Author: nina hovnanian

ARMENIA MILITARIZES KARABAKH

Trend, Azerbaijan
Feb 22 2013

Azerbaijan, Baku, Feb. 22 / Trend /

Trend commentator Arzu Naghiyev

Since November 2012, a number of pro-Armenian websites have been
disseminating information about the construction of the Suvorov and
Madatov military school in the occupied village of Vank, Kalbajar
region of Nagorno-Karabakh. One can say that the flow of articles
stopped so quickly because of a lack of proper attention to the
subject. But, during presidential elections in Armenia, this augment
to Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan’s propaganda appeared on the
agenda again.

In this regard, it would be appropriate to share certain opinions. It
is known that no idea is disseminated without a reason and purpose.

These topics are raised at this time with an ulterior motive,
namely, during the period of tension in the negotiations for peaceful
settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

According to Armenia, the construction of the military school is to
ensure the security of Nagorno-Karabakh and is inevitable. The school
will be named in honor of Alexander Suvorov “who has Armenian origins”
and the legendary Valerian Madatov. Construction will be completed
in 2014. Legendary general Arkady Ter-Tadevosyan will be a coordinator.

According to the website “Caucasian Knot”, the sponsor of the school’s
construction and the author of the idea is Levon Hayrapetyan. He
was born in the village of Vank. At present, he is a businessman and
“Maecenas”, chairman of the board of directors of the publishing house
“Interlocutor”. He lives in Russia. It is known that he has joint
ventures with senior state officials there. Moreover, he sponsored
one of the pro-Russian presidential candidates of the so-called
“Nagorno-Karabakh Republic.”

If one looks at a number of instances, one can see that the military
school is being named in honor of Suvorov to show his “Armenian
origins”. However, one knows that Suvorov’s “Armenian origin” is
Armenian fiction which has never been confirmed.

As for Madatov, whose nationality is unknown, he was born in the
Chanahchy village of Shusha. Valerian (Rustam) Madatov Karabakhski
served in the Russian army and was known for his venality and cruelty
against Azerbaijanis, Turks and Caucasian peoples.

Appearing in the “foreground”, retired “General Commando” Arkady
Ter-Tadevosyan was born in Tbilisi, trained in military schools in
Baku and Leningrad and served in the Soviet military in Afghanistan,
Czechoslovakia, Germany, Belarus, and in Armenia . He began his
career in1987. He is known for his crimes in Shusha, Khojaly and in
several other settlements of Nagorno-Karabakh, for which he received
the title of a “hero” in 2009.

Armenia explains the establishment of a military school with the
necessity of developing high-class specialists from the local community
as a defense against the enemy. The Military School named after
Ivanyan, built with financial support from businessmen living in Russia
has been open in Nagorno-Karabakh close to Khankendi since 2001. The
training of more than 70 military students is held there every year,
who are then sent to various military institutions in Armenia.

But if one of these schools already exists, what is the second
school for? What does the construction of the airport in Khankendi,
the creation of the CSTO military academy in Yerevan and the above
mentioned construction of a school in the village of Vank indicate?

Who is interested in the militarization of the region?

If one takes into account Armenia’s membership in the CSTO and the
population of this country, it becomes clear that this project is
intended not only for Nagorno-Karabakh. Thus, it is too early to talk
about peace; as such an approach will satisfy the opposite side.

Adequate measures are required and, most likely, they will be taken.

Information on construction of this scale should be evaluated by the
OSCE’s Minsk Group, which has taken over the peacekeeping mission,
and relevant decisions should be taken.

EXPERT: INFLATION RATE IN ARMENIA BELIEVED TO GO UP, AS IT HAPPENS AFTER EVERY ELECTION

YEREVAN, February 22. /ARKA/. Inflation rate in Armenia is believed
to go up, as it happens after every election, Harutyun Mesrobyan,
an expert in management, said on Friday.

He said strong impacts of political developments on price-making
processes in the country are connected with monopolization of the
market, since no inflation propelled by only market processes can be
in countries with such an economic setup.

Mesrobyan said for example that there is no correlation between changes
in sugar prices in world markets and in Armenia. He pointed out the
necessity of revising the present inflation-gauging methodology,
since it doesn’t reflect the reality.

“Calculation of inflation is based on prices of some 470 varieties
of goods, including, for example, real estate prices, which don’t
affect vulnerable segments of the country’s population,” he said.

Mesrobyan proposed to consider prices for 50-60 varieties of goods as
well as prices for utilities for low-income segments of the population,
to consider prices for 180-190 varieties of goods and services for
middle-class people and the current inflation rate.

“If we used this methodology for calculating the 2008 inflation,
which was recorded at 9%, according to official reports, we would have
higher-than-20-percent inflation for socially unsecured segments,”
he said.

Economist Tatul Manaseryan, head of Alternative research center, on his
side, said the struggle against monopolies is still sluggish despite
of the considerable progress the State Commission for Protection of
Economic Competition has reached in this area.

At the same time, he expressed hope that President Sargsyan will
implement his election program, which, first of all, implies support
for small and mid-scale businesses.

The National Statistical Service of Armenia says month-on-month
inflation was recorded at 2.9% in Armenia in January 2013.

According to official statistical reports, economic activity grew 9.1%
in January 2013, compared with the same month a year before.

In the 2013 government budget, inflation is projected at 4% (±1.5%)
and GDP growth at 6.2%.—0—

RAFFI TOLD WHY HE WENT TO SERZH SARGSYAN

Story from Lragir.am News:

20:20 22/02/2013

There is sun and victory, said the leader of the Heritage Party Raffi
Hovannisian, opening the rally today. He said people have elected
their servant who must serve people for 5 years in accordance with
the national agenda. “We do not wish something bad for anyone in
Armenia or our neighbors who treat us with hostility. Let something be
clear that the era of anti-state, anti-national protocols has passed,
and on April 24, 2015 we will have the will to establish transparent
diplomatic relations without protocols, without preconditions, and on
that day the Armenian people will spell out their claims to Turkey,”
Raffi Hovannisian said.

He stated that the recognition of Artsakh is not an adventure and the
world that has recognized Kosovo or East Timor will have to recognize
the independent Republic of Artsakh following Armenia.

Raffi Hovannisian is for dignified relations with all the states. He
noted that the relations of Armenia with Russia, the United States
and other countries must be in line with the interests of Armenia.

“This square is the square of freedom of speech, national interests,
democracy, liberation of Artsakh, the square of future, not only of
the past,” Raffi Hovannisian stated, noting that every citizen has
the right to speak and not necessarily agree or the citizens agree
with his statement.

Raffi Hovannisian explained why he went to Serzh Sargsyan. He said he
does not have any complex so he went. He said he told Serzh Sargsyan to
hold a new election instead of drinking champagne but Sargsyan refused.

Raffi Hovannisian said he had told Serzh Sargsyan that if they are not
ready for a new election, let them punish the governors, ministers,
prime ministers, members of parliament who rigged the election,
breached their constitutional duties, intimidated.

“So, first punish everyone, without exceptions, in accordance with the
law of Armenia, strictly, you must say you will punish them. Second,
if you are not ready for that, if you cannot do that, if you do not
have the strength for that, you, one of the leaders of the Artsakh
liberation war, if you do not have the strength to recognize the
victory of people, face a second election, now do not be offended by
me because I will be standing beside you till the end of my life and
I will not go anywhere,” Raffi said.

He said that the third proposal was to hold an extraordinary
parliamentary election but Serzh Sargsyan refused.

“I have nothing else to tell them. I say the following – our soldiers
must defend our border, our territorial integrity. The Armenian
commander who will deploy soldiers against people must deal with me,
not with the Armenian people. The policeman who is also our pride and
is in service and does not protect our people’s security on the days
of establishment of our next republic and deviates from his main duty
and carries out an unlawful order will also be responsible. Everyone
must do their job, dear fellow countrymen. On February 18 the Armenian
citizens re-found themselves,” Raffi Hovannisian stated.

“In the upcoming period we will fight calmly, constitutionally,
consistently,” he said.

Raffi Hovannisian noted that he will visit all the towns and villages
where he won. Tomorrow Raffi will go to Vanadzor, Spitak, Gyumri,
Ashtarak. On Sunday he will return to Yerevan, Freedom Square at 3pm.

“I suggest that the mayor of Yerevan who did not accept our
notification for different reasons to note it now because this is
Freedom Square, this is not anyone’s private property, on Sunday the
Armenian people will meet here,” Raffi Hovannisian said.

He said we will have an opportunity to bring parties, civic
initiatives, other movements here. “And we must do it together,
you must help me altogether,” Raffi Hovannisian stated.

He asked the demonstrators if they are ready to help him and heard
“yes” in answer.

Raffi Hovannisian said they must visit towns and villages, it is not
only the square. “Nobody can take my homeland away from me,” Raffi
Hovannisian said, noting that he will say hello to towns and villages.

In the end of the rally he invited the demonstrators to walk in a
march down North Avenue to the Republic Square and return to Freedom
Square down Mashtots Street.

ARMENIAN YOUTH STOPS AZERBAIJANI PROVOCATION IN PARIS

19:26 22/02/2013 » SOCIETY

The youth wing of the French office of “Hay Dat” stopped another
provocation by Azerbaijani propaganda in Paris. Azerbaijani society
“Europe – Azerbaijan had initiated a concert in Saint Rock church
dedicated to the events of Agdam that took place in 1992, which the
Azerbaijani call “Khojalu events.”

Armenian activists in order to prevent the spread of Azerbaijani
disinformation handed out booklets at the entrance of the church
exposing the Azerbaijani propaganda.

As the French office of “Hay Dat” reported to the news agency
Panorama.am, earlier Armenian Catholic Church of France has sent
a letter to the leadership of Saint Rock church in Paris on the
inadmissibility of anti-Armenian actions. In a reply to the Armenian
side they assured that they will undertake all measures to prevent
anti-Armenian rhetoric during the concert.

As a result of the organized campaign a concert of classical music was
held in Paris. Those who had attended the concert had booklets in their
hands spread by the Armenian side. As the leadership of the church
promised there were no anti-Armenian speeches during the concert.

On February 26, 1992, during the war in Karabakh, around 200 to 300
people (according to Human Right Watch, and 600 according to the
version propagated by the Azerbaijani version) were killed under
unascertained circumstances near the city of Ahgdam. They have been
deliberately withheld by the Azerbaijani authorities in the midst of
the military actions. Population of the village of Khojalu, which was a
firing point shooting at the blockaded Stepanakert (among five others)
was kept in the village for months by force and was not evacuated by
the authorities of Azerbaijan deliberately, in order to use them as
human shields later.

Residents of Khojalu who came out by the humanitarian corridor that
the self-defense forces of NKR had left open, they freely passed more
than 10 km and reached the Aghdam city controlled by the Azerbaijani
troops. Later, not far from the positions of Azerbaijani troops bodies
of the villagers were found. The exact death toll remains unknown as
the official Baku publishes data contradicting each other.

Parliamentary Commission investigating the tragic death of the
civilians at Aghdam city was dissolved by the order of Heydar Aliyev
Foundation, the investigative materials are kept in secret.

Source: Panorama.am

Ukrainian News Agency
February 21, 2013 6:30 AM EST

Yanukovych Confident Of Development Of Cooperation With Armenia Based
On Friendship And Mutual Understanding

President Viktor Yanukovych is confident of development of cooperation
with Armenia on the basis of friendship and mutual understanding.

The press service of the president of Ukraine announced this in a
statement, citing a congratulatory message to Armenia’s President
Serzh Sargsyan on his re-election.

“I am convinced that the bilateral cooperation between the two
countries will continue to develop on the solid foundation of
friendship and mutual understanding,” said Yanukovych.

Yanukovych wished his Armenian counterpart good health and further
success and wished the Armenian people prosperity.
Sargsyan won more than 58% of the votes in the Armenian presidential
elections held on February 18.

As Ukrainian News earlier reported, Ukraine earlier decided to send
observers to the Armenian presidential elections.
Ukraine believes that its trade and economic relations with Armenia
does not match the potential of the two countries.
Ukrainian News Agency

Raffi Hovannisian meets with residents of Armenia’s Gyumri. Photos

February 23, 2013 | 19:36

YEREVAN.- February 18 is a day of `greetings’ revolution’,
presidential candidate Raffi Hovannisian said addressing the residents
of Gyumir, Armenia’s second largest city.

Addressing the crowd, Hovannisian said the residents of Gyumri stated
they are responsible for the votes and will never sell them. He noted
that although previous authorities announced their contribution to
renovation of Gyumri, destroyed after the 1988 devastating earthquake,
nowadays the city remains a disaster area. Hovannisian promised to
tackle the problems and create new jobs in a year.

Answering to the calls to overturn the regime, Heritage party leader
said he respects Serzh Sargsyan.

`But we are the opposition, we will have enough courage to express
gratitude to the first, second and third presidents and tell them the
new time has come when power belongs to the people,’ he emphasized.

He also announced the rally planned for Sunday in Yerevan, noting it
will take place regardless of whether the demonstration will be
authorized or not. `If they try to block roads heading to Yerevan, I
will take it into account and come here again.’

Armenian chess player draws second prize in Rochefort chess tournament

TERT.AM
22:04 – 23.02.13

The Rochefort chess tournament has seen has brought Armenian IM Karen
Grigoryan the second prize.

The sportsman demonstrated a brilliant performance in the
competitions, topping the blitz tournament in the festival program. He
became a sole winner after 11 rounds.

Georgia’s David Jojua has won the first prize, scoring seven out of
the possible nine points.

In the final round, Grigoryan (6.5) lagged behind the tournament
leader by 0.5 point.

Schiff, ANCA-Glendale Endorse Kassakhian for City Clerk

Friday, February 22nd, 2013

Glendale City Clerk Ardashes Kassakhian

GLENDALE – Glendale City Clerk Ardashes `Ardy’ Kassakhian announced two
big endorsements as he kicked off his bid to be reelected as the City
Clerk of LA County’s fourth largest city Kassakhian announced the
endorsements of U.S. Congressman Adam Schiff and the Armenian National
Committee of America-Glendale on Friday as he seeks a third term to
continue serving the city in his current position.

`I’m honored to have the endorsement of Congressman Adam Schiff, an
independent and strong voice for our district, backing me for my
reelection. His support is validation for the work that I’ve done and
I look forward to working with him in the future,’ said Kassakhian.

The ANCA-Glendale also announced its endorsement for Kassakhian, who
served as the ANCA Western Region’s Governmental Affairs and Executive
Director from 2001-2004. During his tenure, Kassakhian advocated for
increased trade and cooperation between the US and Armenia,
recognition of the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno Karabagh), for
official US reaffirmation of the Armenian Genocide and for the rights
of Armenian-American citizens around the U.S.

`Ardy has shown the work ethic, integrity, and management ability to
make sure the City Clerk’s office operates in a sound and professional
manner,’ said Congressman Schiff in a statement that was released
earlier this week. `I hope you will join me in supporting Ardy
Kassakhian for re-election as Glendale’s City Clerk on April 2nd.’

Kassakhian is being challenged for the seat by Stephanie Landregen, a
landscape architect who unsuccessfully ran for the position in 2005.
In 2005, Kassakhian was the top vote getter in a landslide victory to
fill the vacated seat among a field of 9 candidates. It was the first
open election for City Clerk in Glendale in over 75 years.

The City Clerk’s position is not subject to term limits and is one of
two elected offices that is also a full time executive management
position. The City Clerk’s office the city’s records management, city
council and board & commission meetings and ensures compliance with
state and federal laws regarding fair play. The Clerk is also the
city’s chief elections officer and is in charge of running all city
election operations and certifying the final vote results.

Glendale Elections are on April 2, 2013. For more information on where
to vote or about the candidates, visit

For more information about the campaign of Ardashes `Ardy’ Kassakhian,
visit ArdyforCityClerk.com or call (818) 254-8539.

ANCA Desk: Reaching Out to Your Local ANC Chapter
by Michelle Hagopian

February 23, 2013

The ANCA is the foremost Armenian-American advocacy group promoting
issues important to our community. We work with politicians, human
rights groups, ethnic organizations, and many others to advance the
concerns you have at every level of government and through every
possible network or channel we have.

I wrote last week about engaging your local communities and offered a
few suggestions on how to do so, namely via town hall meetings, public
forums, and hosting lectures. I’ll offer more recommendations in the
coming weeks, but I want to give you the first tool you need to become
an ANC activist: contact information for your local chapter. You are
an invaluable asset to the ANCA and Armenian cause. It doesn’t matter
what you do – real estate, investment banking, professor,
accountant – there is no requirement that says you need to have a
political science background to join the ANCA. Nothing that says you
should be scholarly or a good writer. What we need are fresh talent,
fresh faces, and a fresh perspective.

Why not join us today? After all, the ANCA is only as good as the
people we’re representing. And that’s you.

Below is a list of current Eastern Region chapters. E-mail
[email protected] to find out how you can become the newest ANCA
activist today.

ANCA Eastern Region chapters:
ANC of Albany
ANC of Arkansas
ANC of Central Massachusetts
ANC of Connecticut
ANC of Eastern Massachusetts
ANC of Florida
ANC of Georgia
ANC of Greater Washington
ANC of Illinois
ANC of Merrimack Valley
ANC of Michigan
ANC of Missouri
ANC of New Jersey
ANC of New York
ANC of Ohio
ANC of Pennsylvania
ANC of Rhode Island
ANC of Southern Illinois
ANC of Tennessee
ANC of Wisconsin

Karabakh defense army soldiers awarded for bravery

February 23, 2013 – 16:57 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – The Nagorno Karabakh Republic President Bako
Sahakyan signed an order to award 59 servicemen of the NKR Defense
Army with AMD 50 thousand for bravery shown during the defense of the
state border, Central Information Department at Artsakh Presidnet’s
Office reported.