Author: nina hovnanian

FRESNO STATE EXHIBIT TO SPOTLIGHT ARMENIANS OF BITLIS

Friday, March 21st, 2014

Fresno State University’s Henry Madden Library

‘Remembering the Armenians of Bitlis,’ an exhibit at the Henry Madden
Library at Fresno State opens March 30

FRESNO, Calif.–The Armenian Studies Program at Fresno State in
cooperation with the Gomidas Institute (London), and the Leon S.

Peters Foundation present “Remembering the Armenians of Bitlis,” an
exhibit to be open from March 30 to April 30, on the second floor of
the Henry Madden Library.

A special opening reception to highlight the exhibit of rare photos,
documents, and maps from the Bitlis area will be held from 3 to 4 pm
on Sunday, March 30, on the second floor of the Madden Library. The
hors d’oeuvres reception is free and open to the public.

Immediately following the reception Ara Sarafian of the Gomidas
Institute will present a talk, “Down and About Bitlis: An Exhibition
on Bitlis Armenians on the Shores of Lake Van” at 4 pm, in Room 2206
of the Madden Library, next to the exhibit area.

On March 1 to 2, the Gomidas Institute with the support of the Armenian
Studies Program at Fresno State, held an extraordinary exhibition in
Tatvan, on the shores of Lake Van, entitled “Bitlis Ermenileri” (The
Armenians of Bitlis). This event was part of the Gomidas Institute’s
“bridge-building initiative” which was started in June 2013 to build
contacts between Armenians, Turks, and Kurds.

The Bitlis Armenians exhibition was based on key ethnographic maps and
photographs depicting the Armenian presence in the Ottoman province
of Bitlis before 1915. These were the result of extensive academic
research at the ABCFM Archives (Houghton Library, Harvard University),
Mt. Holyoke College Archives (Mass.), AGBU Nubarian archives (Paris),
and the Ottoman Prime Ministry Archives (Istanbul). The exhibition
was shown at the Tatvan Cultural Center with the support of the local
mayor’s office as well as several other organizations in Bitlis and
surrounding areas.

This exhibition was the first such event in eastern Turkey and was
attended by a whole spectrum of people from students and workers to
local politicians and members of the Turkish Parliament. The Turkish
Human Right’s Association (especially its committee against racism
and discrimination) supported the event and sent three of its members
to attend the opening.

Ara Sarafian is an archival historian specializing on late Ottoman
history. He is the director of the Gomidas Institute, which is a
leading research and publication center related to modern Armenian
history.

The reception and lecture are free and open to the public. Parking
is free at Fresno State on Sundays — Lots P30 and P31, entering at
Shaw and Barton Avenues.

For more information on the exhibit please contact the Armenian
Studies Program.

ARMENIA’S PREMIER DELIVERS SPEECH AT EPP SUMMIT IN BRUSSELS

21:13 * 21.03.14

Armenia’s Premier, Vice-Chairman of the ruling Republican Party
of Armenia (RPA) Tigran Sargsyan participated in the Summit of the
European People’s Party (EPP) in Brussels, Belgium.

Armenia’s premier delivered a speech on the current challenges facing
Europe and the South Caucasus, in particular.

With respect to the Ukraine developments, Armenia’s premier said that
the world has focused its attention on the Ukraine crisis. It is a
serious challenge to the European continent and to regional security
and stability. Armenia, with its problematic geopolitical location
and serious security challenges facing it, has always contributed to
peaceful solutions for disputes and crises. And Armenia is sure that
the Ukraine crisis must be resolved following this principle – by means
of dialogue and negotiations and on the basis of international law.

In response to a question by an EPP vice-president, Mr Sargsyan said
that Armenia has a most sensitive issue on its foreign policy agenda
– the Nagorno-Karabakh problem. Armenia remains committed to the
settlement principles declared by the OSCE Minsk Group: no use of
force, territorial integrity and peoples’ right to self-determination.

Mr Sargsyan stated that developing cooperation with a partner must
not be at the expense of relations with other partners. Armenia
will continue its policy of harmonizing interests. The country seeks
to be a bridge between partners rather than a platform for clashing
interests. In deciding in favor of the Customs Union, Armenia followed
this very principle. On the other hand, Armenia has repeatedly stated
that relations with the European Union will remain one of its foreign
policy priorities.

With respect to Armenia-EU relations, Armenia’s premier said
comprehensive reforms in Armenia-EU relations are being implemented.

Armenia appreciates the assistance the EU has rendered for years,
which has enabled the country to make essential progress in building
up institutions that meet present-day requirements. Armenia is seeking
further development of its relations with the EU. This process is of
vital importance for the country’s further progress, improvement of
political and government institutions, creation of favorable conditions
for economic development and maintaining regional stability. At this
stage, Armenia attaches special importance to establishing a new
framework for cooperation with the EU. As the first step, a proposal
for the signing of the political chapter of the Association Agreement,
without the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area Agreement, is
probably the best option for Armenia. On the one hand, this framework
is supposed to reflect the deep Armenia-EU ties.

On the other hand, it is supposed to be compatible with Armenia’s
relations with its other partners. The ruling Republican Party of
Armenia considers it the best way of harmonizing interests in the
region.

Armenian News – Tert.am

ZHARANGUTYUN RESUMES ANTI-GOVERNMENT RALLIES

YEREVAN, March 21. / ARKA /. The Zharangutyun (Heritage) opposition
Armenian party, headed by US-born Raffi Hovannisian, has called on
its supporters today to rally March 28 at Freedom Square in downtown
Yerevan for an antigovernment demonstration.

Speaking to reporters, Hovanissian said the rally would become the
beginning of what he called ‘radical changes’ in Armenia. Hovannisian
said also he hoped that not only political forces, but also civil
and social movements would join him.

He said the rallies would be held on regular basis and expressed
hope that the citizens and political forces would achieve a change
of leadership in the country.

Hovannisian also argued that Armenia must recognize the independence
of Nagorno-Karabakh in its current borders.

He said it is wrong when Armenia’s leadership wants other countries
to recognize Nagorno-Karabakh while it itself does nothing in that
direction.

In the 2013 presidential election Hovannisian lost to the incumbent
Serzh Sargsyan, who was reelected with 58.64 % of the vote.

Hovannisian received 36.74 % and refused to recognize the outcome of
the poll. -0-

– See more at:

ARMENIA PLANS MAJOR POLITICAL DEAL WITH EU: PRIME MINISTER

March 21, 2014 – 13:02 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Armenia plans to ink a major political agreement
with the European Union, Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan said during
the Radio Liberty Armenian Service broadcast.

As the official noted, “we’re working with our European partners
on a new line of cooperation. We’re happy that our European friends
understand Armenia’s stance and the logic of decision-making.”

According to Sargsyan, the new deal will include clauses agreed on
during previous negotiations.

As he also noted, in the capacity of the Customs Union member,
Yerevan will expect cuts in customs duties within 7 years.

“The European Union Advisory Group to Armenia will terminate its
activity in late 2014, with the EU continuing assistance to the
republic in the sectors of close cooperation,” As the head of the EU
delegation to Armenia, Ambassador Traian Hristea said in early 2014.

The EU Advisory Group was formed in 2008 to assist Armenia in advancing
the implementation of the European Neighborhood Policy Action Plan.

As Hristea noted at the sitting of the Advisory Group, the work
conducted in Armenia was effective, with progress in a number of
sectors noted.

National Security Council Secretary Artur Baghdasaryan, in turn,
welcomed the ongoing cooperation, with a number of reforms and joint
programs testifying to its success.

Deputy parliament speaker Eduard Sharmazanov further noted the EU
to be among Yerevan’s key partners, expressing readiness to continue
democracy-promoting reforms to the benefit of Armenian society.

He further listed political and legal reforms, the visa facilitation
and readmission agreements among achievements of the Armenia-EU
partnership.

According to the Q4 2013 report, the Advisory Group provided
consultations on rule of law, migration, democratic governance,
anti-trafficking, protection of witnesses, introduction of probation
service in Armenia as well as anti-corruption measures.

Also, a concept on organization of visits and creation of an
information center at the National Assembly were accomplished with
the involvement of the Advisory Group.

In 2014, the Group will work to implement further reforms and
strategic programs. Armenia completed technical talks on a ‘deep and
comprehensive free-trade agreement’ (DCFTA) with the EU in July 2013
and it was set to be signed at a summit with the EU in late November.

In addition to a free-trade deal, Armenia has been working towards
the signing of an association agreement with the EU, a framework
agreement on co-operation that is seen as a first step towards
political integration with the EU.

During a Sept 3 meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin,
Armenian leader Serzh Sargsyan said Armenia is ready to join Customs
Union, with further plans to be involved in formation of the Eurasian
Economic Union. Mr. Putin supported the initiative, vowing procedural
assistance to Armenia.

A draft resolution on Armenia’s accession to the Customs Union and
unified economic zone was approved at the Minsk-hosted Supreme Eurasian
Economic Council meeting Dec 24. On Jan 23, Armenian government has
approved the list of measures for joining the Customs Union.

“Armenia implemented almost half of the activities envisaged by the
Customs Union accession roadmap,” Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan
said earlier.

INGA ZARAFYAN: ARMENIA RANKS MINING INDUSTRY REVENUES ABOVE HUMAN HEALTH

by Karina Manukyan

Friday, March 21, 12:54

Armenia ranks mining industry revenues above human health, Head of
EcoLur NGO Inga Zarafyan told ArmInfo.

She said that Armenia’s regions face a disastrous situation due
to the tailing dumps and open-cut mining. The matter concerns the
contamination of soil, water and agricultural products. According
to various surveys, in the “mining” towns such as Kapan and Kajaran
the contamination with toxic metals exceeds the limit by 100 and
more times.

Zarafyan stressed that the data related to the negative influence
of mining industry on the health of the adjacent communities’
residents are concealed from the wide public. In this matter the
environmentalists can only rely on the information leakage from certain
mining enterprises, where the employees suffer from lung diseases,
particularly, silicosis.

The expert thinks that the mining industry is covered by the
authorities. She pointed out that the mining companies pay small fines
in case of accidents. The biggest amount a company may pay for the
serious damage inflicted to the environment is 400 thsd AMD. In the
meantime, the inflow of the tails into the rivers and gorges means
destruction of fertile soil and irrigation water sources.

“Unfortunately, Armenia ranks the mining industry revenues above the
human health”, said Zarafyan.

To recall, in 2013 the American University of Armenia and the
Blacksmith Institute (USA) surveyed 19 communities of Armenia and
revealed soil contamination with heavy metals. The concentration of
chrome, cadmium, lead and arsenic in the soil, as well as on the
playgrounds of the schools and kindergartens exceeded the maximum
concentration limit due to the mining industry and tailing dumps.

INEFFECTIVE USE OF WATER AND POLLUTION TWO MAJOR PROBLEMS IN ARMENIA

YEREVAN, March 21. / ARKA /. Ineffective use of water has become a
serious problem in Armenia, according to Arevik Hovsepyan, head of
National Water Cooperation non-governmental organization.

Speaking at a conference on basic water related problems in Armenia
today timed with the World Water Day, she said water pollution and
supplying people with clean water are the two biggest challenges now.

The conference was organized as part of a SPRING PR company’s project
called Let’s Take Care of Water.

Comparing the current situation with what there was a decade ago she
said the level of water pollution has grown because of lack of strict
government control. However, she also praised the government for
effective measures taken in recent years to address these problems,
in particular, through building water treatment plants.

Arevik Hovsepyan said to address this problem in a more effective
manner the government should work out special programs on how to
improve the quality of water resources management.

Tatevik Simonyan, co-founder of SPRING PR Company, said ineffective
use of water for irrigation and by small hydropower plants is another
acute problem.

The conference was attended by experts from various government
agencies, including the ministries of energy and natural resources,
agriculture and environmental protection, as well as international
experts and businesspeople related to water resources.

The World Water Day, marked on March 22, was proclaimed by UN General
Assembly in 1993. This year event’s motto is ‘Water and Energy.”

According to UNICEF and WHO estimates published in 2013 a staggering
768 million people do not have access to safe drinking water. Most
of the people without access are poor and live in remote rural areas
or urban slums. -0 –

– See more at:

Armenian Studies Program
Barlow Der Mugrdechian, Coordinator
5245 N. Backer Ave. PB4
Fresno CA 93740-8001

ASP Office: 559-278-2669
Office: 559-278-2669
FAX: 559-278-2129

Visit the ASP Website:

`Remembering the Armenians of Bitlis’
An Exhibit at the Henry Madden Library at Fresno State
Open March 30-April 30, 2014

The Armenian Studies Program at Fresno State in cooperation with the
Gomidas Institute (London), and the Leon S. Peters Foundation present
`Remembering the Armenians of Bitlis’ an exhibit to be open from March
30 to April 30, 2014, on the second floor of the Henry Madden Library.
A special opening reception to highlight the exhibit of rare photos,
documents, and maps from the Bitlis area will be held from 3:00-4:00PM
on Sunday, March 30, on the second floor of the Madden Library. The
hors d’oeuvres reception is free and open to the public. Immediately
following the reception Ara Sarafian of the Gomidas

Institute will present a talk, `Down and About Bitlis: An Exhibition
on Bitlis Armenians on the Shores of Lake Van (March 1-2, 2014)’ at 4
:00PM, in Room 2206 of the Madden Library, next to the exhibit area.

On March 1-2, 2014, the Gomidas Institute with the support of the
Armenian Studies Program at Fresno State, held an extraordinary
exhibition in Tatvan, on the shores of Lake Van, entitled `Bitlis
Ermenileri’ (The Armenians of Bitlis). This event was part of the
Gomidas Institute’s `bridge-building initiative’ which was started in
June 2013 to build contacts between Armenians, Turks, and Kurds.

The Bitlis Armenians exhibition was based on key ethnographic maps and
photographs depicting the Armenian presence in the Ottoman province of
Bitlis before 1915. These were the result of extensive academic
research at the ABCFM Archives (Houghton Library, Harvard University),
Mt. Holyoke College Archives (Mass.), AGBU Nubarian archives (Paris),
and the Ottoman Prime Ministry Archives (Istanbul). The exhibition was
shown at the Tatvan Cultural Center with the support of the local
mayor’s office as well as several other organizations in Bitlis and
surrounding areas.

This exhibition was the first such event in eastern Turkey and was
attended by a whole spectrum of people from students and workers to
local politicians and members of the Turkish Parliament. The Turkish
Human Right’s Association (especially its committee against racism and
discrimination) supported the event and sent three of its members to
attend the opening.

Ara Sarafian is an archival historian specializing on late Ottoman
history. He is the director of the Gomidas Institute, which is a
leading research and publication center related to modern Armenian
history.

The reception and lecture are free and open to the public. Parking is
free at Fresno State on Sundays-Lots P30 and P31, entering at Shaw and
Barton Aves.

For more information on the exhibit please contact the Armenian
Studies Program at 278-2669.

Glendale News Press, CA
March 20 2014

Intersections: A ride that changed a life

March 19, 2014|By Liana Aghajanian

Lt. Lola Abrahamian never intended to become a police officer. She was
already enjoying a fruitful and rewarding career she had had since
graduating from college, but an interest in criminal law and a chance
meeting with the Glendale Police Department led to a ride-along that
completely changed the course of her life.

“I went out on the ride-along and I thought this is what I want to do.
It was just fun and exciting and I thought, well, this is a lot more
fun than becoming a lawyer,” she said with the kind of enchanting,
contagious laugh that makes you want to laugh, too. “The problem was
that nobody really thought I was serious, because of what I was doing
and what I wanted to do.”

What she was doing was a world away from law enforcement. For 14
years, Abrahamian worked in the field of reproductive biology. With
combined degrees in microbiology and chemistry, she was a lead
embryologist in several Southern California in vitro fertilization
facilities, including one of the country’s largest sperm banks.

The leap from giving someone the chance to become parents to
patrolling the streets was a big one. And though she loved her career,
she was leaning toward a change, one that she was very serious about
following through with.

“I tell people, imagine what a wonderful and intriguing thing it is to
be able to look at a single sperm and a single egg and then look at a
fertilized egg and embryo and then nine months later, see a live
baby,” she said. “To this day, I miss it. I didn’t leave because I
didn’t like the career, I just had gone as far as I could go.”

After three years as a reserve, Abrahamian transitioned to a patrol
officer, but her roles and opportunities within the department have
been plentiful and diverse. She was once a crisis negotiator for the
city’s SWAT team, worked as a detective in financial crime and assault
units and because of her science background, oversaw the fairly new
Verdugo Regional Crime Laboratory.

Promoted to lieutenant in 2010, she became North Area Commander last
summer. This coming April will be her 14-year anniversary with the
Glendale Police Department.

She is in all senses of the word a self-confessed anomaly. With two
careers blossoming at different stages in her life, her entrance into
law enforcement strays away from the normal career trajectory of a
police officer.

Hurriyet Daily News, Turkey
March 21 2014

Turkey wants nuclear plant in Armenia to be shut down

ANKARA – Anadolu Agency

Minister Yýldýz said Turkey had sent an official appeal to the
International Atomic Energy Agency concerning the shutdown of the
plant.

The Metsamor nuclear power plant in Armenia is outdated and should be
urgently closed down, Turkish Energy Minister Taner Yýldýz has said,
re-voicing concerns about the safety of the plant.

Speaking with reporters during a visit to the Turkish province of
Iðdýr near Turkey’s eastern border on March 21, Yýldýz said Turkey had
sent an official appeal to the International Atomic Energy Agency
concerning the shutdown of the plant.

“The nuclear plant, which was put online in 1980, has had a lifespan
of 30 years. This plant has expired and should be immediately closed,”
Yýldýz said.

He stressed Metsamor is just 16 kms away from Turkey’s border, and it
was necessary to bring the issue to international attention and obtain
support for the plant’s closure.

Turkey itself is also building up its energy future on nuclear power
to reduce its soaring energy needs, defying safety risk concerns
voiced by a number of groups at home.

The Metsamor nuclear power plant produces about 40 percent of
Armenia’s electricity, but Turkey and Azerbaijan object to its
existence as they believe it does not meet international safety
standards.

March/21/2014

Global Post
March 21 2014

Ukraine recalls envoy to Armenia over Crimea spat

Ukraine’s interim government recalled its ambassador to Yerevan for
consultations on Friday after Armenia’s president backed Russia’s
annexation of Crimea, the foreign ministry said.

As well as recalling ambassador Ivan Kukhta, acting foreign minister
Andriy Deshchytsya summoned the Armenian envoy in Kiev to express his
“deep concern” at Yerevan’s position, his office said in a statement.

The moves come after Armenian President Serge Sarkissian told Russian
counterpart Vladimir Putin in a phone call that Moscow’s annexation
Crimea was a “model for the realisation of self-determination”.

In the early 1990s, Armenians took up arms to establish an independent
mini-state in the Azerbaijani enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh, in a move
never recognised by the international community. (AFP)

via/dv/cc