Author: Nadirian Emma

STATEMENT OF RA POLICE

A1+
28 March, 2008

Due to preventive measures of the RA Police 21 people have been
detained /21 in Yerevan and 9 in marzes/ since the lifting of the
state of emergency.

Five people are under arrest. Two of them were released according
to their signatures. Administrative penalty has been imposed on 68
people this month.

The Police have found and confiscated 4 hand-guns, 12 rifles, a
self-firing, 111 grenades, 6 explosives, 3 mines, an optic device,
and 2936 bullets of different calibers.

At the same time some RA citizens handed over 6 guns, 9 rifles,
2 self-firings, 133 grenades, 3 hand -made explosives, 5 mines and
690 8 bullets of different calibers.

The participants and organizers of the so-called "political walks" and
"political readings" were taken to different police subdivisions. They
were explained the "illegal" actions and violence they had committed.

Their direct participation in mass disorders is specified.

The RA Police is determined to take adequate steps against any unlawful
and anti-social action aimed at upsetting the constitutional order
in the country. We call for sobriety and prudence.

ARMENIAN PRIME MINISTER RECEIVES REPRESENTATIVES OF THEATRICAL ART ON OCCASION OF INTERNATIONAL THEATRE DAY

Noyan Tapan
March 27, 2008

YEREVAN, MARCH 27, NOYAN TAPAN. On the occasion of International
Theatre Day, the RA president elect, prime minister Serge Sargsian
on March 27 received a number of representatives of theatrical art,
including those on whom the Armenian president has conferred honorary
titles for their significant contribution to the country’s theatrical
art. Addressing them, S. Sargsian congratulated all actors, stage
directors, playwrights and the theatre going public of Armenia, wishing
them success, good health and creative ardour. He underlined that
their activities are hard yet honorable work. S. Sargsian expressed
a willingness to again meet with them in the furure with the aim of
discussing in detail the problems of the theatre world and finding
solutions to them.

According to the RA Government Information and PR Department, during
the meeting the prime minister handed the awards to the persons, who
have received titles of people’s and honorary artists by the decree
of the Armenian president, and congratulated them in this connection.

AGBU Press Office
55 East 59th Street
New York, NY 10022-1112
Phone: 212.319.6383, x118
Fax: 212.319.6507
Email: [email protected]
Website:

PRESS RELEASE

Thursday, March 27, 2008

XVIII AGBU World Games to Kick Off July 2008 in Montevideo, Uruguay

On July 7-13, Armenian athletes from all over the globe will gather in
Montevideo, Uruguay for the XVIII AGBU World Games. Since Beirut first
hosted the event in 1955, the AGBU World Games continue to bring
thousands of Armenian youth together to engage in sporting and
camaraderie on an international level. Past host cities have included
Buenos Aires, Sydney, Paris and Los Angeles.

This year, the AGBU Montevideo Chapter, chaired by Hagop Chamikian, and
the World Games Committee, chaired by Rupen Topalian, are eager to bring
a week of athletic competition, social events and excursion tours back
to South American soil. The second smallest country in the continent,
Uruguay is situated between Argentina, Brazil, and the Atlantic Ocean,
seeing both mild winters and summers.

Opening Ceremonies on July 7 will initiate a week of basketball,
volleyball, soccer (known outside North America as football), swimming,
tennis, table tennis, chess and backgammon competitions for both men and
women, individuals and teams. Athletes will have the chance to show
their Armenian spirit and skills in a variety of contests to vie for the
AGBU gold.

Between sporting matches, the AGBU Montevideo Chapter has arranged for
city tours, day trips to famous sites, nightlife outings, and cultural
events, including a concert by the Montevideo Philharmonic Orchestra,
whose conductor, Alvaro Hagopian, is an alumnus of the AGBU Nubarian
Manoogian School, and a performing arts program of traditional song and
dance.

Guests will be lodged at three-, four-, four-superior- and five-star
hotels in the center of Montevideo with easy access to the AGBU Center,
as well as the city’s best shopping, restaurants, culture and
entertainment. Visitors can spend free time shopping in the "centro" or
exploring one of the city’s fine museums like the Museo del Gaucho or
Museo Torres Garcia. The "Ciudad Viejo," or old city, is the new
happening spot for nightlife, and no trip to the Uruguayan capital would
be complete without a visit to the port market for a traditional "Asado"
barbecue dinner.

The 2008 World Games are expected to bring in a record-high number of
participants, not only looking to showcase their athletic abilities, but
also to make lifelong friendships with fellow Armenians from around the
world.

Since 1955, the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) World Games has
brought together thousands of youth from around the world to engage in
sporting competitions and create lifelong bonds. Thanks to its
overwhelming success, AGBU Regional Games are now held in Canada,
Europe, the Middle East and South America.

The registration deadline for the 2008 AGBU World Games is June 13.
Please visit: for registration forms and for
more information.

For more information on AGBU and its worldwide chapters, please visit

ARTUR BAGHDASARIAN CALLS FOR DEVELOPING "SPIRIT OF SOCIAL SOLIDARITY" IN ARMENIA

Noyan Tapan
March 25, 2008

YEREVAN, MARCH 25, NOYAN TAPAN. Armenia should undertake deepening of
political and public dialogue not only with its neighbors, but also
inside the country. Artur Baghdasarian, the Chairman of the Orinats
Yerkir (Country of Law) party, stated at the March 25 conference under
the title Armenia Europe 2008 organized by the London Information
Network on Conflict and State Building (LINKS) and the European
Democratic Movement organization.

According to him, one should consider as an axiom the fact that
there is no room for violence in democratic processes, within the
framework of which the dialogue should be secured. On the other hand,
as the Secretary of the National Security Council emphasized, one
should understand that "hatred and radicalism accumulated for many
months without fail were to result in methods of problems’ solution,
which are far from being civilized." He pointed out to the necessity
to develop "the spirit of social solidarity" in Armenia, which will
give a possibility to resist both foreign and domestic challenges."

Artur Baghdasarian pointed out to the importance of Armenia’s further
integration to European structures. In his words, the agreement
on political coalition signed lately exactly mentions a number of
problems immediately connected with the further processes of Armenia’s
European integration, including: guaranteeing of freedom of expression,
deepening of democratic processes including involvement of civil
institutions in governing processes, protection of human rights,
deepening of pluralism, and others.

Dennis Sammut, the Executive Director of the London Information
Network on Conflict and State Building (LINKS) and the Co-reporter
of the Caucasian-Caspian Commission, stated that today no one in all
European structures has a doubt that Armenia is a European country
and Armenia’s place is in the European family of peoples. Mentioning
that he is not going to intervene in the domestic affairs of Armenia,
D. Sammut said that in many countries of Eastern Europe elections were
held, to the results of which the opposite side did not agree and
did not trust. As he characterized it, the events that happened in
the streets of Yerevan was a tragedy for the Armenian people, a big
challenge and ordeal for the country. Meanwhile, according to him,
any crisis creates a possibility for its solution. Such a solution,
in Sammut’s words, can be holding of a political dialogue between
various political forces of Armenia. According to him, the way to
Europe for Armenia presupposes deepening of regional cooperation and
economic development.

DAMAGE OF HURRICANE IN KARABAKH IS BEING ASSESSED

KarabakhOpen
24-03-2008 22:17:45

On Saturday hurricane struck Karabakh. Elderly people say they do
not remember such strong wind in their life. The hurricane destroyed
roofs of houses and trees. Stepanakert and the villages of Martuni
region suffered the most. In the village of Mokhrenes, Hadrut region,
two houses burned. A woman is reported dead.

On Saturday morning Prime Minister Ara Harutiunyan set up a commission
to assess the damage of the hurricane. Reconstruction has already
started. By Monday afternoon Stepanakert had electricity. The city
services are repairing the roofs. Necessary materials and labor
are provided.

Already from Saturday evening the city services were set to work. On
Sunday morning only the destroyed roofs reminded of the hurricane,
the streets were cleaned, telephones worked, some parts of the city
already had electricity.

As of 3 pm Monday, part of Stepanakert and the regions have no
electricity.

The wind has ripped off transmission lines and damaged towers. The
staff of Artsakh Energy promise to restore power supply tomorrow. The
assessment of the hurricane damage will be released tomorrow.

RUSSIA, ARMENIA PRESIDENTS-ELECT MEET IN KREMLIN

ITAR-TASS
March 24 2008
Russia

MOSCOW, March 24 (Itar-Tass) – The Russian and Armenian
presidents-elect, Dmitry Medvedev and Serzh Sarkisyan, met in the
Kremlin on Monday.

This is the first foreign visit of Sarkisyan after his winning the
presidential election.

The inauguration of the Armenian president will be held on April 9.

Medvedev will be sworn in on May 7.

Topics of Sarkisyan’s visit to Moscow will be world and regional
problems in the context of Armenia’s future presidency of the
Collective Security Treaty Organisation, security in the Trancaucasus,
economic investment and energy cooperation.

He will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister
Viktor Zubkov.

"The intensity and fruitfulness of contacts illustratively confirm
interest of the Russian and Armenian sides in ensuring the continuity
of the policy of further development of mutually beneficial partnership
of Moscow and Yerevan," a high-ranking source in the Kremlin told
ITAR-TASS.

"It is planned to discuss during the talks important issues of the
international agenda, projects of further deepening the interaction
in regional integration organisations, including with consideration
for the future presidency of Armenia in the Collective Security Treaty
Organisation," the Kremlin’s source said.

"The high level of cooperation with Armenia in both the multilateral
and bilateral formats in the military-technical and border
spheres plays a noticeable role in stability and security in the
Transcaucasus," he stressed.

The Kremlin states that the "task of approaching in the nearest time
the trade figure of one billion dollars is becoming realistic".

"The accumulated amount of Russian investment in Armenia’s national
economy also has approached the important frontier of one billion
dollars in 2007," the Kremlin’s ranking source said.

"Russian investors are actively opening up the sectors of the
Armenian economy – banking, telecommunications, transport ones, and
major projects in the fuel and energy sectors are being implemented,
including the modernisation and completion of the construction of the
Razdanskaya heat and energy station and the laying of a gas pipeline
linking Armenians with Iran. Leading Russian companies – Gazprom,
UES of Russia, Russian Railways, Vneshtorbank, Gazprombank, Russian
Aluminum and Vympelkom are successfully operating on the republic’s
market, and ALROSA, LUKOIL and AFK Sistema have promising projects,"
he said.

Moscow and Yerevan draw importance to expansion of interaction in the
nuclear power sector, including the safe use of Armayanskaya nuclear
power plant, geological exploration and large-scale development of
uranium fields.

"Russian organisations provide for Armenia’s needs in fresh nuclear
fuel in full. Procedures of Yerevan’s joining the activity of the
International Uranium Enrichment Centre in Angarsk are at a final
stage," the Kremlin’s expert said.

Moscow also sees positive changes in solving the problem of Armenia’s
external transport links.

"New possibilities are opening with the establishment of rhythmical
work of the railroad ferry link port Caucasus – port Poti, and with
the coming of Armenian railroads under concession management of
Russian Railways," the Kremlin’s source said.

TURKISH EDITOR ARRESTED IN CRACKDOWN ON NATIONALIST EXTREMISTS

Earthtimes
March 21 2008
UK

Ankara – Turkish police took into custody the editor-in- chief of
the staunchly secularist Cumhuriyet newspaper and two other prominent
secularists on Friday in the latest raids against a shadowy group of
suspected nationalist extremists, Turkish media reported on Friday.

Ilhan Selcuk was arrested in a dawn raid on his house in Istanbul
by police investigating the "Ergenekon" group who are suspected of
having links to the murder of Turkish-Armenian journalists Hrant Dink
and of a Catholic priest.

Cumhuriyet is Turkey’s oldest newspaper and has carried out an
unrelenting campaign against the government, accusing it of watering
down strict secular laws.

Also arrested on Friday morning were Dogu Perincek, the leader of
the staunchly secular Labour Party, and Kemal Alemdaroglu, a former
rector of Istanbul University.

Police operations against the Ergenekon group began in January with
the arrest of a retired army general, a number of nationalist lawyers
and members of underworld crime groups. The group represents a strain
of extreme nationalism in Turkey – it is also staunchly secularist
and opposed to the mildly Islamist government of Prime Minister Recep
Tayyip Erdogan.

SILVER COMMEMORATIVE COIN "THE TWINS" PUT INTO CIRCULATION IN ARMENIA

ARKA
March 21, 2008

YEREVAN, March 21. /ARKA/. The Central Bank of Armenia (CBA) has put
into circulation the commemorative silver coin "The Twins". The CBA
press service reports that coin has been minted under the international
numismatic program Signs of the Zodiac.

The CBA press service reports that 12,000 commemorative coins were
put into circulation, the nominal value of each coin being 100 AMD.

The coin was struck by the Mint of Poland. The contours of the coin
were designed by Ursula Valenazh.

TER-PETROSIAN FACES LOSS OF ARMED PROTECTION

Radio Liberty
March 19 2008
Czech Republic

In a further measure designed to thwart renewed opposition protests in
Yerevan, the Armenian government pushed through parliament on Wednesday
a bill that could leave former President Levon Ter-Petrosian without
armed bodyguards provided by the state.

Ter-Petrosian is among serving and former high-ranking state officials
whose personal security is ensured by the State Protections Service
(SPS) in accordance with a special law. All of his bodyguards are
employees of the security agency run by Grisha Sarkisian, who has
long been in charge of President Robert Kocharian’s security detail.

Under government-drafted amendments to that law adopted by the National
Assembly in the first reading, the former president can be temporarily
or irreversibly stripped of armed protection by the STS if he engages
in "illicit activities." They are expected to be passed in the final
reading on Thursday.

Justice Minister Gevorg Danielian admitted that the amendments stem
from the unrest that followed last month’s disputed presidential
election in which Ter-Petrosian was the main opposition candidate.

The ex-president refused to recognize Prime Minister Serzh Sarkisian’s
victory in the February 19 vote, alleging widespread fraud and rallying
tens of thousands of supporters in Yerevan. The Armenian authorities
used force to halt the daily protests March 1.

Ter-Petrosian has been kept under de facto house arrest, with the
authorities claiming that they can no longer guarantee his security.

They say he can leave his house overlooking central Yerevan only
after renouncing SPS protection in writing. The opposition leader
has refused to do that so far.

The changes in the law regulating the SPS’s activities came the day
after the government-controlled parliament amended Armenia’s law on
public gatherings in way that will make it easier for the authorities
to ban further rallies which Ter-Petrosian plans to hold after the
lifting of a state of emergency in Yerevan. Ter-Petrosian’s office
swiftly rejected the restrictions as unconstitutional and said
Armenians have a "legitimate right" to ignore them.

"It is obvious that these changes allow for an arbitrary prohibition of
any rally," Stepan Demirchian, a prominent opposition leader allied to
Ter-Petrosian, told RFE/RL on Wednesday. "The authorities must realize
that it is impossible to overcome this crisis with repressive methods."

WILL TURKEY REMAIN THE "SECULAR DEMOCRACY" IN ISLAMIC WORLD?

PanARMENIAN.Net
18.03.2008 GMT+04:00

Today in Turkey there are a number of controversies not only between
the Kemalists and Islamists, but also between the Kemalists and the
Turkish public opinion, since the nation is completely lost in search
for its identity, and the Kemalists announce that only Turks live
in Turkey.

After the parliamentary elections in Turkey in summer 2007 an agreement
between the winning Islamic party of Justice and Development and the
Turkish Joint Staff was signed. In the result of the deal the Army
recognized the Justice and Development Party in exchange to invasion
of Northern Iraq. The invasion was organized and the Turkish militants
have now been informing about extermination of Kurdish militants.

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ However, things are not that simple in Turkey,
and the appeal of the General Office of Public Prosecutor to the
Constitutional Court about starting the process of dissolution of
the Party is the example of these complications. The Party, led by
the Prime Minster Recep Erdoghan, is accused of being involved in
activities working against the secular character of the country, as
well as using the religion for practical purposes. The process against
the Party of Erdoghan was initiated by the General Prosecutor of the
Court of Appeal Abdurrahman Yalchinkaya. He particularly mentioned
that AKP "has become a hotbed of anti-secular activities".

According to the director of the Institute of Oriental Studies of
National Academy of Science Ruben Safrastyan, the actions of the
General Prosecutor of Turkey, who has initiated this process in
the Constitutional Court, may be regarded as a self-defense. "The
legal reforms of Turkey are totally under the control of the
Kemalists. President Abdullah Gul, who is also a member of AKP, has
the right to appoint the judge, and in this aspect such an action
from him is quite possible. The bureaucratic Kemalist circles were
not happy with the compromise between the General Stuff and AKP. The
consequences of the appeal to the Constitutional Court are hard to
guess, but a storm of reactions are already being observed in Turkey,
especially in the Turkish Press," said Safrastyan.

According to the Turkish Constitution, the Constitutional court
must make reach a verdict in a 10-day period. If the Court finds the
arguments of the General Prosecutor sufficient, the process against
the Party of Erdoghan will be initiated. Perhaps the Turks think that
since their country is not accepted in European Union, they will become
the regional Islamic power holder. It must also be mentioned that
almost all the preconditions are available for it with the exception
of one; the agreement of the General Stuff, which has remained the
only follower of the ideology of Kemal Ataturk. The General Office
of Public Prosecutor has been gathering information on AKP for about
six months, however it could find nothing but the abolition of the
ban on wearing hijab, yet it may already give sufficient grounds.

The whole question is which way of development Turkey will decide to
take; the secular way (which is the democratic way) or the Islamic way,
which will equal it to Iran. A very important thing should always be
taken into account; according to the results of social survey, 66%
of Turkish women prefer covering their head and the significant part
of the society support them.

In our opinion, the entire problem is that the founder of the Modern
Turkey has forced the European dressing style and the republican
government. In 20’s of the last century the majority of the citizens of
former Ottoman Empire didn’t even identify themselves as Turks. Ataturk
made Turks out of them. Identification is still an on-going process,
since different nationalities have been living in the Ottoman Empire
who were turned to Turks by Ataturk with a stroke of the pen. In the
opinion of Ruben Safrastyan, according to latest information, 40%
of the population of Turkey do not consider themselves Turkish,
or have doubts about it. "Today in Turkey there are a number
of controversies not only between the Kemalists and Islamists,
but also between the Kemalists and the Turkish public opinion,
since the nation is completely lost in search for its identity,
and the Kemalists announce that only Turks live in Turkey." The
thing is that the Kemalist Republic couldn’t solve several serious
problems; the problem of the ethnical minorities, in particular,
the Kurdish issue, the definition of the role of Islam in the State
and the Society. Turkey has taken up the way, which has one method
of preserving the state; army. This means that the political elite
cannot find other solutions but force implementation.

The destiny of the Party of Erdoghan now depends on the verdict of
the Constitutional court.

By the way, over the 85 years of the existence of the Turkish Republic,
more than 30 political parties were banned. In 1997 the militants
dismissed the Welfare Party, and in 1998 the Constitutional court
reached a verdict of its dissolution. In 2001 the Virtue Party, from
the remaining of which the Justice and Development Party was formed,
had the same destiny.