Author: Karagyozian Lena

ARMENIA MAY FACE WEST’S "UKRAINIAN OR GEORGIAN" SCENARIO

Aysor
Feb 17 2010
Armenia

Armenia is preparing to join and CSTO, said deputy chairman of the
Russian Academy of Geopolitical Problems, Araik Sarkisian. He pointed
that Armenia either had applied for NATO membership, or received a
proposal to join.

"Armenia takes these steps being member of a military bloc. This lead
to the situation, when Armenia’s Defense Ministry hasn’t received
any support from Russia, related to the military sphere, for more
than a year."

According to Araik Sarkisian, Armenia may face the "Ukrainian or
Georgian" scenario by West. "The West is preparing a new premier for
Armenia. Believe me, current prime minister’s resources exhausted,
and soon it’s possible a new premier will be nominated," said analyst
adding that Russia’s next aim is Saakashvili.

"The same perception is being written to Armenia, as once to Georgia.

If we don’t realize this, mere people will get it in the neck."

ARTSAKH ISSUE WILL BE HARD TO RESOLVE WITH TOTALITARIAN AZERBAIJAN

PanARMENIAN.Net
17.02.2010 20:01 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ I wish Azerbaijan was a legal, democratic and
prosperous state, as problems are easier resolved with such kind
of states, Heritage parliamentary group secretary Larisa Alaverdyan
stated.

As she told a news conference in Yerevan, currently it’s hard to find
a resolution to Artsakh issue with totalitarian Azerbaijan.

Founded in 2002, Heritage , a National Liberal Party, is national by
its roots, liberal in its economic principle, and an advocate of the
democratic system of governance and due process for its citizens. The
party’s objective is the development of Armenia as a democratic,
lawful, and rights-based country that anchors its domestic and foreign
policies in the nation’s sovereign interest. During the party’s Third
Congress on May 30, 2005, Raffi K. Hovannisian was elected chairman.

The other eight members of the party board were elected by secret vote.

The conflict between Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan broke out in
1988, as result of the ethnic cleansing the latter launched in the
final years of the Soviet Union. The Karabakh War was fought from
1991 (when the Nagorno Karabakh Republic was proclaimed) to 1994
(when a ceasefire was sealed by Armenia, NKR and Azerbaijan). Most
of Nagorno Karabakh and a security zone consisting of 7 regions is
now under control of NKR defense army. Armenia and Azerbaijan are
holding peace talks mediated by the OSCE Minsk Group up till now.

Armenian National Committee – Western Region
104 North Belmont Street, Suite 200
Glendale, California 91206
Phone: 818.500.1918
Fax: 818.246.7353
[email protected]

PRESS RELEASE

February 18, 2010
Contact: Tamar Baboujian

ANC-WR PROVIDES GRANTS TO LOCAL ARMENIAN AMERICAN ORGANIZATIONS
IN AN EFFORT TO PROMOTE CENSUS 2010

GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA – The Armenian National Committee – Western
Region (ANC-WR) granted money to a variety of Armenian American
organizations this week as part of its ANCensus 2010 campaign. The
grant will allow Armenian American organizations to raise awareness
about the 2010 Census by educating the local Armenian community
about the Census process, safety and importance.

The grant recipients will conduct a number of activities to ensure
that Census education is maximized throughout their community.
Activities will be conducted throughout the months of February,
March and April and will include hosting community events in
schools, having students assist senior citizens in completing
questionnaires, creating websites, distributing mailers, producing
public services announcements, making announcements during church
services, educating students with informational booths on campuses,
as well as including Census 2010 information in their
organization’s literature. Activities will also include reaching
out to non-English speaking immigrants and refugees by providing
translation services.

"The ANC-WR is pleased to assist a diverse group of organizations
who serve the Armenian American community in raising awareness
about the 2010 Census," said Tamar Baboujian, Director of the
ANCensus 2010 Project. "We look forward to collaborating with these
organizations during the 2010 headcount and beyond to ensure proper
representation of our community."

Organizations who have received the ANC-WR’s Census 2010 grant
include the Armenian Youth Federation, Armenian Media Network,
Armenian Relief Society Social Services, Homenetmen Western USA,
Holy Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church, Homenetmen "Massis"
Chapter, AYF Valley "Sardarabad" Chapter, Holy Martyrs Elementary
School, Holy Martyrs Ferrahian High School, Chamlian Armenian
School, AGBU Manoukian Pasadena High School, Armenian American
Council on Aging, St. John-Garabed Armenian Church, St. Gregory
Armenian Catholic Church, Alpha Epsilon Omega Foundation, UCLA
Alpha Epsilon Omega-Beta Chapter, Cal Poly Pomona ASA, USC ASA,
Woodbury ASA, ACYO – St. Gregory Chapter, the Armenian Compatriotic
Union of Ourfa, Armenian National Committee Chapters of West San
Fernando Valley, Burbank, Hollywood and Pasadena.

The ANC-WR Census 2010 campaign efforts are supported in part by a
grant from the California Community Foundation. Working in
partnership with the US Census Bureau, the ANC-WR seeks to boost
the participation rate of Armenian Americans in the 2010 Census
count by educating the community and increasing awareness about the
significance of the headcount. The goals of the ANCensus project
include maximizing Armenian American participation in the 2010
headcount and informing the community to indicate "Armenian" as
their race on the questionnaire. For more information on re-
granting opportunities, please visit ANCensus2010.org or call the
ANCensus Hotline at (888) 666-4761.

The Armenian National Committee – Western Region is the largest
Armenian American grassroots community organization in the Western
United States. Working in coordination with a network of offices,
chapters, and supporters throughout the Western United States and
affiliated organizations around the country, the ANC-WR works to
promote understanding regarding issues of concern to the Armenian
American community.

JOURNALIST KEMAL GOKTAS: POLICE KNEW DINK WOULD BE KILLED

Today’s Zaman
Feb 17 2010
Turkey

Kemal Goktas, a correspondent for the Vatan daily in Ankara, said in
an Istanbul court yesterday that the Istanbul Police Department knew
that Turkish-Armenian writer Hrant Dink was to be killed but did not
take any precautions.

In a hearing at Istanbul’s 2nd Court of First Instance, Goktas,
who is being tried for revealing secret documents and jeopardizing
the state’s police department, said in his defense that the Trabzon
Police Department had informed the Istanbul Police Department about
the plans for Dink’s murder.

In his book, "Hrant Dink’s Murder — Media, Judiciary and State,"
Goktas_ had revealed how the Istanbul Police Department ignored
warnings from the Trabzon Police Department about Dink’s murder.

The Armenian-Turkish Dink was editor-in-chief of the bilingual Agos
daily until he was killed on Jan. 19, 2007. On the third anniversary
of the assassination, his family, friends and rights organizations
once again voiced anger that light has still not been shed on the
journalist’s murder. A majority of the suspects, including the hit
man, are from Trabzon, where police say they had informed the Istanbul
police about the plot to kill Dink on more than one occasion.

"Then Intelligence Chief Ramazan Akyurek and the Istanbul Police
Department filed a criminal complaint against me for publishing
the document. This document showed how Hrant Dink was going to be
murdered and [proved that] police knew it beforehand. It shows that
a group headed by Yasin Hayal was to kill Dink," Goktas said in his
own defense.

Goktas_, who is facing a three-to-five-year prison sentence, also
said Akyurek did not take steps to prevent the murder.

Meanwhile, 19 police officers, including Akyurek, that were charged
with negligence in the investigation into the Dink assassination have
been cleared by a report drafted by Interior Ministry investigators.

SOLUTION OF KARABAKH PROBLEM THROUGH PEACE NEGOTIATIONS IS THE ONLY ACCEPTABLE VERSION, OSCE CHAIRMAN-IN-OFFICE SAYS

NOYAN TAPAN
FEBRUARY 17, 2010
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 17, NOYAN TAPAN. Vice Speaker of the RA National
Assembly Arevik Petrosian and representatives of the parliamentary
factions met on February 16 with the delegation headed by OSCE
Chairman-in-Office, State Secretary and Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan
Kanat Saudabayev.

A. Petrosian said that K. Saudabayev’s visit will provide an
opportunity to become acquainted with regional problems on the spot
and discuss numerous issues, which are of mutual interest and are
related to Armenia-OSCE relations. In her words, Armenia attaches
special importance to cooperation with OSCE which assumed an important
role in the Karabakh conflict settlement. She expressed a hope that
during Kazakhstan’s OSCE Chairmanship, steps on peaceful coexistence
and peaceful resolution of the conflicts in the region will be taken.

A. Petrosian expressed a high opinion about the efforts that the OSCE
Minsk Group Co-Chairs make for the peaceful settlement of the Karabakh
conflict. She underlined the Karabakh people’s legitimate demand for
the internationally recognized right of self-determination to form
the basis for the Karabakh conflict settlement.

K. Saudabayev said that the purpose of his visit is to learn the
opinions of Armenian political forces about the Karabakh conflict
settlement because in case of good will and compromise of the conflict
parties, a final solution of the problem is possible, while the
international organizations and the countries concerned about this
problem can only assist with its solution.

According to the press service of the RA National Assembly,
representatives of the NA factions inmformed the OSCE
Chairman-in-Office about opinions regarding the Karabakh conflict
settlement.

In the words of Aram Safarian, Secretary of the Prosperous Armenia
Party (PAP) faction, the Karabakh problem should be solved based on
three internationally recognized principles, with special importance
attached to the right of self-determination.

Head of the ARF faction Vahan Hovhannisian expressed an opinion that
the principle of territorial integrity should be applied in the event
that a country interferes in affairs of another country. However,
if a national and territorial formation within a country seeks a way
to live independently – as in the case of Nagorno Karabakh, then the
principle of self-determination should be applied. V. Hovhannisian
also proposed that the OSCE Chairman-in-Office organize monitoring
of democractic institutions in Nagorno Karabakh which would be the
best step to solve the problem.

Head of Heritage faction Stepan Safarian said that their faction
has a definite viewpoint on conflict resolution: the declaration
of Nagorno Karabakh’s independence is inevitable, which should be
accepted by international subjects. At the current stage, it is
necessary to involve Nagorno Karabakh in the negotiations, otherwise
it is impossible reach the problem’s final solution.

Member of RPA faction Artak Davtian underlined the importance of the
role of Russia and Kazakhstan in the peaceful settlement, expressing
a hope that Kazakhstan will continue to take the same approach during
its chairmanship of the OSCE.

K. Saudabayev stated that the solution of the Karabakh problem
through peace negotiations is the only acceptable version, while the
manifestation of good will by the conflict parties and their readiness
to make a compromise are primary for a successful outcome.

SCR TAKES PART IN TRACECA SESSION

ArmInfo
2010-02-17 11:54:00

ArmInfo. South Caucasus Railway CJSC took part in the session of
TRACECA (Transport Corridor Europe-Caucasus-Asia) held on February
11-14 in Istanbul, Turkey.

Within the frames of the Session, Head of the press service
Vahe Davtyan held a presentation of SCR CJSC in the context of
transformations of the regional and international geopolitical
architecture with introduction of the Company’s missions, its strategic
aims and goals, investment policy for 2010 and key indicators of
activity for 2008-2009. SCR representative introduced the priority
projects being currently implemented by the Company. In particular,
special attention was paid to the project of construction of the
international Logistic Center on the Armenian-Turkish border (Akhuryan
station). V. Davtyan presented the Logistic Center’s business-model to
the audience consisting of representatives of transport agencies and
companies of TRACECA member-states. The model comes to creation of a
subsidiary with the interested party’s share interest. In view of this,
SCR representative offered foreign counterparts to visit Armenia to
discuss the possibility of their participation in the Company projects.

"SCR has formed its financial model till 2038, that indicated
stability and healthy investment climate in the company. We are open
for cooperation and ready to discuss any proposals on participation
of international banks, corporations and other organizations in
implementation of our projects", V. Davtyan said.

To recall, TRACECA is a programme of restoration of the Great Silk
Road. TRACECA was set up at Brussels Conference on May 3, 1993, with
participation of ministers of transport and trade from 8 states:
5 states from Central Asia: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan,
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, and 3 states of the Caucasus region:
Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia.

SCR CJSC is the 100 percent subsidiary of Russian Railways CJSC. In
February 2008 SCR obtained a concession of the state CJSC Armenian
Railway. The agreement of concession of the Armenian Railroad CJSC
for 30 years with a 10-year renewable period was signed in Yerevan
in February 2008.

ARMENIA-TURKEY RELATIONS HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH KARABAKH

Aysor
Feb 16 2010
Armenia

The process of reconciliation and establishment of relations between
Armenia and Turkey have nothing to do with the settlement to the
Karabakh conflict, said at today’s conference President of the
Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, Bako Sahakian.

He said despite the fact that Turkey continues linking the two
processes, "this kind of approach can be justified neither now,
nor in the future."

"Armenia-Turkey relations have no links to the Karabakh conflict. Both
Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh Republic’s governments and leaders
of the international organisations have been declaring this," said
Bako Sahakian.

AZERBAIJAN VOWS TO ACT IF ARMENIAN-FRENCH MILITARY TIES POSE THREAT

APA
Feb 15 2010
Azerbaijan

Baku, 15 February: "If Armenian-French military cooperation poses a
threat to Azerbaijan’s national interests and continues further to
lead to the occupation of our territories, then Azerbaijan will take
relevant measures," Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov
told journalists, according to APA news agency.

He said that any country can establish any ties with another country,
including military ties: "Azerbaijan does not intervene in bilateral
ties between the two countries. However, these ties should not run
counter to Azerbaijan’s national interests."

Armenia and France signed a military cooperation accord during Armenian
Defence Minister Seyran Ohanyan’s visit to France (last week).

ARMENIAN CO-PATRIARCHATE CANDIDATE CULCIYAN IN ISTANBUL

BIA Net
Feb 15 2010
Turkey

Co-patriarchate candidate Sebuy Culciyan visited Istanbul in the
run-up to the elections. Culciyan called for brotherhood and said that
murdered journalist Hrant Dink’s message of dialogue and communication
is being conveyed beyond his death.

15 February 2010, Monday Armenian Apostolic Church Bishop of Gougark
Sebuh Culciyan visited Istanbul in the run-up to the election for
co-patriarchate in coming May. Culciyan said, "The way which was
opened by Hrant Dink is a bridge for communication between our two
countries. We should support this approach and strengthen it".

Culiyan, who came to Turkey for talks with the Armenian community,
mentioned that as a religious person he did not want to meddle with
politics at all. "I want to set up a warm and fruitful dialogue. I
see that there is no trust between upper level politicians of Turkey
and Armenia, but there is trust between the people. People of both
countries come together frequently anyways", Culciyan said.

"They killed Hrant, but could they silence him?"

Culciyan conveyed the prevailing opinion in Armenia that the murder of
Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink was related to the deep state.

"Who can deceive anybody? Let’s wish that Hrant Dink was the last
loss on behalf of democracy and an open society. Nobody can silence
his message because others continue spreading his message".

Hrant’s dream came true Culciyan, who did not have the opportunity
to visit journalist Dink’s grave before, considered it important that
"Hrant Dink’s dream has come true".

During the journalist’s visit to Armenia in 1999, Culciyan took him
to a summer camp built for children at Vanadzor in the county of Lori.

Dink said to him "This was what I dreamt of. You have made my dream
come true".

Both men grew up in the same neighbourhood of Malatya Up to 200
children enjoy education and entertainment in the summer camp every
season. Dink and Culciyan shared more than the camp project: they both
grew up in the same neighbourhood of the south-eastern city of Malatya.

"Let the children love each other. Tomorrow’s youth will have a better
understanding of brotherhood. It was Hrant’s and my dream to invite
50 children from Turkey to the camp and make 50 Armenian children
meet other children in Istanbul".

Culciyan pointed out that there are problems not having been dealt
with or overcome for centuries. He said that the Armenian governments
did not really understand the Armenians’ problems in Turkey before:
"They did not understand the lives we are leading here. They thought
that everything would be finished once the was closed. Meanwhile,
Armenian media can convey a more open approach".

Replying to a question related to a protocol that is pending to
be signed between the two countries Culciayan said, "It seems as
if both countries do not believe what they have achieved till the
present. The problem will be solved more easily if the governments
make a move for the people".

IAN GILLAN, TONY IOMMI GIFT MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS TO GYUMRI SCHOOL

PanARMENIAN.Net
16.02.2010 11:30 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Professional musical instruments from Fender
Musical Instruments Corporation – 4 acoustic guitars of Japanese
Takamine Company and Blackhawk drum kit of American Gretsch Drums
Company were delivered to Yerevan. The musicians also gifted Paiste
Óymbals and Vic Firth drumsticks, provided by John Henrys Ltd. Company.

On October 1, 2009, Ian Gillan and Toni Iommi visited N6 music
school in Gyumri in the framework of Armenia Grateful 2 Rock project,
implemented by Mediamax and Australian Do Something organization.

Harutyun Asatryan, director of the school, which was destroyed during
1988 earthquake and is still hosted in temporary shelters, said in
a talk with the rock stars that the pupils would very much like to
have good guitars and a drum kit.

"We express profound gratitude to these great musicians for their
attention towards Armenian children, who study music in poor
conditions. Almost 5 months have passed since Gillan and Iommi’s
visit to Armenia, but this gift is the evidence of their sincere wish
to help the Armenian school. I also want to thank the musicians’
executive producers Ralph Baker and Phil Banfield, who directly
dealt with acquisition of the instruments," Mediamax Director Ara
Tadevosyan stated.

Ian Gillan’s concerts with the State Philharmonic Orchestra of Armenia
will take place on March 26 and 27. The proceeds from them will be
directed at rebuilding of N6 musical school in Gyumri.

"This is another evidence that these outstanding musicians are friends
of Armenia," Mr. Tadevosyan stated.

He also expressed gratitude to Deputy Head of the Armenian President’s
Staff Vigen Sargsyan for assistance, rendered in transportation of the
musical instruments to Yerevan. Ian Gillan and Tony Iommi’s gift was
conveyed by the aircraft of Armenian President, who visited London
last week. "This is very symbolic, since Rock Aid Armenia/Armenia
Grateful 2 Rock takes place under the patronage of the President," Mr.

Tadevosyan emphasized.

The musical instruments are supposed to be handed over to the school
administration in March, during Ian Gillan’s visit to Yerevan.

VivaCell-MTS is the general sponsor of Ian Gillan’s concerts due
on March 26 and 27 in Yerevan. bmi Airlines is the partner of the
concerts.