Author: nina hovnanian

OSCE WON’T SEND 2,000 ELECTION OBSERVERS AS REQUESTED BY ARMENIAN NATIONAL CONGRESS

epress.am
01.19.2012

The EU and the OSCE (Organization for Security and Co-operation
in Europe) have agreed on a joint program to support democratic
2012 parliamentary and 2013 presidential elections in Armenia. The
project, worth 1.7 million euros, will be financed by the European
Union and implemented by the OSCE office in Yerevan, according to a
press statement.

At a press conference in Yerevan today, head of the EU delegation
to Armenia Traian Hristea recalled that the strategy “more for more”
was adopted at the Eastern Partnership Summit in Warsaw in Sept. 2011,
and since fair and transparent elections are an important indicator
for the EU and the OSCE, Hristea advised Armenia’s authorities to
use the opportunity for transparent elections to receive “more.”

The head of the EU delegation to Armenia stressed that the 1.7 million
euros will be spent on strengthening the technical and professional
capacities of election commissions (including the Central Electoral
Commission), the police force and police officers.

The other speaker at today’s press conference, deputy head of the
OSCE Office in Yerevan Carel Hofstra, noted that apart from the
aforementioned objectives, the OSCE intends to monitor the press
beginning on Feb. 1, examining how impartial local media is in its
election campaign coverage.

Hofstra pointed to a change which, according to him, could have a
positive impact on the elections: progress in reviewing the law on
rallies and marches and its implementation.

The OSCE official found it hard to say how many people the OSCE
observation mission would be comprised of, but he did note that the
Armenian National Congress’ demand to send 2,000 observers won’t
be met.

PLAQUE INSTALLED IN MEMORY OF DINK, CROWDS TAKE TO THE STREETS

Armenian Weekly
January 19, 2012

ISTANBUL (A.W.)-In the morning of Jan. 19, five years after the murder
of Hrant Dink, the editor of the Turkish and Armenian weekly Agos,
a new plaque was seen on one of the cobblestones of the Agos building
in Istanbul. It read, “Hrant Dink was murdered here, January 19,
2007, at 15:05.”

“Hrant Dink was murdered here, January 19, 2007, at 15:05” Meanwhile,
an estimated 20,000 people flooded the streets of Istanbul on Jan. 19,
marching in remembrance of the murdered journalist, to protest a
recent court ruling that set free many of the murder suspects, and
denounced the state of affairs in Turkey. They carried signs that read,
“We are all Hrant Dink, we are all Armenian.”

Trial a disappointment

The anniversary of Dink’s death came two days after 19 suspects were
acquitted of charges of being members of a terrorist organization
that plotted the murder. Another suspect, Yasin Hayal, received a
life sentence on charges of instigating the premeditated murder.

The Dink family and human rights organizations condemned the ruling.

The Dink family lawyers say the murder was a planned act.

Last year, an Istanbul court sentenced Ogun Samast, a 17-year-old
Turkish ultra-nationalist, to 22 years and 10 months in prison for
killing Dink in front of the Agos newspaper building. Samast was
prosecuted as a minor, and received a lenient sentence for his crime.

In 2010, the European Court of Human Rights ordered the Turkish
government to pay compensation to the Dink family, after a ruling that
found the state guilty of failing to protect the murdered journalist.

RUBEN HAYRAPETYAN TO MEET BLATTER, PLATINI AND FURSENKO

ARMENPRESS
JANUARY 18, 2012
YEREVAN

YEREVAN, JANUARY 18, ARMENPRESS: President of the Football Federation
of Armenia Ruben Hayrapetyan is on official visit in Saint Petersburg.

On January 18-20 he will participate in the celebrations, devoted to
the 100th anniversary of Russian Football Union and20th anniversary
of the CIS CUP. AS Armenpress was informed by the Press Service of the
FFA, in the framework of the visit Mr. Hayrapetyan will hold meetings
with FIFA President Sepp Blatter, UEFA President Michel Platini and
Chairman of the Russian Football Union Sergey Fursenko.

FIFTH POWER BLOCK OF HRAZDAN THERMAL PLANT IS CONNECTED TO ARMENIA’S ENERGY SYSTEM

NEWS.am
January 18, 2012 | 16:27

YEREVAN. – After its construction and updating program, Hrazdan 5-the
fifth power block of Armenia’s Hrazdan Thermal Power Plant-is currently
undergoing experimental and industrial operation.

And Hrazdan 5 was connected to Armenia’s energy system, on Wednesday
at 2 p.m., ArmRusGazprom Company’s Hrazdan 5 Construction Management
Director Karen Sargsyan informed.

‘PRESIDENT, ANSWER!’ DISGRUNTLED YEREVAN RESIDENTS SAY THEY’RE READY TO SPEND THE NIGHT OUTSIDE

epress.am
01.18.2012

Residents promised units in new buildings constructed on Aram,
Yekmalyan, Buzand and Saryan streets in Yerevan continued their protest
today across the street from the presidential residence. They had
with them placards and warm blankets, preparing to stay outside as
long as necessary, until their concerns are addressed.

Recall, protesters yesterday promised to bring tents and sleeping
bags today; however, as protestors told the Epress.am correspondent
on the scene, police exhorted them not to take any drastic action,
“otherwise it won’t be good.”

Protestors were chanting “President, answer!”, saying that if the
solution to the people’s problems is beyond Armenian President Serzh
Sargsyan’s powers, “let him concede his position, and we will choose
another presidents at the next elections.”

Demonstrators pointed out that the time to respond expires today, and
if the issue is not resolved, they will be prepared for any measure,
even “disgracing our country.”

“We will go to some embassy – other countries are ready to protect us.

We will even go to the embassies of Turkey or Syria,” said one elder
woman participating in today’s demonstration.

The disgruntled residents say they are preparing to camp out near
the presidential residence overnight.

Recall, in 2006, the residents (whose apartments were recognized
as public priority interest) agreed to leave their homes on the
condition that they would be given new units in the new buildings to
be constructed on the same site. For this they signed an agreement
with a developer by the name of Gagik Papoyan, but the residents still
haven’t received their new apartments – in fact, the units have been
resold to third parties.

Late last year, Armenia’s Special Investigation Service (SIS) launched
a criminal case, but Papoyan cannot be found. Residents say the SIS
informed them that that the case could take months as hundreds of
people have to be questioned in connection with the case.

Critics’ Forum
Theater
Occupy Armenian Theater
By Aram Kouyoumdjian

In the year-end article I wrote last December – months before the
Occupy movement launched in New York and spread to 80 countries – I
began a quiet protest, lamenting the state of Armenian theater in our
corner of the diaspora and calling for increase – and improvement – in
its cultural production. This past year, however, delivered neither
quantity nor quality, let alone both. Armenian-themed productions
numbered in the single digits, and I recall only one full-length work
– Ardavazt Theatre Company’s “Ser Yev Dzidzagh” (Love and Laughter) –
favorably. And next year? Vahe Berberian’s new play, “Gyank” (Life),
looms on the horizon, but whether it will usher in a lively theater
season remains to be seen.

For now, I’ve had enough of the status quo, so I hereby occupy
Armenian theater. These are my demands:

1. That diasporan Armenian theater embrace a bold vision, reflect our
exilic identity and condition, and serve as historical record and
social commentary. Let’s have some respite from the inane comedies
and farces that have hijacked Armenian theater. I endured
“Chorekshapti … Sirelis” (Wednesday … My Darling) but could barely
get through the semi-literate announcement for “Don Juan” – a
plagiarized version of “Boeing, Boeing” about “a woman’s doctor” (you
mean “gynecologist”?) and the “flight attendant girls” he is
simultaneously romancing.

I actually enjoy comedies and farces – when they’re actually comedic
and farcical. But our theatrical output of the past few years would
lead an outsider to believe that marriage and marital infidelity were
our community’s sole concerns.

Perhaps I exaggerate – but not much. There is some serious fare out
there; the Genocide and its aftermath are recurrent themes in dramatic
works, but where are the plays about the conflicts of diasporan life
and psyche; about the longing for homeland and, in light of Armenia’s
independence, the myth of return; about belonging (and non-belonging)
in a host society?

All this may be a great deal to ask of an Armenian art form that has
never been sufficiently developed. Even during the renaissance
(“zartonk”) of Armenian literature in the 19th century, Ottoman
censorship stifled drama, and the Genocide rendered it virtually
non-existent in the early decades of the 20th century. Only in the
heyday of the Armenian diaspora in Lebanon did theater become viable –
at least, until the outbreak of civil war.

It can thrive again in California, where a large, educated, and
affluent Armenian community can support serious work. For that to
happen, however, Armenian playwrights must recognize the potential of
banding as a collective and creating a theater of diaspora – theater
that is provocative and not solely concerned with commerciality. In
so doing, they may well form a new literary circle, in the tradition
of the “Mehian” (Temple) writers of Constantinople (circa 1914), who
were devoted to celebrating the Armenian spirit, and the “Menk” (We)
writers of Paris (circa 1931), who confronted issues of post-Genocide
exile.

2. That diasporan Armenian theater have institutional patronage.
Theater is an expensive undertaking, and its funding should not be the
burden of artists but of arts institutions. Neither the Hamazkayin
Educational and Cultural Society nor the Tekeyan Cultural Association
has made any sustained commitment to theater. The Armenian General
Benevolent Union subsidizes Ardavazt, but that company rarely ventures
beyond the lightest of fare. An industry organization, the Armenian
Dramatic Arts Alliance, biennially administers the William Saroyan
Playwriting Prize (and its substantial $10,000 award), but its backing
of productions has been limited to staged readings.

In order for Armenian theater to make significant strides, funding for
it must increase exponentially. Is such ambition realistic?
Absolutely. Ten years ago, the Armenian community raised a million
dollars so that the San Francisco Opera could stage “Arshak II” for
six performances. A comparable amount could fund a well-managed
theater company and repay the community in cultural dividends for
years! It’s high time to make that investment.

3. That diasporan Armenian theater have a home – and residents. How
is it that Armenians in California have built myriad churches,
schools, and community centers – but not a single theater? A theater,
after all, is the space where the community’s voice is expressed, both
literally and metaphorically. Armenian diasporans in (and from)
Beirut know this; the Hagop Der Melkonian Theater has nourished the
cultural life of that community for decades.

A theater would not only serve as a gathering place for the community,
it would provide a permanent home for resident companies, allowing
members (actors, directors, designers, and choreographers) to obtain
training between productions, and furnishing a venue for developmental
workshops of new plays.

4. That diasporan Armenian theater enjoy high production values.
I’ve previously railed against amateurish sets, lights, costumes, and
sound. (I’m talking about black curtains or painted outlines of doors
and windows serving as backdrops, or phones that continue ringing
onstage long after actors have picked them up.) While I don’t mean to
repeat myself, my demands would not be complete if I did not insist on
professionalism in the technical aspects of theater. Talented
designers and competent stage crews are as critical to successful
productions as playwrights, directors, and actors.

5. That my demands be met with utmost haste, so that I can end this
occupation and return to the business of appreciating and enjoying
Armenian theater. If not, I’m prepared to hold out.

All Rights Reserved: Critics’ Forum, 2012.

Aram Kouyoumdjian is the winner of Elly Awards for both playwriting
(“The Farewells”) and directing (“Three Hotels”). His latest work is
“Happy Armenians.”

You can reach him or any of the other contributors to Critics’ Forum
at [email protected]. This and all other articles published
in this series are available online at To sign
up for a weekly electronic version of new articles, go to
Critics’ Forum is a group created to
discuss issues relating to Armenian art and culture in the Diaspora.

PRESS RELEASE
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“THE ARMENIAN BOOK SHOULD REMAIN OUR RELIABLE COMPANION”
Said Aram I during his Sunday sermon

On Sunday 15 November 2012, His Holiness Aram I devoted his sermon to the
“2012 Year of the Armenian Book” that he had earlier proclaimed.

After reviewing the 500 years of the history of the printed book and its
contribution to the spiritual and intellectual heritage of the Armenian
people, His Holiness said that the Armenian book should remain the reliable
friend of every Armenian. He concluded his sermon with a special call to
Armenian writers and thinkers, to wealthy Armenians, to community
organizations and finally to the families and the schools to value the
Armenian book.

His Holiness asked current writers, poets and academics to write in Armenian
in order to transmit the spiritual and cultural heritage of the past, convey
the present and link the Armenian creative mind to global issues and
endeavors.

He invited benevolent Armenians to contribute to the publication of books,
or, create Foundations towards that end.

The Catholicos then requested from publishers to make the books accessible
to the public by reducing the prices.

His Holiness also encouraged individual initiatives to set up ‘neighborhood
libraries’ accessible to the public so that the people discover the value of
the Armenian book.

Catholicos Aram I then concluded, “The Armenian book should remain the
reliable companion of the Armenian family, the school, and the community
organizations. It will contribute to the spiritual and intellectual growth
of every Armenian. Because of its power to enrich and enlighten, it will
equip our people to enter into dialogue with civilizations.”

ARMENIA: WILL KARABAKH BECOME ‘FATAL SHORE’ FOR ARMENIAN CONVICTS?
BY MARIANNA GRIGORYAN

EurasiaNet.org

Jan 17 2012
NY

Armenia may start promoting an “Australian-style” model of development
for the separatist territory of Nagorno-Karabakh.

Britain, of course, first colonized Australia in the late 1780s with
ships loaded with prison convicts. The use of convict labor was seen
by British officials as a cheaper alternative to slavery for creating
the distant colony’s infrastructure.

Flashing forward to the present, lawmakers in Yerevan, the Armenian
capital, are expected to begin debate in the near future on a bill
that would give white-collar criminals the option of serving time in
prison or resettling in “free territories,” a term that many Armenians
believe refers mainly to Karabakh. The separatist territory broke
free of Azerbaijan’s control, with Yerevan’s assistance, in the early
1990s. Efforts since then to reach a political settlement between
Armenia and Azerbaijan have become stalemated.

Over the past two decades, demographic stagnation in Karabakh has posed
a national security-challenge for Yerevan. As a result, officials,
both in the territory and in Armenia proper, have supported a variety
of schemes, including a mass wedding, to encourage population growth
in and around Karabakh.

Pushkin Serobian, chair of the August 23 National Alliance,” a
non-governmental organization, was closely involved in the drafting of
the bill. He expressed confidence the measure would receive serious
consideration by parliament. He argued that allowing convicts to
resettle in “free territories” would address several social problems at
once – not only potentially bolstering Karabakh’s demographic profile,
but also improving conditions in Armenian prisons, keeping families
intact, and improving the odds that the convicts themselves would
once again become productive members of society after competing their
sentences. “I don’t think there will be any problem,” Serobian said,
referring to the bill’s prospects for passage.

“By resettling people with their families in the free zones, we would
prevent the final break-up of their families,” continued Serobian.

“The families would consolidate, while resettlement in frontier areas
would strengthen the border and its infrastructure.”

The bill indicates that only those convicted of non-violent crimes
would be eligible for resettlement. Bakur Karapetian, a writer and
advocate on behalf of Karabakh, estimated that 1,000 families could
be resettled in “free territories” under the provision. He told
journalists back in November during a news conference; “I’ve talked
to many convicts, and all of them definitely agreed to settle and
work in the areas the government considers appropriate for them.”

To some, such as political analyst Richard Giragosian, the proposed
legislation is far from a panacea. He questioned the potential
demographic benefits, saying that the measure does “nothing to create
jobs or economic opportunity, which are essential for any increase
in population.” More broadly, he contended that the bill, if enacted,
could damage to Armenian national interests by creating an impression
that Yerevan was intent on permanently possessing Azerbaijani lands
adjacent to Karabakh that are currently under Armenian occupation.

“It could be perceived as a decision to officially “occupy” the
Armenian-held areas, which until now, have not been officially
resettled or developed,” Giragosian said.

The resettlement aspect of the bill, to a certain extent, is
overshadowing the issue of prison overcrowding. According to the
data of the Ministry of Justice, there are 12 penitentiaries and one
alternative correctional institution in Armenia, housing over 4,500
prisoners. Most facilities are antiquated. Many also have high rates
of suicide. In addition, many prisoners, upon release, fall back into
a life of criminal activity.

“Correctional institutions need serious reforms,” said Arthur Sakunts,
a rights activist and head of Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly’s office
in the city of Vanadzor. The bill has the potential to “change the
situation” concerning prison overcrowding, Sakunts added. At the same
time, it is in need of amending in order to more precisely define
the meaning of “free territories.”

“The bill should refer to Armenia’s territories; there are many free
territories here as well,” Sakunts said.

Hovhannes Sahakian, an MP and senior member of the governing Republican
Party, echoed a need for amending the bill. “This is a good idea, but
we should avoid territorial restrictions and propose an alternative
to convicts,” Sahakian told Eurasianet.org. “This must be done to
escape unnecessary speculations.”

Editor’s note: Marianna Grigoryan is a freelance reporter based
in Yerevan.

ARMENIAN, AZERBAIJANI, RUSSIAN LEADERS AGREE TO NEW KARABAKH MEETING – YEREVAN

Interfax
Jan 16 2012
Russia

Presidents Serzh Sargsyan, Ilham Aliyev and Dmitry Medvedev have
agreed to another meeting on the Karabakh settlement process, Armenian
Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandian told a Monday press conference.

“There is an agreement to hold the tripartite meeting. The time and
venue will be announced soon,” he said, adding that the tripartite
format had proven to be effective.

“I am confident that the meetings in this format will go on,” the
minister said.

He blamed Azerbaijan for the inefficiency of mechanisms to investigate
incidents along the contact line between Karabakh and Azerbaijani
servicemen.

“Baku said there were no such proposals and there was nothing to
comment on. They have isolated themselves by running counter to the
international community. Azerbaijan objected to the OSCE financing
of this mechanism. I hope the negotiations will continue,” Nalbandian
said.

LAWYER FIGHTS MUSEUM FOR KEVORKIAN ART

United Press International UPI

Jan 16 2012

TROY, Mich., Jan. 16 (UPI) — A lawyer for the late “Dr. Death,”
Jack Kevorkian, is fighting to have 17 of the doctor’s paintings
returned to his Michigan estate from a Boston-area museum.

Kevorkian, who died in June at 83, entrusted the paintings to the
Armenian Library and Museum Association 12 years ago, The Detroit
News reported Monday.

Kevorkian was involved in 130 assisted suicides, earning him the
nickname Dr. Death. After loaning his artwork to the ALMA, he spent
eight years in prison and was paroled in 2007.

Now lawyer Mayer Morganroth is fighting to have the artwork returned
to Michigan for the benefit of Kevorkian’s niece, Ava Janus, who
lives in Troy.

“The museum filed a lawsuit over the paintings in federal court
in Massachusetts first, so they feel that is the proper venue,”
said Morganroth, executor of Kevorkian’s estate. “Well, Kevorkian
lived here, his estate is here and I am here. This is the proper
jurisdiction, not Massachusetts.”

Morganroth said he has an agreement, signed by Kevorkian and an ALMA
official, that said the paintings were to be given back to Kevorkian
on request. The museum argued the curator did not have the authority
to make such an agreement.

“Well, they never would have had the paintings if not for the
agreement,” Morganroth said.

Morganroth said a sale of Kevorkian’s work, valued at more than $2.5
million, was dampened by the ongoing lawsuit.

“There were six museums which stayed away [from the auction] because
of the dispute, and I can’t blame them,” Morganroth said.