Author: nina hovnanian

Vestnik Kavkaza, Russia
May 17 2013

Armenian government to help farms of hail-struck Armavir Region

17 May 2013 – 12:09pm

The Agriculture Ministry of Armenia was allowed to purchase seeds and
donate them to Armavir, a region hit by hail on May 12, 2013.
The Seed Agency and SKIF AGRO (Russia) will help acquire seeds.

Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan asked Agriculture Minister
Sergo Karapetyan to inform him and the Armavir locals about the
progress.

The government and the MAP agreed to provide the necessary equipment
to 10 regional centers.

Hail damaged farms in Ashtarak, Voskevaz, Voskeat, Oshakan, Parpi,
Oganavan, Karbi, Partizak, Bazmaberd and Kazaravan in the Aragots
Region of Armenia at about 2.30-3.00 pm on May 12. Armavir, Metsamor,
Getashen, Amasia, Shenavan, Dzhrashen, Anknalich, Nor Armavir, Nor
Artages, Dzhrarat, Nalbandyan, Berkashat in the Armavir Region of
Armenia got agricultural damage at about 1.40-2.10 pm.

Second complaint filed against Armenian MP

May 17, 2013 | 19:29

YEREVAN. – Director of the Moscow House in Yerevan has already filed
the second complaint against the MP from the faction of the Republican
Party of Armenia Naira Karapetyan.

Member of the Ethics Committee at the Armenian parliament Tevan
Poghosyan confirmed the reports for Armenian News-NEWS.am. He will
represent the issue at a meeting of the commission.

Incidentally, the MP is out of the country at the moment.

Earlier the Commission received a complaint regarding the behavior of
the deputy Naira Karapetyan. This statement has not been investigated
because it failed to meet legal requirements. Naira Karapetyan herself
refused to talk about the incident, and, in her turn, accused the
director of spreading misinformation.

News from Armenia – NEWS.am

Armen Martirosian: By accepting mandates, we don’t legitimize elections

Friday,
May 17

I don’t think that by accepting our mandates in the Yerevan Council of
Elders, we legitimize the elections. The deputy chairman of Heritage
Party Armen Martirosian, who tops the list of Hello Yerevan bloc of
parties’ list of candidates to Yerevan Council of Elders, expressed
this opinion at a meeting with reporters today.

`We have no choice but to struggle and use our levers to solve the
problems. People trusted us and we should justify their trust,’ Armen
Martirosian said, adding that Hello Yerevan bloc is going to be a
restrictive link in the Yerevan Council.

`We will be the only opposition force there and we should represent
both the society and the other opposition forces that did not win
seats in the Council,’ Heritage Party’s deputy chairman stated.

As regards the May 5 elections to Yerevan Council of Elders, A.
Martirosian said those elections were much worse than the presidential
and parliamentary elections.

`These elections were ten steps backward compared with the previous
two elections,’ Martirosian said.

TODAY, 15:39
Aysor.am

May 17, 2013
Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate
6252 Honolulu Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
Tel: (818) 248-7737
Fax: (818) 248-7745
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:

PRELATE PARTICIPATES IN INAUGURATION OF
`NEW CILICIA’ VILLAGE IN ARTSAKH

On Wednesday, May 15, 2013, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate, returned to Los Angeles from a mission in Armenia and Artsakh. The
Prelate first participated in the meeting of the Canonization Committee at
Holy Etchmiadzin, from where he headed to Artsakh for the official opening
of the `New Cilicia’ village sponsored by the Catholicosate of Cilicia.
The `New Cilicia’ project was implemented by the joint efforts of
the Catholicosate of Cilicia and the government of the Republic of
Nagorno-Karabakh to build single residence homes, a kindergarten, medical
center, community center, and a church in the Martakert Province to
repopulate the strategically important region.
The first phase included the renovation of the existing elementary
school, the drawing of the village blueprint, which was ratified by the
government, and the building of the first ten homes in late 2012. The homes
were presented to families of martyred soldiers and young couples selected
by the government. In the meantime, construction and renovations continue
on 32 existing homes, which is expected to be completed in the coming few
months.
The Catholicosate of Cilicia delegation, comprised of the Prelate,
H.E. Archbishop Sebouh Sarkissian (Prelate of Tehran), H.E. Bishop Papken
Tcharian (Prelate of Isfahan),Mr. Ara Demirjian and Mr. Vahe Yacoubian
(Central Executive members), Mr. Edward Babakhanians (Chairman of the Tehran
Prelacy Executive Council), and Mr. Khatchig Dedeyan (Catholicosate
Chancellor), arrived in Artsakh on Friday, May 10.
On the morning of Saturday, May 11, the delegation met with Artsakh
President Bako Sahakyan and Primate H.E. Archbishop Barkev Martirosyan, and
firstly conveyed the blessings and well wishes of H.H. Catholicos Aram I.
State-church ties, socioeconomic situation in Artsakh and regional trends
were the focus of the meeting. President Sahakyan expressed his gratitude to
His Holiness for the close relations that exist between the Catholicosate
and the Republic of Artsakh, as evidenced by the building of the `New
Cilicia’ village, and invited His Holiness to visit Artsakh and personally
bless the citizens. The President wished that the `New Cilicia’ village
becomes the symbol of collaboration between Artsakh and the Diaspora,
stressing the importance of the Diaspora’s support in similar repopulation
efforts. President Sahakyan also underlined the vital role of the Armenian
Apostolic Church in preserving Armenian national identity in the Diaspora,
noting that the church has had a great contribution in strengthening and
expanding ties with the Motherland. Both sides emphasized the need for
continuous deepening the state-church interrelations, considering it among
the most important bases of the Motherland-Diaspora unshakable unity.
Accompanied by Artsakh Prime Minister Arayik Harutyunyan, the
delegation then headed to the `New Cilicia’ village, where they were greeted
and welcomed by Minister of Agriculture Karen Shahramanyan, Head of
Martakert Province Regional Administration Vladik Khachatryan, `New
Ghazanchi’ village head, elementary school principal, and `New Cilicia’
residents.
The inauguration of the village began with a special prayer led by
the Prelates, followed by the reading of letter of blessing of Catholicos
Aram I, in which His Holiness stated that Artsakh gained independence owing
to the collective faith, strong will, and blood of our people. Gaining
independence takes sacrifice, but maintaining and strengthening independence
and democracy takes even greater sacrifice and collective efforts, stated
our Pontiff. A mighty and prosperous Artsakh is a pan-Armenian
responsibility, and it is with knowledge and purpose that the Catholicosate
of Cilicia undertook this project with its Prelacies; we will continue to
lend our unwavering support to Artsakh, concluded the letter of His
Holiness.
In his address, Prime Minister Harutyunyan explained the historical
significance of the region designated for the `New Cilicia’ repopulation
project. The New Ghazanchi region, explained the Prime Minister, was one of
the major theatres of the war and played a significant role in the Artsakh
army’s victory. The Prime Minister expressed thanks and appreciation to His
Holiness Catholicos Aram I and the Prelacies of the Holy See of Cilicia for
their sponsorship of this important effort.
Remarks were also delivered by Head of Martakert Province Regional
Administration Vladik Khachatryan, the school principal, and Minister of
Agriculture Karen Shahramanyan. Mr. Shahramanyan presented the upcoming
phases of the project, which includes the building of 29 new homes and the
completion of the renovation of 32 existing homes.
The breaking ground and blessing of the foundation for the new homes
followed, construction on which will begin immediately. The delegation then
had the opportunity to visit the new homes to congratulate and bless the
families on this joyous occasion.

PRELATE TO CONSECRATE SACRED PAINTINGS AND STAINED GLASS AT ST. GARABED
CHURCH OF LAS VEGAS

On Sunday, May 19, the Prelate will celebrate Divine Liturgy,
deliver the sermon, and consecrate sacred paintings and stained glass
windows at St. Garabed Church of Las Vegas. The Church construction was
completed in April, and St. Garabed was consecrated by the Prelate on April
13 and 14.
Following the service, the Prelate will preside over the unveiling
of “The Surviving Mother” monument in the Church courtyard. The monument,
donated by Mr. & Mrs. Gary & Doris Deratzou, was erected in memory of
Armenian mothers who survived the Armenian Genocide and created our new
generation in America and around the world. The unveiling ceremony is
organized by the Armenian American Cultural Society of Las Vegas and
sponsored by the ARS Las Vegas “Shoushi” Chapter. It will feature a dance
performance by young students of “Armenian Dancers of Las Vegas”. A
luncheon organized by the ARS will follow at “Koujakian” Hall.

ENROLLMENT BEGINS AT BIKFAYA SEMINARY
FOR 2013-2014 ACADEMIC YEAR

H.E. Archbishop Nareg Alemezian, Dean of the Seminary of the
Catholicosate of Cilicia, has announced that enrollment has begun for the
2013-2014 academic year, and continues until May 27. The Seminary accept
students who have completed the 6th grade; older students in high school and
college may apply as well.
The new academic year begins on Monday, October 14, 2013.
This year, special summer classes are also being offered
particularly for students from Syria and nearby countries, however the
classes are open to new enrollees as well. Interested individuals must be
in Bikfaya by July 1st to participate in the program.
For more information please contact the Dean at 03-486943, 04-980060
or [email protected].

MESROBIAN AND MINASSIAN STUDENTS VISIT THE PRELACY

On Thursday, May 16, 2013, fifth grade students from Armenian
Mesrobian and Ari Guiragos Minassian Schools visited the Prelacy where they
met with H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and clergy, and
became familiarized with activities of the Prelacy.
The visit began with a prayer service at the “St. Dertad and St.
Ashkhen” Chapel led by the Prelate, who was joined by Rev. Fr. Ashod
Kambourian and Rev. Fr. Ghevont Kirazian, after which the students presented
the Prelate with mementos. Minassian School students had prepared a prayer
book with prayers they had written, which they presented to His Eminence.
The visit continued at the “Dikran and Zarouhie Der Ghazarian” Hall
where the students performed a cultural program of songs, recitations, and
prayers they had written for their mothers.
Minassian School alumna and former student of the Prelate, Arda
Arjian, who with their fiancé had come to see His Eminence, was invited to
participate in the visit and to share her memories of her time at the
school. Ms. Arjian told the students that when she was their age the
Prelate was the Pastor of Forty Martyrs Church and was her religion teacher,
spoke highly of the friendships she formed while at the school which
continue and remain strong, and urged the students to understand the value
of their school years and enjoy their time as students of Armenian schools.
The Prelate commended Ms. Arjian for her remarks and especially
appreciated her eloquent expression in Armenian, and also commended the
students for their prayers dedicated to their mothers. Speaking on the
importance of prayer, the Prelate asked the students to pray also for their
teachers.
The program concluded with the benediction by the Prelate and the
Cilician anthem sung by the students, and the students headed back to their
schools after receiving a tour and further information on the endeavors of
the Prelacy.

CASPS HONORS OUTSTANDING ARMENIAN GRADUATES

The Committee for Armenian Students in Public Schools (CASPS) each
year honors outstanding Armenian students graduating from the Glendale
Unified School District.
This year’s reception, the 17th annual, was held on Tuesday, May 14
at the Glendale Adult Recreation Center.
Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian represented the Prelate. Executive
Council Chair Mrs. Rima Boghossian and member Ms. Ani Mgrdichian-Garikian
were also in attendance, as well as Executive Council representative to
CASPS Dr. Hagop Der Megerdichian, St. Mary’s Church Board of Trustees
members, and GUSD members.
Fr. Muron conveyed the Prelate’s blessings and well wishes, and read
the Prelate’s message to the students. CASPS Chair Mr. Rouben Gourjian gave
an overview of the event and the overall mission of CASPS. Mrs. Rima
Boghossian congratulated the students and commended the members of CASPS for
this initiative.

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

PRESS RELEASE

Friday, May 17, 2013

CATHOLICOS KAREKIN II HONORS NAZAR AND ARTEMIS NAZARIAN FOR A LIFETIME
OF SERVICE AND PHILANTHROPY

GALA EVENING AT NEW YORK’S PLAZA HOTEL HOSTED BY EASTERN DIOCESE AND
AGBU

By Florence Avakian

“There are those who give with joy, and that joy is their reward.”

These prophetic words by legendary poet Kahlil Gibran might be
considered the lifelong creed of Mr. and Mrs. Nazar and Artemis
Nazarian.

On Friday evening, May 10, close to 400 people attended a gala banquet
in New York’s famed Plaza Hotel, to bear witness as the visiting
Catholicos of All Armenians, His Holiness Karekin II, personally
bestowed on the deserving couple the “Knight of Holy Etchmiadzin”
Medal-the highest honor of the Armenian Church.

The event was sponsored by the Diocese of the Armenian Church of
America (Eastern) and the Armenian General Benevolent Union, and went
forward under the auspices of Diocesan Primate Archbishop Khajag
Barsamian and AGBU President Berge Setrakian.

Among the dignitaries in attendance were Diocesan Legate in
Washington, D.C. Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, Vice Prime Minister of
Armenia Armen Gevorgyan, United Nations Security Council Director
Dr. Movses Abelian, Armenia’s Ambassador to the United States Tatoul
Markarian, Armenia’s Ambassador to the United Nations Garen Nazarian,
and co-chair of the Armenian Caucus in the U.S. House of
Representatives Congressman Frank Pallone.

Welcoming the enthusiastic throng seated at flower-bedecked tables in
the chandeliered ballroom, Nila Festekjian, chair of the banquet
committee, highlighted the significance of the evening by calling the
Nazarians “a couple who we love, cherish, and respect.”

Master of Ceremonies Yervant Demirjian, AGBU’s treasurer, called it a
“rare privilege” to have the Catholicos present.

In his invocation, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian paid tribute to His
Holiness, who “with a spirit of fatherly love and spiritual friendship
has journeyed from Holy Etchmiadzin to share our joy tonight.”

The Primate extolled Nazar and Artemis Nazarian for their “lifetime of
leadership and generosity,” which has made the couple “shining
examples of the Armenian Christian heritage at its best.” He noted
that “Nazar and Artemis are influential forces in the worldwide
Armenian community, whose ethic of philanthropy has inspired our
homeland to grow in the educational, cultural, national, and spiritual
fields.”

SHARE AND GIVE

In a heartfelt salutation to her parents, Seta Nazarian Albrecht
shared the lessons she and her brother Levon had learned through the
years. Revealing a childhood memory of her mother’s kindness,
Mrs. Albrecht recalled Artemis Nazarian’s generosity to a stranger in
a supermarket. “Lesson learned?” Seta asked, “We are blessed with
many gifts. Share them.”

>From her father, Nazar, who was always reading “everything in print,
always looking for what was needed, and how he could help,” Seta
derived the lesson that “Our focus is not on ourselves, but on the
needs of others.”

Concluding her message, Mrs. Albrecht encouraged “the future Artemises
and Nazars” to “give of yourselves; give financial support when you
can; give your time and give your skills. Stay connected to one
another and your community.”

“If we do this,” she added, “if we all follow my parents’ example, our
community, church and our culture will not only survive…we will
thrive.”

A charming three-part video, produced by Ani Manoukian and Bryant
Botero, presented lovely vignettes of the honorees’ life together, as
recounted by friends and members of the Nazarian family, including the
couple’s five grandchildren: William, Nicholas, Matthew, Daniela, and
Gregory.

It was revealed that Nazar and Artemis had met at a dance and married
in 1954. Together, they have shown an unwavering commitment to
Armenian communities around the world. Among their countless acts of
benevolence are the AGBU Levon G. Nazarian Elementary School in
Beirut; the AGBU Levon and Satenig Nazarian Fund; the AGBU Noubar
Nazarian Building, housing the Armenian Embassy in Beirut; the Artemis
Nazarian Preschool in Canoga Park, California; the AGBU Yerevan State
Medical University Levon and Claudia Nazarian Radiology Center; and
the new AGBU Center under construction in Armenia. Additional
beneficiaries of their generosity are the AGBU Yerevan Summer
Internship Program, AGBU Camp Nubar, and countless AGBU academic
scholarships.

In a lifetime of good deeds, Nazar and Artemis have upheld the
Armenian Christian virtues of charity, loyalty, and faithful
leadership, always loyal to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and
generous benefactors of the Armenian Church. They undertook the
funding of the construction of the chancellery, which houses the
administrative offices and the secretariat of the catholicate. In
anticipation of the 1700th anniversary of Armenia’s conversion to
Christianity, they sponsored the construction of the Drtad Chapel of
Yerevan’s St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral.

Viewers were also reminded that Nazar had been one of the godfathers
of St. Vartan Cathedral, and co-chair of the St. Thomas Church
building committee, and has always been supportive of major projects
of the Eastern Diocese, including St. Nersess Armenian Seminary.

Archpriest Fr. Arnak Kasparian, a longtime friend of the family, spoke
for many in his filmed interview when he said to the Nazarians: “You
are God’s blessing for the Armenian people.”

LOVE AND HUMOR

Dr. Levon Nazarian, a prominent radiologist and academic, presented a
multi-media “roast” of his parents, sharing some humorous and
heartwarming episodes from his upbringing. He reminded the audience
that Artemis is an accountant by training, and also an activist,
raconteur, family historian, puzzle fanatic, baseball fan, and a
skillful knitter “who has provided baby blankets for all of the
diaspora.”

With a son’s affection, Dr. Nazarian also portrayed his mother as
“kind, trusting, and generous; a philanthropist, patron of the arts,
caring wife, mother, and grandmother.”

In a tender recollection of his father, Dr. Nazarian told of the trip
they both made to Armenia, during which he felt he discovered his
father anew, as he witnessed Nazar’s outgoing desire to talk with
everyone they met, and to help the great enterprise of building a free
and decent Armenian Republic.

AGBU President Berge Setrakian, who has served on the AGBU Central
Board of Directors with Nazar Nazarian for 35 years, gave a warm
family tribute to the couple (his wife Vera is the niece of Nazar),
speaking of the close family spirit, the sense of celebration, and
protection in the family. “They give with humility and dignity,” said
Mr. Setrakian in his tribute to the honorees. “They are heroes and
role models, who symbolize the best traits of the AGBU founders… I
have seen very few individuals who care as much about the AGBU, the
Armenian Church, and the Armenian nation as Nazar. He follows all of
our projects and initiatives closely, ensuring their continuity and
success.”

Armenia’s Vice Prime Minister Armen Gevorgyan read a message of
appreciation to the honorees from Armenia’s President Serzh Sargsyan,
thanking them “for all your service and contributions to Armenia and
Artsakh.”

At intervals throughout the evening, a string quartet played Komitas
pieces as arranged by Aslamazian. Among the musicians was Tatevik
Ayazyan, a beneficiary of the Nazarians’ generosity, who thanked them
in the video presentation. The other players were Cecee Pantikian,
Anoush Simonian, and Ani Kalayjian.

FAMILY, NATION, CHURCH

The Catholicos of All Armenians, His Holiness Karekin II, was
introduced by Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, and expressed his pleasure
at being present for this auspicious occasion.

“The Nazarians exemplify the Armenian treasures of family, nation and
church. Artemis was a catalyst for Nazar’s great donations and
contributions, and was responsible for bringing up her family. We
know their children will continue their great contributions. The
words of Nazar are embedded in my soul, that he will continue his help
to Armenia in every way.”

The Nazarians “were able to see their dream of a free and independent
Armenia come true,” the Catholicos continued, speaking throughout in
Armenian. “Armenia progresses through the kind work of our people.
Let God’s blessings always be on us and on the Nazarians, and may they
continue their kind service to Armenia.”

With Artemis and Nazar Nazarian standing on either side of him, His
Holiness decorated the honorees with the “Knight of Holy Etchmiadzin”
Pontifical Medal-to a standing ovation from the enthusiastic crowd.

As the audience quieted down, Artemis Nazarian spoke for her husband
and family, expressing deep appreciation to the Catholicos and all the
organizers and guests.

“Tonight is one of the most memorable events of our lifetime,” she
said. “It has been an honor to have you, our friends and relatives,
here for this unforgettable occasion,” she said with emotion, bringing
on another thunderous ovation.

The memorable evening concluded with a benediction from the Catholicos
Karekin II and Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, as the large crowd pressed
forward to congratulate Nazar and Artemis Nazarian.

The tribute banquet committee was led by Nila Festekjian, and included
Seta Nazarian Albrecht, Anita Anserian, Sandra Balouzian, Lynn
Beylerian, Kristine Casali, Betty Cherkezian, Ruby Gulian, Maral
Hajjar, Arda Haratunian, Hilda Hartounian, Lynn Jamie, Maral Jebejian,
Ani Kasparian, Ani Manoukian, Vesna Markarian, Claudia Nazarian, Sossy
Setrakian, and Alice Yigitkurt.

Visit to view a video of the tribute
evening.

Established in 1906, AGBU () is the world’s largest
non-profit Armenian organization. Headquartered in New York City, AGBU
preserves and promotes the Armenian identity and heritage through
educational, cultural and humanitarian programs, annually touching the
lives of some 400,000 Armenians around the world.

For more information about AGBU and its worldwide programs, please
visit

Russia Repelled Armenia

In fact, the government has agreed to the rise of price of gas though
it promised to subsidize 30%. Tigran Sargsyan stated so who,
nevertheless, did not politicize the issue, viewing it from the social
point of view.

Meanwhile, the price of gas is primarily a political issue. First, in
order to subsidize the difference of the price the government will
have to borrow money, boosting foreign debt or increase the tax
burden. Second, gas and oil are the key tools of the foreign policy,
and profit is secondary.

In fact, the government is unlikely to continue the talks with Russia,
which means that Armenia did not agree on a compromise with Moscow
over political issues. It is also possible that Yerevan has the
assurance of the West that Armenia will be helped to overcome gas
pressure by Russia.

Assistance is good, of course, but most probably it will be another
loan. Although, it is not ruled out that other methods will be used to
handle the Russian `pipe’. In Ukraine, for example, along with shale
gas exploration Europe has created a configuration where Russian gas
runs to Europe via the Nord Stream, and Ukraine buys gas there more
cheaply than it would buy from Russia.

Now Ukraine is headed for the signing of the Association Agreement,
and gas is no longer Russia’s key weapon against Ukraine. Something
similar could be offered to Armenia, therefore the Armenian government
might have agreed with this monstrous rise of price, especially that
some American companies have been licensed to seek for shale gas.

One way or another, the price of gas has caused a new wave of
anti-Russian sentiment. In general, recently the population of Armenia
has stopped believing the myth that Russia is our savior, while
Moscow’s policy crushes the remains of confidence in Russia.

Press reports on forceful involvement of Armenia in the Customs Union
and Eurasian Union, the disrespectful pronouncements of Russian
politicians and experts on Armenia, Russia’s intention to resolve the
Karabakh issue in favor of Azerbaijan have shattered the
Armenian-Russian `friendship’. The phrase `strategic partner’ is
already used with irony.

Moscow repels Armenia whose population has always been friendly to
Russia. Armenia and Russia are tied with millions of human, economic,
business strings, and Moscow cuts those strings one after the other.
Moscow would hardly benefit economically from gas. Of course,
consumption will drop. Whereas the political losses will be
irreversible.

Naira Hayrumyan
17:21 16/05/2013
Story from Lragir.am News:

30% gas subsidies to be provided by Armenian government if price rises

YEREVAN, May 16. /ARKA/. Armenian government will provide 30% gas
subsidies if the gas price is raised, Armenian prime-minister Tigran
Sargsyan said before the government meeting.

On May 14 ArmRosgasprom cjsc and Transgaz ltd. filed an application
with Armenia’s public services regulatory commission for review of the
current gas price.

The head of the government sent a letter to the chair of the
commission saying that socially vulnerable groups will receive
support.

`There will be public discussions held on gas price related issues so
that everyone gets answers to his questions’, the prime-minister said.
($1=416.64drams). -0 –

Australian politician speaks on Western Armenia visit

May 16, 2013 – 11:08 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Member of the New South Wales Legislative Council,
Walt Secord, who is also the Deputy Co-Chair of the NSW Parliamentary
Friends of Armenian Group, delivered a powerful speech in Parliament
recounting his recent visit to Western Armenia, armenia.com.au
reports.

Secord made history in 2011 by becoming the first Australian
politician to visit the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh. And in December
2012, Secord returned to Armenia to take part in an expedition to
Western Armenia and visit towns and cities, which were completely
emptied during the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923.

The tour, which commenced in Yerevan, took Secord north through
Gyumri, into the heavily Armenian populated region of Javakhk in
Georgia, and then onto the cities of Kars, Van, Ani, Idgir and
Akhtamar.

Upon his return to Australia, Secord remarked: `My visit to western
Armenia was the most interesting study tour I have undertaken in my
life.’

The seven-day visit, which was organized and partially funded by the
Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC Australia), allowed
Secord to continue his “exploration of the Armenian genocide”, and
allowed him to “see modern Turkey within the context of the
interaction between Islam and the West”.

The trip put into perspective the extensive destruction of the
Armenian populated regions during the Armenian genocide.

In his speech in Parliament, Secord said: `Of course, official denial
is a vital component of oppression and genocide. This is why I will
never apologise for my inquiry into the Armenian story or my support
for the Armenian community. As I have said in Yerevan, in the
Parliament of New South Wales and on many other occasions, it is
repugnant for Turkey to deny the deaths of the 1.5 million Armenians.’

Executive Director of ANC Australia, Vache Kahramanian thanked Secord
for his continued support to ensure the recognition of the Armenian
genocide and for his continued support of the Armenian-Australian
community.

`We are grateful for Mr. Secord’s continued efforts in ensuring the
just recognition of the Armenian Genocide,” Kahramanian said.

“This trip allowed for the Honourable Member to experience first hand
the destruction that fell upon the Armenian people nearly a century
ago. Mr. Secord is a dear friend of the Armenian-Australian community
and a true champion of human rights.”

Walt Secord will again visit Armenia as part of the New South Wales
Parliamentary Friends of Armenian Group delegation in July this year.

REGNUM: NEW KIND OF GENOCIDE IS BEING PERPETRATED IN SYRIA (from the
press-conference of Gagik Harutyunyan)

16.05.2013

Genocide, quite unusual one, is being perpetrated in the Middle East
now – Arabs kill Arabs and alongside a Christian population suffers.
As the REGNUM Information Agency correspondent reports this was stated
by the Director of the Armenian `Noravank’ Foundation Gagik
Harutyunyan at the press-conference held on May 13. According to Mr.
Harutyunyan the major issues under the current situation is who is the
instigator of this `new kind of genocide’.

`In my opinion, the point is the creation of the chaos in the
countries of the Islamic world. Most distinctly it can be observed on
the example of Syria, but here everything is much more complicated:
only 5-10% of the so-called Syrian oppositionists are the citizens of
this country which conveys a great deal. In any case the final target
of the instigators of the Syrian crisis is the Islamic Republic of
Iran and it is visible to a naked eye’, – said the expert and at the
same time he called the situation in Syria `war of temporal Islam
against a radical one’, where the temporal side is represented by the
president of Syria Bashar al Assad.

Developing Syria theme, Harutyunyan underlined that Assad turned out
to be more viable than he was considered to be a year ago. `Besides,
he is supported by a number of countries, including Russia, China and
Iran. Despite a serious crisis the Syrian government appeared in, it
does not work out to overpower Assad. In theory there are two ways of
developing of the Syrian scenario – one is the real and another one is
fantastic: settlement of the conflict at some moment and permanent war
correspondingly’, – said the expert and referred in details to the
`real’ option.

According to the analyst on the one hand the West is interested in a
quick resolution of the conflict and on the other hand it cannot make
for a direct intervention of Syria. `The current situation allows all
external actors to avoid responsibility under the international law.
Formally they are `innocent’ and they take advantage of this
situation. But such a stance delays the process of the settlement of
the Syria conflict’, – mentioned Gagik Harutyunyan, thus expressing an
opinion that the forthcoming presidential elections in Iran could
become a breaking point in the Syrian crisis.

`Iran is the final target. In Israel, which started delivering air
strikes to the Syrian territory, they make no secret of it. But the
elections in the IRI can change the accents in the foreign policy of
Tehran in regard to Washington and Tel-Aviv. In particular, the
candidate for presidency and the former head of the Islamic state Ali
Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani is softer as compared to the incumbent
president Mahmud Akhmadinejad. Besides, Israel and U.S. treat him with
more tolerance and more openly. Rafsanjani is the only influential
Iranian politician who recognizes (though in rather peculiar version)
Holocaust’, – said the guest of the press-conference.

The director of `Noravank’ Foundation also referred to the condition
of the Armenian community in Syria, saying that it mainly hold to a
stance of a cautious support of the current Syrian regime, which was a
rational choice. `But the Christians in Syria, including Armenians,
are in danger. The whole community suffers. If there was an
opportunity of an organized moving of the community to other country
it would be wonderful. But many Syrian Armenians consider that country
their motherland and take this idea ambiguously. This is also topical
even if Armenia is mentioned as the final destination point. The
latter in its turn does not have enough resources to accept thousand
of compatriots from the Diaspora. In one word, it is very complicated
issue’, – said Mr. Harutyunyan.

Return
Another materials of author
ON SOME MAIN ISSUES OF INTEGRATION IN THE CONTEXT OF A VALUE SYSTEM[29.04.2013]
INTEGRATION PROCESSES AND INFORMATION POLICY [28.02.2013]
CHALLENGES TO ARMENIA IN THE GLOBALIZING WORLD[27.12.2012]
WAR IN SYRIA: PROBABLE SCENARIOS[04.12.2012]
THE EUROPEAN UNION: NEW TENDENCIES[03.07.2012]
TURKISH NUCLEAR THREAT[26.04.2012]
NEW MIDDLE EAST: REALITY AND PROSPECTS [15.03.2012]
NEW STATEHOOD AND NEW CHALLENGES[20.09.2011]
REFLECTING THE EVENTS OF THE AFRICAN CONTINENT IN THE MIRROR OF THE
GREAT GAME[18.05.2011]
RUSSIAN-ARMENIAN COOPERATION AND TURKISH FACTOR[16.05.2011]

Armenian government prepares to deceive villagers? – newspaper

May 16, 2013 | 08:35

YEREVAN. – Chorrord Inknishkhanutyun daily reflected on the Armenian
government’s consultation meeting that was convened to discuss the
situation that was created as a result of the recent hailstorm that
devastated the crops in numerous villages.

`Concluding this defining consultation meeting, [PM] Tigran Sargsyan
said: `The assistance [to be provided to the villagers] must be
significant and relevant. We need to help solely the socially
insecure.’

That is to say, solely the `socially insecure’ will receive help, and
`significant and relevant,’ in that. That is, on the basis of the
studies [to be conducted] by the community commissions that are set up
to check the extent of damage.

As for the government’s decision to help only the socially insecure,
it is interesting [to know] to what percentage of the poor and
deprived villagers is Tigran Sargsyan preparing to declare socially
secure and not provide assistance,’ Chorrord Inknishkhanutyun writes.

News from Armenia – NEWS.am