now they said they face uncertainty, not knowing how the conflict will
end nor what the future will be for ethnic minorities under a new
regime.

Some worry that they could face fresh persecution if Assad’s
government, which has maintained friendly relations with the
authorities in Yerevan, is replaced by an Islamic regime.

“The Armenian community has taken a neutral position — we call it
pro-Syrian,” said an elderly woman arriving at Zvartnots from Aleppo
who declined to give her name.

“Of course this uncertainty is very scary — what will the outcome of
this be and what will happen to the Christian minority if Assad goes?”
she said.

However many of them, like Sulahian, said they want to go home as soon
as there is peace.

“If everything is all right, we plan to return to Aleppo for the
children to go to school,” he said hopefully.

Since the conflict began, Armenian authorities have taken measures to
make it easier for the Syrian Armenians to return, easing the visa
process and allowing those who want to apply for citizenship to do so
at the consulate in Aleppo, rather than in Yerevan.

“So far we cannot call this process mass migration. Many Armenians do
not want to leave their homes and their businesses,” said Firdus
Zakarian, an official at the diaspora ministry’s commission for
Syrian-Armenian issues.

More than 3,000 Syrian Armenians have applied for citizenship in the
past six months however — a sign of growing uncertainty about their
future in Syria.

Over 400 children are also being flown from Syria to Armenia for
holidays in summer camps, initially for two weeks but potentially for
a longer period if the crisis continues.

The diaspora ministry insists that the situation is not yet critical
and that no mass evacuation is being planned.

“Today in Syria there is no anti-Armenian hysteria and no real threat
to the existence of the long-standing Armenian community,” Zakarian
said.

But a nation whose memories of bloody ethnic purges remain fresh is
understandably concerned about the future of its kin as the battle for
control over Syria rages on.

“We are considering every scenario and if, God forbid, the situation
does become critical, Armenia is ready to assist all our compatriots,”
Zakarian said.

Vestnik Kavkaza, Russia
Aug 23 2012

Turkey condemns occupation of Azerbaijani territories

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has condemned the
unconstructive position of Armenia in the Nagorno-Karabakh peace
process, 1news.az reports.

Davutoglu said at the TURKKON conference of foreign ministers in
Bishkek that Armenia occupied 20% of Azerbaijani territory. The
minister believes that it is a great obstacle for development of South
Caucasus.

The Turkish foreign minister reminded that 20 years of negotiation had
brought no results. He promised to continue efforts to resolve the
conflict according to the international law and with respect to the
Azerbaijani territorial unity.

Aviation Week
Aug 23 2012

Armenia’s Armavia Struggles To Keep Hold Of Superjet 100 Fleet

By Maxim Pyadushkin
Source: Aviation Daily

Armenian carrier Armavia could lose its fledging Sukhoi Superjet 100
fleet over unpaid debts owed on its first aircraft and its failure to
negotiate financing for a second jet.

Armavia received its first SSJ100 April 16, 2011, and logged 1,870
flight hours from more than 760 revenue flights before sending the
aircraft to Sukhoi this summer for regular maintenance, where the
second SSJ100 destined for Armavia also is located.

But both these aircraft still remain with Sukhoi, with VP of Finance
Evgeny Konkov saying that Armavia still owes the manufacturer $4
million, the last tranche due on the first SSJ100.

The delivery of the second SSJ100, which was scheduled for June 22,
also has been delayed while Armavia attempts to negotiate better
financing terms on a lease agreement proposed Russian bank
Vneshekonombank. An Armavia spokeswoman tells Aviation Week that
negotiations with the bank continue, but provides no further details.

Mikhail Pogosyan, President of Sukhoi’s parent company United Aircraft
Corp., previously noted that Armavia’s financial issues will have no
impact on the SSJ100 order book, which now stand at almost 180 orders,
including contracts with Russia’s three largest operators, Aeroflot,
Transaero and UTair.

According to Pogosyan, deals on 40 more aircraft with three
undisclosed customers from Southeast Asia are also expected to bolster
the order book in the next two to three months.

Sources within Sukhoi also say the two Armavia SSJ100s could be easily
re-sold to other customers as soon as this year.

Interfax, Russia
Aug 22 2012

Russian, Iranian natural gas deliveries to Armenia up 26% in H1

YEREVAN. Aug 22

Deliveries of natural gas from Russian and Iran to Armenia were up
25.7% year-on-year at 1.257 billion cubic meters (bcm) for the first
half of 2012.

A statement issued by the country’s public services regulatory
commission says that natural gas deliveries to Armenia from Iran were
up 42% at 239 million cubic meters (mcm), from Russia – 22.37% at
1.018 bcm.

Iran is allowed by contract to ship Armenia up to 1.1 bcm of gas per
year (some 3 mcm per day), and starting in 2014 up to 2.3 bcm. The
plan was that Armenia would start supplying Georgia and Turkey with
excess electrical power. However, that has not been happening and in
fact Armenia is seasonally buying small amounts of less costly power
from Georgia.

CJSC Yerevanskaya Teploelektrotsentral receives natural gas arriving
in Armenia in exchange for electric power in a ratio of one m3 of gas
per 3 kWt/hours of electricity.

Armenia imported 460 mcm of Iranian gas in 2011, 15% more than the
year before. The country imported 1.609 bcm of Russian gas last year,
up 11.7%.

The monopoly gas supplier to Armenia is CJSC Armrosgazprom, which is
80% owned by Russian gas giant OJSC Gazprom (RTS: GAZP) and 20% by the
Armenian government.

Armenia’s fruit output this year may reach 305,000 tons: Deputy Minister

YEREVAN, August 23. /ARKA/. Deputy Armenian minister of agriculture,
Samvel Galstian, said today total fruit output this year is expected
to be about 305,000 tons, up from 229,400 in 2011. According to him,
the anticipated rise is exceptionally due to favorable weather
conditions.

Galstyan said according to preliminary data of the ministry, as of
August 20, farmers had gathered 70,150 tons of apricot, up from 42,800
tons last year. He said some 13,000 tons of apricots were exported
this year, up from 7,223 tons in 2011. Galstyan also noted that peach
output is twice of last year’s, but did not specify.

“This year we have negotiated with Georgia on facilitation of
procedures related to export of fruits,’ he said.

The deputy minister said also grape output is expected to grow to
240,000 metric tons against 230,000 tons last year.

“Today wine growers have actually no problems- we have a well
operating market with more than 25 processing companies, which are in
a healthy competition,” Galstyan said.

The deputy minister also said thanks to favorable weather conditions
the quality of Armenian grapes this year is very high.

Galstyan said the procurement price will be 120-130 drams per one kilo
of grape. ($1 – 410.52 drams). -0-

PRESS RELEASE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 686-0710
Fax: (212) 779-3558
Web:
Email: [email protected]

TOP STORY August
23, 2012

St. Leon Cathedral
St. Leon Cathedral is the spiritual center of the Western Diocese.

Primate to Visit Western Diocese

On Sunday, August 26, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate,
will visit the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, at
the invitation of Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western
Diocese.

Archbishop Barsamian will celebrate the Divine Liturgy at St. Leon
Cathedral in Burbank, CA. Following services, a fellowship hour will be
held in the Diocesan Center.

St. Leon Cathedral serves as the spiritual center of the Western
Diocese. Consecrated in September 2010, the cathedral will mark its
second anniversary this fall.
[4]Click here to visit the Western Diocese’s website.
Links:
4.

Scripture of the Week

Is 9:8-19
2 Cor 1:1-11
Mk 4:35-40

Prayer of the Week

Jesus, Wisdom of the Father, grant me wisdom, that I may, at all times,
think, speak, and do before you that which is good in your sight. And
save me from evil thoughts, words, and deeds. Have mercy upon your
creatures and upon me, a great sinner. Amen.

Upcoming Saints & Feasts

23 August: St. Jeremiah the Prophet

28 August: Holy Prophets Ezekiel, Ezra, and Zechariah, Father of St.
John the Baptist

CHURCH NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE

Odzun Church
Sourp Mariam Asdvadzadzin Church in Odzun, Armenia.

Restoration of 6th-Century Church Underway in Armenia

Restoration work began this month at the historic Sourp Mariam
Asdvadzadzin Church in Armenia’s northern village of Odzun. It follows
last fall’s announcement by Armenia’s Ministry of Culture and the
Hovhannes Imastaser Catholicos Odznetsi charitable foundation to
collaborate on the restoration project.

Established in the 6th century, the church underwent its first major
reconstruction in the 8th century under the leadership of the
Catholicos Hovhannes Imastaser Odznetsi. During the Soviet period, the
church fell into ruin. Plans were made to renovate the structure in the
early 1990s, but the project stalled as the young Armenian nation faced
the challenges of its early years.

The current project will restore the Sourp Mariam Asdvadzadzin Church
to its former glory. Fr. Vertanes Baghumyan, parish pastor, said the
community is excited by the effort. Experts estimate that it will take
three years to complete the construction work.

[5]Click here to view a video in Armenian about the restoration
project.
Links:
5.

DIOCESAN NEWS

Diocesan Council meeting
Members of the Diocesan Council met in New York this week.

Diocesan Council Reviews Summer Programming

Meeting at the Diocesan Center on Wednesday, August 22, members of the
Diocesan Council heard a report from Diocesan Primate Archbishop Khajag
Barsamian on his trip to Romania earlier this month for the celebration
of the 500th anniversary of the Hagigadar Monastery in Suceava.

Archbishop Barsamian accompanied His Holiness Karekin II on his
pontifical visit to Romania. He described to council members the rich
history of the Armenian presence in the country and the inspiring sight
of pilgrims making their way to Hagigadar Monastery on their knees.
[6]Click here to view a video about the celebration in Armenian.
Links:
6.

The council also heard from the Very Rev. Simeon Odabashian, Diocesan
Vicar, about his visits to Diocesan youth programs this summer,
including St. Vartan Camp, Hye Camp, St. Nersess Summer Conferences,
and the Boyajian Young Choir Directors program. Executive director
Michael Guglielmo reviewed programs of the various Diocesan
departments.

Council members discussed feedback received to date regarding the July
24 letter sent by the Primate and Diocesan Council chair Oscar Tatosian
to clergy, Parish Council chairs, and Diocesan delegates about the
“Guidelines for Diocesan Bylaws of the Armenian Church,’ and made plans
to comprehensively assess all feedback in October.

The Council also discussed plans for the 2013 Diocesan Assembly, to be
hosted by St. David Church in Boca Raton, FL, and the 2014 Diocesan
Assembly, to be held at the Diocesan Center in New York. Council
members also reviewed plans for this year’s Annual Appeal, which will
kick off with a mailing later this month.

The Diocese is preparing for the September pilgrimage to historic
Armenia, which will be led by Archbishop Barsamian from September 5 to
19. Several Diocesan Council members and some 70 people from across the
Diocese will participate in the pilgrimage, which will include the
celebration of the Divine Liturgy at Holy Cross Church on the island of
Aghtamar, and prayer services at the recently consecrated St. Giragos
Armenian Church of Dikranagert and the St. Gregory Church in Kayseri.
Pilgrims also will visit Armenia’s magnificent former capital of Ani
and tour Arapkir, Kars, Antep, Sivas, Urfa, Kharpert, and Malatya,
among other cities and villages.

FAR
GTech students learn about programming at the recent computer science
seminar in Armenia.

FAR’s GTech Students Attend Computer Science Talk

Students at the Fund for Armenian Relief’s Gyumri Information
Technology Center (GTech) recently participated in a seminar covering
the basics of computer science organized by the Luys Foundation. The
goal of the seminar was to update the knowledge and skills of
programmers in Gyumri.

The seminar marked the first official collaboration between GTech and
the Armenian-based [7]Luys Foundation, which supports institutions that
foster positive cultural, academic, business, and social change in
Armenia, and makes it possible for talented students in Armenia to
study at leading colleges and universities abroad.
Links:
7.

GTech was established in 2005 by FAR, in partnership with U.S. and
Armenian technology companies, and with strong support from FAR’s Young
Professional alumni community. The goal of the center is to strengthen
the information technology skills of young Armenians and to expand
employment and business opportunities in the region for young
professionals. GTech also helps to bolster development by providing an
incubator space for new start-up IT businesses.
[8]Click here to read more.
Links:
8.

PARISH NEWS

Fr. Abraham Malkhasyan
Fr. Abraham Malkhasyan has been assigned as the new pastor of the Holy
Martyrs Church.

New Pastor in Bayside, NY

The Eastern Diocese is pleased to announce that the Rev. Fr. Abraham
Malkhasyan has been assigned as the new pastor of the Church of the
Holy Martyrs of Bayside, NY.

The assignment will go into effect on September 2. Fr. Malkhasyan will
celebrate the Divine Liturgy at the church on that day.

In his directive announcing the appointment, Diocesan Primate
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian conveyed good wishes to Fr. Malkhasyan and
his family, and also to all the parishioners of the Holy Martyrs
Church.

May our Lord guide his people as they embark upon this new chapter in
parish life.

Ordination
Archbishop Barsamian ordained Joseph Sarkis Gabrielian and Stan
Sheridan to the diaconate on Sunday.

Two Ordained to the Diaconate in Racine, WI

On Sunday, August 19, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate,
celebrated the Divine Liturgy at St. Mesrob Church of Racine, WI, where
he ordained parishioners Joseph Sarkis Gabrielian and Stan Sheridan to
the diaconate.

Both are active members of the Racine parish, who have been working
hard to prepare for Sunday’s ordination. Mr. Gabrielian has served as a
Parish Council chair for six years; Mr. Sheridan, who studied at St.
Nersess Seminary, is the longtime advisor of the ACYOA Juniors.

A luncheon and program followed services. Diocesan Council chair Oscar
Tatosian was among the day’s speakers. He congratulated the newly
ordained and spoke about the importance of lay ministry. Parish Council
chair Steve Gengozian served as the master of ceremonies. Violinist
Lillian Proctor performed musical selections.

Click to [9]read more and to [10]view photos.
Links:
9.
10.

Blessing of Grapes in Springfield
Fr. Simeon Odabashian celebrated the Divine Liturgy at St. Mark Church
on Sunday.

Diocesan Vicar Visits Parish in Springfield, MA

On Sunday, August 19, the Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian, Diocesan
Vicar, visited St. Mark Church of Springfield, MA, where he celebrated
the Divine Liturgy and conducted the Blessing of Grapes service.

Following services, he joined the community for fellowship hour and met
briefly with the Parish Council.

On his way back to the Diocesan Center in New York, Fr. Odabashian made
a stop in New Britain, CT, where he surprised the parishioners of Holy
Resurrection Church during their Armenian festival.

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Parish Events

Armenian Church at Hye Pointe | Haverhill, MA
The Armenian Church at Hye Pointe will host an Armenian food festival
on Sunday, August 26, from 12 to 5 p.m. The event will be preceded by
services at 11 a.m.

Enjoy live Armenian music by the Jason Naroian Ensemble, Armenian food,
cash prizes, and more. The picnic will be held at the American Legion
Farm (1314 Main St., Haverhill, MA). [11]Click here to view a flyer for
information.
Links:
11.

St. James Church | Evanston, IL
St. James Church of Evanston, IL, will host its annual “Taste of
Armenia” festival on Sunday, August 26, from 12 to 6:30 p.m. The event
will take place on Clark Street, between Benson and Sherman avenues in
downtown Evanston.

The festival offers a leisurely afternoon of delicious Armenian
cooking, music, and great company. For more information, [12]click
here.
Links:
12.

Church of the Holy Translators | Framingham, MA
The Church of the Holy Translators of Framingham, MA, will host its
annual `Armenian Food Festival’ on Saturday, September 8, from 12 to 5
p.m. The event will be held at the New England Laborers Training Center
(37 East Street in Hopkinton, MA).

Enjoy live Armenian music, Armenian food and homemade baked goods,
raffles, vendors, and more. There will be entertainment for children
from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Admission is free. For information, contact the
church at (508) 875-0868.

Church of the Holy Martyrs | Bayside, NY
The Church of the Holy Martyrs of Bayside, NY, will host its annual
Oceania Street Festival on Saturday, September 8, from 12 to 8 p.m. The
event will be held on Oceania Street in Bayside.

Enjoy Armenian food, street vendors, raffles, and
performances-including appearances by Robert Chilingirian, the Aradzani
and Hye Bar dance groups, the Antranig Dance Ensemble, and others.
[13]Click here to view a flyer.
Links:
13.

On Sunday, September 9, the church will host a Music Fest featuring
live performances by Kill the Alarm and 12X. [14]Click here to view a
flyer.
Links:
14.

Holy Trinity Church | Cambridge, MA
Holy Trinity Church of Cambridge, MA, will host the `Trinity Family
Festival’ on Sunday, September 9, from 12 to 5 p.m. The festival will
take place on church grounds (145 Brattle Street in Cambridge).

Enjoy an afternoon of delicious Armenian food-including shish, losh,
chicken, and doener kebab-Armenian music by the Greg Krikorian
Ensemble, games and activities for children (beginning at 1:30 p.m.), a
raffle, and more. A blessing of madagh will be held at 4 p.m. [15]Click
here to view a flyer.
Links:
15.

St. Peter Church | Watervliet, NY
St. Peter Church of Watervliet, NY, announces `St. Peter Wednesday
Café’-a series of Wednesday evening classes followed by coffee hour and
light snacks. All classes begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise specified.

Youth Bible Study: beginning on September 5, and continuing on the
first Wednesday of each month (ages 13-17 meet from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.;
ages 18-39 meet from 7:45 to 8:45 p.m.)

St. Gregory of Narek Prayer Group: beginning on September 12, and
continuing on the second Wednesday of each month

Bible and Badarak Study: beginning on September 19, and continuing on
the third Wednesday of each month

Book of the Month Club: beginning on September 26, and continuing on
the fourth Wednesday of each month

YOUTH NEWS

Jerusalem Students with Fr. Mardiros Chevian
Fr. Mardiros Chevian with Tania Nassar and Hagop Kasparian at St.
Nersess Seminary.

Jerusalem Students Attend St. Nersess Conference

Two students from Jerusalem’s Sts. Tarkmanchatz Armenian School took
part in the High School B Conference at St. Nersess Armenian Seminary
earlier this summer.

In addition to studying at St. Nersess Seminary, the young people=80’Tania
Nassar and Hagop Kasparian-visited St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral, and
received a tour of New York City.

The students traveled to New York as part of a program launched by the
Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian seven years ago to give talented Armenian
youth in Jerusalem an opportunity to learn and interact with peers in
the Eastern Diocese.

TURQUIE
Quatre soldats turcs tués dans l’attaque d’un convoi dans le sud du pays

SEMDINLI (Turquie), 22 août 2012 (AFP) – Quatre soldats turcs ont été
tués et deux autres blessés mercredi dans des explosions qui ont visé
un convoi militaire dans le sud-est du pays, selon des sources
militaires. Le convoi a été frappé par quatre explosions simultanées
sur une route de la ville de Semdinli (province de Hakkari) dans une
embuscade organisée par des membres du Parti des travailleurs du
Kurdistan (PKK), selon les mêmes sources.

Les affrontements continuaient mercredi soir à Semdinli, proche de la
frontière avec l’Irak et scène de fréquents heurts similaires entre
forces de sécurité turques et rebelles kurdes. Ces incidents
surviennent après une attaque lundi à la voiture piégée, qui a fait
neuf mort dont quatre enfants et des dizaines de blessés dans la
province de Gaziantep (sud-est), suscitant un climat de fureur et de
panique dans le pays.

Les responsables turcs ont accusé le PKK d’être à l’origine de
l’attentat de lundi mais les rebelles qui luttent pour l’autonomie du
sud-est de la Turquie depuis 1984 n’ont pas revendiqué l’attaque qui a
fait plusieurs victimes civiles.

Le conflit avec le PKK, considéré par Ankara comme une organisation
terroriste, a déjà coûté quelque 45.000 vies dans des combats qui
durent depuis presque 30 ans.

jeudi 23 août 2012,
Ara ©armenews.com

Western Queens Gazette, NY
Aug 22 2012

Holy Martyrs Church To Hold Annual Fest

The Armenian church of the Holy Martyrs will hold their annual weekend
Street and Music Festival at Oceania Street on the corner of Horace
Harding Expressway in Bayside. The Street Festival on Saturday,
September 8, will feature ethnic food, music and dance performances
and children’s games and rides including slides and an obstacle
course. Vendors will be selling Armenian novelties, books, music and
gifts, Middle- Eastern food and desserts, there will be an Attic
Treasures booth and a Grand Raffle for thousands of dollars, plus
smaller raffles. Raffle tickets will also be available before the
festival at the church office, 718-225-0235. Admission is free and
there will be indoor and outdoor seating. The Music Festival will be
held on Sunday, September 9 with rock bands Kill the Alarm, 12X, a
Battle of the DJs, a fashion show, vendors and a dunk tank. Beer and
burgers will be available. Admission to the Music Festival is $5.
Vendor spots can still be obtained by calling the above number or
visiting

ITAR-TASS, Russia
August 21, 2012 Tuesday 10:21 PM GMT+4

Armenian Central Bank refutes broad activity of Iranian banks

YEREVAN August 21

The Armenian Central Bank has refuted media reports alleging broad
activity of Iranian banks in the republic.

“Banks operating in Armenia have no correspondent relations with banks
and financial organizations registered in Iran,” the Central Bank said
on Tuesday.

“All the banks operating in the Armenian territory are being
supervised by the Armenian Central Bank and are complying with the
normative acts of the Armenian Central Bank and interbank legal acts,”
it said.

The comment was made on foreign media reports alleging the successful
activity of Iranian banks in Armenia regardless of international
sanctions. “The Armenian Central Bank, in the first place, binds banks
and other financial organizations to hold a detailed monitoring of
every transaction for avoiding actions unacceptable for the
international community,” the statement said.

Iranian Mellat Bank has been working in Armenia since 1996. “Most of
the bank clients are small and medium businesses engaged in
Iran-Armenia trade, tourists and students,” the statement said. “The
operations and assets of the bank shrank considerably in the past
three to four years. For instance, bank assets more than halved from
December 31, 2010, to July 1, 2012, from $88 million to $40 million,”
the statement said.