Author: nina hovnanian

L’ONU S’OPPOSE AU MEMORIAL ARMENIEN PREVU A GENEVE

Le Lobbying turc contre un memorial du Genocide Armenien a Genève
montre ses effets : les representants de l’ONU sont intervenus auprès
des services publics suisses pour en empecher l’erection. Depuis,
ceux-ci examinent la possibilite d’un transfert.

Selon un article de Markus Haefliger publie dans le journal ” Neue
Zurcher Zeitung “, le chef du bureau de l’ONU a Genève a eu une
reunion avec Sami Kanaan (PS) Conseiller a la Ville de Genève et
aurait emis de fortes reserves sur ce projet. Le bureau de presse du
Secretaire general de l’ONU Kassym-Jomart Tokajev a confirme que la
reunion a bien eu lieu le 4 juin. L’ONU n’a fait aucun commentaire
public precisant seulement que le monument etait ” entièrement du
ressort des autorites locales “.

Dans les coulisses, Sami Kanaan a indique que ” le Directeur general
n’est pas fondamentalement oppose au monument, mais très clairement
contre l’emplacement près du Palais des Nations “. La raison de cette
reticence, selon Sami Kanaan tiendrait a la controverse au sein de
l’organisation internationale sur la designation de ces massacres en
tant que genocide.

Le monument doit etre erige dans le Parc de l’Ariana, qui appartient a
la ville, mais qui se trouve a côte du bâtiment de l’ONU. La decision
suisse de construire un tel monument a ete prise en 2008. L’article
du ” Neue Zurcher Zeitung ” precise que comme toujours lorsqu’il
s’agit de la question armenienne les Turcs ont exerce une forte
pression et pas que seulement sur l’ONU. Selon plusieurs sources,
la Turquie a egalement proteste auprès du Departement federal des
affaires etrangères (DFAE).

Face a cette pression et l’importance de l’ONU a Genève, la ville
a decide de reetudier la question. Cette semaine Sami Kanaan et le
directeur de l’urbanisme Remy Pagani vont ” reexaminer toutes les
options “. Un transfert serait ” difficile “. La ville possède de
nombreux sites testes, et il n’y avait pas beaucoup d’alternatives
” dignes ” qui soient aussi techniquement et juridiquement possibles.

Selon le journaliste le lobby armenien augmente aussi la pression. Le
groupe parlementaire Suisse-Armenie a ecrit a la ville. Dans la
lettre, les Conseillers Dominique de Buman (cvp.), Ueli Leuenberger
(gps.) et Hans-Jurg Fehr (PS) ont indique que l’emplacement a côte
de l’Organisation des Nations Unies est ” excellent ” parce que le
message du memorial est universel. Il englobe ” tous les crimes contre
l’humanite du 20e Siècle “.

Les organisations juives et kurdes sont solidaires avec les Armeniens.

Le president de la section genevoise de la Ligue internationale contre
le racisme et l’antisemitisme (Licra), le politicien Pierre Blanc du
FDP a ecrit a Sami Canaan dans une lettre qu’il etait ” inacceptable
qu’un etat etranger impose a d’autres sa politique du souvenir “.

Le memorial se compose de neuf lampadaires où des larmes d’acier
remplacent les ampoules. La reference a l’Armenie est claire, car
il doit y avoir des inscriptions armeniennes, cependant il n’y a pas
une reference explicite a la Turquie et le mot ” genocide ” ne figure
nulle part.

mercredi 3 juillet 2013, Stephane ©armenews.com

RUSSIA-ARMENIA’S ARMROSGAZPROM TO PAY NO DIVIDENDS FOR 2012

Prime-Tass English-language Business Newswire
July 1, 2013 Monday 2:13 PM EET

Russian-Armenian gas pipeline operator ArmRosgazprom will not pay
dividends for 2012 due to a U.S. $158 million net loss, according to
the company’s statement released Monday, RIA Novosti reported.

The decision was made by the company’s shareholders on June 30.

Russian natural gas giant Gazprom owns an 80% stake in ArmRosgazprom,
and Armenia’s Energy and Natural Resources Ministry owns the remaining
20% stake.

Established in 1997, ArmRosgazprom has a monopoly on natural gas
imports into Armenia.

VISIT TO SAMSHVILDE

Diocese of Armenian Apostolic
Orthodox Holy Church in Georgia
/ 1 June 2013

A Spiritual and Cultural Event was Organized by the Armenian Diocese
in Georgia and the “Hayartun” Center in Armenian-populated Samshvilde
Village of Tetritskaro district On 29 June 2013 within the framework of
spiritual and cultural events organized by the Diocese of the Armenian
Apostolic Orthodox Holy Church in Georgia and the “Hayartun” Center,
at Surb Prkich Church in Samshvilde village of Tetritskaro region,
built in 1844, under the leadership of the Primate of the Armenian
Diocese in Georgia, His Grace Bishop Vazgen Mirzakhanyan the Divine
Liturgy was conducted. The Coordinator of the “Hayartun” Center Levon
Chidilyan, Adviser to the Head of the Diocese Levon Isakhanyan, the
Head of IT Department Valera Badalyan, the spiritual supervisor Deacon
Gevorg Antonyan and the Manager on economic affairs Karen Yeritsyan
had arrived from Tbilisi to attend the divine service. The benefactor
of “Hayartun” Center residing in Russia – Boris Saakov also arrived
in Samshvilde.

Priest Narek Ghushchyan conducted the Divine Liturgy with the
participation of Tbilisi Surb Gevorg Church Choir (conductor Luiza
Vardanova), which filled with spiritual joy the village inhabitants
who are devoid of spiritual life.

During the meeting with the village community the Head of the
Diocese delivered a sermon concerning the Feast Day of the Twelve
Holy Apostles of Christ and St. Paul, the Thirteenth Apostle, while
blessing the audience Bishop Vazgen Mirzakhanyan encouraged them to
remain faithful to the Armenian Church, to preserve the language and
traditions and live in the Armenian spirit.

In the village center a splendid concert featuring solo performers
and dance ensemble “Ani”, functioning at the “Hayartun” Center,
(choreographer Angelina Nazaryan-Kochyan) was held.

Additionally we want to say that Samshvilde village Head and the
local secondary school Principal had been informed of the arrival
of the Head of the Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Holly
Church in Georgia and the delegation of Tbilisi Armenians, but for
some unknown reasons both of them were absent. Yet the meeting of
the clergy and artists with villagers was held in a warm atmosphere.

Photo reportage is available at:

Press service of the Armenian Diocese in Georgia 18, Armazi Street,
0103, Tbilisi, Georgia Phone: +995322546411 Cell: +995593397170
Fax: +995322751790 Email: [email protected] Website:

6.3-6.4 PERCENT ECONOMIC GROWTH IS EXPECTED IN ARMENIA FOR COMING THREE YEARS

20:41, 2 July, 2013

YEREVAN, JULY 2, ARMENPRESS: The annual growth of real GDA in Armenia
for 2014-2016 is has been forecasted correspondingly 6.3, 6.3 and 6.4
percent. “Armenpress” reports calling the official website of Armenian
Government that about this is mentioned in the project of Midterm
expenditure program. It is expected that the above-mentioned economic
growth will be supported greatly by service and industry fields.

For midterm forecasts as a base have served the recorded trends
and features of economic development in post-crisis period,
the expectations and analyzes about world economy introduced by
international organizations as well as the directions of midterm
state policy presented by ministries.

It is also expected that the macroeconomic balance will be improved
by the program. By the program will be determined by spheres strict
budget limitations creating conditions and stimulations for ministries
for targeted and efficient usage of available finds.

The system of budget programs’ estimation will be improved and the
level of transparency of state finance management will become higher.

By the Government’s program of 2013 is expected to secure 6.3 percent
economic growth.

ANCA ENDORSES PETER KOUTOUJIAN IN SPECIAL CONGRESSIONAL ELECTION

July 3, 2013

WASHINGTON-The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) has
announced its endorsement of Middlesex County Sheriff Peter Koutoujian
for United States Congress. After the Massachusetts Senate special
election on June 25, Rep. Ed Markey’s 5th district House seat is now
vacant, which means another special election will be held to fill
the remainder of Markey’s term.

koutoujian anca 296×300 ANCA Endorses Peter Koutoujian in Special
Congressional Election Koutoujian with ANCA National Board Member
Stephen Mesrobian, ANCA Eastern Region Board Member Tamar Kanarian
and ANCA Eastern Massachusetts activists Mikael Garabedian and Dikran
Kaligian.

“We stand with Peter Koutoujian as he embarks on his new path
to Congress. His leadership in Massachusetts and in the Armenian
American community has been steadfast and inspiring, and he has the
ANCA’s full backing in this election process and beyond,” said ANCA
National Board member Stephen Mesrobian of Foxborough, Mass.

Peter Koutoujian is a leader in the Armenian-American community,
especially in Massachusetts’ 5th district, which includes the towns
of Belmont, Lexington, Waltham and Watertown, all of which are densely
populated with Armenians.

Koutoujian has almost 25 years of government experience, beginning
his career as a prosecutor in the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office.

After four years, he was elected to the Massachusetts legislature
in 1997.

He quickly rose through the ranks in the legislature, serving in
leadership positions for 10 of his 14 years while in the Massachusetts
House of Representatives. During that time, Koutoujian championed
causes important to Armenian-Americans, including providing trade
incentives for countries that recognize past genocides and penalizing
companies that do business with countries known to be committing them.

He was also the lead sponsor of annual Armenian Genocide Commemoration.

One of Koutoujian’s greatest achievements while serving in the
Massachusetts Legislature was the creation of the Armenian Heritage
Park (AHP) along the Rose Kennedy Greenway in downtown Boston. Peter
authored the legislation to establish the park and aggressively
pursued state officials for 10 years seeking its approval. The AHP
opened in May 2012.

In January of 2011, Peter was appointed Sheriff of Middlesex County –
representing 1.5 million residents – and was elected this past November
with 77% of the vote.

In the spring of 2011, Peter’s work on behalf of the Armenian community
and devotion to his heritage earned him the prestigious Ellis Island
Medal of Honor. This national award is given to outstanding Americans
who have distinguished themselves through significant contributions
to the United States and embody our patriotic values.

A little more than a year later, Koutoujian received the prestigious
Mkhitar Gosh Medal from Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan in
recognition of his leadership on behalf of the Armenian American
community.

“This special election is a great opportunity to help a longstanding
champion of the causes we share and values we hold dear as a
community. There is no doubt that if Peter Koutoujian is elected to
Congress, he will substantially strengthen our voice on Capitol Hill,”
added Mesrobian.

Koutoujian announced his candidacy officially on July 1st. You can
visit Peter’s website at to watch his
announcement video and learn more about his candidacy.

If you would like to volunteer or donate to the campaign, please
reach out to ANCA Eastern Region Executive Director Michelle Hagopian.

MILITARY PROSECUTOR’S OFFICE IS CREATING A WORKING GROUP FOR THE EXAMINATION OF DEATH CASES IN ARMED FORCES

The Military Prosecutor’s Office has initiated a working group to
examine the outcome of criminal cases and deaths recorded in the
Armed Forces, and present an expert assessment on the effectiveness
of the investigation. The working group will examine the cases in
which final decisions were made after January 1, 2011. Relevant
judicial decision will be made based on the advisory opinions of
the working group. For the involvement in the activities of the
group one representative of the Human Rights Defender’s Office,
one from the Chamber of Advocates, as well as representatives of
non-governmental organizations that are involved in the issues of
the armed forces and practice human rights for at least 4 years are
invited. These non-governmental organizations can participate in
the activities of the working group via their representatives that
are lawyers, who should have professional knowledge of criminal law
and criminal procedure law. According to the Military Prosecutor’s
Office, for the inclusion to the working group the proposals should
be submitted to the Central Military Prosecutor’s Office (address,
Yerevan, Sundukyan 66a) until 2013, July 15 inclusive.

Pastinfo 15:14 02/07/2013 Story from Lragir.am News:

SYRIAN ARMY MAKES MAJOR ADVANCES IN ALEPPO

Tue Jul 02, 2013 2:12

TEHRAN (FNA)- The Syrian army made major advances in Reef (outskirts
of) Aleppo in Northern Syria near the Turkish borders and pushed back
the armed rebels from the occupied areas.

The army’s infantry supported by artillery and air defense units
advanced in al-Zobdieh and Seif al-Doleh in Reef Aleppo in a move to
take full control of the two regions.

The Syrian army can protect Aleppo’s residential areas only after
taking control of al-Zobdieh and Seif al-Doleh. Clashes continue in
both regions.

Last week, the Syrian army made major advances in Reef Homs in Western
Syria, foiling the attempts made by the armed rebel groups in nearby
areas to help besieged militants in the Homs region.

The army’s infantry units entered al-Khalediya region in Reef Homs,
an informed Syrian military source told FNA.

The source noted that despite heavy clashes between the Syrian army and
the armed rebels in al-Khalediya, the army could make major advances
and destroyed tens of rebel bastions in the region.

“As the army suddenly entered al-Khalediya, terrorist groups and
armed rebels in adjacent areas tried hard to help the rebels besieged
in the region, but the Syrian army confronted them,” the military
source added.

Syria has been experiencing unrest since March 2011 with organized
attacks by well-armed gangs against Syrian police forces and border
guards being reported across the country.

Hundreds of people, including members of the security forces, have
been killed, when some protest rallies turned into armed clashes.

The government blames outlaws, saboteurs, and armed terrorist groups
for the deaths, stressing that the unrest is being orchestrated
from abroad.

In October 2011, calm was almost restored in the Arab state after
President Assad started a reform initiative in the country, but Israel,
the US and its Arab allies sought hard to bring the country into chaos
through any possible means. Tel Aviv, Washington and some Arab capitals
have been staging various plots to topple President Bashar al-Assad,
who is well known in the world for his anti-Israeli stances.

UN ARMENIA LAUNCHES THE UN CORNER AT THE “NATIONAL CENTER FOR INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP”

13:55 02.07.2013
Armenia, UN

Now students, researchers, journalists and all the interested
individuals will have better access to the information on the UN
values, global agenda and the UN work in Armenia, as a result of
launching the UN Corner in the Library of the “National Center for
Innovation and Entrepreneurship” within the Ministry of Economy. This
year the Library marks its 50th anniversary.

More than 500 UN publications and multi-media materials were
provided to the newly-opened UN Corner, which will serve to further
educate people on UN values and functioning. The visitors of the
Scientific-Technical Library will also use the UN Corner to organize
UN-related cultural, educational, and other events.

Maria Dotsenko, the UN Department of Public Information Representative
in Armenia, said: “The UN keeps its dialogue with the people
of Armenia, whom it serves. When people know more about UN and
share UN values, they are more eager to engage in UN activities
and become our reliable partners in promotion of UN core values:
human rights, democratic governance, peace and security, sustainable
human development.”

“We highly appreciate our cooperation with the UN. Our joint activities
will allow the visitors of our Library to contribute to the work of
UN, and to become better informed and active citizens of our country”,
said Sergey Madatyan, the Director the “National Center for Innovation
and Entrepreneurship”.

Seven UN Corners already function, four of which in Armenian-Russian
(Slavonic) University, Armenian State Pedagogical University named
after Khachatur Abovyan, the Armenian National Agrarian University,
Armenian State University of Economics, and three outside of Yerevan –
in Stepanavan, Dilijan and Ijevan.

ARAVOT: FORMER DEPUTY VAHAGN GRIGORIAN INTENDS TO SET UP NEW PARTY

Tuesday,
July 02

‘Aravot’ writes citing its sources that former deputy of the Armenian
parliament, ex-head of ArmPetroliumProduct Company Vahagn Grigorian
intends to set up a new party. The paper’s correspondent asked
Grigorian to comment on the information, but the latter declined.

TODAY, 13:12

Aysor.am

EXPERT WARNS AGAINST HASTY CONCLUSIONS AS GEORGIAN-ARMENIAN ACTIVIST ALLEGES ‘POLITICAL CONTEXT’ BEHIND BROTHER’S ARREST

NEWS | 02.07.13 | 11:00

Photolure

Haykazun Alvrtsyan By SIRANUYSH GEVORGYAN ArmeniaNow reporter

Haykazun Alvrtsyan, an expert on Javakhk issues, does not yet see any
political context behind last week’s arrest of a Georgian-Armenian
activist’s brother. According to him, one should follow the behavior
of the Georgian authorities before giving evaluations.

“When something happens in Javakhk, certain political and public
circles try to give it a political context. It is good that they are
vigilant, but sometimes without clarifying the problem they jump to
conclusions,” Alvrtsyan said during a press conference in Yerevan
on Monday.

On June 28, the brother of Vahagn Chakhalyan, Armen, was detained
along with three other persons in the Armenian-populated Javakhk
province of Georgia. According to Georgian media, the reason for the
detentions was a scuffle among a few young people. Georgia Online
writes that Armen Chakhalyan is accused of organizing unrest. On July
1, a Georgian court decided to put him into custody for two months,
while the other three detained persons were released.

United Javakhk movement leader Vahangn Chakhalyan, who spent nearly
four years in prison following what he insists was his politically
motivated conviction, said he saw a political context behind his
brother’s arrest. Chakhalyan was released under the act of amnesty
earlier this year. He was imprisoned in July 2008 and the Georgian
court subsequently gave him a 10-year sentence for “organization
of large-scale events, public disturbance, hooliganism and illegal
possession of weapons.”

Chakhalyan insists that his brother had nothing to do with the scuffle
in the village of Gondura as he went there in the middle of the fight
and his aim was to put an end to it and reconcile the parties.

“All are equal before the law, but the circumstances of the arrest
of my brother give me a reason to suppose that the incident is an
act of provocation with clear political motives and its authors are
Saakashvili-Merabishvili loyalists who still wield some influence in
local power structures,” he said in a statement.

Chakhalyan believes that the mentioned circles try to artificially fuel
tensions in the relations between Georgia’s Armenian population and
the central authorities “in order to restore their positions shattered
after the change of power in conditions of bilateral distrust.”

“I consider that what has happened is largely a consequence of the
fact that the present government has not yet shown the necessary
political will and determination in the matter of condemning the
criminal policies of the previous regime against the Armenian
population of Javakhk, restoring justice and establishing rule of
law and democratic values in the Armenian-populated regions,” said
Chakhalyan. “I want to believe that the forces that have planned
and carried out my brother’s arrest will prove erroneous in their
calculations and their provocation will fail.”

Expert Alvrtsyan, meanwhile, refrained from commenting on Vahagn
Chakhalyan’s statement.

“I’d prefer not to comment on his approaches,” he said. “I am sure
that if his brother weren’t there, he would not have been arrested.

But it, of course, does not mean that if they had an intention to
arrest him, they wouldn’t have been able to find an excuse.”

Speaking about the overall development of the Javakhk region and
the attitude of the Georgian authorities towards ethnic Armenians,
Alvrtsyan said that he does not see any changes there in the time to
come as Georgia regards Turkey and Azerbaijan as serious strategic,
military and political allies.

Interestingly, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan on Monday received
Georgia’s visiting Interior Minister Irakli Garibashvili. A terse
report disseminated by the presidential press office said the sides
exchanged views around issues concerning regional security. It is
unclear whether the Chakhalyan case was addressed during the meeting.