Author: nina hovnanian

The Armenian Observer
September 18, 2011 Sunday 12:06 AM EST

Armenia’s first real porn scandal as it were…

Armenian actress Anjela Sargsian, best known for her appearances in
“Kargin Serial” (Proper Soap Opera) and “Ur e im tghamardy” (Where’s
my man) TV series broadcast by Armenia TV, has come under fire
recently following the publication of her pornographic photos on
Odnoklassniki social network, which were later published on
until that site went down reaching bandwidth
limit.

The photos which I have seen, show the actress having oral sex or
posing nude with a rather satisfied and happy face. After their
emergency, they unexpectedly became the most discussed topic on the
Armenian online news websites, social networks and even some
newspapers.

Anjela Sargsyan, 28, is married for 9 years, has a child. Her husband,
a Philosophy lecturer at Yerevan State University, is said to have
left her after finding out she was cheating on him.

Karen Arayan

Karen Arayan, an artist, claims to be Anjela Sargsyan’s sex partner in
the pornographic photos in question.

Anjela Sargsyan claims that Arayan has published the photos on the
social networks in revenge for her dumping her. Karen Arayan, however,
tells a completely different story, calling Sargsyan “crazy” and
depicting her as an immoral and unsatiable bitch and saying he just
wanted to “show her true face” to their common friends and it wasn’t
meant for wide public.

The whole situation got further complicated after rumors, that Armenia
TV had decided to fire the actress. Also, her co-starring actresses
from “Ur e im tghamardy” series came out with rather rough statements
and went as far as saying they can’t continue to work with her. It
also emerged, that Anjela Sargsian is a member of the “Word of Life”
church, which is treated as a sect by Armenia’s mainstream Apostolic
Church and some grabbed the chance of throwing a stone or two at the
religious minority.

Heated debates in Facebook have given birth to groups condemning and
supporting Anjela Sargsian.

The whole story was blown up incredibly and Armenia had its first
full-scale porn scandal. It also revealed the inability of the
Armenian media to cope with stories like this adequately – some gave
way too much coverage while others chose to completely censor the
issue. So far, this video by ArmComedy is the piece with the right
attitude that I’ve seen on the Armenian blogosphere and media covering
the topic. Great job, guys!

PS: Just to bring my two cents – I think this whole affair is nobody’s
business and I don’t think the actress should be fired over a personal
matter. I also think the society overall and Anjela Sargsian’s
colleagues were not right with their condemnation, which I attribute
mostly to envy… get a grip, dear everyone, or get over it!!!

news.am, Armenia
Sept 17 2011

Armenian participant in Junior Eurovision – 2011 revealed (video)

September 18, 2011 | 01:55

YEREVAN. – On Saturday evening the name of Armenian participant in
Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2011 revealed. Young singer Dalita won
the national contest by SMS and jury voting in competition of 16 songs
chosen by the Armenian Public TV. Dalila performed Welcome to Armenia
song.

Last year’s Armenian participant, 12-year-old Vladimir Arzumanyan of
Karabakh, won the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2010 with his song
Mama. This year’s Junior Eurovision Song Contest will be held in
Yerevan, capital of Armenia, on the 3rd of December.

news.az, Azerbaijan
Sept 17 2011

Armenia hinders EU admission of former Soviet states
Sat 17 September 2011 06:44 GMT | 2:44 Local Time

News.Az interviews political scientist Fikrat Sadikhov.

Euronest Parliamentary Assembly, the first meeting of which was held
in Strasbourg on 14-15 September, failed to adopt a resolution with
recommendations for the forthcoming summit of the Eastern Partnership
due to positions of delegations from Armenia and Azerbaijan, sources
in the European Parliament said.

Moreover, the draft resolution including recommendations for the
Eastern Partnership summit to be held in Warsaw, among other things,
contained a proposal to provide a perspective of EU membership to
Eastern Partnership member countries. What are your comments in this
regard?

Indeed, the debates in Strasbourg were quite dramatic, and it is quite
natural, since we are talking about the conflicting parties who are
participants of this union, or rather, not parties, but a country
which has occupied territory of another state.

Of course, Azerbaijan, as a country that suffers occupation and could
not restore its territorial integrity to this day because of Armenia’s
position, took a rather harsh attitude towards Armenia and it is quite
natural and based on real situation.

As far as I know, the question of principles of sovereignty,
territorial integrity, inviolability of borders was raised in
Strasbourg. And pro-Armenian MPs even suggested to remove this
provision completely. Of course, our delegation could not accept such
a proposal and demanded to keep the text in its previous version. In
fact, after the vote, we could get the version we insisted upon
preserved.

There were, for example, some discrepancies regarding the expression
of separate articles. Of course, there can be no unity between
Azerbaijan and Armenia in such matters, because we perceive
territorial integrity and the right of peoples to self-determination
differently. In other words, we do not believe that the right of
peoples to self-determination contradicts principles of territorial
integrity.

Therefore, the Armenian delegation was behaving aggressively.
Moreover, it even announced a boycott and even threatened to use a
veto right. This is, so to speak, internal political kitchen, which
was unlikely to contribute to pro-Armenian resolution.

Of course, the countries that participated in the session, and in
particular Ukraine, suggested to make some compromise provisions to
the document. Here, the Armenian delegation acted in its own way and
began to demand the right of peoples to self-determination. That is,
it resorted to its old, worn-out approach which is absolutely devoid
of reason as it contradicts all basic norms and principles of
international law.

Of course, members of our delegation participated in these debates
rather tense and actively, and, as far I understood, the Azerbaijani
side has achieved a result.

What do you mean?

The result is the decision to hold the next session of this quite
influential organization in Baku, the capital of an Eastern
Partnership member state which is not an EU member. In general, this
is a major achievement of Azerbaijani diplomacy.

The fact that such a decision was adopted after tense debates shows
that the countries that voted for this decision quite constructively
assess the situation, have a real approach to the situation and
realize that territorial integrity of a country, part of whose
territory is occupied by another state, is a top priority.

In this situation, it is clear that Armenia continues to create
setbacks for Azerbaijan’s cooperation with the civilized world. Does
our country have to forget about European integration that promises
big prospects just because of Armenia?

I do not think so. It is hard to believe. What is obvious is that the
Armenian delegation was the loser. In any case, we cooperate within
international organizations, such as Euronest and several other
projects of not bilateral, but regional and interstate cooperation,
because we are obliged to do this. There is a program of Eastern
Partnership, a framework of the Council of Europe, PACE, OSCE, and so
on.

Of course, we have to do this. But this does not mean that we can
sacrifice our principles, and above all, the principles of sovereignty
and surrender to Azerbaijan delegation which demands to include some
mythical articles to a provision on Euronest resolution. Therefore,
Armenia showed its non-constructive position in all its glory in this
case.

So, maybe it’s not very big, but still a victory of Azerbaijan, as we
could persuade delegations of the member states participating in this
session to vote for Azerbaijan so that next session of this powerful
structure will take place in Baku. This is a significant
accomplishment for Azerbaijan.

F.H.
News.Az

Tehran Times, Iran
Sept 17 2011

Iran says concerned over NATO radar system in Turkey

On Line: 17 September 2011 17:11

Salehi attended a joint press conference with his Armenian counterpart
Eduard Nalbandian in Tehran on September 17.
TEHRAN – Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi said on Saturday
that Turkey’s decision to host an early warning radar as part of
NATO’s missile defense system has caused concern for the Islamic
Republic and many of its neighbors.

Turkey’s decision to host the system `has caused worry for the Islamic
Republic and many of its neighboring countries. We do not see any
necessity for the installation of such a system at this juncture that
the region is witnessing various developments,’ Salehi said in a joint
press conference with his Armenian counterpart Eduard Nalbandian in
Tehran.

The system is ostensibly meant to counter an alleged ballistic missile
threat from Iran.

`We hope that Turkey will be able to provide the necessary
justification in this regard,’ Salehi stated, adding, `We should not
allow more misunderstanding to occur in the region.’

`We have always made efforts to resolve the existing problems in
cooperation with our neighbors and to help improve peace, stability,
and security in the region. We hope that we will prevent others from
paving the way for misunderstanding to occur,’ he stated.

He also said that regional countries should be vigilant about efforts
meant to create dissension among them.

Nalbandian commented on Turkey’s decision and said, `We are pursuing
the issue seriously and will announce our stance after studying (the
matter).’

news.am, Armenia
Sept 17 2011

Armenia’s ex-presidents not to attend events dedicated to independence
anniversary

September 17, 2011 | 14:32

YEREVAN.- Armenia’s first and second presidents refused to participate
in the solemn events dedicated to the 20th anniversary of Armenia’s
independence.

Arman Musinyan, spokesperson for first President Levon Ter-Petrosyan,
did not inform of the reasons.

In his turn Viktor Soghomonyan, head of ex-President’s office, said
Robert Kocharyan would not attend the events as he would be out of the
country, RFE/RL Armenian service reported.

Former Armenian Presidents reportedly were invited to attend events
dedicated to 20th anniversary of Armenia’s independence, including
reception, military parade and concert in the Republic Square
scheduled for September 21.

news.am, Armenia
Sept 17 2011

Armenian government must resign – ARF MP

September 17, 2011 | 12:49

YEREVAN. – Immediate dismissal of the current government is the order
of the day, ARF Dashnaktsutyun Party MP Artsvik Minasyan said during a
press conference on Saturday.

In his words, the actual reality does not correspond with the
government’s statements on improving the country’s business
environment. As per Minasyan, 300 businessmen have ended their
activities in the first 7 months of this year alone, and, in
comparison with the year past, emigration increased by 12-13 thousand.
`This demonstrates that not only the business environment is
worsening, but that we are also losing our potential, day by day,’
Minasyan argued.

Islamic Republic News Agency, Iran
Sept 17 2011

FM voices concern about deployment of NATO missile system in Turkey

Tehran, Sept 17, IRNA – The Iranian foreign minister here on Saturday
voiced concern over the deployment of NATO missile defense shield in
Turkey, calling it unnecessary.

Ali Akbar Salehi made the remark in a joint press conference with
Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian.

Referring to the historical relations between Iran and Armenia, he
called the ties between the two counties ‘positive and brotherly’.

`Armenian minorities are respected by their Iranian compatriots,’ the
minsiter added.

Speaking about its meeting with his Armenian counterpart, Iran’s FM
stated that the development of bilateral relations was emphasized
during the meeting.

Salehi noted that the deployment of NATO defense shield in the
neighboring country of Turkey is a source of concern for the Islamic
Republic of Iran and other regional countries.

`The region is undergoing great developments and Turkey should
reconsider the deployment NATO missile system on its soil,’ he added.

`The deployment of missile defense shield in Turkey is viewed
unnecessary. Iran hopes that Turkish officials have enough
justification in this regard and can prevent more misunderstanding
among regional countries,’ Salehi said.

Pointing to the Iran’s 15 neighboring countries, he added that the
Islamic Republic’s regional diplomacy is based on detente with each
neighboring country and establishment of peace in the region.

The outside powers are trying to sow discord among regional countries, he said.

The Iranian foreign ministry had earlier called NATO’s proposal for
the establishment of new ballistic missile shield in Turkey as
‘seriously suspicious.’

An early warning radar will be stationed in Turkey’s southeast as part
of NATO’s missile defense system.

Turkey agreed to host the radar in September within the framework of
the NATO missile defense architecture, saying it would strengthen both
its own and NATO’s defense capacities.

In this context, the site surveys and relevant legal arrangements have
also been finalized, and accordingly a military installation in
Kurecik has been designated as the radar site.

Kurecik in Malatya province lies some 700 kilometers (435 miles) west
of the Iranian border.

In September, Pentagon spokesman Col. Dave Lapan said the United
States hoped to have the radar deployed there by the end of the year.

Turkey’s announcement about the radar came a day after Romania signed
a deal to host a crucial part of a U.S. missile defense system.

Under the NATO plans, a limited system of U.S. anti-missile
interceptors and radars already planned for Europe to include
interceptors in Romania and Poland as well as the radar in Turkey
would be linked to expanded European owned missile defenses. That
would create a broad system that protects every NATO country against
medium-range missile attack.

Russia opposes the planned missile defense system, which it worries
could threaten its own nuclear missiles or undermine its deterrence
capability. Moscow agreed to consider a NATO proposal last year to
cooperate on the missile shield, but insisted the system be run
jointly. NATO rejected that demand and no compromise has been found
yet.

9191**1412

news.am, Armenia
Sept 17 2011

Moscow to hold large ceremony on Armenia’s 20th independence anniversary

September 16, 2011 | 20:08

MOSCOW. – Moscow will hold a grandiose ceremony devoted to the 20th
anniversary of Armenia’s independence. The event will be held in the
sport complex of Luzhniki.

Chairman of the Union of Armenians in Russia (UAR) Ara Abrahamyan will
deliver a welcoming speech, UAR deputy chairman Levon Mukanyan told
Armenian News-NEWS.am. Representatives of Russian political and social
structures, artists, and young people are invited for the ceremony.

Russian and foreign singers will participate in the concert. Fireworks
with colors of Armenian and Russian flags will end the ceremony.

`Armenia and Russia are very friendly states, Armenians are treated
well in Russia,’ Mukanyan said.

Urartu foundation with the support of UAR is the sponsor of the ceremony.

news.am, Armenia
Sept 17 2011

Protesters spread leaflets in Armenian airport (video)

September 16, 2011 | 23:03

YEREVAN. – Members of the group who struggle for the return of
Armenian famous artist Minas Avetisyan’s wall paintings to Gyumri,
spread leaflets on Friday during the opening ceremony of Zvartnots new
terminal. Two of the wall paintings were moved to the airport.

`The airport has two great wall paintings by Armenian famous artist
Minas Avetisyan. Armenian authorities announced that those wall
paintings are the property of the state. However, they did nothing for
their preservation. They invested AMD 20 million to restore the
paintings and move them to Yerevan, whereas they could have used money
for restoring and keeping them in Gyumri city. Gyumri residents demand
to return back the four paintings. But the government has not given
any
explanation yet.

The owner of the airport Eurnekian has not responded to the letter of
35 organizations of Gyumri city. Gyumri citizens consider it a
cultural robbery. Taking the wall paintings from Gyumri and moving
them to airport is disrespect for the residents and the real owners of
the paintings.

Dear guests, Armenia is not only Yerevan nor Zvartnots airport. The
wall paintings that you will see in the airport will be returned to
Gyumri, whenever let it be,’ reads the leaflet.

news.am, Armenia
Sept 17 2011

If Amulsar gold mine harms Armenian resort city, it will not be
operated – City mayor

September 17, 2011 | 10:54

YEREVAN. – If operation of the Amulsar gold mine, situated 12
kilometers from the Armenian city of Jermuk, harms the latter’s
existence as a resort town, the mine will not be operated, Jermuk’s
mayor Vardan Hovhannisyan told Armenian News.NEWS.am. `We have invited
independent experts, the discussions are continuing, I have also
invited the environmentalists, so they may work with and support us,
and if such problem arises, we may become a barrier,’ Hovhannisyan
noted.

According to him, a leading British organization will conduct
environmental testing while the local experts have informed him that
no serious environmental issue would surface in connection with the
gold mine’s operation. `We have discussed all matters, and have asked
the Armenian President so that persistency be manifested with the
environmentalist and specialists,’ Jermuk’s mayor stated.

The right to operate the Amulsar gold mine is given to the Canadian
Lidian International company, whose interests are presented in Armenia
by the Geoteam company. According to latest research data, there are
40 tons of gold reserves at Amulsar, and the mine will be operated as
an open-pit.