Author: nina hovnanian

BORDER VILLAGES IN NORTHEASTERN ARMENIA RECOVERING FROM AZERI SHELLING

NEWS | 13.02.13 | 12:56

Photo: Gohar Abrahamyan/ArmeniaNow.com

By GOHAR ABRAHAMYAN
ArmeniaNow reporter

The situation in the border villages of Nerkin Karmraghbyur, Movses
and Aygepar returned to normalcy Wednesday morning after incessant
gunfire that these settlements of Tavush province were exposed to
the previous day. Schools have resumed classes; the soldier who got
wounded is now recovering.

The Azeri bullets hit one of the contractual servicemen, 22-year-old
Gevorg Melikbekyan’s calf and he was taken to the military hospital
in Berd.

“His state is quite satisfactory, the wound is nothing serious,
we operated on him, and he will recover in a week’s time,” Albert
Aramyan, from the military hospital, told ArmeniaNow.

Aygepar village mayor Andranik Aydinyan told ArmeniaNow that the
gunshots could be heard throughout the day on Tuesday, and got more
intense by the evening to stop only past midnight.

Roofs in most of the houses in the village have suffered from the
bullets: one even went through a window into the house, luckily with
no human casualties.

“They shoot from large-caliber rifles, the sound is really strong, our
children were looking out of the windows thinking it was fireworks,
the whole village was lit up,” tells Aydinyan, adding that in the
morning the villagers went back to their daily chores.

In the village of Chinari the bullets damaged the house roofs and
hit a natural gas supply pipe, the explosion caused fire, which was
rapidly put down. Another bullet hit villager Karo Mirzoyan’s vehicle,
but people inside the car managed to duck down.

This morning was kind also to residents of Nerkin Karmraghbyur,
especially when some of the school students learned they had won the
first place in the regional Olympiad (interschool competitions by
various school subjects and sports).

“This is unprecedented for our village that our children have won
in six subjects. When after yesterday’s intense shooting we entered
the school this morning, with a headache and somewhat discouraged,
and learnt this news, it became huge joy to us so much that we even
forgot about the enemy bullets,” school deputy director Nara Papyan
told ArmenianNow, adding that despite the stress of the previous day
the morning brought cheerful chatter of children and the attendance
was good.

The Defense Ministry of Armenia says that the armed forces are in
full control of the situation and are taking all necessary measures
to restrain the enemy riflemen’s tricks.

Remarkably, large-scale military drills are ongoing in Azerbaijan, as
reported by Azerbaijani APA news agency, at the line of contact with
Nagorno-Karabakh. The drills started two days ago and will continue
throughout the week.

WHEN FIRST STATE FIGURE SURROUNDS HIMSELF WITH CRIMINALS

Interview with Florence-based Armenian sculptor
Vigen Avetis

Vigen, how do you assess the election process?

Complete lack of political competition and unprincipled fight. I only
see Raffi Hovannisian who is leading an organized campaign, though
his steps are not well perceived: such as going to the hairdresser,
taking the bus and shaking hands with everyone. No one else is
engaged in campaign. They use the campaign for explaining their
personal issues. I don~Rt see real and sober criticism; no one says
what they are going to change. This is the biggest gap in this
campaign. Hrant Bagratyan proposes economic steps, but in reality he
criticizes the prime minister.

I would like to draw everyone~Rs attention on the fact that almost
all the candidates don~Rt know Armenian. Andrias Ghukasyan doesn~Rt
speak and doesn~Rt think Armenian. He has resorted to the extreme
measure, but the society does not perceive this step either. The epic
poetry specialist makes revelations about his present and future.

I~Rm sorry for the Armenian people. The campaign inspires no positive
energy, no hope~E

As to the ~Sprotagonist~T Serzh Sargsyan, then his behavior is
shameful. I would be happy if all he is doing was just a mistake, but
it is not: it is the real essence of him and his circles. Look at who
surrounds him, everyone with animal nicknames.

Serzh Sargsyan belongs to that kind of people, who, in order to
conceal their ignorance, surround themselves with more ignorant
people. He could do that in friendly circles, but being the head of
the state, he is committing a crime when gathering low-quality and
half-literate, half-criminal people around him. Even Armen Ashotyan,
who is the minister of education, is an aggressive party member and
shows no signs of civilization.

What changes will happen in the next few years?

Armenia is in the most difficult geopolitical region. Armenia will
face the issue of being or not being, and today, I see Armenia is
going towards not being. Armenia should decide whether it is going
towards the European Union or the Eurasian Union. Serzh Sargsyan,
who, most likely, will head the country for the next years, will keep
his staff and I see no one there able to ensure changes. I don~Rt
trust them. On the other hand, the emigration is increasing. If
immigration substitutes emigration, a new situation will be created,
but we can see increasing emigration only. The number of fighters for
the country diminishes. There is a plan to empty Armenia, which is
quite successful. They planned to make Armenia a mining area with no
culture: it will be like an African state with no education and
science, only mines.

Now they want to lease our lands to another country. This is the
program that says that we don~Rt need villagers, agriculture, we
don~Rt need thinking people. If Serzh Sargsyan~Rs regime goes on
leading the country, what Kocharyan started ten years ago, will be
continued. Foreign forces don~Rt need people who think, they need
people like Serzh Sargsyan and his regime because they are
controllable, everyone of them is criminal, they are not even allowed
to enter the U.S. because they are criminals. I don~Rt think any
changes are expected for the next few years. We are facing the loss
of statehood.

There is the opinion that the Republican Party will soon split and
change.

There are no individuals in the RPA, only one leader, the others are
providers. There are not forces there, which could cause an
ideological clash, to the contrary, this is a totalitarian system,
and the most important is that the elite is formed of criminals,
which are unable to think. They don~Rt need new elite, their elite is
criminal.

But the motor of the society is the youth, and the life beyond the
RPA is more interesting.

I decided to return to Armenia because I see the situation there is
fatal and it is necessary to join the process of salvation of the
country. I have expectations only from me, and I have no right to
stay far. 

Siranuysh Papyan 
11:31 13/02/2013
[footer_logo.png]  Story from Lragir.am News:

FIRST AID GROUPS FORMED AFTER AZERI SHELLING OF TAVUSH PROVINCE’S VILLAGES

February 13, 2013 – 15:26 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – First aid groups were formed in Armenia following
Azeri shelling of 4 border villages, the head of Movses village
administration told PanARMENIAN.Net
According to Ararat Avalyan, creation of first aid groups has become a
necessity in attack-caused emergencies.

Avalyan further spoke of material damage caused as a result of the attack.

Yet another ceasefire violation was reported on the night of February
13, with Azeri army having shelled border villages of Nerkin
Karmiraghbyur, Chinari and Movses in Armenia’s Tavush province. No
victims were reported; serviceman Gevorg Melikbekyan was taken to a
hospital with a leg injury.

According to Armenian Defense Ministry spokesman Artsrn Hovhannisyan,
the situation has returned to normal, with armed forces haling the
situation under control.

HETQ FINDS HUNDREDS OF DUPLICATE NAMES ON THE VOTER ROLLS
Daniel Ioannisyan

12:04, February 13, 2013

Despite claims by Armenia’s Central Electoral Commission and the
Police that the voter rolls have been minutely reviewed and are in
order, our research shows the opposite to be the case.

Below is a list of 104 names we culled from the official rolls
published at the beginning of January that appear twice.

They are voters allegedly sharing the same first and last names and
birthdays, even sharing the same patronyme, are listed twice.

Now what are the chances of that happening? That’s a question for
the Police to unravel.

The list is accessible on-line at

ARMENIAN AMBASSADOR AND LEBANESE TOURISM MINISTER DISCUSS COOPERATION ISSUES

NEWS.AM
February 12, 2013 | 23:59

Armenia’s Ambassador to Lebanon, Ashot Kocharyan, on Tuesday met with
Lebanon’s Minister of Tourism, Fadi Abboud.

The interlocutors stressed that the mutual visits by the presidents of
Armenia and Lebanon have given a new impetus to expanding bilateral
relations. They noted that it is indispensable to make use of all
the opportunities to encourage cooperation, especially in the tourism
industry.

Kocharyan and Abboud also discussed the chances of holding
an Armenian-Lebanese international music festival in Lebanon’s
Armenian-populated City of Anjar. They expressed a conviction that
the said festival will contribute to deepening Armenian-Lebanese
friendship.

Tarkanian a finalist for induction into basketball hall of fame

Las Vegas Sun
Friday, Feb. 15, 2013

By Sun Staff (contact)

Former UNLV basketball coach Jerry Tarkanian is one of 12 finalists to
be considered for induction this year into the Naismith Memorial Hall
of Fame.

Annoucement of the finalists was made Friday in Houston during NBA
All-Star Weekend activities.

`We are proud to share an incredible group of finalists for the Class
of 2013 – a distinct list of coaches and players who excelled at many
levels of basketball,’ said Jerry Colangelo, chairman of the hall’s
board of governors. `It will be a difficult decision for the Honors
Committee to select the final class members from this prestigious
group of individuals, each of whom has given so much to the game.’

The class of 2013 will be unveiled during the NCAA Final Four in
April.

This year’s list includes six first-time finalists: five-time NBA
all-star Tim Hardaway, three-time National Coach of the Year Sylvia
Hatchell, two-time NBA Championship coach Tom Heinsohn, nine-time NBA
all-star Gary Payton, five-time WNBA all-star Dawn Staley and six-time
NBA all-star Mitch Richmond. Previous finalists included again this
year for consideration are four-time NBA all-star Maurice Cheeks,
four-time NBA all-star Spencer Haywood, four-time NBA all-star Bernard
King, five-time NCAA Final Four coach Guy Lewis, six-time NCAA Final
Four coach Rick Pitino and Tarkanian.

Here’s what the Hall of Fame said about Tarkanian:

`Known as one of the most passionate coaches in the game of
basketball, Tarkanian recorded 990 wins during his career with an 81%
winning percentage that included leading the University of Nevada-Las
Vegas to four NCAA Final Four appearances (1977, 1987, 1990 and 1991)
and the 1990 NCAA Championship. During his career, he led three
different schools to NCAA Tournament appearances (UNLV, Fresno State
and Long Beach State), including 21 post season appearances, 14 NCAA
tournaments, 13 Sweet Sixteen appearances, seven Elite Eights, 17
conference championships and four 30-plus win seasons. Tarkanian is a
four-time National Coach of the Year (1977 Kodak; 1983 UPI; 1984, 1990
Basketball Times). At the junior college level, he still owns the
highest winning percentage of all-time at .891. He has coached 44
future NBA prospects including 12 First Round draft picks. Off the
court, he was the recipient of the Roy Campanella Humanitarian Award
and the Dream a Dream Foundation Inspiration Award – the only
basketball coach to receive the award.’

PRESS RELEASE
PAROS “LIGHTHOUSE” CHARITABLE FOUNDATION USA
Contact: Peter Abajian
The Paros Foundation
Tel: 310-400-9061 US or (091) 426 120 Armenia
Email: [email protected].

February, 2013

Aknashen, Armenia–The Paros Foundation successfully completed its
Multipurpose Classroom Project at the Aknashen School for Children
with Speech Disabilities, one of its 100 for 100 Projects for
Prosperity, through the generous sponsorship of Adam & Rita Kablanian
(CA), Paul & Esther Kulhanjian (MI) and Paul & Sosy Hachigian
(CA). The Paros Foundation underwrote all administrative expenses
allowing the sponsor contributions to be spent 100% on the project.

“For these kids, speech therapy is the only shot they have at avoiding
a life of difficulties.” Said Peter Abajian, Executive Director of The
Paros Foundation. “Successfully addressing this issue will enable them
to enjoy a normal primary education.”

The School, which is located in the village of Aknashen in the Armavir
province of Armenia, provides speech therapy to children ages 3 to
7. The Aknashen School is the only school specializing in speech
therapy in the region, and is housed in a building provided to the
School by the Village Municipality.

With this facility now, they can meet today’s demand and fulfill the
needs of tomorrow’s children. The Aknashen School has become a happy
place where children can obtain their needed therapy. In the winter
months and during inclement weather, the classroom provides a
comfortable play area for the children as well. Local villagers were
engaged with this project and donated their time, resources and
talents to the successful implementation of this project, and when
possible, both local materials and labor was used to help stimulate
the local economy.

Many classrooms throughout Armenia’s schools remain in deplorable
conditions and with your help, we can fix this one classroom at a
time. Children should not have to learn in these conditions. Because
of substandard doors and windows, many classrooms become unusable in
the winter months because of the cold. Please make a generous
contribution today in your family’s name and lets work together to
meet this important need. When in Armenia, Paros will arrange a visit
and tour of your project. Donations can be made online via credit card
or via check made payable to: The Paros Foundation, 918 Parker Street,
A14, Berkeley, CA 94710.

The Paros Foundation expresses its deepest appreciation to the
Kablanian, Kulhanjian and Hachigian Families for their generous
support of this effort. A video regarding this project can be viewed
by visiting []

Officially launched in 2006, The Paros Foundation has identified and
partnered with six organizations in Armenia (The Paros Chamber Choir (
) [], Unison NGO (
[]), Vanadzor Arts School (
[]), Manana Youth Center (
[]), Vanadzor Museum of
Fine Art ( []) and the Ghoghanj
Children’s Center (
[]).) These organizations serve as
leaders in their respective fields of children, people with
disabilities and the arts. Foundation support comes in the form of
organizational operating funds, office space and organizational
resources and mentoring. The mission is to help these modest size
projects manage their growth and attract more financial, human, and
physical resources to their respective causes.

To honor the centennial of the Armenian Genocide, the Paros Foundation
is launched The Paros 100 Projects for Prosperity Program to benefit
Armenia and her people. 100 pre-screened, projects in the areas of
development, education, cultural and humanitarian will be implemented
with your help, to help make Armenia stronger and improve the lives of
her people. Join us now and make your families’ commitment today.

Donations to The Paros Foundation, a 501(c) 3 private foundation, are
tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. The Paros
Foundation underwrites all administrative expenses allowing all
sponsor contributions to be allocated 100% to the project.

PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
Web:

PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon

HIS HOLINESS ARAM I RECEIVES THE MEMBERS OF THE LEBANON
CHAPTER OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE 100th ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEE

1 February 2013. The members met with His Holiness Aram I in his office and
reported on their activities and future plans.

After listening to the committee’s plans and a brief discussion, the
Catholicos proposed that the committee focus its work not only on
commemoration but also on activities that would reclaim the stolen rights of
the Armenians by Turkey since the Genocide.
##
Photo:

FRANCE TRYING TO FIND DECISION TO SATISFY ARMENIA AND NOT TO SHOCK TURKEY

NEWS.AM
February 13, 2013 | 11:56

France is trying to find solution on Armenian Genocide which would
satisfy both Armenia and Turkey, French Senator Nathalie Goulet in
an interview with Cihan news agency.

“France is discussing the matter with the Turkish government. It is
necessary to find a solution that will satisfy the Armenians, but at
the same time will not be a shock for Turkey,” she said.

French president Francois Hollande plans to be decisive on the matter,
she added. Noting that Turkish-French relations have recently become
more active, Goulet said the Armenian issue is a major obstacle to the
“healthy bilateral relations.” She also noted how big and powerful
Armenian Diaspora in France is, adding that the French government
would not overlook Turkey this time.

The National Assembly of France will consider a new bill criminalizing
Armenian Genocide denial. The author of the second bill is Valerie
Boyer.

The previous Genocide bill was adopted by the French National Assembly
and ratified by the Senate on January 23, 2012. However, a group of MPs
and Senators, influenced by pro-Turkish and pro-Azerbaijani lobbyists,
appealed the bill in the Constitutional Council.

TURKISH MP DEMANDS INVESTIGATION OF SAMATYA ATTACKS

14:36 13/02/2013 » ANALYSIS

Levent Gok, member of the leading Turkish opposition party, the
Republican People’s Party (CHP), applied to the Human Rights Committee
of Parliament demanding to set up a working group to investigate the
attacks on Armenian women in Istanbul’s Samatya district, Turkish
news agency T24 reported.

“2 out of 5 Armenians were killed, 3 were injured in those attacks,
which endanger the peaceful coexistence of the two nations,” the
application said, adding that these might be religion-based or
ethnic crimes.

A number of attacks were committed against elderly Armenian women in
their homes in Samatya district of Istanbul, Turkey, over the past
few months, one of which resulted in a death. The first attack in
the past few months was on Nov. 1, 2012. A woman named Gonul A. was
beaten by an intruder, and her valuables were stolen. On Nov. 28,
Tuivat A. (87) was attacked inside her house. She lost one eye in the
attack and her valuables were also taken. On Dec. 28, Maritsa Kucuk
(85) was brutally murdered in her house, where she lived alone. In the
fifth attack, Sultan Aykar (80) was stabbed as she entered her house.

Source: Panorama.am