Députés, sénateurs et élus se mobilisent pour le Haut Karabagh et pr

MARSEILLE-HAUT KARABAGH
Députés, sénateurs et élus se mobilisent pour le Haut Karabagh et
présentent le Cercle d’amitié pour le soutenir

Les députés des Bouches-du-Rhône Valérie Boyer et Guy Teissier, le 1er
Adjoint au maire de Marseille Roland Blum et la sénatrice des
Bouches-du-Rhône Sophie Joissains, membres du Cercle d’amitié pour la
République du Haut-Karabagh (Artsakh) tenaient une réunion
d’information le vendredi 5 avril à la Mairie de Marseille. Didier
Parakian, Adjoint au maire de Marseille était également présent.
Roland Blum tenait avant toute chose à déclarer « je regrette que la
salle de l’Eglise arménienne du Prado nous a été refusée pour cette
conférence (…) j’ai été surpris (…) d’autant plus que ce Cercle
d’amitié pour le Haut Karabagh est composé de parlementaires de droite
comme de gauche ».(*) La députée Valérie Boyer affirma de son côté «
c’est navrant, car nous pensions que l’Eglise était un lieu qui devait
rassembler ! ». La salle de l’Eglise arménienne étant géré par le CCAF
Marseille-Provence.

Après cette mise au point, les élus passèrent à la présentation du
Cercle d’amitié pour la République du Haut-Karabagh formé d’une
quinzaine de membres pour l’heure. Parmi eux, de nombreux « Persona
non grata » en Azerbaïdjan -telles que Valérie Boyer, Guy Teissier ou
Sophie Joissans- coupables d’avoir foulé le sol du Haut
Karabagh…sans autorisation officielle de Bakou ! Valérie Boyer a
donné quelques éléments du Cercle composé d’élus qui ont tous déjà
séjourné au Haut Karabagh. « La démocratie, la liberté et le droit à
l’autodétermination des peuples sont les principes recherchés par le
Cercle qui désire également faire sortir le Haut Karabagh de son
isolement » dit Valérie Boyer.

« Nous désirons donner envie d’aller visiter le Haut Karabagh et de le
faire sortir de son isolement (…) sa population est courageuse et la
région dispose de nombreuses ressources, nous devons l’aider » affirma
de son côté Sophie Joissans. « Cette démarche s’inscrit dans une
démarche humaniste et de paix » dit Guy Teissier qui ajouta à propos
des Arméniens du Haut Karabagh « ce sont des frères chrétiens qui sont
proches de nos valeurs européennes (…) il faut donc aider et
soutenir le Haut Karabagh dans une démarche pacifique (…) nous
voulons la sécurité dans cette région du Sud-Caucase et soutenir le
Groupe de Minsk ». Il ajouta « nous désirons favoriser l’espace de
dialogue entre les peuples du Sud-Caucase ». Roland Blum a rappelé que
deux droits importants régissaient les peuples avec parfois une
opposition dans le choix : celui de l’autodétermination des peuples
confronté à celui de l’intangibilité des frontières.

Valérie Boyer évoqua l’agressivité et la politique anti-arménienne de
l’Azerbaïdjan avec l’Affaire Safarov et les moyens importants mis en
place par Bakou pour sa communication internationale. Elle regretta la
réception du président azéri Ilham Aliev par le président Français
François Hollande à Paris. Enfin elle accusa l’Azerbaïdjan de
provocations dans l’enceinte même de l’Assemblé nationale française. «
L’Azerbaïdjan dépense des sommes importantes pour sa communication,
nous devons aider le Haut Karabagh dans cette mission de communiquer
également à son tour » dit Valérie Boyer. Elle regretta néanmoins que
l’Etat français ait refusé la création d’un Groupe d’Etude pour le
Karabagh pour la simple raison que la République du Haut Karabagh
n’était pas reconnu par la France. « Cela nous obligea à créer un
Cercle pour promouvoir et soutenir le Haut Karabagh » dit-elle.

Didier Parakian insista sur l’importance des communications et de
transport entre l’Arménie et le Haut Karabagh. Il dit `Nous avons mis
6 heures l’été dernier pour joindre Erévan à Stepanakert et autant de
temps pour le retour. Ce trajet très long est un frein important au
développement du Haut Karabagh. Il faut qu’enfin l’aéroport de
Stepanakert puisse ouvrir ses portes ». Didier Parakian qui continua «
Stepanakert et la visite du Haut Karabagh est quelque chose de magique
que tout Arménien ou touriste étranger devrait visiter. Il suffit
juste d’améliorer le transport par la mise en place de cette ligne
Erévan-Stepanakert tant attendue ». Parmi le public présent à la
conférence de presse, Julien Harounian, le vice-Président du CCAF a
salué cette initiative des élus Français. « Nous avons toujours adhéré
à cette idée de soutenir le Haut Karabagh et l’Arménie face à
l’agression de l’Azerbaïdjan » dit-il en ajoutant « nous regrettons
que cette conférence de presse n’ait pas eu lieu dans l’espace de
l’Eglise arménienne (…) nous y reviendrons car la question du
Karabagh est une cause qui nous touche et elle est d’actualité ».
Pourtant les membres de ce même CCAF-Marseille-Provence avaient jugé
que cette conférence pour le soutien du Haut Karabagh, de Valérie
Boyer et de ses amis ne fut pas autorisée hier à l’Eglise arménienne
du Prado. C’est à n’y rien comprendre…

(*) Liste des premiers signataires : Roland Blum- ancien député, 1er
adjoint au maire de Marseille, Bouches-du-Rhône Valérie Boyer-
députée, Bouches-du-Rhône Georges Colombier – ancien député, Isère
Pascale Crozon – députée, Rhône Bernard Fournier – sénateur, Loire
Sophie Joissains – sénatrice, Bouches-du-Rhône Richard Mallie- ancien
député, Bouches-du-Rhône Philippe Marini- sénateur, Oise François
Pupponi- député, Val-d’Oise Jacques Remiller – ancien député, maire de
Vienne, Isère François Rochebloine- député, Loire René Rouquet-
député, Val-de-Marne Bernard Saugey- sénateur, Isère Guy Teissier –
député, Bouches-du-Rhône

Krikor Amirzayan à Marseille texte et reportage-photo

samedi 6 avril 2013,
Krikor Amirzayan ©armenews.com

http://www.armenews.com/article.php3?id_article=88497

Rosneft President Visits Armenia To Discuss The Prospects Of Strateg

ROSNEFT PRESIDENT VISITS ARMENIA TO DISCUSS THE PROSPECTS OF STRATEGIC COOPERATION IN THE ENERGY SECTOR WITH ARMENIAN PRESIDENT SERZH SARGSYAN

Oil Voice
April 5 2013

The Armenian leader expressed confidence that Rosneft’s entering the
Armenian market would create incentives for a further expansion of
the economic cooperation between the two nations.

Rosneft President and Chairman of the Management Board Igor Sechin
went to Yerevan with a working visit to discuss the prospects of
strategic cooperation in the energy sector with Armenian President
Serzh Sargsyan. The Armenian leader expressed confidence that Rosneft’s
entering the Armenian market would create incentives for a further
expansion of the economic cooperation between the two nations.

During his visit Igor Sechin also held talks with Armenia’s Prime
Minister Tigran Sargsyan, in whose presence he and his counterpart
of the Armenian Oil Techno, Arthur Alaverdyan, signed a cooperation
agreement seeking to set up a joint venture in marketing and
distribution.

Igor Sechin also visited one of Armenia’s oldest petrochemical
companies Nairit, where he held talks with country’s Minister of Energy
and Natural Resources Armen Movsisyan during a tour of the factory.

http://www.oilvoice.com/n/Rosneft_President_visits_Armenia_to_discuss_the_prospects_of_strategic_cooperation_in_the_energy_sector_with_Armenian_President_Serzh_Sargsyan/a12d7747452d.aspx

Appreciating Armenia

APPRECIATING ARMENIA

Australian Times
April 5 2013

When visiting relatives in Armenia for the first time, SANDRA
TAHMASBY discovers a unique culture, history and heritage in this
oft-overlooked nation.

I ALWAYS thought I would be the one to put Armenia on the map but the
Kardashians beat me to it. Although I am of Armenian heritage, the
country was never top of my list of must-see places. This changed with
a once-in-a-lifetime visit to the Caucasus region for a family reunion.

I had always heard great stories of my Armenian background. For
instance, how our famous Ararat Mountains hold the remains of Noah’s
Ark run aground after the flood. What’s more, we were the first
Christian nation with the formation of the Armenian Church in 301 AD.

It seems this proud country of three million people has much to offer.

There were also tragic tales of our history, hardship and culture and
how we fought to save our existence. As a Christian enclave within the
Ottoman Empire, Armenia suffered centuries of persecution. Between
1915 and 1922, there were forced marches into the Syrian desert and
alleged Turkish pogroms which led to 1.5 million deaths and claims of
genocide. In the early 1920s, Armenia was invaded by the Bolsheviks
and absorbed in to the Soviet Union leading to mass emigration to
North America and France. Hence, the worldwide Armenian diaspora
making tourist pilgrimages to their ancestral homeland.

Yerevan, Armenia’s capital and largest city, is lush with trees,
magnificent gardens, ancient ruins, landmarks, fresh fruit and natural
springs. It is made up of small villages where the locals have built
houses and cultivated fresh produce. The fruit is fresh, the air is
clean, and the horizon is made up of churches as far as the eye can
see. Not forgetting Yerevan’s best asset – its generous people who
are welcoming beyond measure.

The capital is rapidly modernizing with dusty streets increasingly
being replaced by high-rise buildings, cosmopolitan cafes and bars
and a thriving arts scene. There is also a large choice of traditional
restaurants offering tasty kebabs, fragranced rice and casseroles.

However, if you eat out with the locals and share some wine, pour the
last drops in to your own glass. If you empty a bottle in to someone
else’s glass, it is customary for them to buy the next bottle.

My favourite place was the historical site with a statue of Saint
Mesrob Mashtots teaching a student the Armenian alphabet. This
revolutionary concept of 36 letters was devised in 405 AD originally
as a numbering system. This was a fundamental step in strengthening
the Armenian Church, the government, and ultimately the bond between
Armenians throughout the empire.

If you are looking for souvenirs, head to Vernissage, Yerevan’s
weekend open air flea market by the Republic Square metro station.

There is a mix of traditional wares, modern art and the latest trends
in the region. Handicrafts, ceramics, dolls, jewelry, embroidery,
carved wood, carpets and pets are among the many treasures on offer.

I loved Armenia so much that I acquired my own lifetime souvenir –
a tattoo. Come to think of it, maybe I helped to put Armenia on the
map in my own small way!

Practical information:

â- Take US Dollars or Euros and an ATM card. Yerevan banks will change
other currencies. HSBC branch ATMs in Yerevan will give you US Dollars.

â- A 21-day tourist visa costs US$30 and is available at the border.

â- Museums and galleries often close on Mondays.

â- Temperatures: can reach 40C in summer and -10C in winter (until
April or May).

â-  – a US site for the worldwide Armenian
community.

â-  – travel information.

http://www.australiantimes.co.uk/travel/travel-inspiration/appreciating-armenia.htm
www.armeniadiaspora.com
www.lonelyplanet.com/armenia

Co-workers remember slain UMKC student’s incredible talent

Co-workers remember slain UMKC student’s incredible talent

KSHB.com (Kansas City, Missouri)
04/01/2013

By: Zach Tecklenburg

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – More than a week after Aaron Markarian’s murder,
his co-workers say they will never forget his boisterous voice. The
UMKC senior was studying music and those who knew him say he was
destined for stardom.

“Just a voice that could blow you away,” said co-worker Liz Holder.

Markarian worked as a server at Jack Stack on the Plaza. His
co-workers planned a Sunday night vigil in hopes of offering comfort
to his hundreds of friends and family members.

The 23-year-old Warrensburg native was shot to death in the late night
hours of March 21 inside his home just south of the Plaza on Brookside
Blvd. Three other people at Markarian’s gathering were also injured.

Kansas City Police have two men in custody. Anthony J. Williams, 21,
and Alonzo D. Ruff, 20, are each charged with one count of
second-degree murder, three counts of first-degree assault, one count
of first-degree robbery and five counts of armed criminal action.

Police said the men robbed Markarian and the others before shooting
them. Co-worker Preston Porter said the pettiness of the crime makes
Markarian’s death ever more difficult to understand.

“Four-hundred dollars. Split between two people. It’s devastating,”
Porter said.

“I wish they could see just the hurt and the pain that they’ve caused
and realize how wrong they were,” co-worker Justin Johnson said.

Markarian’s co-workers said Jack Stack is a much quieter place
now. They said he was a favorite among diners.

“Customers tended to love him. And me in particular, I would tease him
that I would be in the background sometimes taking notes on how he
would talk to his tables because no matter what he said, they would be
laughing,” Johnson said.

Markarian’s co-workers are devastated he will not be able to entertain
anymore. Those who knew him best are left with his humor, his funny
mustache, but most of all, his voice.

A memorial fund has been set up in Markarian’s name. Anyone wishing to
donate can do, care of the Kearney Commercial Bank, P.O. Box 888,
Kearney, MO 64060.

Patients Honor Dr. Raffi Hovsepian for Compassion

Patients Honor Dr. Raffi Hovsepian for Compassion

Dr. Raffi Hovsepian of Beverly Hills, CA is ranked among the top
physicians in the nation based on patient reviews.

PRNewswire
April 3, 2013

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., April 3, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ —
Patients’ Choice has announced that Dr. Raffi Hovsepian was one of a
select few physicians honored with the prestigious 2012 Compassionate
Doctor Certification.

Each year, nearly 100 million patients across the U.S. access websites
like Vitals, UCompareHealthCare, and Patients’ Choice to provide
feedback about experiences with their physicians.

Only those physicians with near perfect overall and bedside manner
scores, as voted by their patients, are selected for the Compassionate
Doctor recognition. Of the nation’s 870,000 active physicians, only 3%
were accorded this honor in 2012.

The Compassionate Doctor certification is part of the Patients’ Choice
recognition program, where patients rate and vote for their favorite
doctors.

Dr. Raffi Hovsepian commented on the recognition: “This is quite an
honor for me. I am very pleased to have been selected and grateful to
my patients who went out of their way to rate me and give me positive
reviews.”

About Raffi Hovsepian : a short profile by and about the honoree:

Dr. Raffi Hovsepian is recognized nationally and internationally as a
“Triple Board Certified” Aesthetic, Plastic and Reconstructive
Surgeon. Dr. Hovsepian is acknowledged by his patients for his
artistry and mastery of his profession. He is noted for his training,
leadership, research and dedication in aesthetic plastic
surgery. Dr. Hovsepian’s patients praise him for his genuine
compassion, exquisite talent, and quest for perfection in providing
them with the best results.

For more information on this Compassionate Doctor, please visit
Dr. Raffi Hovsepian ‘s profile on Vitals.com.

Following the publication of Dr. Raffi Hovsepian ‘s selection for the
Patients’ Choice Award, American Registry seconded the honor and added
Dr. Hovsepian to The Registry=84¢ of Business Excellence. An exclusive
recognition plaque has been designed to commemorate the honor. The
doctor’s custom wall plaque is shown here.

For more information on Dr. Raffi Hovsepian , located in Beverly
Hills, CA call 310-999-1003, or visit

This press release was written by American Registry, LLC with approval
by and/or contributions from Dr. Hovsepian and was distributed by PR
Newswire, a subsidiary of UBM plc.

Patients’ Choice provides in depth information on doctors in your area
who have been recognized and awarded for outstanding patient care and
expertise. The Compassionate Doctor certification is the honor role of
physicians who have received the highest overall and bedside manner
ratings by their patients. American Registry, LLC, recognizes
excellence in top businesses and professionals. The Registry=84¢
includes over 2 million significant business and professional
recognitions. For more information, search The Registry at

Contact Information:
Dr. Raffi Hovsepian
Phone: 310-999-1003
Email Address: [email protected]

SOURCE: American Registry

RELATED LINKS:

http://www.rhmd.com/.
http://www.americanregistry.com/.
http://www.americanregistry.com/

Residents Protest Against Cyanic Plant Construction

RESIDENTS PROTEST AGAINST CYANIC PLANT CONSTRUCTION

01:10 PM | TODAY | SOCIAL

On April 6, residents of Meghradzor village of Armenia’s Kotayk
province will be staging a protest rally in Meghradzor against the
construction of Meghradzor Gold cyanide foundry.

The residents were angered by the reports that the Ministry of Nature
Protection is going to approve the cyanide production project. They
claim that if implemented the project will become another reason for
the increase of emigration from the village.

Inga Zarafyan, President of ‘EcoLur’ NGO, Hakob Sanasaryan, President
of the Greens Union, and Greta Gabrielyan, President of the Ecological
Academy “NGO, will attend the protest.

In January 2013, new civic initiative group “NO to Cyanide in
Meghradzor” issued a statement in which it said, “Meghradzor mine
already contaminates the village. The company speaks only about
gold mining. But they never speak that the ore contains mercury,
lead, arsenic, bismuth, besides gold and silver, i.e. the most toxic
elements. On the internet we read articles that arsenic causes lung
cancer, lead causes cancer of kidney, stomach, intestine, it destroys
liver, teeth and causes abnormalities in fetus development. Mercury
causes mental retardation, infertility of both women and men. And now
the company contaminates the village dumping wastes, which contain
these toxic metals into the territory of the village. If the plant
is constructed, the volume of wastes will increase and the existing
risks for Meghradzor will boost many times. But the project wasn’t even
sent to the Health Ministry, though according to Article 5 of RA Law
“On Environmental Impact Expert Assessment”, assessment of the impact
on health is mandatory. After several years Meghradzor mine will be
closed down, the company will leave, while Meghradzor-Hanqavan resort
zone will turn into a dead zone, which will lead to mass migration.”

http://www.a1plus.am/en/social/2013/04/05/meghradzor

Alexandre Varbedian Not Given Proper Shelter

ALEXANDRE VARBEDIAN NOT GIVEN PROPER SHELTER

01:45 PM | TODAY | SOCIAL

Alexandre Varbedian, a French-Armenian Armenologist, ethnologist,
essentialist and ontologist who was not allowed to cross the border
and enter Armenia on April 4, says he has not been given a proper
shelter and a place to sleep at night.

By law, Varbedian was to stay at the transit area of Zvartnots
airport. He spent the night on iron seats in the waiting hall.

Varbedian arrived in Armenia on Thursday to celebrate his 70th
anniversary with his friends. Pursuant to a legislative measure
approved by the Armenian government and put into effect since January
10, 2013, EU nationals have the right to travel to Armenia without
entry visas. However, Varbetian could not exercise the right on
arriving in Armenia and was not allowed to cross the state border.

Varbedian will be kept at the airport till Sunday.

http://www.a1plus.am/en/social/2013/04/05/alexander-varpetyan

The Russian Federation Treats The Idea Of The Eurasian Union Serious

THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION TREATS THE IDEA OF THE EURASIAN UNION SERIOUSLY

April 3 2013

According to Uwe Halbach, an expert of the German Institute for
International and Security Affairs, the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is
“frozen.” * Mr. Halbach, Serzh Sargsyan’s second term will officially
start on April 9. His tenure that started in 2008 was marked by
“football diplomacy,” which was a fruitless process. Now, in your
opinion, what can Armenia interest the international community in,
what expectations can there be from Armenia? * It is hard for me
to say that something can radically change in this issue, but I can
assume that the diplomatic process with Turkey will still continue
to be on the agenda. Let me remind that President Gul congratulated
Serzh Sargsyan on his reelection, and as a result of that there
were discussions again on whether the process of normalizing the
Armenia-Turkey relations will be revived. I don’t know, I think it
is possible that this process will be revived one day, and I am sure
that the international community will support it. It is hard for me
to predict whether Serzh Sargsyan will change his political line,
furthermore, I can’t see any new emphases at all. * Talking about
joining the Eurasian Union and the Customs Union recently, Serzh
Sargsyan advised not to believe those who say that Russia forced
Armenia to become a member of the Customs Union. “The members of
the Customs Union don’t wish to involve anyone just yet; at least,
they don’t have such a desire, as far as we are concerned. …We don’t
solve an issue of the white and the black. We don’t solve an either/or
issue. We are honest in our aspirations, and our aspirations are in
our people’s interests, we want our country to develop and to use the
assistance of the Customs Union, as well as the Eurasian Union and
the European Union, in that process.” Nonetheless, if Armenia faces
that choice one day, how will it be perceived by the international
community? * Certainly, the subject of the Eurasian Union is often too
politicized, but I think that Russia treats that idea seriously and
wishes new states, including Armenia, to become members of the union.

It is obvious that the issue of Armenia’s membership is not cleared
up yet; Armenia still maneuvers too. It is natural that there are
countries like Ukraine, which are more important at this stage. It is
obvious in the issue of Ukraine’s membership that there is geopolitical
rivalry in terms of Russia’s prospects. However, I must state that
Putin’s idea of the Eurasian Union is a really serious issue, and one
should treat it rather seriously. * Mr. Halbach, what will you say
about the prospects of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement? The
negotiations in the format of the OSCE Minsk Group haven’t yielded
tangible results, moreover, it seems that new problems stalemate
the negotiating process: the extradition of Azeri murderer Ramil
Safarov and his heroization in Azerbaijan recently; now the issue
of the Stepanakert airport has become a topical subject…. * There
are two issues in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement: it is
the fact of running around in circles, and the other factor is to
really understand and realize that the settlement of this conflict
should be a topical issue, since, as you have mentioned, for example
the Safarov case testifies to the fact that this conflict has deep
psychological consequences, and there is real danger of escalation
in hostilities. I can’t say that external forces are interested
in the settlement of this conflict, moreover, they seem to be in
a rather useless condition, and there really is a stalemate. The
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is a “frozen” conflict, and it is necessary
to treat it quite seriously. EMMA GABRIELYAN

Read more at:

© 1998 – 2013 Aravot – News from Armenia

http://en.aravot.am/2013/04/03/153394/

Boston To Commemorate Armenian Genocide 98th Anniv. Apr 19

BOSTON TO COMMEMORATE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE 98TH ANNIV. APR 19

April 5, 2013 – 15:07 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – The members of the Armenian community of Boston
along with state legislators and guests will commemorate the 98th
anniversary of the Armenian Genocide on Friday, April 19 with a
program of speakers and honorees.

Former U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John Marshall Evans, who served
from 2006-2008, will deliver the keynote address.

Following the ceremony, attendees will be invited to participate in a
newly organized march from the State House to Armenian Heritage Park.
The march will include a stop along the way to place a wreath at The
New England Holocaust Memorial, Wicked Local Watertown reported.

Proshyan Village Governor – Regular Victim Of Ruling Regime – Zhiray

PROSHYAN VILLAGE GOVERNOR – REGULAR VICTIM OF RULING REGIME – ZHIRAYR SEFILYAN – VIDEOS

TERT.AM
13:53 ~U 05.04.13

Coordinator of Sardarapat movement initiative group, commander of
Shushi battalion Zhirayr Sefilyan stated at a news conference today
that murdered village governor of Proshyan Hrach Muradyan is the
regular victim of the ruling regime.

He stressed that Muradyan has been thrice elected governor of the
community and all know how tensed the previous elections were. The law
enforcers too knew it, but nothing was done. “I cannot say anything
about the detained people. But 1-1.5 years ago the village governor
was in tensed relations with some forces. But no one was punished. It
proves that our law enforcers are not implementing their role, are
not independent and obey to mafia clans rather than to laws,” he said.

Zhirayr Sefilyan said the murder was committed by a professional and
there is a clear mastermind.

“May be a third, or a forth side made us of the created situation
but as far as the police are not working properly we will not know
it,” Sefilyan said, adding that the authorities will not succeed in
covering this case.

ARF-D Rep. on Assassinated Village Governor

Armenia: Crowd Heads to Proshyan to Attend Village Governor’s Burial

http://www.tert.am/en/video/PPVZerCvJwg/
http://www.tert.am/en/video/Mt5UMATCM6A/
http://www.tert.am/en/video/Y8KrCVfaTEc/